Cattle producers impacted by wildfires this summer have until Oct. 24 to apply to the Idaho Cattle Association’s Wildfire Relief Fund.

The fund was established in 2022, and it is aimed at helping cattle producers impacted by wildfires. 

‘No agency can do this alone’: Idaho officials address goals to mitigate wildfires

Qualifying groups or individuals include Idaho cattle producers, rangeland fire protection associations, volunteer fire departments or organizations, and individuals or others that provided assistance or resources to fight wildfires this summer that caused losses or threatened cattle producer’s livestock, property or resources, according to a press release from the cattle association. Examples of an incurred expense might include emergency feed, transport or pasturing or fencing loss.

The beef industry is responsible for about $2 billion annually into Idaho’s economy, and it is a vital part of Idaho’s history and culture, Idaho Cattle Association president Jerry Wroten said in the press release.  

“The impact of these fires on cattle producers will be felt for many years and some producers may not ever financially recover if they don’t have access to relief funding assistance,” Wroten said. “The Idaho Cattle Association is here to support producers in a variety of ways and this is just one of the most relevant during this fire season.”

In addition to accepting applications, the Idaho Cattle Association is accepting donations to the fund. The fund receives annual contributions from AgWest Farm Credit and Idaho Cattle Association funds, according to a press release from the association. All funding is privately-sourced.

To donate to the fund or receive an application, contact the Idaho Cattle Association’s office at 208-343-1615 or visit its website.

According to the website, the Idaho Cattle Association works on behalf of the more than 8,000 cattle producing families in the state of Idaho and has a membership of over 1,000 members. It is the only organization in the state that deals exclusively with the needs and interests of Idaho’s cattle industry.

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho’s Governor is committing another $10-million to projects designed to improve the Eastern Snake Plain aquifer. Governor Brad Little announced the investment Tuesday, alongside groundwater and surface water users in Rigby.

“My top priority has always been and will continue to be maintaining a strong ag economy in eastern Idaho while preserving water for future generations. The added funds we announced today will get the water levels in the aquifer headed in the right direction. It is part of an overall strategy to maintain our water destiny here in Idaho. Ultimately farmers, not government mandates, will drive the solutions. I am very excited about the momentum that farmers are building to strike a deal,” Governor Little said.

In connection with his executive order directing the Idaho Water Resource Board (Water Board) to prioritize projects that have net benefits to the aquifer, the Governor says he is directing the Water Board to allocate the additional $10 million to projects that could drastically improve the water supply in both eastern Idaho and the Magic Valley.

“I’m encouraged by the progress we’re making toward real, lasting solutions. We’ve been able to come together and identify projects that will secure senior water right holders’ supply, preserve the aquifer, and maintain Idaho’s strong ag economy. The funding announced by Governor Little will be tremendously helpful as we build out and implement the infrastructure to achieve those objectives,” said Bingham County farmer Adam Young.

The move comes after Little signed an executive order in late June, bringing an end to a water curtailment that would have dried up nearly 330,000 acres of farmland.

Under the agreement, farmers in eastern Idaho and the Magic Valley have until October 1st to finalize a new permanent agreement on managing the water moving forward. For more details, click HERE.

In regards to the negotiations, Governor Little said, “I continue to be impressed by the mitigation plan negotiations spearheaded by Lt. Governor Scott Bedke and Chairman Jeff Raybould. Farmers talking and deciding their future is ALWAYS better than a government solution. I will fight tooth and nail against the federal government to retain control of our water for eastern Idaho’s agricultural economy. That means farmers making decisions for themselves.”