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The End Of Family Farms In Idaho

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The End Of Family Farms In Idaho


Working on a farm is the closest career to being a member of the clergy. Farmers take no days off, work for others, and most show care and compassion for their crops and animals. For the last several years, Idaho farmers have struggled to maintain their livelihood.

The rapid growth of the Gem State has had a profound impact on the farming community. Many lifelong farmers have been forced to ‘cash out’ As developers offer staggering amounts for land that once bore world-class crops like sugar beets, barley, and the famous Idaho Potatoes. The transformation is stark, with subdivisions and cul-de-sacs now standing where once stood rows of nutritious Idaho crops.

Idaho is not all Potato

YouTube / America’s Heartland

It’s a surprising turn of events in the Gem State, where the most precious resource, water, is being squeezed by global giants like Facebook and Micron. Who would’ve thought that an agricultural state would be so quick to sell out its water resources for big money from out-of-state interests?

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Governor Brad Little / Twitter

Governor Brad Little / Twitter

Governor Little declared an executive order avoiding a water shutoff to Eastern Idaho Farmers who could’ve lost everything due to a poorly planned written water agreement. Farming is a rough, brutal trade; however, when the state cuts off your water supply, one has to wonder what’s next.

Farmer in Wheat Field

TonyLomas

Remember when the Village at Meridian was a giant field? Idaho natives used to hunt along Eagle Road before the thousands discovered our state’s excellent quality of life.

The Idaho Press detailed the struggle local farmers have contemplating their future: do they continue to struggle or sell out and become millionaires? You can read the story here.

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YouTube / Senator Risch

YouTube / Senator Risch

Idaho Senator Jim Risch is a proud farmer and rancher. He cherishes his weekend visits home to work on his ranch.

Idaho must reinforce the importance of farming, especially for the digital TikTok generation. There aren’t enough clicks in the world to milk a cow without a farmer. Organizations like the Future Farmers of America are crucial to the state’s ability to feed itself and the world.

Idaho’s Most Famous Crop

YouTube Matrix Farms

 

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Will Idaho produce and protect enough future farmers? The future is in all our hands. 

10 Super Valuable Idaho Crops No One Talks About

Gallery Credit: Nikki West

Thank an Idaho Farmer, These Idaho Agriculture Facts Will Blow You Away

Gallery Credit: Parker Kane

Fifteen Places You Should NEVER Eat In Idaho

Dining in the Gem State can be a wonderful experience…if you know which places to avoid.

Gallery Credit: Chris Cruise // Townsquare Media

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Fire damages sheds, power lines near W. Idaho Ave in Ontario

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Fire damages sheds, power lines near W. Idaho Ave in Ontario


ONTARIO, Oregon — A fire in a lot near W. Idaho Ave and South Oregon Street in Ontario has visibly damaged sheds and power lines.

Idaho News 6 arrived at the scene Sunday morning at around 12 p.m., finding nearby sheds across a fence line scorched, but standing. Power lines appeared to be damaged in the blaze.

No fire, police, or EMS were still on scene, and there were no surrounding road closures.

Idaho News 6 has reached out to officials and is awaiting additional information.

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Volunteers camp out to take part in the Succor Creek Clean-Up in the Owyhees

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Volunteers camp out to take part in the Succor Creek Clean-Up in the Owyhees


ADRIAN, Oregon — The Friends of the Owyhee organized a clean-up in Malheur County in Oregon, and volunteers came out to pick up trash and get rid of abandoned campers.

“We had two abandoned RV’S and a camper that were abandoned out on public lands,” said Tim Davis, who runs the Friends of the Owyhee. “They were sitting there for upwards of a year, and it is really clear that it is hard to get rid of these.”

WATCH| Check out the video to see volunteers demolish a camper—

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Volunteers camp out for the Succor Creek Clean-Up in the Owyhees

Davis worked with the local sheriff’s office and the BLM to remove the campers, but he found it difficult because there was no place to take these recreational vehicles. The Gambler 500, an off-road group, brought out some people to demolish a camper with an excavator.

“That is awesome to see the turnout with the army of volunteers we have today,” said Brian Arndt of the Gambler 500 group. “We are going to be able to get the camper all in the dumpster, get it cleaned down to the frame, and then everything that can be recycled will be recycled.”

Volunteers camped out on Succor Creek Road on Friday night so they could get an early start on Saturday. Many volunteers will camp out again on Saturday night and finish the clean-up on Sunday.

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“Malheur is the 12th largest county in the United States, and it’s 74 percent public land,” said Davis. “We have very few resources with the BLM; they are understaffed, they have one rec planner right now, so us, as public land owners, should be able to step up and keep this place clean.”

The campsite on Succor Creek Road

Lela Blizzard works as the lone recreational planner for the Vail District of the BLM, who says most sites have signs that say pack it in and pack it out. She says the BLM really needs the cooperation of the public because of how large it is, and she was happy to see how many volunteers showed up.

“I just want to tell them thank you because I know they are taking time out of their weekend to come out here to help us make sure the land continues to look nice for everyone who comes out to enjoy it,” said Blizzard.

Volunteers covered a lot of ground during this event

Griz Ward is one of the volunteers, and he enjoyed camping out, but he also would like to see people pick up after themselves. When it comes to outdoor recreation, it is so important to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.

“If you come out here and play in the area, be respectful,” said Ward. “Pack it in and pack it out, leave no trace and do the right thing, or frankly, stay home.”

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The Succor Creek Clean-Up also received a lot of support from the Treasure Valley, as they got donations from the Ontario Sanitation Service with the dumpsters, Tates Rents with the excavator, and United with porta-potties for the campsite.

Send tips to Idaho Backroads neighborhood reporter Steve Dent

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No Kings movement brings statewide protests to Idaho this weekend

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No Kings movement brings statewide protests to Idaho this weekend


IDAHO — ‘No Kings 3’ protests will take place throughout Idaho on March 28, including in Boise and Twin Falls.

According to the Idaho 50501 Facebook page, there will be speakers & musicians playing at protests across the Treasure Valley.

Protests will take place in Boise, Caldwell, Nampa, Mountain Home, Twin Falls, and other Idaho cities.

NoKings.org

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On March 28, Neighborhood Reporters Allie Triepke & Lorien Nettleton will bring coverage of the Boise & Twin Falls protests on Idaho News 6 at 10.





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