After Solid 2021 Searle Optimistic About the Future
While 2021 may be remembered for the many struggles the farming community had to overcome, the year also presented opportunities for growth and expansion. Bryan Searle, President of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation said despite the challenges brought on by Mother Nature, the port bottlenecks and the ongoing pandemic, farm country across the Gem state enjoyed a good 2021. He said it helps that Idaho is a great state for agriculture and agribusiness.
“We’ve got fertile soil, we rank 3rd in the nation on milk production, on the dairy side of things, and we continue to expand, and because that and the ease of being able to do business and regulations and the support of the state we continue to see companies expanding or coming to the state.”
Searle noted he’s very optimistic about what the future hold for Idaho Ag. He said one of the sectors showing great signs of growth for 2022 and beyond is beef, specifically on the packing side.
"I’m personally aware of three different operations coming on-line that could be upwards to 1,000-1,400 head a day. And as we’ve had the challenges of profits being taken and all that goes on in the cattle business, truly this is a bright spot for Idaho to see people step up.”
While decent snowpacks have been reported statewide at this point, Searle said water and drought will be the #1 issue they watch as the year continues. From there, he noted that land preservation, regulations both at the state and federation levels will be the top issues the IFBF watches this year.
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