Rick Naerebout

Consolidation is nothing new in farm country, but in recent years the number of small mom and pop operations selling to larger farms has increased, especially in the dairy sector. So, what is driving many of these producers to sell the family farm and take a different course in life ...

Ag labor is the top issue for many agricultural operations across the Pacific Northwest, but many in the farming community feel lawmakers in D.C. continue to kick the problem down the road. While fruits and vegetables typically come to mind when talking about Ag labor, Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairyman’s Association says their industry is also extremely dependent on farm workers. Des ...

As the hot, dry summer continues, the drought is impacting Northwest crops in a variety of ways. For the Idaho dairy industry, the biggest impact is the dramatic increase in feed costs. “We’re seeing more and more competition for hay," noted Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association. "Competing with ...

After the challenges 2020 presented the farming community, many sectors are looking forward to better days ahead. Count the Idaho dairy industry as one of those encouraged about the future. Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairyman’s Association said 2020 was a turbulent year with tremendous volatility. ...

Last week, several lawmakers, including Idaho’s Jim Risch and Mike Simpson, reintroduced the DAIRY PRIDE Act, which would require the FDA to crack down on the use of dairy terms by non-dairy products. Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association said survey after survey has shown consumers are legitimately confused, and they don’t recognize that these alternative beverages don’t have t

On Thursday, Idaho senator Jim Risch, Wisconsin senator Tammy Baldwin along with Idaho Representative Mike Simpson and Vermont’s Peter Welch introduced the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese to Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act; better known as the DAIRY PRIDE Act of 2021. The legi ...

The Idaho Dairy Industry has thrown its support behind state Senate Bill 1132, allowing undocumented immigrants the ability to obtain driving privileges within the state. The legislation also allows privileges to be issued to any Idahoan who doesn’t want the federal Star Card. I ...