1. Event and registration detail

The Idaho Ag Outlook Seminar is slated Dec. 18 in downtown Boise and online.

University of Idaho agricultural economics and extension staff plan to host the annual seminar and deliver several presentations. Speakers from other agencies and organizations also are scheduled.

The seminar will be at Hilton Garden Inn Boise Downtown, 348 S. 13th St. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Presentations will be 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4:15 p.m.

An overall goal is to help producers “make better operating decisions based on the economic outlook for some of these larger commodities in the state of Idaho,” said Brett Wilder, Caldwell-based UI area extension educator in farm business management.

Most crop sectors are not likely to be as profitable in 2025 as in 2024 due to lower prices and some elevated input costs, Wilder said.

The livestock sector should have a strong year, he said. The industry remains in a reduction phase, so supplies of beef are low. Meanwhile, “demand for it is still quite strong.”

Government policy is a new presentation topic this year, as is the sugar beet industry. The onion industry will be discussed.

Topics of other scheduled presentations include the financial condition of agriculture in the state, U.S. and global macroeconomic trends, the outlook for weather and the water supply, input cost trends, grains, hay, potatoes, beef cattle and dairy.

UI last year and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic held the seminar in several locations on different days. The move to a single-day format with online option aims to expand and improve the program, Wilder said.

Cost: $35. Information: bwilder@uidaho.edu.