Leaders from some of Idaho’s agricultural sectors share their expectations and priorities for the 2025 legislative session.

Sugarbeets

Samantha Parrott, executive director, Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association

“With several new legislators this session, the Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association plans to focus our efforts on education. The issues we face in agriculture are very complex and there is a need to educate these new individuals about our industry. Specific legislative issues we will focus on this session include pesticide labeling which provides some liability protection to pesticide manufacturers, support for water infrastructure and recharge, the governor’s LAUNCH initiative which provides funding for students to go on and study in-demand careers such as welding or truck drivers, and agriculture land preservation.”

Dairy

Rick Naerebout, CEO, Idaho Dairymen’s Association

“At this time, we plan to work with other ag organizations and push one piece of legislation forward to standardize building permit requirements for agricultural buildings. Some counties have considered animal housing buildings as commercial buildings, significantly increasing fees and creating additional requirements for the dairyman in its design and construction. Most counties recognize the international building codes, which clearly outline animal housing buildings as agricultural buildings and therefore exempt from commercial building permits. We will be looking to codify this so there is a uniform standard across the state. Outside of that, we expect we will be spending a fair amount of time on immigration-related legislation that we expect others to be bringing forward. Ideas similar to last session are expected to be put forward again.”

Beef

Cameron Mulrony, executive vice president, Idaho Cattle Association

“The Idaho Cattle Association is the only organization dealing exclusively with needs, interests and welfare of Idaho’s cattle industry. In 2025, we will see executive legislation for partners supporting industry advancements and we are prepared to offer input as stakeholders. Our focus remains preserving, promoting and protecting Idaho’s cattle industry, and in this effort we will give attention to educating our newest Idaho state legislators on the benefit and importance of our industry. While we can’t anticipate all livestock-related legislation at this time, our approach will continue to be directed by our members and board leadership-guided priorities.”

Idaho water users

Paul Arrington, executive director and general counsel, Idaho Water Users Association

“The 2025 legislative session may seem like a repeat of last year. First, we continue to work on legislation addressing Idaho’s domestic use exemption statutes. As Idaho faces challenges with water supplies and evolving demands, we are working with stakeholders from throughout Idaho to determine whether there is a better way to manage the water supply impacts caused by domestic wells.

"Second, we will continue to advocate for additional state funds for water projects in Idaho. Since 2019, the legislature has appropriated over 500 million dollars for water projects. While this has been extremely helpful, more is needed as we look to overcome the challenges of aging infrastructure and stressed/shifting water supplies. Finally, in response to the water disputes over the summer of 2024, we anticipate that there may be efforts to amend some of Idaho’s water code. We will work with any proponents of change to ensure that all water user interests are considered.”

Grain

Amaya Aguirre-Landa, executive director, Idaho Grain Producers Association

“The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) advocates on behalf of about 6,500 wheat and barley growers across Idaho. As the No. 1 barley and No. 5 wheat-producing state in the nation, it is no surprise that these industries greatly impact our economy. With a high number of incoming freshmen and changing demographics across the state, IGPA will prioritize educating legislators on the importance of Idaho grain producers and their unique challenges and concerns. IGPA is also working with a coalition to pass legislation to clarify that existing regulations of pesticides and the resulting label are sufficient to warn about health and safety. Addressing this issue will help protect access to these important products. We continue to work to protect the Lower Snake River dams, the Columbia River waterway and access through the Port of Lewiston. We’ll also be on the lookout for any bills on groundwater or surface water.”

Woolgrowers

Liz Wilder, executive director, Idaho Wool Growers Association

“The Idaho Wool Growers Association is excited to announce that it has overhauled and revived its policy book during its convention held this last fall. This has taken the better part of a year through listening to members about current issues affecting sheep producers in Idaho. The largest issue faced by producers is volatile price fluctuations that are mostly driven due to federal policies on trade. During the upcoming session, the IWGA will continue to work on the veterinarian shortage issue and preserving funds and supporting policy for wildlife issues in the grizzly bear and wolf arena. Many members face depredation issues and are assisted by state or federal funds for prevention and animal loss.”