Idaho was well represented at the 97th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the end of October. Among the highlights, Lucy Barney from the Rigby FFA Chapter earned national recognition as the champion in Equine Science Placement as part of her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), marking a major achievement for Idaho FFA.

With a goal to make $15,000 from the steer, all of the Mountain Home chapter members, including Chapter Advisor Kya Vines Bideganeta, were pleasantly surprised when the steer sold for $30,000 at the auction. However, this wasn't even the biggest surprise; the buyer Quanta West donated the steer back to the chapter to be sold again.

It’s county fair week, or at least it is at the time of me writing this (the first week of August) it is. When I was younger it was my favorite time of year. It was like Christmas morning. The one where you just can’t wait. You’re excited, jittery with anticipation.

In April, the following individuals were selected during the Idaho FFA State Convention in Twin Falls to represent the organization for the coming year.

For the first time, Ag Proud – Idaho offered three scholarships for Idaho’s high school seniors pursuing a career in agriculture. This initiative reflects Ag Proud – Idaho’s firm belief in the future of agriculture and a commitment to supporting the next generation of ag professionals.

New Plymouth High School’s current ag building was built in the 1940s and was intended as the classroom for a much smaller student enrollment. Now the school has seven ag classes per day with more than 160 kids enrolled.

With a footprint about half the size of a football field, the new building will double the lab space available for the school’s welding, food science, animal science, ag mechanics and plant science classes. Even while doubling its space, the ag program will still have extra room to accommodate future growth.

MYBEP connects young cattle enthusiasts with cattle producers and facilitates a mentorship relationship between the two. MYBEP participants receive a heifer calf to raise, show and start their own herd with.

Trent Van Leuven, agriscience instructor and FFA advisor at Mackay Junior/Senior High School, was named 2024 CapEd Credit Union Idaho Teacher of the Year.