How to talk to people…

No matter in which part of our great state you reside, it’s impossible to miss all the people that have moved to Idaho in the past few years. Increased traffic on the roads, in both urban and rural areas. Swelling K-12 school populations. Crowded grocery stores. Rising demand for healthcare. Escalating numbers of recreationists on public lands.

It’s not difficult to understand what attracts folks to Idaho. We have long known what makes it special: business-friendly, lower cost of living, stunning vistas, and, of course, an excellent place to raise cattle. Whatever the draw may be for people to relocate to the Gem State, the state is quickly trying to adapt. New housing developments sprouting up around our larger cities and towns. Construction at the Boise Airport. Expanding health care sector. Flexible school schedules and new schools being built.

BY KIM BRACKETT ICA President

they have on Idaho’s ranching families shouldn’t be passed up.

We have opportunities to interact with these new Idahoans and I encourage you to give some thought to what you’d like to say. As I have reminded my husband, these interactions are a chance to build a relationship between cattle ranchers and new Idahoans; so choosing to engage with them in a positive way is the goal.

I have found that many people are unaware of the economic value that agriculture, specifically the cattle industry, provide to the state of Idaho. Mention that Idaho’s farms and ranches are the main economic driver in many of Idaho’s small towns and rural communities. Research done by the University of Idaho surrounding the ‘Financial Condition of Idaho Agriculture : 2022’ showed that 17% of Idaho’s total economic output comes from agriculture and 1 in 8 Idaho jobs is in agriculture or agribusiness. (Brett Wilder, Xiaoxue “Rita” Du & Garth Taylor for U of I Extension)

When visiting with people who enjoy recreating on public lands, discuss the impact of your ranch management decisions on those lands. Working ranches and rangelands maintain habitat for countless birds and wildlife throughout our state. Appropriately managed riparian areas support fish habitat. Transition into what they can do to help: stay on designated trails and roads, leave gates as found, respect private property.

The increased population affects Idaho’s cattle industry, as well. Many new Idahoans enjoy outdoor recreation on our public lands. They are also consumers who have decisions to make at the meat case and in restaurants. And they are voters. Occasions to visit with these folks about the value of Idaho’s cattle industry and the impact

Change is hard. It’s starting to feel a bit crowded in our wide-open western state. Idaho’s demography is shifting at an unprecedented pace. I encourage you to view this as an opportunity to build relationships with our new neighbors. Take the time to answer questions about your ranch. We need more allies to support the cattle industry and what better way to build our support base than through conversation with people who share our appreciation for living in Idaho.