Extension Trends 2025

Practical education you can trust.

TRENDS 2025

Extension

A Message from the Director This year has been an outstanding one for University of Idaho Extension – one that reflects the strength of our people, the trust of our partners, and the deep connections we share in communities across Idaho. Through the dedication of our faculty and staff, UI Extension made 476,625 direct face-to-face contacts, delivering practical, science-based education that improves lives and strengthens communities statewide.

The UI Extension 4-H Youth Development program continued to deliver meaningful, high-impact youth experiences across the state in 2025, reaching 75,339 Idaho youth through a strong program network. The program was supported by 728 active 4-H clubs and 2,207 certified volunteers, whose dedication and leadership are foundational to 4-H’s success. Collectively, these volunteers contributed an estimated $7,741,802 in volunteer time, reflecting both the scale of community investment and the trusted role 4-H plays in Idaho communities. Through hands-on learning, leadership development, and positive youth–adult partnerships, Idaho 4-H continues to build skills, confidence, and opportunity for young people statewide.

We continue to see strong investments in UI Extension in local communities, with county support totaling $7,016,621, underscoring the value our local partners place on Extension’s work. In addition, Extension secured an impressive $11,496,898 in grant funding, expanding our ability to innovate, respond to emerging needs, and extend the reach of University of Idaho research across the state.

This year also marked several exciting milestones. UI Extension became the new home of Idaho EcosySTEM, strengthening our leadership in STEM education and workforce development. We also established the Excellence in Extension Fund, launched with an extraordinary donation of $1,600,000 from an Idaho citizen, ensuring long-term investment in Extension excellence. Our leadership team grew stronger with the addition of Bridger Feuz as associate director of Extension, whose extensive experience as an Extension educator, specialist, and administrator brings valuable perspective and energy to our work.

Taken together, these accomplishments reflect a truly exceptional year for University of Idaho Extension. I am proud of what we have achieved and deeply grateful to our faculty, staff, partners, funders, and stakeholders who make this work possible. Together, we are building a thriving, prosperous, healthy Idaho.

Barbara Petty Director, University of Idaho Extension

UI Extension

FUNDING BREAKDOWN

BY THE NUMBERS

476,625

327

363

Grants: $11,496,898

direct face-toface teaching contacts.

2025 EXTENSION FACTS

video views of the Noxious Weeds Video Identification Series.

476,625 Direct Teaching Contacts 132 UI Extension Faculty 554,579 Web Page Views 139 Peer-reviewed Publications and Professional Journal Articles 75k+ Idaho Youth in 4-H

843

Idaho youth participated in arthropod programming with a reported 86% increased comfort level around insects and spiders.

family forest owners with more than 25,000 acres increased their knowledge by 73%.

17,396

State: $17,021,722 County: $7,016,621

30,800

Idahonas increased their knowledge on beef cow efficiency on rangeland.

Federal: $3,074,774

$11.62

individuals received digital skills education and connectivity support across the state.

75,339

cost benefit to the state for every $1 invested to administer the Eat Smart Idaho program.

participants in 4-H youth programming.

UI EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Frank Morado Daren Bitter Bill Lewis Chris Goetz Bill Butticci Zach Stewart Allison Bischoff Lori Harrison Arnold Callison Maria Gonzalez Cardenas Stephanie Etter Laurie Lickley Lori McCann

CONNECT You can connect with UI Extension through county offices, workshops and classes, publications, websites, social media and volunteer opportunities. To learn more visit: www.uidaho.edu/extension.

EXTENSION TRENDS: ADA COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Ada County • www.uidaho.edu/ada • 208-287-5900

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 19,641 direct contacts • 1,885 youth participants • 213 volunteers • 7,318 volunteer hours • $569,240 extramural funding

UI Extension Educators Ariel Agenbroad ariel@uidaho.edu Community Food Systems & Small Farms Sendy Martinez smartinez@uidaho.edu 4-H Youth Development

Bridget Morrisroe bridgeta@uidaho.edu Family & Consumer Sciences

Gail Silkwood gsilkwood@uidaho.edu 4-H Youth Development

Sierra Laverty slaverty@uidaho.edu Horticulture

University of Idaho Extension has had an impactful presence in Ada County since 1910 as the first Extension location in the state.

Community food systems and small farms programs continued to increase access to locally grown food and support new and beginning farmers and food entrepreneurs in 2025. Whether delivering statewide education targeted at reducing risk for military veterans engaged in small scale agriculture, developing opportunities at a public teaching farm, contributing to the success of a new weeknight Farmers Market in Boise, or engaging preschool youth in growing edible gardens in their classrooms, Area Educator Ariel Agenbroad leveraged external funding and collaborated with community partners to engage clientele through targeted outreach and extension activities.

The UI Extension, Ada County horticulture program strengthened community knowledge in sustainable landscape management while offering services for both residents and industry professionals. The free Plant Clinic provided individualized plant health education and research-based recommendations to more than 1,800 residents and commercial stakeholders, improving landscape health and reducing unnecessary pesticide use. The program welcomed new horticulture Educator Sierra Laverty and supported a College of Western Idaho horticulture technology intern who worked alongside volunteers to care for and catalog plant collections in the demonstration landscape, enhancing this public learning resource. Master Gardener engagement remained a core program strength, with 36 new students joining 86 Advanced and Continuing Master Gardeners in delivering community education and supporting key projects. Educational outreach reached 736 people through classes offered in libraries, schools, and partner locations, while an additional 2,932 residents – including 1,092 youth – engaged with hands-on learning at the Western Idaho Fair, Idaho Botanical Garden’s Bug Day, and other public events. Collaboration with local arborists and urban forestry professionals expanded in 2025, increasing the program’s capacity to deliver up-to-date tree care guidance to industry and homeowners.

In 2025, the University of Idaho Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), led by Educator Bridget Morrisroe, was the first Extension program to successfully receive Medicare (MDPP) reimbursement. Building the capacity and infrastructure to become a DPP Medicare provider and seek reimbursement was a long-term goal. The UI faculty applied for CDC recognition in 2017 and received full recognition by 2020. To reach this status, they successfully delivered the program for four years reporting data to meet the CDC success criteria of a 5-7% overall weight loss and increased physical activity for 50% of participants. Morrisroe provided leadership for a multi-county first year and Advanced Master Food Safety Advisor volunteer program in southwest Idaho. In 2025 she taught a 7-week, first year program via a hybrid modality with online delivery of content and in person food preservation labs. Morrisroe partnered with the City of Boise “Curb it” program material management specialist, and three Extension faculty to develop a project focused on minimizing home food waste. The team developed a one-time workshop, toolkit with tip sheet and food inventory, and published an Extension bulletin. Participant surveys

were conducted and responses showed that only 11% of participants were very aware of the impact of home food waste on the environment before the presentation and 95% after attending. The survey results also showed that 95% of attendees planned to use the presentation information and tools. In addition to presentations, over 500 toolkits have been distributed at community events including the Boise Farmer’s Market, and the new City of Boise Apartment compost sites. Morrisroe also collaborated on the Dementia Friends and 4-H Building Fences programs and provided leadership statewide for 4-H yoga and healthy habits.

The UI Extension 4-H program in Ada County has a strong and lasting impact on youth, families and the broader community. Through hands-on learning in areas such as agriculture, STEM, leadership, and civic engagement, 4-H helps young people develop practical skills and confidence that prepare them for future careers and responsible citizenship. Youth in Ada County gain opportunities to explore interests, set goals and learn from both successes and challenges in a supportive environment. 4-H also strengthens the community by connecting youth with adult mentors, local businesses and service organizations. Projects and events such as fairs, community service activities and leadership workshops encourage youth to give back and develop a sense of responsibility to their community. Overall, 4-H in Ada County plays a vital role in building capable, confident, and caring young people while fostering a culture of learning, service and collaboration that benefits the entire county.

4-H in Ada County The UI Extension 4-H program serves more than 440 youth in Ada County through 4-H clubs and group programming, supported by 125 dedicated adult volunteers and 29 active 4-H clubs. Together, youth completed 819 projects and participated in 4,914 hours of hands-on, research-based education that builds life skills, leadership and confidence. The program is growing and welcoming new participants, including 116 first-year 4-H members and 24 first-year adult volunteers, ensuring a strong future for 4-H in Ada County. At the same time,

long-term commitment remains a cornerstone of the program, with 28 volunteers serving for more than 10 years and providing valuable mentorship, stability and expertise.

The 4-H community outreach team reached 2,000 Ada and Canyon County youth, with most participants averaging 4-6 hours of 4-H activities. Youth participated in enrichment activities, such as healthy living, STEM, and college and career readiness, which are offered through the Together-Juntos program, based out of Nampa High School. Robotics is very popular, especially with gifted and talented youth from the West Ada School District. Youth also participated in different arts and crafts activities offered in partnership with several community partners such as Community Schools, Boise Parks and Recreation, Ada and Canyon School Districts, Housing Authorities and NeighborWorks Boise.

On the Horizon Morrisroe will work on a reducing textile waste project in partnership with the City of Boise, UI Extension, Valley County, and U of I professors. A presentation, textile repair toolkit and Extension bulletin were finalized and the team is developing a survey to move forward with an applied research project to measure the effectiveness of the presentation and/or toolkits to help individuals reduce their textile waste.

The 4-H team is excited to continue working with community partners to reach youth where they live and learn. The team will be working with Nampa High School to plan Juntos Family Engagement Nights and 4-H club activities based on the interests of youth. The program will continue to expand its reach by actively recruiting new adult volunteers and strengthening leadership capacity. Efforts will focus on building new clubs and enhancing community-based programming that meets the evolving needs and interests of local youth. By developing partnerships with local libraries and community agencies, 4-H will increase access to handson learning opportunities, provide safe and welcoming spaces for youth engagement, and reach new audiences throughout the county. These collaborative efforts will support sustainable program growth, enrich educational experiences, and further strengthen connections between youth, families, and the broader Ada County community.

Advisory Board

David Anderson, Gretchen Anderson, Amber Beierle, Brad Bentley, Ben Brock, Barbara Byrne, Alfredo Cruzat, Susan Dotters, Barbara English, Megan Gillenwater, Lyshell Grigg, Inga Hadder, Sue Harpold, Jessica Harrold, Megan Heryet, Amy Johnson, Tylar Kelty, Susie Kemp, Beth Kimball, Shawna Kittridge, Kristin Lambson, Patxi Larrocea-Phillips, April Leblanc, Junko Luchi, Connie May, Catherine Milner, Toki Pagoulatos, Vic Paladino, Ben Trieu, Paul Webster, Laurel Weiss, Steve Wilder. Mike Witschen and Karoline Woodhead.

EXTENSION TRENDS: ADAMS COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Adams County • www.uidaho.edu/adams

2025 Impact

• 16 volunteers

Ranchers Feeding Youth is a program I have led for the past twelve years. The Ranchers Feeding Youth program is an in-school educational program focused on the role of cattle in both the environment and human society, offered in partnership with the Payette River Cattle Association, the Adams/Valley Farm Bureau and UI Extension offices in Adams and Valley counties. Students learn about responsible natural resource management, the importance of livestock to food systems and ecosystems, and potential careers in the livestock and agriculture industries. This program is delivered on a rotating basis every other year to schools in Adams and Valley counties. Surveys show that participating youth are more likely to consider a career in agriculture after completing the program.

Living Rural is a series of classes developed in response to needs identified by county stakeholders and advisory committees. Due to frequent inclement weather during the late winter when these classes are offered, they are delivered via Zoom. Post-program surveys show a 100% increase in participant knowledge, and participants report plans to implement at least one new practice learned in the class within the year.

• 160 volunteer hours

4-H in Adams County

2025 By the Numbers • 741 direct contacts • 74 youth participants

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Adams County: Gordon Cruickshank, Dean and Sandy Dryden, Dave Veselka, Sara Swain, Justin and Shirley Florence, Adams County Commissioners Adams County Fair Board and Adams County 4-H Volunteer Leaders Council.

UI Extension Educator Tyanne Roland 208-253-4279 tyanne@uidaho.edu

The UI Extension 4-H program in Adams County continues to demonstrate strong and consistent growth in participation and outcomes for youth. Membership increased again in 2025, including a 6% rise in traditional club enrollment, and number of certified volunteers has doubled since 2024. This growth reflects the expanding interest among youth in traditional livestock and horse projects — such as swine, sheep, goats and steers — while also embracing new opportunities like natural sciences and leadership focused programs.

Youth actively participated in a wide range of county, district and state 4-H experiences, including Know Your Government, Southern District 4-H Horse Camp, horse judging, horse hippology, civic leadership, public speaking, horsemanship, teamwork and hands-on learning opportunities. Classes taught by UI Extension throughout the year further supported project learning, skill development and personal growth.

Healthy Living 4-H enrichment classes were launched in winter 2024– 25, offering physical exercise along with lessons in hygiene, nutrition, self-awareness and gratitude. This effort reinforces 4-H’s commitment to the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of youth.

Through increasing enrollment, expanding volunteer leadership and diverse educational opportunities, Adams County 4-H continues to positively shape youth into capable, confident and community-minded young adults.

On the Horizon UI Extension, Adams County is providing leadership and teaching in the new Council Elementary School greenhouse. American Folk Dancing will be offered as a 4-H enrichment activity that is also combined with a healthy living activity to include both exercise and nutrition.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BEAR LAKE COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Bear Lake County • www.uidaho.edu/bear-lake

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 9,731 direct contacts • 803 youth participants • 43 volunteers • 1,030 volunteer hours • $6,395 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Bear Lake County: Rex Payne, Emily Transtrum, Penny Bassett, Janet Passey, Cameron Crane, Luke Kelsey, Kyler Dygert, Leslie Talbot, Amanda Collins, Nate Mortimer, Kandi Rudd, Courtney Boehme, Jordon Hobbs, Mary Crane, Jennifer Jenson and Layne Keetch.

UI Extension Educator Kari Ure 208-847-0344 kure@uidaho.edu

To meet varying needs for programming, Educator Kari Ure organized Extension education with visiting speakers. She sought feedback from community members and used information gained from the 2024 needs assessment to determine subjects and then found experts to share research-based information. The Dinner (or Lunch) and a Speaker events were well received by the community and included topics such as estate and succession planning, ag mental wellness, home buying, overcoming trauma, and voles and squirrel control. In addition to adult programming, the monthly newsletter connected county residents to virtual programs across the state. This yielded Bear Lake County’s first certified Idaho Master Gardener. The individual saw the promotion in the monthly newsletter and completed the online program. She is now promoting the program to other county residents and led an eight-week Junior Master Gardener 4-H club during the summer. She plans to lead this club again in 2026.

Ure was also active in teaching the Preserve@Home multi-state online food preservation program. She obtained three major brands of freeze dryers and taught freeze dryer classes throughout the district and online. Comparison research on the three machines has started and further research will continue. Freeze dryer classes included virtual and in person classes for adults as well as education through a 4-H Freeze Dryer club.

4-H in Bear Lake County

The Bear Lake 4-H Camp Club was created in efforts to promote and strengthen the Alpine 4-H Camp program. Camper numbers had decreased, teen counselor numbers had been low, and teen counselors are crucial to the camp program. Camp Club met from March to June where youth learned skills and interacted with one another and with Extension leaders. Camp Club meetings included growth mindset, emotional intelligence, nutrition and hydration, safety at camp, first aid, astronomy, tie dying shirts and backpacks, as well as many team building and getting to know one another activities. Teen counselors increased from three in 2024 to nine in 2025 and younger campers increased from 13 in 2024 to 19 in 2025. Teen counselors were given the opportunity to develop lifelong mentoring skills and younger campers developed anticipation to be teen counselors once old enough. Bear Lake County youth recognized other Bear Lake County youth at camp and reported making friends with one another prior to camp. Many of the youth in Camp Club were able to name every Bear Lake County youth attending camp. Bear Lake County adult leaders were better equipped to understand and know each youth and their temperament and needs.

Youth who will be the age of teen counselors next year reported being excited to come back to camp and are ready to be a teen counselor.

On the Horizon

UI Extension looks forward to further testing the freeze dryers recently obtained. Testing and classes will continue to yield research to help residents with research-based food preservation information. Ure organized training for educators in the Money Habitudes program and looks forward to collaboration for statewide education. The program will provide Idaho residents with training to explore their money habits and attitudes leading to better money choices. The UI Extension, Bear Lake County 4-H program looks forward to ongoing growth in the Camp Club program with new and returning campers, especially teen counselors.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BENEWAH COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Benewah County • www.uidaho.edu/benewah

2025 Impact

UI Extension efforts encompassed forestry programming for adults and hands-on programs during and after school for youth outside the traditional 4-H programs. Youth programming was centered around a middle school elective taught daily by Extension faculty and staff called E.A.R.T.H. Extension (Engineering, Agriculture, Range/Forestry, Technology and Horticulture) that brought hands-on STEM learning into the classroom daily. This year also featured the first annual Benewah County Farm to Table event showing 5th graders across the county where their food comes from as well as basic livestock husbandry skills.

2025 By the Numbers • 9.958 direct contacts • 177 youth participants • 52 volunteers • 4,018 volunteer hours • $8,700 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Benewah County.

UI Extension Educator Lauren King 208-245-2422 laurenking@uidaho.edu

On the forestry side, over 153 forest owners, loggers and professional foresters attended UI Extension forestry programs held in Benewah County, including Logger Education to Advance Professionalism Update, Identifying Idaho Trees, Landscaping for Fire Prevention, Successful Tree Planting, Calder Elementary School Forestry Day and an Idaho Master Forest Stewards field tour. Many Benewah County forest owners, loggers and foresters also attended programs held in adjacent panhandle counties. Certified UI Extension volunteers called Idaho Master Forest Stewards provided 515 hours of service to 5,022 forest owners and others in northern Idaho counties.

4-H in Benewah County The UI Extension 4-H program in Benewah County was stronger than ever this past year. There were 177 active youth, 28 volunteers and 12 4-H clubs. The first annual Benewah County Livestock Judging contest was held at the Benewah County Fair following livestock judging classes taught throughout the year by the 4-H program coordinator.

Prior to the fair there were market species clinics to prepare youth for showmanship, and those who were the top showman of each species at the fair won a showmanship belt buckle sponsored by local companies.

In addition, there was a Livestock Skill-A-Thon for youth to showcase their knowledge of livestock prior to the fair. Another highlight was the first annual Benewah County archery contest. This contest included both 3D targets and a distance FITTA shoot. This event was well attended, and the hope is to host it during the fair next year as youth are excited to showcase their skills in front of a crowd. The contest will help recruit more members to participate in the project and hopefully compete in state and national events.

On the Horizon New 2025 programs will continue into 2026 including the E.A.R.T.H. Extension elective as well as E.A.R.T.H. Pop Ups at more schools showcasing single day lessons focusing on hands-on learning that are easily integrated into other classrooms. The second annual Farm to Table event will be held for local 5th graders. Nursery propagations tours will be held throughout the region to bring landowners closer to the nurseries providing plant material for reforestation and restoration.

The 4-H Ambassador program will be occurring in 2026 which supports strong teen leaders. New projects will be available for youth to participate in across the county as well as a continuation of new programs from last year including the livestock judging classes and contest, livestock skill-a-thon and the archery contest.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BINGHAM COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Bingham County • www.uidaho.edu/bingham

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 12,601 direct contacts • 1,011 youth participants

The Eastern Idaho Livestock Schools provided a series of educational programs reaching more than 100 participants in 2025. Events included a kidding/lambing clinic in Blackfoot, calving schools in Rexburg and Idaho Falls, and a goat artificial insemination class. These programs delivered timely, research-based livestock management training and strengthened producer networks. The third annual Bingham County Progressive Ag Safety Day brought over 200 fifth-grade students, parents and chaperones to the Eastern Idaho State Fairgrounds. Guest educators from Idaho Power, Idaho Fish and Game, Bingham County Search and Rescue, the U.S. Forest Service, AmeriCorps, and UI Extension 4-H Youth Development provided instruction on ATV safety, gun safety, and first aid.

Collaboration between U of I, South Dakota State University and Utah State University Extension supported a monthly Sheep and Goat Webinar Series featuring 12 webinars. The Idaho 4-H State Livestock Skillathon continues its long-standing role in youth livestock education.

• $66,680 extramural funding

Educator Reed Findlay continued to lead the forage team on a fouryear research project aimed at mitigating high fertilizer costs and lowered availability of essential nutrients. This research will help reduce dependence on inorganic outside fertilizers and improve profitability. An economic analysis will be completed at the conclusion of the project.

Our Advisory Council

4-H in Bingham County

• 63 volunteers • 1,420 volunteer hours

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Bingham County: Evelyn Hitchcock, Deb Reiland and Norm Radamaker.

UI Extension Educators Reed Findlay 208-236-7310 rfindlay@uidaho.edu

Carmen Willmore 208-785-8060 cwillmore@uidaho.edu

The UI Extension 4-H program in Bingham County provided a wide range of youth development opportunities throughout the year, including an overnight 4-H camp and multiple after school, in-school and summer day camp programs. In addition to these educational experiences, the program supported numerous livestock projects and maintained active 4-H clubs year-round, ensuring that local youth had continual access to hands-on learning, leadership development and meaningful community involvement. Findlay assisted with the horse and livestock project shows at the Bannock/Bingham County Fairs and taught shooting sports, plant identification, and insect identification and collection at 4-H camps.

On the Horizon

The UI Extension 4-H program will expand youth learning opportunities in 2026 by offering additional livestock day camps, more in-school educational programs and another 4-H overnight camp. These new experiences will build on the strong foundation of existing programs, providing even more hands-on learning, leadership development, and skill-building activities for youth throughout the year. The continued growth of these offerings reflects the programs commitment to supporting diverse interests, strengthening community engagement and ensuring that young people have access to high-quality, enriching 4-H experiences.

Agriculture research will focus on quantifying ammonia volatilization emissions from traditional and novel nitrogen fertilizer sources and placements in small grains using three types of traps. Government policies and consumer sentiments to quantify and reduce greenhouse gas emissions require agricultural producers reduce their environmental impact. Additional research is needed to understand the ammonia volatilization loss potential of traditional and novel N fertilizers with and without fertilizer stabilizers and at different application rates and soil placements.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BLAINE COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Blaine County • www.uidaho.edu/blaine

2025 Impact

A major highlight for UI Extension in Blaine County was the construction of a geodesic greenhouse at Hailey Elementary School, built with community volunteers. This collaborative effort transformed the space into a dynamic, hands-on learning laboratory for students and educators, fostering early engagement in science and local food production.

2025 By the Numbers • 2,468 direct contacts • 861 youth participants • 16 volunteers • 246 volunteer hours • $24,100 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Blaine County: Lindsay Mollineaux, Gary Beck, Jason Parker, Nicolas and Pat Purdy, Melanie Weber, Susan Kranz, Tracy Green, Pamela Donoso and Aaron Bronson.

UI Extension Educators Grant Loomis 208-788-5585 gloomis@uidaho.edu

Chandra Vaughan 208-788-5585 cvaughan@uidaho.edu

Educator Grant Loomis reinforced the crucial link between local agriculture and governance by hosting a well-attended farm tour for Blaine County officials, ensuring policy decisions are grounded in producer realities. His commitment to research was demonstrated through barley trials in Bellevue, which provided data-driven insights into nutrient management for optimizing crop yields and sustainability. On a broader scale, Loomis co-coordinated the state’s SARE Professional Development Program, enhancing the capacity of agricultural professionals to guide sustainable projects statewide. He continued to offer education through the engaging Pest Friends integrated pest management board game, which empowers producers with effective, ecosystem-based pest management strategies.

Continued support through site visits addressed producers' immediate concerns, solidifying Loomis’ role as an essential resource for the county's agricultural success and resilience.

4-H in Blaine County

Associate Extension Educator Chandra Vaughan oversaw several 4-H summer projects: embryology, gardening, rocketry, drones, STEM activity with battery powered airplanes, crafting, cooking, photography, Wildlife Day Camp, and Livestock Education Day. UI Extension also worked with the Blaine County Fair Board and the Blaine County Market Animal Sales Committee for a successful fair. The U.S. Forest Service partnered for the ninth year in a row to offer Adventure Quest summer day camp at the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Adventure Quest provides fun recreational pursuits combined with learning about the natural environment. All Things Wild is another four-day residential 4-H summer camp. The focus of this camp is hunter skills workshops which incorporate history, ethics, conservation, wildlife management, laws and regulations, survival, camping, orienteering, environment, and shooting skills in the disciplines of rifle, shotgun, and archery.

On the Horizon

Syngenta, a sustainability agriculture chemical company, is sponsoring a trip to Switzerland for Extension Educators Grant Loomis and Jason Thomas to increase the reach of Pest Friends.

This trip will give them opportunities to network with producers in Switzerland and to share pest management practices and educational knowledge with one another.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BONNER COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Bonner County • www.uidaho.edu/bonner

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 613 direct contacts • 424 youth participants • 124 volunteers • 358 volunteer hours

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Bonner County: Diane Green, Tina Imlay, Harry Menser, Connie Trotter, Nancy Mangham and Sarah Garcia.

UI Extension Educator Jennifer Jensen 208-263-8511 jenjensen@uidaho.edu

The Idaho Master Gardener program and other horticulture classes were offered in 2025, with 10 participants taking the training and four becoming certified Idaho Master Gardener volunteers. The new volunteers and 21 continuing volunteers contributed 358 hours of service related to home horticulture. This included answering 53 plant clinic questions, attending six farmer market sessions, setting up and staffing a fair booth, conducting youth garden activities and camps and maintaining a demonstration garden next to the UI Extension office.

A total of 350 forest owners, loggers and professional foresters attended UI Extension forestry programs held in Bonner County, including the Forestry Shortcourse, Identifying Idaho Trees, Landscaping for Fire Prevention, 10 Acres and a Dream, Idaho Master Forest Stewards core training sessions and field tours, Pruning to Restore White Pine, and Measuring your Trees. Many Bonner County forest owners, loggers and foresters also attended programs held in adjacent panhandle counties.

Twenty Bonner County forest owners are certified Idaho Master Forest Stewards, who provided 515 hours of volunteer service to 5,022 forest owners and others in northern Idaho counties.

4-H in Bonner County

The traditional UI Extension 4-H program in Bonner County includes 12 clubs throughout the county. There were 99 volunteers and 372 youth members during the 2024-25 4-H year. Projects offered included: archery, beef, cat, cooking, crochet, dog, goat, horse, jewelry making, leathercraft, photography, poultry, rabbit, rifle, sewing, swine and vet science.

In addition to managing clubs and projects, UI Extension offered additional county youth events such as the Junior Master Gardener program and youth gardening activities at afterschool programs and the homeschool academy. The Junior Master Gardener program met once a week for five weeks. Participants learned about butterflies, botany, garden design, fruits and vegetables. The Extension educator and Master Gardener volunteers held several activities with afterschool programs that included wreath making, planting strawberries and planting corn and pumpkins in the Southside Elementary School Garden.

On the Horizon UI Extension, Bonner County will work with other county Extension offices to offer the Cultivating Success – Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Business Planning class, a farm and food business planning course that addresses the necessary steps to create a business plan.

This program will be a combination of online webinars and in-person workshops. Course topics include business planning and structure, value proposition: product and industry description, how and where to sell: market channel analysis, customer relations: marketing and branding, business analysis: key activities, resources, farm record keeping basics, financial management, enterprise budgets and operational budgeting, operational risk management, and labor management.

The Bonner County Farm Tour will be offered, which highlights farm and forestry enterprises in the county. The Extension office will also assist with the Clark Fork River Pedal and Farm Tour, a scenic ~30-mile bike tour through forests, meadows and farms along the Clark Fork River in Montana and Idaho. UI Extension will also continue working with Idaho Master Gardener volunteers to track the emergence of two fruit tree pests, codling moth and western cherry fruit fly.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BONNEVILLE COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Bonneville County • www.uidaho.edu/bonneville

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 33,312 direct contacts • 7,667 youth participants • 132 volunteers • 5,678 volunteer hours • $125,550 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Bonneville County: Stephanie Geraughty, Aubrie Kerr, Cheryl Anderson, Sherry Glick, Aliece Rasmussen, Martha Rigby, Phil Browning, Deanne Slaughter, Kristin Shurtz, Shauna Harris, Bonneville County 4-H Youth, Brian Andersen, Cathlena Burr, Catherine Dudley, Vikki Gerdes, Gary Lewis, Jennifer Austin, Julie Finup, Karen Foster, Karen Lugo, Leonard Dabb, Wendie Radford, Kathy Duplessis, Sandra Deatherage, Diana Skoy, Donna Whitham, Mark Whitham, Sally Tangren, Jody Cornilsen and Molly Brinkerhoff.

UI Extension Educators Leslee Blanch 208-529-1390 lblanch@uidaho.edu

Ron Patterson 208-529-1390 rpatterson@uidaho.edu

Paige Wray 208-529-1390 pwray@uidaho.edu

Extension health and wellbeing outreach has expanded in Bonneville County. Recent partnerships with People in Need Coalition and HappyVille Farms increased opportunities to reach new populations with nutrition education. A collaboration with Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership expanded to include regularly scheduled employee wellness education on a variety of topics. A new collaboration with the 3B Juvenile Detention facility and continued collaboration with the Bonneville County Jail's IGNITE program and Haven shelter have afforded positive impact with underserved populations. Education on self-management, nutrition, fitness, mindfulness and gratitude have been well received.

Online hybrid courses have made agriculture and horticulture classes available to more people, both young and old. Master Gardener volunteers provided over 5,200 hours of service. Twenty-six farms participated in the Farm Financial Records and Farm Financial Analysis classes. Over 750 people receive gardening information and advice with the weekly Eastern Idaho Pest Alert newsletter. The bi-monthly Idaho Home Garden Tips online class provides a free resource to researchbased, timely gardening information. Educator Ron Patterson continues to refine the programs and increase their outreach to the community.

4-H in Bonneville County Thanks to an extensive network of caring adult 4-H volunteers, youth in Bonneville County have many opportunities to ignite and grow their sparks. The club program covers everything from robotics, cooking, sewing, livestock, fishing, shooting sports, and leadership to name a few.

The UI Extension 4-H program in Bonneville County included 97 adult volunteers for the 2024-25 year. These volunteers not only facilitated club meetings, they also attended council meetings, helped at fair, participated in fundraisers, and provided day camps in various subjects.

New projects taken on by volunteers this year include sport fishing, western heritage shooting sports, and pocket pets (snakes, goldfish, etc.). Through the various programs 4-H offers throughout the year, the program reached 9,916 direct contacts. Educator Paige Wray continued her focused efforts on expanding opportunities in healthy living, teen leadership, and youth voice. Youth from Bonneville County presented at the National 4-H Ignite Summit held in Washington D.C. to other youth throughout the country.

On the Horizon Wray will continue to help the youth of Bonneville County thrive by refining educational offerings for both youth and adult volunteers that serve them, while providing opportunities to learn, lead and serve. Strong collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association are key in extending brain health and dementia awareness education. Associate educator Leslee Blanch will expand collaboration to include United Health Care on the Shoshone-Bannock Reservation to provide these and other wellness topics. Friends for Learning and YMCA continue to be venues for Blanch to offer regularly scheduled fitness classes with emphasis on brain, body and balance. Blanch looks forward to new partnerships with Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation and Greater Good Health Clinic. Patterson will continue to focus on providing timely, researchbased horticultural and agricultural information that is accessible to all Bonneville County residents, regardless of age or working status.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BOUNDARY COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Boundary County • www.uidaho.edu/boundary

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 6,775 direct contacts • 1,936 youth participants • 94 volunteers • 3,251 volunteer hours • $37,608 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Boundary County: Laci Click, Kim Cushman, Tiffani Beggerly, Tim Bertling, Wally Cossairt, Shirley Anderson, Joan Poppino, Lynn Silva, Jan Bayer, Sarah Carver, Eli Pine, Carol Thompson, Dave Wenk, Alicia Alexander, Austin Terrell, Erik Olson, Ben Robertson, Dave Wattenbarger, Lester Pinkerton, Tom Daniel, Jennifer Dickison, Julie Newcomb and Edward Newcomb.

UI Extension Educators Amy Robertson 208-267-3235 amrobertson@uidaho.edu

Samuel Degrey 208-267-3235 sdegrey@uidaho.edu

UI Extension, Boundary County welcomed a new agriculture Extension educator who hosted several public classes on topics including garden pests, beneficial insects, garlic growing, composting, chainsaw safety, and season extension. Two events aimed at supporting grain farmers and teaching the public about agriculture were hosted – a cereal school and the annual variety trial crop tour. A study assessing canola soil health in Boundary County was performed, sampling seed and crop residue from eight different fields across the valley, to provide relevant data for farmers trying to manage their soils. A total of 80 forest owners, loggers and professional foresters attended UI Extension forestry programs held in Boundary County, including the Forest Insect and Disease Field Day, Thinning and Pruning Field Day and Backyard Forests. Currently, five Boundary County forest owners are certified UI Extension volunteers with the Idaho Master Forest Stewards. The FCS Extension educator helped facilitate and teach Get the Dish!, an educational series partnership between UI Extension, University of Georgia Extension, University of Tennessee Extension, Colorado State University Extension, and North Carolina Cooperative Extension, aimed at providing adults with essential food preparation and safety content. Eight lessons were offered in 2025 with 334 live attendees and 742 recorded views. In 2025, this program presented one state poster, one national presentation, one national webinar and one invited scholarly presentation.

4-H in Boundary County

Youth participated in a variety of hands-on day camps, including science, water, farming, art, cooking, and entomology, where they learned new skills, made friends, and explored their interests. The always-popular Clover Camp, themed gave the youngest members a fun introduction to 4-H through creativity and outdoor learning. Fair week was another fantastic success, with 230 members proudly showcasing their 4-H projects and months of hard work. Beyond camps and fair week, 4-H members stayed busy all year with project and club meetings, gaining hands-on experience and building leadership skills. From animal weighins to community service projects, members showed dedication and responsibility at every step. Members also proudly represented 4-H in local parades and events, sharing their club spirit and community pride. Dedicated volunteers were celebrated during the 4-H Leaders Appreciation Banquet, where the first two Boundary County leaders to achieve 50 years of service were honored. The year wrapped up with the Awards Banquet and Carnival, recognizing 162 youth for their achievements and leadership.

On the Horizon

Master Gardener certification training will be taught in Boundary County in 2026. This series of classes will train new Master Gardener volunteers in a broad variety of horticulture-related topics. Speakers will include both UI Extension faculty as well as Boundary County farmers and gardeners. This will be the first time new Master Gardener training has been offered in Bonners Ferry since 2021. A new parenting program, Guiding Good Choices, will be offered for the first time this coming spring. This program is designed for families with children in 4th-8th grade and focuses on building strong family relationships and teaching skills to deal with peer pressure to decrease the incidence of risk-taking behaviors in teens. Another new program that will be offered is Money Habitudes, a personal finance management program. This hands-on class helps people understand and talk about their finances in a fun, constructive way. It also allows participants to pinpoint underlying financial habits, attitudes and motivations to make real behavior changes.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BUTTE COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Butte County • www.uidaho.edu/butte

2025 Impact Agricultural classes and workshops were held in the areas of forage production, small grains, pasture, pest management and stress management allowing farmers the opportunities to improve their skills and maintain their licenses. A series of meetings were held on gardening topics in Butte County, with 17 individuals attending at least one of the six classes.

2025 By the Numbers • 1,071 direct contacts • 124 youth participants • 17 volunteers • 850 volunteer hours • $55,628 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Butte County: Elijah Hargreaves, Kirby Jensen, Brent McMurtrey, Melinda Shodin, Brian Harrell, Wylee Nally, Ty Pancheri, Bryton Pancheri, Joni Pitcher, Paul Wanstrom, Jared Ashton, Natalie Ashton, Kardee Ashton, Brad Smoot, Wayne Ouellette and Tiffany Jones.

UI Extension Educator David Callister 208-527-8587 dcallister@uidaho.edu

A tillage demonstration trial continues in Howe in conjunction with the Butte/South Custer Soil and Water Conservation District.

Community development work is focused on teaching youth about the importance of training after high school, how to pay for college and the acquisition of job skills.

The UI Extension advisory committee met in October 2025 and offered an array of topics for classes in 2026. Water management and safely using pesticides ranked as priority agriculture topics.

Self-reliance and budgeting were the highest priorities for community development. Trade skills were the most mentioned areas for 4-H Youth Development expansion.

4-H in Butte County The UI Extension 4-H program in Butte County had active beef, cat, chicken, geology, goat, horse, rabbit, sheep, shooting sports, swine and robotics clubs in 2025. Most youth participated in the Butte County Fair in August. The 4-H market animal sale matched previous year’s total sales with fewer animals being sold. Several youth also competed in the Eastern Idaho State Fair.

The geology club was new this year with strong membership.

Shooting sports club added rim fired rifle, pistol, and Dutch oven cooking this year. The Lost River Straight Shooters club serves the youth of both Butte and Custer counties. More volunteer leaders were certified, which allowed new projects to be offered this and in the coming year.

UI Extension interns reached new audiences by conducting weekly day camps in Arco, Howe and Moore.

On the Horizon The tillage demonstration trial continues in Howe with the crop changing to lentils for 2026. Plans are in place to host two AmeriCorps volunteers to help with 4-H positive youth development for the summer of 2026. Several 4-H clubs will have new volunteer leaders for 2026. New volunteers are planning on offering market turkey, coin collecting and murder mysteries clubs.

Gardening classes are scheduled bi-weekly from January through March and monthly agricultural classes are planned.

EXTENSION TRENDS: CAMAS COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Camas County • www.uidaho.edu/camas

2025 Impact In-school programming engaged K–3 students in science and art.

Kindergarten and first grade students explored wild things, studying animal adaptations, beak functions, life cycles, Idaho state symbols and attitudes toward wildlife. Second graders investigated aerospace, learning air pressure and the forces of flight, and building rockets. Third graders participated in Create Art Now, learning contour lines, shape, form, proportion, color theory and composition using oil pastels.

2025 By the Numbers • 2,641 direct contacts • 734 youth contacts • 12 volunteers • 240 volunteer hours • $26,755 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Camas County: Kristie Olsen, Ed Reagan, Janet Williamson, Roxanne Bell, Amy Botz, Cornelia Williamson, Donna and Glenn Koch, Clare Olsen, Steve Miller, Cecil Swenson, Megan Tews, Logan Patton, Pam Berndt, Tom and Liz Wassing, Sam Stroud, Travis and Randee Martin, Candice Smith, Mike Rice and Athea Hollibaugh.

UI Extension Educator Cindy Kinder 208-764-2230 ckinder@uidaho.edu

After-school programming focused on earth, wind and water. Youth created volcanoes, crystals, clouds and rain jars, and rain makers. They built balloon rockets, tested wind-powered load lifting, made kites, explored origami engineering, built with KEVA planks, and created wildflower seed bombs as well as a community mural. LEGO Spike Essentials continued to be a favorite coding activity. Ag Robotics Tuesdays engaged youth in building and coding Spike Prime robots for the Native Bee Challenge and participating in a final district event.

Leadership programs supported workforce and life skill development.

Teen mentors and camp counselors received training in teaching, safety, and inclusion, and applied their skills through the Teen Club, the Awards Committee, and All Things Wild 4-H Camp. Adult volunteer leadership was strengthened through trainings, district volunteer development, and annual civil rights and program resource education.

4-H in Camas County The UI Extension, Camas County 4-H program continues to expand the shooting sports program with the support of an external grant.

This funding has helped volunteers and county staff provide safety and firearm education. Additionally, clubs are supported by offering volunteer training in parliamentary procedure, helping youth find their spark, and fostering a sense of belonging within club settings.

Training sessions guided volunteers and members in understanding 4-H record books, club structure and state policies. Resources and project materials were provided for livestock and family and consumer science clubs. Endowed intern Athea Hollibaugh joined the UI Extension office assisting with 4-H club activities. She organized and ran the 4-H Community Clean-Up Day and the Animal Husbandry Education Day. She also coordinated and taught 4-H Farm and Ranch Safety Day in collaboration with Idaho Power and College of Southern Idaho.

Her contributions extended to organizing local 4-H Teen Leaders, conducting the 4-H Cloverbud project, and assisting with 4-H Livestock Jamboree and the 4-H Fair. During her internship, she wrote one grant and researched two additional grant opportunities. Camas County Market Animal Sale Committee continues to move forward on the 4-H Barn project and has raised over $350,000 through donations.

On the Horizon In 2026, UI Extension in Camas County will continue outdoor, science and safety programs that will focus on life skills as requested by advisory groups. Extension plans to provide experiential opportunities for the 2026 endowed summer intern.

EXTENSION TRENDS: CANYON COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Canyon County • www.uidaho.edu/canyon

2025 Impact

Pasture soil health field days equipped producers with practical diagnostics such as slake tests, infiltration, and texture-by-feel along with clear guidance on fertility management, grazing timing, and soil monitoring. The expansion of the Growing Degree Day (GDD) Calculator within the PNW Pest Alert Network strengthened decision-making by improving pest and crop timing accuracy, supporting reduced pesticide use while maintaining yield and profitability.

2025 By the Numbers • 22,171 direct contacts • 13,044 youth participants • 377 volunteers • 6,405 volunteer hours • $428,089 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Canyon County: Brad McIntyre, Julie Eldredge and Maria Held.

UI Extension Educators Tasha Howard 208-459-6003 thoward@uidaho.edu

Jemila Chellappa 208-459-6003 jemila@uidaho.edu Carrie Clarich 208-459-6003 carriej@uidaho.edu

Cheyanne Myers 208-459-6003 cheyannem@uidaho.edu Brad Stokes 208-459-6003 bstokes@uidaho.edu

Master Gardeners helped build two pollinator gardens in Canyon County, one in partnership with the City of Nampa (West Park) and one at the U of I Parma Research and Extension Center. Nearly 10,000 square feet of pollinator habitat and plants were planted during 2025.

Small-acreage landowners and livestock producers were supported through hands-on, science-based education. Programs such as Living on the Land and the Pasture Clinic provided practical skills in pasture management, soil health, and sustainable land stewardship, enabling participants to apply best practices directly to their properties. Livestock education focused on beef cattle nutrition improved producers’ understanding of nutrient requirements, forage quality, and costeffective feeding strategies.

4-H in Canyon County UI Extension, Canyon County offers traditional 4-H programming as well as a series of spring and summer 4-H day camps, Short Term Enrollment Programs (STEP), in-school, afterschool programs, and community events. With over 578 youth members in 40 clubs, Canyon County 4-H is home to one of the largest 4-H community club programs in Idaho.

Youth participate in projects ranging from livestock, pets, foods and nutrition, leadership, art, shooting sports, and more. Throughout the year, 4-H Extension professionals provide outreach to in-school and afterschool programs. Enrichment programs expand opportunities and help youth explore topics and ideas they wouldn't otherwise be able to.

The Junior Master Gardener program is strong in Canyon County, with the team hosting several events at libraries and community gardens throughout the year. Activities such as edible soil profiles, soil texture-byfeel, crop identification, and pollinator crafts reinforced STEM learning.

Multispecies nutrition classes were held for youth raising market and breeding projects, strengthening their understanding of animal nutrient requirements, feed selection, and management practices that support animal health and performance. These classes helped youth make informed decisions and improve project outcomes.

On the Horizon Upcoming programming includes building on the Pest Patrol project, expanding the PNW Pest Alert Network, and expanded research-based education for agricultural professionals, youth, and communities. Pest Patrol will deliver advanced IPM training to agricultural professionals while adapting key concepts into hands-on learning modules for 4-H and community audiences. The Idaho GDD Calculator will be introduced through simplified dashboards, interactive demonstrations, and fieldbased learning to help audiences understand how temperature drives pest pressure, crop development, and management timing. Due to the success of the Pasture Clinic, UI Extension will offer multiple clinics and expand the program into a year-long educational series. Spring and fall sessions will be designed to prepare participants for the upcoming season of pasture management, reinforcing concepts and supporting continued skill development.

EXTENSION TRENDS: CARIBOU COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Caribou County • www.uidaho.edu/caribou

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 8,450 direct contacts • 257 youth participants • 23 volunteers • 1,035 volunteer hours • $107,814 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Caribou County: Kyle Wangeman, Eric Simonson, Blair Rindlibaker, Jake Osbourn, Dan Lakey, Robbie Bagley and Dale Simmons.

UI Extension Educator Justin Hatch 208-547-3205 jlhatch@uidaho.edu

UI Extension has been hosting cereal schools for generations, providing many farms with the tools they have needed to be successful over the years. Cereal grains (wheat and barley) provide a significant dollar flow into Idaho’s agricultural economy. Over the last few years, growers have had many more opportunities to receive information, making it extremely important that UI Extension programs are on point, so they don’t become irrelevant. An advisory group made up of growers and industry representatives helps ensure that programs are relevant. In 2025, the format of Cereal Schools was changed to one large event, the East Idaho Cereals Conference. Instead of spending a lot of money and time on a lot of small venues, efforts were consolidated to focus on one event. Over 300 people attended and farmers and industry representatives were thrilled with the new model.

Fifty-five attendees completed the conference evaluation and were asked to rate their knowledge level before and after the presentations. On average, participants reported that their knowledge increased by 1.1 (on a 5-point scale).

Producers were asked how much the Cereals Conference would make or save them in dollars per acre. They reported that it would profit them $12/acre. Collectively they manage 36,920 acres, bringing the total profit to $443,040.

4-H in Caribou County The fairgrounds in Grace are receiving a face lift. A picture from the 1930s of the stokyards shows that some of the same buildings at the fairgrounds still stand. A $50,000 grant was received from Ag West to revamp the show barn. The 4-H program also received $5,000 from Nutrien to continue agriculture and natural resource summer programing.

On the Horizon The UI Extension office moved into a new building in Grace, located at the Caribou County Fairgrounds. It boasts an 8,000 square foot event center that will house countless events that will benefit the community in many ways. The team is excited about all of the opportunities that will be available for Extension programs.

EXTENSION TRENDS: CASSIA COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Cassia County • www.uidaho.edu/cassia

2025 Impact

Family and consumer science programs focused on bringing essential home food preservation workshops to Spanish speaking audiences. Through this program, three classes were taught in central Idaho to 45 participants. The first half of the classes consisted of verbal instruction on basic canning practices and the steps to using a boiling water canner. The second half of the class included hands-on application where participants went through the canning process to preserve salsa. Participants in the first three classes indicated they wanted a class on jams and jellies and pressure canning. These programs are being planned for 2026.

With the assistance of 12 Master Food Safety Advisors, there were 21 pressure canner gauges tested by UI Extension in Cassia County and around 100 just in time food safety questions answered.

2025 By the Numbers • 12,157 direct contacts • 7,832 youth participants • 75 volunteers • 552 volunteer hours • $19,000 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Cassia County: Alan Branch, Amy Blauer, Cassandra Grisenti, Dixie Tate, Cassidy Whitaker, Janet Wright, Jeanne Allen, Marta Hernandez, Mike Knutz, Roxanne Beck, Sandra Miller, Trevor Stapleman, Alysann Alves, Erica Ewing, Heather Mortensen, Nancy Winmill, Scott Bail, Sharon Hardy and Tayce Robinson.

UI Extension Educators Brandon Brackenbury 208-878-9461 brandonb@uidaho.edu

Grace Wittman 208-878-9461 gwittman@uidaho.edu

UI Extension also hosted a smoking and grilling program for 10 individuals. During the second session participants were able to see a live demonstration of a brisket trimming and preparation as well as preparing a pork chop and tri tip. Overall, participants’ confidence, knowledge, and willingness to try new things while grilling and smoking increased significantly from their participation in this program.

4-H in Cassia County The UI Extension, Cassia County 4-H program had a productive and engaging year, marked by growth in both youth programming and community partnerships. The Extension team remained dedicated to providing meaningful learning opportunities through classroom instruction and Sparks Afterschool programming, ensuring that young people across the county have consistent access to highquality educational experiences. Collaborations with the Burley Public Library, College of Southern Idaho and local public schools continue to strengthen. These partnerships all Extension to expand STEM outreach and offer hands-on activities that spark curiosity, build confidence and encourage problem-solving among youth. A key priority was enhancing the soft skills that many young people need additional opportunities to develop. To support this goal, a public speaking contest was organized, featuring four categories: interviews, presentations, poster design and demonstrations. This event provided youth with a structured, supportive environment to practice communication, critical thinking and self-expression. 4-H members demonstrated outstanding participation and achievement during fair season. There continues to be strong engagement from youth and caring adult volunteers, and mentorship connections grow stronger each year. The UI Extension 4-H program remains committed to providing programs that empower youth, strengthen families and build community.

On the Horizon The UI Extension, Cassia County 4-H program will focus on offering projects in day programs for youth on Fridays as well as during the summer months. FCS program will focus on teaching jams and jellies and pressure canning classes for Spanish speaking audiences.

EXTENSION TRENDS: CLARK COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Clark County • www.uidaho.edu/clark

2025 Impact The UI Extension 4-H program in Clark County grew immensely in 2025. Day camp increased by 300% and projects displayed at the fair increased by nearly 350%. A variety of activities were offered for Clark County youth, including sewing, cooking, knitting, geology and botany.

The livestock program included market steers, swine, sheep and goats. Goats were a new addition in 2025. A successful horse show was held, resulting in three Clark County participants competing at the Eastern Idaho State Fair.

School enrichment projects such as sewing and rocketry were a new addition in the fall.

2025 By the Numbers • 398 direct contacts • 24 youth participants • 5 volunteers • 94 volunteer hours

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Clark County: Dee Anne Taylor, Jill Grover, Laurie Small, Kevin Small and Jolene Johnson.

UI Extension Educator Joseph Sagers 208-374-5405 jsagers@uidaho.edu

On the Horizon

In 2026 UI Extension, Clark County will offer food preservation classes to both 4-H members and adults. The annual Tasting Tea event will return in 2026 after an 11year hiatus. The livestock program will expand beyond only market animals and will include breeding and pet projects.

Shooting sports will also be added as an option for 4-H youth.

EXTENSION TRENDS: CLEARWATER COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Clearwater County • www.uidaho.edu/clearwater

2025 Impact

UI Extension, Clearwater County programs strengthened natural resource education, youth development and community partnerships across the region. Through the Idaho Forest Stewardship Program, UI Extension helped coordinate statewide delivery of 36 workshops and field days, including seven in Clearwater County. Evaluations show increased knowledge in forest health, insect and disease identification, and applied forest management practices. Collaboration with Idaho Department of Lands, U.S. Forest Service, conservation districts and the Idaho Forest Owners Association enhanced forestry education.

2025 By the Numbers • 20,652 direct contacts • 205 youth participants • 29 volunteers • 2,175 volunteer hours

UI Extension supported the North Central Idaho Workforce Development Day, where 374 students, plus teachers and staff, from 14 schools explored natural resource career pathways. The event featured opportunities with industry partners from across the region, and was completed in part as a senior project by Orofino High School student Owen Henderson. Advisory member John Larson, of M. John Larson Logging, served as project mentor and was crucial to making the event happen. Congressional staff, the American Logging Council, Idaho Associated Loggers Contractors and numerous other industry leaders also supported the event (pictured), further highlighting the impact that natural resources plays within the region and beyond.

• $3,000 extramural funding

4-H in Clearwater County

Our Advisory Council

In 2025, 4-H in Clearwater County served 205 youth with the support of 29 dedicated volunteers. Youth exhibitors brought 98 animal projects and 157 non-animal projects to the Clearwater County Fair. Community outreach efforts continued with a summer Extension intern, Allison Kinzer, who supported programming across multiple areas. She led STEM activities at the Farmers Market, assisted with 4-H projects, helped lead a community service project at the CL2NI 4-H Camp and supported local youth day camps and project-focused camps.

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Clearwater County: Chris Goetz, Eileen Rowan, Polly Henderson, John and Vickie Larson, Mike Reggear, Colleen Sholar, Amy Powers, Chris Gerhart and Silas Gilliam.

UI Extension Educator Audra Cochran 208-476-4434 audrac@uidaho.edu

The 62nd annual Sixth Grade Forestry Tour provided natural resource education and career exploration opportunities for all local sixth-grade students. The 4-H program in Clearwater County also contributed to a range of statewide and local programs, including Know Your Government Conference, livestock field days, 4-H robotics teams, Meats Field Day, Dairy Days, Dog Days, Farm Safety Day, ag literacy programs and additional community events. UI Extension collaborated with local agencies to expand educational opportunities for youth at activities such as CL2NI 4-H Camp, Youth Livestock Field Days, the Orofino Elementary School Health Fair and the Clearwater County Fair.

On the Horizon

UI Extension, Clearwater County will continue delivering programs in natural resources, agriculture and 4-H youth development. The Idaho Forest Stewardship Program remains a key resource, helping landowners achieve sustainable management goals. Under the direction of the Marissa Reggear, the UI Extension 4-H program will expand opportunities for youth engagement and leadership. Newly certified volunteers will lead projects in cooking, sewing, woodworking, health and more, strengthening community involvement and creating new opportunities for youth engagement within the community. In response to growing interest in growing and preserving food, UI Extension, Clearwater County's Master Food Safety Advisor will begin offering courses in food preparation and preservation. These classes will equip participants with practical skills to safely store and prepare food, supporting healthier lifestyles and self-sufficiency.

EXTENSION TRENDS: CUSTER COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Custer County • www.uidaho.edu/custer

2025 Impact Educator Sarah Baker organized and conducted educational programs on livestock production and marketing, including the importance of learning to produce cattle utilizing beef quality assurance standards. She organized and conducted BQA certification at events throughout the state as the cocoordinator of the Idaho BQA program. She collaborated on the development of educational materials for low-literacy and Spanish-speaking audiences for the state BQA program and mentored Spanish-speaking trainers during certification events for Hispanic workers at various feedlots in Idaho.

2025 By the Numbers • 5,905 direct contacts • 123 youth participants • 42 volunteers • $6,450 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Custer County.

UI Extension Educator Sarah Baker 208-879-2344 sdbaker@uidaho.edu

Baker organized and planned meat cutting demonstration classes in conjunction with an FCS educator, which led to requests for similar presentations in other counties. She conducted youth carcass contests at local county fairs for market livestock projects and coordinated activities promoting agriculture during Ag Week, including multiple presentations to elementary students to teach them about the importance of agriculture.

Baker presented at various producer meetings to educate and promote weed control projects on private and public lands to local landowners and beef producers including local water district meetings and spring grazing permittee meetings with the SNRA, BLM, USFS, and NRCS and local soil conservation districts.

4-H in Custer County Funding was secured to hire a temporary position to assist with 4-H activities during and after the Custer County Fair in 2025. Baker planned and implemented 4-H livestock programs in Custer County and increased livestock enrollment with 15 additional livestock projects from last year. Enrollment also increased in the 2nd year market poultry 4-H club and 2nd year sewing club. UI Extension organized and conducted the Custer County Fair and Sale with the assistance of the Fair Board, 4-H Leader’s Council, and 4-H & FFA Market Animal Sale (CCMAS) Committee; increased sale donations to 4-H & FFA youth by over $90,000 from 2024, and increased add-on donations to 4-H & FFA youth by over $3,400.

On the Horizon Plans for 2026 include increasing 4-H programming opportunities for youth in Custer County with the addition of 4-H staff joining the office. UI Extension will also increase educational opportunities for young ranchers in the area and highlight the importance of being involved in industry events and meetings at a younger age. Statewide plans include promoting and conducting the new Spanish speaking BQA educational training opportunities for beef producers.

EXTENSION TRENDS: ELMORE COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Elmore County • www.uidaho.edu/elmore

2025 Impact New educator Joel Haas joined the UI Extension, Elmore County office in 2025. Haas has a master’s degree from Oregon State University and a bachelor’s degree from California State, Fresno.

He previously worked in the livestock feed and animal health industries. He is getting to know the people of Elmore County as he becomes familiar with his new job duties.

2025 By the Numbers • 2,915 direct contacts • 211 youth participants • 43 volunteers • 2,107 volunteer hours • $259,208 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Elmore County.

UI Extension Educator Joel Haas 208-587-2136 jhaas@uidaho.edu

UI Extension partnered with Mountain Home Parks and Recreation for Arbor Day and 4th Grade Field Day events in 2025. The office helped the Elmore County Soil and Water District with their 9th grade field day, which included students from Glenns Ferry and Mountain Home high schools.

Additionally, UI Extension collaborated with ISDA to offer inperson Pesticide Applicator’s License Re-Certification Seminars in Elmore County.

In 2025, many individuals contacted the UI Extension office for help with various tree and lawn issues along with requests for insect and plant identification. Haas conducted numerous site visits to diagnose and suggest treatments for various tree diseases. He also collaborated with a local newspaper to produce articles about various agricultural and horticultural topics, including mitigation of Mormon crickets, fall lawn care and treating iron deficiency in popular tree species.

4-H in Elmore County UI Extension 4-H enrollment in Elmore County stays right around 210 members. Through outreach programs, 4-H curriculum was taught at three different schools, Mountain Home Air Force Base and various day camps and activities. 4-H activities at the Glenns Ferry STEAM and Literacy Nights are always popular. The 4-H At Home Club and Cloverbud Activity days are also well attended.

Archery remains the largest shooting sport project in Elmore County. Swine numbers have decreased, but sheep, goat and beef enrollment has increased. There has also been an increase in small animal market projects, like market broilers and turkeys, as families in urban areas realize they can participate in 4-H Livestock Sale with these species with minimal land and startup investment. A total of 195 youth exhibitors showed in 34 different project areas with 819 fair entries and the Livestock Sale proceeds once again reached record levels.

On the Horizon Master Gardener classes will be offered starting in January 2026. Haas is also planning a Beef School aimed at providing local beef cattle producers with research based information on enhancing production practices. Plans are underway to collaborate with the King Hill Grange in offering an Arbor Day event in Glenns Ferry. Outreach activities to the communities of Pine and Featherville have been planned, including a possible Earth Day tree seedling distribution.

EXTENSION TRENDS: FORT HALL RESERVATION University of Idaho Extension, Fort Hall Reservation • www.uidaho.edu/fort-hall-reservation

2025 Impact Educator Danielle Gunn led the Fort Hall Bull Grading Committee, evaluating 157 bulls with a 99.4% pass rate, reflecting full adoption of improved selection practices. Nearly 60% received A or A- grades, a 5% increase from 2024, showing continued genetic improvement and lower bull replacement costs. Gunn also managed the Trichomoniasis program for 50 producers and 8,000 cattle. Through education and strict testing, Fort Hall recorded zero positive cases from 2023–2025.

To strengthen beef production, Gunn organized a hands-on beef school for beef producers focused on calf survival and marketing. Participants gained practical skills in calf care and sales strategies, leading to improved calf survival and stronger ranch profits.

2025 By the Numbers • 2,142 direct contacts • 1,173 youth participants • 27 volunteers • 735 volunteer hours

In partnership with the Fort Hall Land Use Policy Commission and Agricultural Resource Management Program, Gunn led weed control initiatives, including adoption of a new tribal weed plan, a community weed removal event, and treatment of 300 infested acres. She also launched a biological control project for rush skeletonweed and coordinated a 150,000-acre Mormon cricket control program that protected 200,000 acres of rangeland. Additionally, Gunn led a gardening program, resulting in new horticultural skills, greater adoption of home gardening, and improved household food security.

• $118,162 extramural funding

Fort Hall Reservation 4-H

Our Advisory Council

In partnership with tribal colleague Nola Cates, Gunn helped deliver a strong and engaging 4-H program that reached youth across multiple schools and community settings. Together, they provided a wide range of learning opportunities, including 28 Tribal Youth in Agriculture classes, seasonal programs and summer activities that inspired local youth to explore agriculture, leadership and community involvement.

Youth participation and project completion remained high, with many showcasing their work at both county and state fairs. Several tribal members successfully completed livestock projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience in animal care and project management. Youth and volunteers also took part in 4-H camp, where tribal youth served as teen counselors and community adults supported camp activities and livestock programs. Participants consistently reported growth in key life skills such as leadership, responsibility and teamwork – reflecting the program’s continued success in empowering young people and strengthening community connections through 4-H.

Special thanks to our volunteers who help develop programming and disseminate the work we do for UI Extension, Fort Hall Reservation through our five advisory boards in beef, range, general agriculture, horticulture and 4-H/youth development.

UI Extension Educator Danielle Gunn 208-236-1046 dgunn@uidaho.edu

On the Horizon In partnership with the tribal Agricultural Resource Management Program and John Franson of Wilbur Ellis, Educator Danielle Gunn launched a demonstration project on downy brome control on tribal rangeland. Approximately 1.55 acres were treated with seven plots alongside controls. Project goals include improving range health, native vegetation restoration and wildfire risk reduction. Measurable results will be available in 2026.

EXTENSION TRENDS: FRANKLIN COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Franklin County • www.uidaho.edu/franklin

2025 Impact

Educator Laura Sant is the state contact for Ready, Set, Food Safe –a high school foodservice and food safety program. If students achieve an 80% or higher on the certification exam, they receive an Idaho Food Handler’s Certificate which is good for five years. She filled out and distributed 2,041 food handler’s certificates throughout the reporting year.

Sant taught two 6-week sessions of Preserve@Home with Extension educators from Idaho and Wyoming. Thirty-one (94%) of 33 participants who completed the class had a grade of 70% or better showing increased knowledge of safe home food preservation practices. Twenty post surveys were collected with an average of 67% learning and 99% planning to do research-based food preservation skills/behaviors.

2025 By the Numbers • 1,292 direct contacts • 456 youth participants • 65 volunteers • 400 volunteer hours • $125,000 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Franklin County: Kory Kay, Trevor Jensen, Zac Stewart, Cami Fellows, Stevie Emerson, Roxy Devries and Kelly Adams.

UI Extension Educators Bracken Henderson 208-852-1097 brackenh@uidaho.edu

Laura Sant 208-852-1097 lsant@uidaho.edu

Sant cotaught two classes with 118 fourth and fifth grade students at Harold B. Lee Elementary in a 30-minute tobacco and vaping prevention lesson to inform about the dangers of tobacco and vaping and prevent children from starting. One hundred pre-and post-surveys about the effectiveness of the program were returned.

Students indicated increased knowledge on health risks, addiction and secondhand and thirdhand smoke. More students reported increased confidence in avoiding nicotine products in the future.

4-H in Franklin County The UI Extension, Frankling County 4-H program had 65 volunteers and 456 4-H members enrolled in 1,266 projects in 2025, completing 1,159 (92%) projects. Sant taught/cotaught six clubs/day camps (17 classes) and assisted in three school enrichment programs (13 classes) and one district sewing volunteer training workshop. She helped to plan and conduct Alpine 4-H Camp for Bear Lake, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida and Power counties and assisted with planning and presenting 4-H projects, contests and activities at the Franklin County Fair and Eastern Idaho State Fair.

On the Horizon Sant will continue to offer in-person and online health, nutrition, food safety and preservation instruction, including stress management and mental health education.

EXTENSION TRENDS: FREMONT COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Fremont County • www.uidaho.edu/fremont

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 12,159 direct contacts • 307 youth participants • 32 volunteers • 256 volunteer hours • $2,357,165 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Fremont County: Rebecca Anderson, Kim Crain, Weston Crapo, Kenny Dalling, Blair Dance, Nate Froelich, Brody Harshbarger, Rick Hill, Jamie Little, Sam Lusk, Brian Miller, Corbett Peebles, Laura Pickard, Andrew Schauerhamer, Morgan Schauerhamer, Frank Tavarez, Irene Tavarez and Clint Washburn.

UI Extension Educator Tom Jacobsen 208-624-3102 tjacobsen@uidaho.edu

UI Extension, Fremont County delivered high-impact, community-centered programs that reached 12,159 direct contacts across agriculture, youth development and community education in 2025. Extension held field trials on lime applications, barley and wheat management, and non-dormant alfalfa, providing producers with research-based tools to improve soil health, yields, and management decisions. More than 75 classes, workshops, and presentations –including pesticide applicator trainings, gardening classes, and greenhouse and noxious weed webinars –equipped residents with practical, applicable skills. Youth programs remained a cornerstone, engaging 307 youth through 4-H camps, livestock shows, leadership events, the county fair and state competitions. Extension also supported 32 volunteers, whose service expanded program capacity and enriched learning opportunities for youth and adults. Innovative STEM education continued through the AgXRP robotics program, blending agriculture, engineering and coding to support teachers and students. Master Gardener programming, including the regional convention, elevated horticulture knowledge for gardeners, educators and professionals across eastern Idaho.

4-H in Fremont County The UI Extension, Fremont County 4-H program delivered hands-on learning and community engagement opportunities. A total of 307 youth participated in clubs, camps, leadership programs, and fair activities, gaining skills in agriculture, STEM, citizenship, and personal responsibility. A major highlight was Alpine 4-H Camp, where 63 youth were immersed in outdoor learning, leadership activities, and team-building experiences. Members excelled at the Fremont County Fair and Eastern Idaho State Fair, exhibiting livestock and participating in horse, dog, rabbit and small animal projects. Leadership development thrived through the State Leadership Convention, Parliamentary Procedure and Conduct of Meetings LDEs, Horse Bowl, and countywide activities. Youth gained confidence and strengthened communication and teamwork skills while representing Fremont County at regional and state events. Thirty-two dedicated volunteers provided essential mentorship, club leadership and event support, making these achievements possible.

On the Horizon New and upcoming programs will strengthen UI Extension’s impact in Fremont County. A major highlight is the AgXRP Robotics program, which will be piloted in high schools across Idaho. This statewide rollout will give students hands-on experience with agricultural robotics, engineering design, programming and problem-solving. An AgXRP curriculum is being developed, including modules on soils, engineering, programming, cybersecurity, and applied agricultural science. The next phase of the precipitated calcium carbonate soil pH remediation study will commence, along with ongoing trials on alfalfa varieties, herbicide interactions and soil health. These projects provide producers with data-driven recommendations to strengthen management decisions. Outreach will be expanded through the new Green Thumb Community Gardening classes, offered every month throughout Fremont County. These classes will provide residents with practical, seasonally relevant gardening skills –from soil preparation and pruning to pest management and greenhouse care. Youth and community programs will continue to grow through enhanced workshops, leadership events and hands-on learning opportunities. Together, these initiatives represent a year of innovation, strengthened partnerships and exciting statewide impact.

EXTENSION TRENDS: GEM/BOISE COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Gem and Boise County • www.uidaho.edu/gem

2025 Impact In 2025, two in-person small acreage-focused events were held in Gem County for the first time in 8 years. These two events, a Cultivating Success Whole Farm Planning Course and a Pasture Management Field Tour, resulted in 33 attendees. Participants from both programs reported increased knowledge. One couple in particular attended both events as a result of a site visit and has stayed in contact with UI Extension faculty and programs throughout the year because of the good experience and knowledge they received.

2025 By the Numbers • 12,831 direct contacts • 695 youth participants • 72 volunteers • 2,840 volunteer hours

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Gem and Boise counties.

UI Extension Educator Rebecca Mills 208-365-6363 rmills@uidaho.edu

4-H in Gem/Boise County A highlight of the UI Extension 4-H program in Gem and Boise counties was the expansion of the 4-H archery project. In 2024, two new volunteers were trained in the archery discipline, bringing the number of volunteers up to five. In 2024-2025, youth membership increased from 10 to 31 youth. The clubs utilized endowment funds to cover the cost of renting a shooting range for club meetings and for the first time there was an archery shooting contest held at the 2025 Gem-Boise County Fair.

On the Horizon Two staff members left in 2025, and the positions were refilled. With new staff comes new energy and excitement.

UI Extension will begin a project interview event in July reminiscent of the record book interviews that were held pre-COVID but with a new twist. This effort is at the request of 4-H volunteers and parents who see the value of teaching interview skills to youth. A committee is working to rebuild the public speaking contest and hopes to see it grow again in 2026.

EXTENSION TRENDS: GOODING COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Gooding County • www.uidaho.edu/gooding

2025 Impact

The 2025 Waste to Worth national conference was held in Boise with the sponsorship of the Idaho Sustainable Initiative for Dairy (ISAID) grant and agricultural sector companies. Hosted by the Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community (LPELC) and the University of Idaho, this conference brought together national experts on agricultural waste and resource management. Graduate students from Idaho and the nation interacted with scientists, producers and allied industry, presenting the latest advances in manure and agricultural environmental resources management.

Three conference tours showcased Idaho’s agriculture and water management to conference attendees. In addition to continuing with the local ISAID studies, a graduate student defended his M.S. thesis on cover crops and corn silage and their relationship to nutrient management.

2025 By the Numbers • 14,242 direct contacts • 1,214 youth participants • 37 volunteers • 2,870 volunteer hours • $372,282 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Gooding County: Annie Burke, Bryce Chambers, Dinah Reaney, Jason Joung, Jesse Deelstra, John W. Wright, Kristy Hall, Laura Hooper, Mark Bolduc, Pete Deelstra and Ron Buhler.

UI Extension Educators Mario de Haro Martí 208-934-4417 mdeharo@uidaho.edu

Cindy Kinder 208-934-4417 ckinder@uidaho.edu

Youth development programs during the year included the Teen Mentor and 4-H Summer Camp Counselor program, which provided courses in science, leadership and camp counseling. A Goat Clinic and workshop by UI Extension personnel and 4-H teen volunteers offered classes on goat production and management for students from the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind.

Also, with the help of teen volunteers, an Ag Safety Day was conducted in conjunction with the St. Luke’s Hospital Safety Day. UI Extension, Gooding County also offers presentations on dairy workers’ agricultural safety, occupational health, and farm biosecurity. The reach and impact of these presentations are increasing through a partnership with Dairy West.

4-H in Gooding County The UI Extension 4-H program in Gooding County involved 33 volunteers who managed 17 organized clubs with 218 youth club members. The 2025 Gooding County Fair served as the platform for the presentation of 324 projects in the areas of leadership, shooting sports, family and consumer science and large and small animals. In addition to club activities, youth participated in countywide outreach programs, including the spring break program of baking, cake-decorating and FCS/STEM workshops. Youth also excelled beyond the county level, with multiple teams competing at district, state and national contests. Two members attended the National Dairy Conference; three teams competed in livestock judging, with one qualifying for nationals; two teams competed in the Livestock Skill-a-thon at state, with one advancing to nationals resulting in a 3rd place in team evaluation, 10th place in team identification, 7th place in team quality assurance, 7th place for overall team and one member placed 16th high individual; teams competing in the state shooting sports contest earned 4th in compound: 3-D, 2nd in FITA and Overall, 5th in Trap, 4th in Skeet and 5th Overall. Gooding County hosted the Idaho Livestock Quiz Bowl in 2025 and supported the state team’s preparation for nationals by coordinating three educational sessions.

On the Horizon Research and Extension programs related to the long-term ISAID grant continue to generate data to develop solutions for Idaho dairy and crop producers. The U of I partnership with Dairy West includes a program on training dairy workers to respond to emergencies in the workplace, allowing them to effectively act until emergency crews arrive onsite. The 4-H/Youth educator is focused on creating curriculum and resources to help youth members, volunteer leaders and other clientele expand science, leadership and animal management skills and experiences.

In addition to club work with volunteers and the Gooding County Fair, the 4-H coordinator is expanding community reach with 4-H based curricula through spring break activities and partnerships with libraries, afterschool programs and other community-based institutions and volunteers.

EXTENSION TRENDS: IDAHO COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Idaho County • www.uidaho.edu/idaho

2025 Impact Educator Meranda Small organized and hosted regional Beef Schools in Lewiston, Cottonwood, and Sandpoint, focusing on beef cattle genetics, reproduction tools, and calving management. Beef Quality Assurance Training and Certification was provided at a small farms event. The Young Cattle Producers Conference completed its 9th year with 18 producers attending. Small continues to serve as an Idaho Beef Quality Assurance state coordinator in partnership with the Idaho Beef Council.

Pre-breeding exams and forage sampling information was offered as part of the Beef 101: Pacific Northwest Beginning Rancher Program grant during its second phase. Small is also a co-PI on a Western Extension Risk Management grant, Mitigating Risks Towards a Secure Beef Supply in Western States, serving as the lead for Idaho.

2025 By the Numbers • 18,341 direct contacts • 1,373 youth participants • 144 volunteers • 6,640 volunteer hours • $33,385 extramural funding

Our Advisory Councils Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Idaho County: Helen Rowland, Gary Crea, Tia Schumacher, James Boggan, Julia McCarthy, Sarah Park, Rick Turner, Ron Van Buren, Casey Cochran, Tesse Pineda, Heather Kestner, Leslie McIntire, Abby Jones, Katrena Hauger, Andrea Solberg, Dustin Elliot, Eve McColloch, Lance McColloch, Kristi Brooks and Teri Wassmuth.

UI Extension Educators Kirstin Jensen 208-983-2667 kdjensen@uidaho.edu

Meranda Small 208-983-2667 msmall@uidaho.edu

Educator Kirstin Jensen partnered with her co-author of Five for Five – 5 Minutes to Better Health to present at the Joint Innovation and Cooperative Extension Meeting to leaders from across the nation.

Partnerships continued with FCS faculty from five different universities and local school districts to offer curriculum trainings and update the Eat Smart Idaho website. Five for Five received the UI Extension Excellence in Extension Award, the IEAFCS Educational Curriculum Package Award, and the NEAFCS 3rd place national and 1st place Western Regional awards. Jensen received $132,584 in external donations/grants to plan and conduct Dementia Friends informational sessions and eight healthy lifestyle events for PICH Extreme Adventure Club reaching 235 youth participants. Her walking program continues to thrive reaching 280 participants throughout Idaho County. She serves as the lead for the Western Regional Family & Consumer Sciences Physical Activity Collaborator.

4-H in Idaho County UI Extension in Idaho County oversees 17 4-H clubs and at least one club in each of the county’s seven communities. Over 425 youth participated in clubs in 2025 with almost 100 adult volunteers leading the way. The 4-H Ambassador program is a group for teens in 9-12 grade. Teens are selected each fall to participate in monthly meetings to develop leadership, public speaking and organizational skills. Ten teens participated in 2025. In addition to overnight camp, two separate day camps were offered. Sewing Day and 4-H Day Camp are free of charge with all materials provided. Older 4-H youth were invited to attend an Etiquette Dinner. The Farm and Forest Fair was offered to area schools to promote the importance of natural resources. Eleven schools attended with a total of 280 students. This program was replicated for the first time in the Lewiston Valley, reaching an additional 270 youth from the surrounding area. Following completion of the county fair, youth were invited to attend the 4-H Meats Field Day and participate in a carcass judging contest where they learned about carcass criteria reflective of the industry and then evaluated several classes, watched a cutting demonstration, and sampled products from various livestock species.

On the Horizon Beef Quality Assurance Continuing Education Credits are now being offered. The third phase of Beef 101: Pacific Northwest Beginning Rancher Program will be offered in 2026. Idaho Young Cattle Producers will hold its 10th offering.

EXTENSION TRENDS: JEFFERSON COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Jefferson County • www.uidaho.edu/jefferson

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 14,893 direct contacts • 630 youth participants • 90 volunteers • 1,352 volunteer hours • $5,200 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Jefferson County: Alan Clark, Holly Farnsworth, Gabriel Arteaga, Amber Harris, Tamar Lass, Kristin Laux, Donna Young, Ray Young, Timalee Geisler, Brittany Fielding, Doris Mortimer, Jana Hamilton, Parker Cook, Melanie Hathaway, Melanie Martinez, Sam Springer, Maria Martinez, Orange Warner and Lindsey Anderson.

UI Extension Educators Joseph Sagers 208-745-6685 jsagers@uidaho.edu

Deanna Poulsen 208-745-6685 dpoulsen@uidaho.edu

Joseph Sagers emphasized pest management in 2025, conducting multiple presentations on vole control options and alternative methods to controlling vole, and delivered agricultural safety information in Spanish, presenting “A Guide to Digging Safely" at the Idaho Potato Conference. Newsletters were used to advise on topics like spring pruning, pasture readiness and preventing nitrate poisoning. Livestock was highlighted by focusing on quality assurance, including several sessions of beef quality assurance training and plant physiology at the Lost Rivers Grazing Academy to enhance grazing management. Scholarly output included two published refereed journal articles, which analyzed the effects of harvesting forage barley and oats on yield, quality and economic returns. Scholarly posters concerning topics such as liming for improved nutrient utilization and the impact of tillage/fertility in rotation systems were also presented in 2025.

Deanna Poulsen focused on the Master Food Safety Advisor program and hands-on food preservation classes. The sewing workshop was well attended and as a result, many projects stemming from the workshop were on display. A poster presentation on facilitating a sewing workshop was showcased at NAE4-HYDP. Newsletters and social media posts focused on nutrition, safe food handling and program marketing including youth financial literacy, Dementia Friends and Fitness Made Simple.

4-H in Jefferson County

4-H programming was offered at eight elementary schools in the county educating on nutrition, hand washing, STEM/craft projects and pioneer days. STEM classes were also offered in two middle schools. About 100 youth participate in the shooting sports program and utilize a public rifle range. The shooting range staff are always impressed with the youth, parents and volunteers on how they conduct themselves when using their facility. The livestock program continues to grow. Three different livestock judging teams traveled nationally, representing Idaho and performing well.

Clothing construction day camps are popular, and projects are enthusiastically showcased in the Style Revue at the county fair.

On the Horizon

In addition to the many classes and workshops offered for agricultural producers, UI Extension is involved in grain research that will continue through 2026.

The Master Food Safety Advisor program is gaining traction amongst those in the geographical area, expanding in 2026 with nine registered participants. The Eastern District Sewing Workshop was met with excitement and 12 adult participants (youth 4-H leaders) from various counties attended. UI Extension plans to offer the workshop again in 2026. Poulsen will also be involved in the re-writing of the Master Food Safety Advisor handbook, specifically chapters on canning (pickles, tomatoes and salsas), fruit spreads, cold storage, emergency preparedness and aids for outreach.

EXTENSION TRENDS: JEROME COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Jerome County • www.uidaho.edu/jerome

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 3,525 direct contacts • 949 youth participants • 47 volunteers • 5,170 volunteer hours • $10,112 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Jerome County: Jim and Diane Meeks, Oscar Martinez, Jose Martinez, Doug Huettig, Roger Wells, Kyonna Rue, Donna Griffith, Ron Taylor, Makinzie Searle, Lydia Jackson, Mike Knutz, Eddee Gallegos, Charlie Howell, Ben Crouch, Art Wakins, Gary and Becky Warr, Brady and Tianna Fife, Kim Lickley, Janett Prescott and Eddie Reyes.

UI Extension Educators Steven Hines 208-324-7578 shines@uidaho.edu

Educator Steven Hines continued his work integrating cover crops into irrigated cropping systems in the Magic Valley. He completed a demonstration study comparing drilling and broadcast methods of planting cover crops into corn grown for silage. This research will help farmers integrate cover crops without having to purchase additional equipment.

Hines also partnered with the Twin Falls and Snake River Soil and Water Conservation Districts to develop a cover crop demonstration. A field day was held to highlight this work with 69 people in attendance. Wind erosion is one of the biggest issues facing farmers in the Magic Valley. Planting cover crops can help reduce soil loss and improve other soil factors such as increased water absorption, holding winter snow and improving soil health.

Educator Gretchen Manker and colleagues presented Preserve the Abundance/Preservando Con Propósito La Abundancia community canning classes. Based on work in 2022, the need for bilingual food preservation classes and publications in Spanish was evident due to the high attendance of Spanish speaking participants. In 2025, 45 people attended bilingual boiling water canning classes with a lab. Participants indicated that they not only want pressure canning classes, but also the addition of jams and jelly classes. Due to this interest, the FCS team will offer six additional bilingual home food preservation classes in the Magic Valley. Manker provided classes to students in the Bridge Life Skills course at the Idaho Educational School for the Deaf and the Blind in Gooding. She also partners with the City of Jerome to provide yearly nutrition and food safety updates to city employees. This year's topics included promoting the benefits of menu planning and the essential health benefits of dietary fiber.

4-H in Jerome County The UI Extension 4-H program welcomed 25 new families and nine new leaders in 2025. During the summer, 60 youth participated in six STEAM focused day camps. Three three-day camps were held during spring break, reaching 26 youth with topics about dinosaurs, rockets and healthy living.

A leathercraft workshop was offered, with nine participants. This workshop series continues to grow each year. Funding provided by the Jerome County Commissioners allowed UI Extension to hire a summer intern to help with fair prep and youth programming. UI Extension also partnered with the Boys and Girls Club in Jerome to implement a 4-H Special Interest (SPIN) club, provide 4-H STEAM activities and facilitate a 4-H cooking club, with financial support from the St. Luke’s Health System. The Dino’s 4-H Club had 12 4th and 5th grade members who participated in all aspects of belonging to and running a 4-H club. They followed parliamentary procedure, elected officers, established a club name, voted on club activities, completed a community service project, and displayed their projects at the Jerome County Fair.

On the Horizon Gretchen Manker 208-324-7578 gretchenm@uidaho.edu

Hines will continue his work in cover crop integration. A demonstration was previously conducted to assess growing corn for silage on wider rows. A few farmers have considered adopting the practice but have asked for guidance on the ideal plant population. A demonstration study will be conducted to assess various plant populations to help answer that question. Additionally, Hines and a team of educators are planning a small acreage class. The 4-H program will provide the leathercraft workshop series again with more youth interest. Spring and summer day camps will be provided for youth, and a Winter Carnival event will be held for the community to learn about 4-H and play some carnival games.

EXTENSION TRENDS: KOOTENAI COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Kootenai County • www.uidaho.edu/kootenai

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 21,506 direct contacts • 14,786 youth participants • 278 volunteers • 6,504 volunteer hours • $184,555 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to agency partners, program participants and volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Kootenai County.

UI Extension Educators Shelly Johnson 208-292-2525 sjohnson@uidaho.edu

Teresa Balderrama 208-292-2525 teresagb@uidaho.edu

Chris Schnepf 208-292-2525 cschnepf@uidaho.edu

Cyrus Vore 208-292-2525 cyrusvore@uidaho.edu

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) programming in Kootenai County focuses on nutrition, wellness, and obesity prevention through education, strategies, and environmental change. Eat Smart Idaho works to improve access to healthier foods and physical activity opportunities for low-income families. Programming includes direct education and policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies centered on school cafeterias, healthy food pantries and drives, novel food exposure, physical activity, and positive role models. In 2025, FCS programs reached 14,070 youth and adults across Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls School Districts, Boys & Girls Clubs, Head Start centers, transitional housing sites, and emergency food assistance locations. Eat Smart Idaho focuses on layered programming by combining multiple education and experience factors for the greatest impact. In summer 2025, programming at Northwest Expedition Academy and Winton Elementary layered seven weeks of nutrition education with PSE enhancements, including Healthy Harvest (fruit and vegetable exposure), Roving Chef (hands-on cooking with the district chef), and Soccer for Success (promoting physical activity and teamwork). A positive role model project reinforced healthy habits through mentorship, while art integration activities strengthened learning through creativity.

The Soccer for Success program was offered for the third year, expanding to Northwest Expedition Academy, Winton, and Ponderosa Elementaries in the Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls school districts. Funding was secured for three lead coach/mentors and two support coach/ mentors, who facilitated sessions featuring multiple skill-development stations designed to build confidence, coordination, and enjoyment of physical activity. Each participant received take-home soccer equipment allowing them to continue practicing at home. A defining feature of the 2025 program was the intentional integration of role models. Each week, college interns developed youth-centered stories highlighting professional athletes known for their resilience, discipline, and positive character. Athlete stories illustrated themes of teamwork, perseverance, healthy habits, and leadership, helping youth connect real examples of success with values they could apply in their own lives. Youth also benefited from visits by local role models, including college athletes from the area who shared personal stories of grit, determination, and balancing academics with athletics. Soccer for Success reached 137 youth with improvements in wellness behaviors and increased activity levels.

The Idaho Master Gardener program in Kootenai County provides horticulture education and supports horticulture-based volunteer

development throughout the community. In 2025, 22 Master Gardener volunteers dedicated a total of 2,544 hours serving Kootenai County residents through the Q&A hotline, Plant Clinic, demonstration garden, and educational classes. These efforts focused on resilient landscapes, efficient and clean water use, increasing property value, and fostering a healthy relationship with nature and the community. Master Gardener services offer free or low-cost educational opportunities, including easy, do-it-yourself guidance on growing food, supporting the soil food web, and building practical horticulture skills. Volunteers also operate a free diagnostic service to assist residents with insect identification, plant disease diagnosis, and plant selection questions. In 2025, the Plant Clinic served 517 clients, while 529 community members participated in educational classes. Hands-on labs were also offered to strengthen diagnostic skills and enhance the Master Gardener learning experience.

projects were completed across agriculture, STEM, and art fields. A total of 53 community-sponsored project awards were given to youth and leaders alike. One local youth was elected by a panel to a top leadership position in the Know Your Government program. The 4-H STEM program hosted 109 classes attended by 3,534 youth. STEM topics are presented to youth through real world projects and creative problem solving. Youth experience STEM concepts while building, experimenting, coding, designing, testing, and improving ideas in a fun supportive environment with adult mentors. The digital media program produced 34 videos and teens learned how to use video equipment to live stream several 4-H events. The videos produced were viewed 7,692 times and gave teens the opportunity to engage in public speaking, graphic design, and marketing skills.

On the Horizon

A total of 218 forest owners, loggers and professional foresters attended UI Extension forestry programs held in Kootenai County. Fifteen Kootenai County forest owners are currently certified UI Extension volunteers with the Idaho Master Forest Stewards, who provided over 750 hours of volunteer service to 1,867 forest owners and others in northern Idaho counties.

4-H in Kootenai County The UI Extension 4-H program works year-round to spread education surrounding agriculture, STEM, and creative arts. During the 10-day North Idaho State Fair in 2025, UI Extension reached 169,152 guests through the project barn, livestock buildings and youth walking the grounds. Outside of fair season, the 4-H program is active in local schools, shows, parades and other events and locations to spread education and bring more youth into the program. The 4-H STEM program serves youth of all ages and experience levels, from beginners discovering STEM for the first time to teens preparing for college and careers. The goal isn’t just to create future scientists or engineers, but to empower young people with life skills to succeed in any path they choose.

With 474 youth participants, 109 adult volunteers, and a new program coordinator, the learning opportunities were plentiful for youth in 2025. Despite only having a coordinator for six months, the 4-H program flourished with achievements. One youth member received the 2025 Idaho Cattle Association Superior Beef Award, while another competed at the national level in Horse Bowl and Hippology at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress Youth Contests.

Four others took the top five spots at the inaugural Idaho State Buckle Up Shoot and 16 more went on to compete at the 2025 Idaho State Shooting Sports Contest where a handful more qualified for the 2025 National Shooting Sports Contest in Nebraska. Throughout the year, 853

The need for emergency food assistance continues to grow in Kootenai County as more families face food insecurity and uncertainty around SNAP benefits. Second Harvest addresses this need through its Mobile Market program, which delivers free, healthy groceries to individuals in local communities. Extension Educator Shelly Johnson spearheaded a partnership with Second Harvest, the Coeur d’Alene School District, and Venture High School to host four Mobile Markets in 2025. These events increased food access and engaged high school students and sports teams in meaningful community service. Students assisted with event operations, greeted families, and helped load groceries using a safe, drive-through model. In addition to food distribution, Eat Smart Idaho provided simple, healthy recipes to support nutritious meal preparation using the foods received. As a result, 1,024 families received groceries, more than 50,000 meals were distributed, and 135 volunteers contributed 4,111 service hours. Building on this success, Johnson has secured five additional Mobile Market events for 2026.

UI Extension has acquired a "STEM bus" which will provide a mobile classroom for youth and partnerships are being formed with local schools for the AgRobotics program.

The 4-H program will also rejuvenate the County Oral Presentation competition in 2026. Plans include creating better incentives through community sponsorships, opening the contest for public participation, securing judges from the community, and moving forward with the creation of District Oral Presentations to encourage competitiveness for all youth participants. The 4-H program will also put an emphasis on trying out of the box methods to involve the community more. Ideas include 4-H fun runs, movie nights at the fairgrounds, community dinners, and many others that will drum up interest in the program.

EXTENSION TRENDS: LATAH COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Latah County • www.uidaho.edu/latah

2025 Impact Forty-eight financial learning events created core memories for 991 elementary students aged 5-12 who participated in creative activities and real-world scenarios that fostered a deeper understanding of financial concepts. A 52-week declutter challenge reached 74 participants that send monthly check-ins and have donated more the $91,050 worth of items.

For the second year, the Money Mentor program was offered to university students and community members. Learning activities were offered at the Latah County Winter Market and Earth Day in the Park. Also offered was the sixth annual Our Financial Conference which brought together more than 200 participants to meet local financial businesses.

• $361,539 extramural funding

USDA funded the Providing Educational Agriculture to Rural Schools program (PEARS), which provided a weekly fruit or vegetable snack to 610 students for 12 weeks with accompanying educational materials. The Tuesday Market had $40,658 in total vendor sales. One-to-one support was given to 25 small acreage farmers and gardeners on their soil and other facets of their operations and gardens. The Idaho Victory Garden series was offered in lieu of the Master Gardener program, in collaboration with five adjacent counties teaching basic gardening. The 36 certified Master Gardeners continued to help the community with gardening questions through the Plant Clinic and local markets. The Moscow Middle School Earth Club continued to plant and maintain four raised bed gardens and participated in Cooking from the Garden activities.

Our Advisory Council

4-H in Latah County

Special thanks to our volunteers who inform the work we do for UI Extension in Latah County: Rebecca Millstein, Annette Bridges, Jolena Owen, Kim Fien, Crystal Grayburn, Michelle Reynolds, Nancy Richmond, Joe Stanley, Anita Falen, Sharon Moore, Jennifer Wallace, BJ Swanson, Kim Vogel, Erika Odenborg and Jenny Ford.

UI Extension 4-H reached 321 youth and 50 volunteers with the completion of 391 projects. Leaders hosted county-wide project meetings for swine, rabbit and beef projects, as well as Cloverbud Activity Nights (ages 5-7).

Throughout the summer, two 4-H interns hosted 14 workshops related to local agriculture and nutrition in Troy and Genesee. At the Latah County Fair, 85 general projects were displayed, and 325 4-H animals were shown.

2025 By the Numbers • 12,351 direct contacts • 2,192 youth participants • 282 volunteers • 3,845 volunteer hours

UI Extension Educators Iris Mayes 208-883-2267 imayes@uidaho.edu

Karen Richel 208-883-2241 krichel@uidaho.edu

Jessie Van Buren 208-883-2289 jvanburen@uidaho.edu

On the Horizon Real-world, creative activities for elementary, middle and high school students are scheduled for the spring semester. The Money Mastery Mentor program will continue through the spring, bringing with it new, trained volunteers for financial programming taking place throughout the year. The seventh annual Our Financial Conference will bring a new collection of speakers, sponsors and timely financial information to the community.

The Tuesday Market outreach and advertising campaign will move into its fourth and final year. Farm and garden classes will continue. The Idaho Master Gardener certification course will be offered in 2026. Current Master Gardeners will continue to run the Plant Clinic, table at the Farmers Market and assist gardeners in the community. The PEARS project will continue in 2026 connecting local agricultural products to students in Troy and Genesee.

Youth Livestock Field Days will feature swine, beef and sheep/goat days. New volunteers are becoming certified to lead projects related to photography, horses, llamas, turkeys and livestock. Teen leadership opportunities will continue to include Livestock Ambassadors, Know Your Government, Camp Counselors and State Teen Association Convention. A second round of summer programming related to local agriculture will be offered in Troy and Genesee in 2026.

EXTENSION TRENDS: LEMHI COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Lemhi County • www.uidaho.edu/lemhi

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 13,090 direct contacts • 2,342 youth participants • 77 volunteers • 1,321 volunteer hours • $13,090 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to volunteers who inform the work we do for UI Extension in Lemhi County: Lynn Bowerman, Bobbi Eby, Kim Caywood, Mike Kossler, Leah Madsen, Frances Mueller, Tori Oneal, Kevin Ramsey, Kate Yeater, Jake Zollinger, Curtis Beyeler, Kaelie Pena, Suzy Avey, Jeff Burch, Amy Fealko, Kim Murphy, Amber Pace, Jill Patton, Maggie Seaberg, Caleb and Brittany Wallace, Tom and Carrie Whitson, Ruth Young Brigham Peters, Erin Barrett, Merrill Beyeler, Kim Browne, Katie and Keelan Cooper, Sherry Elrod, Paul Fisher, Melody Kauer, Shane Matson, Sherri Miller, Myriam and Lisa Mualem, Bruce Mulkey, Ed Palmer, Rosana Reith, Marnie Spencer, Jeff and Marii Stratter, Shawna Troughton and Charli Williams.

UI Extension Educators Shannon Williams 208-742-1696 shannonw@uidaho.edu

Katie McFarland 208-742-1698 khoffman@uidaho.edu

A number of Extension educators from Idaho attended a 2024 train-the-trainer event on ranch succession planning offered by Utah State Extension after client surveys indicated a need for succession workshops. Educator Shannon Williams teamed up with David Callister from Butte County, Steve Hines from Jerome County and Charli Williams from the Lemhi Regional Land Trust to hold two workshops in 2024, one in April and another in November.

Participants completed a survey eight months after the April workshop and two months after the November class. When asked to list three things most valuable to them about the workshop, understanding personalities ranked first and how to start the conversation was second. Of those completing the survey, 63% responded that they had started the conversation about succession with their family. They had also formed a vision for the ranch and gathered documents and visited with a professional.

4-H in Lemhi County The UI Extension, Lemhi County 4-H program hosts a Super Meeting each summer. In 2025, 40 youth participated in the event where members rotate through a variety of fun, educational stations designed to spark curiosity and build practical skills. This day brings together volunteers, leaders, and youth for a blend of creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning. Participants learned the Danish ribbon system, how piglets are born, what the numbers on animal tags mean and what ear notches mean. They also learned about vaccines from a local veterinarian and what kinds of feed are best to meet the goals for their animals. Each session was led by knowledgeable volunteers. The fast-paced atmosphere keeps youth engaged while giving them the opportunity to try new activities they may not encounter in their regular projects.

The Super Meeting has become a favorite summertime tradition, offering youth a chance to learn, build confidence, meet new friends and discover new interests. By the end of the day, participants walk away with new skills, memorable experiences and a deeper connection to the 4-H program.

On the Horizon UI Extension, Lemhi County 4-H day camps have been very successful, with adults even asking to attend. There has also been an increase in participation in regular 4-H projects. One of the challenges for the 4-H program is to have enough volunteer leaders for day camps and 4-H projects. Two ideas will be implemented to reach more adult volunteers. A committee has been formed to host a volunteer fair in February 2026. Lemhi County runs on volunteers so any organization needing volunteers will be invited to have a table at the fair. People interested in volunteering could visit with all the organizations and find the best fit for them. The other idea is to host an adult workshop related to a 4-H project, such as rocketry, and then invite those adults participating to come back a few weeks later and assist with the youth workshop on the same topic.

EXTENSION TRENDS: LEWIS COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Lewis County • www.uidaho.edu/lewis

2025 Impact In 2025, UI Extension, Lewis County planned and facilitated educational events in 4-H youth development, agriculture, horticulture and community development. Longstanding programs such as cereal schools, crop tours and livestock youth field days continued with great turnout and positive evaluations.

2025 By the Numbers • 8,400 direct contacts • 171 youth participants • 27 volunteers • 800 volunteer hours • $11,000 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Lewis County: Michelle Koepl, Quin Wemhoff, Kaci Ralstin, DeeDee Osburn, Roscoe Hix, Bryce Ingram, Sarah Zenner, Chad Knowlton, Justin McLeod, Eric Hasselstrom and Mike Tornatore.

UI Extension Educator Klae O'Brien 208-937-2311 kdobrien@uidaho.edu

In partnership with neighboring counties, UI Extension introduced hybrid Victory Garden horticulture classes, the first horticulture programming in the county in many years. Additionally, a collaborative effort with North Idaho Correctional Institute resulted in hands-on horticulture classes for residents who researched horticulture topics and successfully grew their own produce and flowers.

4-H in Lewis County The UI Extension 4-H program in Lewis County had 171 active youth supported by 27 volunteers. Youth and volunteers participated in numerous livestock field days, clinics, weigh-ins, shows, camps and the Lewis County Fair.

Lewis County 4-H members also competed in the Idaho 4-H Youth Horse Contests, which were hosted in Lewiston.

The Idaho-Lewis County Cattle Association sponsored the inaugural Lewis County Beef Carcass Contest, awarding cash prizes to the top five beef carcasses, encouraging high-quality livestock projects. Additionally, a new Lewis County High Point Exhibitor award was introduced to recognize an individual who demonstrated exceptional participation and achievement across both animal and nonanimal projects.

On the Horizon UI Extension is excited to expand current horticulture classes with a winter/spring 2026 offering of Master Gardeners and continue horticulture classes at NICI. The reach of the 4-H program will be expanded with more day camps and local clinics.

EXTENSION TRENDS: LINCOLN COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Lincoln County • www.uidaho.edu/lincoln

2025 Impact

UI Extension, Lincoln County worked with local community members to determine programming needs and deliver targeted education that strengthened livestock health, forage production and overall agricultural resilience. Through workshops, field demonstrations, and individual consultations, producers improved grazing management, forage quality, and herd nutrition practices, helping local operations increase efficiency and better adapt to changing conditions.

4-H in Lincoln County 2025 By the Numbers • 4,650 direct contacts • 200 youth participants • 24 volunteers • 6,000 volunteer hours • $59,220 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Lincoln County.

UI Extension Educator Selena Davila 208-886-2406 sdavila@uidaho.edu

Megan Telford served as a summer intern for the UI Extension, Lincoln County 4-H program in 2025. She held a horse and record book education day and helped with 4-H camp, fair and AgRobotics. An AgRobotics highlight was a competition with Lincoln County and Camas County youth. The fair highlight was a youth winning the Triple Crown award, which is grand champion of showmanship, quality and the round robin. One youth made the trip to Grand Island, Nebraska for National Shooting Sports in rifle where he placed 7th in small bore rifle individual silhouette and qualified for National Shooting Sports in hunting discipline for 2026.

On the Horizon

UI Extension in Lincoln County is excited to launch several new programs in 2026. A Small Acreage program will provide practical guidance for landowners managing 1–5-acre parcels, or someone seeking information on soil and pasture care, livestock basics, horticulture, and sustainable land stewardship.

This program will help small landowners make informed decisions and provide resources to improve land productivity and health.

Equine focused programming will offer hands-on and classroom learning opportunities for horse owners and 4-H families.

Upcoming workshops will cover topics such as nutrition, first aid, biosecurity and safe handling practices, giving participants the skills and knowledge needed to provide care for their animals.

In partnership with local agencies, UI Extension is preparing to implement the STEER program. This program is based around livestock emergency response training for law enforcement and first responders. The intent of the program is to enhance skills in livestock handling, trailer accidents, animal containment and scene safety with the goal to improve emergency response capacity and communication across the state.

EXTENSION TRENDS: MADISON COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Madison County • www.uidaho.edu/madison

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 15,458 direct contacts • 473 youth participants • 48 volunteers • 3,000 volunteer hours • $165,449 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Madison County: Elise Allen, Cheryl Empey, Shaun Blaser, Stefanie Perry, Gale Harding, Chris Johnson, Kimberly Davis, Jared Williams and Todd Smith.

UI Extension Educators Lance Hansen 208-359-6297 lancehansen@uidaho.edu

Jared Gibbons 208-359-6215 jaredg@uidaho.edu

UI Extension, Madison County had an outstanding year in 2025. Lance Hansen taught financial literacy to classrooms that were packed with youth, including Welcome to the Real World, Employment Feud and Night of the Living Debt. Participants left knowing how to stretch 10 bucks into 10,000, why compound interest is basically wizardry, and that grabbing your first job isn't just cash, it's freedom. Hansen teamed up with Extension educators and the Idaho Farm Bureau to produce two videos featuring real families, real sweat, and real hope addressing mental health and suicide. Jared Gibbons staged the first-ever Upper Valley Soil Health Forum, with 64 growers from Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming attending. Among attendees, 70% improved efficiency, 60% increased profits and 80% improved the longevity of their operations.

Kandee Boice rolled out six 4-H programs across the county, reaching over 300 youth now wired for leadership. Fantastic support from county commissioners and other partners helped make it all happen.

4-H in Madison County The UI Extension, Madison County 4-H program was energized and impactful in 2025. Sixty-four 4-H’ers attended the Alpine 4-H Camp, building lasting memories and forging new friendships. Day camps included information on Dutch oven cooking, disc golf, pickleball, cake decorating, shooting sports, drones, LEGO robotics, rocketry and livestock lessons. Volunteers taught youth animal care, prepping them for the livestock shows. The Born and Raised livestock program was on full display, with local livestock bred and sold to 4-H’ers. Pigs and sheep were added to the carcass contests, highlighting top-quality animals on display at the Madison County Fair. The support 4-H and FFA youth receive from the community is outstanding; there is no better fair to attend during the summer. Gibbons kept his Soil Exploration program rolling, teaching 66 grade schoolers soil fundamentals and the wild microscopic world. Building on last year's program, he's developing a formal curriculum aligned with state standards for fourth and fifthgrade students. Youth gained real knowledge, dug deeper into soil science and were seriously motivated. The 4-H program is a win for growing confident, hardworking, science-savvy leaders.

On the Horizon The UI Extension, Madison County team looks forward to making real impacts, helping farmers thrive, boosting 4-H youth programs and tackling issues such as mental health on the farm, while listening to the advisory board to keep things local and relevant. Gibbons will be developing publications on plant science and microbiology to boost grower sustainability. He’s also working on pasture management videos and next generation agronomy focused on soil health and ecosystems.

Look for the Mindful Moolah podcast with Luke Erickson and Lance Hansen on the eight dimensions of health and how they tie to financial success. A farm-stress survival podcast series will tackle real issues as they relate to coping with stress. More short videos with Idaho Farm Bureau will be produced, sharing real stories from Idaho families about dealing with stress and raising awareness of mental health issues. A part-time 4-H assistant will be hired to help deal with recent growth, recruit volunteers and welcome new participants to the UI Extension, Madison County 4-H family.

EXTENSION TRENDS: MINIDOKA COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Minidoka County • www.uidaho.edu/minidoka

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 3,534 direct contacts • 2,762 youth participants • 117 volunteers • 7,020 volunteer hours • $35,854 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Minidoka County: Tiffany Grischkowsky, Jerry Pfeiffer, Suzy Sorenson, Justin Studer, Tawnya Tracy, Adrian Vergara, Salvador Moreno, Jeff Miller, Doug Hansen, Brian Kossman and Lanae Nalder.

UI Extension Educators Jason Thomas 208-436-7184 jasont@uidaho.edu Annie Nelsen 208-436-7184 anelsen@uidaho.edu

UI Extension, Minidoka County delivered 15 agriculture-specific presentations and reached 3,511 individuals in 2025. Insect identification services saved producers nearly $4,000 by preventing unnecessary pesticide applications. A new publication, "A Potato's Journey,” was published to address local advisory concerns regarding agricultural literacy while connecting youth directly to the county’s primary crop. Over $700,000 in external funding was secured to develop future livestock and pest management resources. New Extension Educator Annie Nelsen has focused on establishing a sustainable family and consumer sciences program for Minidoka County. She prioritized community needs assessment by networking with county commissioners, local libraries and service providers. To address rural isolation, she developed and taught a course on crocheting basics.

Additionally, she engaged in professional development regarding food preservation and scholarly activities, including reviewing Extension publications and co-authoring an educational video.

4-H in Minidoka County UI Extension 4-H programs continued to grow strong youth leaders in Minidoka County and expanded high-quality programs across the county. 4-H Teen Association members demonstrated outstanding leadership by teaching youth classes, serving as camp counselors at overnight and day camps, and representing Idaho on state and national committees. This year, the Teen Association also hosted eight delegates from Texas through a long-standing State-to-State Exchange, a tradition maintained since 1997. Visitors explored Idaho agriculture, toured local sites and especially enjoyed learning about the potato industry. The shooting sports program saw major growth in rifle, pistol and archery. The Minidoka Mountain Makers 4-H Club received an NRA grant to purchase additional equipment, became Civilian Marksmanship Program affiliates, and partnered with the City of Rupert Shooting Complex to increase youth opportunities. The LEGO Ag Robotics program also had a successful season with 10 participants, strengthened by a grant that provided four additional SPIKE Essential and Expansion LEGO kits, allowing the opportunity to grow more teams in the future.

On the Horizon Educator Jason Thomas is eager to launch "Pest Friends Jr." to expand integrated pest management education and to enhance the Insect ID website capabilities for local growers. Additionally, Thomas will lead statewide artificial intelligence training, ensuring Minidoka producers can leverage these cost-effective tools for operational efficiency.

The 4-H program is excited to offer monthly Cloverbud classes led by members of the 4-H Teen Association. These two-hour sessions will feature STEAM-based learning with activities, crafts, games and snacks tied to a 4-H project theme. Open to all youth ages 5–7, these classes give younger children a fun hands-on introduction to 4-H while providing meaningful leadership experience for the teens who research, plan and teach each lesson. This program will strengthen the 4-H pipeline, build skills and grow countywide 4-H membership. Nelsen plans to hold more crochet classes, canning, diet focused education and she and Thomas will work on a new board game to teach youth and adults about proper diet.

EXTENSION TRENDS: NEZ PERCE COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Nez Perce County • www.uidaho.edu/nezperce

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 2,556 direct contacts • 400 youth participants • 92 volunteers • 16,100 youth participants

Administrative Associate and Advanced Master Food Safety Advisor Shawna Hobson taught classes on fermentation, canning carrots, applesauce canning as well as Dutch oven classes in 2025. Horticulture Associate Danielle Evans partnered with three Washington State University Extension offices to provide beginning Master Gardener training in the Lewiston area. She taught several horticulture classes, participated in community health fairs, and coordinated the seasonal diagnostic plant clinics provided to the public. Educator Kathee Tifft developed and piloted the Aging with Intent and Meaning (AIM) program with a series of evening classes provided in partnership with the city library and a daytime series provided in partnership with the community center. 4-H Coordinator Mary Kate Myers led a program with 400 youth participants, including Youth Livestock Field Days, Super Saturday Leader Training, and CL2NI Summer Camp. Area Educator Doug Finkelnburg coordinated northern Idaho Cereals Schools, pesticide applicator clinics, agricultural field days and conducted a regional producer survey on weeds. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, led the Outreach and Education Committees of the Pacific Northwest Herbicide Resistance Initiative and the Innovative Agricultural Marketing Program for Idaho.

• $519,733 extramural funding

4-H in Nez Perce County

Our Advisory Council

Myers led a program with 400 youth participants, including 41 Cloverbuds, who enrolled in 510 projects. A total of 82 4-H volunteer leaders provided direction and guidance for 24 active 4-H clubs, whose members completed and exhibited 493 projects at the 2025 Nez Perce County Fair.

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Nez Perce County: Tom Conklin, Clint Zenner, Buck Armitage, Shanna Bruun, Betty Peters, Lynn Johnson, Lisa Stoddard and Angie Beck.

UI Extension Educators Kathee Tifft 208-799-3096 ktifft@uidaho.edu

Doug Finkelnburg 208-799-3096 dougf@uidaho.edu

On the Horizon Hobson will incorporate freeze drying food safety into her programming. Evans is conducting a beginning Master Gardener training program as well as directing the re-establishment of a demonstration garden for the public. Meyers will continue leading a large, dynamic county 4-H program. Finkelnburg will continue leading regional efforts to address systemic challenges to crop production. He will collaborate with soil and water conservation districts to evaluate post-harvest weed seed control strategies, the effectiveness of nitrogen stabilizers in high rainfall cropping systems and host events for crop producers and agricultural professionals while supporting Master Gardener education efforts and ISDA pesticide license recertification events. Tifft will continue to develop the AIM program with the guidance of an advisory committee and using suggestions and comments from healthy aging audiences. She will complete training on additional aging topics and mental health topics and incorporate new classes into the AIM program.

EXTENSION TRENDS: NIMIIPUU RESERVATION University of Idaho Extension, Nimiipuu Reservation • www.uidaho.edu/nimiipuu-reservation

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 7,988 direct contacts • 2,294 youth participants • 46 volunteers • 1,012 volunteer hours • $124,650 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension, Nimiipuu Reservation: Ryan Oatman, Ann McCormack, Kim Cannon, Kathee Tifft and Abraham Broncheau.

UI Extension Educator Danielle Scott 208-621-3514 or 208-791-4087 dnscott@uidaho.edu

The UI Extension, Nimiipuu Reservation program recorded 7,988 direct contacts including 69 teaching contacts and 14,752 indirect contacts in 2025. Approximately 80% of programming included intergenerational learning. Teaching workshops and programs have continued to be frequently requested by Tribal departments, state departments, schools, and other outside organizations. There was continued participation in all programs with a strong growing interest in leadership development workshops from youth. The youth leadership programs around saving salmon has been noticed by the community resulting in youth being asked to speak at several events including the Northwest Intertribal Fish Commission Annual Meeting, Intertribal Agriculture Meeting, and the Tribal Fish Committee. The work of these young leaders also caught the eye of another donor who made a generous donation to help with travel expenses. The Nez Perce Tribe also donated to the youth leadership group by providing additional financial support. The Apple Corporation has also offered support by providing 90 iPads and cases and over $53,000 to support work in reviving the Nez Perce language and providing STEAM education.

Nimiipuu Reservation 4-H The UI Extension, Nimiipuu Reservation 4-H program had a busy 2025.

Impact was increased in keystone areas while also expanding into new adventures. The program also saw growth with new partners that added tremendously to available resources. The Culture is Connection/Culture is Prevention program remains one of the best, most attended programs with multiple generations learning Native American arts, culture, language, and history together. The cultural craft workshops help teach STEAM in a fun engaging way that involves the family. One of the most notable classes this year included building portable sweathouses. The structures taught participants how to gather the materials in the forest, how to harvest the materials respectfully and responsibly, and how to construct and prepare a functioning sweathouse. The participants also learned leadership skills, teamwork and how to be good stewards of the land. Kayaking and rafting were offered in 2025. Youth participated in overnight trips as well as day trips learning to be safe and responsible on the water while also learning to look at water as a living being abundant with life.

On the Horizon The kayaking and water education program will be expanded in 2026 and will include Nez Perce history and language. Educator Danielle Scott is currently part of a planning group to develop a curriculum around outdoor sports, after noticing the strong interest in youth to get out on the water and learn to navigate waterways and the ecosystem surrounding water. In the summer of 2025, youth participated in activities at five bodies of water in Washington, Oregon, and California. The outcome of those events included more youth groups from other areas wanting to get together to spend time on the water together. Two trips are being planned for summer 2026.

The robotics program will continue, as well as more classes using technology, thanks to donations from the Apple Corporation. After more than a year in the works, Apple released the new Nez Perce language keyboard. This is exciting because teaching and preserving the language is a key part of the work that UI Extension, Nimiipuu Reservation does.

Access to this keyboard is a game changer.

EXTENSION TRENDS: ONEIDA COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Oneida County • www.uidaho.edu/oneida

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 4,497 direct contacts • 2,190 youth participants • 39 volunteers • 350 volunteer hours • $500 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Oneida County: Bill Lewis, Lexie Evans, Dr. Phillip Firth, John WIlliams, Josh Pasket, Joan Hawkins, Kirk Nielsen and Staci Tripp.

UI Extension Educator Sawyer Fonnesbeck 208-766-2243 sfonnesbeck@uidaho.edu

UI Extension in Oneida County had an impact in multiple areas this year. The 4-H program is strong and growing.

The county fair was an excellent display of 4-H talent and hard work. Agriculture programing has also increased.

Two different schools for beef producers were held on the topics of heifer development and meat/carcass quality. Forage and cereal schools were also held as educational opportunities for local growers. The number of family and consumer sciences programs offered in Malad has increased each year and have made an impact in the community, educating individuals about canning/ preserving, meal preparation, smart shopping and more.

4-H in Oneida County The UI Extension 4-H program held several afterschool activities including making a mechanical hand, homemade snow, a kaleidoscope, jar heart model that pumps like a human heart, and a caterpillar on a leaf that moved.

Extension staff participated in Ag in the Classroom activities, including talking with students about animals utilizing skulls. Elementary Ag Day was also a huge success and included collaboration between the Soil Conservation District, Malad FFA and the Forest Service. A falconer presented to 4-H youth and was a favorite event of the year.

There was an increase in the number of livestock and horse participants, however, static projects were not as large. All in all, the year was a great success.

On the Horizon Upcoming in 2026 are plans for more STEM programing for 4-H youth and continuing to partner with afterschool programs. A program is currently in the works to provide training to local first responders on how to deal with livestock transportation emergencies. 4-H programing will continue with the assistance of a summertime AmeriCorps intern. Equine programs/classes are also being developed which will be taught in multiple counties.

EXTENSION TRENDS: OWYHEE COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Owyhee County • www.uidaho.edu/owyhee

2025 Impact Livestock and range programs strengthened agriculture and youth education in 2025. Annual beef and swine events promoted hands-on, science-based learning. Virtual fencing research and outreach advanced precision grazing, aiding wildfire recovery and rangeland health. Combined with the pasture management series, these efforts enhanced producer knowledge, supported sustainability and empowered youth – building resilience and economic vitality for the county’s agricultural community.

2025 By the Numbers • 6,309 direct contacts • 3,336 youth participants • 61 volunteers • 431 volunteer hours • $6,497 extramural funding

The Owyhee County Master Food Safety Advisor program retained and educated 15 volunteers who donated over 491 hours, valued at more than $15,970. These volunteers reached consumers with food safety education, contributing to food quality and preservation content for healthier individuals and families. These volunteers led 183 adults through 11 handson food preservation classes.

The Owyhee Health Coalition celebrated the Fitness Court ribbon cutting, marking a milestone in providing access to free, public wellness resources. This collaborative effort reflects building a healthier, more active community for all residents. By investing in spaces that promote physical activity and connection, a stronger, more vibrant Owyhee County will move forward. An eight-week fitness series was hosted at the court, encouraging clientele to access the space and learn its uses through guided station rotations.

Our Advisory Council

4-H in Owyhee County

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Owyhee County: Jim Desmond, Cindy Bachman, Walt Holton, Lath Callaway, Janet Miller, Norm Stewart, Matea Jaca, Anna Ousley, Amy Carson, Melanie Harper, Kelly Aberasturi, Katie Showalter, Sharla Jensen, Gina Showalter and Jerry Hoagland.

UI Extension 4-H has strengthened youth engagement through handson learning, supportive relationships with caring adults and programs that allow youth to build confidence and discover new sparks. 4-H day camps increased opportunities over previous years. These workshops also offered partnerships with local businesses and volunteers, increasing program reach and support. As a result, there is new interest in project areas such as cake decorating, shooting sports, fishing and leathermaking.

Additionally, increased attention on educational needs provided a swinespecific 4-H Field Day to improve project outcomes, reducing underweight animals at fair and supporting youth competency in nutrition and housing.

A showmanship clinic highlighting beef, swine, sheep and goats was also offered. Youth are gaining practical skills, forming friendships and finding a sense of belonging –demonstrating the continued value of 4-H as a place where young people thrive in Owyhee County.

UI Extension Educators Surine Greenway 208-896-4104 surineg@uidaho.edu

Jenn Smith 208-896-4104 jennsmith@uidaho.edu

On the Horizon A Spring Break Day Camp Series will be offered with the chance to explore new topics. These hands-on sessions – ranging from robotics to cooking and soil science – give youth opportunities to build skills, work together and discover what excites them. The new Virtual Fence education program introduces cutting-edge technology to improve livestock management and sustainability in Owyhee County. A pasture management series offered in multiple counties has launched to strengthen small acreage owners’ knowledge and practices. The Field Days team has adjusted the format of youth 4-H field days to provide more hands-on, student-driven learning in smaller, focused groups, ensuring safety and deeper engagement. Based on need and request, hands-on and virtual food safety, food handling and food preservation classes will continue to be offered in 2026. They will continue to provide timely education that allows clientele to experience new content, build skills and gain confidence that will lead to better food budget management, healthier food choices and safe food practices.

EXTENSION TRENDS: PAYETTE COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Payette County • www.uidaho.edu/payette

2025 Impact

UI Extension in Payette County impacts the community by providing educational opportunities to an area that is rapidly growing and changing. This year programming mainly focused on enrolled 4-H members, providing fun and safe activities for youth. From livestock to family and consumer science topics, youth were engaged with hands-on activities. Payette County has 26 4-H clubs that were also offering unique experiences to youth.

4-H in Payette County

2025 By the Numbers • 1,890 direct contacts • 365 youth participants • 75 volunteers

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Payette County: Barbara Brody, Danny Gabiola, Mike Partin, Carolina Gomez and Gayle VanWeerdhizen.

Highlights of the 4-H year included the 4-H Friday day camps that were offered. Throughout the year, 4-H Program Coordinator FaithAnn Hynek facilitated five day camps including the science of slime, jewelry making, gifts from the kitchen, forensic science, and skillet creations. Each day camp had 15-20 youth in attendance and were the highlight of many youth experiences.

Another highlight was a beef quality assurance day that featured two guest speakers who brought in live calves for youth to learn off. The Payette County Teen Leaders were also a big highlight this year with monthly meetings and a growing number of excited teens.

On the Horizon

The UI Extension, Payette County office will be offering a 4-H club officer training in 2026 and an oral presentation boot camp, both of which have been requested by clubs and families. A babysitting class will be offered during spring break.

EXTENSION TRENDS: POWER COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Power County • www.uidaho.edu/power

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 1,538 direct contacts • 139 youth participants • 15 volunteers • 912 volunteer hours • $2,000 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Power County.

UI Extension Educator Anthony Simerlink 208-226-7621 asimerlink@uidaho.edu

Agriculture programming focused on helping producers earn pesticide recertification credits along with research on cover cropping and composting to support more sustainable production and better resource management.

Horticulture and small farms programming included teaching horticulture classes for home gardeners and youth and provided online and local news articles covering a variety of home gardening topics. UI Extension, Power County continued to provide support to walk-in clients and conduct site visits addressing a wide range of horticulture questions.

4-H in Power County The UI Extension 4-H program continued to develop skills in youth through activities at 4-H camp and 4-H clubs.

There was a total of 10 active clubs that included livestock, baking, potato, horse and gardening clubs. Multiple neighboring counties collaborated to host a livestock day camp focused on hands-on livestock education.

The gardening club managed a garden at the county fairgrounds and produced 119 lbs. of vegetables and fruit that were donated to the local senior center. The Power County Fair culminated in 162 youth projects, with 40 projects continuing to the state fair.

On the Horizon A hybrid Idaho Master Gardener program will be offered in 2026 in collaboration with the UI Extension, Bonneville County Master Gardeners. Planned events for the coming year also include expanding the 4-H garden to increase the availability of fresh vegetables for the local community as well as offering a multi-day pesticide training for new pesticide applicators.

EXTENSION TRENDS: SCHITSU'UMSH RESERVATION University of Idaho Extension, Schitsu'umsh Reservation • www.uidaho.edu/cdareservation

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 2,779 direct contacts • 1,474 youth participants • 20 volunteers • 197 volunteer hours • $230,000 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension, Schitsu'umsh Reservation: Caj Matheson, Christine Meyer, A.C. Sanchez and Laura Laumatia.

The UI Extension, Schitsu'umsh Reservation delivered comprehensive programming that reached 2,779 participants through 196.5 hours of yearround educational activities. Programs integrated positive youth development, food sovereignty and community empowerment through culturally responsive approaches honoring tribal values. The One Sky One Earth Farmers Market generated $10,049.90 in sales while serving 883 customer contacts and engaging 199 youth participants across 17 weeks, strengthening local food systems and economic development. The Juntos program contributed to measurable academic improvement, with 9th grade attendance increasing from 82.11% to 88.13%. Leadership development achieved exceptional outcomes with five delegates attending the Know Your Government Conference (KYG), two youth attending State Teen Association Convention (STAC) and four delegates selected to attend the National Ignite Summit. Comprehensive STEM education engaged diverse audiences through drone workshops (39 participants), embryology projects (40 participants) and STEM family nights (76 participants). Environmental stewardship programming included the Salmon Release Celebration engaging 113 participants and bike rides reaching 68 participants. The College & Career Fair expanded post-secondary awareness for 235 students, while community service through 2nd Harvest engaged 259 participants, demonstrating sustained commitment to holistic community development.

Schitsu'umsh Reservation 4-H

4-H programming achieved exceptional leadership outcomes in 2025. Five delegates attended the KYG Conference, with one successfully interviewing and accepting a competitive 2026 Steering Committee position. Two youth attended STAC, with one securing a highly competitive steering committee role for 2026 and 2027 – these positions require rigorous interviews and represent outstanding youth leadership achievement. The Juntos program provided sustained academic support across 8-9th grades, contributing to improved attendance rates and college/career readiness. Programming reached students three times weekly for 8th graders and twice weekly for 9th graders throughout the academic year, integrating STEAM activities, hands-on projects including Lego art and vision boards, and family engagement events. STEM education expanded significantly through drone workshops engaging 39 participants, Success Center embryology projects reaching 40 participants and rocket launcher design activities. Trail of the Coeur d'Alene bike rides provided weekly outdoor recreation throughout the summer. The Salmon Release Celebration combined traditional ecological knowledge with STEAM education. STAC workshops featured quick breads, cookie making service learning and cooking programs that developed practical skills while strengthening community service values among teen participants.

On the Horizon

A Teaching Garden will be launched at the Tribe’s Natural Resources building, creating a permanent outdoor classroom for year-round education in sustainable agriculture, traditional food systems, nutrition and environmental stewardship.

This initiative integrates traditional ecological knowledge with modern practices.

Expanded staffing will support weekly middle and high school workshops combining art and life skills, fostering creativity and practical development.

Youth leadership opportunities will grow through participation in the State Teen Association Convention, Know Your Government, National 4-H Ignite conferences and the new Idaho Northern District ILEADS Leadership Camp, building regional networks and leadership skills. The Farmers Market will build on 2025’s success while maintaining youth engagement and educational programming. The Think Make Create Lab continues delivering hands-on STEM education across multiple sites. Strategic partnerships with Tribal Education, Natural Resources and Food Distribution departments strengthen culturally responsive programming, address tribally identified priorities and establish sustainability and knowledge transfer protocols.

EXTENSION TRENDS: TETON COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Teton County • www.uidaho.edu/teton

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 3,941 direct contacts • 490 youth participants • 76 volunteers • 1,300 volunteer hours • $75,569 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Teton County: Ron James, Hallie Poirer, Jordan Hoehnen, Wyatt Penfold, and Cindy Riegel.

UI Extension Educator Jennifer Werlin 208-776-8235 jwerlin@uidaho.edu

Small farm, horticulture and community development programming grew in 2025.

The in-person High-Altitude Idaho Victory Garden course equipped 18 residents with practical skills, while Idaho Master Gardeners contributed over 100 hours of community service. Educator Jennifer Werlin taught pollinator, beekeeping, and seed-saving classes, presented Idaho’s first high-altitude hybrid-format Master Gardener course at the 2025 National Association of County Agricultural Agents meeting, delivered Permaculture training to more than 40 clients, and facilitated the Teton Valley Beekeeping Association. Werlin’s five-month sabbatical strengthened Extension’s capacity to reach Spanish-speaking audiences. Intensive language study in Costa Rica and visits to agritourism farms informed the development of language access materials and improved cultural understanding.

Werlin co-administered the Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center grant for Idaho, contributing to statewide impact that reached 1,500 individuals, built 2,000 partnerships, and supported 500 businesses. She led five Teton Food and Farm Coalition meetings, supported the Agritourism in the Tetons project with a GIS-based directory, expanded the Teton Valley Farmers Market in Victor, and conducted a Rapid Market Assessment with 2,000 participants at the Driggs market. Her newspaper column reached over 22,000 readers.

4-H in Teton County UI Extension continued a partnership with the school district’s Above and Beyond the Classroom (ABC) afterschool program, which serves at-risk, low-income, and minority youth. Donations were secured to support 4-H higher education scholarships, and over time, Extension and 4-H facilities, which currently receive minimal funding. A year-round AmeriCorps service member was also secured until national funding was terminated in April. A 4-H intern was hired during the summer to support youth programming, including seven summer STEM day-camps. The 4-H program has secured funding for a part-time and quarter-time AmeriCorps member for the next fiscal year. These AmeriCorps positions expand staff capacity to deliver high quality 4-H programming. Volunteer development and strong partnerships with community organizations, including ABC, continue to expand the program’s reach. These collaborations are essential for engaging at-risk and minority youth, increasing access to 4-H activities, and strengthening community involvement in positive youth development. In 2025, 278 youth were enrolled in 48 4-H clubs in Teton County. At the Teton Valley Fair, 673 4-H youth projects were submitted. Last year, $6,500 was awarded in higher education scholarships to 4-H graduates. Over $3,000 in 4-H enrollment scholarships were also awarded.

On the Horizon Due to strong community demand, Werlin will offer a foundational beekeeping course, followed by two hands-on apiary sessions with local beekeepers. The Idaho Master Gardener course will be offered, with an emphasis on high-altitude, shortseason gardening. Extension faculty will continue facilitating Teton Food and Farm Coalition meetings to strengthen the regional food system. They will also assist with educational days at Driggs Elementary School’s farm and garden program and contribute to bilingual programming for dual-immersion students. The county will incorporate additional food system programming related to nutrition, health, and wellness. The 4-H program is expanding rapidly with new clubs and increased enrollment. In response, additional leaders and clubs are being added, particularly for Friday programming following Teton School District 401’s transition to a fourday school week. Looking ahead, the UI Extension 4-H program will continue to recruit volunteers and increase capacity in high-demand project areas such as STEM, animal science, and life skills. The program will also emphasize leadership development, community service, and career readiness across all offerings.

EXTENSION TRENDS: TWIN FALLS COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Twin Falls County • www.uidaho.edu/twinfalls

2025 Impact Educator Tina Miller focused on teaching leadership and life skills to youth in the community and adult volunteers.

2025 By the Numbers • 14,125 direct contacts • 4,897 youth participants • 216 volunteers • 863 volunteer hours • $1,216,427 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Twin Falls County: Heidi McCall, Kyanne Frandsen, Lydia Buffington, Rocky Mathews, Lisa Bermingham, Josie Albritton, Chance Munns, Tom Schwartz, LaMar Orton, Kali Sherrill, Kirk Tubbs, Robin Rausch, Tonya Corle, Sherry Olsen-Frank, Don Hall, Rocky Matthews, Brett Reinke, Abby Greenfield, Cooper Smith, Katie Barnhill, Kyli Gough, Makenzie Searle, Liz Mandelkow, Sarah Brown and Susie Beem.

UI Extension Educators Siew Guan Lee 208-734-9590 siewguanl@uidaho.edu

Tina Miller 208-734-9590 tdickard@uidaho.edu

Andres West 208-734-9590 andywest@uidaho.edu

Educator Andy West and local Idaho Master Gardeners approached the local library about conducting a regular sixmonth topic schedule for the year. Topics were discussed based on feedback from previous classes and workshops previously held at the library and the needs of participants.

Topics included a seed swap, starting seeds, fruit tree management, container gardening, gardening issues and how to put the garden to bed for winter. Attendance at some workshops maxed out the room space available at the library with some standing room. This partnership has resulted in a broader reach to the community by tapping into the library clientele, resulting in increased participants in other programs offered by UI Extension. West also worked on a literature review to research the medicinal qualities of native plants for the Native Plant Demonstration Project. He is overseeing a grant to finish the transfer of plant materials and research information to an industry partner and is working on compiling a list of medicinal qualities of the plants to further the marketing niche of this plant material.

Educator Siew Guan Lee and the Eat Smart Idaho team participated in the Chobani Summer Program in Twin Falls and Jerome. While families received free meals, UI Extension offered physical activities and hands-on food exploration to promote healthy habits and wellness. A total of 1,947 children and adults were reached through interactive and educational activities. Nearly 1,700 children and adults sampled fruits and vegetables in various forms – fresh, dried, baked, or as a dip, with 93% of participants reported liking the foods and 88% of participants reporting that they would eat them again. Adult participants appreciated being introduced to new foods, textures and flavors. Many children tried fruits and vegetables for the first time. The program’s success was well received, and the team will participate again in 2026. Lee also collaborated to develop and offer bilingual canning classes with a Spanish interpreter in Jerome, Twin Falls and Rupert. Each class consisted of a lecture followed by a hands-on boiling water canning lab, reaching 45 participants (87% Hispanic). Due to strong interest and demand, additional sessions will be offered in 2026 to include pressure canning.

EXTENSION TRENDS: TWIN FALLS COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Twin Falls County • www.uidaho.edu/twinfalls

4-H in Twin Falls County Miller conducted Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT), a series of workshops for youth in grades 5-7. She chose this age to encourage them to become more involved in leadership and enhance their leadership skills at a younger age. Some of the skills they learned were accepting differences, goal setting, stress management and community service. Each workshop consisted of a different theme and was built upon each other. Leadership skills that were taught were also accompanied by a STEM activity followed by a written report on what they learned and how they would apply it.

On the Horizon UI Extension, Twin Falls County will be one of two sites in Idaho conducting Caminos a Carreras (CaC)/ Career Pathways in Agriculture learning and career opportunities. This program, funded by a two-year Juntos YEA grant, is designed to enhance the skills and capacities of Latino youth and engage youth in STEM-related learning.

In partnership with neighboring Extension educators, West is organizing a six-week course on managing small acreages to help meet the needs of clientele in multiple counties in the area. The strengths of each of the educators involved will make for a very educational instruction of the key topics involved. The topics (goals/planning, soils, water management, poultry and horse development, gardening and pasture management, cattle and sheep/goat development) will be looked at from a gardening/horticulture, small scale agriculture, and livestock management perspective.

Lee will collaborate with colleagues on the development of two youth curricula: sugar beets and wheat.

Each curriculum includes five lessons incorporating agriculture technologies, STEM activities, nutrition, food safety and recipe preparation to promote agricultural literacy and healthy behaviors among youth.

EXTENSION TRENDS: VALLEY COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Valley County • www.uidaho.edu/valley

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 5,636 direct contacts • 1,097 youth participants • 56 volunteers • 3,289 volunteers hours • $38,150 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Valley County: Shauna Arnold, Lindsey Harris, Karla Eitel, Steve Anderson, Katlin Caldwell, Kevyn Booth and Brian Davis.

UI Extension Educator Melissa Hamilton 208-382-7190 mbhamilton@uidaho.edu

UI Extension community development programming focuses on strengthening the local food system and supporting the creative class to advance economic development through the arts. These efforts rely on community partnerships and dedicated volunteers. Food system projects included community gardens, food coalitions, pollination and story maps. Alzar School students made significant contributions by building and repairing community garden infrastructure in McCall and Cascade. Master Gardeners taught a three-part pollination series to 6th grade students in McCall. The West Central Mountains (WCM) Food Coalition hosted its third farm-to-table fundraising dinner, featuring eight local producers in partnership with Paikka Home Grown and Baked. U of I intern Parker Ames developed an updated WCM Food Coalition story map. The coalition hosted a foodie trivia networking mixer and a farm-to-restaurant panel discussion.

Educator Melissa Hamilton supported a virtual connection to the Cultivating Success Whole Farms Planning course. Arts-focused economic development efforts included establishing the Free Little Art Gallery program, featuring rotating art exhibits. The Cascade Arts Walk continued to showcase 10 local artists, including four youth artists, through this self-sustaining initiative that supports downtown beautification in Cascade.

4-H in Valley County The Ranchers Feeding Youth event, held in collaboration with the Valley/Adams Farm Bureau, Payette River Cattlemen, local FFA chapters, and UI Extension specialists, engaged hundreds of K–5 students in hands-on agricultural learning.

Through grant and community support, the 4-H program secured over $19,000 in external funding to expand youth opportunities. The NRA Foundation grant provided $12,000 in equipment and supplies, while $4,000 in fundraising covered the new 4-H Shooting Sports trailer. A local outdoor store also contributed by waiving FFL transfer fees valued at over $400. Additional support from Perpetua Resources and proceeds from the Valley County 4-H Pie Auction funded an AmeriCorps position and $3,000 in upgrades for drone and shooting sports equipment. Collaborations with schools and afterschool programs in Cascade, Donnelly and McCall offered hands-on experiences in cooking, STEM, art and leadership. Programs such as Coding, Communication and Cooking connected STEM and life skills through age-appropriate projects, strengthening workforce readiness and communication skills while keeping 4-H visible and relevant across all grade levels.

On the Horizon Two 4-H coordinator positions were made possible through partnership with the county.. A new 4-H community partnerships position will focus on afterschool programming and non-traditional 4-H efforts, including Beyond Ready initiatives and workforce development. Traditional 4-H club programs will continue and are actively seeking volunteers to serve as leaders. The new community partnerships coordinator will also explore opportunities to develop youth entrepreneurial programming in collaboration with the WCM Economic Development Council.

UI Extension is closely involved with the county as it redesigns the fairgrounds and looks forward to the possibilities this new community space will offer. The Extension team will continue to provide community development facilitation and leadership development services, including capacity building and Real Colors training. A virtual Money Habitudes training will be offered for the first time and an Agriculture Entrepreneur class in partnership with the Cultivating Success program. The high-altitude Master Gardener program will be offered again in 2026, in collaboration with Blaine and Teton counties, as part of its every-otheryear delivery.

EXTENSION TRENDS: WASHINGTON COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Washington County • www.uidaho.edu/washington

2025 Impact UI Extension in Washington County impacted the community in a multitude of ways in 2025. Beef programming assisted producers with heifer development, rangeland plant identification, best practices for insuring cattle, bull selection and identification/removal of noxious weeds in pastures and rangeland. In addition, artificial insemination courses certified local producers and a drone workshop helped keep producers abreast of evolving technologies.

4-H in Washington County 2025 By the Numbers • 626 direct contacts • 283 youth participants • 40 volunteers • 1,544 volunteers hours • $3,250 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Washington County: Royce Schwenkfelder, Justin Mink, Wyatt Smith, Brooke Mink, Nick Rynearson, Brittany Chandler, Casey Chandler, Shannon Sprinkel, Sarah Satterlee and Brice Mosekian.

UI Extension Educator Tyler O'Donnell 208-414-0415 tylero@uidaho.edu

The UI Extension 4-H program in Washington County saw another year of growth, with 185 active members and 40 volunteers. Teen leaders participated in various leadership events throughout the state and traveled to Washington D.C. for a leadership conference.

On the Horizon UI Extension is excited to bring back the beef school series, drone workshops and low-stress cattle handling workshops to the area in 2026.

EXTENSION TRENDS: 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development • www.uidaho.edu/4h

2025 By the Numbers • 11,326 enrolled 4-H club members • 75,339 youth participants • 2,207 volunteers statewide

Animal Science Contests Impact Idaho Youth Development UI Extension 4-H Youth Development Leadership Team

UI Extension 4-H animal science state contests provide youth with the opportunity to participate in events beyond the county. In 2025 over 350 4-H'ers participated in dairy, horse, livestock and animal contests. From those events, 41 youth qualified to participate in national contests.

Nancy Shelstad Interim State 4-H Director shelstad@uidaho.edu

Matt Fisher Ag STEM Area Educator mattfisher@uidaho.edu

Tami Goetz Northern District and Shooting Sports Area Educator tgoetz@uidaho.edu Mike Knutz Central District and Teen Programming Area Educator mknutz@uidaho.edu Scott Nash Eastern District and Livestock Area Educator snash@uidaho.edu Claire Sponseller STEM Area Educator csponseller@uidaho.edu

Mandy Strey Volunteer Leadership Development Area Educator mstrey@uidaho.edu

Survey data indicates that these youth understand the importance of having a strong work ethic and they learned how to set goals and gained problem solving skills. Youth also shared they developed leadership skills, learned how to make responsible choices and learned the importance of working on a team. 4-H experiences also help youth learn career options.

“I’ve gained confidence, learned to make quick and thoughtful decisions and improved my communication skills. I learned life lessons like using past mistakes as a motivation to become better,” said one Idaho youth who participated in a national contest. “When I think about how 4-H has shaped my life, I realize that it has helped me become who I am today and who I hope to become,” said another youth. UI Extension will conduct six animal science state contests in 2026.

EXTENSION TRENDS: 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development • www.uidaho.edu/4h

Learn Everywhere with 4-H Learn Everywhere with 4-H is an innovative, project-based learning program that transforms 4-H experiences into recognized high school credit. Learn Everywhere with 4-H connects passion, purpose, and education – preparing students for future careers and lifelong learning.

Core or elective credits are offered for 4-H projects by school districts, online schools, and charters while content is delivered by UI Extension 4-H professionals based on state education requirements. Three dedicated program staff were hired through an Idaho Workforce Development Fund innovative grant to ensure that partnerships and course offerings grow. During fall 2025 six students successfully earned credits.

4-H Prepares Youth for Success in the Workplace In today’s job market, 77% of employers prioritize analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability. Research shows 4-H programs effectively build these skills, along with responsibility, teamwork, and leadership in youth.

The UI Extension 4-H Youth Development program offers three statewide programs for grades 8-12: State Teen Association Convention (STAC), LEAD Summit, and Know Your Government Conference.

These opportunities include workshops, career tours, service-learning, and leadership training.

Participants consistently report gaining skills vital for career success. At the 2025 STAC event youth reported strong agreement that the event prepared them for work. Related to professional and work ethic, 89% now know how to act professionally; 97% understand that employers expect high-quality work; and 88% feel capable of hard work on challenging tasks. Regarding career readiness, 80% felt prepared for work/career and 81% explored aligned career interests. Teamwork and responsibility were also evaluated with 80% feeling confident helping groups succeed; 83% improving as team players; 81% staying positive despite differing opinions; 90% accepting responsibility; 94% making things right after errors; and 88% apologizing when needed.

Evaluation data collected from youth attending the Know Your Government Conference yielded similar impacts. These results highlight how 4-H develops employer-valued skills, equipping youth for success in work, life, and post-secondary pathways.

EXTENSION TRENDS: AREA EDUCATORS

NORTHERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY FOOD SYSTEMS www.uidaho.edu/extension/horticulture/small-farms

2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 3,868 direct contacts

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension: Mindi Anderson, Joni Kindwall-Moore, Amy Mattias, Ann McCormack, Jeskia Harper, Laura Johnson, Mari Ramos and Jennifer Mauk.

UI Extension Area Educator Colette DePhelps 208-885-4003 cdephelps@uidaho.edu

The Northern District Community Food Systems program supports the expansion of markets for local agricultural and value-added products produced by small and midsized food and farm businesses across Idaho. As an area educator, Colette DePhelps has a unique opportunity to facilitate statewide and regional collaborations across multiple food systems sectors. Bringing together UI Extension teams to offer statewide programs increases U of I’s ability to serve small farms and food businesses across Idaho. DePhelps led the development and offering of multiple statewide and regional programs which were supported by external grant funds awarded through USDA’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture and USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. As a state and regional leader with the USDA Northwest & Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center, DePhelps spearheaded two business builder grant programs which awarded 17 grants, totaling $208,077, to Idaho farm and food businesses and another 14 grants, totaling $341,611, to businesses creating new markets for grains, pulses and pseudocereals across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. DePhelps also co-hosts the annual Selkirk-Pend Oreille Food Summit and offers monthly digital outreach to producers and local food system practitioners through monthly e-newsletters and the Idaho Cultivating Success YouTube Channel.

On the Horizon In 2026, DePhelps will focus on providing business planning, marketing, branding and succession planning educational programs and support to Idaho’s small and mid-size food and farm businesses. She will also be conducting several farmers market assessments to better understand the economic contributions of farmers market to communities in northern Idaho.

EXTENSION TRENDS: SPECIALISTS

BEEF SPECIALIST JIM SPRINKLE 2025 Impact

2025 By the Numbers • 669 direct contacts • 90 youth participants • $24,239 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council Special thanks to volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do at the Nancy M. Cummings Research, Extension and Education Center.

UI Extension Specialist Jim Sprinkle 208-756-2749 sprinkle@uidaho.edu

Federal grazing allotments are usually excluded from grazing for two years after a wildfire. However, national leaders from the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management admit there is no national policy obligating this practice. In ecosystems with significant invasive annual grasses (e.g., cheatgrass), grazing exclusion following a wildfire can actually exacerbate cheatgrass populations. With the ignition of the Glendale Fire on Sept. 2, 2024, 4,653 acres of the Rinker Rock Creek Ranch (RRCR) burned and RRCR became a living laboratory to test the effects of post-fire grazing when perennial grasses are perceived to be most vulnerable. Our project involving eight UI investigators and 12 other volunteers commenced in the spring of 2025, 8 months after the fire. There were 14 collared steers that grazed four replicate 44 acre pastures for 2-week-periods from May 19 to July 14 with targeted forage utilization set at 30%. Both animal performance and extensive rangeland monitoring data were collected.

Preliminary Results 1. Actual forage utilization ranged from 16 to 29% over all sites and averaged 24%.

2. Cattle achieved 2.34 lbs/day gain over all grazing periods.

Due to scattered forage from the wildfire, cattle appeared to wander more as they grazed, occupying over 90% of the total area for each pasture.

3. Cattle preferred grassy sloughs where the forage was green and abundant, These areas were wetter during the fire and apparently survived the fire well.

4. As expected, bare ground was high on these burned over sites (73% in spring; 60% in fall).

5. Perhaps our most significant finding is that early season grazing (mid-May to mid-June) reduces the abundance of cheatgrass and grazing in late June prevents cheatgrass from increasing. Cheatgrass increased when grazing occurred in July. This is likely due to plant phenology and a grazing aversion to cheatgrass at this time of year. Once cheatgrass turns red in the summer, cattle avoid eating it. It becomes favored forage again in late fall after seeds have dropped.

Preliminary Conclusions Preliminary results indicate that conservatively grazing sagebrush steppe pastures at RRCR 8 months after a fire does not appear to be detrimental. In fact, grazing may help reduce cheatgrass abundance as vegetation is repopulating the landscape.

On the Horizon

Range monitoring data collection will continue for this project through 2026. Drone footage will also continue to be collected.

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO EXTENSION ON THE MAP UI Extension County Office

Federally-Recognized Tribes Extension Office

UI Research & Extension Center

UI Extension County Office and UI Research & Extension Center

www.uidaho.edu/extension