Registration is now open through Dec. 13 for the University of Idaho Extension’s annual seminar on Idaho’s agricultural outlook. This key event features insights into input cost analysis and supply, demand, and price trends for the state’s major commodities.
Event Details and Registration Information
The 2024 Idaho Ag Outlook Seminar will take place Dec. 18 at the Hilton Garden Inn Boise Downtown, 348 S. 13th St., Boise. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual participation option is available. Registration is $35 for both in-person and online attendees. Lunch will be provided for in-person participants.
The seminar runs from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., offering a comprehensive schedule of presentations. This annual gathering is a valuable resource for food producers, agency officials, and others involved in Idaho agriculture to refine strategies for the upcoming growing season.
A Streamlined Approach to Delivering Key Insights
Historically held in multiple locations across the state, this year’s event consolidates into a single, enhanced seminar.
“Going to one event, it’s a lot easier for us to bring in high-caliber speakers and really focus on making it a high-quality event,” said Brett Wilder, a UI Extension agricultural economist and the seminar’s organizer.
Highlights of the Agenda
One of the most anticipated presentations will be Wilder’s unveiling of the annual report, “The Financial Condition of Idaho Agriculture.” Developed with assistance from agricultural economist Xiaoxue “Rita” Du, the report provides critical insights used by the state legislature and Idaho Tax Commission to forecast revenue.
Wilder projects that farm profits for 2024 will hit their lowest levels in at least three years, driven by lower cash receipts for most crops and stagnant production costs. Specific trends include:
- Crop Market Challenges: Feed crops like alfalfa and corn are experiencing price declines. Potatoes, facing a supply glut, have seen weaker markets despite production costs remaining steady.
- Bright Spots in Livestock: The beef market is thriving as the U.S. cattle herd reaches its smallest size in over 60 years. Dairy producers are also expected to see improved profit margins thanks to reduced feed costs.
Expert Presentations from Industry Leaders
The seminar’s agenda features a wide range of expert perspectives, including:
- Idaho Agriculture Policy Outlook: Dexton Lake, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
- National and Global Macroeconomic Trends: Doug Robison, AgWest Farm Credit
- Water and Weather Outlook: Troy Lindquist, National Weather Service
- Grains Outlook: Colby Field, UI Area Extension Educator
- Input Cost Trends: Xiaoli Etienne, U of I associate professor and Idaho Wheat Commission endowed chair
- Hay Outlook: Steve Hines, UI Extension Educator
- Potato Market Analysis: Patrick Hatzenbuehler, UI Extension agricultural economist
- Report on Other Crops (Sugarbeets and Onions): Colby Field
- Beef Market Trends: Brett Wilder
- Dairy Sector Outlook: Dustin Winston, StoneX Group Inc.
Local Watch Parties to Expand Accessibility
Wilder is encouraging county offices to host watch parties, enabling local producers to join the seminar remotely without traveling to Boise. These gatherings aim to foster community engagement while making the content accessible across Idaho.
“It’s always less exciting to talk about things when it’s less rosy, but I think when we’re not at all-time highs it’s even more important to know where the market sits and what our opportunities are to maximize what we can get for our commodities,” Wilder said.
Source: University of Idaho
Registration: Visit this page
Media Contact:
John O’Connell, Assistant Director of Communications, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
208-530-5959
joconnell@uidaho.edu
Brett Wilder
Assistant Professor and Area Extension Educator, Farm Business Management
208-885-0263
bwilder@uidaho.edu
Image: Sugarbeets harvested in Aberdeen, Idaho. Credit John O’Connell
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