Agriculture in Canyon County

Agriculture

UI Extension, Canyon County offers programs and resources related to cropping systems, small acreages and livestock. Contact the UI Extension, Canyon County office at canyon@uidaho.edu or 208-459-6349 for information on current classes and programs.

Cropping systems

Cropping systems involve the strategies and techniques used to manage and cultivate crops, with key decisions centered around crop selection, rotation and practices like irrigation, fertilization and pest control. These systems aim to optimize productivity, conserve resources and promote sustainability. Over time, cropping systems encompass not only the crops and crop sequences but also the management practices applied to a field, taking into account both spatial and temporal factors.

While large-scale agriculture focuses on extensive crop production, horticulture is more specialized, dealing with plants cultivated for human consumption or aesthetic purposes, typically on a smaller scale. Small farms benefit from the flexibility of cropping systems, allowing them to diversify production and adapt to local conditions and market demands. Additionally, cropping systems can be integrated with livestock production, forming mixed farming systems that offer various ecological and economic benefits.

We offer classes and resources on crop production topics, including the Pesticide Safety Education Course (Pre-License) and annual Pesticide Safety Recertification Training. For more details and to register, contact us at canyon@uidaho.edu or 208-459-6349.

Livestock and small acreages

UI Extension, Canyon County offers classes and resources to help expand market opportunities, provide education on small acreage areas, sustain profits and improve animal welfare.

Stewardship for small acreages

The Living on the Land class provides current and future landowners with practical information about small acreage management. Attendees make plans for their property and share ideas with expert instructors and other participants. Topics often include but limited to; your living soil, grazing management, organic farming techniques, what to do about weeds and pests, and animal care and management.

Email canyon@uidaho.edu for details on the next class.

Annie’s project

Annie’s Project is a six-week course is designed to help women develop management and decision-making skills for their farms. Sessions include presentations, discussions about your questions and computer training. Annie’s Project gives women the chance to learn from female agricultural professionals and network with women in similar situations. The class is geared towards women but is open to all.

Contact the UI Extension, Canyon County office to join the interest list for the next class. You will be contacted with class details, including how to sign up, when available.

Cultivating success

Cultivating Success provides beginning and existing farmers with the planning and decision-making tools, production skills and support to develop a sustainable small acreage farm. Online and in-person courses are available. Visit the Cultivating Success website for upcoming classes.

Grazing academy

The Lost Rivers Grazing Academy is an intense, four-day workshop for livestock producers who want to increase their forage yield, animal performance and net income. View the Lost Rivers Grazing Academy website for more information.

Related resources

Explore valuable information on a range of agricultural topics.

Soil health — Learn about maintaining and improving soil quality to maximize crop growth.
Water management — Discover techniques for efficient irrigation practices and water conservation.
Pest control — Access best practices for managing pests while minimizing the use of chemicals.
Subscribe to the PNW Pest Alert Network. The Pacific Northwest Pest Alert Network aims to enhance crop protection communication, improve management decisions, and provide timely pest outbreak information to the agriculture industry for better pest control and reduced crop losses.
Find guidance on transitioning to Sustainable small acreage farming in Idaho: finding and evaluating land, BUL 932
Soil, water, plant and manure testing and analysis at the Analytical Sciences Laboratory.
UI Extension collaborates with the Cultivating Success program to offer a variety of educational programs year-round.