Agriculture in Fremont County

Agriculture and farm management

University of Idaho Extension in Fremont County provides research-based resources and programs supporting Fremont County farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers.

Cereal production

University of Idaho Extension provides research-based education and resources to support cereal grain producers in Fremont County and across eastern Idaho. Our cereal production programming covers agronomy, variety selection, soil health, pest management and emerging research to help producers make informed decisions and improve their operations.

Cereal conference

We are proud to host an annual cereal conference bringing together producers, agronomists, researchers and industry partners to share the latest research, best practices and market insights for cereal grain production in eastern Idaho.

Save the date: 2027 Cereal Conference Feb. 3 at Fort Hall

Read about Cereal conference advances production through research and collaboration (pdf)

Research spotlight

• UI Extension has been conducting research on the use of precipitated lime as a soil amendment in Fremont County. This work explores how lime applications can improve soil pH, nutrient availability and overall crop performance in our region's unique soil conditions. Watch video: Precipitated lime as a soil amendment.

Forage production

Forage production is a cornerstone of agriculture in Fremont County, supporting the livestock operations and hay markets that define our region. UI Extension offers resources and programming to help producers optimize forage yields, quality and profitability.

Forage school

Each March, UI Extension hosts a Forage School designed for hay producers, livestock operators and crop advisors. This event brings together local expertise and the latest university research in a single day of focused learning. Topics covered include:

• Economic update and production outlook for the coming season
• New research updates from University of Idaho and regional institutions
• Agronomic best practices for alfalfa, grass hay and mixed stands
• Irrigation, fertilization and pest management strategies

Continuing education credits available — Attendees can earn credits for Pesticide Applicator recertification and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) by participating in the forage school.  Contact the UI Extension, Fremont County office at fremont@uidaho.edu or 208-624-3102 for more information on next year's event, registration details and credit availability.

Potato production

Potatoes are a vital crop in Fremont County and across the eastern Idaho region. UI Extension provides education and resources on variety selection, disease management, irrigation, soil health and market trends to support potato producers at all scales.

Potato conference

The Idaho Potato Conference is the premier annual event for potato producers, industry professionals and researchers in Idaho. Held each January in Pocatello, the conference features presentations on the latest production research, pest and disease updates, market conditions and new technology for Idaho potato growers. View conference details.

Seed potato meetings

The Idaho Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) hosts Seed Potato Meetings each January, bringing together seed potato producers, certifiers and industry representatives to discuss seed certification standards, variety updates, disease management and market conditions for Idaho's seed potato industry. View meeting details.

Livestock production

UI Extension supports Fremont County livestock producers with research-based education on animal nutrition, herd management, range and pasture management and production economics. From beef cattle to small ruminants, our programming is designed for the real-world challenges of eastern Idaho ranching.

Beef school

Each January, UI Extension hosts a Beef School tailored to the needs of beef cattle producers in Fremont County and surrounding areas. Past topics have included:

• Calving best practices — timing, facilities and protocols
• Tips and tricks for getting calves to nurse and be responsive at birth
• Feeds and nutrition — balancing rations and managing body condition
• Herd health, vaccination programs and record keeping
• Market outlook and production economics

Contact our Fremont County Extension office for information on next year's Beef School, including date, location and registration.

Pasture management resource

For resources on pasture management and grazing best practices. Watch video: Matching plant types to grazing animals, EVS 0049.

Integrated pest management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based approach that focuses on long-term prevention of pests and their damage through a combination of biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools. UI Extension in Fremont County provides IPM education and resources for crop and livestock producers throughout the region.

Pesticide applicator recertification

UI Extension offers virtual Pesticide Applicator Recertification classes twice per year — in December and March — to help licensed pesticide applicators meet their continuing education requirements conveniently from home or office. Class details:

• Held virtually via Zoom — no travel required
• 3 hours total — six 30-minute sessions per class
• Three pesticide applicator recertification credits awarded to participants

Session topics include

• Pesticide applicator safety
• Application technology and equipment
• Regulatory updates and label reading
• Best practices for integrated pest management
• Environmental stewardship and resistance management
• Emerging pest threats and management strategies

Contact us at fremont@uidaho.edu or 208-624-3102 on upcoming class dates, Zoom registration links and how to submit your recertification credits.

Farm business management

Running a successful farm requires more than agronomic knowledge — it demands sound financial planning, risk management and business decision-making. UI Extension provides resources and programming to help Fremont County producers build resilient, profitable farm businesses. Topics and resources:

• Farm financial analysis and recordkeeping
• Enterprise budgeting for crops and livestock
• Risk management strategies, including crop insurance and marketing tools
• Succession planning and farm transition
• USDA program eligibility and application assistance
• Market outlook and commodity price analysis

Idaho AgBiz

Idaho AgBiz is a University of Idaho Extension program that provides farm business analysis tools, financial benchmarking and one-on-one consultation to help Idaho agricultural producers understand their financial position and make stronger business decisions. Visit the Idaho AgBiz website to learn more about enrollment and available services.