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In celebration of National Dairy Month, we are pleased to provide you with a comprehensive update on the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment. Your support has been instrumental in advancing Idaho CAFE and its mission to revolutionize the dairy industry.

On May 4 we marked a significant milestone in the construction of Idaho CAFE as we officially began excavation at the site of the nation’s largest research dairy near Rupert. We anticipate welcoming the first cows to Idaho CAFE before the end of 2024, with milking operations commencing in early 2025.

Many of you may recall our groundbreaking celebration in Rupert last summer. While truly a celebratory event that was decades in the making, it was admittedly a bit of a false start. Construction bids came in considerably over budget following our event, which inspired us to recalibrate our construction timeline. Thanks to a strategic decision to delay the start of work and rebid the project in January of this year, we have experienced a significant reduction in construction costs, with savings of approximately $4 million.

The lower costs have allowed us to move forward with confidence. McAlvain Construction, our general contractor, suggested rebidding subcontracts during the winter, resulting in more competitive bids and favorable prices for labor and materials. Fuel prices have decreased, and supply chain constraints have eased, enabling us to secure more affordable resources like concrete. This cost reduction has put us in a stronger financial position to complete the project successfully and within the scope of our original budget.

We are deeply grateful for the support from the state Legislature, which allocated $10 million to the project in 2018. In September 2022, the Idaho Board of Land Commissioners voted unanimously to invest $23.25 million from the sale of university endowment land in Caldwell into Idaho CAFE. To date, our partners in industry have generously donated a total of nearly $9 million. While we are still actively fundraising, we are well on our way to financing the completion of the project.

Design for the project’s second phase will be completed this summer including the design of manure handling facilities and lagoons, maternity barn, feed area, and an office building. The improved budgetary outlook will also allow for a third phase of the project including a cross-ventilated barn capable of housing between 800 and 1,200 cows. The university determined the key focus for Idaho CAFE at this time needs to be completing construction of the research dairy at Rupert, tabling any further discussions about the proposed Discovery Center which was initially conceptualized to be located in Jerome.

Idaho CAFE holds immense promise for the dairy industry. The facility will conduct research to address the industry's greatest challenges, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions with a near goal to guide strategies for achieving the dairy industry's nationwide net zero initiative. We also aim to find valuable uses for dairy waste, such as bioplastics and transportable fertilizers thanks to ongoing research conducted through the $10 million National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant entitled Creating a New Bioeconomy for Dairies to Increase Nutrient Recycling, Enhance Productivity of Crops & Stimulate Prosperity in Rural America.

As we move forward, we remain committed to transparency and accountability. We will continue to provide updates on our progress, keeping you informed and involved in this transformative journey. Your support and belief in our vision have been essential to reaching this exciting phase, and we are grateful for your unwavering dedication.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please do not hesitate to reach out. We value your partnership and look forward to sharing more positive updates in the future.

With sincere appreciation,

Michael P. Parrella
Dean
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
University of Idaho

Rick Naerebout
CEO
Idaho Dairymen's Association

Thank you to the current supporters of Idaho CAFE

• The State of Idaho
• Idaho Dairymen’s Association
• The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation
• Elanco
• Chobani
• Whitesides Family
• DeLaval
• Total Dairy Solutions
• AgWest Farm Credit
• Redox
• Scoular
• Cargill
• Anheuser-Busch Foundation
• Arlen Crouch
• Glanbia Nutritionals
• Idaho Power
• Idaho Milk Products
• Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
• Nelson Jameson
• Idaho Barley Commission
• Commercial Creamery

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On a windy afternoon at the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE) research dairy site outside of Rupert, members of the University of Idaho Department of Soil and Water Systems are mounting crop sensors on center pivot units and installing soil moisture sensors in preparation for the growing season.

U of I Associate Professor Erin Brooks, a member of the team conducting crop and soil research at the Rupert site, provided a brief overview of current and future work at this site that will benefit the Idaho Sustainable Agriculture Initiative for Dairy grant (ISAID) and Idaho CAFE research dairy.

Brooks described the three main objectives for the research team at Rupert:

1. Assessing the variability of crop nutrient and water use at the field-level from alternative irrigation application systems.
2. Investigating methods which will decrease reliance on inorganic fertilizers, specifically phosphorus on dairy farms through better reuse of organic nutrients in cow manure and in the soil.
3. Evaluating the impacts of widespread adoption and use of more efficient nutrient management practices on the water quality, both surface water and groundwater, across the region.

Researchers installed soil moisture sensors throughout the fields, specifically in areas of highly variable soil depth. Fields at the research farm have a range of 1-6 feet in depth to a restrictive soil layer or basalt rock layer, making these fields ideal for investigating and assessing the effectiveness of spatially variable water and nutrient use management strategies.

Researchers also installed crop sensors on both MESA and LESA (Low-Elevation Sprinkler Application) irrigation pivots that will take pictures to help assess crop stress every five minutes as the pivot moves in a circle around the field. These images will be used along with soil nutrient data from soil samples collected both before planting and after harvest and the soil moisture data, to help formulate a larger picture of water and nutrient use in various locations across the field. For example, a farmer could learn that fertilizer application might be too high in shallow soils and may make a decision to reduce application amounts/rates accordingly, saving money on fertilizer costs while reducing nutrient losses and improving soil health and sustainability practices.

These efforts will integrate with on-going research at the farm investigating soil restoration strategies to improve water retention, soil depth and organic matter through the addition of compost or manure. The Integrated Farm Systems Management (IFSM) model and the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) will be used to help compile and synthesis data and explore the effectiveness of these management strategies.

The SWAT model can simulate the movement of water and nutrients to groundwater or irrigation return flow ditches across an entire irrigation district. The research team is collaborating with the USDA-Agricultural Research Service at Kimberly to assess the reliability of the model using historic water flow and water quality data collected in the region.

The overall goal of these efforts is to not only improve long term sustainability of farming in the region but also minimizing environment impacts to surface and ground water resources. Precision agriculture techniques which use satellite imagery, unmanned aerial systems and proximal crop sensors can lead to variable rate irrigation and fertilizer application strategies within a single field to increase overall profitability of the farm, improve soil health and minimize environmental impacts.

It is an exciting step forward for both the ISAID grant and Idaho CAFE teams as research and field work advances on the Rupert farm.

The funding for the crop and soil moisture sensors on the project comes from a Presidential Initiative on Water and Sustainability grant from the Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED) at the University of Idaho as well as support from a grant from the Anheuser-Busch foundation led by Linda Schott. The modeling which is discussed in the project is funded through the Idaho Sustainable Agriculture Initiative for Dairy grant, a Sustainable Agricultural Systems grant from the USDA (grant No. 2020-69012-31871) for $10 million which began in 2020 and is led by associate dean and director of the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station, Mark McGuire.

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Jan. 28, 2021 by Jessica Machado — A new year means a new sign for the highly anticipated Discovery Center Complex — the outreach and education center affiliated with the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE). In January 2021, the University of Idaho installed a sign marking the future location and plans for the agricultural learning center complex at Crossroads Point in Jerome.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down to chat more about the Discovery Center with Barbara Petty, associate dean and director of UI Extension. Our conversation covered some about Barbara, who herself comes from a deep-rooted background in agriculture. Her niece is currently the 7th generation running their family row crop production farm in eastern Colorado. To really understand agriculture, you need to experience it — and the Discovery Center is hoping to provide an opportunity for the public to do just that.

With the Idaho CAFE Research Dairy project well underway, Barbara shared that the Discovery Center will provide a window into Idaho agriculture.

“In addition to talking about the research conducted at CAFE, this is a wonderful opportunity to educate the general public about where food comes from and communicate the health benefits of Idaho food products along with the contributions Idaho agriculture makes in our state’s economy. We also want to recognize the reach of our Idaho agriculture products as they don’t just stay in Idaho but emphasize the impact our farmers and ranchers are having on feeding the world.”

Once U of I acquired the location for the CAFE Research Dairy (Rupert), the hunt was on for a perfect location for the Discovery Center Complex. It just so happened, thanks to a lot of hard work from community partners, that the ideal location existed in Jerome — a spot perfect for tourism. Located at the Crossroads intersection on I-84 and Highway 93, the Discovery Center Complex will sit at the second busiest intersection in Idaho.

Barbara explained some of the design concepts for the complex which include not only educational components, but also office spaces, dormitory lodging, research facilities to accommodate local and traveling scientists with current projects, and an animal pavilion. Visuals of the center (an example can be seen on the current sign at the proposed location) include buses carrying school-aged students and other groups pulling up to the facility for educational purposes. The hope is that not only tourists, but schools, 4-H clubs, FFA groups and the like will be able to utilize the facility and all its amenities.

“It is a huge project, and large group effort, as many people are involved to ensure the facility accurately represents Idaho agriculture. We currently are in the fundraising and design concept stage and once a few more dollars are lined up, the next phase of drawings will begin.”

Barbara also shared with me the overall inspiration for the designs for the facility came from multiple like-purposed agricultural facilities such as the Tillamook Creamery visitor center and Fair Oaks Farms. Both of which Barbara and other Discovery Center committee members had the opportunity to tour. The renderings and conceptual designs have been drawn up with lots of amenities complementing those found at other agricultural learning facilities to appeal to all different sectors of the general public.

At this time, there is no set ground-breaking date for the Discovery Center as it is still in the beginning stages and fundraising process. Barbara assured me that once the proper funding is secured and approvals are in place, construction will begin. Barbara also seems very hopeful with the goal of having the facility completed by 2023 — in sync with the completion of the Research Dairy being completed that same year.

As we concluded our conversation, Barbara had one final comment to the community:

“We would love if people could help spread the word, the enthusiasm and the excitement for what is going to be happening both with CAFE’s Discovery Center and Research Dairy. We have been talking about having a CAFE project for many, many, many, years and to see it all start to come into existence is just so exciting. I hope the community will join us in the excitement and support the ongoing CAFE projects.”

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Oct. 21, 2020, by Jessica Machado — There is a saying in the farming and ranching community about one’s desire to take on such a demanding career path: “It’s in your blood, you are just born to do it.”

After visiting with John W. Wright, the project manager for the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE), it’s evident that this saying rings true. An authentic dairyman at his core, even in retirement, John could not stay away from the industry.

I had the opportunity to speak with John and receive a tour of the location in Rupert where Idaho CAFE’s research dairy will be located. As a fellow dairy producer, I was extremely impressed and excited to see the goals and plans for Idaho CAFE. I look forward to visiting the property for the research dairy in Rupert as it grows and develops.

John shared the following with me.

Wright — My involvement in the dairy industry started in 1974 when, as an adventurous young man, I came to Idaho’s Magic Valley with all my possessions stuffed in my car and got my first milking job on a 120-cow farm in Wendell. By the grace of God and meeting a lot of good people, I was able to start my own dairy in 1978 in a rented barn just outside Castleford. I eventually landed back in Wendell and built my own dairy with funding from FHA, Federal Land Bank and Idaho First. The adventure continued for 40 years until 2019 when I sold the cows and the place to contemplate the unthinkable — retirement.

Within a few months after this “change,” the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences approached me to consider applying for the role of CAFE project manager. I had become acquainted with the project through meetings CALS dean, Michael P. Parrella, had held throughout the state. I had served on a design committee for CAFE’s Discovery Complex component in Jerome and I was excited about the prospects of what could be. After some initial trepidation, wondering if they had lost their minds, I took the job because I thought, “Who wouldn’t?”

CAFE has three phases for the project, each separate with its own potential and hurdles to get over. It is a very ambitious project — not a fluff job by any means.

The first phase is a 2,000-cow research dairy north of Rupert. It will be the largest research dairy in the U.S. The size is important as we try to mirror an average Idaho dairy to produce research that is meaningful and relatable to the challenges the industry faces today. Idaho’s average dairy size is 1,500 cows so we need research that is done on a similar scale instead of trying to extrapolate from work conducted on a smaller number of cows.

Research in nutrient management will be a critical component for CAFE. The Net Zero initiative is a huge undertaking for the industry as it tries to meet new standards in greenhouse gas emissions. CAFE will help answer many questions around production practices, useful technology and which metrics can help us achieve the industry’s environmental goals.

The second phase is the Discovery Complex which will be located in Jerome at Crossroads Point. At this location, we are planning a facility that will tell the story of Idaho agriculture in an engaging way including hands-on exhibits, information about Idaho commodities, a store with Idaho food products and some fun. The goal is to have a place that people will want to visit multiple times as its exhibits continually change. There is potential for student dormitories, research labs and a classroom to also be located at the Discovery Complex.

The third phase is a food processing center where students can learn about the art, skill and safety of working with dairy products. This last phase will be a collaborative effort with the College of Southern Idaho.

My job as CAFE project manager is described in the last line of my contract: “any duties as needed to ensure a successful execution of the CAFE research dairy project.” I watch over the real estate, I take people to the real estate, I watch drones fly over the property, I attend dairy conferences to stay updated, I spout my opinion at design meetings, I stay ready to speak on behalf of CAFE, I talk to a lot of local people, give updates to the folks in Moscow, and sometimes I sweep 15,000 flies out of the shop in Rupert. I am living well.

The 2020 goals for CAFE have mostly been about fundraising and we have done well. We were scheduled to choose architects and contract managers and start the design process for the research dairy. We have. The Discovery Complex has its first design meeting. We are on our way.

There are some unforeseen challenges for CAFE as with any project, but we are always trying to think ahead. Funding is of upmost importance as there is so much we could do. The infrastructure at the dairy site needs to be figured out as far as roads and access are concerned and we need to think ahead about a workforce.

Again, this is an ambitious project. It is a real reach. But that is just a measure of how great this is going to be.