Idaho Governor Brad Little, Ag Advocate

Idaho Governor Brad Little, Ag AdvocateIdaho agriculture is so much more than potatoes. Farmers and ranchers in the state grow more than 185 different commodities and provide some $8.5 billion to the Idaho economy each year, including Brad Little, 33rd Governor of the Gem State.Little and his wife, Teresa, are the latest in a long line of cattle ranchers in the family. He said he’s committed to helping agricultural producers in several ways, including ensuring they have sufficient water and manageable regulations.Little said innovation is one key to Idaho agriculture continuing to thrive.“Every change you make is to make it better for the next generation,” Little said. “One of my favorite sayings that I tell all my agricultural friends is ‘Change is inevitable. Adaptation and survival are optional.’”He added that, fortunately, farmers and ranchers in the state are very innovative and willing to adopt the latest technology to get the most from their crops and livestock. Little said, although only a small percentage of the state and nation farm, everyone benefits from agriculture.“So many people move to Idaho because of the farms, ranches and open space, and how it contributes to the watershed and wildlife habitat,” he remarked. “I love it when people show a picture of Idaho, and there are a couple of cows, potato field or grain field in the background. They appreciate that. We need to remind people that somebody’s paying the cost of those cows and that agriculture out there. All we want is a fair return on our investment and a regulatory atmosphere to where they can be profitable from one generation to the next.”