[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6325761,"mediaKeyId","2331193-bc055f732b74a2af8a279c5c327b895b","parentId",2331193,"title","Soil and Water Conservation Commission reports fiscal year 2024 results and program demand; administrator signals staffing and funding challenges","audioSeconds",700,"startMs",1500000,"endMs",2200000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2331193-bc055f732b74a2af8a279c5c327b895b&start=1500&end=2200","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2331193-bc055f732b74a2af8a279c5c327b895b/thumbnail_1500000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6325761/Idaho/Soil-and-Water-Conservation-Commission-reports-fiscal-year-2024-results-and-program-demand-administrator-signals-staffing-and-funding-challenges","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325761-8e9d96e775a17ac13b4de972d3ed2818/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116357&Signature=beQmDhMRTKFk35EiLjKrXAetIacJAmvU-sD2yBH2DZYXhzI5SEHnW0Lwk3w2GpKQvqae7KRHSgOMx-yUJT2VI3lpRzojqLpoLc1HEJGxkn8Xn6vCCpoyUs6f839Iby2eBc9lmBCQV04dndl7RSA2gCrLZRHhN0WHqo7Aiyjj0b8x~wX8jvZmLr-~-lADVAEnxsSPsElKRsAvtjvLTNkQpr9AWucK0Ps12azexYAQF8uOrvOx3IBUH9NlXzVKxVVtXkJl9j-QIk-JFEuiqUBNllfIW1B2BU00f8jejzRvyXsvmwtbbmPhGzbOHG6GZ5TEAQmeQdNtUeayHxl4bIkT3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Senate of Idaho","date","2025-02-18T00:00:00Z","article","Delwyn Trefts, administrator of the Idaho State Soil and Water Conservation Commission, briefed the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee on the agency’s fiscal year 2024 annual and performance report, detailing revenues and expenditures, program activity for CREP and state water-quality cost-share programs, and staffing and technical capacity concerns.

Trefts said total commission revenues for fiscal year 2024 came from the general fund, interest receipts and the RCRDP loan fund and totaled approximately $3,950,000, while expenditures — including personnel, operating costs, trustee and benefit payments and loan disbursements — totaled just over $7,900,000. He described the commission’s four core functions as district support and services, comprehensive nonregulatory conservation programs, agency administration and outreach.

On program outcomes, Trefts reported commission staff provided technical support for about 49,705 acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). The Resource Conservation and Rangeland Development Program (RCRDP) supported conservation projects on 8,221 privately owned acres in fiscal year 2024, and commission-supported best management practices were applied on 63,075 acres to maintain or improve groundwater quality.

Trefts emphasized strong demand for the state water-quality cost-share program referenced in the meeting as WACPA (the commission used variable spellings in the transcript). He said state appropriations have been reinvigorated since 2022: during the 2022–2024 period, $10 million in state funds were appropriated to the program; in fiscal year 2024 a $5 million appropriation supported projects submitted by conservation districts. For FY2024, Trefts reported 80 project proposals from districts and 50 projects selected for funding; he said the state funds were combined with landowner and other dollars to produce $17.7 million in total project value, representing roughly $3.54 in conservation per $1 of state investment in that fiscal year.

Trefts also noted the commission distributes base funding to conservation districts: $725,000 was distributed equally among 50 districts at $14,500 each, and remaining match funds were allocated proportionately under IDAPA 60.05.01 rules. He said the median match allocation to districts in fiscal 2024 was $13,834 and that the state match-to-local-support ratio was 1.49 to 1 — below the 2.12 to 1 maximum allowed under statute for match calculation.

Committee members asked about tracking of water savings from projects. Trefts said the commission has not historically tracked year-by-year water savings but that CREP staff are compiling water- and pollutant-load tracking and that the commission expects to have those metrics available in the following year. He also confirmed the commission is recruiting to fill a field-staff vacancy and said retaining skilled technical staff and securing funding for projects and engineering capacity are ongoing challenges.

The administrator thanked the committee for legislative support and closed by noting the commission’s reliance on voluntary, locally led conservation partnerships.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Agricultural Affairs Meeting February 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Delwyn Trefts, administrator of the Idaho State Soil and Water Conservation Commission, briefed the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee on the agency’s fiscal year 2024 annual and performance report, detailing revenues and expenditures, program activity for CREP and state water-quality cost-share programs, and staffing and technical capacity concerns.","taxTitle","Agricultural Affairs, SENATE, Committees, Legislative, Idaho","taxId",56993,"location","Idaho","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325766,"Committee hears two reappointment introductions to the Idaho State Soil and Water Conservation Commission; votes deferred",425,707000,1132000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2331193-bc055f732b74a2af8a279c5c327b895b&start=707&end=1132","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2331193-bc055f732b74a2af8a279c5c327b895b/thumbnail_707000.jpg","/articles/6325766/Idaho/Committee-hears-two-reappointment-introductions-to-the-Idaho-State-Soil-and-Water-Conservation-Commission-votes-deferred","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325766-1504d374f3d9fac60c7ed8c8b82b1707/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116357&Signature=S11LCx925gprIca-5~EbrzoWnH7wBK9fTB14pGTqYve5xHKmMYhjsmF1nllvsk3Brqgac3vNmE0EM~nxk8V97ybN18~c7rvVYIPc5gLcqeQbyTU0i~nXW7SZSjYT0h7SDYvNYkb7OMTnT5eBoHyuIdtvfojT6U7Bw7h2~vzP3npSyWS38zLgt4W8s7Kk5RLVtg4gG4iGhxTLOA8UdQZMxUQI1TT5kn4ZppaOhYaNfUASUM0hCeLpGifgov04yI6UpDfyTuClfUPXgVv9RhPsmZm4wT0xpWe4mmqshGuac6cFEZlTbei0UCyxK6BoQDZPqKsIr-HUPba2IE~Fsl3KqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two nominees for reappointment to the Idaho State Soil and Water Conservation Commission introduced themselves to the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee and answered questions about their qualifications and priorities; the committee said it will take the reappointments up at its next meeting.

Eric Olson, a working farmer from Bonners Ferry, described five years of prior service on the commission and local experience with the Boundary Soil Conservation District. Olson said the commission provides oversight for local conservation districts’ funding, technical project planning and guidance on conservation practices, and he identified funding and staff retention as the commission’s top challenges going forward.

Karen Sharpenack (presented as Karen J. Sharpenack), a reappointment candidate for Division 4, said she has served as a commissioner since February 2023 and is secretary of the commission. She also serves as an elected supervisor for the Wood River Soil and Water Conservation District and described a nonprofit and business background she said is useful on the commission. Sharpenack said she abstains from matters related to CREP when her husband, who works as a CREP manager, is involved. She told senators she has worked on strategic planning and called for more clarity about the commission’s administrative roles and responsibilities.

Senators asked both nominees about commission interactions with local districts, modern conservation techniques such as pivot irrigation and water-saving technologies, and the importance of funding and recruiting technical staff. Senator Leahy asked specifically about Sharpenack’s organizational goals; she said she had requested legal and human-resources briefings for the commission and proposed strategic planning with partner organizations.

The committee did not hold a confirmation vote at this meeting; the chair said the reappointments will be taken up at the next committee meeting.","Eric Olson and Karen Sharpenack introduced themselves to the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee as nominees for reappointment to the Idaho State Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Both answered senators' questions; the committee will take up formal reappointment votes at a future meeting.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325771,"Idaho FFA leaders brief Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee on education, leadership and career programs",325,198000,523000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2331193-bc055f732b74a2af8a279c5c327b895b&start=198&end=523","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2331193-bc055f732b74a2af8a279c5c327b895b/thumbnail_198000.jpg","/articles/6325771/Idaho/Idaho-FFA-leaders-brief-Senate-Agricultural-Affairs-Committee-on-education-leadership-and-career-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325771-f0ef83161a18ca026cdf8563210ef3c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116357&Signature=SN2G0qZhTsvYhjP-DczgYCdGvTtv966G-TzbAJwaw23MjBs4-IyHSTJHnF0MSWY0u2NxhAKcQcQB0LxnmANf38UmATtRXJSnSXN66ma2xFoLpCfuVoEMwhqEg9vOooQufwF2TSVBosU2FXXD9WHgDUw~Z4ysCqJal4aDOnQ-7IHvpK~ms0J2S2XHf1qXNlKz5CQ-9tz~h2epIaiXsijVUV9tPPQvqOOLCpp8ECjkz8R7-X8V0g7KQKS-ZsmWBbBZek7Q3-eCHcfyaekBmoYhcbWwxs~4TWzhDb0TDNDif6Kr~~dkP9TiUGxLBXXgMkNx3UhpBk6B6pj176rrhM6Pmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Leaders of the Idaho Future Farmers of America explained the organization’s education and leadership programs to the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee, describing classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience projects and competitive events that prepare students for agricultural careers.

The state officers told the committee that Idaho FFA represents more than 6,000 members statewide and offers classroom-based technical training, hands-on supervised agricultural experience (SAE) projects and career- and leadership-development events. “FFA is committed to developing the next generation of leaders in Idaho,” Idaho FFA state secretary Ashlyn King said.

Idaho FFA state president Will Brackett outlined the group’s “three-circle model,” saying it combines classroom learning, SAE projects and competitive events so students “are the most well rounded individuals as possible.” State officers described SAE projects that range from livestock production to entrepreneurship and noted that SAE projects let students apply classroom skills and build professional networks.

The students also listed travel and leadership opportunities run by the organization, including a summer outdoor leadership retreat, multi-location state leadership tracks in Pocatello, Boise and Moscow, and national conferences such as the Washington Leadership Conference. State vice president Josh Nelson described scholarships administered by the Idaho FFA Foundation and the National FFA Foundation, citing examples including $1,000 scholarships from the Idaho Wheat Commission and $2,000 scholarships from Dairy West that support incoming college students and event participation.

Committee members thanked the students and praised the organization’s role in youth development. Senator Zito recalled personal experience in FFA, and Senator Taylor thanked the members for serving as “a bright spot” for young people.

The officers invited committee members to the 94th annual Idaho FFA State Convention in April at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, where legislators can observe student leadership events and competitions.","State FFA officers told the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee that Idaho FFA serves more than 6,000 students, emphasizes classroom instruction paired with supervised agricultural experience and contests, and provides scholarships and leadership events across the state.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325756,"Idaho Potato Commission highlights promotion strategy, market pressures and research priorities to committee",733,3467000,4200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2331193-bc055f732b74a2af8a279c5c327b895b&start=3467&end=4200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2331193-bc055f732b74a2af8a279c5c327b895b/thumbnail_3467000.jpg","/articles/6325756/Idaho/Idaho-Potato-Commission-highlights-promotion-strategy-market-pressures-and-research-priorities-to-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325756-344fc7c1f6c89e720e6bf9781b260451/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116357&Signature=c9QMVjhFq9DG6UZm2QNGvxXErLHRZ6xIahPsYlhSvTrbk7SxpCYCO8t0bi7gbq7a4gbdV90GVvbVBDE3yEvt3GrWlFPsVarKGzVhlgWPBWCe9j28gpFfRhO13VueyJ-Im6I2RA41xHrSA7Ubw6cnx67pPzF0uMRJdPDs4MbCGajEl5qM69JeuliQE7SyeFECKiIXMWbES5dolWmGwLYFHEtpFk43HJ9JKIUnR8M~Q2qY4dZE3nMRF4nZN8kxNSubaJsDMyz~3ZekUx5vSMlVycGZs9cHXIDofiljN-JP9gSyAgdZnSniPf50DgXJJN21zgozZtGYQXl59zfkKuc5Zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jamie Hyam, president of the Idaho Potato Commission, presented the commission’s role, finances and industry priorities to the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee, describing promotion efforts, market competition and research investments.

Hyam said the commission — an industry-funded marketing and protection organization formed in 1937 — budgets revenues and expenditures in the roughly $15 million range and maintains reserves to cover forward financial commitments. Hyam said commissioners approved drawing from reserves this year to support a marketing push in Mexico and that early results have been positive, though geopolitical developments could affect trade.

Hyam described market pressures facing Idaho growers, including competition from growing frozen-product capacity in countries such as China and India and price pressures tied to inflation and freight geography. He said the commission funds seed and soil research with the University of Idaho to develop varieties that use less water and have greater disease resistance, and that the organization is tracking labor succession to ensure the next generation of growers can continue production.

The commission also monitors national nutrition policy and public messaging; Hyam said recent efforts have successfully resisted efforts to reclassify potatoes as a grain in federal dietary guidance, but he expects the issue to recur and said the industry remains prepared to respond. Hyam closed by describing the commission’s advertising strategy — national television buys and increasingly streaming placements aimed at 25–45-year-old light potato users — and invited committee members to continue outreach and conversation with industry leaders.

Senators commented on the commercials and on competition and trade dynamics; Senator Van Orden asked about frozen-product competition from China and India, and Hyam said most of that capacity is frozen-product processing (French fries and other processed potato items).","The Idaho Potato Commission told the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee it projects roughly $15 million in industry-funded revenues, is investing reserves to expand promotion (including recent campaigns in Mexico), and sees market pressures from international frozen-product capacity and domestic water and land constraints.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Soil and Water Conservation Commission reports fiscal year 2024 results and program demand; administrator signals staffing and funding challenges

Committee hears two reappointment introductions to the Idaho State Soil and Water Conservation Commission; votes deferred

Idaho FFA leaders brief Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee on education, leadership and career programs

Idaho Potato Commission highlights promotion strategy, market pressures and research priorities to committee