The University of Idaho Extension announced on Apr. 27 that it will begin a new season of Ag Talk Tuesday, a virtual program designed to address key topics in Idaho agriculture through statewide crop updates and expert presentations.
Ag Talk Tuesday is scheduled to run from May through August, with sessions held via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon on the first and third Tuesdays each month. Registration is required for participation, but there is no cost to attend. The program features crop condition updates and discussions about pest threats during the first half hour, followed by presentations from industry experts in the second half.
Speakers this season include David Hoekema from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, who will discuss water outlooks on May 5, and Meetpal Kukal, assistant professor of hydrologic science and water management, presenting “Where Does the Water Really End Up?” on May 19. Other speakers include Bradley Johnson and Blake Mathews from The Nature Conservancy and Patrick Hatzenbuehler, an extension specialist in agricultural economics.
Kasia Duellman, associate professor and extension specialist in plant pathology at University of Idaho, said participation has grown since the program began in 2018. “The more people we have participating, the more diversity of crops we have covered, the more expertise we have and the more insights we can get,” Duellman said. She also noted that participants appreciate being able to join sessions while working: “There are a lot of people who listen in while they are multitasking and doing something else… They’re in a tractor or sprayer and they can pop on headphones and listen like a podcast.” Sessions are recorded for later viewing on YouTube or via the Ag Talk Tuesday webpage.
The program’s development reflects broader trends within organizations such as the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), which represents over 92,000 member families including more than 10,000 actively engaged in farming or ranching according to its official website. Many IFBF leaders come from multi-generational farming backgrounds dedicated to agricultural heritage according to its official website. IFBF supports members with annual dues funding scholarships exceeding $255,000 according to its official website.
IFBF also educates over 41,000 schoolchildren annually through agriculture-oriented programs designed to strengthen community ties according to its official website. While maintaining ties with the American Farm Bureau Federation nationally, IFBF preserves independence for its county-level entities according to its official website. The organization seeks to rally farm families around education initiatives as well as economic opportunities according to its official website.
Duellman encourages anyone interested in suggesting topics or speakers for upcoming sessions—specifically those scheduled for June 16 or July dates—to reach out directly by phone or email.
