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Forage
crop production is the basis for the livestock industry and
Lincoln County producers have found ready markets for their
forages, primarily from the expanding dairy industry within the
Magic Valley. The primary crops grown in the county are alfalfa,
pasture, silage corn, wheat, oats for hay, sugar beets and
potatoes.
The livestock industry in Lincoln County is primarily dairy and
beef cattle. Lincoln County is home to 20,000 diary cows and
23,500 additional cattle, mostly beef cow/calf pairs and
stocker-feeders. There are a few farm flocks of sheep and a few
small swine producers.
One of the major issues facing Lincoln County producers is, and
will continue to be, water availability. Lincoln County is
irrigated partially by water from Magic Reservoir and partially
by water from American Falls Reservoir. Water from the Magic
systems is highly variable with deliveries as high as 9 acre
feet some years and 1.5 acre feet others. This makes planning
difficulty. The American Falls system is much more stable and a
more reliable source of water. On either system, producers must
continue to become better water managers and upgrade to more
efficient delivery systems. Rulings on water rights issues will
continue to play a key role in available water, especially for
ground water pumpers who generally tend to have the most junior
water rights.
Other issues include rising energy costs, production costs,
environmental issues with livestock systems, harvest timing and
storage of corn silage.
The extension office provides a wide range of resources for
producers as well as assistance for soil testing, weed
identification and control options, nitrate testing for forage,
Pesticide Applicator Training, and help in finding solutions to
producer problems. |
