Agriculture

Agriculture: A Cycle of Success

The Magic Valley is the food basket of Idaho, driven by a symbiotic relationship between farmers, cattle and dairy producers, and processors. Over the past 20 years, many dairy producers and food processors have discovered what pioneers realized over a century ago: This land is rich, the soil is fertile, the water is plentiful, and abundant year-round sunshine and a cool climate promise 140 growing days per year. Plus, businesses here have access to a qualified workforce of nearly 6,000 employees who understand the region’s industries. 

No other region in the state contributes more to Idaho’s agriculture economy.

The seven-county Magic Valley region, which includes Jerome and Jerome County, contributes more than half of Idaho’s ag receipts. For more than 100 years, this area has been a major producer thanks to its abundant sunshine, available water, and rich, volcanic soil. Annual precipitation is about nine inches per year, with moisture accumulation evenly distributed over the late fall, winter, and spring. The summer evaporation rate is high and humidity is low, with flooding a very occasional problem due to early snow melt or heavy rain when the soil is still frozen.