|
Overview
District II encompasses the ten counties of southwestern
Idaho, a region that stretches from the Nevada Border
north to the Little Salmon River. Agricultural enterprises
include farming, ranching, and dairying. Tree fruit,
seed, row crops and forages are the main crops that
span the Boise, Payette, and Weiser River valleys. Cow-calf
operations center in the rangeland areas of Owyhee,
Washington, and Adams counties. Dairies are located
in Ada and Canyon counties. Extension education covers
production, management, and marketing of these agricultural
commodities, as well as natural resource conservation
and development.
Rapid
business and industrial expansion in Boise has encouraged
population growth that spills over into the surrounding
counties. Agricultural lands are rapidly being turned
into housing developments. Schools are crowded and communities
are constrained in providing adequate public services.
Tourism and recreation enterprises are expanding in
the mountain areas; McCall and New Meadows are becoming
resorts. Extension educational programs for communities
include public policy education, multiple-use of lands,
conflict resolution, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Extension
education for families and youth include family financial
management, food safety and preservation, nutrition,
diet, and health, as well as family and youth development.
Leadership and volunteer development programs include
the 4-H Program, Master Gardeners, and Food Safety Advisors
Program. Federal grants fund educational programs in
water quality as well as nutrition and resource management
for low income families.
|
