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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.
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