Idaho Agriculture Hits Record $44.5B in Annual Sales

Industry accounts for 17.2% of state's economic output and employs 137,900 people

Mar. 19, 2026 at 11:14pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new University of Idaho study estimates that Idaho's agricultural industry reached a record $44.5 billion in annual sales in 2025, contributing 17.2% to the state's overall economic output and employing 137,900 people. The report shows Idaho's agriculture sector has grown significantly in recent years, with the state now ranking among the top five nationwide for agricultural sales.

Why it matters

The growth of Idaho's agricultural industry has major implications for the state's economy, providing jobs for one in nine Idahoans and generating billions in sales that ripple through other sectors like food processing. The report highlights how agriculture remains a vital part of Idaho's economic identity and future.

The details

The study, authored by University of Idaho Professor Philip Watson, found that Idaho's agricultural industry has reached new heights, with record annual sales of $44.5 billion in 2025. This places Idaho among the top five states nationwide for agricultural sales. The report considers not just direct agricultural numbers, but also the 'ripple effects' the industry has on the broader economy, such as sales in the fertilizer and chemicals industries and farmers' living expenses.

  • The University of Idaho report is updated every three years to track the growth of Idaho's agricultural industry.
  • The previous report, published in 2022, showed agricultural sales of $37.5 billion and 126,800 jobs.

The players

University of Idaho

A public research university that conducted the comprehensive study on the economic impact of Idaho's agricultural industry.

Philip Watson

A professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at the University of Idaho, who authored the 'Economic Contribution of Idaho Agribusiness 2025' report.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Agriculture is growing, and this is the largest contribution of agriculture into the Idaho economy in history.”

— Philip Watson, Professor

“Idaho's farm sector used to be much larger than the processing sector, and that has changed within the past five years, which is a really good thing for Idaho. Rather than shipping out our raw milk and our raw potatoes, we are now capturing more of that added value in the state by processing them here. I think it's showing a maturing agricultural industry.”

— Philip Watson, Professor

What’s next

The University of Idaho plans to share the findings of this latest report with lawmakers in Boise during the next legislative session to ensure policymakers understand the significant role agriculture plays in Idaho's economy.

The takeaway

Idaho's agricultural industry has reached new heights, generating a record $44.5 billion in annual sales and accounting for 17.2% of the state's overall economic output. This growth underscores agriculture's enduring importance to Idaho's economy, providing jobs for one in nine Idahoans and fueling the expansion of value-added processing within the state.