Idaho Senator Accuses Dairies of Retaliation Over Political Stances

Industry leaders say it's a free-market choice, not retaliation

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:40pm

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A serene, nostalgic painting of a lone dairy barn or silo in soft, warm light, conceptually representing the complex relationship between politics and the local agricultural economy.The tension between political advocacy and business decisions in Idaho's agricultural community is exposed as a state senator accuses local dairies of retaliating against her family over her voting record.Twin Falls Today

Idaho State Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld claims three Magic Valley dairies ended a business relationship with her husband in retaliation for her political stances, while dairy representatives say they are exercising their free-market right not to support a legislator who works against agriculture.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tension between political advocacy and business decisions in a local agricultural community, raising questions about the boundaries between free market principles and political retaliation.

The details

Zuiderveld's husband, Tom, is an account representative for a lube and oil company that does substantial business with Magic Valley dairies. In March, Zuiderveld released a statement naming Millekamp Cattle, Black Pine Cattle, and Cedar Ridge Dairy as the businesses that requested Tom be removed as their account representative, resulting in an 85% loss of their family income. Zuiderveld claims the move was driven by politics, not business performance, due to her stance on illegal immigration. However, the dairies say the decision was a response to Zuiderveld's 'collective voting record and multiple statements that go against agriculture' over her four-year tenure in the state senate.

  • In March 2026, Zuiderveld released a statement naming the three dairies that ended their business relationship with her husband.
  • Last week, Tom's employer sent a letter stating the decision was not related to the level of service he provided, but rather a coordinated effort by the three dairies to no longer direct business through him.

The players

Glenneda Zuiderveld

An Idaho state senator who claims three local dairies ended a business relationship with her husband in retaliation for her political stances.

Tom Zuiderveld

Glenneda Zuiderveld's husband, who is an account representative for a lube and oil company that does substantial business with Magic Valley dairies.

Millekamp Cattle

One of the three Magic Valley dairies that ended their business relationship with Tom Zuiderveld.

Black Pine Cattle

One of the three Magic Valley dairies that ended their business relationship with Tom Zuiderveld.

Cedar Ridge Dairy

One of the three Magic Valley dairies that ended their business relationship with Tom Zuiderveld.

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What they’re saying

“When they quit us, we lost 85% of our income.”

— Glenneda Zuiderveld, Idaho State Senator

“This is political retaliation. This isn't about poor service or performance. It is because I have stood firm on illegal immigration, an issue that matters deeply to Idaho families and our rule of law.”

— Glenneda Zuiderveld, Idaho State Senator

“This is a response to four years of a collective voting record and multiple statements that go against agriculture. She's made multiple statements that attacks farmers, she's advocated for legislation that works against farmers. And for her to say that she's not anti-ag: prove it. We can't find a single bill that she's advocated for that has supported agriculture in her four years in the senate.”

— Rick Naerebout, CEO, Idaho Dairymen's Association

“At Cedar Ridge Dairy, like most American companies and individuals, we choose to do business with those whose values align with ours. We view freedom to manage our business in a manner that we consider best a key principle of our capitalistic, free market system.”

— Hank Hafliger, Cedar Ridge Dairy

What’s next

The senator said she will continue her public service without changing her positions in response to the pressure from the dairies.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex relationship between political advocacy and business decisions, raising questions about the boundaries between free market principles and potential political retaliation in a local agricultural community.