There’s only one thing better than enjoying a deliciously fresh meal sourced from Idaho-grown and raised foods – knowing it’s supporting our communities’ farmers, ranchers, and other local agricultural producers.

Idaho is known for our mountain peaks, crystal clear rivers, and wide-open spaces. We’re also known for agriculture. Agriculture is an essential part of our heritage and economy. And it’s thanks to the Gem State’s hard-working and innovative farmers and ranchers that we can proudly serve fresh, delicious, and nutritious locally produced foods to our families every day.

Governor Little has officially proclaimed September as “Idaho Preferred Month” and 2021 marks the 15^th anniversary of this auspicious occasion. Idaho Preferred Month is dedicated to celebrating September’s bountiful harvest goodness and the hard-working producers and crafters who bring you the best that Mother Nature has to offer. Join us to celebrate one of Idaho’s most delicious gifts – vine and tree-ripened produce bursting with flavor and nutrients.

This September make a commitment to support our amazing Idaho food by indulging in and dishing up your very own farm-to-table meals. Look for the blue and gold Idaho Preferred label wherever you shop, (including Albertsons, Atkinson’s, Broulim’s, and Walmart), at farmer’s markets, farm stands, and when buying direct from local producers, and know that you’re getting the best of Idaho’s bounty.

Check out these fun ways to support Idaho’s locally grown, raised, and crafted agriculture and our local economy:

1. Stroll through your local farmers’ market and select a rainbow assortment of produce bursting with color and flavor for the week’s menu.
2. Treat yourself and your family to a special night out. Check out these local
3. Do Mother Earth a solid and perk up your yard and garden with some Idaho-grown trees, shrubs, and perennial flowers found in your nearby nurseries and home improvement stores.
4. Need a little recipe inspiration? Explore our downloadable product calendar to know what’s in season all year long for Idaho’s fruits, veggies, meats, fish, and more.
5. Participate in Idaho Preferred’s Live. Eat. Local Recipe Contest (link the contest here). This year in conjunction with Idaho Preferred Month we are launching a recipe contest through all of     September. We want YOU to show us how you. Live. Eat. Local. Idaho!
6. Join us at our next Idaho Preferred Month Event: Event Calendar

Idaho’s more than 185 agricultural commodities provide a wide variety of choices and make it easy to fall in love with supporting local agriculture with Idaho Preferred.

Read on for some Fun Facts about Idaho agriculture!

• Idaho is a production powerhouse ranking in the top 10 in the U.S. for the production of more than 25 crops and livestock.
• Idaho’s hot days and cool nights coupled with advanced irrigation from mountain-fed reservoirs help produce superior, consistent crops, resulting in more flavorful fruits, sweeter wine grapes, and those world-famous Idaho Potatoes. However, the perfect growing environment would not mean as much without innovative and hard-working producers who have made Idaho an agricultural dynamo
• Idaho’s potato growers produce more than 100 million hundredweight of potatoes annually. Our fertile volcanic soil is ideal for producing a potato with a high solid content – the secret behind fluffy bakers and firm french fries.
• Idaho’s innovative dairy industry ranks 3^rd in the United State for milk and cheese production. Lucky for us, Idaho producers make everything from whey proteins and butter to ice cream and yogurt.
• With more cattle than people in Idaho, the beef industry is an important sector for all of Idaho. Most beef cows are raised on open pasture and rangeland by ranch families dedicated to sustainable practices for future generations. Idaho farmers and ranchers produce lamb, trout, and pork, also.
• Idaho has a reputation for producing some of the best soft white wheat in the world. And Idaho is unique in that our growers produce all five classes of wheat.
• Idaho ranks No. 1 in the U.S. in barley and malt production.
• Idaho is recognized globally as one of the world’s biggest seed production areas, which is incredibly important to human existence. We’re a leader in a broad range of seed crops from hybrid sweet corn to beans, Kentucky bluegrass seed, carrot, and onion seed.
• Idaho fruits are prized for their superior color and flavor. Apples, cherries, peaches, and other fruits all thrive here thanks to our unique climate. The long summer days and well-drained soils are key ingredients for growing exceptional wine grapes and fantastic wines.
• Part of the largest onion production region in the U.S. is in Idaho. With state-of-the-art packing facilities, Idaho’s onions are known for size, quality, and storability.
• Idaho is the No. 1 alfalfa hay-producing state in the nation and a major producer of hops, sugarbeets, peas, lentils, and dry edible beans.

The perfect growing climate, cutting-edge technology, extensive irrigation systems, and most importantly—skilled and hard-working people. That’s the bounty of Idaho.

#liveeatlocal #idahopreferred