Voices from Idaho Agriculture
Behind every bushel of wheat, every gallon of milk, and every bale of hay is a person, a family, and a story. Idaho Farmers shares the voices of the producers who work the land across our state.
The Sepulveda Family — Jerome County
450-Cow Dairy Operation
John and Maria Sepulveda run a 450-cow dairy operation outside Jerome. John’s father started the dairy in 1978 with 80 cows, and John took over management in 2005. The family has invested in modern milking technology and plans to transition the dairy to their daughter, who recently graduated from the University of Idaho with an agricultural economics degree.
“We don’t just milk cows. We feed people. That’s what keeps us going.”
David Reese — Latah County
2,800 Acres Dryland Wheat, Barley, and Lentils
David Reese farms 2,800 acres of dryland wheat, barley, and lentils on the Palouse near Moscow. His family has farmed the same ground since 1922. David transitioned from conventional tillage to no-till practices and works with University of Idaho Extension on agronomic research.
“The soil my grandfather broke is still feeding this community. Our job is to make sure it can keep doing that.”
The Henrie Family — Bingham County
1,200 Acres Potatoes, Barley, and Hay
Sarah and Mark Henrie grow potatoes, barley, and hay on 1,200 irrigated acres near Blackfoot. The story focuses on potato production economics, processor relationships, water management on the Snake River Plain, and their structured succession plan.
“Every potato in this field was planted with a plan. Farming doesn’t survive on hope — it survives on management.”
Tom Barkley — Owyhee County
600-Head Cow-Calf Ranch
Tom Barkley runs a 600-head cow-calf operation across private and BLM rangeland in Owyhee County. His story addresses public land grazing policy, range management, wildlife coexistence, drought adaptation, and the logistics of running cattle in some of Idaho’s most remote country.
“Ranching out here means you take care of the land or the land won’t take care of you. It’s that simple.”