The Season of Planning (and Gratitude)

Fall always slows the tempo just enough to catch our breath. Markets wind down, producers turn their attention to winter prep, and restaurants settle into their cozy season. For us, it is also time to reflect on everything we have built together this year and quietly start building the next chapter.

From Field to Fork in Sandpoint to the summer Foodports in Caldwell, this year reminded us again that Idaho shows up for Idaho. Connections were made, partnerships grew, and our voice at the policy table became stronger. None of it happened by chance. It happened because people kept showing up, even when things were busy, messy, and unpredictable.

As we turn toward the year ahead, we are planning our legislative priorities for 2026, shaping the next round of Field to Fork events, and continuing to build bridges between producers, buyers, and communities across the state. Vendor registration for Field to Fork Boise 2026 is already open, and spaces will go quickly. If you are considering being part of it, now is the time to reserve your spot.

This season of planning is better when more voices are part of it. We are grateful for the people behind this work, the growers, chefs, makers, advocates, and supporters who keep showing up. You make it all possible.

Tammie Halcomb
Executive Director - FARE Idaho
 

Join Us for Our Quarterly Roundtable Discussion

You’re invited to a collaborative, solutions-focused roundtable with some of Idaho’s leading voices in family business transition, land legacy, market expansion, policy, and workforce development.

This conversation is designed for business owners, farm families, and their advisors who are navigating what’s next, whether that’s passing on the business, preparing for sale, scaling up, or solving workforce needs.

We’ll dig into topics like:

  • Succession planning & next-generation leadership: What really works and what to avoid? 
  • Preparing for sale or new ownership: Steps to ensure a successful transition.
  • Scaling up or expanding into new markets: Strategies for growth and what to watch for.
  • Policy updates & legal landscape: Key things to know, including Idaho’s new APA legislation.
  • Workforce and talent pipelines: Leveraging new and existing programs (featuring insights from the Idaho Veterans Chamber’s new farmer workforce initiative).
  • Family dynamics & business realities: Tools for navigating the human side of transition.
  • Land, conservation, and tax considerations: How to ensure your business and land legacy lasts.

Roundtable participants:

  • Savannah Suttle, MAMFT. Founder & Principal Strategist, Schema
  • Braden Jensen, Government Affairs, Idaho Farm Bureau
  • David Anderson, Idaho Director, American Farmland Trust
  • Laurel Martin, Business Growth & Market Expansion Consultant
  • Mindi Anderson, Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce (Veteran Workforce & Farm Labor Programs)

Who should attend:
Business owners, farming and ranching families, and advisors thinking about succession, scaling, sale, or staffing.

     >> Free and open to all members

     >> Wednesday, Nov 5th // 11 am – 12:30 pm MT

     >> Email Tammie at tammie@fareidaho.org to reserve your seat
 

We recently joined The Ranch Podcast with host Matt to talk about what makes Idaho’s local food system so special. Our Executive Director, Tammie Halcomb, sat down with Matt to share updates on FARE Idaho’s work, this year’s accomplishments, and how we continue to uplift Idaho producers, ranchers, and food businesses statewide.

During the episode, the team cooked up “The Ranch Dirty Burgers,” featuring Ballard Cheese provided by Dairy West and offal mixed ground beef from Hipwell Ranch -- a delicious example of the quality and creativity that define Idaho’s producers.

We’re grateful to Matt and The Ranch Podcast for inviting us to spotlight the people and partnerships that make our state’s food system thrive.

Watch the full interview to hear more about FARE Idaho’s impact, our ongoing efforts to strengthen local connections, and what’s ahead in the coming year.
 

Experience Field to Fork Boise | February 12, 2026

Farmers, producers, chefs, and food enthusiasts will gather for one incredible day of connection and collaboration. Join us in supporting Idaho’s local food economy.
 

ICORT 2025 Comes to Idaho Falls

The Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism (ICORT) is headed to Idaho Falls, October 20–22, at the Blue Cross of Idaho Conference Center inside the Mountain America Center. This annual event brings together tourism and recreation professionals, community leaders, and industry partners from across the state to learn, share, and collaborate on strengthening Idaho’s visitor economy.

This year’s theme, “The Power of Idaho Tourism,” will explore topics shaping the future of Idaho’s recreation and tourism industry, including accessibility, sustainability, destination marketing, digital strategy, workforce, and stakeholder engagement. Attendees can also join destination tours exploring Idaho Falls’ vibrant local beer, wine, and art scene, and celebrate peers at the annual industry awards.

If your work touches hospitality, food and beverage, or agritourism, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Check out the full agenda here!
 

Join Us In Sun Valley for an Evening of Connection

We are excited to invite you to an evening celebrating Idaho’s independent food and beverage community. Please join us for a relaxed open house on Thursday, October 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Sun Valley Culinary Institute.

Guests will enjoy local wine and small bites crafted by Idaho producers while connecting with farmers, ranchers, chefs, food crafters, and community partners.

“This gathering is about connection,” says Tammie Halcomb, Executive Director of FARE Idaho. “We’re thrilled to bring people together in Sun Valley to celebrate local food and the independent businesses that make it all possible.”

The Sun Valley Culinary Institute is equally excited to host. “Partnering with FARE Idaho is an honor,” says Karl Uri. “We’re excited to open our doors to the many people who make up Idaho’s food system and to welcome anyone interested in learning more.”

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the people shaping Idaho’s food economy and to be part of a growing network of producers, businesses, and advocates.
 

Join the University of Idaho Alumni Association and Huston Vineyards for a special Tap Takeover at Lindsay Creek Vineyards in Lewiston!

Next week, for just $10, guests can enjoy tastings of all three Vandal label wines. If you find a favorite (or two), glasses and bottles will be available for purchase from Lindsay Creek. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit with Huston Vineyards Owners and Winemakers Mary and Greg Alger.

Join us October 22nd! Come sip, connect, and enjoy a relaxed evening celebrating Idaho wine, community, and Vandal pride. Get the details here!
 

CopenRoss Crafthouse & Grill isn’t just about what’s on tap -- it’s about what brings people together. With 60 rotating taps of craft beer, cider, and wine, they’ve created a neighborhood spot where you can try something new, grab a bite, and settle in with friends and family.

Their menu is approachable and thoughtful, featuring sandwiches, salads, burgers, and elevated pub fare that pairs perfectly with whatever you’re pouring. Whether you’re dining inside, relaxing on the pet-friendly patio, or filling a growler to go, CopenRoss is a community-driven space that welcomes everyone.

Visit them at: 5120 W Overland Rd, Suite 5, Boise, ID (in the Albertsons Shopping Center) // Follow them at: @copenrosscrafthouseandgrill on Instagram or CopenRoss Crafthouse & Grill on Facebook for tap updates, menu specials, and event announcements.

We're proud to welcome CopenRoss to the FARE Idaho family!


>> Want to become a member or support Idaho’s independent food, beverage, and hospitality scene? Reach out to us at hello@fareidaho.org
 

Weigh In: IRS Seeks Input on Tipped Occupations

The Treasury and IRS have released proposed regulations for the new “no tax on tips” provision included in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

The guidance identifies nearly 70 occupations where workers customarily receive tips, including bartenders, servers, hair stylists, and tour guides, and it defines what counts as a qualified tip.

Public comments are open until October 23, 2025 and can be submitted at Regulations.gov.
 

Great Harvest, Tight Wallets: Why Idaho Farmers Are Still Struggling - KIFI Local News 8
Despite strong yields, rising input costs are pressing many producers.

 

Idaho and Taiwan Sign $1.2B Wheat Export Agreement - Idaho Ag Today
Boosting Idaho’s grain trade in Asia via a multi‐year deal.

 

Mostly High Farm Input Costs, ‘Double Squeeze’ to Persist - Capital Press
Analysis of how ongoing cost pressures are affecting farm margins in the region.

 

Idaho Ag Department Awards $1.6 Million In Grants - Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
New funding to support agriculture projects across Idaho.

 

An Inside Look at Idaho’s $3M Fight Against Invasive Quagga Mussels - Idaho Capital Sun
How the state is applying copper treatments to the Snake River to protect irrigation systems and ecosystem health
 
 

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and benefits designed to help your business and community thrive.
 

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