Canyon County’s agricultural sector generated an estimated $1.2 billion in total output during the 2025 production year, maintaining the county’s position as one of Idaho’s top agricultural producers and underscoring the central role that farming, ranching, and food processing play in the local economy. The figure, compiled by the University of Idaho Extension office in Caldwell, includes crop sales, livestock and dairy revenue, and the value-added contribution of Canyon County’s food processing industry.
Dairy led all sectors with approximately $480 million in milk production revenue, reflecting Canyon County’s status as Idaho’s second-largest dairy-producing county behind Jerome County in the Magic Valley. Canyon County’s approximately 85 dairy operations milk roughly 120,000 cows, producing over 2.5 billion pounds of milk annually that is processed into cheese, butter, yogurt, and other products at facilities in Caldwell, Nampa, and throughout the Treasure Valley.
What Canyon County Grows and Raises
Beyond dairy, Canyon County’s diverse agricultural portfolio includes sugar beets ($95 million), corn and grain ($88 million), hay and alfalfa ($76 million), onions ($62 million), hops ($45 million), wine grapes ($28 million), and a growing vegetable and specialty crop sector. The county’s rich volcanic soil, irrigation water from the Boise River and Lake Lowell systems, and the Treasure Valley’s warm growing season with cool nights create ideal conditions for high-value crop production.
The livestock sector beyond dairy contributed approximately $140 million, including beef cattle, sheep, and poultry operations. Canyon County’s proximity to the Boise metropolitan area has also fueled growth in direct-to-consumer agriculture, with farmers markets, CSA programs, and farm-to-table restaurants creating new revenue channels for smaller producers.
“Canyon County agriculture is both heritage and future,” said University of Idaho Extension educator Maria Santos. “We have multi-generational family farms operating alongside innovative startups growing specialty crops for premium markets. That diversity is our strength.”
Challenges Facing Canyon County Agriculture
Despite the strong production numbers, Canyon County farmers face mounting pressures from urbanization, water scarcity, labor costs, and rising land values. The county has lost an estimated 15,000 acres of agricultural land to residential and commercial development over the past decade as the Treasure Valley’s population boom pushes urban boundaries outward into historically rural areas.
Water supply remains a perennial concern. The Boise River system and Bureau of Reclamation storage facilities at Lucky Peak, Arrowrock, and Anderson Ranch reservoirs serve both agricultural and urban users, creating competition during drought years. The 2024-25 drought required some Canyon County irrigators to accept reduced water allocations, impacting crop yields on rain-dependent operations.
Labor availability has improved modestly with the expansion of the H-2A temporary agricultural worker visa program, but many smaller operations continue to struggle with hiring costs and the logistical burden of federal visa compliance. Canyon County Farm Bureau president Tom Daly has advocated for streamlined agricultural labor policies at both the state and federal level.
Impact on Canyon County’s Economy
Agriculture’s $1.2 billion contribution extends well beyond the farm gate. The University of Idaho estimates that each dollar of agricultural production generates an additional $1.80 in economic activity through processing, transportation, equipment sales, and support services. By that multiplier, Canyon County agriculture supports approximately $3.4 billion in total regional economic activity and an estimated 12,000 jobs directly and indirectly.
What Comes Next
The Canyon County Farm Bureau will host its annual Agricultural Expo on April 19 at the Caldwell Events Center, featuring workshops, equipment demonstrations, and discussions on water policy, land use, and agricultural technology. Residents interested in supporting local agriculture can visit the Nampa Farmers Market, which opens for the season on May 3, or explore Canyon County’s 14 U-pick farms and farm stands at visitcanyoncounty.com. For statewide agricultural policy coverage, see Idaho News.