College of Western Idaho (CWI) Agricultural Sciences students spent a day exploring the diverse agricultural industries that help shape the Treasure Valley during the program’s annual farm tour this spring.
Open to students across CWI’s Agricultural Sciences programs, including Agriculture Business, Leadership, and Education, Animal Veterinary Science, Horticulture Technology, and Fermentation Science, the tour connected 25 students, faculty, and staff with local industry leaders and hands-on learning opportunities throughout the region.
“I try to find a partner that represents each of the four programs we offer, which ensures every student is represented at some point during the tour,” said Assistant Dean of Agricultural Sciences, Andrea Schumaker. “We leverage known industry partners while also building new relationships based on location and skills.”
The day began at Franz Witte, where students toured the company’s nursery, retail, landscape installation, and design operations with Toby Mancini. Participants learned more about nursery production, retail management, community engagement through landscaping projects, and the business’s growing event venue space featuring a cut flower garden.
Students then traveled to Boise River Lamb, where Brett and Liz Wilder shared insights into their fifth-generation Idaho farming operation. The tour gave students an inside look at lamb production from birth to processing, as well as how the business partners with local restaurants to promote lamb consumption. Students also learned about wool production and the process behind preparing wool products.
At Purple Sage Farms, students explored certified organic farming practices with fifth-generation farmer Mike Sommer. The group toured greenhouses and learned about herb, vegetable, and livestock production while discussing environmental stewardship and sustainable food production practices.
The stop also included a catered lunch prepared by Chef Pedro with Idaho Provisions, featuring locally sourced ingredients from regional farmers. During lunch, students learned more about the importance of supporting local agriculture and food systems.
The tour continued at J.R. Simplot Company Grower Solutions, where Tyler Mallard and his team introduced students to fertilizer production and agricultural supply operations. Students heard about the company’s values and visited fertilizer storage and loading areas to better understand delivery and distribution processes within the agriculture industry.
The final stop took students to Mother Earth Brew Co., where participants were guided through the brewing process and discussed the role of hops, grains, and yeast varieties in craft beverage production.
The annual tour is designed to expose students to the wide variety of career paths and industries connected to agriculture in the Treasure Valley while helping students build professional connections and community.
This year’s tour was supported in part through a generous donation from Caldwell Night Rodeo, which helped cover fuel, snacks, and lunch for participants.
Several students shared their appreciation for the experience following the event, noting the tour increased their awareness of the agricultural businesses and opportunities available throughout the Treasure Valley.
Interested in a career in agriculture, horticulture, or animal science? Cultivate a future in sustainability, science, and innovation through the Agricultural and Natural Sciences pathway at CWI.
