JFAC hears University of Idaho agricultural research, extension budgets; leaders cite new facilities, faculty requests and digital-access grants

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee reviewed Idaho's Agricultural Research and Extension Service and the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) during its Feb. 10 session, where college leaders described staffing levels, recent capital investments and FY2026 requests for faculty and building maintenance.

Kevin Campbell of the Legislative Services Office presented the budget overview and detailed the service's statewide footprint: extension presence in 42 of Idaho's 44 counties and three recognized tribal communities, ten research and extension centers with access to more than 14,000 acres for research, and a five-year personnel average of roughly 341 full-time equivalents. He said the service typically spends near 100% of appropriations, with personnel making up the majority of expenditures.

Dean Michael Perella, dean of the College of…