University of Idaho details AgResearch and extension budget; dean highlights new facilities and digital‑literacy work

Legislative Services analyst Kevin Campbell presented the Idaho Agricultural Research and Extension Service (AgResearch/Extension) FY2026 base‑budget overview to the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Feb. 10. Dean Michael Perella then introduced his leadership team, summarized recent investments in research facilities and described extension outreach statewide; Perella also announced his retirement effective June of this year.

Perella opened by thanking the Legislature and governor for support over his nine‑year deanship and noted the college’s statewide footprint — extension staff in 42 of 44 counties and three recognized tribal communities and ten research/extension centers with access to roughly 14,000 acres for research and experimentation.

Why it matters: The University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences supports crop and livestock research, 4‑H youth development, community outreach and applied research that informs production, food‑safety and rural economic activity across Idaho.

Budget highlights and requests

Campbell reported the service’s FTP at 341.33 (near the five‑year average of about 340.56 FTP) and that roughly 81% of service expenditures are personnel costs, with operating costs near $3.6 million and capital outlay around $3.3 million for research center improvements. From FY2021 to…