University of Idaho dean outlines research, extension budget needs and new facilities; seeks continued state support

Kevin Campbell, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, presented an overview of the base budget and FY2026 requests for the University of Idaho’s Agricultural Research and Extension Service.

Michael Perella, dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) and director of the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station, told the committee he will retire in June after nine years as dean and thanked the legislature for support of new research facilities and faculty hires. He introduced key staff attending the hearing, including Madison Powell (interim associate dean for research), Dr. Barbara Petty (associate dean for extension and director of UI extension), Margarita Cardona (fiscal director) and Rachel Bickerton (government and external relations director).

The nut graph: Dean Perella and staff described investments in new research infrastructure and faculty as critical to supporting Idaho agriculture, highlighted priorities including viticulture and small-fruit research, and asked the committee to continue funding base operations and targeted positions while extension delivers digital-literacy and community programs across the state.

Campbell…