University of Idaho leaders outline agricultural research, extension needs and request viticulture faculty post

University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) leaders briefed the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee Feb. 10 on the Agricultural Research and Extension Service base budget, recent appropriations and FY2026 requests, and described statewide extension activities and recent facility investments.

Dean Michael Perella, who told the committee he will retire in June after nine years as dean, said the college’s research and extension work reaches 42 of Idaho’s 44 counties and three tribal communities and supports nearly all of the state’s agricultural sectors. He asked legislators to continue supporting investments in facilities and faculty to sustain research, extension and workforce development.

Why it matters: CALS officials told the committee that agricultural research and extension support a broad share of Idaho’s economy and rural communities by advancing crop and livestock production, irrigation and soil health, nutrition work and community programs such as adult computer literacy and 4‑H youth development.

Budget and staffing highlights

Kevin Campbell, a Legislative Services Office analyst, summarized…