Cassidy Woolsey

Jerome

Editor at Progressive Cattle Podcast

Editor for the Progressive Cattle (@ProCattlemag) magazine

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Articles

Q&A with Debbie Critchfield, Idaho superintendent of public instruction

1 week ago | agproud.com | Cassidy Woolsey

At the 2025 Idaho National FFA Organization Convention, Idaho Superintendent Debbie Critchfield announced that the legislature passed a measure allowing FFA projects to count as "future readiness" projects, replacing the traditional senior project requirement. This change will take effect for this year’s sophomore class. Ag Proud – Idaho’s Cassidy Woolsey caught up with Critchfield to learn more about this change.
We could use more of that

1 month ago | agproud.com | Cassidy Woolsey

Just the other day, I got a text from one of my good friends asking if I wanted some cacti she was thinning out. It was one of the first actual “spring” days this year, and she – like many others – was out doing yard work. In typical Cassidy fashion, I was slow to respond (OK, a couple of hours slow). But always admiring her cactus garden, I quickly shot her a “I’ll be over in 15” text and headed over.
Ag legislative update 2025 - end of session

1 month ago | agproud.com | Cassidy Woolsey

The Idaho 2025 legislative session has concluded, with some of the bills and resolutions relating to agriculture recapped here. To access the full details or to learn how your legislators voted, visit the Idaho Legislature website. HB82 – Livestock Depredation ClaimsChanges terminology to make it more consistent with language used by responsible investigators. It also provides a third avenue of payment for those impacted by wolves and grizzly depredation.
Idaho’s $30M investment in water projects stirs debate, ultimately passes

1 month ago | agproud.com | Cassidy Woolsey

Reaching an agreement on the newly enacted 2024 Stipulated Mitigation Plan between the Surface Water Coalition and nine groundwater districts spanning the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA) was only the first milestone. The next challenge? Securing the funding to make it work. During his State of the State Budget Address on Jan. 6, Gov. Brad Little requested and asked legislators to commit the $30 million for water projects.
Idaho's ag leaders weigh in: The impact of tariffs on dairy, wheat, cattle and potatoes

2 months ago | agproud.com | Cassidy Woolsey

Idaho Potato Commission –Sam EatonIdaho Dairymen Association – Rick NaereboutIdaho Wheat Commission – Britany Hurst MarchantIdaho Cattle Association–Cameron MulronyLooking back, how did President Donald Trump’s previous tariffs impact your industry? EATON: If you look back to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that was negotiated during President Trump’s first term, the threat of tariffs was a tool the president used to get Canada and Mexico to the table.
All in good fun

Mar 6, 2025 | agproud.com | Cassidy Woolsey

There’s always plenty happening in agriculture – much of it beyond our control. From geopolitical issues to market prices to weather and right down to the dimwitted cow that decided to calve in the ditch or the mice that decided to take up residence in your tractor, happily feasting on the last of your harvest snacks. I’ve mentioned it before, but I’m usually the one with my toe dipped in the “half-empty” glass.
An innovative approach: Renewed water management plan guides Wood River Basin’s future

Feb 20, 2025 | agproud.com | Cassidy Woolsey

A negotiated management plan that has helped resolve a long-standing conflict between groundwater and surface water users in the Wood River Basin has been extended for three more years, a topic discussed in detail during the Idaho Water Users Association annual convention in January. Unlike a settlement or mitigation plan, this effort takes a more holistic approach, addressing multiple angles to find a lasting resolution.
Agreement reached: Breaking down the 2024 water mitigation plan

Jan 31, 2025 | agproud.com | Cassidy Woolsey

“Well, I think the sign of any good agreement is that nobody's happy,” says Travis Thompson, an attorney for the Surface Water Coalition (SWC). “That way you know something's been done right. “But I do think there is optimism going forward,” he adds. Thompson's remarks reflect the sentiment surrounding the new mitigation agreement between surface water canals in Magic Valley and users of groundwater from the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer.
Q&A with Pete Jones, Idaho CAFE project manager

Jan 27, 2025 | agproud.com | Cassidy Woolsey

Pete Jones is the project manager for University of Idaho’s Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (Idaho CAFE) currently under construction in Rupert. Ag Proud – Idaho’s Cassidy Woolsey caught up with Jones to learn more about what is soon to be the nation's largest research dairy, located right here in Idaho. What are you most excited for the Idaho dairy industry to get that it doesn’t have now with the opening of CAFE?
I don't really like New Year's

Jan 9, 2025 | agproud.com | Cassidy Woolsey

If I’m being honest, I can be pretty hard on myself – which might explain why the celebration of a new year isn’t always my favorite. For those who have ever taken the Clifton Strengths test, I am high in the “Executing” category. In fact, my top five strengths are executing strengths. Simply put, if you need help getting something done, I am your girl. This sounds great – and it often is – but like anything, it has its downsides.