Museum: Agriculture In Idaho Panel 5 - Specialty Crops

Following the construction of the Libby Dam, valley farmers no longer faced the threat of the Kootenai River floods. The small family farms began to expand into much larger farms and ranches. New experimental, specialized crops began to emerge: seed potatoes, hops, and various grass seed crops. Diversification continued as the County became a leading producer of Christmas trees and later on, a vast array of cold-hardy nursery stock species that have been grown experimentally, with increasing success. The hops and nursery industries are some of the largest employers of agricultural workers.

Reclamation, technology, markets, and nutrition have influenced the production of other crops and adjustments in crop varieties over the past hundred years. Vegetables and seeds including peas, potatoes, corn, beans, lentils, canola, and mustard were raised in test plots and are now grown widely throughout the area.

The valley slope lands were very productive for small fruits such as apple, pear, prune, cherry, apricot, and peach orchards. Berries, including strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries have been raised on both valley and bench lands. European aroma hops, introduced in 1967, continue to thrive today.

The nursery industry is perhaps the fastest growing, labor intensive agribusiness in the county today. Christmas trees as well as ornamental stock, and essential oils extracted from various evergreens lend even more diversity to the industry. Honey farms, cut flower farms, apple cider presses, and most recently a flour mill are further examples of the diverse expansion of agriculture in the area.

Farmers and growers find it essential to become involved in organizations and associations in order to seek the education and knowledge they need to maintain their agricultural practices and their livelihood. In a world that changes and develops rapidly, Boundary County growers continually experiment with new varieties and production practices.