Payette Land Trust (PLT) is pleased to announce the completion of two agricultural conservation easements protecting 560 acres of farmland in Idaho County, near Cottonwood. The farmland, owned by the Uhlorn Family, offers spectacular views of the Camas prairie and surrounding mountains, making it an attractive location for subdivisions and building sites. However, through this conservation effort, the property will remain open and available for farming for generations to come.
These conservation easements were established with the help of the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) program. This easement ensures that the land will never be converted to commercial or residential development, safeguarding its agricultural value and scenic beauty. As a result, Uhlorn Family Farms will continue to grow high-quality crops and contribute to the local economy and environment.
The Need for Agricultural Land Conservation across Idaho and Valley County
Conserving agricultural land is crucial for maintaining the economic, environmental, and social fabric of Valley County. Sustainability is at the heart of a thriving community, and balancing diverse land uses such as agriculture, timber, recreation, open space, housing, and commercial activities is essential for long-term viability. Historically, agriculture, recreation, and timber have been cornerstones of Valley County’s economy, but trends show a growing imbalance. Over 144,000 acres of working lands were lost to other uses in Idaho alone between 2017 and 2022. During that five-year period, 2,119 farms and ranches in Idaho went out of business, which amounts to more than one operation in the state closing every day during that time. Source: Idaho Farm Bureau. Once agricultural land is converted to another purpose, it is permanently lost, never to be a productive ag property again.
A Legacy of Agricultural Excellence
Uhlorn Family Farms is a Century Farm, recognized for having been owned and operated by the same family for over 100 years. This distinction highlights the farm’s rich history and commitment to sustainable farming practices that have been passed down through multiple generations. The Uhlorn Family Farm, currently managed by Darrel and Mary Uhlorn along with Brent and Tanis Uhlorn, are passionate advocates for regenerative agriculture, focusing on soil health, nutrient-dense crops, and environmental stewardship.
From the Uhlorn Family Farms website: “At Uhlorn Family Farms, we’re proud to grow high quality grains, legumes, and oilseeds. We use regenerative farming practices to ensure that our crops are healthy and free from disease and pests. Our farm is also home to a variety of crops including wheat, barley, oats, chickpeas, peas, lentils, canola, sunflowers, and wine grapes. We grow nutritionally dense food and promote soil and water quality, to create healthy environments and people.”
From Vision to Reality: The Partnership with PLT
In 2021, the Uhlorn family reached out to PLT to discuss the possibility of placing a voluntary conservation easement on their land. Idaho County is primarily rural, but the Uhlorns began to see the looming pressure of development on their farmland. Over the next three years, PLT worked closely with the family to ensure the project would move forward, culminating in the successful establishment of these conservation easements.
PLT Executive Director Craig Utter played a key role in facilitating the process, ensuring the conservation goals aligned with both the Uhlorn family’s vision and the environmental needs of the land.
Leading the Way in Regenerative Agriculture
Uhlorn Family Farms is also a leader in regenerative agriculture practices. By utilizing biological inoculants, bio-stimulants, cover crops, advanced nutrient testing, and water treatment facilities, the Uhlorns have been able to reduce the use of synthetic inputs by up to 60% in some conditions. This reduction has led to healthier crops, higher quality grains, improved ecosystems, and a reduction in weed pressure.
The farm is currently in the transition phase toward Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC), further strengthening its commitment to environmental sustainability and soil health. Through this process, Uhlorn Family Farms is setting an example for other farms in the region, proving that regenerative agriculture can yield both environmental and economic benefits.
Community Commitment
The Uhlorns are not only focused on sustainable farming, but also on serving their local community. Uhlorn Family Farms recently launched a full line of flours along with seasonal honey from the Uhlorn’s canola field honeybees.
From the Uhlorn Family Farms website: “At Uhlorn Family Farms, we believe in supporting our local community. We work closely with other farmers and producers to promote local agriculture and regenerative farming practices. We offer educational tours to teach people about the importance of farming and where their food comes from. We are active in many organizations that promote our local agricultural industry.”
Conservation Success: Protecting Idaho’s Farmland
This conservation achievement is a testament to the collaborative efforts between PLT and landowners. With the conservation easements in place, Uhlorn Family Farms will continue to thrive, preserving both the land and the farming heritage for generations to come.
“We are honored to have worked with the Uhlorn family to protect their land,” said Craig Utter. “This project is a win for the environment, for agriculture, and for future generations of farmers. Anything we can do as a community to help temper the pressure of growth here in West Central Idaho will allow us to conserve the rural heritage we have all come to know and love.”
Learn more about Uhlorn Family Farms commitment to regenerative in the video below.