Since 2013, NCAP has worked with farmers in southern Idaho to install beneficial insect habitat. So far, we have partnered with local farmers to install habitat on three farms, with plans to begin work on another two farms in 2018.

Review our 2019 Field Day 

Review our 2017 Field Day 

View habitat profiles below

St. John's Organic Farm
Emmett, ID
Established in 2016

St. John's Organic Farm is a 160-acre farm home to 40 milking cows and a similar number of steers and calves. The goals of establishing habitat at this site was to create a refuge for native pollinators and beneficial insects. The site takes advantage of two unused areas on the property- a previously grassy field adjacent to a small home garden and a grassy area alongside the street.

Valley Pacific Farm
Buhl, ID
Established in 2015

Valley Pacific Farm is a 300 acre farm that specializes in production of dry beans, barley, wheat, corn, and alfalfa hay. The goal of habitat establishment at this site was to provide bee habit adjacent to fields where crops were growing. Matt Townsend, of Valley Pacific Farms, wanted to take an area, in this case a pivot base, that was unproductive and turn it into something of value. Review the case study here. 

Purple Sage Farm
Middleton, ID
Established in 2015

Purple Sage Farm is a 35-acre organic farm that produces culinary herbs, specialty greens, fruits, and vegetables. The goals of establishing habitat at this site was to provide pollination and pest management. Particular site considerations include establishing the habitat in a central location on the farm with adequate access to sunlight and the existing irrigation system. Review the case study here. 

To learn more about our pollinator and beneficial insect educational events, see resources from our Bee Conscious field day and Day 1 of the 2017 Organic Farming Conference. 

Additional Resources:

Establishing Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Habitat on Farms in Idaho: An Installation Guide

Idaho Pollinator Habitat Assessment Form and Guide: Farms and Agricultural Landscapes