Ranchers, farmers, and agricultural producers across Magic Valley have an opportunity to learn a practical wildlife management technique next week, when the Twin Falls Research and Extension Center holds a Bee Fence Workshop on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m.
The event takes place at the Twin Falls Research and Extension Center, located at 315 Falls Avenue, Evergreen Building, on the College of Southern Idaho campus in Twin Falls. Those with questions can contact the center directly at 208-736-3600.
About the Twin Falls Research and Extension Center
The Twin Falls Research and Extension Center serves as one of south central Idaho’s primary hubs for applied agricultural research and education. Operating through a partnership between the University of Idaho and the College of Southern Idaho, the center carries out work spanning agricultural and range economics, animal waste management, 4-H youth development, and specialty crop pesticide development.
The center is perhaps best known locally for its role in supporting Idaho’s agriculture community through practical research and outreach. Its location on the CSI campus reflects the longstanding academic partnership between the University of Idaho and CSI, which also offers a 2+2 agricultural science, communication, and leadership degree program — allowing students to complete two years at CSI before transitioning to U of I coursework. Classes are available through multiple delivery formats including live instruction, videoconferencing, and online options.
For those interested in other upcoming events related to sustainability and local agriculture, the center’s broader Extension programming connects with efforts like the Sustainable Gardens Bike Tour, which highlighted Twin Falls County’s growing interest in community-based agricultural initiatives.
Research Programs Serving South Central Idaho Agriculture
The center’s agricultural economics work focuses on the industries that drive Magic Valley’s economy. Specialists on staff address dairy and livestock markets, crop economics, and rangeland and natural resource analysis. The program also helps producers with farm business analysis and risk management — critical tools in a region where commodity price swings can significantly affect bottom lines.
Contact information for specific subject matter experts is available through the center. Hernan Tejeda handles dairy and livestock economics inquiries at 208-736-3622, Pat Hatzenbuehler covers crop economics at 208-736-3607, and Jessica Windh addresses rangeland economics at 208-736-3621.
Agricultural waste management is another major focus area at the Twin Falls center. Researcher Lide Chen, reachable at 208-736-3615, leads work on animal manure management, nutrient management, environmental quality, and value-added byproducts. Active research projects supported by the USDA and the University of Idaho include anaerobic digestion of manure, potato waste, and sugar beet waste. Additional studies are examining biofilters for odor control, composting strategies, dairy manure collection and land application methods, and techniques for reducing gas emissions from manure — the latter supported in part by private industry partners.
The center also houses one of the most distinctive programs in the Pacific Northwest: a Minor Use Pesticide Development operation. Idaho established a dedicated specialist position in this area to address a gap in safe and effective agrichemicals for specialty crops grown across the region. The specialist follows strict Good Laboratory Practices during pesticide residue testing, and the data generated supports petitions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for pesticide registration — helping ensure Idaho’s specialty crop growers have access to the tools they need.
What Comes Next
The Bee Fence Workshop on June 17 runs from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Twin Falls Research and Extension Center, 315 Falls Avenue, Evergreen Building, on the CSI campus. Attendance and registration details are available by calling the center at 208-736-3600.
Twin Falls County residents interested in additional community programming and local agricultural education can also find updates through ongoing Extension and sustainability events in the area. For statewide agricultural news and policy coverage relevant to Idaho producers, visit idahofarmers.org.