Southeast Idaho

Southeast Idaho

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
Ran down to Southeast Idaho to Ronald Shippen farms where manager Craig Phillips is planting Barley. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, farm operations have continued because they have to according to Phillips.

"What's going on fellow Farm Bureau-ers! I'm Craig Phillips, I'm on my families farm and the 5th-generation here in Southeast Idaho. Right now we are preparing the seedbed for our malt barley crop. We are still farming."

Phillips says hours are long and despite the day to day restrictions they're able to work un-impeded.

"It's pretty important what I'm doing right now, especially for all the hop drinkers," says Phillips.

A month and a half of isolation is wearing thin on the farm according to the young farmer.

"I'm sure people are tired of hearing about the COVID-19 deal, trust me, I think we are all ready for this to be done and over with. Farming with this whole entire deal going on is still business as usual. Granted its an eerie feeling know there's no one around not only in our nation but the world. But for us, it has to be business as usual. So that's why I say, still farming! We have your back," said Phillips.

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