Editor's Letter

Three years ago, I waited outside Dunlap Hatchery to purchase chicks, which you can read about if you dig through older issues of IdaHome. Now, I hear it is again difficult to purchase chickens. The cost of eggs is rising, and folks are scrambling to buy up the babies, which will someday begin to lay eggs like my happy hens, who are coming out of their winter slumber to again begin producing. This is a sure sign of spring, even if there is snow on the ground.

Spring is slow to come in Idaho, which is why we’re still bringing you winter content—sled dogs and alpine races, which, while chilly, will warm your heart. Boise hosts Treefort Music Festival this month, which is always a gamble—sometimes the weather cooperates, but there have been years where attendees danced in the rain.

No matter, though—westerners are built for it, and we always have been. You can read more about the western life with IdaHome Flavor Editor April Neale, who brings us an in depth look at Yellowstone prequel 1923, a show that explores the dark and light of life on the range. We’ve also got some modern pioneers in this issue—young women exploring the country by bus after finding out they were dating the same man.

Spring is about new life and creative expression, so we bring you an update on the talented folks at LED, who are committed to bringing you creative, accessible art experiences, and a roundup of cool barber shops throughout the Treasure Valley who are creating art of their own.

It’s a season of growth too, which is why writer Chris Langrill catches up with PetIQ CEO Cord Christensen, whose innovative approach to pet health is now at $1 billion in revenue. Micah Drew also writes about Hempitecture, a new manufacturer and distributor of green building materials for construction, which is just the start of a conversation about sustainability that IdaHome is tackling in a coming issue.

So, amidst the chicks chirping, bunnies hopping, and yes, snow falling, we’re welcoming spring with open arms and a lot of layers, as is the Idaho way. If you’re one of the folks waiting for chicks outside a local hatchery, I want to warn you that, no matter the cost of eggs, they’re probably cheaper than chickens, at least for the tenderhearted—I’ve taken at least two to the veterinarian, which would have paid for dozens of eggs. Sigh. That’s what love does, I guess.

We hope you’ll join us as we explore this changing season in our IdaHome. See you out there.

Until next time,

Heather