Idaho Sugarbeet Queen: How Samantha Parrott is Shaping the Future of Snake River Sugarbeet Farming
When Cecilio and Rosa Perez immigrated from Mexico to Rigby, Idaho, and planted sugarbeets for the U&I Sugar Company, they also planted the seeds for their granddaughter Samantha Parrott’s future in agriculture. Today, as executive director of the Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association (SRSGA), Parrott blends a family legacy with policy leadership to help guide the future of the American sugar beet industry.
A Family Legacy Rooted in Idaho Sugarbeet Farming
“The SRSGA represents over 600 sugarbeet growers in Idaho, Oregon and Washington and works to support state and federal legislation that advances the agricultural industry, promotes research to improve sugarbeet growing practices, and educates the general public about the benefits of agriculture,” said Parrott, who resides in Nampa and works out of the association’s office in Boise.
Parrott discovered her passion for agriculture through her involvement in her high school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) program.
“That experience helped me understand the broader impact of agriculture on communities, food security, and the economy,” she said. “It was during that time that I realized agriculture was where I wanted to build my career and FFA provided the foundation that led me back to an industry that has been part of my family for generations.”
Parrott earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agribusiness from the University of Idaho, where she served as student body president, sparking her interest in leadership, policy, and advocacy.
“After graduating, I spent ten years working in fundraising across the nonprofit and higher education sectors,” she said. “That role allowed me to build relationships throughout Idaho agriculture, including with sugar beet farmers who later encouraged me to apply for the executive director position at the SRSGA.”
Parrott says her role as executive director blends her interests in agriculture and politics and offers constant opportunities for learning.
Advocating for Snake River Sugarbeet Growers from Boise to Washington, D.C.
“During the first quarter of the year, I spend much of my time at the Idaho Statehouse while the legislature is in session,” she said. “The challenges our growers face are continually evolving. We closely monitor legislative activity and advocate on issues affecting our growers. This session, our priorities included advancing a joint memorial urging United States Congress to ban artificial sweeteners in the school lunch program.”
In the spring and fall, Parrott shifts her focus to the sugarbeet fields and connecting with farmers.
“I really enjoy spending time with them, listening to their concerns, and talking through how policy decisions and industry issues may impact their operations,” she said. “While I’m in the fields, I also use a drone to capture footage for social media and outreach efforts, helping tell the story of sugarbeet farming in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.”
Just like farming, advocating for agriculture is a never-ending job.
“I work closely with the media throughout the entire year to educate the public and policymakers about sugarbeets and the role growers play in producing a safe, reliable food supply,” Parrott said. “Having effective tools at the federal level allows us to advocate for policies that support our growers. The fact that advocacy can truly impact farm viability and long-term success is incredibly fulfilling, and the most rewarding part of my job is the ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of sugarbeet farmers.”
Educating the Next Generation About Idaho Agriculture
Making the story of sugarbeets relatable and accessible to students of all ages is another top priority for Parrott, who believes that a general lack of public understanding about sugarbeets and how they are produced is perhaps one of the biggest long-term challenges facing the American sugarbeet industry.
“Agriculture is complex, and sugarbeet farming even more so because it involves both field production and processing infrastructure. Education is critical because many students do not grow up with a connection to farming or an understanding of where their food comes from,” she said. “Reaching young people through classroom visits, curriculum resources, and digital outreach helps show them the wide array of paths available in agriculture.”
To tackle this challenge, Parrott mentors youth ages 8-18 in the Amalgamated Youth Sugarbeet Program and recently visited a local high school’s agriculture program.
“I shared an overview of what I do and the of the many career opportunities available in agriculture,” she said. “Experiences like that are so valuable because they help students see how diverse and exciting this industry can be, whether they are interested in policy, science, business, or on-the-ground farming.”
Parrott and the SRSGA are also collaborating with the University of Idaho Extension to develop a sugarbeet curriculum kit for students in grades 3–6. Designed for classroom use, the kit incorporates sugarbeets into lessons across subjects such as reading, writing, geography, math, and science.
“These interactive lessons include videos that explain what a sugarbeet is, how and where it is grown, its history, how it is processed, and even how sugar functions in food and nutrition,” Parrott said.
The goal is to increase agricultural literacy early in a child’s education, giving students a better understanding of an industry that is vital to the state and the nation.
“Introducing them to these opportunities early on helps build a stronger and more informed future for the industry,” she added.
Parrott’s role at the SRSGA also highlights the growing presence of women in agriculture.
“Many people still picture agriculture as male-dominated, but that’s far from the truth,” she said. “I advise women, and anyone interested in agriculture, to go for it. Explore, ask questions, and get involved through internships, local FFA or 4-H programs, or professional associations.”
American agriculture both values and needs a wide range of unique skills, perspective, and ambition, according to Parrott.
“There are so many ways to learn about the opportunities available and pursue a career that fits your passions,” she said. “Beyond farming, careers in engineering, marketing, communications, research, and more are all part of ag. Whatever your passion, there’s a place for you in this industry.”
Although American sugarbeet growers currently face immense pressure from declining prices and rising costs, trade uncertainties, unpredictable weather, and emerging pests, Parrott is optimistic about the sugar industry’s future.
“These challenges are opportunities to adapt, educate, and strengthen the industry. Overall, the future of sugarbeet production in Idaho looks strong,” she said. “Advances in genetics and technology, along with strong representation, will help growers continue producing a sustainable and essential crop.”
Parrott credits the remarkable faith, resilience, and dedication of American sugar farmers for helping them persevere.
“Their ability to keep moving forward and adapt, season after season, is truly inspiring,” she said. “I’m humbled by their trust and feel blessed to be part of a special industry that truly feels like a family.”
In addition to the growers she represents, Parrott’s “sugar family” includes her husband Stephen and three children: Jackson, 10, Reagan, 7, and Wilson, 4. The family enjoys attending industry events together as well as skiing, camping, hiking, and cheering on the Idaho Vandals.
“I’m incredibly grateful for my husband, who not only supports my career but also works in agriculture himself, giving us a shared perspective and plenty of great conversations about the industry,” Parrott said. “I also want to give a special shout-out to my dad Tony. He encouraged me to stay involved in FFA and has supported me every step of the way in my journey. He was the one who officially dubbed me the ‘Idaho Sugarbeet Queen,’ and I will always be grateful for his guidance and encouragement.”
Get Social with #MoreToSugar