The Growers' Guide April 2023

SHEEP TO SHELF

Family-run ranch creates vertically integrated wool clothing business

Address Service Requested

By SIERRA DAWN McCLAIN Capital Press

DILLON, Mont. — A family-owned sheep ranch has put a spin on the “farm-to-table” concept by trademarking a similar slogan — “Sheep to Shelf” — that captures its unusual business model.

In 2013, John Helle, a third-generation sheep rancher in Western Montana, co-founded a wool clothing company called Duckworth Co. The brand sells shirts, hoodies, socks, hats and other clothing made from the wool produced by ranch’s roughly 10,000 sheep.

hats and other clothing made from the wool produced by ranch’s

At a time when wool producers and the American textile industry are struggling, the Helle family is going against the trend by expanding its operation. The Helles plan to partner with additional mills and ranches to boost production in the coming years.

expanding its operation. The Helles plan to partner with additional

Courtesy of Kyle Niego/Duckworth Evan Helle urges the sheep forward with his dogs, Buddy and Paisley. The sheep will move next through timberlands where predators live.

Weston Helle

Evan Helle

John Helle

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2023

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Copyright 2023.

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TRACTORS

DRILLS

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VEHICLES

’91 FREIGHTLINER COE, 711K Mi, Series 60. 9 Spd, A/R, Setback Front Axle $7,500

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12000 GALLON NH3 TANK, Concrete Piers Included $19,500

M&W 450 GRAIN DRYER, PROPANE, PTO $3,000

HOWARD M130 ROTAVATOR, 11’, PTO Drive $1,000

(4) ALLIANCE 24.5R32 R1 TIRES ON GVM WHEELS $8,950

COMBINES & HEADERS

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HD POWER SYSTEMS 8000 WATT GENERATOR,

Unused, 13 HP Honda Engine, Electric Start $750

ACME FORKLIFT, 4WD, Front Duals $1,000

SPEEDAIRE VERTICAL COMPRESSOR, 5HP Electric Motor $250

TRAILERS

‘77 TOTEM-ALL EQUIPMENT TRAILER 15 Ton, 16’ Deck +

‘82 MACK SUPERLINER Mack 6 Cylinder, 13 Speed, 20’ Bed/Hoist, Removable Box, Roll Tarp $22,500

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IH 2070 Tandem, Cummins 290, 10-Spd., 2000-Gal. Poly Tanks, Pump $5,950

IH 1724 57K Mi., 404 V8, 5x2 Trans., 16’ Bed/Hoist $3,000

F600 370 V8, 4WD, 5-Spd. Trans. $2,400

’10 PETERBILT 384 DAYCAB, Cummins ISM @ 410 HP, 10 Spd, Late Engine work $38,000

’85 CHEVROLET K30 DUALLY, 108K Mi, V8, 4WD, AT, 8’ Flatbed $7,950

’91 DODGE 250, 154K Mi, V8, 4WD, 9’ Flatbed $3,950

87 KW T800, 523K Mi, Cummins LTA300, 9 spd, Reyco

TILLAGE BUYS

’95

7500 CAB & CHASSIS, 85K Mi, Cat 3116, Allison, Air Brakes $12,950

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WIL-RICH 22’ Chisel Plow $2,950

ROLLER 15” Roller, 5/6/8’ Sections $100/FT.

BRILLION 18” Roller, 42’ $150/FT.

KRAUSE 1751 DOUBLE OFFSET DISK, 18’, 19-22” Blades $2,750

WILRICH 2900 9 BOTTOM PLOW, Spring Reset $4,500

JD 17140A MULCH TILLER, Summers Tine Harrow $2,950

JD PK03 OFFSET DISK, 16’ $2,950

M&W EARTHMASTER DISK CHISEL, 5 Shank $7,500

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KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 750 4 WHEELER, 4557 Mi, Fuel Injected V Twin $5,000 20’ GRAIN BOX WITH ROLL TARP & STANDS $5,000

Breakfast with wheat

Here are some breakfast recipes courtesy of the Wheat Foods Council.

Perfect buttermilk pancakes

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter, melted

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

3 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups

Buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

Directions

bottom frying pan or griddle on medium heat-low heat. Spoon one big spoon of the batter per pancake.

By Dana

First, melt the butter and set aside to cool. Mix together the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

In a jug, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the liquid to the dry mix and starting lightly mixing together. The secret to thick, fluffy pancakes is not to over mix. My trick is to stir it enough times to spell P.A.N.C.A.K.E, and then stop.

Slowly drizzle in the cooled butter and stir another 3 times. Lumps are OK, resist the urge to mix more. Put in the fridge for 10 minutes. This helps the butter to chill and bubbles to form in your batter. Put a heavy

Cook for roughly 4 minutes on one side. It is time to turn them over when you see bubbles forming on the top of the pancake and the edges turn color (forming bubbles on top is really important because they hold your pancake up and keep it thick, I call them pancake pillars. Flip and cook for another on the other side a little longer, until brown. Enjoy with butter and maple syrup.

Buttermilk waffles

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup sugar

4 eggs

2/3 cup canola oil

2 1/2 cups buttermilk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

See Kitchen, Page A5

Kitchen

In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar.

to medium heat then generously butter or grease it. Spoon roughly 1/4-1/3 cup of batter into a preheated waffle iron.

In a jug, whisk together eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Whisk together the wet and the dry ingredients. Whisk while you spell out W.A.F.F.L.E.S, or 7 times roughly. A few Lumps and bumps are all good. Just like pancake batter, they work themselves out while the batter rests. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Pre-heat your waffle iron

Cook the waffles until golden and crisp. (all waffle irons are different but roughly around 3-4 minutes)

TIP: Resist the urge to open the waffle iron while cooking so you don’t let out all that lovely steam that will give you a crisp, brown waffle.

Once cooked remove from the waffle iron and set aside. Repeat this process until all of the batter has been used.

See Ham and Swiss, Page A7

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Continued from Page A4 (2)

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Buttermilk wal es

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IT’S THE PITTS

By Lee Pitts

Nature stinks

One of my commandments is never write about politics and/or religion. To which I would add a third subject. Speaking from experience it’s generally journalistic suicide to write about manure.

I know this because I once wrote a story called “The Many Sides of Manure.” The blowback from readers was almost as bad as the time I pulled an old loaded manure spreader with a cab/free tractor with a gale force wind blowing from directly behind me.

We’re all uncomfortable talking about this byproduct of digestion, so much so that we’ve worn out a thousand dictionaries coming up with words that sound more hygienic.

Feedlot scrapers and lagoon builders are sanitary engineers and manure composting companies are called Environmental Services, Organic Inc. or The Green Corporation. You’d never know by their names that their gross profit really was.

I’ve always taken great pride in the fact that I’m a hard guy to gross out. I wasn’t even fazed back in college when we had to dissect cow pies to determine the effectiveness of dung beetles. (Talk about a creature that’s hard to offend!)

I once judged an FFA public speaking contest where an ill-advised FFA member chose manure as her topic. It was a good speech but

my fellow judges, a home ec teacher and a banker, turned white during the talk that left no cow pie unturned.

I’m told many students have done their doctoral dissertations on the subject of manure management, which I’d think would be hard to brag about in a job interview.

The former opera singer Mike Rowe starred in a reality TV show called Dirty Jobs in which he tried to make our unattractive jobs look sexy.

Mike looked great scooping pig poop but most of us are not that photogenic. So we hold our collective nose and clean water troughs, drain lagoons, load manure, drive tallow trucks, gut animals in packinghouses, and run the hot line behind a row of show cattle at the county fair.

And who amongst us while working ringside or chuteside hasn’t had their mouth open at the wrong time when a cow on washy feed swished her mop-like tail?

Just for the fun of it, if you really want to make a city slicker turn green go into detail about how we get up close and personal with the reproductive tract of farm animals.

Just the thought of sticking ones arm into the rear end of a cow is enough to make any urbanite have nightmares. The only thing

See Pitts, Page A7

Pitts

Continued

worse than describing the preg checking or artificial insemination process is to inform them how a bull’s semen is collected! (I won’t go into detail here for obvious reasons.)

There really is a big double standard going on about what grosses out city folks.

While they faint at the thought of sticking ones arm into the fistulated stomach of a steer they turn around and pick up their pooch’s poop with a plastic bag. Don’t give me any of that phony nasal sensitivity nonsense when they hold your nose every time they pass a feedlot but don’t clean their multi-user litter box in the kitchen for a month.

And there’s not a wet feedlot or chicken coop in America that smells worse, or is

Ham and Swiss

Continued from Page A5

To serve

Stack the waffles, top with butter, maple syrup and enjoy! Cover and store in the refrigerator for 1 day.

Ham and Swiss Breakfast

Casserole

Ingredients

6 ounces ham, thinly sliced, low sodium, extra lean (NOT honey-baked ham)

6 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded

3 slices enriched white bread

3 slices whole wheat bread

1 cup skim milk

2 eggs, large

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

½ teaspoon “beau monde” seasoning (or alternate)

½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1-2 dashes onion powder

Directions

Lightly spray an 8” xX 8” baking pan with non-stick spray.

more gross, than a bus stop bathroom, a broken septic tank, an unkempt parakeet’s cage or a jar of stink bait.

The fact is, nature stinks. And it’s not just animals.

A bale of moldy alfalfa smells far worse than a feedlot after two inches of rain and the most my olfactory senses have ever been assaulted was when I drove through a town, that shall go nameless, that turned tomatoes into tomato paste. I swear, it was almost enough to make me give up pizza.

This is not to suggest that we don’t do some things in animal agriculture that come close to grossing even me out. Please don’t remind me of the time in high school when I had to castrate a lamb with my pearly whites. I almost had to go into therapy as a result and I’m still haunted by the memory. Now that was gross!

Lay 3 slices of bread in the bottom. Layer ½ the ham and ½ the cheese. Repeat layer of bread, ham and cheese. Beat together remaining ingredients and pour over the casserole.

Cover and refrigerate over-night.

Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour at 325 degrees F; serve hot.

Breakfast Muffins with Egg

Ingredients

12 eggs hard boiled

10 strips bacon, cooked until crisp then chopped

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

1 egg

1 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

4 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled

4 green onions, thinly sliced

See Breakfast, Page A11

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SPRAYERS

HAY HEAD $8,500

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WISHEK 842N 17’ DISK $28,900 NOBLE 6000, sweep plow $6,995 JD 975, 4-bottom plow $4,995

COMBINES & HEADERS

Sheep

Continued from Page A1

“We have more demand than we can service,” said Evan Helle, 31, John’s son. Evan works on both sides of the business, overseeing production from sheep to finished fabric.

Reed Anderson, a largescale sheep rancher in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, has known John Helle since the 1990s through industry associations and has watched the family’s business become more vertically integrated over time.

“I’ve watched the Duckworth thing evolve. I think he (John Helle) has done really, really well at that,” said Anderson. “He’s an inspiration, I think, to people in the sheep industry.”

Fine wool

The Helles raise Rambouillet sheep, a large, whitefaced breed descended from the Merino breed that was developed in Spain during the 12th century. Rambouillets produce fine wool soft enough to be worn next to the skin.

The Helles have improved their flock’s genetics through careful selection and breeding. Evan Helle said the ranch’s average wool is less than 19 microns in size. A micron is the measurement

used to describe the wool fiber’s diameter. The smaller the micron, the finer and softer the wool.

“We basically have bred the itchiness out of wool,” said Evan Helle.

The average mature ewe produces between 8 and 14 pounds of wool per shearing — enough to make 8 to 10 T-shirts.

The ranch

Helle Rambouillet, the family’s ranch, is based in Dillon, southwest of Bozeman.

The Helles pasture their

Rambouillet sheep on a mosaic of public and private land in Western Montana. The family owns about 30,000 acres and leases 80,000 to 100,000 acres.

“I love the lifestyle. I love being able to go outside and work outdoors, and I am thankful not to be in an office,” said Karen Helle, John’s wife. She grew up on a cattle ranch but said she especially enjoys the gentle temperaments of sheep.

Raising 10,000 sheep, however, is an all-consuming occupation.

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Umatilla County Food Processing Facility -

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$4,950,000

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Baker County, Bridgeport, OR

1594 +/- acres

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CP#01022

family and how you live your life. It’s not a 9-to-5 job,” said John Helle.

For the operation’s herders, it’s more like an aroundthe-clock job. The Helles employ five full-time sheepherders, most of whom are Peruvian, through the H-2A guestworker visa program. One of the herders has worked for the Helles for 23 years.

out the year. The Helles’ sheep wagons look like metal huts the shape of covered wagons. Historical records credit blacksmith James Candlish with inventing the sheep wagon in Wyoming in 1884.

The sheep trail

Twice a year, the sheepherders and Helles make a pilgrimage called the sheep trail, herding the sheep up to the mountains to pasture in the summer and back down to the valleys in the fall.

CP#02621

Indian Rock Ranch

Union County, Summerville, OR 120 +/- acres

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CP#00822

High Valley Irrigation Ranch - Union County, Union, OR, 164 +/- acres.

$1,800,000

CP#00422

“It’s how you raise your

The sheepherders live in sheep wagons, compact homes that can easily move from place to place as the herders follow the sheep across rangelands through-

See Helle, Page A13 Stoney Ridge Ranch -

Best Road Irrigated Ranch - Umatilla County, Pendleton, OR, 309 +/- acres.

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CP#00222

Stage Gulch Wagner Ranch Umatilla County, Echo, OR, 184 +/- acres. $1,600,000

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East Goose Creek GetawayBaker County, Keating, OR, 482 +/- acres. $1,500,000

Pinherio RanchBaker County, Unity, OR , 1876 +/- acres

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Shy Mountain RanchUnion County, Elgin, OR, 194 +/- acres.

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CP#00522

Wetherell RanchDel Norte County, Crescent City, CA, 104 +/- acres.

$1,400,000

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McKay Creek Hideaway PropertyUmatilla County, Pilot Rock, OR, 160 +/- acres.

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COMING SOON

Baker-Grant County, OR, Forest Service Allotment 36,000 +/- acres.

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CP#01721

Eastregaard Estates Horse PropertyMorrow County, Boardman, OR, 4.47 +/- acres.

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CP#00223

Brown Road Property, Baker County, Baker City, OR, 53 +/- acres. $520,000

CP#01622

Cayuse Property, Umatilla County, Pendleton, OR , 137 +/- acres. $325,000 CP#02522

Courtesy of Kyle Niego/Duckworth

The sheep cross over and drink from the rst water on the trail to the mountains.

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Fuller

USED COMBINES

Breakfast mu ns with egg

Breakfast

Continued from Page A7

Directions

In a large bowl combine the flour, baking powder, salt, onion powder and cheese. In a separate large jug combine the milk, egg, sour cream and melted butter until evenly combined.

Using a spatula, combine the wet and dry ingredients until a thick batter is formed. Then, fold in the bacon and green onions

Preheat your oven to 375F (190C) then generously butter a 12 muffin muffin tin. Using 2 spoons drop heaped tablespoons of muffin batter into the bottom of each muffin. Next place 1 whole hard-boiled egg int the center of each muffin. Press down to ensure the egg is meeting the batter on the bottom of the tin. Next, using the same two spoons drop heaped tablespoons of batter on top of each egg, using the spoons to push the batter down the sided of each muffin, this will ensure the egg is fully encased in batter. Repeat this process until all of the muffins are completed. Bake for 25 minutes until firm and golden brown on top. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin. Enjoy immediately. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

SHOP-BUILT SPRAYER

Great sprayer for a smaller operation!

PRICED WITH HEADERS UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

T-jet controller, two-section control, 66’ booms with Lloyd loops, foam markers, fence row nozzles, recent engine overhaul, heavy-duty differentials.

Helle

Lambs are born in the spring — between 5,000 to 6,000 annually, said John Helle. The lambs start life in the valley, and when they’re strong enough, they make the journey with their mothers to the mountains in June or July.

The trek takes six to seven days with about 5,000 feet in elevation gain through the rugged Northern Rockies.

“It’s just beautiful up there,” said Evan Helle.

The sheep and their keepers walk through wide meadows, by winding creeks and past jagged cliffs. Mike Somerby, Duckworth’s marketing director, said the range is dotted with wildflowers: “It looks like someone dumped a bowl of sprinkles onto the mountainside.”

On the way back to the valleys in the fall, the journey takes four to five days because the lambs are stronger and it’s easier to walk downhill.

Many challenges

The Helles and their employees must keep a watchful eye on the sheep as they walk — first, because there are no fences, and second, because predators are all around. The sheep face threats from coyotes, wolves, black bears, grizzly bears, eagles, ravens and mountain lions.

“You just have to learn to adapt to them and deal with them,” John Helle said of the predators.

To herd and protect the sheep, the ranchers rely on about 40 dogs: Border Collies for herding, and Akbash, Great Pyrenees and Kangal breeds for guarding.

In addition to predators, the ranchers face other challenges: Montana’s harsh weather,

Courtesy of the Duckworth Archives

The Helle Rambouillet sheep ranching operation has been using sheep wagons for nearly a century. Above, a sheep wagon and horse, circa 1970.

rough terrain and opposition to grazing from some non-farming neighbors and environmental groups.

That opposition to grazing is part of what motivated John Helle to co-create the Duckworth clothing brand: to tell his family’s story and to teach the public about the value of agriculture.

Shearing time

Throughout the year, four to five shearing crews from around the U.S. descend on the ranch to clip wool from thousands of sheep. They shear each fleece from its sheep in a single, unbroken mass — a skill that takes practice.

This February, the Helles hosted a shearing school, and in March, they ran an event that offered members of the public a chance to try their hand at shearing with guidance from experts.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte helped shear sheep at the event and wrote in an email to Capital Press afterward that he had “a great time with the Helles.”

See Wool, Page A14

1980 INTERNATIONAL SERVICE TRUCK, 210hp DT466, 5&2 spd., AB, PS, IMT 425AT knuckle boom with remote, hydraulic outriggers, 13hp Curtis 25CFM compressor, 70% 11r22.5 tires, 12’ service body $19,500

1999 FREIGHTLINER FL112 15YD DUMP, 370hp M11, 8ll, Jake, AC, PS, Dbl. frame, 16K front, 40K rears on Hendrickson spring, 50% 22.5 tires, pintle, air gate.

1998 SKYTRAK 8042 TELEHANDLER, 8,000lb capacity, 42’ lift height, 4bt Cummins, 4x4, 3 way steering, 60% 13.00x24 tires, 48” forks, runs and works great, 3900 hrs

$31,500

1995 FORD F800 COMPRESSOR TRUCK, 89K miles, 5.9 cummins, 5spd. manual, AC, PS, PB, 24K gvw, hyd. reel handler, 375cm JD diesel compressor, new 245/19.5 tires $16,500

2001 CHEVROLET

C6500, 210 hp 3126 Cat diesel, 6spd manual AC, PS, PB, 95K miles, 90% 245/75-19.5 tires, 15’ Flatbed, PTO hydraulic winch, 26K GVW. $19,500

1998 FREIGHTLINER FL70 4X4 LUBE SERVICE TRUCK, 126K miles, 26K GVW, Reman 275hp 3126 Cat Diesel, Md3060 Allison AT, AC, PS, AB, cruise, 14’ enclosed body oil tank, 4 product tanks, hyd. compressor, work bench, air greaser, 6 hose reels, 90% 11r22.5’s, 90% brakes, runs and drives great $39,500

1998 CATERPILLAR TH103 TELEHANDLER, 10,000lb lift capacity, 44’ lift height, outriggers,4x4, 3 way steering, 48” forks, 75% 14.00x24 tires, 9100hrs, runs and works excellent $43,500

1997 FORD WATER TRUCK, reman 210hp 5.9 cummins, 6spd. , AB, AC, PS, 26K gvw, 2000 gallon tank, PTO pump, front, side and rear spray, 75% 22.5’s on aluminum wheels $29,500

2005 FORD F650 SERVICE TRUCK, 210hp C7 Cat, 6 spd. manual, AC, PS, PB, 26K GVW, Autocrane 8006H, 8000# capacity, remote, hydraulic outriggers, 12’ service body, under CDL, 50% 22.5 tires $23,500

1997 GRADALL 534C-10 TELEHANDLER

4x4, 40’ lift height, 4BT Cummins, 7100hrs, outriggers, 10K capacity, 60% 14.00x24 tires, runs and works great $41,500

2006 CARSON 14K EQUIPMENT TRAILER, 82” wide x 20’ deck, tandem 7K axles with bearing buddies, new ST235/85r16 tires and spare, ramps, 12K electric winch & storage $6000

• PASCO, WA (509) 547-1795

• QUINCY, WA (509) 787-3595

• OTHELLO, WA (509) 488-9606

BALERS – LARGE SQUARE

(26) NH BB340SPLUS 3x4 BALERS IN STOCK!! Some Single Axles, lots of Tandem Axles, Several Different Packages, Most with LoopMaster Knotters, Price Points From $75,900 to $129,900!!

NH 340S, 2014, single axle, 26,000 bales $48,900

NH 340S, 2016, tandem axle, 24,125 bales, bale chamber extension.. $55,000

NH 340S, 2013, single axle, 19,476 bales $59,900

NH BB9080, 2012, 18,723 bales, single axle

NH BB9080, 2011, single axle, 22,654 bales, large 1000, IV III....................

NH BB9080R, 2009, Rotocut, tandem axle, 67,000 bales, bale chamber extension

2019,

• HERMISTON, OR (541) 567-3001

• LA GRANDE, OR (541) 963-8144

SWATHERS

(2) NH 416 rotary header, 2014’s, rubber rolls $19,900 ea.

NH Duradisc 109M, 3 point mount 9’ disc mower, like new......................$11,900

NH H7230, 2014, 10’ P/T rotary, rubber rolls, 2-point hitch......... $17,500

(2) NH HS16 hay headers, good rolls, good floors...............................$18,000 ea.

NH 770HD, 18’ rotary..................................................................................$7,500

CaseIH-WD2504, 2019, 475 hrs., 16’ RD163 header, rubber rolls.............$140,000 FORAGE HARVESTERS

NH FR780, 2019, 1,191 engine hours, 2x12 drum, air compressor, hyd. Lateral float, crop processor, 2wd, 721 HP, 8 row 600 BFI header, leather seat $449,000

NH FP240, 2013, 29P pickup header $29,000 ORCHARD/VINEYARD

NH T4.95V, 2014, more details coming $13,900

(2) NH T4.90V, ROPS, 4WD, 2,600 hours ea., good rubber.................$35,000 ea.

NH T4.90V, 2016, rops, 4wd, 4,154 hours, 16x16 trans., 3 remotes $18,900

NH TD4040F, 2014 $12,900

Hydralada Pruner Kits, several in stock Please call for prices and details

SQUARE

(3) NH BC5080’s, 2016’s, nice balers.......................................................$27,900

NH BC5080, 2016 $25,500

NH BC5080, 2012, commercial duty, 3-tie conversion..............................$25,000

(2) NH 515 3-ties, 16x23, PTO driven, ready to go!...............................$6,000 ea.

Freeman 370 engine baler.........................................................................$15,000

Freeman 330 engine baler.........................................................................$11,000

BALEWAGON

NH 1068, newer gas engine, lots and lots of recent work............................$27,500 RAKES

(7) NH 216’s, $6,900 to $17,900

Allen 8827, cable controls $9,900

(2) Twinstar 2030G2-5 to choose from $25,900 Ea. Twinstar 2030G2-5, 2012, great shape $26,900

Twinstar 2030G2-5, 2012, great shape. $27,900

We are a full line dealer for SUPREME-SEGUE-ROTOMIX MIXERS/TUB

GRINDERS

Farmhand 822, corn grinder with wheat sieves, 540 pto $10,625

Rotomix 1105 truck mount, 2003, new stainless liners, new augers, new knives, new LH discharge chute. On 1990 Peterbilt 357 double frame, Cat 3176, 400 HP, 13 speed..................................................................................................$74,900

Supreme 900T, 2016, call for more details please....................................$55,900

Wool

Continued from Page A13

After shearing, the wool gets sorted into categories for different purposes. Coarser wool will go into socks, for example, while finer wool will be used in next-to-skin shirts and similar clothing.

Wool processing

Duckworth Co. has worked with in-house and freelance designers to create its clothing lines.

The company works with contractors, all of which are based in the U.S., to process the wool.

John Helle and three original business partners with textile industry experience co-founded Duckworth Co. in 2013. From the start, the mission was to create 100% American-made products, in contrast to most U.S. clothing brands that rely on mills and factories in other countries.

“We’re in it to support American communities and to provide value to the American ag system,” said Somerby, the marketing director.

Evan Helle said Duckworth works with 23 facilities in 12 states, and as the brand expands, he is looking for new textile manufacturing partners.

Hydralada 49565 chainsaws, several in stock $3,500ea. Seppi 6’ flail mower, hammers, offset, 540 $7,500 COMBINES

NH 974 6-row corn header $6,500 CaseIH 1680, 1990, 5468 hours, 25’ auger header...................................$19,700 TILLAGE/SPRAYERS/MISC.

Unverferth 220, 26’ rolling basket, 12.5” baskets, straight........ $12,900

Krause 5817W 16’ offset disk, scrapers........................................................$30,000 TRACTORS

NH T8.360, 2011, duals front & rear, 6 remotes, 9,673 hours............. $69,900

NH T7.260, 2019, 1186 hours, deluxe cab, autocommand cvt, 20.8R42

singles $186,000

NH T7.260, 2019, 1213 hours, deluxe cab, autocommand cvt, 20.8R42

singles $186,000

NH TG305, 2007, duals, new rubber, suspended front axle, 8,800 hours....$79,900

NH TG255, 2005, 7,346 hours, 18.4R46 duals, supersteer front axle, powershift, front weights, rear wheel weights, 4 remotes $59,900

International 400, gas, wide front end, great bend loader, TA...................$5,370

Ford NH 4610, 1987, ROPS, 4wd $7,500

JD 4030, 1976, cab, 2wd, 8,400 hours, synchro-mesh trans, 158 loader

w/ bucket $19,700

JD 3155, 1988, cab, 4WD, quad range, 5700 hours, JD 265 loader w/ SSL QA $35,000

As the wool moves through the supply chain, it starts at the ranch, then heads to a distribution center in Missoula, Mont. From there, the wool gets shipped to different locations across the Southern and Eastern U.S. where it is scoured, spun, dyed, knit, woven and turned into garments. Duckworth then sells the garments to customers via its online store.

Market appeal

Duckworth’s clothing tends to appeal to 25-to-45year-olds with active lifestyles, partly because of the functional garment styles and partly because of wool’s natural properties. Wool is moisture-wicking, fast-drying, odor-resistant, flame-resistant, breathable and durable.

Duckworth’s brand attracts skiers, rock climbers, hunters and others with active lifestyles.

Somerby said the brand’s e-commerce model allows it to sell to people all across the U.S. Duckworth’s biggest sale markets, he said, include Seattle, Chicago, New York,

Denver, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas and cities across Montana.

Evan Helle said he gets excited when he sees someone wearing his family’s brand. On one occasion, he said he was startled to see a man on the History Channel wearing a Duckworth hoodie. “It was really cool,” he said.

Value-added wool

Although the business is not fully vertically integrated, the Helles now represent both the start and end of their wool supply chain, which they say is more economically sustainable than selling on the global commodities market.

“That’s a big thing in ag right now. You just can’t make it on commodity prices. So many ranches are trying to find ways to add value to their products,” said Evan Helle.

John Helle agreed, saying the family has found their business to be more sustainable and predictable because they have more control over setting prices.

Expansion ahead Duckworth Co. continues to expand, and Evan Helle is on the lookout for more partners.

“Duckworth has outgrown our ranch’s ability,” he said.

Although the brand could quickly scale up production by working with overseas textile mills, the Helles say they plan to continue working exclusively with American producers and processors, which will mean scaling up more slowly.

“We’re really about rebuilding the American domestic apparel industry,” said Evan Helle.

The ranch has already identified several sheep ranches to buy wool from across the West.

Because of the brand’s high standards, the Helles have strict criteria for the wool they buy. To help boost other flocks’ genetics, they are selling some of their breeding stock to ranchers who are interested in working with them.

This year, Duckworth will buy wool from other Montana ranches. In 2024, it will also buy from producers in Texas, South Dakota, Utah and potentially North Dakota and Wyoming. In 2025, the Helles are open to buying wool from producers in other states as well.

DRILLS

4WD 150-HP & OVER

QUADTRACS

‘98 JD 9200, 8597 Hours, Full Power Shift, 3 Valve Hyd, Triple, 20.8x42 Wheel Weights, Clean Cab, 310 HP, Recently Fully Serviced $45,900

CULTS & CHISELS

‘10 JD 1985, 7.5” Seed Spacing, 15” Fertilizer Spacing, Liquid Conversion, 1700 Gallon Tank, 1910 Cart TBT with Duals, JD Seed Blockage, Consigned,...........................................$180,000

DISKS

‘03 FLEXI-COIL 5000HD, 45’ single shoot, liquid deep band set-up, 12” spacing, 5.5” rubber press wheels, 5” paired row boots $24,900

‘99 FLEXI-COLI 5000, Stainless Couplers, 41’, 4” Packers, 12” Spacing, Stealth Openers $39,900

‘99 FLEXI-COIL 3450, Dual Fan, Double Shoot, ISOBUS, 30.5l-32 12 Ply Tires, 340 BU $25,900

‘00 GP 4000/2220 Air Drill, 40’x 7.5” Spacing, Hyd Drive, 2x13 Packers, T-Handle Adjust, Ravin Hyd Motor Drives, Ravin Monitor & Antenna $32,900

HARROWS

Case IH PTX600, 35’ 12” Spacing, Twisted Points, 3-Bar Summer Tine Harrow $34,900

HILLCO 48’ HARROW, 12-sections, Transport Cart, IH Spring Tooth Harrow, Bolt on Replaceable Points, 4-Bar

Pepin Flex Harrow $9,900

MCGREGOR STYLE, 60’ cart with harrow $6,400

SPIKE HARROW, Hill’s Hydro-Hitch cart, 50-ft, 5-bar flex harrow, hydraulic fold $3,500

PLOWS

MOLDBOARD PLOWS

7900 Hours, Consigned$9,000

SPRAYERS/ APPLICATORS

‘16 CASE IH 4440, 4100 Hours, 120’ Boom, Accuboom Section Control, Autoboom Height Control, Pr 700 AIM Command Pro, Foam Marker, 650/65R38 Turf Tread $189,900

‘00 GALLENBERG Self Propelled Sprayer, 120’ boom, 8.3 Cummins, 4WD, Guidance, Consigned $37,500

MCGREGOR FERTILIZER CART, backpacker fertilizer cart, 500 gal. poly tank, ground drive pump, bomber tires $1,900

SPRAYER, shop-bilt 80’ pull-type, single tips, 750-gal poly tank, 4-section AutoBoom, 2 fence-row nozzles, 24.5-32 tires,10-bolt, induction tank, rinse tank $5,900

1 new 32” track, 1- 36” & 2- 30” tracks, head redone ‘18 by SJH $114,900

BALERS

NEW HOLLAND-RB450, 4x5 Bale, Silage, 1.8m Pickup, Endless Belt, Deluxe Wrap, Net and Twine, HD Density System, Bale Ramp, Dual Wheels, Manual Hyd. Pickup Lift , (N.A.P.). $32,900

AGCO 4790, Square Baler $19,900

JD 458, Mega Wide Plus Pick-up, 1000/540 PTO, Twine and Net wrap $19,900

‘03 NH 580, 16x18 Bale, Hydraulic Pick-up, Bale Extension, ¼ Turn Chute, Newer Knotters , Consigned $13,900

MISCELLANEOUS

(4) 620/70R38 TIRES WITH RIMS, 3-Like New, 1-has 2 Seasons on it, consigned $16,000

‘90 LORAL MAGNUM IV, truck mounted fertilizer applicator, Allison automatic trans., 2-speed gear box, single axle truck with fertilizer applicator on top $9,900

A&L 850S, 850 BU, Hydraulic Gate, Hydraulic Folding Auger, PTO Drive, Hydraulic Drive, Newer Gearbox $22,500

LEON, 8' front blade, consigned $1,000 KUBOTA V6280, hyd tree trimmer, consg $500

‘79 VERSATILE 875, with

Vilsack testifies before House Ag Committee

By SIERRA DAWN McCLAIN Capital Press

In a lengthy session last week, Agriculture Secre-

tary Tom Vilsack testified before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. The session’s purpose was to allow

Congress to conduct oversight of USDA and hold the agency accountable.

Vilsack answered ques-

tions on many topics.

Some legislators said they are concerned USDA is spending billions of dollars on programs without sufficiently vetting grant recipients.

Rep. Brad Finstad, R-Minn., gave the example of workers at a nonprofit called Feeding Our Future who allegedly used $250 million from a program intended to feed hungry children to buy luxury cars, houses and jewelry. Finstad asked “how USDA failed to prevent this fraud.”

“We’ll look into it,” said Vilsack.

Several representatives expressed concern about

nutrition programs ballooning, citing the Congressional Budget Office’s projection that the nutrition title will make up 82% of the 2023 Farm Bill. Legislators asked Vilsack where he stands on nutrition spending.

“I support a strong commitment to food assistance,” said Vilsack.

Legislators also asked about dietary guidelines and definitions. Committee chair Glenn “G.T.” Thompson, R-Pa., challenged USDA’s unclear definitions of “ultra-processed” and “healthy.”

Vilsack said USDA aims to provide consumers with

Page B3

Vilsack

Continued from Page B2

choices, but he acknowledged precise defi nitions can be hard to pin down.

“We’re all in a learning process on this,” said Vilsack.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Minn., pressed the secretary on the defi nition of milk: “Does milk come from a mammal?”

Although he did not directly answer Van Orden’s question, Vilsack said the term “milk” has a brand attached to it based on its nutritional value, and it is important for consumers to be aware that non-dairy drinks do not have the same nutritional value.

Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore., Andrea Salinas, D-Ore., and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., all said USDA’s crop insurance off erings do not adequately meet the needs of specialty crop producers. They asked how USDA will remedy this.

Vilsack said USDA’s Risk Management Agency continues to expand its crop insurance policies, and as RMA gathers more data on specialty crops, the agency may expand or create programs.

Several legislators said producers have had to wait months or years to receive aid after natural disasters. They asked if USDA has plans to improve its disaster aid programs.

Vilsack said he would like disaster programs to off er more fl exibility and immediate assistance.

Several legislators brought up their constituents’ frustrations with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on a spectrum of recent policies ranging from pesticide restrictions to the proposed Waters of the U.S. Rule. They asked how Vilsack is advocating for farmers in his conversations with EPA Administrator Michael Regan.

VILSACK SAID USDA’S RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY CONTINUES TO EXPAND ITS CROP INSURANCE POLICIES, AND AS RMA GATHERS MORE DATA ON SPECIALTY CROPS, THE AGENCY MAY EXPAND OR CREATE PROGRAMS.

Continued from Page B3

Vilsack said he doesn’t want EPA officials telling him how to do his job and he won’t tell them how to do their jobs either. Nevertheless, he said USDA officials continue to submit information to the EPA about how potential policies could impact farmers.

Legislators also talked about pests and diseases. Vilsack emphasized USDA’s commitment to support research on citrus greening, stockpile livestock foot-andmouth disease vaccines, develop a vaccine against highly pathogenic avian influenza, prevent cattle fever from spreading through quarantines and screen imports to prevent swine flu or bovine spongiform encephalopathy from entering the U.S.

Asked what USDA can

do to remedy labor shortages, Vilsack turned the responsibility back to Congress, saying it should have passed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.

Several representatives expressed concern about the Biden administration’s tax policies, especially regarding a “death tax” that could hurt multigenerational farms.

“This is the farm killer tax,” said Tracey Mann, R-Kan.

Vilsack said he has already talked with President Biden and secured an exemption that would cover most farms. Some legislators remained skeptical.

A few legislators brought up concern over foreign investors buying U.S. farmland. They asked what actions USDA is taking.

“We’ve doubled the number of people focused on this, but we do not have any investigative power,” said Vilsack.

He said tracking foreign farmland ownership would require a clearinghouse to process real estate transaction data from more than 3,000 counties.

Finally, asked about trade barriers, Vilsack said USDA continues to push for tariff reductions and expanded markets.

Nicholas K. Geranios Associated Press le

This shows a sh ladder designed to help migrating sh swim past the Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River near Almota, Wash. Environmentalists want to tear out the dam — and three others.

NW ag industry asks Vilsack to step in on Snake River dams

By MATTHEW WEAVER Capital Press

Pacific Northwest ag industry representatives are urging U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to step in as federal officials ponder breaching the four dams on the

lower Snake River, long a goal of environmentalists.

“Prior to the last several months, the (U.S. government) has never supported a position of dam breaching; however, we are increasingly concerned that the U.S. government

position is shifting to support a dam breaching action that would completely devastate the Pacific Northwest agricultural community,” the letter states.

Decades-long litigation regarding salmon in Columbia River Basin

is currently under a stay agreement until Aug. 31, according to the letter. As part of the agreement, the federal government committed to “exploring” removal of the four Lower Snake River dams.

See Dams, Page B8

CLASSIFIED ADS

102 Public Notices

WANTED

Water rights for 40 acres

Walla Walla County, Washington Call 509-531-5420

210 Trucks

2009 Freightliner Columbia, Mercedes 450HP, 13 Speed

Transmission, 4 Spring Suspension, Double Lockers, 208in. wheelbase, 74,000 Original Miles, $59,500. Gresham, OR. Tim: 503-719-2545

2005 DODGE RAM 3500 $15,000. 5.9L Cummins, 6speed manual, jake brake, 2WD, 108,004 miles, 4.10 rear end, quad cab, DRW, airbags, B&W hitch, camper brackets, running boards, Kenwood AM/FM/CD, inbed and backup cameras, original owner. Stayton, OR 503-559-5966

You could have your ad here!

210 Trucks

2005 Ford F650: C7 Diesel engine, 6 speed, manual. Brand new 11R 22.5 tires, 12ft flatbed, 230,000 miles. $27,500 OBO. Dayton, WA 509-592-5592

581 Irrigation

651

Help Wanted

652 Help Wanted - Full Time

1995 Agri-Spray homemade tandem axle sprayer trailer. Perfect for midsize sprayers, $12,500. Hermiston, OR. 541-561-4603

543 Rentals, Leases

80’x150’x15’ Storage Building for rent. Great for Hay or Equiptment storage. Woodburn, OR 503-9575276

561 Ranches

The Barker Ranch in West Richland, WA is interested in leasing between 500 and 3,000 acre-feet of Yakima River water in a single or multiple long term leases. This water has a senior water right with a priority date of October 23, 1889. The point of diversion is the Wannawish Dam on the Yakima River and will have a maximum rate of 12.8 cfs (Qi) and total max cfs varies by time of year. The lease price is $200/ AF per year, with escalation and term length to be negotiated. All leases are subject to WA Dept. of Ecology approval. For more information contact Barker Ranch’s General Manager, Michael Crowder, at 509-5213663 or at barkerranch@ frontier.com

Lead Farm Worker Needed to assist owner/ operator on midsized grass seed farm. Job includes driving and maintenance of equipment. Assist with management of seasonal employees, grass seed cleaning, all jobs related to growing and harvesting crops on approximately 1200 acres. Work also includes manual labor and other miscellaneous jobs that come with farming. If you are motivated, hard working and eager to learn, we would love to talk with you. Job starts immediately, 5 to 6 days a week during planting and harvesting. More relaxed hours in winter. Experience will be reflected in pay, but not necessary. Stayton, OR. Call Francis 503931-1982; francisbeitel@ yahoo.com

Dairy Farm seeking qualified herdsperson. Job includes overseeing daily herd health and reproduction, calf management, training and schedule milking staff and help with harvest work during harvesting. Must work well with others and also be able to assist with managing people.

Bilingual preferred. Excellent pay and benefits included. Text messages preferred. Ferndale, WA 507-995-5491

Classified Ads work hard for you!

1998 International Semi Model 940; large sleeper. 13 speed. Very nice condition. Comes with 3 trailers. 2 flat beds, one dry van, $25,000. Gervais, OR 503-9911515

222 Truck/Auto Parts & Accessories

652 Help Wanted - Full Time

18ft metal grain truck box. Built by Palouse Welding & Machine in 2018. Like new. Only used 2 harvests, $4500. LaCross, WA. Call 509-750-3296.

107 acres arable land including 20 acres subirrigated in Okanogan Highlands.1984 manufactured home. 20+ gallon/ minute artesian well. 2320sq.ft. greenhouses. Welding, butcher, and 2000sq.ft. shop. 35 ton/ year high protein perennial grass hay. Swather, baler, tractor, other equipment. Good pasture, cattle. Turn-key ranch for $321,000 Tonasket, WA. 509-429-3762.

Oregon State University Greenhouse Operations is hiring fulltime year-round Biological Sciences Research Technicians. The positions provide support to research and teaching faculty in the College of Agricultural Sciences greenhouse complex located on the Corvallis campus. Contact: Lydia.Graber@oregonstate.edu, Greenhouse Manager Corvallis, OR 541-737-2381

The Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University invites applications for a full time, 9 month, tenured Associate or Full Professor position. For additional details and to apply, visit https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/133754. Call 541-737-5175

ADVERTISERS who want quick results use classified ads regularly.

Call 509-397-2191 EVERYTHING is coming up results

you use a classified ad!

302 Trailers

652 Help Wanted - Full Time

Farm/ Ranch Lead Wanted. We are a mid-sized family ranch in North Central WA that produces dry land grains/ oilseed, grass hay, alfalfa, and cattle. We are seeking a full-time employee to join our team and help with all operations. This position is for someone who is interested in agriculture and ranching; prior experience is preferred but we are willing to train the right person.

The ideal applicant is motivated, has a positive attitude, has experience with equipment and working with livestock, enjoys working independently and as part of a team, and is ready for a challenge. Job duties include operating and maintaining trucks and equipment; crop production; hay production; manual labor; mechanic work; facility maintenance; and assisting with cattle herd management. Full-time, typically 5-6 days/ week. Extended harvest/ planting hours, reduced winter hours. Position starts immediately. Compensation: Starting at $20/hr, higher pay possible DOE. On-site housing available. Health Insurance. PTO.

WA State Paid Family Medical

Leave, as eligible. Learning opportunities and room for growth. Location is ideal for pursuit of agricultural interests and outdoor recreation. Email doublejranch67@gmail.com to send resume or request PDF of full job description.

664 Services

Custom orchard airblast spraying. Contact Stoller Applications for details. Aurora, OR 503-754-3679

716

Hay, Straw, Forage

Covered Triticale, 348 - 3x4 bales. 190 Tons. $150/ ton. Haines, OR 541-403-1732

Alfalfa Hay 3rd cutting, green, leafy good quality in 3X4 bales, tarped, $235. Hermiston, OR 541571-4000

Red Clover Haylage for Sale, 1300 pound bales, $75 each. McMinnville, OR. Jon @ 503-8573170

Triticale Hay, barn stored 3x4x8 bales $180/ ton FOB. Volume

Discount. Delivery available. Christmas Valley, OR 541-4086747

Something for everyone in the Classifieds

Feedstore quality, barn stored, central Oregon 2 string bales with lab test. Teff: high protein, low carb/ sugar. Barley/ pea: good value alternative to alfalfa. Bluegrass straw: low carb/ sugar. Ideal horse hay. Small and large loads. Discount on full truck loads. Madras, OR. Call or text: 541-7773459. Email: highdeserthay@ gmail.com

WHY WAIT! GET YOUR CLASS AD NOW!

716

Hay, Straw, Forage

500 lbs 4x4 round bales 150 pus tons. $200/ ton. Kendrick, ID 208816-9542

Orchard Grass Hay: 3x4 Bales 1150lb average. Barn stored, no rain, nice hay, $225/ Ton Truckloads only. Appoximately 160 ton available.

Central Oregon, OR 208-8679866

728 Dogs, Cats, Pets

AKC Doberman Pinscher puppies for sale, $2000. Website: highdesertdobermans Burns, OR 541-589-5093

Border Collie, McNab cross puppies. Great ranch hand. Good family friend. Short hair with enough legs to travel. Call Wyatt for more information. Milton Freewater, OR 509-386-9717

758 Cattle Beef

Red Angus Bulls Private Treaty Sales. Yearlings; $3000 to $4500 and 2 Year Olds; $3800. Semen tested, performance tested, Heifer and Growth Bulls.

O’Doherty Cattle Co. Boardman, OR. 541-481-2866

802 Fencing

Pressure Treated Douglas Fir 6x8 and 2x8, Great ranch/ livestock fencing, Installation also available. Sisters, OR 541-815-8015

824 Seed

Quality VNS Alfalfa Seed: $2.50/ lb. Touchet, WA. Chris Kregger 509-520-2864; 509-394-2400

840 Miscellaneous

Local Ranch Raised Beef! 29

Branded Beef is proud to offer our homegrown beef direct from our ranch to the tables of our customers. Our beef is raised on our Oregon ranch and sold by the cut...only buy what you want/need. Shipped to your door or local pickup available. Check out our website and place your order today!

www.29brandedbeef.com Grass Valley, OR

840 Miscellaneous

500 HP Cleaver Brooks Package Boiler and all accessories, including 7 Bay Mint Distillery, will separate if wanted. Asking $30,000 OBO. Independence, OR 503851-9601

869 Livestock Equipment & Supplies

WANTED

USED LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT

* Portable Panels

* Cattle Squeeze Chutes

Old is OK. Will pick up at your farm/ranch!

BILL (208) 651-8698

875 Tanks & Storage

WANTED: 2000/ 7000 gallon stainless steel, insulated tanks. Vertical preferred. Horizontal considered. 541-968-5009

FOR QUICK CASH

Use a classified ad to sell items you no longer use.

887 Irrigation Equipment

Wade Rain 4x40 foot, 800 plus pieces, $80 choice or $60 for all. Independence, OR 503-851-9601

We Find Water Farm or Home www.Hydro-Imaging.com

Dave 509-468-9062

887

Irrigation Equipment

WHEEL LINES Ranch King, 4 or 5 inch, 1/4 mile complete, levelers, sprinklers, movers, new bolts, Great Shape. Dixon, CA 530-774-3717

890 Packing/Processing Equipment

Bin Dumper: front bin dumper attachment for forklift. Excellent condition, $7000. Gervais, OR 503-991-1515

896 Forklifts

Forklift rotator and clamp attachment. Cascade type R4R 4000 lb. capacity. 24in load center. Class 2 carriage (16in), $8000 OBO. Colton, WA 509-499-1920

CLASSIFIED ADS work hard for you. Try one today!

899 Heavy & Industrial Equipment

1997 John Deere 892 excavator, 3 foot bucket and thumb. BTI hydraulic hammer recently resealed also available. Lots of life and profit potential left in this machine, hour meter does not work, delivery is possible, call or text for more photos or information, $22,500. Redmond, OR. John 541-706-0280

911 Hay Equipment FOR SALE

REBUILT NEW HOLLAND

911 Hay Equipment

NEW HOLLAND BALE WAGONS Buy • Sell • Trade All Models Parts/ Tires/ Manuals Financing • Delivery www.balewagon.com

Luke Wilhite 208-880-2889

920 Tractors

John Deere Fast Hitch, Anbro 12ft silage push blade. Elgin, OR. 541437-8181

D6-9U: cab, no air, 75% tracks, field ready, BeGe, $5000 OBO. Leave message Bellevue, ID. 208-720-1236

WANTED:

TRACTORS TO BUY!

Cat 9U, 7U, RD6, prefer running or not for parts. I come to you, pick up at your farm. Pay in cash.

Athol, ID BILL (208) 651-8698

2014 John Deere 9460R, 1

Owner, 18 Speed Power Shift, 620/70R42 Duals, 5 SCV’s, 3 Point, PTO, 7in Touchscreen GS3

CommandCenter, Trimble AutoSteer; Rate & Boom Section Control Unlocked, 2,750 Hours

Corvallis, OR 541-990-7688

2013 John Deere 8260R, 1

Owner, IVT Transmission, ILS Front Suspension, PreDef, Trimble RTK AutoSteer with Rate & Boom Section Control Unlocked, Front Weights, Dual Rear 620/70R42, Front 600/65R28, 3,176 Hours, $227,000

Corvallis, OR 541-990-7688

I’ve retired from farming and have the following tractors for sale: John Deere 6310 with loader, bucket and brush rake for orchard brush, $9950. Kubota 8200 with cab, orchard cage and loader with bucket and forks, $10.950. Kubota 40 HP with hydraulic rear forklift as well as 3 point arms, $12,950. Kubota 30 HP with low hours, $14,950. Newberg, OR 503-537-4297

923 Farm Equipment

Barber Pull Spreader. Always covered. $3500 OBO. Sublimity, OR 503-932-3617

IH 1460, new rebuilt feeder house, return and clean grain chains and bearing, bulk tank auger flighting, return auger, front tires, bushings and bearings on sieves. 1010 20ft header, new sickles and guards. Runs very well, doesn’t burn oil. Checked over every other year by St. Johns (Nez Perce). $10,000 OBO. 208-507-0888

1996 John Deere 9500 Sidehill Combine. Separator hours: 4700. Engine hours: 6100. 25ft header with header cart. $15,000. 1994 John Deere 9500 Sidehill Combine. Separator hours: 4600. Engine hours: 5900. 25ft header with header cart. $15,000. Spare parts available for additional cost. LaCrosse, WA. Call 509-7503296.

2012 Doosan 185 CFM towable air compressor, Kubota diesel, 3100 hours. $11,000. Woodburn, OR 503-951-7279

Well Pump (Goulds 50 HP SUbturbine Model 7CLC) and Well Pump Motor (Franklin Electric Submersible 50 HP 460V). Used for 1 year, $10,4500. Salem, OR Call Eric 503-991-0064

• Bale Wagons • Parts For All Models Call Lonnie 877-735-2108 or 406-249-8565

Furtel Hay Fluffer: Older, but good condition, $1500 McMinnville, OR 503-434-0103

1978 John Deere 2640 with low hours on a rebuilt top end. Great running tractor. Selling because I need a 4WD. Technical manual included, $15,000. Oakville, WA 360-890-1087

1988 Loral L8000 Dry Spreader.

L-10 Ford Diesel engine. 60ft Stainless Steel Booms, $7500. Lovelock, NV 775-422-7733

Excellent Condition New Holland Stackliner 1030. Operator’s Manual available, $7000. Riverside, WA. Bill: 206-788-7491

John Deere 5510 Narrow: 4WD, Newer Tires, 3400 Hours, 2 remotes, AC. $20,500. Troutdale, OR 503-328-6680

923 Farm Equipment

WANTED: 20ft to 25ft Draper header. John Deere 740 loader. 541-437-8181

2020 John Deere 485A Backhoe attachment. Lightly used. $10,500. Twisp, WA 509-341-4133

(3) 12ft International 510 Grain Drills and hitch. $2000. Call 509750-3296.

John Deere 930R Header with Stoess cart. 30 foot, pickup reel, nice shape, fits 95-9600, $8000. Maupin, OR 541-980-2274

2- 2013 New Holland 340, 3x4 baler, #1- 45,500 bales, #245,600 bales, $42,500 each. Pasco, WA. 509-727-5495

Massey Ferguson Loaders: #946, $3,900; FL-3819, $3,500; 921X, $3,000; OBO. New condition and never used, old stock. No tractor mounting brackets, loader frames only. Auburn, WA 253-405-2759

2019 Massey Ferguson 9970 Windrower. With only 717 hours, it is practically new. Equipped with a double conditioner header, rear steer, radial tires, heat, and air conditioning, $140,000. Mountain Home, ID. 208-599-4255

30’ REARS FIELD-FLAMER, 500 gallon propane tank (70% Full), hydraulic folding wings, new gas lines, new gas valves, new tires. Field ready. $9,500 OBO. Brownsville, OR. 541-466-5309

Gleaner R62 Combine: RWA, 27ft header. John Deere 455 drills, 35ft, 7.5in spacing, straight grain. Calkins 36ft cultivator. Calkins 32ft cultiweeder. Pomeroy, WA. 509-751-7609

WANTED: GRAIN DRILLS

JD MODELS 450, 8300, 8200, plus Model B’s

& Case IH Drills Call Chris Visser: 559-269-1951

1994 IHC Loral Easy Rider. 2400C Dry Floater Air Max V dry Air Flow System. 60ft Stainless Steel Booms, $19,000. Lovelock, NV 775-4227733

2007 Case IH 8010 with 2062 Draper Header. 6084 engine hours, 4147 separator hours. 1 harvest on full overhaul. Zero hours on new rotor gear box, $140,000 OBO. Dayton, WA 509592-5592

Now Licensed in Washington

Licensed in Washington

Company has been dedicated to providing professional Oregon real estate Northwest since 1970. We are a group of professional real estate brokers commercial experience who have a diverse background dealing with all from financing through production, throughout the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountain states. first-hand knowledge of farming, banking, and marketing. You will have the working with knowledgeable agriculture real estate professionals who have the necessary financial and evaluation skills.

The Whitney Land Company has been dedicated to providing professional real estate services in the Pacific Northwest since 1970. We are a group of professional real estate brokers with farm, ranch and commercial experience who have a diverse background dealing with all types of agriculture from financing through production, throughout the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountain states. Our agents have first-hand knowledge of farming, banking, and marketing. You will have the confidence that you are working with knowledgeable agriculture real estate professionals who have the necessary financial and evaluation skills.

Dams

Continued from Page B6

During the stay, the primary parties to the litigation have entered a mediation process led by the White House Council on Environmental Quality and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, in hopes of reaching a settlement.

Many industry representatives are members of the Inland Ports and Navigation Group, which has been a defendant intervenor since the beginning of the litigation nearly 30 years ago.

“Despite our concerns, and many others being raised repeatedly throughout this process, the U.S. government participants appear to be looking at this issue solely through the lens of salmon recovery and not through the greater public policy objectives of the Biden administration such as food security, clean energy, de-carbonized transportation, infrastructure capabilities, environmental justice, or international trade objectives,” the letter states.

Any risk of dam removal is concerning to the region’s and the nation’s agricultural economy, said Michelle Hennings, executive director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers.

D. Stuvland Broker  Land Company 3rd  OR 97801

chris@whitneylandcompany.com www.whitneylandcompany.com

* Licensed in the states of Oregon and Washington

“Our expectation is that solutions proposed from USDA will align with commitments to strengthen the agricultural economy and bolster the resiliency of the entire food supply chain,” Hennings said. “While an expedient response is needed, it is also critical that thorough analysis based on sound science and reliable research is used in decision making.”

See Letter, Page B9

According to the letter:

• Dam breaching would eliminate irrigation from the pool behind Ice Harbor Dam and end barge access for farmers, requiring them to turn to either railroads or trucks to move their crops.

“As you well know, neither form of transportation is as safe, effi cient or environmentally friendly as barge navigation,” the letter states to Vilsack.

• Barging provides an important, comprehensive check on the rail system. Losing barge access would give railroads the power to raise rates further, aff ecting farmers’ long-term profi t margins and U.S. grain export competitiveness.

• The Snake River dams play a role in irrigating more than 50,000 acres of Northwest crops.

“Removing acres irrigated by Ice Harbor Dam

... would eliminate enough apples to feed 18 million people, sweet corn to feed 19 million people, potatoes to feed 6.4 million people, and so on. The farms irrigated by this pool directly and indirectly drive up to $2 billion in annual economic value and support more than 10,000 jobs.”

The economic impact of dam removal cannot be measured solely on the impact to irrigated land value, the letter states. Land value is “just a tiny

fraction” of impact overall.

“It does not capture the devastating eff ect removal of these dams would have on the overall American economy and food security,” the letter states. “... Any actions taken that impact these farms will have a reverberating eff ect on millions of Americans, not just the local community that produces the food.”

The industry supports “science-based eff orts” for broader salmon recovery,

the letter states.

“We support those eff orts and many more throughout the basin, but we cannot support the removal of the Snake River dams and this critical trade gateway for the region’s and nation’s agricultural products,” the letter states.

The letter is signed by 22 organizations, including the Idaho, Oregon and Washington Farm Bureaus, Oregon Wheat Growers League, WAWG and Washington Grain Commission, Washington Potato Commission and various companies.

Stacey Satterlee, executive director of the Idaho Grain Producers Association, said her organization is drafting a similar letter.

Vilsack has received the letter, has been briefed and remains up-to-date on the situation, a USDA spokesperson said.

“USDA joins the Biden-Harris Administration in recognizing that an

equitable long-term solution is necessary in order to restore salmon and other native fi sh populations to healthy and abundant levels, honor Federal commitments to Tribal Nations, deliver aff ordable and reliable clean power, and meet the many resilience and other needs of stakeholders across the region,” the spokesperson said.

Any sustainable path forward must involve the partnership of communities, Tribal nations, and the agricultural industry and producers, the spokesperson said.

“USDA is committed to supporting eff orts to study potential impacts, as well as possible fi nancial and technical assistance resources to support producers as they continue to provide signifi cant contributions to the region, nation, and through international trade,” the USDA spokesperson said.

The four lower Snake River dams.

Locally owned full service facility including full line: Parts Department • Service and Repair Shop

•Used Trailer Sales and Trailer Rentals

Parts for: Semi-Trailers (landing gear, suspension, ABS, brake shoes and drums, wheel end, body parts, roofing, lights, doors), liftgates (Maxon, Palfinger, and Waltco), box truck parts (Morgan, Supreme), roll-up door parts, Cargo Control (straps, winches, bungees) 518 E. Dean Ave., Spokane WA • 800-231-4660 www.northwesttrailercenter.com

Water, Fert. or Fuel Storage!

Submit upcoming ag-related events on www.capitalpress.com or by email to newsroom@capitalpress.com. All times re ect the local time zone unless otherwise noted.

SATURDAY APRIL 15

Soil School 2023: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Portland Community College, 17705 NW Springville Road, Portland. Join Tualatin SWCD and West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District for the 11th annual Soil School. Soil School 2023 brings together experts to share their knowledge and answer your questions in a day-long workshop with a variety of soil-related sessions. Website: https://wmswcd.org/projects/soil-school/

SUNDAY-TUESDAY APRIL 23-25

Public Lands Council Legislative Conference: Washington, D.C. Attendees will hear from congressional members, policy experts, scientists, partner group representatives and other industry professionals dedicated to Western lands, waters and perspectives. Website: https://bit.ly/3XwG1tG

See Calendar, Page B11

40' lead, 20' pup, Air Ride susp, Shur-Co tarp, 11R22.5 Yokohama tires, all alum. wheels, white finish, LED lights, set approx. 16,200-lbs.

'21 TRAV-A-LONG

20' PUP TRAILER, 2nd half of NW A-Train set or selling separately, large ring turn-table, Alcoa wheels, 11R24.5 virgin

20' DRAW BAR!

1987 BEALL 75 GALLON, 2 COMPARTMENT (2500 / 5000) 4 AXLE PULL TANK TRAILER, MC 306 AL, BOTTOM LOAD, SCULLY, VAPOR, 295 75R 22.5 RUBBER ON STEEL WHEELS, TEE’D DISCHARGE, CABLE INTERNALS, 35’ BARRELL, 7’6” DRAW BAR THAT EXTENDS TO 12’6” APPROX, PUMP FORWARD LINE $19,900

Water, Fert. or Fuel Storage!

view windows, Shur-Lok black tarp, front & rear ladders & view platform, LED lights,

2011 TRAILMAX FWTRD 100-HT POWER TAIL LOWBOY (50 TON RATING), 53’ LONG, 43’ LOWER DECK, 2’ TRANSITION, 8’ UPPER, 20K WARN WINCH, ELECTRIC START HONDA 390GX 13 HP SELF CONTAINED WET KIT, 8 D RINGS ON EACH SIDE OF THE LOWER WOOD DECKING, SWING OUTS, 235 75R 17.5 TIRES ON STEEL WHEELS, 36” DECK HEIGHT, CHAIN WELL ON BOTH SIDES OF THE WINCH, GOVERNMENT TRADE IN, HUB METER SHOWS 6877 MILES $44,900

'15 PETE 579,

MX13 motor @455-hp, 13-spd, 4-bag air ride, 3:42 rear ratio, sliding 5th wheel, all aluminum wheels with 295/75R-22.5 NEW capped rubber with 70% steers, 60% brakes on drives, front disc brakes, 391,977 original miles, tilt wheel, controls in steering wheel, chrome bumper, SS visor, nice clean 5th wheel!

'99 IH 4900

DT466 @210-hp, 9-spd, spring suspension, 11R22.5 tires, steel wheels, 231,606-mi, 1974 Beal 2700-gal, 3-compartment 900/900/900, bottom load,

HARROW HARROW

scully, vapor recovery, mechanical internals, double pumper, one on each side.

1988 BEALL 7000 GALLON 3 COMPARMENT (3000 / 1500 / 2500) 4 AXLE PULL TANK TRAILER, MC 306 AL, PAINTED BARREL, TEE’D DISCHARGE, Y BRANCH, 295 75R22.5 TIRES ON ALL ALUMINUM WHEELS, 30’ BARRELL, 8’6” DRAW BAR $19,900

'02 F-LINER FLD80, Cat 3126@330-hp, 10-spd, Reyco spring suspension, 11R22.5 drives on aluminums, 315/80R22.5 on steers, 2001 Progress aluminum 4-compartment MC406AL fuel delivery tank, 4400-gal, 1500/1500/800/600, double pumper, hose reels and meters in rear, bottom load, scully, vapor, air internal.

2008 GREAT DANE 42’ FLATBED, 96” WIDE, ALL STEEL CONSTRUCTION, FIXED AXLES, WOOD DECK, 295 75R 22.5 TIRES ON ALL STEEL WHEELS, FULL REAR HITCH, NEW PAINT, 36 INCH PIN SETTING, 15 SLIDING WINCHES, PERFECT SPRAY TRAILER!!!

20,000-lb Warn 2-spd winch with remote, 13 side winches & stake

16K fronts with 40K rears, 315/80-R22.5 steers with 11R22.5 drives, Cummins

ISC @ 300-hp, 10-spd, Reyco spring ride, 462,000-mi,

23'x102" flatbed with removable rails and lift gate. Very clean truck!

(4) 2023 DEMCO 40’ STEEL GRAIN TRAILERS, 2-HOPPERS, SPRING SUSPENSION, STEEL WHEELS, 11R24.5 RUBBER, VENTED HOPPERS, 2-RIDGE STRAPS, FRONT AND REAR PLATFORMS, REAR LADDER, SHUR-CO BLACK MANUEL ROLL TARP. BRAND NEW 1 in JANUARY, 1 in FEBRUARY, 3 in MARCH, 1 in APRIL..

'22 LANDOLL 835 E-R-53 AG, hydraulic de-tach, aluminum pullouts to 13'6", 27' well, Apitong decking, air weight digital load max air scale, 3rd axle lift, toolbox in neck, chain hanger behind lock arms, strobe package in rear bumper, 4-prong electrical outlet at rear of trailer for emergency lights, 3-pair flag holders, boom trough, weld-on steel/wood deck with rubrail, counter weight cut-out pakcage for rear steel deck, gooseneck mudflaps, traction bars for trunion slope 50" spread on axles for max well space. Coming in Oct. 2021.

2015 TRANSCRAFT 53’ CALIFORNIA LEGAL COMBO DROP DECK, 10 SLIDING WINCHES LEFT SIDE 10 RIGHT, RUB RAIL, 2 STORAGE BOXES BETWEEN WHEELS, 70% 255 70R 22.5 RUBBER WITH ALUMINUM OVER STEEL WHEELS, 70% BRAKES, 2 LOAD LEVERS INCLUDED, 10’ SPREAD, 11 FOOT UPPER DECK, 42’ LOWER, CLEAN $35,500

,

'21 MERRITT AGMAX A-TRAIN HOPPER SET

'16 PETE 579

Calendar

Continued from Page B10

TUESDAY-THURSDAY APRIL 25-27

Pasteurization Workshop : This 3-day class at Washington State University in Pullman on pasteurization covers vat, basic HTST systems, and on the third day HHST. Additional discussions on magnetic flow timed systems and systems with auxiliary equipment are included. Hands-on activities are conducted in the WSU Creamery Facilities. Course is suggested for plant operators, maintenance personnel, quality personnel, management and suppliers to the industry. Website: https://bit.ly/3GVxASq

SATURDAY APRIL 29

High Desert Wool Growers 25th Annual Fiber Market Day: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, Ore. High Desert Wool Growers 25th Annual Fiber Market Day will take place. Free admission. Website: https://bit.ly/42BvUY3

SATURDAY-SUNDAY APRIL 29-30

Oregon Ag Fest : 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. NE, Salem. With over 25 hands-on activities and an agricultural scavenger hunt that will have you looking for clues in all the exhibits, Ag Country is set up to reflect a rural town. There are lots of hands-on activities for the kids, from a petting zoo and pony rides to family entertainment.

Admission: Free for 12 and under; $9 for others. Parking is free.Website: http://oragfest.com/attend/

See Events, Page B12

509-551-4774 www.altitudeagriservices.com

THURSDAY-FRIDAY

MAY 4-5

Animal Agriculture Alliance 2023 Stakeholder Summit: Renaissance Arlington Capitol View Hotel, Arlington, Va. The Summit focuses on insights and advocacy. Website: https://www.animalagriculturealliance.org

SATURDAY

MAY 6

Sheep to Shawl Festival: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St. SE, Salem, Ore. Welcome to our 38th Annual Sheep to Shawl Festival. Enjoy: shopping, lawn games, food and drinks, living history, entertainment, children’s activities and heritage craft demonstrations. Website: https://bit. ly/3JCoxan

THURSDAY-SATURDAY

MAY 11-13

93rd Washington FFA Convention & Expo: Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick, Wash. Approximately 2,000 FFA members and guests from across the state gather to learn about careers in the agriculture industry, compete in state Career & Leadership Development Events, and shape the future of the Washington FFA Association. Website: https://www.washington a.org/93rd-convention

SATURDAY MAY 13

Central Oregon Irrigation Course — Drip Irrigation Basics: 9 a.m.-noon.

Central Oregon Community College, Bend campus. Landscape professionals and homeowners can learn about drip and low volume irrigation, including the basics of how a typical irrigation system works, and steps to convert a traditional sprinkler zone into a drip zone. Explore the selection of low-volume emission devices and the bene ts of using each in di erent drip irrigation applications. Whether you are thinking of performing your own drip retro t or you work in the industry, this class is sure to expand your knowledge on drip irrigation and retro tting systems. Approved for 4 hours of continuing education by the Oregon Landscape Contractor’s Board (LCB). Website: https://bit.ly/3G1NB9K

THURSDAY-FRIDAY MAY 18-19

Oregon Olive School 2023: This event will be a day and a half of olive programming tailored to growers in Western Oregon. You’ll hear from guest experts and the OSU Extension research team. Participants will have a chance to tour an established grove, research plot, and olive mill. The rst day will be hosted at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center in Aurora, and the second half-day will be in Dayton at the Durant Olive Mill. Website: https://bit.ly/3XsJjhq

THURSDAY-SATURDAY MAY 18-20

OSGA (Oregon) Shearing School: OSGA’s 2023 Beginning Shearing School will be held in Douglas County. Class size is limited to 12 participants. Once full, a waiting list will be established. For information, contact the coordinator, John Fine, at johnandpeggy ne@charter.net

Morrow Co. Ag Technology Field Day

May 5th, 8 am – 5:45 pm

73117 Strawberry Ln. Lexington, Or

Hosted by Starvation Farms & PNDSA

7:30 Coffee and light snacks Noon lunch provided.

Shop presentations start at 8 AM with field demonstrations at 1 PM Social at the conclusion.

PLEASE RSVP FOR LUNCH COUNT TO pndsa@directseed.org

Companies Presenting

Guestworker petition filing fees may increase

By SIERRA DAWN McCLAIN Capital Press

It may soon get more expensive to bring guestworkers into the U.S. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has proposed a rule that would significantly increase filing fees for H-2A and H-2B petitions — in some cases, by more than double.

USCIS officials proposed the fee hike to cover internal expenses. They said the agency’s costs have recently spiked due to staffing costs, increased asylum claims, longer processing times and expanded humanitarian programs.

Critics say the proposed fees are unfair and would disproportionately hurt small businesses.

In a letter to agency officials, several senators, including Joe Manchin, D-W.V., and Mike Crapo and James Risch,

both R-Idaho, criticized the proposal, saying “the fee increases will be particularly burdensome for small businesses relying on H-2A and H-2B nonimmigrant visas to meet their workforce needs.”

In recent years, farm employers have relied more on guestworker programs as a source of reliable labor. Between 2017 and 2022, the number of workers certified through the H-2A program increased by 86%, according to Department of Labor data.

The cost of using the programs is also increasing through regulations and changes to how wages are calculated.

Mike Omeg, director of operations for Orchard View Farms, a tree fruit operation in The Dalles, Ore., views the latest proposal as yet another blow to farm employers.

See Guestworker, Page B14

Mike Omeg

IT’S THE PITTS

Guestworker

Continued from Page B13

“In order to stay in business, our company needs the H-2A program to work for us,” he said.

The proposed rule has five main parts.

The first change would be increased filing fees.

Employers currently pay a $460 petition fee each time they fill out an I-129 form, a petition requesting a visa for one or more prospective guestworkers. The rule would increase the petition fee from $460 to $1,080 for named H-2B workers and $1,090 for named H-2A workers — 135% and 137% increases, respectively.

The proposed rule also differentiates between “named” and “unnamed” workers. Named means the employer requests a visa for a specific worker by name. Unnamed means the employer only requests the number of workers needed.

USCIS says it requires less time to process a petition with unnamed workers because named workers go through a more elaborate background check. For that reason, the rule would charge employers more to request named workers: in the H-2A program, $530 for unnamed versus $1,090 for named; in the H-2B program, $580 for unnamed versus $1,080 for named.

“It effectively penalizes employers who work diligently to create lasting bonds with H-2A workers and encourage their return in subsequent years,” wrote Samuel Kieffer, vice president of public policy at the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Omeg, the grower, said the rule would be costly. This season, he plans to bring in 58 H-2A workers, all of whom are named.

The rule would also cap at 25 the number of guestworkers an employer could request visas for on a single petition. Currently, there is no limit.

“Why is that (25) the magic number?” said Enrique Gastelum, CEO of Wafla, an agricultural labor association.

See H-2A, Page B15

H-2A

Continued from Page B14

That means Omeg would need to fill out three separate petitions to request 58 workers: one for the first 25, a second for the next 25 and a third for the remaining 8. He would pay a fee for each form.

Omeg will need to request more H-2A workers before harvest, meaning more forms and fees.

The new rule would also require employers to pay additional fees when seeking to extend a worker’s stay in the U.S. — for example, if harvest took two weeks longer than expected.

Finally, USCIS plans to add a $600 “Asylum Program Fee” to each petition to fund the government’s humanitarian asylum program for people seeking shelter in the U.S.

USCIS proposes tacking a $600 fee onto every I-129 or I-140 petition filed by an employer, operating under the assumption that businesses have more “ability to pay” than other petitioners. Critics say it is unfair for businesses to bear this cost alone and argue that fees should be spread evenly among petitioners.

Kieffer, of the Farm Bureau, said it is “illogically punitive” for employers who comply with stringent legal guestworker program requirements to pay fees to fund complications stemming from “unchecked illegal migration.”

USCIS issued the draft rule on Jan. 4. The public comment period closed on March 13, and experts predict the agency will issue its final rule sometime this year.

Capital Press File

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has proposed a rule that would significantly increase filing fees for H-2A and H-2B petitions.

Wildfire smoke hurts potatoes, study finds

By BRAD CARLSON Capital Press

Potatoes are more likely to be smaller and misshapen when extreme wildfire smoke persists during the growing season.

Smoke exposure caused a 12% yield reduction on Clearwater Russets heavier than 6 ounces, preliminary results from a study by the University of Idaho and Boise State University show.

And while Russet Burbanks did not shrink, smoke caused 3% more of those over 10 ounces to become misshapen. Some misshapen potatoes cannot be used.

Growers who raise the widely grown Russet Burbanks stand to suffer the greatest economic hit from smoke, the preliminary data suggest.

Work on the two-year study, funded by a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant, started in 2022 and continues this year.

“Smoky conditions have been an issue for the last several years during the Idaho potato growing season,” Travis Blacker, industry relations director for the state Potato Commission, told the Capital Press. “I think we all knew pota-

Simulated wild re smoke is piped into a covered row of potatoes at the University of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center. Researchers have found that smoke does impact potatoes.

toes were being affected in some way, and it’s nice that this study has been done to see the results.”

Smoke values used in the 2022 research were “equal to the worst days we see and were over six weeks, which is rare,” UI’s Mike Thornton, a plant sciences professor, said in an interview. “In that sense, it was extreme.”

Wildfire smoke’s impacts on potatoes are hard to separate from

environmental conditions, he said. Smoky summers tend to be hot and dry — a stress on potatoes — while the smoke brings “elevated black and brown carbons and other elements that are stressing the plant.”

Thornton and colleagues at UI’s Parma Research and Extension Center burned a blend of hard and soft woods in a smoker. They piped the smoke into potato plots under

HILLSIDE COMBINES

plastic covers for three hours each morning from July 11 to Aug. 18, and removed the covers following each treatment.

The plastic covers raised humidity by up to 20% — enough to interfere with evaporative cooling of leaves — and increased temperatures by up to 9 degrees during late morning, which likely stunted potato crops, according to a UI release.

This summer, Thornton plans to use shade covers to keep the temperature down and fans to circulate air, in part to control humidity.

Thornton and Owen McDougal, who chairs BSU’s chemistry department and is working on the study, hope the research helps identify smoke-resistant varieties.

He also will evaluate how storage of smoke-exposed potatoes may affect sugars, which contribute to darker, less desirable fry color.

“We’re also looking at storage and whether smoke exposure negatively impacts potatoes’ storage resilience,” McDougal said.

Data from the study could eventually provide evidence that smoke lowers potato yields and should be covered by crop insurance plans, Thornton said.

1-spd hydro, 30.5Lx32/14.9x24, Consigned $35,000

‘91 CASE IH 1670, 6800-hrs, 500-hrs on reman Cummins, chopper, 2388

CASE IH 8230, level land, 2110-Sep-hrs, header tilt, rock trap, cross-auger control, fine cut chopper, HID lights, Diff lock, AFS autosteer, 520 front duals, 750/85R42 rear..$149,900

6” Axle Extention, Cons. $12,900

‘91 CASE IH 1680, 4403-E-hrs., Hanson leveler, Hillco transition conversion, bulk tank ext., hard-faced augers, 3 seasons on cage & rotor, chopper, new style fan,

The legislation would tighten regulation of ocean carriers

By CAROL RYAN DUMAS Capital Press

A bill in the U.S. House would repeal the exemption for ocean carriers from all federal antitrust laws and address unfair practices.

Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif., has reintroduced the Ocean Shipping Antitrust Enforcement Act with cosponsors

Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., John Garamendi, D-Calif., Josh Harder, D-Calif., and Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif.

No other transportation sector enjoys this unfair, anticompetitive exemption — not the airlines, railroads or trucking industry, the lawmakers said in introducing the bill.

Last June, President Biden

signed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022, marking the first major overhaul

of U.S. regulations for the international ocean shipping industry since 1989.

That broadened the federal Maritime Commission’s authority over carriers’ late charges and injuries practices, including refusal to carry U.S. export cargo. But it did not allow the FMC to enforce federal antitrust laws.

“For far too long, foreign shipping monopolies have manipulated the ocean shipping industry and employed unfair trade practices, hurting American exporters and consumers,” Costa said.

“We have seen delays, congestion and empty containers leaving American ports. It’s unfair and driving up costs,” he said.

The legislation, H.R. 1696,

TRACTORS

JD 8640, PTO, 3-point hitch, 4-remotes, new crank, rods & main bearings, Papé Machinery rework on engine, 8-heavy cast wheels, rack & pinion axles $18,500

JD 8630, 8100-hours, 3-remotes, PTO, 8-excellent 24.5x32 matching tires, 50 Series engine $15,500

HOUGH/IH 30, payloader $5,500

JD 544, articulating loader $26,000

CASE, 300 hp, 4700 original hours $25,000

ALLIS CHALMERS 3500, diesel engine $4,750

NH 1048, self-propelled bale wagon, auto trans. $8,500

NH 1046, self-propelled bale wagon, 6-cyl. gas $2,500

ATTACHMENTS

LEON, 10’ front mount blade $2,500

DRILLS

IH 6200 DRILL, 14’x6” spacing, with dry fert. /seed box combo, packer wheels, single hydraulic $8,500 3-JD 9350, 8’x7” hoe drills, factory movers, packer wheels, grass seed/fertilizer $6,500 KRAUSE 5436, folding drill, minimum till, with liquid tank

COMBINES & PARTS

JD 6620 SIDEHILL, 1690 hrs., 220 header, pickup reeL $17,500

will hold foreign monopolies accountable, lower costs and level the playing field in ocean shipping, he said.

Big business needs to play by the rules, and the legislation gets the U.S. one step closer to protecting U.S. consumers and businesses from “price gouging” by foreign-flagged ocean carriers, Garamendi said.

“Foreign-flagged cargo vessels need to understand that access to the American market and its consumers is a privilege, not a right. Congress must restore balance at our ports and tackle the longstanding trade imbalance America has with China and other nations,” he said.

Families across the country are feeling the squeeze from rising consumer prices driven in part by delays and bottlenecks in the supply chains, Panetta said.

“This action is critical to protect American agricultural exporters, consumers and small businesses,” he said.

MISCELLANEOUS

JD 250 LIQUID NURSE TANK, tag axle style with liquid pump $1,500

WANTED, PTO T-Box, 1¾”x21-spline, 1000-RPM CALL! STOR KING, double hopper nurse box, electric/hyd. dual augers, steel roll-top lids $5,500 BARBER 1307, turf rake, hydraulic dump $2,500 BARBER, 45’ granular spreader, center load $2,000 BARBER, 45’ granular spreader, center load. Good! $4,750 ACE, orchard heater/blower, LP gas, 3-point, 540-PTO, 4-tanks, Massive Space Heater! $1,750

KUBOTA 350-SP, lawn mower, diesel, hydro, 5-reel $3,300

3-NEW JD, 42”, 48” & 52” mower decks, ea $350 IRRIGATION T TAPE, 5,000 ft. rolls, ¾” with 24” spacing, metered water outlets $85/per roll TARP TIE DOWNS, new, choice of rope with Ny-Locks CALL

4-NEW MICHELIN TIRES, radials, 265/70R19.5 $850 COOK, 6’ offset disk, 24” blades $950

KONGSKILDE 20’ S-TINE CULTIVATOR, 3-section, SGB style $2,950

JOHN DEERE 440 TRACK SKIP LOADER, w/ rear hydr. log splitter $3,950

VERSATILE 1150, power shift, 5,900 hrs., diff. locks front & rear, KTA-1150, 525-hp., triples, 4 remotes $75,000

CASE 4890, 4-remotes, 4594-original hrs, tank optional, 30.5LRx32 radials inside, 24.5x32 bias outside $25,000

TRUCKS & TRAILERS

OSHKOSH M747 60-TON TRAILER, 11’ wide deck, 4-axle, 16-wheels $39,700

FEED/SEED TANK, mounted on semi-trailer, 5-compartment, retractable unloading leg $2,500

ENGINES

CAT 3126, 190-hp PARTS

AC 3500, diesel $3,850

JD 404, turboed diesel $2,000

JD 303, gas engine head, complete $600

CHEV 248, gas engine, 6-cylinder $500

NH 595, 3x4 baler, Excellent! $17,500

KNEIB POP-UP HAY BALE LOADER, field ready. $1,250

BALE WAGON PARTS, auto & stick transmissions, rear ends, etc CALL

HESSTON 4655, in-line style baler $12,500

ALLEN 8827, rake $7,500

JD, 12-wheel V-rake $4,750

MF 36, 6-batt hydraulic basket rake $1,750

AMERICAN loader with forks, rear steering, diesel, high lift, hay grapple, concrete bucket available $7,500

HESSTON, StackMover trailer $1,100

HAY GRAPPLE, 3-big bales, 4-round bales, or many small bales, Cat telehandler mounts (can be changed) with 2 hydraulic cylinders $4,500/ea

CASE IH, hay dry preserver applicator, ea $250

TILLAGE

IH 1460, 6388 hrs., 24’ header, pickup reel $9,500

IH 1482, combine for parts, 28Lx26 tires $2,500

‘76 JD 6602, with 20’ header $2,500

HYDROSTAT PUMPS, for IH 453 or JD 6602 $300

FINAL DRIVES, for JD 6600 & 7700 or 2280 $750

DU-AL 345 LOADER, for 60-100 hp tractor $2,750 PARTING OUT, several 2-ton trucks and bale wagons..CALL NH 515 BALER, w/ Deutz diesel engine, 3-twine$17,500 CALKINS 4TM 45’ RODWEEDER, Ritzville area BROME GRASS BIG BALE HAY,, 3x4x8

LAMINATED

WOOD BEAMS 24’ TO 40’ $25/ft.

HESSTON 54 CULTIVATOR, 5-section, walking beam axles, sweeps, hard faced $18,500

JD KILLIFER 15’ OFFSET DISK, $2,800

OLIVER 252, 10’ double disk on rubber $2,750

VIBRASHANK, cultivator, 24’ folding, on rubber, S-tine $4,000 MORRIS, 19’ chisel plow, 2-section $1,000

Damian Dovarganes/AP File

A container ship anchored off the Port of Long Beach, Calif.

TRACTORS

JOHN DEERE 8650, 11300 hrs., 290 h.p. - engine, with 2300 hrs. on JD Dealer engine OH.,16 F. & 6 R. trans., 20.8x38 tires - good shape. Overall! $24,800

CULTIVATORS

JOHN DEERE 1000, approx. 30’9” spacing, singles on wings, spike points $1,200

JOHN DEERE 1000, approx. 32’, singles on the wings $2,500

FORD-FW40, 8800 hrs., 295

h.p. Cummins engine, 20 F. & 4 R. trans., 20.8x38 tires -good shape, 4 remotes. Nice Overall!

$12,000

HAY EQUIPMENT

NEW HOLLAND 570 SMALL SQUARE BALER, 14 x 18 in. twine, 540 PTO, spring bale tension, recent knotter replacement, stored inside. Nice! $11,500

SPRAYER/ FERTILIZER

JOHN DEERE 7720, approx. 3900 hrs., Titan II Series, 24.5 x 32 F. tires, newer 14.9x24 rear tires, newer return elevator, straw spreader, chaff spreader, front axle spacers, with JD 224 24’ header, plus good header cart $3,500

TIRES & TRACKS

(3) GOODYEAR DT712 RADIAL COMBINE TIRES, 520/85R42, bar style, 50% (used), less the 1/2 of new. Would prefer to sell all together $980 EACH

1996 JOHN DEERE 9600, with Rahco 32 Hillside Conversion, 4200 hrs. - sep., 35.5LX32 drive tires, chopper, Vittetoe chaff spreader, dual range cyl., with JD 930 header and Stoess header cart. Ran this season. Nice Overall! $25,900 JOHN DEERE 7722, with Rahco Full Hillside Conversion, 5500 hrs. - sep., 35.5LX32 drive tires, chopper, fixed sieve, with JD 224 header and cart $7,500

POLY VERTICAL WATER TANK, 7500 gal., also Carrier Trailer $7,400

CAMOPLAST TRACKS, pair of 30” width. Came off of JD 8430T tractor. Please call for information $7,500

FLEXI-COIL 55 SPRAYER, 650 gal. poly tank, 72’ booms, hydr. pump drive, Raven control valves, flow control valve, pull style with Raven SCS440 control head. Nice!......... $5,400

GOODYEAR DT820 RADIAL TRACTOR TIRES, (5) of, 620/70R42, 30/40% (used), 1/3 of price. Would prefer to sell all together $1,300 EACH

PLOWS

1992 GLEANER R62, 3220 sep. hrs., 330 h.p. engine - water cooled - same as R72, 4 chain F. & R. - 1 year ago, 30.5Lx32 drive tires, 14.9x24 rear tires, good A/C, with Gleaner 30 ft. header and cart. Nice Unit! $22,500

FLEXI-COIL 420 CULTIVATOR, 36 ft., 1 ft. spacing, 12 in. sweeps with hard caps, front caster wheels, single point depth control, extra parts, with harrow $6,500

HARROWS

MORRIS SPRING TINE HARROW, 50 ft., 10 sections and lift arms, 3/8 in. tine, tine angle adjustment, off of Morris Rangler II Packer $2,500 HARROW CART, 60 ft. with Valmar machine COMING IN!

SUPREME INTERNATIONAL 900T FEED MIXER/WAGON, Twin Mixer Augers - H.S., scale, left hand discharge conveyor - with parts to switch it to the right-side discharge, 1000 PTO drive, has duals to go with.

Purchased New, Only Used One Year! NICE! $66,800

DRILLS

‘10 CASE IH 2010 HEADER, 30 ft., auger/ rigid, twin sickle, full finger & H.S. auger, fore & aft on reel, pickup reel, with header cart. Possible backup header and Good Shape! $12,800

JOHN DEERE 500 GRAIN CART, approx. 500 bu. capacity, PTO drive $4,500

TRUCKS & EQUIP.

GRAIN BOX, for Wheat or Seed Truck, 14ft. long $3,900 20 FT. METAL BED, Racks and Hoist on 1978 Ford Tandem Wheat Truck Model 9000, Detroit engine - bad, Eaton 10 spd. trans., 11R24.5newer front Toyo tires $5,000 ‘69 IH 1600, boom truck, 392-engine, newer winch included REDUCED! $950

GRAIN MASTER MFG, 18’ grain racks, metal, side ladder, 54” sides, 8.5’ width $2,500

DISKS & RIPPERS

BRANDT-QF1500 SPRAYER, 90’ booms, 1000 gal. poly tank, 5-section - Raven valves, pull style, 18.4x26 tires, control head. Nice! $4,500

JOHN DEERE 1710A DISK CHISEL, 17 ft., disk blades 21 in., scrapers, shanks, walking tandem axle, with Morris Harrow. Extra shanks and sweeps $3,800 WHITE CHISEL PLOW, 36’ width, 1-1/2’ spacing approx., 25 shanks$3,900 KRAUSE 2341, chisel plow, 17-shanks $3,800

MCGREGOR-STYLE SPRAYER, 80ft. suspended booms, 1000 gal. poly tank, L&R Raven boom valves, hyd. drive pump $3,800

KRAUSE 2813, 19’ chisel plow, spike points, spring style C-shanks $2,900

RODWEEDERS

FLEXI-COIL 67XL,130’ booms, 10-section, Ag Leader rate controller, wind screens, 2 seasons on U-joints, Shelby tubing and pins on boom hinge points, newer plumbing, good tires, pull style,w/spare tire and extra parts. Nice!

$9,800

ANHYDROUS TENDER NH3 NURSE TANK, 14,000 gal., farmer used $35,000 FERTILIZER SPRING COIL SHANKS, approx. 60 shanks, 3/4 in. 21 in. clearance, dual tubes $15 EACH

SPRAYER 3-PT. STYLE, 150 gal. poly tank, 27’ booms, newer Hypro 6500 C Roller PTO pump, pressure regulator, gauge. Also, hose and newer hand wand $1,800

CALKINS CULTA WEEDER, 36 ft., 750-gallon Anhydrous Tank, 12 in. spacing - fert. shanks, also 385-gallon Poly Solution Tank, set up for Raven, with Calkins harrow............ $7,500

CALKINS WEEDER CABLE HITCH, with 70 ft. spreader bar, 3 in. tubing, for 10 1/2 ft. weeders, 1/2 in. air craft cable. Can break down to use as 40/50/60 ft. also. Nice Unit!....$1,900

CALKINS, 4-unit set, lime green vintage, handle depth control, 1” rods, with cable hitch $2,000

CALKINS CW20-36 CULTAWEEDER, 36’, lime green cyl. vintage, 1” rods $1,800

MISCELLANEOUS

$6,500

INTERNATIONAL 5100 GRAIN DRILL, 24 ft., 2-unit set, DD openers, 6 in. spacing, 24 openers per drill -24x6, press wheels, grass seed boxes, hydr. markers, with factory transport hitch. Nice!

CASE IH 7100, grain drills, 5-unit set, 60’, 20” spacing, hoe openers, 5” wide packers , with 500 gal. poly tank, fertilizer manifolds and Stoess hitch............................ $10,800

JOHN DEERE-HZ GRAIN DRILLS, 40 ft., 5-unit set, 14” spacing, (4-units with notched packers, 1-unit solid split packers), hydr. depth control, without hitch $4,000

BRILLION-P8 CULTIPACKER, 4” axle. Hard to find! $800

3-IH 150’s, 42’ grain drills, 12” spacing, steel hoe openers, hyd depth control, rubber packers, fert maniflod, with hitch $4,500

JOHN DEERE 330 DISK, 25 ft., F. 19 1/2 in. & R. 21 in. blades, 9 in. spacing, dual tires on main frame, single tires on wings, scrapers $5,500

BUSH HOG, 7-shank ripper, V-style, drawn unit with parts BH 5-shank unit$5,000

KRAUSE 960A DISK, 32’9” spacing, F. 20” & R. 16”- blades, with Calkins dark green tine harrow $2,000

MCGREGOR NO TILL GRAIN DRILL, 24 ft., 1 1/8 in. Fertilizer Shanks, Disk Opener - 12 in. spacing with rubber packers, 500-gallon anhydrous tank and 350-gallon solution poly tank, folds to 12 ft. width......... $12,000

IH 150, grain drills, 36’, 3-unit set, 10” spacing, hoe openers, cast boots, hyd. depth control $2,900

BARBER GRAIN DRILL FILL, 8 in., inside box style, downspout $550

BUSH HOG 28’ DISK APPROX., discs F. 21” & R. 21-1/2” with scrapers $4,000

ANHYDROUS TENDER APPLICATOR CART, 1,000 gal. NH3 Tank and running gear $2,500

POLY ELLIPTICAL LEG TANK, 1,000 gal, with steel hoops $1,500 POLY TANK,500-gallon tank. (Only one tank available.)

ROCK PICKER

$200

SCHULTE-RSH4, hydr. dump, conveyer chain pickup, hydr. drive, 6’ pickup width, 1.5 cubic yard hopper capacity. Rare Find and Nice Unit! $11,800

WESTFIELD TR80-51, grain auger, PTO drive, 8”x51’, hyd. lift for height, swing-away intake hopper (for trailers), hyd. drive $3,500

IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT, Marathon electric motor, 150-hp and 125-hp, misc pipes, valves, many, many more items CALL CATTLE HANDLING EQUIPMENT (3) Calf Shelters and Wind Break, also some extra frames $50 each

ALLEN 8827 HAY RAKE, twin parallel bar rake, folding style, 5 bar baskets, hyd. drive, electric control box, tongue jack $8,800

Global chickpea shortage means record contract prices

By MATTHEW WEAVER Capital Press

Tight worldwide supplies this year mean strong demand and high prices for chickpeas, industry leaders say.

“It’s a good time to be a pulse farmer,” said Tim McGreevy, chief executive officer of the USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council. “We don’t see prices like this every day. We went through a period of four years there where things were pretty blue.”

The grower contract price for chickpeas is 40 cents per pound. That’s the highest projected contract price recorded since revenue insurance became available to farmers in 2013, McGreevy said.

“The revenue price is an indication of the strength of the market right now,” he said.

Lentils are also at record high contract prices, also at 40 cents per pound. Small chickpeas are priced at 29 cents per pound.

Chickpeas are planted and grown in the spring. About a third of the crop is contracted, with the remainder on the open market, McGreevy said. Most pulse processors will offer a contract price for

the first 300 to 500 pounds. Normal production of chickpeas is about 1,200 to 1,500 pounds. The current market price is between 38 and 40 cents per pound.

Prices have the possibility of going higher, as they did during the 2021 drought, when they jumped from 26 to 50 cents, McGreevy said.

Chickpeas compete for acres with other crops, primarily wheat, said Tony Roelofs, vice president of pulses for Columbia Grain International in Portland.

“When we have high wheat prices, farmers tend to plant a lot more wheat, and so we don’t necessarily get the acres for chickpeas,” he said. “We’ve been in year three of this cycle, where we see chickpea stocks get quite tight globally and in the U.S.”

The U.S crop in 2022 was better than the “complete disaster” it was the year before, but still below average, McGreevy said.

McGreevy pointed to smaller harvests due to poor weather in chickpea-producing countries such as Australia, Argentina, Mexico and Canada, and disruption due to war in Russia and Ukraine, which are significant suppliers to India.

Cattle producers oppose imports of Paraguayan beef

By CAROL RYAN DUMAS Capital Press

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection

Service has published a proposed rule that would allow the importation of fresh beef from Paraguay, raising concerns among

U.S. cattle producers.

Historically, imports of fresh beef from Paraguay have not been allowed because APHIS has desig-

nated Paraguay as a country infected with foot-andmouth disease. In response to a request from the government of Paraguay to allow fresh beef to be imported into the U.S., USDA conducted a risk analysis.

APHIS concluded that fresh beef can be imported safely from Paraguay under certain conditions, according to an agency press release.

Those conditions include verifying that foot-andmouth disease has not been diagnosed in the exporting region in the past 12 months, the meat comes from premises where the disease has not been present during the lifetime of any of the animals and the animals were inspected before and after death, among others.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association opposes allowing the imports and is calling on USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to continue blocking Paraguay from exporting beef to the U.S.

USDA’s proposed rule to allow Paraguayan beef into the U.S. is based on 9-year-old data and site visits in 2008 and 2014, said Kent Baucus, NCBA executive director of government affairs.

“Paraguay has a history of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, and we cannot jeopardize the safety of U.S. consumers and the health of our U.S. cattle herd with outdated information,” he said.

The U.S. has the highest animal health and food safety standards in the world because it relies on the most up-to-date information and the highest science-based standards, he said.

“USDA should not proceed with this application until a thorough review can be conducted with current information that demonstrates Paraguay’s equivalence in animal health and food safety standards,” he said.

See Beef, Page C7

123rf

A herd of cattle driven by a gaucho. The U.S. cattle industry opposes the importation of beef from Paraguay.

Beef

Continued from Page C6

R-CALF USA is also opposed to the proposal because there are no requirement for Paraguay to meet the same animal production requirements as the U.S., such as restrictions on certain veterinary biologics and on pesticides and other chemicals used in the growing of animal feed, said Bill Bullard, R-CALF CEO.

“How the animals are raised, what they eat and what veterinary biologics they are subject to impacts the quality and safety of beef. We know, for example, that Paraguayan cattle are not subject to the U.S. veterinary feed directive that prohibits the feeding of antibiotics without a veterinary certificate,” he said.

“We are further opposed because although Paraguay has about the same number of cattle as Canada, we doubt they have a comparable veterinary infrastructure to ensure disease detection, notification and containment,” he said.

Paraguay had a foot-andmouth disease outbreak about a decade ago and practices FMD vaccination, he said.

“The United States should not be importing beef from a country that must practice vaccination because it is unable to ensure that FMD –the most contagious disease known to cloven-footed ani-

mals – has been eradicated,” he said.

Beyond that, under no circumstances should the U.S. relax import standards for Paraguay or any other country until and unless Congress passes mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef so consumers can choose to avoid beef from any country for which they have concerns about health, sanitation and safety, he said.

The proposed rule states APHIS gathered data to support its analysis from records of the Servicio Nacional de Calidad y Salud Animal (SENACSA), from publicly available information and from published scientific literature.

The agency also conducted site visits to Paraguay in December 2008 and July 2014 to verify the information submitted by SENACSA and to collect additional information.

A public affairs specialist with APHIS told Capital Press USDA published the proposed rule to solicit input on the proposed action and encourages all stakeholders and interested individuals to submit their input as formal comments.

“Once the comment period closes, we will review all comments received in determining whether to proceed to a final rule,” he said.

The agency is taking comment on the proposed rule through May 26.

Bryan Searle

A Farmer Owned Cooperative

Genesee, ID

(208) 285-1729

Tensed, ID

(509) 290-1962

Chambers, WA

(509) 334-4632

Fairfield, WA (509) 283-2333

Fallon, WA

(509) 878-8202

Garfield, WA (509) 635-1227

Oakesdale, WA

(509) 285-5516

Rosalia, WA

(509) 523-3511

Steptoe, WA

(509) 397-4664

Exceptional Yields Start With Seed Of Exceptional Quality!

Economic impact of ag, food sector increases

By BRAD CARLSON Capital Press

Food and agricultural industries and their suppliers contribute more than $8.6 trillion to the U.S. economy — nearly onefifth of the total national output, according to the seventh annual “Feeding the Economy” report.

Nearly one-fifth of all U.S. manufacturing jobs involve agricultural products, the report said. The American Farm Bureau Federation was among 24 food and agriculture groups that commissioned it.

BUY QUALITY SEED!!

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It is estimated that in our growing area alone a minimum of $10,000,000 is lost annually to decreased yields from non-certified seed. Good certified seed will increase yields 5% to 10%. This year, plant CERTIFIED seed. Prevent goat grass and wild oat infestations with clean seed. Call us for your spring seed needs.

✦ Lenetah

DRY GREEN PEAS

✦ Passion (PVP) ✦ Banner (PVP)

LENTILS

✦ Brewer ✦ Small Browns

CHICKPEAS

✦ Billy Beans ✦ Nash (PVP) ✦ Quinn (PVP) ✦ Sierras

The U.S. food and agriculture sector directly supports nearly 23 million jobs, provides $927 billion in wages and is particularly vital to rural communities, according to the report.

Overall, more than 46 million jobs are supported across the food and agricultural supply chain, up nearly 2% since the 2019 report despite economic challenges and disruptions associated with the pandemic.

Land use for agriculture decreased by 28% between 1948 and 2019 while land

See Impact, Page C9

French

Impact

Continued from Page C8

productivity went up nearly fourfold and labor productivity went up more than tenfold, according to USDA. The sector is among the highest in total productivity growth.

In Idaho, the food and agricultural industry accounts for 370,878 jobs, $21.9 billion in total wages, $7.5 billion in taxes and $1 billion in exports, according to the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation.

The numbers “reveal just how important the agriculture and food sector is to Idaho’s economy and the American economy as a whole,” said Bryan Searle, Idaho Farm Bureau president. “It clearly shows that the food and agriculture industries are dynamic contributors to the Idaho and U.S. economies.”

Industries studied included commodity production and food manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing, including grocery stores and restaurants.

Searle’s approximately 2,000-acre farm near Shelley grows potatoes, grains and some hay. Potatoes go to fresh packers or dehydrators, which export some of their products. Grains may be milled or processed locally or in the region.

Farms pay for inputs, equipment and staff, which often increases during harvest. Economic impacts continue when the raw product is sold, moved and made into a food product.

“So many people touch ag,” Searle said in an interview. “Dollars just turn and turn and turn until it gets to the consumer.”

The big totals found in the study reflect that everyone eats, and provide “a significant amount of clout to the nation’s combined food and ag industry,” Idaho Farm Bureau spokesman Sean Ellis said. “The numbers are impossible to ignore.”

Nearly all commodities produced in Idaho are exported to other states or countries, which means the ag industry has an even greater impact on the state’s overall economy, he said. And many commodities are processed before they are shipped, increasing economic impact.

McCain Foods

fries are produced at the McCain Foods plant in Burley, Idaho. Agriculture plays a large role in the economy, according to a new study.

Roxor

WOTUS rule unclear on how water features will be regulated

By CAROL RYAN DUMAS Capital Press

The Biden administration’s new Waters of the U.S. rule went into effect in

48 states on March 20 after a federal judge denied a request for a nationwide preliminary injunction sought by several organizations,

including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

The judge did grant a preliminary injunction for Texas and Idaho.

“One of the biggest issues with this new rule is the lack of certainty and the lack of clarity on how a lot of water features across the country are regulated,” said MaryThomas Hart, chief counsel for NCBA.

When NCBA considers any WOTUS definition by any administration, it looks for three things: how ephemeral features that only carry water after a storm are treated; how isolated features, such as prairie potholes, are treated; and agricultural exclusions for features such as stock ponds, drainage ditches and prior converted cropland.

ments in the case in October, and EPA finalized the new rule before the court rendered its decision.

In the Sackett case, the Supreme Court is considering the definition of WOTUS for the fourth time, she said.

Hart

Branches

“This rule gave us one out of three … we got some helpful agricultural exemptions,” she said in the latest “Beltway Beef” podcast.

What’s most concerning is there’s no real clarification on how ephemeral or isolated features are going to be treated, she said.

The Supreme Court’s upcoming decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency is an important factor in the larger WOTUS equation, she said.

The court heard oral argu-

“But for six of those nine justices, they were actually considering the definition of WOTUS for the first time. And I think we saw a lot of heartburn around the concept of ‘significant nexus’ and the ambiguity of the significant-nexus test … and the potential liability that it could create for landowners across the country,” she said.

She expects the Supreme Court to pull back the significant nexus test. If that happens, the Biden administration is going to be forced to take the new rule back to the drawing board because it relies so heavily on that test, she said.

“If the Supreme Court invalidates it in any way, then that means that the rule is no longer legal,” she said.

The issue with finalizing a rule before the Supreme Court decision is “there’s a real chance that you are wasting government resources writing a rule that’s going to have to be overturned,” she said.

That’s why NCBA and a lot of other groups asked EPA to pause its rulemaking until the Supreme Court issues its decision, she said.

NCBA is concerned with the fact that EPA sees it as necessary to finalize a rule that kind of flies in the face of the Supreme Court. And that’s an argument NCBA made to federal courts across the country, she said.

Her advice to producers is to get technical assistance or advice before starting any projects that will require the manipulation of a water feature.

While the judge denied the request for a nationwide injunction, NCBA is still involved in active litigation to overturn the WOTUS rule, she said.

MaryThomas

Fiber mill supports sheep farms, bridges urban-rural divide

By SIERRA DAWN McCLAIN Capital Press

HALSEY, Ore. — A conveyor belt fed a pile of Romney sheep wool into a carding machine. The machine intermixed the fibers and spit them out the other end as soft roving.

“This is where the magic happens,” said Kim Biegler, who owns the mill. “It’s the most fun part.”

The hums, growls and clickety-clacks of machinery nearly drowned out her voice.

Biegler, 48, is the founder and owner of Ewethful Fiber Farm and Mill in Halsey, Ore., a small mill that sources wool from Northwest farms and turns it into fiber products, including yarn. Local farmers say the mill helps support their industry, and Biegler is known for helping bridge the urban-rural divide by teaching crafters about wool and farming.

“I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with Kim, and she’s first-rate,” said Maria Rooney, a sheep rancher in Silverton, Ore.

Rooney said that at a time when the overall wool market is “pretty dismal,” Biegler’s mill offers ranchers good prices for high-quality wool.

The average price paid for wool sold in 2022 was $1.53 per pound nationally and $1.35 per pound in Oregon, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. For many types of wool, the price was significantly lower.

Biegler, the mill owner, said she pays farmers $12 per pound on average, though prices can vary depending on the breed,

quality and micron, meaning the diameter of the wool fiber.

See Fiber, Page C12

kpietrok@integratedseed.com

Jim P. 503-580-9425 jparsons@integratedseed.com

Frank P. 541-570-9579 fprantl@integratedseed.com http://baileyseed.com

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Sierra Dawn McClain/Capital Press Kim Biegler holds some of the yarns she produced at her mill in Halsey, Ore.

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Part of Biegler’s determination to pay producers well stems from her agricultural background. She is married to Mitch Biegler, who runs a grass seed company called H&B Ag. Biegler lives on Herndon Century Farm, which has been in her husband’s family for generations. She also maintains 14 Shetland sheep.

Biegler said that when customers ask her about her prices, she educates them not only about wool processing but also about all the work that ranchers put into raising sheep. She teaches buyers about the supply chain and where their products come from.

“Know your wool,” she tells customers.

Wool, she said, is “the wonder material” — moisture-wicking, fast-drying, odor-resistant, naturally flame-resistant and adaptable.

Biegler runs a service in which crafters pay to be part of her monthly fiber subscription club. She then sends them a monthly box of hand-selected fibers.

In addition to selling wool products, Biegler also teaches in-person and online workshops to hand spinners and other crafters and runs educational social media accounts.

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She encourages farmers with multi-purpose breeds who are interested in selling their wool to keep the wool clean by limiting mud, preventing hay from getting tangled in wool and avoiding meadows overrun with burrs and foxtails. She also recommends offering shelter for sheep to get out of the rain.

Nutritional factors, including diet and mineral supplementation, also impact wool quality.

Finally, Biegler said farmers should let their shearers know how they plan to use the fiber so the shearers can avoid second cuts.

Biegler encourages farmers to take good pictures of the wool and consider selling it to hand spinners via online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or

By GEORGE PLAVEN Capital Press

REDMOND, Ore. —

The final morning of the 95th annual Oregon FFA State Convention was a pulse-pounding affair as delegates gathered to elect a new slate of officers.

The process combines formal voting procedures with stadium rock concert theatrics — before each winner is announced, the house lights go dark, energetic music plays and colorful stage lights dart over the crowd, with hundreds of spectators clapping in unison.

When it was finished, six officers were chosen from a pool of 10 candidates to lead Oregon FFA for 2023-24.

This year’s team includes President Jael Cruikshank, of Bend; Vice President Kylie Temple, of Hermiston; Secretary Ryan Mizee, of Tillamook; Treasurer Camille Peters, of Elkton; Reporter Alicia Venegas, of Lost River; and Sentinel Mary Thiel, of Joseph.

It was the culmination of the four-day convention March 16-19 at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center in Redmond, which drew an estimated 2,500 students from across Oregon to compete in FFA events and attend leadership-building workshops.

For the next year, the officers will travel thousands of miles visiting with all 11,000plus FFA members and 109 local chapters across the state.

“Something that we all talked about as candidates a lot is that we want to connect with the members,” Thiel said. “Connection is super important. We want to make sure members feel that they are loved, and that they are served.”

The idea of connection was a recurring theme as officers discussed their own high school and FFA careers, and goals for the coming year.

Venegas said she was inspired to run for state office while attending last summer’s Southern Oregon FFA District leadership camp.

“We were all sitting around the campfire,” Venegas said. “Everybody was singing, dancing and telling stories. There was so much love. My heart was overwhelmed with

FFA gets new statewide officers

joy. I knew then that I wanted to do whatever I could to continue to impact the lives of our (organization’s) members.”

Cruikshank is following the steps of her older brother, Josiah, who served as Oregon FFA state president in 2019-20, and National FFA western region vice president in 2021-22.

But Cruikshank said she has come to learn that success isn’t solely defined by titles and accolades.

“Through my FFA years, I’ve learned what success really means,” she said. “It’s not about a banner or an office, but it’s how you impact the people around you and how you treat them. Even if you have all the awards and achievements in the state, that doesn’t make you a successful person.”

Mizee described himself as a person driven by his passions. He said he wants to help his fellow members find their own purpose in life.

“You should take every opportunity that comes your way,” he said. “FFA is an amazing place to fail, because when you do fail, it’s OK.”

No matter what a person’s interests or skills may be, FFA is a place for everyone, Peters said.

“Whether you were raised on a farm your entire life, or you’ve never seen a cow before, you have a

place and we’re here for you,” she said.

As FFA officers, Temple said the team has a unique opportunity to be a light in many students’ lives.

“The feeling that I’m feeling right now is just a sense of pride, but not necessarily for personal accomplishments,” Temple said. “But just because

I know this is an amazing team and we have the opportunity to represent some amazing members.”

Veteran leader takes reins of Idaho 4-H program

By BRAD CARLSON Capital Press

The University of Idaho’s new 4-H Youth Development

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Program director knew the job would be a good fit based on the passion she saw in employees.

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really hard and are invested in our youth,” Angie Freel, a 27-year 4-H staff er who recently arrived in Moscow from Arkansas, said

in an interview.

The employees, with whom she connected at national 4-H conferences, are “passionate about their jobs

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Freel

The 4-H system in the West has growth potential partly because it has not existed as long as that of the South, Freel said.

“It’s an opportunity to honor tradition, yet implement some fresh perspective on the program such as STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and health and wellness in addition to the traditional curriculum,” she said.

While 4-H stays true to its agricultural roots, it has broadened. Its teaching model for its ages 5 to 19 clientele, called positive youth development, is grounded in research that UI Extension applies in the communities it serves “to effectively improve the lives of the people we reach,” Freel said.

Learning more about what employees have done and are working on is a current focus, along with encouraging the sharing of ideas. In the longer term, she sees an opportunity in health and wellness curriculum.

The staff “have been doing a great job,” Freel said. “We can build on that — physical and also mental health and wellness.”

She started with 4-H in 1996 as a secretary in the University of Arkansas state 4-H office in Little Rock. A year later, she went to work as a 4-H agent in White County, Ark.

As an agent, she saw youths “grow through the experience of being in 4-H” as they were mentored at the club level, interacted with each other and participated in state and national events, she said in a UI release. She watched young people who once feared public speaking “get up and give a persuasive speech that had me crying at the end. It was really evident how good 4-H is for our communities.”

Angie

U.S. lamb producers face ‘tough’ times

By SIERRA DAWN McCLAIN Capital Press

With Easter a few weeks away, sheep ranchers are preparing for one of the industry’s busiest seasons. Easter weekend marks the peak for lamb consumption in the U.S.

This spring, however, producers are worried about their industry. Production challenges, limited processing capacity, falling demand and rising imports made 2022 difficult, and the 2023 outlook is also grim.

“It’s been a really tough, tough year,” said Reed Anderson, owner of Anderson Ranches, a large Oregon sheep operation.

Producers face rising costs for hay, feed, fuel, labor and other inputs.

Peter Camino, a Wyoming producer and chairman of the American Lamb Board, estimated his fuel and feed costs in 2022 were up 25% to 30% compared to 2021.

The past year’s dramatic weather swings — from hot and dry to cold and wet — left many pastures temporarily ungrazable, forcing producers to transport sheep across state lines in search of pasture and to buy supplemental hay. Anderson, for example, pastured sheep in Eastern Washington and bought eight times more hay year-over-year.

Megan Wortman, executive director of the American Lamb Board, said a shortage of processing infrastructure remains “a major concern.”

In 2020, meatpacking giant JBS USA bought the nation’s second-largest lamb slaughterhouse in Colorado to convert into a beef plant, a blow to lamb producers.

A few small-to-midsized lamb packers later opened, but they took several months to get online and lacked the labor and fabrication facilities to replace what had been lost.

In 2022, the new plants “were still trying to get their feet on the ground,” said Mike Guerry, an Idaho sheep rancher.

Ranchers say plants got “backed up” between 2021 and 2022. As a result, many lambs were butchered far later than they should have been, meaning they were overweight and older.

Meanwhile, consumer demand has been falling.

For decades, many Americans ate lamb only on holidays and in white-tablecloth restau-

rants. The pandemic changed that, fueling in-home gourmet cooking and boosting lamb’s popularity.

In 2011, the average American consumed 0.6 pounds of retail lamb yearly. In 2020, per capita consumption rose to 1.1 pounds. In 2021, it hit 1.36 pounds.

But in 2022, it fell to 1.28 pounds per person. Why the sudden drop? Industry leaders say consumers worried about inflation are looking for ways to spend less.

“The consumer is being very cautious,” said Anderson, from Oregon. He estimated his sales are down 20% from last year.

“We’re definitely seeing consumers start trading down,” said Wortman, of the lamb board. They are buying ground lamb instead of a rack and eating lamb once a month instead of once a week.

It doesn’t help that the white-tablecloth restaurant industry remains a shadow of its former self three years after COVID-19 hit.

“It’s coming back, but it’s not what it was,” said Wortman.

Historically, the lamb industry had more success moving expensive cuts through restaurants. Guerry, from Idaho, said it is riskier for a consumer to buy a high-end retail cut not knowing how to cook it than getting the same cut at a restaurant where the chef knows how to prepare it.