Idaho Cattle Association Line Rider ~ December 2014

Official Publication

December 2014

Holiday Issue – Christmas Traditions and Memories – Setting Priorities with Forage – Funding for Wolf Depredation

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

1

JOIN US FOR

BEEF NIGHT ICE ON

TI

CK

$

AT THE IDAHO STEELHEADS

THE

JANUARY 17, 2015 // GAME TIME 7:10 PM

ETS ONLY

15

UDES A AND INCL HOTDOG F E E FREE B DRINK! & SOFT

2 WAYS TO GET YOUR TICKETS:

1

Go to http://igrouptix.com/idahosteelheads and enter the username: beef and password: beef

2

Call the Idaho Beef Council at (208) 376-6004.

Ticket sales support the Beef Counts campaign. When you order tickets from the link above, or call the IBC office, $5.00 from each ticket will be donated to the Beef Counts campaign to provide hungry Idahoans with nutrient-rich beef.

2

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

December 2014 Holiday Issue

F E AT U R E S

3

3

Christmas Traditions and Memories

ICA members young and young-at-heart share what makes the holidays special for them.

12

Setting Priorities with Forage

24

Holiday Gift Guide

UI Beef Extension Specialists John Hall and J. Benton Glaze share why forage testing and evaluation is extremely important this year.

Here are some ideas for the special cowgirls, cowboys and cowpokes in your life.

12

NEWS

7

Funding Available for Wolf Depredation Compensation and Prevention Projects

Wishing you very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Idaho Cattle Association!

ON THE COVER “Trailing Down to Brush Creek” Photo by Gary Pratt

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS President’s Perspective..................................................................................... 2 Executive Message..........................................................................................4 Natural Resources..........................................................................................6 Communications Corner...............................................................................8 Idaho Beef Checkoff News........................................................................... 10 NewsMakers.................................................................................................14 Tending the Herd.........................................................................................16 ICA Membership.........................................................................................19 Breeder & Service Guide.........................................................................22-23

“Like” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/IdahoCattleAssociation ICA Line Rider, December 2014

1

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

ICA Board of Directors President Carl Lufkin............................... (Leadore) 208-768-2480

Driving Forward

by Carl Lufkin, President

President-Elect Laurie Lickley..........................(Jerome) 208-420-7974 Vice President Jerald Raymond.........................(Menan) 208-317-8777 Immediate Past President Jared Brackett......................... (Rogerson) 208-731-0776 Cattlewomen Council Chair Robin Lufkin............................ (Leadore) 208-768-2480

I

n writing my first article as your ICA President, I would like to let you know how excited, yet humbled, I am to have this position. I feel a little inadequate to follow Jared and some of the other great leaders involved with this organization. There are so many good men who have gone before me. I hope I can fill this position with the determination of Charlie Lyons, the smile of Cevin Jones, the moral stamina of Kent Mann and the stature of Morgan Evans. I feel so lucky to be in this industry. How rich is a man who can wake up every day and do what he dreamed of doing as a boy? I think being a cattleman is probably more about family, traditions and lifestyle than it is about economics and financial security.

If you have read any of my articles before you would know I like to tell a story or personal experience to make a point. As we approach the holiday season, I would like to talk about some of our family traditions and How rich is a man who can wake up how they relate to my new position. every day and do what he dreamed of One of the holiday doing as a boy? traditions in my

— Carl Lufkin family is that every winter, especially around Christmas, we hook up a team of horses to a sleigh or wagon to feed the cows.

I remember as a youngster my dad teaching me to drive a team of horses. My dad is an excellent horseman. He always took me with him and I always wanted to be just like him. I remember him giving me the lines and letting me drive. When I was young I thought I was driving, but when I grew up I realized he was standing behind me making sure things went the way he wanted them to go.

So what is the point of this story, you might ask? The point is I now have the lines of this organization in my hands. But I know, when it is all said and done, there will be a whole bunch of people standing behind me making sure we are going in the right direction. From an outstanding Executive Vice President and office staff, to an incredibly intelligent Board of Directors, to each of ICA’s devoted voting members. Yes, I am sure I will only “think” I am the one driving.

Cow-Calf Council Chair Scott Kesl...................................(Tendoy) 208-940-0098 Feeder Council Chair Aron Bennett.................... (Grand View) 208-850-2363 Purebred Council Chair Tucker Shaw............................ (Caldwell) 208-445-1678 Treasurer Matt Duckett........................... (Caldwell) 208-230-5650 District 1 Brad Higgins......................(Cottonwood) 208-507-0989 Linda Rider.................... (Coeur d’Alene) 208-667-3373 District 2 Ramona Ridley....................... (Caldwell) 208-455-4868 Ron Ford..............................(Cambridge) 208-550-0666 District 3 Kurt Mason.............................(Kimberly) 208-731-2691 Dawn Anderson...................... (Gooding) 208-280-1505 District 4 Scott Rigby............................... (Rexburg) 208-356-6808 Jay Smith...................................(Carmen) 208-940-1020 District 5 Ken Eliason............................ (Holbrook) 208-698-3341 Tim Willie................................... (Malad) 208-766-3327 Allied Industry Representative Kelton Spain.................. (New Plymouth) 208-859-8798 CattleWomen Board Representative Megan Satterwhite................. (Rogerson) 208-420-6795 Directors at Large Marshall Jensen.............................(Boise) 208-243-0727 Marty Gill................................... (Parma) 208-890-3805

Committee Leaders

Cattle Association Legal Fund: Jerald Raymond, Chair; Norm Wallis, Vice Chair; Stan Dowton, Jason Anderson, Marty Gill, Ken Eliason, Ramona Ridley, Merle Olsen Cattle Health & Well-Being: Scott Holt, Chair Cattle Political Action Committe: Laurie Lickley, Chair; Unknown, Vice Chair; Brad Higgins, Joe Daniels, Kurt Mason, Matt Duckett, Matt Thompson, Scott Rigby Federal & State Lands: Darci Helmick, Chair; Art Butler, Kurt Mason, Ken Eliason, Matt Duckett, Matt Thompson Marketing: John Nalivka, Chair Membership: Laurie Lickley, Chair; Brad Higgins, Marty Gill, Scott Rigby, Jason Anderson, Ramona Ridley, Megan Satterwhite Private Lands: Norm Wallis, Chair; Brad Higgins, Art Butler, David Little, Kurt Mason Resolutions: Lee Bradshaw, Chair; Jared Brackett, Vice Chair Wildlife: Deb Lord, Chair; Aron Bennett, Matt Thompson, Jason Anderson, Marty Gill, Joe Daniels, Megan Satterwhite

A Lufkin family tradition of feeding the cows with a team of horses in winter.

2

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

Christmas Traditions and Memories

ICA members young and young-at-heart share what makes the holidays special for them. compiled by Britany Hurst

Mitzi Savage, Hamer Leon Slichter, Grangeville Every Christmas Eve we get together to open presents and My mother was a “meat and potatoes” cook, feeding a family of Christmas pajamas. Then we have a Christmas program—sharing a 6 kids and my Dad. We all had very hearty appetites! She always favorite Christmas story, favorite treat, or a talent. Richard reads the prepared ample servings of staple foods three times a day and usually Christmas story from the Bible and we talk about the true meaning a dessert—cake or pie—for dinner and supper. of Christmas, so we don’t get caught up in the gift giving. We take A few days before Christmas, Mom’s kitchen went into a Christmas treats and sing carols to the widows and widowers in the transformation. She would start baking Christmas cookies, pies, area. We always try to do things to make it special for other people, casseroles and all sorts of out-of-this-world candies. She baked and and teach our children and our prepared not only for us, but grandchildren that Christmas isn’t just Even though families change and grow, the for gifts of food for family, about us. This was a tradition when friends and other folks who traditions can stay the same.

I was a little girl. Richard and I have might not be as fortunate as

— Mitzi Savage we were. continued it with our own family and my side of the family. This year, When we came home from because the family is growing and school on those cold winter there are now great-grandkids, we’ll continue the tradition in our days just before Christmas, our house would be filled with the own families. Even though families change and grow, the traditions wonderful aromas of all the baking and preparation Mom had been can stay the same. busily doing. As a young boy, it always reminded me of the stories of the busy elves in Santa’s workshop.

Abigail Williams, age 7, Twin Falls Mom really did enjoy doing this for us and all the others. It was I like Christmas because we get presents, we feed the reindeers her Christmas gift of love. grain, Grandma and Grampa Marchant come to our house, and we go to Grandma’s house for New Year’s Eve. One thing I like to do on Christmas night is feed the reindeers grain so that they can have a snack when they stop at our house. We put the grain on the back yard patio, then we go to bed and hope that they eat it. When we wake up on Christmas morning, the first thing we do is look out the window to see if the grain is gone. Then I sneak in the living room to see the presents from Santa before everyone wakes up. This year, I hope Santa gives me a telescope so I can look at the stars closer and a harmonica.

Euarda Daniels, Malad The year was 1963. Our oldest of six children, Debra, was 7 years old at the time. We heard a knock at the door on Christmas Eve, Debra opened the door and there stood Santa Clause! The children were jumping up and down, all excited as Santa sang, “I Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

He left a few gifts and was going out the door when Debra looked at him, and turned to her father. With a very profound and stern voice, red face, and hands on her hips and said, “That is not Santa! That is not Santa! That is not Santa! I saw Santa last night at the church, and that is not him!” We all laughed. It is still funny to this day. That’s our beautiful daughter, who now has two girls of her own.

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

Art by Abigail Williams

3

EXECUTIVE MESSAGE

The Grinch

Holiday Issue

by Wyatt Prescott Executive Vice President

C

hristmas is filled with so many fond memories from through the years; sometimes for me it hurts to think of them, and I know I am not alone. You see, I always loved Christmas because it was the one time of the year that the entire family got together. We’d pile on a truck load of presents and head to Grandpa and Grandma’s house. However, after my brother was taken from us, I never much enjoyed it again.

Because no matter who comes to Christmas, we will always be missing someone.

The void of missing someone is its largest in our happiest times. Like many others who experience this, I’ve read through the library of grieving and coping processes and concluded only one fact—that their theories are mostly BS. I know I will never fully stop being mad, or be able to help feeling some sense of guilt, when I’m my happiest. Nevertheless, now that I have my own little Buster, I strive to give up my Grinch ways for the sake of the Christmas spirit and his Christmas memories. Of course, this task is not small for me, nor do I suppose that I ever want to quit feeling that pain of loss because it reminds me of the joy.

I used to love a white Christmas, until I was old enough to have the responsibility of shoveling out managers. Still, as I look back, the manager shoveling only lasted through the first pen—until a snowball fight turned into wrestling with Buster, only to be stopped by the approaching feed wagon. There was Father and son checking feeder that Christmas break from college when my brother calves together. and I got into one of our usual fights in good fun, that ended in his first—and only—time admitting that if we would have kept at it he was worried he may not have had the ability to win.

Those breaks usually involved a coyote hunt or two, and for fear of Fish and Game reading my column I won’t elaborate on our hunting strategies. Just know the stories include my dad breaking his pistol grip by finishing the job because he ran out of bullets. And one particular night, Buster and I found Dad’s bourbon—Ancient Age— under the seat of the work truck. Enough said.

Mom was the one person who kept us all lined out organizing games for Christmas Eve, having hot cinnamon rolls Christmas morning—which we couldn’t have until the chores were done, and coming to find us when the ice took longer to break than expected. She patiently kept it all together, while dad and we two boys struggled to remember to stuff her stocking, which often did not get opened until afternoon if the weather was difficult.

Her reward, I suppose, was the relationship she had with her Buster. Because I do remember on more than one occasion, still having plenty of chores to get done and not being able to find my brother. In these cases he was usually in the house spilling his guts to mom claiming he had his chores done.

At the end of the day, no matter how tough Christmas could have been, it was still great. For me to bury my Grinchiness, all I have to do is remember how truly blessed I am to have had so many good Christmases with my brother and my family. And despite the gloominess that tends to hang over me at this time of year, I am looking forward to having many more good Christmases with Gus. Merry Christmas from the family!

4

December 2014 The Line Rider is the official magazine of the Idaho Cattle Association. It is published nine times per year in January, February, March, June, August, September, October, November and December.

ICA Office

2120 Airport Way, P.O. Box 15397 Boise, ID 83715 Phone: 208-343-1615 info@idahocattle.org www.idahocattle.org www.facebook.com/IdahoCattleAssociation www.twitter.com/IdahoCattle www.instagram.com/idcattle Executive Vice President Wyatt Prescott, wyatt@idahocattle.org Communications Director & Feeder Coordinator Britany Hurst, britany@idahocattle.org Membership and Production Manager Dawn Schooley, dawn@idahocattle.org Administrative Assistant Michelle Johnson, michelle@idahocattle.org Policy Director Karen Williams, karen@idahocattle.org 208-866-6438 Publisher/Editor Maggie Malson, maggiejomalson@mac.com 3100 Elmore Road Parma, ID 83660 208-674-1283 •208-739-2265 Advertising Sales JoAnn Behrends 208-989-5022 cell joannbehrends@gmail.com Jan Ford 800-693-8048 jford17879@aol.com Member Advertising Rates 4-color: Back cover $785; IFC: $775; IBC: $759; 4-color: 1 page $455; 2/3 page $399; 1/2 page $309; 1/3 page $235; 1/4 page $175; 1/8 page $129; Insert $525 B/W: 1 page $355; 2/3 page $299; 1/2 page $235; 1/3 page $185; 1/4 page $125; 1/8 page $79; Breeders’ or Service Guide $720Color $567-BW (9 issues) Rates apply to ICA members only. Nonmembers and national rates available upon request. Ad deadline is first of the month preceding publication.

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

Ramona Ridley, Caldwell Our Christmas tradition is to dress up and go to Grandma’s to have a formal, sit down Prime Rib dinner with a red and green ribbon Jell-O. After dinner, we open presents, starting with the youngest and working our way to the oldest, and then have another gift exchange where we draw numbers for gifts. You get to pick a gift or steal a gift that has already been opened. This usually results in some people being extremely happy and some not so much, and there is always one coveted gift, and the gift that nobody wants.

Most of the time it gets left at Grandma’s! All of this followed by my stepmom playing her guitar and all singing Christmas songs.

Christie Prescott, Boise Thinking about the holidays is always an overwhelming time for everyone. Inevitably I start thinking about the ones I’ve lost and how much I miss them. I have a great love of traditions, and the holidays will never be the same without my dad and grandparents. One of my favorite traditions is sitting by the fire and watching Chevy Chase’s Christmas Vacation on Christmas Eve. I swear my brother and I know every line in that entire movie. I have a renewed excitement as this year’s holiday season approaches. I feel very blessed to watch my son Augustus “Gus” enjoy his first Christmas. This holiday season I am thankful for the family I still have, the new family members I’ve gained through marriage, and the opportunity to start new traditions with my husband and son.

Kaden and Hallye Ducket, ages 12 and 10, Caldwell Our favorite thing about Christmas is Christmas Eve. Everyone gets dressed up and we invite the grandparents over for a beautiful, candlelight Prime Rib (beef, of course!) dinner. Taking a quiet moment to offer a prayer on the food helps us remember the Reason for the Season and focuses our minds on why we celebrate.

We enjoy being together and feel the warmth that comes from family. Then we open one present from Mom and Dad—our Christmas Eve pajamas.

Spring Cove Ranch Angus & JBB/AL Hereford Bull and Female Sale Monday, March 9th, 2015 at Spring Cove Ranch, Bliss, Idaho

160 Angus Bulls & 35 Angus Heifers 50 Hereford & Red Angus Bulls & 30 Hereford & Red Angus Heifers Selling Sons and Daughters sired by these breeding leading sires :

KM Broken Bow 002

CED+12 BEPD-.8 WEPD+61 YEPD+104 MEPD+27 CW+40 Marb+.65 Rib+.87 SC+1.23 $W+45.51 $B+98.84

Sitz Longevity 556Z

CED+6 BEPD-.6 WEPD+67 YEPD+115 MEPD+30 CW+31 Marb+.44 Rib+.54 SC+1.40 $W+58.09 $B+73.74

C Gohr 9158 About Time 1101 CCA Emblazon 702

CED+0.5 BW+2.3 WW+56 YW+84 M+28 Milk & Growth +56 SC+.8 RIB+.66 MARB+.05 CHB+$27

CED+15 BEPD-1.3 WEPD+58 YEPD+98 MEPD+21 CW+37 Marb+.50 Rib+.63 SC+.47 $W+47.37 $B+84.93

For Sale Catalogs call: 208-352-4332 Spring Cove Ranch

Art and Stacy Butler 269 Spring Cove Rd Bliss, Idaho 83314 208-352-4332 www.springcoveranch.com info@springcoveranch.com

JBB/AL Herefords

James & Dawn Anderson 208-280-1505 Bev Bryan 208-934-5378 1998 S 1500 E Gooding, Idaho 83330 jbbalherefords@hotmail.com

Art by Jayda Duckett, age 6

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

5

NATURAL RESOURCES

On Marchant Pond Christmastime on the ranch provides for magical memories.

by Karen Williams, Policy Director

U

sually, it is those things that are rare that are the most precious. skated away—in the wrong direction. I promptly broke through The same principle applies to moments and memories. The the ice again, with my dry leg (of course), which only enhanced fact that holidays only happen once a year makes them all the more the comedic value of the situation. No danger existed because I special—and Christmas reigns supreme among them with the was near the bank at the shallow end, so the event provided all return of youthful excitement (for the young and old alike), family sorts of entertainment for my not-so-sympathetic observing family gatherings, and undeniably magical moments. I love the Christmas members. season and can’t get enough of the decorations, the music, the warm While this was certainly memorable, it is not my favorite feelings, and celebration of the most important event in the world’s memory created on the pond. That memory was created 13 years history. ago. I know the year well because I had just recently met Jason Although I may be partial, nothing can beat Christmastime in (now my husband) and this was his first visit to my family’s ranch. the country. For my family, this means going on the mountain to Romance was clearly in the air and the atmospheric conditions only search for the perfect Christmas helped. This was one of those rare years tree, hoping for snow on a hillside where we had great snow for sledding where the favorite sledding spot and, underneath the layer of snow, the lies, and—if conditions are right— pond was covered in thick, smooth ice. ice skating on Marchant Pond.

To top off the magic, the moon was full While Christmas is an event that week, which provided ample natural that can be counted on year after light for night skating. It was as if the year, perfect ice skating conditions whole experience was scripted. My brother cannot. It seems that most years, proposed to his now-wife on that pond the weather does not cooperate that week. When Jason arrived to complete in the right way, or at the right the scene, he proved his worthiness to be time, to create the perfect winter in the family by—without complaint or wonderland that can exist on my question—taking on the task of sweeping family’s irrigation pond. Either and shoveling the snow off the ice to there is a Christmastime warm up, create a rink-sized skating area, and then which, I know, is great for the cows added to the ambiance by creating a giant and those who have to feed them, snowman to watch over the skaters. This but bad for ice creation; or there is particular event sealed the deal that he was too much snow, which is good for the match for me (although it took me a summer’s irrigation needs, but bad few months afterward to realize and accept for hoped-for glass-like ice (and for it). We have a picture of this weekend that those who have to feed the cows). remains one of those family snapshots that Rare is the year that Marchant is one favorite among the thousands.

The Marchant family making memories on their frozen Pond is open for business at In the cattle industry, we are irrigation pond. just the right time, when all the surrounded by an environment that family comes to visit during provides the best of times along with the those wonderful few days when toughest of times. It is those good times, the normal demands of life subside for a time between Christmas that can only occur in the ranching lifestyle, such as ice-skating on and New Year’s Day. And because it is rare, some of my most vivid the irrigation pond, that make the tough times—the uncertainty of Christmastime memories are on that pond. Some of my family the economic cycle, the constant attack from government regulation members may prefer the not-so-distant memory from last year and extremists, and all the worries contingent with raising and when I foolishly skated near the pond’s inlet where the ice was just caring for animals—worth every minute. Having experienced both a hair too thin. One of my legs broke through the ice and settled city life and country life, I can unequivocally state that, although in a seemingly permanent sludgy mix of mud and manure. It was the wonders of the season can exist anywhere, it is in the country, not without a great deal of effort that I was assisted free of the on the ranch, where the magic happens and the best of memories grasp upon my leg. Upon regaining my freedom, I immediately are made.

6

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

Funding Available for Wolf Depredation Compensation and Prevention Projects The State of Idaho, through the Office of Species Conservation (OSC) recently received funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to reimburse Idaho livestock producers for livestock killed by wolves. The state also received funding to help offset the costs of wolf depredation prevention projects implemented by livestock producers.

Idaho was one of 10 states and a single tribal nation to acquire funding through the program. OSC procured these funds through the Services’ Wolf Livestock Demonstration Project Grant Program, which is a 5-year program authorized under the 2009 Federal Omnibus Public Lands spending bill.

OSC is now accepting compensation applications for verified livestock depredations caused by wolves. To be eligible for reimbursement, livestock losses must have been verified by USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services and have occurred during the 2014 calendar year. The deadline for submission of compensation applications is Dec. 31, 2014.

Additionally, applications are available for Idaho livestock owners seeking to offset the costs associated with wolf depredation prevention projects. Depredation prevention funding will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. $100,000 for compensation and $100,000 for prevention projects is available.

For additional information please contact Jon Beals at 208-334-2189, or jon.beals@osc.idaho.gov.

For application forms, please visit OSC’s website at www.species.idaho.gov.

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

110 years of of supporting supporting the the cattle cattle industry. industry.

Solutions 24/7

855.4CowBos www.CowBos.com

Complete, Convenient, Cost-Effective…

7

COMMUNICATIONS CORNER

What I Learned in Prison

How a holiday trip to an unlikely place revealed that Christmas truly is for everyone.

by Britany Hurst, Communications Director

M

y family is big on traditions, and Christmas around the Hurst didn’t appreciate it. It was quickly made very clear to me that cold house isn’t any different. The Christmas trees and decorations December morning that I was wrong. It wasn’t those people who go up the day after Thanksgiving, and as the baby of the family, I didn’t understand Christmas, it was me. In each area of the always got to put Jesus in the biggest nativity. We carol friends and prison, to each group of inmates, the words of those old, familiar, neighbors—and there was that one year the whole neighborhood memorized carols brought new meaning to me as I watched eyes fill still talks about—when I was 7 years old and my family went with tears, hearts soften and tensions ease as we sang. door-to-door dressed as wise men, shepherds and an angel. I was With each group, we ended the service by asking them to join the angel. Of course. We recounted Luke chapter 2 and sang a few with us when we sang Silent Night. songs, then handed over a plate of corn flake wreathes and went on to the next house.

Silent night, holy night We spend Christmas Eve at the Hurst Grandparents’—which is Son of God my favorite day of the year—and on our way home make a stop to Love’s pure light drop off gifts and food anonymously on the doorstep of a family in Radiant beams from Thy holy face need. We wash all the sheets and hang stockings on Christmas Eve, With the dawn of Redeeming Grace and stay up until all hours of the night (or morning) wrapping and We invited those in the finishing presents—which always women’s prison to sing along results in one gift on Christmas with us on any song where they morning that goes to the wrong felt inclined. As we sang, tears person, because wrapping delirium filled the eyes of each of the sets in around 3:00 am. women there; one in particular, On Christmas morning, before whom couldn’t have been much present opening, my sisters and I older than I at the time. pile on my parents’ bed and Dad reads the Christmas story from Joy to the world! The Lord has Luke and Matthew in the Bible. come My parents did well to teach Let earth receive her King! their four daughters that Christmas Let every heart prepare Him wasn’t really about Santa, and that room giving was more rewarding than And heaven and nature sing receiving. When I moved away to college, I’m sure they thought they No more let sin and sorrow grow had planted that message deep Nor thorns infest the ground My family does two things in excess. Christmas lights on the tree enough.

He comes to make and nativities. This nativity is my favorite. My aunt, Emily Egbert, I was in my second year of His blessings flow made it for me when I was 5 or 6. She passed away when I was college and was asked to be part Far as the curse is found 16, but I feel like she has a definite place in my holidays with of a group that went caroling to this little creche. the inmates in the Idaho State Tears were flooding down her Penitentiary. We spent an hour in each area of the prison, including cheeks, and quickly enough down mine as well. I discovered a new maximum security and the women’s prison. At first I was a bit meaning to Christmas that day—the true meaning. Of course, up to uneasy. There was a loud clamor as the steel bars clanged to a close that point, I knew that Christmas wasn’t about Santa and presents behind us, and we walked to the front of the room and stood in and stockings. But until that day at the state prison, I didn’t fully front of the convicts. and deeply understand what the true meaning of Christmas really Admittedly, I had an immature and wholly superior attitude, was—that the past can be forgiven and futures be rewritten. And mixed with quite a bit of trepidation as I stood there. It’s safe to most of all, I learned, Christmas is for everyone. say I felt, at the outset, that I was doing these people a great favor.

It’s also safe to say I felt, at the outset, that these people didn’t deserve Christmas. They didn’t understand it. And they certainly

8

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

Michelle Johnson, Meridian Each year my mom and sister would get together early in the morning and bake and bake Christmas goodies into the evening; then it was decorating time. We would order pizza for dinner, and everyone—including the dads—had to help frost sugar cookies.

We just knew we wouldn’t have enough so we kept mixing, rolling, cutting and baking. At the end of the day we swore we wouldn’t make so many the next year. But you have to have the peanut butter kisses, the Cheerios cookies, the double delicious cookie bars, fudge, gingerbread molasses (yummm, my favorite) hard candy with powdered sugar, homemade marshmallows, sugar cookie cutouts and whatever crazy recipe we found that sounded oh, so yummy and so easy!

Dawn Schooley, Marsing Growing up in the wide open spaces of southeastern Colorado was wonderful until it came time to get the family Christmas tree. As a little girl, I always wanted to decorate the Christmas tree the first part of December but that meant talking my dad into taking my brother, sister and I to the mountains of Colorado—4 hours away—to find the right one. At the same time dad had to juggle the chores, school schedules and weather to make this annual trip happen, which he always seemed to do until the winter of 1984.

When you mix snow and strong wind on the flat prairies of Colorado, it is almost impossible to take trips to the mountains to get the family Christmas tree. Dad just kept telling me not to worry we would have a Christmas tree. Although as the days got closer to Christmas, there was still no Christmas tree. As I went to bed on Christmas Eve I was convinced that Christmas would not be the same without a tree. Christmas morning I woke up early. As I walked into the living room I couldn’t believe my eyes. Now, trees don’t grow on the Colorado prairie, but huge tumble weeds do. My dad and brother found three huge tumble weeds, spray painted them red, green and gold, and wired them together to make a Christmas tree.

I’ll never forget those spray-painted tumble weeds strung with lights and decorated with a few ornaments.

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

Maggie Malson, Parma It’s hard to narrow down Christmas memories as the holiday season holds so many for me. Coming from big families on both my parents’ sides, we always looked forward to getting together with all the aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. Seemed my mom would bake for weeks and had to make sure she had enough of each person’s favorite Christmas goodie. She’s kind of famous for her cookies and goodies—at least in our family. Christmas was one of those holidays that everyone was able to come home for. We cousins would play dress-up or games, we’d attend Christmas Eve Mass as a family, then gather around the Christmas tree to open presents.

We’ve continued these traditions with our own children. Living on the ranch, the kids have also learned patience as the chores have to be finished before we eat our cinnamon roll breakfast or open any presents.

I will always cherish the holiday season as a time of rejoicing, renewal, remembering, sharing and celebrating all our blessings.

Mackenzie Malson, age 11, Parma My favorite holiday tradition is baking Christmas goodies. I like this because we come together as a family and share the goodies with family and friends. We make sugar cookies, peanut brittle, truffles, chocolate pretzels and gingerbread cookies. I love to bake. Getting messy is fun too. It’s nice baking as Art by Mackenzie Malson, 11 a family. I have memories of my dad and I rolling peanut butter balls and dipping them in chocolate. My brother and sisters like to use lots of sprinkles and frosting on their cookies. Delivering the goodies is fun and reminds me that giving is better than receiving. Happy Holidays!

9

IDAHO BEEF CHECKOFF NEWS

Happy Holidays from The Idaho Beef Council

T

he holiday season presents both opportunities and challenges for the beef industry. Beef is usually the most common protein served at the center of the plate for Christmas, but falls consistently in third behind turkey and ham for Thanksgiving. Consumers are facing pricier beef options this year than any year before; an eight-pound Choice Prime Rib roast could cost a consumer around $100 this year. They also find a holiday roast intimidating to cook and worry that their investment is wasted if they cannot cook it correctly. To help offset some of these challenges and keep consumers choosing beef as their center of the plate protein, several different activities and promotions are executed during the holiday season and are highlighted below.

12th day, the grand prize, a Kamado Joe grill, is given away. Last year the campaign resulted in a 40 percent increase in followers and garnered more than 380,000 impressions during the 12day campaign. During this campaign, we also supplement with additional posts about holiday roasting tips, most popular holiday roasts, and recipes.

The second is in conjunction with our pop-up timer campaign with retailers where we will be offering a free pop-up timer to the first 250 of our Facebook followers who send us a private message.

We will send them a holiday roast brochure with their pop-up timer.

Holiday Roast Program The Idaho Beef Council reaches out to all Idaho retailers in late summer to offer them Holiday Roast materials including a Holiday Roast Brochure for their customers and instore display materials such as Ironman signs and posters. These materials are designed and produced by NCBA and are offered free of charge to retailers. Sixty-four Idaho retailers ordered materials this holiday season.

Additionally, they can order two additional consumer-focused holiday roast brochures; The Perfect Prime Rib and Answers to your Holiday Roasting Questions.

Pop-up Timer Campaign Idaho retailers were also invited to participate in a Holiday roast pop-up timer campaign. Every retailer who signed up to participate received pop-up timers, on-pak labels, Ironman signs, and posters.

The pop-up timers are similar to those used in other proteins, but pop at 138 degrees. Retailers received training on pop-up timer use and all holiday roasts will be sold with a pop-up timer already inserted. Thirty-three retailers participated this Holiday season, including 11 Winco locations.

Holiday Airport Advertising From Nov. 1 – Dec. 31, beef holiday airport displays will be viewable in the Boise and Idaho Falls airports. In Boise, there are two separate displays in the baggage claim and connector walkways and in Idaho Falls, the display is in the arrivals lounge. The holiday travel season is one of the busiest for airports, presenting a great opportunity for the thousands of passengers to view beef messaging.

Social Media Campaigns: Two separate Facebook social media campaigns will run between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The first campaign, Twelve Cuts of Christmas, will run from Dec.1-12.

Facebook followers can enter by liking our Facebook page once each day to win a beef related prize, such as free beef or cooking supplies. On the

10

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

Festival of Trees The IBC is a Grand Benefactor at the Boise Festival of Trees. Each year, more than 22,000 visitors attend the Festival of Trees celebration. The IBC decorates a themed tree each year that is auctioned off during the Festival of Trees gala. The theme for this year’s tree is Ranching Family Traditions.

If you would like more information about these programs or other Idaho Checkoff programs, please call our office at 208-3766004.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Idaho Beef Council Board of Directors and Staff.

Photo of 2013 Tree

ICA Publication Editorial and Advertising Deadlines

Circulation: 1,100

Thank you for contributing to the Line Rider magazine and making our publication a success.

Please note the following dates for advertisement and editorial deadlines for our 2015 publications.

Jan. Line Rider-ICA Dec. 5, 2014 Feb. Line Rider-Cow-Calf Jan. 5, 2015 March Line Rider-Membershp Feb. 2, 2015 April/May Line Rider-Foundation* March 2, 2015 June Line Rider-CattleWomen May 1, 2015 July Line Rider-Centennial Program June 1, 2015 ICA Resource Guide July 1, 2015 August Line Rider-Allied July 6, 2015 September Line Rider-Feeder Aug. 3, 2015 October Line Rider-Convention Sept. 4, 2015 November Line Rider-Purebred Oct. 2, 2015 December Line Rider-Holiday Nov. 2, 2015 *(Foundation Issue extended circulation to 10,000+)

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

11

Setting Priorities with Forage Forage Testing and Evaluation Extremely Important This Year

by J. Benton Glaze, Jr. and John B. Hall, Extension Beef Specialists, University of Idaho

M

any areas of Idaho received rain this summer, but it often came at inopportune times. In some parts of the state, more than one cutting was affected. Mown hay was often down in the field for more than a week before it could be baled. In addition, it was not unusual for a single cutting to be damaged by multiple rains.

The primary effects of rain on mown hay are: • Increased leaching of soluble carbohydrates, protein and some minerals • Reduced yields due to physical loss of plant material • Enhanced mold growth • Increased leaf shatter • Prolonged plant respiration • Bleaching Losses fall into two categories—quality and tonnage. Leaching, prolonged respiration, mold growth and shatter all reduce quality.

Protein is usually the first hay quality factor we consider, but it is less affected by rain than fiber and digestibility (Table 1). Only when there is excessive leaf shatter is there a considerable loss of protein.

In contrast, rained on hay losses energy content faster than protein content. This means some of our rained on hay is going to have the same energy content as over-mature meadow hay or straw. It all depends on the amount of rain, pattern of rainfall, and time left in the field. Overall digestibility (a.k.a energy content) can be reduced by 6 to 40 percent.

It is recommended that hay be sampled for nutrient quality as an annual practice to minimize feed costs. However, this year it is particularly important because rain damage may severely alter the ability of hay to meet the nutrient needs of the cow. It is important to get a representative sample from each field and cutting. The UI Extension publication “Proper Sampling of Hay Bales and Stacks” www.cals.uidaho.edu/edcomm/pdf/CIS/CIS1178.pdf will help ensure a good sample is taken. If you need additional assistance on hay sampling methods, contact your local University of Idaho Extension Educator.

Table 1. Effects of Rain on Alfalfa Hay Quality Cut at Late Bud

Physical loss, prolonged respiration, leaf shatter and mold growth all reduce tonnage of hay baled. Reports of dry matter losses due to rained on hay range from 10 to 44 percent compared to an average loss of 5 to 6 percent during the normal drying process. Hay that received rain as a heavy down pour resulted in less losses than hay than received small amounts of rain over multiple events. Even though tonnage loss can be seen on the bale counter or in the stack yard, it is valuable to make an assessment of the amount of hay needed for the cow herd and how much hay is on hand.

A quick and easy way to estimate a herd’s hay requirements is on the basis of animal units. This method requires producers to follow a few short, easy steps which are listed below: • Determine the number of animal units in the herd • Determine the amount of hay needed per animal unit • Estimate the length of the feeding period • Calculate the total number of pounds of hay needed to carry the herd • Check the stack yard to see if enough hay is stored

Damaged hay loses nutrient value.

No Rain

1.6 Inches of Rain During Drying - % of Dry Matter (DM)

2.4 Inches of Rain on Dry Hay

Crude Protein (CP)

26.3

24.6

23.1

Digestibility

72.7

57.2

49.3

Total Nonstructural Carbohydrates (TNC)

4.65

2.0

1.21

Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF)

32.4

45.4

54.8

Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF)

27.5

38.5

46.2

Source: Collins. 1983. Agronomy Journal. 75:523-527.

12

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

Producers must determine how many animal units they have in their herd. This requires animals of various ages to be placed into certain categories or classes. The following table (Table 2) provides a snapshot of how animal units are assessed to various classes of beef cattle. For a herd of 200 cows, 8 bulls, and 30 replacement heifers, the following example (Table 3) illustrates how a producer would assess animal units.

A cow can eat 25 to 30 pounds of hay per day and waste a couple of additional pounds. This adds up to 27 to 32 pounds per day per cow. In this example, 30 pounds of hay per day will be used. The length of the winter feeding period can be quite variable depending upon the climate and the lay of the land (southern vs. northern exposure, etc.). In this example, a 150-day winter feeding period will be used.

The total number of pounds of hay needed to carry this cow herd through the winter can be calculated as we consider the number of animal units, pounds of hay needed per animal, and the length of the winter feeding period. This is done as follows: number of animals units x pounds of feed per animal per day x number of days = total amount of feed needed. The example above would yield the following results: 232 animal units x 30 pounds of hay per day x 150 days = 1,044,000 pounds of hay, or 522 tons.

Now that the total number of pounds of hay needed has been determined, producers should determine if they have an adequate number of bales on hand. Consider large round bales. Large round bales often do not weigh as much as producers think. It is not unrealistic for a perceived thousand pound bale to weigh eight hundred pounds or less. Bales stored outside can lose 10 to 15 percent of their weight and covered bales can lose 5 to 10 percent of their

A cow can eat up to 30 pounds of hay per day and waste a couple of additional pounds.

weight. Bales that weighed 1,000 pounds at harvest, but lost 15 percent in storage, would yield 850 pounds. If a total of 1,044,000 pounds of hay (from the example) were needed, and the average bale weighed 850 pounds, then 1,228 (1,044,000/850) bales would need to be on hand.

Keep in mind, however, that using animal units to estimate a beef cattle herd’s feed requirements is just that, a quick estimate. To be more accurate, the exact nutritional requirements for the size of animal and the stage of production and/or growth must be considered.

The amount of damage hay crops received this summer due to multiple rain events is difficult to ascertain without proper testing.

With potential significantly lowered energy values and tonnages, producers should test their hays (previously suggested) to ensure the cowherd can adequately be supported through the winter feeding period.

Table 3. Animal Unit Example

Table 2.

Beef Cattle Animal Units

(Adapted from Ensminger, 1987)

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

Class of Animal

Animal Unit Factor

Animal Unit

200 Cow

1.0

200

30 Heifer

0.8

24

8 Bull

1.3

8

Class of Animal

Description

Animal Unit

Cow

With or without unweaned calf at side

1.0

Heifer

Two years or older

1.0

Bull

Two years or older

1.3

Young Cattle

1 to 2 years old

0.8

Calves

Weaning to yearling

0.6

13

News Makers College of Natural Resources Professor Earns National Teaching Honors Karen Launchbaugh of the University of Idaho College of Natural Resources was honored in Washington, D.C., recently as the 2014 U.S. Professor of the Year for the

14

state of Idaho from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). The honor is given each year to one professor from each state and U.S. territory and is highly competitive.

“Karen Launchbaugh exemplifies outstanding undergraduate teaching and mentoring. Her impact on every student to come through the program is obvious in the success our graduates find in the workplace,” said Kurt Pregitzer, dean of the College of Natural Resources.

The U.S. Professor of the Year is the only national program to recognize excellence in undergraduate instruction. Applications are accepted from any two- or four-year institution of higher education and can come from any discipline.

Launchbaugh has taught at UI since 1996. She earned a bachelor’s degree in botany-range management from North Dakota State University, a master’s degree in range science from Texas A&M University and a doctorate in range science from Utah State University.

A native of North Dakota, Launchbaugh is passionate about rangeland and teaching students about management and conservation of these important lands.

“I strive to conserve my beloved rangelands one acre and one student at a time,” Launchbaugh said.

Launchbaugh is known by two decades of students for her field trips and hands-on learning experiences, including a week-long weed identification trip that covers 1,000 miles and has the group camping out each night. Her collaboration with and outreach to regional ranchers, landowners, agency professionals and more has benefitted students through real-life projects and service-learning opportunities.

Launchbaugh is also the director of the UI Rangeland Center, a collaborative research and information center funded by the Idaho Legislature. Through the center she works with landowners and agency staff to teach best practices for rangeland management.

Launchbaugh was also recognized as the 2013 Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher by the national Range Science Education Council. Within the College of Natural Resources she was named the 2013 Outstanding Advisor and 2011 Outstanding Teacher. Additionally, the university recognized her with an Annual Award for Teaching Excellence in 2014.

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

Wyatt Prescott presents the Idaho CattleWomen saddle to Joe Van Lith.

Congratulations! Thanks to Matt Thompson for making the saddle, Northwest Farm Credit Services and Tree Top Ranches for helping sponsor saddle, and to all who purchased tickets. Your support of student scholarships is greatly appreciated!

Board of Directors President Jim Little....................... (Emmett) - 208-365-2220 Vice President DuWayne Skaar....... (Lewisville) - 208-754-4534 Treasurer Judy Hinman................ (Emmett) - 208-365-4022 Consultant Darl Gleed.....................(Malad) - 208-766-2727 The Idaho Cattle Foundation was established by the Idaho Cattle Association in 2009.

Since that time the foundation has received contributions from many supporters and friends of the Idaho cattle industry. The foundation is organized exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes to improve the practices within the beef industry in Idaho.

Educating Idaho cattle producers about sound environmental stewardship practices, and educating the public about the beef industry’s stewardship of the environment, and our industry’s important role in providing a healthy, nutritious food source to the citizens of the world promotes our industry’s important impact on Idaho’s economy.

The Idaho Cattle Foundation is qualified by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) taxexempt organization. This qualification enables qualified donors to receive tax benefits for their contributions. The Idaho Cattle Foundation is managed by an independent Board of Directors, and all contributions made to the Foundation will remain a permanent part of the trust.

Riding for the Brand: David & Diane Mykelgard Winecup, Inc. Ron Parks Matt & Jayme Thompson Joe & Euarda Daniels

Memorials: Wally Butler John Whitman Bud Purdy Karen Bass Celia Tindall

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

15

Tending the Herd

Favorite cut of beef?

Filet Mignon

Ben Ysursa was elected Idaho’s 26th Secretary of State in 2002 and is serving his third and final term. He is a 1971 graduate of Gonzaga University and earned his law degree at St. Louis University Law School. He was admitted to the Idaho State Bar in 1974. Ben started his career serving first as Deputy Secretary of State then as Chief Deputy Secretary of State.

He and his wife Penny have three children, Shawn Del, Matthew and Andrew and two grandchildren.

Favorite side with steak?

Idaho baked potato with the “works” Bronco, Vandal or Bengal?

Root for them all, but Bronco season ticket holder for 35 years.

Favorite cowboy hero?

John Wayne What accomplishments are you most proud of in your years in public office?

I am most proud of the office’s efforts through the years to make government more accessible to the citizens, not only in commercial business filings, but also in election procedures and campaign disclosure. In this vein, I am proud of my office’s commitment to openness and transparency, while establishing a tradition of fairness, efficiency and service. We never forget who we work for—the people.

16

What prompted you to get involved and continue in public office?

My first job out of law school was legal officer in elections for Pete Cenarrusa. Working with Pete and the other individuals in the office, I realized public service was a great vocation to make a difference.

What will you miss most about working for the people of Idaho?

As I reflect on 40 years at the Statehouse, people constantly ask me this question. I answer as most of you would—the people. All the folks I’ve met in these years, the many varied types of individuals in the Statehouse, the County Courthouses, the lumber mills, the mines, the open range, the small businesses and various legislators— both R+D’s who represent Idaho in the finest sense. Hardworking individuals, fiercely independent, who truly believe in the “shining city on the hill” where each individual’s potential is reached by enjoying and using the liberty and freedom of this great state. That is whom I will miss the most!

What are you looking forward to most in retirement?

Spending more time with my grandchildren, playing golf and some traveling. I also cannot envision not being involved in some way with some governmental issues in the future. An individual needs to remain active in retirement.

How can cattle producers effect change in government?

Cattle producers need to stay involved. Participation is the essence of democracy. Through lobbying and PAC support, you can influence the legislative process. Also, I know the Land Board appreciates and sincerely needs your input as we review the entire grazing fee process.

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

Jim Eckhart, Weiser When I was about 8 or 9 my family had a bit more money than others, so they were able to buy a car—a Model A Ford. We were really proud of that car. I had a little friend who lived nearby and with whom I played. That particular Christmas day we were playing with BB guns and my friend shot a BB with his gun at the fender of the family car. I was incensed that this kid would shoot the fender of my Dad’s car! I was so angry I shot him in the seat of his pants and the boy ran home yowling.

On reflection, I remembered the kid’s father was a policeman. I was sure I would be arrested and possibly put in jail for shooting the policeman’s son. I was afraid to tell my folks, so I lived in fear and trembling for a few weeks. My friend must have been just as worried that his dad would find out he shot my parents’ car, because nothing was ever said of the incident.

Lauren Clark, Eagle There is nothing like the holidays in Idaho, and being 1,400 miles away from home with no mountains in sight can make it hard to feel like home during this festive season. Although I may have moved halfway across the country for school, I brought a piece of home with me. The Thanksgiving and Christmas table always included one of my mom’s homemade pies, so before leaving for school I learned the tricks for her famous pies so I could make them on my own. I may not always be home for the holidays, but at least I can make a taste of home to share with friends all the way in Oklahoma.

Ensures the Q U I E T E S T chute operation available!

ART LEETCH Stapleton, NE

Cell: 308-215-0258 Email: adleetch@yahoo.com www.alsilencer.com

WIN A CUSTO $7000 M JU MILLER DD SADDL E

Marshall Jensen, American Falls When I was a child we used to wake up early and exchange Christmas gifts as a family. After the gift exchange, we met up with my cousins and uncles at a barn at my uncle’s house. My mom’s two brothers ran a cow-calf operation, so we made it a tradition to help feed and straw the cattle on Christmas morning. While we were feeding cattle, my mother and aunts would be preparing a Christmas breakfast for all of us to come home to. This was a favorite tradition of mine because it was time spent with family doing something I loved to do.

Now that I have a family of my own I still involve cattle in my Christmas morning routine, but in a different way. You will usually find as many employees as possible here at the feedlot on Christmas morning, all ready to pitch in and help with feeding and getting the chores done.

My wife and kids anxiously wait for me at home so we can carry on with our family Christmas celebration, which usually involves going to visit grandparents and cousins. I look forward to this time of year every year because it is time spent with those I love.

Avery Robinson, ICA student member, McKinney, Texas Christmas time is one of my favorite times of the year. Along with feeding cows in subzero temperatures, I love the opportunities to spend more time with family and friends. My parents would always try to remind us of the true reason we celebrated Christmas. On Christmas Eve we would gather as a family and read through the second chapter of Luke in the New Testament that recounts the story of Jesus’ birth. As we read the biblical account the younger children would act out the scene. As I have left home for college and have volunteered abroad, where I spent Christmas away from family, I carried these memories and traditions with me. I skip the acting, but I always take the time to read the passages from the New Testament about Jesus’ birth.

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

17

Nellie Eckhardt, Weiser When I was a small girl my mom would try all kinds of things to help me grow and among them was a treatment or adjustment, which it was called then, at our local Chiropractor. Every week my mom and I would walk the block and half to the doctor’s house where he had his office. His wife was the receptionist and both of them were lovely older people. Dr. Lowrey’s wife had made a lovely rag doll, which she kept in a glass case and would take out and let me look at. I could not touch it. The doll was made of muslin and had embroidered eyes, nose, and mouth. Mrs. Lowrey had made a beautiful long dress for it. I thought the doll was the prettiest thing I had seen. I would tell my mom I would like a doll just like that, but never expected it could happen.

I awoke on Christmas morning and went to see what Santa had left under our Christmas tree. There, sitting on a new small trunk was a beautiful, brown haired, rag doll with braids, dressed in a red corduroy jumper with a white blouse. She had on little brown leather Mary Jane shoes with socks and was about 25 inches tall. This was during the Second World War when leather was rationed—each person had one coupon a year, I think. My Auntie Lucy had given up her coupon to buy Sally’s shoes, the name I gave my doll. My family gathered around, and told me to look in the trunk, which I did. My mom had not only created Sally, but a whole wardrobe for her. I still have those little leather shoes. That was a wonderful gift my mom created for me, and Sally was even loved by my girls when they were little.

RoLynne Hendricks, Rigby I grew up on a dairy farm in southern Idaho. My siblings and I decided to disarm my dad’s alarm clock one Christmas morning. On Christmas mornings his alarm clock gets set a couple of hours early, so he can get the milking and chores done, leaving time for our family to have a wonderful Christmas morning together. My siblings and I were able to sneak out and get the milking and chores almost complete before my dad—who has an internal alarm clock—arrived at the barn. He had been in such a rush to get to the barn that he hadn’t noticed the barn motor on or the cows in the waiting pen. When he flung open the barn door to see his kids finishing the milking, he was overwhelmed with the understanding of what we had done. We didn’t let him jump in to help finish, either. We gave him some hot chocolate and a cookie, along with a seat to enjoy the moment. This is a Christmas none of us will ever forget!

Darin Mann, Parma Each Sunday in December my Mom would gather everyone in the family and pass around a bowl that had each family member’s name on a piece of paper. We would each draw a name, and would perform random acts of kindness for that person for the week.

The house was always busy with people making each others’ beds, packing lunches, setting out pajamas and cleaning up. Each time a secret act of kidness was performed, we would place a piece of straw in a wooden manger setting by the fireplace. The object was to get as many pieces of straw in the manger so that the baby Jesus would have a soft, warm, comfortable place to lay down. Each Sunday we would redraw names and continue the acts of kindness.

My wife Ali and I have continued this same tradition with our family and our four children: Kennedy (11), Brooklyn (9), Trevor (7) and Kate (4). May we all be a little kinder and more Christlike as we celebrate the humble birth of the Savior of the World.

18

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

Thank you to our new and renewed Idaho Cattle Association members!

Your support helps us continue preserving, protecting and promoting all segments of the Idaho cattle industry.

Hunter Montgomery Mikel Harrington Greg Brown Taylor Wemhoff Kevin Ramsey Justin Perkins Clen & Emma Atchley Ron Richard Wendell Cayton Wyatt Smith Dan & Hope Van Der John Hepton Meulen Randall Andersen Lark Bateman Gerald & Celia Bill Myers Marchant Wyatt & Christie Eugene & Heidi Prescott Matthews Neil & Sandy Helmick Scott & Eric Bedke Ryan & Maureen Mai Rex Larsen Wayne Cada Scott & Michele Trent Brusseau Rigby Keith, Helen, & Ron Keith Meyers Ford Cody Hendrix Garth & Glenis Hannah Munson Chivers Bruce & Ann Mulkey Howard & Zella Bert Jeffries Cutler Jack Filipowski Joe Dobson Steven Wood Ken & Roberta Monte See Forsmann Lynn Burtenshaw Mark & Becky Ipsen Todd Wadsworth Clark County Robert Jones Stockgrowers LeeAnn Tarter Dallan Johnson Chris Leverenz Gretchen Hyde Ron Morgenthaler Robert & Rochelle Bailey Cullen Oxarango Daniel & Bailey Jim & Jan Little Richards Alexander & Leah Jerry Hoagland Reed Huntsman Ranch Emilia McMillan Casey Watt Joe & Euarda Daniels Tim & Laurie Munns Jim Church Hanna Bayha Harry De Wolfe Jordan Workman Dallan & Cindy Nalder Mike Morrison Cade Carlson Jim & Diane Meeks Paul Head Merrill Beyeler Cody Morgan Marty Orwig Wayne Clark John & Susan Wittman Jack Whitworth Layne Bangerter Jerald Raymond Keri Pardew-Peck ICA Line Rider, December 2014

19

Market directly to the processor and receive top dollar for your cull cows and bulls.

No commission and no freight taken out.

Matt Stephenson Cell 208-680-3647

Charles Fuller

Office 599-268-5596 Cell 559-348-7330

Cargill Beef

Formally BEEF PACKERS INC.

Tay Brackett, Rogerson Like most people, my favorite Christmas memory started with a gift. Some kids want a special toy, a favorite Tonka truck, or a beautiful doll, and these days it is probably an iPad. But for me on this Christmas, all I wanted was the four legged kind—my own horse. My parents always made Christmas special, going out of their way to get all four of us kids the one gift that would make our day. I came from a family that worked hard, but struggled to pay bills, and I knew that a horse would stretch our limited resources. But I still had that I will never forget burning desire to have a horse of how loved I felt that my very own—not one I shared with my sister or had received day and the lesson second hand from my aunt. my parents taught That Christmas morning I me that sacrifice for woke to a tree bearing many gifts and after they had those you love is no colorful all been opened my mom came sacrifice at all. out of the kitchen with a big box — Tay Brackett wrapped brightly, but having no bow on top. As I tore the paper and lifted the flaps of the box she had written on the inside, “Hmmm, No bow?!” It was filled with newspaper, and I pulled it all out to reveal a stuffed horse.

It was the kind you could push and he would whinny and make trotting noises when I pushed the button. I had pulled out all the paper to find another written note at the bottom of the box that said, “Follow the red ribbon.” I leapt up glancing from one end of our house to the other and found a red ribbon stretched on the ground leading out the back door. I raced to the door and through the window I saw a beautiful Sorrel gelding tied to the tree with a huge silver bow around his neck! To this day I still have that silver bow. Although that horse went on to teach me a lot, I will never forget how loved I felt that day and the lesson my parents taught me that sacrifice for those you love is no sacrifice at all.

Noahs Angus Ranch Angus Cattle Since 1955 Private Treaty Sales

120 Yearling Bulls available spring 2015 25 Long Yearling Bulls Bred Females Randy & Kate Noah 208-257-3727 Nathan & Melissa Noah 208-257-3686 Cambridge, Idaho noahsangusranch.com

20

an MWI Company

Micro, a long-time icA supporter is proud to serve as Your connection to Profit providing innovative management solutions since 1971. Micro is increasing value throughout the supply chain with its integrated health, feed, animal and information management systems. Micro offers the most comprehensive systems and service in the industry. Please contact your local representative, Tom olsen at (208) 890-3365.

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

21

BREEDER & SERVICE GUIDE

Experts

bigger bottom line. Each system is backed by trained irrigation professionals who provide expertise and support beyond products and technology.

Season after season, this system will prove profitable no matter what the crop or terrain. Which is why we’re experts in our field... and yours.

To learn more, visit your local Zimmatic® by Lindsay dealer or www.zimmatic.com

FRED BUTLER SALES MANAGER

(208)880-5903

fredb@agri-lines.com

AGRI-LINES IRRIGATION

Your dealer will keep your pivots running smoothly increasing your yields… and your ROI. The dealer network offers: • Knowledgeable, dependable service • New product and technology updates • Advice on how to customize equipment for your operation • Durable Genuine Lindsay parts

P.O.BOX 660 • 115 North 2nd Street Parma, ID 83660 • (208) 722-5121

www.agri-lines.com

Modern solutions for your irrigation needs © 2011 Lindsay. All rights reserved. Zimmatic is a registered trademark of the Lindsay Corporation. Certain restrictions and conditions apply.

See your local Zimmatic dealer for complete details. www.zimmatic.com

Elkington Polled Herefords and South Devons 5080 E. Sunnyside Road Idaho Falls, ID 83406 Keith (208) 523-2286 or (208) 681-0765 cell Layne (208) 523-8508 • Brent (208) 523-6461 E-mail: ephrbulls@hotmail.com Sale First Friday in February

Mark your calendar now and make plans to attend the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Idaho Cattle Association!

102nd Annual Convention and Trade Show July 14-18, 2015 ~ Boise 22

Keep the dream alive with gifts that last forever. www.idahocattlefoundation.org BALE WAGONS New Holland self-propelled and pull-type models/parts/tires.

Sell/Buy/Finance/Deliver.

(208) 880-2889 www.balewagon.com ICA Line Rider, December 2014

2901 SW 9th Ave. Parma, ID 83660 Mark 208-739-1059 Josh 208-739-0725 Joe 208-550-7251 info@malsonangus.com

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

BULL SALE March 16, 2015 www.malsonangus.com

JOIN US FOR Our 2015 SALE Wednesday February 18th 12 p.m.

S Shaw Cattle Co. 22993 Howe Road Caldwell, ID 83607

www.shawcattle.com Greg: (208) 459-3029 greg@shawcattle.com Sam: (208) 453-9790 Tucker: (208) 455-1678

101 Ranch Jim Kast Family

8101 E. Kast Drive, King Hill, ID 83633 Phone: 208.366.7777 Cell: 208.590.3047 Fax: 208.366.2224 • E-mail: bulls@101ranch.com, www.101ranch.com Annual Production Sale in early December Private Treaty Bull Sales starting January Call or Check the Web for Bull and Female Listings

BREEDER & SERVICE GUIDE

Where Quality Comes First

“Ranchers Choice Sale” held last Saturday of February

Registered Charolais breeder since 1969 Alan and Leslie Alexander Hang’n A Cattle Company 5412 Birch Rd Pasco, WA. 99301 (509) 545-8816 hangna@owt.com “Your Northwest Source www.hangnacattle.com for Quality Charolais and Angus

Cattle” Rymo Cattle Co. Ryan & Maureen Mai

February 16, 2015 Billings Livestock Sales Billings, MT

427 Peaceful Way Bonners Ferry, ID 83805

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

208-267-2668 rymocattle@gmail.com www.bullsofthebigsky.com

23

GUIDE

Holiday GIFT

Darl Gleed, Malad Winters in Malad and Oneida County were different back when I was a youngster than they are today. The normal snow fall would be five to six feet and most of it would stay for the winter compared to the two to three feet we get now that sorta comes and goes. We lived on the ranch during the spring, summer and fall, then moved to town for the winter because they didn’t plow our road in the winter. But snow or no snow we had to go to the ranch each day to feed the cattle. The grown-ups took care of it during the week and we kids would help on weekends. The hay was put up in loose hay stacks and fed by hand from the stack yards. By mid-winter the hay would be settled in the stacks so firm that you couldn’t feed it by just using a pitchfork. You would have to cut sections of it off with a hay knife (I still have a couple of those). It was always lots of work especially for a little kid. To get there in the winter we kept a team of horses and a sleigh at my uncle’s place down on the highway. Then we’d drive to his place, hook up the team and ride the 1 1/2 miles up the “dugway” road to the ranch in the snow. It seemed like it was always cold and miserable.

One of my favorite Christmases was the year my older brother and I got a pair of skis for Christmas. We didn’t each get a pair, just a pair between us. It didn’t have fancy boots and bindings like today, just a leather strap over the toe of our winter rubber boots with a strap from the toe strap around the heal. We couldn’t wait to head to the ranch. We hooked up the horses, tied a rope to the back of the sleigh, and urged those horses into a run. We towed each other behind the sleigh the rest of the day, giving the horses a rest only long enough for us to do the feeding. I’m afraid we about killed the horses, but taking turns we had a great day behind the sleigh.

We thought we were flying. In hindsight really weren’t going all that fast. It doesn’t take much for ranch kids to have fun if there are horses involved.

Art by Emma Malson, 8

Jaxonbilt Hats www.jaxonbilthats.com Plant Foods Tack and Stuff www.tacknstuff-pfi.com Stoecklein Photography www.stoeckleinphotography.com Your Decor by Mackenzi Church www.facebook.com/urdecor Idaho CattleWomen Beef Store www.idahocattlewomen.org info@idahocattlewomen.org

24

Curt Hoskins, Malad Let me give you the setting of one Christmas with record snows.

It snowed for many days without stopping in 1948-1949. School was out for two weeks. I was about 11 years old. One morning the snow was so high on both of the outside doors, they would not open. So I went out a window, found my way to the garage, got a shovel and tunneled back to the front door, in order to get back inside the house. That winter we fed the cattle by driving our horse drawn bobsled over the tops of the fences. It turned off so cold that even the horses could walk on top of the newly crusted snow. A few of the cows were stuck in the frozen snow and we tried to save them by carrying pitchforks of hay directly to them. This did not always work.

That Christmas I cut a cedar tree off the foothills for our family Christmas tree. Mother hung a few ornaments cut out of stiff paper. She also had a few glass balls as ornaments, but there weren’t any lights on our Christmas tree. Mother always made sugar cake as the special Christmas treat, and she always saw to it that there was a spiritual message about the true meaning of Christmas.

There were very few gifts through the years. I remember getting a 22 rifle, a little boy’s army general uniform (It was World War II times), a pair of leather ice skates to use on the frozen slews coming off the Malad River that ran through our ranch, a pair of skis with leather bindings, Curt Hoskins, age 6 and a baseball fielder’s glove from Uncle Vernon in Salt Lake so I could learn to play baseball.

That’s just a few memories about Christmas, which was the one holiday our family paid at least a little attention to. There was always so much work to do, we did not even talk about most of the other holidays or birthdays. Times were difficult and there was not much money, but I had the blessing of working on the ranch side by side with my dad and other ranchers learning how to work. These were life lessons a young boy could only learn on a ranch. I appreciated the little things so much in those days, and I have always been very grateful for every little blessing I have had through the years.

Nancy Martiny www.martiny-saddle-dev. myshopify.com Lil Red Roan www.lilredroan.com MT Saddlery, Matt Thompson, wadesaddle1@gmail.com Gypsy Leather Design, Holly Church, 208-358-1260

Some ideas for the cowboys, cowgirls and cowpokes in your life!

ICA Line Rider, December 2014

FlaxLic: The Block Everyone’s Talking About Here’s What They’re Saying

Effect of Alpha-linolenic Acid on Follicles Item

Control

Linolenic Acid

5-10 mm follicles on day 5

1.6

1.4

5-10 mm follicles on day 15

1.8

In addition, FlaxLic is highly fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. This block is produced using a state-of-the-art, patented process that provides a unique 24-hour feeding system.

Cycles During First 60 Days Post-Calving , %

3.4 FlaxLic® is an all-natural Max diameter of 1st dominant follicle, mm 13.3 15.6 supplement containing a high level Max diameter of preovulatory follicle, mm 17.0 18.3 of Alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 Larger follicles >>>> greater estrogen fatty acid. Fatty acids are used by cattle for energy, cell membrane Effect of Alpha-linolenic Acid Supplementation structure and integrity and regulating on Estrus Activity hormones. This unique supplement is the first 3 low-moisture block to contain a high level of 2.5 ALA beneficial for optimal performance.

2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Control

Linolenic University of Arizona

Get your herd ready for breeding season!

FlaxLic now has a U.S. Product and Process Patent for elevating Lipid Blood Levels in Livestock.

For information on the dealer nearest you, contact:

888-571-3421 • smartlic.com ICA Line Rider, December 2014

25

26

ICA Line Rider, December 2014