January 2014 Line Rider

January 2014

ICA Issue – Ranching in a Fishbowl: Jared Brackett – 100th Annual ICA Convention Recap ­­­– Manage Late Gestation for Future Cow Success

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

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“Qual ity Comes First” BULL SALE March 17, 2014 • 1 p.m. at the ranch near Parma, Idaho

OFFerIng:

80

Yearling, Fall and Two-year-old Angus and Hereford Bulls

BUSHS SURE DEAL 33

BW: -.1 WW: +66 YW: +123 Milk: +21 Marb: -.01 RE: +.78

Sons Sell!

• Performance data • Ultrasound data • Free delivery within 250 miles • Sight-unseen guarantee • First-year breeding guarantee • ICA Preferred Plus Program: $50/head credit for members • Call or email to request a salebook.

• Bidding available on:

$W: +42.20 $F: +71.83 $G: +13.93 $B: +66.77

Bulls sired By: WK Pow-Wow WK uptown 9372 soo line Alternative 9127 Pine ridge Hammer s322 VAr rocky 80029 Koupals B&B identity sitz upward 307r C 112K Cowboy 8150 eT

Where Quality Comes First

Mark & Carla Malson & Family 2901 SW 9th Ave. Parma, ID 83660 Mark (208) 739-1059 Josh (208) 739-0725 Joe (208) 550-7251

info@malsonangus.com www.malsonangus.com

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ICA Line Rider, January 2014

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

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January 2014 ICA Issue

22

F E AT U R E S 10

Bull Sale Calendar

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Manage Late Gestation for Future Cow Success

It’s that time of year to update the genetics in your herd. Check out the list of upcoming sales.

UI Beef Cattle Specialist John Hall explains how nutrition and BCS prior to calving affects future pregnancy rates.

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Ranching in a Fish Bowl

ICA President Jared Brackett shares how he manages cattle grazing and sage-grouse habitat succesfully.

24 “From Almanacs to Apps”

Highlights of the 100th Annual ICA Convention and Trade Show are included on pages 24-35.

NEWS 20

36 37 40

44

ON THE COVER “Grazin’ Gray” Photo by Maggie Malson

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South Mountain Ranch Heifer to be Auctioned to Benefit

the Fight to Preserve the West University of Idaho Hosts 2014 Idaho Beef Summit SICA Remains Active on Campus and in the Industry Merck Animal Health Shares Progress on Zilmax and the Five-Step Plan for Responsible Beef Panel Defines the Need to Harmonize Trichomoniasis Regulation and Testing Procedures

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS President’s Perspective..................................................................................... 4 Executive Message.......................................................................................... 6 Natural Resources..........................................................................................8 Feeder Focus................................................................................................12 Idaho Beef Checkoff News........................................................................... 14 Beef Counts................................................................................................. 16 Cattle Calendar............................................................................................36 NewsMakers.................................................................................................38 Breeder & Service Guide.........................................................................46-47

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE 4

ICA Board of Directors

A Fight Worth Fighting

by Jared Brackett, President

President Jared Brackett....................... (Rogerson) - 208-731-0776 President-Elect Carl Lufkin............................. (Leadore) - 208-768-2480 Vice President Laurie Lickley....................... (Jerome) - 208-420-7974 Immediate Past President Lee Bradshaw......................(Caldwell) - (208) 250-1575 Cattlewomen Council Chair Robin Lufkin.......................... (Leadore) - 208-768-2480

H

appy New Year! By now you all should have opened your presents or bags of coal, stuffed yourselves with obscene amounts of fudge and eggnog, and maybe even a slice of fruit cake. You should also be well on your way to breaking a few of those new year’s resolutions; I know I’m running about 50 percent right now. On a more serious note, I would like to take a moment to lay out a few items we are going to be working on this coming year.

First, and always first in my book, is membership. We have set a very aggressive goal this year and it’s going to take some help and hard work from all to achieve. But, if we do not grow as an organization, we will be unable to accomplish many of our agenda items this year. So, with that being said, go out and find new members; get people to join. We have a very nice sign for industry supporters to display any place they do business and the price is very affordable. If you need a few, get a hold of your local board member or contact the office.

Next, we have that famous bird. If only Colonel Sanders lived in the West, we would be talking about what kind of side we wanted with our chicken, not what kind of sideboards we can live with on our grazing operations because of a chicken.

We are currently working on comments for the Idaho BLM plan which is, in my opinion, years ahead of anything else out there. There are too many people to thank for all their hard work and countless hours spent, but without their commitment the plan would look completely different. So, if you know any of these individuals take a moment and thank them.

The next two items are kind of related, so I’m going to put them together in order to save time and space; wolves and elk. I know they each have their unique challenges and opportunities, so let’s look at a few for each. Five years ago, if you had told me or many other ranchers the wolves would be delisted there would have been a lot of crazy looks in the room. Today we have to figure out how to keep them from going back on the list, but also making sure we don’t continue to have the livestock losses that many of you are experiencing. It’s a tough balancing act, but one that we are committed to. Then there’s elk, and their populations that seem to be out of balance compared to years past. We have more numbers on private property than ever before, and land-owner tolerance is running out. We are committed to working with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) to figure out what can be done to get the elk off private property and back up in the hills where they belong. Nobody wins when elk are fed either on your fields or on feeding grounds.

The last item on my list is the Owhyee 68. I feel this is probably one of the most important things we are going to be working on this year. We cannot, as an industry, stand by and let radical environmentalists use threats of litigation to drive federal lands grazing policy. If we sit on the sidelines and let proposed changes to those grazing plans happen, we will all be facing the same drastic cuts and management changes that are currently being proposed in the Owyhee. For this reason alone, as a federal lands grazer, I’m willing to step up and commit to fight. The fight is neither easy nor cheap, but we as an industry have to be willing to give it our full support.

Most of you should be receiving, or have received, a letter asking for support; make sure you think long and hard before you put it aside. Imagine what your operation would look like with 50 percent cuts to your BLM and Forest Service AUMs. Think about the impact that would have not only on your operation, but on your neighbors’, your local businesses, your local communities, and the state economy.

Cow-Calf Council Chair Matt Thompson....................... (Shelley) - 208-589-3185 Feeder Council Chair Aron Bennett..................(Grand View) - 208-850-2363 Purebred Council Chair Art Butler.....................................(Bliss) - 208-352-4332 Treasurer David Little.............................(Emmett) - 208-869-9754 District 1 Merle Olsen ................. (Bonners Ferry) - 208-267-2272 Brad Higgins................... (Cottonwood) - 208-507-0989 District 2 Ramona Ridley.....................(Caldwell) - 208-455-4868 Matt Duckett.........................(Caldwell) - 208-230-5650 District 3 Jason Anderson........................(Jerome) - 208-420-7352 Kurt Mason............................................ (208) 731-2691 District 4 Stan Dowton................................ (Ellis) - 208-876-4200 Scott Rigby.............................(Rexburg) - 208-356-6808 District 5 Joe Daniels................................(Malad) - 208-766-4545 Ken Eliason..........................(Holbrook) - 208-698-3341 Allied Industry Representative Kelton Spain................ (New Plymouth) - 208-859-8798 CattleWomen Board Representative Megan Satterwhite............... (Rogerson) - 208-420-6795 Directors at Large Wade Small............................... (Boise) - 208-338-2500 Marty Gill................................. (Parma) - 208-890-3805

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

Last fall, as I was flying into Texas for my annual pilgrimage to A&M for a football game, I looked out the window and saw hundreds of gas and oil wells. Then on the drive to College Station I saw hundreds more. It got me thinking about how important gas and oil is to the Texas economy and what would happen to it if they were to cut gas and oil production, exploration, drilling, and all the other parts of that industry by 50 percent. It would crash the Texas economy. Well folks, that’s what the radical environmentalists are trying to do here in Idaho—and the West in general—when they talk about cutting public lands grazing. Texas might have “black gold,” but we have “green gold,” and ours is renewable every year. So for these reasons I am going to donate $680.00 to help with the Owhyee 68 litigation. It’s less than one dollar per cow, but imagine if we got every producer to donate one dollar per cow West-wide. Our war chest would swell, and it would serve notice to all the radical enviro groups out there that we are proud of our industry, and are willing to fight to preserve our way of life. So in closing, I ask each and every one of you to think about supporting the fight, use a little of the profits you make off Idaho’s “green gold.”

Burley, ID 208.878.7224

Animal Health Products Minerals & Supplements Livestock & Pet Feed Fencing Supplies Grain & Seed

Jerome, ID 208.733.6145

Caldwell, ID 208.459.0806

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

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EXECUTIVE MESSAGE

The Philosophers’ Choice

January 2014

by Wyatt Prescott Executive Vice President

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

T

he philosophers claim that happiness is a choice. I must say I concur, and am choosing to have one great 2014. Every day when I wake (now this may sound as cheese puff as putting one of those little sweaters on a cat, but it’s true) I say ‘thank you.’ I don’t say thank you for everything I have, the opportunities, or the many blessings that I experience every day. I simply say thank you for the chance, just one more day, a few more breaths and a few more steps. What I choose to do with those breaths and steps is up to me, but in the end every day is a gift.

Our success as an industry should be viewed no differently than my ideological views on this gift of life. Coming into a new year like this, I always find myself reflecting on how to advance myself­—you know, the typical what-to-do-better, and resolutions kind of thing. But my resolutions are always on more of a single track—how am I going to be more successful in the cattle business?

Aside from my passions in trying to put our industry in a better position as a whole, We all have the freedom to make I have a burning hunger to grow my own family’s sole our own success every time we proprietorship in the business. wake and open the gift of another As newlyweds and young day. producers, we are trying to figure out how to carve out ­­— Wyatt Prescott more of a living with cattle; and it’s easy to get frustrated with how tough it is to get started. It’s the same old song and dance that everyone keeps whining about, “the next generation is never going to take over,” “it takes too much capital,” “the cost of feed is too high,” “the competition is too fierce,” and “it’s impossible to get a start.”

These attitudes are the easy way out, and this year I’m leaving all of them behind.

I’ll also challenge each and every one of you to do the same—whether you are starting out, bringing on another generation, or just trying to do better business—we are still getting a chance every single day to reach our goals, regardless of how tough it is.

Nelson Mandela once said that “Money won’t create success; the freedom to make it will.” I’ll hang my hat on that message this year. We all have the freedom to make our own success every time we wake and open the gift of another day. I’m hoping each of you find a lot of good luck in 2014. May it be a prosperous and successful year for your business and our industry as a whole. And remember to buy your straw hats this winter.

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ICA Issue

2120 Airport Way, P.O. Box 15397 Boise, ID 83715 Phone: (208) 343-1615 Fax: (208) 344-6695 info@idahocattle.org www.idahocattle.org www.facebook.com/IdahoCattleAssociation www.twitter.com/IdahoCattle Executive Vice President Wyatt Prescott, wyatt@idahocattle.org Feeder Coordinator & Membership Britany Hurst, britany@idahocattle.org Natural Resources Coordinator Karen Williams, karen@idahocattle.org (208) 866-6438 Publisher/Editor Maggie Malson 3100 Elmore Road Parma, ID 83660 (208) 674-1283 maggiejomalson@mac.com Advertising Sales JoAnn Behrends (208) 989-5022 cell • (208) 453-2694 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 $720-Color $567-BW (9 issues) Rates apply to ICA members only.

Non-members and national rates available upon request. Ad deadline is first of the month preceding publication.

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

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ICA Line Rider, January 2014

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NATURAL RESOURCES

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With Strings Positives and negatives to be found as the sage grouse issue ramps up and an important comment period deadline looms.

by Karen Williams, Natural Resources Coordinator

L

ast month, my household went through a period of time when it was not unusual to receive large brown boxes and packages from the mail lady or the “package truck.”. The arrival of these packages was sure to incite excitement from my three young girls in anticipation of the thoughtful gifts from far-away loved ones or of the yet-to-be-wrapped Christmas presents that surely must be inside the nondescript boxes. When we received another such big package early in December, the disappointment was great by my kids and me alike­—although for very different reasons—when we realized this package did not contain any fun holiday-related items. On the contrary, the big, heavy, brown package was labeled with a return address of “U.S. Department of Interior” marked with an austere and decidedly un-Christmas like “Official Business” stamp. The contents of the package were the three, big, bound books that make up the BLM’s and Forest Service’s Draft Land Use Plan Amendment (LUP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Idaho and Southwestern Montana Greater Sage Grouse. Although this wasn’t the present my kids were hoping for, I decided it could sort of be considered a gift for a few reasons: It’s all relative.

Of course, we would rather not even be in a situation where the federal government is spending thousands of man hours writing thousands of pages solely focused on sage grouse management, putting at great risk to multiple uses across the West. These land use plan amendments, issued for the whole region, are the result of litigation requiring the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) to make its decision regarding whether or not to list sage grouse as an endangered species by 2015. If the plans aren’t completed, the species is almost guaranteed to be listed, and the strong likelihood is still there. However, in Idaho, we are much better positioned to address and respond to this issue than any other state. As I have participated in multiple West-wide conference calls with ranchers and state cattle associations, it is clear there is a great panic among the other states about this issue, largely due to the fact they aren’t prepared to face it in the way in which we in Idaho are.

We’ve got great leaders.

So, why are we better positioned on this sage grouse issue?

The clearest answer is we have great Idaho leadership at the state, federal and ICA level who had the foresight to appropriately plan for this issue. In 2012, Governor Otter and his Office of Species Conservation had the foresight to establish a state task force composed of representatives of Idaho industry and conservation groups. The task force was charged with developing a state strategy for managing land use simultaneous with sage grouse conservation.

ICA was represented on this task force by past-president Richard

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Savage, who has devoted years of work on the sage grouse issue, first in the formation of one of the initial local working groups in the state, then on the state sage grouse advisory committee, all the while offering advice and support to ICA on the issue. Key to the success of the state task force was the input we received from USFWS throughout the process. When the state plan was completed, a letter of partial concurrence from USFWS was critical in providing the needed backing for our plan. And lastly, recent changes to Idaho BLM’s leadership structure have created an atmosphere of greater cooperation than we have seen in recent years. All of these factors led to the LUP/EIS we have before us today.

Two alternatives are better than one.

It was with quite a bit of anticipation that we opened the plan upon its November release. Although we had been in constant discussion with the federal agencies and the Governor’s office in the years leading up to this point, we could not be certain what the preferred alternative would be. BLM has been pushing their internally-driven, anti-land use, anti-grazing National Technical Team (NTT) report to be the future for sage grouse management.

As it turns out, the agencies offered a co-preferred alternative approach, wherein Idaho’s state-driven plan is combined with elements of the BLM’s NTT plan. At the beginning of this process, more than two years ago, the writing was on the wall was the NTT report would be the be-all and end-all for sage grouse and land management. The fact we have a preferred alternative today that is not the NTT report is strong testament to the worthiness of the efforts of our state task force and the state leaders and staff who guided it through the process.

There is still more work to do.

Although many things are working together in our favor on this plan, there remains much work and improvement to be done. I guess you could say, with a hint of irony, this is one of those gifts that just keeps on giving. To that end, ICA is in the process of reviewing the draft LUP/EIS and developing detailed comments.

It remains our top priority to assert that grazing and sage grouse are perfectly compatible and reduced grazing use is not a solution for the species or for the state. We encourage all Idaho ranchers who reside within sage grouse habitat, real or perceived, to submit comments prior to the Jan. 29 deadline and to attend the public hearings. Hearing dates and locations can be found at www.blm.gov/ id/st/en/media_center/newsroom/2013/december/blm_invites_public. html. Please contact me at karen@idahocattle.org or 208-866-6438 if you have questions about the plan, or if you would like talking points or draft comments to assist you in the preparation of your own comments.

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

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ICA Line Rider, January 2014

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Bull Sale Calendar A

s a way of supporting our purebred members, we have included a full list of production sales and private treaty offerings for those producers who advertised in this January issue of the Line Rider.

Sales listed in bold are designated as ICA Preferred Plus sales, where ICA members can receive a $50 discount on each bull they purchase. Sales designated with an asterisk are part of ICA’s Preferred Program, allowing ICA to better promote the positive role our association has on our state’s cattle producers by being present at the sale. We deeply appreciate the commitment these ranches have made to help raise awareness of ICA and to help increase our membership.

If you have a production sale and are interested in joining the ICA Preferred Program, please contact our office at 208-343-1615. If you would like more information on the following sales, the page numbers for their advertisements are included in this list.

Bold=ICA Preferred Plus ($50 discount)

*=ICA Preferred

101 Ranch Bell Key Angus Bulls of the Big Sky *Carter Cattle Chandler Herefords Elkington Polled Herefords Gem State Classic Kessler Cattle Lanting Enterprises Loosli Red Angus Lorenzen Red Angus Maag Angus Malson Angus & Herefords Meadows Acres Mytty Angus Noah’s Angus Ranch OJJ Cattle Ranch Performance Plus Rancher’s Choice Redland Angus Reminisce Angus Romans Ranches *Shaw Cattle Co. •Snake River Bull Test •South Mountain Ranch The Cattleman’s Connection Trinity Farms Udy Cattle Company Wheeler Mountain Ranch Willie Cattle Co. Wood V-X

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Private Treaty King Hill Private Treaty Nampa Feb. 17 Billings, Mont.

March 19 Blackfoot Private Treaty Baker City, Ore. Feb. 7 Idaho Falls Feb. 8 Twin Falls Feb. 18 Milton-Freewater, Ore. Private Treaty Twin Falls March 11 Ashton Feb 27 Pendleton, Ore. March 20 Vale, Ore. March 17 Parma Feb. 12 Echo, Ore. March 3 Florence, Mont.

Private Treaty Cambridge Private Treaty Ririe Feb. 13 Lewiston Feb. 22 Eltpoia, Wash.

Jan. 18 Buffalo, Wyo. March 7 Dillon, Mont.

March 11 Vale, Ore. Feb. 19 Caldwell March 7 Twin Falls Feb. 11 Melba March 10 Bliss March 1 Ellensburg, Wash.

March 12 Rockland March 25 Whitehall, Mont.

Private Treaty Malad Private Treaty Sandpoint

Page 47 Page 47 Page 21 Page 17 Page 47 Page 21 Page 13 Page 28 Page 47 Page 41 Inside Back Cover Page 1 Inside Front Cover Page 40 Page 48 Page 38 Page 47 Page 29 Page 22 Page 27 Page 39 Page 26 Page 19 Page 30 Page 20 Page 11 Page 35 Page 43 Page 33 Page 47 Page 36

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

Angus and Hereford Bull Sale Monday, March 10th, 2014 1:00 PM at Spring Cove Ranch in Bliss, Idaho

Selling 150 Angus Bulls Yearlings & Falls

50 Hereford Bulls 3 Red Angus yr. Bulls Yearlings, Falls & 2’s

25 Angus yr. Heifers 13 Hereford yr. Heifers

Selling sons of CCA Emblazon 702 Reg 15980098 CED+16 BEPD-1.8 WEPD+60 YEPD+106 MEPD+22 SC+1.01 CW+30 MARB+.50 RE+.63 $W+51.22 $B+79.37

Selling sons & grandsons of SLL Overload T18 Reg 15843888 CED+7 BEPD+1.3 WEPD+60 YEPD+100 MEPD+18 SC+1.12 CW+50 MARB+.71 RE+.57 $B+107.78

Selling sons & daughters of KCF Bennett 9126J R294 Reg P42651401 CED+10.1 BW-1.5 WW+54 YW+96

Selling sons of Apex Windy 078 Reg 16237970 CED+1 BEPD+3.9 WEPD+72 YEPD+110 MEPD+40 SC+1.60 CW+41 MARB+.38 RE+.16 $W+51.02 $B+76.03

M+33 Milk & Growth +60 SC+1.4 RIB+.06 MARB+.58 CHB+$39

For Catalogs Call: 208-352-4332 www.springcoveranch.com

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

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FEEDER FOCUS

Believe in What You’re Fighting For

by Britany Hurst, Feeder Coordinator

O

n the wall above my office door is a simple saying that serves as a constant reminder to me. Believe in what you are fighting for. You see, to me, working for ICA isn’t a job I got lucky with out of college. It’s something I do every day that has purpose and meaning, and even with the disappointments of restrictive regulations and the frustrations of ignorant people who want to bring the industry down, this industry is one to fight for.

When I was about five years old, my parents, aunt, sisters, and I loaded up in our pick-up and went to buy a Christmas tree in the parking lot of Stoke’s Grocery Store. To my dismay, however, as we unloaded one-by-one, I saw the flattened corpse of a crow who had met his unfortunate demise in that very parking lot. Immediately, the tears started flowing down my cold cheeks. It was evident that finding the perfect fir tree would have to wait.

Dad scraped the bird off the pavement with a shovel, loaded us all back into the pickup, and took us home, where we had a proper burial under the stairs of the deck, not without much eye-rolling from my sisters. Only a couple of days later, Mom decided she wanted sagebrush to string with popcorn and cranberries and set on our porch. Trudging through the vacant, sagebrush-filled lot adjacent to my parents’ house looking for the perfect little bush proved as yet another utter festive failure. When it became apparent I was going to throw my little five-year-old body in front of the chainsaw, my parents led their troupe back to the house to a chorus and huffs and ‘oh brothers’ from my sisters.

It may seem as though my convictions ran pretty deep. In reality, they weren’t convictions at all. In the end, Birkenstocks made my feet look fat and my parents wouldn’t change my name to Butterfly. And that is just my point. For so many fighting against us, their “convictions” are merely a fad, a trend, a convenience.

Case in point, last month, as I scrolled through my various social media feeds, I noticed the environmentalists and the nature lovers—those shouting the loudest about clean water and clean air—were also doing their part to save this beloved planet by chopping down one Noble Fir at a time on which to hang lights and ornaments. If our convictions were so conveniently tossed aside, our cattle would not be fed and neither would our fellow citizens of the world. Convictions—real convictions—can’t be pulled on and off like a pair of boots. They walk with you wherever you go.

After teaching my class about the Boston Tea Party, my high school History teacher asked if any of us would have participated in the event had we been there. My hand shot up in the air, and I quickly noticed it was the only one raised in the entire room.

Slapping his palm to his forehead and shaking his head, Mr. Cazier groaned, “Oh, Little Miss Hurst, didn’t your mother teach you anything?” I was incensed. Certainly, my mother did teach me something—she taught me not to bow under crippling regulations, to stand up for the right cause, even if you’re standing alone—and especially in the face of threats and criticism, when it’s not the convenient stand to take. And for what my mother taught me, I love this industry.

In each of you, I see a shining example of the values which removed any hesitation from raising my hand that day. You are steadfast and self-reliant, genuine and generous. In my more than two years with ICA, associating with all of you, I have yet to meet a cattle feeder I didn’t like. You work hard, you know how to enjoy yourselves, and you can accomplish both of those tasks at the same time. You strive to improve the whole, rather than for personal gain, and if your neighbor needs help, you’re the first person they call.

But more than that, you have tenacity. This is not an easy industry to be in, most days. While seven billion people on this planet need to eat, only one and a half percent of the population is producing food, and you’re doing it under difficult and oftentimes ridiculous restrictions and regulations. And yet, you manage to make the most of your circumstances. Rather than throwing in the towel, you find ways to work with and around the guidelines set by state and federal agencies to make your operations effective, productive, sustainable and environmentally friendly.

No matter where I go, or in what circles I associate, I get asked if I know so-and-so, who owns cattle. And I have noticed that my response is always some version of the same—‘They are good people.’ And it’s true. The best people really do come from agriculture, and cattle producers are the best of the best. You are truly the salt of the earth. From Murtaugh to Parma to Menan, and everywhere outside and in between across this state, you are the indelible, the determined, the resourceful. And while surely your way of life is not a convenient one, at the end of the day, when it seems easier to take off your boots and hang up your hat, you remember why you started, and you believe in what you are fighting for.

For so many fighting against us, their “convictions” are merely a fad, a trend, a convenience.

— Britany Hurst

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ICA Line Rider, January 2014

The Idaho Angus Association’s

Angus • Hereford Charolais •Sim-Angus

Bull & Female Sale Saturday , February 8th•2014 12 Noon • College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, Idaho

Selling 50 Bulls & 13 Females

Plus:

Project Steers • Special Low BEPD Calving Ease Division • Junior Judging Contest, 9:00 am

The Best from a Three State Area!

For sale books or more information, please visit www.jdaonline.com • 916-685-8980 • Email: jdainc@cwo.com

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

13

IDAHO BEEF CHECKOFF NEWS

Reaching Consumers in Non-Traditional Ways

by Traci Bracco, IBC Executive Director

H

ow many advertising messages is the average American exposed to every day? When you consider every surface we see is plastered with advertising, the numbers are high.

Some experts claim we’re exposed to as many as 20,000 messages per day. How does beef break through the clutter and get noticed?

While the Idaho Beef Council has a robust advertising plan with traditional items such as radio, T.V., and billboard advertising, as savvy marketers we’ve got to employ new techniques and innovative ways to convey our message and keep beef at top of mind. What follows are a few examples of how your Checkoff is reaching consumers in new, nontraditional ways.

Airport Advertising As travelers, we’re required to arrive at the airport early. We check in, go to our gate, then kill time waiting for our flight. We read.

We look around. We do things to occupy our idle time. This is the perfect opportunity for a beef message nearby. Or, maybe you’re arriving home after a long day’s travel and your tummy is rumbling from hunger. Seeing a nice beef ad will tempt your taste buds and get you thinking about beef for dinner.

Each year 2.6 million consumers pass through the Boise airport. Your Beef Checkoff recently capitalized on this unique, non-traditonal marketing opportunity by placing an 8 ft. x 3 ft. full-color advertising display in the Boise Airport. Located in the main walkway leading to/from the flight gates, our ad is hard to ignore as consumers walk directly toward it and then pass underneath. For the holidays, the ad reminded consumers it was the perfect season to “celebrate with beef.” Each quarter we’ll change out the ad with new messaging to continually peak consumers’ interest and remind them to choose beef. In addition, we’ve secured an advertising lightbox display in the Idaho Falls airport, targeting the close to 300,000 consumers who travel through there annually.

Festival of Trees Every year during Thanksgiving week, the Boise Centre on the Grove becomes a holiday wonderland featuring hundreds of lavishly

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decorated Christmas trees and holiday decor. Now in its 30th year, this Treasure Valley tradition attracts 22,000 visitors annually. The past four years your Beef Checkoff has participated in the event as a nontraditional way to reach consumers and form a favorable impression about beef and Idaho’s beef industry. For starters, we have a beef-themed tree in the Festival. This year’s tree prompted consumers to “Get Fit with Beef ” and showed the many ways beef fuels you. From biking and snowboarding, to running and yoga, the beef tree featured décor and merchandise from more than 20 different types of sporting activities. Beautifully illustrated signage was incorporated into the tree staging and highlighted beef ’s nutrients and lean cuts. In a sea of holiday decorated trees, our tree is out of the norm, but attracts a huge amount of attention. As consumers stroll by, they not only see our message…but take time to read and absorb it. Each year we develop new themes to keep our beef messaging fresh and consumers talking about our tree. And, the beef tree has been selected a number of times as one of the top 10 trees in the Festival.

Special thanks goes to Jessie Miller, representing the Idaho Cattlewomen, who spent hours helping Idaho Beef Council staff decorate the tree for the Festival.

In addition to the beef tree, your Checkoff is involved in the black-tie gala that kicks off the Festival. More than 800 community leaders, power players, and health professionals attend this extravaganza to raise funds for St. Al’s Trama Care Unit and enjoy an evening of entertainment and a 5-star beef meal. This year guests dined on seared filet mignon with demi-glace and blue cheese compound. A mouth-watering meal that was remembered by all.

Through the Beef Checkoff, we’re coming at today’s consumers in numerous ways. Traditional advertising and unconventional ways, like the examples above, enable us to create multiple beef touchpoints, and effectively convey our message to keep beef top of mind and the number one protein for consumers.

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

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BEEF COUNTS

Beef Counts Wraps Up Another Successful Year

by Laurie Lickley, ICA Vice President

W

hat a year 2013 was for Beef Counts! A special THANK YOU to all our donors! While we still lagged behind 2011, we far surpassed 2012. Since 2010, Idaho’s Beef Industry United Against Hunger has provided more than 595,000 3-oz servings of beef—including 158,000 in 2013—to hungry Idahoans through the Idaho Foodbank and its partner agencies throughout the state.

In early December, volunteers met in Cascade at the Food Pantry to distribute more than 125 beef roasts. Yvette Davis, Shirley Florence, Maggie Malson, and Jim and Marilyn Rountree, came out to help hand out roasts. Valley County is a small and tightknit rural area, where everyone is your neighbor. It was a humbling experience for all involved. The distribution was lively and positive, with volunteers and recipients conversing throughout the night. The gratitude and excitement for the Beef Counts roasts was quite evident and volunteers were thankful for being part of sharing the bounty of Idaho cattlemen and women.

The Lemhi County CattleWomen and Cattle and Horse Growers, along with the great volunteers from the Salmon Mobile Pantry, also distributed more than 200 roasts in early December. While this process always humbles me, it did more so this time. A woman and her mother who I have known my entire life were guests that day.

I had no idea they were struggling, and quite frankly, I think they were embarrassed to see me. And, even as I write this I am moved to tears. Annie Baird, Coordinator for the Salmon Mobile, shared many stories with me of the need right in my hometown. These families were able to enjoy a holiday roast thanks to Beef Counts.

Your contributions do make a difference, and we truly thank you for your giving to Beef Counts.

Maggie Malson, Yvette Davis, Shirley Florence, and Marilyn and Jim Rountree hand out beef roasts at the Cascade Food Pantry.

Katie Hoffman, Lemhi County CattleWomen President, UI Extension and Lemhi County CattleWomen Susie Martinez and Shannon Williams, Laura Edwards, Seth McFarland, Charli Williams, and Bruce Mulkey, Idaho Beef Council Director. All are members of the Lemhi County CattleWomen and Cattle and Horse Growers.

Thank you to our 2013 Beef Counts Donors 1 Of 1 Design Ditto Creek Ranch 7-N Cattle Co. Ellison Livestock AgriBeef Management Gavin Gee Antelope Springs Ranch, LLC Little Land & Livestock, LLLP Shane Bartlome Malson Cattle Co. Brandi Bedke M/M Feedlots Jack Beverage Bruce L. Mulkey Tim Bodine Linda Naugle Caring Cowboys Paul Nettleton Castleford Rodeo Club Northwest Farm Credit Services Melanie A. Crist Picabo Livestock Co., Inc. Wendy R. Pratt Devil Creek Ranch, Inc.

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George L. Presley Hollis C. Richter Duwayne T. Skaar Lorien Stroud Jerry and Arline Trebesch Bandee Tubbs Two Dot Ranch V Dot Cattle Co. Stevia Webb Crystal Wheeler Winecup L Cattle Co. ICA Line Rider, January 2014

CARTER CATTLE CO 15th Annual Production Sale

Wednesday March 19, 2014 150 Registered Angus Bulls Fall Yearlings & Yearlings 10 Sim/Angus Bulls 50 Open Commercial Angus Heifers

Bulls with Balance Not Extremes Raised Under Commercial Conditions In Rough Country , selling sons of VDAR REALLY WINDY 4097

– CED +16 BW -1.4 WW +62 YW +99 Milk +19

Also Offering Sons Of

selling sons of SAV PIONEER 7301

– CED +5 BW +2.0 WW +60 YW +109 Milk +34 Hoover Dam selling sons of CONNEALY FINAL PRODUCT Apex Windy 078 – CED +3 BW +.8 WW +65 YW +119 Milk +44 CCA Emblazon 702

Blackfoot Livestock Auction Blackfoot, Idaho VAL CARTER (208) 390-4811 cell LEX CARTER (208) 681-9711 cell (208) 684-4811 home (208) 684-3378 home EMAIL cartercattle@gmail.com

Sale Catalog also available on our website CarterCattleCo.com ICA Line Rider, January 2014

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Manage Late Gestation for Future Cow Success

by John B. Hall, Ph.D., Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, University of Idaho

Tremendous change Considerable tissue growth and change occurs during late gestation, and as a result, the nutrient needs of the cow are greatly increased. A majority of calf growth occurs during these last 90 days. At the start of this period, the calf weighs less than 50 percent of its final weight. In addition to rapid fetal growth, the uterus, placenta and surrounding fetal fluids must also increase in size.

Mammary development in preparation for lactation is also occurring. Proper nutrition and hormonal support is essential for adequate milk production after calving.

While increase in cow weight and mammary development are visible signs of physiological change during late gestation, there are several unseen changes as well. Colostral (first milk) antibodies are produced, and restrictions in nutrition during this period results in poor colostrum quality and lower calf survival.

Although not fully understood, nutrition during late gestation affects reproductive hormone production from the brain, as well as follicular (egg and associated structures) development on the ovary. These reproductive effects are a result of both nutritional reserves and types of nutrients available during late gestation.

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Impact of BCS at calving One of the best-understood effects of late gestation nutrition is on energy reserves at the time of calving. Cows in body condition score (BCS) 5 (1 = Figure emaciated to 9 = obese) or better at calving have fewer days to first estrus, and increased pregnancy rates. Cows calving in BCS ≤ 4 had a 9 to 29 percent lower pregnancy rate compared to cows calving at BCS ≥ 5. Research from Oklahoma indicates that changes in BCS between 4 and 6 have a 100 greater impact on pregnancy rate than changes in BCS above 6 or 80 below 4. In other words, little improvement in pregnancy rates 60 is seen when cows calve in BCS above 6 while pregnancy rate does 40 not get much worse below BCS 4 20 (Figure 1).

Cows calving at BCS ≤ 4 that 0 conceive become pregnant later in the breeding season (Table 1) and calve later in the next calving season. Late calving cows are more likely to fail to conceive during the breeding season. Calves born late in the calving season will

be approximately 35 to 40 lbs. lighter at weaning for every 21-day delay in calving.

First calf heifers are even more sensitive to the effects of BCS at calving on pregnancy

1.

Relative Influence of Body Condition Score at Calving On Pregnancy Rate

Percent Pregnant

T

he most critical period in the production year is the last 60 to 90 days before calving. Not only are dramatic changes occurring in the cow, but this period also sets the stage for reproductive success or failure in the months that follow.

2

3

4

5

6

7

Body Condition Score Adapted from Selk et al., 1988

Table 1. Effect of Body Condition Score at Calving on Cumulative Pregnancy Rates

Day of the Breeding Season BCS 20 d 40 d 60 d Mature Cows (Richards et al., 1986) Cumulative % Pregnant

≤4 41 67 84

≥ 5 51 79 91 First Calf heifers (Spitzer et al., 1995) Cumulative % Pregnant 4 27 43 56 5 35 65 80 6 47 90 96

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

Shaw Cattle Co. Production Sale

February 19, 2014 - 12 p.m. (MST)

400 Hereford, Angus & Red Angus Bulls • •

First Season Breeding Guarantee All cattle PI tested negative for BVD

•

Ultrasound and RFI/Feed Efficiency data available • All bulls are born and raised on our ranch. No Cooperators • SIGHT UNSEEN PURCHASES FULLY GUARANTEED • Family Owned and Operated for over 65 years

FINAL PRODUCT 68 Sons Sell

Other AI sires include Dimension, Impression, Rito Revenue, Ten X, Brilliance & Right Answer.

Shaw Cattle Co.

S

22993 Howe Rd. Caldwell, ID 83607 www.shawcattle.com greg@shawcattle.com

The Bull Business Brand

RED BULL 18X 15 Sons Sell

Other Hereford AI sires include Redeem, Thor, 175, Peerless, 8502 & Efficient.

Angus Hereford Red Angus Greg: (208) 459-3029 Sam: (208) 453-9790 Tucker: (208) 455-1678 Ron Shurtz: (208) 431-3311

rates. Dramatic decreases of 40 to 50 percent (Figure 2) occur as heifers drop from BCS 6 to BCS 4. In contrast to mature cows, heifers exhibit a significant decrease of approximately 16 percent in pregnancy rate between BCS 6 and BCS 5. Therefore, the optimum BCS at

calving is 6 or 7 in heifers.

Poorly-fed heifers have more stillborn calves, weaker calves, lower calf survival, and poor colostrum. Heifers need to gain 2 to 2.5 lbs per day to continue to grow while the fetus is also growing.

Figure 2.

Management during late gestation Cow energy requirements increase by 25 percent compared to mid-gestation, and protein needs increase by 10 percent. Demands for calcium and phosphorus increase because of fetal growth. In addition, high levels of copper, selenium, and zinc, as well as vitamins A & D, are needed for proper fetal body and immune system development.

Cows will need to gain at least 100 lbs. during late gestation to accommodate this tissue growth without losing body condition.

Without fail, cows should be body condition scored at least 90 days before calving. Cows that are thin (BCS ≤4), or young cows, should be fed separately from the mature cow herd.

The effects of severe winter weather should not be ignored.

Extended (more than 5 days) cold, windy, or wet weather can increase cow energy requirements by 10 to 20 percent. In most cases, cows will increase hay consumption if hay quality is good. Otherwise, additional supplements should be fed during extreme weather. Normal feeding can resume when the weather breaks.

Figure 2. Effect of Body Condition Score at Calving on Subsequent Pregnancy Rate in First Calf Heifers 120

Percentage

100 80 60 40 20 0

4

5 Body Condition Score

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

6 Adapted from Spitzer et al., 1995

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South Mountain Ranch Heifer to be Auctioned to Benefit the Fight to Preserve the West South Mountain Ranch will donate a registered Angus heifer to benefit the Owyhee 68 Litigation, the Fight to Preserve the West, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at their annual Angus and Hereford Bull Sale, held southwest of Melba.

“We not only want to support those ranchers faced with BLM’s reckless decision of cutting Owyhee County permits in half,

but we also want to do our part to protect our industry in the precedence that could be set in these cases for every permit renewal to come,” explains South Mountain Ranch coowner Matt Duckett.

Half the proceeds of the heifer will be donated to the Idaho Cattle Association’s Cattle Action Legal Fund to help finance the heavy task of appealing the current BLM

South Mountain Ranch 6th Annual Bull Sale

February 11, 2014 • 1 p.m. (MDT) • At the ranch • Melba Idaho

Selling 100 Angus and Hereford Bulls and 15 commercial heifers

BW 0.0 WW 67 YW 137 $W 40 $B 112

A A R Ten X 7008

BW -0.1 WW 55 YW 89 $BMI 20 $CHB 28

BW 0.3 WW 57 YW 97 $W 51 $B 66

NJW 98S Durango 44U

We are donating a registered Angus heifer to be auctioned. All proceeds are going to Idaho Cattlemen’s and Owyhee Cattlemen’s Owyhee 68 Funds.

S A V Bismarck 5682

First Season Breeding Guarantee Tested PI negative for BVD Ultrasound carcass tested Fertility tested Sight unseen purchases FULLY GUARANTEED

Sale will be broadcast on Liveauctions.tv

Mailing Address: 18831 Wagner Road Caldwell, ID 83607

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For information contact:

Matt Duckett (home) 208.459.3070 www.herefordangus.com (cell) 208.230.5650 southmountainranch@gmail.com

decisions that have the greatest potential of negatively impacting the public lands grazing industry. The remainder of the proceeds will be gifted to the Owyhee Cattlemen’s Legacy Fund, which in turn will help individual ranchers battle their specific permit decisions.

The Idaho Cattle Association stands firm that it is time to fight back. During the years, grazing rights of western ranchers have been significantly impacted by overly burdensome laws and regulations put in place due to the litigious actions of anti-grazing activists.

With every action the government takes on grazing permits these days, it seems as though our ability to raise livestock in the west is chipped away bit by bit. Recent actions in Owyhee County, Idaho, have proven that now is the time to take a stand!

A 1999 U.S. District Court decision, which agreed with a Western Watersheds The heifer will Project be sold at the (WWP) lawsuit beginning of alleging the their annual BLM violated production the National Environmental sale, Feb. 11, Policy Act at the ranch, (NEPA) in 13584 State their permit renewal Highway 78, process, is Melba. For more what has information, brought us to this contact point today.

Matt Duckett at Following a 208-230-5650 or settlement agreement, the ICA office at the BLM 208-343-1615. was required to complete the renewal process for all 68 permits by the end of 2013. After 16 years, decisions are finally being issued. Unfortunately, these decisions are altering seasons of use and drastically reducing grazing, with AUM cuts at astounding and unsustainable levels. Of the 150 allotments within Owyhee County, 120 are involved in this litigation and permit renewal.

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

Elkington Polled Herefords and South Devons Present 2014 Efficiency Experts the Ranged Raised Cattle Sale

- Friday, February 7, 2014 -

12:30 p.m. at the ranch 7 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho (5080 E. Sunnyside Rd.)

Selling:

82 BullS RangE RaiSEd Sound, EaSy KEEping

EPHR PERFORMER 412Z • P43284646 • A thick bull

EPHR STOCK BROKER 444Z •P43287839 • Great calving ease

2-yEaR-oldS

Also Selling: • 20 Bred Polled Hereford Heifers • 2 Bred South Devon Heifers

• 70 Polled Herefords • 12 South Devons 6 (black) 6 (red)

Free delivery on $4000 puchase west of Mississippi and pay half East

Our severe environment culls inefficient poor fleshing cattle. Forty years of selection has greatly increased the efficiency and fleshing ability of our cattle. Line bred Elkington Bulls will produce high performing calves and easy fleshing high producing cows that will work anywhere on less feed then they are accustomed to.

Our bulls live in harsh conditions and are developed on a high roughage ration at high altitude. At high altitude between 6000 and 7000 feet.

Pictured: Replacement heifers at the True Ranch in WY

The Idaho Cattle Association is leading the cattle industry in this fight because these decisions are badly flawed. These misguided and narrowly-made judgments are affecting the livelihoods of ranchers and rangeland health. Many of the permit renewals called for up to 50 percent reductions in the amount of livestock that could be grazed. No business, especially ranching, can weather such cuts and survive in the industry.

South Mountain Ranch understands the impact of these decisions which, if allowed to stand, will be devastating. This battle is not just an Owyhee County issue. These recent actions only showcase the fact that public lands are no longer being managed based on what they can sustain or their current conditions, but rather to appease radical interest groups. It is our chief concern these actions are meant to serve as a template for the way all western grazing allotments are managed.

“We are all in this fight as an industry,” Duckett explains as the reason for donating the heifer to this effort. “Our hope is that we will all join in this fight and we can sell this heifer several times to help make a cattle industry stand here.”

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

The Source for polled outcross genetics unique pedigrees through out the entire offering!

EPHR ELKER 538Z • 201495 • Lots of pounds

View catalog online at ElkingtonPolledHerefords.com or find us on Facebook

Elkington Polled Herefords

Keith (208) 523-2286 or (208) 521-1774 • Layne (208) 681-0765 • Brent (208) 523-6461 5080 E. Sunnyside Road, Idaho Falls, ID 83406 • E-mail: ephrbulls@hotmail.com

BULL SALE February 17, 2014 1:00 p.m.

Billings Livestock Commission Billings, Montana ww Watch w.b ulls Bull V ofth ide ebi os a gsk t y.c om

The Bulls of the Big Sky sale will feature one of the largest selections of Black and Red Simmental and SimAngus bulls in the US, the largest offering of Red SimGenetics in Montana, and a special selection of Angus bulls—all from six Big Sky area breeders.

220+ YEARLINGS & OVER 35 FALL YEARLING BULLS

REQUEST A CATALOG AT: www.bullsofthebigsky.com or Contact Maureen Mai at 208-267-2668

www.bullsofthebigsky.com

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Ranching in a Fish Bowl story and photos

by Steve Stuebner

Jared Brackett sucessfully grazes cattle and maintains sage grouse habitat in the Antelope Springs Allotment southwest of Twin Falls.

J

ared Brackett raises Black Angus cattle in a very remote area known been viable for more than 100 years,” adds Wyatt Prescott, executive as the Antelope Springs Allotment, southwest of Twin Falls. He director of the Idaho Cattle Association. “We are faced with challenges grazes 600 cow-calf pairs on 50,000 acres of federal, state and every day that, frankly, seem unsurpassable, and it’s progressive private land in the allotment. You might say that Brackett ranches in ranchers like Jared who continue to create new ways to operate in a fish bowl because he manages his cattle alongside premium habitat today’s environment.” for sage grouse, a candidate species for listing under the Endangered Through the years, the Forest Service, BLM and Natural Resources Species Act. The Bureau of Land Management is under court order to Conservation Service have partnered with ranchers to develop about manage the area with tight controls to protect sage grouse habitat.

50 miles of water pipelines in the Antelope Springs Allotment. The But Brackett, the recently elected president of the Idaho Cattle pipelines deliver water to many cattle troughs scattered throughout the Association, doesn’t worry too much about that because Antelope allotment.

Springs has plenty of feed and habitat for cattle and wildlife, he says.

“It’s that group effort that makes it work,” Brackett says of the “This is as good as it gets. We’re quite partnerships with the federal agencies. proud of it. Unless you have something

The entire allotment is divided to hide, there’s nothing to be scared of. into 13 different pastures for year-round Because in the end, the resource will show grazing. Fencing and agency regulations what’s there,” Brackett says. control where the cattle can graze His efforts, and efforts by others BLM officials say Brackett takes excellent each season. like Jared, are essential to retaining during care of the Antelope Springs Allotment by

The water developments give species management at the local following tightly controlled management Brackett and the BLM flexibility. If they guidelines, which allow for a maximum of don’t want cattle to graze in a particular level, and illustrate that good 30 percent utilization of native grasslands in area, they turn the water source off, and business, good stewardship, and the allotment. push the livestock to another area with “On average, his grazing utilization is 20 good conservation are not only water and salt blocks. percent or less,” says Ken Crane, supervisory compatible, but complementary.”

In one instance, a group of sage range conservationist for the BLM in Twin grouse set up a lek at a water trough — Brian Kelly, Idaho Supervisor Falls. “He’s well within what he’s required to area in a spring pasture, so Brackett shut USFWS meet, so we’re pretty comfortable.” off the water and left the sage grouse Brian Kelly, Idaho State Supervisor alone to mate on the lek. of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

“There’s been a water trough complimented Brackett on his range here since the 1970s,” he says. “I have stewardship. four other water troughs in this field, so “The sustained efforts of Jared Brackett exemplify the land ethic, it’s not a big deal to turn this trough off during the lekking season. It leadership and commitments necessary to ensure the long-term health makes it so the birds can lek without being disturbed.” of rangelands in the West,” Kelly says. “His efforts, and efforts by As Brackett takes us on a tour of the Antelope Springs Allotment, others like Jared, are essential to retaining species management at the he points out that all of the water developments in the allotment local level, and illustrate that good business, good stewardship, and have been fenced off to keep cattle out of riparian or wet meadows, good conservation are not only compatible, but complementary.” leaving them available for sage grouse and other wildlife. He and his “Jared is a great example of why the state’s cattle industry has neighboring ranchers have developed multiple water sources with

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ICA Line Rider, January 2014

pipelines to keep cattle on upland areas, where there is plenty of vegetation for feeding.

For example, Brackett visits a fenced-off pond at the head of Bear Creek.

“This is exclusively for wildlife now,” he says. “It’s on private land, property owned by our neighbor, Mike Gary. It’s one of three legs of the water system, and it’s a vital source. This is new solar technology. It takes less panels to run, the pumps are more efficient, and they’re better pumps.”

Brackett has another water source nearby where two types of alternative energy have been used to pump water—an old wind mill at one time, and then a solar-powered pump. The solar-powered system has older technology that requires a backup power supply and several large water-storage tanks.

The Bear Creek pond “is a nice spot,” he says. “It provides not only clean water for our livestock, but also clean water for wildlife.”

Sage grouse have been observed using the pond area in the summer and fall, when the females are raising their brood of young birds.

“This would be a major water source for them,” he says. “You can see the fine grasses around the edge, the bugs are a major food source. When it gets drier, you’ll see a lot more birds in here.”

In the top of the Antelope Springs Allotment, in an area known as the “beaver ponds,” Brackett developed a third water source that helps keep his cattle widely distributed in Browns Bench.

“This really opened up this top field for water,” he says. “It made a huge difference. It helps keep the cows out of the riparian areas.

The cows are happier, as they don’t have to walk in here so far, and the water is cleaner.

We’re pretty happy with this system.”

The project wasn’t easy to pull off, however, he notes, because of its remote location, and installing pipelines in roughhewn country.

“It took my brother, my sister and me about two weeks to put this system in,” he says. “We put it in in the late ‘90s, right after I got back from college. It was a lot of work, and we were a lot skinnier back then, too. We had a D-8 cat, a road grader and a backhoe to get that system put in.

“There’s eight miles of pipeline and five water troughs in this system,” he explains. “It allows us to get the cows well distributed in the upper fields. It’s probably one of the most important water developments that we’ve done up here.”

Brackett, who is a member of the Jarbidge ICA Line Rider, January 2014

Local Sage Grouse Working Group, helped expand a large wet meadow exclosure to create more brood-reading habitat for sage grouse.

“About 10 years ago, we talked to the local sage grouse working group, and they were looking for more wet meadow areas,” he says.

“We thought it’d be a good idea to expand the exclosure. It used to cover an acre of ground. Now it’s close to five acres. We said you guys are welcome to have all of the wet meadow area, we’re not going to miss it. It’s good for the bird; we want you to use that.”

The BLM monitors and maps livestock use of the allotment throughout the year, Crane says. All of the pastures in the allotment have specific dates set for turnout, the number of cattle allowed, and how much forage can be consumed. The BLM has numerous monitoring points throughout the allotment where they evaluate and measure upland plant utilization and sage grouse habitat, and they have about 20 long-term study sites in the allotment. They check on these sites on a regular basis to make sure Brackett is meeting the specified conditions.

The water distribution plan is a big key to keeping the cattle distributed throughout the range, Crane says.

“The water developments have really helped in dispersing cattle into the uplands,” he says. “Jared has done a real good job dispersing them into those sites, protecting the spring sources, the ponds, and riparian areas. Many of them are fenced off and are no longer accessible by livestock, so it reserves them for other uses, particularly wildlife.

“And you’re protecting the water source, so you’re maintaining your water production, and you’re maintaining the quality water for cattle as well as wildlife, so it’s kind of an allaround win,” he adds.

“When people say we’re not doing anything for sage grouse, we get a little bit offended because we spend a lot of time and effort working with them,” Brackett says.

“We’re trying to do what’s right for everything. We’re worried about the antelope, the pygmy rabbits, spotted frogs, everything we have out here, it’s a total picture.

“We’ve been protecting and saving it for generations, and we’ll continue to,” he says.

“Bottom line: the science isn’t going to lie to us. As long as the data is collected properly, processed properly, we’re in good shape.”

Editor’s Note: Steve Stuebner is the writer and producer of Life on the Range, an educational project sponsored by the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission. For more information, see www.lifeontherange.org.

Jared Brackett explains his efforts to conserve sage grouse on his grazing allotment. Water sources are vital to his cattle grazing and sage grouse conservation efforts. In some areas of his allotment, Brackett uses solar powered water systems.

The Greater Sage-Grouse is the largest grouse in North America, with its range being sagebrush country in the western United States. Photo courtesy of USFWS.

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ICA Board of Directors. (back row l-r) Wyatt Prescott, ICA Executive Vice President, Jason Anderson, Jerome; Brad Higgins, Cottonwood; Matt Thompson, Cow-Calf Council Chairman, Shelley; Stan Dowton, Ellis; Aron Bennet Feeder Council Chairman, Grand View; David Little, Treasurer, Emmett; Carl Lufkin, ICA President-Elect, Leadore; Kurt Mason, Kimberly; Matt Duckett, Caldwell; Marty Gill, Parma. (front row l-r) Art Butler, Purebred Council Chairman, Bliss; Joe Daniels, Malad; Ken Eliason, Holbrook; Scott Rigby, Rexburg; Jared Brackett, President, Rogerson; Lee Bradshaw, Past President, Caldwell; Laurie Lickley, Vice President, Jerome; Ramona Karas, Caldwell; Megan Satterwhite, Idaho Cattlewomen Representative, Rogerson and Robin Lufkin, Cattlewomen Council Chairwoman, Leadore. Not pictured: Kelton Spain, Allied Industry Representative, New Plymouth.

“From Almanacs to Apps” Idaho Cattle Association Finishes 100th Annual Meeting Stronger Than Ever compiled by ICA Staff

T

he Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) held its 100th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Sun Valley this past November. Close to 600 individuals attended the Convention, including cattle producers, industry members and representatives of both state and federal agencies; making it the largest Convention in several generations. Record turn-out boasts indications that Idaho’s cattle industry is as strong as ever. ICA is the states only professional organization solely dedicated to representing the interests of every segment of Idaho’s cattle industry.

Those present at Idaho’s single-largest annual gathering of cattle producers were able to make significant decisions on issues affecting the cattle industry. Cattlemen and women debated and decided on policies

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pertaining to depredation, animal damage control, NPDES state primacy, and a variety of other pertinent issues. The resolutions adopted over the course of this three day event will help focus the direction of ICA for the upcoming year.

Attendees also learned valuable information on how to better their operations and built connections with industry partners throughout the events largest Trade Show on record. All activities during the course of the event were testaments to the aptitude of ICA’s ability to manage issues and improve the business climate for not only the states cattle industry, but the thousands of families that depend on it every day as well.

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

ICA thanks retiring board members for their service. Pictured l-r are Carmen Stevens, Gooding; Curt Hoskins, Malad; Jessie Miller, Boise; Ken Forsman, Cottonwood; Lee Bradshaw, Caldwell; Zak Skaar, Lewisville; Jerald Raymond, Menan; Richard Savage, Hamer; John Sutton, Midvale; and Bill Lickley, Jerome.

Holding the big check for having the calf with the most gain is Ron and Bill Davison of Treasure Valley Livestock Auction. Also pictured are Kent Mann and Britany Hurst, Gwenna and Wade Prescott, Bill Lickley, and Becky and Jay Faulkner, who were all in the top five placings.

1st Annual Grass Futurity Winners Announced Much anticipation filled the room during Tuesday morning’s breakfast meeting while attendees waited to hear who won the 1st Annual ICA Grass Futurity.

A total of 18 calves from 20 producers were entered and fed at UI Nancy M. Cummings Reserach Center from May through September. All the calves were marketed and sold at auction.

The lightest calf entered at 495 lbs. and the heaviest calf weighed 805 lbs. The group averaged 2.3lbs/day.

The cattle were 75 percent black, 25 percent white, and 16 percent whitefaced. There were no red hided cattle entered… this is your call to challenge.

In total, the program netted close to $10,000 to ICA which was distributed amongst CALF, PAC, WLA and Owyhee 68 Litigation efforts. It took $4,000.00

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

in operating expenses and paid out more than $10,000.00 in cash and prizes to the winners.

• 1st 30 day weigh-in: Kent Mann and Britany Hurst’s black steer pulling down a whopping 4.5lbs./ day or 135 lbs.

• 2nd 30 day weigh-in: A yellow steer belonging to Jared and Tay Brackett posted a 94-lb. gain or around 3.1lbs./ day in this rotation.

• 3rd 30 day weigh-in: The Prescott family steer won the 3rd round putting on another 92 lbs. or around 3.1/day.

• 4th 30 day weigh-in: Jay and Becky Faulkner took home top honors in this round with their white steer showing 82 lbs. of gain.

And the winners were...

Champion Steer: Treasure Valley

Livestock Auction with their black steer putting on 348 lbs. for an ADG of 2.9lbs/ day.

Reserve Champion: Jay & Becky Faulkner with their white steer putting on 306 lbs. to finish the contest weighing 990 lbs.

3rd Place: Bill & Ryan Lickley, blackbaldie steer gained 304 lbs. to finish the contest weighing 976 lbs.

4th Place: Prescott Family, yellow whitefaced steer gained 300 lbs. to finish the contest weighing 866 lbs.

5th Place: Kent Mann and Britany Hurst, black steer gained 299 lbs. to finish the contest weighing 1,090 lbs.

Thank you to University of Idaho for feeding the cattle, and to Bayer Animal Health, Novartis, and Allflex, who also helped sponsor the futurity through product donations.

25

Each year the Idaho Cattlewomen sell raffle tickets for a saddle with proceeds used for scholarships for Idaho students pursuing degrees in agriculture. As a change of pace, this year ICW chairman Jessie Miller drew out 10 names as the finalists for the saddle. Those present or a representative for them stood. She then put the 10 names back in the basket and drew them out one at a time in drawn down fashion. The last one standing was the winner. The saddle raffle is always a much anticipated event at Convention, but this change in format created even more excitement and anticipation for everyone in the room. And the reaction by the winner and all those around her was priceless! Congratulations to Karen Williams, ICA’s very own Natural Resource Coordinator. After buying tickets as long as she can remember, she finally held the winning ticket. She said it was truly a dream come true! Thanks to Northwest Farm Credit Services, represented by Bill Lickley, for helping sponsor the saddle and to Nancy Martiny, who made this year’s saddle. And thank you to all who throw in their chance to win, and who donate much needed funds to help the future cattle producers in our state.

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ICA Line Rider, January 2014

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

27

Wade and Gwenna Prescott, Jackie and Bill Davison, It was a packed house Monday night of Convention during the Trade Show Dinner and Auction sponsored and Linda and Bill Zumstein enjoyed visiting during the 1st annual Grass Futurity Awards breakfast

by Bayer Animal Health.

Tuesday morning and sponsored by U.S. Bank.

In honor of his service as the 2013 President, Lee Bradshaw of Caldwell receives a token of appreciation during the President’s Banquet sponsored by Idaho Ag Credit.

Presenting a belt buckle are ICA Executive Vice President Wyatt Prescott and 2013 ICA Treasurer Bill Lickley.

“Chairman of the Range” by Anita Pratt, Pratt Livestock Co., Blackfoot, received Best of Show honors during the 2013 ICA Photo contest. The Best of Show category was judged by guest Judge, David Stoecklein. We had a great group of photo entries this year. Watch for upcoming publications for more photos.

Past President Richard Savage, Hamer, introduced Idaho’s Lt. Gov. Brad Little during the closing session of Convention. Little gave an overview of the state’s efforts to comply with the federal healthcare law, explained options available to producers and answered questions.

Find more Convention photos on

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ICA Line Rider, January 2014

28th Annual

+ Plus

Performance Camas Prairie

•

Crouthamel

Thursday, February 13, 2014 • 12:00 NooN (PsT) Lewiston Livestock Market • Lewiston, Id

selling 225 angus Bulls

110 Fall Born Yearlings and 115 Powerful Spring Yearlings

Camas Prairie BrillianCe 2148

SAV Brilliance 8077 x BR Midland

Camas Prairie Hoover Dam 2114 9/3/12

9/20/12

Hoover Dam x Basin Expedition 768J

Camas Prairie Hoover Dam 2122 9/15/12

Hoover Dam x Basin Expedition 768J

YW MK MA RE $W $B YW MK MA RE $W $B YW MK MA RE $W $B CED BW WW CED BW WW CED BW WW 0 -0.2 48 90 25 .32 .29 32.27 71.33 7 0.5 50 91 28 .68 .80 34.67 88.35 7 1.0 51 96 28 .64 .90 33.16 92.14

CroutHamel merritt 3022

CCC Merritt 030 x BT Crossover 758N

CroutHamel Final ProDuCt 3516 1/27/13

1/10/13

Connealy Final Product x Sitz Traveler 423M

CroutHamel uPwarD 3051

1/15/13

Sitz Upward 307r x Secret agent 2618 ear

CED BW WW

CED BW WW

CED BW WW

YW MK MA RE $W $B YW MK MA RE $W $B YW MK MA RE $W $B 4 3.2 63 112 34 .66 .60 35.97 91.10 4 1.5 55 99 36 .37 .50 39.56 63.69 6 1.5 57 99 30 .35 .39 40.32 84.59

Also Selling: Camas Prairie angus ranCh Bob & Ruby Rylaarsdam 647 Fairview Road Grangeville, ID 83530 208-983-6552 E-mail: cpar@mtida.net

Marketing:

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

85 Open Angus Heifers from John Dixon, Pomeroy, WA

Sired by SAV Brilliance 8077, Hoover Dam, and PERFORMANCE PLUS BULLS

John Dickinson (916) 806-1919 Jake Parnell (916) 662-1298

Crouthamel Cattle Co. Cory & Shannon Crouthamel P.O. Box 255 Touchet, WA 99360 509-948-6304 cory.crouthamel@genusplc.com Watch anD BiD online at:

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THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CONVENTION SPONSORS & TRADE SHOW PARTICIPANTS Sponsors: Agri Beef Co. Allflex, USA Alltech Bayer Animal Health BioTracking D.L. Evans Bank Idaho Agricultural Credit InterMountain Beef Intermountain Community Bank Northwest Farm Credit Services Novartis NutraLix PerforMix Nutrition Progressive Cattleman Sterling Marketing Superior Livestock Auction Rep. Blake Nufer U.S. Bank Valley Wide Cooperative Western Video Marketing Rep. Matt Thompson Working Ranch Magazine

Trade Show Booths: Allflex, USA Alltech American Angus Association American Hereford Association Bayer Animal Health Boehringer-Ingelheim BYU – Idaho Cargill Beef Cooper-Norman CowBos Elanco Fay Ranches GeneSeek Genex/Ag Source HiQual Idaho Ag Credit Idaho Beef Council Idaho Beef Quality Assurance Idaho Cattle Foundation ICA Publications Idaho Cattlewomen Immvac Intermountain Farmers Association ITC Services Julia Davis Park Key Ag/Excell Pro Knipe Land Co.

Loomix Merck Animal Health Merial/Newport Labs MICRO Beef Technologies MultiMin/Temple Tags/ DL Myklegard Mytty Angus National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Northwest Farm Credit Services North-West Livestock

Supplements Novartis Animal Health Plant Foods Progressive Cattleman Rocky Mountain Ultrasound Scales Unlimited Select Sires Shaw Cattle Co. Snake River Bull Test Superior Livestock Auction Total Scale Service University of Idaho VitaLix Western Stockmen’s Westerra Real Estate Zions Bank Zoetis Z Tags North America

“THERE’S ALWAYS ROOM AT THE TOP”

The best bulls from 35 different ranches – competing for the top spot.

There is Always Room at the BULL Top...

PERFORMANCE TESTED SALE

the Best Bulls from Featuring March 7, 2014  Twin Falls Livestock Comm.

32 Reputation Ranches – All Angus, Hereford, for Red Angus Competing the Top Spot  Selling 130 bulls & 100 fancy heifers Growth. Maternal

GROWTH

FRidAy, MARCh 7

Twin Falls Livestock Comm. Co., Twin Falls, idaho

SeLLing 130+ BuLLS And 100 FAnCy heiFeRS

Angus - Hereford - Red Angus

and Carcass MATERNAL CARCASS PLeASe ConTACT uS To RequeST A SALe Book:

www.snakeriverbulltest.com snakeriverbulltest.com Jason Anderson: 208-420-7352

Ben eborn: 208-399-2350

Jason Anderson (208) 420-7352 Ben Eborn (208) 399-2350

thd ©

30

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

CALF-PAC AUCTION DONORS & buyers Alltech Merck/Gene Klaft Bayer/Carmen Stevens Robertson Supply Malson Angus & Herefords American Angus Association/ Rod Wesselman NCBA Roy S. Jackson Select Sires/Jerald Raymond Scales Unlimited Intermountain Farmers Association David Stoecklein Plant Foods Inc. Key Ag Western Stockmen’s/Ramona Karas Zoetis/Tom Brooks Agri Beef Co. Bill Brockman Nancy Martiny Tony Richards Allflex, USA/Scott Holt Bill Barton Carl Ellsworth Shaw Cattle Co. Nate Gilliam Kent Mann Wyatt Prescott Matt Duckett Dave Myklegard Treasure Valley Livestock Katie Colyer Kim Holt Challis Creek Cattle Co./ Lyndella Bauchman John Ricketts Chet Brackett Dave Myklegard DV Auction & Big Blue Sale Barn Jared Brackett Tianna Fife Sarah Baker Thanks to your generous support, we raised nearly $6,500, to support efforts to fight litigation against our cattle industry.

Complete, Convenient, Cost-Effective...

Solutions.

Coming soon to a pasture near you.

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

31

Experiencing Convention from a Different Perspective

by Mark Nebeker, 2013 ICA Convention Intern

D

uring my time at the 2013 Idaho Cattle Association Annual Convention and Trade Show, I learned a lot of new things and am thankful for the opportunity to be an intern. While I was at Convention, the main responsibility I had was to help people check in. I chose this opportunity so I could meet the individuals who make up this Association. I have always enjoyed

32

talking with people and hearing about their operations, so it was a natural fit for me. Being a member of the Student Idaho Cattle Association (SICA) at the University of Idaho allowed me and the other SICA members the opportunity to help with the auction. I have always enjoyed helping raise money for the associations in which I am involved. I learned about some of the

Mark Nebeker (at right) was one of five student interns at the 2013 ICA Convention.

current issues that the industry is facing at the convention. Another thing I learned was how much behind-the-scenes things must be done for Convention to run smoothly. I was able to help prepare materials for meetings and organize prizes, auction items, and paperwork from each day.

I was raised in Kuna, on a row crop farm and ranch that grows corn, bean, onion, and wheat seed, as well as mint, sugar beets, alfalfa, and grass pasture. We also run about 80 head of Angus-Hereford cross mother cows. I raised and showed steers through 4-H and FFA. Then I became involved with the Hereford breed after purchasing a registered Hereford heifer. I have now grown my herd of registered Hereford and Angus cows.

I am involved with the Idaho Junior Hereford Association, and currently hold the office of President. I show my Hereford cattle at state shows in Idaho, as well as at the Western Nugget National Hereford show and sale in Reno. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Idaho, where I have a double major in animal science-production option and agricultural economics-agribusiness option. I am involved with many of the clubs in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, including Block and Bridle, Student Idaho Cattle Association, Agribusiness Club, and Agricultural Student Affairs Council.

I plan to graduate in the spring of 2016 and pursue a career in the beef industry as a manager of a cow-calf operation or a feedlot operation. I would like to thank the Idaho Cattle Association once again for allowing me to be an intern for the 2013 Annual Convention.

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

Thank You to all the bidders and buyers at our 2013 sale.

We appreciate your confidence in WMR genetics! Look for these feature lots at work in the following programs:

DERRY CATTLE COMPANY , Wood, SD

WMR Timeless 222 AAA#17415936 Timeless x WMR Elsie 761 x AAR Really Windy 1205 STEVENSONS DIAMOND DOT ANGUS , Hobson, MT

WMR Tradewind 342 AAA#17415946 Timeless x WMR Pride 058 x Apex Windy 078

AAA# 16226527 BW: +5.1 WW: +80 Milk: +31 YW: +141

Timeless leads the industry with his powerful growth EPD’s. His accuracy continues to strengthen as progeny data is collected.

Owning his sire and maternal grandsire make him a prime example of the genetics we strive to produce in our program.

Timeless sires the “cowboy” kind that will work in the real world.

AAA# 16237970 BW: +3.9 WW: +72 Milk: +41 YW: +110

Calving ease coupled with explosive performance has made 078 calves popular in the herds in which he was used. Additionally his sire group topped our 2011 sale. If you like thick, well-muscled cattle in a moderate frame you will like 078.

Ron & Kathy Van Dyke AAA# 17083470 BW: -0.1 WW: +69 Milk: +31 YW: +125

This exciting Timeless son was the high-selling bull in our 2012 production sale. Co-owned with Thorstenson Angus, Selby, SD and Accelerated Genetics. Look for his sons in our 2014 sale!

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

129 Ridder Ln. Whitehall, MT 59759 406.287.9234 H 406.490.2734 C wheelermt@hotmail.com David: 406.490.6520 Phillip & Jacquie: 406.580.1390 Brett & Stacy: 406.925.2806

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MEET YOUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Each November, the ICA Board of Directors is re-staffed with familiar faces ending their tenure and new faces embarking on theirs. The 2014 ICA Board of Directors has faces of both types—those who have been serving, who have taken on new titles, and several with whom you may be unfamiliar.

Serving on the Board of Directors takes a great deal of time, travel, and commitment. We would like to express, once again, a deep appreciation to the men and women who relinquished their seats in November, and welcome the new faces who stepped up to fill the vacancies.

Jared Brackett, President ICA’s new president, Jared Brackett, is a fifth-generation cattle producer from Three Creek—an operation that has existed in the Brackett family for more than a century. Jared has served for nearly 10 years on ICA’s Board of Directors, as well as on the Beef Quality Assurance Advisory Board. He graduated from Texas A&M, and is a self-admitted “die-hard Aggie.” Between Aggie football (he is a season ticket holder), and his own herd, Jared collects coins, old paper money, guns, and books. When asked what drives him to do what he does, Jared replied, “I love working with good people and being outdoors.

It’s one of the only places where you can work with your family and friends. My grandpa once said ‘if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.’ Right now I work about two weeks out of the year. My goal as ICA President is to make sure we serve the producers of the state while maintaining fiscal soundness.” Jared and his wife, Tay, live on the ranch in Three Creek with three dogs, two cats, seven turkeys, three peacocks, way too many horses, and one bull snake that lives under the house.

Carl Lufkin, President-Elect

An avid team roper and rodeo fan, Carl was raised on a cow-calf operation in Rigby, where he also had a herd

34

of dairy cows. After selling the cattle and dairy cows, Carl’s family started a feedlot and grew most of their own feed on their farm. That farm and feedlot are still operated by Carl’s nephew. After marrying his wife, Robin, the two began buying cows a few at a time, building their herd and leasing ranches to run their cattle on. They now share ownership of Leadore Angus in Leadore. While both Carl and Robin grew up in the cattle industry, their operation is a first-generation operation. However, both of their sons run cattle on family land in Lemhi County.

“I’ve always been in the cattle business. It has been my heritage.

It is the business I was raised in. I just like the western way of life.

Ranching is really the only thing I have ever wanted to do, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I have always wanted to be a cowboy, and that requires cows and horses,” Lufkin explained. Carl has served on the ICA Board of Directors as both Vice President (2013) and Purebred Council Chair (2010-2013). “I feel it is very important to find ways to fund our Cattle Action Legal Fund and Political Action Committee funds so we have the resources for the legal battles that come with this industry, including range, fire, feedlot, and water issues. So many of our issues are with entities with enormous funding behind them, so we have to come up with the money to fight those battles.”

Laurie Lickley, Vice President “With the ICA celebrating our 100th year in 2015, we have an amazing opportunity to flaunt our century of success and sustainability.

Our challenges will continue to be the ever-increasing regulatory environment

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

in which we operate, but we can combat and mitigate much of our adversity through membership and public relations,” said Lickley, ICA’s 2014 Vice President. Laurie and her husband, Bill, are carrying on a four-generation legacy of cattle ranching in Idaho. Laurie was raised on a small ranch along the Salmon River, and she and Bill, along with their two children, continue to farm and ranch the land Bill’s family homesteaded in Jerome, in 1908. Laurie and Bill also host Jakub, a Slovakian exchange student, who is “learning to tolerate our western lifestyle.” Laurie has been actively involved, though much behind the scenes, in the efforts of ICA and the Idaho Cattlewomen Council for several years. “In 2001, I had the opportunity to meet and sit on stage with then-President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush during the NCBA Annual Convention in Denver. It was at that moment I knew I wanted to serve and represent the most rewarding lifestyle and business venture in the world,” quipped Lickley. “Aside from NEVER buying or eating chicken and unconditionally supporting the ever-losing Vandals, I also enjoy the business side of ranching. The challenge to make this operation successful for our children is what drives me. Feeding people the most natural, nutrient-rich product in the world is very satisfying. Laying my head on my pillow after a long day of working . . . pure heaven!”

David grew up on a cattle and sheep operation, and now only runs cattle. David loves to learn ways to improve the family business and grow investments. The Berkshire Hathaway Conference in Omaha, Neb., has become a Little Family tradition, as is hunting, fishing, water and snow skiing, and golf.

Editor’s Note: Stay tuned for upcoming Line Rider issues featuring the rest of the newly elected ICA Board of Directors.

David Little, Treasurer David served on the ICA Board of Directors as a District Representative, and has now taken the reins as ICA Treasurer.

David and his wife, Kelsey, live in Emmett.

“I am the fourth generation to be in the livestock industry, and our two boys, Henry and Dylan, and their cousin, Jack, will be the fifth,” Little said. “Both sides of my family are in the livestock business, and as a kid at family gatherings I would always hear about what was happening in the industry. I am lucky to have an opportunity to continue that work. There are a lot of good people in the cattle industry that I have enjoyed getting to know and learning from. I’m lucky to have an opportunity to work in an industry with such great people, and I’m passionate about giving future generations the same opportunity. Our industry is going to be needed more than ever in the future as the world economy continues to grow.”

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

35

WOOD V BAR X High Maternal, Easy Handling Cattle with Optimum Performance, Focusing On Commercial Cattle Production.

Koester Chivas 005 Reg. # 1415933

Sire: Glacier Chateau 744 Dam’s Sire: Red Fine Line Mulberry 26P

CED BW WW YW MILK TM ME HPG

SELLING BULLS THE THIRD

WOOD V BAR X RANCH Leonard & Naomi Wood • Ben & Dana Wood 481649 Hwy. 95 • Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 (208) 263-5246 • (208) 265-5572 fax (208) 290-7782 cell • (208) 255-6025 Ben Cell

woodvxranch@aol.com • woodvbarxranch.com

36

University of Idaho Hosts 2014 Idaho Beef Summit Beef producers can learn ways to improve the quality, consistency and value of their product at the upcoming Idaho Beef Summit, sponsored by the Idaho Beef Council.

The Idaho Beef Summit will feature speakers, hands-on workshops, and tours focusing on beef end-product quality. Producers will have the opportunity to learn the meat side of the beef industry, according to UI Extension Educator Sarah Baker.

Beef producers will hear from leading industry and University personnel on understanding and improving beef carcass quality through genetics, herd health management, and animal handling and welfare. Results of the recent National Beef Quality Audit will be discussed, as well as opportunities identified for producers to improve management practices that will help them meet consumer demands and remain profitable.

The Summit will offer tours focusing on the retail side of the beef industry and will give producers a firsthand look at how leading retailers and their meat department’s merchandising and marketing efforts bring value to the meat case. Producers will learn how their checkoff dollars are helping train meat managers, educate consumers, and market beef at the retail level.

Attendees will participate in a taste panel, where they will learn how meat aging affects end-product quality, as well as hear updates from industry, checkoff and BQA leaders.

Other sessions will include a cattle outlook seminar, telling beef ’s story from gate to plate, and the facts behind growth promotants in the beef industry.

The Summit is intended to benefit Idaho’s beef industry by helping producers continually improve the quality and consistency of their product, making it as competitive as possible with other protein sources available to consumers.

“It validates for them that they aren’t just producing calves, they are producing beef,” Baker says.

University of Idaho animal and meat science faculty and UI Extension faculty, along with other beef industry professionals will conduct the course beginning on the afternoon of Jan. 16 and concluding the afternoon of Jan. 18 at the Red Lion Hotel in Pocatello, Idaho. Registration is $75 per person.

For more information, or to register, please contact the University of Idaho Extension Office in Custer County at 208-879-2344 or your local Extension office.

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

SICA Remains Active on Campus and in the Industry

by Pamela Holman, SICA President, University of Idaho club was represented by twelve The Student Idaho Cattle Association of our members at the Idaho (SICA) from the University of Idaho has had an eventful year. The club currently has Cattle Association Convention 35 active members along with our advisor, in Sun Valley. We observed Dr. Carl Hunt. We kicked off the school parliamentary procedures, year by serving Vandal Meats Barbecue Beef resolution committees at work, Sandwiches at Ag and Days, an event for listened to visiting high school new and students to the UI. innovative In October, we ideas that SICA involvement is always appreciated at ICA Convention. hosted a fundraiser farmers for the SICA club and setting up and tearing down for various with a Trap Shooting ranchers events throughout the year. For the Christmas Tournament on the might implement in holiday, we collected and distributed food for Palouse. This event their businesses. needy families in the Moscow area. Our next was to enlist the

The club is also planned event is the National Cattlemen’s help of all of our involved in cleaning Beef Association Convention in Nashville, members, as well as pens for the SteerTenn. SICA will send eight members to a-Year program, serve as a fundraiser observe and learn about the cattle industry.

Students enjoyed a Trap Shooting Tournament as well as assisting for the club. to raise funds. the University in In November, the ICA Line Rider, January 2014

37

News Makers

Noahs Angus Ranch

Angus Cattle Since 1955 * Private Treaty Sales

125 Yearling and Two Year Old Bulls

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Cambridge, ID

Nathan & Melissa Noah 208-257-3686

noahsangusranch.com

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Western Nugget National Hereford Show Results Holt 138X Sadie 226Z and C Notice Me Untapped 2200 ET topped the female show at the Western Nugget National Hereford Show Dec. 6-7 in Reno, Nev., while LED GKB Legend 108 ET and C Stockman 2059 ET won the bull show. Also during the show, George and Cheryl Colwell of Colwell Ranches in Payette and North Powder, Ore., were honored with the 2013 Lifetime Cattlemen Award.

Tyler Cates, Modoc, Ind., judged the 192-head show and complimented Hereford breeders on the quality exhibited. He said the Hereford breed is in a very envious position right now, “It’s not very often that a breed’s commercial bull market is at its peak at the same time its junior show heifer market is at its peak. Those two things should make you proud as breeders as what you’ve done for the last 150 years producing functional cattle that will work in any environment.”

Holt 138X Sadie 226Z, by SB 54E 75R Fusion 138X ET, was chosen champion polled female after winning the spring yearling division. Owned by Emilee and Bennett Holt, Caldwell. Sadie was a triplecrown winner in Reno also winning the champion owned and bred-and-owned titles in the junior show on Dec. 5.

Colyer Herefords, Bruneau, Pablo Martin Y Herrera, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Ned and Jan Ward, Sheridan, Wyo., exhibited champion horned bull C Stockman 2059 ET for the second year in a row. He is a Jan. 6, 2012, son of NJW 98S R117 Ribeye 88X ET. Colyer Herefords earned many banners including premier horned and polled exhibitor and horned premier breeder.

Colyer Herefords with Gary & Kathy Buchholz won first-place get of sire with a group sired by NJW 98S R117 Ribeye 88X ET. Best six head went to High Desert Cattle Co., Canyon City, Ore. Colyer Herefords also won the pen show, judged by Chris Gansberg, Markleeville, Calif., George Colwell, North Powder, Ore., and Dale Micheli, Fort Bridger, Wyo. JBB/AL Herefords, Bliss, was reserve champion.

To view complete results of the 2013 Western Nugget National Hereford Show visit www.hereford.org. Photos are available at herefordphotoshop.com/media.

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

39

Merck Animal Health Shares Progress on Zilmax and the Five-Step Plan for Responsible Beef During the last 90 days, Merck Animal Health, with the input and oversight of its Advisory Board, has worked to implement its Five-Step Plan to Ensuring Responsible Beef and has made considerable progress.

The findings that come as a result of the plan will add to the significant amount of data that already exists for Zilmax® (zilpaterol hydrochloride), including numerous animal safety and well-being trials. Zilmax is a feed supplement approved by the FDA and other regulatory authorities. While we have made considerable progress, it is too early to determine when Merck Animal Health

will return Zilmax back to the market in the United States and Canada.

“At Merck Animal Health, we continually evaluate our processes and procedures across the entire company to ensure that we maintain the best science-based practices and procedures for the health and wellbeing of animals,” says KJ Varma, BVSc, Ph.D., Senior Vice President Global R&D, Merck Animal Health. “Our five-step plan is a direct reflection of that commitment to science. It also reflects our commitment to working with our industry partners to maintain the highest standards of care for

12th Annual Production Sale February 12, 2014 • Echo, Oregon Auctioneer: Butch Booker Lunch: Noon Sale: 1:00 pm

Over 150 Head Will Sell.

Bulls • Open Heifers • Bred Cows

Sired by: SAV Final Answer 0035, Connealy Thunder, Mytty Thunderstruck, GDAR Game Day, SAV Bismarck 5682, SAV Iron Mountain Coleman Regis, Mytty Forefront

Commercial Heifers Will Also Sell.

SAV Final Answer 0035

Connealy Thunder

BW-1.0 WW+61 YW+103 Mk+25 CW+2 Mrb+.51 RE+.40 FAT+.058 $B+39.62

LiveAuctions. TV Live on the Internet, Live Audio, Video Bidding

Richard Correa

541-449-3558

BW-.6 WW+45 YW+90 Mk+30 CW+23 Mrb+.27 RE+.88 FAT-.003 $B+65.79

Please call or email for your Sale Book today!

Devin Correa

541-379-0632 cell

Willie Bovard

509-989-2492

Email: meadowacresangus@msn.com • www.meadowacresangus.com

40

the health and well-being of cattle. We are pleased to be able to tap into the vast knowledge and expertise of professionals from throughout the industry to help us carry out this significant undertaking.”

The implementation of the five-step plan has included the following key components.

Merck Animal Health Advisory Board Formed in August, the Merck Animal Health Advisory Board is comprised of representatives from packers, large, medium and small cattle feeder operations, cow-calf producers, veterinarians, academia and industry consultants. In addition to helping the company maintain an open dialogue on animal well-being, beta agonist use and related matters, the objectives of the Board include: • Review all available animal safety and well-being research data on Zilmax • Review the existing Zilmax Quality Assurance program (ZQA) and make recommendations, as needed • Provide input on the certification and scientific audit processes; and • Review and provide guidance on best management practices for using Zilmax The advisory board has provided input on, reviewed and approved all initiatives in support of the plan.

Certification Process To help further ensure safe and effective product use by customers, a formal certification process has been developed. As part of the certification, every feedyard team member, nutritionist and veterinarian who uses Zilmax or provides consultative services on feeding Zilmax to cattle must be trained annually on the proper use of the product.

The training will focus on safety practices, product handling, mixing protocols, cattle management, product inventory, record keeping and clean-out procedures. Every certified operation will also be required to pass an initial homogeneity test to ensure proper mixing practices, as well as four additional feed mix tests throughout the year. Before a feedyard can participate in the Zilmax Field Evaluations, the operation will need to be certified.

Merck continued on page 42...

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

We have a ‘Design’ ... with the ‘Right Kind’ in mind!

40TH ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE Tuesday, MARCH 11, 2014 At the Ranch • 1:00 P.M. MST lunch 11:30 A.M.

110 Red Angus Yearling Bulls 60 Red Angus Yearling Heifers Featuring sons & daughters of Right Kind, Hobo Design, Camelot, Conrad, Sting and Tradesman.

Brian Loosli • 208-317-7878 www.loosliredangus. com blloosli@gmail.com

Sale broadcast live at:

The Right Kind U199

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

41

...Merck continued from page 40



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

920 Acres - Custom-designed ranch home, 3650 sq. ft., furnished. Caretaker home, guest home, equestrian facilities.

Pivot irrigated cropland and pasture. Ponds offer good duck hunting. Private location just 1 hours from Sun Valley Resort.



690 Acres - Nestled in a private, peaceful valley at the end of the road with quality improvements for cattle & horses, just 30 minutes from Sun Valley. Call for details on improvements.

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652 Acres - Nice farm/recreational property irrigated with pivot and wheel lines. 4600+ square foot home plus a 4685 square foot garage/shop and a second home.



464 Acres - Scenic river ranch with views of the Sawtooth mountains with 1 1/4 miles of Salmon River running through the property. Many recreational opportunities. (Stanley)



281 Acres - Hay, pasture, good water rights, new pivots. Will run approximately 200 head, nice improvements.



Dairies - Several 1200-5600 animal unit dairies!

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Zilmax Field Evaluations In addition to implementing the certification process, the company has also worked with its Advisory Board to develop and finalize the protocol for the field evaluations for Zilmax-fed and control cattle (previously noted as “scientific audit”), which are expected to begin in Q1 2014.

• Observing cattle throughout the system­—before and after receiving Zilmax—at the feedyard and at the packing plant • Evaluating the mobility of cattle by trained third-party experts utilizing an established mobility scoring system • Reviewing potential compounding factors, such as nutrition, transportation, receiving facilities, flooring surfaces, and cattle management and handling practices The field evaluations will take place with the oversight of a well-known independent epidemiologist and veterinarian, who will serve as principal investigator and collect all data, analyze results and publicly communicate findings in support of the company’s commitment to transparency and communication.

“We at Merck Animal Health remain highly confident in the safety of Zilmax, which is supported by the results of more than 30 studies, totaling 65,000 cattle that were conducted by wellrespected universities and third-party experts,” says Dr. Varma.

“We believe the field evaluations we are conducting as part of the five-step plan will support the results of previous studies and the safety of the product, and we are confident that they will help create a greater understanding of the best management practices that are so vital to helping ensure the well-being of cattle.”

For additional information about the Five-Step Approach to Ensuring Responsible Beef, please visit: www.merck-animal-healthusa.com/news/2013-8-13.aspx.

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Panel Defines the Need to Harmonize Trichomoniasis Regulation and Testing Procedures

My

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease in cattle with significant economic consequences to beef producers resulting from infertility and embryonic loss in cows and heifers. Bulls are the carrier of this disease, but show no outward signs of infection. There’s no treatment for infected bulls, so diagnostic testing of bulls before exposure to females plays a crucial role in managing trich.

To control trich within and across state lines, states have regulations to help producers and veterinarians comply with health requirements.

Unfortunately, there’s wide variation in these defined regulations and testing procedures among states, which causes confusion, additional handling of animals, and varying diagnostic test results, according to Jeff Baxter, Senior Product Manager, Life Technologies, who spoke at the 2013 United States Animal Health Association’s Annual Meeting in San Diego, Calif., this past November.

“Finding common ground on the harmonization of trich regulations and testing procedures would help beef producers economically by eliminating repeated or unnecessary testing and reducing the danger to animals and handlers,” said Baxter. “The primary goal of our conversations with state veterinarians is to build confidence with all stakeholders that the best diagnostic testing technology is being used to accurately identify trich-positive bulls. Defining the need for regulation harmonization and testing is the first point of clarity in this conversation, accomplished in hosting this event. The next step is to find common ground with those states open to building consensus on points of agreement. Working closely with state veterinarians, cattlemen’s associations, and their respective state diagnostic labs can help us arrive at solutions based on sound science that economically benefit beef producers.”

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NCBA advocating for regulation harmonization Kathy Simmons, DVM, chief veterinarian of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), said the association’s membership has directed the leadership to help facilitate the harmonization of trich regulations between states. She said NCBA recently compiled information on the various state trich regulations, determining 50 percent (25 states) have regulations.

Simmons said these varying and everchanging rules between states make compliance difficult for veterinarians and producers, who often plan cattle testing and movement in advance.

“Harmonized state trich regulations for the ICA Line Rider, January 2014

interstate movement of cattle would facilitate cattle movement at the speed of commerce,” Dr. Simmons said. “Well-defined, thoughtful, and mutually accepted testing procedures for trich between adjoining states could eliminate redundant testing procedures and reduce the danger to animals and handlers from repeated or unnecessary testing.”

According to Baxter, individual state trich regulations often define which testing procedures are accepted. Most states accept culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results. Typically testing is done either by collecting up to three cultures during a threeweek period, or by providing a single culture for real-time PCR testing.

“Certainly, conducting one real-time PCR test, as opposed to collecting three cultures, is easier, less invasive and less dangerous for the animal and handler,” added Baxter. All 25 states with trich regulations have validated the use of PCR as an officially accepted diagnostic test. Because of better technology improvements in the overall laboratory workflow, some states have taken the next step in defining PCR as the only official test allowed for compliance.

“We need our diagnostic labs to use these workflow procedures to ensure we’re getting back the very best tests results possible. And most importantly, we need to keep increasing veterinarian and producer awareness about the economic impact of trich with the goal of keeping everyone vigilant in managing this disease.”

Baxter said Life Technologies is excited to collaborate with all stakeholders in the beef industry to open the dialog on the need for harmonization of trich regulations.

“It’s clear from these conversations there is a movement to find common ground for

developing consistent trich regulations, sample handling and testing procedures across states with the goal of building confidence in the testing process among veterinarians and producers,” concluded Baxter.

Practicing veterinarian calls for testing standardization From a hands-on perspective, practicing veterinarian Jeremy VanBoening, DVM, Republican Valley Animal Center in Alma, Neb., shared his insight being on the front line of dealing with varying state trich regulations, accepted testing procedures, and a wide array of recommended samplehandling procedures for trich. Beginning in 2008, trich cases in Nebraska noticeably increased for about two years, prompting the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association to discuss how best to protect its members’ herds, resulting in the implementation of state regulations for trich.

VanBoening has discovered great variability in recommended sample-handling protocols among state diagnostic laboratories.

Labs varied on whether or not samples needed to be incubated, whether or not to put on ice, how the samples are shipped, and the labs’ preferred collection media. VanBoening says standardizing lab recommendations for sample collection and handling would greatly improve the quality of samples submitted for testing.

“States also need to come to agreement on adopting only the best diagnostic testing technology available, which I believe is quantitative PCR, using chemical analysis and internal controls,” said Dr. VanBoening.

ICA Line Rider, January 2014

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