Idaho Cattle Association LIne Rider June 2014

June 2014

CattleWomen Issue – The Idaho Rancher’s Wife ­­­– Interpreting Forage Quality Tests – CowTown, ID 83864: Sandpoint

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

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ICA Line Rider, June 2014

June 2014 CattleWomen Issue

F E AT U R E S

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Day in the Life...of an Idaho Cattlewoman The Idaho Rancher’s Wife

Idaho cattlewoman Allison Eliason shares her family’s ranching story through blogging and social media.

16 Meet Your Board Members

Learn more about the Distrct Representatives serving on the ICA Board of Directors this year.

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Summer Round-Up Schedule & Speakers

Make your plans now to attend ICA’s mid-year meeting.

More details inside.

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Interpreting Forage Quality Tests

UI Extension Forage Specialist Glenn Shewmaker highlights information found in forage analysis.

NEWS 6 Student Scholarship Winners

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ON THE COVER “Skip a Rope” Photo by Anita Pratt 2nd place Cattlemen Experiences 2013 ICA Photo Contest

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS President’s Perspective..................................................................................... 2 Executive Message.......................................................................................... 4 CattleWomen Council...................................................................................6 Natural Resources..........................................................................................8 Feeder Focus................................................................................................10 Idaho Beef Checkoff News........................................................................... 14 CowTown, Idaho.........................................................................................20 Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission.......................................................22 News Makers................................................................................................24 Cattle Calendar............................................................................................28 Tending the Herd......................................................................................... 30 ICA Membership.........................................................................................32 Breeder & Service Guide.........................................................................34-35

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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE 2

ICA Board of Directors

Conservation vs.

Preservation

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

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reetings, fellow bovine enthusiasts, I hope your summer is progressing nicely; cows up on summer pasture or hopefully on their way. Some of you might even be putting up hay, or at least thinking about it. Hopefully you have all made plans to attend Summer Round-Up in Idaho Falls and have filled out your profile for the Idaho Cattle Association Centennial Book.

It seems there is a lot of news these days about conservation and how it’s the only way to save “insert species of choice, or area of choice.” I don’t know about you, but I’m a little tired of this false premise. The main problem that I have is, most of the time many of the options are preservation—not conservation—minded.

Take the Boulder White Clouds, for example. The Boulder White Clouds are very beautiful, scenic, wild, majestic, free...the list goes on and on. But, left off that list in most cases is a very vital and productive part of many ranchers’ operations and livelihood. Why is it that one of the main reasons for helping conserve this area is now being shoved aside in the effort to preserve it?

Many ranchers in that area could have sold their land years ago to developers, for considerably more money than they make off running livestock. So, why didn’t they?

They are conservation minded; they want to continue their legacy of protecting and enhancing this place they call home. Ranchers don’t want to stop all use—whether it is for recreation, hunting, or livestock Most ranchers have no problem grazing—they are not preservationists. adjusting their grazing management The preservationists to help with conservation efforts, but want to turn back most preservationists think the only the clock. They love what they see, grazing management that can work is but almost always continued reduction of grazing. forget to include in

— Jared Brackett the management what made the area. Ranchers.

Preservationists see a wild and beautiful place, and their first thought is how to keep it just as they first saw it. Unfortunately, this is a false thought process. Everything changes, and will never be the same as it was yesterday, a year ago, a hundred years ago; just as it will not be the same tomorrow, next year, or a hundred years from now.

Most conservationists and ranchers are accepting of change that improves the resource and continues to adjust for the ever-changing conditions on the ground.

If there is a fire, they adjust their grazing. If there is a drought, they adjust their grazing. If there is excess forage, they adjust their grazing. Most ranchers have no problem adjusting their grazing management to help with conservation efforts, but most preservationists think the only grazing management that can work is continued reduction of grazing.

Take current battles that are being fought over slick spot pepper grass, sage grouse, bull trout and many other species. What do they have in common? It’s the difference in how they are managed, conserved and preserved. Are we trying to use preservation to keep what is there the same, or are we using conservation to improve what is there? The reason preservation will not work is because we cannot control every aspect of what happens on the range.

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.........................(Kimberly) - (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

Committee Leaders

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

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

a day in the LIFE... of an Idaho Cattlewoman

by Julie Kerner

Our ranch encompasses a cow-calf, yearling operation and custom feedlot in southwest Idaho. Bruce and I both were raised on livestock ranches here in Weiser, so our industry roots run deep. Our children have been very active and involved in the ranch and feedlot, with both girls developing registered Angus and Hereford herds. Our son, Sam, prefers to “run grass calves,” but still competes with his steer at the Washington County Fair. Shane will be a senior at Kansas State University, majoring in animal science. Dana will be a senior at Weiser High and is currently narrowing her college choice, and will major in animal science, as well. Sam, a fifth-grader, focuses on building forts, football, hunting and following in his Dad’s footsteps.

When asked to write a narrative of a “normal” day here, I randomly picked a Tuesday in May. It occurred to me as I wrote out the day, each day finds its own rhythm, but all the days flow because of the purpose and passion our family lives.

5:45 a.m. – Up with a pot of coffee, Magnificat and quiet time.

Much needed before the day begins.

6:30 a.m. – Kids up and going. Sent them out to feed show heifers and 4-H steers. Breakfast, lunches, homework signed… only two more weeks of “school schedule”! Put a roast in the crock pot for supper.

7:45 a.m. – Up to feedlot to weigh and ship two loads of heifers and steers. Rode pens while crew finished up shipping and paperwork. Brought down two steers to scales for the local butcher to harvest.

It’s definitely a family affair at Kerner Cattle Company.

Wife, mother and cattlewoman, Julie, helps vaccinate calves.

11:00 a.m. – Back to my office to make payroll tax deposit, check balances and get a receivables deposit ready for the bank. Made calls for the upcoming Weiser River Cattle Association Turn-out Golf Tournament. Emailed Jodie Mink sponsor logos.

11:45 a.m. – Picked up the feedlot crew for lunch at the Farmer’s Co-op Café. Dropped by the bank with a deposit.

Picked up a part at Hollingsworth’s for the swather.

1:15 p.m. – Checked cows and salt in three pastures.

2:00 p.m. – Helped load bulls to be Trich tested at the vet clinic.

3:00 p.m. – Headed to town to pick up Sam & Willie for guitar lessons. Stopped for Twisty Cones at Jeb’s for snacks. “Lucky Number Tuesday” at Bi-Mart—always need toilet paper on Tuesdays! Won a package of beef jerky, which Sam had half-finished before we turned down our lane.

4:45 p.m. – Home for chores and start supper. Homework finished. Did I mention only two more weeks of school?!?

Answered phone and email messages. Dana will finish preparing supper while I head to play for Confirmation Mass practice in Fruitland at 6.

9:15 p.m. – Home from practice. Read with Sam as we are in the middle of Lincoln’s Last Days. Prayers.

10:00 p.m. – Read the Idaho Statesman, talked about today’s highs and lows with Bruce, and made a plan for tomorrow. Finished the night with Magnificat and thanks!

Note: Are you interesting in writing for our new Day in the Life feature? We’re looking for ranchers, agency personnel, allied industry representatives, feedlot owners, and more. Email maggiejomalson@mac.com or call 208-674-1283 for more information.

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

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EXECUTIVE MESSAGE

Faith in Your Fellow Man

by Wyatt Prescott Executive Vice President

“I don’t know whether Bud was a religious man, but there was nobody with as much faith in his fellow man,” said Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter about industry champion Bud Purdy after his recent passing.

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hese retiring words really stuck with me. No other words could more precisely illustrate my perception of Mr. Purdy. I only had the opportunity to know him the last four years, but in that time, I always aspired to be more like him. From the day I started at ICA he never mixed words, but seemed to always place his faith in me, regardless of how green and inexperienced I was.

I have thought about this faith in our fellow man a lot since Bud’s passing. How can I have more faith in my colleagues, and how could all of society benefit from this attribute? My true challenge with this ideology is the fact that to some degree I have been losing much faith in society. It seems as though everywhere I turn, I see some latent undertone which I vastly disagree with. Drugs and international invasions are becoming commonplace, the 1st Amendment is completely disregarded when taken in the context of a private recording in one’s own home, and radical illiterates who don’t have an account for their own cattle are being painted as ranchers worldwide. My faith in our fellow beef community can even wane. The few issues we as an industry disagree on often cripple our ability to work together on the issues on which we do agree.

These “problems” of our dysfunctional beef family—and society—evolving away from our status-quo, are prime soapbox materials on which we constantly pontificate about the need for everyone to pull together. But maybe—just maybe—we are forgetting an important first step which Bud never seemed to: having faith in our fellow man. It seems to me that this kind of faith must be an inherent trait, one which can slip away from us if we don’t take the time to stop and think about all the good in our neighbors, and what this faith can do for society and business. Just the other day I read an article about a recent trend where entrepreneurs are investing in people, not businesses or ideas or people for their companies, but simply people who they believe can build something. Not financing or even startup capital, the common model is simply to invest $200,000.00 in exceptionally capable people with the only terms being that the investor will own a percentage of whatever the individual creates in the next two years. Now, that is faith in the human race! Simple, progressive and old school all the same, with immensely positive results.

Maybe if we had a little more faith in our consumer they’d have a little more faith in us. Surely not everybody thinks we are destroying the world and abusing animals.

There was recently an article that said the millennial generation—those born after 1980—has shifted eating habits from three square meals a day to continuous snacking, and the beef industry needed to move away from center-of-the-plate marketing.

Last month I had some meetings in Omaha, Neb., where we visited with some meat executives who cited Whole Foods’ wide spread success across the nation and how their model of local, natural and organic, combined with excellent customer service and experience, was the future. That same week, we visited an online retail meat company who, in my opinion, is in many ways the antithesis of Whole Foods. This company has been in business for more than100 years, and manages to sell select grade and noroll beef from all over the world for as much as $50/lb simply by putting it in a nice package and marketing the hell out of it. They, too, are growing faster than ever and are bigger than ever before. Just a little food for thought. I suppose we shouldn’t get too worked up over all of these “trends.” Folks are still going to eat. If we put some faith in our neighbors, maybe we will get a little faith back.

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June 2014

CattleWomen Issue

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

ICA Office

2120 Airport Way, P.O. Box 15397 Boise, ID 83715 Phone: (208) 343-1615 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 & Communications Director Britany Hurst, britany@idahocattle.org Administrative Assistant Michelle Johnson, michelle@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, June 2014

Keep Your Top Performers Make sure your employees understand their value

by Rodrigo Carranza, PeopleFirst™ senior business manager, Zoetis Managers can have the biggest influence on employee engagement.

It’s been said that employees typically don’t leave the company, they leave their managers.

So how can managers and owners focus on keeping employees motivated and committed to their jobs this year? Managers should ensure employees understand the vision and direction of the operation, business or veterinary clinic. This can help them feel like part of the team and give them a better understanding of how their role contributes to overall business success.

With that in mind, here are five things managers can do to help keep their employees motivated to excel: 1. Develop leaders Improving engagement begins with the leadership. Engaged employees are fully involved and enthusiastic about their work and committed to the organization’s goals and values. Show employees how they play a part in the overall success of the operation and health of the animals.

2. Invest in training Training helps employees feel like they have the tools and skills to do the job well. It also helps reduce frustrations, accidents and timely and costly errors. Without proper training, you’re risking more than employees leaving, you’re creating a liability.

3. Clear expectations It’s important for employees to not only learn how to do tasks well, but also to understand their role. Tie the day-to-day tasks of employees to a bigger cause. That will allow employees to be able to see very clearly how they can contribute and what’s expected from them at work.

4. Continuous feedback Balance constructive criticism and positive feedback. It’s just as important to provide someone with timely, corrective feedback as it is to recognize something good. Providing appreciation and criticism lets employees know their actions affect the company and can motivate employees to do the job better.

5. Communicate effectively Employees can get discouraged when they believe their ideas aren’t being heard. Communication can’t be one-way. Help employees feel valued by talking to them and listening to their questions.

Let them have a share of voice in the company.

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

Learning how to lead and motivate people is vital to the success of every manager and, ultimately, every business. Building trust and telling employees how they contribute to an organization’s success help to keep them devoted to their work.

Employees need to not only see the big picture but also understand how their role matters. The more your employees know how their work makes a difference, the more they’ll care.

For more tips to help develop your leadership, employees, operation or business, visit GrowPeopleFirst.com.

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

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CATTLEWOMEN COUNCIL

Bonded Together by Beef

by Robin Lufkin, ICWC Chairman

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The Idaho CattleWomen’s mission statement is to promote and am an Idaho cattlewoman. Are you? I am passionate about the educate about beef. One of our main projects each year is to raffle industry. Are you? As Cattlewomen we are a diverse group of a handmade saddle and give scholarships to some well-deserving people who are in the business of raising or promoting beef in some way. Some run their own business, some work in town to help students pursuing degrees in agriculture. ICW scholarships last financially on the ranch, some were raised in the business and others year were awarded to Darryl Kerby, Drew Gill, Valene Lickley and Sara Somsen-Fowler. In addition, the ICW manages the Simplot/ have come to it through marriage. Whether you cook for the crew, Western Stockmen’s scholarship, and Patxi Larrocea-Phillips was are the crew, or tend the kids for the crew, you are an important this year’s recipient. Find out part of the cattle business. more about these great beef Everyone’s situation is different, ambassadors on pages 6-7. but some things we all have in ICWC Membership applications are We appreciate Northwest Farm common are that we love the land available online at Credit Services for helping and support the livestock industry. www.idahocattlewomen.org. sponsor the saddle each year.

We’re all bonded by one thing— More information about the desire to continue the lifestyle and scholarships it is posted on the legacy. We invite you to join the www.idahocattle.org website.

Idaho CattleWomen Council by renewing your membership or The saddle this year is made by ICA member Matt Thompson joining us for the first time. We want to have you as members of of Shelly, and will be ready by Summer Round-Up for everyone to our organization and help us be the voice of the beef industry. see. If you would like to have the saddle at an event in your area, let We will be launching our new website this month either myself or the ICA office know and we will get it to you for www.idahocattlewomen.org and would love to have you check it that event. We appreciate your support in years past on the raffle out. Along with the history of the Idaho CowBelles and Idaho CattleWomen, membership information, recipes, and a beef store to tickets and hope you will step up this year and purchase them again.

We hope you can join us at Summer Round-Up this year, which purchase “beef swag”, the website features a blog portion. We hope will be in Idaho Falls June 24-25. As a cattlewomen organization, it can be used as a forum for you to tell us about your ranching life. we are going to be talking about budgeting, fundraising, and What’s going on in your area, what beef recipes you are cooking, upcoming projects and events. There are some important decisions why are you passionate about the livestock industry? We also want we are working on and need input from all areas. Because we only you to go like us on our Facebook page and send us pictures of ranching activities so we can post them there. meet a couple of times a year, these meetings are very important,

and we hope you will make the effort to join us.

Student Scholarship Winners compiled by ICA staff Darryl Kerby Darryl Kerby is finishing her second year at the University of Idaho, where she is studying animal science with an emphasis in pre-veterinary science. Darryl will be applying to Washington State University’s veterinarian program next year. She grew up raising beef cattle for 4-H and FFA, and has had experience in AI and cycle synchronization, the birthing process, treating newborn diseases, and raising cattle fit for consumption ranging from grass-fed

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backgrounders to grain-fed market calves.

After receiving her degree, Darryl plans to become a large animal veterinarian and would like practice veterinary medicine in Idaho, hopefully specializing in pre-natal and neo-natal intensive care, and be able to work towards increasing reproductive rates and decreasing birth defects in livestock.

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

Drew Gill Drew Gill is a junior at the University of Idaho, studying ag business with a minor in animal science. Drew is the fifth generation in his family to raise cattle, and has been raising cross-bred Hereford and Angus cattle since he was eight years old. Drew has spent his life working on the family ranch. Drew’s background in cattle has given him a passion for the industry, which will continue to be a huge part of his life. Drew plans to work in the Pacific Northwest after graduating from University of Idaho in May 2015.

Valene Lickley Valene grew up on a fifth generation farm and ranch in southern Idaho where her family has a commercial cow-calf operation. She is attending Colorado State University and is seeking a double major in animal science and civil engineering, with a concentration in soil and water. She has goals and aspirations of engineering ICA Line Rider, June 2014

for the agriculture industry, specifically engineering feedlots and dairies. Her extracurricular activities include the Collegiate Cattlewomen, Stewards of Animal Science and Society of Women Engineers.

With her involvement in these clubs and organizations, she has had the opportunity to expand her leadership opportunities by being the Collegiate Cattlewomen Vice President.

She was able to attend the International Livestock Congress, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association Mid-Winter Conference and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Annual Convention, which provided for great networking opportunities within the beef industry.

In her spare time, she enjoys helping her family move cows, riding and roping.

Sara Somsen-Fowler Sara Somsen-Fowler is a 22-year-old student at Utah State University majoring in animal science. She is a senior who will graduate in the spring of 2015 and plans to go on to veterinary school. She also enrolls in Farm Business Management Classes at Idaho State University in the winter.

Sara was raised in Rupert and is the fourth generation in a commercial beef operation, which has been in her family for more than 100 years. She chose animal science as a college major because she wants exposure to subjects which will help her with ranch management, as well as prepare her for her lifelong goal of becoming a veterinarian.

Sara is a member of the Utah State English Equestrian Team and serves as their Public Relations Officer. She spends summers and weekends working on the family ranch and for the Soda Springs Animal Clinic.

Frank “Patxi” Larrocea-Phillips, Jr. Patxi was raised on a cow-calf operation in Star, the son of Frank and Suzi LarroceaPhillips. Currently Patxi is a junior at the University of Idaho studying agribusiness and economics. He plans to use this degree as a stepping stone into graduate or law school.

Patxi is also heavily involved in organizations such as the Moscow Volunteer Fire Department and the Davis Student Investment Group, which manages a stock market portfolio for the College of Business and Economics worth more than $400,000.

Coming from a farming and ranching background where business decisions can make or break the family business, he felt that an agribusiness degree would benefit him now and in the future when he will return to production agriculture. Patxi also had the opportunity of completing an internship with the Idaho Cattle Association in the summer of 2013, which improved his knowledge about the beef industry and all of the regulation and polices affecting Idaho producers.

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NATURAL RESOURCES 8

Washington, D.C.: Why We Go ICA’s Continued Presence within the halls of our nation’s capitol ensure our ability to protect Idaho’s cattle industry.

by Karen Williams, Natural Resources Coordinator

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aving an innate love for our divinely created country and an invaluable lesson that can be applied across the spectrum of the history of its formation, I never cease to thrill at the national, state and local governance. experience of walking the halls in Washington, D.C., In April, I returned to our nation’s capital in the company of despite the fact that many in current leadership throughout all ICA officers and committee leadership. We typically time our visit branches of government often seem somewhat less than inspired. to Washington to coordinate with the Public Lands Council and I have represented ICA in our nation’s capital on occasion while National Cattlemen’s Beef Association meetings. We are able to the last three U.S. Presidents have been in office. The comparison meet with industry compatriots to coordinate on issues of mutual between the way we, and our messages, have been received by the importance, and while there we also set up our own individualized administration officials with whom we have met has provided an meetings with our congressional delegation and most importantly, interesting look into just how much with leaders of agencies whose policies and regulations the elections of our leaders directly both interfere with and govern the day-to-day Our experiences in impact our livelihood. operations of Idaho ranchers.

During the Clinton years, the As you may expect, there is never a shortage of issues Washington, though Department of Interior (DOI) was to discuss and problems to seek resolution to. The varied through the quite hostile to ranchers under the issue that dominated much of our meetings, due to years and presidents, direction of its leader, Bruce Babbitt, the recent rash of pressure from the environmental who made no secret of his disgust for community and the media, was the potential have reaffirmed how public lands ranching. A lot of bad designation of the Boulder White Clouds area in important it is to policies were instituted during this central Idaho as a national monument. Under the maintain working timeframe, of which our industry antiquated Antiquities Act of 1906, the president can is still feeling the ill effects. The unilaterally restrict use of public lands by designating relationships, in spite of transformations in the reception them as a national monument. In our ICA meetings political preferences. we received at DOI and across the with national BLM Director Neil Kornze, and USDA — Karen Williams Undersecretary Robert Bonnie, who we’re told has capital city after George W. Bush took office offered quite a contrast. the direct ear of President Obama, we stressed there Regardless of whether or not we is no consensus for a monument designation in agreed with the Administration’s Idaho, but rather far from it. We find no need for an policies, or lack thereof, we always found an open door for additional layer of bureaucracy on these lands whose management discussion of the issues and a sincere appreciation for our industry is already severely restricted to the detriment of the land and its amongst the political appointees. Under the Obama administration, users. Unfortunately, these high-level meetings did not offer us the we have been able to get through the doors and schedule meetings reassurance we had hoped for that this designation was not on the with high-ranking officials. Unfortunately, their listening ears are table. In fact, quite the contrary. We did receive commitments that also tuned to our adversaries. Consequently, achieving results from if considered, there would be opportunity for local input. How our discussions in recent years has been difficult. strong or weak those commitments are remain to be seen, we fear, While the marbled hallways and floor-to-ceiling murals at DOI in the very near future. are those I have frequented most when representing Idaho’s ranchers This was also the primary topic of discussion as we met with and the issues they face, I have observed that other departments each member of our congressional delegation and their staff who and agencies differ somewhat in their reception. It seems this is work on our issues. This personal connection with the members largely based on the personal convictions and attitudes of the and their staff gives us a direct seat at the table as laws concerning political appointees of each respective agency, which are usually in our industry are considered. Sage grouse was, of course, another key line with the Commander in Chief in general philosophical terms. topic for us in our meetings and we continued to stress the need The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for example, has for the federal government to defer to the state’s management plan. never rolled out the red carpet for us, which in itself is ridiculous, Management closer to the ground is always better. We also met with considering we are the ones carefully managing and conserving a the Director of USDA’s Wildlife Services to discuss our support for large percentage of our nation’s land and resources. predator control for sage grouse, and of the agencies wolf control Our experiences in Washington, though varied through the years efforts. and presidents, have reaffirmed how important it is to maintain continued on page 9... working relationships, in spite of political preferences. This is ICA Line Rider, June 2014

...continued from page 8 Regardless of the current President, or his political affiliation, we have learned through the years the need to stay as connected as possible. Our presence in Washington allows us to do that so, at a very minimum, we at least have a listening ear when trouble comes to call. And at best, these face-to-face meetings allow us a direct hand in proactively creating solutions to the problems and concerns faced by Idaho’s cattle industry.

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FEEDER FOCUS

Ditching the Rule

by Britany Hurst, Feeder Coordinator

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ate in 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the original environmental stewards, cattle producers go to released a report titled, Connectivity of Streams and Wetlands to lengths which extend beyond these permits to preserve our natural Downstream Waters: a Review and Synthesis of the Scientific Evidence. resources and protect and maintain the viability of the land and This report suggested that all bodies of water, regardless of size or environment. use, flow into or connect with larger waters, which flow into or The new WOTUS definition presents a far-reaching connect with navigable waters of the United States (WOTUS). interpretation of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy’s Based on this idea, the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers “significant nexus” test for determining regulatory power over (CORPS) released a proposed rule expanding the jurisdiction of waterways and wetlands. The proposal states that all waters the Clean Water Act (CWA) to all types of waters. In fact, the only within a floodplain or riparian area are jurisdictional, but lacks bodies of water specifically excluded from the EPA rule expansion a clear definition of floodplains and riparian areas, leaving the are swimming pools and koi ponds. interpretation of such up to the “best professional judgment” of Since its passage in 1972, the CWA has been tremendously regulators. The proposed rule allows the agencies to group “similarly successful in preserving America’s most valuable natural resource. situated” waters together to create a “significant nexus,” and gives Millions of miles of rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands, estuaries authority to the agencies over any water adjacent to jurisdictional and ponds are cleaner and functioning appropriately thanks to waters. The only problem being, “adjacent” is also very loosely the CWA. However, the parameters of this expansion far exceed defined. This liberal approach translates into inconsistencies in the original intent of the Act. Congress repeatedly used the term compliance and enforcement. “navigable” when establishing jurisdictional limits of the CWA, For the first time ever, ditches are included in the proposed making clear the CWA was not intended to regulate all waterways. rule to widen the net of the CWA. This includes irrigation ditches, Fortunately, EPA and the Corps cannot regulate what Congress storm water ditches, and roadside ditches. While EPA maintains refuses to regulate, and twice that ditches are not included in this rule, now Congress has denied the small print only excludes “ephemeral It is the goal of the beef passage of the Clean Water and intermittent ditches.” Again, we see Restoration Act, which would very wide-ranging definitions, left up to the community to reach 10,000 have removed “navigable” from judgment of EPA and Corps enforcement comments opposing the EPA rule the CWA. officers. Even though EPA and Corps have before the Oct. 20 deadline. As There are many problems said that agricultural exemptions exist under with the expansion in the the proposed rule, they have failed as of yet you spread the word through proposed rule. First of all, to give producers the certainty they need to media outlets, use the hashtag expanding the rule means more know that naturally occurring stock ponds #ditchtherule. permits for food producers and and ditches will not need permits. businesses, and permits cost As an organization, ICA encourages money. An increase in permitting means it will cost more money all cattle producers to cooperate with agencies and acquire and for each of you to produce food for the world, and those additional maintain the necessary permits for your operation. As a community, expenses are going to be reflected at the super market. In order for we are committed to protecting our natural resources, and rely the expansion to be justified, EPA and the Corps must collaborate heavily on clean sources of water for our animals and our land. Each with states and local communities to ensure that the cost of the of you spends a great deal of time, money and resources to preserve program does not outweigh the benefits. Many Congressmen, the environment. Unfortunately, federal agencies are already doggieincluding Idaho’s delegation, rightfully assert that EPA has grossly paddling through water permits, unable to keep up with what underestimated the negative economic impact this rule would bring they have. Making more permits mandatory will only add to the not only on producers, but on society as a whole. backlog, thereby making it even more difficult for the agencies to This leads into the second problem, which is a total lack of monitor and maintain clean water. proven benefits of expanding the rule. In fact, EPA issued the ICA will issue comments on this rule before the Oct. 20, 2014, proposed rule before the scientific review of waterway connectivity deadline. A link for submitting comments is available on our was complete. Furthermore, each of you already has numerous website, www.idahocattle.org. If you have any questions regarding permits from various state and federal agencies, including the this rule or the comments, please contact me by phone at the ICA Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Idaho Department of office, 208-343-1615, on my cell at 208-860-9716, or by email to Environmental Quality, and EPA, which makes more permits as a britany@idahocattle.org. I am looking forward to seeing each of you result of the extension of the CWA wholly unnecessary. Moreover, at Summer Round-Up! ICA Line Rider, June 2014 10

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ICA Line Rider, June 2014

11

The Idaho Rancher’s Wife The ranch from the wife’s perspective

story by Maggie Malson photos by Allison Eliason

L “There are a lot of things I have learned while I have been a rancher’s wife. Some have been from my own experiences and some have been from fellow ranch wives.

I guess the most important thing I have learned is to just live it and love it!”

— Allison Eliason

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ast April, Idaho Cattlewoman Allison Eliason started sharing her family’s ranching story on her blog, www.theidahorancherswife.com.

Her passion for the industry is evident, her storytelling engaging, and she’s not afraid to share the good, the bad—and sometimes funny—stuff the ranching life sends her way.

Sharing their story Eliason was finding she spent a lot of time outside on the ranch with her husband, her kids and her camera.

“I had been capturing lots of photos of the family branding cattle and all the work we were doing on the ranch,” she says. “I didn’t just want the photos sitting on my computer, so I decided I would share them and our ranching lifestyle with others.”

Eliason recalls one of her first blog posts about a very dusty day branding.

“We showed up in time for lunch and stayed just long enough to know I made the right choice to be the rancher’s wife (take care of The Rancher’s kids... and laundry) and not the rancher wife (eating dust with the rest of ‘em),” she says.

“It ended up being so dusty they had to quit early,” she adds. “The cowboys couldn’t catch anything, and when they did it was hard knowing which brand to put on. Even once they figured that out they had to be careful to make sure it was just the calf that got branded and not the crew!”

At first, Eliason didn’t think much about the blog, but as she began to journal stories and share photos of days on the ranch, her excitement for blogging grew.

“I love ranching so much,” she says. “And this lets me get out on the ranch, be creative and do a little PR work on behalf of our family. It’s developed into a way to be an Agvocate.”

Eliason says what she enjoys most about blogging is the learning she’s doing.

“I enjoy writing and journaling,” she says. “I’ve been trying to learn more about web design so I can have something that appeals to readers. And I’m always trying to improve my photography skills.”

Some of the challenges Eliason has found is wanting to reach the people who don’t know about or understand ranching.

“We hang out with other ranchers, so I’m trying to figure out how to reach a different part of the population.

“I am so passionate about it, and I want everyone to have chance to see ranching firsthand,” she adds.

Allison captures photos of every day ranch life, including husband, Brayden, and their son, Mason, after a day in the hay field.

Ranching together Growing up on a seedstock operation near Drummond, Mont., Eliason always knew ranching was in her future. She met her husband, Brayden, while she was attending college in Provo, Utah, and he was in school at BYU-Rexburg.

After finishing school and getting married, the couple came back to be fourth-generation ranchers with his family’s cow-calf operation, Eliason Livestock, in southeast Idaho.

“I’ve always been a country girl at heart,” says Allison, who loves being outside, working alongside her husband and knowing their children, Mason, 4, and Paige, 1 1/2, have wide open spaces to run and play.

“Our kids were born to be ranch kids,” she adds. “I think their first words were ‘moo’ and ‘cow’. They love being able to go work with Dad, too.”

Brayden says his favorite place to be is working on the ranch.

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

“He comes home from a day of fencing—dirty, sunburned and tired, but still says it was a good day because he was able to build a straight fence,” she adds.

It takes many hands to get the work done on this family operation, which includes Ken and Kristy Eliason, Brayden’s parents, and his grandparents, Don and Carol. In addition, Brayden’s four younger brothers have grown up helping on the ranch. Three of them attend college while the youngest is a junior in high school.

The family is a member of the Idaho Cattle Association and the Curlew Valley Cattle Association. Ken serves as a District V Representative on the ICA Board of Directors. Their cow-calf operation utilizes both private land near Holbrook, Idaho, and Locomotive, Utah, as well as public lands in the Curlew National Grasslands. Eliasons have dealt with a lawsuit with Western Watersheds Project, and grazing permit issues in the past.

“ICA supported us through all of that, and that is why it’s important for us to stay involved with the association,” Eliason says.

With all that family around, there is never a shortage of opportunities for stories and photos to be shared on the blog.

“Grandpa Don really likes the blog and follows it,” Eliason says. “He tells me what photos to take and share. He likes that I’m documenting the family’s history as well. Brayden’s younger brothers like to help me too, as they are really part of the social generation.”

Advice to others Eliason offers advice for others wanting to share their story online: 1) Start somewhere.

We all have a picture in our minds of what we want our blog to look like. It might not start out exactly like what you want, but you have to just get started. It doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

When I first started, I posted a link to my blog on Facebook and I was really scared no one would read it. Then another mom shared it, and it made me proud. That led me to write more. Taking the first step—writing the first post—is the hardest. But it gets easier, and you can improve it along the way.

2) Find what you do well.

My strength is blogging. There are other social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I had a hard time getting started on Twitter, but now it’s been another way for me to share about my blog. Maybe you don’t have time to upload a bunch of photos and journal, but you could post one photo to Instagram or tweet about what you’re doing on the ranch that day.

3) Be part of a social media community.

I have found others in the ranching community who are telling their story. I share about their lives, and in turn, they share what I’m doing. We help each other. In the process, we also learn new things. Being part of an online community who shares similar goals and values helps us be stronger together. We can reach more people than just one of us working alone.

4) Be authentic.

Sometimes you want to say what you think people want to hear because you want to paint a positive picture. But you have to be authentic. Do what you say; say what you do. For example, things we do on the ranch, like branding, may not make sense to those who don’t understand why we do it or the process. Explain all the facts about it, be open to telling why we do what we do.

To read more about the Eliason family and their ranching adventures, visit Allison’s blog at www.idahorancherswife.com. You can also find her at facebook.com/allison.eliason, twitter.com/IDRanchersWife, instagram.com/idrancherswife# and pinterest.com/aeliason1.

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

The Eliason Family.

(L-R) Clayton, Hannah, Eric, Nathan, Kristy, Ken, Quinn, Allison, Paige, Brayden and Mason.

Kristi Ellis photo

“10 Lessons I Have Learned as a Rancher’s Wife.”

Here are a few tips I have figured out along the way…

Reprinted from TheIdahoRanchersWife.com.

1. You must always consult the cowboys when you are picking your due date (like you can really decide what day you are going to give birth, right?!). You should never have babies during calving, branding, spring turnout, haying, fall gather, weaning, or preg checking seasons.

2. Once you do find an acceptable time to have a baby (or you have come to some compromise to manage having a baby in the midst of the chaos) expect to hear 9 months worth of cow pregnancy related jokes. I wish I had a buck for every time I heard The Rancher tell me he was bringing the chains, just in case.

3. Cowboys work much better on full bellies. It is in your own best interest to learn how to feed the masses. It should include meat and potatoes. Always.

4. There are days that The Rancher has to leave the ranch for some project, but is absolutely sure that he will be back in time for lunch.

I still send him with the lunchbox. Fate has it that when I do send a lunch they will be home on time for lunch. But when I don’t, everything goes wrong and it turns out to be a long and hungry day.

5. During the busy season (which could be ANY day), your Friday night date might just be a tractor ride or a ride through the cows. And he does appreciate that you are there for more than getting the gate for him.

6. “Never do something once that you don’t want to be asked to do again.” That advice was given by my mother and mother-in-law. One didn’t want to be the one to milk the cow (even though she grew up on a dairy) and one who didn’t want run the swather. Both brilliant women!

7. When you go out with the cowboys, be sure to load your horse in the trailer last. That means you will unload first, giving you enough time to be on and ready so that you don’t get left behind.

8. If ever you get yelled at while you are out helping, it is a sign of real love, not the lack of. He is yelling at you to save your life, so don’t take the time to make him say it in a nicer way or to say please.

Just do what he says.

9. The faithful ranch dog is more than just a dog, and therefore is entitled to privileges, including riding in your car, coming in your house (both happen no matter what condition he is in), and having a place to sit with the rest of the family on the already squished 4-wheeler. And just face the fact that he will be in at least one family picture (you just don’t have to put that one up on the wall).

10. Always keep one cowboy around the ranch because destiny will have it that when your best helper is 3, the cows, horses, bulls or chickens will get out. It’s likely that with them all being gone they have taken all of the 4-wheelers too and all you have left to chase animals with is the riding lawn mower.

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IDAHO BEEF CHECKOFF NEWS

Your Beef Checkoff Dollars at Work byTraci Bracco, IBC Executive Director

Coming Soon to Theaters Nationwide James Moll, an Oscar ® and two-time Emmy® winning filmmaker, has produced a feature-length documentary titled Farmland about the next generation of American farmers and ranchers. Opening in select theaters nationwide May 1, Farmland profiles farmers and ranchers in their twenties, most of whom have assumed the generational responsibility of running the family business.

“I make documentaries because it’s a thrill to explore new topics and meet people that I might not otherwise cross paths with,” said Moll. “While making Farmland, I found myself immersed in a community of some of the most hard working, passionate people I’ve ever met. This film isn’t just about what it’s like to be a farmer— it’s about a way of life. It’s also a subject that affects our lives daily.”

Farmland was funded by the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA). This group was formed in response to movies and books like Food Inc. and Fast Food Nation, which warned consumers of factoryfarmed ground beef. USFRA decided to contribute to this project as part of our ongoing effort to foster and support open dialogue between interested consumers, and farmers and ranchers. USFRA is funded in part by the Beef Checkoff along with other leading agribusiness groups.

Farmland opens with sweeping visuals you’d expect—swaying wheat fields and weathered barns. The documentary follows the lives of six young farmers and ranchers—including a Texas cattleman—who all share a belief that their profession is misunderstood.

“Most people have some sort of idea, maybe from television or something, that there’s bulldozers and tractors, just clouds of smoke going and destroying ground and destroying habitat,” says Sutton Morgan, a farmer who grows onions in California, in the film. “But they don’t understand that our environment, which is our ground, has to be in good condition; otherwise you can’t be a successful farmer.”

In another scene of Farmland, Kris Loberg and her son David are on their knees in the mud, looking for any sign that their seed in their fields have germinated.

The documentary shows some of the grittier aspects of farming and gives today’s consumer a first-hand look at how their food is raised. For more information on the film, or to watch the powerful trailer of the movie, visit farmlandfilm.com.

Influencing Nutrition Thought Leaders The Idaho and Washington Beef Councils teamed up in Spokane on April 7 for this year’s joint state conference of our Academies of

14

Nutrition and Dietetics. The group of 400 professional registered dietitians was targeted by the Beef Checkoff as nutrition thought influencers. On April 6, a pre-conference tour was arranged for 35 dietitians who were given a unique learning experience on the Rathbun Angus Ranch in Moses Lake. Environmental impact, cattle nutrition and handling, resource use and land management were all discussed. At the conference, beef council personnel were on hand during the trade show to discuss the nutritional benefits of beef, as well as the latest protein research to support beef ’s role in a healthy diet. Kim Stackhouse, Director of Sustainability Research at NCBA, gave a well received keynote presentation on the latest body of research benchmarking the progress of beef ’s improvement in production efficiencies and sustainability.

Dietitians learning about what cattle eat.

June Events Will Excite Consumers About Beef Want to see your Beef Checkoff at work? Here’s your chance.

Beef will once again be the main attraction at the Boise Ironman Triathlon on June 7. From the on course race signage, to the Beef Recovery Zone where athletes will enjoy beef sliders, to the more than 75 athletes competing as part of Team BEEF, your checkoff dollars will be in action all throughout the race.

continued on page 15...

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

...continued from page 14 On June 19, the Idaho Beef Council will hold its annual BBQ Boot Camp in conjunction with KIZN (Kissin 92) radio station. At this hands-on educational boot camp 100 consumers will learn about all things beef—from how to grill the perfect burger and steak, use rubs and marinades, to how to navigate the retail meat counter and the beef choices available to today’s consumers.

To learn more about any of the checkoff-funded programs described above or how each $1.50 collected through the beef checkoff program is put to use in both national and state-level programs, please feel free to contact the Idaho Beef Council office at (208) 376-6004 or visit us on Facebook.

Annual B•Bar•B Production Sale with Joe Wolter Sale Date: June 21, 2014

100 95 PHOTO: PATTI HUDSON

75

Joe and 5 of his guys will spend 7 days prior to the sale at the ranch working with approximately 25 head of colts. The ranch will be open to spectators June 19 & 20 for daily charge of $25.00

25 5

SALE at 1:00 PM BBQ at 12:00 PM (MST)

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For Information Contact: Katie Breckenridge katieb@bbarb.com ~ Sale Horses listed at www.bbarb.com 208.788.4424 PO Box 685 Picabo Idaho 83348

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MEET YOUR BOARD JASON ANDERSON, DISTRICT III Director Jason Anderson is a first-generation cowcalf producer from Jerome, where he has been ranching for nine years. Jason chose to raise cattle so he could be involved in the industry he loves, work hard, and have a role in feeding the world. Being a part of the beef community “makes me feel like a person,” Jason said, “it makes me feel like I’m not a taker, but a giver. It makes me feel alive and worthwhile.” Jason loves all steps in the process of raising cattle, especially breeding and genetics, and co-owns Snake River Bull Test and Rocky Mountain Ultrasound. Jason and his wife, Stephanie, have four children who also love spending time with the cattle and horses. This is Jason’s final year as a District III Representative on the ICA Board of Directors, after which he will have a bit more time to spend with his family, hunting, fishing, and eating steak.

STAN DOWTON, DISTRICT IV Director Stan Dowton was raised in the Pahsimeroi Valley on a beef cattle ranch. His greatgrandfather, Walter Dowton, came to the Pahsimeroi Valley in 1918 from California, and the Dowtons have been there ever since.

Stan is the fourth generation in a line of cattle producers. He and his wife, Trish, have been married for 23 years, and have two daughters, the oldest of which just graduated from Montana State University with a degree in agricultural education. The younger of

16

Get acquainted with the District Representatives and Directors serving the ICA membership this year. compiled by ICA staff the two is also attending Montana State University, studying elementary education.

Trish has worked the ranch beside her husband, and the couple raised the girls to work with cattle as well. “It’s a good life, and we provide a good product for consumers. We take care of the land so it provides for us and our livestock, and we need to get this message to the general public,” Stan said. He has spent his time on the ICA Board of Directors as a District IV Representative advocating just that. In his free time, Stan practices his favorite hobby; team roping. He has a practice pen and a few steers on the ranch, where he can easily enjoy team roping with friends.

JOE DANIELS, DISTRICT V DIRECTOR The cattle industry “has been my life’s joy and happiness,” says Joe Daniels, who serves on the ICA Board of Directors as a District V Representative. Joe was raised on a cattle operation in the Daniels area near Malad, in Oneida County, named for his grandfather, Daniel M. Daniels. Joe is the third generation of Daniels to raise cattle, and operates his ranch with his son, Corey, who is the fourth generation.

Joe and his wife, Euarda, were high school sweethearts, and after marrying raised six children on the ranch. They have 29 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Joe has a degree in agricultural economics from Utah State University, and still enjoys walking through his herd and becoming

acquainted with each cow and calf.

He works hard to increase membership in ICA, and educate local residents about the reality of sage grouse and the relationship grazing has to sage grouse habitat. In his spare time, Joe enjoys golfing with his sons, and is always looking for ways to serve in his community, his church, and with Malad High School activities. Before serving on the ICA Board of Directors, Joe served as an Oneida County Commissioner and as director of the Eastern Idaho Pumpers Association.

WADE SMALL, DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE Wade Small was raised on a growyard and yearling operation in Klamath Falls, Ore., one link in a four-generation legacy of cattle producers. Since his childhood, Wade has been devoted to the cattle industry, which he says consumes the majority of his time both personally and professionally. However, what drives him is the ability to implement breeding and management decisions that improve the quality of beef.

“Producing a product that I can be proud of, in an industry that provides a great way of life and positive environment for my family,” is where Wade’s passion comes from. Wade serves as a Director at Large on the ICA Board of Directors, and is employed by Agri Beef, Co. He and his wife, Cara, have two little girls and ranch in Mountain City, Nev., where they raise purebred Charolais cattle.

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

One Hundred

years

of

2015

ur

e

1915

fe e

t d in g t h e f u

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

102nd Annual Convention and Trade Show July 16-19, 2015 ~ Boise

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

17

Idaho cattle association

Summer Round-Up Schedule of events Tuesday, June 24th 8:00am

Registration opens, Hotel on the Falls

Wednesday, June 25th 7:00AM

Registration opens, Hotel on the Falls Coffee, juice, and doughnuts brought to you by

9:15AM 8:00AM Cattle Industry Symposium and Lunch Market outlook | Ranching for profit

9:00AM

Jim Robb, Livestock Marketing Information Center Dave Pratt, Ranch Management Consultants, Inc

Risk management 101 Brett Crosby, Custom Ag Solutions

Exploring the layout of the political landscape John Freemuth, Boise State University

10:30AM

Ranching for profit

Cow-calf & purebred assembly Learning from the past: What you Can do to Safeguard your Grazing W. Alan Schroeder, Schroeder & Lezamiz Law Office The Inevitability of Presidential Monument Designations

1: setting the stage 2: the secrets for increasing profit 3: what do the numbers mean?

Are State Lands Grazing Fees On the Rise?

Feeder assembly Brazil, FMD & the Idaho feedlot Dr. Bill Barton, Idaho State Department of Agriculture

3:30PM

Implants and growth promotants Dr. Wade Nichols, Merck Animal Health

4:30PM

noon

1:00PM

Consumer preference meat demo Jerry Tingy, Associated Foods

rangeland monitoring Tour Hotel on the Falls

7:00PM

Discuss rangeland issues and history as you enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful vistas of Harriman State Park and the upper and lower Mesa Falls. Discussions will include ISDA’s new monitoring program designed to certify permittees’ rangeland monitoring efforts.

Cattle baron’s bash Snow eagle brewery 9:00PM

Lunch on the tailgate Hotel on the falls

Beef quality assurance Billy Whitehurst & Sharon Williams, University of Idaho

5:00PM

Beef sustainability National Cattleman’s Beef Association Environmental issues update Britany Hurst, ICA Feeder Council Coordinator

Cattlemen’s late night Hotel on the Falls

For Hotel Reservations Call

Hotel on the Falls

1:30PM

J.R. Simplot Memorial Golf Tournament Pinecrest golf course

6:00PM

Idaho cattle save the planet dinner Pinecrest golf course

208/523-8000 Rooms available at the rate of $89 in the ICA block

18

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

Ica summer round-up Speakers Jim robb, livestock marketing information center Jim Robb is the Senior Agricultural Economist at the Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC), and for 19 years has served as the Director. He has written over 1,000 research reports, articles, and newsletters on a variety of marketing and economic topics related to the livestock industries.

Dave pratt, Ranch management consultants, inc Dave Pratt is one of the most sought after speakers and respected authorities on sustainable ranching in North America.

His programs, which include the Ranching For Profit School and Executive Link, have benefited thousands of families and millions of acres.

Brett Crosby, custom ag solutions Brett Crosby is partner and co-founder of Custom Ag Solutions, an economic consulting firm specializing in research and education projects in the ag sector. He has over 16 years of experience working with farmers and ranchers on a variety of economic projects.

Dr. John freemuth, boise state university John Freemuth is Professor of Public Policy at Boise State University. His primary academic interest is with the public lands of the United States. Currently his work gravitates towards puzzling out the relationship between science and public policy as it relates to issues surrounding the public lands.

Alan Schroeder, Schroeder & Lezamiz law offices, llp Alan Schroeder joined Schroeder & Lezamiz Law Offices, LLP, in Boise in 1990; previously practicing law in Western Washington since 1986. He provides legal services to, among others, ranchers dependent upon public land use, involving grazing permit renewals, modifications, and transfers, and involving any related litigation at the administrative and federal court levels.

Dr. Wade Nichols, merck animal health Wade T. Nichols is Senior Technical Services Manager for Merck Animal Health. Dr. Nichols’ key areas of focus are in field trial research, growth physiology, nutrition, meat science issues, anabolic technology, feed-grade products, and economic and management issues in the U.S. cattle industry. Dr. Nichols has helped develop and implement several business-management programs for cattle producers including the Feedyard performance audit.

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

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H Sandpoint

CowTown, ID 83864: Sandpoint

by Jack Filopowski

S

andpoint sits on the western shore of Lake Pend Oreille. Before the changes brought by settlement and industry, surrounding valleys were heavily forested with dense stands of cedar, hemlock and white pine. The moist forest extended up the mountain sides and ridges eventually transitioning to spruce and alpine fir up to the timber line, at about 6,000 feet. Only the lower elevation, drier south and west slopes were somewhat open under a canopy of large Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir.

Sandpoint is located at a natural geographic crossroads in an area of two mountain ranges, the lake and the rivers. The broad valley northwest of the lake narrows in all directions as you move east and west along the river canyons or north and south through the valleys between the mountains.

The geography forms an “X” pattern with Sandpoint at the hub. It was and is a transportation crossroads, then and now; then for the land and water trails used by the natives for trading and movement between hunting grounds, and now for the railroads and highways.

The earliest inhabitants of the Lake Pend Oreille region included the people of three tribes—the Kootenai, Kalispell and the Coeur d’Alene. On Sept. 9, 1809, the Canadian explorer and fur trader David Thompson of the Northwest Company of Montreal, on his quest to find the source and trace the course of the Columbia River, came to the shores of Lake Pend Oreille and built a trading post called Kullyspel House.

Lake Pend Oreille is large, with a surface area of 148 square miles. It is 43 miles long, and 1,150 feet deep in some regions, making it the fifth deepest in the United States.

Its main tributary is the Clark Fork River flowing from the east. The lake empties into the Pend Oreille River which flows west and then north to eventually meet the Columbia

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River in British Columbia, very near the In 1892, a second transcontinental U.S. Canadian border. A French Canadian railroad arrived, the Great Northern. Its first fur trader in Thompson’s party is believed agents were L.D. Farmin and his wife, Ella to have given the lake its name. The words Mae. The Farmins’ bought rights to 160 “Pend Oreille” are French for an ear-hanging acres along the west edge of Sand Creek, and or pendant. Ear pendants were characteristic after “proving up” on homestead property, of the Kalispell tribe. The lake is shaped platted the City of Sandpoint in 1898. In much like a human ear when viewed from addition, in 1907, a third major railroad the mountain tops or on a map. Today the crossed through the hub at Sandpoint. scenic lake has become a magnet for sport The Spokane International was part of a fishing, boating and water sports. The tourist transcontinental system that in combination industry has become an important part of Sandpoint and the greater Bonner county area’s economy.

In 1864 and 1869, charters granted by the U.S. Congress to the Northern Pacific Railroad granted large amounts of land on either side of the tracks to help finance a transcontinental railroad Bonny House. Bonner County Historical Society photo. across the northwest. In 1880, Northern Pacific Railroad surveyors arrived in the area of present day Sandpoint.

That same year, Robert Weeks opened a general store in a little settlement that was called Pend Oreille. By 1882, Northern Pacific began building the stretch of railroad that ran between Montana and the tiny community Hoffine haying. Bonner County Historical Society photo. of Pend Oreille. The settlement grew slowly over the next decade, with the Canadian Pacific and the Soo Line during which time its name was changed to tied the Pacific Northwest to the interior Sandpoint.

Canadian provinces and to Chicago.

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The combination of rail transportation and abundant timber drove the economy of the region for nearly a century. As loggers moved in from the over-harvested Great Lakes region, several lumber companies operated in the Sandpoint area from as early as 1896 to modern times. The lumber companies bought a large portion of the federal land grants from the Northern Pacific Railroad and built mills in Sandpoint and adjacent Kootenai. They clear-cut the forest, leaving little behind but burnt stumps and slash. The timber companies then marketed and sold most of this land, sight unseen, as lush green meadows with clear mountain steams to settlers back in the Midwest.

These “Stump ranches” were sold to many families who slowly cleared the tree stumps from much of the valley land. The new settlers, disappointed in what they found, nonetheless set to making their scalped, burnt-over land into productive farms and ranches. They cleared the slash and farmed around the stumps to grow their gardens and grass to pasture their milk cows. As time and means permitted the stumps would be blasted with dynamite and grubbed out with horses and axes. Dynamite was shipped to Sandpoint in carload lots each spring and the ranchers bought it by the tons. As the tillable land increased, so did the number of livestock and beef cattle. Farming and ranching became the third largest business in the area, behind lumber and railroads.

In the 1950s the “discovery” of Lake Pend Oreille as a sports fishery and in 1963 the development of Schweitzer Mountain Ski Area began to add a fourth dimension to the economy. People began skiing at Schweitzer as early as 1933, but it was Jim Brown who first promoted Schweitzer’s potential as a ski area. Jim had been skiing since he was 16 years old and when he traversed the Schweitzer and Colburn bowls he knew the slopes would make an excellent place for skiing. Jim was joined by Spokane residents Jack Fowler and Grant Groesbech in the early development of the ski area.

They generated the interest that awakened Sandpoint residents to the possibilities of the basin. On Nov. 30, 1963, the resort proudly opened with a day lodge and a mile long double chair lift. Today Schweitzer Mountain has become a full service regional ski destination with multiple lifts and many mountain facilities.

The earliest record of a cattlemen’s organization in Bonner County dates back to March 4, 1939. The main purpose of the Bonner County Protective Association was ICA Line Rider, June 2014

to offer rewards to help stop cattle theft and cooperation with the Sandpoint Livestock put a curb on illegal “black meat market Company. Old records show that banquets operators”. The next record is minutes of a and meetings were well attended with one meeting held in Jan. 1940 with 40 cattlemen banquette at Priest River having served 181 in attendance. The chief purpose was to people. recommend deputy brand inspectors to It was not until 1962 that the carry on inspections under Idaho law. It was organization was officially chartered as decided to establish six inspection stations a non-profit corporation in the State of around the county.

Idaho, operating under the name of Bonner Records show that in July of 1949 a County Cattlemen’s Association, Inc. One meeting was held to discuss reorganizing. of the purposes stated in the articles of A dues structure was set up and a monthly incorporation is “to promote and encourage meeting date was set. The name was the use of high quality bulls in Bonner changed to the Bonner County Cattlemen’s County cattle herds.” Later that year the Association. Francis McNall was elected the first president. Other notable names on the executive committee were Howard Thomason as Vice President and directors Jim White, Art Sphar, and H.E. Bergdorf. In 2014 Francis McNall continues to be a dues paying member of the organization. And he Lake Pend Oreille from Schweitzer. Jack Filipowski photo. continues an active roll in helping his children and grandchildren manage McNall ranch in the Grouse Creek area.

At the Association’s February meeting in 1950, 103 were in attendance. Speakers from the University of Idaho addressed topics on management and marketing. In March of 1950 the organization Bonner County Cattlemen, 1941. Bonner County Historical Society. started a bull grading program. In March of 1953 the Bonner County Cattlemen’s Bonner County Cattlemen’s Association, Association decided to affiliate with the Inc., sponsored the first annual Panhandle Idaho Cattle Association. Also at that time, Registered Graded Bull Sale. These bull sales due to a large number of stolen cattle in the continued until 1977. area, the cattlemen posted a $150 reward for The winter beef schools began in 1971. information leading to the arrest of anyone These beef schools have changed format stealing cattle. In 1955 dues increased five over the years but are still an annual event cents to cover assessment for the national co-sponsored by the cattle association and Meat and Livestock Boards on cattle sold University of Idaho Extension. The schools through public markets. These funds were are open to members and the public alike. used for beef promotion. Through the In 1994, the organization had numerous remainder of the decade, the cattlemen held members from neighboring Boundary annual banquets, began sponsorship of a County, due to the fact that the Boundary 4-H beef program, established a Cowbelles Sandpoint continued to page 23...

Auxiliary, and began a feeder calf sale in

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IDAHO RANGELAND RESOURCE COMMISSION

News From the Range

by Gretchen Hyde, IRRC Executive Director

I

n April, we lost a great leader—Bud Purdy. Bud was one of the founders and an inaugural IRRC board member. His vision for long-term educational programs set the stage for building programs, materials and public support of ranching in Idaho.

He understood the value of increasing both the awareness and the appreciation of the complexities of rangeland ecology and management. His contributions to putting the IRRC on course for long term success are immeasurable. Bud lead by example with the stewardship of his ranch and leadership of industry and educational groups.

Bud spoke his mind and shared his wisdom. His attendance at meetings and on range tours will be dearly missed.

The Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission was honored at the Best of 2013 Annual Idaho Press Club Awards ceremony in early May. The Life on the Range website swept the “Best Online Only Program-Public Affairs” category. “Ranchers and Wildfire” won first place; “Range Monitoring” won second; and “Ranching in a Fishbowl” with ICA’s President Jared Brackett won third. Each of these stories has been viewed and shared by thousands of people via social media.

Steve Stuebner produces these stories and Marc Morris is the videographer and editor. But the most important component to the success of these videos is the subject! The more ranchers tell

22

their stories, the more the public will support and understand the challenges of ranching in Idaho. It’s our version of “the rest of the story.” Thank you to all who have taken time to participate in this campaign. Look for more stories in 2014.

The calendar for this summer is filling up quickly. We will be sponsoring or hosting four teacher workshops, four rancher monitoring workshops and various youth camps. We will also be working with the Society for Range Management to host a two-day train the trainer workshop. If you have an interest in participating in youth education programs, please contact the IRRC. The demand is increasing while the resources are not. The IRRC always encourages your involvement and participation in programs.

Look for upcoming events, press releases, educational material and links and resources for ranchers on the www.idahorange.org website.

If you would like to get meeting notices and agendas delivered to you directly, please send an email to ghyde@idrange.org or call (208) 398-7002. IRRC always encourages attendance and input during their open meetings.

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

...Sandpoint continued from page 21 County organization was inactive. A decision was made to change the name of the organization to “Bonner-Boundary Cattle Association, Inc.” to recognize the larger geographical area of the membership.

The two counties are economically tied together by the north/south geography and transportation systems.

The Bonner-Boundary Cattle Association continues to be very active today. The organization has a dues paying membership of approximately 80. Annual fall and spring dinner meetings, and a summer picnic are held, as well as the winter Ag Seminar Beef School. The farming/ranching community makes a significant contribution to the diverse economy and culture of the land around the big lake.

Sandpoint grew where trails converged: the trails of native Americans, explorers, railroaders, loggers, ranchers and skiers. It is a RailroadTown, TimberTown, SkiTown and most definitely, a CowTown.

Rechnitzer, Paul. “The Railroads of Bonner County.” Bonner County Historical Society: Beautiful Bonner History and Memories Vol. II. Project Director Eva Whitehead. Marceline, MO: Walsworth Publishing Co., 2000. 147-149. Print.

Wood, Jim and Virginia. “Farming and Ranching

Hereford cattle grazing. Jack Filipowski photo. in Northern Bonner County.” Bonner County Historical Society: Beautiful Bonner History and Memories Vol. II. . Project Director Eva Whitehead.

Marceline, MO: Walsworth Publishing Co., 2000.

129-139. Print.

Article References: Davis, Ray. “A History of the Bonner County Cattlemen’s Association.” BonnerBoundary Cattle Association Archives. 1990. Print.

Gunter, Bob. “Sandpoint History Guide.”

Sandpoint and North Idaho History Guide. N.d.

Web. Jan. 9, 2014.

“History of the City of Sandpoint.” Welcome to the City of Sandpoint. City of Sandpoint. N.d. Web. Jan. 9, 2014.

“Lake Pend Oreille.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia. N.d.

Web. Jan. 9, 2014.

Nisbet, Jack. Sources of the River. Seattle, WA: Saquatch Books, 1994. Print.

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News Makers 2014 CALS Awards Honor Outstanding Faculty, Students, Alumni and Friends The University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences honored outstanding students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends during its recent spring banquet.

Michelle Ball, an agricultural education

major from Kuna, was named the college’s outstanding junior. She served as the college’s Student Affairs Council president, Sigma Alpha agriculture sorority president, and as Idaho FFA state reporter last year.

Dr. Bill Barton of Boise, who earned a bachelor’s degree in animal and veterinary

science in 1985, and serves as Idaho State Veterinarian, received a Distinguished Alumni Award. A member of the CALS Animal and Veterinary Sciences Advisory Board, he serves the American Veterinary Medical Association, Idaho Veterinary Medical Association, U.S. Animal Health Association, and National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials.

BLM Director, NIFC Award Prestigious Pulaski Award To Idaho Groups In a ceremony at the BLM Idaho State Office, BLM Director Neil Kornze joined Meagan Conry, chair of the National Interagency Fire Center Governing Board in presenting the Pulaski Award, an annual national award, to four Idaho recipients for their cooperative efforts to enhance wildland fire response in southern Idaho. Based on their commitment and effectiveness in 2013, their inaugural year, the Three Creek and Saylor Creek Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPA) will join the Twin Falls and Boise District BLM fire programs, both of which were instrumental in helping establish and train the associations, in receiving the award.

“These organizations are an excellent example of state and federal agencies working together to meet the challenges on the land,” Kornze said. “These RFPAs are extremely effective in helping the BLM respond to fires in remote areas and better protect lives, property and resources, including critical sage-grouse habitat.”

Conry echoed those sentiments. “The hard work and collaboration between federal agencies, local landowners and ranchers has created an outstanding partnership in wildland fire management,” she said. “Together the Saylor Creek and Three Creek RFPAs exhibited outstanding group performance in fire management and operations, safely. We hope such collaborative efforts will continue inspiring and informing new efforts across the country.”

The State of Idaho established and supports the RFPAs and the BLM trains them in firefighting tactics, operations and safety. The RFPAs enhance response to fire ignitions, particularly in remote areas, and on numerous occasions in 2013 worked alongside the BLM to contain fires before

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ICA Line Rider, June 2014

they became large conflagrations.

“Most importantly, everyone came home safely after each operation,” Conry said.

“This is a testimony to quality firefighter training, a commitment to safety, and diligent communications and teamwork,” A Pulaski is a specialized firefighting tool named for Ed Pulaski, who was credited with leading a group of firefighters to safety during the massive blowup of 1910 which burned approximately 3 million acres from north Idaho into Montana.

The Pulaski Award is given annually by the NIFC fire directors for outstanding contributions to wildland firefighting and America’s wildland firefighters. The award is a fitting achievement for the exemplary collaboration and outstanding partnership among the RFPAs and BLM. For more information on Idaho’s RFPAs please visit: www.blm.gov/id/st/en/prog/fire/citizens_ fighting0.html.

will provide Dawson and Lauren with experience that will benefit their education in the ag business and the cattle industry.”

Idahoan Serves as API Intern Paige Nelson, Rexburg, is the editorial intern for Angus Productions Inc. (API).

Throughout the summer, she is responsible

for contributing to the Angus Journal, Angus Beef Bulletin, Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA and Angus Journal Daily electronic newsletter. She will also work on the 2014 National Junior Angus Association/Angus Journal Photo Contest and attend multiple industry events. continued on page 27...

Idaho Cattle Association Selects 2014 Summer Interns The Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) has selected Dawson Lewis and Lauren Clark to serve as the organization’s summer interns.

Lewis grew up in Jerome, the son of Doug Lewis and Dawnette and Terry Hutchison.

He is currently a senior at Brigham Young University-Idaho studying agricultural business with a minor in animal science.

Lewis has been a member of a state livestock judging championship team, and has a deep passion for the beef industry. Lewis believes that beef education is the missing link between cattle producers and consumers, and strives to narrow that gap.

Clark is the daughter of Lee and Leah Clark of Eagle. She is attending Oklahoma State University pursuing a degree in agricultural business and marketing.

Clark served as the Idaho FFA Association Secretary from 2012-2013 and as the Oklahoma State Collegiate FFA Chapter Sentinel. Clark is committed to improving public perception of the beef community, and will focus on producer-consumer relations during her time as an intern.

“We are excited to bring on these two young and highly qualified individuals as interns with the Idaho Cattle Association this summer,” says Wyatt Prescott, Idaho Cattle Association Executive Vice President.

“Our team is confident this opportunity ICA Line Rider, June 2014

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Interpreting forage quality tests

by Glenn Shewmaker, UI Extension Forage Specialist

F

orage should be sampled to determine moisture and forage quality. Knowing forage quality allows allocation of forage to the proper class of livestock, and indicates nutrients shortfall or in excess of requirements. This article describes forage quality, how and why constituents are determined, and guides how to interpret forage quality tests.

There are sensory, physical, chemical, biological and instrumental methods for determining forage quality. All methods depend on proper forage sampling. Because only a small quantity is analyzed, the sample must be representative of the entire lot of forage. For more information on sampling forages, see Proper Sampling (Coring) of Hay Bales and Stacks and the Idaho Forage Handbook (BUL547) from the University of Idaho website.

Calculated Values DM - dry matter (%) is calculated as 100 - moisture content Crude Protein (CP) =Total N x 6.25 estimate of protein (% of DM) Digestible Crude Protein (DCP) =CP x 0.72 (% of total CP) Digestible Dry Matter (DDM) =88.9 - (0.779 x ADF) (% of DM) DMI - dry matter intake =120 / NDF (% of body weight) RFV - relative feed value index

=(DDM x DMI) / 1.29

Relative feed value index (RFV) is an index that ranks cool season legumes, grasses and mixtures by potential digestible dry matter intake.

Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) was developed by University of Wisconsin researchers to replace RFV. RFQ is more accurate in predicting forage utilization by animals, is more useful across different forage types such as grass and mixed hays, and provides more separation of forage value than the RFV index.

Forage quality evaluation and interpretation is a multi-faceted system.

Quality values are not absolute, and forage quality is not adequately described by any one variable. The National Forage Testing Association (NFTA) certifies the proficiency of laboratories for accuracy in testing hay and corn silage for dry matter, crude protein, ADF, and NDF. It is important to select an NFTA-certified lab so that variability due to analysis is minimized.

Web sites with information about forage quality: National Forage Testing Association: www.foragetesting.org and University of Idaho Forage Extension: www.extension.uidaho.edu/forage/ Note: For more information contact Glenn Shewmaker, Extension Forage Specialist, University of Idaho, Kimberly R&E Center, 3608 N 3600 E, Kimberly, ID 83341, 208-423-6678, gshew@uidaho.edu.

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Feed analysis reports contain the following information: Forage moisture content is used to calculate constituents on a dry matter (DM) and on “as received� or wet basis. Forages should be compared for their nutritive value on the DM basis.

Grasses typically have 4 to 16 percent crude protein (CP). Legumes have 10 to 25 percent CP depending on soil fertility, plant species, and plant maturity. If the test value is greater than 25 percent CP you should test for nitrates, and expect that some CP is actually non-protein nitrogen.

NDFD is a relatively new term that expresses digestible neutral detergent fiber (dNDF) as a percent of actual NDF. It is an indicator of how much of the total cell wall is digestible. Legume forages generally have lower NDF than grasses, but the NDFD in grasses may be higher.

ADF is fiber that remains after part of the digestible cell wall is removed with an acid detergent.

ADF is related to forage digestibility: as ADF increases, digestibility decreases.

TDN represents the sum of all digestible nutrients in the forage.

NDF is fiber that remains after part of the digestible cell wall is removed with a neutral detergent.

NDF varies from 30 percent NDF in fresh alfalfa to 60 percent in mature straws and tropical grasses. NDF is related to animal intake of the forage: as NDF increases, intake decreases.

Energy is not directly measured but is commonly predicted. Total digestible nutrient (TDN) is the best practical prediction of forage energy as properly determined (National Research Council, 2001) by a Minerals important summative to forage analysis equation include phosphorus developed at (P), calcium (Ca), the Ohio State potassium (K), and University. magnesium (Mg).

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

...continued from page 25 “Paige has barely started and is already making a significant contribution to the Angus Journal, with her first full-length feature in the May issue,” says Shauna Hermel, Angus Journal editor. “She’s enthusiastic about the cattle business and serious about supplying content to fill our members’ information needs. Being from Idaho, she adds a Western range perspective to our editorial team.”

Nelson was raised on a large commercial Angus cow-calf ranch in Idaho and graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-I) in December 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a minor in journalism. Since graduation, Nelson has pursued a freelance writing career and has been published by the Angus Journal, Post Register’s Intermountain Farm and Ranch Magazine and Progressive Cattleman.

“I know this will be a great opportunity for me to sharpen my skills as an agricultural journalist, as I will be learning from some of the best in the business,” Nelson says. “You don’t get more prestigious in the beef world than Angus.”

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Tending the Herd

Sen. Mike Crapo was born and raised in Bonneville County. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brigham Young University with a B.A. in Political Science, and went on to earn his Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude, from Harvard Law School. He served as a Senator in the Idaho State Legislature from 19841992, and as President Pro Tempore from 1988-1992. Senator Crapo has served in Congress since 1993, first as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives (19931998), and then as a United States

Senator since 1999.

He serves as the Ranking Member (lead Republican) of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee and as the thirdranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee. Because of Idaho’s vast natural resources, he also rejoined the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

Senator Crapo and his wife, Susan, have five children and five grandchildren.

Favorite cut of beef? Rib eye steak, bone in.

Favorite side with steak? Baked potato.

Bronco, Vandal, Bengal or Viking? All of the above and don’t forget the Yotes.

Favorite cowboy hero?

My heroes are the true cowboys, not the actors, many of whom still ride the range in Idaho, but if I were to choose a cowboy actor, my favorite would be John Wayne.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your years in public office?

In the mid-1990’s, Congress was able to enact the largest capital gains tax cut in U.S. history, slashing the rate by 40 percent from 28 to 20 percent. These, along with some other tax cuts on capital, helped to promote an economic boom that produced surging revenues. Congress then cut federal discretionary spending from 1995 to 1996 by 5.4 percent in real dollars from 1995 to 1996, after adjusting for inflation. In addition, Congress also adopted some entitlement reform. Specifically, the AFDC welfare program was terminated as an entitlement and sent back to the states with work requirements and federal financing in fixed, finite block grants. As a result, $200 billion annual federal deficits, which had prevailed for more than15 years, were transformed into surpluses by 1998, peaking at $236 billion by 2000. We had finally balanced the budget and begun the long process of paying down our debt.

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

What legislation are you working on now that will most heavily impact cattle producers?

I am co-sponsoring the “Preserve the Waters of the U.S. Act,” which prevents the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Corps from using draft guidance to change legal responsibilities under the Clean Water Act. It also prevents the Administration from issuing similar guidance in the future. I am also the lead sponsor of the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Enhancement Act, introduced with Sen. Tim Johnson. This bill addresses the critical need for veterinarians in rural areas of the country by making the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) tax exempt, thereby increasing the number of vets who can participate in the program without requiring additional funds from Congress. Additionally, I have consistently opposed administration budget proposals to increase the fee for livestock grazing on Bureau of Land Management Lands, worked with my colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee to urge progress for American beef (to ease age restrictions and normalize trade of U.S .beef to Canada, Japan, South Korea and other Asian markets) and co-sponsored the Superfund Common-Sense Act, introduced by Sen. Roy Blunt, which would clearly exempt manure and their nutrient components from liability and regulation under CERCLA laws. The bill would also eliminate any reporting requirements for livestock and poultry producers under CERCLA and the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) for manure emissions.

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

Public service has been a hallmark in my family from the time I was a little boy.

Both my parents were involved in the public sector, with my mom serving as a teacher and my dad as a local post master. As I grew up, I watched my brother Terry become a role model in his community and eventually get in to politics to serve the people of Idaho.

His spirit of service and ability to generate positive change deeply impacted me. The example my parents and Terry set led me to see the good that could be done in people’s lives and how I could play a small role in bringing that good about.

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

How can cattle producers effect change in the government?

I get asked this question quite a bit.

We all have our circle of influence—our family, friends and work colleagues. If you have something you believe in you should constantly be engaging your circle of influence and energizing them to effect change. Use your Christmas card list, your email contacts, your Twitter followers and your Facebook friends to share your message

and you will be surprised at how far it will go. I promise that those of us in the Idaho Delegation carefully listen and always appreciate the feedback from Idahoans.

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

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

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Snake River Livestock Lake Family Ranch Mussman Farms Mashelle Barlow Mark & Wendy Pratt Andrews Farms Frank & Cindy Bachman Dee Holland Keetch Dairy Lakeview Cattle Company Deary Ranch Knipe Land Brenton Howland Hyer & Sons William Kendell Shay Larsen Annie Martin Maxfield Ranch Tyrell McClain Brittanie Reid Taylor Smith Kodie Staub Ethan Young Larry & Gail Church Rolling A Farms Sutton Livestock W.T. Williams Hill Herefords Earl L. Bingham Ranch Phil Obendorf Dennis Cunningham Big Rock Cattle Company Allan Shupe Kurt Bird Stoddard Ranch Murdoch Ranch Fly I Ranch Judd Whitworth Kirk Egbert Rod Johnson Two Dot : Ranch Diamond A Livestock Thomas Ranch Alltech Rocking 7 K Cattle Mary Scott Elayne Hovde Patterson Land & Livestock Justin & Jodie Mink Nutritech Mogensen Land Lazy H Livestock WWW Cattle Co. Lundberg Realty Corp.

Douglas Ward Gersema Farms Weiser Veterinary Clinic Teacup Ranch Moedl Land & Livestock DN Ag Corporation Mathers Ranch

Bruneau Cattle Company King Hill Ranch Spring Cove Ranch Newport Laboratories Benton Glaze Weiser River Soil Conservation Jerry & Arlene Trebesch Jones Farm Cameron Williams John & David Banks Lester Barfuss Stephen Blaser Glen Christiansen Layne Hamilton Wesley Hamilton Carl Hatch Gary Hatch Jayson Hatch Brantley Hatch Todd Holbrook Roxie Hosten Gary Judge Loveland Family Trust Kevin McLain Shawn Oleson Rondo Perkins Wayne Perkins Darwin Josephson Craig Simons Shyrl Simons Dan & Lisa Stephenson Ralph Wheatley Crae Williams Perkins Family Rhitt Hamilton Chesterfield Land & Livestock Ford Farms South Mountain Ranch Southwest Hide Company Rance Butler Max Firth Davis Cattle Company Blackfoot Livestock Lazy DJ Ranch Spencer Ranch Salmon River Motors Darl Gleed D.L. Evans Bank Burley Ernie & Judy Robinson Ward Livestock Kevin Potter Flying A Cattle Egan Land & Livestock Cook Herefords Whittier Ranch Boehringer-Ingelheim 7 Rivers Livestock Commission Summit Business Solutions Kasel Land & Livestock Needles View Ranch Colyer Herefords

Gary & Gerrie Dickard Northwest Farm Credit Services Greg & Rita hall Diamond S Ranch JR Tree Custom Spraying Hansen Ranches John Bingham Adams Angus Acres Fort Boise Cattle Company Flying Triangle, Inc. Gardner Ranches Yantis Ranch Hayden Creek Ranch Snyder Ranch Rusty Nye Milkstool Ranch Sylte Limousins Ted Hanson OJJ Cattle Ranch Donley Farms Monty & Diane Weston Joseph & Jency Weston Brett & Nikki Weston Argora Ranch Second Cup Ranch John & Amy Ruhs Lowell Cerise Ron & Shellie Eliason J. Richard Ward Dixie Creek Ranch Mitch Royer Jack & Ava Rubelt C. Ray & Vickie Turnbull J.D. Aldecoa & Sons G+ Ranches DL Myklegard Frank & Cheryl McCall Mason Cattle Co. Jim Boyer Leadore Angus Addi Haskell Valley-Wide Co-Op Point Ranch Cattle Co. Metalmart, Inc. Orson & Donna Jo Zollinger McNall Shorthorns Kay Koeppen Wilson Creek Cattle Feeders M Cross Cattle Co. T. Lindsley Farms Hunter Moyles Idaho Wagyu Genetics D.L. Evans Bank Nampa Johnson Research/Double J Land and Cattle Western States Equipment Wood River Ranch

March 1-May 31, 2014

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BREEDER & SERVICE GUIDE

D.L. Myklegard Inc.

100% Made in the USA Livestock Identification Tags

“AT THE SIGN OF THE BULL”

Injectable Trace Minerals For Cattle

Dave Myklegard (208) 863-2996 • davemyklegard@gmail.com

FREE RANCH CATALOG (208) 345-3163 WWW.KNIPELAND.COM

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

No commission and no freight taken out.

Matt Stephenson Cell 208-680-3647

Charles Fuller

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

Cargill Beef

Formally BEEF PACKERS INC.

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ICA Line Rider, June 2014

BREEDER & SERVICE GUIDE “Ranchers Choice Sale” held last Saturday of February

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

Where Quality Comes First

Female Sale • Oct. 19, 2014 Bull Sale • March 16, 2015 www.malsonangus.com

ICA Line Rider, June 2014

Cattle”

Mark & Carla Malson 2901 SW 9th Ave. Parma, ID 83660 (208) 674-1079 home (208) 739-1059 cell Josh & Maggie Malson (208) 674-1283 home (208) 739-0725 cell Joe & Hannah Malson (208) 550-7251 cell info@malsonangus.com

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www. ba n k ofcom m e r ce . or g | 2 08. 523.20 20

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ICA Line Rider, June 2014