Idaho Cattle Association ~ October 2014 by Idaho Cattle Association

Official Publication

October 2014

Pre-Convention Issue – Breaking Records: Not Your Grandad’s Industry – Politics with Purpose – Make Your Vote Count – Opportunities to Thrive: Preconditioning calves

ICA Line Rider, October 2014

BRre c o r d s

NOT YOUR Grandad’s industry I d a h o

Cattle

Association

Annual Convention and Trade S u n V a l l e y N o v e m b e r 1 7-1 9 ,

Show 2014

The bull market we’ve seen during the past twelve months only comes around once in a lifetime. Every time we think it can’t go higher, it does—and breaks more records. $350/CWT calves is not your granddad’s industry. What drove the market here? And more importantly, what can we expect in years to come? Idaho’s cattle industry is continually evolving and progressing, and as cattle producers we must do whatever it takes to be prepared to participate. We are the first generation of this new cattle industry. Our predecessors did not face the same demands, nor did they reap the same benefits. We need to be at the table—not on the menu—in this time of high capital exposure and intense market volatility under our fervent regulatory climate. Join us Nov. 17 - 19 for the Idaho Cattle Association Annual Convention and Trade Show in Sun Valley. It’s a new generation in the cattle industry, and our opening session will set the stage for the week’s events. Greg Peterson, of the Peterson Brothers agricultural parody fame, will kick off the conference, followed by the Breaking Records Lunch. This lunch is a new addition to our traditional schedule, giving you more time to find out what is new within the allied sector of the industry. Feeders will participate in risk management strategies, and cow-calf operators will tackle photo range monitoring, sage grouse, and the looming threat of a monument designation. You won’t want to miss the Idaho Beef Council’s annual luncheon on Tuesday, which will feature Kevin Good, Senior Market Analyst for Cattlefax. After lunch, learn from wealth management professionals about how to diversify your assets beyond cattle, and the steps you need to take to keep Uncle Sam from taking hold of your hard-earned profits. You will want to stick around for Wednesday’s lessons on avoiding common investment mistakes, and an analytical view of the new political landscape postelection. A whole new frontier in the us. We will take you to the full advantage of industry anymore.

cattle business stretches out before forefront and give you the tools you need to take the changing territory. It’s not your granddad’s

ICA Line Rider, October 2014

Welcome Event Schedule Monday, November 17th

Tuesday, November 18th

9AM

OPENING BELL REGISTRATION

7:30AM

REGISTRATION

11AM

I’M FARMING AND I GROW IT

8AM

BAYER GRASS FUTURITY BREAKFAST

Tenacity, determination, and hard work. It’s not your granddad’s industry, but the same work principles can propel us into prosperity. How taking the initiative took this famed ag-vocate places he never thought possible. Greg Peterson, Peterson Farm Brothers

NOON

BREAKING RECORDS LUNCH & TRADE SHOW

1PM

COW-CALF & PUREBRED COUNCIL

1PM

3PM

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5PM 6:30PM

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7PM

BLM Update: Hear the latest on BLM’s sage grouse management effort and other public lands grazing issues. Tim Murphy, Director, Bureau of Land Management Sage Grouse and Grazing: ICA is helping to fund new, needed research regarding livestock grazing and sage grouse. Karen Launchbaugh, University of Idaho Monument Designation: Listen to a cross-section of affected parties about the potential impact of a national monument designation in Idaho. Cooperative Photo Range Monitoring: Learn solutions for Idaho’s public rangeland. John Biar, Idaho State Department of Agriculture

9:30AM

PRESERVING TOMORROW’S GOOD OL’ DAYS

11AM

COMMITTEE SESSIONS

NOON

FEEDER COUNCIL

Risk Management: You’re feeding cattle in a market with all-time record high prices. Explore how options could help you take advantage of the market’s upside while still managing your risks. Tyler Lund, Futures West Feeder Business Meeting

ZOETIS CATTLEMEN’S COLLEGE

How the industry has changed: Advancements in DNA testing. Tom Brooks, Senior Territory Manager Emerging technologies in the beef industry. Richard Linhart, DVM Carcass Value: the economic benefits of spring parasite control. Dr. J. Brad Morgan, Senior Food Safety and Enhancement Specialist

2PM

3:15PM

CATTLEMEN’S TRADE SHOW SOCIAL IDAHO SUPPER Enjoy a traditional Idaho supper, socialize, and place your bid in the auction. All proceeds help preserve and protect your industry.

5PM

Business session for cattle health and well-being, federal and state lands, marketing, private lands, and environment and wildlife committees.

BEEF CHECKOFF LUNCHEON PRESENTED BY THE IDAHO BEEF COUNCIL

The Beef Checkoff continues to build consumer demand. Find out how, and hear about the underlying trends and issues affecting producer profitability in the coming year. Traci Bracco, Executive Director, Idaho Beef Council Kevin Good, Senior Market Analyst, CattleFax

KEEPING YOUR PROFITS IN YOUR OWN HANDS Don’t let Uncle Sam take your profits. Become invincible to financial lawsuits and save thousands in taxes. GK Mangelson, American Society for Asset Protection

THE WORLD OF MARKET POLITICS

Beef demand is excelling in foreign markets, but what obstacles lie ahead? NCBA is making global access a possibility. Find out how. Kent Bacus, Associate Director of Legislative Affairs, NCBA

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5:30PM

D.L. EVANS BANK PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION

7PM

IDAHO AG CREDIT PRESIDENT’S BANQUET

Wednesday, November 19TH 8AM

ICA Line Rider, October 2014

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

LIVE AUCTION FUNDRAISER

CATTLEWOMEN COUNCIL MEETING CATTLEWOMEN BEEF TASTING SOCIAL

Wolf Control: pressure is mounting against the government’s efforts to control depredating wolves. Todd Grimm, Idaho Director, USDA Wildlife Service Owyhee 68 Overview: ICA continues to lead the charge against BLM’s efforts to diminish grazing in Owyhee County. Stay informed. Paul Arrington, Esq., Attorney Federal Issues Update: Hear the latest information on the Public Lands Council’s fight to preserve the cattle industry in the west. Dustin Van Liew, Executive Director, Public Lands Council Brenda Richards, President, Public Lands Council

4PM

BRINGING THE MARKET HOME

Learn how to diversify your assets beyond land and livestock and find out the top five investment mistakes and how you can avoid them. Ryan Smith, The Investment Prescription

JUST FOR THE LADIES 4PM

ICA will award the winners of the 2nd Annual Grass Futurity, the true cattlemen’s challenge. Come find out who had the best eye for cattle this year, and get entered for the next round.

9:30AM

NOT YOUR GRANDAD’S POLITICS

State of the state and Idaho’s changing political landscape. Scott Bedke, Speaker of the House, Idaho House of Representatives

October 2014 Pre-Convention Issue

F E AT U R E S

16 Breaking Records: Not Your Granddad’s Industry Details for the 2014 ICA Annual Convention and Trade

Show can be found on the inside front cover and page 1. Hotel accomodations and further info are on pages 16-17.

Politics with Purpose

Gov. Otter shares his passion for the people and land of Idaho. Learn more about his annual trail ride, his quest to preserve the West, and his future plans for our great state.

Make Your Vote Count

Opportunities to Thrive

With the November election quickly approaching, take time to read up on the candidates running for office. Dr. J. Benton Glaze, UI beef extension specialist, shares the importance of preconditiong calves for future success.

NEWS 5 Annual ICA Photo Contest 15 Reinforcing States’ Rights and Idaho Values 18 Wolf Predation and Livestock Loss Compensation 24 Tell How and Why Beef is Better 34 Beef Counts Program Feeds Hungry Children ON THE COVER “The View from Here” Photo by Maggie Malson

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS President’s Perspective..................................................................................... 4 Executive Message.......................................................................................... 6 Natural Resources..........................................................................................8 Feeder Focus................................................................................................10 Idaho Beef Checkoff News........................................................................... 12 Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission.......................................................14 ICA Membership......................................................................................... 19 Tending the Herd......................................................................................... 36 Cattle Calendar............................................................................................38 Breeder & Service Guide.........................................................................38-39

ICA Line Rider, October 2014

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE 4

ICA Board of Directors

President Jared Brackett....................... (Rogerson) - 208-731-0776

Opportunities by Jared Brackett, President

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

ow, how time flies when you’re having fun! It was pointed out to me the other day that my time at the helm is just about over, and wow—it feels like just the other day I started this gig. This same individual also was nice enough to rank my presidency as one of the best he had ever seen, due to my ability to raise beef prices to record levels. I’m not quite sure how to take that insight, but told him that I was just glad prices had not fallen off before he sold his calves. By now many of you have already marketed your livestock and were smiling until you realized that Uncle Sam is going to be smiling also. But there are worse things to be worrying about. The other day I got invited to go tour my neighbor’s allotment and see how the new range monitoring photo plots would be taken and handled by the permittee, ISDA and BLM. After watching the process and talking to all involved I was very pleased at how simple, yet I think very effective, this process will be. There will be a handful of permittees that will not use this tool, and I think they will be missing the boat. The most difficult part of the process was getting to and then finding the site. There were several different types of cameras used and each had their pros and cons, but in the end all you need is a camera, white board and marker. Yes, a digital camera with the ability to imprint a GPS, date and time stamp in the image is best, but certainly not required. It was nice to see not only our Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Rangeland Management people, John Biar and Brooke Jacobson, out in the field, but also our ISDA Director Celia Gould. I think that sometimes we take for granted just how lucky we are in Idaho to have such good people working for us and with us in the Department of Ag. It also showed just how committed they are to helping permittees with this monitoring process. So, what is the process you ask? Well its a couple of simple steps that I think will be very valuable for your operation down the road. First, you need to find out where the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) monitoring sites are in your allotment. Then take a trip out to these sites to determine if they are a properly placed site—not next to a water trough, historic salt ground, etc. Then a couple quick photos, a few notes about conditions; really dry, really wet, before grazing or after grazing, etc. After that you work with ISDA to make sure your information is recorded properly and sent off to the BLM to go into your file for the allotment. If you have a history of taking photo plots you can use these if they match BLM’s guidelines and protocol. Both John and Brooke are more than happy to help walk you through this process the first couple of years, until your comfort level with how it works is satisfactory. This program, in my opinion, is so easy and yet very effective in helping to tell your story on your allotment. This information will be critical when your permit renewal time comes. As the old adage goes, ‘a picture is worth a thousand words.’ So, in closing, please don’t be afraid to ask questions and try this program out. ICA has had and will have more workshops in the future to help explain this process and get you comfortable with it. For more information you can call the ICA office or John Biar at ISDA 208-332-8566. Well I’m off to make sure these record cattle prices stay up—it is after all a full time job. You can help out on your end, too, by making sure you get out and vote; we need to make sure good people are elected.

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, October 2014

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EXECUTIVE MESSAGE

Don’t Judge the Whole Pen by the Leppies by Wyatt Prescott Executive Vice President

have never been a religious football fan. Sure, I like the sport and find it entertaining to watch, but more often than not it seems as though those involved in the sport— the athletes, coaches, managers, etc.—turn me away. Instances from this year in the NFL are case-in-point, but it usually doesn’t take egregious events in the news to fester my distain for certain athletes and cause me to lose respect for the game. I have never liked the arrogance of some athletes; I gravitate to the more humble personalities, and those are getting harder and harder to find. It just bothers me—the dancing and celebrating and trash talking after a successful play is completed. Is that not their job? Is that not what they are getting paid to do? To intercept passes from the other team and successfully get the ball to their own end zone? You never hear about a surgeon spiking his scalpel and doing the cha-cha after a successful surgery. You never kiss your bicep after you outbid your neighbor on buying some feeder cattle. I hope. I categorically disagree with this kind of behavior. Compound these shenanigans with the multitude of domestic disputes, drug use and criminal activity of the multimillionaire athletes, and it makes me really question whether or not I really like football. Even worse, we enable their behavior by watching their games, thereby providing resources for them to perpetuate such lifestyles. Earlier this fall, a video surfaced of NFL star Ray Rice punching his wife, and that pretty much gave me my fill of professional football. What a lousy excuse of a human being, whose annual salary is roughly twenty times that of a neurosurgeon. This incident, of course, was just one of many elicit behaviors exhibited by these leppy footballers which our society adores. Similarly, I watched a documentary with this deep, dramatic story line about a first-round draft pick hurting his ankle his junior year of college. The documentary tried to draw empathy from viewers by saying that moment was the worst moment of this athlete’s life, but he overcame adversity to become a star running back in the NFL. Psh… they are calling that adversity? If that is the worst day of your life, you have it pretty damn good. My tolerance for society’s self-pity, and their waste of the simple opportunity of life has always run pretty low, and I have had my fill. Just when I thought that I wasn’t going to watch professional football again, I heard a story about a truly good person that some say is the fastest man in the NFL. Marquise Goodwin is a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills. He started his football career as an afterthought, playing for the Texas Longhorn, while focusing on track at the University of Texas. Marquise’s sister was born with cerebral palsy and all of his effort is attributed to his sister. He claims, “I feel that God put her in my life for this certain reason, to be my inspiration and keep me going.” While at Texas, he took an architecture course and designed a house for his sister and his family that is 100 percent handicap accessible. In 2012, he represented the Unites States at the Olympics in London, England. He was a favorite for the long jump, and Marquise was hopeful that a gold medal could help generate the resources needed to build his sister’s house. He had a disappointing jump in the Olympics and came up short. He returned to the United States and football, and was drafted into the NFL. Marquise now plays for the Buffalo Bills. He suffered an injury and has experienced one setback after another, which has kept him from building his sister’s house, but he continues to strive for it. You don’t hear about him in the news because in his free time, he’s not out beating women and acting like a thug. No, he is spending time with his sister because he would give all of his success up for the opportunity for her to walk and talk for just one day. I suppose at the end of the day, we simply can’t judge the whole pen by the leppies.

October 2014

Pre-Convention 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 Communications Director & Feeder Coordinator Britany Hurst, britany@idahocattle.org Membership and Productions Manager Dawn Schooley, dawn@idahocattle.org Administrative Assistant Michelle Johnson, michelle@idahocattle.org Policy Director Karen Williams, karen@idahocattle.org (208) 866-6438 Publisher/Editor Maggie Malson 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, October 2014

5th Annual ICA Photo Contest Quickly Approaching Grab your camera, print those photos and get ready for the 5th Annual Idaho Cattle Association Photo Contest. This is a creative way to help share your ranching story and win a little prize money to boot! We have some new categories and new rules, so be sure to read through everything. It’s never too early to capture the beauty of Idaho and the cattle and people who make it great! The photo contest takes place at the ICA Convention Nov. 17-19, 2014. Photos are judged by Convention attendees with a guest judge awarding the Best of Show prize. In addition to cash prizes being awarded, photos will have the opportunity to appear in future ICA publications and communications materials. The categories for the “Idaho Cattle” Contest are: Idaho Cattle: as the cattle business is the lifeblood of our association members, we want to see all those beautiful bovines— horned, polled, black, red, white, bulls, heifers, yearlings, calves and everything in between. Please include the breed of cattle in the title or description of your photo. Idaho Scenic Ranges or Pastures: images of landscapes, nature, sunrise/sunset or anything showcasing Idaho’s outdoor beauty. We are looking for a variety of seasons. Be sure and take photos throughout the year, capturing winter, spring, summer and fall scenes. Note: if you enter a photo in this category, please include the location in the title or description of your photo. We are looking specifically for a photo from each season to include in the ICA Centennial Book so submit your best as it may be chosen! Idaho Critters: images of other ranch animals—horses, working dogs, even an old barn cat or the chickens. Please include the breed of animal in the title or description of your photo. Idaho Cattlemen Characters: images of cattlemen and women in all aspects of life—family, children, babies, couples and relationships, rodeo sports, and the like. Important: be sure you have signed releases for any recognizable people in these photos. Idaho Cattlemen Experiences: action shots. Branding, roping, riding, feeding—all things cattlemen do. Important: be sure you have signed releases for any recognizable people in these photos. Idaho ‘Cattlemen Humor’: capture those comical moments on the ranch. It could be the kids in some silly game, a calf in some silly position or maybe the dog doing tricks. Historic Idaho Industry: images of the Idaho cattle industry depicting the early days. We are gathering photos for our centennial year, 2015.

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

150 Angus bulls & 40 Angus heifers 50 Hereford bulls & 20 Hereford Heifers 8 Red Angus bulls Selling Sons and Daughters sired by these breeding leading sires :

Sitz Longevity 556Z

Connealy Capitalist 028

CED+13 BEPD-.8 WEPD+64 YEPD+110 MEPD+17 CW+26 Marb+.49 Rib+.81 SC+1.24 $W+49.87 $B+74.34

CED+2 BEPD+2.2 WEPD+58 YEPD+108 MEPD+37 CW+30 Marb+.28 Rib+.55 SC+1.43 $W+48.47 $B+65.42

C Gohr 9158 About Time 1101 CCA Emblazon 702

CED+0.8 BW+2.6 WW+58 YW+86 M+28 Milk & Growth +57 SC+.7 RIB+.64 MARB+.06 CHB+$28

CED+15 BEPD-1.5 WEPD+59 YEPD+100 MEPD+23 CW+35 Marb+.53 Rib+.70 SC+.65 $W+52.14 $B+85.25

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

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

JBB/AL Herefords

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

Contest Rules: -All photos must be taken in Idaho. -All eligible entrants must be current members of Idaho Cattle Association. Photo contest rules continued on page 9... ICA Line Rider, October 2014

NATURAL RESOURCES 8

What Have You Done for the Land Jon Marvel? Ranchers care for the land every day, while so-called “environmental” activists are no more than sideline obstructionists by Karen Williams, Policy Director

n September, under the leadership of ICA President-Elect Carl Lufkin, ICA had the opportunity to host a media tour along the Lemhi River showcasing the conservation work that ranchers in the area have collectively accomplished. Their efforts yielded results in a big way this year as the Chinook salmon runs were the highest they have been in the Lemhi Valley since 1960. These fish have a seemingly impossible lifecycle as they travel to and from the Pacific Ocean. They face countless obstacles in achieving this miraculous journey. Virtually all of these challenges to the fish are beyond the control of cattle ranchers, and outside the scope of the land they own, manage or touch, yet it is most often the ranchers who must bear the brunt of the litigious attempts to remove their livestock from the land in the name of “saving” the species. In spite of this, landowners all along the Lemhi Valley have made management changes and have altered their irrigation practices to ensure that the fish have passage through the Lemhi River and along its tributaries. In visiting with the ranchers on the tour, it is clear that the motivation for such efforts has not been the threats made by activist groups. Rather, these men and women take great pride in their land and the habitat they provide for all species, both domestic and wild. The good thing about this news story is that there are measurable results directly tied to the conservation work the ranchers have done. Our tour generated a headlining front page Sunday story in one major state newspaper, a segment on a nightly news broadcast, and a surprisingly 100 percent positive news article from one of our harshest critics. However, not all of the efforts undertaken by ranchers to benefit the environment are as visible and quantifiable as this year’s salmon runs were. That doesn’t make them any less important. Across Idaho and across the West, cattle ranchers undertake efforts to benefit the land and the species that inhabit it. Fences are marked, rotational grazing systems are developed, open space is preserved, water is provided, and countless other actions are taken that benefit the environment. The very presence of cattle ranchers on the land and their associated stewardship ensures that it is being conserved—far better than any other alternative in which plants become overgrown, weeds develop, or the land becomes carved up in subdivisions or ranchettes, in which any native species are quickly crowded out. These things are done out of an inborn credo to just do the right thing. The ranchers on our tour were just as thrilled, if not more so, to watch the numerous salmon spawn on their private land or allotment as were the fish biologists. Often, conservation projects are conducted under the threat of litigation from activist groups, or the fear of the rigid and illogical requirements of the endangered species listing, but that is not the motivating factor. For the most part, ranchers want to do what is best for the land. They know that if they take care of the land, the land takes care of them.

It is most unfortunate, yet increasingly the case, when the restrictive, rigid hand of government regulation or anti-use activists force management changes that run contrary to common sense and to what ranchers know is actually in the best interest of the land and habitat. This particular issue sparked a side conversation I had while participating in the tour. The question was posed about the extent of Western Watersheds Project’s (WWP) involvement in the conservation efforts. As is always the case, WWP, an anti-cattle organization that has wreaked havoc for ranchers in the area for years in the name of saving the fish, has had no involvement in the actual ICA President-Elect Carl Lufkin shares conservation on-the-ground efforts by Lemhi Valley ranchers, which have helped yield the highest runs of Chinook Salmon since the work or collaboration 1960s. that resulted in bringing the large numbers of salmon back to the area. Rather than actually bringing about meaningful conservation, this organization, and others like it, choose to manipulate the processes of government to achieve their goals, which in actuality, have nothing to do with protecting land or wildlife and everything to do with controlling those who use the land. So in light of the fact that ranchers in the Lemhi Valley have brought back the salmon, and their counterparts in the cattle industry across the country take positive actions every day to protect and preserve the environment, I must ask the question: What have you done for the land, Jon Marvel? What have you actually accomplished that has resulted in positive on-the-ground conservation while enhancing the surrounding communities? Absolutely nothing. We know the answer to these questions, but perhaps the time is ripe to shed a little light on exactly what it is that extremists do, or rather, do not do, in the name of the environment. ICA Line Rider, October 2014

...Photo contest rules continued from page 7 -Photographs must be the property of the entrant and have been taken by the member. -A $5 entry fee per photo will be charged. (No fee for historic photos. If you have a number of historically significant photos that are of interest to the membership of ICA please contact ICA or mail copies of those photos with a description of the persons, place, date and events to the office.) -No limit to the number of photos you can enter. (NEW for 2014) -Photos may be in color or black & white. -Entries must be 8”x 10” or 11”x 14”. -Dates printed on photos are not permitted. -It is preferred that photos are matted for display. No frames. -Entries may be vertical or horizontal. Please remember vertical photos are used for cover images. -There will be cash prizes awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each category. In addition, an overall grand prize will be awarded for Best of Show and a People’s Choice award presented. -Contestants shall submit all photographs either by regular mail before or in person at the 2013 ICA Annual Convention. -ALL PHOTOS ENTERED IN CONTEST MUST ALSO BE PROVIDED IN JPEG FORMAT either via e-mail to maggiejomalson@mac.com or on a disk to the ICA office. Digital files must be at least 2400 X 3600 pixels at 300 dpi. -Entry Forms must be signed by the photographer and a separate entry form must accompany each photo. -All properly submitted entries will be judged and the winners of the contest will be announced during the ICA Convention and Trade Show. All attendees will be given one ballot for voting. Best of Show photo will be chosen by a guest judge. Entrants need not be present to win. -By entering images in the ICA Contest, you are giving ICA permission to use images as seen fit for use in ICA promotional publications such as: Line Rider magazine, brochures, Centennial Book, on the website and social media or other ICA advertising. Photo credit will be given to the photographer. ICA Line Rider, October 2014

-Contact the ICA office for forms or visit, www.idahocattle.org to download.

Happy shooting!

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FEEDER FOCUS

Gridlocked by Britany Hurst, Feeder Coordinator

ridlock. Bottleneck. Logjam. Whatever you want to call it, that is where we are at with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), who presented their proposed rule to expand their jurisdiction over water of the United States (WOTUS) back in March. The jurisdictional expansion has been a hot topic throughout all segments of agriculture, particularly in our industry, over the past seven months or so. As much as we are tired of talking about ditches, tributaries and ephemeral waters, the topic keeps coming up. Just this week, EPA extended the deadline for public comments from Oct. 20 to Nov. 14. This additional 25 day extension came in a statement in which EPA said it would not finalize the rule until EPA and the Corps has had the opportunity to review in full the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) peer review of the connectivity report. You know, the connectivity report that was announced about this time last year, which contains all the science behind this expansion. The connectivity report that is expected to be filed the middle of this month. A month ago, HR 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2014, sponsored by Representative Steve Southerland (R-Fla.) was introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives. The objective of HR 5078 is to block the EPA and the Corps from finalizing the rule redefining the agencies’ jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Idaho’s Congressmen, Representatives Mike Simpson and Raul Labrador, joined 118 of their colleagues—

including five Democrats—in co-sponsoring the bill. While the HR 5078 passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 262-152, including 35 Democratic votes, this issue is painfully stuck at an impasse. It’s no secret that when the House of Representatives and the Senate are held by different parties very little gets done. For years now we’ve seen this pattern, and it is frustrating to say the least. The likelihood of HR 5078 being considered in the Senate is slim, and the White House issued a preemptive veto threat before the bill was even presented for a vote by the House.

everyone. They even admitted, “[EPA] got the proposed rule wrong,” and insisted that every single comment submitted to the federal register would be made part of the equation. The problem with this conversation was that I did not leave it one bit comforted. Granted, I didn’t expect to, and maybe I’m jaded, but I couldn’t help but think they were telling me what I wanted to hear. Of course I absolutely agree that EPA got the proposed rule wrong. EPA took a watershed approach to redefining their authority under the CWA, combining several small areas to create jurisdiction over everything. For example, this new rule combines ephemeral and intermittent into one murky lump of regulation. Unfortunately, asking any regulatory agency for clarity is like asking Submit comments by the Internal Revenue Service if Nov. 14 through the something is taxable. And true to form, EPA has made the “clarity” as ICA website, expansive as possible. www.idahocattle.org Indeed, we can all agree that good things have come from the CWA. This expansion of power, however, increases regulatory uncertainty, creates additional expenses for both producers and consumers, and shifts The White House claimed the agencies the burden of proof to the landowner. followed a science-based rule making So, what does that mean? It means we process to protect water resources, and will still be talking about EPA’s jurisdictional President Obama’s advisors assured they expansion for another eight months, at least. would recommend a veto if the legislation June 2015 is the earliest a final rule could actually reaches his desk. Should this be released by the EPA and Corps, after actually occur, it would be President they wade through the comments posted Obama’s third veto since his inauguration in to the federal register, of which 215,000 2009. have been submitted to date. If you have At NCBA’s summer conference not yet submitted comments opposing in Denver in July, I met with Allison EPA’s land grab, please do so before the Weidemann, Agricultural Counselor to the Nov. 14 deadline. Comments can be Administrator at EPA. In other words, Gina submitted through the ICA website, www. McCarthy’s right-hand lady. With her came idahocattle.org. We need to make sure we Deborah Nagle and Hema Subramanian join together to tell the federal government of EPA’s Water Permits Division. All three to #DitchTheRule. women spoke to the dedication of EPA to develop a final rule that will work for ICA Line Rider, October 2014

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IDAHO BEEF CHECKOFF NEWS

From National to Idaho

A look at how a few National Checkoff Programs are used in our state byTraci Bracco, IBC Executive Director

he National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is one of many contractors that receive beef Checkoff funds from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. The NCBA carries out approved checkoff projects that fall under some of the six Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) categories which include promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing, and producer communications. Currently, the NCBA has more than 200 national programs currently underway. Some of these programs help us be more efficient with our in-state checkoff fund and allow us to leverage NCBA’s programs to enhance beef ’s image for our consumers in Idaho. Detailed below are three NCBA managed programs we can take advantage of in Idaho.

Beef on Ibotta The beef checkoff via NCBA has recently partnered with Ibotta, a free mobile app that pays consumers for their purchases via exclusive rebates at grocery stores, retailers and online shops to offer beef consumers a rebate on beef purchases. The program offers consumers up to a $1 rebate for Top Sirloin and up to $0.50 for ground beef purchases at Target and Walmart stores nationwide. Although most Target stores in Idaho don’t offer fresh product, Idaho consumers are able to redeem this offer at the many Walmart Stores statewide. The Ibotta app is available on Apple App Store and Google Play. Before redeeming the rebate, the consumer must first view a video designed to educate that consumer about beef. Advertising NCBA’s advertising team provides the digital advertising campaigns that are available for states to use in their yearly media plans. These campaigns, which are mostly used in an online capacity, target millennials who range in age from 18-34. NCBA provides states with different online tools including banner ads and pre-roll video and offer creative pieces for outdoor advertising.

Banner ads are strategically placed on heavy traffic websites such as KTVB.com and pre-roll videos are placed in videos such as those on YouTube. By NCBA designing advertising campaigns that are generic enough to be used by all states, it cuts down substantially on individual states’ expenses of production and design fees. It also allows for a more consistent message throughout beef councils. An example of a banner advertisement is included at the bottom left. NCBA also targets social media platforms including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. NCBA’s Facebook page has almost 900,000 followers and frequently shares visually topical posts around seasonal and holiday meal ideas and cooking techniques to engage fans and encourage interaction. The states are then able to take these posts and share them on their individual Facebook pages, resulting in more impressions and overall number of people seeing the post. FREE BQA Certifications from Sept. 1-Oct. 31 The Beef Quality Assurance Program is the national program that provides guidelines to cattle producers for beef production. In addition to educating producers about best management practices, it is also a tool to raise consumer confidence. When producers are certified, consumers can be confident that producers are using the best management practices to provide them the safest and highest quality beef. NCBA, in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI), is supporting the checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program by offering FREE online certifications this fall for producers who enroll from Sept. 1-Oct. 31. BIVI will pick up the $25-$50 certification fee for beef or dairy producers who are interested in becoming certified or recertified during this period. Visit www.BQA.org/team to take advantage of the open certification period. Idaho producers can utilize of the various BQA certification modules that are customized to fit the specific needs of each segment of the cattle industry—cow-calf, stocker, feedyard and dairy operations. The program covers best management practices such as proper handling and administration of vaccinations and other products, eliminating injection site blemishes, and better cattle-handling principles. For more information on your National and State Checkoff programs, please contact our office at (208) 376-6004.

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“My beef checkoff can help raise consumer confidence in beef.”

s d r a h c i R a d Bren

“The No.1 thing I wish all beef and dairy producers knew about the beef checkoff is the real value of our investment,” says Brenda Richards, a cowcalf rancher from Murphy, Idaho. “Just one dollar helps build consumer confidence that our beef is a safe, nutritious, wholesome product that fits any lifestyle.” In a recent nationwide independent survey of beef and dairy producers, four in five said the checkoff influences beef demand, and three in four said the checkoff contributes to the profitability of their operations and is there for them in a crisis. These findings might help explain why beef checkoff approval is at 73 percent – one of the highest levels in recent years. “The $1.50 checkoff we pay in Idaho is the greatest value on the planet today,” says Richards. “Imagine — my investment helps build consumer confidence and demand here in Idaho, across the U.S. and around the globe. I consider it a bargain!”

Brenda Richards Murphy, Idaho

My beef checkoff helps build demand for beef.

Visit

MyBeefCheckoff.com or the Idaho Beef Council at idbeef.org or call 208-376-6004. Funded by the Beef Checkoff

ICA Line Rider, October 2014

IDAHO RANGELAND RESOURCE COMMISSION

Life on the Range

Web series spreads positive stories about Idaho ranching by Gretchen Hyde, IRRC Executive Director

t seems like it was only yesterday that I got together with Steve Stuebner, a public relations and marketing consultant in Boise, to plan a new state-of-the-art website to inform and educate urban residents about the many positive things that Idaho ranchers are doing on private and public lands in Idaho. Five years later, the award-winning Life on the Range educational project seems to be one of the best things that IRRC has done to spread the word about ranchers doing exemplary conservation and stewardship work on private and public lands, but also about the challenges they face in times of strife. It sure beats a display ad in a newspaper or magazine. The bottom line is that the Life on the Range series, coupled with excellent media coverage of our stories and social media exposure, is reaching our target audience -- urban people who know very little about their rural agricultural neighbors -in a way that we weren’t able to reach them before. We’ve published 25 stories so far, including a story last year about ICA President Jared Brackett’s commendable work to run a cow-calf operation alongside sage grouse in the high-profile Jarbidge Resource Area, a story about wildfires threatening ranchers’ livelihoods, and a story about a recent University of Idaho graduate teaching his father how to properly set up range monitoring sites on their ranch and adjacent BLM and Forest Service lands. In the Idaho Press Club 2013 contest, those three Life on the Range stories swept the Online Media/Web Division, Best Online Only Program - Public Affairs division, with the fire story winning first

place, range monitoring second, and Jared Brackett story third. Steve writes and produces the videos, and his partner, Marc Morris of Avitamarc Productions, directs the video shooting in the field and edits the stories. Steve works closely with me and the Commission board members to select the stories we cover, and we always review the story drafts with our story sources to make sure they are A-OK. The Press Club judges’ comments on the Ranchers and Widlfires video: “Compelling work on an important topic, displaying a strong script and skillful use of photos, video, interviews, maps and documents. The ranchers’ interviews were particularly insightful, explaining, raising concerns, disputing and criticizing government agency actions and policies. The piece also explored possible solutions and was well-edited, with appropriate voice-over tone, music and use of natural sound.” I’m writing about Life on the Range (www. lifeontherange.org) in the Line Rider because we need your help to spread the word about the online project -- please share it with your friends! -- and help educate urban dwellers about what we do. This is an ongoing, crucial aspect of preserving our livelihood in Idaho. It’s great to have Steve working on the project because he understands natural resources issues as a former Statesman reporter and national freelance writer, but he’s also the personification of our target audience -- outdoorsy urban dwellers who head into the mountains nearly every weekend to go camping, hiking, biking, fishing, four-wheeling, rock-climbing, hunting, whatever. He understands how to present a story

so that it’s appealing and educational to the urban audience. And each time, it’s the ranchers being profiled in the stories who are the real heroes because they are real people doing significant things to improve our lands and waters for fish, wildlife and livestock. It’s been great to see those stories reprinted in the mainstream media to expand our audience. “It’s a great privilege to work on the Life on the Range project,” Stuebner said. “When we started the project in 2010, I had no idea how many different ranchers were doing positive things to improve rangelands. I have learned a ton about ranching in Idaho, rangeland conservation, and I’ve met a lot of great people.” It was sad when Bud Purdy died last summer, but this Idaho ranching icon sure lived a great life. It felt very gratifying to me that the Purdy family ordered dozens of copies of our Life on the Range story about Bud, which has been viewed 44,000 times on YouTube. Bud’s death occurred when Cliven Bundy was setting the worst possible example as a rancher trying to graze public lands without paying fees or taking care of the land. On Facebook, we saw numerous urban environmentalists posting our LOTR story about Bud Purdy telling their friends what a real rancher is all about. That made me proud. For more information, go to www. lifeontherange.org/. Life on the Range also has more than 1,050 followers on Facebook. Have you liked our page yet?

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Reinforcing State’s Rights and Idaho Values by Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter The federal government’s efforts to control what we do in Idaho and how we do it are growing in intensity. I ran for Governor in 2006 after learning the hard way about the dysfunction of our national government’s “Culture of Constant Expansion”—a phrase that I believe captures the growing divide between Washington, D.C., and the states and, more importantly, between the feds and the American people. For almost eight years now ,I have been working hard to assert our state’s rights under the 10th Amendment by pursuing local solutions. We are charting our own path on making healthcare more accessible and affordable. We are taking our own steps to preserve the 2nd Amendment gun rights of our law-abiding citizens. And Idaho’s own collaborative, grassroots conservation efforts are designed to stave off draconian federal attempts to impose more Endangered Species Act restrictions on the use of our public lands. Just this summer, President Obama talked about locking up 592,000 more acres of Idaho land in the Boulder-White Cloud Mountains by creating a national monument by executive order—unilaterally imposing more restrictions on Idahoans’ traditional uses of the area. Why would anyone believe that Washington, D.C., can do a better job than Idaho of protecting the land where we live, work and recreate when the Obama

ICA Line Rider, October 2014

administration can’t even protect our southern border? I fought to keep wolves out of Idaho; I fought to limit their impact on our wildlife and livestock, and I fought successfully for Idaho’s right to manage them. The State of Idaho has a long track record of proven stewardship, responsibly managing wolves along with other wildlife. Wolves clearly are an expensive species for the state to manage. The cost of wolf management has been exacerbated by diminishing federal funds for implementing the Idaho Wolf Conservation and Management Plan, which was used as a foundation for federal delisting. The Wolf Depredation Control Board was created this year in partnership with cattlemen and sportsmen to provide additional funding to reduce the economic impact of wolves on our ranchers and hunters. This collaborative response is consistent with the State of Idaho’s enduring management responsibility both for these non-native predators and the livestock and wildlife on which they prey. My opponent, a Boise Democrat, supported wolves being brought to Idaho from Canada, and he thinks spending tax dollars to control the damage caused by wolves is a waste of money. He echoes the “Culture of Constant Expansion” values of Washington, D.C.,—bigger, more centralized government is the solution; the dollars in

your pocket are a public resource, and the government’s access to them for our own good should be virtually unrestricted; and uniform application of the rule of law is a choice subject to the vagaries of political whim. Those are not Idaho values. Those are not my values. I left Washington, D.C., almost eight years ago to come home to serve as Idaho’s Governor because I had a vision for our state becoming what America was meant to be. That vision remains, but the challenges posed by the “Culture of Constant Expansion” are greater than ever. It will take all of us here in Idaho, working together, to realize our goals. Let your voice be heard on Tuesday, Nov. 4 (or Friday, Oct. 31 if you are voting absentee). Vote for Idaho values and Idaho solutions. Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter For more information on Gov. Otter, visit www.otter4idaho.com. To request an absentee ballot, visit www.idahovotes.gov.

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Convention Speakers Kevin Good Kevin Good, CattleFax Senior Market Analyst and Manager of Corporate Accounts, has been with CattleFax since 1982. Kevin has worked with many agricultural companies helping them understand the changes taking place in the commodities industries with emphasis in animal proteins, particularly beef. Kevin is a graduate of Kansas State University, where he earned a B.S. degree in Animal Science. G. Kent “GK” Mangelson G. Kent “GK” Mangelson is an expert in the area of lawsuit protection and tax reduction strategies. He has authored and co-authored several publications and training manuals on the subject including The Advanced Tax and Asset Protection Training Manual and The Asset Protection Bible. As one of the nation’s top asset protection advisors he has spent more than 30 years helping professionals properly structure themselves for lawsuit protection, tax reduction, and estate planning. GREG PETERSON The Peterson Farm Bros are siblings who farm together with their parents near Assaria, Kan., where they primarily background beef cattle. The Petersons are committed to promoting what they do on the farm with whomever they meet. They have used social media platforms to perform and speak about what makes agriculture important. Greg is the oldest of the Peterson brothers, and will share how taking the initiative has opened the doors of agricultural promotion. BOOK YOUR ROOMS EARLY! Due to renovations, rooms in the Sun Valley Inn are limited. Make your reservations right away or see pages 16-17 for other area accomodations. Remember to mention you are with the Idaho Cattle Association for the best rate. ICA Line Rider, October 2014

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Wolf Predation and Livestock Loss Compensation by U.S. Senator Mike Crapo Threats to livestock operations have been compounded in recent years by the increased presence of federally reintroduced wolves and wildfires raging across limited grazing land. While certainly not a cure all, Congress included programs in the enacted Farm Bill to help producers recover from these and other losses. The federal government is responsible for the reintroduction of wolves in Idaho,

and thus responsible for the impacts of this reintroduction. In the 2013 Idaho Wolf Monitoring Progress Report, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Nez Perce Tribe indicate that while not all wolf packs in Idaho are presumed to be documented, estimates indicated there were 659 wolves in Idaho at the end of 2013. Wolves have been responsible for livestock deaths throughout Idaho. In 2013 alone, the

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services responded to hundreds of calls of reported wolf depredation. In many of those cases, sheep and cattle losses were confirmed. As wolf attacks put pressure on livestock operations, range management policies and reduced grazing and timber harvest have increased fuel loads on federal land. This has translated into increased fire threats and more intense fires in terms of force and acreage burned. So far this year, more than 85,000 acres in Idaho have burned. Wildfires increase the strain on livestock operations with limited grazing land due to recent drought conditions and mounting limitations on federal land use. The federal government must step forward and help address damages triggered by the impacts of federal policy. Last fall, members of the Idaho congressional delegation raised concern about the prolonged drought and catastrophic wildfire damage impacting crops, livestock and the well-being of too many Idahoans. We pressed House and Senate leadership to help meet the federal responsibility by extending disaster assistance programs to assist with recovery. The enacted 2014 Farm Bill provides needed assistance by making permanent the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and making coverage for eligible losses retroactive to Oct. 1, 2011, when the programs expired. LIP provides assistance to producers for excess livestock deaths due to adverse weather or attacks by animals, including wolves, reintroduced by the federal government or protected by federal law. LFP provides compensation to eligible producers who suffered grazing losses due to qualifying drought or fire. Interested producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA-Farm Service Agency (FSA) office for details. A list of eligible livestock and program details can be accessed through the USDA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home& subject=diap&topic=landing. Good records and documentation of losses, if possible, are beneficial. The federal government has a responsibility to assist with the impacts of damages triggered by federal lands policy ICA Line Rider, October 2014

and predator reintroduction. These programs provided through the Farm Bill are a step in the right direction for affected Idahoans and can help producers bounce back after facing significant setbacks. To directly link to this guest column, please use the following address: www.crapo. senate.gov/media/newsreleases/release_full. cfm?id=355214

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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ICA Line Rider, October 2014

Pol itics with Purpose

story and photos by Maggie Malson

Gov. Otter shares his passion for the people and land of Idaho. Learn more about his annual trail ride, his quest to preserve the West, and his plans for the future of our great state.

buried on this land. That’s when I got the s a natural resources state, Idaho has provided its citizens idea to start the trail ride.” with the ability to use the land, Otter began inviting lawmakers and forests and water to help them make a living agency staff from Washington to join him in for more than 120 years. Gov. C.L. “Butch” Idaho. He wanted them to come see our state Otter wants to make sure those making firsthand, to meet the people who work to decisions about the resources in Idaho know take care of it while also making a living. and understand that Idahoans value the place The first year there were seven riders and we call home, and that we do what it takes to each year the event continues to grow. This continue preserving it for future generations. year it was held the end of July near Stanley, The Governor’s Trail Ride, which Otter and hosted by Mike and Mark Henslee. The started when he was a Congressman, marked brothers run a cow-calf, stocker and sheep its 12th year this summer. The ride has operation from Three Creek to Stanley, proven successful in establishing better utilizing private, state and federal lands. relationships with agency personnel on both “The Henslees are multi-generational a state and national level. The Governor is ranchers who are very forward thinking,” seeking reelection in November, and this says Jared Brackett, Idaho Cattle Association event will be one he continues in future years president. “They are leaders in the industry, if reelected. environmentally conscious and doing what is As a freshman right for all species— legislator in 2001, salmon, sage grouse I started the trail ride as Otter realized quickly and cattle.” that lawmakers in The Henslees a Congressman as a way Washington were provide a great to educate people about making decisions about example of ranchers public policy and what it resources in the Gem working with several State that they knew means to those out here in local, state and nothing about. federal agencies to the West. “I was so tired of coexist with several — Gov. Butch Otter species. They have people in Washington voting to stop us from done work with their working our magic with the resources,” Otter pivot irrigation and gravity pressure systems says. “I told my counterparts in Congress the to water their mountain pastures without legislation they were voting on to stop things interfering with salmon spawning in the from happening in the eastern states were creeks that run through their property. killing the people working the land in Idaho. The ride is held in a different area of “We know how beautiful it is,” he adds. the state each year, with different ranchers providing the location. All ICA members “We have 5th, 6th, 7th generations of people who were born, raised, have died and are are invited to join the group for dinner and

an issues discussion with the Governor, and state and federal agency staff in attendance. This year’s ride included representation from every natural resource agency whose decisions affect Idaho ranchers. At the federal level top state and regional leaders from BLM, Forest Service, U.S Fish & Wildlife Service along with an undersecretary from the Department of Interior were in attendance. Representing the state were the leaders of Idaho Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Agriculture, and several key elected officials. Updates are provided, questions are asked and hopefully progress is made. The annual event provides a more casual atmosphere for candid issues discussions to take place. It’s also fun. There are many laughs and usually guitar picking and serenading the group around a campfire. Stories are told and memories are shared. Journey to the Statehouse One thing that is quite evident when visiting with the Governor is his passion for his job and our state. As an Idaho native, his pride for his home and country runs deep. He was born in Caldwell, graduated from what is now Bishop Kelly High School in Boise, and received his bachelor’s degree from the College of Idaho. He served honorably in the military and worked most of his career for the J.R. Simplot Company. In his own words, Gov. Otter shares that his journey into public office was similar to the saying, “Life is what happens when you’re planning something else.” “I didn’t think much about politics until I was at a dinner party in 1968 and Secretary

The group stops for a photo with the beautiful Sawtooth Mountains in the background.

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Thanks to Mark and Mike Henslee who Riders traveled through sage brush, timber welcomed us to their place and shared about and irrigated pastures, showcasing the their family’s cow-calf, stocker and sheep diversity of land, which the Henslees manage operations. They run on private, state and around the Sawtooth National Recreation federal land, and do what’s right for all species. Area.

of State Pete T. Cenarrusa suggested I run for Parliamentarian of the Senate,” he explains. “I served in 1969-70. When we weren’t in session, I was packing and shipping potatoes and onions for Simplot.” Otter says during that time he became interested and started following the issues. “The why and the reasoning behind some of the legislation being introduced at the time intrigued me,” he says. “God gave us the ability to reason and to make choices. I began to like the engagement of the process.” He made his first bid for Governor in 1978, and although defeated during the primary, he served on committee appointments for the Reagan administration. In addition, Otter traveled for 10 years, visiting 82 countries selling french fries, beef and onions for Simplot. “If I was traveling all over the world selling Simplot products, why couldn’t I sell all of Idaho’s products?” Otter says. When the economy took a downturn in the mid-80s, Otter threw his hat back into the ring for state office, and was elected Lieutenant Governor under Gov. Cecil Andrus in 1986. In addition, he served as lieutenant governor under governors Phil Batt and Dirk Kempthorne. Filling a vacancy in the 1st congressional district, Otter headed to Washington in 2001. After

Gov. Otter, his long-time friend Mike Gwartney, and Steve Miller, join together for some guitar picking and seranading around the campfire.

working in D.C. for six years, Otter decided “In fact, we provided some modest tax relief. he’d rather be Governor of his home state. There are not a lot of states that can make “This great republic is worth saving one that claim. For the most part we continued state at a time, and I wanted to provide those things This great republic is that we are required to to start with Idaho,” he says. “I started the trail ride as a worth saving one state as a state.” Congressman as a way to Another at a time, and I wanted achievement he is educate people about public policy and what it means to proud of was providing to start with Idaho. those out here in the West.” the leadership needed — Gov. Butch Otter to put together a five In fact, Otter shares a philosophy or Code of the year plan for the state’s West card with the many people he meets. education system. “These 10 principles to live each day by come “We have tremendous support from from James Owen’s book ‘Cowboy Ethics,’ he the private sector, bipartisan support from says. “The rules might change, but principles republicans and democrats, and bicameral don’t. I see this code as an infallible support from both the house and the senate, reaffirmation of the 10 commandments.” which overwhelmingly put into place our (See sidebar.) effort to give Idaho one of the best education systems in the nation,” he says. “I believe Serving for the greater good we are on a five-year plan to achieve those Elected as governor in 2006, Otter has ambitious and important goals.” a long list of accomplishments and it’s hard While years in office brings many for him to point to just one thing being his accomplishments, it also brings criticism. greatest while in office. One thing that comes Despite the naysayers and those who have a to mind is coming through the recession different philosophy for running our state, after many years of slow to no growth Otter desires to continue as Governor. nationally. ”We built a climate for growth, for “We had to deal with several years of business confidence, for sustainability of diminishing revenues, and yet we balanced our natural resources in Idaho and our the budget without raising taxes,” he says. environmental resources,” he says. “That Purpose continued to page 22...

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21 21

...Purpose continued from page 21 helps with attracting business and being a great place either to start a business or grow a business. We are developing a workforce for those businesses that want to come to Idaho, or for existing business to expand. I want to continue to guide and see those through to a very successful conclusion.” Otter says he still has many goals he wants to achieve as Governor. “My number one goal is to continue to be ever watchful of the size and the growth of government” he says. “As our economy gets ever stronger, there will be growing pressure, from some quarters, to want to spend more money and start new operations and new programs in the state.” While Otter says some of those things may be nice, they may not be necessary and he wants to keep a close eye on implementing them. “I think each one of those potential new programs have got to be weighed against two things,” he explains. “Number: one is it a proper role of government? And number two: Is it truly something that we need and Stops along the trail gave riders a chance to are we willing to learn more about the area and management sustain it should practices. An informal issues discussion took we get into tough place after the ride. ICA members and agency personnel asked and answered questions times again?” Before politics, about wildlife and land management. Topics Otter’s career was included wolves, sage grouse, Boulder-White Clouds, all of which affect Idaho ranchers. in agribusiness. Agriculture and the cowboy lifestyle were not only what he did, but they make up part of who he is. In fact, during the primary debates he was dubbed the “cowboy candidate.” Otter supports the agriculture industry in Idaho, and has been a consistent member of the Idaho Cattle Association for many years. “I am a member of the Idaho Cattle Association because I am a cattleman,” he says. “I share their values and believe strongly in that way of life. I am a member of a lot of associations like Ducks Unlimited, the Safari Club International and the American Legion as those obviously have to do with a part of my avocation. “All the organizations including the Catholic Church, the credit union and the grange that I am a member of reflect a part and a value of my life,” he adds. “And the Idaho Cattle Association reflects not only an avocation in my life, but a vocation in my life because Lori and I raise cattle. I know how important the livestock industry is to the state of Idaho. I know how important the Idaho Cattle Association is to the agricultural industry and how important the agricultural industry is to the entire state and our

ICA Line Rider, October 2014

economy.” When asked what his legacy will be, Gov. Otter quickly says he’ll leave that up to others to decide. “I hope long after Butch Otter is gone, people will recognize that I put our education system on a long term path towards better outcomes for our students, and I hope they will recognize our concept of ‘K through Career’ provided our students and our business community with the kind of workforce needed to prepare Idaho for the next century,” he explains. “I also hope that somewhere in there they would remember I held the line on government spending at a time when the people who funded that

government could least afford any more taxation.” Gov. Otter adds that during one of the worst economic downturns in our nation’s history, Idaho kept a balanced budget, was fiscally responsible, and reduced the foot print of government without cutting vital

services, while also managing to put some money back into the people’s pocket. “That wasn’t easy, and I took a lot of criticism for cutting spending, but it was the right thing to do,” he says. “I hope they will recognize I was tough, but fair.”

The Code of the West Ten Principles to Live By

1) Live Each Day with Courage 2) Take Pride in Your Work 3) Always Finish What You Start 4) Do What Has to Be Done 5) Be Tough, But Fair 6) When You Make a Promise, Keep It 7) Ride for the Brand 8) Talk Less and Say More 9) Remember That Some Things Aren’t for Sale 10) Know Where to Draw the Line © James P. Owen from his book Cowboy Ethics

The sun rises over the flag on a beautiful summer morning as riders saddle up and get ready to ride the range.

ICA Line Rider, October 2014

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I know how important the Idaho Cattle Association is to the agricultural industry and how important the agricultural industry is to the entire state and our economy. — Gov. Butch Otter

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by Miranda Reiman, CAB® Industry Information Assistant Director As a meat scientist for Zoetis, Brad Morgan sees a lot of industry innovations first hand. Interacting with the public, including fellow employees at the animal health company and his own family, he sees the need for education. In the most recent National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA) nearly every segment—from

ICA Line Rider, October 2014

feeders and packers to retailers and allied industry—named lack of transparency among the top three weaknesses of the U.S. cattle industry. “Do consumers like technology?” he asked. “Not really. Everyone likes $2 gas and a dollar loaf of bread though.” The statistics are familiar. By 2050 we’re going to have to produce twice as much food and 70 percent of that will need to come from gains in efficiency due to technology. Morgan explained it’s usually a lack of knowledge of technology, not the practice itself that causes consumer concern. “I remember asking my wife one time, ‘Would you feed our boys beef that had been subjected to an organic acid to kill E. coli?’” In that entire sentence, one word stuck out to his partner. “When she hears ‘acid,’ what does she think about? That battery in your car,” he said. Holes in clothes lead to visions of holes in a stomach. When he asked the same question about a 2 percent vinegar mixture on that beef, his wife was okay with that. “This was a defining moment for me. I asked, ‘You know that vinegar is an organic acid?’” “No. I didn’t know that,” came the reply. “We really have to explain to people why we want to use technology,” he said. For example, in the packing plant it takes 400 gallons of water per beef carcass, which might sound like a lot to the average consumer. “Ninety percent of it is for sanitation and cleanup,” Morgan said. “And 100 percent of what goes in also comes out. But a lot of times because of the water treatment facilities that we have at these packing plants, most of the water is cleaner coming out of the plant than it is from the municipal water supply coming into the plant. We spend a lot of money treating water at packing plants.” Continued advancements may improve water savings even further. Zoetis is working on vaccines and other ways to reduce the risk of pathogens like E. Coli and Salmonella. Researchers are down to the level of tracing bacteria in the gastro-intestinal tract in a common fly. “We don’t do a good enough job of tooting our own horn,” Morgan said of those ongoing efforts. History shows the importance of being allowed to produce enough food. “Most countries that have been successful over time have been able to feed themselves and defend themselves,” Morgan said. ICA Line Rider, October 2014

U.S. consumers don’t just expect beef to be available. They want it to be good, too. “Demand is there for premium-type programs that are going to perform,” he said. In 2011 USDA Prime and branded beef products accounted for 11 percent of the sales mix, compared to 15 percent today. Using an adjusted price base, carcass value increased $90 during that timeframe. “That shows you the demand is there,” he said. Premium grinds, whole muscles or unique blends processed into ground beef, represents a growing category. “It’s pretty romantic to have a gourmet hamburger now,” Morgan said, but he

doesn’t think cattle should be fed strictly for a ground beef market. Current feed prices encourage increased days on feed, and more of the carcass value comes from end meats. “If you look at the amount of pounds [of ground beef ] sold, it’s 58 percent of the carcass, but if you look at dollars it only adds up to 38 percent,” he said. Morgan spoke as part of the Feeding Quality Forum in Kearney, Neb., and Amarillo, Texas, in August. The meetings were sponsored by Purina, Feedlot magazine, Zoetis, Roto-Mix and Certified Angus Beef LLC; more information is available at www.feedingqualityforum.com.

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Make Your Vote W e live in the best country in the world, and with that privilege comes the opportunity to voice opinions and choose the person we feel best represents our own personal ideal and vision for our state and country. The seats for which we cast our ballots indeed belong to us, and we have a moral obligation to help decide who fills those seats come January. November’s election is a critical one for our industry, as there are many incumbents with strong competition, and many new candidates who are exactly what we need in office. The United States of America is still a peoples’ republic, and the only way to keep it that way is to vote. No proud cattleman will go without casting a vote on the first Tuesday of November. Below is a resource we hope you will useful before stepping into the ballot box next month—voting doesn’t matter if you aren’t informed.

Hot Race Otter for Governor Gov. Otter was first elected Governor in 2006, and reelected by the people of Idaho in 2010. Prior to that he served three therms in the United States House of Representatives, 2001-2006, representing the 1st Congressional District. He served as Idaho Lieutenant Governor from 1987-2000. He also represented Canyon County int eh Idaho House of Representatives for two terms, 1973-1976. Why are you a better candidate: My advantage is extensive experience both in the public and private sectors. I have a thorough understanding of the issues facing Idaho and how best to address them consistent with our values and what works for our citizens. Top 3 goals: 1. Implementing Education Task Force recommendations over a five-year period; 2. Advancing my K-through-Career priorities for workforce development by better integrating the State Board of Education, and the Departments of Education, Commerce, and Labor; 3. Addressing Idaho’s long-term infrastructure needs. Boulder-White Clouds: I strongly oppose any attempt by President Obama to lock up more public land by creating a Boulder-White Clouds national monument. Such unilateral action would impose additional restrictions on Idahoans’ traditional uses of the area. The President has made no effort to work together on this issue and is considering this decision without Congress or support of the state. We must

not allow a president who has spent no time in Idaho and is focused solely on pleasing environmentalists to dictate how Idaho residents use our public lands. Wolves: The State of Idaho has a long track record of proven stewardship, responsibly managing wolves along with other wildlife. Wolves clearly are an expensive species for the state to manage. The cost of wolf management has been exacerbated by diminishing federal funds for implementing the Idaho Wolf Conservation and Management Plan, which was used as a foundation for federal delisting. The Wolf Depredation Control Board was created this year in partnership with cattlemen and sportsmen to provide additional funding to reduce the economic impact of wolves on our ranchers and hunters. This collaborative response is consistent with the State of Idaho’s enduring management responsibility both for these non-native predators and the livestock and wildlife on which they prey. Balukoff Mr. A.J. Balukoff has served on the Boise School District Board of Trustees for the past 17 years. He has also served on many other boards including St. Luke’s Hospital, the Boise Public Library, the Learning Lab, and the Ore-Ida Boy Scouts of America. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a BS in accounting, and holds several investment properties, including the Grove Hotel, CenturyLink Arena, and ICA Line Rider, October 2014

Count

compiled by Britany Hurst

the Idaho Steelheads hockey team. Why are you running for Governor: I see how our state government’s chronic disinvestment in our public schools has hurt our communities, and I worry about the future facing my 30 grandchildren and all of Idaho’s working families and children. I’m running for governor because we can do much better for Idaho’s schoolchildren than we’ve been willing to do. Top 3 goals: 1. Investing in our future by restoring education investment and implementing recommendations of the Task Force for Improving Education; 2. We must rebuild our economy and stop leading the nation in minimum-wage jobs. Every Idahoan must have the opportunity to earn a livable wage; 3. We must restore balance and transparency to our state government. We must hold our elected officials accountable for the scandals that have damaged public trust and cost taxpayers millions. Boulder-White Clouds: I prefer Congressman Mike Simpson’s proposal to protect the Boulder-White Clouds, but that has been stalled in Congress for years. If that effort remains stalled—as is likely for a long time to come in this Congress of gridlock— then a national monument is the best option for protecting this special place. Wolves: Wolves need to be managed and balanced with livestock and herds. Yet, we don’t need to spend $400,000 a year on another state bureaucracy to manage wolves—especially not when our state faces so many other critical needs. That responsibility should fall to the Department of Fish and Game, as does management of other predators, like mountain lions, bears, and coyotes. Politically motivated steps that appear to threaten the wolf population encourages the federal government to list the wolf as an endangered species again.

Elections of Interest Both the Idaho Secretary of State and the Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction are elections in which the incumbent is not a candidate. Both of these offices hold a seat on the Idaho Land Board, along with the ICA Line Rider, October 2014

Idaho State Controller, Brandon Woolf, who is running uncontested, and the Idaho State Attorney General, Lawrence Wasden, who is also running uncontested. Idaho Secretary of State Lawrence Denney Lawrence Denney has held a seat in the Idaho State Legislature, serving 4 years as assistant majority leader, 4 years as majority leader, and 6 years as speaker of the house. He has spent most of his life working on his family farm. Denney says his time in the Idaho House of Representatives gave him the experience in the public sector necessary for being Idaho’s next Secretary of State. Denney has both practical and political background in natural resources and agriculture, and promises he “will not be swayed by other Land Board members” when it comes to making decisions that impact both industries. “We are all concerned about our environment; we all want to keep our air and water in Idaho as clean as possible,” Denny says. “To me that does not mean shutting down all our resource based industries; it means doing the best job we can to keep environmental risks at a minimum. I believe in the wise use of our natural resources. I support the multiple-use concepts of management for our public lands in the State of Idaho. Certainly, wise management and use is far better than no management at all. Some people think I hate the wolf, but that is simply not true. I hate the endangered species act and how it is being used by certain groups to shut down industries in other areas, and I fear the impact that the wolf (as a result of the endangered species act) could have on Idaho.” Holli Woodings Holli Woodings was elected to the Idaho State House of Representatives in 2012, where she served on the House State Affairs Committee, Energy, Environment and Technology Committee, and Commerce and Human Resources Committee. “I’m running for Secretary of State because your freedom to vote should not be infringed by anyone’s agenda at any time,” says Woodings. “Voting should be easy, fair and open, period. That’s what I signed up for when I registered to

vote for the first time and that’s what I want for my children and my grandchildren. Easy, fair and open voting for all.” Woodings and her husband are small business owners, and she focuses her work on Idaho values, believing that the state should invest in a high-quality education for all Idaho children, grow innovative businesses, keep and guard personal freedoms, and have a government that’s accountable to the people. “The Secretary of State is one of five members of the Idaho Land Board, which has a constitutional obligation to administer state lands for the long-term public good,” she adds. “One of the specific beneficiaries is our public schools—which over the years have been starved of millions of dollars from the Land Board. All of us are looking for ways to make our schools better. That’s why as Secretary of State I will push to use excess revenue from the Land Board to reinvest in our schools so that we can attract more businesses and good-paying jobs to Idaho.” Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra This is the first campaign Sherri Ybarra has participated in. She has nearly two decades of experience in all phases of education, including a classroom teacher, Principal, and the director of both federal programs and curriculum. “Idaho is looking for a Superintendent with a vision or the future to make positive changes in education,” said Ybarra. As a member of the Idaho Land Board, Ybarra’s goal is to seek maximum returns on state school lands, while protecting endowment funds and reserving those funds for their intended use. The intended use of endowment funds is primarily the benefit of public schools and students in those schools. Like most, Ybarra does not think that government should compete with local businesses, and therefore will work to find reasonable options that solve problems on both sides of the fence. Jana Jones “What I want for our kids is simple: safe schools, great teachers, modern, up-to-date Vote continued to page 28...

...Vote continued from page 27 classrooms, and a challenging curriculum that prepares them with the knowledge and skills they need to create the future of their choice. No child should be at a disadvantage in the world because they went to school here in Idaho—period.” Jana Jones was a teacher in Idaho Falls when she noticed a need for better early childhood education. At this time kindergarten was not a publicly funded program, and Jones opened Progressive Day School in Idaho Falls—one of the first early childhood centers in Idaho to include children with special needs. Jones joined the Idaho State Department of Education and served in the Bureau of Special Education. She also led Gov. Cecil Adrus’ Office of Children, and eventually was promoted to Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction under Dr. Marilyn Howard. U.S. Senate Sen. Jim Risch was elected to the U.S. Senate in November of 2008, after serving as Idaho State senator, lieutenant governor and governor. A cattle producer and ICA member, Risch has supported our industry in his political career and continued to look out for our best interests. He is running against Nels Mitchell, a proponent of the BoulderWhite Clouds monument designation.

United States House of Representatives Congressional District 1 Representative Raul Labrador served in the Idaho State House of Representatives from 2006-2010, when he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. Senator Labrador cosponsored HR 5078 to stop EPA overreach, and was an invaluable source behind Grazing Improvement Act. Representative Labrador opposes the designation of the Boulder-White Clouds, and looks out for Idaho’s cattle industry at every turn. Labrador is in a race with Shirley Ringo, whose top priorities are education, an increased minimum wage, tax system reform, and transparency in government.

Association, and the United States Chamber of Commerce. Simpson is a strong opponent to the Boulder-White Clouds monument designation and co-sponsored HR 5078, a bill to stop EPA overreach of the Clean Water Act. Representative Simpson is running against Democratic candidate Richard Stallings, who was elected to represent Idaho in the United States House of Representatives in 1984. Stallings served in the United States House of Representatives until 1993. Stallings’ top three goals, if he were to be elected, are to make higher education more accessible to Idahoans, make Congress more accountable to the voter, and enhance Idaho business opportunities to boost the economy.

Congressional District 2 The Idaho Cattle Association has endorsed Representative Mike Simpson, who has proven to be a constant advocate of the cattle industry. Representative Simpson has served in the United States Congress since 1998, before which he was a member of the Idaho State House of Representatives (19841998), where he also served as Speaker of the House and the Assistant Majority Leader. Representative Simpson has the backing of Idaho’s other Congressional delegates, the agriculture community, the National Rifle

For questions on where you vote, log on to www.idahovotes.gov. There are many opportunities for you to vote, aside from your precinct polling location. Voters can walk in to their county courthouse from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. any day Monday through Friday, up to Friday, Oct. 31, and request to vote. You can also request an absentee ballot by filling out the form found here: www.idahovotes.gov/voterreg/absentee.pdf Absentee ballot request forms are due to your county courthouse by Wednesday, Oct. 29.

ICA Line Rider, October 2014

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Opportunities to Thrive

Preconditioning offers calves chance for performance success. by J. Benton Glaze, Jr., Ph.D., Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Animal & Veterinary Science Department, University of Idaho

he term preconditioning has many different definitions in the beef industry. Preconditioning is a comprehensive set of management practices that are performed on calves, to lessen the

stress and effects of stress when weaned from their mothers and subjected to a trip through various market channels or other phases of beef production. The management practices are intended to enhance the calvesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; immune

system and nutritional status. By increasing the calf â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resistance to respiratory diseases prior to weaning and performing various management practices early in a calf â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, preconditioning programs help to reduce stress, reduce sickness, reduce death loss, reduce losses in weight gain, and increase feed efficiency once the calves have arrived at their feedlot destination. In general, preconditioning programs include vaccination against disease, management practices that reduce stress and a nutritional regime that optimizes the nutritional status of the calf. Conventional preconditioning programs include: (1) vaccination against clostridial and respiratory diseases (2) treatment against internal and external parasites (3) castration and dehorning (4) weaning (5) training calves to eat from troughs and drink from waterers. Performance and health benefits The performance and health benefits of preconditioning calves have been reported in numerous studies. In Texas, a report summarizing 17 studies found that preconditioning was doing exactly what it was designed to do; reduce stress, sickness and death loss, and losses in weight gain once animals had reached their destinations (primarily feedlots). In the results of the summary, shrink (market/transit) was similar between preconditioned and nonpreconditioned animals. However, during the first 28 days at the feedlot, preconditioned calves outgained non-preconditioned calves by 16 percent. Probably the most important benefit of preconditioning for the cattle feeder is the reduction in sickness and death loss. The summary showed that preconditioned calves had 21 percent less sickness and 40 percent less death loss than non-preconditioned calves after delivery to the feedlot. In a more recent Colorado study, the performance and health status of preconditioned and non-preconditioned calves were compared. During the finishing period, the preconditioned calves had a 0.22

ICA Line Rider, October 2014

pound average daily gain advantage over the non-preconditioned calves. Preconditioned calves had 42.6 percent less sickness and 10.3 percent less death loss than nonpreconditioned calves. Economic benefits While the benefits of preconditioning, in terms of animal performance and animal health, seem fairly straightforward, the economic benefits to producers are less clear. Producers’ costs for preconditioning vary according to various factors (feed costs, vaccination costs, labor, price of cattle, etc.). In some instances, producers have found preconditioning not to be cost effective. Weaning calves 30-45 days in advance of sale means that animals must be fed for the same period. When feed costs are high, any economic benefit is eaten up rather quickly. As beef producers question whether preconditioning adds value to their calves, and whether buyers pay a premium for preconditioned calves, they should consider a 2011 report that summarizes data obtained from video auction sale catalogs. The report, which summarized 15 years (1995 – 2009) of information, included 120 sales, 41,657 sale lots, and 5,042,272 calves. During the 15-year period, premiums paid for VAC45 [VAC-45 is a preconditioning protocol that includes vaccination at branding, pre-weaning, or weaning followed by revaccination, and a post-weaning period of at least 45 days prior to sale.] calves ranged from $2.47 to $8.20/cwt. During the same 9-year period, premiums paid for VAC-34 [VAC34 is the same preconditioning protocol as VAC-45 without the 45-day backgrounding period.] calves ranged from $0.99 to $4.68/ cwt. Additional evidence of the value of preconditioning calves was presented in a report from the Iowa Beef Center, which contained sale information on more than 20,000 head of cattle from 105 sales at nine auction markets located throughout Iowa in the fall of 2005-2006. Using calves that were neither vaccinated nor weaned as base animals, it was found that calves with certified vaccination claims (third party), and weaned at least 30 days, brought a premium of $6.15/cwt. Compared to the base animals, calves that had uncertified vaccination claims (seller’s word) and weaned at least 30 days brought a premium of $3.40/ cwt, and calves that were vaccinated without weaning being mentioned or for less than 30 days received a premium of $3.14/cwt. Calves that were vaccinated, but not weaned received Preconditioning continued to page 32... ICA Line Rider, October 2014

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...Preconditioning continued from page 31 premiums of $2.42/cwt, and calves that were weaned but not vaccinated received premiums of $1.70/cwt. Feedlot examples confirm benefits of preconditioning An additional way of gauging the value of preconditioning, and some of the associated management practices, is to consider the input of feedlot operators. In 2011, the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) surveyed feedlot managers of large (>1,000 head capacity) facilities in 12 states. Subsequently, the results were separated into facilities with 1,000 to 8,000 head capacity (medium) and those with over 8,000 head capacity (large). More than 80 percent of the feedlot operators believed that pre-arrival processing (preconditioning) can reduce sickness and death loss in the feedlot. Feedlot managers were asked to assess the importance of six management practices being performed on cattle prior to their arrival at the feedlot. Each practice would be considered part of a conventional preconditioning program. In the assessment, feedlot managers were asked if they felt the practice was either extremely or very important in reducing cattle sickness and death. Following is a table describing six management practices and the percentage of managers stating that the practice was extremely/very important:

Table 1. Feedlot Managers Survey (2011 NAHMS) Percentage of managers stating it very mportant

Management practices 1 Calves castrated/dehorned at least 4 weeks prior to shipping

92%

2 Calves given respiratory vaccines 2 weeks prior to weaning

85%

3 Calves introduced to a feed bunk

81%

4 Calves given respiratory vaccines at weaning

80%

5 Calves weaned at least 4 weeks prior to shipping

79%

6 Calves treated for internal and external 71% parasites prior to shipping It is clear that preconditioning can be of benefit in reducing the stresses on cattle as they move through the channels of the industry and ultimately reduce sickness and death loss. However, are producers implementing these practices and taking advantage of the benefits? One way to assess the implementation of preconditioning is to look at the adoption/use of a couple of the management practices.

Table 2. Producer Practices Survey (2007 NAHMS) Region of U.S. Where Located

Percentage of Producers Using These Practices Dehorning

Castration

Western

74%

92%

Central

67%

84%

South Central

36%

44%

Eastern

40%

46% ICA Line Rider, October 2014

In 2007, the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) surveyed > 2,800 beef cattle producers in 24 states. Producers were questioned with regards to the use of dehorning and castration. (See Table 2. bottom previous paage.) These percentages would suggest that in some regions of the U.S., a majority of producers are using management practices that are included in preconditioning programs. This does not suggest that these producers have fully implemented a conventional, comprehensive preconditioning program. In fact, it would seem there is an opportunity for a large group of producers to implement various value-added management practices, and complete preconditioning programs, and attempt to take advantage of the benefits. Take home message Preconditioning is a method of preparing calves to withstand the stress of being weaned, learning to eat new feeds, and being shipped from the farm/ ranch to feedlot facilities. Studies have shown that preconditioned calves have slight performance advantages coupled with decreased sickness and death loss after entering the feedlot. Observations from video auction sales show that preconditioned calves had greater value than non-preconditioned calves. Feedlot surveys suggested there was value in getting calves set up right before they entered the feedlot. Each of these reports would suggest that producers following a prescribed preconditioning program are adding value to their calves and can potentially reap the benefits. Before implementing a preconditioning program, producers should estimate the possible costs (handling, feed, vaccinations, etc.) and compare them to the potential benefits (added premiums, additional weight, etc.).When considering, and before implementing, a preconditioning program producers must estimate the possible costs (handling, feed, vaccinations, etc.) and weigh them against the potential benefits (added premiums, additional weight, etc.).

ICA Line Rider, October 2014

Beef Counts Program Feeds Hungry Children guest article by Mike Sharp, The Idaho Foodbank As food banking changes from a focus of strictly shelf-stable and dry goods to include items that can expire, organizations like The Idaho Foodbank are relying upon partnerships and relationships more than ever. One such partnership is with the Beef Counts program. Thanks to donors of lean, nutritious beef, needy families around the state are able to provide healthy protein for their dinner plates. But, the donations of beef go beyond the warehouse and storehouses of the Foodbank’s 200 partners state-wide. There’s a real, personal connection to these donations. For Amber Murray, Donor Relations Officer with Boise daycare center Giraffe Laugh, the 1 in 5 children in Idaho suffering from hunger are more than just a statistic. She teaches some of them every day. “I’ve seen children come here in the morning and eat bowl after bowl of cereal or plate after plate of eggs,” she says. “That tells me they’re not getting enough food at home—or getting any.” Giraffe Laugh has been able to provide nearly 60 pounds of beef to the children in its daycare program and the families who rely on its food pantry. For the families receiving that delicious beef, the effects go beyond just filling bellies or saving some money. It can make all the difference in the world for morale, education, focus and relationships. “When a child’s hungry and the food stamps don’t last throughout the month and they come to school here, if they’re hungry they’re not able to learn. Their concentration is off,” Murray says. Giraffe Laugh and The Idaho Foodbank are working together to feed hungry kids in Boise. The daycare center doesn’t just feed and watch children—they serve as a food pantry for families who may be finding difficulty in putting food on the table. She says providing that food relieves a major stressor for children and their parents. “The fewer stress factors that a parent has, especially when they’re living in fragile circumstances, the better,” Murray says. “Eliminating those stress factors lessens the likelihood of abuse at home.” That’s one of the many reasons why the partnerships with organizations like Giraffe Laugh have become vital to the mission of The Idaho Foodbank. Those 91,730 children who may not know where they’ll get their next meal depend on people working together if Idaho is ever to become hunger-free. As donors have stepped up to provide more beef and other perishable foods to the Foodbank, partners like Giraffe Laugh have become pivotal. A quick turnaround is imperative to ensure the perishable food arrives before its expiration date and gets to the tables of local families in time to make the most positive impact. Through partners like Giraffe Laugh, the Beef Counts program is able to provide its donations safely and reach the tables of thousands of local families each year. “We wouldn’t be able to do the work we do if we didn’t have the partnerships we have,” Murray says.

ICA Line Rider, October 2014

Tending the Herd Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter was elected Governor on Nov. 7, 2006, and re-elected for a second term in 2010. Prior to taking office, Gov. Otter served three terms in Congress representing Idaho’s 1st District from 2001 to 2006. When elected to Congress, Gov. Otter was serving his fourth term as Idaho’s Lieutenant Governor. He is a father of four and grandfather of six. He is married to the former Lori Easley of Kimberly. They live on their ranch near Star. Favorite cut of beef? T-bone steak Favorite side with steak? Baked potato Favorite Team? I am a Bronco and Yote. (Boise State and College of Idaho). But I also root for the Vandals and Bengals, except when they’re playing the Broncos! Favorite cowboy hero? John Wayne What accomplishment are you most proud of in your years in public office? “It would be difficult to narrow it down to one thing. As Governor, I am most proud of maintaining Idaho’s balanced budget as well as overseeing foreign trade missions both as Governor and Lieutenant Governor. I am proud to have helped grow Idaho’s GDP to over $60 billion, exceeding my Project 60 target this year. In Congress, it was opposing the USA PATRIOT Act. I am also proud to have been Idaho’s longest-serving lieutenant governor.”

What piece of legislation this year do you think is the most beneficial for the cattle producers in the state? The Ag Security Bill What prompted you to get involved and continue in public office? “I learned the importance of family, duty to God and country while growing up on a farm. It taught me the importance of hard work and attention to detail. Those traditional values were reinforced through my involvement in 4-H. My time in the military taught me the importance of staying engaged in my community and my country, which lead to my desire to serve the public.” How can cattle producers effect change in the government? “If you are involved in the political process, stay involved. If you are not involved, get involved. And never forget to vote!”

ICA Line Rider, October 2014

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This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

ICA Line Rider, October 2014

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

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ICA Line Rider, October 2014

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