April 2010 Volume 14, Issue 3

April 2010

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Volume 14, Issue 3

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Idaho Farm Bureau

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FSA Program Enables

Courts Allow Sugarbeet

WWP Tastes

Young Rancher

Planting to Commence

Its Own Medicine

In Rural America, “Access” is the Name of the Game

By Bob Stallman AFBF President

Job creation and community renewal present major challenges for rural citizens. Maintaining and improving infrastructure to keep communities competitive and profitable is a daily struggle.

Many rural Americans are grappling to participate in the new global economy but are being left behind in the digital revolution.

False Statements Lead to Revocation of Grazing Permit

By Frank Priestley President Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

Jon Marvel was recently caught lying to obtain federal grazing permits and got a dose of his own medicine. The shady undertak-

“Don’t CAP Our Future” Continues

By Rick Keller CEO Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

Climate Change bills in both the Senate and House will impact our farmers and ranchers, hurt America’s consumers, and impair the economy of our nation. For 2

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

The Ag Agenda In rural America, having “access” to basic services is the name of the game. And if rural citizens are going to play, they need to be connected.

broadband Internet access, healthcare and education, that most of their counterparts in urban and suburban areas easily take for granted.

The Motherboard

Broadband access at an affordable rate is a real concern for rural citizens who need this technology to improve their personal and professional lives. High-speed Internet not only makes businesses more

Retaining professionals in rural America is tough work. Much needed teachers and doctors aren’t going to stay in rural areas without access to services, such as the availability and affordability of ings of the Hailey architect and his Western Watersheds Project came to the forefront in mid-March when Marvel and crony Gordon Younger of Seattle admitted they lied to obtain grazing permits from the Bureau of Land Management.

Marvel and Younger were fined $250 each, which they paid without protest. Marvel’s attorney, Laird Lucas of Boise, described the incident as no big deal – about like a traffic ticket.

We think it’s more than that – much more. We believe it should farmers and ranchers, it will mean higher fuel and fertilizer costs, which will put us at a competitive disadvantage in international markets with countries that do not have similar carbon emission restrictions. For the future prosperity of the U.S. economy and American agriculture, climate change legislation must be defeated by Congress.

Of concern is the potential implementation of the off-set program being discussed in the climate bills. It is estimated 40-60 million acres of cropland will be displaced by timber, a significant downsize

See STALLMAN, page 6

be enough to unravel Marvel and his organization and keep them from ever obtaining another grazing permit. What this incident proves is that being honest with state and federal agencies doesn’t fit Marvel’s agenda. He will do or say whatever it takes to carry out his ruthless agenda of manipulating the courts to keep ranchers from using public land for grazing.

To further explain the infraction, in order to obtain a grazing permit, the holder must have a plan to See PRIESTLEY, page 6

in American agriculture. The legislation would also significantly restructure U.S. energy infrastructure and not yield any change in the climate. In essence, climate change bills will reduce our ability to provide food and fiber and tax those of us who do.

For these reasons, five couples from around the state accompanied Idaho Farm Bureau’s President Frank Priestley and Vice-President Mark Trupp to meet with Idaho’s See KELLER, page 6

Volume 14, Issue 3 IFBF OFFICERS President ....................................Frank Priestley, Franklin Vice President .................................. Mark Trupp, Driggs Executive Vice President ............................... Rick Keller BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bryan Searle ............................................................ Shelley Scott Bird ........................................................... Pocatello Chris Dalley ........................................................Blackfoot Dean Schwendiman ............................................Newdale Danny Ferguson ........................................................ Rigby Scott Steele ..................................................... Idaho Falls Gerald Marchant ................................................... Oakley Rick Pearson .................................................... Hagerman Mike Garner............................................................... Declo Curt Krantz ............................................................ Parma Mike McEvoy..................................................... Middleton Tracy Walton ....................................................... Emmett Marjorie French ............................................... Princeton Bob Callihan . ....................................................... Potlatch Louis Kins ........................................................... Kootenai Carol Guthrie ......................................................... Inkom Austin Tubbs............................................................... Malad STAFF Dir. of Admin. Services ........................ Nancy Shiozawa Dir. of Member Services ................................... Ray Poe Dir. of Commodities ............................. Gary Fuhriman Commodity Assistant .................................. Peggy Pratt Membership Assistant ............................... Peggy Moore Market Information Assistant ................. Dixie Ashton Dist. I Regional Manager ........................ Kendall Keller Dist. II Regional Manager ..................... Dennis Brower Dist. III Regional Manager ................... Charles Garner Dist. IV Regional Manager ................... Russ Hendricks Dist.V Regional Manager ....................... Bob Smathers Director of Governmental Affairs ............ Kent Lauer Asst. Dir. of Governmental Affairs .... Dennis Tanikuni Range/Livestock Specialist........................... Wally Butler Director of Public Relations .............. John Thompson Video Services Manager ............................. Steve Ritter Broadcast Services Manager .................... Jake Putnam Office Manager, Boise ............................ Shawna Yasuda Member Services Manager ........................ Joel Benson Printed by: Owyhee Publishing, Homedale, ID GEM STATE PRODUCER USPS #015-024, is published monthly except February, May, August and November by the IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION, 275 Tierra Vista Drive, Pocatello, ID 83201.

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Periodicals postage paid at Pocatello, Idaho, and additional mailing offices.

Subscription rate: $6.00 per year included in Farm Bureau dues.

MAGAZINE CONTACTS: Idaho Farm Bureau Federation EDITOR (208) 239-4292 • ADS (208) 239-4279 E-MAIL: dashton@idahofb.org www.idahofb.org

Cover: Rancher Tanner King of Caldwell runs a small ranching operation with help from a federal loan program. Photo by Steve Ritter

Western Idaho Rancher Tanner King is using a low-interest federal loan program to help buy livestock and get started in ranching.

Photo by Steve Ritter

Farm Service Stimulus Money Helps Young Ranchers

By Jake Putnam CALDWELL - Tanner King spends Mondays at the Caldwell Livestock Auction.

On this day he’s decked out in a dark blue sweatshirt and black cowboy hat, blending in with the other bidders. The young rancher looks as though he’s new to shaving but at buying cattle he’s an old hand.

King is building his business buying 500-pound cattle in the spring, pasturing them over the summer and then selling in the fall. The Colorado native says the trick here is the worst kept secret in free enterprise capitalism: buy low, sell high.

“Right now I have 25 acres that’s pasture under pivot and I lease another 20 acres in Melba under pivot for pasture. I run five-weight calves through the grass season and try to get them up to 850 and sell them at the end of the year,” he said.

King stumbled onto a good thing last spring, using Farm Service Agency stimulus See STIMULUS page 4 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

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STIMULUS Continued from page 3 money for low interest loans. He says it’s an economic leg-up in these hard times that’s allowing him to chase the American dream. One day he says he wants to buy a ranch and start a livestock company of his own.

The United State Department of Agriculture through the FSA issued $175 million to the states targeting young farmers and ranchers like King. The low-interest operating loans are usually short-term in nature. They provide jobs and rural economic stimulus to Idaho’s hard-hit hinterlands.

“The loans will be used to buy farm equipment, feed, seed, and in Tanner’s case cattle,” said Mike Anderson of the Caldwell Farm Service Agency. He explained that these funds stimulate rural economies and that money trickles down to Main Street at the same time giving farmers the cash they need to operate.

All the loan funds will be lent out on a first come, first served basis with special

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emphasis placed on beginning and socially disadvantaged applicants. Anderson said the maximum loan amount is close to $300,000.

“It’s helped a number of beginning farmers that have not been able to get loans because of their lack of production history,” said Anderson. “We are here to give those guys an opportunity.”

In keeping with the Recovery Act, this loan funding is targeted squarely at the agricultural sector to benefit both family farmers and rural economies. The Recovery Act was designed to preserve or create millions of jobs throughout the country and these loans help ensure that recipients remain financially viable and local agri-businesses benefit from direct purchases.

“It’s been a godsend. There’s no way I have the resources right now to start out,” said King. “There’s no way I could have got started without the FSA. This is my second loan, I paid off my first. The terms

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

were real easy; it wasn’t stressful for me at all. They did real good by me and it was easy. I try not to stress too much because it doesn’t get you anywhere. I try and take things easy as I can.”

“It’s putting funds out into the rural economies,” said Anderson. “The program that Tanner King is in, he is able to buy some livestock and act on a plan that he has put together, which wouldn’t have worked if he had went to the bank.”

Cattle prices recently reached the highest prices in two years and King’s funds are limited, so he’s buying light and hoping to fatten up the cattle later to make a big pay day in the fall. For the young rancher the future couldn’t be brighter. He knows that he will always have a paycheck in agriculture.

“Someone has to feed the world, there’s always a future in agriculture. Times are tough now, but there’s always going to be a future,” said King.

Producers Hopeful About Dairy Solar Project

By John Thompson RAFT RIVER - Hopes are high that a solar thermal system currently being tested here could result in significant energy savings.

When Mike Garner saw a new type of solar thermal system at a home show recently, he immediately thought of how it could cuts costs on his dairy operation. Garner, a partner in Webb Dairy and Heglar Canyon Farms, had never seen long round glass tubes used in solar panels.

“I was quite intrigued because it was different than solar panels used to make electricity,” he said. “Their whole gig was about heating water so instantly I thought of the fact that we use a massive amount of hot water every day for our calves.”

The dairy operation bottle feeds up to 1,300 calves twice each day and the milk needs to be 100 degrees Fahrenheit when it goes out of the barn. They feed bull calves that will later go into their feedlot and replacement heifers for the dairy. They also heat a lot of water for sanitizing bottles and other equipment. The energy cost for propane in this case was upwards of $3,300 per month, Garner said. They expect the solar thermal system with a federal tax rebate included, to cut costs by as much as 65 percent and pay off in about three years.

Garner explained the reason hot water is critical to the operation is not only for sanitary reasons to prevent disease spread, but they bring in a liquid fat source on trucks that is mixed with skim milk powder. It takes hot water to keep the fat in a liquid state.

“By the time we mix it, put it in bottles and get it out to the calves we want it to be about 100 degrees, so it’s imperative that we have heat,” he said.

The system works by circulating pressurized, food grade glycol through copper tubing which runs inside the glass solar tubes.

The glycol, which is the same product used as anti-freeze in engines, flows through the copper tubes collecting heat as it travels.

Next, the glycol is piped down into the barn through coils of copper tubing which wrap around large tanks.

The tanks are filled with cold water, which is then heated by the pressurized glycol inside the copper tubing.

The system is integrated with an existing propanefired boiler if they need additional heat.

“I’ve always been intrigued by wind Mike Garner, a partner in Webb Dairy and Heglar Canyon Farms, shows power and other off a new solar project that is expected to pay off in three years and cut alternative forms propane costs on the calf production segment of the company’s dairy by of energy but just 65 percent. never knew how Photo by Steve Ritter to get my hands on and there are federal incentives available.” the technology,” Garner said. “This is the first project we have looked at that actually Baker added that there are other applications for solar thermal on farms including penciled out so we jumped on it.” pumps for livestock watering and automatDustin Baker, owner of Idaho Solar Design ic gate openers. and Consulting in Boise, said the payback on solar thermal projects is currently a lot Garner said if the new system works up to better than solar electric. The solar thermal expectations they plan to install a second equipment he recommends has a 10 year system on top of their milking parlor to warranty and normally lasts over 20 years, heat water there. he said.

For information on state incentives for al“With this method of heating pressurized ternative energy development go to www. glycol it doesn’t matter if it’s cold or cloudy dsireusa.org and click on Idaho. For inoutside, it heats just the same,” he said. formation on solar thermal products go to “One panel will heat a normal sized home www.idahosolardesign.com Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

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STALLMAN Continued from page 2 efficient and provides a means for connecting to the rest of the world, it expands educational and health care opportunities.

Broadband access will help communities survive and grow by providing health care improvements through telemedicine centers connecting small-town patients with big-city hospitals and entrepreneurial and business development opportunities focused on access to the global economy.

Broadband access also means jobs. According to a Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service report, “Broadband Internet’s Value for Rural America,” total employment grew faster between 2000 and 2006 in rural counties with high broadband availability than similarly situated counties without broadband.

Further, wage and salary jobs, as well as the number of proprietors, grew faster in counties with early broadband Internet access.

A Mouse, a Port, a Zune While broadband is essential for rural professionals, it, too, is critical for rural schools. Let’s face it, rural children spend hours every day being bused to and from school. Couple that with dial-up Internet, it is a huge chunk of educational time lost in comparison to students in urban areas.

Expanded education through distance learning labs, along with other innovative technologies can put rural students on par with their urban counterparts.

Such a solution can be seen in a recent

pilot project in Fort Sumner, N.M., where long-distance travel is a way of life for students. With the help of Microsoft and a state grant, the school district was able to outfit students with individual multimedia “Zune” players, allowing them to download videos, lectures and assignments from school computers and study during their long rides home.

While such innovations are slowly coming online, access to basic services continues to be essential for rural America and the competitiveness of our nation. Rural residents shouldn’t be kept at a disadvantage and isolated from healthcare, educational and economic advancements happening throughout the rest of the country.

It’s time we make the connection.

Priestley Continued from page 2 utilize the resource. In other words, if you are going to bid on a grazing permit, or acquire a permit by purchasing an existing ranch, eventually you’ll need some livestock to eat the grass on the public-owned allotments. In this case there was a threeyear grace period but Marvel was out of compliance by at least five years. In spite of requirements to put grazing livestock on the land, Marvel and his ilk have been able to obtain several state and federal grazing permits over the last 17 years.

Marvel and Younger claimed they were in the process of acquiring livestock for their Greenfire Preserve on the East Fork of the Salmon River near Clayton, but never fol-

lowed through which is what specifically got them into trouble with the BLM. A BLM official in Challis said there are livestock auctions held every week and they had ample time to purchase the livestock needed to fulfill their commitment. When BLM began steps to revoke their permit, they claimed they were being discriminated against.

Two-faced and phony seem like other fitting words in describing Marvel’s claim of discrimination. For years he has hired lawyers to sue ranchers, state and federal agencies and others for alleged grazing permit violations. Yet, when he is found in violation of his own permit, it’s discrimi-

nation. He expects ranchers to live by an entirely different set of standards than he is willing to live by himself.

We believe Marvel is a hypocrite who has built his organization on a foundation of misrepresentations. Marvel and WWP hold grazing permits on several thousand acres of state and federal lands. The Idaho Land Board and the U.S. Forest Service should follow BLM’s lead and take a careful review to make sure Marvel is in compliance with the law. If not the permits should be revoked and put to use by ranchers who will properly manage the land, which in turn will generate commerce in surrounding communities.

KELLER Continued from page 2 congressional delegation in their Washington D.C. offices, urging continued opposition to the devastating Cap and Trade legislation being promoted by the Obama administration. To symbolize agriculture’s united effort in this opposition, the Farm Bureau group presented to Idaho’s delegation ball caps, signed by hundreds of Idaho farmers and ranchers encouraging 6

Congress to “Don’t CAP Our Future.”

The caps were well received, as was a firm commitment from each member of the delegation to oppose the efforts advancing in Congress.

Farm Bureau supports comprehensive energy legislation to help alleviate the energy-related economic hardship being

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

suffered by U.S. farmers and ranchers by creating a more diverse energy supply, including renewable energy sources such as ethanol, biodiesel, biomass and wind.

In addition, comprehensive energy legislation will increase the exploration and production of oil and gas here at home and reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources.

Enjoy Retirement On your Terms As you plan for your future years,

it’s wise to consider your options, outline your goals and fine-tune your expectations. Your Farm Bureau agent can help make it simple to: v Continue your standard of living. v Remain in control of your finances. v Maintain your independence.

Make the most of your future years by staying in control. Call your Farm Bureau agent today.

Visit www.fbfs.com to sign up for our free e-newsletter. It’s filled with useful tips to help you protect your family and save time and money.

Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company/West Des Moines, IA. © 2010 FBL Financial Group, Inc. A069 (4-10)

ID-Retirement(4-10).indd 1

10:05:31 AM7 Idaho Farm Bureau producer /3/10/10 April 2010

A federal court ruling will allow the planting and production of Roundup Ready sugarbeets this year, but the future of genetically modified crops remains uncertain.

Farm Bureau file photo

Sugarbeet Planting Gets Underway In Spite of Uncertainty

By Jake Putnam

case later this summer.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Farmers can plant genetically modified sugar beets this year, that’s the word from a California federal court.

“Farmers have planted Roundup Ready sugarbeets for the past four years,” added Welker. He stressed that the in the next phase of this case, Monsanto will demonstrate that a broad permanent injunction is not appropriate.

Judge Jeffrey White of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ruled against a temporary injunction filed by organic farmers from Oregon. The ruling in effect allows farmers to plant, without further delay of the 2010 season.

“This ruling provides clarity that farmers can plant Roundup Ready sugarbeets in 2010,” said Steve Welker, Monsanto Company’s sugarbeet business manager.

Roundup Ready sugarbeets resist application of glyphosate herbicide. In spite of technology fees paid to Monsanto, the seed is more economical for growers to produce because it reduces the amount of other herbicides needed. In early March Judge White held a hearing to decide if preliminary injunctive relief was appropriate, pending completion of the 8

More than 95-percent of U.S. sugar production comes from Roundup Ready seed. Had the injunction been successful there wouldn’t have been enough conventional seed for a full crop this year, according to court records. Beet industry insiders say the economic loss of the ban could have topped $1.5 billion.

But White did warn farmers and seed companies to not become too dependent on GMO seed.

“The parties should not assume that the court’s decision to deny a preliminary injunction is indicative of its views on a permanent injunction,” wrote White.

White added that until the U.S. Agriculture Department completes its court-ordered re-evaluation of the beets’

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

environmental effects, White suggested that companies “take all efforts, going forward, to use conventional seed.”

“We will prevail,” said Raft River sugarbeet farmer Mike Garner. “We have a real good case,” he said. “95 percent of the industry switched to Roundup and had the injunction been successful it would have been catastrophic, food prices would skyrocket, no one is comfortable with that, nor wants it.”

Sugarbeet growers say that Roundup Ready sugarbeets reduce impacts on the environment and make their operations more efficient and productive. Alternative technologies require more applications of pesticides, with greater impacts on the environment and lower productivity on farms.

More than 1 million acres of Roundup Ready sugarbeets were planted in 10 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces last year. In North America last year, almost all sugarbeet acreage was safely planted with Roundup Ready seed.

BLM: Cancel WWP’s Grazing Permit

By Jake Putnam CHALLIS - The Bureau of Land Management is taking steps to terminate Western Watersheds Project’s grazing permits for the Greenfire Preserve on the East Fork of the Salmon River near Challis.

Two leaders of the group were cited by a BLM special agent for making false statements.

Jon Marvel, executive director of Western Watershed Project and Gordon Younger of Seattle were cited by Agent Kent Kleman for “knowingly and willfully making false statements” on grazing applications in the Challis District.

Dave Rosenkrance of the BLM Challis field office said he had no choice but to cancel the permits because WWP had “loss of control over the base ranch property, failure to maintain range improvements and making false statements on grazing applications.” He added that the permit was never used for livestock grazing as required.

“It’s high time they called him (Marvel) on it,” said John Falen of the Public Lands Council.

“None of the rest of us operating out here on public lands could get away with what he has. He’s been a bigger thorn in the side of the BLM than any other permitee.”

The permit covers three grazing allotments that include Spud Creek, Bradshaw Basin and Thompson Creek and total more than 9,000 acres near the confluence of the Salmon and East Fork of the Salmon River, near Clayton.

According to BLM records, on November 6, 2009 the Challis office asked Valley Sun Land and Livestock, a subsidiary of WWP, to provide proof of cattle ownership to graze the three allotments in the Challis District. The WWP acknowledged the letter, but didn’t respond to the information request. On December 19, five weeks later, the BLM again asked for proof of cattle ownership on the Spud Creek allotment and again they received the request but didn’t respond. The BLM sought information a third time in 2009 before Rosenkrance took legal action.

Hailey architect Jon Marvel speaks to a group at Idaho State University in 2007.

“The BLM is look- Farm Bureau file photo ing for excuses to cancel the permits never intending, according to and hand it over to adjoin- the BLM to actually graze cating ranchers,” Marvel told the tle on the land.

Idaho Mountain Express. “It’s clear the BLM has a bias for Valley Sun LLC said in BLM documents that it was in the ranchers.” process of buying livestock Rosenkrance wrote that Marvel and wished to designate nonand Valley Sun “have shown no use for conservation purposes. indication of actually using the Yet, according to the BLM they grazing permit for livestock never turned cattle out on the grazing use” as required by the allotments. Rosenkrance told Taylor Grazing Act. Between the Challis Messenger that they 2001 and 2009 the group ap- could have bought livestock on plied for non-use of the permit, any Friday at the Blackfoot auc-

tion. “It shouldn’t have taken the group years to buy cattle,” he said.

Jennifer Ellis of the Western Legacy Alliance says that WWP needs to play by the same rules as everyone else.

“We’ve been saying for years that grazing permits are for grazing, not for pushing radical agendas at taxpayer expense,” Ellis said.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

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Focus on Agriculture

Young Farmers Optimistic About the Future

By John Hart Of all the traits it takes to be a successful farmer or rancher, optimism may be the most important. Technological advances have made the task of producing crops and livestock easier, but there are still many obstacles that make farming and ranching a difficult job.

Farmers a century ago could not have fathomed the challenges facing 21st century agriculture. Back then no one worried about climate change: drought, floods and threatening hail storms were among the many “climate change� worries of farmers. However, they would have thought you were 10

joking if you told them the federal government considers carbon dioxide a pollutant that needs to be regulated to protect the planet from warming temperatures.

Farmers and ranchers in 1910 relied on optimism to deal with challenges that came from the weather. Farmers in 2010 rely on that same optimism to not only deal with weather challenges, but to handle rules and guidelines that attempt to regulate the weather. Farm and ranch families are turning to their optimism reservoir now more than ever these days because of such regulatory challenges.

This was confirmed by Farm Bureau’s

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

annual survey of members involved in the Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R) program. Despite ongoing worries about profitability, increasing government regulations and the impact of activist groups, 80 percent of young farmers and ranchers reported being more optimistic than they were a year ago.

The optimism of these men and women, who range in age from 18 to 35, was further confirmed when the survey showed 96 percent consider themselves life-long farmers or ranchers and 98 percent would like to see their children follow in their footsteps. In these difficult times, we can all be buoyed by their hope and optimism.

According to Will Gilmer, a Lamar County, Ala., dairy producer and chair of AFBF’s YF&R Committee, the survey results makes it clear the group still sees a bright future, despite challenges on many different fronts.

“We have confidence in ourselves that we’re going to be able to rise up and meet those challenges and that the opportunities in agriculture will be there for years to come,” Gilmer said.

The YF&R survey showed a high level of apprehension about government climate change regulation; 79 percent of those surveyed expressed high or very high concern about such regulations and the impact on their operations. Activist groups are also of concern; 85 percent expressed serious concern that such groups

will interfere with their farms or ranches. The survey was conducted during the annual YF&R Leadership Conference in Tulsa last month.

Need Extra Cash?

The United Nations tells us that farmers and ranchers will need to produce 70 percent more food for an additional 2.3 billion people worldwide by 2050.

Meeting this huge need will fall largely to today’s young farmers and ranchers and their children.

They will rely on their optimism to meet the job at hand.

But government officials and elected leaders must do their part by not adding rules and regulations that hamper the ability of American agriculture to feed the world.

John Hart is director of news services for the American Farm Bureau Federation.

We have great rates on loans for home and garden improvements, ATVs, boats and motorcycles!

See your local agent or contact VP Rod Eggleston at 239-4259 in Pocatello Manager Scott Loveland in Boise at 947-2521 Manager Gary Kildow in Caldwell at 455-1526 Farm Bureau Finance Co. Loans and Investments

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

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What An Opportunity

What Will Unsubsidized Agriculture Look Like?

by Jeff C. Nauman

What would a non-subsidized American agriculture look like? A prominent agricultural writer recently offered his presumptions for consideration.

Allan Nation, editor of the Stockman Grassfarmer magazine, recently opined his predictions should our American government eliminate subsidies to agriculture. Although many would suggest such action would decimate rural America both economically and ecologically, Nation’s thoughts provide fodder for further consideration.

Nation predicts that without subsidies we would have much cheaper land prices as all subsidies are eventually bid into land prices. “Take the subsidies away and land prices will fall to their true value of ten times rent,” writes Nation. According to Nation, this has apparently happened in the residential housing market already.

Secondly, agriculture would be much more diverse and localized. Monoculture cropping is largely a response to government export incentives and price subsidies. Without subsidies, farmers could ill af-

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ford the market risk of putting all of their proverbial eggs in one basket if the government stopped its support programs.

Therefore, the elimination of subsidies would result in farmers and ranchers returning to more diversified operations that are better able to withstand challenges both the economy and Mother Nature bring forth.

Third, American agriculture would return to a more laborintensive industry that requires less capital and petroleum.

When American agriculture bought in to the ‘get big or get out’ mentality it likewise sold out on the ability of future generations to get started in the industry. Mega farms turned to mega-sized equipment to reduce the labor needs and ‘economize’ the scale of raising crops. Unfortunately, the capital required to start a similar business is rarely within the grasp of a young farmer.

And four, the American people would pay more for food but the food they consume would be better for them. Currently Americans pay as a percentage of their income, the least amount for food and groceries – yet the most for healthcare

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

- of any developed country in the world. With the climbing rate of obesity and diabetes in America, the current focus on healthy eating is just beginning. Unfortunately I’ve heard nothing in Obama’s healthcare program that targets wellness incentives through healthy eating.

According to Nation, while this end-of-subsidies scenario may sound quite attractive, it will be extremely painful for most American agricultural producers. As a real-estate-heavy industry, farmers and ranchers have greatly benefited from the past years of inflation. Fortunately, farm and ranch land is the last big domestic real estate bubble left largely un-popped; therefore, the industry has the opportunity to act before the burst occurs. At some point, it is reasonable and prudent to anticipate our governing bodies will be forced to eliminate agricultural subsidies as a means of halting the ever-increasing flow of red ink coming from Washington.

Nation predicts that, along with a termination of subsidies, there would also be significant erosion in net worth. Fortunately,

in agriculture net worth is typically more a measure of land value and other assets than of actual cash holdings; therefore, such an erosion of net worth simply adjusts the agriculture industry’s percentage of wealth to correspond with the net worth of other industries.

Predictably, the next shoe to drop will occur when 15 million homeowners decide to walk away from their “upside down” non-recourse, real estate notes. Remember that in the early 1980s farmland prices dropped 50 percent in just one year. It could happen again.

This threat of rapid land devaluation is one reason farm loans are hard to find today and a realistic reason for re-analyzing your existing operation. When our urban cousins decide to bail from their real estate obligations, you can bet our real estate values will be negatively impacted as well.

Jeff Nauman is a rancher from Firth and part owner of the AJ Kyles Meat Co. The Nauman family produces forage finished beef, chicken, lamb, goat and eggs.

Contact Nauman at jcnauman@ ida.net.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

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Several Idaho Farm Bureau members recently attended the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Western Region Leadership Conference in Reno. Pictured here left to right are IFBF President Frank Priestley, Owyhee County FB President John Richard and his wife Marylyn, AFBF President Bob Stallman and Russ Hendricks, IFBF regional manager for southwest Idaho.

The Twin Falls County Farm Bureau Federation gave a basket away in each office for Agriculture Awareness week. Bill Lupher received the basket from the South office. Not photographed were recipients John Knapple in the county’s North office and Julie Tadlock at Buhl.

Pictured above are all of the IFBF members who attended the AFBF Western Region Leadership Conference in Reno.

Idaho had more members in attendance than any other western state.

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

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Article and Photos by Timothy Prather Down where the willows and alders abound, all sorts of creatures are found. The alders and willows grow within riparian areas and contain some of our greatest diversity of organisms.

They also work to maintain clean water for humans and other animals as well. However some of our riparian areas are being changed by Asian plant invaders from the buckwheat family.

The plants are knotweeds. You may be familiar with one knotweed that often inhabits high traffic areas in lawns, prostrate knotweed. The knotweeds found in riparian areas also got their start in our landscapes.

Giant knotweed and Japanese knotweeds were brought here as ornamental plants. The giant knotweed has large leaves that grow to 12 inches and stems that are nearly 2 inches in diameter at the base. These plants can grow to 12 feet tall. They grow 12 feet each year because each fall they die back to a woody crown. Japanese knotweed has smaller leaves and tends to be shorter, often only 16

A Giant knotweed plant on the shore of Lake Pend’ Oreille.

Knotweed Shrubs cause Formidable Problems 8 feet tall. Like its relative giant knotweed, it also dies back to a woody base each fall.

As a group the woody knotweeds are resilient, able to grow in a variety of climates and can produce a beautiful show of white flowers in late summer.

Low maintenance and showy flowers made this group popular for ornamental plantings all across the United States.

Within landscapes, however, they do cause trouble. They have underground stems that allow the plants to spread, taking over other plants in a landscape and even fracturing asphalt as buds on the underground stems sprout new, upright stems. I have even seen a picture from Wales where Japanese knotweed came up

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

through someone’s floor into their living room. In fact, a horticulture manual says this about the knotweeds, “Be leery and careful when considering the above for the garden. All are thugs.” In fact, knotweeds are such a problem in the British Isles that they are considered the biggest weed problem and even have a special landfill to house soil that has been removed from construction sites that have Japanese knotweed.

The giant and Japanese knotweeds have caused problems on their own but they also have banded together to cause a new problem. Giant and Japanese knotweeds have formed hybrids that have some characteristics of each parental plant.

The cross has been named Bohemian knotweed. As many of

you know, corn varieties are crossed to obtain what is called hybrid vigor where the crossing of the varieties increases the production in the hybrid.

We also see hybrid vigor in the Bohemian knotweed. It is the weediest of the three and the shrubby knotweed most often encountered in Idaho. Neither giant nor Japanese knotweeds are commonly found within Idaho. Bohemian knotweed’s leaves are intermediate in size between the two parents and have at least partial lobes at the leaf base giving it a heartshaped look. Bohemian knotweed plants grow to 12 feet tall like giant knotweed.

So why be concerned in riparian areas? Stream bank structure suffers when knotweeds are stream-side. As knotweeds

crowd out other shrubs and grasses, the banks loose stability because the root system of knotweeds is not as dense as our native plants. During high spring flow, stream banks can be scoured when soil is loosely held by knotweeds. Scouring stream banks of course affects the direction of the stream channel and increases sediments in the water. During the growing season, litter fall would take place only after the first hard frost. Having a single time when leaves are moved into the stream reduces the duration that food is available to aquatic insects that feed on decaying plant material. Those insects in turn then are not as abundant for other insects or for fish. In addition, reduced native numbers of plants along the stream limits the diversity and abundance of insects on shore and those insects are

then not food for birds, frogs or fish.

Each of the woody knotweed colonies spreads slowly, so there is time to gain effective control once infestations appear in a river or stream drainage. One example, the Lochsa River, is still at a point where control is possible with small colonies located every 100 to 300 yards from Apgar to Three Rivers (where the Lochsa and Selway Rivers meet and become the Clearwater River). However these small patches do grow and eventually will crowd out native understory plants. Control becomes more of a challenge when downstream dispersal takes place after runoff events. Once a patch is found, it is a good idea to look downstream and upstream by as much as a couple of miles to find either a source or

new downstream infestations. Studies of seed movement of other riparian plants in flowing water have measured movement up to several miles. Predicting movement in flowing water is tricky but larger rivers would transmit viable plant fragments farther than streams.

Our Idaho State Department of Agriculture has listed these three plants on the noxious weed list and so they need to be controlled by state law. Therefore, in addition to good land stewardship, compliance with state law is another reason to work to remove these plants.

Removal of these plants is not a simple task. Control of these woody knotweeds requires persistence because of the chalSee KNOTWEED page 19

A Giant Knotweed leaf.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

17

Legislative Interns Gain Real World Experience

By Jake Putnam

in our operation. I got to see all of that and more.”

BOISE — One can explain the legislative process, but there’s nothing like living it. Ask Morgan Brune, Kara Jackson or Eric Bair. The three served as legislative internships with the Idaho Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs staff in March.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that those interns are valuable resources during the internships,” said IFBF President Frank Priestley. “They carry Farm Bureau policy and effectively lobby our positions. In the end they get the knowledge and experience of a lifetime.”

The internships are designed to give Farm Bureau members firsthand, working knowledge of the structure and operational procedures of Idaho State government, especially as they relate to agriculture and natural resource issues. One intern explained that it’s basically two years of college condensed into a busy, frantic week.

Morgan Brune of Jerome County left the kids and farm behind for her internship. Eric Bair, a student at BYU-Idaho, put his college textbooks back on the shelf and Kara Jackson of Meridian traded her Miss Idaho Crown for a business suit. All three donned the distinctive green lobbyist badge.

Lawmakers had the chance to meet and work with the interns.

Many were honored to spend time chatting or have their photos taken with them. The interns to them represent the people back home and they have a special place in the halls of the capitol.

“They bring their individual experiences and backgrounds with them to Boise, and they put a face on who we work for and represent. They’re good ambassadors for the Farm Bureau in the legislative hallways, and they brighten up our office when they’re here,” added Lauer.

“It’s different and amazing compared to the classroom,” said Bair. “I guess you can read so much in a book, but until you go out and do it and get to see how laws are implemented its priceless. To see the pros and cons of an issue argued in a committee, that’s how government works.”

Wearing the green badge at the Statehouse gave the interns a backstage pass to the biggest political show in Idaho. They routinely came in contact with the Governor Butch Otter and several other of the state’s power brokers in the marble hallways. It’s an exciting world they had only read about.

The interns also got to see the Farm Bureau’s Governmental Affairs team work issues behind closed doors, up-close and personal. “The staff values our legislative internship program because it gives county Farm Bureau volunteers a firsthand look at how we do our jobs in implementing Farm Bureau policies,” said Idaho Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Director Kent Lauer.”But the program also benefits the staff because the volunteers provide their own insight into the issues.”

Jackson sought out one of the prized legislative affairs internships because she wanted to see for herself how the Gem State Legislative process works.

“When you can actually watch what is going on in the committee meetings and on the floor it gives you a different prospective of how legislation and law are formed in our state,” said Jackson who also serves on the Ada County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

Morgan Brune left behind a husband and family to attend but wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. “You learn about the Legislative process in high school, but in real life, it lines up for you and makes sense. For me, its growth and knowledge we need 18

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

Idaho Farm Bureau legislative interns, left to right Eric Bair, Kara Jackson and Morgan Brune gained valuable experience while spending a recent week working on agriculture issues at the Idaho Statehouse with the IFBF Governmental Affairs staff.

Photo by Steve Ritter

KNOTWEED Continued from page 17 lenges presented by the woody base, fast growth rate and long rhizomes. There are several methods available for control in the United States. Grazing with sheep or cows can reduce shoot density by 50 percent but hand pulling is not successful and may increase spread. Mowing, too, may be effective if shoots are removed as they form, but again, plan for the long haul. Stems must be mowed or cut at least twice a month during the first growing season and then monthly over three years to completely kill knotweed. One report indicated when knotweed stems were removed only once a month from April to October for three years, stem numbers actually increased.

Biological control is being researched but no biological control agents have been approved for release in the United States.

Any stems pulled or cut must be removed from water’s edge because the stems can take root.

There are herbicides that can be used for control. Even with herbicides, patience and persistence are important. Plants can be killed with a single application but many times, at least a second application will be necessary. Since these plants are often along water, herbicides that can be used around water should be chosen.

Where can you get current information

on control of knotweeds using herbicides?

Fortunately we have assembled materials for people to use as guides for their own control programs. Since the information changes frequently it is best to look at publications that are updated frequently. There is a guideline for control of noxious weeds the University of Idaho produces each year called “Idaho’s Noxious Weeds Control Guidelines.” You can either buy a copy of the publication or download it free from the internet at http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/ edComm/results.asp?category1=Pests%20 and%20Pesticides&category2=Weeds. In addition, University of Idaho works with Washington State University and Oregon State University to produce the Pacific Northwest Weed Management Handbook that you can access at http://uspest.org/ pnw/weeds. It contains a section called “Control of Problem Weeds” that has information on knotweed control. Finally, a new bulletin was produced this last year that helps with identification and management that you can obtain for free at http:// www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/pdf/PNW/ PNW0610.pdf.

Hopefully, these resources can get you started on identification and management of these plants that have been labeled “thugs.”

Tim Prather works at the University of Idaho where he is an associate professor in the Department of Plant, Soils and Entomological Sciences in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. His areas of research activity include methods of control for weeds of pasture and range, use of remote sensing to detect weeds and to define ecological limits to a weed species, distribution, and plant dispersal modeling across canyon grassland landscapes. He also is developing IPM tools for 1) canyon grasslands impacted by yellow starthistle, 2) meadow hawkweed management in meadows, 3) ventenata in pasture or CRP and 4) rush skeletonweed management on rangeland. Tim administers the UI weed diagnostic lab and has produced a weed bulletin for the noxious weeds of Idaho, contributes to the PNW Weed Management Handbook and other weed focused extension bulletins. He holds workshops on a variety of weed management topics. At the UI campus Tim teaches an upper division and graduate student class on Weed Biology. Tim lives in Moscow with wife Rose and two sons, Tristan and Ian.

University of Idaho Associate Professor Timothy Prather examines a Giant knotweed plant in North Idaho.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

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21

Caldwell Stock Yard Busy, Sellers Happy

By Jake Putnam CALDWELL - Go to the Caldwell Auction on any Friday and you’ll see a jolly bunch of cowboys enjoying free roast beef sandwiches and happily buying and selling cattle. The stockyard parking lot is full on most Fridays.

“It’s because of higher beef prices, supplies are getting tighter and herds are shrinking,” according Wilson Gray, Ag Economist at the University of Idaho. “We’re at least two years away from seeing any increase in beef herds that’s why prices have been up since December.”

Cattlemen at the Caldwell auction yard couldn’t sell their cattle fast enough, while buyers were looking for quality, knowing that when they come back to the yard in the fall they could turn a tidy profit.

That’s because ranchers can rely on a foreign exports to help them out, something that wasn’t there last year.

Beef exports to Korea have helped thin the nation’s beef supply according Gray who pointed out that prices have topped the highest point in 15 months. Prices for feeder cattle under700 pounds range from $102 to $131 per hundredweight; good prices and “a better situation all around,” he said.

Yet winter demand has lagged behind and manifested itself in flat grocery store prices for beef.

Industry experts say shoppers turned to cheaper protein sources when the economy soured. Some say it’s bottomed out, just in time for the busy barbeque season. The USDA reports that the number of Auctioneer and crew move cattle recently at the Treasure Valley Livestock Auction in Caldwell. Prices are up cattle in feedlots fell to a sevenand sales have been brisk. year low in January.

Photo by Steve Ritter

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

“The cost of feeding has come down a bit and hay is less expensive so there is some opportunity to put a little bit of profit back into cattle feeding,” said Gray. “But the overall outlook the dairy side isn’t as good.

It’s a matter of moving product to get prices up or culling cows to get the supply side down to support prices. That all plays into the picture and it’s hard to say which way it will go.”

Beef cutout prices posted their highest oneday price on March 22nd. The Choice cutout averaged $159.86 per hundredweight that’s up $2.56 from the previous high March 19th. In February the Choice cutout averaged $146.71 per hundredweight, and that was an up nearly $5 from January. So the price hike represents a month-to-month increase of $13 per hundredweight, nearly an $18 improvement from February numbers.

“Right now buyers are looking for grass cattle and the light weight calves and to run them on grass through the summer, with

these prices there s a lot of interest in that.

That’s going to help our ranchers,” said Gray, who adds; “we always have a boost in the spring market.”

Slaughter steer prices were $8.10/cwt higher in February than 12 months earlier.

Higher slaughter steer prices and lower retail beef prices means the middlemen’s margins were squeezed a bit. The February farm-to-retail price spread was the lowest since July 2008. Another plus for cattlemen, but the million dollar question is will it last?

The April live cattle futures contract ended the week at $97.97/cwt, up $2.87 for the week. June settled at $95.12, up $2.32 from the week before. August settled at $92.47/ cwt and the October live cattle contract ended the week at $94.45.

“Nationwide it was a tough winter and beef production is down in the big feedlot areas.

Weight gains were not as good so total beef production is down. Again supply side is tight, but demand is down over the past few

years, nonetheless these factors should help our ranchers,” said Gray.

Cattle production in the United States was at its highest in 1974, when an estimated 132 million head (as measured on Jan. 1 of each year) were recorded. Numbers have steadily dropped, with brief climbing from 115 million in 1980 to 103.5 million in 1996. As of Jan. 1, 2010, numbers stood at a 50-year low of 93.7 million in the United States.

Despite the 50-year low, cattle are heavier according to the USDA. Their reports show that the weight of processed beef production in the United States actually increased to more than 26 billion pounds a year from 23 billion pounds annually in the 1970s.

Gray adds that Idaho cattlemen have had two tough years under their belt. But finally they’re getting prices they need to turn a profit. They taking advantage of this boost in the spring market but waiting cautiously for the fall.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

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North Idaho residents are being encouraged to send public comment to the U.S. Forest Service regarding a proposed land exchange that would swap about 40,000 acres of remote land in the Upper Lochsa region for about 30,000 acres of land in the Palouse region much closer to population centers.

Pictured: The Latah County Farm Bureau Board discussed the matter in early March.

FB Members Concerned About Proposed Land Exchange Article and Photo by Bob Smathers

Counties.

Three retired rangers from the Palouse Ranger District attended a Latah County Farm Bureau meeting on March 9 in Moscow to express their concerns about the proposed Upper Lochsa Land Exchange.

“The problem is that these Forest Service lands are far more valuable because of developed roads, culverts, timber productivity, and recreational amenities” says Ross.

If these lands are exchanged, the public will be locked out of lands they have enjoyed for horseback riding, hiking, berry picking, wood cutting, timber harvest, grazing, fishing, photography, camping, hunting, 4-wheeling, and many other similar pursuits. “They will be lost to the public” says Ross.

Larry Ross, Blake Ballard and Irv Johnson, all former rangers said the exchange is a bad deal for the communities adjacent to the Palouse Ranger District. The owner of the Lochsa Parcels, Western Pacific Timber, LLC, is seeking to exchange 39,371 acres of mostly logged over land held in the Upper Lochsa with 28,212 acres of timbered Forest Service land that is mostly located in Latah, Clearwater, and Idaho 24

The Forest Service said the discrepancies in value would be taken into consideration in the appraisal process. But, Ross says the

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

appraisal process used by the Forest Service only takes into account the value of standing timber. Their value to the public or amenity value would not be accounted for in the Forest Service appraisal process.

The parcels in the Lochsa are located far from any populated areas and are rarely used for anything but timber production, whereas the Palouse parcels are highly used by many people and for many uses including timber production.

“These lands that are being traded away are minutes away from most of the communities in North Central Idaho” says Ross. The most distant parcel being considered for possible trade is a three minute drive from

Elk River and a 50 minute drive from Moscow. Most of the parcels being considered for possible trade are less than a 10 minute drive from one of the areas communities. Conversely, the closest parcel being considered for acquiring in the Upper Lochsa is approximately 4 hours away from the communities in the Palouse region.

Ross says land alternatives that are far more fair to the public have been offered to the Forest Service, but have been ignored. This is troubling because the Forest Service has not been transparent.

Latah County Commissioners had no idea the Forest Service was talking about giving away thousands of acres in their county.

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“The process needs to be transparent and that has not been the case up until now” says Ross. The public needs to be in agreement on the parcels that are traded. The former rangers along with another organization called Friends of the Palouse Ranger District are trying to enforce NEPA and an environmental impact statement to force public comment. The EIS is supposed to be available next summer; a 45 day public comment period will follow its release.

The former rangers and Friends of the Palouse Ranger District are encouraging the public and organizations to write letters to their congressional representatives and to forward them onto the Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, and managers and supervisors with the Forest Service in the Clearwater Region. “Each organization that feels strongly about this land exchange needs to go on record with the Forest Service that they oppose it” says Ross.

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Young farmer Doug Barrie of Ucon harvests grain last fall. The American Farm Bureau Federation recently surveyed young farmers and ranchers from around the country. A majority of the respondents are optimistic about their future in agriculture.

Farm Bureau file photo

Young Farmers, Ranchers Face Concerns but Express Optimism WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 11, 2010 -Profitability, increasing government regulations and the impact of activist groups are the top concerns of America’s leading young farmers and ranchers, according to a survey conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Despite the challenges, 80 percent of those responding to AFBF’s 18th annual survey of young farmers and ranchers say they are more optimistic than they were five years ago, while 82 percent say they are better off than they were five years ago.

“Last year was a tough year economically for many sectors of agriculture,” said AFBF YF&R Committee Chair Will Gilmer, a dairy farmer from Lamar County, Ala. “But despite the challenges, the survey shows young farmers and ranchers are optimistic and hopeful. We expect a 26

bright future ahead.”

The informal survey shows young farmers and ranchers have a high level of apprehension about government climate change regulations, with 79 percent of those surveyed expressing high or very high concern.

A huge majority of those surveyed expressed concern about the impact of activist groups on their farm and ranch operations. A total of 85 percent were concerned or very concerned about activist groups.

Only 7 percent expressed little or no concern.

“Activist groups are becoming more and more vocal, so that is something we always have to keep our eyes on,” Gilmer said. “There is also a great deal of concern about all the ways the government wants

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

to regulate us, whether it’s cap-and-trade or different Environmental Protection Agency rules.”

Respondents were asked to rank their top three challenges, and 24 percent ranked overall profitability as the top, followed by government regulations at 23 percent. Two other concerns tied for third on that list, with competition from more established farms and ranches, and willingness of parents to share management responsibilities each receiving 9 percent.

And when it comes to what steps the federal government can take to help farmers and ranchers, 23 percent ranked cut federal spending as No. 1. Boosting U.S. agricultural exports ranked second, selected by 14 percent of respondents. Providing greater help to beginning farmers was third at 11 percent.

A sizable majority, 83 percent, said they believe farm income should come totally from the marketplace, while only 17 percent said farm income should be supplemented by government farm program payments.

Young farmers and ranchers are also committed environmental stewards, with 68 percent saying that balancing environmental and economic concerns is important for their operations. The survey says 58 percent used conservation tillage on their farms.

The majority of those surveyed, 57 percent, plan to plant biotech crops this year, while 43 percent said they do not plan to do so.

The survey also shows the Internet is an important tool for young farmers and ranchers. Nearly 99 percent said they have access to and use the Internet, with the vast majority, 72 percent, saying they have access to a high-speed Internet connection. Only 20 percent rely on slower dialup connections and 8 percent turn to more

costly satellite connections.

The social media site Facebook is very popular with young farmers and ranchers.

Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed have a Facebook page. Ten percent of the young farmers say they use the microblogging Web site Twitter, while about 12 percent say they post YouTube videos.

Communicating with consumers is also important, with 77 saying they consider reaching out to the public about agriculture and their operations an important part of their jobs as farmers and ranchers.

“We’re recognizing that we need to get out there and talk with our consumers, and we are doing so,” Gilmer said. “Social media is just one more avenue for us to reach those who buy and consume what we produce.”

In addition, the Internet is an important tool for the group to access both general and farm news, with 84 percent saying they use the Web for that function. Seventy-two percent said they turn to the Inter-

net to collect buying information for their operations.

The survey also reveals the group’s strong commitment to agriculture, with 96 percent saying they consider themselves life-long farmers or ranchers. They also express hope for the next generation, with 98 percent saying they would like to see their children follow in their footsteps; 85 percent believe their children will be able to follow in their footsteps.

“Young farmers and ranchers share the same traditional hopes and values that have always guided agriculture,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “This survey shows that the future of American agriculture is in caring and capable hands.”

The informal survey of young farmers and ranchers, ages 18-35, was conducted during AFBF’s 2010 YF&R Leadership Conference in Tulsa, Okla., last month. There were 373 respondents to the informal survey.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

27

Congress Urged to Ease Cuba Trade Restrictions WASHINGTON, D.C., March 11, 2010— When it comes to competing for agricultural trade with Cuba, the United States is its own worst enemy. In testimony today before the House Agriculture Committee, American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman called on congressional members to support the Travel Reform and Export Enhancement Act, or H.R. 4645, which would lift some key U.S.-imposed restrictions on trade with Cuba.

Because of the great market potential, the American Farm Bureau Federation has been an advocate for easing restrictions on exports to Cuba and is a supporter of H.R. 4645, sponsored by House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Rep. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). The bill would reverse the restrictions on “payment of cash in advance,” eliminate the third country bank requirement and lift the ban on travel. According to AFBF, passage of the legislation would make agriculture a strong player in the Cuban market and in-

crease U.S. agricultural exports.

“We have seen the promise the market holds,” said Stallman. “Unfortunately, because of restrictions on U.S exports to Cuba, U.S. farmers have not been able to benefit from the full potential of the market.”

U.S. agriculture has seen significant growth, but has also experienced significant setbacks, since being allowed to trade with Cuba in 2000. On average the United States has exported roughly $320 million in agricultural products per year since 2000, reaching a high of almost $700 million in 2008. But, said Stallman, the United States is not viewed by Cuba as a reliable supplier due to our sales restrictions and the ability of the U.S. government to “alter those restrictions at a whim.”

“Our competitors do not have the same obstacles in trading with Cuba we face,” said Stallman. “Eliminating these restrictions will decrease the advantages the United

States has given our competitors and restore the advantage to U.S. farmers. These actions will make it easier for Cuba to purchase U.S. commodities and, most importantly, will reduce the cost of purchasing our commodities.”

The United States exports a variety of commodities to Cuba. Of those, grain and feed has consistently topped sales, reaching $369 million and making up more than half of agriculture’s total exports to the country in 2008. The U.S. also exports a wide range of other commodities to Cuba including oilseeds, meats and dairy.

“U.S. agriculture is not requesting the embargo be lifted, but rather for Congress to take the small step of lifting key restrictions that will increase U.S. agriculture’s competitiveness in the market,” said Stallman. “Now is the time for Congress to take action to ease some of the current trade restrictions.”

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

29

The Chester Diversion on the Henrys Fork of the Snake River near St. Anthony. Farmers and ranchers are being encouraged to look into small hydro-electric projects.

Farm Bureau file photo

Hydro Electric Opportunity

By Garth Barker For nearly a decade there has been a tidal wave of renewable energy development across the USA. Most of this new clean energy is produced in and around America’s agricultural communities in the form of wind generation. Ironically another form 30

of generation is being ignored, a form that is far more dependable, has none of the variability issues, and in many cases can be an economic savior for farms and ranches. This is small hydro-electric generation.

Before the onslaught of wind development

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

and advancing solar technologies, but well within this era of “environmental awareness� hydro electric generation was considered the bastard child and looked on by some, as being nearly as harmful for the aquatic environment as coal is for air quality. The call for the removal of dams

that stop fish migration has been one of the rallying cries of environmental advocates over the last two decades. The result of this outcry has been a plethora of stringent regulation mandated concerning waters of the USA, almost ensuring that no more dams be built in this country – in spite of the fact that thousands of dams with the potential to produce energy have been built for flood control and irrigation by various federal agencies and private irrigation companies since the turn of the last century.

Recognizing the growing need for energy, as early as the late 1980’s (before wind), the Department of Energy commissioned a study (U.S. Hydropower Resource Assessment Final Report) to investigate hydroelectric generation potential on these previously built dams nationwide, and while doing so developed a stringent set of rules to guide developers when considering project sites. This study also calculated the energy

potential of those dams that were deemed nearly environmentally benign.

including small hydro-electric projects as eligible.

A realistic assessment of this targeted potential is 30,000 megawatts of clean renewable energy, not considering the potential for micro hydro that could be installed on culinary water systems throughout western communities whose water comes from high mountain springs and streams.

What this means for the rancher, farmer, or irrigation company is the opportunity to develop a revenue source while ensuring national energy security, helping the community, and providing good stable clean energy for America.

Recently the USDA added small hydro generation to their Rural Development program’s arsenal of acceptable projects, specifically the REAP program. This action opened the flood gates for hydro-electric development in rural America. The USDA, recognizing that funding for rural energy development in all forms was necessary to ensure the financial success of such projects, upped the ante by including a grant for the Feasibility Study required by most government grant/ loan programs, again

Wind doesn’t always blow and clouds cover the sun from time to time but within our farming communities where water flows, non-consumptive use of this resource is not only prudent but adds value to our agricultural heritage here in America. Potential revenues from energy generation ensure a healthy and progressive agri-business for the country.

Garth Barker works at Wild River Consulting in Logan, Utah. He can be reached at garthbarker@gmail.com

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

31

New Sharp-Tailed Grouse Protection

Boise - Dick Rush, State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Idaho, recently announced more acres are available to protect Columbian Sharp-tailed grouse leks in a conservation program known as SAFE. FSA created SAFE to benefit high priority state wildlife conservation objectives through the restoration of vital habitat. Owners and operators of 13 Idaho Counties may enroll eligible land in a continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) practice titled State Acres for wildlife Enhancement (SAFE).

“Idaho has received an additional 18,000 acres for SAFE,” said Rush. “This is a very popular program in Idaho and we have pending applications already. It brings environmental folks and farmers together in an effort to preserve a species.

We look forward to signing these 18,000 new CRP acres very quickly.”

Through SAFE, producers create habitat that is beneficial to the targeted high-priority wildlife species. This may involve planting trees, grasses, forbs or other species that help restore or improve wildlife habitat.

Specific SAFE conservation practices are listed in each state’s SAFE project.

Expanding and connecting habitat for Columbian Sharp-tailed grouse and resident wildlife 32

will realize a higher abundance of food during brood rearing season. Increased shrub and tree thickets and riparian vegetation will improve Columbian sharp-tailed grouse winter habitat. Not only does this program benefit Columbian Sharp-tailed grouse, there are benefits for ring-necked pheasants, mule deer, and other game species.

The benefits include additional hunting opportunities and increased local economic activities in rural communities.

Idaho has 13 counties participating in the Idaho Columbian Sharp-tailed grouse SAFE program, including: Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Caribou, Cassia, Clark, Franklin, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Power, Oneida, and Teton.

Idaho currently has approved 6300 acres in the SAFE project and more landowner applications are expected. The program is administered with the help of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Contact your local FSA office for more information. You can find the office that services your county at www.fsa.usda.gov/id.

The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse are the smallest and rarest of six subspecies of sharptailed grouse in North America.

First described by Lewis and Clark in 1805, the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse was once considered the most abundant grouse in the Intermountain West. However, by 1900 Co-

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

lumbian sharp-tailed grouse distribution had dramatically declined. The subspecies now exists in less than ten percent of its historic range.

leifelgethun@yahoo.com or Andy Olson at 208-867-3082 or andyolson11@gmail.com if you are interested in Harvesting Clean Energy’s grant application services.

Energy Efficiency Grants Available

Idaho NRCS will offer financial assistance to agricultural producers this year for the preparation of Agricultural Energy Management Activity Plans through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The Agricultural Energy Management Activity Plans will contain strategies which will allow the producer to explore and address on-farm energy problems and opportunities. All activity plans shall be developed by certified Technical Service Providers (TSP) which the participating producer can select for the completion of the plan and the associated energy audit. Idaho NRCS will provide financial assistance to eligible EQIP producers in the amount of $1,655 for the development and preparation of the plan. Interested producers can contact their local Natural Resources Conservation Service office for additional information and assistance.

Are you looking for ways to save money for your farm or rural business by upgrading to more energy efficient equipment or adding renewable energy for power or heating? You may want to consider a grant or loan guarantee from the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Established in 2002, REAP provides hundreds of grants totaling up to 25 percent of a project’s costs, and loan guarantees for up to 75 percent of a project’s costs.

REAP has provided over $200 million in grants and loan guarantees for projects ranging from efficient lighting and irrigation system upgrades to wind, solar, small hydro and biomass energy projects across rural America.

Applying for a REAP grant takes time and knowledge and most people are busy enough running their business or farm. Harvesting Clean Energy has the technical expertise and regulatory knowledge to greatly increase your success rate when applying for REAP. They are offering subsidized grant application services for a limited time. Contact Leif Elgethun at 208-301-2293 or

Some electric utilities offer additional incentives for energy efficiency measures on farms or rural businesses. Incentives cover a range of improvements, from irrigation efficient measures and peak power reductions to simple or complex energy efficient upgrades to com-

mercial or industrial buildings.

Programs offered by Idaho Power include a 75 percent incentive for energy efficient replacement of an existing irrigation pump, rewards for turning off pumps for a few hours on select days, up to $100,000 for easy efficiency upgrades to existing buildings or for efficiency measures in new buildings, up to 70 percent of project cost for complex industrial process upgrades, and payments for reducing energy use during peak demand. More information can be found at: http://www. idahopower.com/EnergyEfficiency/Programs/default. cfm?tab=Irrigation Programs offered by Rocky Mountain Power include: cash incentives for energy efficient measures in new buildings as well as upgrades to existing buildings, expert technical advice for existing building efficiency retrofits over 20,000 square feet; cash incentives for upgrading pumps, water distribution, or motors; and incentives for load reduction for customers with over 1 MW of connected load. More information can be found at: http://www. rockymountainpower.net/ bus/se/epi.html

Honey Production Increases

Idaho honey production in 2009 from producers with five or more colonies totaled 4.74 million pounds, a 32 percent increase from 2008, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Honey producing colonies are estimated at 103,000 colonies, up 13,000 colonies from last year. Yield

per colony averaged 46 pounds, up six pounds from 2008. Producer honey stocks were 1.71 million pounds on December 15, 2009, an increase of 18 percent from the previous year.

The average honey price per pound is $1.45, down one cent from a year ago.

Honey production in 2009 from producers with five or more colonies totaled 144 million pounds, down 12 percent from 2008. There were 2.46 million colonies producing honey in 2009, up 5 percent from 2008.

Yield per colony averaged 58.5 pounds, down 16 percent from the 69.9 pounds in 2008, and is the lowest yield since 1989.

Colonies which produced honey in more than one State were counted in each State where the honey was produced. Therefore, yields per colony may be understated, but total production would not be impacted.

Colonies were not included if honey was not harvested. Producer honey stocks were 37.2 million pounds on December 15, 2009, down 27 percent from a year earlier. Stocks held by producers exclude those held under the commodity loan program.

Honey prices increased to a record high during 2009 to 144.5 cents, up 2 percent from 142.1 cents in 2008. U.S. and State level prices reflect the portions of honey sold through retail, cooperatives, and private channels. Prices for each color class are derived by weighting the quantities sold for each marketing channel. Prices for the 2008 crop reflect honey sold in 2008 and 2009. Some 2008 crop honey was sold in 2009, which caused some revisions to the 2008 crop prices.

Food Size Trout Sales Increased

Idaho food size trout (trout 12 inches and longer) sales during 2009 totaled $36.0 million, up 3 percent from the $35.0 million in 2008, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. The number of food size fish sold was 29.8 million, up 8 percent from the 27.6 million sold a year ago. Total pounds sold in 2009 were 35.6 million pounds, compared to 35.4 million pounds in 2008.

Average price per pound for food size trout was $1.01, up from $0.99 in 2008.

The number of trout 12 inches and longer sold in the United States during 2009 totaled 41.1 million fish, up 2 percent from the previous year. The average price per pound was $1.40, up 2 cents from 2008. The value of sales for the 2009 marketing year was 68.6 million dollars, down 5 percent from 2008. For trout 12 inches or longer 62 percent were sold to processors and 19 percent were sold to fee and recreational fishing establishments.

The total value of fish sales received by trout growers in the United States totaled 76.9 million dollars for 2009, a decrease of 4 percent from 2008. Idaho accounted for 47 percent of the total value of fish sold.

Idaho Potato Stocks Up

Potato stocks held by growers, dealers, and processors in Idaho on March 1 totaled 65.5 million cwt, 9.0 million cwt more than on hand March 1, 2009.

Disappearance, at 65.5 million

cwt is up from last year’s 60.0 million cwt. Stocks in the 10 Southwest counties totaled 2.70 million cwt, up from last year’s 1.80 million cwt. The Other counties’ stocks, at 62.8 million cwt, were up from the 54.7 million cwt stored on March 1, 2009. Processors in Idaho and Malheur County, Oregon used 6.88 million cwt of 2009 crop raw potatoes during February, up 2.4 percent from February 2009. Processors in Idaho and Malheur County, Oregon have used 42.1 million cwt of 2009 crop raw potatoes to March 1, down 0.2 percent from last year. Idaho potatoes accounted for 36.6 million cwt of the total processed. The remaining 5.48 million cwt were produced in other states.

Nationally, the 13 major potato States held 170 million cwt of potatoes in storage March 1, 2010, up 11 percent from a year ago and 4 percent above March 1, 2008. Potatoes in storage accounted for 44 percent of the 2009 fall storage States’ production, 3 percentage points above March 1, 2009. Potato disappearance, at 214 million cwt, was 2 percent below March 1, 2009 and down 9 percent from 2008. Season-to-date shrink and loss, at 20.9 million cwt, was up 12 percent from the same date in 2009 and 3 percent above 2008. Processors in the 9 major States have used 108 million cwt of potatoes this season, down 7 percent from the same period last year and down 14 percent from 2 years ago. Dehydrating usage accounted for 19.8 million cwt of the total processing, down 8 percent from last year and 22 percent below the same period in 2008.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

33

FB Families Raise Funds for Hungry

The farm and ranch families of Farm Bureau last year raised more than $213,000 and donated more than 4.8 million pounds of food to hungry Americans as part of Farm Bureau’s Harvest for All program.

Combined, the monetary and food donations provided the equivalent of nearly 5.3 million meals through Feeding America-affiliated food banks.

The money raised last year was a record and broke the prior record of $160,000 in 2008. Farm Bureau’s Harvest for All program began in 2004, and the program has continued to build momentum since then.

Members of Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers committees spearhead the Harvest for All program across the nation, but all facets of Farm Bureau contribute to the effort.

The joint effort between Farm Bureau and Feeding America is a national community-action program through which farmers can help ensure that every American can enjoy the bounty produced by the nation’s farm and ranch families.

“In these difficult economic times, Harvest for All is all the more important,” said Will Gilmer, AFBF YF&R chairman and a dairy producer from Lamar County, Ala. “As farmers and ranchers, we are blessed to work every day, feeding America and the world. Harvest for All is a great way to share our many blessings with those less 34

fortunate than we are.”

Aside from raising food and funds for the initiative, farmers and ranchers tallied 5,449 volunteer hours assisting hunger groups through the Harvest for All program.

Farm Family Transition Webinar Set

A webinar designed to assist farm families go through generational transitions will be presented May 12 by the American Society of Agricultural Consultants. The program will be conducted by Joe Kluender, an agribusiness consultant from Minnesota specializing in succession planning for retiring farmers. The webinar will take a look at how the dynamics of a farm family affects the transition and will focus on the importance of having a plan in place. Kluender will present anecdotal experiences of what works and what doesn’t work in farm transition planning. To register, go to https:// www1.gotomeeting.com/ register/926989840 or visit www.agconsultants.org for more details.

Mini-Grants Awarded For Ag Education The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, along with the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee, has awarded 30 $500 mini-grants

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

to communities across the nation.

The grants are awarded through the Foundation’s White-Reinhardt Fund for Education program.

Distributed through county and state Farm Bureaus, the grants are used to fund new projects or extend existing agricultural education efforts.

Criteria for selecting the winners included: the effectiveness of demonstrating a strong connection between agriculture and education; how effectively the programs encouraged students to learn more about agriculture and the food and fiber industry; and the procedures and timelines expected for accomplishing project goals.

China Agrees to Open Market to U.S. Pork

The United States and China have reached an agreement to reopen the Chinese market to U.S. pork exports. Pork trade will resume immediately once both sides finalize export documentation.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk made the announcement Thursday night.

“I am pleased that China affirmed in our meetings that they will base their decisions on international science-based guidelines,” said Kirk in a joint statement. “We look forward to working cooperatively to

resolve additional issues, including a resumption of trade in beef.”

Report Cites Lax Government Oversight of Organics

Agriculture Department oversight of organic food has been lax since the agency’s organic program was launched in 2002, according to a report released

by USDA’s Office of Inspector General earlier this month. The report appears to back-up what so-called “organic watchdogs” had been saying for years—that enforcement of federal laws governing organics is abysmal.

USDA’s National Organic Program was developed to assure consumers that organic products meet uniform standards and that they are appropriately labeled. According to the OIG, the program frequently falls short of assuring appropriate organic food standards are met.

The OIG found cases where USDA failed to act swiftly against companies illegally selling conventional food under the organic label. In some instances the agency took as long as 32 months to resolve significant problems, which allowed continued sale of mislabeled products. Further, agency officials did not follow up on, nor know the status of, several formally filed complaints. In addition, according to the OIG, although periodic residue test-

ing for pesticides is required for organic food, no such program is in place.

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who wrote the 1990 Organic Foods Production Act, said in a statement that meaningful response to the report’s findings from USDA is important. “As important as the Inspector General’s recommendations are, to me it is equally important that USDA accepts them and pledges to act on them,” Leahy said.

Biotechnology a Must for Doubling Food Production by 2050

Farmers must find a way to double global food production on existing arable land by 2050 and biotechnology is a must to make that happen, according to a new report released by The International Service for the

Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA).

The report also showcases new developments in agricultural biotechnology, including China’s approval of biotech rice and maize in November 2009.

The adoption of biotech crops

by China will have a significant effect on the amount of biotech crops planted worldwide, confirming that the use will continue to expand in the coming years.

The findings in the report also show small and large farmers in 25 countries planted 134 million hectares (330 million acres) in 2009, an increase of 7 percent or 9 million hectares (22 million acres) over 2008.

In 2009, the number of biotech famers worldwide increased by 700,000 to 14 million, with 90 percent of these small landholder and resource-poor farmers in developing countries.

In addition, a total of 25 coun-

tries planted commercialized biotech crops in 2009. However, an additional 32 countries have granted regulatory approvals for the import and cultivation of biotech crops for food or feed use.

U.S., Russia Agree on Reopening Russian Pork Market

U.S. and Russian officials have reached an agreement to reopen the Russian market to U.S. pork and pork products. Russia was the fifth-largest export market for U.S. pork last year. The U.S. exported nearly 20 percent of total pork production in 2009.

Russia was the fifth-largest export market for U.S. pork last year, importing $257 million worth (6 percent) of U.S. pork and pork variety meat exports.

The Agriculture Department and the Office of the U.S. Trade

Representative have been in negotiations with the Russian Veterinary Service since December 2009 when Russia notified USDA of its intent to restrict pork shipments from 13 U.S. pork plants, which accounted for more than 90 percent of U.S. pork exports to Russia. These negotiations led to the development of a new veterinary certificate to ensure that pork exports from the United States meet specific Russian microbiological and tetracycline-group antibiotic residue requirements.

The next step is for U.S. plants interested in exporting to Russia to apply for approval with the Agricultural Marketing Service. AMS, in collaboration with the Food Safety and Inspection Service, has developed an Export Verification program for pork to Russia to address specific product requirements.

Cattle Outlook March 19, 2010 Argentina has long been one of the world’s largest beef exporting countries, but it appears that the government there has decided to stop issuing export licenses for beef. The Argentine government has worked for some time to keep their beef prices low which, not surprisingly, has led to a smaller cattle industry. Restricting exports now has become the next step in preventing their beef prices from rising.

The average price of choice beef at retail during February was $4.204 per pound.

That was 1.5 cents higher than in January, but 16.4 cents lower than in February 2009. Based on preliminary estimates, it looks like the supply of beef on the domestic market in January and February was down compared to last year. A year-over–year decline in the retail beef price even though supply is smaller means domestic beef demand continues to drop.

Slaughter steer prices were $8.10/cwt higher in February than 12 months earlier.

Higher slaughter steer prices and lower retail beef prices means the middlemen’s margins were squeezed. The February farm-to-retail price spread was the lowest since July 2008. That is good for cattlemen, but it won’t last.

For the time being, the markets are betting they can push retail beef prices higher.

On Friday morning, the choice carcass cutout value was $1.561/pound, up 7.07 cents for the week, and 23.17 cents higher than last year. This is the highest choice cutout since November 2008. The select cutout was up 6.37 cents from the previous Friday to $1.5457 per pound.

Fed cattle prices were sharply higher this week. The 5-area daily weighted average price for slaughter steers sold through Thursday of this week on a live weight basis was $94.25/cwt, up $4.43 from a week earlier and $12.34 higher than a year ago.

Steers sold on a dressed basis this week averaged $151.83/cwt, $7.01 higher than the week before and $19.38 higher than the same week of 2009. These are the highest weekly average prices since early October 2008.

This week’s cattle slaughter equaled 616,000 head, down 0.3% from the previous week, and down 0.3% compared to a year ago. Steer carcass weights averaged 825 pounds the first week of March which was the same as the week before and 26 pounds lighter than a year ago. Steer weights have been below year-earlier levels for each of the last 15 weeks.

Cash bids for feeder cattle this week were steady to higher at most locations around the country. The price ranges at Oklahoma City for medium and large frame steers were: 400-450# $134.50-140, 450-500# $126.50-134, 500-550# $120$125, 550-600# $116-$124.50, 600-650# $110.50-$118.50, 650-700# $107.75$115, 700-750# $104-$108, 750-800# $97.75-$105, and 800-1000# $92-$100/cwt.

Both feeder cattle and fed cattle futures had a good week. The April live cattle futures contract ended the week at $97.97/cwt, up $2.87 for the week. June settled at $95.12, up $2.32 from the week before. August settled at $92.47/cwt and the October live cattle contract ended the week at $94.45.

Source: University of Missouri - Columbia

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

35

More than just a

Shadow It could be your life line.

Farm Bureau members receive a

10% discount

on lifeflight

memberships affiliated with St. Lukes, Saint Alphonsus, Portneuf, & EIRMC.

FARM BUREAU COMMODITY REPORT GRAIN PRICES

Portland:

White Wheat 11% Winter 14% Spring Barley (export barges) Corn

Ogden:

White Wheat 11% Winter 14% Spring Barley

Pocatello: White Wheat 11% Winter 14% Spring Barley

Nampa:

White Wheat (cwt) (Bushel)

Lewiston: White Wheat Barley

BEAN PRICES: Pinto Great Northern Small White Pink Small Red

02/22/2010

03/23/2010

Trend

4.70 N/A 6.85 N/A 173.50-173.75

4.72 4.95-5.05 6.83 N/A 166.75-168.00

+ .02 N/A - .02 N/A - 6.75 to - 5.75

4.27 4.24 5.67 6.27

4.14 3.90 5.66 6.12

4.10 4.07 5.55 5.52

4.15 3.77 5.59 5.94

+ .05 - .30 + .04 - .42

6.33 3.80

6.50 3.90

+ .17 + .10

4.45 116.50

4.20 111.50

- .25 - 5.00

32.00 N/A 30.00 30.00-32.00 30.00

30.00-31.00 N/A N/A 30.00-31.00 30.00-31.00

- 2.00 to -.100 N/A N/A Steady to - 1.00 Steady to + 1.00

02/22/10

03/22/10

Trend

102-139 94-130 85-108 85-96

110-140 95-137 87-110 84-95

+ 8 to + 1 + 1 to + 7 +2 -1

97-124 89-119 82-98 83-90

97-132 90-119 84-104 78-89

Steady to + 8 + 1 to steady + 2 to + 6 - 5 to - 1

55-80 48-74

65-86 55-79

+ 10 to + 6 + 7 to + 5

38-62 27-58

43-65 33-57

+ 5 to + 3 + 6 to - 1

650-1195

650-1125

steady to - 70

46-71

49-80

+ 3 to up 9

.13 .34 .01 .15

LIVESTOCK PRICES

Feeder Steers

Under 500 lbs 500-700 lbs 700-900 lbs Over 900 lbs

Feeder Heifers Under 500 lbs 500-700 lbs 700-900 lbs Over 900 lbs

Holstein Steers Under 700 lbs Over 700 lbs

Cows

Utility/Commercial Canner & Cutter

Stock Cows

Call (208) 239-4289 for more information 36

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

Bulls

Slaughter

Compiled by the Idaho Farm Bureau Commodity Division

IDaho Hay Report

March 19, 2010 USDA Market News

Alfalfa Retail/feed store/horse Mid/Ton-3x3x8,3x4x8,4x4x8 Premium 500 100.00-100.00 100.00

Compared to last week, Good and Premium Alfalfa steady to weak. Supreme Alfalfa no trades reported this week. Trade was active this week on Good and Premium supplies, and light on Supreme as most interests anticipate some carryover into new crop supplies. Buyer demand light as most interests buying on an as needed basis with moderate to heavy supplies. Premium retail horse hay lightly tested this week with a steady undertone. Trade slow with light to moderate demand.

Oat Domestic Cattle Mid/Ton-3x3x8,3x4x8,4x4x8 Premium 600 50.00-50.00 50.00 Timothy Retail/feed store/horse Mid/Ton-3x3x8,3x4x8,4x4x8 Premium 60 115.00-115.00 115.00

Tons Price Wtd Avg Alfalfa Domestic Cattle Mid/Ton-3x3x8,3x4x8,4x4x8 Premium 1,000 85.00-100.00 92.50 Good 15,800 75.00-75.00 75.00 Fair 2,240 50.00-70.00 65.18

Other hay: 1,950 Tons: Domestic Cattle Premium Alfalfa Mid/Ton3x3x8,3x4x8,4x4x8 rain damage 100 tons 100.00 FOB. Domestic Cattle Good Alfalfa Mid/Ton-3x3x8,3x4x8,4x4x8 rain damage 50 tons 70.00 FOB. Domestic Cattle Fair Alfalfa Mid/Ton-3x3x8,3x4x8,4x4x8 rain damage 1,800 tons 60.00-65.00 FOB.

Alfalfa Export Mid/Ton-3x3x8,3x4x8,4x4x8 Good 500 75.00-75.00 75.00 Fair 800 70.00-70.00 70.00

Price quotes are FOB, unless otherwise stated.

Source - USDA Market News, Moses Lake, WA

POTATOES FOR PROCESSING March 16, 2010 IDAHO---Open-market trading by processors with growers was inactive.

Dehydration plants are using washed Burbanks and Norkotahs and French Fry plants are using Burbanks.

5 Year Grain Comparison

Pocatello: White Wheat..................... 2.90...............................4.85................................8.75 ............................4.55.............................

11% Winter....................... 3.42...............................4.60...............................10.74..............................4.93 ...........................

14% Spring........................ 4.05...............................4.87...............................13.34..............................6.77 ..........................

Barley................................. 4.05...............................7.35................................8.00 ..........................5.58 ..........................

4.15 3.77 5.59 5.94

Grain Prices................03/21/2006...................03/23/2007.................. 03/26/2008.................03/23/2009..................03/23/2010 Portland: White Wheat..................... 3.51................................5.92.................................N/A ............................5.55 ........................... 4.72 11% Winter........................N/A .................5.79-5.81............................N/A ..........6.24-6.34 .......4.95-5.05 14% Spring........................ 5.22...............................6.03.................................N/A ............................7.99 .......................... 6.83 Barley (ton)........................N/A .................170.00 .................N/A ................. N/A .......................N/A Corn...........N/A 178.50-180.240-241.75 .............. 174-177.00 ..........166.75-168.00

Nampa: White Wheat (cwt).......... 4.50...............................8.42...............................15.83..............................7.38............................ 6.50 (bushel)........... 2.70...............................5.05................................9.50 ............................4.43............................. 3.90

Ogden: White Wheat......................3.15................................ 5.12................................9.00 ............................4.64.............................. 4.14 11% Winter....................... 3.65...............................4.96............................... 11.18..............................5.37 ........................... 3.90 14 % Spring.......................4.17................................ 5.14...............................13.19..............................6.84 .......................... 5.66 Barley.................................4.30...............................8.00..............................10.30..............................6.49 ............................ 6.12

Bean Prices: Pintos................................18.00 .....23.00-24.00........................32.00 ........... N/A Great Northerns............... 18.00 ...................N/A.................................N/A ....................... N/A Small Whites......................N/A .............................N/A .................N/A ............... N/A Pinks............................19.00-20.00...................21.00-22.00........................32.00 ........... 37.00-39.00 Small Reds...................19.00-20.00...................22.00-23.00..................40.00-42.00 .........38.00-40.00

Lewiston: White Wheat..................... 3.25...............................5.65................................8.85 ............................5.30............................ 4.20 Barley................................ 91.50 ...........................162.50 ..........................236.50...........................106.50......................... 111.50 ..30.00-31.00 ................N/A ................N/A .........30.00-31.00 ..........30.00-31.00

IDAHO MILK PRODUCTION UP 3.7% March 18, 2010

Idaho milk production during February 2010 totaled 933 million pounds, a 3.7 percent increase from the same month last year, but down 9 percent from January 2010, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. January 2010 milk production was revised to 1.03 billion pounds, up 7 million pounds from the preliminary level. Average milk production per cow in February 2010 was 1,690 pounds, up 50 pounds from February 2009. The average number of milk cows during February was 552,000 head, up 3,000 from February 2009, and up 1,000 head January 2010.

Milk production in the 23 major States during February totaled 13.6 billion pounds, up 0.1 percent from February 2009. January revised production at 14.8 billion pounds, was down 0.5 percent from January 2009. The January revision represented an increase of 14 million pounds or 0.1 percent from last month’s preliminary production estimate. Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,640 pounds for February, 35 pounds above February 2009. The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.32 million head, 168,000 head less than February 2009, but 3,000 head more than January 2010.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

37

5 Year livestock comparison .....................................03/21/2006...................03/22/2007.................. 03/25/2008.................03/23/2009..................03/23/2010 Under 400 lbs................ 110-163 .......................110-142...........................97-131 ................... 90-129 .................. 110-140 400-600 lbs...................105-156 ........................98-139 .........................89-146 .........................85-119 ....................... 95-137 600-800 lbs....................92-128 .........................89-117 ..........................87-119 .......................77-98 .......................87-110 Over 800 lbs....................80-97 .........................80-100............................80-96 ...........................77-93 .........................84-95 Feeder Heifers Under 400 lbs................108-146..........................94-130 .........................98-119 ....................88-116 ....................... 97-132 400-600 lbs...................100-140..........................91-120 ..........................92-120 ......................79-107 ....................... 90-119 600-800 lbs.................... 85-115...........................85-111............................82-107........................... 74-90 ........................84-104 Over 800 lbs.78-95 72-93 ......80-94 ...........................76-78 .......................... 78-89 Holstein Steers Under 700 lbs................. 75-117............................58-91 ...........................50-75 .......................... 42-65 .........................65-86 Over 700 lbs....................63-86 ..........................55-78 ...........................51-70 ..........................52-65 .........................55-79 Cows Utility/Commercial...........38-58.............................39-61.............................35-62............................32-55............................43-65 Canner & Cutter..............27-49.............................33-54.............................21-50.............................31-48............................33-57 Stock Cows.....................675-1100 .....................500-1000....................... 490-885 ....................680-1000..................... 650-1125 Bulls – Slaughter............44-64.............................46-71.............................44-67........................... 42-68 .........................49-80

38

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

Idaho Cattle on Feed Down 9 Percent From Previous Year March 19, 2010

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Idaho from feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head on March 1, 2010 totaled 195,000 head, 9 percent below the March 1, 2009 inventory, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. The cattle on feed inventory is down 5,000 head from the revised February 1, 2010 inventory of 200,000 head. Placements of cattle in state feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during February totaled 36,000 head, down 2,000 head from February 2009 placements. Marketings of cattle from feedlots with 1,000 head or more during February totaled 40,000 head, up 3,000 head from the same month a year ago. Other disappearance totaled 1,000 during February.

Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.9 million head on March 1, 2010.

The inventory was 3 percent below March 1, 2009. Placements in feedlots during February totaled 1.67 million, 1 percent below 2009. Net placements were 1.60 million head. During February, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 320,000, 600-699 pounds were 365,000, 700-799 pounds were 520,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 460,000. Marketings of fed cattle during February totaled 1.72 million, 2 percent above 2009. Other disappearance totaled 68,000 during February, 21 percent above 2009.

Classifieds Animals

Miscellaneous

Wanted

Taking orders for Texel ewe lambs and ram lambs. Will be ready starting in June. Get your name in early! Indian Valley, ID. Contact Eugene 208-256-4426 fishertexels@gmail. com

20’ x 40’ Greenhouse. Hoop-style. Includes galvanized hoops, ends. $600. American Falls, ID. 208-226-5296 or 317-7977

Looking for pigeons to trap, Pocatello area.

Please call 208-237-0370.

Sheep, Horses, Livestock guardian Dogs, Jack Russel Terrier Puppies and more! Lucile, ID 208-628-4196

Farm Equipment Gould 4 inch 5 hp submersible electric pump - 40 G.P.M. 3 phase, control box. 3 months old. $1,800 obo. 4 1/2 inch SDR26 threaded well casing. 8 pieces - 20 ft long. $2.00 ft. Weiser, Id 208-549-0504 Balewagons: New Holland self-propelled or pull-type models. Also interested in buying balewagons. Will consider any model. Call Jim Wilhite at 208-880-2889 anytime.

Hay and Feed Good feeder hay 200 tons, 4x4x8 foot bales $65.00 per ton. Grace, Idaho, Phone 208425-9016 or 208-705-0261 Hay for sale. Big square bales. Alfalfa and alfalfa/grass mix. Darlington, ID 208-5882433 or 339-2434 Help Wanted

Appraisal Career Opportunity - Recession proof business. Our top appraisers earn over $100,000/year appraising livestock and equipment. Agricultural background required.

Classroom or Home Study courses available.

(800) 488-7570. www.amagappraisers.com

Household Amana Washer. Used only 8 months. $200.

American Falls, ID. 208-226-5296

Miscellaneous Metal shelving rails, 4” X 2 1/2” X 8 foot long. Will make great corrals or fencing. 1500 available, $4.00 each, Wilder, ID, 208-989-5025

Flag poles by Old Sarge. Custom made from 2” galvanized poles. Any length, 16-30 ft.

Check us out. Call Wilford. Inkom, ID 208775-3490

Real Estate/Acreage Trout Creek Ranch FSBO - Owyhee County, 200 Acres plus 3000 Acs BLM private. Two creeks, free water with first right. Log Home, Shop, Barn. Relax, Ride your horses, Watch your investment in land grow. $950,000 Call John 208-583-4145

Recreational Equipment Honda Fat Cat motorcycle’s, 2 - 1987, TR200, 200cc. Good for irrigating on soft ground or just for play. Both are in Fair to Good condition. $1050.00 each. Wilder, ID, 208989-5025 Wanted Parts for a 1987 Honda 1100 VT Shadow motorcycle. Also need a clutch for a 1990 Arctic Cat Panther snowmobile. 208356-0451 1979 21’ Wellcraft Boat – cuddy cabin, new motor, fish finder, marine radio, tandem axle trailer. Well maintained - great family boat. $3500. Am. Falls, ID. Call 208-226-5296 or 317-7977.

Vehicles 1906 Maxwell Runabout, 2 cyl., 10 hp.

Restored and rebuilt by Gary Taylor and Verl Bird. Sugar City, ID. 208-356-6739 1923 Buick, 55 Sport touring car. Original Marrion body, Spanish grain leather seats and dash. It is a maintained car, not a restored one. Sugar City, ID 208-356-6739 Leer 700 fiberglass toneau cover off of a 08 Dodge 6 ½’ full-size pickup bed $400 Eden, ID 208-308-8432

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FOR FARM BUREAU MEMBERS

Wanted: 2000+ 9 1/2 ft Bigfoot slide in pickup camper. 208-285-1584 Interested in buying used traps. Some damage is ok. Call if you’re interested in selling. I will come check them out and make an offer. 208-436-9985 or 312-3038 Paying cash for German & Japanese war relics/souvenirs! Pistols, rifles, swords, daggers, flags, scopes, optical equipment, uniforms, helmets, machine guns (ATF rules apply) medals, flags, etc. 549-3841 (evenings) or 405-9338 Old License Plates Wanted: Also key chain license plates, old signs, light fixtures. Will pay cash. Please email, call or write. Gary Peterson, 130 E Pecan, Genesee, Id 83832. gearlep@gmail.com 285-1258

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DEADLINE DATES: ADS MUST BE RECEIVED BY APRIL 20 FOR NEXT ISSUE.

FREE CLASSIFIEDS Non commercial classified ads are free to Idaho Farm Bureau members.

Must include membership number for free ad. Forty (40) words maximum.

Non-member cost- 50 cents per word. You may advertise your own crops, livestock, used machinery, household items, vehicles, etc. Ads will not be accepted by phone. Ads run one time only and must be re-submitted in each subsequent issue. We reserve the right to refuse to run any ad. Please type or print clearly. Proof-read your ad.

Mail ad copy to: GEM STATE PRODUCER P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848 or email Dixie at DASHTON@IDAHOFB.ORG Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________ City / State / Zip: __________________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________ Membership No. ___________________ Ad Copy: ________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / April 2010

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