April 2014, Volume 18, Issue 3 by Matrix Digital Media Inc

April 2014 • Volume 18, Issue 3

Forest Service Revises Panhandle Management Plan

Farm Bill: What’s New, Where to Find Information

Idaho Farm Bureau

Farmland: The Movie Scheduled for Release

Administration to Publish Misguided ‘Waters of the U.S.’ Proposal By Bob Stallman AFBF President

The administration often talks about creating jobs, and with millions out of work the White House is right to focus on the issue. So it’s puzzling that the administration would consider a proposal that will hurt

A Farm Bill - Finally By Frank Priestley President Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

President Barack Obama signed the 2014 farm bill in early February on the campus of Michigan State University. After more than two years of efforts and mind-numbing

Celebrating Idaho Farm Bureau’s 75th Anniversary International Trade and Marketing By Rick Keller CEO Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

International trade and marketing have been on Farm Bureau’s agenda since day one. Seventy-five years ago, as the ravages of World War II unleashed havoc on Europe 2

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

The Ag Agenda farms and other businesses, making it more difficult to create jobs.

cover all waters.

The administration is about to propose regulations to broadly expand the scope of the Clean Water Act. When Congress wrote the law, it was clear that it only applied to navigable waters or, as the law names them, “waters of the U.S.” Two Supreme Court decisions have reaffirmed that those terms do not

However, the impending proposal would effectively eliminate any constraints those terms now impose on federal jurisdiction. It would let EPA and the Corps of Engineers regulate virtually any and all waters found within a state, no matter how small or seemingly unconnected to a federal interest. See STALLMAN, page 8

politics, farmers and ranchers from across the nation now have answers about how they can manage the many and varied risks they face in producing food and fiber.

sure of business certainty for this and coming years, allowing them to better manage risk while carrying out the important business of providing food and jobs for America.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman said it’s been a bumpy road for the farm bill over the past several years, with many twists and turns, but farmers never gave up nor lost momentum in working toward its passage. Farm Bureau believes this farm bill will give farmers and ranchers a mea-

Congressional Agriculture Committee leaders, House Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), House Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), Senate Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), and Senate Ranking Member Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) deserve credit for their leadership, See PRIESTLEY, page 8

and the Pacific, U.S. farm output was surplus to our needs. Farmers said the surplus farm output must become a “national blessing rather than a calamity,” and the only way for that to happen was to find overseas markets. Beginning the last half of the twentieth century, nothing had been more important to U.S. and Idaho farm economy than exports and the expansion of foreign markets through fair and open trade. Without a thriving export market, farm production would have shrunk to fill

domestic demand. Idaho’s farmers and ranchers are the world’s most reliable producers. They have made a huge contribution to global food security and improved diets around the world. Farm Bureau’s trade policy has consistently called for a reduction in trade barriers and a vigorous export program for bulk commodities and value-added farm products to gain a greater share of the world markets. During the See KELLER, page 5

Volume 18, Issue 3

IFBF OFFICERS President ................................... Frank Priestley, Franklin Vice President ..................................Mark Trupp, Driggs Executive Vice President .............................. Rick Keller BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bryan Searle ............................................................Shelley Mark Harris ................................................ Soda Springs Chris Dalley ....................................................... Blackfoot Dean Schwendiman ........................................... Newdale Danny Ferguson ........................................................Rigby Scott Steele ..................................................... Idaho Falls Gerald Marchant .................................................. Oakley Rick Pearson ................................................... Hagerman Rick Brune............................................................Hazelton Curt Krantz ............................................................ Parma Cody Chandler....................................................... Weiser Tracy Walton ....................................................... Emmett Marjorie French .............................................. Princeton Alton Howell ................................................ Careywood Tom Daniel ............................................... Bonners Ferry Carol Guthrie ......................................................... Inkom Luke Pearce ............................................. New Plymouth STAFF Dir. of Admin. Services ....................... Nancy Shiozawa Dir. of Organization............................... Dennis Brower Commodities & Marketing Assistant ........... Peg Pratt Member Services Assistant . ................... Peggy Moore Publice Relations Assistant ..................... Dixie Ashton Dist. I Regional Manager .......................... Justin Patten Dist. III Regional Manager .................. Charles Garner Dist. IV Regional Manager ..........................Brody Miller Dist. V Regional Manager ...................... Bob Smathers Dir. of Governmental Affairs ...............Russ Hendricks Asst. Dir. of Governmental Affairs ... Dennis Tanikuni Energy/Natural Resources . ..................... Bob Geddes Director of Public Relations ............. John Thompson Video Services Manager ............................ Steve Ritter Broadcast Services Manager .................... Jake Putnam Office Manager, Boise ................... Julie Christoffersen 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. POSTMASTER send changes of address to: GEM STATE PRODUCER P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848. 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: County commissioners in Idaho’s five northernmost counties are uneasy about a new U.S. Forest Service plan that will govern forest management over the next 15 years. Farm Bureau file photo

Northern Idaho Forests are covered with dense stands of timber. County officials are lobbying for increased timber cutting on federal land in conjunction with a revision of the forest plan on the Panhandle National Forest. Photo by Steve Ritter

Counties Wary of New Panhandle Forest Plan By John Thompson Leaders of Idaho’s five northernmost counties are apprehensive about a new management plan currently being evaluated by the U.S. Forest Service. The Idaho Panhandle National Forest Plan Revision calls for reduced timber harvest, maintaining existing wilderness study areas and road closures that could reduce forest access. The plan would govern forest management for the next 15 years. It was last updated in 1987. In addition, the Forest Service is using a new objection process for the first time in developing this new forest plan. In the past new forest plans were finalized, released and then followed by an appeals process. According to Idaho Panhandle National Forest Supervisor Mary Farnsworth, under the new process an independent group of Forest Service resource specialists in Washington D.C. is currently reviewing objections to the plan submitted from 22 different parties, including environmental groups, Idaho Fish and Game, the Kalispell and Kootenai Native American Tribes and several others. James Pena, associate deputy chief of the Forest Service in Washington D.C. is the hearing officer who will oversee the process. Meetings are tentatively planned for late April wherein Pena and members of his team will listen to the objections of the counties and other groups. They will attempt to reach consensus and make decisions on implementing the final plan after those meetings are held. There is no hard deadline to complete the plan. See FOREST PLAN page 4 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

FOREST PLAN

Continued from page 3

Nearly 70 percent of Shoshone County is National Forest-managed land, making the plan of particular concern to county officials. Shoshone County Commissioner Larry Yergler said their major objections to the proposed plan are related to wilderness, timber management as it relates to harvesting marketable logs and fire prevention, and the creation of new grazing opportunities. Wilderness The revised forest plan proposes to maintain a Wilderness Study Area (WSA) in Shoshone County called the Grandmother Mountain WSA. Shoshone County officials disagree that the area qualifies for wilderness under the definition provided by The Wilderness Act of 1964, which contains the phrase “untrammeled by man.” Congress makes the final determination on creation of wilderness areas. Designated WSA’s are managed the same as a wilderness areas. Comments submitted by Shoshone County state that Idaho already has an adequate amount of wilderness and that the areas proposed in the new plan do not qualify or meet the designation. Further, the comments state that Shoshone County citizens who frequent the area in question say that lack of management, particularly trail maintenance, has resulted in fewer

4 #

visitors and a reduction in recreation opportunity. In addition, Shoshone County also opposes designation of wild and scenic rivers. “With the same focus as wilderness designation, we are not supportive of restricting access with “wild and scenic,” “wild river,” or “eligible wild river” designations,” according to the comments. “We believe both the land and the waters can be effectively managed to protect the resources without excessive restrictions on access.” The county is not opposed to “backcountry” designations that do not limit motorized access in some areas. Logging and Fire Prevention

gets,” said Commissioner Yergler. “With very little logging on forest land over the last ten years, there is an abundance of dead timber adding to the threat of catastrophic wildfire.” Shoshone County was the epicenter of the largest forest fire in American History. It started in August of 1910 and burned three million acres in 36 hours. Enough timber was devoured in Idaho, Montana and Washington to rebuild the city of Chicago at the time. Much of the white pine and Western red cedar that burned in that fire has been replaced with lodgepole pine, which has a 100-year life cycle, according to Yergler.

The Allowable Sale Quantity (ASQ) of timber forest-wide was set at 280 million board feet in the 1987 management plan. The new plan calls for an annual cut of 125 million board feet. Shoshone County’s comments state that the forest is more dense today with increased morbidity than it was in 1987. According to the comments from all five northern counties, the ASQ should be increasing rather than decreasing.

Benewah – 26,100 – 5 percent

“It’s very important to us at the county level that we increase logging to create revenue to help our roads and schools bud-

Shoshone – 1,149,500 – 69 percent

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

Acreage and percentage of Forest Service land by county: Bonner – 431,100 – 35 percent Boundary – 487,300 – 59 percent Kootenai – 245,800 – 29 percent

Grazing

The Process

fied as objectors and they, along with Forest Service staff, are the only people who can now interact with the Forest Service in refining the plan. Forest Service Associate Deputy Chief Jim Pena is the hearing officer who is in charge of how the process will proceed toward resolution. Pena began his Forest Service career in 1978 as a trainee on the Rogue River Forest in southern Oregon. He is a graduate of Humboldt State University with a degree in forest resource management. During his career he has worked for the Forest Service in Oregon and Washington as a timber management assistant, district ranger and deputy forest supervisor.

The revised forest plan went out for public comment last fall. There were 22 different entities and individuals that submitted comments. Those people are now identi-

The new objection process is viewed as more collaborative by the Forest Service. Panhandle Forest Supervisor Mary Farnsworth said among the objectors there

Although the new plan calls for only a 24acre reduction in grazing, both Bonner and Shoshone county officials believe an increase in grazing allotments is needed to reduce the risk of fire and promote forest health. Yergler, who grew up in Shoshone County, said several years back sheep were shipped in to Wallace by rail. Herders would trail them up through the mountains and into Montana. He believes the intensive grazing for short periods of time helps wildlife, especially elk herds, and that forest health has suffered without grazing.

appears to be an equal number of people unhappy about the revised forest plan. “Sometimes it can be very difficult to find common ground,” she said. Currently, Pena and his advisory team of resource specialists in Washington D.C. are evaluating the new plan to make sure it complies with existing laws and policies. After that they will discuss whether there is room to seek resolution on the various issues in question. “If at that point he (Pena) thinks there is room for resolution where all parties can be made happy there could be negotiations with the objectors,” Farnsworth said. “He could also decide that everybody involved is so polarized that no resolution is possible. It’s completely up to his discretion.”

KELLER

Continued from page 2 1970’s, farmers were in the midst of a grain export boom, largely because of sales to the Soviet Union. The production of one acre out of three was exported and there were concerns that the world would run out of food. Farm Bureau opposed and discouraged calls for an international super-agency to store and distribute food supplies, a sort of global farm program. Instead, Farm Bureau supported freer international trade which would lead to an expansion of food supplies. In 1992, the Idaho Farm Bureau delegates voted to support the North American Free Trade Agreement which sought to eliminate all tariffs between the U.S. and Mexico over fifteen years and extend the principles embodied in the U.S. - Canada Free Trade Agreement to the entire North American continent. During 1993, the Idaho Farm Bureau joined coalitions of other farm groups and agribusiness to counter strong opposition from labor and environmental groups and support the ratification of the Agreement. With the leadership of IFBF President Tom Geary, IFBF went to bat for NAFTA with a solid informational effort to let members know what was at stake and how the trade

agreement could affect their particular commodity interest. Late on the night of November 17, 1993, the U.S. House of Representatives passed NAFTA by a vote of 234 to 200. The U.S. Senate agreed a few days later by a more comfortable margin. Agricultural groups for NAFTA were crucial to passage and Farm Bureau considered it a big victory. Not all farmers agreed and there remains strong opposition 20 years later. Farm Bureau has even reversed its position several times since the original endorsement. Idaho Farm Bureau members have always expressed an interest in increasing markets for their commodities, especially when commodity prices are extremely low. In 1977, when wheat prices were at $2.33 a bushel, IFBF President Oscar Field lead a delegation to Libya in an effort to sell grain to this near-east nation. A basic agreement was signed for what was hoped would result in a ‘wheat for oil’ exchange. For several years, Farm Bureau leaders worked on the agreement, but no actual sales ever resulted. Farm Bureau discontinued its efforts and political unrest in Libya soon followed, closing the door on any future trade.

In 1999, with wheat prices at $2.55 a bushel, IFBF President Frank Priestley and state directors directed the Idaho Farm Bureau to seek additional export markets for Idaho’s over-abundant grain crops. Several years later, after identifying specialty niche markets in Mexico for Idaho’s identity-preserved wheat and in association with local grain elevators, the Idaho Farm Bureau began marketing grain to flour millers in Mexico for a premium to Idaho farmers. Millions of bushels of grain have been marketed through these relationships. Over the years the Idaho Farm Bureau has been active in marketing livestock, grains, potatoes, and sweet corn. Not all successful programs last forever – some start up, provide a service and their need diminishes. Idaho Farm Bureau is proud of the quality and quantity of the food its members produce. With free and open markets, Idaho farmers and ranchers are willing and are able to compete with the best. Fair trade agreements allow farmers and ranchers access to the markets around the globe, bringing money into their pockets, commerce into our state’s economy, and into our rural communities.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

Dairymen can expect big changes in government programs specified in the new farm bill. Photo by Steve Ritter

USDA Releases Farm Bill Highlights, Implications By John Thompson The Agricultural Act of 2014, also known as the farm bill, was signed in early February and contains major changes in several areas. Since then USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) has published information spelling out the details in the new bill that will cover government support programs for agriculture through 2018. The information can be found at http://www.ers.usda.gov/agricultural-act-of-2014-highlights-andimplications.aspx. Following is an explanation of each of the new programs that will have ramifications for Idaho farmers and ranchers. First however, it’s important to note that overall spending in the bill with regard to 6

where funds are allocated, didn’t change much. The 2014 Farm Act makes major changes in commodity programs, adds new crop insurance options, streamlines conservation programs and expands programs for specialty crops, organic farmers, bioenergy, rural development and beginning farmers and ranchers. The Congressional Budget Office projects that 80 percent of outlays under the new bill will fund nutrition programs – relatively the same percentage of allocation of the previous farm bill. With regard to the funding that comes in one way or another to farms and ranches, 8 percent will fund crop insurance programs, 6 percent will fund conservation programs, 5 percent will fund commodity programs and the remaining 1 percent will fund other programs including trade, credit, rural development,

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

research and extension, forestry, energy, horticulture and miscellaneous programs. Crop Commodity Programs The biggest change under the commodity title is the repeal of Direct Payments, Countercyclical Payments and the Average Crop Revenue Election Program (ACRE). Two new programs, called Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agriculture Risk Coverage were created and producers must choose one or the other. The law also revises payment limitations and adjusted gross income eligibility rules, continues the marketing assistance loan program unchanged and continues the sugar program unchanged. PLC payments are provided to producers with base acres of wheat, feed grains, oilseeds and pulses on a commodity by com-

Producers of cattle, sheep, grain, alfalfa and many other crops will also see numerous changes in the new farm bill. Less money is expected to flow through government programs to farms under the new bill, but producers can apply for new insurance programs that protect farms against natural disasters and diseases. Photo by Steve Ritter

modity basis when market prices fall below a reference price established by USDA. The payment rate is the difference between the reference price and the annual national average market price or marketing assistance loan rate if higher. For each covered commodity the payment amount is the payment rate times 85 percent of base acres times payment yield. A one-time opportunity is offered to reallocate at farm’s base acres based on 2009-12 plantings and to update the farm’s payment yields to 2008-12 average yields. Producers may choose which of their covered commodities to enroll in PLC but once that decision is made it stays in place for the life of the 2014 Farm Act. Payments are reduced on an acre-by-acre basis for producers who plant fruits or vegetables on payment acres. Reference prices for crops grown in Idaho are as follows: wheat, $5.50 per bushel; corn, $3.70 per bushel; barley, $4.95 per bushel; oats, $2.40 per bushel; oilseeds, $20.15 per hundredweight; dry peas, $11 per hundredweight; lentils, $19.97 per hundredweight; small

chickpeas, $19.04 per hundredweight; large chickpeas, $21.54 per hundredweight. Under the ARC Program, producers may choose county-based or individual coverage. County-based ARC payments are provided to producers with base acres of covered commodities when county crop revenue (actual average county yield times national farm price) drops below 86 percent of the county benchmark revenue calculated separately for irrigated and non-irrigated crops. The county ARC payment amount is the difference between the per-acre guarantee and actual per-acre revenue, times 85 percent of the base acres of the commodity. For producers who choose ARC using individual farm revenue instead of county based coverage, the payment is based on the difference between the individual farm guarantee and actual individual farm revenue. The farm’s individual ARC guarantee equals 86 percent of the farm’s individual benchmark guarantee, defined as the ARC

guarantee price times the five-year average individual yield, excluding the years with highest and lowest yields, summing across all crops on the farm weighting by plantings. The payment amount is the individual farm payment rate, the difference between the individual farm guarantee and actual individual farm revenue, but no greater than 10 percent of the farm’s benchmark revenue times 65 percent of base acres for all covered commodities on the individual farm, according to USDA. Payment limitations are limited to $125,000 for each individual actively engaged in farming, without specific limitations by program. A spouse may receive an additional $125,000. The limitation is applied to the total of payments for covered commodities from the PLC and ARC programs and marketing loan gains and loan deficiency payments under the marketing assistance loan program. See FARM BILL page 22

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

STALLMAN

Continued from page 2

Farmers and other landowners should be concerned that the federal government is proposing to regulate ditches and, in some cases, even dry land. Based on a leaked version of the rule, any landscape feature that could be found to contribute any flow that eventually reaches a water of the U.S. would be regulated the same as the Mighty Mississippi! More landowners will have to apply for federal permits to make changes in how they use their land. Uncertainty about whether the government

PRIESTLEY

Continued from page 2

perseverance and cooperation during what was a long, difficult and politically charged farm bill cycle. Including the cuts already made through sequestration, the Farm Bill will save $23 billion over the next 10 years. It will enhance rural economies with additional jobs, invest in research and education and include reform that works for farm and ranch families. Importantly, the bill also provides disaster provisions for livestock producers and fruit and vegetable growers. These programs are especially important here in Idaho where many different specialty crops are grown. Both livestock and specialty crop producers will now have an added level of security to help manage the inherent risks associated with crop and livestock production. The new Margin Protection Program for dairy producers and the phase out of the old Milk Income Loss Contract 8

would issue a permit could be an innovation killer. Ineffective Exemptions EPA has claimed that the proposal won’t be so bad because of exemptions. The exemptions may help some avoid costly permit requirements, but the agencies have so narrowed them that most farming activities do not qualify. If a young, beginning farmer changed his grandfather’s land from, say, a cornfield to an apple orchard, he would have to get a permit or face up to $37,500 a day in fines. Homebuilders and other industries

(MILC) are welcome changes. For more details on this program see the article beginning on page 6 of this magazine. Livestock producers can also benefit from a new indemnity program that provides protection against natural disasters and diseases. Big changes are in store for grain producers with the repeal of direct payments, countercyclical payments and the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program. Producers are advised to take some time and weigh the differences in the new Price Loss Coverage and the Agriculture Risk Coverage insurance programs. Farmers have the option of choosing one or the other and then insuring at various levels of risk protection. Picking which one works best for each farming operation will be critical. Another important change to note is the new level for payment limitations. Reading and understanding these changes at the onset is very important.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

that fuel our economy would face similar requirements. Also, the existing exemption for agricultural stormwater— water that stands on a field after a heavy rain—would no longer benefit farmers because the land underneath would be subject to federal regulation. Economic Impact EPA had to do an economic impact analysis of the proposal and it did—sort of. Through selective use of data and outdated studies, by not addressing all the costs of getting permits and by dramatically underes-

Now signed into law, the 2014 law will allow the Agriculture Department to begin planning

timating the acreage affected, the analysis cooks the books in favor of the proposed rule. Other economists say the government’s analysis doesn’t hold water. You would think that with the economic challenges we face and with such an unsound basis for the proposed rule the administration would shelve it. Instead, it is likely to publish it soon. Then we will see how serious the administration is about growing the economy and creating jobs.

for implementation of the bill’s provisions.

The lifeblood of America . Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the humble heroes who rise before dawn and battle the elements. They put clothes on our backs and food on our tables. Their genuine values and tireless work ethic are an inspiration to us all. We appreciate all that Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farmers do and invite you to join us in saying thanks at www.fbfs.com/SayThanksToAFarmer.

/SayThanksToAFarmer FB02-ID (7-13)

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL6/6/13 20143:41 PM 9

Focus on Agriculture

Turning Lemons into Lemonade By Jake Carter Change can be tough. Especially for farmers. I come from a long line of Georgia farmers who faced both ups and downs throughout the generations, but that’s par for the course with farming. It takes a special breed of person to farm thanks to the many challenges that Mother Nature, the markets and public opinion throw our way. It’s how we navigate those bumps in the road that show what farmers are made of. It’s how we adapt to change. I am the fifth generation of my family to 10

farm our land. We started out as a dairy, which lasted for four generations. But, right around the time that I returned home from college to take over the family farm, urban sprawl began taking over our neck of the woods. Our farm, which had been in our family since 1938, was on the verge of being taken for development. I knew that one of my first decisions as entrepreneur of our farm would be my toughest. I was being forced to either hang it up or to change. But for me, not farming was never an option. Like many farmers, I grew up knowing there was no other career for me. I studied business at the University of

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

Georgia so I could return home and be the best farmer I could be. Farming is a business and I wanted to treat it that way. So, when it came time for me to make a tough decision about selling the farm, the businessman in me—the farmer in me—instead took it as an opportunity to go in a new direction. My wife and I turned our dairy farm into an educational opportunity for suburban and city kids to learn what farming is all about. Through school tours and agri-tourism, we are putting a face on farming. We See FOCUS ON AG, page 21

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

Academy Award winning director James Moll directed “Farmland: The Movie.” The film, which tells a positive story about U.S. agriculture, is set to be released in May.

“Farmland:The Movie” Coming to a Theatre Near You American family farm. By Jake Putnam A generation of young Americans know little about farming. An Academy Award winning director had the daunting task of venturing where few have been before, documenting the 12

Oscar-award winning director James Moll set out in his latest film: ‘Farmland: The Movie’ to shatter the public perception of farming while telling a compelling story. In the wake of anti-farm movies Likes Food, Inc. and King Corn, Moll signed

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

on at the urging of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) to tell a story largely ignored by mainstream media. Editing just wrapped up on the project, and sneak previews across the country are favorable, with a trailer on YouTube and a flurry of stories in the Ag press and other social media outlets.

In the wake of anti-farm movies Likes Food, Inc. and King Corn, Moll signed on at the urging of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) to tell a story largely ignored by mainstream media.

manure on his fields under the watchful eyes of the camera. “Sometimes your brains says you ought not drive through that part of the field because it’s wet,” he said. But he did anyway and buried the tractor. Thankfully, that part ended up on the cutting room floor.

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

Loberg of Nebraska said one of the photographers had terrible luck on his farm. “When we were planting he was running across the field at night and the sunglasses came off his head. I ran over them with the planter. Then during harvest he was coming off the combine and his IPhone fell out of a pocket and I drove over it.”

The movie is timely because of drastically changing demographics in the United States. There are now more than 80 million Americans born after the millennium, and most of them are at least two or three generations separated from their farm roots. This new generation doesn’t understand how crops are grown. Yet studies show that the millennial generation has a deep interest in food. Millenials are loosely defined as people who reached adulthood around the year 2000. The challenge filmmakers faced is showing what “real farming” looks like. ‘Farmland’ takes viewers into barns, fields and farmhouses showing farmers at work and play. The film peaks into their lives showing their worries and triumphs. The underlying theme plays out perfectly, showing that the film is about farmers, not for farmers. “As important as farmers are, the agriculture audience will certainly get the ball rolling, but they’re not the target audience,” said Randy Krotz, CEO, U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, a major sponsor of the film.

was home eating lunch when he got the call. “You never know what the next phone call might bring,” Cooley recalls. “We’re sometimes skeptical of the next call.” The young farmer got online and checked Moll out, when he saw the impressive contacts and credits, he signed on. The Cooley’s like many country folk love to entertain curious friends on their farm and those numbers have increased thanks to a trend of devoted people referred to as “foodies.” “We love bringing people out to the farm. Any chance we have to let someone check out the farm, we enjoy it,” said Cooley. “If they can see what we do on a daily basis, they leave feeling so much better about the food we eat. This was an incredible experience.”

Moll visited each farm 4 different times throughout the growing season. His cameras ran sun up till after sundown each day. It’s hoped that this sampling will reflect the truths about U.S. Agriculture in a way not seen before, warts and all. Crews shot hundreds of hours of tape during the yearlong project. The end result, according to the farm press, is a very human, and very interesting film. They add it’s a compelling snapshot of agriculture

Farmland’s theatrical run this spring will play in 25 major markets across the nation. A shorter, 44-minute version edited for schools is planned after that. For more information, visit http://www.farmlandfilm.com/. The filmmaker purposely didn’t tell his farmers much about the project. “I thought the film was one of those how-to documentaries,” said Nebraska corn and soybean farmer David Loberg. “I had no idea it was about me.”

Moll searched the country and settled on a cross section of six 20-something farmers. He found each and every family unique and compelling but also wanted to represent different farm, crops and production methods.

Brad Bellah of Texas said the film makers didn’t gloss over difficult days on the ranch. “There’s a certain scene in the film where we’re having a tough time getting cattle to go where they’re supposed to. If you’re watching we’re trying to push cattle right where the cameraman is standing, the cattle didn’t cooperate. Cameras were rolling 24-7, I can’t think of any big problems, but they shot what they saw.”

Georgia poultry farmer Leighton Cooley

Cooley of Georgia was spreading chicken

in America. When the film hits urban markets Moll will find out if he succeeded in reaching the audience target. Moll is an Oscar-winning filmmaker who has directed and produced numerous documentaries covering topics from the Holocaust to an epic trek across the Sahara Desert, teaming up with Matt Damon and Steven Spielberg along the way. Farmland’s theatrical run this spring will play in 25 major markets across the nation. A shorter, 44-minute version edited for schools is planned after that. For more information, visit http://www.farmlandfilm.com/.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

A sheep shearing crew with members from New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Wyoming work at Soulen Livestock this spring. Photo by Steve Ritter

Spring Sheep Shearing Completed in Southwest Idaho By Jake Putnam LETHA — This spring Harry Soulen trailed several thousand sheep from winter range south of Kuna to shearing sheds east of Emmett. Soulen’s herd looked like a cloud of wool slowing winding on the long road north to the annual spring shearing operation. “We started moving the very end of February from the Birds of Prey in south Ada County, through Caldwell north to Black Canyon and we ended up here at Letha. We started shearing the 7th of March and finished up after 10 days,” said Soulen of Soulen Livestock. Soulen is a third generation herder. His family has trailed sheep over this very route since the 1920’s. Soulen Livestock runs 7,000 sheep and a couple hundred head of cattle. This annual trek signals the start of spring harvest and lambing. 14

“We vaccinate them, ear tag a few ewes and we try and get turned around here by the end of March,” he said. The shearing operation transforms the deserted sheds as Soulen Livestock into a mini village. More than a dozen shearers and tenders come from all over the world, all staying in RV’s festooned with satellite dishes, a parking lot and clotheslines of drying laundry. The Shearing boss running this phase of operation is Cliff Hoopes from Wyoming. According to Soulen, Hoopes has sheared sheep for almost 20 years. His crew is not only the best but one of the last crews operating in the Intermountain area. Soulen says it’s hard to find good shearers. “One of the problems we have here in the U.S. is that there aren’t enough shearers around as there used to be. It’s kind of like sheepherders, there’s not many sheepherd-

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

ers either, so most of these shearers come in from overseas,” said Soulen. The shearing crew is a lean, seven-man operation. A crowded semi-truck trailer serves as a mobile shearing shed. Inside the music booms over the buzz of clippers. Each shearer can clip sheep with astonishing speed and agility. In just a couple of minutes a shearer can strip off the wool with speed and precision. The massive pile of wool is pushed out of a chute where it’s packed and compressed into 400-pound bales. “Hoopes is an American and he has another kid that is just starting out from Wyoming, but the rest are foreigners,” said Soulen. “We’ve got guys from New Zealand, a guy from Australia and even a young man from Japan of all places.” Although the atmosphere in shearing camp is international, all bound together by wool.

There are two lines in large chaotic process. First is the wooly side running into the shed and the other is the clean, sheared line both stretching as far as the eye can see. The sheep are visibly relieved to shed the heavy coat of wool and begin the next phase of the season. “After we get done shearing we make up the spring bands, we vaccinate the ewes, ear tag a few ewes and then we try and get turned out of here the end of March and start trailing for the lambing range,” Soulen said. “These ewes will start lambing about the 6th of April so we have to get up on the lambing range ahead of them to start lambing.” The nation’s sheep industry has been plagued for decades by drought, predators, high fuel and feed costs, volatile lamb prices and dwindling labor. Idaho is ranked 7th in national wool production and makes up 6-percent of the US market with 180,000 sheep now headed to spring ranges all across the southern half of Idaho. But numbers are down drastically from seven decades ago when the Gem

State boasted millions of sheep. Ranchers like Soulen see a resurgence in the making. Lamb prices are up and wool prices are making a healthy comeback. Wool is making a comeback as a wonder fiber, finding niche markets in everything from military uniforms to camping gear and extreme sports apparel. “Manufacturers have found what we’ve known for decades, and that’s wool keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer, its simple as that,” said Soulen. “We’re excited we’ve weathered droughts, terrible markets and picky eaters,” now we’re getting a second look and we’re making money again.” The market dipped early last year, then in August started coming back and now the lamb market is strong at a time when beef is near an all-time high, pork is high and the world market is demanding more protein. “We’re looking at real good lamb market right now,” said Soulen. “It looks to stay strong for a while if some other factors don’t screw it up. On the wool side, there’s

a shortage of wool worldwide, but the market’s been flat since January. The dollar is strong against foreign currencies and that’s depressed our prices.” Domestic wool prices are down 15-20 percent of where they were in December, but projections show the market will bounce back this summer. Soulen plans to hold onto the wool until the market improves. He says it’s a classic cyclical pattern and they’ll wait it out. “As far as the business is concerned the lambs are still worth more than the wool, but both are important products we’re producing,” said Phil Soulen, patriarch of Soulen Livestock. “No doubt about it, it’s the best fiber there is, because it wicks the moisture away.” A herd of fresh sheared sheep made the trek to the lambing range. From there they will be trailed to the summer high country where the grass stays green until August. For the past eight decades the Soulen’s have set their clock by the seasons of the sheep.

Workers prepare freshly shorn wool for compressing and packaging into 400-pound bales at Soulen Livestock near Emmett. Photo by Steve Ritter

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

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“All are Thugs”

By Timothy Prather A horticultural manual by University of Georgia professor of horticulture, Michael Dirr, concludes its section on shrubs in the genus Polygonum stating, “Be leery and careful when considering the above for the garden. All are thugs.” Sometimes called Polygonum, sometimes Fallopia, the genus contains several shrubs that were imported for horticulture. The shrubs include giant knotweed with large leaves and large round and hollow stems. Active boys don’t always want to sit and wait for their food. I was tasked on a trip that involved a stop for pizza in Hope, Idaho, with getting our boys outside until pizza was ready. There was giant knotweed just across the street and those big leaves were an instant hit with young curious minds. Giant knotweed is an impressive plant and I can see why people were interested in planting it. Interest was wide ranging and other knotweeds like Himalayan or Japanese knotweeds were introduced for their showy white flower display and ease of growth. While most plants brought in for aesthetics are not invasive, a small percentage is invasive and cause us problems in the home landscape and the more extensive landscape that includes our forests. In the case of the knotweeds some of the problems within the landscape include sending out underground stems that form 18

Bohemian knotweed is a hybrid and the dominant knotweed in Idaho.

new above ground shoots that crowd out everything else in the ornamental bed. Those shoots don’t stop within the beds, sometimes they even come up in bed rooms. The British Isles have tremendous problems with knotweeds and I have seen a picture of one coming up through the floor into a house. I have even seen shoots coming up through asphalt driveways! Unfortunately the problems don’t stop there. Knotweeds are a problem along streams. Most of the time the plants reproduce by underground stems and these underground stems can be carried downstream if dislodged from stream banks during flood periods in the spring. In addition, the stems themselves can root at nodes so stems are broken off and float downstream may find a new home, creating new clumps of shrubs often several hundred yards from the last known clump. The root system is not as dense as the above ground foliage and so the stream banks are not held together tightly in contrast to native shrubs along streams. During high water the lack of stream

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

bank stability can result in scouring of river banks. Changes to river banks can change how and where water flows. The knotweeds grow each year from a woody base and die back to ground with the first killing frost. Each year the shrubs can produce around 30 tons of stems and leaves. A good grass hay crop may tip the scales at 2 tons so knotweeds are handsdown winners in production. Other changes can result from knotweeds becoming the dominant vegetation. Streams and rivers are fed by leaves and other plant material and the vegetation is eaten by insects in the water. Those insects, in turn, often become food for fish. Terrestrial insects can fall into the water, providing food for fish. A study at Cornell University looked at areas dominated by Japanese knotweed and other areas dominated by native plants. The researchers wanted to know if the insect communities were similar between the areas and they came up with an ingenious way of testing for insects. The researchers put out cages in the two types of plant com-

and research by other universities, the herbicides Renovate 3 and Habitat both can effectively control knotweeds. These herbicides have labelled uses around water. Prior to using either herbicide, be sure to consult and follow the label and determine if other permits are needed before applying an herbicide around water. Both herbicides can affect other plants besides knotweeds so they must be carefully applied to avoid injury to desired plants.

Knotweeds form dense canopies that shade out other plants.

munities. The cages would allow insects to move through the cages. However the cages were designed to keep frogs in them. Frogs were put in the cages and then after a while removed and weighed. The frogs in cages placed in native plant communities gained weight during the experiment, however the frogs in cages placed in Japanese knotweed dominated communities actually lost weight. Frogs losing weight demonstrated a lack of insects in the Japanese knotweed dominated plant communities. In Idaho, the dominant knotweed is actually a hybrid. The parents are Japanese knotweed and giant knotweed. Only female Japanese knotweed plants were introduced into North America. However, giant knotweed plants have male and female flowers so giant knotweed pollinated Japanese knotweed, forming a new weed called Bohemian knotweed. The hybrid can produce fertile seed allowing Bohemian knotweed the ability to reproduce via seed in addition to vegetative reproduction. The hybrids are more diverse genetically and can be well adapted to our conditions through natural selection. The hybrids are often larger, growing several feet taller than Japanese knotweed. Bohemian knotweed is obviously well adapted to Idaho since it is the one we found in

Northern Idaho and Southern Idaho rather than Japanese knotweed. So what can we do about knotweeds in our forests? Knowing how to identify them properly allows for us to take measures to control the right shrubs. We know that mowing or hand-pulling are not effective. We do know that control can be achieved with herbicides. In our research

Finding and removing patches of knotweed when the patches are small minimizes cost and minimizes the damage the plants do to our forest environments. To learn more about knotweeds you can get a copy of a Pacific Northwest Bulletin, PNW 610 put out by the cooperative effort of Oregon State University, Washington State University and University of Idaho. Online copies can be downloaded for free. Keep informed and protect the riparian areas that flow through your property. Timothy S. Prather is a professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, at the University of Idaho. He can be reached at tprather@ uidaho.edu.

Giant knotweed stems remind people of bamboo. Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

Young Farmers Remain Concerned About Land Availability WASHINGTON, D.C., March 11, 2014—Securing adequate land to grow crops and raise livestock was the top challenge identified again this year in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual outlook survey of participants in the Young Farmers & Ranchers program. That challenge was identified by 22 percent of respondents, followed by economic challenges, particularly profitability, which was identified by 15 percent of the respondents. “For young people today, securing adequate land to begin farming or expand an established farm or ranch is a major challenge,” said Jake Carter, AFBF’s national YF&R Committee chair and a farmer from Georgia. “Another major challenge is figur- Agri-tourism attractions at Southern Belle Farm in Georgia draw visitors from near and far, notes ing out how to excel—not just survive—in owner Jake Carter. today’s economy,” he said. The majority of those surveyed—69 per- ing they had started a new business in the cent—consider communicating with con- last three years or plan to start one in the Other issues ranked as top concerns by sumers a formal part of their jobs. Many near future. young farmers and ranchers included buruse social media platforms as a tool to acdensome government regulations and red The survey also shows that America’s complish this. The popular social media tape, 12 percent; availability of farm labor young farmers and ranchers are committed site Facebook is used by 74 percent of those and related regulations, 9 percent; water environmental caretakers, with 55 percent surveyed. Twenty-two percent of responavailability and urbanization of farm land, using conservation tillage to protect soil dents said they use the social networking 7 percent each; and health care availability and reduce erosion on their farms. site Twitter, 16 percent have a farm blog and cost, 6 percent. or webpage and 13 percent use YouTube to AFBF President Bob Stallman said the reThe 22nd annual YF&R survey revealed post videos of their farms and ranches. sults of the YF&R survey point to the future that 91 percent of those surveyed are more of U.S. agriculture being in good hands. “Use of technology and all the tools at our optimistic about farming and ranching than fingertips to not only improve production “I am confident that the know-how and they were five years ago. Last year, 90 perpractices on the farm but also to interact tenacity of our young farmers and ranchcent of those surveyed said they were more with consumers–our customers–among ers will ensure that the best days are ahead optimistic about farming compared to five young farmers continues to grow,” Carter for our country and agriculture,” Stallman years ago. said. “Use of social media platforms, per- said. “They are the future of American agThe 2014 survey also shows 93 percent of sonal outreach through farm tours, agri- riculture and food production.” the nation’s young farmers and ranchers say tourism, farmers’ markets or a combination The informal survey of young farmers and they are better off than they were five years of these methods is where we’re at today,” ranchers, ages 18-35, was conducted at AFago. Last year, 83 percent reported being he added. BF’s 2014 YF&R Leadership Conference better off. High-speed Internet is used by 71 percent in Virginia Beach, Va., in February. The More than 91 percent considered them- of those surveyed, with 28 percent relying purpose of the YF&R program is to help selves lifetime farmers, while 88 percent on a satellite connection and fewer than 2 younger members learn more about farmwould like to see their children follow in percent turning to dialup. ing and ranching, network with other farmtheir footsteps. The informal survey reveals ers and strengthen their leadership skills to New this year, the young farmers and that 87 percent believe their children will assist in the growth of agriculture and Farm ranchers were asked about their rural entrebe able to follow in their footsteps. Bureau. preneurship efforts, with 40 percent report20

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

American farm bureau federation news

AFBF Statement on National Agriculture Day “On National Agriculture Day, it is only fitting that we celebrate the installation of a memorial to Dr. Norman Borlaug, the scientist most closely identified with dramatically improving agricultural productivity through development of high-yield, disease-resistant crops. All of agriculture is standing a little taller today, seeing a statue of Dr. Borlaug being placed in the U.S. Capitol. His scientific discoveries and hands-on work to transfer food production technology transformed agriculture all

around the world. His work moved farm production from subsistence to the fullest abundance and most importantly, gave nations the tools to feed their people. “America’s farms are the world’s most productive in large part because Dr. Borlaug and his successors showed the way to the productivity we enjoy today. America’s food and fiber producers honor his legacy through sustainable, ethical and scientifically proven production systems and

sound business practices that assure land, livestock and natural resources will be here for future generations. “Dr. Borlaug is credited with saving more than 1 billion lives; that is simply amazing. His dedication to advancing innovations in food production is testimony to why he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and Congressional Gold Medal – and why we can think of no one more deserving of this honor.”

Foundation Donations Reach $1.8 Million Donations to the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture totaled $1.8 million for 2013, the highest-ever in a calendar year. “We rely on our donors to fund our initiatives so we can have an agriculturally literate society,” said Foundation Chairman Bob Stallman. “Thanks in large part to generous donor contributions, 2013 was a remarkable year for the Foundation, in terms of building awareness, understanding and a positive perception of agriculture

through education.” Volunteer engagement in local communities to foster a deeper understanding of food, fiber and energy is a continuing focus of the Foundation. Urban outreach events, building partnerships in the STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) area, Spanish translations of materials and creation of additional assessment guides for educational resources are planned for 2014.

The Foundation continually updates its tool chest of ready-to-use resources for educators covering a variety of agricultural themes. Learn more at www.agfoundation.org. Building awareness through a vibrant social media presence is another initiative of the Foundation. Find the Foundation on Facebook (Foundation4Ag), Twitter (@AgFoundation) and Pinterest (AgFoundation

FOCUS ON AG

Continued from page 10

turned the dairy from production agriculture to educational agriculture and added a u-pick fruit operation.

Our Southern Bell Farm, a 320-acre agritourism destination, offers u-pick strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, a fall corn maze and educational school tours year-round. Most importantly, it offers kids hands-on experiences with agriculture.

to put a face on farming and show people what we do, how we do what we do, and also why we do certain things. I consider myself lucky that I can make that connection in person with the people who visit our farm. I also realize that in-person farm visits are not an option for most farmers and ranchers. But there are always other ways to connect with consumers, such as through social media. It doesn’t matter how we make those connections, just that we do.

I wholeheartedly believe that farmers need

Times are definitely changing, especially

As the old cliché goes, we took lemons and made lemonade.

for agriculture. My advice to both young and older farmers is that instead of being afraid of change, we should embrace it. You never know, it can lead to wonderful things. In my case, it definitely led to lemonade. Georgia farmer Jake Carter is chair of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. Learn more about him and his family’s farm at: http://southernbellefarm.com/.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

FARM BILL

Continued from page 7

The limit on eligibility to receive farm program benefits no longer distinguishes between farm and nonfarm income. Under this new rule, any individual with an annual AGI above $900,000 is ineligible to receive farm program payments under commodity or conservation programs. Dairy and Livestock The new Margin Protection Program (MPP) introduces margin insurance that provides benefits to dairy producers when the difference between milk prices and feed costs falls below a target margin. The margin is calculated by the difference between the all-milk price and average feed cost with payments beginning when the margin falls below $4 per hundredweight for a two-month period. All dairy operations are eligible to participate at the minimum level for a $100 administrative fee. Higher levels of protection are available but producers must pay both the administrative fee and a premium established by USDA. The new Dairy Product Donation Program (DPDP) requires the Secretary of Agriculture to purchase dairy products at market prices for donation to nutrition programs whenever the margin between milk and feed prices falls below the level established by the MPP. The Dairy Product Price Support Program (DPPSP), and Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP) are repealed. The Milk Income Loss Program (MILC) is extended retroactively to October 1, 2013 and remains in place until MPP is 22

operational but no later than September 1, 2014. The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) which provide protection against losses from natural disasters, including disease, are now funded through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are made permanent. Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) regulations remain in place and are extended to include venison. Conservation The biggest change under the Conservation title is the gradual reduction of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) from 32 million acres to 24 million acres nationwide by 2017. Several conservation programs have also been consolidated reducing the overall number of conservation programs from 23 to 13 and crop insurance premium subsidies are once again linked to Conservation Compliance (conservation of highly erodible land and wetlands) for the first time since 1996. The new Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) provides funding for long term easements for the restoration of on-farm wetlands. ACEP consolidates the functions of the Wetlands Reserve Program, the Grassland Reserve Program and the Farmland Protection Program. All land enrolled in these programs on the date of the enactment of the 2014 Farm Act

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

will be considered enrolled in ACEP. Annual funding for these programs is significantly less than what was provided for predecessor programs in the 2008 Farm Act. Beginning Ranchers

Farmers

and

New programs detailed under six different farm bill titles attempt to help young farmers and ranchers get established and also help farm families transition to the next generation. From now until 2018, USDA has made $33 million available under the Conservation Reserve Transition Incentive Program to assist retiring farmers transfer land to beginning farmers and ranchers. The

funding is available nationwide until expended. The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program funds training, education, outreach and technical assistance to beginning farmers and ranchers with priority given to partnerships and collaborations led by or including nongovernmental and community based organizations. Several other programs are set up to benefit young farmers and ranchers. For more information on those programs and many other highlights of the 2014 Farm Act, go to http://www. ers.usda.gov/agriculturalact-of-2014-highlights-andimplications.aspx.

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Grain Marketing with Clark Johnston

Three Factors Contribute to Stronger Market in First Quarter By Clark Johnston Last month we talked about the volatility that moves into the market each spring. This year has been no different than those in the past. Between February 20th and the 19th of March the Chicago May wheat contract moved a dollar higher. Wheat futures moved back into levels that we hadn’t seen since the end of October. Producers that had been a little depressed that wheat wouldn’t be a profit center for them this coming year were all of the sudden looking seriously at contracting new crop wheat at a profit. There were different factors this year that moved the market higher. The first was that the market was technically oversold. Even with a lack of fundamental news the markets will move based on the different technical indicators. The large speculators are here to stay and they trade these indicators when entering and exiting the market. You may not necessarily like it but, it would be a good practice to watch a few studies as part of your merchandising plan. The second market mover was the weather in the Hard Red Wheat region of the country. Even with the crop ratings being slightly better than last year the dry conditions along with the cold temperatures were slowly but surely decreasing the good to excellent rating and increasing the poor to very poor conditions. The trade is 24

still watching this very closely as producers look at replanting some acreage into different crops based on the winter kill in the fields. For now it looks as though the Hard Red Winter crop isn’t going to be anything to write home about. The third factor in the market strength was Russia. In months past we have talked about being aware of the unforeseen. Well, here is a good example. Of the dollar move higher in the futures we can attribute about half to Russia. This has given producers the added pricing they needed this year. But, I wouldn’t count on this lasting very long. Once it becomes old news and the world trade gets back to normal (and it will) prices could very well correct themselves. When we look at the wheat stocks in the world there really isn’t a shortage of wheat. The stocks to use ratio in both the US and the world will be close to 25 percent at the end of this crop year. This has been in a steady decline in the US over the past 4 years and has remained fairly steady in the world over the past couple. Locally we are seeing a reduction in the demand for wheat this spring. For whatever reason, we have seen the demand for finished products slowdown in the past few months. One report from a cereal manufacturer indicated that sales for cold cereal in the US had dropped 17 percent from last year. The

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

report didn’t indicate whether or not consumers had simply moved to other forms of grain products or have simply tightened their belts. We have also seen a slow down with some of the large flour mills as they have indicated that they really don’t need to buy nearby wheat but are mostly interested in contracting for closer to June and July. This slow down at the flour mills happens every year but not until we move closer to the last half of May into June. As the futures have moved higher the basis has weakened resulting in some heartburn for some producers. Remember, basis is a good indicator of the local supply/demand and as we just talked about the local demand has slowed. The news in the markets at this time really isn’t giving us any indication that that the basis will strengthen significantly as we move closer to the summer. Futures have moved higher giving you an opportunity to lock in the futures side of the pricing equation. It really doesn’t matter if you are hedging your old crop or new, it will work the same. Locking in the futures side of the price using futures only contracts (hedge to arrive), or simply using futures and/or options. Usually as the futures move back lower we could see the basis strengthen giving you your opportunity for a higher cash price. In the corn market prices have moved considerably higher

Clark Johnston

over the same time frame. May futures moved 50 cents higher between the first of the year and the third week in March. For the most part the strength in market came on the U.S. being the only supplier of export corn during this time frame. There is a little talk of acreage being reduced by as much a 4 million acres this year but, for now I wouldn’t bank on this keeping the corn market at these levels for very long. Producers have already bought their seed and we need to keep in mind that there was some acreage last year just wasn’t planted. Producers should look at looking in at least the futures for their new crop corn. For now the consumers should just continue to buy hand to mouth until the market corrects itself. The trade feels the carryover this year will still be between 900 million and a billion bushels. Even figuring a reduction in acreage of 4 million acres and yields the same as this past year the US will produce a very large crop of corn. Clark Johnston is a grain marketing specialist who is on contract with the Idaho Farm Bureau. He is the owner of JC Management Company in Northern Utah. He can be reached at clark@jcmanagement.net

American farm bureau federation news

Farm Bureau Kicks Off ‘Our Food Link’ Program Farmer and rancher members of Farm Bureau from around the country officially kicked off the organization’s new “Our Food Link” program in conjunction with a conference for state leaders of Women’s Leadership and Promotion & Education programs.

with sources of clothing, food, shelter and energy in their communities is the foundation of this multi-faced new program,” she said.

“Our Food Link is a year-round program that county and state Farm Bureaus use to provide consumers of all ages and backgrounds with information about today’s agriculture,” explained Terry Gilbert, a Kentucky farmer and chair of the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee. The AFBWLC spearheads the program with participation open to all Farm Bureau members.

Our Food Link activities range from outreach at supermarkets or farmers’ markets to hosting interactive booths at community events, speaking with lawmakers and neighbors about food and visiting classrooms to help students understand agricultural topics. Other program ideas include: an Adopt-a-Farmer program, fun runs, garden projects and “Zest ’n Zing” or other foodie events. Our Food Link activities may also include the collection of food and monetary donations for Ronald McDonald House Charities or other charities.

“People want to know where their food comes from and who is growing or raising it,” Gilbert said. “Helping people connect

About 15 Farm Bureau members shopped for and donated food to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington,

D.C., this week. The connection between Farm Bureau and Ronald McDonald House Charities was forged in the mid-1990s. Since then, Farm Bureau members have donated more than $3 million in food and monetary contributions to Ronald McDonald Houses and other charities.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

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2014 Legislative Session Yields Big News for Idaho’s Secondary Agricultural Education Programs Idaho FFA and agricultural education partners express heartfelt appreciation to everyone who helped support the 2014 Idaho Agricultural Education Initiative

A number of Idaho FFA members and agricultural education partners gathered in Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter’s office with key legislative supporters on March 18 to celebrate the signing of SB 1275 into law which provides for Idaho Agricultural Education start up grants and incentive grants for instructors meeting the Idaho Program Quality Standards. In addition, the passage of SB 1416 increased the 'added cost' funding for every secondary agricultural education classroom to $15,000 from $10,260—the first increase since 1998, and SB 1414 also passed unanimously to fund a full time state FFA coordinator position. Among those attending the signing ceremony were, from left, State FFA President Brett Wilder, State FFA Vice President Daniel Heikkila, Representative Darrell Bolz, Macy Hagler, Senator Dan Johnson, Senator Jim Patrick, Governor Otter, Agriculture Director Celia Gould, Senator Bert Brackett, Representative Julie VanOrden, Senator John Goedde, Representative Ken Andrus, Kristin Nesbitt, Justin Nesbitt and Christina Schram. To learn more visit www.idahoagedinitiative.com and Idaho Ag Ed Initiative 2014 on Facebook.

Thank you Idaho Farm Bureau Federation for your support of Agricultural Education and FFA in Idaho! Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

County Happenings

The Idaho Farm Bureau Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leadership Committee toured the Scentsy Plant in Meridian in late March as part of their annual leadership conference. Photo by Steve Ritter

Lazy MC Trooper 21Y, owned by Russell Fehringer of Lakeview Ag and Livestock in American Falls, won the Red Angus Grand Champion Bull at the Forth Worth Stock Show in Fort Worth Texas. 28

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

100 Years and Counting

The Richel family farm near Worley was recently recognized as one of Idahoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Century Farms.

By Bob Smathers The Richel family farm reached the 100 year milestone in 2014. The farm, located southeast of Worley, Idaho was given Century Farm status by the Idaho Historical Society on Saturday, January 25, 2014. A ceremony was held at the Worley Grange. The oldest living descendant of the Richel family, Darleen Sheldon, said proudly that the property has been farmed by the family since it was purchased by her grandparents Carl and Mabel Richel in 1914. Currently, her daughter Sharon and son-in-law Jeff Bloomsburg, who are Farm Bureau members are farming the property. The farm was a dairy operation in the early part of the century, but now raises crops and livestock. The Bloomsburg children have fond memories of being raised on the farm. Joe Bloomsburg (Darleenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandson) who is a student in Agriculture Systems Management at the University of Idaho is hopeful that the farm will stay in the family for many generations. 30

Members of the extended family receive recognition for being part of an Idaho Century Farm.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

Grain marketing expert Clark Johnston conducted a seminar in Latah County in early March.

Latah County Farm Bureau Hosts Marketing Seminar Article and photo by Bob Smathers Clark Johnston from JC Management in Ogden, Utah was invited to speak March 6 at the Farm Bureau office in Moscow on grain marketing and the new GrainBridge program offered to Farm Bureau members. Mr. Johnston started off by talking briefly about the grain markets and where they are presently, then gave an overview of some tools available to farmers in marketing their grain. “Basis is a good indicator of the local market,” Johnston said. Understanding basis is crucial to knowing when to hold and sell grain. Johnston said growers should be tracking basis weekly. He also covered other marketing tools such as hedging, call

options, put options, and hedge to arrive contracts etc. After the marketing seminar concluded, Johnston spent an hour or so talking about the new GrainBridge program that Farm Bureau is offering its members to help them grow their farm operations and better organize their businesses. “This program is an excellent way for farmers to create marketing plans that provide both break even and profit targets,” he said. The program is designed to help growers manage their whole farm business; every component of the farm business can be managed by this program. Growers can create personal crop plans on a whole farm basis or even field-by-field.

Plans can be built for multiple years with crop insurance, break-even analysis and profit targets incorporated. The program can be used to monitor all components of risk management. “The program is an excellent farm management/marketing tool,” he said. “And best of all it is free to Farm Bureau members.” Once a whole year’s worth of information has been entered into the program, it can be carried over in subsequent years and modified as necessary.” A livestock option has also been added to GrainBridge and will be available this spring. About 18 growers attended the marketing seminar in Moscow.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

Natural Resources Camp Helps Students Learn about Idaho Campers ages 12 to 14 years will see and learn about Idaho natural resources in some of the state’s most scenic settings near Sun Valley June 23-28. University of Idaho Extension and the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts again will sponsor the annual Natural Resources Camp, which has roots stretching back more than 60 years. Campers will explore and learn about Idaho’s wildlife, fish, forests, water, range and soils during their five-day stay at the Central Idaho 4-H Camp north of Ketchum. The registration fee is $235 by May 21 and $255 after. Scholarships are available through Soil Conservation District offices throughout Idaho. This is also the second year of a new focus on Idaho volcanism. That topic is tied to the recent 32

revival of a popular University of Idaho Extension 4-H camp tradition that dates back to the 1950s, swimming at Easley Hot Springs, which is heated by geothermal springs. Photos show 4-H members there in 1953. A Lewis and Clark expeditionstyle field trip to see examples of Idaho’s natural resources and what campers learned during the week is being revamped this year, said camp director Amber Moore, a UI Extension soil specialist at Twin Falls. This year’s session also will pay homage to Dorrell Larsen, who helped found the Natural Resources Workshop more than 50 years ago. He passed away Nov. 2, 2013 at age 84 at Boise. He began working with University of Idaho Extension as an irrigation specialist based

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

at Boise in 1956. An early advocate for environmental education, he established and chaired the workshop, Idaho’s first residential summer workshop, from 1962 to 1991. The family suggested remembrances may be made to the

Dorrell Larsen Memorial Fund, University of Idaho Foundation, 875 Perimeter Dr. MS 3143, Moscow, ID 83844-3143 for the benefit of the natural resources workshop. More information about the camp, including a video from 2013, is available online at extension.udaho.edu/nrc.

American farm bureau federation news

Report Shows Labor Challenges Lead to Loss in GDP, Farm Income

The Partnership for a New American Economy and the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform today released a new report showing how American families are eating more imported fresh produce today than ever before, in substantial part because U.S. fresh produce growers lack enough labor to expand their production and compete with foreign importers. “American consumers want fresh U.S grown fruits and vegetables, but our farmers don’t have the labor force available to meet that demand,” said John Feinblatt, Chairman of the Partnership for a New American Economy. “This means more produce is imported, and our economy loses millions of dollars and thousands of jobs every year. We need to pass immigration reform now, so our food remains homegrown and our economy strong.” “On the issue of farm labor, we have a growing amount of evidence that all points in the same direction: Farmers and consumers both need responsible immigration reform,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman, a cattle and rice farmer from Texas. Key Findings In recent years, the share of fresh fruits and vegetables consumed by American families that was imported has grown by 79.3 percent. In America, our production of fresh produce and the demands of consumers are increasingly out-of-sync. While the amount of fresh produce and vegetables consumed by Americans has grown in recent years, production levels have either barely grown or declined. Had U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable growers been able to maintain the domestic market

share they held from 1998-2000, their communities would have enjoyed a substantial economic boost, resulting in an estimated $4.9 billion in additional farming income and 89,300 more jobs in 2012 alone. U.S. GDP would have been $12.4 billion higher in 2012. Labor challenges faced by U.S. farmers and the inadequacies of the H-2A visa program are a key reason why American farmers have been unable to maintain their share of the domestic market. Labor alone can explain as much as $3.3 billion in missed GDP growth in 2012. It also accounts for $1.4 billion in farm income that wasn’t realized that year. The data for this report was compiled by Steven Broners, Ph.D., a Senior Economist at Welch Consulting. This event and report are part of the #iFarmImmigration campaign that brings more than 70 of the largest agriculture groups together with the Partnership for a New American Economy to tell Washington that we need immigration reform now. About the Partnership for a New American Economy The Partnership for a New American Economy brings together more than 500 Republican, Democratic and Independent mayors and business leaders who support immigration reforms that will help create jobs for Americans today. The Partnership’s members include mayors of more than 35 million people nationwide and business leaders of companies that generate more than $1.5 trillion and employ more than 4 million people across all sectors of the economy, from Agriculture to Aerospace, Hospitality to High Tech and Media to Manufacturing. Partnership members understand that immigration is essential

to maintaining the productive, diverse and flexible workforce that America needs to ensure prosperity over the coming generations. Learn more at www.RenewOurEconomy.org. About the Agriculture Workforce Coalition The Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC) brings together organizations representing the diverse needs of agricultural employers across the country. AWC serves as the unified voice of agriculture in the effort to ensure that America’s farmers, ranchers and growers have access to a stable and secure workforce. The founding members of the AWC are: American Farm Bureau Federation, American Nursery & Landscape Association, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, National Council of Agricultural Employers, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Milk Producers Federation, USA Farmers, U.S. Apple Association, United Fresh Produce Association, Western Growers Association, and Western United Dairymen. To learn more about AWC, visit our website at www.agworkforcecoalition.org. About the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform The Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform (ACIR) is the broad national coalition representing over 300 national, regional, and state organizations whose members produce fruit and vegetables, dairy, nursery and greenhouse crops, poultry, livestock, and Christmas trees. In the 113th Congress, ACIR is working handin-hand as a coalition partner with the Ag Workforce Coalition to achieve meaningful near-term and lasting workforce solutions for American agriculture.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

Ruling Issued on Commercial Use of Drones

An administrative law judge with the National Transportation Safety Board has ruled the Federal Aviation Administration cannot fine drone operators who use small drones for commercial use. This ruling allows the use of drones that fly below 400 feet and prevents the FAA from enforcing its policy notices that restrict the use of drones because the notices were not written within the federal rulemaking process. The FAA has not announced if it will appeal the decision. AFBF supports the use of drones for commercial purposes (i.e., agriculture, forestry and other natural resource use), and is initiating conversations with drone companies and the FAA to allow farmers and ranchers to use drones in their operations.

‘Right to Grow’ GMO Program

“Now more than ever, it is imperative that American farmers have access to new technologies to continue to provide a safe, healthy and affordable food supply both domestically and internationally,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman in a statement issued recently. Further, Stallman noted, “While the U.S. regulatory system is built on 34

predictability and ensuring that new technology is safe, we also recognize that our international customers are subject to their own regulatory systems. As such, it is important that U.S. exporters meet the needs of our export customers. AFBF applauded the announcement between Syngenta and Gavilon Grain, LLC, concerning the companies’ agreement to ensure that farmers who are looking to plant new technologies have a reliable way to market their product.

EPA’s Proposed Rules on Water

“E.P.A.’s Proposed Rules on Water Worry Farmers,” a New York Times article by Ron Nixon, explores how new rules proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency could affect farmers, particularly provisions that require them to get permits for work for which they have long been exempt. Expanded EPA jurisdiction is likely to be costly and time-consuming for farmers. Don Parrish, senior director of regulatory relations at the American Farm Bureau Federation, noted in the article that EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers have a lot of authority to interpret the rules as they choose, despite reassurances from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

and agency officials that farm work will not be curtailed. “They can say farmers won’t be impacted by this expansion of authority, but the truth is we just don’t know,” Parrish said. “And from what we have seen from the draft of the regulations, it’s really hard to tell.”

Nominations Accepted for ‘40 Under 40’ Program

Vance Publishing is accepting nominations for its “40 Under 40” program through June 30. “Nominate a young hero in agriculture under the age of 40 who has made a difference,” encourages the program’s website. Top winners will be part of an elite group of honorees that together can help solve “the 2050 challenge”—feeding a global population of 9.1 billion people.

Proposed New Worker Protection Standard Rule

The Environmental Protection Agency has published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to revise the worker protection standard rule governing handling and application of pesticides. EPA announced recently it would formally propose the rule. Proposed revisions to the WPS rule have been extensively discussed for years among

EPA and outside stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, worker advocates and others. The principal changes EPA is proposing include shortening the grace period during which pesticide applicators must be trained; expanded training requirements; expanded record-keeping requirements; age restrictions on certain duties; changes to the ‘immediate family’ exemption; and more frequent training requirements. Current deadline for comments is June 17.

Trout Value of Sales Increased

The total value of fish sales received by trout growers in the United States totaled 96.4 million dollars for 2013, an increase of 4 percent from 2012. Idaho accounted for 46 percent of the total value of fish sold. The number of trout 12 inches and longer sold during 2013 totaled 41.0 million fish, down 2 percent from the previous year. The average price per pound was $1.61, up 4 percent from 2012. The value of sales for the 2013 marketing year was 90.4 million dollars, up 5 percent from 2012. For trout 12 inches or longer, 63 percent were sold to processors. The number of 6”- 12” trout sold during 2013 totaled 3.66 million fish, a decrease of 46 percent from 2012. The aver-

age price per pound was $3.78 during 2013, up 91 cents from the 2012 price. The total value of sales was 5.05 million dollars during 2013, a 15 percent decrease from the previous year. The major sales outlets for 6”-12” trout were for recreational stocking accounting for 51 percent of total sales, followed by wholesale to other producers with 18 percent. The number of 1”- 6” trout sold during 2013 totaled 6.46 million, a 4 percent decrease from the previous year. The average value per 1,000 fish was $155 during 2013, down from $162 in 2012. The total value of sales was 1.00 million dollars, down 9 percent from last year’s total. Distributed Trout Trout distributed for restoration, conservation, enhancement, or recreational purposes, primarily by State and Federal hatcheries, included 8.49 million 12” or longer fish, 69.1 million 6”- 12” fish, and 58.8 million 1”- 6” fish. The estimated value of fish distributed totaled 109.5 million dollars, up 5 percent from 2012.

Ag Producers’ Confidence Remains Positive

Overall agriculture producer confidence remains unchanged since last March despite a drop in producers’ feelings about their current

situation, according to the latest DTN/The Progressive Farmer Agriculture Confidence Index. Producers’ overall confidence remained somewhat positive at 106.9, up slightly from 105.5 last December and unchanged from March 2013. The value of 100 is considered neutral. Values above 100 indicate optimism, whereas values below signify pessimism. The DTN/PF Agriculture Confidence Index, which surveyed 500 producers between March 1 and 10, measures the sentiments of agriculture producers on their overall impressions of the agriculture sector. Farmers are also asked to rate current and long-term input prices and net farm income to gauge their attitudes toward the present situation and future expectations.

Need for More Agriculture Scientists

A study conducted by Readex Research with funds from the Coalition for a Sustainable Agriculture Workforce reveals six of the group’s companies would like to hire more than 1,000 scientists over the next two years, representing 13 percent of their current agricultural scientist workforce, but qualified candidates are in short supply. Scientists trained in the fields of biotechnology, crop protection and seed technology

are in greatest demand. Read the full study online: http:// bit.ly/1r2DGmW.

New Reporting Tool for Livestock Feed Problems

The Livestock Food Reporting Portal will accept reports about foods made for species considered to be livestock, including but not limited to horses, cattle, swine, poultry and fish. The Food and Drug Administration encourages anyone with concerns about animal feed to file a report, including veterinarians and livestock producers. Read the Feed & Grain article for more info.

Expanding SNAP Access at Farmers’ Markets

With springs arrival, farmers’ markets across the country are ramping up or reopening for the season. In addition to year-round staples like local milk, meat and grains, the stars of the season—asparagus, onions, new potatoes, lamb and greens of all varieties—are beginning to debut. In a few months’ time, the markets will be in full swing, bursting with berries and zucchini and other summer fruits and vegetables. USDA is working hard to ensure participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program have access to this healthful, local bounty.

Report Shows Labor Challenges

The Partnership for a New American Economy and the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform recently released a new report showing how American families are eating more imported fresh produce today than ever before, in substantial part because U.S. fresh produce growers lack enough labor to expand their production and compete with foreign importers. “American consumers want fresh U.S. grown fruits and vegetables, but our farmers don’t have the labor force available to meet that demand,” said John Feinblatt, chairman of the Partnership for a New American Economy. “This means more produce is imported, and our economy loses millions of dollars and thousands of jobs every year. We need to pass immigration reform now, so our food remains homegrown and our economy strong.” “On the issue of farm labor, we have a growing amount of evidence that all points in the same direction: Farmers and consumers both need responsible immigration reform,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman, a cattle and rice farmer from Texas. A key finding of the report was that in recent years, the share of fresh fruits and vegetables consumed by American families that was imported has grown by 79.3 percent.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

FARM BUREAU COMMODITY REPORT GRAIN PRICES

Portland:

White Wheat 11% Winter 14% Spring Oats

Ogden:

White Wheat 11% Winter 14% Spring Barley

Pocatello:

White Wheat 11% Winter 14% Spring Barley

Burley:

White Wheat 11% Winter 14% Spring Barley

Nampa:

White Wheat (cwt) (Bushel)

Lewiston:

White Wheat Barley

02/25/2014

03/24/2014

Trend

7.36 8.47-8.57 8.61 265.00

7.76 9.15-9.25 9.53 270.00

+ + + +

.40 .68 .92 5.00

6.35 7.00 7.77 8.05

6.40 7.34 7.83 9.10

+ + + +

.05 .34 .06 1.05

6.10 7.15 7.41 No Bid

6.50 8.14 8.33 No Bid

+ .40 + .99 + .92 N/A

6.08 6.81 6.97 7.50

6.34 7.41 7.31 7.50

+ .26 + .60 + .34 Steady

10.50 6.30

11.16 6.70

+ .66 + .40

7.02 156.50

7.45 161.50

+ .43 + 5.00

03/24/2014

Trend

180-259 167-231 130-175 105-152

190-251 168-239 140-181 130-150

+ + + +

170-237 153-197 129-174 101-144

170-227 154-206 130-171 110-147

Steady to - 10 + 1 to + 9 + 1 to - 3 + 9 to + 3

98-128 90-130

111-146 110-130

+ 13 to + 18 + 20 to Steady

70-97 60-94

70-104 60-96

Steady to + 7 Steady to + 2

925-1425

1150-1750

+ 225 to + 325

70-111

70-126

Steady to + 15

35.00-37.00 39.00-40.00 40.00

34.00-36.00 39.00-40.00 40.00

- 1.00 Steady Steady

LIVESTOCK PRICES 02/21/2014

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 Bulls

Slaughter

BEAN PRICES: Pinto Pink Small Red

Compiled by the Idaho Farm Bureau Commodity Division 36

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

10 to - 8 1 to + 8 10 to + 6 25 to - 2

Contracted price - Price and conditions of sale agreed upon Seller negotiates a transaction.

IDaho Hay Report

IDAHO HAY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3/21/14 All prices are dollars per ton and FOB unless otherwise stated.

March 21, 2014 Tons: 6560 Last Week: 1100 Last Year: 8200 Compared to last week, all grades of Alfalfa firm for new crop prices. Fair and Good Alfalfa steady. Trade slow to moderate this week. Demand remains good for all classes and new crop contracts as interests are contracting straight thru regardless of test rain or shine. Retail/feed store/horse not tested this week. Buyer demand good with light to moderate supplies. All prices are dollars per ton and FOB unless otherwise stated.

Quality

Tons

Price Range

Avg. Price

Premium/Supreme

1,670

180.00

Good/Premium

1,970

175.00-180.00

Good/Fair

2,920

170.00-180.00

Alfalfa Large Square

http://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/ML_GR312.txt USDA Market News, Moses Lake, WA 509-393-1343 or 707-3150 USDA Market News, Moses Lake, WA 509-393-1343 or 707-3150

POTATOES UPPER VALLEY, TWIN FALLS-BURLEY DISTRICT, IDAHO---Shipments 712-753730--- (includes export of 4-2-3) ---Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading baled moderate, cartons active. Prices baled generally unchanged, cartons slightly higher. Russet Burbank U.S. One baled 5 10-pound non size A 5.00-5.50, 50-pound cartons 40s 7.00-8.00, 50s mostly 8.00-8.50, 60-100s mostly 9.50. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 5 10-pound film bags non size A 5.00-5.50, 50-pound cartons 40-50s 7.00-8.00, 60-100s 9.00-10.00. Shipments for week ending March 15,

5 Year Grain Comparison

Grain Prices.................3/23/2010.....................3/23/2011.....................3/20/2012.....................3/25/2013....................3/24/2014 Portland: White Wheat..................... 4.72 ............................. 7.10 ...........................7.00 ............................8.47 ...........................7.76 11% Winter...................4.95-5.05.......................8.20-8.30 ....................7.39-7.41......................8.89-8.95...................... 9.15-9.25 14% Spring........................ 6.83.............................. 11.22 ............................9.42 ..........................9.50...............................9.53 Corn...............................166.75-168........................276.00............................276.50.......................308-308.75......................No Bid Ogden: White Wheat..................... 4.14 ..............................7.00 ..............................6.30.............................. 8.30............................. 6.40 11% Winter....................... 3.90 .............................. 7.10 .............................6.25 ........................... 8.15............................. 7.34 14 % Spring...................... 5.66 .............................9.84 ..............................7.94 ........................... 8.29............................. 7.83 Barley..................................6.12 .............................10.20..............................10.55.............................12.10............................. 9.10 Pocatello: White Wheat......................4.15 ..............................7.20 ..............................6.15.............................. 7.85............................. 6.50 11% Winter....................... 3.77 ..............................6.54 ..............................6.07 ........................... 7.73..............................8.14 14% Spring........................ 5.59 .............................. 9.81 .............................7.86 ........................... 7.92............................. 8.33 Barley................................. 5.94 ............................9.90 ...........................9.38 .......................... 11.67..........................No Bid

2014 were generally Russets with 62 percent Burbanks and 29 percent Norkotahs.

Potatoes for Processing

MARCH 18, 2014 IDAHO---Open-market trading by processors with growers was inactive.

Burley: White Wheat..................... 3.95 ..............................6.70 ..............................6.10.............................. 8.00............................. 6.34 11% Winter....................... 3.80 .............................6.90 ..............................6.08 ........................... 7.37..............................7.41 14% Spring........................ 5.45 .............................. 9.74 .............................7.82 ........................... 7.80..............................7.31 Barley................................. 5.50 ............................10.25 .............................9.50 .......................... 12.25.............................7.50 Nampa: White Wheat (cwt).......... 6.50 ............................ 10.17...............................9.87 ......................... 13.00...........................11.16 (bushel)........... 3.90 ..............................6.10 .............................5.92............................. 7.80............................ 6.70 Lewiston: White Wheat..................... 4.20 .............................6.80 ..............................6.70............................. 8.17.............................7.45 Barley................................111.50 ....................... 211.50............................196.50......................... 221.50.........................161.50 Bean Prices: Pintos................................50.00........................35.00-35.00...................35.00-37.00.................33.00-35.00..................34.00-36.00 Pinks............................45.00-46.00.................. 40.00-42.00................... 9.00-40.00........................40.00.......................39.00-40.00 Small Reds...................45.00-46.00 ................ 40.00-42.00........................40.00.............................40.00............................40.00 ***

Milk production February 20, 2014 February Milk Production up 1.4 Percent Milk production in the 23 major States during February totaled 14.9 billion pounds, up 1.4 percent from February 2013. January revised production, at 16.2 billion pounds, was up 1.3 percent from January 2013. The January revision represented an increase of 104 million pounds or 0.6 percent from last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preliminary production estimate.

Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,753 pounds for February, 21 pounds above February 2013. The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.51 million head, 13,000 head more than February 2013, but 1,000 head less than January 2014.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

5 Year livestock comparison ......................................3/22/2010.....................3/22/2011.....................3/20/2012.....................3/25/2013............................. 3/24/2014 Under 500 lbs................ 110-140.........................132-175 .....................170-220 .....................134-182........................ 190-251 500-700 lbs.....................95-137 ........................ 121-170..........................137-193.........................118-165........................168-239 700-900 lbs..................... 87-110 ..........................93-135 .......................121-154.........................109-132........................140-181 Over 900 lbs....................84-95 ..........................95-125..........................116-141.........................110-116........................ 130-150 Feeder Heifers Under 500 lbs................. 97-132..........................116-160 ......................142-200.........................126-154........................170-227 500-700 lbs..................... 90-119 ........................115-145 ........................135-179.........................112-141........................154-206 700-900 lbs.....................84-104...........................95-132..........................115-149.........................106-126........................ 130-171 Over 900 lbs....................78-89 ........................93-107..........................103-120..........................90-114......................... 110-147 Holstein Steers Under 700 lbs..................65-86 .........................65-117............................75-128.......................... 73-104..........................111-146 Over 700 lbs....................55-79 ...........................65-94 ..........................75-114............................74-96.......................... 110-130 Cows Utility/Commercial...........43-65.............................57-80.............................65-82........................... 62-80...........................70-104 Canner & Cutter..............33-57.............................40-75.............................58-73.............................55-70............................60-96 Stock Cows.....................650-1125.......................675-1500.......................950-1550..................... 775-1500.............................. 1150-1750 Bulls – Slaughter............49-80.............................65-97.............................70-98 ......................... 70-100..........................70-126

United States Cattle on Feed Down 1 Percent

March 21, 2014

Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.8 million head on March 1, 2014. The inventory was 1 percent below March 1, 2013. Placements in feedlots during February totaled 1.65 million, 15 percent above 2013. Net placements were 1.58 million head. During February, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 390,000, 600-699 pounds were 330,000, 700-799 pounds were 415,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 515,000. Marketings of fed cattle during February totaled 1.55 million, 3 percent below 2013. Marketings for February are the lowest for the month since the data series began in 1996. Other disappearance totaled 71,000 during February, 18 percent above 2013.

Cattle Outlook March 21, 2014 Beef cow slaughter is 6.4% below year ago levels through the first two months of 2014. This decline combined with cattle on feed inventories that have trailed year ago levels for nineteen consecutive months are producing the tight beef supplies that analysts have been expecting for quite some time. Commercial beef production in February posted the lowest absolute level since February 2005 and the lowest per slaughter day average since March 2005. In February the choice retail beef price increased by 23 cents to $5.58 per pound.That was the largest monthly jump since November 2003. Relative to the 2007 annual average, choice retail beef was 34% more expensive in February, compared to a 30% gain for pork during that period and 18% for chicken. Boxed beef cutout values were mixed for the week, with the choice cutout gaining $0.20 to $240.83/cwt on Friday morning, while the select cutout lost $1.84 for the week to $234.95/cwt. At $5.88/cwt the choice-select spread has widened in recent weeks after being near zero in early February. Fed cattle prices strengthened again this week.Through Thursday, the 5-area average price for slaughter steers sold on a live weight basis was $150.10/cwt, up $2.18 from last week and up $25.33/cwt from the same week last year. Steer prices on a dressed basis averaged $240.11/cwt this week, up 31 cents from a week ago and up $42.40 from a year ago. 38

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014

This week’s cattle slaughter totaled 575,000 head, up 11,000 head from last week, but down 29,000 head from a year ago. The average steer dressed weight for the week ending on March 8 was 858 pounds, down 5 pounds from last week and down 2 pounds from last year. Oklahoma City feeder cattle prices were $1-3 higher this week for lighter animals, with cattle over 800 pounds steady to $1 higher. Prices for medium and large frame #1 steers were as follows: 400-450# $226-$233, 450-500# $214-$230, 500-550# $215-$230, 550-600# $205-$229, 600-650# $180-$213, 650-700# $176-$196, 700-750# $174-$181, 750-800# $166-$178.50, 800-900# $157-$168.25, and 900-1000# $152-$160.25/cwt. The April live cattle futures contract closed at $144.12/cwt today, down $1.13 from last week’s close. The June fed cattle contract declined $1.65 from last Friday to settle at $136.20/cwt. August ended the week at $133.47/cwt. April feeder cattle futures settled at $175.52/cwt, down $1.70 for the week. The May contract lost $1.45 from last Friday to close at $176.85/cwt. August settled at $178.22/cwt. Provided by: University of Missouri

Classifieds

Animals

Miscellaneous

Wanted

Bueno Bar Fritz. AQHA Registered stallion, Grullo, Foundation bred. $350 breeding fee + mare care. For more info call (208) 965-7907.

Angle Iron: 6”X6”X3/8” 8 ft. long. $5.00 per ft., 6”X4”X3/8” 8 ft. long $4.50 per ft. Call 208-745-8988 or 208-390-3374 if no answer please leave message and we will return your call. Iron is in Rigby, Idaho.

Small Farm/Ranch Grain Grinder with mixer. Call Lyle. American Falls. 281-797-6955

ASCA registered Australian Shepherd pups. Working line since 1968. Full satisfaction guaranteed. All four colors available. Boise, Id 208-484-9802 Himalayan Yaks for Sale - Yearlings, 2 year olds and Breeding Age Cows. $800.00 $1500.00. Call or e-mail for more about these amazing animals. McCall, ID. (208) 271-6166 or yakranch@frontier.com Homozygous Paint Stallion for sale. Guaranteed color for every foal. Great disposition. Dam of stallion is an APHA Champion. Can e-mail photos. Call for more info. rockingoranch@hotmail.com 208263-5549 Two year old pinto gelding. Sire is APHA, dam is draft QH cross. This gelding should mature about 16 hands, currently 14.3 hands as a 2 year old. Handled every day. Lunges, stands for farrier. Ready to start. $1500. rockingoranch@hotmail.com 208263-5549

Farm Equipment New Squeeze-chute. Hand pull, green. $1,200. Midvale, Id. 208-355-3780 1925, 15-30 McCormick Dearing Tractor. Wheel converted for rubber. With all sheet metal. Motor turns free. Ashton, Id. 208-6527285 Hesston 4910 baler - CaseIH accum.; liner, fan, moist. meter, 41K bales. Twin Falls, Id. 208-539-4286 14’ disc in good condition, scalloped front discs tandem; Farm hand haybuster small bales; Appr 35 10” main line; 120 new beet hoes. American Falls, Id. 208-226-2116 or 220-1160 Balewagons: New Holland self-propelled or pull-type models/parts/tires. Also interested in buying balewagons. Will consider any model. Call Jim Wilhite at 208-880-2889 anytime

G.E. - Gas/Propane Hot Water Heater. Capacity - 40 Gal. (Tall) Only used 3 years. Great Condition. Paid $550 - Asking $300 Shelley, Idaho. 528-5337.

Real Estate/Acreage Cowboy Dream for Rodeo or 4-H family. Cabin style home. 2200 sq ft. appliance included. N. Rupert. 4.5 acres. Horse barn (60x60) 8 stalls, tack room, hay storage, hotwalker. Rough stock arena 100x300. Machine shop (24x36) Huge Quonset is (40x75). Tractor w/implements. $235,000. 208-532-0165

Overhead fuel (for gas) tank on stand. Hydraulic press for shop. Great Plains drill12 or 14 ft wide. 208-317-7858 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 208-405-9338. 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. 208-285-1258 Paying cash for old cork top bottles and some telephone insulators. Call Randy. Payette, Id. 208-740-0178

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1974 Marlette 14x70 $12,500 Tip-out. Near new furnace/hot water heater; 1974 Skylark 12x60 $6,000; 1974 Academy 14x60 $6,500. Good Condition. Sold “AS IS” condition. Natural Gas. Must be moved. Shelley area. For more information, call 528-5337. Please leave message. Clean, well maintained 2,500+ square foot home on 1 acre. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 car garage, maintenance free siding, trex deck, private well, sprinkler system, irrigation rights, etc. Westside Idaho Falls off Shelley New Sweden Highway. Call 208-339-8748

Recreational Equipment 1980 Honda CB 650 Motorcycle - Good condition. $600.00. Shelley, Idaho. 528-5337. Please leave message.

Vehicles 2008 Ford crew cab dually, Lariat Ed, excellent condition, 112,000 miles. 208-5387349 1974 Jeep CJ5, 1959 Jeep Pickup all-wheel drive, 1975 Corvette hardtop soft-top. Preston, Id. 208-427-6237 leave message. Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2014