Summer 2014 Volume 14, Issue 3 by Matrix Digital Media Inc

Summer 2014 Volume 14, Issue 3

Environmental Groups Push for 2 Monument Designations – page 4

4th of July Picnic Price Survey – page 11

Food Page, Farm Facts, Word Search – all inside

Ditch the Rule

The Ag Agenda

By Bob Stallman

President American Farm Bureau Federation

Americans expect straight talk from their government. If our government says something, you ought to be able to take it to the bank, as the saying goes. The Environmental Protection Agency is not meeting that expectation. Instead of making things clear when it comes to how the proposed “Waters of the U.S.” rule would affect farmers

and other landowners, the EPA is muddying the waters. It’s Complicated Two Supreme Court rulings have limited EPA’s and the Corps of Engineers’ authority under the Clean Water Act to waters that are navigable or have a “significant nexus” to navigable waters. EPA claims the rulings “complicated” the permitting process. The reality is not all that complicated: The agencies dislike the rulSee STALLMAN, page 6

The President’s Desk

Immigration Reform: Putting Out a Call for Statesmanship By Frank Priestley President Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

In an attempt to rally for the cause of reforming our nation’s broken immigration policy, farmers, ranchers and lobbyists from various business groups went to Washington D.C. on July 9 to encourage Congress to find a decisive way forward. We hope this call to action didn’t fall on deaf ears.

Although we’ve lost our way in recent years, American politics is and always has been grounded in compromise wherein each side must give a little in order to find a positive outcome. Statesmanship is an art form that’s been lost in a cloud of partisanship. However, immigration reform is a public policy topic that lends itself to compromise and in spite of strong indications that Congress has no appetite for the issue this year, the American Farm Bureau Federation is pushing hard for a solution. See PRIESTLEY, page 7

Inside Farm Bureau

Celebrating Idaho Farm Bureau’s 75th Anniversary

Protecting Idaho’s Farmers & Ranchers: Jackrabbits and Wolves By Rick Keller CEO Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

In the winter of 19811982, Idaho experienced an explosion of blacktailed jackrabbits in southern and eastern Idaho. Jackrabbits overran their sagebrush habitat and spilled out of the desert and ate through haystacks and acres of grain and alfalfa. Court records estimated damages exceeded $10 million.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2014

A group of farmers formed the Mud Lake Farmers’ Rabbit Committee to address the devastating plague that had descended on this small farming community. Orvin Twitchell was elected chairman. Many solutions were discussed and debated, but the committee decided to hold jackrabbit drives on the weekends during November through March. As the Magic Valley Times reported: “Volunteers would walk through sagebrush, shoulder to shoulder, funneling thousands of jackrabbits towards pens where they’d be exterminated in accordance See KELLER, page 10

Volume 14, Issue 3

IFBF OFFICERS

President ................................... Frank Priestley, Franklin Vice President ...................................Mark Trupp, Driggs Executive Vice President ............................... Rick Keller

Contents Features

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 Public Relations Assistant ........................ Dixie Ashton Dist. I Regional Manager ........................... Justin Patten Dist. II Regional Manager .............................. Zak Miller 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

Environmental groups increase pressure to create national monuments in Idaho

PAGE 4 Government study shows promise for new food marketing structure

PAGE 8

Food page: Street Tacos

PAGE 24 Meridian student wins national essay contest

PAGE 27 Alert to farm owners: How to spot an activist

AFBF survey shows nationwide price average for July 4th picnic cost

PAGE 34

PAGE 11

Public comment needed on EPA’s effort to expand regulatory authority

Farm Bureau Mutual CEO Phil Joslin announces retirement

PAGE 37

PAGE 15

IDAHO FARM BUREAU QUARTERLY USPS #022-899, is published quarterly by the IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION, 275 Tierra Vista Drive, Pocatello, ID 83201. POSTMASTER send changes of address to: IDAHO FARM BUREAU QUARTERLY P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848. Periodicals postage paid at Pocatello, ID and additional mailing offices. Subscription: $4 a 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: Environmental groups are lobbying the Obama Administration for monument designations in central Idaho’s Boulder White Clouds region and near Island Park. Local residents are fearful of the proposal because it could impose new restrictions on use. Photo by Steve Ritter

DEPARTMENTS The Ag Agenda: Bob Stallman............................................................. 2 The President’s Desk: Frank Priestley.............................................. 2 Inside Farm Bureau: Rick Keller......................................................... 2 University of Idaho Forestry............................................................. 18 Food Page: A Taste of Idaho.............................................................. 24 Farm Facts............................................................................................. 28 Classifieds ............................................................................................ 42

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

Representatives from several user groups are concerned about increased regulations that could come from a national monument designation in the Boulder White Clouds region under consideration from the Obama Administration. Photo by Steve Ritter

Environmental Groups Increase Pressure to Create Idaho Monuments By John Thompson Environmental groups are turning up the heat in an effort to create two new national monuments in Idaho by presidential proclamation. In his most recent statement on the subject after naming the new Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks National Monument near Las Cruces, New Mexico in May, President Barack Obama said he wasn’t done using the Antiquities Act of 1906 to create new national monuments. The Sierra Club’s 2.4 million members were happy to hear of Obama’s resolve, according to Club Director Michael Brune. 4

The Sierra Club, Idaho Conservation League, and a handful of others are lobbying the Obama Administration and Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to create a 592,000 acre monument in the Boulder White Cloud Mountains in Custer and Blaine counties. However, many residents, ranchers and recreational users here in Idaho are fearful of additional layers of government bureaucracy with regard to management of public lands. In addition, environmental support is also growing in support of the Caldera National Monument in the Island Park area. Details are lacking but a Facebook page supporting the effort shows a map extending from

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

north of Henrys Lake, south to Lower Mesa Falls and stretching as far west as Island Park Reservoir, but not including the reservoir. Fremont County Commissioners have voted to oppose the new monument. In central Idaho, opposition to the BWC Monument proposal comes from a wide variety of users. Bob Hayes, has lived in the Sawtooth Valley for 38 years and is a founding member of the Sawtooth Society. Founded in 1997, the Sawtooth Society is dedicated to protection, preservation and enhancement of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA), a 756,000 acre land mass that would overlap the proposed BWC monument.

The overlap is a major cause for concern, according to Hayes. “It will create confusion, conflict and invite litigation,” said Hayes. “I don’t think it’s in the best interests of those who live, work and recreate here and it will only provide incremental protection for the area.” Hayes added that use of the Antiquities Act “deprives stakeholders of a voice in decisions of critical importance to them.” Melodie Baker, a rancher and former Custer County commissioner said her family’s heritage is at stake. Creation of new national monuments requires federal land managers to evaluate all current uses. Grazing on National Forest land and in the SNRA could be cut, a serious threat to the Bakers’ six-generation cattle operation, as well as several others. Devan Jackson is an outfitter who regularly takes clients into the Boulder White “This valley is beautiful and that’s why people want to recreate here,” she said. “The ranches on the East Fork have been here for a long time and they are in amazing condition. “We have taken care of the wildlife and the fisheries and provided safe haven for a lot of wildlife. Thinking that our kids won’t have the opportunity to continue ranching is really hard for us.”

Clouds region. Photo by Steve Ritter

Baker added that stress on the county budget is also a big concern. With over 96 percent of Custer County controlled by federal agencies, the county can only tax about four percent of the property within its boundaries. Custer County already has a difficult time funding road and bridge improvements, emergency medical support, fire protection and law enforcement. Additional tourism pressure will strain the county budget even further, she said. “We keep hearing that recreation and tourism will help support our economy but there is very little evidence to Bob Hayes has lived in the Stanley Basin for 38 years and is a founding member of support those claims,” she said. “Craters of the Moon (Na- the Sawtooth Society. Photo by Steve Ritter tional Monument) is right down the road and it’s easy to see that Arco and Carey are not exactly booming towns.” Greg Travelstead of Ketchum is a mountain biker and climber who is also concerned about an increase in tourism pressure that could come from a monument designation. He is also opposed to use of the Antiquities Act in this situation. “I don’t see any threat here that justifies using the Antiquities Act to protect or address this area,” he said. “I do support using the Antiquities Act when there is a bona fide threat to an area but the only thing I feel confident in knowing about a national monument designation here is that more people will come.” In terms of changing management plans and current user groups, Travelstead said too much is unknown and using the Antiquities Act is an “undemocratic process potentialSee MONUMENT p. 14

Melodie Baker is a rancher on the East Fork of the Salmon River.

Photo by Steve Ritter

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

STALLMAN Continued from page 2 ings and are simply trying to write regulations that allow them to do what the Supreme Court has said they cannot do— regulate nearly all waters. EPA has said that it only wants to bring “clarity and consistency” to the process. That sounds reasonable. Good talking point. The only problem is the statement does not reflect what is in the proposed rule. The regulation will automatically regulate countless small and remote socalled “waters” that are usually dry and, in fact, look like land to you and me. This is far more than a “clarification.” It is a dramatic expansion of federal power. Expanding the federal government’s jurisdiction under the guise of bringing clarity and consistency to the process is the opposite of straight talk. We Read the Fine Print When regulators show up on farms and ranches, they won’t be looking back at talking points to decide whether farming requires an expensive federal permit. They will use the regulation. So let’s take a look at the fine print. Ditches—The rule regulates ditches as “tributaries.” EPA claims that the rule would exclude ditches, but the so-called ditch exclusion only covers ditches dug entirely in “uplands.” The rule doesn’t define “uplands” (so much for clarity), but we know that uplands are not wetlands, and most ditches are “wetland” at some point along their length. That’s just one reason Farm Bureau believes the narrow ditch “exclusion” will be meaningless. 6

Farming exemptions—EPA offers assurances that all farming and ranching exemptions are being preserved under the rule. But those exemptions are extremely limited when it comes to activities in jurisdictional waters. That’s why the exemptions will not protect most ordinary farming and ranching from permit requirements if ditches and low spots in farm fields are regulated, as they will be under the proposed rule. Under the rule, federal permits would be needed for common farming activities such as applying fertilizer or pesticides, or moving cattle, if materials that are considered pollutants would fall into regulated low spots or ditches. Farmers can’t wait for federal permits to fertilize or protect their crops from pests and diseases. Permits also would be required for activities such as plowing, planting and fencing in these new “waters of the U.S.” unless a farmer has been farming the same land for decades, raising hurdles for beginning farmers. Landowners could be in for a rude awakening—faced with penalties or lawsuits for the very things EPA says the rule doesn’t cover. Farm Bureau is dedicated to preventing that from happening, and we thank those leaders in the House and Senate who, in a bipartisan manner, are standing up for farmers and other landowners. We hope EPA officials will read the fine print. We have, and that’s how we know it’s time to Ditch the Rule!

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

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PRIESTLEY Continued from page 2 Here’s why: We need to grow our economy, and fixing the immigration system is critical for growth. Study after study shows that immigration is an economic driver and that reform would boost growth. Fixing our immigration system would: Boost GDP Increase productivity Create millions of jobs – not only for immigrants, but also for native-born workers Raise wages in the long-term Increase entrepreneurship and innovation Slash the federal deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars Immigrants have created many of America’s greatest companies: 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies were founded by an immigrant or a child of an immigrant. Immigrant farm workers help contribute billions to our economy every year. Agriculture contributes more than $100 billion each year to our economy thanks in large part to immigrant farm workers, who make up 80 percent of hired workers on American farms. In 2012, labor shortages on farms led to $3.3 billion in missed GDP growth and $1.3 billion in lost farm income. While politicians may be in a stalemate right now, business leaders are more united than ever on the importance of fixing this problem. Immigration reform is an economic imperative for the busi-

nesses we lead and represent. It is also critical for U.S. national security that we have secure borders and consistent nationwide enforcement of our immigration laws. A lack of legislative action in the near term does not change the fact that our immigration system is broken and needs to be fixed, and we are not going away because an agreement evades both sides right now. Voters across the country recognize the immigration system is broken. The proportion of voters who believe the United States immigration system is in need of fixing does not dip below 84% in any region. Voters don’t want Washington to wait to fix the immigration system. 80 percent of voters want Congress to act this year, with nearly half calling it “very important” they act this year. More than 60 percent of voters support the basic immigration plan laid out in Speaker Boehner’s “immigration standards” with 54 percent of Republicans supporting them. Voters support establishing a legal status for undocumented immigrants. 2/3 of voters support legal status for undocumented immigrants. A majority of Republicans (54 percent) support legal status. Republicans want their next presidential candidate to support immigration reform. Republicans would rather vote for a presidential candidate in 2016 that is from a party that supports reform (71 percent) than one from a party that opposes it (15 percent). Executive action is not sufficient to fix the problem. Congress needs to act.

If the agencies have legal authority to act in ways that will help the business community, we will applaud such agency action. There may be room under the current immigration law for the relevant agencies to propose changes that will indeed be helpful. What the business community is united in supporting, however, is a modernization of our nation’s immigration laws, with forwardlooking provisions. This cannot be accomplished by a phone and a pen at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. U.S. agriculture faces a critical shortage of workers every year, as domestic workers are largely unwilling to engage in these rigorous activities and guest worker programs are unable to respond to the marketplace. This situation makes our farms and ranches less competitive with foreign farmers and less reliable for the American consumer. Securing a reliable and competent workforce for our nation’s farms and ranches is essential to agriculture and to the U.S. economy. Farmers and ranchers have long experienced difficulty in obtaining workers who are willing and able to work on farms in fields. Jobs in agriculture are physically demanding, conducted in all seasons and are often transitory. To most U.S. residents seeking employment, these conditions are not attractive. A number of studies document this fact, and farm worker representatives also acknowledged this in recent congressional testimony. Yet, for many prospective workers from other countries, these jobs present real economic opportunities. Immigration reform is critical for the agricultural industry. We rely

on an immigrant labor force and without reform growers will begin to plant less labor-intensive crops or go off shore. Either we import our labor or we import our food. Farm Bureau supports a work authorization for agriculture’s experienced workforce, but making sure we can replace that workforce and fill shortages with a legal workforce through a streamlined and flexible guest worker program in the future. Agriculture needs anywhere from, 1.5 to 2 million workers today. Today, approximately 70 percent of that labor force is unauthorized. The H-2A visa program provides less than 4 percent of the hired workers needed in agriculture. This is largely in part because the H-2A visa program is costly, bureaucratic nightmare that is used only out of necessity. Rather than easing the process of hiring labor, the H-2A program has created obstacles for farm and ranch families. Our members have lost confidence in the H-2A structure as a framework for future success. Growers are constantly faced with instability. This is true whether they fear their workers are unauthorized or if they are in the H-2A program as 72 percent of growers reported that workers arrived on average 22 days after the “date of need”. Farmers are unable to find U.S. workers willing and able to do arduous and often temporary farm work. We need a legislative solution that will allow farmers to have an effective and reliable workforce.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

A new model of marketing food and processed food products is emerging in the U.S. It’s called a food value chain. Farm Bureau file photo

Food Value Chains Present New Marketing Opportunities By John Thompson A new study from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service shows how farmers can earn a bigger share of consumer dollars spent on food through a unique and expanding marketing structure. Ever increasing pressure on small to mid-sized farms coupled with increasing demand for locally-produced food has led to the development of food supply chains in several states. Under this model, small farm operators band together and create partnerships with gro8

cery stores, restaurants, co-ops and food service companies. This new model is believed to be a good fit for both small farms and mid-sized farms that produce a limited number of vegetable or fruit crops and are located too far from population centers to make direct marketing to consumers practical. According to the report, which can be found at http:// blogs.usda.gov/2014/07/10/ delivering-along-the-foodvalue-chain/, important food industry market trends include growing consumer demand for

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

products differentiated by values-related product claims such as “local,” “regional,” or “organic.” Nationwide, local food sales were close to $5 billion in 2008 while sales of organic food and beverages reached nearly $27 billion in 2010. A food supply chain is defined as a set of trading partner relationships and transactions that delivers a food product from producers to consumers. A values-based food supply chain are strategic alliances between farms or ranches and other supply-chain partners that deal

in significant volumes of highquality, differentiated food products and distribute rewards equitably across the chain. Those six words “distribute rewards equitably across the chain,” probably sound too good to be true to most farmers who utilize traditional commodity marketing methods. According to the report, in 2011 the farm share of the consumer food dollar, in other words, the amount a farmer receives from every dollar consumers spend on food, amounted to 15.5 cents. Marketing, includ-

ing advertising, packaging and transportation accounted for the other 84.5 cents. The way a food value chain returns more to the farm is complex. In most of the case studies presented within the report, transportation costs are reduced because the food is marketed locally, within 100 miles of where it was produced in most cases. Food retailers have proven that consumers are willing to pay more for differentiated products, such as local or organic food products. Processing companies and distributors, along with retailers in the food value chain agree to the shared mission values including: 1 – Farm viability 2 – Farmland preservation 3 – Healthy food access 4 – Sustainable production methods In addition, members of the food value chain all agree to accountability, long-term commitment, open and ongoing communication and transparency. “Farmers who participate in food value chains, especially those that offer aggregation and source-identification services, such as food hubs, are often able to capture a greater proportion of the total market value of each agricultural transaction,” according to the report. These farmers are able to merchandise products to accentuate the underlying market value through targeted differentiation strategies. They also tend to participate in shorter supply chains that lead to overall reductions in the portion of the marketing bill devoted to energy and transportation costs, which accounted for 5.5

percent and 3.5 percent of each consumer food dollar spent in 2011. By focusing on a broad conception of “shared value” that incorporates the social mission preferences of consumers and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement in operation practices with the support of producers and employees, food value chains are able to cultivate a loyal and satisfied customer following that gives producers greater power in pricing their merchandise.” In food value chains, farmers are not anonymous, interchangeable suppliers of homogenous ingredients and food as they are in traditional commodity supply chains. Instead, they are strategic collaborators and partners in the chains, which are deliberately designed to allow the farms and other partners to earn a profit. Each part of the chain depends on the others.

Tuscarora Organic Growers, based in Hustontown, PA., uses a cooperative business model that directs 75 percent of its revenue to participating growers and 25 percent to food hub operations. It also surveys its producers every year to make sure they are satisfied with the prices offered to them. It also evaluates market pricing twice a week to determine a competitive and fair price for its producers. Intervale Food Hub in Burlington VT., works collaboratively with its producers to determine prices for their products based on actual production costs for the producers and what the market can realistically bear. As a result, Intervale producers generally net between 60 and 85 percent of the revenue from wholesale distribution through

the hub. Local Food Hub, based in Charlottesville VA., ensures that 80 percent of the sale price of products goes back to the farmer. It surveys is producers annually to make sure they are satisfied with the prices they receive. In its 2010 survey where producers were asked to rate the prices from poor to excellent, Local Food Hub found that 100 percent of its producers rated product pricing from fair to excellent. With farmers markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) popularity growing in Idaho, it may be time for farmers and ranchers to look into this new model of marketing that returns a far greater share of the consumer food dollar to the farm.

One of the best examples of this new model is Good Natured Family Farms (GNFF), located in Missouri and Kansas. GNFF is made up of 100 farmers and works closely with Balls Food Stores, a regional grocery chain. GNFF sells sourceidentified meats and produce to Balls Food Stores 28 locations. Store managers frequently tour the farms in the group. Signage in the stores is used to promote the farms. GNFF farmers regularly participate in in-store marketing efforts and interact with customers. Through this collaboration the farmers and store managers are better able to brainstorm and trouble-shoot on the logistical challenges and optimize customer service. The collaboration is largely responsible $3 million in sales for GNFF in 2011. Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

KELLER Continued from page 2 with the 4-H handbook: a swift blow to the back of the head.” Estimates were that between 250,000 and one million rabbits were destroyed during the rabbit drives. The drives made headlines across the state, nation, and globe. The Idaho Farm Bureau assisted the Committee in managing the media responses and the court battles that ensued. Fund for Animals described the Committee’s efforts as inhumane and sought injunctions to stop the practice that was saving hundreds of family farms. The Idaho Supreme Court ruled in favor of the farmers stating: “When animals threaten the physical or financial survival of man, he is lawfully entitled to strike back and to use such tactics as appear necessary and reasonable for the accomplishment of that purpose. When jackrabbits become so numerous that their activities threaten the economy of a community, destroy the farmers’ crops and threaten to destroy his stacks of hay on sale of which he relies for a livelihood, the community is justified in taking actions to eradicate them.” The next decade brought even a larger varmint to plague Idaho farmers, the reintroduction of the Rocky Mountain gray wolf by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. The agency forced the introduction of an experimental population of gray wolves in a national park and central Idaho. The first wolf lawsuit was filed in 1991 by Farm Bureaus from Montana, Wyo10

ming, Idaho, and the American Farm Bureau, where we prevailed in convincing the court that recovery plans are not mandatory documents. Congress then stepped in and mandated USFWS prepare Environmental Impact Statements. In 1994, a lawsuit was filed after the USFWS published the final rules introducing even more wolves. Farm Bureau sought for an injunction, but it was denied. In 1997, Farm Bureau sued Bruce Babbitt, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, raising eleven claims the reintroduction was wrong. Some of the claims were: 1) the experimental population would not be wholly separate geographically due to the naturally occurring population of wolves, 2) defendants failed to adequately analyze and/or consider the various impacts of introducing an experimental wolf population in violation of NEPA, and 3) defendants failed to find that introduction of experimental populations will further conserve the species. U.S. District Judge Downes ruled in favor of Farm Bureau and ordered removal of the wolves in his ruling. He ruled the wolves were illegally introduced and they were not experimental because they were not wholly separate geographically. The government appealed in the district court and on January 13, 2000, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the Wyoming district court decision and the wolves’ reintroduction continued unchecked. Farm Bureau was in and out

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

of court continually for the next thirteen years defending Idaho’s ranchers from the devastation of the imposed predators. Finally, legislative relief came from Idaho’s Congressman Mike Simpson through wolf introduced language in the 2011 Continuing Resolution Funding Bill. The bill overturned a U.S. District Court ruling in Montana to put wolves in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Utah back on the endangered species list, in spite of the fact that these populations met and exceeded recovery goals. The last court battle the Farm Bureau was involved in, the issue of the reintroduced wolves

was once again in the U.S. District Court in Montana. The Farm Bureau assisted in defending Congress’s ability to determine the wolves were under unnecessary federal protection. The Court reluctantly ruled that since Congress wrote the Endangered Species Act it had the authority to define its parameters as outlined in Simpson’s legislation. Litigation is not the most desired method of resolving animal or predator issues affecting Idaho farmers and ranchers. However, litigation is one tool the Idaho Farm Bureau uses in protecting its members and their property.

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July 4th Picnic Still Costs Less Than $6 per Person WASHINGTON, D.C., July 1, 2014 –An all-American Fourth of July picnic of the nation’s favorite foods including hot dogs, cheeseburgers, pork spare ribs, potato salad, baked beans, lemonade and chocolate milk will cost slightly more this year but still comes in at less than $6 per person, says the American Farm Bureau Federation. Farm Bureau’s informal survey reveals the average cost for a summer picnic for 10 is $58.72, or $5.87 per person. That’s about a 5-percent increase compared to a year ago. “Despite some modest price increases over the past year or so – meats, especially – most Americans should be able to find summer picnic foods at prices close to the averages found by our volunteer shoppers,” said John Anderson, deputy chief economist at AFBF. “Retail meat prices are higher compared to a year ago because the nation’s cattle herd is now at a historically small level,” Anderson said. “The total number of hogs farmers across the nation are raising is also down, which has contributed to higher retail prices for pork products.” Although consumers will pay a bit more for their Independence Day picnics, finding delectable meat cuts and ingredients for side dishes will not be a problem. “As a nation, we continue to enjoy a consistent, high-

quality supply of meats and poultry that can be grilled or prepared any number of different ways. The whole array of home-grown foods Americans typically enjoy in the summer also is in plentiful supply,” he said. AFBF’s summer picnic menu for 10 consists of hot dogs and buns, cheeseburgers and buns, pork spare ribs, deli potato salad, baked beans, corn chips, lemonade, chocolate milk, watermelon for dessert, and ketchup and mustard. A total of 84 Farm Bureau surveys on common food staples Americans use to prepare meals at home. A squad of Farm members (volunteer shopBureau members across the nation checks retail prices at local grocery stores for the pers) in 25 states checked retail prices for summer picnic marketbasket surveys. AFBF published its first marketbasket survey in 1986. foods at their local grocery stores for this informal surAFBF is the nation’s largest general farm organization with member families in all 50 states and vey. Puerto Rico. Learn more at http://facebook.com/AmericanFarmBureau or follow @FarmBureau

The July Fourth Picnic Suron Twitter. vey is part of the Farm Bureau marketbasket series which July 4th Picnic for 10 Costs 3 More Clams also includes the popular annual Thanksgiving Dinner Items 2013 price 2014 price Cost Survey and two “every3.12 day” marketbasket surveys on American cheese slices, 16 (1-pound package) 2.73 7.86 8.91 common food staples Ameri- Ground round (pre-cooked weight), 2 pounds cans use to prepare meals Pork spare ribs, 4 pounds 12.29 13.91 at home. A squad of Farm Chocolate milk (pre-mixed), 2 quarts 2.62 2.82 Bureau members across the 1.23 1.25 nation checks retail prices at Mustard, 16-ounce bottle Watermelon, 4 pounds 5.61 5.68 local grocery stores for the marketbasket surveys. AFBF Package of hamburger buns 1.67 1.68 published its first marketbasKetchup, 20-ounce bottle 1.55 1.36 ket survey in 1986. AFBF is the nation’s largest general farm organization with member families in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Learn more at http://facebook.com/AmericanFarmBureau or follow @FarmBureau on Twitter.

% Change +14.3 +13.4 +13.2 +7.6 +1.6 +1.2 +0.60 -12.3

Lemonade (pre-mixed), 2 quarts

2.07

2.00

-3.4

Package of hot dogs

2.29

2.23

-2.6

Baked beans, 28-ounce can

1.99

1.96

-1.5

Package of hot dog buns

1.64

1.63

-.60

Deli potato salad, 3 pounds

8.77

8.80

-.30

Corn chips, 15-ounce bag

3.37

No change

TOTAL

55.69

58.72

+5.4

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

Focus on Agriculture Food Ingredient Fears Target Wheat By Stewart Truelsen

and abdominal pain.

It’s one of the most iconic scenes from America’s Heartland—combines sweeping slowly over golden fields of wheat, sun peaking from behind puffy white clouds, trucks on the edge of fields hauling wheat to silos that look like prairie castles from afar.

The only way to obtain a diagnosis is through a blood test and endoscopy biopsy. The Celiac Disease Foundation warns people not to attempt self-diagnosis. Yet, that’s exactly what many seem to be doing. They either think they have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, for which there is no recommended test.

But every now and then the sky darkens and a thunderstorm rolls through and that’s what is happening to wheat with the gluten-free diet craze. Wheat has become a victim of food ingredient fears. There is a medical basis for certain people to avoid bread and other foods made from wheat. These are people with celiac disease, who cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. This genetically based, autoimmune disorder affects an estimated 1 in 133 persons, fewer than 1 percent of the population. Celiac disease damages the lining of the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food. There are several hundred symptoms of celiac disease although some people with the disease have no symptoms at all. Typical symptoms include fatigue, depression, bloating 12

According to NPD Group, a market research firm, nearly 30 percent of the people responding to a recent survey said they were trying to avoid gluten. Fears about gluten now go way beyond gluten intolerance. They include unsubstantiated claims linking it to dementia, Alzheimer’s, autism, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. In other words, diseases and health problems that have baffled medical researchers are now suddenly linked to eating gluten. Crazy as it seems, some people believe this. Cornell University researchers are amazed at how easily food misconceptions spread without any real evidence. In one study, they found that people who feared food the most were better educated but got most of their food facts from Facebook newsfeeds,

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

Twitter, blogs or friends. Compared to the rest of the population, they also had a greater need to share their opinions with others. The Wall Street Journal counted 1,000 groups on Facebook with “gluten-free” in the name including a dating group for gluten-free singles. It may seem like hysterical nonsense, but don’t tell food marketers and restaurants that. They are cashing in on the trend with gluten-free products and menus. The same holds true for the publishers of diet books and self-appointed experts like a popular neurologist who advises everyone to stop eating all grains. This has become the next big wave after fat-free and non-GMO foods. Except for a small segment of the population that can’t tolerate the protein, avoiding gluten in the diet has no proven basis for being a healthier choice. In fact, glutenfree products may contain fewer vitamins, less fiber and more sugar, and typically they cost more. Stewart Truelsen, a food and agriculture freelance writer, is a regular contributor to the Focus on Agriculture series.

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. FB02-ID (7-14)

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ly influenced by special interest groups that stand to make money from tourism.” “My fear is we have no idea what comes out of the back end of a national monument designation here except more people and more people is a threat to this area,” he added. Devan Jackson is an outfitter in the Stanley Basin who spends 30 to 45 days every summer in the Boulder White Cloud area. He says increasing tourism pressure is his biggest concern. “If more people begin using the area it won’t be as pristine as it is now,” he said. “The way I see it is it’s more protected now under the SNRA than it would be as a monument. We have no idea what restrictions they will put on the area it if comes down to a presidential declaration.” Brent Thomas is a motorcycle rider from Ketchum who also opposes the restrictions that are likely to come with a new monument in the region. He says motorized recreational users are the only people who pay license fees that support trail work, education and law enforcement in the Idaho backcountry.

Congressman Mike Simpson attempted to create a 330,000 acre wilderness in the BWC region. The Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act (CEIDRA) would have also released 130,000 acres in the region from wilderness study area designation to multiple use. However, that measure failed under opposition from Idaho Gov. Butch Otter and the other members of Idaho’s congressional delegation. The Sierra Club and the Idaho Conservation League have made recent statements in support of monument designation due to the fact that the attempt to create a wilderness area failed. The Blaine County Commission has endorsed the monument proposal while the Custer County Commission has voted to oppose it. About 85 percent of the proposed monument is in Custer County.

Brent Thomas is motorcycle rider from Ketchum who frequently travels trails in the Boulder White Clouds region. Photo by Steve Ritter

“Over the years we’ve seen countless closures of trails to motorized access,” he said. “And examples of new trails are extremely rare so therefore it stands to reason that an extra layer of monument restrictions will further limit motorized access in the Boulder White Clouds.” A proposal supported by Idaho 14

Greg Travelstead is a climber and mountain biker from Ketchum. Photo by Steve Ritter

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

Environmental Groups Tout Economic Benefits of Monuments

By Jake Putnam

According to a 2013 economic impact study, creating a national monument in the Boulder-White Clouds region of central Idaho could bring in more than 100 jobs and triple the local economy to the tune of $12 million dollars a year. Boise economist Don Reading wrote in his October 2013 economic report that the proposed monument “is unique in that it would be one of the largest in the country, and the only one containing land already under federal protection.” Reading says it’s impossible to compare the proposed monument to others because of its size and the fact that the Sawtooth Mountains / Boulder White Cloud region already has a large visitor base. The Idaho Conservation League is urging the Obama Administration to declare the area a national monument. “Our focus on the Boulder-White Clouds is keeping the land, the water, and the wildlife habitat the way it is today as well as for future generations. Without proactive measures we can guarantee changes will continue to happen across the landscape. Simply put we are vested in providing the best possible conservation of the incredible resources that exist in the BWC,” said Dani Mazzotta of the Idaho Conservation League. The study is based on a 572,000 acre, four-county spread that includes lush alpine forests, rugged mountains and high desert. The Bureau of Land Management, Challis, Sawtooth National Forests and the Sawtooth National Recreation area share management duties. After six failed attempts to establish a wilderness area over six consecutive sessions of Congress, conservationists were forced to acknowledge reality. They don’t think Congress is the place to form wilderness, but a presidential monument designation goes around congressional gridlock. “What we’re facing is a changing world. If we want places like the Boulder-White Clouds to remain the same we have to have an insurance policy to make that happen,” said Mazzotta. “A national monument is that insurance policy. We can’t sit back and expect our communities will

prosper or the places we love will stay the way they are without being proactive. For rural economies in particular the more legs we can base our economies on then the more flexible we can be in the times of change,” added Mazzotta. The proposed monument could triple tourism dollars and the Idaho Conservation League says protection of the area will bring a steady flow of visitors. Economist Don Reading backed that up in his report. Using two models based on a projected increase in tourism dollars, the proposed monument showed a proportional increase in spending dollars ranging from 10 percent to 33 percent. According to the 21-page study, designation of the monument would also draw new residents to Blaine, Butte, Custer and Camas counties. Reading calls this economic impact a “second-paycheck” rollover for central Idaho. The second-paycheck effect could amount to a $436 increase in per capita income for every 10,000 acres of new protected lands. “The four-county area has the potential to benefit greatly from amenity migration over the long run, bringing new businesses and residents to the area with key services like broadband internet and air transportation readily available in Hailey and Idaho Falls,” Reading said. The report states that new jobs in the monument area range from service-industry jobs, professional services jobs such as accountants, lawyers, financial analysts, medical professionals and more. “These won’t be low-wage service jobs,” he said. “Many are going to be those amenity-migrants who work in high-skill professions whether that is business, law, technology or similar.” The 21-page study was funded by the Idaho Outdoor Business Council. Reading said the BoulderWhite Clouds area was unique among recently designated new monuments in that it would be one of the largest monuments in the nation, and it’s somewhat unusual in that already has federal protection under the Sawtooth National Recreational Area. “This study has been challenging since the national monument is just a proposal at this point and a

boundary hasn’t been set in stone,” Reading noted. His figures were based on negotiations at the time the study was done, which put the monument proposal at approximately 571,276 acres. The acreage number has since been expanded to 592,000. This includes BLM land west of Challis in the Jerry Peak Roadless Area that lies outside the Sawtooth NRA. Overall the local economies affected by the designation of 17 new national monuments since 1982 have all shown positive effects according to the report. Former Custer County Commissioner Melodie Baker has done research on her own centering on the Craters of the Moon Monument. “Having this area declared a monument would increase the number of people using the roads and services and we can’t support it. Those that favor the monument say that tourism will bring in money, but studies I’ve read show that it’s not the case. Take a look at the monument down at Craters of the Moon, you have Arco on one end and Carey at the other, they haven’t prospered. People buy gas and groceries but they bring them in, they don’t spend a lot of money in the county.” Furthermore, Baker worries that more people means a stress on the tax base. “It would be so difficult,” she says. “We’re are already stressed in this small county to support volunteer services like EMS, fire and rescue. There’s also a strain on roads and bridges and it’s hard in the county just trying to keep up with the roads in this huge county. We don’t have the tax base to support roads and bridges. Mazotta says there are funding sources already in place. “Custer County has already received over $6 million from the federal government as part of CIEDRA. That funding has already been distributed and was intended to benefit not only the surrounding Boulder-White Clouds communities for economic development, a community center, a county health clinic and EMT support, and improvements to Trail Creek Highway but also for recreational improvements in the SNRA. State land parcels which can generate revenue for schools are not impacted by a national monument,” she adds.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

FB Mutual Insurance CEO Retires After leading the largest insurance company based wholly in Idaho through one of the worst global recessions in history to a record-setting 2013, Phil Joslin, Farm Bureau Insurance’s executive Vice President and CEO, retired on June 30. Joslin’s retirement will bring to a close a 40 year career at Farm Bureau that began with the Farm Bureau Finance Company in 1974. Throughout Joslin’s tenure, from 1996-2013 as CEO, Farm Bureau Insurance not only stayed profitable and maintained its AM Best financial strength rating of A+ Superior, but the company also made the following financial gains: • Premium increased from $70 million in 1996 to $162 million in 2013. • Combined Company Surplus increased from $84 million in 1996 to $246 million in 2013. • Assets increased from $160 million in 1996 to $418 million in 2013. • Gross Revenue increased from $789 thousand in 1996 to $2.7 million in 2013. • Insurance Service Company Surplus increased from $6.4 million in 1996 to $21.2 million in 2013. • Finance Company Loans increased from $18 million in 1996 to $50.5 million in 2013. During 2013, Phil’s last full calendar and fiscal year as CEO, Farm Bureau Insurance achieved records in the following areas: 16

• Total Property & Casualty Premium ($56.5 million) • Life Production Credits ($2.7 million) • Finance Company Loans ($50.5 million) • Idaho Farm Bureau membership (70,334). In addition, Joslin also made countless contributions to Idaho communities during his Farm Bureau career. He served as president of the Bannock Development Corporation, president of the United Way of Southeastern Idaho, chairman of the Portneuf Medical Center’s Board of Trustees, president of the Idaho State Civic Symphony Board of Directors, and board membership in the Idaho Insurance Guaranty Association. Some of the many charitable events created or supported by Farm Bureau Insurance under his stewardship include: Camp Magical Moments Cancer Camp for Kids, Christmas in the Night Time Skies, the Farm Bureau Salute to Idaho Veterans, and the Relay for Life of Pocatello. For eight consecutive years from 2006 to 2013, the Farm Bureau Insurance Relay for Life of Pocatello teams took home the “Top Fundraising Team” award. A cancer survivor himself, Joslin could often be found walking the Relay’s course during the event’s “Survivor Lap.” The construction of Farm Bureau’s new Home Office was another significant Farm Bureau milestone achieved during Joslin’s term as CEO. Complet-

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

Phil Joslin

ed in 2002, the structure serves as a landmark to both Farm Bureau Insurance and the City of Pocatello. Farm Bureau’s new home helped spur additional commercial construction along Pocatello’s east bench – including three hotels and the new Portneuf Medical Center. Q and A with Phil Joslin What made you retire now? “I have been thinking about retiring for quite a while, and it just feels like this is the right time for me. At this point in our lives, Edythe and I are healthy and we’re looking forward to some travel and recreation this

summer.” Any thoughts on stepping down? “If you mean regrets, no. I feel good about the direction our company is heading. There are some things that I would like to have seen completed before I retire, but I recognize that our company is always improving and changing. So there always will be something else that could have been completed.” What do you consider your greatest accomplishment and what did you learn from this accomplishment? “The thing I’m proudest of is

the Stakeholders Program. I feel that it has helped unite all of our employees and agents in recognizing that everyone in the company has a part in our success. I’ve learned too, that we need to be reminded that our success is the sum total of the hundreds of daily actions.” Are there any community-related activities you were a part of during your tenure that you’re particularly proud of? “Wow. I’m very proud of our employees and agents. Our company is known as a good community citizen by the work of our people. The way our home office employees have

adopted the Relay for Life has been amazing. The support of our people for Christmas in the Night Time Skies has helped provide good Christmas memories for hundreds or probably thousands of kids over the years, and is another great event. Helping to get Camp Magical Moments for Kids going and seeing the good it does has been pretty special. Another one that has had a real impact on me is the Salute to Veterans. The Vets are so appreciative. Our employees and agents make each of these community events more successful.” When you look back at Farm Bureau Insurance in 10 or 15

years, what do you hope to see? “I would like to think that Farm Bureau Insurance is still well known, growing, and financially strong and well-respected in every community in the state. A strong regional insurer? Why not?” What advice would you give to your successor? “Keep advancing and hiring the very best people possible. Our company isn’t buildings or policy forms – it is our people.” What will you miss most about running Farm Bureau Insurance day to day? “First and foremost the peo-

ple that I work with. We have smart, capable, talented, and dedicated agents and employees that really care about each other and the success of our company. We often hear about the Farm Bureau family and in a way that’s an accurate statement since we spend so much time with each other at the workplace. Being around them and leading them has been an honor and a pleasure. The other thing I think I’m going to miss is the variety of things that I deal with. We’re a dynamic organization and there is always something new to be considering, or a proposal for a better way to do something.”

Roberts Named New FB CEO Paul Roberts has officially taken over the reins of Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho and its subsidiaries effective July 1, 2014. Roberts was the unanimous choice of the Board of Directors to succeed Joslin. Prior to accepting the position of Executive Vice President and CEO, Roberts served as the Treasurer of the combined companies for 13 years. Before accepting that role, Roberts was a key member of the Accounting Department and had advanced to the position of Assistant Treasurer in 1996. Roberts has dedicated the lion’s share of his professional career to Farm Bureau Insurance and recently celebrated his 23rd anniversary with the company. He is an Idaho native and spent his youth on a small farm in Lava Hot Springs where he gained a true appreciation for hard work and long days. Roberts and his wife Sheila have three children and one grandchild.

Paul Roberts Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

This Idaho Firewise Community is addressing issues in their action plan. Moving firewood away from structures in one way for a community to become firewise. Photo by Carrie Wiss

Idaho Firewise Communities communities that prepare for wildfire as a group, referred to as fire adapted or firewise communities, significantly increase their protection and decrease risk for the people who live there. Firewise Communities/USA Recognition Program By Yvonne Barkley and Ivy Dickinson Fire! Though a natural part of Idaho’s varied ecosystems, fire is one of the most feared, fought, and controversial components of our physical environment. Today, as more people build their homes in the forests and rangelands of Idaho, they become part of Idaho’s wildland/urban interface (WUI) – places where the urban environment meets the wild. Residences in WUI neighborhoods share risk – if one home is inadequately prepared for a wildfire, the risk to the entire neighborhood increases. WUI 18

The Firewise Communities/ USA Recognition Program is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association, a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The program is active in all 50 states, with more than 1,000 recognized communities preparing and protecting their homes against wildfire. Every community benefits in different ways, but generally the Firewise Communities/ USA Recognition Program: Provides a framework for action. Encourages property owners to discuss common goals for their community.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

Educates communities about wildfire and associated risks.

Hidden Lakes Subdivision, Kimberly

Allows communities access to funding and assistance (http:// www.firewise.org/usa-recognition-program/grantsand-funding.aspx).

Hidden Springs, Boise

Idaho currently has 29 active Firewise Communities, with an additional 3 communities currently having the discussion or actively working on the application process.

Kanaka Rapids, Buhl

Today’s Idaho Firewise Communities are: Avimor, Eagle Base Camp, Challis Briarhill, Boise Cave Bay, Worley Central Foothills Neighborhood Association, Boise Columbia Village, Boise Conkling Park, Worley Elk Bend Garden Creek, Challis

Iron Creek, Stanley Johnny Creek Subdivision, Pocatello Kellogg Mackay Fire District Meadow Ridge, Twin Falls Moose Creek Estates, Salmon Morningside Heights HOA , Boise Norwood Subdivision, Hagerman Osburn Pinehurst Price-Jerome Quail Ridge, Boise Trayis Ridge, Pocatello Wapitti Lane, Kingston Warm Springs Mesa, Boise

Wilderness Ranch, Boise Yellow Jacket Become an Idaho Firewise Community Becoming a Firewise Community can be accomplished in any neighborhood, subdivision, or small town, and begins with you. Step 1 - Initial contact. Contact Ivy Dickinson, Executive Director of Idaho Firewise at ivy@idahofirewise.org. She will be able to help you contact a Firewise Specialist in your area. Step 2 - Site visit. Contact the recommended Firewise Specialist to set up a site visit. The site visit provides community members with an opportunity to engage local fire officials, ask questions about the process, and hear about available resources. Step 3 - Form a community Firewise Committee. Recruit community representatives or stakeholders to create a multidisciplined Firewise Committee. The committee could include: Homeowners Fire professionals Emergency managers Planners Land Managers Urban Foresters Other interest groups Do not be discouraged if at first you do not succeed. Many communities often take up to 6 months to form a community Firewise Committee. Step 4 - Community assessment. This step is designed to

evaluate your community’s wildfire readiness. The assessment must be reviewed and accepted by the community Firewise Committee. Assessments should include: Location of all homes with photos Individual home evaluations Who can do community assessments? Community assessments can be a group project and include assistance from: Firewise Specialists Fire department personnel

Reducing fuels in your community is another way to become firewise. Photo by Stephanie Johnson

Community members Students/Eagle Scouts Contractors Step 5 – Create a community Firewise plan. Using the community assessment, a firewise action plan is developed to create area-specific solutions to your community’s WUI issues. Your plan can be developed by the community, a Firewise Specialist, or the same contractor that completed the community assessment. Recommendations must be presented to, and approved by, a Firewise Specialist, and approved by all members of the local Firewise Committee.

your community’s application and completed community plan is accepted.

nities with $100 each year to go towards their annual “Firewise Day” event.

Step 8 – Renew recognition status. Maintaining your status as a recognized Firewise Community requires an annual renewal process. Renewal criteria are:

Additional information about becoming a Firewise Community, as well as firewise principles and practices can be found at the Idaho Firewise website at http://www.idahofirewise. org

Submit documentation of your community’s continued participation in the program to the State Liaison, utilizing an online form. Hold an annual “Firewise Day” event. Idaho Firewise provides all official Idaho Firewise Commu-

Ivy Dickinson is the Executive Director of Idaho Firewise Yvonne Barkley is an associate extension forester for the University of Idaho. She can be reached at yvonnec@uidaho. edu

Step 6 – Implement solutions. Local solutions are implemented according to a schedule designed by the community Firewise Committee, who is also responsible for maintaining the program into the future. It is a good idea to rotate committee members, and periodically find new recruits, to keep your program going strong. Step 7 – Apply for recognition. Firewise Communities/USA recognition is awarded after Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

Homedale FFA student Alyx Christensen, left, gets some assistance from advisor Lori Idsinga while welding a dragonfly yard ornament. Photo by Karen Bresnahan / The Owyhee Avalanche

Lori Idsinga: A teacher dedicated to FFA By Karen Bresnahan The Owyhee Avalanche For Lori Idsinga, her biggest accomplishments aren’t the plaques on the walls of her classroom. She believes the “best days are those when kids overcome their greatest fears, when they improve, or when they learn a new skill.” She cares about the individuals that make up the Homedale High School FFA program, one that she had a hand in building over the past 10 years. Idsinga left her position at the end of the year to concentrate on raising her family, but plans to continue her support by doing volunteer work. She has held such a strong role in the school district that her leaving creates a vacancy that may be difficult to fill. Earlier this year, Idsinga lobbied before the legislature for passage of the Ag Initiative, which ensures that agriculture departments will receive extra funds for new programs. She 20

said the Ag Initiative eases the workload on teachers, and may encourage more college students to go into agriculture education programs. In looking back over the years, Idsinga lists funding as the “biggest challenge” she faced. The school district paid for chairs, tables, a computer and shop stools, but she says classroom supplies, machinery and projects were left up to her “creative ability” to find. “I am eternally grateful for the way the community has always stepped up to fund the FFA program,” she said. She describes the FFA program as the biggest change that has happened at HHS. “I think driving home after our first banquet and realizing that, yes, we were a real chapter was probably one of the most rewarding moments for me out of the last 10 years.” “A lot of other teachers didn’t have much faith in it in the beginning, or were upset

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

when the kids went to convention,” she said. “In the past 10 years, the overall acceptance and approval from the administration and the other teachers has been amazing.” Idsinga has seen a lot of growth in the FFA program. In the past five years, HHS had five teams qualify for nationals, and one win the national competition (2008 rangeland evaluation team, Kortney Bahem, Alysha Bahem and Annamaria Salas). FFA has given over $20,000 in scholarships to members and completed literally thousands of hours of community service,” she said. “The greatest part of my job is when students come in years later and tell me how easy their first job interview was because of classroom experience, or when they excel at their first job because of experience that started in my classroom,” she said. “Those individual stories trump any shiny plaque or trophy that has ever been made.” In thinking about the future, Idsinga said the program needs to continue to adapt

kids to the environment they will encounter when F U they N graduate. O When FFA first started, when the housing market was booming she S a landscape D M W offered design class. And now, with the current increase in food industries in the area, she is O a Food S ScienceC class. P offering

riculture education from the UniversityS of Idaho, T with endorsements I B in agriculture, natural resources, economics and speech. Since then, she A D hasH workedG on her master’s degree in rangeland management. SheE has been X marriedG three years O to Greg Idsinga and they have one son, Harrison, (her maiden name) with a baby September. E due inT R L

“As time goes on, our program must change the demands will Y with H P that R be put on our students,” she said.

Idsinga says she is not leaving permanently from the Homedale P R I A School District. “I live in the area, so I am hoping to volunteer as much asG I can.” She F said once C her children H are a little older she would welcome the opportunity to come back.

Idsinga grew up in Paul, as a fourthT O S I generation farmer/rancher. She was involved in 4-H and FFA and helped run the I familyW operation. K Z “From the beginning, I loved agriculture and the opportunities it gave G E me,”N she said.S

F not going N awayU forever,”A she T S E N F “I’m Owyhee County Farm Bureau president John Richard presents told her students last week. “I will Lori Idsinga with an appreciation award at her farewell open come visit you.”

After graduating high school, she received degree inS agU her bachelor’s D O

R PhotoE by Jon P. Brown T / The Owyhee D Avalanche N house.

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

Insurance Matters Mike Myers — Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. of Idaho

A New School Year Could Mean New Insurance Needs You’ve purchased the notepads, kneepads, and iPads your child will need for the new

school year, but have you thought about the insurance they’ll need? The beginning of a new school year is a good time to review your insurance coverage and make sure your child is adequately covered. Here are some situations to consider as the kids head back to school. If your teen is heading away to college, they are most likely taking some of their own valuables (and yours) with them. Fortunately, the contents coverage in your Farm Bureau Insurance homeowners policy will extend to protect your child’s belongings anywhere in the world (up to policy limits), whether they live in a dorm or off-campus in an apartment or residence.* More expensive items such as musical instruments, sports equipment, electronics, and jewelry may require special coverage or an endorsement to be covered. If your child will be getting a driver’s license this year, it’s time to talk to your Farm Bureau Insurance agent about setting them up on your auto insurance policy. If they go to college out of state but the car is still registered in Idaho and your child is still a resident of Idaho and your household, the car will be covered to the full extent of your auto policy.* Although it can be costly to add your child as a new driver, there are some ways to save money. A Good Student Discount is available to students enrolled full-time who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, a great incentive for your kid to hit the books.

A new school year is a good time to review your insurance and make sure your child is covered. 22

If your child is over 21 but under 25 and needs car and contents insurance, it may be a good time for them to move to their own policy. Farm Bureau Insurance created the “Sibling Squire” (so named because it’s a sister policy to our “Squire” homeowners policies) just for these situations. The ad-

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

vantages of a Sibling Squire are that it can lower the exposure and premium on mom and dad’s policy while providing an affordable contents and auto insurance policy with lower limits for the child. Mom and dad can still pay for the policy though, if it’s too early to cut the apron strings completely. A Sibling Squire not only protects your child’s car and personal property, but it also works like a renters insurance policy in that it provides liability and guest medical protection. Liability protection helps cover your child if someone sues them at their place. Guest medical protection helps if someone incurs medical expenses from an injury suffered at your child’s place. Back-to-school time can be an exciting time for both students and parents. It’s also a great time to review your insurance coverage. A new driver or a move to a college dorm could mean new insurance needs. Keep your children safe this new school year. Contact a Farm Bureau Insurance agent today to review your car and home insurance. *In general, Farm Bureau Insurance’s Farm & Ranch, Country Squire, and City Squire policies cover your student as long as they are (1) a resident of your household, even if they are away at school and (2) they are not a graduate student, not married, and not in a residency-type program. This article does not supersede any applicable policy language. If anything in this article may be construed to conflict with your actual policy language, the policy language prevails. If any of the items mentioned above caused you to question your current coverage, give your Farm Bureau agent a call. He or she will be happy to help answer any questions you might have.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

A Taste of Idaho:

Street Tacos - An Easy Weeknight Meal By John Thompson One of my family’s favorite places to grab a quick lunch is at a Mexican food truck. There are several good ones in downtown Pocatello. We especially enjoy the street tacos. One day I thought to myself – why not make them at home? It’s a simple ingredient list – only 13 items – which fits into my basic philosophy on cooking: Keep the ingredient list short and always start with a good piece of meat. It’s also an inexpensive meal. The ingredients for this recipe cost $22.09 at Winco Foods and will easily feed four adults. I did some checking online and looked at a few different recipes for street tacos, made some small changes to fit my taste 24

and came up with the following. First, most traditional recipes call for a marinated skirt steak. I used a petite sirloin instead because it’s a little more tender cut and I didn’t want a lot of leftovers. The steaks need to be marinated for two hours minimum, grilled to medium rare and then rested under aluminum foil for 10 minutes. Another key element is to use a sharp knife and slice the steaks as thin as possible across the grain. This way you can easily feed four people with two steaks. For the marinade I like to use a half can of lager beer. I like beer in a lot of marinades because it acts as a tenderizer. If you don’t, use club soda. I also prefer charcoal to gas grills because of the extra smoky flavor the charcoal brings to the party. In addition, I soak hickory chips in water for at least 30

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

minutes and add them to the charcoal just before I lay the meat down. Once the charcoal is white, I cook the steaks for three to four minutes on each side. While the steaks are grilling and resting, chop up the cilantro, onions and tomatoes and mix them together with a little salt to make a relish. Warm the corn tortillas in a non-stick pan and double-stack them on the plates. Doubling them up makes them a little less likely to tear and a little less messy to eat. Once the tortillas are warm, lay meat slices on each one, followed by shredded cheese and relish. Finish with Mexican hot sauce or salsa of your choice and lime juice. Serve the tacos alone or with refried beans and rice.

The 13 ingredients used to make the authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s street tacos.

To make the marinade rub the steaks with taco seasoning and chili powder and put them in a zip top plastic bag. Add the soy sauce, a couple of shots of hot sauce, chopped garlic and the beer. Leave it in the refrigerator for at least two hours, rotating every 30 minutes.

Ingredient list: 2 petite sirloin steaks One bunch of cilantro One bag of shredded cheese Four limes One large tomato One large onion 4 cloves of garlic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; chopped

One package of corn tortillas One half can of beer One tablespoon soy sauce One tablespoon of taco seasoning One tablespoon of red chili powder Mexican hot sauce

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

Agriculture in a Growing World Essay Winners Honored WASHINGTON, D.C., July 17, 2014–The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture today announced the winners of its Agriculture in a Growing World Essay contest. This national essay competition for grades 9-12 is hosted by the Foundation in partnership with the Nutrients for Life Foundation. The 2014 essay contest winner is Alexandria Schut, a student at Caledonia High School in Caledonia, Michigan. Haden Meagher, a student at Powell County High School in Deer Lodge, Montana, placed second in the competition. Third place was awarded to Kirsten Forester, a student at Rocky Mountain High School in Meridian, Idaho. As first place winner, Schut will receive $500 from Nutrients for Life. Meagher and Forester will be awarded $250 and $100, respectively. “The Agriculture in a Growing World Essay contest is one of the many ways we strive to promote agricultural literacy,” said Julie Tesch, executive director of the Foundation. “It’s a pleasure to reward students for increasing their knowledge of agriculture by studying a Foundation Book of the Year,” she added. The competition requires students to have studied in a classroom that implemented “The Man Who Fed the World,” by Leon Hesser, a winner of the coveted Foundation Book of the Year award, and corresponding curriculum. Essay submissions must address modern agricultural technologies and social, political or environmental issues related to agriculture. Harriet Wegmeyer, executive director of the Nutrients for Life Foundation, noted, “As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Norman Borlaug and his contributions, we are proud to partner with the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture to recognize these outstanding students.” The Nutrients for Life Foundation also sponsors the winning teacher’s trip to the National Science Teachers Conference as well as grants to further agricultural literacy projects at the winning schools. The first-place school receives $1,000, second place is awarded $500 and the third-place winner receives $250. Visit www.agfoundation.org for more information about the contest and other projects the Foundation supports. Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

Farm Facts

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

WORD SEARCH answers

Top Farm Bureau Agents

from page 21 Answers A

Rookie of the Month: Agent of the Month: Agency of the Month: Tony Nichols Newell Agency

Rhett Price Schmitt Agency

Watson Agency

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

County Happenings

Verland Woempner shows Ferdinand Elementary kindergartners how to milk the cow at the Rider Ranch in June. There were 75 kindergartners that showed up for a day on the Rider Ranch. The kids learned about dairy, wheat, cowboy attire, climbed on a tractor, petted ponies and went on a horse drawn wagon ride. Verland is a board member on the Kootenai/Shoshone County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Photo by Bob Smathers

Celebrating 75 Years Conserving the Idaho Way

LOW INTEREST LOANS FOR IDAHO SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION Sprinkler Irrigation, No-Till Drills, Fences Livestock Feeding Operations Solar Stock Water Pump Systems 2.5%-3.5% Terms 7-15 Years Up to $200,000 CONSERVATION

LOAN PROGRAM

Bonneville County Farm Bureau members sign the “Ditch the Rule” petition during the county’s annual summer picnic. 30

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

swc.idaho.gov | 208-332-1790

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

Nutrients for Life Foundation Announces Winners of 2014 Idaho FFA Helping Communities Grow Chapter Recognition Program Salmon FFA Takes First Place; Hansen and Genesee FFA Chapters Win Second and Third Inc. The website domain name was derived from the winning slogan submitted by seventh grader, Jackson Leavitt: www.rootofworldhunger.com. All the information on the website was compiled by FFA members. Hansen FFA members then created and distributed 1200 wrist bands with the website domain name and the letters "FFA", and promoted the website with local businesses. They estimate 5,000 people were informed through their Helping Communities Grow program.

Salmon FFA member Ethan Murphy helps 1st grade students fill cups full of soil in order for them to plant a marigold seed following a presentation on healthy soils.

Genesee FFA won $1,000 for their third place Helping Communities Grow program based on the theme “Keeping the Earth Green.” Chapter members developed a composting program using food waste generated from the high school lunchroom. They collected over 600 pounds of food and converted it into nutrient rich compost. FFA members mixed their compost in with potting soil to show how crop nutrients are essential to plant growth. During the chapter’s Ag Day, they demonstrated how food waste can be converted into compost to elementary students.

The Nutrients for Life Foundation announced Salmon FFA as the 2014 Helping Communities Grow Idaho FFA winner. Salmon FFA won $5,000 for their program titled “Feeding the Future” presented during the Lemhi County Students in participating FFA chapters developed and executed community-based education programs agricultural week. based upon the Nutrients for Life Foundation curriculum, Nourishing the Planet in the 21st Century. This free Salmon FFA partnered with a local horticulturalist and curriculum, developed by the Biological Sciences taught first graders how plants grow, emphasizing the Curriculum Study and reviewed by the Smithsonian importance of fertile soil. One hundred and twenty second and third graders learned about soil while eating Institution, provides field-tested, standards-based classroom activities to help tomorrow's generation dirt cups. This lesson was presented by FFA members realize that the challenge of feeding our growing with guidance from Natural Resources Conservation population can be solved with science. To learn more, Service (NRCS) staff. Seventy sixth graders got their visit: www.nutrientsforlife.org. hands dirty making soil ribbons to learn about soil structure and texture. Lastly, kindergarten, first, and second grade students were presented a dramatic lesson on how nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium help a sunflower grow. The week was deemed a huge success by Salmon FFA members. “The community benefited by being provided with quality information that led to increased awareness of the need for soil nutrition and the direct benefit of having healthy soil and healthy plants.” Hansen FFA won the second place award of $3,000. They started their Helping Communities Grow program with a school-wide slogan contest related to fertilizer and its importance in feeding the world. Next, they created a website with the help of Doggett Consulting, To learn more about Idaho FFA: www.idahoffa.org or www.idffafoundation.org

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

Rick Phillips, Nutrients for Life Foundation Regional Representative, presents 1st place award to Craig Larsen from Salmon FFA.

County Happenings

The scholarship winners for Minidoka County Farm Bureau this year. Larry Johnson, President; Kamil Blacker with Red shirt; Kailee May green shirt

Third

ANNUAL

WHAT DOES THEIR SERVICE MEAN TO YOU?

o mark Veterans Day 2014, Farm Bureau Insurance is sponsoring the “Veterans Day Essay Contest”. The contest is open to children from first through 12th grade with a family member who has served or is serving in the Armed Forces. The topic of the contest is “What My Family Member’s Military Service Means To Me”. The essay is a great opportunity for children to put in their own words the impact that their family member’s military service has made in their lives. CONTEST RULES: The contest is open to children from first through 12th grade with a family member who has served or is serving in the Armed Forces. Essays must answer the contest topic in 750 words or less. The contest will be separated into three categories for judging: (1) 1st – 6th grade, (2) 7th – 9th grade, and (3) 10th –12th grade. One winner from each category will be awarded a U.S. Savings Bond: $250 for Category 1, $500 for Category 2, $750 for Category 3. Essay winners will also be recognized at and invited to attend the Fourth Annual Farm Bureau “Salute to Idaho Veterans.”

Entries will be judged by a panel of individuals representing Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho, the Pocatello Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America. Entry forms are available from your Farm Bureau Insurance agent or online at www.idfbins.com. All essays must be received by October 24, 2014. Prize winners will be notified no later than October 31, 2014. If you have any questions regarding the contest, please email them to mmyers@idfbins.com.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

Extreme Caution Urged When Hiring: How to Identify an Undercover Activist

Watch For Red Flags

Below are some common behaviors exhibited by activists seeking access to livestock operations. Generally young, between the ages of 18 and 30, and are often Caucasian. Volunteering for jobs before or after normal business hours.

Befriending or mingling with upper management – asking questions about operations including security matters or time schedules.

The mission of the Animal Agriculture Alliance is to communicate the important role of modern animal agriculture to our nation's economy, productivity, vitality, security, and that animal well-being is central to producing safe, highquality, affordable food and other products essential to our daily lives. The Alliance urges farm managers to be watchful for individuals who have been found responsible for some of the latest undercover activist videos released to the media and public in the past year. The activist tactic of obtaining illicit employment in order to obtain video intended to malign the reputation of farmers and ranchers is becoming increasingly common. While animal abuse in any shape or form is never condoned by the agriculture industry, activists use highlyedited images of violence and neglect to prey on the emotions of the public.

Seeking employment in jobs below their skill or education level; demonstrating previous jobs or experiences out of character for the job they were seeking. Volunteering for jobs that are less desirable, but would provide them access to the animals. Seeking employment with no pay – so they can “learn more about the business before committing to that field” either with regard to their education or possibly before starting their own business. Using an out-of-state driver’s license or college ID.

Employer Checklist Follow these tips to ensure facility security.

Follow approved species-specific industry animal care guidelines. Review internal hiring practices and thoroughly vet all new hires.

The Alliance urges producers to use caution when hiring new employees. Operators should keep these tips on hand and follow the recommendations in the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s Farm Security Recommendations For the 21 st Century report, which is available on the members section of the Alliance’s website. Operators must make certain that they hire people who are there for the right reasons- to help produce a safe and nutritious food supply. The agriculture industry must be wary- activists have shown that they will work every angle in their quest to put all farmers, ranchers, and meat processors out of business. In most cases, the undercover videos were provided weeks or months later after the individuals had terminated employment at the farms, and the videos were initially provided to either the media or the USDA – not directly to the businesses involved.

Train all current and new employees on proper animal care practices. Create a crisis communication plan. Hold all workers accountable for their actions by requiring all employees to sign animal care code of conduct.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

Before implementing any recommendations, please consult with your attorney. Animal Agriculture Alliance |703-562-5160 | info@animalagalliance.org

Activists Who Have Been Identified: “JASON SMITH”

“PETE ROMOLAND”

COMPANIES TARGETED:

ORGANIZATION:

Quality Egg of New England, Bushway Packing Inc, Wiles Hog Farm, Hodgins Kennels, C.C. Baird, Gemperle Farms, Norco Ranch, DeCoster Egg Farms, and Hy-Line’s Spencer, IA hatchery

Mercy For Animals; Humane Farming Association

STATES TARGETED: Ohio

ALIASES: Christopher Parrett, Jason

Smith, John Knoldt, and Chris Paxton

ORGANIZATIONS: MFA, HFA STATES: ME, OH, VT, MI, IA, NC According to sources, born in Houston as Christopher Parrett, however, most often goes by Jason Smith. When employed by Maine Contract Farms, contractor to Quality Egg, used a social security card belonging to John Knoldt. His driver’s license, in 2010, was from North Carolina. In 2014, Jason Smith has attempted gaining employment on several farms, in particular egg farms. Claims to be from TX, and in NC because his girlfriend goes to school there.

“TONY GUILLAN-GUZMAN” COMPANIES TARGETED: Kreider Farms, Cal-Maine

ORGANIZATION: HSUS STATES: PA, TX Tony Guillen Guzman was name given to Cal-Maine, but did not match the identification on his Maryland-issued driver's license. He said he had completed a tour in the U.S. Navy and had moved to the Waelder area in southeastern Texas to live with an uncle. Signed agreement to report concerns about animals care, but failed to do so per Feedstuffs article 12/10/10. His references were not checked. Another red flag: he had requested his paycheck be direct deposited to an account in Ames, Iowa -- a college town, even though he was living in the Waelder, TX area. His residency card indicates his country of origin to be El Salvador.

“CAROLYN COOK” COMPANIES TARGETED: Seaboard Foods

ORGANIZATION: Humane Society of the United States

STATES: Oklahoma

She worked on the farm for two months and had several questions about safety and animal welfare. She is from Austin, Texas and is 29 years old. Past work experience includes Safaris Zoo, S&S Pet Store, and Persistence Horse Farm. During her interview, she said that she had moved to the area with Sean Thomas (another undercover activist).

An individual (photo shown above) appeared in a Time magazine article accompanying an interview with him on March 6, 2009. In the article, “Pete” indicated that he had legally changed his name twice. “Pete” also indicated that he is a vegan and stated, “…I do not believe that under any circumstances we should raise animals for food.” In the same interview, he proudly boasted his video footage had been featured in at least two HBO documentaries, including Death on a Factory Farm.

“JAMES/JIMMY CARLSON” COMPANIES TARGETED:

STATES:

Willet Dairy, Hy-Line Hatchery, Country View Family Farms

New York Iowa

ORGANIZATION: Mercy For Animals

The individual appears to be in his twenties and had his hair cropped short in a buzz cut. He is supposedly from Sag Harbor, NY. In a National Public Radio interview that has since been taken offline, an individual took credit for conducting the Hy-Line undercover operation. In the radio interview, he asked the reporter to call him “James.” He said that since he often had to use his real social security card with his picture ID, he couldn’t reveal his real name.

“SEAN THOMAS” COMPANIES TARGETED: Hallmark/Westland, Prestage Farms

ORGANIZATION: Humane Society of the United States

STATES:

California, Oklahoma

Named in a March 13, 2008, USA Today article, he is responsible for the infamous video of mistreatment at the Chino, CA plant of Hallmark/Westland. He has also been named as the activist responsible for a video taken in January 2011 at a Prestage Farms facility in Oklahoma. While the latter video did not depict any mistreatment by employees, HSUS attempted to use this video to depict standard housing and farm practices as inhumane.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

Activists Who Have Been Identified: “Danielle Thompson” COMPANIES TARGETED: Minnesota Turkey Farms

ORGANIZATION: Galapagos Preservation Society

STATES: Minnesota, Washington

Thompson is an animal rights activist who attempted to gain employment at two poultry companies in Minnesota, but thankfully was found out well before any hiring progressed. The applicant Danielle Thompson states on the application her last address was CA and she worked as a landscaper. She also shows work history in WI and MD, she lists attending high school in Racine, WI. The phone number she listed on the application is from Caledonia, WI. She contacted us today using the phone number of 360-298-4910, which is a Washington State number.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

“Arturo Garcia” COMPANIES TARGETED: Weise Brothers Dairy, Hudson Valley Farms

ORGANIZATION: Mercy for Animals

STATES:

New York, Wisconsin Hired at Hudson Valley Foie Gras in the spring of 2013, was in hindsight, too good to be true. He was bilingual, personable, would show up early for work and stay late. “Arturo” started asking to venture into areas of the farm beyond his purview, so the owners then checked his references and discovered they were dummy telephone numbers. Arturo disappeared from the farm that afternoon. A month later, MFA released a video entitled “Amazon Cruelty” with footage from HVFG. The video was meant to urge the retailer to discontinue allowing foie gras to be sold on its website. In the fall of 2013, “Arturo” was hired by Weise Bros. Dairy in WI. Ultimately the video led to the farm losing its longstanding contract as a supplier to Nestle.

Puddles, ponds, ditches, ephemerals (land that looks like a small stream during heavy rain but isn’t wet most of the time) and isolated wetlands dot the nation’s farmland. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) on March 25 issued a proposed rule that would expand its regulatory authority under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to these types of land features and waters, giving the agencies the power to dictate land-use decisions and farming practices in or near them. The rule will make it more difficult to farm or change a farming operation to remain competitive and profitable. How Did We Get Here? Congress passed the CWA in 1972, banning discharges of pollutants from a point source (i.e., a single source or conveyance) into navigable waters without a federal permit. The CWA has established a system of cooperative federalism that gives federal agencies—mainly EPA and the Corps— the authority to regulate navigable waters such as interstate rivers. The law calls these “waters of the U.S.” State and local governments have jurisdiction

over smaller, more-remote waters, such as many ponds and isolated wetlands, because state and local governments are more accountable to their citizens and more in touch with local environmental and economic situations. Two sections of the law have particular impacts on agriculture. Section 404 requires anyone wanting to discharge “dredge and fill” material into navigable waters to obtain a federal permit. This section deals with any discharge that would result from moving the soil. It has impacts for individual landowners and homebuilders, as well as farmers who want to plant trees, construct buildings, install drainage, deep-plow the soil—the list goes on. Section 402 establishes the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting program to enforce discharge mitigation requirements and limit point source discharges into navigable waters. EPA and the Corps continually have tested the jurisdictional limits of the CWA over the last 40-plus years by issuing guidance documents and regulatory enforcement actions based on ever-broader interpretations of “waters of the U.S.” Specifically, in 1986, EPA and the Corps used the “migratory bird rule” to assert

authority over isolated waters by saying those waters that are or could be used by migratory birds, which cross state lines, are interstate waters or “waters of the U.S.” The regulated community, including agriculture, has pushed back, resulting in precedent-making court decisions concerning the scope of the agencies’ jurisdiction. In two cases—Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in 2001, and Rapanos v. United States, in 2006—the Supreme Court rendered decisions that reaffirmed the CWA’s limit on federal jurisdiction, drawing the line at navigable—the migratory bird rule notwithstanding. The American Farm Bureau Federation filed amicus briefs in both cases. However, the 2006 Rapanos ruling was not as clear-cut as the 2001 SWANCC decision, and not as clear as Farm Bureau would have liked. Eight justices divided evenly between supporting the broad reach of EPA/Corps regulations and affirming that the CWA covers only navigable waters. One of the justices, Anthony Kennedy, was an outlier, writing that a significant nexus between an See DITCH THE RULE p.39

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

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DITCH THE RULE

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isolated wetland and a traditional navigable water could be enough for federal jurisdiction. Justice Kennedy did not define significant nexus, and the proverbial waters have remained murky ever since. Ditch the Rule! In releasing the new “waters of the U.S.” proposed rule, EPA (the lead agency on the rule) has said that it is clarifying the scope of the CWA. However, EPA’s “clarification” is also a broad expansion of the types of waters and lands that would be subject to federal permit requirements and limits on farming practices and other land-uses. EPA also has claimed that the rule would have minimal economic impact and would not affect many acres—only about 1,300 acres nationwide—a laughable assertion when one considers the amount of acreage in just one state or

even county that has hydric soils and, therefore under EPA’s proposal, adequate characteristics to be considered “waters of the U.S.” Farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to remain in production often depends on being able to use the types of farm practices that would be prohibited if EPA denies a permit for them. For example, building a fence across a ditch, applying fertilizer or pesticides, or pulling weeds could require a federal permit. The proposed rule, in effect, would give EPA veto authority over a farmer’s or rancher’s ability to operate. It is vital for agriculture that the proposed rule does not become final or, if that is not possible, substantially changed. Farm Bureau will pursue this goal in the following ways: Support extending the current 90-day

comment period to 180 days to give farmers and ranchers time to review the proposed rule and provide input; Comment about the impact the proposed rule would have on farms; Support any efforts in Congress to rein in the federal government’s expansion of control over private land; Engage in traditional social media campaigns to bring attention to the impacts of the proposed rule on landowners, small businesses and the economy, as well as agriculture. The purpose of this website is to help you answer questions about the “waters of the U.S.” proposed rule and to provide resources to make it easier for Farm Bureau members to engage in the campaign to overturn the rule as currently proposed.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

Classifieds

Animals

Farm Equipment

Real Estate/Acreage

Wanted

ASCA registered Australian Shepherd pups. Working line since 1968. Full satisfaction guaranteed. All four colors available. Boise, Id 208-484-9802.

Wood pallets - 4x8, heavy duty, for hay storage or fencing. 200 in shed, $1.00 each; Westfield grain Auger, 60 ft PTO drive, used very little, $4,500. Hamer, Id 208-243-5438

Wanted to buy tractor/loader approx. 25-50 hp. Pocatello area. Please call 208-251-5157.

Ranch raised Morgan stock horse colts for sale, with substance and beauty not found in other breeds. www.creamridgemorgans. com or 208-476-7221.

Balewagons: New Holland selfpropelled or pull-type models/ parts/tires. Also interested in buying balewagons. Will consider any model. Call Jim Wilhite at 208-8802889 anytime.

Mobile Home Lot - 14x70 or smaller - 2008 Home or Newer. $185.00 monthly., includes water/sewer Only. Shelley Area. Application process and contract required. For more info please call 528-5337, leave message.

Recreational Equipment

Looking for a Blacksmith’s Anvil. 435-2326141

Miniature Donkeys. Small breeding pair for sale - registered Canadian jack. Want to sell the breeding pair together. Their June baby boy is for sale also. Located in Parma, ID. Serious inquires only please. Call 208-9218089

Farm Equipment New squeeze-chute, hand pull, green. $1,200. Midvale, Id 208-355-3780 1030 Bale Wagon - Sell or parts. It is in working condition. Tendoy, Id. 208-756-4556 1956 Farmall 100 - Runs well with good paint and good tires. Live remote. Asking $1,000. Caldwell, Id. 208-454-9905 or 2843202. Syphon tube for sale. 2” - $5 a tube. Like new. 400 available. Rexburg, Id 208-3510730. John Deere 1952 model 60. Really good condition. $3,400. Keene 4” Gold Dredge with air compressor and regulator. $800. American Falls, Id. 208-479-4464 Challenger MT 755, 2209 hrs, annual service by Western States, 1000 hrs on 25’ tracks. Trimble A/S and sprayer control, reduced to $142,500; Two 500hp US Motors, 480 volt, 3 phase, Inverter duty, hollowshaft irrigation motors, $22,500 each. American Falls, Id deegt@aol.com or call 208220-5588. 5th wheel parade/show wagon, rubber tiredgood shape $2,800; Oliver 2 way plow $400; Bob sled $500; corrugator $200; Pair of scotch tops $200; 4 horse lines $150; assorted double trees; Simco saddle 15” - 3/4 double $500. Meridian, ID 208888-6650.

Help Wanted

Agricultural Opportunity - Our top livestock and Equipment Appraisers earn 1000,000200,000/year. Agricultural Background Required. Home Study course available. Call 800-488-7570 www.amagappraisers.com

Miscellaneous 900 Watt Generator. New condition. 2-240 v outlets, 1-120 v outlet. 15 hp Honda gas motor. List price $3,250, asking $2,250. Trades? Homedale, Id 208-337-8018 Coleman Ram-x17 Canoe $300 obo. MTD rear tine tiller. $450. Bliss, Id 83314. 208490-1300 Antique Blacksmith’s Anvil. Has heavy duty metal stand. $175. Call 208-234-2612 2 four year old Fjord geldings $2,500. each, 3 saddles: youth $200, others $600 & $700, breeching strap $175, training cart $400, marathon carriage $6k, draft harness with blue hames $275 for pair, lots of other tack/horse gear for sale! Blackfoot, ID 208681-9979. Ashford Spinning Wheel, a traditional single drive. It comes with the instruction book and a box of accessories; cards, spindles, etc, and even some camel’s wool. Treasure Valley pickup only. $675 OBO. 208-407-4686. Gas/Propane Hot Water Heater-Make: G.E.Capacity - 40 Gal. (Tall). Great Condition. Paid $550 - Asking $250. Shelley, ID. Call 528-5337

For sale or trade: Boat - 16 ft Crestliner. 40 HP Marnier outboard, electric trolling motor, tilt trailer, new upholstery. $3,000. Malad, Id. 801-668-9583

Vehicles/Trailers/Access. Homemade heavy duty 8x12 ‘Dual’ axel trailer with electric brakes. $800 obo. Blackfoot, Id. 208-782-1995 1979 Chevrolet Camaro, V8 305 288L, Auto Transmission, white with carmine interior, 186224 original miles, same owner since 1987, covered in garage, original, clean. Wendell, Id only serious callers please. Leave message. 208-536-6724 2003 Chevy Silverado LS, 2500 HD Duramax Diesel, Allison Transmission, one-owner, Extended Cab, 4 doors, 141,500 miles, sprayin bed liner, excellent condition, will provide maintenance records, asking $13,500 Nampa, Id. call: 208 250-7155

Want to buy or rent Small travel/camper trailer. In reasonably good used condition. Moscow, Id. 208-882-0446

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. Collector of baseball, basketball and football cards. Also baseballs. Idaho Falls, Id. 208881-2213.

DEADLINE DATES:

ADS MUST BE RECEIVED BY OCTOBER 20 68 shares of Portneuf River water rights. 1902 date. $5,000/per share - All or FOR NEXT ISSUE OF THE Nothing. Serious inquires only. 208-241-8072 or 254-3816. QUARTERLY FREE CLASSIFIEDS Water Rights

Non commercial classified ads are free to Idaho Farm Bureau members. Must include membership number for free ad. Forty (40) words maximum. Non-member cost- 50 cents per word. You may advertise your own crops, livestock, used machinery, household items, vehicles, etc. Ads will not be accepted by phone. Ads run one time only and must be re-submitted in each subsequent issue. We reserve the right to refuse to run any ad. Please type or print clearly. Proof-read your ad.

Mail ad copy to: P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848 or email Dixie at DASHTON@IDAHOFB.ORG Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________ City / State / Zip: __________________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________

Membership No. ___________________

Ad Copy: ________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SUMMER 2014

New Farm Bureau Member Benefit Receive a $300 per unit discount on all Polaris Utility and Sport Vehicles, $200 per unit on all All-Terrain Vehicles and $300 per unit on all GEM Electric Vehicles. Individuals must be members of the Farm Bureau for a minimum of 30 days prior to purchase. Farm Bureau members must log on to fbverify.com/Polaris and enter in their membership number and zip code to generate a rebate certificate that is to be given to the Polaris dealership when the eligible ATV is aquired. Some restrictions may apply. For questions, call Joel at 208-239-4289.

Farm Bureau Members Pay Less www.idahofbstore.com 208-239-4289

General Admission Regular - $51.07

Meal Combo Regular - Over $59

Farm Bureau Price

$38.50

$44.50

*Lagoon prices include sales tax. Purchase at Farm Bureau offices.

Regular Adult $31.79

Farm Bureau Price

$25.50

*Roaring Springs prices include sales tax. Purchase at select Farm Bureau offices or online.

Regular Adult $29.99

Farm Bureau Online Discount Price

$23.99

Child/ (Under 58â&#x20AC;?) $22.99

Farm Bureau Online Discount Price

$18.49

Roaring Springs/Wahooz Combo available for $35.99

Regular Adult $45.99

Farm Bureau Online Discount Price

$38.99

Child/Senior $22.99

Farm Bureau Online Discount Price

$17.99