Fall 2014 Volume 14, Issue 4

Fall 2014 Volume 14, Issue 4

Canyon County Farm Family of the Year – page 4

Panhandle Forest Plan Revised – page 14

Food Page, Farm Facts, Crossword – all inside

The Ag Agenda

U.S. Agriculture Key to a Positive Trade Balance

By Bob Stallman

President American Farm Bureau Federation

Farmers and ranchers have a long history of promoting American strength and goodwill through international trade. Thanks to our ability to satisfy demand here and abroad, U.S. agriculture is one of the few sectors that can boast a positive trade balance, overall shipping out more than we bring back in. The balance could shift, however, if political barriers stand in the way of agricultural trade.

Getting Markets Open for Business

A website recently launched by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows consumers the benefits of genetic technology in crops. Located at www. fb.org/biotech, the new site provides valuable information on the benefits of biotechnology to our economy, environment and much more.

for better sustainability and food security. It helps farmers grow more food while improving the environment. For example, biotechnology reduces the use of costly inputs and improves weed management, allowing farmers to reduce tillage for better soil, water and air quality. Today, roughly 90 percent of corn, cotton and soybeans grown in the U.S. have been improved through biotechnology, and farmers are choosing biotech traits when growing other crops such as alfalfa, sugarbeets and canola.

Biotechnology has proven to be an important tool

Despite rapid adoption by farmers and a strong See PRIESTLEY, page 7

U.S. agriculture is ready for a boost in activity in the Asia/Pacific region. This area holds great promise, and it makes no sense to limit access to food here or anywhere else. The Trans Pacific Partnership promises to open up trade among the U.S., Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam and Japan. But the real success of TPP negotiations rests on an agreement between the U.S. and Japan, which would require Japan to See STALLMAN, page 6

The President’s Desk

New Website Provides Credible Biotech Information

By Frank Priestley President Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

Inside Farm Bureau

Celebrating Idaho Farm Bureau’s 75th Anniversary

“The Staff”

By Rick Keller CEO Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

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In preparation for the Idaho Farm Bureau’s 75th anniversary, I’ve commented on a variety of events, issues, and leaders that have helped form and shape the organization into the state’s largest general farm organization. The first great asset of Farm Bureau is its members - the Fergusons and Billingtons, the Veselkas and the Pearsons. The Howells who own a ranch in

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

Careywood, the Freeman’s row crop farm in the Treasure Valley, the Searle’s potato/wheat farm in Shelley, and the Bagley’s elk ranch in Victor are just samplings of the wonderful members that make up the Idaho Farm Bureau. They are representative of the 73,000 plus member/families of the Idaho Farm Bureau. United in a common cause, the membership has the powers and possibilities and potentials which the organization has only begun to draw upon.

Farm Bureau’s second asset is the officers See KELLER, page 6

Volume 14, Issue 4

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 Administrative Assistant ............................... Cara Dyer Assistant Treasurer.................................. Tyler Zollinger Printed by: Owyhee Publishing, Homedale, ID

Canyon County Farm Family of the Year

Book Review: Backpack Guide to Idaho Range Plants

PAGE 4

PAGE 21

Young Rancher Excels in Conservation Career

Marketbasket Survey:Beef and Pork Prices Push Survey 2 Percent Over First Quarter

PAGE 8 Mending Fences: Ranchers Meet with Federal Land Managers

PAGE 30

PAGE 11

Idaho Farm Bureau 75th Annual Meeting: Agenda, Seminars and Speaker Bio’s

North Idaho Commissioners Disappointed with Forest Revision Plan

PAGE 33

PAGE 14

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: This cover of the Idaho Farm Bureau News, published in September, 1949, is the oldest existing volume of the publication we could locate to help commemorate the organization’s 75th Anniversary. It was located by Amy Thompson, Library Specialist, Special Collections and Archives, University of Idaho Library.

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 / FALL 2014

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Workers sort and pack apples at Symms Fruit Ranch. Photo by Steve Ritter

Symms Named Farm Family of the Year

By Jake Putnam Caldwell—The Caldwell Chamber of Commerce recently named the Symms family, owners of Symms Fruit Ranch, as Farm Family of the Year.

The award is fitting because during the past 100 years the tradition of fruit production in Idaho was born by the Symms family who farm the famous Sunnyslope area of south Canyon County.

It all began back in 1913 when the lure of the West became too great a temptation for Richard Symms. Symms was a restless dairy farmer that longed to move west and start farming orchards.

“He was a dairy farmer in Kansas but he started studying fruit,” said grandson Dick Symms. “He’d read everything he could on fruit farms. They got off the train in Caldwell to see what was here and was sold on the cheaper land and plentiful water.”

Richard Symms was 44 years old when he saw the possibilities of the rugged strip of land above the Snake River in south Can4

yon County. Irrigation canals had just been dug and water was taming the barren land.

and bad the ranch is still run by the Symms family.

“That’s awfully old to start over and then to start farming fruit, that’s a bold move,” said Dick Symms. “He came here with three children, including my father who was 14. I often think about what a bold move it was. It takes courage to pull up stakes and move west at that age.”

“I’m the patriarch and frankly I don’t do much anymore,” said Dick. “My cousin Jim Mertz is another one of the old guys and we’ve turned it over to the next generation, my nephew Jamie, and my son Dar. The boys take care of the day to day operations these days.”

The Symms family began that first year with just a few apple and peach trees in an orchard carved from the sage covered hills.

Living by the Symms principals and a sense of humor has played a part in the Symms Fruit Ranch success story.

Today the ranch covers 5,000 acres, with 3,500 fruit trees of all types. Thousands of boxes of fruit leave here each year, shipped to markets around the world.

“With cherries we’ll box from 100,000 to 200,000 thousand boxes a year. We will ship at least 500,000 to 700,000 boxes of peaches. Then there’s apples, we’ll sell 700,000 boxes; plums, we’re at 60,000 and 40,000 boxes of pears,” said manager Dar Symms.

At 100 years of age, through good times

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

“We’ve had these principles that we live with every day. One of them includes having integrity, courage and persistence that keeps you going. It’s how you keep at its persistence. At the end of the day you better have a sense of humor because of disasters, frost, bugs, worms, water shortages.

There are the things in nature that we always deal with,” said Dick Symms.

And Symms says there’s been a lot of changes in the orchard business since 1914.

“My grandfather planted about 50 trees per acre, now were planting 900 trees

Pictured left to right are the proprietors of the Symms Fruit Ranch: Jamie Mertz, Dan Symms, Jim Mertz, Dick Symms and Dar Symms.

Editor’s Note: Dan Symms passed away in early October. Photo by Steve Ritter

per acre. That’s a big change. You have to have that many trees per acre to get the early market production. Early production is what everyone wants these days,” said Dick Symms.

later investigated the Ranch because their winemaker mislabeled some bottles of wine. But through it all the Symms family principals laid out decades before, helped them survive.

“You got to get the old guys out of the way, hopefully I’m far enough out of the way that I’m not a hindrance to success, so I’m letting the younger generation take over,” he said.

Growth on the Symms Fruit Ranch has not come without heartache and setbacks.

“We decided we needed to grow something that didn’t need so much hand labor. As you know white grapes are picked by machine, and so we planted some wine grapes,” recalled Dick Symms.

Dar Symms says these days’ fruit ranching is a year-round job. They’ve completed the stone fruit harvests but apples continue till the first frost.

“The Waterloo of all years came in 1992,” recalled Dick Symms. “That’s when we had a winter freeze that killed all the cherry and peach trees. And then we had a spring frost that killed a lot of what we had left. To top it off we had a water problem and didn’t get any water. We had the immigration service after us because of some paperwork. Ironically it was by a Republican administration, in which my brother, the U.S. Senator Steve Symms was a part of. We had so much trouble back then.”

The troubles of ‘92 didn’t end there. The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms

That was the start of the Ste. Chapelle, the first winery in the Sunnyslope region, and still Idaho’s largest winery. “Ste. Chapelle grew beyond our wildest expectations, and the wine industry with it. It took us by complete surprise,” recalled Dick Symms.

The family sold the winery years ago, but still owns the ground it sits on and grows the grapes used in winemaking. Dick Symms says family success centers on knowing when to change.

“When we finish those we will have a short break till the end of October. And then we’re packing all that time,” said Dar Symms.

As the 2014 season draws to a close, the first orchards planted by Richard Symms thrive to this day. For a century the Ranch has survived droughts, infestations, frost and government red tape. Now in its fifth generation the Symms Fruit Ranch thrives, unbroken.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

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STALLMAN

Continued from page 2

resolve its long-standing tariff and non-tariff barrier issues. Price restrictions and high tariffs have been the standard for too long, and Japan will have to play on the same terms as other participants for the TPP to work.

The European Union is also primed for growth. Last year, U.S. agricultural exports to the EU totaled $11.5 billion compared to $17.3 billion in EU agricultural exports to the U.S. American farmers and ranchers are ready to be competitive here, but the EU system has stubbornly held to guidelines that are based in politics rather than science.

Although the U.S. and the EU both follow the safety guidelines set out by the World Trade Organization, the EU tacks on a “precautionary principle,” which allows it to add non-scientific guidelines to risk management. Match this with its snail’s pace for approving biotech products, and it is not surprising that we’ve seen a significant drop

in corn and soybean exports. For U.S. food products that do make it over to the EU, the use of geographic indications can put some at an unfair disadvantage, limiting their marketability.

Standing Firm in Negotiations No trade agreement can be fully successful without the support of agriculture. In September, AFBF’s Trade Advisory Committee met with EU officials in Brussels, where we urged them to remove unnecessary trade barriers once and for all and to move forward with the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. A free trade agreement between the U.S. and the EU can bring a serious boost to U.S. agriculture, but only if politics are set aside.

AFBF also met with several ambassadors and the WTO director-general in Geneva where we affirmed U.S. support for completing the Trade Facilitation Agreement, an accord that would eliminate many antiquated

customs procedures that serve no useful purpose. The agreement is currently on hold thanks to India—which originally signed on with all other WTO countries back in December but is now delaying the ratification.

U.S. agriculture is ready for ambitious trade negotiations. Hanging onto failed ideas that place certain agricultural sectors at a disadvantage or create special exemptions for developing countries is no way to move forward in today’s marketplace.

Waiting for trade negotiations to conclude can feel a bit like watching paint dry, but persistence pays off. A recent agreement between the U.S. and Brazil has resolved Brazil’s complaint to the WTO and ended years of uncertainty for America’s cotton growers. Thanks to the support of the U.S. government, the current structure of commodity programs remains intact. We must continue to hang tough in trade negotiations to keep the marketplace open to the American farmer.

KELLER Continued from page 2 whom you choose to lead and represent you.

You have consistently shown a determination and an ability to seek the best type of leaders.

The third asset that I address is the women and men of Farm Bureau’s staff. No one understands better than the farmer the importance of securing skilled and devoted assistants to do important work. The staff members of Farm Bureau are fitted by education and experience to carry out Farm Bureau plans and policies. They are as devoted and loyal to Farm Bureau as the most interested members. Their devotion is rooted in a thorough understanding of Farm Bureau and its aims, a genuine desire to serve its members, and a deep founded faith that the members will make the right decision.

I pay tribute to the current staff and to the staff who have preceded them. From a personal vantage point, I’ve seen the dedication, time and devotion contributed by these professional leaders. They have spent many hours away from home. They come 6

with varied backgrounds and expertise that blended together create a synergy and successful teams. They come from the farms and ranches, from little towns and big cities.

They have been educated by hard knocks and by prestigious universities. They have expertise in education, economics, accounting, law, finance, agronomy, journalism, geology, English, biology, and political science.

They’ve worked on farms, calved in sub-zero weather, fixed fence, and worked for national conglomerates. They’ve taught in schools, loaned money in banks, administered nonprofit organizations, owned and managed businesses. They’ve held elected offices from school boards, to mayors, to members of the Idaho legislature.

Members of the staff add to the communities in which they live. They coach Little League, judge Distinguished Young Women, serve as scoutmasters, participate in civic affairs, serve in homeless shelters, man phone lines for local causes, and join local booster clubs and civic groups. Many are active in the churches of their choice by serving as Sunday school teachers, singing in the church choir,

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

serving the needy, or a multitude of other ecclesiastical duties. Many have served their country in the various armed forces from seaman to general. They serve on a variety of commissions and committees appointed by cities, counties, and state governments, including planning and zoning, economic education, mental health care, and others.

They each have experienced many of the vicissitudes of life that the members experience: sorrow and joy; health and sickness; prosperity and poverty; birth and death. It is because of who they are, what they have experienced, and how they serve that the staff of the Idaho Farm Bureau have become the strong asset they are.

It has been an honor for me to associate and rub shoulders with many of these exceptional women and men who have devoted so much time, expertise, and energy serving the members of the Idaho Farm Bureau for the past 35 years. It is also an honor to stand on the shoulders of the staff that created such a firm foundation. They all have a story. Each has contributed. Farm Bureau is well served.

PRIESTLEY

Continued from page 2

scientific consensus that biotechnology does not pose health and environmental risks, regulatory burdens are slowing research and innovation of new biotech traits and are starting to reduce U.S. farmers’ international competitive advantage. In addition, activist groups routinely threaten the availability of new traits by blocking science-based regulatory decisions, filing lawsuits and advocating for labeling mandates.

BENEFITS TO CONSUMERS Affordable Food • GMOs Keep Food Affordable. They require less water and fewer chemical applications than conventional crops, and they are better able to survive drought, weeds, and insects. With larger, more reliable harvests, studies show that certain food products (corn, soybeans, and derivatives) would cost 6 to 10 percent more if biotechnology was not available.

• GMO Labeling – A $500 Hit on Families.

According to a recent study by economists at Cornell University, mandatory GMO labeling will raise food costs for American families by an average of $500 per year. That is because farmers and food producers would need to build an enormously expensive new supply chain system to track GMO crops from seed to store shelves, incurring costs that would be passed along to American consumers.

A Future of Healthier and More Nutritious Food • “Golden Rice” and Provitamin A Enrichment. Vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of blindness in the developing world and is particularly prevalent among children. Scientists have fortified rice grains with beta-carotene (provitamin A), which is found naturally in carrots, sweet potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables. Putting it into a staple grain that serves as the primary food of billions of people will greatly improve the nutritional value of their diet. The crop is awaiting approval in the Philippines.

• A Tool for Fighting Obesity. Fats and oils are essential parts of our diet. Agricultural

biotechnology has been used to develop soybean varieties that have a healthier fatty acid profile. Some contain more oleic acid – a monounsaturated fatty acid found in olive oil.

Another has an increased level of omega-3 fatty acids, which are the oils in fish thought to be associated with heart health.

• Better fruits and vegetables. Scientists have done work that could, in the future, lead to fruits and vegetables that cost less, offer better nutrition, and maintain post-harvest quality longer, which would be a boon to people in underserved neighborhoods and food deserts.

BENEFITS TO OUR ENVIRONMENT Fewer Chemical Applications • Data show that, since the year 1996, GMO crops have reduced pesticide applications on farms by 8.8 percent.

Improving Water Quality • Herbicide tolerant GMO crops allow the widespread use of “no-till” agriculture, which decreases soil erosion in the U.S. by at least one billion tons per year. This, in turn, improves water quality by decreasing sedimentation and runoff of nitrogen and phosphorous.

Reducing Greenhouse Gases • “No-till” and reduced-till farming practices improve carbon storage, cut on-farm fuel consumption in the U.S. from five gallons per acre to one gallon per acre, and reduce agriculture’s overall greenhouse gas footprint.

In 2012, environmental improvements associated with the global use of GMOs were equivalent to removing 11.9 million cars from the road for one year.

BENEFITS TO FARMERS Producing More, With Less • GMO seeds are overwhelmingly embraced

by American farmers. Roughly 90 percent of corn, cotton, and soybeans grown in the U.S. are improved using biotechnology to help farmers manage devastating insects, weeds, and weather conditions. Farmers are also choosing biotechnology to grow crops such as alfalfa, papaya, sugarbeets, squash

and canola. Technology allows farmers to produce more food, using less land and few chemicals, while conserving soil, water, and on-farm energy.

• Today’s traits are only the first in a pipeline that focus on delivering high yields in tough environmental conditions. Additional GMOs with novel genetic mechanisms for advanced drought tolerance are being developed, as are crops that can tolerate extreme heat, sunlight, and high levels of salt in the soil.

Improved Farm Incomes • Globally, farmers choosing to grow GMOs have seen net economic benefits at the farm level amounting to $18.8 billion in 2012 and $116.6 billion between 1996 and 2012. Of the total farm income benefit, 60 percent has been due to yield gains, with the balance arising from reductions in production costs, such as money saved on fuel and crop production.

• USDA estimates that the adoption of herbicide tolerant seeds is associated with an increase in off-farm household income as more efficient production practices allow farm families to pursue other sources of income.

New Opportunities for Developing-World Farmers • Farmers in the developing world, just like those in the U.S., use GMO seeds. In 2013, the crops produced by these seeds are being grown in 27 countries (19 of which are developing countries) by more than 18 million farmers. For farmers in developing countries, efficiencies associated with biotechnology increase farm incomes and free up time to pursue education or hold other jobs – a significant benefit for women farmers in Africa.

• According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa remains a persistent and daunting challenge with 230 million Africans – 20 percent of the continent’s population –classified as hungry. CSIS notes that agricultural productivity, including the use of GMOs, is critical to meeting the continent’s food security needs, as farmers grapple with climate variability, degradation of soil and water resources, persistent pests and crop diseases, and land constraints.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

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Life on the Range

Jason Miller and his wife Tori compete in team roping competitions. Jason is a water quality resource conservationist with the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission.

Rancher Excels in Conservation Career Article and photo by Steve Stuebner Jason Miller grew up on a farm in Marsing, helping his family raise hay, corn and wheat and tend to their cattle on private lands and federal grazing allotments in the Owyhee Mountains. He graduated from Marsing High School, excelled on the rodeo team and earned a degree in animal science from the University of Idaho.

Since joining the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission as a water quality resource conservationist several years ago, he’s evolved into bonafide young gun - a quick study, adept at picking up the 8

tricks of the trade and picking up the torch carried by his mentors, baby boomers who have been at it for a long time.

“Jason - and others like him - represent the future of agriculture conservation in Idaho.

If he’s any indication, our future’s looking pretty good,” says Norman Wright, chairman of the Conservation Commission.

In the business of agricultural conservation, it helps to come from an agriculture background. Miller discovered that quickly when meeting with landowners about water-quality issues. “The hardest part is the first impression,” he says. “You want to put

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

the landowner at ease.”

Miller’s background helps “break the ice” with property owners. He’s now in his third year working on water quality issues for the Conservation Commission. When he meets with a new property owner, he thinks about his own experience on the farm. “I can relate to a lot of the issues they’re going through,” he says.

One of Miller’s assets is the ability to sit back and learn from property owners, says Mike Somerville, vice chair of the Canyon Soil Conservation District. “One of key things that makes Jason so successful is

that he has learned how to listen,” Somerville says. “He’s gained so much knowledge because he’s listened to a lot of older farmers and ranchers about conservation.

But he also knows when to suggest the right kinds of conservation measures to a landowner. You can turn people off if you don’t bring it up at the right time.”

Somerville would know, having served for many years on the Canyon district board.

Sometimes, professional conservation staff people can turn off farmers and ranchers because they overwhelm them with information, he says. “You have to wait for them to ask questions, and that’s the time to provide some answers. Somehow Jason learned that at a really young age. He’s going to be a great conservationist.”

The first step is for Miller to make contact with property owners to see if they’d like to participate in water-quality improvement plans. After an invitation letter goes out, typically about 30 percent of the landowners will engage in the process, Miller says.

That’s when he goes out to visit with property owners to learn about their operations and talk about water quality issues. “Some people are very conservation-minded and want to improve their operations,” he says.

“Then we’ll go out and do our data collection,” he says. “We invite the landowners to come along with us because they know more about the land than anyone else. We look at what’s going on in the stream and on the uplands to see what might be affecting water quality.”

As a young man working on the front lines of voluntary conservation, you might say that Miller represents the future of Conservation the Idaho Way. In many ways, he epitomizes the professional people who have worked on conservation projects in Idaho for decades. It’s always easier to convince farmers and ranchers to get engaged in conservation work by people who have similar backgrounds.

Miller also talks about the state and federal programs available to landowners to make conservation improvements on their property - programs like the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and the Conservation Commission’s low-interest loan program. He makes it clear that participating in the programs is voluntary and confidential.

“When I go visit with a farmer or rancher, it always reminds me of my own farm and ranch,” Miller says. “I’ve met a lot of great people and I’ve learned a lot from them, and it’s nice to offer some insight into someone else’s operation, too.”

“If they want to look at converting from flood irrigation to sprinkler irrigation, that’s been pretty popular with landowners because they usually can increase their yields and cover their expenses,” he says.

“It’s great to have some younger people like Jason involved in professional conservation work,” adds Delwyne Trefz, district support services specialist with the Conservation Commission. “If you look around, a lot of us in this line of work are getting up in the years. We’re a little old and musty. It’s nice to have a chance to get some fresh blood in there.”

Miller’s job is to craft water-quality implementation plans in cooperation with landowners to reduce sediment, nitrogen and phosphorous in streams, enhance streambank vegetation and install other conservation measures. The goal is to improve water quality in streams that are on the state list of degraded waters, known as the 303(d) list.

If any of the conservation programs are appealing to landowners, the first requirement is to craft a conservation plan for their farm or ranch. Once a conservation plan has been completed, they will be eligible to qualify for state and federal assistance.

Working on water-quality implementation plans takes at least one full season to get out to visit with property owners, craft a series of best management practices and other conservation practices for landowners in the watershed, and then begin plan implementation.

Miller has worked on a number of water quality plans in the last several years including a plan for the Jordan Creek watershed in Owyhee County, and the Middle Snake-Succor Creek area.

His favorite project, so far, has been the Cold Springs Riparian Restoration Project in Elmore County. “I really enjoyed working on this project because it reminds me of our family ranch and felt good to work with landowners that are conservation-minded,” Miller says.

Crafting water-quality improvement plans is quite involved with many moving parts, he says. “It’s really interesting to learn about what goes into creating a set of best management practices for a property owner. It’s a lot more complex than one might think.”

Miller expected to work on his family farm after graduating from UI. But a parttime water-quality job with the Owyhee Soil and Water Conservation District got him interested in professional conservation work. When a full-time position came open, Miller applied for the job. It was particularly attractive because it combined his interests in the environment and agriculture, and it was based in Marsing.

He likes the way of life in Marsing, and so does his wife, Tori, who also grew up on a local farm. In their spare time, the couple competes in team-roping competitions in regional rodeos with their cavvy of nine horses. They are raising a son, Clancy, who is now 3 years old. They also rent local farm ground to raise crops and cattle.

Miller is finding that he can balance his full-time job with the Conservation Commission with the extra work required to run his own farm, tend to his cattle, and still have time to compete in rodeos. “Agriculture runs deep in my blood,” he says.

“My favorite part of Idaho is all of our great farmland, rangelands and natural resources that make it all possible. It’s great to be able to work in this job to try to make things better in terms of conserving our natural resources and raise my son in the same rural environment that I grew up in.”

Steve Steubner is a freelance writer and author working for the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission. He can be reached at ssteubner@cableone.net

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

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Ranchers discuss range improvements and range management with U.S. Forest Service officials during a recent range tour on the Salmon/Challis National Forest.

Ranchers Open Lines of Communication with Forest Service Editor’s Note: Readers will notice that Wally Butler is quoted in the following article. Butler passed away on October 21 as this magazine was going to press. He was 68. The Idaho Farm Bureau sends it condolences to the Butler family. He was a great friend and mentor. He will be missed.

Article and photo by Jake Putnam Mackay—Rancher Troy Olson turned out just half his herd this year on the Yankee Fork District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, yet was asked to take his cattle home a month early.

“I turned out half my numbers because of the two drought years,” said Olson. “I knew it was going to be tough, but this has been one of the best years in the past decade and still we’re off the range a month early. I had concerns mostly because I was always talking to someone new at the district office.”

Olson and fellow rancher RJ Hoffman decided that a range tour with the Forest Service, Farm Bureau members and fellow ranchers might clear the air and help open lines of communication.

Custer and Lemhi County Farm Bureaus helped organize the range tour of the Double Springs allotment on the Yankee Fork District of the Salmon/Challis National Forest on October 3.

The Forest Service asked both permit holders in August to move cattle off the land 30 days early, on short notice. That move drastically impacted the ranchers who say they’re out tens of thousands of dollars.

“It’s been a communication problem,” said Olson. “I think it’s been the transfer of long-term employees within the agency.

We’ve addressed the problem with them and it seems like shortly thereafter we have somebody new to deal with. There’s no continuity, we never have the same people to deal with, so every issue has to be readdressed, then readdressed and readdressed.”

Ranchers along with the Forest Service, the BLM, Idaho Fish and Game and range expert Wally Butler met at the allotments outside of Mackay. Traveling by ATV some 40 members of the tour visited four critical areas.

“The range shows the effect of drought and damage around riparian areas,” said Butler.

“Overall, despite the drought, I think it’s in pretty good shape. There’s probably room for improvement and that would be great, but it’s mostly a water distribution problem. Cattle tend to bunch up around available water and that’s the problem here.”

Butler says giving the cattle more room to drink, adding pipelines and water troughs away from critical riparian zones would effectively solve problems on that stretch of rangeland for good.

Forest Service District Ranger Katie Wood attended the tour and visited a spring declared an archeological site. Ranchers put up an electric fence at their expense to protect the site. Ranchers say it’s the only water in that vast part of the allotment. Ranchers have tried to put in a pipeline to help alleviate the problem but got mired in red tape. They think the Forest Service should pitch in and help. Wood listened intently but said their budgets are spread thin.

“It’s a zero-sum game,” she told ranchSee RANGE TOUR page 23

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

11

Focus on Agriculture What’s Behind China’s Interest in African Agriculture?

By Stewart Truelsen China’s giant e-commerce company, Alibaba, was valued at $231 billion the day of its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange.

Founder Jack Ma proclaimed that he wants Alibaba to be bigger than Wal-Mart. It is already bigger than Amazon and eBay combined.

It’s not hard to be the biggest in anything, including food and agriculture, when you consider that China has around 1.4 billion people. China is the world’s largest producer of agricultural commodities. It is first in production of wheat and rice and second behind the United States in corn. It is far ahead in pork production.

The United States is the leading exporter of agricultural commodities, and China is the world’s largest importer. Not surprising, it also happens to be our largest market. China is proud of the fact that it feeds 20 percent of the world’s population on just 10 percent of the world’s arable land, but it couldn’t do it without imports, especially now. The worst drought in a half-century is impacting one third of China.

Ever since China entered the World Trade Organization in 2001, U.S. agricultural exports have soared. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service projects continued long-term growth.

But this relationship should not be taken for granted.

12

China is also the largest holder of U.S. debt, but it took a small step with Russia earlier in the year to undercut the U.S. dollar and break its domination of the international currency market.

China’s largest bank and Russia’s second-largest financial institution agreed to bypass the dollar and settle debts in domestic currencies.

China also may have found a way to eventually break its dependence on imports of U.S. farm commodities. According to a report by the International Center for Trade and Sustainable Development, China has emerged as a major “donorinvestor” in Africa which could prove significant in reversing the decline of African agriculture.

The report written by Donald Cassell, an international development specialist with the Sagamore Institute in Indianapolis, concluded that Chinese agricultural initiatives are focused on meeting local and regional needs. “At least for now, Africa is no more than a back-up strategy for China,” said Cassell.

He and others dismiss as “overstated” published reports of Chinese land leases or purchases in Africa. However, he also said that Chinese investments have the potential to change agriculture permanently on the African continent, including development of crops suited to Chinese demands.

Perhaps with an eye on what

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

The United States is the world’s largest producer of corn. China is the world leader in production of rice, wheat and pork. Farm Bureau file photo

China is doing in Africa, the White House held the firstever Africa Leaders Summit attended by more than 40 African heads of state. One of the initiatives announced was a $1 billion financing guarantee for Africa to purchase U.S. farm goods over the next two years.

Africa went from being a net exporter of agricultural goods in the 1960s to a net importer in the 2000s, in part due to wide-

spread degradation of soil and natural vegetation. However, it has the potential to greatly improve farm production, potential that China clearly recognizes and is addressing. Someday Africa could be a major supplier of food to China.

Stewart Truelsen, a food and agriculture freelance writer, is a regular contributor to the Focus on Agriculture series.

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

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Timber harvest on federal land in northern Idaho is expected to continue at about 45 million board feet per year under a new plan recently adopted by the Forest Service. Between 1980 and 1993, loggers harvested between 125 million board feet and 317 million board feet from the Panhandle Forest alone. Across the nation timber sold from National Forests has declined by 80 percent since 1982. Photo by Steve Ritter

Forest Service Response Disappoints County Officials

By John Thompson People who think citizens or state and local government should have a voice in the management of federal land are sorely mistaken according to a recent report from the U.S. Forest Service.

In sum, a document outlining how northern Idaho’s forests will be managed over the next 15 to 20 years released on September 8, calls for more acres of wilderness with restricted access and limited use and static volumes of timber harvest on federal land.

The Forest Service “Response to Objections” regarding revision of management plans for the Kootenai and Panhandle National Forests shows indifference to the economic condition of Idaho’s five northernmost counties and disregards federal law requiring coordination with those counties, according to a county official.

The report is rife with statements inviting litigation. However, counties with 14

small populations and high percentages of federal land may not be able to afford to challenge the Forest Service decision. Shoshone County has 12,000 residents and is 69 percent federal land, while Boundary County has 10,000 residents and is 59 percent federal land. Shoshone County’s population has declined from nearly 20,000 residents in 1970.

The most significant disagreement is over what constitutes coordination between the Forest Service and local jurisdictions on land planning matters. The Federal Land Management Policy Act (FLMPA) and the National Forest Management Act (NMFA) require federal agencies to coordinate or in other words, to ensure local priorities are considered when federal agencies prepare plans, policies and management actions.

The USFS report is a strong assertion of supremacy over land management decisions in the region, according to Shoshone County Commissioner Larry Yergler. “The

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

report states that the regional forester was satisfied with the standards of coordination,” he said. “I have a vastly different interpretation of what coordination should look like.”

The Forest Service report states the agency isn’t required to “either incorporate the specific provisions of county ordinances into forest plans or to comply with procedural obligations such as those requiring county approval before the planning decision is made. In short, neither the statutes governing Forest Service planning nor their implementing regulations provide for more than an advisory role for state and local governments. In the end, the Forest Service retains discretion and authority to make forest planning and use decisions.”

In response to a follow-up question, Jason Kirchner, public affairs officer for the Panhandle Forest provided the following statement: “The Forest Service recognizes the importance of NFS lands to communities

in Idaho and it is our intent to consider and, if possible, strive for consistency with local objectives. However, consistency between Forest Service plans or projects and state/ county laws and ordinances is not always going to be possible given our mandate by Congress to manage National Forest System lands for the benefit of the citizens of the United States, nor is it required unless specifically provided for by law. Under current law there is no authority that would require or allow the Forest Service to shift any of its decision making authority to other agencies, governments or individuals.

Yergler, on the other hand, believes some effort to coordinate is required and that counties ought to have a voice in the process. County governments are charged with looking out for the welfare of the local economy. They also provide law enforcement and search and rescue services on Drastic decreases in the amount of timber sold from federal land has been a hardship for several Forest Service land, he said. counties in Idaho. Some counties have not been able to make up for job losses in the forest.

Photo by Steve Ritter “Even on their lands we have jurisdiction over several things,” Yergler said. “But according to this report, all they seem to want Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest because an unconstrained budget is an unto talk about is their supremacy. We believe Service in Portland, Oregon. The respon- realistic expectation, the revised plan also there are enough procedural irregularities sibility for serving as the reviewing officer estimates a predicted sale quantity. The that we could easily file and win a lawsuit.” lies with the position, not the individual, so predicted sale quantity, based on our curwhen Mr. Pena accepted the new position rent and expected budgets is 44.6 mmbf.

However, legal action is pending further his vacancy was temporarily filled with a If our budgets were to increase, the forest review of the document and consultation fully qualified acting. Greg Smith is cur- could increase the timber harvest up to the between commissioners from the five rently the acting Associate Deputy Chief ASQ.” northern counties, Yergler said. and he is now delegated the responsibility Timber harvest totals for the Kootenai ForAdding to the controversy is a personnel as the reviewing officer.” est were not available by press time due to change inside the Forest Service that could With regard to timber harvest going for- a Forest Service website malfunction. have affected the outcome of the report. ward, the Forest Service has set an AllowJames Pena was the Forest Service hearWith regard to wilderness on the two forable Sale Quantity (ASQ) of 125 million ing officer charged with evaluating the ests, the number of acres in actual wilboard feet per year. The previous Forest objections to the plan and writing the final derness areas and wilderness study areas Plan set an ASQ of 280 million board feet.

Response to Objections report. Pena held remains constant at 9,900 acres and 6,900 However, under the previous plan the 280 public hearings in Coeur d’ Alene and Libacres respectively. Areas recommended for mbf level was only achieved once, in 1980.

by Montana earlier this year. Yergler said wilderness increase from 146,682 acres to Since 2000, the cut on the Panhandle forPena seemed understanding and somewhat 161,400 acres, a difference of 14,718 acres. est has ranged from a low of 22 million sympathetic to plight of the rural counties board feet in 2003 to 78 million board feet Kirchner added that the Response to Objecin the region. County officials believe Pena in 2011. tions is final. Included in the report are sevwas reassigned from his Washington D.C. eral instructions provided by the reviewing post to a regional forester position in Or- Kirchner explained that the Allowable Sale officer. Regional Forester Faye Kruger in egon in part because of his willingness to Quantity is an estimate of the maximum Missoula will oversee implementation of negotiate with county governments. level of sustainable timber harvest under the reviewing officer’s response and then an unconstrained budget.

The Forest Service response to those alsign the Record of Decision. The revised legations reads as follows: “The original In an email response, Kirchner explained: Forest Plan will take effect 30 days after reviewing officer, Jim Pena, has accepted “Determination of an ASQ is legally re- that. a new job as the regional forester for the quired when developing a revised plan, but Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

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Idaho’s BIG Trees

By Randy Brooks What makes a tree remarkable, memorable, or a real eye catcher? For some, it may be its size, its cones or fruit, its strength and wild setting. For others, it may be the character and form gained from years of pruning, the way the tree sets off a building or neighborhood, or maybe the significance of the origin of the tree or the history surrounding it. Others may see a tree as a way to connect generations with an appreciation of the wonders of nature, or the product of generations of land stewardship. Idaho’s extensive wild forests, pioneer farms, ranches, communities, and historic sites are the setting for some of the most magnificent trees anywhere, a marvel to see and treasure.

You usually have to know something about the smaller, less attractive trees for them to capture your attention, but the really BIG trees in Idaho are hard to ignore, unless no one has ever seen them…..a real possibility in the vast and rugged backcountry that characterizes so much of our state.

One tree in Idaho that tops the 18

Clinometer are tools that can help determine if a tree qualifies as one of Idaho’s BIG trees.

Photos courtesy of University of Idaho.

list of big ones is the whitebark pine in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, a giant growing in a harsh environment, clinging to life despite a huge

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

fire scar and mostly dead limbs.

This tree happens to be both the Idaho and the National Champion tree of its species. Some 14 miles by steep trail from the

nearest road, this tree, over 9 feet in diameter, has seen few visitors since it was measured back in 1980. The other notable big tree in Idaho is a western

redcedar at a whopping 18 feet across its diameter and some 177 feet tall when it was last measured in 1979. While it is not the National champion of its species (the record is in Washington State) this tree is the largest tree of any species in the entire United States, outside of the giant redwoods on the Pacific coast and the giant sequoias in California’s Sierra Mountains. Idaho’s giant cedar gets lots of visitors, so many that a boardwalk has been built around it to protect the root systems from hundreds of visitors every year. The tree is a short distance from the northern Idaho town of Elk River, a short hike of ¼ mile on a paved, handicap-accessible trail.

As Director of the Idaho Big Tree Program (http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/forestry/

content/idahobigtree then click on the Big Tree Program icon), I have the enjoyable task of documenting the species and measurements of big trees submitted by people all over Idaho, updating the records, and sending certificates to nominators and owners of new records. Records that tie (within 5 points of the current record) or exceed the current record of that species in the National Register of Big Trees (http://www.americanforests.org/resources/bigtrees/) are sent on to the national program. While the National Register is published in a nice glossy magazine format and sent to members of the American Forestry Association (but still available online to everyone), in Idaho, we keep our current records online, where you can search the current records, print the list, and download and

Western redcedar are among Idaho’s largest diameter trees.

print instructions and forms for nominating a big tree as a new or co-champion for Idaho.

If anyone reading this article does not have internet access, you can contact me at 208-8856356 with your name and address and I will gladly mail you copies of the Idaho records and nomination forms. Although you can submit directly to the National program, any new national record will naturally be a new state record too, and you can submit the tree through the Idaho program and we will forward your nomination.

There are also several local programs to recognize BIG TREES in Idaho, including the cities of Lewiston and Boise, which have published records of historic as well as large trees in their communities. There is also a national program called

“Tree City USA” which can be found at http://www.arborday. org/programs/treecityusa.cfm . This program recognizes incorporated communities that meet specific standards for caring for the trees that make up their “community forest.” Presently, some 68 towns in Idaho are recognized as “Tree Cities.” More recently, Nez Perce County became the first in the nation to establish a “Tree County USA” program, with Twin Falls County becoming the second.

The Idaho BIG TREE program will recognize any verified tree species from anywhere in the world, or universe for that matter, including scientifically established varieties, as long as it meets the minimum standards and ties or exceeds the current state record. Currently, we separate native and cultivated trees but may go to a listing of wild and cultivated trees, with a note whether the tree is native or introduced. Some of our native tree species records are growing in cultivated situations, and some introduced species are wild “escapes.” The standards for minimum qualification to be recognized as a tree at the national level are the same for every state: 9 ½ inches circumference (3 inches diameter), 13 feet tall with a “definite” crown.

The circumference is measured at 4 ½ feet above the ground (called dbh by foresters…diameter breast height) in inches, giving one point for each inch.

The challenges of measuring trees that fork or have a deformity at dbh, or for trees on slopes, are another controversy we are working to settle, but I recommend that you follow the clear instructions for the Idaho

See UI FORESTRY p. 38 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

19

Forestry CROSSWORD: FORESTRY

Across

Across

1. The value or volume of a tree or group of trees as they stand uncut in the woods.

6. Tree debris left after a natural catastrophe.

7. A stack of round or split wood consisting of 128 cubic feet of wood.

9. The main trunk of a tree.

10. A unit of wood measuring 144 cubic inches.

12. A tree removal practice that reduces tree density in a stand.

13. A practice maximizing forest edge and cover for wildlife and maintaining passable roads year- round.

16. The branches and foliage at the top of a tree.

17. A tree or log of marketable size that is useless for all but firewood or pulpwood.

19. Reestablishing a forest by planting or seeding an area from which forest vegetation has been removed.

21. The science, art, and practice of managing forests, and their associated resources for human benefit.

22. An easily defined area of the forest that is relatively uniform.

23. An area of land or timber that has been defined for management purposes.

24. A tree that has grown from a seed rather than from a sprout.

20

Down

1. A tree belonging to the order Coniferales.

the manufacture paper, fiberboard, other wood fiber products.

1. The value or volume of a tree or group of2. Wood treesusedasin they standofuncut in theorwoods.

3. Trees with broad, flat leaves as opposed to coniferous or needled trees.

6. Tree debris left after a natural catastrophe.

4. An area in which a specific plant or animal can naturally live, grow, and reproduce. slow or stop fires.

7. A stack of round or split wood consisting5.8. Any of nonflammable 128 cubicbarrier feetusedofto wood.

The physical process of selecting trees to be cut or left during a harvest.

9. The main trunk of a tree.

10. Oldest living tree.

11. A small tree, usually between 2 and 4 inches diameter at breast height.

10. A unit of wood measuring 144 cubic inches.

14. A physical cutting or disruption of the cambial sap flow within a tree.

15. density The layer formed the crowns of smaller trees in a forest.

12. A tree removal practice that reduces tree in aby stand.

18. Slicing or cutting trees or stumps at the ground line.

13. A practice maximizing forest edge and 20. cover passable roads yearFruits orfor nuts wildlife used as a foodand sourcemaintaining by wildlife.

16. The branches and foliage at the top of a tree.

17. A tree or log of marketable size that is useless for all but firewood or pulpwood.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 29 19. Reestablishing a forest by planting or seeding an area from which forest vegetation has been re 21. The science, art, and practice of managing forests, and their associated resources for human be 22. An easily defined area of the forest that is relatively uniform. areaQuarterly of land /or timber that has been defined for management purposes.

Idaho 23.

FarmAn Bureau FALL 2014 24. A tree that has grown from a seed rather than from a sprout.

Book Review

Backpack Guide to Idaho Range Plants Seventh Edition $15 (plus shipping), available from the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission, www.idrange.org

By John Thompson Nearly 50 percent of Idaho, or 26 million acres is classified as rangeland. For anyone who may want to know more about the plants that inhabit that vast swath of land, Backpack Guide to Idaho Range Plants is an excellent resource.

According to the preface, rangelands are important to everyone because they provide “natural beauty, diversity of wildlife, recreational opportunities like hunting, hiking and camping, and economic values including ranching, mining and electrical power. Rangelands also serve as important watersheds for production of clean abundant water. The soils, vegetation and water of rangelands are important to the ecological and economic health of Idaho and everyone living here.�

Idaho rangelands are unique because they have evolved in harsh conditions to include less than 10 inches of precipitation per year, fire, drought, hot dry summers and grazing. To survive in such a climate plants develop elaborate root systems that gather soil moisture even in the driest conditions. The book contains many interesting maps and charts that show land ownership percentages in the state, vegetation regions, including Pacific bunchgrass, coniferous forest and mountain meadows, sagebrush grasslands, salt desert shrublands and juniper woodlands, and descriptions of each region. Readers, with the use of this handy book, can learn how to identify and differentiate various classes of plants based on criteria including leaf shape, leaf margins and veination, and flowers. Pages 20 through 163 contain plant descriptions with color photographs on every other page. The book is spiral bound and lays open on its own which makes it easy to compare photographs with real plants and is printed on sturdy, coated paper making it a great value for a reasonable price. Hikers, hunters, ranchers, teachers and many others will find value in this handy book.

Backpack Guide to Idaho Range Plants Seventh Edition is published by the University of Idaho Rangeland Center and the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission. Photographs for the publication are provided by many different friends, faculty, students and alumni of the Rangeland Center.

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RANGE TOUR

Continued from page 11

ers. “I have little staff and little money. When I look at all the projects that people come to me with on this allotment or others or other projects that I have going on, we can’t always do it all.”

The Forest Service noted each and every problem and took part in lively but positive discussions.

“We’re trying to improve the range for future use and continued use,” said RJ Hoffman. “I feel it probably cost me somewhere between $12,000 and $15,000 in feed loss to go home early, but we’re trying to improve the range and we just want that consideration.”

Forty-five local ranchers attended the tour. They visited four sites and at the end of the day asked the Forest Service to listen, be mindful of economic impacts and short deadlines imposed on ranchers.

“We’ve spent the day working on the positives and building communication,” said Butler. “The overall purpose for having this tour is to heighten and awareness level for the agencies and the problems ranchers are going through. The whole idea with this tour was to develop a line of communication. I think we did that.”

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

23

A Taste of Idaho:

Baked Ham with Honey-Apricot Glaze

By John Thompson Have you ever gone through the checkout line at the grocery store and thought to yourself, did that little sack of groceries really just cost me $50?

This was one of those experiences. But let me first back up a bit. After our Summer Quarterly magazine published in August I got a note from Leah Clark, administrator of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s Idaho Preferred program. She said I was a simpleton for using cheese made in Tillamook Oregon on a “Taste of Idaho” food page (Street Tacos recipe on page 24) and that I should consult the Idaho Preferred web page for great recipes using Idaho grown products. She didn’t actually use the word simpleton, but she’s right on both counts, there are plenty of local 24

cheese makers in Idaho and if I would have shopped a bit smarter I could have found one. Second, the Idaho Preferred web page has about a gazillion great recipes using Idaho grown products – check it out at www.idahopreferred.com/recipes. The Idaho Preferred Program continues to do a great job promoting and supporting Idaho products.

But getting back to the original point, I normally cook for one and most weeks I only spend about $75 total on groceries and household supplies. Admitted, I’m a bit of a cheapskate but for one meal this seemed like a lot of money. However, this meal would have easily fed a family of four with leftovers and the bottle of ground cloves cost nearly $11. It’s an item that most bakers probably have in their spice cupboard

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

and will probably last me several years. So that said, the expense was not so bad after all, and you cannot go wrong with Falls Brand Hams. They’re lean and tasty and they make great leftovers. I like to buy a ham whenever I go on a camping trip because you can serve it with any meal.

With regard to the recipe, it’s simple and the glaze coats and carmelizes the bark on the ham resulting in complete deliciousness. It would be a great meal for teaching kids how to cook. One thing the recipe did not mention was to score the top of the ham, or have your butcher spiral slice the meat to allow the glaze to trickle down and penetrate throughout. It goes great with roasted root vegetables, see recipe below.

First, preheat oven to 325 degrees. Score the top of the ham and put it on a roasting

rack in the center of the hot oven for 30 minutes. While the ham begins roasting, mix up all of the remaining ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. When the time is up, pour the glaze over the ham and continue roasting for another two hours, or 15 to 18 minutes per pound. Baste at 20 minute intervals.

Roasted Root Vegetables Cut potatoes, onions, red beets, turnips, parsnips and carrots into bite-sized chunks and put them in a bowl. Add a couple of cloves of chopped garlic (optional), coat with olive oil and season with rosemary, salt and pepper or an Italian seasoning

mix. Then spread the vegetables on a sheet pan and put them in a 350 degree oven for one hour. Check for done-ness after 45 minutes. With this meal I put them in with the ham at 325 for about an hour and fifteen minutes.

Ingredients: Honey Glazed Ham 1 – Falls Brand Ham 2 – 1/3 cup Idaho honey 3 – 1/3 cup apricot preserves 4 – 1/3 cup soy sauce

5 – 1 - 6 ounce can of orange juice concentrate – thawed 6 – ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 7 – ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

25

Friends of Farm Bureau

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, center, receives the Friend of Farm Bureau Award from Idaho Farm Bureau CEO Rick Keller, right, and Idaho Farm Bureau Director of Governmental Affairs Russ Hendricks, left.

Idaho Senator Jim Risch, center, receives the Friend of Farm Bureau Award from Idaho Farm Bureau CEO Rick Keller, left and Idaho Farm Bureau Director of Governmental Affairs Russ Hendricks, right.

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

Congressman Raul Labrador, second from left, receives a Friend of Farm Bureau Award from Idaho Farm Bureau CEO Rick Keller, left, Idaho Farm Bureau Director of Governmental Affairs Russ Hendricks, third from left, and Idaho Farm Bureau Assistant Director of Governmental Affairs Dennis Tanikuni, right.

Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, center, receives his Friend of Farm Bureau award from Idaho Farm Bureau CEO Rick Keller, left, and Idaho Farm Bureau Director of Governmental Affairs Russ Hendricks, right.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

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Farm Facts

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

crossword answers from page 20

Top Farm Bureau Agents

Rookie of the Month & Agent of the Month

Across: 1. Stumpage, 6. Slash, 7. Cord, 9. Bole, 10. Board foot, 12. Thinning, 13. Daylighting, Crown, 17. Cull, Reforestation, 21. 9.

Forestry, Stand, Across: 16.

1. Stumpage, 6.19.

Slash, 7. Cord, Bole,22.10.

Board foot, 12. Thinning, 13. Daylighting, 23. Block, 24. Seedling.

16. Crown, 17. Cull, 19. Reforestation, 21. Forestry, 22. Stand, 23. Block, 24. Seedling.

Down: 1. Softwood, 2. Pulpwood, 3. Hardwoods, 4. Habitat, 5. Firebreak, Down: 1. Softwood, 2. Sapling, Pulpwood, 3. Hardwoods, 8. Marking, 10. Bristlecone Pine, 11.

14. Girdling, 15. Understory,4. Habitat, 5. Firebreak, 8. Marking, 10. Bristlecone Pine, 11.

Sapling, 14. Girdling, 15. Understory, 18. Shearing, 20. Mast. Â 18. Shearing, 20. Mast.

Lynnae Gliege

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

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Marketbasket Survey Farm Bureau Survey: Bacon Cheeseburgers Costing Just a Bit More WASHINGTON, D.C., – Shoppers are paying slightly more for food at the grocery store compared to the first half of 2014. Higher retail prices for beef and pork products such as ground chuck and bacon, among other foods, resulted in a slight increase in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s latest Semi-Annual Marketbas-

ket Survey.

The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare one or more meals was $54.26, up $1.06 or about 2 percent compared to a survey conducted about a year ago. Of the 16 items surveyed, seven increased and nine decreased in average price.

“Several beef, pork and dairy products rose in price during the second half of the year, accounting for much of the increase in the marketbasket,” said John Anderson, AFBF’s deputy chief economist. “As anticipated, food prices have increased moderately – by about 2 percent – during 2014, which is essentially in line with the average rate of inflation over the past 10 years.”

Price checks of alternative milk and egg choices not included in the overall marketbasket survey average revealed the following: 1/2 gallon regular milk, $2.51; 1/2 gallon rBST-free milk, $3.31; 1/2 gallon organic milk, $4.05; and 1 dozen “cage-free” eggs, $3.65.

“On the retail side, we’re seeing higher beef prices which can be attributed to lower production,” Anderson said. “Consumers can expect to pay a little more for their bacon cheeseburgers as we look toward the end of the year.”

The year-to-year direction of the marketbasket survey tracks closely with the federal government’s Consumer Price Index (http://www.bls.gov/cpi/) report for food at home. As retail grocery prices have increased gradually over time, the share of the average food dollar that

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

America’s farm and ranch families receive has dropped.

“Through the mid-1970s, farmers received about one-third of consumer retail food expenditures for food eaten at home and away from home, on average. Since then, that figure has decreased steadily and is now about 16 percent, according to the Agriculture Department’s revised Food Dollar Series,” Anderson said.

Using the “food at home and away from home” percentage across-the-board, the farmers’ share of the $54.26 marketbasket is $8.68.

AFBF, the nation’s largest general farm organization, conducted an informal quarterly marketbasket survey of retail food price trends from 1989 to 2012. In 2013, the marketbasket series was updated to include two semi-annual surveys of “everyday” food items, a summer cookout survey and the annual Thanksgiving survey.

According to USDA, Americans spend just under 10 percent of their disposable annual income on food, the lowest average of any country in the world. A total of 87 shoppers in 27 states participated in the latest survey, conducted in September.

Items Showing Retail Price Increases From A Year Ago Include:

• Sirloin Tip Roast, Up 27 Percent To $5.52 Per Pound • Ground Chuck, Up 17 Percent To $4.31 Per Pound • Sliced Deli Ham, Up 16 Percent To $5.44 Per Pound • Bacon, Up 9 Percent To $5.11 Per Pound • Shredded Cheddar, Up 6 Percent To $4.78 Per Pound • Eggs, Up 7 Percent To $1.95 Per Dozen • Whole Milk, Up 2 Percent To $3.78 Per Gallon

Items Showing Retail Price Decreases From A Year Ago Include:

• Russet Potatoes, Down 15 Percent To $2.72 For A Five-Pound Bag • Vegetable Oil, Down 14 Percent To $2.69 For A 32-Ounce Bottle • Chicken Breast, Down 12 Percent To $3.46 Per Pound • Bagged Salad, Down 10 Percent To $2.55 Per Pound • Orange Juice, Down 8 Percent To $3.21 Per Half-Gallon • Flour, Down 7 Percent To $2.47 For A Five-Pound Bag • White Bread, Down 6 Percent To $1.72 For A 20-Ounce Loaf • Toasted Oat Cereal, Down 3 Percent To $2.99 For A 9-Ounce Box • Apples, Down 2 Percent To $1.56 Per Pound

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

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IDAHO FFA - BUILDING TOMORROW’S AGRICULTURAL LEADERS Why FFA With the world population expected to near 10 billion by the year 2050, every facet of agriculture must grow to meet the increasing demands for the world’s food supply. FFA members are students who are preparing to help meet local and global challenges through careers in agricultural sciences, business and technology to through their participation in high school agricultural education and FFA. FFA has been an integral part of agriculture programs in Idaho high schools since 1929, currently with over 12,000 Idaho agricultural education students, 89 active chartered Idaho FFA chapters, and nearly 4,000 Idaho FFA members. Agricultural Education is delivered through classroom and laboratory instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experience programs or work-based learning, and student leadership through the FFA organization.

FFA has provided a formal structure for thousands of members over the years to acquire leadership and public speaking skills, and learn the importance of goal setting, the value of hard work, honesty and community service. Many of our current leaders in education, business, agriculture and government got their start in FFA. The Idaho FFA Foundation was established in 1980 as the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for the Idaho FFA Association and is proud to provide ongoing financial support to career development events and leadership activities that help students develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.

www.idffafoundation.org

Support Idaho FFA members with your contribution to the Idaho FFA Foundation today!

I/We would like to contribute $_____________ to the Idaho FFA Foundation to support Idaho FFA members: Name _________________________________________ Address _______________________________________ City/State/Zip _________________________________ _________________________________ Phone ________________________________________ Email _________________________________________  General Contribution Memorial Contribution in honor and memory of: _________________________________________ Send notification to ________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ Check Enclosed  Please bill my:  Visa or  Mastercard Name on card: _____________________________________________ Card Number and Expiration Date: __________________________________Exp________ Signature ____________________________________ Please mail to:

Idaho FFA Foundation P.O. Box 870 Meridian, ID 83680 Questions? Phone: 208-861-2467, or Email: lwilder@idffafoundation.org

www.idffafoundation.org

501(c)3 Non-Profit

FFA—Premier Leadership, Personal Growth and Career Success through Agricultural Education 32

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION "75 Years of Idaho Farm Bureau" 75th Annual Meeting Riverside Hotel, Boise, Idaho December 2 - 4, 2014

Tuesday, December 2 9:00 am REGISTRATION DESK OPENS 11:00 am GENERAL SESSION LUNCHEON 1:00 pm FARM BUREAU'S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOPS Legislative Issues - IFBF Governmental Affairs Public Lands Issues – John Freemuth, BSU Protecting Your Family's Future – Stacy Lucich, Attorney 2:00 p.m.

REFRESHMENT BREAK 2:15 p.m.

FARM BUREAU'S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOPS (continued) Market Outlook - Clark Johnston, J.C. Management Patrick Kroese, GrainBridge Fire Protection Panel – Tim Murphy, BLM; Julia Sullens, IDL; Mike Guerry, Rancher Water Issues Panel Discussion – IFBF Water Cmte.

3:00 pm DISCUSSION MEET PARTICIPANTS AND JUDGES 3:15 pm DISCUSSION MEET SEMI-FINALS 4:45 pm SCREENING COMMITTEE MEETING 5:15 pm YOUNG FARMERS AND RANCHERS CAUCUS 5:00 pm CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE MEETING 5:15 pm HOUSE OF DELEGATES PROCEDURES 6:00 pm DISCUSSION MEET FINALS 7:00 pm AWARDS BANQUET Wednesday, December 3 6:00 am HEALTH FAIR 7:00 am RISE 'N SHINE BREAKFAST Affiliated Company Reports Insurance, Paul Roberts Marketing, Dennis Brower 8:00 am - noon HOUSE OF DELEGATES SESSIONS BEGINS 8:00 – 9:15 DISTRICT WOMEN'S CAUCUSES 10:00 am REFRESHMENT BREAK 9:30 am WOMEN'S COMMITTEE BUSINESS MEETING 11:30 pm WEDNESDAY LUNCHEON 2:00 pm HOUSE OF DELEGATES CONTINUES 2:00 pm SPECIAL WORKSHOP – “Ag In The Classroom” Continued on P. 34 1

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

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3:15 pm 4:30 pm 7:00 pm

REFRESHMENT BREAK DISTRICT CAUCUSES FARM BUREAU'S ANNUAL BANQUET President’s Cup Award 75th Anniversary Celebration Thursday, December 4 7:00 am COUNTY PRESIDENTS BREAKFAST 8:00 am ELECTION OF DIRECTORS 8:20 am HOUSE OF DELEGATES CONTINUE 10:15 am REFRESHMENT BREAK 12:00 noon ADJOURN HOUSE OF DELEGATES 12:30 pm STATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS LUNCHEON 12:30 pm STATE BOARD SPOUSES LUNCHEON 1:30 pm STATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Public Lands Workshop The Politics and Policy of Our Public Lands in 2014 Public land policy is on the minds of many Idahoans. A possible listing of the sage grouse, a national monument proclamation (or two), debate over what level of government can and should manage the federal estate, and the role of multiple use are just a few of the topics that create a good deal of argument, fear and uncertainty today.

This presentation will discuss these and other related topics, with plenty of time for questions and discussion.

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

He has been a high school teacher, and seasonal park ranger. He has a BA from Pomona College and a Ph.D. from Colorado State University. He was named the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching /CAES of Professor of the Year for Idaho for 2001.

Fire Protection Workshop Landowners and ranchers often respond to wildland fires on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) managed public land. This customary and logical response has occurred for generations. Through the 1990s the independent response became a difficult situation as the BLM cannot advocate or authorize independent action in response to wildland fire on public lands. While at the same time BLM and other interagency resources may not be immediately available on multiple start days or at times when higher priority wildfires have drawn down scarce resources.

Everyone involved, the BLM, State of Idaho, and ranchers knew there was a better way and developed a solution. Common ground brought the players together. The shared objective is protecting life, property, and resources by increasing the capacity for swift, effective, and safe initial attack. This shared objective works for landowners, ranchers, the State of Idaho, and the BLM.

Rural Fire Protection Agreements (RFPA) provide the opportunity for local landowners to protect their own property and neighbor’s property where no fire protection services are currently available. They provide fast response times to wildland fire on public lands and RFPAs also respond to adjacent jurisdictions through local agreements to help suppress range fires.

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

2

Speakers: Michael A. Guerry is President of Guerry, Inc., a family owned ranching operation running sheep and cattle, on what is now the Jarbidge Resource Area and the Humboldt/Toiyabe National Forest. The operation now spans three generations, and over 100 years of involvement with livestock in the Castleford and Three Creek, Idaho area. He attended Carroll College, the University of Idaho and Boise State University, acquiring BA in Accounting from Boise State in 1978. A former Certified Public Accountant, and football coach, he is currently the Chairman of the Three Creek Rangeland Protection Association and a member of the Saylor Creek Rangeland Protection Association.

Julia Sullens is the South Idaho Fire Program Liaison for the Idaho Department of Lands. She began her career with the Oregon Department of Forestry while completing a B.S. in Forest Management at Oregon State University. She began working for the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) in 2011 as an Assistant Fire Warden for the Southwest Area. In 2013 a new position was created, with a large focus on coordinating the Rangeland Fire Protection Associations, a new program to the State of Idaho.

Timothy “Tim” M. Murphy is the Idaho State Director for the Bureau of Land Management. He has worked for the BLM since 1980 in various capacities related to range firefighting and federal land management. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture and rangeland science from the University of Wyoming.

Market Outlook Workshop GrainBridge is a web-­‐based software company located in the heart of Midwest Agriculture, Omaha, Nebraska. The GrainBridge Team has a shared love for agriculture and a passion for creating technology applications for the agribusiness and professional grower. Innovative software solutions that take a comprehensive look at bottom line profitability, incorporating crop insurance, futures, options and payments, with current markets updated daily Speaker: Pat Kroese is Co-­‐founder and Vice President of GrainBridge, a leading web-­‐based technology company for the professional agribusiness and producer. With over 25 years of experience in agriculture, Kroese has experience in assisting producers manage their day-­‐to-­‐day business from the commercial grain industry, to the beef industry and affiliated associations. Kroese spent a season overseas developing a common knowledge of European agriculture and understanding the basic practices in dairy and beef development. Kroese received his Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Sciences & Ag Business from the University of Nebraska-­‐Lincoln.

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

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

Preventing Water Damage In Winter As if slippery sidewalks and snowcovered cars aren’t bad enough during this time of year, there is another potential problem you could face: damage to your home caused by freezing weather. This could include water damage to your ceilings and walls from leaks caused by ice dams or bursting pipes. Fortunately, you can take steps to avoid the cost and frustration of this kind of damage to your home.

Ice Dams An ice dam is an accumulation of ice at the lower edge of a sloped roof, usually at the gutter. When interior heat melts the snow on the roof, the water will run down and refreeze at the roof’s edge where temperatures are much cooler. Eventually, the ice builds up and blocks water from draining off the roof. This forces the water under the roof covering and into your attic or down the inside walls of your house.

Once an ice dam forms, the potential damage can be serious. Take these steps now to avoid trouble later: • Keep the attic well ventilated. The colder the attic, the less melting and refreezing on the roof.

• Keep the attic floor well insulated to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within the house.

These two steps will decrease the chances of ice dams forming or at least reduce the size if they do form.

If your home has recessed lighting near the roof, ice dams may be unavoidable. Heat generated from these lights melts snow, which then contributes to ice dam buildup. The only sure way to avoid this problem is to eliminate re-

Water damage caused by an ice dam. cessed light fixtures near the roof.

Freezing Pipes Frozen water in pipes can cause water pressure buildup between the ice blockage and the closed faucet at the end of a pipe, which leads to pipes bursting at their weakest point. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing in extremely cold weather, where holes in your house’s outside wall for television, cable or telephone lines allow cold air to reach them.

To keep water in pipes from freezing, take the following steps: • Fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping to slow the heat transfer. The more insulation the better.

• Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulking.

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes (particularly in the kitchen and bathroom).

• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space. Or drain the water system, especially if your house will be unattended during cold periods.

• Detach all garden hoses from outside faucets during the winter. Water from the hose can move into the faucet valve, freeze, and cause damage inside your home.

It’s also a good idea to review your homeowners insurance policy periodically with your insurance agent to make sure you have sufficient coverage to protect the investment you’ve made in your home.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

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UI FORESTRY Continued from page 19 program. Height is measured to the highest point on the tree, regardless of whether that part of the tree is alive or not, with one point for each foot of height. The crown measurement is taken at the widest and narrowest distance across the drip line of the crown, averaged and then divided by 4, giving 1 point for each foot. As with height, all parts of the crown are considered whether dead or alive. The Idaho and National Champion whitebark pine picture shown in this article is a good example of a big tree with a lot of dead crown clear to the top.

If you measure and nominate any Idaho and/or National record tree, you will receive a nice certificate suitable for framing, and the landowner will also receive a certificate as the “Owner and Protector” of all Idaho record trees.

While some of our Idaho records are on private land and will require permission for me to give out their exact location, I will be glad to provide locations on any of our records that you may want to re-measure.

Anyone can re-measure and submit a new record for existing Idaho records, whether state or national, but original nominators will still be recognized along with the new person(s). There are also a few open records on native species, and many on introduced species. County courthouse grounds, older parks and private residences, and particularly older rural home sites and homesteads are good places to find record trees. So are many managed forests and wilderness areas. Local foresters and other managers of private and public lands often know where the big trees are, and can also help you with measurements. We are also wanting to start adding GPS coordinates to our database. So if you go looking,

take your GPS with you and send me the coordinates.

In the Coeur d’ Alene City Park, towards the west end near the playground equipment, are two magnificent American chestnut trees, nearly 4 feet in diameter and well over 100 feet tall. Decimated by the introduced chestnut blight, this species that once dominated eastern hardwood forests is honored and sustained by these impressive Idaho champions. From Franklin County in SE Idaho, to Owyhee in the SW, and up to Boundary County on the northern border, champion Idaho BIG TREES are part of our state and national heritage.

Let’s take care of them, and find more of these remarkable living legends.

Randy Brooks is a University of Idaho Extension Forestry Specialist based on campus in Moscow. He can be reached at: rbrooks@uidaho.edu

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

swc.idaho.gov | 208-332-1790 38

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

Introducing the Heavy-Weight in Pulvi-Mulchers.

3630 Pulvi-Mulcher Features: ■ Designed For Improved Trash Flow Through the Machine ■ Three Rows of Shanks on Overall 6” Spacing ■ Two-Piece Edge Bent S-Tine Shanks For Better Leveling ■ 25” Under Frame Shank Clearance ■ 18” Between Shanks, Minimum of 24” Between Rows ■ Choice of 2” Reversible Points or 7” Sweeps ■ Spike Leveling Bar in Front of Rear Roller

The 3630 Series, new to the Pulvi-Mulcher line-up from Brillion, features working widths of 30’ and 36’6”. The 30’ model weighs 80% more than the popular WL360 model for more clod crushing power. The 36’6” unit is the widest Pulvi-Mulcher ever offered by Brillion!

8” roller axles with heavy-duty bearings improves reliability and reduces down time. Choice of notched or crowfoot ductile iron wheels allows the 3630 Series to be set-up to match your soil conditions.

Scan this code or visit our website to learn more.

Brillion, WI 54110 855.320.0373

www.brillionfarmeq.com

©2014 Brillion Farm Equipment

1380 Enterprise 208-881-5160 Idaho Falls Idaho 83402

Protect your seed investment.

www.agri-lines.com 115 North 2nd Street (208)722-5121 Parma, Idaho 83660

5895 East 2nd Street (775) 625-1945 Winnemucca, Nevada

360 Riverside Drive (208) 834-2380 Grand View, Idaho 83647

1200 South 10th East Street (208) 580-4002 Mountain Home, ID 83647

NOW is the time to protect young plants and insure a strong start with Bio-Forge® ST seed treatment.

Bio-Forge® ST up-regulates key genes associated with stress.

At the plant level you will see: • • • •

Sagely Sown Melba (208) 495-3178 ™

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Office: 509-968-9600 Fax: 509-968-9700

Enhanced germination Stronger seedling vigor Rapid, downward root growth Fibrous root mass for increased nutrient uptake especially nitrogen Slightly shorter stalks and more robust grain heads Higher test weight Reduced lodging Protects young seedlings from stress especially in cool spring soils Increased winter survivability Blends well with other chemical sprays

To find a dealer near you visit

StollerUSA.com

Mike Hajny cell: 509-899-3143 Mike Hajny email: Mike@wesco.us.com

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

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DEADLINE DATES:

Classifieds

ADS MUST BE RECEIVED BY JANUARY 20 FOR NEXT ISSUE OF THE QUARTERLY

Animals

Household

Miscellaneous

Vehicles

Quarter horses for sales. All ages and colors.

Some broke. $750-2500 each. Lava Hot Springs, Id. Call Dan 208-251-6316.

Gas/Propane Hot Water Heater - G.E., Capacity - 40 Gal. (Tall), Great Condition.

Paid $550 - Asking $250. Shelley, ID. Call 528-5337. Please leave message.

7 Dakota western riding saddles for sale. Some 15 inch and some 16 inch seats. Like new. $425 each. Lava Hot Springs, Id. Call Dan 208-2516316.

Alligator cowboy boots, size 11, good shape also Lizard skin cowboy boots, also size 11 both custom made, $125.00 each pair OBO 208-745-6072.

2013 Trails West Classic II, 3 horse, white, bumper pull trailer with double rear doors, loaded with extras. Weight 4290 Length 17 ft. $14,000.00 Twin Falls, ID 208-420-7069.

2002 Dodge Ram 350 dually diesel.

Extended cab, leather interior, pipe running boards, mud flaps, automatic transmission.

Like new, 40,000 miles with 1995 Lance Camper 11’3”, generator, awning, solar air, microwave, catalytic heater. Excellent condition, $30,000 for both or $8,000 for camper, $22,000 for truck. Twin Falls, Id. 208-420-3922.

Interested in purchasing old canning jars?

I have several. Parma, ID. Please call 208722-5660.

Real Estate/Acreage

Purebred black Scottish Highland bull calf for sale, nice head and shoulder, level top line, stout hind quarter, good conformation, 6 months old, potential herd sire $1000.

Parents on site, black sire, light red dam.

Hot Springs Highlands, Melba, ID 208-8965529

Farm Equipment Farmall H tractor 1942-1943 $1,000.00; 2 Horse trailer $1,000.00. Buhl, Id. 208-5435314.

New Squeeze Chute - green, hand pull. $1200. Midvale, Id 83645. 208-355-3780.

2000 gal VanVetter milk tank with 2-3 phase - compressors, $5,000; 10 HP DeLaval variable speed vacuum pump, $5,000; 12 BourMatic 2100 detaches $100 each.

Preston, Id. 208-852-0723.

Hay/Pitch Forks, some have broken handles, these are probably antiques . $10.00 for those with full handles, $5.50 for those with short handles. Rigby, ID. Call 208-7456072 or e-mail jpdownard@juno.com, for pictures.

Balewagons: New Holland self-propelled or pull-type models. Also interested in buying balewagons. Will consider any model. Call Jim Wilhite at 208-880-2889 anytime

Hay and Feed 3rd Crop Hay 17 bales $80.00 call 5285337.

1st crop alfalfa for sale. 3x4 bales, average 1500 lbs. No rain. $180 per ton. Lava Hot Springs, Id. Call Dan 208-251-6316.

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

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Miscellaneous 9000 Watt Generator never used. 15 HP Honda engine. 120 and 240 volt outlets.

Electric start, on wheels easy to move. List price $3,250. Asking $2,250. May take some trades. Homedale, Id. 208-337-8018.

Belted Galloway hides tanned hair on long red and black. Nice white belt. $450.00 each. Bennington, ID. 208-847-1262.

Generator-6500 Watt, 10 HP diesel, Elec. start, 4-stroke, air-cooled 40amp @120 V, 20 amp @ 240 V. like New, $2,500.

Rockland, ID 208-548-2351.

Cider Press-Trailer mounted, 2’x7.5’, 2000 lb hydraulic press, sieves, tanks, cloths, etc, everything ready to go $4,500; Upright Cooler-4-shelf, 9.5’W x6.5’Hx 3’D + 100+ 1 gal cider jugs, $600. Rockland, ID 208548-2351.

1800’s Tricycle, very old, leather seat. $500.

Eagle, Id 208-871-0636.

Two Plots in the Twin Falls Cemetery $500 each or $800 for both. Collectable porcelain dolls. Heyburn, Id. 208-670-5050.

Saddles, good condition, appraised at $675.00 will sell for $425.00. 16’ seat, well taken care of. Second saddle was handmade, numbered by maker in California, appraised by maker for $1500.00. Will sell for $600.00. Rigby, Id. Call 208-745-6072 or e-mail jpdownard@juno.com for pictures.

2 wall mounted saddle racks, great shape. $30.00 each. 208-745-6072 or e-mail jpdownard@juno.com.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2014

North Idaho Log Home. Horse setup, shop, 20 ac or more available, wooded, no covenants.

Borders Forest Service road and Hwy 95 Frontage. $359,900. See more info @ www. forsalebyowner.com/23972696. Bonners Ferry, Id. 208-267-4168.

Beautiful 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home on 1 acre. Canal and golf course are the backyard neighbors. Like New, All remodeled! More storage than you could ever wish for. Peaceful in Grouse Point Subdivision off of S. Cloverdale in Kuna, Id. 208-921-5369.

For Rent: Mobile Home Lot - 14x70 or smaller - 2005 Mobile Home or Newer. $175.00 monthly., includes water/sewer Only. Shelley Area.

Application process and contract required. For more info please call 528-5337, leave message.

1965 Red Ford Mustang re-built engine and cam $14,000. 1981 Mercedes-Benzes 300SD Turbo Diesel 212,000 miles, power everything, leather seats $7,000. Heyburn, Id. 208-670-5050.

Wanted Hydraulic blade for D42 Cat. Wide gauge, manual tile and angle ok. 80” outside of tracks. 5 roller. McCall, Id 208-634-6956.

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.

Recreational Equipment

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

2003 Coachman Santara Class C Motor Home.

Model #316KS, New Tires, Generator, Air shocks, 29,00 miles, Ford E-450 engine, Auto transmission, Large slide out, Awning, Set up to tow up to 5000 lbs. Asking low book of $34,000.

Contact Lyle Rowbury 281-797-6955.

Buying U.S. gold coins, proof and mint sets, silver dollars, rolls and bags. PCGS/NGC certified coins, estates, accumulations, large collections, investment portfolios, bullion, platinum. Will travel, all transactions confidential. Please call 208-859-7168.

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

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

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

Mail ad copy to: 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: ________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________