January 2015, Volume 19, Issue 1

January 2015 • Volume 19, Issue 1

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Spending Bill Keeps Sage-Grouse off ESA List

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Four IFBF County Presidents Step Down

®

Idaho Farm Bureau

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Annual Meeting Wrap Up

Agriculture’s Resolve in 2015

By Bob Stallman AFBF President

The New Year is upon us, and with it comes a new Congress.

The challenges we face, on the other hand, are rather old. It’s time to resolve longstanding policy battles so the business of agriculture can grow in 2015 and beyond.

113th Congress Dubbed “Least Productive” Ever

By Frank Priestley President Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

The 113th elected Congress in this nation’s history recently came to a merciful end. Historians have labeled it the least productive in history in terms of

We Are the Special Interest

By Rick Keller CEO Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

During the lame duck session following the November elections, in a rare switch from the previous months and years of wrangling, Congress passed several pieces of legislation including the continu2

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

The Ag Agenda The world’s population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050. Feeding them will not be easy. We know data-driven precision ag will help us do that, but we also need to know our business data will remain secure if we hand it to others for analysis and safekeeping. Farm Bureau has led the way in helping farmers and ranchers navigate this new territory.

Last fall, we brought together agricultural technology companies and farm groups to hammer out a historic set of data privacy and security principles. The next step means holding companies accountable, so we’re developing a transparency evaluation tool to help farmers sort through the jargon. Once it’s done, farmers and ranchers will

bills passed with 203 pieces of legislation becoming law. The 113th beat out the 112th Congress in this category by a slim margin.

politics has never been greater.

Going forward we have a Republican congress that is expected to pass important legislation that will move the country forward.

The test will be whether the 114th Congress will pass bills that President Obama will sign.

Will they choose to find compromises, or stand in front of TV cameras and bloviate about the President’s veto power? We hope they choose the former.

Whether Congress should be judged based on number of bills passed is open to interpretation. Sometimes it’s better when certain bills don’t get passed.

But during the last two sessions of Congress, gridlock has prevailed. The opportunity for statesmanship to trump party ing resolution/omnibus spending Fiscal Year 2015 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations bill, known as Cromnibus.

The bill represents the role of Congress in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to fund government operations.

What I found interesting was some of the individuals who voted “no.”

Opponents referenced the passage of the bill as the “Ignominious Finale.” It appeared the senators on both ends of the political spectrum were opposed to its passage: on

See STALLMAN, page 6

See PRIESTLEY, page 7

the far left Senators Tom Harkin, Al Franken, Elizabeth Warren; on the far right Senators Jeff Sessions, Marco Rubio, Mike Lee, Ted Cruz, and Rand Paul. In their published press releases each proclaimed the American middle class was not well served, that special interest groups hijacked the process and ruled the day.

As details of the bill became public and as other bills passed in the waning days, it was pleasing to notice Idaho’s middle class and See KELLER, page 6

Volume 19, Issue 1

IFBF OFFICERS President ................................... Frank Priestley, Franklin Vice President ...................................Mark Trupp, Driggs Executive Vice President ............................... Rick Keller BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bryan Searle ............................................................Shelley Mark Harris ................................................. Soda Springs Chris Dalley ....................................................... Blackfoot Dean Schwendiman ........................................... Newdale Danny Ferguson ........................................................Rigby Scott Steele ..................................................... Idaho Falls Gerald Marchant .................................................. Oakley Rick Pearson ................................................... Hagerman Rick Brune............................................................Hazelton Curt Krantz ............................................................. Parma Cody Chandler....................................................... Weiser Tracy Walton ........................................................ Emmett Marjorie French ............................................... Princeton Alton Howell ................................................ Careywood Tom Daniel ............................................... Bonners Ferry Carol Guthrie ......................................................... Inkom Luke Pearce ............................................. New Plymouth STAFF Dir. of 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 GEM STATE PRODUCER USPS #015-024, is published monthly except February, May, August and November by the IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION, 275 Tierra Vista Drive, Pocatello, ID 83201.

A spending bill recently passed by Congress adds white potatoes to the federal Women, Infant, Children (WIC) program’s list of approved vegetables. While it isn’t expected to have much effect on overall potato consumption, potato industry officials were concerned about the perception that potatoes are not as healthy as other vegetables. Farm Bureau file photo

Obama signs $1.1 trillion spending bill, Idaho benefits

By Jake Putnam President Barack Obama signed the $1.1 trillion spending bill passed by Congress December 13.

The bill, known as the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations or Cromnibus bill, funds most of the government for the rest of the fiscal year.

POSTMASTER send changes of address to: GEM STATE PRODUCER P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848.

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

The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives 219 to 206 with bipartisan support and opposition: 67 Republicans opposed the spending bill and 57 Democrats supported it.

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

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported the House version saying the legislation funds needed programs throughout the West.

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

Cover: A bill recently passed by Congress funds most of the government through 2015, releases PILT funds to rural counties, funds firefighting needs and keeps sage-grouse off the Endangered Species List. Only one member of Idaho’s Congressional Delegation supported the bill. Photo by Jim Parker

“This bill represents an important step for Congress toward fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to fund government operations through the regular process,” said Simpson.

Simpson chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water DeSee SPENDING BILL page 4 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

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SPENDING BILL

Continued from page 3

Congress’ passage of the Cromnibus spending bill provides funding to reimburse ranchers for losses caused by wolves.

Farm Bureau file photo

velopment and is Vice Chair of Interior and Environment. He played a key role in deciding funding levels for Departments of Energy and Interior.

Idaho’s other Congressman, Rep. Raul Labrador did not support the bill. “Once again, Congress has failed to take seriously its responsibility to squarely address the federal spending crisis. The result is a 1,603-page bill larded with pork and favors for special interests,” Labrador said.

Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch also voted against the legislation.

The bill was a victory for House Speaker John Boehner and Obama -- who fought on the same side in this fight. The bill was contentious and started a Democratic intraparty fight, with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi opposing President Obama.

“With a bipartisan vote, the House has 4 #

passed a responsible bill to keep the government running and address the American people’s priorities,” Boehner said.

“This measure puts us on track to save taxpayers more than $2.1 trillion while protecting jobs and supporting our national defense.”

Energy and Water Development Energy and water development directly impacts the Idaho economy.

“I am pleased to report that the Energy and Water portion of the omnibus rejects cuts to nuclear research sought by the Obama Administration and increases funding for many of the vital programs at INL,” said Simpson.

DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy is funded at $914 million, an increase of $24.3 million over the FY14 funding level. Nuclear energy research and development pro-

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

grams that receive funding within the $914 million allocation include several of the following: The Idaho Operations and Infrastructure account, that covers the Idaho National Laboratory, was funded at $200.6 million, a $20 million increase over last year.

Congress funded the National Science User Facility program at $36.5 million an increase of $18 million above the President’s request. This program completes the installation of post irradiation examination equipment at INL’s Irradiated Materials Characterization Laboratory.

Small Modular Reactor Licensing Support Programs were funded at $55 million. The budget includes a Small Modular Reactor proposed for construction at INL. The Light Water Reactor Sustainability See SPENDING BILL page 8

Idaho Farm Bureau

Observes 75th Anniversary Rancher Achiever Award. For the past several years Polaris Motorsport dealers of Idaho made a generous donation to the Farm Bureau Achiever Award winner.

Recognized as Women of the Year were Nancy Asay of Malad, Susan Johnson of Leadore, Maria Brown of Burley, Pattie Chandler of Weiser and Sheila Hasselstrom of Winchester.

Tim and Rosemary Lowry, cattle ranchers from Owyhee County, were recipients of the 2014 Idaho Farm Bureau President’s Cup. IFBF President Frank Priestley is on the left in the photograph.

Boise –The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation celebrated 75 years as an organization during its annual convention in Boise, December 2-4.

The organization got its start back in September of 1939 in Murtaugh.

Delegates representing 41 of Idaho’s 44 counties discussed policy and set the organization’s course for 2014 debating a wide range of agriculture and natural resources matters.

Delegates to the 75th Annual Convention adopted new policy on fuel taxes to help improve Idaho’s roads and bridges, endangered species with regard to sage grouse, opposed establishment of new free-roaming herds of bison outside Yellowstone Park and adopted new policy language on the establishment of national monuments and wilderness areas.

Idaho Farm Bureau’s annual

banquet drew more than 325 members that packed the Riverside Hotel banquet room. The group enjoyed a historical retrospective video spanning the Farm Bureau’s 75 years and another video that featured remembrances from former Farm Bureau Presidents Dale Rockwood, Tom Geary and former first lady, Frances Field.

Diego to compete in the American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet in January.

Shaun and Hattie Blaser of Rexburg won the Young Farmer and Rancher Excellence in Agriculture Award. Ben and Amy Gittins of Weston received the Young Farmer and

Luke Pearce of Payette County was elected to the State Board of Directors. Judy Woody of Twin Falls County was elected as the new Women’s Leadership Committee chair. Allis Chandler of Washington County was elected vice chair. Cole Smith of Montpelier was elected Young Farmer and Rancher Committee chairman.

See CONVENTION page 22

President Frank Priestley awarded the President’s Cup Award to Tim and Rosemary Lowry of Owyhee County.

Lowry is a lifelong rancher and won a landmark water rights case in the U.S. Supreme Court that preserved stock water rights on public lands throughout the West.

Winner of this year’s Young Farmer and Rancher discussion meet was LaNae Nalder of Minidoka County. Nalder is a cattle rancher. She received a Polaris Trailblazer ATV and an all-expense paid trip to San

LaNae Nalder of Minidoka County was the winner of the 2014 Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

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STALLMAN

Continued from page 2

be able to easily compare contracts to see whether and how companies comply with the agreed-upon principles.

Biotechnology is key to feeding a growing population, too. Farmers and ranchers know firsthand how beneficial genetically modified products are for consumers and the environment, but pseudoscience and misinformation threaten to drown out the progress we’ve made. Recent attempts to require mandatory labeling have undercut decades of research and development in food and food safety, alike.

Farmers and ranchers, meanwhile, are redoubling their efforts to help consumers understand how their food is grown and how new technologies keep their food safe and affordable. Confusion has too long ruled the day on this issue: National labeling standards

should be set by the FDA. We are pleased the administration has staked out an ambitious trade agenda.

Leaders on both sides of the Atlantic agree that a more open trade partnership makes sense, so it’s time the European Union puts politics aside and eliminates non-scientific barriers to trade. Any successful trade agreement must open restricted markets and encourage fair competition for all.

Taxes remain unsettled. While Congress may extend important tax provisions through 2014, we are already headed into 2015 with no guarantee that provisions like Section 179 smallbusiness expensing and bonus depreciation will be available again. Congress needs to make these provisions permanent so farmers and ranchers

have the flexibility they need to put their money back to work on their land and in their communities.

Agriculture still needs a steady workforce. Across the country, farmers have left their crops to rot because they could not find the workers they needed. Farm Bureau estimates that agriculture could lose up to $60 billion next year if this problem isn’t fixed. If Congress is serious about fixing the plight of farmers it must take action.

Lawmakers need to address border security and enforcement, create a new flexible agricultural visa program and help current experienced workers gain legal status.

The New Year is always a great time for resolutions. This year we’re ready for results.

KELLER

Continued from page 2 citizens were treated well. If that is the case, Idaho’s middle class is a special interest group and should be listened to and not avoided. It appears the losers from the passage of the Cromnibus bill and other bills were the politicians ‘special interest groups on the political extremes, not the special interest group of Idaho’s middle class.

Who are the beneficiaries of the passage of Cromnibus and other pieces of legislation that passed in the closing days of the 113th Congress? It isn’t big business and Wall Street as the left proclaimed. It isn’t the progressive organizations that the right asserted. The beneficiaries are the small farmers and ranchers in the state of Idaho. It is the family owned Brune Farms and the Ferguson Farms. It is the owners of Main Street’s Abbott’s Five and Dime, 6

and the local Dairy Queen owner. It is the local auto mechanic and Trisha’s beauty salon. Section 179 Small Business Expensing was extended so the small businesses can immediately expense some business assets instead of depreciating them over time, plus bonus depreciation. It is the school children of rural Idaho through extension of the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. It is the Harris family who graze their cattle on public lands or the ranchers who have sage grouse leks near their alfalfa fields. It is the local irrigation district maintenance operations and the rancher with a stock pond. It is the Idaho potato farmer benefiting from the lifted ban on white potatoes in the WIC program. It is the home owner in fire-prone areas getting wildfire suppression. It is the local rancher who is now exempt from

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

burdensome EPA greenhouse gas regulations and is relieved from EPA permitting requirements. It is the 20,000 ranchers who lease grazing rights on more than 250 million acres on federal lands who were provided more stability. It is the families in Idaho who are allowed deductions for state and local sales tax and also for tuition and fees for higher education.

Be cautious when the political pundits on both extremes declare absolutes on individual bills. Generally speaking, the pundits or politicians are trying to speak to their own special interest supporters and purposely negate the special interests of Idaho’s middle class, its farmers, ranchers, shop keepers, and citizens. We are the special interest.

PRIESTLEY

Continued from page 2

With regard to the 113th Congress, there were three areas of bipartisan cooperation under Democratic leadership in the Senate: A fiveyear farm bill was passed, reforms were made in the beleaguered Veteran Affairs and, of course, the spending bill to fund the government through next September was agreed upon. But tons of business will spill over into the 114th Congress.

One area of concern is the President’s growing frustration with gridlock. If recent actions are an indication of a change in his outlook on governing the country, he may choose to act on his own and let the chips fall where they may. He only has two years left to leave his mark on American politics and there isn’t much that’s happened in the last six years to be proud of.

This brings the discussion to immigration reform and the President’s recent executive order. The action the President took was more political muscle-flexing than actual problem solving, but the problem is evident.

In practical terms, we do not expect the president’s initiative to help America’s farmers deal with the real labor challenges they face.

Our nation loses millions of dollars in fruit and vegetable production every year because farmers cannot find labor to harvest everything they grow. This order will not change that.

Farmers and ranchers need a new, flexible visa program that ensures long-term access to an expanding workforce by allowing foreignborn workers to enter the U.S. We also need to permit some current workers, many of whom have helped sustain our operations for years, to remain working in America.

We need legislation that addresses border security and enforcement, improves an outdated agricultural visa program and gives experienced agricultural workers a way to gain legal status.

agricultural and food products. This is welcome news for our nation’s farmers and ranchers.

Improving trade relations between the U.S. and Cuba will expand access to a market of 11 million consumers for U.S. agriculture.

However, the move to open Cuba wasn’t regarded as progress by U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, who said Congress is very unlikely to agree with the President because politicians from both parties

“deeply oppose trading with that communist country.”

Risch’s comments are a good example of the same old partisan drivel that’s grown all too familiar. Gridlock is not the way forward. We hope Senator Risch and the rest of Idaho’s congressional delegation will view the 114th Congress as a new beginning, and an opportunity to do what’s right for the people they represent rather than just toeing the party line.

Congress has sat on its hands while somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 million illegals have violated our southern border. It’s not right to depend on people who are here illegally, but we do. It’s a problem that shouldn’t be ignored any longer. Good legislative compromises have been put on the table.

Congress needs to pick one and move on. There are plenty of other problems that need solving.

Normalization of trade relations with Cuba is another of President Obama’s recent moves that has been met with partisan nonsense. Farm Bureau has long called for a removal of trade restrictions with Cuba, and we believe expanded trade with the U.S. can serve as a cornerstone for additional reforms.

The president’s opening to Cuba promises to improve trade conditions by making it easier for Cuba to buy U.S. Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

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SPENDING BILL

Continued from page 4

ity program was funded at $35 million, an increase of $5 million over the original budget request.

The bill also provides $380 million for cleanup activities associated with the Idaho Cleanup Project and the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project co-located on the Idaho desert with Idaho National Laboratory. This represents an increase of $13 million above the President’s request to fully support work plan alignments needed for Idaho’s transuranic waste program as a result of the closure of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant.

The spending bill prohibits the U.S. Corps of Engineers from requiring Clean Water Act section 404 permits for certain agricultural activities, such as construction and maintenance of farm or stock ponds or irrigation ditches.

It directs the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of the Army to withdraw the interpretive rule, Section 404 of the Clean Water Act that exempts certain agricultural activities, such as soil and water conservation practices, from regulation.

Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee “I’m pleased with the public lands provisions in this bill that have a direct and positive impact on Idaho,” said Simpson. “PILT funding is crucial to Idaho counties, and adequate funding for wildfire suppression is essential, so I’m very glad that this bill fully funds both of those priorities. In ad8

dition, the language delaying the sage-grouse ESA listing decision is extremely important to our state. Stakeholders in Idaho have worked hard to create a management plan that will prevent the listing of sagegrouse as an endangered species. They need more time to do the proper work that will warrant a decision not to list the species. By delaying the listing decision, we can provide the BLM with time to do the job right.”

The spending bill provides full funding of the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which compensates counties for the losses in property tax as a result of a high percentage of federal land. Idaho counties received $28.5 million in PILT funding for FY14.

The spending bill prohibits funding for writing a rule to list the greater sage-grouse as an endangered species, providing stakeholders additional time to craft management plans that would work to prevent a listing.

It further provides full funding for wildfire suppression operations at the 10-year average, as well as $65 million for the Forest Service to acquire needed air tankers to fight wildfires, allowing the agency to phase out antiquated aircraft.

It extends language making litigation costs more transparent and extending requirements that litigants exhaust administrative review before litigating grazing issues in Federal court.

It restores $1 million to compensate ranchers for livestock killed by wolves; and prevents

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

agencies from limiting recreational shooting and hunting on federal lands.

Army in FY15.

Defense

“Fresh potatoes have been excluded from the WIC program despite widely known nutritional value,” said Simpson.

“This bill corrects the exclusion of fresh potatoes and allows WIC participants to make wholesome food choices for their young families.”

“I’m very pleased that my colleagues have shown wide recognition and support for the importance of keeping the A-10,” said Simpson. A squadron of A-10 fighter airplanes operate at Gowen Field in Boise.

The bill denies the administration’s request to retire any A-10 close-air support aircraft, and provides $337.1 million to keep A-10s flying in FY15.

It prohibits funds from being used to transfer or divest AH64 Apache helicopters from the Army National Guard to active

Agriculture and Rural Development Subcommittee

It lifts a ban on white potatoes from the Women, Infants and Children program. This language, drafted by Simpson, ensures that fresh white potatoes and all varieties of fresh vegetables are eligible for purchase through the WIC program.

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Nalder wins State YF&R Discussion meet

By Jake Putnam LaNae Nalder of Minidoka County convincingly won the Idaho Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher discussion meet during the 2014 Annual Meeting.

Nalder is a cattle rancher and lifelong Idahoan. She received a Polaris Trailblazer ATV and an all-expense paid trip to San Diego to compete in the American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet in January.

We talked to Nalder right after the discussion meet at the Riverside Hotel in Boise: Victory at last, LaNae? This isn’t the first year I have done it. I’ve done it for several years and it’s a process, an educational process. It’s not something that just happens overnight. It’s not something you just go and cram for, it’s something that you study and know. You must know the Farm Bureau topics inside and out. I read them every day, lived with the topics, and as I went along I learned more and more. So it has honestly been a three year educational process. Along the way I discovered what the Farm Bureau Federation is all about and all it does for farmers and ranchers. That’s the process of studying for a discussion meet. It’s not just memorizing facts and statistics it’s having your own experience on your own ranch and that’s what you bring to the table.

What else did you bring to the final?

We run cattle on public lands. This is something I’m passionate about and it’s the topic in the final. We have a BLM permit.

I attended BLM hearings all spring and that really helped, that involvement. But that’s only a side of it. My husband and I have spent years trying to find and purchase private property. And this has been tough, and so it’s really about the passion for our rights as American citizens. You know, I have a 6th generation grandfather that fought and died in the Revolutionary War and he was a farmer. His whole being, everything he fought for, centered on his right to own property. And so the topic we just discussed couldn’t have been a better

LaNae Nalder of Minidoka County

topic for me. It’s something I’m living, not just reading about.

You struck a chord in the discussion meet when you addressed the vulnerability of Federal management?

The problem is that everything is under federal control. The majority of land in Idaho is controlled by the federal government. It’s a national game of sorts and they hold the upper hand. In the spending bills there are times when the government has shut down leaving lands in limbo. Overall they have the power to do what they want.

I feel it’s not fair for Idahoans and it affects us, especially in agriculture. They shouldn’t be able to use that power whenever they want to gain federal control. I’ve lived in Idaho my whole life, I know Idaho, but that doesn’t mean that I have a broad understanding of the United States. In my preparation, I got to think about this and expand my understanding to what’s really

going on, on the national level. That said, I still have a lot of preparing to do before I go to San Diego. I want to give it my best, not only for me, but our operation and fellow ranchers. I think Idaho needs a voice, its great way of getting the issue on a national platform.

Is it daunting to know that you have big shoes to fill, Idahoans have done very well on the National level with a winners and finalists It’s not gone unnoticed. I know I have big shoes to fill, but I’m up for the challenge.

We have to keep in mind that the discussion meet is a judged contest. After all, they’re just three people, and opinions may differ on a different day and any person can win. I just have to do the best I can.

I’ll try my best and maybe it’ll be the right day, the right topic for me and I’m excited to give it a try.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

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County Presidents Retire, Move On

By John Thompson Editor’s Note: In recent years we have been remiss at recognizing Idaho Farm Bureau county presidents when they retire from the position or move on to other leadership positions within the organization. Keeping

county Farm Bureaus strong and active is key to the organization’s continued success. To all of those who have served in the past we extend sincere appreciation.

Over the past year four Idaho Farm Bureau county presidents have retired or moved

on to other leadership positions within the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation. To recognize their volunteer efforts we present a short biographical sketch of each former president with the following article.

Pat Richardson, Clearwater / Lewis County Pat Richardson retired as president of the Clearwater / Lewis County Farm Bureau in 2014. Richardson is a lifelong resident of Clearwater County. His family settled in the area in 1862. He has worked as a logger and cattle rancher throughout his life. He served for four years as county president and recently accepted a position delivering chemicals and other supplies in North Dakota’s oil fields.

He continues to raise and finish beef cattle on his ranch in Clearwater County, flying home from North Dakota every week.

He said the biggest challenge associated with being a county president is trying to increase membership. “People, especially farmers and ranchers aren’t aware of a lot of things Farm Bureau does and can do for them,” he said. Among his accomplishments as president he counts efforts the county Farm Bureau made to reach out to consumers and educate them about food. They also hosted community gatherings and participated in several civic volunteer efforts. Clearwater / Lewis County Farm Bureau also hosted former University of Idaho Head Football Coach Robb Akey, who spoke to area residents during Richardson’s tenure.

Tom Mosman is the new Clearwater / Lewis County Farm Bureau president.

Robert Blair, Nez Perce County Robert Blair served as Nez Perce County Farm Bureau president for eight years. He left the position in 2014 due to other commitments. He said the organizational structure of Farm Bureau is a big benefit to farmers and ranchers because of grassroots policy development.

“It was an interesting learning process for me to see resolutions go from the county to district to state level and even on from there to the national level,” Blair said. “It was rewarding to see the process come to fruition.”

Under accomplishments, Blair lists developing relationships with county, state and federal elected officials and working with them to develop policy and implement change.

He also appreciates the relationships he was able to make with other farmers and ranchers throughout the state and nation due to his involvement with Farm Bureau.

“Being able to work with IFBF staff, AFBF staff and all of the folks at the grassroots level was rewarding to me,” he said. “I was able to make relationships that will carry on throughout my lifetime.”

Blair, his wife Rhonda and their two sons raise wheat, barley, lentils, garbanzos, alfalfa and a few cattle.

Bob Konen is the new Nez Perce County Farm Bureau president.

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

Winston Larsen, Madison County Winston Larsen served as Madison County Farm Bureau president for 11 years. Prior to that he served nine years on the county board of directors. Under his tenure the Madison County Farm Bureau set a goal to earn all nine gold stars every year. There were only two years when it didn’t happen, both times due to lack of membership gain. Larsen said keeping the county membership above the previous year was one the biggest challenges during his time as county president.

He said it’s important for a county president to keep the county board of directors active and informed on the issues that affect agriculture. He is proud of the young farmers and ranchers in Madison County whom have brought home several awards both state and national in discussion meets, Achiever Awards and Excellence in Agriculture Awards.

Under other accomplishments Larsen lists doubling the size of the Madison County Farm Bureau office by purchasing land next to the old building and remodeling. “We were fortunate because we were able to buy a lot next door to our old building and that let us double the size of the building and provided more parking spots,” he said.

“Farm Bureau is a real friend to people who live in rural areas,” Larsen continued. “It gives farmers and ranchers a voice and the ability to accomplish things you would never be able to accomplish on your own.”

Larsen raises potatoes, hay and grain on 1,200 irrigated acres in Madison County.

Dwight Little is the new Madison County Farm Bureau President.

Judy Woody, Twin Falls County Judy Woody left her position as Twin Falls County Farm Bureau President in 2014 and was elected as the new IFBF Women’s Leadership Committee Chair.

She replaced longtime Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Carol Guthrie of Bannock County.

Woody served as county Farm Bureau president for two years and has been involved with Farm Bureau for nearly 30 years. She said communicating agriculture’s interests and perspectives to the outside world is a challenge, as is the county Farm Bureau budgeting process at times.

Strengthening county Farm Bureaus requires communicating the priorities not only among county board members but also to politicians and community residents who are not necessarily involved in agriculture but are affected by it.

Among her accomplishments as president, Woody lists convincing people to work together and reaching out to the Magic Valley community by using tools such as the county fair booth, organizing with the local chamber of commerce and communicating with several agribusinesses in the area. “I have tried to do a lot of networking with other businesses about what we do at Farm Bureau,” she said.

Woody is the bookkeeper and office manager for her family’s row crop farm. She also helps with marketing the crops. They raise garden bean seed, commercial beans, dry edible peas, sweet corn, field corn, carrot seed, onion seed and alfalfa.

They also operate a custom farming operation.

Elizabeth Kohtz is the new Twin Falls County Farm Bureau president.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

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Focus on Agriculture Pressure Easing on Farmland Conversion

By Stewart Truelsen The Great Recession had many economic consequences, most of them bad, some still lingering, but the recession also helped slow the conversion of farmland to development. Typically, when farmland is developed it is turned into housing tracts, shopping malls, roads, other public works projects, golf courses and the like.

All of these activities were impacted by the recession. Singlefamily housing starts peaked at 1.7 million on an annualized basis in 2006. They are just now returning to the 1-million mark. Retail construction suffered a similar fate. New shopping center construction plummeted in 2009, and 11 percent of retail space was vacant. A recovery finally began last year.

Recreational development also declined. According to the National Golf Foundation, more golf courses are closing than opening. A little more than a dozen 18-hole courses opened in 2013, while 157 closed.

Energy development has surged, but generally speaking it is compatible with farming and ranching because its surface footprint is small. It also benefits agriculture by spurring the rural economy.

The recession’s effect on farmland conversion was the opposite of its impact on development. The full impact hasn’t 12

been completely captured yet in the National Resources Inventory, a survey conducted every five years, but a mid-cycle release reported that the annual loss of farmland to development was down 38 percent from the period preceding the recession.

At this point, the nation has around 300-million acres of prime farmland. This is farmland best suited to grow a crop because of soil quality, growing season and water supply.

Not all farmland that is developed is prime farmland, thank goodness, but over a 25-year stretch, every state lost some of its prime farmland to development.

Now that economic growth is taking hold, does it mean that farmland conversion will accelerate? Not necessarily.

Times have changed. Prime farmland is much more valuable today than it was in 1980, when farmland preservation first became an issue.

a healthy agriculture.

Since then, federal, state and local programs were added to assist with preservation through agricultural land easements.

The public also has a greater awareness and appreciation of local agriculture, which could prove helpful. Farmers and ranchers are more engaged with the public through social media and this relationship builds support for maintaining

Other trends also are favorable to reducing the pressure on farmland conversion. A recent analysis of housing trends found less interest in developing new suburbs and more interest in urban projects where transportation and public amenities are more accessible. Online shopping has taken a bite out of shopping malls, and big box stores are starting to be re-

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

placed by stores with smaller footprints.

Farmers have always said the best way to preserve farm and ranch lands is to make agriculture profitable enough to keep the land in farming and ranching. This maxim still holds true and is important for all of us.

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

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

13

Life on the Range

An aerial view of Eagle Valley Ranch in the Lemhi Valley.

Lemhi Ranchers Help To Restore Fish Habitat Article and photos by Steve Stuebner Salmon River Chinook runs returned with a vengeance to the Lemhi River this year.

More than 750 fish returned to their birth waters to spawn a new generation, the most since 1960.

Ranchers who raise cattle along the banks of the Lemhi River were excited to see the fish come back. They’ve been partners working with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Governor’s Office of Species Conservation and a host of other agencies to improve fish habitat for Chinook salmon, steelhead and resident fish.

It seemed like a perfect time to host a tour of recent fish-improvement projects in the Lemhi Valley. The tour was co-sponsored by the Idaho Cattle Association, the Idaho 14

Rangeland Resource Commission and the Governor’s Office of Species Conservation, which oversees the Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Project.

Lemhi ranchers have been working on a multitude of projects to improve fish habitat since Snake River salmon were protected under the Endangered Species Act in the early 1990s. Idaho Fish and Game officials are pleased with the results so far.

“We’re making some really good progress in the last 20 years,” says Paddy Murphy, IDFG program coordinator. “I think we’re leaps and bounds ahead of where we thought we would be. And we couldn’t do it without the landowners, couldn’t do it without the irrigators. Almost all of the spawning habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead is on private property.”

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

“This right here is Big Springs Creek,” adds Carl Lufkin, manager of the Little Eight Mile Ranch near Leadore. “Over 600 rainbow redds were counted in this stream.

This summer, there were over 750 Chinook salmon that migrated through here.

Huge number compared to years past.”

“The important thing that we’d like people to understand is, ranchers are equally or more concerned about all of the species here than anyone,” Lufkin says. “And I think the results that we’re getting here show that we’re getting that done.”

Indeed, a graph of rainbow trout and Chinook salmon redd counts shows favorable conditions in 2014 that are similar to other peak years in the early 2000s. The spawning counts mean that a higher number of juvenile fish will migrate to the ocean over

Important Milestones: Since the early 1990s, the Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Project has: • Installed 265 fish screens • Built 50 miles of riparian fencing • Completed more than 30 fish habitat access projects • Facilitated more than 150 irrigation efficiency projects Bull trout in 4 of July Creek near Stanley. th

the next couple of years. If good spring runoff conditions exist for the juvenile outmigration, that should lead to more adult fish returning to the Lemhi in the next 3-5 years.

In the tour, Murphy explained that restoring water flows and improving fish passage into the side streams in the Lemhi River watershed is one of the high priorities for improving fish runs, particularly resident fish and steelhead.

“In the Lemhi, for example, we have 10-15 tributaries where we are actively working on reconnect for fishery benefit,” Murphy says. “Bohannon Creek is a perfect example of that.”

Nikos Monoyios, the owner of the Eagle Valley Ranch with Val Brackett, has conserved water on Bohannon Creek to benefit steelhead and resident fish. They converted an open irrigation ditch to a buried pipeline, doubling the amount of water in the creek. The project also saved water for irrigating hay crops.

“There’s 11,000 feet of pipe buried in the ground, and in the process, we eliminated two diversions on Bohannon Creek, and we screened two other diversions for the fish,” Monoyios explains. “So, the bottom

line this was a very significant project with Idaho Fish and Game that has had a significant impact on the amount of water that stays in Bohannon Creek.”

The Bonneville Power Administration provided cost-share funds for the pipeline project through the Idaho Fish Accord. “In the last 2-3 years, we have seen very tangible evidence that all this effort has been successful,” Monoyios says. “I believe this year, there were more than 35 redds, spawning grounds for steelhead trout, on the lower part of Bohannon Creek.”

Monoyios runs a cow-calf operation with Black Angus cattle. Their ranch covers over 6,000 acres of deeded ground. Eagle Valley Ranch also donated a 5,000-acre conservation easement to the Lemhi Regional Land Trust to preserve the ranch, open space and scenic views.

“It was the first easement for the land trust, and it was incredibly significant because it’s the size of a watershed,” notes Kristin Troy, executive director of the Lemhi Regional Land Trust. “It was an incredible gift, really, to the public.”

“We are very committed to the work as private landowners for preserving both the cattle and other cultural nature of the

• Established minimum stream flows at the main Lemhi River diversion to improve fish passage. valley, which is important because it provides good jobs for people and keeps the economy going, and at the same time, we do projects that are beneficial to wildlife and fish,” Monoyios says.

The Monoyios family also is donating an 800-acre conservation easement to the Lemhi Regional Land Trust along 2.5 miles of the Lemhi River. Idaho Fish and Game plans a large fish-restoration project in that area. That enhancement project could help create more spawning habitat for Chinook salmon, which spawn primarily in the main-stem Lemhi River, and for resident fish.

“We hope the project we are planning on the Lemhi River will allow it to form some side channels, allow the water to slow down, and create places where Chinook salmon and other fish can spawn or rear their young,” Monoyios says.

At the next stop on the tour, the group visited a project that restored water to Big Timber Creek. Rancher Merrill Beyeler explains.

See LIFE ON THE RANGE page 16

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

15

A Chinook salmon captured at the Idaho Fish and Game Hatchery near Stanley.

“This is Big Timber Creek right here,” explains Beyeler, owner of Beyeler Ranches LLC. “For over 100 years, 150 years, there was no water in Timber Creek at this time of year. As ranchers, we wanted to look at some ways to reconnect these tributaries to the main stem of the Lemhi River. And we thought, what if we release this water and let it run to the main-stem Lemhi River, and then we pump water from the main stem of the Lemhi River, back to our field?”

Through the Idaho Water Resources Board’s Water Transaction Program, the ranchers moved their point of diversion from Big Timber Creek to the Lemhi River, while retaining their full water right.

That allows Big Timber Creek to retain its flows year-round without being diverted for irrigation.

Once the flows were restored to Big Timber Creek, the juvenile fish responded surprisingly well. “One of the really interesting things, is you would think that having a creek disconnected from the Lemhi all of that genetic material would be lost,” Beye16

ler says. “But the very first year that we reconnected it, they had done some PITtagging of fish in Big Timber Creek. And one of those fish moved out of Big Timber Creek, down the Lemhi, and pinged every PIT way station all the way to the Pacific Ocean. So I think that was a great win not only for ranching but for our environment.”

Steelhead also spawned in Big Timber Creek for the first time in a century. “Well, that’s one of those things that kind of makes you smile inside. Because that’s important. That’s part of who we are in agriculture. We just like to see things work and function properly. And that’s part of this whole landscape, you know. If we lose part of this, we lose the whole of it.”

A 2,350-acre conservation easement purchased by the BPA and managed by The Nature Conservancy also assists in bringing Big Timber Creek and other key tributaries back to life. Under terms of the easement, the fish habitat improvements must be maintained in perpetuity.

Spawning areas for salmon has expanded

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

by at least three-fold because of the creekreconnect projects such as what occurred on Big Timber Creek, Beyeler says. He credits a long list of project partners for helping make it possible. “Working together, we’ve made some really nice things happen,” he says with a smile.

A key cornerstone of the fish habitat work along the Lemhi River are the many fish screens that prevent fish from swimming into irrigation diversions. The fish screens are built by local employees at the Idaho Fish and Game office in Salmon. It’s a program that’s been in place since the early 1990s and continues to this day.

“It’s a big program. We have over 100 fish screens in the Lemhi Basin,” Murphy explains. “The fish come downstream, they hit these rotary drum screens, they rotate with the flow, water continuously goes through the screen itself, and there’s a submerged PVC pipe that takes them back to the river.”

All told, Idaho Fish and Game has installed 270 fish screens in the entire Upper Salm-

on Basin. Fish and Game receives about $1 million a year from the BPA to maintain the program. During the peak of the juvenile fish outmigration, there could be about 500 salmon smolts that go through one fish screen in one night, Murphy says.

IDFG employees monitor and maintain the screens during the spring high-water months around the clock to make sure the screens don’t get clogged by debris and are operating correctly.

Lufkin raises about 2,000 head of Angus cattle on the ranch. Grazing the cattle on federal lands in the summer and fall leave the private land meadows free for fish and wildlife to thrive. “In these bottoms you see below us, wet meadows, we only graze partially in the winter, to keep the cattle away from this habitat right here. The cows are here in the winter, the ground is frozen, the soil is stable, the impact here on these waterways is very little.”

Most of the Chinook salmon spawn in the main stem Lemhi River, and that means they’re spawning next to private ranch properties along the way. Ranchers have installed riparian fencing along the river to protect spawning beds from cattle, and federal grazing permits allow ranchers to graze livestock on BLM and Forest Service lands when the fish are spawning. Carl Lufkin explains.

“The BLM, the Forest Service and the state are critical partners in managing this resource.”

“On this ranch, we have seven miles of the Lemhi River and Big Springs Creek, too,” Lufkin says. “We have major spawning of rainbow redds on Big Springs Creek and Chinook salmon on the main stem of the Lemhi.”

Linda Price, Field Manager of the Salmon BLM office, agrees. “In order to reduce the pressure of grazing on the riparian areas, we really need to work together,” she says.

“The Forest Service lands are at the higher elevations, the BLM permits are in the middle elevations and then we get down to the private land on the lower elevations. If we can keep the cattle moving through all of the elevations at different times of the year, we have the optimum use.”

Price says she’s impressed with the level of cooperation that exists between ranch-

ers and the public land management agencies in the Salmon area. “I’ve been around the BLM for 25 years, and I have not seen anywhere else the level of cooperation and working together that we have in this area,” Price says. “Everybody comes to the table, willing to work, willing to talk, willing to see what needs to be done to take care of the resources. It’s pretty phenomenal.”

“I think it’s just people here are local family operations and they just feel like it’s the right thing to do,” Lufkin says.

Another key is that the ranchers try to stay ahead of the curve, and make sure the economic side of their operations are sound, so they can afford to voluntarily tweak things to benefit fish.

“We really do want to take care of it, and stay in business at the same time. But I think they go hand in hand. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy here.”

Steve Stuebner is the writer and producer of Life on the Range, an educational project sponsored by the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission. For more information, see www.lifeontherange.org.

Chinook salmon spawning.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

17

Snowshoe Hares

By Chris Schnepf

Identifying snowshoe hare damage

Lately a lot of foresters and forest owners have been telling me they are seeing more snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) in the woods. Many people (myself included) enjoy seeing this charismatic hare (hares, unlike rabbits, give birth to fully furred offspring which are pretty much ready to ambulate immediately after birth). Snowshoe hares turning from brown to white is as much a part of Idaho’s changing seasons as aspen and larch turning yellow. Snowshoe hares are also eaten by nearly every carnivore capable of subduing them, making them a very important part of forest ecosystems – in boreal forests some ecologists describe them as a keystone species.

As with any forest health issue, whether it be insects, disease, or invasive species, the first step to addressing it is to correctly identify the culprit. Snowshoe hare damage typically takes two forms: 1) clipped seedling tops or lateral branches (snowshoe hares leave a clean angled cut) or 2) debarked seedlings or young saplings (stems less than 1.5 inches thick). Snowshoe hares can only stretch a foot or two to feed on trees. But remember, snowshoe hares are uniquely adapted to thrive in environments with lots of snow. You may see tree damage from hares perched atop a 3-4 feet of snow.

Snowshoe hares produce up to 3-4 litters annually of 4-6 young, and they have a cyclical population that peaks every 9-10 years. Remarkably, this population cycle is fairly synchronized across the species’ entire range. Idaho snowshoe hares tend to hit their peak more or less the same year or two that hare populations peak in Canada and Alaska. This has been a topic of active theorizing among scientists studying hares and all of the creatures that rely heavily on them for food. Populations crash due to a combination of increasing predators, decreasing food supply, and possibly some other factors scientists are still trying to figure out.

While many enjoy seeing snowshoe hares, foresters and forest owners trying to establish tree seedlings may not enjoy them as much when populations are high. Snowshoe hares consume understory vegetation in the summer, but during winter they often feed on trees. Snowshoe hares can cause extensive damage to tree seedlings, especially during peak years.

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A number of other mammals can damage trees in ways superficially similar to hares.

For example, deer elk and moose often clip seedling tops. Unlike rodents, they tend to leave a ragged, torn break rather than a clean cut.

Voles commonly feed on bark of young trees, especially in afforestation efforts on former crop or pasture lands. Unlike hares, they leave very smooth debarked areas and the damage is almost always close to the ground. They also leave very small tooth marks that look like scratches.

Porcupines often feed on live tree bark during the winter. The most obvious damage tends to be in the tops of sapling trees (especially ponderosa pine), but porcupines occasionally feed on seedlings as well.

In addition to feeding injury, look for hare tracks in the snow or scat (snowshoe hares leave small flattened pellets similar to their relatives) to assess whether snowshoe hares are a possible culprit for tree damage.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

Silviculture for Snowshoes One of the most common strategies to manage hares is to modify their habitat.

Snowshoe hares like dense vegetation that is 3-6 feet high, for food, thermal cover and hiding from predators. Without this kind of habitat (especially over a large acreage), hares are not as likely to venture out in to the open to feed on your trees.

Reducing understory vegetation mechanically, through fire, with herbicides, or some combination of these, may help create a window of time when regeneration can get large enough to be less vulnerable to the hares. Promptly burning slash piles also reduces hares’ cover. Planting larger seedlings (e.g., superstock seedlings or 4 year old bare root seedlings) may also reduce browsing and trees will have more resources to overcome browse damage.

Some type of physical barrier keeping hares from getting to your trees is also a useful approach. A rabbit-proof fence is the most effective, but fences are expensive to build and maintain. Rigid plastic mesh tubes (often referred to as “vexar”) staked down with the tree seedlings are more economical. These tubes also protect seedlings from deer, elk, moose, and pocket gophers (if you bury them into the soil a bit). Tubes must be well-staked and

maintained – heavy snows can sometimes knock them down.

Hunting can reduce snowshoe hare populations, depending in part on your access to one or more enthusiastic beagles (renowned rabbit hounds). But hunting is unlikely to put more than a small dent in hare populations when they are at their peak.

Even if you significantly reduce hares in a 10-20 acre area, they will likely be replaced by hares in nearby habitats. Remember, snowshoe hares are classified as a game animal in Idaho, so do not exceed daily or possession limits unless you get special permission from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Accept Some Damage?

Snowshoe hare damage on most sites should subside once the population crashes, so one strategy is to simply ride out the population boom and replace trees as needed. You may be able to salvage some clipped trees with corrective pruning. When trees lose their tops, multiple lateral branches often compete to become the leader. This frequently produces trees with multiple tops, which are very prone to breaking out when they get older because of sharp branch angles and all the bark imbedded between the multiple tops. Going in a few years after top damage to prune out all but the best top on the tree will give the tree stronger structure. If this is done when the tree is sapling size or smaller, 20 years later you won’t even be able to see the tree was ever damaged.

Snowshoe hares are a fun part of Idaho forests. If you are interested in learning more about preventing tree damage from snowshoe areas and other mammals, “eXtension,” a web site that provides peer-reviewed content that is shared by most U.S. Land Grant universities has an excellent “community of practice” on the topic you can browse through at http://www.extension.org/wildlife_damage_management.

Chris Schnepf is an area extension educator – forestry – for the University of Idaho in Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Benewah counties. He can be reached at cschnepf@uidaho.edu Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

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CONVENTION

Continued from page 5

Shaun and Hattie Blaser of Madison County Farm Bureau won the Young Farmer and Rancher Excellence in Agriculture Award.

John Freemuth PH.D. of Boise State University is a public lands and policy expert who spoke during the 2014 IFBF Convention on public lands issues.

He said state takeover of federal lands in Idaho is unlikely but collaborative management between state and federal agencies holds potential.

Recognized as the Idaho Farm Bureau Women of the Year in 2014 are left to right, Susan Johnson of Leadore, Maria Brown of Burley, Sheila Hasselstrom of Winchester, Pattie Chandler of Weiser and Nancy Asay of Malad.

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

LEFT: Judy Woody, center, of Twin Falls County Farm Bureau was elected as the new IFBF Women’s Leadership Committee Chair.

Pictured on the left is IFBF President Frank Priestley and IFBF Vice President Mark Trupp on the right.

LEFT: Ben and Amy Gittins, center, of Franklin County Farm Bureau received the 2014 Young Farmer and Rancher Achiever Award. Also in the photograph are IFBF Young Farmer and Rancher Committee officers Luke Pearce, right, and Cole Smith, left. Pearce is the outgoing Young Farmers and Ranchers Chairman. He was elected to serve on the IFBF State Board of Directors. Smith was elected as the new Young Farmers and Ranchers Chairman. On the far left is Andy Mills, district sales manager for Polaris. Polaris donated the OHV to the winners and has done so for several years in support of IFBF’s Young Farmer and Rancher program.

RIGHT: Idaho Farm Bureau delegates debated numerous topics during the 2014 House of Delegates session to set the organization’s course for 2015. Among the issues discussed were fuel and vehicle taxes and various different ideas surrounding how to fund road and infrastructure improvements, sagegrouse management, establishment of federal parks, monuments and wilderness areas and many others.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

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Grain Marketing with Clark Johnston

Taking Advantage of Strength in the Market

By Clark Johnston Remember a few months earlier we talked about protecting yourself against adverse price movement in the market. This past fall the trade was talking about how we had no place to go but down. We had a record corn crop being harvested as well as ample supplies of wheat.

Well, we still have ample supplies of wheat and a record corn crop and look at what the market has done. Between the fourth week in September and the third week in December the Chicago March wheat contract moved $1.70 higher. From the first week in October to the third week in December March corn moved 75 cents higher.

Moves this far and this fast were unforeseen; a large part of the wheat strength came on the news of the problems in Russia. The market traded as though Russia would never export any wheat ever again.

It is times like this that gives producers opportunities to contract not only nearby wheat but also some new crop. Basis remained high through this time frame giving us good opportunities to sell (even the wheat that wasn’t necessarily milling quality).

Historically the futures markets won’t strengthen between Thanksgiving and Christmas. People wanted to know why the market was moving higher and you could find news articles to justify what was happening. When it comes right down to it the thing to remember is that sometimes it really doesn’t matter why. What we really should be thinking is, how do I take advantage of the strength in the market?

It is difficult to make our decisions this early in the 2015 marketing year. Especially after having this past harvest and the challenges that we faced still fresh on our minds.

Should we forward contract our grain and 24

take the chance on quality issues. Will the elevators be forced to react the same as this year or will the markets allow us the opportunity to market our commodities differently if we face the same challenges in the upcoming harvest.

Using the futures markets as a part of our marketing strategy in the upcoming harvest could be a very good decision. When we talk about futures we also should include the use of options in the discussion. Now I know that futures and options can be categorized at times as a four letter word but, when used in a hedging program they can be and are, very good tools.

For example, Chicago July futures moved $1.50 higher from September into the middle of December. This price movement now makes new crop wheat a lot more attractive.

Buying an “at the money” put option would now give you the opportunity to price your wheat at harvest based on the current futures price. You will have some price protection in the market if prices trend lower as we move into the spring and summer months while not being obligated (as with a cash contract) to deliver your wheat.

The options also give you the flexibility to price your wheat at the higher price should the market continue to move higher. Remember, an option in the futures market is not a cash contract. You are not obligated to deliver your wheat.

However, as with everything in life there is a tradeoff. With options the tradeoff is the premium. At the money July puts are trading at 45 cents per bushel. (Give or take) At the money options are options that are close to the level the futures contract is currently trading. I know it can be confusing to say the least. But, studying them will ease the confusion.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

Clark Johnston Let’s get back to buying the put. We pay the premium of 45 cents and now we have entered into a contract that will protect us against lower prices for our wheat as we move into harvest. Once we know the quality of our harvest we can then enter into a cash contract for our wheat and deliver the cash grain to the destination.

If the futures have moved lower the option will pay us based on the higher futures price and if the market has moved higher we can contract our wheat at the higher price. Obviously there is more to learn than in just a few lines in this article but, Using the futures market could be vital in our success as producers in the years ahead.

Let’s talk inputs for a minute. Historically diesel fuel will bottom out in late December and the first half of January. With the recent move lower in all petroleum prices we are looking at the possibility for this historical trend to continue. Any time now could be a good time frame to buy your diesel fuel needs for the spring and early summer.

For further information on what we have discussed contact the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Office in Pocatello.

Clark Johnston is a grain marketing specialist who is on contract with the Idaho Farm Bureau. He is the owner of JC Management Company in Northern Utah. He can be reached at clark@jcmanagement.net

American farm bureau federation news

AFBF’s 2015 Annual Convention Details WASHINGTON, D.C. – Agricultural technology and innovation workshops will take the spotlight Saturday, Jan. 10 in San Diego, during the IDEAg Innovate Conference. The conference is one of the highlights of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2015 Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show, Jan. 9-14, at the San Diego Convention Center.

IDEAg Innovate Conference The IDEAg Innovate Conference will feature topics such as managing agricultural big data, the use of drones for farming purposes, precision agriculture and Internet strategies for farmers and ranchers. The day’s events and exhibits will be open to all farmers, ranchers and agricultural professionals, not just Farm Bureau members.

There is no fee for Farm Bureau members to attend but they are encouraged to register online at annualconvention. fb.org. Non-members may attend the special one-day conference by paying $75, in addition to $10 to attend the trade show, by registering online at annualconvention.fb.org.

The Innovate Conference opens at 8 a.m., Pacific Standard Time, with Paul Schrimpf of PrecisionAg Magazine introducing the speakers and setting the stage for an exciting morning that will focus on the latest technology related to drones and unmanned aerial vehicles; big data and what it means for the future of agriculture; and the role of irrigation in California agriculture.

Conference sessions include: “Connected Precision Irrigation—The Next Leap in Productivity” with Andy

Smith, director of industry relations at Valley Irrigation; “Technology and the Internet of Things in Agriculture” with Lance Donny, founder & CEO of OnFarm; and “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, the Future of Agriculture” with Kyle Miller, farmer and Unmanned Safety Institute ambassador, and Aaron Greenwald, president, chief operating officer and co-founder of Waypoint Global Strategies and USI.

AFBF Convention kickoff

Educational workshops

Members attending the convention are encouraged to support ag literacy by bidding on items in the online/onsite auction and purchasing tickets to attend the Flapjack Fundraiser, the golf outing or the Foundation’s Night Out event. Learn more at annualconvention.fb.org.

The Cultivation Center on the IDEAg Trade Show floor serves as the educational centerpiece of the trade show.

Located in the middle of the show floor, behind the AFBF booth, the Cultivation Center allows attendees to gather information on various topics. The theater seating area provides the perfect opportunity for exhibitors, sponsors, educators and ag enthusiasts to each present 15-minute sessions. Those sessions will highlight exhibitors’ newest and best ideas and will provide education on technological developments in the agriculture industry.

The convention kicks off with the opening general session on Sunday morning, when AFBF President Bob Stallman will share Farm Bureau’s direction for 2015. At the general session on Monday morning, Commander Rorke Denver will provide insights on teamwork and courage when faced with pressure-filled situations.

Registration

In addition, Farm Bureau members will be treated to two dozen workshops covering a variety of topics and issues during the AFBF Convention on Sunday, Jan. 11 and Monday, Jan. 12. Topics covered will include how to become a more effective advocate for agriculture, big data, the latest technology trends, updates on economic issues affecting today’s farmers, and skills and ideas leaders can take home and apply at their county and state Farm Bureaus.

Before registering online at annualconvention.fb.org, farmer and rancher members should check with their state Farm Bureau office to see if they have already been registered. The full Farm Bureau member convention registration fee is $100 and includes the IDEAg Trade Show and Young Farmer & Rancher competitive events (Saturday, Jan. 10 through Monday, Jan. 12), general sessions, workshops and the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture Silent Auction. Nonmembers may pay $10 in advance for a one-day registration to attend the IDEAg Trade Show and Foundation Silent Auction on Saturday, Jan. 10, plus an additional $75 to attend the IDEAg Innovate Conference.

Full workshop descriptions will be available in the program available onsite in San Diego.

For more information on the IDEAg Trade Show, contact Raymond Bianchi at: (847) 969-2915.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

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Feeder Cattle Market Meltdown

Data Source: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service through Livestock Marketing Information Center.

Figure 1. Weekly Average Feeder Steer Price: Oklahoma City, 700-800 pounds, M&L #1 AFBF Budget and Economic Analysis Team This year’s calf market has been, without question, one for the record books. This year’s prices have been beyond the experience of even the most seasoned cattlemen. To provide a little perspective, Figure 1 shows weekly average prices on 7-weight steers at Oklahoma City (OKC) over the past twenty years.

The rise in feeder calf prices has been dramatic, fueled by tight supplies, high downstream prices, and moderating feed costs. These are strong fundamentals, and they have provided the foundation for this year’s amazing market performance. But the old adage that “what goes up must come down” applies not only in physics but also in economics. Within the past two weeks, feeder cattle prices have come down – hard.

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Feeder cattle futures contract prices dropped by the $3 daily limit on Thursday, Dec. 11. They dropped by that same amount the next day as well, finishing that week with two consecutive limit-down days. Then a short time later, Feeder Cattle futures fell by the daily limit again. Of course, by that time, people were starting to take some notice. In fact, people were starting to panic. On the next two trading days Feeder Cattle contracts spent the entire trading sessions locked limit-down.

That means that nobody would trade at the limit-down price. The market was essentially at a standstill. Anybody with a long position in that market was stuck in it; there was no way to liquidate a losing position and little way of knowing how much longer it would last. This is about the worst possible position to be in as a trader, which is why events like those of last week generate so much angst in the market.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

With five days of limit-down moves, the angst was by no means limited to the futures sector. Cash prices on feeder cattle were sharply lower. This seemed to be particularly true of mid-week sales, which were occurring at the end of the CME’s 5-day run of limit-down trading. The market report from West Plains, Missouri’s, Wednesday sale is representative of many locations around the country: “feeder steers and heifers traded 15.00-20.00 lower with spots 30.00 lower.”

On Wednesday evening, the CME announced that it was expanding the daily trading limit on feeder cattle contracts from $3 to $4.50, with provisions to move the limit even higher if the market continued to hit the expanded limit. This seemed a prudent move on the part of the CME, and in fact would probably have been even more prudent on Monday or Tuesday. The longer a market locks at the limit,

the more uncertainty develops about where prices really should be, the more desperate traders become to shed losing positions, and the more disruptive the situation becomes to associated cash markets. In effect, a mechanism designed to provide the kind of “cooling off” period that can forestall a panic can, in a way, contribute to the panic when things don’t work right. At least some elements of that dynamic were probably at work last week in the feeder cattle market. At any rate, CME did finally expand the limits. In the following days trading was volatile, but at least trading did take place. In fact, all feeder cattle contracts began to trade up into the new expanded limits.

With the market back in some kind of functioning order, it is pertinent to ask the obvious question: why? Why did the market decide to come apart and, more specifically, why did it decide to come apart now? After all, calf prices have been exceedingly high for most of the year. It’s not like we all just noticed this in the last ten days or so.

The “why now” question is pretty hard to answer. To ask that question is, in effect to ask when something irrational is going to happen. The fact that it is irrational is what makes it inherently unpredictable. To be fair, though, over the last few weeks in the cattle market, a better question may have been to ask when something irrational was going to end; that is, when would calf prices get back in line with the rest of the market? This, of course, brings us back to the “why” question: why did the feeder

cattle market drop so far? On that point, some rational assessment is possible.

A good way to look at the relationship between feeder cattle futures prices and other relevant prices is through the cattle crush. The cattle crush approximates the gross margin from feeding cattle using futures prices for Live Cattle (LC), Feeder Cattle (FC), and Corn (C). Soybean Meal can also be included to make the crush margin a bit more realistic, but for our purposes here, we’ll stick with LC, FC, and C – using the January FC contract since that is currently the nearby contract.

So, a simple cattle crush using January FC calculates the difference between the value of two June LC contracts (i.e., 800 cwt) and a combination of one January FC contract (i.e., 500 cwt) and one March C contract (i.e., 5,000 bushels). On Dec. 4 (a recent high for the January FC contract), the relevant prices were as follows: June LC = $159.90, January FC = $235.59, and March C = $3.89 ¾. This results in a crush value of

ceding ten years (2004-2013) using prices from the first week of December, the lowest value for the June LC/January FC/March C crush was around -$5,800 in 2012. Of course, there are multiple ways for these prices to come back in line (or at least more in line) with historic norms. Corn or Feeder Cattle prices could fall, Live Cattle prices could climb, or some combination of these changes could occur. But with corn rallying and live cattle feeling pressure from a softer wholesale market, the path of least resistance for a correction in these price relationships was clearly a decline in feeder cattle prices from their recordshattering levels.

Inventory Reports USDA released the last Cattle on Feed report of the year on Friday. With respect to that report, the year basically ended not with a bang but a whimper. Key numbers in the report were essentially right in line with pre-report expectations. Placements in November were down 4 percent, marketings were down 11 percent, and the Dec. 1 on-feed inventory was up 1 percent compared to a year ago. There is, in this report, additional affirmation of the historically low cattle inventories. November placements were the second lowest since this series was started in 1996, and November marketings were the lowest over that same period.

($159.90 x 800) – {($235.95 x 500) + ($3.89 ¾ x 5,000)} = -$9,542.50.

In other words, the projected gross margin (over calf and corn costs) for feeding cattle – based solely on futures prices – was a negative $9,500. Obviously, this is not even remotely an attractive proposition; implying that price relationships among this output (fed cattle) and key inputs (corn and feeder cattle) were out of whack. Historically, that certainly seems to be the case. Over the preIdaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

29

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

Turning the farm over to the next generation can be a complicated process. Learn more about it in the article below.

Farming with Family: Teaching Your Kids to Drive

Every patriarch needs to ask himself: Is this a family farm or is it a one-man empire? The answer can mark a major milestone in the farm’s history and determine its future.

multiple-partner, multiple-generation, and often multiple-sibling business relationship is tough. The challenge isn’t how to divide the assets on paper, but how to manage the business together and gradually transfer management control from one generation to the next.

The transition from a sole proprietor (do-what-Dad-says) mentality to a

For many farmers and small business owners, Dad is the boss. He is a sole

By Mark Andrew Junkin

proprietor and the farm is his kingdom where everyone does what he or she is told. It’s as if Dad is a downhill skier.

It’s just him and the hill. He decides how and when to move his body, when to turn left or right, when to slow down and when to tuck to get down the hill the fastest.

See FARMING WITH FAMILY, page 32

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

31

FARMING WITH FAMILY

Continued from page 31

For Dad, farming with his family is like changing sports. It’s like going from downhill skiing to playing basketball.

Different game, different rules. Most patriarchs don’t understand the rules of the new game and often haven’t even realized that they have changed sports.

Often family farms read in a farm magazine about the importance of having family business meetings and making joint decisions. I rarely see these joint decision making going successfully.

When I first played “Aussie Rules” football, I didn’t get the concept of the sport and my first game was brutal. I was often offside and got hit unexpectedly several times. As a mediator, I see a lot of farm patriarchs with kids in their 20’s who feel emotionally bruised like I physically was. Dads simply need someone to teach them the rules of the game and then coach them into being good team players.

Once they realize that the game has changed, some parents may still try to be the player, coach, referee, and team captain all at the same time. They think they know the rules to the game, but really they still have a lot to learn.

Having a third party chair a monthly family business meeting can be worth his weight in gold to help equalize power dynamics and optimize decision making.

taught and there is a period of time that decision making and farm management need to be a joint effort.

It’s like throwing the keys of your car to your son and expecting him to learn how to drive on his own. Just like cars have gotten faster in the past 100 years, so has farming. Gone are the days where a son could drive a Model T Ford on his own and learn how to manage the 100 acre farm after dad died or retired to town. Farming and cars are faster these days and one slight error could land you in the ditch.

Some farmers will throw the keys to the car to their kids and say figure it out for yourself. But many will teach their kids how to drive and know that it’s not just the important lessons taught in the first hour of driver’s class, but more importantly the little pointers that are taught a few years later. It is for this reason that graduated driving is being introduced in many states.

Graduated licensing had to be introduced to both the method we train our young drivers and farm managers. With graduated licensing in most states, you’ve got to be in the passenger seat mentoring how to be a better driver. The same concept applies to farming. This means for at least five years, a father and son should be making joint decisions on the farm.

For Moms and Dads who have created empires, one of the toughest challenges of their lifetime is letting go of control and teaching management to the next generation.

Many families have problems with this transition. Parents need to learn that how they interacted with their kids when they were teenagers should be different from how they interact with them as adults and business partners.

Any man can die and leave his farm to his kids in his will. Few men successfully pass on their business acumen.

That’s why it’s rare to see farming empires that are still commercially viable after 30 years. Wisdom needs to be

I’ve seen many farm families whereby Dad called the shots all the way to the hospital and then the kid was incapable of making decisions in the months following Dad’s funeral. Many parents insist on driving because it drives them

32

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

Wisdom needs to be taught and there is a period of time that decision making and farm management need to be a joint effort. crazy seeing their children behind the wheel making mistakes. Their need to be in control might lead to better short term decision making but the long term detriment of the empire. Often these families wait till the last minute to teach farm management to the next generation and it’s like teaching driving skills to your son for the first time as he drives you to the hospital at 120 miles per hour after an unexpected accident.

I often say that any fool can teach his son how to drive a tractor straight and leave it to him bought and paid for.

Few can teach their kids management skills so that the next time those kids need to buy a tractor, they are in such a good strategic position that they can afford to buy two.

Teaching management through jointdecision making is tough for family patriarchs that are obsessed by control.

What is the sense in a man working his entire life to build a family empire if it crumbles shortly after his funeral?

Every successful man needs to successfully transition management to the next generation well in advance of their death, or else their life’s work will be in vain.

Andy Junkin improves HOW farm families make decisions together making farm succession & partnerships easier. Get his book @ www.agriculturestrategy.com 1 800 474 2057.

Whole-Farm Revenue Protection Insurance Roll-Out

SPOKANE, Wash.,—USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced the release of the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) program for the 2015 crop year. The 2014 Farm Bill gave RMA broad flexibility to implement a new whole-farm crop insurance policy.

The WFRP combines two popular and well-known plans of insurance in the Pacific Northwest, Adjusted Gross Revenue Pilot (AGR) and Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite (AGR-Lite).

“AGR and AGR-Lite policies have proven to be successful risk management tools for Pacific Northwest farmers,” said Ben Thiel, Director of RMA’s Spokane Regional Office.

“WFRP combines the two programs and includes enhancements to coverage levels and whole farm subsidies, making this form of crop insurance more affordable to producers.”

See RMA’s whole farm web page for additional details.

Sales closing date for WFRP is March 15, 2015 for the 2015 crop year. Interested producers and current policyholders are encouraged to visit with a crop insurance agent to learn how WFRP may fit within their farm’s risk management needs.

Growers must make all of their decisions on crop insurance coverage on or before the sales

closing date.

Federal crop insurance policies are sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance companies and agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA service centers or on the RMA website at: www3.rma.usda.gov/tools/ agents.

Greater Protection for Fruit,Vegetable and Other Specialty Crops

WASHINGTON, – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that greater protection is now available from the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for crops that traditionally have been ineligible for federal crop insurance. The new options, created by the 2014 Farm Bill, provide greater coverage for losses when natural disasters affect specialty crops such as vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, floriculture, ornamental nursery, aquaculture, turf grass, ginseng, honey, syrup, and energy crops.

“These new protections will help ensure that farm families growing crops for food, fiber or livestock consumption will be better able to withstand losses due to natural disasters,” said Vilsack. “For years, commodity crop farmers have had the ability to purchase insurance to keep their crops protected, and it only makes sense that fruit and vegetable, and other

specialty crop growers, should be able to purchase similar levels of protection. Ensuring these farmers can adequately protect themselves from factors beyond their control is also critical for consumers who enjoy these products and for communities whose economies depend on them.”

These new provisions under the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program were made possible through the 2014 Farm Bill, which builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for the taxpayer. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative publicprivate conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda. gov/farmbill.

New Support for Farm to School Grants

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced more than $5 million in grants

for 82 projects spanning 42 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands that support the Agriculture Department’s efforts to connect school cafeterias with local farmers and ranchers through its Farm to School Program. The program helps schools purchase more food from local farmers and ranchers in their communities, expanding access to healthy local food for school children and supporting local economies.

According to USDA’s first-ever Farm to School Census released earlier this year, school districts participating in farm to school programs purchased and served over $385 million in local food in school year 20112012, with more than half of participating schools planning to increase their purchases of local food in the future.

Ag Youth Programs Growing Next Generation of Leaders

Record numbers of young people are putting on iconic, blue corduroy FFA jackets, as the organization has become a pipeline for highly attractive careers. Membership in FFA reached 610,240 in 2014— that’s an increase of 30,000 in just two years. While the United States lost more than 100,000 farms between 2007 and 2012, FFA grew by 60,000 members. Increasingly, the organization is drawing membership from non-farm and urban youth.

Briefs continued on page 34

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

33

Northwest Dry Bean Production Up Slightly

Idaho dry bean production is forecast at 2.46 million cwt, up 4 percent from last year. Harvested area, at 139,000 acres, is up 15,000 acres from 2013.

Yield is expected to be 1,770 pounds per acre, down 130 pounds from 2013. Garbanzo beans are expected to account for 42 percent of production, followed by pinto beans at 19 percent, and pink beans at 10 percent of production.

Oregon dry bean production

34

is forecast at 215,000 cwt, up 16 percent from last year. Harvested area, at 9,500 acres, is up 1,300 acres from 2013.

Yield is expected to be 2,260 pounds per acre, unchanged from 2013. Pinto beans are expected to account for 11 percent of production, light red kidney beans are also expected to account for 11 percent of production, followed by black beans at 10 percent.

Washington dry bean production is forecast at 2.04 million cwt, down 6 percent from last year. Harvested area, at 129,000 acres, is up 10,000

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

acres from 2013. Yield is expected to be 1,580 pounds per acre, down 240 pounds from 2013. Garbanzo beans are expected to account for 51 percent of production, followed by pinto beans at 16 percent, and black beans at 6 percent.

USDA Drops Plan for Second Beef Checkoff

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack has announced the Agriculture Department will not pursue efforts to create another checkoff under the 1996 commodity promotion law. Report

language in the 2014 appropriations bill passed last weekend suggested USDA not continue to write a rule for the plan during this fiscal year. Although report language is not binding on the secretary, it does indicate Congress’ desires.

The Beef Checkoff Enhancement Working Group, of which American Farm Bureau is a member, met again last week and will have its 17th face-toface meeting in February. The group continues to develop a principles document on how to alter the 1985 checkoff law and order.

American farm bureau federation news

National YF&R Committee Members Appointed WASHINGTON, D.C.,– The American Farm Bureau Federation has appointed new members to its national Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee for the 2015-2017 term beginning in March. The committee is comprised of 16 positions representing all regions of the U.S. An individual or a couple may hold each committee position.

AFBF President Bob Stallman announced the appointment of the following new members to the committee: Tim and Danielle Clark, Wisconsin (beef cattle); Cole and Sammie Coxbill, Wyoming (crops and beef cattle); Jamie Cruz, Massachusetts (vegetables, berries and livestock); Jonathan and Lara Dinsmore, Arizona (vegetables, hay and grain); Latham and Katie Farley, Ohio (grain and hogs); Jared Finegan, Illinois (corn, soybeans and wheat); Tim and Katherine Franklin, Kansas (corn and wheat); and John and Dusty Reese, Utah (beef cattle).

“Farm Bureau’s YF&R Committee members play a vital role in advocating for agriculture while further building their leadership abilities,” AFBF President Bob Stallman said. “The commitment and quality of the young agriculturalists who volunteer to serve are always impressive, and this year is no different. It’s clear that the future of farming and ranching is in good hands.”

Committee members are responsible for YF&R Program planning, which includes the coordination of YF&R competitive events during AFBF’s Annual Convention each January. They also provide support in planning and implementing AFBF’s biannual FUSION Conference for Farm Bureau volunteer leaders involved in YF&R, Women’s Leadership, and Promotion & Education.

National committee members are nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus. They study farm and food policy issues, participate in leadership training exercises and hone other professional skills during their tenure as committee members.

The Young Farmers & Ranchers program includes both men and women between the ages of 18-35. Learn more online at http://www.fb.org/index.php?action=programs.yfr.home.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

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Farm Bureau Members Pay Less For Choice Hotels!

FARM BUREAU COMMODITY REPORT GRAIN PRICES

Portland:

White Wheat 11% Winter 14% Spring Oats

Ogden:

White Wheat 11% Winter 14% Spring Barley

Pocatello/ Blackfoot:

White Wheat 11% Winter 14% Spring Hard White

A $40 room will be closer to

$32 A $60 room will be closer to

Burley:

White Wheat 11% Winter 14% Spring Barley

Nampa:

White Wheat (cwt) (Bushel)

Lewiston:

$48 A $90 room will be closer to

White Wheat H. Red Winter Dark N. Spring Barley

LIVESTOCK PRICES Under 500 lbs 500-700 lbs 700-900 lbs Over 900 lbs

1.800.258.2847

Farm Bureau Discount Code

00209550

advanced reservations required

12/23/2014

Trend

6.92 7.17-7.36 9.35 265.00

No Bid No Bid No Bid 265.00

N/A N/A N/A Steady

6.60 6.31 7.49 5.55

6.95 6.69 7.50 5.45

+ .35 + .38 + .01 - .10

6.25 6.82 7.12 6.87

6.75 7.09 7.11 7.24

+ 50 + 27 - .01 + .37

6.30 5.75 6.65 5.20

6.80 5.90 7.61 5.20

+ .50 + .15 + .96 Steady

10.50 6.30

10.16 6.10

- .34 - .20

6.60 7.16 9.41 141.50

6.85 7.29 8.71 156.50

+ .25 + .13 - .70 + 15.00

11/19/2014 12/23/2014

Feeder Steers

$72

11/19/2014

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

Holstein Steers Under 700 lbs Over 700 lbs

Cows

Utility/Commercial Canner & Cutter

Stock Cows Bulls

Slaughter

BEAN PRICES: Pinto Pink Small Red

Trend

250-352 210-292 180-246 160-212

255-351 210-284 195-237 150-198

+ 5 to - 1 Steady to - 8 + 15 to - 9 - 10 to - 4

230-345 196-275 171-227 150-212

225-337 201-281 153-218 149-192

- 5 to - 8 + 5 to + 6 - 18 to - 9 - 1 to - 20

150-230 135-204

120-212 150-185

- 30 to - 18 + 15 to - 19

92-125 80-110

89-127 81-114

- 3 to + 2 + 1 to + 4

1225-2275

1250-2200

+ 25 to - 75

105-147

105-140

Steady to - 7

28.00 Not Established 38.00-40.00

25.00-27.00 Not Established 38.00-40.00

- 3.00 to - 1.00 N.A. Steady

Compiled by the Idaho Farm Bureau Commodity Division 36

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

more than 10% grass), used with visual appearance and intent of sale Quantitative factors are approximate and many factors can affect feedi value.

IDaho Hay Report USDA Market News, Moses Lake, WA

Fri Nov 14, 2014 USDA Market News Tons: 9000 Last Week: 4850 Last Year: 6125 Compared to last week, Premium and Supreme testing Alfalfa steady.Trade moderate this week as more Organic hay was reported with good demand for non-rained on high testing supplies. Demand light for heavy rained on supplies. Retail/feed store/ horse not tested this week. All prices are dollars per ton and FOB the farm or ranch unless otherwise stated.

Potatoes & onions Onions, Dry

IDAHO AND MALHUER COUNTY OREGON---Shipments 303-305-336---Movement expected to decrease due to holiday shortened shipping schedules. Trading fairly slow. Prices Yellow Super Colossal, jumbo and jumbo Red lower, others generally unchanged. Yellow Spanish Hybrid U.S. One 50-pound sack Super Colossal mostly 7.00-7.50, colossal mostly 6.00, jumbo 4.50-5.00, medium mostly 4.00; White 50-pound sacks jumbo 12.00, medium 10.00; Red Globe Type U.S. One 25-pound sacks jumbo 6.00-7.00, medium mostly 5.00.

Quality

IDAHO HAY – 11/14/14 Tons: 9,000 All prices are dollars per ton and FOB unless otherwise stated.

Tons

Supreme Supreme - Organic Premium/SupremeTarped Good - Tarped Utility – Rain Damage

Price Range Alfalfa Large Square 2,100 240.00 5,000 280.00 600 205.00 600 700

Avg. Price

155.00 120.00

240.00 280.00 205.00 155.00 120.00

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

Alfalfa hay test guidelines, (for domestic livestock use and not more than 10% grass), used with visual appearance and intent of sale Quantitative factors are approximate and many factors can affect feeding value.

Potatoes

UPPER VALLEY, TWIN FALLS-BURLEY DISTRICT, IDAHO---Shipments 724-691-780 (includes export of 6-3-3) ---Movement expected to decrease due to holiday shipping schedules. Trading cartons 40-70s very active, others moderate.

Prices generally unchanged. Russet Burbank U.S. One baled 5 10-pound film bags non size A mostly 3.75-4.00; 50-pound cartons 40-70s mostly 14.00, 80s mostly 10.50-11.00, 90s mostly 8.00-8.50, 100s mostly 7.00-7.50. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 5 10-pound film bags non size A mostly 3.75-4.00; 50-pound cartons 40-70s 13.50-14.00, 80s mostly 9.50, 90s mostly 8.00-8.50, 100s mostly 7.00-7.50. Shipment breakdown by variety for the week ending December 20, 2014 was generally Russets with 48 percent Burbanks and 47 percent Norkotahs.

Potatoes for Processing

December 23, 2014 IDAHO---Open-market trading by processors with growers was inactive.

5 Year Grain Comparison

Grain Prices...................12/22/2010....................12/19/2011................... 12/26/2012.................. 12/20/2013...................12/23/2014 Portland: White Wheat....................... 7.60 ..............................5.86 ...............................8.27 ............................ 6.86 ..........................No Bid 11% Winter.......................No Bid..........................6.74-6.86.........................8.94-9.07....................... 7.43-7.63..........................No Bid 14% Spring........................No Bid...............................9.62 ............................. 9.51.................................8.12..............................No Bid Corn....................................246.75.........................260-261.50.....................288-291.25........................No Bid............................265.00 Ogden: White Wheat....................... 6.55 ................................5.85................................ 8.40.............................. 6.25...............................6.95 11% Winter......................... 7.02 ................................5.73 .............................. 8.21............................... 7.07...............................6.69 14 % Spring........................8.67 ................................8.22 .............................. 8.83............................... 7.50...............................7.50 Barley...................................8.50 ..............................10.70............................... 11.20............................... 7.45................................5.45 Pocatello: White Wheat.......................6.20 ...............................5.55.................................7.80................................ 5.90................................6.75 11% Winter.........................6.64 ...............................5.73 ...............................7.37.................................6.13................................7.09 14% Spring.......................... 8.51 ................................8.32 ...............................8.02................................ 6.48................................7.11 Barley...................................8.85 ..............................9.90 .............................. 11.67.............................No Bid..............................7.24

Burley: White Wheat....................... 6.24 ................................5.65.................................7.40.................................5.95................................6.80 11% Winter......................... 6.59 ................................5.46 ...............................7.53.................................6.47................................5.90 14% Spring.......................... 8.43 ................................8.00 ...............................7.95................................ 6.80................................7.61 Barley...................................8.50 ..............................9.50 ..............................12.25................................7.50................................5.20 Nampa: White Wheat (cwt)...........10.66................................8.58 ..............................12.65...............................10.17..............................10.16 (bushel)............. 6.40 ................................5.15.................................7.58.................................6.10................................6.10 Lewiston: White Wheat........................7.15 ................................5.65................................ 8.19............................... 6.75...............................6.85 Barley................................. 171.50..............................176.50............................ 224.50........................... 141.50...........................156.50 Bean Prices: Pintos.............................22.00-24.00..........................45.00..........................35.00-36.00...................38.00-40.00..................25.00-27.00 Pinks..............................24.00-25.00..........................45.00......................... 40.00-42.00........................40.00.............................No Bid Small Reds.....................26.00-30.00....................45.00-46.00 ................. 40.00-42.00........................40.00........................38.00-40.00 ***

IDAHO OCTOBER MILK PRODUCTION UP 3.9 percent November 19, 2014 Milk production in the 23 major States during October totaled 16.0 billion pounds, up 3.9 percent from October 2013. September revised production, at 15.5 billion pounds, was up 4.3 percent from September 2013. The September revision represented an increase of 22 million pounds or 0.1 percent from last month’s preliminary production estimate.

Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,868 pounds for October, 51 pounds above October 2013. This is the highest production per cow for the month of October since the 23 State series began in 2003.

The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.59 million head, 89,000 head more than October 2013, and 3,000 head more than September 2014.

October Milk Production in the United States up 3.8 Percent Milk production in the United States during October totaled 17.1 billion pounds, up 3.8 percent from October 2013.

Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,842 pounds for October, 52 pounds above October 2013.

The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.28 million head, 77,000 head more than October 2013, and 4,000 head more than September 2014.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

37

5 Year livestock comparison .....................................12/21/2010................... 12/19/2011....................12/26/2012.................. 12/20/2013..................12/23/2014 Under 500 lbs.................117-153 ......................136-195 ......................126-198.........................157-235........................ 255-351 500-700 lbs....................105-139.........................120-160.........................116-166.........................134-187........................210-284 700-900 lbs..................... 85-119 .......................105-139.........................112-150.........................121-167........................195-237 Over 900 lbs................... 86-113...........................98-119 .........................116-135.........................129-145........................150-198 Feeder Heifers Under 500 lbs................ 112-148 ......................125-159..........................117-172.........................155-214 ......................225-337 500-700 lbs..................... 97-127 ....................... 112-149..........................117-148.........................133-173........................ 201-281 700-900 lbs.....................81-108..........................101-128..........................110-135.........................115-158........................ 153-218 Over 900 lbs......................N/A ....................... 110-112..........................119-120.........................122-143........................ 149-192 Holstein Steers Under 700 lbs..................63-85 ...........................65-96 ..........................65-101.......................... 90-123......................... 120-212 Over 700 lbs....................58-82 ...........................65-99 ..........................75-106...........................80-115.........................150-185 Cows Utility/Commercial...........40-66.............................46-72.............................55-79............................ 60-87........................... 89-127 Canner & Cutter..............35-58.............................45-62.............................50-71............................ 60-78............................81-114 Stock Cows.....................690-1200.......................800-1470.......................800-1500..................... 950-1400.....................1250-2200

Cattle on Feed November 19, 2014 United States Cattle on Feed Up Slightly Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.6 million head on November 1, 2014. The inventory was slightly above November 1, 2013.

Placements in feedlots during October totaled 2.36 million, 1 percent below 2013. Net placements were 2.26 million head. During October, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 690,000, 600-699 pounds were 570,000, 700-799 pounds were 462,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 635,000. For the month of October, placements are the second lowest since the series began in 1996.

Marketings of fed cattle during October totaled 1.69 million, 8 percent below 2013. October marketings are the lowest since the series began in 1996.

Other disappearance totaled 97,000 during October, 28 percent above 2013.

Bulls – Slaughter............ 51-76.............................50-73 ...........................63-89........................... 63-97..........................105-140

Cattle Outlook November 14, 2014 The November WASDE increased by 0.4% USDA’s forecast of 2014 beef production, but lowered their forecast of next year’s production by 0.5%.They now predict 2014 beef production will be down 4.9% from last year and next year’s beef production will be 3.2% lower than this year.This year’s beef production is the lowest since 1994.

USDA’s forecast for fed cattle prices is for the average to be close to $154.40/cwt this year and in the upper $150s next year. These are far above last year’s record of $125.89/cwt.

Total red meat and poultry production is forecast to be 1.6% higher in 2015 than this year.

USDA lowered their forecast of 2014 corn production by 68 million bushels and raised their forecast of the seasonal average corn price by 10 cents to between $3.20 and $3.80 per bushel. They left the midpoint of their soybean price forecast unchanged at $10/bu.

Fed cattle sales volume was light again this week. Through Thursday, the 5-area average price for slaughter steers sold on a live weight basis was $167.53/cwt, up 66 cents from last week’s average and up $36.68 from a year ago. The 5 area average dressed price for steers was $262.00/cwt, up 87 cents for the week and up $57.00 from the same week last year.

Boxed beef prices were mixed this week. This morning the boxed beef cutout value for choice carcasses was $252.87/cwt, up $3.71 from the previous Friday and up $50.62 from a year ago.The select carcass cutout is $238.35/cwt, down 9 cents from last week, but up $49.85 from a year ago.

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

This week’s cattle slaughter totaled 560,000 head, down 0.7% from the previous week and down 6.8% from the corresponding week last year. This was the 37th consecutive week with cattle slaughter below the year-ago level.

Slaughter weights continue to be very heavy. The average steer dressed weight for the week ending on November 1 was 902 pounds, unchanged from the week before, but up 25 pounds compared to the same week last year.

Feeder cattle prices at this week’s Oklahoma City auction were mostly steady to $2 higher on heavier weights and $5 to $10 higher on calves. This week’s prices for medium and large frame #1 steers by weight were: 400-450# $334-$350, 450500# $308-$341, 500-550# $290-$315, 550-600# $267-$299, 600-650# $243-$286, 650-700# $227.50-$252.50, 700-750# $220-$245, 750-800# $220-$240, 800-900# $222.50-$241.25, and 900-1000# $217/cwt.

The December live cattle futures contract settled at $170.20, up $3.40 for the week.

February settled at $171.27/cwt, up $2.90 from the previous Friday. The April contract closed at $169.25/cwt.

The November feeder cattle contract ended the week at $240.00/cwt, up $1.48 for the week. January feeders closed at $236.12/cwt, up $3.67 compared to last Friday.

University of Missouri

Classifieds

Animals

Household

Real Estate/Acreage

Wanted

Reg. Angus and Salers bulls for sale at fall prices. Long yearlings-black and red. Starting at $3500. B&B Livestock, New Meadows, ID 208-347-2345

Wood furnace aka outdoor wood stove.

Heats a shop or garage as well as the home. Roughly $5,000. We will help with installation. Similar to an inside wood stove but more efficient and can heat two structures. Sweet, ID 208-781-0691

Farm Market For Lease - Owners Retiring.

3 Roadside Market locations. 35 acres in Twin Falls. Please call 208 420-9195 or visit www.proostfarms.com

Wanted: 1/2 cubic foot of north side Snake River ground water; milk silo for water storage; 208-536-6448

Aussie Pups - ASCA registered, out of Wally Butler’s line of fine working dogs. If you know Wally’s dogs they are athletic and cow smart. Reds & Blacks left. $200-250 Nampa, Id. 208-631-9622.

Farm Equipment New squeeze chute, green hand-pull. $1,200.

Midvale, Id 208-355-3780.

Indoor oil stove. Requires no electricity to work. Bought new, used for several years and has been stored for several years. Heats very well. Perfect for cabin or basement, etc .—350.00/Lenore, Id. Make Offer 208827-2777

Miscellaneous

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

S.E. Idaho water rights for sale. 23 acres of water, 92 acre feet. Priority date 1953.

Location: Section 1,TS 6S R33E Call 208251-2627.

McKee Cultivator, like Triple-K $500; Inter. ground drive manure spreader $1,250; 5 Spring Shrank Corrugator $600; 8’ Inter. Disc. w/ram $1,350; 214 Inter. Plow, 2-bottom $400; 400 Farmal Tractor $1,500; 12.4 - 38 Duals-snapon. $500. Buhl, Id 208-543-6948.

Downsizing - 1985 Flatbed trailer, 3pt hitch generator, 30’ of quanset still in straps, barbed wire, weed sprayers, lumber, lawn mower, outdoor hydrants, rear tine tiller, anvil, square light fixtures, truck tires, several old farm implements. Inkom, Id. Call Barbara at 208-254-9315

Challenger MT 755, 2209 hrs, annual service buy Western State, 1000 hrs on 25” tracks, Trimble A/S and sprayer control, (reduced) $135,000. Two 500hp US Motors, 480 volt, 3 phase, Inverter duty, hallowshaft irrigation motors, $20,000, each. American Falls, Id. Call 208-220-5588 Rare 1960 Kramer KL 250 tractor $2,500.

Runs great, needs some work. Perfect for a a small operation or as a backup tractor. Has 3 power take off point and power down on the 3 point. Eagle, Id. 208-865-2100.

800 Acre Trophy Osgood Potato Farm For Sale, located West of Idaho Falls. $6,200,000.

For all details see: www.osgoodspud.farm or call Steve Shelton AG Land Sales 208-5579005 Silvercreek Realty Group.

Lot in New Meadow Creek Golf Community.

Power, water, roads and beautiful views of the valley. Has Tennis, swimming pool and club house. Cash or Trade for $30,000. 208720-0285 For Rent: Mobile Home Lot - 14x70 or smaller Mobile Home - 2005 Mobile Home or Newer. $175.00 monthly., includes water/ sewer Only. Shelley Area. Application process and contract required. Please call 528-5337, leave message.

Paying cash for old cork top bottles and some telephone insulators. Call Randy.

Payette, Id. 208-740-0178.

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.

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.

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

Voltec 3000 watt inverter, 4 A/C outlets.

Excellent condition. Asking $220 obo.

Middleton, ID 208-631-2231 Antique 4 runner bob sled - sturdy hay rack. Used for hauling hay, kids, sleigh rides.

Near Ashton. 208-785-2983 Gas/Propane Hot Water Heater. Make: G.E. Capacity - 40 Gal. (Tall). Great Condition.

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

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FEB. 20 FOR NEXT ISSUE. Idaho Farm Bureau producer / JANUARY 2015

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