March 2015, Volume 19, Issue 2

March 2015 • Volume 19, Issue 2

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Producers Explore Farm to School Opportunities

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State Favors Collaborative Approach to Federal Land Management

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Idaho Farm Bureau

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Horse Racing Legend Honored

Time to Move Ag Trade Forward with TPA

By Bob Stallman

American economy.

AFBF President

TPA legislation isn’t new, but now is prime time for renewal. It first passed in 1974 and has been critical to the success of important agreements for U.S. agriculture with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. We’re now ready to expand our markets even further with ambitious trade negotiations across the globe from Asia to Europe. But we need to stand firm and show

U.S. agriculture exported more than $152 billion in products last year alone, and there’s room for more growth yet. With Trade Promotion Authority expected to take center stage on the legislative agenda this spring, farmers and ranchers are ready for trade agreements that create business and boost the

Eminent Domain Legislation Shows Foresight

By Frank Priestley President Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

A bill that would limit the use of eminent domain currently before the Idaho Legislature is an important piece of legislation that is being attacked by misinformation.

When My Ship Comes In

By Rick Keller CEO Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

During the 19th century, Bristol, England was the busiest seaport in the world. While local sailors were at sea, tradesmen would extend credit to their wives until the very day their husbands’ ships returned 2

The Ag Agenda

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

Sponsored by Sen. Jim Guthrie, RMcCammon, the legislation would eliminate the use of eminent domain, or in other words the taking of private property, for the use of recreational pathways. If acceptable uses of eminent domain are not explicitly spelled out by law, it can become a disastrous intrusion on the rights of private property owners.

Eminent domain was established by the federal government to serve the public’s needs. Freeways, electo port. Because the ship meant her family’s livelihood, a woman would refer to her husband’s vessel as “my ship.” And when asking for credit, they would promise to pay the tab “when my ship comes in.”

These days, the expression often means dreaming of better times since the arrival of the figurative ship is not a sure thing. On the West Coast of the United States there is a labor dispute at the ports, causing a slowdown and stoppage of business. Our question is now literally, “When will my ship come in?”

other countries that we’re ready to act on final offers at the negotiating table. TPA creates an important partnership between the administration and Congress to move trade agreements forward.

The U.S. economy loses out when trade agreements are crushed in the final hour by deal-killing amendments. We weaken our standing in the global marketplace, and hand See STALLMAN, page 6 tric and other infrastructure transmission lines, schools and fire stations are examples of public needs.

Bicycle paths clearly don’t fit in the same category.

The effort to use eminent domain to take private property along the Portneuf River to create a bike and walking path is wrong. If the people who live along the river want to sell their land so that it can be turned into a recreational path, so See PRIESTLEY, page 7

What is the dispute all about? The Port of Portland was not making money as a public entity, and so privatizing was a way to stem the losses. The Port of Portland now acts a landlord, rather than port manager. In 2010, the Port of Portland decided to lease out the container terminal business to International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), a Philippines-based company. The company signed a 25-year lease with the Port of Portland.

See KELLER, page 6

Volume 19, Issue 2

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 Luke Pearce ............................................. New Plymouth Cody Chandler....................................................... Weiser Tracy Walton ........................................................ Emmett Marjorie French ............................................... Princeton Alton Howell ................................................ Careywood Tom Daniel ............................................... Bonners Ferry Judy Woody ................................................................ Filer Cole Smith ...................................................... Montpelier 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.

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

Students at West Junior High School in Boise line up for lunch. Local farmers recently toured the school to learn about the Farm to School program. Photo by Steve Ritter

Farmers take part in Farm to School workshop

By Jake Putnam

Matt Wissel of Nampa grows sweet corn in Southwest Idaho.

His corn is a staple at farmer markets across Idaho and prized by foodies, yet the delicious and healthy food is not in the local school lunch program.

Wissel is pushing the marketing envelope because he’s trying to get his crops into a new and growing market; local schools.

On February 6th, Wissel and 40 other fellow Idaho food producers attended a special meeting in Nampa to learn the steps needed to get local food into neighboring school cafeterias.

“We grow the best sweet corn in the country right here and yet they buy corn from the Midwest to serve in the schools,” said Wissel. “I think it would be great to get my corn in Nampa, Caldwell and Boise Schools.”

The Idaho Department of Agriculture sponsored the workshop in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture. Both are promoting a new program called Farm to School. Leah Clark coordinates the Idaho Preferred program in Idaho, she says Idaho Schools are looking to buy local.

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

“We have school food service directors talking to Idaho producers. They’re telling them what they’re looking for, about what they buy, why they buy it, how they buy it, and then we’re taking a cafeteria tour,” said Clark.

Cover: Students at West Junior High School in Boise line up for lunch. Area food producers are looking at ways to get more local food into schools through the Farm to School Program.

Farmers, food wholesalers and school lunch administrators took their conference on the road visiting one of the largest junior schools in the state. Clark says taking

Photo by Steve Ritter

See FARM TO SCHOOL page 4 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

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FARM TO SCHOOL

Continued from page 3

the conference to a cafeteria is priceless because a single visit can shatter misconceptions about school lunch, what’s served on a daily basis and how school lunch is served.

“Cafeterias have changed since my day,” said Wissel.

Peggy Bodnar heads the Boise Schools Food Service. She says students know that local food is delicious and nutritious food.

“Local food is great, it teaches kids so much, it exposes them to what Idaho is about in agriculture and so the Farm to School program is fun,” said Bodnar. She also pointed out Idaho products in the school lunch that day.

Bondnar says program is bringing more and more local food into school menus.

“We definitely have an interest, we’re making sure that different foods are available and it’s important to have these meetings,” she said. “Go to any of our farmer markets in town and you can see that interest is growing.”

The Wissels of Nampa have farmed in Canyon County for more than 100 years. Their Double Diamond brand of produce supplies super markets and farmer markets throughout the Treasure Valley. Wissel’s biggest challenge is cutting through red tape and getting fresh produce into the schools.

“Despite the obstacles, there is a good possibility of getting our foods into school cafeterias,” he said. “I think we need to prepare and labor is always the biggest issue. Then get4 #

ting food into the cafeterias that they can cook and getting it cooked quickly. Sweet corn straight from the field takes a lot of time and labor. The stuff that comes from the can is terrible because it’s packed in salt water and unhealthy. I’d like to change that.”

The Idaho Department of Agriculture’s Idaho Preferred program says changing attitudes about local food are bringing change to school lunches across the nation and in Idaho.

Schools buy local products through a lot of different channels. Some take direct deliveries from farmers or pick up orders at the farmers market.

Others buy local products through distributors or acquire them through fresh sellers.

Some buy local foods that have already been turned into readyto-eat meals by food producers, while others want raw products that they can serve fresh or use for scratch cooking.

“We grow a lot of commodity crops, and many are usable in schools,” said ISDA’s Clark.

“We can’t use a sugar beet in school lunch. Barley is another tough crop. It needs processed like sweet corn. We need produces to think about school menu needs. Maybe instead of everyone growing pumpkins, have a few growers plant cucumbers. Schools say they need cucumbers and will buy everything produced. We’re the top growers of carrot seeds, but no one grows carrots. We need carrots and start thinking about growing for our school market. Thea school market is viable, we just need to grow

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

A group of Treasure Valley food producers enjoy lunch at West Junior High School in Boise during a recent tour which was part of the Farm to School program. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

Photo by Steve Ritter

specifically for them.”

Producers learned about USDA rules and regulations governing food in the federal school lunch program. There are barriers but still many opportunities exist.

The Farm to School program continues to grow and cafeteria food has changed drastically over the past decade.

Brian Davis, who works for ProSource Produce of Bellevue attended the workshop with hopes of getting Idaho products into central Idaho cafeterias.

“ProSource is a big supplier of potatoes and onions, he said.”

Our packers are here they’re

healthy and they’re Idaho. Our schools should be buying Idaho and this is a great opportunity to do that. We have a long way to go because so much food is shipped out of state. The more we make our produce available the better the chance we have of getting good, healthy food in the schools. It’s a two way street.”

More than 70 schools participated in the program under the Idaho Preferred umbrella.

Clark says the old barriers are slowly giving way to healthy foods and the buy local movement.

IFBF Winter Conferences

The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation held its annual Legislative Conference in Boise in early February. Several legislators came to have dinner with their constituents during the strolling buffet.

Dale Parkinson from Challis High School was the winner of this year’s Idaho Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Speech Contest.

Scott Bedke, left, speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives and Senate Pro Tem Brent Hill spoke to IFBF members about pertinent political issues during the conference.

See IFBF WINTER CONFERENCES page 23 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

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STALLMAN

Continued from page 2

economic leadership over to other countries. With TPA, the administration represents our best interests before other countries without flying solo in negotiations.

Congress and the administration must continue to shape and set priorities based on what they’re hearing directly from American businesses.

This is where agriculture can continue to take a leading role in shaping our trade agenda. Farmers and ranchers know the challenges we face in other markets, and it’s our job to get this message to policymakers. When we’re all on the same page in negotiations, the process moves swiftly as Congress can act on final agreements with a straight up or down vote.

Limiting access to American food just doesn’t make sense. Farmers and ranchers are ready to bring their goods to new mar-

“Farmers and ranchers know the challenges we face in other markets, and it’s our job to get this message to policymakers” kets, but high tariffs and non-scientific barriers place our exports at a disadvantage.

Take the EU, for example. Last year the U.S. exported $12.7 billion in agricultural products to the EU, but we also imported $18.7 billion in agricultural products from the EU. These numbers don’t mean we had less to sell: Our markets are simply more open while the EU continues to let politics rather than science dictate its trade restrictions. Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, our trade with Japan is just a fraction of what it could be, largely because of

price restrictions and high tariffs.

American businesses rely on trade agreements to break down barriers and create a more balanced marketplace for all. But we must come to negotiations with a clear agenda and the authority to back it up. The U.S. is on the verge of completing one of our most ambitious trade agendas in decades. TPA is essential to completing these agreements, including the Trans Pacific Partnership with 11 other countries across the Asia/Pacific region and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the EU. TPA expired too long ago: Congress and the administration need to work together to renew it before valuable trade relationships are spoiled.

KELLER

Continued from page 2 The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) is a large union, and members work at most West Coast ports.

There are 60 local unions, and Portland’s is Local 8. The Longshoreman have complained that ICTSI Oregon is poorly managed, responsible for driving business away, and does not care about safety. The dock workers began intentionally slowing down work disputing over which union should plug, unplug and monitor refrigerator containers. A labor judge ruled in 2014 that the dock workers were intentionally slowing down work.

What does a slowdown mean? It delays the arrival and loading/unloading of containers. The shippers are feeling anxious because every time a shipment arrives late, or takes a long time to get through the port, that puts the shipper behind schedule.

They have made schedules and promises based around consumer demand.

However, this is not just a shipper’s problem alone. Manufacturers and farmers rely 6

“The Agriculture Transportation Coalition estimates that port delays and congestion in Portland and other western ports have reduced U.S. agricultural exports by $1.75 billion a month” on shippers and the shipping lines being on time to meet deadlines. Farmers ship seasonal and fresh fruit. Christmas trees scheduled for the Christmas export market miss their deliveries. Blueberries turn into mush and mold. Other U.S. produce perishables, including meat and produce, are unable to be sent to Asian consumers.

Containers of shovels, fencing, bathroom tiles, and shoes are stuck at the docks or on ships anchored just offshore. Car parts, medical equipment, and furniture are also held up.

Hanjin Shipping is the ninth largest shipping company in the world and largest container shipper in Portland, account for

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

nearly 80 percent of the container business. Because of the uncertainty of performance, it officially dropped the Port of Portland as a stop for their container ships the first of March. That accounts for 1,600 containers per week.

The Agriculture Transportation Coalition estimates that port delays and congestion in Portland and other western ports have reduced U.S. agricultural exports by $1.75 billion a month, while the North American Meat Institute put losses to U.S. meat and poultry producers at more than $85 million a week, including hides and skins.

The Idaho Farm Bureau encourages the Obama Administration and Congress to invoke the Taft-Hartley Act. This act addresses labor disputes and promotes the full flow of commerce. It will put pressure on the White House, the Port, and the ILWU to quickly resolve this dispute, which has negatively impacted Idaho’s economy. We are waiting for our ship to come in!

PRIESTLEY

Continued from page 2

be it. No one can object to that and there is no argument that a greenbelt wouldn’t be beneficial to Pocatello. However, several landowners along the Portneuf don’t want to sell. They don’t want a path through their backyards that could be occupied at any time of the day or night.

“Life, liberty and property do not exist because men have made laws. On the contrary, it was the fact that life, liberty and property existed beforehand that caused men to make laws in Private property rights are vital and are among the civil liberties that separate our the first place.” nation from many third world countries.

Private property rights are fundamental to our society. Property that is defined and protected by law allows us to establish businesses and create commerce. If governments or private entities are allowed to strip private property rights away for dubious purposes, who is to say what might happen next?

Private property rights are at the core of our organization’s beliefs and have been since the Idaho Farm Bureau was established 75

years ago in 1939. In a more broad sense, private property rights are central to our culture and vital to our agricultural way of life. We take it very seriously when anyone attempts to compromise those rights – especially the heavy hand of government.

With regard to the Portneuf River Greenway Project, we agree it would make Pocatello a more attractive community and provide recreational opportunities for its residents. In addition, we support the Gre-

enway Project if access to the river corridor can be obtained from willing sellers.

In a recent editorial the Idaho State Journal questioned the Idaho Farm Bureau and Sen. Guthrie’s intent in voicing opposition to the use of eminent domain to obtain property along the Portneuf River.

The Journal’s editorial states that no one is advocating taking the property without paying fair market value. Fair market value has no bearing on this situation. If a landowner chooses not to sell, it should be their choice and a landowner clearly has the authority to set the price for that land.

Claude Bastiat, a French politician and economist who died in 1850, said “Life, liberty and property do not exist because men have made laws. On the contrary, it was the fact that life, liberty and property existed beforehand that caused men to make laws in the first place.”

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swc.idaho.gov | 208-332-1790 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

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Multiple use of federal lands in Idaho, including grazing, mining, logging and recreation are all vital to the state economy. Whether all or some federal land in Idaho should become state property was the focus of a legislative interim committee that recently released its findings. Farm Bureau file photo

Committee Recommends Conservative Approach on Federal Land Transfer

By John Thompson A committee made up of nine state legislators and one former legislator recently concluded that in many instances the risks to the State of Idaho outweigh the benefits when it comes to acquiring federal land.

Almost since the time of statehood, Idaho residents have found fault with federal government ownership of 62 percent of the State. In September 1891 delegates to the first National Irrigation Congress met in Salt Lake City and adopted language stating the U.S. Congress should grant all public lands in the West to the states for the purpose of developing irrigation. The memorial complained loss of timber to wildfire and poor forest stewardship by the federal government harmed the ability to irrigate the valleys below.

Legal Aspects The Property Clause of the U.S. Constitution allows for disposal of federal lands.

Since 1781 the U.S. has disposed of 70 percent of its landholdings, mainly in eastern and Midwestern states. Private ownership 8

of land is prevalent in most of those states.

However, in the late 1800’s the federal government transitioned toward a policy of retention and conservation, which left most western states with large percentages of federal ownership.

boundaries thereof, and to all lands lying within said limits owned or held by any Indians or Indian tribes and until title thereto shall have been extinguished by the United States the same shall be subject to the disposition of the United States.”

Idaho has asserted that upon admission to the Union in 1890 a binding contract was entered requiring the U.S. to dispose of all lands within Idaho for the benefit of the State in exchange for Idaho foregoing aspects of sovereignty such as taxation of those lands.

After consulting with the Idaho Attorney General’s office and other legal experts, the Federal Lands Interim Committee decided to take more of a wait and see approach to the legal aspect of acquiring federal lands.

Utah has filed suit demanding the U.S. turn over ownership of federal lands but the claim has so far been ignored by the federal government. The interim committee’s report states as follows:

However, when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Admission Act that created the Idaho Territory in 1868, the language included a disclaimer stating Idaho was not entitled to any additional grants of land other than the state lands provided in the Act. Further, Idaho’s State Constitution reads as follows: “And the people of the state of Idaho do agree to declare that we forever disclaim all right and title to the unappropriated public lands lying with the boundaries within the

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

“Legal analysis suggests that litigation of the state claims to ownership of federal lands would be a time- consuming and expensive endeavor without a great deal of certainty as to the outcome. While the state could make good faith legal arguments for the transfer of federal lands, the federal government and intervenors similarly could assert good faith legal defenses.”

There is much more history regarding disposal of federal land contained in the interim committee report. Residents who would like to learn more are advised to read the report in its entirety at the Idaho Legislature website.

The report further notes that federal government actions, including establishment of the General Land Office in 1812, the Homestead Act of 1864, the Carey Act of 1894 and other attempts to encourage settlement and grant federal land to private ownership were not successful in the arid western states. Idaho is known to have abundant natural resources including water and rich soil. However, large portions of the state were not conducive to irrigation and farming and therefore were never homesteaded.

Therefore, the committee concluded that litigation is not the preferred path to resolving the issue but did not rule it out as a future alternative.

Public Testimony The interim committee in meetings over the past two years has heard public comment from hundreds of Idaho residents. Two main themes emerged. First is that no one is content with the status quo.

A document cited in the report from the U.S. Supreme Court states: “Multiple use management is a deceptively simple term that describes the enormously complicated task of striking a balance among the many competing uses to which land can be put, including but not limited to recreation, range, timber, minerals, watershed, wildlife and fish and natural, scenic, scientific and historic values.”

The report notes that the committee does not seek to cast aspersions on the able, professional managers of our federal lands but states the litigious nature of managing public land has resulted in a lack of management.

The second theme to emerge from the committee’s work is that no one wants to lose access to public lands regardless of whether they are managed by federal agencies or the state. In northern Idaho public testimony supported transfer of federal lands to the state. In southern Idaho public comment to

the committee supported federal lands remaining in federal control with major concerns stated as potential loss of access, cost of management and potential sale of public lands. Some residents believe the cost of management, especially in bad fire years could break the State’s budget, even if the federal government were to grant the land for no cost, which it will not do, according to the report.

Economics The Policy Analysis Group in the College of Natural Resources at the University of Idaho was commissioned to study whether the transfer of public lands to the state would result in a loss or generate income for the State. Using three different timber quality price scenarios and assuming that fire management costs at an annual average, the experts determined the State could anticipate timber sales ranging from a loss of $6 million per year to a profit of up to $129 million per year. Net income would be reduced by $19 million per year if the State were to provide recreational services similar to those available now. Payments to counties through the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program and the Secure Rural Schools program would deduct another $32 million per year if continued under state management.

Costs to manage BLM land net of grazing and mineral receipts would be $53 million per year, according to the report.

In total, after subtracting all costs from timber net income, the proposed transfer of 15.8 million acres of federal land to Idaho would result in a net loss to the State of $111 million under the low cost scenario, a $60 million loss under the medium scenario and a $24 million per year profit under the high end timber pricing scenario. New jobs that would come with increased timber harvest were estimated between 3,400 and 12,300, creating wages and salaries ranging between $100 million and $363 million per year. Income taxes would bring between $16 million and $58 million into State coffers, according to the estimates.

Collaboration Finding ways to improve the health of public land while working with federal agencies is being viewed as a positive step forward.

In its final recommendations, the Interim Committee supports collaborative efforts but also cautions that they are no panacea.

The Clearwater River Basin Collaborative and the Bitterroot River Basin Collaborative have worked for ten years to thin overgrown forests and improve watersheds and wildlife habitat. However, a proposal contained in the Farm Bill that provided funding for forest health projects on nearly 2 million acres of insect damaged and diseased timber in Idaho was approved by the Forest Service but has not been implemented due to federal regulations. The report states that it may not move forward for several years. Former Idaho Senator Skip Brandt, who has been a member of the Clearwater Basin Collaborative testified that the collaborative process no longer works because of environmental group lawsuits and burdensome federal regulations, according to the report.

Committee Recommendations For complete details on the Interim Committee’s recommendations, refer to the report on the Idaho Legislature website. In brief, following are some of the Committee recommendations: Work with Idaho’s Congressional Delegation to amend the Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act of 1960 to allow states to manage federal lands to meet multiple use and sustained yield goals in perpetuity with a high level of annual or regular output of renewable resources without impairment of the productivity of the land.

Authorize and fund a permanent commission or working group. The Committee recommends funding two full-time state employees and a permanent commission or working group to implement the recommendations passed by the Legislature.

“Transfer of federal jurisdiction should be seen as and supported as a long-term effort worthy of annual appropriations starting at $250,000,” according to the report.

Investigate ways to work with other western states with similar interests.

Delay and reassess commencement of litigation.

Encourage and facilitate existing collaborations.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

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Left to right, lobbyist Jesse Taylor and Hall of Fame Jockey Gary Stevens chat with Les Bois track announcer Paul J. Schneider at the Idaho Statehouse just before Stevens was honored on the Senate floor.

Hall of Fame Jockey Gary Stevens Honored At Idaho Statehouse

By Jake Putnam Hall of Fame jockey and Idaho native Gary Stevens made a special trip home in early February.

Stevens, a Boise native, took the floor of the Idaho Senate that morning and received special honors for an epic horse racing career.

Stevens won nine Triple Crown races and logged more than 5,000 wins during a four decade career as a jockey.

The Farm Bureau’s Jake Putnam caught up with the legend at the Idaho Statehouse.

Farm Bureau: The Senate is recognizing 10

you in just a few minutes. How does it feel like to come home for this special occasion?

Stevens: It’s always great to come home.

I don’t get home enough. Idaho is still my home and I come back as often as I can.

My folks are still in the same house where I was raised and its fun to sleep in my old bed that I did as a kid. The furniture has changed little there. But to come home and be recognized by this great state makes me proud. Sometimes being in LA, I lose track of home and I take for granted my accomplishments. My nick-name in Southern California is just plain Gary and I’m proud of that, proud of my Idaho heritage and the standards I was held to here.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

I don’t think I would be the person I am today or achieved what I did had I not been raised here.

Farm Bureau: You took seven and a half years off after a knee injury and at your age many thought that was the end of your career, but you came back and won the Preakness in 2013 and looked as strong as ever.

Stevens: Yes, seven and-a-half years is a long time. They say when you’re riding horses that it’s like riding a bicycle, the skills never go away. It took a while to get the timing back. Things were going great but after a year and-a-half of riding I had

terrible pain and then a full knee replacement. To be honest, the comeback from the knee replacement was a tougher hill to climb than the retirement. Not because of what I felt, I rode well, it was the confidence level of my clientele many of which thought that there was no way I could ride at a high level again. I can’t blame them. I had a prosthetic knee, but I proved them wrong again. I suppose at 51 not many would give you a shot and that’s the reason I came back. I’ve had a great career.

Then to win the Breeders Cup Classic in 2013. That’s the thing I really wanted to get in the trophy case. Coming back I’ve met so many people that encouraged me and I was able to return the favor. Many have said to me if you can come back with a new knee, I can ski, and I can do my sports just like you are. I confess, I’m not a trail blazer and I’m not the first man to walk on the moon, but I proved to people that they can do what they want with this new technology.

Farm Bureau: What a thrill to have a sec-

ond chance, in many aspects another career altogether It’s great because my first win in the comeback was for Idahoan Larry Williams who was nice enough to put me on one of his horse several months ago. That was my first win back. I have to tell you that it was fun winning for an Idaho connection down in Del Mar, California. It was so cool. We have a lot of great history here in Boise. It was fun to join my older brother Scott, he’s been an idol since we were little kids and I followed in his footsteps. It is great that we’re both still riding. He’s the leading rider at Paradise right now and without my big brother I wouldn’t be where I am right now.

Farm Bureau: So where do you go from here?

I have a full season set, and right now its Derby time. Everything I do is in preparation for the Kentucky Derby. I raced on a horse last Saturday that hopefully will get the roses again. His name is Firing Line. We were in a big battle over the weekend. Un-

fortunately I lost that battle and took second but hopefully we’ll come back and win the Derby.

Farm Bureau: 51 years-old and still in the game I say today’s 50 year old, is yesteryears 30 year old. We’re taking better care of ourselves. I won’t say that I’ve taken the best care of myself at times growing up in my 20s and 30’s, but I’m taking better care of myself today than I did back then. If I would have known that I was going to last this long I would have taken a lot better care of myself. But I’m having fun and being fit has focused me.

Stevens was elected into the US Racing Hall of Fame in 1996 and appeared in the movie Seabiscuit and the HBO mini-series, “Luck.”

On Valentine’s Day last month Stevens picked up his 5,000 career win at Santa Anita Park aboard Catch a Flight. He lives in California but calls Idaho, home.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

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Workers pack apples and peaches at Symms Fruit Ranch in Canyon County in this Farm Bureau photograph taken in 2013. A slow down and work stoppages at West Coast ports stemming from a union contract dispute is causing fruit and other perishable products to rot on the docks.

Focus on Agriculture Portmania: Pileup at the West Coast Ports Continue

By Kari Barbic U.S.-grown apples and pears rot on the docks never again to see the light of day.

Bins normally piled high with U.S. produce at markets across Asia are looking scant. Storage facilities across the country are packed with tons of meat that should be on dinner plates around the world. Why? Loading docks from Seattle to San Diego—once bustling with activity—are now moving with all the speed of a DMV line thanks to prolonged contract negotiations between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshoremen and Warehouse Union.

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The dock workers’ contract expired in July, and although workers continue to show up, not much is getting done. The ports were brought to a halt in early February as shippers and port operators suspended operations for two days. The financial losses are stacking up along with the unmoved cargo. From $40 million per week in meat sales to $70 million in wasted fruit in Washington, these numbers are a mere fraction of sales and long-term market share losses that farms, ranches, lumber yards and factories are suffering.

While the two parties slog out salary and benefit terms, American businesses are paying the price as they lose skilled

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

workers, valuable sales and good standing with our largest overseas customers.

Fresh produce and meat exports to Asia are largely on hold until the docks are running at a normal pace again. Pork producers are among those being hit especially hard with no way to reach six of their top 10 world customers, all Asia/Pacific countries. While our supply is landlocked, the demand has not dwindled, and our overseas customers are now left to find other, more reliable, suppliers in the meantime.

Delays, added costs and failed shipments are putting our trade relationships on See FOCUS ON AGRICULTRE page 34

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

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Wildfires and the Forest Ecosystem

By Randy Brooks It seems that there have been a lot of natural catastrophes lately. Record snowfall in the northeast, hurricanes in the spring & summer, tsunamis on the other side of the world, and wildfires Fire serves many positive purposes in plant and animal ecosystems in the west are just a few occurrences.

Although not all fires are natural, many duction or benefited by the nourishment danger if fuel materials within the immeare a result of Mother Nature, in the form of lightning activity. The recent dev- left in its path. Fire-dependent ecosystems diate vicinity of buildings, campgrounds, astating fires in the West have raised many are an interesting study in the way plants and homes are cleared away. Curtailing fuquestions as to what effect fire has on the and animals have evolved to profit from els also reduces the intensity of wildfires, such a destructive natural phenomenon. which leads to easier management of them ecosystem. because they become more predictable and Historically, humans have thought that all Fire is an important management tool for less powerful. fires were detrimental because they black- production agriculture. Excess wheat and ened landscapes and burned trees. In fact, barley stubble is often burned to ease till- Fire serves many positive purposes in plants and animals evolved together with age practices. This practice saves time plant and animal life in ecosystems, but fire, making it a necessary element in the and fuel costs, (especially with high fuel it can also damage communities just as survival of many ecosystems. Through- prices). Kentucky bluegrass growers burn well. Perhaps the most damaging effect out time, natural selection and adaptations grass to stimulate seed production. Wood- of fire is erosion. Intense fires, especially have acted on plant and animal life to result land owners burn vegetative cover to de- in small tree and shrub communities, can in fire-dependent ecosystems. Many plants crease tree seedling competition. Fire also burn the vegetation down to the roots. On depend on fire to heat and scar their seeds reduces bugs, and unwanted vegetation. hillsides and mountainsides, the vegetaas a process for germination. Burned out Removal of brush by fire improves range tion holds excess rainfall runoff. When a fire destroys the intricate matrix of roots trees provide useful shelter for birds, rep- conditions and in turn grass production. tiles, and small mammals. Decaying trees Prescribed burns prevent forest fires by and grasses, devastating landslides can ocrelease nutrients into the soil and serve as a clearing out vegetation, such as small cur. Sediments can cloud streams, which base for new plants to sprout. Much of the trees, shrubs, and brush, which can even- can affect fish. Humus, the decaying orplant life in the United States has evolved tually fuel a much larger fire. Fire fighters ganic material on the ground within the to use fire directly as a catalyst for repro- can allow lightning fires to burn with less vegetation, can hold five times its weight in water. Therefore, the increased runoff re14

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

Uncharacteristic wildfire can be detrimental to the forest ecosystem. Photo courtesy of U.S. Forest Service

sulting from erosion can seriously damage the watershed. Water and mud are not the only debris that can slide down a charred mountainside. Landslides, rock slides, and avalanches are far more devastating, and occur frequently when heavy rains follow a fiery summer or fall.

Soil and water temperatures are also greatly affected by fires. When the overhead canopy is destroyed, sunlight reaches regions that are not used to the added heat. Foliage that normally survived under the previously shady regions cannot survive because of the increases in sunlight and temperature.

Stream water temperatures are also affected by the increase in sunlight. Spring runoffs can lead to floods because snow reserves melt much sooner, especially on steeper, sunlight facing slopes. Fire erosion affects both landscapes and plant and animal habitats; and often the effects are felt many years following a heavy fire because the regrowth can take years to occur.

Water quality can be affected by fire. Increased concentrations of dissolved nutrients generally occur in stream water after a fire. These concentrations tend to get diluted as streams become larger. Nutrient con-

centrations vary with fire intensity, length of time for the watershed to re-vegetate, and amount of precipitation the watershed receives in subsequent years.

Fires can affect animals in a variety of ways depending on the animals and the region involved. Seldom are animals left unscathed after a devastating fire sweeps through their habitat. After a fire has ravaged an ecosystem, animals with specialized diets seldom survive as well as animals that can feed on a variety of food sources. If a fire destroys their habitat, their populations can be affected for many years. After a fire, elk, deer, and other large herbivores thrive on the newly sprouted grasses and shrubs that occupy recently burned forests. During long periods without fire, trees in dense forests often out-compete (shade out) the grasses and shrubs that large animals feed on, resulting in a decline in big game.

Many birds also thrive after a fire when the seeds of many trees are dispersed. Birds, like the woodpecker, take advantage of burned out trees to make nests or forage for dead insects. On the contrary, other birds, for instance the grey owl, flourish in old-growth forests and therefore decrease

after a fire has destroyed their community. Insects usually do not survive fires well because their escape range is too small. This can affect birds if the specific insects are a food source. Trees can benefit from the death of insects that reside in their trunks. Many insects, in this case the mountain pine beetle in lodgepole forests, kill the trees in which they inhabit. A lot of these forest pests, like bark beetles, or the spruce bud worm, which resides in Douglas and subalpine fir forests, are burned out by fires.

Fires are natural occurrences, similar to hurricanes, floods, and heavy snow and rain events. Although they can be devastating, they are also important to the survival of ecosystems. Fire acts as a necessary evil, destroying, cleansing, and diversifying wildlife communities. The impact of fire on the ecosystem can vary dramatically with severity or intensity of the fire.

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

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

Teton County Farm Bureau Makes Food Bank Donation Teton County Farm Bureau President Stephen Bagley presents a check to Sharon Froberg, Coordinator for the Teton Valley Food Pantry / Food Bank.

Teton County Farm Bureau members recently sponsored a “Get Moving challenge.” The Idaho Farm Bureau Health and Safety Committee coordinated the event. County Farm Bureau Board members participated and competed against other County Farm Bureau members from around the state. The winner having the greatest number of members participating in a 30-minute or more walk per day for last October and part of November was awarded a prize of a donation to the food bank of the winner’s choice.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

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Here’s to bringing up the sun.

Here’s to muddy boots and grease-stained hands.

Here’s to caring for this great land.

Here’s to protecting what you live for.

We’re proud of our agricultural roots, and proud to be the insurance company so many families rely on to protect them from the unexpected. Here’s to protecting you, your family and your future.

www.fbfs.com FB10 (4-14)

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ID-Here’sTo…(4-14).indd 1

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

5/14/14 3:04 PM

Simpson Perseveres on Sawtooth Wilderness Area Proposal

By John Thompson The acronyms may have changed but the story remains the same in Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson’s epic struggle to create a wilderness area in central Idaho.

The effort that began over ten years ago with the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act (CEIDRA) has now morphed into the Sawtooth National Recreation Area Plus or SNRA+ and is being spurred into creation on a six-month timeline by a threat from the Obama Administration that would create a national monument over three times the size of Simpson’s current wilderness proposal.

The politics at play in this saga are fascinating. We’ve seen the two effected county commissions in the area, Blaine and Custer, vacillate between solid support, to severe angst, to neutrality on one front and acceptance with conditions on the other. As the situation stands today, Custer County supports SNRA plus viewing it as the lesser of two evils, while Blaine County Commissioners can’t seem to make up their minds.

The Custer County Farm Bureau recently voted to support SNRA+ with the condition that if key provisions are negotiated away to appease conservation interests the county Farm Bureau will withdraw its support. The Idaho Farm Bureau Board of Directors supported Custer County Farm Bureau’s position without altering the organization’s longstanding policy in opposition to creating any new wilderness in Idaho.

We’ve seen groups that staunchly support wilderness, namely the Idaho Conservation League and The Wilder-

ness Society, switch their allegiance from Simpson’s wilderness proposal to a national monument in spite of the fact that land use restrictions in national monuments could be far less restrictive than that of a wilderness, which are defined in the Wilderness Act of 1964. Land use rules for national monuments are developed by federal agents after a monument is designated.

In addition, Idaho politicians have pin-balled the issue of wilderness in the Boulder White Clouds region ever since its conceptual inception. Idaho Senator Jim Risch, who effectively killed CEIDRA during previous negotiations, is now supporting SNRA+.

Former Idaho Governor and Interior Secretary Cecil Andrus has also thrown his support behind a national monument rather than a wilderness.

Idaho Governor Butch Otter opposed CIEDRA but is yet to voice an opinion on the most current developments, while Boise Mayor Dave Bieter lobbied President Obama in support of a monument during a recent Presidential visit.

The major difference between SNRA+ and a new national monument as they stand today is the monument’s footprint would take in over twice as much land as the proposed wilderness. The monument total acreage is nearly 700,000 acres while the wilderness total is 296,000 acres. A key provision, at least from Custer County’s standpoint is the release of four wilderness study areas totaling 132,000 acres that have been managed as wilderness for several years.

Custer and Blaine counties will also receive over $6 million in grants that would be used to improve the Trail

Creek Highway and fund improvements in Clayton, Challis and Mackay. Specifically, the bill provides one acre of land to Blaine County for a school bus turnaround, 114 acres for a park and campground near Mackay, 10 acres for a fire hall at Mackay, 80 acres for a waste transfer site to Custer County, 460 acres to Challis and Custer County for undefined public purposes, 23 acres for a cemetery to Clayton, 2 acres for a park to Clayton, 2 acres for a water tower to Clayton, 6 acres for a waste water treatment facility to Clayton and 2 acres for a fire hall to Clayton.

Further, Simpson’s bill, which is available at the Congressman’s website, spells out the creation of three distinct wilderness areas in the Boulder White Clouds region. The Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness is 88,000 acres, the White Clouds Wilderness is 91,000 acres, and the Jim McClure – Jerry Peak Wilderness is 117,000 acres.

The bill further clarifies that grazing, outfitting, hunting and oversight of wildlife management in the wilderness areas, as they exist today, will not change.

The four wilderness study areas to be released under Simpson’s bill include the Jerry Peak Wilderness Study Area, the Jerry Peak West Wilderness Study Area, the Corral-Horse Basin Wilderness Study Area and the Boulder Creek Wilderness Study Area.

Next Page: Map of proposed wilderness areas

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

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WHITE CLOUDS 90841.85 ACRES

HEMINGWAY/BOULDERS 63563.95 ACRES

Vicinity Map

References

q

Map data sources include the Intermountain Region Automated Lands Program land status data, USGS Federal Lands data, and data created by Sawtooth GIS personnel to represent the proposed Wilderness area.

Disclaimer The USDA Forest Service makes no warranty, expressed or implied regarding the data displayed on this map, and reserves the right to correct, update, modify, or replace this information without notification.

0

1.5

3

Leg

6 Miles

Map Cr Map Re Map Re

Data used

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

Notes / Narrative: All 3 areas; Hemingway / Boulders, White Peak and Jerry Peak shown with acreage.

Includes revised Jerry Peak and Hemingway/Boulders boundaries.

JERRY PEAK 120421.74 ACRES

Wilderness Area Proposals This proposed National Wilderness Areas are located wholly or partially in Townships: T5N R17-18E, T6N R15-19E, T7N R15-19E, T8N R15-20E, T9N R15-20E, T10N R14-16E, T11N R14-16E, Boise Meridian

gend

The proposed White Clouds, Hemingway/Boulders and Jerry Peak National Wilderness Areas are located upon approximately 274,828 acres of federal land located in Custer and Blaine Counties, Idaho within the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests.

Wilderness Proposals Roads open to motorized use

Copies of this map are available for public inspection in the Office of the Regional Forester, Intermountain Region, USDA Forest Service, 324 25th Street, Ogden, Utah.

Trails open to motorized use

reation Date - 03-Dec-2014 evision Date - 17-Dec-2014 \ Version 1 evision Date - 10-Feb-2015

Sheet 1 of 1

This map was prepared at the request of Congressman Mike Simpson.

For additional information please contact Congressman Simpson's Staff at 208-334-1953

d in creation of this map are on file with [Region 4 Boundary & Title], C:\Users\randynmiller.USDA\Documents\workspace\CIEDRA\2014\OVERALL_34X22L.mxd and T:\FS\NFS\Sawtooth\Program\2300Recreation\GIS\CIEDRA\2014\Overall_34X22L_revisedJerryPk.mxd

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

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Poll Finds 90% of Idahoans Support Livestock Grazing

BOISE - A new statewide poll found that 90 percent of Idaho residents approve of livestock grazing as a legitimate use of public lands, the same percentage as guided recreation and mountain biking. Ninety-eight percent of the respondents approve of hiking and camping on public lands, and 65 percent approve of the use of motorized recreation such as ATVs and motorbikes.

The new survey conducted by the University of Idaho Social Science Research Unit for the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission (IRRC) was based on 585 telephone surveys with Idaho residents. The poll was completed in December 2014.

More than half of the survey participants have lived in Idaho for more than 30 years, and participants represent a diverse crosssection of political ideology, UI officials said.

Public support for livestock grazing was approximately 20 percent higher than it was for logging, which had a 71 percent approval rating. Using public lands for energy development and transmission lines received the lowest level of support at 62 percent. Public approval of livestock grazing on public lands went up 1 percent since 2010, and 10 points since 2001, according to previous polls conducted for IRRC by the University of Idaho.

“We’re pleased to see public support for livestock grazing on public lands increasing,” said Chris Black, IRRC board chairman and a Bruneau Rancher who has received a BLM national stewardship award for exemplary livestock management on public lands. “We think Idahoans are seeing improved range management when they’re out recreating on rangelands and forests. And over the last five years, we’ve highlighted more than 30 stories of ranchers engaged in rangeland stewardship through the Commission’s “Life on the Range” web site and video series.

“We feel it’s important to show real people 22

doing tangible things to improve public lands, the environment and threatened and endangered species, including candidate species such as sage grouse,” Black continued. “That’s what is expected in 21st Century public lands management.”

IRRC officials said they commissioned the poll to understand the overall perception of Idaho residents about grazing, and how those perceptions might be evolving due to changes in Idaho’s population demographics and the emergence of the “New West.”

In a wildlife-related question, the poll found that 84 percent of the respondents recognize that private ranchlands provide important wildlife habitat. On a scale of 1-7, 68 percent of the respondents rated the value of private farms and ranches for wildlife as being a 5 or higher.

Seventy-nine percent believe that sheep and cattle ranchers manage rangelands in a responsible manner, and 82 percent believe that livestock grazing should continue to be part of public lands management.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

In a series of questions rating the credibility or reliability of information provided to the public, ranchers and scientists rated 84 percent and 83 percent reliable, while BLM officials received a reliability rating of 80 percent and environmentalists received a rating of 55 percent.

The poll is statistically valid, sampling a broad cross-section of Idaho’s rural and urban residents, an equal number of males and females, and mobile phone users as well as landline users, UI officials said.

About the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission: The Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission is an Idaho state agency that seeks to increase public understanding about the balanced management of public rangelands. The commission sponsors the award-winning web site, www.lifeontherange.org, and it provides information and educational materials to Idaho’s school children. For more information, see www.idrange.org.

IFBF Winter Conferences

Continued from page 5

Clark Johnston gave a commodity outlook report during the annual IFBF Commodity Conference held in early February at the Riverside Hotel in Boise.

Idaho Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Vice Chairman Allis Chandler, foreground and Sherril Tillotson, District 1 Chairman, distribute gift bags to legislators during IFBF’s annual winter activities in Boise. The Women’s Leadership Committee also made a charitable donation to the Ronald MacDonald House.

The annual Idaho Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Conference was held in Burley in late January. Farm Bureau members were interested in a workshop on drones or unmanned aerial vehicles and their applications in both farming and ranching. Photos by Steve Ritter Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

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Grain Marketing with Clark Johnston

Grain Marketing, Production Challenges Likely in 2015

By Clark Johnston Over the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to visit with producers across the entire state. I have met with producers from Moscow down to Preston and it seems as though they all have the same concerns and challenges as we look forward to the 2015 crop year.

Some producers, especially in the southeast part of the state, are still remembering the effects of the past harvest. Although the closer we move to spring work the past seems to move further into the back of their mind. After all, producers are always looking forward. This doesn’t mean that we don’t remember the past and learn from those experiences it’s just that we are continually looking at the next year and the next crop.

This year is going to be just like years past with its own challenges for us to face with not only production but, marketing will have its own challenges as well. This is stacking up to be a year without any layups.

This doesn’t mean that we won’t have opportunities to market our commodities at profitable levels but, at this time it looks as though our opportunities will be short lived throughout the year. Remember it generally will take a long time for the market to move higher and a very short time to retrace lower.

This year we need to watch for quick moves to the upside. (Whether the strength comes from the futures or the basis) This past year we saw the basis trade at very 24

high levels compared to previous years. In some instances the basis moved as much as 50 points overnight and then moved back lower.

It may sound silly at times but one of the most important rules to follow in marketing is, Sell when someone wants to buy!

We have talked about the importance of watching the basis and knowing a good level to contract your commodities. Last fall the basis on Hard White strengthened by 100 points and then weakened by that same 100 points all within a two month time frame. Futures during this same time frame moved 50 cents higher and then moved back lower to settle within a nickel of where we had started.

The opportunity was there for those that could take advantage of the strength. This is just what we will need to watch for this year. We may or may not see a 100 point move in the local bid but, we will see a move and we need to be ready. There is a real possibility this year that the strength in the market won’t last long enough for us to analyze the market and then make our decision.

It will be important for us to know the levels that will give us the opportunity to be profitable ahead of time. By knowing this we will be comfortable in making the decision to contract when presented with the opportunity. Futures at this time look as though they could be lower than last year but, basis could be a little stronger and this is where we could very well find our price movements this coming year.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

Clark Johnston At this point in time the winter wheat crop in Kansas isn’t anything to write home about. Total wheat production at this time could be slightly lower than 2014. Soft white acres in Idaho also looks to be a little lower than 2014.

Basis for new crop soft white is a little low for now. Look for this to strengthen as we move into new crop harvest and into the fall. We should have at least one good opportunity to lock in the futures side of our wheat price just for the fact that we haven’t killed the wheat crop just yet. The basis strength will come later.

Establish the levels that will help you be profitable right now and then market to those levels. Don’t be afraid to contract at least some bushels when the opportunity arises. I realize that once you sell your grain it is gone without an opportunity to produce more but we can’t let that keep us from contracting at levels that maybe aren’t as good as we want but, good enough to keep us in business. Remember, it is always easier to sell into an up market than one that is moving down.

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 Feeding America Benefits from Farm Bureau Donations The farm and ranch families of Farm Bureau raised more than $1.2 million and donated a record of nearly 42 million pounds of food to assist hungry Americans as part of Farm Bureau’s “Harvest for All” program in partnership with Feeding America. Combined, the monetary and food donations also reached a record level of the equivalent of more than 46 million meals.

Now in its 13th year, Harvest for All is spearheaded by members of Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program, but Farm Bureau members of all ages from across the nation contribute to the effort. In all, 23 state Farm Bureaus and the American Farm Bureau Federation heeded the call to action.

The joint effort between Farm Bureau and Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief organization, is a national community action program through which farmers and ranchers can help ensure every American enjoys the bounty of food they produce.

In addition to raising food and funds for the initiative, farmers and ranchers tallied nearly 14,000 volunteer friend hours assisting local hunger groups in 2014.

“By working together and sharing our bounty, we’re able to help nourish those who need help the most,” said Jon Hegeman, a greenhouse grower from Alabama who chairs the AFBF YF&R committee.

“No one in America should have to go without food,” Hegeman said. “Through the coordinated efforts of America’s farmers and ranchers and Harvest for All, the equivalent of 46 million meals made it to the tables of those who needed it the during the past year.”

Harvest for All is one of the most important community service efforts undertaken by Farm Bureau members. Although the U.S. economy is stronger overall compared to a few years ago, many Americans still need the help provided by Feeding America and its national network of local food assistance organizations, according to Hegeman.

“The American Farm Bureau and its Young Farmers & Ranchers have consistently contributed to Harvest for All throughout our 13-year partnership, providing much-needed assistance for the one in six Americans who are struggling with hunger,” said James Borys, regional produce manager at Feeding America.

The Florida Farm Bureau took top honors for donating the most food in 2014, 16,978,541 pounds. Illinois Farm Bureau raised the most money, $1,034,541. Illinois Farm Bureau also tallied the most volunteer friend hours, 4,043. Thanks to the generosity of Chevrolet, each of those state organizations received a $1,250 grant to donate to a local food bank of their choice

or for another Harvest for All project.

Second-place winners were the California Farm Bureau for food donated at 12,775,725 pounds; Indiana Farm Bureau for donated funds at $46,836; and Michigan Farm Bureau for volunteer time at 3,640. Each of the second-place winners received a $750 grant from Chevrolet to donate to the local food bank of their choice.

In addition, three state YF&R committees received $500 grants from Chevrolet for

“most innovative” programs.

Those winners were Georgia, Arizona and North Carolina.

The awards were presented during AFBF’s FUSION Conference in Nashville earlier this month. Since Harvest for All was launched, Farm Bureau families have gathered more than 147 million pounds of food, logged more than 97,000 volunteer hours and raised more than $4.8 million in donations. Combined, the food and money donations are the equivalent of more than 166 million meals.

Idaho Farm Bureau members can save a significant amount on their medications.

Take 5 minutes to get a price quote.

USE IDAHO FARM BUREAU CODE (IDFB) Toll-Free Phone 1.866.335.8064 www.thecanadianpharmacy.com

Step 1:

Call 1.866.335.8064 or go to www.thecanadianpharmacy.com

Step 2:

Tell them you are with the Idaho Farm Bureau (code IDFB) and that you need a price quote on your medication.

Step 3:

If this price is lower than what you currently pay, then The Canadian Pharmacy will help you get your prescription at the discounted price.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

A new government report takes aim at America’s diet and the environmental impact of the beef industry.

Dietary Guidelines Report Misleading IFBF A new report released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration calls on Americans to change their dietary preferences due to environmental and health concerns.

The report appears to point fingers at the environmental impact of beef feedlots stating that production of other forms of meat protein have a lighter footprint. However, several farm groups are pushing back noting that U.S. farms and ranches are the most efficient producers in the world.

“Science must drive policy that feeds people all over the world, so we applaud the (FDA) advisory board for its notable contributions to public health,” according

to American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman. “We are concerned, however, that the report’s lengthy foray into sustainability issues goes well beyond both the group’s expertise and its clearly defined mission. Its conclusions would have benefitted from the contributions of agronomists, animal scientists, ecologists and others with deeper expertise in agriculture and sustainability.”

According to an executive summary of the report provided by FDA the work was guided by two fundamental realities. First, about half of all American adults—117 million individuals—have one or more preventable, chronic diseases, and about two-thirds of U.S. adults—nearly 155 mil-

lion individuals—are overweight or obese.

These conditions have been highly prevalent for more than two decades. Poor dietary patterns, overconsumption of calories, and physical inactivity directly contribute to these disorders. Second, individual nutrition and physical activity behaviors and other health-related lifestyle behaviors are strongly influenced by personal, social, organizational, and environmental contexts and systems. Positive changes in individual diet and physical activity behaviors, and in the environmental contexts and systems that affect them, could substantially improve health outcomes.

See DIETARY GUIDELINES, page 34

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

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The Fear of Running Out of Farmers

By Stewart Truelsen A demographic study of farming and ranching in Wyoming forecasts there will be no operators under the age of 35 by the year 2033. The study in Rangelands, a publication of the Society for Range Management, found that the average age of farmers has increased in every county in Wyoming since 1920, and will reach 60 by the year 2050. Based on these results, the authors predict a bleak farming future for Wyoming and the rest of the country where trends are similar.

Believe it or not, the fear of not having enough farmers and ranchers has been around as long as the first county Farm Bureau, founded a little over a hundred years ago in Broome County, New York.

The concern back then was that too many young men were leaving the hard life of farming to seek gainful employment in the big cities. Farm Bureau was formed out of a desire to make farming more socially and financially rewarding.

The exodus from farms and ranches con28

tinued, however, but became far less worrisome because of mechanization and the tremendous increase in farm productivity.

In fact, the pendulum swung the other way.

During much of the 20th century there were too many people trying to make a living from farming, and too much land was in production.

The aging of the farm workforce became noticeable in the 1950s and has continued relatively unabated ever since. The average age of farmers was 48.7 years in 1945, the first year it was officially reported in the Census of Agriculture. The average age now is 58.3 years. The share of farmers age 65 and older was 14 percent in 1945: It is now 33 percent. Only 6 percent of farmers are under the age of 35.

Do all these numbers spell big trouble for the nation’s agriculture? Not necessarily.

The entire American workforce is aging.

By the year 2020, 25 percent of the labor force will be over 55, up from 12 percent in 1990. Agriculture, real estate and education are the three employment catego-

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

ries with the highest number of workers over 55. An older agricultural workforce is nothing new, at least not in the last half century.

Generally speaking, today’s 65-year-old is better educated, healthier and more willing to extend their working years than seniors in the past. It seems fair to say that a 58-year-old farmer today is comparable to a 48-year-old farmer in 1945.

According to the Stanford Center on Longevity, agriculture will need to rely on a larger share of older workers and use them as well to train young workers. The U.S. birth rate is projected to average 4.6 million per year from 2015 to 2060, that’s more than the peak year of the baby boom.

American agriculture has a recruiting job to do, but it has never been in a better position to convince future generations to become farmers and ranchers.

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

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

Preparing for When Times Change

By Andrew David Junkin “Haven’t I done anything right?” Hank screamed at me.

Hank was stuck in his ways.

He had spent his entire life working towards a single goal: pay off all his debts and make his dairy farm incredibly profitable. With a lot of hard work and sacrifice, he had achieved that goal in his sixties. He thought that his son would be grateful to have such a nice farm to take over, but things didn’t look like they were going to turn out that way.

Hank’s son Derek had graduated from agriculture college and had spewed out thousands of ideas over the past three years. It was as if Derek couldn’t help but offer a new million-dollar idea every day.

The problem was that most of his ideas would actually cost a million dollars but would never return the investment.

The year after Derek returned home from college, he went behind his father’s back to get a pre-approved loan for a major barn expansion. When Hank mistakenly got the call from the bank regarding this plan,

he was furious. Needless to say, the expansion didn’t happen. When Hank put his foot down, Derek’s attitude toward his Dad changed. He criticized his father’s every move. The two men went from being the best of friends to worst of enemies almost overnight. The accountant called me in to mediate the crisis, and I arrived at the farm just as Derek was removing his belongings from the “hired man’s” house with a plane ticket in his hand.

The problem wasn’t the barn expansion plan; it was that neither Derek nor Hank had a system in place to deal with change. Derek didn’t know how to bring up new ideas so his father would listen, and Hank didn’t know how to be open to the good ones, or to challenge the bad ones without running Derek down.

I asked Hank, “Are you going to define change or is it going to define you?” Like it or not, things were about to change.

Either Hank would have to learn to take input from his son, or learn to live and work without him. Without an heir, he would have to sell the farm and

Andrew David Junkin change his lifestyle completely.

Both men needed to transform how they viewed change and how they dealt with it.

Change is difficult, and it’s a tough topic to discuss. That’s why facilitated monthly family business meetings that focus on managing change successfully are a good idea. Here is how I structure the discussion: Step 1: Brainstorm: I tell every family member to come to the table prepared to present one simple idea for change.

They have to think through their idea, not to just blurt out the first thought that comes to mind. The proposed change can’t cost more than 1 per cent (i.e. <$5,000) of the farm’s assets, and must pay the farm back in an appropriate amount of time. The simpler the change and the higher the return, the better.

Step 2:

Evaluate the Idea:

Once all of the proposals are on the table, the family and I discuss each idea together. I help them weigh the pros and cons, and make sure each person has enough time to express his or her opinion. It’s critical that everyone participates at this stage. If a family member is reluctant to speak, I encourage them and I remind them that this is the time and place for different perspectives.

We start small. Learning how to evaluate simple ideas can teach everyone how to evaluate bigger strategic problems down the road. Once the technique is mastered, no matter what comes up, the family will have a process to follow to ensure that everyone has a say.

Step 3: Make a Decision: Once everyone has had a chance to say what they think about each idea, it’s time to make a deciSee FARMING WITH FAMILY, page 32

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

31

FARMING WITH FAMILY

Continued from page 31

sion. Making a decision is a process in itself. Here are the three steps I encourage my clients to follow: Decide on how to decide. Will it be by consensus, by simple majority, or done by the person in charge?

Put a timeline on the decision. When will the final decision be made? Sometimes it’s best to delay making certain decisions to another meeting in order to give people time to do more research, or just more time to think about it. But, at some point, a decision has to be made. Giving the process a timeline prevents procrastination.

Make sure that the decision making process is objective and civil. Having a facilitator present to make sure one party isn’t a “bully” is key. Decisions shouldn’t be made by the loudest voice or the person who speaks most frequently.

32

Step 4: Follow Through: It’s easy to discuss an idea, but it can be hard to decide how good it is. It’s even harder to make sure the decision gets implemented. Implementation of a change is actually one of the most difficult challenges a family business can face. A facilitator can help hold family members accountable for doing what they say they will do, which means no one in the family has to act as an enforcer. It takes the pressure off family members and really diffuses tensions.

Step 5: Learn from Mistakes: Learning from mistakes is the most important part of the family decision-making process.

Most families never discuss mistakes unless it’s in a vindictive tone and during a family argument about an unrelated matter. As a result, the business organization never learns and improves. It’s one of agriculture’s greatest failures.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

It is very important that everyone in the family participates in this process as a group. Just like a basketball team, try to instill the attitude that we win together and lose together. Pointing fingers will only stall future success. If this process is done well, you will not only be teaching the next generation how to be the most knowledgeable farmers, but also how to be wiser decision makers.

Are you going to define how your farm proactively adapts change, or are you going to let change negatively change you?

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

2015 Idaho FFA Foundation Tractor Raffle Win this Classic

1946 John Deere GM Tractor and support Idaho FFA members with your

$10 raffle ticket donation 2nd Prize—Traeger Grill 3rd Prize—$250 Carhartt Gift Card Proceeds benefit Idaho FFA Members through post-secondary education scholarships and support of Idaho FFA programs statewide through the Idaho FFA Foundation. $58,000 in scholarships have been awarded to date and another $14,000 in scholarships will be awarded in April 2015.

In addition, the local FFA chapters designated on the winning tickets will receive a portion of the total ticket proceeds.

Tickets may be purchased from your local FFA chapter or the Idaho FFA Foundation. The drawing will be on April 10, 2015 at the Idaho State FFA Leadership Conference in Twin Falls. Need not be present to win.

This restored classic tractor includes a sprayer tank and new tires.

Idaho FFA Alumni

Tractor donated by Ralph and Pat Breeding of Twin Falls Contact your local Idaho FFA Chapter for Tractor Raffle tickets, or call Idaho FFA Foundation Tractor Raffle Chairman Sid Freeman at 208-941-3584.

For more information about the Tractor Raffle, visit: www.idffafoundation.org Idaho FFA Foundation Tractor Raffle Scholarship presentations in previous years

THANK YOU! Idaho Farm Bureau for your support of Idaho FFA and the Tractor Raffle!

For a full list of Tractor Raffle sponsors and more information about the Tractor Raffle program, please visit: www.idffafoundation.org Tickets may be purchased on the website.

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

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

33

Focus on agriculture

Continued from page 12 shaky ground. Agreements to open up more trade in Asia will do us little good if we can’t meet our end of the bargain.

“This is turning into a disaster,” one potato exporter noted. “If we cannot supply to the Pacific Rim as we have assured over recent months, we will lose volume and confidence of these newly established customers.”

An estimated 60 percent of shippers have redirected their products to avoid the clogged ports. Although non-perishable products can be re-routed to Eastern U.S. ports through the Panama Canal, this still adds time and significantly ups the price tag. As a last resort, some retailers have taken to the skies to bypass the traffic jam. The U.S. military even resorted to air shipments to get yogurt

and cottage cheese to troops in Japan and South Korea.

How did it get to this point? Last May, the PMA and ILWU began negotiating terms for a new contract. Weeks passed.

The contract expired in July and work at the ports slowed. By the time holiday shipments were picking up in the fall, retailers could feel the sting. Two- to three-week delays in just getting goods off ships became standard operating procedure. In some cases, truck drivers would sit at the docks all day waiting for a shipment to be offloaded, only to be turned away empty-handed.

Meanwhile, threats of strike and full shutdown continued to loom. In January, both parties brought in a federal mediator. By month’s end a deal seemed nearly

in sight. Under the new five-year contract the PMA presented, dock workers would see a 3 percent pay raise each year and full coverage for healthcare. PMA estimates the average dock worker’s salary to be $147,000 per year under the expired contract. Yet, negotiations continue.

Once a deal is finally struck and the ports return to operating at their normal speed, it’s still expected to take another eight weeks to clear the backlog.

Some losses will never be recovered, but America’s farmers and ranchers are eager to get back to business and restore the trade relationships we’ve worked so hard to build.

Kari Barbic is a media specialist for the American Farm Bureau Federation.

DIETARY GUIDELINES Continued from page 27 In specific, the report recommends Americans eat less red meat and seek out other forms of protein. This recommendation in particular caused concerns among many farm groups.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association sent out a statement by doctor and cattle producer Richard Thorpe calling the committee biased and the meat recommendation absurd. He said lean beef has a role in healthy diets.

executive branch moves forward.

bon footprints.

Environmentalists are pushing the committee and the government to go the route being considered.

“We suspect the report’s unrealistically pessimistic view of sustainability colors its views regarding meat in the American diet.

Instead of supporting the health benefits of lean meat consumption -- as previous advisory committees have consistently done -- the authors focus only on a diet “higher in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low- or non-fat dairy, seafood, legumes, and nuts; moderate in alcohol (among adults); lower in red and processed meat.”

“We need to make sure our diets are in alignment with our natural resources and the need to reduce climate change,” said Kari Hamerschlag of the advocacy group Friends of the Earth.

“The report makes many good observations about the need for a balanced diet,” Objections are coming from Congress, too.

Stallman said. “But we are troubled that it A massive year-end spending bill enacted also repeats alarmist and unsubstantiated last month noted the advisory committee’s assertions about land use first promulgated interest in the environment and directed by a UN agency with scant agricultural Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack “to understanding. These assertions contradict only include nutrition and dietary infor- the views of the UN’s own agricultural exmation, not extraneous factors” in final perts and fly in the face of decades of sciguidelines. Congress often uses such non- entific consensus. The overall guidelines binding directions to put a department on also ignore easier and more effective ways notice that lawmakers will push back if the ordinary Americans can reduce their car-

34

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

“American farmers and ranchers pay close attention to their actions because that’s good for the environment and their own welfare, too. We stand ready to help the administration make sure the world’s most qualified experts are present when decisions affecting the food supply are made,” Stallman said.

Employer, Contractor, It’s Time to Get Real tion, Sustainable Livestock USFRA Announces Grazing Management. This and H-2a Labor Laws About Milk Nine New Affiliates Forum For some reason, milk has been report highlights four success- The U.S. Farmers and Ranch-

Are you an agricultural grower who employs migrant or seasonal workers? Are you a farm labor contractor, or interested in becoming one in Idaho? Do you contract agricultural workers via the H-2a visa program?

Do you provide or control housing for migrant workers?

Do you provide transportation for agricultural workers? Do you want to learn more about the various federal labor and safety requirements involving the employment of migrant and seasonal farm workers?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, then this FREE training will benefit you! Wage, hour, safety in transportation and housing, field sanitation and comprehensive H-2a visa contract labor requirements training will be included, and provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division.

Dates & Locations: March 9, 2015, State of Idaho Department of Labor, 4514 Thomas Jefferson St, Caldwell March 11, 2015, State of Idaho Department of Labor, 420 Falls Avenue, Twin Falls.

Time for both: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm, lunch break, 1:00 to 3:00 pm

under attack. Some critics are saying don’t drink milk – it’s unneeded, unnatural and bad for you. That couldn’t be further from the truth, points out the MilkTruth.com website.

Thousands of scientific studies have documented the benefits of drinking milk. Don’t be misled by alarming headlines or passionate critics. Get the full story about milk. Nutrition is a science, not a point of view. See what the real experts are saying about milk – one of the most naturally nutrientrich beverages you can find.

Some are avoiding dairy milk or replacing it with an alternative. But it’s tough to make up for the nutrients that real milk provides – which is particularly troubling for growing kids, who will likely suffer the most.

Go online to learn about the “Get real about milk” tagline and the just-launched website and campaign, organized by MilkPEP, which aims to set the record straight about the science behind milk.

Sustainable Livestock Grazing Management Report Published

Four Successful Research Projects The Western Sustainable Agriculture Sustainable Agriculture program (SARE) recently released its 12-page publica-

ful Western SARE-funded research and outreach projects addressing livestock grazing on rangelands and in riparian areas, providing valuable information for ranchers, land managers, and ag professionals.

The full report can be downloaded from westernsare. org/Learning-Center/FactSheets/Sustainable-Livestock- Grazing-Management.

The four Western region projects described include: · Creating handbook for utilizing livestock as a tool in noxious weed control in nine western states · Building a network of trainers using the BEHAVE method to modify livestocks’ preferred foods · Training cattle to eat big sagebrush to reduce feed costs and improve biodiversity · Distributing recommendations on riparian friendly grazing The high-quality research projects were collaboratively led by researchers, ag professionals, and ranchers and the research results reached hundreds in western states.

ers Alliance® (USFRA), a consumer-facing organization dedicated to leading the national conversation about how food is grown and raised, has grown to more than 80 organizations with the addition of nine new affiliates. The mission of USFRA is for all of agriculture to work together to enhance consumer confidence and trust in today’s food production system.

With the commitment of its affiliates and industry partners, USFRA is leading the way in bringing experts throughout the industry to the table for candid dialogue around some of the most contentious issues in agriculture. These conversations take place through several of USFRA’s most notable programs including The Food Dialogues and the Faces of Farming and Ranching, programs that amplify farmers’ and ranchers’ voices. The documentary FARMLAND, produced by award-winning filmmaker James Moll, is also a unique and creative medium in which non-ag consumers are emotionally connected with real farmers and real ranchers.

Additionally insights learned from USFRA’s proprietary consumer research helps guide the development of programs and outreach efforts, and is a tool exclusively available for affiliate and industry partners.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

35

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

Burley:

$32 A $60 room will be closer to

White Wheat 11% Winter 14% Spring Barley

Nampa:

White Wheat (cwt) (Bushel)

1/29/2015

2/20/2015

Trend

No Bid 6.20-6.53 8.21 265.00

No Bid 6.19-6.33 8.56 265.00

N/A - .01 to - .20 + .35 Steady

6.05 5.54 6.00 5.40

6.20 5.46 6.16 5.85

+ .15 - .08 + .16 + .45

5.75 5.32 6.10 5.32

5.80 5.38 6.31 5.48

+ + + +

5.70 4.71 5.65 5.20

5.75 4.63 6.17 5.00

+ .05 - .08 + .52 - .20

8.75 5.25

9.15 5.49

+ .40 + .24

6.50 8.36 6.34 151.50

+ .22 + .12 - 1.80 Steady

2/20/2015

Trend

235-340 190-308 170-219 170-202

235-367 200-310 171-224 155-195

Steady to + 27 + 10 to + 2 + 1 to + 5 - 15 to - 7

210-305 185-265 164-215 158-178

220-337 185-257 162-217 120-172

+ 10 to + 32 steady to - 8 - 2 to + 2 - 38 to - 6

140-186 120-170

140-188 120-175

steady to + 2 steady to + 5

85-110 75-98

85-120 79-105

Steady to + 10 + 4 to + 7

1400-2175

1200-2200

- 200 to + 25

90-132

97-139

+7

25.00-26.00 Not Established 38.00-40.00

24.00-25.00 Not Established 40.00

- 1.00 N.A. Up 2.00 to Steady

Lewiston:

$48 A $90 room will be closer to

White Wheat 6.28 H. Red Winter 6.24 Dark N. Spring 8.14

Barley 151.50

LIVESTOCK PRICES

1/29/2015

Feeder Steers

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

$72 1.800.258.2847

Farm Bureau Discount Code

00209550

advanced reservations required

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

Holstein Steers Under 700 lbs Over 700 lbs

Cows

Utility/Commercial Canner & Cutter

Stock Cows Bulls

Slaughter

BEAN PRICES: Pinto Pink Small Red

Compiled by the Idaho Farm Bureau Commodity Division 36

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

.05 .06 .21 .16

IDaho Hay Report Idaho Weekly Hay Report Fri Feb 20, 2015 Tons: 2100 Last Week: 800 Last Year: 11,500 Compared to last Friday, Supreme and Feeder quality Alfalfa steady to weak in a light test.Trade very slow this week with light demand for export and feeder hay. Demand remains light as more feeder hay shows up on the market. Retail/feed store/horse not tested this week. All prices are dollars per ton and FOB the farm or ranch unless otherwise stated. Delivered prices include freight, commissions and other expenses.

Tons

Price

300 220.00-220.00 200 164.00-164.00 1100 150.00-170.00 500 130.00-130.00

Wtd Avg 220.00 164.00 164.55 130.00

Comments Tarped Export Tarped

Source: USDA Market News, Moses Lake, WA.

Potatoes for Processing

Potatoes & onions

February 18, 2015 IDAHO---Open-market trading by processors with growers was inactive.

Onions, Dry

IDAHO AND MALHUER COUNTY OREGON--- Shipments 279-299-269---Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading slow. Prices Yellow colossal, jumbo and Red jumbo lower, others generally unchanged. Yellow Spanish Hybrid U.S. One 50-pound sack Super Colossal mostly 6.00, colossal 4.50-5.50, jumbo mostly 3.50, medium mostly 3.00; White 50-pound sacks jumbo 13.00, medium 11.00; Red Globe Type U.S. One 25-pound sacks jumbo 5.00-6.00, medium mostly 4.00-5.00.

5 Year Grain Comparison

Grain Prices..................2/25/2011.....................2/20/2012.................... 2/19/2013...................2/25/2014...................2/20/2015 Portland: White Wheat..................... 7.60 ............................7.00 ..............................8.64...............................7.36 ........................No Bid 11% Winter...................8.74-8.94 .....................7.25-7.32...................... 8.64-8.91..................... 8.47-8.57......................6.19-6.33 14% Spring....................... 11.88 ...........................No Bid.............................9.26...............................8.61.............................. 8.56 Corn.............................. 287-288.25................... 271-272.25....................290.50-293 .....................No Bid..........................No Bid Ogden: White Wheat..................... 6.95 ..............................6.20............................... 8.40.............................

11% Winter....................... 7.63 .............................. 6.17 ............................. 8.03.............................

14 % Spring......................10.16...............................8.02 ............................. 8.60.............................

Barley................................ 10.50.............................10.80..............................12.00.............................

Alfalfa Large Square Supreme Good

Fair

6.35............................ 6.20 7.00............................. 5.46 7.77............................. 6.16 8.05............................ 5.85

Pocatello: White Wheat..................... 6.90 .............................5.90............................... 8.00............................. 6.10............................ 5.80 11% Winter........................7.59 ..............................5.83 ............................. 7.52............................. 7.15............................ 5.38 14% Spring....................... 10.50.............................. 7.78 ............................. 7.81............................. 7.41............................. 6.31 Barley................................. 9.90 ............................9.27 ............................ 12.08.......................... No Bid........................ No Bid

Potatoes

UPPER VALLEY, TWIN FALLS-BURLEY DISTRICT, IDAHO--- Shipments 668-717-695 (includes export of 2-4-4) ---Movement expected to decrease slightly.

Trading baled moderate, cartons fairly slow. Prices baled slightly higher, cartons generally unchanged. Russet Burbank U.S. One baled 5 10-pound film bags non size A 3.00-3.50; 50-pound cartons 40-60s 13.00-13.50, 70s mostly 12.50-13.00, 80s 8.008.50, 90s 6.00-6.50, 100s 5.00-5.50. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 5 10-pound film bags non size A 3.00-3.50; 50-pound cartons 40-60s 13.00-13.50, 70s mostly 12.00-12.50, 80s 8.00-8.50, 90s 6.00-6.50, 100s 5.00-5.50. Shipment breakdown by variety for the week ending February 14, 2015 was generally Russets with 57 percent Burbanks and 33 percent Norkotahs.

Burley: White Wheat......................7.12 ..............................5.95............................... 7.90............................. 6.08............................. 5.75 11% Winter....................... 7.44 ..............................5.97 ............................. 7.50............................. 6.81............................ 4.63 14% Spring....................... 10.18............................... 7.96 ............................. 7.90............................. 6.97............................. 6.17 Barley................................10.00 ............................9.50 ............................ 12.25............................ 7.50............................ 5.00 Nampa: White Wheat (cwt)......... 10.85............................. 10.17............................. 13.08........................... 10.50............................ 9.15 (bushel)........... 6.51 ..............................6.10.............................. 7.85........................... 6.30............................ 5.49 Lewiston: White Wheat..................... 7.40 ..............................6.70............................... 8.48............................. 7.02............................ 6.50 Barley............................... 201.50...........................186.50.......................... 231.50......................... 156.50......................... 151.50 Bean Prices: Pintos...........................26.00-27.00........................50.00........................35.00-35.00................. 35.00-37.00..................35.00-37.00 Pinks............................25.00-28.00.................. 45.00-46.00...................0.00-42.00..................39.00-40.00.................39.00-40.00 Small Reds........................30.00....................... 45.00-46.00 ................40.00-42.00.......................40.00............................40.00 ***

JANUARY MILK PRODUCTION UP 2.1 percent February 20, 2015 Milk production in the 23 major States during January totaled 16.5 billion pounds, up 2.1 percent from January 2014. December revised production at 16.3 billion pounds, was up 3.4 percent from December 2013. The December revision represented an increase of 14 million pounds or 0.1 percent from last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preliminary production estimate.

Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,918 pounds for January, 17 pounds above January 2014.This is the highest production per cow for the month of January since the 23 State series began in 2003.

The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.62 million head, 103,000 head more than January 2014, and 8,000 head more than December 2014.

2014 Annual Milk Production up 2.4 Percent from 2013 The annual production of milk for the United States during 2014 was 206 billion pounds, 2.4 percent above 2013. Revisions to 2013 production increased the annual total 13 million pounds. Revised 2014 production was up 52 million pounds from last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s publication.

Production per cow in the United States averaged 22,258 pounds for 2014, 442 pounds above 2013. The average annual rate of milk production per cow has increased 13.9 percent from 2005.

The average number of milk cows on farms in the United States during 2014 was 9.26 million head, up 0.4 percent from 2013. The average number of milk cows was revised up 2,000 head for 2014.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

37

5 Year livestock comparison ...................................... 2/21/2011.....................2/20/2012.....................2/19/2013.....................2/21/2014....................2/20/2015 Under 500 lbs................ 137-179 ......................155-226 ......................142-207........................ 180-259........................235-367 500-700 lbs....................120-167.........................137-199..........................120-175.........................167-231........................200-310 700-900 lbs....................105-137 .......................125-160.........................115-142.........................130-175........................ 171-224 Over 900 lbs................... 95-116...........................95-140 .........................92-131..........................105-152........................ 155-195 Feeder Heifers Under 500 lbs................108-161 .....................140-210.........................128-172.........................170-237........................220-337 500-700 lbs..................... 97-153 .......................132-186..........................116-153.........................153-197........................185-257 700-900 lbs..................... 91-128..........................115-162..........................107-134.........................129-174.........................162-217 Over 900 lbs...................90-110.......................... 110-119..........................100-120.........................101-144........................ 120-172 Holstein Steers Under 700 lbs.................65-102...........................75-129...........................75-110.......................... 98-128.........................140-188 Over 700 lbs....................65-94 ..........................75-110............................55-103.......................... 90-130......................... 120-175 Cows Utility/Commercial...........54-84.............................61-84.............................59-79............................ 70-97...........................85-120 Canner & Cutter..............40-72.............................55-81.............................53-70............................ 60-94........................... 79-105 Stock Cows.....................875-1500.......................800-1600.......................750-1425..................... 925-1425.....................1200-2200 Bulls – Slaughter............65-95............................62-107............................60-95...........................70-111.......................... 97-139

Cattle on Feed February 20, 2015 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 10.7 million head on February 1, 2015.

The inventory was slightly above February 1, 2014.

Placements in feedlots during January totaled 1.79 million, 11 percent below 2014.

Net placements were 1.71 million head. During January, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 405,000, 600-699 pounds were 340,000, 700-799 pounds were 477,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 565,000.

Marketings of fed cattle during January totaled 1.63 million, 9 percent below 2014.

January marketings are the lowest since the series began in 1996.

Other disappearance totaled 77,000 during January, 8 percent above 2014.

2014 Cattle on Feed and Annual Size Group Estimates Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head represented 81.6 percent of all cattle and calves on feed in the United States on January 1, 2015, up from 81.3 on January 1, 2014.

Marketings of fed cattle for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head during 2014 represented 87.2 percent of all cattle marketed from feedlots in the United States, up from 86.9 percent during 2013.

Cattle Outlook February 20, 2015

The February Cattle on Feed report said there were 10.711 million cattle in large feedlots at the start of February. That is up 0.3% from a year ago. USDA said January placements were down 11.3% and January marketings were down 9.1% (there was one fewer slaughter day than in January 2014). The pre-release trade estimates had placements down 13.7%, marketings down 8.8% and the February on feed number unchanged from a year ago.

The USDA Cold Storage report said stocks of beef in cold storage at the end of January were up 14.4% from a year ago. A month earlier they were up only 1.1%. Frozen stocks of pork, chicken, and turkey also increased relative to the month before. This is likely related to slowing exports because of the labor problem at west coast ports.

At the annual Ag Outlook Forum this week, USDA predicted acres planted to corn would be down 1.8% this year, soybean acres down 0.2%, and wheat acres down 2.3%. This shouldn’t create a big problem for feed prices as long as the weather is good. Fewer acres and a hot, dry summer will mean much higher feeding costs for livestock and poultry producers.

Boxed beef prices increased following four consecutive weeks of decline.This morning the choice boxed beef cutout value was $240.12/cwt, up $2.03 from the previous Friday and up $25.34 from a year ago.The select carcass cutout was $236.86/cwt this morning, up $2.49 from last week and up $25.04 from a year ago.

Fed cattle prices were mixed this week on good sales volume.Through Thursday, the 5-area average price for slaughter steers sold on a live weight basis was $159.99/ cwt, down 55 cents from last week’s average, but up $17.99 from a year ago. The 5 area average dressed price for steers was $256.36/cwt, up $1.21 for the week and up $26.36 compared to a year ago.

Cattle slaughter this week totaled 524,000 head, down 2.4% from the week before and also down 2.4% from the comparable week last year. Cattle slaughter has been below year-ago for the last 51 weeks.The average steer dressed weight for the week ending on February 7 was 884 pounds, up 3 pounds from the week before and up 13 pounds compared to the same week last year. Steer weights have been above yearago each week since June 14, 2014.

Feeder cattle prices at Oklahoma City were steady to $4 higher this week. Prices for medium and large frame #1 steers by weight group were: 400-450# $309-$322, 450500# $287-$307, 500-550# $270-$281, 550-600# $266-$287, 600-650# $239-$257, 650-700# $219-$240, 700-750# $213-$221.50, 750-800# $193-$213.35, 800-900# $186.75-$208, 900-1000#, $181.50-$189/cwt.

The February live cattle futures contract settled at $156.70/cwt today, down $3.30 for the week. April fed cattle settled at $148.52/cwt, down $4.70 from the previous Friday. June fed cattle lost $4.15 this week to settle at $141.87/cwt.The March feeder cattle contract ended the week at $199.17/cwt, down $4.68 for the week.April feeders settled at $198.35/cwt.

University of Missouri

38

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

Classifieds

Animals

Real Estate/Acreage

4-H/FFA market lambs for sale. Proven genetics and winners from the top producers in the nation. Good spread of ages that will work for July through January shows. Ewes for breeding projects also available. Call Katrina at 208-412-7960.

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

Registered Angus and Salers bulls. April/May 2 year olds. $3500. B&B Livestock (208)3472345 www.b-blivestock.com

Farm Equipment New squeeze chute, green hand-pull. $1,300.

Midvale, Id 208-355-3780.

1032 N. Holland stacker pull type. M. Ferguson 12 ft tandem disk 22” blades. Dual rubber transport model 620. Ace 12 ft till & pack roller. All in good shape. Rupert, Id. 208-438-5955 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

Help Wanted Ballard Cheese LLC is looking for an Assistant Cheesemaker. This position will be responsible for assisting in the production of all types of cheeses and performing all the tasks that go into transforming milk into cheese. Call for more info. Gooding, Id. 208-934-4972

Miscellaneous S.E. Idaho Water Rights For Sale: 23 acres of water with 4 acre feet per acre, total 92 acre feet. WR is ground water with a priority date of 1953. Located 2 miles East of Pocatello Airport and ½ mile north of I-86. Call 208-251-2627.

New kids saddle, never been on a horse.

Idaho Falls, ID 208-681-3587.

Rear tine rototiller, 5.5 hp. Bliss, Id 208490-1300.

Lot 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. Shelley, ID. More Info Call 528-5337. Please leave message.

Vehicles 1963 Dodge 500 Power Wagon 4x4. Double ram hoist, 10’ Meyers plow, dual batteries, grain chute, fold down stock side with slide up gate, slide out loading ramp, slide out hitch, tire chains. Low miles but unknown exact. Clean title $6,000. Chubbuck, Id. 208221-6544.

1994 Jeep, runs, sold as is $1000.00,OBO See at C&J Power Equipment 503 Fort Hall American Falls 208-226-5411.

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS

FOR IDAHO FARM BUREAU MEMBERS send to: dashton@idahofb.org

DEADLINE DATES:

ADS MUST BE RECEIVED BY

MARCH 20 FOR NEXT ISSUE.

75 Corvette $9,500; 1973 Jeep CJ5 $3,000; 1957 Willys Pickup $3,500, Want - front loader for 656 International Tractor. Preston, ID 208-427-6237

Wanted Wanted: Great Plains grain drill. Prefer 14 ft and with grass/alfalfa seeder. 208-3177858.

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

Payette, Id. 208-740-0178.

dashton@idahofb.org

Paying cash for German & Japanese war relics/souvenirs! Pistols, rifles, swords, daggers, flags, scopes, optical equipment, uniforms, helmets, machine guns (ATF rules apply) medals, flags, etc. 549-3841 (evenings) or 208-405-9338.

Old License Plates Wanted: Also key chain license plates, old signs, light fixtures. Will pay cash. Please email, call or write. Gary Peterson, 130 E Pecan, Genesee, Id 83832. gearlep@gmail.com. 208-285-1258 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / MARCH 2015

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