Winter 2012 Volume 12, Issue 1

Winter 2012 Volume 12, Issue 1

Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Policy – pg. 8

Marketbasket Survey – pg. 31

Idaho Farms Post Record Year – pg. 36

The Ag Agenda

Taking a New Approach with the Farm Bill

By Bob Stallman

President American Farm Bureau Federation

‘Farm Bill.’ It’s probably the most synonymous term associated with American agriculture. It plays a huge and significant role in farming operations across the nation, and shapes everything from the ebbs and flows of how farmers go about their daily business to their conservation efforts and even disaster relief. Understandably, formulating a new farm bill every five years is no

easy task.

The farm bill that Congress is working on now will certainly look different than any previous legislation. Times have changed. The U.S. economy, consumers’ attitudes on food production and even farmers’ opinions on how best to run their businesses are all different from the last go-round. So, as we head into creating the new legislation, it’s important that Farm Bureau lead the discussion—and we need to hit the ground running.

See STALLMAN, page 6

The President’s Desk Although many sectors of our economy continue to struggle, agriculture has bucked the trend and is looking forward to expanding opportunities both domestic and abroad.

Looking Ahead to 2012

By Frank Priestley President Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

During a recent American Farm Bureau Federation convention, several experts discussed some of the upcoming challenges and opportunities that await. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said agriculture is responsible for one in every 12 jobs in the U.S.

Last year, American agricultural exports amounted to $137.4 billion, which led to a $42 billion farm trade surplus, and direct support for more than 1 million American jobs. Global demand for U.S. products continues to grow and experts predict continued growth especially in China and other Asian markets.

William Westman, Vice President for International Trade at the Meat Institute said China has four times the population of the U.S. on two-thirds the size of the land and 225 cities anticipated to have populations of at least 1 million people See PRIESTLEY, page 6

Inside Farm Bureau

It is Time to Address Our Responsibilities

By Rick Keller CEO Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

Recent reports are giving us a glimmer of hope that the economy is beginning to improve. Unemployment is easing downward and home sales are slightly climbing. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased 1.8 percent, up from the previous quarter; the U.S. Balance of Payments fell, meaning we are selling more abroad. Not all is good news, as personal income has declined

nationwide. However, Idaho’s personal income was favorable, in that it remained the same and did not go down.

Agriculture is doing better than many industries. As global demand for U.S. agricultural products continues to grow, American farmers can expect to see an increasing number of opportunities in 2012. Agriculture is responsible for one in every 12 jobs in America. Last year, American agricultural farm trade surplus supported more than 1 million American jobs.

See KELLER, page 7

Contents

Volume 12, Issue 1 IFBF OFFICERS President . ................................. Frank Priestley, Franklin Vice President ..................................Mark Trupp, Driggs Executive Vice President .............................. Rick Keller

Features

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bryan Searle ............................................................Shelley Scott Bird .......................................................... Pocatello Chris Dalley ....................................................... Blackfoot Dean Schwendiman ........................................... Newdale Danny Ferguson ........................................................Rigby Scott Steele ..................................................... Idaho Falls Gerald Marchant .................................................. Oakley Rick Pearson ................................................... Hagerman Mike Garner.............................................................. Declo Curt Krantz ............................................................ Parma Mike McEvoy..................................................... Middleton Tracy Walton ....................................................... Emmett Marjorie French .............................................. Princeton Bob Callihan . ...................................................... Potlatch Louis Kins ........................................................... Kootenai Carol Guthrie ......................................................... Inkom Cody Chandler ..................................................... Weiser

Gold Fork Hot Springs Offers Seclusion, Relaxation

IDAHO FARM BUREAU QUARTERLY USPS #022-899, is published quarterly by the IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION, 275 Tierra Vista Drive, Pocatello, ID 83201.

Page 31

Page 4 Idaho Farm Bureau Policy for 2012

Page 8

STAFF Dir. of Admin. Services ....................... Nancy Shiozawa Dir. of Member Services ................................... Ray Poe Dir. of Commodities ............................ Dennis Brower Commodity Assistant ................................. Peggy Pratt Membership Assistant .............................. Peggy Moore Info and Member Services Assistant ... Dixie Ashton Dist. I Regional Manager .......................... Justin Patten Dist. II Regional Manager ....................... Kendall Keller Dist. III Regional Manager .................. Charles Garner Dist. IV Regional Manager ................... Russ Hendricks Dist.V Regional Manager ...................... Bob Smathers Dir. of Governmental Affairs ....................... Kent Lauer Asst. Dir. of Governmental Affairs ... Dennis Tanikuni Range/Livestock Specialist..........................Wally Butler Director of Public Relations ............. John Thompson Video Services Manager ............................ Steve Ritter Broadcast Services Manager .................... Jake Putnam Office Manager, Boise ................... Julie Christoffersen Member Services Manager ........................ Joel Benson Printed by: Owyhee Publishing, Homedale, ID

Marketbasket Survey

Farm Facts

Idaho Young Farmer Makes Discussion Meet Final 4

Farm Income Posts Record Year

Page 24

Page 36

UI Forestry: Transplanting Native Seedlings

Page 26

Page 33

Life on the Range: Lava Lake Lamb

Page 38

DEPARTMENTS

POSTMASTER send changes of address to: IDAHO FARM BUREAU QUARTERLY P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848.

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

Subscription: $4 a year included in Farm Bureau dues.

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

Cover: A wet storm system finally brought a measure of relief to most of Idaho during the third weekend of January. Idaho is experiencing one of the driest winters on record. See article on page 36.

Photo by Steve Ritter

The Ag Agenda: Bob Stallman............................................................. 2 The President’s Desk: Frank Priestley.............................................. 2 Inside Farm Bureau: Rick Keller......................................................... 2 Insurance Matters............................................................................... 28 Word Search........................................................................................ 30 Classifieds ............................................................................................ 42

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

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Enjoying hot springs is a favorite winter activity for many Idaho residents. Gold Fork Hot Springs near Donnelly is one of Idaho’s improved hot springs attractions but there are many more throughout the central part of the state both improved and unimproved.

Southwest Idaho’s Winter Hot Spot Article and Photos by Jake Putnam Steam rises from the foothills seven miles east of Donnelly. On cold days the columns can be seen for miles and the fog hides a refuge that helps some Idahoans beat the drudgery of winter.

It’s called Gold Fork Hot Springs and it’s just one of hundreds of hot springs in the geothermal-rich Gem State. Many say the mineral-rich; 105 degree water heals the body and mind, especially in winter.

In slow winters, with little snow, skiers, snowmobilers and health nuts travel to the site looking for an outdoor activity to pass the time. “We’ve packed them in, especially during the winter break,” said Kelly 4

McCloud, owner of Gold Fork Hot Springs.

“With Brundage and Bogus Basin closed, people wanted to get out this winter.”

After the drive from Donnelly across desolate range into the forest and along the Gold Fork River, many travelers wonder if they re lost. But soon after the drive along the pine-lined road, the frozen Gold Fork River winds through the small valley and a parking lot appears.

A short hike up the hill yields a rock outcropping and through the fog sits a yurt shrouded in steam from the hot pools beyond. People in bathing suits soon emerge from the fog in freezing temperatures in the middle of a frozen wilderness. At pic-

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

nic tables nearby others in robes and towels chat and eat lunch, while kids play.

“I like to come to the springs and soak. On cold days it’s a great way to beat winter,” said Carol Hockman of Donnelly. “The lower pools are cooler, but there’s something about the sand that’s so soothing and soft, I love it.”

Inside the yurt adults pay $8 at the desk for the full experience. Oriental rugs give the yurt a comfortable vibe; two dressing rooms with lockers are behind the desk.

After changing into swimming trunks the first step out into winter is a slight shock to the system. When bare feet meet the ice, one can’t get to the hot water fast enough.

The pools at Gold Fork Hot Springs cool as the water descends. The warmest is 105 degrees.

The water is impossibly hot the first 10 seconds. Soon thereafter it’s indescribable relief.

There are six descending pools to soak in.

For those hearty enough to stand 105-degree water the first pool is for you. The water flows directly out of the rocks. In the second pool, the water is cooler and it has a delightful sandy bottom. A six inch pipe from the pool above makes a wonderful water massager. The next pools are cooler, but do not get below the 100-degree mark.

Bathers will tell you that all the pools are comfortable even on the coldest days.

“During the week there’s hardly anyone around and that’s part of the charm,” added Hockman.

The magic of the springs has been going on for decades according to McCloud. “We have photos from the 70’s during the Boise Cascade years, and way back in the 30’s and 40’s when the Finn immigrants would bathe here. A few Nez Perce tribal mem-

bers came through one day and said their elders had a saying something like ‘throw the crazy man in, take the sane man out,’ they must have been alluding to all that lithium in the water,” she said.

Gold Fork is a hundred percent green according to McCloud. The sidewalks are heated by the water; steam from the pools heats the yurt and generates 13 watts of electricity. Electrical deficits are made up by solar panels.

There’s no electricity at the site, no phones and no cell service. Bathers must pay cash because there’s no way to swipe a debit card.

Directions: To get there take Highway 55 to Donnelly, turn east on Gold Fork Road go six miles and follow the signs.

Take: Swimsuit, towel, cash ($8-dollars) beverages, no glass, food, sandals and a hat if it’s snowing.

Carol Hockman of Donnelly enjoys the geothermal comforts of Gold Fork Hot Springs.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

STALLMAN

Continued from page 2 The Bigger Picture

Earlier this year, after much thought and deliberation, the American Farm Bureau developed a plan to establish a catastrophic revenue loss program. This plan is unique in that it will help protect America’s farmers from losses that truly endanger the very core of their farms. At the same time, it recognizes today’s budget realities. It is also unique in that it can be applied to a broader range of commodities, like fruits and vegetables.

There have been several recent proposals for program crops with payments that kick in after only a small decrease in farm revenue for some crops and set up higher target prices for others. But, as Farm Bureau sees it, the government should take on the very serious, large-scale risks that happen infrequently instead of smaller risks. Ag-

Priestley

Continued from page 2

by 2025. “And just like us, they want what is best for their families. They want safe food and, with their emerging middle class, they now want more proteins and higher quality food,” he said.

China also has more than $3 trillion in foreign exchange reserves and is starting to use it. The country’s agricultural production isn’t adequately keeping pace with its rapidly growing population, even in areas where farmers are producing multiple crops per year on intensively utilized land.

Secretary Vilsack pledged to Farm Bureau members that USDA would continue to listen to their concerns and would work with other federal departments and agencies on regulatory issues with potential impacts on rural America, including dust and youth labor rules.

To help keep agriculture robust, Vilsack outlined several essential points that he considers vital to the next farm bill, including: Providing an adequate safety net when it is needed most, with a combination of provisions including crop insurance and some form of revenue protection program.

A continued focus on stewardship and conservation programs, with added flexibility 6

ricultural programs are intended to help farmers deal with big challenges they cannot handle alone, not minimal losses.

We have serious concerns about the other proposals floating around, which dictate different rules, different crops and different payments. Not only would such programs be a nightmare for local Farm Service Agency offices to administer, but farmers would have the ability to cherry-pick which program works best for them. Because of distortions in price, we’d have a system of farmers deciding what to produce based on government payments rather than market signals.

A New Way of Thinking In past farm programs, the government simply wrote checks to farmers to help them sustain America’s food supply. But, times are changing. While the majority of Americans think farmers need help, they don’t agree on just writing checks. and the ability to leverage federal funds to the fullest extent possible.

Provisions to continue promoting and expanding international trade for agriculture.

A well-funded research effort to continue a trend that saw agriculture rank second in productivity gains among all economic sectors since 1980.

Better support programs for beginning farmers, including programs to expand local and regional food systems.

AFBF Farm Policy Specialist Mary Kay Thatcher added that passing a new farm bill this year is pertinent, although it’s expected to be difficult due to the current election year political climate. Thatcher said with shrinking budgets and growing support for not only limiting farm support payments but also to increase funds that flow into food and nutrition programs, there is no upside to waiting until next year.

She fears more budget cuts will take funds away from farm programs if farm bill negotiations are pushed to 2013. “The economy will be a tremendous issue going forward,” said Thatcher, “and one of the reasons it will be difficult to finish a farm bill in 2012.”

Nutrition programs already account for about $700 billion—76 percent—of the

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

We want to flip that around. Government should accept systemic risk, which would lower insurance premiums for farmers and allow them to choose their own coverage at a much lower cost. Our proposal is a new approach to farm policy.

Not only would the Farm Bureau’s plan get rid of direct and countercyclical payments, it would eliminate the need for ad hoc disaster assistance for crops, which, as we’ve experienced in the past, offers no assurance to farmers when catastrophe happens.

The Farm Bureau plan is the best possible solution for a new farm program. It’s scalable depending on what the final budget is and could be utilized for all commodities as long as they are covered by crop insurance. But, most importantly, it offers farmers peace of mind that when the going really gets tough, they will have someone watching their back.

farm bill’s total $911 billion in spending over 10 years. In addition, the growing cost of crop insurance premium subsidies, which grew from $4.7 billion in 2010 to $7 billion in 2011, could make them more of a target for cuts.

Thatcher also provided an analysis of how other farm groups’ “shallow-loss” proposals could leave a lot of farmers in dire straits in years of catastrophic farm revenue losses.

Most of those proposals would provide support more often but only cover 5 percent to 10 percent of a farmer’s losses.

AFBF economist John Anderson provided an explanation of Farm Bureau’s Systemic Risk Reduction Program farm bill proposal, which is designed to protect farmers from catastrophic revenue losses. Proposed SRRP coverage levels would be in the 70 percent to 80 percent range. It would be administered by the Agriculture Department’s Risk Management Agency and operate as a core program with farmers buying crop insurance as “wrap-around” revenue risk protection.

One of the most attractive features of the SRRP proposal, according to Anderson, is the impact it would have on lowering farmers’ crop insurance premiums.

Keller

Continued from page 2 With these slight improvements, there is still much concern. The U.S. national debt has now surpassed $15 trillion; Standard & Poor’s downgraded our nation’s AAA bond rating last August, further eroding investor and public confidence; and the U.S. economy and job growth are still stymied by fiscal and regulatory uncertainty. We must begin addressing our fiscal condition and only then will our nation unleash private business investment, foster technological innovation and put Americans back to work.

Congress and the President must also work to stop the proliferation of federal regulations that threaten agriculture and our businesses. The hyper regulation currently affecting farmers stems from expansion of environmental law, and new health care regulations and financial reform will add to these regulatory burdens in the next five to ten years. The regulatory agencies must return to sciencebased decisions and not pursue the holistic approach which includes concern for social issues in writing regulations.

Congress and the President must set aside political differences and work in a bi-partisan fashion to bring our nation’s deficit spending under control and to lower the national debt with the ultimate goal of leaving the Federal Government debt free.

As farmers and ranchers, the Farm Bureau, and all citizens, we must not leave the responsibilities solely upon the shoulders of the Congress and the President. We must continue letting our voices be heard. We must be involved and engaged in the issues. We need to be willing to fight unnecessary regulations on the local and state level. We must be willing to serve on federal and local advisory panels that draft and review regulations. We must continue letting the President and Congress know our concerns and our outrage.

Through spending restraint, rather than through tax increases, the federal deficit needs to be reduced each year, reaching not only full balance but actually beginning to lower the debt by 2019. All government departments must be examined for cuts in spending, entitlement programs must undergo fundamental reform, and tax reform must be recognized to unleash the economic benefits our nation seeks.

The time to address these issues is now, not after an election. We can do it. Congress can do it.

The President can do it. Let’s get it done.

Congress and the President must set aside political differences and work in a bi-partisan fashion to bring our nation’s deficit spending under control and to lower the national debt with the ultimate goal of leaving the Federal Government debt free.

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

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Policy 2012 BASIC PRINCIPLES Purpose of Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau is a free, independent, nongovernmental, voluntary organization of farm and ranch families united for the purpose of analyzing their problems and formulating action to achieve educational improvement, economic opportunity, environmental awareness and social advancement, and thereby, to promote the national well being.

Farm Bureau is local, statewide, national, and international in its scope and influence and is non-partisan, non-sectarian, and non-secretive in character.

Farm Bureau Beliefs and Philosophy

America’s unparalleled progress is based on freedom and dignity of the individual, sustained by basic moral and religious concepts. Freedom to the individual versus concentration of power, which would destroy freedom, is the central issue in all societies.

We believe the definition of marriage is a union between one man and one woman.

We believe that since the beginning of time, man’s ability to provide food, fiber, and fuel for himself and his dependents has determined his independence, freedom and security.

We believe that a strong and viable agricultural industry is one of the most important cornerstones in the foundation of our national security, and that the importance of the role that agriculture plays in the development of our society must never be taken for granted. Economic progress, cultural advancement, ethical and religious principles flourish best where men are free, responsible individuals. The exercise of free will, rather than force, is consistent with the maintenance of liberty. Individual freedom and opportunity must not be sacrificed in a quest for guaranteed “security”.

We believe that America’s system of private ownership of property and the means of production has been, and is, one of the major foundation stones of our republic. This element of our economic system and the personal rights attendant to private property, including grazing and water rights, must be maintained and protected.

We will take every opportunity to publicize and defend our position, and we will stand firm on basic constitutional rights.

We believe in government by law, impartially administered, without special privilege.

We support agricultural programs and organizations that give equal opportunity for personal and professional growth based on skills, knowledge and 8

leadership ability.

We believe in the representative form of government; a republic as provided in our Constitution; in limitations upon government power; in maintenance of equal opportunity; in the right of each individual to worship as he chooses; in separation of church and state as set forth in the First Amendment to the Constitution; and in freedom of speech, press, and peaceful assembly.

The U. S. Supreme Court imposed one man one vote rule should be overturned and return the United States to the republican form of government that was envisioned by the framers of the Constitution. Individuals have a moral responsibility to help preserve freedom for future generations by participating in public affairs and by helping to elect candidates who share their fundamental beliefs and principles.

We oppose the use of public funds for financing political campaigns. People have the right and the responsibility to speak for themselves individually or through organizations of their choice without coercion or government intervention. Ownership of property and property rights are among the human rights essential to the preservation of individual freedom. The right to own property must be preserved at all costs.

We believe in the right of every man to choose his own occupation; to be rewarded according to his contribution to society and to save, invest, spend, or convey his earnings to his heirs.

These rights are accompanied by the responsibility that each man has to meet the financial obligations he has incurred.

We support a society free of drug abuse.

We support English as the official language of Idaho and the United States.

We support English as the language that students should learn and use in public schools.

The Constitution Stable and honest government with prescribed and limited powers is essential to freedom and progress.

The Constitution of the United States was well designed to secure individual liberty by a division of federal authority among the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches. The Tenth Amendment assures that liberties are further secured for the states and the people through the retention of those powers not specifically delegated to the federal government. The constitutional prerogatives of each branch of government should be preserved from encroachment.

We support the Constitution as the supreme law of the land. Changes should be made only through constitutional amendments, not by federal policy or

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

regulation. One of the greatest dangers threatening our republic and system of private, competitive enterprise is the socialization of America through the centralization of power and authority in the federal government. The centralization of power and responsibility in the federal government violates constitutional purposes. It has usurped state sovereignty and individual freedom and should be reversed.

In defense of our constitution, and of the sovereignty of the U.S.A., we oppose the centralization of power worldwide into one world government.

Religious Life Our nation was founded on spiritual faith and belief in God. Whereas the Constitution of the United States was founded on moral and religious principles, moral, ethical and traditional family values should get equal support and consideration in the public schools as do the atheistic and humanistic views.

We support the right to have religious beliefs and symbols of those beliefs presented in our communities.

We vigorously support retention of: (1) “So Help Me God” in official oaths; (2) The phrase “In God We Trust” on our coin; (3) The fourth verse of the “Star Spangled Banner”; (4) The phrase “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Capitalism-Private Competitive Enterprise

We believe in the American capitalistic, private, competitive enterprise system in which property is privately owned, privately managed, operated for profit, individual satisfaction and responsible stewardship.

We believe in a competitive business environment in which supply and demand are the primary determinants of market prices, the use of productive resources, and the distribution of output.

We support the continuing freedom of the people of Idaho to manage, develop, harvest and market the useful products of our natural resources.

We believe in man’s right to search and research to select the best ways of maintaining quality production of food and fiber.

We believe every individual in Idaho should have the right to a job without being forced to join or pay dues to any organization. Government operation of commercial business in competition with private enterprise should be terminated.

We also believe that no element of

society has more concern for, understanding of, or a greater stake in, the proper husbandry of poultry, livestock, furbearers, game animals and aquaculture than the producer.

Economy in Government

We consider the proliferation of government with its ever increasing cost to the taxpayer a major problem.

State expenditures and growth of personnel on the public payroll should not be allowed to expand faster than the population and should be compatible with the percentage of economic growth of the state.

We believe that Article B, Section 1, “Limitations of Public Indebtedness” of the state constitution is the main reason for the healthy financial condition of Idaho’s government. We will oppose any attempt to amend this section of the constitution.

Tax exemptions granted by the state Legislature that reduce county income should at the same time require appropriations of sufficient funds to replace county revenue losses caused by such exemptions.

We support economy at all levels of government.

Education

We believe education starts with the parent or guardian and is extended to the schools as a cooperative partnership in which parents and guardians have the right to review any and all methods and materials used in the educational processes of school systems.

We believe parents have the right to choose how best to educate their children.

We believe local school boards must be elected by the people to maintain control of public school systems and must have authority to establish policy for dress standards, personal conduct standards, testing standards, fiscal controls and curriculum.

We believe all school systems must be accountable to provide opportunities for all students to obtain proficiency in the basics of reading, writing and mathematics. Parents and guardians must be kept informed by the school system, of the educational progress of their children.

We believe parents and guardians have an inherent right and obligation to discipline their own children.

Political Parties

Strong, responsive political parties are essential to the United States system of elective government.

We recommend that Farm Bureau members support the political party of their choice.

We believe that government should in

no way be involved directly in the political process but should lay down certain rules to assure fair and proper elections.

We strongly favor retaining the county central political committees composed of county precinct committee people and their existing functions within the party structure.

We are opposed to shifting the functions of a county committee to a district committee.

COMMODITIES

We support compulsory deduction of funds if producers can establish the commodity commission through referendum, with assessments being established or increased by a majority vote of the producers, or if producers can easily obtain refunds of their assessments.

We support a periodic referendum if assessment is made mandatory.

We recommend that all ag commodity commissions be removed from state legislative control and put into producer control.

(1) Agrichemicals/Pesticides

We oppose establishment of zones of agricultural land in which any kind of legal application or storage of agricultural chemicals is curtailed without sound, scientifically validated evidence to warrant curtailment.

We support increased research and labeling for minor-use pesticide registrations.

We recommend that compliance with federally approved label instructions should absolve farmers or commercial applicators from liability claims of environmental pollution.

We support the continued use of approved pesticides and/or related products until conclusive scientific evidence proves there is an unacceptable risk, and a substitute is approved that is economically feasible and equally effective.

We oppose fumigant buffer zone limitations proposed by the EPA without research giving substantial evidence that current practices are negatively affecting bystanders.

(5) Commodity Sales

We support expansion of Idaho agricultural markets, domestic and foreign. We also support trade missions abroad to better inform our producers and the hosting of foreign delegations to our state in efforts to increase our market share.

We support changes to crop insurance that truly reflect a safety net.

We oppose double discounts by grain dealers.

We support licensing and bonding of all commodity brokers by the State of Idaho.

We support identification and quantification on the container label of all seeds that have been identified in samples from a lot of agricultural, vegetable, flower, tree or shrub seed to be sold.

(2) Commodity Diseases

We urge the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to do all within its power to prohibit the importation of Anthracnose virus into Idaho.

We support the quarantine of all sources of the potato wart virus.

We support active research and the dissemination of information to all interested parties related to rhizomania and urge that any imposed restrictions be based on scientific data.

We support any phytosanitary action taken by the Idaho Department of Agriculture to protect the Idaho potato industry from the threat of the “Pratylenchus Neglectus” nematode.

(3) Commodity Indemnity Fund We support all efforts to maintain accountability, monitor efficiency and protect the fund.

We favor a minimum of $15 million in the state commodity indemnity fund to provide an adequate level of protection for growers.

(4) Commodity Promotion

We support the organization of commodity commissions for promotion and research purposes of any commodity.

(6) Commodity Testing Equipment

Commodity buyers’ moisture meters and other commodity testing equipment for the purpose of grading should be certified for accuracy by the ISDA Bureau of Weights and Measures.

(7) Country of Origin on Food

We support mandatory country-of-origin labeling of agricultural products in the State of Idaho.

(8) Environmental Studies

We recommend that any individual or group doing environmental studies be held accountable for claims or assertions of damage by agricultural practices to the environment. Claims or assertions should be treated with skepticism until they have been subjected to critical peer review and tested by practical application.

(9) Fair Trade

We support the concept of fair trade as outlined in American Farm Bureau Federation policy.

(10) Field Testing Biotechnology Products

We support effective field testing of new biotechnology products, to promote commercial use of products that will benefit agriculture and the general public.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

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We oppose any law or regulation requiring registration of agriculture producers who use or sell biotech- based products or commodities.

(11) Food Safety/Government Accountability

We strongly believe a government agency making public health decisions that result in product recalls, product seizures or destruction of perishable goods must be held accountable when such decisions prove false. Such agencies must be required to compensate or indemnify individuals and companies for the monetary losses that occur because of poor or false regulatory decisions.

(12) Forage/Soil Sample Testing

We recommend that action be taken to set uniform guidelines for all testing labs in the analysis of forage and soil samples, with the Idaho Department of Agriculture to administer them.

(13) Hay Certification

We support a uniform state noxious weed free hay certification program.

(14) Industrial Grade Hemp

We encourage the legalization of cultivation and production of industrial grade hemp in Idaho.

(15) Lien Law

We oppose any attempt to alter the system of centralized filing or first in time, first in right system of lien priorities, either in revised UCC Article 9, or any other legislation.

Delivered feed shall not be encumbered by a blanket lien from a financial institution until the grower/ supplier is paid in full.

(16) NAFTA Withdrawal

We support a concurrent resolution from both houses of the Idaho State Legislature to Congress to take necessary steps to withdraw from NAFTA. (17) Potato Seed Management

We support a potato seed management program that encourages the use of certified seed potatoes in seed and commercial production for the control of diseases and pests.

We recommend:

That the tolerance for late blight in potato seed planted in the state of Idaho be 1% or less at shipping point inspection.

That the Idaho State Department of Agriculture recognize the entire state as late blight infected.

LIVESTOCK

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(18) Animal Care

We support the rights of owners and producers to raise their animals in accordance with commonly accepted animal husbandry practices.

We oppose any legislation, regulatory action or funding, whether private or public, that interfere with the control of animals or with commonly accepted animal husbandry practices.

We support fines and/or reimbursement for animal research lost and all costs and damage incurred, when farms or research facilities are willfully damaged. Responsible persons or organizations should pay all costs.

We further support the role of licensed veterinarians in the care of animals and support current licensing standards for veterinarians.

We support the Idaho Veterinary Practice Act and oppose any efforts to weaken it or the licensing standards.

We oppose the creation of an Idaho livestock care standards board.

(19) Animal ID We support procedures and or equipment for an animal ID program that makes it possible to trace an animal back to its original location.

We support the right of the owner to choose among the acceptable methods of identification and to leave their animals unidentified prior to movement from the premises of origin.

We support having the Idaho State Department of Agriculture determine acceptable methods of identification, including hot or cold brands, for the state.

(20) Animal Rights

We oppose the concept that animals have rights and oppose legislation that would give funds to animal-rights organizations or any public agency or the right to establish standards concerning these so-called rights of animals.

(21) Bioterrorism

We support legislation that would make it a felony for any person to purposefully spread any type of contagious, communicable or infectious disease among livestock or other animals.

We support legislation that would make it a felony for any person who intentionally attempts to transfer, damage, vandalize, or poison the product, water, or facilities of a posted commercial aquaculture operation.

(22) Bovine Tuberculosis

We support amending Idaho cattle importation rules to make those rules equal to U.S. border states in their restriction of tuberculosis infected/exposed cattle.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

(23) Brucellosis

We oppose all efforts to eliminate the mandatory vaccination law and require its complete enforcement.

We insist that the National Park Service eradicate brucellosis in Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks.

We support regulations requiring the appropriate state and federal agencies to control and eradicate this disease in wildlife.

We oppose separating the state into zones for definition of brucellosis free status.

(24) CAFO Regulations

We support efforts by all livestock associations to create MOUs with the appropriate state and federal agencies.

We believe that counties should have the sole right, responsibility and authority under existing laws for the siting of CAFOs (Confined Animal Feeding Operations).

We would encourage the counties to consult the local extension personnel, state agencies and soil and water agencies in determining the parameters to write siting guidelines.

Matters pertaining to CAFO regulation other than siting, should be under the jurisdiction of the state.

(25) Cattle Liens

Liens should not be attached to livestock until ownership can be proven and verified.

(26) Data Confidentiality

We support the confidentiality of data collected on farms and feedlots. Only final reports or conclusions should be made a matter of public record. No data collected from individual operations should be made public.

(27) Domestic Cervidae

We support the right of domestic cervidae owners to use private trophy ranches as a means to ethically harvest their animals.

We support the right of domestic cervidae owners to breed, raise, harvest and market all members of the cervidae family indigenous to Idaho that can be legally acquired.

(28) Equine

We oppose any attempt to eliminate the equine owner’s or the BLM’s right to the humane slaughter of their equine for consumption or any other purpose.

We support construction of new slaughtering facilities and/or use of existing processing facilities in Idaho to humanely slaughter equines.

We support individuals and non-

governmental organizations right to save horses from slaughter as long as they take possession of the horses and are responsible for their care and feeding.

We support the humane treatment of equine at all times and in all places including those destined for slaughter.

We support the continued classification of equines as marketable livestock and oppose any efforts to classify them as pets or companion animals.

We support the inclusion of equine in the National Animal Identification System.

When an equine is in the custody of a government agency and an adoption has not been able to take place within 6 months, that equine should be slaughtered or humanely euthanized.

(29) Foot and Mouth/BSE Disease

We support stringent controls to protect Idaho’s livestock industry from foot and mouth disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). In addition, the United States must impose restrictions on importation of animals and animal products that could carry other contagious infectious diseases.

We oppose importation of live cattle over 30 months of age until sound science proves this does not threaten to spread BSE to the United States.

We oppose any announcement to the media of BSE suspects in the U.S. until the final scientific determination is made whether they are positive or negative.

We support allowing entities to voluntarily test all slaughtered animals for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in order to ship products to countries that require individual tests.

(30) Foot Rot in Sheep

We support a continued stringent foot rot control program for sheep in Idaho.

(31) Livestock Brands

We support the concept that livestock may be left unbranded at the discretion of the owner except for those livestock grazing on federal/state managed lands.

We support research into alternative methods of permanent livestock identification and ask that the Brand Department be authorized to recognize these methods.

(32) Manure Management

We believe that manure and manure/ compost are nutrient-rich residue resources.

We oppose manure being classified as industrial waste.

We encourage research on manure management including such areas as odor reduction

and waste and nutrient management.

We encourage programs that educate livestock operators on techniques regarding properly managed organic nutrient systems, especially if implemented with consistent best management practices (BMPs) developed by extension, university and the livestock industry.

We support the Idaho State Department of Agriculture allowing certification of third-party soil sampling for nutrient management plan compliance purposes (33) Sheep Tail Length We support the creation of a minimum length standard on tail docking of sheep for show purposes.

(34) State Veterinarian

We believe that the Animal Health Division of the Idaho Department of Agriculture should be administered by a licensed veterinarian.

(35) Unclaimed Cattle Fund

We support the Unclaimed Cattle Fund money being moved to a fund for promotion and education about the livestock industry.

WATER (36) Artesian Wells

We support the current law regarding artesian wells, if adequate funding for the costsharing of well repairs is provided.

We oppose the designation of the heat value from a geothermal source as being the only beneficial use.

(37) Bureau of Reclamation Reservoirs

Release of water in power head space in Bureau of Reclamation reservoirs shall be controlled solely by state water law.

(38) Bureau of Reclamation Water Contracts

When renewing irrigation contracts with Bureau of Reclamation, irrigators should retain full quantity of water and be allowed conversion of water service contracts to repayment contracts as required by law.

(39) Comprehensive State Water Plan

We urge the Governor to appoint Water Resource Board members who will be protective of the waters of the state of Idaho.

We oppose all minimum stream flows unless sufficient storage is built to supply priority needs first.

We support requiring legislative approval before establishing minimum stream flow, river basin plans and state water plans. We support repealing Idaho Code 42-1503 (e)ii which allows “Minimum Stream Flows” proposed by the Idaho Department

of Water Resources to become final if no specific action is taken by the Legislature.

We support a mandatory requirement for legislative approval of agreements made by state agencies with federal agencies when dealing with commitments on water.

We support the Swan Falls Agreement as originally written in October of 1984.

(40) Dams

We support legislation that would focus the attention of the Northwest Power Planning Council’s authority on planning to provide for present and future power needs of northwest power states and away from other secondary issues.

We support the construction of storage facilities that provide beneficial multiple uses of Idaho’s water, and encourage municipalities, federal agencies and tribal agencies to advocate and fund additional storage to help meet their increasing demands for water, thus avoiding the need to take irrigation water from agriculture.

We support the continued existence and current usage of all dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

We oppose any efforts to destroy or decrease production of those dams.

(41) Effluent Trading

We support the concept of effluent trading.

(42) Flood Control

We recommend that steps, including additional storage facilities, increased recharge and land transfers from federal to state ownership, be taken to control future flooding within the state of Idaho.

(43) In-Stream Flows and Reconnect Process

We support in-stream flows and reconnect permits of government agencies going through the same process as minimum stream flow permits, and through the legislative process before being allowed.

(44) Moratorium

We support the current Idaho Department of Water Resources moratoriums on critical groundwater development.

(45) Outstanding Resource Waters

We support the Basin Advisory Groups (BAGs) and Watershed Advisory Groups (WAGs) process, recognizing that outstanding resource waters (ORWs) are part of this process.

We oppose nominations of ORWs by parties other than BAGs and WAGs. (46) State Purchase of Water Rights for Mitigation

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We support having the state of Idaho purchase water rights for mitigation purposes to be held by the state water board, so water trade may benefit recharge and pump conversions.

(47) Transfer of Water Rights

We oppose the transfer of water rights to the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR).

We oppose the taking of water for fish flushing. Water held by the Idaho Water Resources Board will be held and used for purposes intended and in accordance with state law.

We believe all water in Idaho should be used beneficially. In the event the BOR or IDWR desires use of water they would have to negotiate on a yearly basis for rental-pool water in accordance with state water law.

(48) Waste Management

We are concerned with wastes and other pollutants entering and adversely impacting the state water quality.

We oppose mandatory facility construction without scientific proof of environmental pollution on an individual basis.

(49) Water Development on New Non-Ag Development

We support legislation that would require developers to supply water and water-delivery systems using existing water rights or gray water to new developments.

(50) Water Quality

We support the continued management of water quality, both underground and surface, by utilizing “Best Management Practices” (BMPs) as contained in USDA’s “Natural Resource Conservation Services Field Office Technical Guide” and Idaho’s “Forest Practices Act”. Changes in these BMPs should be based only on scientifically monitored data rather than “best professional judgment”.

We support the development of BMPs for recreational uses.

We support canal and irrigation districts’ efforts to halt unwanted drainage into their water systems.

The EPA should not have the authority to arbitrarily impose penalties on landowners without first identifying the problem and giving the landowner an opportunity to correct the problem. If there is a difference of opinion concerning the extent of the problem, a reasonable and cost-effective appeal process of the EPA decision should be available to the landowner.

We oppose the deletion of the word “navigable” from the Clean Water Act. (51) Water Quality Standards

Water quality standards must be site 12

specific and realistically achievable for each water body. These standards must at least partially support designated beneficial uses.

(52) Water Recharge

We support state planning and implementation of a basin-wide aquifer recharge.

We support the development of new conveyance systems for large-scale recharge of the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer. Government mandated water conservation (i.e. lining of canals, etc.) must be accompanied by equivalent recharge of the aquifer.

Aquifer recharge must be considered a beneficial use of irrigation/stock water.

Funds for recharge should be available as an annual budget appropriation of the Legislature.

(53) Water Rights

We support state ownership and control of its water held in trust for the residents of the state of Idaho, and will oppose any policy, program, or regulation, including Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing, which would infringe on this right.

We support defining public interest under water right law, to give priority to beneficial uses and agricultural viability.

We support sanctions upon any party making frivolous claims against water right applications.

Frivolous claims are not reasonably grounded in fact or law causing unnecessary delay, increased cost, or harassment.

We are opposed to the Water Resources Board accepting any further applications for water rights on surface stream water of the state that has been over decreed and adjudicated. Adequate water for domestic and agricultural purposes should have priority over other uses when the waters of any natural stream are insufficient, as per Article 15, Section 3 of the Idaho Constitution.

Permittees on federal land should be allowed to retain ownership of water rights in their name as their livestock provide beneficial use under state law.

Minimum stream flows should not jeopardize water rights and should be financed by the benefit recipients.

We support adjudication of water rights but not on a basin wide basis.

We favor the continued wise development of all Idaho’s rivers and their tributaries as working rivers.

We support first in time, first in right, and state control of water issues within appropriate Idaho agencies without federal regulatory or legislative intervention.

We support the privatization of Idaho irrigation canal systems.

We support the protection of canal and drain ditch easements from arbitrarily being taken over by cities, counties, states, federal or private

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

developers or private landowners and developed into green belts or bike paths.

We support the concept of conjunctiveuse management when scientific evidence is available to support such management.

We support efforts by local groundwater districts to provide supplemental or water bank water to senior surface water users to prevent curtailment of junior water rights. Irrigation districts shall have no net loss of irrigated acres due to growth and development.

We oppose changing the historical beneficial use of water rights when that change will have a negative impact on other water right holders.

We oppose the Federal Government changing the historic priorities and uses of water storage reservoirs.

(54) Water Spreading

We support voluntary conservation of water use by updating irrigation systems. Increases in irrigated acres (water spread acres) due to redesigning or remodeling irrigation systems or development of areas within a recorded water right, should not be excluded from irrigation. Conservation should not adversely affect the full use of an irrigation water right.

(55) Water Supply Funding

We support dedicating 1/16 of a cent of the state permanent sales tax to assist in meeting the development costs of Idaho’s water supply.

(56) Water Transfers We oppose out-of-basin transfers of irrigation water from lands enrolled in the federal cropland set-aside program for use on lands that have not historically been used for agricultural development.

We oppose the continued use of the 427,000 acre feet of water for flow augmentation.

LAND USE (57) Conservation Reserve Program - Grazing

We support managed grazing or other management tools of CRP acres to enhance the health of vegetation at the discretion of local committees.

We support the separation of haying and grazing on CRP acres and the use of both as separate management tools.

(58) Experimental Stewardship Program

We support and encourage the continuation and expansion of the Experimental Stewardship Program and Coordinated Resource Management Program, (CRMP) as long as producer control is maintained in all decisions concerning range management.

(59) Government Land Transactions

We support no net loss of private property.

We urge enactment of legislation to require prior legislative approval for any state land acquisition on a parcel-by-parcel basis.

We support prohibiting the sale of state land to the federal government or agencies of the federal government, except for the purpose of building federal facilities or structures.

When federal land is sold, traded, or exchanged, all holders of grazing preference must be fairly compensated. When land is to be sold, the current grazing permit holder must have the first right of refusal. If there is no permit holder, the adjacent landowner should be given the first right of refusal based on appraised value.

We oppose any land exchanges involving publicly owned land unless there is strong local support.

When any entity acquires property from the federal government, that entity should be required to compensate grazing preference holders on the former federally administered lands for the loss of their property right.

(60) Government-Managed Lands

We support multiple-use management of federal and state lands with due regard for the traditional rights of use.

We urge county governments to have a land-use management plan with which both state and federal agencies would coordinate in order to protect the land within their tax base.

We support the equal-footing doctrine and efforts to reclaim federal land back to state jurisdiction and management.

Holders of grazing permits or leases should not be penalized or removed from allotments because of administrative errors or omissions of the land-managing agency.

On state and federal government grazing permits and/or lease rules, the word “grazing” needs to be further defined as livestock consumption of forage and brush for livestock production with benefits of weed and fire control.

We support grazing contracts on non-grazed public lands to reduce excess fuel that contributes to range or forest fires.

We support the timely salvage of trees in burn areas within our state.

We support legislation that would promote harvest of trees and forage on federal and state land to help prevent and control wildfire.

We encourage the release of federal, state and local government held lands for development or private use.

(61) Grazing Fees

We support the current state grazing fee

formula and the PRIA formula concept.

(62) Grazing Permit Transfer

We oppose the U.S. Forest Service ruling that will prevent transferring grazing permits for twenty-five head or less.

(63) Idaho Forest Practices Act We support the Idaho Forest Practices Act. We support legislation requiring all forest land owners, even tribal forest land owners, to comply with standards at least as stringent as the rules placed in the act.

(64) Idaho Grazing Land Conservation Initiative (GLCI)

We support the Idaho Grazing Land Conservation Initiative.

(65) Landfills on BLM Lands

We encourage the development of new, as well as the continued use of, county landfills on BLM lands.

(66) Local, State or National Land Designation

We oppose any infringement upon private property rights through any designation of land by any government entity, including highway scenic byways/corridors and National Heritage Areas.

(67) Mineral Rights

We support legislation that would transfer government-retained mineral rights to current landowners (at no expense to the landowners), where there has been no meaningful mineral activity for ten years.

We support requiring property deeds to state the name and address of the person or entity who owns the mineral rights for each property. If mineral rights are sold or transferred, the deed should be updated. The surface owner should be notified and offered first right of refusal.

(68) Mining

We support the continuation of mineral extraction in Idaho as long as the appropriate mine reclamation and environmental protections are in place and followed.

(69) Open Range We oppose any changes to Idaho open range and fence laws.

(70) Pest Control

We support enforcement of current laws to give counties authority to spray and control insect infestations on private land, with the cost of the spraying to be assessed to the current tax base of the present owner of the land.

We support legislation that requires state

and federal governments to manage their lands and control their noxious weeds and pests so that no harm is done to adjoining lands, crops and animals.

(71) Protecting Farm Land

We ask all units of government to give high priority to the protection of farm land and/or grazing land when considering other uses of such lands for public purposes. There should be no governmental taking of private property rights by restriction of use without just and due compensation.

We support the federal and state “takings” law in support of the U.S. Constitution, Article V.

We oppose any infringement of private property rights caused by regulation of rivers and dams for endangered species.

We oppose infringement on private property rights caused by highway districts and transportation departments.

(72) Range Management Plans

We believe that range management plans developed by the Idaho Department of Lands, BLM or U.S. Forest Service should be based on current factual information. If any plan is proposed without current information, we will join with others to persuade BLM and U.S. Forest Service or Idaho Department of Lands to revert to the pre-existing plan until current factual data is obtained.

We support voluntary forage monitoring and oppose mandatory forage monitoring by livestock permittees on federal lands as proposed by the Federal Land Management Policy Act. (73) Rangeland Resource Commission

We support the Rangeland Resource Commission and the fees assessed on BLM and U.S. Forest Service grazing AUMs on state lands and on private dryland grazing lands.

(74) Regulation of Agricultural Practices

We recognize and support long-standing sound agricultural practices such as field burning, including grass seed straw, residue burning, timber slash burning and animal-waste disposal, cultivation and harvest practices.

We support farmer participation in voluntary airshed quality programs.

We oppose any legislation or regulations that would segregate any agricultural industry, agricultural crop, cropping practice or geographical area and would impose a higher air quality, water quality or environmental standard than is required of any other person, entity, industry or geographical area within the state.

We oppose regulations on agricultural practices that are not validated by sound peer reviewed scientific process and supported by scientific fact.

We oppose the issuance of

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undocumented assertions regarding damage to the environment from agricultural practices that are not supported by scientific fact.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture should not have the authority to impose sanctions on livestock operators without first identifying specific problems and giving the operators an opportunity to correct said problems.

We oppose mandatory registration or licensing of farms and ranches.

We support the farmer’s right to farm by being able to carry on sound farming and forestry practices and to be free from environmental regulations that are not proportionately beneficial to the implementation cost.

Rule changes to the Idaho Forest Practices Act should be given a public hearing by the Legislature prior to approval, so farmers can be heard on issues affecting the regulation of their practices.

We support access of agricultural implements of husbandry and vehicles to any and all local, county and state roads/ highways in Idaho and oppose the imposition of any minimum speed requirements.

(75) Right to Farm

We support the right-to-farm law, and the concept behind it, and encourage legislative changes to strengthen the law so it can be enforced at the local governmental levels through conditional use permits or other permitting processes.

(76) Riparian Management

Proper multiple-use management of riparian areas is essential.

We believe these highly productive areas can be properly harvested with modern forest or livestock best management practices (BMPs) and still improve riparian habitat for all uses.

We believe these areas should be properly used but not abused. However, management of the entire allotment should not be governed by forage utilization of riparian areas.

We support the concept that all existing roads along class 2 streams be given grandfather rights approval.

(77) Sawtooth National Recreation Area

We oppose any expansion of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA).

(78) Sheep Grazing

We believe that sheep grazing is a valuable use of Idaho forage and resist attempts to terminate grazing permits and/or move domestic sheep because of their proximity to Bighorn sheep.

We support the best management practices concept for dealing with this issue.

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(79) State and County Noxious Weed Control

We support stronger enforcement of Idaho’s noxious weed law by the state and counties, together with appropriate use of special management-zone provisions.

We urge that Idaho Transportation Department weed control policies, at both the state and district levels, be changed to require that the ITD be in compliance with the Idaho noxious weed law each year, by controlling all infestations each year in a timely and effective manner and by controlling noxious weeds on the full width of all rights of way.

We urge the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to require timely and effective noxious weed control by all railroads on their rights of way within the state.

We urge that state and county authorities direct more emphasis to rights of way.

We request that the Idaho Department of Agriculture add dog rose (Rosa canina) and sweet briar (Rosa eglanteria) to the Idaho noxious weed list.

(80) Timber Management

We support all efforts by the Department of Lands to optimize the timber yields and stumpage prices as mandated by the Idaho Constitution. We oppose actions by the Land Board or Department of Lands that would inhibit or further restrict these processes, including, but not limited to, habitat conservation plans and conservation easements.

(81) Timber Trespass

We support legislation that would award delivered log values to landowners with no deduction for logging for incidental timber trespass. Additional penalties would be established for intentional trespass.

(82) Wilderness and Restrictive Zones We oppose wholesale dedication of land in Idaho to wilderness and roadless areas and support the release of lands currently held in wilderness study areas (WSA) back to multiple-use management.

All lands designated as non-suitable for wilderness must be immediately released from WSA status.

We support the traditional balanced multiple-use practices on all federal/state lands and that access to wilderness be free and accessible for everyone.

We support negotiated wilderness solutions when the stakeholders have been participating in the negotiations and are in agreement with the solution.

We oppose designation of lands in Idaho as biosphere reserves, corridors or buffer zones, using the Lands Legacy Initiative, the Antiquities Act and the National Monument Declarations by the executive branch of the government.

We oppose the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recovery Act (CIEDRA), also

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

known as the Boulder-White Clouds Wilderness Bill, as currently written or any similar wilderness legislation.

We support adding adequate fire breaks in wilderness areas.

(83) Wildfire Control We recommend changing fire-control policy to put out any fire upon arrival or as soon as safely possible.

Local landowners must be allowed to protect private property. Local entities (such as counties and fire districts) and private landowners and individuals need to be allowed to act as first responders.

We support changing state and federal wildfire policy to require that state and federal fire managers and incident commanders coordinate with county and local fire departments and landowners.

We also encourage farm groups to coordinate with the state department of lands in organizing trained, local fire crews.

We support a provision that state and federal agencies maintain a fire break strategically located to protect private property and to control large wild fires.

FISH AND WILDLIFE (84) Animal Damage Control We support animal damage control programs to control and manage predators, rodents and destructive wildlife.

We recommend bees and beehives be added to the animal damage compensation list.

(85) Emergency Feeding of Wild Game

We oppose feeding big-game animals except in emergency situations. We support the role of the Idaho Department of Agriculture in the rules passed in 2005 for emergency feeding of wild game and oppose any effort to remove the Department of Agriculture from its current role.

All money collected by Fish and Game for the purpose of feeding wild game should be used only for that purpose.

(86) Endangered Species Act (ESA) We oppose any effort to create a State Endangered Species Act (ESA). We believe that modern society cannot continue to operate on the premise that all species must be preserved at any cost.

We support a revision of the ESA to include a more thorough consideration of agricultural, mining, logging and tree farming in such a manner that these activities will be sustained and made part of any recovery plan. Recovery of Threatened or Endangered (T/E) species should not receive higher priority than human uses or rights.

We believe basic requirements of human life have priority over protection of other species, including T/E species. A thorough consideration of all

potential adverse impacts to human economic and social welfare should be an integral part of any consideration to list any T/E species.

A species cannot be listed before its critical habitat is identified within its scientifically established historical range. Habitat site specific assessments and recovery plans must include comprehensive appreciation and inclusion of the protection of private property rights.

No critical-habitat designation should be allowed until it has been established beyond scientific doubt that the species in question is actually present and that endangered or threatened status is actually warranted. The data to satisfy the scientific criteria should meet the guidelines of the Data Quality Act under federal statutes sections 3504(d)(1) and 3516 of title 44, United States Code.

The agency, organization or individual requesting the critical-habitat designation must bear the cost of proving presence of the species and this must be done through the use of the best available peer reviewed science.

We oppose road closures and land and water use restrictions imposed in the name of critical habitat.

Anadromous hatchery fish and wild fish should be treated equally under the ESA. Hatchery fish should be counted toward recovery of the species.

We support eliminating the marking of hatchery fish.

We believe that introduction/ reintroduction of any species must be approved by the state legislature and must be consistent with local government natural resource plans. Therefore, we urge the passage of legislation that requires federal agencies to coordinate and determine consistency per federal statutes with the proper state agency and local governments when those federal agencies have received a petition to list a species.

We support the right of landowners to protect themselves, their families, livestock and properties from all predators including grizzly bears and wolves without legal retaliation.

We urge Congress to seek depredation funding for losses or damage resulting from endangered species and to mandate responsibility to deal with such losses.

We oppose implementation of the endangered species pesticide labeling program, other than in critical habitat.

We oppose the listing of the Giant Palouse Earthworm (Driloleirus americanus) as an endangered species.

We support livestock grazing as an effective tool to reduce wildfires and enhance plant and wildlife habitat.

(87) Fish and Game Department

We oppose the acquisition of additional land by the Fish and Game Department without local input.

We encourage the department to use

good-neighbor management practices on the land they now own, including fences, pests, noxious weeds and provide sportsmen with guidance and marked boundaries.

We oppose any increase in funding for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game from either the general fund or license fees without showing a specific need or use for the funds.

The Fish and Game Department must control the concentration of wildlife numbers on all lands and should be prohibited from entering into agreements to limit access to any area, without approval of the local governing authority.

We support retaining the present composition and selection method of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. Hunting license fees and tags should cost disproportionately more than at present for nonresidents compared to Residents.

We support a Habitat Improvement Program and request Idaho Fish and Game Commission to reflect strong emphasis on multiple use.

We propose that the $1,000 depredation deductible now in existence be reduced.

Fish and Game should be responsible to pay for damages caused by management decisions.

We support Idaho Fish and Game issuing emergency depredation permits to ag producers and landowners to harvest animals that are causing verifiable damage to crops, livestock and property.

Emergency depredation permit holders should have the option to retain possession of harvested animals.

We support creating depredation areas for landowners who are annually affected by depredating animals and support mechanisms for quicker response in those areas.

Transactions between the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game may represent a conflict of interest and should be investigated.

(88) Fish and Game – Private Reservoir Companies

Fish and Game Department shall pay private reservoir companies for the use of that reservoir for fish habitat. The Department should also pay up-keep assessments on reservoirs in which they own water.

(89) Fish and Game/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Responsibility

We support the reform of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to create local management of the wildlife of Idaho. This program should be site specific to control damage caused from over populated species of both game and nongame animals.

We oppose the relocation of wild game and non-game species without proper notice being

given to residents and property owners in the area where they are released.

The Idaho Fish and Game Department should not engage in activities that encourage only non-consumptive uses of fish and wildlife species in Idaho.

The state or federal wildlife personnel shall be required to file an environmental and economic impact statement before they can release non-native insects or plants in Idaho or make regulations that affect the counties and/or the state.

We support the Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s ban on the release of deleterious exotic animals into the State of Idaho.

All state and federal agency personnel must go through the elected county sheriff for all law enforcement.

(90) Fish Species Population Management

We support alternative scientific applications to modify fish species population without affecting contractual agreements or causing detrimental effects on flood control, irrigators, recreation and economies.

(91) ISDA and F&G Prior Notification The Idaho State Department of Agriculture and Idaho Fish and Game must give 24-hour prior notification to land owners or designees before entering premises.

(92) Sage Grouse Hunt

We support the Idaho Fish and Game Commission’s policy of having a sage grouse hunting season.

(93) Introduction of Salmon

We oppose the introduction of salmon above the Brownlee Dam. (94) Salmon Recovery

We support the following salmonrecovery alternatives:

Physically modifying the dams rather than tearing them down or lowering water levels.

Improving barging such as net barge transportation.

(3) Privatizing salmon fisheries for stronger fish.

Controlling predators of salmon.

(5) Utilizing new hydroelectric turbine technologies to achieve the goals of increased power production and reduced hazards to fish.

(6) Operating the Brannon bypass system as an option to facilitate salmon recovery and support continued study of the Kevlar Tube and other bypass systems.

Regulating harvest of off-shore and instream fish.

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(95) Snake River Basin Snails

We support the delisting of snail species in the Snake River Basin and the grouping of snail species based on taxonomic/biological similarities.

We oppose the future listing of new snail species.

(96) Wolves

We support the delisting of wolves and access by all citizens to any and all control measures available to provide relief from wolf depredations.

Wolves should be classified and managed as predators. Until they are, we support the Idaho Fish and Game in its attempts to establish a hunting season on wolves. The costs associated with wolves, including triple damages for depredation costs, should be borne by the federal government. Until such time that livestock owners are compensated from the federal government, money should be made available from the sale of wolf tags to compensate livestock owners for depredation.

We request that IDFG require hunters to turn in all wolf carcasses for testing for communicable diseases.

We further demand that all wolves captured and/or killed by IDFG, Wildlife Services, US Fish and Wildlife or any other agency or individual be tested for communicable diseases.

We support a 10-j type rule for managing wolves being extended to north of Interstate 90.

We request the Governor invoke our Tenth Amendment rights to control wolves.

We request that Hydatid disease be returned to Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s reportable disease list.

EASEMENTS (97) Conservation Easements and Scenic Easements

We support continuation of conservation easements or agreements and scenic easements or agreements only if the real property involved remains on the tax rolls according to use.

ENERGY (98) Alternative Energy We support the development of alternative energy.

We oppose a broad moratorium on alternative energy projects.

We support county control in the siting of these projects.

We support sales tax incentives to assist in the development of alternative energy.

(99) Bonneville Power Administration Credit We support some type of BPA credit that allows all of Idaho’s citizens to benefit from the BPA’s use of Idaho water for power generation.

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(100) Electrical Energy

Hydroelectric Dams:

As future demands for electrical energy increase, we support the continued careful use of water as one of our renewable natural resources through existing and the construction of new hydro projects.

We encourage the adoption of hydro projects to generate power for sale.

We support the relicensing of dams, including the Hells Canyon complex, using a least cost mitigation plan reflecting the desire of the customers to have a reliable power resource at reasonable rates.

Renewables:

We encourage utilities operating in Idaho to develop economically feasible renewable energy portfolios.

We support the construction of economically feasible power generation facilities in Idaho including those that use plant and/or animal residue or logging slash.

We support an annual true-up for net metering rather than a monthly true-up.

Regulations: We encourage state agencies to remove barriers that prevent utilities from increasing Idaho’s power generation capacity.

We oppose any deregulation, reorganization, merger or consolidation of power generation or transmission which could result in loss of water rights, less service or increased rates.

We support current laws that require coal fired plants be held to strict standards in the construction, operation and retirement of the facility.

Transmission: We support upgrades in transmission and distribution. Routing of utility corridors should be placed on public land first and then to the areas of least impact to private property owners.

We support the initiation of on and off ramps in transmission lines within the State of Idaho.

compensation should be provided to the property owner.

(101) Farm Produced Fuel

We support grants, cost share programs and bio-fuel production tax credits for farm-scale bio-fuel projects.

LABOR

(102) Fossil Fuels

We support the mining and drilling of fossil fuels.

We encourage the State of Idaho to adopt rules for oil and natural gas production that safeguard the water aquifers for all citizens and protect property owners’ rights to use their property. If a local government entity bans the development of mineral rights in their jurisdiction, it should be considered a property rights “taking” and

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(103) Nuclear Energy

We support the generation of electricity from nuclear reactors in meeting our future energy needs and urge the development of permanent disposal sites for radioactive waste material where it will not endanger Idaho’s aquifer.

We support research and development of further usage of radioactive waste materials and safer ways of storage.

We support development of the fast burn sector of nuclear technology which massively reduces or eliminates the need for nuclear waste disposal. We further support the utilization of the Idaho National Laboratory to provide the lead role in advancing the continued development of this technology.

(104) Power Buy Back

We support demand control programs as long as current water rights and power usage contracts are protected. These programs must remain on a voluntary basis.

(105) Renewable Fuels We support the promotion and use of alternative fuels made from agricultural products, as long as they are driven by open markets and not economically supported by mandates and government subsidies.

We encourage all state and local governments to assist in developing renewable fuel projects in Idaho.

We support the availability of low-cost fuels, including off road bio-fuels, for the operation of farms and ranches.

(106) Utility Companies

Utility companies that damage public roads should be responsible for restoring roadways to their original state for at least a period of two years.

(107) Health Insurance We oppose any legislation to require employers to carry health insurance on their employees whether they are seasonal or full-time.

(108) Legal Aid

We oppose state funding of Idaho Legal Aid Services.

We oppose the uninvited presence of Legal Aid personnel soliciting business on private property.

(109) Minimum Wage

We oppose any state minimum wage

that is higher than the federal minimum wage.

(110) New Hire Reporting

We support changes in the Idaho New Hire Reporting Law to extend the reporting date to 60 days.

We support not having to report seasonal temporary workers that work less than 45 days in a year.

(111) Supplemental Agricultural Labor

We support programs sponsoring labor for agriculture on a temporary basis. If existing programs fail to satisfy labor needs, we would support a system under which supplemental labor from other countries could be imported on a timely and flexible basis to work in agriculture. When these workers are no longer needed they would be required to return to their countries of origin.

If a status adjustment is contemplated for farm workers currently working but not authorized to work in the U.S., then such adjustment may not include citizenship and must include penalties for illegal entry into the U.S.

We recommend strict enforcement of our immigration laws and improved procedures to verify status.

(112) Unemployment Insurance

Eligibility requirements should be made realistic to reflect agriculture’s seasonal employment practices.

Business owners should not have to pay unemployment tax on themselves.

The minimum basic-period wage criteria for unemployment benefits should be increased proportionately to increases in the minimum wage.

(113) Workers Compensation Workers compensation for agricultural employers should provide: (1) Cost control measures and fair base rates.

(2) Mediation for agricultural concerns.

(3) Protection from third party lawsuits.

(4) Employer protection from worker caused injuries (i.e. drug & alcohol).

Corporate officers should not be required to be covered by workers compensation. Business owners should not be required to pay into workers compensation on themselves since they are prohibited from collecting as business owners.

We support changes in the existing worker’s compensation law that would take into consideration the employee’s responsibility when an accident occurs.

We support having the settlement reduced by the percentage that was determined that the worker was responsible.

TAX

(114) Agricultural Property Tax Shifts

We are opposed to shifting property tax to agricultural real estate.

We support removing the Idaho Housing Price Index from the 50% / $75,000 homeowner’s exemption.

(115) Assessed Value of Ag Production Land

We believe all land being used for commercial agricultural production should be appraised for tax purposes according to its current use, eliminating any consideration of its speculative value, using realistic productivity figures, realistic cost deduction, including government mandated control of noxious weeds, taking into account the USDA’s annual report on farm real estate values in Idaho and that only the landlord’s net share of production be used in computing value for tax purposes, as prescribed by Idaho State Tax Commission rules and regulations.

We support the retention of the five acre minimum productivity option and the Bare Land & Yield Option for forest lands.

(116) Budget Caps

We oppose the loosening, removal or alteration in any way or the granting of an exemption from limitations and restraints placed by present Idaho law on units of local government, community colleges, school districts, etc., in increasing local property taxes.

We oppose the creation of additional tax entities that could be exempt from such limitations and restraints.

(117) County Taxing Districts Sharing Administrators We encourage county commissioners, school districts, highway districts and possibly other taxing districts to consider using administrators and secretaries on a county-wide or multi-district basis to help ease the tax burden of administration.

(118) Fuel Tax

We oppose repealing the refund of tax paid on fuel used off-road.

We oppose taxing dyed fuel.

(119) Impact Fees

We support local impact fees on new or expanding developments to pay for the services required to support growth.

We support simplification of current impact fee rules and procedures.

(120) Investment Tax Credit

We support retention of the current 3% investment tax credit provisions, or an increase in the credit.

(121) Local Option Taxation

We support local option taxation when used specifically for projects that would have been paid for with property tax dollars.

(122) Maximum Levy Rates

We oppose raising the maximum statutory levy rates for any taxing authority.

(123) Personal Tax Privacy Rights

We oppose the county tax assessor’s office requiring personal tax information to establish land use.

(124) Property Tax

We oppose budget increases and foregone balances that current Idaho State law allows for local governments.

We support limiting yearly property assessment increases to a maximum of the state inflation rate.

We support legislation that would allow county tax assessments and collection on property that has been purchased by non-profit groups and placed in tax exempt status, such as a tax code that covers environmental tax exempt classification.

We support exempting all equipment used in the production of agricultural commodities from personal property tax.

(125) Property Tax – Funding Local Government & Schools

We support gradually reducing the property tax burden to fund public schools and local government.

We are opposed to judges being allowed to levy taxes.

We support legislation mandating that plant facilities levy monies can be used only for capital expenditures related to school operation and maintenance.

We oppose school districts carrying over these funds to finance the construction of new buildings or the acquisition of additional property.

We support removing the school budget stabilization levy that was authorized in the 2006 special Legislative session, unless it is supported by a local vote.

We support the creation of standardized mandatory full disclosure of the school district’s revenues and expenditures that are related to extracurricular activities; separated into curriculum and athletics, and budgeted in standard categories of salaries, transportation, supplies and capital expenditures.

(126) Sales Tax

We oppose removing the sales tax exemption on production items.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

17

We support legislation that would exempt non-profit organizational fund-raising from paying sales tax on those receipts.

We oppose the collection of use tax on out-of-state goods purchased by Idaho residents.

(127) Special Taxing Districts

We support county commissioners approving special taxing districts budgets, except independent road districts, before such budgets are published for public review.

We support a requirement that all new taxing districts must be approved by a 66-2/3% majority vote of the registered voters within a district.

We support legislation allowing special taxing districts to be funded by a household fee.

All taxing districts that charge fees should be under the same 3% cap that applies to counties and municipalities.

We support giving library districts the option to be funded by a household fee rather than through an ad valorum tax. If the library district chooses the household fee option, any bonds they pass must also be paid through household fees.

We support a ten year sunset on all special taxing districts, after which they would require reauthorization by the voters to continue.

(128) State Budget

We support zero-based budgeting.

We oppose balancing budget shortfalls by any tax increase.

We support a constitutional amendment limiting state spending to a calculation determined by population growth and inflation.

(129) Super Majority

We support retaining the 66-2/3 percent majority vote as required in the Idaho State Constitution for bond levies.

We oppose circumventing the required two-thirds majority by creative financing options.

(130) Tax Compensation for Federal and State Managed Lands

We recommend that a fee in lieu of taxes be assessed on all lands removed from tax rolls by state or federal agency management.

We favor an annual fee equivalent to local private property tax on land.

(131) Tax Refund Extension

We support extension of the statute of limitations on income-tax refunds from 3 years to 10 years. Tax refunds 4 to 10 years old may be used to offset taxes and interest due.

(132) Urban Renewal Districts We support legislation that limits urban renewal 18

districts to the purpose for which they were created and legislation that places mandatory time limits not to exceed ten years on the life span for any district so formed.

LOCAL AFFAIRS (133) Annexation

We are opposed to areas adjacent to a city being annexed into the city unless a twothirds majority of those owning property in the area proposed for annexation vote in favor of the annexation.

(134) County Commissioners

County Commissioners should be elected by the district in which they reside, not the whole county.

We encourage county commissioners to develop a Natural Resource Plan per NEPA guidelines that clearly states the objectives and policies of the county in regards to management of the natural resources located on public lands in their county. We encourage county commissioners to invoke the “coordination mandate” of Congress set forth in federal statutes with the public land management agencies plans and actions that may negatively impact the county’s economy, culture and heritage.

(135) Distribution of Federal Fines

We support legislation that would require public notification of the distribution of fines collected by the governmental agencies in that county.

We support legislation that would require federal agencies to return a portion of federal fines collected in the county where the infraction occurred.

(136) Elections

We support restricting local school bond and levy elections to primary and general election dates.

We support a mandatory pre-registration requirement to be eligible to vote in all local bond elections.

We support more positive proof of residency for voter registration at the polls.

Pay raises for elected officials shall not take effect until the official stands again for election.

We support requiring full and complete disclosure of all campaign contributions with stiff penalties for failure to disclose. This will include full disclosure of any personal funds contributed by the candidate. The information will be readily accessible to all interested individuals and organizations.

(137) Emergency Response Fees

We oppose the imposition of a “crash tax” to cover the cost of cleaning up spills at the site of

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

an accident. We favor reducing regulatory burdens which prohibit low-cost clean-up solutions.

(138) Indigent Care Funding

We support the use of the interest from the tobacco settlement monies to reduce the indigent care deductible now being paid for by the property owners. The deductible should continue to decrease incrementally as the settlement monies increase, not to drop below $1,000. The reduced deductible for tobacco-related illnesses should be expanded to include a reduced deductible for all health-related situations.

(139) Lighting in Agriculture We support adequate lighting to operate agricultural businesses in a safe, efficient and unobtrusive manner.

(140) Notice of Zoning Change

Water-right holders or recipients of water delivered through property that is proposed to be rezoned should receive the same notification of public hearings as surrounding landowners.

(141) Public Hearings

Public hearings that affect a given area of the state must be held in the area that is affected, at a reasonable time and date for those impacted.

(142) Waste Recycling

We support and encourage voluntary recycling of solid waste.

(143) Zoning

County commissioners should control all zoning in the county. Zoning should be site specific within the county; we oppose the use of blanket zoning ordinances, including sustainable development and smart-growth initiatives.

We recognize and encourage the use of planning tools allowed under state law to encourage planned and orderly growth in or near agricultural areas.

EDUCATION (144) Adolescent Nutrition

We support school districts offering dairy products, healthy nutritional snacks and fruit juices in vending machines on school premises.

(145) Ag in the Classroom We support “Ag in the Classroom” in school curriculums to increase student literacy of agriculture.

We support an increase in funding for Ag in the Classroom.

(146) Contracts for Teachers

We recommend that the tenure system

for school teachers be eliminated and replaced with contracts based on evaluation and performance.

We support the concept of incentive pay that will improve teacher excellence.

School teachers should have the option of being able to negotiate their own contract with the school district as a private contractor.

We also support the teaching of abstinence before marriage and monogamy after marriage as the most effective method for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

We further support educating for increased awareness and prevention of any sexually transmitted diseases.

(147) Education Standards and Assessments We support using: 1. Professionally established standards and assessments that can be modified to reflect locally recognized educational values, goals and philosophy.

2. Standards to ensure the progression of a student that reflect a comprehension of the subject.

(154) Veterinary Students

We support an increase from eleven (11) to fifteen (15) seats per year for Idaho residents in the Washington-Idaho Cooperative Veterinary Medical Education Program.

(155) Vocational Education

We support adequate funding for Idaho’s vocational education program.

We encourage vocational teachers, administrators and school boards to utilize this funding by actively developing and administering programs in their school districts that promote career development.

(148) Knowledge of Constitution

We support requiring students graduating from Idaho schools to have a thorough understanding of the Constitution and the form of government that it gives us.

(149) Local Control of Education We encourage the State Board of Education and the Idaho legislature to refuse federal funds aimed at promoting control of educational programs in public schools by the federal government.

We oppose the gathering of personal information of students that is not related to their academic education without parental consent.

(150) No Increase in School Time We oppose increasing required school hours beyond 990 hours per year.

(151) Parental Choice in Education

We support the voucher system for education.

We support the continuing freedom of Idaho parents to choose private school, parochial school, home school, public charter school or public school as prescribed in the Idaho Constitution and in the Idaho Code.

We support optional kindergarten.

We oppose public funding of pre-kindergarten.

(152) Right to Challenge Class

We recommend that high school students be given the opportunity to challenge high school classes and if able to pass, be given credit for that class toward graduation.

(153) Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Sex Education

We oppose the teaching of homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle.

We support the teaching of abstinence as the only 100% effective method to prevent pregnancy.

STATE AFFAIRS (156) Agricultural Research and Extension

We support the University of Idaho Agricultural Research and Extension Service and urge the Legislature to adequately fund this vital program.

We support adequate funding to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to allow research to develop new improved varieties of seed that are classed as public varieties.

We request the Legislature examine the role of the University of Idaho as the land grant college, and take steps to ensure the University honors its commitment as our agricultural research facility. The University should be on the same budgeting system as the State of Idaho.

We support expanded research and education in all crop areas relative to Idaho. This must also include new and improved plant and animal varieties along with effective insect, pest, disease and weed controls.

We also support an informational exchange and cooperative effort within the tri-state area in agchemical registration and research as well as plant/animal variety improvement research.

Every effort should be made by state and county officials and the University of Idaho to retain an agricultural extension agent in each county as an extension service of our land grant university.

Strong pressure must be exerted to revitalize and improve the agricultural information and education programs.

We recommend that extension activities assist farm programs on a first-priority basis, including the integrated Farm Management Program.

We also believe that county agents

should be first and foremost county agricultural agents.

We support the hiring of new extension educators in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences with primary training and experience in commercial agriculture and forestry.

(157) Attorney General Review

We support legislation that establishes a process whereby farmers and ranchers may request a review by the state attorney general of all local and state ordinances and rules that could violate state law by restricting normal agricultural operations.

(158) ATV Safety

We oppose the creation of a mandatory class or special license for the ability to ride an ATV on private or public land.

(159) Ballot Initiative Process

We support using legislative districts as a geographic requirement for gathering signatures to qualify an initiative for the ballot.

(160) Bicycle Safety

We support bicyclists using public roadways being subject to the same laws that motorists must obey.

(161) Cell Phone Use

We oppose any legislation that would ban cell phone use in vehicles for voice communication.

We oppose texting while driving.

(162) Commercial Auction Companies Bonding

We support legislation that would require licensing and bonding of commercial auction companies.

(163) Commercial Unmanned Air Systems (UAS)

We support the commercial use of unmanned air systems (UAS) for natural resource management.

(164) Cross Deputization of Law Enforcement Officers We believe that cross deputization of county sheriffs and any tribal law enforcement officers should be voluntary.

(165) Definition of Agricultural Buildings We support changes to Idaho Code to define agricultural buildings as follows: They are buildings where agricultural products are stored, housed or grown. They are buildings where agricultural equipment, including licensed vehicles that are used in the production of agriculture, can be fixed, repaired or stored. They are buildings that are used for the normal servicing of an agricultural business. They can be used by employees as a place of employment as well as a place to have meals and take bathroom

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

19

breaks as required by GAAP (Generally Accepted Agriculture Practices.)

(166) Department of Corrections

We support legislation requiring the Department of Corrections to notify victims and witnesses who have requested to be notified when inmates convicted of violent crimes will be paroled or issued passes. Records should be reasonably accessible to concerned individuals.

We support having names of juveniles convicted of a felony made public knowledge.

The Department of Corrections should be required to house nonviolent prisoners in county jails when space is available, instead of shipping them out of state. The state should reimburse counties at the rate that it is paying out-of-state prisons.

(173) Hazardous Waste

We believe that each state should, to the extent possible, take the responsibility for treatment and disposal of hazardous waste generated in its state and that these waste products be disposed of in the most feasible manner that will not endanger life or resources.

We feel that hazardous material and hazardous waste should be kept separate in the law.

We support a statewide hazardous materials clean-up day.

(167) Drug Penalties

We favor stiffer penalties─not necessarily prison terms─for drug pushers, money launderers and repeated users, with no plea bargaining.

We oppose legalizing medical marijuana in Idaho.

(175) Judicial Confirmation

We support the repeal of the “Judicial Confirmation”, Title 7, Chapter 13, Idaho Code, for ordinary and necessary expenses.

(168) Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients

We support legislation that would require adult applicants/recipients for state and/or federal welfare payments, or similar benefits, to submit to periodic testing for illegal drugs and test negative to receive benefits.

(169) Executive Branch MOU/MOA

We oppose actions by the governor entering into memorandums of understanding or memorandums of agreement without legislative oversight and approval.

(170) Falsifying Reports Knowingly filing a false report and/or complaint to any agency shall be considered a misdemeanor and the perpetrator should be required to pay damages and/or expenses to the individual that was falsely accused as well as the investigating agency.

(171) Gambling We oppose any amendment to the State Constitution to permit licensed or unlicensed casino gaming in Idaho.

(172) Government Employees Accountability

Employees of government must not be exempt from any laws and should be accountable under law for their actions. State officials should refrain from involving themselves in how county governments operate.

Government employees should be restricted from moonlighting in their field of expertise, competing unfairly with private professionals or using government equipment, files etc.

20

(174) Inmate Care We do not support taxpayer funded procedures that prolong the life of inmates with life sentences.

(176) Liability & Tort Claims

We support current Idaho statutes dealing with liability and tort claims and will resist any effort to weaken or erode them.

(177) Medicaid

We support required co-pay by Medicaid recipients and non-insured persons who use hospital emergency room visits for non-life threatening health care. We support minimum co-pay for primary health care provider visits.

(178) Memorials in Public We oppose awarding attorney’s fees and penalties funded by tax money when judges order the removal of religious icons and expressions from public property.

We support the continued display of the Ten Commandments on public property.

(179) Mental Health and Drug Court

We support increased state funding for mental health and drug court programs.

(180) Mosquito Eradication

We support spraying and other methods to kill mosquitoes.

(181) Nationalized Health Insurance

We oppose nationalizing insurance.

health

(182) North-South Highway

We support construction and/or improvement of a North-South Highway to the Canadian border.

(183)

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

Planning

and

Zoning

Commission

Compensation We support a change in Idaho law allowing members of county planning and zoning commissions to receive payment for the time they devote to their duties if approved by local voters.

(184) Private Property Rights/Eminent Domain

Private property should be defined to include but not be limited to all land, crops, timber, water rights, mineral rights, all other appurtenances and any other consideration associated with land ownership.

We support programs to educate the public about private property rights and about trespass laws.

Landowners should retain the right to refuse access within the current law.

Landowners having lands adjacent to federal and or state lands should not be forced through coercion/or fear of imprisonment to allow new easements across their land for public access to federal and state lands. The taking of property or easements should be permitted only when there is eminent domain.

We oppose the use of eminent domain for recreational purposes, for private economic development or to expand the land holding of wildlife agencies.

We support an Idaho constitutional amendment defining public use as found in the eminent domain doctrine to prohibit the condemnation of private property for economic development or any use by private parties. If private property is taken, compensation must be prompt, just and adequate.

In the cases of partial taking of real property, the landowner must be compensated when governmentimposed regulations cause a loss in value of private property. Landowners or tenants shall not be held liable for any damages incurred as a result of the condemnation. Entities condemning property shall assume liability for any damages incurred by landowners.

(185) PUC Rates We will continue to cooperate with organizations that are trying to obtain equitable public utility and freight rates.

We oppose any action by the PUC to move in the direction of inverted block rates or in any major rate design revision that would be detrimental to agriculture.

(186) Public Employees Bargaining

We believe that public employees, when negotiating contracts, should be separate entities in themselves, and by statute not allowed to delegate or reassign their negotiating rights to professional negotiating forces.

(187) Public Funded Institutions and Entities

All public institutions and entities funded in whole or in part with public money will discourage and prevent the sanctioning, promotion,

encouragement or advocacy of any behavior or any lifestyle containing behaviors that are in violation of Idaho statute or the Idaho Constitution.

(188) Re-Apportionment

We support the state’s right to a republican form of government, and the right to pattern our representation in the state Senate and House after the Congress of the United States; with the Senate by county and the House by population.

(189) Re-Establish Congressional Lawmaking Responsibility

We support the state Legislature in its efforts to encourage Congress to reclaim its constitutional responsibility of making law.

Proposed rules or regulations by federal bureaus or agencies should have congressional approval before becoming law.

Presidential directives or executive orders should be limited in scope and subject to congressional approval in a timely manner.

We support passage of legislation ensuring that no treaty can supersede the Constitution or reduce the protections we enjoy under the Constitution.

(190) Regulation Reform

We support: (1) Complete review of existing regulations to determine their effectiveness and appropriateness prior to assigning more restrictive regulations.

(2) Peer review of the existing regulations to determine their potential to mitigate the problems they address.

(191) Rights-of-Way

Easement rights-of-way obtained by public or private sectors shall not be committed to any new or additional purpose, either during their original usage or after abandonment, without consent of the owner of the land underlying the easement. Upon abandonment of railway or utility rights-of-way or leases, all property and rights associated with such rights-of-way or leases should revert to the current owner of the original tract.

We urge enactment of legislation to require that adjacent landowners be given priority to purchase at fair market value lands that have been vacated by railways, power companies, roadways, etc. and require that public agencies obtaining title to abandoned rights-of-way be responsible for maintaining fences, drainage systems, all field and road crossings and for controlling weeds on any such acquired rights-of-way.

We support access to or through federal lands using RS2477.

We support allowing county commissioners the ability to determine the validity of an RS2477 claim, the right to move an RS2477 when

it occurs on private land and the ability to temporarily close an RS2477 for resource reasons. To prevent the misuse of RS2477 claims, we recognize the superiority of a property’s title over RS2477 claims.

We will not support the use of RS2477 as a tool for the taking of private property without just compensation as prescribed in the Constitution.

Any party who controls a railroad rightof-way for use as a trail or any other purpose that prevents the corridor from reverting back to the adjacent landowners, must continue to honor all historical maintenance agreements that the railroad formerly performed including fencing, weed control and any other agreement that may have been in existence before the corridor changed management.

(192) Right to Bear Arms

We oppose any abridgment of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which protects the right to keep and bear arms.

We support current law that allows lawabiding citizens the right to bear arms and be free from legal jeopardy when protecting themselves, their families and their property.

We oppose the retaining of personal records collected by the FBI as a result of firearms purchase background checks. The dangerous weapons code should be updated to reflect these rights in the home, the place of business or in motor vehicles.

We support legislation that declares that all firearms and ammunition made and retained in-state are beyond the authority of the federal government.

(193) Sexual Crimes

We support increased penalties for violent, repeat sexual abuse crimes.

(194) Sharia Law

We support legislation banning the implementation of Sharia Law in Idaho.

(195) State Agencies

We oppose regulating any phase of farm and ranch business by any state agency that does not have an agricultural representative as a member of its policy-making board or committee.

We oppose combining, splitting or changing government agencies without the approval of users of the services.

We support the concept of the Soil Conservation Commission or successor entity to advise and aid local Soil Conservation Districts by providing technical support and a mechanism to receive financial support at no less than fiscal year 2010 levels.

We recommend representation by an agricultural producer on the Board of Regents for

Idaho’s land grant university and on the Idaho Fish and Game Commission.

We urge and will support legislation to require that government rules and regulations, wherever applicable, be based upon supportive disciplinary peer reviewed scientific data and that wherever policies, rules or regulations do not meet this standard the responsible individual and/or individuals can be held liable.

When a state law enforcement agency makes an arrest there should be a means provided to reimburse the county for all costs associated in maintaining the prisoner.

(196) State Building Code

We ask the State Legislature to review the State Building Code with amendments, to limit infringement on private property rights through excessive permit requirements.

(197) State Commissions and PERSI

We support the development of a policy at the state level that allows for opting out of PERSI for State Commission board members to preserve their IRAs. (198) State Hatch Act

We favor restoring the State Hatch Act, 67-5311 Limitation of Political Activity, to its original form and content.

(199) State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) We oppose the expansion of the authority of the SHPO and oppose any state funding.

(200) State Legal Reform

We support reform of the state’s civil justice system, which would cure or substantially solve many of the problems farmers face with hostile, harassing legal services lawsuits. Any person or organization that sues to prevent livestock operation siting, or the use of agriculture or resource management practices, should be required to post a bond in a reasonable amount, which will be forfeited to the defendant to help defray their costs in the event that the suit is unsuccessful.

We support legislation by the Idaho Legislature that would require any entity bringing such lawsuits to post substantial bonds based on the potential harm of the lawsuit. Individuals who file complaints against an agricultural operation and request an investigation must pay a fee to cover administration costs. Complete names, addresses and phone numbers are required on each complaint.

We support legislation to restore the election of district judges.

We support the open and full disclosure of the actions of the Idaho Judicial Council.

Entities from outside the jurisdiction of

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

21

taxing districts that file lawsuits against public entities should be required to pay all legal expenses.

(201) Term Limits

We oppose term limits on statewide offices, legislative offices and county and local levels, with individual counties given the choice to adopt or oppose term limits.

(202) Termination of Life We oppose human euthanasia.

We oppose legalization of assisted suicide.

We oppose abortion except in cases of rape, incest or when there is endangerment to the life of the mother.

We oppose any state funding of Planned Parenthood.

(203) Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL’S)

We support mandating Idaho’s Department of Environmental Quality to conduct an Economic Impact Analysis of an area’s businesses (including the agri-business and agricultural operations of that area) before initiating a TMDL process for that geographic area. The analysis shall be provided to the Watershed Advisory Group before consideration is given to develop and implement a TMDL. A copy of the analysis shall also be provided to the germane committees of the Idaho

Legislature.

(204) Transportation

We support continuation of independent road districts without oversight by county commissioners.

We would consider an increase in the state fuel tax for infrastructure construction.

We would consider a tax or fee increase on vehicles of 12500 GVW and under if this revenue is used for infrastructure construction.

We oppose the removal of the Port of Entry system from the Department of Transportation.

We support increases in gross weights with axle weights non-changing.

We support the continued use of long combination vehicles (LCVs).

We support the Idaho Department of Transportation policy of issuing oversize load permits for Idaho public roads.

We support the continued improvement of Idaho’s agricultural roadways.

We support accountability of highway transportation department’s engineers for the cost over-runs and/or miscalculations for wrongful designs of highway projects.

We support increasing permit fees on loads exceeding 200,000 GVW to be comparable with fees in surrounding states.

(205) Trespass

We support a law placing the burden of trespass on the trespasser instead of the landowner.

(206) Unfunded Mandates

All new laws passed by the legislature that put financial burdens on the counties or cities should be funded by the state.

(207) U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals

We support the division of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to add a new northwest U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

(208) Use of the Public Trust Doctrine for Hunting

We oppose the use of the Public Trust Doctrine to force private property owners to allow hunting on their private property.

(209) Well Drillers License

A well shall only be drilled by or under the responsible charge of a licensed driller except that a property owner who is not licensed can construct a well on his own property for his own use with the aid of power driven mechanical equipment with the option of substituting a video tape of the well head and bore for the “well log” showing geologic strata, casing and satisfactory compliance with “Well Construction Standards Rules”.

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Focus on Agriculture Look Who’s Talking Now

By Julie Murphree Someone has convinced farmers and ranchers to start talking. That’s kind of a crazy proposition, especially since sometimes they really don’t care to get into the communication thing too much.

Warning: Once they do start talking, you really can’t get farmers and ranchers to shut up. They have lots to say.

Maybe they’ve kept it bottled up for so long and now that they have popped the cork, they’re just bubbling over.

search to improve the way they farm and ranch and they get excited about explaining that to others. But based on what Maslansky Luntz & Partners discovered, farmers and ranchers are using too many technical terms, too much science talk and too many big, sterile words.

One good thing: research shows farmers and ranchers are trusted, although consumers still have lots of questions about farming and everyday practices.

And words like mass production, pesticides, big business, subsidies, ag chemi-

The trouble is, new research shows “a different approach may be needed for farmers and ranchers to more effectively communicate with consumers.” Remember…most of them really don’t like to talk in the first place. They are good listeners, but they really just want to farm and ranch.

Today’s food producers have used science and re-

So is the answer for farmers and ranchers to adopt a “touchy, feely” style of communicating? Let’s hope not. That would be kind of tough for most of them.

They’ve seen a lot, gone through a lot and their mammas raised them not to complain or cry, and certainly not in public.

But, farmers and ranchers get it. Many have committed to being more succinct and understandable in response to consumer questions.

Further, farmers and ranchers across the nation share common interests with consumers.

Food, health and their futures— especially their families’ futures—are subjects farmers and consumers care about.

Most farmers and ranchers hope to continually improve the way they grow food for America. But they’re already doing a lot right and they want consumers to know about it.

Maslansky Luntz & Partners studied the messages we use in agriculture and concluded what we say and what consumers hear are often two different things.

The study, which was funded by the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, revealed that agriculture’s (farming and ranching’s) standard goto messages about sound science aren’t providing peace of mind for consumers. To put it another way, countering emotion with facts does not convey all that’s good about today’s farms and ranches.

cals and “best management practices” just make non-farmers scratch their heads.

So, if you’re not a farmer or rancher, keep asking questions.

Keep talking to farmers and ranchers. They’re enjoying the conversation, and have lots of good stuff to share in addition to the great food we all eat every day.

Farmers and ranchers from across the nation are taking it upon themselves to interact with consumers.

Julie Murphree is the public relations director for the Arizona Farm Bureau, and previously farmed cotton, wheat and alfalfa with her parents.

Idaho Farm Bureau file photo

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

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Idaho’s Jacob Andersen, second from left, was a runner-up in this year’s American Farm Bureau Federation Discussion meet.

Also pictured are runnersup Katie Pratt of Illinois and Chelsea Good of Kansas.

Power County Farmer Places in AFBF Discussion Meet Power County’s Jacob Andersen was one of three runners-up in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Discussion Meet. For his effort, Andersen will receive a new Case IH Farmall 55A tractor, a $5,000 Savings Bond and a STIHL Farm Boss chain saw. The Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting in which active discussion and participation are expected. Participants are evaluated on their ability to exchange ideas and information on a predetermined topic. Andersen competed against other young farmers from across the nation making it to the final four at the convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii. Andersen was the winner of Idaho Farm Bureau’s Discussion Meet in December of last year where he won a new Polaris Trail-Boss four wheeler and an all-expense paid trip to compete in Hawaii.

During the AFBF event contestants are grouped and given a topic. Judges score each round 24

with winners advancing. Following are the topics discussed during the meet: Are the current and proposed Renewable Energy Policies beneficial to all segments of American agriculture? Why or why not?

Celebrating 50 years with low-interest rate loans.

How can we convince the public that the animal agriculture industry balances production efficiencies with the public’s expectations of animal care?

Have farmers and ranchers effectively utilized social media to educate and influence the public? What strategies can be implemented to expand the interaction between producers and consumers?

How do we capitalize on the growing world demand for agricultural products?

What role, if any, should agriculture play in addressing health and obesity issues?

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

IDAHO FARM BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICES

To celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2011, we’ve reduced interest rates on new (and many other) loan products. Ask us today about loans for:

Cars Motorcycles Boats ATVs Home Improvements More!

Call us toll-free at 1-888-566-3276 or contact the IDFBFS office nearest you: Pocatello: 239-4259 Boise: 947-2521 Caldwell: 455-1526. Apply for a loan anytime online by visiting www.idfbfs.com.

Several Idaho Farm Bureau leaders attended the AFBF Annual Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii in early January. Idaho Farm Bureau was recognized for outstanding program achievement combined with membership growth.

State Farm Bureaus Recognized for Excellence IFBF Wins Pinnacle Award State Farm Bureaus were recently recognized for excellence in membership achievement and for implementing outstanding programs serving Farm Bureau members in 2011. American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman presented the awards during AFBF’s 93rd Annual Meeting.

Stallman announced winners of the Pinnacle Award, for overall outstanding program achievement combined with membership growth. The Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Tennessee and Virginia Farm Bureaus received Pinnacle Awards.

The Awards for Excellence and the President’s Awards were presented in five program areas: Agriculture Education and Promotion

South Carolina (4); Tennessee (5); Texas (5); Utah (4); Virginia (4); Washington (4); Wisconsin (5); and Wyoming (2).

Leadership Development Member Services Policy Implementation

The winning states and the number of President’s Awards won include:

Public Relations and Information The winning states and the number of Awards for Excellence categories won by each include: Alabama (5); Arizona (5); Arkansas (5); California (4); Colorado (1); Florida (4); Georgia (4); Idaho (5); Illinois (5); Indiana (5); Iowa (5); Kansas (4); Kentucky (5); Louisiana (4); Maryland (4); Massachusetts (1); Michigan (5); Minnesota (4); Mississippi (3); Missouri (5); Montana (5); Nebraska (4); Nevada (3); New York (4); North Carolina (3); Ohio (5); Oklahoma (2); Oregon (5); Pennsylvania (5); Rhode Island (1);

Arizona (1); Idaho (3); Indiana (1); Kansas (1); Massachusetts (1); Michigan (2); Missouri (1); Montana (3); Nevada (1); Ohio (2); Tennessee (3); Texas (2);Utah (1); Virginia (3); and Wisconsin (1).

A total of 26 President’s Awards were presented. These are the “best of the best” awards presented for excellence in each of the five program areas to states by membership category size.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

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Transplanting Native Tree Seedlings

By Chris Schnepf Every year, those of us who answer questions about forests for a living get a common inquiry: “Can I transplant conifer seedlings growing wild in my woods to places where I don’t have so many?” The shortest answer to that question is yes, but a better answer, as with so many other things, would start with “It depends . . .”

Seedlings already growing on the property are often attractive to many forest owners because the primary cost is the landowner’s own “sweat equity.”

Storage can also be less of a problem than with purchased seedlings (especially bareroot), because seedlings can be moved a few at a time over a longer period of time.

Would you be better off buying tree seedlings?

If you want to plant more than a dozen trees, you should consider buying seedlings. Transplanting native seedlings can be a lot of work compared to nursery-grown seedlings (e.g., you dig twice for each tree).

Forest-transplanted seedling survival can be low compared to nursery-grown seedlings, 26

because the latter usually have a better root-shoot ratio than seedlings you dig wild. Reforestation seedlings are relatively inexpensive (e.g., from forty cents to $2.25 each, depending on the size and quantity of seedlings ordered).

Are the seedling species growing on your property necessarily ones you want more of? If your forest has lots of overstory trees, many of the seedlings you see may be shade tolerant species such as Douglas-fir and grand fir, which tend to have more insect and disease issues than more shade intolerant trees such as pines and larch. If you want the latter, you may need to buy trees. This would also be the case with blister rust-resistant white pine. You may have white pine seedlings coming up on your property, but they will be much more vulnerable to blister rust than F2 rustresistant white pine seedlings purchased from a nursery.

Some people believe seedlings from their forest will be better adapted to their site. That is a good instinct, but as long as you purchase seedlings grown from seed collected at the right elevation and latitude, you should be good. To some extent, planting seedlings from another adapted source may add to the genetic diversity of your forest.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

Tree seedlings are available from University of Idaho Center for Seedling and Nursery Research (http://seedlings.uidaho.com) and are also sometimes available through local conservation districts and private nurseries. We maintain a directory of tree seedling sources and tree planting supplies on the UI Extension forestry web site.

Choosing the seedlings Different tree species vary greatly in how far seed should be moved in elevation, latitude, and longitude. For example, the same western white pine seed is adapted to all of Idaho, Montana, and eastern Washington.

Douglas-fir, on the other hand has much tighter seed transfer guidelines. Generally, most family forest owners will be safe with Idaho’s major conifer species if they stay on the same property and do not move seedlings more than 300 feet in elevation.

Choose seedlings that are 6 to 24 inches tall. Trees growing in the wild often develop long roots rather than a compact root system. Increasing tree size usually means a smaller and smaller percentage of the tree’s roots that can captured with a dug seedling. With too much top relative to the roots, the tree

A digging fork is a good tool for bare-root transplanting.

transpires more water than the roots are able to supply, and you risk seedling desiccation.

Generally, transplanting seedlings growing in the open should be more successful. Trees often develop needles with different physiological characteristics when they are growing under shade than when they are growing in full sun – particularly for shade tolerant species such as firs, cedar, and hemlock. Areas adjacent to roads or underneath power lines are often a good place to dig seedlings - as these

trees grow larger they interfere with road visibility or grow up into power lines.

Choose healthy, robust seedlings. If a tree has obvious health issues or physical damage, why spend the energy digging it up?

Generally seedlings with thicker main stems for a given height (“caliper”) are more robust.

It may be possible to dig tree seedlings from other forest properties, but be sure to get permission for this. Public lands often have guidelines regarding where trees can be dug and where they can’t. Transplanting policies for plants other than trees are often more restrictive.

Transplanting time A dormant tree is less likely to suffer transplant shock because fewer demands are placed on the tree’s root system compared to when it is actively growing. Spring transplanting should be done after the ground thaws, but at least two weeks before buds break. On most Idaho family forests, this usually means sometime in March or April, depending on elevation.

Digging only the trees in the morning that you can plant during the rest of that same day should increase survival. Transplanting on still, wet, cloudy days will also reduce risk of seedling desiccation compared

to windy, dry, sunny days.

Seedlings may be moved by digging them and shaking the loose soil from the roots (called “bare rooting”) or by digging a small earth ball with each seedling and then moving it intact to the new planting spot. The first method risks breaking small roots, but the seedling is lighter. The latter approach keeps more small roots but the transplant is heavier.

For bare rooting, a common garden digging fork works well. Otherwise, use a shovel or flat-bladed spade and keep it filed sharp, so it cuts roots cleanly. Dig down at least eight inches from the plant’s main stem (well beyond the dripline of the tree) all the way around the tree as deeply as possible, then work under the tree.

Keep the roots moist and cool at all times, particularly for bare-rooted trees. Put the trees in a container, and pack damp moss, straw, wet burlap, or wet vermiculite around the roots. Minimizing seedlings exposure to wind and light should also reduce seeding respiration and increase survival rates.

Hoedads, planting augers and post hole diggers may be used, but most forest owners use shovels for transplanting. If you are planting bare rooted seedlings, be sure to keep the roots in a natural configuration as

you plant the tree. For example, “J-rooted” seedlings, where the bottom of the roots curl back up towards the surface, often do not survive. Do not plant the tree too deep or too shallow.

On larger seedlings, pruning some of the lateral (side) branches may help survival by reducing the number of needles transpiring moisture. However, do not overdo it, as the tree needs some needles to photosynthesize and grow more roots.

Trees larger than 2 foot tall can also be successfully transplanted, but require more advance preparation (e.g., root pruning the tree to be transplanted one year ahead of time to develop a more compact, dense root system) and more careful handling, and planting techniques. For more information on transplanting larger wild trees see: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/ consumer/factsheets/trees-new/text/transplanting_native_trees.html.

The job isn’t done when the tree is in the ground Getting the tree in the ground is only one part of successful tree planting. Getting moisture to the tree is critical, and this is usually done by reducing competing vegetation. We have an excellent extension publication outlining a variety of cultural and chemical approaches to this titled “Enhancing Reforestation Success in the Inland Northwest” (go to http://www.cals.uidaho. edu/edComm/catalog, click on “forestry”, and then the publication). Preventing damage from pocket gophers and deer or elk is also often essential. For links to extension publications available to help you prevent animal damage, see the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management (http://icwdm.org ).

Containerized seedlings include 100 percent of the roots that supported the seedling’s top growth.

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

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

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

ABOVE: Richard Hollingsworth in Vietnam in the late 1960’s.

Photo Courtesy of Richard Hollingsworth

RIGHT: Richard Hollingsworth, Commander of Pocatello’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 735 at the Idaho Farm Bureau Salute to Idaho Veterans held last November.

Photo by Eric Gordon

A Welcome Salute When Richard Hollingsworth, Commander of Pocatello’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 735, returned home after attending the “Farm Bureau Salute to Idaho Veterans” last November, he did something he hadn’t done since he served in an assault helicopter company in the Vietnam War. He cried.

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As the event’s keynote speaker and a member of the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard, Commander Hollingsworth was also involved in several meetings with the Farm Bureau “Salute” Planning Committee.

After the “Salute,” at a meeting to review the event, Hollingsworth tried to explain to the committee why the event meant so

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

much to him. “You have to understand,” he said as he began recounting events from 40 years earlier.

In 1967, when 17 year-old Hollingsworth graduated from Pocatello High School, war had already begun in South Vietnam. As See A WELCOME SALUTE, page 30

Every acre tells a story.

Turn to us when it’s time to turn the page.

When you’re ready to transition the family farm or business it’s taken a lifetime to build, we’re here to help. As part of your team of advisers, your Farm Bureau agent can work with you to create a succession plan that fits your unique needs.

Call your Farm Bureau agent today and visit www.SmallBusinessTransition.com for ideas and information.

Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services BT-002-ID (1-12) ID-Transition(1-12).indd 1

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

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A WELCOME SALUTE

Continued from page 28

soon as he turned 18, he enlisted in the military. He still remembers the day he stood tall, raised his right hand, and took the oath of an American soldier. Hollingsworth enlisted because he wanted to join an army that was helping to set other people free.

He believed that the whole world – all of it, not just America – should be free where no person has to bow before another.

ways. He wanted to rush to their side to protect them but couldn’t. He screamed their names out silently in his mind, and, at the same time, locked his heart up deep inside.

Hollingsworth described the relationship he and his fellow soldiers shared in Vietnam as a brotherhood that watched out for and took care of each other. They were keenly aware of the danger surrounding them and ready to defend each other at all costs.

It took him a long time to adapt back to civilian life after he left Vietnam. It was a quiet struggle no one knew or seemed to care about. He described his welcome home as nothing: not a welcome home mat, no honor given, and his sense of pride stripped from him by Americans who degraded what he had done. He became bitter and withdrawn. In many ways, he still had not returned from Vietnam.

He watched close friends die in horrible

Not until November 10, 2011, and the “Sa-

lute to Idaho Veterans” did Hollingsworth feel like he had returned home.

At the post-event meeting now, Hollingsworth removed his glasses and wiped away fresh tears. “This was my welcome home,” he said. “You gave me my dignity back.”

The “Farm Bureau Salute to Idaho Veterans” was designed to recognize and thank those members of our communities who have served their neighbors and fellow citizens in the Armed Forces. The 2011 event was the beginning of an annual tradition.

Next year’s “Salute” is scheduled for November 9.

Word Search – Cuts Cuts of Beef WORD SEARCH: of Beef

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BRISKET

MEDALLIONS

SIRLOIN

BRISKET CHUCK FAJITA FLANK KABOB NEW-YORK PORTERHOUSE PRIME-RIB RIBEYE RIBS ROASTS ROUND SHANK SIRLOIN STEAK STIR-FRY T-BONE TRI-TIP

ANSWERS ON PAGE 34

Marketbasket Survey

Retail Food Prices Moderate Slightly in Fourth Quarter Retail food prices at the supermarket declined slightly during the fourth quarter of 2011, according to the latest American Farm Bureau Federation Marketbasket Survey.

The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare one or more meals was $49.23, down $3.89 or about 7 percent compared to the third quarter of 2011.

Of the 16 items surveyed, 14 decreased and two increased in average price compared to the prior quarter. The overall basket of foods was up about 5 percent compared to one year ago.

“Since about the last quarter of 2010, we have seen consistently higher prices quarter-to-quarter on a broad range of marketbasket items,” said AFBF Senior Economist John Anderson.

“With this survey, that trend appears to have reversed. While the marketbasket price was still higher year-over-year, the pull-back from recent highs on most of the items in the basket suggests that food price inflation is slowing down substantially.”

Meat and dairy products accounted for about half of the quarter-to-quarter retail price decrease. Sliced deli ham decreased 74 cents to $4.69 per pound, shredded cheddar decreased 38 cents to $4.32 per pound, bacon decreased 36 cents to $4.05 per pound, sirloin tip roast dropped 13 cents to $4.15 per pound, ground chuck dropped 10 cents to $3.17 per pound, boneless chicken breasts decreased 9 cents to $3.24 per pound and eggs dropped 6 cents to

$1.72 for one dozen.

Other items that decreased in price compared to the third quarter were Russet potatoes, down 68 cents to $2.75 for a 5-pound bag; Red Delicious apples, down 43 cents to $1.40 per pound; flour, down 34 cents to $2.38 for a 5-pound bag; vegetable oil, down 25 cents to $2.96 for a 32-ounce bottle; bagged salad, down 25 cents to $2.48 for a 1-pound bag; orange juice, down 11 cents to $3.17 for a half-gallon; and toasted oat cereal, down 10 cents to $3.07 for a 9-ounce box.

Items that increased in price compared to the third quarter were: whole milk, up 10 cents to $3.76 per gallon; and bread, up 4 cents to $1.92 for a 20-ounce loaf.

“With consumer confidence still a little shaky closing out the year, it appears that retailers are holding the line on food prices as much as possible,” Anderson explained. “Stabilizing energy prices this past quarter also may have helped take some of the pressure off of processor and retailer margins.”

Several items showing a decrease in retail price from quarter-to-quarter also showed year-to-year decreases. Compared to one year ago, bagged salad decreased 8 percent; bacon decreased 6 percent, and sliced deli ham and apples each declined 3 percent.

The year-to-year direction of the Marketbasket Survey tracks with the federal government’s

Consumer Price Index (http://www.bls.gov/ cpi/) report for food at home. As retail grocery prices have increased gradually over time, the share of the average food dollar that America’s farm and ranch families receive has dropped.

“In the mid-1970s, farmers received about onethird of consumer retail food expenditures for food eaten at home and away from home, on average. Since then, that figure has decreased steadily and is now about 16 percent, according to the Agriculture Department’s revised Food Dollar Series,” Anderson said. USDA’s new Food Dollar Series may be found online at http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/FoodDollar/ app/.

Using the “food at home and away from home” percentage across-the-board, the farmer’s share of this quarter’s $49.23 marketbasket would be $7.88.

AFBF, the nation’s largest general farm organization, has been conducting the informal quarterly Marketbasket Survey of retail food price trends since 1989. The mix of foods in the marketbasket was updated during the first quarter of 2008.

According to USDA, Americans spend just under 10 percent of their disposable annual income on food, the lowest average of any country in the world. A total of 53 shoppers in 18 states participated in the latest survey, conducted at the end of October/early November.

Tracking Milk and Egg Trends For the fourth quarter of 2011, shoppers reported the average price for a half-gallon of regular whole milk was $2.37, down 9 cents from the prior quarter.

The average price for one gallon of regular whole milk was $3.76, up 10 cents. Comparing per-quart prices, the retail price for whole milk sold in gallon containers was about 25 percent lower compared to half-gallon containers, a typical volume discount long employed by retailers.

The average price for a half-gallon of rBST-free milk was $3.34, down 6 cents from the last quar-

ter, about 40 percent higher than the reported retail price for a half-gallon of regular milk ($2.37).

compared to the prior year, while organic milk was up 9 percent.

The average price for a half-gallon of organic milk was $3.91, up 20 cents compared to the prior quarter, about 51 percent higher than the reported retail price for a half-gallon of regular milk ($2.37).

For the fourth quarter of 2011, the average price for one dozen regular eggs was $1.72, down 6 cents compared to the prior quarter. The average price for a dozen “cage-free” eggs was $2.97, down 13 cents compared to the prior quarter but 75 percent higher than regular eggs. Compared to a year ago (fourth quarter of 2010), regular eggs increased 8 percent while “cage-free” eggs decreased 2 percent.

Compared to a year ago (fourth quarter of 2010), the retail price for regular milk in gallon containers was up about 11 percent, while regular milk in half-gallon containers rose 19 percent. The average retail price for rBST-free milk increased 12 percent

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

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XTREME SIDE x SIDE PERFORMANCE.

Top Farm Bureau Agents Rookie of the Month: Agent of the Month: Agency Manager of the Month: Brock Merrill Reilly Agency

Jerry Petersen Reilly Agency Polaris would like to congratulate Jake Andersen the winner of this year’s Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet as well as Greg and Gwen Andersen for being presented with the Idaho Farm Bureau’s 2011 Young Farmer and Rancher Achiever Award. We hope you enjoy your new Polaris Trail Boss 330 and RGR 400 and thank you for your continued contributions to the Idaho Farming and Ranching Community.

A big thank you to those Idaho Polaris dealers who continue to support the Idaho Farm Bureau and Young Farmer and Rancher Program:

Dennis Reilly Reilly Agency

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

Vehicles shown with optional accessories. Avoid operating Polaris RANGERs on paved surfaces or public roads. Riders and passengers should always wear helmets, eye protection, protective clothing, and seat belts.

Always use cab nets. Drivers of RANGER vehicles must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license.

Warning: ATV’s can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Avoid operating Polaris ATV’s on paved surfaces or public roads. Riders and passengers should wear helmets, eye protection, protective clothing, and seat belts. Polaris ATV models are for riders aged 16 and older. Be sure to take a safety training course.

For safety training information in the U.S., call the SVIA at (800) 887-2887, see your dealer, or call Polaris at (800) 342-3764. In Canada, see your local dealer. ©2011 Polaris Industries Inc.

32

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

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.

Farm Facts

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

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Solution

Food Safety Word Solution From Page 30

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PRIME-RIB RIBEYE

New Farm Bureau Discount Benefit To qualify, Farm Bureau members must present a valid Farm Bureau membership card at one of the following locations: Idaho Falls - Syringa Wireless Retail Store Blackfoot - Syringa Wireless Retail Store Twin Falls - Syringa Wireless Retail Store Pocatello - Syringa Wireless Retail Store Rexburg - Syringa Wireless Retail Store Jerome - Syringa Wireless Retail Store Burley - Project Mutual Telephone

15% Off Monthly Bill

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

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A Taste of Idaho: Breakfast Casserole Article and Photo By Julie Christoffersen With the changing of the season, we start to think about spring and the start of new life. The sun feels a little bit warmer, the days are getting longer and we begin to look forward to spring events.

With the first crocus reaching for the sky, I know the farm and ranch communities are itching to begin the laborious process of preparing the fields, moving livestock and for some of us, planning our gardens. This is a busy and exciting time of the year.

Most of us are rushed in the morning, getting everyone out the door to school and work. Finding time to get a good hearty breakfast on the table can be daunting at

times. With that in mind, I want to share a recipe given to me by my good friend, Judy Hull. Judy used this recipe when she and husband Tim, ran Sulphur Creek Ranch, which is three miles from the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. One of her many everyday jobs, was cooking breakfast at this popular fly-in backcountry ranch.

In the spring when the weather permitted, Judy would have planes landing and taking off all morning long. On the weekends, she would have a tableful of hungry friends and guests returning for a visit and her breakfast. This breakfast casserole was a favorite of many. The bunkhouse would have savory smells of sausage, bacon and hash browns greeting you as you entered for breakfast. You can find this recipe and

Judy’s other favorites in her cookbook “Idaho Backcountry Cookin!”

What’s convenient about this casserole is being able to prepare it the night before.

In the morning while you are busy rushing around to get ready for your day, the casserole is in the oven baking. Most families don’t sit down together for breakfast making it hard to keep things warm. But, you can leave the casserole in the oven after turning it off and it stays warm enough to serve when someone is ready to eat.

Accompanied with a bowl of fresh fruit, and a spoonful of salsa dolloped on top of the casserole, who wouldn’t want to take time for this breakfast? It also works great for a brunch dish.

Breakfast Casserole 8 eggs 2 ½ cups milk ½ tsp salt ½ tsp dry mustard 6 slices bread, cubed (about 4 cups) 1 lb. sausage, browned 2 cups cheddar cheese Beat the eggs then add the milk, salt and mustard, mix well. Grease the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Begin by layering first the bread cubes, followed by the sausage, then the cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the top. Put in the fridge overnight. Bake at 350 ̊ for about 45 minutes. Let stand about 5 minutes before cutting. Serves 8 to 10.

Easy to prepare the night before, this casserole fills the air with savory smells of sausage and eggs earlier in the morning.

Variation: Dilute a can of Cream of Mushroom soup with a little milk and spread on top of casserole. Substitute bacon or ham for sausage.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

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Idaho Snowpack Remains Meager

By Jake Putnam Despite heavy storms starting the week of January 18th, Idaho’s snowpack totals remain well behind normal.

“That extended dry spell from Thanksgiving to mid-December gave us blue skies during the day and cold nights but little else,” said Ron Abramovich Idaho Natural Resources Conservation Service Water Supply Specialist.

The Gem State’s 22 snow telemetry sites registered record low levels of snow in December and early January. But storms in mid-January finally pushed out the static weather pattern and raised monthly precipitation measurements across the state.

Abramovich says the La Nina high pressure ridges that dominated in November and December and eventually break down and there is still time for precipitation levels to catch up.

“We’ve seen a few catch up models,” said Abramovich. “Especially the past few years, with this weather pattern we can get close to average levels as long as this storm track stays in place and the high pressure system stays north.”

“Long term climate forecasts still predict La Niña conditions will bring above average precipitation to the Pacific Northwest 36

for the next several months,” said Abramovich. “But we need La Niña and 12 weeks of winter to salvage the year.”

Northern Idaho snowpacks are the best at 75-90% of average for this time of year.

Southern and central Idaho snowpacks range from 35 to 65% of average. “The big storms have hit the driest parts of the state, things are looking up in Central Idaho,” added Abramovich.

The January storms tripled snowpack in the McCall and Bogus Basin area. Most ski areas got off to a slow start, opening about a month late. “They’re playing catch up too, but most should be okay the rest of the season,” said Abramovich.

Abramovich says that even if snowpacks remain below average this winter, there’s till excellent carryover water from last year.

Reservoirs don’t need as much water as in years past. He says there should be more than enough for irrigation, power generation and recreation.

Forecasters across the Northwest say that the storm track pattern is changing and the ridge of high pressure or the “bubble of warm air” that had deflected storms northward into Canada and buried Alaska has broken down for now.

“It didn’t let those storms come in,” said Scott Pattee, NRCS water supply specialist

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

in Washington.

The Pacific Ocean is still in the La Nina climate cycle meaning typically lower temperatures in the Northwest and quick moving storm fronts. Last spring snow fell late into May with a slow melt off and that added up to a heavy June snowpack.

Statistics also give forecasters and farmers hope for a great 2012 growing season.

Historically, roughly 60 percent of the region’s snowpack accumulates after January 1st.

Since 2007, scientists think that the Pacific Ocean has experienced a longer-term shift known as Pacific Decadal Oscillation.

They think that La Niña climate cycles become more common over 30 years or so while El Niño climate cycles become less common.

NRCS conducts snow surveys at the end of each month from December through May to make snow runoff predictions and water supply forecasts used in managing Idaho s water resources.

For more information about snowpack, precipitation, runoff and water supplies for specific basins, look up the January 2012 Water Supply Outlook Report online at www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/snow and click on the ‘Water Supply’ link.

Idaho Agricultural Cash Receipts Post Record Year in 2011 MOSCOW -- Idaho’s farmers and ranchers posted a record year in 2011, with a projected $7.4 billion in cash receipts, up 29 percent from the previous year, according to University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences economists.

Agricultural producers’ net farm income fared even better, soaring 88 percent in 2011 from the past year to $2.6 billion, according to economists Ben Eborn, Paul Patterson and Garth Taylor. Their report, “The Financial Condition of Idaho Agriculture: 2011 Projections,” was published by University of Idaho Extension and released Thursday.

The effort is supported by state Agricultural Research and Extension Service funding.

“This annual report shows the economic importance of Idaho agriculture to the state’s economy,” said John Hammel, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences dean.

“The state’s investments in agriculture and in the college, University of Idaho Extension and the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station are essential to the state’s crop and livestock producers who efficiently produce healthy, affordable food for Idaho’s residents and world markets,” Hammel added.

Agricultural producers benefitted from strong prices and production that combined to outpace rising fuel and fertilizer prices and other costs.

The 2011 farm year ranks as remarkable because both cash receipts and net income topped 1974 when valued in both inflation-adjusted or real dollars and today’s “nominal” dollars. Cash receipts adjusted for inflation rose 68 percent above the 42-year average. Net farm income was 92 percent above the 10-year average.

Recently in Boise, Hammel and Taylor outlined agriculture’s economic performance and outlook for Idaho legislators who serve on the Joint Legislative Economic Out-

Other major crops included sugar beets at $325 million, a 16 percent increase; barley at $232 million, a 15 percent increase; and dry beans at $73 million, a 14 percent increase. An assortment of other crops, including corn, brought in $253 million.

look and Revenue Assessment Committee.

Nearly every crop and livestock sector posted strong gains in 2011, most of them records, Taylor said. USDA projections for 2012 and beyond say net farm income will likely decrease in the next several years due to falling commodity prices.

A weak dollar that helps U.S. agricultural exports, growing consumer demand in China, the new yogurt plant in Twin Falls and other factors will offset some challenges facing Idaho agriculture. But volatility in net farm income is the norm, the report said, noting, “In every one of the past 10 years, Idaho experienced double-digit swings in net farm income.”

The livestock industry yielded $4.06 billion in projected cash receipts with dairy producers leading the way with $2.4 billion, a 28 percent increase from 2010. Cattle and calves followed closely with nearly $1.5 billion, a 23 percent increase. Other livestock, primarily trout and sheep, generated $142 million, a 10 percent increase.

Crops generated $3.32 billion in cash receipts, a 33 percent increase from 2010 according to the projections.

Potato sales led the way with $912 million, a 32 percent increase. Wheat followed with $766 million, a 42 percent increase. Hay sales ranked third with $665 in projected cash receipts, a 76 percent jump from 2010.

Consumers can celebrate, too.

Since 1970, milk prices rose 41 percent in today’s dollars, but when adjusted for inflation, the price of milk is actually 42 percent lower than it was in 1970.

That’s because production became more efficient. Although dairy receipts, which represent gross income buoyed by strong prices and record-high production, rose 28 percent over 2010, shifts in milk prices and feed costs challenge operators’ net income.

The same goes for potato prices. In terms of today’s dollars, potato prices have risen 40 percent since 1970. In inflation-adjusted dollars, however, prices are 43 percent less today than in 1970. Growers’ total revenues have risen 86 percent in today’s dollars. In terms of inflation-adjusted dollars, however, growers eked out just a 3 percent increase in total revenues.

Idaho potato growers remained economically competitive because of major improvements in growing and storage methods, and the development of more efficient potato varieties, many tailored for specific markets by university researchers in cooperation with growers.

The report’s authors include Ben Eborn, University of Idaho Extension educator in Teton County; Paul Patterson, Extension Agricultural Economist in Idaho Falls; and Garth Taylor, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology economist at Moscow. All are faculty in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

The report is online at www.cals.uidaho.edu/ aers/PDF/outlooks/financialcond2011.pdf.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

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Idaho Ranch Taps Local Markets, Restaurants

By Steve Stuebner Lava Lake Ranch is carving out a unique niche in Idaho as a leading producer of certified organic and all-natural grass-fed lamb to local markets.

“We had our lambs coming off this feed looking absolutely beautiful, and some people started asking for it, and we had some restaurants asking for local product, so that’s how it started,” says Cheryl Bennett, sales director for Lava Lake Ranch.

It started small, with annual sales of 50-75 animals six years ago, and now Lava Lake has expanded sales significantly throughout the Pacific Northwest. “We’ve been doing really well in the Wood River Valley, Boise, Jackson Hole and Park City, and then we started doing web sales, and that’s 38

gone over really well, too,” says Bennett, who grew up on a farm in the Magic Valley.

Restaurants that carry Lava Lake Lamb include the Arid Club, Bar Gernika, Bitter Creek, Red Feather and the Cottonwood Grille in Boise, Ketchum Grill, Cristina’s, Papa Hemi’s and Globus in Ketchum and the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch in Stanley, among others. They also sell to restaurants in Park City, Utah, and Jackson Hole, Wyo. Now Bennett is looking to expand into the Portland and Seattle markets.

In Hailey, CK’s Real Food offers Lava Lake Lamb as a special on its menu every night.

On a recent evening, CK’s Chef Mike Weber pre-cooked some lamb from Lava Lake that looked absolutely delicious.

“We’ve got some Lava Lake fore-shanks

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

here, and cooked them in a Tunisian honey braise for about three and a half hours,” Weber said. “People love it. We feature Lava Lake Lamb a lot. People come here for it.”

Lava Lake’s emphasis on local lamb sales is timely in that it taps into a growing demand from customers who are interested in buying all-natural fresh food from local farms throughout Idaho. The Idaho Preferred program at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture promotes the sales of Idaho-grown food products, and it touts the concept of becoming a “locovore,” a term used to describe someone who eats foods and drinks beverages that have been grown, raised or produced within 100 miles of their home.

“I personally believe that the healthier we

take care of ourselves earlier in life, the healthier we’ll be in our 60s, 70s and 80s,” Bennett says. “In Idaho, we have some of the best country in the world to raise allnatural products.”

CK’s Real Foods in Hailey prepares its meals with lots of locally grown food because consumers like it and want it, Weber says. “Right now we’re doing a ton of local produce. We’ve got about 20 farmers that we buy from and a couple of ranches as well,” he says. “It’s a big part of our theme here. It’s the real stuff!”

Idaho also has seen tremendous growth in the number of farmer’s markets operating throughout the state, allowing local farms to sell fresh foods and beverages directly to residents. Lava Lake has been a fixture at the Hailey and Ketchum Farmer’s Markets for a number of years.

Bennett pulls a sampling of lamb cuts out of her cooler. “They’re ready to go. They’re clean. See how there’s hardly any fat on them? So when you cook them, you don’t have to do anything to them. They’re ready to go.”

Prices for Lava Lake Lamb are higher than you might find at a grocery store, but that’s because certified organic lamb and all-natural lamb involve higher production costs, Bennett says, and customers are willing to pay more for it.

“Our lamb is sold at a premium,” she says.

“Part of that is people want to know where their food is coming from, and how it’s raised.”

The Hailey Farmer’s Market is a popular place. Kaz Thea from Idaho’s Bounty makes it all happen. “They come to shop, but they also hang with friends and family,” Thea says. “Markets are cool in that way because it’s a social outing. And I always have music every week.”

Thea also runs Idaho’s Bounty, an online cooperative that allows producers to sell fresh, locally grown food to consumers and restaurants in the Magic Valley, Wood River Valley and Treasure Valley through the Idaho’s Bounty web site.

Having another outlet for local food is a big plus, Bennett says. “We like the variety.

We try to be in retail stores, farmers mar-

kets and Idaho’s Bounty so we can be out in a number of venues, and not just one.”

Lava Lake puts as much emphasis on running an environmentally sustainable ranch as it does on producing organic lamb.

The ranch runs 5 to 6 bands of sheep on 800,000 acres of public and private land between the Magic Valley and the Pioneer Mountains.

Lava Lake’s President, Mike Stevens, is a trained biologist who oversees a wide range of stream- and wildlife-enhancement projects, including a pronghorn antelope study, riparian-restoration projects, sage grouse projects and more, while running the whole ranch operation as well.

Lava Lake runs its sheep on public lands that are populated by wolves. One of its innovative practices is to train Peruvian sheep herders how to use radio telemetry equipment to search for wolves when planning sheep camp locations. The herders are encouraged to move their sheep camps to avoid wolves, if possible, Bennett says.

“We run on so much public land that we have a lot of flexibility.”

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

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HEARING Clear Value Siemens Miracle Ear American Hearing Benefits PAINT Sherwin Williams - Kelly-Moore Paints Columbia Paint

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OFFICE SUPPLIES Office Depot

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$500 REBATE Chevrolet - GMC - Buick BOOTS/FOOTWEAR Online Boot Store AUTO TIRES Commercial Tire SAFES Heritage Safes CELL PHONE Syringa Wireless T-Mobile SHUTTLE TRANSPORT Salt Lake Express COMPUTERS Dell Food Storage Walton Feed

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www.idahofbstore.com 208-239-4289

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

41

Classifieds

Animals APHA Broodmares. Excellent bloodlines. Great conformation.

Super dispositions., Herd reduction.

Great prices. Stallion Service Available-$400 fee LFG. Caldwell, ID. 208-454-2454 Morgan horses for sale. 3 and 4 year old. Stallion service offered. www.creamridgemorgans.com or 208-476-7221.

Hereford Breeding Bulls for Sale.

Six Coming Two-year-olds polled & scurred. Jerome, ID 208.308.4083 At Stud or for sale Paint Homozygous Stallion. Produces black/white foals with super disposition. $400. Booking fee $100. Pictures upon request.

Sandpoint, Id 208-263-5549 ASCA registered Australian Shepherd pups. Working line since 1968. Full satisfaction guaranteed. All four colors available now. Boise, Id 208-484-9802

Equipment

TMF 165 tractor with loader/ scraper. Small ditcher, 3 pt? Rupert, Id 208-219-9034 Two, 3000 bu. Grain bins. Best offer; New Albers self-locking stations, 350 holes. Best offer; New Cornell chopper pump 4” idscha1rge with 3 hp. 3 phase motor. $1,500. 208536-6448 Balewagons: New Holland selfpropelled or pull-type models/ parts. Also interested in buying balewagons. Will consider any model. Call Jim Wilhite at 208880-2889 anytime Help Wanted

Handicapped home owner needs help in kitchen. Wood stove. Nice apartment to live in. No rent to the right person. Sweet, Id. 208584-3545 Earn $75,000/yr Part Time in the livestock or equipment appraisal business. Agricultural background required. Classroom or home study courses available. 800-488-7570.

1957 Ford Tractor 850. Runs excellent, new paint. $3,995 obo.

Riggins, Id 208-628-3638

Work part time from home promoting delicious healthy chocolate! I am looking for selfmotivated individuals who desire extra income while harnessing the incredible power of healthy chocolate to do so! Call Keith @ 208-660-8452. Email keithincda@ gmail.com

Farm Equipment

Household

Older EB Stewart sheep shearing set. Overhead shaft drive and motor with two hand pieces and some combs and cutters. $300.

Orofino, Id 208-476-7046

Restored antique oak furniture washstand, dressers, desks, tables, chairs, file cabinets, lawyer bookcases, hoosier hall trees, victorian fireplace mantel from the 1800’s. Burley, Id. Call Don at 208678-2036 or 431-2036

Hotsy pressure washer MD 1065 SS, like new, 60 hr running time $4,800. Miller suitcase wirefeed, like new, $800. Lincoln LN25 $1,200. Salmon, Id 208-756-4414

New custom built impeller type pump with a new Brook Hansen 5.5 Hp, 3 Phase Motor. Noncorrosive stainless steel and flexible plastic construction. $75. Rigby, ID. Call 754-4457 or email rsly@srv. net for more info and photos.

42

Miscellaneous For sale new Jazzy mobile chair 3200.00 value will accept any reasonable Offer. I have a free pickup stock rack for someone

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / Winter 2012

that needs one. Blackfoot, Id. 208681-0405 2010 Lortone, LS18 Lapidary slab saw. $2,500. Middleton, Id 208631-2231 Morbark Model PS-8 Portable post peeler, with electric motor, plus 353 Diesel engine. Lewiston, Id 208-743-5501

Trailers Trails West Santa Fe II 3 Horse Slant Load Trailer. Carpeted, lighted walk-in tack room with saddle racks etc. Well cared for and stored inside most of the time.

Asking $3,800 firm. Twin Falls. Call 208-734-7640

Vehicles

Used Glu Lam Beams- 20’ to 32’ length, 20” to 30” depth, 9” wide, $20.00 per ft. GMC 6 cylinder 270 cu in w/hydra-matic 4 speed transmission $400.00. Angle Iron 6”x6”x3/8”x8’, 6”x4”x3/8”x8’.

Steel pipe 36” x 32’ Rigby, Id. $500.00. 208-745-8988

1958 Edsel – 4 door project car, all parts are there. $750. Lewiston, Id 208-743-5501

Real Estate/Acreage

Wanted

160 acre farm located at 1543 Bob Barton Highway, Wendell, Idaho with center pivot and two homes. Call Larry at 208-733-4730 or go to www.borgesfamilyfarm. com

Hand Crank Sewing Machine. 208226-7846

Recreational 1992 Diesel Pusher, Sportscoach Pathfinder M-320 MB, 32ft. Spartin chassie, 5.9L Cummins turbo diesel, LP generator, 78k mi., new carpet, new curtains, new windshields, new china stool, new 4 in. exhaust, and exhaust temp gage. $11,850.00/ make offer. 208-221-7461 Grandkids grew up. 2005 Bayliner Boat, 17 ft. inboard/outboard motor. Almost new condition with about 60 hours in the water and serviced every spring. Always garaged when not in use. Canopy and life vests included. Asking $8000. 208-221-6356.

Snowmobiles: 202 Ski-doo MXZX 440 $1200; 2001 Arctic Cat Z440 $1,000; 1999 Ski-Doo Summit 600 $1,200; 1996 Honda 4-Trax 300 ATV. $1,200. Twin Falls, Id. Call Tim 208-731-7089

96 Mustang Cobra wheels, Cooper tires. 245/452R17. Good condition. $400 obo. Blackfoot, Id. 208-7821937

Coin operated horse ride. As was seen in front of many retail stores where for a mere quarter a dream came true for children who were not fortunate enough to own a horse. rsatter@ buckskinoutpostcom or 208-2329456

Rototiller/tractor driven/ 3 pt. hitch made by N.W. Tillers. 36 inch to 56 inch width; Mini excavator – like a Cat 303 or Kubota 121-3; 3 pt hitch spades. 208-962-5376 Austin Healey 1956 to 1968 100/6 Parts or entire car in any condition. Willing to pick up your parts or car and pay you cash.

Rodney@Rcbuilders.us 208-8958875 Buying U.S. gold coins, proof and mint sets, silver dollars, rolls and bags. PCGS/NGC certified coins, estates, accumulations, large collections, investment portfolios, bullion, platinum. Will travel, all transactions confidential. Please call 208-859-7168.

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. 208-2851258

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