March 2012, Volume 16, Issue 2

March 2012 • Volume 16, Issue 2

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State Seeks Sage Grouse Management Options

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Power County Dairy Owns Top Holstein

®

Idaho Farm Bureau

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Managing Forest Pests

We Can Protect Our Farm Kids

The Ag Agenda

By Bob Stallman AFBF President

As a boy growing up in southeast Texas, I not only worked on my family’s farm, I lived and breathed it. What many people outside of rural America don’t understand is that farm work for a kid is not just a chore or a job—it’s a way of life.

Learning to drive a tractor comes as natural as riding a bike and there’s nothing that teaches a kid more discipline and commitment than

New Labor Regulations Threaten Agriculture

milking a cow. It was ‘American Gothic’ painter Grant Wood who once said, “All the good ideas I ever had came to me while I was milking a cow.”

cause of general misunderstanding and over-zealous activists, the ability of rural kids being able to perform traditional farm chores and jobs is in serious jeopardy.

Farm work has always played a significant role in the lives of rural youth across the country, whether they are milking cows on their grandparents’ farm or harvesting apples as a summer job. But, be-

Way of Life

See STALLMAN, page 23

the life lessons that build good citizens.

President Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

However, new regulations from the U.S. Department of Labor threaten to drastically reduce opportunities for youth to work on farms and to learn the many time-honored traditions that are passed from one generation to the next.

A farm or ranch is one of the best possible places for young people to learn how to work and to learn

It’s been a common occurrence under the Obama Administration for federal agencies to increase their regulatory authority through

By Frank Priestley

A proposed rule released by the Department of Labor would have detrimental effects on farm families. No longer would kids be al-

rulemaking. We have seen it with federal land management agencies and the Environmental Protection Agency. Now the Department of Labor has a plan that would drastically limit what work children under the age of 16 are allowed to perform. But what many of us who live in western states would like the Washington D.C. bureaucrats to know is that we don’t believe the federal government knows what’s best for us.

See PRIESTLEY, page 23

Obama Seeks to Raise Grazing Fees 75 Percent

By Rick Keller CEO Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

Grazing on public lands has been under attack for many years. Radical environmental groups have a primary objective of abolishing all grazing on public lands. Much of the groups’ resources, and conse2

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

quently the resources of ranchers defending themselves, are used in battles fought in the costly and time-consuming federal courts, where a sole individual in a black robe determines the fate and livelihood of generations.

This has become a way of life, a constant battle that seems to have no end. What these radical groups are trying to do through the courts, the Obama Administration, and through the management of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM),

may potentially be accomplished fiscally with a stroke of a pen.

Here’s why: In the Obama Administration’s proposed 2013 BLM budget, a $15.8 million decrease is proposed in the Rangeland Management program for grazing administration. However, the impact of this funding decrease will be mitigated by a new grazing administration fee of $1 per animal unit that the BLM proposes to implement on a pilot basis. This See KELLER, page 29

Volume 16, Issue 2 IFBF OFFICERS President ....................................Frank Priestley, Franklin Vice President .................................. Mark Trupp, Driggs Executive Vice President ............................... Rick Keller 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 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 Market Information 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 Director 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 GEM STATE PRODUCER USPS #015-024, is published monthly except February, May, August and November by the IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION, 275 Tierra Vista Drive, Pocatello, ID 83201.

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Cover: The Greater Sage Grouse is a species of concern in Idaho and several other states due to fluctuating population levels and threats to its habitat. State and federal agencies are working to find solutions to habitat problems which could affect agriculture.

Photo Courtesy of Idaho Fish and Game

An Idaho sage grouse management plan is currently under consideration. Idaho Farm Bureau members are encouraged to submit public comment on the plan. It is likely to have ramifications on management of rangeland in the future.

Photo Courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Sage Grouse Plans address Interim Protection

By Jake Putnam

Boise--On February 7th, a federal judge rejected environmental group attempts to force the federal government to step up sage grouse protections.

Idaho Federal District Judge Lynn Winmill sided with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the states of Wyoming, Utah and Idaho. The judge ruled against The Western Watersheds Project and WildEarth Guardians.

Despite the favorable ruling for the Fish and Wildlife Service, Winmill had words of warning for regional director Steve Guertin. The Agencies recommendation stated that the sage grouse be listed as “warranted but precluded,” but Winmill hinted at more protection.

“Guertin’s recommendation ignored his agency’s own guidelines, contained no scientific analysis and featured off-hand comments about the various political interests at play in the case,” Winmill wrote in the decision. “Given that political meddling has already resulted in one reversal in this case, the court was frankly astonished at Guertin’s cavalier recommendations.”

Winmill wrote in the opinion that Fish and Wildlife Service scientists did the necessary research to support Guertin’s recommendations to the agency. The Judge also agreed with the agency’s finding that the threat to sage grouse habitat is moderate. He hinted that the Interior Department is already under a separate federal court order to decide in 2015 whether the birds should receive Endangered Species Act protections.

The decision comes at a time when Federal agencies are extending a public comment period on sage grouse conservation throughout the West for the interim period until See SAGE GROUSE page 4 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

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SAGE GROUSE Continued from page 3 2015. The BLM and U.S. Forest Service need public input and independent environmental analyses of how conservation programs should be placed across 10 Western states.

Earlier this year the agencies decided to extend the comment period by 45 days and will accept written comments until March 23rd.Concerned parties can comment online via email, see the information below.

Governor Butch Otter addressed the Idaho Farm Bureau February 8th and urged members to comment. “Grazing is not a major problem with sage grouse habitat,” he said. “Here in Idaho we already know that it’s wildfire. So that’s part of the Idaho sage grouse plan.

I feel it has to reflect on the greatest danger to leks on the range and I think it happens to be wildfire.”

Winmill and Western Watersheds are not strangers to the sage grouse issue. In 2007 Winmill ordered the agency to review its 2004 decision not to list because he thought the Bush administration played with the science.

After that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that listing the grouse as a threatened species was warranted, but not a priority. The Wildlife Service is taking a closer look at that decision. In the mean time they’re giving the BLM, Western states, ranchers and energy developers time to put in place “regulatory mechanisms” to keep sage grouse off the list.

While all those parties are working on plans to address 4 #

the grouse issue, the most immediate impact could fall on Idaho ranchers who might have to shorten grazing seasons and cut down numbers on the range till then. Despite the governor’s grazing comments the BLM lists cattle grazing as the 4th biggest threat to the grouse. Some ranchers fear that Winmill’s latest decision will require the agency to put new restrictions on grazing permits that are pending in Owyhee County and hundreds of other permits across the West.

Otter’s Idaho plan comes on the heels of the 2010 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decision that said grouse listing was warranted. “At the time they didn’t have the money or resources to do it and were taken to court

by Western Watersheds,” Gov. Otter said. “The feds said they needed more time, until 2015 to work this out. So we’ve looked at Wyoming’s blueprint of success and we looked at Idaho’s successful Roadless Plan.

I think the Idaho plan will work.”

Governor Otter says to keep sage grouse off the list you have to address the number one factor that has affected the species over the past five decades. His administration’s Office of Species Conservation has worked around the clock working up a plan to keep the birds off the Endangered Species list.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has also weighed in on the issue in the last few weeks saying that sage grouse populations have declined 90 percent, while 50 percent of their habi-

“So part of our Idaho sage grouse plan is: how do we protect ourselves from wildfire,” said Governor Otter. “Grazing does not impact sage grouse like wildfire.”

Otter’s Office of Species Conservation outlined their intentions February 12th in front of a joint session of the Idaho House and Senate environment and resources committees. The OSC told lawmakers they’ll have a plan drafted within the next four months.

The Idaho OSC thinks the BLM plan could be too broad instead they’re banking on the Wyoming plan that protects “core areas” of habitat while allowing development in other areas with practices designed to reduce the impact on grouse.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

tat has disappeared over the last century. But on a high note, populations have been relatively stable over the last decade.

Insiders add that this and other decisions have shown that Judge Winmill, the appellate court or even the Supreme Court will decide in 2015 if protection plans are tough enough to save the grouse.

Idaho Farm Bureau encourages its members to comment on this important plan to protect sage grouse and manage rangelands. Comments can be emailed to sagewest@blm. gov; faxed to 775-861-6747; or addressed to Western Region Project Manager, BLM Nevada State Office, 1340 Financial Blvd., Reno, NV 89502.

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Shauna is the number 3 Holstein cow in the world based on TPI and Classification scores.

Photo Courtesy of Greg Andersen, Seagull Bay Dairy

Idaho Dairy Owns Renowned Cow

By John Thompson Her udder is like a work of art. Her progeny is worth 10 times more than a normal cow and advertisements have called her the most sought after cow in the world.

Shauna is an Idaho-owned Holstein, and she is one of the most interesting cows in the world.

Owned by the Andersen family, who operate dairies in Power County and Cassia County, Shauna will be three years old in April, has ranked among the top ten in the breed and is responsible for 26 offspring with the top seller fetching $165,000.

Greg Andersen, who runs Seagull Bay Dairy in Power County and manages the

family’s registered Holstein business along with his father Alan, said he bought Shauna in a pick of flush auction for $21,000. In this type of auction a top cow is flushed and her embryos are fertilized with a mixture of top sires (called a sire stack) and then placed in surrogates. The top bidder then gets to pick the calf he wants once they are born. Andersen selected Shauna about four months after she was born. She was born in Pennsylvania and comes from the Rudy Missy cow family. Her sires include Planet, Shottle, Oman, Rudolph and Elton.

For people familiar with Holstein genetics, Shauna’s bloodlines impress, but with modern genomic mapping, Andersen says it’s now possible to tell far more about a cow’s potential.

“They can now make genomic predictions by taking DNA and mapping it for the bovine genome,” he said. “They do it by identifying which genes show high milk production, longevity, confirmation, overall health and several other traits.”

This isn’t the Andersen family’s first foray into the registered Holstein business. In 2005 they sold some of the top animals in the breed and then temporarily got out of that side of the business while they expanded the family dairy.

“It’s ironic that we sold some top animals in 2005 and then were able to get back into one of the best in the breed,” Andersen said.

“I guess it’s just karma. I knew she would See SHAUNA page 6

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

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SHAUNA Continued from page 5 be good but some cows underperform. She has exceeded our expectations.”

point she was bred and then in vitro work continued throughout her first trimester.

In selecting Shauna, Andersen said there were two sisters that scored within 100 TPI points of each other that he had to choose from. Shauna’s overall Type Production Index (TPI) score is 2343, which at the time ranked her as the number three cow in the world.

Scott Metzger of Trans Ova Genetics said the Andersen family has done a good job of maximizing its opportunities. “AmmonPeachy Shauna (full name) is one of the most valuable young cows in the Holstein breed at this time, with her genetics being in extremely high demand. The Andersen family has very successfully utilized the advanced reproductive technologies of embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization to multiply her genetics and increase their marketing opportunities with her.”

After selecting Shauna, they put her on a truck and shipped her from Pennsylvania to Trans Ova Genetics in Sioux Center, Iowa. At ten months of age, in vitro fertilization work on Shauna began. Up until she was 15 months old, the work continued by veterinarians at the private facility. At that

Shauna spent about a year in Iowa under the care of Trans Ova’s experts and was

Greg Andersen shows off some daughters of Shauna at his family’s dairy in Power County.

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

then shipped to Idaho to await the birth of her calf. It’s interesting to note that high value cattle like Shauna are pampered and looked after almost constantly. They are housed in small groups in pens and when they need to be moved they are hauled by private contractors in separate quarters.

Andersen said they spent about $100,000 on the first 26 in vitro pregnancies. She had her first calf last June at the family dairy in Power County. Andersen is uncertain whether she will have another natural calf birth in the future. At the present time she has produced 26 calves, which Andersen says is “pretty good for a cow that’s only three years old.”

“We knew she was good, the reliability of the genomic prediction is getting better all the time,” he said. “She was a really good looking heifer, almost perfect with the DNA and pedigree to back it up.”

After Shauna gave birth she became a cow and received her classification score. Andersen explained that in order reach full potential a cow needs a high classification score. The highest score possible from a two-year old cow is 89 points. The point system is based on confirmation of the animal. Shauna received a score of 87. Only about 10 two-year olds per year receive a score that high, Andersen said.

After Shauna’s new calf grew up a little, it was sold to a buyer in Canada and Shauna got back on a truck and went to Sunshine Genetics in Wisconsin, another private high-tech breeding facility. Andersen said

at this phase in her life it’s important to get exposure and make her a household name, at least in the dairy industry. She is likely to live out her days producing embryos that are transplanted into other cattle. Andersen can sell the embryos or have them shipped to his dairy where they are implanted into his dairy herd.

Bull calves from Shauna are leased out and Andersen receives a royalty from the semen they produce. Currently, Shauna has six sons producing semen, three at Select Sires in Ohio, one at ABS in Wisconsin, one at Semex in Canada and one at TransAmerican Genetics in California. Six other sons are in line but too young to produce semen currently. Semen production from top Holsteins can be more lucrative than embryo production due to volume, Andersen said. Cows can produce hundreds of embryos in a lifetime, but a bull can pro-

duce hundreds of thousands of units of semen, he said.

“It’s a shorter time when cows are at their peak with new ones always coming along,” he said. “She will have staying power for the next two years depending on how her offspring do. She could become very famous.”

Andersen added that Shauna’s legacy would be set in cement if she produces some good cows with all or most of her traits. Once she has some daughters milking that will prove out. Andersen said some cows can fizzle out over time. Good progeny is needed to verify the DNA predictions.

“I got lucky mostly, when I bought her,” he continued. “I knew a little but I was still lucky. A cow like Shauna doesn’t come along very often.”

Shauna with some of her calves.

Photo Courtesy of Greg Andersen, Seagull Bay Dairy Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

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Several students wrote speeches to compete in this year’s Idaho Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Speech Contest. This year’s theme was: “Idaho Agriculture: Telling Your Story, Changing Perceptions.” Contestants left to right include Emma Frey of Twin Falls County, Hannah Aiken of Idaho County, Trevor Delaney of Bannock County, Frank Taylor of Twin Falls County, winner, Tauna Vickery of Gem County, Amanda Reynolds of Ada County, and Amanda Hale of Jefferson County, runner-up.

Charitable Donation, Speech Contest Mark Busy Week for FB Women’s Committee

By Jake Putnam Boise - Two carloads of badly needed groceries pulled into the parking lot of the Ronald McDonald House February 6th.

Members of the Idaho Farm Bureau’s Women’s Leadership Committee cheerfully unloaded the cars and when they were finished, presented the charity with checks totaling more than a thousand dollars.

“This donation is timely,” said Ronald McDonald House Director Mindy Plumlee.

“People tend to donate around the holidays and then supply gets scarce. We really need the donations and Farm Bureau always comes through when we need it the most.”

Bags of groceries stacked in the House living room along with laundry detergent, gently used children’s clothes, diapers and even popcorn.

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The mission of the Ronald McDonald House is to provide a “home away from home” for families of sick and injured children getting medical treatment at Saint Luke’s Medical Center across the street. Plumlee says more than 500 families a year use the facility and they’re booked just about every week.

“We really appreciate the donations because we have a full house and most of our families have family members in their rooms. This donation couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Plumlee.

Later, the IFBF Women’s Leadership Committee rolled up their sleeves and cooked a ham dinner with all the trimmings for the residents of the House.

“We’ve been doing this for 16 years,” said Carol Guthrie, Women’s Leadership Committee chair. “There’s nothing like a home-

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

cooked meal.”

The home was built in the early 1900s and purchased by the late J.R. Simplot for the Ronald McDonald Foundation in 1988. It has been expanded and can now accommodate 19 families per night. Families are charged just $10 a night; the balance is paid with public and private donations to the Ronald McDonald house, and any family who is unable to pay the $10 is not turned away.

“The grocery donation will go right into our pantry and will be used for dinner tonight,” said Plumlee.

The Ronald McDonald House donation is part of the annual ‘Food Check-Out Day’ recognized every year in Boise by the IFBF Women’s Leadership Committee.

The event was started by American Farm

IFBF Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Carol Guthrie, right, presents a charitable donation to Mindy Plumlee, director of the Ronald McDonald House in Boise.

Photo by Steve Ritter

Bureau and is recognized by several other state Farm Bureaus as well.

“We have the best, most plentiful and least expensive food supply in the world, we’re just sharing that good fortune with those who need it,” said Guthrie. “It gives you a good feeling to help these families out.”

The money donated to the house was collected from County Farm Bureaus across the state.

Food Checkout Day was also observed at the Idaho Statehouse. The third week of February is symbolic because it marks the number of work days it takes to pay for a year’s worth of food for the average Idaho family.

“By February 17th, the average family of four has earned enough money to buy their food for a year,” said Guthrie. “But it’s not until April or May that the same family has earned enough to pay their taxes.”

The Women’s Leadership Committee illustrated the point of Food Check-Out day using paper bag lunches hand delivered to the Idaho Senate and House to remind lawmakers where their food comes from.

To put Food Check-Out Day into perspective, it takes the average American 77 days to earn enough to pay their federal taxes; 62 days to pay their housing and household

Women’s Speech Contest Winner – Frank Taylor of Filer was the winner of this year’s Idaho Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee speech contest.

operation expenses; 52 days to cover health and medical care costs; 39 days for state and local taxes; and 36 days for recreation, clothing and accessories.

“The lunches are made up of different products that are Idaho grown. We’re talking commodities that are representative of Idaho, things like the potato, dairy products, wheat, fruit and other foods grown here in Idaho,” said Guthrie.

While Americans spend slightly less than 10 percent of their disposable income for food, those figures are considerably higher abroad: Japan, 14 percent; Israel, 20 percent; China, 26 percent; the Philippines, 38 percent; and Indonesia, 55 percent.

USDA says the average American spends about $2,400 on food consumed at home and in restaurants each year. Farmers get about 22 cents of every dollar spent on food in this country while the remainder pays for wages and materials for production, processing, marketing, transportation and distribution.

Back in 1980, farmers received 31 cents of every dollar spent but it took Americans a longer time to pay for it. In 1970, it took American families an extra two weeks to pay for their annual food supply.

Editor’s note: Following is the winning speech for this year’s Idaho Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Speech contest. The contest is held every year in conjunction with Food Checkout Day. The speech contest winner for this year is Frank Taylor of Filer High School.

Idaho Agriculture: Telling Your Story, Changing Perceptions

By Frank Taylor, Filer High School I’ve heard tell that some people around these parts don’t believe in good Old McDonald. Well I do, because I met him.

And he said to me, “Frank, you must go to the good people of Idaho, and educate them in the ways of agriculture.” And I said to him, “By the mud on my boots and the hay in my bale, I shall do my best.” And that’s why I’m here today to talk about Idaho agriculture, tell my story, and change perceptions.

Now, let’s head on down to Old McDonald’s farm shall we, and on that farm he had a … now what did he have on that farm See SPEECH CONTEST page 12

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

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Focus on Agriculture Farmers Reach Out to Consumers During Food Check-Out Week

By Cyndie Sirekis

people’s health and the planet.

As they have done for the past decade and a half, farmer and rancher members of many local Farm Bureaus will reach out to consumers in their communities during Food Check-Out Week (Feb. 19-25 this year).

The official theme of the week is “Stretching Your Grocery Dollar With Healthy, Nutritious Food.” The theme reflects the continuing reality that many Americans are feeling an economic squeeze and as a result, eat out less often and prepare more meals at home.

For many farmers and ranchers, this stepped-up interest in conversations about food, whether through in-person conversations or social media interaction with consumers, was sparked by The Food Dialogues, a new effort to bring together different viewpoints on farming and ranching, and the future of food.

Offering practical information and tips on how to put nutritious meals on the table with fewer dollars is just one aspect of Food Check-Out Week. Many participating farmers and ranchers also are committed to responding to broader questions consumers may have about food—how it is grown or raised and long-term effects on

The Food Dialogues is an initiative of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, a coalition of farmers, ranchers and their industry partners, committed to continuously improving how they grow and raise food that provides healthy choices for people everywhere. USFRA strives to bring together different viewpoints on farming and ranching and the future of food to solve today’s most challenging problems.

“For too long, farmers and ranchers have not had a voice in conversations about

where food in America comes from,” said Terry Gilbert, a Kentucky farmer and chair of the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee. “Now more than ever before, both during special observances such as Food Check-Out Week and as they go about their day-to-day routines, farmers are committed to participating in conversations with consumers, to answer the questions they have about food,” she said.

Although the way farmers talk about food with consumers is evolving, the Farm Bureau – Ronald McDonald House Charities connection that was initiated when Food Check-Out Week first began remains strong.

Recognizing the need everyone has to find solutions to feeding families healthful foods on a tight budget, many county and state Farm Bureaus will make food donations to Ronald McDonald Houses or other charities during Food Check-Out Week. Ronald McDonald Houses provide a “home-away-from-home” for families of seriously ill children receiving medical treatment.

On the national level, the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee will make cash and food donations to the Ronald McDonald House of Central Indiana this year.

The third week of February was selected for Food Check-Out Week as a bridge to National Nutrition Month in March.

Idaho Farm Bureau Women’s Committee members recognize Food Check-Out Week each year in Boise by making a donation to the Ronald McDonald House charity. They also cook a meal for the people staying in the house.

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

Cyndie Sirekis is director of news services with the American Farm Bureau Federation.

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2/13/12 9:07 AM Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012 11

SPEECH CONTEST Continued from page 9 again? Ah yes … Old McDonald had a farm, in Idaho of course, and on that farm he had a dairy cow. This really isn’t all that surprising, because according to the United States Department of Agriculture, Idaho is ranked number three in U.S. milk production. And don’t think for a minute that we got this title by luck. No siree, it was earned through the determination, perseverance, and hard work of Idaho’s nearly one thousand dairy farmers. It is a good thing we have all these dairymen on our side too, because a world without dairy products would be like a bowl of clam chowder without the clams, or more accurately, a bowl of clam chowder without the bowl. It simply just wouldn’t work.

Not to mention all the jobs that are available due to dairy products. Just imagine what would happen if every factory producing anything related to, or containing, dairy products were shut down. Millions of people would be laid off, because the use of dairy products is so widespread.

However, dairy cows aren’t the only asset Old McDonald has up his sleeve. Being a man of high class, he also has a fair acreage of potatoes. And according to the Idaho Potato Commission, the United States’ annually exports over 1.35 metric tons of potatoes around the world. As you may venture to guess, Idaho is a major, if not the biggest, contributor to this colossal number. Many countries, namely Canada, Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Caribbean, are even specifically requesting potatoes from Idaho. I think it’s safe to say that we’ve adequately left, and continue to leave, our starchy mark on the world.

But that’s not all, according to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and I’m going to have to ask you all to hold on your seats ladies and gentlemen, because this very well might rustle your jimmies, Idaho comes in at rank six nationally for commercial dry bean production. Harvesting an awe inspiring average of 2.1 million cwt. of dry bean a year, nearly 40 million

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dollars’ worth, it’s not hard to believe either. So what is hard to believe? Well, when it comes to Idaho’s agriculture, not very much. That’s because we’ve been one of the number one agricultural states since our founding on July 3, 1890.

However, that doesn’t mean we don’t still have a few hidden cards up our sleeve. One of which being sweet cherries. I know at this point you much be wondering, “Cherries? Idaho is a desert! We don’t got no cherries!” Well we do. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, we produced 3,800 tons of those tasty little buggers in 2010, nearly double the quantity produced in 2009.

But cherries are merely the pawns in this complex game that we play. For our true trump card lies in the production of lentils.

According to our good friends over at the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Idaho ranks second nationally for lentil production. Even more, stunning is the fact that 90% of the lentils grown in the U.S. are within a 90 mile radius of Moscow, Idaho.

I don’t think this a coincidence. I’m not sure if you’ve ever noticed this before, but if you sell lentil backwards, it spells Idaho … with a little imagination of course.

On one more serious note, I for one am thankful for agriculture. Why? Because I enjoy the luxury of milk on my cereal, the first bite out of a warm, crisp loaf of cracked-wheat bread, and, most of all, the gentle soothing drone of tractors as they go forth through the nights.

As a matter of fact, I am not merely thankful, but in great debt. Because if there were no farmers, we’d be back at square one, leading hunter-gatherer lifestyles as our great ancestors once did. There would be no time to explore any greater aspects of life, let alone find entertainment. Not to mention how our wardrobes would falter.

I for one am not a tailor by any definition of the word, so it’s fair to assume that my outfit would somewhat resemble a possum

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

that attempted the Guinness world record for most times consecutively hit by a truck.

While many may claim this to be an improvement, I would have to disagree. But all that’s neither here nor there thanks to the vigilant farmers like Old McDonald in Idaho, and throughout the world.

So what’s your take on Idaho’s agriculture?

Well, I’m sure it’s positive otherwise you probably wouldn’t be here today. However, not everyone holds such a high opinion of agriculture or its laborers. This is inherently foolish, of course, as it was agricultural development that allowed civilization as we know it to arise. And the farmers?

Never have I met more humble folk. You always meet whiners and quitters in life who say things like, “I lost the race because my car malfunctioned,” “I’m late because my driver didn’t show up on time, “ “I used to be a good hunter, until I took an arrow in the knee,” “I didn’t go to practice because my feet hurt,” “I’m just too tired to go to work today.” But not farmers. Have you heard a farmer throw in the towel and say, “Ah sucks I broke my arm, looks like the corn’s not getting harvested this year,” or “It’s completely the weather’s fault that my tomatoes died out, even though I planted them in September.” I haven’t. Whether this steadfast perception of reality comes from years of hard earned experience, or dwells in their blood, that’s up to you to decide.

But one thing is for sure, and that’s the importance of Idaho’s agriculture to you, me and everybody, whether they accept it or not. Thus, it is important that we follow in the footsteps of Old McDonald himself in order to get out there to tell our story, and change the perceptions of the ignorant. Now, some of you may still maintain a flicker of doubt, and think that I’m just spinning a yarn or two. However, I can indeed assure you that, Old McDonald is real, for he lives inside of us, the farmers of Idaho. All 15,000 of us.

Idaho Wheat Commissioner Joe Anderson of Potlatch.

Wheat Commissioner Discusses New Research Endowment

By Jake Putnam Boise--Joe Anderson of the Idaho Wheat Commission stopped by the Farm Bureau offices in Boise to discuss the new ag research endowment at the University of Idaho. Joe and wife Pam farm 3,400 acres near Potlatch, Idaho.

Question: A new $2-million dollar endowment was recently established at U of I for wheat research. What sorts of things do we need to sustain Idaho wheat?

Answer: Any crop impacted by weather influences has to have continuing research and development. Our ability to conduct agricultural research education has been impacted at federal, state, even county levels. I think Idaho wheat growers believe that we are in a new day and time and if we are going to compete for acres and in the marketplace globally. We’re going to have to maintain and enhance research to improve varieties of wheat. Specifically, we need to increase the efficiencies of production in this state. At the same time we’re vastly short of agricultural scientists in this country. The average age of a plant scientist working in the U.S. is 57 years old. Right

now a plant breeder can name their salary because companies as well as universities are looking for them. So this era of cannibalizing researchers and constantly searching for plant breeders is bothersome. Hopefully this endowment will ease the problem and encourage some of the best and brightest students to get into plant science. We want to start a work study program as soon as possible. If they show promise, prospective students would get a four- year scholarship for undergrad work and work in wheat research programs. In just a few years we can turn out young plant scientists to replace that aging workforce.

Question: Where does the money come from?

Answer: The program is funded from grower reserves. We had great years in 2010 and 2011. We will fund the program with $500,000 from the reserve program and then over the next 10 years with the 2-cents per bushel checkoff fund.

Question: What sorts of innovations do we need to stay sustainable in the world marketplace?

Answer: We need programs that have enough variability in the germplasm base to be able to very quickly incorporate various types of germplasm into varieties that are adapted. That’s part of the incentive to partner with these companies, that we will have technology to do that. It’s still plant variety development at this point but we need to speed up the process of getting genetics into a new varieties.

Question: So you see a long term partnership?

Answer: We as wheat commissioners are interested in bringing partnerships between the University of Idaho, School of Ag, Life Sciences and private companies.

We were approached about the Lima Grain cereal seed in May, but couldn’t talk about it at the time because everyone wanted to make sure the agreements were in place.

The Idaho Wheat Commission has a commitment and we believe that perhaps the capabilities of private companies and the University can be brought together in a much more timely fashion to address changing needs.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

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Managing Forest Pests

By Randy Brooks In the last few editions of this publication, we have focused on insect and disease pests of our Idaho forests. Those who own forest land or work in the woods realize that forest pests kill a lot of trees each year.

What most people don’t realize is that insects kill more trees each year than fires and chainsaws combined.

Industry and government have spent countless resources trying to devise ways to prevent insect attacks on trees, with little avail. As forest landowner, at some point (if not already) you will be confronted by an insect pest and, as a result, may find yourself in a quandary.

The final decision as to whether or not the problem can be ignored or should be addressed by deliberate action on your part should be determined by your management objectives and economic factors related to these objectives.

Regardless of how you approach the problem, bear in mind that good forest stewardship should include an element of protection. In order to de16

Thinning forest stands helps reduce tree-to-tree competition and pest problems.

velop and maintain a healthy and productive forest, one must be aware of potential pest problems and be ready take steps to ameliorate them. It makes little difference whether your primary reason for owning forest land is to maximize timber production, to produce wildlife habitat, to provide aesthetics or some combination of the above.

In order to attain any of these goals, one must occasionally deal with the threat of insect or disease damage.

What is a Pest?

Any animal, disease-causing organism or weed that prevents you from optimizing your management objective(s) is a pest. By definition, what one forest owner views as a pest may seem unimportant and be

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

tolerated by a neighbor. Following the same line of thought, the term outbreak refers to a situation where a pest reaches a population level that causes unacceptable damage to the land owner. Otherwise, populations of the pest are said to be sparse (or below economic threshold).

Subsequently, landowner views may differ in terms of what constitutes an outbreak. The reason for this disparity is that different land owners may have completely different values and management objectives.

will have a major influence on their decision. This knowledge is fundamental to determining if in fact, you have a problem to begin with. Generally, the more intensively you manage your forested land the less damage you are likely to tolerate. For example, landowners are less likely to tolerate insect damage in a Christmas tree plantation that required several hundred dollars per acre to establish, than in a naturally established forest that we hold solely for recreational purposes.

Economic Considerations

Preventative Maintenance

For many owners of forest land, knowing what to expect in terms of the potential immediate and long-term economic consequences of damage that may be caused by a particular pest

Deliberate forest management is often the most effective means by which landowners can develop and maintain forests that are less susceptible to pest outbreaks and/or less vulnerable

to damage if an outbreak occurs. Under most conditions, forest pest problems can be minimized by encouraging the right tree species on a given site (soil, exposure, microclimate, etc.), removing damaged or low-vigor trees, and minimizing between-tree competition for water and nutrients by thinning the stand at appropriate intervals. History has taught us that under most circumstances a biologically diverse forest community is often less susceptible to outbreaks or more resilient to disturbance than a relatively simple community.

Unless your management objectives demand a single species condition (monoculture), try to aim for multiple species.

In any monoculture situation, structural diversity can be enhanced by maintaining a mixture of age classes. Generally,

A bark beetle on a pencil. Although small in stature, bark beetles cause big problems in Idaho forests

different age classes of trees (e.g., seedling, sapling, pole, sawtimber) are subject to different types of problems. The key is to make it as difficult as possible for a pest to reproduce, disperse, and become established in a suitable host.

Another thing is that some pest problems are created by human activities that inadvertently create conditions for an insect

or disease (wrong species on wrong site, etc.).

Chemical Control A Necessary Tool A large number of pest problems are due to natural conditions that are favorable to the pest and which landowners may have no control. Weather that favors pest survival (e.g., a mild winter that enhances survival of gypsy moth eggs), drought that renders trees more susceptible to invasion by certain bark beetles, or conditions that may be detrimental to populations of the pest’s natural enemies are examples of events over which the landowner has little influence. Landowners are often left with no choice but to intervene directly with a pesticide. Chemical use is not necessarily bad and can often be part of a good stewardship plan. To take no action and let the problem “run its course� may result in an unhealthy and unproductive forest. In many instances, pest problems that go unattended for apparently valid environmental concerns create situations that may detract from the environmental and economic quality of forested land for years to come.

Pesticides - A Balancing Act

Many Idaho forests being attacked by mountain pine beetle (see red colored trees in photo) would benefit from thinning

The vast majority of pesticides

applied to forested land are for weed control during reforestation efforts. Few chemicals are labeled for forest insect control and very little insecticide is applied annually to very few acres of forest land. Insect control efforts are typically aimed at defoliators with the intent of saving foliage. Defoliation (similar to the tussock moth outbreaks a few years ago) reduces tree growth or weakens the tree to the point where it is unable to defend itself against potential mortality-causing agents such as root diseases and bark beetles. We often refer to these as secondary agents, because typically they thrive only on the heels of other agents that affect the tree when it is in a relatively vigorous condition.

Secondary agents are so called because ordinarily they are unable to become established in healthy trees. They are secondary only in an ecological sense but are important because they are usually the ultimate cause of tree mortality. Severe defoliation may also kill a tree outright, as usually happens following a single defoliation of conifers.

Chemical control of bark beetles is possible, but more feasible on individual high value landscape trees. Currently, See UI FORESTRY page 29

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

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Coeur d’ Alene Business Recognized by Beef Industry Coeur d’ Alene Casino and Resort was recently honored as the “Innovator of the Year” at the 2011 National Foodservice Beef Backer Awards. Executive Chef Adam Hegsted and Sous Chef Ryan Stoy accepted the award at the 2012 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, TN. Coeur d Alene Casino & Resorts own Chef Adam Hegsted has been blazing trails since he arrived as the Executive Chef in 2008. Bringing new and innovative menus to the casino he has built a large following for the casino’s eight restaurants. Hegsted brings to life the decadence and versatility of beef on each menu from the Sweetgrass Café and many buffets to the Ts’elusm Steakhouse.

says to watch for new dishes which enable the customer to be involved in the meal and have a unique dining experience.

About the Idaho Beef Council: The Idaho Beef Council was created in 1967 by the Idaho legislature as a marketing organization for the Idaho beef industry, and to support a national beef market-

ing effort. As a qualified state beef council under the Beef Promotion and Research Act, the Idaho Beef Council is responsible for collecting the $1.50 per-head Checkoff on all cattle marketed in Idaho and distributing funds to state and national programs for the promotion of beef.

For more information about the Idaho Beef Council, please visit www.idbeef.org

“We are thrilled to receive this award and be named innovator of the year,” said Adam Hegsted, Executive Chef, Couer d’Alene Casino and Resort. “My chefs work really hard on our food and putting out high quality menus, but this award is validation that we’ve truly created an extraordinary experience for our guests.”

Building a dry aging room on sight has given the resort the ability to offer its customers the highest quality available with all of the production of steaks and hamburger in one place. Hegsted says “Innovation is not something you inherit; it’s something you work at. We always have a ton of ideas and are not afraid find out which ones work.”

“Couer d’ Alene has done a great job on their menu highlighting the versatility of beef in new and innovative ways,” says Cevin Jones IBC chairman “We are proud of Couer d’ Alene Casino and Resort for making beef a highlight on their menu and giving its customers a first class dining experience centered on beef.”

From the Wagyu Burger with braised oxtail marmalade to a Cedar Plank Porterhouse that is flamed and carved at the table Chef Adam and team are serving up mouthwatering beef entrées you can enjoy at the Couer d Alene Casino and Resort.

Exciting things are in store and Hegsted 18

Chef Adam Hegsted is proud of the beef he serves and menu items developed at the Coeur d’Alene Casino and Resort. The business was recently honored by the beef industry for innovation.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

Cattle are Amazing Contest Announced IBC presents 2nd Annual educational program for Idaho students

BOISE– The Idaho Beef Council (IBC) just launched its second annual educational program called Cattle are Amazing which is developed for Idaho’s K-6 grade youth.

The program includes lesson plans covering beef production and a related drawing contest. It is designed to be a fun and creative program that can be used to educate students about the importance of agriculture.

Farming and livestock have played a critical role in the development of our country since it was founded. More specifically, the role of beef animals has also been a significant part in the story of America and Idaho.

Nationally, beef production is the biggest sector of American agriculture. On average, the American farmer or rancher feeds 144 people here and internationally. In Idaho, beef cattle are raised in every county and within the past 10 years, cattle and calf receipts have topped all other agricultural commodities. Beef production is not only important to the national economy, it is

also important to the Idaho economy.

“Today, only two percent of our population is involved in production agriculture,” explains Traci Bracco, Executive Director of the IBC. “Therefore, as students become more distanced from agriculture, it is imperative that they learn and understand the societal contributions of agriculture.”

Beef products affect everyday life through the many food products and byproducts derived from beef production. Because of beef’s importance to individuals, our state and the country, the IBC felt it important to design and launch a multi-dimensional educational program to educate students who are not personally involved in production agriculture. Therefore, template lesson plans are provided to each educator. They are designed to cover the topics of beef production and include Beef Basics, Beef Nutrition, All about Cattle, and Beef from Pasture to Plate. These lessons focus on Beef Nutrition and also cover the topics of beef production.

Also included in the Cattle are Amazing

educational program is a drawing contest.

The theme for the drawing contest is also “Cattle are Amazing.” Students are encouraged to draw why they think cattle are amazing and various prizes will be awarded. There will be three groups in which Group #1 will be grades K-1, Group #2 will be grades 2nd-3rd, and Group #3 will be 4th-6th. The prizes that will be awarded are 1st place and 2nd place for each respective group. First place will award a $250 gift certificate to Staples for the school/educator and a $100 gift certificate to Toys-R-Us for the student. Second place will award a $100 gift certificate for classroom supplies for the school/educator and a $50 gift certificate to Toys-R-Us. A grand prize will also be awarded to the overall winner and will be a field trip to a local cattle ranch. All entries are due to the IBC by April 1, 2012. For more information about the educational program or if you would like to implement it in your classroom, please contact the Idaho Beef Council at www.idbeef.org or (208) 3766004.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

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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.

Top Farm Bureau Agent

Agent of the Month Jerry Petersen Reilly Agency

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

Farm Bureau Members get $930 to $1,520 off of six selected models

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.

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

HERITAGE SAFE CO. For order information call Joel Benson at 208-239-4289

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

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County Happenings

Benewah County Farm Bureau board members recently participated in a prioritizing and planning exercise to help in planning their next year’s civic activities and other programs.

Photo By Bob Smathers

Idaho Farm Bureau members shared dinner and most of the evening with members of the Idaho Legislature during the organization’s annual Strolling Buffet held Feb. 7 in Boise.

Photo by Steve Ritter

Scarcello Ranch near Rathdrum attempted some creative marketing to help move the hay crop during the holiday season. Idaho Farm Bureau members interested in submitting photos are encouraged to do so. Send them to jthompson@idahofb.org Photo by Sam Rogers

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

STallman Continued from page 2 lowed to do many chores on their grandparents’ farms, nor would kids under 16 be allowed to get a typical summer job at their neighbor’s farm—even with their parent’s consent. Under the DOL rule as it was proposed in September, a child can only work on a farm that is ‘wholly owned’ by his or her parents.

Farm Bureau is hopeful that the recent decision by DOL to re-propose the ‘parental exemption’ will be a positive step, but we simply don’t know. If DOL decides to, it could interpret the parental exemption in a way that would make it much more difficult – if not impossible – for nieces, nephews and grandchildren to work on the family farm.

Let’s take a look at Missouri hog producer Chris Chinn, who grew up doing chores on her grandparent’s farm. As she testified before Congress earlier this month, she

never would have had those life-shaping experiences if the DOL rule had been in place back then. Even more disturbing is that her two children won’t be allowed the same experiences of doing routine chores on their grandparents’ farm if DOL goes forward with its initial plan.

Hazardous Rulemaking The DOL rule would also put strict limits on what hired youth can and can’t do. In updating its “hazardous occupation orders” DOL is saying that a youth under the age of 16 would be mostly prohibited from working with livestock or operating equipment that’s not driven by hand or foot power.

Read literally, the DOL proposal would mean a 15-year old could not operate a hand-held, battery-powered screwdriver to mend fences or be hired to mow lawns.

Farm and ranch families are more interested than anyone else in assuring the safety

of our farms. We have no desire at all to have young teenagers working in jobs that are inappropriate or entail too much risk.

But, regulations need to be sensible and within reason – not prohibiting teenagers from performing simple everyday farm functions like operating a battery-powered screwdriver.

Members in the House and Senate, on both sides of the aisle, have called for the rule to be withdrawn, and Farm Bureau agrees. But if DOL proceeds, as seems likely, we will be working actively to assure that any final regulation makes sense, does not infringe on the traditional rights of family farms and does not unnecessarily restrict the ability of young people to work in agriculture. In other words, we need a rule that respects the significance of youth farm work in America and the importance it plays in our system of family-based agriculture.

Priestley Continued from page 2 The Department of Labor’s existing Fair Labor Standards Act includes a parental exemption that allows children to work for their parents. However, under new rules children wouldn’t be allowed to perform many traditional tasks on a neighbor or relative’s farm. It would also severely restrict opportunities for students in agricultural education programs across the country.

Specifically, the new rules would prohibit youth under 16 from operating or working around tractors including cleaning, oiling or repairing, connecting or disconnecting farm implements. Further, it places major restrictions on the use of power tools, including battery-powered drills and even screwdrivers. The federal definition of power-driven equipment includes “all ma-

chines, equipment, implements, vehicles and/or devices operated by any other power source other than human hand or foot power.

To illustrate how absurd this definition is consider that under these new rules no one under 16 working on a farm owned by someone other than parents would be allowed to stack hay in a barn using a conveyer. They wouldn’t be allowed to move wheel lines used for irrigation or to turn on a center pivot sprinkler system; they wouldn’t be allowed to check the oil on the tractor or air up a low tire. With regard to livestock, youth would be prohibited from branding, castrating, dehorning or vaccinating calves. They would be prohibited from herding animals in confined spaces

such as feed lots or corrals, or to work from horseback herding animals in confined spaces.

The rules are also vague in their attempt to define arduous work conditions and they prohibit youth from working in buildings where fruit, forage or grain is stored.

We appreciate that federal bureaucrats care about keeping kids safe on farms and ranches. But when rules such as these throw roadblocks in front of time-honored traditions that are passed down from one generation to the next on farms and ranches throughout the nation, we view it as a threat to the future of agriculture in this country.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

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American farm bureau federation news

Farmers, Ranchers Tally Contribute to Hunger Program WASHINGTON, D.C.– The farm and ranch families of Farm Bureau last year raised more than $556,273 and donated more than 10 million pounds of food to assist hungry Americans as part of Farm Bureau’s “Harvest for All” program through Feeding America. Combined, the monetary and food donations provided nearly 13 million meals.

Members of Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program spearhead Harvest for All across the country, but all facets of Farm Bureau contribute to the effort.

For the first time, 20 state Farm Bureaus heeded the call to action. The joint effort between Farm Bureau and Feeding America is a national community action program through which farmers and ranchers can help ensure every American enjoys the bounty they produce.

“The Harvest for All initiative is one of the most important community service efforts undertaken by Farm Bureau members, especially in these tough economic times,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman. “I am proud that so many states—a record 20—participated this year. By joining together, we can help

feed and nourish those who need help the most.”

Aside from raising food and funds for the initiative, farmers and ranchers tallied 10,159 volunteer hours assisting hunger groups through Harvest for All in 2011.

“This effort clearly shows farmers and ranchers from across the nation are stepping up to the plate to ensure that all Americans have food on their dinner tables,” said Glen Cope, AFBF YF&R chair and an Aurora, Mo., beef producer. “I am extremely proud to be part of Farm Bureau, and especially the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee, whose members always go that extra mile to help those in need.”

The Illinois Farm Bureau took top honors for raising the most funds and volunteer hours in 2011, raising $401,000 and volunteering 4,000 hours. The New York Farm Bureau was number one in food donated at 6 million pounds. By winning the three categories, Illinois received a $3,000 grant and New York received a $1,500 grant to donate to the food bank of their choice.

fornia Farm Bureau Federation for food donated at 1.4 million pounds; and Michigan Farm Bureau for volunteer time at 3,600 volunteer hours. Second place winners received a $1,000 grant from AFBF to donate to the food bank of their choice.

In addition, five state YF&R committees received $500 grants for “most innovative” programs. The winners are Maryland for its “Freezing for a Reason” activity; Virginia for its “Fresh Food for Virginia’s Cooperative Project;” Michigan for its “Pick a Peck for People” activity; North Carolina for its “Fill a Truck” campaign; and Montana for its “Hoofin’ it for Hunger 5K Walk/Run.” The awards were presented this month during AFBF’s YF&R Conference in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Since Harvest for All was launched nine years ago, Farm Bureau families have gathered more than 49 million pounds of food, logged nearly 60,000 volunteer hours and raised more than $1.8 million in donations.

Combined, the food and money donations amount to more than 55 million meals.

Second place winners were Indiana Farm Bureau for funds donated at $49,000; Cali-

FB Urges Funding Change for Disadvantaged Students WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congress should swiftly approve legislation that would correct a major flaw in the formula used to allocate Title I funds for the education of disadvantaged students, the American Farm Bureau Federation said today.

AFBF is urging the House Education and Workforce Committee to approve the inclusion of the All Children are Equal Act (H.R. 2485) in H.R. 3989, the Student Success Act. AFBF supports the ACE Act because a cornerstone of the organization’s rural development policy is that strong rural schools are vital to enhancing 24

the lives of rural Americans and will foster development of robust and prosperous rural communities.

“Approving this legislation is simply the right thing to do and will benefit students living in poverty, whether they reside in rural, small-town America or an urban setting,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “The correction to the formula for allocating federal funds to state and local school districts that we are seeking is absolutely necessary.”

Title I funding was intended to send funds to school districts with high concentrations

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

of poverty, AFBF explained in a statement submitted for the record. The current formula used to allocate Title I funds systematically discriminates against the school districts it was intended to benefit—rural, small town and moderate-sized urban districts with a high concentration of poverty.

The ACE Act calls for a gradual correction in the weighting factors used to allocate funds to schools, over four years. Passing the ACE Act will gradually reduce the influence of number weighting and make the Title I formula fairer and more effective.

American farm bureau federation news

AFBF Applauds House Action on Energy Security WASHINGTON, D.C. — Recent passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of a bill to increase domestic energy supplies, including development of a vast new source in the oil shale deposits of the American West, helps provide the type of energy solutions America needs, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

In a letter to the House prior to passage, AFBF President Bob Stallman explained that increasing U.S. energy security is an important issue for America’s farmers and ranchers.

“Farm Bureau believes finding comprehensive energy solutions can only strengthen American security while help-

ing agriculture’s long-term economic health,” Stallman said.

The bill, as approved by the House, would end bureaucratic delays facing development of oil shale resources and direct the Interior Department to move ahead with a leasing program. It also allows for the development and recovery of new energy resources in the Outer Continental Shelf, and will open less than 3 percent of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to responsible energy development, Stallman said.

“Supporting these components will strengthen U.S. energy security, create jobs, promote economic development and benefit America’s farmers and ranchers,”

Stallman said.

Farm Bureau’s long-standing policy is that the United States should pursue a policy of energy development to help strengthen national security and promote economic opportunity at home.

“We support the development of a comprehensive national energy policy that provides for the domestic production of oil and gas, biofuels and coal, as well as increased conservation and investment, research and production of alternative and renewable sources of energy,” the organization said.

Tracy Walton of Walton Farms (right) in Emmett with his Farm Bureau Insurance agent, Stu Barrett.

As a company founded by Idaho farmers and ranchers over 60 years ago, we understand that each farm and ranch is unique. That’s why our agents visit you at your farm or ranch in person every year. This firsthand look at your operation can help us tailor a policy to fit your particular farm or ranch. Visit www.idfbins.com to have your local Farm Bureau Insurance agent or Crop Specialist (listed at right) visit your farm or ranch.

ARDEN ANDERSON EAST IDAHO PHONE: 208-569-7708

TORY BAILEY SOUTH IDAHO PHONE: 208-678-0431

RON BAUNE EAST IDAHO PHONE: 208-520-2635

KIM BORGEN NORTH IDAHO PHONE: 208-791-2126

BENJI GRAYBEAL We know Idaho. We grew up here. facebook.com/fbmidaho twitter.com/fbmidaho

WEST IDAHO PHONE: 208-994--2864

SEAN YOUNG WEST IDAHO PHONE: 208-587--8484

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

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Camp Teaches Students About Natural Resources KETCHUM – The 53rd annual Natural Resources Camp may have found a formula to make five nights of camping in Idaho’s scenic Sawtooth Mountains with plenty of fun activities and scientific explorations even more fun: add an afternoon’s swim at Easley Hot Springs.

The camp is held June 25 to June 30 at the Central Idaho 4-H Camp east of Ketchum. Boys and girls sleep in log bunkhouses and take field trips in the area to learn about Idaho’s natural resources.

Sponsored by University of Idaho Extension and the Idaho Association of Soil conservation Districts, the camp allows campers ages 12 to 14 to learn about natural resources from wildlife and rangeland to forests, water and soil.

Camp instructors from University of Idaho Extension and other agencies help campers develop a new understanding of Idaho’s natural resources through experiments and 26

outdoor projects. Activities include hiking, fishing, volleyball, firearms safety and target shooting and other camp activities.

The trip to swim at nearby Easley Hot Springs, which is part of the Cathedral Pines Camp, is a new addition that Camp Director Amber Moore expects to be popular. “We decided to add it as a little reward for campers at the end of the week,” said Moore, a University of Idaho Extension soils specialist at Twin Falls.

The camp typically attracts about 70 boys and girls, Moore said, although it can take as many as 90.

The goal of the camp is to give campers basic facts about Idaho’s natural resources and to encourage them to think about whether Idaho will still have them in abundance in 20 years. Campers discuss and debate natural resources issues while learning their responsibilities as citizens.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

The camp registration fee, which includes bed, board and all activities, will cost $235 until May 21. The fee goes up $20 for registrations after that date. Scholarships are available through soil conservation districts throughout Idaho. More information about scholarships is available from Nancy Weatherstone at (208) 888-1890, ext. 102, at the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts office in Boise.

Other agencies cooperating in the camp’s operation include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Soil Conservation Commission and USDA Forest Service.

More information about the camp is available by calling Megan Satterwhite, camp coordinator for University of Idaho Extension, at (208) 736-3634 at the Twin Falls Research and Extension Center or online at http://www.extension.uidaho.edu/nrc/

Grain Marketing with Clark Johnston

Volatility Perseveres; Wheat Carryover Cause for Concern opportunity to price your new crop wheat.

It will be important to remember that these types of market usually move fast and it will be important o have a price in mind in order to contract as you may not have time to analyze and think about just what you are trying to accomplish when in the heat of the battle.

Clark Johnston

As we have mentioned in past months the markets have and will remain volatile as we move closer to spring planting. The trade is anticipating an additional three million acres of corn this year. When we figure in an average number of abandoned acres and a trend line yield of 161 bushels per acre we see the possibility of a 13.5 billion bushel crop this year. Now I know that there is a long way to go before we harvest this size of a crop but, we should take this number seriously when looking at our marketing plan for this next year.

When we look at the carry in the wheat market over the next year we see that there is a good supply of wheat to carry us through the next year. Therefore corn is still king and any anticipated increase in the stocks to use ratio for the next crop year could very well mean lower prices for the wheat market. Keep a close eye on the futures markets over the next few weeks. We usually experience some type of weather related strength in the futures market during the spring months. Whether it is too wet or too cold and corn planting is delayed even by just a few days or weeks the markets could strengthen giving you an

One of the biggest problems we experience with a volatile market is that we all tend to get a little more emotional when making our decisions. The market drops and we feel that we have missed our opportunity and then we sell before it moves any lower.

At this time it more important than ever to look at the numbers. Things like the historical trend, the momentum studies, basis levels to try and get a feel for the local demand and the outside influences in the market.

The markets over the past few years have given us more than one opportunity during the year to price our production. Even if you have missed your opportunity to price at the high you still need to remain focused and do the best you can with what the market is willing to give you.

The recent strength in the petroleum markets have left some wondering just what to do. I have recently had some producers contact us needing to sell wheat in order to pay for the diesel they had just purchased.

Unless something extremely big happens in the world it looks as though the seasonal lows are already in and we need to look at ways to keep the high cost of fuel from getting any worse. Looking at the current prices and the direction of the market it could be just a roll of the dice as to the direction of the market from here on out.

Our strategy for buying in our diesel usage should be to average our costs both higher and lower from now through the end of the spring. Watch the market trend and purchase fuel on any break in the prices. Don’t worry about trying to buy the bottom but rather keeping your inventory under the current market prices. Remember you are trying to protect yourself from prices moving like they did in 2008.

Remember you may not agree with the market and you may feel that the prices are either too low or too high but, the worst thing that can happen is for you to think that you are right and the market is wrong.

The market is always right.

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

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

27

28

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

KELLER Continued from page 2 fee is estimated to generate $6.5 million in 2013 to assist BLM in processing grazing permits.

The BLM and Forest Service have recently set the grazing fee for 2012 at $1.35. For 2013, this additional “grazing administration fee” would effectively raise the grazing fees for BLM ranchers by 75 percent.

BLM Secretary Ken Salazar is seeking to effectively raise grazing fees with no authority to do so. On the one hand he is seeking to reduce Rangeland Management funding and on the other hand he is seeking to make up for this on the backs of public land grazers. Essentially doubling costs for BLM livestock permittees is not acceptable and needs to be stopped.

In 1934, the Taylor Grazing Act was passed which provided for the regulation of grazing on federal lands to improve rangeland conditions and regulate their use. Those who

use these lands seek a permit. The permittees are required to pay a fee and the permit cannot exceed ten years but is renewable.

The grazing fee formula being used by the federal agencies is based upon the fair market value of an animal unit month of grazing, a forage value index representing the previous year’s average monthly rate for pasturing cattle on privately-owned grazing land, the beef cattle price index representing the prior year’s market price received for all beef cattle by U.S. producers, and the prices paid index representing the current year average index of prices paid by farmers and ranchers for various production items. This formula was reestablished by a 1986 Executive Order.

According to the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission nearly half of Idaho is classified as rangeland. Eighty percent of rangelands are managed by either a federal or state agency. Of all the rangeland in

Idaho, only 20 percent is privately deeded property.

A recent public opinion poll conducted by the University of Idaho found that 89 percent of Idaho residents approve of livestock grazing as a legitimate practice on public lands and 85 percent support it as an appropriate use along with hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing and hunting.

The Idaho Farm Bureau is opposing this proposed action. We urge everyone to contact their members of Congress advising them of this unconscionable provision and to ask: (1) what authority does Secretary Salazar have to impose such a “grazing administration fee” that raises grazing fees by 75 percent on BLM lands, and (2) why is Secretary Salazar seeking to significantly raise the cost of operation for hard-working ranchers who essentially cannot absorb such a hefty increase.

UI FORESTRY Continued from page 17 the only chemical labeled for bark beetle (mountain pine beetle) control in the Pacific Northwest is carbaryl. Since the beetle is found under the bark, the bark must be saturated prior to beetle flight. Control on a larger acreages is difficult (accessibility is an issue) and not very economical.

Landowners should consider chemical application when it is acceptable economically and ecologically, and when the consequences of not treating may prevent the landowner from reaching management objectives. If properly applied (to include an assessment of need, selecting the correct product, formulation, dosage, method of application and timing) chemical insecticides are a prudent and appropriate stewardship tool.

Biological Options A significant amount of research has been conducted towards biological control of pests. Many biological controls exist for

weed management. Currently, biological controls do not exist for bark beetles. Two biological options that may be appropriate for defoliating insects are a bacterium known as Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) and a molting inhibitor called Dimilin. The former affects a wide range of caterpillars that inadvertently consume the spores. The latter has a wider spectrum of influence. It may kill any insect that is in the process of molting has a major impact on populations of aquatic insects. There are additional stipulations associated with these biologicals, but when applied properly under appropriate conditions they may be more compatible ecologically than a chemical.

Most biologicals affect a narrow spectrum of organisms relative to most chemicals and this is their appeal.

Tough Decisions Sound forest management requires many decisions. The landowner must be the decision maker when it comes to their forest.

Seek guidance from professionals and obtain the information required to make informed decisions about potential pests in your woods. Develop a forest management plan and include a list of preventative and direct control strategies available for dealing with pests you might encounter. A well written management plan and active forest management are vital ingredients for good stewardship. To answer the question, can forest pests be managed - yes, they can.

But active forest management is the key, and as we extension foresters like to say, thin, thin, thin!

Randy Brooks is a University of Idaho associate professor and extension educator in forestry, 4-H, and agriculture. He can be reached at the UI-Clearwater County Extension Office 2200 Michigan Ave. Orofino, ID 83544 Phone: 208-476-4434 FAX: 208-476-4111 E-mail: rbrooks@uidaho.edu

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

29

30

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

Sheep graze in the foothills near Boise. A new program is helping recreational users and livestock operators share Idaho’s rangelands.

Program Informs Others About Grazing Article and photos by Steve Stuebner The Care & Share education campaign is gaining momentum as the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission uses multi-pronged outreach methods to spread the word on how recreationists can co-exist with livestock grazing on public lands.

Trailhead signs, news media outreach and a new cutting-edge web site let recreationists know where they may encounter sheep and cattle near popular trails in Boise, McCall, Soda Springs, the Wood River Valley and the South Hills near Twin Falls.

“Idaho’s rangelands are a great playground and a very important work place,” says

Gretchen Hyde, Executive Director of the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission.

“Most recreation users have no problem seeing livestock, but they’re kind of confused about what they’re supposed to do when they have that interaction.”

•

Care & Share information signs at trailheads talk about the importance of:

•

Closing gates after you pass through.

•

What to do if you encounter domestic sheep and guard dogs in particular.

•

Leashing pets before you encounter livestock and guard dogs.

The Care & Share education campaign is a partnership between the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission (IRRC), the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and the Idaho Department of Lands. The campaign theme is: Care for Idaho’s rangelands and share them respectfully with others. IRRC takes the lead in distributing trailhead kiosk signs to state and federal land managers, and partners like the BLM and the Forest Service, along with ranchers, assist in making timely Care & Share information available to local communities.

See LIFE ON THE RANGE page 32

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

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LIFE ON THE RANGE Continued from page 31 John Kurtz, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the BLM in the Shoshone District in south-central Idaho, explains how the system works in the Wood River Valley near Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley.

“We’re at the Clear Creek Trailhead about 3.5 miles west of Hailey,” Kurtz explains.

“The sheep are in here a couple of times per year. As they come through the area, we provide information at the trailhead to notify people that sheep will be in the area so they know what’s going on and what to expect when they’re out there riding or hik-

ing on the trail system.

“We put a start date and a stop date and provide contact information, so we can provide answers or feedback if the public has questions.”

Similar Care & Share signage with information about sheep coming through recreation areas is posted at many trailheads throughout Idaho’s national forests.

In the Boise area, IRRC issues press releases to the news media each spring to notify recreationists that domestic sheep are mov-

Signage at several locations informs recreational users about sheep and guard dogs in the area.

32

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

ing through, usually in late April or early May. The press releases often capture media coverage by local TV stations to help spread the word to recreationists.

The primary issues are to explain to the public how to interact with sheep guard dogs and the importance of keeping pets on a leash. Ranchers use Great Pyrenees guard dogs as a non-lethal method of guarding sheep herds from predators such as wolves, coyotes and foxes.

“Unfortunately, when recreationists have their pet with them, the guard dogs consider that a predator,” Hyde says. “By keeping your pet on a leash, the guard dogs won’t see the dog as a threat. We don’t want to see any negative thing happen to somebody’s pet.”

Mountain bikers can avoid conflicts with guard dogs by getting off their bikes and walking through the sheep. Jim Giuffre, an active mountain biker in Boise, says it worked for him.

“I got up early on a Saturday morning and read an article about sheep in the foothills,” Giuffre says. “And they talked about the Great Pyrenees guard dogs and how to act and behave around them whether you’re

“The idea here is for people to see in advance what they’re going to see out on the trail” hiking or biking in the foothills. I’m relating this story to my son, Jess, and he’s following me up Corrals Trail, and he’s kind of pooh-poohing it.

We dropped down the draw and sure enough, there were hundreds of sheep out there, and I tell Jess the story again, and I say, `I’m getting off my bike.’

“And then two giant Great Pyrenees guard dogs come running down at us and come within 10 feet of us ... and then they stopped, looked at us, and went away. And Jess and I looked at each other and went, `It worked!’ “ Kurtz says Giuffre did the

right thing. “If you get off your bike, talk to the dogs, let them know you’re human, you should be OK,” he says. “But don’t try to outrun the dogs, or ride through a group of sheep quickly, because that will do nothing but antagonize the dogs to actually come after you.”

Kurtz has worked with the Blaine County Recreation District to take the Care & Share outreach program to a new level. Recreation District officials blended sheep turnout dates with public trails information on a new web site so people can see which trails might be affected at a glance.

“The idea here is for people to see in advance what they’re going to see out on the trail,” says Greg Martin, Wood River Trails Coordinator for the Blaine County Recreation District. “If they want to see sheep, here’s where you can find them. Or, if they don’t want to go through a band of sheep and run into guard dogs, then perhaps you pick a different trail for that day.”

The web site, http://bcrd.org, is funded through a grant from the BLM. The site helps provide timely information about trail etiquette, trail status in the spring when conditions can be snow-bound and muddy, and livestock grazing.

“There’s so many trails out there, and the sheep are in areas for such a small amount of time, so you can sit at home and check out the web site, find out where the sheep are and avoid them altogether,” Kurtz says.

Billy Olson, owner of the Power House Pub and Bike Fit Studio in Hailey, likes the idea of being able to find out where the sheep herds are on a web site.

His bike shop and restaurant has Wi-Fi, and riders can find out where to go while they’re having a fresh meal. “It’s always a surprise when you see sheep,” Olson says. “If we can find out where they are ahead of time, it’s pretty helpful. I feel like the sheep guys are trying to stay out of our way, so if we can work together a little bit, we can avoid those conflicts.

That’s good, really good.”

Hyde says the Care & Share campaign seems to be working.

“We’ve seen a vast reduction in the number of complaints and the negative interactions just because people are aware that they may run into sheep or cattle when they’re out hiking, biking, camping, just enjoying our public lands,” she says.

“It’s really not about telling people what to do, but to make sure they’re aware, and that they have the tools and information to make the choices that minimize that negative impact.

We will continue to use multiple outreach methods to spread the word.”

For more information about Care & Share, go to http://idahorange.org. To see the new Blaine County Recreation District trails web site, go to http:// bcrd.org.

Steve Stuebner is the writer and producer for www.lifeontherange.org, a public education project sponsored by the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission.

Idaho Farm Bureau Discounts

San Diego Adult $20 Off Other discount available for Orlando & San Antonio locations.

For member coupons to SeaWorld go to www.idahofbstore.com Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

33

Idaho Onion Production

In Idaho, the 2011 summer storage onion production increased 5 percent from 2010 according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Production is estimated at 7.18 million cwt, up from the 6.84 million cwt produced in 2010.

Harvested and planted acreage increased 200 acres from last year to 9,200 acres, and 9,400 acres, respectively. Onion yield is up 20 cwt from 2010 to 780 cwt per acre. The value of the 2011 crop totaled $45.2 million, down from $50.0 million in 2010. The price per cwt for the 2011 crop is $7.50, down from $8.70 the previous year.

Shrinkage and loss for 2011 totaled 1.15 million cwt, up from 1.09 million cwt last year.

Combining Idaho and Malheur County, the 2011 summer storage onion production decreased slightly from 2010. Production is estimated at 15 million cwt.

Harvested acreage increased 200 acres from 2010 to 20,500 acres, while onion yield decreased 8 cwt to 752 cwt per acre. The value of the 2011 crop totaled $95 million, down from $113 million in 2010.

Idaho Sheep Inventory up 2 Percent

All sheep and lamb inventory in Idaho on January 1, 2012, totaled 240,000 head, up 5,000 head from the previous year, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

34

Breeding sheep and lamb inventory on January 1, 2012, totaled 199,000 head. Breeding ewes one year old and older totaled 166,000 head, up 15,000 head from January 1, 2011. Market sheep and lambs on January 1, 2012 totaled 41,000 head. The 2011 lamb crop of 210,000 head was up 5,000 head from 2010.

Idaho wool production totaled 2 million pounds for 2011, up 2 percent from 2010. The average wool price for 2011 was $1.70 per pound. Sheep and lamb death losses totaled 21,000 during 2011.

Idaho meat goat inventory on January 1, 2012 was 12,300 head, down 400 head from a year ago. Milk goats totaled 4,000 head, up 500 head from the previous year.

Idaho Cattle Numbers Remain Same

Idaho cattle and calf inventory totaled 2.20 million head as of January 1, 2012, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. This was unchanged from the revised 2.20 million head in the State on January 1, 2011. There were 469,000 beef cows, up 5 percent, and 581,000 milk cows, up 1 percent, on hand at the beginning of the year. The number of beef replacement heifers, at 90,000, was down 7 percent from a year ago, heifers for milk cow replacement, at 280,000, was down 13 percent and other heifers 500 pounds and over was 200,000 head, down 11 percent from last year.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

Statewide, there were 310,000 steers over 500 pounds, 35,000 bulls over 500 pounds and 255,000 calves under 500 pounds on January 1, 2012. The 2011 calf crop totaled 910,000 head, down 8 percent from the calf crop of 2010.

last year. The remaining 5.62 million cwt were produced in other states. Processing in Idaho and Malheur County during December and January totaled 13.7 million cwt, an increase of 18 percent from the same period last year.

Idaho Potato Stocks Up 8 Percent

Processors in the 9 major States have used 106 million cwt of potatoes this season, up 15 percent from the same period last year. Dehydrating usage accounted for 20.9 million cwt of the total processing, up 53 percent from last year.

Potato stocks held by growers, dealers, and processors in Idaho on February 1 totaled 67.5 million cwt, 5.0 million cwt more than on hand February 1, 2011.

Disappearance, at 59.6 million cwt is up 18 percent from last year’s 50.5 million cwt. Processors in Idaho and Malheur County, Oregon have used 41.8 million cwt of 2011 crop raw potatoes to February 1, an increase of 28 percent from last year. Idaho potatoes accounted for 36.2 million cwt of the total processed, up 29 percent from last year. The remaining 5.62 million cwt were produced in other states. Processing in Idaho and Malheur County during December and January totaled 13.7 million cwt, an increase of 18 percent from the same period last year.

Potato Processing up 28 percent

Processors in Idaho and Malheur County, Oregon have used 41.8 million cwt of 2011 crop raw potatoes to February 1, an increase of 28 percent from last year. Idaho potatoes accounted for 36.2 million cwt of the total processed, up 29 percent from

Total Value of 2011 Crop Production

The total value of 2011 crop production in Idaho, excluding fruits and nuts, is estimated at $3.79 billion, an increase of 25 percent from the 2010 total of $3.03 billion, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. The increase in total value is due mostly to increases in value of all hay, all wheat, and barley production. Value of production for each crop is computed by multiplying the marketing year average price by the production. Included in the total value for Idaho are unpublished values for miscellaneous crops. The value of all hay, at $1.07 billion, was up 60 percent from 2010. The value of potatoes, at $978 million, and all wheat, at $786 million, was up 7 and 22 percent, respectively, from their 2010 values. The value of barley, at $267 million, was up 50 percent from 2010.

USDA Announces CRP Sign-up

Acting Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse, on recently announced that the Agriculture Department will conduct a four-week Conservation Reserve Program general sign-up, beginning March 12 and ending April 6.

“It is USDA’s goal to ensure that we use CRP to address our most critical resource issues,” said Scuse. “CRP is an important program for protecting our most environmentally sensitive lands from erosion and sedimentation, and for ensuring the sustainability of our groundwater, lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. As always, we expect strong competition to enroll acres into CRP, and we urge interested producers to maximize their environmental benefits and to make cost-effective offers.”

CRP is a voluntary program available to agricultural producers to help them use environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits. Producers enrolled in CRP plant longterm, resource-conserving covers to improve the quality of water, control soil erosion and develop wildlife habitat. In return, USDA provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. Contract duration is between 10 years and 15 years. Currently, about 30 million acres are enrolled in CRP and contracts on an estimated 6.5 million acres will expire on Sept. 30.

2012 Census of Agriculture

Surveys are hitting mailboxes around the nation to identify all active farms in the U.S. The National Agricultural Classification Survey, which asks landowners if they farm and for basic details about their farms, is required by law as part of the U.S. Census of Agriculture, conducted every five years, and is one of the early steps used to determine who should receive census forms.

“The NCAS survey is the first step in getting a complete count, so we ask everyone who receives a survey to complete and return it,” said Renee Picanso, census and survey director for USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. “The Census is a valuable way for producers and rural America to show their strength—in numbers.”

FCC Revokes LightSquared Waiver

Farmers and ranchers who rely on the accuracy of GPS for precision agriculture can breathe just a bit easier, as a potential threat to the technology has been neutralized. The Federal Communications Commission recently revoked a conditional waiver granted to wireless broadband company LightSquared in January 2011. The waiver would have allowed the company to build a wireless broadband network provided there was no interference with GPS receivers.

The FCC pulled the waiver after testing by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration indicated that LightSquared’s system would interfere with the effectiveness of GPS receivers. The agency concluded that although a technical fix to the interference issue is possible, the cost and time to correct the millions of GPS receivers in the marketplace would not be possible within LightSquared’s proposed timeline.

USDA Announces Start2Farm.gov

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and USDA’s National Agricultural Library, in partnership with AFBF, on Thursday announced Start2farm.gov, a new online portal that provides assistance for beginning farmers and ranchers. The portal includes links to training, financing, technical assistance and other support services specifically for beginning farmers and ranchers as well as successful case studies about new and beginning farmers and ranchers.

Science and Collaboration for Forest Planning

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently signaled USDA’s intent to issue a new planning rule for America’s 193 million acre National Forest System.

According to USDA, the new rule will deliver stronger protections for forests, water and wildlife while supporting the

economic vitality of rural communities. As part of this project, an online Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule was released by USDA. USDA and the Forest Service considered nearly 300,000 comments received on the proposed rule and draft environmental impact statement issued last February, to develop the agency’s preferred course of action for finalizing the planning rule.

This is included in the PEIS, which was released as USDA’s preferred alternative.

The preferred alternative emphasizes collaboration and strengthens the role of public involvement and dialogue throughout the planning process. It also would require the use of the “best available scientific information” to inform decisions, according to USDA.

Game Invites K-2 Students to Explore Ag

The popular agricultural gaming site MyAmericanFarm. org just released an enhanced version of an engaging game, My Little Ag Me. My Little Ag Me is a fun, scenario-based game that introduces young learners to careers in agriculture. The enhanced version offers users the chance to choose from more avatars for game play, as well as new careers for exploration.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

35

Farm Bureau Members Pay Less For Choice Hotels!

FARM BUREAU COMMODITY REPORT GRAIN PRICES

Portland:

White Wheat 11% Winter 14% Spring Corn

Ogden:

White Wheat 11% Winter 14% Spring Barley

A $40 room will be closer to

Pocatello:

White Wheat 11% Winter 14% Spring Barley

$32 A $60 room will be closer to

Burley:

White Wheat 11% Winter 14% Spring Barley

Nampa:

White Wheat (cwt) (Bushel)

Lewiston:

$48

White Wheat Barley

1/20/2012

2/21/2012

6.30 6.92-6.98 9.29 262-263.50

7.00 7.25-7.32 N/A 271-272.25

+ 0.70 + .33 to + .34 N/A + 9 to + 8.75

5.85 5.92 7.74 10.60

6.20 6.17 8.02 10.80

+ + + +

5.60 6.29 7.91 9.16

5.90 5.83 7.78 9.27

+ 0.30 + 0.46 - 0.13 + 0.11

5.55 5.70 7.71 9.50

5.95 5.97 7.96 9.50

+ 0.40 + 0.27 + 0.25 Steady

8.92 5.35

10.17 6.10

+ 1.25 + 0.75

6.10 181.50

6.70 186.50

+ 0.60 + 5.00

1/21/2012

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

$72 1.800.258.2847

Farm Bureau Discount Code

00209550

advanced reservations required

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

Holstein Steers Under 700 lbs Over 700 lbs

Cows

Utility/Commercial Canner & Cutter

Stock Cows Bulls

Slaughter

BEAN PRICES: Pinto Pink Small Red

2/20/2012

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

Trend

135-209 130-186 110-157 94-136

155-226 137-199 125-160 95-140

+ + + +

20 to + 17 7 to + 13 15 to + 3 1 to + 4

125-185 116-171 108-140 105-120

140-210 132-186 115-162 110-119

+ + + +

15 to + 25 16 to + 15 7 to + 22 5 to – 1

65-126 65-102

75-129 75-110

+ 10 to + 3 + 10 to + 8

47-72 50-65

61-84 55-81

+ 14 to + 12 + 5 to + 16

700-1485

800-1600

+ 100 to + 115

58-82

62-107

+ 4 to + 25

45.00-46.00 45.00 45.00-46.00

50.00 45.00-46.00 45.00-46.00

+ 5.00 to 4.00 Steady to + 1.00 Steady

Compiled by the Idaho Farm Bureau Commodity Division 36

0.35 0.25 0.28 0.20

LIVESTOCK PRICES

Feeder Steers

A $90 room will be closer to

Trend

IDaho Hay Report

February 17, 2012 USDA Market News

Compared to last week, not enough of any one class last week for accurate trends. Trade remains slow as most interests have long sold out or supplies are in firm hands. Retail/feed store/horse not tested this week. Buyer demand good with light to moderate supplies. All prices are dollars per ton and FOB unless otherwise stated.

Alfalfa Large Square Supreme

Tons 30 200

Price 250.00-250.00 190.00-190.00

Wtd Avg 250.00 190.00

Comments

Rain Damage

Oat Large Square Good

300

145.00-145.00

145.00

Wheat Straw Large Square Good

500

60.00-60.00

60.00

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

ADF NDF RFV TDN-100% TDN-90% CP-100% Supreme <27 <34 >185 >62 >55.9 >22 Premium 27-29 34-36 170-185 60.5-62 54.5-55.9 20-22 Good

29-32 36-40 150-170 58-60 52.5-54.5 18-20 Fair

32-35 40-44 130-150 56-58 50.5-52.5 16-18 Utility >35 >44 <130 <56 <50.5 <16

POTATOES FOR PROCESSING Processing of 2011 Potato Crop up 28 percent from Last Year Processors in Idaho and Malheur County, Oregon have used 41.8 million cwt of 2011 crop raw potatoes to February 1, an increase of 28 percent from last year. Idaho potatoes accounted for 36.2 million cwt of the total processed, up 29 percent from last year. The remaining 5.62 million cwt were produced in other states. Processing in Idaho and Malheur County during December and January totaled 13.7 million cwt, an increase of 18 percent from the same period last year.

Processors in the 9 major States have used 106 million cwt of potatoes this season, up 15 percent from the same period last year. Dehydrating usage accounted for 20.9 million cwt of the total processing, up 53 percent from last year.

5 Year Grain Comparison Grain Prices................02/22/2008...................02/20/2009...................02/22/2010................. 02/25/2011..................02/21/2012 Portland: White Wheat.................... 12.50..............................5.69 ..............................4.70 ............................7.60 ............................ 7.00 11% Winter.................12.35-12.60.....................5.71-5.96 .........................N/A .......... 8.74-8.94 .........7.25-7.32 14% Spring....................... 20.41.............................. 7.70 .............................6.85 ...........................11.88 ............................N/A Corn.................................225-234 ...............163-163.75.................... 173-173.75 ...............287-288.25 .............271-272.25 Ogden: White Wheat.................... 12.05..............................4.45 ..............................4.27 ............................6.95............................. 6.20 11% Winter...................... 12.00..............................4.90 ..............................4.24 ............................7.63 ............................ 6.17 14 % Spring..................... 19.88..............................6.58 ..............................5.67 ...........................10.16............................ 8.02 Barley................................ 10.30..............................6.26 ..............................6.27 ...........................10.50............................ 10.80 Pocatello: White Wheat.....................11.65...............................4.40 ..............................4.10 ............................6.90.............................

11% Winter.......................11.40...............................4.48 ..............................4.07 ............................7.59 ...........................

14% Spring........................19.37...............................6.43 ..............................5.55 ...........................10.50............................

Barley.................................8.80 ...........................5.80 ............................5.52 ..........................9.90 ...........................

5.90 5.83 7.78 9.27

Burley: White Wheat.....................11.35...............................4.35 ..............................3.90 ............................7.12.............................

11% Winter.......................11.60...............................4.60 ..............................4.09 ............................7.44 ...........................

14% Spring........................19.37...............................6.27 ..............................5.38 ...........................10.18............................

Barley.................................8.50...............................5.50 ..............................5.50 .........................10.00............................

5.95 5.97 7.96 9.50

Nampa: White Wheat (cwt)..........19.17...............................7.67 .............................6.33 ...........................10.85........................... 10.17 (bushel)...........11.50...............................4.60 ..............................3.80 ............................6.51............................. 6.10 Lewiston: White Wheat.................... 12.20..............................5.40 ..............................4.45 ............................7.40............................. 6.70 Barley................................211.50.............................99.50 ......................116.50...........................201.50........................ 186.50 Bean Prices: Pintos................................30.00........................37.00-38.00........................32.00.......................26.00-27.00....................... 50.00 Pinks.................................30.00....................... 38.00-40.00.................. 30.00-32.00.................25.00-28.00.................45.00-46.00 Small Reds...................37.00-40.00.................. 38.00-40.00........................30.00..............................0.00........................45.00-46.00 ***

IDAHO Milk production up 4.7 Percent February 17, 2012 Idaho milk production during January 2012 totaled 1.12 billion pounds, a 4.7 percent increase from the same month last year, and up slightly from December 2011, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

December 2011 milk production was revised down slightly to 1.11 billion pounds. Average milk production per cow in January 2012 was 1,920 pounds, up 60 pounds from last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s level. The average number of milk cows during January was 581,000 head, up 8,000 from January 2011.

Annual milk production for Idaho during 2011 was 13.3 billion pounds, a 3.7 increase from 2010. Production during 2011 was 22,934 pounds per cow, up from 22,658 pounds per cow in 2010.The average

number of milk cows increased to 578,000 head, up 14,000 head from 2010. In 2011, Idaho ranks third behind California and Wisconsin in total milk production.

Milk production in the 23 major States during January totaled 15.8 billion pounds, up 3.7 percent from January 2011. December revised production at 15.4 billion pounds, was up 2.7 percent from December 2010. The December revision represented an increase of 1 million pounds or less than 0.1 percent from last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preliminary production estimate. Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,857 pounds for January, 46 pounds above January 2011. The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.50 million head, 93,000 head more than January 2011, and 13,000 head more than December 2011.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

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5 Year livestock comparison .....................................02/22/2008...................02/20/2009...................02/22/2010..................02/21/2011..................02/20/2012 Under 500 lbs................108-135 ........................95-130 .........................102-139 ....................137-179 ....................155-226 500-700 lbs.....................95-135 .......................87-122 ..........................94-130 ........................120-167........................ 137-199 700-900 lbs..................... 87-119 ...........................77-94 .........................85-108 ......................105-137........................125-160 Over 900 lbs....................75-99 ...........................73-85 ...........................85-96 ..........................95-116..........................95-140 Feeder Heifers Under 500 lbs.................95-133 .........................84-115............................97-124 ...................108-161........................ 140-210 500-700 lbs..................... 91-121 ..........................80-100 .........................89-119 ......................97-153 ...................... 132-186 700-900 lbs.....................77-107............................74-88 ...........................82-98 ..........................91-128..........................115-162 Over 900 lbs....................65-94 ...........................75-80 .........................83-90 ..........................90-110..........................110-119 Holstein Steers Under 700 lbs..................50-74 ...........................44-56 ...........................55-80 .........................65-102.......................... 75-129 Over 700 lbs....................48-73 ...........................45-62 ...........................48-74 .......................... 65-94 ........................ 75-110 Cows Utility/Commercial...........32-60.............................32-49.............................38-62...........................54-84............................61-84 Canner & Cutter..............22-50.............................23-40.............................27-58............................ 40-72............................55-81 Stock Cows.....................375-1060........................460-820 .....................650-1195...................... 875-1500......................800-1600 Bulls – Slaughter............42-70.............................40-65.............................46-71............................ 65-95 ........................ 62-107

2011 Idaho Farm Numbers Down from 2010 The number of farms and ranches in Idaho in 2011 totaled 24,700, down 500 operations from 2010 according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.Total land in farms in 2011 for Idaho, at 11.4 million acres, was unchanged from 2010.The average size of farm was 462 acres in 2011, up from 452 acres in 2010.

The number of farms in the United States in 2011 is estimated at 2.2 million, down slightly from 2010. Total land in farms, at 917 million acres, decreased 1.85 million acres from 2010. The average farm size is 420 acres, up 1 acre from the previous year.

USDA’S definition of a farm is “any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the year”. Government payments are included in sales. Ranches, institutional farms, experimental and research farms, and Indian Reservations are included as farms.

Places with the entire acreage enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), or other government programs are counted as farms.

The definition of a farm was first established in 1850 and has changed nine times since. The current definition was first used for the 1974 Census.

Cattle Outlook February 17, 2012 The February live cattle futures contract settled at $128.60/cwt today, up $4.65 compared to last Friday and the highest close ever for the nearby live cattle futures contract. The April contract closed at $130.90/cwt, up $4.10 for the week. June fed cattle settled at $128.47 and August at $130.20/cwt.

Thanks in large part to a weak dollar, 2011 was a fantastic year for U.S. meat exports.

Beef, pork, chicken, and turkey exports were each record high. In total, the U.S. exported over 15 billion pounds of meat last year, up 10% from the 2008 record.

The U.S. exported 2.8 billion pounds of beef in 2011, 21.2% more than the year before and 10.7% above the old record set in 2003, the last year we were BSE free.

Beef exports exceeded imports by 732 million pounds. Through December, the U.S. has exported more beef than we imported for 16 consecutive months. Last year, beef exports equaled 10.64% of U.S. beef production and imports equaled 7.85% of our production.

In 2011, the four biggest foreign customers of U.S. beef were Canada, Mexico, Japan and South Korea, respectively. Together they purchased 65% of U.S. beef exports.

The biggest growth market was Canada which bought 110 million pounds more beef than in 2010. The value of beef exports, $4.7 billion, was up $1.2 billion (34%) compared to 2010.We exported a record $139 worth of beef for each head of cattle slaughtered in 2011.

U.S. beef imports during 2011 were down 241 million pounds (10.5%) compared to 2010 and at the lowest level since 1997. The three biggest suppliers of beef to the U.S. are Canada, New Zealand and Australia, respectively.

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

Beef cutout value was higher this week. On Friday morning, the choice boxed beef carcass cutout value was $190.22/cwt, up $3.81 from last week. The select carcass cutout was up $3.60 from the previous Friday to $185.43 per hundred pounds of carcass weight.

Fed cattle prices were steady this week with light volume. Through Thursday, the 5-area average price for slaughter steers sold on a live weight basis was $122.37/ cwt, down 88 cents from last week, but $15.38/cwt above the same week last year.

Steer prices on a dressed basis averaged $195.84/cwt this week, up 84 cents from a year ago.

This week’s cattle slaughter totaled 616,000 head, up 2.3% from the week before but down 5.8% compared to a year ago. The average dressed weight for slaughter steers for the week ending on February 4 was 860 pounds, up 5 pounds from the week before and up 15 pounds from a year earlier.

Oklahoma City prices were lower on calves but steady to $4 higher on feeder cattle with the ranges for medium and large frame #1 steers: 400-450# $199.50-$205, 450500# $187-$197, 500-550# $179-$187.50, 550-600# $177-$189, 600-650# $170$181, 650-700# $155.50-$166, 700-750# $154-$157.50, 750-800# $150-$158.75, 800-900# $137-$152.50, and 900-1000# $136.50-$138.25/cwt.

From University of Missouri

Classifieds Animals

Miscellaneous

Vehicles

Work Wanted

Hot walking 2” pipes; 20’ long arms. 4’ base, belt or chain driving. Was $400. Now $375.

Sandpoint, Id 208-263-5549

Horse Carriage, Naughahide top with fringe and seat, custom built, no harness, excellent condition, kept under cover. Middleton, Id. $900. Red and black. Like new. 208-5852030

1997 Ford Ranger pickup. Lots of miles on it, lots of work left in it! Great for farm.

Asking $1800 or best offer. Email for picture (kathleen@pmt.org)or call after 5 PM. 208532-4125

Irrigation Pipe Repair. Call Benson at 208896-4063 or 208-989-2457

1974 Marlette 14x70 Mobile Home with tip-out. Good condition. Near new furnace. $6,500. 1974 Academy 12x60 Good condition. $4,000. 1973 Academy 14x60 Good condition. $4,000.

1933 antique Ford – two door, rebuildable condition. Lewiston, Id. 208-743-5501

ASCA registered Australian Shepherd pups.

Working line since 1968. Full satisfaction guaranteed. All four colors available. Boise, Id 208-484-9802 APHA, AQHA and APHC horses for sale.

Bloodlines of Pana Dud, Skipper W, Chex Nu Jewel, Lucky W Bobar, Mr Conclusion bred.

Ages 1–14 years. Broke mares, geldings and stallions. $500-3500. St. Maries, Id 208-2453388 Border Collie, Chihuahua cross puppies.

Ready March 28. Mature weight 25-30 lbs.

Bold Border Collies. They will work. Smooth coated. $200 each. Also 2 Neutered male Chihuahua tan dogs. 6 and 7 lbs. 1 yr old.

House broke and mannered. $200 each. St. Maries, Id 208-245-3388

Farm Equipment Balewagons: New Holland self-propelled or pull-type models/parts. Also interested in buying balewagons. Will consider any model.

Call Jim Wilhite at 208-880-2889 anytime

Hay and Feed 200 ton grass hay. 80 lb bales. No rain.

8 to 12% protein. 130/ton. St. Maries, Id 208-245-2709

Help Wanted 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.

Household Restored antique oak furniture washstand, dressers, desks, tables, chairs, lawyer bookcases, hall tree, Victorian fireplace mantel from the 1800’s. Burley, Id. Call Don at 208-678-2036 or 431-2036

Wanted

Mobile Home Upgrades would need to be done before moved. Sold as is Condition.

Shelley area. For more details call 208-5285337. Please leave message.

2 to 3 horse pull trailer. Fold down feed doors on one side, high side on other. Little or no rust. Some dents ok. Paint ok. Will pay up to 4000. Farrell4@localnet.com St. Maries, Id 208-245-3388

20 used GluLam Beams- 20ft to 32ft lengths, 20in. to 30in. depths, all are 9in. wide, priced $20.00 to $16.00 per/ft. GMC 6 cylinder 270 cu/in w/hydra-matic 4 speed transmission $400.00. Angle Iron 6inX6inX3/8inX8ft., 6inX4inX3/8inX8ft. 2-metal Stairs for job vans. Rigby, ID. 208-745-8988

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.

Real Estate/Acreage Log home, 20 acres, overlooks lg. cattle ranch, near Blackfoot reservoir, Nat’l forest, 1 hour from Jackson. 2200 s.f., 2 bedroom, 2 bath, huge loft, 2 story rock fireplace, trex porches, radiant heat, wood floors, builtin vac, all appliances. 350K 970-764-4343 100 Acre ranch located on Farm to Market road in McCall Idaho a prime vacation destination for skiing, golf, water sports, hiking and scenery. Ranch has extensive water rights and cattle corrals and is priced to sell. Call Max @ 208-220-7239 or go to http://ruskaranch.com for photos Build Your Dream Home Here. 10 acres on gentle rolling land. County paved and maintained roads. Views Of CDA Lake. Close to Cave Bay Public Marina. Easy Drive To CDA Casino, CDA And Spokane. Can Be Subdivided. $125k. Call Dennis@208-771-4524

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS

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

DEADLINE DATES:

ADS MUST BE RECEIVED BY

March 20 FOR

NEXT ISSUE.

FREE CLASSIFIEDS

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

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

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

Mail ad copy to: GEM STATE PRODUCER P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848 or email Dixie at DASHTON@IDAHOFB.ORG Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________ City / State / Zip: __________________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________ Membership No. ___________________

FOR IDAHO FARM BUREAU MEMBERS

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send to: dashton@idahofb.org

_______________________________________________________________________________ Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2012

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