Fall 2013 Volume 13, Issue 4

Fall 2013 Volume 13, Issue 4

Fire Scorches Central Idaho – pg. 4

Hank Patterson: Self-Proclaimed, World Famous Fishing Guide – pg. 10

Food Page, Annual Meeting Announcement & More – Inside

The Ag Agenda

Maintaining Our Edge in the World Market

By Bob Stallman

President American Farm Bureau Federation

It was Benjamin Franklin who said that no nation was ever ruined by trade.

I would go one step further and say that no nation was ever economically viable without it.

Trade has always been a cornerstone of our country. The U.S. is considered a major epicenter of the global marketplace and, because of this, trade is a big economic driver for our domestic workforce.

Farm exports are significant to America’s status as a world trade leader, as well as local jobs, but many opportunities are being left on the table because of a lack of funding for waterways infrastructure upgrades and costly regulations.

Earlier this fall, a group of AFBF board members visited the West Coast and Canada to examine the impact of barriers to agricultural trade. They observed several intertwined issues that affect farmers’ abilities to export their goods to global customers, but most notable was port infrastructure.

See STALLMAN, page 6

The President’s Desk

GMO Labeling: Good Policy or Blind Hysteria?

By Frank Priestley President Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

According to one of the nation’s leading natural food retailers, consumers have a right to know what’s in their food and labeling of genetically altered food is good public policy.

Labeling of food products that contain GMO’s is popular in Europe. Voters in Washington will decide on a ballot initiative this fall to require such labeling in that state. A similar ballot initiative failed in California last year. Food producers and the many com-

panies that process and distribute food to grocery stores across the nation are watching closely as the debate gains momentum.

The policy, adopted last spring by Whole Foods Market (WFM), seems straightforward. Consumers definitely have a right to know what ingredients they are buying and eating. But upon closer examination, it becomes suspect whether WFM’s means attain their goal. In fact, in reality, and especially pertaining to animal products, the verification process by which the retailer will decide which products get a non-GMO label and which will carry a “this

See PRIESTLEY, page 6

Inside Farm Bureau

Thanksgiving Day - A Day of Gratitude and Prayer

By Rick Keller CEO Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

2

We have just witnessed our nation in crisis as the government was shut down for 16 days. We witnessed bickering and contention that separated, fractured, and divided this nation over weeks of debate, saber-rattling, demagoguery, and pompous rhetoric over the vital issues of funding our government and living up to its financial obligations. Political pundits question if civility will ever return to the three branches of government so that the People’s work

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

can be administered. The American people are frustrated and disappointed in their elected officials’ behavior and that frustration is reflected in the lowest approval ratings ever recorded for Congress and the President.

Believe it or not, our nation has seen other divided times. One such time was in 1865. The nation had suffered years of a bloody civil war. During Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address, a little over a month before he would be assassinated, he summed up the preceding years with, “All dread-

See KELLER, page 7

Volume 13, Issue 4

IFBF OFFICERS President ................................... Frank Priestley, Franklin Vice President ..................................Mark Trupp, Driggs Executive Vice President .............................. Rick Keller

Contents Features

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bryan Searle ............................................................Shelley 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 Tom Daniel ............................................... Bonners Ferry Carol Guthrie ......................................................... Inkom Cody Chandler ..................................................... Weiser STAFF Dir. of Admin. Services ....................... Nancy Shiozawa Dir. of Organization............................... Dennis Brower Commodities & Marketing Assistant ........... Peg Pratt Member Services Assistant . ................... Peggy Moore Publice Relations 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 ..........................Brody Miller Dist. V Regional Manager ...................... Bob Smathers Dir. of Governmental Affairs ...............Russ Hendricks Asst. Dir. of Governmental Affairs ... Dennis Tanikuni Energy/Natural Resources . ..................... Bob Geddes Director of Public Relations ............. John Thompson Video Services Manager ............................ Steve Ritter Broadcast Services Manager .................... Jake Putnam Office Manager, Boise ................... Julie Christoffersen Member Services Manager ........................ Joel Benson 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.

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

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

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

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

Cover: The Davison family of Prairie works to gather cattle after devastating fires swept through central Idaho in August. The Pony and Elk Complex fires scorched 50,000 in one day threatening homes, livestock and wildlife.

The Pony and Elk Complex Fires ripped through central Idaho in August causing widespread damage to both public and private land.

Bonus Editorial: IFBF Governmental Affairs Director Russ Hendricks analyzes the economic rationale of shutting down the federal government.

PAGE 4

PAGE 21

World famous fly fishing guide Hank Patterson has become an Internet sensation and is the alter ego of Boise resident Travis Swartz

PAGE 10 Scientists at the University of Idaho have pioneered a new process that will turn cow manure into biodegradable plastic.

PAGE 14

Focus on Agriculture

PAGE 23 A Taste of Idaho: Learn how to make Pumpkin and White Bean Turkey Chilli with Food writer Julie Christoffersen

PAGE 24 Farm Facts

University of Idaho forestry column

PAGE 28

PAGE 18

DEPARTMENTS The Ag Agenda: Bob Stallman............................................................. 2 The President’s Desk: Frank Priestley.............................................. 2 Inside Farm Bureau: Rick Keller......................................................... 2 Crossword Puzzle............................................................................... 20 Insurance Matters............................................................................... 34 Classifieds ............................................................................................ 42

Photo by Jessie Thompson

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

3

Ranches Hit Hard by Wildfires

By Steve Stuebner

On a hot, dark night in early August, a multitude of lightning bolts struck the foothills and mountains north of Mountain Home, igniting numerous wildfires. Grass, shrubs and timber were tinder-dry after months of no rain and below-normal snowpack, so the fires took off in a hurry.

“We come out on the road there by the dam,” he says. “By the time we got there, the fire was already on top of us, so we had to drive them down to the boat ramp by the water, and hold them there until it blow on by us. We got a bunch of them, but not near enough. I mean it came so fast you didn’t dare look back.”

“It came roaring up out of the river canyon, I don’t know how high the flames were,” Davison says. “We were already digging line, because we knew it was coming. It was wild. If it hadn’t been for all of the community, the tractors, the BLM resources and the air support, we wouldn’t have had a chance.”

Local ranchers immediately jumped in bulldozers to stop the blazes. Trained to fight fire through the Mountain Home Rangeland Fire Protection Association, they coordinated their actions with the Bureau of Land Management.

Randy Davison, meanwhile, managed to save some of Lyons’ summer range with dozer work, and he and his family tried to save their ranch and neighbors’ homes in Prairie. They could see the fire coming right at them.

The Davisons dug fireline with bulldozers around the clock to stop the fire’s advance while the aerial attack dropped fire retardant on grazing pastures near their home.

They saved the community of Prairie.

“There was lightning everywhere, and I was listening to the fire channel frequency to the Danskin Lookout, and he started calling in fire reports everywhere,” says Randy Davison, a Prairie rancher. “And we just went, ‘Oh my god.’ And then it went crazy from there.”

The winds were blowing at least 30 to 40 mph. Combined with the hot temperatures, the Pony Complex fires quickly raced across the foothills from Black’s Creek to Mountain Home, and the Elk Complex burned across the South Fork of the Boise River canyon and advanced northward toward Davison’s home in Prairie. Giant mushroom clouds forewarned of the danger.

The ranchers’ cattle, meanwhile, were grazing on summer range, several miles away or more. Ranchers jumped on horseback in hopes of moving their cattle out of harm’s way. Jeff Arrizabalaga went to Wilson Flat in hopes of rescuing his cattle and some cattle belonging to Charlie Lyons.

“It was a hot son of a b-----,” said Arrizabalaga. “We tried to get over there and get them out of there, and out of the front of it, by the time we got over there and started on them, it was a horse race to try and get them gathered out of there, and you can’t gather cows when you’re going that fast.”

In the heat of the moment, Arrizabalaga spied a place to escape the flames next to Anderson Ranch Dam. 4

Ranchers trail cattle over burned rangeland in the wake of the Pony / Elk Complex fires.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

Wildlife is left with no habitat after severe range fires.

On Day 3, the Elk Complex fire got worse, burning 50,000 acres in a single day. It burned over the top of cattle, sheep, wildlife, and charred 38 homes and 43 outbuildings in Fall Creek.

Rich Harvey, incident commander of the Elk Complex fire, explained the severe fire conditions.

“So you have all of this receptive fuel, you’ve got a lot of this heat built up from these lightning strikes, you’ve got a general uphill topography run, and it TOOK OFF,” Harvey said. “You’ve got extreme fire behavior at incredible rates of spread, throwing spots and ember showers half a mile in front of it. You put a big smoke column up, plume dominated, and it starts to suck in more oxygen, and on this day, DISASTER, from a fire spread standpoint. And disaster for anything in its way.”

Several ranchers lost a total of at least 100

cattle to the fires, in terms of direct losses.

But two bands of sheep narrowly escaped the blaze. “There were a couple of bands of sheep in the House Mountain area, they actually had to be abandoned by the herders,” Harvey said. “The good news, a lot of those sheep showed up at the reservoir a couple of days later. Kind of miraculously actually.”

quarter of the herd,” Lyons said. “I think I’m going to come out better than I expected.”

The fires also burned elk, deer, black bear, grouse and even osprey.

But an even larger concern for Lyons, as well as others, is the loss of summer range. “From the standpoint of my public range, I lost it all.”

That means he won’t be able to graze his cattle on federal land the rest of this summer, and for the next two years, to allow time for the range to heal.

“We usually don’t see direct mortality on a broad scale, with the exception of bears,” said Josh Royse, Conservation Officer for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

“Bears usually climb trees to get away from danger, and we know that’s not a very safe place to be in a fire.”

Mountain Home Rancher Preston Lord also lost a lot of his summer range. “So now we’ve got to figure out where we’re going to go with these cows,” Lord said. “I don’t think it pencils to feed them $200 hay. I raise a lot of hay, but when that’s done, I’ll probably have to sell cows.”

Ranchers like Charlie Lyons had to send over 45 burned cattle to slaughter because of severe injuries. “With the dead cattle and the burnt cattle, I’ll probably lose one-

Lyons is still contemplating his options.

“I haven’t got my head wrapped around it See Wildfires p. 8

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

5

STALLMAN Continued from page 2 Port Investment = Jobs Sadly, U.S. ports and waterways are decades behind our international competitors due to years of neglect and a lack of funding. Only about half of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which funds the operation and maintenance of ports, is being allocated toward port infrastructure, and the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), seems to be permanently docked in Congress.

While U.S. ports on average were last updated around the same time the Beatles cut their first album, our international competitors are continually investing in their trading future. The Port of Vancouver, for example, is undergoing a nearly $900 million infrastructure improvement program that will be completed next spring.

While on the West Coast, the AFBF leaders saw

PRIESTLEY

Continued from page 2

product contains genetically modified organisms” label, is no more than a charade.

Last spring, Whole Foods Market (WFM) announced plans to label every product in their stores by 2018. WFM has contracted with and provided major financial backing to a nonprofit organization in Bellingham, Washington called The Non-GMO Project. The Non-GMO Project is staffed primarily by political operatives and others who adamantly oppose genetic modification of crops and support labeling.

WFM has also supported the voter initiatives in California and Washington and made public its belief that the federal government should step in and regulate a new labeling system.

Where the argument loses credibility is in the verification process. But before we delve into the difficulty of verification, consumers should understand that the only crops in production and that currently utilize genetic modification are corn, soybeans, sugar beets, alfalfa, papaya, canola, cotton and summer squash. For the vegetable-eating public, there is little change at stake whether non-GMO labeling gains public 6

how critical the ports are for farm products and local jobs. For example, Washington is the nation’s most trade-dependent state, where trade is responsible for 40 percent of all jobs. Agriculture products are Washington’s third-largest export. In Oregon, one in five jobs depends on trade of farm products, accounting for 10 percent of Oregon’s gross domestic product.

Further, the Port of Oakland supports 73,000 local jobs and 827,000 jobs across the country.

Last year, nearly half the value of exports leaving the Oakland port were farm products. East Coast ports, too, are just as critical to farm exports and are in dire need of improvements.

Rails, Regs and Red Tape

cent of all activity around the Seattle port is tied to rail, making its infrastructure maintenance essential.

Another growing challenge for ports, shippers and farmers is the cost of keeping pace with the loading and handling requirements for larger vessels that shippers are using, along with federal regulations for exporters. In other words, a lot of red tape.

The U.S. wine industry is faced with such strict export rules and regulations that it takes a month on average from the time an international order is placed until it leaves the U.S., making us the smallest exporter of wine by percentage in the world.

There are other issues that affect global exports, such as state efforts to prevent coal transport and export, which could affect rail investment and potentially raise transportation costs to all rail customers, including farmers. Rails play a significant role in trade. For example, 40 per-

To maintain our edge in the global market, we need to invest more in our ports and waterways infrastructure, as well as alleviate prohibitive regulations that are forcing farmers to leave opportunities on the table.

acceptance or not. This overlooked fact makes a nice, but hollow talking point for WFM and the Non-GMO Project to tout the thousands of products they have already verified. It’s not difficult to verify carrots, potatoes, onions and many others as “non-gmo” when there is no seed to begin with.

WFM and the Non-GMO Project that no test exists that can tell the difference between sugar, corn, soy or any of the others that came from GMO seed being any different than commodities that came from conventional seed. In addition, if a cow, a pig, sheep, etc. eats crops that come from GMO seed, there is no test in existence that can tell any difference in the meat, milk etc. from that of any other animal.

However, when you consider that most of the main ingredients in livestock feed are corn, soybeans and alfalfa, and that significant percentages of these crops currently in production are genetically modified, it becomes a much stickier issue for producers of meat, cheese, milk, and other dairy products.

Although labeling advocates point to a host of undocumented and unproven allegations about the dangers of eating food that contains GMO’s, and perceived threats to the environment, it’s important to understand a few simple, proven facts. First, genetically altered crops have been in production in the U.S. for nearly 20 years, have been deemed safe through extensive testing by the federal government, and have shown zero adverse effects on the health of the general public.

In addition, it has been acknowledged by both

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

So how does WFM, the Non-GMO Project or any of the other advocates of this policy intend to verify their label? The short answer is they can’t. But what they are telling consumers is that products earn a non-gmo label by going through a “process-based” verification process. Ultimately what that means is that livestock feed must first be certified organic and second, it must be traceable and tested. Without a major paradigm shift in U.S. livestock production, neither of those processes is possible at a meaningful level.

If WFM wants to develop and fund a verification process to provide their shoppers with a meaningless label, we don’t see a problem. But creating a new government bureaucracy that essentially does the same thing is absurd.

KELLER Continued from page 2 ed [civil war], all sought to avert it….

Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish, and the war came.”

Lincoln then challenged his fellow countrymen with this dichotomy while addressing a divided nation: “Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other…. The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes.”

A year and a half prior to that address, in the midst of the war, Lincoln issued a proclamation setting the precedent for America’s national day of Thanksgiving to be held the fourth Thursday in November. It is amazing to me that during our nation’s darkest hour, Lincoln strongly believed there was yet much to be grateful for and as a nation we should express “Thanksgiving and Praise” to “the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.” Then, at the conclusion of the proclamation, Lincoln encouraged us as a nation to “fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.”

Three-quarters of a century earlier, the fledgling United States was having its first constitutional crisis. The Constitutional Convention had been meeting for five weeks, and had hit a perilous deadlock. The large states were insisting that congressional representation be based on population; the smaller states wanted a one-state-one-vote rule. The entire effort to create a stronger union was in jeopardy. Eighty-one year old Benjamin Franklin, quiet during most of the deliberations, addressed the group. “I have lived a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see

of this truth – that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?” He continued, “I also believe that without [God’s] concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments by Human wisdom and leave it to chance, war, and conquest.”

He then encouraged and it was adopted that each morning, “prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations” be offered.

Now, returning to our current situation as a nation, is there not an urgent need for Divine guidance to lead and direct our Nation again? During the recent debacle in Congress, one individual continues to implore Heaven’s blessing upon our nation. His name is Senate Chaplain Barry Black. Rear Admiral Barry C. Black, USN (Ret.) is the 62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate.

He served for over 27 years as a chaplain in the United States Navy, rising to the rank of rear admiral and ending his career as the Chief of Chaplains of the United States Navy. Daily before the Senate begins; Chaplain Black seeks blessings from the Almighty upon our country and its leaders. In prayers he has begged God, “Deliver us from the hypocrisy of attempting to sound reasonable while being unreasonable” and “Look with favor on our nation and save us from self-inflicted wounds.”

This Thanksgiving season, let us remember to follow Lincoln’s fervent plea in that first Thanksgiving proclamation, to “implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation.” Let us pray for our nation, our leaders, and our people. For as Chaplain Black remarked, “I also believe that … prayers make a difference because God answers prayers.”

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

7

WILDFIRES

Continued from page 5

The Pony and Elk Complex fires started in early August and burned for nearly a month.

yet. I think I’ll sell down, so I can manage what I have for the next couple of years, and maybe get a second job fighting fire, I don’t know.”

If ranchers need to downsize their herds to get by for now, at least cattle prices are favorable. In the meantime, officials with the Idaho Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, the BLM and the Forest Service were looking into alternative pastures for ranchers. The fires burned the summer range of at least 20 ranchers whose cattle graze on BLM and Forest Service land in the fire zones.

“Well, if someone is burned out of their allotment, hopefully there are some other pastures available,” said Holly Hampton, range conservationist for the Boise National Forest. “Typically, if we had other vacant allotments available on the forest, we 8

could help locate them there. But this was a pretty devastating fire for us, so we’ve burned the majority of our allotments.”

In the meantime, NRCS has made some Conservation Reserve farm pastures available on an emergency basis in Elmore County.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture has set up a web page for ranchers needing help. “The web page the Department of Agriculture put up is a one-stop place for producers to go,” said John Biar, range management specialist for ISDA. “There’s information for emergency loans, and we put together contact information for people to talk to, to help them through this.”

The BLM also is looking for vacant grazing allotments, but there isn’t much available. “By and large, Idaho BLM is fairly fully allocated. There are very few vacant

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

allotments across the state,” said Jeff Foss, deputy state director of the BLM. Staying off the federal range for two years is normally what the agencies prescribe after fires.

“Typically, we have a policy of two year’s rest, and then we’ll go in and evaluate,” Hampton said. “But maybe some of the pastures didn’t burn, so we could still use those pastures. We hope we can put livestock back on as soon as possible. It’s hard for these folks to find other ground for their animals. We’ll do what we can.”

In late August, the Pony and Elk complex fires were contained as they burned into last year’s Trinity Ridge Fire. All told, they burned a total of 281,000 acres. Now the agencies are evaluating what kinds of rehabilitation measures will be needed. Fire officials said about 80 percent of the fire

zone burned very intense and hot, meaning soil-stabilization measures will be vital and necessary to avoid major erosion problems.

“We’re working with these teams of specialists to say, where should we aerially seed, where can we disk seed, what kind of erosion structures do we need to put in place, all to increase the likelihood of natural revegetation,” Foss said. “That’s a vital component to restoring an area after a wildfire, and getting it to a point where grazing can come back to its permitted level.”

Idaho Fish and Game will be seeking volunteers to help to plant sagebrush and bitterbrush in the fire zones.

“We know that winter range is our bottleneck for our mule deer populations, so that’s where we are really focusing our efforts for habitat improvement and restoration,” Royse said. “So, certainly there will be bitterbrush planting. We need all the help we can get. For sage-grouse restora-

tion, sagebrush is critically important.”

In a community meeting in Fairfield, Gov. Butch Otter urged the BLM and the Forest Service to do more active range management to prevent large, destructive fires.

An estimated 24,000 acres of sage-grouse habitat burned.

“If you use our management practices to remove the fuels, you don’t get those hot burns and even with lightning strikes, if you’ve removed the fine fuels, the cheatgrass, you won’t get these large hot fires that we’re getting,” Otter said. “We’re in the process of keeping the sage hen off the endangered species list. The greatest threat to keeping the species off the list happens to be fire.”

Mountain Home ranchers agree that more proactive management is needed.

“I guess I’m not a big fan of the BLM right now,” said Preston Lord. “We need some intense grazing. We need to have some

common sense in this thing. I understand that there’s a time not to be on that, when the grass is green and growing, I understand that. But when the grass gets ripe and produces a seed head, the cattle, and the deer and elk can come in here, and graze it off. When they keep us off for 2-3 years, all they’re asking for is another one of these,” motioning to the fire-blackened ground.

Lord and Gov. Otter are speaking about cheatgrass, a very flammable exotic grass that was accidentally imported into the western United States in the late 1800s.

While native shrub-steppe plants may need two growing seasons of rest after a wildfire to re-establish, cheatgrass grows back with a vengeance immediately following a fire.

If rested for two years, cheatgrass fields could be more than a foot high, ready to burn.

Jeff Foss of the BLM says the agency is evaluating the use of targeted grazing to See WILDFIRES, page 27

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

9

Boise fly fisherman Travis Swartz hooks a trout in a stream near Picabo. Swartz recently created an alter ego named Hank Patterson who has gained national acclaim on YouTube.

Boise Videographer Creates “World Famous” Alter Ego

By John Thompson Travis Swartz is a fly fishing videographer.

One of his favorite things is casting a fly, watching the line stretch out, land gently and drift toward rising trout.

Another of his favorite pursuits is making people laugh.

About a year ago Swartz and his friend, Reese Ferguison, created an alter ego and a video called “The Reel Adventures of Fly Fishing Expert Hank Patterson.” The video 10

won a contest in The Drake, a fly fishing magazine and was later posted on the Orvis Company’s website. In one day it received 10,000 views, and during the first week it collected 27,000. Hank became an overnight sensation generating a significant following that led to creation of several five to 12 minute-long productions. In turn, creating Hank Patterson has landed them trips around the country, several speaking engagements and fundraisers, and a list of top-flight fly fishing product sponsors.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

Swartz said the perceived stuffiness or elitism that surrounds the sport of fly fishing was ripe for exploitation.

“I had never seen anything funny in a fly fishing film,” he said. “I’ve seen funny moments in films and I’ve seen attempts at funny but never seen anything legitimately funny. So the bar was low and that’s right where I like it.”

Swartz is the son of a used car salesman and graduate of Borah High School. He’s

married and says he has two teenaged daughters, one 22, the other 16. Growing up, humor was a big part his life.

“My dad is certifiable and I think it all started with that guy,” Swartz said. “I grew up trying to be funny and my friends are some of the funniest people in the world. I’m not even the funniest one – well I probably am, but I’m trying to check the ego.”

He cultivated his talent as an actor in Shakespearean theater, working in New York, Oregon and California. He was also part of the Idaho Theater for Youth where he worked in 120 shows all over the state. After that he learned to shoot and edit independent films working with Director Michael Hoffman to produce “Out of the Blue,” a film about Boise State University’s undefeated 2006 football season and upset of Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.

What brings everything together for Swartz is fly fishing.

Developing an intimate understanding of the sport over the years allows him to poke fun at it.

“I’ve been fly fishing for 20 years but if you watched me you’d wonder if I started a month ago,” he said. “I compare it to gambling. If you’re sitting at a slot machine and you think it’s going to hit and you just can’t get yourself to leave, that’s fly fishing to me.

It takes my mind off things and nothing else seems to exist. I love every minute of it.”

But not being afraid to make fun of fly fishing has cast a few negative comments in Hank’s direction, Swartz said.

“I’ve had a few negative com-

ments and I don’t expect everyone to like Hank,” Swartz said. “I don’t like cilantro but if I’m at a Mexican restaurant and they’re serving it, I don’t go in and flip the bird to the cook.

I just realize it’s something I don’t like.”

What’s been pleasantly surprising about Hank’s videos is broad acceptance from people who make their living at fly fishing. Industry insiders say Hank’s humor is appealing to young people and that helps grow the sport.

“Most everybody who approaches me about a sponsorship has a real interest in attracting the younger generation to the sport of fly fishing and they think that Hank communicates with the younger generation,” Swartz said. “We try to be somewhat respectful to the sport. People might think we are making fun of the old guard and the stuffiness of it but I think we are having fun with the stuffiness of it.”

flow, but changes are coming. Swartz and his film crew recently returned from a trip to Montana where they fished and filmed on rivers from Livingston to Missoula. They are planning to release six new five to ten minute videos on YouTube and produce a short film called “Hank Patterson’s Reel Montana Adventure.” It tells the story of how Hank came to be a fly fisherman and walking in the footsteps of Norman Maclean, author of “A River Runs Through It.” The video will be made available for download for a small fee, Swartz said.

Among his most proud accomplishments is a relationship developed with Reel Recovery (reelrecovery.org), a non-profit organization that sponsors men who are recovering from cancer

on fly fishing retreats. Swartz’s friend Reese Ferguison, who plays the part of Hank’s fishing client in all of the videos, but rarely utters a single word, was a participant in one of the retreats and the pair teamed up to make a video for the organization. Ferguison is a long-time friend and creative contributor who helped develop and find new opportunities for Hank.

“What they did for Reese and all the participants at their retreats is pretty awesome,” Swartz said. “We made a really cool film about it for them, it’s goofy and ridiculous, but it’s amazing what a little laughter can do for people in a tough situation.”

See PATTERSON, page 12

His sponsors include Trout Unlimited, Orvis, Redington, Smith Optics and several others. Swartz says he won’t include advertising on his YouTube channel so Hank isn’t making money, but he gets a lot of free gear, and it’s top shelf gear.

“RIO Products in Idaho Falls has been kind to us,” Swartz said. “When we approached them about a sponsorship it was long after their budget was spent but they gave me a really nice shirt. I use it as a rag around the house, but it’s really nice.”

Hank’s YouTube videos are approaching a half million views. Swartz says it takes a lot more than that to create cash Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

11

PATTERSON Continued from page 11

World famous fly fishing guide Hank Patterson, right, with his only client and sidekick Reese Ferguison.

Photo Courtesy of Hank Patterson

Q & A with Hank Patterson

Idaho Farm Bureau editor John Thompson was recently granted the opportunity to sit down with world famous (self-proclaimed) expert fly fishing guide Hank Patterson. Following are Patterson’s candid 12

responses to a short list of questions.

Q – What sets Hank Patterson apart from other fly fishing guides?

A - There are literally thousands of answers to

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

this question. I believe that a guide is there to do as little as possible for the client while other guides seem to believe the job is to do absolutely everything for the client. Other guides bring the client’s lunch, bring the

client’s beer and tie on the client’s flies. I’m not a personal chef, I’m not a river bar tender and if you can tie your own shoe you can damn well tie on your own See PATTERSON p.38

The lifeblood of America .

They’re the humble heroes who rise before dawn and battle the elements. They put clothes on our backs and food on our tables. Their genuine values and tireless work ethic are an inspiration to us all. We appreciate all that America’s farmers do and invite you to join us in saying thanks at www.fbfs.com/SayThanksToAFarmer.

/SayThanksToAFarmer FB02-ID (7-13)

ID-Tribute(7-13).indd 1

6/6/13 3:41 PM

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

13

Civil engineering professor Erik Coats and PhD student Nick Guho work with a scale model of a tank that converts manure into biodegradable plastic. The tank can produce two to five pounds of plastic a day. Photo courtesy of University of Idaho

U of I Research Team Turns Manure into Plastic

By Jake Putnam Idaho has more than a half million dairy cows and each one generates about 100 pounds of manure per day.

A University of Idaho Research team headed by Eric Coats has successfully turned cow manure into plastic, which is good news for Idaho’s dairy industry.

“I was doing bio plastics research a few years back,” said Coats. “And to make 14

bio plastics, I needed a lot of carbon along with electrons. I needed a steady source and found that cow manure works out perfectly.”

Coats is a civil engineer, and their mission in Moscow is to do research projects that meet the needs of Idaho’s growing industries. With the dairy industry bringing in more than $2-billion a year, his research group decided to tackle livestock waste.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

“We focused on resource recovery and from the start we saw value in dairy waste streams. There are useable compounds in that manure. From the beginning we looked for ways to leverage things like microbial processes, things that bacteria can perform, then to capture and recover the nutrients into something of value,” explained Coats.

The research team went to work focusing on naturally occurring bacteria in the ma-

nure. Like energy researchers before them, they sought ways to put the bacteria to work.

Putting manure in a tank and letting it ferment, they dovetailed their research using anaerobic digesters. They purposely wanted a project that would make use of that technology and wanted to take it further.

Coats says when manure settles it separates into a liquid and solid mass. The liquids are sucked out of the tank and fed to bacteria. The bacteria eat and digest the nutrient-rich liquids. The researchers found that bacteria stores nutrients the same as humans. As the bacteria fattens up they’re killed in a chlorine solution and then dried up.

The big discovery? The bacterial produces a raw plastic compound in granule form.

“The fermented plastic is known as polyhydroxyalkanoate, or PHA. PHA is similar to today’s petroleum-based plastics, including polyethylene and polypropylene. But unlike petro-plastics, PHA is biodegradable and can be biologically produced from unwanted organic waste,” said Coats.

sive. Researchers say plastic is needed to help bring energy production costs down. Adding a revenue stream like plastic to energy production could bring a lot more manure into the production process. Researchers say that’s good for the environment and the pocketbook.

In today’s marketplace there’s growing demand for biodegradable plastic. Everything from single use packaging materials to nursery planting pots to plastic bottles is possible.

“First of all conventional plastics are made from oil which most people don’t realize,” said Coats. “Second of all because it’s a biodegradable commodity there are applications that would generate higher value, higher returns with the plastic and so we would look at direct consumer product opportunities. Things like the planter pots or erosion control matting, printer cartridges, there are a variety of applications. We use plastic everywhere with a variety of commodities but people want biodegradable plastic.”

Bob Naerebout Executive Director of the Idaho Dairyman’s Association is excited with the project. Their group has financially supported the research team for years.

The Research team found a cost-added benefit, pairing energy producing anaerobic di“So how great can this be? We gesters with plastic production. produce milk for the young“Recognizing the need to help sters, and then to have a youngstabilize Idaho’s dairy manure- ster wrapped in a biodegradable to-electricity industry, the re- plastic diaper made from the search group is working to pro- dairy industry. Then imagine duce a second commodity from throwing the used diaper into manure,” said Coats. a biodegradable plastic garbage bag. It’s almost a full cycle proIdaho has just six dairy ancess with so many applications. aerobic digesters in operaIt could impact society as a tion. The digesters turn manure whole.” says Naerebout. from 51-thousand dairy cows into electricity, but it’s expen- But a million dollar question

hangs in the balance.

“Is there a way to make all this occur economically? That’s really the direction I think Eric and the research team needs to go--commercial economics,” said Naerebout.”

The University of Idaho is constructing a mobile pilot-scale system and will start testing full scale at some dairies later this year.

“Pending success of these trials we’ll deploy the process to Idaho dairies in three to five years,” said Coats.

The U of I research team continues to get grants from the private sector with hopes of turning a liability into a revenue producing asset.

“Our progress on this biomass

energy technology could not have been made without support from the Idaho Dairymen’s Association and the Idaho National Lab, the National Science Foundation and the Idaho State Board of Education’s Higher Education Research Council,” explained Coats. “We look forward to working with these partners to help expand the use of biomass for energy.”

While testing continues on the innovative process, commercial application is still a few years away.

From the small lab at the U of I Dairy, the plastic research team hopes to move the operation to a large working dairy in southern Idaho, ground zero of Idaho’s billion dollar dairy industry.

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17

Choosing the Right Harvesting System

By Randy Brooks and Rob Keefe In previous columns we have discussed silvicultural systems and methods (clearcut, seed tree, shelterwood, and selection systems of harvesting) as well as roads, skid trails, and forest road drainage structures.

These are all necessary parts of the forest harvest systems and methods of getting forest products from the land to the mill. For this column, we’d like to discuss different harvesting methods that are options for Idaho forest land owners.

allow sediment to be carried.

Additional traction for rubbertired skidding machines can be created by putting slash mats down to increase traction, especially in wet areas on skid trails and during winter operations. Slash mats also help to catch sediment that may be carried in overland flow.

With either tracked or rubbertired skidding machines, careful planning of skid trails is important for reducing soil compaction. Unplanned skid trails can occupy more than one third of total stand area, and most soil compaction occurs during the first one to two machine passes.

On steep slopes, and where soil compaction is a concern, tracked skidders (cats) should be used. Tracked skidders reduce ground pressure because machine weight is spread out over a larger surface area.

Cable skidders have the advantage of being able to yard logs from sensitive areas, such as within the stream protection zone (SPZ), without having to drive to the stump. On the other hand, pulling logs with-

out lift means that yarding with a cable skidder can also cause more ground disturbance than a grapple skidder. Careful consideration of the pros and cons for each piece of equipment is important in each harvesting operation.

Cut-to-length systems Cut-to-length logging uses a harvester with a processing head that limbs and bucks logs to length in the woods. A log forwarder is then used to carry the logs to the landing. Because ground skidding is not needed, cut-to-length systems tend to

Ground-based skidding Ground-based skidding with grapple or cable skidders (and occasionally horses) is common in Idaho and is appropriate on slopes less than 40 percent.

However, ground-based skidding should only be conducted when conditions are either dry or snowy enough (or on hard frozen ground) that excessive rutting and soil compaction is avoided. Rutting occurs under wet conditions when the weight of a machine, as well as possible spinning of tires, cause depressions in the ground. Ruts create watercourses on hillsides that 18

Shovel logging, using tracked loaders, is an excellent practice to reduce soil impacts.

Photo by Rob Keefe

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

reduce both the total stand area with soil disturbance and the area in skid trails, which can reduce overall soil compaction. Because trees are always processed in the woods in cut-to-length operations, plenty of slash is available during forwarding and can be used to pad forwarder trails. This reduces ground disturbance, increases tire traction, and traps sediment.

Shovel logging When turn distances are short, shovel logging using loaders, also known as swing machines to advance logs to the roadside can be more productive than ground skidding and causes less ground disturbance. Shovels are on carriers with tracks, so machine weight is distributed over a larger surface area than on rubber-tired skidders. Shovel logging is now the most common groundbased logging system used on moderate slopes on many industrial ownerships west of the Cascades. However, when shovel logging requires more than two to three swings, the productivity drops off and this system becomes less cost effective. In logging operations where it is feasible, shovel logging is an excellent practice to reduce soil disturbance and rutting during weather conditions when precipitation is possible, such as during early summer and late fall harvesting.

Ground based skidding can be obtained with self-loading forwarders.

Photo by Rob Keefe

Cable yarding Cable yarding is more expensive than ground-skidding but causes less soil compaction. Cable systems designed with appropriate deflection See FORESTRY p. 30

Ground based skidding using a grapple skidder. Machines can have rubber tires or tracks.

Photo by Rob Keefe

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

19

Insurance Terms CROSSWORD PUZZLE: INSURANCE TERMS Across 4. An attachment to an insurance policy that alters the policy’s coverage or terms 8. Termination of coverage because of nonpayment within a specified time period 9. A decrease in the value of any type of tangible property over a period of time 11. A provision in an insurance policy that eliminates coverage for certain risks, people, property classes, or locations 15. A demand for payment by an insured for a loss covered by an insurance policy 17. A condition that curtails to some degree a person's ability to carry on his normal pursuits 18. Synonym for insurance 20. The act or process of maintaining insurance in force by issuing a new policy to replace an expiring policy 22. The amount of loss paid by the policyholder 23. The period of time for which a policy or bond is issued 24. Evaluates losses and settles policyholder claims 25. Also known as "producers", typically sell a variety of insurance and financial products 20

Down 1. Agreement to settle a claim dispute by accepting a decision made by a third party.

2. A reduction in the quality or value of a property, or a legal liability 3. An individual who depends on another for support and maintenance 5. A written contract for insurance between an insurance company and policyholder stating details of coverage

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

6. Damaged property an insurer takes over to reduce its loss after paying a claim 7. The price of an insurance policy 10. A legally enforceable financial obligation 12. Property that is offered to secure a loan or other credit and that becomes subject to seizure on default 13. A policy benefit or claim payment

14. Temporary authorization of coverage issued prior to the actual insurance policy 16. An unexpected happening 19. To transfer property, rights, or interests to another 21. Maximum amount of insurance that can be paid for a covered loss

ANSWERS ON PAGE 29

Would the Sky Really Fall?

By Russ Hendricks The recent government shutdown has demonstrated an astonishing lack of understanding of basic economic principles by the media and the general public. The old adage is apparently still true, if you repeat a lie enough times most people will believe it.

To illustrate: If a business or a family spent far more money than it earned annually, borrowed heavily on credit cards each year to make up the short-fall and maxed out their cards, in what universe would anyone think that it would remedy the situation to seek additional credit cards? That is exactly what the federal government has done.

Businesses or families in that self-inflicted situation would have to make some tough choices to avoid bankruptcy. It would not be painless. Spending would have to be slashed so expenses did not exceed income, assets would be sold off and every dime of available money used to pay down their debt to return to solvency.

It is not possible to build a solid foundation for a family, a business or a nation by spending more than you earn. The chickens have now come home to roost and the longer we wait to solve the problem, the more painful the solution will be.

However, we are being told that when it comes to the federal government it would be “bad” for the economy to cut spending and pay down the debt. In fact, we are being told it would be bad for the entire world economy. Really?

Clearly it would be bad, at least temporarily, for those workers who are employed by the government in jobs that are not authorized by the U.S. Constitution and are prime targets for elimination in order to get spending back under control. But it would also be a tremendous boon to the personal economy of every American whose liberty

would be restored through reduced regulations and bureaucracy and whose purchasing power would not be eroded every year by the Federal Reserve continuing to print money to cover our debt obligations. It would also strengthen our ability to repay existing U.S. debt and shore up our nation’s credibility with lenders.

Those temporarily unemployed by government by cutbacks would be able to find work in the private sector which would grow faster as fewer taxes are extracted from the economy and more investment and consumer spending is unleashed. Just because there would be fewer government jobs is not a credible reason to maintain our unsustainable status quo. The same could be said for the unfortunate people who once worked producing buggy whips, polyester leisure suits and electric typewriters.

In the late 1980s New Zealand identified three problems they were trying to fix; too much spending, too much taxing and too much government. Does that sound familiar?

Over a period of just a few years, they reduced the number of government employees by 66 percent, government expenditures as a share of GDP dropped from 44 to 27 percent and national debt shrank from 63 percent to 17 percent of GDP. They also cut taxes in half, resulting in 20 percent more tax revenue.

This remarkable achievement was accomplished by refocusing on what government is meant to do - protect the rights and property of its citizens. This allowed New Zealand to eliminate government programs that were improper or unnecessary and to privatize others that were still needed, but better done outside the public sector.

They also sold off many assets that would be much more effective and efficient under private ownership. They “downsized” government.

Russ Hendricks

These changes resulted in lots of unemployed government workers. However, those former government workers began working in the private sector, many earning up to three times what they had in the public sector. More importantly, they found they could accomplish more than they had at their old jobs, which provided greater job satisfaction.

The point is this has been done before with positive results. It would be no different here, if we had the backbone to do it. We cannot fall prey to the Chicken Little syndrome and believe the sky will fall simply because we are told it will.

Russ Hendricks is the director of Governmental Affairs for the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation. He can be reached at rhendricks@idahofb.org

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

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Focus on Agriculture Is the Energy Crisis Over?

By Stewart Truelsen The energy crisis is behind us, right, or is it just taking a breather as it has from time to time? The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the United States is expected to be the largest producer of petroleum and natural gas in 2013, surpassing Russia and Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. is a lot less vulnerable to major supply disruptions like the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973. Domestic oil production is now the highest in the nation’s history, and energy self-sufficiency is just around the corner.

The rise in American production of oil and gas is largely due to hydraulic fracturing or fracking of wells in places like North Dakota, Texas and the Eastern United States.

However, the Wall Street Journal quotes energy officials from Russia and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries as saying the U.S. shale boom will play out before too long. Sounds like sour grapes on their part.

Gasoline consumption started dropping during the Great Recession in response to the economic slowdown, and it has contin-

ued to drop due to the greater fuel efficiency of autos and trucks. Wind energy for power generation is the fastest-growing renewable fuel aside from solar power, which is growing from a much smaller base.

With all these positive signs, what’s to worry about? For one thing, the EIA is predicting that world energy demand will grow by 56 percent between 2010 and 2040. At present most of that growth is from China and India.

Another concern is that despite all the talk about renewable energy, renewables supply only 2.4 percent of the world’s energy, that’s up from about 1 percent in 2002, but a long way to go to offset the burning of oil, coal and natural gas.

Coal is expected to run out within 50 years, but there is little agreement on when oil will run out. The only consensus seems to be that oil will be harder to find and extract, and thus more expensive.

For now, there is no single, obvious successor to fossil fuels. If so, perhaps we could rule out another energy crisis. Robert B. Laughlin, a Nobel Laureate in Physics and author of “Powering the Future,” thinks

saltwater farming of microalgae, a sort of green coal, is in our future, but way in the future.

The head of British Petroleum endorses the idea of energy flexibility. Likewise, the American Farm Bureau Federation calls for a comprehensive approach to our nation’s energy needs. AFBF says the nation is best served by a diverse, domestic energy supply including further development and use of renewables such as ethanol, biodiesel, biomass, solar and wind.

Farm Bureau also recognizes that stopping the exploration and development of fossil fuels for whatever reasons cannot be done without severely disrupting the economy.

A crisis could easily be triggered by overreacting to climate change and environmental issues.

The best way to make sure the energy crisis doesn’t return is a comprehensive energy policy that keeps all of our options open and maintains a stable energy market.

Stewart Truelsen is the author of “Forward Farm Bureau,” a book marking the 90th anniversary of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

23

A Taste of Idaho:

Fall:Time to Break out the Comfort Food Recipes

By Julie Christoffersen I can hardly believe I turned the calendar to November. Didn’t we just watch the last of the snow melt away and the grass begin to grow? The good thing about the coming fall is the renewed craving for delicious cuisines that we tend to avoid at other times of the year. And the comfort foods we crave, when the temperature starts to drop, are some of the easiest meals to prepare.

The older I get the more I realize how much I enjoy simplicity in cooking. Simplicity doesn’t mean you can’t create a delicious meal. There are many “one pot” meals that satisfy both the desire to cook and your taste buds.

One such recipe is a one pot meal that is rather tasty and takes about one hour from preparation to serving. This healthy chili recipe, with a bit of a twist, is a Pumpkin and White Bean Turkey Chili. Even though it is lighter than the traditional chili, it will satisfy any size appetite. It’s about convenience when you are so busy with work and family, and this meal takes little time and requires little clean-up.

One thing that comes to mind when you think of chili is “hot and spicy.” True— chili has been spicy hot from the first bowl, so some think. It is unknown as to where the first bowl was made and by whom.

Some believe the Incas, Aztecs and Mayan Indians were making a mixture of meat, beans, peppers, and herbs long before the American cowboys ate it along the dusty trail. But, ask a Texan about the first bowl and they will tell you tales of the concoction and the range cooks on the great cattle drives. And this debate will likely continue on and on for many years to come.

The traditional beef chili has been altered by many cooks through the ages. Sometimes it was by necessity that the beef became pork, chicken, turkey, elk or deer.

24

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

Without a doubt, this turkey chili recipe is worth the cook’s time. With a bit of pumpkin spice and the smoky chipotle chilies, the flavor is mouthwatering. The pumpkin and spice does not stand out or take over the chili. And the pumpkin lends a creamy consistency to the recipe.

For those of you, who like their chili hot, try more of the chipotle chilies in the recipe. Spicy hot cuisine is something I didn’t acquire a taste for, so I use three chilies in the recipe which gives it just enough kick.

I know how we all love those turkey sandwiches after Thanksgiving, but try using the leftover turkey in this recipe instead of ground turkey, for a different texture and flavor.

For calming the chilies, a tall glass of cold milk works well. And for those who enjoy a glass of wine, I paired a red blend with the chili.

So, in about an hour, this yummy meal is ready to be ladled into bowls and eaten.

Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips.

Enjoy!

P umpkin

and

White Bean Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

Directions:

1 tablespoon oil

Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat, add the chopped onion. Cook about 5 minutes, add the bell pepper and cook until the onion softens (you don’t want to brown the onion).

1 onion, diced 1 bell pepper, diced 3 cloves garlic, chopped

Add the chopped garlic and the cumin.

Cook until fragrant or about 1 minute.

1 teaspoon cumin 1 pound ground turkey 1 (15 ounce) can white beans, rinsed and drained 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes 2 cups pumpkin puree or 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree 2 cups chicken or turkey broth or pumpkin ale 1 teaspoon oregano

Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, for about 15 minutes.

Add the beans, tomatoes, pumpkin puree, broth, oregano, spices and the chipotle chilies and bring to a boil.

Cover, reduce the heat and simmer for about 25 minutes.

This recipe will serve about six adults.

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 2-3 chipotle chilies in adobo (to taste) chopped Salt and pepper to taste Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

25

Farm Bureau Members Ski For Less This Winter

www.idahofbstore.com 26

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

208-239-4289

Wildfires Continued from page 9 reduce fine duels.

“Proactive management is key,” Foss said. “Targeted grazing is one tool in the tool box.

That’s one of the things we’re evaluating in the sage-grouse EIS, that’ll be done by 2014.

So targeted grazing is one of the tools, I know it’s in the governor’s alternatives that we’re looking at closely, to reduce fuel loads.”

Rancher Charlie Lyons thinks the BLM and the Forest Service should do more prescribed burning in October to reduce excessive fuels, create mosaics in the sagebrush, and inject a shot of nitrogen into the soil.

“That’s what I find to be so flipping frustrating. This thing did not have to happen. It doesn’t have to go black for 200,000 acres. We need a lot more flexibility. If the BLM decides to do a prescribed burn, it’s almost 7-8 years out before they can even attempt it. Due to the lawsuits, litigation, they have to do NEPA, so you’ve got all of this paperwork, and then some you’ve got some little (bleep) at the end who sues them over it.”

Jeff Foss says the BLM does see prescribed burning as a management tool. But with caution. “There’s definitely a role for fire, for thinning, but we want to be careful too because fire is the No. 1 threat to sage-grouse, so we want to be careful that we don’t use fire to damage sage-grouse habitat,” he said.

The Mountain Home and Prairie ranchers, meanwhile, are figuring out what to do next.

“The bigger picture, two years

out, is a little bit daunting,” Lyons says. “I’ll make small pokes at it. There’s people out there that’ll help me. Farm Credit, the people who have been through it, dealt with it. They’ll give me a better perspective. Right now, it’s the small picture.... I just never pictured the whole ranch going up at once.”

Preston Lord vows to forge ahead. “This is our livelihood and we try to take care of things because my family, my grandfather bought the place in 1957. We’re not planning on leaving. We love it here, and we love this lifestyle,” Lord said.

The Davisons are working with their neighbors to form a Prairie Rangeland Fire Protection Association to bolster volunteer firefighting resources.

“We were getting close to getting that done, and we’ll finish that,” he said. “The whole community working together is just great.”

For more information: Idaho State Department of Agriculture: http://www.agri. state.id.us Attn: John Biar Farm Services Agency, Mountain Home http://www.fsa. usda.gov 208-587-3303 NRCS, Mountain Home office http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ 208-587-3616 x108 Steve Stuebner is the writer and producer of Life on the Range, an educational project sponsored by the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

27

Farm Facts

28

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

Top Farm Bureau Agents

Crossword answers

from page 20

Rookie of the Month: Agent of the Month: Agency of the Month: Bea Guzman Palmer Agency

Keefan Caron Hart Agency

Across:

Hart Agency

4. Rider, 8. Lapse, 9. Depreciation, 11. Exclusion, 15. Claim, 17.

Disability, 18. Coverage, 20. Renewal, 22. Deductible, 23. Term, 24. Adjuster, 25. Agent.

Down: 1. Arbitration, 2. Loss, 3. Dependent, 5. Policy, 6. Salvage, 7. Premium, Across: Lapse, 9. Depreciation, 11. Exclusion, 10.

Liability, 4.

12. Rider, Collateral,8.13.

Settlement, 14. Binder, 16. Accident, 19. Assign, 15. Claim, 21.

20.Limit.

Renewal, 22. Deductible, 23. Term, 24. Adjuster, 25. Agent.

17. Disability, 18. Coverage,

Down: 1. Arbitration, 2. Loss, 3. Dependent, 5. Policy, 6. Salvage, 7. Premium, 10. Liability, 12. Collateral, 13. Settlement, 14. Binder, 16. Accident, 19. Assign, 21. Limit.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

29

FORESTRY Continued from page 19 maximize payload by creating lift, which diverts physical force from the ground to the skyline or mainline, thus protecting soils.

Corridors created by cable systems create a vertical path on the hillslope that can become a route for sediment transport.

For this reason, hand-piling or using a sky carriage to deposit a slash mat along a corridor after completion of cable yarding may help to reduce subsequent downslope transport of sediments, especially with ground-lead cable systems like single-drum jammers and tong throwers.

ging operations in short, steep draws where ground-based equipment can’t be used. Yoders with tong throwers may be useful for productively clearing the area in front of a mediumto full-sized yarder prior to line logging.

passes. Herringbone skid networks that utilize a combination of contour-based skidding across the slope on moderate slopes with favorable skidding in draws work well. Skid trails should stay out of draw bottoms whenever possible.

Summary

Soil compaction is a function of total vehicle weight and the amount of tire or track surface area in contact with the soil.

Tracked machines tend to have lower pounds per square inch of ground pressure because the weight is distributed over a larger total surface area. For the same reason, rubber-tired skidders with dual wheels on each axle exert half the ground pressure of those with single tires. The use of slash mats helps catch sediment during and after skidding operations and also reduces soil disturbance by providing additional traction.

As a reminder, once you have chosen the system you will use for your harvest operation, the locations of key areas must be established. It is important that designated skid trail networks are followed, rather than simply heading to each bunch of logs. The use of designated skid trails and directional falling minimizes the total stand area in skid trails, which otherwise can occupy as much as 30 percent of total stand area. The majority of soil compaction caused by ground skidding occurs during the first one to two

Ground-based skidding, cut-tolength systems, shovel logging, and cable systems are all options for logging in Idaho. Deciding which system to use largely depends on appropriate stand and site conditions of your property. Grapple skidding and whole tree processing at the landing is the most popular ground-based harvesting method on moderate slopes (less than 40 percent) in Idaho, with manual felling and cable logging being the preferred methods on steep slopes.

Specialized harvesters are now able to fell safely on slopes up to 65 percent. However, as of 2013, there are very few of these machines operating in the inland northwest

It is common in the Inland Northwest for tailholds in Randy Brooks is a University skyline systems to be located of Idaho Extension Forestry across the stream in the bottom Specialist based on campus in of a draw. This helps create a Moscow. He can be reached at: vertical skyline profile with rbrooks@uidaho.edu sufficient deflection to create lift, optimize the payload capacity of the yarder, and create partial or full suspension for logs. In highly sensitive areas, such as when crossing streams within SPZ’s, systems should be designed so that full suspension is possible, in order to prevent damage to stream banks and beds. Where possible, using anchor Cat’s as tailholds for skyline systems can provide flexibility in laying out cable corridors when tailtrees may not be available in desired locations. Small, guyless yarders called yoders or excaliners are highly versatile machines for yarding short distances (e.g.

600-800 feet) in broken terrain. Because of their ability to move quickly from corridor to corridor, these machines are Cable yarding with a Thunderbird line machine is used in areas with steep slopes. A loader for loading logs on highly efficient for cable log- trucks sets to the left of the line machine.

30

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

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IDAHO FFA—Premier Leadership, Personal Growth and Career Success through Agricultural Education Why FFA Never before have agricultural careers been more important.

The world population of over 7 billion people is expected to near 10 billion by the year 2050 and every facet of agriculture must grow to meet the increasing demands for the world’s food supply.

FFA members are secondary agricultural education students who are preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. Agricultural education is delivered through classroom and laboratory instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects or work-based learning, and student leadership through the FFA. Although we are living in a complex world with challenging times, one sure thing is that future innovators and leaders are being trained and prepared to help meet local and global challenges through their participation in high school agricultural education and FFA. The Idaho FFA Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing financial support to career development events and leadership activities that help students develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.

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

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32

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

501(c)3 Non-Profit

Idaho Farm Bureau Federation 74th Annual Meeting Notice Sun Valley Lodge - Sun Valley, Idaho December 3-5, 2013

The 74th annual meeting of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation will be held December 3-5 at Sun Valley Lodge. Registration opens at 9 a.m. on December 3.

On the first day Young Farmers and Ranchers will conduct Achiever Award Interviews and hold a discussion meet to determine who travels to the American Farm Bureau convention to represent Idaho.

Workshop topics for the first day of convention will include grain marketing and grain outlook, wolf management, electrical safety, beef nutrition, business succession and legislative update.

Day two of the convention begins with a health fair at 6 a.m. followed by the annual Rise and Shine Breakfast. The House of Delegates will convene at 8 a.m. and last throughout the day. The annual banquet begins at 7 p.m. with entertainment from the Bar J Wranglers.

Day three of the convention begins at 7 a.m. with the annual County Presidents Breakfast followed by election of officers and directors and continuing the House of Delegates session. The meeting is slated to adjourn at noon.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

33

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

How and When to Use a Fire Extinguisher Improper usage of a fire extinguisher can make fires worse instead of better. Most fires start small. Except for explosions, fires can usually be brought under control if they are attacked correctly with the right type and size of extinguisher within the first two minutes. Keep in mind that fire extinguishers: Are intended for use on small fires.

Have a limited amount of agent.

Have a limited effective range.

Have a limited discharge time.

There are four basic types or classes of fire extinguishers, each of which extinguishes specific types of fire.

Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics.

Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oilbased paint, lacquer, and flammable gas.

Class C: Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances.

Class D: Flammable metals. Often specific for the type of metal in question.

Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being accidentally pressed.

Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire.

Stand approximately 8 feet away from the fire and Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher. If you release the handle, the discharge will stop.

Sweep the nozzle from side to side until the fire appears to be out.

Watch the fire carefully since it may re-ignite.

If you have the slightest doubt about whether or not to fight a fire – don’t! Get out and close the door behind you.

When not to fight a fire: If the fire could block your only exit.

If the fire is spreading too quickly.

If the type or size of the extinguisher is wrong.

If the fire is too large.

If you don’t know how to use your fire extinguisher.

If any of the above conditions exist, leave immediately.

Many household fire extinguishers are “multipurpose” A-B-C models. If you are ever faced with a Class A fire and don’t have an extinguisher with an “A” symbol, don’t hesitate to use one with the “B:C” symbols.

Warning: It is dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labeled only for Class A fires on a grease or electrical fire.

Extinguishers should be installed in plain view above the reach of children near an escape route and away from stoves and heating appliances. Extinguishers require routine care. Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use. Disposable fire extinguishers can be used only once. Following manufacturer’s instructions, check the pressure in your extinguishers once a month.

The operator must know how to use the extinguisher quickly without taking time to read directions during an emergency. Even though extinguishers come in a number of shapes and sizes, they all operate in a similar manner.

34

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

Know how to use a fire extinguisher without taking time to read directions during an emergency.

Farm Bureau Members Pay Less For Propane AmeriGas Farm Bureau members pay 10 cents less per gallon of AmeriGas Propane than residential tier regular customers with a supply agreement and equipment lease.

Farm Bureau members currently receiving tiered pricing from Amerigas can still take advantage of this deal. This offers cannot be combined with AmeriGas’s “Price Lock Gaurantee” Program. For questions, call Joel Benson at (208) 239-4289.

America’s Propane Company Participating Amerigas Providers Jerome Pocatello St. Anthony Nampa Mountain Home McCall Sandpoint Coeur D’Alene Kamiah Tremonton

(208) (208) (208) (208) (208) (208) (208) (208) (208) (425)

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

35

AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION NEWS

Utah Farm Bureau CEO Randy Parker, second from left, speaks to a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee about the importance of states retaining water rights. Photo Courtesy of American Farm Bureau Federation

Continued state control of water rights is critically important to farmers and ranchers, the American Farm Bureau Federation told Congress.

“Farm Bureau supports H.R. 3189, the Water Rights Protection Act, because it is designed to dispel uncertainty and recognizes state sovereignty and historic water law,” said Randy Parker, CEO of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, testifying to the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power on behalf of AFBF. Further, noted Parker, H.R. 3189 recognizes states’ sovereign water rights and protects livestock water rights from illegal federal claims and takings.

Parker said some Utah ranchers have been asked by the Forest Service to sign “change of use” applications that would allow the agency to change the use of the water from livestock to other uses. Ranchers were also told non-compliance could adversely affect them being able to “turn-out” cattle on FS grazing allotments.

FS representatives later suggested the re36

quests had been made in error and ranchers had only been asked to sign a “joint ownership” agreement.

“In either case – signing a change of use application or agreeing to a certificate of joint ownership – the federal agency is seeking a relinquishment, either in whole or in part, as a condition of access to the grazing allotment,” Parker explained.

He closed by calling on Congress to dispel uncertainty related to this issue and support H.R. 3189, which provides greater certainty to ranchers and the future of public land grazing.

Farm Leaders Stress Need for Immigration Reform As farmers gathered in Washington, D.C., recently to share their stories of why a reliable agricultural workforce is a crucial part of immigration reform, the American Farm Bureau Federation is releasing three video stories that show the need for immigration reform is more than just hype. The videos, produced as part of the organization’s “The

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

Heat is On” campaign to push Congress to act on immigration reform this year, will help drive the ag labor message home as more than 50 fly-in participants from 15 states visit Washington to urge Congress to take action now on immigration reform.

1. A Mushrooming Problem In “Ag Labor ‘Mushrooming’ Problem” the latest video released by AFBF, farmer Ed Leo explains the challenge in finding workers to harvest mushrooms by hand.

He needs workers year-round to harvest mushrooms for the fresh market.

Leo and two partners, including his son, operate a mushroom farm in Pennsylvania.

Although they employ about 60 full-time people to harvest mushrooms, it’s been difficult for the Leos to find and hire additional workers that are needed due to immigration issues.

“Throughout the summer we had to harvest crops earlier than normal, which we don’t like to do,” said Leo. “Labor is getSee AFBF NEWS p.41

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PATTERSON

Continued from page 12

fly. I’ll bring my lunch, my beer and my flies. You bring your own. I’m here to teach the client to be completely self-sufficient. A lot of times I don’t even get out of the car - especially if I’ve had a late night. The less I do, the more you learn. It’s as simple as that. If you’re looking for somebody to hold your hand and be your fishing butler, you’ll want to call somebody else.

Q - How’s cash flow with only one client? Ever thought of branching out?

A - If you’re only going to have one client, make sure they’re liquid with cash. Reese (Ferguison – see accompanying article) has done very well in his financial life and he recognizes the value in tipping a minimum of 95 percent.

Q - What’s it like being a world famous fishing guide and big time celebrity?

A - It’s a lot like being Brad Pitt except I’m a better fly fisher so… It’s a lot like being Brad Pitt only better and more important.

Q - What about people who drive Subarus?

A - Don’t be fooled by car commercials - The vehicle does not define the person, rather the person defines the vehicle. For example, I drive a Subaru… through mud, up hills, across rivers, over washboards, in the desert, through blizzards, to hell and then back again. 20,000 + miles a year off the beaten path.

38

My neighbor drives a ginormous Dodge Ram 4X4 with the word HEMI plastered all over it - to work, back home, to work, back home, on a freeway, on another freeway, on a paved road, on another paved road, to the mall and back again.

Q - Catch and release or hook ‘em and cook ‘em?

A - There is a time and place for both. The time to catch a release is right NOW. The time to hook ‘em and cook ‘em is during the apocalypse when food is scarce.

Q - What do you like to do when you’re not fishing?

A - I like to get ready to go fishing when I’m not fishing and when I’m not getting ready to go fishing I like to think about what I need to do to get ready to go fishing.

Q - What’s your favorite river and why?

A - Silver Creek is my favorite fishery in the world.

It’s a difficult place to catch but there’s no better place on earth to fish. I suppose it’s my favorite because of the memories I have of fishing there as a kid. We never missed an opening day on Silver Creek and I still don’t. Not a terribly funny answer but it comes from the heart.

Q - Is men’s department employee of the month your highest accolade or are their others we don’t

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

know about?

bait?

A - Well, I am Fly Fisherman Magazine’s “Guide of the Year” and American Angler has called me “The World’s Greatest Guide.”

I was also a third string punter for the Minico Spartans back in the day.

A - I think they’re missing out on an opportunity to fish with flies. They probably think I’m missing out on an opportunity to fish with bait. I think I’m right.

They think they’re right.

Since this is an interview with me, we’ll go with my opinion on the matter.

Q - What’s the secret to a good pot roast?

A - Have somebody else cook it while you sit around drinking beer waiting for it to be done. Oh and salt.

Q - What do you think about guys who fish with

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40

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

AFBF NEWS

Continued from page 36

ting more critical every month. The situation has been getting worse and worse over the last year or so,” he added.

Despite offering pay that is double what local fast-food employees earn, plus health benefits, paid vacation time and holidays, few domestic workers are interested in working on the farm.

“We’ve tried domestic American labor and it just doesn’t exist,” explained Leo. Mechanized harvesting of mushrooms is not an option because fungi that start growing at the same time often vary in size and maturity level.

Like other farmers, Leo wants to employ legal workers. And he wants legislators to make sure there is a pathway for hiring enough legal workers to get his mushroom crop harvested on time.

“This is a very big deal for all of agriculture,” said Leo. With immigration reform legislation implemented, Leo and other farmers would have one less thing to worry about.

“We can go back to the business of growing good, healthy mushrooms for consumers” once Congress acts, said Leo. “Ag Labor ‘Mushrooming’ Problem” is available in broadcast quality for download at http://bit.ly/1gTRfT7 or viewing at http://bit.ly/18sR6vC. 2. Not so Peachy in South Carolina In “Farmers Need Labor Reform” video, South Carolina peach farmer Chalmers Carr explains why reform of farm labor programs is so important to U.S. agriculture.

“Farmers Need Labor Reform” is available in broadcast quality for download at http://bit.ly/1eYpRij or viewing at http://bit. ly/17SDpqw.

3. Blue over Blueberries In “Farm Labor Needs Are Tied to Immigration Reform” video, Oregon farmer Doug Krahmer talks about the challenge of finding enough pickers to harvest his 500 acres of blueberries and to help with the year-round maintenance of the plants.

“Farm Labor Needs Are Tied to Immigration Reform” is available in broadcast quality for download at http://bit.ly/16FcqOU or viewing at http://bit.ly/1btDhAe. Additional information from AFBF regarding ag labor and immigration reform can be found at the FBACT Insider webpage at http://bit.ly/16gvZjq.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

41

Real Estate/Acreage

Classifieds

Animals

Farm Equipment

Two non-registered, full-blood Boer Billies for sale. 2 yr old $100; Weanling $60. Illness forces sale. Kendrick, Id. 208-827-6813

Collectors: 1960 Case Tractor, 511-B gas, runs, needs TLC. New tires on back. Asking $2,000. Aberdeen, Id. For more info call 208317-3305 leave message.

ASCA registered Australian Shepherd pups.

Working line since 1968. Full satisfaction guaranteed. All four colors available. Boise, Id 208-484-9802 Chinchillas - Approx. 25 animals, cages, automatic watering system and misc. equipment. Asking $2,000 for all. Animals only $1,200. Will sell individuals $50 100 each. Babies, breeders, mostly Ebonies, charcoals and beiges available. Parm/NYSSA area. 208-674-1110

Farm Equipment John Deere 3520, 37 HP tractor with loader, scraper and 59” front mount snow blower. Just over 100 hours of use and like new condition. Great for tasks around the place plus a great snow blower. Tire chains included. $29,950. Driggs, Id. Phone 208-354-8601 Incredibly old tractor for sale. 1937 AD_RC, wide front, rebuilt motor, hard crank. Don’t miss this old timer! Dubois, ID 208-7094114 Challenger MT 755, 2209 hrs, annual service

by Western States, 1000 hrs on 25” tracks, Trimble A/S and sprayer control, $162,000.00 Two 500hp US Motors, 480 volt, 3 phase, Inverter duty, hollowshaft irrigation motors, $25,000 each. Call 208-220-5588 or email deegt@aol.com 1950 Massey Harris tractor Model 44, looks good, has a clean paint job, engine does not run, could be restored. Bancroft, ID. Asking $1000 OBO 208-648-7837 John Deere 2003 Air seeder, 1910 2 box, 730 drill, excellent condition, stored in storage shed. Planted only 500-600 acres every year. Make Offer. Victor, Id. 208-3177937 or 313-2929 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

Help Wanted

Agricultural Collateral Inspection and Appraisals. Ag background required. Training course available. Call 800-488-7570 or visit www.amagappraisers.com.

Household Billiard Table. 3/4 inch slate. Balls, Rack, Sticks, etc. $1,000. Meridian, ID 208-6293999 Antiques - Oak fireplace mantel from a Victorian home in Oakley, ID. Built in the 1890’s 79” h x 60” w with mirrors, good condition. 42” sold oak round table with 3 matching leaves and six solid oak matching chairs. Restored. Burley, Id 208-431-2036 or 678-2036

Miscellaneous Certified Organic Hardneck Garlic. Romanian Red & Georgian Crystal. Hardy premium planting stock or use for eating and long storage. 16.00/lb. twells@silverstar.com 208-313-7157 Horse drawn, cc 1895 “extension top surrey” and a “vis-à-vis”, plus various size carriage and wagon wheels, along with some wheel parts. New Plymouth, Id. call 208-278-5548.

Used bronze colored shell, extra tall, fits long beg 2001 Ford ¾ ton pickup, great shape $495 or best offer. American Falls, Id. Leave message 208-226-3105

Real Estate/Acreage 5 acres with 2 bath,1 bedroom home. 2 car garage. Rexburg, Id. 208-356-4174 Two building lots in Homedale will carry with $5000 down. $295 per month. Call 208-389-9200

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / FALL 2013

10 wooded acres with pond. 3 bdrm, 3 bath home built in 2004 with many extras.

Landscaped with sprinkler system and paved drive. Abundant wildlife and serenity. Located 20 miles northeast of Idaho Falls near Snake River. $510,000. 208-520-8787

Recreational Equipment 37’ Fleetwood 1994 RV, Southwind special edition, with 57,128 miles. Sleeps 6, seats 10. 8 outside storage compartments. Ford 460 fuel injected gas motor, hydraulic jacks, air conditioning. Asking price is $12,000.

Pocatello, Id. 208-251-3435 or 251-4411 5th wheel hitch for sale in Weiser. $225.00 Lightly used. email IdahoIrish@cableone.net for pictures. 307-256-2897 2001 Lakoda by McKenzie 32’ 5th wheel.

Has everything you would need for complete homelike comfort. Warm color tones. 2 slides, loaded, with all amenities. Asking $14,000 OBO. Coeur d’Alene, Id. 208-664-2361 or 659-1164

Trailers Fully enclosed 3 horse slant load. Dividers, floor mats. Walk in tack. Feed and Equipment rack on top. Good tires, pulls great. Located in Fairfield, Id. $4000. Call 208-404-1305 1990’s truck trailer with shell, new paint, good tires, good shape $595 or best offer.

American Falls, Id. Leave message 208-2263105 Used bronze colored shell, extra tall, fits long beg 2001 Ford ¾ ton pickup, great shape $495 or best offer. American Falls, Id. Leave message 208-226-3105

Vehicles ’78 Chevy 3/4 ton, 4 speed. 4 wheel drive.

New 396. Troy, Id. 208-835-5410 1976 Chevrolet Caprice Classic with 4 snow tires on rims. $500/OBO. Moscow, ID 208883-0511 1984 GMC Jimi 6.2 diesel H.D. $4,000 into Rear end and front. No Rust. Solid. $1,200 OBO. Hayden, Id. 208-772-4700 leave message.

1979 Chev Van. 3/4 ton. Runs good. Good tires, Q bed, carpet, 350 engine, 350 tranny.

Good heart. Some rust. $500 OB. Hayden, Id Leave message 208-772-4700 1994 Ford 1/2 ton pickup. Less than 100,000 miles. Excellent condition. $4,000. Also 8N Ford Tractor. Eden, Id. 208-825-5195

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

Old License Plates Wanted: Also key chain license plates, old signs, light fixtures. Will pay cash. Please email, call or write. Gary Peterson, 130 E Pecan, Genesee, Id 83832. gearlep@gmail.com. 208-285-1258 Buying U.S. gold coins, proof and mint sets, silver dollars, rolls and bags. PCGS/ NGC certified coins, estates, accumulations, large collections, investment portfolios, bullion, platinum. Will travel, all transactions confidential. Please call 208-859-7168.

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