The Courier
NEWS
New Veterinarian at Shoshone Veterinary Hospital
The Shoshone Veterinary Hospital is pleased to announce the addition of a new veterinarian. Dr. Nikki Wuestenhagen (Prichard) is originally from a small town in Northern Wisconsin where she grew up surrounded by trees, lakes, and a variety of animals. She obtained her animal science degree with an emphasis in equine science at UW- River Falls in 2015. She then completed her DVM degree at the UW- Madison School of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. After graduation she moved to Idaho and worked as a mixed animal veterinarian in the Magic Valley area. She has experience working with both small and large animals and has an interest in special species/exotics, wildlife, and aquaculture. Dr. Nikki is passionate about offering veterinary services that the community needs and to provide care for any animal that walks through the door. In her free time, Nikki enjoys fishing the reservoirs, lakes and rivers in the area, hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains, camping, horseback riding, and adventuring with her fiancĂŠ (now husband) and their two dogs. Dr. Nikki is now taking appointments. Call ahead to 208-886-2352 for more information, or send message to shoshonevet@yahoo.com
Outlook for Northwest Agriculture Looks Bright
New Release from NFCS
Northwest Farm Credit Services has released its quarterly Market Snapshot reports, and despite volatility, profitable returns are expected for most agricultural aroducers in the Northwest. Northwest FCS monitor conditions and reports outlooks for commodities financed by the co-op throughout Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The 12-month outlook for agricultural commodities most common in the Northwest are summarized below: CATTLE The 12-month outlook for cattle suggests modest profitability centered around risk management strategies. Diminished throughput in the spring drove retail prices higher, reduced exports and burdened the industry with heavier feeder cattle. DAIRY Slightly profitable returns in 2020 are anticipated for the dairy industry. COVID-19 continues to depress demand, but government programs, such as the Food Assistance Program and the Food Box Program, have kept demand and prices up. Government programs will provide tailwinds to producer profitability. Overall producer profitability will depend on use of price risk management tools. FISHERIES Fisheries are expected to see slight profit margins. Some fisheries continue to face pandemic and trade war-related challenges such as supply chain disruptions and deteriorating demand. Some are dealing with difficult fishing or weak biomasses. However... continued on page 6...
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
October 14, 2020
Vol 44 Num 42
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Planning Underway in Idaho
from the Office of Governor Little Governor Brad Little and public health officials have outlined the steps Idaho is taking to work with the federal government on distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. "The availability of a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine is one of the biggest hurdles in getting our lives closer to normal. We're proud that the United States is taking a leadership role in the research and development of the vaccine. Here in Idaho, we have been planning for months for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine and we will remain focused on making sure Idaho is ready when the initial supply becomes available," Governor Little said. The federal government said its goal is to produce and deliver 300 million doses of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to states starting in January. Idaho's plan for distribution of the vaccine is on track to be submitted to the federal government by October 16th. Governor Little announced that he is directing the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to convene the new Idaho COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee to advise the Governor on the prioritization of vaccines when it is in limited supply, on the implementation of the vaccination plan, and on communication and delivery of the vaccine. More information on the committee and its membership will be available in the coming days. State public health officials stressed that the initial supply of vaccine is expected to be limited. Although the final decision has not been made yet, it is expected the vaccine likely will be offered first to healthcare workers. Vaccinating healthcare workers will protect them and their patients. Governor Little also announced that Idaho will receive an additional 530,000 Abbott BinaxNOW rapid antigen tests, and he is prioritizing these tests be used for schools. These tests are inexpensive, simple to use, more than 95-percent accurate, and produce results within 15 minutes with a less invasive nasal swab and no machine. The additional 530,000 tests will be delivered to Idaho over the next three months, with a shipment of 35,000 tests being shipped today to local public health agencies across the state to help support COVID-19 testing in schools. Many rapid tests that Idaho already received are being used in Idaho's long-term care facilities.