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Message from the Natural Resources Policy Director
A brief history of the Idaho Cattle Foundation
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I visited with Judy Hinman, President of the Idaho Cattle Foundation, to learn more about the foundation's purpose, goals and future
As the immediate past president of the ICA, I am now a voting member of the ICA Foundation. When ICA staff asked me to write this, I was reluctant to agree. You see, I have been an active member (and involved leader) of this association for more than twenty years, but my knowledge of the Foundation was next to zero! I was feeling highly under qualified to do the task that was asked of me- then it dawned on me that I am probably not alone in simply knowing that the foundation exists, but lacking knowledge of its history and inner workings. With some help I put together a list of questions and I used those questions to interview early members and current leadership. The process was insightful and eye-opening to me and I hope it might be to you as well.
BY JAY SMITH ICA Past President
Scouts Foundation and he wanted to begin something similar that could add to the association in lean times, as well as invest in education or other opportunities in flush times. Early leadership consisted of Jim Little (Chairman), Dwayne Skaar and Morgan Evans.
What is the mission statement for the foundation? Are you happy with the progress on that mission to date?
The actual mission statement was not readily available, but it’s pretty well summed up in the answer to question number one.
How are the investment decisions made for the foundation funds? Have you considered seeking investment advice from ICA members with talents in that area?
Currently investment and financial decisions are made by the board, however further input especially pertaining to investment strategy would be welcomed by anyone.
Could you please review the history of the foundation who, when and what changes have been made to the original formation?
The foundation began in the early 2000s, by Darl Gleed, who was an ICA executive at the time. Darl spent a portion of his career with the National Boy What is the connection between the estray livestock sale fund coming from the brand board and the foundation? Who conceived & implemented this? Are the actions taken with that money governed by the same rules for how funds are spent by the foundation?
The unclaimed livestock fund is legislatively committed to education. The Idaho cattle foundation works to prioritize the funding requests and make recommendations for its annual expenditures. No money from this fund actually comes in or out of our bank accounts. Former state brand inspector Larry Hayhurst is credited with conceiving the concept that we currently operate under. However, this change took legislative action, so many people were involved in creating the current format for dealing with these funds. There is a firewall between foundation funds and the unclaimed livestock fund, so there are different rules governing expenditures from the two different funds.
Does the foundation have an overall strategy for: Foundation Investments Foundation donation recruitment Foundation expenditures Estray fund expenditures
This question is where current foundation leadership requests input from membership and cattle producers across the state. Foundations can have a nearly unlimited upside, so we never want to say that it’s good enough and always encourage input to make it better.
If members have ideas/suggestions/ questions on the foundation, who should they contact?
Cameron Mulrony or Judy Hinman.
An expression here in ICA circles is that ‘what we do in good times affects how we survive in tough times.’ We expect a dramatic livestock price increase sometime sooner than later. Is the foundation board considering different plans for seeking donations in that event?
Yes, this has been considered and talked about, but this is also an area the input from anyone and everyone would be appreciated.
What would you like to see happen with the foundation in the future? Are there changes in the administration of the foundation that would help us get there?
Darl’s original vision. Yes, anyone with foundation or financial investing knowledge would be encouraged to participate. The legacy of this foundation is already nearly 20 years old and it is the desire of current leader ship that it grows exponentially in the next 20 years.
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BY CASSIDEY PLUM Idaho FFA Foundation Communications & Programs Intern
Building a
Legacy in support of an industry
Learn more about the 4 primary areas of suport provided by the Idaho FFA Foundation, and the relationship with the Idaho Cattle Foundation.
The Idaho Cattle Foundation makes recommendations for the award of funds from the Unclaimed Livestock Fund annually. The Unclaimed Livestock Fund consists of money generated from the sale of lost or stolen cattle and is used for public or higher education programs (or research) that advance the livestock industry, or agriculture in general. This article highlights a 2021 award recipient, the Idaho FFA Foundation.
Agriculture education and the FFA have been a part of Idaho’s secondary curriculum for over 80 years. One could say you’d be hard pressed to speak with a rural Idahoan who doesn’t have a story to tell about their time in FFA or what the program did to influence their path. The Idaho FFA Foundation was created as a vehicle to provide financial security and support to programs and activities of the FFA in Idaho. Today, the Idaho FFA Foundation provides support to 97 Idaho FFA chapters and over 5,400 members throughout the state, as well as over 17,000 agriculture education students. In case you’re not a former participant or familiar with the program, the Idaho FFA is a premier youth organization that prepares its members for leadership, as well as careers in the science,
business, and technology of agriculture. As a partner organization, the FFA Foundation offers financial support of FFA programs to members. This is done with the hope of expanding resources needed to cultivate leaders, build communities, and strengthen agriculture in Idaho for a long term and statewide effect.
In the state of Idaho, programs such as the Idaho FFA Foundation are able to apply for grant funding to be awarded from the state’s Unclaimed Livestock Funds. These funds are generated from the sale of lost or stolen livestock and grants go to support advancement of the livestock industry (or agriculture in general) in our state. In the case of the Idaho FFA Foundation, the four primary areas of support bolstered by this financial commitment are: EMERGE Grants, SAE Project Grants, Career Development Events and Beef Production Proficiency Awards.
The Idaho FFA Foundation uses funds awarded as grants, through which FFA chapter Advisors across the state complete an application process each year. This is known as the EMERGE Grant Program. These grants provide FFA Advisors with additional resources, curriculum, and tools necessary for creating a successful classroom experience. This year the Idaho FFA Foundation was able to award $20,000 to 14 FFA Chapters in 6 Districts. The full list of chapters that were awarded in 2021, as well as their requested funds usage, are listed below:
American Falls FFA - Haven Barn (to be used for hosting student SAE projects and animals for classroom courses)
“We used the entire $1,000 to purchase supplies for the erection of the Haven Barn that will benefit students by allowing them to raise livestock on school property. This benefits our students that do not have the resources and space at home to raise an animal.
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It will also be a learning lab for the animal science courses to gain hands-on experience with animals.”
Bret Kindall
American Falls Ag Advisor
Caldwell FFA - Species Signs for Fair
Clearwater Valley FFA - 4-D Models & Dissection Kits
Declo FFA - Realityworks Training Models
Hagerman FFA - Meat Cutting Band Saw
Highland FFA - Veterinary Assisting Certification Program
Mackay FFA - Beef Preparation and Promotion
Madison FFA (middle school) - Beef Cattle Dissection Equipment
Madison FFA (high school) - Liquid nitrogen tank to teach Artificial Insemination (AI)
“The funds granted by the Idaho Cattle Foundation has given the students handson opportunities to learn about AI. Anytime you can get students real life experiences it takes learning to the next level.”
Pat Dixon
Madison FFA Ag Advisor
Marsing FFA - Artificial Insemination (AI) Kit
Moscow FFA - Farm to Fork Training Materials
Mountain Home FFA - Steel Cattle Grooming Chute
Nez Perce FFA - AI Equipment
"I took my Zoology class to an area ranchers place and we used the artificial insemination equipment that the Idaho Cattle Foundation granted us through the EMERGE Grant. We artificially inseminated 15 head of cattle using the supplies and equipment. We wouldn’t of had the opportunity to AI the cattle and give the students that experience without the Idaho Cattle Foundation providing funding for the EMERGE grant."
Kyle Stapleton
Nez Perce Ag Advisor
Notus FFA - Promoting Beef Fitting & Showing Program
"The resources provided by the Idaho Cattle Foundation via the Idaho FFA Foundation has changed the entire culture of our FFA Beef exhibitors. Our students greatly appreciate the opportunity to improve their fitting and showmanship skills. As a direct result of this grant we have increased the numbers of students involved in beef projects."
Kevin Barker
Notus FFA Ag Advisor
Supervised Agricultural Expe-
rience (SAE) Projects are integral to the FFA and individual development. This program gives students a hands-on experiential learning project in a specific focus area, providing them with valuable skills and experience necessary for success in that field. SAE possibilities are seemingly endless and entirely based on exploring passions and career interests through exploration of job opportunities, gaining work experience, and developing specialized skills. Supervised agricultural experience projects are available to all students and grants are awarded to help with project costs such as feed, vaccinations, show supplies, equipment, or other items that help further the student’s success with their projects.
“In the past, I have always used my mom’s vaccines, and supplies for my cattle. With the $500.00 I want to put together a kit full of vaccines, vitamin supplements, an ear tagger, first aid supplies, antiseptic, thermometer, syringes, needles, rope, Estrotect patches, ear tag pen, Therabloat, Quiet Wean tags, antibiotics, and a toolbox to put it all in. Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity and for your support towards all youth in the cattle industry today, your support is greatly appreciated!”
Jojo Osborn
Genesee FFA Chapter
“With your generous donation, I look to buy a breeding project of my own so that I can start developing my own cattle herd and not have to rely on my brothers’ animals. This infusion of $500 means so much to me, I am super excited to be able to have the opportunity to become successful in growing and developing my SAE project of beef breeding. Your support that you have shown in my efforts is greatly appreciated. Thank you!”
Raft River FFA
Ridgevue FFA - Livestock Feed Samples
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