Line Rider April/May

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT Kim Burton Brackett (Kimberly) 208-308-1952

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Jerry Wroten (Wilder) 208-831-7339

VICE PRESIDENT Spencer Black (Almo) 208-647-8130

PAST PRESIDENT

Mark Pratt ...........(Blackfoot) 208-681-6597

TREASURER

Cody Hendrix (Rigby) 208-360-9693

FEEDER COUNCIL CHAIR

Shawna Gill (Grandview) 208-850-9076

PUREBRED COUNCIL CHAIR

Val Carter (Pingree) 208-390-4811

COW-CALF COUNCIL CHAIR

Brayden Eliason (Holbrook) 208-705-2541

CATTLEWOMEN COUNCIL CHAIR

Maggie Malson (Parma) 208-739-2265

DISTRICT 1 REPRESENTATIVES

Eric Wittman (Lapwai) 208-790-5344

Casey Scott...............(Clarkston) 208-431-3024

DISTRICT 2 REPRESENTATIVES

Lori Ireland (Mountain Home) 208-866-0112

Royce Schwenkfelder (Cambridge) 208-550-2200

DISTRICT 3 REPRESENTATIVES

Eugene Matthews (Oakley) 208-431-3260

Jesse Human (Jerome) 208-358-1277

DISTRICT 4 REPRESENTATIVES

Ryan Steele (Idaho Falls) 208-390-5765

Chris Kirby (Salmon) 208-223-2258

DISTRICT 5 REPRESENTATIVES

Roscoe Lake (Blackfoot) 208-604-3650

Arnold Callison (Blackfoot) 208-681-8441

ALLIED INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE

Kody Dee Williams.....(Fruitland) 509-948-6430

DIRECTORS AT LARGE

Robert Oxarango (Emmett) 208-431-0777

Adrian Meyer (Grand View) 208-509-1892

CATTLEWOMEN BOARD REPRESENTATIVE

Tay Brackett (Filer) 208-866-4967

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Cameron Mulrony cameron@idahocattle.org

NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY DIRECTOR

Karen Williams karen@idahocattle.org

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Michelle Johnson michelle@idahocattle.org

DIR. OF MEMBERSHIP & INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT

Morgan Lutgen morgan@idahocattle.org

Contact Idaho Cattle Association:

Mailing address: P.O. Box 15397, Boise, ID 83715

Location: 2120 Airport Way, Boise, ID 83705

Phone: 208-343-1615

For advertising sales, contact: idahocattlepublications@gmail.com

The Line Rider is the official publication of the Idaho Cattle Association. It is published 10 times each year, in January, February, March, April/May, June, July/August, September, October, November and December.

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Inviting the ‘outsiders’

Finding a place in beef for the next generation

Recently, I visited the University of Idaho, College of Southern Idaho and BYU-Idaho to talk with students about ICA. Students at each institution were engaged, asked thoughtful questions and are eager to work in the cattle industry upon graduation. I came away from each school feeling encouraged about this generation stepping into their roles in the cattle industry.

It was remarkable to see the diversity of job interest among the students. Many plan to return to their parents’ operation, others intend to do policy work or are already lining up jobs in the allied sector. There are also students majoring in range or wildlife that want a solid understanding of the cattle industry before stepping into an agency job. A smaller number of students didn’t grow up in agriculture but want to spend their careers in the beef industry.

BY KIM BURTON BRACKETT ICA President

is also our most exported resource: our youth. We need to find a place for the young adults that want to work in agriculture. They are excited about the opportunities that await them in the beef industry. Think creatively. These may not be traditional positions. There are so many careers that intersect with the cattle industry; we need people to fill those spots that understand and support cattle ranching.

Upon graduation, however, some students are struggling to find jobs. A couple of professors shared that industry seems reluctant to hire kids fresh out of college, particularly if they didn’t grow up ranching or farming. Imagine my frustration when I learned that a local producer, invited to speak to an animal science class, told the students to change their major if they didn’t have an agriculture background because they wouldn’t have a future in the livestock industry.

We must do better.

The most valuable resource we have in agriculture

We tend to underestimate the industry commitment from folks who didn’t grow up in our traditional way of life. Several years ago, I was invited to Penn State to speak with an Advanced Beef Production class. As those students went around the room introducing themselves and explaining their connection to the beef industry, I was stunned that many of their connections were as simple as having Sunday supper at their grandparent’s farm during their childhood. For others, their connection was a best friend that showed steers or a relative that worked in allied. Those connections seemed tenuous to my Western ranching experience, but these students were eight weeks away from graduating with an Animal Science degree and were eager to find jobs in the beef industry. I had to recognize that as a girl who grew up in Wyoming and has lived most of my adult life in Idaho, my view of the cattle industry was narrow and badly in need of expansion. Those students helped provide it. I have stayed in touch with several of those young adults and am happy to report that they are still working in the beef industry. They have taken up the baton and are running their leg of our collective race.

Consider taking on a summer intern. Roll the dice and hire a recent college grad. Certainly, do your homework and check references, but find a way to help support the next generation of cattle producers. They are champions of the livestock industry and we need them more than ever.

We tend to underestimate the industry commitment from folks who didn’t grow up in our traditional way of life.

Northwest FCS is now AgWest Farm Credit. And we’re still committed to sharing profits with our customers.

Patronage continues to be a unique benefit of our cooperative structure, providing earnings from our association back to our customer-members. This year, patronage dividends total $366.5 million to eligible customers throughout the West. It pays to be an AgWest customer.

Grounded by tradition. Inspired by possibility.

Facing the beef backlash : Why consumer education

The critical role of consumer education

The seemingly largest threat coming to the cattle industry is that of the social acceptance of our product and its production methods. Generations of past consumers purchased their beef, trusting it was healthy and safe.

I feel the majority of our population still believes this and purchases with trust and confidence. The availability of information is readily available to consumers today, but not all of it is factual and accurate. How do we make sure that the message regarding safe and relevant production is alive and well?

BY CAMERON MULRONY ICA Executive Vice President

producer and an implied trust level as they scroll through the social media outlets that promote some of these products. Outside of the boxed beef subscriptions, we look to do the same thing through branded products. The branded product has a claim and outline of what their production practices are, and the consumers that see value in having that claim and trust select those brands. These are all important marketing tools for our industry and valuable to the brands that have been built, but what about the fast food hamburger?

What are some of the things that the consumers are talking about? At times it’s a little harder to decipher the thinking of a purchasing group in urban areas, miles away, and of a demographic that does not fit that of the Idaho cattle industry. Most of us do not live in urban areas; many of us never have. As I have traveled to cities across the nation, I’ve often felt like the soar thumb in the group. Even if I was to dress in the attire and try my hardest, it would not be comfortable for me.

So, who has contact with consumers, face to face? The clerk at the grocery store, the local butcher? The delivery truck driver?

I feel like when we get outside of the rural areas, the last point of contact with beef consumers is critical in sending the message of a safe and healthy food supply. This has led to an increase in the “box beef” niche markets. People have a connection to the

The majority of beef sold in our nation is not the niche market beef. It’s the value products, the family household products. Ground beef tops the list of those products, and consumer trust in these products is vital to the industry. Now, I do not know the details of all the labeled products or direct to consumer options, however I will speculate that producers that have developed these markets also sell a portion of their livestock or product on the more conventional front. Value-added products and branded products are a continual emerging area of our industry and serve a great purpose in filling the needs of consumers. We need this in our industry.

However, we also need fast food hamburgers and trusting consumers to purchase the non-branded and niche market beef. This is where we all need to work on a continual effort to promote the health and safety of beef. I prefer marketing for the value-added to include what the production method is for your product that you are marketing. The issue I also see is marketing by the niche marketer that is demeaning to the accepted practices of the beef industry.

“Organic”, “Aged”, and “Source-Verified”, these terms tell us about the production practices or animal which are being utilized and have some type of verified standard.

is key in today’s marketplace

Generations of past consumers purchased their beef, trusting it was healthy and safe.

What about some of the others? Hormone Free? Hormones occur naturally so no animal product is actually hormone free. Is this a misleading term? Many of us would lean toward this means that it did not receive a hormone implant, but is that the message we are sending consumers? Or customers? After a quick internet search the first thing that popped up on 2 of the 3 searches stated “No Such Thing”, “Misnomer”, and just like that we have damaged the trust between us as producers and the general consumer. In one headline it says it is a fallacy and in the next I can buy the “imaginary” product in bulk.

We have to be careful as we grow our markets direct to consumer, as well as other niche markets that we do not alienate the base of the pyramid and that we make claims that build consumer confidence.

The U.S. has the safest food supply in the world, and thankfully our consumers have enjoyed abundant options and quantities. This has also lead them to be more critical in their buying decisions. Production is something that seems to be more and more on the minds of consumers and we need them to continue to trust our industry, producers, retailers, butchers, cooks, servers, and everyone that is part of making a calf into a meal. Let’s do our part and be mindful in our practices in production and in marketing.

Inside the Capitol : Insights and reflections from the 67th Idaho Legislature’s First Regular Session

Whether it be administrative rules, grizzly bears, property taxes, public lands or herd districts, this legislative session had a variety of issues come to fruition. In hindsight there was an early thought that this session may have a mild tone to it, especially for agriculture. That’s the type of mild-mannered thinking that will get you bucked right out of the saddle.

So how did the dust settle at the end of the day for agriculture, and particularly the ICA and its members? I hesitate to get too far over my skis here, but first impressions tell us that the legislative session was good to the ICA. In a recent report to the ICA Executive Board, I broke down all the legislation that the ICA was interested in, took a position on, and provided either written or verbal testimony on. None of the bills that ICA opposed became law, and only one out of half a dozen that we supported did not cross the finish line (mainly due to the sponsor pulling the legislation for personal reasons). That is a fairly impressive track record when you think that we entered the session with almost half of the legislature that were in the freshmen class. That means this was their first trail ride, first branding, first calving season – I’m thinking that you are picking up what I am putting down.

Some of the biggest news that came during the early hours of the session did not revolve around legislation, but the change in leadership at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and Idaho Fish and Game Commission. Chanel Tewalt replaced retiring director, Celia Gould, and Jim Fredericks replaced retiring director, Ed Schriever. Director Tewalt received her official confirmation from the Idaho Senate in the latter part of February while Director Fredericks received the nod from the commissioners around the same time. With leadership changes in those departments, it will also change the leadership for the Wolf Depredation Control Board. The board is co-chaired by the Director of ISDA and Director of IDFG.

BY PATXI LARROCEA-PHILLIPS ICA Government Affairs

As the sun started to set on the 2023 Legislative Session, H349a was conceived. H349a assists in improving state statute pertaining to herd districts. If you are looking for a quick recap on the general purpose and structure of herd districts in general, I would encourage you to wander over to the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission’s webpage and look through the ‘open range’ information. Herd districts came into existence over a century ago and require landowners within the district to ‘fence in’ their livestock. However, the question arose during the latter part of the legislative session on whether livestock from open range property roaming onto herd district property should be liable for coming onto the herd district owner’s property if the fence is not maintained. Due to several different interpretations of statute, a consensus of legislators and stakeholders found it necessary that the language in the statute be cleared up so that parties within and adjacent to herd districts understand who should be maintaining the fence, and who is liable if the fence is not maintained. Currently, there is a case that is being appealed to the Idaho Supreme Court that could leave operators on open range exposed to civil liability if their livestock wander or roam into a herd district. This is contrary to how herd districts should currently operate in keeping open range livestock out of the district. The ICA has policy that supports Idaho’s open range statute and we do not want to see it diluted. H349a passed both bodies and received Governor Little’s signature. In successfully making it through the process, the legislation will go into effect on April 15, 2023.

Let’s shift the topic from herd districts to grizzly bears. House Joint Memorial 5 dealt with the delisting of Grizzly Bears from the Endangered Species Act. Joint Memorials are used as mechanism to effectuate a message from the legisla-

First impressions tell us that the legislative session was good to the ICA.

ture. Grizzly Bear recovery efforts over the last decade have prevailed, and the almost extinct bear has grown to a population that crests over 2,000 animals in Idaho, Wyoming, Washington, and Montana. Due to the increasing population, interactions with other animals have caused depredation conflicts to occur. The recent recovery efforts aimed towards grizzly bears have been successful and the State of Idaho has been instrumental, but like a fish swimming into a dam, we have also hit a roadblock as a state. As noted above, the population of bears is healthy and the bear should be removed from the Endangered Species Act listing at this time so that conservation and management efforts can continue at the state and local level. To add a little salt to the wound, a petition was submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) to delist grizzly bears in the lower 48 states and that petition was denied. HJM5 requests that Congress acts promptly to delist the grizzly bear from the ESA, and that USFWS take corrective action to reverse their petition decision by relying on federal law, policy, and science. The distribution of bears has broadened to the effect that they now are impacting rural agricultural lands and communities, putting the public at risk along with livestock, domestic animals, and property.

We’ve touched on herd districts and grizzly bears, now let’s talk about the shared usage of public lands by multiple interests. During the interim period following the 2022 Legislative Session stakeholders worked on legislation that would assist the State Land Board in dealing with closures and restrictions on State endowment land. S1049 gives the State Land Boards’ agents the ability to cite and fine those misusing endowment lands. S1049 expresses that the State Board of Land Commissioners must provide notice to the public of any restrictions, closures, prohibitions, and regulations on State endowment land. Proper posting is required, and fines and restitution requirements are outlined. If a person is found guilty of violating the statute and subsequent rules, the person will get a warning ticket. On the second violation the violator would receive an infraction and fine of $250.00, and the third offense would carry a misdemeanor. The State Board of Land Commissioners will be tasked with promulgating any rules surrounding a closure, restriction, regulation and prohibition, and with any rule that provides for the closure, restriction, regulation or prohibition there will be proper notice posted on the Idaho Department of Lands’ website and at the physical location. ICA has policy that supports working collaboratively with other land users and recreational groups to develop solutions to the challenges presented by the increased recreational pressures that are being experienced. An additional tool that is going in the toolbox of shared usage is the funding package in S1196. S1196 mainly deals with supplemental funding for the

Idaho Department of Parks and Rec for deferred maintenance and capital projects, but after you peel a few layers back there is a small gem in the rough for the grazing community. There is $5 million set aside for a working group that would include input from the grazing community. The group will look at and fund projects that are at the intersection of shared usages.

The major topics have been covered, but we probably need to touch on a couple other items to round out this report. Taxes were an expansive issue addressed during the legislative session. Legislators walked away from the session with property tax relief through H292. This tax relief has several different attributes but at the 3,000 foot level it provides needed homeowner relief while not shifting tax burdens to commercial or agricultural land. Additionally, we have seen in past sessions the desire to revamp the administrative rules process. This session, the attempt to revamp the process came through the vehicle of H206a. The bill will put all administrative rules on an eight-year rotating cycle to be reviewed and creates more transparency in the process for stakeholders while mandating that both bodies must approve administrative rules. Finally, I would probably be remiss if I did not mention the attempt to work on Idaho Code dealing with fences. Unfortunately, the attempt did not produce the results that legislators and stakeholders expected, but hey, that’s a goal for next year.

BY KAREN WILLIAMS ICA Natural Resources Policy Director

Blindsided by BUREAUCRACY

Bureaucracy is defined as a system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives. Under this premise, it would certainly seem that this is the system under which our country is currently run. Inaction and quagmire in Congress creates a vacuum under which agency officials can rule by regulation without the benefit of representative input. When the administration is friendly and receptive to our industry, we stand to benefit under this type of system, but when it is not, we most definitely pay. And now, we are paying.

THE GRAZING OF IDAHO’S PUBLIC LANDS DEMONSTRATES & EMBODIES BOTH MULTIPLE USE AND CONSERVATION BY PROMOTING WILDLIFE HABITATS, REDUCING FINE FUELS, AND PROVIDING FORAGE TO IDAHO’S CATTLE.

Photos provided by Karen Williams

If you have been following ICA actions for the past few years, you know that it has been a high priority of ours to see the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) grazing regulations revised. We thought this would happen during the Trump administration, and pursued multiple efforts to that end, but the rule never made it to the finish line. Our hopes of seeing a new grazing rule were dashed, but then BLM officials assured us that the effort would remain on track even with the change in administration. And so, our efforts continued in commenting and meeting with BLM and Department of Interior officials regarding our thoughts and concerns with BLM grazing management that could be improved with a new rule. We have been anxiously awaiting the release of the proposed rule which has been repeatedly promised to occur by the end of the summer. And so, we waited with bated breath and in good faith that the agency would keep its word, knowing that we may not like everything in the rule but hoping that it would provide some efficiencies and flexibilities in grazing management. But then…

From out of left field, with no advance notice or dialogue or even a hint of its development, the BLM preempted the grazing regulations revision with a release of a proposed rule in April that has the potential to utterly disrupt and dismantle grazing on BLM lands. The proposed Conservation and Landscape Health rule seeks to accomplish three main things, two of which pose significant threats to livestock grazing on BLM lands.

The first action is actually a move that our industry has supported and sought for in the grazing regulation revision. It would apply the fundamentals of land health and related standards and guidelines to all BLM-managed public lands and uses. For too long, grazing has borne the blame for the impact of other users and impacts on public land including recreation, wildlife, drought, wildfire, and more. This section will level the playing field and require all users across all BLM lands to adhere to the land-health standards and which should, in theory, remove unrealistic expectations placed on grazing permittees.

After the first proposal, the rule goes drastically downhill.

The second action is, to be frank, frightening. It states that “conservation is a use on par with other uses of the public lands under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act’s (FLPMA) multiple-use and sustained-yield framework… The proposed rule establishes a durable mechanism, conservation leases, to promote both protection and restoration on the public lands, while providing opportunities for engaging the public in the management of public lands for this purpose.” If your head is swimming after reading that, it should be. Yes, you read right. The BLM is proposing to establish conservation leases on federal land and allow the general public the say so on the lands to which the leases should be applied. This reads straight out of Western Watersheds Project’s playbook. But don’t worry, the rule assures us that “While BLM maintains this “rule does not prioritize conservation above other uses, it puts conservation on an equal footing with other uses”. I am sure that puts your mind at ease, doesn’t it? Even if we give the agency the benefit of the doubt that they are just trying to do what is best for the landscape, the rule sets the stage perfectly for opponents of public lands grazing to remove grazing in the name of conservation. We will continue to argue the fact that grazing is a use that promotes conservation for a variety of reasons and the two are certainly not mutually exclusive.

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The third issue proposed by the rule would expand the use and designation of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs). It would “give priority to the designation and protection of ACECs” and “emphasize ACECs as the principle designation for protecting important natural, cultural, and scenic resources, and establish a more comprehensive frame-

work for the BLM to identify, evaluate, and consider special management attention for ACECs in land use planning.” This portion of the rule is, in part, in response to the Biden administration’s call for more wildlife habitat connectivity. The use of ACEC designations is a favorite tool of anti-grazing activists to restrict grazing and related management tools.

If I have you scared now, that’s good. That is my intention. In my long career with ICA, I do not think I have seen another federal action that has greater potential to disrupt the western cattle industry as this one. Our industry must stand united in fighting this rule and in promoting the value of continued livestock grazing on federal lands. We will need your help in doing so. Over the next few weeks, you are going to be hearing a lot from us about this rule. The comment deadline is set for June 20. Please plan to submit comments and encourage your neighbors to do so as well. We have talking points and draft comments that you can use to easily formulate your own comments. Please send an email to me at karen@idahocattle.org if you would like this supplementary information.

From out of left field...the BLM preempted the grazing regulations revision with the release of a proposed rule...that has the potential to utterly disrupt and dismantle grazing on BLM lands.

Contact Steve Orr for more information today!

Where do we go from here?

Making an investment in ICA’s foundation can help move our industry forward

In 2009 the Idaho Cattle Foundation was established as a big idea for folks that take a long term view of our industry. Initially the goal was to have $500,000 in the foundation by the year 2015. Like many big ideas, this one is taking more time to bear fruit than the founders anticipated. Currently our balance is $122,000 - not where they hoped, but still a good start.

The Articles of Incorporation of the Idaho Cattle Foundation state the purpose of the foundation “as including but not limited” to funding and performing an impressive list of worthwhile

BY MARK PRATT ICA Past President

projects - research to improve beef industry practices, youth education about careers in the beef industry, producer education about sound environmental stewardship practices along with public education about those practices, and finally, education of the public at large about our important role in providing healthy food and economic vitality to the state.

It could be argued that other entities fill these roles, which can be true depending on the mission of those entities. The difference is that this foundation is a 501 c (3) tax-exempt charitable organization where all donations are deductions from income for the donor (as applicable). The Foundation collects money which, through sound investment, works far into the future to fund efforts that aren’t subject to yearly influences and variation in operating budgets. This looks to the future, and is an investment by those truly invested in our industry going forward.

With that in mind, there are several levels of contribution to pick from. The “Riding for the Brand” legacy club will appeal to most individuals and family ranches. For $1,250, which can be paid over three years, you receive a handsome plaque with the ICA branding iron mounted on a wooden base with your name inscribed, declaring you as a member of the Legacy Club. A classy way to show your investment and to be displayed with pride. Higher levels of investment are available for those wishing to make a greater contribution.

Maybe you’re not in a position to sign up just yet, but keep the Foundation in mind for the future and consider joining a great group of individuals and entities dedicated to the future of the Idaho cattle industry.

From FFA to Future Leaders : Empowering Youth to Make a Difference in Agriculture and Beyond

Building skills, confidence, and community: The transformative tower of FFA and agricultural education programs for developing the next generation of leaders

BY CARLY WEAVER Interim Executive Director Idaho FFA 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 advances the livestock industry – or agriculture

in general. This article highlights a 2022 award recipient, the Idaho FFA Foundation.

Throughout Idaho, FFA members in all aspects of agriculture carry out the goals of the Idaho Cattle Association: Promote, Preserve, Protect. Since the chartering of Idaho FFA in September 1929, FFA has been a large part of many Idahoans’ educational experiences. The Idaho FFA Foundation was founded in 1980 to provide resources and financial support to the endeavors of Idaho FFA members. Investments and resources garnered through the Foundation help develop potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. Today, the Idaho FFA Foundation supports 6,000+ FFA members and 100 chapters across the Gem State. The Foundation’s goal is to cultivate leaders, build communities, and strengthen agriculture in Idaho for long term and statewide effect.

The Idaho FFA Foundation will bolster four primary areas with the awarded Unclaimed Livestock Funds: EMERGE Grants, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Project Grants, Career Development Event support, and Beef Proficiency Awards.

EMERGE GRANT SPONSOR

Each year, the Idaho FFA Foundation issues grants to FFA chapter advisors. For 2022-2023, the focus is

STUDENTS ACROSS THE STATE OF IDAHO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND PROJECTS AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, AS A RESULT OF GRANTS AWARDED THROUGH THE UNCLAIMED LIVESTOCK FUND.

to advance animal science pathways, with a priority on the beef cattle industry. These grants provide FFA Advisors with additional resources, curriculum, and tools necessary for success in the classroom. The Idaho Cattle Foundation generously contributes $20,000 in funds awarded through the Unclaimed Livestock fund allocated toward this grant program. In the Spring of 2023, 20 chapters received an EMERGE Grant.

SAE PROJECT GRANTS

Supervised Agriculture Education (SAE) projects are integral to the FFA program which give students a handson experiential learning project in specific focus areas providing them with valuable skills and experience necessary for success in that field. Grants will be given to students to help them with project costs such as feed, vaccinations, show supplies, equipment, or anything else that helps further the student success with their beef projects. Eleven students across the state received $500 grants.

Addysen Larson, Kimberly FFA: “I’ve always wanted to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps of raising his own herd of cattle. Being an FFA member has given me resources and skills to help me start my own herd. With this grant, I’ll be able to purchase a heifer to show at my local fair.”

Alazne Espy, Moscow FFA: “I’d like to collect and invest in better equipment for my show steer for fair this year.”

Boden Salisbury, Moscow FFA: “To help place higher in quality classes at fair this year, I’m going to buy a higher quality of feed for my show steer.”

Connor Porath, Kimberly FFA: “With my grant, I’ll buy AI supplies for cattle. I hope to artificially inseminate and efficiently vaccinate my cattle without having to use other people’s supplies.”

Elias DeVries, Midvale FFA: “I’m going to purchase additional pen materials and supplies for my registered Red Angus herd as it grows.”

Karlie Smith, Notus FFA: “I plan to purchase a nice set of clippers. One of my SAE goals is to get better at fitting my steer. I want my steer to look very appealing to the judge at my local fair.”

Kylyn Jensen, Notus FFA: “This grant will help me pay for a better steer from better breeders and it could help me afford a more “clubby looking” calf, which could help me succeed against other competitors.”

Lydia Shaw, Parma FFA: “I spend an average of $500 on equipment that I use throughout the year. Things like fans, brushes, blowers, AI kits, etc. are used for both my show heifer and cow herd. I’m thankful to have this grant to help me purchase equipment and pay pasture rent this year.”

Maria Weymouth, Notus FFA: “I plan to use my SAE

grant toward cattle feed costs this year. I’m also saving up for a new clipping chute, clippers, and a blower.”

Matthew Hazard, Middleton FFA: “This grant will help me get a jump start in growing my herd. I plan to purchase more heifers that I would end up breeding. I could also use the money to help with feed costs for my current herd.”

Mylee Porath, Kimberly FFA: “There are many ways this grant will benefit the expansion of my SAE, such as buying a show box that will help me organize all my supplies and keep them in good shape to use for many years.”

CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENT (CDE) SPONSOR

Meats Evaluation and Technology & Livestock Evaluation are 2 CDE competitions which receive support of $7,000 in funding for competing teams. This generous support covers costs for state and national competitions and signage for recognition at these events.

Participants in the Meats Evaluation and Technology CDE delve into the science of meat. During this team event, students evaluate beef carcasses for quality and

MARIA WEYMOUTH OF THE NOTUS FFA CHAPTER UTILIZES A CLIPPING CHUTE AS PART OF HER SAE PROJECT.

Your Dollar Does

A look at driving demand for beef through the $1 national beef checkoff

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CATTLEMEN’S BEEF BOARD

For a variety of reasons, consumer beef demand plummeted in the U.S. in the 1970s and ‘80s, prompting a group of cattle producers from across the country to look for a way to address the industry’s problems, and to highlight beef’s strengths as the protein of choice. That grassroots group sought feedback from fellow producers, and what they heard was the desire for a strong state beef council bolstered by widespread national support. Their efforts led to the creation of the National Beef Checkoff, part of the 1985 Farm Bill. When the referendum was put to the vote, it passed with an impressive 79% of producer support.

CHECKOFF 101

The Checkoff was designed with one fundamental goal in mind – to drive demand for beef. The Beef Checkoff invests in programs – promotion, research, industry information, consumer information, foreign marketing, and producer communications – with the sole aim at influencing consumer sentiment towards beef and driving beef demand domestically and abroad. The Beef Checkoff dollars cannot – by law – be used for lobbying or to influence government policy in the beef industry. In addition, the Checkoff does not own cattle, packing plants or retail outlets. It cannot control beef or cattle prices, singlehandedly turn around

a bad market, or lead individual producer profitability. The Beef Checkoff brings in nearly $80 million annually to support these promotion and research projects on a national and state level. Half of that money is invested at home in the state where the animal was sold.

PERFECT PARTNERSHIP

Producers wanted a program they could be a part of at both the state and national levels, and that’s what they got—a program focusing wholly on beef promotion, research, and education. This state/national partnership manifests through the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB), our stewards of the Checkoff.

The CBB is comprised of 101 U.S. beef, dairy, and veal producers, and a handful of importers, a group that also pays into the program. Cow-calf producers hold the largest percentage of seats making up approximately 60% of the Beef Board. These producers and importers are representatives of the entire U.S. cattle industry.

Currently, Idaho has two seats on the CBB

TRISH DOWTON - ELLIS, ID

board and is poised to gain a third seat in 2024. This representation ensures Idaho’s voice and perspective are reflected in national programming. This state/national partnership is a key strength, and what makes the Beef Checkoff valuable to Idaho producers.

Trish Dowton of Ellis, ID currently holds one of those Beef Board seats. Dowton and her husband, Stan, have owned the Dowton 3X Ranch, a cow-calf operation, since 1992. Dowton sits on the Consumer Trust Committee and the Beef Promotion Operating Committee. The Beef Promotion Operating Committee is responsible for developing the annual budget, which must be approved by the full Beef Board and USDA, for developing plans and programs in the areas of promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications. Having an Idaho voice in making decisions on where checkoff funds are invested is very important. Tucker Shaw of Caldwell, ID currently holds the second Idaho seat. Shaw is a third generation Idaho rancher and runs a registered Angus, Hereford and Red Angus ranch with his father and brother. Shaw sits on the International Marketing Committee.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

As a result of each state’s 50-cent contribution to the national Beef Checkoff, the CBB is able to make the most of producers’ dollars to keep beef at the center of the plate both in Idaho and nationally.

One example of this effort is through the program managed by Checkoff contractor, Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative (NEBPI). In Idaho, there are more cattle than people, whereas in the Northeast region, people outnumber cattle 15-to-one. As a result, it’s necessary to use our Idaho Checkoff dollars to drive demand for beef in a region of the U.S. that contains approximately 25% of the population of the U.S. One way they’re doing this

is through a partnership with Seton Hall University to convey positive beef messaging and content to Seton Hall fans and students alike. This partnership reached more than 1.5 million consumers through social media and in-person advertising in 2022 alone.

Another contractor working on behalf of the Beef Checkoff is The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture (AFBFA). AFBFA has created an annual immersion event, called “On The Farm STEM”, which is designed to bring educators to real farms and bring together teachers and administrators from seven different states. The program is designed to equip educators with free lessons, activities, online learning tools, and professional development events that they can take back to their population-dense school districts to introduce students to agriculture. Dowton shared, “I have been very impressed by what AFBFA has been able to accomplish with their efforts to bring agriculture into classrooms in urban areas with STEM focus. They really are making a difference by partnering with educators in these larger cities and helping students understand food systems and production agriculture”. Combined, the educators who participated serve student populations of just over 70,000 students.

An additional Beef Checkoff program that has yielded impressive results is the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Shaw explained, “USMEF promotes beef in more than 80 countries. In 2022 beef export sales were nearly 12 billion dollars-a recordwhich equals to $448 per head of cattle harvested in 2022”. This was an increase of 13% from 2018 and is a direct result of USMEFs work to market undesirable cuts of meat to foreign markets. “USMEF plays a huge role in helping to get

TUCKER SHAW - CALDWELL, ID

AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE HAS CREATED AN ANNUAL IMMERSION EVENT, CALLED “ON THE FARM STEM”, WHICH IS DESIGNED TO BRING EDUCATORS TO REAL FARMS AND BRING TOGETHER TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS FROM SEVEN DIFFERENT STATES.

BEEF, THE PREFERRED PROTEIN OF THE SETON HALL PIRATES.

our delicious and nutritious product to consumers around the world” Shaw explains. USMEF continues to target global markets for beef promotion.

By investing Beef Checkoff dollars in these projects, dollars are spent more efficiently and effectively. Every decision about investing Checkoff dollars into beef promotion, research, education, in-

formation, and foreign-market development is directly tied to the Beef Industry Long Range Plan. It truly is a partnership between cattle producers and the producer-run Beef Checkoff that ultimately drives consumer demand for beef.

For additional information on the National Beef Checkoff visit YourDollarDoes.com.

•Supports

YOUR DOLLAR CREATES BEEF LOVERS FROM BITE ONE

Leading pediatric and nutrition associations, including the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, now recommend introducing meats like beef, among other nutrient-dense foods, to infants and toddlers. Your Checkoff dollar supports the research and raises awareness of new guidelines that prove beef’s 10 essential vitamins and minerals, including protein, iron and zinc, help promote growth and development, creating new generations of beef lovers before their first step.

Your Dollar Does.

Rancher Auburn, WA

Keith Hickle

Maximizing Reproductive Efficiency

The benefits and challenges of estrous synchronization for natural service

BY JOHN B. HALL, PH.D. Extension Beef Specialist University of Idaho

Many cow-calf operations in Idaho calve in February and March. One reason for choosing this calving season is to allow bulls owned by the ranch to breed cows for at least one cycle before moving to range. In addition, having a majority of the cows calve in the first 30 days of the calving season is critical to profitability.

One challenge in herds employing only natural service mating is how to maximize the percentage of cows bred early in the breeding season. Estrous synchronization can be used with natural service. Several easy systems have been developed.

CHALLENGES WITH ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION AND NATURAL SERVICE

Synchrony. Clearly, one of the important factors in synchronizing cows for natural service is to ensure that the synchrony of estrus is not so tight as to overwhelm the bull power. For cows exhibiting natural estrus cycles, the percentage of cows in heat on any given day will be few and it will take 20 to 22 days for all cows to come in heat. The goal of synchronization for natural service is to have a majority of cows in heat within 7 to 10 days not 1 or 2 days like estrus synchronization for AI.

Bull Power. When using synchronization with natural service, bulls should be required to service fewer cows per

bull. Recommended cow to bull ratios for natural service are 30:1. However, for synchronized natural service the cow to bull ratio should be 15:1 to 25:1 depending on the age of the bull. Older mature bulls are preferred over yearling bulls for synchronized natural service. Older bulls have a greater serving capacity and can handle more cows per bull. In addition, older bulls are more experienced and are less likely to miss cows in heat or continue servicing a cow multiple times.

All bulls need to pass a breeding soundness exam. Bulls need to be in top physical condition with body condition score of 5 and used to exercise. During the synchronized period, bulls should be observed daily for signs of fatigue, injury or failure to service cows.

SYSTEMS FOR SYNCHRONIZING ESTRUS FOR NATURAL SERVICE

The system used for synchronization will depend on cow age (heifer vs cow), cycling status, and amount of labor needed. Each system uses a different synchronization drug and has a different protocol.

1 Shot Prostaglandin (PGF) - Natural Service (NS)

This program only works on cycling cows or heifers. It involves a single shot of prostaglandin F2α (Lutalyse®, Insynch®, ProstMate ®) or it’s analog (Estrumate®, estroPLAN®) to all animals 5 days after introduction of bulls (Figure 1). Only cycling cows with a functional corpus luteum (CL) will be synchronized by this treatment. The injection of PGF will lyse the CL and bring females into heat.

Bulls will breed cows in heat during the first 5 days. Any cow bred during the first 5 days will not respond to the prostaglandin treatment as the CL is too immature, so these cows

Figure 1. 1 Shot Prostaglandin (PGF) – NS Protocol. Cows are given prostaglandin F2α or its analog 5 days after introduction of bulls. (Larson et al., 2009)

will remain pregnant. After the shot of prostaglandin, unbred cycling cows will come into estrus over a 5-to-7-day period. In research conducted in Nebraska, cows synchronized with the 1 Shot PGF-NS system had a 12% increase in calves born in the first 21 days of the calving season compared to unsynchronized cows (75% vs 63%, respectively).

14 Day MGA - NS (Heifers only)

Melengestrol acetate (MGA®; Zoetis or HeifermaX®; Elanco) is a synthetic oral progestin that acts like the naturally occurring hormone progesterone in heifers. Treatment with MGA keeps heifers from expressing estrus. In addition, it will initiate cycles in non-cycling animals. MGA is only labeled for use in heifers.

The MGA is fed at 0.5 mg/heifer/day of MGA mixed in 3 to 5 lbs. of grain. Some feed mills provide MGA in a range cube. Heifers need to be fed at the same time every day and there needs to be enough bunk space, so all heifers get their share of the product.

Heifers are fed MGA for 14 days (Figure 2). After feeding is stopped, heifers will come into heat over a 3-to-5-day period. This heat is an infertile heat and bulls should not be introduced at this time. In addition, synchrony may be too tight. Bulls are introduced to heifers 13 days after the last feeding of MGA. The advantage to this system is response is good and it is effective in initiating cycles in non-cycling heifers. The disadvantage is that the system takes almost a month to complete before breeding can begin. Researchers from Kentucky worked with 601 heifers in 12 herds. Using the 14 Day MGA-NS method resulted in 69% of the heifers pregnant to the synchronized estrus and 83% of heifer were pregnant within the first 30 days of the breeding season (Patterson et al., 1991).

7-day CIDR - NS (Heifers or cows)

The Eazi-Breed CIDR (CIDR; Zoetis) is a plastic device that is impregnated with progesterone that is inserted in the vagina of the cow. Treatment with a CIDR keeps cows or heifers from expressing estrus. In addition, it will initiate cycles in non-cycling animals.

The CIDR is inserted on Day 0 and removed 7 days later. One day after CIDR removal bulls are turned in (Figure 3). For example, CIDRs are inserted on Monday, and the following Monday they are removed. Bulls are turned in on Tuesday.

Since the CIDR is only in for 7 days, heats after CIDR removal occur over 7 to 10 days and heats are fertile. In a study with multiple herds, herds that used the 7-day CIDR system had more cows pregnant in the first 30 days and a higher pregnancy rate overall (Table 1.)

A modification of the 14 Day MGA system is to feed MGA for 7 days then turn bulls in the day after the last feeding of MGA. Synchrony is not as good with this method, but it will “jump start” some non-cycling heifers.

If you are interested in synchronizing for natural service, synchronizing heifers is a good way to start. It will give managers a good idea of what to expect and allow them to decide if they want to expand it to the cow herd.

Considering the genetic and financial investment in bulls, it is worth considering estrous synchronization for natural service. Ensuring that more cows are bred to desired bulls and increasing weaning weights of calves will improve profitability and herd quality.

If you are interested in estrous synchronization for natural service, feel free to contact me jbhall@uidaho.edu or 208-756-2749.

Figure 2. The 14 Day MGA system. Melengestrol acetate (MGA) is fed at 0.5 mg/heifer/day mixed in 3 to 5 lbs of grain. (From Patterson et al., 1991)

Figure 3. 7-day CIDR natural service method.

Table 1. Impact of using 7-day CIDR synchronization system for natural service compared to no synchronization.

The Stewards of the Range

Understanding the hurdles for Idaho’s ranchers on the federal level

If patience is a virtue, then the rancher is a saint. From the lockdowns, supply shortages, runaway costs, and energy shocks, I admire the steadfast and enduring spirit of Idaho’s ranchers. That also means I will continue to work with our ranchers, standing against government intervention in private market arrangements that might bring unintended consequences or harm to participants.

“I am from the government and I am here to help” doesn’t exactly convey a reassuring message these days. Ranching families know this all too well as the Biden Administration has adopted radical environmental and energy policies, created uncertainty when they expanded the “navigable waterways” doctrine, and ignored Idahoans’ role in the management of wildlife—including the gray wolf, a predator to ranching operations.

Ranching requires an understanding of the range, the proper use of waterways, the rearing of a herd, and the management of a delicate supply chain to ensure Americans have the best protein options in the world. Along with the benefits of ranching, Americans enjoy having expert grazing managers on federal lands that help keep rangeland healthy, reduces fire hazard, and keeps the heritage of family ranching intact.

Given all these benefits, why would our own federal government make the ranchers’ life more difficult? Despite urging and pleading, this administration is not doing all it can to keep en-

ergy prices low. Giving in to extreme and unproven environmental policies has serious financial repercussions for ranching. That is why the House of Representatives is preparing one of the largest energy packages to increase domestic production of oil & gas, boost transportation supplies of that energy, and make permitting more predictable. We need a reasonable regulatory process, not excessive delays and stonewalling.

As beneficial users, waterways have become a point of contention for many with the revised Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule handed down from on high at the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers. The overregulation of ephemeral arteries and streams that may be dry one year, or flooding the next year, does not square with the term “navigable waterway” as traditionally understood. With the support of many in the House and Senate, the Supreme Court is taking up Sackett v. EPA, which I am hopeful prevails on the question of what the Waters of the United States actually are for the benefit of Idaho ranchers. Constraining the WOTUS rule will go far in ensuring farmers and ranchers are not harassed by teams of bureaucrats trying to determine whether or not the puddle in the main yard needs a permit for use. The House of Representatives has also moved to repeal the WOTUS rule to stop excessive agency meddling of our ranchers.

As users of the range, management

BY RUSS FULCHER U.S. Representative

of the wolf in Idaho is critical to ensuring healthy predator and prey populations, especially for ranchers experiencing losses of inventory in recent years. The politicization of this issue has meant Idaho cannot counter excess growth in wolf populations far beyond intended Endangered Species Act protection. I continue to advocate for the delisting of the gray wolf.

Lastly, as we engage in the discussions around the Farm Bill, I continue to hear from many concerned constituents about environmental overregulation. Working with my colleagues, we will do all we can to lessen the burden on you, the rancher, and allow for you to do what is best, ranching. I am fighting the introduction of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rules, standing against the federal estate tax, and ensuring the Stepped Up Basis Rule remains in place. I want you to have the option of passing on your livelihood to your children and their children. Idaho is a ranching state, and the federal government should not undermine that.

Congress cannot bestow upon you the security of a bright future – but it can get out of your way. This will allow you to do what you do best: manage the land and feed Idaho and the world.

As always, my office is available to you. I welcome your input during this time as the House of Representatives and Senate take up the next iteration of the Farm Bill.

SUMMER

ROUND-UP

June 26-27, 2023Jackpot, Nevada

Join us for Summer Round-Up in Jackpot, Nevada, this year June 26-27! This mid-year event is the top place for those in Idaho's cattle industry to engage in conversation, hear pertinent industry issues & learn from experts on topics directly related to your operation. During Summer Round-Up, you can expect to hear from NCBA, the Idaho Beef Council and other agency representatives, as well as ICA leadership. Be sure to sign up for the annual Range Tour where we'll visit a research site for University of Idaho's study on the effects of spring livestock grazing on sage grouse, as well as make some stops to discuss various range improvement efforts. Those who desire can join us on the links for the annual golf tournament, with a BBQ presented by Agri Beef to cap off the event!

Photo by Angela Vesco Photography

The Idaho Cattle Association Resource Guide contains contact information for ICA staff & leadership, State & Federal government agencies, elected officials & industry associations in an easy-to-carry, digest-sized guide to reference year-round!

What does it include?

In addition to contact information for ICA leaders, agencies, elected officials, and industry associates, this guide also lists feedlot owners & operators, purebred producers and allied industry resources. Thousands of cattle producers throughout the state, as well as agricultural offices & businesses. Participants at events throughout the year may also be able to pick up a Resource Guide.

Who receives the guide?

What's the cost to me?

The listing is free for members! Non-members may be listed for a $50 fee.

Annual Resource Guide Listing

To be listed in the '23-'24 Annual Resource Guide, fill out the form below and return via mail to the ICA Office or email to morgan@idahocattle.org by June 1, 2023.

Name:

Business/Ranch Name: Title:

Email: Phone: Zip:

Address: City: State:

Website:

Choose a listing category (max 2):

AI/Embryo

Animal ID

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Nowhere to go but forward!

BY GRETCHEN HYDE Director, IRRC

It’s been a busy year for us, as always, but it’s been nice with Covid issues subsiding to have more in-person meetings, work on education outreach directly with Idaho’s K-12 teachers, show more teachers and students our IROAM education trailer and learning materials, and continue pumping out new, impactful stories in our award-winning Life on the Range video series.

We are scheduled with back-to-backto-back education outreach events going on through the end of the school year. It’s great to be able to interact with students and teachers once again in-person and teach them about Idaho’s rangelands! The new elementary book series “Four Seasons with Sage” tells the story of rangeland and ranching through the seasons from the perspective of a quirky border collie. These booklets are designed for upper-elementary students and fit nicely into the 4th and 5th grade standards. Funds awarded through the Unclaimed Livestock Fund, as recommended by the ICA foundation, helped produce 15,000 of these four-part series booklets which have been distributed all over Idaho.

In the last year, IRRC has been spending quite a bit of time with Boise State University survey experts about our latest statewide public opinion poll. In our IRRC board meetings, we’ve discussed the findings in detail, and dug into the public’s answers to glean important information and nuances.

IRRC has been consistent in polling Idahoans about a variety of rangeland,

grazing, wildlife, and conservation issues since 1997. The polls are a great help in forming our public outreach program and strategy. We try to keep many of the questions the same so we can track how the responses occur over time.

One of our big “aha” moments in this go-round was a much higher percentage of “don’t know” answers to many key questions. We inter -

preted those responses to mean that a lot of new people have moved into Idaho, and they maybe haven’t spent enough time out on Idaho’s rangelands to form an opinion.

The more we think about it, the more we see that “don’t know” result as an opportunity! Clearly we have more work to do educating Idahoans about Rangelands!

Idaho has led the nation in new residents moving into the state over the last five years. Approximately 500,000 new residents moved to Idaho from 2011 to 2021, according to a University of Idaho study. During the same period, 295,000 Idahoans

left the state for a net gain of 271,000 residents. Our total population in 2022 was nearly 2 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

So that’s a lot of new residents! Newcomers have moved into our cities as well as our rural areas.

How do we reach these people? We can reach children with education outreach in K-12 schools. We reach them in social media. We reach them with our Life on the Range videos. Our following on the Life on the Range Facebook page increased by another 1,000 people in 2022 to more than 7,500 followers so far. Our drone videos about the sheep crossing Idaho Highway 55 in Eagle each spring have significantly gained in popularity. In fact, last year, we made the TODAY show on NBC-TV with our drone video of the sheep crossing.

When wolves attacked domestic sheep herds belonging to Wilder rancher Frank Shirts last June, people could connect the dots between 2,600 ewes and lambs that crossed Idaho 55 in April and the 145 animals killed in broad daylight by two wolves. The kills were confirmed by USDA APHIS Wildlife Services. Frank’s sheep herders watched the episode occur.

IRRC appreciates working with ICA Executive Director Cameron Mulrony at our quarterly board meetings and getting his thoughts and input on our education and media outreach activities. ICA Past Presidents Mark Pratt and Jay Smith also have been super helpful with their advice and support for IRRC’s outreach activities. Mark Pratt is the newest IRRC board member nominated by ICA.

Blackfoot rancher Mark Pratt recently co-starred with his wife, Wendy, in a new Life on the Range story/video about carbon sequestration in rangelands. The bottom line of that story, from Mark and Wendy’s perspective, is that it’s valuable to think about the effects of livestock grazing above

ground, as well as below ground, with the ultimate goal of enriching the soil, the microbial activity in the soil, building biomass, and growing healthy plant ecosystems that benefit wildlife as well as livestock.

“There’s a whole food chain happening below ground that we’re just beginning to understand,” Mark notes.

About half of Idaho’s land mass is comprised of rangeland and half of the world as well, Wendy Pratt points out. About 12 percent of the global terrestrial carbon stocks are stored in rangelands. If those rangelands remain intact, then ranchers can do their part to foster healthy rangelands and enhance carbon sequestration. This video caught the attention of the State Department of Education science director. We are

working with their educators to create useful lessons to supplement this video and make it more accessible to high school teachers.

ICA Past President Jay Smith costarred in another recent Life on the Range video with his wife, Chyenne, about the emotional angst caused by the 130,000-acre Moose Fire in the Salmon River canyon northwest of Salmon. The fire was caused by a careless camper leaving a campfire unattended in mid-July. The sparks from that campfire turned into a full-on crown fire by late afternoon and evening. The Smith’s summer range, the Diamond-Moose Allotment, ended up getting burned, and half of their cattle herd was caught inside the fire lines for 4 months.

Chyenne Smith talked about the helpless feeling she had during those very long months, knowing that their livelihood could go up in the smoke. By late October, the Smiths had retrieved all of their cattle, amazingly enough, and that part of the story had a good ending. It was generous of Jay and Chyenne Smith to openly share their story. We know it was hard for them.

A note about IRRC’s funding. IRRC is funded in part by assessments on cattle and sheep AUMs on state and federal grazing allotments and private rangeland. About half of IRRC’s $400,000 budget is covered by revenue from assessments, followed by federal and state grants ($107K) and growing rangeland license plate income ($75K) and other sources, such as the Unclaimed Livestock Fund recommendation by the ICA Foundation. Regarding the grants, you’ll all be glad to know that we stretch our dollars multiple times by working with our many different funding partners each year. Thank you for your support!

Look for upcoming events, IRRC board meetings, and all the Life on the Range videos at http://idrange.org.

SEVENTH GRADERS LEARNING HOW TO CLOSE A WIRE GATE.

MARK AND WENDY PRATT.

BUREAUCRACY, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Comments can be submitted by mail to U.S. Department of the Interior, Director (630), Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C St. NW, Room 5646, Washington, DC 20240, Attention: 1004–AE92. They can also be submitted online at https://www.regulations.gov. In the Searchbox, enter “1004–AE–92” and click the “Search” button.

ICA will continue to take every step possible to educate about the dangers of the proposed language and to halt its implementation, with the help and backing of the Public Lands Council who is working every possible angle in Washington D.C. on our behalf on this issue.

126.22 +/ ACRES–Canyon Rim Develop ment Ground Twin Falls $5,500,000

892.86 +/ ACRES –Weiser $1,427,000

3.91 +/ Acres Industrial Grain Mill – With Railroad Spur Twin Falls $1,650,000 *SOLD*

86.16 +/ Acres– 1022 CAFO/Feedlot Buhl $2,550,000

2.38 +/ Acres–Kimberly $2,500,000

yield grade; identify various meat cuts and place carcasses from first to last; and identify wholesale and/or retail cuts. Students are challenged to develop analytical skills, critical–thinking strategies and effective communication skills.

During the Livestock Evaluation CDE, a team of four stu dents rank breeding and market classes of beef, sheep and swine from best to worst and give oral reasons to back up their decisions. Students participating in this CDE make ac curate and logical observations of livestock, decide on the desirable traits in marketing and breeding livestock, and se lect and market livestock that will satisfy consumer demands and provide increased economic returns to producers.

During the 2022 National Convention, the Rigby FFA team received a gold award in Meats Evaluation and Technology CDE, with two individuals placing in gold and two placing in silver. The Livestock Evaluation CDE team from the Hagerman FFA chapter took 10th place

Member Member Member Recruitment Recruitment Recruitment

2023 program

5 MEMBERS 5 MEMBERS RECRUITED RECRUITED

= =

1 CONVENTION 1 CONVENTION REGISTRATION! REGISTRATION!

To be eligible : -Membership forms must be received by the office between Jan 1 - Oct 31

-Must have your name listed in the recruitment space,

-Recruitment must be a new member or outdated 2+ years

in the nation, with two students receiving gold emblems and two receiving silver.

BEEF PRODUCTION PROFICIENCY AWARDS

Three students received a financial award of $100 each, as part of the Beef Production Proficiency awards in Entrepreneurship, Ag Placement & Ag Business. This award recognized each student as the top production student in their respected SAE project area.

PROFICIENCY AWARD CEREMONY AT THE 92ND ANNUAL IDAHO FFA STATE CONVENTION IN APRIL OF 2023

HAGERMAN FFA LIVESTOCK EVALUATION TEAM AT NATIONALS IN OCTOBER OF 2022.

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Scott & Debbie Bunderson

Scott & Kim Kesl

Scott McNeley

Scott Simplot

Shane & Mimi Rosenkrance

Shane Jacobson

Sharon Hoffman

Sharon Nielson

Shawna Gill

Sierra Crisp

Stephen & Helen Percy

Steve Aslett

Steven & Louise Wood

Steven Taylor

Tay Brackett

Taylor Skramstad Walgamott

The Smiths

Thomas Carson

Todd & Ryan Lickley

Todd Smith

Tom Basabe

Tom Munns

Tony & Brenda Richards

Trent Brusseau

Troy Wilcox

Tyler Lund

VerNon & Joanne Roche

Will Brackett

Willis Robinette

KODY DEE WILLIAMS

Northwest Regional Manager

Cell: 509.948.6430

Office: 800.989.8247

Email: kodydeewilliams@allflexusa.com

P.O. Box 612266 • 2805 East 14th Street Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport, Texas 75261-2266

48thAnnualProductionSale

Tuesday,March14,2023

Lunchat11:30•1:00MSTpm•AtRanchinAshton,Idaho 120YearlingRedAngusBullsand85YearlingHeifers

www.loosliredangus.com

BrianLoosli 3127E.1100N. Ashton,ID83420 208-652-3303 208-317-7878 blloosli@gmail.com

JonathanMeek 208-227-3779

MarkLoosli 208-351-3333

Elkington Polled Herefords and South Devons 5080 E. Sunnyside Road Idaho Falls, ID 83406

Keith (208) 521-1774

Layne (208) 681-0765

Eric (208) 881-4014

www.elkingtonpolledherefords.com

Email: ephrbulls@hotmail.com

Dennis Boehlke

Dennis: Nampa ID 83686 (208) 989-1612

9351 Lake Shore Drive

2 miles west of Hwy. 45

James & Dawn Anderson 208-280-1505

208-280-1509 Beverly Bryan

PRIVATE TREATY SALES HEREFORD & RED ANGUS

2 Year Olds & Spring Yearling Bulls Spring Yearling Hereford & Red Baldy Heifers

Check out our offering at jbbalherefords.com

JBB/AL HEREFORDS 1973 S 1500 E GOODING, ID 83330 jbbalherefords@gmail.com

Bryan & Charly Anderson 208-280-1964

Jae Anderson

Gallagher helps make each generation better than the last. Genetics are essential to the performance of your animals from year to year. The right information makes all the difference when important decisions need to be made. Gallagher’s Animal Performance App, Weigh Scales, EID Tag Readers, Loadbars, and Electric Fencing products give you the best tools and information to help your animals thrive. Because at Gallagher, we know the best is yet to come.

Animal Performance AppHR5 Hand Held EID Tag Reader & Data Collector TWR-5 Weigh Scale Wireless Loadbars