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Public Lands Issue
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT Spencer Black (Malta) 208-647-8130
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Val Carter (Pingree) 208-390-4811
VICE PRESIDENT
Arnold Callison (Blackfoot) 208-681-8441
PAST PRESIDENT
Jerry Wroten (Wilder) 208-831-7339
TREASURER
Scott Bunderson (Nampa) 208-250-7549
FEEDER COUNCIL CHAIR
Logan Peters (Boise) 208-999-2584
PUREBRED COUNCIL CHAIR
Chase Lanting (Twin Falls) 208-539-4371
COW-CALF COUNCIL CHAIR
Roscoe Lake (Blackfoot) 208-604-3650
CATTLEWOMEN COUNCIL CHAIR
Tay Brackett (Filer) 208-866-4967
DISTRICT 1 REPRESENTATIVES
Eric Wittman (Lapwai) 208-790-5344
Cece Baldwin (Coeur d’Alene) 208-699-6611
DISTRICT 2 REPRESENTATIVES
Royce Schwenkfelder (Cambridge) 208-550-2200
Rex Hoagland (Melba) 208-800-2798
DISTRICT 3 REPRESENTATIVES
Jesse Human (Jerome) 208-358-1277
Valene Cauhorn (Jerome) 208-571-9086
DISTRICT 4 REPRESENTATIVES
Shane Rosenkrance (Mackay) 208-589-3110
Danna Beckman......(Idaho Falls) 208-201-9902
DISTRICT 5 REPRESENTATIVES
Tim Munns (Snowville) 435-279-4420
Matt Thomson (Idaho Falls) 208-589-6901
ALLIED INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE
Elena Montemagni (Caldwell) 559-786-3627
CATTLEWOMEN BOARD REPRESENTATIVE
Christie Prescott (Fairfield) 208-420-3548
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Casey Scott...............(Clarkston) 208-431-3024
Randall Raymond (Grand View) 208-599-0391
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Cameron Mulrony cameron@idahocattle.org
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & INDUSTRY RELATIONS
Morgan Lutgen morgan@idahocattle.org
MEMBER PROGRAMS & SERVICES MANAGER
Montana MacConnell montana@idahocattle.org
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Michelle Johnson michelle@idahocattle.org
NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY DIRECTOR
Karen Williams karen@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.
The importance of public lands grazing
Sharing the rancher perspective from the West
ICA leadership and staff recently returned from Washington, D.C. There, we had the opportunity to attend Public Lands Council (PLC) meetings. PLC represents ranchers who graze their animals on public lands—what an organization to be a part of! PLC promotes the value and understanding of grazing, modernizing the Endangered Species Act, and mitigating wildfire suppression through targeted grazing and active management. These are just some of the many issues that PLC addresses, and all of them fall in line with the Idaho Cattle Association.
The Idaho Cattle Association has been at the forefront of addressing PLC priority issues many times over the years.
Today, ranchers across the West manage close to 250 million acres of public lands. Sixty percent of the beef herds in the west graze on public lands. Economically, grazing contributes $1.5 billion to the Department of the Interior (DOI) and impacts over 150,000 jobs. We keep lands open and healthy for all multiple use activities, including hunting, fishing, camping, off-roading, hiking, and cycling. The most impressive contribution that we make to public lands, especially with our current administration, is that we save the taxpayer $150 per acre in costs by reducing wildfire fuels.
The Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) has been at the forefront of addressing PLC priority issues many times over the years. From the Endangered Species Act issues with gray wolves, sage grouse,
BY SPENCER BLACK ICA President
and grizzly bears, to wild horses and burros and the negative impacts that they have on the range, ICA and PLC align to address these problems.
While in D.C., we had the opportunity to meet with individuals in the DOI. Ryan Hofmann, with the Bureau of Land Management, met with us to discuss the issues surrounding Owyhee 68 and the importance of updating grazing regulations. He was also interested to know of any other issues we are having on the ground. Tom Schultz, newly appointed Chief with the US Forest Service, took the time to hear about forest fire challenges and the struggle to replace much needed infrastructure because of hold-ups in the NEPA process. They wanted us to know the value of our grazing on public lands and the importance it has to the West.
Luckily, in Idaho, we have senators and representatives in office who are well-educated on the issues we face. Their doors have always been open to ICA and PLC. It varies from year to year which ones we are able to visit with in person, but every year they carve out time to meet with ICA. This is a privilege that not every state association has.
It’s an honor to attend the D.C. meetings and represent the Idaho Cattle Association. I would strongly encourage anyone interested in the importance of grazing on our public lands to engage with PLC. ICA has a strong presence and the opportunity to be influential in this space.
Drive More Worry Less
What lies beneath the saddle
Looking back on ICA’s time in the nation’s capital
In the last issue, I talked about removing the governmental “saddle” in order for the public to see what is underneath. In April, members of the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) staff and leadership spent time in Washington, D.C., to work on behalf of the industry and evaluate what lies beneath the saddle as the administration goes through this transition period.
On this trip, I noticed that the atmosphere in Washington was different from the last couple of times I’d been there—I left the East Coast feeling optimistic about our upcoming “race” as we begin to re-tack the political horse.
My perspective is that the new administration sees a need for change from the status quo, and they had time to make a plan. Efficiency and fiscal responsibility came up in every conversation we had with folks in D.C. We could spend hours debating the plan’s execution—hatchet vs. scalpel, or great ideas that didn’t land quite as expected—but that’s not the direction I’m headed with this message.
I’ll shift gears here and make a rodeo analogy. Confidence is a huge part of success. In my time in the arena, the days that I was confident and focused on the task at hand with the tools I needed to make eight seconds, I had much more success compared to the days that I focused on what my opponent had going on in the chute. This is where I feel we, as an industry, have a leg up as we work toward success in the regulatory and legislative world that we find ourselves in with this administration: we are confident.
The message that I noticed in the conversations and meetings in our nation’s capital was positive, and I will relay it in my words: be patient and don’t panic. Send the message of what we need in our industry, rather than what we have lost!
Usually when you ask a cattleman what he needs, he is direct and precise. Let’s take fence building as
BY CAMERON MULRONY ICA Executive Vice President
an example. If I am going to build a fence, I calculate the number of posts, wire, clips, etc. that I need for the job. I usually know how many I have on hand, and I purchase what I need with a small excess, just in case. What I don’t see many doing in our industry is saying, “I need to build some fence, send me ‘some’ posts, wire, and clips.” Cattlemen are much more specific about the material needed for the job, and that is where I feel we can move our priorities forward (if there is not a regulatory item that will prohibit our agency partners from completing the task).
When it comes to building fence in partnership with government programs, it seems we are in a situation where they are willing to send “some” materials. However, “some” may not be what’s necessary to build 500 feet of fence. If I say that the fence will have 10-foot centers, I’d calculate that I need 51 posts. I did not feel like anyone that I met with in D.C. would short us and only send 40 posts for that kind of project. That being said, if you didn’t specify you wanted 10-foot centers, they may have assumed that 12-foot was sufficient, hence your post shortage. The main point here is that there are materials and opportunities available, but it’s crucial that we are specific with our needs to ensure that our industry is served well.
It’s time to focus on what’s important. I wear too many hats some days, and while it’s hard to part with any of them, I could probably get by with just the essentials—one for work, one for town, and one for my favorite sporting event. Same goes for our message. If we show up focused, with a clear ask and a solid plan—just like we would when building a fence—we’re far more likely to get the right support. There’s real opportunity ahead, and with a little patience, confidence, and precision, I believe we’re in a good spot to move forward. Keep us in the loop, and don’t be afraid to take stock of what you truly need.
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Seeking efficiency
ICA goes to Washington to promote ideas that will benefit Idaho’s cattle industry
More so than most occupations and industries, the western cattle industry is particularly subject to the whims of the federal government. Because so much of what we do is federally regulated, our livelihoods are at great stake every time there is an election. The person or party at the helm of the presidency or Congress determines our ability to raise livestock, wheth-
The term “efficiency” is certainly having a moment right now within the realm of public discourse and government management.
er it be through the oversight of grazing permits (on which the majority of cattle produced in Idaho depend for some part of their lives), by the control of disease and vaccine availability, through market manipulation of such things as feed ingredients, or
BY KAREN WILLIAMS ICA Natural Resources Policy Director
through the regulation of species, air, and water. So, when there is a change in presidential administration or in the balance of power in Congress, we stand up and pay particular note; either we gear up for four years of defense, or we charge ahead with plans for change and improvement. Well, given the electorate’s actions on November 5, 2024, Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) is currently in a phase of charging ahead, full of ideas and recommendations for improvements to a wide variety of laws and regulations.
With all this in mind, ICA staff and leadership traveled to Washington D.C. in April to begin laying the groundwork and to present ideas for improvements to federal laws and regulations that impact our industry. ICA heads to our nation’s capital at least annually in an effort to keep our issues and our industry at the front of decision-makers’ minds. We time our trip to occur in conjunction with the Public Land’s Council’s legislative conference and the fly-in for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. While we attend some of the industry-wide meetings, our chief focus for our time in D.C. is on arranging our own
THE LEGISLATIVE NEEDS OF IDAHO’S CATTLE INDUSTRY WERE BROUGHT TO THOSE IN OFFICE.
Idaho-specific meetings with our congressional delegation and U.S. Departments of the Interior (DOI) and Agriculture (USDA) leadership and agency heads. With the very recent transition in presidential power and the arduously slow process to get nominations confirmed through Congress, there still remains many vacancies in these positions within the departments. Despite that, we were able to schedule some meetings with some newly integrated decision-makers and transition team members on which we can build over the next four years in our efforts to effect real and meaningful changes.
The term “efficiency” is certainly having a moment right now within the realm of public discourse and government management. It is within that vein that most of our key ideas lie. We certainly noticed that in our meetings with agencies and congressional members, ears perked up when we incorporated that term into our discussion. There is both will and motivation right now to make government actions more efficient. Any idea that we can propose that will achieve greater efficiency has the potential to gain a lot of traction right now. Many of our problems stem from the inefficiencies of government. Grazing permits cannot get renewed because of the outsized implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Range improvements do not get approved for the same reason and because it takes a dozen different types of -ologists to review a document. Sound land management practices are restricted due to overgrown, misapplied laws such as the Endangered Species Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and more. There are hundreds of examples of government inefficiency preventing sound stewardship of land and resources and unnecessarily restricting cattle management practices.
Armed with this information, we scheduled meetings in D.C. to plant the seeds of ideas to achieve greater efficien-
cy in laws and regulations impacting Idaho cattle producers. At DOI, we met with new and acting BLM leadership, along with newly appointed political staff. Thanks to the frustrating actions of the Biden administration related to the Owyhee 68 grazing permits on their way out the door, and the ensuing reversal achieved through the Trump administration, we had a lot to talk about. Perhaps no other example better illustrates the inefficiencies in permit renewal than the Owyhee 68 permits. Dating back to the 1990s, these permits have languished, without a proper permit renewal. For our meetings, we came armed with information that proved this point, along with a list of ideas to accomplish permit renewal for these and other expired permits in Idaho.
At USDA, we met separately with a transition team member and then with new Forest Service leadership, including Idaho’s own Tom Schultz (former Idaho Department of Lands Director), who was recently appointed to be the Chief of the Forest Service. Key discussion points at these meetings were the need to streamline NEPA for grazing permit renewal and management, the past unwillingness of the agency to reopen vacant grazing allotments, the inadequacies of the agency’s fire management and the importance of including grazing as a fuels reduction tool, inadequate weed management, changes needed to better enable families to share and transfer grazing permits, and more.
In addition to our agency meetings, we also took the opportunity to sit down with each member of Idaho’s congressional delegation and their staff. With them, we shared the same ideas we had presented to the agency and administration staff, and we proposed congressional solutions to achieve grazing permit renewal for expired permits in Idaho. We also discussed the need for reforms to the laws identified above along with the Equal Access to Justice Act and clarifying actions needed for the implementation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
During our time in D.C., the appropriate seeds were planted to begin the work to change the governance of the cattle industry in ways that will not only create greater efficiencies, but will result in greater stewardship of our resources. ICA will continue to do the work needed for building on the relationships made during our time in D.C., forging relationships with new political appointees as they are put in place, and pushing ideas that improve the livelihoods of our members and conservation of our resources.
Grazing common ground
Your ICA Federal & State Lands Committee at work
Hello Fellow ICA Members! This article is intended to share some information and provide some details on the mission and workings of the ICA Federal & State Lands Committee, that I currently serve as Chairman of.
First off, some would ask why we have a separate PLC Committee with ICA, and the critically significant answer is because of the huge amount of federally owned land within the State of Idaho that provides huge grazing opportunities for Idaho’s livestock grazing industry – for both cattle and sheep! (For conciseness of this article, we will not consider wild horses as grazing livestock.) A few facts on Idaho:
1. Idaho contains a whopping 32,789,648 acres of federally owned land within its borders, approximately 2/3 by the United States Forest Service (USFS) under the Department of Agriculture and 1/3 by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under the Department of the Interior.
2. This ranks Idaho as the third State in terms of federally owned lands – trailing only Nevada and Utah in this category. Our southern neighbor, Nevada, is blessed or cursed (depending on your viewpoint) with over 80% of the state being owned by the US Government.
3. In terms of grazing AUM’s in the national public land database of 14 western states, Idaho again ranks third with over 2.1 Million AUM’s – trailing only Wyoming and Nevada.
4. By numbers of grazing permits, there are approximately 1,100 BLM and 440 USFS approved permits within the state in 2025. These numbers probably include some inactive allotments and don’t correspond exactly to number of livestock
BY MARTY GILL Federal & State Lands Committee Chair
National Public Lands Council Board
Member
producers, as some ranching operations own more than one grazing permit.
5. Past studies have indicated that approximately 80-85% of Idaho’s total livestock population spends at least some of the year grazing on public lands – without these government lands available for forage, our livestock industry would be significantly smaller!
6. In total, these grazing operations provide HUGE economic benefits to the State of Idaho on an annual basis, with livestock proceeds typically being in the top two or three spots for gross dollar values by ag category into the state’s GDP. Besides being an annual, long-term, and sustainable natural resource use that provides economic stability to our rural towns, counties, and state, there are many other benefits to grazing, including:
• Positive economic multiplier effect on all companies, and people doing business with livestock agricultural operations.
• Employment opportunities on ranches.
• Fine fuels management, reducing fuel loads and helping to prevent catastrophic wildfires and their resulting destruction.
• Properly managed grazing lands are more productive and support a greater diversity of both animal and plant species.
• Properly managed and utilized natural resources from federally owned lands have played a significant role in the successful history and development of the United States of America!
As the ICA Federal & State Lands Committee, typically composed of a chairman and a member of the Board of Directors from each of ICA’s five districts, we exist to
promote proper and consistent grazing opportunities and regula tions for livestock operations within the state. This means dealing with everything; AUM values, water rights, predation issues, en dangered species, building agency relations/working relationships, wildfire management, to supporting quality research activities re lated to range management, water quality/watershed quantity, and livestock and wildlife interaction and management systems.
We work closely with our ICA officer team and other states involved in the National Public Lands Council organization via monthly update and issue calls, as well as special working groups and task forces as needed to address key and timely issues. We have had significant input into helping both BLM and USFS update and rewrite some of their basic grazing handbook policies, which hadn’t been updated in years and were missing some current and good quality range management study implications. Our track record of successfully dealing with impactful events to our grazing industry by working together at the local/district, state, and national level is very impressive. The Public Lands Council carries a very strong and respected voice within our national government, and it is necessary to have them advocating for livestock grazing issues.
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We welcome involvement and input from fellow grazing permit holders anytime, and have specific meetings at both ICA Mid-Year Meeting and Annual Convention to discuss these is sues for the betterment of our Idaho livestock industry!
COVER STORY
BY MONTANA MacCONNELL
After the FIRE
Rethinking Wildfire Recovery and Management in Idaho
THE PADDOCK FIRE BURNS DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO THE SUTTON’S HOUSE, CORRALS, AND OTHER STRUCTURES.
To Steve and Lori Sutton, wildfire is nothing new. As fourth-generation ranchers, the Suttons have spent a lifetime building up their cattle herd. Like most ranchers in Idaho, they rely on public lands grazing allotments to feed their cows. In 2007, the Gray’s Creek Fire was sparked by lightning and burned 25,000 acres, including the Suttons’ grazing permits. Luckily, well-timed rainstorms provided for two growing seasons in the next year, and they were able to return to grazing. In 2018, the Mesa Fire ignited and burned much the same area as the Gray’s Creek Fire had. Due to the reduction of fuels from the fire 11 years earlier, Mesa didn’t burn very hotly, and grazing was allowed to return.
Photos by the Sutton family
The Suttons’ luck with fires ran out when the lightning struck on August 5th. The strike touched down by the Paddock Reservoir in Washington County, Idaho. One hundred degree heat and dry summer conditions had turned the landscape into a tinder box; it was ready to burn. The lightning strike sparked what became known as the Paddock Fire, which grew into the largest Idaho wildfire in 2024. A mushroom cloud of black smoke obscured the sky, visible for miles and miles around. When the flames finally subsided, there was only a scar of what had been there before. For local ranchers, the fire was devastating. Lost in the 187,185 acres burned were 37 grazing allotments and 219 pastures, affecting 28 grazing permittees.
Steve Sutton and his family were able to save a hay shed, 20 acres of pasture, and their house… the flames took everything else. Thousands of acres of BLM rangelands that Sutton relied on had been scorched. The classic recovery time after wildfire is two years, and grazing is not allowed back during that closure.
The standard of two-year rests on grazing is an example of how regulations do not facilitate flexible land management. The seasons and natural fluctuations in weather and the environment do not follow a rigid calendar. In a state known for its varying landscapes and diverse ecosystems, how can blanket management be effective? There is a large amount of recent research that supports grazing after wildfires and as a form of fire suppression. Bureaucratic processes tie the hands of people trying to do right by working lands. In our broken fire cycle, invasive annuals—with prolific and extensive seed banks—take over after a fire event, making quick management all the more crucial. The overabundance of cheatgrass and medusahead causes more fine fuel buildup, causing the next fire to come back in shorter and shorter periods of time. In fact, the name cheatgrass comes from pioneering farmers and ranchers who felt “cheated” by the invasive grass taking over previously productive pastures. These annuals are cheating Idaho’s rangelands, turning them into tinder boxes. Grazing is a unique tool for range management due to its flexible and inexpensive nature, yet it is overlooked as a treatment in these dire situations. That tool needs to be added to the toolbox if we are to ever change the broken fire cycle that is taking over the West.
For ranchers like the Suttons, recent research proves what they already know to be fact: grazing contributes to the health of the land. Fire is a natural part of the Idaho landscape, and historically, small fires were restorative
RANCHERS EXPERIENCE HARDSHIP AS A RESULT OF IDAHO’S BROKEN FIRE CYCLE.
events. Now, with huge fine fuel loads, fires have become catastrophic. We will never be able to douse every spark or quell every flame, but if we allow ranchers to steward the land with flexibility and proper management, we can reduce fuel loads and produce landscapes that cannot burn with such intensity.
THE SCIENCE OF GRAZING AND FIRE PREVENTION
In Idaho, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for managing one of the largest and most complex fire programs, protecting approximately 11 million acres. The BLM team responds to an average of 330 fires each year, which burn roughly 270,000 acres of public and private land.
While the BLM works tirelessly to suppress fires, new research shows that land management can be more proactive. For instance, grazing can be used strategically to reduce the growth of invasive species like cheatgrass, which often dominate landscapes after a fire. In a 2021 study, fall-winter grazing after a fire was shown to reduce the dominance of exotic annual grasses like cheatgrass, while in turn promoting the growth of native perennials. By grazing during the fall, when native vegetation is dormant, livestock selectively graze the invasive grasses that fuel future fires, helping to break the cycle of increasingly frequent and intense fires. Perhaps the most important finding from this research is that the native bunchgrass Sandberg bluegrass density was greater in fall-winter
grazed areas compared with ungrazed areas, showing that desirable native vegetation is not negatively affected by the practice of fall-winter grazing.
These findings are not isolated. Research from the University of Nevada, Reno, and studies in the Northern Great Basin have demonstrated that dormant-season grazing can dramatically reduce the amount of cheatgrass and medusahead in fire-prone rangelands. By changing grazing patterns to target invasive species before they can reproduce, ranchers can help manage the fuel load, reducing the chances of catastrophic wildfires in the future and helping convert rangelands back to native perennial dominance by reducing the chokehold of invasives on the land.
A key issue is the build-up of litter produced by invasive annuals. Annual-dominated rangelands have a thick layer of litter, which provides for annual seeds to be suspended and begin germination. This litter also prevents native seeds from reaching the soil, which is crucial for germination and seedling establishment. The litter layer on cheatgrass-infested rangelands creates a continuous fuel source and allows fire to burn with more intensity close to the ground, with more destructive consequences. When cattle graze these areas, they not only reduce the amount of invasive vegetation, but they also break up the litter that accumulates on the ground, decreasing fuel continuity. This reduction in litter is essential to breaking the cycle of frequent, catastrophic fires. Grazing also helps to spread out the fuel, making it less consistent and reducing the likelihood of a fire spreading quickly across the landscape.
A FIRE TRUCK TAKES A STAND BETWEEN THE APPROACHING FLAMES AND A VULNERABLE HAY SHED.
Through grazing, the moisture content of the vegetation can be altered, which significantly impacts fire behavior. A slight increase in moisture—just 2%—can change fire dynamics dramatically, making it less likely that a fire will ignite or spread rapidly. By grazing strategically, ranchers can play a direct role in managing fire risk, preventing the kind of devastating fires that Sutton has witnessed.
Fire is a complex, multifaceted issue in the West. The research shows that grazing, when managed correctly, can be a critical tool in fire prevention and land restoration. Yet, current land management practices are tied to a strict calendar and fail to incorporate these findings. In the case of a fire, ranchers like Steve Sutton are forced to wait two years before grazing is allowed to resume, a policy that doesn’t account for the rapidly changing dynamics of fire-prone landscapes.
THE PATH FORWARD: SUPPORTING RANCHERS AND LAND MANAGEMENT FLEXIBILITY
The impact of the Paddock Fire is a call for the need for more flexible land management policies that allow for proactive grazing strategies. The research is clear: grazing can play a key role in reducing fire risks, restoring native plant communities, and improving rangeland health. However, current regulations often prevent ranchers from using grazing as a tool for land recovery, leaving them to wait for the slow, rigid processes of bureaucratic management to take effect. By the time they are allowed to return to their grazing allotments after a fire, it is too late to slow the takeover of invasive annual grasses, which render the land unproductive and vulnerable to another more intense fire.
If we are to address the broken fire cycle in the West, we need to rethink how we manage our rangelands. Allowing for more adaptive, science-based land management practices would enable ranchers to respond more effectively to changing conditions, such as the rapid spread of invasive species after a fire. This flexibility could make a significant difference in breaking the cycle of fire and fuel buildup, helping to create a more resilient landscape.
As the West faces an increasingly volatile fire season, the need for change is urgent. Ranchers, whose livelihoods are at stake, cannot afford to wait for policies to catch up with the science. It is time to embrace grazing as a vital tool in wildfire prevention and land management. Only by empowering ranchers with the flexibility to manage their lands will we be able to change the broken fire cycle and ensure that our rangelands remain healthy and resilient for generations to come.
The Beef Checkoff Breakdown
The role of producer involvement in shaping Beef Checkoff programs.
While Idaho’s beef producers are focused on raising cattle and caring for the land, the Beef Checkoff is working behind the scenes to keep beef top of mind for consumers. The national Beef Checkoff program drives demand through education, research, and promotion—here in Idaho and across the country. The Idaho Beef Council plays a key role in putting Checkoff dollars to work through consumer advertising, marketing partnerships, public relations, education, and research. It’s all part of a bigger effort to support producers like you—and we’re here to break down how all of these groups work together so you can see the impact firsthand.
The Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, usually referred to as the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB), oversees the Beef Checkoff program which was established in the Beef Promotion and Research Act as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. CBB manages the collection of $1 per head on all cattle sold in the U.S. and $1 per head equivalent on imported cattle, beef and beef products. CBB is also responsible for approving the annual budget for its national Checkoff-funded programs.
CBB currently consists of 101 members who are individually nominated by certified nominating organizations and appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to serve a three-year
term. Members include domestic beef, dairy and veal producers, as well as importers of beef and beef products.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is the national trade association representing U.S. cattle producers. NCBA works to advance the political and social interests of its members. By law, Beef Checkoff dollars cannot be used in this branch of NCBA’s organization or for any type of political issue or policy interest.
NCBA is one of the “national nonprofit industry-governed organizations” defined in the Act and as such, can contract with CBB to conduct checkoff programs. It carries out beef and beef product promotion, research, information and related activities financed by the Beef Checkoff and similar market development investments. Kim Brackett, who operates Brackett Ranches Limited Partnership, LLC in southern Idaho alongside her husband and former IBC board chair, Ira Brackett, currently serves as Vice President of NCBA and has served on a multitude of committees and advisory boards over the last several years. Bill Lickley also serves on the NCBA Budget Committee and formerly served on the Idaho Beef Council Board of Directors.
The Federation of State Beef Councils represents the 43 Qualified State Beef Councils (QSBCs) throughout the U.S.—and Idaho is proud to be one of them. These
councils ensure local priorities are represented in national Checkoff programs and strategies. As Idaho’s QSBC, the Idaho Beef Council brings regional insight and leadership to national conversations, helping shape how Checkoff dollars are invested and implemented.
The Idaho Beef Council’s strategic objectives are closely aligned with national goals, helping ensure that local investments feed into a broader effort. These objectives are:
• Growing consumer trust in beef and Idaho beef production
• Expanding knowledge of Idaho’s multi-generational farms and ranches and their commitment to sustainability
• Increasing demand for Idaho and Pacific Northwest beef in domestic and key export markets
By working together through the Federation, the Idaho Beef Council is leveraging national consumer insights and creating programs to build consumer confidence and drive demand for beef.
One example is the sharing of producer stories which highlight how ranchers care for their animals and the land, and adopt practices that result in high-quality beef. With more consumers removed from agriculture and an understanding of food production, sharing these stories with new audiences is intended to build consumer confidence in beef products and production which may lead to positive beef purchasing trends. Additionally, survey results indicate that more consumers would buy beef if they were more confident in their cooking knowledge, so the Idaho Beef Council team guides consumers to IDBeef.org and BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com , where they can explore beef recipes, cuts, cooking methods, nutrition, and sustainability information.
These board members not only guide Idaho’s Checkoff investments, but many also serve on national committees, bringing Idaho’s voice into broader industry strategies.
IDAHO RANCHERS HAVE A VOICE IN NATIONAL BEEF PROGRAMS
National committees are formed within CBB and the Federation based on the strategies identified in the Beef Industry Long Range Plan (LRP) and demand drivers from the Consumer Beef Demand Driver research. Those committees then make recommendations to the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC), which ultimately makes program and contractor funding decisions. Twice a year, producer leaders meet in their committees to review promotions and other projects that directly tie to their outlined initiatives.
Guiding the direction of these state initiatives, the Idaho Beef Council Board of Directors reflects the diversity of Idaho’s beef industry, with leaders representing every major sector—from cow/calf producers to dairy operations to auction markets.
Idaho Beef Council Board Members:
• Steven Taylor – Auction Market (Chairman)
• J.W. Wood – Cattle Feeder (Vice Chairman)
• Jodie Mink – Cow/Calf (Secretary/Treasurer)
• Willie Bokma – Dairy
• Lynn Bachman – Cow/Calf
• Bruce Kerner – Cattle Feeder
• Jared Brackett – Cow/Calf
• Hank Hafliger – Dairy
Several Idaho producers, which include current and past board members, bring their expertise to national committees, helping guide the very programs funded by the Checkoff. Steven Taylor, IBC Board Chairman, serves on the Federation Domestic Marketing Committee under the Federation of State Beef Councils. His work helps position beef as the top protein choice for consumers through innovative campaigns and strategic partnerships including sports nutrition partnerships with universities and online cooking classes with professional chefs. This committee also oversees funding for the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. campaign. These activities are building demand and inspiring consumers to use beef to fuel their bodies and families.
J.W. Wood, IBC Board Vice Chair, brings a health-focused lens to his role on the Federation Nutrition & Health Committee. As part of its work, the committee provides direction on the work done with health professionals regarding the role of beef in a balanced diet, contributes to national conversations on sustainable nutrition, and provides scientific evidence to influential bodies—such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and other leading health organizations—that shape public dietary recommendations. As the only beef-centric USbased beef nutrition research initiative, this program uniquely promotes, protects, and defends beef’s role in the diet by providing scientific evidence and developing beef expertise among nutrition scientists. This program has generated compelling reasons to choose beef as a food for health (i.e., muscle health, weight loss, optimal infant and childhood growth and development, heart health, diabetes and healthy aging) which
has helped build beef demand by strengthening beef’s positive health perceptions with scientists, nutrition, health and medical experts, and consumers.
On the international front, Jodie Mink, IBC Board Secretary/Treasurer serves on the Federation International Marketing Committee, Tucker Shaw represents Idaho on the CBB International Marketing Committee, and Jared Brackett and Lynn Bachman represent Idaho within the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Each group is dedicated to strengthening global demand for U.S. beef while ensuring that export strategies align with the real-world needs of producers. Collectively, these producers embody Idaho’s strong commitment to growing beef demand—whether through domestic marketing, international trade, or building public trust.
“Participating on the International Marketing Committee has led to exploring new international opportunities and building relationships with potential buyers, which contributes to more beef sales,” said Mink. “Recently, we have been exploring new markets in South America, and every time we open a new international market, we are finding new ways those populations find value in different beef cuts and a variety of beef products,” she added.
At the core of the Checkoff’s funding decisions is the CBB Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC), which Trish Dowton serves on with distinction. She also contributes to the Safety & Product Innovation Committee and has previously served on the Consumer Trust and Export Growth Committees—bringing deep experience across several key areas of the Checkoff.
“Serving on multiple committees has given me a broad view of how Checkoff investments come to life,” says Dowton. “Each role has allowed me to help ensure Idaho’s producers have a voice in shaping the programs that support our industry. These committees hear the initial proposals from contractors that fit in their respective areas and work to provide comments, priorities, and direction for the BPOC. The BPOC then considers all of the proposals, along with committee feedback and rankings, and ultimately decides which ones should receive funding.”
Gwenna Prescott contributes through her service on the CBB Consumer Trust Committee, helping guide initiatives that educate consumers on animal care, sustainability, and food safety. Her voice ensures transparency and trust remain a priority for beef messaging. “Sitting on this committee and the Beef Board has made it very clear to me as a beef producer how little per head we contribute, yet what a great return we receive,” says Prescott. “I know of no better return on investment than what is provided through the Beef Checkoff.”
She highlights key initiatives from the committee’s work, including The Meat Demand Monitor, which provides detailed insight into consumer demand, and a public relations
campaign using the TeamSNAP mobile app. “Many youth sports teams use this app for their game schedules,” she explains, “so it’s a great place to share quick, weeknight beef recipes with busy parents.”
Through the investment of Idaho’s beef producers, the Idaho Beef Council implements targeted strategies that build consumer trust, grow demand, and support education across the state. But those efforts don’t stand alone. As a Qualified State Beef Council (QSBC), Idaho’s work aligns with and contributes to the broader national vision—ensuring that your Checkoff dollars have both local relevance and national reach.
Thanks to this state-to-national collaboration, producers like you have a voice in how programs are shaped, how dollars are spent, and how beef is represented in a constantly evolving marketplace. Whether it’s domestic marketing, nutrition outreach, export growth, or public trust, Idaho’s priorities are part of the bigger picture—and that’s the power of the Beef Checkoff in action.
Your insight, involvement, and input help guide where Checkoff dollars go next. Stay engaged. Stay informed. And continue shaping the future of beef—both here in Idaho and beyond.
Visit IDBeef.org to subscribe to updates and see how your investments are making a difference every day.
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70% of US consumers said BQA certification increases their confidence that the beef they eat is safe. *
DON’T WAIT! Visit www.IDBeef.org/BQA-PROMO to complete your certification, or scan this code to get certified online or find an in-person BQA training.
*National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Responsible Beef Exploration, 2018-2019
Considerations for Early Season Grazing
What to think about before turning out.
BY MELINDA ELLISON
Extension Range Livestock Specialist
Nancy M. Cummings REEC, University of Idaho
As fields are greening up around us and we find ourselves being catapulted into spring work before we are ready, it is time to start thinking about spring turnout for our cattle. Early planning and continual management of spring pastures and rangelands will contribute to success in both forage and cattle vitality and growth. It is important to consider plant growth cycles, precipitation, and nutrient composition each year prior to spring turnout, as well as animal nutritional status and type or life stage of the animals. While the principles outlined in this article apply to all forages, they will be more critical to observe in upland forages where natural precipitation is the only water available compared with irrigated forages.
Grazing management and timing. Timing is key and depends on the type of forage in the pasture and annual precipitation. During average or good precipitation years, precipitation and soil moisture allow plants to capture energy and nutrients from the sun and soil to produce deep roots and
strong shoots and leaves. Productive forages cultivate into a canopy that encourages moisture retention in soils by shading and decreasing evaporation potential on the soil surface and holding soil moisture in the root system. For these reasons, it is important to allow adequate growth of pasture forages prior to grazing. Grazing too early stifles a plant’s root establishment and canopy growth, leading to poor energy capture and decreased vigor, especially in upland plants that do not receive regular water. A good rule of thumb for most Idaho grasses is to wait until they are at least 8-10 inches tall before turnout and they have reached the 3-leaf stage. For best regrowth potential, focus on grazing at low to moderate utilization levels, paying close attention to leaving a minimum of 4 inches of residual. Especially in years where there are stressors like drought, or in areas where forage production could be improved, an even better strategy is to leave 6-8 inches of residual to encourage faster recovery later in the year or in subsequent years.
Overgrazing and drought. Low precipitation and hot, windy days trigger poor energy capture and decreased vigor in rangeland plants, which leads to diminished root mass and growth potential. In turn, these characteristics lead to a reduction
in soil moisture, which leads to further degradation of plant vigor. Overgrazing has a similar effect to drought conditions on forages, which are amplified when overgrazing and drought occur simultaneously. For these reasons, rangeland communities that are in less-than-ideal condition going into a drought will be more severely affected than those rangelands that are in good condition. Plant communities with better root systems, canopy cover, and plant diversity going into drought have a better chance for recovery after a high stress year of drought.
Annual Grasses. Early season grazing provides a great opportunity to manage annual grasses, like cheatgrass. Annual grasses are most vulnerable to grazing when they are green, as seedlings and during early leaf growth, which occurs between germination (usually late fall) and flowering and seed production (usually mid- to late-spring). The optimal time of grazing to reduce annual grasses coincides with the time of year that the perennial grasses are usually dormant, therefore providing a window of opportunity. During this time, the growing annual grasses are green, palatable, and more vulnerable to grazing pressure, and the dormant perennial grasses will be less palatable to livestock and will not be as susceptible to impacts of intensive grazing. The best strategy for grazing to reduce invasive annual grasses is to repetitively graze intensively with high density stocking rates over a short period of time to induce as much stress on the growing plants as possible. However, as soon as the perennial grasses begin to green up, continuing to graze intensively will stress both annual and perennial grasses, and eventually have greater impact on the desired perennial plants.
Cattle Considerations. Early in the season, young and tender forages are a great source of protein and simple sugars for livestock. Although cattle obviously enjoy “chasing” the new grasses, early growing forages do not provide adequate fiber or fill for ruminant livestock. Fiber is important for ruminants because it slows digestion through the rumen and hindgut, allowing better absorption of nutrients over a longer period. Additionally, cattle are uniquely able to turn fiber into energy, making fibrous hays or straws important for balancing the protein to energy ratio when grazing these high-protein early season grasses. Additionally, transitioning cattle from hay to grass slowly may be a good idea to ensure adequate rumen fill, which will decrease chance of digestive upset and encourage proper and complete utilization of consumed nutrients. Hypomagnesemia. Rapidly growing grasses in the spring take up as much available nitrogen and potassium as possible for growth, which
can interfere with the plant’s absorption of magnesium. Grasses low in magnesium can cause a serious metabolic issue for grazing cattle, known as hypomagnesemia or grass tetany. Because magnesium plays a major role in muscle function, low magnesium uptake by cattle can result in a dangerous condition, resulting in symptoms like muscle spasms, staggering, convulsions, and respiratory failure that leads to death. Lactating or growing cattle are especially susceptible due to loss of magnesium in the milk and added demands for magnesium for growth, respectively. It is important to provide proper mineral supplementation to animals that are turned out on early spring grasses and keep a close eye on cattle that become overexcitable or develop staggers, especially lactating mothers. Additionally, legumes naturally take up more magnesium than grasses, so wherever possible, incorporating legumes into the forage composition of pastures will decrease the chance of low magnesium consumption by cattle.
Conclusion. Taken altogether, applying the practices outlined in this article will allow for successful spring grazing turnout, including pasture forage longevity and an effective animal transition from hay to grass. With careful planning and management, early season pastures can provide great opportunities for early season grazing, while regrowth can be grazed again later in the season. Happy grazing!
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A message from D.C.
Representing the people that make Idaho great
Idaho’s ranchers are the backbone of our state’s economy, yet they continue to face increasing federal overreach, threatening their way of life. As a fourth-generation Idahoan who grew up on a dairy farm, I understand the dedication families have poured into the vast natural resources across the state. As your representative, I have remained committed to fighting against burdensome regulations and ensuring that Idaho’s ranching community has a strong voice in D.C.
Wildfires continue to be a top concern for Idahoans. Each year, wildfires pose a severe threat to Idaho’s ranchers, destroying grazing land, killing livestock, and damaging critical infrastructure. In 2024 alone, wildfires burned roughly 640,000 acres across Idaho, leading to an estimated $131 million lost in timber sales and potentially cutting Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) by as much as $2 million— funding that many rural counties depend on.
In January, I hosted a wildfire roundtable in Cascade with federal, state, and local officials to address this crisis and pave the way for stronger collaboration going forward. Wildfires do not adhere to jurisdictional boundaries, and a fragmented approach only exacerbates the problem. Stakeholders—such as ranchers—need to be involved in land management decisions, and I’m actively working to expand grazing opportunities on public lands to reduce wildfire risks by naturally removing excess vegetation.
Since the start of this Congress, I’ve continued to push for increased domestic energy production to reduce our reliance on foreign adversaries and meet growing demand. Geothermal energy is a vast, largely untapped resource in America that can diversify our country’s energy portfolio, and Idaho has been at the forefront of harnessing its potential. However, nearly 90% of our nation’s geothermal resources are located on federally managed lands, and bureaucrat-
BY RUSS FULCHER U.S. Congressman
ic red tape has slowed the leasing and development needed to fully utilize this resource.
That’s why I recently reintroduced H.R. 1687, the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act. This bill will require the Department of the Interior to hold regular lease sales and bring us one step closer to unlocking America’s geothermal potential. Another issue that directly impacts Idahoans is the federal government’s continued mismanagement of grizzly bear populations. Grizzly bears have been listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act since 1975, yet their numbers have rebounded far beyond the original recovery goals. Despite this, the federal government rejected Idaho’s petition to delist them across the contiguous U.S.
Idaho’s wildlife should be managed at the state level, not dictated by bureaucrats in D.C. who have never been to our state. To reverse these unnecessary restrictions, I introduced the Grizzly Bear Review and Resource Restart (GRRR) Act to fully delist grizzly bears in the lower 48 states and allow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to focus on populations that still require protection. Simply put, Idahoan wildlife officials are best equipped to make decisions regarding grizzly bear management, and I will continue to fight for policies that prioritize local control over federal overreach.
The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) recent Conservation and Landscape Health Rule is another alarming example of government overreach. This rule fundamentally shifts the agency’s multiple-use mandate, prioritizing conservation over grazing, logging, and recreation. If left unchecked, it could drastically reduce ranchers’ access to federal grazing allotments, harming Idaho’s agricultural economy.
To combat this, I introduced the Western Economic Security Today (WEST) Act to nullify the BLM’s rule and restore the agency’s original mission
of responsible land use. Idaho’s ranchers have responsibly managed their lands for generations and should not have to compete with environmental activists to continue running their businesses. Idaho’s agricultural heritage is worth protecting, and I will continue to stand up against federal regulations that undermine our way of life.
For too long, Idahoans have also been burdened by the federal estate tax—better known as the “death tax”—which unfairly penalizes family-owned businesses, ranches, and farms by forcing them to sell land and assets just to cover the tax bill when a loved one passes away. I proudly co-sponsored the Death Tax Repeal Act to permanently eliminate this tax, ensuring that Idaho’s family ranches can be passed down to future generations without government interference. More than 99% of farms and ranches in the U.S. are family-owned, and repealing the death tax would provide much-needed relief to those who work tirelessly to feed and support our communities.
As Idaho’s representative, I am committed to advancing policies that protect Idaho’s ranching families. Your hard work sustains Idaho’s economy, and you deserve a government that supports, not hinders, your ability to provide for your families and communities. Our state has a proud legacy of resilience, innovation, and stewardship of the land, and I am honored to represent the people who make Idaho great.
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From suits to sunshine
Recapping the 2025 Idaho legislative session
Iwould argue that the feelings of the gavel falling and the legislature adjourning Sine Die rival turnout date for spring pasture. Similarly, it is synonymous with the date the last heifer calves and you can take that big sigh of relief. It allows us to catch our breath and take into account what has happened and plan for the next session. I can firmly report that we are still one of, if not the most conservative legislature in the union. Heck, we passed a bill allowing for overthe-counter ivermectin with no rules or regulations interfering in the purchase during the waning hours of the session. No, this is not the animal type of the ivermectin—this is specific to humans. The legislature prepared around 1050 bills in a session that lasted just shy of 90 days. That’s almost 90 days of wearing a suit. By the time we get to March, I am longing for the days of jeans. One has to appreciate the professionalism, but it can get old after a few months. Bills that passed both houses were at numbers above 342. Additionally, we beat our five-year average of the number of resolutions that were passed and memorials that were adopted. Now, let’s get to chitchatting about some of the things that may affect you and your operation based on changes at the state level.
One of the biggest changes a producer will notice when they go to sell cattle likely after the beginning of 2026 will be a change in the Idaho Brand Department fees. Yes, you did read that correctly, in 2026 when the fees can be adjusted it is based on the legislation that just passed. The department can raise the fees up to a maximum of $1.50 from $1.25. However, it cannot be raised more than $.10 in one year. The raise must be based on feedback and input from stakeholders that include the Idaho Cattle Association, Idaho Dairymen’s Association and Idaho Farm Bureau Federation. The Idaho Brand Department has been in the red for the last two years and stakeholders sat around the table for over 18 months discussing how to resuscitate
BY PATXI LARROCEA-PHILLIPS
the department from the current financial shortfall, but after many questions and long meetings, it was decided that the need for the department was greater than the need to remove the department and that it was time to move up the fee to get the department out of the red. I have been able to learn about the leadership of the brand department and truly feel that they are making some of the most conservative decisions of any agency out there. They purchase two-wheel drive pickups and drive them until the used car store doesn’t want to buy them. Additionally, they have been hamstrung by trying to be competitive with wages and the fuel that is needed to run through the pickups. Overall, this was a needed move to keep a relevant and solvent brand department. S1016 passed through both bodies and was signed by Governor Little.
Next let’s talk about wildfire. Nearly a million acres burned in 2024 due to wildfire. During the interim, and moving into the session, there have been continued discussions on what, if anything, the state can do to help prevent and control wildfires. H389 would allow the governor of Idaho to declare an emergency in the case that a fire or fires have started on federal land to assist in abating the fire as soon as possible. Following the utilization of state resources to dispose of the fire, the attorney general would then turn and seek reimbursement of the funds from the federal government through a civil action. H389 was strongly supported, passed both bodies, and has been signed by the governor.
On another note, H148 has likely cracked open some doors that would allow a producer who is in a lawsuit brought by a federal entity regarding water rights or grazing issues to utilize the constitutional defense council to assist with the payment of legal fees. Prior to receiving any of those reimbursed fees the petitioner or the producer would have to apply for the funds, explain how the proceedings are tied
to water rights or grazing, and request support. The council would be tasked with reviewing and determining which fees could be reimbursed. Currently, there is a little more than a million dollars in the fund. Finally, this is a forward-looking piece of legislation. It is not meant to go back in time. H148 has passed both bodies and has been sent to the Governor.
There are several instrumental laws in Idaho that assist in maintaining our agrarian nature and backbone. The Right to Farm Act is one of those instrumental pieces of legislation. As noted in an earlier issue, S1033 strengthens the Right to Farm Act by providing penalties for certain complaints filed against agricultural operations. Additionally, the legislation would allow a producer to gather attorneys fees and costs in which they are the prevailing party, and the litigation was a public or private nuisance claim or cause of action. S1033 passed through both sides of the rotunda and was signed by Governor Little.
Depredations were also a hot topic that has been discussed extensively through a previous writing, but I will highlight the two main bills that passed this session. H82 replaces the term “validated” with “confirmed” and adds provision for claims deemed “possible” to be eligible for compensation if funding allows. The funds will be prioritized on confirmed animals first, probable second, and then will pay out on possibles. Finally, the ICA supported S1012, which establishes the Idaho Depredating Wildlife Appeals Board. S1012 creates a potential branch off the original tree allowing an individual to challenge final determination made by APHIS Wildlife Services. Like DOGE, we do not know how it will work but have a framework regarding the roadmap. Both bills have passed both bodies and have been signed by the governor.
Finally, let’s highlight a couple of bills that we were watching that did not cross the finish line. S1053, S1086 and H24 all were bills that ICA was involved in to some extent but did not find the finish line. S1053 dealt with open range and fencing out, S1086 was further strengthening trespassing claims, and H24 surrounded alternative meat labeling. All received a hearing and either did not make it out of their original committee hearing or made it across the rotunda and were not heard on the other side. These types of issues will likely be up for discussion in the interim. It’s relieving to put away the suit for a few months, and get some Vitamin D.
Educating Idaho
Recent work at the Idaho Rangeland Resources Commission.
BY GRETCHEN HYDE
Every year brings new challenges and changes—and this year is on overdrive. As Idaho’s population grows, the recreating public affects more rangeland and ranch families. Newcomers may not know anything about public land management, multiple-use management, livestock management, and how to show respect for other user groups. For example, knowing what to do with a closed gate on public land is not common knowledge (and can be a complicated answer). This can create animosity due to lack of understanding.
To help minimize conflicts, IRRC offers free signs (to members) to encourage people to close gates, stay on existing roads and established trails, understand that fence lines are not property boundaries, and not park near livestock facilities.
es and updated the stories with current information found at ARTOFRANGE.ORG.
A local podcast called “The Ranch” has brought Steve Stuebner, Cameron Mulrony, and other local experts to talk about rangeland and ranch subjects (among other topics) found at THERANCHPODCAST.ORG. Podcasts are a terrific way to have a conversation about the role of the livestock industry and rangeland in Idaho’s economy and outdoor experiences.
IRRC continues to provide educational videos about current topics on our award-winning Life on the Range platform, highlight issues and successes with media outreach, and expand K-12 education about Idaho’s Rangelands through our I-ROAM educational program in our public schools.
Reaching Idaho’s expanding population with social media and seemingly endless “influencers” requires creative approaches. Recently, IRRC joined forces with the Art of Range podcast to expand the reach of the Life on the Range stories. Revisiting some of the exceptional stories from the past with Tip Hudson has engaged new audienc -
Last year, Life on the Range published stories about Virtual Fencing, the Envirothon natural resources competition in Challis, a research project led by Kelly Hopping at Boise State University looking at whether targeted grazing with sheep can reduce cheatgrass levels, and a 15-year Retrospective on the Life on the Range video series.
Virtual Fencing is a topic of high interest among many ranchers and landowners in Idaho, so we were glad to work
with ranchers Jay and Chyenne Smith in Carmen Creek to share their experience with comparatively modern technology. We made it clear that Virtual Fencing is not for everyone – but it can provide benefits for some producers. We expect that it may become more widespread if costs come down, and other types of technology can be used to implement Virtual Fencing in remote areas with no cell service.
Life on the Range stories planned in 2025 include a feature looking into key wildlife migration in Idaho, the importance of open space for wildlife to move through, and the role of private/public lands in those corridors.
Another topic is about the deep and rich history of the Black family in Owyhee County, who are celebrating a 150th family reunion in June. Their pioneer history dates back to 1876, when James Harrison Black and his wife, Eliza, settled outside of Bruneau next to the Snake River (the location is now under water in C.J. Strike Reservoir).
Multiple generations of the Black family raised cattle in the Owyhee Mountains and had base property in the Bruneau Valley. Chris Black, who has been featured in numerous Life on the Range stories, will tell stories about the family’s cattle operations in the Owyhee Mountains and how rangeland management has changed and evolved over the years.
We also have a story in the works about using the latest tools to fight and manage noxious weeds in Washington County with rancher Royce Schwenkfelder, University of Idaho plant and weed expert Tim Prather, and several other producers.
Coming up soon, we will visit rancher Jessie Jarvis in King Hill to share her ambitious efforts to tell her story and support agriculture in general through multiple platforms, including her podcast, fashion ideas, ag-specific job platform, being a mom with young kids and more!
The youth education program, IROAM (Idaho Rangeland Outdoor Adventure Mobile), is expanding to every part of Idaho. With the addition of Carrie Markham as a full-time educator last year, this program is offered to every Idaho school in some way or another. Jackie Ingram (Challis), Melanie Mosekian (Cam-
bridge), and Kayla Walters (Nampa) are all contractors who also travel and teach IROAM materials in classrooms all over Idaho.
Over the last year, we reached approximately 14,500 students and adults (in person) at school events or in classrooms across the state. Another 15,000 students received the Seasons with Sage books either directly or through their schools, community groups or local libraries. Collaborating with our partners, IRRC plans to continue this expansion in the coming years.
As always, see our work at http://idrange.org and http://lifeon-the-range.org or contact me at ghyde@idrange.org for more information. Happy Trails!
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840 +- ACRES 200 +- - ac. Irrigated Arco: $2,250,000
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YOUTH EDUCATION IS A CORNERSTONE OF IRRC’S WORK, ENSURING THAT YOUNG IDAHOANS UNDERSTAND RANGELANDS.
Join University of Idaho Extension for the
Idaho Young Cattle Producer Conference
June 23-25, 2025 | Burley
• Gain in-depth information on the Idaho cattle industry and valuable tools to be successful in the cattle business.
• Open to cattle producers between the age of 18 and 40.
• Highlights include a tour of the cattle industry, meat cutting demonstration, updates on current issues facing the cattle industry, information on financing a cattle operation, how to utilize risk management tools, innovative range management practices, and endangered species issues.
To apply:
• Complete application at www.uidaho.edu/YCC by June 1
• 20 participants will be selected to attend
• Conference registration is free; participants are responsible for travel and lodging
Questions? Contact: Meranda Small, UI Extension | 208-983-2667 or msmall@uidaho.edu Or contact your local UI Extension office’s livestock educator
Join us for Summer Round-Up in Burley, Idaho, this year June 23-24! 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.
SUMMER ROUND UP Burley, Idaho
Expect to gather information on industry topics, from the state and national levels, including ICA committee specific topics. Our range tour will take you through Cassia County to visit historic ranches utilizing new ideas to produce livestock. We’ll venture to the top of Mount Harrison, with views stretching over 100 miles in all directions to look down at the impressive array of agricultural production in the Magic Valley and discuss issues including fire control, endangered species, and rangeland management practices. Those who desire can join us on the links for the annual golf tournament, with competition, socializing and prizes to cap off the event!
Branding Season in Washington D.C.
Striking while the political iron is hot!
TBY KAITLYNN GLOVER PLC Executive Director
he year is truly underway in Washington, D.C., where a new administration and freshly-minted members of Congress have settled into their roles with legislative and regulatory priorities for the years ahead. In any new administration, confirmation of political leadership is among the first orders of legislative business. Secretaries for the Department of Interior (DOI) and Agriculture (USDA), and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were all confirmed quickly, and confirmation hearings for deputy directorships and undersecretary positions are well underway. PLC supported the confirmation of USDA Secretary Rollins, DOI Secretary Burgum, and EPA Administrator Zeldin, and our support for these strong leaders is already clearly warranted. In the face of some challenging political dynamics and discussions about how to fund the government, and for how long, these leaders have provided the kind of principled, level leadership public lands ranchers need.
faces like BLM’s Mike Nedd and Interior’s Karen BuddFalen on all issues that depend on efficient government processes at the Department of the Interior.
So far this year, PLC’s strong relationships at USDA and the Department of the Interior have been key as we have brought the permittee perspective forward as the Department of Government Efficiency has evaluated opportunities to streamline agency process. Early in the year, PLC and our partners were able to secure reinstatement of Wildlife Services’ employees whose contracts were paused at the beginning of calving and lambing season. We are working with Forest Service and BLM to identify opportunities to crosswalk expertise and staff capacity in things like monitoring and permitting. While the departments are still working to fill all staff appointments, PLC and our leadership have been there to lend expertise and sweat equity for these common goals.
While we are focused on moving changes to grazing regulations, PLC is also leading on the host of other issues that affect each of you.
In early April, Idaho was well-represented at PLC’s Legislative Conference, where attendees were able to interact with political leadership who have a direct impact on grazing permit administration. Forest Service Chief Schultz made clear that his priorities, and the administration’s, align with PLC’s goal to ramp up fuels treatments to reduce the wildfire risk while also improving operations of the grazing program across the national forest system. In a surprising turn of events, the nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) withdrew her nomination just before her Senate debut. Nevertheless, permittees were able to hear directly from familiar
It’s fitting that branding season is upon us, because PLC is striking while the political iron is hot. PLC’s top priority for this administration is to create and defend longterm improvements to grazing permit administration that protect families, property rights, and Western lands. We have delivered recommendations to the BLM on improvements to be made to the grazing regulations and will continue to lead this discussion as the organization who represents all grazing permittees in the 14 Western states. At the Forest Service, PLC is focused on finalization of improvements to the handbook and directives to bring flexibility and commonsense to the dual role of grazing as a key part of Western commodities and a crucial land management tool.
While we are focused on moving changes to grazing regulations through this administration as soon as possible, PLC is also leading on the host of other issues that affect each of you. PLC is leading a coalition of interest groups in a lawsuit challenging the Biden Administra -
tion’s changes to the Endangered Species Act. PLC has taken a two-pronged approach: we continue to work through regulatory changes spurred by litigation, but we remain deeply involved in Congressional work to pass legislative reforms. In March, Congressman Westerman (R-AR) introduced the Endangered Species Act Amendments Act of 2025, informed by years of work to address listing and delisting efficiencies and barriers that make it harder for ranchers to do basic, responsible management.
So far this year, PLC has brought two permittees to Washington to testify on grazing-related issues: PLC Secretary Robbie LeValley testified to the impacts that gray wolves, introduced under a 10(j) “experimental, nonessential population” designation, have had in Colorado. She and Washington permittee, Kent Clark, grabbed the Committee’s attention with their testimony that expanding the geographic area where ESA regulatory burdens exist is simply not acceptable if USFWS is unable, or unwilling, to manage the species.
We have laid the groundwork for early legislative action on a wide variety of our policy priorities. While legislative victories are likely to be few and far between during this Congress due to immense focus on tax reforms and financial policy, PLC continues to work to
secure reform of the Equal Access to Justice Act to remove the incentive for extremist groups to fund their frivolous lawsuits with taxpayer money. Last Congress, PLC secured introduction of a bill that would create expectations that Forest Service engage in mediation over boundary disputes, before matters were ever referred to other administrative or legal penalties. We continue to set groundwork for better NEPA and permitting reform that benefits ranchers, and so much more.
When he testified in the House Natural Resources Committee in February, PLC President Tim Canterbury said it best: “Since 1968, PLC has been the only organization in Washington, D.C. dedicated solely to representing the unique perspectives [of grazing permittees]… Approximately 63% of the Western cattle herd and more than 50% of the national sheep herd spend time grazing on public lands. These livestock operations directly support trucking companies, feed mills, fencing companies, water management systems, veterinarians, and more.”
Your engagement has ensured that PLC has been able to unite widespread, diverse, independent producers to use a single voice in Washington. This is the time to use that voice, work together, and get it done. I’m glad we’re doing it together.
New and renewed ICA members
7 Rivers Livestock Commission
A. John, Todd & Chase Lanting
AG Equipment Inc.
DBA-NW Mixer Feeder
Alan Johnstone
Alan Prouty
Alicia Dredge
Andrews Farms
Antelope Springs Ranch
Arch & Polly Henderson
Aron Bennett
Banner Bank
Ben Gavica
Bill & Katie Slavin
BnB Farms, LLC
Bonneville County
Cattlemen’s Assn.
Brendan Arnzen
Brian Harris
Carrie Rahier
Carson Ranches LLC
Casey Scott
Celia Gould
Chad DeWitt
Chris Johnstone
CKP Insurance, LLC
Clair Kempton
Commercial Tire Store
Cory & Jill Daniels
Crapo Cattle Ent.
Cris Davis
Dan & Brenda Udy
Dan Hinman
Darcy Helmick
Dave Hart
David Judy
David Modde
Diamond A Livestock Inc.
Dick Fredrickson, DVM
Doug & Chris James
Drew Corrigan
Elias, Inez & Martin Jaca
Elkington Polled
Herefords
Fife Enterprises
Flat Top Sheep Company
Flying A Ranch Inc.
Flying W Ranch
Gary Depew
Gill Family Ranches, LLC
Guerrant & Company
CPAs, PC
Guy Kaster
Harris CPA’s
Harry Smith
Hepton Livestock, LLC
Herd Nerd Analytics
Higley Cattle
Hobson Farms
Horseshoe Cattle
Idaho Land & Appraisal
Jackson Dille
Jake & Jennifer Zollinger
Jake & Lori Ireland
JBB/AL Herefords LLC
Jim Church
Kurt Wolsborn
Lance Jenkins
Lane Keith Meyers
Lemhi Regional Land Trust
Macon Cattle
Mail To Name
Mark & Amy Munsee
Mark Nelson
Marlin & Jeanne Wolfe
Marty Owen
Matt Stinebaugh
Matthew & Stacey Doumit
McCann Ranch & Livestock Co.
Merck Animal Health
Mike & Cally Roach
Mike Irish
Mink Land & Livestock
Mountain Springs Ranch, LLC
Mt. Borah Ranch
N & M Farms
Noah’s Angus Ranch, LLC
North West Livestock Supplements
Oregon Trail Livestock Supply
Orie & Kortne Cockrell
Patterson Land & Livestock
Rocking P Land & Cattle Company
Rollheiser Feedyard
Rolly Lisle
Romans Ranches
Charolais
Ron & Kerry Wilcox
Scott & Debbie
Bunderson
Scott Jensen
Scott McNeley
Scott Simplot
Shane & Mimi
Rosenkrance
Shane Jacobson
Shawna Gill
Sierra Crisp
Spring Creek Ranch
Squaw Butte Daylily Ranch
Stephen & Helen Percy
Stepping Stone Ranch
Steven & Louise Wood
Stickman Livestock
Stonebraker McQuary Insurance
Sweetgrass Cattle Co.
Todd & Ryan Lickley
Tom Basabe
Tom Munns
Tom Price
Jim or Tina Hawkins
Jim Ryska
Jimmie Bennett
John Lanting, DVM
John Shirts
Joseph Doumit
Justin & Jodie Mink
Kamlah & Janey Roundy
Katie Williams
Keetch Dairy
Keith & Carol Feldman
Kenzie Stevens
Kevin Hoffman
Kevin Ramsey
Payette River Cattlemen Association
Phil & Kim Zemaitis
Phillips Cattle Company
Picabo Livestock Company
Rafter J Cattle
Ramona Ridley
Rand & Rosemary Dixon
Randall Raymond, DVM
Red Rock Ranch E7 Riverbend Ranch
Robert & Linda Rider
Robert Shirts
Tony & Brenda Richards
Treasure Valley Livestock Auction
Trevor Smith
Valley View of Magic Valley
Van Buren Ranch, LLC
Walking C Ranch
Wallis Ranch
WH Land & Livestock
Whittaker Commercial
Cattle LLC
Wood V-X Red Angus
Wooden Shoe Farms
Y-TEX
Hang’n A Cattle Company
James & Dawn Anderson 208-280-1505 208-280-1509 Beverly Bryan
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
Alan and Leslie Alexander (509) 727-9151 - Alan(509) 432-4802 - William PASCO, WA
Bulls and Females available Private Treaty
Email : william@hangnacattle.com hangna@owt.com
Your Northwest Source for Quality Charolais Cattle PRIVATE TREATY SALES HEREFORD & RED ANGUS
www.hangnacattle.com Follow Us on Facebook
9351 Lake Shore Drive Dennis: Nampa ID 83686 (208) 989-1612 2 miles west of Hwy. 45
KNIPE LAND COMPANY
• Farm, Ranch, Recreation, Large Land Parcels, and High Net-Worth Real Estate • 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges
info@knipeland.com • 208-345-3163 • www.knipeland.com Our experienced sales team is ready to solve your real estate needs. Ready to buy or sell? Call today!
BrianLoosli 3127E.1100N. Ashton,ID83420 208-652-3303 208-317-7878 blloosli@gmail.com JonathanMeek 208-227-3779 MarkLoosli 208-351-3333
Dennis Boehlke
For better fly control, get with the program.
Improved fly control starts with the Y-TEX® Insecticide Tag Rotation Program.
Insecticide resistance is a growing threat to cattle producers everywhere. What worked last year may be totally ineffective this year, which is why it makes sense to adopt the Y-TEX® Insecticide Tag Rotation Program.
Only Y-TEX® offers fly tags in three different chemical classes, allowing you to rotate from one class to another to protect your cattle as well as the long-term viability of current active ingredients. In fact, university research shows that rotating tags is one of the best ways to forestall resistance in horn flies, face flies and other damaging pests.
To discover how the Y-TEX® Insecticide Tag Rotation Program can help you stop resistance dead in its tracks, see your livestock products supplier or come visit us at www.y-tex.com today.
