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.
Cover photo by Montana MacConnell
Photo by Paxti Larrocea-Phillips
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The importance of our allied industries
With spring in full swing, we have been busy working ground, planting, starting water, fixing fence, cutting and turning out cows, and, as usual, dealing with all the unforeseen roadblocks that pop up to delay these time-sensitive events. One delay that seems to occur every year is when you are in the middle of all the things that need to be done and who pulls into the yard? The salesman!
As producers, we all know we wear many different hats. Allied is there to help navigate the many decisions we have to make.
My intent is not to bash on the salesman. My career before returning to our operation was as a salesman. It is not their fault that they are interrupting your day, they are just doing their job. Salesmen fall into our allied industry category of membership, and without them we could not operate efficiently. Allied industries include lenders, insurance, machinery, irrigation, feed, minerals, vaccines, ranch supplies, agronomy, automotive stores, and even tires. All of these are necessities to us as producers. As we engage with allied industries, they value our business and product enough that they become members of our organization and stand in support of the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA).
Allied industry is our second largest membership category, with cow/calf being the largest. Not only do they contribute to our organization with membership dues, they also contribute to our PAC fund, Wildfire Relief Fund, Steer-a-Year, Heifer-of-the-
BY SPENCER BLACK ICA President
Year, event sponsorships, and they even contribute to the Idaho Beef Council.
Over the years of dealing with a variety of salesmen and lenders, I have developed relationships with some of them to the point that I no longer view them as just salesmen. They have become friends. They care about our operation. They care about my family. They have earned a seat on our operation’s board, metaphorically.
As producers, we all know we wear many different hats. Allied is there to help navigate the many decisions we have to make. It’s hard to be an expert on everything we do, and they can be a useful tool to aid in the hard decisions. The Idaho Cattle Association recognizes the value of our allied industries, reflected by their presence on the ICA Board of Directors. ICA not only values their opinion on the range and in the bunk, but we also value their opinion on policy issues, because if it affects us as producers, the same policy, in return, affects them. The allied representatives that I have served on the board with are also advocates for the importance of association membership, and many have encouraged producers that are not members to join.
Allied industry is a very important segment to me, and to the Idaho Cattle Association. I am proud to have them on our team and appreciate their support and opinions. Remember, the next time a salesman pulls into your yard, they are not only making a living like you and me, they are an integral part of our industry’s team.
Risky business
Understanding risk management in the beef industry
Participation in the cattle industry always includes a series of calculated risks. Today is no different, with the national inventory in tight supply, the threat of foreign disease restricting imports, and political decisions shaking up potential change in the marketplace. All of these things could have an impact on our industry. How will they affect Idaho and your operation, specifically? That is the question that we are constantly trying to answer.
We have options to better understand and deal with risk, but we do not always know what is available.
This brings me to my thought; we need to assess risk in our operations. For each of us, the risks are affected by multiple different factors, however, one constant remains, and that is that we all assume some level of calculated risk in our daily lives.
Each day that I drive to Boise, I assume a certain level of risk. So far, I have been comfortable with the level of risk required to arrive at the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) office every morning. I rely on a few tools available to alleviate as much risk as possible, one of those being my experience with driving automobiles. Now, on the other hand, my son is a fairly new driver, so I would assume that he would have a slightly higher risk level than I on every trip behind the wheel at this point in our lives.
We have options to better understand and deal with risk, but we do not always know what is avail-
BY CAMERON MULRONY ICA Executive Vice President
able. ICA has many members with varying levels of experience with risk management tools in our industry—some folks hedge on the market, while others look to Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) programs.
I, too, can look at economic indicators, supply information, price projections, and other available data to make my decisions, but that doesn’t mean that my decision would also suit your operation. Many times, I assume all the risk when it comes to marketing my little bunch of calves, I just pick a day and take my chances at the sale barns. My management strategy is to take the risk and reap the reward (or lack thereof). All of this to say, the opportunities in the current market are abounding. Though the risk is high, the beef product is in high demand. The more I travel the state and nation and listen to cattle industry members, the more I see the opportunity to manage risk.
As we ramble into the summer months and watch the calves grow, there is risk in every decision we make. Fortunately for you as you read this, your ICA membership connects you to a network of individuals that can help answer questions. Our upcoming annual Resource Guide will likely feature some contact information for allied partners and others in your segment of the industry that we can look to for the reports of their experience in managing the risk in our operations.
I mainly touched on market risk, but there are all types of risk that our network can report on; fire risks, handling risk, feeding risk, etc. It’s not always black and white, and the experiences we can share with each other in the industry are an immeasurable value of ICA membership and attendance at ICA events.
Pull your hat down; it’s going to be quite a ride as the world continues to spin.
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Change, however slow, is coming
An update on natural
resource priorities
Somehow, we are already just about to the midpoint of 2025. From a spectator’s perspective, this year has been quite entertaining as far as politics and policymaking goes. From the perspective of someone who has a stake in the game, it has been, at times, nerve-wracking, while also giving room for optimism and needed change. We certainly have a long list of things we would like to see
It is hard to be patient in waiting for priorities to be checked off the wishlist, as we are reminded how slow government can run.
changed while we have a presidential administration and Congress that is generally more favorable to our industry. It is hard to be patient in waiting for those priorities to be checked off the wish list, as we are reminded how slow government can run. When we traveled to Washington D.C. in April, there was a dearth of available people to meet with simply due to the time it takes to select like-minded appointees for the President and his leadership team and then shepherd them through the congressional approval process, which moves at a snail’s pace.
In the face of these challenges, the wheels are turning, and positive things are happening that will benefit Idaho’s cattle industry. Here is a brief summary of some of those things related to natural resource issues on our priority list.
BLM Grazing Regulations – Fixing the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) regulations
BY KAREN WILLIAMS ICA Natural Resources Policy Director
that govern the management of grazing permits has long been a top tier priority for the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA). The clock ran out on the effort during President Trump’s previous term, but with so much of the legwork done, we remain hopeful for a quick turnaround this time. We have been assured by the Department of the Interior (DOI) leadership that this issue is on their next-level priority list after they resolve some energy issues, with a likely timeline of this fall to see action. ICA has been working with the Public Lands Council to fine tune industry-wide recommendations with a focus on creating much-needed flexibility in the management of grazing. Those recommendations will shortly be delivered to DOI, and we look forward to participating in continued dialogue with DOI officials to see these changes to the finish line.
Public Lands Rule – The BLM’s Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, also known as the “Public Lands Rule” was one of the most concerning things to come out of DOI during the previous administration. Among other things, it designated conservation as a use of federal land and provided a process for conservation leasing. The Trump administration has announced its intent to repeal the rule, and we await the publication of its recission.
Sage Grouse – We remain in a waiting phase on sage grouse. The BLM continues in their process of finalizing their sage grouse management plans as we await their Record of Decision. Most recently, to ensure our key concerns are adequately addressed, we have worked with our state partners, particularly the Office of Species Conservation, who have played an integral role at this stage of the process, through the governor’s consistency
review, where they can have more input than we are afforded. At the same time, we anxiously await the final publication of the University of Idaho’s Grouse and Grazing study, which is currently under review at the U.S. Geological Society, which is its last stage of approval needed before finalization. Although we have not been able to review the full study, we eagerly await its publication. We know that the study found new evidence that grazing had positive impacts on sage grouse—something we have known all along but have needed the science to back it up. We are pushing for its quick publication, because we need this evidentiary information to be included in the BLM’s plan before it is finalized, so that the agency ceases any efforts to change grazing use in the name of sage grouse.
Endangered Species Act – The Trump Administration has started to chip away at some of the concerning changes made to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulations by the Biden Administration. In April, DOI issued a rule to rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” under the ESA. This proposed rule is an administrative attempt to rein in the regulatory framework of the ESA, so that the regulations conform with statute. In providing the rationale for the proposed rule, DOI states that under the ESA, the term “take” means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct. However, they believe that previous regulations expanded the scope of the ESA in ways that don’t conform to the best understanding of the statute, like extending “harm” to a species’ habitat, rather than just the species itself. In addition to this regulatory proposal, members of Congress are ramping up efforts to amend the Act. This has been attempted numerous times over the years, but maybe, just maybe, the stars will align this time to achieve success.
Wildfire – The devastation caused by the 2024 wildfires in California brought some much-needed attention to the catastrophic threat of wildfire in our country. It is important that this public awareness is capitalized upon by bringing much needed change to the way our forests and rangelands are managed. The Trump Administration has dropped hints that it will issue an executive order to change the way wildfires are fought. The order would create a new federal agency that prioritizes putting out fires as quickly as possible.
On the congressional front, a bill has been
proposed and supported by Idaho’s congressional delegation that would support livestock grazing as a valuable tool for reducing wildfire risk, reduce frivolous lawsuits, and support other measures to protect the West from catastrophic wildfires. This bill, the Fix Our Forests Act, has been passed by the House of Representatives with 279 votes and is now being considered by the Senate.
Owyhee 68 – I have talked about the happenings related to the Owyhee 68 grazing permits in previous articles, so I won’t belabor the point here, other than to say that Interior Secretary Burgum acted quickly to resolve our immediate concerns and we continue to work with BLM and Congress to find ways to get those permits renewed under new and current data.
This list just scratches the surface of the changes being sought in Washington D.C. across the scope of issues impacting the nation’s citizenry. Lawmakers, interest groups, and members of the public are clamoring for attention to their issues of concern. ICA will continue to build on relationships made to rise above the noise and seek meaningful change that will help Idaho’s cattlemen and women be successful in doing their job of caring for the unbroken landscapes and providing beef to the world.
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Tied together by purpose
The role of Allied Industries in Idaho’s cattle community
In the world of agriculture, no operation stands alone. Success depends on the strength of partnerships—on the interwoven support of businesses and individuals who share common goals. These partnerships are what we call “allied industries.”
The term “ally” dates back to World War I, derived from the Latin alligare, meaning “to bind to.” While its roots are in wartime coalitions, today the concept reflects the many ways businesses join forces in pursuit of mutual success. In our industry, allied sectors— from feed and equipment to genetics, technology, and finance—are essential in helping you thrive.
Our proud role is to be a resource and a partner.
Recognizing this, the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) took a forward-thinking step in the mid-1980s by creating a dedicated allied industry seat on its board of directors. This position brings a broader range of expertise and resources to the table, helping ensure that the association remains adaptive, informed, and well-connected to the broader business landscape that supports ranching.
BY ELENA MONTEMAGNI Allied Industries Representative
Today, most allied industry members are based right here in Idaho, though many of us work across the Pacific Northwest. That regional collaboration is critical. It allows us to share innovations, avoid common pitfalls, and stay in step with industry shifts—ultimately helping us make better, more informed decisions.
As your current Allied Industry Representative, I often get asked how I ended up in Idaho. I first came to Idaho through a summer internship (Thanks, Gene!) and a few years later, I received a full-time job offer that brought me back for good. While I didn’t grow up in Idaho, agriculture has always been part of my story. I was raised on a walnut farm, but spent a lot of time growing up around cattle through family friends. From as early as I can remember, I found cows way more interesting than crops—which partly explains what lead me to the University of Nebraska to study Animal Science.
My parents instilled in my brother and I the importance of community involvement. In high school and college, it was second nature to join clubs, take on leadership roles, and dive into industry events. But I’ll be honest, staying involved after college is a different challenge, and intimidating! Staying connected to this industry—and to the people who make it great—has been more than worth the effort.
Friends or competitors—we’re tied together by a shared purpose: supporting the hardworking cattle producers of Idaho. Whether it’s helping optimize nutrition, streamline operations, improve animal health, or ensure financial sustainability, our proud role is to be a resource and a partner.
I’m proud to serve as your Allied Industry Representative, and I look forward to continuing to work together to support and strengthen the cattle industry in Idaho and beyond.
Making the most of it
Position yourself for success with programs & services
June has arrived, bringing warmer weather, greener pastures, and one of the busiest times of the year for ranches across Idaho. For many, it’s a season to walk fence lines, inspect pastures, assess water systems, and take on long-awaited improvement projects. Whether it’s routine maintenance or larger-scale efforts, this time presents a prime opportunity to invest in the future of your ranch.
If you have to work with agencies, why not make those relationships benefit your ranch?
When I head home on the weekends, one of the first conversations I have with my dad is about the latest projects underway. There’s always something in motion—discussions with partners, evaluating fences, cleaning up a stretch of creek, or improving habitat for the wildlife that we’re proud to support on our land. These projects, while varied in nature, all serve a common purpose: making the land healthier and more productive.
Since starting my role with the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) last year, I’ve come to better appreciate my dad’s forward-thinking approach. His philosophy is simple: if you have to work with agencies anyway, why not make those relationships benefit your ranch? That mindset has helped him turn programs and partnerships into real-world opportunities.
By participating in multiple projects, ranchers like my dad position themselves for success. Building relationships with agencies not only provides access
BY MONTANA MacCONNELL ICA Member Programs & Services Manager
to funding and technical assistance, but also gives ranchers a stronger voice when decisions are being made. In today’s dynamic regulatory landscape—especially following a change in administration—those connections are more important than ever.
There’s a lot of uncertainty about how programs and policies might evolve, but one thing remains constant: our shared goal is to secure the future of Idaho’s beef industry. Demonstrating interest in conservation, infrastructure, and land stewardship programs helps reinforce the importance of rancher involvement in upcoming legislation, including the new farm bill. Simply put, your participation helps ensure that ranchers remain a priority.
That said, I recognize how difficult it can be to keep up with changing deadlines, new applications, and complex eligibility requirements. As a rancher, your day is already packed and your priorities lie with your livestock. Digging through government websites probably isn’t high on your to-do list.
That’s where I can help.
To make things easier for you, we’ve added a new Programs & Services page to the Resources section of IdahoCattle.org. This hub is designed with you in mind, offering a centralized place to find deadlines, explore programs, and connect with potential partners.
My goal is to help you make the most of every available opportunity without the added stress of navigating red tape alone. If you have questions about a program, need help with an application, or just want to brainstorm a potential project idea, don’t hesitate to reach out.
You can contact me directly at montana@idahocattle.org or call (208) 343-1615.
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Email: rick@amgidaho.com
Ag All Star Legislators Named
Forty-nine legislators were named Ag All Stars by Food Producers of Idaho based upon their voting records on select pieces of legislation in the 2025 Idaho Legislative Session.
Food Producers of Idaho, representing over 45 different agriculture commodity and farm organizations in Idaho and the Pacific Northwest, annually honors legislators for their voting record on issues supported or opposed by the organization. According to Executive Director Rick Waitley, the first year a legislator is honored, the award is an Ag License plate that reads, “AL STR”. Each year after the initial award, a smaller plate with that year engraved on it is presented to each honoree.
Ag All Star legislators are important to Idaho’s agriculture and natural resource industries. The award has been presented for the last twenty-five legislative sessions. Every bill that is identified as a tracked issue by the Food Producers organization may be a bill that will be used on the organization’s scorecard at the end of the session. The following were recognized as 2025 Food Producers of Idaho Ag All Stars:
SENATORS:
BOISE
Allison “Ali” Rabe
BOISE Carrie Semmelroth
BOISE Janie Ward-Engelking
BOISE
Melissa Wintrow
CALDWELL Camille Blaylock
EAGLE C. Scott Grow
HAILEY Ron Taylor
IDAHO FALLS Kevin Cook
IDAHO FALLS Dave Lent
MCCAMMON Jim Guthrie
REPRESENTATIVES:
AMMON
Josh Wheeler
BLACKFOOT David Cannon
BOISE Soñia Galaviz
BOISE Dori Healey
BOISE Chris Mathias
BURLEY Clay Handy
CLIFTON Dan Garner
FAIRFIELD Steve Miller
IDAHO FALLS Wendy Horman
IDAHO FALLS Stephanie Mickelsen
JEROME Jack Nelsen
JEROME Mike Pohanka
LAVA HOT SPRINGS Kevin Andrus
LEWISTON Lori McCann
MELBA Shawn Dygert
MERIDIAN Treg Bernt
MERIDIAN Lori Den Hartog
NAMPA Ben Adams
PINGREE Julie VanOrden
REXBURG Doug Ricks
RUPERT Kelly Anthon
SAGLE Jim Woodward
SODA SPRINGS Mark Harris
TERRETON Van Burtenshaw
MENAN Jerald Raymond
MERIDIAN James Holtzclaw
MERIDIAN James Petzke
MIDVALE Judy Boyle
NAMPA Jeff Cornilles
NAMPA John Vander Woude
OAKLEY Douglas Pickett
POCATELLO Richard "Rick" Cheatum
REXBURG Britt Raybould
REXBURG Jon Weber
RIGBY Rod Furniss
SANDPOINT Mark Sauter
SHELLEY Ben Fuhriman
TWIN FALLS Lance Clow
WEISER
John Shirts
BY ELENA MONTEMAGNI
ALLIED INDUSTRIES ARE AN INFLUENTIAL PIECE OF THE BEEF INDUSTRY.
COVER STORY
Innovation
The impact of allied industries past, present, and future
In an industry built on hard work, tradition, and getting the job done day in and day out, it’s easy to keep our heads down and focus on what’s right in front of us - the tangible stuff that keeps us moving forward. But today, our allies aren’t just the folks we see at the sale barn or behind a booth at the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) Annual Convention in Sun Valley. They’re popping up in places we might not expect. The influence of allied industries runs even deeper when we acknowledge just how wide our circle truly is. They may not all wear boots, but they walk alongside us.
They’re in restaurant kitchens, where chefs proudly serve up a perfectly seared steak like it’s the star of the show— because it is. They’re in family homes across the country, where ground beef is a grocery-list regular because moms (and dads, too) know it’s a reliable, nourishing, and affordable way to feed their families. They’re even on social media, where influencers share mouthwatering meals and remind people just how good beef can be. Beef industry allies are everywhere, helping to promote and advance our products.
According to the 20th Annual Power of Meat Report, released by the Meat Institute and Food Industry Association at the Annual Meat Conference, meat sales hit an all-time high of $104.6 billion in 2024 and pounds sold were up 2.3% compared to 2023. The Power of Meat Report also stated that ground beef was the number one in absolute dollar growth. That’s not just good news—it’s proof that meat continues to be a staple on American plates.
As I dug deeper into the work of the Meat Institute, I learned that they’re doing real work to support our industry, from advocating on Capitol Hill to educating consumers about the truth of how meat is produced. Their Protein PACT brings together the feed, meat, and dairy sectors to promote animal protein in a unified, strategic way.
ALLIED INDUSTRIES INFLUENCE EVERY SEGMENT OF BEEF PRODUCTION, FROM A MAMA COW’S MINERAL BLOCK, TO THE TAG IN A CALF’S EAR.
They’re not alone. The Meat Institute Foundation focuses on consumer education and continuous improvement. The Leather and Hide Council of America reminds the world that every part of the animal has value—and that nothing should go to waste. Then, of course, we have the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), which defends the ranching voice in our nation’s capital. Beef Checkoff programs across the country work to drive demand for beef; the more mouths turning to beef for high-quality protein, the better. Every advertisement, social media post, and effort add up.
performance goals. Precision nutrition is now a critical tool for producers—not just a box to check.
Genetic technologies have also seen remarkable evolution. What started as textbook Punnett squares has transformed into powerful genomic testing that helps identify high-performing animals long before they hit the feedyard. It’s not just about improving one calf—it’s about building a better herd, generation after generation.
Despite the U.S. beef herd being at its lowest levels since the 1950s, beef production in pounds has increased.
Today’s beef industry is not only producing more beef with fewer animals, but doing so more efficiently and responsibly than ever. Despite the U.S. beef herd being at its lowest levels since the 1950s, beef production in pounds has increased. The percent of cattle grading prime and choice are increasing too. This is proof that technological innovation and cross-industry collaboration are delivering real results.
Feeding programs, for example, are far more strategic now. Feed additives that have existed for decades are being retooled in more targeted, data-driven ways to meet specific health and
On the animal health front, veterinary medicine has shifted from reactive to proactive. With better vaccines and earlier detection tools, issues are caught sooner, saving time and cost. Herds are healthier, antibiotics are used more judiciously, and productivity climbs.
In a time when trust must be earned and stories need to be told authentically, our allies aren’t just “stakeholders.” They’re storytellers, advocates, and educators. They’re on our team. These folks all believe in what we do—and they’re helping us do it better. When we recognize the full scope of our community, we don’t just build a stronger industry—we build a stronger future. So, here’s to the unseen hands, the scientific minds, the policy pros, the marketing mavens, and the everyday champions of beef. Here’s to all the allies—near and far—who help keep our industry thriving.
SUMMER ROUND UP SUMMER ROUND UP
Burley, Idaho
During Summer Round-Up, you can expect to hear from a variety of speakers, including NCBA, the Idaho Beef Council and other agency representatives, as well as ICA leadership. This year’s event will hit on front of mind topics and bring important updates that producers are looking for, as well as provide opportunity to become more involved with ICA committees. Range tour attendees will discuss current issues in the local landscape, as well as visit historic and solutions based operations. As always, participants in the annual Golf Tournament can expect plenty of friendly competition and networking!
MONDAY MONDAY
10:00am Registration Opens Registration Opens
12:00pm 1:40pm 3:00pm 4:45pm 6:00pm 6:30pm
Opening Session : Federal Policy Update Opening Session : Federal Policy Update
A Rare Look: How People See the Beef Industry A Rare Look: How People See the Beef Industry
General Session : Checkoff Academy, Idaho Style
General Session : Checkoff Academy, Idaho Style
New in ‘25 : ICA Committee Meetings New in ‘25 : ICA Committee Meetings
5:30pm Evening BBQ at River’s Edge Park BBQ at River’s Park
SUMMER ROUND UP SUMMER ROUND UP
Committee Agendas
MONDAY, JUNE 23 AT 4:45PM MONDAY, JUNE 23 AT 4:45PM
FEDERAL & STATE LANDS COMMITTEE
FEDERAL & STATE LANDS COMMITTEE
Committee Chair: Marty Gill
LEGISLATIVE RECAP
SB1053
Idaho Department of Lands - Rule rejection on 180 day
OTHER BUSINESS
Updates : Public Lands Council, Owyhee 68, IDL, GIP Program
CATTLE HEALTH & WELLBEING COMMITTEE
CATTLE HEALTH & WELLBEING COMMITTEE
Committee Chair: Eric Wittman
LEGISLATIVE RECAP
H105 Veterinary Practice Ownership
OTHER BUSINESS
New World Screwworm, Brucellosis, USU Vet Program
TUESDAY, JUNE 24 AT 9:10AM TUESDAY, JUNE 24 AT 9:10AM
MARKETING COMMITTEE MARKETING COMMITTEE
Committee Chair: John Nalivka
LEGISLATIVE RECAP
H0024 Alternative Proteins
OTHER BUSINESS
Market Update from John Nalivka
WILDLIFE COMMITTEE WILDLIFE COMMITTEE
Committee Chair: Richard Savage
LEGISLATIVE RECAP
H082 Depredation Funds Terms
S1012 Depredating Wildlife Appeals Board
OTHER BUSINESS
IDF&G Update, Rulemakings
PRIVATE LANDS COMMITTEE PRIVATE LANDS COMMITTEE
Committee Chair: Norm Wallis
LEGISLATIVE RECAP
S1033 Right to Farm Act
H104 Ag Structures
OTHER BUSINESS
IWJV Programs & Updates
Strengthening Idaho’s Role In U.S. Beef Exports to Japan
An overview of the export market delegation.
LEARNING ABOUT BEEF QUALITY, STARTING AT THE RANCH.
The Idaho Beef Council (IBC) continues to position Idaho’s producers and products within two of the most significant global markets for U.S. beef: Japan and South Korea. These nations represent a combined export value of over $4 billion annually, with South Korea leading in 2024 at $2.2 billion and Japan closely following at $1.9 billion—making them the first- and second-largest international destinations for U.S. beef, respectively.
Recognizing the strategic importance of these markets, the Idaho Beef Council collaborated with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), the Washington State Beef Commission, and the Oregon Beef Council to help host a high-level delegation of Japanese beef buyers during April 2025. The trade mission included representatives from six of Japan’s leading beef import companies, including NH Foods Ltd., Itoham Yonekyu Holdings Inc., Hanew Foods Inc., Starzen Co., Ltd., Prima Meat Packers Ltd., and Shokuhin Sangyo Shinbunsha Co., Ltd.
The 12-member delegation was offered a firsthand look at how U.S. beef is raised, finished, and processed with
an emphasis on quality, transparency, and sustainability. Their itinerary included site visits to ranches, feedyards, and state-of-the-art processing facilities in Idaho, Colorado, and Kansas. In Idaho, the buyers toured key sites such as Boise Valley Feeders in Parma, and the Agri Beef/producer-owned True West Beef processing facility in Jerome, where they observed animal care, traceability systems, and food safety protocols in action.
“The export market is very important
to overall carcass value. Most people do not realize that we are not exporting our ribeyes and tenderloins, but short plate, tongues, and other offals. Personally, I do not enjoy eating beef tripe, tongue or liver, but other places around the world will pay a premium for them” said Jared Brackett, Idaho Beef Council Board member. Beef export value in 2024 equated to $415.08 per fed head, up 5%. (source: USDA/FAS, NASS, USMEF)
The delegation also visited the flagship Albertsons store in Meridian, Idaho,
LEARNING HOW BEEF IS PROCESSED AND MERCHANDISED IN THE U.S.
INVESTIGATING THE HIGH-QUALITY FEED PROVIDED TO CATTLE TO DEVELOP DELICIOUS, NUTRITIOUS BEEF.
where they viewed direct-to-consumer retail displays and branding strategies that differentiate U.S. beef in a competitive marketplace. Meetings with Board members from the Idaho Beef Council and Chanel Tewalt, Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director, offered an opportunity to further discuss Idaho’s commitment to beef quality, sustainability, and traceability.
With ongoing competition from other global beef exporters such as Australia and Canada, this trade mission was instrumental in reinforcing the image of U.S. beef—particularly Idaho beef—as a premium import choice. Continued engagement through targeted trade missions, relationship-building, and market access advocacy will be key to securing long-term demand in Japan, South Korea, and beyond.
For additional information on Idaho Beef Checkoff investments, visit IDBeef.org or contact us at BeefCouncil@ IDBeef.org.
39.08 +-ACRES 1500 CAFO Feedlot, 2400+-SF building Paul: $1,290,000
657.72 +- ACRES 367 +Carey: $7,900,000
77.38 +-ACRES -HWY 20 Bellevue: $851,000 PENDING
40 +- ACRES 640+- lock ups-CAFO, American Falls Water & Pivot Dietrich: $1,400,000
Cow Grazing Behavior During Targeted Grazing in Southeast Idaho
Methods, research, and results of study on ins and outs of grazing.
BY JIM SPRINKLE1, COLE KEMPTON (BYU-PROVO)
, DAN LAURITZEN, JUSTIN HATCH, SAWYER FONNESBECK, APRIL HULET (BYU-PROVO), ROBBERT MICKELSEN (USFS), HANS BASTIAN (USFS), JARED SIMPSON (S BAR S CATTLE RANCH, MALAD CITY, ID), AND JAMESON BRENNAN (SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY)
1Extension Beef Specialist, Ph. D. University of Idaho Nancy M. Cummings Research, Extension & Education Center, Carmen, Idaho
INTRODUCTION
When talking about targeted grazing in the Great Basin and Pacific Northwest, we are most often considering grazing to help control invasive annual grasses such as cheatgrass and medusahead. Cheatgrass was introduced into the western U.S. in the 1880s and, by the 1930s, was beginning to be a real problem. There are areas in the West that are burning every
2 to 3 years due to the presence of invasive annual grasses. One recent scientific article by researchers in Oregon stated that the expansion of invasive annual grasses in the West was “the greatest threat to the integrity of the sagebrush ecosystem.” Cheatgrass germinates earlier in the winter or early spring than does native perennial grasses, giving it a competitive advantage for using valuable soil moisture. It also accumulates a litter layer that helps fuel wildfires. Dr. Tim Prather, Professor of Plant Science at the University of Idaho, related that only 15% cheatgrass cover was required to significantly inflate the flammability of common perennial grass communities in Idaho. This was true even when the cheatgrass was damp. Figure 2 illustrates the wildland fire probability for 2025. Those areas with greater fire probability also have a greater abundance of invasive annual grasses. Recognizing the gravity of this situation, the Western Governors’ Association signed a MOU with the US Department of Agriculture in 2019. The Idaho Cheatgrass Challenge is attempting to defend the core (areas with lower percentages
FIGURE 1. CATTLE ARE TRAILED TO SPRING HILLS ALLOTMENT NEAR MALAD CITY FOR THE SECOND YEAR OF A TARGETED GRAZING PROJECT IN OCTOBER 2022. JUSTIN HATCH (UI CARIBOU AND BEAR LAKE COUNTY EXTENSION) IS PICTURED HORSEBACK. PHOTO BY JOHN LEAVELL, IDAHO STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
of annual grass plant cover), grow the core, and mitigate impacts. Dormant season, targeted grazing is one tool being used to help protect and grow the core. For example, the area extending southward from Idaho Falls to the Idaho/ Utah border is in the mild (11 to 25%) annual plant cover class and is a prime area to apply targeted grazing. Targeted grazing on dormant season rangeland can be economically advantageous for producers. If feeding a medium quality hay ($150/T) for a month, it would cost about $56 for a 1,250 lb. cow. That same cow could be grazed on dormant season rangeland for about 26% (includes labor/fence maintenance costs with AUM fee) to 44% of that cost, depending on if protein supplementation was needed. In addition to these economic benefits, a societal benefit is provided with targeted grazing to reduce wildfire risks and to help suppress the rapid expansion of invasive annual grasses. We encourage producers to investigate livestock-use permits to extend grazing beyond the normal season of use with their respective land management agency.
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
At the invitation of and with funding provided by the Intermountain Region of the USFS and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, a targeted grazing project was initiated in September 2019. As vegetation data was collected, the USFS expressed interest in adding cattle be-
havior to this investigation. This request was agreed to and authors of this report collected grazing behavior data from October 25 to November 22 in 2021 and from October 25 to November 19 in 2022 on the 2,468 acre Spring Hills Allotment near Malad City, Idaho. The only supplement that cows received was salt. Only a portion of the nonlactating cow herd (34 of 400 in 2021; 36 of 316 in 2022) was collared. The collars contained both GPS and accelerometer sensors (Figure 3). By combining GPS units with 3-axis accelerometer sensors, it is possible to not only determine where cattle are located, but also what they are doing while they are there. Acceleometers are used on rockets and measure velocity in three different directions (up-down, side-side, forward-backward). If you have a smart phone, you have an accelerometer with you; it is what rotates the screen from portrait to landscape orientation. By pairing observed data of experimental animals with their head movements, it is possible to obtain a “data signature” of the accelerometer 3-axis readings and thus classify a cow’s daily activity at very frequent intervals (in our study, 25 times/ second averaged to every 5 seconds).
RESULTS
Cattle grazed more on S slopes (2021) with better forage quality and grazed more on N slopes (2022) with poor quality forage.
With poor forage quality (2022), cattle increased grazing time except when winter storms prevailed.
Substantial early fall rainfall (2021) resulted in weight gain with no added protein supplements.
Increased grazing time with poor forage quality (2022) resulted in increased weight loss.
Satellite NDVI imagery assists in predicting when protein supplements should be used for targeted grazing.
FIGURE 2. 2025 FIRE PROBABILITY.
FIGURE 3. COW COLLAR USED FOR GRAZING BEHAVIOR EXPERIMENT AT MALAD CITY, ID.
In October 2021, significant rainfall well above the 30-year average fell before the end of the growing season, resulting in substantial greenup of both perennial and annual cool season grasses. This was confirmed by both satellite NDVI imagery (Figure 4) and onsite photography (Figure 5). Conversely, 2022 was characterized by more normal fall moisture, resulting in reduced forage quality and greenness (Figures 4 and 5). Consequently, both animal performance and grazing behavior differed between the two years of this study. Forage production did not differ statistically between the two years, but the reduction in forage quality in 2022 resulted in declining animal performance. Laboratory analysis of 2022 clipped forage samples validated this conclusion, with average total digestible nutrients (TDN) at 49% and crude protein at 3.4%.
Cattle grazed more on south slopes in 2021 than in 2022 (40% vs. 28%), likely due to the presence of new annuals and better-quality forage. Conversely, cows grazed more on north slopes in 2022 than in 2021 (72% vs. 60%), likely due to better quality forage on cooler northern slopes that experience less solar radiation to dry out forage.
As forage quality declined in 2022, cattle grazed longer to try to compensate for decreased dietary energy intake (Figure 6). However, when we evaluated average daily gain against time spent grazing (figure not shown), increased daily grazing time was not advantageous to these cattle. In 2021, additional grazing time resulted in increased daily gain (0.39 lb. ADG/hour grazing) while each additional hour of grazing in 2022 resulted in -0.89 lb. weight loss/day.
4. SATELLITE NDVI IMAGERY FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA DROUGHTVIEW
WEBSITE HTTPS://DROUGHTVIEW.ARIZONA.EDU/ DEMONSTRATES THE INCREASED GREENNESS ON THE SPRING HILLS ALLOTMENT FROM ABUNDANT OCTOBER RAINS IN 2021 AS COMPARED TO A MORE NORMAL YEAR IN 2022.
FIGURE 5. IN 2021, COWS MANAGED TO GAIN 0.68 LBS/DAY WITH NO ADDED PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT. GRASS WAS NOT AS GREEN IN 2022 AND COWS LOST 1.87 LBS/DAY. IF YOU WERE GRAZING A MORE ACCESSIBLE PASTURE LIKE THIS DURING A SIMILAR YEAR, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A GOOD YEAR TO FEED PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT. SATELLITE IMAGERY CAN ALSO BE USEFUL FOR PREDICTING THE NEED FOR PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS
FIGURE 6. DUE TO REDUCED FORAGE QUALITY IN 2022, COWS GRAZED LONGER EACH DAY UNTIL WINTER STORMS DROVE THEM TO SEEK COVER.
FIGURE
The average grazing time over all days of the study was 10.2 hours in 2021 and 10.5 hours in 2022. Although cattle attempted to compensate for declining dietary energy in 2022 with increased grazing (Figure 6), the energy available in the harvested forage did not compensate for the energy expended to harvest that forage. Based upon the weight loss or gain experienced by cattle in this study, the calculated forage quality of the diet consumed in 2021 was likely around 58% TDN and in 2022, around 46% TDN. To avoid weight loss for a nonlactating cow, forage digestibility or TDN should be around 52% and crude protein around 7%.
CONCLUSION
Increased moisture in fall and early winter assists in recruiting invasive annual grasses, so this is a key period for reducing fuel loads that facilitate wildfires. Targeted grazing during the fall can assist in reducing cheatgrass seed banks and seedling success. During years with significant moisture before forage dormancy, targeted grazing may be effectively applied without added protein supplements. During less favorable years for fall rains, increased nutritional management needs to be applied either during or following the dormant season grazing.
ANGUS CATTLE SINCE 1955
Blowing away the Lava Ridge Wind Project—for good
Fighting for Idaho’s voice to be heard
For years, Idahoans yelled loud and clear: the Lava Ridge Wind Project is not welcome in our state.
Affected local residents, farmers, tribes, conservationists, and the Japanese-American community all stood united in opposition to this plan. However, despite numerous legitimate concerns and near-unanimous opposition to the project, the Biden administration’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) refused to listen.
As Idahoans, we depend on the concept of multiple use on public lands, and it is deeply rooted in our way of life.
That was until January 20th, 2025, when President Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. With many thanks to Senator Risch for working with President Trump, the President stepped in and signed a Day One executive order to stop this project. President Trump’s efforts proved that he heard Idahoans’ concerns and was ready to act.
Not only did President Trump show Idahoans that our voices matter, but this action also sent a clear message – Idahoans expect more out of the use of our public lands.
The agency did not genuinely engage with stakeholders to address concerns about the Minidoka National Historic Site, grazing, wildfire response, and more. For four years, the Biden administration demonstrated that it would rather prioritize renewable wind power over multiple-use mandates directed by Congress.
As Idahoans, we depend on the concept of multiple use on public lands, and it is deeply rooted in our way of life. Long-standing uses like ranching, grazing, and
BY MIKE SIMPSON U.S. Representative
recreation have coexisted for years on these lands, yet the Lava Ridge Project threatened to upend these uses.
Despite ignoring the voices of Idahoans and attempting to downplay the severity of the issues raised, the BLM adamantly rammed forward with this project—something I have not seen in all my time serving in Congress.
The level of disregard for Congress and the law was especially concerning. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, I used every tool at my disposal to slow down or halt this out-of-touch project.
Let me be clear: I opposed this project on day one. I questioned BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland directly in congressional hearings, and included language in the Fiscal Year 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, which passed the House, that blocked the final Environmental Impact Statement for the Lava Ridge Wind Project from moving forward. I also introduced legislation with my Idaho delegation colleagues that would prevent the Secretary of the Interior from approving a wind or solar project on public lands if the Legislature in the respective state has passed a resolution of disapproval.
I even authored language—passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden—directing the Department of the Interior to reengage and incorporate feedback from the stakeholders on alternative plans before moving forward with Lava Ridge.
Despite these efforts, the significant adverse impacts, and widespread opposition across the state, the BLM continued to push this project forward blindly. This was extremely discouraging. It was disappointing for residents in the Magic Valley, the Japanese-American community, due to the harmful impacts of the Minidoka National Historical Site, and for those of us in Congress who felt the Biden administration was bulldozing their authority over us.
The administration change on January 20th was transformative in many ways. President Trump gave Idahoans hope again–and he backed it up with action. Idahoans owe a great deal of thanks to President Trump and to leaders like Senator Risch, who kept this issue at the forefront with the administration.
President Trump listened. Lava Ridge is stopped. But even with this win, the fight is not over, and we must stay vigilant. We must ensure that no future project—regardless of a new name or administration—gets as close to implementation as the Lava Ridge Wind Project did.
Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked to ensure our land management agencies are good neighbors, and it is abundantly clear that BLM needs to reconsider its approach moving forward. That’s why I will use my role in Congress to keep working with federal, state, and local leaders to ensure these voices are heard.
Keeping Idaho farms safe and productive since 1968. Our employee owners are dedicated to ensuring you get the best tires and auto service.
Like many, I cherish our public lands. As a lifelong Idaho an, I understand the importance of ensuring that future gen erations can enjoy the same benefits that we have today. I will always work to preserve access to our public lands and defend our way of life. I am especially grateful to now have an admin istration that stands with us and has our backs.
Thank you to President Trump and to all the Idahoans who made their voices heard. Common sense prevailed.
WE PROUDLY SUPPORT
Continuing Rangeland Conversations
Highlights of a successful facilitated discussion.
It’s hard to believe we are almost halfway through the year, and what a year it has been so far! It reminds me that, though policy and people may change, our natural resources remain limited and vital to our way of life and our rural economies. The Idaho Rangeland Conservation Partnership (IRCP) meeting held this January was once again quite relevant, as one of our key topics was fire. As much as we would like this to be an issue we could resolve once and for all, it is a topic that requires continued vigilance. As we again approach the months to be on fire alert, it seems like a good time to share some of the IRCP Annual Meeting information.
The first day of the meeting was centered around a panel discussing fire, and we opened the session with a “Fire 101” angle. We wanted to review some basics on fire behavior and management and then move the
conversation into a discussion on fire as a land management tool and basic fire preparedness and prevention.
Fire has been a front-line topic lately, with the catastrophic fires on Idaho’s and Oregon’s rangelands over the past few years. Several fires close to urban areas brought out folks who obviously may not have realized that fire is not a “spectator sport” and that conditions and safety can change rapidly. This brought IRCP to realize we could open our annual meeting fire panel with a “Fire 101” angle. This would give us a chance to help people better understand fire behavior (or its lack of predictable behavior!) and how our land managers approach firefighting.
Lance Okeson, who recently retired from the Idaho Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as the Fire Supervisory Management Specialist in the Boise District, opened this session. Okeson took the group through basic fire information, such as the fire triangle, outlining the three components of fire: oxygen, heat, and fuel. Last year saw increased fuel loads, combined with
intense heat and adverse weather patterns such as lightning and wind causing conditions that lead to vast amounts of rangeland burning in short periods of time. Okeson shared how strategically placed fuel breaks and fuel load reduction through targeted grazing programs can help stop fires before they reach catastrophic proportions and give safe places to fight fire. This led to conversations around the need to incorporate more flexibility into grazing programs with our agencies. Increased flexibility allows for better management in controlling carry-over fuel loads. IRCP has long been an advocate for more outcome-based grazing approaches versus prescriptive management, both for overall rangeland health and management, and as a tool in the fire prevention toolbox. IRCP is excited to see these conversations and thought processes continue to gain support, especially because they make sense for good rangeland management. We look forward to continuing the work with agencies to explore ways to bring more flexibility into the grazing management programs.
Lance Okeson has also worked with ranchers using controlled burns as a rangeland management tool. One of the ranchers Lance worked collaboratively with was Polly Baldwin. Baldwin followed Okeson’s presentation, sharing information and photos about the work she has participated in on their family ranch in Owyhee County. Baldwin’s dad, Ted Payne, started using controlled burns to manage juniper encroachment on their ranch and rangeland many years ago. Payne saw controlled burns as a way to effectively remove junipers while
improving rangeland health and water availability. Baldwin continues to use this tool and described how it is a continuous process over time, not just a one and done technique. Baldwin shared the preparation it takes to get ready for a controlled burn, with planning often spanning over several years, not just the year of the burn. Cattle are often strategically grazed in certain areas to provide defensible barriers, while other areas may be rested from grazing to assure fuel loads for good fire activity during the burn. Contributions from the rancher perspective include active participation in the planning of both the preand post-fire components. Baldwin shared that ranchers also contribute in other ways by providing water access, camping areas for the fire crews, and defensible space for equipment. Some of the benefits Polly Baldwin and her family have seen over the years from controlled burns include an increase in native grass, increase in ground water with springs appearing and streams running year-round, and an increase in wildlife such as sage grouse, deer, and elk.
Dean Johnson, from the Idaho Department of Lands, shared how IDL works with landowners and agencies not only for fire prevention, but also fire response. Johnson shared some of the aspects that IDL is able to do differ-
ently as a state agency. Since rangeland often runs contiguous, it is important that private, state, and federal folks work together, as fire does not recognize land ownership boundaries.
Wrapping up the fire conversation segment was Tami Parkinson, with Lochsa Fire Consulting. Parkinson recently retired from the U.S. Forest Service after a career of over 30 years working in wildland fire management. She brought great perspective on the information and tools around wildfire planning, sharing the “who’s who in the zoo” of the topic. Tami discussed what wildfire planning is, who participates, information used to help the process, and outcomes that can be expected from the process. Parkinson’s extensive experience allowed her to share a plethora of information and answer many questions about wildfire preparedness and wildfire strategy plans. Several of the links she shared on the technology that can be used for fire preparedness, education, and response are listed at the end of this article.
As always, the diversity of our meeting attendees brings about great facilitated discussions around the topics. It is always great to see the tremendous amount of conversation that goes on among the meeting attendees during the breaks and after the meeting as they network, explore ideas, and keep the energy flowing. IRCP has proven to be a successful avenue to bring
folks together to discuss topics like these and act as a statewide network to help support locally led collaboratives around rangelands. IRCP continues to build on the diversity of the interested rangeland stakeholders and facilitates these exchanges of ideas and conversations to help look towards opportunities and solutions for productive and resilient rangelands in Idaho. IRCP continues to be driven by the fact that healthy rangelands benefit Idaho’s economy, local communities, and wildlife. Idaho’s rangelands are critically important for open space, the livestock industry, and the opportunities they provide for recreation and habitat for over 350 species.
• Interagency Fuels Treatment Decision Support System https://iftdss. firenet.gov/iftdss2/#/landing
• Wildfire Risk to Communities https://wildfirerisk.org/about/faq/
