Message from the EVP

ICA meeting is perfect time to get off the bench, be engaged

BY CAMERON MULRONY ICA Executive Vice President

Every producer across the state benefits from our work, but we need people to ‘show up’ and be counted

As we move further into fall and approach the winter months, the time for annual meetings has arrived. The ICA annual meeting is Nov. 15-17 in Sun Valley. I’m sure you’ve seen this information in our publication for the past couple of months. This column is not to highlight that event, but to stress the importance of engagement, yet again, because our association has continued to have success through the engagement of our membership.

“Decisions are made by those who show up.” This particular comment is one I have heard in past discussions, and although I would like to think otherwise, I do believe there is some validity to it. If you do not attend or join a discussion, how can your voice be heard?

I am confident the messages of our engaged members in each area of our state are being presented to and heard through the elected Board of Directors. However, in order to fully engage, we need to have an event that brings us together.

For example, just as the local high school basketball game brings members of the community together, it also provides a platform for people to visit with other members of their community. We don’t all agree on every topic, just as we don’t necessarily agree with the calls made by the coaches or players as the game unfolds. But the fact of the matter is the platform provides insight on the topic at hand: the basketball game.

But I digress. The discussions and input between members of our community are much larger: who got their fall grain in first, whose calves brought the most at the market, which place might be up for sale or rent, who has hay available.

Each of these topics floats around the “concession stand” and at our “halftime” discussions at our convention. Simply put, this annual gathering gets producers, suppliers, supporters and others engaged in discussions regarding the items that affect their respective community.

HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD BE INVOLVED WITH THE ICA

The point of my message here is to stay engaged in our beef community. Engage at all levels, and ask your neighboring community members to engage. We need more voices, in addition to the voices of those who “show up.”

We all have a neighbor, friend, relative or in-law who is not engaged, not a member, not a joiner, not a problem solver — but should be. They often ask, WHY? Why should I? What has the Idaho Cattle Association done for me?

The answer is simple: Every producer across the state has benefited from the work of the ICA. Some of it is made public, but a lot of things are done more quietly and efficiently.

So for those who ask why they should engage or get involved, I provide the following list. This is not all-encompassing, but it does include a portion of the vast topics that have been addressed by ICA staff and leadership in just the past few months.

This doesn’t serve as a place to elaborate on the list, but if you have questions, engage with our staff or your leadership to help drive the conversations!

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October 16, 2021 December 18, 2021 February 26, 2022 November 13, 2021 January 29, 2022 March 26, 2022

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And please, leave a copy of this for the “What have you done for me lately?” crowd you may see from time to time.

STATE ISSUES

1. Wildlife • Wolves • Snow Geese • Elk 2. Beef Environmental Control Act • Phosphorous Indexing • Nutrient Management Planning 3. Idaho Department of Lands • Bid Processes/Conservation Leases • Grazing Rate Review 4. Wildfire • Fuels Management State and Public Lands (WMAs) • Post-Fire Rehab Projects 5. Other • Grazing Improvement Program legislation • Trichomoniasis Program • Brucellosis • ISDA Range • Public Lands Issues

IDAHO CATTLE ASSOCIATION

IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A RECIPIENT OF THE

Superior Beef Award

AT THE EASTERN IDAHO STATE FAIR:

Jadelyn Mecham

Jadelyn Mecham, a senior at Kuna High School, has been an active Kuna FFA member for four years. She has served in several FFA leadership positions and is currently the Boise Valley District FFA president and the Kuna FFA Chapter treasurer. Jadelyn, who is passionate about animals, hopes to attend Utah State University to earn a degree in animal science with a minor in ag business. Her career goal is to become a large-animal veterinarian. Congratulations, Jadelyn!

1. Wildlife • Wolf Delisting • Rocky Mountain Population 12-month Status Review • Sage Grouse 2. Environmental • WOTUS • Methane Production • 30 X 30 “America The Beautiful” • Sustainability Goals 3. USDA • Market Transparency • USFS Fuels Management and

Grazing • Livestock Mandatory Reporting 4. Other • Bureau of Land Management (not enough room for a full list) • Fire • Transportation • Taxes

This is a short list of high-level topics, but I am certain there’s at least one topic you would engage in if the conversation started at a local ballgame. I also realize there are some items on this list that would not have a direct impact on your operation, but they might affect your community. This is precisely why we need to engage and attend our local, state and national events.

We need your input on multiple topics that affect our beef community. We need to have the “ballgame discussions” that help to form our decisions and positions as an organization, while recognizing there are topics that have multiple areas of concern and input.

Be a joiner. Be a recruiter. Be a part of our beef community. Be engaged.

We all have a neighbor, friend, relative or in-law who is not engaged, not a member, not a joiner, not a problem solver — but should be.

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