Message from the President

The final curtain

Although many questions remain, the mission stays the same.

BY MARK PRATT ICA President

What a time to be in the cattle business. Ok, maybe not right this minute with margins pinched to the bear minimum. I’m reminded of what my cousin Kent says, “I hope I break even, I could sure use the money.” But we in agriculture always have a strong hope that next year will be better. Acknowledging that we’re “next year” people, it’s encouraging to hear the forecast of better prices ahead.

Along with a better market, we keep hearing about all the money becoming available for water projects and climate smart practices. Get your ducks in a row so you can take advantage of this opportunity.

I received an email the other day from ICA Past President Jay Smith. He said, “Please take a few minutes and check this out, then let me know how we can make a plan to spread it far and wide.” I was surprised and excited to see the link was to Allan Savory’s 2013 TED talk. Check it out for yourself. Allan has spent his life as a student of the natural world and understands that well managed grazing is our best hope to restore degraded ecosystems around the world. In a recent Facebook post, Savory said the talk is being viewed 3,000-4,000 times per day. Another YouTube video worth watching is Christine Jones’s soil health presentation she gave in Idaho Falls a couple of years ago. Soil health and good grazing practices go hand in hand, and we should all take

Conservation is defined as ‘the prevention of the wasteful use of a resource.’

some time this winter and learn how our ranches can play a vital role towards a sustainable future.

Wouldn’t it be nice to be paid for the ecosystem services you provide? Water storage, wildlife habitat, carbon capture, biodiversity, are attributes the public depends on. Can we agree that overgrazing is a factor of too much time rather than too many animals? There are a growing number of grazing operations positioning themselves to take advantage of an ecosystem service market by shortening their graze period, lengthening their rest period and monitoring their results.

Conservation is defined as the prevention of the wasteful use of a resource. When applied to ecology it is defined as the preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment and of wildlife. Our own Public Lands Council has been working diligently in Washington, D.C. to have grazing included in the 30x30 plan as a conservation practice.

And as exciting as all of this is, it’s only one of the many facets of ranching from financial figuring and supplement strategies, to working with state and federal agencies and our own family members in constructive ways that run through my mind as I go about my days (and nights).

I copied a Peanuts cartoon many years ago that amused me at the time and still rings true:

We have not succeeded in answering all of our problems. Indeed, we often feel we have not completely answered any of them. The answers we have found only serve to raise a whole set of new questions. In some ways we feel we are as confused as ever, but we believe we are confused on a much higher level, and about more important things.

This pretty much sums up my year as president and our lives here on the ranch. Thanks for the journey.

KNIPE LAND COMPANY

Est. 1944

(208) 345-3163 • www.knipeland.com

SOUTH SUN VALLEY RANCH

690± acre ranch features 285± irrigated acres, 2 wells, ponds, springs, and BLM frontage. The manager’s home and 6 rental units rent for $72,000 per year. 25± miles from Sun Valley. $5,000,000

CAREY FARM

436± acres with 250± acres irrigated by 5 pivots and 3 wheel lines. Includes a manufactured home. Zoned for 1 home/acre, and 1 home /10 acres. 30± air miles from Sun Valley. $3,500,000

FOSSIL CANYON RANCH

947± deeded acres and an additional 160± acres of BLM leased land. Great grazing ground bordering National Forest with two year-round springs, and excellent hunting. $2,249,000

CASCADE TIMBER RANCH

640± acres with meadows, forests, a creek, & abundant wildlife. $5,350,000 Also offered as two 320± acre parcels. $2,970,000 each.

SOLD

RUSSELL RIDGE FARMLAND

953± acres in near Orofino with 623± acres of dry farmland, timber and canyon lands, possible home site development, and great hunting, fishing and outdoor recreating. Sold $4,284,000

ROCK CREEK RANCH

120± acres with a creek and two springs. The Barndominium home has 3,603± sf of living space. Under construction with materials to complete the interior included. Near Potlatch, ID. $2,999,000

SOLD

CABARTON CASCADE RANCH

202± acre ranch features a 5 bedroom home with geothermal heat, and shop. Fenced and irrigated. In Valley County with road frontage and development potential. SOLD $3,500,000