4 minute read
Message from the EVP
Identifying the uninformed in an industry surrounded by hostiles
BY CAMERON MULRONY ICA Executive Vice President
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Distinction between those seeking to learn vs those looking for reaction is important.
The world evolves daily, as do we, both as operators and individuals within our lives. Evolution is inevitable in all facets. However, it is important to remember how we got here, from the history of events to the people that have helped us, in order to evolve to the point we are at today. From time to time, it is important to reflect on some of the things that have molded us to be the person, opera-
tion, or industry we’ve become. The historical knowledge that is in these reflections can help us to clear the air. And with the fires burning across our state currently, some clear air may be in order.
As I write this piece, the Leadership Idaho Agriculture Foundation hosted a tour of Legislative Aides, just a few short weeks ago. This fact-finding tour is not for the folks from Idaho, but from congressional offices in states around the nation. The opportunity to participate in this tour gave me a chance to reflect on some of the changes in Idaho that have transpired since I have been at the wheel of the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA), as well as some of the changes that I have seen in those that are stationed in D.C. working to assist our decision makers in the legislative branch of our government.
While we rode the bus between tour stops, I had a chance to visit with many of the attendees and I realized that, in the words of one of our Public Lands Council staff members Sigrid, these folks are not “hostiles”, but rather the “uninformed”. They asked good questions with the intention of gaining information and insight based in facts or perspective. I expected no less from a group of this type, as this was a voluntary trip of their choosing, crafted to help them understand issues outside of their home states. However, as we continued to visit, I was reminded that both in the policy realm, as well as in our education of the general public living here in Idaho, the ”“uninformed” could be defined as those seeking answers, and the ”hostiles” are those looking to create a reaction.
With this lens in place, I visited my memory bank in an attempt to bring these definitions to life. In the last 5 years I can think of a list of proposed legislation that came up in Idaho, which would have had an effect on our industry, just by the title.
Animal Welfare – Use of a horse more than 6 hours in a day to be defined as animal cruelty.
This seems absurd to me, as I have had a couple of mounts that, in reality, the cruelty was toward me if I had to ride him that long. Fortunately, ICA did not have to lift much to keep this from seeing light in our state. However, some of our neighboring states are not too far from losing these types of fights.
I ask myself: is this brought by ”hostiles”, or the ”uninformed”? We have seen legislation proposed
in both Oregon and Colorado that was brought forward by the folks who will not even entertain listening to the voice of reason. Was Idaho’s proposed legislation (years ago) brought forward by the same type of people? Or was it merely an oversight, masked inside an ask to regulate other types of animals, brought forward by an “uninformed” individual?
Wolf Legislation – Legislation to help our state to manage its wolf population.
This brought forward many phone calls, emails, reporters, etc. Most of the phone messages that came into our offices were from the “hostiles”: threats to our lives, wishes of ill will, yelling and hatred. They were looking for something other than a discussion around understanding the loss to our industry, our producers’ way of life, and every impact experienced by citizens of our state as the numbers of apex predators have expanded over the last 25+ years.
We continue to field calls on this piece now 2 years later and I will say that the ”uninformed” have begun to reach out, rather than the ”hostiles”. This work to protect our industry will, however, continue to involve both groups.
These are just 2 examples of bills that came to mind and transpired during my tenure here in Boise, so I do wonder from time to time, “what’s next”? As you look to your ballot box in the coming month, I encourage you to look closely at the candidates. Make your best decisions, but please do not shy away from discussion with someone who may fall in the bounds of ”uninformed” when they start asking about our cattle industry. Identify the “hostiles” in the crowd and vote accordingly. Most importantly, exercise your right to vote, vote your conscience, and beware the wolves in sheep’s clothing.
We look forward to seeing you in Sun Valley or in our travels across the state of Idaho in the coming months.
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