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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 power of membership
Strength comes from the opportunity to enact change
Next month, we’ll gather for our annual convention. For me, it’s a bittersweet moment.
I’m excited about the leadership that will take us forward, but I’ll also miss being part of this chapter. What gives me comfort is knowing that those stepping in are well-qualified and care deeply about our industry—just as much as any of us.
I’d urge every member to ask a neighbor or colleague on the fence about ICA to attend our convention.
I’ve shared the story of how I became a believer in the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA). What I haven’t shared is how I came to support the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Our operation is fairly new to NCBA membership. To be honest, I wasn’t a fan of NCBA during COVID. At the time, I wasn’t even a member, but I had plenty of frustrations. I remember airing my grievances to a NCBA member, and they simply said, “well, if you’re not a member, you can be as mad as you want. It doesn’t matter.”
That stuck with me. Not long after, our operation joined NCBA. And while I can’t say I’ve personally changed NCBA, I can say I now have a voice there. I can raise concerns and be heard. The more I’ve learned through their policy meetings and conventions, the more my opinion has changed. Today, I’m proud to be a member of both NCBA and ICA.
I share this story because I’ve heard the same arguments from producers in our state who aren’t members of ICA. If you’ve served on the board,
BY SPENCER BLACK ICA President
you’ve heard me say it before: I give my non-member neighbors one complaint. The next time they call to gripe about ICA, I won’t listen—not about that, anyway. The point I try to drive home is this: if you’re truly unhappy with ICA, join and make a change. Just like that NCBA member called me out, we have to be willing to call out those who don’t support us. And better yet, we can invite them in. I’d urge every member to ask a neighbor or colleague on the fence about ICA to attend our convention. Walk them down the hallway. Introduce them to our members. Encourage them to ask the hard questions—even if you don’t have the answer yourself. Chances are, someone else in the hallway will. That’s been one of the greatest highlights of my time on the ICA board: the relationships formed in those hallways—with fellow members, agency folks, and guest presenters. Those connections have been invaluable.
I also look forward every year to the opening session speakers, and this year is no exception. Lucas Mack, marketing executive at Kubota, will be with us. It’s a great opportunity for those curious about ICA to see firsthand how we keep members informed—not only on animal health and well-being, but also on how brand strategies and human experiences shape success.
I am proud to be a member of both ICA and NCBA. I am proud to have served as your president this past year, and I am grateful for the trust you placed in me. I believe this association is moving in the right direction, positioning itself as the true voice of the West. And I look forward to seeing all of you at convention and hearing your voices join the chorus to make our association stronger.
Spring Cove Reno 4021
Time to stand
Engaged membership drives the association
Our annual meeting is fast approaching— just a few short weeks away! Gathering in one place to discuss the issues and progress of our industry is one of the most important steps in our process.
I often find that song lyrics double as life lessons, and the words “you’ve got to stand for something, or you’ll fall for anything” come to mind when I think about the difference convention attendance makes. This is where we set policy, where we decide what we stand for as an industry.
Let’s show up, stand together, and prepare for another year of legislative and agency change.
Right now, the state is examining our governance in Idaho, following the federal lead in looking for efficiencies. So where do we stand? Where is our industry headed? While we may not agree on every detail of oversight or protections, the big questions demand that we take a position. What do we need in order to function? At the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA), our mission is to preserve, promote, and protect the industry. Do we stand together for the preservation of open space? For food safety? For the right to operate as we choose? Each policy decision is a stance on one of these larger issues.
This time of year, as my kids gear up for fall and winter sports, I remind them of a lesson that applies well beyond the field: we can only change ourselves. This is a statement that we all can take to heart. The ICA may not always agree with others in the policy world—both nationally and local -
BY CAMERON MULRONY ICA Executive Vice President
ly—but we continue to do our best to take a clear position, and we do this by establishing where we stand based on the input of our members.
We need engaged membership in order to create and influence change. This is where you can help us to stand. The first step is to join and maintain your membership for the long term, because political progress is slow. The second step is to be a voice of reason and understanding. Share your thoughts with leadership, fellow members, and staff—whether you agree or disagree.
Take, for example, ICA’s decision to support halting cattle shipments from states experiencing an unknown outbreak. It turned out that we would be victim to the outbreak of bird flu here in Idaho and our officials have worked hard to make sure it has minimal impact on the cattle industry, but we had to take a stance when it mattered most.
My point is simple: we face difficult questions, and we must stand for our industry. To do so, we need input, engagement, and support from our members. ICA leaders and staff are committed to standing tall for Idaho cattle producers—but we can stand even taller knowing thousands of peers are behind us.
The political environment, both here at home and nationally, is intense. Some of the positions I’ve taken on behalf of this industry have drawn threats from some and praise from others. I can absorb the negative and accept the positive on behalf of every producer in Idaho, so long as we continue to advance our mission: to preserve, promote, and protect Idaho’s cattle industry.
Please join us in Sun Valley next month to strengthen our organization and give us the confidence to stand—and not fall. As the saying goes, “decisions are made by those who show up.” Let’s show up, stand together, and prepare for another year of legislative and agency change.
Come to convention and share your opinions
Take part in ICA’s policy-building process
It has been said that citizenship is not a spectator sport. This applies to not only the running of our government but also to how we engage in our respective communities, be it where we live or the industry that we make our livings in. By virtue of being a human being, we all have opinions on the myriad issues that impact our daily lives. The widely varied mix of those opinions are needed in order to create a balance when decisions are made.
We must ensure we have established policy directing our response.
The management of ICA is no different. We need to hear from our members, the cattlemen and women of Idaho, when it comes time to set our policy. That opportunity is coming right up on November 10-12 this year, when we will gather in Sun Valley for our annual convention. Although there are many ancillary benefits to our members that come from our annual gathering, including the social and educational components, the primary purpose for holding a convention is to discuss and set the policy that directs the actions of ICA staff and leadership for the coming year.
ICA’s policy book is exhaustive on the myriad of issues that impact Idaho’s cattle industry. We have 131 resolutions in total that address everything from animal identification to zoning. Before ICA staff and leadership can take action
BY KAREN WILLIAMS ICA Natural Resources Policy Director
or respond to an issue during the course of the year, we must first ensure that we have established policy addressing that issue and directing our response. That is precisely why we need you to attend convention and sit through the resolutions session, however unexciting it may seem— so that our policy book is reflective of industry needs and is complete enough to enable us to act accordingly when problems arise.
The policy book is a living document that does not sit idle. Each resolution must be reviewed and acted upon at least every five years to ensure that it remains reflective of current needs and issues. In addition to the new resolutions that will be proposed at convention, we will review 9 existing resolutions to determine if they should expire, be updated, or be renewed. Those resolutions are listed below for your review.
CATTLE HEALTH COMMITTEE
3. New Vandal Brand Meats Building
FEDERAL & STATE LANDS COMMITTEE
25. Boulder White Clouds Area
27. Grazing as a Mitigation Tool for Other Public Land Uses
28. Idaho Agricultural & Natural Resources Legal Center
29. Legislative and Regulatory Fixes for Grazing Permit Administration
38. Idaho Public Lands Council
39. Idaho Grazing Improvement Fund
MARKETING COMMITTEE
8. Government Intervention in Beef Cattle Marketing Arrangements and Packer Operations
12. Rock Creek Ranch
This list gives you a glimpse into the comprehensive nature of our policy book and the breadth of issues that ICA addresses on a daily basis. If you have any interest in any of these issues or have experience that would better inform our discussion as we consider each resolution individually, please let me know. Over the course of the month of September, each ICA committee met virtually to review these resolutions and make recommendations for their sunset, renewal, or update. These recommendations will be listed on our resolutions document at convention, but any member has the opportunity to make their own recommendation or change it during the resolutions session and then again at the annual business meeting. In addition, any member has the privilege of presenting new resolutions for consideration. If you have a question about an issue and want to know if ICA has existing policy on it or would like help in
drafting a new resolution for consideration by our membership, please reach out to me at karen@idahocattle.org. Come to convention and tell us how these issues are impacting you and then take part in seeking solutions to those challenges. I look forward to visiting with you in November!
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ANNUAL CONVENTION & Trade Show & Trade Show
NOVEMBER 10-12, 2025
NOVEMBER 10-12, 2025
Sun Valley, Idaho
The ICA Annual Convention held in Sun Valley is an event focused on dialogue with members surrounding issues facing the cattle industry, as well as presentations with some of the industry’s most insightful experts!
ACTIVITIES & SPEAKERS
ICA is proud to bring members inspiring speakers, engaging activities, and opportunities to connect across every sector of our industry. This year’s keynote, Lucas Mack, will set the tone, while favorites like the Student Quiz Bowl and the renowned President’s Banquet return- complete with prime rib and plenty of celebration. This years convention is a can’t-miss event! With a refreshed agenda, you’ll find chances to engage and enjoy at every turn!
TRADE SHOW STROLLING SUPPER & AUCTION
Join us for our annual Strolling Supper, where there’s something delicious for every palate and plenty of time to connect with 60+ exhibitors showcasing the newest products for ranchers. Our always-exciting Idaho Cattle PAC live and silent auction, give you the chance to raise your paddle and support our industry in a big way. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event—make plans to be there in November!
Please return your payment and registration form to the ICA office by Monday, October 13. Forms can be emailed to michelle@idahocattle.org or mailed to Idaho Cattle Association, PO Box 15397, Boise, ID 83715. Meal availability cannot be guaranteed after the
deadline. Registration prices increase on Oct 14. In the event of a cancellation, ICA will refund the full registration amount prior to October 14.
ANNUAL CONVENTION & Trade Show & Trade Show
NOVEMBER 10-12, 2025 NOVEMBER 10-12, 2025
Sun Valley, Idaho
CONVENTION AGENDA*
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10
9:30 a.m. Student Trade Show & Session
Registered students have an exclusive hour to visit the trade show before attending a student session at 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. Registration & Trade Show open
Visit our allied industries partners to learn about opportunities for your operation!
1:00 p.m. Opening Session : Lucas Mack
Keynote Speaker Lucas Mack, Marketing Executive at Kubota, will share insights on how aligning brand strategies with human experience drives success.
2:45 p.m. Cattlemen’s College by CERES TAG
3:00 p.m. CattleWomen's Social
Join the Cattlewomen for socializing, as well as receive updates and vote on actions for the coming year.
4:30 p.m. Council Sessions
Cow-calf & Purebred, Feeder
6:00 p.m. Strolling Supper and PAC Auction
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
7:00 a.m. Registration Opens
7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Trade Show Open
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
Hear an update from NCBA on current events and issues at the national level.
9:00 a.m. Resolutions & Policy Session
Join the membership to discuss policy that will guide our organization in 2025.
10:15 a.m. Breakout Sessions
1) LEGISLATIVE/AGENCY UPDATES
2) ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
12:00 p.m. Beef Checkoff Luncheon
Hear from the Idaho Beef Council about where they are making strides to drive demand for beef!
1:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions
1) RANCH TO RAIL
2) IDAHO PUBLIC LANDS
3:00 p.m. Annual Membership Meeting
Attend our annual membership meeting for officer elections and input on policy approval.
4:15 p.m. General Session : Animal Health
Learn more from experts about the animal health challenges threatening Idaho’s cattle industry and hear insight on future precautions.
5:30 p.m. President's Reception
6:30 p.m. President's Banquet
Join us for a celebratory dinner honoring outgoing ICA President, Spencer Black, and recognize other noteworthy individuals & accomplishments of members!
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
8:30 a.m. General Session : Yield Grade
Yield grading has largely remained unchanged in the last 60 years- join us to examine advances being made with the current tools to accurately reflect red meat yield and how the conversation around grading is evolving with the science.
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Shaping the Next Idaho Beef Council Five-Year Strategic Plan
Your voice today will help guide future Beef Checkoff investments.
Astrong industry needs a strong plan. It is time for the Idaho Beef Council (IBC) to build its next five-year strategic plan—and why your input as a producer is essential.
A strategic plan is more than just words on paper. It is the roadmap that ensures Beef Checkoff dollars—your dollars—are invested wisely, cost-effectively, and with measurable results. By setting clear priorities, the plan keeps IBC focused on the most important opportunities to grow beef demand, build consumer trust, and strengthen Idaho’s beef industry for the future.
The plan is grounded in the mission and vision that guides the national beef industry:
• Mission: Ensure the long-term prosperity of the U.S. beef industry by sustainably producing the most trusted, highest quality, and consistently satisfying protein for consumers around the world.
• Vision: To be the protein of choice around the world, trusted and respected for our commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability.
These statements underscore the long-term direction for our industry and reflect the values that Idaho producers practice every day. IBC’s strategic plan is designed to bring that mission and vision to life at the state and regional level, ensuring that Idaho’s cattle industry thrives in a changing marketplace.
THE FOUR IDAHO BEEF INDUSTRY STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
The draft plan centers on four high-level strategies that reflect both producer priorities and consumer needs.
• Dri ve growth in beef exports from the Pacific Northwest to benefit Idaho
Beef exports are one of the fastest-growing areas of opportunity for our industry. Customers around the globe value the quality, taste, and safety of U.S. beef, and Idaho stands to benefit directly from growing those markets. By working with partners across the Pacific Northwest and through the U.S. Meat Export Federation, IBC helps create stronger demand abroad that ultimately increases overall carcass value.
• Promote and drive demand for Idaho beef
At the retail counter and in restaurants, competition for the consumer dollar is intense. IBC invests in programs that keep beef top of mind for families looking for quick and easy meals, for chefs crafting new dishes, and for retailers showcasing protein options. Promotions, advertising, and education all work together to reinforce beef’s unmatched taste, nutrition, and versatility. The goal is simple: when consumers choose what to buy, we want to keep beef top of mind so they choose beef.
• Grow consumer trust i n Idaho beef production Idaho’s consumers are asking more questions than ever about where their food comes from. They want to know how animals are raised, how land is cared for, and whether farmers and ranchers are good stewards of the resources. IBC provides Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training to ensure that Idaho producers have that competitive edge. IBC also highlights the real stories of Idaho producers—stories of multi-generational family heritage, sustainability, and animal care—to build consumer trust and strengthen the bond between producers and the public. Trust is the foundation of long-term demand.
• Enhance awareness of the Idaho Beef Council and its checkoff investments
The checkoff program is only as strong as the confidence producers have in it. IBC is committed to strengthening engagement with Idaho’s agricultural organizations and improving industry communication so producers clearly understand how their dollars are being put to work. Transparency and accountability are key. When producers know the value of their investment, the entire industry benefits.
WHY PRODUCER INPUT MATTERS
The Beef Checkoff was built by producers, for producers. Every dollar is your investment, and the strategic plan is the tool that directs how those dollars will be used over the next five years. Your insights are essential to shaping a strategic direction that addresses the real challenges and opportunities facing Idaho’s beef industry— whether that means addressing consumer misconceptions or seizing growth in new markets. Producers have firsthand insight into what matters most to the industry. By weighing in now, you help keep Beef Checkoff investments targeted, impactful, and responsive to industry realities—maximizing their return.
CALL TO ACTION: SHARE YOUR VOICE
This is your opportunity to help shape the future direction of beef promotion, education and research investments in Idaho. The IBC is inviting producers across the state to review these strategies and provide feedback through a short input survey.
“Input and feedback from small beef producers to large, from Northern Idaho to Southern Idaho and East to West, is extremely important. The Idaho beef industry is complex and differs throughout the state. The IBC Board of Directors needs to hear from all sectors of the industry to build the best strategy possible,” says T.K. Kuwahara, CEO of the Idaho Beef Council.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and ensure that the Idaho Beef Council’s next five-year strategic plan reflects the priorities of the producers it serves. Together, we can build demand, grow trust, and invest in the future of Idaho beef.
Scan the QR code or visit https://www.idbeef.org/ cattlemens-corner/idaho-beef-council-strategic-planning-input-survey to provide your feedback!
Post-Fire Grazing Research at Rinker Rock Creek Ranch
A look into the relationship between grazing and fire recover.
BY JIM SPRINKLE1, SCOTT JENSEN2, JASON KARL3, DAN LAURITZEN4, TRESSA WADE5, ERIC WINFORD6, CAMERON WESKAMP7, WYATT PRESCOTT8, TRACEY JOHNSON9, AND JOHN HALL10
The introduction of livestock grazing into areas recently impacted by wildfire is of vital interest and subject to much debate (Wilmer et al., 2023; https:// tellus.ars.usda.gov/stories/articles/graze-after-fire-ornot-graze). In Idaho, areas that provide habitat for the greater sage-grouse must be rested until vegetation has recovered, and if seeded, should be rested until at least the end of the second growing season following the fire (BLM 2019 Idaho Greater Sage-Grouse Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment).
Although national leaders from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) acknowledge that there is no national policy regarding livestock exclusion following wildfire (Personal Communications, “Campfire Session,” Society for Range Management National Meeting, Reno, NV, January 30, 2024), it is common practice for BLM and USFS grazing allotments to be obligated to nonuse for two years following a wildfire.
Oftentimes, this policy can interfere with ecological recovery of an ecosystem, particularly in areas populated with a high proportion of invasive annual grasses. Some western landscapes have transitioned into the burn, exclude livestock, buildup of fine fuels, burn again, exclude livestock again fire cycle. With hotter, drier climatic conditions in western landscapes, these
FIGURE 1. GLENDALE FIRE ON 9/3/2024 FROM THE BARN AT RINKER ROCK CREEK RANCH. PHOTO CREDIT: ROLLIE JONES (PRESCOTT CATTLE)
persistent fire regimes (with the aforementioned agency policies) can derail the use of livestock grazing from land management for extended periods of time. After moderate drought conditions for approximately three months in Blaine County, Idaho, on Sept. 2, 2024, lightning ignited the Glendale Fire. The fire burned 7,542 acres, 4,653 acres of which belong to the University of Idaho’s (UI) Rinker Rock Creek Ranch (RRCR). Average elevation at RRCR is 5,305 ft. and the annual precipitation is 13.4 inches, with 48% of the precipitation falling from April through September. With this burn, the RRCR gained the ability to become a living laboratory (on the private ground) to test the effect of post-fire grazing much sooner than the canonized 2-yr grazing exclusion time period. With generous funding from the David Little Livestock Range Management Endowment (David Little Endowment), the UI is testing the effects of post-fire grazing at the time period in which the rangeland is perceived to be most vulnerable, the spring following a
fall burn (in our case, 8 months following fire). If conservative livestock grazing can be applied that soon following a fire without deleterious effects, then increased flexibility for post-fire grazing management should be considered. Figure 3 illustrates the appearance of one of the experimental pastures in early spring following the Glendale Fire. Although there was some growth of perennial grasses one month after the fire, most of the vegetation did not exhibit significant growth until the end of April 2025. The pasture in Figure 3 did not have any aerial seeding applied.
The other 3 pastures used in this study had all or a portion of the pasture seeded. Aerial seed was applied to some southern exposures on hot burned over areas that were perceived to be at risk for cheatgrass invasion. We evaluated each of the four grazed pastures for range readiness and commenced grazing the most phenologically advanced pasture on May 19, 2025.
HYPOTHESES AND OBJECTIVES
We hypothesized that conservative grazing (≈ 30% utilization) applied 8 months after a fire would not negatively impact perennial grass recovery and effective ground cover. Additionally, we hypothesized that grazing that occurred on seeded sites would have minimal impact on perennial grass recruitment and that grazing effects would diminish as the grazing season progresses. We also hypothesized that drone imagery would prove efficacious in monitoring ground cover and erosion potential following grazing.
Post-Fire Cattle Grazing Objectives. 1) Evaluate the effects of targeted spring and summer grazing during the first growing season after wildfire in areas with and without re-seeding with respect to effective ground cover, erosion potential, perennial grass recovery, invasive annual grass recruitment, and livestock grazing behavior. 2) Monitor livestock performance and forage utilization for yearling cattle
FIGURE 2. GLENDALE FIRE AT COW CAMP ON 9/3/2024; PHOTO CREDIT: CODIE MARTIN (BLM).
ONE OF THE GRAZING REPLICATES WAS LOCATED ON THE HILLSIDE 0.32 MILES TO THE SW OF THE FIRE SEEN BLAZING BY THE TREES IN THE LOWER RIGHT FOREGROUND.
FIGURE 3. ONE OF THE FOUR EXPERIMENTAL REPLICATE 44 A PASTURES IN EARLY SPRING OF 2025, 7- AND 8-MONTHS POST-FIRE. PHOTO CREDIT: JIM SPRINKLE.
engaged in targeted grazing following wildfire. 3) Evaluate the use of drone imagery in predicting vegetation cover and erosion potential against field collected vegetation data.
PROCEDURES
Experimental Pastures and Animals. Our objective was to apply targeted livestock grazing to recently burned sagebrush steppe rangeland during the spring and summer immediately following a fall burn (eight months previous). Our grazing trials included four 44 A replicate pastures that were grazed by 14 yearling Hereford steers for 2 week intervals beginning on May 19th and ending on July 14th of 2025. The stocking rate for this project was determined by clipping 20 to 40 random plots in each experimental pasture and then determining the lbs/A of forage after drying in either a microwave (with 8 oz water in a cup to prevent charring) or drying oven (150° F). Standing forage estimates were determined just prior to animal entry in each pasture. With the animal weight, forage production, and desired forage utilization, we were then able to calculate the initial stocking rate in the first grazed pasture (see Figure 4). Admittedly, the experimental pastures we used were much smaller than those used on typical ranches. We were limited by the availability of similar control and grazed pastures and our budget for constructing 6 miles of temporary double stranded electric fencing. However, it should be mentioned that if one were interested in “scaling up” our grazing strategy to larger pastures, one only needs to do the math as shown in Figure 4. Each steer used in the project was weighed and scored for body condition at the beginning, end, and every two weeks when collars were changed. Each steer was outfitted with a grazing collar containing both a GPS unit (measured location every 30 minutes) and accelerome-
REPLICATE PASTURES. WE ENDED UP USING 14 STEERS AND PASTURES WERE GRAZED FOR 2 WEEKS EACH.
ter (measured grazing, resting, or walking activity 25 times per second). Day to day management for this project was provided by a UI Cooperative Extension Intern, Tressa Wade, a recent 2025 graduate from the UI Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences Department.
Range Monitoring Data Collection. Since we are interested in as -
sessing on-the-ground results for this targeted grazing project, extensive range monitoring data was required. We collected baseline data at the beginning of the project and will collect data again in October 2025 and the spring and fall of 2026. Here is the
CONTINUED, PAGE 22
FIGURE 4. CALCULATING THE STOCKING RATE FOR THE POST FIRE GRAZING PROJECT 44A
list of the range monitoring data collected at 12 different monitoring locations (grazed and ungrazed; some seeded, some unseeded):
• L ine point intercept, Gap Intercept, Plant Heights (Four 50 m transects, like BLM AIM data)
• Plant frequency, ground cover (400 points), composition (dry weight rank), fetch (distance to nearest perennial plant) with 0.16 m2 quadrat frame (Eight paced transects, 200 total quadrats placed every pace)
• Root stability (with accompanying plant phenology, plant basal and height measurements) on 40 plants at each key area (using a dynamometer for kg force and sheet metal vice grips). Root stability is one predeterminant for grazing seeded sites with BLM. See our video at Root Stability Video (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dGPQB1mmAh3_8wUqqkyV54caqPdylK5L).
• Plant Density of perennial grasses and forbs, shrubs, and annual grasses at each key area with 40 quadrat frames (0.16 m2 quadrat frame)
• Soil moisture (40 measurements along 4 transects)
• Forage production (20 random 0.16 m 2 quadrat frames at each key area; measured spring and fall)
• Forage utilization (after grazing, measured after completion of growing season with USFS height:weight utilization gauge on 100 plants along 2 to 4 paced transect lines)
• Drone flyovers of monitoring sites.
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS
1. As expected, bare ground was high on these burned over sites (60 to 94% with point data).
2. Due to reduced ground cover, forage production averaged 289 ± 125 lbs/A when cattle were placed in pastures.
3. Species composition of plants at a site is more accurately assessed
IN COLLECTING GRAZING BEHAVIOR DATA TO VALIDATE ACCELEROMETER DATA IN THE REP 4 GRAZING PASTURE ON 5/21/2025. A GRASSY SLOUGH FAVORED BY EXPERIMENTAL CATTLE IS PRESENT IN THE CENTER OF THE PICTURE. PHOT CREDIT: JIM SPRINKLE.
with the dry weight rank method used with the 0.16 m2 quadrat
4. Oniongrass (Melica bulbosa) appears to be an early successional species following fire. Unfortunately, it is also the most easily uprooted plant. Of all the root stability test measurement failures (plant uprooted with roots attached; 16% of total), 64% of the failures were with oniongrass (see Root Stability Video). The other native perennial grasses like bluebunch wheatgrass (9.4% of total failures) appeared to be more resilient. No failures were observed with Great Basin Wildrye.
5. Cattle achieved 2.34 lbs/day gain over the grazing period. Due to scattered forage, cattle appeared to wander more as they grazed.
6. Cattle preferred grassy sloughs where the forage was green and abundant (See Figure 6). These areas were wetter during the fire and apparently survived the fire well.
CONCLUSION
Stay tuned for more information as we continue to gather rangeland monitoring data for this post-fire grazing
project. We hope that our research results will provide evidence for increased flexibility for grazing after fire. We are grateful for all the volunteers who assisted with this project.
1UI Extension Beef Specialist, Nancy M. Cummings REEC, Carmen, ID sprinkle@uidaho.edu; 2UI Area Extension Rangeland Educator; 3Professor, Harold F. Heady Endowed Chair of Rangeland Ecology & Director, UI Rangeland Center; 4Ag, Animal Science, and Natural Resources Instructor, College of Southern Idaho & Ph. D. Candidate, College of Natural Resources, UI; 5Former Extension Intern, UI AVFS graduate (2025); 6Research Assistant Professor of Rangeland Ecology & Management & Associate Director of the Rangeland Center; 7Operations Manager, Rinker Rock Creek Ranch (RRCR); 8Prescott Cattle, RRCR Cattle Manager; 9Associate Professor, UI Department of Fish & Wildlife Sciences & Director of Research, RRCR; 10UI Extension Beef Specialist, Nancy M. Cummings REEC
FIGURE 5. SCOTT JENSEN (LEFT) AND TRESSA WADE (RIGHT) ASSIST
For over a century we’ve served customers who can do just about anything. You deserve a financial partner who works as hard as you do.
The Idaho Cattle Association would like to extend our gratitude to these outgoing Board of Directors members for
The Idaho Cattle Association would like to extend our gratitude to these outgoing Board of Directors members for
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
HOW TO NOMINATE
The ICA board of directors is comprised of 23 members, located throughout the state. To nominate an individual, please submit cover letter stating background, leadership experience and interest to serve.
BOARD OBLIGATIONS
Regularly scheduled meetings
Recruit members in your area
Attend association events
Participation in ICA fundraising opportunities
Communicate member concerns to leaders & staff
SEND NOMINATIONS TO : Nominating Committee c/o Idaho Cattle Association - PO Box 15397, Boise, ID 83715 or email wrotenjerry75@gmail.com Jerry Wroten- 2025 Committee Chair
One Big Beautiful Bill provides tax and farm bill priorities for producers
BY KIM BRACKETT NCBA Vice President & ICA Past President
Protecting the rancher legacy and livelihood at the federal level
With President Donald J. Trump signing the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) into law in July, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) secured historic wins for Idaho’s cattle ranchers.
The wins we secured in the OBBB will help ranches stay in business, making sure our legacy continues into the future.
NCBA has spent years fighting against the Death Tax—the punitive tax levied when a family farm or ranch passes from one generation to the next. Stopping the Death Tax from hitting family ranchers and forcing them to sell off land or livestock to pay a tax bill was a top priority, and NCBA succeeded in securing an increased Death Tax exemption. Now, the Death Tax will only apply to assets valued at $15 million per individual and $30 million per couple. Importantly, these levels will adjust every year for inflation, and this increased threshold means more family ranchers are protected from the Death Tax.
The One Big Beautiful Bill also includes numerous tax deductions and credits that help cattle producers save more of their hard earned money. The 20% small business tax deduction was made permanent by the bill, and the Section 179 equipment expense deduction has increased to $2.5 million. When these provisions are coupled with the newly permanent 100% upfront bonus depreciation, producers will now be able to keep more of what they earn, write off additional equipment purchases, and reinvest in their own operations.
These provisions were top priorities for us this year and having this law signed by President Trump provides certainty to producers so we can budget for the future. Achieving this victory was only possible thanks to dedicated grassroots leaders at NCBA. Cattle producers from across the country made their voices heard by traveling to Washington, D.C. to meet with policymakers, by sharing their personal tax stories, and by completing NCBA’s Tax Survey. The information that producers shared with us through NCBA’s Tax Survey was especially impactful for showing members of Congress why it was so important to deliver tax relief for America’s farmers and ranchers.
The OBBB also includes several Farm Bill provisions that will benefit cattle producers. First is the Livestock Forage Disaster Program. Congress
expanded the program, so it now triggers after four weeks of drought conditions instead of eight weeks, delivering relief even faster than before. There have been drought conditions in every part of the country over the last several years and this change allows us to quickly get funding when we really need it. Second is the livestock indemnity program that has been expanded to now cover 100% of market value for losses by federally protected predators. That’s huge for producers here in Idaho who have been dealing with the burden of gray wolf attacks.
Over the last several years, more ranchers have seen benefits from voluntary conservation programs that provide financial rewards to cattle producers already prioritizing rangeland health. The OBBB funds these voluntary conservation programs for six years, providing $18.5 billion for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, $8.1 billion for the Conservation Stewardship Program, $4.1 billion for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, and $2.7 billion for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. These voluntary conservation programs may provide added value to your operation, and if you are interested in learning more about these programs, I encourage you to contact the Idaho Cattle Association.
The risk of a foreign animal disease reaching the U.S. is something that keeps me up at night, but thankfully the OBBB provides $233 million in annual funding for disease prevention and cattle health programs. This includes $153 million for the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, which houses the foot-and-mouth vaccine and test kits, plus $70 million for animal health laboratories and $10 million for the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program. Together, this funding provides protection for our industry and safeguards our livelihood against disease outbreak.
The wins we secured in the OBBB will help ranches stay in business, making sure our legacy continues into the future. From cutting taxes to investing in foreign animal disease safeguards, the One Big Beautiful Bill delivers numerous wins for the cattle industry. Thank you to everyone who spoke up during this process, talked to their members of Congress, wrote letters, traveled to Washington, and participated in NCBA’s advocacy efforts. Your voice made the difference for getting this bill passed and the entire cattle industry is grateful.
To continue achieving these wins, NCBA needs your support. If you have not done so already, I encourage you to join NCBA and add your voice to our association. It is NCBA members who decide the direction of our organization, and I hope you will join us in advocating for this industry that means so much to all of us.
Kim Brackett is a Twin Falls rancher and the Vice President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Past President of the Idaho Cattle Association. Learn more at ncba.org.
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