September 2015 Line Rider

September 2015

Special Fire Issue –­­­­ Graze It, Don’t Blaze It ­­­­– Idaho Fire Recovery and Rehab ­­­­– Idaho Inferno

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

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5K&

SEPT

12 2015

15K evening RUN

ANN MORRISON

PARK

Lace up your running shoes and grab a cow bell! Join us for an evening run on the Boise Greenbelt. Refuel at the finish with a delicious Tri Tip Steak dinner provided by the Idaho Beef Council and Double R Ranch Northwest Beef. Register today at www.YMCATVIDAHO.org. Meat you at the finish line!

STEAK DINNER FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS! 2

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

September 2015 Special Fire Issue

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F E AT U R E S 6 Graze It, Don’t Blaze It

ICA’s guest column in the Times-News addresses the real issues behind catastrophic wildfires in the West.

12 UI Designation as a Program of Distinction

UI Beef Extension Specialist, John B. Hall, shares an exciting announcement and what it means to the state’s land grant university, its students and our cattle industry.

16 Idaho Fire Recovery and Rehab

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An inter-agency group identifies resources for lands, natural resources and people affected by Idaho’s recent wildfires.

Idaho Inferno

Lightning-caused fires blaze across Idaho in August; agencies begin work on rehab while more fires burn.

NEWS 3 USDA Invests an Additional $211 Million for Sage Grouse Conservation Efforts 8 Federal Agency Negligence Leads to Catastrophic Wildfires Across the West 9 ICA Program Connects Farmers with Cattle Producers 14 UI Presents Rangeland Fall Forum 26 UI Part of Effort to Improve Clothing for Wildland Firefighters

ABOUT THIS ISSUE Due to the heightened fire season, our state and region have experienced, we have put together a special fire issue for the September magazine. News releases and features offer perspective to the problems with land management and resources for those needing assistance in the recovery efforsts.

Check out regular features on important policy and legislative topics from our staff, as well as an announcement from UI beef cattle extension.

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

MONTHLY COLUMNS President’s Perspective............................................................................2 Executive Message...................................................................................4 NewsMakers.............................................................................................5 Idaho Beef Checkoff News.................................................................. 10 Breeder & Service Guide................................................................30-31

Image from the Soda Fire. Courtesy of National Interagency Fire Center, Boise.

“Like” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/IdahoCattleAssociation

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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE 2

ICA Board of Directors President Carl Lufkin............................... (Leadore) 208-768-2480

Lessons Learned for Life

President-Elect Laurie Lickley..........................(Jerome) 208-420-7974

by Carl Lufkin, ICA President

Immediate Past President Jared Brackett......................... (Rogerson) 208-731-0776

Vice President Jerald Raymond.........................(Menan) 208-317-8777

Cattlewomen Council Chair Robin Lufkin............................ (Leadore) 208-768-2480

W

hen I was a young man just out of high school, I remember desperately wanting to be a cowboy. All I wanted to do was ride the range and spend my life out in the wide open spaces. And all I was hoping for was to someday make my living in the cattle business.

One day while I was sitting in the local livestock auction, I saw my chance. A group of cows came in the ring. I thought they were pretty good, and they were pretty cheap. I could barely understand the auctioneer. I was very nervous. I found myself frantically waving my bid card in the air, trying to buy those cows. When the auctioneer slammed down his gavel, I was the winner! After paying for my fine purchase, I went outside to my pickup ready to load my cattle. An old friend, who was also a very successful cattle trader said to me, “Did you know you were the only one bidding on those cows? If you would have said something to me, I could have bought you those cows for a lot cheaper.”

I learned a valuable lesson that day. If you want to do something and don’t know how to do it, ask—or hire—someone who has experience and knows what they are doing to help you. That was a lesson learned for life.

The focus of this issue of the Line Rider is wildfire. So where does this story fit in?

Well, my story may or may not have anything to do with fire, but it has a lot to do with range management. I believe the mismanagement of federal lands is contributing to and compounding our recurring fire problem in Idaho and the West. It is now an annual event in August in the Lemhi Valley to have smoke so thick visibility is cut down to a mile or less.

It hasn’t always been that way here, and it wasn’t so many years ago that things started to change. But we used to have sawmills in Salmon. Timber was a big business in this area. Now all the mills have been shut down. We used to do prescribed burns to eliminate fuels and improve range. We can’t do those anymore, even though we did a better job of managing fine fuels and responsibly harvesting grass through the use of prescribed burns.

I don’t think the problem of faulty or negligent land management comes entirely from the local and state level. The problem is much more complex than that. It has been my experience much of the time, that those who represent the agencies responsible for our federal lands, the ones here in our state and our own communities, want to do the right thing. I believe there are state and local managers who see the problem and know we can be part of the solution. However, the decisions come from upstream through real and anticipated legal action. Unfortunately, it is our judicial system, people who have never been out of Washington, D.C., and radicals like Western Watersheds Project—who are motived by money at the expense of the resource—who are causing the problem.

So is there a solution? If so, what is it? This is where buying my first lot of cows comes in. The solution is simple: let the people who know what they are doing manage the land. However, throwing pitchforks at the agencies charged with the care of our natural resources is as effective as bidding against yourself on a lot of cows.

On-the-ground, common sense management is one of the fundamental principles for which ICA advocates every day, and now is the time for each of us to get behind those efforts. I

Cow-Calf Council Chair Scott Kesl...................................(Tendoy) 208-940-0098 Feeder Council Chair Aron Bennett.................... (Grand View) 208-850-2363 Purebred Council Chair Tucker Shaw............................ (Caldwell) 208-445-1678 Treasurer Matt Duckett........................... (Caldwell) 208-230-5650 District 1 Brad Higgins......................(Cottonwood) 208-507-0989 Linda Rider.................... (Coeur d’Alene) 208-667-3373 District 2 Ramona Ridley....................... (Caldwell) 208-455-4868 Ron Ford..............................(Cambridge) 208-550-0666 District 3 Kurt Mason.............................(Kimberly) 208-731-2691 Dawn Anderson...................... (Gooding) 208-280-1505 District 4 Scott Rigby............................... (Rexburg) 208-356-6808 Jay Smith...................................(Carmen) 208-940-1020 District 5 Ken Eliason............................ (Holbrook) 208-698-3341 Tim Willie................................... (Malad) 208-766-3327 Allied Industry Representative Kelton Spain.................. (New Plymouth) 208-859-8798 CattleWomen Board Representative Megan Satterwhite................. (Rogerson) 208-420-6795 Directors at Large Marshall Jensen.............................(Boise) 208-243-0727 Marty Gill................................... (Parma) 208-890-3805

Committee Leaders

CALF–Chair: Jerald Raymond; Vice Chair: Norm Wallis; Board: Marty Gill, Ken Eliason, Ramona Ridley, Linda Rider, Dawn Anderson, Scott Rigby CATTLE PAC–Chair: Laurie Lickley; Board: Brad Higgins, Kurt Mason, Matt Duckett, Scott Rigby, Tim Willie MEMBERSHIP–Chair: Jerald Raymond; Committee: Brad Higgins, Marty Gill, Scott Rigby, Ramona Ridley, Megan Satterwhite, Dawn Anderson, Tim Willie, Marshall Jensen FEDERAL & STATE LANDS–Chair: Darcy Helmick Committee: Kurt Mason, Ken Eliason, Matt Duckett, Linda Rider, Jay Smith PRIVATE LANDS & ENVIRONMENT–Chair: Norm Wallis; Committee: Brad Higgins, Kurt Mason, Ron Ford, Jay Smith, Tim Willie WILDLIFE–Chair: Richard Savage; Committee: Aron Bennett, Marty Gill, Megan Satterwhite, Linda Rider, Tucker Shaw, Dawn Anderson, Jay Smith, Tim Willie RESOLUTIONS–Chair: Carl Lufkin; Vice Chair: Laurie Lickley MARKETING–Chair: John Nalivka CATTLE HEALTH & WELL-BEING–Chair: Scott Holt Outreach & Education Subcommittee: John Hall

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

USDA Invests an Additional $211 Million for Sage Grouse Conservation Efforts

by Public Lands Council On Aug. 27, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will continue its partnership with ranchers to invest in efforts for the conservation of Sage Grouse habitat. The four-year strategy will invest approximately $211 million in conservation efforts on public and private lands throughout the 11 Western states. The Public Lands Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association appreciate the NRCS’s commitment to a continued partnership with ranchers.

“Ranchers across the West appreciate the continued partnership with NRCS through the Sage Grouse Initiative,” said Brenda Richards, PLC president and rancher from southern Idaho. “As the original stewards of our Western lands, ranchers work day-in and day-out to maintain healthy rangelands and conserve our natural resources for the generations to come. The Sage Grouse Initiative has proven itself to be a win-win for livestock producers and the grouse, and the partnership through 2018 will support the continuation of the successful conservation efforts already underway.”

The sage grouse is found in 11 states across the western half of the United States, including California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming and encompasses 186 million acres of public and private land. In 2010, the Sage Grouse Initiative launched and has helped ranchers implement increased conservation efforts on their land, benefiting both the grouse habitat and rangeland for livestock ranchers.

The Sage Grouse, due to frivolous lawsuit and litigation, is currently at risk of being listed under the Endangered Species Act. However, the ESA has become one of the most economically damaging laws facing our nation’s livestock producers and is great need of modernization. When species are listed as “threatened” or “endangered” under the ESA, the resulting use-restrictions placed on land and water, the two resources upon which ranchers depend for their livelihoods, are crippling. The ESA has not been reauthorized since 1988 and NCBA and PLC believe that rather than listing the grouse under the ESA, efforts like the Sage Grouse Initiative will benefit the bird more and prove that listing is not the answer.

“The Endangered Species Act is outdated and has proven itself ineffective,” said Philip Ellis, who ranches in Wyoming. “Of the 1,500 domestic species listed since 1973, less than two percent have ever been deemed recovered. With this partnership, voluntary conservation efforts have increased, ranchers remain on the land, and wildlife habitat is thriving. In fact, Interior Secretary Jewell announced this year that through working with ranchers and other stakeholders in Nevada and California, the Bi-State Sage Grouse population was no longer at risk and was not listed under the ESA. This is prime example of how land management and conservation efforts should be made, in partnership with those that know the land the best—not by bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.” I

Bull and Female Sale Monday, March 14th, 2016

at Spring Cove Ranch, Bliss, Idaho

Selling 160 Angus bulls & 75 Angus heifers 50 Hereford bulls & 20 Hereford Heifers 10 Red Angus bulls & Heifers Selling Sons and Daughters sired by these breeding leading sires :

CCA Emblazon 702

CED+16 BEPD-1.0 WEPD+57 YEPD+101 MEPD+20 CW+37 Marb+.51 Rib+.58 SC+.62 $W+62.59 $F+60.08 $B+125.17

Sitz Longevity 556Z

CED+6 BEPD-.3 WEPD+66 YEPD+118 MEPD+27 CW+21 Marb+.56 Rib+.39 SC+1.42 $W+76.55 $F+78.43 $B+79.42

C Gohr 9158 About Time 1101 Basin Payweight 1682

CED+15 BEPD-2.2 WEPD+73 YEPD+121 MEPD+26 CW+68 Marb+.87 Rib+.62 SC+1.27 $W+91.54 $F+89.19 $B+185.75

CED+0.3 BW+2.0 WW+51 YW+79 M+27 Milk & Growth +53 SC+.7 RIB+.59 MARB+.05 CHB+$25

For Sale Catalogs call: 208-352-4332 Spring Cove Ranch

Art and Stacy Butler 269 Spring Cove Rd Bliss, Idaho 83314 208-352-4332 www.springcoveranch.com info@springcoveranch.com

JBB/AL Herefords

James & Dawn Anderson 208-280-1505 Bev Bryan 208-934-5378 1998 S 1500 E Gooding, Idaho 83330 jbbalherefords@hotmail.com

Angus since 1919

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

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EXECUTIVE MESSAGE

A Family of Freaks is Better than No Family at All

by Wyatt Prescott Executive Vice President

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t’s 10:30 on a still, early August morning in a “pristine” setting amongst the sage brush sea on a little place somewhere between the lava tubes and the foothills. In a half built feedlot pen, about 25 cows with late calves still needing branded stir, keeping tabs on their babies. A roper has had a three-weight necked and shortened up for at least a beer’s length of time, another roper is growing frustrated as she struggles to snag the hind feet. Her frustration is magnified as she’s being razzed and lectured about using an aluminum hondo on a scant, poly-blend rope.

A one-year-old boy is contained in an empty manger at the front of the pen, playing with cow turds and spectating a day’s work. Close by, a pregnant woman, heavy with child, watches in a lawn chair, holding someone’s beer and recording cow numbers.

The only free person on the ground crew, who tires of waiting for the successful heel catch and is committed to flanking the three-weight on his own, finds himself lost and remorseful on the black calf ’s end of the rope. The rest of the ground crew is busy repairing a wound as a woman tapes up her husbands bleeding forehead, the patriarch of the outfit who sustained a razor sharp toe to the dome from the last calf worked.

All that can be heard above the bellowing mother cow is the woman—the real boss— sharply giving her husband the what-for. At this moment, the scenario finally reached its pinnacle; it was too much for the rest of the herd, and their pressure on the panel dividing fence resulted in breaking free into the next pen.

My mom always says a family of freaks is better than no family at all. But, after all of that, it turns out we got those cattle worked before noon and it made for one heck of a fine Sunday. You know, I wouldn't have it any other way. She always used to tell it to my two closest cousins when they were coping with the awkwardness of a teenage girl accepting their family. However, the saying always seems to resurface at brandings, holidays or whenever the family gets together. I’m beginning to realize the saying is a reflection on all of us. Every once in a while some of our cow work could look like a Hoots calendar depiction. Yes, I have preg-checked a cow at the end of a rope across the fence from a state highway.

That is what is really great about this life we lead: it makes us closer—one way or another. There is a kind of bonding power that comes from getting covered in cow scat together, the inevitable inter-marital fight while sorting cattle, or chopping hay in the wind. At the end of the day, that’s what makes the job so much sweeter—you’ve done it together.

Somehow, we all become family by sharing in the joy and misery of cattle production. Sure, some of you Angus guys would never dream of running a Charolais bull, and the feeders frown upon the traders—but remember, they are part of your cattle family of freaks. Maybe our challenge with issues today isn't as much a problem with society understanding cows; maybe it’s a problem with society understanding family. Now, I’m not some fuzzy-feely kind of evangelical after brotherly love, but dammit, there is something about this industry that just makes good people. Family kind of people. I

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September 2015 Special Fire Issue

The Line Rider is the official magazine of the Idaho Cattle Association. It is published 11 times/year, in January, February, March, April/May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December.

ICA Office

2120 Airport Way, P.O. Box 15397 Boise, ID 83715 Phone: 208-343-1615 info@idahocattle.org www.idahocattle.org www.facebook.com/IdahoCattleAssociation www.twitter.com/IdahoCattle www.instagram.com/idcattle Executive Vice President Wyatt Prescott, wyatt@idahocattle.org Communications Director & Feeder Coordinator Britany Hurst, britany@idahocattle.org Membership and Production Manager Dawn Schooley, dawn@idahocattle.org Administrative Assistant Michelle Johnson, michelle@idahocattle.org Policy Director Karen Williams, karen@idahocattle.org 208-866-6438 Publisher/Editor Maggie Malson, maggiejomalson@mac.com 3100 Elmore Road Parma, ID 83660 208-739-2265 • 208-674-1283 fax Advertising Sales JoAnn Behrends 208-989-5022 joannbehrends@gmail.com Jan Ford 800-693-8048 jford17879@aol.com Member Advertising Rates 4-color: Back cover $785; IFC: $775; IBC: $759; 4-color: 1 page $455; 2/3 page $399; 1/2 page $309; 1/3 page $235; 1/4 page $175; 1/8 page $129; Insert $525 B/W: 1 page $355; 2/3 page $299; 1/2 page $235; 1/3 page $185; 1/4 page $125; 1/8 page $79; Breeders’ or Service Guide $720Color $567-BW (9 issues) Rates apply to ICA members only. Nonmembers and national rates available upon request. Ad deadline is first of the month preceding publication.

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

Western Stockmen’s Acct 10500 2x5 Full Color Ag In Idaho

News Makers Second Annual Cattle PAC Ribeye Caucus Team Roping and Team Sorting

The 3rd Annual Grass Futurity contest is coming to an end in September, with a shipping party on Friday, Sept. 18. An awards dinner will be hosted at the Salmon Elks Lodge after the final weigh-out of the steers for the participants and any interested parties. Please contact the ICA office to RSVP for the dinner, and don’t forget to join us for the final weigh-out and ranch tour that afternoon.

In conjunction with the Grass Futurity shipping party, Saturday, Sept. 19 will be the 2nd Annual Cattle PAC Ribeye Caucus Ranch Team Sorting and Team Roping.

This event will be held at the Lemhi County Fairgrounds in Salmon and is open to all.

Mark your calendars and plan on joining us. Contact the ICA office for entry information. I

Membership Has Rewards

ICA is now partnered with National Purchasing Partners (NPP) to offer members discount pricing on a variety of products. This program is free with no obligation to purchase. A few offerings include Expedia, Staples Advantage and if eligible Verizon Wireless. To learn more, visit www.idahocattle.org. I

Recording Damage from Soda Fire

September ICA Foundation Donors

The Bureau of Homeland Security has Bill & Laurie Lickley provided the Owyhee County Sheriff’s office Carl Hunt I with special equipment to record damage 8787224-AII15-M8265-WesternStockmen - Page 1 - Composite in the fire areas. Anyone who has experienced significant damage that needs to be immediately dealt with should contact the Owyhee County Sheriff non‐emergency WESTERN STOCKMEN’S line at 208‐495‐1154 Grains, Commodities, Animal Health, Minerals and Supplements so your losses can be “Helping you raise healthy animals” recorded with the equipment provided.

Before removing debris or burying animals please make sure to contact them so losses can be recorded. The Sheriff’s office will work as fast as they can. Losses that should be recorded LIVESTOCK & PET FEED include, but are not limited to, livestock, ANIMAL HEALTH PRODUCTS forage, structures and/or MINERALS & SUPPLEMENTS vehicles. Any and all data collected will be available FENCING SUPPLIES to property/livestock GRAIN & SEED owners.

Priority will be given BURLEY, ID CALDWELL, ID JEROME, ID to those with livestock 208.878.7224 208.459.0806 208.733.6145 losses so carcasses can be ONTARIO, OR SUNNYSIDE, WA disposed of. I 541.889.6441 508.836.0267 AII15-7/#17

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

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Graze It, Don’t Blaze It guest column by Laurie Lickley, ICA President-elect

T

he unrelenting haze over the entire Northwest has once again sparked the debate about wildfires and land management. And rightly so—while fire can play an important and natural role in the ecosystem, the increasing prevalence of large-scale, catastrophic wildfires, such as the recent Soda fire in Owyhee County, should give us all cause to consider the effect of federal policy on our land and our communities.

Limitations on land use play a strong role in the spread of fire. Simply put, when livestock grazing is reduced or eliminated, the grass grows and dries and becomes ideal fuel for fire. Common sense alone can tell us that increased fuels on the rangeland will facilitate the spread of wildfire, and science certainly backs this up. The model for explaining the necessary components of a fire is known as the fire triangle. This triangle is composed of three factors: heat, fuel, and oxygen. Two of these factors are beyond human control, through wind and lightning, and can cause wildfires to start up regardless of management actions. However, the third factor, fuel, can be managed by livestock grazing. If fuels are carefully managed and reduced on a sustainable level through livestock grazing, the intensity of wildfires are also reduced making them much more manageable. Peer-reviewed studies have clearly demonstrated that grazing reduces the threat of catastrophic wildfire by controlling the fuel load and increasing productivity of grasses that are less fire prone. Furthermore, carefully managed and timed grazing post-fire can help to control the spread of invasive species which, if not controlled, only contribute to the frequency of the fire cycle.

Recently, the Times News printed a

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letter to the editor on this topic submitted by the Western Watersheds Project (WWP) Executive Director. Given the extremist, spiteful nature of this organization, whose sole purpose is to rid the West of cattle with no real regard for the environment, this letter came as no surprise. It is ironic that the actions of this, and other like-minded radical organizations, are exactly what prevent the federal government from adequately managing the rangeland. Through their manipulation of well-intended federal laws,

Common sense alone can tell us that increased fuels on the rangeland will facilitate the spread of wildfire, and science certainly backs this up. these groups have uncovered an ability to limit and control land use through unceasing litigation—all done at the expense of the American taxpayer. Under the false pretense of environmentalism, the obstructionist WWP has pilfered more than $2.5 million from the government in Idaho grazing cases alone, wholly disregarding what is actually best for the environment. The result of their actions is the paralyzation of on-theground, common sense land management by federal land agencies and reduced grazing rights for Idaho’s ranchers. These land use limitations create circumstances that can

lead to catastrophic wildfires, which leave a path of destruction for the land, wildlife and communities in their wake.

The Idaho Cattle Association and Idaho’s cattle ranching families have the best interest of Idaho’s land and wildlife at heart. After all, if we don’t take care of the land, the land doesn’t take care of us, and their livelihoods become unsustainable. As we’re now engaging in a dialogue about wildfires and land management, it makes sense to consider the widespread benefits of livestock grazing and promote policy changes that will enable site-specific land use and grazing decisions.

Land managers have a tool readily available to help win this battle. This is a win-win situation for all—fuels can be reduced through livestock grazing and Idaho’s ranching families can turn the sustainable resource provided for us on our rangelands into a much-needed protein source for the world’s plate. I Note: In the wake of all of the wildfires this past month, discussions on the issue dominated much of social and traditional media. In particular, ICA’s “Graze It, Don’t Blaze It” catch phrase and the associated fire materials that we shared garnered significant attention.

This response came not only from our friends, but also our adversaries. In August, Western Watersheds Project’s Executive Director Travis Bruner submitted a letter to the editor, which was printed by the Times News in Twin Falls.

In their typical malicious fashion, WWP entitled the letter, “Grazing Leads to Blazing,” clearly in an attempt to attack our positive efforts and attention. The letter, as expected, was full of mistruths about livestock grazing and was a blatant attack on our industry and our association. In response, ICA submitted this guest opinion to the Times News.

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

• Mark Your Calendar • President’s Banquet and Membership Meeting Nov. 19, 2015 Sun Valley, Idaho

110 years of of supporting supporting the the cattle cattle industry. industry.

YOUR SOURCE FOR 2W LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

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Federal Agency Negligence Leads to Catastrophic Wildfires Across the West

by Public Lands Council

As massive wildfires blazed across the again the federal mismanagement of our regulation than ever before, and our natural West in August, the need to address the forests and rangeland,” said Richards, whose resources are paying the heavy price,” said increasing wildfire threat is even more ranch suffered damage in the Idaho/Oregon Ellis. “This administration continues to push apparent. According to the Agriculture and fire. the best caretakers off the land, and now Interior Departments, there were 19,000 “The livestock industry and rural it’s up to Congress to rein the agencies in. interagency personnel fighting wildfires economies will spend As Congress continues across 13 states on Aug. 17. The Soda Fire decades attempting to discussions to address the that burned across southern Idaho and recover from the millions lack of stewardship these eastern Oregon consumed roughly 300,000 of dollars’ worth of agencies have shown acres of rangeland, threatening the homes infrastructure damage and to the land and natural and lives of residents, livestock and wildlife. forage loss that have been resources, we encourage While Washington bureaucrats call for the result of catastrophic them to find a solution more funds to suppress the growing fires, wildfire in recent weeks that will help prevent the Public Lands Council and the National and years, not to mention these wildfires, rather Cattlemen’s Beef Association sent a letter the loss of valuable wildlife than simply throwing to the White House today stressing the habitat,” Richards says. “Because of frivolous more money in the attempt to control them importance of proper natural resource litigation and attempts to keep peace with after the fact.” management in order to help prevent these extremists, our government agencies have PLC and NCBA strongly supported H.R. catastrophic events, and furthermore, the hampered the most natural and cost2647 introduced by Rep. Bruce Westerman gross negligence and mismanagement of effective wildfire prevention techniques, (R-Ark.) which passed the House on a our nation’s forests and rangeland by the and subsequently put the lives of ranching bipartisan vote, and continues to support U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land families like mine and others in rural S. 1691 introduced by Sen. John Barrasso Management. communities at risk.”

(R-Wyo.) which saw a hearing in July. These According to the U.S. Forest Service, As the letter stresses, natural forest fires bills would require the Forest Service to wildfire suppression now costs the agency were nature’s tool to burn the underbrush treat a minimum of 2 million acres with more than $1 billion annually and for the and smaller trees, creating less competition mechanical treatment or prescribed burns first time in its 110-year history, the agency for resources and resulting in healthier each year, with reduced NEPA requirements is spending more than half of its budget forests. Due to population growth and for these projects. Further, this legislation on wildfire suppression. When the cost of urban sprawl, people now live in the natural would discourage frivolous litigation by suppression exceeds the budgeted amount, path of fires and as a result humans must requiring litigants to post a bond equal to USFS is forced to reallocate funds from take over managing the resources. the estimated costs of court proceedings other programs to cover the cost of fire However, Philip Ellis, NCBA president and would require an arbitration process suppression, known to precede the lawsuit. The as fire-borrowing. legislation would also prevent While PLC and NCBA “Because of frivolous litigation and attempts to keep fire borrowing and stop believe that having the federal agencies from peace with extremists, our government agencies fire suppression funds raiding accounts necessary have hampered the most natural and cost-effective available to cover the for proper forest and range cost of fighting fire and management. PLC and wildfire prevention techniques, and subsequently prevent fire-borrowing NCBA encourage the Senate put the lives of ranching families like mine and is important, the to take up this legislation and others in rural communities at risk.” organizations firmly pass it without delay and call believe that proper for federal land management — Brenda Richards forest and rangeland agencies to streamline management is the key regulations that will allow for to reducing catastrophic active management of forests wildfires in the first place. from Chugwater, Wyo., said with 82 million and rangelands and discontinue harmful PLC President Brenda Richards said the acres of Forest Service land at an elevated closed-door settlements with litigious radical mismanagement of federally-owned forests risk of catastrophic wildfires, insect or disease groups that seek to see non-management on and rangelands has created great economic outbreak, it is clear the federal agencies all lands across the west—the very action hardship and danger for ranchers that tasked to manage our forests are failing to which leads to catastrophic wildfire. I depend upon the land. exercise their responsibility.

“This year’s fire season has proven once “We have seen more red tape and

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ICA Line Rider, September 2015

DON’T

BLAZE

IT

ICA’s new bumper sticker.

ICA Program Connects Farmers with Cattle Producers The Idaho Cattle Association is currently coordinating a new program to connect farmers who may wish to plant annual cover crop for grazing with cattle producers who are in the market for renting pasture.

If you are interested in planting cover crops for grazing, or simply wish to graze volunteer crops, winter wheat or any pasture you are not utilizing, you can sign up to be a part of a confidential database. The database is available only to livestock producers who have an expressed interest in leasing seasonal grazing ground. Cattle producers who are interested in leasing grazing ground can sign up to be included on a list of contacts for landowners with potential for available forage.

To register visit www.idahocattle.org/grazingshare. aspx I

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

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IDAHO BEEF CHECKOFF NEWS

Beef Demand: Spring 2015 Optimism in the Consumer Beef Index

T

he Consumer Beef Index (CBI) is a semi-annual online survey that helps the beef industry to identify and track key consumer perceptions of beef and to spotlight key consumption trends. The CBI launched in 2007 and the most recent CBI was completed in March 2015. The sample population that the CBI uses is national in scope and is tested for balance with national demographic data, Figure 1 including gender, ethnicity, region of rt A the country and age (ages 13 to 65 were included in the sample).

Heavy Users For many–recent years of tracking, consumers have noted a drop in he Past Week the average number of times beef is Pork ef eaten in a week. However, the March ee Waves 2015 CBI noted an uptick in this measure. Although reductions in domestic supply are keeping a ceiling 46% 43% on the amount of beef consumed, any indication by consumers that 35% 2% beef hits their plate more often is a 1% 11% change. On another very positive measure, comparing the percentage of consumers who plan to eat more ‘14 Mar ‘15 beef versus less beef, the “more” beef consumers won out—18 percent Figure 2 to 15 percent. It all speaks to optimism in beef consumption March 2015 ting Total Millennials Parents (20-34) moving forward. tion Somewhat/ The CBI results Very document Interested to... Very Interested several positive shifts in 64% 26% cuts 25% 64% perceptions about beef and beef 31% 72% reported usage of beef, including 60% 24% percentage of consumers eating urger 63% 27% beef 30% weekly, average number 67% esults of meals per week, percent 24% 60% of gs for 62%times 25% consumers eating beef 3+ great 35% 72% meals a week. Two key results from the 58% 24% steak CBI include: 62% 27% • 29%Ninety-one percent of 63% consumers note eating beef 55% 21% roast 55% 21% monthly. wer than 28% 64% • Thirty-five percent note eating t () beef three or more times a week (Figure 1), a percentage of heavy users not seen since 2012.

• It is also important to note that although not statistically significant yet, the average number of beef meals reported eaten per week ticked up slightly. This is notable after several years of supply driven declines in the total beef available to consumers, and the

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margin pressures encountered by retailers and restaurant operators in recent years.

• It also noted how strong some of these measurements are for millennials and millennial parents, which are our key target audiences moving forward.

• Thirty-six percent of millennials and 38 percent of millennial parents are in the three or more beef meals per week camp.

• Further, the desire among millennial parents to know more about beef selection and preparation puts the industry on solid ground moving forward. The graph below highlights some specific examples of what millennials are interested in (Figure 2) and what information is important for the beef industry to provide such consumers.

Overall, despite reduced supply of beef and high market prices, the underlying interest in beef is solid. The CBI showed that the percentage of consumers thinking that the positives of beef outweigh the negatives is increasing, the number of weekly meals made with beef is increasing, and the ongoing power of beef taste resonates with consumers.

For more information, please contact the office at (208) 376-6004. Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. I

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

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11

UI Designation as a Program of Distinction

by John B. Hall, Extension Beef Specialist

T

wo years ago, the UI College of Programs of Distinction receive $50,000 Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) from CALS to use over three years to focus announced they would create up Extension programs, conduct preliminary to five Programs of Distinction in areas research, and create new courses or of Agriculture, Youth, and Family and educational opportunities. In addition, Consumer Sciences.

Programs of Beef Program of Distinction: Efficient and Distinction Sustainable Beef Systems focus resources Goals and Objectives: and faculty • Enhance efficiency and natural resource sustainability of the • Reduce cost of production and increase animal efficiency. college in • Increase the sustainability of natural resources essential for key areas beef production with great • Empower beef producers by increasing access to impact knowledge and technology to the • Improve marketing and product quality people of • Create an integrated marketing and product quality Idaho. The toolbox for producers. leadership • Examine effects of pre-harvest management, nutrition of CALS and genetics on product quality. challenged • Develop future beef professionals and leaders faculty • Create an Idaho Young Cattlemen’s Conference. to design • Increase awareness of UI students about the Idaho programs of beef industry. distinction • Increase opportunities for UI student internships in that would the Idaho beef industry. better integrate teaching, research and Extension. This integration faculty will develop grant would allow for more impact in specific areas proposals to maintain the goals as well as increased potential for external of the Program of Distinction. funding.

The Beef Program of A critical component of developing a Distinction goals and objectives Program of Distinction (POD) is to engage are listed below. stakeholders, gather their input, and use the Beef POD faculty include information in development of the program. on-campus faculty, county The beef industry responded energetically to Extension educators, and requests for focus groups. The boards of the faculty and Extension Idaho Cattle Association and the Idaho Beef specialists located at research Council provided critical input as did more and extension centers. These than 100 beef producers and students from faculty are from departments of across the state. Members of the Idaho Range Animal and Veterinary Science, Resource Commission were included in the Plant Soil and Entomological producer groups. Input from stakeholders Sciences, Agricultural will continue to be an essential part of the Economics, and the College of Natural Beef POD. Resources. Many Beef POD faculty are

12

members of the Rangeland Center.

Input from stakeholders clearly identified the need for the University of Idaho to obtain access to rangeland resources for research and Extension activities. These activities vary from grazing impacts on wildlife to cattle efficiency in range environments to training rangeland managers. The Idaho Cattle Association has been instrumental in working with UI to leverage rangeland resources for research and Extension programs. At this point, both the Rock Creek Ranch and the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station are possible locations for rangeland research. Hopefully, at least one of these locations will be available. I

Students meat judging at the University of Idaho.

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

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UI Presents Rangeland Fall Forum The University of Idaho Rangeland Center and partners will present the Rangeland Fall Forum on Oct. 22, 2015.

The forum will be at the Mountain View Barn, 392 East 300 South, Jerome.

The theme, “Fuel—Fire—Future,” will combine science with local knowledge. The forum features panels of scientists, ranchers, conservationists, fire managers and rangeland professionals at the forefront of the many challenges surrounding wildfire in the West.

Fires on sagebrush rangelands are an ever-increasing reality of living in Idaho and the West. Many factors, including invasive plants, drier hotter summers and human activities, encourage wildfires that threaten both human communities and habitat for native plants and animals. Innovations and coordinated efforts in rangeland fire management are being implemented to combat these threats and mitigate damage.

The Rangeland Fall Forum is not an ordinary set of science talks. Participants are part of the conversation and can come away with actionable information to guide future

decisions affecting rangelands.

The program includes three panel discussions and keynote talks. A partner showcase will feature current rangeland research projects and information on available resources.

will co-host a field tour the following day, Oct. 23. This will create a “double feature” of information and ideas on living with and without rangeland fire.

Tour goers can learn more about local RFPAs and new grazing guidelines being developed by University of Idaho researchers Discussions to include: to reduce fuels on rangelands. Stops will • Getting ahead of the next fire include discussions of fuel break projects, • When grazing can make a difference post burn recovery projects, water system • What can be done on the ranch to reduce retrofit projects for fire, fire asset staging fire-related losses projects and RFPA equipment.

• Rangeland Fire Protections Associations Register for both events today at http:// (RFPAs) and when they are likely to rangelandfallforum.org or call the Rangeland succeed Center at (208) 885-6536. The fee is $25 for • Benefits and challenges of RFPA members the forum on and $10 for the partner field. I on the fire line • Pros and cons of RFPAs from a rancher’s perspective • Post-fire effects and restoration opportunities • Helping people to understand wildfire The 71 Grazing Association and the Three Creek Rangeland Fire Protection Association

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Idaho Fire Recovery & Rehab Inter-agency group meets to identify fire recovery and rehab info, and resources.

A

submitted by Soil and Water Conservation Commission

state and federal inter-agency group met recently in Boise to identify available resources for lands, natural resources and people affected by Idaho’s recent wildfires. More than 20 agencies, nongovernmental organizations and associations attended.

The meeting was convened by Curtis Elke, state conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Participants were updated on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Soda Fire post-fire emergency stabilization and rehabilitation efforts by team leader T.J. Cllifford, and agency representatives discussed existing and planned efforts in Owyhee County and elsewhere in the state.

The Conservation Commission serves as an ad hoc point of contact for the interagency group, distributing information to members, newsletter subscribers and the media. For information on individual agency programs, please contact agencies directly.

For information, contact Teri Murrison at 208-332-1790.

Recent resource information:

The Conservation Commission has $6 million available in low interest conservation loan funding for projects and equipment that result in a conservation benefit (fencing, purchasing some types of equipment, seeding, etc.). Interest rates range from 2.5-3.5 percent for 7 to 15-year terms.

The maximum loan amount per project is $200,000.

The Commission also provides technical assistance to local conservation districts and

16

others on projects to address fire recovery and rehabilitation. For information, contact 208-332-1790 or info@swc.idaho.gov.

The Governor’s Office of Species Conservation (OSC) coordinates and implements policies and programs related to species listed as threatened, endangered or candidate under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). They engage partners in collaborative conservation efforts to preclude the need for species listings and to maintain the appropriate balance between wildlife conservation and working landscapes.

Wildfires this year have impacted habitat for multiple species in Idaho, including sage grouse and anadromous fish. During the past few years, the Idaho legislature has invested in sage grouse conservation. OSC has funding available to assist in restoration actions for greater sage-grouse habitat on state and private lands. The agency will work this year with state, federal and private partners to match other sage grouse habitat restoration funding.

OSC will also invest in fire suppression in “Core” and “Important” sage grouse habitat through partnerships with Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs). A “Sage grouse Actions Team” was recently formed among state and federal agencies to provide a coordinated effort in prioritizing and funding sage grouse conservation actions in

Idaho. Please contact Josh Uriarte at 208-334-2189 or joshua.uriarte@osc.idaho. gov for additional information.

OSC will address impacts to steelhead habitat resulting from the Clearwater Complex and other fires with other agencies and partners. OSC will assess the extent of the damage done in areas of significant importance to steelhead there that will be in need of restoration.

The Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Fund board, of which OSC is a voting member, will meet soon to review funding proposals for potential projects in anadromous fish watersheds. Please contact Mike Edmondson at 208-334-2189 or mike.edmondson@osc.idaho. gov for more information.

Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts: Fifty conservation districts across the state are available to serve as liaisons and set up meetings between federal and state agencies, and landowners.

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security: Situation Report www.bhs.idaho.gov/ WebFiles/SituationReports/WebSITREP.pdf Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) serves as a clearinghouse for info.

They are currently looking for pasture, hay and cover crop info, and stress the need for alternative allotments after fire, and grassbanks. See the fact sheet on available

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

resources at: www.agri.idaho.gov. Brooke Jacobson, Range Program Specialist, can provide info regarding allotment status, grazing and regulations on public lands.

Contact Brooke at brooke.jacobson@agri. idaho.gov or 208-332-8561.

Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission (IRRC) partners with agencies to do outreach and provide information. Their primary role is to educate and provide outreach via field tours and educational opportunities.

Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) has sage grouse conservation project funds this year for use on state endowment trust lands only. IDL is a participant in The Nature Conservancy’s Idaho Greater Sage Grouse Action Group with other agencies, working to prioritize landscape-level projects and identify funding for Rangeland Fire Protection Associations, fire suppression/ prevention, and enhancement of Greater Sage grouse habitat. They are working with BLM and Idaho Department of Fish & Game to plan and implement landscape level sage-steppe habitat restoration and rehabilitation projects across state and federal ownerships including post-fire restoration, fuel-breaks, and habitat rehabilitation. Under this MOU, they’ll implement post-fire reseeding on state endowment trust lands affected by the recent Soda Fire.

IDL staff will work with state grazing land lessees affected by the Soda Fire during planning and implementation stages. For more information, contact Southwest Area, Resource Specialist AJ Mondor 208-334-3488.

US Army Corp of Engineers (Silver Jackets) bring together federal and state agencies to work on public land and with private landowners to address post-wildfire flood risk mitigation and assist counties with flood management plans.

Idaho Fish & Game Department (IDFG) is currently involved in the BLM Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ESR) Team efforts. They are working on enhancing seed mixes (can provide money to ranchers to enhance seeding mixtures for wildlife, covering costs above and beyond what ranchers would have otherwise seeded) and accomplishing restoration. For more info, go to http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/

US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) provides emergency and stabilization funding on lands in their jurisdiction. They are currently meeting with affected permittees and assessing cultural resources impacted by the fires. They are also assessing threats and hazards from abandoned mines. Initially BLM’s highest priority is safety, thus there are restrictions on accessing fire areas. They encourage people to check with them before attempting to visit fire areas. www.idahofireinfo.blm.gov/south/ USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has a variety of programs available to assist producers.

Emergency Assistance for Livestock: covering losses on private lands Livestock Indemnity Program: providing benefits to livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather and wildfires on public lands) Livestock Forage Program: providing compensation to eligible livestock producers that have suffered grazing losses from drought or fire on federal land or land that is native or improved pastureland Emergency Conservation Program: helping producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding

and other natural disasters, such as wildfire Conservation Loan Program: helping producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters, such as wildfire and more.

These aren’t complete descriptions.

Review fact sheets for details at www.fsa.usda.gov/id US Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) The Service has 3 offices in Boise, Spokane and Chubbuck with 60 people who have a variety of expertise and experience Idaho’s ecosystems and species. They provide technical assistance on many issues, including restoration post fire.

Potential funding programs that may be used to address fire recovery efforts are: Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program: provides funding to private and Tribal land owners to improve wildlife habitat on their lands. The program provides costshare funding and technical expertise to landowners up to $25,000 per project.

Funding can be used to cost share on habitat improvement projects.

Recovery Fund: provides funds that go toward recovery of listed or at risk species.

These funds can be used on any lands so are very flexible. They generally have one project ranking cycle annually (about January) but can accept potential proposals at any time. Staff can work with interested parties to develop proposals.

For more info: www.fws.gov/idaho/what. htm USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has a caveat of experienced staff ready to serve. Such disciplines include Rangeland Specialists, Soil Scientists, Conservation Planners, Biologists, Engineers, Farm Bill Program Specialists, and others.

They will provide recovery and rehabilitation Recovery continued to page 18...

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

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...Recovery continued from page 17 assistance by contacting each producer in the fire impacted areas, obtain an inventory of the damages, then work with the producer in developing an effective conservation plan to address all the resource concerns. NRCS will then help find the best Farm Bill program that fits the needs and objective of the producer to assist them technically and financially.

Funding will be provided through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Sage Grouse Initiative (SGI). EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to Farm Bill participating producers and implementing conservation practices addressing the resource concern (including resource concerns caused by fire). For more information on USDA-NRCS assistance, please go to www.NRCS.USDA.Gov/wps/ portal/nrcs/site/id/home/ or contact curtis.elke@ id.usda.gov.

University of Idaho Extension is coordinating donations, cash pledges, hay, etc. Their primary role is education and research. They’re currently in the 2nd phase of a study to determine the economic benefit of grazing to Owyhee County. For more info, contact Scott Jensen at scottj@uidaho.edu.

Previously published resources:

Solutions 24/7

Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) has a Cover Crop Pasture Exchange program.

The ICA serves as a conduit for information distribution and gathering about impacts to producers. They stress the need for more participating producers in the Pasture Exchange Program, especially now. Contact them at 208-343-1615. Visit www.idahocattle. org for more information.

Owyhee Cattlemen’s Association’s website has info about how to donate hay, fencing, pasture, etc. Web address is www.owyheecattlemen.com. U.S. Bank has set up an account to receive monetary donations.

Checks should be made payable to the Owyhee Cattlemen’s Heritage Foundation.

Contributions can be received at any U.S. Bank branch.

Road Conditions/Closures: http://511.idaho. gov/ or call 1-888-432-7623

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Veterinarians: Local veterinarians can be contacted directly or through the Idaho Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) 208922-9431 http://ivma.org/site/veterinarians/ member-clinics/ Recovery continued to page 20...

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19

THE FUTURE OF FORAGE UTILIZATION IS NEW!

...Recovery continued from page 18 Volunteers: Citizens wishing to volunteer their time or resources should contact their county emergency manager or the American Red Cross of Greater Idaho who assist in tracking and assigning volunteers. Call 208-947-4357.

Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD): http://idavoad.org.

Wildfire information: Go to http://inciweb. nwcg.gov/state/13/.

Officials caution the public to watch out for scam artists during this difficult time. Make sure the organizations that may be soliciting funds to help fire victims are legitimate. I

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ICA Line Rider, September 2015

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Lightning-caused fires blaze across Idaho in August; agencies begin work on rehab while more fires burn

Photo by David Rauzi

by Steve Stuebner

A

series of dry lightning storms in Scott Jensen, University of Idaho Extension August combined with extremely hot Educator for Owyhee County. temperatures and very low humidity BLM National Director Neil Kornze combined to create a “perfect storm” of came to Boise on Wednesday, Aug. 26 to conditions for multiple wildfires to make underscore the importance of restoring big galloping runs in numerous locations in the native shrub-steppe landscape in the Idaho.

Owyhees as soon as possible. Kornze called The Gem State has been in the national the Soda fire rehabilitation effort the highest spotlight with the largest wildfire in the priority in the nation. At least 90 percent of nation and the burn zone the most fires is prime sage In a rare positive story, rancher burning in grouse habitat, one state. The BLM officials Frank McIntire saved his home 283,686-acre said. and outbuildings by practicing Soda fire, which “This is not active land management on his was ignited by a short-term lightning on commitment, property.

Aug. 10 near but a long-term the Idahocommitment Oregon border to restoring proceeded that landscape,” to race through prime sage grouse habitat Kornze said. “We have a strong preference for several weeks. Approximately 20 Idaho to keep the greater sage grouse off the ranchers with federal grazing permits in endangered species list. The U.S. Fish and Owyhee County have been affected by the Wildlife Service is watching what we do here, Soda fire, and 36 grazing allotments have and they want to see an aggressive approach.” been affected by the big blaze.

The BLM is working on a Burned Livestock and ranch buildings burned in Area Emergency Response Plan to plan the fire, but no one has an exact count. rehabilitation efforts, and Kornze pledged to “The best guestimate I’ve heard is about use all of the tools available to the agency to 200-300 head” in terms of cattle losses, said rehab the land.

22

“We have to make sure we get seed on the ground at the right time in the right places,” he said. “We need to restore the landscape so it becomes the beautiful sage grouse habitat that it used to be.”

More than 1 million pounds of grass seed and sagebrush seed are stored at the National Interagency Fire Center, he said, and BLM rehab experts will be making plans to plant that seed in the ground through disc-seeding and aerial seeding in the fall of 2015 and winter of 2015-2016. Kornze said the rehab work is expected to cost “north of $10 million.”

Around the state

Elsewhere in Idaho, more than a dozen fires are still burning and threatening rangeland resources, forest resources, livestock, outbuildings and homes, from New Meadows to the Canadian border.

The Teepee Springs fire, 93,000 acres and counting on Sept. 2, made a big run to Riggins and portions of it have crossed the Salmon River. The Salmon River Road was closed by the Forest Service on Aug. 27, and now river floaters could get held up by authorities at the Vinegar Creek boat ramp (end of wilderness section float trip) until safe passage allows.

The Clearwater multi-fire complex ICA Line Rider, September 2015

between Greer and Kamiah has burned at least 50 homes and structures, an unknown number of cattle, many fences, and caused an undetermined amount of damage to natural resources in the area. Sixteen ranchers with federal grazing permits on 14 BLM grazing allotments have been affected by the fires.

The Clearwater complex fires also were started by lightning on Aug. 10 and spread rapidly into a forested region chock full of homes and ranches. Normally, it’s often too wet in the Clearwater country for fires to burn, but this year, with low snowpack and a dry spring, people’s wells are going dry and many pasture lands already were brown and nearly useless for livestock.

“It’s as dry as it can get up here. It’s kind of eerie, quite frankly,” said Leon Slichter, a 5th generation Idahoan who grew up in Grangeville and serves as a director on the Conservation Commission.

When the Clearwater complex made its biggest runs that hot week in mid-August, it forced people to evacuate their homes and ranchers banded together with trailers to pull hundreds of cattle out of harm’s way with flames licking at their heels. The Cottonwood Livestock Auction and Feedlot had room to take in the cattle in a safe place and feed the animals until the owners could return home.

Slichter’s son works for Avista Corp. and the powerline crews were working around the clock to restore power after lines were

burned down. “They could hear propane tanks going off in the middle of the night, and in some places, they heard ammunition getting ignited by the fires and going off. That had to be pretty spooky,” he said.

In a rare positive story, rancher Frank McIntire saved his home and outbuildings by practicing active land management on his property, located on the north side of the Clearwater River canyon.

On Friday, Aug. 14, the A much needed trailer of hay was donated to ranchers wildfire was marching right for through Kamiah Donations and Distributions. Photo by his property. McIntire carved Tindy D. Tow Hunter. out a safe zone in a crop field “crowning in the trees and really burning that was in summer fallow. He put his family hot.” in the field and ran a disc around the safe Ironically, Eileen Rowan, a water quality zone several times. Then, he and others went resource conservationist for the Conservation over to their house to try to save it as the fire Commission, has been working on landing came closer. a grant to work on Firewise education in McIntire had already thinned out the the Clearwater Valley. Firewise is a program forest around his home so the trees were that provides education about preventative spaced far apart, and he also grazed the area measures that can be taken to safeguard below the timber with his cattle on a regular homes and outbuildings from forest fires. basis.

“We had our first public meeting last “When the fire was 100 yards from my Wednesday, but most people couldn’t attend house, it died off in the trees, just burning a because they’d been evacuated from their few stumps,” he said. “We were lucky.” homes,” Rowan said. “I have a feeling we’ll His neighbor, however, wasn’t as have a lot of interest in the Firewise program. fortunate. He hadn’t grazed his land for It often takes something catastrophic for several years, and McIntire watched the fire people to understand the issue.”

Inferno continued to page 24...

Photo courtesy of NIFC

RFPA member supporting burnout operations with drip torch fuel and drip torches.

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

23

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Inferno continued from page 23...

Once the Clearwater complex fires die down, “we’re going to need funds to rebuild corrals, fences, homes and outbuildings and grass seed, trees and shrubs for erosion-control work,” Rowan said. “After fire, the soil becomes hydrophobic and can cause a lot of erosion.”

Slichter agrees. “There’s going to be a lot of erosion to deal with, and I’m also worried about the Donated items for Kamiah and potential influx of weeds. Right surrounding areas affected by wildfire. off the bat, I’m thinking about Photo by Tindy D. Tow Hunter for revegetation work, getting Kamiah Donations and Distribution something put into the ground Facebook page. ahead of the weeds.”

Because about half of the Clearwater complex fire zone lies on private or state land, it will be up to private landowners and the Idaho Department of Lands to work on rehabilitation efforts.

In Owyhee County, ranchers need pasture ground for their livestock, or hay, plus they’ll need to repair fences and plant grass seed, Jensen said. About 42,000 acres of private land were burned in the Soda blaze.

“Some guys are finding some available pasture, but I’m sure a lot of guys are scrambling to find something,” Jensen said. Other ranchers are placing their cattle in feedlots for the moment until they find any available pasture. The Idaho Cattle Association recommends that ranchers get in touch with local NRCS offices to find information about opportunities for grazing cover crops or CRP lands. ICA also has a Cover Crop program that puts members in touch with farmers who have land available. Contact the ICA office for information.

Curtis Elke, State Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, has pledged to help landowners affected by wildfires with conservation planning and financial assistance to replace fencing and other assets. EQIP funds, Sage Grouse Initiative funds, and Emergency Watershed Program funds. All will be available to help private property owners, he said. Landowners should contact their local NRCS offices for assistance.

The Farm Service Agency has multiple programs available to assist ranchers and farmers who have been affected by the wildfires, including insurance, the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program, and Livestock Forage Program. Contact your local FSA office for details. I

How you can help

In true Idaho fashion, neighbors are helping neighbors, churches are offering help, the American Red Cross is providing disaster relief, and citizens are stepping up with monetary donations to assist people who have been affected by wildfires statewide.

ART LEETCH Stapleton, NE

Cell: 308-215-0258 Email: adleetch@yahoo.com www.alsilencer.com

24

WIN A CUSTO $7000 M JU MILLER DD SADDL E

In Owyhee County, a U.S. Bank account set up by the Owyhee Cattlemen’s Association already has received more than $20,000 in donations to help ranchers affected by the Soda fire. Make checks out to the Owyhee Cattleman’s Heritage Fund. People also can donate hay, fencing, trucking and other items through the OCA web site, www.owyheecattlemen.com/2015/08/donations-acceptedfor-ranchers-affected-by-soda-fire.

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

In Idaho County, people who have hay for sale or pasture for rent should contact Jim Church, Idaho County Extension Agent in Grangeville, idaho@uidaho.edu or 208-983-2667. Landowners who are looking for hay or pasture also should contact Jim Church at the contacts above.

Landowners affected by the fires should contact their local soil and water conservation district for assistance. Find districts near you: See http://swc.idaho.gov/what-we-do/ district-support The Idaho State Department of Agriculture provides help to ranchers seeking hay and pasture, alternative allotments, etc.

Contact Brooke Jacobson, range program specialist, brooke. jacobson@agri.idaho.gov; 208-332-8561.

Kamiah Relief Fund, Umpqua Bank, 147 W. Main Street, Grangeville, ID 83530. www.umpquabank.com/locations/ idaho/grangeville/grangeville/ Potlatch No. 1 Federal Credit Union fund: www.p1fcu.org/ fire-relief-donation-account For more information, see this Facebook page: Kamiah Distributions & Donations, www.facebook.com/KamiahDonations?fref=photo I Note: This article was reprinted with permission from the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission.

Low-interest loans: The Conservation Commission offers low-interest loans (2.5 -3.5 percent interest) for equipment/ projects that have a conservation benefit (fencing, pivots). Terms are 7-15 years.

How to apply: http://swc.idaho.gov/whatwe-do/conservation-loans American Red Cross Disaster Relief: A One-Stop-Shop relief office has been set up in Kamiah: www.redcross.org/news/ article/id/boise/Multi-Agency-ResourceCenter-a-One-Stop-Shop-Offering-Reliefand-Recovery-Resources-Opens-in-KamiahTomorrow Donations and Fund-Raising: Several fund-raising events are being quickly arranged to help victims of the Soda fire, including a big fundraiser by the Vision Community Church in Marsing on Sunday, Sept. 13, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Marsing Community Center. Sizzler restaurants have offered to donate enough food to feed 800 people, organizers said. A silent auction will be held that evening as well.

Another fundraiser will be held at the Indian Creek Steakhouse in Caldwell on Oct. 3. See http://indiancreeksteakhouse. com for more information.

GoFundMe page for Fire Recovery Fund - Owyhee Ranchers: www.gofundme.com/bz2g5ark In the Clearwater fire complex area, several donation funds have been set up: Kamiah Community Credit Union is matching donations dollar for dollar up to $100,000. Contact the credit union for more information: www.kamiahccu.org ICA Line Rider, September 2015

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UI Part of Effort to Improve Clothing for Wildland Firefighters Clothing that can protect firefighters so they can protect the public is very much on the mind of University of Idaho clothing, textiles and design professor Sonya Meyer these days.

Meyer, UI School of Family and Consumer Sciences director at Moscow, is part of a national project to review wildland firefighters’ clothing to find ways to improve its effectiveness, comfort and safety.

“One of my students got me thinking about that. She was a wildland firefighter and very small,” Meyer said. “She couldn’t find protective clothing to fit her – the smallest shirt was a men’s small.”

As a result, the young woman firefighter, whose job required her to carry heavy gear over rough terrain, had cinch up her belt to make the protective clothing fit. That in turn led to chafing and skin abrasions that led to a fungal skin infection, Meyer said.

The oversize shirt had other consequences. The gap between the ill-fitting collar and her skin allowed hot embers to fall down her back as she worked.

Nomex, the fire-resistant synthetic fabric that is the common base of firefighting clothing, is likely to remain the standard, Meyer said. Improved clothing design could help address issues like the fabric’s limited breathability and its tendency to chafe unprotected skin.

TRUCK SCALES • LIVESTOCK SCALES • WAREHOUSE SCALES • RENTAL SCALES

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Spokane Office Main Office NEW OFFICE! Powell Scales NW, Inc. Inland Scales NW Nampa Office 39120 West Scio Rd. 5602 E. Desmet Ave. 1636 E. Plaza Loop P.O. Box 11335 Scio, OR 97374 Nampa, ID 83687 Spokane, WA 99211 503.394.3660 1.800.451.0187 509.535.4295 1.800.451.0187 www.scalesnw.com • SteveOrr@scalesnw.com

Steve Orr 503-510-3540

SCALE SERVICE • SYSTEMS • PARTS • SALES & CONSTRUCTION

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ICA Line Rider, September 2015

The fabric’s lack of air flow also could put firefighters at higher risk of heat exhaustion because it trapped body heat.

Meyer knows firsthand about wildland firefighters clothing challenges. Her son, Nathan, was a member of the Bitterroot Hot Shots, an elite fire-fighting crew, for five years. “The standard pants had cargo pockets that hit him right at the knees.

During fires, he’d pack items in those pockets, and after the day was over he’d have bruises on his knees. We want to find ways to make the clothing fit better and function better while protecting the firefighters,” she said.

The team on the clothing redesign project includes Catherine Black, Washington State University; Juyeon Park, Colorado State University; Eulanda Sanders, Iowas State University; Cornelis deHoop, Louisiana State University; Semra Peksoz and Adriana Petrova, Oklahoma State University; Treva Sprout Ahrenholtz, Bruce Cameron and Erin Irick, University of Wyoming; and Kathy Mullet, Oregon State University.

The project focuses on how to make protective clothing more comfortable and effective for firefighters. The fiveyear project was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture in 2012.

The team is working closely with the firefighting community. Meyer noted that Tony Petrilli of the U.S. Forest Service, who worked as a smokejumper, serves as a valuable resource on the project.

He is an equipment specialist for the fire and aviation and safety and health programs at the Missoula Technology and Development Center.

The team’s project includes creation of clothing prototypes to improve function and comfort. The team also will study ways to give wildland firefighters better information about how to use and care for their protective clothing. I

WE’RE IN

YOUR BUSINESS

Northwest FCS Financial Specialist, Angela Caryl and customer, Dave Hubbard

It’s a fact. Most of our employees come from a farming or ranching background. We understand the cyclical nature of ag and know the issues producers face. Talk with a Northwest FCS relationship manager to see for yourself. We have knowledge, expertise, and the financing you need to grow your business.

Visit northwestfcs.com to learn more about the benefits of our customer-owned financial cooperative.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

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

14,000 Acres - 10,500 deeded acres + BLM & State. 450-500 cow-calf plus 1000 hd summer yearling operation, quality improvements including homes, feedlot, equestrian facilities, trout ponds, live stream. Cash flow.



1,440 Acres - Private ranch in unique location with nice home & improvements. Some irrigated pasture from creek flowing through the property, with grazing permits to run about 100 head of cow calf for the summer. Must see to appreciate!



652 Acres - Good hay and grain farm & recreational property irrigated with pivots and wheel lines. Spacious home, plus 2nd ranch home and a large shop/garage. Scenic Valley Location!



492 Acres - Alfalfa hay and barley farm. Four pivots, seven wheel lines, large home, 7 stall horse barn, misc. outbuildings, senior water rights. Moore, Idaho



471 Acres - 341 irrigated acres, 2 pivots, wheel line, large home, shop TFCC water rights. Castleford, Idaho.



269 Acres - Farm/cattle combination, well maintained home, 110 +/- in crops, 11.36 +/- in pasture, fenced. Gooding, Idaho.

 

100 Acres - 83 +/- in crops, nice home, water. Twin Falls, ID Dairy - 1358 animal unit dairy, double 14 barn,120 +/- acres We specialize in tax deferred exchanges!

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ICA Line Rider, September 2015

Sick of livestock damaging your trough valves?

Contact AgVet Associates about the durable, high flow, armless XtraFlo Trough Valve

NZ MADE

Distributed by:

Mobile: +1 559/280-3631 Email: flewis@agvetassociates.com Website: www.agvetassociates.com For more information on our products, visit www.apexvalves.co.nz

Buy the Best!

MICRO, a long-time ICA supporter is proud to serve as Your Connection to Profit providing innovative management solutions since 1971. MICRO is increasing value throughout the supply chain with its integrated health, feed, animal and information management systems. MICRO offers the most comprehensive systems and service in the industry.

Please contact your local representative,

Tom Olsen at (208) 890-3365.

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

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BREEDER & SERVICE GUIDE

101 Ranch

Jim Kast Family

8101 E. Kast Drive, King Hill, ID 83633 Phone: 208.366.7777 Cell: 208.590.3047 Fax: 208.366.2224 • E-mail: bulls@101ranch.com, www.101ranch.com

Ranch for Sale

See listing at www.canyontrailrealty.com

BALE WAGONS New Holland self-propelled and pull-type models/parts/tires.

Sell/Buy/Finance/Deliver.

(208) 880-2889 www.balewagon.com

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ICA Line Rider, September 2015

A Zimmatic® by Lindsay system is more than a pivot – it’s a customized irrigation solution.

Designed for optimum efficiency, it grows a bigger bottom line. Each system is backed by trained irrigation professionals who provide expertise and support beyond products and technology.

Season after season, this system will prove profitable no matter what the crop or terrain. Which is why we’re experts in our field... and yours.

To learn more, visit your local Zimmatic® by Lindsay dealer or www.zimmatic.com

FRED BUTLER SALES MANAGER

(208)880-5903

fredb@agri-lines.com

AGRI-LINES IRRIGATION

BREEDER & SERVICE GUIDE

Your Irrigation Experts

Your dealer will keep your pivots running smoothly increasing your yields… and your ROI. The dealer network offers: • Knowledgeable, dependable service • New product and technology updates • Advice on how to customize equipment for your operation • Durable Genuine Lindsay parts

P.O.BOX 660 • 115 North 2nd Street Parma, ID 83660 • (208) 722-5121

www.agri-lines.com

Modern solutions for your irrigation needs © 2011 Lindsay. All rights reserved. Zimmatic is a registered trademark of the Lindsay Corporation. Certain restrictions and conditions apply.

See your local Zimmatic dealer for complete details. www.zimmatic.com

SARAH RYAN

Northwest Associate Regional Manager 110 West 6th Ave., #357, Ellensburg, WA 98926 Cell 509-432-1300

Allflex USA, Inc.

Save the Date

P.O. Box 612266 • 2805 East 14th Street Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport, Texas • 75261-2266 • USA Telephone 800-989-8247 • Facsimile 972-456-3882 sryan@allflexusa.com

Burgess Angus Ranch 2015 Bull Sale December 11th

-x

80 Fall & Spring Yearlings Bulls

Keep the dream alive with gifts that last forever. www.idahocattlefoundation.org

Doug & Janice Burgess

208-337-4094 Homedale, Idaho

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

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ICA Line Rider, September 2015

BUSHS SURE DEAL 33

“Quality Comes First” Bull and Female Sale

11.22.15

Sons Sell!

BW: +.3 WW: +70 YW: +125 Milk: +21 Marb: -.08 RE: +.88 $W:+64.50 $F: +92.70 $G: +8.82 $B: +100.08

Sons Sell!

BW: +2.2 WW: +58 YW: +112 Milk: +.01 Marb: +.01 RE: +.46 $W: +49.06 $F: +88.15 $G: +9.86 $B: 141.87

WK SMOOTH 2382

Parma, Idaho

Selling: • 70 Bulls Large selection of fall and two-year-old bulls, with select group of yearlings

• 40 Bred heifers Bred A.I. to Basin Excitement and Musgrave Big Sky

WK LOLA 0383

• 20 Fall and spring calving cows Productive young cows from our best cow families

• 50 Commercial bred and open females

Sons and Daughters Sell!

BW: +3.8 WW: +50 YW: +79 Milk: +30 Marb: +.70 RE: +.72 $W: +51.73 $F: +31.96 $G: +45.46 $B: 112.81

Malson-sired females ready to work for you

• 20 Heifer calves Show heifers and donor prospects

• Performance data • Free delivery within 250 miles • Sight-unseen guarantee • First-year breeding guarantee • ICA Preferred Program for bull buyers • Online bidding available

ICA Line Rider, September 2015

For more information or to request a sale book, contact: Mark and Carla Malson & Family 2901 SW 9th Ave. 208-739-1059 • Mark Parma, ID 83660 208-739-0725 • Josh info@malsonangus.com 208-550-7251 • Joe

www.malsonangus.com

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S

E

E

W

H

A

T’

!

S

w e

N

D E D I C AT I O N E N E R GY FOCUS ENTHUSIASM

LEADERSHIP

DONORS

New ! e t a D e l Sa

GENETIC EDGE FEMALE SALE

December 12, 2015

HERD SIRES

RITA 0242 OF RITA 7O68 5M2 Sire: Rito Revenue 5M2 of 2536 Pre Dam: Rita 7O68 of Rita 5FH8 Obj BW +2.7; WW +57; YW +99; MILK +36; CW +43; MARB +1.20 RE +1.41; $W +57.69; $B +128.70

HVR 528R ISABEL 1278 Sire: Dr J Analyst M250 Dam: C-Bar 2215 Isabel 528R BW +.1; WW +54; YW +100; MILK +26; CW +28; MARB +1.22 RE +1.05; $W +47.11; $B +115.03

Riverbend Ranch Herd Sire Additions WOODSIDE RITO 4P26 OF 0242 A son of the Riverbend Ranch donor, Rita 0242 by Prophet.

44 BIG EASY 3311 A Confidence 0100 son produced by a maternal sister to New Day 454.

SITZ GAME DAY 275Z A full brother to the breed’s Number 2 REA proven sire, Top Game 561X.

MALEK TEN X 404 A full brother to the Accelerated Genetics roster member, MAR Double XL 320.

Selling

• 225 REGISTERED ANGUS FEMALES • 700 COMMERCIAL RIVERBEND RANCH BRED HEIFERS • 300 COMMERCIAL RIVERBEND RANCH HEIFER CALVES

2880 N 55 W • Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402 • 208-528-6635 www.riverbendranch.us Steve Harrison, General Manager • 208-681-9815 Dale Meek, Purebred Operations Manager • 208-681-9840

bulls@riverbendranch.us

SALE MANAGED

517-546-6374 www.cotton-associates.

With all the NEW at Riverbend Ranch we still have the SAME:

VISION, PURPOSE, Industry Leading CUSTOMER SERVICE and GUARANTEES! 34

ICA Line Rider, September 2015