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Home , Brent Crane, Contest (Bottom), Curt McKenzie, Dell Raybould, Dorothy Moon, Gayann DeMordaunt

Spring 2016 Volume 16, Issue 2

Interest Grows Art Spring in Small-Scale Contest Marketbasket Solar Power Winners Survey – page 4 – page 10 – page 38 The Ag Agenda

Visa Backlog Thanks to the hard work food products. But labor shortages and unrea- and ingenuity of our sonable visa delays challenge farmers’ ability to Adding to Ag nation’s farmers and get their crops harvested and to market. ranchers, we enjoy an Labor Woes abundance of afford- There’s no question that we need a long-term able, American-grown solution to protecting our borders while also food. With summer securing a legal, reliable workforce for agri- nearly here, consumers culture. The fix won’t be quick or easy, but it are ready for their local is possible. Farmers need a market-based visa By Zippy Duvall grocery stores and mar- program, managed by USDA, which gives both President American Farm kets to be fully stocked with their favorite fresh employers and workers flexibility for long- and Bureau Federation fruits and vegetables. And U.S. agriculture is short-term work. eager to keep up with the demand for American See DUVALL, page 12 The President’s Desk The Idaho Farm Bureau This month we are calling on our members, Understanding built its reputation over our grassroots network of farmers and ranchers the past 76 years by be- from throughout the state, to band together and Farm Bureau ing active in politics get that engine running on all cylinders. from top to bottom. - Membership It’s election season folks. So first things first, In the past when big is- sometime between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Tues- Engagement sues rose to the surface, day, May 17, we need all of you to cast a ballot. Idaho Farm Bureau’s If you’re not yet registered, you can do so at grassroots membership your polling place. You can find answers to all By Bryan Searle was always willing to grind the political gears of your voter-related questions at www.idaho- President Idaho Farm into motion and hit the throttle. votes.gov. Remember that it’s not only our right Bureau Federation to cast a ballot, it’s our duty to do so and our See SEARLE, page 12 Inside Farm Bureau The Idaho Farm Bureau didates vying for the position. If one receives Farm Bureau Board of Directors, af- more than 50 percent of the total votes in the ter careful consideration May 17 primary, the election is over. If 50 per- Endorses of the candidates, has cent is not achieved, there will be a run-off of voted to support Sena- the top two finishers in the November general McKenzie for tor Curt McKenzie in election. his campaign to become Idaho Supreme an Idaho Supreme Court The Justices of the Supreme Court are elected Justice. at large, on a non-partisan ballot, for a term of Court Justice six years with staggered terms so continuity on Many Idahoans are not yet attuned to the Idaho the Court will be maintained. A candidate for By Rick Keller Supreme Court race, with only a short time be- Justice must be a qualified elector and a duly CEO Idaho Farm Bureau Federation fore the primary elections. There are four can- See KELLER, page 35

2 IDAHO FARM BUREAU QUARTERLY / WINTER 2016 Volume 16, Issue 2 IFBF OFFICERS President ...... Bryan Searle, Shelley Co ntENTS Vice President ...... Mark Trupp, Driggs Executive Vice President ...... Rick Keller BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mark Harris ...... Soda Springs Fatese ur Chris Dalley ...... Blackfoot Stephanie Mickelsen...... Idaho Falls Homeowners cut Lee named President Danny Ferguson ...... Rigby Scott Steele ...... Idaho Falls power bills with of national sugarbeet Gerald Marchant ...... Oakley Rick Pearson ...... Hagerman Rick Brune...... Hazelton solar investment organization Luke Pearce ...... New Plymouth Cody Chandler...... Weiser Tracy Walton ...... Emmett PAGE 4 PAGE 25 Marjorie French ...... Princeton Alton Howell ...... Careywood Tom Daniel ...... Bonners Ferry Women’s Leadership Judy Woody ...... Filer GMO labeling Cole Smith ...... Montpelier measure stalls in U.S. Committee sponsors STAFF Dir. of Organization...... Dennis Brower Senate essay contest Director of Admin. Services ...... Cara Dyer Commodities & Marketing Assistant ...... Peg Pratt PAGE 8 PAGE 26 Member Services Assistant ...... Peggy Moore Public Relations Assistant ...... Dixie Ashton Dist. I Regional Manager ...... Justin Patten Dist. II Regional Manager ...... Zak Miller Women’s Leadership Dist. III Regional Manager ...... Charles Garner Legislative Friends Dist. IV Regional Manager ...... Brody Miller Committee holds art Dist. V Regional Manager ...... Bob Smathers of Agriculture Dir. of Governmental Affairs ...... Russ Hendricks Asst. Dir. of Governmental Affairs .... Dennis Tanikuni contest Director of Public Relations ...... John Thompson recognized Video Services Manager ...... Steve Ritter PAGE 10 Broadcast Services Manager ...... Jake Putnam PAGE 33 Office Manager, Boise...... Julie Araquistain Member Services Manager ...... Joel Benson Assistant Treasurer...... Tyler Zollinger Trade Ambassador Energy/Natural Resources...... Braden Jensen Printed by: Owyhee Publishing, Homedale, ID passes away IDAHO FARM BUREAU QUARTERLY PAGE 21 USPS #022-899, is published quarterly by the IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION, 275 Tierra Vista Drive, Pocatello, ID 83201. POSTMASTER send changes of address to: DEPARTMENTS IDAHO FARM BUREAU QUARTERLY P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848. Periodicals postage paid at Pocatello, ID and additional mailing offices. The Ag Agenda: Bob Stallman...... 2 Subscription: $4 a year included in Farm Bureau dues. MAGAZINE CONTACTS: The President’s Desk: Bryan Searle...... 2 Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Inside Farm Bureau: Rick Keller...... 2 EDITOR (208) 239-4292 • ADS (208) 239-4279 E-MAIL: [email protected] University of Idaho Forestry...... 18 www.idahofb.org Word Search...... 24 Cover: T his year’s winner of the Idaho Farm Farm Facts...... 28 Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Art Classifieds...... 42 Contest in the 7th and 8th grade category went to Fahh Lee, an 8th grade student at Weiser Middle School.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 3 Solar panels installed on the roof of a garage at farm near Melba. Photo by Steve Ritter Treasure Valley Landowners Explore Solar Power

By Jake Putnam wards.” The interest in solar power across the nation is adding up according to the United Kerry Smith of Melba has a quirk and she She’s checking what’s known as a net me- States Department of Agriculture. On-line doesn’t care who knows about it. She can’t ter and it’s capable of spinning backward solar power systems have cut carbon pollu- wait to open her power bill each month. and building up energy credits on the grid tion by nearly 300 million metric tons this when solar conditions peak, creating more Smith and a few hundred other Idaho farm- year alone. That’s like taking 60 million power than needed. RX Solar of Boise re- ers have gone solar. She loves to watch her cars off the road. In 2015 farms, homes and cently installed the system and Smith Farm power meter run backwards. She admits businesses cut nearly $45 billion off power immediately started reaping the benefits. it’s an obsession. bills, according to USDA. “This is a 69 panel system and it produces “I come out and watch my power meter “I try and keep that meter running back- almost 19 kilowatts of energy on a sunny run backward,” she said. “Any time I turn ward as much as I can,” said Smith. “I day. It’s enough to run all the farm and something on in the house I run out and guess the whole point is to become more most of the home here,” said Kevin Holmes check it to see if it’s still running back- efficient so we don’t have to depend on of RX Solar.

4 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 anyone else.” Smith says she looked into alternative power sources about three years ago. “I looked into windmills and hydro because we have running water down on our other place, but where we’re located, solar was the best bet because it’s more reliable.” Smith found a firm called RX Solar through the Better Business Bureau. RX was founded in Utah and is one of the fast- est growing solar companies in Utah and Idaho. “We’re all about educating clients about solar,” Holmes said. “Once we explain how people buy electricity now and how that’s changing, it becomes a no brainer. “We have cheap electricity here in Idaho, but not for long. Power bills are going up seven to 15-percent per year.” A net metering device detects when the on-site alternative energy production exceeds a home’s grid power usage. The meter then spins backwards, earning the homeowner power credit. The system RX installed on Smith Farm Photo by Steve Ritter is warrantied for 25 years and is expected to last 50 to 60 years. Holmes says in 15 have adopted net metering policies. “We have nearly 9,000 renewable energy years power rates will triple and he thinks projects that the Department has funded Crews can easily and quickly install panels the Smiths will pay the system off in just a since I took this job as Secretary,” added on rooftops or on ground mounts. Once in few years. “When people can lock in their Vilsack. “We are helping to save or create place, RX Solar works with Idaho Power energy costs, it adds up,” added Holmes. 9.2-billion kilowatt hours of power. That’s and runs the solar panels into the home’s enough power to take care of 800,000 Kerry Smith says their power bill, both traditional electrical system. homes across the U.S.” home and farm was cut in half the first Smith says her potential savings over the month of service. “For us, the solar panels runs the pump in next six years will pay for the solar setup our well, it waters the cattle and supplies all “It’s a way of saving money, I’d recom- with no added expense for maintenance. the power to the house, barn and shop on mend it. In fact my brother is putting a sys- “It has a 25 year guarantee and RX solar our 200-acre farm. The panels also powers tem in.” maintains it and overall I think it’s a good the welders and coolers we keep out in the deal.” Until a few years ago, solar power was too shop,” said Smith. expensive for average Idahoans because RX Solar also helps clients work their way It used to get really expensive in the win- of the $25,000 initial investment for solar through grant applications and affordable ter for the Smiths, and the colder it got the panels. But times have changed and the finance programs offered through the U.S. more they paid. That’s why they switched costs of setting up a solar power system Department of Agriculture. to solar. have dropped. Innovative service agree- “The USDA is investing $68 million in 540 ments and financing now allow people to “In the winter you either chop ice in the solar energy projects this year,” said U.S. pay for the power that their rooftop panels water troughs or you heat the tanks,” Smith Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. He produce each month, rather than having said. “That’s a fixed expense because they says funding includes loan guarantees and to pay upfront for an entire system. Solar need water and you can’t imagine how ex- grants for solar energy. power has arrived and it’s as easy as sign- pensive just watering cattle can be all day, ing up for cable TV. “These funds are being provided through every day. Everything is geared around the Rural Energy for America program and electricity especially computers. It all adds Just as important, “net metering” is the what they do is allow farmers and small up and is getting more expensive. If we industry standard that drives the thriving businesses in rural communities in this generate our own we have control over that rooftop industry. Metering gives solar cus- country to reduce their cost of energy and expense and better yet, someone else can tomers credit for all the extra electricity they do it by helping build small scale en- buy what we don’t use. We can take care of they send back to the grid. California energy renewable energy projects as well as ourselves and we can help someone else.” acted net metering policy 20 years ago and energy efficiency projects,” said Vilsack. now more than 40 states including Idaho See SOLAR p. 6

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 5 SOLAR Continued from page 5

Ground-mounted solar panels at a home in the Treasure Valley. Photo by Steve Ritter

Smith adds that farmers don’t have much off a solar crop so he leased his 34-acre according to the NC Sustainable Energy income during the winter months. They’re farm to a solar power company. He told Association. on a fixed budget and says any expense Bloomberg News that there’s not a single That hasn’t happened yet in Idaho but they can cut in half helps them get through crop that could generate the income that with current market prices that day could the winter months. “We cut our power bill the solar farm produced. come soon according RX Solar. Idaho is in half and we can depend on that,” she According to Bloomberg, the Strata So- an attractive solar market because the Gem said. lar Company is able to produce enough State has well over 300 sunny days a year Some farms have taken solar power a step energy from the 21,600 panels installed and that’s literally money in the bank. further by actually dedicating acreage to on Singletary’s farm to power more than RX Solar says harnessing sun power panels instead of crops and they’re har- 5,000 homes. achieves energy independence and bet- vesting solar power and leasing the land all As the prices of crops have recently ter yet its local, it’s clean and lessens U.S. year long. dropped, solar companies have offered at- dependence on foreign oil. They say Ida- In North Carolina farmer Dawson Single- tractive lease agreements. The going rate hoans are finally seeing the first verifiable tary saw where he could make more money ranges from $300 to $700 an acre per year, wave in sustainable home-grown energy.

6 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 7 Senate Blocks Nationwide GMO Labeling Bill By John Thompson Legislation backed by Farm Bureau and other agriculture groups to create a nationwide, voluntary standard for labeling foods made with genetically- modified ingredients was shot down in the U.S. Senate in mid-March. The vote to invoke cloture, which would end debate and force a final vote failed 49-48, 12 votes shy of the 60 needed to clear a key procedural hurdle. Negotiations on the legislation are expected to continue at some point later this year. The U.S. House of Representa- tives passed similar legislation last summer. Had the Senate action been successful it would have blocked legislation passed in Vermont requiring mandatory labeling of foods that con- Campbell Soup designed this label to comply with a Vermont law requiring mandatory labeling of food that contains tain genetically modified in- genetically modified ingredients. Campbell, General Mills and other food processing companies plan to continue gredients, slated to take effect lobbying for a nationwide labeling law to avoid different requirements in every state and added costs for consumers. on July 1. In response, two large food piece of legislation, along with Democrats and a well-orga- General Mills and Campbell processing companies have Senate Ag Committee Chair- nized “Just Label It” campaign, Soup Co., are the two U.S. announced plans to begin la- man Pat Roberts and others, sponsored by the Environmen- companies that have so far an- beling products with biotech to secure a law that supports tal Working Group, believe nounced plans to comply with ingredients in accordance with consumers, America’s farmers consumers have a right to know the Vermont labeling standard. the Vermont law. Two other and ranchers and our nation’s whether their food comes from Both General Mills and the states have passed similar bills system of affordable, produc- genetically modified plants. Grocery Manufacturers As- but would not take effect until tive agriculture.” sociation oppose the Vermont “Nine out of 10 Americans several other states followed law. They say it’s unfair for one Senate Bill 2609 fell short on a want the right to know whether suit. small state to set labeling stan- mostly party-line vote. Repub- their food contains GMO’s – dards for consumers across the “It is inexcusable that today’s licans believe the bill would just like consumers in 64 other country. (March 16) Senate vote on a prevent food cost increases nations,” said Scott Faber, a voluntary federal GMO label- associated with the need for spokesman for the Just Label It “We can’t label our products ing bill that preempts a dam- labeling and enable food pro- coalition. “Like General Mills, for only one state without sig- aging patchwork of state mea- cessing companies the ability we hope Congress will craft a nificantly driving up costs for sures fell short,” said American to develop one label, or a one- national, mandatory GMO la- our consumers and we simply Farm Bureau President Zippy size-fits-all label for all states, beling solution and welcome will not do that. The result; Duvall. “While we appreci- rather than attempting to sat- the opportunity to work with consumers all over the U.S. ate Senate Majority Leader isfy different labeling require- industry to find a solution will soon begin seeing words Mitch McConnell scheduling ments imposed by different that works for consumers and legislated by the state of Ver- this floor vote today, we will states. works for the food industry.” mont on the labels of many of continue our fight for this vital their favorite General Mills

8 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 products,” wrote Jeff Harmening, of General Mills in a blog post. Harmening is the executive vice president and chief operating officer for the company. The Vermont law requires labels on food products derived from GMO crops. However, and this is where GMO labeling laws become vague, if livestock consume GMO crops, the meat, milk, cheese and other products derived from those animals doesn’t require a GMO label. The law requires GMO crops to carry a label even though none of the genetically altered material is present in the food. For instance, there are no genetic markers in processed sugar, so sugar that came from GMO sugar beets and sugar derived from conventionally-produced sugar beets is chemically the same. Yet the GMO sugar now requires a label in Vermont – not because it’s different but because it comes from seed that is resistant to glyphosate, a herbicide used to kill weeds. American Farm Bureau leader Duvall expressed frustration: “To say we are angry with those senators who abandoned farmers and ranchers and turned their backs on rural America on this vote is an understatement,” he said. “Their votes opposing this measure ignored science, threw our nation’s food system into disarray and undermined the public’s understanding of the many benefits of biotechnology in feeding a growing and hungry population. We remain hopeful they will have a chance at redemption by correct- ing this situation that will otherwise lead to increased food costs for consumers and stifle agricultural innovation, which remains a strength of our nation. We must not let anyone forget that rural America and our farmers and ranchers do matter.”

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 9 Art Winners 2017

The Art Design Contest began in 2000 in an effort to promote the arts and further the understanding of agriculture in our lives. Targeted at grades 6-8, only original designs are accepted. Those winning designs will be used in the 2017 calen- dar distributed at the Women’s Business Meeting of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation.

LE FT: Second place in the 7-8th grade division for this year’s Idaho Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Art Contest went to Samuel Christensen, an 8th grade student from Bingham County. BELOW: Third place was awarded to Brigham Lee, a student at Sugar Salem Junior High in Madison County.

10 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 Jim Parker, Idaho Farm Bureau’s Bear Lake County president shot these photographs of sage-grouse on a lek in early April.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 11 DU VA LL Continued from page 2 kept waiting 30 days or more for Labor that understands their labor needs manag- Department approval. The law itself says ing this system. While it will take time to achieve the full approval time should be 10-15 days, but reform we need, there are serious problems Delays in worker visa approvals may sound the government is far behind with no sign on the ground with our current system that like just a human resources headache, but of catching up. It’s time for the agency to can and must be addressed now. The cur- these delays can be devastating for farm- shape up and bring the system into the 21st rent H2A and H2B system ignores the real- ers. A crew showing up 30 to 40 days late century, before our agricultural labor situ- time needs of agriculture, and we’re seeing just doesn’t work when crops need to be ation worsens. a prime example right now with massive planted, tended and harvested. Crops don’t visa paperwork delays at the Department Unfortunately, ignoring the unique labor wait for stacks of bureaucratic paperwork of Labor. needs of agriculture seems to be busi- to clear. ness as usual for the Labor Department. Farmers across the country are already Yes, we need a long-term solution, includ- That’s why Farm Bureau is calling on the missing deadlines to have crews in place ing attention to border security, to fully Department of Agriculture to step in. We because of a bureaucratic hold-up with solve agriculture’s labor problem. But we need USDA to ensure that farmers have guest-worker visa applications. Even after also need a fix today for the needless de- the workforce we need to stay in business carefully following all the procedures and lays that are keeping farmers from running and continue to provide safe and affordable filing the proper paperwork, farmers are their businesses. food. Farmers and ranchers need an agency SEARLE Continued from page 2 for a seat on the Idaho Supreme Court. Of preme Court justice to possess and part of course, this isn’t the only important race the reason Idaho Farm Bureau’s Board of The Idaho Farm Bureau built its reputation taking place during this primary. There are Directors elected to support McKenzie. over the past 76 years by being active in numerous contested elections and we en- politics from top to bottom. However, another important consideration courage you to look at the names of Idaho is the fact that another politician facing In the past when big issues rose to the legislators printed on pages 30 and 33 of McKenzie in this election has a well- surface, Idaho Farm Bureau’s grassroots this magazine. These are legislators who established anti-agriculture track record. membership was always willing to grind have consistently voted in support of Idaho Especially when it comes to state sover- the political gears into motion and hit the Farm Bureau policies over the last two ses- eignty over water, the candidate, a life- throttle. sions, or have been evaluated and chosen to long bureaucrat, argued against the State receive funds through AGRA-PAC, a po- This month we are calling on our mem- of Idaho’s involvement in a landmark case litical action committee made up of Idaho bers, our grassroots network of farmers brought by two Owyhee County ranchers Farm Bureau’s grassroots members. and ranchers from throughout the state, to who successfully argued that federal agen- band together and get that engine running Sen. McKenzie is a lawyer and a member cies shouldn’t hold water rights because on all cylinders. of the Idaho Legislature for the past 14 they cannot put them to beneficial use. This years. He has supported Idaho Farm Bu- same attorney further argued that the two It’s election season folks. So first things reau consistently over that time. McKenzie Owyhee ranchers should not be reimbursed first, sometime between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. co-sponsored Farm Bureau legislation in for legal fees through the Idaho Constitu- on Tuesday, May 17, we need all of you to 2013 that placed a geographical require- tional Defense Fund. cast a ballot. If you’re not yet registered, ment on voter initiatives. This legislation you can do so at your polling place. You Grassroots member involvement in the po- was opposed by various urban interests yet can find answers to all of your voter-related litical process is one of the key elements extremely important to rural Idaho resi- questions at www.idahovotes.gov. Remem- that sets the Idaho Farm Bureau apart. I’m dents because it requires signature gather- ber that it’s not only our right to cast a bal- calling on our statewide, grassroots net- ers to solicit an equal percentage of voters lot, it’s our duty to do so and our opportu- work of active citizens to mobilize and take in rural areas. The legislation was not par- nity to take part in government. Decisions advantage of your opportunity to be part tisan in nature and although he represents get made by the people who show up. of the political process in Idaho. Please get an urban district, Sen. McKenzie realized out on May 17 and vote! Do your part to Second, the Idaho Farm Bureau Board of this issue was about fairness and that ru- support Idaho agriculture, the engine that Directors voted unanimously during its ral residents have just as much right to take powers our state’s economy. April meeting, to support the candidacy of part in the initiative process as urban vot- Senator Curtis McKenzie, who is running ers. This is an important quality for a Su-

12 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 TAME THE MARKET Lock in gains and never lose money 1

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Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 13 L ola Fitzpatrick presents a new Ag in the Classroom program during Idaho Farm Bureau’s recent Women’s Leadership Committee conference. Photo by Steve Ritter

‘My American Farm’ Comes to Idaho Classrooms

By Jake Putnam step further.” statewide and we found a program that allows us to put the lesson software on Farmer Lola Fitzpatrick of Jerome Researching lesson plans she stum- computers. It’s an easy Ag-source pro- loves teaching kids about Agriculture. bled on the American Farm Bureau’s gram that’s fun to play in class or on a ‘My American Farm’ program. The Each spring she opens her farm up phone and the kids have fun doing it.” program is a computer game in the to Jerome County students for farm form of downloadable software, but The American Farm Bureau Founda- tours. It’s all part of her goal of teach- also as an iPhone app that’s available tion for Agriculture launched the ‘My ing kids where their food comes from. from the iTunes app store. She had the American Farm’ Outreach Program “I work closely with the Jerome Coun- program so she set out to find class- last fall and Fitzpatrick was one of ty Farm Bureau every year,” she said. room computers. the first applicants selected to start the “We have hundreds of kids come out program. “I’m proud to initiate this pilot pro- and learn about sheep, goats, chick- gram from American Farm Bureau,” In March, she taught a seminar at the ens, row crops and they even get to said Fitzpatrick. “We’re now going Women’s IFBF Leadership Confer- fish. Last year I found a way to take it

14 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 with a statewide ers in the hands of students that are “I think it’s a great program because program called not familiar with computers. Idaho Computers for companies donate their old laptops they get computers to kids that are Kids. to Computers for Kids. I think it’s a great program because they get com- eager to learn about agriculture.” Fitzpatrick puters to kids that are eager to learn showed how high about agriculture.” school students ence demonstrating how the program in the program can go to the website The software includes at least one ‘My works. In her breakout session on do- online at http://myamericanfarm.org/ American Farm’ interactive game, nated laptops, Fitzpatrick showed fel- and download messages, apps soft- one lesson plan and a video from the low Leadership members the games ware that shows that agriculture is app or website. Classrooms also are and videos and even Idaho Farm Bu- everywhere, there are many careers encouraged to bring in farmers and reau President Bryan Searle and wife in agriculture. In addition, it shows ranchers to talk about how agriculture Mary played the new software. how farmers feed the world, care for affects their everyday lives. The ‘My American Farm’ game fea- animals and are excellent stewards of “These Kids need to know about tures a number of lessons on every- the land. Idaho Agriculture, how important it thing from equipment used in agricul- “The computers are refurbished and is the state economy and that without ture and all the different foods avail- we got them through Computers for farms to produce food, we won’t have able to consumers. Fitzpatrick also Kids,” she said. “They’re a non- profit food,” said Fitzpatrick. demonstrated how she’ll deliver the organization that helps puts comput- program to schools by partnering up

Idaho Farm Bureau’s Ag Ambassador group met with Senator Jim Risch, center, in early March in Washington D.C. Members from around the state submit applications and are selected, trained and then participate on a lobbying trip in Washington D.C. every year. It provides Idaho farmers and ranchers the chance to meet with congressional delegates and discuss pertinent issues.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 15 16 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 FB1000

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 17 Choosing a Consulting Forester

By Chris Schnepf Forest management decisions can have large, lasting Consulting foresters are especially helpful with timber sales. impacts on forest health and growth. Most landowners consider contacting a con- ning or pruning; tems (GIS), and other geo- benefit from having pro- sulting forester. spatial technology services; Support for landowner par- fessional foresters helping Consulting foresters are ticipation in forestry cost Forest insect and disease as- to guide those decisions. professional foresters who share programs, carbon sessment and treatment; and To that end, University of are available to the general credits, and other forest Idaho Extension provides Wildlife habitat manage- public for a fee. Unlike oth- management incentive pro- workshops, field days, pub- ment. er sources of forestry assis- grams; lications, videos, and other tance, consulting foresters Consulting foresters are forms of education for fam- Advice to landowners and can serve as the landowner’s particularly helpful when ily forest owners. Idaho De- their accountants on tax is- legal representative. Con- harvesting timber. Most partment of Lands foresters sues associated with forest sulting foresters offer a wide family forest owners only inspect forestry operations management; range of services, including: sell timber once or twice for compliance with state Prescribed fire and other in their lives. A logging job laws and provide limited Comprehensive written for- treatments to reduce forest can improve or degrade for- on-site forestry assistance. est management plans; fire risks; est health & other values The Natural Resources Timber sales, including for a long time. Studies of Conservation Service also Forest valuation – particu- planning, tree marking, private timber sales have provides some forestry as- larly valuable in cases of choosing and supervising found that consulting forest- sistance, particularly as re- forest damage or theft, and loggers, contracts, and mar- ers’ fees are typically paid lated to cost-shared forestry in making decisions about keting; for by the increased profits practices such as thinning forestry investments; returned to the forest owner, or planting. Forest inventory (“timber Weed and other invasive increased forest owner sat- cruising”) and related as- All of these sources of for- species control; isfaction with the job, and sessments; estry assistance can help assistance on related issues Locating and maintaining forest owners explore and Tree planting, including or- (e.g. tax treatment of timber property boundaries (work- articulate their forest man- dering seedlings, lining up harvest income). ing with professional sur- agement goals. However, planting crews, and related veyors as needed); Locating and choosing a for more comprehensive vegetation management; consulting forester assistance in applying for- Computer mapping, geo- Timber stand improvement estry, forest owners should graphic information sys- Generally people employed (TSI) efforts such as thin-

18 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 Consulting foresters often line up and supervise tree planters. by universities or public Forestry Technician - A http://www.safnet.org The Association of Con- agencies cannot recommend forestry technician has com- sulting Foresters (ACF) is Certified Forester (C.F.) - specific consulting foresters. pleted an associate’s degree the national professional A certificate (administered A few states have licensing in forestry from a college association of consulting by the SAF) available to in- programs for foresters simi- which has been accredited foresters. Among other re- dividuals who: have a bach- lar to systems for lawyers or by the SAF. quirements, members must elors degree, or higher, in engineers. Idaho does not have a four-year forestry Society of American For- forestry or a related degree have a licensing program, degree; go through a 1-3 esters (SAF) – The primary with forestry coursework; so we have to rely on other year “candidate” period; national association of for- have five years of profes- credentials to assess exper- complete a basic consulting estry professionals. Most sional forestry experience; tise. Some common terms forestry educational course; members are foresters with adhere to state and federal and organizations used to be principally employed as four-year forestry degrees, forestry laws; and complete describe forestry credentials a consulting forester; have but some are forestry tech- 60 hours of forestry profes- include: over five years of practical nicians or employed in field sional development every forestry experience; adhere Forester – A forester is most closely allied with forestry. three years. Certified forest- to an ACF code of ethics; often defined as someone To confirm whether a for- ers must also pass a compre- and complete specific, work- who has completed a bach- ester is a current SAF mem- hensive written exam. For related continuing education elor’s of science (BS) degree ber, is a “certified forester” more information call (301) credits every two years. To from a college or university (see below), or whether a 897-3690 or go tohttp:// confirm whether a forester which has been accredited given college or university www.safnet.org/certified- is a current member, call by the Society of American has been SAF accredited, forester/index.cfm. Foresters (SAF - see below). call (866) 897-8720 or go to See UI FORESTRY p. 34

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 19 Focus on Agriculture Earth Day: Embracing Technology to Provide Food and Protect the Planet By Charlie Arnot percent fewer greenhouse gas- es than in 1980. Earth Day (April 22) serves as a call to action, mobilizing • Since 1990, meat production individuals and organizations has increased 50 percent, milk around the world to recognize production went up 40 percent the importance of protecting and egg production gained al- our natural resources. As the most 33 percent. climate change debate has es- Taking leadership in protect- calated in recent years, some of ing the environment is a good that focus has been on food. thing, with some attempting to As Rachel Kyte, the World reduce their individual impact Bank vice-president for climate on the environment by chang- change put it, “The public con- ing the way they eat by choos- nects with these issues through ing food that was organically food better than through any produced. It is a growing trend other issue … we haven’t been and a great option for those able to mobilize people by just who want to make that choice. telling them to drive a hybrid or Many people feel good about switch the light off.” purchasing food produced the Agriculture has a bigger impact old-fashioned way, but consider on the planet than any other hu- this. Check food prices from the man activity. To meet growing 1920s and you’ll find a dozen global demand for food, while eggs cost 55 cents. Adjusted for reducing that impact, farmers inflation, we should be paying poultry producers must pro- top 10 percent?” must continue to increase the $7.45 for those eggs today. New duce more using fewer natural amount of food they produce technology adopted by farmers People have a right to expect resources. while using fewer natural re- over the years is a key reason that their food is grown resources, which they’ve increas- why prices for eggs and many Meat producers in the U.S. and sponsibly. Sixty years ago, ingly been doing for decades. other items have largely been elsewhere are making inroads the technologies of the Green kept in check. Farmers are pro- and can provide a model for Revolution paved the way for Some examples: ducing more food on less land, producers around the world. global agricultural productivity • In 1950, one acre of land grew using fewer natural resources. The Environmental Protec- increases that saved the lives enough wheat to bake about That’s good for families and tion Agency says agriculture, of an estimated billion people 670 loaves of bread. Today, the planet. including livestock produc- globally. In much the same that same acre of land yields tion, accounts for about only way, the continued adoption Whether the world should be enough wheat for 1,800 loaves. 8 percent of total greenhouse of new technologies must be decreasing meat, milk and egg gas emissions – lower than in embraced if we’re to see future • Tomato growers harvest more consumption is a fair conver- other parts of the world (14 per- improvements and protect our than 14 tons per acre today sation to have. But the reality cent globally) due to improved natural resources. compared to less than six tons is that a growing number of breeding and feed practices and in 1960. people around the world are Charlie Arnot is CEO of The the adoption of modern tech- no longer growing their food Center for Food Integrity • A farmer raising a bushel of nology. – they’re buying it – and they and president of Look East, a corn in 2011 used 40 percent can now afford and prefer food As the World Bank asks, consulting company with of- less land, 50 percent less water, from animals. Meeting that “What if all livestock farmers fices in Missouri and Iowa. 40 percent less energy and saw demand means livestock and could become as efficient as the 60 percent less erosion and 35

20 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 Idaho Farm Bureau mourns loss of Mexico Trade Director

Idaho lost its Agriculture Ambassador commodities and farm products were last month in Guadalajara, Mexico. sold there in 2015. Mexican trade deals are intensely personal and based on Armando Orellana, 64, director of the trust, according to Keller. He said Ar- Idaho-Mexico Trade Office passed mando broke trade barriers with hard away of a heart attack March 4th. He work, trust and confidence. served five governors and worked tire- lessly with the Idaho Department of “Because of Armando, most of our Commerce breaking down export bar- contracts were based on a handshake riers for Idaho farmers, high-tech com- and that could only happen with both panies and small businesses. He helped parties having unflinching trust in Ar- increase exports, elevating Mexico to mando,” said Keller. Idaho’s second largest export market. It was a monumental export snag that Rick Keller, CEO of the Idaho Farm brought Armando and Idaho together Bureau had many dealings with Orel- in 1994. That’s when Director of the lana, and says he’ll be missed. Idaho Department of Agriculture Greg Nelson hired Orellana. “Armando was a great friend of Ida- ho farmers and ranchers. Just about “At the time we visited Mexico City every bushel of grain sold in Mexico trying to market the Idaho apple across from Idaho had his thumb print on it. the border. To put it mildly, the going Every potato sale we had just about was tough at the time. There were in- Armando Orellana, Director of the Idaho- every crop seed sale, potato process- cidences of Idaho potatoes seized and Mexico Trade Office, passed away in early March. ing equipment, and a lot of different burned,” recalled Nelson. “It was dif- things. He was involved in it all and he ficult for us to deal with the Mexican Eighteen years ago Orellana brought a represented Idaho well,” said Keller. government without having a local strong business background to the Ida- presence so we hired Armando and we ho-Mexico Trade Office, working for Dennis Brower, Commodities Director got the apples across with immediate international firms like Mitel de Méxi- for the Idaho Farm Bureau spent count- results. Then we got wheat and even co, DuPont, Morganite del Caribe and less hours working trade deals with potatoes in, thanks to him. Armando Sperry before joining the Idaho-Mexi- Orellana and says Idaho’s Trade Am- was the right person at the right time co Trade Office in 1994. Mr. Orellana bassador was blessed with uncompro- and he made it simple to do business was an active member of the American mising standards for quality, honesty in Mexico.” Chamber of Commerce. and professionalism. Idaho State Department of Agriculture “Amando was a friend immediately, “He had a way of bringing people to- Director Celia Gould told the Capi- to me and the Farm Bureau. He had a gether and giving them information tal Press that Idaho Agriculture lost a great sense of humor and great sense of that helped them come to an agree- trusted friend. “He touched many lives family. He always asked how the fam- ment. He was very bright at what he over the years and the tragic loss of Ar- ily always asking about our members did, not to mention insider knowledge mando is felt throughout Idaho.” and he was so proud of his family. We of the industry especially wheat and talked about our Farm Bureau family anything to do with trade, he had expe- Orellana was accomplished, earning on business trips,” said Dennis Brower. rience and expertise that greatly ben- an industrial engineering degree from “We’ll miss him and now there are big efited Idaho,” said Brower. the National Autonomous University, shoes to fill. He was a big part of our and a Master’s in Business Adminis- Last year Mexico passed Canada to be- organization and big part of our suc- tration from the Instituto Tecnológico come the top foreign market for Idaho cess.” y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. Ag exports and $191 million worth of

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 21 Your Home’s Ability To Withstand Wildfire Depends On You.

ZONE 1: The area nearest your house, plant only low growing plants with low fuel content… there should be no tall plants, but since we all like shade trees pick your species wisely.

ZONE 2: Low growing fire- resistant ground cover is recommended from 30 to 100 feet from your home. Properly maintained low fuel plants will slow a fire before it gets to your house.

ZONE 3: Zone three is the area 100 feet beyond your home and can contain healthy naturally growing vegetation.

If you live in a wild land-urban interface, like so many of us in Idaho do, then consider yourself a critical first responder when it comes to CREATE SURVIVABLE SPACE: defending your home from fire. But unlike those trained to actually fight a blaze, your first response should take place long before the 1. Remove the fuel fire needs to reach your home, 8. Trim branches so they do not extend over your roof 13. Install spark arresters in chimneys. smell of smoke is in the air. items like landscaping, woodpiles, decks, etc. or grow near your chimney 14. Enclose the underside of decks with fire-resistant With a little planning and understanding of what is important you 2. Plant more native vegetation. 9. Move firewood and storage tanks 50 feet away materials. can take key protective measures in the defense of your home. from your home and clear areas at least 10 feet 3. Space trees at least 10 feet apart. 15. Cover exterior walls with fire-resistant materials While there are no guarantees that a home will be fireproof, creating around them. 4. Keep trees and shrubs pruned. Branches should be like stucco, stone, or brick. (Vinyl siding can melt a survivable space and taking the other steps listed can increase the a minimum of six feet from the ground and shrubs 10. Use only noncombustible roofing materials. and is not recommended.) chances that your home will withstand a wildfire. under trees should be no more than 18 inches high. 11. Box in eaves, fascias, soffits and subfloors with 16. Use double-paned or tempered glass for all exterior 275 Tierra Vista Drive 5. Mow your lawn regularly and dispose promptly of fire-resistant materials like treated wood, reducing windows. P.O. Box 4848 cuttings and debris. the vent sizes. Pocatello, ID 83205 17. Install noncombustible street signs. Maintain your irrigation system. (208) 232-7914 6. 12. Apply ¼” noncombustible screening to all vent or 18. Make sure your street address is visible from the www.IdahoFarmBureauInsurance.com 7. Clear your roof, gutters and eaves of debris. eave openings. street.

22 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 Your Home’s Ability To Withstand Wildfire Depends On You.

ZONE 1: The area nearest your house, plant only low growing plants with low fuel content… there should be no tall plants, but since we all like shade trees pick your species wisely.

ZONE 2: Low growing fire- resistant ground cover is recommended from 30 to 100 feet from your home. Properly maintained low fuel plants will slow a fire before it gets to your house.

ZONE 3: Zone three is the area 100 feet beyond your home and can contain healthy naturally growing vegetation.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 23 WORD SEARCH PUZZLE: IDAHO FARM BUREAU MEMBER BENEFITS Word Search Puzzle: MEMBER BENEFITS

T R A N S P O R T A I N C P A V P H R L E S N M R F K A C Word Search Puzzle: MEMBER BENEFITS O L A I C N A N I F Y C S T P R T R A N S P O R T A T I O N C N R L I F E S T A T I O N E E M P A V P H R L E S N M R F K A R C A I H K G K F A H D Y S C G R O B O L A I C N A N I F Y C F S T P R R L I F L E S T A F T I O NP E I A T E M N W I L R E P D P V A I A I H M K G K F O A H D E Y S C G D R O B P S C H M L R I I S R L F A P T W I O L R E N P D E I F P V A E C A P R E U L F I M O E D P S C C H M L S R I I L L M D B R L R M P D N L T A S A O N F E C A P R E E U E L E F B S S I W E I S L A E P L M D B R L R R M P D N P M L T A H B S S O I W E I T S L A E I E P A L E I L S R G W I C T L K F E H O T I E L S R O G W I R C T L K P R C F K G S H N A K I L A E I O L R P K G R S H N AN K I L C G K A A R P E T C B M S A L R N C A R P E T T C E B M E S R P A E B U L Y F I J S T W E R P A E B U L Y F F I J S T W T E I R G R A I N G E R O D K T L S I R G R A I N G E R O D K T L S E N N C E C T N P D E W F S NT O T A N R Y D P D W F S N O T A R Y G G V E V H I C L E E R E H B A T E I G H L C L E R B A T G H

Find Words In Bold Type ANSWERS ON PAGE 29 Find Words In Bold Type Notary Medication Notary Caterpillar Movie Tickets FB Discount Medication RX Card CaterpillarAmsoil -‐ Synthetic Oil Movie Regal Tickets The Canadian FB Discount Pharmacy RX Card Ski Destinations Carmike Amerigas -‐ Propane Amsoil Brundage -‐ Synthetic Oil Office Regal Supplies Dell -‐ Computers The Canadian Pharmacy Ski Destinations Bogus Basin Office Carmike Depot-‐Office Max Food StorageAmerigas -‐ Walton -‐ Propane Brundage Pebble Creek TiresOffice -‐ Commercial Supplies Tire LifeStationDell -‐ Medical -‐ Computers Monitors Bogus Silver Basin Mountain Polaris Office Rebate Depot-‐Office Max Carpet – Food Carpet Storage One -‐ Walton Pebble Jiffy Lube Creek TransportationTires -‐ Commercial – Salt Tire Lake Eye Care LifeStation -‐ Medical Monitors Rental Cars Express Grainger -‐ Tools Silver Avis Mountain PaintPolaris – Sherwin Rebate Williams, Hearing Carpet – Carpet One Jiffy LubeEnterprise TransportationKelly-‐Moore, Columbia – Salt Lake Clear Eye Value Care Rental Hertz Cars Theme Parks Express American Grainger Hearing -‐ Tools AvisVehicle Rebate PaintLagoon – Sherwin Williams, Miracle Hearing Ear Enterprise Chevrolet, GMC & Buick SilverwoodKelly-‐Moore, Columbia Clear Value Hotels Roaring Springs – Wahooz Financial Hertz Wyndham Hotels Theme SeaWorld Parks Scholarships American Hearing Vehicle Holiday Rebate Inn San Lagoon Diego Zoo FB Bank Miracle Ear Chevrolet, Choice Hotels GMC & Buick Knott’s Silverwood Berry Farm Vandalism Reward Hotels Life FlightRoaring Springs – Wahooz Alfalfa & SeedFinancial Program Wyndham Hotels SeaWorld Scholarships

Holiday Inn San Diego Zoo FB Bank 24 Idaho Farm BureauChoice Quarterly Hotels / SPRING 2016 Knott’s Berry Farm Vandalism Reward Life Flight Alfalfa & Seed Program

Galen Lee is the first Idaho farmer to be named President of the American Sugarbeet Growers Association. Photo by Steve Ritter Lee Named President of American Sugar Beet Growers

By Jake Putnam farm, and after college and three years get involved and make a difference and working in the Midwest, he returned to help steer things on the course that you The American Sugarbeet Growers As- Idaho in the summer of 1991. want them to be steered in instead of just sociation recently named long-time Idaho taking what’s thrown at you.” Farm Bureau member Galen Lee, as its Lee currently serves as President of the new president. Nyssa-Nampa Sugarbeet Growers Asso- Outside of sugarbeets, he is on the Board ciation and has been on that board for 14 for the Idaho Mint Growers Association, “Someone once told me that when it comes years. He has served three years on the Payette Valley Dairy Herd Information to agricultural policy, if you’re not at the Snake River Sugar Company Board of Association, and is President of Payette table then you probably are going to be on Directors and has been a member of the County Farm Bureau. He has been active the menu. You have to make your voice American Sugarbeet Growers Association in Farm Bureau on the county, district and heard,” said Lee. Board of Directors since 2009. Lee will state level for several years. He served as Galen and his parents, Art and Freda, own travel to Washington D.C. to lobby for state Chairman for the Young Farmers and and operate Sunnyside Farm LLC, a diver- the sugar industry. Lee says for him it’s Ranchers. sified row crop and livestock operation in all about involvement and commitment to Galen and his wife, Cindy, have been mar- New Plymouth. In addition to 230 acres of farming. ried eight years and between them have sugar beets, the 1,250-acre operation also “You have to make your voice heard,” said eight children (one of whom is still at home) raises asparagus and peppermint, alfalfa Lee. “If you want to make a difference in and 15 grandchildren. The entire family is and corn for silage. The family also oper- agriculture you can’t just sit around and active and involved in the community and ates a 250-head dairy and an 85-head cow/ complain about it, you’ve got to actually in church activities. calf operation. Lee grew up on his parents’

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 25 2016 Essay Contest Winners Editor’s Note: The “Unlimited Possibilities of Idaho Agriculture” essay contest is open to all 4th grade students in the state. Dante` D’Orazio, of Challis, a student of Mrs. Hancock at Challis Elementary, Custer County, took first place honors in this year’s contest. His essay is printed below. Second place went to Collin Spencer, a 4th grade home schooler in Oneida County. Victoria Paulin, 4th grade student of Mrs. Gott at Canyonside Christian School was awarded third place. Cash prizes are awarded on the state and district levels. Shrimp Farming, Idaho’s Little Known Secret

By Dante D’Orazio Most people think about raising chickens, pigs, or cattle or growing sugarbeets, alfalfa or potatoes when you mention agriculture in Idaho. But most people don’t know that the largest shrimp producer in the Pacific Northwest is in Challis, Idaho. Almost everybody I know loves to eat shrimp, especially when you dip it in hot garlic butter. Many of today’s shrimp are harvested on farms. Many outdoor shrimp farms are harming the environment. Growing shrimp in outdoor ponds for more than 3 or 4 years has caused the shrimp to die. The reason why the shrimp die is because of the high concentrations of shrimp feed, and feces in the ponds and the coastal wetlands where they are usually grown. These extra nutrients have created a deadly cycle for the shrimp. When shrimp get infected by viruses and bacteria they die. They just kept throwing in feed for about 5 months. Then when they drain the ponds they often found 2% or 3% of the shrimp left in the pond, compared to the 80% or 90% survival rate in a healthier pond. Then the farmers would just leave the pond and start over somewhere else, leaving a nasty mess that’s not good for the environment or the animals and humans around it. We own an indoor shrimp farm. My dad says growing shrimp indoors in tanks is a very responsible way to farm. The tanks are made out of steel frames with foam insulation with a thin rubber liner. The water is recirculated through a filter system and a UV sanitizing system that kills the bacteria and viruses so the shrimp have healthy water. This type of system does not use a lot of water each day nor does it pol- lute the environment or valuable water resource. Healthy shrimp are healthier to eat than sick shrimp and they taste better also. Shrimp feed is also very important, we use feed that has the best ingredients, so the shrimp grow fast and are healthy for humans to eat. Some shrimp in other countries sometimes are fed other animal or human waste. This is disgusting. All of the shrimp we grow in Challis are shipped live to Chinese customers in Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, BC; or Calgary, Alberta Canada. So our shrimp must be very healthy to sur- vive the long trip. My dad says a healthy shrimp is a happy shrimp and healthy shrimp makes for happy customers. This type of shrimp farming is good for Challis, good for Idaho and good for America.

26 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 IFBF Women’s Leadership Committee Mini-Grants Awarded

The Women’s Leadership sustain the garden project second grade student of Ms. Moser’s student at Sugar Sa- Committee awards mini- created at the school. “We Castleberry at Popplewell lem Junior High in Madison grants annually to help feel it is important to teach Elementary in Buhl, Twin County. kids where their food comes Falls County. counties and teachers with Posters were added this year agriculture related proj- from and how important ag- Art Design now targets to target the 6th grade. Tak- ects. Funding comes from riculture is to our commu- grades 7 & 8. First place ing first place in the state auctions held at the annual nity and our lives,” said Judy goes to Fahh Lee, an 8th is Anna Gerber, student at meeting and leadership con- Woody, Idaho Farm Bureau grade student of Mrs. Thom- North Fremont High School ference. Women’s Leadership Com- as at Weiser Middle School, in Ashton. Second goes to mittee chair. Mini-Grants are given to Washington County. Sec- Ella Georgeson of Fruitland counties to fund projects Applications for the Farm ond place goes to Samuel Middle School in Payette they would otherwise be un- Bureau Teacher of the Year Christensen an 8th grade County. Austin Cox of New able to complete. Counties scholarship are due in the student from Shelley, Bing- Plymouth Middle School receiving grants this year Pocatello Office June 1st. ham County. Third place in Payette County receives are Teton County, $350, for a Teachers across the state are goes to Brigham Lee, Mrs. third place. scavenger hunt at the county afforded the opportunity to fair to promote a healthy at- attend the National Ag in the Celebrating 75 Years Conserving the Idaho Way titude toward farmers and Classroom Conference. This farm animals. It is also ex- is an excellent opportunity pected to show Farm Bu- to gain resources for their LOW INTEREST LOANS reau’s presence in our ever classroom or school. Schol- changing community and arship covers registration, FOR IDAHO SOIL & WATER farm education in an attrac- hotel and travel. tive engaging way. A sec- Art & Coloring Pages CONSERVATION ond grant went to Bannock Sprinkler Irrigation, No-Till Drills, Fences County of $275 to purchase New for 2016 are coloring books (First Peas to the Ta- pages. 1st place in the K- Livestock Feeding Operations ble) and apple ag mags for 1st Grade category is Mattie Solar Stock Water Pump Systems county schools and libraries. Barnes a first grade student of Mrs. Weeks at Mountain The Teacher mini-grants View Elementary in Ban- help with ag-related mate- nock County. Runner-up is 2.5%-3.5% rials for classrooms. Those awarded to Peyton Stanger, Terms 7-15 Years receiving a $500 grant are first grade student of Mrs. Up to $200,000 Malad Middle School to Williams at Kimberly El- CONSERVATION study alternative energy ementary in Twin Falls sources in sixth grade sci- LOAN County. PROGRAM ence. Powerhouses will allow students to develop First place in the 2nd-3rd hands-on science experi- grade category goes to Halie ments to see the benefit to Draper. She is a student our world these sources can of Mrs. Miller at Henry’s make. The second $500 Fork Elementary in Fremont mini-grant goes to Tetonia County. Runner-up in this swc.idaho.gov | 208-332-1790 Elementary School to help category is Adalyn Pearson,

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 27 Farm Facts

28 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 Top Farm Bureau Agents WORD SEARCH ANSWERS from page 24

Rookie of the Month: T R A N S P O R T A I N C P A V P H R L E S N M R F K A C Agent of the Month: O L A I C N A N I F Y C S T P R L I F E S T A T I O N E E M Agency of A I H K G K F A H D Y S C G R O B R L F P T W I L R E P D P V A the Month: I M O E D P S C H M L R I I S A O N F E C A P R E U L F L M D B R L R M P D N L T A B S S I W E I S L A E P Brad Burbank H O T E L S R G W I C T L K F Biggs Agency E I O R P K G S H N A K I L A L R N C A R P E T C B M S R ob Ellis Palmer Agency R P A E B U L Y F I J S T W E I R G R A I N G E R O D K T L S R eilly Agency N C E T N P D W F S N O T A R Y G V E H I C L E R B A T G H

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 29 Idaho Farm Bureau Announces Support for Legislative Candidates The Idaho Farm Bureau operates a Political Action Committee named Agra-PAC. The purpose of the PAC is to financially support state Legislative candidates who are philosophically aligned with Farm Bureau policies to aid in their election. Individual Farm Bureau members and county Farm Bureaus contribute to the PAC and county Farm Bureaus recommend which candidates the PAC should support. The legislative candidates that Agra-PAC has financially supported for the 2016 primary race include:

Legislative District Position Name City 2 Representative Vito Barbieri Dalton Gardens 2 Representative Eric Redman Athol 3 Representative Don Cheatham Post Falls 4 Representative Lucas”Luke” Malek Coeur d’Alene 4 Representative Kathleen Sims Coeur d’Alene 5 Representative Caroline Troy Genesee 6 Representative Thyra Stevenson Lewiston 6 Representative Mike Kingsley Lewiston 7 Senator Sheryl Nuxoll Cottonwood 7 Representative Paul Shepherd Riggins 8 Representative Dorothy Moon Stanley 9 Senator Vicky Purdy New Meadows 9 Representative Judy Boyle Midvale 11 Representative Marty Galvin Middleton 12 Senator Todd Lakey Nampa 13 Representative Brent Crane Nampa 13 Representative Gary Collins Nampa 14 Representative Mike Moyle Star 14 Representative Gayann DeMordaunt Eagle 15 Senator Fred Martin Boise 15 Representative Lynn Luker Boise 15 Representative Patrick McDonald Boise 20 Senator Chuck Winder Boise 22 Senator Lori Den Hartog Meridian 22 Representative John Vander Woude Nampa 23 Representative Megan Blanksma Hammett 24 Representative Stephen Hartgen Twin Falls 25 Representative Maxine Bell Jerome 26 Representative Steve Miller Fairfield 27 Representative Scott Bedke Oakley 28 Representative Kelly Packer McCammon 30 Representative Wendy Horman Idaho Falls 31 Representative Neil Anderson Blackfoot 32 Senator Mark Harris Soda Springs 33 Senator Bart Davis Idaho Falls 34 Senator Brent Hill Rexburg 34 Representative Ron Nate Rexburg

We encourage you to support these can- Agra-PAC will also provide funding for Members who wish to make a contribution didates at the polls in the primary elec- selected candidates with opponents in the may do so by sending a check made out to tion on May 17. Farm Bureau believes general election this November. These can- Agra-PAC to: Idaho Farm Bureau, attn: they are the candidates most likely to sup- didates will be announced in the Fall Quar- Tyler Zollinger, PO Box 4848, Pocatello, port agriculture and Farm Bureau policies. terly Magazine. ID 83205.

30 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 Representing You When someone asks what I do for a living, to secure special privileges or advantages I usually respond “My job is to keep the for our members, but to keep excessive government from regulating farmers out government, regulations and taxes at bay. of business so we can all continue to eat Our members only want the freedom to do three times a day.” That generally elicits what they do best: providing safe, abundant responses like “Wow, you must have a lot and affordable food, fiber and fuel for ev- of work to do!” and “Thank you, we need eryone else. more people like you!” Unfortunately, we cannot always achieve Legislative After more than 16 years working with leg- these objectives, even though we are pro- District Position Name City islators and other elected officials to imple- moting sound, well thought-out policies 2 Representative Vito Barbieri Dalton Gardens ment Farm Bureau policy positions, I still and principles. Sadly, some legislators 2 Representative Eric Redman Athol 3 Representative Don Cheatham Post Falls have a hard time referring to myself as a don’t understand, or worse, just don’t care 4 Representative Lucas”Luke” Malek Coeur d’Alene “lobbyist.” Most people, when they hear that less regulation, more freedom, and 4 Representative Kathleen Sims Coeur d’Alene that term, conjure up images of some slick lower taxes will benefit everyone, not just 5 Representative Caroline Troy Genesee character with a cigar in one hand and a farmers. 6 Representative Thyra Stevenson Lewiston bag full of money in the other. They imag- Therefore, to help implement Farm Bu- 6 Representative Mike Kingsley Lewiston ine lots of shady, back-room deals; attempt- reau’s philosophy of limited government 7 Senator Sheryl Nuxoll Cottonwood ing to obtain special privileges for their cli- 7 Representative Paul Shepherd Riggins and greater liberty, Farm Bureau members ents that will give them an advantage over 8 Representative Dorothy Moon Stanley need to band together and do all we can R uss Hendricks their competitors. 9 Senator Vicky Purdy New Meadows to help elect like-minded individuals who 9 Representative Judy Boyle Midvale Thankfully our work for the Idaho Farm will support these principles. 11 Representative Marty Galvin Middleton Bureau is about as far from that unsavory, candidates have entered the race. It is likely 12 Senator Todd Lakey Nampa To assist with this, your county Farm Bu- clichéd vision as you can get. We are suc- that you do not know anything about any of 13 Representative Brent Crane Nampa reaus have interviewed incumbent legisla- cessful because we represent you, and more the candidates. 13 Representative Gary Collins Nampa tors as well as challengers. They have care- 14 Representative Mike Moyle Star than 74,000 other Idaho families just like fully reviewed voting records and asked After careful study, we believe Senator 14 Representative Gayann DeMordaunt Eagle yours. We don’t represent “special inter- tough questions to determine which candi- Curt McKenzie has the background, ex- 15 Senator Fred Martin Boise ests”; we represent ordinary citizens who dates are most philosophically aligned with perience, temperament and principles that 15 Representative Lynn Luker Boise cannot be at the capitol themselves since 15 Representative Patrick McDonald Boise Farm Bureau beliefs. will make for an excellent Supreme Court they are busy making a living and driving 20 Senator Chuck Winder Boise Justice. We are confident that he will sup- our economy. Witin this magazine, there is a list of leg- 22 Senator Lori Den Hartog Meridian port and uphold the U.S. and Idaho Consti- islative candidates who have been recom- 22 Representative John Vander Woude Nampa Over the years, Farm Bureau members tutions as they are written. Unfortunately, 23 Representative Megan Blanksma Hammett mended by your county Farm Bureau lead- have developed policy statements to guide we cannot say the same about the other 24 Representative Stephen Hartgen Twin Falls ers as most likely to support Farm Bureau our organization as we work with elected candidates. 25 Representative Maxine Bell Jerome positions. officials. Our members want us to ensure 26 Representative Steve Miller Fairfield Therefore, there are other articles in this 27 Representative Scott Bedke Oakley that we have a constitutionally limited gov- There is also a list of current legislators magazine that provide additional informa- 28 Representative Kelly Packer McCammon ernment, maximum individual liberty and who have demonstrated during the past tion about Senator McKenzie and why the 30 Representative Wendy Horman Idaho Falls that as much of their hard-earned money two legislative sessions that they under- Farm Bureau has voted to support him in 31 Representative Neil Anderson Blackfoot stays in their pocket as possible. stand and support those issues that are im- 32 Senator Mark Harris Soda Springs this important race. portant to Farm Bureau members. They 33 Senator Bart Davis Idaho Falls Therefore, our job is not to create more have earned the prestigious Farm Bureau We encourage you to vote for these high- 34 Senator Brent Hill Rexburg regulation, but to cut it. Our job is not to “Friend of Agriculture” award for voting lighted candidates during the primary elec- 34 Representative Ron Nate Rexburg expand government, but to shrink it to the with our position at least 91 percent of the tion on May 17. Your votes will make the smallest level consistent with maintain- time over the past two years. difference! Thank you for who you are and ing individual liberty and protecting our the privilege of representing you. rights. Our job is not to tax our competitors Finally, one of the most important elec- out of business, but to keep taxes low for tions to be held this spring will be for a Russ Hendricks is the Director of Govern- everyone. new Idaho Supreme Court Justice. Justice mental Affairs for the Idaho Farm Bureau Jim Jones is stepping down from the court, Federation. He can be reached at rhen- In a nutshell, Farm Bureau does not attempt which leaves a vacancy on the bench. Four [email protected].

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 31 SPOTLIGHT ON IDAHO FFA—Growing Tomorrow’s Agricultural Leaders

Idaho FFA Elects New State Leadership

Idaho FFA wrapped up the 85rd Annual State FFA Leadership conference in Twin Falls on April 9 with the exciting announcement of the 2016-17 State FFA Officer Team.

The new officers began their training in April and will spend the next year serving Idaho’s over 4,300 FFA members, promoting the FFA Organization and advocating for Idaho agriculture.

2016 - 2017 Idaho State FFA Officer Team

(Pictured from left) Jennifer Bautista, State Secretary, Homedale FFA Chapter; Taylor Nelson, State Reporter, Meridian FFA Chapter; Faustin

Wood, State Vice President, Madison FFA Chapter; Gretchen Hansten, State To learn more about Idaho FFA, please visit: President, Jerome FFA Chapter; Clayton King, State Treasurer, New www.idahoffa.org Plymouth FFA Chapter; and MaKenna Routt, State Sentinel, Castleford FFA www.idffafoundation.org Chapter.

85th State FFA Leadership Conference President- Gretchen Hansten, Jerome, Idaho Over 1800 members and guests of the Idaho FFA Vice President- Faustin Wood, Rexburg, Idaho from 91 local FFA chapters, multiple businesses Secretary- Jennifer Bautista, Homedale, Idaho and volunteers descended on the College of Treasurer- Clayton King, New Plymouth, Idaho Southern Idaho April 6-9 for the 85th annual Idaho Reporter- Taylor Nelson, Meridian, Idaho FFA State Leadership Conference (SLC). Sentinel- MaKenna Routt, Buhl, Idaho

Individuals and Teams competed for statewide Officers will spend the next twelve months awards in multiple Career Development Events traveling to FFA chapters to conduct speeches and Proficiency areas with the winners going to and workshops, meeting with business and Indianapolis, IN, to compete with other states’ industry leaders in agriculture, serving on the winners at the National FFA Convention in Idaho FFA Board of Directors, traveling to the October. Through the Idaho FFA Foundation, over National FFA Convention in Indianapolis to serve $42,000 in scholarships were awarded to as delegates, representing their team at Career dedicated students who excelled in their Developments in Moscow, and planning next respective fields. year’s State Leadership Conference.

The past year’s state leadership team gave their The FFA makes a positive impact on the lives of farewell and retiring addresses, while new students by developing their potential for premier officers were selected from a highly competitive leadership, personal growth and career success field of candidates to lead the Idaho FFA until through agricultural education. next year’s SLC.

FFA—Premier Leadership, Personal Growth and Career Success through Agricultural Education

32 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 Coveted IFBF “Friend of Agriculture” Awards Announced

Every two years the Idaho Farm Bureau reviews the votes on se- A total of 15 bills were used for our Legislative scorecard during lected bills that are important to our membership to determine the 2015 and 2016 Sessions. Bill subjects included biosecurity, which Legislators will receive the prestigious IFBF “Friend of taxes, water, animal care, depredation, land management, mini- Agriculture” award. This year five senators and 37 representatives mum wage and other important issues. received the coveted award, which is 40 percent of all Legislators.

We are extremely pleased to announce that eight legislators scored 100 percent on the selected bills over the past two years. They are:

Senator Sheryl Nuxoll (R-Cottonwood) District 7 Representative Sage Dixon (R-Ponderay) District 1 Senator Steven Thayn (R-Emmett) District 8 Representative Steven Harris (R-Meridian) District 21 Representative Vito Barbieri (R-Dalton Gardens) District 2 Representative Pete Nielson (R-Mountain Home) District 23 **Representative Gayle Batt (R-Wilder) District 11 Representative Heather Scott (R-Blanchard) District 1

Other Legislators who qualified for the award this year by voting with Farm Bureau at least 91 percent of the time on the selected issues for the past two years include: Senator Clifford Bayer (R-Meridian) District 21 Representative Thomas Loetscher (R-Iona) District 32 Senator Lori Den Hartog (R-Meridian) District 22 Representative Luke Malek (R-Coeur d’Alene) District 4 Senator Steve Vick (R-Dalton Gardens) District 2 Representative Shannon McMillan (R-Sliverton) District 7 Representative Robert Anderst (R-Nampa) District 12 Representative Ron Mendive (R-Coeur d’Alene) District 3 **Representative Ken Andrus (R-Lava Hot Springs) District 28 Representative Jason Monks (R-Meridian) District 22 **Representative Linden Bateman (R-Idaho Falls) District 33 Representative Mike Moyle (R-Star) District 14 Speaker of the House Scott Bedke (R-Oakley) District 27 Representative Ronald Nate (R-Rexburg) District 34 Representative Judy Boyle (R-Midvale) District 9 Representative Joe Palmer (R-Meridian) District 20 Representative Greg Chaney (R-Caldwell) District 10 Representative Dell Raybould (R-Rexburg) District 34 Representative Don Cheatham (R-Post Falls) District 3 Representative Eric Redman (R-Athol) District 2 Representative Gary Collins (R-Nampa) District 13 Representative Jeff Thompson (R-Idaho Falls) District 30 Representative Thomas Dayley (R-Boise) District 21 Representative Caroline Troy (R-Genesee) District 3 Representative Terry Gestrin (R-Donnelly) District 8 Representative Janet Trujillo (R-Idaho Falls) District 33 Representative Stephen Hartgen (R-Twin Falls) District 24 Representative John Vander Woude (R-Meridian) District 22 Representative James Holtzclaw (R-Meridian) District 20 Representative Julie VanOrden (R-Pingree) District 31 Representative Wendy Horman (R-Idaho Falls) District 30 Representative Rich Wills (R-Glenns Ferry) District 23 Representative Ryan Kerby (R-New Plymouth) District 9 Representative Rick Youngblood (R-Nampa) District 12

** Indicates legislators who are retiring from the legislature this year Bryan Searle, President of the Idaho Farm Bureau stated “We Please show your support for these “Friends of Agriculture” sincerely appreciate those legislators who take the time to learn as you vote on May 17 in the primary election. about the issues and make informed decisions, especially when it Full voting record results of all legislators are available on our concerns agriculture. We express our gratitude to each of these website at idahofb.org under the Capitol Reflections heading. legislators for their outstanding support of Idaho agriculture and Idaho Farm Bureau policies.”

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 33 UI FORESTRY Continued from page 19

(703) 548-0990 or go to https://www. “mill foresters”, often provide good expectations. acf-foresters.org/. forestry advice and assistance to forest Many forest owners are reluctant to do owners, but their primary interest is These credentials are not guarantees much to their forest, because they are usually to buy logs for the mills which that an individual forester will best concerned about damaging it or they employ them. Any forester you work meet your needs. There are other im- believe they should let it grow natu- with is ethically obligated to clearly portant questions to ask. How much rally. But many Idaho forests are not disclose any potential conflicts of in- experience do they have? What do growing naturally, due to past harvest terest. public agency foresters or other refer- practices and a 100 year legacy of fire ences say about their work? Are you Consulting forester fees vary. Depend- exclusion. At this point, many Idaho comfortable that they will be respon- ing on the tasks being accomplished, forests need some management to get sive to your values and goals? It is also they may charge by the hour, acre, or a them back on a “natural” trajectory or valuable to ask other forest owners set fee for a type of service. For timber to meet other forest owner goals. To about the forester’s quality of work. sales, a percentage of the net return to accomplish this, a consulting forester An excellent place to do this at meet- the landowner (usually from 5 to 15%) is an invaluable source of help. A re- ings of the Idaho Forest Owners As- is the most common arrangement in vised directory of consulting foresters sociation or with landowners involved Idaho. Fee calculations are usually serving Idaho forest owners will be in the Tree Farm program. adjusted for travel time to the job site, available on the UI Extension forestry property size, timber values, and other web site in the coming months. You should also watch for conflicts of factors. Get estimates from more than interest. A consulting forester should Chris Schnepf is an area extension ed- one consulting forester if possible. Af- be independent, working strictly for ucator – forestry – for the University ter making your choice, get a detailed their client’s best interest (e.g., they of Idaho in Bonner, Boundary, Koote- written contract with a consulting for- should not buy logs from you). Indus- nai and Benewah counties. He can be ester, just as you would with a logger, try foresters, sometimes referred to as reached at [email protected]. which clearly delineates fees and other

34 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 KELLER Continued from page 2 regulations. He has significant legal background and training, hav- qualified attorney-at-law. ing graduated magna cum laude The Supreme Court of Idaho is from Georgetown University Law the State’s court of last resort. The Center. As Chairman of the Idaho Court hears appeals from final de- Senate State Affairs Committee, cisions of the district courts, as well he has demonstrated the ability to as from orders of the Public Utili- handle emotionally charged issues ties Commission and the Industrial with professionalism and respect, Commission. It has original juris- while ensuring all sides have a fair diction to hear claims against the opportunity to present their views. state. The Court may also review He will not be an activist judge. decisions of the Court of Appeals He has explained that his role as a upon petition of the parties or its judge will be to apply the Consti- own motion. tution and constitutional statues as Senator McKenzie has a strong vot- they are written. He also has stated ing record during his time as a state that judicial decisions should be senator demonstrating his support clearly written so all citizens, not for both the U.S. and Idaho con- just attorneys, can understand the stitutions; private property rights; decisions and its effects. water rights, including the prior- The Idaho Farm Bureau Board of ity doctrine; state sovereignty over Directors acted unanimously in water; and limited government and their support, not only because they individual liberty. Senator McK- believe Senator McKenzie would enzie has been a past recipient of be a great Idaho Supreme Court the Idaho Farm Bureau’s Friend of Justice, but also because there are a Agriculture Award based upon his couple of the other candidates that voting record on agricultural and would not be good for Idaho or ag- Farm Bureau supported legislation. riculture based upon their past ex- Senator McKenzie owns and oper- periences and track record. ates his own law firm, he has ex- We encourage your support and perience in the private sector and vote for Curt McKenzie for Idaho knows what it takes to make pay- Supreme Court Justice on Novem- roll and to comply with laws and ber 17.

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 35 AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION NEWS Labor Strife Threatens 2016 Crops

WASHINGTON, D.C., - Agency de- nation’s ag labor system, but, Duvall “Crops can’t wait on paperwork,” Du- lays in processing visas for workers said, the program is far from perfect. vall said. “DOL is routinely failing to who tend and harvest America’s food Processing and procedural delays, approve applications 30 days prior to crops are fast approaching crisis pro- such as the government’s use of U.S. the day farmers need workers. That de- portions, all but guaranteeing that mail instead of electronic communica- lay, coupled with delays occurring at crops will rot in the field on many tions, are leading to losses from unhar- USCIS, places farmers in an impossi- farms this year, American Farm Bu- vested crops. ble situation. We’ve heard from mem- reau Federation President Zippy Du- bers who are already missing their Duvall and a group of other farmers vall said in late April. window of opportunity to harvest. and policymakers made his case on They are already facing lost revenue.” Communications with state Farm Bu- a conference call for the media. Also reaus across the nation have revealed joining him were Gary Black, Com- Duvall repeated AFBF’s call for Con- worker shortages in more than 20 missioner of the Georgia Department gress to pass responsible immigration states. of Agriculture; Jamie Clover Adams, reform that provides farmers access to director of the Michigan Department a legal and stable workforce. He also “Many farmer members have called of Agriculture and Rural Develop- outlined possible solutions to the chal- us and state Farm Bureaus asking for ment; and farmers Bill Brim from lenge, including modernizing agency help,” Duvall said. “They face serious Georgia, Carlos Castaneda from Cali- H-2A approval procedures. He said hurdles in getting visas for workers fornia and Jen Costanza from Michi- DOL and USCIS both rely on send- in time to tend and harvest this year’s gan. Each of the farmers described the ing documents to farmers by regular crops. Paperwork delays have cre- challenges they face with securing ad- mail, which he called “unacceptable in ated a backlog of 30 days or more in equate workers to tend and harvest this 2016.” processing H-2A applications at both year’s crops. the Department of Labor and United Duvall said AFBF is also working with States Citizenship and Immigration Duvall said the Labor Department too the Agriculture Department “to be an Services.” often fails to comply with rules that re- advocate for farmers and take whatev- quire it to respond to farmers’ requests er steps it can to ensure farmers get the Farmers depend on the H-2A agricul- before crews are needed. workers they need to tend and harvest tural visa program to fill gaps in the this year’s crops.” Farm Bureau Pleased by Cuba Checkoff Decision

WASHINGTON, D.C., -- The Agri- mote and market U.S. farm goods fits ture Secretary Vilsack for the support culture Department’s announcement the checkoff mission perfectly,” Duvall shown America’s farmers and ranchers that commodity checkoff funds can be said. in this matter.” used to help market U.S. farm products AFBF and other farm groups have Checkoff funds are raised through a in Cuba lets America’s farmers invest been working closely with USDA in direct assessment on farmers, ranch- directly in the growth in trade between hopes of lifting the prohibition against ers and agricultural businesses and are the two nations, according to Ameri- using agricultural checkoff funds in not taken from U.S. treasury funds. As can Farm Bureau Federation President Cuba. such, Duvall said it is appropriate that Zippy Duvall. the many farmers and ranchers who “This announcement by USDA rep- “American-grown foods hold a clear pay into the assessment and pay for the resents a major boost in growing the competitive advantage in the Cuban oversight of the program by USDA be Cuban market that sits just 90 miles marketplace, and the use of farmer- allowed to see those funds invested in off our coast,” Duvall said. “I want to and rancher-generated funds to pro- the development of the Cuban market personally thank USDA and Agricul-

36 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION NEWS Prospective Plantings Report Bearish

WASHINGTON, D.C., -- The Agricul- plantings figure for corn is up from covered a wide range but averaged ture Department’s Prospective Plant- 88.6 million acres planted last year, or around 51.5 million acres. None of the ings Report released recently suggests close to three times the expected in- publicly-released estimates were below low prices for corn and rice will con- crease of 2 million acres. 50 million acres. Wheat, like soy, how- tinue, extending the current, two-year ever, will not likely increase greatly in The December corn contract on the farm downturn through the end of price as long as corn surpluses remain. Chicago Mercantile Exchange dropped 2016, if not beyond. by about 15 cents to approximately Rice prospective plantings were well “The report really highlights how $3.70 per bushel within a few minutes above market expectations at 3.064 challenging the market is right now of the report’s release. million acres vs. USDA’s projected for major crops,” said John Anderson, rice plantings at 2.8 million acres. If The soybean prospective plantings deputy chief economist of the Ameri- this projection holds, it will be the first figure came in at 82.236 million acres can Farm Bureau Federation. “We time since 2010 that rice acreage has - on the low side of expectations, but currently have adequate supplies both topped 3 million acres. Recent tight- still above some forecasts that had pre- in the U.S. and globally in these com- ening of world rice supplies may limit dicted just under 82 million acres. modities. It doesn’t look as though that the damage from today’s report, but will change. If we have normal yields, Wheat acreage was also smaller than forecasts still suggest significant price that supply side pressure will not ease expectations. Winter and spring vari- drops are on the way. up much.” eties combined were reported at 49.559 million acres. Pre-report estimates The 93.6 million acre prospective Farms Face Increased Financial Pressure WASHINGTON, D.C., – Farmers are Duvall’s testimony included a long list Bad news notwithstanding, the Farm feeling the pain of the continued slump of bad economic news: Bureau president found hope on the in commodity prices, American Farm horizon. Duvall told lawmakers there Cotton -- 80 cents a pound just a few Bureau Federation President Zippy were numerous things they could do to years ago -- now brings prices in the Duvall told Congress in mid-April. help the farm economy, including: 50-cent range. Lower prices will affect income for all Approving the Trans-Pacific Partner- farmers and ranchers, but will have an Milk that was selling for $20 or more ship to raise overall farm income with- even greater impact on new and young per hundred pounds a couple years out adding to government spending; farmers who have not built up equity, back now fetches $15 or $16. are renting a significant portion of their Stopping the Waters of the U.S. rule, Net farm income, which includes other land or are paying off equipment. which places additional costs and bur- factors like depreciation, inventory dens on farming; “The bottom line is that farmers and change and other non-cash costs, de- ranchers are being forced to tighten clined from $123 billion in 2013 to $56 Reversing spill prevention and control their belts and pay much closer atten- billion in 2015 and is estimated at $55 requirements that add costs without tion to their financial situation,” Du- billion for 2016. clear environmental benefit; and vall told the House Subcommittee on Longer-term projections by the Agri- Establishing a voluntary nation-wide General Farm Commodities and Risk culture Department leave net cash in- labeling standard for genetically modi- Management. “They will be in greater come averaging less than $80 billion fied food to avoid a patchwork of state need of safety net and risk manage- for the coming decade and net farm laws. ment programs than has been the case income at less than $70 billion over the for some time—for some, since they same period. started farming.”

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 37 Spring Survey: Eggs Up, Salad and Orange Juice Down

The informal survey shows the main relatively low. At $4.29 total cost of 16 food items that for a one-pound bag, shredded Items showing retail price decreases from a can be used to prepare one or cheddar cheese price is at the more meals was $53.28, down lowest price in this survey since year ago included: $.59 or about 1 percent com- the third quarter of 2012. The pared to a survey conducted a whole milk price rose almost 3 year ago. Of the 16 items sur- percent from the third quarter bagged salad, down 11 percent to $2.20 per pound veyed, ten decreased and six of last year, but that third quar- orange juice, down 8 percent to $3.21 per half-gallon increased in average price. ter price was the lowest price in the survey since 2010, noted shredded cheddar cheese, down 7 percent to $4.29 per pound “Egg prices are up sharply Anderson. The whole milk from first quarter of 2015, a whole milk, down 6 percent to $3.23 per gallon price remains well below the year ago but are down even 2015 first-quarter price. ground chuck, down 5 percent to $4.36 per pound more sharply from the third quarter of 2015. This shows “Apple prices are up quite a vegetable oil, down 5 percent to $2.55 for a 32-ounce bottle the effect of the HPAI (High bit year-over-year. This is a re- white bread, down 3 percent to $1.69 per 20-ounce loaf Pathogenic Avian Influenza) versal of retail prices that were event last year,” said John An- historically low in 2015,” said flour, down 1 percent to $2.49 for a 5-pound bag derson, AFBF’s deputy chief Anderson. Last year, the apple sirloin tip roast, down 1 percent to $5.65 per pound economist. “Prices soared in market faced a really tough the latter half of last year, but export environment with la- potatoes, down 1 percent to $2.71 for a 5-pound bag are working their way back bor disruptions at west coast down as increasing production ports as well as an increasingly has started to catch up with strong dollar. demand, which has moderated “Current retail apple prices are prices somewhat,” he said. still below some pretty recent These items showed modest retail price Prices on the beef items in the years, for example 2011 and increase compared to a year ago: marketbasket – ground chuck 2012,” he said. and sirloin tip roast – are lower Lower retail prices for sev- compared with the first quarter eral foods, including salad, or- of 2015, explained Anderson. apples, up 12 percent to $1.64 per pound ange juice, shredded cheddar, Retail beef prices peaked in ground chuck, sirloin tip roast, eggs, up 9 percent to $2.23 per dozen early 2015 at record high levels. vegetable oil, white bread, bacon, up 8 percent to $4.78 per pound “Since then, a combination of ground chuck, deli ham and or- increasing beef production, ange juice, resulted in a slight toasted oat cereal, up 6 percent to $3.31 for a 9-ounce box weaker exports, and lower decrease in the American Farm chicken breast, up 3 percent to $3.37 per pound competing meat prices have Bureau Federation’s Spring led to modest price declines,” Picnic Marketbasket Survey. deli ham, up 1 percent to $5.57 per pound he said. Dairy product prices also re-

38 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 Price checks of alternative milk and egg choices not included in the overall marketbasket survey average revealed the following: 1/2 gallon regular milk, $2.13; 1/2 gallon organic milk, $4.32; and one Spring Survey: dozen “cage-free” eggs, $3.67. The year-to-year direction of the marketbasket survey tracks close- ARM BUREAU F N F MARCH 2016 EDE RICA RATI Eggs Up, Salad and ly with the federal government’s Consumer Price Index (http:// AME ON ® www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm) report for food at home. As retail grocery prices have increased gradually over time, the share Orange Juice Down of the average food dollar that America’s farm and ranch families receive has dropped. Sprin� “Through the mid-1970s, farmers received about one-third of consumer retail food expenditures for food eaten at home and away from home, on average. Since then, that figure has decreased steadily and is now about 16 percent, according to the Agriculture MARKETBASKET SURVEY Department’s revised Food Dollar Series,” Anderson said. Using the “food at home and away from home” percentage across- TOTAL $53.28 the-board, the farmer’s share of this $53.28 marketbasket would be Down $.60 or 1% compared to a year ago $8.52. Down < 2% compared to six months ago bagged salad, down 11 percent to $2.20 per pound AFBF, the nation’s largest general farm organization, began con- Bagged salad Sliced deli ham Milk orange juice, down 8 percent to $3.21 per half-gallon ducting informal quarterly marketbasket surveys of retail food Orange juice Bacon Shredded cheese shredded cheddar cheese, down 7 percent to $4.29 per pound price trends in 1989. The series includes a spring picnic survey, Apples Ground chuck Bread Potatoes Sirloin tip roast Flour summer cookout survey, fall harvest survey and Thanksgiving sur- whole milk, down 6 percent to $3.23 per gallon 16 ITEMS Chicken breasts Eggs Toasted oat cereal vey. Vegetable oil ground chuck, down 5 percent to $4.36 per pound According to USDA, Americans spend just under 10 percent of vegetable oil, down 5 percent to $2.55 for a 32-ounce bottle their disposable annual income on food, the lowest average of any country in the world. A total of 87 shoppers in 28 states participated SOURCE/GRAPHIC: AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION® NEWSROOM.FB.ORG white bread, down 3 percent to $1.69 per 20-ounce loaf in the latest survey, conducted in March. flour, down 1 percent to $2.49 for a 5-pound bag sirloin tip roast, down 1 percent to $5.65 per pound potatoes, down 1 percent to $2.71 for a 5-pound bag

Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 39 40 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly / SPRING 2016 41 Classifieds

Animals Household Recreational Equipment Wanted Two 12 month old miniature brothers horses. Pioneer 55” HD TV - Older cabinet model. 2012 Keystone Passport Ultra Lite, 28’ travel Looking for some good sheep shears and a Gentle, healthy, parents on site. $450 each. Very nice. Sold As-Is Condition. $200. Pioneer trailer. Immaculate! Solar panel, electric good chicken house. Boise, ID 208-859-2708. Discount if sold together. Boise, Id. 208- Receiver - Used. As-Is condition. $75. Shelley. slide-out and awning, AC, stereo, swivel TV, 362-4303. Call 528-5337. new upgraded batteries, walk-around bed Want some corrugator shovels for hay. with 2 closets. Pulls like a dream, lots of Rupert, Id 208-219-9034 or 312-1365. Hanging good dehydrator. Non electric. storage. $19,500 Caldwell. 208-890-3503. Farm Equipment Dry fruit, veggies, jerky. Indoor outdoors. Paying cash for old cork top bottles and Perfect $25.00. Miracle juicer. Non electric. some telephone insulators. Call Randy. JD 4430 tractor with duals and front weights. Vehicles & Trailers 10,150 hours, good condition. $14,000 OBO. Juice fruits, berries, leafy greens. Efficient, Payette, Id. 208-740-0178. Hazelton, Id. 208-731-4181. durable. Perfect $35.00. Steam canner, new 2014 Featherlite 4 horse. Fully enclosed, $35.00. Write Kurt Largent at PO Box 364, Paying cash for German & Japanese war used very little. $24,000 obo. Pocatello, Id relics/souvenirs! Pistols, rifles, swords, New Squeeze chute, green, hand pull, $1,300. Grangeville, Id. 83530. or call 208-983-2401. 208-404-6846. Midvale, Id 208-355-3780. daggers, flags, scopes, optical equipment, uniforms, helmets, machine guns (ATF Miscellaneous 1999 Sooner Legend 4 horse slant load 1974 Ford 3000 low profile tractor serviced all aluminum goose neck horse trailer; rules apply) medals, flags, etc. 549-3841 (evenings) or 208-405-9338. and new battery in 2015. Stored in shed last Overhead 4 panel garage door w/electric saddle rack transfers between rear tack 12 years. $4,500. Caldwell, Id. 208-459-3860. opener. All parts included. 7’ x 16’ $650. compartment and front tack/dressing Old License Plates Wanted: Also key chain quarters. Low miles, good condition. $14,500. JD 1700 MaxEmerg Plus Bean and Corn McCall, Id 208-869-4878. license plates, old signs, light fixtures. Will Caldwell, Idaho. Call (208) 454-2606 or Planter. 22” or 30” rows, fertilizer boxes, pay cash. Please email, call or write. Gary (208) 867-2754. markers, hillers, guide shanks, Schlagel Tri-Tronics 2 dog field 90 GZ EXP with Peterson, 130 E Pecan, Genesee, Id 83832. beepers, $250; Dog TRA RR-1 remote bird closing wheels, and JD 250 seed monitor. 1966 Dodge D100 truck. Sitting in shed. [email protected]. 208-285-1258. Shedded, excellent condition. $13,000. Twin launcher, $150. Used less than a dozen Pictures to share. Ashton, Id Forest SVC Falls, ID 208-731-3246. times. 208-836-5896. $2,000. Obo. 208-709-4854. 1995 Kioti LK3054- 4WD tractor with box Gold for sale: 4 coin proof goldset; 1 oz, 1/2 1965 ford dually w/cattlerack, 65K, $2,500; DEADLINE DATES: blade, front end loader, rotary mower and oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz. $2,750 per set. Honest 1990 ford dually V-8 diesel, auto, flatbed, Malette tiller. Excellent condition. $11,000. prices. Orofino, Id. [email protected] 25K $6,800. Preston, Id 208-681-3581. ADS MUST BE John Deere custom Powr Trol Single row or 208-827-6569. digger. $100. Boise, Id 208-409-8959. 1992 Chev Pickup $700.00; Full size 4x4 RECEIVED BY MAY Custom made sawmill, log hauler plus loader, $700.00; 1974 Jeep CJ5, Hard top $2,800; Small International commercial tractor, gas, FOR NEXT ISSUE OF THE chipper, planer, saw sharpener, extra blades, 1972 Triumph Spit fire parts only. Make 2-WD w/loader, 3 point $5,200; Balewagon, offers. Preston, Id 208-427-6237. diesel, auto, $7,000; 2008 side-by-side 300 misc tools and parts. Serious inquiries only. PRODUCER miles $5,200. Preston, Id 208-681-3581. Orofino, Id. For appointment call 208-553- 3894. 1970’s Powder River calf table, good condition, $400. Not used for 30 years. 208- Water source geothermal heat pump. FREE CLASSIFIEDS 476-4331. Non commercial classiﬁ ed ads are free to Idaho Farm Bureau members. Hydroheat 4 or 5 ton water source heat Must include membership number for free ad. Forty (40) words maximum. pump for sale. Works great. $1000 obo or Non-member cost- 50 cents per word. You may advertise your own crops, Landpride 6 ft Rotomower, $1,500; livestock, used machinery, household items, vehicles, etc. Ads will not be Trades considered. Homedale 208-965-0968 Renovator w/heavy J.D. short Shanks, $125; accepted by phone. Ads run one time only and must be re-submitted in each subsequent issue. We reserve the right to refuse to run any ad. Please type or 5 row Corrigator, $150; used RR ties. 12 @ print clearly. Proof-read your ad. $10 each. Jerome Id 208-308-1888. Real Estate/Acreage Mail ad copy to: Park model for sale in Yuma Az. Located in P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848 Balewagons: New Holland self-propelled or or email Dixie at pull-type models. Also interested in buying a gated 55+ co-op park. 1 br, 1 bath, LP [email protected] balewagons. Will consider any model. Call Jim range and heat. AC, Cable TV. Completely Name: ______furnished. Washer/dryer, 2 metal awnings. Wilhite at 208-880-2889 anytime. Address: ______Lots of park amenities. For more information call 208-343-5243. City / State / Zip: ______SEND US YOUR Phone: ______Membership No. ______Lot for Sale - 3/4 Acre Country Lot. City CLASSIFIED water, Gas, Utilities. $30,000. Shelley. Call Ad Copy: ______ADS! 528-5337. ______

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