GEM Idaho Farm Bureau STATE ProducerApril 2019 • Volume 23 Issue 3
New dairy $7 million ‘Potato D.C. processing Parma center Fly-in,’ 18 facility, 8 upgrade, 12 April 2019 | 1 By Zippy Duvall The Zipline President American Farm Bureau Federation The soil of ag trade is fertile ustomers around the world know that We also need to bring stability back to our “American-grown” means top quality, trading relationship with our nearest neigh- C so it’s no surprise the U.S. exports bors by working with Congress and the ad- more agricultural products than we bring in. ministration to ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada For more than 50 years, our industry has Agreement as quickly as possible. carried a trade surplus because our farmers America’s farmers and ranchers have ex- and ranchers grow and produce the best food, perienced tremendous gains from the North fuel and fiber in the world. Not only that, our American Free Trade Agreement, and we’re success lifts the whole economy as ag exports ready to build on those with the new USMCA. support more than one million U.S. jobs. We Deals like this are good for agriculture and have a lot to be proud of, and a lot more to our whole economy. According to the Office accomplish, when it comes to trade. See DUVALL, page 7
By Bryan Searle The President’s Desk President Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Report emphasizes agriculture’s impact on Idaho’s economy griculture is important to Idaho’s econo- business” report, which is based on 2017 data. my. Everybody knows that. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that A But did you know that agriculture farming and ranching play an important role in directly and indirectly accounts for one in every the state’s economy. Even a newcomer to the eight jobs in the state, or that it accounts for 13 state who drives by farm after farm after farm percent of Idaho’s total gross state product? can figure that out rather quickly. Did you know that agriculture in Idaho ac- But the U of I report really drives home just counts for $26 billion in sales annually, or 18 how important agriculture is to Idaho. percent of the state’s total economic output? It shows that agriculture accounts for a far If you knew those answers, you obviously greater share of Idaho’s economy than it does in have seen University of Idaho Extension’s all of its neighboring states, and agriculture’s recent “Economic Contribution of Idaho Agri- See SEARLE, page 6
By Rick Keller Inside Farm Bureau CEO Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Farm Bureau leaders place wreath at Tomb of the Unknowns everal times each year, leaders from Farm Farm Bureau leaders also sometimes visit with Bureau travel to Washington, D.C., our na- other ag groups’ representatives to collaborate Stion’s capital, to represent farm and ranch and discuss strategies on implementing compli- members back in Idaho. The visits may be in the mentary policies. offices of Idaho’s congressional delegation, the Whatever the reason, the visits to Washing- offices of the USDA, U.S. Forest Service, EPA, ton, D.C., are to represent the members of Farm BLM or even the U.S. Department of Energy. Bureau and the policies they developed. These Sometimes the visits are to testify before a con- leaders know that they represent the many farm gressional committee and visit with congressional and ranch families back home that are busy tak- staffers to clarify ramifications of laws and regula- ing care of their own farms and businesses and tions. Other times, foreign embassies are approached trust that Farm Bureau will represent them. to discuss trade issues or common interests. See KELLER, page 6
2 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer Idaho Farm Bureau Report: Ag critical Volume 23, Issue 3 IFBF Officers President...... Bryan Searle, Shelley Vice President...... Mark Trupp, Driggs to Idaho’s economy Executive Vice President...... Rick Keller Assist Executive Vice President...... Justin Patten
BOARD OF DIRECTORS By Sean Ellis Dan Garner...... Clifton Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Austin Tubbs...... Malad Fred Burmester...... Downey Scott Steele...... Idaho Falls POCATELLO — Agriculture is critically important to Stephanie Mickelsen...... Idaho Falls Idaho’s economy, according to a recent University of Idaho Travis McAffee...... Howe Extension report. Gerald Marchant...... Oakley Rick Pearson...... Hagerman It is based on 2017 data and updates a previous report based Rick Brune...... Hazelton on 2014 data. Cody Chandler...... Weiser Galen Lee...... New Plymouth According to the report, “Economic Contribution of Idaho Matt Dorsey...... Caldwell Agribusiness,” agriculture was directly and indirectly respon- Marjorie French...... Princeton Tom Daniel...... Bonners Ferry sible for 123,100 jobs in 2017, or one in every eight jobs in the Tom Mosman...... Craigmont state. Judy Woody...... Filer Agribusiness, which includes crop and livestock production Kyle Wade...... Downey and the processing of agricultural products, also generated 13 STAFF percent of Idaho’s total gross state product in 2017. Director of Admin. Services...... Cara Dyer Commodities & Mrkting Assist...... Melissa Nelson “We’re talking 13 percent of the state’s economy. That’s a Member Services Assistant...... Peggy Moore significant sector of Idaho’s economy,” said the report’s author, Member Benefit Assistant...... Dixie Ashton Philip Watson, an associate professor in U of I’s College of Assistant Treasurer...... Tyler Zollinger Dir. of Commodities and Marketing...... Zak Miller Agricultural and Life Sciences. Dist. I Regional Manager...... Ott Clark The report, which was published in January and is based Dist. II Regional Manager...... Tyrel Bingham Dist. III Regional Manager...... Zack Lanier on several sources, including data from USDA and the U.S. Dist. IV Regional Manager...... Brody Miller Bureau of Economic Analysis, found agriculture was also Dist. V Regional Manager...... Bob Smathers responsible for $26.4 billion in sales or 18 percent of Idaho’s Dir. of Governmental Affairs...... Russ Hendricks Energy/Natural Resources...... Braden Jensen total economic output. Legislative & Regulatory Counsel...... DeLon Lee “By that measure, it makes agriculture the largest sector in Office Manager, Boise...... Melissa Bechaver Director of Information...... Joel Benson the state of Idaho,” said U of I Agricultural Economist Garth Publications Editor/Media Contact...... Sean Ellis Taylor. “That is an astounding number.” Video Services Manager...... Steve Ritter Broadcast Services Manager...... Jake Putnam One in every $9 in wages paid in the state of Idaho can be Business Systems Administrator...... Tyler Moore attributed to agriculture, according to the report. Printed by: Adams Publishing Group, Pocatello, ID Agriculture’s impact on Idaho’s economy in 2017 actually GEM STATE PRODUCER decreased slightly from the previous report that was based on USPS #015-024, is published monthly except 2014 numbers. But Watson pointed out that 2014 was a record February, May, August and November by the year for Idaho agriculture in terms of total farm cash receipts IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION, 275 Tierra Vista Drive, Pocatello, ID 83201. and it was anticipated that agriculture’s impact, on a percent- POSTMASTER send changes of address to: age basis, would be down a little. GEM STATE PRODUCER Idaho farmers and ranchers brought in a record $8.8 billion P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848. in farm cash receipts in 2014 but that number dropped to $7.2 Periodicals postage paid at Pocatello, Idaho, and additional mailing offices. billion in 2017. Total net farm income in Idaho was $2 billion Subscription rate: $6.00 per year included in 2014 but $1.23 billion in 2014. in Farm Bureau dues. “The impact is down slightly from that high in 2014 but MAGAZINE CONTACTS: Idaho Farm Bureau Federation agriculture is still a very big player in Idaho’s economy, that’s EDITOR (208) 239-4292 • ADS (208) 239-4279 for sure,” Watson said. E-MAIL: [email protected] In calculating how important different sectors are to the web: www.idahofb.org state’s economy, Watson attributed every dollar generated in Front page illustration by Joel Benson. state GSP to a specific sector, so there was no double counting. For comparison’s sake, technology manufacturing, which includes computers, electronic equipment and other electron-
April 2019 | 3 Photos by Sean Ellis Hay is baled at the Guthrie ranch in Inkom last summer. A University of Idaho report shows that agriculture accounts for 13 percent of Ida- ho’s total gross state product.
RIGHT: Potatoes are harvested in a field near Aberdeen last year. Agribusiness, which includes crop and livestock production and the pro- cessing of agricultural products, was responsible for $26.4 billion in sales or 18 percent of Idaho’s total economic output in 2017, according to a recent University of Idaho report. ics, accounted for 7 percent of Idaho’s economy but the indirect impacts from in an economy,” Taylor said. “Agribusi- total GSP. agriculture are bigger because almost all ness is creating a lot more exports and has Agriculture’s total impact on the state’s the food produced in Idaho is exported to a bigger multiplier than other industries. economy includes its indirect impacts other states or nations. Obviously, we cannot consume the milk, on other sectors. For example, it would According to the Idaho State Depart- potatoes and other products we produce. include the sale of a tire tractor to a wheat ment of Agriculture, if Idahoans had to It’s almost all exported out of the state.” producer. consume all the farm products produced Watson said one thing that jumps out of “There are lots of segments of Idaho’s within the state, they would have to the data that was used to create the report economy that we wouldn’t have if we eat, every day, 43 potatoes, 2 pounds of is that the percent of Idaho’s GSP that didn’t have agriculture,” Watson said. cheese, 180 slices of bread, two onions, 2 comes from farm production is higher than Taylor said that every industry sector pounds of beef and three cups of beans. the percent of state GSP that comes from has indirect “multiplier” effects on the “It is the exports that create new wealth food processing.
4 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer That, he said, is not the case for most big farming states. A report prepared last year by U of I Agricultural Econ- “That’s a very unusual phenomenon,” he said. “It is ma and omist Ben Eborn showed that when it comes to farm cash pa farmer doing the lion’s share of the work.” receipts on a per capita basis, Idaho is an unchallenged No. 1 A separate report by Taylor found that total Idaho GSP among the 11 Western states. from production agriculture grew twice as fast as the state’s That report, which was based on USDA Economic Re- overall GSP from 1997-2017, while the food processing sec- search Service data, found that in 2017, Idaho agriculture tor’s percentage of total state GSP increased slightly during generated $4,287 in farm cash receipts per person in the state, that time. far more than California ($1,266), which leads the nation in As he told lawmakers in January, Idaho agriculture’s GSP total farm receipts. No other state was even close to Idaho in growth is being driven largely “by grandma and grandpa on that category. a tractor.” According to Watson’s report, Idaho ranked in the top five Watson’s report shows that agriculture’s importance to Ida- among the states in the production of 16 farm commodities, ho’s economy is much greater than it is in surrounding states based on National Agricultural Statistics Data from 2017. and the U.S. as a whole. That included No. 1 in four commodities, (potatoes, barley, It found that agriculture’s importance to Idaho’s economy trout and Austrian winter peas), No. 2 in five commodities is 12.4 times greater than it is in Nevada, 4 times greater than (sugar beets, hops, alfalfa, peppermint oil and wrinkled seed in Utah, 3.9 times greater than in Montana, 3.4 times greater peas), No. 3 in cheese, No. 4 in five categories (milk, onions, than in Washington, 2.7 times greater than in Oregon and 3.3 lentils, spearmint oil and number of milk cows) and No. 5 in times greater than in the U.S. overall. dry beans. n April 2019 | 5 SEARLE Continued from page 2 are constantly being launched against the industry. Because of the grassroots nature of our organization and its share of Idaho’s economy is 3.3 times greater than the U.S. as members’ direct involvement in the issues that impact the farm- a whole. ing industry, Farm Bureau truly does serve as the voice of Idaho Washington is a major agricultural state, yet agriculture is 3.4 agriculture. times more important to Idaho’s economy than it is to Washing- So, let’s keep up the good work and continue to promote, protect ton’s economy. and serve the industry that drives Idaho’s economy and way of life. The report also shows that Idaho ranks No. 1 in four agricultural Other stories in this magazine also help highlight the impor- commodities (potatoes, trout, barley and Austrian winter peas), No. tance of agriculture in Idaho and some of the exciting things 2 in five commodities (sugar beets, hops, alfalfa hay, peppermint happening in the sector. oil and wrinkled seed peas) and No. 3 in cheese production. A story on a research project that will use artificial intelli- In all, as the report shows, Idaho ranks in the top five in 16 gence to estimate fruit yields can be found on page 10, and an farm commodities. article about U of I’s $7 million plan to revitalize the Parma A story on that U of I report can be found on page 3. agricultural research and extension station starts on page 12. As members of Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, the state’s Idaho’s dairy industry, which has suffered severe financial largest general farm organization, each one of you are support- challenges recently due to depressed milk prices, received a ers and protectors of the state’s important agricultural industry. shot of good news Feb. 25 when Gem State Dairy Products Agriculture is the engine that drives Idaho’s economy and announced it will build a 200,000-square-foot milk processing Idaho Farm Bureau members serve an important role in promot- plant in Twin Falls. A story on that development is on page 8. ing, protecting and serving that industry. Recent estimates by U of I agricultural economists show that IFBF’s membership includes 15,000 people around the state who Idaho farmers and ranchers are less reliant on federal gov- are involved with agriculture. Together, they form a strong web that ernment payments than U.S. agriculture as a whole. A story provides support to the state’s farming and ranching industry. discussing that situation is on page 16. In every county in the state, Farm Bureau members constantly Turn to page 26 for a story about how Idaho agriculture has work to craft and promote policies that support and benefit ag- grown much faster than U.S. agriculture as a whole over the riculture and when an issue arises that threatens the ag industry, past two decades. they respond accordingly. Taken together, the stories in this April edition of Idaho Farm The value of that web of support cannot be overstated. Bureau’s Producer magazine show that not only is agriculture Without it, farmers and ranchers and the state’s food process- the most important part of Idaho’s economy, but the sector is ing industry would be vulnerable to the countless attacks that also vibrant and doing some innovative things. n KELLER Continued from page 2 state: “HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD.” Each Spring, as nature awakes from its winter slumber, Idaho The unknowns are guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Farm Bureau leaders from around the state set aside the hustle, by tomb guards, handpicked and rigorously trained. The tomb bustle, and confusion of travel and meetings, to reverently place guards are part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, “The Old a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Of the many great Guard.” accomplishments Farm Bureau achieves, perhaps the greatest is to This elite group religiously watch over their charges during represent Idaho’s farmers and ranchers – members of Farm Bureau the hottest of days and coldest of nights, rain or snow, even – in honoring and showing respect to America’s fallen. during hurricanes; they remain diligent. Each guard describes The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monument on the their service as a privilege and honor. hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, with the Idaho’s farmers and ranchers humbly recognize they are stew- remains of three U.S. service members who have died without ards of the land only because of the sacrifices of the men and being identified. One is from the trenches of World War I, one women in uniform who have preserved the freedoms allowing from World War II and the third unknown fought in Korea. us the privilege of living and working in this country. Each received the nation’s highest honor, the U.S. Medal Members of Farm Bureau honor and recognize the sacrifices of Honor, and each represent other unknowns never identified of those that serve and have served by presenting their greatest or found. Words inscribed in the monument above the crypts respect in laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. n 6 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer DUVALL Continued from page 2 barriers and bring balance to trade across the Atlantic. For too long, the EU has set unfair, non-scientific barriers of the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. enjoyed a trade on our farm products, resulting in a negative trade balance of surplus of $12 billion in countries where we had a trade $70 billion over the last decade. This is unacceptable treat- agreement in 2015, but we only had agreements in force ment of American farmers and ranchers who abide by the with 20 countries. And that remains the case today. We need highest safety and quality standards in the world. to keep moving forward by expanding our market access, Farm Bureau is grateful that the administration is once before we get left behind as other countries form agreements again sticking by farmers and ranchers: They have made it without us. clear that there will be no deal without including agriculture. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been all good news with trade over There’s no question 2018 was a tough year for many of us the last year. Farmers have gotten caught in the crossfire of a in farm country, and part of the reason for that is the turbu- year-long trade war with China. If we’re honest, however, we lence on the trade front. But we can come out on the other know a trade war has been going on much longer there. side stronger than ever, and I believe we will. In fact, Presi- The U.S. trade deficit with China was $375 billion in 2017 dent Trump personally has assured us of that. alone—that number doesn’t include money lost from China’s American farmers and ranchers will continue to be lead- unfair business practices. We all know a fair deal when we ers in every market where we have fair access to customers. see one, and you can’t call that kind of an imbalance fair. Let’s keep up the good work of planting seeds for ag trade No doubt, farmers and ranchers are hurting from lost by making our voices heard with Congress and the admin- markets as tariffs have escalated back and forth, but we are istration. We are already seeing good results, and a harvest hopeful that the administration’s tough stance will yield of new and growing markets will come if we don’t give up long-term rewards for our country’s economy, including rural hope. n communities that have suffered from economic hardship. This spring we are beginning to see a ray of hope as talks continue with China. This has been a long road, and I know we’re all eager to see the situation resolved. From positive reports in recent days, it seems we are getting closer. We have been encouraged by the announcement of more purchases of U.S. ag products by China, as well as by the president’s decision to delay indefinitely another tariff increase on Chinese imports that had been planned for this month. If we’re going to keep agricultural trade successful, we must hold our trading partners accountable and move for- ward with new deals—and that’s just what the administration is doing. With the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans Pacific Partnership already ratified by Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore, US- TR’s upcoming trade talks with Japan could not come soon enough. The Pacific market is an amazing growth opportunity for U.S. agriculture with Japan already a top five market for our ag exports. We cannot afford missing out here. The American Farm Bureau estimated that the original TPP would have increased net farm income by $4.4 billion and would have added more than 40, 000 jobs to our economy had we joined the agreement. It’s time to get a trade deal with Japan that will reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers and improve science-based sanitary measures to bring our farm- ers greater access to this booming market. We are also eager for USTR’s planned talks with the Euro- pean Union and United Kingdom to break down agricultural
April 2019 | 7 Dairy West photo Gem State Dairy Products will build a 200,000-square-foot aseptic milk processing plant in Twin Falls. The announcement came as welcome news to Idaho’s dairy industry, which has suffered through several years of depressed milk prices. Idaho dairy industry lands a new milk processing facility
By Sean Ellis aseptic milk processing plants in the midst of a pretty severe downturn in the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation United States in Twin Falls. dairy industry and any bit of optimism Construction on the 200,000-square- helps right now.” TWIN FALLS — News that a new foot facility is scheduled to begin this Idaho, which ranks third in the nation milk processing facility will be built in summer, according to a company news in milk production, hasn’t had a new Idaho has brought a ray of optimism to release, and it’s expected to be opera- milk processing facility since the Choba- the state’s dairy industry, which has suf- tional in the summer of 2020. ni yogurt plant in Twin Falls opened in fered through several years of depressed “It’s a big deal for Idaho’s dairy indus- December 2012. prices. try,” said Idaho Dairymen’s Association “It’s a welcome headline for sure,” Gem State Dairy Products announced Executive Director Rick Naerebout. “It Dairy West CEO Karianne Fallow said Feb. 25 it will build one of the largest gives us some optimism. We are in the See DAIRY, page 25
8 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer April 2019 | 9 Ag tech Using artificial intelligence to estimate fruit yields
By Sean Ellis Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
NAMPA — Northwest Nazarene University researchers are working on a project that seeks to use artificial intelligence to more quickly and ac- curately make early season fruit yield estimates. NNU Professor Duke Bulanon last year received a $65,000 specialty crop grant from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture for the project, which will develop a deep learning algo- rithm to more accurately estimate fruit yields early in the season. The current practice for making early season fruit yield estimates is to manually count fruits on a select num- ber of trees and then use the average number of fruit to calculate yields. This method is time consuming, labor intensive and includes only a limited sample size, limiting its reli- ability, Bulanon said. Using artificial intelligence to perform that task will improve the fruit yield estimate by enabling faster counting over a wider range of trees in an orchard, he said. Having a reliable early season fruit yield estimate will allow growers to better plan their harvesting operations and resources in advance, and better prepare post-harvesting logistics when it comes to ordering boxes and fruit covers, setting up storage equipment and reserving packing houses. Growers will also be able to better pre-market their fruit, which could result in them obtaining more com- petitive prices as much as 15 percent Photo by Sean Ellis Northwest Nazarene University professor Duke Bulanon, center, and undergraduate re- better, Bulanon said. search assistants Tyler Hestand, left, and Connor Nogales demonstrate a platform they are “Predicting the fruit yield, especial- developing that will use artificial intelligence to estimate fruit yields.
10 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer ly early in the season, is very important for farmers because if they market their fruit late in the season, the price of the fruit goes down,” he said. “If they have a reliable fruit yield estimate early in the season, they will have a more competi- tive price.” According to Bulanon’s grant propos- al, “This project … will position Idaho in the forefront of precision agriculture technologies for specialty crops.” To develop this type of artificial in- telligence tool, Bulanon and his team of robotic vision researchers at NNU will teach a deep learning algorithm to cor- rectly identify fruit on the tree between the blossom period and fruit maturity. That will include taking thousands of images of blossoms and unripe fruit and feeding them into a computer. “It’s like teaching a baby, this is a ball,” Bulanon said. “It will learn how to recognize what an apple is. Artificial intelligence mimics the way a human learns.” “We have to tell the machine, ‘This is an apple,’” said Connor Nogales, an undergraduate research assistant who is working on the project. “When it learns that, it can do that autonomously and a Photo by Sean Ellis Northwest Nazarene University professor Duke Bulanon, right, and undergraduate research lot faster than a human.” assistants Tyler Hestand, left, and Connor Nogales demonstrate a platform they are devel- He said it’s more accurate to call the oping that will use artificial intelligence to estimate fruit yields. process “machine learning,” because it “doesn’t actually have its own intel- “If it works, it would help growers way of helping farmers control input ligence. We’re just teaching it what to have the information we need so we costs through the use of robotic automa- do.” know how much to market,” he said. tion. Tyler Hestand, an undergraduate re- When it comes to setting up things The goal of that project is to create search assistant, said the algorithm will like storage, boxes and labor, “All of a simple robot that can navigate an or- predict fruit yields much faster than any those things would definitely make a chard or vineyard autonomously and be human ever could. difference,” he added. used to apply chemicals. “You just take a picture and seconds Michael Williamson, manager of Bulanon has also spearheaded a later it spits out an estimate of how Williamson Orchards and Vineyards in project to develop an unmanned aerial much fruit you’re going to have,” he Caldwell, said most of the company’s vehicle that takes multispectral images said. “The speed is definitely a major fruit is pre-sold. that farmers can quickly analyze on their advantage with artificial intelligence.” “We get the best return if we line up computers to determine if their plants Bulanon and his team will work on the those sales in May or June,” he said. “If are suffering from diseases, water stress project with local fruit growers. we can predict our yields very early in or nutrient deficiency. Chad Henggeler, field manager for the season in a precise kind of manner, He said projects like those and the Henggeler Packing Co., one of Idaho’s that would be very helpful.” current one are long-term efforts that largest fruit companies, said having This isn’t the first time Bulanon has could help Idaho producers in the future. reliable yield estimates very early in the led projects designed to benefit Idaho “We may not be impacting the grow- season could prove particularly benefi- farmers. He and his team of researchers ers in Idaho right now, right away, but cial to the Fruitland company when it are also working on a robotic platform we may be in 10 or 15 years from now,” comes to marketing its fruit. called “IdaBot” that could be a low-cost Bulanon said. n
April 2019 | 11 Photo by Sean Ellis Michael Parrella, dean of University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, second from left, speaks with farm industry leaders Feb. 21 about a $7 million plan to modernize the university’s Parma ag research center. U of I plans $7 million renovation of Parma ag research center
By Sean Ellis cluding beans, potatoes, onions, hops mints, is “going to be something that benefits all Idaho Farm Bureau Federation tree fruit, wine and table grapes, cereals and of Idaho agriculture,” Parrella told mem- seed crops. bers of the Treasure Valley Ag Coalition, PARMA — The dean of University of During a meeting with more than 30 a group that formed in 2009 to save the Par- Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life agricultural industry leaders and representa- ma center when it was slated for closure. Sciences has proposed a $7 million plan to tives Feb. 21, CALS Dean Michael Parrella “We are not changing the research mission renovate U of I’s Parma ag research station said the plan is to continue that work and he of the Parma station. We’re going to add to and add four new research positions. pointed out that the research conducted at the work already being done here.” The university’s Parma Research and the Parma station benefits every farmer in TVAC members, who represent a wide Extension Center in southwestern Idaho the state, not just the Treasure Valley. swath of the state’s farming sector, voted conducts research on multiple crops, in- The modernized Parma research center unanimously to rename their group the
12 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer Photo by Sean Ellis This is an artist’s rendering of a $7 million plan by University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sci- ences to modernize the university’s Parma ag research center.
Idaho Agriculture Research and Extension The dean said the university plans to university and committee members would Coalition (IDAREC). The new name was refurbish all of its ag research stations. immediately begin contacting industry to purposely chosen to reflect that the research The goal to modernize U of I’s Parma re- rally support for the project. that will be done at the rebuilt Parma search center “is not diminishing any of the People who were at the meeting said station will benefit all sectors of the state’s other R and E centers,” Parrella said. “The later they were excited by Parrella’s farming community. plan is to enhance all of the centers and we vision and they agreed with him that The modernized facility would include are going to start at Parma.” the goal of raising funds for the facility new graduate student housing, updated Parrella admitted the timeline to com- from industry was possible, especially labs and equipment, new greenhouses and plete the project is ambitious: the university if a large number of industry groups and four new positions: an Extension fruit and hopes to break ground on the project in the members chipped in. viticulture specialist, a weed scientist, an fall of 2020. “I think it’s doable,” said Mike Good- irrigation and soil scientist and a pollination The funding would come from the son, a farmer who is also a commissioner scientist. university, the state legislature and Idaho’s with the Idaho Bean Commission. That would bring the total number of agricultural industry and Parrella likened But Goodson and others also said that research faculty at the Parma center to 10 the funding effort to a three-legged stool. farm groups and commissions are going and they would study everything from bugs “None of us can do it by ourselves but to have to see a solid plan first and be and weeds to water and soil, said IDAREC collectively we can combine resources and convinced the project will benefit all of member Margie Watson. do it,” he said. “We need all three legs of Idaho agriculture. “Every farmer in the state of Idaho deals that stool to come together. If everybody “For me as a grower, I’d be willing to with all of those components,” she said. contributes, we can do this.” support that effort,” Goodson said. “As Many of the facilities at the Parma “This is an unprecedented attempt to a commissioner, I will need to see a plan station and Idaho’s other eight ag research pool resources for the common good; you and have a little more dialogue with the and extension centers are over 50 years old all would benefit from the expansion of this university about it.” and the centers are in substantial need of facility,” Parrella said. “All of Idaho bene- “It’s an exciting plan,” said Bob modernized infrastructure and equipment, fits from the expansion of this facility.” Simerly, an agronomist and IDAREC Parrella said. IDAREC Chairman Jon Watson said the member. “I think it’s attainable.” n
April 2019 | 13 Farm Bureau commits $100,000 toward CAFE project By Sean Ellis Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
POCATELLO — Idaho Farm Bureau Federation will contribute $100,000 to University of Idaho’s proposed Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment. IFBF will contribute $20,000 a year for five years toward the project, starting in August. The project, known as CAFE, will conduct cutting-edge research related to the state’s dairy industry and it will also conduct research on virtually every aspect of the agricultural industry, from water use and efficiency to soil health and fertility, forage cropping and agronomy, animal genetic im- provement, labor management and precision Dairy West photo agriculture. Idaho Farm Bureau Federation has committed $100,000 toward University of Idaho’s proposed The plan to create what will be the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment. The center will conduct cutting edge research on dairy and other farm-related issues relevant to the state’s agricultural sector. nation’s largest research dairy took a major step forward Feb. 14 when the Idaho State strengthen Idaho’s position on the map as a search, outreach and education that is going Board of Education voted to allow the uni- center for agricultural and food innovation to be done there,” he said. versity to buy land near Rupert for the $45 and technology.” The project will be anchored by a million project. Searle also said that IFBF “recognizes the 2,000-cow dairy that will conduct a host of U of I will pay $2.5 million toward impact CAFE will have across our entire research related to dairy, which is Idaho’s purchase of the 540-acre parcel of land and agricultural industry and the value that largest farm industry in terms of total farm- the Idaho Dairymen’s Association will pay will provide to our members and all Idaho gate revenue. About a third of the state’s $2 million. The Whitesides family, who producers.” total farm cash receipts come from dairy owns the land, will donate another 100 acres, According to a recent U of I study, farmers. bringing the total acreage to 640. agriculture directly and indirectly accounts It will also include a food processing pilot IFBF President Bryan Searle said Farm for about 16 percent of Idaho’s total gross plant that will be located on the College Bureau members are impressed with the domestic product and one in eight jobs in the of Southern Idaho campus in Twin Falls, university’s vision for CAFE. state. and an outreach and education center to “This CAFE project is going to be an “In a state where agriculture plays such be located on a 6-acre parcel of land at the incredible center and the university’s vision a vital role in our state’s economy, what crossroads where Interstate 84 and Highway for it is exciting,” said Searle, a farmer from is good for Idaho agriculture is good for 93 meet near Twin Falls. Shelley. “It’s a privilege for Idaho Farm Idaho,” Searle said. “It is evident that CAFE The outreach and education center will Bureau to be involved with it.” is good for Idaho agriculture.” conduct agricultural advocacy and teach In a letter of support for the center that Michael Parrella, dean of U of I’s College Idahoans where their food comes from. Searle sent U of I officials in December, he of Agricultural and Life Sciences, who is Searle said that is an exciting component said, “Projected to be the largest integrated leading the CAFE effort, said Farm Bureau’s of CAFE because “that’s what Farm Bureau research facility focused on dairy and allied contribution means a great deal to the proj- is all about: advocating for agriculture.” industry in the United States, CAFE will ect, and he reiterated the university’s pledge The center will be funded through a enhance a national and international repu- that the center will benefit all of agriculture. combination of state and U of I funds as well tation that will reflect the size, quality and “Obviously there is a huge focus on dairy as money from industry partners, including importance of the industry it represents and but all of agriculture will benefit from the re- farm organizations and commissions. n 14 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer April 2019 | 15 Photo by Sean Ellis Sugar beets are harvested in a field near Burley last fall. Idaho farmers are less reliant on federal government payments than U.S. agriculture as a whole. Idaho farmers less dependent on government payments By Sean Ellis that payments from the federal government accounted for 21 Idaho Farm Bureau Federation percent of total U.S. net farm income in fiscal 2018. They accounted for 15 percent of Idaho’s total net farm income. POCATELLO — Idaho farmers and ranchers are less reliant Just on a percentage basis, that means Idaho farmers are on government payments than U.S. agriculture as a whole. about 25 percent less reliant on government payments than the That means that any impacts on agriculture from the federal average U.S. farmer is. government shutdown would, on a percentage basis, be felt to Idaho, which is a major agricultural state, ranks third among a lesser degree in Idaho. the 11 Western states in total farm cash receipts and ranks No. University of Idaho’s annual “Financial Condition of Idaho 1 in the production of four farm commodities (potatoes, food Agriculture” report projects that federal government payments trout, barley and Austrian winter peas), No. 2 in five com- to Idaho farmers and ranchers declined 19 percent to $132 modities (hops, sugar beets, alfalfa hay, peppermint oil and million in fiscal year 2018. wrinkled seed peas), third in milk and cheese production Report co-authors Garth Taylor and Ben Eborn estimate See PAYMENTS, page 38
16 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer You juggle a lot in your world.
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Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services M176-ID (3-19) April 2019 | 17 Photo by Bill Schaefer Members of Idaho’s potato industry pose for a photo with Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, in his Washington, D.C., office. They met with Simpson during the National Potato Council’s annual “Potato D.C. Fly-in” to discuss issues affecting potato growers in Idaho and the United States. Potato industry leaders promote spuds in D.C. By Bill Schaefer the corridors of the EPA and the USDA. For Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Topics addressed during the four days included immigration reform, revisions to the H-2A temporary guest worker pro- WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Potato Council’s gram, the significant increases this year in the H-2A adverse “Potato D.C. Fly-In” Feb. 25-28 brought more than 200 potato effect wage rate in some states, improvements to the infra- growers and industry supporters together to hear the latest structure of the nation’s transportation system, and truck and news and prognostications from “inside the beltway” pundits, driver shortages due in part to requirements for monitoring government officials and elected representatives. hours of service with electronic logging devices. The annual event brings the nation’s potato growers, proces- Idaho, being the nation’s number one producer of potatoes, sors and complementary industry associates to Washington, consistently sends the largest state delegation to the Fly-In. D.C., to not only lobby their congressional representatives but This year, 24 growers and industry representatives came from to catch up on the latest legislative, regulatory and political the Gem State to stand up for potatoes in the nation’s capital. issues. Leading the Idaho group through the halls of the congres- It includes a day and a half of lobbying on Capitol Hill and sional office buildings was Pat Kole, vice president of legal 18 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer and governmental affairs for the Idaho Potato Commission. “We have been so fortunate over the years because our elected officials have given us generous amounts of their time,” Kole said of Idaho’s four-member congressional delegation. Kole said the Fly-In is an opportunity to reaffirm the potato industry’s relation- ship with its elected officials. Randy Hardy, a potato grower from Burley, has been coming to D.C. every year of the Fly-In. “I think it’s really important for our congressional people to see us there,” Hardy said. “They know our issues and support us but still, it’s good to go in with an Idaho group and be able to explain to them why we believe the way we do.” Along with visiting Sen. Jim Risch, Sen. Mike Crapo and Rep. Mike Simp- son, the Idaho delegation spent time with the newest member of the state’s congressional delegation, Rep. Russ Fulcher. “We are off to a very productive and positive start with our new congressman, Russ Fulcher,” Kole said. “He demon- strated an openness and a willingness to listen that was really refreshing.” In conjunction with the Fly-In, the Potato Industry Leadership Institute brought a group of 24 potato growers and industry representatives to D.C. following a week-long educational tour of Oregon’s potato facilities. The PILI is a leadership development program that introduces and educates the next generation of industry leaders. Attend- ees spent a week in Oregon visiting farms, research centers and processing plants to learn the intricacies of the potato industry. They then traveled to Washington, Photos by Bill Schaefer TOP: R.J. Andrus, the National Potato Council’s vice president of grower outreach and indus- D.C., for intensive media training and try research, introduces Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, during the general session of the NPC’s public policy discussions and joined “Potato D.C. Fly-In.” their individual state organizations to USDA Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue speaks to members of the nation’s potato lobby their congressional representatives industry Feb. 26 at the “Potato D.C. Fly-In.” on Capitol Hill. This year’s PILI’s grower leaders were of Oakley, Jolyn Rasmussen of Boise “What we get out of it is the training Jason Stoddard of Stoddard Farms in and Jeff VanOrden of Blackfoot. of our new emerging leaders in develop- Grace, and Eric Jemmett of J&S Farms Kole extolled the PILI training as ing the capacity to identify and commu- in Parma. laying the foundational ground work for nicate what the needs are of the potato In the PILI class, from Idaho, were: developing the next generation of potato industry in our state to policy makers Justin Jones of Burley, Blake Matthews industry leaders. first-hand,” he said. n
April 2019 | 19 20 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer April 2019 | 21 University of Idaho photo At high label rates, Esplanade F mixed with post-emergent herbicides can injure grasses like intermediate wheatgrass shown here. Looking to the right you can see the ventenata (short green grasses) between the wheatgrass plants. Managing annual grasses in forested areas By Timothy Prather Many of the grasses will be establishing from University of Idaho seed, particularly the annual grasses, and these grasses compete with young trees after After a woodlot has been harvested, prepa- planting and also compete with seedlings ration for replanting may include manage- from natural tree reseeding. ment of other plants that may compete with In addition, private forest landowners the trees, limiting their growth. often have meadows used by wildlife and While shrubs may pose a significant possibly also by livestock. I am going to problem for tree growth, forbs and grasses focus on grasses although some forbs may can also contribute to decreased tree growth also be controlled after use of herbicides to in the first three to five years after planting. manage these grasses. Further, I will present
22 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer University of Idaho photo In addition to meadows and wood lots after harvest, ventenata is found in canyon grasslands (top left), rangelands (top right), grasslands in Western Montana (bottom left) and the Great Plains near Sheridan, Wyo. (bottom right). results from studies my lab has done on forest lands so decreases in plant diversity velopment of the cell wall within plants. ventenata, the up and coming annual grass goes against that goal. Ventenata is rooted Plant growth is reduced in the developing of concern. Much of what I will cover for shallowly so its soil-holding ability is less seedling without the structure the cell wall control will apply to other annual grasses than other plants with more extensive root provides and the seedling soon dies with- and some seedlings of perennial grasses systems. Sites dominated by ventenata out cell walls. Esplanade F can be used for as well. after harvest may be susceptible to surface plantings of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir Ventenata (Ventenata dubia) is a soil erosion. and western larch. growing problem in the Pacific North- Pre-emergent control of grasses can be In addition to grasses, there are forbs west. We have studied ventenata in the achieved with herbicides. Pre-emergent that are controlled and include some plants canyon grasslands of Northern Idaho and herbicides don’t actually kill seeds, the in the sunflower family and as well as sage steppe through Southern Idaho and herbicides kill the seedlings soon after plants in the legume family. Eastern Oregon. In both of those systems germination and usually before the plants The research we have done with indazi- we found as ventenata increased at a site, emerge from the soil. One of the new flam has included several different annual plant species diversity decreased. herbicides that is starting to be used for grasses and university faculty at other We have found with increasing ventena- control of seedling grasses is a chemical universities have conducted studies in oth- ta, other annual grasses decline in addition called indaziflam that is sold with the er states to measure control of other plant to decreased overall plant species diversi- tradename of Esplanade F. species. Because indaziflam is applied ty. We all look to having well-functioning Indaziflam acts by inhibiting the de- before germination to grasses, timing of April 2019 | 23 application is important. nade F. Our research in moist meadows aerial application to identify how many We want to be sure the herbicide is ap- has shown that the herbicide can result gallons per acre of water are needed to plied before germination so with ventenata in long-term control with our experience be able to effectively control the target we look for conditions where one inch demonstrating at least 27 months of con- grasses. Low application rates like two of rain has been measured with soil still trol. to three gallons per acre do not distrib- moist until one inch has been received and Since much of the competition from ute the herbicide evenly enough to get soil temperature is above 48 Fahrenheit. grasses and forbs declines after four to good control. Those are the conditions for germina- five years, getting control for at least 27 While we don’t know the minimum tion so if it has been more than a couple months can release those young trees from required for good control, I can suggest of weeks since one inch of rain with soil their herbaceous competitors. using the highest carrier rate for the aerial temperature above 48, then we should We have started a site prep and planting application that is feasible. I will report think about adding a post-emergent herbi- study for larch with Esplanade F. We will back on that information once we have cide. One of the Roundup or Roundup-like plant trees later this spring and add to the begun that study. products as well as/or Plateau/Panoramic herbicide application done already to mea- can be used to kill some of the emerged sure larch tolerance to Esplanade F and to Timothy Prather is a professor in Uni- grass seedlings. measure grass control. I will report back versity of Idaho’s Department of Plant, We can achieve up to 100 percent after we have completed that study. Soil and Entomological Sciences. He can control of annual grasses with the Espla- We will conduct a second study of be reached at [email protected]. n
University of Idaho photo Ventenata plants are small and close to the ground before flowering.
24 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer DAIRY
Continued from page 8 exported about $356 million worth of dairy products to other nations in 2017. of the new facility. “Our dairy operators have been facing a “Idaho is known globally for its high-quality and readily tremendous amount of pressure in the marketplace. This is available milk supply,” Naerebout said. “Gem State will be a definitely some welcome news.” welcome addition to the existing milk-processing landscape in The new facility, which will create more than 100 milk pro- Idaho.” cessing jobs, will be one of the largest aseptic milk processing Idaho’s dairy industry produces a variety of dairy products, plants in the industry and will produce a variety of milk prod- including milk and whey protein powders to cheese, butter, ucts for Gem State Dairy Products’ customers. yogurt and fluid milk. Three percent of the state’s milk stays Aseptic milk is shelf-stable milk that does not require in fluid form, while the rest is made into ingredients that make refrigeration before the product is opened. The milk is made their way to store shelves throughout the United States and shelf-stable by pasteurization at a high temperature. around the world. That type of milk is more common in some other nations “This vertically integrated bottling facility will be one of the and could be a good product to export from Idaho because it newest and largest aseptic processing facilities in the country,” doesn’t require refrigeration, Fallow said. said Tom Mikesell, a spokesman for Gem State Dairy Prod- There are about 592,000 milk cows in Idaho and the state’s ucts. “That will allow Gem State to provide its customers with 450 dairies collectively produce more than 40 million pounds high-quality and lower-cost alternatives for milk and dairy- of milk per day or 15 billion pounds per year. based beverages.” Dairy accounts for 33 percent of Idaho’s total farm cash Fallow said Idaho’s dairy industry “can best be described receipts and the state’s 20 dairy processing plants export about as innovative and forward-thinking. This new facility exhibits 2 million pounds of milk from the state every day. those qualities and is poised to serve the emerging needs of According to a recent University of Idaho study, Idaho domestic and global customers.” n
April 2019 | 25 Idaho ag growing faster than U.S. as a whole By Sean Ellis Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
POCATELLO — When it comes to farm cash receipts, Idaho agriculture has grown much faster than U.S. agriculture as a whole over the past two decades. Based on data from USDA’s Economic Research Service, total farm cash receipts in Idaho from 1997-2017 grew 53 percent in real dollars, which are dollar values adjusted for inflation. During that same time, U.S. farm cash receipts grew 21 percent, University of Idaho Agricultural Economist Garth Taylor said during UI’s annual “Idaho Ag Outlook Seminars” Dec. 11-13 in Idaho Falls, Bur- ley and Caldwell. Idaho’s growth in farm-gate receipts is due largely to the huge increase in income from the state’s dairy sector, he said. Idaho’s dairy sector, the state’s top farm commodity in terms of cash receipts, began to explode in the late 1990s and farm cash receipts from milk in Idaho have grown 173 percent since 1997. “Idaho agriculture is growing faster than the United States overall in cash receipts and it’s largely due to milk,” Taylor said. While many states grow a lot of the big
Photo by Sean Ellis A sugar beet pile near Pingree is shown in this fall 2018 photo. Idaho agriculture has grown much faster than U.S. agriculture as a whole over the past two decades when it comes to total farm cash 26 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer receipts. ‘Idaho’s growth in farm-gate receipts is due largely to the huge increase in income from the state’s dairy sector.’ farm program cops such as corn and soybeans, more than half total GDP, 14 percent of its jobs and 20 percent of its sales. of Idaho’s farm cash receipts come from the livestock sector, Taylor said all these different data points show how import- primarily dairy and beef cattle. ant agriculture is to the state’s economy. When hay and other livestock feed, such as potato waste, “We’re an ag-dependent state,” he said. “Farming and ranch- sugar beet pulp and corn silage, are added in, “We’re looking ing are extremely important to Idaho.” n at 75-80 percent of our state’s agricultural economy being related to livestock,” Taylor said. “Idaho is a different breed of cats than the U.S a whole when it comes to the structure of our agriculture.” LOW INTEREST LOANS Within Idaho, total state gross domestic product from agri- culture has increased 242 percent since 1997, based on U.S. Department of Commerce and Bureau of Economic Analysis FOR IDAHO SOIL & WATER data, Taylor said. During that same period, Idaho’s total GDP has grown 81 percent and food processing GDP has grown 14 percent. CONSERVATION The 242 percent growth in Idaho farm GDP “Is from farm- ing, not agribusiness,” Taylor said. “This is stodgy old grand- ma and grandpa out on a tractor.” Sprinkler Irrigation He said he and fellow UI Agricultural Economist Ben Eborn had a hard time believing those numbers at first. “We ran these No-Till Drills numbers and did it again and again and again,” he said. Fences Other highlights of Taylor’s presentation include: Livestock Feeding • When ranked by farm GDP as a percentage of a state’s Operations total GDP, Idaho ranks No. 4 in the nation, behind South Da- Solar Stock Water kota, Nebraska and North Dakota. • Idaho is an unchallenged No. 1 among the 11 Western Pump Systems states when it comes to total farm cash receipts on a per capita basis. No other state is even close. Idaho generated $4,287 in farm cash receipts per person in 2017, almost quadruple the total in California, which leads the nation in total farm receipts. • Agriculture and agribusiness is the state’s largest industry and generate, directly and indirectly, 16 percent of Idaho’s swc.idaho.gov (208) 332-1790
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Kendon Perry, North Idaho Agents Bonner County Ben Rae, Regional Executive
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28 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer April 2019 | 29 Photo by Sean Ellis More than 74 percent of Idaho farmers responded to the 2017 Census of Agriculture survey, ahead of the 71.8 percent response rate for the United States as a whole. Release of Census of Ag data delayed until April By Sean Ellis agricultural industry based on Census of Ag data and it also is used Idaho Farm Bureau Federation to help shape farm programs and policies. “It’s used by a lot of businesses as well,” said Chris Mertz, BOISE — The release of data from the 2017 Census of Agricul- director of NASS’ northwest regional field office. “A lot of people ture has been delayed because of the government shutdown. use that report.” USDA had planned to start releasing data from the census begin- He said NASS officials have been contacted by a lot of people ning Feb. 21 but has changed that date to April 11. about the 2017 report since its release was delayed. The census is taken every five years and is a complete count of “It’s been nice to see that many people contacting us looking for every farm and ranch in the United States that produces or would that information,” he said. “It shows that a lot of people are using normally produce at least $1,000 worth of farm products during the the report to help promote and advocate for agriculture.” census year. USDA collected data for the recent census during 2017 and part It includes information on land use and ownership, production of 2018. practices, income, expenditures and operator characteristics for Idaho ranked No. 12 in the nation, up from No. 25 during the every county in the nation. 2012 Census of Ag, when it came to the percentage of farmers and “A lot of people are interested in that data and are looking ranchers in the state who returned a 2017 census survey. forward to it,” Randy Welk, Idaho state statistician for USDA’s Idaho finished with a 74.3 percent response rate, which was National Agricultural Statistics Service, told Food Producers of down slightly from the state’s 2012 rate of 74.7 percent but ahead Idaho members recently. of the overall U.S. response rate of 71.8 percent, which was down He told Farm Bureau later that in his first six months as NASS’ from 74.6 percent in 2012. Idaho state statistician, “I have received more inquiries about By comparison, Oregon’s response rate was 73.4 percent, down the Census of Agriculture than about all other (NASS) programs from 76.7 percent in 2012, and Washington’s rate was 71.4 percent, combined.” down from 76.1 percent. The census data contains a host of information down to the coun- Welk said NASS will conduct follow-on census surveys for ty level about farm production. aquaculture, irrigation and water management, horticulture and or- “There is no other publicly available agricultural dataset contain- ganic production. Data collection for those surveys is either under ing this level of detail down to the county level,” Welk said. “Inqui- way or will begin later this year. ries have come from University of Idaho staff, commodity groups, The organic survey information will be of particular interest industry folks, producers, legislators, etc. Anyone interested in given that sector’s rapid growth, Welk said. Idaho agriculture data is interested in the Census of Agriculture.” “I get so many calls on organic right now,” he said. While the 2017 census was being conducted, NASS officials said Data collection for the organic follow-on survey will begin in they planned to capture more data about female and young farmers December. The only question asked about organic production and ranchers as well as military veterans who are producers. during the 2017 Census of Agriculture was on total gross value of A significant amount of federal and state funds is allocated to the sales. n 30 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer By Clark Johnston Grain Marketing Owner JC Management Co. Marketing takes time, effort hat a great of our time and sold a futures contract for that time to be resources. But protection. All of these strategies W in the ag the same thought would have protected us from at industry. I realize process also least some of the adverse move in that some years are applies to mar- the market. better than others keting. Are there At this point in time, there is a and right now may tools available possibility that we will put at least not be as good as in to us that we ha- some of this money back in the years past, but at the ven’t necessarily market. We need to be ready to im- same time it is better looked at in the plement our marketing plan when than other years. past? If we have this happens. In order to make When I began looked at them, good informed decisions, there will working in the grain did we walk be a few things that we need to industry, wheat pric- away feeling have in place. First is a budget that es would fluctuate maybe 5 percent more confused that we did before? will give us a good feeling for our during the year. Now, the market The answer is, yes! cost of production. moves 10 to 20 percent higher and Just look at what has happened Once this is in place, making our the same percent lower, all during in the wheat market during the last decision on just how to manage our the same marketing year, giving us half of February and the first week price risk will allow us to make the opportunity to be profitable. in March. On Feb. 14, the Chicago that decision based on what we When we study the markets and December 2019 futures contract know. This should be very exciting the local basis, we will automati- closed at $5.47. On March 8, the to all of us as we move forward cally have more tools to work with contract closed at $4.72. This was in deciding just what to do. None as we compile our strategy for a 13.7 percent drop in prices in just of the strategies we mentioned are marketing our commodities. three weeks. perfect. They all have their good Marketing does take time and What could we have done, if points as well as those points that effort just the same as the other anything, to protect us from this may not be so good. areas of our operation. Production type of adverse move in the mar- However, I can promise you that is vital and should take a large ket? Is there anything available they will all work to your benefit percentage of our time, along with to us to help us avoid this type of at some point in time during the managing our money and equip- movement in the market? Here year and they will all work very ment. again, the answer is, yes. well. All of you are diversified in However, as we visit with pro- The protections that are available your production and you also need ducers across the state we have to us aren’t new but will be foreign to be diversified in your marketing. discovered that marketing really to some of us. However, just like Contact Zak Miller in the Farm doesn’t receive as much time and advances in production as well as Bureau office in Pocatello at (208) effort as other areas. We see this advances in technology, we learn 239-4341 for more information on as we travel around and notice the it and decide how to use these ad- the marketing and educational pro- number of producers who attend vances in our operation. Using new grams that are currently in place to meetings on production compared ideas isn’t one size fits all. assist you in your operation. to meetings on, say, money man- Let’s go back and look at the agement and marketing. middle of February again. We Clark Johnston is a grain mar- This isn’t bad – we all need to could have forward contracted our keting specialist and owner of JC learn new technology and how it wheat with the local elevator, we Management Co. of Ogden, Utah. has the potential to help us in- could have bought a put option to He can be reached at clark@ crease our production using less protect us or we could have simply jcmanagement.net. n
April 2019 | 31 Photo by Sean Ellis Farm workers prepare a hop field near Notus last spring. Idaho hop production continues to soar and the state is now ranked second in the nation in total hop production and acres. Idaho hop production up 16 percent in 2018
By Sean Ellis USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics has strengthened its hold on that ranking. Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Service. According to NASS, Oregon farmers Idaho produced 16.2 million pounds of produced 12.9 million pounds of hops POCATELLO — Idaho hop produc- hops in 2018, according to NASS, up 16 in 2018, up slightly from 12.5 million tion continues to soar, as Idaho farmers percent from 14 million pounds in 2017. pounds in 2017. Oregon farmers harvest- harvested 1,000 more hop acres in 2018 That increase enabled Idaho to so- ed 7,725 acres of hops in 2018, down than they did in 2017. lidify its spot as the nation’s No. 2 hop from 8,216 acres in 2017, but the state’s Idaho farmers harvested 8,140 acres producing state, ahead of Oregon and total production was up because of high- of hops in 2018, 14 percent more than behind Washington. er yields. the 7,125 acres they harvested in 2017, Idaho passed Oregon in 2017 to nab the Idaho passed Oregon in total produc- according to data released Dec. 19 by No. 2 spot for the first time and since then tion but not acres in 2017 but in 2018,
32 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer Photo by Steve Ritter Hops are processed at a facility near Wilder last year. Idaho hop production has skyrocketed in recent years and the state now ranks No. 2 in the nation in total hop production and acres.
Idaho also surpassed Oregon in total acres as well. years that University of Idaho agricultural economists are Yields in Idaho hop fields averaged 1,995 per acre in 2018 considering covering hops for the first time in their annual compared with 1,675 per acre in Oregon. “The Financial Condition of Idaho Agriculture” report, which Washington remains the nation’s unchallenged No. 1 is released in January and estimates the state’s total farm cash hop-producing state with 39,170 harvested acres in 2018 and receipts and net farm income from the previous year. 78 million pounds of production. That report estimates cash receipts and net farm income for Idaho hop acres have increased 236 percent since 2012, the state’s top eight farm commodities in terms of cash re- when they totaled 2,423. ceipts and lumps everything else in under the “other” category. From 2015 to 2018, the total value of Idaho hop production But hops might debut in that report soon. has increased 177 percent, from $31 million to $86 million. “Hops hasn’t been on the radar in the past but we may have In 2016, the crop for the first time jumped into the list of to take them into consideration,” said UI ag economist Garth Idaho’s top 10 farm commodities in terms of cash receipts. Taylor, one of the report’s authors. Hops ranked No. 10 in 2016 and 2017. According to NASS, total U.S. hop production was up 1 per- NASS will release the data showing Idaho’s top 10 farm cent to 107 million pounds in 2018. Virtually all of that came commodities for 2018 next October but based on NASS’ 2018 from Washington, Idaho and Oregon. estimate for hop value of production, the crop could move into Total U.S. harvested acres in 2018 hit 55,035, up 2 percent the No. 9, which was held by dry beans in 2017, and possibly from 53,989 in 2017. But total value of U.S. production was the No. 8 spot, which was held by corn for grain. down 1 percent to $583 million due to slightly lower yields, Idaho hop industry leaders have said the rapid increase in which fell from 1,956 in 2017 to 1,943 in 2018, and slightly hop acres is being driven mostly by increased demand from lower prices. the craft brewing industry for aroma varieties. The average hop price per pound fell 2 percent, from $5.60 Hop production in Idaho has increased so rapidly in recent in 2017 to $5.46 in 2018.n
April 2019 | 33 34 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer China agrees to buy $30 billion more in U.S. ag products
By Sean Ellis President Donald Trump tweeted at the time, “China has Idaho Farm Bureau Federation agreed to buy massive amounts of ADDITIONAL farm/agri- culture products — would be one of the best things to happen POCATELLO — In an effort to avoid an escalation of the to our farmers in many years.” ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, Chinese trade of- He also tweeted, “Under our potential deal with China, they ficials have apparently, once again, pledged to buy tens of billions will purchase from our Great American Farmers practically as of dollars’ worth of additional U.S. agricultural products. much as our Farmers can produce.” “Yesterday, there were reports China is going to buy $30 Following that announcement, the trade talks frayed and billion in additional agricultural products, mostly soybeans,” Trump said the U.S. would increase tariffs on $200 billion Charles Payne said Feb. 22 worth of products from during his regular “Mak- China from 10 percent to ing Money with Charles 25 percent. Payne” television show on On Dec. 1, the White the Fox Business channel. ‘The White House issued what it House again announced The show was one of called a joint statement between that China had agreed to several national media start buying substantial- outlets that reported China ly more farm products was promising to import the two nations that said both from the United States. In $30 billion in additional return, the president agreed U.S. farm products in an sides agreed on significant to leave the U.S. tariffs effort to reach a trade deal increases in U.S. agriculture and on $200 billion worth of with the United States. products from China at 10 China imported $21 energy product exports to China.’ percent and not raise them billion worth of U.S. agri- to 25 percent. cultural products in 2017, Making China the No. 2 At that time, the two export market for U.S. farm products, behind Canada ($22 sides agreed they would billion). try to have an agreement completed by March 1. If that didn’t The two nations last year announced hundreds of billions happen, U.S. officials said, the tariffs on Chinese products of dollars in tariffs on each other and China’s tariffs largely would be increased to 25 percent. targeted the United States’ agricultural sector. The amount of At the time, Trump tweeted, “Farmers will be a very big U.S. farm goods China purchased dropped significantly last and fast beneficiary of our deal with China … We make the year as a result of that development. finest and cleanest product in the world, and that is what China If the U.S. and China reach an agreement and China follows wants. Farmers, I love you!” through on its pledge to buy an additional $30 billion worth of Following four days of trade talks that began Feb. 21, and U.S. farm products, “maybe those farmers who had to suffer with the March 1 deadline looming, Trump announced the through this will be rewarded after all,” Payne said. U.S. will delay increasing the tariffs. This is the third time since last May that Chinese trade ne- “I am pleased to report that the U.S. has made substantial gotiators have pledged to buy massive additional amounts of progress in our trade talks with China on important structural U.S. farm products. issues including intellectual property protection, technolo- In May, the White House issued what it called a joint statement gy transfer, agriculture, services, currency and many other between the two nations that said both sides agreed on significant issues,” Trump tweeted Feb. 24. “As a result of these very increases in U.S. agriculture and energy product exports to China. productive talks, I will be delaying the U.S. increase in tariffs Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue followed that announcement now scheduled for March 1. Assuming both sides make addi- up by telling reporters the U.S. was pushing China to increase the tional progress, we will be planning a Summit for [Chinese] amount of ag commodities it purchases from the United States by President Xi [Jinping] and myself, at Mar-a-Lago, to conclude about $25 billion annually. an agreement. A very good weekend for U.S. & China!” n April 2019 | 35 Serve with Purpose– Give with Passion– Grow the Legacy YOU can make a difference in the lives of Idaho’s youth. Donate today to the Idaho FFA Foundation and be a part of growing tomorrow’s leaders.
Allyson King I/We would like to contribute $______2018-2019 State to the Idaho FFA Foundation to support Idaho FFA members: Secretary Filer, Idaho Name ______
“Through FFA I have Address ______found more confidence
and life long skills I will City/State/Zip ______be able to use in any
career field. I have ______gained knowledge of all aspects of the Ag.
industry, public speaking skills, how to Phone ______prioritize, and to serve others.”
Email ______
Melanie Searle Check Enclosed 2018-2019 State Please bill my:
Treasurer Visa or Mastercard Burley, Idaho Name on card:
“From future doctors to ______deliverymen, plumbers Card Number and Expiration Date: to politicians, the FFA provides exposure to the agricultural industry to ______
those both directly and indirectly involved in production Exp______CVC: ______
agriculture. The leadership development and career preparation that occurs Signature ______throughout the FFA organization not only Please mail to: equips the up and coming generation of agriculturists for a career in the industry, Idaho FFA Foundation but provides an understanding of P.O. Box 827 Star, ID 83669 agriculture to future voters, taxpayers, and lawmakers.” Questions? Phone: 208-869-6594, or Email: [email protected]
Idaho FFA Foundation, Inc. is a www.idffafoundation.org 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization: All contributions will go towards supporting Tax ID# 82-0360159 the overall mission of the Idaho FFA Foundation
FFA—Growing Leaders, Building Communities and Strengthening Agriculture!
36 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer Serve with Purpose– Give with Passion– Grow the Legacy YOU can make a difference in the lives of Idaho’s youth. Dairy West becomes a premiere Donate today to the Idaho FFA Foundation and be a part of growing tomorrow’s leaders. partner with U.S. Speedskating
Allyson King I/We would like to contribute $______Dairy West news release 2018-2019 State to the Idaho FFA Foundation to support Idaho Secretary FFA members: SALT LAKE CITY – US Speedskating and Dairy West on March 7 announced Filer, Idaho Name ______a strategic partnership designed to bring
high-quality dairy products to speed “Through FFA I have Address ______skating Olympic athletes and hopefuls. found more confidence Dairy West, which represents dairy and life long skills I will City/State/Zip ______operators in Idaho and Utah, has sup- be able to use in any plied dairy nutrition to USS athletes career field. I have ______since 2012 to fuel healthy training gained knowledge of all aspects of the Ag. and recovery, but this new partnership industry, public speaking skills, how to Phone ______creates an opportunity for the organiza- prioritize, and to serve others.” tions to bring a dynamic focus to health, community engagement and the value Email ______of good nutrition when it comes to high performance.
"We're thrilled to partner with Dairy Melanie Searle Check Enclosed 2018-2019 State Please bill my: West and provide our athletes with local dairy products that will help our athletes Treasurer Visa or Mastercard reach their optimal performance levels,” Burley, Idaho Name on card: said USS Executive Director Ted Morris. “Nutrition is a critical part of reaching
“From future doctors to ______greatness on the ice. Our partnership deliverymen, plumbers with Dairy West will ensure our athletes Photo by ThunderBunny Studios Card Number and Expiration Date: are physically ready to go every time Casey Dawson, pictured here, a senior at Park City High School in Utah, officially made to politicians, the FFA Team USA and the US Speedskating men’s long track team in November. US Speedskating provides exposure to the they step on the ice." and Dairy West, which represents dairy farmers and processors in Idaho and Utah, on March agricultural industry to ______Part of this collaboration will include 7 announced a strategic partnership that will bring high quality dairy products to speed hosting an annual sports nutrition sym- skating Olympic athletes and hopefuls. those both directly and indirectly involved in production Exp______CVC: ______posium at USS' new training facility at agriculture. The leadership development the Utah Olympic Oval. The symposium dairy products to fuel greatness," said medals, making it one of the most suc- in August 2019 will feature top speed Heidi Martin, Dairy West’s vice presi- cessful sports in U.S. Olympic history. and career preparation that occurs Signature ______throughout the FFA organization not only skating athletes, quality speakers from dent of health and wellness. equips the up and coming generation of Please mail to: the health and fitness industry, brief ABOUT DAIRY WEST training sessions and access to the Dairy ABOUT U.S. SPEEDSKATING Dairy West is a regional dairy promo- agriculturists for a career in the industry, Idaho FFA Foundation but provides an understanding of P.O. Box 827 West Fueling Station. U.S. Speedskating grows and nurtures tion organization established in 2017 to agriculture to future voters, taxpayers, Star, ID 83669 In addition to a shared mission of a sport where all ages can experience the represent dairy farmers, processors, and promoting healthy, nutritious foods for thrill of speed and the camaraderie of the supply chain partners in Idaho and Utah. and lawmakers.” Questions? Phone: 208-869-6594, or Email: [email protected] optimum performance, the two organiza- skating community. US Speedskating is The organization raises awareness of the tions will also focus on community en- responsible for the development of speed importance of dairy farming, promotes www.idffafoundation.org Idaho FFA Foundation, Inc. is a gagement with local schools, educating skating from grassroots to the highest elite the health and nutritional benefits of 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization: All contributions will go towards supporting students about the benefits of champion- racing programs and is recognized by the dairy foods, and encourages global de- Tax ID# 82-0360159 the overall mission of the Idaho FFA ship-level nutrition and fuel. United States Olympic Committee and the mand for Idaho and Western U.S. dairy Foundation "Through the investment of local dairy International Skating Union as the govern- foods through coordinated marketing farm families, Dairy West is proud to ing body for the sport of speed skating in and communications efforts, nutrition FFA—Growing Leaders, Building Communities and Strengthening Agriculture! partner with US Speedskating and fuel the United States. counseling, and research programs. Visit the athletes with local, nutrient-rich The Organization has won 88 Olympic DairyWest.com for more information. n
April 2019 | 37 PAYMENTS Continued from page 16
and fourth in the production of bulb onions, lentils and spring wheat. But Idaho received less than 1 percent of total federal govern- ment payments to U.S. agriculture last year. “Farmers in Idaho do not farm the government,” Taylor told lawmakers Jan. 3 while discussing the highlights of the “Finan- cial Condition of Idaho Agriculture” report. Most of the government payments Idaho farmers and ranch- ers received last year came from conservation programs and from the Price Loss Coverage and Agriculture Risk Coverage programs, which help compensate growers when commodity prices are low. PLC and ARC are revenue protection programs that are based on yields and prices and if they fall below certain levels, that triggers payments to producers. Eborn said most of the ARC and PLC payments Idaho pro- ducers received in fiscal 2018 were related to low grain prices. Idaho also received a small amount of milk program and disaster program payments. n
38 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer Classifieds ANIMALS hay in Ada, Canyon and utilities available. Must obtain Easy calving, gentle Salers Gem Counties. Willing to septic & water permits. Shelley Old License Plates Wanted. bulls. Fullbloods, Purebreds, consider 1 ton bales. Call JP Area. 208-528-5337. Leave Also key chain license plates, Percentage. Reubens, Idaho at 208.869.0740 or Joan at message. old signs, light fixtures. Will 208-924-5106. 208.869.0329. pay cash. Please email, call WANTED or write. Gary Peterson, 130 Border collie puppies, 1 Female/1 MISCELLANEOUS Paying cash for old cork top E Pecan, Genesee, Id 83832. Male, Working parents, 2 months 1964 Chevy 2 ton bobtail embossed bottles and some [email protected]. 208-285- old $300 each. Doug Burgess truck grain bed, hoist. $3,500; telephone insulators. Call 1258. 208-337-4094. Mortar mixer 8 h.p. gas motor, Randy. Payette, Id. 208-740-0178. $500; Toro Riding lawn mower, Our Idaho family loves old Black Angus Bulls for sale. automatic. 16 h.p. gas engine. Paying cash for German & wood barns and would like Sons and Grandsons of $600; 27’ Featherlite camp Japanese war relics/souvenirs! to restore/rebuild your barn Absolute, Angus Valley, Black trailer, bumper pull, self- Pistols, rifles, swords, on our Idaho farm. Would you Granite. Fall and Spring contained, Nice $8,000. 208- daggers, flags, scopes, optical like to see your barn restored/ Yearlings. Doug Burgess 232-2166 or 269-8355. equipment, uniforms, helmets, rebuilt rather than rot and fall 208.337.4094 machine guns (ATF rules apply) down? Call Ken & Corrie 208- Old Harmony Guitar $200; medals, flags, etc. 208-405-9338. 530-6466. FARM EQUIPMENT Four old cast iron wheels. $175. New Squeeze chute, green, McCammon, ID 208-254-3609. hand pull, $1,300. Midvale, Id 208-355-3780. Idaho Log Cabin kits- smaller designs from 240 sq ft and FREE CLASSIFIEDS Balewagons: New Holland larger. Very affordable - prices Non-commercial classified ads are free to Idaho Farm Bureau members. self-propelled or pull-type starting at $3,800. Perfect for a Must include membership number for free ad. Forty (40) words maximum. Non-member cost is 50 cents per word. You may advertise your own crops, models, parts, tires, manuals. tiny house or get away cabins. livestock, used machinery, household items, vehicles, etc. Ads will not be Also interested in buying Call for more info and pics. accepted by phone, Ads run one time only and must be re-submitted in balewagons. Will consider any John 208-781-0691. each subsequent issue. We reserve the right to refuse to run any ad. Please type or print clearly. Proofread your ad. model. Call Jim Wilhite at 208- Mail ad copy to: 880-2889 anytime. REAL ESTATE/ACREAGE FARM BUREAU PRODUCER Lot for Sale - 1/2 Acre Country P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848 HAY Lot. Build a New Home or New or email Dixie at [email protected] Looking for ½ ton grass Mfg Hm. City water, Gas, most Name Address City/State/Zip Free Classified Phone Membership No. ads for Idaho Farm Ad Copy Bureau Members Send to [email protected]
Ads must be received by April 12 for May Quarterly.
April 2019 | 39 40 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer