GEM Idaho Farm Bureau STATE ProducerMarch 2020 • Volume 24 Issue 2 Tapping the potential of young farmers and ranchers

Idaho ag Cattle ranchers Chicken Dinner caucus forms, 8 fight hunger, 12 a winner, 37 March 2020 | 1 By Zippy Duvall The Zipline President American Farm Bureau Federation The three-legged stool of good rulemaking ules are more likely to be followed if they The new, clearer definition of “waters of the are clear and well understood. United States” for purposes of federal regulatory R Rules are more likely to be supported if jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act will end the people who must follow them agree they are decades of confusion and litigation over which needed and they are lawful. parts of a farmer’s or rancher’s land require fed- And rules are more likely to achieve their eral permission to farm. purpose if they meet the prior criteria: people Let’s take a look at the first leg of the stool: support them and can follow them. clear and easy to understand. The new rule clear- That three-legged stool of good rulemaking is ly establishes four categories of water or land that represented by the new Navigable Waters Protection are regulated at the federal level. Equally import- Rule issued Jan. 23 by the Environmental Protec- ant, it clarifies the categories that are not tion Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. See DUVALL, page 6

By Bryan Searle The President’s Desk President Idaho Farm Bureau Federation YF&R program helps develop the next generation of farmers rom Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, about 180 young environment. They will also be leaders in their lo- agricultural producers cal schools and communities and they are brilliant F came to Boise to attend Idaho Farm and full of ideas, energy and enthusiasm. Bureau Federation’s annual Young Farmers and The YF&R program is designed to help provide Ranchers Leadership Conference. these amazing young farmers and ranchers the These young producers from 18 to 35 years of skills and resources they will need to thrive in the age came from across the state and they repre- future and become the next leaders of the state’s sented most of the farm commodities produced in most important industry. Idaho. In order for Farm Bureau to remain strong, They represent the future of agriculture and relevant and viable, we have to continue to train they will also be the future leaders within their that next generation. city, county and all of Idaho in a rapidly changing See SEARLE, page 7

By Rick Keller Inside Farm Bureau CEO Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Farmers, ranchers depend on broadband roadband is no longer a luxury, it’s just as they do highways, railways and wa- a necessity. While most Americans terways to ship food, fuel and fiber across the “Btake broadband for granted, data country and around the world. Many of the latest compiled by the Federal Communications Com- yield-maximizing farming techniques require mission show that 26.4 percent of rural Ameri- broadband connects for data collection and anal- cans lack access to broadband compared to only ysis performed both on the farm and in remote 1 percent of urban Americans,” American Farm data centers. Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall re- America’s farmers and ranchers embrace tech- cently wrote to a U.S. House of Representatives nology that allows their farming businesses to be subcommittee hearing on improving national more efficient, economical and environmentally broadband maps. friendly. Farmers and ranchers depend on broadband See KELLER, page 6

2 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer Idaho Farm Bureau Volume 24, Issue 2 IFBF Officers President...... Bryan Searle, Shelley Vice President...... Richard Durrant, Meridian Executive Vice President...... Rick Keller Assist Executive Vice President...... Justin Patten

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dan Garner...... Clifton Austin Tubbs...... Malad Fred Burmester...... Downey Scott Steele...... Idaho Falls Stephanie Mickelsen...... Idaho Falls Travis McAffee...... Howe Gerald Marchant...... Oakley Rick Pearson...... Hagerman Rick Brune...... Hazelton Cody Chandler...... Weiser Galen Lee...... New Plymouth Matt Dorsey...... Caldwell Marjorie French...... Princeton Tom Daniel...... Bonners Ferry Tom Mosman...... Craigmont Judy Woody...... Filer Jason Fellows...... Weston

STAFF Director of Admin. Services...... Cara Dyer Member Services Assistant...... Peggy Moore Member Benefit Assistant...... Dixie Ashton Dir. of Commodities and Marketing...... Zak Miller Photo by Sean Ellis Dist. I Regional Manager...... Ott Clark Members of Idaho Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers and Dist. II Regional Manager...... Tyrel Bingham Dist. III Regional Manager...... Zack Lanier Ranchers program chat during a break in the group’s annual leadership Dist. IV Regional Manager...... Brody Miller conference, in Boise Jan. 31. Dist. V Regional Manager...... Bob Smathers Dir. of Governmental Affairs...... Russ Hendricks Boise Office Manager...... Kristy Lindauer Energy/Natural Resources...... Braden Jensen Governmental Affairs Representative...... Chyla Wilson Director of Information...... Joel Benson YF&R program Publications Editor/Media Contact...... Sean Ellis Video Services Manager...... Steve Ritter Broadcast Services Manager...... Jake Putnam Business Systems Administrator...... Tyler Moore Videographer...... Michaela Andrus helping develop Printed by: Adams Publishing Group, Pocatello, ID GEM STATE PRODUCER USPS #015-024, is published monthly except February, May, August and November by the IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION, future leaders 275 Tierra Vista Drive, Pocatello, ID 83201. By Sean Ellis POSTMASTER send changes of address to: Idaho Farm Bureau Federation GEM STATE PRODUCER P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848. Periodicals postage paid at Pocatello, Idaho, BOISE – Idaho Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers and and additional mailing offices. Ranchers program has competitions that allow producers to com- Subscription rate: $6.00 per year included pete for some big awards, like four-wheelers and trips to American in Farm Bureau dues. Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting. MAGAZINE CONTACTS: Idaho Farm Bureau Federation But YF&R members say it’s the networking opportunities that are EDITOR (208) 239-4292 • ADS (208) 239-4279 the biggest benefit of the program, which is open to any farmer or E-MAIL: [email protected] rancher in Idaho between the ages of 18 and 35. web: www.idahofb.org During the annual IFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Photo by Sean Ellis Conference in Boise Jan. 30-Feb. 1 – the conference was attended ON THE COVER: Members of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federa- by 180 farmers and ranchers – the benefits of networking with other tion Young Farmers and Ranchers program are shown on the emerging producers was a major topic of discussion. steps of the Idaho Capitol building Jan. 30. See this page for a story on the program. March 2020 | 3 Photo by Jake Putnam Idaho producers participate in a panel discussion during the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers and Ranchers annual leader- ship conference, which was held in Boise Jan. 30-Feb. 1.

It’s nice to rub shoulders and become you’re not the only one.” that other people are going through the friends with other young farmers but Paige Nelson, who operates a cow- same challenged and struggles we are as the biggest benefit in networking with calf operation with her husband in beginning farmers.” them is being able to tap their brains for Rigby, offered a practical example of While networking is a major benefit answers and vice versa, said Mitchel how networking helped her business. of the program, the true goal is to help Searle, a Burley farmer. “We needed hay (last) year and I produce the industry’s future leaders and “I find myself calling those indi- procrastinated buying that hay until assist them grow personally and profes- viduals saying, hey, can you tell me September,” she said. She turned to a sionally, Fellows said. how you deal with this aspect on your fellow YF&R member in her area who The YF&R program has a slogan farm?” said Searle. grows hay. “I call him up and tell him called PLAN, which stands for: Personal Searle said that while sitting around I need 20 tons of hay by next week, growth, leadership development, advo- the table during lunch or breaks, he’s can you get it to me, and he delivered cacy and networking. constantly asking questions of other it.” “We feel those four things give us producers: “How do you operate your “That’s the type of networking we’re a great platform for people to be able business, what’s your crop rotation talking about,” Nelson said. “It’s nice to plan for success,” Fellows said. “IT like, how many hours to you run your to run shoulders with people but when doesn’t matter where you are in life – if tractors before you trade them in?” it comes down to true networking, that you’re an agriculturalist who is produc- “You feel like you’re alone in the means you have friends you can call ing a commodity or whether you’re a world sometimes,” he added. “But on when you need help or you need lobbyist for agriculture – that gives you you’re not alone. When you come to- something.” a pretty good plan for success.” gether at events like this, you realize, “The networking thing is kind of spe- “The ultimate goal of the YF&R pro- there are a lot of other young farmers cial because you find out that people are gram is to be able to help young produc- out there scrapping, trying to make it in the same trenches that you are,” said ers develop skills that are going to bene- work, and you can learn from them Franklin County rancher Jason Fellows, fit them in their life and their operation,” and you’re encouraged by the fact that the state YF&R chairman. “You learn said Brody Miller, an IFBF regional field

4 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer “We have got young farmers and ranchers that are brilliant and we need to help train them, support them in agriculture and provide them the experiences they need to be leaders into the future.” — Bryan Searle, IFBF President

manager who oversees the program and Bureau. It’s in my blood.” gram is well rounded and there are a lot is a former member himself. IFBF’s YF&R program includes more of opportunities for everyone.” “We try to encourage these young than 250 farmers and ranchers from Two new YF&R programs that will people to get involved and give them the across Idaho that represent most of the begin soon include a mentorship pro- skill sets they need to be able to feel like farm commodities produced in Idaho. gram and one for people interested in they are a competent leader so they can The reasons that members have joined governmental affairs. get involved, make a difference and be a the program are varied. “There are programs outside of just voice for agriculture moving forward,” Fellows got involved with YF&R competitions that can benefit all young Miller said. after being asked to give a prayer bless- producers,” Miller said. He said one of the biggest benefits of ing the food during a Discussion Meet, During the annual YF&R leadership being a YF&R member is that you get which is a YF&R contest designed to conference, the agenda includes a trip to be involved in shaping the industry’s help young producers hone their public to the Idaho Capitol building to attend path. speaking and problem-solving skills committee meetings and rub shoulders “If we don’t get involved, we’re during a competition that simulates a with lawmakers. leaving it in somebody else’s hands to committee meeting. During this year’s conference, par- make the decisions for the future of ag- Nelson was lured to the group because ticipants met with the governor for 45 riculture and we can’t afford to do that,” she wanted to win the Discussion Meet minutes and attended the House and Miller said. and win a four-wheeler. Senate agricultural affairs committees. Many members of Idaho Farm Bureau “My initial engagement with Farm They were well received. Federation’s board of directors went Bureau was totally superficial but as I’ve “These young people … are the through the YF&R program, said IFBF continued to progress through the pro- consummate stewards of our natural President Bryan Searle, a farmer from gram, I’ve realized it’s so much more,” resources in the state of Idaho,” Rep. Shelley. she said. “I’ve seen myself grow as a Jerald Raymond, a Republican rancher “In order for Farm Bureau to stay person and I’ve been given leadership from Menan who formerly served as strong, relevant and viable, we have to and traveling opportunities.” the state chairman of the YF&R group, continue to train that next generation,” Others have joined as a way to try to said during a House Agricultural Affairs he said. “We have got young farmers win the group’s Excellence in Agricul- Committee meeting. and ranchers that are brilliant and we ture or Achiever in Agriculture awards, “We appreciate you being here today need to help train them, support them which both have four-wheelers as the and we appreciate everything you do in agriculture and provide them the top prize. for agriculture,” said Rep. Judy Boyle, experiences they need to be leaders into “You have people that are very a Republican rancher from Midvale the future.” competitive that will get involved with and chairwoman of the House ag com- Searle joined the program after a cous- the program some of the competitive mittee. in invited him to a YF&R conference events,” Searle said. “There are others For more information about the YF&R and he says the program is a big reason that wouldn’t touch those events with a program, contact Miller at bmiller@ he “developed such a deep love for Farm 10-foot pole and that’s all right. The pro- idahofb.org or (208) 957-1854. n

March 2020 | 5 DUVALL Continued from page 2 would create more confusion, risk and bureaucracy for the people who grow our food. “waters of the U.S.,” such as areas of a field that hold water only Finally, this new rule will effectively protect clean water. If after a heavy rain. your arm is broken, the doctor doesn’t put a cast on your leg. Wetlands converted to farmland decades ago are excluded. But that’s just about what would have happened under the 2015 Most upland ditches are excluded. “Adjacent wetlands” covered WOTUS rule. under the new rule are clearly defined to be directly abutting or Instead of focusing on navigable waters and those waters with connecting to jurisdictional waters. a direct connection to navigable waters, the 2015 rule was aimed The lines between what’s “in” and what’s “out” are clear squarely at controlling what farmers and others could do on land enough that a farmer doesn’t have to hire a team of engineers and miles away. lawyers to find out if the land can be farmed. It was a federal land grab, plain and simple. That’s a big improvement over the 2015 Waters of the U.S. The Trump administration’s new Navigable Waters Pro- rule, which gave federal agencies too much leeway to declare al- tection Rule focuses the treatment where it is needed, a large most any area of a farmer’s or rancher’s land a water of the U.S., reason why we believe it will achieve its purpose of enhancing even if it was far away from navigable waters. water quality. I’ve always said that anyone ought to be able to look out on a There’s been a lot of misinformation in the news media about field and easily see which parts of the land are regulated by the the new rule. It doesn’t “roll back” anything. It provides more federal government and which areas are not. effective water protection, with clear lines of authority to make Second, the rule is supported by the people who are most di- those protections work. And it rightly asks the states to do their rectly affected, farmers and ranchers and other landowners. part, with the cooperative federalism envisioned by Congress Clean water is a priority for farmers and ranchers. We know when it passed the Clean Water Act. that a new rule is needed both to protect water quality and to Farm Bureau members have worked long and hard for this provide certainty for landowners. Without this rule, it’s nearly rule, and we would not have it without their dedicated advocacy impossible for a landowner to know which parts of the land are efforts. considered WOTUS. Rather than taking a victory lap, we should celebrate this win In fact, Farm Bureau for years has been calling for federal by correcting misinformation about the new rule and letting our agencies to issue a rule that provides clarity and predictability. government officials know that we support it. We’ve called for a rule that aligns with the Clean Water Act The Navigable Waters Protection Rule is clear, supported by and with the direction given by the Supreme Court. What we the people it regulates, and designed to achieve its purpose — the could not support is a rule, like the now-repealed 2015 rule, that three-legged stool of good rulemaking. n

KELLER Continued from page 2 Reliable broadband will also contribute to the health and wel- fare of animals. Digital connectivity is playing an increasingly Today’s farmers and ranchers are using precision agricultural important role in optimizing animal care. From monitoring feed techniques to make decisions that impact the amount of fertilizer usage and rations to scheduling delivery of animals, livestock a farmer needs to purchase and apply to the field, the amount farmers use broadband daily to improve the efficiency of their of water needed to sustain the crop, and the amount and type of operations and ensure the health of their herds. herbicides or pesticides the farmer may need to apply. All the data collected can be compiled into production reports, These are only a few examples of the ways farmers use broad- which help farmers make more informed decisions about their band connectivity to achieve optimal yields, lower environmental farm and ranch. impact and maximize profits. The main source of funding for the deployment of broadband Rural communities need access to health care, government is the Universal Service Fund, created by the FCC. Recently, services, and educational and business opportunities. For many Congress voted $550 million in grant funding for the ReConnect rural communities, access can only be gained by using broadband program, which will help expand broadband access to historically services and sophisticated technologies that require high-speed underserved communities. connections. Increasing broadband availability in rural America is a priority According to the FCC, 39 percent of rural Americans lack of Farm Bureau, which continues to encourage Congress to sup- access to 25 Mbps/3 Mbps service, compared to only 4 percent of port rural communities with broadband coverage with increased urban America. funding. n

6 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer SEARLE Continued from page 2 get discouraged easily when times, and prices, are difficult. The YF&R program allows farmers and ranchers to share We have many young producers in this state who are bril- experiences with other producers and learn from them. liant but they also need to develop the personal and leadership Many times, advice picked up from another young produc- skills that will help them take their game to the next level. er in the program has resulted in a young farmer or rancher The day before the conference began, I joined the YF&R improving their own operation’s bottom line. leadership committee, which con- Another big benefit of the sists of the state chair and the chair program is that it provides young of each of five districts, as they ‘The Young Farmers and Ranchers producers an avenue to have their spent the day in our state capitol program is designed to help train voices heard and have a say in the attending and addressing both the future of agriculture. As the old House and Senate agriculture com- these producers and provide them saying goes, if you’re not at the mittees. They also visited with the experiences and opportunities to lead table, you’re probably on the menu. governor in his office, asking him As an organization, Idaho Farm questions and interacting with him. so that they can become the future Bureau Federation has to invest in The Young Farmers and Ranch- voice of Idaho agriculture.’ the next generation and, as Sen. ers program is designed to help Mark Harris, a Republican ranch- train these producers and provide er from Soda Springs and former them experiences and opportunities to lead so that they can YF&R member, told IFBF members recently, the Young become the future voice of Idaho agriculture. Farmers and Ranchers program is our organization’s built-in Many leaders in the IFBF organization, including members succession plan. of the group’s board of directors, went through the YF&R My message is boiled down to this: Farm Bureau needs you, program, as did many Idaho lawmakers. young farmers and ranchers, and you need us. n I credit my involvement in the program with helping culti- vate my deep love for Farm Bureau. My membership in the ♦ IDAHO PEOPLE SERVING IDAHO ♦ program led me to serve as a district YF&R chair and eventu- Now with five convenient locations throughout the state 275 Tierra Vista Drive 4122 East Cleveland Blvd. 1250 S. Allante Ave. 806 E. Polston, Ste. A 2732 Kimberly Road ally as the state program chair. Pocatello, ID 83205 Caldwell, ID 83605 Boise, ID 83709 Post Falls, ID 83854 Twin Falls, ID 83301 208.232.7914 208.455.1526 208.947.2519 208.457.8018 208.733.7212 That led to me being selected to serve on IFBF’s board of directors and truthfully, if I had not joined the YF&R program, I probably wouldn’t be president of this great farm organiza- tion today. Farm Bureau is in my blood and my involvement with the YF&R program is what cultivated that love for Farm Bureau. I saw at a young age that Farm Bureau was an organiza- tion where my voice and ideas could be heard and amplified through the organization’s grassroots efforts. None of us are powerful in ourselves but our power comes when we add in thousands of other Farm Bureau members across the state and we are unified on issues. That’s the power of Idaho Farm Bureau and the Young Farmers and Ranchers program is the platform that allows a lot of younger producers to be introduced to the organization. When we combine our future leaders with the more experi- enced and seasoned members, we become so much stronger. The YF&R program has different contests that provide opportunities for members to win some big prizes. But the contests are just one of the many facets of the program, which provides an array of leadership development opportunities. One of the biggest benefits of the program is that it allows To learn more or to apply, please call your nearest Idaho Farm Bureau young farmers and ranchers, who are trying to establish them- Financial Services office at their number above or call Idaho Farm Bureau selves in the agricultural industry, to meet and network with Financial Services at 1.888.566.3276. other young producers from around the state. You may also visit idfbfs.com online anytime. Some restrictions apply based on the make and model of vehicle offered as collateral. Loans are subject to credit approval. 100% loan Farming and ranching are tough business and a person can value based on NADA high retail, or purchase price, whichever is less. Finance charges accrue from origination date of this loan.

March 2020 | 7 Idaho lawmakers form farm and timber issues caucus By Sean Ellis Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

BOISE — Idaho lawmakers have formed the state’s first farm and timber issues cau- cus, which will focus on issues important to the state’s agricultural industry. Early reaction to the Idaho Farm, Ranch and Timber Issues Caucus has been positive, said Rep. Caroline Nilsson Troy, R-Gene- see, one of the four original founders of the caucus. “I’m just thrilled with the response it’s gotten,” said Troy, who rents out 400 acres of farm land in a farm partnership. According to a white paper providing an overview of the caucus, it “will address issues and concerns of the agricultural industry and those citizens, communities and counties who rely on farmers, ranchers, loggers and affiliated industries.” Submitted photo According to a University of Idaho study, The four founding members of the newly formed Idaho Farm, Ranch and Timber Issues Cau- agriculture is responsible, directly and cus, from left: Rep. Sally Toone, D-Gooding, Sen. Bert Brackett, R-Rogerson, Rep. Caroline indirectly, for one in every eight jobs in the Nilsson Troy, R-Genesee, and Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking, D-Boise. state and 13 percent of Idaho’s total gross domestic product. Caucus founders said it was important starting the caucus for six years and decided According to the white paper, the cau- to them that the group be open to members that with rural Idaho continuing to lose cus “will explore ways to act together to of both parties and both branches of the members and clout in the legislature because ensure Idaho has a comprehensive policy 105-member Idaho Legislature. of the rapid growth occurring in the state’s strategy to ensure agricultural and natural “The uniqueness of a joint caucus can’t be urban areas, now was the time. resource-based communities grow and overstated,” Rep. Sally Toone, a Democrat Following the 2020 Census, the redis- flourish … We will be a point of contact for farmer and rancher from Gooding, stated in tricting process will begin in Idaho. After our agricultural and natural resource-based a news release. “We will be bringing many the state’s legislative districts are redrawn, citizens to ensure their voices are heard on perspectives together to focus on issues rural Idaho could lose six to nine seats in the every level within the statehouse and across impacting all of Idaho.” legislature, according to some estimates. our agencies.” The founding members of the caucus The idea is to help educate urban legis- About 25 lawmakers attended the first include two Republicans, two Democrats lators or others who don’t have an intimate caucus meeting Feb. 3 and the topic was and two members each from the House and understanding of natural resource-related rural broadband. The group will meet every Senate. issues about the challenges that farmers, Monday during the Idaho legislative session Besides Toone and Troy, the other founder ranchers and other rural residents face in an and topics could cover a wide range of members of the caucus are Sen. Bert Brack- increasingly complex society and economy, issues. ett, a Republican rancher from Rogerson, Troy said. “We’re hoping to cover lots of topics” and Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking, D-Boise. For example, she said, “We could ad- in future meetings, Troy said. Those topics “We’re being cautious not to make it a dress why the (2018) trespassing bill was could range from value-added processing rural vs. urban caucus,” Troy said. “If you so popular among farmers and ranchers. to economic development, rural health care, eat, you’re in agriculture.” We want to help people understand what education and hemp. Troy said she had been mulling the idea of the issues are.” n

8 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer The U.S. and China have signed a “phase one” trade deal that could result in China purchasing $40-$50 billion in U.S. agricultural products in each of the next two years. U.S., China sign deal that could be big benefit to agriculture By Sean Ellis companies will purchase $40 billion in business.” Idaho Farm Bureau Federation U.S. ag products annually. “If the demand Trump mentioned dairy, beef, pork, is strong, the companies may purchase rice and poultry as examples of how U.S. POCATELLO — President Donald more,” he added. agriculture will benefit from the deal. Trump signed a “phase one” trade deal If China does follow through on its Dairy and beef are Idaho’s top two farm with China Jan. 15 that representatives commitment to purchase at least $40 bil- commodities in terms of total farm cash from both nations said will result in China lion in U.S. farm products each year, that receipts. purchasing at least $40 billion in agri- would be twice the amount of agricultural This isn’t the first time the United States cultural products from the United States products that nation has ever purchased has announced that China has pledged to annually over the next two years. from the United States in a single year. buy massive amounts of U.S. agricultural “The farmers are going to be so happy” Trump said that when the deal was be- products. with the trade deal, Trump said during a ing negotiated some people told him U.S. That has happened at least five times signing ceremony at the White House that farmers and ranchers couldn’t produce over the past two years. However, the included top trade representatives from the enough product to meet the $40-50 billion difference is that this time a deal has world’s two biggest economies. goal. been signed and according to U.S. Trade The president said that under terms of “Let (the farmers) tell me they can’t do Representative Robert Lighthizer, it is the agreement, China will purchase more it,” he said. “I have no doubt they’ll be enforceable. than $200 billion in U.S. products over able to do it.” The deal, which the Trump administra- the next two years, “including up to $50 In anticipation of a phase one deal, tion describes as a contract between the billion [annually] on agriculture alone.” Trump on Dec. 13 said that U.S. “farmers two nations, does not need congressional During the signing ceremony, Chi- are going to have to go out and buy much approval. n nese Vice Premier Liu He said Chinese larger tractors because it means a lot of

March 2020 | 9 Wolf population estimated for first time in four years

By Sean Ellis Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

BOISE – Idaho Department of Fish and Game has released an Idaho wolf population estimate for the first time in four years and it’s much higher than the last estimate. But IDFG and other wolf management officials cautioned against making hard comparisons between the 2015 and 2019 estimates because they were arrived at using different methods and calculations. During an Idaho Fish and Game Commis- Idaho Department of Fish and Game photo sion meeting Jan. 23, IDFG staff estimated A wolf is shown in an Idaho forest in pictures captured by an Idaho Department of Fish and Game remote camera. there were a peak total of 1,541 wolves in Idaho during the summer of 2019. of estimating Idaho’s wolf population. Those to get the previous estimates from,” he said. That number has since been reduced cameras took 11 million photos over the “So it’s not apples to apples.” to about 1,000 because of the number of course of a few months last summer. But, he added, now that the fish and game wolves taken by hunters, trappers, through Of those 569 cameras, 259 detected department will use the same methods management actions to eliminate problem wolves, according to the IDFG news release. annually, “It will be interesting to see where wolves and those that died by natural causes. Using recognition software to rapid- it goes from here on out.” But that’s still much higher than the 2015 ly determine photos of animals, wildlife Gov. Brad Little’s recommended fiscal estimated of 786 Idaho wolves that was technicians identified species of animals year 2021 budget includes $408,000 in reported in early 2016. in the photos and biologists and university dedicated and federal funds “to conduct According to an IDFG news release, scientists applied mathematical modeling enhanced research on wolf populations and “Biologists cautioned that comparing the to produce the wolf population estimate, evaluate methods to effectively manage 2015 estimate of 786 … to the current esti- according to the news release. them.” mate would be misleading because previous “The method of estimating wildlife popu- Phillips said the IDFG had to pull funds estimates were based on different methods lations using remote cameras is a new inno- from other sources within the department and represented winter counts when the vation,” the IDFG news release states. “As last year to pay for a lot of the camera moni- population was closer to its lowest point of time goes on, the modeling will continue to toring. The $408,000 sought for the next fis- the year.” be refined as biologists use this technique to cal year will be used specifically to continue When the 2015 estimate took place, “We generate annual population estimates. Going that monitoring program, he said. knew that was a minimum that we could forward, they will also have a better baseline During a meeting of the Idaho Wolf Dep- scientifically prove were out there,” said for comparing populations from year to redation Control Board last August, IDFG IDFG spokesman Roger Phillips. “We knew year.” Director Ed Schriever spoke about the effort there were more.” Todd Grimm, the Idaho Director of to install cameras around the state to monitor When the fish and game department’s Wildlife Services, a federal agency that helps wolves. wolf monitoring program was under federal solve conflicts between humans and animals, He said the camera network will allow oversight from 2006 to 2015, the department also cautioned against reading too much into the department to make reliable annual wolf used radio collars to calculate wolf numbers. the difference between the estimates. estimates. Annual wolf estimates stopped after the “I don’t know that [the 2019 estimate] re- “We believe we have a responsibility to 2015 count. ally says anything just because of the fact the communicate to the public how many Last year, IDFG deployed 569 cameras methods used to come up with that number (wolves) we have, where they are and their around the state specifically for the purpose are different than the methods that they used management,” he said. n

10 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer By Clark Johnston Grain Marketing Owner JC Management Co. ‘The market is always right’

o take a line currently holding could help you then you need to ask from an old a large amount of around and find the company that Tmovie about the world wheat offers this type of program. mountain men, stocks. Does this When we look at hedging let’s re- “March is a muddy piece of informa- member that we can hedge the futures month down below.” tion change our side of our cash price. We usually visit Depending on just minds just a little about wheat but let’s not forget about where you live and as we move into hedging our meat and milk production farm, this very well the 2020/2021 as well. could be true. marketing year? The futures market will give you the But it is always Now let’s opportunity to protect the futures side good to see a little visit for a minute of you cash price against an adverse more daylight each about the local movement or trend. You could still day. The additional grain markets. have other factors in your market that daylight gives us hope First and fore- could affect your end price but the and enthusiasm for a most, you should futures part could be protected. better crop year as well as good times hang this sentence on your office wall: In both the meat and dairy markets ahead. After all, we are producers and Just because a grain company is offer- hedging with futures gives you the op- in the spring the glass is always half ing basis contracts doesn’t mean that portunity to level the market out over full. it is a good deal. the year. When implementing a hedg- Over the years we have all learned The companies aren’t bad for ing program, it is always important to that no matter what is going on po- offering these contracts; in fact, it is have and keep a positive attitude on litically the markets trend higher and good for them and you as it gives you what you want to accomplish. they trend lower and let us not forget, alternative options in your marketing Rather than continually telling “The market is always right.” program. However, you still need yourself the reasons it won’t work, As we have talked about before in to know what basis really is and the you need to look to the opportunities this column, the worst thing that can seasonal trends both higher and lower and reasons that a hedging program happen to us in our marketing deci- before entering into these contracts. using futures will help you in the sions is for us to think that we are This year we are seeing grain years ahead. right and the market is wrong. What companies offering, “hedge to arrive How we produce our grain, meat we need to remember is that in short contracts.” These are contracts where and milk has changed over the past 10 supply years, as we have seen this the grain company will let you lock in year but many of us are still market- year in some commodities, the market the futures side of your price equa- ing the same as we did 10 years ago. only needs to trade high enough to tion and then let you final price your Maybe we ought to at least look at ration the crop. commodity by locking in the basis at a alternative marketing opportunities This rationing could take place later date. and then make our decision based on domestically but usually the rationing These are a cash contract with a what we know. takes place in the world market with delivery date for your commodity es- How you have been marketing isn’t exports. This year it is currently esti- tablished at the time you enter into the wrong but there are other alternatives mated that the world will have a 38% contract. Here again you need to know that should be considered. stocks-to-use ration for all wheat at the seasonal trends of the futures mar- the end of the marketing year. This is kets and just how this type of contract Clark Johnston is a grain mar- steady with the previous two years. could help you. keting specialist and owner of JC However, when we take China These hedge to arrive contracts are Management Co. of Ogden, Utah. He out of the equation the stocks-to-use primarily offered in the wheat markets can be reached at clark@jcmanage- ration drops to 22%. So, China is at this time. If this type of contract ment.net. n

March 2020 | 11 BEEF COUNTS Idaho ranchers providing beef to The Idaho Foodbank By Sean Ellis as the Feb. 1 “Beef Night on the Ice” event producers “because they are producing a Idaho Farm Bureau Federation in Boise, which featured the Idaho Steel- high-quality, safe, nutritious product and heads hockey team. A plethora of activities they want to make sure that every Idahoan BOISE – There are more cows than were held during the game to raise money has access to that beef. people in Idaho and that is a lot of beef. But for the foodbank. They want to make sure beef is on the not everybody in the state has regular access Through a program called Beef Counts, menu at The Idaho Foodbank and that every- to that high source of protein and Idaho’s Agri Beef matches, every year, up to one in Idaho has access to it.” ranching families are doing what they can to $50,000 raised by the state’s beef producers The money the state’s beef industry raises change that. for the foodbank, which uses the money to to purchase beef for the needy is critical to Together with the Boise-based Agri Beef purchase and distribute beef to its 400 pantry the foodbank, said Carlyn Blake, develop- Co., the state’s beef cattle producers have partners across the state. ment manager for The Idaho Foodbank. raised enough money since 2010 to provide The Beef Counts program is a partnership The foodbank receives a lot of general more than 1.5 million 3-ounce servings of between the Idaho Beef Council, Idaho food donations but not a lot of high-quality beef to needy families in Idaho through The Cattle Association and Agri Beef. protein, she said, and the Beef Counts pro- Idaho Foodbank network. IBC CEO T.K. Kuwahara said the pro- gram helps fill that gap. They have done that through events such gram is really important to the state’s cattle “It absolutely goes a long ways,” she said

12 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer Idaho Beef Council photos Hockey fans attempt to “build a hamburger” on the ice quicker than other contestants Feb. 1 during a hockey game in Boise. Idaho’s beef industry teamed up to raise money during the game to benefit The Idaho Foodbank. LEFT: The Idaho ranching industry’s Beef Counts program raises, through events such as this Feb. 1 hockey game in Boise, money that is provided to The Idaho Foodbank to purchase and provide beef to needy Idahoans. about the program. “Honestly, I don’t know and hamburger races on the ice. It also in- they can go into their freezer and take out what we would do without the beef council cluded some beef industry trivia, raffles and some beef. and their promotion of the Beef Counts pro- half-off hamburgers during the game. “Not everybody in Idaho has that oppor- gram because they have been instrumental in A total of $6,420 was raised for the food- tunity and we want to do whatever we can getting beef partners all throughout the state bank during the event and Agri Beef will do to help them,” he said. “Supporting the … to donate so that we have that high-qual- match that, raising the total to $12,840. program is something we can do to help our ity protein.” Dozens of ranchers from across the state neighbors and communities.” She said one in eight Idahoans is “food-in- showed up to support the Beef Night on the Boise is by far Idaho’s largest population secure” and “it’s really important that we’re Ice event, and another three dozen 4-H stu- center and besides raising money to help not only providing those people with things dents were on hand to educate people about fight hunger, the hockey event also served as like pastas but that we can also provide them the Beef Counts program. an opportunity for Idaho’s beef ranchers to protein as well.” IBC Chairman Jeff Johnson, a fourth-gen- educate people about the important role their Many of Agri Beef’s employees volun- eration cattle rancher from Parma, said industry plays in Idaho. teer at mobile distribution centers where Idaho’s ranchers have a strong connection to Beef cattle is the state’s No. 2 farm com- beef items are provided to the needy, said the state and their local communities. modity in terms of total farm cash receipts Liz Moore, the company’s brand marketing “We feel really passionate about the prod- and the economic impact the industry has specialist. uct that we produce and the business that helps underpin a lot of rural communities in “Everybody in the company feels like they we are in and we feel it’s important that we Idaho. are invested in the program in one way or give back to the community and help make “Tonight’s event is one of the ways we can another,” she said. “We feel it’s a great way people’s lives better,” he said. “Beef Counts reach into the largest metropolitan area in the to give back to our communities.” is something that a lot of producers are really state and tell our story,” Johnson said during The Feb. 1 hockey game featured fun passionate about.” the hockey game. “Hopefully, people that events such as a Build a Burger event that Jerome rancher Bill Lickley said Idaho’s come here will learn a few things about our had teams of two people trying to build a beef producers realize they are blessed be- industry and come out with a positive feeling hamburger on the ice faster than other teams, cause even when times are rough financially, about the beef producers in Idaho.” n

March 2020 | 13 Photo by Bill Schaefer Idahoan Britt Raybould, the first woman president of the National Potato Council, speaks with NPC CEO Kam Quarles, left, and NPC Chief Operating Officer Mike Wenkel prior to the potato council’s annual conference in January. Idahoan first woman president of National Potato Council By Bill Schaefer zation’s presidency at the 2020 NPC annual industry there’s a strong family element.” For Idaho Farm Bureau Federation meeting in January. Raybould Brothers Farms is a textbook Growing up on the family farm and being example of that strong family element. Breaking glass ceilings is a concept the third Raybould to lead the NPC is an Britt is the chief financial official at RBF. that Britt Raybould prefers to not discuss. example of the generational strengths that Together with her younger brother, Jaren, Though she is the first woman president in can be found in the history of the potato an RBF owner/operator, their father and the 72-year history of the National Potato industry and Idaho agriculture she said. grandfather and three full-time employees, Council, Raybould would rather focus on “I think it points to the fact of how much they manage the daily operations of the the fact that she is the third member of her of the potato industry really does focus on farm. family to serve a one-year term as NPC family,” Raybould said. “A lot of the longer The Rayboulds grow Russet Norkotahs president. term operations are family operations. and Russet Burbank potatoes for the fresh Following in the steps of her grandfather, It’s not to say others haven’t come in and market on 800 acres annually, along with Dell Raybould, the NPC president in 1978, started something and have gotten it going 1,400 acres of grain and 150 acres of alfal- and her father, Jeff, the 1997 NPC presi- without having a family tradition but I think fa, in Madison and Fremont counties. dent, Britt ascended to the grower organi- it points to the fact that within the potato “We grow for Five Guys (restaurant) and

14 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer we also grow for the open market,” Ray- bould said. Potatoes that don’t meet fresh grade standards are sold to the Idahoan dehy plant for processing. Not only has Raybould followed in her grandfather’s footsteps as NPC president, she was elected to succeed him as the Idaho State Representative in District 34, House Seat B for the Republican party in the 2018 election. Her legislative responsibilities include serving on three House committees. She credits her family and the National Potato Council staff for all their support in helping her juggle and multi-task three jobs at the same time. “I need to give full credit; it’s my dad and brother that are doing the day-to-day operations along with our really hard work- ing folks who are with us throughout the year,” Raybould said. “I’m very lucky to be surrounded by a lot of supportive people. Photo by Bill Schaefer The staff at the NPC are fantastic.” Idaho potato farmer Britt Raybould, the first woman president of the National Potato Council, Raybould grew up in St. Anthony and is and Idaho Grower Shippers Association President Shawn Boyle enjoy a break during the NPC’s annual conference in January. a graduate of Sugar-Salem High School. She has a bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in technical communications in communications and I was working in this very visible, very clear outcome for all from Boise State University and followed corporate marketing.” the hard work that you put into it. It was that with a master’s in professional commu- For Raybould, it was a classic example of really surprising to me how much more nications from Westminster College in Salt absence makes the heart grow fonder. After fulfilling I found the farming side of things. Lake City. working in marketing for seven years she As Raybould settles in to lead the NPC NPC CEO Kam Quarles said Raybould’s made the decision to return to the family through 2020, she has set two goals she communications background is a great farm in 2007. wants to accomplish in the coming year. fit with the NPC and coincides with the “It was just over a period of time when She wants to encourage greater participa- organization’s use of new tools of commu- I decided that this was something that I tion from growers of her generation and nication such “Eye on Potatoes,” a series hadn’t realized I was as invested in and was make sure that they know their voices are of podcasts introduced at the 2020 Potato interested in coming back to,” she said in being heard. Expo. recounting how she decided to come back “We’ve managed to accomplish a lot “She’s got a lot of good common sense and work on the family farm. for an organization of our size and I’d like ideas on how to expand the use of tech- “I would still come back here during po- for us to continue being successful going nology, how to create an NPC that is an tato harvest and be around for some of the forward but in order to do that we need attractive place for younger leaders to come busier times of year,” she said, “but what to make sure that the folks who are my work in,” he said. really struck me is when I’d been working age are coming in, are participating, are “At the leadership level, she brings that in an office setting for a number of years learning the ropes and are a part of things,” kind of younger viewpoint and a lot of and it was really difficult for me to describe she said. “If you can only be at one of the technological proficiency,” Quarles said. what I did for people.” NPC meetings a year … we still want to “At the staff level, we’re trying to really She found that she missed the elemental see you.” reach out and reset the organization using satisfaction that comes from production on She said that with the growing consol- new technology, new tools, so … the timing the farm. It’s not that the office work wasn’t idation of farms, resulting in fewer actual couldn’t be better.” satisfying but she rediscovered that sense of farmers, it’s imperative for the future During her time at BSU and Westmin- accomplishment and satisfaction that comes success of the NPC that the new generation ster and afterward, Raybould said, she from working on the farm with her family. of potato growers actively participate in the was non-committal about her future on the “When I went to the farm there was this NPC. family farm. really clear outcome,” Raybould said of her “We want them there for as much time “I wasn’t 100 percent sure I was going decision to return to the farm. “You worked as they’re willing to be there,” Raybould to come back,” she said. “I had degrees the land. You harvested the crop. You had said. n

March 2020 | 15 Pilot program aims to bolster late-season flows in the Teton River Basin system By John O’Connell “Part of the emphasis is just to figure out if we can do managed Intermountain Farm and Ranch recharge in the spring, if canals will not be frozen,” said Sarah Lien, water resources director with Friends of the Teton River. DRIGGS — Farmers who divert from the Teton River “The expectation is we’ll have the two-year period to work out Basin hope a new aquifer recharge pilot program will bolster some of the kinks and that it will be a viable strategy.” late-season flows in the system and extend their irrigation Hydrology modeling done by an expert with the Henry’s season. Fork Foundation predicts 4,200acre-feet of additional flows The Idaho Water Resource Board secured a $60,600 grant to will enter the river through springs between June and October, fund the pilot in 2020 and 2021. The grant was offered by the when it’s needed most by irrigators. Columbia Basin Water Transactions Program, which is funded The model estimates recharge will boost base flows in the by Bonneville Power Administration mitigation dollars associ- system by 15 cubic feet per second during that period. ated with operating hydropower dams on the Columbia River. As it currently stands, many of the system’s tributaries go In Idaho, most of the program’s funding is invested to ben- dry by mid-July, and the local irrigators have junior water efit anadromous fish in the Upper Salmon, but a small portion rights, which are often targeted by senior users’ water calls is available to address issues in other fisheries. The pilot aims during dry years. Lien said adding 15 cfs to the system could to recharge the declining Teton Basin Aquifer with at least buy irrigators — most of whom raise grain, hay and seed pota- 10,000 acre-feet of surface water during both years. toes — an extra week of watering crops. Grant funds will be used to pay participating canal com- “That’s the difference between finishing a quality crop or panies to run water through their canals during the spring — not,” Lien said. when there’s ample excess water in the system — and spill it Groundwater levels have declined by as much as 55 feet into adjacent gravel pits, allowing it to filter into the aquifer. in some parts of the aquifer, which spans from Victor north to Tetonia, since the 1970s, Lien said. Bolstering late-season spring flows would be a great benefit to native Yellowstone cutthroat trout that live in the system, she added. LOW INTEREST LOANS The Teton River Water Users Association formed to main- tain the basin’s health to benefit a variety of stakeholders. Irrigators represent about 60 percent of the association’s mem- FOR IDAHO SOIL & WATER bership, but it also includes entities such as Teton County, the cities of Victor, Driggs and Tetonia, the U.S. Forest Service, CONSERVATION the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Friends of the Teton River and the Teton River Land Trust. In addition to the new recharge program, the basin has im- plemented a program to resurrect early season flood irrigation to take advantage of “incidental recharge” from irrigation water that seeps from furrows into the water table.  Sprinkler Irrigation Lien said the program completed its second year earlier this season and diverted 10,000 acre-feet for flood irrigation from  No-Till Drills a dozen irrigation diversions. Participating canal companies  Fences are paid from a $40,000 funding pool, comprising contribu-  Livestock Feeding tions from various foundations and conservation grants, based Operations on the volume of their flood-irrigation diversions. Lien explained aquifer levels have been dropping since the  Solar Stock Water 1970s, when farmers began switching from flood irrigation Pump Systems to more efficient sprinkler irrigation. Lien said irrigators who participate in the program use their most junior rights to flood irrigate in the spring, when water is abundant. Later in the season, when surface water is in short supply, they switch to swc.idaho.gov (208) 332-1790 more senior rights and use efficient sprinklers. n

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March 2020 | 17 Water rules EPA, Corps announce new clean water rule

By Sean Ellis United States,’ delivering on Pres- ronmental protections of any waters; Idaho Farm Bureau Federation ident Trump’s promise to finalize it simply brings clarity to which a revised definition for ‘Waters level of government oversees which BOISE – Federal agencies on Jan. of the United States’ that protects body of water under the federal-state 23 announced a new, final clean the nation’s navigable waters from partnership established by the Clean water rule that replaces the 2015 pollution and will result in economic Water Act.” Waters of the United States (WO- growth across the country.” The coalition’s news release said TUS) regulation that many farmers, “EPA and the (Army Corps) are the new rule clarifies which level of ranchers and other water users had providing much needed regulato- government – federal or state – over- feared would greatly expand the fed- ry certainty and predictability for sees dry land that is sometimes wet, eral government’s jurisdiction under American farmers, landowners and and does not change who oversees the Clean Water Act over waters and businesses to support the economy permanent waterways, such as lakes, adjacent land. and accelerate critical infrastruc- rivers and streams. Supporters of the new rule said it ture projects,” EPA Administrator “It does make clear that usually will provide the regulatory clarity Andrew Wheeler said in the news dry areas should not be considered that farmers and other businesses release. “After decades of landown- federal waters,” the release states. need to make important decisions. ers relying on expensive attorneys to American Farm Bureau Federation Many agricultural producers and determine what water on their land President Zippy Duvall, in a state- other landowners had feared the may or may not fall under federal ment, said farmers and ranchers care proposed 2015 WOTUS rule would regulations, our new (rule) strikes about clean water and preserving the have required them to hire a team the proper balance between Washing- land. of lawyers to determine what they ton and the states in managing land “That’s why we support the new could do on their own land. and water resources while protecting clean water rule,” he said. “It pro- They were concerned that rule, our nation’s navigable waters, and it vides clarity and certainty, allowing which was repealed by the EPA last does so within the authority Con- farmers to understand water regula- year, would have expanded the EPA gress provided.” tions without having to hire teams and Corps’ regulatory reach to nearly According to a joint statement by of consultants and lawyers. We all waters nationwide. members of the Water Advocacy appreciate the commitment of the According to an EPA news release, Coalition, which includes American agencies involved and this adminis- “The (new) rule provides a new, Farm Bureau Federation: “This new tration to crafting a new regulation clear definition for ‘Waters of the rule does not reduce or remove envi- that achieves important regulatory

18 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer oversight while allowing farmers to said. “My sincere hope is that the Clean Water Act,” the EPA news farm. Clean water, clear rules.” new (rule) ends decades of litigation release states. The EPA news release said the new and confusion around ‘Waters of the The EPA and Corps received 6,000 rule ends decades of uncertainty over U.S.’” recommendations and about 620,000 where federal jurisdiction begins and The new rule’s supporters said it is comments on the new rule while it ends. For the first time, it says, EPA better for the economy and protects was being proposed. and the Army Corps recognize the the environment. “The final definition balances the difference between federally pro- The new rule identifies four clear input the agencies received from a tected wetlands and state protected categories of waters that are federal- wide range of stakeholders,” the EPA wetlands and the rule will give states ly regulated under the Clean Water news release states. and tribes the certainty to manage Act; territorial seas and traditional More information and fact sheets their waters in ways that best protect navigable waters; perennial and on the new rule are available online their natural resources and local intermittent tributaries; certain lakes, at www.epa.gov/nwpr. economies. ponds and impoundments; and wet- All four members of Idaho’s con- During the Idaho Potato Confer- lands that are adjacent to jurisdic- gressional delegation lauded the new ence and Ag Expo in Pocatello Jan. tional waters. rule in a joint news release. 23, the new rule was announced by The rule also spells out what “After years of overreach and Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, En- waters are not subject to federal uncertainty, Idaho’s farmers, ranch- vironmental Protection Agency Re- control, including features that only ers and landowners will finally gional Administrator Chris Hladick contain water in direct response to have a rule that doesn’t confuse and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rainfall; groundwater, many ditches, truly navigable waters with ditches Gen. Pete Helmlinger. including most farm and roadside and puddles,” said Sen. Jim Risch, Hladick said everyone in Idaho ditches; prior converted cropland; R-Idaho. n and throughout the U.S. cares deeply farm and stock watering ponds; and about clean water and a healthy waste treatment systems. environment. “This action gives states and tribes Photo by Sean Ellis The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers “I see today’s announcement as more flexibility in determining have announced a new clean water opening a new chapter of cooper- how best to manage their land and rule that replaces the 2015 Waters of the ation and partnership between the water resources while protecting the U.S. rule that many farmers, ranchers and other landowners feared would federal government, states, tribes nation’s navigable waters as intend- have greatly expanded the federal gov- and the agricultural community,” he ed by Congress when it enacted the ernment’s regulatory reach over waters.

March 2020 | 19 For detailed information go to:

APPAREL

LIFE FLIGHT

20 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer March 2020 | 21 Cross-laminated TIMBER

22 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer Growing industry good for forest owners and the environment By Chris Schnepf lumber, glued-laminated timber, and University of Idaho large section sawn lumber.” Many of these wood products There has been constant discussion could also be called wood composite in recent years about ways to store materials. The forest products industry carbon to keep it out of the atmo- has been gluing and joining pieces sphere. of wood to form composite wood In forestry and agriculture there is products for many decades (plywood, a lot of research underway on practic- laminated beams, oriented strand es that sequester more carbon, from board, etc.) using biochar as a soil amendment What is different with these new to managing forests in ways that materials is their size and how they retain more carbon, within fire safety are used. As the name suggests, mass limitations. timbers are much more massive, and One of the unique dimensions of that mass stores a lot of carbon. carbon sequestration in forestry is One type of mass timber that is how materials generated in forest getting a lot of attention in the Pacific management are used. Forest products Northwest is cross-laminated tim- are commonly sequestered in wood ber, or CLT. Cross-laminated timber products – houses, furniture, etc. – for comes in the form of a wood panel decades or even centuries. that is manufactured by joining and Even paper products can have a gluing together three or more layers of relatively long shelf life (how old are boards (usually more) perpendicular your oldest books?) and are frequently to each other. recycled for additional longer life. To Cross-laminated timber is used in learn more about carbon life cycles very different ways than the boards for forest products, see Life Cycle you see in lumber yards. Traditionally, Impacts of Forest Management and lumber is produced in standardized Wood Utilization on Carbon Mitiga- sizes and used in varied applications. tion: Knowns and Unknowns. down- By contrast, CLT panels are usually loadable at https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/ engineered for specific building proj- documents/pdf2011/fpl_2011_lip- ects. You may have seen articles in the pke001.pdf media about buildings 10 stories or You may have read recently about higher built with these materials. Such a class of wood products called “mass tall buildings are a new market for timbers.” The American Wood Coun- wood products, as tall buildings have cil defines mass timber as “any prod- normally been constructed primarily uct currently permitted for use in Type with steel or concrete. IV construction, such as cross-lam- Some people are apprehensive inated timber, structural composite about fire risk with an all-wood build- March 2020 | 23 Photo by Chris Schnepf Cross-laminated timber panels are typically designed for specific building projects. PREVIOUS PAGE: Cross-laminated timber panels are made by gluing together three or more layers of boards perpendicular to each other.

ing, but experts say these buildings are That is good news to forest owners who tures built with them go up very quickly. actually safer from fire than other types always welcome larger, more competitive As CLT comes to be used more widely of structures—it takes a fire a long time markets for their logs. But it is also good in construction, CLT panel costs are also to burn through a really massive piece of news for climate, as buildings made from expected to drop. wood. Cross-laminated timber panels are mass timbers will sequester and store even Cross-laminated timber has been very also more resistant to earthquakes than more carbon than conventionally con- popular in the media recently, so an other materials. structed buildings. internet search will connect you to a lot of Cross-laminated timber is a relatively Cross-laminated timber production also articles and photos of CLT in use. new industry in North America, but CLT has a smaller carbon footprint than metal For an excellent research-based primer, use has been growing in Europe since the or concrete building materials. go to the CLT Handbook, available for early 1990s. At first blush, one might think construc- download at https://info.thinkwood.com/ The topic is of particular interest in tion with CLT would be more expensive clt-handbook the Pacific Northwest, because several than construction with dimensional lumber firms here have built plants to produce – you are using more wood, right? Howev- Chris Schnepf is an area extension CLT panels. One firm near Spokane, just er, the additional wood cost is off set by educator in forestry for the University of five miles from the Idaho border, looks to the speed of construction using CLT. Idaho in Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and be the largest producer of CLT panels in Because CLT panels are engineered and Benewah counties. He can be reached at North America. cut at the mill for specific projects, struc- [email protected]. n

24 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer Alfalfa Seed Grass Seed Western Favorites Pasture Mixes

Surpass Grass Pasture Long-term yielding variety. 2.40/lb 120.00/bag

Treasure Valley Blend University Pasture (Surpass-Perry-Vernema) 2.45/lb 122.50/bag

Perry Rangeland When drought stress is of 3.65/lb 182.50/bag consideration Horse Pasture 3.00/lb 150.00/bag 2.40/lb 120.00/bag Climax Timothy Hardy Varieties 1.65/lb 82.50/bag Wrangler Variety for tough climates, forage quality similar to Vernal Home Yards & Lawns Lawn Mix Idaho Farm Bureau 3.00/lb 150.00/bag 2.00/lb 100.00/bag

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March 2020 | 25 Determining Bear River water rights

A bill that would begin the process of adjudicating water rights in the Bear River Basin is moving quickly through the Idaho Legislature. 26 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer Bear River Basin Adjudication bill moving through legislature By Sean Ellis and the Bear River Basin Adjudication tend is too low – and “they are looking Idaho Farm Bureau Federation process would begin after that wraps at Bear River water to help fill that up.” up, in about three to five years, Harris “It’s time to do this to protect what BOISE – A bill that would begin the said. He said the Bear River adjudica- we’ve got because some people want process of adjudicating water rights in tion is expected to take 8-10 years. to take it,” Harris said. the Bear River Basin is moving quickly A Bear River adjudication is not He said his main concern is se- through the Idaho Legislature. expected to take as long as the SRBA curing unchallengeable water rights As of print time, the bill had passed but it will still be a large undertaking, for the irrigation water that is the the House by a 70-0 vote and had made determining thousands of water rights. lifeblood of farms and ranches in the its way to the Senate. Roger Chase, chairman of the Idaho basin. A water adjudication is an adminis- Water Resource Board, told lawmakers “The land is worthless without wa- trative and legal process where a court that the only two basins in Idaho that ter and everybody knows that,” Harris determines, or decrees, water rights. have not been adjudicated are the Bear said. “If your crops don’t have any- “This is basically enabling legislation River and Kootenai River basins. thing to drink, they don’t grow. That’s to begin the adjudication of the Bear He said the water board supports the the livelihood of a lot of people in the River,” the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Mark bill. Bear River Basin.” Harris, a Republican rancher from Soda “It’s critical for us to do these adju- A Bear River adjudication would Springs, told members of the House dications,” Chase said, adding that one affect parts of Bannock, Bear Lake, Resources and Environment Committee. of the main reasons for a water adjudi- Caribou, Cassia, Franklin, Oneida and Following a public hearing on House cation is “to make sure we protect that Power counties within the Bear River Bill 382 Feb. 5, the committee voted to resource in Idaho.” Basin. send it to the full House with a “do- The bill is also supported by the Bear Unlike the Snake River and North pass” recommendation. River Water Users Association and the Idaho water adjudication processes, If it passes the Senate also, it would Idaho Water Users Association. a Bear River adjudication would not still need to be approved by the Senate Harris told fellow legislators the include any tribal land. and signed by Gov. Brad Little. adjudication would cost an estimated Harris said people have known for The adjudication process would cata- $8-10 million and be conducted over some time that a Bear River adjudica- log and confirm water rights in the Bear about a 10-year period. tion is coming and he acknowledged River Basin. The river runs through part Harris told Farm Bureau some people the concern about that. of Wyoming, Idaho and Utah. are concerned about a Bear River “There’s going to be some pain There has not been a water adjudica- adjudication and what it will mean for involved, I’m sure of it,” he said. “But I tion process in that basin since 1920, their current water usage but he said the know in the overall scheme of things it Harris said. Since then, he added, a ultimate goal is to ensure people have will be a good thing.” lot of farms and ranches have changed secure water rights that can’t be chal- The Bear River flows starts in Utah ownership and there is some confusion lenged after the adjudication process and flows through a corner of Wyoming, about what water is decreed to the land. issues final water rights. the southeast corner of Idaho and then He told Idaho Farm Bureau Feder- “The fact is, the adjudication will ends back in Utah in the Great Salt Lake. ation the adjudication “will help clear help secure those rights,” he said. A lot has changed since water rights that up and make sure that the water is With the massive growth occurring were first decreed or licensed in the decreed to where it’s supposed to be in northern Utah, “They are poking basin in 1920, Harris told lawmakers. decreed.” around, they want water and they are “The statutory claims on record The Snake River Basin Adjudication looking at the Bear River and Bear with (the Idaho Department of Water process, which began in 1987 and offi- Lake,” Harris said. Resources) have never been con- cially ended in 2014, decreed 158,600 The Bear River is the largest tributary firmed,” he said. “Many beneficial-use water rights in southern Idaho. to the Great Salt Lake. water rights exist in the basin but are The Northern Idaho Adjudications He said environmental groups are not recorded … An adjudication will process, which is determining water also concerned about brine shrimp in safeguard Idaho’s water against Utah rights in North Idaho, is going on now the Great Salt Lake – which some con- and Wyoming.” n March 2020 | 27 RANGER XP® 1000:

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28 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer IT’S The spring crop insurance sales CROPPING closing date is: UP!

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March 2020 | 29 Photo by Sean Ellis Idaho Farm Bureau Federation members fill the Lincoln Auditorium in the Capitol building in Boise Feb. 12 during IFBF’s annual Legislative and Commodity Conference. Farm Bureau members meet with state, federal lawmakers By Sean Ellis The conference brings Farm Bureau bers at the same table with lawmakers who Idaho Farm Bureau Federation members from across the state to Boise to represent their districts. provide them a close-up experience of the They also hear from the state’s BOISE –About 150 Idaho Farm Bureau state’s legislative process. four-member congressional delegation Federation members were able to discuss They attend committee meetings of during a teleconference. important issues with state and federal the Idaho Legislature, hear from and ask The conference benefits Idaho Farm lawmakers during IFBF’s annual Legis- questions of lawmakers and meet infor- Bureau Federation members by providing lative and Commodity Conference Feb. mally with them during a “strolling buffet” them a hands-on learning experience about 11-12. dinner event that seats Farm Bureau mem- the legislative process and allowing them

30 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer to ask lawmakers questions about import- ant issues, said Russ Hendricks, IFBF’s director of governmental affairs. “I think the big benefit our members get from the conference is that they get to actually visualize the legislative process,” he said. “We talk about it all the time but when you’re actually in the committee hearings or watching the floor debate, it’s a whole new experience for people.” IFBF Executive Vice President and CEO Rick Keller said many Farm Bureau members want to be involved in the leg- islative process but don’t know how to or are uncomfortable with it. “To them, the process is very over- whelming,” he said. “By bringing them here to the Capitol, we let them watch committee meetings and visit with their legislators and they realize anybody can do it and it increases their comfort level so they can be involved with government.” The conference is also an important way to show elected officials that Farm Bureau represents a lot of farmers, ranchers and others around Idaho, said Zak Miller, IFBF’s director of commodities. “We have staff that works very hard Photo by Sean Ellis to represent our members but nothing Idaho Farm Bureau Federation members from across the state head to the Capitol building proves our organization’s value more in Boise Feb. 12 during IFBF’s annual Legislative and Commodity Conference. than when elected officials hear from our members,” he said. Miller said the event helps show law- they are going through and how the laws While IFBF is a general farm organiza- makers that IFBF staff aren’t just speak- are impacting them and that helps legis- tion that represents all of agriculture, the ing for themselves, “they are speaking lators be better informed and make wise discussions held during these individual for a whole group of very specialized decisions.” commodity meetings help Farm Bureau professionals that understand what they During the conference, members of address issues that are specific to certain do and can explain their commodities as well, Miller needs in a way that helps said. water get to the end of the “That way, we can be a row.” “So, as our policy is developed, we can general farm organization “The real benefit for and continue to represent the legislators is that they keep track of what the greater needs of entire agricultural industry are able to recognize that agriculture are without losing sight of the but we can also stay laser fo- we actually do represent cused on particular issues,” 80,000 families that live all individual needs of agriculture as well.” he said. “So, as our policy around Idaho and that are is developed, we can keep their constituents and live — Zak Miller, IFBF’s director of commodities track of what the greater and work in their districts,” needs of agriculture are Hendricks said. without losing sight of the Legislators “need to IFBF’s various commodity groups –beef, individual needs of agriculture as well.” know, and they want to know, what’s go- water, wheat and feed grain, hay and for- The conference is open to any Farm Bu- ing on back home in their districts,” said age, dairy, potato, sugar beets, dry beans reau member “and we welcome anybody Keller. “We bring people in who are able and pulses and forestry – meet to discuss and everybody who would like to come to tell their personal stories of struggles issues important to their industries. and participate,” Hendricks said. n

March 2020 | 31 A bullish March

Submitted photo This is a past bull sale at Spring Cove Ranch in Bliss. A host 32of bull |sales Idaho occur in Farm March onBureau ranches acrossProducer Idaho. Bull sale bullish season an anticipated social event By John O’Connell March Intermountain Farm and Ranch In the span of less than three hours, Salmon rancher Steve Herbst and his family will generate most of the revenue resulting from a year’s worth of hard work. So they make sure to cut no corners in preparing a memorable feast for friends and customers who attend their crucial bull sale at Nelson Angus Ranch, hosted annually on the third Saturday of March. Ranches throughout Idaho will host such bull sales throughout March, prior to the breeding season, providing people in the cat- tle industry a chance to visit with friends, eat well and upgrade the genetics of their herds. Herbst said his bull sale is in its 69th year. His family will sell 150 top bulls and will feed home-cooked dinners to about 700 guests. Prior to the big sale, his wife, moth- er-in-law and even some neighbors work tirelessly in the kitchen, preparing homemade desserts, salads and side dishes. Of course, they also serve generous por- tions of certified Angus beef. “The ranching community still likes a social circle where they can gather among their peers and talk and visit and get up- dates,” Herbst said. “It happens to occur at a time when ... the industry has undergone an intense season of calving. Your nose has been to the grindstone a lot, so it’s a great time to get away and socialize with fellow livestock producers and have someone else cook lunch for you.” Modern technology is becoming increas- ingly important in the industry. Roughly 10 percent of purchases during the sale will be made by online bidders, including many from other states. And nowadays, Herbst said, pure-breed March 2020 | 33 ranchers must essentially be genetic see your neighbors and visit with them,” 1920 to a man he picked up in a horse scientists “assembling genetics to pro- Udy said. “We work seven days a week, and buggy. The buyer secured the bull vide improvement opportunities for the and you don’t really have a whole lot of in a crate and transported him home on commercial beef sector.” time to spend talking to your neighbors a train. He uses both embryo transplants and and your friends.” “The same herd of cows has been artificial insemination as breeding tools, Neal Ward, of Wooden Shoe Farms in calved by the same Butler family for 101 though he’s been doing fewer embryo Blackfoot, said his grandfather started years,” Stacy said. transplants lately because his cow herd the family in the Hereford cattle busi- The family started hosting a bull sale has become more consistent. ness back in 1945. His family will be in 1992, collaborating with some other A top-end bull still fills a critical role hosting just its second bull sale this breeders until 1998, when they built in “cleanup,” he explained. Herbst said year, though they’ve hosted an annual their own sale barn. 60 to 70 percent of heifers may become cow sale for about 20 years. Prior to last Selling the bulls from home eliminates impregnated through artificial insemina- year, when their bull numbers grew large the risk of the animals being exposed to tion and bringing in a good bull makes enough to justify a sale, they sold their illnesses upon being moved. It also gives sure the remainder also go on to them the opportunity to show off produce a calf. their ranch to potential buyers. All of his bulls have been DNA “A lot of times we go help our Stacy said preparing for the sale tested and genetically mapped for neighbors before and after. is “like cleaning your house for desirable traits, such as marbling, company, except you’re cleaning udder quality, back fat and yearling We’re competition but we’re also your ranch.” weight. They’ve been using artificial There’s an unwritten rule among friends in the business, and they insemination since the 1960s and bull breeders against scheduling a come and help us, too.” started doing embryo transfers in sale that overlaps with a neighbor’s the late 1980s. Every calf born on sale. — Steve Herbst their ranch undergoes genomic “We always have the third Sat- testing. They’re known for their urday and our neighbor has the third bulls through consignment or private elite genetics, as artificial insemination Friday and our other neighbor has the treaty. companies sometimes purchase their third Wednesday,” Herbst said. “A lot of “It allows us to sell a volume of cattle bulls for studs. times we go help our neighbors before at one time and at one place,” Ward said. They’ll video their bulls and open the and after. We’re competition but we’re They’ll be selling about 80 lots, bidding to online participants, as well. also friends in the business, and they including a few cows. Guests at their A couple of years ago, a buyer from come and help us, too.” sale will be treated to a catered lunch, Nebraska paid $44,000 for one of their Rockland Valley rancher James Udy featuring the Wards’ beef. top bulls. Last year, they sold a heifer to said his family has been ranching in About half of the animals they sell a buyer in Iowa for $21,000. southeast Idaho since 1919, and they’ll are bred using embryo transplants, The cinnamon rolls served at the be hosting their 41st bull sale on March and about 75 percent were artificially Spring Cove Ranch sale have become 11. inseminated. They participate in fairs well known within Idaho’s cattle indus- Prior to organizing their own regis- throughout the West to raise awareness try. In the early years of the sale, Stacy, tered bull sale, they sold bulls in small about their genetics and build interest in along with her mom and aunt, prepared groups on consignment. They’ll sell their sale. a big meal featuring the family’s famous about 130 bulls and 60 yearling heifers “For us, it’s constant research. You’re cinnamon rolls for their guests. at their upcoming sale. looking every day for more performance Nowadays, the flank steak meals are They artificially inseminate about 400 or current pedigrees or intriguing things catered by another ranching family, but cows per year and rely on cleanup bulls that excite you,” Ward said. “We find Stacy’s aunt still makes the cinnamon to follow up with the roughly 40 percent that we want everything maternal. For rolls for sale day. that don’t become pregnant initially. us, if (animals) don’t have enough udder The family makes sure to invite the Of course, they’ll “roll out the red car- and teat structure and maternal values, general public to experience the sale — pet” and serve beef to their guests. His we’re not interested.” and the meal. mother, aunt and sisters prepare roast Stacy and Art Butler, with Spring “We invite locals, even if they don’t beef sandwiches and baked potatoes for Cove Ranch in Bliss, will be selling 156 need a bull,” Stacy said. “It’s a sense the occasion. bulls and several yearling heifers during of community, and it’s an opportunity “Everybody is busy calving this time a March 9 sale. for neighbors to come and see what of year and it’s kind of a four- to five- Art’s grandfather sold the family’s we’re doing and what the program is all hour break to get away from home and first registered Angus bull for $50 in about.” n

34 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer JOIN US FOR AN EVENING c c h of h ootS B CKLES friends, food, BU& U and fundraising BL e for the idaho

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36 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer Idaho lawmakers defend name of Chicken Dinner Road

By Sean Ellis dinner, chicken dinner,’ on their way to Idaho Farm Bureau Federation school” and the name Chicken Dinner Road stuck. CALDWELL – An attempt by PETA Syme, who was raised on a farm near to change the name of Chicken Dinner Weiser and now produces hay and sheep Road in Canyon County to Chicken Road on 43 acres in Caldwell, told Idaho Farm has failed spectacularly. Bureau the effort by PETA to change the A July 3 letter to Caldwell Mayor road’s name was the impetus for his res- Garret Nancolas asking him to make the olution. But he said it goes way beyond name change was soundly rejected. Even just chickens. though the road is a county street and the “It’s a much larger issue,” he said. city has no jurisdiction over it, Garret still “People are coming here trying to change made his feelings known unequivocally. our history. This resolution is about Even if it was a Caldwell road, “no honoring the historical significance of way, no chance I would ever consider this Chicken Dinner Road.” truly unbelievable request!” he wrote in a “It is an interesting piece of Idaho his- Facebook post. tory,” Syme told fellow lawmakers. “As People for the Ethical Treatment of many of you know, there was an effort Animals, a national organization whose to change the name of Chicken Dinner motto includes the words, “animals Road to Chicken Road and … that effort are not ours to eat,” asked for the Photo by Steve Ritter didn’t bother to find out why it was called road’s name to be changed “to one that The curiously named Chicken Dinner Road Chicken Dinner Road.” in Canyon County is the impetus behind celebrates chickens as individuals, not a popular wine label in Idaho. On Jan. 27, “This resolution is not about chickens,” as beings to kill, chop up and label as Idaho lawmakers approved a resolution that he added. “This is about preserving histo- ‘dinner.’” honors and supports the road continuing to ry in our state.” have that name. The request didn’t go over well in Can- He said newcomers to Idaho always yon County, which has 2,289 farms, far article from the Idaho Press Tribune. comment about how friendly Idahoans more than any other county in Idaho. According to the resolution, Laura are and it’s true. “But when you try to On Jan. 27, Idaho lawmakers also Lamb, who lived on the road with her change our history or events of historical weighed in on the matter and they over- husband, Morris, was famous for her significance, that just goes too far. I’m whelmingly approved a resolution that fried chicken, apple pie and hot rolls. asking for a green light on preserving honors and supports the road’s unique The Lambs were close friends of then- Idaho history.” name. Gov. C. Ben Ross, and during dinner Rep. John Gannon, D-Boise, said he The 70-member Idaho House of with the governor and his wife one day in chuckled when he first read the reso- Representatives on a voice vote almost 1930, Mrs. Lamb commented about the lution. “But this is very important and unanimously voted to approve House poor condition of the road. serious and something I think all govern- Concurrent Resolution 25, which states The governor told Lamb that if she ments and legislatures should do and that that Chicken Dinner Road is of important could get the road graded, he would make is preserve our history.” historic value to Idaho and “that the offi- sure it was oiled. After the House vote was taken – only cial name for the former Lane 12 should Lamb did her part, the governor fol- one or two ‘nays’ could be heard follow- always be ‘Chicken Dinner Road.’” lowed through on his promise and the ing a chorus of ‘ayes’ – Speaker of the The resolution was also approved by words, “Lamb’s Chicken Dinner Avenue” House Scott Bedke, a Republican rancher the Senate on Feb. 12. were painted in big yellow letters on the from Oakley, said, “The ‘ayes’ clearly The resolution by Rep. Scott Syme, road. have it and House Concurrent Resolution R-Caldwell, also explains how the road According to HCR 25, “after school, 25, shall we say, is a winner, winner, got its curious name, based on an old children started chanting, ‘chicken chicken dinner.” n

March 2020 | 37 Photo by John O’Connell Farm equipment is on display in Pocatello’s Holt Arena at the Eastern Idaho Ag Expo. Optimism abounds at Idaho Ag Expo By John O’Connell The vendors brought their latest technol- that’s been greater this year.” Intermountain Farm and Ranch ogy, which is getting bigger, faster and Milestone manufactures potato seed more efficient. Most of them say their cutters and equipment used for sorting, POCATELLO — Vendors at the Eastern sales have been holding steady or are up piling and loading spuds into storage. Idaho Ag Expo said Idaho farmers are significantly, as area farmers have finally Mitchell said his company has noticed optimistic based on improved prices of a caught a break with stronger potato, sugar a sizable increase in customers placing few key commodities, and they’re looking beet and dairy prices. advanced orders. to upgrade equipment and procure new “It’s been a very good year. We ride Burley farmer Eric Searle brought services. that wave with everybody,” said Shane his family to the expo’s opening day. The Ag Expo was hosted at Idaho State Mitchell, marketing director with Black- He wasn’t looking to buy, explaining University’s Holt Arena from Jan. 21- foot-based Milestone. “I would say the last he had some “hiccups” in his operation 23, in conjunction with the Idaho Potato two years (business has) been very good. caused by rental ground that didn’t pan Conference, hosted from Jan. 22-23 at the The amount of people who feel comfort- out, but the improved crop prices should university’s Pond Student Union Building. able with going ahead with the purchase, help him get his operation back on solid

38 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer ground. demonstrated the company’s new com- rocks from fields. Sales representa- “I would say there’s definitely some puter system, which enables a worker tive Jerad Childers explained it has optimism with the way potato prices who enters the cab of a farm machine to increased leg room, is designed to be are, and sugar prices are up,” Searle press a button to implement personal- more stable and has a door that swings said, noting prices of wheat and beans ized settings. Blessing said the company further open. have remained sluggish. is even working to make the seat auto- “It seems like (farmers) are making a Richard Johnson, a Blackfoot farmer matically adjust. little more and they’re willing to spend and regional sales manager for Lem- Blessing said equipment makers are a little more, so it’s headed in a good ken USA, brought a new machine to pushing the envelope with machines direction,” Childers said. the expo designed to plow residue and that are bigger, have higher horsepower Bill Nice, territory manager for FEI, plant a field in cover crops in a single and cover more ground with less fuel. was promoting the new DURA-ABS au- pass, thereby cutting a step for farmers He believes the recent trade agreement tomated direct injection system, which who typically use a fertilizer spreader with China, coupled with improved allows farmers to pump several differ- to plant cover crop seeds after tilling. dairy and potato prices, bode well for ent fertilizers and chemicals into their Cover crops are planted solely to pre- Idaho agriculture. tanks at once rather than individually, vent erosion and benefit soil health, and Dan Piquet, with the Heyburn-based and with greater precision. He knows they’re becoming increasingly popular potato harvesting equipment manufac- of a farmer who once spent 45 minutes in the region, especially among potato turer Double L, said the industry’s trend pumping chemicals who can now do the farmers who like cover crops with natu- is for machinery that works faster and task in 15 minutes. ral fumigation properties. handles more volume. His company’s “It’s remarkable how much time you “The dairy prices are up; potato prices equipment has more sensors than ever can save in the field,” Nice said. are up. There’s a lot more optimism,” before and new technology designed About 200 vendors participated in the Johnson said. “It’s going to make guys to allow farmers to harvest at a faster expo and a trade show at the potato con- feel a little more confident they’re going speed without their machines rocking. ference, hosted by Spectra Productions. to heal up a little bit. I think it’s going “More money means more purchasing Carla Armentrout, with Spectra, said to be a good year.” power,” Piquet said, adding Double L the events are fully booked, and about John Deere has a new combine with orders have risen in correlation with 90 percent of the vendors return from twin rotors, enabling farmers to harvest increasing potato prices. one year to the next. at a higher speed, said Clayton Eliason, Comfort is also a consideration for “We always have a pretty good a precision agriculture specialist with equipment deals. Western States Cater- waiting list and maybe up to 50 or so the company. pillar brought a new skid-steer loader, vendors trying to make it that don’t get Case IH contractor Ron Blessing fitted with an attachment for removing in,” Armentrout said. n

March 2020 | 39 40 | Idaho Farm Bureau Producer