March 2018 • Volume 22, Issue 2 Idaho Farm Bureau

® March 2018 • Volume 22, Issue 2 Idaho Farm Bureau

Federal Programs Unique Partnership Livestock Emission Cause Budget Distress Created Around Blaine Rule Delayed in Rural3 Counties County10 Ranch 26 Building on Beyond the NAFTA’s Success Fencerows

By Zippy Duvall export markets hang in the balance, a a third of those exports went to our cloud of uncertainty hangs over a time North American neighbors. Mexico AFBF President that usually is filled with optimism and and Canada are top export markets hope. The impact of U.S. withdrawal for all types of commodities—from Agriculture will be keeping a close from NAFTA could be devastating for grains to dairy, from poultry and live- eye on the next rounds of the North farms and ranches of all sizes. stock to fresh fruits and vegetables. American Free Trade Agreement re- NAFTA has been a real success story negotiation this month in Mexico City Robust trade agreements boost farm for U.S. agriculture, and it continues and Washington, D.C. For farmers and prices and help sustain farms and to be. Last year, ag exports to Canada ranchers across the country, spring is a ranches. Twenty-five percent of Amer- and Mexico topped $39 billion—that’s time of planning, planting and praying ican-grown products go to customers $1 billion higher than in 2016. for a fruitful year. But if our leading outside our borders, and in 2017 nearly See DUVALL, page 6

“I have met farmers and ranchers over-reaching. who are not sure if they should en- In my own recent discussions with Federal Regulations courage their children to remain on Idaho Farm Bureau members I the farm,” Duvall said. “This is not sense a remaining frustration and a partisan issue. This is about al- Stifle Small Business confusion over many of the federal lowing our farmers and businesses government’s attempts to regu- to be productive. It’s about a goal late agriculture in the wake of the By Bryan Searle that I believe we all share: a regula- Obama presidency. President Idaho Farm Bureau tory process that is credible—one Federation that we can get behind instead of Waters of the U.S. or WOTUS as it American Farm Bureau President having to fight against.” has come to be known, is one example of government agencies bit- Zippy Duvall recently told a U.S. Duvall singled out the Clean Water ing off more than they could chew. Senate Committee that federal Act, the Endangered Species Act Since this issue rose to the sur- government regulations are ripe and the Administrative Procedure for reform. Act as laws that are harmful and See SEARLE, page 7

continues to creep up, currently at 57.6 to making their life choice and career Are There Any Young years. That statistic implies an aging a family priority. The conferences are farmer base, but statistics don’t always sponsored by the American and Idaho provide a full picture. Farm Bureaus, through a program Farmers and Ranchers? called the Young Farmers and Ranch- I wish all the nay-sayers comment- ers program (YF&R). ing of no young farmers and ranchers By Rick Keller could have attended the meetings that In Boise, I attend a conference of over CEO Idaho Farm Bureau Federation I have this past month, where there 200 young farmers and ranchers from As I have traveled around the state, were many young farmers and ranch- around the state. It was awesome. The I’m frequently asked about the future ers present. The meetings were re- conference was put on by young farm- of agriculture. One of the more com- freshing as hundreds of young famers ers and ranchers for young farmers mon concerns expressed is there just and ranchers met to discuss pertinent and ranchers. The meeting provided aren’t any young farmers and ranchers issues before them. Even more encour- a wonderful blend of training, net- entering the farming scene. Yes, it is aging was to witness most attending working, and leadership development. true the average age of Idaho’s farmers the conferences were couples, united See KELLER, page 6 2 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 Volume 22, Issue 2 IFBF OFFICERS President ...... Bryan Searle, Shelley Vice President ...... Mark Trupp, Driggs Executive Vice President ...... Rick Keller Assist Executive Vice President...... Dennis Brower

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Austin Tubbs ...... Malad Dan Garner...... Clifton Chris Dalley ...... Blackfoot Stephanie Mickelsen...... Idaho Falls Travis McAffee ...... Howe Scott Steele ...... Idaho Falls Gerald Marchant ...... Oakley Rick Pearson ...... Hagerman Rick Brune...... Hazelton Luke Pearce ...... New Plymouth Cody Chandler...... Weiser Tracy Walton ...... Emmett Marjorie French ...... Princeton Bob Konen...... Lewiston Tom Daniel ...... Bonners Ferry Judy Woody ...... Filer Kyle Wade...... Downey STAFF Dir. of Organization...... Justin Patten This is a photograph of federal land in Custer County, where 96 percent of the land is controlled Director of Admin. Services ...... Cara Dyer by the federal government. Many rural counties in Idaho are facing difficult budgeting decisions Commodities & Marketing Assistant . Melissa Nelson due to large sections of federal land within their boundaries and underperforming federal Member Services Assistant ...... Peggy Moore programs established to offset tax exemptions on that land. Public Relations Assistant ...... Dixie Ashton Farm Bureau file photo Assistant Treasurer...... Tyler Zollinger Dist. I Regional Manager ...... Ott Clark Dist. II Regional Manager ...... Tyrel Bingham Dist. III Regional Manager ...... Zack Lanier Dist. IV Regional Manager ...... Brody Miller Dist. V Regional Manager ...... Bob Smathers PILT Distribution Unfair Dir. of Governmental Affairs ...... Russ Hendricks Asst. Dir. of Governmental Affairs .... Dennis Tanikuni Energy/Natural Resources...... Braden Jensen to Rural Counties Director of Public Relations ...... John Thompson Video Services Manager ...... Steve Ritter By John Thompson Broadcast Services Manager ...... Jake Putnam Office Manager, Boise ...... Melissa Bechaver Member Services Manager ...... Joel Benson Idaho legislators are in Boise this winter doling out tax cuts, deliberating on how to Commodities and Marketing...... Zak Miller allocate budget surpluses and focusing on re-election. Project Manager...... Tyler Moore But out in the rural counties, budget-setting is a bit more tenuous. In fact some rural Printed by: Owyhee Publishing, Homedale, ID counties are struggling just to keep the lights on and are in discussions about override GEM STATE PRODUCER USPS #015-024, is published monthly levies that will increase property taxes later this year. except February, May, August and November by the IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION, 275 Tierra Vista Drive, Pocatello, ID 83201. Washington County Commissioner Kirk Chandler says Idaho’s rural counties, espe- POSTMASTER send changes of address to: cially those with high percentages of federal land, are at the bottom of the food chain GEM STATE PRODUCER P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848. because of underperforming federal programs established to offset large tracts of Periodicals postage paid at Pocatello, Idaho, untaxed federal land and costly mandates passed down from the State. Ultimately, it’s and additional mailing offices. the farmers, ranchers and other private landowners who the costs are passed down to. Subscription rate: $6.00 per year included in Farm Bureau dues. MAGAZINE CONTACTS: One of the options under consideration in Washington County is to pull sheriff’s Idaho Farm Bureau Federation EDITOR (208) 239-4292 • ADS (208) 239-4279 deputies off patrol, put them in charge of the jail and lay off the jail staff. In the past E-MAIL: [email protected] Chandler said some rural counties have even escorted law-breakers to the state line www.idahofb.org and let them go because the cost of jailing them was more than the county could af- Cover: At Huston Winery in Canyon County’s ford. Sunnyslope area, pruning the grape vines is a family affair that got underway in late February this year. “We have had to go out for override levies twice in the last few years just to pay the Photo by Steve Ritter See PILT page 4

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 3 PILT Continued from page 3

Kirk Chandler, center, is a rancher and commissioner in Washington County. In this photograph he is teaching children from an elementary school in Weiser about agriculture and natural resources. Farm Bureau file photo bills,” Chandler said. “If the PILT money County has 4,087 residents and 2.9 million Chandler says the millions of U.S. residents doesn’t come through we will have to lay acres of federal land, or 440,000 fewer resi- who call themselves proud public land own- off our jail staff, put our deputies in the jail dents and 2.7 million more acres of public ers and who live here or travel to Idaho to and then not be able to patrol the county.” land than Ada County. Yet Custer County’s recreate, should have a better understand- yearly PILT allocation is only $730,092, or ing of the challenges rural counties face. Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) is a feder- $58,994 less than Ada. al government program that channels mon- “Many people are passionate about their ey to counties across the nation that contain Chandler is beyond frustrated with the diffi- public land,” Chandler said. “It seems fair federal land. PILT must be reauthorized culties associated with budget-setting in his to me that they should pay the taxes on it periodically by Congress and payments in rural county because of the heavy burden and not just have it for free. If that land was recent years have been intermittent. This created by large tracts of federal land, Con- managed better it could even generate in- fact makes the program unreliable and adds gress’ failure to appropriate PILT funds on come and jobs.” considerable challenge to the county’s bud- time and other mandates passed down from Nationwide, PILT paid out $460 million last get setting process, Chandler said. state to county government. He said some year. Chandler said according to a study counties are facing an even bigger budget- In addition, the PILT formula contains a conducted by the National Association of ing struggle than Washington County. population component that penalizes the Counties, if the federal land were under the counties with the fewest residents, regard- County commissioners in rural Idaho are same tax structure as private land it would less of the number of federal acres within charged with providing law enforcement, have generated $1.3 billion in property tax- their borders. For instance, Ada County search and rescue, fire protection, road es last year. has 434,000 residents and 298,000 acres maintenance and a long list of other servic- To cope with the cost of state mandates of public land. Ada County’s yearly PILT es for huge areas of federal land they have allocation is $789,086. By contrast, Custer no control over. See PILT page 8

#4 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 Many rural counties are struggling to set budgets and being forced to raise property taxes while waiting for Congress to reauthorize a federal program that helps fund roads and schools. Farm Bureau file photo Secure Rural Schools Act Delinquent By Jake Putnam of untaxable U.S. Forest Service land. SRS supported by this act depended on receiv- money replaces lost timber revenue and ing 25 percent of timber sale revenues GRANGEVILLE - Rural Idaho counties can only be allocated for schools and road from nearby National Forests to pay for have not received a Secure Rural Schools maintenance. SRS was last reauthorized by schools and other critical infrastructure. and Self-Determination Act (SRS) payment Congress in 2015. in more than 18 months. “It was initially approved for six years Rural Idaho counties usually re- “We’re working without $1.2 mil- back in 1995,” said Adams County Com- ceive SRS checks in March. County lion dollars that we usually have in missioner Mike Paradis. “Ever since budgets throughout Idaho are deal- our operating road and bridge budget,” then it was attached to other bills in vari- ing with major budget shortfalls. Frei said. Things are so bad the coun- ous forms. In 2015 we had our last pay- ty has had to take drastic measures. ment and it was $774,000. This year we’re “We haven’t had a check since March of 2015,” working on a budget of $14,494 dollars.” said Idaho County Commissioner Mark Frei. “So we have to levy higher taxes on everyone that lives within this road Paradis says roads in Adams County are The Secure Rural Schools and Commu- and bridge highway district,” he said. not being repaired, and many paved roads nity Self-Determination Act was passed by will go back to gravel. He says Adams Congress in 2000. It replaced a similar act The SRS is administered by the U.S. For- adopted by Congress in 1908 established to est Service and originally passed in 2000. See SRS page 8 help rural counties with high percentages Before 2000, many rural communities

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 5 DU VA LL Continued from page 2 taken our business elsewhere, our sanitary rules. We have seen this all of us get our time and chance customers in Mexico and Canada kind of progress in other trade to be successful, if we are smart While NAFTA has a track record will go to other countries for their talks like the Trans-Pacific Part- enough to see the opportunity in of working for agriculture, we soybeans, wheat, apples, poultry, nership, and are confident we can front of us and act on it. can’t be certain that we’ll keep and much more, if trade with us get there again. those customers if we back out If the U.S. pulls out of NAFTA, no longer remains a good deal all of the agreement or lose the gains In the middle of these negotia- our competitors around the world around. we’ve made. You don’t have to tions, I am reminded of a Bible certainly will see their opportu- look far to see how markets adjust That’s not to say that we have a verse in Ecclesiastes: “The race nity to swallow up the markets we when better deals come along. perfect trade agreement with is not to the swift or the battle to would leave behind for the taking. No company or industry is ex- NAFTA. We’ve seen a lot of the strong, nor does food come to America’s farmers and ranch- empt from changes in the market. change in the 20-plus years since the wise or wealth to the brilliant ers are swift, strong, wise and Companies that were once pillars it was signed, and agriculture or favor to the learned; but time learned. There’s nothing we can’t of their industries have crumbled would like to see modernizations and chance happen to them all.” do, including feed our nation and when they couldn’t keep up with that improve on the strong trade I often look to God’s Word for much of the world. It’s up to us to the changes taking place around partnership with our neighbors. guidance on all kinds of issues. make the right decisions to ensure them. For example, there’s no lon- All our trade agreements must be It’s amazing how much wisdom in we make the most of the opportu- ger a Woolworth’s in every down- based on scientific standards that the Bible applies to our business nities we have. town. You can’t get a phone plan advance innovation in our indus- and professional lives, as well as with MCI, and you can’t book a try. Free trade involves give and our spiritual lives. We must remain in NAFTA and world-class flight on Pan-Am. But take, and U.S. agriculture can’t do keep working to make it better, so No matter how good a job we do folks still have plenty of means to all the giving. That’s why we’re America’s farmers and ranchers in American agriculture, winning shop, communicate and travel. In looking to these NAFTA talks can continue the export growth the “race” is not guaranteed. We the same way we’ve adjusted and to reduce tariffs and modernize we’ve seen in our closest markets. are not promised success. But KELLER Continued from page 2 activities in their communities of college alumni bantering and back to their chosen profession of The topics in the workshops were where the strength and energy of good-natured interaction. agriculture. these young leaders is most felt. based on the realities of being a Inclusion is the great bond which We are grateful Farm Bureau is One report given showed Ameri- young farmer or rancher today. exists between young farmers engaged in the YF&R program, can Farm Bureau Young Farmers The networking developed new and ranchers and many state and for that is where Farm Bureau’s and Ranchers’ Harvest for All friendships and mentoring from local Future Farmers of America future leaders are developed. national campaign recently par- around that state that will last a (FFA) chapters. Many of the There isn’t another viable pro- ticipated in donating 28.9 million lifetime. young farmers and ranchers were gram in the state or nation which pounds of food, 9,067 of hours of actively engaged in FFA while at- is dedicated to strengthening the Following the meeting in Boise, volunteer time, and $1.1 million to tending high school. FFA is inte- future of agriculture and leader- I attended a national meeting of local food banks. young farmers and ranchers in gral in agriculture and providing ship. I’m encouraged by these Reno, Nevada. There were more In each of the conferences, the leadership to build healthy, local young farmers and ranchers. than 900 young farmers or ranch- theme of inclusion was promi- communities. These young farm- Their enthusiasm is contagious. ers in attendance, and again, the nent. Not only was there discus- ers and ranchers are building the Their passion for agriculture is vast majority were couples. The sion of reaching out to fellow bridge between adolescence and reassuring. Their leadership is conference was planned by young young farmers and ranchers, but agriculture. profound. Those concerned about also, how to assist in the develop- the future of agriculture need not farmers and ranchers for young The young farmers also seek to ment of more young farmers and worry. With the combination of farmers and ranchers. They de- include the 4-H. 4-H which func- ranchers. Included in the confer- the young farmers and ranchers’ veloped the workshops, arranged tions with many land grant col- ences were collegiate agriculture enthusiasm, passion, and leader- the speakers, scheduled devo- leges, is a great youth organiza- students who are studying and ship bridging the gaps between tionals, selected the venues, and tion with close ties to agriculture. want to make agriculture their the collegiate ag students, high arranged wholesome entertain- Many of the young farmers and careers. The collegiate students school FFA’ers and youth 4-H ment. The national young farmers ranchers in attendance were in fully participated in the discus- groups, the future of agriculture and ranchers committee, which 4-H in their youth and are cur- sions, workshops, activities, and is secure and bright. organized the event, reported on rently local 4-H leaders, giving networking. There was plenty

6 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 SEARLE Continued from page 2 er whether to repeal or revise farmers and ranchers deserve limits set by Congress. #Floa- the order. This is where in my a common-sense rule. #Floa- tUs #CleanWaterClearRules face in 2014 a lot of water has view, the issue gets cloudy. But tUs #CleanWaterClearRules passed under the bridge, which if we back up and remember 6. #WOTUS isn’t what it’s Pass your message and a rub- has created confusion in farm that in 2015 the EPA “final- quacked up to be. Farm- ber duck to your neighbor country over where things now ized” the rule. Therefore, the ers and ranchers need a clear when you’re done to keep stand. I’d like to attempt to process of whether to repeal and reasonable definition of our message viral. It’s you clear some of that up for Idaho or revise the rule is still un- “Waters of the U.S.” #Floa- and your neighbors who Farm Bureau members. der consideration inside EPA. tUs #CleanWaterClearRules can truly make a difference. First, AFBF created compre- That’s why we as farmers and 7. Regulating farmlands that hensive timeline of the issue ranchers must remain engaged are sometimes wet is fowl Idaho Farm Bureau looks that can be accessed at this on this issue. play. It’s time to rescind the forward to working with link: https://www.fb.org/is- 2015 #WOTUS rule. #Floa- AFBF, the U.S. EPA and When the rule was initially sues/regulatory-reform/clean- tUs #CleanWaterClearRules U.S. Army Corps of Engi- sent out for public comment water-act/ 8. Even ducks know ditches neers in the future to write a AFBF created the “#Ditch the and low lands aren’t #WO- new rule that protects our na- In 2015, the Environmental Rule” public relations cam- TUS. #CleanWaterClearRules tion’s waters without penal- Protection Agency and the paign. Farm Bureau members 9. The 2015 #WOTUS rule izing farmers and ranchers. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from throughout the country didn’t fly with the federal finalized a rule that expanded responded with a strong, uni- courts. It’s time for a com- #FloatUs #CleanWaterClear- their regulatory authority un- fied voice. Now we’re in the mon-sense rule within the Rules #Grassroots #Agvocate der the Clean Water Act. The midst of a second AFBF public rule gave a new, exception- relations campaign that uses ally vague definition to wa- rubber duckies to generate ters of the U.S., also known as buzz and drive home the point ISN’T IT TIME “navigable waters.” Yes this that we strongly oppose over- TO PUT YOUR means that the puddle of water regulation of water by federal in your farm yard, out in that agencies. MONEY TO potato field or any other place The new campaign - “If you WORK FOR YOU? they wanted to control. Farm Bureau Finance Company oﬀers can’t #FloatUs, it’s not WO- subordinated debenture notes at rates EPA failed to listen to con- TUS,” - encourages members above most competitors. cerned farmers, ranchers and to remain active in advocat- BENEFITS • Minimum investment of $50.00 business owners around the ing our position through social •You choose the term one month to 60 months country in crafting its new rule, media. Here’s what you can do: • Automatic re-investment for your convenience with no loss of interest vastly expanding EPA’s and Amount Rate/Yld. 1 to 3+ 4 to 5+ 6 to 11+ 12 to 23+ 24 to 35+ 36 to 47+ 48 to 60 Share your mes- the Corps’ regulatory author- $ 50 - $ 999 Rate 1.25 1.45 1.70 2.00 2.30 2.40 2.50 sage on social media! Yield 1.26 1.46 1.71 2.02 2.32 2.42 2.52 ity beyond the limits approved 1. Get a rubber duck. $ 1,000 - $ 2,499 Rate 1.40 1.60 1.85 2.15 2.45 2.55 2.65 by Congress and affirmed by Yield 1.41 1.61 1.86 2.17 2.47 2.57 2.68 2. Share photos and videos the U.S. Supreme Court. The $ 2,500 - $ 4,999 Rate 1.55 1.75 2.00 2.30 2.60 2.70 2.80 on your social media plat- Yield 1.56 1.76 2.02 2.32 2.63 2.73 2.83 rule was challenged in court forms of your duck on non- $ 5,000 - $ 9,999 Rate 1.70 1.90 2.15 2.45 2.75 2.85 2.95 by dozens of state, municipal, Yield 1.71 1.91 2.17 2.47 2.78 2.88 2.98 navigable areas of your land. industry and environmental $ 10000 - $ 24,999 Rate 1.85 2.05 2.30 2.60 2.90 3.00 3.10 3. Use the hashtags #Floa- Yield 1.86 2.07 2.32 2.63 2.93 3.03 3.14 organizations, including Idaho tUs and #CleanWaterCle- $ 25,000 - $ 49,999 Rate 1.95 2.15 2.40 2.70 3.00 3.10 3.20 Farm Bureau. It was quickly Yield 1.96 2.17 2.42 2.73 3.03 3.14 3.24 arRules with each post. blocked by the federal courts $ 50,000 - $ 99,999 Rate 2.00 2.20 2.45 2.75 3.05 3.15 3.25 4. Tag @FlaFarmBu- Yield 2.02 2.22 2.47 2.78 3.09 3.19 3.29 based on its legal flaws and the reau on Facebook, Insta- $ 100,000 + Call Call Call Call Call Call Call harm it threatened to cause, gram, and Twitter with Terms in months. Yield assumes that interest is compounded quarterly and is left in the account for and was never implemented a full year. Call for rates on amounts over $100,000.00. your photos and videos. A subordinated debenture note is a security offered nationwide. Call: (208) 239-4259 by Farm Bureau Finance Company that may only be purchased by residents within the State An executive order from Presi- Sample Posts: of Idaho. Farm Bureau Finance Company dent Trump last year, sent EPA 5. Tell Washington #WOTUS 275 Tierra Vista Drive Prospectus available upon request and furnished back to the drawing board and shouldn’t regulate lands that Pocatello, Idaho 83201 with each purchase. directed the agency to consid- are sometimes wet. American

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 7 PILT Continued from page 4 and absence of PILT funding DOI calculates PILT allocations protections,” Crapo said. “Oth- not left in annual limbo remains in 2015 and 2016, Washington based a complex formula as deer federal payments are calcu- one of my top priorities.” County pulled $180,000 out of termined by federal law that lated in the formula also, and Department of Interior Press its road maintenance funds and includes acreage, county popu- address the needs of rural popu- Secretary Heather Swift pro- raised property taxes. lation, previous payments, state lations differently. I continue to vided the following informa- law and the Consumer Price strongly support county fund- Idaho Senator Mike Crapo pro- tion to Idaho Farm Bureau: Index. ing through payment streams vided the following informa- “The formula is mandated by like PILT and reauthorizing the tion: This Congressional Research Congress. Any changes would Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Service Report outlines the in- go through legislation.” The Payment in Lieu of Taxes program (S. 1027), because of tricacies of the PILT formula (PILT) program in Idaho, man- their vital importance to our https://www.doi.gov/pilt calculations: https://fas.org/sgp/ aged by the U.S. Department rural communities. Congress crs/misc/RL31392.pdf The formula used to compute of the Interior (DOI), provides must look for supplemental the payments is contained in funding to Idaho’s counties to “Smaller counties with larger support, such as strengthen- the PILT Act and is based on make up for lost revenues from percentages of untaxable land ing revenue sharing with lo- population, receipt sharing non-taxable federal lands. PILT may see a difference in pay- cal governments by increasing payments, and the amount of funding provides essential ser- ment levels based on a myriad timber harvests and restoration Federal land within an affected vices such as law enforcement, of other factors contained in work on federally-managed county. search and rescue, public health the payment formula other than lands. Finding a long-term so- programs and critical infra- land acreage such as popula- lution to the challenges facing structure across the state. The tion, state law, or excluded land these counties so that they are SRS Continued from page 5 will have to tax users just to government to help with taxes,” Shoshone, and Valley. Adams “We stressed the importance of keep roads and bridges op- said Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. County has seen more log- prioritizing the SRS program in erable. But he says there’s ging open up this past year. the federal budgeting process,” talk of another SRS bill. The SRS grew out of the 2000 said Crapo during a recent town Craig-Wyden Bill to pay rural “If we can’t get SRS funding hall meeting in Kamiah. “Senators Hatch and Wyden counties for the decline in tim- we need to open up the forests have created another bill ber harvests. SRS provides 775 for logging. Evergreen Forest “SRS payments provide criti- but we’ve got to pass a bud- rural counties across the nation Products in Tamarack put on cal revenues to more than get. Congress has yet to pass and 4,000 schools with funds to another shift because they have 4,400 schools throughout the that, so we’re operating on support public services includ- the volume to do that, but it is country. In many cases, these what timber sale receipts that ing roads and forest health. still not enough to fund our forest counties include mas- are out there,” said Paradis. road and bridge department,” sive swaths of public lands in Since SRS expired last said Commissioner Paradis. national forests,” said Crapo. There’s a growing restless- March, many rural counties ness in the West. West- haven’t had enough money With gridlock in Congress, Right now a simple two-year ern senators are urging the for basic services like road Idaho Counties are not optimis- extension is a realistic goal Trump Administration and repairs, and snow removal. tic about funding this winter. according to county commis- to honor the government’s sioners. Senator Crapo said he promise to fund the SRS Act. According to the Idaho As- “The Congressional delegation wants a long-term effort that’ll sociation of Counties, Idaho says they’re working on it, but provide rural counties stable “SRS funding extends a life- County has lost more money it’s not really going anywhere, funding allowing counties to line to rural communities by than any other county, nearly so we have to levy more taxes,” fund programs and move for- funding road repairs, schools $7.3 million. Five counties said Commissioner Frei. But he ward. and law enforcement to com- will lose more than a million says Senator Crapo continues munities. Our rural counties dollars including Boundary, to work SRS behind the scenes. are dependent on the federal Clearwater, Custer, Lemhi,

8 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 9 Life on the Range

Jim Sprinkle, U of I beef extension specialist, talks about a research project that is looking for the “perfect cow.” Unique Collaboration Created Around Blaine County Ranch

By Idaho Rangeland Resources deer, antelope and many other critters. Nancy M. Cummings Research and Edu- Commission cation Center in Salmon for rangeland- Because of its dual qualities as a work- related research. The 850-acre Cummings ing ranch with strong conservation val- Ranch is all irrigated pasture. Rock Creek The Rock Creek Ranch embraces 10,400 ues, Rock Creek Ranch was purchased offers an opportunity to do research on a acres of land in a series of succulent mead- recently from the Rinker Family by the ranch with a true rangeland setting. ows surrounded by miles upon miles of Wood River Land Trust and The Nature good-quality rangeland below the shadow Conservancy in a unique partnership with “It’s a great station, we can do a lot of great of the Smoky Mountains in Blaine County. the University of Idaho. research here, but one of the things we’ve always lacked has been a range compo- The ranch is home to sage grouse, a spe- Under the partnership, the University of nent,” says John Hall, Superintendent of cies of concern, as well as moose, elk, Idaho provides a cow-calf herd from its

10 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 the Nancy M. Cummings Research, Ex- prevention, all of the things that aren’t un- family, if a conservation outcome, which tension and Education Center in Salmon. derstood at first blush,” he said. “More im- could really be a legacy, after so many “That means our system of production was portantly, get good information out there, years here in the valley, maybe there’s not really relevant to the majority of the in- what it actually means to graze it properly, something the family could contribute be- dustry, which relies on range at least 5-6 and how that’s a healthier situation for all.” yond just creating the opportunity?” Jones months out of the year. So the Rock Creek says. Karen Launchbaugh, Director of the Uni- Ranch gave us a wonderful opportunity versity of Idaho Rangeland Center, de- The Rinkers were open to the concept. to expand our research, and make our re- scribes the new collaborative research op- Bart’s dad, Harry Rinker, had been a suc- search more industry-relevant.” portunities at Rock Creek. cessful real estate developer in California. Both the Wood River Land Trust and The “Well, it’s really a brand new idea, it’s a “And then it started into a collaborative Nature Conservancy are excited about the mix of people’s ideas of what should be discussion,” Bart Rinker said. “It came to potential to conduct research and educa- done on landscapes, and the science and light that there could be some other ben- tion at the ranch through the partnership education there to see if it works,” she efits that we could benefit from, as well with the University of Idaho. says. “To me, what’s really unique about as the county, the Land Trust, TNC, all of “A great part about this project is the re- it, is this combination of science and edu- that.” search that’s taking place here, and we cation, and a lot of voices weighing into Trent Jones and Bart Rinker engaged with don’t have that on many of our projects,” that and helping us with how to do this at a the Natural Resources Conservation Ser- said Lou Lunte, deputy director of The Na- landscape scale.” vice (NRCS) to explore the concept of sell- ture Conservancy in Idaho. “The Nature It might have been fate that the Wood ing easements to the agency through the Conservancy prides itself on using science River Land Trust worked with the Rinker Grassland Reserve Program. The robust to guide our conservation work. So actu- family and partnered with the Nature Con- sage grouse populations and premium ally having a ranch, working with the uni- servancy to save the ranch for conserva- habitat at the ranch made it a good fit. versity, we could do really good research, tion purposes. which is important us.” In the meantime, Trent Jones worked with At one time, the Rinkers were looking at Scott Boettger at the Wood River Land Public education programs at the ranch building a subdivision there, with up to Trust to see if they could raise sufficient like “Sagebrush Saturdays” also provide a 2,000 residential units. But that idea didn’t funds to buy the ranch. This was where window into the benefits of good steward- bode well with locals in Blaine County. The Nature Conservancy came into play. ship. “The initial intent was it could become a ”The magnitude of the property is signifi- There were five education events in the development play, where it would become cant. We’ve never come close to protecting first summer of ranch operations. Top- an off-shoot of Hailey, and actually the something that large,” Boettger said. “We ics included learning about birds of prey, formation of its own city, but there was a didn’t have anything close to the money wildflowers and pollinators, beavers, bugs lot of obstacles involved with that, it had we needed to purchase this ranch, even and stream restoration, soil, fire and wild- no power, as such that would have been a with the significant reduction in asking life, and raising cattle from A-Z. huge cost and impact to the land,” explains price.” Rock Creek Ranch also hosted the West- Bart Rinker. “The political environment “With the GRP easements, we were able ern National Rangeland Career Day Event started to change to the point where do- to generate most of the monies necessary for high school students learning about ing a development of that type would be to acquire the property. So we borrowed range management. Students from mul- questioned.” money, in conjunction with the TNC to tiple western states participated. During a The Rinkers decided to withdraw their make it happen. They were true partners, full day in the field, they worked on plant development proposal and focused on sell- our name was on the title, but without their identification, evaluating habitat for wild- ing the ranch. Along the way, ranch broker support, we couldn’t have done this.” life and livestock, and making recommen- Trent Jones, who also is a board member dations for future management. The Nature Conservancy had its eye on on the Wood River Land Trust, started to the Rock Creek property for some time, Scott Boettger, executive director of the discuss the possibility of a conservation explains Lou Lunte. “We have a 30- to 40- Wood River Land Trust, is excited about outcome with the Rinker Family. year history at Silver Creek and the Wood the educational opportunities at the ranch. “Maybe there’s a way to generate some River Valley. But this was a big project, “Like the Peaveys have been able to do funding through the Grassland Reserve and the land trust was a smaller organiza- with the Trailing of the Sheep, there’s a Program administered by NRCS, maybe tion, so it was great that we could partner big component of that, understand what it there’s some other public entities who together to make it happen,” he says. means to have cattle on that land in a way could bring some money to the table, the that benefits the grass regrowth, the fire Land Trust, and also looking to the Rinker See LIFE ON THE RANGE page 12

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 11 LIFE ON THE RANGE Continued from page 11

Rock Creek Ranch Manager Wyatt Prescott moves cattle.

Initially, the Wood River Land president of the Idaho Cattle Prescott says. “My passion Creek Ranch are overseen not Trust and the Nature Conser- Association, was instrumental about this project is there’s go- only by the Wood River Land vancy thought they would sell in persuading legislators and ing to be a number of research Trust, The Nature Conservan- the property to the Idaho De- the University of Idaho about projects done out here from the cy, and the University of Idaho, partment of Fish and Game to the partnership at Rock Creek university perspective, to look but also by a diverse advisory be managed as a Wildlife Man- Ranch. at how do we do that better. committee, including the Ida- agement Area. But when Idaho How do we use that livestock ho Cattle Association, NRCS, Another positive aspect that legislators heard about that, better as a tool for conserva- Central Idaho Rangeland Net- occurred was that Wyatt they blocked the sale. And then tion? work, Idaho Soil & Water Con- Prescott, former executive discussions turned toward the servation Commission, Idaho vice president of the Idaho “It’s not good enough for me as concept of partnering with the Rangeland Resource Commis- Cattle Association, was hired a rancher and cattle consultant University of Idaho. sion, Idaho Fish and Game, to manage operations at the to say we can serve wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife “I was at the Capitol in Boise ranch for research and educa- habitat and raise a few cows, Service. talking to a number of legis- tion. Prescott speaks about the we have to strive to find pro- lators just after the vote hap- ranch’s potential at a Sage- duction techniques that both The University of Idaho pened to not allow fish and brush Saturdays event. enhance the amount of beef Rangeland Center brings to- game to move forward, but we can produce on this land- gether the research functions of “That’s what we’re trying to do they were very committed to scape, and but also enhance the the UI College of Agriculture here, find out what the ranch the Rock Creek project,” Lunte amount of conservation wild- and Life Sciences and the UI personality is, and do those explains. “And we immediate- life habitat we can produce on College of Natural Resources developments so you can use ly began to have conservations this landscape.” at Rock Creek. “Rangeland cattle as a conservation tool in about alternative strategies. studies and education at the a working landscape, and not Management, research and U of Idaho have always been Laurie Lickley, former board just a beef production tool,” education functions at Rock done at the College of Natu-

12 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 ral Resources and the College and water quality, and a study to working ranchers like Jerald River Land Trust, “It’s a gift to of Agriculture, and this ranch looking for the ideal range cow Raymond, board president of this community that’s hard to gives us a chance to work side using space age technology. the Idaho Cattle Association replicate and really a legacy for by side on the same project,” who ranches near Menan in the Rinker family. We are all “We’re trying to find cattle that Launchbaugh says. Eastern Idaho. so deeply appreciative of what fit these rangeland systems, but they’ve done toward that end.” The Rock Creek Ranch deeded also will use rangeland sus- “This ranch benefits wildlife, lands, combined with another tainably and will have minimal it benefits livestock, it benefits “I’m just so proud to be part 11,000 acres of BLM grazing impacts,” says Jim Sprinkle, a those alliances we have with of a bigger project,” says allotments, encompass a whole Ph.D. Beef Extension Special- the sportsmen, with the edu- Boettger. “It wouldn’t be pos- watershed. Launchbaugh notes ist for the University of Idaho cation, and with the commu- sible without all of the differ- that it’s rare to do research in at the Cummings research and nities that surround this area. ent partners being involved. such an ideal setting. education facility in Salmon. The research being done will And the future of that property enhance what we know about is much grander than we ever “One, it’s one watershed. We Using GPS collars and accel- how livestock reacts to certain could have imagined. The uni- don’t get that chance very of- erometers, Sprinkle is tracking situations and how wildlife versity brings a big part of that, ten,” she says. “But that gives how cattle use the range, how reacts to those scenarios and and I’m really excited about the us a lot of understanding about much they eat, how much they situations. future.” management and research, so travel, how much they rest and that’s unique. The location of sleep, etc. The more efficient Now that research, education Article and photos by Steve Rock Creek is really cool be- cows don’t need as much to eat and conservation are moving Stuebner. Stuebner is the writ- cause it’s right in the middle of and graze in the upland areas, ahead at Rock Creek Ranch, er and producer of the Life on Idaho. And then the third thing where ranchers want them to it’s rewarding for the people the Range online education that makes it unique is the pri- graze. The less-efficient cows involved to see things moving series, sponsored by the Idaho vate federal and state lands, eat more forage each day, and ahead. Rangeland Resources Com- so it is a pretty good post card tend to be lazy, staying in the mission. View their work at on- Adds Trent Jones of the Wood of what ranching looks like in creek-bottom instead of hiking line at www.lifeontherange.org Idaho.” to the uplands, Sprinkle says. Given the ranch’s location, it’s “We’re looking for the ideal close to population centers in cow.” southern Idaho, convenient for LOW INTEREST LOANS Mother cows with more ef- range tours for policy-makers, ficient characteristics could state legislators, school groups FOR IDAHO SOIL & WATER be bred with bulls to improve and other ranchers. the efficiency of a cow herd, CONSERVATION “That location is just tremen- Sprinkle said. “This research dous because of its geographic I’m describing to you is some location in the state,” says UI’s of the first research of its kind • Sprinkler Irrigation John Hall. “The fantastic thing in the world.” • No-Till Drills is it’s two hours from Boise, Another study at Rock Creek is • Fences it’s just a hop and a skip from looking at the impact of cattle Twin Falls, so we can bring up • Livestock Feeding grazing on wet meadow habi- students from the College of Operations tat where sage grouse like to Southern Idaho, we can bring • Solar Stock Water 2.5%-3.25% raise their broods. Using elec- K-12 kids up there from a va- Pump Systems Terms 7-15 Years tric fence, they created six, 5.5- riety of communities, and we Up to $200,000 acre pastures, and put different can bring legislators and stu- numbers of cattle in the pas- dents over from Boise.” tures to consume forage and In the first year of operation at tracked the results. the ranch, eight research proj- They will look at various lev- ects got under way, and more els of grass utilization and how are being planned. The projects that might affect sage grouse cover a wide variety of topics, broods and cattle weight gain. from animal health to invasive swc.idaho.gov | 208-332-1790 weeds to monitoring plants All of these studies are exciting

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 13 Farm Bureau Members Encouraged to Participate in new PR Campaign bers a way to share their play. It’s time to rescind the Idaho Farm Bureau looks IFBF feelings about WOTUS 2015 #WOTUS rule. #Floa- forward to working with on their social media. tUs #CleanWaterClearRules AFBF, the U.S. EPA and During a recent Legislative 8. Even ducks know U.S. Army Corps of Engi- Leadership Conference lun- For years Idaho’s farmers ditches and low lands neers in the future to write a cheon, the Idaho Farm Bu- and ranchers have sought a aren’t #WOTUS. #Clean- new rule that protects our na- reau encouraged members new definition of the 2015 WaterClearRules tion’s waters without penal- to take part in a new public Waters of the United States 9. The 2015 #WOTUS rule izing farmers and ranchers. relations campaign. rule that will protect wa- didn’t fly with the federal #FloatUs #CleanWaterCle- ter quality and provide courts. It’s time for a com- arRules #Grassroots #Agvo- Sponsored by American regulatory certainty in a mon-sense rule within the cate Farm Bureau Federation, common sense, transpar- limits set by Congress. #Floa- the #FloatUs social media ent and collaborative way. tUs #CleanWaterClearRules Read more background campaign focuses on main- on this issue at the AFBF taining momentum that What Can our Members Do? Pass your message and a website, www.fb.org under will limit federal agency rubber duck to your neigh- Issues, then Regulatory Re- attempts to regulate non- Share your mes- bor when you’re done to form, then WOTUS. navigable water. In 2017, sage on social media! keep this message viral. the Environmental Protec- 1. Get a rubber duck. tion Agency adopted a rule 2. Share photos and videos that is a major impediment on your social media plat- to private property owners. forms of your duck on non- This PR campaign supports navigable areas of your land. rewriting that rule, the 2015 3. Use the hashtags #Floa- Waters of the United States tUs and #CleanWaterCle- (WOTUS) rule. arRules with each post. 4. Tag @FlaFarmBu- “We gave members a rub- reau on Facebook, Insta- ber duck and are urging gram, and Twitter with them to snap a photo of their your photos and videos. duck in supposedly navigable waters on their farm Sample Posts: and then share that photo 5. Tell Washington #WO- on social media platforms,” TUS shouldn’t regulate said Jake Putnam, Idaho lands that are sometimes Farm Bureau Social Media wet. American farmers and Manager. “We’re anxious- ranchers deserve a com- ly waiting to see what our mon-sense rule. #FloatUs farmers and ranchers come #CleanWaterClearRules up with. That creativity is 6. #WOTUS isn’t what it’s an effective lobby tool, and quacked up to be. Farmers it may be funny but also and ranchers need a clear packs a political punch.” and reasonable definition of “Waters of the U.S.” #Floa- The campaign kicked off tUs #CleanWaterClearRules earlier this year and gives 7. Regulating farmlands that Idaho Farm Bureau mem- are sometimes wet is fowl

14 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 Ag Career Opportunities 1 - Ag Career Opportunities2 - In the course of obtaining a degree, ag students learn all about the different aspects of both the crops they grow and the industry they belong to. Farm Bureau file photo

Strolling Buffet highlights IFBF Legislative Conference

By Jake Putnam members and lawmak- called in from Washington meetings allowing members ers because it›s low-key, D.C. to address Idaho Farm to discuss policy relating BOISE — The buffet tables no speeches, no podiums, Bureau members. to specific crops and live- were stacked with roast beef, and a relaxed atmosphere. stock. They also heard from ham and side dishes galore The commodity portion Each table was marked by several industry experts in- at Boise’s Riverside Hotel of the conference includ- legislative district. Farm Bu- cluding veterinarians and as more than 220 sat down ed commodity committee reau members visit the buf- agronomists. to dinner on February 13th. fet table and then sit at their

district table where they can The Idaho Farm Bureau’s converse with their state annual ‘Strolling Buffet’ This Month’s Top senators and representatives. was another big success this year as lawmakers dined Farm Bureau Agents “There’s nothing like this with Farm Bureau Mem- in Idaho. We get to bounce bers from voting districts ideas off constituents and all over the state. The event they can ask us anything was part of the three-day they want,” said Represen- meeting that included a tative Judy Boyle from Mid- combined legislative and vale. «I love visiting with commodity conference. people from back home.»

“There’s not a better way to Dinner conversations were communicate with lawmak- lively, with issues ranging ers,” said Idaho Farm Bu- from brand inspections to reau President Bryan Searle. taxes and private property Searle adds that a personal rights. The conference also visit with neighbors is included speeches from good grass-roots politics. legislative leadership and Agent of the Month Rookie of the Month Rob Ellis John Nishimoto leaders of House and Sen- The Strolling Buffet has Magic Valley Region North Idaho Region ate agriculture committees. become a Legislative in- Members of Idaho’s con- Region of the Month stitution and is prized by gressional delegation also Magic Valley Region

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 15 Trespass Bill Clears Ag Committee

Allen stressed that the bill tar- gets repeat offenders, not people who get lost or accidentally trespass. To that point, Rep. Boyle added, that she wants a three-strike clause. If within a 10-year period someone is convicted of two trespassing charg- es, the third offense is a felony.

When it comes to trespassing on private property, the county sheriff’s office en- forces the law and the county prosecutor prosecutes offenders. Still, some committee members thought the bill too By Jake Putnam tanks shot full of bullet holes, dences of trespass each year. harsh and that some convicted we’ve had people drive through Boise - The House Agricul- felons could lose the right to plowed fields. We even had a “I’m not an advocate of lock- tural Affairs Committee voted carry a firearm and to vote. demolition derby with a couple ing gates, they just keep honest to support a bill that increases of our tractors, not to mention people out, but we continue to penalties for trespassing spon- Boyle, an avid hunter, and garbage dumped in our fields.” have more and more cut fences sored by Rep. Judy Boyle rancher said that Idaho Fish and vandalism,” said Chan- R-Midvale on February 14. and Game already has a third- Searle says deputies respond- dler. “We had a guy make off trespass-is-a-felony rule. She ed to their calls but all he can with some of our cattle and The committee voted 14-1 said her bill adds the exact do is file a report. With just a drove across our property in support of strengthen- same language to the crimi- $50 fine for trespass there’s to do it. If we had a stronger ing Idaho’s outdated tres- nal trespass section of the law. no investigation, and in all his statute we could have got him pass statutes and sent the years farming, he’s seen just for trespass and subsequent- bill to the floor of the House. “This is all geared to the ha- a single arrest for littering. ly theft, but the laws are so bitual offender,” she said. “The weak we were violated twice.” The lone vote against came felony provision has been in “Farmers want people to en- from House Minority Lead- Idaho Fish and Game since joy the land, but the challenge Some on the committee er Mat Erpelding D-Boise. 1986. No one has demanded comes with vandalism when thought the bill was too rushed it be taken out of the code.” they damage machinery or and needed vetting. Others The Agriculture Commit- shoot things up. We have to questioned its legality. At- tee hearing was packed with Boyle says her bill has wide- have something in place so torney Gary Allen, represent- farmers and ranchers with spread support. “We’re not when we are violated there’s a ing the Idaho Property Rights trespass horror stories includ- talking about public land. We’re penalty rather than a $50 fine Coalition, said he disagreed ing Idaho Farm Bureau Presi- talking about private property,” or what I call a fee to have with those interpretations. dent Bryan Searle who testi- she said. “People who pay fun. Fines need to be updated fied that the trespassing fine is taxes and paid for their land.” and we need to put some bite “The Girl Scouts are not go- so low, that it’s not worth the into the statute,” said Searle ing to become trespassers or sheriff’s time in his county. She reminded the commit- felons,” he said, referring to tee that 62 percent of Idaho is Cody Chandler from Wash- committee concerns that any- “We’ve experienced all kinds public land. “There’s plenty of ington County testified that one who sets foot on private of damage,” said Searle. “At opportunities to fish and hunt on his ranch they’re see- property without permis- my farm in Shelley, we’ve had without trespassing on private ing more and more inci- sion could become a felon. pivot tires shot up, fertilizer land,” said Boyle.

16 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 Peace of mind for life.

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 17 Rolling dips are an alternative to cross drain culverts. Photo Courtesy Robert Barkley, Idaho Department of Lands Drainage Structures and Forest Roads By Randy Brooks the water running along the road at fre- water turnout should be graded on a 2 to quent intervals. The most common method 3 percent slope to allow constant drainage, Forest roads are essential to forest man- of reducing water volume in the construc- which will flush most sediment out of the agement activities, but are also the main tion of forest roads is through the use of turn-out. As the turn-out is usually built source of sediments entering our streams. water diversion structures. Four water di- with a crawler tractor, the operator must Conducting forest activities requires ad- version devices or structures that are com- be sure that the spoil from the turn-out equate road construction and maintenance. monly used include: construction is scattered and not allowed Roads located on steep terrain can be easily to form a dam at the end of the turn-out. eroded if not properly constructed. This not Water turn-outs. This will allow the outlet drainage to be only creates a costly maintenance problem, Ditch relief culverts. dispersed into nearby forest vegetation, but is also an environmental concern when which filters the sediment out of the dis- eroded soil is carried as sediment into Drain dips. charge water. Best Management Practices streams and lakes. Water bars. also require that you exercise extra caution Moving water, such as water running to avoid discharging water from a turn-out Each of these structures has specific uses downhill on a road surface, can be thought directly into a stream; this discharge should and should be used appropriately. The con- of as a source of kinetic energy. This en- flow through a stream protection zone be- struction costs, time, and materials vary ergy is one of the primary causes of erosion fore entering a stream or other water body. for each structure. The costs and benefits often seen on forest roads. The velocity of of each structure should be carefully evalu- Ditch Relief Culverts moving water is a function of slope steep- ated within the constraints of the specific ness upon which the road is built. Velocity Ditch relief culverts are used on crowned road construction project being considered. contributes to the amount of kinetic energy or ditched roads and are probably the most exponentially, meaning a small increase in Water Turn-Outs expensive of the four water diversion struc- slope steepness rapidly increases kinetic tures. The purpose of these structures is Water turn-outs are designed to remove energy and erosive capacity of moving to transfer water under the road from the water from road ditches and from the water. The primary means to reduce water uphill ditch before the flow gains suffi- downhill side of outsloped roads. These velocity is to locate forest roads on gentle cient volume to erode the ditch. Placing the are the least costly of the water diversion slopes culvert on a 2 to 4 percent grade and at a structures, and should be installed during 30-degree angle downgrade across the road Water volume can be reduced by diverting the construction of the pioneer road. The

18 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 UI Forestry 1 UI forestry 2 - UI Forestry 3 –

Water bars, also known as cross ditches are used to drain water across forest roads. Photo Courtesy Robert Barkley, Idaho Department of Lands to allow smooth entrance of water at the in- dip construction is dependent on the de- Although water bars/cross ditches are rec- let will help make the culvert self-cleaning signed grade of the road surface. The low- ommended for inactive roads, some land- of sediment. To be sure that no water by- est portion of the dip should be constructed owners use a smaller, modified version of passes the inlet, install a control backstop at a three percent outslope to facilitate it in conjunction with a water turn-out on of earth, rip-rap, sandbags, or half-culvert drainage, and the dip should be surfaced active roads. These combination structures sections on the downhill level of the inlet. with crushed rock to minimize erosion are adequate for light traffic, but they will and rutting by vehicular traffic during wet wear down rapidly if they become rutted. Size the culvert adequately to handle the weather. When constructing the dip, make maximum water volume expected. An 18- Conclusion certain that the outlet, much like a water inch minimum diameter is recommended, turn-out, is at the lowest point of the dip. Water diversion structures are an often with at least one-half the culvert diameter, neglected component of forest road con- but not less than 12-inches of fill over the Water Bars or Cross Ditches struction. When properly constructed top of the culvert. Extend the culvert be- Water bars or cross ditches are used pri- and spaced at appropriate intervals, these yond any fill and place something to dis- marily when a road will be put out of use structures can greatly reduce road main- sipate the energy, such as brush or rip-rap, for an extended period of time. Vehicular tenance costs, erosion, and sedimentation at the outlet end of the culvert to minimize traffic should be minimized and the wa- of our streams. When you construct your erosion. ter bars/cross ditches should be seeded to next forest road, include an adequate num- Drain Dips reduce erosion. A water bar/cross ditch is ber and type of water diversion structures. constructed by excavating a trough rough- This will save money in the future, and Drain dips, or rolling drain dips are an ally 2 feet deep by 4 feet wide at a 30-degree help reduce sediment in our streams. ternative method to cross drain culverts to angle across the road. The excavated earth remove water across a forest road. Drain For more information, see Idaho Forestry should be piled on the downhill side of the dips work best on outsloped roads and on Best Management Practices Field Guide. water bar. To be sure that no water by-pass- road grades of less than 10 percent. The Bulletin 891. University of Idaho Exten- es the water bar, the uphill end of the water construction of a drain dip involves a road sion. bar should be connected to the upper bank section of 15 to 75 feet in length that is of the road. A properly constructed water Randy Brooks is a University of Idaho pro- dropped at an approximate 3 percent re- bar/cross ditch also has an outlet on its fessor and extension forestry specialist. He verse grade, approximately 12 to 18 inches downhill end to allow water to be directed can be reached at [email protected]. below grade, and then raised back to the into the nearby forest vegetation. original grade. The specification for rolling

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 19 20 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 Idaho FFA Foundation Tractor Raffle—Drawing April 6

Win this Beautifully Restored 1977 International 2500 B Tractor and support Idaho FFA members with your $10 raffle ticket donation

2nd Prize—Traeger Grill 3rd Prize—$250 D&B Carhartt Gift Card

Proceeds benefit Idaho FFA Members through post-secondary education scholarships and support of Idaho FFA programs statewide through the Idaho FFA Foundation. $107,000 in scholarships has been awarded to date and another $22,000 in scholarships will be awarded in April 2018.

In addition, the local FFA chapters designated on the winning tickets will receive a portion of the total ticket proceeds.

Tickets may be purchased from your local FFA chapter or the Idaho FFA Foundation. The drawing will be on April 6, 2018 at the Idaho State FFA Leadership Conference in Twin Falls. Need not be present to win.

This restored tractor includes a loader and a rear blade.

Contact your local Idaho FFA Chapter for Tractor Raffle tickets, or call Idaho FFA Foundation Tractor Raffle Chairman Sid Freeman at 208-941-3584. For more information about the Tractor Raffle, visit: www.idffafoundation.org 2017 Tractor Raffle Scholarships Winners—$20,000 Total $2,000 Agricultural Education Katelyn Hall, Emmett FFA Chapter Idaho FFA Alumni Scholarships: Jacee Lancaster, Hagerman FFA Chapter Kjersti Clawson, Genesee FFA Chapter Alysha O’Connell, Genesee FFA Chapter Randy Clements, Madison FFA Chapter THANK YOU!

Alexa Phillips, Meridian FFA Chapter

Maren Roberts, Preston FFA Chapter Idaho Farm Bureau $1,000 Scholarships: Robert Allison, Middleton FFA Chapter Carson Schumann, Raft River FFA Chapter for your support of Idaho Danielle Church, Fruitland FFA Chapter Megan Smith, Melba FFA Chapter FFA and the RaAnna Dahle, Fruitland FFA Chapter Maddie Stapleton, Nezperce FFA Chapter Tractor Raffle! Danielle Van Lith, Ridgevue FFA Chapter Shyla Flavel, Kuna FFA Chapter For a full list of Tractor Cherie BreAnn Weeks, Malad FFA Chapter Jimmie Gilder, Troy FFA Chapter Raffle sponsors and more Afton Winn, Preston FFA Chapter information about the Tractor Raffle program, please visit: www.idffafoundation.org

A ticket order form is available on the website.

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

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 21 Students learn about agriculture during an event held at North Fremont High School in 2017. Farm Bureau file photo Focus on Agriculture Celebrating Career and Technical Education

By Cyndie Shearing nology; advanced manufacturing; learning to certification programs to health science; and hospitality and work-based learning opportunities out- Throughout Career and Technical Edu- tourism. side the classroom. Closely related is cation Month this February, educators, FFA, the national leadership organiza- students and the business community Simply put, careers that touch virtually tion which makes a positive difference celebrate the value of career and tech- every sector of the economy are avail- in the lives of students by developing nical education and the achievements able to students who pursue career and their potential for premier leadership, of these programs across the country. technical education. From livestock personal growth and career success geneticist to nuclear engineer and ev- Cutting-edge, rigorous and relevant through agricultural education. erything in between, career clusters curriculum helps youth and adults pre- and a multitude of related pathways Parents considering the merits of this pare for a wide range of high-wage, help guide students to the career of type of program should find it interest- high-skill, high-demand careers. Pro- their dreams. ing that according to the Association grams cover many different fields in- for Career and Technical Education, cluding: agriculture, food and natural CTE encompasses a broad range of high school students involved in CTE resources; STEM; information tech- types of education, from classroom

22 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 are more engaged in the classroom, graduation rate of 80 percent. And And 27 percent of people with less than perform at higher levels and graduate ACTE research indicates 91 percent of an associate degree, including licenses at higher rates. high school graduates who earned two and certificates, earn more than the av- to three CTE credits enrolled in erage bachelor’s degree recipient. Looking for another reason to con- college. sider this type of education? Consider Career and technical education pro- this: ACTE reports that more than 80 But career and technical education is grams are delivered in a variety of percent of manufacturers face a tal- not just for high school students. Post- ways. At the secondary level, the pro- ent shortage, and nearly half of talent secondary coursework in career and gram is available in comprehensive recruiters at Fortune 1000 companies technical education fosters degree high schools, magnet schools, area report trouble finding qualified candi- completion, preparing both recent high CTE centers, career academies, early dates with a two-year STEM degree. school graduates and older adult learn- college high schools and other unique Also, between now and 2024, 48 per- ers for in-demand careers. models. At the postsecondary level, it cent of all job openings will require is most often delivered at community A strong incentive during challenging education beyond high school but less or technical colleges or designated economic times is that students can at- than a four-year degree. centers. tend public community and technical In addition, according to ACTE, tak- colleges for a fraction of the cost of CTE policy and program priorities ing one CTE class for every two aca- tuition at other institutions: $3,520, on vary by state. Learn about opportuni- demic classes minimizes the risk of average, in 2016-2017. ties in your state online at https://www. students dropping out of high school. acteonline.org/stateprofiles/. Also of interest – research in Texas, Further, the average high school grad- Colorado and Virginia indicates grad- Cyndie Shearing is director of inter- uation rate for students concentrating uates with technical or applied science nal communications at the American in CTE programs is 93 percent, com- associate degrees out-earn bachelor’s Farm Bureau Federation. pared to an average national freshman degree holders by $2,000 to $11,000.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 23 Grain Marketing with Clark Johnston

Soft White Price Level Expected to Improve: Marketing is the Key

By Clark Johnston In past articles we have visited about sepa- rating the futures and the basis in an at- Clark Johnston Spring is approaching rapidly and there tempt to enhance your contract price for has been quite a little happen in the mar- wheat. We are beginning to see more and kets since my last column. In the Chicago more producers wanting more informa- May futures contract we moved 30 cents have talked about. If you were to sell Chi- tion on just how to accomplish this in their higher from the second week in January to cago December wheat futures at this time marketing plan. Over the past three years the second week in February. This move and then contract your soft white in the a producer could have marketed their soft gave producers an opportunity to contract fall for delivery in September/October our white between 60 cents and a dollar per some of their old crop wheat as the basis final sale price would be close to $5 per bushel more by using this one strategy over remained steady if not strengthened during bushel based off of the basis level this past simply contracting at the cash bids. this time frame. fall time frame. The key to being able to Having said this let me also say that this accomplish this is to lock in the futures The local flour mills did contract their strategy will take some additional work on side of your pricing equation ahead of time nearby demand for soft white and began your part. First of all you will need to track before the market takes the carry out of the contracting in the April forward months. your futures position and then second track futures. Demand for red spring wheat dried up as the local basis for your commodity. It will the flour mills in Ogden didn’t have any Now before I forget the answer is YES! be important for you to follow the markets bids into and through new crop. Hard white You will need to have an account with a closely and track your position at least dai- demand was steady with the basis remain- futures brokerage firm. Depending on your ly. This won’t take a lot of time each day ing strong with the cash bids in southeast comfort level you can either visit with a but you will need to designate a few min- Idaho reaching the area of $5.50 per bushel broker to enter your futures orders or you utes every day to ensure the best final price for 12 percent protein with some premiums can trade your futures on line. There will the market is willing to provide to you. being offered up to 13 percent protein. The be a difference in fees depending which nearby bids for hard red winter were also Remember, once you have entered into this way you decide to go. strong lagging the hard white market by strategy you are still able to contract your The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation will twenty cents per bushel. wheat into the best bid on any given day. help you with hands on programs to edu- This will give you the opportunity to mar- The strength in the futures also gave pro- cate and help you in your decisions that ket your wheat at not only a good level in ducers the opportunity to contract some will be best for your operation. For more the futures market but also shop the market new crop bushels in both soft white and information on how the Farm Bureau will for the very best basis level for your com- hard white. The basis for the new crop be able to assist you contact Zak Miller. modity, unlike a forward contract with a wheat wasn’t anything to write home about Office 208 239 4341, Cell 208 390 4636 flour mill or elevator where you are locked but the cash bid looked to be a good level to into a specific delivery location. Clark Johnston is a grain marketing spe- begin pricing the new crop production. The cialist and owner of JC Management Com- bid for hard white for August delivery was Let’s take a closer look at new crop soft pany of Ogden, Utah. He can be reached at in the neighborhood of $5.20 per bushel in white. New crop is being bid at about $4.15 [email protected] southeast Idaho. per bushel. Let’s break this down like we

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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 25 Livestock owners may have to begin reporting animal emissions under CERCLA, also known as the Superfund Law. Farm Bureau file photo Court of Appeals Stays Manure Emission Rule Until May By Jake Putnam tion, the EPA issued a final rule that measure the smell coming off of in- exempted most beef and dairy opera- dividual cow-pies in the pastures Washington D.C. - The District of tions from most requirements under of Nebraska, Wyoming and Idaho. Columbia Court of Appeals recently the Superfund law. The rule exempted delayed a decision that would have farms releasing gasses from animal But citizen groups like the New York- required livestock producers to report waste to the air above threshold levels based Water Keeper Alliance chal- manure emissions. under the Comprehensive Environ- lenged the validity of the final rule in The court’s action delayed mental Response, Compensation and the Court of Appeals. The group ar- the regulation until May 1st. Liability Act (CERCLA), also known gued that the EPA didn’t have a right as Superfund. For Superfund report- to issue an exemption to CERCLA The late-February decision is the ing, the rule exempted reporting of for agriculture. Last spring the Court third granted by the court at the such releases if the farm had fewer struck down the final rule, eliminating U.S. Environmental Protection animals than a large CAFO or concen- the reporting exemptions for farms. Agency’s (EPA) request. It delays a trated animal feeding operation. mandate for livestock operators to In the meantime, the EPA bought time In short, the small farms and report emissions from manure un- from the Court so it could develop guid- cow-calf operations were spared der the Comprehensive Environ- ance rules and regulations to help farm- from what amounted to an un- mental Response or Superfund law. ers understand reporting obligations. reasonable and expensive man- So far no reporting is required until date and a regulatory nightmare. The stay order was signed by Jus- the Court issues its order, or mandate, tices Sri Srinivasan, an Obama ap- enforcing the April 11, 2017, mandate. While the Obama Administration’s pointee, and Stephen Williams, a EPA was aggressive on a number Reagan appointee illustrating the Now farmers and ranchers can do of issues, the agency argued that the bipartisan nature of the decision. nothing but wait and see if the Court intent of CERCLA was not meant decides to continue the stay or start to be applied to animal agriculture. Starting back in December 2008, dur- requiring small farms and ranches to Clearly, the EPA had better things ing the George W. Bush administra- report manure air emissions. to do than send its employees out to

26 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 Idaho net farm income up 15 percent in 2017 By Jake Putnam state,” said Taylor. good. “When you start to add in the hay, feed barley, corn, and other feedstocks BOISE — After a harsh start last spring, Dairy, cattle, and potatoes are the state’s we’re up 70-80 percent. Idaho’s cash re- net farm income in Idaho rose 15 percent main commodities in terms of income dol- ceipts are also driven by the livestock in- during 2017. lars. dustry.” The year-end 2017 receipts showed Idaho “2017 showed solid improvement over last Looking to 2018 Taylor says there are also net farm income blasted past the USDA’s year in terms of cash receipts,” Taylor said. points of concern in the livestock sector. projected three percent increase for all of “The improvement was led by our two big- U.S. agriculture. gest commodities, potatoes and dairy. And “Hay is going to be down and it follows then there are cattle, that’s driving income corn and we have surplus stocks of grain University of Idaho Economist Garth Tay- as well but clearly, net earnings in dairy out there and that always means the feed is lor testified in front of the House Agricul- drove profits. Yet dairy is still below his- going to be down. That means farmers this ture Committee and gave his annual “Fi- torical averages.” spring will look to spuds for a cash crop nancial Condition of Idaho Agriculture” and you know what happens,” said Taylor. report in late February. Taylor’s report also revealed that Idaho net “Prices will be down and it’s going to take farm income dropped the three previous “Idaho is on a different track than national a lot to get back to where we were in 2017.” years — three percent in 2014, nine percent agriculture and I’m always amazed,” said in 2015 and eight percent in 2016. Milk prices started flat in January and have Taylor. “Net farm income is a farmer’s rev- not improved. Taylor says a few dairies are enue minus expenses and that represents “Some farmers say this is the best year in canceling contracts and there have been the farmer’s bottom line.” the past 10,” Taylor said. “Potatoes and on- herd liquidations. “This may be the first ions helped a lot this year.” According to the report farm input ex- time in 2018 where we may see a reduction penses were up two percent but net farm But the report also revealed that low com- in herd sizes. It’ll be at least the second half income still climbed to 15 percent. modity prices continue to threaten the bot- of 2018 before we see a turnaround in milk tom line on the farm. prices,” said Taylor. “It’s because we had a five percent farm revenue increase across the board. That’s “After the past three years, we’ll take it,” The UI report revealed Idaho farm expens- the first increase in net farm income in said Taylor. es topped $6.24 billion in 2017, that’s up four years,” said Taylor, “Resulting in $1.9 two percent over the $6.14 billion total in Taylor’s report had peaks, valleys, and sur- billion in total net farm income for Idaho 2016. prises, like this gem: Idaho’s net farm in- farmers last year.” come has grown 100 percent more than the Also, a one percent decrease in costs for Taylor told the committee that dairy con- U.S. since 1997. farm origin inputs and capital consump- tinues to lead the way in Idaho. tion were offset by a one percent increase “Like I said, we’re on a different track in in contract labor costs, a seven percent in- “A third of our cash receipts come from Idaho than the rest of the nation. Far differ- crease in property taxes and fees and a five dairy. “It’s the 900-pound gorilla in the ent,” Taylor said. percent increase in payments to stakehold- Idaho economy. It’s not famous potatoes, Taylor says 60 percent of cash receipts in ers. now its famous dairy that’s driving the Idaho come from livestock and prices were

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28 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 29 30 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 Kaitlyn Mirkin from Jerome County, left, is the winner for the 2018 Idaho Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Speech Contest. Mirkin is pictured with Committee Chair Judy Woody. Photo by Steve Ritter Jerome County Student Wins Speech Contest

By Jake Putnam engine drives the state’s economy. Idaho State Senator Jim Rice welcomed the seven contestants whom participat- Boise - Kaitlyn Mirkin from Jerome “I grew up on a dairy farm and I did ed this year to the West Wing of the County won the Idaho Farm Bureau this speech to illustrate how agricul- Senate. He emphasized the importance Women’s Leadership Committee ture fuels the Idaho economy. I knew of communication and speech in agri- Speech Contest held in mid-February a lot about agriculture, and I learned culture and urged students to not only at the Idaho Statehouse. more. I want to either be a dairy veteri- farm, but to tell the world about their narian or a professor. I’ve seen the dif- Mirkin’s speech immediately captured farming operations and experiences. ference a vet can have in people’s lives, the Statehouse crowd with an impres- showing up in the middle of the night Mirkin won $175 for first place in the sive array of facts and figures that il- to pull a calf or treat a cow with milk contest. She plans to add the money lustrated the economic importance fever. I want to just make a difference to her college fund. Riatta Chandler of Idaho agriculture. She compared and if I can’t be a vet, I’ll teach,” said of Washington County was this year’s Idaho’s agriculture economy to an en- Mirkin. runner up. gine and stressed that the agriculture

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 31 Life on the Range 1 – Life on the Range 2 –

Members of the Idaho Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee present a donation to the Ronald McDonald House in Boise in mid-February. Pictured left to right are Women’s Committee Coordinator Melissa Nelson, committee members Sandy Daniel, Sheril Tillotson, Ronald McDonald House Executive Director Mindy Plumlee, committee members Allis Chandler, Doris Pearson, Committee Chair Judy Woody and committee member Susan Allen. Photo by Steve Ritter Women’s Leadership Committee Donates to Boise Charity

By Jake Putnam tial. This is a 19 bedroom house and we’re at capacity,” said Plumlee. “That’s why we “We are farm families, we have a long The Idaho Farm Bureau’s Women’s welcome the Farm Bureau Women’s Com- history with the House. I personally had Leadership Committee met at Boise’s mittee donation and all they do for us. It premature twins, and I know other moms Ronald McDonald House in mid-Feb- means so much to families staying here.” that have come to the house. It is good ruary with a check that will benefit that they’re here and provide services critically ill children and their families. The Ronald McDonald House, located on when they’re so badly needed,” said Wom-

Main St. near St. Luke’s Hospital, started en’s Leadership Chairman Judy Woody. The mission of the Ronald McDonald in 1988 and provides affordable alterna- House is to provide a “home away from tive housing for out-of-town families with Woody also presented the House with home,” for families of sick and injured chil- children who require medical treatment. money collected from County Farm Bu- dren receiving medical treatment at Saint reaus from all over Idaho. Luke’s Medical Center in Boise. Executive It was built in the early 1900s and later Director Mindy Plumlee says more than “This donation came from just about every purchased by the late J.R. Simplot for the 500 families spent time at the facility last county in the state, and what started as a Ronald McDonald Foundation. Families year and they’re almost always booked. small donation from county to county end- are charged a minimal fee per night and ed up being a significant amount and we›re the balance is paid with public and private “I think it’s wonderful that we are able to honored to help out.” said Woody. donations to the Ronald McDonald house. bring a focus to something that’s so essen-

32 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 Idaho Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee members prepare Idaho-grown snack back for legislators at the Statehouse in mid-February. Photo by Steve Ritter Our Food Week Observed at Statehouse By Jake Putnam it takes to pay for a year’s worth of food for tion, processing, marketing, transportation the average family. and distribution of the nation’s food supply. Boise - Monday, February 12th marks the Idaho Farm Bureau’s ‘Our Food Week’ at It takes the average American 77 days “Today’s event is a reminder of where our the Idaho Statehouse. to earn enough income to pay their fed- food comes from and it’s important to note eral taxes; 62 days to pay for housing and that only two percent of our population ac- “Our Food Week is a program that comes household operation expenses; 52 days to tually lives on farms, produces the food, down from the American Farm Bureau,” cover health and medical care costs; 39 fiber, and fuel in this country,” said Woody. said Women’s Leadership Committee days for state and local taxes; and 36 days Chairman Judy Woody. While Americans spend slightly less than for recreation, clothing, and accessories. 10 percent of their disposable income for The Committee teams up with all of the “The snack bags are made up of different food, those figures are considerably higher county Farm Bureaus to gather food and Idaho-grown foods that are representative abroad: Japan, 14 percent; Israel, 20 per- materials for the snack bags that are circu- of commodities grown here like potatoes, cent; China, 26 percent; the Philippines, 38 lated to legislators. wheat, milk, and fruit,” said Woody. percent; and Indonesia, 55 percent. “We got a lot of it donated, we’re reach- USDA says the average American spends Back in 1980, farmers received 31 cents of ing out to our lawmakers to tell them to say about $2,400 on food consumed at home every dollar spent but it took Americans thank you and we appreciate all that they and in restaurants each year. Farmers get a long time to pay for it. In 1970, it took do,” said Woody. about 22 cents of every dollar spent on American families an extra two weeks to This 12th day of February marks the num- food in this country. But there are addition- pay for their annual food supply. ber of work days from the first of the year al costs like wages, materials for produc-

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 33 American farm bureau federation news Farm Bureau Calls for Clarity on Exemptions for Agricultural Haulers

While again urging the Depart- ricultural commodities are ment of Transportation to grant loaded for transport, including agricultural haulers a waiver livestock markets and grain el- and limited exemption from the evators. electronic logging device man- “Animals are unpredictable at date, Farm Bureau in recent livestock markets. Just like at a comments responded to the ranch, they can balk at the load- department’s efforts to provide ing chute, be uncooperative, clarity to the 150-air mile agri- and need to be loaded carefully cultural commodity exemption in accordance with appropriate and the hours of service regula- animal husbandry techniques. tions. All of this coupled with often- Until recently, very few Farm times long post-sale or load-out Bureau members or agricul- lines makes applying the flex- tural haulers were aware of ibility afforded to a ‘source’ of their ability to use the newly livestock to livestock markets “Such an interpretation also commodity is loaded for ship- interpreted 150-air mile agri- or agricultural commodity at a opens the use of the exemption ment is a “source” of an agricultural commodity exemp- grain elevator a logical conclu- to additional confusion in situ- cultural commodity and, as tion, which provides exceptions sion,” Farm Bureau said. ations where some agricultural such, each act of “transport- from the HOS rules for the Had congressional lawmakers commodities or livestock are ing agricultural commodities transportation of agricultural wanted to exclude grain eleva- unloaded and others are picked from the source” is entitled to commodities within a 150-air tors or livestock markets from up and calls for further subjec- the 150-air mile radius exemp- mile radius from the source the definition of an agricultural tive interpretation as to when a tion described in the applicable of the commodities. Enforce- commodity source, they could ‘trip’ is started and concluded,” regulation. ment officials, too, likely have have easily done so, the group according to Farm Bureau. very little knowledge about In addition, time spent operat- noted. this exemption. This lack of In a similar vein, the organi- ing unladen vehicles traveling awareness, combined with the Farm Bureau is also urging the zation challenged proposed to or from the source of an ag- unforgiving realities of ELD department to expand its inter- guidance that indicates once ricultural commodity should be technology, makes the need for pretation of the 150-air mile the hours of service rules have considered exempt time, as the clarity all the more pressing, exemption. Current informal begun to apply on a given trip, proposed guidance states. they continue to apply until the Farm Bureau emphasized. Federal Motor Carrier Safety As Farm Bureau continues to Administration guidance limits driver crosses back into the In terms of what products are encourage the administration a driver’s use of the exemption area within 150 air-miles of categorized as agriculture to give agricultural haulers re- to once per trip. However, the the original source of the com- commodities, all nonprocessed lief from the ELD mandate, the concept of such a “trip” is not modities and is returning to food, feed, fiber, livestock and organization is also working defined in either the statute or that source. nursery and greenhouse crops with Capitol Hill lawmakers the related regulation, so lim- qualify, according to Farm Bu- According to Farm Bureau, on a legislative solution to the iting the exemption only to reau. Agricultural commodity the law clearly indicates that ELD mandate and HOS chal- the first “source” of any given “sources” are farms, ranches each farm, ranch, grain eleva- lenges. “trip” is a narrower interpreta- and other locations where ag- tor, livestock market or other tion than the statute calls for. location where an agricultural

34 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 American farm bureau federation news

The first load of of donated hay arrives in Dawson County. Photo by Montana Farm Bureau Hay Lift Brings Together County Farm Bureaus in Minnesota, Montana By Rebecca Colnar Bureau member ranchers in to help our farmers and ranch- cision for our county Farm Bu- Dawson County. Six tractor- ers in need. The outpouring of reaus to come together to help Wadena County (Minnesota) trailer loads of hay—upland donations was phenomenal,” them out. We don’t think of it Farm Bureau President Craig grass, alfalfa and mixed— noted Evans. “You couldn’t as being anything special. We Neil and Vice President Brian wended their way from central find any nicer people in the just do it because we know it is Roth love bird hunting in Daw- Minnesota to the southeastern world.” the right thing to do.” son County (Montana) and en- edge of Montana the week of joy the community. During a “We know that Mother Nature Rebecca Colnar is Director of Feb. 12. visit with ranchers in the Daw- is in charge, and there are a lot Public Relations for Montana son/Wibaux County Farm Bu- To make the distribution fair, of elements outside of our con- Farm Bureau. reau, they heard about the re- voting (producer) members trol in farming and ranching,” cord-breaking drought taking of Dawson/Wibaux County said Roth. “It was an easy de- place in Montana. The idea for Farm Bureau could put their organizing a hay lift surfaced. name in a raffle, with names being drawn at the Farm Bu- “Craig and I have been com- reau booth during the Glendive ing to Dawson County to bird Agricultural Trade Exhibition hunt for 20 years. We thought show Feb. 10. Six names were it would be great to help Farm drawn for six tractor-trailer Bureau members experiencing loads of hay. this terrible drought,” noted Roth. “At our Wadena Coun- The special event served as a ty Farm Bureau meeting, we recruiting tool, as well. Non- talked about having a hay lift, members were encouraged to which was very well received. stop by the booth, join Farm We thought there may be oth- Bureau and put their name in er county Farm Bureaus who the raffle. “Getting a load of would want to help, as well.” hay for $75 is a great deal,” noted Dawson/Wibaux County What resulted is not only Farm Bureau President Gene Wadena County Farm Bureau, Evans while working the booth. Dawson/Wibaux County Farm Bureau President Gene Evans and but Cass, East Ottertail and Montana rancher Bob Phalen talk about the haylift on the Voices of Todd County Farm Bureaus so- “We truly appreciate what Montana radio show. licited hay donations for Farm Minnesota farmers have done Photo by Montana Farm Bureau

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 FARM BUREAU COMMODITY REPORT

GRAIN PRICES 1/22/2018 2/20/2018 Trend

Portland: White Wheat 5.21-5.30 5.25-5.41 + .04 to + .11 10.5% Winter 5.48-5.63 5.86-6.21 + .38 to + .58 14% Spring 7.22-7.42 7.17-7.32 - .05 to - .10 Oats 210.00 220.00 + 10.00 Ogden: White Wheat 3.95 4.10 + .15 11% Winter 4.68 4.86 + .18 14% Spring 5.92 5.93 + .01 Barley 6.20 7.00 + .80 Blackfoot/

Idaho Falls White Wheat 3.70 3.65 - .05 11.5% Winter 4.55 4.85 + .30 14% Spring 5.60 5.40 - .20 Hard White 4.75 4.95 + .20 Burley: White Wheat 3.80 3.95 + .15 11% Winter 4.12 4.46 + .34 14% Spring 5.71 5.22 - .49 Barley 6.25 6.25 Steady Meridian: White Wheat(cwt) 4.08 4.38 + .30 Lewiston: White Wheat 5.02 5.25 + .23 H. Red Winter 5.53 5.91 + .38 Dark N. Spring 7.02 7.03 + .01 Barley 116.50 128.50 + 12.00

LIVESTOCK PRICES

1/23/2018 2/20/2018 Trend Feeder Steers Under 500 lbs 152-201 168-230 + 16 to + 29 500-700 lbs 139-187 140-206 + 1 to + 19 700-900 lbs 120-160 130-159 + 10 to – 1 Feeder Heifers Under 500 lbs 135-177 150-200 + 15 to + 23 500-700 lbs 128-164 130-171 + 2 to + 7 700-900 lbs 119-146 120-146 + 1 to steady

Holstein Steers Under 700 lbs 79-100 80-100 + 1 to steady Over 700 lbs 70-85 70-90 steady to + 5 Cows Utility/Commercial 46-67 62-86 + 16 to + 19 Canner & Cutter 45-62 48-72 + 3 to + 10

Stock Cows 760-1500 875-1060 + 115 to – 440 Bulls Slaughter 63-85 67-95 + 4 to + 10 BEAN PRICES: Pinto 21.00-23.00 21.00 Steady - down 2.00 Small Red Not Established Not Established N/A Garbanzo 42.00-43.00 42.00-43.00 Steady

Compiled by the Idaho Farm Bureau Commodity Division

36 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 Alfalfa/Orchard Mix IDaho Hay Report Mid Square Fair/Good 150 125.00-125.00 125.00 Tarped USDA Market News, Moses Lake, WA Alfalfa hay test guidelines, (for domestic livestock use and not February 23, 2018 more than 10% grass), used with visual appearance and intent of sale Tons: 3030 Last Week: 450 Last Year: 300 Quantitative factors are approximate and many factors can affect Compared to last Friday, Alfalfa steady in a light test. Trade slow to moderate with feeding value. moderate demand. Retail/Feedstore not tested. Prices are dollars per ton and FOB ADF NDF RFV TDN-100% TDN-90% CP-100% the farm or ranch unless otherwise stated. Supreme <27 <34 >185 >62 >55.9 >22 Tons Price Wtd Avg Comments Premium 27-29 34-36 170-185 60.5-62 54.5-55.9 20-22 Alfalfa Good 29-32 36-40 150-170 58-60 52.5-54.5 18-20 Mid Square Fair 32-35 40-44 130-150 56-58 50.5-52.5 16-18 Premium/Supreme 600 170.00-170.00 170.00 Tarped Utility >35 >44 <130 <56 <50.5 <16 Good/Premium 500 140.00-140.00 140.00 Tarped Fair/Good 1780 90.00-108.00 97.75 Tarped Potatoes & Onions February 21, 2018 Onions – Dry Potatoes IDAHO AND MALHEUR COUNTY OREGON--- Shipments 271-260-261 UPPER VALLEY, TWIN FALLS-BURLEY DISTRICT, IDAHO -- Shipments ---Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading fairly slow. Prices White 707-734-695(includes exports of 1-3-2) ---Movement expected to remain about medium and Reds generally unchanged, others lower. Yellow Spanish Hybrid the same. Trading slow. Prices bales and Burbank carton 40-50s generally un- 50-pound changed, others lower. Russet Burbank U.S. One baled 10-5 pound film bags non sacks super colossal mostly 11.00, colossal mostly 10.00, jumbo mostly 8.00, me- size A mostly 6.00-6.50; 50-pound cartons 40-50s mostly 9.00-9.50, 60-80s mostly dium mostly 4.50-5.00; White 50-pound sacks jumbo 16.00-17.00, medium mostly 10.00-11.00, 90s mostly 9.50-10.00, 100s mostly 9.00-10.00: Russet Norkotah U.S. 14.00-16.00; Red Globe Type 25-pound sacks jumbo mostly 8.00, medium mostly One baled 10-5 pound film bags non size A mostly 6.00-6.50; 50-pound cartons 40- 6.00. *revised 50s mostly 8.50-9.00, 60-80s 9.50-10.00, 90s 8.00-9.00, 100s mostly 8.00.

Burley: White Wheat...... 6.08...... 5.75...... 4.33...... 3.51...... 3.95 5 Year Grain Comparison 11% Winter...... 6.81...... 4.63...... 3.69...... 3.57...... 4.46 Grain Prices...... 2/25/2014...... 2/20/2015...... 2/22/2016...... 2/22/2017...... 2/20/2018 14% Spring...... 6.97...... 6.17...... 4.58...... 5.17...... 5.52 Portland: Barley...... 7.50...... 5.00...... 6.00...... 5.00...... 6.25 White Wheat...... 7.36 ...... No Bid ...... No Bid ...... 4.76-4.86...... 5.25-5.41 11% Winter...... 8.47-8.57...... 6.19-6.33...... 5.33-5.49...... 5.07-5.42...... 5.86-6.21 Nampa/Meridian: 14% Spring...... 8.61...... 8.56...... 6.02-6.12...... 6.57-6.87...... 7.17-7.32 White Wheat (cwt)...... 10.50...... 9.15...... 7.63...... 3.69...... 4.38 Corn...... No Bid ...... No Bid ...... 4.46-4.54 ...... 4.58-4.68 ...... 4.58-4.63 Lewiston: Ogden:...... White Wheat...... 7.02...... 6.50...... 4.90...... 4.52...... 5.25 White Wheat...... 6.35...... 6.20...... 4.64...... 3.91...... 4.10 Barley...... 156.50...... 151.50...... 126.50...... 96.50...... 112.00 11% Winter...... 7.00...... 5.46...... 4.43...... 4.11...... 4.86 14 % Spring...... 7.77...... 6.16...... 5.08...... 5.42...... 5.93 Bean Prices: Barley...... 8.05...... 5.85...... 7.25...... 5.50...... 7.00 Pintos...... 35.00-37.00...... 35.00-37.00...... 22.00 ...... 28.00-30.00...... 28.00-30.00 Blackfoot/Idaho Falls: Pinks...... 39.00-40.00...... 39.00-40.00...... 28.00...... N/A...... N/A White Wheat...... 6.10...... 5.80...... 4.45...... 3.60...... 3.65 Small Reds...... 40.00...... 40.00...... 33.00-35.00...... 33.00-35.00...... 33.00-35.00 11% Winter...... 7.15...... 5.38...... 4.05...... 4.40...... 4.85 Garbanzo...... 32.00-35.00 ...... 34.00-37.00...... 34.00-37.00 14% Spring...... 7.41...... 6.31...... 4.80...... 5.15...... 5.40 ***

MILK PRODUCTION 2017 Annual Milk Production up 1.4 Percent from 2016 The annual production of milk for the United States during 2017 was 215 February 21, 2018 billion pounds, 1.4 percent above 2016. Revisions to 2016 production January Milk Production up 1.8 Percent decreased the annual total 31 million pounds. Revised 2017 production was up Milk production in the 23 major States during January totaled 17.3 billion 35 million pounds from last month’s publication. Annual total milk production pounds, up 1.8 percent from January 2017. December revised production, at has increased 13.4 percent from 2008. 17.0 billion pounds, was up 1.1 percent from December 2016. The December Production per cow in the United States averaged 22,941 pounds for 2017, revision represented an increase of 4 million pounds or less than 0.1 percent 163 pounds above 2016. The average annual rate of milk production per cow has from last month’s preliminary production estimate. increased 12.5 percent from 2008. Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,979 pounds for January, The average number of milk cows on farms in the United States during 2017 was 24 pounds above January 2017. This is the highest production per cow for the 9.39 million head, up 0.7 percent from 2016. The average number of milk cows month of January since the 23 State series began in 2003. was unrevised for 2017. The average annual number of milk cows has increased The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.74 million head, 0.8 percent from 2008. 49,000 head more than January 2017, and 4,000 head more than December 2017.

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 37 5 Year livestock comparison Cattle on Feed ...... 2/21/2014...... 2/20/2015...... 2/22/2016...... 2/22/2017...... 2/20/2018 Released February 23, 2018 Feeder Steers Under 500 lbs...... 180-259...... 235-367...... 170-232...... 134-176...... 168-230 United States Cattle on Feed Up 8 Percent 500-700 lbs...... 167-231...... 200-310...... 151-216...... 117-160...... 140-206 Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots 700-900 lbs...... 130-175...... 171-224...... 134-168...... 105-133...... 130-159 with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.6 million head on February 1, 2018. Over 900 lbs...... 105-152...... 155-195...... 120-141...... 95-118...... No test The inventory was 8 percent above February 1, 2017...... Feeder Heifers Placements in feedlots during January totaled 2.07 million head, 4 percent above Under 500 lbs...... 170-237...... 220-337...... 150-225...... 116-157...... 150-200 2017. Net placements were 2.00 million head. During January, placements of cattle 500-700 lbs...... 153-197...... 185-257...... 137-179...... 106-142...... 130-171 700-900 lbs...... 129-174...... 162-217...... 120-159...... 96-122...... 120-146 and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 375,000 head, 600-699 pounds were Over 900 lbs...... 101-144...... 120-172...... 123-136...... 94-109...... No test 450,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 625,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 418,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 115,000 head, and1,000 pounds and greater were 85,000 Holstein Steers Under 700 lbs...... 98-128...... 140-188...... 91-120...... 70-81...... 80-100 head. Over 700 lbs...... 90-130...... 120-175...... 101-120...... 70-81...... 70-90 Marketings of fed cattle during January totaled 1.86 million head, 6 percent above Cows Utility/Commercial...... 70-97...... 85-120...... 58-79...... 45-67...... 62-86 2017. Canner & Cutter...... 60-94...... 79-105...... 58-75...... 39-61...... 48-72 Other disappearance totaled 69,000 head during January, 30 percent above 2017. Stock Cows...... 925-1425...... 1200-2200...... 875-1700...... 625-1425...... 875-1060 Bulls – Slaughter...... 70-111...... 97-139...... 65-104...... 62-87...... 67-95 2017 Cattle on Feed and Annual Size Group Estimates Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head represented 82.0 percent of all cattle and calves on feed in the United States on January 1, 2018. This is comparable to the 81.2 percent on January 1, 2017. Marketings of fed cattle for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head during 2017 represented 87.2 percent of total cattle marketed from all feedlots in the United States, up slightly from 87.1 percent during 2016. Cattle MARKET REPORT

February 20, 2018 Forward Cattle Contracts: Cash Cattle. May and June continue to attract the largest attention in forward contracts. May had Reaction on Monday without futures was mostly positive to the cash markets. Box a range of $2-5 over the June board depending on when the cattle shipped in May. prices were higher. We continue to slaughter more fed cattle than last year but not June reported 10,000 head at Par to $2 premium. quite so many as placements might indicate we need to slaughter. Everyone will take The weekly breakdown of fed cattle moving to the beef processing plants is as fol- a close look at this week’s show list to determine how the show list will fit with this lows. 1) formulas 55%; 2) negotiated 20% [both live and flat dressed]; 3) forward week’s slaughter level. contracts 25%. Some of the formula arrangements are week to week negotiated Sales occurred last week at $130 live and mostly $205 dressed. Both prices were prices and not committed cattle to one plant. $4-5 higher than last week. The Cutout. Packers are keeping a lid on slaughter volumes during a period of year when beef The cutout was higher as retail interest scrambled for short term product. The demand is weak and tight supplies of fed cattle available. The past couple of weeks choice/select spread is narrowing as seasonally occurs in most years. The spread has have failed to purchase the slaughter above 600,000. This week should also hold in moved from $20 to $5 in the past few weeks. the same level. Beef Feature Activity Index. Beef features are often planned months in advance. Cattle Futures. Retailers look at the pricing of live cattle futures for signals of product availability Futures were higher in anticipation of higher cash. and price. Beef specials serve as drawing cards into the stores and are profit centers. Carcass weights This new link provides perspective on the level of feature activity week by week in are released each Thursday and are a closely watched barometer indicating the posi- the country. the country. tion of cattle feeders in the nation’s feedlots. The last report released for the week of February 3rd, had steer carcass weights down 1# at 888# which is 1# above prior year. Heifers were 10# over prior year with more heifers in the mix.

38 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 Classifieds

Animals Miscellaneous Real Estate/Acreage Wanted Reg. Blk Angus bulls coming 2 yr old, Fell Forest Service compliant weed wash unit. 12 acres - 10 miles N of priest River, Id. Paying cash for old cork top embossed yearling and spring yearling-sires Basin Two Hotsy high pressure pumps with Honda Approx 1200 sq ft house. 2 bd, 2 bth, new bottles and some telephone insulators. Call Excitement, 101 Git R Dun, ten x. Oreana, engines mounted on 20ft 14,000 GVW roof, paint, 2 wells, 3 car garage, RV garage Randy. Payette, Id. 208-740-0178. Id. for information call Bill 208-834-2505. trailer. Salmon, Id. 208-756-4414. outbuildings. Fenced garden, green house. $245,000. Gary, 208-826-3132. Paying cash for German & Japanese war Australian Cattle Dog BUD Looking for Full- New wine making supplies: 6 gallon screw relics/souvenirs! Pistols, rifles, swords, Time Employment as Ranch Hand. Smart, top fermenter $40; two 6 gallon heavy daggers, flags, scopes, optical equipment, treat-motivated, 3-year-old that moves like glass carboys $10 each; hydrometer, 4 air Trailers uniforms, helmets, machine guns (ATF an agility dog, physically fit, high endurance. locks $20; dozen champagne bottles with 2005 Iron Eagle tandum axle utility trailer. rules apply) medals, flags, etc. 549-3841 Movie to show my talents around farm stoppers and wire hoods $50, plus much Electrical brakes, removable front & 1/4 (evenings) or 208-405-9338. animals. https://youtu.be/_4VH3AiIYlE - more. Pictures available Grangeville, Id 208- sidewalls, long ramps, wratchet tie down Meridian Canine Rescue 208-794-0944. 983-1417. straps, chocks. I transported a mini cooper. Old License Plates Wanted: Also key chain $1,900. Caldwell, Id. 208-455-2571. license plates, old signs, light fixtures. Will Alpine milk goat doe. DOB: 03/05/2016. Weathermaster Studded Tires 215/65R15 Set pay cash. Please email, call or write. Gary Never been bred. Mother is registered. of 4 (less than 100 miles) $350 new (traded Peterson, 130 E Pecan, Genesee, Id 83832. Negative for CAE, CL and Johnes. Asking $250 car). Maytag Propane Clothes Dryer $150. Wanted [email protected]. 208-285-1258 obo. Arimo, ID. Call or text Stephanie 208- Cash only. Sagle, Id 208-946-0996. Want-used 4wd van, good condition, 10 yrs 312-9255. Old fashion style Pine Coffin. Clear finish. old or newer, mechanically sound, side entry DEADLINE Unlined - $700.00, Lined - $850.00. for wheel chair access. 208-926-4784. DATES: Farm Equipment Delivery available. Weiser, Id 208-549-2239. Used (within last 20 years) 13 to 14 ft ADS MUST BE RECEIVED BY John Deere 1948 Model A tractor. Good double disc Great Plains or John Deere grain condition. New tires $2,250 obo. Located in Real Estate/Acreage drill. Need to have press wheels and prefer Boise, Id. 208-861-7029. alfalfa/grass seeder. 208-317-7858. March 20 Horse property in N. ID 19+acres. 4B 3b FOR NEXT ISSUE. 1956 Ford 850. Includes original Dearborn 3600 sq ft, day light basement. 40X80 barn, front end loader with trip bucket, heavy 2 tack rooms, secure grain area, 4 indoor duty box scraper, log skidder, rebuilt car, stalls, covered feed area. 24X30 shop, 42X60 plus extras. $4,500 pictures available. equip shed. $629,000. 208-699-0816 Grangeville, Id. 208-983-1417. Do you want solitude? 25.44 acres N.E. New Squeeze chute, green, hand pull, $1,300. Tetonia. New gravel Rd-Hiatt Trail, School bus and mail on Rammel Rd. 40 miles to Midvale, Id 208-355-3780. Jackson, 1 mile to BLM land. $200,000. 208- Balewagons: New Holland self-propelled 521-4601. or pull-type models, parts, tires, manuals. Mail ad copy to: 6 corner lots and buildings. Commercial FARM BUREAU PRODUCER Financing & delivery available. Also interested zone, city water and sewer in Hazelton, Id. P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848 in buying balewagons. Will consider any 208-731-4181. or e-mail Dixie at: [email protected] model. Call Jim Wilhite at 208-880-2889 [email protected] anytime. Nice house with 5 bdrms. Fridge furnished, electric heat. Nice large insolated shop. Lots Hay and Feed of space, three car garage. Good water, sitting on 120 acres. Location 1405 E Barley straw for sale, small bales about 70# Richards Road, Downey, Id $360,000. Call each. Blackfoot, Id 208-785-3434 or 208- for appointment to see. 208-233-1317 or 680-6883. 208-226-4887. FREE CLASSIFIED ADS FOR IDAHO FARM BUREAU MEMBERS send to: [email protected]

Idaho Farm Bureau producer / March 2018 39