Idaho Farm Bureau
QuarterlySummer 2020 • Volume 20 Issue 3 More farmland converted to development
USMCA goes Potatoes into Idaho bean into effect, 4 soap, 22 acres jump, 31
August 2020 | 1 By Zippy Duvall The Zipline President American Farm Bureau Federation Taking on ag’s greatest challenges through innovation rom the first day a farmer put a seed in est challenges. the ground, agriculture has relied on When John Deere saw the challenge neigh- Finnovation to help us adapt and grow. boring farmers in Illinois faced in preparing the There’s no such thing as good enough on the soil, he came up with a better way and helped farm: we’re always looking to do better. U.S. turn the American frontier into fertile cropland agriculture has led the way in developing new with his steel plow. tools and techniques to drive the industry for- When George Washington Carver looked at ward, thanks to our nation’s great innovators. the depleted soil of the South, he took on that Each decade and century of American agri- challenge and introduced new crop uses and culture is shaped by entrepreneurs, scientists rotation methods to restore healthy farmland and innovative farmers and ranchers who have and benefit farmers and consumers alike. found solutions to address agriculture’s great- See DUVALL, page 6
By Bryan Searle The President’s Desk President Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Americans should celebrate freedom every day ver the past several months, I can’t stop great blessing and privilege it is to enjoy the thinking about how blessed I am to live freedoms we have. Oin the greatest country in the world. Though we are living in a very difficult time I especially was very humbled and grateful with a pandemic, riots, and lots of controversy, to celebrate, as each of you did last month, on we still have been blessed to live in the best Independence Day. As we had family gather country in the world. I wish to share with you a for a celebration before the firework show few of my thoughts. began, we first paused as individuals, fam- Though we had a big celebration on Inde- ily, and friends and started with singing the pendence Day, I believe that we as Americans national anthem. ought to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy every Then, we were led in the pledge of allegiance day of the year. by one of our six-year-old grandsons. What a See SEARLE, page 7
By Zak Miller Inside Farm Bureau CEO Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Hoeing weeds and trusting scientists deep memory from my youth occurred been years since I have hoed potato rows and very when I was perhaps 10 years old. A few people today do such work in potatoes at all. I A corner of one of our potato fields had continue to be so grateful for tools more effective become overrun with weeds. than my hoe, such as herbicides, to control the I am not sure why only this area was such a weeds that invade our crops. problem. Regardless, there were too many and Few people would struggle to understand my sister, brother and I were far too available the function and the effectiveness of a hoe on a for my dad to let the weeds go without action. weed’s roots. I am sure it was only a few days of hoeing However, they would struggle to understand weeds for a few hours for a few mornings, but how an herbicide impacts weeds or a pesticide at the time it seemed like months in the hot sun. impacts crop pests, especially when factors Because of advancements in technology, it has See MILLER, page 6
2 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly Idaho Farm Bureau Table of contents Volume 20, Issue 3 2 The Zipline; The President’s Desk; IFBF Officers President...... Bryan Searle, Shelley Vice President...... Richard Durrant, Meridian Inside Farm Bureau Executive Vice President/CEO...... Zak Miller Assist Executive Vice President...... Justin Patten 4 USMCA could be much-needed BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dan Garner...... Clifton boost for U.S. agriculture Austin Tubbs...... Malad Fred Burmester...... Downey Scott Steele...... Idaho Falls 8 As Idaho cities grow, farmland is Stephanie Mickelsen...... Idaho Falls Travis McAffee...... Howe Gerald Marchant...... Oakley gradually disappearing Rick Pearson...... Hagerman Rick Brune...... Hazelton Cody Chandler...... Weiser 12 Restoring rangelands in the Galen Lee...... New Plymouth Matt Dorsey...... Caldwell Danskin Mountains Marjorie French...... Princeton Tom Daniel...... Bonners Ferry Tom Mosman...... Craigmont 15 Scoular to build $13 million Judy Woody...... Filer Jason Fellows...... Weston barley processing facility STAFF Director of Admin. Services...... Cara Dyer Member Services Assistant...... Peggy Moore 16 Idaho potato acres dip below Member Benefit Assistant...... Dixie Ashton Dist. I Regional Manager...... Ott Clark 300,000 for second time since 1970 Dist. II Regional Manager...... Tyrel Bingham Dist. III Regional Manager...... Zack Lanier Dist. IV Regional Manager...... Brody Miller Dist. V Regional Manager...... Bob Smathers 22 Idaho potatoes being turned Dir. of Governmental Affairs...... Russ Hendricks Boise Office Manager...... Kristy Lindauer into skin-care products Energy/Natural Resources...... Braden Jensen Governmental Affairs Representative...... Chyla Wilson Director of Information...... Joel Benson 25 Word search Publications Editor/Media Contact...... Sean Ellis Broadcast Services Manager...... Jake Putnam Business Systems Administrator...... Tyler Moore 28 Farm Bureau donates $4,232 to Videographer...... Michaela Andrus Printed by: Adams Publishing Group, Pocatello, ID Pocatello veterans group IDAHO FARM BUREAU QUARTERLY USPS #022-899, is published quarterly by the 31 Idaho dry bean acres up 38 percent IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION, 275 Tierra Vista Drive, Pocatello, ID 83201. POSTMASTER send changes of address to: 32 Wildfires and the forest ecosystem IDAHO FARM BUREAU QUARTERLY P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848. Periodicals postage paid at Pocatello, Idaho, 35 Word search answers and additional mailing offices. Subscription rate: $4.00 per year included in Farm Bureau dues. 36 Classifieds MAGAZINE CONTACTS: Idaho Farm Bureau Federation 37 Idaho hop acres increase EDITOR (208) 239-4292 • ADS (208) 239-4279 E-MAIL: [email protected] web: www.idahofb.org for ninth straight year Brady’s Plant Ranch sees surge in beef ON THE COVER: A subdivision is being developed near farm 38 ground in Idaho Falls. See page 8 for story on farmland be- ing converted to development. (Photo by Joel Benson) deliveries during coronavirus outbreak August 2020 | 3 The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which went into effect July 1, could be a boon to farmers and ranchers in Idaho and throughout the country. USMCA could be much-needed boost for U.S. agriculture By Sean Ellis those nations. Canada and Mexico are the top export Idaho Farm Bureau Federation It could be a boon to American farm- markets for U.S. and Idaho farm prod- ers and ranchers and includes some big ucts and together account for almost half POCATELLO – Amid the market chal- wins for the U.S. agricultural industry, of Idaho’s agricultural exports. lenges farmers and ranchers are facing in particular for dairy and wheat, which “This important trade agreement because of the coronavirus outbreak, the rank as Idaho’s No. 1 and No. 4 farm will provide additional market access new USMCA trade deal offers the U.S. commodities in terms of farm-gate for Idaho dairy, wheat, wine and other agricultural industry a ray of optimism. revenue. commodities to Canada and Mexico, our The United States-Mexico-Canada The agreement includes a smaller win two largest export markets,” Idaho State Agreement, which went into effect July for U.S. wine, which should provide a Department of Agriculture Director Ce- 1, replaces the 25-year-old North Amer- boost to Idaho’s fast-growing wine grape lia Gould said in a statement welcoming ican Free Trade Agreement between industry. the new agreement.
4 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly The COVID-19 outbreak has caused comes to total revenue. the state’s 44 counties. some big challenges for the U.S. agricul- Idaho dairy operations brought in about Idaho wheat farmers brought in tural community, she said. $2.8 billion in total farm-gate receipts in about $516 million in total farm-gate “In trying times, farmers, ranchers 2019, according to estimates by University receipts last year, according to U of I and agribusinesses look for opportunity of Idaho agricultural economists. estimates. and that is exactly what USMCA affords When crops that are used to feed Under USMCA, Canada has agreed us,” Gould stated. “The agreement will dairy cattle, such as hay and corn silage, to grade U.S. wheat imports in the same provide a needed measure of stability are considered, the dairy industry is a manner it grades Canadian wheat, which and economic growth for our producers huge part of the state’s overall farming was one of the main goals of the U.S. and trade partners.” economy. wheat industry during the NAFTA rene- In a statement hailing the new agree- Under the new agreement, Canada will gotiations. Now, U.S. wheat shipped to ment, President Donald Trump called provide new access for U.S. dairy prod- Canada will not be automatically down- USMCA “a historic breakthrough for ucts, including for fluid milk, cheese, graded to feed wheat, which is the lowest American agriculture. Canada will pro- cream, butter, skim milk and powder. classification and brings the lowest price. vide greater access for American dairy Canada’s increase of quotas on U.S. The wine industry also scored a small products, poultry and win under the new agreement. eggs and finally give Under the terms of the USM- fair treatment to Ameri- “This important trade agreement CA, British Columbia agreed to can-grown wheat.” end its practice of not allowing Trump’s press secre- will provide additional market imported wines to be stocked on tary, Kayleigh McEnany, grocery shelves in the Canadian said in a statement that access for Idaho dairy, wheat, province, which has a population because of USMCA, of close to five million people. “American farmers will wine and other commodities to That change will mostly have access to fairer benefit California wineries but it markets in Canada and Canada and Mexico, our two would indirectly benefit Ida- Mexico, opening up ho’s burgeoning wine industry more opportunities to largest export markets.” because increased domestic wine export their goods.” exports benefit the entire U.S. — Celia Gould, Idaho State Gould said the new wine industry. Department of Agriculture Director agreement is expected According to a study spon- to create $450 million sored by the Idaho Wine Com- worth of new export mission, Idaho’s grape growing market opportunities for U.S. agriculture. dairy products will benefit Ameri- and wine making industry had a $210 After NAFTA went into effect, Idaho’s can dairy farmers to the tune of $242 million economic impact on the state in agricultural exports to Canada grew million, according to American Farm 2017. almost 290 percent and they grew nearly Bureau Federation. Leaders of the U.S. beef cattle and 1,000 percent to Mexico, Gould said. Canada has also agreed to eliminate its potato industries, which rank as Idaho’s Idaho’s top ag exports to Canada Class 7 milk pricing system, which the No. 2 and No. 3 farm commodities, said include live cattle, dry beans, fresh pota- U.S. dairy industry has charged allows their industries didn’t necessarily score toes, frozen French fries, butter, canola that nation to undercut U.S. sales of cer- any major wins under USMCA. But they seed and baked goods. tain milk products in Canada and dump added that NAFTA has been good to Idaho’s top ag exports to Mexico in- surplus concentrated milk proteins onto their industries and the new agreement clude malt, seed, dairy products (mostly global markets in direct competition preserves the favorable trade terms they cheese), wheat and fresh vegetables. with U.S. exports. enjoyed under NAFTA. According to the International Trade Leaders of Idaho’s dairy industry have “The launch of the USMCA brings opti- Commission, USMCA will result in said addressing Canada’s Class 7 milk mism to the country’s farmers and ranch- 176,000 to 589,000 additional jobs in pricing system was the top goal of the ers at a time they need it the most,” Ameri- the U.S. U.S. dairy industry during the NAFTA can Farm Bureau Federation President The U.S. dairy industry was one renegotiation discussions. Zippy Duvall said in a statement. “We’re of the biggest winners under the new Idaho’s important wheat industry grateful for the opportunity to build on the agreement. That’s good news for Idaho’s should also benefit from USMCA. success of the North American Free Trade overall agricultural sector because dairy Wheat is also one of the backbones of Agreement and we’re eager to see the is Idaho’s top farm commodity when it Idaho agriculture and is grown in 42 of results on America’s farms.” n
August 2020 | 5 DUVALL Continued from page 2 And now more than ever, we will from each other and industry leaders continue to rely on innovative solutions and access tools to help expand their These examples are just a peek at the to drive agriculture forward. businesses. long history of American agricultural Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen I am amazed every year by the in- innovation, and today that tradition con- farmers adapting to meet changing needs spiring, hardworking entrepreneurs we tinues as cutting-edge technology takes and finding new ways to connect directly meet from across the country through us into the next age of agriculture with with customers in their communities. At this event, but I wouldn’t be surprised everything from robotic harvesters and Farm Bureau, we also believe in the po- if the 2021 Ag Innovation Challenge driverless tractors to disease-resistant tential of creative entrepreneurs to take brings out the most innovative group crops. on the unique challenges facing agricul- yet. Innovations like these allow us to ture and our rural communities and to Tough times can bring the most farm more efficiently and sustainably help drive our economy. creative solutions, as they give us an than ever. From precision ag tools and That’s why we’re partnering with opportunity to think differently, to ask smartphones to soil health practices and Farm Credit to host the Ag Innova- ourselves difficult questions and find a biotechnology, we are saving time and tion Challenge for the seventh year. better path forward. resources, reducing carbon emissions The Challenge has evolved to become I believe today’s innovators will carry and leaving our land healthier for the more than a competition: it’s a valuable on the great tradition of American agri- next generation. experience for entrepreneurs to learn culture and rise to that challenge. n
MILLER Continued from page 2 However, fear and confusion should Most of us do not understand the never be the reason tools that scientists processes in that race to find a cure and like barometric pressure thresholds, have proven are safe and effective are in fact, most of us have no idea what it chemistry interactions, exposure limits, taken away. entails. However, we do trust the scien- etc., enter into the discussion. Such change should only occur when tists who are pushing to find a cure for There appears to be a significant num- science, not fear or confusion, warrants COVID-19 and cheer for their success. ber of people who automatically We’re all hoping and praying equate pesticides and herbicides for a cure but we don’t under- with something bad. For whatever ‘We can’t choose when we will stand the scientific processes by reason, when the words “pesti- which that cure is going to come cide” or “herbicide” are used, trust scientists, whether it’s when about. We just know really good they conjure up fear and confu- they are creating pesticides or scientists are working on it. sion in some people. Shouldn’t that same trust be But without such chemistries, herbicides that enable farmers to extended to the scientists and re- our nation’s food supply would searchers who continuously work not be as plentiful or healthy. produce an abundant, safe and to improve existing chemistries Any pesticide or herbicide affordable food supply, or when that enable farmers and ranchers on the market today has been to do what they do best – feed the thoroughly vetted by a host of they are trying to find a cure for a world? scientific studies and been proven global pandemic.’ We can’t choose when we will to be safe. They are also regulated trust scientists, whether it’s when by several government agencies they are creating pesticides or that have certified they are safe to herbicides that enable farmers to use and are not harmful to people or the it. produce an abundant, safe and affordable environment. As we continue as a society to fight food supply, or when they are trying to If new information becomes available COVID-19, our collective thoughts and find a cure for a global pandemic. to the scientific community and it is pru- hopes have caused us to cheer for the We are lucky that in both agriculture dent to change course on any approved scientists and researchers who are work- and especially medicine that we have farm chemical, then it would be appro- ing hard to try to find a breakthrough been able to find tools more effective priate to change course. cure. than a young boy with a hoe. n
6 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly SEARLE Continued from page 2 That campaign had more interest and response by far than any other AFBF campaign because of the concern people had No doubt about it, those of us who live in the United States about the unknown and how the pandemic might impact the of America are blessed to live in literally the freest and most availability of certain items on grocery store shelves. prosperous nation in the history of the world. Because they are free to choose, innovate, invest and take Never in history have so many people enjoyed so many risks, American farmers and ranchers have created an agricul- basic freedoms and blessings as Americans do now. tural system that is the envy of the world. We enjoy economic freedoms and the overall highest stan- In fact, America itself is the envy of the world. dard of living of any nation. The Bill of Rights and our system We enjoy religious liberty and ‘The freedoms and blessings that of checks and balances in govern- people of every possible persuasion ment that this nation’s founding are free to worship as they please or Americans enjoy have allowed fathers set up to ensure our basic lib- not to worship at all. Because of our American farmers and ranchers erties has enabled millions of people First Amendment, the government to produce the most abundant, to flourish and create a prosperous cannot make any law respecting an and free nation that has people from establishment of religion or prohibit- affordable and secure food supply all corners of the Earth flocking to. ing the free exercise thereof. in the history of the world.’ I believe we still are, as President That same amendment provides Ronald Reagan so eloquently put it every American the right to speak during his 1988 farewell address, freely and to assemble peaceably. that “shining city upon a hill.” In their totality, our laws and traditions provide Americans I’m not ashamed to say that I know I live in the best place the greatest overall level of freedom of any nation that has on Earth. I’m more than proud to be an American and I hope ever existed. you are, too. n We are free to live anywhere we choose and we are free to choose any career we want. As farmers, we are free to plant any crop or produce any Idaho Farm Bureau ♦ IDAHO PEOPLE SERVING IDAHO ♦ farm commodity we want. I could literally choose to grow ba- Financial Services Now with five convenient locations throughout the state 275 Tierra Vista Drive 4122 East Cleveland Blvd. 1250 S. Allante Ave. 806 E. Polston, Ste. A 2732 Kimberly Road Pocatello, ID 83205 Caldwell, ID 83605 Boise, ID 83709 Post Falls, ID 83854 Twin Falls, ID 83301 nanas if I wanted to, although I would soon be broke if I tried 208.232.7914 208.455.1526 208.947.2519 208.618.2200 208.733.7212 to do that in Idaho. But the moral of that story is I’m free to do that if I choose to. The freedoms and blessings that Americans enjoy have allowed American farmers and ranchers to produce the most abundant, affordable and secure food supply in the history of the world. Because our system protects basic liberties and private prop- erty, American producers feel confident that if they put in the work, they can enjoy the fruits of their labor. That same level of certainty doesn’t exist in many other countries. Idaho Farm Bureau’s mission states it “is a voluntary grass- roots organization dedicated to strengthening agriculture and protecting the rights, values, and property of our members and their neighbors.” We work each day to protect and promote these God given rights. As we witnessed a panic when the pandemic first hit and watched as people cleaned off grocery store shelves, farmers and ranchers continued to choose to produce food and fiber. There never was a shortage of food, just a challenge of how to process and deliver it differently as the demand changed. American Farm Bureau Federation during that time put forth a social media campaign titled, “stillfarming,” that had To learn more or to apply, call Idaho Farm Bureau Financial Services at farmers and ranchers across the nation reassuring the public 1.888.566.3276. You may also visit idfbfs.com online anytime. they were forging ahead with their normal plans to produce an Some restrictions apply based on the make and model of vehicle offered as collateral. Loans are subject to credit approval. 100% loan abundant food supply. value based on NADA high retail, or purchase price, whichever is less. Finance charges accrue from origination date of this loan.
August 2020 | 7 8 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly Photo by Joel Benson Homes are taking over farmland as more people move into Idaho. Addressing the issue of disappearing farm ground
By Sean Ellis county level data, shows that 11 million state’s three largest cities, is a great place Idaho Farm Bureau Federation acres of agricultural land in the United to live and he’s not surprised at all that a States met a similar fate. lot of farmland in the area has been lost to POCATELLO – A new national report Not surprisingly, much of the farm- development. shows that 68,823 acres of Idaho farmland land that disappeared in Idaho during It’s disappointing, but not surprising, he – an area larger than the city of Boise – that period was in the Treasure Valley of said. was developed or compromised between southwestern Idaho, which is one of the “I saw it coming 20 years ago,” said 2001 and 2016. fastest-growing areas in the nation from a Eggers, who still rents out his farmland. Idaho was not the only state that lost percentage standpoint. “People want to move out into the areas of a good chunk of agricultural land during Recently retired Meridian farmer Drew rural farmland in Ada and Canyon coun- that time. Eggers said the Treasure Valley, which ties because it’s a great place to live.” The report, which includes state and includes Boise, Meridian and Nampa, the Eggers was born and raised in Meridian,
August 2020 | 9 Photo by Sean Ellis A farmer works his land next to a busy city road in Meridian. which had a population of 3,000 when he ag land in the United States were paved “Some of the best land in the Unit- graduated high school in 1971. Now the over, fragmented or converted to uses that ed States is around the Twin Falls and city has 107,000 people. jeopardize agriculture. Kimberly area and they are building on Many of those people live on land that The study, which used spatial mapping it. It’s sad to see,” said Sen. Jim Patrick, a was until very recently growing mint, analysis, also shows that 4.4 million of Republican farmer from Twin Falls. beans, sugar beets, corn, wheat or many of those acres were nationally significant But the loss of farmland in Idaho is the other crops grown in the region, which land, or the most productive land for crop most pronounced in Ada and Canyon is one of the global leaders in seed pro- production. counties in the Treasure Valley. duction because of the favorable growing In Idaho, 17,800 acres of the ag land “It’s very discouraging to see bulldoz- conditions and reliable supply of irrigation lost during that period were considered ers moving perfectly good farm ground water. nationally significant land. so they can put up houses,” said Nampa Eggers, who lives on the outskirts of Besides the Treasure Valley area, the farmer Janie Burns. town, said that when he drives toward other hotspots in Idaho for ag land loss, About 8,000 of Idaho’s 24,000-plus downtown Meridian now, “I don’t know according to the report, were centered farms are located in the greater Treasure where I’m at and have to look at the road around the urban areas of the state and Valley area, which is also by far the state’s signs. The landmarks, such as the old were most pronounced near Idaho Falls, most populous region. The result is con- barns that I used to know, aren’t there Twin Falls and Coeur d’Alene. stant pressure to develop. anymore.” The pressure to develop farmland to Development pressure in Ada County, “Farms Under Threat,” a multi-year accommodate Idaho’s rapidly growing which includes Boise and Meridian, is effort by American Farmland Trust, shows population is being felt not only in the extreme, said Ada County farmer Neil that from 2001-2016, 11 million acres of Treasure Valley. Durrant, whose family farms wheat, beans
10 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly and seed and runs a warehouse that deals stands ready to work with any state to the inside out instead of allowing subdi- with about 250 farmers in the region. achieve those goals.” visions to be plopped into the middle of “You look to the north of us and the The AFT report looked at how states ag land, is one way to slow the loss of farmland is almost non-existent there have addressed the issue of disappearing farmland. anymore,” he said. “They’re coming out ag land and assessed six policy tools com- Without solid zoning rules that sup- closer to where we’re at near Kuna and monly used to protect farmland. port smart growth, he said, farmland will any place you drive, you see the subdivi- They include the purchase of agricultur- continue to be lost in the valley and more sions coming in. There are for sale signs al conservation easements that permanent- farmers will have to resort to farming everywhere.” ly protect working farm and ranch land; between the cracks. Durrant said his family gets offered land-use planning policies that manage “Some people say, one little subdivision money from developers about once a week growth and stabilize the land base; prop- over here or there, how does that hurt?” for the land they own. erty tax relief for ag land that improves he said. “Well, it pushes us into the cracks The Durrants farm 1,500 acres and farm and ranch profitability; ag district and we can’t farm between the cracks. It the majority of that land is rented. While programs that encourage landowners to also has a domino effect. If you sanction the family has still been able to find land form areas to protect farmland; programs one rezone or redevelopment, how can available to rent, the rapid development that connect land seekers with landowners you reject a similar request?” has resulted in them having to travel fur- who want their land to stay in agriculture; “Zoning is really for the benefit of ther from their base of operations – Big D and state leasing programs that make everybody,” Crookham added. Without it, Ranch in Meridian – to find it. state-owned land available to farmers and “it’s just going to be a free-for-all. We’re “A lot of the land we do rent now is ranchers. going to grow but we should grow from owned by developers and we’re just farm- Twenty-nine states have funded volun- the inside out.” ing it until they decide to put the homes tary ag conservation easement programs, An urban growth model created by a in the ground,” Durrant said. “I still think which pay farmers a certain price per acre team of Boise State University researchers there is a future for farming here for my in exchange for an easement that preserves in 2017 projects that between 110,000 generation. For my kids, I’m not sure.” the land as farm ground. and 240,000 acres of ag land in Ada and The AFT report differs from the USDA’s In recent years, several groups in Idaho Canyon counties will be lost to devel- Census of Agriculture report, which is have discussed ideas to preserve farmland opment by 2100. Those two counties conducted every five years and uses differ- and the idea that has risen to the top of currently have about 360,000 acres of ag ent categories to describe ag land classes. those discussions is a voluntary ag ease- land combined. The Farms Under Threat report is based ment program. In the model’s best-case scenario, which on satellite-derived data in combination Durrant said that type of program would has population density increasing as a re- with other datasets. probably be the most viable in Idaho sult of so-called “smart growth” policies, Besides documenting the loss of farm- because the support of private property the valley loses 110,000 acres of ag land land, the report also serves as a call to rights runs so deep here. by 2100. arms to preserve the nation’s remaining Whatever the solution, it has to include The worst-case scenario, which has agricultural land, AFT President John Piot- a rock-solid support of private property population density unchanged from what ti said during a May 20 webinar unveiling rights, he said. it is now, shows the valley losing 240,000 the results of the report. “You can’t tell somebody, we’re not acres of ag land. While the loss of agricultural land docu- going to let you develop your land because Crookham said the BSU report is down- mented in the report is sobering, the good that is infringing on your rights as proper- right scary for farmers and “it makes the news is that “we can protect our ag land ty owners,” Durrant said. “Who can blame ag industry question our future and wheth- and the people who work on it,” he said. a farmer who has worked hard his whole er we should start looking at alternative “But to do so, we must seize the moment. life, and now has his wealth in that farm areas.” Today, we are issuing a call to action.” ground, if he wants to sell his land?” He said the loss of farmland has to Piotti called on farmers, elected officials Patrick, the state senator, agrees with be addressed in one way or another if and others to work with AFT to address that viewpoint. Treasure Valley residents want to continue the loss of ag land in the U.S. He encour- “I hate to see the loss of farmland but I to have agriculture as one of the area’s aged people to read the report at www. also believe that a farmer should have the economic bases. farmland.org/farmsunderthreat and engage right to sell their land because it’s their “Farmland is essential to agriculture,” AFT, elected officials and others with the retirement,” he said. Crookham said. “If the citizens of the information included in it. George Crookham, CEO of Crookham Treasure Valley want to continue having “AFT is taking action but we can’t do it Seed Co., which is located in the Treasure agriculture as a part of our economic alone,” he said. “Together, we can make a Valley, believes adopting smart growth base, then we need to address the loss of huge difference. American Farmland Trust strategies such as developing cities from farmland.” n
August 2020 | 11 Photo by Steve Stuebner Jeff Lord is happy with a drill-seeding of native grasses, bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue, in the Danskin Mountains. He drill-seeded the native grasses next to a patch of land on Forest Service ground that had been aerial seeded. Now you can’t tell which area had been drill-seeded or aerial-seeded. It has recovered with a vengeance. Restoring rangelands in the Danskin Mountains
By Steve Stuebner nered with state and federal agencies to The agencies spent more than $6.5 Life on the Range assist with range-rehabilitation projects in million on rehab and restoration projects the Danskin Mountains. following the wildfires. Like many ranchers, Mayfield rancher Wildfires can be tough on the landscape Timely and extensive seeding activities, Jeff Lord watches for opportunities to and cause economic hardship. But after combined with a string of good winters improve the public range where his cattle the fires die out, there’s a chance to replant and spring rains, plus well-managed graz- graze. and start anew. That’s a big priority for the ing, are helping rangelands in the Danskin Following the 280,000-acre Pony-Elk Idaho Department of Lands, the BLM and Mountains rebound nicely, officials say. Complex wildfires in 2013, Lords part- the Forest Service, too. The Lord Ranch is located just north
12 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly of Mayfield, east of Boise. He runs cattle on private, state and federal range in the Danskin Mountains. “Turned out to be a pretty good project, and everybody’s pretty happy with it,” Lord says. “I’m not saying it’s perfect, but it looks pretty damn good. Pretty signifi- cant improvement.” “I think this area looks fantastic after the fires,” says Cindy Lancaster, a range management specialist for the Boise Na- tional Forest. “It’s been six years since the Pony complex fires came through. Quite a variety of plant species have come back.” Lord and Lancaster remember how cooked the soil looked after the Pony-Elk Complex fire. Fortunately, the burn severi- ty to soils was rated low to moderate. The Life on the Range crew toured the Danskins with Lord and Lancaster last June as part of an ongoing series on rangeland restoration projects following the Pony and Elk complex fires. Photo by Jeff Lord At Stop No. 1, we looked at a drill-seed- Mayfield rancher Jeff Lord provided the labor and tractor for re-seeding a state land area in ing on state land. the Danskin Mountains. “We saw the opportunity to reseed it,” Lord explains. “I provided the dozer and as it ever was before,” Lord says. “We’ve all of my credibility on that.” the fuel, and the labor, the BLM provided used it every year since then. We come in Adds Lancaster, “It’s interesting to me. rangeland drills, state determined the mix, on the 1st of June, spend 2-3 weeks here, I’m very happy with how it’s come back.” and NRCS paid for the mix. It was just and then we move on.” Boise National Forest officials have totally black. Very few skeletons around At Stop No. 2, we looked at a side-by- been monitoring plant composition and here. Very hot, very clean burn. Really side area in Long Gulch where the Boise range health following the seedings. easy to drill.” National Forest did an aerial seeding in Numerous sagebrush and bitterbrush Lord might say it was easy, but he actu- 1992 following the Foothills Fire, and an plants also are growing up from the seed- ally finished drill-seeding in the snow as area where Lords did a drill-seeding on ings and natural regeneration, just seven winter was coming on. state land in 2014. years after the wildfire. “We had a phenomenal fall, I came out The aerial seeding laid dormant for over “We come in here in July when it’s of here in the snow after it rained for a 20 years under heavy stands of sagebrush hot,” Lord says. “It’s got solid introduced week, doesn’t help the drilling process, but and bitterbrush. But after the Pony fire perennial grasses, it’s fully mature when it helps the growing process,” he says with came through, the aerial seeding took off. we come in here and graze it, then we get a grin. “We came back the next spring, wet “I was a real no-go guy on aerial seed- off it, and it has a chance to recover.” cool spring, seeding did really well, we ing. I thought it was a waste of money,” This is where Lords pays attention to could see that it was recovering rapidly. Lord says. “If you can rangeland drill, best grazing practices to conserve the We were able to come back on here after year after year, it’s been proven that that’s range, referring to a range-management one growing season. It was perfect condi- better.” mentor, University of Idaho professor of tions.” That’s how a lifelong farmer and range ecology, Karen Launchbaugh. Since that seeding got established, plant rancher would look at things. But seeing is “It’s all about timing, intensity, dura- diversity on the site has increased, Lord’s believing. tion,” he says, quoting Professor Launch- cattle have plenty to eat, and wildlife graze “That residual aerial seeding … it kind baugh. “So we graze it at the right time of on it year-round. of hit a perfect storm. The seeding just year, duration is appropriate. Intensity – Vegetative monitoring shows the site took off and exploded,” Lord says. “I was the trick there, is how many cattle do you produced 165 pounds of forage per acre convinced I was going to have one of get on it to get the utilization right, and get before the fires, and now it’s producing those pictures where this is what I did on off after a short time.” 800-900 pounds per acre, officials said. state land, and they did this, and you can In Stop No. 3, Lord showed us a 20-acre “It’s two or three times as productive see from the picture behind me that I lost patch of land where he drill-seeded native
August 2020 | 13 Photo by Steve Stuebner Jeff Lord and Cindy Lancaster, range specialist for the Boise National Forest, check out the diversity of plants that have grown back after the Pony complex wildfire in 2013. bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue in the Danskins. He didn’t think the seeding would survive. “Right in front of me, you can see the drill row where I planted bluebunch wheatgrass,” he says. “The seed was donated by BLM, bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue. I’ve never tried to grow native perennials before, I couldn’t get permission to plant anything else, so I thought well, I’m going to find out if I can grow it. “And we were just shocked. Tons of recovery here.” Lord says he’s still learning new things after watching the various treatments perform well following the Pony complex fires. “Nobody knows everything,” he says, laughing. Ultimately, he’s pleased with not only assisting in restoring rangelands in the Danskins, but also creating better habitat for birds and wildlife. “Habitat is what you really have to look at,” Lord says. “Too many times, people on all sides aren’t thinking about what’s ception to that. This is an example where er of Life on the Range, a public education best for the land, they’re thinking about everybody worked together.” project sponsored by the Idaho Rangeland their personal agendas. But this is an ex- Steve Stuebner is the writer and produc- Resources Commission. n
14 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly Photo by Sean Ellis A barley field in East Idaho is shown in this file photo. Scoular Co. has announced it will build a $13 million barley manufacturing facility that will initially process 1.9 million bushels of barley annually. Scoular to build $13 million barley processing facility By Sean Ellis great,” said Teton barley farmer Dwight Commission several years ago, said the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Little. “It will give farmers a little more idea of using barley in aquaculture feed flexibility in their rotations. Anything that has been explored and encouraged by IBC POCATELLO – Scoular Co. has offers another option is good for the ag commissioners for many years. announced it will build a barley manufac- industry.” “This has been a long time coming,” turing facility that will initially process 1.9 “Barley is an important part of our life- he said of the new facility. “Kudos to the million bushels of barley annually. blood in the Snake River Valley and North barley commission and those folks that Though a firm location hasn’t been cho- Idaho and it’s great to get another facility encouraged this development to come into sen yet, Idaho is the likely spot where the that will use up some of the … barley that the area.” $13 million facility will be built, accord- we produce,” he added. According to the news release, the facil- ing to a news release by Scoular, a global According to Scoular’s news release, the ity is expected to be operational by May grain, feed and food ingredient company company has entered into an exclusive li- 2021 and annual production is projected to that has several offices in Idaho. censing agreement with Montana Microbial expand over the next several years. Idaho leads the nation in barley produc- Products to produce and sell a barley protein “This is very positive news for Idaho’s tion and Gem State farmers produced 55 concentrate in North America and Asia. barley industry,” said Idaho Barley Com- million bushels of barley last year off of Barley protein concentrate, or BPC, is mission Administrator Laura Wilder. “It 520,000 acres. a plant-based alternative protein used in will be a long-term project that will benefit The Scoular announcement was wel- aquaculture feed and pet food. Idaho and Idaho’s barley industry for years come news to Idaho barley growers who Idaho is one of the nation’s leaders in to come.” have faced economic pressure due to the aquaculture production and leads the Unit- The facility will co-produce a high-en- response to the coronavirus outbreak. ed States in trout produced for food. ergy liquid feed supplement for cattle “This is really exciting news for Idaho Montana Microbial Products, which feeders. barley growers,” said Rupert barley farmer operates a pilot plant in Melrose, Mont., “After years of development and testing, Mike Wilkins. “This announcement is a and a research lab in Missoula, Mont., we are excited to partner with the Scoular really bright spot for our industry.” developed the patent-pending technology Co. to get this product into the market,” “Any time you get that kind of volume to create the BPC. Montana Microbial Products Co-owner moving through a processing plant, that’s Little, who served on the Idaho Barley Bob Kearns stated in the news release. n August 2020 | 15 Photo by Sean Ellis Idaho potato acres in 2020 will be under 300,000, only the second time that has happened since 1970. Idaho potato acres dip below 300,000 for second time since 1970 By Sean Ellis people comment that they thought it would To conduct its annual potato acreage Idaho Farm Bureau Federation be down more than that,” he said. count, UPGI sends two-man teams out to But Hardy also said the potato market physically count every potato field in the POCATELLO – Idaho potato acres in is rebounding quicker than most people state. The teams drive thousands of miles 2020 will be under 300,000, only the sec- thought it would as restaurants and other looking for every potato field in Idaho. ond time that has happened since 1970. foodservice channels have started reopen- “They go to every county and they drive Spud acres in Idaho, which leads the na- ing across the country. every road,” Blacker said. tion in potato production, totaled 308,780 “The foodservice sector, particularly USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics last year. quick-serve restaurants, is coming back Service estimates Idaho’s total spud acre- Idaho potato farmers planted 295,790 faster than people thought it would,” he age in 2020 at 300,000. acres of spuds this year, down 4 percent said. “Right now, our market is strong. Idaho potato farmers generally place from 2019, according to United Potato Demand is good.” more stock in UPGI’s estimate. Growers of Idaho, which conducts a phys- UPGI’s Idaho acreage estimate seems “I think United’s (2020) count is proba- ical count of potato acres in Idaho every reasonable given the strengthening market, bly accurate,” Hardy said. year. Hardy said. NASS projects the 2020 potato acreage Most people involved in the state’s “I think that (295,790-acre number) is a count in Washington, the nation’s No. 2 potato industry had expected Idaho potato very manageable number,” he said. “There spud-producing state, at 145,000, down 12 acres to dip below 300,000 this year be- is pretty good demand out there; people percent from 165,000 last year. cause of demand disruptions caused by the still have to eat. I think all in all, it’s a Total U.S. potato acreage in 2020 is government-ordered shutdowns related to pretty good number.” estimated at 921,000 by NASS, down 5 the COVID-19 outbreak. Travis Blacker, the Idaho Potato percent from 968,000 in 2019. About 60 percent of U.S. potatoes go Commission’s industry relations director, to the foodservice sector and the spud agreed with Hardy’s take on the acreage Bingham County remained the No. 1 industry was hit hard by the closures of count and market rebound. potato producing county in Idaho with restaurants, schools, cafeterias and other “I think two months ago, if you had 57,110 acres planted in 2020, according to foodservice channels. asked people what they thought the the UPGI estimate. That was down from Many industry members had expected acreage count would be, they would have 60,211 acres in 2019. Idaho’s 2020 potato acres to be closer to said maybe 280,000 or 275,000,” he said. Power County ranked No. 2 with 30,424 280,000, said Oakley farmer Randy Hardy. “It seems like the market has begun to acres, down from 33,471 acres in 2019, “I kind of thought it would be down rebound and processors are out looking for and Madison County ranked No. 3 with more than it is and I’ve heard different potatoes, which is a good thing.” 30,279 acres, up from 30,066 in 2019. n
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18 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly Accessible, Convenient, Sensible! Farm Bureau Customer Self-Service Hub.
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File a Claim What isPolicies it? Idaho Farm Bureau Insurance is happy to announce the launch of the Customer Self-Service Hub! A new user experience allowing customers to enjoy a more streamlined and convenient way to do business with us. FEATURES TURES Documents on the go Mobile Payments File A Claim Access and print important policy Pay upcoming invoices online with an Anywhere. Anytime. File a first notice of loss documents such as auto proof of liability electronic payment. View past and online and an adjuster will be in touch to slips and policy declarations. upcoming invoices all in one place. discuss the next steps.
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20 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly August 2020 | 21 Photo by Bill Schaefer Liyah Babayan and her son, Dominic, 10, with a collection of Make Peace soap bars. Idaho potatoes being turned into skin-care products
By Bill Schaefer found a home here in Idaho. honey, when suddenly an inspiration For Idaho Farm Bureau Federation The year was 2016 and Liyah Babayan came to her. was looking to begin a new start-up “I thought, ‘yeah, you know, life’s TWIN FALLS – Idaho’s famous pota- business making beauty products that never given me lemonade but life has toes have fed the world for generations would complement her boutique con- given me potatoes,’” she said. but now, through the efforts of an Idaho signment shop, Ooh La La, in Twin She also remembered how her grand- entrepreneur, they are being used to pro- Falls. mother would apply potatoes as a topical duce skin-care products and at the same She was trying to decide what ingredi- relief for headaches, fevers and rashes. time help restore human dignity to dis- ents to use for the beauty products while “I did research on this potato remedy placed people around the world. listening to Beyonce’s hit album “Lem- and the (cultures) across time where it It’s a story that began during a conflict onade.” She was considering a variety exists (and) the potato’s kind of been half-way around the world in Asia but of ingredients, including goat milk and that dull, boring miracle,” Babayan said.
22 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly For Babayan, it was a recognition of the life she had made for herself and her family here in Idaho since arriving as a refugee from Azerbaijan in 1992. “It brought me to Idaho and gave me potatoes, that was the reality but it was a metaphor, too,” she said of the refugee status that brought her family to Idaho. And with that inspiration came the impetus to begin a cosmetic line made from Idaho potatoes that she would name, “Make Peace.” Make Peace skin care products include soap, skin lotion, lip balm, beard balm and a clothing line, but soap is the primary product at this time. “You just have no control over where you end in the world, in life and what it hands you,” she said. “The main thing is to make peace of it and for me make peace became the philosophy of Make Peace but also the products being driven by potatoes, making sure to incorporate potatoes into the organic skin care line.” Make Peace is not only a new en- terprise but represents one more chal- lenge in a life of challenges for Liyah Photo by Bill Schaefer Babayan. Make Peace is an attempt to Liyah Babayan cuts bars of soap from a block of soap. bring her life’s journey full circle with a product dedicated to helping the world’s ing pogroms of Armenians living in and they would begin a new life in Twin homeless and vulnerable population. Azerbaijan in Sumgait and Baku. Falls, Idaho. This is something that resonates with her As a result of the pogroms Babayan’s Fast-forward 28 years and Babayan has and her family. parents would seek safe refuge for the established deep roots within the Twin Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 1983, her family, which included her brother, Falls community. She is a college gradu- family is of Armenian ate, U.S. citizen, a successful heritage. The majority of business owner, a mother Armenians are Christian home-schooling her son and and are an ethnic mi- “Children of war have a special place in daughter and she has written nority in Azerbaijan, a an autobiography, “Liminal, country that is almost 97 my heart because I was one of them. I know a refugee memoir”. percent Islamic. their reality so Make Peace became a little Passion is a word that Azerbaijan and Ar- frequently comes up in menia shared a common bit bigger than just a soap for me.” discussions with Babayan. border and they were two — Liyah Babayan It’s a state of being that she of 15 republics that com- emphasizes in everything prised the former Soviet she undertakes. Whether it Union (USSR). With the is her work, her family or dissolution of the USSR in 1991, both Aram, in neighboring Armenia, aban- her community, if she can’t be passionate Azerbaijan and Armenia became inde- doning their home and many of their about what she is involved in then it’s time pendent nations. possessions back in Baku. to move on and find a new passion in life A territorial dispute between Azerbai- During the next four years, they would and work. jan and Armenia developed in 1988. live in exile in Armenia while her father When Babayan started Ooh La La in Tensions between the two countries petitioned the United States for asylum 2007, she made three promises to herself. during this time provoked civil unrest as political refugees. The first was that if she should ever lose and resulted in a series of ethnic cleans- Their petition was granted in 1992 the passion for her business for two con-
August 2020 | 23 Word Search Puzzle: Barley Varieties Grown in Idaho
A C D C F R A S E R K J U L I E F N D F A C M E T C A L F E P T S A O C M B A A C C O N N E C T H F N I C U I B S B F H U P S P R I N G P O I E I T Y I L F A N D A G A I M P N A G M P N V B X M A N T A O A E N G R O C M E O D Y S S E Y X H L E L O R L O T R Y R A I A N E C A L E W E M D N P G A N T L L R
Photo by Bill Schaefer Make Peace soap bars. I N L C L A B R E R S Y G D T E O D D I D E N K X B N A D R E O N M secutive weeks, she would consider that to ty. All dignity begins physically. Physi- a bar of soap to a child or adult in refu- be her two-week notice. cal dignity begins with hygiene.” gee camps as well as displaced people A R M O R A V I A N H D I S R E Y The second promise was that she The Make Peace brand is more than right here in the U.S. would never compromise her family for just a product. It is a philosophy that is “For me that’s the homeless, that’s the G E M C R A F T X E N A A M A T A her business. rooted in Babayan’s personal refugee children that are going through the foster The third promise was that if Ooh La experiences growing up. care system and many of our veterans, O N T D B E X P L O R E R A D A L La proved to be successful, she would “Children of war have a special place who may have shelter but they are dis- begin another business in 10 years. in my heart because I was one of them,” placed.” L T I R E M C D C B O W K T O H C “If I’m still in business I have to just she said. “I know their reality so Make Knowing that some people might not completely pivot and start something Peace became a little bit bigger than just want to change their current beauty D A T B G E N I E F U L L P I N T brand new,” she said of this third prom- a soap for me. As a belief that peace is products for the Make Peace products, ise she had made. “Challenge myself in born in the thoughts, words and actions Babayan has extended the merchandis- an industry I’m not familiar with so I of everyday life. Make Peace is the prac- ing to include a clothing line of T-shirts JULIE SANGRIA GEMCRAFT can keep growing because it will then tice of peace-making within our own and infant onesies. With each purchase, KARDIA MANTA CDC BOW trickle into the business I already have.” heart, our own mind, our own life, our a bar of soap is donated to an organiza- While seeking a new challenge after own relationships.” tion dedicated to helping refugees and TRANSIT EXPLORER MERIT 10 years in business was the original In the time since she started Make Peace displaced people. GOLDENHART ABI VOYAGER FANGIO motivation for Babayan, there was an it has remained a small enterprise but that For Babayan, the core foundation for UPSPRING ABI EAGLE CDC COPELAND even more important reason for this hasn’t stopped Babayan from trying to Make Peace is to help bring human dignity FANDAGA CONRAD MILLENNIUM start-up for her. make a difference in people’s lives. to displaced people. “For me the driving factor was human “Soap is a life necessity but for “There is no more intimate way to care BENTE AAC CONNECT ALTORADO rights when it came to this Make Peace millions of displaced people around the for another human being than to care for MORAVIAN ABI GROWLER OREANA company and brand,” she said. “Physical world this is unattainable,” she said. their cleanliness,” she said. “I’d liked to FULL PINT IDAGOLD CLAYMORE dignity and hygiene as a basic human “So, the commitment was for every see the soap be able to generate scholar- ESMA AC METCALFE CHAMPION right … Human beings all deserve digni- product sold, Make Peace would donate ships and support other projects.” n ODYSSEY SYNERGY XENA GENIE CDC FRASER LENETAH 24 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly Word Search BarleyWord Varieties Search Puzzle: Grown Barley in Varieties Idaho Grown in Idaho
A C D C F R A S E R K J U L I E F N D F A C M E T C A L F E P T S A O C M B A A C C O N N E C T H F N I C U I B S B F H U P S P R I N G P O I E I T Y I L F A N D A G A I M P N A G M P N V B X M A N T A O A E N G R O C M E O D Y S S E Y X H L E L O R L O T R Y R A I A N E C A L E W E M D N P G A N T L L R I N L C L A B R E R S Y G D T E O D D I D E N K X B N A D R E O N M A R M O R A V I A N H D I S R E Y G E M C R A F T X E N A A M A T A O N T D B E X P L O R E R A D A L L T I R E M C D C B O W K T O H C D A T B G E N I E F U L L P I N T
JULIEJULIE ESMA SANGRIA AAC CONNECTGEMCRAFTFANGIO KARDIAKARDIA ODYSSEYMANTA ABI GROWLERCDC BOWCDC COPELAND TRANSITTRANSIT GENIE EXPLORER IDAGOLD MERIT MILLENNIUM GOLDENHART ABI VOYAGER FANGIO GOLDENHARTUPSPRING SANGRIAABI EAGLE AC METCALFECDC COPELANDALTORADO UPSPRINGFANDAGA MANTA CONRAD SYNERGY MILLENNIUMOREANA FANDAGABENTE EXPLORERAAC CONNECTCDC FRASER ALTORADOCLAYMORE BENTEMORAVIAN ABI VOYAGERABI GROWLERGEMCRAFT OREANACHAMPION MORAVIANFULL PINT ABI EAGLEIDAGOLD CDC BOW CLAYMOREXENA ESMA AC METCALFE CHAMPION FULL ODYSSEYPINT CONRAD SYNERGY MERIT XENA LENETAH GENIE CDC FRASER LENETAH August 2020 | 25 26 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly August 2020 | 27 Photo by Sean Ellis Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. of Idaho CEO Todd Argall, center right, presents a check for $4,232 to AMVETS Pocatello Commander Lance Kolbet, center left, July 15. The money will be used to help the local AMVETS chapter start its honor guard. Farm Bureau donates $4,232 to Pocatello veterans group By Sean Ellis thanked the insurance company for the reau Mutual Insurance Co. of Idaho CEO Idaho Farm Bureau Federation money, which will be used to help start the Todd Argall thanked the veterans for their group’s honor guard. service. POCATELLO – A recently formed orga- “AMVETS really appreciates this contri- “On behalf of the Farm Bureau, our nization that represents veterans in Bannock bution from Farm Bureau,” he said during employees (and) our agents, thank you for County got a boost from Farm Bureau Mu- the check presentation, which was attended the service that each one of you have done tual Insurance Co. of Idaho, which donated by AMVETS members as well as Farm unto your country and for your contri- $4,232 to the group July 15. Bureau officials. “We’re really excited about butions to the community and we hope American Veterans, which is known as this and we really appreciate Farm Bureau this helps (you) deliver on your mission AMVETS, represents about 250,000 veter- for their support of the veterans.” to help veterans,” he said. “We’re very ans around the nation. The group is a feder- Kolbet said the AMVETS chapter supportive of veterans and as the son of a ally chartered veterans service organization presented Farm Bureau with a wish list of Korean War veteran, it’s near and dear to that was formed with congressional authority what it would take financially to get the my heart certainly to support veterans.” in 1944, but the Pocatello chapter was only group’s honor guard off the ground and The mission of AMVETS chapters is formed last year and is in its infancy. insurance company officials didn’t hesitate to support veterans and their families and So far, it has 85 members in Bannock to fund the full amount. enhance their quality of life. They do that County, which has 8,400 veterans, the “When we sent that over to Farm Bureau, by sponsoring programs and activities that highest number of veterans per capita of they just said, ‘Done,’” he said. “That’s achieve that goal. any county in Idaho. why the amount is so specific. It’s the exact The Pocatello AMVETS chapter has During a check presentation ceremony amount that we needed to really put together put the Farm Bureau insurance company’s at Farm Bureau’s headquarters building the honor guard. It is expensive to get an logo on its official car and the local group in Pocatello July 15, Lance Kolbet, the honor guard off the ground and running.” also presented Farm Bureau with an Amer- commander of the local AMVETS chapter, Before presenting the check, Farm Bu- ican flag. n
28 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly Give the Gift of Blue This symbolic blue corduroy jacket is far more than just a piece of Official Dress, it is an icon of American tradition– instilling pride and responsibility in our next generation of leaders. However, not everyone can wear the jacket. Not because they don’t deserve to, but because they can’t afford to. To enable these students to have a jacket of their own, we need donations from generous supporters like you. When you give the gift of blue, you are opening the door for a member to be a part of something larger than themselves, forge their path, and leave their mark on history. Afterall, the blue corduroy jacket is more than just a jacket, it is a ticket to a future unlike any other.
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30 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly Idaho dry bean acres up 38 percent
By Sean Ellis Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
POCATELLO – Idaho farmers planted significantly more dry bean acres this year, as rising farm-level prices for that crop make it an attractive option for a lot of producers. “Prices are good and most other com- modities are down right now so beans look pretty attractive to a lot of farm- ers,” said Mike Goodson, who grows dry beans in the Parma area. The United States is the global leader in edible dry bean production and Amer- ican farmers plant about 1.5 million acres a year, according to the U.S. Dry Bean Council. Idaho ranks No. 5 in the nation in dry bean production but is the country’s No. 1 bean seed producing state and about 70 percent of the dry beans grown here are grown for seed. Photo by Sean Ellis According to USDA’s National Agri- Dry beans are harvested in a southwestern Idaho field last September. Idaho farmers cultural Statistics Service, Idaho farmers planted 65,000 acres of dry beans this year, up 38 percent over 2019, according to USDA’s planted 65,000 acres of dry beans this National Agricultural Statistics Service. year. That’s up 38 percent from the 47,000 According to USDA’s Weekly Dry cessing facility in Homedale. acres of beans that were planted last Bean market News, pintos, which drive Most of Idaho’s dry bean acres are year in the Gem State. bean prices, were selling in the $38- located in the Magic Valley of south- NASS estimates U.S. dry bean acres 40 range for the week ending June 30. central Idaho and the Treasure Valley of this year at 1.58 million, up 23 percent That’s up from $22-23 during the same southwestern Idaho. over 2019. period last year. The prices that farmers receive for A challenging bean production season Given the current supply and de- selling dry beans was already high be- last year in Canada and some of the mand scenario, it’s no big shocker that fore the COVID-19 outbreak hit and the United States’ main bean-producing dry bean acres are up significantly in increased demand as a result of the pan- states resulted in a significant decrease Idaho and the United States, said Idaho demic has kept prices up, said Kimberly in dry bean supply, according to industry Bean Commission Administrator Andi bean farmer Monty Hamilton. leaders. Woolf-Weibye. “It’s almost a perfect storm,” he said. As a result, farm-level dry bean prices “There were some real shortages of “There was a short crop last year in rose significantly and are up 25-40 beans world-wide last year and the shut- (many places) and then COVID hit and percent, depending on variety, over the downs drove demand up significantly,” everybody is buying as many dry beans same period last year. she said. “It doesn’t surprise me at all as they can. As a result, prices went up According to NASS, the average that acres are up that much.” and guys planted as many acres as they marketing price for Idaho dry beans “We have a pretty strong bean mar- could everywhere.” hovered in the mid- to low-$30 per hun- ket right now and pretty good forward “Everything is down (in price) right dredweight (cwt) range from 2011-2015, contracts. The (bean acre) numbers don’t now and dry beans is up,” Hamilton then decreased to $27 in 2016 and 2017 surprise me at all,” said Don Tolmie, added. “That’s one of the few crops before dropping to $23.40 in 2018 and production manager of Treasure Valley guys can make any money on this $22.40 in 2019. Seed Co., which operates a bean pro- year.” n
August 2020 | 31 32 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly Wildfires and the forest ecosystem By Randy Brooks tion or benefited by the nourishment left Intense fires, especially in small tree University of Idaho in its path. and shrub communities, can burn the Fire-dependent ecosystems are an vegetation down to the roots. On hill- If you keep up with world events, it interesting study in the way plants and sides and mountainsides, the vegetation seems that there have been a lot of natu- animals have evolved to profit from such holds excess rainfall runoff. ral catastrophes over the last few years. a destructive natural phenomenon. When a fire destroys the intricate These range from hurricanes in the Fire is an important management tool matrix of roots and grasses, devastating south, earthquakes and tsunamis around for production agriculture. Excess wheat landslides can occur. Sediments can the world, locust plagues in Africa and and barley stubble is often burned to cloud streams, which can affect fish. wildfires all over. ease tillage practices. This practice saves Humus, the decaying organic mate- I take a special interest in wildfires time and fuel costs, especially with the rial on the ground within the vegeta- since I have a son who is a smokejumper current high fuel prices. tion, can hold five times its weight in and makes a career out of jumping out Kentucky bluegrass growers burn water. Therefore, the increased runoff of perfectly good airplanes into raging grass to stimulate seed production. resulting from erosion can seriously fires occurring on the landscape! Woodland owners burn vegetative cover damage the watershed. Although not all fires are natural, to decrease tree seedling competition. Water and mud are not the only debris many are a result of Mother Nature, in Growing up in the south, we utilized that can slide down a charred moun- the form of lightning activity. The fire fire to reduces bugs and unwanted veg- tainside. Landslides, rockslides and seasons of 2015 and 2017 raised many etation on a yearly basis and I grew up avalanches are far more devastating questions as to what effect fire has on knowing fire was a good management and occur frequently when heavy rains the ecosystem, especially in the west, tool. In fact, removal of brush by fire follow a fiery summer or fall. and particularly here in Idaho. improves range conditions and in turn Soil and water temperatures are also Historically, humans have thought grass production. greatly affected by fires. When the that all fires were detrimental because Prescribed burns prevent forest fires overhead canopy is destroyed, sunlight they blackened landscapes and burned by “clearing out vegetation,” such as reaches regions that are not used to trees. In fact, plants and animals evolved small trees, shrubs, and brush, which can the added heat. Foliage that normally together with fire, making it a necessary eventually fuel a much larger fire. Fire- survived under the previously shady element in the survival of many ecosys- fighters can allow lightning fires to burn regions cannot survive because of the tems. with less danger if fuel materials within increases in sunlight and temperature. Throughout time, natural selection the immediate vicinity of buildings, Stream water temperatures are also af- and adaptations have acted on plant and campgrounds and homes are cleared fected by the increase in sunlight. Spring animal life to result in fire-dependent away. runoffs can lead to floods because snow ecosystems. Many plants depend on fire Curtailing fuels also reduces the reserves melt much sooner, especially on to heat and scar their seeds as a process intensity of wildfires, which leads to steeper, sunlight-facing slopes. for germination. easier management of them because Fire erosion affects both landscapes Burned-out trees provide useful shel- they become more predictable and less and plant and animal habitats and often ter for birds, reptiles, and small mam- powerful. the effects are felt many years following mals. Decaying trees release nutrients Fire serves many positive purposes in a heavy fire because the regrowth can into the soil and serve as a base for new plant and animal life in ecosystems, but take years to occur. plants to sprout. Much of the plant life it can also damage communities just as Water quality can be affected by fire. in the United States has evolved to use well. Perhaps the most damaging effect Increased concentrations of dissolved fire directly as a catalyst for reproduc- of fire is erosion. nutrients generally occur in stream
August 2020 | 33 Photo by Chris Schnepf Fires often increase stream sediment. PAGE 32: This is a photo taken in Yellowstone National Park. The park has burned many times over the millennia but forests can naturally recover quite rapidly from fire.(Photo by Randy Brooks)
water after a fire. These concentrations without fire, trees in dense forests often A lot of these forest pests, like the tend to get diluted as streams become out-compete (shade out) the grasses and beetle, or the spruce bud worm, which larger. Nutrient concentrations vary shrubs that large animals feed on, result- resides in Douglas and subalpine fir with fire intensity, length of time for the ing in a decline in big game. forests, are burned out by fires. watershed to revegetate and amount of Many birds also thrive after a fire Conversely, many mushroom hunters precipitation the watershed receives in when the seeds of many trees are dis- often seek last year’s burned areas to subsequent years. persed. Birds, like the woodpecker, take find mushrooms. Fires can affect animals in a variety of advantage of burned-out trees to make In closing, fires are natural occur- ways depending on the animals and the nests or forage for dead insects. On the rences, similar to hurricanes, floods region involved. Seldom are animals contrary, other birds, for instance the and heavy rains. Although they can be left unscathed after a devastating fire grey owl, flourish in old-growth forests devastating, they are also important to sweeps through their habitat. and therefore decrease after a fire has the survival of ecosystems. After a fire has burned an ecosys- destroyed their community. Fire acts as a necessary evil, destroy- tem, animals with specialized diets Insects usually do not survive fires ing, cleansing, and diversifying wildlife seldom survive as well as animals that well because their escape range is too communities. Fire has always been a can feed on a variety of food sources. If small. This can affect birds if the specif- part of the ecosystem here in Idaho and a fire destroys their habitat, their popula- ic insects are a food source. the impact of fire can vary dramatically tions can be affected for many years. Trees can benefit from the death of with severity or intensity of the fire. After a fire, elk, deer and other large insects that reside in their trunks. Many herbivores thrive on the newly sprouted insects, in this case the mountain pine Randy Brooks is a University of Idaho grasses and shrubs that occupy recent- beetle in lodgepole forests, kill the trees Extension forestry specialist. He can be ly burned forests. During long periods in which they inhabit. reached at [email protected] n
34 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly Word Search Answers Barley varieties grown in Idaho LOW INTEREST LOANS
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August 2020 | 35 Classifieds FARMING / EQUIPMENT [email protected] owners manual @ Port Electric. 200 Gallon sprayer for tractor 208-358-0623. $8,900. Juliaetta, Id. Call Pre-1970 Idaho License Plates PTO. Big gun irrigation nozzle Michael. 208-276-3101. Wanted: Also Revere Ware mounted on wheels and gas High Volume Jack Rabbit & and Solar-Sturges Permanent pump. Weiser, Id. 208-549-0811. Ground squirrel eradication, WANTED cookware, and old signs. Will 5000 minimum. Idaho, North Paying cash for old cork top pay cash. Please email, text, Alfalfa seed, $2.70/lb., Nevada, North Utah, East embossed bottles and some call, or write. Gary Peterson, Dormancy 4. Tests well with Oregon. Call 6-9 pm PST 208- telephone insulators as well 115 E D St, Moscow, ID 83843. great persistence and winter 882-8963. as other vintage and antique [email protected]. 208-285- hardiness. Inoculated in items. Call Randy. Payette, Id. 1258 50lb. bags. Kuna, ID. Contact Responsible retired veteran 208-740-0178. Dave 208-890-1066 or Jessica looking for varmint hunting. Our Idaho family loves old 208-761-2720 or email: seed@ Wolves, coyotes, chucks, Paying cash for German & wood barns and would like davereynoldsfarms.com squirrels. I live near Emmett but have gun will travel. leave Japanese war relics/souvenirs! to restore/rebuild your barn Balewagons: New Holland message 208.365.1639. Pistols, rifles, swords, daggers, on our Idaho farm. Would you self-propelled or pull-type flags, scopes, optical equipment, like to see your barn restored/ models, parts, tires, manuals. Cabin Kits for the DIY, rough-in uniforms, helmets, machine rebuilt rather than rot and fall Also interested in buying cabin packages, pole barns, guns (ATF rules apply) medals, down? Call Ken & Corrie 208- balewagons. Will consider any equipment sheds, carports and flags, etc. 208-405-9338. 530-6466. model. Call Jim Wilhite at 208- garages, Rough Cut lumber or 880-2889 anytime. beams. We have milled logs and lumber that can help you Waterwheel pumping system achieve your custom-built FREE CLASSIFIEDS Non-commercial classified ads are free to Idaho Farm Bureau members. no electricity required. Your dream. Please call John 208- Must include membership number for free ad. Forty (40) words maximum. water source with 3 to 5 ft of 781-0691. Non-member cost is 50 cents per word. You may advertise your own crops, drop. Pump will lift 600 ft with livestock, used machinery, household items, vehicles, etc. Ads will not be unlimited distance. Irrigation or Solar Panel Actuator. accepted by phone, Ads run one time only and must be re-submitted in each subsequent issue. We reserve the right to refuse to run any ad. Please type domestic use to 6000 gal per VonWeise-24 Keep your solar or print clearly. Proofread your ad. Ads must be received by Aug. 24 for the day. Sagle Id. 208-255-4581. array aimed for optimal power September Producer or Oct. 12 for the November Quarterly. production all day long. Mail ad copy to: MISCELLANEOUS Excellent condition. USA FARM BUREAU PRODUCER Rue De France French work made. Picture available. $100; P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848 or email Dixie at [email protected] table. Dark Walnut work Kollmorgan DC motor. Model surface with ochre base. 2 deep CTL-187-2 excellent condition, Name drawers. Display base. Originally many applications $100. Address paid $2000. Asking $500 obo. Grangeville, ID. Call Kurt 208- Caldwell, Id. 208-412-3341. 983-0599. City/State/Zip Phone Membership No. Veterinarian mobile medical REAL ESTATE/ACREAGE Ad Copy box. Fiberglass. Fits standard 13 Acres near Tetonia, Id. pick-up bed. $3,000. Boise, ID. Perfect view of Grand Tetons. 208-850-7466. Comes with water rights. 208- 390-3809. A U.S. Army veteran looking for a year around property VEHICLES caretaker position with 2017 Nissan Versa 25,000+ housing/utilities and some miles, silver w/black interior. wages in Idaho or possible Non-smoker, a/c, automatic Montana. Resume upon trans, CD, 40+ mpg. Like new. request with prior experience. Mechanically maintained per
36 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly Idaho hop acres increase for ninth straight year By Sean Ellis Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
POCATELLO – Idaho hop acres rose again in 2019, the ninth straight year that has happened. USDA’s National Agricultural Sta- tistics Service estimates Idaho farmers planted a record 9,374 acres of hops this year, 12 percent more than the 8,358 acres of hops that were harvested in the Gem State last year. Hops are used as a bittering and fla- voring agent in beer. Propelled by the fast-growing craft brewing industry, Idaho hop acres have risen rapidly since 2011, when 2,265 acres of the crop were harvested in the state. That number rose to 2,596 in 2012 and then 3,356 in 2013, 3,743 in 2014, 4,863 in 2015, 5,648 in 2016, 7,125 in 2017, 8,140 in 2018 and 8,358 in 2019. While the coronavirus outbreak did not stop Idaho hop acres from rising Photo by Sean Ellis again this year, it could potentially be Farm workers prepare a hop yard for planting in this file photo. Idaho hop acres are estimat- ed at a record 9,374 this year, which is 12 percent more than the 8,358 acres of hops that what stops the streak at nine years. were harvested in the Gem State last year. Idaho’s hop plants were strung before the shutdowns related to the coronavirus brewing industry but craft brewers were is 5 percent higher than the previous outbreak hit and COVID-19’s impact on hit hard by the government-ordered record of 56,544 set last year. the craft brewing industry could result in shutdowns related to COVID-19. NASS estimates Washington growers Idaho hop acres declining next year. “COVID shut down all these tap- strung 42,343 acres of hops this year, 4 “Everything was planted before rooms,” said Idaho hop farmer Mike percent more than they did in 2019, and COVID hit,” said hop farmer Brock Gooding. “They can’t sell beer and most Oregon growers strung 7,457 acres of Obendorf, chairman of the Idaho Hop of them don’t have bottling facilities so hops, 2 percent more than 2019. Commission. “(Acres) will go back they can’t use the hops.” NASS has placed the total value of down next year. I wouldn’t be surprised Obendorf said the coronavirus-related Idaho’s 2019 hop crop at $89 million, if they went down 10-15 percent next shutdowns have caused a lot of pain to which will likely place that crop among year.” the craft brewing industry and as a re- Idaho’s top eight farm commodities in Total hop acres in Idaho have soared sult, hop growers will also be negatively terms of total farm-gate receipts when since 2012 and that crop, once just a blip impacted. USDA releases that data later this year. on Idaho agriculture’s overall radar, is Washington, Idaho and Oregon grow Until very recently, hops was nowhere now one of the state’s main farm com- almost all the hops produced in the near the top 10 Idaho farm commodities. modities in terms of farm-gate receipts. United States and, according to NASS, Since 2015, the total value of Idaho The rapid rise in hop acres has been a hop acreage in the three states combined hop production has increased from $31 result of the nation’s fast-growing craft totaled a record 59,174 in 2020, which million to $89 million. n
August 2020 | 37 Brady’s Plant Ranch sees surge in beef deliveries during coronavirus outbreak
By John O’Connell Intermountain Farm and Ranch
VIRGINIA — John and Karen Brady acknowledge they broke the cardinal rule of retail when they opened a large garden center in a sparsely populated area about 35 miles south of Pocatello. For any retailer, location reigns supreme: The Bradys have built up an isolated complex of greenhouses supply- ing a shop by exit 36 of Interstate 15 over the course of decades, and customers still routinely ask, “Are you guys new?” “We say, ‘Yes, we’re new — 35 years ago,’’ Karen Brady joked. Nonetheless, Brady’s Plant Ranch, 3525 E. Virginia Road, has somehow maintained a steady clientele of loyal gardeners willing to travel to the sticks from as far away as Salt Lake City for the quality they supply. Their customers’ devotion has been reaffirmed amid the coronavirus pandemic, while the economy continues to nosedive and people stay isolated in their homes to ride out the health crisis. Despite the turmoil, the Bradys say sales of plants raised in their greenhouses have held relatively constant. Furthermore, deliveries of grass-fed beef from their cattle herd have quadrupled since the start of March. “I think (customers) want a healthier product, but I think there’s probably a little bit of scarcity mentality, too,” John Brady said. Karen Brady added, “With this COVID-19 thing, people are anxious to stock up on beef, so beef sales are way up. It’s been crazy.” Brady’s Plant Ranch encompasses 10 production greenhouses, where they raise their own plants, and a 10,000-square-foot retail greenhouse with four bays. Their garden center is one of the few in the region 38 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly producing the bulk of its own plants, though the Bradys buy trees from outside suppliers. The nearest comparable garden centers can be found in Logan, Utah, and Idaho’s Magic Valley. John Brady, who was raised on a local dairy, said the business started in 1985 from a single greenhouse that was 110 feet long and 18 feet wide. Initially, he and his wife raised hydroponic tomatoes. “We couldn’t find a market for them,” he said. Two years later, Brady’s shifted to pro- ducing ornamental plants, which quickly caught on. They were among the founding members of the Portneuf Valley Farm- er’s Market in Pocatello. They’ve been continually expanding their plant ranch ever since. Karen Brady said she and her husband found their niche by raising plant varieties that were better suited to Southeast Idaho’s short growing season and high elevation than materials competitors were bringing in from Utah. For example, they chose to stock peach trees that thrive in Maine’s short season. Furthermore, their plants are acclimated to local conditions. They produce about 3,000 hanging plants for sale per year, along with count- less trays of vegetable starts and orna- mental plants. During the summer, they raise produce in the greenhouse, selling the vegetables directly from their store or from a food stand along U.S. Highway 91 in Virginia. Photo by John O’Connell They also allow customers to pick their Brady’s Plant Ranch, located in the small town of Virginia, has somehow maintained a steady clientele of loyal gardeners willing to travel to the sticks from as far away as Salt own produce from their production green- Lake City for the quality they supply. houses and surrounding fields, including an outdoor raspberry patch. Karen Brady said her animals are curbside pickups of all merchandise in their At the urging of customers, Karen healthier than grain-finished livestock, as lot. They also deliver beef to a central loca- Brady also started making her own floral cattle can more easily digest grass. tion in Pocatello weekly for pickup. arrangements for proms, funerals, wed- “What you get out of ours is flavor,” she “I think the thing that drives consumers dings and other events. said. “Our beef tastes like the beef you to us is first of all, flavor,” John Brady About 15 years ago, they entered the used to get with your grandmother and said. “Second of all, we have a group grass-fed beef business, seeing an oppor- grandfather. It’s real beef. It’s not watered that’s interested in those health benefits. tunity to fill a niche. down or colored.” We have another group that’s interested Karen Brady describes their beef, which Grass-fed beef is also far richer in in local. Another group is interested in is processed at an area USDA facility, as a healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. John Brady ecology and free range.” gourmet product, and it fetches a premi- said he had his herd tested, and the results Brady’s Plant Ranch has been allowed um price. They charge $7 per pound of confirmed his cattle had more than triple to remain open following the governor’s hamburger, and a ribeye sells for $18 per the Omega-3 concentration of convention- recent order for certain businesses to close pound. Their herd has about 120 cattle, al grain-fed beef. due to coronavirus, as food suppliers and with 65 mother cows, which are allowed They sell their beef directly from Brady’s greenhouses are both deemed to offer to graze in lush, irrigated pasture. Plant Ranch, and they’ve started offering essential services. n
August 2020 | 39 P.O. Box 4848 Pocatello, ID 83205-4848
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40 | Idaho Farm Bureau Quarterly
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