14Five inducted into ag - 3CALS hopes to invest - Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
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April 2018 • Volume 22, Issue 3 Idaho Farm Bureau
3
CALS hopes to invest
millions in R & E centers
14
Five inducted into ag
hall of fame
26
Idaho’s wine industry
growing rapidly
Proud to be
farming for life The Zip Line
I’m so proud of the faithful ser- that’s just what we are doing each
By Zippy Duvall vice and hard work of America’s day as we grow the products that
AFBF President farmers and ranchers all year feed, clothe and fuel our nation.
long, and I’m grateful for how
Together, we are growing more
[Editor’s note: this column was this week shines a spotlight on
with less fuel, fertilizer and wa-
written in celebration of National our great industry. This year’s
ter. Thanks to the latest technol-
Ag Week, March 19-23.] theme is “Farming for Life,” and
ogy and innovation, the modern
farm is preventing soil erosion
To farmers and ranchers, sustainability practices and cutting back greenhouse gas
like no-till and buffer strips are old hat, but it’s a emissions. None of this would be
possible, however, without ac-
whole new vocabulary to most consumers. See DUVALL, page 6
and decided through a majority bill passed in the 2018 Idaho Leg-
New trespass law vote in our house of delegates at the
annual meeting. This establishes
islature that consolidates Idaho’s
various trespass laws into one stat-
protects property our policies and principles that we ute and strengthens the penalties for
rights promote and defend. I quote from
the basic principles section of our
trespassing on private land.
The new statute puts some clarity
Idaho Farm Bureau policy book:
By Bryan Searle and actual teeth into the state’s tres-
“Ownership of property and prop-
passing laws. As dozens of people
President Idaho Farm Bureau erty rights are among the human
testified during public hearings on
Federation rights essential to the preservation
House Bill 658, the current laws are
The strength of Farm Bureau is of individual freedom. The right to
inconsistent and lack the “teeth” to
its grassroots members. All of our own property must be preserved at
deter people from trespassing on
policies and beliefs come from a all costs.”
private property or inspire pros-
process that allows everyone to be That’s why I find it hard to grasp
heard, then that policy is debated that it proved so difficult to get a See SEARLE, page 7
Organizations must election to stand accountable to
their respective electorates. Ac-
not meeting the needs of its
members is the Grocery Manu-
countability in politics is at the facturers Association. For many
be responsive to their ballot box. Accountability in the
corporate world is the consum-
years, the GMA was a powerful
and unrivaled trade association
members er’s ability to switch products.
Accountability in nonprofit or-
in the food industry, with mem-
bers from neighborhood grocery
By Rick Keller ganizations and associations is stores to food manufacturing
CEO Idaho Farm Bureau Federation in the renewal of membership giants with supply chains that
dues. Accountability is every- span the world. Most recently,
We are fast approaching the
where and is essential in a free GMA has been a powerful force
mid-term election where every
society. in fighting proposals to require
congressman, one-third of the
information about added sugar
U.S. Senate, many governor- An example of an organization
or GMOs on food labels.
ships, and at least in Idaho, ev- whose members left its ranks
ery state legislator will face an because they perceived it was See KELLER, page 6
2 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018
Volume 22, Issue 3
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
University of Idaho photo
Kyle Wade.............................................................. Downey Michael Parrella (shown here), the dean of University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life
STAFF Sciences, is trying to enlist farm industry support for his goal of investing millions of dollars in
Dir. of Organization................................... Justin Patten CALS’ nine research and extension centers.
Ag college dean seeks farm industry
Director of Admin. Services ........................ Cara Dyer
Commodities & Marketing Assistant . Melissa Nelson
Member Services Assistant ..................... Peggy Moore
Public Relations Assistant ........................ Dixie Ashton
Assistant Treasurer.................................. Tyler Zollinger
Dist. I Regional Manager ............................... Ott Clark
Dist. II Regional Manager ...................... Tyrel Bingham
support for goal of investing
Dist. III Regional Manager ............................. Zack Lanier
Dist. IV Regional Manager ..........................Brody Miller
Dist. V Regional Manager ....................... Bob Smathers
millions in research stations
Dir. of Governmental Affairs ................Russ Hendricks By Sean Ellis
Asst. Dir. of Governmental Affairs .... Dennis Tanikuni
Energy/Natural Resources...................... Braden Jensen Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
Publications Editor ........................................... Sean Ellis
Video Services Manager ............................ Steve Ritter BOISE – The dean of University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Broadcast Services Manager ..................... Jake Putnam
Office Manager, Boise ............................ Melissa Bechaver has been enlisting farm industry support for the college’s aggressive plan to invest
Member Services Manager ........................ Joel Benson millions of dollars in CALS’ agricultural research and extension centers.
Commodities and Marketing..........................Zak Miller
Project Manager............................................ Tyler Moore Over the past few months, CALS Dean Michael Parrella has briefed legislators and
Printed by: Owyhee Publishing, Homedale, ID farm industry leaders on the college’s hope to invest $25 million in the college’s
GEM STATE PRODUCER nine research and extension centers. During a sit-down interview, Parrella told Idaho
USPS #015-024, is published monthly
except February, May, August and November by the Farm Bureau that the initial response from farm industry leaders to that goal has
IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION,
275 Tierra Vista Drive, Pocatello, ID 83201. been positive.
POSTMASTER send changes of address to:
GEM STATE PRODUCER
“I feel like I’m on solid ground. I feel like there’s support there,” he said. “I feel like
P.O. Box 4848, Pocatello, ID 83205-4848.
Periodicals postage paid at Pocatello, Idaho,
this is an investment in the college that benefits an industry in the state that is critical
and additional mailing offices. to the economy of Idaho.”
Subscription rate:
$6.00 per year included in Farm Bureau dues. Parrella outlined his goal in broad strokes March 8 during a visioning session that
MAGAZINE CONTACTS:
Idaho Farm Bureau Federation focused on the Parma research and extension station, where the investment will be-
EDITOR (208) 239-4292 • ADS (208) 239-4279
E-MAIL: dashton@idahofb.org
gin. CALS plans to invest $6 million in upgrading infrastructure and equipment at
www.idahofb.org the Parma station.
Cover: Photo by Steve Ritter Parrella told visioning session participants the university will do its part investing in
It’s calving season at S S Cattle Co. in Washington the research stations but when it comes to obtaining the funding, he made it clear he
County in this March 21 photo. Owned by the
Schwenkfelder family, S S Cattle is an 850-head
commercial Red Angus cow-calf operation. See PARRELLA page 4
Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018 3
PARRELLA
Continued from page 3
University of Idaho photo
Researchers are shown at University of Idaho’s Aberdeen Research and Extension Center in this file photo. The dean of UI’s College of Agricultural and
Life Sciences is trying to enlist farm industry support for his goal of investing millions of dollars in CALS’ nine research and extension centers.
envisions a three-way partner- was impressed by the number ments at all the experiment sta- search facilities and equipment,
ship between the university, the of people – about 60 -- who tions. It’s needed everywhere.” “we’re behind,” Blanksma said.
ag industry and the legislature. turned out for the visioning “Our competitors are doing it,
The average age of buildings
meeting. so we need to be doing it. The
“We will have skin in the game at the experiment stations is
idea is to get quality staff and
as a college and we would ex- “I was really encouraged … to about 50 years old and Parrella
keep them. One way to do that
pect industry and the legisla- see so many of our ag indus- said it’s important to have mod-
is through healthy infrastruc-
ture to step up as well,” he said. try leaders show up and par- ern facilities and equipment in
ture.”
ticipate,” he said. “There was a order to attract and keep top-
Farm Bureau asked several
commitment to work together notch “early career” research- “That’s a good investment,”
people who attended the vi-
to see how we can come up with ers. Idaho Wheat Commission Ex-
sioning session and other farm
adequate funding and keep our ecutive Director Blaine Jacob-
industry leaders what they Farm industry leaders agreed.
research centers active and ap- son said about CALS’ goal of
thought of Parrella’s vision.
plied to our everyday issues.” “Michael Parrella’s vision of the investing millions of dollars to
The response was overwhelm- future is exactly what Idaho ag- upgrade infrastructure. “We
“I think his vision to invest
ingly positive and while most riculture needs,” said Hammett need to upgrade our research
money in the experiment sta-
people said industry will likely potato farmer Nick Blanksma. stations. A lot of equipment at
tions is wonderful,” said agron-
step up to financially support “As this infrastructure gets an- these stations is several decades
omist Bob Simerly, a member
CALS’ vision, they will need tiquated, we need to upgrade old.”
of the Treasure Valley Ag Co-
to be convinced their industry these facilities across the state.
alition, which acts as an adviso- Mark McGuire, director of
will benefit. The dean sees the need to build
ry board for the Parma station. CALS’ research stations, said
that infrastructure back up.”
Rich Garber, governmental af- “Even though they are starting the college, with input from the
fairs director for Idaho Grain at Parma, their intention is to If Idaho isn’t at the forefront of farming industry, will put to-
Producers Association, said he make the same type of invest- having modern agricultural re- gether a plan over the next year
4
# Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018
University of Idaho photo
Leaders of Idaho’s farming industry discuss University of Idaho’s plan to invest millions of dollars into the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences’ research
and extension centers, March 8 during a visioning session in Parma.
and then put forth a request for they feel is needed and impor- During the Parma visioning Parrella told visioning session
assistance from the industry. tant for their industry,” Simerly session, CALS officials asked participants he received the
said. participants what their top message that the college’s suc-
It’s likely the college’s first re-
needs and concerns were from cession planning in replacing
quest to lawmakers for funding Greg Dean, manager of sugar
the research and extension cen- retiring researchers is too slow.
to help implement the plan will beet quality improvement for
ters.
come during the 2020 legisla- Amalgamated Sugar Co., said “That’s something we need
tive session. that modern infrastructure is At the top of the list was con- to work on,” he said. “To me,
necessary in order to attract cern about how long it takes that’s obvious.”
Parrella said it’s important that
quality researchers. to replace retiring researchers.
CALS and industry approach Parrella has told industry
It typically takes three years
lawmakers with “skin in the But when it comes to offering leaders several times recently
and that’s too long for industry,
game.” In other words, go to financial support, “There’s go- that he didn’t become dean of
which moves at a much faster
the legislature having already ing to have to be a ‘show me’ CALS to maintain the status
pace, Dean said.
committed financially toward attitude,” he said. “We’re look- quo but to aggressively move
the plan. ing to have partnerships with “We have to replace them a the college forward and posi-
USDA and universities where it lot quicker than two or three tion it to continue to benefit the
While the state’s farm groups
makes sense, but they are going years,” he said. “Our needs state’s farming industry in the
and commissions will likely
to have to perform.” don’t allow us to wait that future.
be willing to step up and help
long.”
financially, people interviewed Simerly said the main thing “The college is already strong,
for this story said, they are go- industry can do right now is to CALS need to have better suc- it’s getting stronger and it’s
ing to have to be convinced lobby legislators to support the cession plans for retiring re- only the beginning. I think
CALS has a good plan in place plan. searchers “so there is no lapse we’re going to do some great
that will benefit members of in having researchers in place,” things,” he said.
“What industry can do is lobby
their industry. said Greenleaf farmer Dave
the heck out of the legislature.
Dixon.
“It will have to be something Don’t give up,” he said.
Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018 5
DUVALL
Continued from page 2
cess to precision ag tools and ability practices like no-till the conversation—and we our broken immigration sys-
better seeds. Take GMOs for and buffer strips are old hat, are—starting with our local tem if production is to keep
example. Studies show that in but it’s a whole new vocabu- communities and going all up with market demands. We
2014, GMOs made it possible lary to most consumers. We the way to our lawmakers in need to move forward with
for farmers to reduce emis- need to explain these terms Washington, D.C. commonsense, science-based
sions by 5.2 billion pounds. and practices, and not shy rules and create a regulatory
While environmental prac-
That’s the same as taking away from talking about the process that is transparent.
tices are the first order of
nearly 10 million cars off the ways technology has changed
business when we talk about Farmers have a long history
road for a year! These are the America’s farmland. There’s
sustainability, we can’t stop of adapting to change, espe-
stories consumers need to a risk to keeping silent. Our
there if we’re going to secure cially when those changes
hear from us. farms, our nation’s health and
the future of agriculture. We are for the better. Let’s con-
the environment shouldn’t
Many consumers didn’t grow need policies that promote the tinue to work together to en-
suffer at the hands of groups
up on or near a farm. But we business of agriculture if we sure that changes in policy
and activists who would put
are seeing more interest in are going to keep on “farm- and practice are good for our
us out of business by ignor-
how food gets to the grocery ing for life.” We need to open farmland and protect our na-
ing science and spreading
store and dinner table. To new markets through better tion’s food supply for genera-
misinformation. We can shift
farmers and ranchers, sustain- trade deals and we must fix tions to come.
KELLER
Continued from page 2
As with society in general, est food company, decided
there was a clash in the food to leave GMA. This major
Recent internal surveying indicates the
organization over GMOs, abandonment of member- Idaho Farm Bureau has very favorable
environmental concerns, ship is requiring GMA to re- approval among our members, but we
labeling and other societal- evaluate its future direction. continually seek to improve.
ly sensitive issues. Larger As a GMA spokesman com-
members of the association municated, “the food indus-
sought to be more respon- try is facing significant dis- neighbors.” We know that if be actively involved in the
sive to those demands while ruption and is evolving – and the Idaho Farm Bureau is not development and implemen-
other members were not so so is GMA. We all will con- responsive to the needs of tation of policies in meeting
flexible. GMA’s governance tinue to evolve and change at our members, they will not farmer and rancher needs
mandated a stricter obser- an even faster pace. We are renew their annual member- and concerns. We urge atten-
vance from its membership, always sorry when member ship dues. dance at events and confer-
so some very big names companies decide to leave ences to help keep members
began walking away and and hope to work with them Recent internal surveying
informed. We are grateful
not renewing their member- on issues of mutual interest indicates the Idaho Farm
for the responses and input.
ships. In the past six months, in the future.” Bureau has very favorable
We thank our membership
Campbell Soup Co. led the approval among our mem-
As a membership organi- for assisting us in being the
way, followed by Unile- bers, but we continually seek
zation, the Farm Bureau “voice of Idaho agriculture.”
ver (maker of a vast array to improve. This magazine is
is sensitive to our mission Thank you for your involve-
of packaged foods, such as one such method of reaching
statement: “The Idaho Farm ment. Thank you for your in-
Hellmann’s mayonnaise), the out to our members. We urge
Bureau is a voluntary grass- put. We will continue seek-
candy maker Mars, Tyson members to view our website
roots organization dedicated ing to meet the needs and
Foods (American’s biggest at idahofb.org to see what
to strengthening agriculture interests of Idaho’s farmers
meat producer) Dean Foods, their membership is doing
and protecting the rights, and ranchers.
Hershey’s, the grain giant for them, representing them
values, and property of our in Congress and the legisla-
Cargill and, just recently,
member families and their ture. We urge members to
Nestlé, the world’s larg-
6 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018
SEARLE
Continued from page 2
The bill also creates more prac- legislation, which was authored they just ask. That seems very
ecutors to pursue trespassing tical private property posting by Rep. Judy Boyle, a Repub- reasonable and will bring the
cases. requirements that property lican rancher from Midvale, respect and protection to pri-
Under the state’s current con- owners are required to follow and some appeared more con- vate property rights as they
fusing and often inconsistent that will make more sense both cerned about the “rights” of should be.
trespass codes, someone who for landowners and the public. others than the constitutionally
Thanks to the coalition of over
is found guilty of trespassing The bill requires the property protected rights of landowners.
30 organizations and several
on private land faces a $50 fine. to be posted so that a reason-
Several legislators appeared to legislators who worked on this
Under House Bill 658, some- able person would be put on
be swayed by testimony from legislation for their hard work
one convicted of willful crimi- notice that they are entering
leaders of several sportsmen’s and commitment to protect
nal trespass faces a minimum private land.
groups who said their mem- property rights.
$300 fine for a first conviction, As I and many others partici- bers, as stakeholders, weren’t
$1,500 for a second conviction To continue the support for the
pated in public hearings that collaborated with in the draft-
and $5,000 on the third con- protection of private property
stretched on for hours, law- ing of the bill.
viction, with a felony for a third rights, find out how your law-
makers heard from dozens of
conviction when there is more But one lawmaker rightly ques- maker voted on House Bill 658
farmers, ranchers and other
than $1,000 worth of damage tioned why she kept hearing the by going to the Idaho Legisla-
landowners who testified about
involved with the trespass. words “stakeholders” and “col- ture’s website -- legislature.ida-
how trespassers have destroyed
laboration” when the landown- ho.gov -- and then clicking on
The Idaho Grain Producers As- their crops, shot up and de-
ers are the ones who paid for “Legislative Sessions” and then
sociation, in written testimony stroyed equipment, cut their
the land, pay the property taxes “Legislation by Bill Number”
that reflected what many of our fences, burned corrals for fire-
on it and maintain it. and then on H0658. Your voice
members told legislators, said wood and harassed and even
matters and needs to be heard
that “increasing penalties and shot their animals. Most farmers and ranchers
by your elected official.
making them more meaningful never deny anyone access to
Despite that testimony, many
will truly act as a deterrent.” hunt or be on their property if
lawmakers still opposed the
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Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018 7
Soulen Livestock Co. near Letha, Idaho. Every spring, owners Phil and Harry Soulen will trail over 4,000 sheep here to be sheared.
In single file, the sheep are herded up the loading chute to be sheared of their wool.
Shearing of the Sheep
By Jake Putnam the shearing crew is getting through about getting bigger.
800 head a day.”
Photos by Steve Ritter “These sheep are huge, they’re getting too
Soulen hires a shearing crew made up of huge, to be honest,” Hawea says. “We’re
Letha, Idaho - Over 4,000 sheep are run-
roving shearers from all around the world. having trouble getting them up into the
ning through shearing sheds at the Soulen
One of them, Greg Hawea, is from New shearing trailer. The sheep have gotten
ranch outside of Emmett March 19.
Zealand. bigger all over the world. Everyone wants
Gem County Rancher Harry Soulen says a bigger breed. They’re weighing (about)
“We come over here and start shearing
that with the exception of last week’s 260 pounds.”
every February,” he said. “We shear from
storms, this winter was an easy one com-
the middle of February until mid-May. We Soulen says while sheep are bigger, herds
pared with last year and his operation
have a Peruvian, an American, a Welsh are smaller.
made it through the winter OK. But now
guy and three New Zealanders.”
he’s looking forward to spring and greener “We used to shear about 10,000 head of
pastures. Soulen says his operation used to run ewes and yearlings, but with the loss of
about 10,000 head but changing times have summer range due to the bighorn situation
“We’re shearing right at 4,000 head
forced a reduction in the number of live- … we’re down to where we can only run
of sheep here in Letha,” Soulen said.
stock on the range. However, the sheep are about 4,500 sheep tops,” said Soulen.
“We’re in the second day of shearing and
8 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018
Wool is graded and sorted into various grading bins before being vacuum
packed into bales headed to market. Each bale will weigh between 450 to
500 pounds.
The sheep are set up on their hind quarters with heads tucked into the
shearer’s waistline as the wool is removed.
Six stations are manned on the shear truck floor and the crew will shear
between 800 to 900 sheep a day. The crew includes a Peruvian, two Sheep Rancher Phil Soulen watches a sheared ewe exit the shearing
Welshmen, three New Zelanders and one American. trailer. On average, a sheep will produce 12 pounds of wool annually.
Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018 9
IFBF file photo
A $2 million investment in a University of Idaho program that trains students to manage agricultural risks using futures and options trading and a
wide variety of other tools will benefit wheat farmers and businesses in the state, according Idaho Wheat Commission officials, who announced the
investment March 15.
Idaho Wheat Commission invests
$2 million in ag trading program
By Sean Ellis ket their crop,” Jacobson said. “It will pro- and trading mechanisms they really have
vide students with the valuable real-life not had before,” he said. “And this will
Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
experience to succeed in that area of the provide industry with trained people who
BOISE – The Idaho Wheat Commission industry and, by so doing, strengthen the have the tools to trade in complex markets,
has committed to investing $2 million in agricultural industry as a whole.” whether it’s in inputs or production.”
a University of Idaho program that trains
The $2 million will be used to establish According to a UI news release, “the en-
students to manage agricultural risks using
an endowed chair of risk management at dowed chair will have considerable depth
a wide variety of tools, including futures
UI’s College of Agricultural and Life Sci- of experience in conducting research re-
and options trading and the use of securi-
ences. CALS and the College of Business lated to agricultural commodity and finan-
ties markets to counterbalance agricultural
and Economics have since 2013 collabo- cial security markets on a global, national
risks.
rated on a capital management and trading and regional scale. Their future research in
IWC Executive Director Blaine Jacobson program that educates students about risk this position may include price forecasting
said the investment will pay off for wheat management strategies using real money. and examining impacts of changing poli-
farmers and wheat industry businesses in cies, macroeconomic factors and structural
IWC and UI officials said the endowment
the form of farmers and employees who are changes in commodity markets on risks
will allow the colleges to significantly in-
trained to manage commodity margins and encountered throughout the supply chain.”
crease the value of the program.
trade in agricultural commodities.
According to UI officials, the endowed
The program teaches students not only
The tools and information developed chair will provide outreach to community
how to trade in agricultural commodities
through the program will be disseminated groups, agribusinesses, farmers, financial
but also in inputs they need for their farm
to growers. institutions and others who use risk man-
operations, said IWC Commissioner Bill
agement practices.
“This investment will result in a direct Flory, a North Idaho farmer.
benefit to growers by providing them ad- “The college is going to take this program
“It will provide growers exposure to tools
vanced marketing tools to help them mar- to our growers and to our affiliated busi-
10 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018University of Idaho photo
Idaho Wheat Commission and University of Idaho officials are shown March 15 after signing an agreement that will result in the IWC investing $2
million in a University of Idaho program that trains students to manage agricultural risks using futures and options trading and a wide variety of other
tools.
nesses,” Flory said. “They will provide ment) will come back to the farms and I students to come to the University of Idaho
them some new tools and ways to look at think it’s a great investment for the future. to learn these important and valuable skills
markets.” It’s a big shot in the arm for Idaho agricul- for risk management in both commodities
ture.” and securities markets,” he said.
CALS Dean Michael Parrella said the
endowment “ensures the university will During a March 15 press conference where The wheat commission will provide CALS
continue to expand the unique and trans- the endowment was announced, Brett $1 million now and another $1 million over
formative educational opportunities made Wilder of Meridian, one of the first stu- the next five years.
possible by this collaboration. This will dents to benefit from the program, said it
Jacobson said the money for the endow-
further enhance our national reputation for instilled in him a passion for risk manage-
ment is coming from surplus funds gener-
educating students on managing agricul- ment and he is “looking forward to wit-
ated by the state’s wheat grower checkoff
tural market risks using a wide variety of nessing its continued growth and success
over the past several years and the com-
tools that include futures and options trad- to support education for students and pro-
mission does not anticipate having to raise
ing and using securities markets to coun- ducers and further research that will ben-
the grower assessment to pay for it.
terbalance agricultural risks.” efit the ag industry in our state and across
the nation.” The endowment money will also not affect
IWC Chairman Clark Hamilton, a grower
the wheat commission’s annual $3 million
from Ririe, said how farmers market their Having access to and experience with
budget and the money the commission
corps is one of the most important aspects real-world risk management tools can be
spends in support of research, market de-
of any agricultural business. a game-changer for farmers and ranchers,
velopment and grower education and in-
said Wilder, who is studying livestock mar-
“I feel we have a lot of room for improve- formation, said Cathy Wilson, the IWC’s
kets.
ment in our ag industries when it comes to director of research collaboration.
risk management and the marketing of our “The IWC gift of an endowed chair will
products,” he said. “I think this (endow- make this program even more attractive for
Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018 1112 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018
University of Idaho photo
A technician works in the University of Idaho’s nuclear seed potato germplasm lab in Moscow. Idaho lawmakers have approved $3 million in state funds
that UI will use to build a new $6 million seed potato facility, which is where most of Idaho’s potato crop begins.
University of Idaho plans new
nuclear seed potato facility
By Sean Ellis tatoes in their fields. the potatoes grown in Idaho and 60 percent
of the spuds grown in the Pacific North-
Idaho Farm Bureau Federation “We provide the nuclear stock; we iden-
west originate from the facility.
tify the disease-free plant material that the
BOISE -- Idaho lawmakers have approved
industry multiples and plants out in the “This new facility is designed for expan-
$3 million toward a new, $6 million nucle-
field,” said CALS Dean Michael Parrella. sion and higher production of mini-tubers
ar seed potato facility for the University of
“It all starts with properly identified plants and germplasm,” said Hammett potato
Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life
and clean plant material.” farmer Nick Blanksma, a member of the
Sciences.
Idaho Potato Commission board of direc-
CALS officials said the college hopes to
The facility on the university’s Moscow tors. “It’s a huge thing for our industry.
complete the new facility in 2020.
campus is where most of Idaho’s most Clean germplasm is the beginning of qual-
famous crop begins. It maintains disease- “That new facility will advance the biose- ity in our industry.”
free potato germplasm and mini-tubers for curity and purity of seed potato production
The potato industry will provide $2 million
seed potato growers and researchers. in Idaho,” said Mark McGuire, director of
toward the new facility and potato seed
CALS’ agricultural experiment stations.
The “nuclear” part has nothing to do with growers increased their own assessment to
nuclear energy but instead refers to the The nuclear seed potato lab produces about help pay for the facility.
origin of potatoes. The facility produces 250,000 mini-tubers a year but the demand
“Seed growers willingly increased their
plantlets, or mini-tubers as they’re known, from growers is at least twice that amount,
See NUCLEAR SEED FACILITY page 23
which are then used by farmers to grow po- Parrella said. He said about 90 percent of
Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018 13Five people inducted into
Eastern Idaho Ag Hall of Fame
bio, IFBF took great strides to
confront issues important to
agriculture such as wolf dep-
redation, agricultural trade
and the Endangered Species
Act during his tenure as IFBF
president. Farm Bureau mem-
bership increased more than 50
percent during his time as pres-
ident and the group received
more than 20 national agricul-
tural awards.
Through is lifetime of involve-
ment in agriculture, “Priestley
learned better land manage-
ment and achieved greater
animal health in his dairy,” his
Sean Ellis
bio states, and he also helped
improve irrigation systems in
Former Idaho Farm Bureau Federation President Frank Priestley addresses participants of the Eastern Idaho the area.
Agriculture Hall of Fame’s 46th annual recognition dinner, March 23 in Fort Hall. Priestley was one of five people
inducted into the hall of fame this year.
Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Young Producer Award, was ture.”
given to Ryan Steele, who op-
FORT HALL – Five people Frank S. Priestley
erates a beef cattle feeding and
who have made significant con-
dairy heifer replacement opera- Priestley, who served as IFBF
tributions to the agricultural
tion near Idaho Falls. president for 18 years starting
industry were inducted into the
in 1997 and who was the orga-
Eastern Idaho Agriculture Hall Each year, five people are in-
nization’s longest-serving pres-
of Fame March 23. ducted into the hall of fame and
ident, spent more than 40 years
while there are many producers
The Hall of Fame’s 35-member promoting agriculture and soil
who have done and continue to
board inducted former Idaho health through Farm Bureau’s
do great things for the agricul-
Farm Bureau Federation Presi- county, state and national orga-
ture industry, the board tries
dent Frank Priestley, a farmer nizations.
“to pick those who have made
and rancher from Franklin; Bonnie Bond Stoddard
a substantial contribution to During is induction speech,
Stan Boyle, a stockman from
the agriculture industry,” said Priestley said he has often Stoddard spent her lifetime
Idaho Falls; Bonnie Stoddard, a
Dale Clark, this year’s EIAHF asked people he meets, “Where preserving the pictures and
rancher and historian from Du-
president. does wealth begin?” stories of the farms, ranches,
bois; Robert Brown, a rancher
and grain producer from Idaho “You wish you could induct ev- The answer: “Wealth begins homesteads and men, women
Falls; and R.J. Smith, a rancher eryone who deserves to be in it, with agriculture, timber and and organizations and events in
from Tendoy. but we can only select five each mining,” he said, adding that Clark County’s history.
year,” he said. “There are some everything that is made is According to her award bio,
During the EIAHF’s 46th an-
great leaders who have done made with those products. “Bonnie’s contribution to East-
nual recognition dinner, a new
some great things for agricul- ern Idaho agriculture is sig-
award, the Ed Duren Memorial According to Priestley’s award
14 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018nificant. She has accomplished Boyle started his own cow herd While operating his own lives on, and still operates, a
more than any other single per- through 4-H projects and “his ranch and raising hay to feed small portion of his grandfa-
son to document and share the love for the 4-H program fol- his livestock, Smith became ther’s original farm homestead-
lives and histories of the early lowed him throughout his life knowledgeable of the various ed in the 1880s,” his award bio
farmers and ranchers of Clark as he grew from a member to water issues facing water us- states.
County and surrounding ar- a leader and now a strong ad- ers in Lemhi County and was
Brown has been active in grain
eas.” vocate for youth agriculture often called on for advice and
growing associations through-
programs.” assistance by people filing for
She gathered and preserved out the state and received a life-
individual water rights during
more than 5,000 photos of early Boyle and his wife, Joy, have time achievement award from
the Snake River Basin Adjudi-
Clark County and served as ed- both been inducted into the the Idaho Grain Producers As-
cation process.
itor and chief writer of “Settlers Idaho 4-H Hall of Fame and sociation and a distinguished
of the Silver Sage,” a 1,304- Boyle has served on numer- “In his role as chairman of the service award from the Idaho
page reference to the pioneer ous 4-H advisory boards, 4-H Lemhi Irrigation District, he Wheat Commission. He and
families of Clark County. livestock committees and the became a leading voice in ex- his wife, Annette, have hosted
Bonneville County Fair Board tensive litigation with the fed- trade teams from South Korea,
“Bonnie’s work enables us to
and is a past president of the eral government,” his award Vietnam and Russia at their
honor and learn from our ru-
Bonneville County Cattleman’s bio states. home.
ral heritage and reminds us to
Association and has been in-
never forget the tough men and Ryan Steele
strumental in establishing FFA
women who shaped our part of
programs in area high schools. Steele is the first recipient of
the West,” her bio states.
the Ed Duren Memorial Young
Producer Award, presented in
memory of Edward Paul Du-
ren. The award recognizes “an
agricultural producer under 40
years of age for product inno-
vations, leadership and a posi-
tive impact on the agricultural
industry of Eastern Idaho.”
Steele, 26, is active on the
Robert L. Brown boards of the Bonneville and
Brown was offered a football Idaho Cattle Associations and
scholarship by Idaho State Uni- other groups “and is a young
versity but turned it down to producer constantly seeking to
stay with agriculture. educate himself, improve his
R.J. Smith agribusiness and promote the
Stanley S. Boyle As a young man, he ran cattle industry,” his award bio states.
According to his award bio,
on a ranch near Salmon and he
“I consider this to be a fam- Smith “is best known as a suc- Ed Duren
worked at a feed grain store and
ily award,” he said during his cessful businessman and cattle
for other farmers in the Idaho Duren, who passed away last
induction speech, echoing the rancher in the Lemhi Valley.
Falls area before eventually re- year, was a University of Idaho
sentiments of the other induct- He is noted for always striving
turning to the family farm. Extension Livestock specialist
ees. to improve the cattle and hay
he produces while maintaining Starting in 1978, Brown leased based in Soda Springs.
Boyle and his sons have grazed
a strong financial bottom line.” and operated his father’s 3,000- According to the EIAHF, “Ed
cattle in the Taylor Mountain
acre dry farm. When the farm spent a 39-year career (and
area for many years during the After college, Smith was
was enrolled in the Conserva- many more years as a profes-
summer and they “also work to trained in the Army as a he-
tion Reserve Program, Brown sor emeritus) providing educa-
make spring riparian improve- licopter pilot and served in
rented 500 acres of irrigated tion, outreach and leadership
ments and keep weeds un- Vietnam. He later utilized that
land to produce wheat, barley to producers and organizations
der control on the mountain’s training to keep track of a herd
and hay. across Idaho and beyond. His
range,” his award bio states. of buffalo while working on a
large ranch in Wyoming. “He takes pride in the fact he impact on agriculture in Idaho
With the help of his father, is beyond measure.”
Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018 1516 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018
R
O U T OU
AB CK ®
ASK M ULO ITY
ACC U U
E D ANN
X
INDE TODAY!
Surrender of the contract may be subject to surrender charges. Withdrawals before age 59 ½ may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Additionally, there is a charge for the Simple7 Income Rider once it is activated.
1
Qualifications and restrictions apply for activation. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services A144 (3-18)
Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018 17Understanding herbicides
The first shoot of a grass is protected by a sheath as it grows toward the soil surface. The roots are
By Timothy Prather growing from the left side of the seed.
University of Idaho photos control. Using different types of tools for ever, the pre-emergent herbicides don’t kill
weed control is useful for overall manage- seeds, they move into the seedling before it
Whether the goal is reducing competition
ment and as we become familiar with tools, comes out of the ground. Before seedlings
for trees during establishment and early
we have a better understanding of how to emerge, they don’t have much external
growth, or taking care of weeds for other
use them. This year I thought I would ad- protection; they don’t have waxes built up
management goals, there are several types
dress herbicides as a tool and I hope you on their leaves until later in life. The her-
of tools available, ranging from prescribed
find it interesting and helpful. bicides can move into the stem where the
fire, mechanical removal (such as brush
stem comes out of the seed. Herbicides
cutting), herbicides, and biological weed Timing
also can move into the roots, killing the
Herbicides can be described by plant while it is still small.
the stage of plant development.
If the pre-emergent herbicide is applied
Terms you may come across
too late, then control of weeds will be re-
include pre-emergent and post-
duced. All weeds, even of the same spe-
emergent. Pre-emergent herbi-
cies, won’t emerge at the same time. Seeds
cides are applied prior to plants
may be at different depths in the soil or lo-
emerging from the soil and post-
cal conditions may trigger germination for
emergent herbicides are applied
some seeds earlier than others. So, if the
after plants emerge from the
pre-emergent herbicide is applied late, then
soil.
at least a portion of the seedlings won’t be
Some herbicides act before the killed. The label will have information on
plants come out of the soil. We it to assist you in identifying timing for
call these herbicides pre-emer- application with respect to some specific
gent because they act before the weed species.
plant emerges from the soil. Do
Often pre-emergent herbicides need to be
these herbicides kill the seeds?
incorporated into the soil somehow to be
With pre-emergent herbicides,
effective. In a forestry setting, we rely pri-
we may think they kill the seeds
A close-up of a leaf shows wax on the surface of the leaf. marily on rainfall to incorporate the her-
since we don’t see the plants
Herbicides applied after emergence must make it through bicide. Herbicides vary in the length of
wax on the leaf. coming out of the ground. How-
18 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018The perennial, long-lived grasses survived this pre-emergent herbicide that controlled the annual grasses within the rectangle. To the left of the
rectangle, the green in-between the perennial grasses are annual plants that emerged where the herbicide was not applied.
time they remain effective prior to rainfall. herbicide label may suggest an additive to ibility for when we apply them. If you miss
Some herbicides can be applied months mix with the herbicide in the spray tank. part of the preemergence window, an her-
prior to rainfall and others are applied These additives are sometimes referred to bicide that crosses categories will likely
when rain is likely within a couple of days as surfactants. still effectively control the target weeds.
to a couple of weeks. Herbicide labels will
Surfactants can help penetrate the wax Movement in Plants
describe the conditions that allow the her-
and other layers that lie just above the leaf
bicide to be most effective. Herbicide movement in plants can be along
surface. Surfactants also can keep a drop-
two pathways. Movement in the xylem,
Post-emergent let containing the herbicide from drying
which is the water moving system in the
quickly. Droplets that dry slowly allow the
Herbicides can be applied directly to the plant allows the herbicide to move with wa-
herbicide to move to the leaf surface. Sur-
leaves and stems of plants once they are ter as the plant draws water and nutrients
factants also can reduce the surface tension
out of the soil. Herbicides applied after from the soil and releases water into the air
of water so that the droplet spreads out on
plants emerge are called post-emergent (transpiration). The phloem is the system
the leaf surface instead of retaining a ball-
herbicides. The herbicides applied after that moves sugars, amino acids and other
like shape.
emergence enter the plant through leaf and compounds within the plant and some her-
stem surfaces. These stem and leaf surfac- Post-emergent herbicides are affected by bicides move in the phloem.
es have waxes that protect the plant from weather. The herbicide label will state
Contact
water loss and from penetration through how long of a time period is needed prior
the surface by compounds and organisms. to rainfall to prevent herbicide from be- Contact herbicides do not move very much
The layers above the leaf surface are tricky ing washed from the leaf. As the season within plants because they act so quickly
to navigate. Layers of wax repel water, just progresses, many plants will increase the on the plant, often causing holes in struc-
like water beaded up on your car after you amount of wax produced on the leaf sur- tures like membranes. There are few her-
waxed it, that one year. Then, in addition, face. Increased wax and increased tem- bicides we might use in forestry that are
the layers include cutin and cutin takes in peratures can reduce herbicide movement considered contact herbicides and so I will
water. When the herbicide is applied then, and quickly can dry spray droplets on the focus on xylem and phloem movement.
it must move through hydrophobic lay- leaf surface.
Move with Water
ers (wax) and hydrophilic layers (cutin).
Pre-emergent or Post-emergent
The herbicides you buy may already have The xylem includes cell walls and struc-
compounds to help get through the waxes Herbicides can be both pre-emergent and tures that transport water like a series of
and the leaf surface. Other herbicides must post-emergent herbicides. Herbicides that
have help getting into the plant and so the cross both categories allow us greater flex- See UI FORESTRY page 29
Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018 1920 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018
IDAHO FFA—GROWING LEADERS, BUILDING COMMUNITIES
AND STRENGTHENING AGRICULTURE!
Why Agricultural Education and Support Idaho FFA members
FFA with your contribution to the
FFA members are students who are Idaho FFA Foundation today!
preparing to help meet local and global
challenges through careers in
agricultural sciences, business and I/We would like to contribute $_____________ to the
technology through their participation Idaho FFA Foundation to support Idaho FFA members:
in high school agricultural education and FFA.
Name ______________________________________
FFA has been an integral part of agriculture
programs in Idaho high schools since 1929, Address ____________________________________
currently with over 13,000 Idaho agricultural
education students, 92 active chartered Idaho FFA City/State/Zip _______________________________
chapters, and over 4,700 Idaho FFA members.
School-based agricultural education is a ______________________________
systematic, integrated program encompassing
three core Phone ______________________________________
components
represented by the
Email ______________________________________
Three-Circle Model:
1) Classroom and General Contribution
Laboratory
Instruction Memorial Contribution in honor and memory of:
2) Supervised
Agricultural _____________________________________
Experience (SAE)
3) Participation in Send notification to _______________________
FFA programs and
Activities
_________________________________________
Classroom/Laboratory is contextual, inquiry-
based instruction and learning though an _________________________________________
interactive classroom and Laboratory.
Check Enclosed
Please bill my:
SAE is experiential, service or work-based
learning though the implementation of an SAE Visa or Mastercard
program.
Name on card:
FFA is premier leadership, personal
___________________________________________
growth and career success through
engagement in FFA activities. Card Number and Expiration Date:
________________________________Exp________
Signnature _________________________________
Please mail to:
Idaho FFA Foundation
P.O. Box 870
Meridian, ID 83680
Questions? Phone: 208-861-2467,
or Email: lwilder@idffafoundation.org
501(c)3
www.idffafoundation.org Non-Profit
Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018 21IFBF file photo
Onions are sorted at a southwestern Idaho processing facility in this file photo. Since its beginning, American Farm Bureau Federation has been a strong
advocate for international trade, and expanded export opportunities have played a key role in higher U.S. net farm income.
Focus on Agriculture
AFBF has always been strong advocate for international trade
By Stewart Truelsen the reduction of tariffs, import quotas, year 1971 to a record $7.8 billion, or $50
cartels, discriminatory practices and other billion in today’s dollars. In 1978, Farm
From its beginning almost a century ago,
barriers to the expansion of trade. Bureau sent a 15-member trade delegation
the American Farm Bureau Federation has
to Geneva, Switzerland, to review multilat-
been a strong advocate for international A few years later, the Agricultural Trade
eral trade negotiations under the General
trade. The organization’s first president, Development and Assistance Act of 1954
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. When
James R. Howard, wondered what it would was signed into law by President Dwight
the Tokyo Round concluded the following
be like if a ship could steam up to his Iowa Eisenhower. The export law was better
year, agriculture was included in the final
farm, so he and his neighbors could sell known as Public Law 480 and later as
negotiations for the first time.
their surplus corn on world markets. This Food for Peace. What’s not well-known is
was in 1922 and Howard contemplated that the idea for PL 480 came from a Farm Farm Bureau persuaded President Ronald
how the corn could be made into mush to Bureau trade specialist, Gwynn Garnett. Reagan to end the grain embargo against
feed starving children in Russia. Garnett served during the war as a tank the Soviet Union in 1981. Initially, the em-
commander and then as director of the bargo was implemented out of national se-
Howard’s wish wouldn’t come true un-
food and agriculture division of the U.S. curity concerns by President Jimmy Cart-
til 1959 when the St. Lawrence Seaway
military government in Germany. After his er. But the embargo proved ineffective and
opened in the Upper Midwest, but Farm
service, he joined the Farm Bureau staff only served to stimulate crop production in
Bureau went ahead with programs to move
and suggested the plan to distribute food to South America.
surplus corn to Russia without the seaway.
a war-torn world.
Farm Bureau also pushed hard for elevat-
In 1949, Farm Bureau’s international trade
U.S. exports of farm commodities took off ing the diplomatic position of U.S. agricul-
policy called for American leadership in
in the 1970s, rocketing 15 percent in fiscal tural attaches, opening new U.S. trade of-
22 Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018fices and expanding the role of the Special bilateral or multilateral with several coun- however, we had a $21 billion trade surplus
Trade Representative, which became the tries involved. in agricultural products, and there has been
U.S. Trade Representative, a cabinet-level an ag trade surplus every year since 1959.
One of these agreements was the North
position in the executive branch. The office
American Free Trade Agreement, imple- It’s little wonder that the American Farm
includes a chief agricultural negotiator.
mented in 1994, which removed barriers to Bureau has always been focused on trade
When the World Trade Organization re- agricultural trade between the U.S., Cana- and determined to see markets expand.
placed the GATT, Farm Bureau continued da and Mexico. Renegotiations for NAFTA Exports have been the key driver of higher
to work closely with U.S. trade negotia- began last August. Farm Bureau is seeking net farm income and have helped farmers
tors to reduce tariff and non-tariff barri- to protect the gains achieved in agricul- build a strong American agriculture that
ers and expand agricultural trade. Multi- tural trade and the removal of remaining benefits all of us.
lateral trade negotiations under the WTO barriers.
Stewart Truelsen is a food and agriculture
have been stalled for some time, but Farm
Last year the U.S. ran a trade deficit of $566 freelance writer and a regular contributor
Bureau has actively supported efforts to
billion overall with the rest of the world; to the Focus on Agriculture series.
achieve free trade agreements that were
NUCLEAR SEED FACILITY
Continued from page 13
University of Idaho photo
University of Idaho’s nuclear seed potato germplasm lab in Moscow is shown in this file photo. Idaho lawmakers have approved $3 million in state funds
that UI will use to build a new $6 million seed potato facility, which is where most of Idaho’s potato crop begins.
assessment and that is extremely generous facility and lawmakers this year authorized relocate its national potato germplasm re-
and, in my view, it shows broad industry $3 million in state funds for it. pository from Fort Collins, Colo., to Mos-
support for the facility,” Blanksma said. cow.
“It’s a true collaboration of industry, the
Agricultural lenders and other ag industry legislature and the university,” Blanksma About 300 lines of potatoes are maintained
companies and individuals chipped in as said. at the Moscow facility and if USDA moves
well. there, it would add another 100 cultivars
McGuire said the university hopes the new,
that would be available for public and pri-
CALS is providing $1 million toward the state-of-the-art facility will spur USDA to
vate breeders.
Idaho Farm Bureau producer / APRIL 2018 23You can also read
