Ag Proud - Idaho Podcast

Hemp, organics and GMO – 1,000 Springs Mill and Tim Cornie have their fingers in a lot of niche farm products. After their first year of growing hemp, Tim shares what went right, what went wrong and what he wants to improve. It's not a fit for every farm, but it could be a value-added crop for many. Follow 1,000 Springs Mills at 1000springsmill.com.

Eight years and drought has taught Kryst Krein a lot with cover crop experimentation in American Falls, in addition to his high-moisture corn, potatoes and wheat rotations. To be a farmer you have to be a soil manager, Krein says. And soil organic percentage has drastically changed on his farm. Different tillage trials (strip-till, no-till or deep rip) have also brought a great deal of education and experience. Take advantage of his experiences before you try your own. 

We all know someone who has broken a leg prior to showing an animal at the fair, or we know a grandparent who still wants to navigate the farm but has limited mobility, or perhaps it's a special needs child who wants to move from the sidelines into the show ring. Or maybe your farm is hosting a school group and need some mobility resources. Well now it's possible. The Canyon County Fair introduced Bacon Buddies, who partnered with Mobility Action Rentals to bring show opportunities to wheelchair-bound kids. And they'd like to take this non-profit program all over Idaho – not just for fairs and show rings, but also for farm rentals. What a great story from the Kreick family in Kimberly, who are behind this movement – you don't want to miss this.  Contact Action Mobility Rentals at 971-563-6700  Facebook: Action Mobility Rentals Instagram: actionmobilityrentals

Exposing local kids to national-level competition is the exciting goal at the Kootenai Classic, a non-profit organization that brings together several hundred animals to the Kootenai County Fairgrounds in Coeur d'Alene. This four-species (cattle, pigs, goats and sheep), two-ring show (two separate shows inside of one) helps kids understand one judge will see it differently from another on any given day. “It keeps you humble and can make your day at the same time,” says organizer Brian Taylor. Follow Kootenai Classic here: www.kootenaiclassic.com Facebook: @Kootenaiclassiclivestockshow

Did you know corn seed varieties only last about four years? Yeah! Who knew? That's what our guests say – Clayton Nebeker and Greg Stanger from Northwest Seed. Would you like to know what's on a seed dealer's mind this spring? Here's the short list: silage test plots, grain test plots, variety and day length fit for the producers' areas, availability and prices. Gee, that list sounds familiar to Idaho producers, right? It's pretty much the same thing that's on producers' minds. Maybe that's because Clayton and Greg have both been farmers themselves, and they know what it's like. Check out this podcast and see what's happening in the seed world in 2023.

CSI ag students (Charlie Swan, Carson Simper, Wyatt Lloyd and Zane Barckholtz), Jaysa Fillmore (ag instructor) and Dale Cowger (farmer) joined us today for a fun round of Idaho ag trivia. Test your own knowledge – would you have guessed right about the counties with the most ag workers? Follow the CSI Ag Department and CSI Ag Club on their social media accounts here: https://www.facebook.com/CSIagdept https://www.facebook.com/agclubCSI @csiagdept (Instagram) @csi_ag_club (Instagram)

Oneida County Extension Educator Sawyer Fonnesbeck talks to us about animal nutrition, and the balance of feeding different forages to livestock. It all boils down to forage testing and what nutrition and fiber the feed contains compared with what the animal needs. If you need your hay tested, give him a call and he'll get you pointed in the right direction. Find out more about this here: www.uidaho.edu/extension/county/oneida

Maggie Malson joins us today to talk about the Idaho Cattle Women and their activities to promote the beef industry in Idaho. She shares some trends the beef industry is seeing with direct-to-consumer marketing, but also the increasing input costs, and the population growth throughout Idaho. She encourages everyone in agriculture to actively educate and help newcomers understand why Idaho is so great. Follow Idaho Cattle Women here: idahocattlewomen.org Facebook: Idaho CattleWomen info@idahocattlewomen.org

Idaho Hay and Forage Association President Will Ricks joins us today on the podcast. Will raises hay for Idaho livestock, as well as for the export markets. Hay has become Idaho's #2 field crop in 2022, edging past wheat for the first time. Will discusses how the association monitors legislation, watching for (sometimes unintentional) consequences for ag producers and tells listeners what's coming at the annual convention on February 16, 2023. Learn more about the Idaho Hay & Forage Association here: https://www.idahohay.com/

“The public sees pesticides as toxins and poisons … but what if we could get them to see them as crop medicines?”  From farmer to academia, back to farmer and expanding researcher, Miller Research history has covered the agricultural spectrum. Using conditions as close to commercial production as possible with field plots, Jeff Miller shares their research efforts into potato seed and pathologies, fertilizers, pesticides and green manures. He also advocates for “regenerative ag” or “sustainability” even when the terms are defined differently or nebulously, and he shares why. Then he'll take us inside the current research pathways and point to the good things happening.  It's an enlightening show today, and you can't listen and not learn something new. (And yes, that's a dare.) Follow Miller Research here: https://millerresearch.com/ Facebook @millerresearchllc  YouTube: @MillerResearch1 jeff@millerresearch.com

Two-hundred seventy-four students in 60 classes are in the ag programs at College of Southern Idaho, which are welcoming to students with ag experience and no-ag-experience students. Ag instructor Jaysa Fillmore talks about a variety of ag programs available from aquaculture to vet tech with the associates degrees available, and how to find those scholarship opportunities for the programs. She also tells us about the Ag Club, and some of the trips and competitions for students (which will explain “tacos in the parking lot” and “potatoes in roaster ovens in the dorms”). And Jaysa shares a new project – ruminant rotational grazing research on the Breckenridge Endowment Farm. Follow the CSI Ag Department and CSI Ag Club on their social media accounts here: https://www.facebook.com/CSIagdept https://www.facebook.com/agclubCSI @csiagdept (Instagram) @csi_ag_club (Instagram)

Magic Valley farmer, cattle raiser and pork raiser Dave Roper tells us about a citizens group, Citizens for Preservation of Fish and Dams, that is delving into the proposed dam-breaching issues beyond ag transportation disruption, fish survivability and power generation – what are the unintended consequences (good and bad) of dams and reservoirs? Where can you find collected data to pursue more about the topic and the science beyond differing arguments? That's what the group hopes to be able to provide – information for those searching for answers. One thing I learned from this episode: At one point in their lives (typically in springtime) fish (salmon and steelhead) physically develop something not unlike a float tube. So as much as a fish might want to swim to the bottom, it can't and can go no deeper than about 1 foot in the water – being vulnerable to prey. And many are flushed out of the rivers too fast at this stage into the ocean, without the time to adapt from fresh water to saltwater conditions. Without adaptation, they die. Have a question for our guest? Contact citizensforfishdam@gmail.com

Spencer Ray and Phil Knight (Nike guru) are both shoe dogs, just for different animals. Both work with athletes, to help them perform in ways that their sports, athleticism, unique body types and gaits require. As a farrier, Spencer works with the kind of animals that don't talk back, but they do stomp, kick, dance around and sometimes jerk his shoulder out of its socket. He shares a piece of that life with listeners today and describes how his work is changing and how customer tastes are changing. Come prepared to learn something new.

Moving an operation from one generation to another, Gus Brackett offers advice for those coming back to the ranching operation, which is “understand the why – why we do things” and understand that first, before you just come in wanting to change things, and then be patient with change. He says, “The more I went to school, the smarter Dad got.” Gus Brackett, columnist for Ag Proud – Idaho, shares his philosophies in his monthly column The Outside Circle, which is an old buckaroo term for the luckless cowboy who has to take the outside loop when circling up the cows. He always volunteers for that job, however, because it's “the best place to stew and think things over.” What's on Gus's mind today? Follow Gus Brackett: Facebook: @gus.brackett Or find his books here

They started out with traditional farming practices “stuck at the end of the canal between the rattlesnakes and rocks.” Beating the odds of farm consolidations or sell-offs, 4th generation family members at McIntyre Farms are now actively preparing for the 5th generation through soil health practices and multi-species grazing that will ensure their operation is sustainable for many years ahead. Brad McIntyre converted to a soil health system with no-till practices and cover crops, and the family now raises grassfed and finished beef, pastured pigs, laying hens, broiler chickens, meat ducks and turkeys. Get your protein here! Follow McIntyre Family Farms here: https://mcintyrefamilyfarms.com/ Facebook: @mcintyrepastures Instagram: @mcintyrepastures

Anna Pratt Likely and Cori Wittman Stitt are our guests today and they've just debuted the first Idaho Farm and Ranch Center Conference to help connect producers with transition planning resources. Anna and Cori talk about their respective roles and goals for this new arm of Idaho Department of Agriculture. There may be resources you'd be interested in …. Follow the Idaho Farm and Ranch Center here: https://agri.idaho.gov/farmcenter/

Today our host, Homer Jaynes (under some duress), agreed to tell you a little about himself, what his ag experience is, and where he comes from. He's probably not going to tell you about the time he drove his pickup out on the pond ice and broke through. He's probably not going to tell you about the time he rode his 4-H steer in the sale ring at the market fat stock sale. He'll spare you some of those details … so mum's the word – you didn't hear it here. Find out more about your host, and the fire off an email to him at podcast@agproud.com and let him hear from you!

Today, Editor Carrie Veselka and Associate Publisher David Cooper visit about “what the heck is going on with the Ag Proud – Idaho website.” And it's good news for you – the website now has more features, more how-to articles, more information for your operation, more security, and it's more mobile-friendly than ever before. If you need us from the tractor cab, we'll be there. If you need us from the milking parlor, we'll be there. If you need us from the far hills on the back of your horse … well, as long as you have reception we'll be there. Find out what we can do for you.

Host Homer Jaynes interviews Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) Executive Director Cameron Mulrony in this recording. They discuss growth in the state and how uninformed residents affect all of agriculture. They also talk about herd reduction nationwide and market impacts, extreme legislative movements concerning cattle in neighboring states, stock water rights and a host of Idaho ranching concerns and challenges. Get caught up on many current industry issues before the ICA annual convention in Sun Valley! Today's podcast is sponsored by Idaho Farm and Ranch Center. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture's Farm and Ranch Conference is bringing together producers, agribusinesses, organizations, and community leaders to exchange knowledge and expertise that position Idaho agriculture for success. The Farm and Ranch Conference will address key issues affecting Idaho producers. Attendees should be ready to engage with a variety of nationally renowned speakers, concurrent workshops, and panel discussions focused on managing finances, overcoming challenges, and planning for the future of the farm. Register today! - https://agri.idaho.gov/farmcenter/conference/ - October 24-25 - Boise, ID

Today's interview is with Dale Cowger, a farmer in Twin Falls County who tried something new this year – growing triticale seed. Dale shares some of his experiences with the crop, its challenges, and its benefits. Find out if this crop might be a new revenue stream for you. Today's podcast is sponsored by Idaho Farm and Ranch Center. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture's Farm and Ranch Conference is bringing together producers, agribusinesses, organizations, and community leaders to exchange knowledge and expertise that position Idaho agriculture for success. The Farm and Ranch Conference will address key issues affecting Idaho producers. Attendees should be ready to engage with a variety of nationally renowned speakers, concurrent workshops, and panel discussions focused on managing finances, overcoming challenges, and planning for the future of the farm. Register today! - https://agri.idaho.gov/farmcenter/conference/ - October 24-25 - Boise, ID

Our podcast guest today is with Jared Coley, of Setac, a silage and feed covering company in the Magic Valley. Jared talks about the business of covering silage piles and haystacks, and the feed loss associated with piles not protected. If it's not the tarp covering keeping out the oxygen on a silage pile, 12-18 inches of moldy, rotted surface will eventually seal it out – your choice. As much as 10% feed loss can happen with unprotected feed, and that gets expensive. Today's podcast is sponsored by Idaho Farm and Ranch Center. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture's Farm and Ranch Conference is bringing together producers, agribusinesses, organizations, and community leaders to exchange knowledge and expertise that position Idaho agriculture for success. The Farm and Ranch Conference will address key issues affecting Idaho producers. Attendees should be ready to engage with a variety of nationally renowned speakers, concurrent workshops, and panel discussions focused on managing finances, overcoming challenges, and planning for the future of the farm. Register today! - https://agri.idaho.gov/farmcenter/conference/ - October 24-25 - Boise, ID

Today's interview is with Jamen Painter, Sales Pro with Agri-Service in the Treasure Valley. Jamen lives and breathes farm equipment and has to know the ins and outs of a lot of different products, sizes and horsepower of tractors and implements to take care of his diverse customers. He talks about the equipment trends they're seeing, technology and what drives purchasing options. It's an inside look on an industry that involves us all. Today's podcast is sponsored by Idaho Farm and Ranch Center. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture's Farm and Ranch Conference is bringing together producers, agribusinesses, organizations, and community leaders to exchange knowledge and expertise that position Idaho agriculture for success. The Farm and Ranch Conference will address key issues affecting Idaho producers. Attendees should be ready to engage with a variety of nationally renowned speakers, concurrent workshops, and panel discussions focused on managing finances, overcoming challenges, and planning for the future of the farm. Register today! - https://agri.idaho.gov/farmcenter/conference/ - October 24-25 - Boise, ID

Today, our host Homer Jaynes visits with Briana Schumacher, Global Herd Careline Manager with Genex. Briana tells us what she's seeing on Idaho farms and ranches relating to herd health and how different managers are handling those challenges, both on dairies and on beef and purebred operations. She has a lot of insight to share. Today's podcast is sponsored by Idaho Farm and Ranch Center. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture's Farm and Ranch Conference is bringing together producers, agribusinesses, organizations, and community leaders to exchange knowledge and expertise that position Idaho agriculture for success. The Farm and Ranch Conference will address key issues affecting Idaho producers. Attendees should be ready to engage with a variety of nationally renowned speakers, concurrent workshops, and panel discussions focused on managing finances, overcoming challenges, and planning for the future of the farm. Register today! - https://agri.idaho.gov/farmcenter/conference/ - October 24-25 - Boise, ID

Today, Homer Jaynes visits with David Gleason and Jeremy Singer of the Simplot Corporation. They dive into farm data analysis (rotations, moisture levels, soil types and conditions, etc.) and what that means for next year's yields. It's all about maximizing yields while minimizing inputs with Smartfarm, no matter what part of the country you're in. Then Jeremy tells us about Simplot coordination with NRCS in a new venture to help take information to producers. Today's podcast is sponsored by Idaho Farm and Ranch Center. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture's Farm and Ranch Conference is bringing together producers, agribusinesses, organizations, and community leaders to exchange knowledge and expertise that position Idaho agriculture for success. The Farm and Ranch Conference will address key issues affecting Idaho producers. Attendees should be ready to engage with a variety of nationally renowned speakers, concurrent workshops, and panel discussions focused on managing finances, overcoming challenges, and planning for the future of the farm. Register today! - https://agri.idaho.gov/farmcenter/conference/ - October 24-25 - Boise, ID

Today Homer Jaynes interviews Justin Praegitzer, a field representative with GENEX, stationed in south central Idaho. With additional representatives in western and eastern Idaho, Genex provides dairy and beef herds with elite genetics, making genetic improvements to herds faster than ever before. Justin talks about changes in the livestock industry here in Idaho and identifies differences with Idaho herds compared to Midwest or Eastern herds. You'll always learn something new on the Ag Proud podcast. Today's podcast is sponsored by Idaho Farm and Ranch Center. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture's Farm and Ranch Conference is bringing together producers, agribusinesses, organizations, and community leaders to exchange knowledge and expertise that position Idaho agriculture for success. The Farm and Ranch Conference will address key issues affecting Idaho producers. Attendees should be ready to engage with a variety of nationally renowned speakers, concurrent workshops, and panel discussions focused on managing finances, overcoming challenges, and planning for the future of the farm. Register today! - https://agri.idaho.gov/farmcenter/conference/ - October 24-25 - Boise, ID

Today's interview is with Homedale's FFA Advisor and Ag Teacher Shane Wetzel. In addition to his school duties, Wetzel judges livestock shows at several county fairs and jackpots in Idaho. Today he'll talk about some of the disconnect between show animals and commercial animals and talk about changes throughout the industry that youth can learn from to increase their successes in the show ring.

Do you know what it means to “punch your numbers”? Today's interview features Jack Riggs who ranches in Glenns Ferry and is a contract auctioneer for Twin Falls Livestock Commission and Burley Livestock Commission. Jack talks about the ins and outs of auctioneering, explains punching numbers, advises when to run a bid and when not to, and gives an inside look at what it takes to become an auctioneer, as well as describing the auctioneer competitions throughout the country.

Here's a breakdown of the articles we've featured in this podcast: (1) Room to grow in Idaho – not all those from “out of town” are out-of-towners ¬– so to speak. Some are farmers and ranchers who came looking for an ag-friendly state. BnB Farms in Cambridge is one such story.  (2) Too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry – could describe almost any day in Idaho's farm country. The commodities cycle runs on the same philosophy apparently, says marketing management advisor Clark Johnston. He talks about managing the ups and downs of a very volatile marketplace.  (3) Zen artists want us to find balance in our lives, but that's just because they haven't owned chickens yet. Chickens will turn to mutiny no matter how much fluffy sawdust you give them. Michele Coleman brings her homespun humor to the rural life we all know (all too well).

Today we bring you an interview with Josh Callen, author and owner of The Hoyt Report. This seven-state hay report is customized for western growers and buyers in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada. If you want to know alfalfa hay prices and all other forage prices, if you want to know hay industry news and market indicators, if you want to know what the dairy situation is or the hay export situation, then Josh knows....

Today's interview is with Clarke Alder of the Amalgamated Sugar Company – a farmer-owned Idaho cooperative. Clarke is the agronomist for the group and helps with the research and grower education. In this short water year, hear what concerns are top of mind for sugarbeet growers.

Here's a breakdown of the articles we've featured in this podcast: (1) Our feature spotlight today is from Minidoka County where Mike Wilkins farms with his family. Of all the jobs on the farm, Wilkins says his favorite is operating the sugarbeet digger. Freelancer Julia McCarthy tells us his story. (2) As water becomes ever more valuable to Idaho, a group of ag producers consistently evaluate proposed increases to help legislators, the public and the Public Utilities Commission understand what's at stake for irrigators. Learn more about the Idaho Irrigation Pumpers Association.  (3) Our next guest knows all things market related – Clark Johnston. Well, he'd probably argue that he doesn't know ALL things, but studying historical trends can certainly inform tomorrows choices – in any market. The real difficulty, Clark says, is remaining calm through turbulent times. (4) “Shoeboxes and coffee cans” pretty well sums up humorist Michele Coleman's column. Where else would you find a pinewood derby car pushed up against two gift cards to the local farm supply store and business cards from tractor salesmen but a farmer's pocket and keepsake cleanout?

Today's interview is with Shane Blakely of Blakely Ag Consulting in Kimberly. In addition to running his own cow-calf operation, Shane writes nutrient management plans for feedlots and dairies, does ag consulting, phosphorous indexing and water calculations that comply with the Idaho Department of Agriculture standards.

Today we have three interviews for you, with three producers from around the state – Lance Griff with Griff Farms in Twin Falls County, Elizabeth Thomas with Thomas Cattle Company in Owyhee County and Shaun Van Orden with GVO Farms in Bingham County. They talk about the water situation this year and what changes that might mean for their operations.

Here's a breakdown of the articles we've featured in this podcast: (1) They can sniff out drugs, cancer cells and bombs, and now dogs are being trained to sniff out potato diseases in the field and in storage facilities. Freelancer Heather Smith Thomas introduces us to the dogs' handler to find out more about these unique capabilities. (2) Grain teff has become a new crop option for farms in southern Idaho. It's a high-paying crop and production can be contracted. Two producers in Twin Falls County share their experiences and challenges. (3) Bestowing names (and ear tags) shouldn't be complicated, but sometimes farm families like the Colemans just use up, recycle and reissue names generation after generation. So it's understandably a little murkier for them. Michele Coleman explains why doctors, friends and even marriage officiators get confused by her family's clan. (4) Life has a funny way of holding us accountable – which in this case is accomplished through a dog's loyalty or a brand on a calf hide … but it still holds us accountable. Humor columnist Paul Marchant leads us through the rancher's philosophy of doing the right things for the right reasons.

Today we bring you an interview with Jason Webb of Spring Farms in Declo. In addition to farming his own family farm, he custom plants corn silage and sugarbeets for other farmers. To do it right, Jason has some of the latest bells and whistles on his planter that determine precise seed placement, soil moisture, closing pressure needed, and depth. But the results are corn fields that look as uniform as picket fences.

Here's a breakdown of this podcast: (1) Zitlau Valley Farm - Zitlau Valley Farm in Bonneville County achieved century farm designation, after 100 years of working hard and being willing to adjust their revenue streams to keep more family members involved – including now members of the fourth generation. (2) L&L Meats in Homedale, Idaho, stays busy as a mobile butchering business – and it's even mobile enough to go as far as Alaska for a few weeks and help with cattle harvest there. (3) Farm dogs can be fickle – you think they're loyal and then someone starts ordering them around and suddenly you're knocked off the top spot. Or someone comes out with steak bones to share, and suddenly you're just sinew and hide. But don't worry – they'll come around. Michele Coleman shares her farm dog saga, reinforcing the belief that old dogs can learn new tricks.

Today we bring you a live interview with Radley Buxton, with The Radley Group Land and Luxury real estate company. Radley will explore options for pivot corner use, what to do with old farmhouses and barn apartments, and the hot market for dry camping spots – options that we might not have explored much.

Today we bring you a live interview with Will Jaynes, a board member of the Idaho Jackpot Show Series, which is new in 2022. Will explains the drive and concept behind the show series and tells us why it's important to have this avenue available for Idaho youth in the show ring.

Mai Ann Healy with Biofiltro tells us about a research project they're conducting on a dairy here in Idaho, with a unique product using worms, which is designed to reduce methane emissions.

Here's a breakdown of the articles we've featured in this podcast: (1) Against industry norms, one ranch now focuses on producing a smaller cow, to increase feed efficiency in a range environment. Backed by research, 1,200-pound cows wean heavier calves than 1,400-pound cows, and they share their experiences.  (2) Crop input costs, rotations and water expectations – these make crop production always a moving target. But the only information growers have is today's news – not tomorrow's or next week's. Clark Johnston, from JC Management guides us in this next article (titled Grain markets: The moving target of risk management) to determine which risk mitigation tools to use. (3) Bancroft rancher Steven Wight trains stock dogs and competes in national competitions. The problem is, Wight says, “When you get a good finished dog, it's tough to let them go.” Freelancer Julia McCarthy shares some of Wight's training tips. (4) Stock dogs – I'll bet you can name every stock dog you've ever had – the trained ones, the knotheads, the chicken chasers and the tire biters. In his column this month, Paul Marchant pays tribute to the loyal ranch canines he's shared with his family.

Here's a breakdown of the articles we've featured in this podcast: (1) Idaho-based leader fills the cow tech gap between OEMs and on-farm needs – Editor Walt Cooley visits with Automated Dairy about their automatic teat sprayer for the dairy parlor. (2) Money doesn't always matter – Freelancer Kimberly Williams Brackett brings you the results of Idaho's Hispanic agricultural employee survey, highlighting what's important to this sector of the work force. (3) Humor columnist and farmer's wife Michele Coleman says her later years are shaping up to be geared more toward “living relic” than “vintage.” She missed the memo about current trends, makes her own pie filling without posting about it on Instagram, and is only followed by her dog Molly.

Here's a breakdown of the articles we've featured in this podcast: (1) Farming in developing countries around the world is linked directly to Idaho through Christensen Machine Inc. in Heyburn. CMI is where Tuff-bilt tractors are manufactured, and these are modeled along the old Allis Chalmers G that was originally designed for homesteads of no more than 40 acres. Baby boomer farming (or farming under 20 acres) is also a market for this up-and-coming business. (2) The agrarian imperative says something like this: “I have to hold onto the family farm, no matter the cost.” We don't want to let our ancestors down. But the challenges are monumental in scope – global in scope, and some farmers have never felt more powerless. But there are, in fact, distinctive, proactive steps that go a long way to alleviate the issues. And resources are available. (3) While we work every day for the ever bigger and ever better blessings we're sure must await us, how humbling it is to realize the details of God's hand in our everyday lives – from “the four-wheeler that runs and a kid horse that doesn't,” or “the colt that bucked when you were 25 and the one that doesn't when you're 45.” God's tender mercies are given to us, no matter how undeserving we may be.

Here's a breakdown of the articles we've featured in this podcast: (1) Beyond the Ring and the Idaho Jackpot Show Series – A new showmanship points system has come to town. It is to livestock showing what PRCA is to rodeo. And several Idaho shows are sanctioned for the 2022 season. Learn more about it. (2) Farm wife humorist Michele Coleman shares her gnarly system of bookkeeping on the family farm, and she explains the pink check saga.

Here's a breakdown of the articles we've featured in this podcast: (1) John Hall, University of Idaho professor and beef extension specialist says, “Through visits with veterinarians and ranchers, it appears most herds have 3 to 10 percent more open cows.” Hall discusses the impacts of the hot and dry summer with freelancer Kimberly Williams Brackett in this next article.  (2) What has a long, hard-to-pronounce Latin name and fits on a dime? It's a new invasive insect (or new to Idaho) discovered near Mountain Home in 2021. Extension educator Brad Stokes tells us what's in store.  (3) Paul Marchant discovers a lot of things on his ranch – a lot of things about himself and life and what could or should have been done differently. Today he shares a lesson that happened 45 miles from his home, when he discovered a three-quarter-ton Ford pickup can break through swampy salt grass sod about as quickly as a sick cow.

Here's a breakdown of the articles we've featured in this podcast: (1) Rural Connectivity: How's Idaho coming with broadband internet, cell phone use and connectivity? This 2021 survey found mobile computer counterparts becoming more popular, such as smartphones and tablets, and Idaho use is higher than the national rate. (2) A Meat Ministry: When a community comes together and each member offers a service or part, many lives can be affected for good. In Salmon, Idaho, state agencies, community members, churches and businesses came together to provide meat to those in need. Here's their story. (3) A Farm Wife's Christmas List: Gift giving for the farm and ranch wife is very complicated. The perfect gift just might be to NOT track mud in the door for a whole year, or a promise to NOT put wet towels in the clothes hamper. Beyond that, your expectations should be low, advises humor columnist Michele Coleman. 

Here's a breakdown of the articles we've featured in this podcast: (1) Parlor to retail: Dairies owners around the state sat on a panel to talk about their shift from the milking parlor to processing and marketing directly to consumers. They share with us the pitfalls, struggles and rewards of such a move in this next article. (2) The art of farm taxes: Certified public accountant Doug Lincoln says, “… I consider it one of the worst planning mistakes to pay no taxes at all in a year.” And he's directing his remarks specifically to farmers and ranchers. (3) One program that is often overlooked in risk management is CREP, or Conservation Reserve Program, and it can be especially beneficial in drought years. Extension education Terrell Sorensen walks us through the highlights of that program. (4) Wipe your feet: Farm wife and mom Michele Coleman has to look no farther than her laundry room door to figure out what the kids have been up to. Hay – that's what they've been up to – pockets and pockets of hay.

Here's a breakdown of the articles we've featured in this podcast: (1) Like the rare kid that organizes his holiday candy into size, color and flavor piles, I'm sure there are a few rare farmers and ranchers out there who also organize – but most of us do not. We use the packrat and boneyard system. But we're not alone - even NASA has satellite junk. Editor Lynn Jaynes reminds us this month to be thankful – even for our farm trash. (2) Co-ops have been around a long time, but co-ops for beef production are a more recent development. Let's look at 25 ranchers from four states who have come together to produce a consistent supply of grass-fed beef marketed directly to consumers. They call themselves Desert Mountain Grass-Fed Beef Co-op. (3) 1.7 million pounds of flour per day is what Grain Craft mills in its Blackfoot facility. This family-owned company contributes to your daily food intake without you hardly recognizing their contribution to dinner rolls, tortillas, pizza dough, noodles and breakfast cereals.  (4) Success doesn't look the same for everyone, and everyone sets goals a little differently. But humor columnist Paul Marchant encourages everyone from basketball players to sale-topping cattle breeders to just aim to do their best – however they define it.

Here's a breakdown of the articles we've featured in this podcast: (1) C & L Locker: Sam and Lauren Hunt had a goal: Breed it, butcher it and see it on a plate. In 2010 Hunts bought the local butcher shop business near Moscow and almost immediately had trouble keeping up with consumer demand. So, they expanded their personal herd to fill the gaps. Their background in beef production and genetics helps give consumers what they're looking for – a local product with good-tasting and well-cared-for animals. (2) J3 Dairy: There are still pioneers in the ag industry – people who never grew up in agriculture, but at some point jumped in with both feet. Jeff Lund at J3 Dairy is one of those pioneers. Today, he and his two sons are still optimistic about the dairy industry and hope to expand further.  (3) Shipping Fever: As cattle are shipped in the fall, stress for the animal ramps up and depresses their immunity from common ailments like BRD and pneumonia. With pre-conditioning and management, however, producers can help mitigate the stress of the season. University of Idaho extension educator Meranda Small shares how. (4) Chickens and owls: Just as owls and chickens run on different activity clocks, so do members of the Coleman family, resulting in a few who like to crow about getting up early and others who start a batch of pickles at 11 p.m. It's a challenge to get a farm to run when everyone is on a different clock.

Here's a breakdown of the articles we've featured in this podcast: (1) Editorial intern Sundee Holtman questioned Ty and Matea Beck of Burley, Idaho to find out what their farm strategy was. Ty talks about his changing mindset – knowing things that he can affect and knowing the things he can't. (2) Talk around the industry regarding carbon credits has taken an interesting turn in the courts. California holds carbon credits are not property rights, but the rest of the country doesn't seem to agree. And can these be taxed? There's a lot to be cussed and discussed. (3) A mobile veterinary service in Chester, Idaho, specializes in embryo transfer in cattle and horses. Doc Geary and his wife, Cindy, are well known in eastern Idaho as they operate a large animal vet clinic in the spirit of teamwork – loving their clients (the four-legged and two-legged variety). (4) Do you have a backup plan? Humor columnist Paul Marchant strongly advises having “plan B” ready for any situation, but especially if you're working with cattle. Seldom do those critters cooperate, especially if you're in a hurry.

Here's a breakdown of the articles we've featured in this podcast: (1) You know if you eat a French fry where that potato came from – of course you do – Idaho. But where do those purple, gold, red and black potatoes come from? And the funny shaped ones? And the ones bagged in the garden store for spring planting? Freelancer Heather Smith Thomas will introduce you to one of Idaho's own niche potato market growers: Steinmann Seed Potatoes. (2) The game “rock, paper, scissors” has probably settled its share of disagreements, but it has little efficacy on negotiations when it comes to ag contracts. University of Idaho Extension Economist Ashlee Westerhold shares three questions to ask yourself before negotiating that contract. (3) FFA donkey basketball and dessert auctions share the stage of columnist Michele Coleman's world, as she shares why her humble apple pie hit the sweet spot of the fundraising auction.

Here's a breakdown of the articles we've featured in this podcast: (1) What began as a journey to eliminate brokers and handlers, has led developers Kurt Mason and Tim Cornie to create a mill in Buhl, Idaho for organic grains. Now consumers find their products on shelves, even at big box stores. (2) Editor Sundee Holtman introduces our next guest, as she interviewed Ryan Robertson in Hidden Valley, Idaho at R-Ag Inc. Beyond straight fences and tall crops, what makes his operation “work”? (3) You can farm without buying land – and don't let anyone tell you differently. Silver Creek Seed has operated on rented ground since 2006 and is successful with their potato seed operation. Mark and Jill Johnson of Bellvue lead us through their story of creating a business enterprise. (4) Columnist Paul Marchant admits there should probably be an intervention for those (like him) who are addicted to bull sale catalogs. And it's that time of year again … those catalogs will start showing up any day.