LIA Briefs

Congratulations to Siska Reece, Class 38, and Hendrik Van Es, Class 45, who were both presented Advocate for Ag Awards by the Idaho Agriculture in the Classroom Association at their 2024 Annual Meeting. Siska and her husband Justin operate a dairy in Melba and Hendrik operates a dairy in Marsing. Both host many field trips for elementary children. In the summer of 2024, Siska held a two day Farm Camp for children and teens which was well attended. 

Congratulations to Treg Owings, Class 35, who retired from his work at USDA NRCS as a Resource Conservationist. Treg has been employed with the agency since 1988 working in three states: Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. His plans for retirement include more fishing and camping and finding something to do in agriculture. Treg resides in Lewiston with his wife Carol.

Jared Ashcraft, Class 40, is no longer employed at Idaho AgCredit. He is farming on his own near Hamer and raising potatoes, wheat and alfalfa.

Maggie Malson, Class 39, recently joined the Farm Journal, an ag media company, as the Content Creator and Digital Storyteller for Drovers and PORK. Maggie provides new and feature writing, photography and social management for both brands. Maggie and her husband live near Parma where they farm and raise beef cattle. Maggie has held a number of leadership positions in the Idaho Cattle Association and Idaho Cattle Women’s organization. 

John Richards, Class 43, has recently changed jobs and is now the General Counsel for the Idaho Department of Lands in Boise. John had been employed as an attorney at the Sawtooth Law Firm in Boise. John and his wife Ashley live in Boise. 

​Sympathy is extended to Dave Reynolds, Class 40, and to Mac Reynolds, Class 40, who recently lost their Mother. Dave farms near Kuna and Mac works for PNW Farmers Cooperative in Genesee.

Sympathy is extended to Darcy Helmick, Class 32, who celebrated the life of her Grandfather Keith “Bud” Helmick who was 93 years old and was married for 69 years. Darcy is employed at Simplot Land and Livestock in Grandview as the Land Manager.

The Idaho Agriculture in the Classroom Association held their annual meeting in mid-December. Heidi Martin, Class 28, was elected as President and works at Dairy West. Stephanie Duckett, Class 40, was elected Secretary/Treasurer and farms with her husband Adam, Class 33, near Melba. Elected for another term on the board were Derek Gerratt, Class 42, employed at AgWest Farm Credit in Twin Falls and Heidi Martin.

Congratulations to Representative Steve Miller, Class 29, who was recognized as an Ag All Star at the recent Food Producers of Idaho Banquet. The recognition is based on Rep. Miller’s voting record on agriculture and natural resource issues. Steve farms near Fairfield when he is not in the legislature representing his constituents from District 24. 

​Congratulations to Michael Siegersma, Class 44 and Jocelyn on the birth of their third child Joshua James on December 31. Joshua joins older sister Avery and brother Jake. Michael works at Greenfield Meats in Meridian and for Simon Vander Woude Enterprises.

Upcoming dates:

• LIA Alumni Gala and Auction – Wednesday, February 19 – Boise Centre West
• Graduation of LIA Class 45 – Friday, February 21 – Hilton Garden Inn Downtown
• Washington DC Experience – May 4-9, 2025
• Ireland International Exchange – October 12-22, 2025

Note: For questions on any of these opportunities feel free to reach out to Kendra Dustin, Development Director for more details – [email protected].