Our sympathy is extended to Darrell Bolz, Class 7, on the passing of his mother on Valentine's Day.  Darrell's mom lived in Ontario and was in her mid-90's. 

Our sympathy also goes out to Kim Royer, Class 24, for the loss of her mother earlier in the month. 

Congratulations to the following who were presented with the Friend of LIA Awards at the Graduation of Class 35:

Matt Dorsey, Class 29, for his leadership with the LIA Foundation. Matt just completed his service as chairman of the Board of Trustees. He formerly served as chairman of the LIA Advisory Committee and was a co-chairman for LIA Classes 30 and 31.

Kyle Woods, Class 32, for his leadership with the LIA Auction Committee the last three years. Kyle has led the committee in coordinating three very successful auctions.

Nic Gibson, AMG staff member, in the area of Graphic Design. Nic has recently redesigned the LIA webpage and is responsible for promotional materials used by LIA. Nic is married to Kyra Gibson, Class 35. 

Idaho AgCredit, based in Blackfoot, Idaho.  Idaho AgCredit has had a total of nine employees or customers participate in LIA class. Many of the upper administration in the agriculture credit cooperative are graduates of LIA.


Congratulations to the 2015-2016 officers for the Board of Trustees:
Chairman of the Board - Matt Gellings, Class 19
Vice Chairman of the Board - Debra Ausman, Class 19
Secretary/Treasurer of the Board - RoLynne Hendricks, Class 33


Did you know?

The 2015 LIA Alumni Auction raised the most money of any auction in our 19-year history - $95,500!

Accounting during the auction was handled by staff from Columbia Bank and Northwest Farm Credit Services. Special thanks to David Temple, Class 26, and Becky Temple, Class 29, for coordinating behind-the-scenes operations of the auction.

Graduation of LIA Class 35 brings the number of LIA graduates to a total of 872.         

LIA Class 35 had the most sponsors for participants of any class in the history of LIA. This reflects strong industry support of the program.

Congratulations to LIA members who were presented Lifetime Membership plaques at the 2015 Graduation. Those receiving this recognition were:

Darrell Bolz, Class 7                Todd Flick, Class 5                              Larry Grim, Class 9
Doug Gross, Class 7                Steve Kaufman, Class 34                     Will Ricks, Class 27
Doug Robison, Class 29          Steve Lejardi, Class 17                         Mike Larsen, Class 28
Kevin Leak, Class 8                 RoLynne Hendricks, Class 33             Neil Durrant, Class 34

Wedding bells rang on January 1 for David Patrick, Class 29, celebrating his marriage to Joyia. David is involved in the family farming operation with his Dad, Senator Jim Patrick, Class 15.

Congratulations to Marie Hattaway, Class 31, new Program Director for Idaho Afterschool Network. IAN has a number of cooperative partners, including U of I 4-H Youth Development.

Kim O’Neill, Class 27, has been named one of the Idaho Business Review 2015 Women of the Year. Kim will be honored on February 26, along with 49 other ladies, at a special event in Boise.

Senator Dan Johnson, Class 14, and Representative Marc Gibbs, Class 4, were presented with Idaho State FFA Honorary Degrees at a special event on January 26, with over 600 FFA members and guests in attendance.

Representative Gayle Batt, Class 18, was presented the “Friend of the Industry” Award by the Idaho Cooperative Council at the ICC/FFA Cenarrusa Day on the Hill event in Boise.

Sympathy is extended to LIA Trustee Deb Ausman, Class 19, and her husband, Brit, in the passing of Brit’s Dad, Pip Ausman. Pip was well-known throughout the grain industry in Idaho and Washington.

Governor Otter recently named Kim Royer, Class 24, to the Idaho Sheep and Goat Health Board. Kim is the first goat producer in Idaho to be named to the Health Board since the Idaho legislature changed the structure to include goat producers.

Recently appointed to the Idaho Alfalfa and Clover Seed Commission are Steve Lejardi, Class 17, and Jared Gebauer, Class 32. Both are from Homedale - Steve is a producer and Jared works for Allied Seeds.

Class 35 has selected to offer a choice as their Class Prize for the LIA Auction, February 19. The purchase of one ticket for $25, or 5 tickets for $100, will put you in the drawing for a Traeger Grill and many accessories, or a set of diamond earrings. After the winner makes his/her selection, the remaining item will be placed in the Live Auction.

LIA DC Experience - 2015
You do not want to miss the opportunity to participate in the
Washington, DC Experience, Sunday, April 12 – Friday, April 17
If you are interested, we need to know by Friday of this week – February 6. There are scholarship funds available through a special grant with CHS Cooperative. Spouses may attend with some additional cost, and you are responsible to book your own plane tickets to and from DC.  The experience is one you will remember forever! We welcome the opportunity to send you an application. The important thing at this time is to get your name on the list – space is limited and the selection of participants will be made in the next two weeks.


Leadership Idaho Agriculture – 2015 Annual Meeting
11:00 AM, Thursday, February 19
Red Lion Downtowner in Boise