Do you have a new cell number?  New address?  New job?  Please take a few minutes to update your LIA Directory information: 

• Go to the LIA website - www.leadershipidahoag.org - and follow these simple steps:
• Click on the box that says,

“CHECK THE ACCURACY OF YOUR INFORMATION FOR THE LIA DIRECTORY”

• Enter the password:  lia1617
• Click again, and you will be able to view the directory. Scroll down to your listing and carefully check your information. (Please note that some of your information might be on the following page.) 
• If you do NOT need any changes, email “No changes” to Joanne at [email protected].
• If you need to make corrections/changes, complete the accompanying form and click on SUBMIT.

To pay your 2016-17 membership dues:  Go to the LIA website - www.leadershipidahoag.org - click on “Alumni” and then “Membership Dues”; follow instructions.  Our new membership year starts July 1.

THANK YOU!!

On April 18, Easton Lee Small made his way to the home of Meranda Small, Class 36, and her husband, Wyatt. Weighing in at 7 lbs. 2 oz., Easton measured 20.5 inches long. Meranda works for U of I in Blackfoot and Wyatt works for AgriBeef in American Falls as manager of Snake River Cattle.
 
Wedding bells rang on June 8 for Carly Raska, Class 34, who married Rob Schoepflin. Carly works for U of I CALS Development and Rob is a pilot. The Schoepflins will make their home in Palouse.
 
Congratulations to Kim O’Neill Anderson, Class 27, who was recently presented the Ray A. Miller Professional Achievement Award from the National Agriculture Alumni and Development Association for her career, achievements, and leadership in agriculture. Kim serves as assistant to the Dean at U of I CALS.
 
Our deepest sympathy is extended to Steve Bateman, Class 11, in the passing of his wife, Cathe. Steve and Cathe were married for 41 years and for most of those years worked together in the grass seed industry in the Nezperce area.
 
Agriculture in the Classroom workshops and tours were held around the state the past three weeks. Thanks to many LIA alumni who were presenters at these educational activities for teachers - Zack Zacharisen, Class 17; Lance Hedler, Class 35; Jim Miller, Class 29; Katherine O’Brien, Class 20; Joe Farmer, Class 35; Luke Erickson, Class 29; Buck Boyer, Class 29; Paul Brusven, Class 21; Doug McIntosh, Class 19; Art McIntosh, Class 31; Joe Stewart, Class 16; Brett Lolley, Class 28; and Mike Thornton, Class 12.  They are all true advocates for agriculture who took time from their daily responsibilities to help the teachers learn more about Idaho agriculture.
 
Northwest Farm Credit Services is celebrating their 100th Anniversary.  LIA alumni will participate at a special event on June 29, including NWFC Idaho President Blair Wilson, Class 11; Mark Duffin, Class 22; Kelly Olson, Class 16; and Rick Waitley, Class 8.
 
CHS Primeland in Lewiston recently held a grand opening for a new fertilizer hub plant at the Port of Wilma – the largest of its kind in the inland Northwest. Coordinating many of the day’s activities was LIA Board Chairman, Jim Miller, Class 29. A number of LIA alumni joined the event to celebrate the grand opening.
 
Northwest Farm Credit Services recently announced scholarship winners for the coming fall term. Students of LIA alumni receiving scholarships include: Gretchen Hansten, daughter of Alan Hansten, Class 36; Paige Takasugi, daughter of Pat Takasugi, Class 4; Cole Lickley, son of Bill Lickley, Class 25.
 
Robert Blair, Class 26, had the opportunity to testify before the U.S. House of Representatives about drones in agriculture. Congratulations, Robert – we are sure you did a great job of representing Idaho and this new technology.

Sympathy is extended to the family of LIA Lifetime Member Sara Braasch Schmidt, Class 9, who lost her battle with breast cancer on Sunday, June 5. Many of you have stood faithfully beside Sara over the past few years as she has fought hard against the cancer. A memorial has been established through the Idaho FFA Foundation. Sara had actually planted seed money in the scholarship fund prior to her passing. If you need more information, please contact the LIA office.
 
Congratulations to Jen Root, Class 35, who received the U of I CALS Outstanding Staff Award for the Program Support Division. Carly Raska, Class 34, was also nominated for the CALS Outstanding Staff Award for the Administrative Support Division.

North Idaho LIA Alumni have been invited to attend the Grand Opening of the Port of Wilma Agronomy Hub Plant owned by CHS Primeland: The CHS Primeland Board and Staff would like to cordially invite you and the Board, staff, and alumni of the Leadership Idaho Agriculture Program to the Grand Opening of our Port of Wilma Agronomy Hub Plant in Clarkston, WA (only 2 miles from Idaho!) on June 23.  The event is an open house starting at 10:00 am with tours and vendor displays.  We will hold a short program, ribbon cutting and lunch at 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.  During this program we would like to introduce you all and thank you for your commitment to agriculture in the region.  The event will continue with tours until 3:00 pm.  We hope it works with your schedules to attend.  An RSVP is appreciated.

Congratulations to Kim O’Neill Anderson, Class 27, who was recently appointed to the Moscow Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
 
Matt Voile, Class 24, has announced his resignation from ISDA effective June 15.  Matt has served as the State Noxious Weed Coordinator for the past 12 years.
 
Changing jobs in agriculture will be Christi Falen, Class 33, who will be joining the staff at WinField as the PNW Agronomist on June 20. Christi has been employed at Simplot Company for the past few years.

We want to hear from you!!!
Follow these simple steps to renew your membership and update your contact information:

• To pay your 2016-17 membership dues:  Visit our “Membership Dues” page; follow instructions.  Our new membership year starts July 1st.

• To update your LIA Directory information:  Click here.
• Enter the password:  lia1617
• Click again, and you will be able to view the directory. Scroll down to your listing and carefully check your information. (Please note that some of your information might be on the following page.) 
• If you need to make corrections/changes, complete the accompanying form and click on SUBMIT.
• If you do NOT need any changes, email “No changes” to Joanne at [email protected].

Thank you for helping keep the LIA alumni network connected!

July 1 is the deadline for nominations for the Idaho Ag Summit Governor’s Award for Excellence in Agriculture. There are a total of 5 categories:

• Education and/or Advocacy
  
• Environmental Stewardship
• Marketing Innovation
• Technical Innovation
• Lifetime Achievement

A short description of each category and the nomination information and form are online at the Idaho Ag Summit webpage, www.idahoagsummit.org. Please look around your community for potential nominees.