Congratulations to Taylor, Class 35, and Lynae, Class 36, Grant, on the birth of Nora Olivia Grant born on July 22, 2022. Nora entered the world weighing 7 lbs. and 12 oz and is 21 inches long and joins older brother Denver. Proud Grandpa is Duane Grant, Class 2.

​We are late in receiving word that Victor Vasquez, Class 42, and his wife Jordana announced the arrival of Jordan Victor on May 5. Jordan joins two older brothers. Victor lives in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin where he is employed by Glanbia. Also, big news for Victor is that in May he completed his MBA through Boise State University and with his engagement in LIA Class 42, virtual classes, and raising an active family while maintaining a full-time job, he graduated with a 4.0 GPA.

Congratulations to Jillian Lux, daughter of Marty, Class 38, and Jen, Class 37, Lux who was recently presented a high school scholarship from Northwest Farm Credit Services. Jillian is planning to attend college at Arizona State University. Also receiving a NWFCS scholarship for a Land Grant University is Mackenzie Malson, daughter of Josh and Maggie, Class 39, Malson. Mackenzie will be attending the University of Idaho.

Chris Reed, Class 42, and his family have recently relocated from Idaho Falls to Manitoba, Canada where Chris is working on a special project for Cargill to expand Canola production. Chris anticipates the project to last for three years before he and his family return to Idaho.

On the Roots Africa Zoom call several LIA Alumni joined Cedric Nwafor, Honorary Member, and celebrated their graduation and success of the program. Cedric shared several Idaho stories and connections related to how Roots was originally started. Joining the call included: Brent Lawson, James Redmond, Andrea Mouw, Lacy Papageorge, all from Class 42. Also on the call were Nic Gibson, Class 37, Teri Murrison, Affiliate Member, Mark Zirschky, Class 32, Ron Jones, Class 2 and Rick Waitley, Class 8. On the call we learned Brent Lawson and James Redmond have served as mentors for folks in Uganda related to some agriculture projects.

Devin Fielding, Class 40, was recently elected secretary of the Idaho Hay and Forage Association Board of Directors. Devin farms near Shelley. Devin joins other LIA graduates on the board including Rick Pearson, Class, 21, Larry Hollifield, Class 41, Steve Hines, Class 31 and Will Ricks, Class 27, who serves as an LIA trustee and is president of the IHFA board of directors.

Blake Matthews, Class 36, was recently elected to the board of the Southern Idaho Potato Cooperative, Inc. Blake farms near Oakley and was also elected as secretary/treasurer at the reorganization session following the annual meeting.

Speaking of potatoes – congratulations to Mike Thornton, Class 12, who was named a lifetime member of the Potato Association of America during the organizations most recent meeting in MT. This is the highest award bestowed upon an individual by PAA. Mike is a professor of plant science at the U of I Parma R and E Center.

August 1 is the deadline for applications for LIA Class 43. This is the last year the tuition for the class will be $2700. If you know of production ag folks who are thinking about applying, please encourage them to have their information, application, essay and two letters of recommendation to us by the due date of August 1. Any other questions please direct to Rick Waitley at 208-888-0988.

DIRECTORY UPDATE: Please be sure you have submitted your personal update for the LIA 2022-2023 Directory. We are sending reminders periodically via Constant Contact. If you have not received the information about updating your information, please contact Brenda at [email protected].

Congratulations to Heidi Martin, Class 28, who became mother to Greyson, who was born on May 29th. Mom and Greyson have already been camping, Greyson is in for an adventurous life. 

Recently, at a McCain Foods Customer Appreciation event special recognition was given to Jerry Swisher, Class 10, and Marc Howard, Class 11, on their recent retirements. However, both men have stepped back into the saddle to help with seasonal activities due to employment challenges by the company.

Jim Church, Class 5, is serving as the North Idaho Extension Director. Jim is responsible for the nine northern Idaho counties in addition to his work in Idaho County as an Extension Educator.

Speaking of Extension, we have learned Nic Usabel, Class 42, has relocated from Idaho Extension in Canyon County to Montana Extension.

Carly Schoepflin, Class 34, coordinated an excellent Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new CAFÉ project north of Rupert. Over 150 were in attendance. Duane Grant, Class 2, and Taylor Grant, Class 35, took extra time and effort to build a good road to the location for the event held on June 28. Pictures of the groundbreaking are posted on the LIA Facebook page. Many LIA alumni were present, and we did not capture a picture of everyone, but you will see many familiar faces.

We are receiving good reports from Lynn Bachman, Class 31, on his daughter Elsie. Elsie’s goal was to be back on a horse by July 1 and she accomplished that goal. Also, great reports from Erik Olson, Class 38, on his son, Dylan, and his progress from the car accident. Thanks to everyone who have supported these two families with your prayers and words of encouragement.

Many Idaho Power Customers received in their monthly billing June Connections. The page featured our very own Don Morishita, Class 11, and his wife Betsy. Don has retired from the U of I as an Extension Weed Specialist located in Kimberly.

Rick and Dorita Waitley made a whirlwind LIA Recruitment Tour throughout North Idaho to hopefully elevate the need for more applications from Idaho’s panhandle. A total of 80 applications were placed in the hands of alumni. Thanks to the following alumni who joined us for events along the way:
 
CDA
Linda Rider, Trustee, Class 22
Karleen Meyer, Affiliate Member
 
Moscow
Jenny Ford, Class 39
Jeremy Falk, Class 36
Treg Owings, Trustee, Class 35
Alan Martinson, Class 27
Carly Schoepflin, Class 34
Caroline Troy, Class 15

Lewiston
Jim Miller, Trustee, Class 29
Jeff Kaufman, Class 42
Lee Holtom, Class 40
Eric Odberg, Class 11
Grangeville
Eric Gjevre, Class 26
Jared Everson, Class 39
Joel Wasem, Class 38  

Sympathy is extended to Duane Grant, Class 2, on the passing of his father. Also, to Taylor, Class 35, and Lynae, Class 36, Grant and to Ryan, Class 33, and Malia, Class 36, Miller and Kenyon, Class 33, Miller’s grandfather. Douglas Grant was 92 years old.

Sympathy is extended to Kyra Povirk, Class 35, on the recent passing of her mother. Kyra works for BLM out of the Challis Field office.

Craig Quarterman, Class 38, has agreed to coordinate the LIA Congressional Aides Fact Finding Tour scheduled for August 8-12 in the Treasure Valley. Craig works for Congressman Mike Simpson. 

Thanks to all who participated in the 5th Annual LIA Golf Scramble! The tournament took place on Friday, June 10 at Canyon Springs Golf Course in Twin Falls. Not only did we have a ton of fun in support of the LIA Foundation, but some great team golf was played! The following teams placed:
 
T1) Scott Bedke for Lt. Governor
T1) J.R. Simplot Company
2) Wilbur-Ellis
3) SGC
 
Mark your calendars for the 6th Annual LIA Golf Scramble Friday, June 9, 2023!
 
The LIA Directory update information has been mailed to all alumni. We encourage you to complete the information with current facts and information about your life and return it to our office ASAP.
 
Dues for 2022-2023 will be in the mail to all Alumni in the very near future. Watch your mail and continue your support of LIA. We look forward to maintaining your name on the roster.