LIA BRIEFS

Congratulations to Dave Bjornberg, Class 23, who will be traveling to Uruguay for three weeks (September 14- October 2). The trip is sponsored by the Fulbright Specialist Program. The purpose of the trip is to help Uruguay’s National Institute of Agriculture Research implement appropriate irrigation systems and management to improve crop production and preserve natural resources. Dave is the director of the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

Ron Novachek, Class 14, was recently named to the Twin Falls County Fair and Rodeo Board of Directors. The 2015 Fair was his first fair as a new board member.

And speaking of fairs - Congratulations to Matt, Class 29, and Kristie Dorsey, Class 35; Adam Duckett, Class 33; and Mike Nichols, Class 13 - all of whom were named Farm Families of the Day by the Western Idaho Fair. This is a special honor recognizing the families for their investment in Idaho agriculture.

At the Twin Falls County Fair, a new award was presented called the Featured Farm Family Award. This first year's awards were presented to Clark Kauffman, Class 13, and his wife, Debbie; and Alex Reed, Class 35, and his wife, Leah. Other winning families were connected to LIA graduates and several of the winning nominations were submitted by LIA alumni.

Thanks to the many LIA Alumni and family members who volunteered to work at the Western Idaho Fair and the Twin Falls County Fair Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Pavilion. You helped us tell the story of Idaho agriculture to our visitors!

Please remember in your thoughts and prayers the following LIA members who are dealing with health issues:

• Pat Barclay, Class 16, had knee surgery on September 15 and is home recovering
  
• Sara Schmidt, Class 9, recently diagnosed with re-occurring cancer, this time in her liver, and is facing chemotherapy treatments
  

Sympathy is extended to Neil Rimbey, Class 11, in the recent passing of his father. Neil is a Range Economist with U of I, stationed in Caldwell.

Kenyon Miller, Class 33, of 4D Farms, has recently moved from the home operation in Rupert to Caldwell where he will oversee the operations of 4D Farms in the Idaho-Oregon area.

Special thanks to LIA Trustee, Jim Lowe, Class 31, and his wife, Hillary, for hosting the LIA Alumni at the soft opening of The Farmstead on Friday, September 18.  Over 40 LIA Alumni were in attendance with spouses, families and guests. It was a beautiful evening, and a great opportunity for many to meet Cedric Nwafor from Washington, D.C., who was in Idaho visiting farms and ranches.

The 2015-2016 LIA Alumni Directory has arrived! We are anxious to get the directories in the hands of LIA Alumni members. Membership dues, annual or lifetime, were payable after July 1. Dues can be paid online here or by calling Patty at 208-888-0988.

Now is the time to sign up for the 2016 Washington DC Experience. The trip is planned for April.  The final dates will be announced after the Congressional calendar is released. A limited number are allowed to participate in this week-long experience, so call Joanne (208-888-0988) or email her at joanne@amgidaho.com, and reserve your spot for the trip today!!!