Congratulations to Nate, Class 33, and Launa, Class 32, Fowler on their early Christmas present - a daughter born December 21, weighing 7 lbs. 3 oz.  She will be joining her two older sisters, and hopefully will have a name soon!
 
Congratulations to Kim Korn, Class 14, who recently was recognized for five years of service to United Dairymen of Idaho. Kim has served on the UDI board and is involved in her family dairy located in Terreton.
 
Ray Gross, Class 15, will be returning to Idaho for the holidays after receiving treatments at the Cancer Center in Houston. Please continue your thoughts and prayers on Ray’s behalf as he continues his treatment program.
 
Thank you for your response for potential interns. I am pleased to let you know that Argia Larrocea, daughter of Susi Larrocea, Class 4, and Flip Phillips, Class 3, will be serving as intern with Roger Batt in our office. Through Dale Dixon, Class 21, we will have Mitch Coats serving as intern for Food Producers.
 
Congratulations to Mark Ricks, Class 11, who was elected County Commissioner for Teton County.  Mark farms at Newdale, Idaho.
 
Congratulations to Dan Johnson, Class 14, who was named Legislator of the Year by the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts. Dan is a Senator from District 6 serving his 4th term.
 
Sympathy is extended to Will Ricks, Class 27, in the recent passing of his father. Will farms in the Monteview area.
 
Sympathy extended to Shawna Paine, Class 15, in the passing of her mother. In the last few months Shawna has lost both of her parents.
 
Congratulations to Terry Kramer, Class 19, who was presented the 2016 Doyle Scott Award from the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts for his contribution to conservation efforts in Idaho. Terry is a county commissioner in Twin Falls County.
 
Retirement is just around the corner for Mary Stuart, Class 22, who will be leaving USDA Risk Management Agency in Spokane on December 24. What a nice Christmas present for her and her husband! Mary has worked for RMA for 30 years.
 
Speaking of retirement - Charles “Chad” Cheyney, Class 28, reported on his retirement from U of I Extension in June. Chad has been helping out as building manager at the Arco Butte Business Incubation Center and through this connection, became a member of the Board of Directors. Chad is also working in some travel to visit family in various parts of the U.S. 
 
Some new opportunities have opened up recently related to association management. If you would like to learn more about one of the following, please contact Rick Waitley:

• Executive Director for Milk Producers of Idaho – based in Boise – representing some of the larger dairymen in the state in public policy issues. This position has been held by Brent Olmstead who was recently named Assistant to the Dean for Government and Industry Relations.
  
• Idaho Water Users Association - This position has been held by Norm Semanko who will be joining the firm of Moffat Thomas in Boise as an attorney. The organization represents canal companies and water districts in Idaho.

Congratulations to Mark Klompien, Class 16, who was named CEO of United Potato Growers of America. Mark has spent most of his career in potato processing related positions and for the past 4.5 years has been president of Idaho Grower Shippers.
 
Congratulations to Jim Patrick, Class 15, who was presented with a U of I CALS Distinguished Alumni Award at the Alumni and Friends Association Banquet the first weekend of December.
 
Congratulations to Darrell Bolz, Class 7, who was presented the Distinguished Retiree Award at the same event. Darrell has served as a County Extension Educator and as a State Representative.
 
Congratulations to Alex Reed, Class 35, and his wife, Leah, who welcomed Adele into their family on October 27. Adele weighed in at 7 lbs., 8 oz., and will be well cared for by three older siblings!
 
LIA Trustee Blake Matthews, Class 36, and wife, Valerie, celebrated the arrival of little Mason on November 7. Blake farms in the Oakley area.
 
Congratulations to Phil Kaufman, Class 36, and his wife, Jeanene, on the arrival of James Philip on November 30. Everyone is doing well, and now Phil will sleep better knowing there is a Kaufman to take over the farming operation in Lewiston!
 
Sympathy is extended to Jim Whittaker, Class 24, in the recent passing of his wife, Paula. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim and his family. Jim ranches in the Leadore area.
 
Sympathy is extended to Ron Bitner, Class 3, in the passing of his younger brother, Dale Bitner. Ron is still very engaged in his winery business near Caldwell.
 
Please keep in your thoughts and prayers:  

• Brian Dixon, candidate selected for Class 37, but unable to participate as he was diagnosed with a reoccurrence of leukemia the Sunday before the Moscow Session. Brian will be in Salt Lake City for several months of treatments. His wife has moved there with him.
• Ray Gross, Class 15, who is receiving treatments at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Family members have also joined him there.
• Julie Kerner, Class 1, as she fights a tough battle against cancer. Julie and her husband ranch in Weiser.

 
The 2017 Legislature met in Boise in early December to reorganize the legislative leadership. Congratulations to Senator Jim Patrick, Class 15, elected Chairman of the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee; and to Senator Dan Johnson, Class 14, elected Chairman of Local Government and Taxation Committee. The 2017 Idaho legislature begins on Monday, January 9.
 
Coinciding with our new President-elect, a new State FSA Board will be put in place. If you are a producer and would like to have your name considered for a position on the State Board, contact your local FSA office and find out the details of the application process.

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Upcoming Events

Monday, December 12, 2016
LIA Board of Trustees Meeting, 10 AM (AMG)
LIA Auction Committee Meeting, 2 PM (AMG)
 
Monday-Tuesday, February 20-21, 2017
Idaho Ag Summit - Boise Red Lion
More info at: www.idahoagsummit.org
 
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
LIA Annual Alumni Gala and Auction - Boise Centre
​More info HERE