LIA Briefs

​Congratulations to Laura Wilder, Class 38, who has recently been named administrator of the Idaho Barley Commission. Laura will be filling the shoes of Kelly Olson, Class 16, who will be looking at some retirement opportunities early this summer. Laura has been serving as the executive director of the Idaho FFA Foundation.
 
Speaking of FFA, three LIA alumni conducted the training for the new Idaho State FFA officer team on April 16. Rick Waitley, Class 8, Benjamin Kelly, Class 29, and Kyra Gibson, Class 35, met with the six new state officers to jump-start their year of leadership for Idaho FFA.
 
Congratulations to Will Ricks, Class 27, who was elected president of the Idaho Hay and Forage Association and to Ben McIntyre, Class 29, who was elected vice president of the same association. Both are active hay and forage producers in their area.
 
Congratulations to Mark Zacharisen, Class 17, whose daughter, Amber, was recently married to Kolby Overstreet. Zach and his wife, Karen, reside in Colton, WA, where Zach is employed by CHS Primeland as an agronomist.
 
Jim Miller, Class 29, has had many changes in his life recently. Jim was named by the LIA Advisory Committee to fill a one-year position on the board of trustees formerly held by Nate Fowler, Class 33, who elected not to seek another term based upon his involvement in his job at Rock Harbor Church. Jim also was recently named as the director of development and capital project analyst for the University of Idaho College of Ag and Life Sciences. Jim and his wife, Kathy, live in Moscow where Jim will be employed. Jim has been at CHS Primeland for a number of years in a variety of positions.
 
Congratulations to Eric Odberg, Class 11, and his family who recently had their farm in Genesee, Idaho, named as a Century Farm. The farm has been in the same family since 1894. Eric currently grows wheat, barley, garbanzo beans and canola on 2,200 acres.
 
LIA Directory Update: Soon we will begin the process of updating of the LIA Alumni Directory. The directory is a great resource of information for members, alumni and friends who need to continue to build their network of LIA contacts. For the most part, the update is completed electronically. Thanks to those who always work to keep us informed of changes to their status and information.
 
Sympathy is extended to Megan Snyder, Class 38, on the recent passing of her grandmother.
 
The Snake River Stampede Calf Scramble Committee is provided excellent leadership by David Temple, Class 26, and his wife, Becky Temple, Class 29, who are joined with Craig Lindquist, Class 31, and his wife Robin Lindquist, Class 21. David Temple also serves as chairman of the Snake River Stampede Board of Directors.
 
The LIA Trustees met on Monday, April 30. At that time, the following decisions were made related to LIA operations: membership dues for 2018-2019 will be $50.00 per individual, $75.00 for couples if both have graduated from LIA, and lifetime memberships will be $1000.00 with the option of a payment plan still available.
 
Applications for LIA Class 39 are due by August 1. Tuition for the class is $2500.00 plus travel and lodging. Remember, applicants must reach their 26th birthday before the first session in Moscow in November. Applications are available online and from the office. Please help us to spread the word for an excellent pool of candidates for this year's class.