LIA Briefs

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].