LIA Briefs

Congratulations to Linda Rider, Class 22, recently appointed to the newly formed Idaho Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Committee. Linda will be representing Region 5 of the Idaho Farm Bureau. Linda was also recently appointed to the Kootenai County Natural Resources Advisory Committee. Linda is currently serving as an LIA Trustee.
 
Congratulations to Jarom Jemmett, Class 39, recently elected as Vice President for the Board of Directors of the Idaho Onion Growers' Association. Jarom is engaged in the family farm in Parma.
 
Congratulations to Gretchen Hyde, Class 36, who recently completed her Master's Degree from the University of Idaho. Gretchen continues to serve as Administrator of the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission.
 
Thanks for the service of Jeff Groat, Class 13, and his wife Kristine who have accepted a call as Military Relations Missionaries. Jeff will have responsibilities to watch over families of deployed service members and assist Chaplains with service projects and other activities for the benefit of those in the military. Jeff retired a few years ago from USDA Farm Service Agency and has been working in this area of the military for the past two decades.
 
Congratulations to Neil Durrant, Class 34, who was recently elected President of Ada County Farm Bureau. Neil is involved in a number of family enterprises through Big D Ranch and also serves as an LIA Trustee and co-chairman of the LIA Auction Committee.
 
Mike Meyers, Class 40, became a grandfather of his second grandson born on December 7, following the Pocatello Session. The young man weighed in at 7 pounds, 11 ounces and was 20 inches long. Mike works as Deputy Watermaster for Water District #63 in Star.
 
Congratulations to Jason Azzarito, Class 38, and his wife, Rachel on the birth of a son, Franklin Dean, on Thursday, January 2, 2020. Jason is employed at BLM in Boise.
 
Congratulations to Mike Larsen, Class 28, who is currently serving a three year term as a board member for Potatoes USA. Mike is currently General Manager of Mart Potato LLC in Rupert.
 
News from Washington, DC. Cedric and Yefon Nwafor are awaiting the birth of their little girl. If the baby has not arrived by Wednesday, January 8 the doctor plans to induce Yefon for the birth. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family through these exciting times.
 
Sympathy is extended to Kasey Garrett, Class 28, in the recent passing of his Grandfather. Kasey owns Aqua Irrigation in the Treasure Valley.
 
Congratulations to Audra Cochran, Class 39, who has accepted a position as Associate Extension Educator for UI Extension Forestry. Audra, will be joining Randy Brooks, Class 16, who is also an Extension Forester.
 
You will want to plan to be in Boise for the 2020 LIA Alumni Gala and Auction on Thursday, February 27. Watch for more details as they come your way. Also, Graduation for Class 40 the following day will include special recognition of the 1,000th graduate of the LIA program. You will want to be on hand for this significant event to celebrate the success of the program.