LIA Briefs

Dear LIA Alumni: The November 5 election resulted in some LIA Alumni having new positions of leadership and several being re-elected. Congratulations to: Viki Purdy, Class 16, re-elected as a county commissioner for Adams County; Steve Miller, Class 29, re-elected as a House of Representative member; Brad Higgins, Class 24, elected as an Idaho County Commissioner; Brent Reinke, Class 40, re-elected to the Twin Falls County Commissioner position; and Roger Clark, Class 13, re-elected as a Jefferson County Commissioner. Also, Leslie Van Beek, wife of Dale Van Beek, Class 10, was re-elected as a Canyon County Commissioner.

Congratulations to Katie Mosman, Class 39, who has secured a new position with the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA). Katie will be serving as a Course Development Specialist overseeing curriculum design and instructional strategies while continuing to mentor and support a team of curriculum writers. Katie lives in Nezperce with her husband Chris Wilson who is involved in the family farming operation.

Leading the charge as chairman of the Board for the Foundation for Idaho History is Jessica Anderson, Class 41. Jessica works full time with the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, a public policy organization in Boise. The Foundation recently announced that they will be taking on a major campaign to raise funds to renovate the Old Penitentiary.

A new arrival at the home of Derek, Class 44, and Chelicy Wanders, Class 40, came on November 8 when Callahan Jerome Wanders was born. Callahan will join an older brother and sister. Derek and Chelicy farm near Payette.

We just learned that, in July at the National Association of County Agents Annual Meeting, Chad Cheyney, Class 28, was recognized with a Hall of Fame Award for his years of service as a County Extension Educator. Chad worked for the U of I CALS Extension System for 31 years.

Recently, Galen Lee, Class 10, wrote an editorial highlighting the importance of Glyphosate for agriculture. The article has appeared in various publications. Galen and his family farm and dairy outside of New Plymouth.

Andrea Mouw, Class 42, recently attended the Dairy Girl Network Conference in Kansas City. She was honored at the event as the Dairy Girl Network Forward Under 40 Award. The award honors dairywomen who exemplify passionate involvement and leadership to move the dairy industry forward. Andrea owns and operates Dairywise Laboratory Services in Twin Falls.

The Hurricane Relief Fund to assist the Moses family in Georgia has now reached nearly $17,000. Thanks to all alumni and friends who have supported this cause. Many of you met the pecan farmer and his wife on the most recent LIA LINK Call. They are both graduates for the Georgia Ag Leadership Program.

Travis Jones, Class 28, has recently been named the Executive Director for the Idaho Potato Growers Association. The association represents potato grower across southern Idaho. Travis is a principal at Riley, Stegner and Associates in Boise, a firm who works in the public policy arena.

Recently at a meeting of the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts, Richard Kunau, Class 29, switched places with Devin Fielding, Class 40. Richard was elected as Chairman of the IASCD board and Devin was elected as Treasurer. In the past Devin was Chairman and Richard was Treasurer. Richard farms near Declo and Devin farms outside of Shelley.

INTERNSHIP: Association Management Group is looking for a legislative intern (Junior or Senior) in College who would like to work alongside Rick Waitley, Class 8, and Patxi Larrocea-Phillips, Class 41, in their Meridian Office. The internship would start in January and last through the end of the 2025 legislative session. If you know anyone that would be interested please contact Rick at 208-888-0988 or by email at [email protected].

LIA GALA AND AUCTION: Tickets have been sent in the mail for the 2025 LIA Gala and Auction. Be sure this date is on your calendar, Wednesday, February 19 in Boise at the Boise Centre. More details to follow.

WASHINGTON, DC EXPERIENCE: May 4-9, 2025. The LIA DC Experience is an opportunity offered to alumni to continue to build on the foundation that was established in the core program. This experience is a week-long immersion into the culture of our Nation’s Capital that gives participants a better understanding of government and National Agriculture Organizations. Participants have the opportunity to meet with the members of Idaho’s congressional delegation, gain a better understanding of national agricultural organizations, and tour various government agencies and landmarks. Cost is $1500/person plus airfare. Spouses are invited to attend.

LIA IRELAND INTERNATIONAL TRIP: October 12-22, 2025. Leadership Idaho Agriculture invites you on a dynamic tour across the beautiful country of Ireland! These stunning lands boasts a rich history, enchanting landscapes, progressive agriculture and folklore that piques the imagination. Agriculture continues to be an important part of the National economy, as the climate fosters abundant vegetable and plant growth which is particularly beneficial to the rich grasslands that enable year-round grazing stock. From Abalone to Wagyu beef, we will see a wide variety of agriculture interspersed with unique Irish draws including the ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle and even the Titanic. Reserve your spot today! Sláinte!

Note: For questions on any of these opportunities feel free to reach out to Kendra Dustin, Development Director for more details – [email protected].