LIA Briefs

Congratulations to Robert Blair, Class 26, who is serving on the FCC Precision Ag Task Force - Adoption & Jobs Work Group. The main purpose of the group is to make recommendations regarding rural connectivity issues. The FCC is working closely with USDA on this issue.
 
Idaho Business Review has recently released the recipients of the Accomplished Under 40 Award Recipients. In the group was Stephen Parrott, Class 39, Stephen works for Northwest Farm Credit Services out of their Nampa operations as a Relationship Manager.
 
Good reports are coming our way about Randy Brooks, Class 16, who had an aortic valve replaced on February 12. Randy opted for the mechanical valve, since he had been told that cow and pig valves were only good for 10-15 years and he plans to hang around a lot longer than that. Randy is employed by the University of Idaho in the College of Natural Resources as an Extension Forestry Specialist and Professor.
 
Congratulations to Ronda Hirnyck, Class 9, who recently was presented the U of I Extension "Excellence in Extension" Award. Ronda serves as a Pesticide Specialist for the U of I and is based in Boise.
 
Representative Caroline Nilsson Troy, Class 15, is proud to announce the birth of Jack David Linehan on March 18. Jack David joins 2 year old sister, McKenzie. Now Caroline can spread love to both of these wonderful grandchildren. However, the family was encouraged to isolate for 3 months due to COVID-19 so Grandma Caroline is counting the days.
 
The LIA Board of Trustees officially cancelled the LIA Golf Tournament scheduled for June 12 in Twin Falls. It became a logistical nightmare. In one conversation, the golf course said they could allow no more than 1 person per cart - can you imagine - that would be like "bumper cars" on a golf course. Stay tuned as we work through alternatives.
 
ANRIPAC (Agriculture Natural Resource Industry Political Action Committee) recently held their annual meeting and election of officers. Those elected to lead the organization include: Drew Eggers, Class 12, as Chairman, Neil Durrant, Class 34, as Vice Chairman and Benjamin Kelly, Class 29, as Secretary/Treasurer.
 
Congratulations to Will Ricks, Class 27, who was re-elected as President of the Idaho Hay and Forage Association. Will farms in Monteview, Idaho.
 
The LIA Alumni COVID-19 Information Zoom Calls each Thursday have been very well received with over 150 in attendance plus many more watching the recordings. Doug Robison, Class 29, President of NWFCS, has been key to continuity on the calls giving a "Weekly Global Perspective of COVID-19". Recently, Doug also joined a call with Idaho Water Users for an update and provided a similar presentation. Other presenters on the call included: Mark Zirschky, Class 32, talking about "Response to the Earthquake" in March and Dan Davidson, Class 38, for an update on COVID-19 in the Magic Valley. Mark is Manager of Pioneer Irrigation District and Dan is Manager of Minidoka Irrigation District. NOTE: If you have not been on the calls, we encourage you to join us each Thursday morning at 9:00 AM (MT).
 
LIA Trustee Alan Martinson, Class 27, reported a successful surgery for prostate cancer. Alan expressed appreciation for the kind notes, words of encouragement and prayers leading up to and during the recovery from the surgery.
 
Chad Henggeler, Class 24, has been named to the Governor's Task Force for Economic Recovery as a result of COVID-19. Chad is involved in a family orchard business in Fruitland.