LIA Briefs

Ron Jones, Class 2, has had a very busy fall, as he was selected by the Southern Idaho Potato Cooperative (SIPCO) to handle negotiations of potato contracts for growers who produce processed potatoes. Negotiations have been with McCain, Simplot, and Lamb Weston. Joining Ron in this process has been Patxi Larrocea-Phillips, Class 41, who is under contract with SIPCO. 

The Boise-Kuna Irrigation District recently announced their board for 2022 which includes: David Reynolds, Class 40, as chairman and Richard Durrant, Class 9, as vice chairman. Both David and Richard are involved in production agriculture. 

Congratulations to Maggie Malson, Class 39, who has moved to the Executive Board of the Idaho Cattle Association because of her position as chairman of the Cattlewomen Council. Maggie is involved in production agriculture on the family ranch and is also an Ag Communications professional.

Sympathy is extended to Rick Naerebout, Class 23, whose 96-year-old grandmother passed away in January. Rick serves as Executive Director of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association. Also to Sandy Porter, Class 34, who lost her mother recently. Sandy is on the faculty of Treasure Valley Community College.

Sympathy is extended to the family of Bruce Crapo, Class 2, who passed away recently. Bruce was from St. Anthony where he spent his life in the potato production industry.

We are hearing great reports on Bob Hays’, Class 28, progress since his knee replacement. Bob starts physical therapy next week. Bob is retired from several years at ISDA. 

Recently, John Bohman, Class 30, announced his candidacy for Latah County Commissioner. John owns Ridgeview Farm near Troy, Idaho. 

Joe Anderson, Class 9, was recently elected to the Port of Lewiston Commission. Joe has been an active member in the wheat and grain industry in Idaho and nationally. Mary Hasenoehrl, Class 17, had served on the commission since 2011 with a stint as chairman. Joe lives in the Lewiston area. 

Congratulations to Robert Blair, Class 26, who recently announced his candidacy for the Senate position in the new District 6. Robert farms in the Kendrick area and has been the substitute Senator for Senator Dan Johnson, Class 14, during the 2022 session.

Rep. Laurie Lickley, Affiliate Member, announced her candidacy for the Senate for the new District 26. Rep Lickley works on the family ranch with her husband Bill, Class 25. Rep. Lickley is completing her second term in the Idaho House.

Five Governor Awards were presented at the Idaho Ag Summit held recently in Boise. Education/Advocacy, recognized Mark, Class 11, and Wendy, Class 35, Pratt from Firth where they ranch; Bob Naerebout, Lobbyist for Idaho Dairymen’s Association, Lifetime Achievement, Bob is the father of Rick Naerebout, Class 23, Tom Iverson, production agriculture from Bonners Ferry, Marketing Innovation, Tom is the father of Ty Iverson, Class 24; Russ Zenner, Class 3, Environmental Stewardship, production agriculture in the Genesee area. Also recognized was Gary Fornshell, retired aquaculture extension educator from Buhl. Gary was recognized for Technical Innovation.

Congratulations to those who helped to make the 2022 Gala and Auction a success. The auction number, reported at graduation, on Friday was $148,157. Kendra Dustin, Class 32, LIA Development Director, reported this is the second largest auction in the history of the LIA Auctions.