LIA Briefs

Congratulations to Neil Durrant, Class 34, and his wife Melissa on the birth of their fourth child on Tuesday, July 10. Neil is a trustee and Kinzlee Ann at 6 lbs. 10 oz. was born right during the LIA Trustee meeting. Kinzlee will now join two older brothers and one older sister. Their proud grandpa is Richard Durrant, Class 9. Needless to say, Neil missed the trustee meeting to answer a higher calling.
 
Congratulations to Garrett Tschida, Class 35, who married DJ Woehl on July 7. Garrett continues his employment with Agri Beef as a purebred herdsman as well as working at Tschida Ranch.
 
Sympathy is extended to Britt Beene, Class 36, in the recent passing of his father in California. Britt was able to be with his dad in the final days and appreciated the opportunity to spend that time with family.
 
Thanks to the LIA alumni members who voted for officers for the LIA Foundation. The election results were as follows: RoLynne Hendricks, Class 33, chairman; Jim Lowe, Class 31, vice chairman; Blake Matthews, Class 36, secretary/treasurer and Jim Miller, Class 29, past chairman. These four individuals will serve as the executive committee for the foundation.
 
Class 38 member Erik Olson has been busy adding some new responsibilities to his life. He recently was selected to serve on the Idaho Oilseed Commission and also was named to the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Both were appointments by Governor C. L. "Butch" Otter. Eric is involved in a family farming operation in Bonners Ferry.
 
Have you ever heard of the LIA Idaho Public Policy Experience? Well, it was just given that name on Tuesday at the LIA Trustee meeting. More details to follow, but keep the dates of February 11-14 open for this new opportunity for LIA alumni only.
 
Dues notices for 2018-2019 were sent to all LIA alumni members on July 1. Now is the time to pay your dues online or via the mail with a check, cash or credit card. We appreciate your continued support of LIA.
 
Treasure Valley LIA alumni - plan to attend the Summer BBQ at the Waitleys' on Wednesday, August 8, starting at 6:30 PM. Our very own Bob Hays, Class 28, and friends will roll out the big barbeque grill for a wonderful event including a potluck, fellowship and networking. This is a great time to invite future participants in LIA. View this invitation for more information.
 
The 2nd Annual LIA Golf Scramble was held in Twin Falls at Blue Lakes Country Club with 21 teams participating and a total of 84 golfers. Special thanks to Darigold, NW Farm Credit, Anheuser-Busch, Cooper Norman and AMG for their sponsorships. Eighteen hole sponsors also helped to support the event. That evening, a Magic Valley Regional BBQ was held at Bass Lake with 115 in attendance. Thanks to Golf Committee Chairman Edie Nunes, Class 32, Co-chairman RoLynne Hendricks, Class 33, and Co-chairman Blake Matthews, Class 36, for their hard work and to Development Director Kendra Dustin, Class 32, who works directly with the golf tournament coordinating committee.
 
Here are some basic facts for LIA Class 39 applicants:

• Applicants must be a minimum of 26 years old by November 5

• Tuition cost - $2,500 plus lodging and travel

• Applications are due by August 1 with an essay and two recommendation letters

• Applications are available online or by contacting the LIA office 

Look around your family, your community, and your business and encourage applicants for this year's class.
           
Class 38 had a team entered in the Golf Scramble. Representatives were Scott Leibsle, Kenny Rounds, Kelly Fisher, and Craig Quarterman. While the team did not win, they drew a lot of attention with their bright red caps that read, "Make Agriculture Great Again" and, of course, Class 38 was printed on the back of the cap.
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Duane Grant, Class 2, just arrived in Tokyo for a five-day speaking tour on the subject of the benefits of biotechnology in agriculture.