Exec Update

We are in Houston this week attending the NCBA national convention, where policy work will be handled on aspects that cover the entire chain of cattlemen and women. Please reach out with any thoughts or ideas as we are representing the needs of Idaho’s industry.

--Cameron Mulrony

Executive Vice President

Idaho Cattle Association

Legislation volume increased significantly this week as bills got put into the process and “personal-privilege” bills (bills printed as favors to individual members, often not having any chance of working through the process) were printed. Likewise, committees continued to navigate through department and commission rules. The Idaho Brand Department rules were presented and approved in the Senate Agricultural affairs committee; they will next be heard in the House Agriculture affairs committee.

CAFO Improvement Fund H466 would make a fund available to support investments in environmental projects on CAFOs to improve livestock byproduct, waste, nutrient and water management, its land application and storage systems. Currently, the Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) Fund, I.C. 39-3628A, supports investments in farm and ranch projects that improve water quality standards in impaired water bodies in Idaho. Confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are not eligible for these projects because CAFOs do not directly discharge to water bodies. This legislation would make CAFO’s eligible for funds to improve their nutrient management and establish a board which awards grant for the fund that currently is proposed by the governor to be $5 million.

The past week was also higher ed week as university and college budgets were rolled out to the Joint Finance and Appropriation Committee (JFAC). Agricultural Research and Extension Education would receive a 7.7% total fund increase with the largest share of that coming from the General Fund if approved as recommended by the governor. The University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) were in front of not only JFAC, but both chamber’s agriculture committees as well. CALS is leading the university in nearly every category with enrollment, scholarships, and research dollars all setting the pace for the university. A potential road hazard for agricultures success in the university is the ability to attract and retain faculty and staff as the college faces around a 16% vacancy and turnover rate, about 3% higher than across state government.

Idaho Supreme Court upholds legislative district plan

In a unanimous opinion issued late Thursday, the Idaho Supreme Court rejected all four legal challenges to the state’s new legislative redistricting plan, clearing the way for candidates to begin filing to run for office in the new legislative districts on Feb. 28.

Read more here, from Idaho Press

To find which district you will be a part of, view the map here.

Department of Interior outlines changes enabled by infrastructure bill

Last week the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service outlined the changes the agency will implement in their fuels management program to reflect the large influx of funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill signed by the President November 15, 2021.

Continue reading here, from Wildfire Today

Idaho working to delist grizzly bears

The intention was announced during a presentation to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission at Boise on Thursday. It was unclear how far the state’s petition, which is expected to be completed in the next few weeks, will go and whether it will include all of the grizzly bear populations and recovery areas within Idaho or even all of those in the Lower 48. But officials said it will be timed to take advantage of grizzly bear delisting petitions recently submitted by Montana and Wyoming.

Story continued here, from Idaho Press

Checkoff Resources Beef up Heart-Health Education

February is American Heart Health Month and a time when consumers come together to shine a light on ways to combat heart disease. As producers and industry allies, it is an ideal time to share the fact that beef is a nutrient rich food that supports heart healthy diets and lifestyles. In fact, numerous research studies have shown that incorporating lean beef in a heart-healthy diet can maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels. A 3-oz serving of lean beef has about 170 calories on average and is a naturally rich source of ten essential nutrients like protein, B-vitamins, iron and zinc. Your Beef Checkoff dollars support research and educational resources that you can share with your friends, family and neighbors who may have questions. These Beef.It’sWhat’sForDinner.com pages are just a few examples:

Beef as Part of a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
Lean Beef – A Super Satisfying Balance of Taste and Nutrition
The Nutrients You Need with a Taste You’ll Love

The truth is any cut of beef can support a healthy diet when enjoyed in sensible portions as part of an overall balanced diet. Plus, the majority of beef cuts sold at the grocery store meet government guidelines for “lean,” and include popular favorites like Strip Steak, Flank Steak and even Tenderloin.

Visit BeefItsWhatsforDinner.com for a collection of 20 heart-healthy recipes certified by the American Heart Association, including Indian Beef Flank Steak and Rice, juicy Beef brisket with savory carrots and dried plums and more. Look for those with the American Heart Association logo and use the social media and email links to easily share them!

Whether for your own education or to help tell beef’s nutrition story to others, take advantage of the valuable resources that tell the whole story about beef’s nutritional compatibility with a heart-healthy lifestyle.