The directors met on February eighth, 2011 for their first meeting of the year.  We had an excellent prime rib dinner and potluck.

      Jim Church spoke about the Steer of Merit program.  He mentioned some obstacles at the annual meeting and has put some thought into changing the program since then.  The best way to get the information for the requirements is carcass data.  As mentioned in the annual meeting article (see page 1) there were data mix-up problems last year.  There are also fairness issues with some steers being killed immediately after the fair with others being fed out for a while.  The second best method is ultrasound testing which is expensive and not as accurate as carcass data.  Jim recommended changing the program to the Steer of the Year program.  There will be one Steer of the Year awarded in each county, which will recognize the producer and 4-Her.  The steer must be bred, born and raised in one of our two counties.  The requirements will be settled on within the year to allow awards at this year’s fairs.  The directors happily passed a motion to approve the program.

The director’s also passed a motion to donate $250 to Diana Graning toward the cost of attending the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention held in Denver.

The ILCCA will once again raise a steer for sale at the Lewis-County Fair.  The proceeds are donated to 4-H in that county.  Mike Howard has a calf to raise, while Luke Lowe will donate the feed.

The ILCCA was a sponsor of this year’s grazing conference held in Lewiston in January.

Events were set for 2011 with a few changes from last year.  The Farm and Forest Fair has been cancelled due to decreasing school budgets.  Many schools have eliminated field trips altogether and attendance this year was expected to be very low.  It has been a great educational resource for 5th graders for many years, teaching them about forestry, farming and ranching.  There are some organizations discussing funding options for the schools to allow the program to continue next year.

The Dutch Oven social was also cancelled due to lack of involvement.  Attendance has continually dropped over the last few years.  The directors are brainstorming other options for a March event for next year.  If you have any ideas, please contact your local director.

We hope to have speakers again at this year’s annual meeting as that seemed to be well-received.  Wyatt Prescott mentioned in his Line Rider newsletter that we sure know how to put on a party.

      Membership applications will be included in this Cattle Call (see page 4) please share with someone who might be interested.  We will also print extra copies of this Cattle Call to have available at a few local stores for those interested.

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This is a short recap of our last meeting, held at Adine's (formerly Jilinda's) on May 5, 2010.

The Rustler Fund was discussed for some time.  The fund is set up to help with the prosecution of livestock rustling.  The fund has not been used in several years, and the reward amount is not adequate at this point.  It was mentioned that the Idaho Cattle Association and the Farm Bureau both have similar funds for their members.  Leon Slichter is going to research those amounts and report back to the directors so a new reward amount can be decided.

Leon also reported about a new program called "Beef Counts."  Agribeef will provide a 50% match (up to $50,000 total)for a donation to the Idaho Food Bank.  This donation can be cash or cattle and Agribeef will provide boxed beef to the food bank.  The donation must go through the ICA.  Leon mentioned this is a good promotion for the beef industry. The foodbank wants beef because it's the best source of protein for them to give away.  There was discussion about what food banks in our area were offically Idaho Food Banks.  Cindy Dahler is researching that information and reporting back. The directors decided to donate to our local food banks and voted to have a startup fund of $1500.  Members can contribute as well, with that money being collected at the annual meeting.

The Bob and Ruby Rylaarsdam family has been selected as the cattle family of the year.

The annual meeting will be held in Nez Perce at the Legion Hall.  The Kamiah Rodeo club will be cooking the meal.