On Sunday, May 19th, Morgan and Bre Deards hosted us at the Scotlyn Ranch. There were 9 brave horse riders who went off on their own adventure while the 38 ATV/UTVs went off on a different trail. Despite having rain, hail, sunshine, and a flat tire on the ride I think it’s safe to say everyone enjoyed themselves and the tour of the ranch. After about 3 hours, we all met back at the Scotlyn Ranch lodge for a potluck BBQ where there was a ton of food and good conversations. Thank you to everyone who attended and to the Deards for hosting us!
On the morning of Sunday July 23rd, 32 vehicles carrying 80 adults plus kids loaded up and headed for Ray and Molly Stowers' ranch up Deer Creek Rd in White Bird. The Stowers family lead us on a 2.5 hour tour of the property they ranch on. The tour consisted of multiple stops where Ray talked to us about the logistics of their operation, the hardships they face, and the history of how they got to be where they are now. The last stop was at the Grave Point Lookout to climb our way to the top and take in the beautiful 360 degree views. Once we got back to their home we got the food out and everyone enjoyed a great potluck meal with BBQ'd ball tip provided by the ILCCA. Once everyone was relaxing in the shade, Jim Wemhoff presented Ray, Molly, and the Stowers family with a plaque. Ray said a few words about his family and expressed his gratitude to be honored with this award. Overall it was a hot day filled with great people and great food! A special thanks to the Forsmann family who BBQ'd the meat for us and to Jim Wemhoff for bringing the port-a-potty.
Annual Meeting held
October 22, 2022 at the Greencreek Community Hall in Greencreek.
The meeting was called to
order by President, Melisa Grove at 5:35 p.m.
The Treasurer’s report
was read by Ken Forsmann. A motion was
made by Joe Kuther and seconded by Austin Sonnen to approve the Treasurer’s
reports. The motion passed.
The minutes from the October
2021 annual meeting were read by Brandy McElroy. A motion was made by Joe Baerlocher and
seconded by Doug Schumacher to approve the minutes. The
motion passed.
President Jim Wemhoff
introduced the evenings speakers –
Mark Pratt, Idaho Cattle Association President and Jim Church, Idaho County Extension Agent
Brad Higgins of the nominating committee presented Melisa Grove with a belt buckle in appreciation for her term as president. The nominating committee presented the following nominations: Vice president Jim Wemhoff was elected to President. Laine Pratt was elected to Vice president. Nominations were made for Laine's open director position with one year left on his term. Adam Forsmann of Cottonwood was elected to the position. Tanner Higgins, and Austin Sonnen agreed to serve another term. Nominations were taken for the one open director position. Rick Turner of Kamiah was elected to the position.
Newly elected President Jim Wemhoff adjourned the meeting.
Following dinner, Jim Church
announced the Steer of the Year Award Winners Idaho
County – Brooklyn Weddle, producer Dr. Teel and Kellie Bruner ADG 4.35 lbs Lewis County – Ty Goeckner, producer A&W Ranch (Andy & William Goeckner) ADG 3.69 lbs
For the Fourth year, the Idaho County 4-H Fund used the
$750 contributed annually from ILCCA to provide monetary prizes of $575
split among the top five carcass value winners (30% of the funds to the
#1 winner, 25% to the #2 winner, etc.) and the remaining amount to the
Idaho County Champion breeding beef project ($100) and the Reserve
Champion ($75). Carcass value is based on carcass data on the slaughter
date which includes a premium for prime versus choice.
Jim Church presented these five top 5 carcass winners with their checks from Idaho County Fair Board.
Name Carcass Value Award
#1 Nate Forsmann $2,244.29 $173
#2 Brooklyn Weddle $2,131.28 $144
#3 Riata Rockwell $2,097.92 $115
#4 Kylee Riggers $2,038.19 $86
#5 Rebecca Seubert $1,905.40 $57
The Steer of Merit and Carcass winners are invited to the ILCCA Annual Dinner free of charge.
The carcass winners in attendance from left: Jim Wemhoff (President), Nate Forsmann, Brooklyn Weddle, Riata Rockwell, Kylee Riggers, and Meranda Small (U of I Extension agent). Not pictured Rebecca Seubert.
The Idaho Lewis County Cattle Association’s county tour was held June 12th. We headed up the main salmon this year to the Mountain View Elk ranch. There Brad and Sarah Walters met us by their ranch and explained a little about the process of raising elk instead of cattle, the differences and the challenges that it presents. It was very informative, and the cattle association members had a great time of question and answers after. After visiting the elk ranch, we headed up river to Allison Creek where we had our picnic lunch, the weather held out and it didn’t rain! Many members stopped by the Elk Ranch’s meat processing store on the way back to purchase goodies and ice cream.
Annual Meeting held
October 23, 2021 at the Greencreek Community Hall in Greencreek.
The meeting was called to
order by President, Tim Kinzer at 5:30 p.m.
The Treasurer’s report
was read by Ken Forsmann. A motion was
made by Jim Wemhoff and seconded by Austin Sonnen to approve the Treasurer’s
reports. The motion passed.
The minutes from the October
2020 annual meeting were read by Brandy McElroy. A motion was made by Joe Baerlocher and
seconded by Doug Schumacher to approve the minutes. The
motion passed.
President Tim Kinzer
introduced the evenings speakers –
Matt McElligott, Purina Animal
Nutrition Representative from North Powder, Oregon;
Bill Lickley, Idaho Beef Council;
Cameron Mulrony, Idaho Cattle
Association Executive Vice President
Frank McIntire of the Nominating
Committee presided over the elections. Vice
President Melisa Stilson was elected as President meeting. Elections were then taken for the Vice
President position. Jim Wemhoff was
nominated and elected as Vice President.
Nominations were made for Jim’s open director position with two years
left on his term. Jill Bruegeman of Grangeville was elected to the position. Nominations
were made and the following members were elected for the three open director positions
expiring in 2024: Marcus Higgins of
Winona, Doug Schumacher of
Greencreek and JeAnn Willson of Reubens.
Newly elected President
Melisa Stilson adjourned the meeting at 5:58 p.m.
Following dinner, Jim Church
announced the Steer of the Year Award Winners
Idaho
County – Rebecca Seubert, producer Dr. Teel and Kellie Bruner ADG 4.51 lbs
Lewis County – Emalissa Knowlton, producer
Chad and Elizabeth Knowlton (Knowlton Farms) ADG 3.33 lbs
For the THIRD year, the Idaho County 4-H Fund used the
$750 contributed annually from ILCCA to provide monetary prizes of $575
split among the top five carcass value winners (30% of the funds to the
#1 winner, 25% to the #2 winner, etc.) and the remaining amount to the
Idaho County Champion breeding beef project ($100) and the Reserve
Champion ($75). Carcass value is based on carcass data on the slaughter
date which includes a premium for prime versus choice.
Jim Church presented these five top 5 carcass winners with their checks from Idaho County Fair Board.
Name Carcass Value Award
#1 Cole Duclos $2,242.10 $173
#2 Hope Schwartz $2,231.50 $144
#3 Rebecca Seubert $2,226.20 $115
#4 Laney Forsmann $2,188.80 $86
#5 Riley Enneking $2,186.40 $57
The Steer of Merit and Carcass winners are invited to the ILCCA Annual Dinner free of charge.
The Carcass Winners in attendance are pictured (from left; Riley Enneking, Laney Forsmann, Rebecca Seubert, and Cole Duclos with Melisa Stilson and Jim Church)
On Sunday, June 13th, Chuck & Jane Pratt led 30 ATV’s on a tour of their property in Stites, Idaho while Laine Pratt & Bailey Nygaard led 25-30 horses and riders along a separate tour of the Ranch. Riders met up at Chuck & Jane’s home place along the South Fork Clearwater River. At 10am we headed out on our separate adventures up the hill. Along the rides we stopped at multiple places and Chuck & Laine gave insight to the history and layout of the land. In one area, overlooking the valley, there was a grave headstone. The history about the headstone was that it was a gentlemen from Iceland that came to the area and died here. Relatives from Iceland have since then tracked down where he passed away and even made a trip to Stites!
After 2.5 hours on the trail we all made our way back to the house where everyone set up their lawn chairs in the shade, by this point it was pushing 90 degrees! We all enjoyed a great potluck with tons of food, conversations, and laughter. Thank you to everyone who attended and to the Pratts for hosting.
Picture courtesy of Tia Schumacher
The 2020 ILCCA annual meeting was held Saturday, October 24th at the Greencreek Community Hall.
During the business meeting, the following items were discussed:
-The Treasurer's report was reviewed and approved. -The Secretary's report was reviewed and approved. -President Tim Kinzer introduced the featured speakers after dinner: Shane Kerner, Membership coordinator of Idaho Cattle Association and Phil Puckett regarding Elk Depredation.
-Directors Laci Meyers, Craig Spencer, and Jim Wemhoff's three year terms have expired. Nominations were taken from the floor including Jim Wemhoff who was willing to serve another three year term and Laine Pratt of Kooskia and Tia Schumacher of Cottonwood. The nominations were unanimously approved for the three open positions with terms expiring 2023. Doug Schumacher of Greencreek was nominated to fill the remainder of Bill Jacks term.
-Meeting was adjourned at 5:21 p.m. Following the business meeting:
-Jim Church announced the winners of the Steer of the Year Award. The Lewis County winner was Austin Nelson with a daily weight gain of 3.0 pounds. The breeder of Austin's steer was Marty Thompson. The Idaho County winner was Philip Schwartz with a daily weight gain of 3.8 pounds. Breeder of Philip's steer was his grandfather Tom Schwartz (Mark Schwartz accepted the award on Tom's behalf). -(Steer of the Year Award Winners pictured above with Tim Kinzer and Jim Church) -Jim Church presented the Idaho County Carcass Winners. The annual dinner was well attended with 86 members and guests. A big thank you to Jim Church for emceeing the live auction! Thank you to those who supported both the live and silent auction.
For the THIRD year, the Idaho County 4-H Fund used the
$750 contributed annually from ILCCA to provide monetary prizes of $575
split among the top five carcass value winners (30% of the funds to the
#1 winner, 25% to the #2 winner, etc.) and the remaining amount to the
Idaho County Champion breeding beef project ($100) and the Reserve
Champion ($75). Carcass value is based on carcass data on the slaughter
date which includes a premium for prime versus choice.
Jim Church presented these five top 5 carcass winners with their checks from Idaho County Fair Board.
Name Carcass Value Award
#1 Philip Schwartz $1,669.00 $173
#2 Hope Schwartz $1,667.00 $144
#3 Rebecca Seubert $1,655.00 $115
#4 Kaden Duclos $1,652.00 $86
#5 Cole Duclos $1,640.00 $57
The Steer of Merit and Carcass winners are invited to the ILCCA Annual Dinner free of charge.
The Carcass Winners in attendance are pictured (from left; Cole Duclos, Kaden Duclos, Rebecca Seubert, Hope Schwartz, Philip Schwartz with Tim Kinzer and Jim Church)
On Sunday July 26, 50 people gathered
outside of Hoots Café to begin the tour of the Don and Pam Heckman Ranch. The
weather turned out to be comfortable for everyone. We left Hoots at 10 am and
25 vehicles followed Don up the Doumecq Grade to the McCulley place, Dons
favorite place to sit and watch lightning storms. While we were there, Don
talked about cattle drives up the grade in the middle of winter, moving cattle
across the bridge (12 head at a time), and how the loggers built the roads we
now use. He also mentioned that a lot has changed over the years with all the
logging on government owned land and all the neighbors and former employees
that have moved on.
After we left there, we continued our
tour to the Joseph School House where Ken, Bertie, Dale, Brandy and the BBQ
crew were waiting with a mouthwatering ball-tip dinner. The ILCCA
presented a plaque to Don and his family and they all said a few thoughtful
words and praised all their past and current employees.
With the final count, there were 80
people that attended the BBQ. A special thanks to past President Mike Howard
for going up to bring the BBQ home and to Dale and Brandy for bringing the
port-a-potty.
The 2019 ILCCA annual meeting was held Saturday, October 26th at the Ferdinand Gym.
During the business meeting, the following items were discussed -
· The Treasurer’s report was reviewed and approved.
· The Secretary’s report was reviewed and approved.
· President Brad Higgins introduced the speakers from Young Cattle Producer’s Conference who were the featured speakers after dinner — Melisa Stilson and Austin Sonnen
· The current Vice President was appointed to a two year term as President—Tim Kinzer
· Nominations were taken for the open Vice President position. One nomination was received from the floor—Melisa Stilson and unanimously approved.
· Directors Phil Puckett, Drew Mosman and Melisa Stilson’s three year terms have expired. Nominations were taken from the floor including Phil Puckett who was willing to serve another three year term and Tanner Higgins and Austin Sonnen. The nominations were unanimously approved for the three open positions.
Following the business meeting—
· Ken Forsmann announced the winners of the Steer of the Year Award. The Lewis County winner was Harlan Skelton with a daily weight gain of 2.99 pounds. Harlan is the son of JeAnn Willson who is also the breeder of Harlan’s steer. The Idaho County winner was Riley Enneking with a daily weight gain of 3.2 pounds. Riley is the daughter of Bob and Jennifer Enneking. Breeders of Riley’s steer were Bob Enneking and Tom Nuttman. (Steer of Merit winners pictured at right with Tim Kinzer, Ken Forsmann and Brad Higgins).
· Ken Forsmann presented the Idaho County carcass winners (see page 3)
· Melisa Stilson and Austin Sonnen spoke about the Young Cattle Producer’s Conference they attended encouraging others from the area to attend.
The annual dinner was well attended with 89 members and guests. A big thank you to Brent Rowland for emceeing the live auction! Thank you to those who supported both the live and silent auction.
For the second year, the Idaho County 4-H Fund used the $750 contributed annually from ILCCA to provide monetary prizes of $575 split among the top five carcass value winners (30% of the funds to the #1 winner, 25% to the #2 winner, etc.) and the remaining amount to the Idaho County Champion breeding beef project ($100) and the Reserve Champion ($75). Carcass value is based on carcass data on the slaughter date which includes a premium for prime versus choice.
Ken Forsmann presented these five top 5 carcass winners with their checks from Idaho County Fair Board.
Name Carcass Value Award
#1 Riley Enneking $1,900.82 $173
#2 Hope Schwartz $1,876.20 $144
#3 Laney Forsmann $1,796.72 $115
#4 Chloe Rowland $1,730.69 $86
#5 Zach Murdock $1,636.65 $57
The Steer of Merit (see page 1) and Carcass winners are invited to the ILCCA Annual Dinner free of charge. Grand Champion Heifer ($100)
– Sydney Rylaarsdam
Reserve Champion Heifer ($75)
– Hailey Hanson
The carcass winners in attendance are pictured (from left, Laney Forsmann, Riley Enneking and Zack Murdock with Ken Forsmann)
On Sunday, June 9th, Jason Klement along with his dogs Bart and Fuzzy led ILCCA members in nine vehicles on the county tour from Grangeville to Florence and back through the new bridge across the middle fork of the Salmon River.
The tour stopped at the Florence cemetery where there were a lot of tombstones marked ‘unknown’ and tombstones were made out of wood. At that time, there were 9,000 people living in Florence and one person died each day. The people were from all over including Nova Scotia, Sweden, Georgia and Kentucky. The tombstones indicated folks died due to gun fights, hypothermia and many were babies. In the cemetery, there were holes indicating where exhumed graves of Chinese miners were originally buried.
Additional history from Wikopedia: Florence was settled as a mining camp in the winter of 1861. Virtually at the same time, Washington Territory established Idaho County December 20, 1861 in anticipation of a gold rush that brought over 9,000 residents within the first year and named Florence the seat of Idaho County (until 1869). By 1869, Chinese miners were working most of the claims in the region, white folks having leased the properties or abandoned them and the seat was moved to Warren’s Camp settlement.
Pictures courtesy of Arlene Baerlocher and Melisa Stilson.
The 2018 ILCCA annual meeting was held Saturday, October 20th at the Greencreek hall.
During the business meeting, the following items were discussed -
· The Treasurer’s report was reviewed and approved.
· The Secretary’s report was reviewed and approved.
· Update on the brand book: the brand books with the exception of four people who were expected to be in attendance have been mailed out or delivered. The remaining four brand books will be mailed.
· President Brad Higgins introduced the speakers from Idaho Fish and Game who were the featured speakers during dinner —Tom Schrempp and Brandon Tritsch
· Directors Brendan Arnzen, Joe Baerlocher and Bill Jacks’ three year terms have expired. Frank McIntire of the nominating committee announced that Joe Baerlocher and Bill Jacks have agreed to run for reelection while Brendan Arnzen has asked to step down. Thank you to Brendan for serving 3 terms on the Board for a total of 9 years. A nomination was made from the floor to nominate Joe Kuther to the Board. There were no other nominations. Joe Kuther was elected unanimously.
· The new Rustler Fund policy as written in the prior Cattle Call was presented by the Directors for approval by membership. The Rustler Fund as written was unanimously approved by the membership in attendance and will be added to the Bylaws.
Proposed Rustler Fund Policy
The Idaho Lewis County Cattle Association Rustler Fund is a dedicated fund held by the ILCCA. It’s purpose is to provide rewards, deter crime and protect its members.
A reward can be offered to any individual who provides information that directly leads to the arrest and conviction of persons committing theft, arson or vandalism to member property. The property to be covered under this program is at the discretion of the ILCCA Board, but can be broadly defined as any asset that is common and or necessary to the production of beef cattle.
The amount of any reward offered (no less than $250 and up to $1,500) will also be determined by the ILCCA Board. The amount of any reward should reflect the severity of the offense. An offense is described as any illegal activity that causes a financial loss to an ILCCA member.
Any situation not described here, will be at the complete and total discretion of the ILCCA Board to decide as to whether the situation is eligible to be covered under this program.
This Fund is specifically intended for rewards and other proactive measures such as signs, advertising, etc. and is in no way intended to compensation members for any financial loss.
Following the business meeting—
· Jim Church announced the winners of the Steer of the Year Award. The Lewis County winner was Gage Crow with a daily weight gain of 4.42 pounds. Gage’s parents are Scott and Dana Crow and breeders are Luke and Debbie Lowe. The Idaho County winner was Laney Forsmann with a daily weight gain of 3.0 pounds. Laney’s parents and breeders are Adam and Tiffany Forsmann. President Brad Higgins presented the Steer of the Year award to Laney Forsmann pictured here and to the breeders Adam and Tiffany Forsmann. Gage Crow and Luke and Debbie Lowe were not able to attend.
· Jim Church told the members what the Idaho County Fair Board had used our donation for and presented the Idaho County carcass winners (see page 3)
· Tom Schrempp, Landowner Sportsmen Coordinator, and Brandon Tritsch, Wildlife Depredation Technicion, of the Idaho Fish and Game explained the new depredation laws and different ways Idaho Fish and Game can help farmers and ranchers with financial loss due to wildlife.
The annual dinner was well attended with ninety six members and guests. A big thank you to Jim Church for emceeing the live auction! Thank you to those who supported both the live and silent auction.
In prior years, ILCCA promoted beef projects at the fairs as follows: Idaho County. ILCCA purchased one of the 4-H steers during the 4-H sale. Lewis County. ILCCA purchased a steer calf from Luke and Debbie Lowe at weigh-in and the steer was fed by Luke and Debbie Lowe up through the date of the fair. This steer was then sold at the Lewis County Fair with 100% of the proceeds going to the Lewis County Leadership Council.
In an effort to make ILCCA’s contribution to each county’s 4-H program more equitable and easier for ILCCA to budget, the ILCCA Board voted in May 2018 to donate to the Idaho and Lewis County Fair Board each year an amount equal to $25 per finished beef project to be used at the full discretion of the Idaho County 4-H Fund or Lewis County Leadership Council with the hope that the money be used toward beef related purposes.
The Idaho County 4-H Fund decided to use the $750 from ILCCA by providing monetary prizes to the Champion beef project ($100), the Reserve Champion ($75) and the remaining to the top 5 carcass value winners (30% of the funds to the #1 winner, 25% to the #2 winner, etc.). Carcass value was based on carcass data on the slaughter date which includes a premium for prime versus choice.
Grand Champion –Olivia Klapprich
Reserve Champion— Halle Klapprich
The carcass winners are
#1—Laney Forsmann
#2—Chloe Rowland
#3 Tie—Halee Rowland and Halle Klapprich
#5 Tie—Reed Aiken and Jackson Enneking
2018 Idaho County carcass winners with Jim Church pictured from left to right. Reed Aiken, Jackson Enneking, Halee Rowland, Halle Klapprich, Laney Forsmann and Chloe Rowland
The 2018 Trail Ride began at the corrals at the top of Cow Creek Road. Half of the riders chose to unload their 4 wheelers in Lucile and drive their 4 wheelers the 6-7 mile trip to the corrals as Cow Creek Road from Lucile to the top is steep, narrow and rocky.
Approximately 30 members and non members met at the corrals at the top of Cow Creek Road for a beautiful horse and 4 Wheeler ride. The top of Cow Creek is known as the Cow Creek Saddle which is seven miles from Lucile. The Cow Creek Saddle straddles the divide between Hells Canyon and the lower Salmon River Canyon (two of the largest and deepest canyons in North America). The 4 wheeler riders travelled approximately five miles on an ATV trail down the Hells Canyon side to the historic Kirkwood Ranch (a 4,000 foot drop from the saddle). The only other way to get to Kirkwood Ranch is via a 5 mile hike from Pittsburgh Landing or by jetboat from Lewiston.
Kirkwood Ranch was the home of Grace Jordan who wrote the book “Home Below Hells Canyon”. Grace’s husband, Len Jordan, went on to become an Idaho Governor and U.S. Senator. Len and Grace Jordan along with their three young children ranched this area (sheep) during the 1930s and moved to Grangeville in 1943. The ranch is now an historical site and staffed year round with volunteers for the Forest Service. The area is set up with picnic tables and restrooms as well as a museum which features items like old farming equipment.
The home itself was not accessible, but the museum and grounds were a nice stop. I strongly suggest everyone take this trip!
Below: The final approach into Kirkwood Ranch (on foot)
The 2017 ILCCA annual meeting was held Saturday, October 21st at the American Legion hall in Nezperce.
During the business meeting, the following items were discussed -
· The Treasurer’s and Secretary’s report was reviewed and approved.
· Update on the brand book: Fliers were mailed out to potential advertisers with a November 10th deadline. Currently, we have 151 paid up members who will then make it into the 2018-2020 Member Directory and Handbook. Don Curry has contacted The Print Shop in Grangeville who will be doing the printing for the Brand Book.
· Directors Adam Sonnen, Margie Wright and Tim Kinzer’s three year term have expired. The nominating committee announced that Tim Kinzer agreed to run for reelection while Adam Sonnen and Margie Wright have asked to step down. Thank you to all three Directors for their time served on the Board. The nominating committee announced that Tim Kinzer was willing to run for Vice President. With no other nominations from the floor Tim Kinzer was elected as Vice President leaving three open Director positions. Prior to the meeting, Jim Wemhoff agreed to run for Directors. There were no other nominations from the floor. Jim Wemhoff was elected as one of the three open Director positions. The nominating committee and the current Directors will work to fill the remaining two positions.
· Cameron Mulroney, Executive VP of Idaho Cattle Association gave an update on the issues being discussed and dealt with by Idaho Cattle Association.
· Jim Church announced the winners of the Steer of Merit Award. The Idaho County winner was Laney Forsmann of Greencreek, her parents are Adam and Tiffany Forsmann and breeders of the winning steer were Ken and Bertie Forsmann. The Lewis County winner was Gracie Beck of Craigmont, her parents and breeders of her steer are Jason and Sadie Beck. President Diana Graning presented the Steer of Merit award to Laney Forsmann pictured here with her grandparents and breeders Ken and Bertie Forsmann (see picture at right).
Sixty four members and guests enjoyed absolutely scrumptious bacon wrapped medallions with gourmet macaroni and cheese and all the fixings and dessert. Jim Church led the live auction with amazing results. In addition, through dinner, attendees were able to bid on silent auction items donated by the Directors and promoters. Thank you to those who supported both the live and silent auction.
The Idaho Lewis County Cattle Association's annual trail ride and potluck was held Sunday June 11th at the home of Frank and Pam McIntire. Approximately 20 four wheelers and 8 horses enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Almost every four wheeler had 2 or more riders making the Trail Ride enjoyed by many.
Frank McIntire showed us where the fire had burned the prior year, the new fire house and Jean Aiken and Anna McIntire explained how the area we traveled was used for sheep drives during her childhood. The 4 wheelers traveled approximately 18 miles to Weippe. Phil and Bonnie Puckett who live in the area added to the discussion as well.
Getting ready to head out on the trail ride.
First stop on the road at the Carrot Ridge Fire house (Fire Chief is Andrew Puckett, son of Phil and Bonnie Puckett)
The Idaho Lewis County Cattle Association's Cattle Family of the Year event was held July 23rd at the home of Craig and Jane Spencer. The potluck dinner with ball tip provided by ILCCA was delicious and the conversation was educational. Craig spoke to approximately 40 people in attendance about the history of their ranch. The main ranch is 60 miles as the crow flies from his Grangeville place. With 3 full time employees, the Spencer's run 300 cows and admittedly winters as many elk as cows which are able to live on winter grass. Craig introduced two of his employees, Gary and Joni Bullock. The discussion included specific decisions that helped improve the success of their ranching operating including —
- converting to an S Corporation as a means for them to get more organized and get a better handle on where the money was going,
- taking advantage of the Access Yes program with Idaho Fish & Game that pays $1/ acre to allow hunters on your land
- taking advantage of the grass seed market crash in the 70s to plant grass seed
- farming the trees, and
- cutting down on the number of cows.
Members in attendance joined in with common topics and the conversation was educational and lively.
On Sunday, May 19th, Morgan and Bre Deards hosted us at the Scotlyn Ranch. There were 9 brave horse riders who went off on their own adventure while the 38 ATV/UTVs went off on a different trail. Despite having rain, hail, sunshine, and a flat tire on the ride I think it’s safe to say everyone enjoyed themselves and the tour of the ranch. After about 3 hours, we all met back at the Scotlyn Ranch lodge for a potluck BBQ where there was a ton of food and good conversations. Thank you to everyone who attended and to the Deards for hosting us!
On the morning of Sunday July 23rd, 32 vehicles carrying 80 adults plus kids loaded up and headed for Ray and Molly Stowers' ranch up Deer Creek Rd in White Bird. The Stowers family lead us on a 2.5 hour tour of the property they ranch on. The tour consisted of multiple stops where Ray talked to us about the logistics of their operation, the hardships they face, and the history of how they got to be where they are now. The last stop was at the Grave Point Lookout to climb our way to the top and take in the beautiful 360 degree views. Once we got back to their home we got the food out and everyone enjoyed a great potluck meal with BBQ'd ball tip provided by the ILCCA. Once everyone was relaxing in the shade, Jim Wemhoff presented Ray, Molly, and the Stowers family with a plaque. Ray said a few words about his family and expressed his gratitude to be honored with this award. Overall it was a hot day filled with great people and great food! A special thanks to the Forsmann family who BBQ'd the meat for us and to Jim Wemhoff for bringing the port-a-potty. 
The carcass winners in attendance from left: Jim Wemhoff (President), Nate Forsmann, Brooklyn Weddle, Riata Rockwell, Kylee Riggers, and Meranda Small (U of I Extension agent). Not pictured Rebecca Seubert.
The Idaho Lewis County Cattle Association’s county tour was held June 12th. We headed up the main salmon this year to the Mountain View Elk ranch. There Brad and Sarah Walters met us by their ranch and explained a little about the process of raising elk instead of cattle, the differences and the challenges that it presents. It was very informative, and the cattle association members had a great time of question and answers after. After visiting the elk ranch, we headed up river to Allison Creek where we had our picnic lunch, the weather held out and it didn’t rain! Many members stopped by the Elk Ranch’s meat processing store on the way back to purchase goodies and ice cream.
The Carcass Winners in attendance are pictured (from left; Riley Enneking, Laney Forsmann, Rebecca Seubert, and Cole Duclos with Melisa Stilson and Jim Church)
On Sunday, June 13th, Chuck & Jane Pratt led 30 ATV’s on a tour of their property in Stites, Idaho while Laine Pratt & Bailey Nygaard led 25-30 horses and riders along a separate tour of the Ranch. Riders met up at Chuck & Jane’s home place along the South Fork Clearwater River. At 10am we headed out on our separate adventures up the hill. Along the rides we stopped at multiple places and Chuck & Laine gave insight to the history and layout of the land. In one area, overlooking the valley, there was a grave headstone. The history about the headstone was that it was a gentlemen from Iceland that came to the area and died here. Relatives from Iceland have since then tracked down where he passed away and even made a trip to Stites! 
The 2020 ILCCA annual meeting was held Saturday, October 24th at the Greencreek Community Hall. 
The Carcass Winners in attendance are pictured (from left; Cole Duclos, Kaden Duclos, Rebecca Seubert, Hope Schwartz, Philip Schwartz with Tim Kinzer and Jim Church)
The 2019 ILCCA annual meeting was held Saturday, October 26th at the Ferdinand Gym. 
The carcass winners in attendance are pictured (from left, Laney Forsmann, Riley Enneking and Zack Murdock with Ken Forsmann)
On Sunday, June 9th, Jason Klement along with his dogs Bart and Fuzzy led ILCCA members in nine vehicles on the county tour from Grangeville to Florence and back through the new bridge across the middle fork of the Salmon River. 
The 2018 ILCCA annual meeting was held Saturday, October 20th at the Greencreek hall. 
Below: The final approach into Kirkwood Ranch (on foot)
The 2017 ILCCA annual meeting was held Saturday, October 21st at the American Legion hall in Nezperce. 
Getting ready to head out on the trail ride.
First stop on the road at the Carrot Ridge Fire house (Fire Chief is Andrew Puckett, son of Phil and Bonnie Puckett)
Members in attendance joined in with common topics and the conversation was educational and lively.