06/08/06 Grazing academy; Kempthorne fishing

Farmers and ranchers who want to learn more about intensive management of irrigated pastures can do so next week at the University of Idaho's Lost River Grazing Academy. The hands on workshop is taught by consultant Jim Gerrish, area rancher Joe Miller and faculty from the U of I and Utah State University. The June 12th through 15th sessions at the Nancy Cummings Center north of Salmon will include low-stress livestock handling, power fencing, forage allocation, resource inventory, pasture evaluation, nutrient cycling and niche production. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne put his Idaho fishing experience to good use this week. Kempthorne was at the Constitution Gardens pond on the Capital Mall to help some of the 300 grade school children taking part in first time fishing program for kids. KEMPTHORNE "I was just fishing with this little girl whose name is Martha. To see the sparkle in her eyes, to hear the giggle in her voice, she'll remember this I think probably for the rest of her life." Dr Mamie Parker of US Fish and Wildlife says there are dividends to taking 300 kids fishing. She says the kids will be the ones that will influence their teachers and parents to know more about wildlife and conservation. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott