02/07/06 Young Farmer and Rancher, Dalle

Chris and Kimmel Dalle are raising their three children west of Blackfoot in Bingham County. They have a yearling operation. CHRIS "We background these cattle all winter. We feed them all winter and then we turn them out on irrigated grass. Then in September we put them in a feedlot on feed and we retain ownership of them until they finish." They are partners with Chris' dad and own three trucks which they use to haul cattle and farm commodities. Chris got started early when his dad paid him for his milking chores with baby calves. CHRIS "I think I was 14 years old. I wanted more than just a handful of baby calves that I was getting. I went to the bank and applied for a loan. I had to have my dad cosign for me on the first loan. I think I bought 25 or 30 baby Holstein calves but I bought them. Then the next year I went in and they wanted my dad to cosign for me and he says he's a big kid, he can do it himself." Out of that five thousand dollar loan came the Dalle ranch. Soon after he met Kimmel who volunteered to help with calf branding. When she came back a second day Chris said he grandfather pulled him aside and offered this advice. CHRIS "You better keep her because she come back." Chris and Kimmel Dalle, District One chairmen for Idaho Young Farmers and Ranchers. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott