THE SIMPLOT GAMES

Skyler Young at a track meet in 2011

A couple of weeks ago we drove down to Pocatello to watch the Simplot Games track and field meet. What an inspiring day that was as we watched high school-age men and women compete. Those participants came from all over the United States and Canada. We witnessed sprinting, jumping, pole vaulting, and throwing the shot put. It was set up so that at least five events were going on simultaneously. If there was a lull in one event, there would be at least four other events to keep you interested. And there was the participants sitting in the bleachers that we could visit with and learn more about their experience in being involved in this event.

As one of the West’s premier high school track and field events, each year, on the third weekend in February, the Simplot Games offers high school athletes the opportunity to compete against the competitors in the U.S and Canada. Held at the Holt Arena on the campus of Idaho State University, this special 200 meter banked-board track is one of the fastest in the nation and one where records are broken each year.

In researching the Simplot Company, I found the following statements on their web site:

“We believe successful companies must be responsible members of society in other ways, too. Through such activities as our annual Simplot Games track meet, we regularly support a wide variety of needs in communities where we operate.”

“The J.R. Simplot Company, sponsor of the Games since 1979, is dedicated to providing a positive experience for all participants, and prides itself in putting on a meet that is well organized and officiated by a qualified professional staff.”

Some of the 2000 young athletes who take part in the Simplot Games each year go on to excel in college track and field. Others have been known to go on to the Olympics. But for everyone who competes, and everyone who observes, the Simplot Games provides special and rewarding experiences.

One of the new activities at the games this year was called “The Fast and the Farmers.” Sponsored by the J. R. Simplot Company, in a green booth next to the track and using special technology, athletes were able to have their pictures taken in different farm settings. While at the booth, Future Farmers of America members quizzed athletes on their farm knowledge. This booth was put together with the idea of participating athletes leaving with a better understanding of agriculture plus the awareness of Simplot’s role in the global food system.

What a way to spread the word on agriculture, to help dispel rumors and wrong ideas about how we in agriculture operate. Simplot must be applauded for their efforts in not only sponsoring this track and field event, but also for using the event to educate participants about agriculture.

Yes, this was a day well spent. Even for us old duffers, this was a fun day mingling with young athletes and feeling the excitement in the air with all of the events. You know, we all complain about today’s teenagers and the way they live their lives, the way they dress, and the way they speak. But on a day like this spent watching them compete, working hard at what they do, you see exemplary young men and women. You see youth willing to sacrifice to be able to meet goals. You see coaches who inspire hard work and a desire to better themselves in the youth they work with. You see families willing to spend time and money to travel across the United States so their children can compete. There is a lot to observe on and off the track at an event like this.

This was the fourth year we have gone to Pocatello to watch the Simplot Games, and I’m already looking forward to the one next year.

MARKETING

                                                                             JAEDN YOUNG

            Marketing is an important part of agriculture. When my dad and father-in-law were active in farming/ranching, marketing was mostly regional. I remember Dad being on the phone with sheep people, buying and selling his sheep. Boyd’s dad worked with regional grain elevators to get rid of his harvested crop. But we now live with global markets. There are a lot of seminars available to help farmer/ranchers learn about marketing. We have often attended workshops on this subject when we’ve gone to wheat producer conferences. We always came home with good intentions. But it is hard to change old habits.

            I guess I hadn’t thought too much about our marketing strategies until recently. Our grandson, Jaedn, is in the FFA program over in Baker City, Oregon. Jaedn and his brother, Skyler, have moved pipe here on the valley farm, fixed fence at the ranch, and done general farm work where and when needed for quite a few years.

            Well, they were studying marketing in FFA, so Jaedn had to answer some questions on a test about marketing cows. His answer to a question on the marketing plan for cattle was: “Sell when you need the money or sell a cow if her calf dies.” That wasn’t the correct answer. When asked who owned the cows on the ranch he worked on, he told them Grandma and Grandpa. “What cows belong to Grandma?” another question. He answered, “The dead ones.” He had heard us talking one day and I mentioned that whenever a cow died Boyd looked at me and said, “That was one of yours,” so I guess his answer was correct; the dead ones are mine.

            Janna, his mom said that Jaedn was in danger of failing FFA because of the things we have been teaching him. So I had to talk to Jaedn more about our marketing procedures.

            Boyd spends a lot of time at the Wednesday livestock sale in Idaho Falls, and often travels to Blackfoot on Fridays for the sale there. He watches, listens and makes decisions. He is good at watching the ups and downs in the sales of the cattle and determines through this on-site research when he is going to sell his calves. Then he gets on the phone calling potential buyers. This past year he, our son Derrald, and nephew Jay, worked with a company to sell the calves via an on-line auction. That was interesting and educational. The day of the auction, my laptop computer was put on the kitchen counter, chairs placed around it, and we had about 8 people watching the sale.

            Boyd always weeds out some cows each year. He takes into consideration their age, their ability to raise a good calf, and their health. This also is considered part of his marketing plan.

            Now, selling wheat seems to be a bit different. I’ve often accused Boyd of waiting until the price of wheat hits bottom, and then he sells. When the price is up, he says he thinks he had better watch it awhile. This might be when it is true that he “sells when he needs the money.” Although Boyd does read market reports, gets weekly news briefs on-line with the price paid for all grains, and visits with local elevator owners.

            But to put a marketing plan on paper just doesn’t seem to work for us. Those long-range plans don’t seem to take into consideration weather changes, drought, hail, early snow, no snow, or when we might need money. So Boyd’s wheat marketing plan is in his head.

            Jaedn needs to realize that his grandfather does know how to market his cows and wheat. And maybe when he comes back to be with us this year, we can talk a little more about this with him. Jaedn and Skyler each have a cow now, so he needs to learn more, not only about the care and treatment of the animal, but the potential of marketing. And we don’t want Jaedn to fail FFA!