Lost Rivers Farm Bureau

08/27/2026

The Mackay FFA Chapter, in partnership with the Lost Rivers Farm Bureau, is proud to recognize Mark Telford as the Farmer of the Month.

Mark was raised on a small family farm in Dietrich, Idaho. From a young age, he found joy in every aspect of life on the farm and dairy, which fostered his deep appreciation for agriculture and cattle. Mark still tells his kids stories of growing up and hurrying home from school to care for the Holstein calves before being allowed to attend sports practices.

To further his knowledge and skills, Mark attended college and earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business Science and Technology. After graduating, he began an internship with Frank Tiegs, an icon in the potato industry. The internship proved to be a huge steppingstone in Mark’s career and, over time, developed into a lasting friendship and mentorship that continued until Frank’s passing in 2024. In addition to this treasured mentorship, many farmers and ranchers in the Lost River Valley have mentored Mark through the years.

In 2011, Mark and his wife, Paige, purchased their first farm in the Lost River Valley. Through dedicated effort, they gradually expanded their holdings and later incorporated an organic farm into their operation.

Today, Mark owns and leases several farms in Butte County under Caldera Ag, LLC. This acreage allows him to implement an extended crop rotation for certified seed potatoes. This careful rotation not only maintains soil health but also enhances the quality of his crops. As a result of his dedication and expertise, Mark has earned a reputation as a reliable source for top-quality seed potatoes that he markets throughout Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and surrounding states.

In addition to production agriculture, Mark and Paige own AshTel Land & Cattle. They run Black Angus cattle in Butte and Custer Counties. AshTel Land & Cattle is actively involved in several verified beef programs, including Non-Hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC), Verified Natural Beef (VNB), SAV, and RaiseWell. Through participation in these initiatives, the operation upholds high standards of quality and animal care.

The Telford family loves to take a day off the farm and help in the cattle operation. Riding a horse and enjoying the views of the valley is a day well spent.

Mark lives by the mantra, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” He truly has a passion for agriculture.

Mark and Paige feel very blessed to live in the Lost River Valley. Many neighbors and friends have shared their experience and expertise of farming in this unique valley. They are also quick to recognize the employees who make Caldera Ag and AshTel Land & Cattle possible. Each one is an integral part of the operation, and Mark and Paige credit their dedication and attention to detail as an important part of their success.

Mark also believes strongly in supporting the communities and youth of the Lost River Valley. He donates potatoes to the Butte County cross country team for its fundraiser, and Mark and Paige support local youth by purchasing animals at the Butte County Fair. Mark currently serves as chairman of the Water District 34 Advisory Committee and also serves on the Butte County Soil and Water Conservation District. He enjoys supporting community events and contributes to both the Butte County Fair and Atomic Days celebrations.

The Mackay FFA Chapter and Lost Rivers Farm Bureau are pleased to recognize Mark Telford for his dedication to agriculture, service to his community, and contributions to the Lost River Valley.

From left to right: Kelsey Broadie, Jesse Barger, Otto Johnson, Peyton Teichert, Zoey Telford, Paul Telford, Mark Telford, Paige Telford

08/03/2026

Farmer/Rancher of the Month – Scott McAffee

The Mackay FFA Chapter, in partnership with the Lost Rivers Farm Bureau, is proud to recognize Scott McAffee as this month's Farmer/Rancher of the Month. Each month, we honor individuals whose hard work, dedication, and lifelong commitment have helped shape agriculture in the Lost River Valley. Scott's story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a lifetime devoted to ranching.

Scott McAffee was born on March 6, 1943, to Earl and Gertrude McAffee and was raised on the family's ranch near Mackay, Idaho. In those days, the operation was truly diversified. The family ran cattle and sheep, raised potatoes, and, whenever ranch work allowed, headed into Black Daisy to log timber and cedar. Using teams of horses, they hauled the logs home to a small sawmill where they cut fence posts and lumber to sell.

The McAffees also had another unique enterprise. During the winter, they harvested large blocks of ice from Mackay Reservoir, hauled them home, and packed them in sawdust inside a cellar to keep them frozen. Throughout the summer, those blocks of ice were sold to local customers long before refrigeration was commonplace.

Like many young people raised in agriculture, Scott's work extended beyond his own family's operation. He hired out to neighboring ranches, putting up hay and bucking potatoes. From the stories he's shared over the years, it's no surprise that harvesting potatoes by hand gave him more than enough memories for one lifetime.

One phrase Scott has often repeated is, "The good old days sure weren't that good." While many people look back on earlier times with nostalgia, Scott has lived through the realities of agricultural progress. During his lifetime, irrigation has evolved from flood irrigation to hand lines, then wheel lines, and now center pivots. Teams of horses gave way to tractors, and tractors evolved from noisy, dusty open stations into climate-controlled machines equipped with modern technology. His perspective reminds us that while agriculture has always required hard work, today's producers benefit from innovations generations before them could only imagine.

Scott also spent countless hours in the Copper Basin participating in the community cattle roundups that once defined ranching in central Idaho. Ranchers gathered livestock from across the range, sorted yearlings, branded calves, gathered breeding stock, and shipped cattle to market by loading them onto railroad cars—a tradition that required cooperation among neighbors and represented the close-knit ranching culture of the region.

After graduating from Mackay High School, Scott attended The College of Idaho in Caldwell. While earning his degree, he worked at the Caldwell stockyards, gaining valuable experience that strengthened his passion for the livestock industry.

Following graduation, Scott returned home to Mackay and worked as a lineman while continuing to help on the family ranch. He carefully saved his earnings until he was able to purchase a ranch of his own, eventually buying out his father and brother. As the operation grew, he transitioned away from sheep and focused on expanding the family's cattle herd.

For many years, Scott also operated the Mackay sale yard, where weekly livestock auctions brought ranchers together from throughout the region. It was there that he met Gail, daughter of well-known East Fork rancher Eddie Baker. Gail often laughed about the first time she saw Scott, saying she couldn't take her eyes off him because he looked just like the Marlboro Man. After that first visit, she found plenty of reasons to accompany her father whenever he made the trip to the Mackay sale yard.

Scott and Gail were married and raised two children, Rusty and Tina, who grew up learning the values of hard work, responsibility, and ranch life alongside their parents.

Cattle have always been Scott's greatest passion. Over the course of his career, he has witnessed tremendous changes in both the cattle industry and cattle genetics. When he first started ranching, Hereford cattle dominated the range. Like many producers of his generation, he wasn't immediately convinced when the first Black Angus bulls began appearing. Over time, however, he recognized the advantages they offered and gradually transitioned his herd, later incorporating Red Angus genetics as well. Today, the P Cross Ranch has found success producing Charolais-Angus cross cattle that combine performance with maternal strength.

The P Cross Ranch has now entered its fifth generation, with Scott continuing to share the knowledge, experience, and values gained through a lifetime devoted to agriculture.

Today, at 83 years old, Scott still doesn't miss a day of work. His dedication, work ethic, and pride in his ranch and cattle remain evident to everyone who knows him. Agriculture has changed dramatically over the past eight decades, but Scott's commitment to the land, his livestock, and his family has never wavered.

The Mackay FFA Chapter and the Lost Rivers Farm Bureau are proud to recognize Scott McAffee as our Farmer/Rancher of the Month. His lifetime of service, stewardship, and leadership has helped strengthen agriculture in the Lost River Valley and leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of ranchers.

From Left to Right: Scott McAffee, Miley Anders, Reilynn Jones, and Jason Van Etten

07/08/2026

Remember the date is July 10-this Friday! We want to thank you for your membership in the Farm Bureau Federation and Blake Van Etten - Idaho Farm Bureau Insurance Agent

07/02/2026

July 10!

Hey everyone! We had some mailers ordered for the federation BBQ/ Van Etten Insurance customer appreciation but they put June instead of July. If you get one of these mailers and wonder about the date, I just wanted to clarify that it will be on July 10th and not June 10th. Last year we also had a lot that did not end up getting delivered for some reason. If you are a customer of Van Etten Farm Bureau Insurance I want to extend an invitation to come to the BBQ. Thanks everyone and we are excited to see you there!

07/02/2026

The Mackay FFA Chapter, in partnership with the Lost Rivers Farm Bureau, is proud to recognize Loy and Lana Pehrson as this month's honored Farmer/Ranchers. Each month, the FFA selects a local farmer or rancher who has made significant contributions to agriculture and to our community.

Loy and Lana returned to the Lost River Valley after they were married in 1972 and began building a life centered on agriculture, family, and service. Farming alongside his brother, Loy helped raise a variety of crops including hay, barley, potatoes, corn, mustard, and alfalfa. Through decades of hard work and dedication, the Pehrsons became known throughout the valley for their commitment to farming and their community.

For many years, the Pehrsons owned and operated the only dairy in Butte County, providing quality dairy products while building a reputation for hard work and dependability. They also owned and operated a rodeo livestock company, raising some of the wildest bucking horses and bulls in the region. Their stock traveled to rodeos throughout Idaho and neighboring states, becoming well known among rodeo contestants and fans alike.

Loy and Lana have always believed in investing in the next generation. They have been among the Mackay FFA Chapter's most faithful supporters, serving as chaperones and bus drivers on fourteen National FFA Convention trips, giving countless students the opportunity to experience agriculture beyond the Lost River Valley. Their unwavering support of agricultural education earned them recognition as Mackay Honorary FFA Degree recipients, and Loy was further honored with a State Honorary FFA Degree for his outstanding service to FFA.

Loy's dedication to the community extends well beyond the farm. He served on the Mackay School Board for many years, helping shape the future of education for local students while consistently supporting agricultural programs and youth activities. He also served on several local water and irrigation boards, donating countless hours to protecting the valley's water resources and advocating for the needs of local farmers and ranchers.

Lana has devoted her time and talents to preserving the traditions, history, and people of the Lost River Valley. She served as Open Class Superintendent at the Custer County Fair for more than fifteen years before retiring following the 2025 fair. For seventeen years, she has served as acting president of the South Custer Historical Society, helping lead the purchase of the museum's current building, the sale of its previous location, and the development of a museum that preserves the valley's rich history for generations to come. Her passion for genealogy led her to spend countless hours recording local headstones on Find A Grave, and she faithfully served as a family history consultant for many years, helping others discover and preserve their family heritage.

Lana's service has always been centered on helping others. For more than fifteen years, she served as the Mackay Free BBQ Serving Chairman, organizing volunteers, coordinating countless details, and helping serve thousands of sandwiches over the years. Whether she's giving a ride to someone who needs to get to the grocery store or cards, taking treats to neighbors, or sharing her knowledge as a Certified Master Gardener, Lana is always looking for ways to brighten someone else's day.

Whether they were farming, hauling rodeo stock across the Northwest, supporting FFA members, serving on community boards, or volunteering countless hours, Loy and Lana have quietly made a lasting difference. Their example of humility, generosity, and hard work has inspired their family.

Above all, Loy and Lana are devoted to their family. Together they have raised four children and are proud grandparents to ten grandchildren. The values they have lived by—faith, integrity, perseverance, and service—continue to be passed down through each generation.

Congratulations to Loy and Lana Pehrson, our Farmer/Ranchers of the Month!

Submitted by Mackay FFA

Photo Caption: From left to right: Cabrean Gentry, Jason Van Etten, Loy Pehrson, Lana Pehrson, Kinsley Darrah, Miley Anders.

05/26/2026

The Mackay FFA Chapter, in partnership with the Lost River Farm Bureau, is proud to recognize Seth Beal as this month’s honored area farmer. Each month, the FFA selects a local farmer or rancher who has made significant contributions to agriculture and to the community.

Seth was born and raised in the Lost River Valley. A third-generation farmer, his family’s roots in the valley extend back more than 100 years, with the Beal farm celebrating its centennial in 2017. Following high school, Seth attended Ricks College, where he played football, met and married his wife of 55 years, Shelley Hart, and earned an associate degree in agriculture. Upon returning to the Lost River Valley, he farmed alongside his father, Richard Beal, until Richard’s passing in 2003. By that time, Seth had assumed full ownership and management of the Beal farm.

Farmers throughout the valley recognize Seth for his sound judgment and steady demeanor. Mark Telford commented, “Seth is highly respected throughout the valley. Anytime he talks, everyone listens. He is very level-headed and tries to see all viewpoints.” Danny Waddoups added, “Seth has been a great asset to our community for many years. I’ve always been impressed by his ability—even under difficult circumstances—to maintain a level head and stay calm with great character.”

His family describes Seth as meticulous in his work, a quality reflected in his exceptionally well-kept fields. Seth takes tremendous pride in his farm. His wife Shelley shared, “Seth lives for his farm. His work is his play.”

Seth has long been recognized as an excellent steward of the land. During the days of flood irrigation, his children remember marking dikes with their father to be disked into perfectly straight rows. Over time, Seth modernized the farm from flood irrigation to sprinkler systems, but the care and attention to detail in his fields has remained unchanged. Mark Telford had the opportunity to work closely with Seth when he rented one of Seth’s fields for potatoes in 2025. “He has set up his farm ground very well,” Telford said. In fact, Seth’s field produced one of the most abundant potato crops Caldera Ag has seen in Butte County.

Seth has also served as chairman of the Lost River Water District. Beyond agriculture, his community service has been extensive. What began as filling a vacancy on the Butte County Commission in 1988 evolved into 30 years of service as a county commissioner. During that time, he served on numerous district and state boards, including ICRMP, GEM PLAN, and the INL Citizens Advisory Board. Seth also served as an assistant high school football coach in Butte County for eight years.

Within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Seth has held numerous leadership positions, extending his mentorship and service within his faith community. His aptitude for leadership has been evident in every facet of his life, making him truly one of a kind.

A pillar of the community, Seth lives his life with the highest moral integrity. Even during the years he worked cattle, his children can testify that they never heard a profane word escape his tongue. Through his quiet but firm convictions, Seth continues to perpetuate a legacy of integrity, wisdom, and old-fashioned hard work.

Congratulations to Seth Beal, our Farmer of the Month!

Photo Caption: From left to right: Kelsey Broadie (Lost Rivers Farm Bureau President), Jason Van Etten, Seth Beal, Shelley Beal, Cabrean Gentry, and Kinsley Darrah.

03/30/2026

The Mackay FFA Chapter, in partnership with the Lost Rivers Farm Bureau, is proud to recognize Randy Purser as March’s honored area Farmer/Rancher. Each month, the FFA selects a local farmer or rancher who has made significant contributions to agriculture and to our community.

Randy and his family moved to the Lost River Valley in April of 1980, where he and his father purchased the Rulon Burke farm. Randy’s love for farming began early. At just 14 years old, he was already renting 200 acres to farm on his own. He loved every part of it and worked tirelessly to grow strong, beautiful crops—something he took great pride in.

During his earlier years, Randy also raised lambs for market, managing a large band of sheep while balancing the demands of farming and raising three daughters. He stayed busy, always working to build something meaningful for his family.

Randy truly loved farm life. When his father retired, Randy purchased his share of the operation and expanded the farm with additional ground. Beyond his own work, he gave generously to the community. He spent many years supporting 4-H, especially as his youngest daughter participated, and he enjoyed helping young people learn and grow.

He also dedicated decades of service to local organizations. Randy served on the Soil Conservation board for more than 30 years, the Lost River Cooperative board for over 25 years, and the local Planning and Zoning Board. He was also involved with the Farm Bureau for many years. Through these connections, he and his family had the opportunity to travel and participate in tours—experiences they deeply valued.

The Lost River Valley has been more than a place to live—it has been home. Randy and his family are grateful for the opportunity to raise their family here and to live the farm life they love.

Above all, Randy is a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud grandfather to eleven grandchildren.

Congratulations to Randy Purser, March's Farmer/Rancher of the Month!

Photo Caption: From Left to Right: Damien Willman (Mackay FFA Vice President), Randy Purser, Michelle Purser, Don Knapp (Lost Rivers Farm Bureau)

03/20/2026

Great opportunity through AgWest Farm Credit. Come learn more at this event sponsored by the District 2 YF&R.

02/04/2026

What a great family the Clarks are!

World Ag Expo Parent Meeting Night We will hold an optional meeting to go over the itinerary and expectations for students and parents on Thursday, February 5th at 7:30PM.  The meeting will be in the Ag Shop.  The total cost of the trip (after factoring in a contribution from the chapter) is 150 d...

02/04/2026

Way to go Scarlett MacConnell for placing 4th at the district speech contest!