08/30/07 Fire costs mount; Idaho ag/food exports

While the flames continued burning toward Baldy the State of Idaho got some financial help from the federal government in the form of a 750 thousand dollar grant. The FEMA money will help the state recover some of the cost spent fighting the Castle Rock fire near Ketchum and the Sun Valley ski runs. To date Idaho has spent just under 23 million dollars in fighting fires this year. Agriculture and food exports from Idaho totaled nearly 121 million dollars in the second quarter of this year. The April to June figures, when added to the first quarter, give the state 240 million dollars in export ag and food sales. When the non-food exports are added in Idaho sales for the first half of the year were 2.2 billion dollars. Idaho's beef producers are now accepting entries for the Idaho Beef Backer Awards. The program honors independent and chain restaurants for leadership in marketing beef. Chefs and restaurant operators are encouraged to enter the contest to showcase innovative beef menu items, promotions and new ideas to meet consumer demand. The state winners automatically go onto the National Beef Backer Contest. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott