Woodward, Sauter support Idaho ranchers

The Wood family has run cattle in the Selle Valley area for five generations. We have built multiple family entities here with honest hard work. We rely on the tools Idaho provides to protect private livestock ownership. The Idaho Brand Board and Beef Checkoff are crucial.

The Idaho Brand Board protects against cattle theft and fraud. Idaho Brand inspectors verify and document legal proof of ownership each time our cattle are sold or leave the state. Absent this brand inspection process, Idaho ranchers have virtually no recourse for missing animals. The Beef Checkoff — $1.50, per head, is collected when the Idaho Brand Fee is paid. It funds market development including consumer promotion, and nutrition research strengthening Idaho beef demand supporting the bottom line for all Idaho Ranchers. These fees are paid by Idaho Ranchers costing the taxpayer nothing. The invested funds are allocated by volunteer boards of ranchers. Idaho Rancher funded and controlled.

In 2025 Representative Mark Sauter and Senator Jim Woodward supported Senate Bill 1016 increasing the brand inspection fee cap to $1.50 per head — the first meaningful adjustment in nearly 20 years. Rising costs have created budget shortfalls threatening Idaho Brand staffing, vehicle updates and service. The bill granted the Board flexibility to adjust fees within the cap allowing better response to current real-world conditions without further legislative action.

We depend on a well-funded Idaho Brand Board protecting every cattle producer in Idaho. Rep. Mark Sauter and Sen. Jim Woodward support Idaho’s cattlemen.

Please vote May 19. 

LEONARD WOOD

Sandpoint

Wood V-X Ranch, established 1940