Dennis Tanikuni, Assistant Director of Governmental Affairs for Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, has a view of the Idaho Statehouse from his office in the Governmental Affairs building. “I look out my  window at the Capitol,” Dennis says, “and still can’t believe I had the honor of working in that building for 24 years.”

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Dennis’ career at the Federation began on January 23, 1995 (”At 7:22 AM, but who‘s keeping track?”), but his ties with Idaho agriculture go back much further. He was born on November 3, 1951, in Caldwell, and grew up on a small row crop and alfalfa seed farm. His maternal grandfather, James Mitsugi Itano, was killed while working cattle in 1942. “He was thrown against a tree stump by a steer,” Dennis says, “and suffered a fatal head injury.” Two other members of his family also experienced ag-related deaths, and one of his father’s best friends was killed while harvesting sugar beets. “My family has more than skin in the game.”

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Dennis is a third-generation Idahoan. He grew up in Owyhee County where, during his youth, there were fewer than 3,000 residents. His paternal and maternal grandparents immigrated to Idaho from Japan in the early 20th century. His brother, Frank, was born in Blackfoot and his mother, Mary, was born in Glenns Ferry. After graduating from Homedale High School in 1970 Dennis attended the College of Idaho where he received his bachelor’s degree in business and marketing in 1974. He worked for First Security Bank, Blue Cross of Idaho, and West One Bank before going to work for the Idaho-Oregon Fruit and Vegetable Association, the Idaho Apple and Cherry Commissions, and the Idaho-East Oregon Onion Committee in Parma in April, 1985. Ten years later he would begin his 23 year-career at Idaho Farm Bureau Federation. “In total,” Dennis says, “I’ve worked in, and for, Idaho agriculture for 33 years.”

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During his tenure at the Federation, Dennis held the position of Assistant Director of Public affairs (now called Director of Public Affairs) the entire time. He has also been the Acting Director three times. Looking back on his career, Dennis recalls several highlights. “I have survived 24 legislative sessions. They were always the highlight of the year – the ‘Big Game’ – something we‘d prepared for all year. I really enjoyed representing ag producers in the Statehouse.” During his first two years, the major issue he worked on was workers’ compensation for agriculture. “I worked about 80 hours a week getting up to speed. Workers‘ compensation was ultimately mandated. When I cut back to 60 hours per week in my third year I thought I was on vacation. In fact, during my first five years, I only took two to four vacation days per year and turned back the rest. Not smart.”

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Other memorable events for Dennis include being asked to run for the Legislature twice by sitting legislatures, participating in the 75th anniversary of Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, and seeing membership grow from about 44,000 to over 80,000 today. “When a 50,000 member-family goals was announced,” Dennis says, “I thought senior management was nuts. I was never happier to be wrong.”

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The event that left the most lasting impression on Dennis was the elimination of personal property tax on farm equipment. “It was valued at $14.5 million when it was eliminated. That exemption continues to this day.”

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But what stands out in Dennis’ mind most about his Farm Bureau career isn‘t an event or issue. “What stands out most are the wonderful Idaho Farm Bureau members I’ve met and had the privilege and honor of working for. Our members range from very small operations to individuals whose annual operating lines exceed most Idaho county budgets.”

 

One of the people Dennis met turned out to be someone very special. “Working for Farm Bureau allowed me to meet and marry my sweetheart, Jane, in 1999,” Dennis says.

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“My wonderful wife, Jane, has two kids, Allie and Hugh.” Allie is an MD/PhD cancer pathologist at the Huntsman Center, and Hugh is an RN working in the Oregon Health Sciences University stem cell unit in Portland. “Obviously,” Dennis adds, “we get a lot of free medical advice.” Dennis and Jane have three grandkids, Kolby, 28, Will, 17, and Luca, nine months. 

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Outside of work Dennis enjoys “spending time with my sweetie, Jane,” traveling, reading, cooking, photography, shooting, and following politics. “I may quit the following politics part,” he says, “there’s no common sense or respect for differing opinions anymore.”

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For the first several years of retirement, Dennis and Jane plan to travel “as much as we can schedule and afford.” They have a transatlantic cruise and land tour planned for the spring of 2019. “We’ll depart in Tampa, Florida, and end up in Reykjavik, Iceland. We’ll obviously have to take a lot of different clothes.” Other travel plans include their annual trip to Maui and “spending a lot of time with Hugh and his family in Oregon and some of the winter months in Florida when Allie and her family relocate there.”

 

Besides traveling, Dennis has plenty of other plans to keep him busy. “I want to make a significant dent in my reading list. I’ve got a table full of books that have accumulated during the last several years. I want to start playing the guitar again. I also want to start shooting more, both long-range rifle and handgun. I’d like to start hunting big game again while I’m still physically able and may even do some more fishing. I also need to break out the Dutch ovens and do more of that cooking. Lastly, I will drop a few Farm Bureau-inflicted pounds and start walking and working out regularly.”

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In parting with Farm Bureau, Dennis has a few final sentiments. “My thanks to our past and current members for a wonderful, enriching, and at times, life-changing experience. I always tried to act in their best interest and always remembered that it was their ag dollars being spent. They were the individuals making the dollars the government was spending, and it’s Government Affairs’ job to make sure that spending is reasonable and prudent.”

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“I‘ve had the privilege of working with some outstanding old-timers during my Farm Bureau career - Bill Brown, Ray Poe, Dennis Brower, Chuck Garner, Dixie Ashton, Nancy Shiozowa, and Peggy Moore. My thanks to all of you. Since 2013, Russ Hendricks has done a great job as Governmental Affairs Director. With Braden Jensen and DeLon Lee helping him, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation and Governmental Affairs will be formidable in Idaho public policy. Lastly, my thanks to Idaho Farm Bureau Federation CEO Rick Keller. He does an absolutely wonderful job looking out for our members and his staff. I worked a number of places before joining IFBF and in my experience, Rick is the most talented CEO I’ve ever been privileged to work for. He’s certainly the hardest working. Rick has put together a team of really talented young employees who, along with the really talented older employees, will continue to do a great job for Idaho agriculture. My wife, Jane, calls all the young guys the ‘New Order’. She’s right.”

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NOTES FROM DENNIS’ COWORKERS

Dennis has been a voice of experience and a steady hand for more than two decades in the Governmental Affairs office. His low-key style and recognized expertise in numerous issue areas have been a great asset to Farm Bureau members over the years.  Despite being nicknamed “Mad Dog” Tanikuni by a few in the lobbying corps at the Statehouse, he has been a great example of staying calm under pressure and how to be gracious in victory and magnanimous in defeat.

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Although there have been controversial decisions made by various people within the Governmental Affairs office over the years, Dennis has always been wise enough to stay above the fray and on solid ground; always seeking what is best for the members, and reminding everyone that it is better to live to fight another day than to die on your sword.
 

I want to extend my personal thanks and appreciation to Dennis for the years of mentoring and advice, and for all that he and Jane have done for Farm Bureau.  My very best wishes to them both as they move into this next phase in their life together.
-Russ Hendricks, Director of Governmental Affairs, Agra-PAC      Coordinator, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

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I had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Dennis for a couple of years when I worked as a staff member for Idaho Farm Bureau Federation’s Government Affairs group. That pleasure was even longer-lived when I was serving as a State Senator.  While working for the Farm Bureau Federation, I learned that most of my responsibilities had previously been Dennis’. He patiently directed me, provided me with good advice and always entertained me with abundantly humorous anecdotes along the way. 

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It was always very obvious to me that Dennis kept the interests of the Farm Bureau membership and management as his top priorities. Dennis has a great memory for issue details and very quickly identifies concerns or benefits with proposed legislation. He is also a very respected “Legislative Advisor,” because of his thorough understanding and respect for the legislative process. When Dennis expresses his  support or opposition regarding proposed statutory changes, it was always with great respect and professionalism. He also has a great sense of knowing beforehand what the outcome will be.

I know that Dennis’ decision to retire was made after every possible risk and reward analysis was completed. If he is actually retiring, this is the right time and the right thing for him to do.

 

Dennis, I wish you the very best as you enter this new chapter of your life. I know that you absolutely adore Jane, your children and grandchildren. You will be a better husband, father and grandfather now that these important priorities can be your only full-time job. Along with family, if there is enough retirement budget for a few new guns and plenty of ammunition (hoarded or actually used), you will be happy every day!

I have made so many wonderful friends throughout my life and I consider you one of the very best.  All the best Dennis and Jane. Come and see us in Soda Springs!
-Bob Geddes, Governmental Affairs Representative, Energy and Natural Resources Specialist Idaho Farm Bureau Federation (retired)

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I hope your colleagues appreciate what a Precious Gem Dennis truly is, and what they’re losing with all his institutional knowledge going out the door. We first met at the original PEP Conference in Albuquerque, circa  ’95 or  ’97; he’s been a mentor and friend ever since. His advice, council, honesty and vast experience has been a real beacon for me throughout my years in the greater FB network.  
 

And while I’m extremely happy for him in his retirement, (and perhaps sad for Jane) and I really look forward to hosting them both in North Dakota... being without Dennis as a colleague in the Farm Bureau Family will be akin to losing an arm. It won’t be the same and we’ll all have to adapt without him.
-Peter Hanebutt, Director of Public Policy, North Dakota Farm Bureau

 

Dennis is a wealth of knowledge and institutional history. Not only in Farm Bureau, but throughout the entire state, Dennis is known for his experience, depth of thinking, and attention to detail. He is always good for a laugh and a great story, and he rarely forgets any facts. His wisdom and expertise will be missed by the ag lobby of the state. I consider myself fortunate to have learned from him over the past few years. I hope Dennis and Jane enjoy retirement together.
-Braden Jensen, Governmental Affairs Representative, Energy and Natural Resources Specialist, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

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Dennis will greatly be missed. He has been a confidant and a wise counselor. Dennis has the unique ability of reading the various tea leaves in the lives of legislators and agency personnel. Not only does he know what they are saying, but more importantly, what they are not saying.

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Dennis has the talent of taking complex issues and breaking them down into concise talking points. He is a craftsman in his profession as a legislative advisor. He is trusted with confidential information so that detailed negotiations could be worked out. He is comfortable visiting with any member on policy issues as well as elected government officials in high office, and more important, all are comfortable around Dennis.

 

He had the tenacity of handling tough issues in a professional manner. Among other legislative advisors (lobbyists) he acquired the nickname “Mad Dog Tanikuni.”

 

We wish Dennis and Jane the best of luck in retirement. They are gracious friends to so many. We cherish their association.
-Rick Keller, Executive Vice President & CEO, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

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Dennis’ last day with Farm Bureau will be December 31, 2018. Please join us in wishing Dennis all the best in his retirement.

 

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