United Electric
Flamboyant
Flowers
Bart Beck breeds thousands
of vibrant daylilies
By Dianna Troyer
Thousands of daylilies in countless
colors resemble a living landscape painting as they sway in the breeze in Bart
Beck’s front yard.
For decades, the 52-year-old Burley
farmer has selectively bred many of the
5,000 lily cultivars—cultivated plants
with one or more distinctive characteristics—with their vibrant, grapefruit-sized
blossoms. They thrive in neat rows on a
quarter-acre plot.
“It’s grown so much bigger than I ever
thought it would when I started it,” says
Bart, who began planting the lilies when
he and his wife, Danene, moved to their
farm about two decades ago.
“When we lived in town, I had a small
seedling patch, about 40-feet square,” he
says. “I’ve got more room out here and
will probably expand a little. For the past
five years, I’ve planted about 700 to 900
a year.”
His flamboyant red, purple, burgundy,
yellow and pink flowers bloom from late
June to late September, depending on the
weather.
“They usually peak in early July,” he
says of his lilies—many of which are
for sale. “But there’s always something
flowering.”
Every time Gene and Jo Holm visit
Bart, they find new lilies to buy.
“I couldn’t resist Wild Mustang for the
name alone,” says Jo, who has planted
about 15 of Bart’s lilies at their home in
Heyburn. “It’s a peachy color with a ruffled edge. Another beautiful one is cherry
valentine.”
She has bought lilies as gifts for
4
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 15 Bart Beck tends to his daylilies. For the past five years, he has planted betwen 700 and 900 seedlings a year.
friends and family.
“There are so many to choose from,
and he’s always developing something
new,” says Jo, who has been buying Bart’s
lilies for about six years.
Bart strolls among the lilies, pulling
weeds or pollinating during early morning or evening when he has some free
time from farming hundreds of acres of
sugar beets, wheat and dry beans.
“It helps me to unwind from farming,”
he says.
The hardy flowers require minimal
amounts of fertilizer and water.
“I give them about an inch of water
twice a week and use the same granular
fertilizer I use on my crops,” Bart says.
He keeps hand-written records to
track the characteristics of each plant.
“On websites, people are interested in
lilies with petals that have dog-toothed
edges, so I’ve developed flowers with that
trait,” says Bart, who has auctioned some
of his unusual lilies at www.daylily.com.
He also breeds for other characteristics, such as size, varied colors on
the same flower, multiple buds and
re-blooming. His lilies have a thick
Top left, Bart’s Burley Boy offspring are known for their pastel cream flower petals and lemon-colored
edges. Above, Bart pulls weeds from a plot of seedlings. Left, because blooms typically only last about 24
hours, Bart tries to maintain multiple scapes—or stalks— with mulitple buds.
scape—the stalk on which the daylilies
blossom.
“A blossom usually lasts only 24 hours,
so you want a scape with lots of branching and multiple buds,” he says. “I’ve
had some scapes with 35 buds and a few
blooms that have measured 7 to 8 inches
across.”
As he strolls along a path in his lily
patch, he stops at a 4-foot-tall plant with
petals of pastel cream and lemon with
frilled curly edges.
“These are Burley Boy’s offspring,” says
Bart. “I named this cultivar for its sturdy
scapes and for my hometown.”
A lily he named for his wife has a light
pink base with a red center and red edge.
“The Danene is one of my favorites for
its colors,” he says.
The lily he calls Hook Shot has curled
tips on the petals, like a hook. Another
he named Lookin’ Good for its maroon
base and dark red center and edge.
He and other growers are striving to
develop a blue lily.
“What most growers call blue is really
light lavender,” says Bart.
To develop new cultivars, Bart pollinates flowers in mid-summer. After
the pods begin to dry and crack in early
autumn, he harvests the seeds and places
them in the refrigerator for about four
months to simulate winter temperatures.
In spring, he plants them in pots in his
greenhouse for about six months.
“In June, I plant seedlings outside,” he
says of the plants that will not bloom for
three years. “It’s really interesting because
you can predict what a flower will look
like, but you never really know until it
opens.”
The suspense of waiting for years does
not bother him.
“I’ve been doing this for so long that
there’s always something new in bloom
from one year or another,” he says.
Bart laughs at himself for becoming a
lily expert.
“When I was young, about 12, I really
didn’t like daylilies because they were so
plain and mostly orange,” he says. “I’m
not a fan of orange. I planted other
flowers, mostly tulips, in my mom’s yard.”
Years later, as horticulturists began
developing new cultivars, Bart became
intrigued and ordered the Stella D’Oro
from a catalog. It was prized for being
the first re-blooming daylily and for its
rich golden color.
“I thought it was kind of cute,” he
says. “In the ‘90s, I found other colors of
daylilies had been developed like purple,
which is my favorite color. I’d studied
plant science in college and got hooked
on developing daylily cultivars.”
During winter, Bart flips through catalogues and surfs the Internet, searching
for flowers with intriguing traits or to get
ideas of what to breed in the future.
From his home office, he can glance
out a window at the lilies he planted near
the front door when the house was built
two decades ago.
“They are still thriving,” Bart says.
“All of these lilies will be here for a long,
long time.” n
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 15 5
United Electric
United Electric Announcements
Payment Regulations
Beginning October 1, United Electric
can no longer accept credit card payments at the office drive-thru.
The Payment Card Industry Data
Security Standard is designed to ensure
that all companies that process, store or
transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.
What does this mean? As you may
have noticed, when you go to the grocery store or gas station, you never
give your credit card to the clerk for
payment.
Customers swipe their own card. This
allows the merchants to remain in compliance with the standards by keeping the
security of the card and its information
in the consumer’s possession.
We are happy to assist you with a
credit card payment at the front counter
of the office where we will have a swipe
device available. United Electric staff
also can assist members in learning how
to make payments via our SmartHub
app on mobile devices and home
computers.
Project Share
As winter approaches, please consider
donating $1 to Project Share when you
pay your electric bill.
Funds collected for this program are
sent to the Salvation Army in Boise to
help families in need of emergency
heating assistance.
To participate, add $1 to your payment and check the box at the top of
your statement. An easy way to contribute is to ask us to bill your donation as
a line item on your statement. That way,
you do not have to think about checking
the box or adding the dollar, and we are
saved an extra transaction in the office.
Call us at 679-2222.
A huge thank you to all who participate in this wonderful program.
Winter Hours Return September 8
Summer has flown by. The days are
shorter, the nights are cooler, and United
Electric is back on winter hours. The
office is open Monday through Friday
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including during
the lunch hour.
Emergency assistance is always available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The emergency number is 679-4444.
Save Big
Did you know that your Co-op
Connections Card can be used to save
money on health care needs? This one
card can be used to save your family
money on your dental and vision needs.
Your Co-op Connections Card also
can save you money on prescriptions.
You could save between 10 percent and
60 percent when you use your card at
participating pharmacies. Walmart,
Walgreens, Ridley’s and Smiths are a few
pharmacies where you can save money
locally. To see a full list of pharmacies
and medical providers who accept the
Co-op Connections Card in your area,
visit www.connections.coop.
Minidoka Memorial Health Fair
Minidoka Memorial Hospital’s annual
health fair is Saturday, September 26,
from 8 to 11 a.m. at the hospital, 1224
8th St., in Rupert.
Early blood draws are available at
the Minidoka Memorial Lab from
Monday, September 10, through Friday,
September 25, from 7 to 9 a.m. Fast for
12 hours prior to test (nothing to eat or
drink except for water). A variety of tests
are available.
Check the hospital website, www.
minidokamemorial.com, for information
and health fair pre-admit forms.
Results may be picked up at the health
fair, where there will be booths to visit, as
well as breakfast. 
8
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 15
United Electric
Look Up for Hazards During Harvest
The pressures of harvest season are no
reason to ignore safety
After working in a field on a neighbor's farm, Jim Flach parked
his equipment and stepped out of the vehicle. Jim did not realize his equipment was touching an overhead power line, and
he became a path for the electrical current as he placed his foot
onto the ground. Jim received a severe electric shock that ultimately resulted in his death a few months later. Safe Electricity,
a program of the Energy Education council, urges farmers to
take the proper precautions when working around power lines.
“The rush to harvest can lead to farmers working long days
with little sleep,” says Kyla Kruse, communications director of
the council and its Safe Electricity program. “It is important to
take time for safety. Before starting work, make sure to note the
location of overhead power lines.”
To stay safe around overhead power lines, Safe Electricity
urges farm operators and workers to:
• Use a spotter when operating large machinery near power
lines.
• Use care when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks
around power lines.
• Keep equipment at least 10 feet from power lines—at all
times, in all directions.
• Inspect the height of farm equipment to determine clearance.
• Always remember to lower extensions when moving loads.
• Never attempt to move a power line out of the way or raise it
for clearance.
• If a power line is sagging or low, call United Electric
Cooperative at 679-2222.
If contact is made with a power line, stay on the equipment. Make sure to warn others to stay away, and call 911. Do
not leave until the utility crew says it is safe to do so. The only
reason to exit is if the equipment is on fire. If this is the case,
jump off the equipment with your feet together, without touching the ground and vehicle at the same time. Keeping your feet
together, hop to safety as you leave the area.
Some additional safety tips from Safe Electricity include:
• Do not use metal poles when breaking up bridged grain
inside and around grain bins.
• Always hire qualified electricians for any electrical issues.
• Do not use equipment with frayed cables.
“You need to double check, even triple check, to see what is
above you,” says Marilyn Flach, Jim’s widow. His son Brett adds,
“Be conscious of your surroundings. You need to keep your
eyes open and beware of overhead lines.”
For electrical safety information, visit SafeElectricity.org. 
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 15
25
Co-op Connections Card
Please support these businesses that participate in the Co-op Connections Card program
A&T Construction
194 E 200 S, Rupert
436-0738
5 percent off labor.
Columbia Electric Supply Co.
1027 Normal Ave., Burley
878-9035
[email protected]
Wholesale pricing on cash sales.
Animal Medical Clinic
284 S 600 W, Heyburn
679-4550
5 percent off all cash services.
Arby’s
594 N Overland Ave., Burley
678-8426
10 percent off purchase.
Barclay Mechanical Services Inc.
100 S 490 W, Paul
438-8108
Connections Credit Union
510 21st St., Heyburn
233-5544
New members receive a free
welcome gift and $5 deposit.
D.L. Evans Bank
North Burley Branch
South Burley Branch
Rupert Branch
Free small business checking.
5 percent off metal purchase.
• Complimentary Visa check
debit/ATM card.
Barry Rental & Equipment
159 W Hwy 30, Burley
678-7368
• No annual fee Visa with a
business checking account
(upon approved credit).
15 percent off rentals; 10 percent
off purchases excluding whole
goods, such as mowers, skid
steers and construction
equipment.
Clayville Insulation
250 E 100 S, Burley
678-9791
5 percent off existing residential
insulation.
Clegg’s Service ’n Repair
Brad Clegg, owner
703 W Main, Burley
678-7697
Cell (208) 670-7624
Lube, oil and filter; up to 5 quarts
with card, $24.95.
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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 15 • Free introductory order of
checks.
Larry’s Electric & Heating
1133 Albion Ave., Burley
678-4071
www.larryselectric
andheating.com
10 percent discount on filters and
light bulbs bought in the store.
Lee’s Furniture Clearance Outlet
459 Overland Ave., Burley
878-4433
Receive up to a 5 percent
discount on purchase.
Marble-N-Counters
1321 E Main, Burley
878-6042
5 percent off marble jobs.
Mind & Body Wellness Center
2207 Overland Ave., Burley
878-9418
20 percent off any services,
15 percent off nutrition. Free
consultation for Ideal Protein
Weight Loss program.
Member FDIC
Farmers Corner
202 S Highway 27, Burley
678-5130
Free pop with gas purchase.
Greener Valley Computer
2853 Overland Ave., Burley
678-0964
Mini-Cassia Chamber
of Commerce
1177 7th St., Heyburn
679-4793
www.minicassia
chamber.com
25 percent discount on all Idaho
gifts and jewelry items, excluding
consignment and sale items.
5 percent off in-store software.
Hansen Sign Co.
1625 W 16th St., Burley
678-8892
10 percent off all sign work,
including trucks. Custom T-shirt
at $5+ tax—one per customer.
NAPA Auto Parts
501 Overland Ave., Burley
678-8311
7 percent discount on regularly
priced items.
Ponderosa Golf
320 Minidoka Ave., Burley
679-5730
$1 off green fees, Monday
through Friday before 4 p.m.
Pro Paint Inc.
1116 Overland Ave., Burley
878-0856
$5 off a $50 purchase.
Quality Tire Factory
822 S Onieda, Rupert
436-3900
6 percent discount on regularly
priced items.
Sears Burley
2338 Overland Ave., Burley
878-8004
Owned and operated by
Ron and Judy Fowler
10 percent off any regularly
priced merchandise.
Skaggs Furniture
Overland Shopping Center,
Burley
878-5100
Discount of up to 50 percent on
regularly priced items.
Snake River Bowl
725 Minidoka Ave., Burley
679-2695
10 percent off regularly priced
bowling, food or merchandise
(league and tournament bowling
excluded).
United Electric
Stars Ferry Building Supplies
20 S 300 W, Burley
678-5562
Free hat with $100 cash
purchase.
Sweetheart Manor
Overland & 42nd St., Burley
678-8692
10 percent off invitations or 30
percent off if Sweetheart Manor
is used for receptions and tuxedo
rental.
Ted’s Diesel Electric
1141 South Hwy 30, Heyburn
878-4991
10 percent discount once
a month on any rebuilt starter,
alternator or generator.
The Gathering Place
524 6th St., Rupert
436-0455
10 percent off purchases,
excluding kits, batting and
quilting machines.
Tony’s Barbershop
1607 J St., Heyburn
(208) 219-0666
Special price for seniors and
children.
Ward’s Cleaning & Detail
1131 E 18th Lane, Burley
878-5105
10 percent off carpet and
upholstery cleaning; 5 percent off
auto detailing.
Wilson Bates
Appliance & Furniture
2560 Overland Ave., Burley
678-1133
Air leaks and inadequate insulation waste a lot of energy used to heat and cool your home.
United Electric Cooperative can recommend contractors to help you weatherize your home,
keeping you more comfortable year round and saving you money on energy bills. With the right
upgrades, you could also be eligible for incentives from United Electric. Take control of energy
waste, and make your home a good place to be.
Find more information about our weatherization program at uec.com, or call (208) 679-2222
Additional 5 percent off the best
sale price of any furniture, Burley
location only.
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 15
29
United
Electric
Co-op Inc.
Directors
President Dean Nielsen
Vice President Bruce Beck
Sec./Treas. Cordell Searle
Brent Bowen
Ronald Osterhout
David Phillips
George Toner
John R. West
General Manager
Jo Elg
Engineering and Operations
Trevor Parke
Line Superintendent
Dan Kidd
Executive Assistant
Penny West
Manager of Finance and Admin.
Curtiss Peterson
Community Relations Manager
Chris Seibold
Mailing address:
1330 21st St.
Heyburn, ID 83336
Phone: (208) 679-2222
Fax: (208) 679-3333
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.uec.coop
Office hours: Monday-Friday,
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
After Hours: (208) 679-4444
UNITED ELECTRIC
CO-OP, INC.
32
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 15
ID-29
On the Wire at United Electric
The National Safety Council is promotes National Farm Safety and Health Week
Sunday, September 20, through Saturday, September 26. The weeklong celebration
commemorates the hard work, diligence and sacrifices of our nation’s farmers and
ranchers. The September 2015 event marks the 72nd year of the recognition, which
has included a presidential proclamation every year since 1944.
The risk of injury is a daily reality for many agricultural workers. They are exposed
to hazards from handling chemicals, transporting large machinery, livestock and
entering hazardous grain storage bins. With preparation and proper training, these
risks can be mitigated and lives can be saved.
According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fatality rate in the
agriculture industry is among the top 10 of all occupations. This is especially relevant
during fall harvest season, as farmers put in long hours under the stress of weather
delays, equipment breakdowns and high operating costs.
The theme of 2015 Farm Safety Week is “Ag Safety is not just a slogan, it’s a
lifestyle.” It’s a theme that also can be applied to the electric utility industry.
As an electric utility, the board of directors, employees and management at United
Electric are keenly aware of job hazards and are committed to safety. The commitment
to safety extends beyond daily work at United Electric. It extends into the community.
United Electric provides electrical safety education at local schools, farms and fire
stations.
If you are interested in
electrical safety education,
please contact us. Let’s
commit to making safety a
lifestyle.
Jo Elg
General Manager