R.J. Smith
Salmon
R.J. Smith is best known as a successful businessman and cattle rancher in the Lemhi Valley. He is noted for always striving to improve the product he produced while maintaining a strong financial bottom line.
While running his own ranch and raising hay to feed this livestock, Smith became knowledgeable of various water issues facing users in Lemhi County. He was often called on for advice and assistance by individuals filing their individual water right during the Snake River Basin Adjudication process. In his role as Chairman of the Lemhi Irrigation District, he became a leading voice during extensive litigation with the federal government.
Smith continues to be involved in community service as a member of the Lemhi County Cattle and Horse Growers Association and as a founding member of the Salmon Little Britches Rodeo. He was also served as the Lemhi County Assessor for eight years.
Smith and his wife Grace, who he met while working as a helicopter/cowboy for Grace’s father on a ranch in Wyoming, are the parents of one daughter.