Cliff grew up in Greencreek, in Idaho County, on a multigenerational family farm. He studied soil science at the University of Idaho. Cliff has been actively involved in his church, his community, and in state organizational leadership roles. He served as the Director of the REA Electrical Co-op and as a member of both the Idaho County Weed Board and the Idaho County Soil and Water District Board. Cliff enjoys snow skiing and playing and studying music when he’s not out in the field. Cliff and Sue have three children and seven grandchildren.