Progressive Rancher - Nov/Dec 2015

NCA 2009 President’s Award Recipient

IN THIS ISSUE 3

Riding for the NCA

24

Society Range Management

4

Nevada Cattlemen As.

26

Horizons

6

Talking about NCBA

28

Evaluation of drought plan

8

Attorney General Laxalt

32

Eureka Fair Report

10

Eye on the Outside

34

Elko Fair Report

12

NV Cattlewomen

36

Van Norman and Friends

14

Fumes from the Farm

39

EJ Finanical Focus

16

NV Farm Bureau

40

Range Plants for Rancher

19

Mind of the Millenial

43

Ramblings

20

Beef Checkoff

44

Humboldt HWCWMA

23

Wells FFA

46

Cold Creek Horses

The Progressive Rancher Owner/Editor/Publisher – Leana Litten Carey progressiverancher@elko.net

Graphic Design/Layout/Production – Joshua Rinard Josh@LifeSpringDesign.com

Photo by Stacy Butler - Bliss, Idaho

“ Grandson watching and learning “

Published 9 times each year, The Progressive Rancher is mailed to more than 7,000 approved addresses, and has digital and print readership reaching more than 30,000.

The Progressive Rancher is published monthly. The views and opinions expressed by writers of articles appearing in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor.

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The Progressive Rancher

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Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Comments on

Sage Grouse “Not Warranted” Listing

Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Officers and Executive Committee he Nevada Cattlemen’s Association (NCA) supports the tegic and planned grazing), reseeding rangelands, etc. It is much easier to perform United States Fish and Wildlife Services(USFWS) recent these projects with local buy-in and participation rather than working through more designation of the Greater Sage Grouse (GRSG) as “not red tape and paperwork due to further restrictions placed on federal lands which warranted” under the endangered species act of 1973. would have been the case with an endangered or threatened listing.

NCA feels this was the correct designation for the benefit Any listing by the USFWS including not warranted sidesteps local science based of the Greater Sage Grouse, rural communities and the environment. The conservation efforts that were drafted by the State of Nevada and supported by the designation will hopefully result in the continued trend of positive habitat Nevada Cattlemen’s Association. State-based plans could have provided a better restoration on more than 17 million acres of habitat in Nevada. The recov- avenue for aggressive conservation efforts funded by and undertaken with local ery rate of species listed as endangered by USFWS under the ESA to date is stakeholders than the Land Use Plan Amendment (LUPA) will. poor, to say the least, with less than 1% actually recovering.

Undeniably there are legal, political, environmental and social obstacles associWith its designation as “not warranted” the USFWS resolves that further ated with public lands which are not associated with private land management. This changes in management of GRSG habitats remain to be carried out if we not warranted status gives more flexibility to private property owners where Sage

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Photo caption left to right: Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Officers & Executive Committee First Vice President Sam Mori of Tuscarora, Dr. Boyd Spratling D.V.M of Starr Valley, Ken Conley of Eureka, Craig Spratling of Starr Valley, John Falen of Orovada, Ron Cerri of Orovada, Dr. JJ Goicoechea D.V.M. of Eureka, current NCA President Ron Torell of Elko, Jon Griggs of Elko, Steve Boise of Jackpot, Second Vice President Tom Barnes of Jiggs. Not pictured President Elect Dave Stix Jr. of Fernley and Neil McQueary of Ruby Valley.

are to avoid the continued decline of populations on Nevada lands which are managed by the BLM, USFS and private land owners. NCA recognizes the declining conditions of some rangelands primarily due to the burn cycle of the last twenty plus years followed by invasion of some burned rangelands to cheat grass and other f lammable and less desirable plant species including significant encroachment by pinyon-juniper woodlands into the sagebrush steppe ecosystem. A not warranted designation carries considerably less red tape in the form of habitat rehabilitation and development restrictions than an “endangered” or “threatened” listing would have. A not warranted designation along with the availability of federal, state and local cooperative partnering programs all add f lexibility and incentive for landowners/managers to reverse this burn and invasive plant trend. The end result will be improved habitats through on-theground cooperative and collaborative projects that make a difference over time on riparian and upland areas of our sagebrush steppe.

A not warranted designation recognizes the many unending on-the-ground collaborative conservation efforts of our resource users. These projects are in concert with good stewardship on both private and federal lands and have shown quantifiable positive habitat restoration results. There are a number of collaborative livestock management projects focused on improving riparian areas and uplands on both public and private lands in Nevada. Some of these projects have been in place for more than 25 years. All share a common vision of restoring/maintaining healthy functional streams as well as stable, well vegetated uplands.

Good stewardship is the right thing for the bird, the land, the people and the livestock. Habitat conservation requires on-the-ground habitat projects such as water improvements, spring and meadow management, invasive species control, green-stripping, fire pre-suppression work (including fuels reduction through strawww.progressiverancher.com

Grouse habitat exists than an endangered or threatened listing would have offered.

It seems the burden of proof on many land use management issues often falls on the users and caretakers of the land and not the decision makers. The decision makers often live far away and are far removed from the land. The ESA (a federal government program of “We know best”) has become a regular tool of the extreme environmental movement to impose land and water use restrictions across the nation. It has proven one of the most costly statutes for livestock producers particularly on federal lands. NCA is satisfied the USFWS made the correct decision with the Greater Sage-Grouse designation as being not warranted. However, the many serious issues we have identified in the Nevada and Northeastern California Greater Sage Grouse Proposed LUPA/Final EIS, destined to be amended into every Land Use Plan in the sage grouse habitat areas of the state, are of monumental concern and will be vigorously opposed. The federal agencies must work closely with our Nevada scientific community (UNR CABNR, USDA, ARS, etc.) to assure that the science utilized is appropriate to our state. To introduce outside science into our region and attempt to impose it on our users while avoiding technical standards jointly developed and agreed to over many years, will be met with strong resistance. The livestock industry is vigilant of the Land Use Plan Amendments and will remain so throughout the process. Our future depends on reasonable and achievable standards that do not threaten the livelihood of our industry or the economy of rural communities.

Through this monthly column our hope is to update those involved in the Nevada Livestock industry about the issues NCA is working on for our mission continues to be to promote, preserve and protect a dynamic and profitable Nevada beef industry. Should you like to visit with NCA staff or officers in person feel free to contact NCA at 775-738-9214 or my NCA e-mail address ncapresident@nevadabeef.org

The Progressive Rancher

November/december 2015 3

Recreation Access to Private Lands Ron Torell, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association President Tom Barnes Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Second Vice President Craig Spratling & Dave Baker, Co-Chair Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Private Lands Committee

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ith fall hunting season soon to arrive come the many requests from hunters and recreationalists alike for access to recreate and/or hunt on private property. Private lands offer primary habitat to many of the state’s wildlife and often afford gateway access to our state’s federally managed lands. Given past bad experiences with a small percentage of hunters on private lands, it is easy to see why access is often denied.

The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association (NCA) recently teamed up with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) in an effort to educate hunters and recreationalists about conduct on private property. “Our relationship with the agriculture community and private land owners is highly valued,” states Tony Wasley, NDOW Director. “We consider them a key partner because of the value their land provides the wildlife of Nevada. We want to make sure Nevada’s sportsmen and women respect private lands. Nevada’s private lands are extremely important to not only Nevada’s wildlife but to recreational opportunities for all Nevadans. We have the responsibility to educate the public on the ethics of hunting and recreating on this private land.”

As a result of the team educational effort, a full page ad (attached) was developed and published in the 2015 NDOW Hunting Guide. It is both NCA and NDOW’s hope these educational efforts will aid our state’s hunters while they recreate on, through or around private property and these recreationalists respect private property rights during their outdoor activities.

Through this monthly column our hope is to update those involved in the Nevada Livestock industry about the issues NCA is working on for our mission continues to be to promote, preserve and protect a dynamic and profitable Nevada beef industry. Should you like to visit with Ron or the NCA staff, please feel free to contact NCA at 775-738-9214 or Ron’s NCA e-mail address ncapresident@nevadabeef.org

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Nevada Cattlemen’s Association

50th Annual Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale

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By Kaley Sproul NCA Executive Director t is that time of year again for our Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale. This year we are celebrating our 50th year of gathering in Fallon, Nevada for this traditional sale! Our sale will be held February 20, 2016 at the Fallon Livestock Exchange at 11:00 a.m. All bull entries are subjected to be sifted and graded Friday, February 19, 2016 at 7:30 a.m. Please contact the office if you have questions regarding the health requirements for the sale.

For the past 50 years, producers from Nevada and the surrounding states have worked hard to bring the best quality range ready bulls to the sale to provide our buyers with quality and selection. Bulls range from yearlings to two-year olds of different breeds and are bought and sold at the annual sale. We are still accepting consignments for this year’s sale. The deadline is December 1, 2015.

February 19, 2016 will feature the Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale Invitational Stock Dog Trial at the Fallon Livestock Exchange beginning at 8:00 a.m. On that same day in the evening, all are welcome to enjoy the Fallon Bull Sale Dinner and Dance hosted by the Churchill County Cowbelles. Immediately following dinner will be a Stock Dog Auction of 3 dogs shown earlier in the day. All proceeds from the Stock Dog Trial are donated to benefit the fight against cancer.

The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association would like to thank the many dedicated cosigners and buyers that participate in the sale each year. We would also like to thank the dedicated sponsors and people that support the sale and the association. Without all of their help this sale would not be possible. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you have questions regarding the sale or would like a copy of the sale catalog please contact the sale office at 1-775-738-9214 or email the sale secretary at nca@nevadabeef.org. The catalog will also be posted on the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association web page www.nevadacattlemen.org.

The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association is a non-profit trade association that was established in 1935. We provide a means for Nevada’s cattle industry to present a united front on issues that impact us all. Our mission is to promote a dynamic and profitable Nevada beef industry which represents the interests of its producers and consistently meets the consumer’s needs while increasing Nevada’s market share. The Association works hard to protect private property, vested water and grazing rights.

We achieve this through increased public awareness of our industry, and agriculture in general. The Kaley Sproul NCA Executive Director Association feels strongly that the future of rural Nevada depends on healthy viable land produced

by Nevada ranchers.

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The Progressive Rancher

November/december 2015 5

TALKING ABOUT NCBA Joe Guild, 6th Region Vice President

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have been asked a few questions lately about the relationship between NCBA and The Public Lands Council and the status of the Public Lands Endowment Trust (the Trust).

Many of the readers of this publication run livestock on the public ranges or have neighbors and friends who operate on the public lands at least part of every year so the curiosity is natural.

The relationship between PLC and the National Cattlemen’s beef Association is what I would characterize as a partnership. After all, a rancher in Kansas, North Dakota, Utah, Missouri or Florida, at the very basis of their business, is interested in one thing; raising a healthy animal to sale or processing at a profit in a sustainable way. Thus, even though the basics are pretty much the same, the differences between what the Public Lands rancher faces versus those the rancher who operates completely on private land could not be more profound.

However, the things that we have in common help to bring us together as an industry to preserve and protect our businesses, our families and our way of life. For instance, the President of the PLC sits as an ex-officio member of the NCBA Executive Committee and the Chair of the NCBA Federal Lands Committee is a member of the PLC Board of Directors. I was the Chair of NCBA’s Federal Lands Committee from 2010 to 2012. I viewed my membership on the PLC Board as a liaison between the approximately 28,000 Federal Land Ranchers and the larger cattle industry across the nation and, I believed I was an educator in some sense to help the NCBA membership as a whole understand the different issues which challenge Public Land Ranchers.

In a recent interview with Theodora Johnson, PLC President Brenda Richards talked about the successful annual meeting of the PLC in Cody Wyoming.

She concluded saying there were so many good projects that had requested money from the Trust which had to be turned down for limited funds to be distributed this year but what a nice problem to have.

A little repetition of history might be helpful for context because I think the story of how PLC obtained this Trust money should be told often. About five years ago a pipeline was proposed to be built from Wyoming to California across parts of Utah, Nevada and Oregon. There was some controversy associated with this construction project. PLC leadership led by then PLC President Skye Krebs requested a meeting with the company constructing the pipeline to address concerns of the livestock industry. The company graciously agreed to hear our concerns. That meeting was held 6 November/december 2015

in Denver in conjunction with the NCBA summer meeting. Interestingly, about four hours of that meeting was spent just educating the pipeline folks on what public lands ranching was all about.

After this introductory get together it was decided to meet in Salt Lake City a week later. We all left that meeting with the feeling that the folks from the pipeline company understood our concerns and wanted to become partners with the public lands livestock industry to preserve and protect our industry on into the future.

It took several months after that to put the details together which would eventually become the Public Lands Endowment Trust. True to their word, the company made its first payment to create the corpus of the Trust after the PLC Board of Directors approved the agreement at the PLC Annual Meeting in Pendleton, Oregon a year after the first negotiations had occurred. The company has continued to work closely with the PLC to make sure the investments funded by the Trust are secure and reasonable with the goal of increasing value but in a conservative and prudent manner.

So what interest, as a Public Lands rancher, do you have in this Trust? When the final payment is made into the Trust there will be over $15 million in the corpus. This money is invested and creates income which can be used for anything that benefits the public lands ranching industry to preserve and protect it as determined by PLC’s Board of Directors. The money cannot be used for commencing litigation. But, education, public relations, scientific research, administrative support and any other project which will help perpetuate the livestock industry on public lands is fair game to be evaluated as a proposal for the Board to consider. I will focus on one grant below as an example of how this money is now being used. Perhaps in a later column I will discuss more details about the Trust and how PLC might envision the money being used.

The Board has also created a relationship with investment advisors from Sheridan, Wyoming after a nationwide search to help manage the Trust fund money. PLC and the company have appointed trust protectors to make sure the terms and conditions of the agreement creating the trust are followed and complied with, and to insure the Trust lasts for the life of the trust of 75 years.

Currently, the biggest award of funds has been to a Washington D.C. public relations firm (Rubin Meyer) to do several things for last year and next year for a contract to last two years total with the possibility of renewal. First, they were asked to educate themThe Progressive Rancher

selves about public lands ranching. They did this by interviewing some public land ranchers in depth and they spent a half a day face to face with PLC leadership in Washington D.C. to really dive deeply into the issues facing ranchers who operate on the public Lands. Second, they focused on what messages about us resonated with a very select audience and which did not. That audience was comprised of some congressional staff members, employees of agencies whose decisions impacted livestock operators on these lands, members of Congress and other D.C. decision makers whose actions impact the industry. Third, in person focus groups and interviews with the above persons were conducted. Images were shown to help drive the branding work and a new set of messages.

One thing I have learned being very close to this process is the messages and images ranchers think are important and which we believe have resonance are not always the same as those outside our industry who we need to convince. Our story is the truthful and credible story and those stories told about us by those who would gladly see us leave the public ranges obviously are different but how we say things about us and what we say should, more often than not, be determined by professionals whose job it is to assess the efficacy of our messages.

Going forward, Rubin Meyer is planning a congressional briefing in Washington D.C. on Nov 17.

Members of Congress, their staff, the press and employees of relevant agencies are being invited. Ranchers and the PLC staff in Washington D.C. are scheduled to make presentations. The new PLC website is now up at PublicLandsCouncil.org thanks to the efforts of Rubin Meyer. These two actions are designed to kick off the public side of the campaign.

Meetings are being scheduled with members of the press who regularly report on environmental and agricultural issues from the Capitol and ongoing press briefings and releases will help these reporters include the PLC point of view in their stories.

In my opinion, we lost the Public Relations battle many, many years ago. We have a great story to tell the American public about how well we are treating the lands we all share an interest in. However, frankly we haven’t done a very good job in getting that story told by ourselves. In hiring professionals to help us do that I believe we can ultimately win the war. Thankfully, because of the partnership with another resource user of the public lands, the Public Lands Council now has the resources to aid in the effort to preserve and protect public lands ranching on into the future. I’ll see you soon. www.progressiverancher.com

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The Progressive Rancher

November/december 2015 7 

Attorney General Laxalt Joined Suit

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NEVADA COALITION

October 22, 2015 arson City, NV – Today, Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul administration’s habit of disregarding solutions to local challenges developed at Laxalt joined a suit on behalf of the state of Nevada challeng- the state level, and instead choosing to enact its agenda through executive acing the federal government’s greater sage-grouse land-use plan. tions like these land-use plans. Nevadans came together and developed a plan In ten western states including Nevada, the federal plan with- to protect the sage-grouse and its habitat while still allowing lands to be used draws more than ten million acres of federal land from public for economic development opportunities and recreation. Unfortunately that use. In Nevada alone, mineral exploration and development is barred on plan was rejected by bureaucrats at the Department of the Interior who have no nearly three million acres. Additionally, the plan may result in significant connection to the land and won’t have to deal with the consequences of their restrictions on livestock grazing, resource development and public access land-use plan. Nevada should pursue this litigation to protect our state from the on over sixteen million acres of public land in Nevada. negative impacts of yet another example of federal overreach.”

“The federal government’s one-size-fits-all sage-grouse plan will greatly Attorney General Laxalt continued, “Being home to the second highest hinder Nevada’s growth and success, and have an adverse impact on Nevada’s population of sage-grouse, this bird has long been a part of Nevada’s rural economy, affecting ranchers, mining exploration, new energy source development, culture and history. Nevada has already demonstrated that our State Plan does recreation and everyone who works in these industries,” said Laxalt. “While I ap- a better job protecting sage-grouse than the federal plan, while also respecting preciate and applaud all of the efforts that have been made to negotiate a favorable the other needs of Nevadans. I am encouraged by the overwhelming support of outcome for Nevada, and continue to hope that ongoing negotiations may result federal, state and local government officials, together with Nevadans across our in a better plan for Nevada, my office, after careful legal analysis, has concluded state on my decision to join this suit.” that this suit is necessary to fully protect the interest of the state.”

Nevada counties who have joined the lawsuit include: Churchill, Elko, Senator Dean Heller added, “As I said before, the final greater sage-grouse Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Pershing, Washoe and White Pine. Other land-use plans are not a win for Nevada—new restrictions on over sixteen mil- community leaders and associations that support this action include: Senator lion acres in ourstate alone pose a threat to our western way of life. I support James Settelmeyer, Senator Pete Goicoechea, Senator Don Gustavson, Assemefforts to stop these unnecessary regulations in their tracks and allow rural blyman John Ellison, Assemblyman Jim Wheeler, Assemblyman Ira Hansen, Nevada to thrive economically.”

County Commissioners, the Nevada Association of Counties, the National FedCongressman Mark Amodei stated, “For 150 years, Nevadans have lived eration of Independent Business/Nevada representing more than 2,200 small with decisions made from thousands of miles away in Washington, D.C. No- businesses throughout the state, the Nevada Petroleum Marketers Association, body else does it this way– not at the local and state levels and not at the federal the Western Exploration, LLC, the Nevada Farm Bureau Federation, the Nelevel for much of the nation. The sage hen resource management plans are based vada Cattleman’s Association and the Ninety-Six Ranch. on political maneuvers where the last consideration seems to be multiple use in To view Nevada’s filed complaint go to http://ag.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/ the West. The result is a nearly three million acre exclusion zone because the agnvgov/Content/News/PR/PR_Docs/2015/2015-10-22_NVvsDeptOf InInterior officials in D.C. do not have to live with their rulings the way Northern terior_AM_Complaint.pdf Nevadans do. When the Department of the Interior completely ignores input from Nevada’s Environmental Impact Statement, I believe no tool should be left Statements community leaders and associations that support this action are; in the shed, and one of those tools is litigation.”

Statement by Senator Pete Goicoechea: Before the federal government adopted its final plan last month, Nevada “Attorney General Adam Laxalt’s move to join Eureka and many other Northdeveloped a State Plan that focuses on the specific needs of the sage-grouse population within the state while balancing relevant economic and rural con- ern Nevada counties in challenging the BLM and U.S. Forest Service Sage-grouse cerns, and ensuring that federal land remains available for multiple uses. The Management Plan sends a strong signal that this massive, federal land grab has plan was developed through the Sagebrush Ecosystem Council, and received devastating implications for Nevada. Governor Sandoval’s Consistency Review input from all stakeholders including representatives from local government, the letter and formal appeal provide a strong platform for the attorney general to fight general public, wildlife, mining, ranching, tribal nations, energy, agriculture against the land use prohibitions and restrictions in the federal plan which substantially interfere with the state’s and Nevada counties’ Sage-grouse Conservation and conservation organizations.

The federal government is required by law to adopt a plan that allows for Plans. The state and county plans focus on habitat conservation, ensure long-term multiple uses that is consistent with the State Plan where possible. Despite re- socioeconomic stability to preserve our way of life, and achieve the proper balance peated efforts by state and local officials, the federal government rejected major between the national interest and state and local interests. The federal plan upsets this balance, does not provide optimal sage-grouse conservation, and will cause portions of the State Plan and withdrew millions of acres from other uses.

“Those who live closest to the land are the best stewards of it,” said Con- widespread economic harm.”

Statement by Senator James Settelmeyer: gressman Cresent Hardy. “This has been proven particularly true in Nevada, “The sage grouse issue has the potential to decimate the way of life in rural comwhere locally driven conservation efforts helped keep the sage-grouse off of the endangered species list. But the federal government is actively choosing to ig- munities by restricting access to the public’s lands for recreation or businesses like nore that reality. Washington should leave land management to those who need mining, agriculture and hunting. The current trend by federal regulators needs to be checked by sound scientific data. I support the attorney general in doing just that.” it most and who know it best.”

Statement by Senator Don Gustavson: Congressman Joe Heck added, “On the surface, the Obama Administra“The Western states support land management that is not at the expense of tion’s decision not to list the sage-grouse as a threatened or endangered species may seem like a win for Nevada. However, the land use plans BLM and the Nevada’s economic development or culture. The federal plan does not take our Forest Service intend to implement have created a de facto listed designation state’s socioeconomic needs into account, and will be detrimental to Nevada’s deby locking up millions of acres of land in our state and across the West, greatly velopment. I applaud the attorney general’s understanding of our rural culture, and restricting our future economic development. This is consistent with the Obama support his efforts in this lawsuit.”

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Statement by Assemblyman John Ellison: “I appreciate the attorney general’s challenge to the federal conservation plan, which will have a tremendous effect on Nevada’s cultural landscape and economy.

Nevada’s plan strikes a balance between conservation efforts and economic considerations, and would offer this state much-needed stability.”

Statement by Assemblyman Jim Wheeler: “The federal government’s top-down land management plan will have a significant impact on the western states, especially Nevada. I am grateful to the attorney general and his office for acting in the best interest of this state and its rural culture.”

Statement by Assemblyman Ira Hansen: “The federal government’s disregard for Nevada’s proposed state conservation plan will devastate our state’s economy. Nevada’s plan was carefully considered and backed by scientific data, and should have been taken seriously by the federal government. I commend the attorney general for taking a stand and protecting this state’s rights and best interests.”

Statement by Washoe County Commissioner Jeanne Herman: “I want to thank Attorney General Laxalt for joining this litigation challenging the BLM and U.S. Forest Service Sage-grouse Land Management Plan. This Plan has already interfered with Washoe County’s ability to acquire an 80-acre parcel in the North Valleys needed for a new middle school, as well as a 40-acre parcel in Sparks identified for a veterans’ cemetery. BLM’s maps incorrectly show these parcels as sagegrouse habitat even though county maps clearly indicate they are not habitat and are suitable for acquisition and development. Future conflicts are inevitable because public lands surround Reno-Sparks suburban areas. The county must be able to acquire public lands to support future community development objectives.”

Statement by Elko County Commissioner Demar Dahl: “Attorney General Laxalt’s involvement with this litigation makes a bold statement that the BLM and U.S. Forest Service Sage-grouse Management Plan is wrong for Nevada. As ground zero for the Plan’s draconian land use restrictions and withdrawals, Elko County applauds Attorney General Laxalt’s decision to join this litigation and help us stop the agencies from placing over two million acres in Elko County off-limits to mining and other uses. The Plan has already cost Elko County $500 million from a wind energy project prohibited from being developed, and will cost at least $31 million annually in lost agricultural productivity.”

“We are in full support of Attorney General Adam Laxalt’s lawsuit in opposition to the federal government’s latest overreach into state affairs. The BLM’s new land use plans will close down all mining activity in Nevada, hurting not only the residents but all of the mining companies. Our industry is important to Nevada’s economic well-being and employment.”

Statement by the Nevada Association of Counties (NACO): “The Nevada Association of Counties appreciates Attorney General Adam Laxalt’s decision to join the Counties’ lawsuit to challenge the BLM and U.S. Forest Service Sage-grouse Land Management Plan. This Plan is unprecedented in its scope and is impactful, as it is the first Land Management Plan to use multiple-use statutes to protect a single species to the exclusion of other land uses. The Plan imposes unworkable travel restrictions and buffer zones that interfere with Counties’ police powers and their abilities to provide for public health and safety, as well as recreation, ranching, renewable energy and mining on which these counties rely for funding and employment. Further, the Plan withdraws 2.8 million acres from mining and other uses upon which many county economies depend. We applaud the attorney general for his leadership in helping us protest the federal government’s approach to managing sage grouse habitat- -an approach that is not based on best available science, ignores local habitat conservation and land use plans, and fails to include effective measures to reduce the primary threats to sage-grouse habitat.”

Statement by Western Exploration, LLC Project Manager John Cleary: “Western Exploration, LLC is very pleased that Attorney General Adam Laxalt is helping us challenge the BLM and U.S. Forest Service Sage-grouse Land Management Plan. This Plan threatens to destroy our Gravel Creek Project in Elko County, and the future of our company because our mining claims are in a withdrawal area. Western Exploration’s Gravel Creek Project is an exciting new discovery of a gold deposit that shows real promise to become a viable mining project. The Plan puts at risk our $32 million investment in this project and the many jobs and state and local economic benefits that would result from future development of a mine. We already have many sage-grouse habitat protection measures in place that make development of this project and sage-grouse conservation mutually compatible objectives, proving that the federal land withdrawal is an extreme measure that is not necessary to protect sage-grouse.” www.progressiverancher.com

Statement by the Nevada Farm Bureau Federation: The Nevada Farm Bureau Federation applauds Attorney General Adam Laxalt’s decision to join the counties’ lawsuit challenging the BLM and US Forest Service Sage Grouse Land Management Plan. The plan fails to adequately address the biggest threats to the sage grouse population: wildfire, invasive species and conifer invasion, and it unfairly regulates industries like ranching without sound science or reasonable procedures.

Restrictions on the ranching industry will affect timing of range improvements, reduce livestock numbers on federal lands, eliminate or reduce actively permitted grazing allotments, and impact the ability to renew future livestock permits. The restrictions will also be counter-productive for the bird and its habitat. By eliminating a multi-use concept, the focal areas and priority habitat will become exclusion areas, which will decrease habitat restoration abilities by all industries and will increase the fuel load and intensity of wildfires in those habitats. This heavily restrictive, hands-off plan will result in the death of industry in Nevada and a steep decline in sage grouse numbers. We applaud Attorney General Laxalt and the others on the lawsuit and call for a local and state approach to ensure that the sage grouse population and Nevada ranching can thrive.

Statement by Ninety-Six Ranch Manager Fred Stewart: “We thank Attorney General Laxalt for joining the lawsuit to help us oppose the BLM and U.S. Forest Service Sage-Grouse Land Management Plan. This Plan will effectively put us, and others like us, out of business. It is truly unfortunate that the agencies chose to ignore the strengths of the Nevada Sage-grouse Conservation Plan and Governor Sandoval’s enormous efforts to work with them. As Nevada’s only sesquicentennial ranch owned and operated by one family, we know best how to care for our land and have a demonstrated track record of successfully protecting the sagegrouse habitat. However, we must challenge the federal Plan, which is effectively a massive federal land grab that substantially interferes with our ranching operation, will increase the buildup of rangeland fuels and result in habitat destruction due to wildfires, and threatens our family’s way of life.”

Statement by the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association: Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt’s move to join Nevada Counties and industry in challenging the BLM and U.S. Forest Service Sage-grouse Management Plan sends a strong signal that this massive, federal land grab has devastating implications for Nevada. Throughout the EIS process, the state of Nevada continued to develop a strong plan that will conserve sage grouse habitat and protect Nevada’s economic base. This state plan along with other proven and scientifically grounded conservation efforts has been largely dismissed by the federal government. Nevada Cattlemen’s Association supports the state and local plans, and stands behind the attorney general and the state of Nevada challenging the BLM and U.S. Forest Service Sage-grouse Management Plan. The environmental and economic damage that will result due to implementation of the final Land Use Plan Amendments will prove disastrous to the sage-grouse and rural Nevada.

Heller: Comment on Sept 22, 2015

(Washington, DC) –Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) issued the following statement after the United States Department of the Interior announced its final greater sage-grouse land-use plans, the regulations that will limit the use of over sixty million acres of federal land throughout ten western states, including Nevada: “This is not a win for Nevada. Even though the Fish and Wildlife Service has decided the greater sage-grouse doesn’t merit protections under the Endangered Species Act, the Department of the Interior’s final ‘federal plans’ pose major threats to many Nevadans’ long-term way of life and success.

“This has been an issue of the Department of the Interior using the threat of a listing to get what it really wanted all along: limiting Nevadans’ access to millions of acres of land equal to the size of the state of West Virginia. At the end of the day, Big Government continues to tighten its grip at the expense of rural America’s future, especially in Nevada.

“Rather than addressing the real threats to sage-grouse habitat in our state wildfire, the spread of invasive species, and wild horse and burro mismanagement – these new regulations simply restrict Nevadans’ access to millions of acres of public lands. Nevadans hate to see the federal government further limit the use of their public lands. I will continue to fight these unnecessary restrictions and work with our Congressional delegation on policies that protect our environment, grow our economy, and support our western ways of life,” said Senator Dean Heller.

The Progressive Rancher

November/december 2015 9

By Joseph Guild

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onsumers and their judgements drive commerce. by continually telling our good story of proper care for our animals and the Just ask Volkswagen which, as most of you know by environment they live in. now, made a decision to increase the fuel economy Let’s look at two myths which have recently seen light and received a great of its diesel vehicles by installing a device to disable deal of press. One is the notion that red meat is bad for you and the other is raising the smog suppressors on its motors except when they cattle is bad for good old mother earth who is experiencing climate change – as if were being tested at a standstill and not while the vehicle is mov- climate change is something new and different. I remind people where I live in ing. This decision is hurting sales of the American made vehicles (Tennessee) Western Nevada just about 40 miles east of my house about ten thousand years and could impact the entire German economy according to one commenta- ago there was a lake “Lahontan” which occupied tens of thousands of square miles tor I heard this morning. Already two high level Volkswagen executives have and was almost as big as Lake Bonneville, the remnants of which is the current resigned over this scandal and there could be repercussions further down in Great Salt Lake, Utah Lake and Sevier Lake in Utah. the companies’ executive ranks. How will they regain customer trust and There is no secret to the truth that Americans are getting heavier and we company credibility? Obliviously, this isn’t the company that built the Beetle are experiencing an epidemic of obesity as some have put it. Curiously, inverse car I drove in college and law school. to the increasing weight of the American populace, the consumption of red Now, if you are wondering, this isn’t the rural edition of “The Economist” or meat has declined in the US during the same period we have been going from “Bug Nostalgia”. However, I think there is a lesson to be learned from the Volk- lightweights to heavyweights. However, also during the same period Americans swagen experience for those of us who raise meat. I know there is resistance to this ate more refined sugar and high fructose inf luenced foods. And, we all know notion of what we raise, but, in my opinion and that of many others, we do not how many complex protein and amino acid muscle building blocks these highly raise calves or feed steers and heifers anymore. We raise meat, red meat or beef to processed foods contain- I’m just sayin’. be precise, and we are losing customers to other protein sources because of a whole The other thing recently given a great deal of additional publicity in conjunclot of misinformation and distortion about the healthfulness of our product and tion with a meeting on climate change in Copenhagen, Denmark and raising my our impact on the environment. blood pressure was the 2006 United Nations report entitled “Livestock’s Long Obviously, unlike Volkswagen, we haven’t purposely altered our production Shadow”. This now questionable study asserts the notion livestock production units to mislead regulators and our customers. But, we are having our message contributes 18% to greenhouse gas emissions which the report says is a higher manipulated by people with an agenda against animal agriculture and as near as percentage than the world’s transport sector.

I can tell, an unsuspecting media corps who has failed to deeply investigate the Recently, a University of California at Davis Professor, Frank Mitloehner false charges against us. The result is a customer base that could turn against us and two co-researchers in a study entitled “Clearing the Air: Livestock’s Conas quickly as it did against Volkswagen if there is the slightest suspicion we are tributions to Climate Change” rebutted the 2006 United Nations Report. They doing the things we are accused of on concluded the UN study is a classic purpose. mixing of apples and oranges in Recently, a University of California at Davis Professor, Frank Mitloehner What are some of these false analysis. The UN did its study of and two co-researchers in a study entitled “Clearing the Air: Livestock’s charges? You have heard much of this the livestock industry by looking at Contributions to Climate Change” rebutted the 2006 United Nations Rebefore: Antibiotic use in animals is all the emissions in the production port. They concluded the UN study is a classic mixing of apples and oranges harmful to humans because it lowers cycle including from the farm to the in analysis. The UN did its study of the livestock industry by looking at all our resistance to the efficacy of such table livestock digestive emissions, the emissions in the production cycle including from the farm to the table drugs; Ranchers abuse the environprocessing emissions and transporlivestock digestive emissions, processing emissions and transportation, ment to further increase their profits; tation, electricity production and electricity production and use factors and many others. At the same time, Animals in confined feeding operause factors and many others. At the relative to transport, the UN study only analyzed emissions from fossil fuels tions are treated inhumanely; Genetisame time, relative to transport, the while operating vehicles using carbon based fuel. cally Modified Organisms (GMOs) UN study only analyzed emissions are not fit for human consumption; from fossil fuels while operating Cattle are significant contributors to global warming; Land used for animal agri- vehicles using carbon based fuel. culture should be converted to crop production; Red meat is bad for humans and These and other examples are evidence enough for me there is an agenda should be reduced in the diet. And so it goes as we are confronted with more and out there. Of course, no self- respecting journalist would admit to parroting the more of these allegations more often. agenda of another. So the problem is how to break through the log jam of misIf these allegations become part of the collective mind set, you can be sure information and make sure our meat customers know if they eat our product in our meat loving customers will turn away from us and find other foods to eat in moderation they will be doing good things for their health and not doing bad spite of the fact that Americans currently eat more meat than almost any other things to the planet. As has been pointed out many times here and elsewhere how people in the world. else are 6.9 billion people going to have the nutrition they need by 2050 to further So what can be done to overcome these untruths? First, I would suggest, as advance humankind. This publication and others like it are trying to spread the I have many times before, the agricultural community keep ahead of the curve word but a larger audience needs to be engaged. I’ll see you soon.

10 November/december 2015

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The Progressive Rancher

November/december 2015 11 

Convention Time!

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By Tracy Shane NV Cattlewoman’s President

ow! Autumn has been sneaking up on me, worse than usual this year, and I’m not really prepared for it! The weather has been beautiful (80 degrees and up) and I hope that all of you have been having a great time with friends and family gathering cattle, preg checking, and getting ready to ship calves. For me, this time of year is filled with midterm exams, farm field-trip organization, and lots and lots of grading. It is also time for juggling kids homework, extra-curricular activities and everything else. There is so much to be thankful for this time of year though, and I’m so glad to be entering the season of Thanksgiving with a grateful heart.

Another Fall tradition is our upcoming Nevada Cattlemen’s Annual Convention and Trade Show. An 80-year old custom, convention is a special time to come together for training, information sharing, celebration of achievements, and fellowship. Nevada CattleWomen, Inc. would like to welcome you to convention and our annual general membership meeting.

It will be a great time to share all the beef promotion and education activities the local CattleWomen groups have implemented this year. It will also be a time to learn about new up and coming opportunities in Nevada’s Beef Industry from our invited speakers. Rob Holley will be discussing the future of organic certification in Nevada, including organic beef production.

Dr. Amilton deMello, the new food safety and meats professor at UNR, will present information about beef safety as well as the programs and research he is starting. Also, Melanie Fowle, the ANCW president, will be giving an update on ANCW activities. Come join us for breakfast at 7:30 am on Friday Nov. 13th in Winnemucca to enjoy a great time socializing and learn more about Nevada’s beef industry. Our general membership meeting will follow our guest speakers.

On another topic, Bailey Kelton, our Nevada Beef Ambassador competed in this year’s National Beef Ambassador contest September 25-26.

She did a great job representing Nevada and did a fabulous job preparing for the event. In order to compete, state beef ambassadors had to complete a minimum of two beef promotion events, three classroom/education events, and one media interview. Bailey did a tremendous job giving presentations in kindergarten classrooms, to students at the Synder Feedlot,

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During the Nevada Fair at the end of August, Bailey Kelton - Nevada Beef Ambassador and the Nevada CattleWomen Inc. held a quiz drawing for those that visited Bailey’s beef booth. Bridgette Stratton and her fiancée Andrew Kanvik won the prize, $200.00 of Bently Ranch Beef. Bridgette and Andrew have recently relocated to Carson City from Salt Lake City, Utah. Andrew is originally from Chicago and Bridgette is from Newport Beach California.

They really enjoyed the fair and all the different booths and found it to be very educational. They are planning a spring wedding in 2016. Congratulations to the happy couple and welcome to Nevada! and to Clark County 4-H campers at Lake Tahoe. She told her “beef story” in an Reno Gazette Journal piece in September, and brought cattle with her to the Nevada Beef Council event during a summer Reno Aces baseball game. During the Nevada Fair in Carson City, she set up a booth she created that explained the similarities and differences between traditional, all-natural, and organic certified beef. She handed out jerky samples and had conversations with hundreds of fair-goers, of which approximately 200 filled out her beef quiz to enter to win beef from Bently Ranch. All of us Nevada CattleWomen are so proud of all of Bailey’s achievements through this program, and we are so thankful for all of her devotion to the Nevada cattle community.

In closing, I’d like to make sure everyone (men, women, and children) knows they are invited to come have breakfast with us at the 80th Annual Cattlemen’s Convention. We would love to share our mission with you and hope that you will stick around for the rest of the Convention as well.

The Progressive Rancher

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A Fifth Documentary in the

Stewards of the Rangeland Series Coming....

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he main theme for the fifth documentary in the “Stewards of the Rangeland” series funded by the Nevada Rangeland Resources Commission will be drought. The primary focus will be to illustrate, to the primarily urban PBS audience, how different the challenges public land ranchers face in coping with drought than faced

by Nevada’s city dwellers.

Explored will be the ongoing controversy about how public agencies are using the Drought Monitor to justify AUM reductions on grazing allotments despite ranchers contention that there is an abundance of forage on much of the range land. Additionally how many feel these policies of reduced grazing are contributing to the possibility of more wildfires, like those that have raged across the West in recent years.

The series will also visit how the continued drought has brought renewed threats to range land water law and how WOTUS and other legislation could change who controls waters across the West.

Lastly, the program will show how the drought impacts are related to other issues including sage grouse, feral horses and other environmental challenges from the public land rancher’s perspective

Golden Productions, has produced four other award winning ‘Stewards of the Rangeland” documentaries for NRRC and has been filming on location across Nevada this summer and will continue production of the new project into late fall. The 5th documentary is tentatively scheduled to air in early 2016 on northern Nevada’s PBS affiliate, KNPB Channel 5, Reno.

Nevada Ranchers Caretakers of our

Rangelands

Cowboys and sheepherders produce food and fiber for the nation. Growing food on Open range is a natural biological process.

Grazing actually benefits the land with hoof action and natural fertilization. Plants are healthier and regenerate faster after the herds move to a new range.

The NRRC Commission will be meeting during the Cattlemen’s Convention in Winnemucca on November 12, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.

Antelope and other game animals and birds take advantage of the improvements

Grazing cattle and sheep coexist peacefully with native wildlife and, in fact, make a friendlier habitat for many species.

Sheep often graze on steep terrain and can control cheatgrass, a major fuel for wildfires.

Nevada Rangeland Resources Commission was created by the State of Nevada to promote responsible public land grazing.

Representatives come from Nevada state grazing boards, Nevada Woolgrowers, Nevada Farm Bureau, and Nevada Cattlemen’s Association.

4780 East Idaho Steet, Elko, NV 89801 • 775-738-4082 WWW.NEVADARANGELANDS.ORG

This ad is funded through the NRRC’s assessment of 10 cents an AUM paid by public land ranchers.

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November/december 2015 13

FUMES FROM THE FARM

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By Hank Vogler

ne can never cease to be amazed at the never-ending news of the competitive failure of our United States. Every year we import more and more food. Oil, well we are all aware of that scary scenario. A car, steel, and just about everything comes in imported from another country.

We lament the loss of our competitive edge. We can never become the cheap labor capital of the world again. This was the advantage we had in the early nineteen hundreds. After the Second World War Germany and Japan took that edge away from us. The next country to dominate cheap labor was Korea. Maybe the best way to industrialization is to go to war against the USA? Now China in one generation has gone from an agrarian society to an industrial giant. The new competition for cheap labor has become Vietnam Malaysia and India. India’s population will soon pass China. In the farm commodity department South America is reinventing the wheel. Eighty percent of all the fiber in the world goes through Chinese hands. If we got into a war with them we would have to go naked. That might be a scary advantage although as the nude charge came over the hill it could unnerve any enemy.

I do not think that a nation can survive with out domestic production of food and fiber. No matter what, we all have one thing in common, survival depends on a caloric intake i.e. food. We have been spoiled by abundance of food for generations. With refrigeration and rapid transport, there is no such thing as “available seasonally”. There seems to be no end to this abundance and we drift off to sleep not realizing how fragile the system can be. Because of high priced land and burdensome regulation most of the food supply is stored in warehouses far from cities. An earthquake or some other natural disaster could cause chaos and starvation among the masses huddled in the cities. Once the stores were looted and the food supply gone the people would turn on the government that they have relied on because There seems to be no end to this abundance that abundance has and we drift off to sleep not realizing how created apathy. The fragile the system can be. masses have lost touch with food production.

In a society that is going to survive, a strategy must emerge that helps industries. Cheap labor is out of the question without a total collapse of our economy. To survive we must deregulate. We have regulated ourselves into a quagmire of red tape and burdensome oversight. We have taken out middle size operations that were not capable of conforming to all the rules and regulations. Larger companies have used the government to get rid of their competition with these regulations. The gov-

14 November/december 2015

ernment regulators have gone wild with ever reinventing the wheel. Our elected officials have lined their pockets with gold by handing out favors to the people that can give the most at the expense of the middle class.

Crony Capitalism is stif ling our country. Agencies spend all the money granted them and then go back for more. This justification of the department makes job one, job one.

We have regulated ourselves into a quagmire of red The government tape and burdensome oversight. We have taken out personnel must middle size operations that were not capable of find new ways to conforming to all the rules and regulations. regulate not to help the industry they regulate but to justif y their jobs. Congress goes along with the program because the different constituencies all have lobbying groups that empower the elites in Washington. This is not unlike what caused our original revolution and maybe now foments the next?

The examples of the hypocrisy are every where. After living with the wild horse and burro act for nearly half a century it is broken and needs to be fixed but the problem generates big bucks for congress and the lobbyists. The endangered species act has destroyed millions of middle class jobs in the timber industry and is about to get mining and agriculture. The sage grouse is a perfect example. There are far too many grouse to even start the endangered process. Millions have been spent on studies. Millions more are being handed out to prevent the listing as effects on mining and grazing are endless. So, rather than change existing law that governs species we spend millions more and the lobbyists word smith the outcomes and the cure becomes worse than the disease.

No wonder all the leading candidates for president are outsiders, with the exception of Hilariously, who is the ultimate insider. We must stop the vicious cycle. We must make our government heel to the needs of the masses rather that the elitists. Thomas Jefferson said, “A people in fear of its government is tyranny and a government in fear of its people is freedom”.

My neighbor sold a business in Las Vegas. The sale will generate far less than a million dollars. He told me that the contract of sale was twenty-two pages long. A disclaimer at the end of the contract mentioned that it would be advisable to review the contract of sale with a law yer. My friend’s law yer reviewed the contract for a fee of course.

On page nine his law yer inserted a disclaimer that my friend should hire another attorney to review his recommendations. Hang and Rattle Hank Vogler

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3 0 1 S I LV E R S T R E E T E L K O , N V 8 9 8 0 1

For a complete review of your insurance needs and details on coverage and credits available, contact our Farm & Ranch specialist:

775.777.9771 Farm ■ Ranch ■ Agribusiness

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November/december 2015 15

NNevada Farm Bureau evada Farm Bureau

Hives survive despite drought: Honeybees need closer water sources this year

By Brooke Lawton, Nevada Farm Bureau Intern

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nited States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) annual honeybee survey offered good news and bad news about the important pollinators – winter losses of honeybee colonies were lower for the 2014-2015 year than they were during the 2013-2014 year. But, summer losses were higher than the previous year.

According to the survey, losses of managed honeybee colonies were 23.1 percent for the 2014-2015 winter. Summer losses exceeded winter numbers for the first time (27.4 percent), making annual losses for the year 42.1 percent. Disease, Varroa mites, poor nutrition and stress are leading factors behind increased bee loss.

Jeff Knight, state entomologist with the Nevada Department of Agriculture, explained that while bee colonies nationwide are declining, bee populations in Nevada are increasing. The agency does not keep track of colonies statewide, nor does the state regulate their operation, but Knight says honeybee populations are increasing in Nevada.

Despite their increase in numbers, honeybees, like most of Nevada’s agriculture, are affected by the drought. They face a lack of drinking water, forage and pollen.

Leonard Joy, owner of Joy’s Honey Ranch and Washoe County Farm Bureau member, says the lack of spring and summer rains is the hardest on the bees when they are trying to build up colonies.

Bees use a lot of water, and normally when there is a shortage of it, beekeepers will get permission from landowners to stick their bees on ditch banks or drain banks because water always exists in the fields, drains or ditches.

Those water sources are now dried up.

Debbie Gilmore, owner of Hall’s Honey and Lyon County Farm Bureau member, has recently received calls from landowners in Gardnerville and Fallon wondering what to do because their bees are drinking from ponds, swimming pools, water troughs and dog dishes.

According to Knight, beekeepers need to either move their bees closer to a water source or supply the water source themselves for their bees.

Bees will travel up to two miles in search of water. If the bees are spending that much effort getting water, they are not making honey.

“If you’re spending more time collecting water, then you’re spending less time collecting nectar.” Knight says. “So it’s productivity. Also, it’s a matter of putting another stress on the colony.”

The lack of water for the bees has altered the consistency of the honey, making it thick and dry, Gilmore says. “Honey is typically 18 percent moisture content or below, and I’m guessing that it’s way below that this year.”

Lack of forage caused by the drought also puts stress on the bee colonies.

“Usually what happens when there’s a drought, the plants put more stress on producing flowers than they do on growing,” Joy says. “This year the farmers did very little irrigation so what water was in the ground went all to flowers.”

Although plants are focused on producing f lowers, the drought still causes them to bloom less frequently. And because plants are not growing, less pollen exists for the bees.

In areas with very little water like Fallon and Lovelock, alfalfa only blooms one to two times in the spring and summer when it normally would bloom constantly.

One advantage of the drought, however, is that some farmers let their hay grow longer, which provides more flower blossoms on the hay for the bees.

16 November/december 2015

According to Gilmore, plants are blooming earlier as a result of the drought. Rabbitbrush usually blooms this time of the year, but in Yerington, rabbitbrush finished blooming in early summer.

Another effect of the drought is the lack of pollen. Because the plants are not growing, they are not producing as much pollen either.

“If they don’t have a source of pollen or nectar, then they’re going to be decreasing in numbers significantly,” Gilmore says. “The pollen is the protein source for the bees and the nectar is like the carbohydrates. They need the protein for their own purposes, but also they mix the nectar and the pollen to feed the babies or the larvae.”

And because a sufficient pollen source does not exist for the bees this year, beekeepers also have to provide a pollen substitute in combination with the carbohydrate source. Usually, they have stored enough honey that they can use that in conjunction with pollen that you supply them, Gilmore says.

Nationwide, habitat loss from development is a big concern; but the drought in Nevada presents an even bigger challenge.

“Increasing habitat is a great idea, but it has some real drawbacks,” Knight says, adding that programs and plants that work in other parts of the country do not work for Nevada.

Nevada’s climate presents a unique challenge in that plants that are introduced to create habitat must be drought resistant. And, because Nevada does not have a budget for projects, the plants must be low cost.

Despite these challenges, some efforts can be made.

“There’s some habitat things that could be done along the edges of fields even if we had a little bit of irrigation water,” Knight says.

Facing habitat loss nationwide and drought here in Nevada, beekeepers remain optimistic because of resources available like Mason Valley Beekeepers, Grow Your Own, Nevada!, Northern Nevada Beekeeper Association and the USDA. And fortunately because of the timely rain this summer, both Joy and Gilmore noticed an increase in honey production from last year.

“At the beginning of this year, I thought that honey production was just going to be almost nonexistent and that we would be feeding bees in July or August,” Gilmore says. She added that the increase in ground moisture allowed the bees to feed themselves, increasing honey production.

The bees are currently surviving better than expected, but will not thrive in the next year without a good winter. Without water, beekeepers face a summer of putting lots of money into feeding and trying to keep their bees alive.

“That’s a constant battle anyway, but without natural nectar source or pollen source, we may be losing bees rapidly,” Gilmore says.

For now, Gilmore, Joy and the rest of Nevada’s agriculturists are hoping that El Niño will bring the water needed to keep their industry thriving.

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Farmer Veteran Dan Hromas to speak at the 2015 Nevada Farm Bureau Annual Meeting Dec 6-9 in Reno at the Peppermill

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By Jessica Fagundes, Nevada Farm Bureau Director of Communications

PARKS, NV – Nevada Farm Bureau Federation is excited to announce Nebraska farmer veteran Dan Hromas as the keynote speaker for the 96th Nevada Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Reno, Nev. Hromas will speak Dec. 8 at noon during the annual meeting luncheon sponsored

by COUNTRY Financial at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino.

Hromas is a disabled military veteran who shares his story to let his fellow veterans know that they can find purpose in life after the military, whether it be in agriculture or another field. His last deployment was to Iraq in 2006 to 2007.

He started Prairie Pride Poultry in 2013 with a mission to provide healthy, farm fresh eggs to consumers. Prairie Pride Poultry is situated on fifteen acres of pasture southwest of Grand Island, Neb. Hromas is an active member of the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society, Buy Fresh Buy Local and the Farmer Veteran Coalition.

The 96th Nevada Farm Bureau Annual Meeting will be held Dec. 6 through Dec. 9 in Reno, Nev. at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in conjunction with the California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.

Conference activities will include an agriculture tour, two tradeshows, breakout sessions from American Farm Bureau Federation and Farm Service Agency, the Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet, policy development and meals. During the annual meeting reception on Dec. 8, Hromas will be available for a meet and greet with conference attendees.

Interested individuals can register for the annual meeting at http://nvfb.org/ annual-meeting or by credit card over the phone at 1-800-992-1106.

Early Bird Registration is $100 until Nov. 17, and regular registration is $120 until Dec. 1.

For more information regarding the 96th Nevada Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, including hotel accommodations and a full event schedule, visit http://nvfb.org/ annual-meeting or email Jessica Fagundes at jfagundes@nvfb.org.

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November/december 2015 17

 18 November/december 2015

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In the Mind of a Millennial

By Jill Scofield, Nevada Beef Council

Finding Recipes for Success with Millennial Parents As a mom who’s “borderline Millennial” (born in 1980, I’m right on the cusp of being in this much sought-after demographic), making sure my two young kids have a balanced, nutritional diet is important. And as a product of a Nevada ranching family, you know I provide my sons Colt, 6, and Charlie, 3, with plenty of nutrient-packed beef. In fact, I’m not at all shy about sharing that when he completed his “All About Me” poster for his first day of first grade, Colt wrote that his favorite food is “meat.” Parent success!

However, I will admit that it can be a daunting task to find new, creative menu ideas that the boys will love, and that will keep our monthly family menu fresh and exciting. And when it comes to school lunches for my first grader, I’m always looking for good alternatives to the pizza and corn dogs that seem to be on a constant rotation.

Apparently, I am not alone in harboring these frustrations.

As you’ve probably picked up through these monthly updates on all things related to the Millennial consumer, the Beef Checkoff Program has done a lot of work to ensure the beef industry is responding appropriately to desires and trends of this important demographic, all to ensure demand remains strong for the product you work so hard to produce.

The insight gleaned from years of research and menu development has translated to effective programs that help connect consumers with beef, and make it a go-to for busy parents. For older Millennial consumers who are worried about what to feed their families, having diverse and fresh ideas for how to create a meal that will not only satisfy their children, but give them proper nutrition is a key component of mealtime decision-making.

Testing Recipe Concepts with Millennial Parents The checkoff boasts an innovative culinary team that spends countless hours in a test kitchen, toying with new and creative beef recipe ideas that will keep consumers coming for more. This work isn’t done in a vacuum – significant consumer testing is done to make sure new recipe ideas are on-target with current consumer trends.

If you’ve ever visited the popular web site Beef ItsWhatsForDinner.com (or BIWFD.com), you know it features a bounty of delicious beef recipes, organized in a variety of categories, like slow cooking, family mealtime, tailgating, weeknight cooking, and others.

Because it strives to inf luence consumer perceptions and ensure consumers see beef as contemporary, nutritional and versatile, the checkoff spends a lot of time creating and sharing recipes that put beef in a new light.

Research on website visitors shows that consumers make a first evaluation of recipes in just a few seconds – so providing attractive recipe photos that encapsulate some of the factors consumers are looking for in a meal is important. It also appears that recipes in the “family mealtime” category are consulted the most.

To further test family-friendly recipe concepts, the checkoff recently conducted market research with a group of Millennial parents. The testing took place with a panel of consumers between the ages of 22 to 50 years old who are parents of children 12 or younger, cook at home at least twice a week, and eat beef at least 2 to 3 times a month, a variety of recipe concepts were www.progressiverancher.com

tested to better understand what such consumers want to feed their families.

Factors such as perceived ease of making, speed, affordability, family enjoyment and others were all key components.

Thirty family mealtime recipes were tested with this group, with winners including adding more vegetables to long-time beef favorites like lasagna, chili and tacos. Considering that 8 in 10 participants think the idea of adding more vegetables to family meals is “somewhat” to “very” appealing, the idea that enhancing traditional recipes with increased veggie ingredients should come as no surprise. Such research helps ensure recipe concepts shared through checkoff resources such as BIWFD.com remain in-line with consumer preferences.

To learn more about checkoff-funded consumer research such as this, visit www.beefissuesquarterly.org.

When it comes to school lunches, a big question on the minds of many

Visual of the “Best School Lunch Ever” landing page discussed in the article.

Best School Lunch Ever Millennial parents this time of year is what to pack for their kids that is both delicious and nutritious. For me personally, I want to feel confident that Colt isn’t going to throw most of the lunch I sent with him in the trash!

The Beef Checkoff Program strives to provide consumers with ideas in this area, as well, through a selection of nutritious beef recipes, simple tips and a how-to video that helps ensure that kids eat and enjoy their favorites at lunch every day. Dr. Chris Mohr, a notable sports nutritionist and registered dietitian, provides his insights and strategies about building the “Best School Lunch Ever” on a new BIWFD.com landing page. With Dr. Mohr acting as the site’s “tour guide,” this special page is linked from the checkoff ’s digital promotions to a range of recipes, a short video that demonstrates how to increase the nutritional value of kid-favorite pizza, and information about the nutritional benefits of beef.

If you or someone you know has little ones, this site has kid-friendly recipes that will be sure to make their mouths water. Some of the Scofield family favorites so far are Flank Steak Wraps, Greek Style Beef Pitas, and Roast Beef and Veggie wraps. Check out the site today and try to find some of your own favorites. I’m sure your family will enjoy them as much as Colt and Charlie do.

Jill Scofield is Director of Producer Relations for the Nevada and California Beef Councils. You can reach her at jill@calbeef.org.

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November/december 2015 19

CHECKOFF NEWS: Connecting with Foodservice Influencers

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By Jill Scofield, Director of Producer Relations

or the Nevada Beef Council (NBC), engaging with inf luencers who have the ability to reach a high number of people or who are regarded as having authority or persuasion over purchasing decisions is an increasingly important activity. In addition to our long-standing retail and foodservice partnerships, consumer outreach and education, and public relations efforts, inf luencer outreach is one of our many tactics in continuously improving beef ’s image and helping educate broad audiences about the healthful, delicious product Nevada beef producers provide.

In August, NBC staff joined up with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) to share beef ’s story with foodservice inf luencers at the 2015 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center. With over 11,000 foodservice professionals in attendance, the Expo gave the NBC and Beef Checkoff the opportunity to share educational resources about beef menuing with those involved in making buying decisions for foodservice operators and distributors. It also opened the door to conversations about beef ’s nutritional profile, environmental impact, and other issues foodservice professionals often get questions about from their customers.

“Fostering a strong relationship with the foodservice industry is a priority for state beef councils throughout the nation, as it allows us to provide key information about beef to the very people who make protein purchasing and menuing decisions for restaurants and foodservice distributors,” said Christie Van Egmond, Director of Retail and Foodservice Marketing. “We want our foodservice partners to have confidence and trust in our industry, as that helps keep beef at the center of the plate.”

Exploring Casino Foodservice

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f the tagline “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas” ever becomes out-of-style, our state’s largest city and entertainment hot spot may want to consider borrowing the Beef Checkoff ’s long-term slogan, “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.” According to the food, drink and travel web site Thrillist, a single Las Vegas buffet goes through 353 pounds of Prime Rib, 261 pounds of beef brisket, and 1,600 beef sliders – in just one day.

Recently, the Beef Checkoff Program coordinated a unique learning experience right here in the Silver State for state beef council leadership from throughout the country to learn more about the unique foodservice sector that is the Las Vegas casino. Participants, which included NBC team members, experienced a behind-the-scenes look at the Las Vegas foodservice scene, first touring the distributor’s meat-distribution facility, beef cut shop, and beefaging process. This was all followed by a “backstage” foodservice tour of an in-room casino dining business, employee dining facility, and more than 20 mid- to high-end restaurants.

Educational experiences such as this showcase for beef industry professionals how beef is used in large casino operations, which helps identify key opportunities for our industry in this specific foodservice segment.

Continuing to Promote Beef's Sustainability

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hen it comes to food-related questions and concerns of consumers – particularly millennial consumers – there is an ever-increasing desire for greater transparency in where their food comes from, how it was grown or raised, and various aspects about food production, including environmental impact.

To better address beef’s sustainability and environmental footprint and stay ahead of this trend, the industry as a whole conducted the first-ever Beef Industry Sustainability Assessment, the results of which were released in 2013. The checkoff-funded assessment marked the first time the beef industry has ever measured the sustainability of its entire supply chain.

Phase 1 of the assessment, which was released in 2013, showed that in the course of 5 years, the beef industry improved its overall sustainability by 5% and decreased its overall environmental and social impacts by approximately 7%. The assessment proved that the beef industry is on a journey of continuous improvement and highlighted areas that each segment of the value chain can improve upon.

Just released as a supplement to this first phase was Phase 2, which builds upon the Phase 1 base case study and includes refined data, additional datasets, and an expanded focus of the beef value chain, particularly in the case-ready, retail and restaurant sectors. The entire Phase 2 report is now available at BeefResearch.org, and is a great resource for any beef producer looking for more information to more accurately address our industry’s sustainability and environmental impact.

It's Not Too Late for Free BQA Certification

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f you haven’t yet had a chance to take advantage of the free online Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification made possible by the BQA program and Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc, there is still time! Beef producers in Nevada and throughout the country have until November 20 to earn a free certification with the online platform made available at www.bqa.org.

The BQA program is important to the cattle industry because it ensures producers are aware of the latest best management practices for producing a safe and high quality beef product, which in turn spurs greater consumer confidence in our industry.

BQA certification is equally beneficial for dairy producers, as it promotes safe animalhandling practices and other quality control measures, which is important considering a large percentage of dairy calves and market cows make their way into the food chain.

Visit www.bqa.org today to get certified!

For more information about your Beef Checkoff programs, visit www.nevadabeef. org or www.mybeefcheckoff.com today.

For more about the Nevada Beef Council, visit www.nevadabeef.org.

20 November/december 2015

The Progressive Rancher

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The Progressive Rancher

November/december 2015 21 

Lazy Day Beef and Vegetable Soup

Charlie Chapin- Respected Northern Nevada Cowboy and Horseman Inducted into Buckaroo Hall of Fame

C Simply stated, this recipe is good nutrition made easy. Some days, you just don’t feel like cooking – especially as the fall days turn to winter, and the thought of enjoying a warm fire on a cold day outweighs spending the day in the kitchen. With this recipe, the slow cooker does all the cooking for you, with hardly any effort required on your part. The delicious result is excellent nutrition, along with some comfort on a cold day. A simple soup like this packs vegetables and beef, which provide plenty of niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, selenium, zinc and choline, as well as a good amount of fiber. The zinc is especially important to build a healthy immune system, just in time for flu and cold season. t Total recipe time: 5 to 6 hours on high setting, or 8 to 9 hours on low setting.

Ingredients Makes 6 to 8 servings

2-1/2 pounds beef Stew Meat, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 2 cans (14 to 14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium beef broth 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed, drained 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) no-salt added diced tomatoes, undrained 1 cup water 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables 1 cup uncooked ditalini or other small pasta

Shredded Romano cheese (optional)

Instructions 1. Combine beef, broth, chickpeas, tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in 4-1/2 to 5-1/2-quart slow cooker; toss to coat well. Cover and cook on HIGH 5 hours or on LOW 8 hours. (No stirring is necessary during cooking.)

2. Stir in mixed vegetables and pasta. Continue cooking, covered, 1 hour or until beef and pasta are tender. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Stir well before serving.

Serve with cheese, if desired.

From James Winstead, RDN, Director of Food and Nutrition Outreach for the Nevada Beef Council

For more perfect winter beef recipes, visit www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

22 November/december 2015

harlie was born in 1923 to Ed and Alice Chapin, pioneer northern Nevada ranchers and respected horsemen in their own rights. He attended schools in Charleston and North Fork areas of Elko County.

He started cowboying at an early age and dedicated the rest of his life to the ways of horses and cattle. As a young man, Charlie was working for the Moffat Cattle Company camped at Gold Creek, when he met Lois Reed from the Wildhorse Ranch; they married in October of 1942. Throughout the 40s and early 50s he cowboyed for Moffat at the Rancho Grande and the Haystack Ranch, the TS Ranch, and the Quarter Circle S Ranch in Tuscarora. During this time, Charlie and Lois welcomed four children- Chuck, Susie, Judy and Eddie.

In 1954, Charlie, Lois and their four children moved to the 25 Ranch in Battle Mountain. The Marvel family owned the 25 and they gave Charlie the opportunity to show off his expertise as a horseman and cowboy by providing him with many of the good horses they owned and raised. Charlie trained, showed, and took several of them onto championships at the Elko County Fair. The 25 Ranch was famous for the good hands that worked there and Charlie was one of the best.

In the 60s, Charlie took the cowboss job at the Gilmore Ranch in O’Neil Basin and was there until 1979.

During the winter, Charlie would take his vacation and visit his brother Harold in Winnemucca. While there, they would run mustangs. Roping mustangs was one of Charlie’s passions.

In the 80s Charlie and Lois escaped the Elko County winters and went to the Pine Creek Ranch in Tonopah for Wayne Hage, then to Alisal Ranch in Solvang, California with their daughter Judy and her husband, Dean. Eventually Charlie and Lois moved back to the northern Nevada they loved, working with their son, Chuck, at the Horseshoe Ranch. Over the next several years, Charlie went on to help Tom Marvel and his sons, Joe and Pete and then to the 25 Ranch with Eddie and Jeannie King. He finished his career at the Muleshoe Ranch with his brother, Jerry.

Charlie was famous as a smooth hand. He loved horses and horses loved him.

He was never seen riding a tired horse, even after pulling a long circle and covering all of his country. His horses took pleasure in working for him. That is a true horseman. He was an expert at finishing horses, especially putting a horse into the bridle, using the old Vaquero traditions. He won every stock horse class at the Elko County Fair at least once in his life. Some of his favorite horses were Dixie, Tucker, Tuffy, and Cloud.

Charlie was also renowned for his skill with a rope and he loved to use that skill. He grew up roping and learning with a rawhide riata. He knew all the fancy shots; he rarely missed. But on the big outfits for which he worked, the best shots were the ones that caught the most necks and hind legs. Charlie knew how to get the job done efficiently with the least stress on horses, cattle and crew.

Charlie was well respected and enjoyed passing on his knowledge of the old ways to the next generation.

He lived what he loved. In the end, Charlie Chapin was the true definition of a cowboy.

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Wells FFA Wells FFA Range Team Attend Range Camp

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By Deseret Johnson, Wells FFA Chapter Reporter

n 2014, the Wells FFA Range team accomplished something that no team from Nevada has ever accomplished by winning the Western National Rangeland Evaluation Career Development Event. Winning team members are no longer eligible to compete at the state level. Advisor and coach, Don Noorda, helped prepare a new group of range science students with a three-day camp held at Great Basin National Park last week.

Seven students attended the camp in preparation for the Nevada State Career Development Event which will take place in Yerington on September 21.

These students were upcoming freshman Ian Spratling, sophomores Liberty Johnson, Kayson Sorenson, and Ruth Gale, juniors Tiffani Foster and Zalie Peters, and senior Patrick Wines. Another senior, Deseret Johnson placed second individually and was on the winning Western Range National Team last year.

She attended the camp to help teach and learn more about range.

The range team was very excited to see plants that don’t typically grow in and around Wells. While plant identification and knowledge is a large part of the contest, they also practiced/learned about many other aspects of rangeland evaluation including soil texture, forage utilization, biomass estimation, habitat improvement for browsing wildlife and sage grouse, and much more. The team also got the incredible opportunity to hike to the top of Mt. Wheeler, the second highest peak in Nevada at over 13,000 feet. On their hike, they observed the diversity of plants at different elevations.

This is Liberty’s first year doing range. She said, “I had so much fun at Range Camp. It was so exciting to learn about all the different components that go into making a good rangeland. I can’t wait to compete at state!” The range team will continue studying and practicing in the hopes of keeping the Wells range legacy alive.

Wells FFA students listen to Range Coach, Don Noorda, teach about the Rangeland Evaluation Liberty Johnson and Ruth Gale measure sagebrush height www.progressiverancher.com

The Progressive Rancher

November/december 2015 23

USDA INTERNET TOOL TO ESTIMATE RUNOFF AND SOIL LOSS ON R ANGELANDS: RANGELANDS HYDROLOGY AND EROSION MODEL Mark A. Weltz, Rangeland Hydrologist, USDA-ARS, Reno, NV. , Mark.Weltz@ars.usda.gov | S. Kossi Nouwakpo, Research Professor, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV Mariano Hernandez, Associate Research Scientist, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ | Mark Nearing, Research Agricultural Engineer, USDA-ARS, Tucson, AZ, Jeffry Stone, Retired, USDA-ARS, Tucson, AZ | Gerardo Armendariz, IT Specialists, USDA-ARS, Tucson, AZ | Fred Pierson, Research Leader, USDA-ARS, Boise, ID Osama Al-Hamdan, Research Associate, Texas A & M Kingsville, | C. Jason Williams, Hydrologist, USDA-ARS, Boise, ID Ken Spaeth, Rangeland Management Specialist, USDA-NRCS, Dallas, TX, | Haiyan Wei, Associate Research Scientist, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, Phil Heilman, Research Leader, USDA-ARS, Tucson, AZ | Dave Goodrich, Research Hydraulic Engineer, USDA-ARS, Tucson, AZ,

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angelands are the most dominant land cover type in the United flow erosion (Pierson et al., 2011). Following a wild fire runoff, soil erosion and sediment States (770 million acres) with approximately 53% of the na- yield can increase exponentially resulting in permeant loss of site capacity (Figure 2). tion’s rangelands owned and managed by the private sector, In rangelands, it is the rare or unexpected runoff events that can trigger while approximately 43% are managed by the federal govern- a nick point along a hillslope that compromises the plant communities stability ment (Mitchell 2000). The remaining 4% of rangelands are and hydrologic function by allowing water to concentrate and accelerate soil loss. owned and managed by tribal, state, and local governments. Information on Small disturbances on a hillslope may create patches of exposed soil that are prone the type, extent, and spatial location of land degradation on rangelands is to raindrop splash erosion. High-intensity rainfall on these bare soils may generate unknown as there is no systematic or coordinated national dataset on status substantial soil loss from raindrop impacts. Vegetated surfaces between bare soil inor condition of rangelands for the United States to make informed policy or terspaces are protected, resulting in minor runoff and low sediment yield. The same land management decisions (NRC 1994). Therefore, developing tools for as- landscape with disturbance may experience more runoff and soil loss from a similar sessment of status and conditions of rangelands that address environmental runoff event due to the increased connectivity of bare soil areas. These organized flow process, such as soil erosion, is critical for rangeland resource management. paths increase the runoff velocity and the ability of water to continually erode and

By 1935, drought, wind, and water erosion was considered a national issue transport sediment downslope reducing the sites productivity (Urgeghe et al., 2010). for more than 50% of the country. Soil erosion and sediment in surface waters is still The challenge for rangeland soil erosion modeling is to aid land managa major issue with estimated annual cost of damage within the U.S. approximately ers in defining thresholds of accelerated soil loss and assessing the risk of crossing $6 billion to $16 billion. Over 55% of sediment and salts entering the Colorado those thresholds to avert land degradation. This requires the ability to identify River are derived from accelerated soil erosion from federal rangelands with dam- an ecosystem’s vulnerability to extreme runoff events before changes in resources ages estimated to be $385 million per year to occur (Weltz et al. 2014; Williams et al. water users. Current estimates are that 23% to 2015). Effective decision-making requires 29% of U.S. non-federal rangelands are vulnerthe integration of knowledge, data, simulaable to accelerated soil loss (Weltz et al. 2014). tion models and expert judgment to solve

Soil erosion is a general term describing practical problems, and to provide a scientific the degradation of the landscape by wind and water basis for decision-making at the hillslope or processes. Soil erosion is a natural process, and the watershed scale (Hernandez et al. 2015). erosion potential of a site is the result of complex

The new physically based Rangeland Hyinteractions among soil, vegetation, topographic drology and Erosion Model (RHEM) has been position, land use and management, and climate. developed by the USDA for assessing soil loss Soil erosion occurs when climatic processes (wind, rates on rangelands that specifically assesses rainfall, and runoff) exceed the soil’s inherent resisthe risk of soil loss at local scales (Nearing tance to these forces. Soil erosion can be defined as et al. 2011). RHEM was developed exclua 3 part process: raindrop splash detachment of soil sively on data collected from a large number particles; sheetflow that picks up and transports of geographically distributed rangeland eroloose soil particles; and concentrated flow detach- Figure 1. Greasewood vegetation island with interconnected sion experiments. An important aspect of the ment and transport (rill erosion) of soil particles. concentrated flow paths. model for rangeland managers is that RHEM Dominant erosion processes vary with rangeis parameterized based on plant growth form land conditions, type of plants present, gap between plant basal areas, and the classification using data that are typically collected for rangeland management purconnectivity of the bare interspaces. Plant basal areas, rocks, plant litter, woody poses (e.g., rangeland health assessments or monitoring data). RHEM was designed debris, and biological soil crusts prevent soil loss from occurring from raindrop to require minimal inputs that are readily available for most rangeland ecological splash by protecting the soil surface from direct impact. These obstructions may sites (Figure 3). RHEM estimates runoff, soil loss, and sediment delivery rates and also cause water to flow around them, resulting in concentrated flow soil loss volumes at the hillslope spatial scale and the temporal scale of a single rainfall event. in the inter-connected interspace areas. This process results in an island effect The model is a single event prediction tool and therefore does not predict daily changes in which excessive soil loss occurs in the interspace areas where runoff is con- in plant growth and associated changes in standing biomass, canopy, or ground cover. centrated (Figure 1). The soil loss process can be accelerated in these situations To evaluate the impacts of management on plant growth and soil loss, the user can and result in loss of biotic integrity, desertification, and sustainability of the site. run a baseline scenario and then run an alternative scenario (i.e., change canopy and

Examples of this are often seen in shrub-dominated landscapes that have ground cover). The user can then compare differences in soil loss as a result of changes formed coppice dunes (e.g., sagebrush or greasewood). In areas where Juniper and Pin- in vegetation attributes across sites, from management, or from climate change. The yon pine have encroached into sagebrush steppe communities runoff and soil loss per model is free to users and can be accessed at http://dss.tucson.ars.ag.gov/rhem/. Figure unit area from concentrated flow processes can be ten-fold greater than splash and sheet- 4 illustrates the operations performed to predict runoff and soil erosion with RHEM. 24 November/december 2015

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Research efforts are underway to expand the applicability of RHEM to saline and sodic soils. These soils are known to be highly erodible and require the development of a separate set of parameterization equations within RHEM. Because RHEM is a physically based model the fundamental principals of soil erosion Figure 2. Concentrated flow soil erosion that resulted are maintained across from a convective thunderstorm following a wildfire all rangeland plant near Minden, Nevada. communities. It is the magnitude of response of these processes that varies as a function of plant species, cover, and soil characteristics.

RHEM’s ability to predict runoff and soil erosion on saline soils was evaluated on 2 ecological sites near Price and Ferron in central Utah, U.S. To evaluate hydrologic response we used a rainfall simulator (6 feet wide x 20 feet long) (Figure 3). A single rainfall was applied to each plot as either a 2yr (1.7 in/hr), 10yr (3.1 in/ hr), 25yr (4.1 in/hr), or 50yr (5.4 in/hr) rainfall return rate on dry soil. At each site 3 replications of the rainfall intensities were sampled for a total of 12 plots.

Runoff and sediment samples were collected every 2 min. Canopy and ground cover was measured with line-point intercept. The RHEM model did an excellent job in predicting runoff at the 2 sites (R2 0.90) over all rainfall intensities applied (Figure 5). RHEM predicted sediment yield (R2 0.58) reasonably well (Figure 6) with no significant bias in the predicted sediment yield.

For saline and sodic sites, such as these, the soils are highly dispersive and the RHEM model slightly under predicted sediment yield. New parameterization equations designed specifically for saline and sodic soils should improve sediment yield predictions.

A governing principle of rangeland management is that changes in plant cover, species, and density result in changes in watershed condition and response.

Vegetation is the primary factor controllable by anthropogenic activity that influences surface runoff and soil erosion on rangelands. RHEM can be used to compare alternative states of vegetation and if conservation is warranted to reduce soil erosion on rangelands. RHEM provides a valuable tool for adaptive management and allows managers a means to quantify if rangeland restoration practices will reduce soil erosion rates and where on the landscape they should be placed for maximum effectiveness. www.progressiverancher.com

1. Register for free at: http://dss. tucson.ars.ag.gov/rhem/ 2. Login in with unique user name and password 3. Create a new scenario within the Define Scenario box by typing a name that identifies the situation you want to evaluate. A scenario is defined as a unique set of input parameters needed to run RHEM. Select the units (English or metric) to be used.

4. Select climate station of interest from map or dropdown list by State. Climate data is obtained via the CLIGEN climate generator. RHEM uses the CLIGEN model to generate daily rainfall statistics for a 300-year weather sequence that is representative of a time-stationary climate. The CLIGEN database consists of 2600 weather stations from across the continental US. 5. Define the soil texture of the upper 1.57 inches of the soil profile. Soil texture is input as a class name from the USDA soil textural triangle and selected from a drop down menu. Soil maps and texture information can be obtained at NRCS Web Soil Survey at: http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx 6. Enter the slope length (feet), slope shape, and slope steepness (%). Slope length in RHEM is defined as the length of the path that water flows down a slope as sheet and rill flow until it reaches an area where flow begins to concentrate in a major channel, or to the point where the slope flattens resulting in deposition.

Slope lengths up to 394 feet are supported in RHEM. RHEM provides four hillslope shapes for different topographic scenarios: uniform, convex, concave, and S-shaped. To assess sediment delivery from a hillslope to a channel, the user must designate the shape of the hillslope either as a concave or S-shaped to calculate deposition at the bottom of the hillslope. The slope steepness is the slope of the hillslope area rather than the average landscape slope.

7. User defines both foliar canopy cover and ground cover by percent. Information about plant community can be obtained on Ecological Site Assessment tab at NRCS web soil survey web sited listed above.

8. Run the model and generate output that can be viewed in tables or graphical form.

Output is saved and can be retrieved and viewed when you next login into RHEM.

The Progressive Rancher

The Society for Range Management (SRM) is “the professional society dedicated to supporting persons who work with rangelands and have a commitment to sustainable use.” SRM’s members are ranchers, land managers, scientists, educators, students, conservationists – a diverse membership guided by a professional code of ethics and unified by a strong land ethic. This series of articles is dedicated to connecting the science of range management with the art, by applied science on the ground in Nevada. Articles are the opinion of the author and may not be an official position of SRM. Further information and a link to submit suggestions or questions are available at the Nevada Section website at http://nevada.rangelands. org/ . SRM’s main webpage is www.rangelands.org.

We welcome your comments.

November/december 2015 25

IS THE MEAT WE EAT SAFE?

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any people ask me if the meat we eat is really safe and the answer is straightforward: Yes, the meat we eat is safe and we can make it safer. In this article I will briefly discuss about how the meat industry and government agencies ensure that the meat we buy at the grocery store is safe. Also, I will talk about how we can prevent foodborne diseases through cooking meat properly.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions about food safety among consumers. Although there is no specific definition for safe food, most of us associate the term “safe” to the statement “free of pathogens that can lead to food borne diseases”. It would be very simple if pathogens were considered the only hazard that poses risks to human health. However, food safety is a concept that goes beyond to what consumers think it is enough to produce a wholesome product.

In order to produce safe meat, three major hazards are constantly approached during slaughter and fabrication: chemical, biological, and physical. The presence of allergens can also be considered a hazard although is not usually relevant when producing fresh meat products without condiments.

Hazards can enter to the production chain by being present in raw materials or being accidently added to products during manufacturing.

Chemical, physical, and biological hazards can be successfully controlled through HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point), a preventive program created

by NASA in the early sixties to ensure that food that would be sent to the space was free of any type of hazards. The HACCP program is based on 7 principles that are applied during production: 1. Conduct a hazard analysis, 2. Identify critical control points (CCPs), 3. Establish critical limits for control points, 4. Establish monitoring procedures for CCPs, 5. Establish corrective actions, 6. Establish verification procedures, and 7. Establish record-keeping procedures.

USDA inspected establishments are required by federal regulation (9 CFR 417.2) to implement HACCP to cover each product manufactured by that establishment.

Regarding food borne diseases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 76 million cases of illness each year are caused by food-borne hazards. Two million of those reports are associated to bacteria commonly found in meats.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) are considered an important biological hazard due to important incidents such as the Jack in the Box outbreak in 1993. Although most E. coli are harmless and play important role for humans to maintain a healthy intestinal tract, some serotypes found in cattle intestines can cause severe infections.

During animal slaughter, E. coli can be transferred from hides and viscera to carcasses. Major meat processors have additional programs to control procedures performed during slaughter and fabrication. However, in 2014, 55% of all E. coli outbreaks were associated to beef consumption. Other sources were vegetables and dairy products. When manure is used as fertilizer without prior treatment to destroy pathogens, it contaminates the soil and consequently vegetables grown on it. Due to

26 November/december 2015

the interaction with the environment, bovine feces and manure can also reach creeks, rivers, streams, lakes, and ground water, leading to contamination of irrigation water.

Now it is time to ask ourselves again: Is the meat we eat safe?

Although there is still some incidence of food borne diseases associated to meat consumption, statistics show that outbreaks significantly decreased over the last ten years. Also, infections are intimately linked to undercooked ground beef. The reason that ground beef is a critical product is related to the way it is produced by combining small ground pieces in one. Since bacteria stay on meat’s surface, by grinding and forming patties, meatballs or meatloaves, we can automatically bring surface pathogens to the internal area of the final product. This is why the possibility of getting infected by bacteria while eating a steak is minimal.

Even if any pathogen is on the steak surface, it is eliminated by direct heat while cooking it. Bacteria do not penetrate intact cuts.

Therefore, there are three major tips to ensure we feed our family safe meat. We must always 1. Buy products that carry the USDA seal; 2. Cook ground beef products until internal temperature reaches 160°F; and 3. Never consume medium-rare ground beef products.

Figure: Doneness of Patties Source: http://atlantaeats.com/website/ wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ burger-cooking-guide.png

Amilton de Mello, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Meat Science and Food Safety

amilton@cabnr.unr.edut

The Progressive Rancher

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, 2016 Friday, Februar y 19 ng Sifting in the morni

n s Dinner/Dance

elle Churchill Co. Cowb n S Awards Presentatio and FB b Dinner: 6:30 Socia l Hour: 5:30 pm 0 pm 8:0 e: Da nc Center on nti Fa llon Conve

pm

Saturday, February 20, 2016 Bull Sale 11:00 am Fallon Livestock Exchange Fallon, Nevada

FBS Invitational Stoc k Dog Trial February 19, 2016

To benefit the fight again st cancer Handlers Meeting at 7:30 a.m.

Tr ial at 8:00 a.m.

Cowdog Auctio

n after the Churchill Co . Cowbelles Dinner at the Fa llon Conventi on Center

For more information or a sale catalog, please call the Sale Office: Nevada Cattlemen’s Association 775-738-9214 ✸ www.nevadacattlemen.org ✸ nca@nevadabeef.org www.progressiverancher.com

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November/december 2015 27

Evaluation of the Winnemucca District Drought Response Plan Barry Perryman, Tamzen Stringham (College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Biotechnology, UNR); Brad Schultz (University of Nevada Cooperative Extension)

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he National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 authorized and established procedural requirements for the preparation of Environmental Assessments (EA) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) as planning documents to estimate the environmental impacts of proposed federal agency actions. The Winnemucca District Drought Response Plan (May 2013) “discloses the environmental impacts that implementing the Drought Response Actions (DRA) would likely have on the environment.” We now undertake the task of reviewing the usefulness and validity of the drought prediction tools and the DRAs. The National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC, developer of the U.S. Drought Monitor, DM) “recommends that decision makers adopt an operational definition of drought for their own circumstances, incorporating local data such as grazing conditions or streamflow at a nearby gauge”. The Winnemucca District Drought Response Plan does not generate an operational definition, rather it accepts the drought categories generated by the DM. For Nevada, the DM categories are determined solely by the Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) and snowpack water equivalent. Dissimilarity comparisons are determined based on current SWSI and snowpack values, and long-term averages. Although these metrics have utility for determining the availability and volume of surface waters (which may be critically important for watering livestock operations in time of drought), since they are at best proxy indicators, they have little or no ability to serve as accurate and precise indicators of annual herbage production. Our professional opinion is that they would have little sensitivity and therefore be poor indicators or provide no prediction of forage production. Declaring drought based solely on DM data misses the ecological principle that shallow rooted plants such as grasses, do not depend on the amount of precipitation that did not occur prior to the effective growing season. Aboveground biomass production of herbaceous species is strongly affected by the amount and periodicity of precipitation that occurs during the thermal growing season. This basic ecological concept is known as the effective growing season. Greater flexibility for grazing management decisions can be achieved by using more accurate prediction tools that recognize the effective growing season concept. Either or both the crop year (Sept 1-June 30) or the April + May + June precipitation methods can serve as more accurate predictors of plant growth or forage production (Sneva and Hyder, 1962; Mosley 2001; Mosley 2015). Both of these methods have been utilized successfully. For Nevada, the April + May + June method should be more appropriate.

Another approach uses a comparison of mean precipitation with the long-term median precipitation to predict forage production (Daubenmire 1956; Sneva and Hyder 28 November/december 2015

1962). All of these methods take into account the effective growing season conditions. When the drought monitor indicates drought in January, February or even March of the current year, that categorization may be totally irrelevant with regards to the effective growing season and herbaceous plant growth (Craddock and Forsling 1938; Hutchings and Stewart. 1953; Blaisdell 1958; Sharp 1970; Sneva and Britton 1983; Derner and Hart. 2007; Smart et al. 2007). This is a basic concept of rangeland ecology.

Root depth of Great Basin plants is variable across species but general patterns occur. Perennial grasses generally have shallower root systems than do shrubs. For most grasses, 80 percent or more of the Figure 1. Two-week EDDI on 30 May 2013 (top left) and 19 June 2013 root biomass is in the top (top right). Positive EDDI values indicate drought conditions and negative values 16 to 20 inches of the soil, indicate wet conditions. The bottom panel shows 2-week EDDI for 2013 and for some, more shallow averaged over the northern Great Basin. Day 150 corresponds to 30 May 2013, rooted species, in the upper and day 170 corresponds to 19 June 2013.

8 inches (Rickard 1985; Ganskopp 1988; Link et al. 1990; Melgoza and Nowak the Great Basin. The root zone may have abundant soil 1991). In general, most perennial grasses have at least moisture during the thermal growing period despite 50-60 % of their root biomass in the upper 7-8 inches well below average precipitation during the winter or of soil. Many shrubs have some similar root distribu- spring months. The timing of precipitation is often just tion with most root biomass in the surface 20 inches of as important as the amount. Actual precipitation can be soil, but a few have deep vertical roots that reach from much less than average, yet still be sufficient to provide 4-7 feet or more (reviewed in Dobrowolski et al. 1990). adequate moisture for above average annual herbaceous Moisture availability and a minimum soil temperature plant growth. The most important factor for plant of 40-42°F during the first 2-3 months, is what largely growth is both the timing and amount of precipitation determines plant growth for a specific growing season. that occurs in discrete precipitation events, not total The critical moisture variable for herbaceous forage precipitation. production is the amount of soil moisture in the In the Great Basin, it is common for about 50-60 root zone when active growth begins, and for the percent of the water year precipitation to occur from subsequent 2-3 months. Zero precipitation can occur October through March, and about 30 percent to occur from the beginning of the water year and yet if enough in the spring months of April through June (Western precipitation occurs just prior to soil temperature Regional Climate Center, 2015). The former period cowarmup, herbaceous plants will respond whether or not incides with winter plant dormancy of both herbaceous precipitation occurred during the early months of the and woody plant species; thus, little or no plant growth water year. The amount, seasonality, and periodicity occurs. Most of the precipitation during this period has of precipitation all play a significant role in herbaceous the potential to infiltrate deep into the soil profile and biomass production. Furthermore, many soils have a restore moisture needed by deep rooted woody species water holding capacity that is substantially less than that may serve as forage for grazing animals later in the the mean October-March precipitation for much of growing season. Animals with a preference for The Progressive Rancher

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grazing (e.g., elk, cattle, sheep) can switch diet preference to woody plants as a source of protein when grasses begin to mature and senesce as shallow soil moisture becomes depleted during the summer and early fall months.

When actual root zone drought occurs, the results are less biomass production and/or a shorter period for the plant to complete its annual growth cycle, including the production and storage of energy reserves. Bunchgrasses exposed to as little as 50% of mean annual effective growing season precipitation typically show about a 50% decline in the number of perennating buds needed for regrowth the next growing season (Busso et al. 1989). However, drought stressed grass plants can still have as many as 3 buds per tiller, even after three years of drought (Busso et al. 1989). Three buds are sufficient to ensure plant survival and rapid recovery to pre-drought growing conditions. Additionally, the concentration of stored energy reserves often increases in drought stressed plants (Busso et al. 1990), although the total amount of stored energy may decline because there are fewer buds, less tiller development, and smaller root systems. Perennial grass plants must maintain enough stored energy to keep growing points alive during long dormant periods; thus, plant growth will cease before energy storage ceases. From a plant survival perspective, a perennial grass plant will sacrifice extended growth for energy storage. Grazing concerns over carbohydrate storage are minimal unless growing season root zone drought becomes extended over several years, and/or growing season utilization has been repeated, heavy, with little time for rest and re-growth.

When a growing season root zone drought coincides with the temporal period when rapid growth should occur, there will be less leaf production and/or a shorter period for production and storage of energy reserves.

Grazing management during a growing season soil drought must be flexible to ensure that grass plants can meet their biological needs during a shortened effective growing season. Most Nevada rangeland plants have the capacity to withstand (buffer) one or two years of serious drought, but will require more intensive management when drought stress transcends two or more growing seasons. If soil moisture levels are inadequate for growth (leaf area replacement) and energy storage for the next growing season, grazing periods for livestock may: 1) need to be shortened to prevent heavy use (usually from repeated defoliation, not single defoliation events, which seldom consume more than half the plant) on the majority of plants; 2) be properly rotated among years or during the grazing season to ensure growth cycles are regularly completed; or 3) deferred to dormant periods (assuming stock water is available). Management flexibility is the key to success, not management rigidity.

The Winnemucca District Drought Response Plan also cites the coincident use of the Vegetation Drought Response Index for determining when to make a determination of drought. The VDRI is a predictive model that includes as inputs, the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI, for unirrigated cropland), Standard Precipitation Index (36 week), and the satellite imagery indices Percent Average Seasonal Greenness (PASG) and www.progressiverancher.com

Start of Season Anomaly (SOSA), along with several biophysical parameters. The VDRI website states, “No single measure can be used to assess the accuracy (both quantitatively and qualitatively) of the VegDRI because of the varying definitions of drought.” Recognizing the limitations of both the DM and VDRI are paramount to any delineation of drought occurrence, severity, and timing. The VDRI cannot predict drought in the coming growing season because reflectance of green or non-green plants must be determined in real time. Both the DM and VDRI may serve as indicators of potential drought, but soil moisture drought can only be assessed as a growing season event. Drought response actions regarding the prediction of forage plant production cannot be implemented prior to the winter/spring rainy season.

There is no effective growing season drought until there is drought. Response actions can and should be previously determined, however, implementation of RAs based on the current drought monitor, prior to the onset of the effective growing season means that with notable exceptions when the previous fall is wet, every year could be construed as a drought year even though plant community responses will not recognize it as such.

In an effort to overcome some of the limitations of the aforementioned drought indices, Hobbins et al.

(2011) developed the Evaporative Demand Drought Index (EDDI), which relies on physically based evaporative demand (E○) derived from freely available near real-time National Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS) gridded weather data of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and downwelling shortwave radiation at 4Km and 12Km spatial resolutions (Abatzoglou 2013).

The use of a physically based E○ as opposed to a temperature based E○ has been proven to better capture wet and dry periods at both long and short time scales due to the reliance of land surface and atmospheric feedbacks (Hobbins et al. 2012; Huntington et al. 2011). Another advantage of multi-scalar drought indices such as EDDI is the flexibility to allow for user specified aggregation periods so that flash drought or recovery can be easily identified by selecting longer or shorter time scales (McEvoy et al. 2014). Remote sensing of vegetation greenness and surface temperature with satellite sensors, such as Landsat’s Thematic Mapper, Operational Land Imager and Thermal Infrared Sensor and Aqua’s and Terra’s MODIS sensor, can be used to complement EDDI to detect the rapid onset and recovery of rangeland drought at 250 m to 1 km spatial resolution. Although the U.S. Drought Monitor and VegDRI contain a significant amount of objective information, their spatial scale is extremely coarse; and their inability to detect soil moisture drought or recovery at shorter timescales of weeks instead of months is a glaring short-coming in regards to rangeland management. Therefore, we recommend utilization of a flexible, multi-scalar drought index such as EDDI, combined with remote sensing of vegetation that accounts for land-atmosphere interactions to more accurately monitor the rapid onset or relief from drought in Nevada rangelands. An examination of Figures 1 and 2 shows two different conditions for the same periods. The EDDI prediction more accurately reflects soil moisture conditions than the DM prediction.

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In reality the extreme drought identified by the DM was not an extreme drought with respect to growing season conditions, in fact there effectively was no drought as far as herbaceous species were concerned.

Figure 2. Drought Monitor (DM) determinations for May 28 and June 18, 2013; showing extreme drought in May and June contrary to EDDI determinations.

November/december 2015 29

Paid in Full

by Pastor Diana Gonzalez

W

ebster’s definition – Free: not under the control or power of another.

Webster’s definition – Freedom: independence, being free, civil or political liberty, exemption from an obligation, discomfort, etc., being able to act, use freely, ease of movement, frankness, right or privilege.

As I write today, it’s Veteran’s Day. The day we set aside to remember and appreciate those who served our country with their time and comfort, and those who laid down their lives for the freedom we all enjoy in this wonderful country.

Freedom isn’t free, is it? It costs something and so many brave Americans gave all they could give so we can be safe and free. We must never forget them. And we must never let the freedoms they paid so dearly for slip through our hands.

We must always be ready to fight anyone or anything that would take away the freedoms that those brave Americans bled and died for. Any freedom we let get away would be hard, if not impossible to get back. Let’s not be passive or lazy;

let’s honor our veterans and those that fell for our country by hanging on to our Christian values and our laws of freedom.

Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” NKJV Thank you Veterans for your service to our country!

Jesus would know about serving and sacrifice, wouldn’t he? Jesus was born to die. To die for us. To take back what satan had stolen from Adam, and to put Man back in right standing with God. Praise God that He loved us so much that He sent His Son to pay the price for our sins (reference John 3:16). A price we couldn’t pay. Jesus paid it for us, in full. Jesus is God’s Grace and Mercy manifested in human form.

Philippians 2:5-11: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. NKJV If Jesus was willing to lay aside the glory of heaven to come and die for us, shouldn’t we look beyond ourselves to our fellow man and his interest? Shouldn’t we want to protect our free-

doms for the next generation and the next? Let’s teach our children and grandchildren the godly principles our great nation was founded on. Let’s teach them the Pledge of Allegiance – one nation under God. Let’s teach them, we can be saved by faith through grace ( Jesus).

Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me!” That’s the only way.

We receive God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus. None of us can meet God’s perfect standard. That’s why it was necessary for Jesus to pay for our sins, in full. So if Jesus was willing to die for us, let’s be willing to live godly, Christian lives and teach our kids to live that way, too. Let’s elect godly men and women to public office and vote out those who would take away our laws of freedom that were paid for with such a dear price.

Let’s honor God and His Word and put Him first in our lives, then let’s see if our country doesn’t go in a better way.

Proverbs 29:2: When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan. NKJV Let’s honor Jesus and the price He paid for us by making Him our Lord and Savior, and by asking Him into your heart today. May God bless our veterans, and our nation.

Scripture reading: Romans 3:21-26 Romans 10: 8-10, 13 Revelation 1:4-6 Revelation 3:19-20 Happy trails. May God richly bless you. We love you and would love to hear from you. If you would like someone to pray with, or just have a question, please give us a call at (775) 867-3100.

‘Til next time….

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30 November/december 2015

The Progressive Rancher

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Allie Bear

Real Estate

Specializing in hunting, ranching, and horse properties 60 Pete Hendri chs Road (Yerington, NV)

Beautiful farm with many amenities.

2 beautiful homes, 146 acres with water rights. Newer 5 stall MD horse barn, large shop, dog kennels, horse corrals, roping arena, round corral, cutting pen. $1,500,000

9320 Mountain City Hwy (North of Elko, NV)

157+ Acres with water rights 3 bed, 2 bath, 4 car garage, large barn, stalls, tack room, corrals, round pen, fenced/cross fenced. $399,000

17 D iamondback Place (Spring Creek, NV)

3.95 acres — Plenty of acreage for a horse pasture or 4H animals.

5 bed, 2 bath home with 3-car attached garage. Barn and large indoor arena with power and water to both. $335,000

Recanzone Ranch (Paradise Valley, NV)

Great subdivision potential 9 parcels and can be divided into more.

Neat 900+ acres, 300 AUMs, ranch right by town. Original Sandstone House. Easy access to Hinkey Summit & surrounding mountains. Includes Barn, Outbuildings and Corrals. $1,320,000

Starr Valley Pasture Unique fenced 1,104 acres on Boulder Creek bordering U.S. Forest Service in Starr Valley, Nevada. Water-righted with nice meadows. $1,400,000

Howell Ranch Nestled on the hillsides of the East Humboldts in Elko County. Water-righted meadows produce 1200 average ton of hay a year. 4 homes with mature landscape. Multiple barns, shops, storages, chutes & corrals. $5,000,000

Clear Creek Ranch South of Winnemucca, Nevada. Approx.

10,000 Deeded Acres & approx. 740 irrigated acres, Ranch Manager’s home & equipment yard. Log Cottage $5,900,000

701 Forest Tow Way (North of Elko, NV)

45+ Acres. 3 bed, 2 bath, large garage with shop, fenced yard with mature trees, shrubs. $265,000

View complete listings at:

www.ARanchBroker.com

775-738-8535 Allie Bear, Broker/Realtor 775-777-6416 www.progressiverancher.com

The Progressive Rancher

November/december 2015 31

NEWS RELEASE

Restoration Efforts for Sage Grouse Habitat Shown to Benefit At-Risk Songbirds

R

by Heather Emmons

eno, Nev., Sept. 9, 2015 – Restoring habitat for sage grouse also helps many other sagebrush-dependent species, including two atrisk songbirds, according to a new report released today by the Sage Grouse Initiative (SGI). SGI, a partnership led by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), found that populations of Brewer’s sparrow and green-tailed towhee climbed significantly in places where invading conifer trees were removed in an effort to restore sagebrush habitat.

The study shows that three years following the removal of invading conifers in a project area in southern Oregon, the number of Brewer’s sparrows increased by 55 percent, while the number of green-tailed towhees increased by 81 percent, as compared with sites not restored. These two songbirds, both identified as species of conservation concern by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), serve as early indicators of the effectiveness of restoration work.

“This research shows that the comprehensive sagebrush conservation efforts, which are strengthening operations on working lands across the West, have benefits for all the wildlife that depend on the ecosystem, not just sage grouse,” NRCS Chief Jason Weller said. “The Sage Grouse Initiative continues to demonstrate that by working together, we can deliver conservation that is good for wildlife, good for ranching operations and good for rural economies across the West.”

More than 350 species of wildlife depend on sagebrush habitat, and many species have suffered population declines because of threats like invading conifers. Conifers invade and degrade sagebrush ecosystems, dispersing the wildlife that once called the habitat home. Over the past two centuries, fire suppression, historic overgrazing and favorable climate conditions have led to spread of conifers into sagebrush habitat.

Aaron Holmes, director of Northwest Wildlife Science and a research associate with Point Blue Conservation Science, led the research for SGI, assessing the biological outcome of conifer cuts on songbirds in the Warner Mountains near Adel, Oregon.

The study was funded by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Intermountain West Joint Venture, all of which are SGI partners.

Population increases each year after trees were removed suggest that growth in the populations of these two species may increase even more with time as displaced birds increase use of restored habitat.

Roughly 80 percent of invading conifers in sagebrush habitat are in early phases of woodland succession. Through SGI, NRCS helps ranchers remove invading conifers in places where trees are younger and sagebrush is still dominant. Since 2010, ranchers have restored 400,000 acres of sagebrush habitat through cuts. Nearly half of cuts are in Oregon, where conifer removal during SGI has increased 14-fold. Threat alleviation on private lands in Oregon is two-thirds complete inside of priority areas.

Ongoing conifer removal is part of a larger four-year strategy, called Sage Grouse Initiative 2.0, which NRCS unveiled last month. Under SGI 2.0, an additional 246,000 additional acres will be cut by 2018. In Oregon, the conifer threat on private lands will be removed in all sage grouse priority areas. The strategy also addresses other key threats to sage grouse by focusing on reducing the threat of wildfire and spread of invasive grasses after fires, protecting rangeland from exurban development and cultivation, protecting mesic habitats like wet meadows and reducing fence collisions.

Songbirds are not the only other sagebrush wildlife shown to benefit from sage grouse conservation efforts. In a companion study on mule deer, scientists in Wyoming found that conservation measures implemented to benefit sage grouse also doubled the protection of mule deer migratory corridors and winter range.

32 November/december 2015

The deteriorating health of the sagebrush habitat and the greater sage-grouse has sparked an unprecedented, collaborative federal-state partnership. This comprehensive approach includes strong conservation plans for state and private lands, strong federal conservation plans and an effective strategy to reduce rangeland fire risk.

Learn more about this new data in SGI’s “Science to Solutions” report. For more on technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs, visit nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted or a local USDA service center.

The Progressive Rancher

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Nevada Stallion Stakes

& Elko County NRCHA August 23–24 Elko, Nevada

Horse

Rider Total Winnings NSS LMTD FUTURITY Twistnarey Janet Kubichek Leonardo Valdez 206.0 $348.21 Gotta Geta Goose Jd Thacker Jd Thacker 205.5 $232.14 NSS LMTD DERBY T Birds Flossie Gal Corinne Elser Corinne Elser 215.0 $348.21 Lmtd bridle Champ, 5K & Non Pro Lmtd champ, Open Fut champ, Wade Peptos Wildflower Janet Kubichek Leonardo Valdez 212.5 $208.93 Kyla Rianda riding Paula Wittler riding Reaney riding Hesa Pleasen Prize Smoking Lights A Rumor Has It Dr Pepto Ivegot Pep Casey Bieroth Casey Bieroth 206.5 $139.29 NSS Limited HACKAMORE CLASSES Horse Owner Rider Total Winnings T Birds Flossie Gal Corinne Elser Corinne Elser 215.5 $211.09 NSS OPEN Futurity This Cat Will Play Janet Kubichek Leonardo Valdez 204.5 $140.73 A Rumor Has It Taylor & Millie Wakley Wade Reaney 218 $464.29 Sjr One Time Angel Jasmine Koberstein Michael Vipham 210 $348.21 NRCHA Non Pro Hackamore One Oakie Chick Tom & Carmen Buckingham Carmen Buckingham 208 $116.07 Shoot To Thrill Ron Zumbro Ron Zumbro 133.0 $205.00 NRCHA LAE 3yr OLD SNAFFLE BIT NRCHA Limited Non Pro Hackamore A Rumor Has It Taylor & Millie Wakley Wade Reaney 218 $440.00 Shoot To Thrill Ron Zumbro Ron Zumbro 125.0 $205.00 Cashin Lotto Chex Matt & Leah Mori Matt Mori 209 $264.00 NSS Open HACKAMORE CLASSES 205.5 $176.00 Very Slic 45 Bret & Amie Paulick Bret Paulick Darling Boon Gary Stark Gary Stark 212.0 $139.29 NSS Open Derby Genuine Budlight Cori Shields Cori Shields 202.0 $92.86 SG Time Zone Flint Lee Flint Lee 220.5 $464.29 NRCHA Open Hackamore Class Peptos Wildflower Janet Kubichek Leonardo Valdez 207 $348.21 Bugs Boony R & C Winters Richard Winters 214.0 $339.00 Purr Kitty Carol Hulme Gary Stark 206.5 $232.14 Smartest Hotshot Erin Ellison Charles Stevens 212.0 $113.00 A Chiquita Lena Kathy Blickenstaff Gary Stark 206 $116.07 Darling Boon Gary Stark Gary Stark 212.0 $113.00 NSS &Bridle Classes NRCHA $5K NON PRO LIMITED IX Smart Starlight Liz Younger Badasci Matt Hoekenga 218 $522.32 Smoking Lights Paula Wittler Paula Wittler 212.5 $312.00 Sheza Shiny Chex Kenny & Tammy Lee Flint Lee 213 $313.39 Smokedakitty Lynn Cafferty Lynn Cafferty 201.0 $208.00 Genuine Rednic John & Sandra Friberg Sandy Friberg 212.5 $208.93 NRCHA NON PRO LIMITED NRCHA Open Bridle Class Smoking Lights Paula Wittler Paula Wittler 212.5 $312.50 Ix Smart Starlight Liz Younger Badasci Matt Hoekenga 218 $394.00 Hr More Time To Play Lynette Phillip Lynette Phillips 212.0 $187.50 Cuttin Like My Dad Wade Reaney Wade Reaney 215.5 $295.50 Catadance Lynn Cafferty Lynn Cafferty 209.5 $125.00 Sheza Shiny Chex Kenny & Tammy Lee Flint Lee 213 $197.00 Feathers N Lace Billie Filippini Brad Bowlen 212 $98.50 NSS Limited Bridle Kyla Rianda Hesa Pleasen Prize Kyla Rianda 209.5 $348.21 Watch Me In Knickers Kathleen Wood Anthony McClimon 203 $232.14 NSS Two Reined / Green Bridle Smokedakitty Lynn Cafferty Gary Stark 213.5 $293.18 Smart Teena Cash Kyla Rianda Kyla Rianda 210.5 $175.91 $117.27 Diamond Nic David & Sue Abel Flint Lee 210 NRCHA Limited Open Bridle Corinne Elser 209.5 $310.00 Shesa Mucho Poco Corinne Elser Lmtd Fut Champion Leonardo Valdez Riding Lmtd Hackamore champ, Corinne Elser riding T Birds Flossie Galls NRCHA NON PRO Bridle Twistnarey Genuine Rednic John & Sandra Friberg Sandy Friberg 212.5 $312.00 Alberts Bro Rusti Karl & Pam Smith Pam Smith 212 $208.00 NRCHA Novice Non Pro Bridle Olena Tejon Heidi Olson Heidi Olson 216 $418.00 Genuine Rednic John & Sandra Friberg Sandy Friberg 212.5 $313.50 Hesa Pleasen Prize Kyla Rianda Kyla Rianda 209.5 $209.00 Miss Little Ruby Karen Gardella Karen Gardella 209 $104.50 NRCHA Two Reined Classes Smokedakitty Lynn Cafferty Gary Stark 213.5 $293.18 Smart Teena Cash Kyla Rianda Kyla Rianda 210.5 $175.91 Smart Playin Lady Greg Bieker Karl Smith 6 209.5 $146.00 Open Bridle champ, Matt Hoekenga Open derby champ, Flint Lee riding riding IX Smart Starlight SG TimeZone www.progressiverancher.com

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Owner

November/december 2015 33

2015 Elko County Fair

ELKO, NEVADA August 23 - September 1

o k l E 5 1 20 r i a F y t n Cou Horse

Owner Rider NON PRO SNAFFLE TI Smokin Pumpkin Lance Knudsen Lance Knudsen Smoke from a 45 Will Delong Will Delong Juan Classy Prize Kenny Lee Kenny Lee DW Lights Out Rolly & Becky Lisle Rolly Lisle

212.5 211 204.5 201.5

SG Time Zone Mates Stylish Rey Katattitude Peptos Wildflower

OPEN SNAFFLE Flint Lee Janet Kubichex Janet Kubichex Janet Kubichex

216 214.5 212.5 209.5

Diamond J Legend IX Smart Lil Texas Sonny Smokes Rio Sassy Bravo

NON PRO COWHORSE Jeff & Jaci Garijo Jaci Garijo Michael Vipham Alex Vipham Tana Gallagher Tana Gallagher Leroy Sestanovich Leroy Sestanovich

Flint Lee Leonardo Valdez Leonardo Valdez Leonardo Valdez

Total

141 139 138 136.5

NON PRO HACKAMORE Dry San Pepper Casey Bieroth Casey Bieroth Rigby Doug & Pat Groves Doug Groves Hobbys Hotroddin Chic Jess & Vicki Reid Jess Reid

206.5 206 200

Horse

Total

Owner Rider LIMITED NON PRO BRIDLE Dry Doubt Jackie Rowland Jackie Rowland Diamond J Legend Jeff & Jaci Garijo Jaci Garijo Dual Desire Jacque Fender Casey Fender NV CHAMPION COWHORSE Genuine Rednic Sandra Friberg Flint Lee Kit Kat Jolynn Maynard Jennifer Black Ix Smart Starlight Liz Younger Badasci Matt Hoekenga Fairleas Silver Rose Will & Katie Delong Will Delong OPEN BRIDLE Rosie Millie Wakley Genuine Rednic Sandra Friberg Fairleas Bonita Lena Jamie Marvel Diamond J Legend Jeff & Jaci Garijo 34 November/december 2015

Millie Wakley Flint Lee Jamie Marvel Jaci Garijo

All Around Non Pro Rider - Millie Wakley

Junior Riders: 9-12 Champ Emma Garijo riding Pistol Smarty Artie Horse

208.5 197.5 184.5

Owner Rider NEVADA HACKAMORE Dry San Pepper Casey Bieroth Casey Bieroth Little One Time Tammy Lee Flint Lee Rigby Doug & Pat Groves Doug Groves TWO REINED Tingy Tangy Bang Bang Lee Smith Lee Smith Little Boondocks Chris & Katie Cavasin Katie Cavasin Sophisticated Pep 09 Ira & Jaime Slagowski Jaime Slagowsk Vegas Pook Hoots Pook Hoots

291 286.5 285.5 285.5

NV CATTLE WORKING Rosie Taylor & Millie Wakley Millie Wakley 148.5 IX Smart Lil Texas Michael Vipham Alex Vipham 139 Hesa Pleasen Prize Kyla Rianda Kyla Rianda 142 Watch Me In Knickers Kathleen Wood Anthony McClimon 140

220.5 218 216 213.5

WOMEN’S CLASS Call Me Docs Hickory Jolynn Maynard Rosie Taylor & Millie Wakley Twist Of Docs Fate Gary & Candace Wines Baymax Jamie Marvel

The Progressive Rancher

Jennifer Black Millie Wakley Rachel Wines Jamie Marvel

Total 216.5 216 203 212.5 206 205.5 125.5

218 217.5 214 207.5

www.progressiverancher.com

Team Ranch Doctoring:

Horse

First Place-Big O Tires & Express Lube- Quinn Mori, Mark Eldridge, Hanes Holman, Michael Mori Second Place Team- Woodys Team- Woody Harney, Jr Harney, Jr Kelly, Malachi McLain Third Place Team- Lee Stockhorses- Kenny Lee, Flint Lee, Cowboy Rodriguez, Lorenzo Polonco

Cow Pony Relay Race:

First Place-Lee Stockhorses- Flint Lee, Anthony McClimon, Rose Hamlin Second Place Team- Runaway Cowboys- Steve McDermott, Justin McDermott, Jason Jones

Co-Ed Branding:

Owner Rider JUNIOR RIDERS 13-16 Chino Shaun & Mindy Goemmer Dally Goemmer Bandit Shaun & Mindy Goemmer Riata Goemmer Checkout Our Chex Dustin & Lisa Feyder Payton Feyder Grand Luke Baumeister Frankie Baumeister Cash Kim Hooper Lacey Steele

Best Boy

70 70 70.5 67.5 68

YOUNG BUCKAROOS 8 AND UNDER

Annie

Best Girl

First Place- Ruby Dome- Michael Mori, Quinn Mori, Kelsey Krenka, Abra Snow Second Place Team- Walker Ranches- Ira Walker, Shantel Walker, Daxton Jim, Katie Cavasin Third Place Team- Outlaws- Austin Carrasco, Trevor Carrasco, Payton Feyder, Emily Damale Fourth Place Team- Leestock Horses- Flint Lee, Kenny Lee, Tammy Lee, Bea Venable

Total

Bob

Lanny & Pam Morrison

Zane Wines

70

Doug and Pat Groves

Elle Slagowski

70.5

JUNIOR RIDERS 9-12

Best Girl

Wranglers Starlight

Van Norman Quarter Horses Anna Van Norman 69

Best Boy Strawberry Shortcake

Jim Filippini

Quade Filippini

70.5

Women’s Branding:

First Place: Mindy Goemmer, Dally Goemmer, Riata Goemmer, Abby Estes Second Place Team: Jessica Jackson, Kelsea Krenka, Abra Snow, Jessica Kelly Third Place Team: Timmy Lynn Delong, Rita Fowler, Tammy Lee, Bora Lee

Open Branding:

Co-Ed Branding Champs Non Pro Cowhorse Champ - Jaci Garijo riding Diamond J Legend

First Place: Dirk Jim, Daxton Jim, Alan Malotte, Ira Walker Second Place Team: Jim Filippini Jeff Garijo, Will DeLong George Barton Thirs Place Team: Woody Harney, Jr Harney, Jr Kelly, Nathan Kelly

Judge: Scribes: All Around Horse - Genuine Rednic riden

by Flint Lee

Debbie Armuth Kim Satterthwaite

Womens Branding Champs - Mindy Goemmer, Dally Goemmer, Riata Goemmer, Abby Estes

Open Branding Champs - Dirk Jim, Daxton Jim, Alan Malotte, Ira Walker www.progressiverancher.com

Gary Stark

Non Pro Snaffle Champ, Lance Knudsen riding TI Smokin Pumpkin

The Progressive Rancher

Open Snaffle Champ, Flint Lee riding SG Time Zone November/december 2015 35

2015 Production Sale Results

A

By Linda Bunch

and Ronda Van Norman and Wade Reaney, with ample time left between the preview and the auction for closer inspection of potential purchases, visiting with consignors, and partaking of a delicious lunch prepared by Machis Bar and Grill of Elko.

The gentle calm of the mid-September afternoon didn’t extend into the auction barn where a Texas tornado rolled through 76 horses in less than 3 1/2 hours! It was standing room only in the packed sale barn, with auctioneer Steve Friskup from Muleshoe, Texas leading the action. He was backed up by is two Oakie ringmen, Buck Waite and Jody Doescher; Wade Reaney, Rupert, ID, and Sam Mori of Tuscarora, NV taking phone bids; Alan Taylor of horseauctionslive.com monitoring the internet bidding; Shannon Pearce , New Plymouth, ID, expounding on pedigrees; and Andrea Sestanovich of Carlin, NV, serving as sale clerk and keeping track of the winning bids. They were assisted by the Silver State Stampede Queen, who delivered invoices to successful buyers and then to the sale office where office crew Kristin Kenley, Becky Lisle, Kimberly Kenley, and Wanda Stewart completed the process. Comments such as “you sure have a good set of horses” and “you are having a great sale” were not uncommon. Prices were much stronger than the past couple of years with fewer pass outs. Prices on all categories were comparable to a bit higher than last year. In addition to Nevada, horses found new homes in California, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona, Oregon, Colorado, and Washington.

Home of Quality AQHA Horses for your using and showing needs...

Following the sale Saturday evening the Second Annual Bulls, Broncs, and Barrels event was held in the main arena in front of the grandstand making for a fitting-culmination to the action-packed weekend.

Plans are already being formulated for the twentieth anniversary event which is scheduled for the weekend of September 16 and 17, 2016, so mark your calendars now and plan to join us next September.

s promised, perfect mid-70s Nevada blue days provided the backdrop for the 19th Annual Van Norman and friends Production Sale weekend.

Beginning on Friday the 18th, the Van Norman Stockhorse Challenge ushered in the sale weekend. Nineteen adult and sixteen youth riders vied for prizes, cash, and glory in the three event working cow horse competition. The roping segment was especially exciting with results in most of the events hinging on a well-placed or misplaced loop. In addition to traditional placing awards, special awards were presented for horses with ties to the Van Norman sale, including past sale horse, current sale horse, high point work over all divisions, top score in youth divisions, and best lady rider.( See accompanying article) The action carried on through Friday evening with the Ranchers’ Challenge which featured a Jr./Sr. branding contest, steer stopping, and swich end team roping.

Saturday morning arrived with a positive and promising aura as sale horses were bathed, decorations were put up, and buyers began to arrive. Following the complimentary breakfast, prospective buyers lined the fence and sat in the grandstand in front of the arena to view the preview of the riding horses. This progressed smoothly and efficiently under the direction of Ty

RHOADS RANCH From our Ranch to yours…

Thank you

buyers and everyone from the Van Norman and friends sale staff, to our crew 775-756-6582 or 775-934-1683 • 36 November/december 2015

Linda Bunch w/ 50+ class winners: Mary Branscomb, Myrna Fisher, Sue Abel

Sale Crew: Jody Doescher, Buck Waite, Shannon Pearce, Linda Bunch, Steve Friskup High-seller: Lot 15 – LITTLE DANCER SJ-2008 Red Roan Gelding sired by Boonlight Dancer out of Chicks Little Mate consigned by Van Norman Quarter Horses for $ 17,500 High-selling weanling: Lot 23 – BUCKSHOT HOBBY -2015 Buckskin Colt sired by DW He Be A Playgun out of Blonde Hobby consigned by Cory Shelman -$5000 Top 10 riding horse average: $10,160.00 Top 20 average: $ 8,050.00 Average on 68 head which actually changed hands: $4046

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See you next year!

RHOADS-RANCH.COM

Maggie Van Norman preparing to show Casey Bieroth and “Sweet”: Winner of sale horse Lot 36 JP Colonel Sug in Open Snaffle Bit, Previous Sale Horse, VNSHC and High Point Work in adult divisions

The Progressive Rancher

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Opening Prayer

Sale Ring Action

2015 Stockhorse Challenge

By Linda Bunch

Wade Mori and “Bright Eyes”

T

he Van Norman Stockhorse Challenge was again held in conjunction with the Van Norman and Friends Production Sale on September 18, 2015, in Elko, Nevada. Nineteen participants in the five adult divisions vied for awards and cash prizes. Seven youth participated in the 10 and under class and nine youth participated in the 11-16 class.

In the youth classes, sixteen up and coming cowboys and cowgirls showed what they could do. In the Youth Division A –Riders 10 years old and younger class, 1st place went to Quaid McKay riding his horse Zip, 2nd went to Ellie Slagowski on her horse Bob, 3rd was won by Maggie Van Norman on sale horse JP Colonel Sug , and 4th went to Michelle Sorensen on Ucon. Other contestants in the class were McKatie Sorensen, Quinn Whitely, and Trent Whitely. In the Youth Division B- Riders 11-16 year old class, 1st place and the winner of the High Point Youth Buckle donated by J. M. Capriolas was Oregon cowboy Cory Shelman Jr. , 2nd place went to Tuscarora cowgirl Anna Van Norman riding her horse Wranglers Starlight, and 3rd was won by Dally Goemmer on Chino. Other contestants were Kayson Sorensen, Wade Mori, Isaac Mori, Keaton Sorensen, Riata Goemmer, and Frankie Baumeister.

In the $3000 Limited Snaffle/Hackamore class 1st place went to Jacob McKay of Tuscarora on his 5 year old gelding Waco, 2nd went to Rollie Lisle riding DW Lights Out, and 3rd went to Justin Sorensen riding Prom Date.

In the Open 6 and Under Snaffle /Hackamore class: Casey Bieroth riding 4- year-old gelding DR Pepto Ivegot Pep aka “Sweet” x Freckled Lil Pepto that he had purchased at a previous Van Norman & friends sale, won 1st place. 2nd went to Doug Groves riding Smokey Twist of Fate. 3rd place also went to Casey Bieroth on Gus. Also in the class was Jennifer Black.

This year we added a new class 50 & Over Non-roping. In this class, the contestant does the reining pattern and then calls for his/her cow. They must box the cow but there is no fence work or roping. Comments from our four participants were that they had a ball and were glad we had created this class. 1st place went to Myrna Fisher on her horse Little Too Chexy. 2nd went to Sue Abel on Diamond Nic. 3rd place went to the eldest in the class, 80+ Lamoille cowgirl Mary Branscomb riding Bueno Pic. The only cowboy in the bunch and final participant went to Leroy Sestanovich.

In the $3000 Limited Two-rein/ Bridle class, Jymme Dominguez riding Nics Highbrow took 1st place with a score of 205.5. 2nd place went John Wright of Elko riding I Is A Whiz. 3rd place went to Casey Jones on Curious George. Other contestants in this division were Rye McKay riding previous sale horse JP Boonalena Badger, Thank you to all who made the TH and Justin Sorensen on Dry Diamond Jack.

18 Van Norman and friends production In the Open 7 and Over Two-Rein/ Bridle class, 1st place went to Jennifer Black sale a huge success riding 13 year old gelding Hotshot Olena. 2nd place was won by Megan Ousley on Chili, and 3rd place went to Cory Shelman on sale horse Prairie Frosty Hawk. ~ Consignors ~ Buyers Special Awards were given to Casey Bieroth of Mountain City for Top Previous ~ Sale Personnel ~ Auction Crew Sale horse,Sweet; Cory Shelman of Oregon on Prairie Frosty Hawk for Top Current Sale horse, and Top Girl rider went to Jennifer Black, A breast collar donated by Van Norman Quarter Horses went to Jennifer Black for High Point Horse. Hotshot Olena scored 213.5, the highest in all divisions. The 2016 Sale Date: September 16th & 17th high-point youth buckle donated by JM Capriola, Inc. was presented to Cory Shelman, Jr. and his three year old mare ????.

The management of the Stockhorse Challenge would like to thank Judge Wade Reaney, scribe Kimberly Kenley, Pete Mori for announcing, Becky Lisle for putting together the awards, Maggie Creek and Travis Whitely for the cattle, Larry Schutte and Matt Mori for cattle help, our many sponsors and supporters, and the participants themselves.

Also special thanks to our sponsors: Elko Credit Union, Elko Convention and Visitors Authority, Ellison Ranching Co., Dennis and Karan Ferreira, John and Renee Jackson, Billie Fillipini, Mori Range Bulls, Gallagher Ford, Porath Quarter Horses, www.vannormansale.com mrsbunch@rtci.net Advantage Veterinary Services, Van Norman Quarter Horses , Andy Stevens, Martin and Jennifer Black, Tips Western Wear, IFA, and JM Capriolas.t

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The Progressive Rancher

November/december 2015 37

 38 November/december 2015

The Progressive Rancher

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Financial Focus P re sente d by Ja s o n L a n d , F in a n c ia l A d v is o r, E d wa rd J o n e s i n E l k o , N e v a d a 2 2 1 3 No rt h 5 t h S t re e t , S u it e A | 7 7 5 -7 3 8 -8 8 11

Avoid Emotional Investment Decisions

W

hat’s the biggest obstacle to your ability to invest successfully? Is it the ups and downs of the financial markets? Political events? The fact that you weren’t born rich? Actually, the chief hurdle you face is something over which you have control: your own emotions.

Your emotions can lead to a variety of ill-advised investment behaviors, such as these: • Cutting losses – Declines in the financial markets can lead some investors to try to “cut their losses” by selling investments whose price has declined. Yet, when prices have dropped, it may actually be a good time to buy investments, not sell them, especially when the investments are still fundamentally sound.

• Chasing performance – In the investment world, the flip side of “fear” is “greed.” Just as some investors are propelled by fear of loss, others are motivated by quick, big gains. They may pursue “hot” investments, only to be disappointed when the sizzle quickly fizzles. Instead of trying to “score” that one big winner, you may be better off spreading your investment dollars among a range of vehicles – stocks, bonds, government securities, certificates of deposit (CDs) and so on. While diversification can’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss, it may help reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio.

• Focusing on the short term – When the market is down, you might get somewhat upset when you view your monthly investment statements. But any individual statement is just a snapshot in time; if you were to chart your investment results over a period of 10, 15 or 20 years, you’d see the true picture of how your portfolio is doing – and, in all likelihood, that picture would look better than a statement or two you

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received during a down market. In any case, don’t overreact to short-term downturns by making hasty “buy” or “sell” decisions. Instead, stick with a long-term strategy that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

• Heading to the investment “side- lines” – Some people get so frustrated over market volatility that they throw up their hands and head to the investment “sidelines” until “things calm down.” And it’s certainly true that, when own- ing stocks, there are no guarantees; you do risk losing some, or all, of your investment. But if you jump in and out of the market to “escape“ volatility, you may take on an even bigger risk – the risk of losing some of the growth you’ll need to reach your goals. Consider this: If you had invested $10,000 in a package of stocks mimicking the S&P 500 in December 1979, your investment would have grown to more than $426,000 by December 2013. But if you had missed just the 10 best days of the market during that time, your $10,000 would only have grown to less than $206,000 – a difference of about $220,000, according to Ned Davis Research, a leading investment research organization. The bottom line? Staying invested over the long term can pay off. (Keep in mind, though, that the S&P 500 is an unmanaged index and isn’t meant to depict an actual investment. Also, as you’ve no doubt heard, past performance is not a guarantee of future results.)

Our emotions are useful in guiding us through many aspects of our lives, but when you invest, you’re better off using your head – and not your heart.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

The Progressive Rancher

November/december 2015 39

RANGE PLANTS FOR THE RANCHER

By Paul T. Tueller, Ph.D., CRMC

R

Three-Awn Grass

angeland vegetation covers Nevada landscapes in variable mosaics of trees, shrubs, grasses, grasslike plants and forbs. A desire to understand this variability has led to this series of articles written to inform ranchers of plants important to their operation. We know that there are approximately 6,000 higher plants found within in the State of Nevada. The question is which ones of these many species are important components of the forage base. It is clear that one of the most important groups is the numerous perennial grasses found in the deserts and mountains of Nevada. Every rancher should be interested in and knowledgeable about many of these plant species in order to manage them properly or at least have an awareness of those plants important to his or her grazing operation. For this issue I describe and discuss another perennial grass.

Three-Awn or purple three-awn as it is sometimes called is a native perennial bunchgrass that is not widely distributed but is of interest to the rancher who may have some of this grass on his or her pasture or allotment. The scientific name is Aristida purpurea var. fendleriana. This species is generally quite palatable. The genus Aristida is a tropical to warm-temperate genus of 250-300 species. It grows throughout the world in dry grasslands and savannahs, sandy woodlands, arid deserts, and open, weedy habitats and on rocky slopes and mesas. Depending on the reference there are three species of Aristida in Nevada. Here I will refer to this species as Purple Three-Awn. Three-awn is a mid-grass, with 6- to 12-inch (15-30.5 cm) culms. The inflorescence is a panicle. The seedheads are a narrow to moderately spreading panicle, often over 6 inches long; spikelets few, on pedicels, containing 1 floret, purplish-red at maturity. The lemmas have awns that are three-branched or three parted spreading at maturity. These three-parted awns are sharp-pointed lemmas with stiff, hairy calluses and are 1 to 5 inches (2.5-13 cm) long. Plants start growth in late spring and produces abundant seeds. They reproduce from both seeds and tillers. Leaves primarily grow in basal tufts, but there are a few culm leaves. They are glabrous except hairy at the collar; leaf blades ae narrow, rolled, rather stiff, up to 6 inches long, about as long as the culms; leaves are rolled in the bud. The ligule is a fringe of short hairs and there are no auricles.

Forage value of purple threeawn is only poor to fair for both livestock and wildlife. The long awns often irritate and cause abscesses in the mouths and nostrils of grazing animals and may also cause irritation and abscesses in the mouths and nostrils and damage the eyes of grazing animals..

Livestock generally avoid purple three-awn for most of the year when  40 November/december 2015

other forage is available. In areas where purple three-awn is abundant, livestock may make moderate use of it in the spring before awns develop and in fall and winter after seed shatter.

However, it is generally worthless for forage in the winter, although it may be used during drought years. The divergent awns aid in wind and animal transportation of the florets and, by holding the florets and the caryopses they contain at an angle to the ground aids establishment. By starting its growth late in the growing season, it allows it to escape from grazing.

Plants have excellent drought resistance, giving them an advantage over other plants that are grazed during both early and late.

Purple threeawn is rated poor to fair in energy content and poor in protein value.

If it dominates a site, it is often and indicator of disturbed sites (i.e. roadsides), or long-term, heavy, season-long use. The excessive presence of purple three-awn is an indicator of the need for range improvement and is indicative of soil disturbance or abuse. It is common to upland and semi-desert sites and has an ecological advantage in the shallower soils on these sites.

It is more common in the southern and lower elevations of Nevada, being found at elevations between 2,500 feet and 9,000 feet, and in the 8 to 12 inches annual precipitation zone. Purple three-awn is most common on coarse-grained, xeric soils. Quail and small mammals eat small amounts of the seed. In much of Nevada purple three-awn is a relatively minor species but still of interest forming part of the rangeland mosaic. The three awns and the purple color on maturity help to identify this grass.

The Progressive Rancher

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Letter to the Editor

Nevada Agriculture is

Conservation Partner, not Enemy

By Tom Baker

I

n August, the Nevada Drought Forum heard from agriculture about impacts of the ongoing drought, what actions farmers and ranchers have taken to deal with those impacts, and what actions we’d like to see from the state in the short and long term.

As the Forum completes its work this fall, it’s important to correct some misconceptions. Agriculture, especially in California, has been in the media hot seat lately for the amount of water it uses. Pick your enemy: almonds or alfalfa, milk, meat, or melons. Anything but drip irrigation is considered a waste of water. I was heartened to see that in recent public opinion surveys, residents support conservation to preserve local agriculture and the environment.

First off, there are some simple facts we need to face. Everybody needs to eat, and cutting back the agricultural industry means families will no longer be able to afford healthy food. The water of the West has already been allocated, and in most cases over-allocated. Water systems are interconnected, and a diversion at one point has ripple effects. There simply is no new water, or easy answer, left.

Some folks pit agriculture against the environment, but we depend on the health of the land to stay in business. Any destructive or unsustainable practices hurt both the environment and the livelihoods and homes of family-owned and operated farms and ranches.

Water cuts for agriculture, or the conservation measures we take, often happen quietly, outside of the public’s or media’s view. Two of our ranches saw the mountain streams that fed them dry up a couple of years back. When a basin is stressed in Nevada, the State can make cutbacks. Lovelock has a zero percent allocation right now. Smith and Mason valleys may see 50% cuts, and because of how Nevada’s water rights work, the newest operations will get nothing. Try to wrap your head around having no water to work with for a year.

Some have talked about reducing the land in production. Grazing is a beneficial use on many western lands that are too rugged for farming, controlling potential fuel for wildfires. When we irrigate and grow feed for our cattle, we’re sustaining for a couple of months a herd that can forage on non-irrigated land the rest of the year. That’s a smart investment if you ask me.

When it comes to growing alfalfa for export, more and more dairy farms and even ranchers need feed now, thanks to the drought. Keeping that land in production in good years means that in difficult times, we can keep more supplies close to home for those who need them.

You’ll never meet a farmer or rancher who thinks their water is more important than basic needs of all people, urban or rural. But water and food are both necessary for life. We all need to work together and share difficult choices in order to keep the West a bountiful and beautiful place for our children and grandchildren.

Tom Baker owns and operates Baker Ranches, Inc. in Snake Valley with his two brothers. He is the president of the White Pine County Farm Bureau.

You are invited to COWBOY CHURCH!

You are invited to COWBOY CHURCH!

1st Saturday of every month Standish, CA @ 6:00 p.m.

Hwy. 395 /A3 — Standish 4-H Hall

3rd Saturday of every month Lovelock, NV @ 7:00 p.m.

1035 Cornell Ave. — Old Variety Store

Are you having a Rodeo or Livestock event? Give us a call.

We would love to come to your event or ranch and host Cowboy Church for you.

Harmony Ranch Ministry 3767 Keyes Way Fallon, NV 89406 www.progressiverancher.com

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Tom J. Gonzalez | Diana J. Gonzalez, Pastor threecrossls@cccomm.net

(775) 867-3100 Cell (775) 426-1107

November/december 2015 41

 42 November/december 2015

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by Jennifer Whiteley

Hauling Cows I remember hauling cows to Twin Falls when I was a little girl. Dad would back the old red stock truck up to the wooden loading chute and load old, dry, Angus cows and crippled bulls into the truck while mom finished getting my sister and I ready to go. The truck had no seatbelts, air conditioning, or radio yet I rode with dad. Mom and sister followed in the Grand Marque. The roar of the engine in my ears, the weather was hot and my bare legs stuck to the tan vinyl seats as I sang Amarillo by Morning, Air Supply, or Debra Allen with the tape player mom got dad for his birthday.

Sometimes there were cows on the road between Owyhee and Bruneau, sometimes there weren’t. We stopped in Hammett for gas, a Snickers, and Pepsi. Then I slept with my head on his lap until the acrid smell of sugar beets and dairies and the rumble of the truck crossing railroad tracks announced our arrival at the Twin Falls sale yards.

Cowgirl Thinking “He who loves money will never have enough” King Solomon

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November/december 2015 43

HUMBOLDT WATERSHED COOPERATIVE Weed Management Area Providing land managers, owners and local weed control groups assistance through funding, agency and weed group coordination, communication and cooperation

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ello from the Humboldt Watershed CWMA! The HWCWMA was developed to address the invasive weed problem and subsequent decline in water quality within the entire 16,843 square mile watershed, which covers most of Northern Nevada. The primary function of HWCWMA has been to provide land managers, owners and weed control groups assistance in the areas of funding, agency and weed group coordination and cooperation.

This month we would like to introduce you to one of Nevada’s state listed noxious weeds, common St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum). Common St. Johnswort was first introduced from Eurasia and North Africa as an ornamental and as a medicinal herb to North America in the 1700s. This species should not be confused with the ornamental St. Johnswort found in gardens. Common St. Johnswort is taller and less dense, with smaller flowers. Usually found along roadsides and in empty lots in Elko, Lyon and Washoe Counties in Nevada. This weedy species can also be found in natural areas and is difficult to control.

Common St. Johnswort grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet tall, with multiple branched stems. The stems are erect, ridged, rust colored, and woody at the base. The elliptical to oblong shaped leaves are no longer than 1 inch, covered with clear dots, and are opposite of each other on the stems. The flowers are bright yellow and about 3/4 of an inch in diameter. They appear in showy terminal clusters, have five petals and numerous visible stamens. Rust-brown seed pods are formed after flowering.

Seed pods are about 1/4 inch in length and contain numerous amounts of seeds.

One plant can produce up to 100,000 seeds per year. The root system consists of a large taproot and fibrous roots near the surface. The plant reproduces by seeds or short runners. Common St. Johnswort seedlings will readily establish in disturbed situations. The combination of site-specific range management (which includes encouragement of beneficial plants species as well as a grazing management plan) will prevent new infestations and re-infestations.

Common St. Johnswort competes with useful plants in pastures, and large infestations reduce property values. This invasive plant contains the toxin hypericin, which causes photosensitization in sheep, cattle, horses and goats. The skin damage associated with this problem leads to weight loss, reduced productivity and, in extreme cases, death. When animals ingest hypericin, it passes from the stomach to the bloodstream. When hypericin enters the blood vessels in the skin of an animal it is activated by bright sunlight. Sunlight alters the chemical structure of hypericin, making the compound potentially poisonous.

infested land. All techniques should aim to remove the weed and replace it with introduced or native pastures. Preventing the invasion of common St. Johnswort is the cheapest and most effective way of controlling it. Learn to identify the weed, and regularly check for it in September through November along boundary fences, roadsides, stock routes or reserves adjoining your property. If found, act immediately to remove it.

Chemical Control

Several herbicides are listed as providing control of common St. Johnswort.

Herbicide recommendations vary by region and site. Please read and follow the herbicide label to determine whether the herbicide applies to your situation, what rates are appropriate, and ensure all safety recommendations are followed. Spot-spraying is an appropriate control strategy to use on isolated common St. Johnswort infestations. Triclopyr + picloram and glyphosate are both registered for the control of common St. Johnswort using spot-spraying equipment.

Spot-spraying is best carried out when common St. Johnswort is in flower because at this time it is easily seen and most sensitive to herbicides. Start spraying when the plant reaches the 50% open flower stage and finish before it advances to the 50% green capsule stage. Avoid spraying plants when the flowers have turned brown. For best results when spot-spraying, spray to thoroughly wet foliage.

Do not spray common St. Johnswort that has been defoliated by insects, grazing or cutting, or is moisture stressed, as herbicide effectiveness is reduced under these circumstances.

Control Methods

The most cost-effective and practical control techniques to use will depend on the scale of the common St. Johnswort infestation and the topography of the

HWCWMA P.O. Box 570 Elko, NV 89803-0570 hwcwma@gmail.com www.HumboldtWeedFree.org aporreca@humboldtweedfree.org

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Mechanical Control

Pulling with gloves should only be considered an option on new or small infestation sites. Repeated pulls will be necessary to ensure removal of the whole plant and any lateral roots. Do not leave plants at the site since vegetative growth will occur, and the seed source will remain.

Tillage is effective when repeated in croplands. Mowing is a limited option depending both on site accessibility and whether seed formation has occurred. Repeated cuts are necessary.

Biological Control

The Klamath weed beetles, Chrysolina quadrigemina and Chrysolina hyperici, adults and larvae feed on the leaves of common St. Johnswort. The St. Johnswort moth, Aplocera plagiata, larvae feed on the leaves. The St. Johnswort root borer, Agrilus hyperici, larvae feed within plant roots. For more information about the biological control of common St. Johnswort, please contact the Nevada Department of Agriculture or Jamie Abbott, Noxious Weed Program Coordinator, at (775) 353-3640.

As always, please notify the HWCWMA if you see common St. Johnswort growing within the Humboldt River Watershed - it is only known to be established in a few locations in this region and we may have an opportunity to stop this highly invasive species from spreading if we act quickly. Our staff can provide the property owner or appropriate public agency with site-specific treatment options for these plants. The HWCWMA also maps and monitors heavily infested sites in the watershed which allows the HWCWMA the ability to provide educational and financial assistance to land owners and groups in their management efforts, ultimately improving all of the qualities of the land and water in our watershed.

The HWCWMA has also developed a website to serve as a clearinghouse for information on invasive weeds in the Humboldt Watershed. Our website (http://www.humboldtweedfree.org) contains fact sheets for state listed noxious weeds in Nevada, Board of Director’s information, funding partner’s links, and many more features including a detailed project proposal packet that you can print, fill out and mail back to us at your convenience. We are looking to expand our project area outside of the Humboldt River and always welcome new funding opportunities.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Andi Porreca, HWCWMA Coordinator at (775) 762-2636 or email her at aporreca@ humboldtweedfree.org. You may also speak with Rhonda Heguy, HWCWMA Administrator at (775) 738-3085, email: hwcwma@gmail.com.

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The Progressive Rancher

November/december 2015 45

Cold Creek Horses

A

Callie Hendrickson

s sad as this situation is, I encourage you to share these photos (https:// www.flickr.com/photos/blmnevada/sets/72157657986533051) with everyone you know and help them understand this is where we are headed in many areas if BLM doesn’t start removing large numbers of horses across the West.

Based on my observations of the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board meeting and discussions with some of the BLM management folks, I don’t see any appetite for removing the excess horses until they get into this kind of condition.

Consider the amount of feed and care it will take to rehabilitate these horses once they get to this point. As Dr. Julie Weikel stated at the meeting, there are ramifications to the future offspring of even these foals who are in this condition at this age.

While everyone is sickened by the condition of these horses, few look beyond them and see the condition of the land they depend upon. So much for wildlife habitat or concern for the horses themselves.

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BLM to Continue Emergency Wild Horse Gather in Effort to Save Animals

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By Brenda Beasley

ENO, Nev. – Due to extreme drought conditions and lack of forage, the Bureau of Land Management will continue to gather and provide emergency care for wild horses in the Cold Creek area of southern Nevada – about 30 miles west of Las Vegas. Using hay and water, the BLM gathered 201 horses last week.

“We have identified more horses that are in danger of starving,” said BLM Acting State Director John Ruhs. “These animals are in the same very poor condition as the horses we gathered last week.”

The BLM had originally identified up to 200 horses in declining body conditions, but more malnourished horses were observed during last week’s gather. Based on a veterinarian’s assessment, 28 of the 201 horses gathered last week had to be euthanized due to “poor or extremely emaciated body condition” and were determined to have a “poor prognosis for recovery or improvement.” The horses were in a severe state of starvation.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) veterinarian made the animal body condition assessments on-site.

Many of the horses have responded well to the emergency care that is being provided at BLM’s Oliver Ranch, where a temporary holding facility has been established.

Once the horses were strong enough to travel, they were transported to the BLM’s off-range corrals and will be made available for adoption, sale, or moved to off-range holding pastures.

A Gather Information Hotline has been established at 775-861-6700. A recorded message will provide updated gather activities. Depending on the animals’ adjustment, public viewing through an escorted tour of the temporary holding facility may be arranged at some point during the gather and will be announced on the gather Hotline.

Gather reports are posted on BLM’s Southern Nevada District website at http://www. blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo.html The wild horse herd is from the BLM’s Wheeler Pass Herd Management Area (HMA).

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November/december 2015 47

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # 3280 Salt Lake City, UT

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THE “POWERBULL JACKPOT” IS NOVEMBER 23, 2015

Bobcat Angus 11th Annual Production Sale WESTERN LIVESTOCK AUCTION 1:00 PM • GREAT FALLS, MONTANA Lot 26 - Bobcat B173

Reg.#17839703 Born: 4/20/14 Sire: WK Bobcat Dam’s Sire: Vermilion Nebraska P843 BW 81 Adj.205 864 Adj.365 1346 CED+11 BW+.4 WW+59 YW+99 M+25

75 COMING TWO YEAR OLD BULLS SELL

Lot 3 - Bobcat Denver B21Z

50 FALL YEARLING BULLS SELL

Lot 75 - Bobcat Black Granite B189

Reg.#17853252 Born:2/21/14

Sire: EXAR Denver 2002B Dam’s Sire: Connealy Danny Boy BW 89 Adj.205 712 Adj.365 1243 CED+5 BW+3.0 WW+64 YW+117 M+31 $B+154.56

30 REGISTERED 7 YR OLD COWS SELL

Reg.#18137804

Born: 8/20/14

Sire: Connealy Black Granite Dam’s Sire: TC Franklin BW 81 Adj.205 703 Adj.365 1228 CED+8 BW+2.9 WW+60 YW+106 M+22 $B+126.94

Sale Broadcast Live On The Internet

Lot 176 - Bobcat Erica 870

Watch for videos coming soon!

n Sells Ope and Flush Ready To

Reg.#16412208 Born: 8/23/08 DONOR COW - DAM OF BOBCAT BLACK DIAMOND Sire: Baldridge Nebraska 901 Dam’s Sire: Leachman Right Time BW+3.6 WW+45 YW+82 M+25 4 BR 98, 4 NR 114, 3 YR 108

Lot 127 - Bobcat Big Sky C64

Reg.#181780057

the Featuring f o first sons to y k S Big erica! sell in Am Born:3/15/15

Sire: Musgrave Big Sky Dam’s Sire: WK Bobcat BW 84 Adj.205 823 BW+2.2 WW+77 WW+130 M+27 $B+134.87

Vern & Corinne Frey Vern’s Cell # 701-721-0344 vernfrey55@gmail.com

ALSO SELLING: 175 2-COMING-3 YEAR OLD COMMERCIAL BRED COWS A.I. BRED TO MUSGRAVE BIG SKY (ULTRA-SOUNDED FOR CALVING DATES AND SEX) 600 COMMERCIAL BRED HEIFERS A.I. BRED TO BOBCAT BLACK DIAMOND & WK BOBCAT (ULTRA-SOUNDED FOR CALVING DATES AND SEX) 30 SEVEN YEAR OLD REGISTERED BRED COWS 15 REGISTERED BRED HEIFERS

Bobcat Angus 48 November/december 2015

50 BULL CALVES SELL

OTHER REFERENCE SIRES: DB Carhartt 227 • Mytty 4–Stroke • Bobcat Consent Mytty ForeFront 66W • Woodhill Lombardi • Bobcat Trax

Bryan Ratzburg: (406) 937-5858 Cell: (406) 788-3272 Ernie Ratzburg: Cell: (406) 788-3244 John Goggins: (406) 698-4159 265 Bobcat Angus Loop • Galata, MT 59444 Email: bobcatangus@northerntel.net www.bobcatangus.com

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com