Nevada business selected as Good Food Award recipient Desert Oasis Teff & Grain selected as 2022 winner (SPARKS, NV.) –Desert Oasis Teff & Grain, a Nevada food and agriculture business, was selected as a 2022 Good Food Award winner. The Good Food Awards are presented annually by the Good Food Foundation to highlight those that make quality food with social and environmental excellence in mind. “Being a life-long Nevada resident, this award is both humbling and validating,” said Desert Oasis Teff & Grain owner John Getto. “It validates farmers like myself trying new crops and using new farming practices to produce the best quality brown teff available. Teff is not known as a U.S. grown crop and this puts the U.S. and Nevada on the map as a top teff producer. I am beyond proud to be a 2022 Good Food Award winner.” Desert Oasis Teff & Grain has been working with the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) to expand their business and economic impact. They were nominated for their innovative agricultural practices, dedication to a unique product and community engagement. “We are so proud to see Desert Oasis recognized with a Good Food Award,” said NDA Director Jennifer Ott. “The diversity of food and beverage products produced and manufactured in Nevada are being recognized among the top products in the nation, which continues to expand the economic impact and bring awareness to Nevada’s food, agriculture and beverage industries.” The 2022 winners will be honored at the Good Food Awards Ceremony on Friday, March 4, 2022 in San Francisco, Calif. This year’s Good Food Award Winners hail from 39 states and Washington, D.C., and were chosen in a blind tasting from thousands of entries before passing a further sustainability and social responsibility vetting process. Nearly half of the winners are first-time awardees, and the majority are small companies, with more than 80% having an annual budget of $250,000. Previous Nevada recipients have included Hall’s Honey and Magpie Coffee Roasters. Learn more about Desert Oasis Teff & Grain and why they were selected for the 2022 Good Food Award at desertoasisteff.com.
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IN THIS ISSUE 24 Society for Range Management: Rehab of PW Infested Habitats 3 NCA | President’s Perspective 27 USDA Offers Expanded 4 Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale 2022 Conservation Program 7 BLM | GLO Comstock Lode Opportunities to Support Climate Smart Agriculture 8 Snyder Bulls for the 21st Century 28 NFB: The Curse of 10 USDA to Invest up to $225 Government Over-Regulation Million on Ag & Forest Land 29 NFB: Goals Met & 12 NCA Happenings Scholarship Opportunity 14 NBC: Checkoff News 30 Battle Born Stockton Well 15 Beef & Asparagus Pasta recipe Launches New Grange Chapter 15 Public Lands Council: News 32 Veterinary Research: Wyoming 16 Eye On The Outside: WOTUS Eradication of Bovine Trich 18 BLM Launch: Foundation for 36 Bovine Trich in WA State America’s Public Lands 37 Keep Your Herd Trich-Free 20 Nevada CattleWomen Update 38 Oregon’s Trich Requirements 20 Idaho State Dept of Ag: Trich 40 USDA 2022 Ag Census 21 “Let’s Talk Ag” Editorial: 42 Churchhill County Cowbelles: Cattle Numbers & Farm Size Texas-Style Smoked Brisket 23 UNR Extension: Basics of 43 Coloring Page Crop Management 2 NDA | Good Food Award
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president's perspective Happy New Year! 2022 - so far so good, the drought map isn’t looking as bleak as it was and $2.00 calves are popping up here and there.
It’s hard to complain about the snow received but in Ranching we’re called upon to do hard things and so complain I am. Hopefully it’ll make grass and hay. It’s likely you’ll receive a drought letter soon if you run cattle on public lands, I would encourage you to meet with your agency contacts soon about your plans for turnout and come prepared with anything you’ve done to mitigate drought impacts. We’ve asked Agency Leadership to analyze drought on the ground more so than from a map in order to make solid decisions case by case and not programmatic. Your Association Officers and Staff remain busy. Sage Grouse Land Use Plan Amendments are making a comeback. We know that what’s good for the bird is good for the herd and vice versa and will be working the process to ensure that any conservation measures put in place won’t run us off.
Fire is the greatest threat and our Agency Partners have heard us loud and clear about targeted and prescribed grazing to reduce fuel loads. Talk to your agency contacts about this too if you’re able to help out.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture is revamping trichomoniasis regulations, and we’re happy to have a seat at the table to help make them as effective and pain-free as possible. There will be workshops coming up, make sure you attend those if you have concerns.
Remember friends, February 14 is Valentines Day, what better way to express your love and desire for your sweetie than a brand new bull from the Fallon Bull Sale February 19! See you all there.
Jon Griggs
Jon Griggs | President, NCA
Special Feeder Sales
February 8 March 8
BULL SALE Feb 19 starts at 11am For info about our Team Roping, please visit FallonLivestock.com www.progressiverancher.com
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TOP RANKING PEYTON SON SELLS MARCH 13 LOT 2017: RJR PEYTON RESERVE 32 DOB 8-27-2020 • AAA 19846909 Sire: EWA Peyton 642 Dam’s Sire: Amador Reserve 9108 5106 BW 73 • Adj. WW 752 • Adj. YW 1,432 Test RFI 2.89 • Test ADG 4.73
Our sale bulls are sired by EWA Peyton 642 and our Jindra Acclaim son – VAR Acclaim 8521 – a featured bull in a past Vintage Angus Ranch Bull Sale.
EWA Peyton 642 Sire of Lot 2017
CEM +14
MILK +28
CW MARB RE $M +74 +1.31 +.56 +68
$B +195
$C +321
$W $F $G +96 +118 +76
Top 1% for $W • Top 2% for WW, YW, MARB, $B & $C Top 5% or better for CED, YH, CEM, CW, $G & $F
WATCH FOR OUR OTHER STANDOUTS SELLING AT SNYDERS SIRED BY VAR ACCLAIM 8521! Bulls for the 21st Century Sale Book & Test Data: www.SLCNV.com
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All 9 bulls are tested for feed efficiency and out of top cows sired by: Connealy Courage 25L, VAR Discovery 2240, VAR Diversity 5042, VAR Generation 2100, Silveiras Inspiration 3096, Tehama Deliverance B697 & more.
CED BW WW YW RADG YH SC +14 +.6 +88 +154 +.28 +1.1 +.53
Our bulls are athletic, sound and ready to work in any environment. The bulls are low-birth and loaded with carcass value. Watch for them selling March 13 at Snyders in Yerington, NV.
RICK & JERRIE LIBBY
530-218-1841 • rlibby@syix.com P.O. Box 128 • Live Oak, CA 95953
THD ©
Bulls consigned to FALLON BULL SALE DID YOU KNOW?
The Bureau of Land Management General Land Office (GLO) has a Records Automation website! https://glorecords.blm.gov/ The GLO website provides live access to Federal land conveyance records for the Public Land States, including image access to more than 12 million federal land title records issued between 1788 and the present. The site also hosts images of survey plats and field notes, land status records, and control document index records, and is one of the most visited websites in the Department of the Interior.
THE COMSTOCK LODE
Read more and view pictures on ArcGIS Story Maps: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ c05361ca597049dbaaa0adb6a3966bdf
In June of 1859, one of the most significant mining discoveries in American history was made in the Virginia Range of Nevada. The discovery of silver and gold in the area drew people in from across the country, and the town of Virginia City was created almost overnight.
This Record is a survey plat of Township 17 North Range 21 East of the Mount Diablo Meridian in Nevada. It was approved on August 31, 1867, by Surveyor General Anson P. K. Safford. Safford’s career left a lasting mark on the American West. Around the year 1850, he left his home state of Vermont and moved to California where he first became a gold miner and then served on the California State Legislature from 1857 to 1859. Safford later moved to Nevada, where he was eventually appointed surveyor general of Nevada for the General Land www.progressiverancher.com
Office from 1867 to 1869. He later went to Arizona where he was appointed the third governor of the territory. Today, he is remembered as the “Father of Public Education” for being a fierce advocate of free public education, having passed legislation to create the first public school system in the state, and mandating the taxes to pay for them. The Comstock Lode gets its name from Henry Comstock. Born in Ontario, Canada, Henry was a gold prospector who was known by many for his larger-than-life personality. Ironically, there is little evidence that Henry Comstock is the person who really discovered the silver-ore deposits that would eventually be named for him. As the story goes, the initial gold discovery at the site was made by the brothers Ethan and Hosea Grosh in 1857. When the Groshes died tragically that same year, Henry Comstock and several other men laid claim to the Grosh’s sections. They discovered some small veins, but none had struck it big yet.
In the spring of 1859, Henry learned that two miners, Peter O’Riley and Patrick McLaughlin, had discovered some gold on a nearby hill. Henry rushed over and argued that the two had been mining on his claim. They knew this was not true, but agreed to let him join as a partner. The team found it difficult to mine gold at the site because of a blue sand that seemed to cover everything. Henry and his new team failed to realize the true value of this claim, and they eventually sold their shares, Henry’s selling for $11,000. The new owners of his claim would later realize that this blue sand was actually silver-ore, which made this site the largest and richest silver deposit in the country. This mining claims plat (see 3D photo on website) shows the complexity of ownership surrounding mining in this area, specifically in Sections 5, 8, and 17 of the township we saw earlier. After the initial discovery of silver and gold here, the Washoe Valley saw its own “rush” much like California did in
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1849. The influx of miners and corporations looking to lay claim to their own portion of the Comstock Lode led to numerous court battles over different veins of ore splintering off from the Comstock claim. It is estimated that out of the $50 million that was made from 1859-1865, $10 million was spent on litigation. A diagram of the northern portion of the Comstock Lode documents the ore veins and shafts being used to extract the silver and gold. Notice at the bottom is a horizontal line labeled “Sutro Tunnel.” (see diagram on website)
Adolph Sutro set out to dig a drainage tunnel that would keep all of the Comstock shafts drained and ventilated. He began his project in 1865 and by September 1, 1878, the project broke through the Savage Mine (pictured on website). Unfortunately, by this time mining in the Comstock was already on the decline. However, to this day the Sutro Tunnel still keeps the upper levels of the Comstock mine shafts dry by allowing water to flow out of the tunnel’s mouth. From 1859 to 1882, the official value of gold and silver mined from the Comstock Lode was $305, 779, 612. Henry Comstock passed away in 1870 in Bozeman, Montana, but lived long enough to see the success of his namesake mine and the shares which he sold.
The success of the Comstock Lode changed the American West. The riches it brought to its investors lead to the creation of a railroad, as well as numerous mining innovations such as square-set timbering which changed the industry forever.
It also led to Nevada’s statehood, with Nevada being annexed from the Utah territory and entering into the Union as a slavefree state, thus helping ratify President Abraham Lincoln’s 13th Amendment. Today, historic Virginia City, Nevada, is full of tourist attractions. Visitors can still see the remnants of the oncebooming mining town. FEBRUARY 2022
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Saturday March 12, 2022 Bull Buyers Seminar and The Bull Sale Bash Dinner & Dance
Anthony Angus • Dan Bell & Family Herefords • Bishop Cattle Cardey Ranches • Dixie Valley • Easterly Romanov Ranch • Genoa Livestock Gudel Cattle Co • Hertlein Cattle Company • Hone Ranch Jorgensen Charolais • Lancaster Ranch • Phillips Red Angus Flying RJ Ranch • Romans Brangus and Angus • Steve Smith Angus & Gelbvieh Trotter Red Angus • Westwind Angus
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•r(Y(; 1h BESTm
Calving Ease & Low BEPD Genetics••• Breeding Quality Red Angus for the Commercial Market "!-loute of BAR t Boof" CALVING EASE AND MATERNAL BULLS
5 BULLS AT SNYDER LIVESTOCK 21st CENTURY BULL SALE MARCH 14, 2020
Cecil Felkins / lone, California 95640 209-274-4338•209-274-2674 2022 SALE BULLS ARE SONS OF: If you’re looking to sell a farm or ranch, give me call! Wildhorse Cattle Co. Elko, White Pine, Eureka and Nye County Efficient Cattle Operation with great Summer Range in Elko County and winter range in Eureka and White Pine County. North Base is at Wildhorse Reservoir in Elko County with 830+ deeded of which 361+ irrigated acres plus BLM and USFS Allotments. South base just inside Nye County line plus deeded at Hwy 50 and winter on Fish Creek Allotment. Price: $4,200,000 PENDING
Chicken Ranch South of Wells 3796 + Deeded acres fenced an cross fenced with a stock water well and water from a permitted Spring. The ranch has an approved irrigation permit for 130 acres and 3 phase power is readily available. There is a 100 acre parcel zoned Industrial with Rail access and access onto US. Hwy 93. Price: $2,250,000
Bulls consigned to SNYDERS www.progressiverancher.com
For additional information on these properties, go to: BOTTARIREALTY.COM
Paul D. Bottari, Broker Nevada License No. B 015476
paul@bottarirealty.com
1222 6th St. PO Box 368 Wells, NV 89835
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Work: 775.752.3040 Cell: 775.752.0952 Fax: 775.752.3021 FEBRUARY 2022
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NEWS RELEASE USDA to Invest up to $225 Million in Partner-Driven Conservation on Agricultural and Forest Land The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced up to $225 million in available funding for conservation partners through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). RCPP is a partner-driven program that leverages collective resources to find solutions to address natural resource challenges on agricultural land. This year’s funding announcements include opportunities for projects that address climate change, benefit historically underserved producers and support urban agriculture. “RCPP is public-private partnership at its best,” said Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Nevada State Conservationist Ray Dotson. “We’re harnessing the power of partnership to create lasting solutions to global challenges, like climate change, and support producers and communities who have been underserved in the past.” There are two types of funding opportunities under RCPP: RCPP Classic and RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA). RCPP Classic projects are implemented using NRCS contracts and easements with producers, landowners and communities, in collaboration with project partners. Through RCPP AFA, partners have more flexibility in working directly with agricultural producers to support the development of new conservation structures and approaches that would not otherwise be available under RCPP Classic. Project types that
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may be suited to AFA, as highlighted by the 2018 Farm Bill include: • Projects that use innovative approaches to leverage the federal investment in conservation. • Projects that deploy a pay-for-performance conservation approach. • Projects that seek large-scale infrastructure investment that generate conservation benefits for agricultural producers and nonindustrial private forest owners. USDA is accepting project proposals for both components of RCPP through 11:59 p.m. on April 13, 2022. View the funding opportunity on grants. gov for RCPP Classic and RCPP AFA. Additionally, a webinar with general program information for RCPP applicants is scheduled for 3-4:30 p.m. ET on January 20, 2022. For more info, visit: www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ national/programs/financial/rcpp/ Funding is open to agriculture and silviculture associations, non-government organizations, Indian tribes, state and local governments, conservation districts and universities, among others. Partners are expected to offer value-added contributions to amplify the impact of RCPP funding in an amount equal to or greater than the NRCS investment.
Contact: Heather Emmons 775-335-5146 heather.emmons@usda.gov Private landowners can apply to participate in an RCPP project in their region through awarded partners or at their local USDA service center: https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/servicecenter-locator More Information First authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill, RCPP has leveraged partner contributions of more than $1 for every $1 invested by USDA, resulting in nearly $3 billion collectively invested in natural resource conservation on private lands. Since inception, RCPP has made 579 awards involving over 3,000 partner organizations. Currently there are 408 active projects, with at least one active project in every state and area. Successful RCPP projects provide innovative conservation solutions, leverage partner contributions and offer impactful and measurable outcomes. Today’s RCPP announcement builds on other efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration to address climate change. Earlier this week, NRCS announced a new Cover Crop Initiative, available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to help agricultural producers mitigate climate change through the widespread adoption of cover crops. NRCS also announced the signup for EQIP Conservation Incentive Contracts and an improvement to the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Last week, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced details of the new Post Application Coverage Endorsement, providing coverage for corn producers who “split apply nitrogen,” a more conservation friendly way to apply fertilizer. USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov. www.progressiverancher.com
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by Martin Paris | NCA Executive Director | O: 775-738-9214
NCA Happenings
The New Year has kicked off to a busy start for the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association (NCA). As you are more than likely aware, we strive to promote a dynamic and profitable Nevada Beef Industry. One way to achieve that is to support opportunities for education for Nevada producers. During the second week of January, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), hosted the annual Cattlemen’s Update. This annual update is a weeklong series that goes around the state and includes several speakers from different entities. This year’s speakers consisted of professionals from the College of Agriculture Biotechnology and Natural Resources (CABNR) along with the various sponsors. A presentation on building a successful cowherd was given by animal reproduction physiology expert, Carson Oney. Other topics included tax options during drought, virtual fencing and pre-emergent herbicides, UNR’s mobile slaughter trailer project, and a repeat photography study in the Santa Rosa Range.
We greatly appreciate UNR’s efforts in bringing producers and ranchers the latest and greatest research and tools that can help make our operations better. Also in January was the first Results Oriented Grazing for Ecological Resilience (ROGER) meeting of 2022. For those unfamiliar, ROGER is a collaboration among ranchers and agencies to achieve land management objectives that conserve sagebrush ecosystems and support ranching. ROGER got its start when the Bureau of Land Management rolled out their 2015 Sage Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment and served as a venue for ranchers to address concerns with Federal and State agency leaders. Since that time, ROGER and its members have tackled everything from Outcome Based Grazing Demo Projects, research on habitat assessment tools, post-fire management and restoration issues, trainings on the application of the Grazing Response Index (GRI) etc… The ROGER group has been at the forefront of finding solutions to difficult issues for
several years now. I would encourage everyone to tune into what the group has going on. For this month, major activities coming up include the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Cattle Industry Convention in Houston, TX on the 1st-3rd, the NCA Board of Directors Meeting on the 18th in Fallon, NV, and the 56th Annual Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale (FBS) on the 19th at Fallon Livestock LLC. We will have the Fallon Bull Sale catalog up on our website at www.nevadacattlemen.org. Please check it out or feel free to call the NCA office at 775-738-9214 if you would like one mailed to you. We have another awesome bunch of bulls this year. Anyone looking to add some quality genetics to their herd should be able to find what they are looking for at this year’s sale. To stay up to date with things happening at the NCA, please contact the office, visit the web page, and like us on Facebook.
Fallon: 8-5:30 M-F Gardnerville: 8-5 M-F Snyders Pinenut Livestock Supply
800-513-4963 • www.pinenutlivestocksupply.com The Progressive Rancher
12 FEBRUARY 2022 Complete selection of animal health products, feed, and equipment for beef, dairy, equine, sheep, goat and small animal.
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Makenzie Neves Manager of Producer Education and Engagement
NBC Welcomes New Producer Relations Manager The California and Nevada Beef Councils are excited to announce the hiring of Makenzie Neves as Manager of Producer Education and Engagement. This position coordinates producer education, engagement, and communication efforts for both councils. A California native, Neves grew up on a dairy in the Central Valley. She is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in communication studies, public relations and minored in global engagement and leadership. Neves recently graduated from Texas Tech University with her master’s degree in agricultural communications. “As a third-generation agriculturalist, I’m thrilled to join the California and Nevada Beef Councils,” Neves said. “I grew up admiring these producers, and I’m looking forward to working with them and continuing strong relationships between the councils and the producers we represent.” Neves also plans to find new, innovative ways to reach more producers. “We are excited to add Makenzie to our staff as our point-person for producer education and engagement. Her background in the dairy industry will add a new dimension to the position as we move forward into 2022,” said Bill Dale, Executive Director of the organizations. 14 FEBRUARY 2022
Beef – Part of a Healthy Diet All Year Long
Beef Front and Center for NASCAR Season Opening Race
We’re into the second month of the year, which means that for some, those New Year’s resolutions have already fallen by the wayside. But for those who are sticking to those 2022 goals, especially goals that included a healthier, well-balanced diet, then we’ve got good news – beef plays an essential role in many healthy diets as an authentic high-quality protein with 10 essential nutrients.
The Federation of State Beef Councils, on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, has once again partnered with the Daytona International Speedway to sponsor the 41st season-opening race for the NASCAR Xfinity Series - the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.® 300. The event is set for Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, one day ahead of the legendary DAYTONA 500.
Most healthy diets have a lot of commonalities: they incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich foods, emphasize high-quality protein sources, encourage plenty of vegetables and fruit, and are balanced with fiber-rich, quality carbohydrates. Incorporating beef into such a diet provides an excellent source of protein (one 3 oz. cooked serving of beef provides 25 grams, roughly 50% of your daily value) and essential nutrients such as B-vitamins, zinc, and iron that support an active and healthy lifestyle. Considering the important role that beef can play in a variety of diets, the team behind Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. has compiled a number of beef recipes that fit perfectly into a variety of diet trends, including lowcarb, keto, paleo and gluten free diets. Learn more at BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com/nutrition/diet-trends.
NBC LEADERSHIP AT WORK FOR YOU Nevada Beef Council Board • Jay Dalton, Wells, Chair (cow-calf) • John Jackson, Tuscarora, Vice Chair (cow-calf) • Keri Pommerening, Smith Valley, Secretary/Treasurer (cow-calf)
“Just like the great racing legacies, farmers and ranchers have a legacy, also passing it down from generation to generation, and that’s why we’re so excited to once again sponsor this premiere sporting event and showcase America’s hard working beef farmers and ranchers,” said Clay Burtrum, Federation Division Chair for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. “Continuing this partnership for a second year allows us to build on everything we developed in year one and expand our footprint even further – from tailgating to the big screen – beef is the star.” While funding for the sponsorship comes from the Federation of State Beef Councils, the national Beef Checkoff will support the effort with staffing and promotional work through their contractor, NCBA. From commercial production to social media promotion and traditional media outreach, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. will be back on the racetrack and in the national spotlight. The 2022 Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.® 300 continues a the relationship between the Beef Checkoff and Daytona International Speedway. In 2020, the track produced “Race Day Recipes” on their digital channels, showcasing Speedway President Chip Wile and his beef grilling expertise. Following a great response and seeing NASCAR’s clear love of beef, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.® 300 was born in 2021. The Nevada Beef Council works on behalf of beef producers to increase beef demand through consumer outreach and education.
• Annalyn Settelmeyer, Gardnerville (cow-calf) • Ted Christoph, Fallon (dairy) • Bernard Petersen, Ely (cow-calf) • Lucy Rechel, Yerington (feeder) Dean Fish & Ron Gill
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House Agriculture Committee: Statement on Electronic Vehicle Investments
Chairman David Scott Releases Statement on Hearing, “Implications of Electric Vehicle Investments for Agriculture and Rural America”, House Agriculture Committee - House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott issued the following statement after yesterday’s hearing titled Implications of Electric Vehicle Investments for Agriculture and Rural America: “Today’s hearing was incredibly important and showcased how electric vehicle investments will impact rural America and agriculture as a whole,” said Chairman David Scott.
Courtesy of Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.
Beef & Asparagus Pasta Toss Classic steakhouse flavors in an easy pasta bowl! Ground Beef and asparagus tossed with pasta and Parmesan make for a quick and yummy dinner.
Ingredients • • • • • • • •
U.S. Fish and Wildlife: Nomination of Martha Williams
1 pound Ground Beef (93% lean or leaner) 3 cups uncooked bow tie pasta 1 pound fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 cup minced shallots (about 2 large) 1 tablespoon minced garlic Salt and pepper Garnish: 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Committee advances Williams’ nomination to head U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Billings Gazette - A Senate committee on Wednesday advanced the nomination of Montanan Martha Williams to lead the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Williams, the former director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, was nominated to the federal agency director post by President Joe Biden in October. She has served over the last year as principal deputy director at USFWS while the director’s position has remained open.
Endangered Species Act: Unintended Consequences
ESA’s history: Good intentions, litigious results, Western Livestock Journal - Possibly
well intentioned, often costly and always burdensome, laws with acronyms such as NEPA, FLPMA, CWA and a host of others have become familiar to most ranchers over the past five decades. Among these laws, however, none have equaled the impact or unbridled reach of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Preparation 1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water 10 minutes or until almost tender. Add asparagus; continue cooking 3 to 4 minutes or until pasta and asparagus are tender. Drain well. 1. Meanwhile, heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet with slotted spoon; pour off drippings. Cook’s Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Ground Beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of Ground Beef doneness. 1. Heat oil in same skillet over medium heat until hot. Add shallots and garlic; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add beef; toss to mix. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. 1. Combine beef mixture with pasta and asparagus in large bowl; toss well. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
www.nevadabeef.org www.mybeefcheckoff.org www.progressiverancher.com
Trade: White House Addresses China Trade Deficit
White House Will Push China to Make Up for $16B Trade Deficit in Phase One, Vilsack Tells American Farm Bureau, The Packer - The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention in underway in Atlanta this week, and as Phase One agreement with China is now expired, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke to members in-person, assuring farmers and ranchers the White House will push China to make up for the $16 billion shortfall in trade.
Lamb Bonanza: Annual Event at SDSU
South Dakota State University to hold annual Lamb Bonanza, Ag Week - South Dakota
State University will be hosting its 30th annual Lamb Bonanza on Jan. 15. The event brings together the South Dakota State animal science department, the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association and the South Dakota State University athletics department.
BLM Lawsuit: Environmental Groups Sue BLM
Environmentalists blast cattle grazing at critical habitat in Agua Fria Monument, Courthouse News Service - Environmental groups sued the BLM on Wednesday
for failing to monitor cattle grazing in Arizona’s Agua Fria National Monument, putting endangered fish and birds as well as critical habitat at risk. The 33-page lawsuit criticized the federal government’s “ongoing failure to adequately protect and conserve threatened and endangered species that are being harmed by livestock grazing in the Agua Fria National Monument in Arizona.”
Beef Prices: Packers, the Supply Chain, and the Future
While beef prices skyrocket, ranchers on the Western Slope aren’t seeing the benefits, Craig Press - With rising costs across the board as a result of supply chain issues, labor
shortages due to COVID-19 or higher prices set by processors, it’s difficult to point to a single reason that consumers are paying more for meat. Rising beef prices not only affect the finances of the local consumer, but also those of the ranchers.
Prescribed Fires: Boosting Prairie Productivity
Nebraska ranchers use fire to reclaim grazing lands, High Plains Journal - Science shows burns are working to save grasslands from the threats posed by encroaching trees, such as the eastern redcedar. Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln recently released the Loess Canyons Experimental Landscape Science Report, which provides evidence that fires can reverse woody encroachment, restore productive rangelands, and improve wildlife habitat.
The Progressive Rancher
FEBRUARY 2022
15
Issues facing the livestock industry, like bad dreams seem to repeat themselves and show back up sometimes years after they were thought to be resolved or at least to be deemed less important compared to other things that crop up to be faced by those in agriculture (pun intended).
of what a WOTUS is. This question has been around almost since the beginning of the passage of the CWA in 1972. Originally, the CWA was intended to prevent the discharge of pollutants into the surface waters of the United States. Rivers, streams, and lakes were obviously the intended targets of the law.
Examples include packer concentration going all the way back to the early 20th century, mis-informed “environmentalists” claiming destruction of natural resources by farmers and ranchers and interference in the business and process of agriculture by politicians looking for quick solutions to intricate problems associated with growing food for a hungry world in the most complex ecosystems and environments on the planet.
Over time, the regulators at EPA started to exercise jurisdiction over farm ponds, irrigation ditches, ephemeral streams, prairie potholes and vernal pools in California that dried up over a summer. This led to an effort in the mid-1980s to begin to define WOTUS which was lacking in the original CWA.
One of those perennial issues has been keeping a firm hold on my attention for years. Most of you by now have heard or seen the term WOTUS. This acronym stands for “Waters of the United States,” which if found to fit the definition of a WOTUS, are subject to the jurisdiction, under the Clean Water Act (CWA), of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). Such jurisdiction is not universally bad; after all, we all want and need clean water. However, when coupled with jurisdiction over the land watered and occupied by a jurisdictional water, it can result in overreach and excessive regulation by the federal government in an area traditionally left to the individual states or regions in the case of inter-state waters. For the past five years I have been a part of a National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) working group trying to inject some common sense into the question
The United States Supreme Court decided a case, Rapanos v. U.S. 547 U.S. 715 (2006) against a man who it was claimed had violated the CWA by discharging fill into a wetland without a permit. In the decision, because the court could not reach a clear conclusion on what a WOTUS was, the Court told the EPA the agency needed to define WOTUS. In 2015 the EPA finalized a rule which expanded federal jurisdiction over isolated water bodies, meaning they were not actually tributary to a WOTUS and ephemeral water courses. Significantly, ephemeral meant after a rainstorm to the EPA. While this could be geographically rationalized in the desert southwest among other places, it did not consider snowmelt features in the Intermountain West and the Great Basin. This rule created much confusion among farmers and ranchers across the entire country. For instance, there were no exemptions for traditional agricultural practices like farm ponds and prior converted crop land which had been traditionally exempted by the
NCBA engaged in litigation to protect this rule in several federal courts across the country, but a Federal Court in Arizona struck down the NWPR which has opened the door for the EPA to enter yet another rule making effort. I and other representatives of NCBA and many other organizations have testified several times to challenge the EPA to save some of the agricultural protections and note the geographical differences necessary to create a balanced and predictable rule. The EPA has a “Farm, Ranch, and Rural Advisory Committee” (FRRCC). This committee recently recommended EPA develop a clear and limited WOYTUS definition which necessarily protects key exemptions for common agricultural features and isolated, non-perennial waters. NCBA has endorsed and supports the FRRCC’s recommendations. The new rule has not been written yet, but you can be sure I, and many others, will be carefully watching the EPA as it tries the latest in what now has been a fiftyyear effort to define a jurisdictional WOTUS. I’ll see you soon.
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The Trump Administration repealed the 2015 rule and finalized the “Navigable Waters Protection Rule” in 2020. This rule returned the agricultural exemptions and did not add isolated features or ephemeral streams to federal regulation all of which made the rule less ambiguous and more predictable for a rancher to assess rather than hire consultants and lawyers.
Holloway livestock
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EPA in its analysis of jurisdictional waters. Therefore, the 2015 rule was more onerous and burdensome for agriculture.
The Progressive Rancher
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The Progressive Rancher
FEBRUARY 2022
17
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES HISTORIC LAUNCH OF THE FOUNDATION FOR AMERICA’S PUBLIC LANDS Foundation will leverage public, private funds to benefit BLM-managed public lands Taking historic action that will benefit the nation’s public lands for generations to come, the Foundation for America’s Public Lands launched today at a virtual event featuring remarks by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Department leaders. This congressionally-chartered, non-profit foundation authorized by Congress in 2017 will help leverage public and private dollars to conserve, protect and restore lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management for the benefit of the American people.
“It is a privilege and honor to manage America’s public lands for the benefit of current and future generations. To do that right, we need a Bureau of Land Management ready for the future, not just with the right personnel, structure and resources but also with a support system of outside partners collaborating on its success,” said Secretary Haaland. “I’m proud to appoint visionary leaders who will take on the enormous task of building the Foundation from the ground up to create this legacy and ensuring that its work is closely aligned with the agency’s mission and priorities.” “We are thrilled to begin working with these remarkable leaders to get the Foundation for America’s Public Lands off to a great start. Like its sister foundations at the Park Service, Forest Service and Fish & Wildlife Service, I’m confident this organization will play a historic role for our public lands,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. Secretary Haaland named four founding Board members, distinguished leaders with extensive experience who will oversee and guide the Foundation in its initial efforts. The Foundation for America’s Public Lands will operate and raise funds independent of the BLM, though its work will complement that of the agency and help the BLM better accomplish its mission. The four founding Board members include: Governor Steve Bullock – Steve Bullock is a native Montanan who has worked tirelessly to protect Montana’s way of life, including protecting its public lands. Bullock served two terms as Montana’s 24th governor from 2013 to 2021. During his two terms, Governor Bullock worked across the aisle to strengthen Montana’s economy, invest in public schools, freeze college tuition and expand career training so that Montana’s kids can build a better future. He increased funding for state parks, created a state government position focused on opening up access to public lands, and launched the state’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation. He has a track record of bringing people together to get things done and has served as chair of both the Western Governors Association and the National Governors Association. Prior to serving as Attorney General and Governor, he was a union-side labor lawyer.
Maite Arce – Founder of Hispanic Access Foundation, Maite Arce has 15 years of experience developing innovative outreach strategies that effectively mobilize 18 FEBRUARY 2022
under-represented populations. She has a proven track record of working with faith and community-based leaders, with whom she designs and executes data driven and measurable outreach initiatives. Arce formerly served as Vice President of Operations for the Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options (Hispanic CREO), increasing Latino parental involvement in education and public policy participation among Latino faith and community leaders. Arce received an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from Logos Christian College in Jacksonville, Florida. Neil Kornze – Neil Kornze is the Chief Executive Officer of the Campion Advocacy Fund and Campion Foundation. In this role he oversees grantmaking, policy initiatives, and operations, working closely with the trustees and staff to protect America’s last wild places and combat homelessness in Washington state and across the country. Previously, Kornze served as Director of the Bureau of Land Management from 2014 to 2017. Under his leadership, the BLM protected iconic American landscapes like Bears Ears National Monument in southeastern Utah and the San Juan Islands of Washington state. Kornze also worked as a Senior Advisor to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and later founded his own strategy firm that helped clients protect land, water and wildlife.
Stacy Leeds – Stacy Leeds is an experienced leader in law, higher education, governance, economic development, and conflict resolution. In 2021, she joined the faculty at Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University as the Foundation Professor of Law and Leadership. Leeds is Dean Emeritus, University of Arkansas School of Law (2011-2018) and the first Indigenous woman to lead a law school. She is a former Justice on the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court and former Chairperson of the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission. She is currently a district court judge for Muscogee (Creek) Nation and an appellate court judge for other Indigenous Nations. She is frequently tapped for conflict resolution and management roles, including arbitration, mediation, and negotiations. She previously served on the National Commission on American Indian Trust Administration and Reform for the U.S. Department of the Interior. In the coming months, Secretary Haaland will appoint an additional five founding Board members to staggered terms of four and six years to complete the Board. The BLM is working with the initial Board members to file papers of incorporation with the District of Columbia, where the Foundation will be officially located, and to apply to the Internal Revenue Service to secure 501(c)3 tax exempt status. On May 5, 2017, Congress authorized the creation of a BLM-affiliated Foundation in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017. As mandated by the The Progressive Rancher
FIRST LOOK!! The Need for Flexibility: Exploring Innovation in a Public Land Grazing System www.partnersinthesage.com/ outcomebased-grazing-video The BLM’s Outcome-based Grazing program offers a more collaborative approach between the BLM and its partners within the livestock grazing community when issuing grazing authorizations. The program allows for necessary, timely grazing adjustments that benefit the health of the rangeland for wildlife as well as its availability of forage for livestock. These flexibilities help to create both ecological and economic resiliency throughout the West. As the program continues to grow, the Intermountain West Joint Venture will continue to produce resources to help bring about a stronger understanding of program goals and accomplishments. Outcome-based Grazing follows the same grazing regulations and policies that other grazing permits do. They are required to have an understanding of ecological conditions, a NEPA analysis of actions and impacts, and a decision that clarifies the terms and conditions offered for the grazing permit. The only difference is that the flexibilities are covered in the NEPA analysis upfront, so as the need arises to adjust to conditions, everyone is working from a pre-defined rule set of data collection, interpretation, and possible responses. The BLM plans to develop guidance and best management practices for broader implementation of Outcome-based Grazing based on the experiences from implementing nationally supported demonstration projects. Grazing management actions will be developed for NEPA analysis.
legislation, the Foundation will: (1) encourage, accept, and administer private gifts of money, real and personal property; and in-kind services for the benefit of, or in connection with the activities and services of, the Bureau of Land Management; (2) carry out activities that advance the purposes for which public land is administered; (3) carry out and encourage educational, technical, scientific, and other assistance or activities that support the mission of the BLM; and (4) assist the BLM with challenges that could be better addressed with the support of a foundation, including reclamation and conservation activities, activities relating to wild free roaming horses and burros, and the stewardship of cultural and archaeological treasures on public land.
The BLM will provide initial funding and support for the Foundation and is in the process of hiring a fulltime liaison who will work closely with its Board and staff to ensure close coordination. Once operational, the Foundation will operate independently of the agency, though the BLM Director will serve as an ex officio Board Member. www.progressiverancher.com
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The Progressive Rancher
Lee Leachman, Herd Consultant (970) 568-3983
FEBRUARY 2022
19
By Madison Bowers, President Happy February! I am having a hard time believing it is winter with the beautiful sunny days we’ve been having. Our new officer team has many goals and events for this term including Collegiate Beef Advocate, WIRED, Membership, Fundraising, and an update of our long-term plan.
In 2021, we brought back our scholarship, Collegiate Beef Advocacy program. This year we have one advocate, Jackie Sceirine. Jackie is a fifth-generation rancher from Smith Valley, NV and is currently attending University of Montana Western. The goal is to grow this program to three advocates, awarding scholarships at $1000, $750, and $500. To receive the scholarship, the recipients are required to attend certain events and we are excited to include these college students in our association. Thank you to Ana Lekumberry-Dagnehart for her time and effort in updating our application and bringing this program back. Women In Ranching Education and Development (WIRED) is an educational event developed by the American National CattleWomen Inc. We were able to team up with the NCBA’s Stockman and Stewardship in 2021 to host a joint event in Elko. We are fortunate enough to have the funding through UNR’s Beginning Farmer’s and Rancher’s grant to put on a similar event again in 2022 & 2023. We are currently working on our 2022 plans, with the focus being on hosting just a WIRED event. This event gives women the opportunity to advance their skills and knowledge in beef production and we look forward to another successful event. In the past, membership has been a large task that the treasurer has been responsible for. This year, we will be creating a membership committee that will handle all the membership registration and promotions. Moving forward we want to grow
Trichomoniasis
The plan for the coming years does not come without some major costs. The Young Farmer’s and Rancher’s Grant has given us some amazing opportunities, as well as funding from ANCW to host WIRED. The 2021 fundraiser of the Kubota Side by Side raffle was a great success and is allowing us to continue to provide quality events. Keri Pommerening did an excellent job of heading the fundraiser and is going to continue as chairman of our fundraising committee. Beef promotion products and events are mainly funded by the Silent Auction during state convention. Our next fundraiser has not been pinned down at this point. We know none of this would be possible without the support of our members and the community. The Nevada CattleWomen’s current long-range plan has expired. The longrange plan sets goals for the organization and reminds us of our priorities for the upcoming years. This plan includes our purpose, mission, and vision for the next five years. Then the goals are broken into categories of Beef Promotion, Education and Development, Legislative, and Membership. Melinda Sarman is going to head the redevelopment of this new plan.
We are very excited to bring these plans to life over the next couple years. If you have any interest in being a part of planning these events or being a part of a committee, please reach out. We want all members to feel included.
| https://agri.idaho.gov/main/animals/cattle/cattle-disease/trichomoniasis/
What is trichomoniasis?
What will testing cost me?
Trichomoniasis (trich) is a venereal disease of cattle caused by the organism Tritrichomonas foetus.
Costs could vary depending on the veterinarian and test method you choose. Idaho considers both culture and PCR tests to be valid. Tests can be run with pooled samples, but the pooling must be completed at an approved laboratory.
How is trich transmitted? Trich is transmitted through sexual contact. Although they are not routinely tested, females can be carriers of the disease and pass it on to bulls through sexual contact. What are the signs of infection? There are no outward signs of infection, but abortions and markedly decreased calf-crops, especially in 1st calf heifers, could indicate that a herd has been infected with trich. What can I do to prevent trich in my cattle? Ensure your bulls are tested annually for trich. Purchase only virgin bulls. What are the trich testing requirements? Per IDAPA 02.04.29 “Rules Governing Trichomoniasis,” annual testing is required for all resident non-virgin bull and all bulls 24 months of age or older. This testing season runs from 9/1 to 8/31, however, testing must be completed by April 15th unless an extension is requested in writing and approved by the administrator. Per IDAPA 02.04.21 “Rules Governing the Importation of Animals,” current (within the past 60 days) testing is required for all non-virgin bulls and all bulls 18 months or older being imported to Idaho from any other state. The only exception to this timeframe is herds moving on approved grazing permits. These herds must have and submit a current season trich test with their grazing permit application. How do I get my bulls tested? Contact your veterinarian to schedule your annual testing. 20 FEBRUARY 2022
our membership and truly be the home of CattleWomen throughout the state. The change in times has made it a struggle to reach current CattleWomen. There is a generation that prefers traditional mail updates and another that works best with online communication such as email. We are hoping to create a balance were everyone feels included and up to date on current and upcoming events.
How do I avoid testing? At this time, the only producers who do not have to test their bulls for trich are those feeding cattle in an approved feedlot with no breeding contact and those who have an approved rodeo bull lot. Unless you have been approved as one of these facility types, you must test all of your testeligible bulls. Can I vaccinate my animals? There is a vaccination available for females. Check with your veterinarian if you are interested. What do I do if I see a bull without a current trich tag? Because untested bulls can put the health of your herd at risk, if you are concerned that bulls near or in your herd have not been tested appropriately please contact Animal Industries at (208) 332-8540 or via our complaint form. For your reference, the 2022 trich season has White tags, 2021 had Green and 2020 had Yellow. What do I do with stray bulls? If you find a bull that does not belong to your herd, you can contact the Idaho Brand Inspector for help determining ownership and returning it to the proper herd. If the animal has no brand, you can call Animal Industries at (208) 332-8540. Trichomoniasis is a reportable disease in Idaho. If you have a question that is not covered here, please contact Animal Industries by email or at (208) 332-8540.
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
Let’s Talk Ag Cattle Numbers and Size of Farms By Staci Emmn | Editorial There is speculation that the cattle numbers in Nevada are dropping and our farms are decreasing, and we are about to find out exactly where we are at in 2022. The USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) does a state agriculture overview that is updated for cattle and sheep in January of each year. They have completed their data collection for Nevada farmers and ranchers. This year our new count numbers will be released on January 31, 2022, according to Curtis Stock, USDA-NASS State Statistician. The question regarding Nevada livestock numbers came up on the 2022 University Cattlemen’s Update during the webinar. In 2020, there were 245,000 of beef cows and 470,000 head of cattle (including calves) in Nevada. There is some speculation that these numbers have decreased due to the drought conditions. At first glance, I would agree that we should expect a reduced number of cattle in the state. However, facilitating a Nevada Ag Outlook meeting on January 19, 2022, Stock gave a presentation about how USDA-NASS works, how they collect their data, and showed a graph of cattle counts over the past ten years. The graph below was provided by Stock at the meeting and illustrates historical numbers for Nevada. Overall, historical counts show that Nevada has decreased in beef numbers since 2001. There can be very good reasons for this, and I believe it is related to drought events and estate planning. In the 2017 agricultural census, the number of farms decreased, but the land in farms increased. The per farm
average of market value of product sold increased by 5% and the average of net cash farm income increased by 10%. The average farm also increased in the number of government payments received. What is interesting to me is the number of 2,000 plus-acre farms. There was an increase in these farms in 2002 and 2017. I question whether this is related to estate planning and taxes, or is there something else going on? The agriculture census is done every five years. The process will begin for the 2022 agriculture census this fall. I am really interested in these numbers and I think we should all be watching. There are other states that have a lot more farms, but how many farms do they have over 2,000 deeded acres? I say this because public grazing acreage that has a payment method of Animal Unit per Month (AUM) or Head Month (HM) is most likely excluded in Land in Farms. We really need some economists to analyze the farms by size in Nevada and get a reflection of our Nevada ranches if all public grazing lands are counted.
Graph Provided by: Curtis Stock, Nevada State Statistician, USDA, NASS January 19 at Nevada Ag Outlook online meeting. www.progressiverancher.com
In closing, we may see a decrease in Nevada’s livestock numbers. I believe rancher owners/managers had to make some tough decisions in 2021 when faced with drought and increased feed costs. I also realize that in October of 2021 Nevada got moisture that did help out some. It will also be interesting to see how many heifers are staying in the state as replacements. These are all something we can look into once the Nevada Livestock Report is released on January 31.
The Progressive Rancher
FEBRUARY 2022
21
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The Progressive Rancher
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1 www.progressiverancher.com
Basics of Crop Management By Maninder Kaur Walia, Assistant Professor – Field Crop Specialist, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Importance of Crop Management Adoption of best crop management practices improves crop productivity and can contribute to greater yields with improved quality. Crop management is the set of agricultural practices performed to improve the growth, development and yield of crops. It begins with a seedbed preparation, sowing of seeds and crop maintenance; and ends with crop harvest, storage and marketing. The timing and sequence of agricultural practices depend upon several factors, such as winter or spring crops; harvested products such as grain, hay and silage; sowing methodsbroadcast and row-crops; and, plants age, soil, climate and weather conditions. Seedbed Preparation Seedbed preparation is the first step to improve crop growth and development. The ideal seedbed is uniformly firm, has adequate soil moisture near the surface, and is free from competing weeds. “Good seed-to-soil contact required” is a phrase commonly seen on seeding documents. Seed germination is improved if seeds have good contact with soil. However, too firm a seedbed makes it challenging to get the seed into the ground. The two primary methods of seedbed preparation are conventional tillage and reduced or no-tillage. The traditional conventional tillage involves turning over the entire plow depth and exposing large quantities of soil organic matter to oxidation. However, reduced or no-tillage practices can lead to an accumulation of soil carbon, which can ultimately benefit soil health and improve crop yields in the long run. Planting After the seedbed has been prepared, seed should be sowed 1.5 to 2.0 inches deep to ensure proper moisture availability for good seed germination. The seed requires optimum moisture and temperature conditions to germinate, so always pay close attention to soil temperature and moisture requirements for proper seed germination. Fertilization Fertilization may be an important component of crop management. Soils should be tested for available plant nutrients before adding fertilizers to any crop. The addition of appropriate fertilizers determined from the soil and/ www.progressiverancher.com
or plant analysis can ensure the planted crop’s nutritional requirement. The amount of fertilizer, type (bulkblended or mixed), forms (gas, dry solids or liquid), timing, and method of application (broadcast, deep placement, dribble, foliar, starter, post-emergent, row, strip and variable rate), are all determined by a variety of factors, such as crop and fertilizer type, soil and weather conditions. The previous crop (legume) and past manure applications also influence crop nutrient needs. So, past manure applications should always be accounted for in determining crop needs. Pest Management Pest management is another important aspect of crop management. Pesticides can be powerful tools for controlling pests in most crops, mainly if used correctly based upon specific pest species. Additionally, integrated pest management (IPM) practices can provide growers with an economical option that is safer and often more beneficial to human and natural resources. This IPM approach incorporates mechanical, biological and chemical (labeled pesticides) pest control methods. Using the same active ingredient repeatedly on the same piece of land, regardless of the product name, will cause pests to develop resistance over time. This makes the chemical less useful or even useless over time. Thus, to avoid the development of resistance among pests, limit using the same pesticides and choose products from different chemical classes, or vary modes of action. It is best to include some cultural practices (crop rotation, companion crops) and biological controls (predators, parasitoids) to avoid the development of pest resistance to pesticides. Generally, diverse cropping systems tend to decrease the probability of widespread crop failures and pest pressure, while improving soil quality and crop yields. The crop should also be monitored regularly for any specific needs, such as nutrient deficiencies, pest outbreaks, etc., throughout the growing season. Irrigation Irrigation is another critical factor for crop production that influences the final crop yields and quality, especially
in our dryland region. Over-irrigation results in leaching of nutrients to the groundwater and/or wasting water and soil erosion via surface runoff. These losses will reduce the efficiency of fertilizers, especially nitrogen. Before you plant any crop, obtain information regarding water needs and the critical growth stages of that crop, and then determine the irrigation system efficiency to schedule irrigation. If feasible, use irrigation systems that give improved water use efficiencies, such as micro-sprinklers, low-elevation sprinklers and drip (85-95% efficient), or low- and high-pressure center pivots (75-90% efficient). In general, the flood irrigation system is less efficient (2050%) than other methods. Additionally, if possible, schedule your irrigation during the early morning or late evening to avoid water losses via evaporation. Harvesting Finally, the yield and quality of crops depend upon the harvest management strategy. Too wet or snowy conditions can delay the harvest of the crop. High moisture content delays the mechanical harvesting (windrowing or swathing, direct combining) of the crop/seed. Most of the grain/seed crops should be harvested when they have reached the harvest maturity stage. This timing reduces the yield loss via shattering and lodging. Therefore, missing the right time to harvest often results in severe yield loss. The maturity stage at forage harvest is a critical factor influencing the forage quality and end-use. If the forage harvest is delayed for maximum yields (for instance, alfalfa), then forage quality will deteriorate or fall below the needed optimal quality. The maximum yield of alfalfa forage is achieved at the full flowering stage; however, forage quality is highest before flowering. Post-Harvest Storage The post-harvest storage conditions also influence the crop’s forage and grain quality. The harvested crop should be stored at the proper recommended moisture content for each crop to maximize the quality, reduce pest infestation, and avoid deterioration during storage. For example, cereals stored at 14.5 percent moisture content are highly susceptible to quality loss, mold growth and insect infestation.
The Progressive Rancher
Alfalfa forage should be baled when the moisture content is 18-20% for better quality. Additional Practices Some additional best practices to increase crop productivity and farm profitability are: • Increase crop diversity • Enhance beneficial pollinators population • Use better weed control measures to increase harvest efficiency, crop quality and yield • Improve soil quality by following the best soil management practices • Add nutrients based upon availability from soil and crop needs • Manage labor and input costs • Keep track of all expenses and profits • Keep good records to help manage a profitable farm business • Engage in creative marketing Conclusion The consideration of recommended crop management practices may produce greater yields and an excellent marketable product. Adopting a consistent crop and soil management system on a farm will develop a more resilient crop production system and provide more sustainable crop yields. Managing and reducing input costs is critical to profitability. Acknowledgment
Funding for this publication was partly provided by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant award number 2017-7000627198 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). References
Bauder, T.A., Waskom, R.M., and Andales, A. 2014. Nitrogen and irrigation management. Colorado State University Extension fact sheet 0.514. https:// extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/agriculture/ nitrogen-and-irrigation-management-0-514/ Herbert, S.J. Harvest management for high quality alfalfa hay. University of Massachusetts Amherst Extension & Mass. Ag. Experiment Station. https:// ag.umass.edu/crops-dairy-livestock-equine/factsheets/harvest-management-for-high-qualityalfalfa-hay
John, L.S. et al. 2011. Technical note 13. Principles of seedbed preparation for conservation seedings. USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service Boise,Idaho Plant Material Center.https://www.nrcs. usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/ publications/idpmctn10748.pdf Madsen, E.L.1995. Impacts of agricultural practices on subsurface microbial ecology. In: Advances in Agronomy: 54,1-67.
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Rehabilitation of Perennial Pepperweed Infested Habitats Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), also referred to as tall whitetop, is native to eastern Europe and Asia and was accidentally introduced into North America early in the 20th century. A member of the mustard family, this weed has spread to portions of all western states and adjacent Canada. In the Intermountain Area, perennial pepperweed first became established in riparian and wetland areas. It spread to native hay meadows and alfalfa (Medicago saliva) fields. Native hay meadows located on flood plains are particularly susceptible to perennial pepperweed invasion (Figure 1). The weed is highly adapted, but not restricted to growth on salt affected soils and soils with sodium hazards. Perennial pepperweed plants can produce large quantities of viable seeds that can reach 16 billion seeds/acre. The plants have an extensive creeping root system with the ability of very small fragments of these roots producing new plants. This makes mechanical control by tillage virtually impossible
By Charlie D. Clements and Dan N. Harmon
as following mechanical tillage can result in a significant increase in perennial pepperweed density and cover. The invasion of native hay meadows by perennial pepperweed is a threat to the range livestock industry of the Intermountain Area because these meadows are a critical portion of the forage base for both hay production and grazing of crop aftermath. Perennial pepperweed can be partially suppressed by grazing, but if grazing is deferred for hay production the plants become quite woody and the resulting hay is of very poor quality. If herbicidal weed control is practiced on these meadows with near mono-cultures of perennial pepperweed, spontaneous regeneration of the meadow is very slow and re- invasion of perennialweed will occur. This makes seeding of a perennial forage species necessary. The choice of revegetation for these seasonally dry meadows with salt affected soils is limited, with tall wheatgrass (Elytrigia elongata) being the
Figure 1. Former irrigated hay field infested with a dense stand of perennial pepperweed.
most widely used species. The standard herbicide for control of perennial pepperweed has traditionally been 2,4-D [(2,4-dichorophenoxy) acetic acid]. More recently, herbicides of the sulfonylurea family, especially chlorsulfuron {2-chloro-N-[(4- methoxy-6-methyl-1, 3, 5-triazin, 2-yl) - aminocarbony] benzenenesulfonamide } have been found to be very effective for the control of perennial pepperweed. Both 2,4-D and chlorsulfuron can be applied at appropriate rates and kill perennial pepperweed in established stands of meadow species and not injure the perennial grasses and grass-like species. To give the perennial grass plants a chance to biologically suppress perennial pepperweed, repeated herbicide applications are necessary over the seedling stands. This obviously requires the use of a selective herbicide. We tested mechanical (discing), biological (goats) and chemical (herbicides), as well as a combination of these treatments to control perennial pepperweed infestations (Figure 2). In all we had a combination of 52 treatments. Here we report on what we consider the more important portions. Discing, conducted in late May and early June, initially reduced perennial pepperweed cover from 95% cover down to 5% cover, but by the end of summer (October) perennial pepperweed cover was up to 30% and reached 100% the following July. Discing in early May followed by the application of herbicides [2-4D 2.2 kg/ha (2 lbs/ac), or Chlorsulfuron (Telar®XP) 0.11 kg/ha (0.10 lbs/ ac)] initially appeared to be very effective as perennial pepperweed leaves looked very necrotic. Even though perennial pepperweed failed to seed due to the combination of discing and spraying, perennial pepperweed became productive and vigorous by the following July and cover increased to more than 20%. There were no significant differences in cover between the combination of discing and herbicide application and that of herbicide application by itself.
24 FEBRUARY 2022
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We also investigated the control of perennial pepperweed by grazing Spanish goats (Figure 3). Eight 0.1 hectare (0.25 acre) enclosures were constructed in which four were grazed and combined with herbicide and seeding treatments while the remaining 4 enclosures were grazed and seeded. Heavy grazing of perennial pepperweed decreased forage yield by 78%, yet did not decrease the number of perennial pepperweed plants in the plots. By the time the goats completed the grazing on all 4 enclosures, enclosure 1 had regrown enough to place the 25 goats back in it with plenty of available forage. Grazing perennial pepperweed as a control method was not successful as the sprouting perennial grass seedlings could not compete with the dense creeping rooted perennial pepperweed. The control of perennial pepperweed using goats and herbicide did not significantly reduce perennial pepperweed when compared to herbicide treatments by themselves.
Figure 2. Perennial pepperweed plots following mechanical and chemical control methods. Seedbed preparation is necessary prior to seeding perennial grasses.
Figure 3. Twenty-five Spanish goats were placed inside the 0.25 acre enclosure to measure grazing affect on perennial pepperweed.
Realizing that the increase in perennial pepperweed cover in such a short period of time was a major problem, we tested a variety of plant species in an attempt to suppress perennial pepperweed. After testing a variety of plant species such as purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra), crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), Great Basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus), and intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) we chose tall wheatgrass (Elytrigia elongata) which performed better in these salt-affected soils. We followed up the May/June (one-half bloom stage) herbicide application (same herbicides and rates) with the seeding of tall wheatgrass at [10.3 kg/ha (9 lb/ac) rate]. The objective was to reduce perennial pepperweed with the herbicide application and then suppress perennial pepperweed with a long-lived perennial grass. The following June, well after tall wheatgrass seedlings had emerged and developed 3+ leaves, we applied 2,4-D at 1.1 kg/ha (1 lb/ac) rate as to negatively affect perennial pepperweed, but not injure the tall wheatgrass seedlings with this broadleaved selective herbicide. Tall wheatgrass seedlings in the Telar plots did not fair very well as the herbicide residue from Telar was still strong enough to kill the tall wheatgrass seedlings, therefore resulting in less
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than 0.5 tall wheatgrass plant/m² (< 0.04/ft²). The 2,4-D treated plots resulted in more than 4 tall wheatgrass plants/m² (> 0.38/ft²) (Figure 4). Following a couple of years of spot treating perennial pepperweed plants, tall wheatgrass had vigorously grown and taken over the site which resulted in excellent suppression of perennial pepperweed which allowed for the site to be converted back into production agriculture (Figure 5). The cost of weed control can often be very expensive and more than what the land provides in value for specific needs such as grazing pastures. In this rehabilitation practice the cost averaged $40.30/ha ($99.50/ac) with the less accessible pastures costing roughly 20% more. These large, replicated experimental treatments were repeated for 3 consecutive years with highly consistent results.
Figure 4. Tall wheatgrass establishment following perennial pepperweed control using mowing and 2,4-D applications.
Figure 5. Once the tall wheatgrass successfully suppresses the perennial pepperweed, a light discing and seeding of Triticale (hybrid of wheat and rye), the habitat is returned back to productive agricultural use.
Diehard defenders of chlorsulfuron point out that we have done no chemical analysis of the soil to prove that residues of the herbicide are responsible for the failure to establish tall wheatgrass seedlings. The consistency of seedling failure in plots treated with chlorsulfuron while side by side plots treated with 2 applications of 2,4-D have excellent stands of the perennial grass is very compelling evidence for persistent residues. The failure of annual weeds to invade areas treated with chlorsulfuron for 3 years is additional evidence for the existence of residues. The few perennial pepperweed plants that escape initial applications of chlorsulfuron are a cause of concern. They increased in area by extending creeping roots and putting up additional stems even though very few perennial grass seedlings could be established on the plots. The plants are not necessarily resistant to chlorsulfuron. They may be accidents of faulty herbicidal distribution in the initial application and their depth of rooting allows them to spread below soil horizons with herbicide residues. The existence, persistence, and spread of these plants creates an additional hazard with the use of chlorsulfuron to control perennial pepperweed. The apparent persistence of chlorsulfuron residues that limit perennial grass establishment is probably heightened by the high pH of the salt affected soils on the study site. Most native hay meadows where perennial pepperweed is invading have similar soils.
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NEWS RELEASE
USDA Offers Expanded Conservation Program Opportunities to Support Climate Smart Agriculture in 2022 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing several new and expanded opportunities for climate smart agriculture in 2022. Updates include nationwide availability of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Conservation Incentive Contracts option, a new and streamlined EQIP Cover Crop Initiative, and added flexibilities for producers to easily re-enroll in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). These improvements to NRCS’ working lands conservation programs, combined with continued program opportunities in all states, are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader effort to support climate-smart agriculture.
“Climate change is happening, and America’s agricultural communities are on the frontlines,” NRCS Chief Terry Cosby said. “We have to continue to support and expand the adoption of conservation approaches to support producers in their work to address the climate crisis and build more resilient operations. We are continuously working to improve our programs to ensure we’re giving farmers and ranchers the best tools to conserve natural resources.” New Partnership Announced
NRCS is announcing a new partnership with Farmers For Soil Health, an initiative of the United Soybean Board, National Corn Growers Association and National Pork Board. Farmers For Soil Health works to advance use of soil health practices – especially cover crops – on corn and soybean farms. The initiative has a goal of doubling the number of corn and soybean acres using cover crops to 30 million acres by 2030.
this initial pilot based on their demonstrated demand for additional support for the cover crop practice.
Sign-up dates will be determined at the state-level, and applications will be selected for funding by Feb. 11, 2022. The initiative is aimed at improving soil health through a targeted, rapid, and streamlined application and contract approval process. NRCS will continue to build on this framework and streamlined application process to support farmers and ranchers across the country.
Cover crops offer agricultural producers a natural and inexpensive climate solution through their ability to sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide into soils. Cover crops can provide an accelerated, positive impact on natural resource concerns. In fiscal 2021, NRCS provided technical and financial assistance to help producers plant 2.3 million acres of cover crops through EQIP. EQIP Conservation Incentive Contracts
Conservation Incentive Contracts address priority resource concerns, including sequestering carbon and improving soil health in high-priority areas. Through these contracts, NRCS works with producers to strengthen the quality and condition of natural resources on their operations using management practices, such as irrigation water management, drainage water management, feed management and residue and tillage management that target resource concerns, including degraded soil and water quality, available water and soil erosion.
“We are pleased to see NRCS announce this new incentive program for cover crops,” said John Johnson, coordinator of Farmers for Soil Health. “Cover crops have great potential to improve soil health, improve water quality, sequester carbon, and make our farms more resilient to severe climate events. We look forward to our partnership with NRCS, working to expand adoption of cover crop practices to help our farmers meet our sustainability goals.”
Conservation Incentive Contracts offer producers annual incentive payments to implement management practices as well as conservation evaluation and monitoring activities to help manage, maintain and improve priority natural resource concerns within state high-priority areas and build on existing conservation efforts. Download our “Conservation Incentive Contracts” fact sheet for a list of practices.
EQIP Cover Crop Initiative
CSP Re-Enrollment Option
Other partners include the National Association of Conservation Districts, Soil Health Institute, and The Sustainability Consortium.
Conservation Incentive Contracts last five years. The 2018 Farm Bill created the new Conservation Incentive Contract option, and it was piloted in 2021 in four states.
To complement the new partnership, NRCS is investing $38 million through the new targeted Cover Crop Initiative in 11 states to help agricultural producers mitigate climate change through the widespread adoption of cover crops. States include Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and South Dakota. States were selected for
NRCS updated CSP to allow an agricultural producer to immediately re-enroll in the program following an unfunded application to renew an existing contract. Previously, if a CSP participant did not re-enroll the year their contract expired, they were ineligible for the program for two years. This ineligibility was imposed on CSP participants even if their failure to sign a renewal contract was due to the unavailability
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of funds, which is beyond their control. USDA is now waiving this two-year ineligibility restriction for all CSP applications.
This year, producers renewed 2,600 CSP contracts covering 3.4 million acres. Applicants with unfunded fiscal 2022 CSP renewals will receive letters this month, notifying them they are automatically eligible to apply for future CSP funding opportunities, rather than needing to wait two years to reapply. How to Apply
NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs – including EQIP and CSP – year-round, however producers and landowners should apply by statespecific, signup dates to be considered for each year’s funding. To apply, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center offsite link image . More Information
Through conservation programs, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural resources, build resiliency, and contribute to the nation’s broader effort to combat the impacts of climate change. More broadly, these efforts build on others across USDA to encourage use of conservation practices. For example, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) recently provided $59.5 million in premium support for producers who planted cover crops on 12.2 million acres through the new Pandemic Cover Crop Program offsite link image . Last week, RMA announced a new option for insurance coverage, the Post Application Coverage Endorsement, for producers who “split apply” fertilizer on corn. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is engaged in a whole-of-government effort to combat the climate crisis and conserve and protect our nation’s lands, biodiversity and natural resources including our soil, air, and water. Through conservation practices and partnerships, USDA aims to enhance economic growth and create new streams of income for farmers, ranchers, and private foresters. Successfully meeting these challenges will require USDA and our agencies to pursue a coordinated approach alongside USDA stakeholders, including state, local and Tribal governments. USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov. FEBRUARY 2022
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Nevada Farm Bureau
The Curse of Government Over-Regulation By Doug Busselman | NFB, Executive Vice President As this is being written a 79-page Federal Register notice is on the top of the working stack next to the computer keyboard, dealing with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Army Corp of Engineers proposal to rewrite the definition for the Waters of the United States (WOTUS). Those currently in charge of the federal government believe that the progress made by the last administration need to be erased and their edicts need to be implemented to force compliance with the views that they have for command and control. Maybe if it were just the third rewrite - since 2015 - of what water (or non-water) that the federal government should have authority to rule over under the banner of the Clean Water Act, it might be frustrating, but wouldn’t be overwhelming. That however isn’t the case. Every instant there are more and more regulations and controls in the works, coming at us from federal, state and even local government entities. To put a timestamp for framing the context of this writing, yesterday the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the Biden Administration’s vaccine mandate for employees who worked in an organization where at least 99 others were employed. Regardless of whether you support COVID vaccinations or consider it to be a matter of personal choice, just having one less federal regulation was a victory worth celebrating. Unfortunately, those “wins” are not coming very frequently right now, with those who are currently in charge of federal and state governments on a full-scale rampage to expand what is regulated and increase the degree of control they wish to carry out. The driving philosophy is that anything and everything should be covered by some type of control. These regulations are authored and implemented by whichever unelected group of bureaucrats believe that they should oversee. It isn’t rare for more than one bureaucratic agency having their own respective piece of the commandand-control pie. Yes, it is true that agency authorities have designated areas and operate with some direction of law, perhaps even taking direction from legislation for what their assignment is for a specific project. More from a federal perspective than in the State of Nevada, legislative guidance to federal agencies is less constraining and offers a wider range of options for the details that need to be incorporated into the regulatory mix. We have also seen multiple examples where government agencies decide for themselves what their assigned objectives should be without any changes in the oversight laws that are supposedly providing direction. 28 FEBRUARY 2022
The Clean Water Act hasn’t changed since any of the last three major regulation drafting projects were brought forward. Regardless, unelected bureaucrats who are not accountable to anyone other than themselves have initiated (by Executive Order in the last two instances that we can see) their plans to grab for putting in place their version of what should be the rules on what will be covered and how their regulating will be done. In full disclosure - we do prefer the regulations that came from the work of the last administration, adopting the regulations called the “Navigable Waters Protection Rules” (NWPR). These went into effect in 2020 and from the perspective of agricultural producers and most landowners, the details were massive improvements over the Obama Administration’s WOTUS regulation package. Why the Navigable Waters Protection Rule? • The NWPR was a clear, defensible rule that appropriately balanced the objective, goals, and policies of the Clean Water Act. • Because clean water is a top priority, farmers and ranchers welcomed the clarity and common sense the NWPR provided. • The rule did not change who oversees waterways such as lakes, rivers and many streams—and it ensured states could enforce their own robust environmental laws. “AFBF (the American Farm Bureau Federation) is disappointed EPA is returning to an overly complicated interim water rule.” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said when the proposed ‘new’ rules were published. “Overreaching regulations create major permit backlogs for the federal government and result in long delays for farmers and ranchers who are working to keep America fed. We are particularly concerned EPA is bringing back the significant nexus test. This caseby-case test threatens to unfairly regulate large areas of private land miles from the nearest navigable water.” In spite of what would be a better way to regulate, the current Administration is going to chase their version and will have to be dealt with. Along with the necessary activities and public input that will be devoted to WOTUS regulations, the avalanche of all the other pending regulations from federal and state regulation writers will also need their share of attention. The Progressive Rancher
Reducing regulations was a major point of emphasis that the Trump Administration, pursued for the brief time that they had the opportunity to work on rolling back government’s over-reach. That is not where we’ve been heading under the regimes that are presently in place at the national level and have been in charge in Nevada for a while. From all signals and current experience we can expect even more to come by way of government agency overregulation. Reading the just-released annual 2021 update of the Nevada Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report, we clearly see the message that Nevada is not on track to meet the Greenhouse Gas Emissions that Governor Sisolak and the Nevada Legislature have established. These targets call for these emission reductions: • 28 percent reductions (from 2005 levels) by the year 2025 • 45 percent reductions (from 2005 levels) by the year 2030 • Zero or near zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by the year 2050 Included in the statement found in the “Conclusion section” of the report’s “Introduction” … “Heading into the 2023 Legislative Session, policymakers will need to make important policy and budget decisions necessary for Nevada to meet the SB 254 GHG reduction goals in 2025 and 2030, and beyond.” Beyond the burden on day-to-day life, caused by the challenges of having to deal and respond to the neverceasing intentions of government authorities to build their base of control on what can or cannot be done, an author who visited our country for 10 months in 1831 and 1832 had a very insightful understanding. Alexis de Tocqueville shared this observation in his book “Democracy in America” regarding increased regulations and rules – “Society will develop a new kind of servitude which covers the surface of society with a network of complicated rules, through which the most original minds and the most energetic characters cannot penetrate. It does not tyrannise but it compresses, enervates, extinguishes, and stupefies a people, till each nation is reduced to nothing better than a flock of timid and industrious animals, of which the government is the shepherd.” - Alexis de Tocqueville
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We Met Our Goal! By Brittney Money Director of Communications
UPCOMING SALES March 3
Thank you to all our wonderful members for helping us achieve our membership goal for 2021. We received the Navigator award from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). The Navigator award is given to states who not only met their membership goal but exceeded the membership goal.
WVM Headquarters • Cottonwood, CA Consignment Deadline: February 23
President Bevan Lister received the award from AFBF President Zippy Duvall and will be honored at the AFBF Annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia in January. A special thank you also goes out to Country Financial Insurance agents for recruiting new members and all the great work they do. We also would like to thank our membership benefit partners for creating member only discounts for Nevada Farm Bureau members. Another, thank you goes out to County Farm Bureau Presidents for all the great work they do at recruiting new members as well.
April 14
Wyndham Visalia • Visalia, CA Consignment Deadline: March 28
As the new year is upon us we hope to continue to grow our membership and we thank you again for being Nevada Farm Bureau members.
Check our website www.wvmcattle.com for consignment deadlines.
Scholarship Opportunity We are excited to announce the Dave Fulstone Scholarship is now open. The Dave Fulstone Scholarship is awarded through the Nevada Heritage Foundation an organization that supports education of Nevada’s youth in agricultural related fields.
WATCH & LISTEN TO THE SALE on the Web at:
The Dave Fulstone Scholarship is available to any student graduating from high school this year, a current college student or a trade school student who is furthering their education in a course of study pertaining to agriculture. A successful candidate for the scholarship must be from a Nevada Farm Bureau member family. A completed application must be submitted and include a copy of your most recent transcript and two letters of recommendation. Full application details and application forms can be found on the Nevada Farm Bureau website at nvfb.org or by using the direct link Dave Fulstone scholarship https://www.nvfb.org/articles/dave-fulstone-scholarship-2/ The application deadline is April 1, 2022. Applications can be emailed to Julie Wolf at wolfranch1nv@gmail.com or mailed to:
For more information, please call
(530) 347-3793 or email us at wvm@wvmcattle.com Look for the catalog and video on www.wvmcattle.com
Nevada Heritage Foundation Scholarship Committee C/O Nevada Farm Bureau Nevada Heritage Foundation 2165 Green Vista Dr Suite 205 Sparks, Nevada 89431
Market your cattle with the professionals!
For more information, please call the Nevada Farm Bureau office at 775-674-4000. www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
FEBRUARY 2022
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BATTLE BORN STOCKTON WELL LAUNCHES NEW GRANGE CHAPTER By Suzann Gilliland Peterson January 8, 2022 is a special day in the life of Silver Springs, Nevada. It is the birthday of Battle Born Stockton Well Grange. In tribute to the state of its inception and the history of the area, Battle Born Stockton Well (BBSW) became the 29th Nevada chapter of the National Grange of the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry (National Grange). Battle Born is the motto of Nevada and Stockton Well is one of the largest of the way stations of the five pioneer trails that converged at that well, including the old Carson Immigrant Trail. With its roots in agriculture, Grange is a national organization with a local focus. It is an organization of family values, grassroots activism, and community service whose members are provided opportunities to learn and grow as citizens and leaders. In the Public Television presentation “Spotlight on the Grange,” President Betsy Huber explains some of the reasons why the Grange was founded in 1865, including the fact that it was a way to bring people together after the devastating effects of the Civil War. She describes the Grange as a family organization that includes activities for people ages 5 to 105. In the same presentation, National Grange Executive Committee member Leroy Watson highlights the fact that another reason Grange was founded was to provide social, cultural and educational opportunities. Those opportunities remain an integral part of Grange life today, as does community service.
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Battle Born Stockton Well Grange began as a conversation in 2020 between Gloria Montero, Lecturer of High Desert Grange in nearby Fallon, and Carolynn Chamlee, a resident of Silver Springs. Carolynn was looking for an opportunity for her daughter to raise goats, a new endeavor for both of them. She met Gloria in 2019 at the High Desert Grange Old Timer’s Show, a popular annual event led by the chapter’s youth that features the goat-raising abilities of their parents. Unskilled though they were, Carolynn and her daughter found that High Desert Grangers were happy to show them the ropes. Carolynn remembers thinking, “A group of people so willing to help out others in a competition they, too, are also in, I felt
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that was pretty special.” She was so impressed that she began to attend High Desert Grange meetings and began to bring others whom she felt would benefit from the experience. With the support and guidance of High Desert Grange, she set out to see if there was enough support in Northern Lyon County to create their own Grange chapter in Silver Springs. Thus began the conversation with Gloria and the building of a new chapter. With pride, excitement and praise for the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the new Grangers Carl Clinger, National Grange Deputy for Nevada and President of Nevada’s High Desert Grange, installed the new BBSW officers in a room filled with new BBSW members. On day one as an official Grange chapter, BBSW had secured an immensely impressive 95 members, quite an achievement for a new group. Volunteers are the lifeblood of BBSW Grange and volunteer contributions are evident in all areas of the chapter. Prior to their official launch, the soon-to-be members spent a year in preparation. Carolynn states, “I fully believe we are as successful and large as we are because of the quality of the material we offer.” The Battle Born Stockton Well Grange offers 13 different projects and hosts 2 horse shows, 1 dairy goat show, and 2 educational events a year. All projects are created and taught by BBSW members and the programs reflect the wide range of talent and enthusiasm among them. Projects range from animal husbandry such as hippology and Show Circle Critters (small show livestock) to sports which include shooting sports and soccer to self-sufficiency classes that promote homesteading, gardening skills and more. President Jamie Graham believes BBSW will bring value to the Silver Springs community, especially to its youth. She says, “Living in a rural area, there aren’t many activities to do or organizations to partake in. Having something like Grange in a small rural community can bring so much positivity to the local community members. It can be a deterrent for the youth who may otherwise get involved in risky activities like drugs or alcohol. It can stimulate the presence of the family and doing things together.” In addition to creating a positive influence in her community, Jamie also hopes to bring new ideas to the national table for Grange members throughout the country as well. She looks forward to seeing where BBSW goes and hopes that they are able to reach many of their community members so they can share with them the sense of community that Grange has given to her family. Building BBSW Grange is a continuous and stimulating endeavor for all its members. “Welcome to the Himalayas” best describes their efforts. As Carolynn puts it, “Like the tallest mountains in the world, we will keep moving up.” For more information on Battle Born Stockton Wells Grange, contact Carolynn Chamlee at cmchamlee@ gmail.com or at 949-275-2815. www.progressiverancher.com
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FEBRUARY 2022
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Control & Eradication of Bovine Trichomonosis in Wyoming by Testing & Culling Positive Bulls by Chaoqun Yao https://veterinaryresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13567-021-00996-w Abstract
Economic loss
Bovine trichomonosis is caused by Tritrichomonas foetus. Thirty-three US states have state rules on this disease and render it reportable due to potential huge economic losses to cattle industry. The various rules of different states generally mandate testing and culling T. foetus-positive bulls as well as prohibiting import of T. foetus-positive animals. Wyoming has enforced these rules for over 20 year beginning in 2000. From 2017 to 2019, 3 years in a row, not even one T. foetus-positive bull has been detected throughout the entire state among over ten thousand bulls tested annually. Wyoming is the first US state to achieve total control and eradication of bovine trichomonosis by testing and culling T. foetuspositive bulls.
Accurately calculating the economic losses caused by bovine trichomonosis on both individual cattle producers and cattle industry as a whole is very challenging if not impossible. Economic losses caused by bovine trichomonosis mainly consist of diminished financial gains due to (1) financial costs of testing bulls and veterinary expenses, culling and replacing T. foetusinfected bulls and open cows; and (2) lower calf crop as a result of fewer calves born and lighter calf bodyweight.
Introduction
Bovine trichomonosis is a sexually transmitted disease in cattle. Its causative pathogen is Tritrichomonas foetus, which is closely related to a human trichomonad protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite is transmitted by direct sexual contact. An infected bull may appear normal without clinical signs except a preputial discharge associated with small nodules on the preputial and penile membranes in the early stage of infection [1, 2]. Nevertheless, it can carry the parasite in the preputium with some concentration in the fornix and around the glans penis for an extended period of time, very likely for life [1, 2]. Therefore, a T. foetus-positive bull is always a major, if not the solely source of infection for a herd of cows served with natural mating. In contrast, a female cattle experiences vaginitis, endometritis, early abortion and transient or even permanent infertility after infection [3]. A cow or heifer may also develop a shortlived immunity and becomes pregnant again in the same breeding season with a delay, causing an extended and much longer calf season in a T. foetus-positive cattle herd [4]. Tritrichomonas foetus and bovine trichomonosis it causes in cattle have been found or presume to be worldwide on all continents except the Antarctica [5,6,7,8]. Bovine trichomonosis was first discovered in the US cattle in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1932. Since then it has been found in many US states including Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming [7]. Recently added to the list include Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia [9,10,11,12]. Due to its capacity of causing great economic losses, which is briefly addressed below, 33 US states have rules on bovine trichomonosis currently in effect [12], mainly testing and culling T. foetus-positive bulls as well as prohibiting import of positive ones. These rules aim to control and eventually eradicate bovine trichomonosis.
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Bull testing and veterinary expenses
Factors that affect the cost for testing bulls include, but are not limited to, farm size in numbers of cows, bull to cow ratio, distance to veterinarian service and numbers of test performed. An estimate for bull-test cost per cow was made based on a survey of veterinarians in Colorado State is showed in Table 1. The estimated average cost for bull testing ranged from $1.20 to $5.68 per cow depending upon how far a farm was away from a veterinarian or whether bulls were hauled into a clinic [13]. The current fee schedule of Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory (WSVL) for T. foetus test is $8.00/each for 1–2 samples or $6.00/each for ≥ 3 samples using culturing; $30.00/ each for 1–9 samples or $25.00/each for ≥ 10 samples using PCR [14]. Using the same bull:cow ratio of 1:20 as in Table 1, the current average cost of bull testing in Wyoming is $0.40–1.50, $0.30–1.50, $0.30–1.25, and $0.30–1.25 per cow for a size of farm with 40, 100, 200 or 400 cows, respectively. Of course, an additional cost for veterinarian traveling and sample-taking needs to be added up to it. TABLE 1. Estimated average cost in US dollars for bull testing in Colorado State in 2008*
Herd size # of cows 40 100 200 400
“In clinic” (Total cost) 1.50 (60) 1.35 (135) 1.25 (250) 1.25 (500)
10 miles (Total cost) 2.50 (100) 1.65 (165) 1.33 (266) 1.20 (480)
75 miles (Total cost) 5.68 (227) 2.93 (293) 2.12 (424) 1.79 (716)
*The estimate was based on a bull to cow ratio of 1:20 with a farm 10 or 75 miles away from veterinarians or bulls being hauled to a veterinary clinic designated as “In clinic”. The cost was for one test of all bulls. The data are from [13].
Direct losses In Wyoming it was estimated that a 20% reduction in calf crop due to bovine trichomonosis in a 100-cow herd in 2011 could cause $20,000 in annual losses [15]. Further a computer modeling was adapted using 400 cows with 5 bulls where one or two bulls were positive with T. foetus. The model showed that (1) 14–50% reduction in annual calf crop; (2) 5–12% reduction in sucking/growing period; (3) 4–10% reduction in the bodyweight of calf crop at weaning; (4) 4–10% reduction in monetary return per calf born and (5) 5–35% reduction in in monetary return per cow [16]. The Progressive Rancher
Wyoming’s long march to control and eradication of bovine trichomonosis Wyoming started its journey for control and eradication of bovine trichomonosis in the year 2000 when it started a state rule called “Chapter 15” that mandates testing all bulls grazing on open/public allotments or being traded or leased for reproduction and culling T. foetus-positive bulls as well as prohibiting import of T. foetus-positive bulls. At the same time the rule listed bovine trichomonosis a state notifiable disease. The disease had been known in the state since 1970s, and the WSVL performed only hundreds of tests on bovine samples for T. foetus annually prior to 2000. Since then the numbers of samples tested annually have exponentially increased to thousands. The author had served as the WSVL Parasitology Section head between 2008 and 2013. A few specific aspects are worth discussion for the Wyoming’s journey.
Risk factors for bovine trichomonosis
A statewide survey of all cattle producers in Wyoming was carried out in 2011 by the author and colleagues using a questionnaire. Twenty-five variables were included in the questionnaire for their possible association with the positive status among the T. foetus-infected cattle herds. These were on producers (educational level, annual family income and knowledge of bovine trichomonosis), herds (geographic area, bull number, bull breed, bull mean age, primary bull source, bulls purchased annually, comingling, breeding method, cow number, open-cow rate, pregnancy testing, vaccination, vaccine brand, vaccination frequency and vaccination season) and allotments (type, fences, frequency in fence checking, broken fence, time needed to fix a fence, positive herd(s) in neighborhood). An overall response rate was 23.4% (1288/5498). Risk factors identified and their odds ratio (OR) were: neighboring a positive herd(s) (OR = 18.3, 95% CL 4.1–81.1, P = 0.0003), grazing on public allotments (OR = 2.9, 95% CL 0.7–12.1, P = 0.003), commingling with other herd (OR > 999.9, P = 0.026, 95% CL > 999.9) and elapsed time taken to fix a broken fence(s) a week or longer (OR = 4.3, P = 0.078, 95% CL 0.9–20.2) [17].
Unpopularity of artificial insemination (AI)
In the USA, cattle producers are voluntary in performing AI among their cattle herds. Not a single US state has a decree that demands mandatory AI. In the abovementioned questionnaire cattle producers were also surveyed for breeding methods in their cattle herds. Overwhelming 80.8% of cattle herds were by live bull service whereas only 2.1% was by AI in the year 2010. Furthermore, 56.1% of producers in Wyoming would not consider AI and only 36.7% would in the future [17]. Therefore, AI, the method having proved effective in European Union countries, would have very marginal effect in Wyoming State for control and eradication of bovine trichomonosis due to its unpopularity among cattle farmers.
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T. foetus strain Clinical isolates of T. foetus from Wyoming positive bulls were cultured and their identity was investigated by sequencing partial small and large subunit rRNA, the internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2, and 5S rRNA fragments followed by a phylogenetic analysis. All 24 isolates had identical sequences and were confirmed as bovine strain [18]. It is worthy of mentioning an interesting case just published this past April. The preputial fluid of a Polish bull was microscopically and PCR positive for T. foetus after culture. Nevertheless, DNA sequence of the PCR amplicon showed 99.62% identity with Honigbergiella sp [19], which may be present in cattle feces [20]. Therefore, it is important to confirm that a PCR amplicon truly belongs to T. foetus by DNA sequencing, which is especially important in the T. foetus-free or eradicated regions/countries for maintaining such a status.
Testing cows and aborted fetuses
In addition to routine testing bull for T. foetus, the WSVL had been testing cows with abortion and aborted fetuses for the pathogen. Both cell culture and conventional PCR were employed. In a span of 11 years from 2000 to 2010, 9.7% (9/93) such cows were tested positive, and 4.5% (1/22) of aborted fetuses were similarly tested positive. These cows may play a role in maintaining endemicity of bovine trichomonosis in the corresponding herds [21] based on the fact that some cows carry the protozoan for an extended period of time, i.e., up to 300 days postbreeding [4, 22]. Therefore, it is necessary to test cows with a history of abortion and open cows, especially in suspected herds for the protozoan.
Bull testing
It was not until 1990s that the WSVL provided routine test for T. foetus although it started the test in 1970s. Wyoming state rules on bovine trichomonosis (Chapter 15) has been into effect since 2000 with the Wyoming Livestock Board’s enforcing them. State laws mandate bulls grazing on open/public allotments or being traded or leased for the reproductive purpose be tested prior to breeding or change of ownership. They are usually tested in the winter season prior to their being put on pasture the next spring. In 1999, the year before state’s rules of the Chapter 15 came into effect, the statewide prevalence of individual cattle was 2.69%. There was a slow but steady decline since then. In 2008, the statewide prevalence was reduced to 0.62%, a 77% reduction in perveance in nine years. However, the statewide prevalence reached 1.29% in 2009, a 100% increase than the previous year, before it set back to 0.21% in 2010. Based on the data, a linear regression was established as: Prevalence F(x) = 261.020047–0.129685*Year(x) (r = 0.717; P = 0.009) [7]. The linear model predicates that by 2013 Wyoming would have no positive cases of T. foetus in bulls if the model were allowed to be used beyond the range of years of its data collection. This had not happened. In next five years from 2011 to 2015, the statewide prevalence was between 0.12 and 0.5% with over 10 000 bulls tested annually. In 2016, the statewide prevalence dropped to 0.03% with only three positive bulls. Further in 2017, 2018 and 2019, three years in a row, not a single T. foetus-positive bull was found throughout the entire state (Table 2). It is worth a short discussion what caused the resurgence of the statewide prevalence of individual cattle observed in 2009. The statewide prevalence of cattle www.progressiverancher.com
herds in 2009 was 2.16%, lower than 2.55% and 3.21% in the previous two years of lower statewide prevalence of individual cattle [7]. Therefore, it is plausible that an increase of the positive individual cattle among positive herds was the main, and possibly the solely reason for this resurgence. A similar resurgence in the future is very unlikely since now all herds throughout the entire state are T. foetus-free. It is safe to conclude that Wyoming has finally reached its goal of total control and eradication of bovine trichomonosis statewide 20 years after it started a long march in 2000. TABLE 2. Tritrichomonas foetus prevalence of Wyoming individual bulls
Year
No tested No positive Prevalence(%) References
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011† 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
433 920 1525 4880 6025 6515 6855 7515 7450 7270 7080 7275 7597 8222 10,301 10,172 10,142 10,168 10,054 10,826 11,369 10,680 9920
5 18 41 71 78 71 43 44 79 57 50 45 98 17 18 51 25 12 14 3 0 0 0
1.15 1.96 2.69 1.45 1.29 1.09 0.63 0.59 1.06 0.78 0.71 0.62 1.29 0.21 0.17 0.50 0.25 0.12 0.14 0.03 0 0 0
[7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [25] [25] [25] [25] [25] [25] [25] [25] #
†Starting the year 2011, the data were from July 1 of the year to June 30 of the next one instead of the calendar year of January 1 to December 31 for the data presented from 1997 to 2010. #Personal communication with permission of Dr Jim Logan and Dr Douglas Leinart of Wyoming Livestock Board.
Concluding remarks and prospects Based on published and open-access data, this manuscript concludes that Wyoming State has eradicated bovine trichomonosis. This is achieved even though (1) AI was scarcely used by Wyoming cattle producers. (2) Very low percentage of bulls had been tested three times. The state must continuously enforce its rules since all its adjacent states are still endemic with bovine trichomonosis. In total 33 US states have similar state rules in effect [12]. These rules cannot and should not be abandoned until the entire USA eradicates the disease, which may still be many years to come. Can this success be repeatedly achieved in other US states and rest of the world? To control the disease for minimizing economic losses regulations and rules/laws similar to those of Wyoming are in effect in other 33 US states [12]. To achieve eradication culling T. foetuspositive bulls is necessarily carried out without any reservation. This is also indirectly supported by the data generated from La Pampa, Argentine. La Pampa is an administrative body in Argentine like Wyoming is a state in the USA. It started a mandatory testing and culling The Progressive Rancher
program in 2008. The positive rate of bulls reduced to 1.02% in 2011 from 2.34% in 2008, a 56.4% decrease in only four years. However, the rate remained flat in the next four years between 2012 and 2015. Not culling positive bulls was to be blamed for this flat persistence of bovine trichomonosis [23]. In addition, three negative tests are recommended for ruling out of possible infections in high risk situations [24]. Collectively, strict enforcement of testing and culling T. foetus-positive bulls besides of AI will lead to total control and the final eradication of bovine trichomonosis. Further, its complement with several other measures such as keeping closed herds, using bulls of three years old or younger and well-fenced allotments will accelerate eradication (Figure 1).
REFERENCES
1. BonDurant RH (1997) Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of trichomoniasis in cattle. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 13:345–361 2. Bondurant RH (2005) Venereal diseases of cattle: natural history, diagnosis, and the role of vaccines in their control. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 21:383–408 3. Felleisen RS (1999) Host-parasite interaction in bovine infection with Tritrichomonas foetus. Microbes Infect 1:807–816 4. Skirrow S (1987) Identification of trichomonad-carrier cows. J Am Vet Med Assoc 191:553–554 5. Morgan BB (1947) A summary of research on Trichomonas foetus. J Parasitol 33:201–206 6. Reichel MP, Wahl LC, Hill FI (2018) Review of diagnostic procedures and approaches to infectious causes of reproductive failures of cattle in Australia and New Zealand. Front Vet Sci 5:222 7. Yao C, Bardsley KD, Litzman EA, Hall ML, Davidson MR (2011) Tritrichomonas foetus Infection in Beef Bull Populations in Wyoming. J Bacteriol Parasitol 2:117 8. OIE. 2021. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/91749. Accessed 28 May 2021 9. IDAADL (Illinois Department of Agriculture Animal Disease Laboratory). Laboratory Notes. 2014:2. https:// www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Animals/AnimalHealth/Documents/LabNotes/LabNotes09-01-14.pdf Accessed 31 Aug 2020 10. Farmprogress: Two Iowa Bulls Test Positive For Trichomoniasis. 2012. https://www.farmprogress.com/storytwo-iowa-bulls-test-positive-trichomoniasis-9-60808 Accessd 31 Aug 2020 11. Szonyi B, Srinath I, Schwartz A, Clavijo A, Ivanek R (2012) Spatio-temporal epidemiology of Tritrichomonas foetus infection in Texas bulls based on state-wide diagnostic laboratory data. Vet Parasitol 186:450–455 12. Martin KA, Henderson J, Brewer MT (2021) Bovine Trichomonosis Cases in the United States 2015–2019. Front Vet Sci 8:692199 13. Striegel N, Ellis R, Deering J. Trichomoniasis Prevention: The Cost per Cow to Prevent. 2008:4. https:// extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/agriculture/trichomoniasis-prevention-the-cost-per-cow-toprevent-1-628-2/ Accessed 03 Sept 2020 14. WSVL (Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory). Fee Schedule and General Policies. 2015. https://www.uwyo. edu/wyovet/_files/docs/wsvl-fee-schedule-and-general-policies.pdf Accessed 03 Sept 2020 15. Clark C (2011) Trichomoniasis research aims to move toward eradication of disease. Wyo Agr 28:4 16. Rae DO (1989) Impact of trichomoniasis on the cow-calf producer’s profitability. J Am Vet Med Assoc 194:771– 775 17. Jin Y, Schumaker B, Logan J, Yao C (2014) Risk Factors associated with bovine trichomoniasis in beef cattle identified by a questionnaire. J Med Microbiol 63:896–902 18. Jin Y, Du A, Yao C (2020) Clinical isolates of Tritrichomonas foetus in bulls in Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana, USA. BMC Vet Res 16:12 19. Dabrowska J, Karamon J, Kochanowski M, Sroka J, Cencek T (2021) Unexpected cross-reaction with Honigbergiella-like DNA in a PCR for detection of bovine Tritrichomonas foetus. Pathogens 10:441 20. Hampl V, Cepicka I, Flegr J, Tachezy J, Kulda J (2007) Morphological and molecular diversity of the monocercomonadid genera Monocercomonas, Hexamastix, and Honigbergiella gen. nov. Protist 158:365–383 21. Yao C (2015) Tritrichomonas foetus infections in female beef cattle with abortion in Wyoming, USA. JMM Case Rep. https://doi.org/10.1099/jmmcr.0.000028 22. Mancebo OA, Russo AM, Carabajal LL, Monzon CM (1995) Persistence of Tritrichomonas foetus in naturally infected cows and heifers in Argentina. Vet Parasitol 59:7–11 23. Oyhenart J (2019) Major factors associated to persistence of bovine trichomoniasis in a mandatory control plan: a eight year retrospective study in La Pampa, Argentine. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Rep 18:100328 24. Waldner CL, Parker S, Gesy KM, Waugh T, Lanigan E, Campbell JR (2017) Application of direct polymerase chain reaction assays for Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and Tritrichomonas foetus to screen preputial samples from breeding bulls in cow-calf herds in western Canada. Can J Vet Res 81:91–99 25. WLSB (Wyoming Livestock Board). 2020. https://wlsb.state.wy.us/editable-page/animal-health/ downloadFile?filename=By%20The%20Numbers%20%2717-%2718%20Thru%20Aug%2031.pdf Accessed 27 Aug 2020 26. Yao C (2013) Diagnosis of Tritrichomonas foetus-infected bulls, an ultimate approach to eradicate bovine trichomoniasis in US cattle? J Med Microbiol 62:1–9
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BOVINE TRICHOMONIASIS In Washington State
• Send culled animals to slaughter to avoid infecting other herds. • Use home-raised replacements, or purchase pregnant replacements from known trich-free sources when possible. • Separate replacements from mature animals.
Minimizing the risk of trichomoniasis infections in uninfected (clean) herds:
Overview for Cattle Producers Washington State Department of Agriculture Trichomoniasis is a venereal disease among cattle that can cause abortions, low pregnancy rates and delayed or prolonged calving seasons. The disease is present in the U.S., and can have severe economic costs for Washington’s beef producers. Tight economic conditions may allow the disease to spread undetected (e.g. less pregnancy checking, longer breeding seasons, purchase of bargain cows), but trichomoniasis can be prevented and controlled through management.
Cause
Trichomoniasis is caused by a sexually transmitted parasite (Tritrichomonas foetus). The protozoa can survive and grow in the folds of the sheath and crypts in the penile mucosa. Bulls over three years of age rarely clear the parasite once they become infected, and serve as long-term carriers. The parasite may also live in the reproductive tract of infected cows, though they often clear the infection within three months. Immunity to trichomoniasis lasts less than a year, so cows may be re-infected. Some infected cows may carry the infection into the next breeding season.
Spread
Trichomoniasis is spread by breeding activity. Infected bulls continue to breed normally and spread the infection to cows, which pass it to uninfected bulls when they rebreed. Bull-to-bull transmission is rare; cow-to-cow transmission does not occur. Trichomoniasis is more common in breeding pastures where multiple herds are purposely or inadvertently mixed (e.g. community pastures) or in operations that purchase open cows or mature, untested breeding bulls. The parasite is sensitive to freezing, drying, and sunlight, and cannot survive outside the animal.
Symptoms
Infected bulls show no symptoms. Infected cows usually abort early (75 days) in the first trimester, resulting in repeat breeding, irregular heat cycles, longer calving intervals, and reduced pregnancy 36 FEBRUARY 2022
rates. The parasite may localize in any part of the female reproductive tract. In uninfected herds, the majority of cows should be pregnant and calve in the first 45 days of the calving period, given proper management (good body condition score, short breeding season) and no other reproductive problems.
Testing
For best results, tested bulls should have a minimum of 4-days without sexual activity before they are sampled. Longer (7-day) period of sexual rest is preferable. Smega samples collected with pipette should be sent to the lab in lab-approved transfer media, typically IN Pouch TF or In-Tube TF. WADDL requires samples to be received within 48-hours of collection. The lab conducts a Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) test and returns the result to the veterinarian and the state veterinarian’s office.
Treatment and Vaccination
Treatment is not generally effective because the protozoa do not live within the bloodstream, making it difficult for systemic drugs to reach the parasite. The preventative value of vaccination is relatively short-lived, but may help in some cases as part of an overall management plan.
Control and Prevention
Appropriate management of the breeding herd helps to prevent the introduction of the disease to uninfected herds, and in eliminating the parasite from infected herds.
Control of trichomoniasis in infected herds:
• Test all non-virgin bulls. • Cull infected bulls, and replace with virgin bulls. • Have a defined breeding season - avoid leaving bulls with cows year-round. • Pregnancy check and cull open and late-calving females. The Progressive Rancher
• Purchase only virgin or tested bulls. • Do not borrow, rent, lease or buy untested bulls that have been used for breeding. • Have a defined breeding season - avoid leaving bulls with cows year-round. • Cull open and late-calving cows. • Winter cows and bulls separately to minimize infection of bulls by late calving or late cycling cows. • Do not purchase open cows. • Use home-raised replacements, or purchase pregnant replacement females from reputable sources. • Separate replacements from mature animals. • Avoid commingling of breeding herds, if possible. • Check fences regularly to keep other animals out.
Community pastures
Producers using community pasture need to establish, implement and police biosecurity policies that help avoid trichomoniasis, such as: • Test and cull infected herd and patron bulls. • Consider wintering bulls used on community pastures away from cows to avoid re-infecting cows. • Accept only virgin heifers and cows with a calf at side. • If facilities, fencing and labor are adequate, community pastures may set aside “clean” pastures for cows from uninfected herds with calves at side, and “infected” pastures for infected herds, or herds with open cows.
Danger to humans
Bovine trichomoniasis is not believed to be a risk to humans. Human trichomoniasis is caused by a different organism (Trichomonas vaginalis). Trichomoniasis is not a food safety risk, and is not the same as trichinosis. Trichinosis is a parasite found in animals that eat meat.
Other considerations
Reproductive failure can also result from a variety of other nutritional, injury or infectious causes. A sound herd health program, developed in collaboration with your veterinarian, will help to minimize these risks. www.progressiverancher.com
Washington’s Requirement
Washington Administrative Import - Washington has mandatory Trichomoniasis Code (WAC) relating to Bovine testing and identification requirements for all Trichomoniasis requirements imported bovine. In-State - Washington also has in-state trichomoniasis requirements for any sexually intact bovine that is found test-positive for trichomoniasis or any herd in which one or more bulls or cows are found test-positive for trichomoniasis. Bulls < 18 months - Bulls presented at a public livestock market that are judged to be less than eighteen months of age by the market veterinarian using dentition inspection are exempt from trichomoniasis testing. Bulls > 18 months - There are four testing options for Bulls presented at a public livestock market that are determined to be more than eighteen months of age by the market veterinarian using dentition. Bulls must be: 1. Sampled for trichomoniasis prior to leaving the market and not be turned out with female cattle until confirmed negative test results are reported. A qPCR test is used when testing for trichomoniasis. 2. Castrated prior to leaving the market. 3. Sent to a Category 2 Restricted Holding Facility. 4. Sold for slaughter. A non-pregnant female, with no calf at side, which is identified by the owner as being from an infected herd and is offered for sale at a livestock market, must remain in slaughter channels. For complete requirements, see rules as follows:
DON’T INTRODUCE TRICHOMONIASIS TO YOUR HERD! One infected cow can infect the entire herd An infected bull will not show symptoms but will physically transmit the organism to female cattle during the breeding process. 19 out of 20 (95%) heifers will become infected with trich after a single breeding process with a naturally infected bull. Clinical indications of the presence of trich in female cattle include reduced pregnancy rates, changes in pregnancy pattern (shift towards more late calving cows), pus in the uterus (pyometras) and higher rates of abortion throughout the pregnancy.
While it is commonly stated that most cows and heifers can clear trich infections with 120 or more days of sexual rest, recent studies have shown trich infected female cattle can become pregnant and have abortions 120 days after conception. Unlike bulls, trich infected females will show an immune response to the presence of the trich organism in their reproductive tract. Antibodies are produced both within the reproductive tract and blood www.progressiverancher.com
WAC 16-54-086 (Import) Bovine Trichomoniasis requirements. WAC 16-86-005 Definitions (contains herd plan and virgin bulls definition). WAC 16-86-115 Trichomoniasis in Washington cattle. WAC 16-86-116 Duties of Certified, Accredited Veterinarians – Training requirement for veterinarians performing trichomoniasis testing in cattle. Washington’s Trichomoniasis Tag Washington trichomoniasis ear tag is tamperproof, 2 1/4” wide x 3” tall. On the front of the tag is printed a WA TRICH number. Bulls sampled in Washington must have a current year Washington trichomoniasis tag and a USDA-approved official identification tag applied. Both forms of ID must be recorded on the laboratory submission form. Additional official ID must NOT be applied on a bull already bearing an official ID tag.
State Trichomoniasis certified accredited veterinarians can order tags from WSDA. Trichomoniasis tags are packaged 25/bag.
Trichomoniasis Year
The Trichomoniasis year is defined as September 1 thru August 31, so application of the appropriate tag color will change each year on September 1. Previous year Trichomoniasis tags will be removed and replaced with the tag consistent with the current year’s test. Year-to-year continuity of bovine Trichomoniasis identification should be maintained through the recorded official ID tag number. Trichomoniasis tag colors repeat every 5 years. Trich Year Test Period Tag Color 2017 Sep 1, 2016 – Aug 31, 2017 White 2018 Sep 1, 2017 – Aug 31, 2018 Orange 2019 Sep 1, 2018 – Aug 31, 2019 Blue 2020 Sep 1, 2019 – Aug 31, 2020 Yellow 2021 Sep 1, 2020 – Aug 31, 2021 Green 2022 Sep 1, 2021 – Aug 31, 2022 White Washington State Department of Agriculture
Animal Services Division|Animal Health Program
(360) 902-1878 Fax: (360) 902-2087 E-mail: ahealth@agr.wa.gov www.agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AnimalHealth/
ADDITIONAL TRICH RESOURCES Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: www.beef.tamu.edu TAHC Cattle Trichomoniasis Brochure:
www.tahc.texas.gov/news/brochures/TAHCBrochure_Trichomoniasis.pdf TrichConsult: www.trichconsult.org
which helps in the clearance of the infection in many exposed females. The immunity to trich is short-lived and cattle that have previously cleared the infection can become re-infected if exposed to trich during a following breeding.
While there is no approved treatment for trich, there is currently one vaccine available that has been proven to reduce the shedding of T. foetus. Studies have shown that vaccinating cattle prior to breeding increases calf crop in trich infected herds.
No blood test is commercially available for trich infected cattle, however female cattle can be sampled using similar collection materials as are used in bulls. Sampling of cervicovaginal mucus (clear) and purulent vaginal discharges (cloudy or white) are considered to be the samples of choice.² The diagnostic sensitivity of these samples is less than that found in testing preputial smegma samples from bulls. Since testing is not found to be the most accurate way of identifying trich in female cattle, reliance on clinical indications of the presence of trich is needed. The best method of surveillance is to know the disease status of the bulls in each breeding pasture group (trich test bulls before and immediately following the breeding season).
Herds that exhibit high levels of biosecurity, keep excellent pasture records, while monitoring reproduction rates are not as likely to be severely impacted by bovine trichomoniasis.
It is important to note, infected female cattle can remain infected throughout their pregnancy, deliver a live calf and be a potential threat in spreading the disease in the next breeding season.
The Progressive Rancher
Producers interested in vaccination consultation or testing their herd are encouraged to contact their private veterinarian or a veterinarian on the TAHC Bovine Trichomoniasis Certified Veterinarian list.
What can I do to keep my herd trich-free? • Develop a preventative herd health plan with your veterinarian that includes testing of bulls, record keeping and a vaccination schedule. • Educate yourself and others about the disease.
• Know the breeding and calving history of your purchases. FEBRUARY 2022
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Oregon’s requirements • Oregon has mandatory Trich test requirements for all imported bulls and considers Trich a reportable disease. • A test-positive herd will require all bulls tested of neighboring herds that were exposed by commingling or common fence line. • Oregon has an official Trich tag. These tags are color coded for each Trich year, repeating colors every 5 years. An official USDA silver “brite” tag should accompany the Trich tag for traceability purposes. • The Trich year is defined as Sept. 1 to Aug. 31
Trich year
Tag color
2016
Green
2017
White
2018
Orange
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Is my herd at risk for Trich?
What you need to know about Bovine Trichomoniasis (Trich) in Oregon
A herd can be considered high risk under the following management situations: • Addition of unknown “sale barn” cattle to the herd. • Poor fences, commingling of cattle. • Borrowing/leasing breeding bulls. • Year-long bull turnout. • Grazing cattle in common allotments.
Can your outfit handle the financial burden of Trich?
For more information contact:
Scott Essex, Field Veterinarian Oregon Department of Agriculture 503-428-7458 sessex@oda.state.or.us www.oregon.gov/ODA Updated August 2016 The Progressive Rancher
Oregon Department of Agriculture Animal Health Program www.progressiverancher.com
TRICHOMONIASIS IN BEEF CATTLE Bovine Trich is a sexually transmitted disease of cattle that can cause abortion, low pregnancy rates, and prolonged calving seasons. The disease has been long standing to the Western United States causing economic loss to producers. Cause: The agent involved is a protozoan parasite (Tritrichomonas foetus) that can survive and grow in the folds of the prepuce of the bull. Bulls rarely clear the parasite once infected, becoming long-term carriers. Cows that become infected will often clear the infection within 1 to 4 months, but remain a source of infection to breeding bulls at this time. Some infected cows may carry the infection into the next breeding season.
management. Infected herds may show an increase in open cattle, or cows calving mostly in the second half of the calving season. Testing: Official testing requires that bulls be sampled, by a certified veterinarian, a minimum of 14 days following sexual rest. In Oregon a DNA test is available, known as a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. This test can be run individually or on pooled samples containing up to 5 bulls. The lab does the pooling procedure. Pooled samples are for surveillance only and should not be used if Trich is highly suspected.
Spread: Infected bulls spread Trich by breeding activity. Clean bulls become infected from infected cows. Bull to bull infection is rare, and cow-to-cow infection does not occur.
Treatment and vaccination: There is no approved treatment for Trich except culling for slaughter. A vaccine is available and tests indicate vaccinated females will clear an infection faster than unvaccinated females. At this time the vaccine has not been shown to protect bulls.
Symptoms: Infected bulls show no symptoms. Uninfected herds should have majority of cows calving in the first 45 days of calving with proper
Danger to humans: Bovine Trich is not a food safety risk and is different than Trichinosis, a parasite found in animals that eat meat.
CONTROL AND PREVENTION • The Trich year is defined as Sept. 1 to Aug. 31 • Minimize your risk by only purchasing virgin or tested bulls • Do not borrow, rent, or buy untested bulls www.progressiverancher.com
• Pregnancy check and cull open and late-calving cows. Culls should go to slaughter if Trich suspected in herd • Winter cows and bulls separately to minimize infection of bulls by late cycling cows.
• Producers using community pastures should implement and police biosecurity policies that help avoid the spread of Trichomoniasis • Check fences regularly to keep other animals out
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• Maintain good records to weed out potential problem cows • Only purchase females from reputable sources
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2022 Census of Agriculture | Your Voice. Your Future. Your Opportunity. United States Department of Agriculture | National Agricultural Statistics Service
Presented by: Curt Stock, Nevada State Statistician | USDA NASS - Pacific Region | nass.usda.gov/AgCensus
Who is the National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS)? • U.S. Department of Agriculture agency that provides timely, accurate, and useful data in service to agriculture. Data is collected from farmers and ranchers. Individual reports are confidential. Reports are combined and published at the National, Region, State, and County level.
What Does NASS Do? • Tell your story. • Administer USDA’s Statistical Estimating Program Farms Crops Livestock Economic Environmental • Produce over 400 National Reports per year • Conduct the 5 year Census of Agriculture
Farm Defined Any place from which at least $1,000 of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the year.
January Cattle Report • Conducted in all states. • Provides inventory data that describes the nation’s cattle herd. • Estimates # of breeding animals for beef, milk production, as well as heifers held for herd replacement. • Estimates of cattle & calves raised for meat production and # of calves born
Dates to Remember
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BE COUNTED! THERE’S STRENGTH IN NUMBERS! Learn more at: www.nass.usda.gov/go/nacs
Your Voice
• November 21, 2022: Census mail out • February 6, 2023: Census deadline • February 22, 2024: Census data available
Contact Info: Curt Stock | Curt.Stock@usda.gov (916) 396 5867 www.nass.usda.gov/nv www.nass.usda.gov www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus 40 FEBRUARY 2022
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Your Voice
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Churchill County Cowbelles |
Favorite Beef Recipes
By Leana L. Carey, President
THE BEST SMOKED BRISKET Cooking a beef brisket well can be challenging. It’s a lean, tough cut that’s often overcooked. But when done well, it’s unbelievably tender and delicious. Here’s how to smoke a brisket Texas-style for a great meal your family and friends will love.
WHAT IS BRISKET? Brisket is one of the nine primal cuts of beef. The brisket is cut from the lower chest and these muscles do a lot of work. So the meat consists of long, strong fibers. The brisket consists of two separate muscle groups identified as the flat and the point. When smoking a brisket, you’ll want to buy a brisket that includes both the point and the flat. This is most often called a packer brisket cut. A whole packer brisket will provide juicy and tender smoked meat that won’t be dry. TRIMMING A PACKER BRISKET When you are getting your brisket ready for the smoker, cut most of the excess fat off. You want to leave only about one quarter inch of the fat cap on the beef. If you don’t trim the fat on the brisket, the smoke flavor will not get into the meat and you’ll end up with a bunch of delicious smelling (but inedible) fat and a bland brisket. SEASONING A BRISKET FOR THE SMOKER Some people swear by dry-aging brisket, but we have found that the process often results in a very flavorful but dry piece of beef. Instead, we brine our brisket in the refrigerator, then let our packer cut brisket come to room temperature before smoking it. A whole packer cut is a big hunk of meat – usually between 16 and 18 pounds of beef. It can take more than an hour to let the meat come to temp.
BRINING THE BRISKET Brining adds flavor and will ensure your brisket is moist and tasty. Our brine is a simple recipe. Just combine water and apple cider vinegar in a large stock pot, brining bag, or dutch oven. Add sugar, black peppercorns, a couple bay leaves, and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Next set the brisket in the brine and place in the refrigerator for about three hours. When the brisket has sat, remove it from the liquid and pat it dry with paper towels. Do not rinse the brisket. DRY RUB FOR THE BEST FLAVOR For our brisket, we are going to use our all-natural Bearded Butcher Blend Black Seasoning. This blend has the perfect combination of spicy coarse ground black pepper and kosher salt to provide the ultimate in flavor. We are simply going to rub the brisket completely on all sides with the seasoning. The traditional, Texas way to season a brisket is to rub it with brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Many smoked brisket recipes also include paprika or chipotle seasoning for a spicy kick.
SMOKE A BRISKET LIKE A PRO We are going to preheat our Traeger 885 smoker to a temperature of 225 degrees F. For our brisket, we are going to use Traeger apple wood pellets. Apple wood chips contribute a slightly sweet and smoky flavor that is perfect for a brisket. Place a meat thermometer probe in the thickest part of the brisket, making sure that you don’t accidentally get the probe in the fat layer between the flat and the point. Smoking brisket is a time-consuming process, so make sure you plan ahead. A large brisket can take eight or nine hours to smoke and should be rested after cooking. Smoked brisket usually takes around half an hour per pound to cook thoroughly. With the Traeger preheated to the correct temperature, place the brisket fat-side down in the smoker and close the lid. Monitor the temperature of the brisket as it cooks, you’ll want it to cook low and slow. It will take four to six hours for the beef brisket to reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. You don’t need to flip the brisket while it is smoking. In fact, for the best results, don’t open the smoker until the internal temperature has hit 160 degrees. Remove the brisket from the grill and double wrap the brisket in heavy duty aluminum foil. Add about one and a half cups of beef broth to the aluminum foil packet. Return the brisket to the smoker until the internal temperature hits 205 degrees. A full packer brisket is a long cooking process, so it’s important to keep in mind that the total time to smoke will likely take all day. 42 FEBRUARY 2022
RESTING THE SMOKED BEEF BRISKET The brisket is done smoking once the internal temperature has reached 205 degrees. You’re going to be tempted to slice up the brisket and eat it right then and there. Don’t do it! Resting your brisket will allow the juices to set, making the meat even more delicious. Our favorite way of resting a brisket is to wrap it in a towel and place it in an empty ice chest. The insulated ice chest will keep the brisket from cooling too much and will trap the moisture inside, ensuring you get the ultimate in moistness, flavor, and tenderness from a packer brisket. The resting time can be as short as 30 minutes, but you’ll get better results letting the smoked beef brisket rest for an hour or longer. CUTTING THE BRISKET Unwrap the brisket and place it on a cutting board. The brisket should have a nice, dark bark on the outside. The first step is to separate the point and the flat. You’ll find a fat seam that easily comes apart to remove the flat and the point. The point and flat have grain running in different directions. Slice against the grain in 1/4” to 1/2” slices. The bark will give you a nice, dark color on the outside, while the inside will be tender, pink, and juicy. Texas-style brisket is meltin-your-mouth deliciousness, and smoking is the best way to cook brisket.
TEXAS-STYLE SMOKED BRISKET RECIPE INGREDIENTS: 1 whole packer brisket 1-2 cups beef broth
For the Texas-Style Rub (for about 10 pounds of meat) 10 tablespoons paprika 6 tablespoons kosher salt For the Brine: 4 tablespoons garlic powder 4 cups apple cider vinegar 4 tablespoons onion powder 1 cup kosher salt 2 tablespoons black pepper 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoons dried parsley 1/4 cup whole black peppercorns 4 teaspoons cayenne pepper 3-5 bay leaves
4 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon hot chili powder 2 teaspoon dried oregano 1 cup brown sugar If desired, add in: 2 tablespoons chipotle powder
DIRECTIONS: Mix brining solution together and place whole brisket in brine for three hours. Drain and pat dry (don’t rinse!) then allow the brisket to come to room temperature. Preheat the smoker to 225250 degrees. Thoroughly coat the dried brisket in dry rub seasoning. Place the brisket fat-side down in the smoker with a meat thermometer in the thickest part. Smoke 4-6 hours until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Remove brisket from the smoker. Double wrap in aluminum foil and add 1-2 cups beef broth. Return to smoker. Continue smoking the brisket until the internal temperature has reached 205 degrees. Remove brisket from smoker and wrap in a towel. Place the brisket in an empty ice chest to rest for up to two hours. Unwrap the brisket. Place the brisket on a cutting board. Find the silver skin and separate the flat and point. Slice against the grain in 1/4”-1/2” thick slices and serve.
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Presort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Permit #40 Tooele, UT
Let us be your source for bulls that Target the Brand. Join us Monday March 14th, 2022 at the ranch in Bliss, Idaho for our Annual Spring Cove Ranch Angus Bull and Female Sale.
Selling 170 yrlg & Fall yrlg Bulls and 80 Heifers.
20 sons of Sitz Accomplishment 720F sell
CED+9 BW+.7 WW+75 YW+131 SC+1.27 Milk+21 CW+56 Marb+.92 Rib+.49 $M+83 $C+288
25 sons & grandsons of Southern Charm AA31 sell CED+4 BW+3.2 WW+69 YW+116 SC+2.05 Milk+29 CW+47 Marb+.98 Rib+.87 $M+62 $C+270
For sale books call or text : 208-320-8803 www.springcoveranch.com Find us on Facebook The Pioneer Herd of the West
20 sons of Sitz Resilient 10208 sell
CED+8 BW+.4 WW+80 YW+139 SC+1.05 Milk+26 CW+63 Marb+.68 Rib+.93 $M+94 $C+309
10 sons of S S Enforcer E812 sell
CED+9 BW+1.0 WW+88 YW+166 SC+1.58 Milk+30 CW+72 Marb+1.03 Rib+1.01 $M+87 $C+349
15 sons of Musgrave 316 Exclusive sell
CED+8 BW+.5 WW+70 YW+124 SC+1.15 Milk+23 CW+58 Marb+.94 Rib+.72 $M+84 $C+306
Spring Cove Ranch Angus since 1919 269 Spring Cove Rd Bliss, Idaho 83314
15 sons of Sydgen Enhance sell
CED+8 BW+.4 WW+70 YW+138 SC+1.38 Milk+31 CW+63 Marb+1.18 Rib+.81 $M+71 $C+323
For more information call:
Art Butler: 208-280-1026 Stacy Butler: 208-320-8803 Josh Mavencamp: 208-358-0057 Sarah Helmick: 208-490-0741 Randy Lancaster, Triple L: 208-731-1947
