Tom Tomera
March 19, 1949 — September 22, 2021
IN THIS ISSUE 2 President’s Perspective 4 NCA Roundup
6 Beef Checkoff Recipe
APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR: Lecturer II / Teaching Assistant Professor Fallon, Nevada (Churchill Country ) The University of Nevada, Reno, Extension is recruiting a full-time Lecturer II / Teaching Assistant Professor (12-month, Non-Tenure Track) OR Assistant Professor (12-month, Tenure Track), Extension Educator for the Churchill County Nevada location in Fallon, Nevada. For a full job description, requirements and to apply, please visit: www.tinyurl.com/Job-UNRLecturerII
7 Eye On The Outside
10 Nevada Cattlewomen
11 Let’s Talk Ag | Editorial 12 Eulogy of Tom Tomera
14 Society for Range Management 18 Nevada Farm Bureau: Dealing with the Amount of Government the Government Wants Us to Have
19 Nevada Farm Bureau: Driest State Struck by Drought 20 Nevada Farm Bureau: 102nd Annual Meeting
20 Idaho Beef Council: Quality Assurance Certification
21 Nevada Creeks & Communities: UNR 2021-22 PFC Trainings
22 UNR: Chris Pritsos takes on Experiment Station Leadership
22 UNR: Amanda Gearhart joins College of Agriculture 23 Carson City Resident Karen Hinton Inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame
24 Nevada Farm Bureau: First-Ever Colorado River Water Shortage Causes Water Cuts 26 Van Norman: 25th Anniversary Production Sale Results 30 UNR Cooperative Extension: Perennial Pepperweed 34 USDA: Grazing by Domestic Livestock
36 DCNR North Central LAWG
38 Churchill Co. Cowbelles 21 Public Lands Council Awards Grants for Livestock Support 39 USDA: EQUIP/AMA Funding
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“What Happened: Dr. Bhattacharya on 19 Months of COVID” Public Lands Council Ranching & Political Headlines: • Wildfire Updates • Drought Assistance • Regulation Changes on Wolf Hunts • Grazing & Pasture Management • Prescribed Burns in California
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Cover Photo Credit: Tom Tomera | Sabrina Reed Published 8 times a year. View all issues at www.progressiverancher.com Readership reaches more than 30,000. The views and opinions expressed by writers of articles appearing in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor. Letters of opinion are welcome; submit via email. Advertising rates available upon request. Advertising does not imply editorial endorsement. Liability for errors or omissions in advertisements shall not exceed the cost of the space occupied by the error or omission.
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President's perspective By Tom Barnes / President / Nevada Cattlemen's Association This will be my last article as my tenure comes to an end. It has been an honor for me to serve as president for the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association. There certainly were challenges but anything that is rewarding comes with trials and tribulations. The great thing about this organization is that as president, you don’t serve alone. I want to thank the office staff for all they do to keep this association running smoothly. I also want to thank the other officers as well as the executive committee for providing direction for our organization; I appreciate their support and knowledge. We are very lucky to have such loyal volunteers, who feel so passionate about our industry, willing to step up and dedicate their time and resources to benefit all of us. The issues facing our industry will continue to come fast and furious at the state and federal levels. Each legislative session seems to be harder to navigate through and I don’t see that that changing any time soon.
Even with the challenges facing us in the future, I feel confident that we will continue to succeed. This association has been working for our industry for generations and it will continue for years to come. Incoming president Jon Griggs and his leadership team have a tremendous amount of knowledge and talent and are ready to address forth coming challenges. Thank you for your confidence in me and for allowing me to have served as your president. Happy Trails,
Tom Barnes Tom Barnes President, NCA
Special Feeder Sales November 9
Silver State Classic Feeder Sale Saturday December 11
For info about our Team Roping, please visit FallonLivestock.com www.progressiverancher.com
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 3
by Martin Paris | NCA Executive Director | O: 775-738-9214
2021 NCA Annual Convention and Trade Show
The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention is right around the corner! We have an engaging line up of speakers and events that will surely keep you informed and up to date with issues that impact our industry. At Convention, not only are NCA members in attendance, but members of the Nevada Land Action Association (NLAA), Nevada CattleWomen, Inc., Nevada Woolgrowers, Nevada Central Grazing Committee, Nevada Rangeland Resource Commission, vendors that provide services to the beef cattle industry and guest speakers to celebrate the Nevada Livestock Industry.
NCA staff and officers are working hard to provide a memorable and educational experience. Come to convention and learn more about how NCA is working to increase public awareness of the Nevada livestock industry. Along with the general sessions, committee meetings take place to set policies. This is a chance for you to provide input to a committee chairman on any changes to a policy or a new policy that affects our industry and way of life. Participating is a great way to get involved and have your voice be heard in the policymaking process. As always, top government and industry officials will be on hand to participate in the discussions and answer questions.
Registration for convention is on our website. If you are interested in attending and would like more information, please call the office at 1-775-738-9214 or email nca@nevadabeef.org. The forms for exhibit booths and sponsorships have been sent out. If you did not receive these forms and wish to receive one please contact us. We would be happy to send one to you. The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association would like to thank the sponsors and exhibitors for helping make our event a success year after year. To see a tentative schedule of convention be sure to check out our website. We are constantly updating it. We look forward to seeing you all at convention!
Fallon: 8-5:30 M-F Gardnerville: 8-5 M-F Snyders Pinenut Livestock Supply
800-513-4963 • www.pinenutlivestocksupply.com The Progressive Rancher Complete selection of animal health products, feed, and equipment for beef, dairy, equine, sheep, goat and small animal.
4 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
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10.5” x 11”
The University of Nevada, Reno College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources (CABNR) with financial support from local sponsors P R E S E N T S
2022
Cattlemen’s Update WEDNESDAY
MONDAY
January 10, 2022
January 12, 2022
Virtual Program
Ely, NV
10 a.m. A Zoom Registration Link will be Provided
5:30 p.m. Ely Convention Center 150 W. 6th Street Ely, NV 89301 Dinner Provided
Sierra Valley, CA 5:30 p.m. Grange Hall #466 92203 Hwy 70 Vinton, CA 96135 Dinner Provided
January 13, 2022
TUESDAY
12:30 p.m. Great Basin College Solarium 1500 College Parkway Elko, NV 89801 Dinner Provided Location Tentative
January 11, 2022
Gardnerville, NV 10 a.m. Location to be determined Lunch Provided
Fallon, NV 5:30 p.m. Fallon Convention Center 100 Campus Way Fallon, NV 89406 Dinner Provided
THURSDAY Elko, NV
The agenda will be released soon For additional information, contact: Staci Emm Mineral County Extension
(775) 475-4227
emms@unr.edu Cost of workshop is $20 per Ranch
FRIDAY
January 14, 2022
Winnnemucca, NV 10 a.m. Humbolt County Extension 1085 Fairgrounds Road Winnemucca, NV 89445 Lunch Provided
6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
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Easy Beef & Mushroom Noodle Bake This one pan meal couldn’t be any easier and is perfect for a cold winter night. Simply combine packaged beef tips in gravy (or prepare your own beef tips and gravy recipe) with a few common ingredients and you’ll have the main dish on the table in no time.
Ingredients (Serves 4) • 1 package (about 17 ounces) refrigerated fully-cooked beef tips with gravy • 1/3 cup dairy sour cream • 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce • 1 teaspoon minced garlic • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves • 3 cups cooked egg noodles • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, such as corn, carrots and green beans • 8 ounces sliced button mushrooms • 1 cup french-fried onions
Courtesy of Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.
Are you selling your farm? Call me today! 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
Preparation 1. Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 11 x 7-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Remove beef tips with gravy from package and place in prepared baking dish. Add sour cream, soy sauce, garlic and thyme; mix well. Stir in noodles, frozen vegetables and mushrooms. Cover with aluminum foil. 2. Bake in 400°F oven 35 minutes or until heated through. Top with french-fried onions. Bake, uncovered, 3 to 5 minutes or until onions are lightly browned.
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Bar O Ranch in Elko Co. on Utah border This ranch has a 320 acre base at the foot of Pilot Peak with approximately 40 acres of surface water and 130 acres of underground water rights. Winter range out the gate in Pilot Valley and Summer range over the mountain on the Utah side. 225 head of cattle, new pivot and equipment all included. Price: $2,500,000
For additional information on these properties, go to: BOTTARIREALTY.COM
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 7
The Joy of Horses I was having a real hard time coming up with a topic to write about for this issue. I went outside and did what I often do. I saddled a horse and went for a short ride. I usually do some good thinking while I am horseback, and this time was no different. I realized I was tired of issues and politics and so I decided to write about horses. We all depend on them in the cattle business one way or another. Certainly, the ranches west of the Mississippi River where some pastures are larger than thousands of acres need reliable tools to help with the work. Welltrained cow horses can do that. Here, in the Great Basin ranching just would not be possible without horses and good cowboys and cowgirls to ride them. Even back east there are places where the work gets done more easily and efficiently with horses. The big ranches in Florida come quickly to mind when the obvious need to have partners to care for tens of thousands of cattle. Many people do not know that three of the top ten largest cowcalf operations in this country are in Florida. Years ago, I toured the largest ranch in the United States. It was pretty impressive. The ranch is divided into ten divisions with three thousand mother cows in each division. Every division has its own crew, and they do everything horseback. That’s a bunch of horses. The feeding sector could not do its work without pen riders in the feedlots checking on sick or distressed cattle and moving animals within the confines of these large sprawling facilities. 8 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
Recently I was asked if we use motorcycles and four- wheelers to work cattle and I politely said no I prefer horses and in fact, insist on the use of horses in working cattle. Now here is where it might get controversial. These vehicles have a place on modern farms and ranches. I believe in the use of all forms of technologically advanced tools to do the jobs for which they are intended. Furthermore, I realize some people could not be ranchers if they did not use these vehicles to help work their cattle. I respect that and I am ok with them doing it. However, used incorrectly, and they often are, motorized vehicles can be counter productive and mess things up pretty quickly. I concede horses working cattle incorrectly can mess things up too. However, there is a certain joy in working cattle from the back of the horse when things go right. I recall such a day many years ago. I was helping an older rancher and when our cow work was over, we had a beer. He said,” this was a great fine day my horse worked exactly right.” He did not say he did everything right; he gave all the credit to the horse. This was the same man who once asked me “Why do you think we have all these cows?” I said, “I don’t know to keep the ranch going?” He replied, “no its to keep our horses from becoming bored.” There is no question human history and agriculture, in particular, would have been very different without horses. So many of them have died to help advance humanity it would not surprise me if there was a horse revolt against us, at least in the movies. Instead, this amazing partnership has evolved.
Even people who have never been lucky enough to ride a horse or been in their space for a regular visit, are excited to be around horses, if a little anxious to be near such massive beasts. There is the work and development of humanity aspect to our relationship with them and then there is the intangible. These magnificent creatures have insinuated themselves into the human psyche unlike so many other animals. Dogs are certainly in the same category relative to companionship, but they have not been the carriers of great loads, used for transportation and war, pulled the plows and the wagons, and provided companionship for those who have sought it and treated the horse in a way which inculcates trust. I paraphrase a quote which I believe is from the Arabic. “God provided us with the horse as proof of his existence.” There are so many other quotes and writings which reflect the affection humans have for horses. Tom Dorrance, the great teacher said, “When I hear somebody talk about a horse or cow being stupid, I figure it’s a sure sign that the animal has somehow outfoxed them. Recently, I was able to help reunite a good old cow horse who could no longer do its ranch job after over 15 years of dedicated and faithful service with its former stable mate after 10 years of separation. I unloaded the unsound horse into the corral where the old buddy waited. They frolicked around together for a couple of minutes and then settled into eating hay together like they had never been apert. When I drove off, they were standing tail to head, belly touching belly content to flick flies off each other. They remembered.
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I have had my share of great horses and my life has been richer for them. I have had the satisfaction of starting colts, training into the bridle and showing some good cow horses. I have cradled newborn foals in my lap and gently laid old friends to rest at the end. I have also just enjoyed the privilege this great animal bestows by letting us climb aboard and gallop into the wind they create. “The wind of heavens is that which blows between a horse’s ears.” Arabian Proverb. Most readers know that we would not have the “modern” horse without the influence of Arabian horses on common European draft and work stock to refine and breed the stamina and fleet footedness of horses raised in the hot deserts of the Middle East and North Africa. Well, I am sure by now you have figured out my feelings about horses. I still have some rides and cow work left in me; I hope you do too. A very happy coming up holiday season to you and all your families. I’ll see you soon.
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UPCOMING SALES November 30
Silver Legacy • Reno, NV Consignment Deadline: November 11
January 6
WVM Headquarters • Cottonwood, CA Consignment Deadline: December 29 Check our website www.wvmcattle.com for consignment deadlines. WATCH & LISTEN TO THE SALE on the Web at:
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Market your cattle with the professionals!
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 9
By Melinda Sarman, President It is time for me to say “farewell”, my two years as your president is just about over. It has truly been my honor to represent the ag producers of Nevada.
New this year is a Cattle Contest, during this contest youth will be tested on such things as, their knowledge on cattle handling, shot delivery along with basic herdmanship and stewardship. This competition will be in line with the NCBA Beef Quality Assurance program.
I love sharing my passion for ranch life and sharing our story about beef production. Looking back on my years as your president, I am very proud So, mark your calendars for December 8-10, and plan on attending of the growth Nevada CattleWomen Inc. Agricultural is the backbone the in-person Nevada Cattlemen Convention in Elko, NV. Nevada of our nation. CattleWomen have a very important role in the beef industry. So, please plan on attending our annual meeting, this is an excellent time to meet This December, Nevada Cattlemen Association will be hosting their fellow cattlewomen from across the state. The meeting will be held annual convention December 9-11 in Elko, NV. They have been working December 10 at 7:30 a.m. at the Elko Convention Center. hard on making this a great convention for Nevada producers. There will be educational meetings and a trade show. For more information call the The last two years as your Nevada CattleWomen President, I have enjoyed Nevada Cattlemen Association at 775-738-9214. meeting ladies from across Nevada and across the U.S. It has been my pleasure to represent Nevada at two America National CattleWomen The Nevada CattleWomen Inc. will have their annual meeting during the convention, December 10th 7:30-11:00 a.m. During our breakfast annual conventions. My deepest Thank You to the ladies on the Nevada meeting we will have guest speakers scheduled to help keep you CattleWomen Inc Officer team. Maddison Bowers has been the Presinformed on current events in Nevada Agriculture, along with updates Elect. Madison lives in Ruby Valley with her husband Will Bowers. Our from affiliates and a WIRED update. The election of officers will also be Vice President has been, Ana Dangenthart. She and her husband, Justin on the agenda. If you are a member of Nevada CattleWomen and think welcomed their little girl, Mabel to their family earlier this year. They call you might be interested in serving as an officer, please give me a call at Carson Valley home. Smith Valley is where Keri Pommerening and her 775-385-3619 and I can get the information to you. husband Dan call home. Keri has served as our secretary. Erin Costa and her sons Levi and Vincent are from Carson Valley and she has been our Our President Elect, Madison Bowers from Ruby Valley, has been a part Treasure for the last year and half. Stacie Emm has been Past-President of the team for the WIRED education program. She will be leading the and is proud to call Schurz home. For Many years now Janice Conley discussion on the next WIRED event in Nevada. Keri Pommerening has been our secretary and is from Smith Valley. She will be giving the of Spring Creek, has been the Parliamentarian. Janice will be stepping secretaries report and affiliate updates. Keri will also tell us about our down as Parliamentarian The Board of Directors has looked to Janice newest program, the Collegiate Advocate Program. Past President, many times for advice and ideas. Her friendship and enthusiasm has Stacie Emm from Schurz, will give the report from the Nominating guided our team many times. Janice has dedicated countless hours to Committee, then the members will elect the new slate of officers, to serve Nevada CattleWomen and American National CattleWomen. In 1999 Janice was American National CattleWomen President. Janice, I am truly as your Nevada CattleWomen’s Inc. Executive Committee Members. grateful for your dedication to CattleWomen. Thank you so very much. Directly after the annual meeting Nevada CattleWomen will be hosting the second Youth Day. This year’s Chair is Charmi Mitchell from One last Thank You, to my family. I could not have done it without your Smith Valley School where she is the Ag instructor and FFA Advisor. support and love. And with that I say thank you Nevada CattleWomen. Some of the competitions she is planning on are, Extemp. Speaking, It has been a wonderful and sometimes bumpy ride. But oh what a ride Prepared Speaking, Creed Contest, Meat ID/Carcass Grading, and it has been. Ag Sales Contest.
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Let’s Talk Ag
Nevada Water Solutions LLC Water Rights / Resource Permitting Expertise
The COVID New Normal
Thomas K. Gallagher, PE 775•825•1653 / FAX 775•825•1683 333 Flint Street / Reno, NV 89501 tomg@nevadawatersolutions.com
By Staci Emmn | Editorial Life changed forever in March 2020 when the shutdowns due to COVID-19 hit, and as 2021 comes to an end, where exactly are we now? This is a question I find myself continually asking as I implement Extension programs for Mineral County, across the Nevada agriculture community, and for American Indian Tribes in Nevada and tribal producers nationally. I know where we have been, but I don’t exactly know where we are headed. What I am seeing on the ground scares me a little bit as we are all so divided on issues.
• Hay prices are up, and impacting livestock operations’ costs of doing business. Producers have had to make tough decisions on whether or not they need to liquidate cattle herds. This last summer, Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) reported there were about 109,000 head of cattle liquidated in Nevada. • Labor force is another issue impacting supply chains. Whether it is a truck driver, dock worker, meat cutter, or a government employee, hiring employees and human resource management is difficult during COVID. The issues continue to be pay/benefits, mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, and work from home policies. Labor shortages are here.
To say the least, this has not been an easy year for my team of professionals that work with me day in and day out, which includes my staff and my colleagues in state and out-of-state. The team has faced tragic losses due to accidents and due to Covid-19. We also have had our share of horse accidents and mental health issues. What I do know, is that we continue Our life has changed since 2020. Not all is negative, and we are learning to move forward, be there for our teammates when we can, and find our to do business and things differently. I could never have envisioned new normal in dealing with the needs of everyday life. being able to use the computer to connect with colleagues via Zoom, or have a meeting in my car via Zoom with sound going through my The year 2021 is ending, and I want to celebrate the lives that were lost, Bluetooth. This has really helped us in our coordination and just being give congratulations to the program successes we have had, and enter able to work together more effectively. It also helps families connect into 2022 with focus and initiative to implement programs to the best when you actually get to see your family member’s face. of our abilities and continue our relationships with the agricultural communities. There are a few things that I would like to discuss that are The agriculture industry will adapt and sustain. They will be able to going to continue to be our focus into 2022. make the right management decisions to sustain their operation. I encourage producers and ranchers to use the insurance and Farm Service • Drought is here. If you pull up the drought monitor, you will Agency programs available for the industry. They exist for the current see the impacts in the West. Nevada reservoir storage is low. circumstances that you see yourself in. La Nina is predicted, which climatologists believe will continue the drought – but wait - they cannot say that in fact. I do Lastly, I wish everyone a happy and joyful holiday season. We will look encourage producers to utilize insurance programs. Pasture, forward to 2022 and all that it may bring. Even if you and your neighbor Rangeland and Forage deadlines are November 15, 2021, and don’t agree, whether it be politics or where a fence should go, remember Farm Service Agency has deadlines looming also. Insurance is life is short and precious. Focus on the positive and remember someone part of operating an ag business and is even more important as – somewhere is grieving the loss of a loved one. A kind word will go a we deal with markets and climate. long way. • Supply chain disruptions and inflation are here, and are adding significant increases in the cost of doing business. Producers will have to make management decisions based on increased costs of doing business. We always have price volatility, but it seems like export markets for beef are up, and there was some price sustainability through the third quarter of 2021. www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 11
Eulogy of Tom Tomera March 19, 1949-September 22, 2021
An Italian rancher who sported a handlebar mustache, made a legacy out of the Nevada desert, and lived a life bigger than life itself.
Thomas Joseph Tomera came into this world in spectacular fashion on March 19, 1949. Being a breech birth, his mother, Malfisa Bianucci Tomera, and father Julian had to seek medical help in Carlin. They drove in from the Stonehouse Ranch in Pine Valley and stayed with Malfisa’s parents. Growing up, Little Tommy could be found dragging around a red wagon full of cats with his sister Juliana or horseback with his brother, Pete. What he lacked in stature he made up in strength and was not one to be left behind. The Tomera kids attended school at Palisades and spent time in Carlin with their cousins, the Bianuccis. Tom had memories of running down the halls the Overland Hotel owned by his Grandpa Pete and picnics in the backyard of the house on Main Street with Grandma Amelia.
In 1959 the Tomera family moved to the South Fork Ranch near Elko. He would attend Grammar #1 and Elko High School. During his school years he made lots of friends including Steve McDermott and Billy Scott and their shenanigans and pranks were legendary! Back at the ranch Tom, Pete, and Juliana had real western experiences of their own. The kids would go fishing off the south fork bridge or wade around collecting crawdads. Tom would ride his bike through the brush to wrangle in the sheep every night and everyday he mumbled and grumbled about how much he hated milking cows! The Tomera family grew by two more children while at the South Fork, Lucy and Eleanor. Keep in mind this was before the time of crew cab pickups and gooseneck trailers. Lucy recalls that they had a single cab International stock truck. Only three people could fit inside the cab and the rest of us had to ride outside on the top. Tom always took extra care of her making sure she sat between Pete and himself so she wouldn’t fall off! During the cold months Tom would tie the bottom of her pant legs with twine so the wind wouldn’t blow up them as they drove down the highway. Being himself, Tom loved to tease his sisters. From offering them Copenhagen to hanging Eleanor’s purple monkey from the chandelier he was always joking with them, something he would continue well into adulthood! Tom joined the Army National Guard, and it was there that he met many of his lifelong friends. Bill Bauman, Eddie King, Bill Horn, Jim Ardans, Paul Anderson, Danny Lamb, Leroy Sestanovich, and Dave Slagowski, to name few. Tom traveled to Fort Knox in Kentucky for basic training, then onto Boise, Idaho. The humidity of Kentucky was not something he ever wanted to experience again. The stories from this time in his life were legendary, never told the same way twice! He shared how he almost drowned in the Snake River because he didn’t know how to swim, cooking steaks on top of a sagebrush, and the time he was almost murdered by the biggest man in camp when he threw a snake on his shoulder!
In 1977 Tom married Patsy at the Presbyterian Church in Lamoille. They would work side by side on the ranches for the next forty-four years. Patsy’s three children joined them on the ranch and Tom had a crew ready to work. Susan was born in 1979 and Sabrina in 1981. Tom, Patsy, and the kids moved to the Stonehouse Ranch in Pine Valley in 1982 after the South Fork Ranch was sold to make room for the new reservoir. Tom felt as though he was finally home. With each life change he gained evermore experiences for his stories. We didn’t know it yet, but he would take a little homestead ranch and grow it into a legacy. Anything he set his mind too was achieved and if it failed, he would redesign it until it worked. He didn’t have much in the beginning, but when he finally did, he was willing to support family and friends by giving them a leg on their dreams by quietly helping any way he and Patsy could. Tom loved the ranch and the life he was born to live. Springtime brandings with neighbors were his favorite. It was like he waited all winter thinking up new jokes to tell or stories to remember. An abyss of local history he could recount with vivid detail dates, names, and places of past experiences. Every trip in the pick-up hauling salt was like a guided tour. An avid hunter Tom not only hunted mule deer and antelope but took two very memorable trips in his life. The first was an elk hunting trip to Wyoming. Todd Schwandt, Jace Agee, Joe Wines, Dick Jones, and Jim Bailey made up his hunting party. Tom and Jim had decided to scout out on their own and found a real nice waller. While they were hiking around the Yellowstone area, they remembered that everyone had warned them to be wary of the cow moose that time of year. Notoriously protective 12 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
mothers they would kill a man! As Little Tommy and Big Jim were making their way across an open glen a female moose approached them. She let out the most god-awful beller and charged. She sent chills down their spines and lit a fire in their asses! They looked for cover, but the only thing there was a scrawny spindly lodge pole pine tree. Tom lit out for the tree with Big Jim hot on his heels. Literally. Jim kept stepping on Tom telling him faster, faster! Tom grabbed the tree. Jim grabbed Tom and they both turned to face their fate! Only to find the moose was not behind them and had disappeared! Tom’s trip to Quebec, Canada caribou hunting was another tale he loved to share. A true-life experience for a rancher from Nevada. Todd and Tom left Elko together and Tom talked the ENTIRE TRIP. There were so many caribou that Tom got carried away and filled his tag in the first ten minutes! They spent the rest of their days in camp drinking whiskey and making friends!
Blessed with the gift of conversation Tom never knew a stranger; only a friend he had not yet met. The family jokes that he would talk to ANYONE if they stood there long enough. That friendliness to everyone gave him acquaintances from all walks of life. It also made serving in the community easy for him. The Grazing Board, Humboldt Water Authority, and other committees weren’t just meetings, but a chance to catch up with old friends. A member of the Pine Valley Volunteer Fire Department he helped countless people in their greatest time of need. He also cut miles of fire lines in his D4 CAT alongside Will Johnson, Roger Curry, and Tom Turk. Tom and his family were instrumental in the development of the team branding competitions still held in Eureka and Elko Counties.
“Tommisms” were not only tidbits of friendly advice, but an opinion or a sound bite. Most of which can’t be repeated in mixed company! We could all recount one or a dozen that stick in our heads. “You can be good looking or have hair, but you can’t have both.”, “Perfecto Antonio”, or “Bass Ackwards”. Nicknames were a trademark of Toms. He loved to hand them out. Roan Dog, Big Cook, Becky, Booty, Balki, Punky Sue, BamBam, Pooh Bear, Bim Todd, Hot Lips, and Dr. Quinn to name a few. He had acquired names for himself as well: Little Tommy, Father Mouse, and Fred! Tom was fluent in three languages: English, Italian sign language, and profanity. If you happened to come across his notoriously short temper you might experience all three, simultaneously!! He was a gifted rancher. Witching water wells, reading earmarks and irons, and “knowing” his cattle. Rebuilding, designing, and creating equipment to make work easier was a skill he had practiced since his youth. One-of-a-kind designs from the hydraulic turn table chute to tandem axle one-ton balers, converting salvaged goods into functional equipment. A junk pile to some was considered “inventory” to Tom. Patsy says Tom had four loves in his life: his cows, her, his dogs, and his barn cats. In that order. We all knew our place with Tommy. The family even gave up their seats in the pick-up for his dogs, except for Patsy. His financial philosophy was “invest in dirt and diamonds”. “Dirt for me and diamonds for Patsy.” His cattle were sold as far away as Iowa and his barn cats shipped all over the West! It was easy to see where Tom’s heart truly laid; it belonged to his family. An enormous source of pride to him, he enjoyed helping, teaching, and watching them grow. His “girls” he would say “could work harder than most men, easier on the equipment, and were easier on the eyes.” Papa Tom as he was known to the grandkids would hold babies, wiggling his moustache to make them laugh, or make funny faces in his tractor to help their days go by faster. The kids were surprised at his “online presence” when they recently Googled his name and the large cache of photos, videos, and stories it produced! He was famous!
The Tomera name is synonymous with hard work. It was this ethic that is Tom’s legacy. It is there in the beautiful ranches, his loving family, and the impression he made on so many lives. As we go forward without him remember his work. Remember it in his stories, the jokes, and the satisfying feeling of a good day’s work. You will always be remembered. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Malfisa Tomera and sister, Juliana Diaz. He is survived by his loving wife Patsy, daughters: Susan Tomera, Sabrina ( John) Reed, Samantha (Wayne) Anderson. Sons: Jeremy (Shellie) Schwandt and Todd Schwandt. Sisters: Eleanor O’Donnell and Lucy (Gordie) Miller and brother: Pete (Lynn) Tomera. Tom was blessed with six grandsons, four granddaughters, and three great grandchildren. Tom was laid to rest during the first week of October at the ranch in Pine Valley.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 13
Big Sagebrush Transplanting Success in
CRESTED WHEATGRASS STANDS INTRODUCTION Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. Wyomingensis) is a dominant shrub species on millions of acres of rangelands throughout the Intermountain West and plays a critical role in the health and diversity of many wildlife species such as sage grouse and mule deer. The accidental introduction and subsequent invasion of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) throughout the Intermountain West has truncated secondary succession by providing a fine-textured, early maturing fuel that increases the chance, rate, spread and season of wildfires. Big sagebrush communities that historically burned every 60-110 years are now burning as frequently as every 5-10 years, simply too short of a period of time to allow for the return of this critical shrub species. When cheatgrass moves in, wildfires that destroy many shrubs follow. This scenario has played out all macros in the Intermountain West.
By Charlie D. Clements and Dan N. Harmon
With each passing wildfire season, more and more shrub habitats are converted to cheatgrass dominance (Figure 1). The loss of shrubs has important consequences to wildlife, especially fragmentation of habitat to sensitive species such as sage grouse and wintering mule deer herds, and resource managers often point out their frustration of lack of shrub species in crested wheatgrass seedings. Natural recruitment of Wyoming big sagebrush is well reported, yet the natural recruitment of Wyoming big sagebrush following wildfire is very limited. Wyoming big sagebrush does not re-sprout following wildfires, it does not build persistent seed banks and it does not have an active wind or granivore dispersal system with the vast majority of seed being dispersed within a meter of the shrub. Restoration practices to re-establish Wyoming big sagebrush has largely been met with sub-marginal success, yet the need to restore or rehabilitate
Wyoming big sagebrush has become increasingly important due to extensive losses of sagebrush habitats following the more frequent large catastrophic wildfires. The establishment of deep-rooted, long-lived perennial grasses is the best-known method at suppressing cheatgrass. The introduced crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) was in initially seeded on a million plus acres in Nevada to provide much needed forage for over grazed rangelands, but was soon recognized to successfully compete with cheatgrass in arid environments as well as competitively suppress cheatgrass and associated fuels (Figure 2). Even though over 1 million acres of Nevada rangelands was seeded to crested wheatgrass, many of those seedings have since returned to shrub dominance to a point where the shrub densities have significantly reduced crested wheatgrass densities and opened the door to increased cheatgrass occurrence in those communities. Even with older crested wheatgrass seedings being increasingly brushed up, there is an increasing demand to diversify more recent crested wheatgrass seedings with desirable species such as big sagebrush. Neil West, retired range Scientist at Utah State University pointed out more than two decades ago that it is important to understand site potential before jumping to conclusions on the length of time that species such as crested wheatgrass would remain dominant on a site. Dr. West pointed out that crested wheatgrass seeded on sites that are represented by the dominance of herbaceous species are more likely to remain crested dominant for some time just as bluebunch wheatgrass would remain the dominant herbaceous species.
Figure 1. Former big sagebrush/bunchgrass community converted to annual grass dominance following catastrophic wildfire. The loss of critical browse species for cover and forage have had significant negative impacts on numerous wildlife species.
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On sites that are more shrub dominated such as western and central Nevada, the crested wheatgrass plants would become shrub dominated due to lack of fire and other disturbances (Figure 3). Seeding Wyoming big sagebrush in existing crested wheatgrass seedings has been reported to be largely unsuccessful, therefore transplanting of big sagebrush has become more popular. Most big www.progressiverancher.com
Figure 2. Crested wheatgrass can significantly reduce cheatgrass densities and associated fuels, reduce, the chance, rate, spread and season of wildfires that significantly benefits sustainable grazing practices as well as protecting critical wildlife habitats from further disturbances.
sagebrush transplanting research has been conducted in Utah where warm-season precipitation is more prevalent and therefore spring-time transplanting efforts are recommended (Stevens 2004). More recent data from northern Nevada reported from 2-40% success during spring Wyoming big sagebrush transplanting efforts (McAdoo et. al 2013). In the cold desert of the Great Basin summer precipitation is very limiting, therefore, we designed an experiment to test the success of big sagebrush seedlings transplanted in existing crested wheatgrass seedings in the spring (March) compared to the fall (November) of the year.
METHODS We selected two sites in northern Nevada to test the survivability of transplanted Wyoming big sagebrush seedlings in established crested wheatgrass seedings. www.progressiverancher.com
The first site, Peterson, is located about 25 miles northwest of Reno, Nevada and is a crested wheatgrass seeding from a 1973 wildfire. The site is at an elevation of 4,600’ and is dominated by crested wheatgrass with sparse overstory of Wyoming big sagebrush. The site is very diverse and also includes bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides), bluegrass (Poa secunda), desert needlegrass (Achnatherum speciosum), Great Basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus), creeping wildrye (Leymus triticoides), Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides), cheatgrass, Green Ephedra (Ephedra viridis) antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), green rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus), desert peach (Prunus andersonii), and filaree (Erodium cicutarium). The soil is a fine-loamy, mixed course granitic and the site averages just over 10” of annual precipitation recorded from a nearby active rain gauge. The Progressive Rancher
The second site, Dry Valley, is located 55 miles north of Reno, Nevada and is a crested wheatgrass seeding from a 1985 wildfire. The site is at an elevation of 4,100’ and is dominated with an understory of crested wheatgrass with a minor component of cheatgrass and a sparse overstory of Wyoming big sagebrush. The soil is a coarse-silty loam and the site receives an average 6” of annual precipitation as recorded from a nearby active rain gauge. Commercially purchased Wyoming big sagebrush seed was sown into 1-quart size pots filled with a top soil/potting soil mix. Seedlings were grown out in a greenhouse environment for 6 months and then placed outside for one month prior to transplanting. Transplanting occurred at each site during the third week of March (spring) and November (fall).
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Figure 3. Over 1 million acres of Nevada rangelands was seeded to crested wheatgrass to improve forage for livestock and reduce over grazing. The return of big sagebrush and other shrubs on these initial seedings is often over-looked by critics of using crested wheatgrass in rangeland rehabilitation efforts.
Four blocks, 3’ centers of 25 sagebrush seedlings were transplanted into pre-dug holes, back-filled and given 1.10 gallons of water at the time of transplanting. Water was poured into the holes just prior to planting transplants to ensure moist root to soil contact. Transplant survivability was recorded monthly for 2-years.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Transplanted Wyoming big sagebrush experienced the highest success, 62%, in the fall transplanting efforts at the Peterson site, while the lowest transplanting success was recorded at the Dry valley site in the spring transplanting plots, 13%. The Peterson site recorded a 43% success when transplanted in the spring, nearly a 20% decrease from fall. The fall transplants at the Dry Valley site recorded 38% success. The Peterson study site received 10.9” of precipitation, while the Dry Valley site only received 5.6”., both within the longterm average for each site. Precipitation at these sites is more prevalent in the fall winter months (October-March), 5.3” than spring and summer months (April-September), 1.1”, which we believe contributes to the significantly higher success of Wyoming big sagebrush transplants in crested wheatgrass seedings in fall compared to spring transplanting efforts experienced in northwestern Nevada. We also measured predation, which was 16 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
more of a factor at the Dry Valley site, with a high of 27% in the spring plots and a low of 7% in the Peterson fall plots. The need for improved restoration techniques of big sagebrush continues to grow, therefore successful transplanting techniques could establish sagebrush islands and provide for long-term wildlife expansion by providing a much-needed seed source as well as improving diversity and habitat needs. By improving the success of transplanting big sagebrush seedlings through larger container sizes and proper timing, resource managers and interested parties could transplant 500 big sagebrush seedlings/acre and experience an establishment of more than 300 big sagebrush shrubs/acre, using our average fall transplanting success rates (Figure 4), increasing the ability of shrubs to increase stand density to critical habitats such as mule deer winter ranges or critical transitional migratory habitats. The recruitment of big sagebrush following wildfires, particularly where the understory is cheatgrass dominated, have a low probability of regenerating naturally especially in the face of increased wildfire frequencies. This is due to inadequate seed supplies on surviving plants or in the soil seed bank and the combined effects of low and erratic precipitation and herbaceous competition from exotic annuals. Since the dispersal of big sagebrush is largely limited to the mother plant the increased success of transplanting Wyoming The Progressive Rancher
big sagebrush increases the ability of this critical browse species to once again become a productive component of the habitat (Figure 5). Successfully transplanting big sagebrush into crested wheatgrass seedings should not be a big surprise, as succession of plant communities in the absence of disturbances such as wildfire over-time favors the return of shrubs even with the presence of a perennial grass. With wildlife species populations such as greater sage grouse and mule deer performing well below desirable levels, this improvement in big sagebrush restoration technology would be very beneficial not only to sage grouse and mule deer populations but numerous other wildlife species as well. Improving the ability of resource professionals to restore Wyoming big sagebrush back into habitats that have been devastated by wildfires and other disturbances improves not only wildlife habitats, but improves ecosystem functions including nutrient cycling, soil erosion, watersheds, carbon storage in soils and plant and animal diversity. The results of this research suggest that Wyoming big sagebrush can be successful transplanted into existing crested wheatgrass seedings and improve cover, browse and diversification of crested wheatgrass stands and not only continue to provide grazing resources, but also provide future critical habitat for wildlife. www.progressiverancher.com
Suggested Reading: McAdoo, K. J., C. S. Boyd, and R. L. Sheley. 2013. Site, Competition, and Plant Stock Influence Transplant Success of Wyoming Big Sagebrush. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 66(3):305-312. 2013.Stevens, R., W. L. Moden, Jr. and D. W. McKenzie. 1981. Interseeding and Transplanting Shrubs and Forbs into Grass Communities. Rangelands 3(2):55-58. Stevens, R. 2004. Establishing plants by transplanting and interseeding. In: S. B. Monsen, R. Stevens, N. L. Shaw [Eds.]. Restoring western ranges in wildlands. Ge. Tech. Rpt. RMRSGTR-136-vol-3. Fort Collins, CO: USDA, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. pp. 739-744.
Figure 4. Wyoming big sagebrush transplant successfully recruiting into crested wheatgrass seeding.
Figure 5. The ability of deep-rooted perennial grasses such as crested wheatgrass successfully reduces the chance of wildfires, therefore allowing for the return of critical shrub species.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 17
Nevada Farm Bureau
Dealing With The Amount Of Government That Government Wants Us To Have By Doug Busselman | NFB, Executive Vice President We really don’t know (at least at the time of this writing) what the final negotiated details will be from those doing the deciding in Washington, D.C., on what they are going to put in the Fiscal Year 2022 “budget.” The amount they finally settle on as well as where they will decide to spend the money…and oh yeah – how they are going to raise the dollars to use. In all likelihood there will be some amount of trillion involved in both the spending and the taxing. Trillion now seems to be the favorite number that those in the majority consider to be essential for any type of doing. Then again when the other party was in charge, they got into the habit of trillion being important too. When you’re spending other people’s money, the bigger the better. If you are throwing those dollars at someone who also considers other people’s money something that they should be getting, bigger is better too. After destroying our state’s economy, when it was decided who could be open and who couldn’t be open – you remember, when it was just going to be 14 days for “flattening the curve” – Nevada’s people in charge have also gained the opportunity to spread other people’s money to those who they decide should be given the dollars that they can gift. Ideally those receiving other people’s money will remember when the voting comes around that those handing out the funds were the gracious ones… Prior to the earlier phase of the $3.5 trillion idea for “Building Back Better” it seemed very likely that a portion of the funds that would be used as covering the tab was going to come from various ways of cashing in on the value of property from dead people. Those who built up assets during their life time, probably with funds they earned
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and scrapped together – all the while government at every level was finagling to capture along the way – were now going to get to “contribute” some more to the federal government rather than having their heirs receive it. Through preemptive grassroots activity there was a strong push to highlight attention on protecting the existing provisions for the step up in basis. This essential protection was covered by approval in a Senate amendment and appears to be recognized as a accepted foundation going forward. On the other hand there are concerns about alternatives to gain sufficient financial resources to pay for the excessive spending that the majority party plans to ram through the process could have Orwellian rhetorical phrasing to imply that others will be carrying the tax burden while digging deeply into everyone’s pockets. Imagine how the President had the gumption to suggest that the $3.5 trillion proposal wasn’t going to cost anything because only “rich” guys who deserve to be over-taxed will be paying and all the good benefits from their government benevolence would be more than worth the sacrifices. Beyond the efforts to acquire trillions of dollars in new taxes, the core of the plan is spending trillions of dollars on ways of expanding government’s invasive role into the private sector’s day to day activities. Should the federal government…. • Continue to provide welfare benefits without work requirements and provide for those who won’t work to support themselves? • Establish a Civilian Climate Corp to be used as federally funded group of climate police as activist?
• Incorporate federal dollars for assisting in the indoctrination of Green New Deal/”environmental justice” philosophies further into higher education? • Enhance the incentives for illegal immigration to provide new ‘free’ college entitlement, additional student aid and expanded child tax credits? • Increase in the authority of OSHA to increase penalties on businesses which don’t implement the mandate that President Biden has initiated through an Executive Order to force COVID vaccination? • Issue a punitive methane tax and implement a tax on natural gas up to $1,500 per ton? • Initiate alternative energy mandates to force requirements of 40 percent of electrical energy to come from solar/ wind/and other unreliable forms of energy generation? • Grant amnesty for persons who have immigrated to the United States without going through the immigration process established by law? • Provide for federal funding for abortions, by not including the Hyde amendment prohibitions? • Provide for federal funding for grants for organizations to treat individuals suffering from “loneliness” and “social isolation?” These 10 bullet points are only a sampling of those identified by Congressman Jim Banks of South Carolina, who identified a list of 42 bullet points, extracted from the language of the massive reconciliation bill – another measure that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has said we
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need to pass in order to find out all the good things that it has in it. “It’s not an understatement to say this bill, if passed, will fundamentally change our country forever,” Congressman Banks remarked, adding “Americans will wake up in a few years and wonder what happened to their freedom. We can’t let that happen.” Something must be done to get the message through to elected representatives in Congress that tax and spend measures like the “Build Back Better” monstrosity is not the type of government that Americans believe is appropriate. The same message needs to be delivered to those elected to serve in state or local government. Beyond communicating for limited and restrained government conduct, the message needs to be sent through the election process of candidates who support a government which fits within the constitutionally-delimited provisions of enumerated authority for what government is supposed to be covering. Along with making the crisis of the pandemic economically worse, taking advantage of the numerous opportunities for an expanded and more intrusive government, the insistence of reshaping our understanding of the role government should play in our lives needs to be recognized for what it really is. Fighting back to regain the ground lost to government infringement of the rights, responsibilities and roles of individuals won’t be easy, but it is essential. Without pushing back, we will get the government that government wants us to have.
STAY UP-TO-DATE
Sign up at at nvfb.org for the weekly Nevada Farm Bureau Grassroots Newsletter. www.progressiverancher.com
Driest State Struck By Worsening Drought By Brittney Money | NFB, Director of Communications Nevada has never been known to be a state with an abundant water supply. In fact, Nevada is ranked as the driest state in the United States with an average annual precipitation of only 10 inches. With the diverse landscape of Nevada ranging from snowy mountain tops to sandy deserts and sagebrush valleys in between, the actual precipitation received is closer to 4 inches for most of the state. With the high mountain tops receiving closer to 50 inches of snowfall or more in a good winter.
With the average precipitation totals it’s no surprise that 100% of the state is in a D1-Moderate drought, 95.2% is in a D2-Severe Drought, 67.6% is in a D3-Extreme Drought and 25.9% is in a D4-Exceptional Drought. It’s a perfect example of how diverse the state is but is worrisome for the over 3,400 farms and ranches based in the Silver State. When people think of Nevada their first thought is often Las Vegas. Nevada is made up of 17 counties 13 of which are classified as rural. Agriculture is one of the leading contributors to rural economies throughout the state with alfalfa hay being the leading cash crop. Other agriculture throughout the state includes range livestock (of cow-calf or sheep operations), dairy, alfalfa hay, alfalfa seed, grass hay, potatoes, barley, winter and spring wheat, corn, oats, onions, garlic and honey.
Most of the crops grown throughout the state are not as water intensive as some found in other states, but that does not make the lack of water any less crucial to the success of agriculture here. Adapt and adjust is what
many have learned to do as the drought seems to only be getting worse with the added impacts of rising temperatures.
Nevada Farm Bureau Vice President Darrell Pursel has endured first-hand how dire the need for water is. Pursel a Lyon County alfalfa farmer and a cow-calf rancher expresses his frustration with how the lack of water has affected his year so far, “it seems we are working hard or harder to get nothing or very little at all.” Many farmers throughout the state have wells or rely on water from reservoirs and rivers. If you have a well, you are continuing with business mostly close to “normal”. If you rely on water from other sources like surface water flows from reservoirs and rivers like Pursel and other producers in the same situation, you are greatly feeling the impacts. Those receiving irrigation water from surface sources throughout the state have received less water allocation than normal and have had their water completely shut off early this year. Early anticipation of drought conditions made many farmers fear this year would be tough. Many pivoted in launching alternative production options, targeting priority crops or more productive fields, planted less or left some fields not planted at all. Expecting drought and adapting doesn’t make it any easier for the farmers and ranchers. For Pursel he is anticipating having 1/3 of his normal alfalfa to sell. In addition to having less alfalfa to sell the beef cattle are anticipated to weigh 100 pounds less than normal. Without the water supply there just isn’t the pasture the cows are used to grazing on, which means supplementing more with alfalfa.
“Learning to adapt is the hardest thing. I am used to doing custom work on top of the alfalfa I sell for extra income and with such little water I have had to focus on just the alfalfa to keep everything afloat,” said Pursel. “I don’t know what we will do if we don’t get moisture this winter. It’s better to not think about that yet.”
For those who aren’t as lucky to have hay on hand the situation is much more dire with hay prices up and it also being hard to find. The thought of lasting through the winter seems to be worrisome for some. That will be the true test if many can survive past the winter with the rough summer we have already have. From one area of the state to the other everyone’s story seems to be the same if you have hay you are in great shape. Hopefully your hay supply can survive the drought, or at least the winter. Even more if you have a well and are growing alfalfa with extra to spare, and prices at premium, you are in even better shape. Winter will be an anxious time for farmers and ranchers across Nevada. As we hope for moisture throughout the state the next few months will be the true indicator of how impactful this dry year truly was.
The Lahontan Reservoir is a part of the first reclamation project – the Newlands Irrigation project - completed in the United States. This reservoir has a capacity to hold 295,500 acre feet of water (an acre foot of water is just under 325,000 gallons of water). Lahontan Reservoir receives waters from the Carson River and under specified conditions through a diversion of the Truckee River. The Carson River system has its headwaters in the Sierra Mountains, just south of Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River originates from Lake Tahoe and flows through the Reno/Sparks area before reaching the Derby Dam diversion east of Reno/Sparks. When Truckee River water isn’t being diverted it flows to Pyramid Lake. This year’s irrigation season was concluded in mid-August when water levels fell below the minimum pool requirements to be kept in the reservoir. The Newlands Irrigation project covers 57,000 acres of cropland and was authorized by Congress in 1903. The first irrigation season for the project was in 1905 and the Lahontan Dam which holds the waters in the Lahontan Reservoir before distribution through irrigation canals was completed in 1914.
This is a current photo of the Carson Riverbed just before water (if it were flowing) would enter the Lahontan Reservoir. The Carson River originates in the Sierra Mountains south of Lake Tahoe. www.progressiverancher.com
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 19
Join Us For The 102nd Annual Nevada Farm Bureau Meeting
Nevada Farm reau Federation u B Celebrating Over 102 Years of Service to Farmers and Ranchers
Where: Fallon Convention Center When: November 17th through 19th
1919 * 2021
For more information and to register please visit the Nevada Farm Bureau Website at nvfb.org IDAHO BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE CERTIFICATION evada Farm N
Fede
ratio reau n BQA Certification delivers assurance consumers want about how cattle are Bu raised, and increases consumer trust in the beef suppliers across the state. Celebrating Over 102 Years of Service to
Farmers and Ranchers www.idbeef.org/cattlemens-corner/idaho-beef-quality-assurance-certification 1919 * 2021
WHY BQA CERTIFICATION?
Idaho’s Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certification program seeks to improve the competitiveness and profitability of Idaho beef producers and build consumer trust in the industry to expand markets for beef products in the retail and foodservice industries.
BQA certification documents education and implementation of “commonsense husbandry techniques and scientific knowledge that demonstrate commitment to animal welfare, food safety and quality, safeguard the public image of beef industries, and uphold consumer confidence in beef.” Daniel Buskirk, PhD, Cattle Buyers to Require BQA Certification (Angus Beef Bulletin Extra. September 20, 2018, Vol 11: No. 9).
For the future of Idaho’s beef industry, the BQA certified producer and BQATransportation certified transporters will lead the way to safeguarding, sustaining, and expanding the market share and profitability for Idaho’s beef products. 20 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
IDAHOANS HAVE SPOKEN
Consumers want to know more about where their food comes from. Data from a 2019 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association survey suggests that Idahoans are interested and have opinions about the beef industry that can influence their decisions about buying and consuming beef.
Of consumers surveyed, 42% agree that beef farmers/ranchers embrace innovation to improve quality and safety of the products and that beef producers do a good job balancing economic, social, and environmental issues that are important to consumers. BQA certification documents and formalizes the standards for quality, transparency, and safety of products and improves consumer trust. INDUSTRY PARTNERS HAVE SPOKEN
Increasingly, processors and foodservice industries are demanding BQA certification from sources of beef products and transportation. To receive full market value for beef, whether
directly to processors or through auction markets, may require BQA certification. We learned via the NDSU Extension Dickey County, NDSU 2 U Blog that:
benefit for Idaho beef producers to become involved and certified through the Idaho BQA Certification program.
• In 2020, Tyson Foods harvest facilities require BQA Transportation certification.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
• In 2019, Tyson Foods and Cargill protein required that all beef purchased come from BQA certified producers.
• Other industry partners requiring BQA certification of producers: JBS, Cargill, and Greater Omaha. • Wendy’s requires all beef purchases to be from BQA certified farms and ranches. IT’S IN THE NUMBERS
With the question in mind of how BQA certification impacts profitability, Colorado State University evaluated the effect of just mentioning BQA certifications in an auction on the sale price across nine western states. What they found was impressive: a premium of $16.80 per head of cattle was realized. This suggests that there is a significant
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Read the report here: www.idbeef.org/ Media/IDBeef2020/Docs/researchshows-premiums-from-bqa-certifiedcattle_11-25-2020-29.pdf The Idaho BQA Certification program aligns with the national BQA program to provide both online and in-person training. Your certification is valid for 3 years. As the expiration date nears, a notification will be sent to you with information on how to get recertified. Online BQA certification training is fast and easy and can be completed according to your own personal schedule. Your certification is housed in the national database and is recognized across the country. Information on BQA certification training is available through www.bqa.org and you may also fill in a request for information through the Idaho Beef Council here: https:// www.idbeef.org/about-us/contact-us
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PLC awards grants for livestock support Public Lands Council announced that they will provide over $450,000 in grant funding to multiple cattle groups, university research teams, and federal land-focused organizations to support research and educational programs that strengthen the future of public lands livestock production. The grant recipients for 2022 are the Western Resources Legal Center (WRLC), Idaho Cattle Association (ICA), Oregon State University (OSU), Foundation for Ranch Management, Oregon Cattlemen’s Association (OCA), and UNR. WRLC will receive a grant to expand a program educating attorneys on natural resource law and public lands advocacy. “WRLC is incredibly proud of our continuing partnership with PLC and grateful for their generous support of our program. Our relationship with PLC allows our program to fulfill our mission of teaching law students legal skills and knowledge of natural resources and environmental laws. WRLC is committed to training students today who will be our nation’s future attorneys, judges, policymakers, and advocates on behalf of grazing, public lands ranching, and natural resources industries,” said WRLC Exec. Dir. Caroline Lobdell. ICA will receive a grant to continue their research project with the University of Idaho Rangeland Center on the impact cattle grazing has on sage grouse. “Thank you to PLC for their continued support. This research will provide tangible evidence to guide livestock production across the West,” said Director of the University of Idaho Rangeland Center Karen Launchbaugh. “The Idaho Cattle Association has supported the economic viability and continual environmental improvement of ranchers for more than a century. Many of the priorities we are pursuing on behalf of our members overlap with the mission of PLC, and we look forward to building further on our partnership,” said ICA Natural Resources Policy Director Karen Williams. OSU will receive a grant to conduct research and extension education programs on fine fuels management in the Northern Great Basin. www.progressiverancher.com
“This will make a meaningful difference in our work to better understand and educate people on western rangeland fuel management. Due to the risk of catastrophic wildfires on federal lands, this issue is unfortunately very timely for public lands ranchers, and we thank PLC for their support,” said Sergio Arispe, associate professor of animal and rangeland Science. (FRM), The Foundation for Ranch Management, will receive a grant for creating and distributing a booklet on Western ranching to urban residents newly arrived in rural communities. “Too often, Americans make decisions about ranching and public lands management without understanding the history, culture, and present-day impact of these communities. We appreciate PLC’s support as we work to share the good work that ranchers are doing to protect ecosystems and support rural economies across the West,” said FRM President Dan Leahy. OCA will receive a grant to continue their work on establishing a common monitoring system for riparian areas across federal agencies. “The allotment monitoring that is done on federal lands underpins many of the policies that impact livestock ranchers. Uniformity in that monitoring is key to making sound, workable decisions. I thank PLC for their support of this project,” said retired Professor of Range Ecology Larry Larson. The University of Nevada-Reno will receive a grant to develop an outreach strategy related to a PLC-funded study on dormant season grazing. “This grant...will allow us to expand our outreach efforts and bring the latest sound science on rangeland ecology and management to a broader audience. We appreciate PLC’s partnership as we work to communicate on outcomebased management with everyone from Western ranchers to Washington, D.C. officials,” said UNR Chair of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences Barry Perryman.
Article reprinted from: www.lakecountyexam.com
Creeks and Communities: A Continuing Strategy for Accelerating Cooperative Riparian Stewardship
2021-2022 Trainings
Riparian proper functioning condition (PFC) assessment promotes use of common terms, definitions, and methods to identify opportunities for positive change from reasonable investments, enhance local management, and solve problems by people most affected. Integrated Riparian Management uses PFC assessment to prioritize needs for adaptive management with monitoring for riparian objectives and strategies. Training is available to landowners, Federal, State, and local agency personnel, tribes, industry, conservation interests, and others. Instructors are from Nevada Creeks and Communities Team. There is no cost for PFC classes. PFC Assessment for Integrated Riparian Management – November 8-10, 2021 by Zoom - request reservation for link
PFC Assessment for Integrated Riparian Management – April 19-21, 2022 by Zoom - request reservation for link
PFC Assessment for Integrated Riparian Management – Hopefully in-person trainings will be possible after in May (Las Vegas area), June (Ely), and July (Elko) and this announcement can be updated with dates and locations.
PFC Assessment and/or Integrated Riparian Management – Coaching field sessions are available for small groups such as ID or collaborative teams beginning in May. You are welcome to come for the parts of the class you need or want (1-4 days).
Day 1: 8:00 am Registration, 8:15 am start – Inside or Zoom for PFC instruction Day 2: 8:00 am start – Outside or Zoom for PFC Assessments
Day 3: 8:00 am start – Inside or Zoom for Integrated Riparian Management
Day 3: PM and Day 4: Outside or Zoom for assessing additional riparian areas. Zoom classes will feature participant-provided case studies - PFC assessments or integrated riparian management assessment, priorities, objectives, management, monitoring, or adapting management for specific locations
For PFC class signup or questions, contact: Sherman Swanson at 775-233-6221 or swanson@unr.edu with Name, Affiliation, Address, Phone, e-mail, Interest, discipline, role or area of expertise. Riparian and Wetland Plant Identification Workshop October 18 and 25 as needed by Zoom taught by Dave Weixelman and Annie Overlin. Plants covered will include those photographed by class participants and sent to swanson@unr. edu prior to 10/10/21. Tips will be presented for distinguishing submitted plants from similar plants.
Note that this is in substitution for a Wetland Plant Identification Class that was to be taught by Jerry Teihm, UNR Herbarium curator. Unfortunately, high enrollment in the UNR Plants class prohibited the Riparian class as planned. If any money was sent to UNR please contact Jerry at atiehm@att.net for a refund. For reference materials, go to: https://nevada.box.com/s/ m1szqt5autsp06snot9ql14c03g9na3r AND https://www.blm.gov/learn/blmlibrary/agency-publications/technical-references Be sure to scroll down the page and expand the riparian area management section.
Riparian functions keep water on the land longer, reduce flood and drought effects, improve water quality, enhance forage and habitats, and focus monitoring objectives and strategies for integrated management. CONTACT: Sherman Swanson, Coordinator, Nevada Creeks and Communities Team Rangeland & Riparian Ecology & Management Professor Emeritus UNR: AVRS & UNCE | Swanson@unr.edu | 775-233-6221
The Progressive Rancher
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Nevada’s Chris Pritsos takes on national leadership position of Experiment Stations Director of the UNR Experiment Station is named chair of the national Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy CONTACT: Claudene Wharton | 775-784-7072 | whartonc@unr.edu Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources University of Nevada, Reno / MS 0405 | Reno, Nevada 89557-0404 Chris Pritsos, director of the UNR Experiment Station, is now the chair of the national Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy (ESCOP) and will be providing support to Experiment Station directors across the country.
As chair, Pritsos has proposed a set of initiatives that he plans to focus on for the upcoming year. One of these initiatives is assessing how agriculture is being affected by and affects climate change, and what can be done to continue to produce food to feed the world in these changing conditions. As fire and drought increase, Pritsos also believes that studying the impact these have on traditional agriculture and natural resources should be a top priority for Experiment Stations, especially those in the West.
ESCOP is the governing body of the Experiment Station Section and makes recommendations on budgets and policy to federal agencies and lawmakers related to food, agriculture and natural resources on
behalf of the state agricultural Experiment Station directors and administrators.
In Nevada, the Experiment Station is a unit of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources at the University of Nevada, Reno. However, the unit maintains a network of field stations, laboratories and ranches throughout the state, where research is conducted on issues important to the entire state, and the country. Pritsos has been part of ESCOP since he became director of University of Nevada, Reno Experiment Station in 2016, and has been on the leadership committee as incoming chair for the past year. He previously served at the regional level on the Executive Committee of the Western Association Agricultural Experiment Station Directors for five years, two years as chair. “This position goes hand in hand with my work in the College,” Pritsos said. “ESCOP works on the budget and policy issues at the federal level that directly
impact all state Experiment Stations across the U.S. and its territories, and I’m excited to keep being a part of that.” Pritsos hosted the National Experiment Station Section 4 day Annual Meeting last month at Palisades Tahoe. The them was Disruptive Innovation and focused on providing Experiment Station directors with panels and workshops about topics such as postpandemic innovations to sustain higher education and the role of Experiment Station-directed research in finding solutions to climate change challenges.
In his year-long position as ESCOP chair, Pritsos will also be helping the organization to provide Experiment Station liaisons for a variety of committees, agencies and organizations, such as the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, to ensure Experiment Stations across the country have the support needed to conduct work and research.
Rangeland scientist researching solutions to land management challenges in Nevada Amanda Gearhart joins the University’s Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences Amanda Gearhart has joined the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources as an assistant professor, focusing her research and teaching on restoring Nevada rangelands. As a part of the College’s Experiment Station unit, and building on some past research done by the University, Gearhart is conducting a research project in Washoe Valley using sheep to reduce weeds on land acquired by the Bureau of Land Management. Since this area is overgrown with various weed species, Gearhart is hoping introducing sheep to the area will control the weed growth while avoiding overgrazing. During this project, she also wants to focus on genetic components, such as looking at which sheep are eating certain weeds and why, to gather data for future weed control in the valley. 22 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
In addition to research, Gearhart is also preparing to teach two courses in the Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences, which will include a restoration ecology course. These courses will give Gearhart the chance to share her knowledge of conducting rangeland assessment and monitoring with students. Before joining the University, Gearhart worked for the Bureau of Land Management as a wild horse and burro specialist. While conducting this work, she monitored the conditions of water sources, sagebrush and land where wild horses and burros lived in Western rangelands. She also hosted weekend-long courses for the public to learn the basics of rangeland science and wild horse management, which inspired her to pursue a teaching position. The Progressive Rancher
“I really enjoyed the work I was doing with wild horses and burros, but I wanted to focus more on the research and teaching aspects of the job,” Gearhart said. “I’m excited to be at the University to conduct some research that will help solve big land management problems in Nevada.” Gearhart is also hoping to conduct research on ricegrass restoration by looking at seed coatings. Using different kinds of seed coatings will either delay or hasten germination depending on the soil conditions. Her goal is to help Indian ricegrass, a native grass that is notoriously difficult to germinate and establish, grow to provide food for wildlife and range livestock.
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Carson City resident Karen Hinton inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame Dean and director emeritus of UNR Extension honored for her 4-H leadership Karen Hinton, dean and director emeritus of University of Nevada, Reno Extension, and current Carson City resident, was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame this week, for her lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization that develops citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills in youth through experiential learning. Nominated by the University of Nevada, Reno and the Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program, Hinton was one of 20 people inducted to the National 4-H Hall of Fame during the ceremony held at the Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 12. The honorees were chosen from a slew of nominations from across the country for their exceptional leadership at the local, state, national and international levels.
“It is a distinct honor to be chosen as a part of the 4-H Hall of Fame Class of 2021 and to see how individual laureates have significantly impacted youth across the country,” Hinton said. “Through their dedication and tireless effort, countless youth from diverse backgrounds, both rural and urban, have learned skills through 4-H that prepare them to navigate life and become productive citizens.” At the ceremony, Hinton was presented with a National 4-H Hall of Fame medallion, plaque and memory book. Sarah Chvilicek, who worked with Hinton and is the current 4-H Program coordinator for the northern and rural parts of the state, and current Nevada 4-H Director Carrie Stark were there to see her receive her honors.
“It was so great to see Karen receive this well-deserved honor,” Stark said. “She truly used her career in 4-H and Extension to try to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Her legacy is known far beyond Nevada’s borders. She is respected by Extension and 4-H leaders across the country for her innovation, hard work and passion for serving our country’s youth.”
As a youth, Hinton was a 4-H member in Happy, Texas, where she lived on a 1,280-acre farm. She began her Extension career in 1981, and spent the next 31 years working for University of Nevada, Reno Extension, first as an Extension home economist in Douglas County, and then as an Extension educator in Carson City. She soon moved up the ranks to the position of western area director, overseeing all Extension programs and operations for Washoe, Douglas and Storey Counties, and Carson City. In 1998, she became the dean and director of Extension, overseeing all Extension operations, statewide. She retired in 2012, after serving as the University’s longest-serving female dean. “Karen’s leadership spurred many programs that made a real difference to youth, volunteers and Nevada’s citizens,” Chvilicek said. “Almost all the 4-H events and opportunities for youth in our state have been impacted by Karen’s leadership.”
Hinton helped create Nevada 4-H Capital Days in the 1990s, which still exists today and includes the opportunity for youth to meet state elected officials during the legislative session. Civic engagement was essential to Hinton, who always encouraged staff and 4-H youth to interact with local-level decisionmakers and place 4-H in front. By providing youth opportunities to speak to local decision-makers, they gained confidence that they could make a difference at the local level. On the national level, Karen served as the co-chair of the National 4-H Task Force formed www.progressiverancher.com
from the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy to increase the visibility of 4-H with federal legislators.
Hinton drilled into her staff to assess needs at the local level and collaborate with others to address those needs. She encouraged 4-H faculty and staff to work with community agencies and organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club and Hispanic Services’ teen leadership programs to reach underserved youth. In Carson City, when teachers indicated elementary students needed to learn where their food came from, Hinton encouraged the 4-H staff to work with Nevada Farm Bureau, agriculture producers and the school district to offer students a field trip to see live animals and hands-on exhibits and demonstrations regarding agriculture and food production. The event was dubbed Capital City Farm Days, and is ongoing today.
Although Hinton never lost touch with Extension’s roots in agriculture and rural life, she was also one of the first to embrace new technologies to help fulfill the missions of Extension and 4-H, co-founding and serving as the board chair for “eXtension,” a national website/database where citizens from across the country can get answers to their questions from Extension experts. Hinton brought that same type of innovation to Nevada, where she secured funding to install interactive video conference equipment in each Extension office, allowing 4-H staff, youth and volunteers to interact with one another more often, and participate in or plan events with little or no travel costs. The technology was also made available to other groups and organizations throughout the state, to allow them to conduct business without incurring travel time and costs. Throughout her career, Hinton believed that volunteers were the heart of the 4-H Program.
“Karen envisioned the role of caring adults who worked with young people as very important and did not consider them ‘just a volunteer,’” Chvilicek said. “She valued our volunteers, and also held them to the same high standards and professionalism as she did our staff, even making sure we developed official job descriptions for our volunteers.” The Progressive Rancher
Perhaps one of Hinton’s greatest passions was for 4-H camp, and in particular, the Nevada State 4-H Camp, located on the shores of Lake Tahoe, in South Lake Tahoe. During her time as dean, she led and oversaw many improvements to the camp’s buildings and grounds, including being on the cutting edge of energyefficient construction, getting a green-energy-efficient cabin constructed at the camp during her tenure. She greatly valued outdoor educational experience for youth. She structured the camp program with hands-on educational workshops, evening campfire entertainment highlighting local history, cooperative games to foster a sense of belonging, and training for adult chaperones and teen counselors. She also designed an undergraduate- and graduate-level course for adults to receive college credit for volunteering as chaperones at 4-H camp. Hinton was an active member of, and at times served in leadership roles for, many national and regional associations during her career, including NAE4HYDP, National Extension Family and Consumer Sciences, National Association County Agricultural Agents, Extension Committee on Organization and Policy, Western Extension Directors Association. In retirement, Hinton continues to be an avid supporter of 4-H and Extension. She currently serves on the fund development committee for the Nevada State 4-H Camp. About the National 4-H Hall of Fame
The National 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 as part of the Centennial Project of National Association of Extension 4-H Agents in partnership with National 4-H Council and National 4-H Headquarters at USDA. Honorees are nominated by their home states; National 4-H Council; the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals; or the Division of Youth and 4-H at the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. based upon their exceptional leadership at the local, state, national and international levels. Jeannette Rea Keywood serves as the National 4-H Hall of Fame committee chair.
Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 23
NFARM evada FBUREAU arm Bureau www.fb.org
Contact: Daniel Munch | Associate Economist (202) 406-3669 | dmunch@fb.org
First-Ever Colorado River Water Shortage Declaration Spurs Water Cuts in the Southwest The Western U.S. is no stranger to extreme drought. It’s been several generations, though, since farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to produce food and fiber have been hampered to this degree by dry conditions. Crop acreage reductions, orchard tree removals and livestock herd liquidations have been common responses from farms and ranches facing drought. In the Colorado River Basin, which covers over 246,000 square miles and provides vital water resources to Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and northern Mexico, the largest reservoirs have reached their lowest water levels in history. Under the Colorado River Basin guidelines, low reservoir levels have triggered the first shortage declaration in history and with it a range of water allocation curtailments. The Colorado River Basin is a primary source for farm and rangeland irrigation across 5.5 million acres of land and is also used for municipal and industrial purposes by the region’s 40 millionplus residents. The region’s hydroelectric infrastructure provides up to 42 gigawatts of electrical power annually to area customers. As a result of the Colorado River Compact of 1922, the basin was split into two separate water apportionment regions, the Upper Basin, which covers Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and a small section of Arizona, and the Lower Basin, which covers the majority of Arizona and provides water to populated sections of Southern California and Nevada. Under the compact, each basin is allocated 7.5 million acre-feet (maf ) yearly, with an additional 1.5 maf dedicated to Mexico. The Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency within the Department of the Interior, oversees water resource management including the delivery, diversion and storage of Colorado River Basin water flows. The bureau monitors conditions, such as inflow, water storage capabilities, elevation and evaporation, and manages total releases from the basin’s numerous reservoirs, with a particular focus on the two largest reservoirs: Lake Powell on the southern border of Utah (created by Glen Canyon Dam) and Lake Mead on the border of Nevada and Arizona (created by Hoover Dam). Multi-year drought has impacted the level of Rocky Mountain snowpack, which the Colorado River relies on for its flows. Reduced inflow from snowpack results in reduced reservoir levels and a reduction in the amount of water available for downstream users especially as population and associated water demand increases. A Reclamation study estimated 64-76% of consumption demand growth was expected to come from municipal and industrial use by the area’s growing population, rather than from increased agricultural demand. In an effort to avoid future water shortage disasters and improve storage decisions, the Upper and Lower Basin states worked collaboratively with Reclamation to agree to and implement a series of water shortage mitigation procedures called the Drought Contingency Plans (DCPs), which were approved by Congress in 2019. For the Upper Basin, states agreed to the operation of regional units to keep the elevation of Lake Powell above 3,525 feet (35 feet above the minimum needed to support hydroelectric production). This goal would be achieved through drawdowns of other Upper Basin water storage facilities and voluntary buyer agreements for paid water use reductions. Figure 1 shows the elevation of Lake Powell from 2017-present. To date, Upper Basin states have been successful at preventing Lake Powell’s elevation from dropping below 3,525 feet. That said, the reservoir is still at its lowest recorded level, reaching 32% of its 24.3 maf max capacity (compare to 48% of capacity in September 2020). In the Lower Basin, Arizona, California and Nevada reservoir usage is governed by a more complex framework, and the secretary of the Interior is the watermaster of the lower Colorado River, giving the federal government a significant role in water management. In 2007, the region adopted a series of mitigation
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procedures known as the Colorado River Interim Guidelines. Based on Lake Mead elevation level triggers, the 2007 guidelines called for progressively greater cuts as lake levels fall below 1,075 feet. Another feature of the guidelines is intentionally created surplus water, which is created when states invest in conservation to reduce their deliveries and increase storage at Lake Mead for future years. The Lower Basin DCPs establish additional trigger levels and curtailments for reservoirs in the area.
Table 2 displays the volume reduction requirements by state and governing policy. Until recently, Arizona and Nevada were operating under the Tier 0 level of the DCP requirements, reducing their total apportionments by 6.8% and 2.6%, respectively. Lake Mead elevations between 1,090 and 1,075 feet are not categorized as a shortage, making these preliminary curtailments a protective buffer from further drops. Unfortunately, with persisting drought conditions, Lake Mead recently dropped below the 1,075-foot threshold, warranting the first declared shortage in history from the Department of the Interior. Figure 2 shows the elevation of Lake Mead from 2017-present. As of Sept. 1, Lake Mead was reported at 35% of its 26.1 maf max capacity (compare to 40% of capacity in August and September 2020).
The shortage declaration will trigger Tier 1 curtailments under DCP and Interim Guideline requirements in the 2022 water year, which begins Oct. 1, 2021. Arizona will be most impacted because of its junior water rights, losing 18% of its annual allocation, or 512,000 acre-feet of water, which translates to 8% of the state’s water use. Additionally, Nevada will lose approximately 7% of its allocation, or 21,000 acre-feet of water, while California remains spared due to its water rights seniority advantage. Any cuts will likely impact agricultural use first as municipal use receives preference. Conclusion The Department of the Interior declared the first-ever Colorado River Basin water shortage on August 16. Arizona and Nevada, which combined generate nearly $6 billion in agricultural receipts, will be directly impacted by additional cuts to water allocation. Continued drought conditions risk additional cuts across the Colorado River Basin, jeopardizing thousands more farm and ranch operations’ access to vital water resources. Moving forward, drought mitigation approaches must consider the crucial role Western agriculture plays in a secure domestic food supply.
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The Progressive Rancher
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 25
25TH ANNIVERSARY 2021 SALE RESULTS 86 Horses | $703,200 For more information, visit www.vannormansale.com
The 25th annual Van Norman & friends Production Sale was held on September 17 and 18th at the Elko County Fairgrounds. A total of 86 horses sold, with lively competition among telephone, internet, and in-person bidders. Demand was strong across the board making this the highest grossing sale to date. Sale average was $8176. Following on the positive feedback on changes in the structure of the venue last year and because COVID is still a great concern, everything was again held outdoors with the sale ring and auctioneer stand being set up on the racetrack and the sale office being in the parimutuel building. The Star Hotel provided concessions as well as an open-air bar area. The sale kicked off with the national anthem beautifully sung by Marrina Mori and a prayer led by renowned auctioneer, Colonel Steve Friskup of Muleshoe, Texas. Friskup rolled through the 90 horses with his signature style and humor, keeping energy and enthusiasm high throughout the afternoon. He was accompanied by Matt Mori who provided insight and commentary about the horses, riders, and breeding programs represented. Bid spotters Bucke Waite, Justin Morris, and Clint Menchew assisted by phone ringmen Pete Mori, Darci Riggins, Joe Cahill, and Allie Bear along with Katie Colyer(LiveAuctionsTV) on the computer kept Steve on his toes throughout the afternoon. Lot 41: Teles A Secret -2017 Bay Gelding-consigned by Taylor and Millie Wakley of Deeth, NV. Sold to Kriss Costa of Hollister, CA for $30,000
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Lot # Consignor
Horse
Sale Price
Buyer Name
City, State
1 2 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 56 57 58 59 60 62 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 87 88 89 90 91 93 94 95 96 97
JP BERTY BUD RUNNING U TOP GUN JP NU BUD JP PEPTOS FAME TIVIOS ROAN POOSE RED SOUR PATCH KID JP NU FAME DW LOUIS LENADOCS NU REMEDY MZ BET SHES DARLENE JP METAL CHEX HEZA PEEKABOON LOTSA BERT COMMAND BOON PUNK IMA PRETTY FLING SMARTNSTYLISH MONKEY LITTLE LOTTO ROCKET TI FAIRLY STYLISH DR DUNIT EMERALD JP GINGER DUNIT YY GUN BUNNY HANCOCK SMOKIN CASH DW GOIN FOR FAME DEE DAKOTA GIRL SG GUN PLAY PEPTOS SYNDROME KCR SIERRA RED PINE BLACK ZIPPER DW PACKIN FOR FAME SHINEY PINK ROCKS JP BOON O FRECKLES EASTERS WINDWALKER HICKORYS CALLIE JP ROWDY RAWHIDE JP RED RANGER THE CHEXINTHEMAIL TELES A SECRET AUGUSTUS MCCRAE TD FAES RED RAIDER YY TOKEN FROST DR PEPTO FLYBYME KCR REYS SAVY BUDDY JM TIGER HANCOCK BEST FOUR FIZZ JP DANDY DUNIT ROCKIN A FULL DECK DW PROUD MARY TD MAPLE SUGAR YY SHINE N THE PINES BERTS DRIFTY STOICK PREACHERS BOY MZBETSHESABLUEDIAMOND DRIFTERS REDWOOD DW BLACK VELVET BIG JOHN 401 JP NEVADA IMAGE DRIFTERS GOLD VISA YY HEZA COYOTE GUY DR BUTTERED RUM JP PURRFECT CATT JP HIGH BROW SQUIRT MZ BETS POCO PEP DW SIPPIN ON FAME JP SON OF THUNDER CHEXIE N MILK DR PEPTO CHAMP DRIFTERS DUSTY GAL BRITE BROWN COMMAND JP DUNIT DAKOTA FANDANGO JG JET N RUSTY LOTTO SMOOTH CHEX CASH N NICKELS MISS DUAL PEP BERT SR DUNIT ZANALOU YY WHITELACENWHISKY YY WATERMELON WINE SMOKUM BOON KCR REYS HANDY ROAN DR DUNIT GIN N TONIC SMART PEPTO JOE JP CLANCY CAT BERTS BREWER JP MARNITA STARLIGHT SR DUNIT SAINT COMETS SONNY DEE
$2,500.00 $9,000.00 $1,400.00 $1,700.00 $5,000.00 $6,000.00 $2,700.00 $3,900.00 $1,800.00 $2,000.00 $4,000.00 $29,000.00 $5,000.00 $2,000.00 $17,500.00 $18,000.00 $6,200.00 $18,500.00 $5,700.00 $1,400.00 $3,000.00 $8,000.00 $1,200.00 $3,000.00 $11,000.00 $12,000.00 $1,800.00 $5,000.00 $4,000.00 $2,800.00 $11,500.00 $5,200.00 $1,400.00 $19,200.00 $22,000.00 $20,000.00 $30,000.00 $7,000.00 $9,500.00 $2,600.00 $6,500.00 $1,800.00 $8,700.00 $6,800.00 $6,600.00 $4,000.00 $3,000.00 $6,500.00 $2,800.00 $14,000.00 $8,700.00 $10,500.00 $2,000.00 $3,200.00 $23,000.00 $4,100.00 $3,100.00 $15,000.00 $8,500.00 $10,000.00 $17,500.00 $3,500.00 $5,500.00 $18,000.00 $7,500.00 $20,500.00 $2,500.00 $14,000.00 $4,000.00 $16,000.00 $15,000.00 $10,000.00 $23,000.00 $4,500.00 $4,000.00 $5,200.00 $10,000.00 $1,800.00 $3,200.00 $8,000.00 $4,700.00 $4,000.00 $6,200.00 $5,300.00 $5,000.00 $12,000.00
Colby Jantz John Filippini Zeb Burroughs Chantelle Carter Kent Wedel Chad Alexander Joe Watterson Colby Jantz Aaron Davis Alexander Skinner Kent Wedel Duane Martin Mike Reine Jenny Groves Mike Reine Angela Estes Macey Cox Tyler Seal Tom Richards Kent Wedel Chad Watterson Kyle Turner Mark Hendrix Patrice Stuart Ty Shintaku Tyler Hammemess Travis Truelock Kent Batton Georgia Mueller Jennifer Whiteley Blair Philippi Jennifer Oakham Kelly Rueck Cord Forzano Blair Philippi Duane Martin Kriss Costa Tyler Crockett Steve Murdock Matt Schiew Janie Welch Peggy Corbett Brian Smith Petan Company Rick Jones Kent Wedel Cameron Mastre Tony Buzzetti Chad Watterson Colby Lord Mario Walter Justin Ferrell Aaron Davis Georgia Mueller Cord Forzano Woodie Bell Terri Knaack Lina Blohm Steve Murdock Keith Danielson Dana Richards Kent Wedel Matt Severe Sue Ann Arnell Jennifer Oakham Robert Becker Aaron Davis Doug Pickett Brian Smith Alan James Steve Murdock Derek Lund Duane Martin Matt Severe Tom Richards Terri Dean Blair Philippi Russell Neilson Ben Schiew Perry Whittle Steve Murdock Rick Jones Colby Lord Fred Buckmaster Micah Long Jerry Leech
Ontario, OR Crescent Valley, NV Bonanza, OR Spring Creek, NV Grant, NE Lamoille, NV Cedar Valley, UT Ontario, OR Grantsville, UT Klamath Falls, OR Grant, NE Ione, CA Soledad CA Eagleville, CA Soledad, CA Spring Creek, NV San Louis Obispo, CA Spring Creek, NV Melba, ID Grant, NE South Rim, UT Twin Falls, ID Austin, NV Paradise Valley, NV San Louis Obispo, CA Capay, CA Copperopolis, CA Burns, OR Elko, NV Lamoille, NV Selah, WA Capay , CA Madeline, CA Madera, CA Selah, WA Ione, CA Hollister, CA Donnelley, ID Mapleton, UT Paulden, AZ Winnemucca, NV Portola, CA Sheridon, MT Tuscarora, NV Stevinson , CA Grant, NE Bruneau, ID Lamoille, NV South Rim, UT Mayfield, ID Yerington, NV Lakeview, OR Grantsville, UT Elko, NV Madera , CA Paradise Valley, NV Elko, NV Elko, NV Mapleton, UT Hooper, WA Merced, CA Grant, NE Castleford, ID OKC, Oklahoma Capay, CA Oakdale, CA Grantsville, UT Oakley, ID Sheridon, MT Toole, UT Mapleton, UT Ellensburg, WA Ione, CA Castleford, ID Melba, ID Spring Creek, NV Selah, WA Winnemucca, NV Williams, AZ Angels Camp, CA Mapleton, UT Stevinson, CA Mayfield, ID Eureka, NV Tuscarora, NV Cameron, MT
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Nevada’s Priority Agricultural Weeds:
Perennial Pepperweed
By: Brad Schultz, Extension Educator, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Winnemucca, NV
Introduction
Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium L.), also commonly called tall whitetop, is a long-lived perennial weed originally from Eurasia. Following importation as an ornamental plant, perennial pepperweed subsequently spread throughout the western states, commonly inhabiting irrigated or sub-irrigated meadows and pastures, stream banks and associated riparian areas, irrigation ditches, marshes, floodplains, shorelines, exposed lakebeds, irrigated cropland, and areas that receive abundant run-on moisture (e.g., roadsides and seasonal streams).
1A
There are many adverse effects from perennial pepperweed. A solitary plant can rapidly develop a large root system that contains many buds, with each bud capable of developing into a new shoot or plant. A single plant can expand into a large dense stand of perennial pepperweed that displaces more desired vegetation, ultimately decreasing the land’s value for livestock grazing, field crops, wildlife and fisheries, and resale. Perennial pepperweed’s root system is large but not dense; thus, it does not hold the soil together well. Sites that endure regular high-flow flood events and also have extensive stands of perennial pepperweed have an increased high risk for severe erosion. Furthermore, bank erosion from flooding typically breaks large perennial pepperweed root systems into many pieces. Root segments as short as one-inch long and one-tenth of an inch in diameter often have a bud capable of developing into a new plant. New infestations are common immediately after a flood because root segments are deposited downstream and many reside on or just below the surface of newly deposited sediment that remains moist for weeks after the flood. Moist sediment deposits are an optimal growing site for perennial pepperweed, from both root fragments and seed. Established perennial pepperweed plants also have roots that can grow deeper than most of our native plants. These deep roots can extract many salts from these depths and deposit them on the soil’s surface during leaf fall. The accumulated salts can reduce the germination and growth of better forage plants. 30 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
Figures 1a and 1b. Perennial pepperweed seedlings at 4-6 weeks of age (1a) and a one-year-old plant (1b). The seedlings have developed a tap root but have not become perennial. The yearling plant has developed a lateral root from which a new shoot has developed. Additional buds are present throughout the root system of the yearling plant
1B Plant Biology
Reproduction occurs from two sources: 1) the aforementioned buds on the roots, with as many as one bud per inch of root; and 2) from seed. The initial tap root grows downward deep into the soil (Figures 1a and 1b), and may reach a depth of almost 3 feet in less than 90 days. Lateral roots extend horizontally, often reaching tens of feet after several years. The majority of the root system is found in the top two feet of the soil, but in deep soils perennial pepperweed roots can penetrate to over 10 feet deep, often tapping into a shallow water table. Almost always, a substantial amount of the root system resides below the tillage zone of most equipment. The Progressive Rancher
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Root biomass often exceeds shoot biomass. This results in the roots storing a large amount of energy or carbohydrate reserves. The stored energy reserves keep the buds; hence, the plant alive during long dormant periods. They also provide the carbon to initiate the first leaves after dormancy breaks, or to facilitate regrowth after a disturbance removes the leaves and stems. Once the first few leaves develop, perennial pepperweed plants have enough leaf area for photosynthesis to meet the energy (carbohydrates) needs for additional growth and development. New plants can establish on small patches of bare ground, in otherwise well-vegetated meadows and pastures. The tap root subsequently develops lateral roots that extend far into the areas well-vegetated with desired perennial grasses. Some of the buds on these lateral roots develop shoots that emerge above-ground. These shoots enable the perennial pepperweed plant to compete with the desired vegetation for all of the resources needed for plant growth (e.g., sunlight, water and nutrients). Once seedlings have developed six to eight leaves on their root crown the root system starts to develop buds. These buds allow perennial pepperweed to regrow each spring, or following a disturbance. Once root buds have developed, elimination of perennial pepperweed (or any weed with root buds) requires killing both the buds and eliminating the seedbank. For perennial pepperweed plants at least oneyear old, the plant develops new leaves and shoots from buds on the previous year’s root crown and the established root system. These shoots become a rosette of leaves, which produce many carbohydrates that the plant reinvests into further growth, largely in the form of stems (tillers) that grow upward above the rosette and eventually flower. The tip of each elongating stem has a terminal growing point called the apical meristem, which becomes the plant’s flowers. When flowering starts, numerous additional lateral stems rapidly develop, each with many flowers. At peak flowering, most of the leaves on a perennial pepperweed plant reside in the upper one-third of the plant canopy, but just below the dense flowers. The carbohydrates the produced in these “upper leaves” largely move upward to produce developing seed, not downward as stored energy reserves in the root system. The carbohydrates used to sustain the buds on the roots largely come from the leaves in the lower half of the plant. Carbohydrate movement to the root system begins to increase at the bud growth stage, increases further at flowering, and peaks from flowering to seed production. Systemic herbicides intended to kill the root buds, piggyback on these carbohydrates and move from the lower leaves to the roots and accumulate in the buds, where they inhibit growth and eventually cause plant death. Understanding when carbohydrates are most likely to move from the leaves – and from which leaves www.progressiverancher.com
– to the roots is important for timing herbicide applications. Unfortunately, the ability of perennial pepperweed to produce and translocate (move) carbohydrates declines substantially when irrigation or flooding saturates the soil. After only three days of saturation, plants may decrease their carbohydrate output by 62 percent. This dramatically reduces the translocation of carbohydrates to the roots, which probably reduces herbicide transport to the buds on those roots. Mature plants with leaves above the water tolerate and survive flooding quite well, but grow poorly during the high-water period. Systemic herbicides applied under these conditions are not likely to provide substantial control of the weed because there is poor movement of the active ingredient to the root buds. As the plant matures, the dense flowers and leaves just below them create a physical barrier for placement of an herbicide on the lower leaves. But, placement of an herbicide on the lower leaves typically provides better movement of the chemical to the growing points (buds) in the roots, which must be killed for effective weed control to occur. The most effective herbicide applications will be those that place the chemical on the lower leaves (Figures 2 and 3). Perennial pepperweed has exceptionally high seed production, reaching values of 3,000 seeds per inflorescence and 16 billion seed per acre. Seed production is greatest when perennial pepperweed grows in moist, non-saline soil. Seed production declines substantially when soils remain saturated and/or have high salinity. Up to 95 percent of the seed crop is viable and non-dormant, and can germinate immediately if it falls onto moist soil and temperature conditions are adequate for germination. Seed can remain submerged for at least 12 to 18 months and still remain viable. Up to 14 percent of the seed may remain in the seedheads into December. The retention of seed in the seedheads reduces the amount of seed lost to insects, soil pathogens, deep burial and other processes that typically reduce the number of viable seeds on a site. High seed head retention; however, may improve the efficacy of using fire to destroy seeds, provided the site can be safely burned before seed dispersal. The best germination occurs when the depth of buried seed is less than four-tenths of an inch and the soil remains moist (75 percent water holding capacity). Almost no seedlings emerge from seed buried deeper than one inch. This suggests that recently flooded areas with abundant bare-ground and slow drying soil are an optimal germination and establishment site. They should be included for periodic scouting as part of an early detection rapid response program intended to prevent widespread establishment of perennial pepperweed. The Progressive Rancher
Control Methods NON-CHEMICAL CONTROL
There are no known biological controls for perennial pepperweed. The success of mechanical (tillage, cultivation, etc.) or physical techniques depends greatly upon plant age. These approaches are most successful on seedlings before they become perennial (the 6-8 leaf stage of development) and unsuccessful on mature plants with established root systems. Mature plants have a large number of buds on their extensive root system and have large amount of stored energy. This facilitates rapid regrowth following tillage, handpulling and other types of physical disturbance. Tillage and cultivation treatments typically increase the weed problem because they create many root fragments (with buds) and often move them beyond established infestations. Mowing never works as a one-time stand along treatment, but can play an important role in managing perennial pepperweed when used in combination with other tools. Mowing perennial pepperweed shoots typically stimulates regrowth of existing shoots, but also additional shoots from buds on the roots. The abundant new growth decreases energy reserves, while also improving access to green leaves on subsequent regrowth. Literally, all of an herbicide applied toward this regrowth will fall on photosynthetically active leaves because dead stems and leaves are absent. Increasing herbicide contact with green leaves, especially those toward the base of the plant usually increases herbicide effectiveness. In California, mowing perennial pepperweed plants at the bud growth stage and applying an herbicide to the regrowth at the flower-bud stage dramatically improved overall control, particularly with glyphosate. On a research plot in Nevada, mowing of green growth, followed by herbicide application to the regrowth provided some enhanced control (but often not much) for some, but not all herbicides. A single application of chlorsulfuron (Telar), with or without any mowing treatment, resulted in complete absence of perennial pepperweed in midJuly of the following growing season. The different result between the two studies may be due to the long growing season at the California site (almost year-long). There was adequate soil moisture for both regrowth of mowed plants, and continued growth after the herbicide treatments. Many sites in Nevada do not have sufficient soil moisture in many years to support growth for that long a period. Fire is unlikely to be a successful stand-alone treatment for mature perennial pepperweed.. Mature, green perennial pepperweed can be difficult to burn, and fire does not adversely affect the viability
...continued next page
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 31
Figures 2a-2c. Figure 2a shows a perennial pepperweed infestation treated with Imazapic in late July 2005 (a wet year) at to shortly after peak flowering. Treatment occurred with an ATV, with the boom located below the flowers. When the boom passed through the infestation it pulled the perennial pepperweed plants over and exposed the lower leaves to the herbicide. Figure 2c shows the same location as Figure 2a one year after treatment. Only a couple of perennial pepperweed plants were present one year after treatment. Figures 3a and 3b. A stand of mature perennial pepperweed treated with an aerial application of metsulfuron, dicamba, and 2,4-D (Cimarron® Max) in early June 2007 (Figure 3a) and one year later (Figure 3b). The application occurred near peak flowering and during a very dry year. The result was very little control the following year. Physical protection of the lower leaves from an herbicide application located well above the flowers and poor growing conditions contributed to an unsuccessful treatment. Subsequent aerial treatments of this site when growing conditions were better resulted in much better success. *
2A
3A
2B
3B
2C
Table 1. The list below identifies the active ingredients and many representative products known to control perennial pepperweed in rangeland, pasture and non-crop settings. Product selection should occur only after applicators have read all current product labels and identified the appropriate products for their specific situation, including potential effects to nontarget species. Many of the active ingredients listed in this table are available in premixed formulations with other active ingredients. These premixed packages (products) are not listed in this table. A complete list of all active ingredients and products labeled to control perennial pepperweed can be searched for at the Crop Data Management Systems (CDMS) website www.cdms.net
Active Ingredient Representative Proucts
32 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
Selective
Soil Residual
Growth Stage
Chlorsulfuron
Telar/numerous others
Yes
Yes
Seedlings, or flower bud to flowering stage on mature plants
Metsulfuron
Escort, Cimarron
Yes
Some
Seedlings, or flower bud to flowering stage on mature plants
Imazapic
Plateau and others
Yes
Yes
Seedlings, or bud to later flowering stage on mature plants
2,4-D
Many
Yes
No
Best at flower bud to flowering stage
Glyphosate
Roundup/many others
No
No
Seedlings, or flower bud to flowering stage on mature plants
Imazapyr
Habitat, Arsenal
only at low rates
Yes
Seedlings, or bud to later flowering on mature plants
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of the buds on the root system. Regrowth will occur either the year of the fire treatment, provided soil moisture is adequate, or the following year. Targeted flaming, however, can effectively control young seedlings before they become perennial. Fire may be an appropriate tool when combined with other treatments, particularly an herbicide. Similar to mowing, fire can remove old, decadent, dead and/or taller vegetation that would reduce the amount of an herbicide reaching the green leaves of perennial pepperweed. Also, a spring burn when leaves are only a few inches tall and interspersed with substantial dead litter is likely to kill those leaves and stimulate buds on the roots to produce additional stems and leaves, potentially increasing leaf surface area while reducing carbohydrate levels in the roots. Increasing the leaf area and applying a follow up herbicide when energy reserves are less and carbohydrate movement the roots is greatest best, increases the probability of a successful herbicide treatment. Also, later summer, fall or early winter burn may kill many of the seeds that still reside in the dead flowers, and possibly some located in deep litter just above the soil surface. Fire typically does not kill seeds in the mineral soil. Grazing may suppress perennial pepperweed but does not reduce its spatial extent unless it is very intense, all of the growing season, for several or more years. Cattle, sheep and goats will graze perennial pepperweed, particularly at the rosette growth stage. As the plant matures coarse stems elongate and the leaves often develop waxy coatings. At this growth stage, sheep and goats are more likely than cattle to select the plant for feed, and goats generally will select a greater portion of their total diet as perennial pepperweed, than will sheep. Perennial pepperweed can store more energy in its roots than most, if not all, perennial grasses; therefore, it can withstand heavy prolonged use better than the desired perennial grasses. Once grazing animals leave the grazed pasture perennial pepperweed tends to regrow rather quickly. When using a grazing animal to control weeds, management must consider how the timing, duration, and intensity of defoliation directed toward the weed may affect the desired residual herbaceous species needed to inhabit the site posttreatment. Treatment of the perennial pepperweed should not result in a permanent adverse effect on the desired species. It’s only a matter of time until some other weed occupies the ground, or the pepperwed returns. Flooding can be used in areas where water depth can be controlled for long periods. This approach works best when the entire plant is submerged for at least several months and perhaps as long as six months. Partial submergence is ineffective. Flooding has little effect on the seedbank, and could enhance seed germination and seedling density as the water recedes and soils dry slowly. When this happens, www.progressiverancher.com
a follow up treatment of the seedlings can be very effective: seedlings are the easiest growth stage to control. The sequential combination of mowing, tillage and tarping can be effective for small infestations not suitable for an herbicide treatment. The mowing and tillage components effectively kill the aboveground biomass and break the upper roots into small pieces. Each root segment can produce a new plant but the small size of most root segments limits the amount of stored energy available to support the new plant. The tarp prevents sunlight from reaching any regrowth and the new shoots eventually deplete their stored energy and die. It will likely require a longer period to deplete the energy reserves of the large intact roots that reside below the tillage zone. The desired residual vegetation on the site also would die; thus, the site would have to be revegetated with desired species to reduce the risk of reinfestation by either perennial pepperweed or another weed. This is an example of an integrated weed management approach molded to the small scale of specific infestations. The best management approach to minimize the risk of perennial pepperweed rapidly invading (or reinvading) a site is to promote a dense stand of vigorous perennial grasses, with large and deep root systems, and very little bare ground. When bare ground is largely absent, there are very few sites upon which a viable seed can eventually settle, germinate, and if it germinates, live long enough to establish a root system that facilitates long-term survival and reproduction.
HERBICIDE CONTROL
There are numerous herbicides used to control of perennial pepperweed (Table 1). Most have a lengthy soil residual which helps control seedlings the following growing season. A number of research studies have shown 2,4-D and glyphosate provide less long-term control than most of the other herbicides. These two herbicides, however, may have a very appropriate role in some situations. For example, when a soil residual is not desired. Every infestation is unique, as are all management operations, and all tools need to be evaluated accordingly. The active ingredients, chlorsulfuron, and metsulfuron have proven very effective. The key to achieving the best potential success with any herbicide treatment is placing the herbicide on the plant’s lower leaves from the bud-flower to peak flowering growth stages. This improves translocation to the buds (sites of action) on the roots (Figures 2 and 3). Treatment should occur when the plant will be actively growing will have high photosynthetic rates for several weeks after application. The long post-application growing period improves the potential for the herbicide to move deep into the root system and potentially kill more buds. The Progressive Rancher
If the treatment area has desired vegetation that needs to increase following the herbicide application it is important to use a chemical that will not harm those plants. Herbicide selection should always consider the effectiveness of the chemical on the weed and its effects on non-target species. Read the product label thoroughly to fully understand what that production can accomplish, the best conditions for its application, and potential adverse effects to non-target species.
INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT
Effective control of perennial pepperweed is a long-term management issue that must operate within the weed’s complex biology, the land owner’s operational constraints, and the production potential of the area infested. No single tool will provide effective control long-term. Integrated management combines two or more different weed control methods to perpetually harm the weed and benefit desired species. Once treatment begins the nature of the infestation changes: sometimes in desired and expected ways, and sometimes not. As the nature of the infestation changes, the tools used to contain and manage the infestation should change. The specific tools used in year one of a treatment program, or the order and intensity for which they occur, may be entirely different three or four years later. The applied treatment methods may occur concurrently, sequentially, or in some cycle. Each infestation is unique; thus, no standard prescription is available. The best integrated approaches have prevention of establishment as an over-arching approach. This article is based on a UNR Cooperative Extension Special Publication SP-21-01, published in early 2021. The Special Publication includes more detail for plant biology, treatment approaches and integrated weed management than could be printed on these pages. It is available at: https:// naes.agnt.unr.edu/PMS/Pubs/2021-4108.pdf Similar information for horary cress (short white top) and Russian knapweed can be found at: https:// extension.unr.edu/profile.aspx?ID=877#hPubs
* Listing a commercial herbicide does not imply an endorsement by the authors, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension or its personnel. Product names were used only for ease of reading, not endorsement. Herbicides should be selected for use based upon the active ingredient and the specific bioenvironmental situation. Listing a commercial herbicide does not imply an endorsement by the authors, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension or its personnel. Product names were used only for ease of reading, not endorsement. Herbicides should be selected for use based upon the active ingredient and the specific bioenvironmental situation. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 33
USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE | LIVESTOCK GRAZING
Grazing by Domestic Livestock Photo: Jeremy Roberts/Conservation Media
Working Lands for Wildlife’s (WLFW) shared vision of wildlife conservation through sustainable ranching includes producers as part of the solution for implementing conservation to reduce persistent, non–regulatory threats. This vision rallies and sustains partnerships from the start, sustaining landowner enrollment. Landowners are not forced to enroll. Instead, the WLFW shared vision is congruent with ranchers’ values and leverages the Farm Bill’s 80–year history of voluntary conservation to put that vision into practice. WLFW use of coproduced science does not always yield anticipated outcomes, but forces conservationists to think differently about perceived threats. Such was the case when pastures rested from domestic grazing did not benefit sage grouse populations as originally hypothesized.1,2 Outcome assessments found no evidence that rest from grazing (≥12 months) increased daily nest survival rates. Rotational grazing systems and rest had negligible effects on herbaceous vegetation height and cover relative to other grazing strategies.1 Nest survival was comparable to range–wide averages, suggesting concealing cover for nests is unlikely to be limiting population growth regardless of grazing strategy. In response, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) adjusted the delivery
34 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
of conservation practices to de–emphasize financial incentives for extended rest within rotational grazing systems.
Findings spawned additional inquiry challenging the long–held belief that grazing restrictions inevitably benefit sage grouse populations.
Additional science revealed maximization of hiding cover may be overemphasized in grazing management guidelines and policies.1 Findings suggested females instead select nest sites based on relatively static features such as sagebrush cover and distance from roads, whereas nest failure was driven primarily by extended periods of heavy precipitation. As a result, the management of sage grouse nesting habitat should focus on conserving areas of adequate shrub cover and preventing fragmentation of intact grazing lands.
A follow–up study revealed commonly used methodologies are inherently biased, misrepresenting the relationships between habitat structure and sage grouse nest success.4 A range– wide meta–analysis reveals weak effects of grass height on nest–site selection with no relationship to nest success, suggesting nesting habitat–fitness relationships have been inappropriately extrapolated in developing range–wide habitat management objectives.5
Entomological study in the same landscapes showed arthropods consumed by sage grouse were twice as prevalent in grazed shrublands than in nearby pastures that had been idled without domestic grazing for more than a decade.3 Lands managed with grazing supported a more diverse assemblage of ground–dwelling arthropods, which may be particularly beneficial as food resources for birds. Outcomes suggested that periodic disturbance may enhance arthropod diversity and that sage grouse may benefit from livestock grazing with periodic rest or deferment.
The Progressive Rancher
Management of public lands, and who should have access to them, remains contentious in the West. Most private ranching enterprises rely upon seasonal grazing access to public lands, and ongoing wildlife conflicts result in continual calls to restrict grazing on public lands. In a final line of questioning, WLFW found restricting grazing on public lands can increase habitat loss on private lands and reduce community support for conservation.6 A preferred approach for maintaining habitat is a policy that facilitates management on public lands while also supporting sustainable, economically viable ranching operations on private lands.
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Nesting success was similar among different grazing man-agement systems (non–SGI), and rotational grazing, which kept livestock off of designated areas to allow vegetation to recover (SGI–RGS bar) had no effect on nest survival (1).
Activity–density of grouse–food arthropods in grazed, rested and idled pastures in central Mon-tana. Bars represent average weekly catch and standard errors. Grazed rangelands produced more sage grouse food compared to idled pastures where predatory spiders were most abundant (3).
WLFW–SUPPORTED SCIENCE PUBLICATIONS: 1. Smith, J.T., J.D. Tack, L.I. Berkeley, M. Szczypinski, and D.E. Naugle. 2018. Effects of rotational grazing management on nesting greater sage–grouse. Journal of Wildlife Management 82:103–112. 2. Smith, J.T., J.D. Tack, L.I. Berkeley, M. Szczypinski, and D.E. Naugle. Effects of livestock grazing on nesting sage grouse in central Montana. 2018. Journal of Wildlife Management 82:1503–1515. 3. Goosey, H.B., J.T. Smith, K.M. O’Neill and D. E. Naugle. 2019. Ground–dwelling arthropod community response to livestock grazing: Implications for avian conservation. Environmental Entomology 48:856–866. 4. Smith, J.T., J.D. Tack, K.E. Doherty, B.W. Allred, J. D. Maestas, L.I. Berkeley, S.J. Dettenmaier, T.A. Messmer, and D.E. Naugle. 2018. Phenology largely explains taller grass at successful nests in greater sage–grouse. Ecology and Evolution 8:356–364. 5. Smith, J.T., B.W. Allred, C.S. Boyd, J.C. Carlson, K.W. Davies, C.A Hagen, D.E. Naugle, A.C. Olsen, and J.D. Tack. 2020. Are sage–grouse fine–scale specialists or shrub–steppe generalists? Journal of Wildlife Management 84:759–774. 6. Runge, C.A., A.J. Plantinga, A.E. Larsen, D.E. Naugle, K.J. Helmstedt, S. Plasky. J.P. Donnelly, J.T. Smith, T.J. Lark, J.J. Lawler, S.M. Martinuzzi, and J. Fargoine. 2019. Unintended habitat loss on private land from grazing restrictions on public rangelands. Journal of Applied Ecology 56:52–62.
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Sage grouse selected slightly denser shrub cover at nest sites but used herbaceous grass cover based on its availability. Deviation above the diagonal line represents selection by nesting sage grouse. Circles represent individual studies (5). RELATED READINGS:
Runge, C.A., J.C. Withey, D.E. Naugle, J.E. Fargione, K.J. Helmstedt, A.E. Larsen, S. Martinuzzi, and J.D. Tack. 2019. Single species conservation as an umbrella for management of landscape threats. PLoS One 14:e0209619. Dahlgren, D.K., R.T. Larsen, R. Danvir, G. Wilson, E.T. Thacker, T.A. Black, D.E. Naugle, J.W. Connelly, and T.A. Messmer. 2015. Greater sage– grouse and range management: Insights from a 25– year case study in Utah and Wyoming. Rangeland Ecology and Management 68:375–382.
The Progressive Rancher
Stevens, B.S., D.E. Naugle, B. Dennis, J.W. Connelly, T. Griffiths, and K.P. Reese. 2013. Mapping sage grouse collision risk: Spatially explicit models for targeting conservation implementation. Wildlife Society Bulletin 37:409–415. Stevens, B.S., K.P. Reese, and J.W. Connelly. 2011. Survival and detectability bias of avian fence collision surveys in sagebrush steppe. Journal of Wildlife Management 75:437–449.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 35
Service Area
PURPOSE • To have a good understating of federal requirements, decisions, and policy, • To assume a higher voice that is one of equal influence, • To develop connections and consistency between local, state, and federal programs and communications, • From this foundation of being more informed and involved, work in partnership to reduce the loss and/ or significant decline of the critical habitat needed to sustain robust sagegrouse populations.
SCOPE • NC_LAWG includes Priority Habitat Management Areas (PHMA); grazing allotments; Black Rock, Pine Forest, Jackson, Lone Mountain, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, and Massacre PMUs. NC_ LAWG area also encompasses Share Stewardship Priority Areas and NDF Priority Area. • Coverage area includes Pershing, Humboldt, and Churchill Counties 36 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
Humbolt
Elko
Washoe Pershing Lander Storey
Eureka
Churchill
Carson City Lyon
White Pine
Douglas Mineral Esmeralda
Nye
NC LAWG is still planning on meeting in summer of 2021 but is still in need of a Facilitator to manage the group. ADDITIONAL READING:
Lincoln
Clark
“As a governmental agency, CD’s possess perhaps the most unique ability of any public or private entity. It is the ability to work across boundaries of both public and private land. Districts are able to, and often do, work in cooperation with other CD’s to address problems on a watershed basis. For this reason, many federal and state agencies look to CD’s to address and implement natural resource projects.” - Nevada State Conservation Commission Strategic Plan 2010-2015
Nevada’s Best Kept Secret: CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
History & Functions | Two Part Article
progressiverancher.com/issue-january-2021 See pages 24-27
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Future Goals
Achievements
2002 2010
Projects | Coordination:
• Completed PMU risk assessments in planning area
2016 2017 • Created Ranking Criteria and Project Selection within coverage area
2018 2019 • Met as group to discuss projects and identify any areas in need of immediate project assistance • 2 Successful Horse removal efforts completed in Sage grouse high priority areas across the McDermitt Tribal lands and USFS
2019 2022 • Met with SETT to review Adaptive Management Response • Martin fire responses (fence removal, flagging, repairs & seeding) implemented on USFS, BLM and private lands • 3 active Sage grouse projects through NRCS funding
2021 • Developed language for the new Rock Dam projects to be submitted to the BLM for NEPA/ EA review. This will allow work across the entire district and better cooperation and habitat connectivity across private and public lands.
Activities to Date Project Description 1. Reviewed PMU Assessments to determine if risks 2. Project Review and Ranking by group 2015; ongoing 3. Dooley Field Range Improvement 2016, 2017
• Allocate a facilitator to manage LAWG and be point of contact for LAWG projects and outreach efforts
Rangeland Improvement Projects: • Collaborative Noxious Weed Treatments Paradise Valley & Quinn River • Medusahead mapping and EDRR maps for landscape wide approach to containment and control with USF, BLM, UNR, NDOW and Partners. • Incorporate Rangeland monitoring protocol/training opportunities into all rangeland production plans.
Post Fire Efforts: • Develop and utilize fire risk maps • USFS and Partners would like to implementation plots to remove fine fuels and decadent sagebrush through different removal methods to determine the most effective treatment for the region. This will address wildlife concerns, soil degradation, wildlife diversity, plant diversity and ecosystem reliance.
Habitat Projects: • Continue Beaver Dam Analog Project on North Fork of Humboldt River and other nearby reaches • Install Rock dam in degraded meadows to restore water holding capacities and bolster native species
Resource Needs • Facilitator/ Project liaison • Shortened Implementation Timelines by Federal partners • Consistency in Agency Approach to NEPA
4. House Spring Fence Marking 2018 5. 1 Mile fence removal in Priority habitat 2017
• Availability of time from LAWG members
6. 6+ miles of fence marking within Santa Rosa District 2016
• Dedicated Funding and People
7. Noxious Weed Treatments across all jurisdictions Paradise Valley 2015; ongoing
• Cooperation from agencies at the field office/district level and recognition of LAWG projects and importance
8. Working with USFS & ARS on treatment plots for Medusahead mapping/removal 2018
• Develop outreach strategies for consistent, collaborative and correct information distribution across all LAWGs
9. Beaver Dam Analog Project on North Fork of Humboldt River 2018, 2019; ongoing
• Inclusion in cooperative agreements and MOUs across all agencies to ensure coordination
10. Partner on NV Native Seed Partnership in outreach, coordination & development 2018; ongoing
• Mapping of Statewide projects on private lands and public lands to create connectivity in projects and collaboration across all parties
11. 2 Successful Horse removal efforts by Tribe and USFS 2018, 2019 12. Hosted and provided replies at Adaptive Management Response meeting 2020 13. Developed Low Tech Rock dam language to be covered under the BLM District wide EA 2020; ongoing www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 37
Churchill County Cowbelles Update Well, I suddenly find myself the President of the Churchill County Cowbelles. Although as Vice President I was aware two years ago that I promised to step into the President’s Chair, I am just surprised how fast the time went by. Even amidst nineteen months of COVID nightmares, time seems to have jumped me forward to a type of position I have never filled. I told our members they would have to be patient and helpful with me (and they were!) as I was not yet comfortable applying Robert’s Rules of Order. At our first meeting on October 14, 2021, twelve wonderful women coached me on how to make a motion and ask for a second and any discussion. I felt like I said and did everything in a backward, upside-down and sideways manner while sweating and feeling sick to my stomach because I knew I was not applying these simple rules correctly. We adjourned and I was congratulated for getting through our first official meeting of the year.
By Leana L. Carey, President
I lived through it and today I watched 6 hours of YouTube videos such as “How to Conduct A Robert’s Rules of Order Approved Meeting,” an FFA video on the use of Robert’s Rules of Order (very strict), and a gentle, simple video on “How To Make Those You Lead Comfortable,” just to name a few videos I have watched two or three times. (I’m not obsessive! ) Thank goodness for YouTube and for YouTubers who are addicted Robert’s Rules of Order fans. I am not a fan, by the way, of formality in meetings as many of you who have sat in meetings with me over the past forty years know. But I did not write the rules. If I had, one of them might have read this way: “Does it matter if you want red cups or blue cups from which to drink your coffee..?!? Sit down and shut up!” But I of course did not write the rules. And I am much nicer than the above depiction. But I do certainly feel that working cattle and weaning calves could never be as complicated as Robert’s Rules of Order.
As the new President of Churchill County Cowbelles, I recognize that I hold an honored position, and I will work hard to be the President that Cowbelles need me to be, and I have asked them to hold me accountable. Many wonderful ranching and farming women have gone before me as President and I will have to work hard to fill their boots. And some of those boots will never be filled. NEVER! During the coming two years, I will gather stories and photos of some of those wonderful women. I will ask for help from their families and friends and give you details of the favorite aspects of their lives. Ever since The Cowbelles were founded in 1959 in Fallon Nevada, we have never stopped supporting, fundraising, cooking, laughing, crying, hugging, and writing recipes. So here is to all the Churchill County Cowbelles before me — please help me grow into your boots!
Our Favorite Beef Recipes |
Easy Italian Beef
Make these juicy & tender beef sandwiches easily from scratch with a crockpot. Deceptively simple and delicious, everyone will beg you for the recipe! INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
FOR THE BEEF
Let meat rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Season beef all over with kosher salt.
3 to 4 pound chuck roast or round roast, trimmed Kosher salt 14.5 ounce can beef broth, divided 8 ounces pepperoncini pepper slices plus 1/4 cup of juice and additional peppers for serving 8 ounces chopped giardiniera (mild or spicy) drained, plus additional for serving Provolone cheese slices for serving Hoagie buns for serving FOR THE SEASONING*
Heat original cooking pan to medium. Splash in some of the broth and with a wooden spoon, scrape up the brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Pour the liquid and any bits into the slow cooker on top of the beef. In a small bowl, stir together the seasoning ingredients (or use seasoning packet). Sprinkle on top of the beef.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Add the pepperoncini peppers and juice. Add the giardiniera (do not add any giardiniera juice).
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Pour in the remaining broth.
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or until meat shreds easily with a fork. Shred the beef, then stir it together with the juices. Cover and cook on low for 30 additional minutes.
1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon thyme dried ground
*Alternatively, swap all seasoning ingredients for a .7 ounce packet of Italian dressing mix 38 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Once hot, sear meat on all sides until golden brown, moving it as little as possible to develop a nice crust (about 10 minutes). Transfer meat to a slow cooker.
The Progressive Rancher
To serve, split hoagie buns and toast on a baking sheet in the oven at 350° for 5 to 7 minutes. Fill with the shredded Italian beef, add a spoonful or two of the juice, and top with provolone, pepperoncini, and giardiniera as desired. www.progressiverancher.com
Natural Resources Conservation Service | U.S. Dept of Agriculture Contact: Heather Emmons / 775-335-5146 / heather.emmons@usda.gov Conservation Funding Aims to Extend Growing Seasons, Improve Irrigation Efficiency, Protect and Enhance Wildlife Habitat, Manage Livestock and Reduce Soil Loss Apply by November 19 for Fiscal Year 2022 EQIP and AMA Funding The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering financial and technical assistance to help agricultural producers apply conservation practices on their private land as well as their public land allotments. Agricultural producers are encouraged to apply for funds available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program. Applications must be received before 4 p.m. on November 19, 2021 to be considered in the first batching period. EQUIP: www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/ financial/eqip/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery AMA: www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/ financial/ama/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
“High tunnels have been effective in Nevada to extend growing seasons and NRCS’ AMA program can help producers accomplish this,” said Mustapha Abouali, Nevada NRCS assistant state conservationist for programs. “The Lattins of Lattin Farms in Fallon are a great example. They have had a relationship with NRCS for decades, and by working together, they have improved their irrigation efficiency through EQIP and installed several high tunnels through AMA.” “We had been experimenting with high tunnels for some time and found that they extended our season, increased our yields, and let us sell crops that don’t do well outside due to our weather situations,” said Rick Lattin. Applications for EQIP and AMA are accepted year-round on a continuous basis with batching periods announced so that applications can be ranked and funded. About EQIP
EQIP is a voluntary, financial and technical assistance program that provides funding to agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, increased soil health and reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, improved or created wildlife habitat, and mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility. 2018 Farm Bill EQIP Updates:
Historically underserved (HU) participants are eligible for advance payments to help offset costs related to purchasing materials or contracting services through EQIP. HU participants may elect to receive an advance of not less than 50 percent of the EQIP conservation practice payment amount. Participants who receive advance payment must expend the funds within 90 days of receiving the advance.
The 2018 Farm Bill expanded eligibility criteria to allow water management entities who assist private agricultural producers with managing water distribution or conservation systems to apply for EQIP. These entities are defined as State, irrigation district, ground water management district, acequia, land grant-merced, www.progressiverancher.com
or similar entity that has jurisdiction or responsibilities related to water delivery or management to eligible lands. About AMA
AMA program funds can help producers use conservation to construct or improve watershed management structures or irrigation structures, install high tunnels, plant trees to form windbreaks or to improve water quality. AMA funding can also mitigate financial risk through production or marketing diversification, or the implementation of resource conservation practices including soil erosion control, integrated pest management or the transition to organic farming. Persons or legal entities cannot receive more than $50,000 in AMA program payments per fiscal year. Participants are not subject to Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985. NRCS administers the AMA conservation provisions, while the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and Risk Management Agency implement other provisions under AMA.
Applicants must meet USDA program eligibility requirements for land eligibility and person eligibility. Eligibility requirements include Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limitations for individuals and entities. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria to be considered for ranking and funding decisions. Farm Bill programs have strict payment limits, and the amount of financial assistance producers may receive varies by program and will depend on future allocations received under the Farm Bill authority. Limited resource producers, beginning farmers and ranchers, or socially disadvantaged agricultural producers may be eligible for up to 15 percent higher payments, not to exceed 90 percent of the estimated cost to install the practice. Watch the video on the NRCS Nevada YouTube channel to see how establishing a relationship with NRCS can benefit your farm or ranch, like the Lattins. (View video: https://youtu.be/sE13BXI78SE) To view Nevada payment schedules, visit: https://bit.ly/2K4PkRt. To learn more about EQIP, visit: https://bit.ly/3BSVTfP and to learn more about AMA, visit: https://bit.ly/2Xs5c7I, or contact your local NRCS office.
The Progressive Rancher
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 39
