The Progressive Rancher - JANUARY 2023

SELF-SUFFICIENCY SEMINAR & POT LUCK

A Self-Sufficiency Seminar is being held on 1/21/23 at 10:30 at the LDS Church at 5470 Elm Street (corner of Green & Elm) in Silver Springs. It is open to anyone who might be interested. This event is sponsored by The Battle Born Stockton Well Grange and the LDS church. Fee is bring one dish for the potluck lunch. Children are welcome. The seminar will end when all the info is covered. RSVP to Lee Vincent, LDS Relief Society President, at 775-546-5091.

ATTENTION READERS! Video of Carcass Evaluation

is available at www.progressiverancher.com

Carcass evaluation is a way to describe the quality of livestock in terms of their suitability and commercial value for various end usage including retail cut and processed meat.

Science Direct | Carcass Grading and Evaluation | Beef

K.S. Ojha, ... D. Troy, in Encyclopedia of Food and Health,

2016

Beef carcass evaluation is generally the basis for judging the commercial value of the livestock and is consequently one of the most common quality control tests carried out in the meat industry. Carcass quality attributes include tenderness, cut size, fat cover, marbling, meat, and fat color, whereas composition attributes include salable meat yield and proportions of fat, lean, and bone. Carcass evaluation is a way to describe the quality of livestock in terms of their suitability and commercial value for various end usage including retail cut and processed meat. A number of approaches are available for the prediction of carcass composition and quality, which may also allow the grading of carcass into various categories. For example, in the United States, the beef carcass is evaluated based on the established Standards for Grades of Slaughter Cattle and Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef. According to this, quality grades are determined by marbling and overall maturity. There are eight quality grade designations: Prime, Choice, Select, Standard, Commercial, Utility, Cutter, and Canner. Prime, Choice, Select, and Standard are classified as young beef (maturity levels A and B) and must be < 42 months of age, physiologically. Commercial, Utility, Cutter, and Canner are cow grades from carcasses > 42 months of skeletal maturity. Similarly, In the European Union, adult bovine carcasses are classified according to the EUROP grid system, which is based on visual assess-ment scores according to the defined standards implemented by the European Community Regulations 1208/81 and 1026/91. The EUROP classification scheme includes carcass conformation scores on a 15-point scale with 5 main classes, E (excellent conformation), U, R, O, and P (poor conformation), and 10 subclasses and five main fatness scores (1 (low fatness), 2, 3, 4, and 5 (excessive fatness)) also with 10 subclasses. Mostly, carcass evaluation is done manually by trained graders using photographic references. Various carcass classification schemes adopted worldwide have been criticized due to the subjective nature of the process with a high degree of inconsistencies in such manual grade assessment. With growing concern of quali-tative value of carcass and the possibility to improve the consistency of assessment, instrumented carcass evaluation techniques including ultrasound, x-ray CT, nuclear MRI, total body electrical conductivity, and video image analysis (VIA) are gaining importance in the meat industry.

Read the full chapter HERE: www.sciencedirect.com/topics/ agricultural-and-biological-sciences/carcass-evaluation

NFB | Preparing For The NV

Legislative Session

NDA | Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Continues To Affect Birds in Nevada

UNR | Line of Wool Products Made from UNR Rafter 7 Sheep has been Launched 22 UNR | Great Basin Research & Ext. Center in Diamond Valley

UNR | New Agreement Provides for 4-H Camp & Learning Center in So. NV

UNR | Cattlemen's Update Returns (Virtually & In Person) 25 156th Annual Grange Convention

A Nod to Partnership and a Note of Thanks from Tony Wasley, NDOW Director 29 Wells FFA National Competition

30 Recipe: Classic Beef Patty Melt 30 Five Ingredients or Less 31 NDA Awards Food Hub Grant 31 NDF Partnership Award

president ' s perspective

Happy New Year! I'm looking forward to this one, and my only resolution is to make it a normal, fairly unremarkable year. We had a very more than normal and remarkable Convention last month in Reno, here are the highlights through my own filter, which I confess can be overly optimistic:

• The workshop process that a state agency must employ before adopting new regulations worked pretty well for trichomoniasis I think; looks like we’ll get better regulation most of us can live with, without a state-wide mandatory testing but with an improved multi-year testing in hot areas.

• The shortage of brand inspectors many of us experienced this fall was not from lack of positions but from lack of people in them.

• There were a couple of differing opinions on long range weather but the one I’m going with shows a fairly normal winter (whatever “normal” is) and a late spring/early summer that is wetter than we’ve experienced in a while.

• Cattle markets are poised to take off (in a good way). The only potential buzz-kill would be a hoof and mouth disease outbreak here in the USA.

• The best counter to a hoof and mouth disease outbreak in the USA is a robust individual animal ID system in place, which will become mandatory in the next few years. As an aside, I also learned that Big Brother won’t learn anything from that program about us that he doesn’t already know.

• John Ascuaga exhibited unique physical toughness common to his Basque heritage by walking throughout the Nugget Resort day after day in cowboy boots.

• This State Legislative Session shouldn’t be the challenge that the last one was but we’ll definitely want to be engaged. We’ve enjoyed great access to Joe Lombardo and his Staff which will help a lot.

• There are so many daunting challenges to our industry on multiple fronts, but the people we have working on them are exceptional and I’m proud to be in this Association.

A Happy and Healthy 2023 to you friends, it’s good to be with you.

Jon Griggs President, NCA

by Martin Paris | NCA Executive Director | O: 775-738-9214

87th Annual NCA Convention Wrap Up

On November 30 - December 2, 2022, NCA members and affiliates joined together from across the state to participate in the 87th Annual Nevada Cattlemen’s Association (NCA) Convention in conjunction with the California Cattlemen’s Association, held at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada.

If you attended, I am sure you would agree that it was a great way to be updated on current issues affecting our industry, attain new contacts and enjoy good company that share similar views. This joint convention brought together Cattlemen, Cattlewomen, and Wool Growers from across Nevada and California.

Throughout the convention, committee meetings took place to discuss issues of importance and to establish policy. Various educational, informative, and inspirational sessions were held. The Opening General Session opened with a weather outlook with Brian Bledsoe, Meteorologist from KKTV 11 News in Colorado Springs. The weather outlook was followed by a livestock market discussion with Dr. Stephen Koontz, economics professor from Colorado State University. Dr. Koontz’s presentation surrounded cash negotiated trade, alternative marketing agreements, and the economic side of marketing your cattle using several different methods.

At the Second General Session we heard from Tony Toso, California Cattlemen’s Association Immediate Past President as well as Jon Griggs, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association President. The Second General Session wrapped up with a report on global beef markets from Brett Stuart, founding partner of Global AgriTrends. During General Session 3 we heard from NCBA CEO, Colin Woodall, in regard to NCBA’s ongoing efforts on several key livestock issues.

Attendees also had the chance to hear from Kaitlynn Glover, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council on public lands issues important to Nevada and California alike. The convention capped off with an update from Patrick Linnell with CattleFax.

The tradeshow was filled this year with great businesses and agencies that support and enhance our industry. The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association would like to thank the following trade show participants: Allflex, American Angus Association, Anipro XtraFormance Nutrition, Arizona Grain, Bar Ale, Bayer Enviromental Science, Big Bend Trailers, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cal Poly Animal Science, California Beef Council, California Cattlewomen, Cambridge Technologies, CBCIA, CCA Shoe Shine, CCA Silent Auction, CCA Trading Post, D Bar D Leather, Elanco, Farm Credit, Freewave Technologies, Greenway Seeds, Huvepharma, Inc., Hygieia Biological, Kirby Mfg, Laird Mfg., Merck Animal Health, Multimin, Neogen, Nevade Dept. Of Agriculture, Norbrook, Pacific Intermountain Mortgage Co, PG & E, Point Blue Conservation Science, Powder River, Ranchbot, Ranchers Connecting Ranchers, Scales NW LLC, Scales Unlimited, Simplot, Snyders Pinenut Livestock, Staff Tuff Fence, Superior Livestock Auction, The Rising B/SweetPro Northwest, UNR College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural, US Fish & Wildlife Service, USDA – ARS, USDA - Nevada FSA, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, USDA NASS, USDA-RMA, Vaxxinova/Newport Labs, Vintage Angus, Vintage Cowboy Winery, VSI, Western Livestock Journal , Western Video Market, Westway Feed Products, WSR Insurance, Y2 Consultants, Y-Tex, and Zoetis. Thank you again for your continued support of the association and industry.

The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association also thanks the policy committee chairs for their dedication and hard work in putting on the committee meetings. Preparation not only consists of reviewing expiring policy resolutions, but it also includes presenting relevant information that pertains to the committee in which they are representing. Five committees held meetings at this year’s convention: Public Lands, Research & Education, Private Lands, Wildlife & Environmental Management, Legislative Affairs, and Animal Health & Livestock Issues. Along with reviewing and changing policy, the lineup of speakers presenting at the committee meetings were very educational. These speakers were either NCA members or partners of the NCA working to achieve one goal, maintaining a successful Nevada livestock industry.

The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association would also like to thank our generous sponsors for making this convention a success: Agri Beef/Performix, American AgCredit, Bayer Environmental Science, Laird Manufacturing, Eide Bailly, S & L Trailers, Utah Wool Marketing, Western Video Market, WSR Insurance, Elanco, McMullen McPhee & Co., MWI Animal Health, Nevada Agricultural Foundation, Pro Group Management, and Resource Concepts, Inc. We encourage you to visit these businesses and thank them for their continued support of NCA and our industry.

Lastly, a big thank you the California Cattlemen’s Association for their assistance in planning for the joint event and to all who attended our convention and helped to make it another successful year. We look forward to working with each and every one of you throughout the year. Please feel free to contact the NCA office at 775-738-9214 with any suggestions, comments or concerns to help make next year’s convention just as successful if not better!

2022 NCA Annual Awards Banquet

During the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association (NCA) Convention Annual Awards Banquet held in Sparks, Nevada, President Jon Griggs announced this year’s recipients for the 2022 President’s Award, 100,000 Mile Club Award, Allied Industry Award, and the Teacher of the Year Award. These awards are given annually to individuals in recognition of significant contributions to NCA, their community, the land, and the beef industry.

Teacher of the Year

NCA would like to congratulate the 2022 Teacher of the Year, Amber Johns, who teaches 5th grade at the Elko Institute for Academic Achievement in Elko, Nevada. Mrs. Johns will receive a $1,000 stiped to use on school supplies, donated by the Nevada Agricultural Foundation. Teacher of the Year candidates must utilize agricultural information and/or materials within their classroom curriculum in an effort to assist students in learning the importance of agriculture. NCA salutes Amber in educating the students in her classroom on where their food comes from, the importance of grazing, beef byproducts and animal husbandry.

President's Award

Each year, the President honors individual(s) who they feel have served the industry with dedication and passion by presenting them with the President’s Award. The 2022 President’s Award was given to Maureen Weishaupt. Maureen is the past Chairman of the Fallon All-Breeds Bull Sale Committee and helped put on numerous successful sales during her tenure. Maureen is also a leader in her community and a staunch advocate for Nevada’s livestock industry.

100,000 Mile Club Award

The 100,000 Mile Club Award recipient this year was Diana Vesco. This award goes to cowboys and cowgirls that have traveled 100,000 miles horseback over their lifetime. Diana and her family have operated the Pierce Ranch in Pleasant Valley for almost 50 years. You can find Diana on a horse during the gathering and weaning season in the fall and always during shipping days. NCA would like to congratulate Dian on reaching such a prestigious milestone.

2022 NCA Allied Industry Award

The 2022 NCA Allied Industry Award was presented to Fallon Livestock LLC, owned and operated by Tommy and Nora Lee. Accepting the award on behalf of Fallon Livestock LLC was David Stix Jr. NCA greatly appreciates Fallon Livestock LLC for their support of NCA’s Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale as well as the Silver State Classic Feeder Sale. Tommy and Nora go above and beyond in their efforts to assist cattlemen and women from all over and their efforts are greatly appreciated.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR - Amber Johns (Photo by Leana Carey) From left to right: Erica Freese, Amber Johns, Jon Griggs

PRESIDENT'S AWARD - Maureen Weishaupt (Photo by Leana Carey) From left to right: Maureen Weishaupt, Jon Griggs

100,000 MILE CLUB AWARD - Diana Vesco (Photo by Leana Carey)

From left to right: Jon Griggs, Diana Vesco, Vance Vesco

HAPPY NEW YEAR

The start of the new year brings exciting new momentum and new initiatives for beef promotion in Nevada. The Nevada Beef Council (NBC) ended the year in Reno, Nevada, with the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association at their annual convention. This included a productive meeting with Nevada Beef Council board members, where the 2022 programs were evaluated, and the 2023 budget and promotional projects were approved. This collaboration with the board members who represent Nevada’s cattle farmers and ranchers ensures that the direction of beef promotion in Nevada is guided by those actively involved in Nevada beef production.

For 2023, the Nevada Beef Council plans to amplify its nutrition efforts and beef nutrition messaging by targeting family physicians, nurses, and registered dietitians. In addition, beef promotional efforts will utilize the latest consumer insights to reach Nevada consumers through foodservice and retail marketing channels, connecting with consumers through a variety of marketing media.

Nevada’s beef farmers and ranchers will have the opportunity to read about these programs in trade publications in the coming months, as program results are collected. Be sure to look for Nevada Beef Council updates in this publication throughout the year. Happy new year!

This holiday season, did you see the Beef Checkoff-funded, holidaythemed beef ads and videos with beef spokesperson Tony Romo? Such advertisement placed beef at the center of everyone’s celebrations!

BEEF SAUSAGE & CHEDDAR MONKEY BREAD

Ingredients

1 recipe's worth of Mexican-Style Beef Sausage (see below)

2 cans (7-1/2 ounces each) refrigerated buttermilk flavored biscuits

1-1/2 cups reduced-fat shredded Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup chopped green onion

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 cup Mexican crema or dairy sour cream

Preparation

Prepare Mexican-Style Beef Sausage. Set aside.

Mexican-Style Beef Sausage:

Combine 1 pound Ground Beef, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves, 1-1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1-1/2 teaspoons chile powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add sausage mixture; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 1/2-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally.

Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef.

Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Open biscuit cans; cut each biscuit into quarters. Place biscuits into large bowl. Add sausage mixture, cheese, onion and oil; gently toss until well combined. Generously coat Bundt pan with cooking spray. Place sausage and biscuit mixture in prepared pan. Bake in 350°F oven 30 to 35 minutes until top is golden brown and biscuits are set. Remove from oven; immediately invert onto serving plate. Let rest for 10 minutes. Drizzle with crema, as desired.

Courtesy of Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.

Wells Area Deeded Range with Irrigation Permit 3,796 deeded acres in 6 pastures watered by spring and stock water well. Irrigation permit on 130 acres. Well to be drilled this year. The well costs will be added to price of $2,277,559.

Let’s Talk Ag

CLOSING OUT 2022

By Staci Emmn | Editorial

The end of 2022 is near and Nevada livestock producers can review the changes that 2022 brought and begin to prepare for 2023.

There were several factors that impacted the livestock industry in 2022. The supply chain shortages and disruptions continued from the previous years. Inflation took off at record levels. Interest rates increased rapidly. Extreme climate events continued, and for Nevada, this meant drought. Farm and ranch labor were hard to find.

In doing research this month and working with farmers and ranchers throughout the state in my Extension agricultural programs, I am seeing the stress induced by our 2022 environment. I am worried that this stress will continue into 2023. I believe that the increases in costs of production is not keeping up with the prices received by producers. I also have heard the stories of producers decreasing herd size due to availability of feed. This means that producers are going to have to restructure their operations.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is reporting an increase in farm real estate debt and an increase of loan balances at commercial banks. Farm real estate values are easing a bit, and are stable, which assists our producers and gives them options to restructure. Producers are going to have to pay a higher interest rate if their restructure involves loan dollars.

We have seen food prices increase astronomically from 2021 to 2022. I believe while consumer preference may have changed a little bit and participated in higher food prices, it is mostly supply chain issues. Have you really thought about the price you get for that fed out steer versus the costs of a steak in a restaurant or a grocery store? My colleague that does enterprise budgets across the state is showing profits for the first time in those small operations selling their own beef, even feeding hay priced out at over $300/ton. The problem is if you can find hay for $300/ton. In addition, we don’t have the ability to slaughter and process animals on a large scale. Even with new businesses coming online, Nevada still has limited capacity.

As we look to 2023, discussion of recession continues. Online headlines like “Larger sized operating loans continued to boost farm lending activity" makes me nervous. I realize that producers need to utilize credit to expand, restructure, and to survive. Right now, profit margins can be all over the place depending on the resources of an operation. I do have faith that our Nevada producers will be smart in how they manage their operations, but I worry about the stress. Ranching is not for the faint of heart right now.

I hope that I will get to see you on my travels early in 2023. We will be holding our 2023 Cattlemen’s Update the second week of January. You can access the agenda on our website at https://naes.unr.edu/cattlemens/ We are focusing on economics, water and animal health this year. We will have an online webinar on Monday and will hit the road around the state beginning in Fallon on Tuesday night and ending in Winnemucca on Friday. Come out and join us as we would really like to visit and see how you are doing.

As I close out 2022, it has been one of the busiest years that I can remember. I am not complaining. I am just trying to figure out how I can do everything; and I have to find where my limits are. I am so thankful for my family and neighbors that take care of everything at home for me while I am gone; and the producers, friends and colleagues that are in my life. I encourage all of us during this holiday season to tell those that are important to us how appreciated they are.

I hope you had a Merry Christmas and I wish you a very Happy New Year!

Last year when Lucy Rechel decided that the Bulls for the 21st Century sale would no longer continue, three of the consignors got together and decided to see if there was a way to continue the sale. Charlie Hone, Kris Gudel, and Dave Holden formed a partnership to explore the possibility of continuing the sale. They went to Lucy Rechel with the idea, and she agreed. Snyder Livestock would continue their role as the provider for the bull test and Charlie, Kris, and Dave would run the sale. As the bull test and sale evolved, the idea of combining the sale with the Nevada Cattlemen’s association Fallon All Breed Bull Sale was floated among the members. An agreement was reached with the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association, and the Great Basin Bull Sale was born.

The inaugural Great Basin bull sale will be held on February 18, 2023 at the brand new Rafter 3C arena in Fallon Nevada. The sale has 170 bulls consigned in two divisions. In the first division performance tested bulls will be offered with the testing format remaining essentially the same for the bull test. The second division will offer Range bulls under the same format as the Fallon bull sale. Awards for the overall champion, a calving ease Angus champion, and best of breed categories will be given. Another sale feature this year will be a donation bull that will be sold at the beginning of the sale, with the proceeds benefitting the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association. This will hopefully become a major funding source for the association to help them continue doing the great work they do on behalf of cattle producers in Nevada and the surrounding states.

The bull test will essentially remain the same. Bulls will compete in three divisions according to age. Early fall, Late fall and spring born calves will compete to become the coveted overall performance tested champion. Bulls will be evaluated in Five categories, with the top bull in each category earning maximum points. The categories include fertility, each bull must pass a semen test by a year of age, his dam’s calving records will also be evaluated

for calving interval and regularity of calving. Not many bull sales will publish that information for you. The second category will be weaning performance. In herd weaning ratios, EPD’s and weight per day of age will be used for this calculation. The third category will be gain on test. We all sell cattle by the pound and performance is the key to profitability. The fourth category will be feed efficiency. Residual feed Intake or RFI is measured on each bull in the test. Research at leading universities across the country is showing that as much as a 20% gain in efficiency can be gained from using negative RFI bulls. With the drouth conditions we have experienced over the last few years, raising cattle that can do more with less inputs have become more important than ever. The fifth and final category in the evaluation will be ultrasound. Each bull will be ultrasound tested to evaluate their potential carcass quality.

The Range bull division will provide the same high quality age advantaged bulls Nevada cattle producers have come to expect from the Fallon All Breeds bull sale. These bulls will undergo a thorough sifting and grading process to ensure quality and soundness. Two three-person committees will evaluate the bulls for each category. Quality grading will use the same CBCIA guidelines as in the past.

One major change from past sales will be a video format. Bulls will be on display for buyer evaluation, however individual videos of the bulls will be used during the auction instead of running the bulls through the ring. This format is easier on the cattle and the sale staff. The auction will also be broadcast over the internet via DV Auctions. The auctioneer will be Jake Parnell, and the sale will be managed by M3 Marketing.

On behalf of the consignors, The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association, and the city of Fallon we would love to see you on February 18, 2023.

Peace & Quiet

As I look out across the pasture from my kitchen window, I can barely see the fence through the dense fog. I walk to the barn to feed my horses and it is quiet. With no wind I think I hear the ice in the pond growing thicker in the 11 degree air catching my breath before I have enough to fill my lungs. It is peaceful here in the pre-dawn. The world seems okay in that moment. The horses greet me gratefully and we start the day.

Early on another morning with the rising sun casting an orange glow to the eastern horizon and the mountains on that side of the valley, I had another quiet peaceful feeling come over me as I realized most people on this and other continents do not share these silent moments. The noise we create in our cities and factories and on our freeways can be deafening at times. And, I will admit ranches and farms have their moments when the machinery is sounding off or a crowded branding pen is full of busy people, bawling calves and cowboy shouts. But for the most part, we operate in relative quiet out here.

It is a while until dawn in the late spring. My saddled horse is tied to the trailer as I wait for the rest of the crew. It is not even chilly anymore, so I am in shirtsleeves and as I sip a last mug of coffee, I realize this is the time I treasure most.

The horse munches hay out of a hanging hay bag, and I can easily hear him chewing. I raised him, started him and now he is in a bridle and my go to horse because he does everything I ask effortlessly and well. Again and again in times such as this I am overwhelmed by the silence, by the quiet and the resting earth I am hooked into.

On frequent drives across the Great Basin, especially on U S Highway 50, I marvel at the immensity of this place we call home. Very few of the millions of tourists who travel to Las Vegas and Reno/ Tahoe realize the splendor of this special place. When one drives from California to Utah on this highway, it is quickly clear the evidence of modern civilization is limited. Of course, there are places in this country that are remote and lacking in modern civilization evidence such as the Great Plains or west Texas and eastern New Mexico, but for hundreds of miles

nothing beats the Great Basin for scenic beauty and feelings of isolation and remoteness. Pull over onto a perpendicular dirt road off Highway 50, turn off your motor and listen to the heartbeat of the earth. If it is windy, you will immediately feel it enter you. If it is not, again the peaceful quiet will embed itself in you as if you have always known this serenity.

Although this may not seem like a description of peace and quiet, in its own way it contributes to these feelings. I am thinking of a baby’s cry or a herd of grandchildren screeching at the top of their

round pen is a favorite place for me because there if we are lucky, we can share some insight with our partner, the horse. When in that moment the colt turns toward you and as you back up it follows to where you are standing and lets you touch it on the neck as if you are standing in place of its dam, tranquility overcomes all other thought even if only briefly. From that time, you can build more communication until over the course of some years you have a true bridled up partner. The remembrance of that moment becomes for me a time of peace.

We all have times such as I have described here when the noise of the world recedes, and we can reflect on our good fortune. We only have to remember the things we are thankful for and understand that each of us can be blessed in some way.

May the blessings of this time of year lead you to quiet peaceful places.

I’ll see you soon.

lungs as they race each other around the house or in the back yard at sunset on a summer evening. Somehow, as incongruous as it sounds, these noises bring me to a place of peace and contentment.

There is that time in a calving pasture when we have all seen the miracle of another birth. I like to slowly and carefully ride through a bunch of calving cows looking for signs of trouble or concern. Most of the time there is nothing to be alarmed about. Far off in a corner of the pasture a cow is lying down by herself. Patiently and at considerable distance, I watch and don’t disturb her as the birth of a new life happens once again. This brings me some peace and comfort knowing that nature again has a way to humble us.

It is a special privilege when dealing with an animal such as a young horse when real communication occurs. The

It is peaceful here in the pre-dawn.

The world seems okay in that moment.

HELP WANTED

Executive Director/ Secretary

Nonprofit - Nevada Agricultural Foundation

Sue Hoffman, Executive Director | sue@nvagfoundation.org

The Nevada Agricultural Foundation is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the Executive Director/Secretary position. The Executive Director responsibilities include, but are not limited to administrative, fiscal, and public relations. This position manages the day-to-day operations of NAF and requires an individual who can work independently, but is accountable to the Board of Directors. The Executive Director serves as an ex-officio member of all NAF committees and maintains all records for the organization.

We are a small, non-profit organization with the mission:

To Promote and Strengthen Agriculture in Nevada Providing Financial Assistance to Deserving Groups or Individuals involved in Research or Education. Major programs of NAF include student scholarships and research and development grants.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Strong interpersonal communication/collaborative skills

• Occasional travel within Nevada required

• Knowledge of Agriculture and Nevada

• Computer skills are essential

Schedule & Compensation

• Self-determined schedule that will include some evenings and weekends.

• Anticipate 40 hours/month

• Compensation to be determined based on experience

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, business, education, or management required

• Management or Program Administration (5 yrs preferred)

• Fund Raising / Program Development (3 yrs preferred)

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is determined. To apply for this position, submit a cover letter and resume via mail or email to: Nevada Agricultural Foundation, P.O. Box 8089, Reno, NV 89507

Amodei Reacts to Dysfunction in the Senate Over $1.8 Trillion Omnibus

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Representative Mark E. Amodei (NV-02) issued the following statement as we wait for the Senate on act on the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus:

“For those of you confused by the years-long irresponsibility of never completing spending bills under Regular Order, when the Committee of jurisdiction in the mess that is the Senate failed to markup a single Appropriations bill this year, please remember that with a 50-50 split party control in the Senate and Kamala Harris being the tie-breaking vote, this is as to be expected, and not good stuff. What should be a “clean bill” – is instead a $1.8 trillion-dollar, 4,155-page bill laden with partisan initiatives. For those concerned that several Senate Republicans will vote alongside Chuck Schumer, please feel free to rain down your thoughts on them. And get ready, because you have two more weeks of misery with Democrat control in the House and the Senate until January 2, 2023.

“When the Omnibus vote comes to the House, however, leave no room for concern, because Republicans on this side of the Chamber will be unified with an overwhelming “no” vote.”

Agricultural Wins and Losses in Omnibus Appropriations

Package

- by Brian German, AgNetWest

Congress has released a $1.7 trillion omnibus appropriations package that includes all 12 fiscal year appropriations bills for the fiscal year 2023. Lawmakers are attempting to get the legislation through both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate before the December 24 deadline. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 is being heralded by some for several provisions that stand to benefit farmers and ranchers. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) noted its support for the inclusion of the Growing Climate Solutions Act and the SUSTAINS Act.

“Environmental markets and conservation programs have the potential to meaningfully assist dairy producers as they work to meet their 2050 environmental stewardship goals,” said NMPF president and CEO Jim Mulhern. “The Growing Climate Solutions Act and the SUSTAINS Act will strengthen these important tools.”

The two pieces of legislation would help further conservation and stewardship efforts. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) was also encouraged by the funding allocations for important agricultural programs. Specifically, increased investments in the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program & Conservation Technical Assistance. “In the days ahead, we’re hopeful that Congress will send this bill to the President’s desk as it increasingly turns its attention to the 118th Congress and farm bill reauthorization” NSAC Interim Policy Director Mike Lavender said in a press release.

At the same time, the omnibus appropriations package did not include any specific cattle market reforms such as the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) also expressed disappointment that the spending bill did not address agricultural immigration reform. Particularly, the group was dismayed by the Affordable and Secure Food Act failing to be supported in the Senate. “Congress missed a huge opportunity and did not do their part to improve production and increase the legal supply of labor,” said IFPA’s Chief Policy Officer Robert Guenther.

NDA Director Jennifer Ott announces resignation

Her letter reflects on department accomplishments

To my fellow Nevadans, After five years of service to the state at the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), I am announcing my resignation. In 2019, Governor Steve Sisolak appointed me Director after previously serving as an Administrator within the Department, and my tenure will end four years later. It was my goal to strengthen the NDA and Nevada’s food systems, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished.

I would like to emphasize my appreciation for the NDA’s partners in food security, as we could not have

accomplished all we were able to without them. It is because of their resiliency and their collaboration that we were able to pivot food distribution programs to seamlessly ensure that those who needed food had access to it at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am incredibly grateful to our passionate and dedicated local partners along with the NDA team for their tireless efforts to ensure that the increased food needs of our communities were addressed with efficiency and urgency.

As American Rescue Plan funds were allocated to states, we secured funding to strengthen Nevada’s food systems in collaboration with Nevada food banks and the agriculture industry. These efforts included rural food infrastructure improvements, food insecurity data collection, the purchasing of agricultural products from Nevada producers for distribution to food insecure populations through the Home Feeds Nevada program, and the early development of a State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program to provide more in-state meat processing and keep more food in Nevada.

In addition, we’ve advocated for changes to federal agriculture assistance programs to better serve the unique challenges producers face in the West. Nevada’s unique drought conditions, paired with livestock grazing on public lands, means that a one-size-fits-all assistance solution doesn’t work for our producers. Federal agricultural assistance programs must be tailored to address each region’s specific needs.

The NDA secured federal funding to assist agricultural producers: funds for Mormon Cricket and grasshopper surveys; treatments and funding towards Virginia Range feral/estray horse public safety improvements and more. We have been successful in continuing to offer free school meals to Nevada’s students for an additional two academic years. The list goes on… I am overwhelmed with appreciation for NDA’s staff, partners and the agricultural industry for uniting during the challenges we’ve faced the last four years in commitment to the Department’s mission to preserve, protect and promote Nevada agriculture and to help communities with increased needs. Looking to the future, I am filled with gratitude for my time with the NDA and the work we have done to strengthen Nevada’s food systems and agriculture. As I step back, please know I will always be championing support for food security in Nevada.

With gratitude, Jennifer Ott

Jennifer

Ott, Director | Nevada Department of Agriculture

The change in agriculture today is just a glimpse of what lies ahead. It’s why, more than ever, we are committed to being the partner you can trust, who understands your needs and delivers value to help you achieve your goals.

Wherever agriculture goes, we’ll be there, alongside you, as you lead the way.

Visit agloan.com/growyourfuture

In Loving Memory of JoAnn Elston

JoAnn Elston passed away December 10, 2022, at the age of 88 from pancreatic cancer. In August, she was given the news that she had a short time to live, and she took this courageously. Until the very end she lived her life with determination, class, and dignity.

JoAnn was born April 10, 1934 to James and Margaret Foster in Lincoln, Nebraska and moved to Carson City when she was 4 years old. Her father became the town butcher and her mother taught school at Grace Bordewich Elementary School. JoAnn attended schools in Carson and then attended College of the Pacific studying opera. She returned to Nevada after one year and attended University of Nevada, graduating with her degree in Home Economics. JoAnn began dating one of her family friends, Jim Elston, while at UNR. They were married for 63 years until Jim’s passing in 2016.

JoAnn was a teacher, starting her career in Winnemucca at Lowery High School, then at Central Junior High, and at Echo Loder Elementary where she retired after 30 years in teaching. She was an excellent teacher and achieved the Washoe County Youth Educator of the Year award and later in her career, Nevada’s Teacher of the Year Award. She was to the end a teacher, helping her greatgrandchildren with homework. She also enjoyed “Jo days” spending time with her great-grandchildren teaching them cooking and other projects.

She was a devoted member of 4-H and was a longtime leader for cooking and sewing. She made several trips to National Sewing Contests with her children, grandchildren, and other 4-H students. She served on the State 4-H Camp advisory board for over 50 years. Recently, the newly refurbished water tower was named after her with a plaque honoring her service to the board.

| April 10, 1934 - December 10, 2022

She was very proud of maintaining this facility for the 4-H youth in Nevada.

She loved to spend her days in Graeagle with her friends and family. After Jim passed, this is where she felt closest to him. When not in Graeagle or with her family, she loved to watch her Wolfpack Football, Men’s basketball, and Women’s basketball. She rarely missed a game. JoAnn was an avid supporter of the University of Nevada. She helped with fundraising for band uniforms when they were needed and served on many university boards including the University of Nevada Foundation. Her family would love to thank her friends in Graeagle, Nevada Athletics and particularly her dear friends at Revel for all the good times.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Margaret Foster of Carson City and her husband Jim. She is survived by her son Mark Elston (Beverly) and daughter Lori Elston; grandchildren: Jennifer Elmore (Darin), Rebecca Josten (Christopher Brown), Jim Elston (Sommer), Michael Elston (Alyssa); great-grandchildren Mary, Nancy, Parker, Dawson, Sawyer, Paige, Brianna and Isla Jade; sister Nancy MacDonald and her children, Sharon Kestrel (Ray) and Erik Svensson (Jennifer) and her grandchildren, Derik and Emma Svensson. JoAnn also fondly remembers her cousins from Nebraska, Carla Paulsen, Larry Trobaugh, and Jan Wagner and Elston family cousins: Jenny (Jerry) Owens and Mike (Vicki) Elston, Foster family cousins, Peggy (George) Hughes and Jim Foster (Kim Suratt), and their children.

The family wishes to thank Gentiva Hospice for helping all of us through this transition, and especially Cindy Horn for making JoAnn always look beautiful.

JoAnn lived a wonderful life and will leave a hole, not only in her community, but especially in the hearts and lives of her family and friends.

Challenges in Establishing Desirable

Perennial Species and Decreasing Cheatgrass Densities in Arid Environments

By Charlie D. Clements, Dan N. Harmon and James A. Young

It is well documented how difficult of a task resource managers have when attempting to restore or rehabilitate disturbed or degraded habitats throughout the Great Basin. These challenges are multiplied many times over when attempting to restore or rehabilitate severely arid habitats.

Rangeland revegetation has been around for more than a century and many experienced researchers have cautioned future researchers on the numerous challenges that lay ahead when addressing the restoration or rehabilitation of range sites that are not only degraded but are also severely limited by lack of effective amount and periodicity of annual precipitation. Sites that regularly receive less than 7” of annual precipitation often lack the necessary precipitation to achieve any level of revegetation success.

Researchers have reported that favorable conditions to establish seeded plants in these arid environments may only occur 1 out of every 4 years, while others have reported the necessary conditions needed to recruit natural or artificially induced seedling recruitment vegetation may only occur 1 or 2 years out of every 15 years. Nonetheless, many of these habitats are critical to wildlife as well as sustainable grazing practices.

The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Great Basin Rangelands Research Unit has a long history dating back to the 1950’s in invasive weed control and revegetation of arid environments throughout the Great Basin.

Pioneer research scientists Raymond Evans, Richard Eckert and James Young laid the foundation for range improvement practices to successfully seed desirable perennial species in arid environments as well as a better understanding of the role exotic and invasive annual grasses, such as cheatgrass, play in out-competing perennial species at the seedling stage and truncating secondary succession by providing an early maturing, fine-textured fuel that has increased the chance, rate, spread and season of wildfire throughout the Great Basin and Intermountain West. This foundation was passed on, and here we try and report on two longterm study sites of three separate precipitation zones and the important role the amount and periodicity of precipitation plays in conjunction with proper weed control practices and plant material testing to improve seeding success and decrease cheatgrass densities and associated fuels.

BEDELL FLAT

Bedell Flat, described as a 10-12” precipitation zone, consists of legacy study sites from the early 1960s. When Dr. Evans, Dr. Eckert and Dr. Young started conducting cheatgrass research in Bedell Flat. They described Bedell Flat as being in the worst ecological condition of their four cheatgrass research study sites in northern Nevada, when Dr. Evans and Dr. Eckert retired in the mid-1980s they referenced Bedell Flat as the site being in the best ecological condition of their four cheatgrass focused research study sites (Figure 1 and 2, below).

Bedell Flat precipitation data has been recorded regularly for more than three decades. The site is described under the Ecological Site Description (ESD) as a 10-12” precipitation zone with a fine granitic sandy well drained soil. The dominant understory species is Thurber’s needlegrass, Desert needlegrass, needle

and thread grass and squirreltail with an overstory of Wyoming big sagebrush. In the three decades of collecting precipitation data (1990-1999, 2000-2009 and 2010-2019), only one decade averaged over 10” of annual precipitation, 2010-2019 which averaged 12.4” with a high of 19.8” in 2017 and a low of 5.6” in 2012. Precipitation data from 1990-1999 averaged 9.3” with a high of 13.7” in 1995 and a low of 7.1” in 1994, while 2000-2009 averaged 9.4” with a high of 16.1” in 2006 and a low of 5.2” in 2001. When looking at the ESD, 10-12” zone, amount and periodicity of precipitation is quite variable and unpredictable, such as October 2021 where the site received 5.1” of precipitation compared to October 2022 where the site received 0.04” of precipitation. This variability is common in Great Basin environments and plays a significant role in restoration/rehabilitation efforts.

Figure

Figure 1 (above). Bedell Flat March 1980 with very limited perennial grass abundance for grazing resources.

2 (below). Bedell Flat October 2016. Site burned July 1984 and was seeded to perennial grasses in Nov 2016. The site experienced exceptional precipitation in 1985 and 1986 which significantly contributed to seeding success.

In relation to successfully seeding desirable perennial species and decreasing cheatgrass densities, we have experienced near complete failures as well as high success in seeding efforts. These failures and successes are highly correlated with the amount and periodicity of precipitation in conjunction with the seeding of proper plant materials, seed mixes, seeding rates and effective weed control practices.

When looking at the amount and periodicity of precipitation it is critical to understand that average precipitation is made up of more years with less than average precipitation along with a few years where above average precipitation is received.

From 1990-1999, 70% of the time the site received less than 10” of precipitation. From 2000-2009 the site received less than 10” 60% of the time, but from 20102019 the site received more than 10: of annual precipitation 60% of the time. Understanding the variability of amount and periodicity of precipitation has led to plant material testing of desirable perennial grasses in an effort to suppress cheatgrass and associated fuels. Understanding that there is more of a 50% chance of less than average precipitation allows us to use plant materials that have the inherent potential to germinate, emerge and establish in 8-10” precipitation zone rather than the ESD 10-12” precipitation zone.

This understanding has led to the use of native and introduced perennial grasses in seed mixes in which the introduced perennial grass species have a higher potential of emergence and establishment in less favorable precipitation years while the native perennial grasses perform better on above average precipitation years (Figure 3 and 4 below). When testing seed mixes and seeding rates it is important to not overload a mix with too many species as only so many plants can survive in a given area (square foot).

Effective weed control is also an important factor achieving successful seeding of desirable perennial species in arid environments. Cheatgrass seedlings are very competitive at the seedling stage with perennial seedlings, therefor it is imperative to actively control cheatgrass densities and seed banks.

Soil-active pre-emergent herbicides are the most common method when attempting to reduce cheatgrass densities and decrease competition for seedlings of seeded species. The efficacy of the herbicide used needs to be above 95% in most cases, as it is not uncommon to have cheatgrass densities of 100 cheatgrass plants/ ft², therefore, cheatgrass densities as little as 4 cheatgrass plants/ft² can outcompete our most aggressive perennial grass species at the seedling stage (Figure 5).

Figure 5 is an excellent illustration of using a soil-active pre-emergent herbicide to reduce cheatgrass competition and increase available soil moisture and nutrients. It is important to note that the sprayed plot on the left has yet to be seeded. The existing residual perennial vegetation release is evident from the reduction of cheatgrass, yet the untreated plot, right, also has residual perennial vegetation being suppressed by the presence of cheatgrass. The treated plot will have to be seeded to increase deep-rooted perennial grasses that can suppress future cheatgrass populations, otherwise the treated plot will return to the same condition as the untreated plot and be dominated by cheatgrass, which will increase the wildfire risks associated with cheatgrass.

Figure 3 (left top). Bedell Flat seeding trial dominated with ‘Anatone’ bluebunch wheatgrass, Sherman big bluegrass and Sandberg’s bluegrass. The site was sprayed with Imazapic in 2014 and seeded in 2015. The site received more than average precipitation for 4 consecutive years.

Figure 4 (left bottom). Bedell Flat 1991 seeding trial dominated by crested wheatgrass, whereas bluebunch wheatgrass and Sandberg’s bluegrass were unsuccessful at establishing following significantly less annual precipitation in 1991 and 1992.

Figure 5 (below). Soil-active pre-emergent herbicide, Imazapic (left), effectively controlling cheatgrass and releasing available soil moisture and nutrients otherwise utilized by cheatgrass.

Figure 7 (below). Excellent control of cheatgrass following the application of the pre-emergent herbicide, Landmark XP. This level of control is very beneficial to restoration/rehabilitation efforts.

IZZENHOOD

Izzenhood Basin and surrounding area is described as 8-10” precipitation zone with a fine silty loam soil. The site has repeatedly burned since the 1960s and is dominated by cheatgrass and tansy mustard. The few unburned islands that remain are dominated with an understory of Sandberg’s bluegrass, bottlebrush squirreltail and bluebunch wheatgrass. The over story is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush.

We started testing cheatgrass control methods and plant material testing in the early 1990s in an effort to improve sustainable grazing resources, decrease wildfire threats and improve wildlife habitats, especially mule deer winter ranges.

In our attempt to test plant materials, the newly released ‘Immigrant’ forage kochia was described as a semi-shrub and an excellent candidate for rehabilitation in environments common within the Intermountain West.

Perry Plummer, pioneer restoration scientist, suggested that forage kochia species provide excellent winter forage for mule deer. Looking more closely at forage kochia species revealed that ‘Immigrant’ forage kochia, the only forage kochia species released for rangeland rehabilitation efforts until the release of ‘Snowstorm’ forage kochia in 2012, does in fact provide excellent winter nutrition, resprouts after wildfire disturbance, survives heavy grazing pressure, and establishes in a wide range of soils and precipitation zone. Since ‘Immigrant’ forage kochia stays green through the hot summer months, we added this species in our plant material testing and seed mix plots (Figure 5, previous page)

One of the approaches we took in the 1990s (19911998), was to decrease cheatgrass and cheatgrass seed banks by mechanically disking the site after cheatgrass emergence and prior to seed maturity. Timing of this mechanical treatment varies by site and year, but for the most part can be achieved in late April to early May.

By disking the cheatgrass-infested habitat after emergence and prior to seed maturity, we were able to not only kill the current years cheatgrass population, but also eliminate the current years seed production, and with the action of the disks, remaining ungerminated cheatgrass in the seed bank was often buried to depths of 4” or more reducing future germination and emergence. This cheatgrass control effort resulted in 72-83% reduction in cheatgrass seed bank densities, which is not comparable to the level of control we experience with pre-emergent herbicides presently available, but for the time period was significant in making progress and reducing cheatgrass dominance.

Once the site was fallowed for the summer and seeded that fall, the germination and emergence of perennial desirable species increased with a significant reduction in cheatgrass competition. Our early approach was

Figure 6 (above). ‘Immigrant’ forage kochia, released in 1984 for rangeland remediation such as soil stability, fire prevention, and forage for domestic livestock and wildlife is a semi-shrub that provides critical digestible protein throughout the year in semi-arid environments. As witnessed in this figure, ‘Immigrant’ forage kochia provides green plant material during hot summer months, reducing wildfire threats.

to incorporate greenstrip species such as crested wheatgrass, ‘Ladak’ alfalfa and ‘Immigrant’ forage kochia with native grasses and shrubs in 1,0002,000 acre blocks to improve grazing resources, reduce cheatgrass and associated wildfire threats, improve wildlife resources and improve plant diversity (Figure 6, left).

Our research in using pre-emergent herbicides got off the ground following the catastrophic 1999 wildfire season when we started testing the pre-emergent herbicide products Sulfometuron Methyl (Oust) and Imazapic (Plateau). Initial results yielded that Oust and Plateau was reducing cheatgrass densities by 96-99%. Initial plant material testing revealed that many of the perennial grasses, shrubs and forbs were going to be very difficult to establish as limited success was experienced with the introduced perennial grass crested wheatgrass, the introduced semi-shrub ‘Immigrant’ forage kochia and the native perennial grass Sandberg’s bluegrass.

Our initial herbicide applications occurred in 1999, 2000 and 2001. Following our seeding trials in 2000, 2001 and 2002, the site received 6.7, 8.5 and 6.8” of precipitation, respectfully.

The improper application of Sulfometuron Methyl on erodible soils in southern Idaho resulted in added scrutiny of the use of herbicides on rangelands and with a short pause we re-initiated our pre-emergent herbicide research starting in 2008 with Imazapic and later with Sulfometurn Methyl-Chlorsulfuron (Landmark XP) in the Izzenhood area.

Our research yielded that Landmark XP consistently reduced cheatgrass densities by more than 98% while Imazapic efficacy was performing around 96% control of cheatgrass (Figure 7, left).

Following proper fallow of sites and plant material testing of native and introduced perennial species, we started experiencing increase seeding success with native and introduced perennial species.

The success of our seedings and perennial grass establishment is tightly correlated with favorable precipitation. Our 2008 herbicide application plots were seeded in the fall of 2009 and received 8” of annual precipitation in 2009/2010, with 5.2” occurring between October 2009 and April 2010. Other favorable years for precipitation occurred in 2015 through 2019, all above average years.

Although this 5-year span of favorable precipitation, averaging over 10”, is very rare in our experience and the success of native species was very apparent (Figure 8, below).

In our experience, the amount and periodicity of precipitation along with effective weed control treatments are critical in restoring or rehabilitating degraded Great Basin rangelands. Our decades of attempting weed control practices, testing a variety of native and introduced perennial grasses, shrubs and forbs as well as collecting precipitation data from the site on a regular basis has resulted in many failed attempts as well as successful attempts to establish desirable perennial vegetation and improve grazing and wildlife resources.

The continued testing of weed control treatments, newly developed plant materials, innovative seed coating, etc. are doors that should remain open and may show promise in this effort to allow researchers an opportunity to develop and disseminate new and novel techniques to assist agriculture producers to develop and implement sustainable livestock practices in the Great Basin while in concert with improving wildlife habitats.

Figure 8 (below). Five consecutive years of above average precipitation resulted in excellent stands of native perennial grasses at our Izzenhood study site.

Nevada Farm Bureau

Preparing For The Nevada 2023 Legislative Session

By Doug Busselman | NFB Executive Vice President

The 82nd Nevada Legislative Session will kick off on February 6, 2023, and the 120-day adventure will begin. After being locked out of the Legislative Building most of the 2021 Legislative Session, it will be good for citizens to be able to engage in-person with the legislative process.

Having said that, it’s worth noting that for Nevadans across the state who aren’t able to travel to Carson City and be in the Legislative Building, the Nevada Legislature’s website (https:// www.leg.state.nv.us/) does provide an outstanding tool for following the legislative process. Committee meetings are made available to watch and it’s even possible to testify on bills that are being heard. The legislative website also provides copies of the bills when they are introduced as well as proposed amendments.

Ideally, citizens across the state will continue to be interested and will continue to follow closely the discussions and deliberations that go into determining what laws will be added, changed, or possibly even deleted.

Nevada Farm Bureau has been an active participant in the legislative process for a number of years on a daily basis, attending committee meetings and working with elected representatives as advocates for the policy positions that our organization’s voting delegates have developed and adopted.

From what we already know, the 2023 Nevada Legislature will be a busy one, with expected legislative proposals to cover a range of topic areas. Likely a large segment of those bills will fit into the important area of water. It would not be a surprise to discover that this session will deal with more proposals for water law than any of

the past several sessions – and those sessions had a number of bills with lots of controversy.

Many of the legislative proposals that relate to agricultural and natural resource-related matters go to the Natural Resource Committees of the Senate and the Assembly. Those committee assignments are just out.

Members of the Senate Natural Resources committee include:

Senate Natural Resources Committee:

Senator Julie Pazina of Henderson, Chair

Senator Melanie Scheible of Las Vegas, Vice Chair

Senator Edgar Flores of Las Vegas

Senator Pete Goicoechea of Eureka

Senator Ira Hansen of Sparks

Chair Pazina is serving in her first Nevada Legislature. The Vice Chair of the committee, Senator Scheible has served in the Senate for several sessions and was a past chair of the Natural Resources Committee, in her first session (2019).

Senator Flores is serving in his first session as a Senator, but has served in a number of sessions in the Nevada Assembly. He was first elected to the Assembly in the 2014 election and was the chair of the Assembly Government Affairs Committee in the 2021 Legislature.

Senator Goicoechea has also served as a past chair of the Natural Resources committee (2015 session) and will be termed out of office after this session has concluded. He was first elected to the Nevada Senate in 2012 and served in the Nevada Assembly for 10 years before that.

Senator Hansen was first elected to the Nevada Senate in 2018 and was a Nevada Assemblyman before that. He has been a member of the Natural Resources Committees in each of the legislative bodies during his tenure in the Legislature.

The 2021 Nevada Legislative Session saw the renaming of the committee that is now called the “Assembly Natural Resources Committee.” Prior to that the committee was know as the Assembly Natural Resources, Agriculture and Mining (NaTRAM) committee. This year’s Assembly Natural Resources will have a fairly good balance of experienced members and those who will be serving in their first session for this committee. The membership includes:

Assembly Natural Resources Committee: Assemblywoman Lesley Cohen of Henderson, Chair Assemblywoman Natha Anderson of Sparks, Vice Chair Assemblyman Howard Watts of Las Vegas Assemblywoman Shannon BilbrayAxlerod of Las Vegas Assemblywoman Bea Duran of Las Vegas Assemblywoman Venicia Considine of Las Vegas Assemblywoman Tracy Brown-May of Las Vegas Assemblywoman Selena La Rue Hatch of Reno Assemblywoman Alexis Hansen of Sparks Assemblyman Bert Gurr of Elko Assemblyman Rich DeLong of Reno Assemblyman Toby Yurek of Henderson

Both Chair Cohen and Vice Chair Anderson served on the Natural Resources Committee in the 2021 Nevada Legislature when Chair Cohen was the Vice Chair.

Assemblywoman Cohen has been involved in the legislative process going back to her first term in the 2013 Legislature and over the course of those years, she has been a member of the NatRAM committee.

Assemblyman Watts was the chair of the 2021 Natural Resources Committee and has been a member of the committee since first being elected to the 2019 Legislature.

Assemblywoman Bilbray-Axlerod is another experienced member of the Natural Resources Committee. She was first elected to the Assembly in 2016 and during the 2019 Legislature was the Vice Chair of the NaTRAM committee.

Assemblywomen Brown-May and Hansen have prior experience on the committee as well with each of them having served in each of their prior years of service. Brown-May was first appointed to the 2021 Legislature for District 42 and Hansen started her service in the 2019 session.

Assemblywomen Duran and Considine have been in the Nevada Legislature during prior sessions, but this will be their first as members of the Natural Resources Committee. Duran had her first term in the 2019 Legislature and Considine was elected to the 2021 Legislature.

The remaining members of the committee, Assemblywoman La Rue Hatch, Assemblyman Gurr, Assemblyman DeLong and Assemblyman Yurek, will be in their first year, having been elected in the 2022 election.

Over the course of the coming months, those interested in the issue areas related to agriculture and natural resources will be working to become acquainted with the members of these committees as well as the rest of the elected representatives in the Legislature.

Nevada Farm Bureau Is Seeking Passage Of Water Legislation:

We indicated earlier that there will be a number of bills related to water issues. One of those bills will hopefully be heard by the Nevada Senate Natural Resources Committee as introduction requested by Nevada Farm Bureau.

During the most recent NFB annual meeting, voting delegates adopted policy which states…

“Critical Management Areas: # 298

We believe that Nevada Law regarding Critical Management Areas (NRS 534.037) should be amended to include additional requirements for criteria to be used by the State Engineer in evaluating when determining whether to approve a groundwater management plan, submitted by the majority of holders of permits or certificates to appropriate water in a basin that has been designated as a Critical Management Area. Criteria to be added to the list provided in NRS 534.037 sub 2. shall include:

• The principles of the Prior Appropriation Doctrine and not allowing for senior water right owners to be negatively affected by junior water right owners through implementation of the submitted plan; and,

• Upholding Nevada’s Constitutional protections for unreasonable seizure of private property. (Article 1 Section 18)”

Implementing this policy is the basis for the water bill that NFB has requested. We are working through Senator Goicoechea for the introduction and are anticipating the measure will be first surfaced in the Senate Natural Resources committee.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza continues to affect birds in Nevada

Bird owners encouraged to remain diligent in bird health safety measures

Additional cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have been confirmed throughout Nevada in domestic and wild birds. The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) has quarantined properties with confirmed cases of HPAI in domestic birds and surrounding areas will be monitored to protect further spread of the disease. As of Nov. 10, 2022, one premises in Nevada remains under quarantine in Nye County.

“We understand the concern and the NDA and Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) continue to monitor positive cases across the state,” said NDA interim state veterinarian Dr. JJ Goicoechea.

Avian influenza viruses can infect domestic birds (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and wild birds. HPAI is extremely infectious and can spread rapidly. HPAI strains can circulate freely in wild birds without sign of illness, but can infect domestic birds causing severe and fatal illness. Some species of wild birds, such as raptors, also experience high mortality rates.

“It’s important that all bird owners remain diligent in good bird health safety practices to protect their flocks and mitigate spread,” said Dr. Goicoechea.

HPAI has been detected in states throughout the U.S. To protect bird health, the NDA issued biosecurity recommendations in April of 2022 as detections were made in bordering states. Additional detections are a reminder to owners of domestic birds to practice bird health safety measures and report illnesses. To mitigate impacts of the disease, it is important that bird owners isolate and report any sick birds to their veterinarian and the NDA Animal Disease Lab at 775-353-3709 or entrypermits@agri.nv.gov.

Sick or deceased birds should only be handled with proper personal protective equipment, including the use of gloves and bagging and sealing deceased birds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that HPAI poses a low risk for human infection. Infected birds and products from infected flocks will not enter the food system. As always, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

At this time, the NDA has eased restrictions for fairs, bird shows and events; however, maintaining proper health safety measures before, during and

after events are critical to managing risk. Proper bird health safety measures are outlined on the NDA website and include:

• Wash hands before and after coming in contact with birds.

• Limit the number of people that come in contact with your flock to those necessary for their care.

• Isolate new adult poultry coming into a flock for a minimum of 30 days.

• Use personal protective equipment such as shoe covers, gloves, hair and clothing covers.

• Clean and disinfect equipment before and after each use.

• Do not share tools or supplies between flocks.

• Flocks should be housed in enclosures that prevent any exposure to wild birds or waterfowl, such as barns or similar covered, secure areas.

• Avoid attracting wild birds and waterfowl by securing feed, not using wild bird feeders on or near the premises and remove pooling or ponding water.

• Quarantine sick birds or bag and seal deceased birds immediately and report to your veterinarian and the NDA Animal Disease Lab at 775-353-3709 or entrypermits@agri. nv.gov.

• Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to take precautions from the NDOW listed here: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) - NDOW

For more information on avian influenza, safety measures and the Nevada Department of Agriculture's recommendation regarding bird shows, events and fairs, visit our website at agri.nv.gov/Animals/Avian

UNR launches line of wool products made from its Rafter 7 sheep

Products

A new, unique gift option for Nevada Wolf Pack fans is being homegrown, literally. The University of Nevada, Reno is offering a new line of Nevada Wolf Pack wool products made from Rafter 7 sheep raised by the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources.

Hats, scarves, blankets, sweaters, hoodies, beanies and more are now available at the Nevada Wolf Shop on campus. Prices range from $24 to $300. It’s not just the fact they were made from the University’s Rafter 7 sheep raised in Eureka, Nevada, at the University’s Great Basin Research & Extension Center, that make the products special. The wool itself is special.

“These sheep are known to have some of the softest, finest wool in the nation. They are even known internationally,” said Bill Payne, Dean of the College. “We are excited that, after developing this line of sheep over 30 years ago, we are able to offer Nevadans the opportunity to proudly wear and enjoy some Silver and Blue products made from their wool.”

Payne said the Rafter 7 line of Merino sheep was developed in the 1990s by the College’s Experiment Station, under the direction of the late Hudson Glimp, professor emeritus of the College, and Tom Filbin, herd manager from which the original Rambouillet seed stock was purchased.

A herd of Rafter 7 Merino and Merino/Rambouillet sheep are now produced at the University’s Great Basin Research & Extension Center in Eureka. The Center addresses challenges such as herd genetics and management, water conservation in cropping, and

range management and restoration. Some of the sheep raised there have sold at auction for as much as $3,100 per head.

“One of the unsolicited statements I heard from three or four buyers from Nevada and other states was how much the Rafter 7 Merino sheep program has helped improve wool quality and economics for the range sheep industry, and how appreciative they are that the University has stepped in to carry this breeding program forward,” said Gary McCuin, Center director.

This is the first time that the University has had products made from the Rafter 7 wool. Mountain Meadow Wool Mill in Wyoming, a family-operated mill dedicated to supporting local ranchers in the West and raising awareness about ranching culture, was commissioned to make the yarn and the products. The University chose the company because they are one of the few manufacturers in the West with experience in making wool products from fine, “homegrown” wool, and they use environmentally friendly cleaners and vegetable-based spinning oil in their process. Ecofriendly manufacturing practices are used to help the wool retain its natural lanolin, resulting in soft, luxurious wool products.

It’s a bit ironic that such soft wool comes from sheep raised in such a harsh environment as the Great Basin, Payne said.

“The Rafter 7 sheep are actually very well adapted to the harsh, dry Great Basin environment. That’s one of the things the College is trying to do with its work and research – provide animals and crops that can be

raised in challenging environments, such as those we have here in Nevada. Hopefully the work we do here can be applied in other parts of the world.”

Amy Lewis, store director at the Nevada Wolf Shop on campus, explained: "We are so excited to be able to carry these products! They are really special because they are truly local. We are proud that decades of research by our staff and students resulted in these top-quality Nevada Wolf Pack items that we have the privilege of showcasing in our store.”

Proceeds from wool item sales will support student activities and future Rafter 7 projects. For item availability, call the Shop at 775-784-6597.

The Shop is located in the University’s Joe Crowley Student Union, 87 W. Stadium Way. Hourly parking is available for $2 on the first level of the nearby Brian Whalen Parking Complex. Open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Great Basin Research & Extension Center in Eureka County’s Diamond Valley opened in September of 2020. This 644-acre ranch was donated to the University by Ruby Hills Mining Company, LLC.

"Ruby Hill Mining Company, LLC is a committed local business partner and we support the efforts of our ranchers and farmers,” Jack McMahon, a representative of Ruby Hill, said. “This center will enable the University to carry out pertinent research and outreach to address future challenges in local farming as well as supporting global needs that will bring long-term benefits to the community."

The Center, operated in partnership with Extension, addresses issues of sustainable grazing management of rangelands, livestock, crop production under waterlimited environments, alternative water and irrigation strategies for crop production, and other issues of local interest.

The ranch maintains a herd of Rafter 7 sheep, worldrenowned for both wool and meat. The breed itself was originally developed 30 years ago through Experiment Station research under the direction of the College’s Hudson Glimp, professor emeritus of animal biotechnology. The sheep are used both for research and for helping to fund the station’s operations through annual sheep sales and the sale of wool products.

But the Center isn’t just about selling sheep. It will also help fund more research, more programming through Extension and other projects that will adapt to the needs of the community.

The ranch has three 120-acre pivot sprinklers producing alfalfa hay and other forage crops, a cattle feedlot, and a dryland crested wheat pasture. Future plans include an administration, teaching and laboratory facility; herder and labor housing; refurbished domestic/stock well and water system; modernized irrigation facilities; and a redesign and reconfiguring of sheep

made from some of the finest and softest wool in the nation are now available locally

A Nevada Wolf Pack blanket made of the University’s Rafter 7 wool rolls off the production line at family-operated Mountain Meadow Wool Mill. (Photo courtesy of Mountain Meadow Wool Mill)

A University of Nevada, Reno-owned Rafter 7 Merino Ram

New agreement provides for 4-H Camp & Learning Center in southern Nevada

A collaborative agreement among University of Nevada, Reno Extension; Clark County; and Lincoln County will soon bring new educational and outdoor experiences to youth in southern Nevada.

The agreement, approved by the Nevada Board of Regents at its September meeting, will provide a venue for a 4-H camp and youth educational activities in southern Nevada, similar to the 32-acre Nevada State 4-H Camp at Lake Tahoe. Extension has operated that facility and provided camps and educational programs for thousands of youth there for more than 80 years.

The new 4-H Camp & Learning Center is located in the Lincoln County community of Alamo, about 100 miles north of Las Vegas. The 72-acre property was purchased this week from Leadership Possibilities International LLC, and is located at 1536 Alamo West Road. Previously used as a conference/retreat facility, the main building contains approximately 17,000 square feet with guest rooms, conference rooms and a commercial kitchen. The current layout contains 17 rooms that accommodate 72 guests, and has a variety of outdoor recreational amenities. For day use, the property can accommodate more than 200 guests.

“We wanted to have a facility for 4-H youth camps and hands-on outdoor learning in the southern part of the state for quite some time,” said Extension Director Jacob DeDecker. “Thanks to the hard work and generosity of our partners in Clark and Lincoln counties, youth in Las Vegas, as well as those in rural communities in the southern part of our state, will have more opportunities to experience the adventure, learning, fun and friendships that 4-H camps are known to provide.”

Extension and its partners in southern Nevada recognized that a large portion of Nevada’s youth were having only limited opportunities to camp experiences, with over 70% of the state’s population residing in southern Nevada and Clark County being the fifth largest school district in the nation. They say the need for such opportunities is greater than ever, as the pandemic continues to leave its mark on young people, with rising mental health issues, suicides, isolation, loss of learning and decreased school engagement. Extension and its partners say high-quality outdoor education programs can help reverse these trends.

“Our youth in southern Nevada need more opportunities to get out and enjoy the outdoors and learn,” said Clark Commission Marilyn Kirkpatrick, one of the driving forces behind the project. “The camp is a game changer for so many in this valley. Nothing is better than taking our youth out of their neighborhood and showing them all that is available.”

Since 1930, Extension has been providing 4-H camps in Nevada, and 4-H camping has been an effective method of reaching, teaching and involving youth in outdoor education and leadership skills development. Today’s 4-H camps in Nevada provide engaging hands-on enrichment and align with the Nevada Academic Content Standards and Next Generation Science Standards to help improve academic proficiency. Extension has a network of 4-H professionals across the country from which to draw research-based programming and expertise, with 4-H being the country’s largest youth development organization. Research by Tufts University shows that 4-H youth are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, and two times as likely to plan to go to college.

Like the 4-H camps held at the facility in Tahoe, the programs at the new camp in southern Nevada will be run by trained professional staff, as well as enlist the help of skilled adult and teen volunteers, who will develop and implement programs, and supervise campers The 4-H camps will develop important life skills such as leadership, responsibility, communication, problem solving and critical thinking, while introducing youth to research-based activities within the fields of science, natural resources, robotics, agriculture and health, to name a few.

It has been challenging not only for Clark County youth to attend previous 4-H camps held up at Tahoe, but also for youth in other rural communities in the southern part of the state. The new camp in Alamo

Contact: Claudene Wharton

Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist College of Ag, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, University of Nevada, Reno / MS 0405 775-784-7072 | whartonc@unr.edu

will make attending 4-H camp much more doable for many youth. For example, Lincoln County’s Caliente, Panaca and Pioche communities are only about 50 to 80 miles northeast of Alamo; White Pine’s Ely is about 150 miles north of Alamo; and Nye County’s Tonopah is about 150 northwest of Alamo.

“We were excited to help facilitate the process and for more youth to experience the vast experiences that Lincoln County has to offer,” said Lincoln County Commissioner Varlin Higbee, who has also been deeply involved in facilitating the project. “Our youth and youth in our neighboring counties will benefit tremendously from opportunities to participate in 4-H STEM and outdoor education activities. But most importantly, this facility will provide them with an unforgettable experience of fun and new friendships that they want to come back to every year.”

Extension already has a long-standing close partnership with Lincoln and Clark counties, as Extension in Nevada is a federal-state-county partnership, administered by University of Nevada, Reno, as a landgrant institution serving the entire state. Its funding comes from the USDA, the state budget and Nevada’s counties, as well grants and outside funding faculty and leadership obtain to support programming.

For information on the 4-H Camp & Learning Center in southern Nevada, contact Sheila Bray, community partnership coordinator, sbray@unr.edu or 702-2575560. For information on 4-H programs in the state, contact your local Extension office.

UNR collaborates with Lincoln and Clark counties to provide youth programs at facility in Alamo

This 72-acre property in Alamo, Nevada, about 100 miles north of Las Vegas, is now the 4-H Camp & Learning Center, where Extension will provide camp and hands-on educational activities for youth.

Cattlemen’s Update returns to provide market and research updates

Educational programs to be held virtually and at 4 locations across Nevada

The University of Nevada, Reno will host the annual Cattlemen’s Update in person and virtually in 2023, Jan. 9 – 13. For over 50 years, the University has held several sessions across Nevada in January to provide ranchers with current research-based information about issues that may affect the efficiency, productivity, profitability and sustainability of their businesses and Nevada’s cattle industry.

The five-day event, offered virtually on Jan. 9, and then in person at four locations across the state, is a partnership led by the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, and its Extension and Experiment Station units. Other program partners include local sponsors, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, and Western Center for Risk Management Education.

The three- to four-hour in-person sessions will be moderated by Barry Perryman, researcher, professor and chair of the College’s Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences. Jacob DeDecker, named the College’s associate dean for engagement and director of Extension in July, will welcome attendees and present some updates. Experts from the College and its Extension and Experiment Station units will discuss pertinent topics with participants, including:

• Next Grass to Worry About: Ventenata & Regional Grazing Study Results

From the College – Paul Meiman, Extension specialist, researcher and associate professor of rangeland livestockwildlife interactions; and Lesley Morris, researcher and associate professor of rangeland ecology

• What is This Economy Going to Bring the Nevada Livestock Industry?

Shannon Neibergs, USDA Western Extension Risk Management Education Center, Washington State University

• Photo Monitoring: A Simple, Easy and Valuable Monitoring Tool

From the College – Brad Schultz, Extension educator in Humboldt County, researcher and professor of rangeland ecology and management

• Trich in Cattle: Better to Test Than Have It by Randy Walstrum, Veterinarian

• Impacts of Smoke on Animal Health

From the College – Mozart Fonseca, researcher and associate professor of veterinary & rangeland sciences

• USDA Farm Service Agency: Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) & Livestock Support Programs Nevada USDA Farm Service Agency staff

This year’s schedule of sessions is:

• Jan. 9, 10 a.m. | Virtual session, via Zoom only. Register at https://unrextension.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aNzW25j9SAyoUIqINxXhEA.

• Jan. 10, 5:30 p.m., Fallon | Fallon Convention Center, 100 Campus Way, dinner provided

• Jan. 11, 5:30 p.m., Ely | Ely Convention Center, 150 W. Sixth St., dinner provided

• Jan. 12, 12:30 p.m., Elko | Dalling Hall, 600 Commercial St., dinner provided

• Jan. 13, 10 a.m., Winnemucca | Extension Office, 1085 Fairgrounds Road, lunch provided

NOTE! Times given for the in-person sessions are registration times, with the program beginning 30 minutes later. The cost is $20 per ranch per location attended, which includes lunch or dinner and the “Red Book” recordkeeping guide for cattle producers.

For more information, contact Staci Emm, Extension educator for Mineral County and the event’s organizer, at emms@ unr.edu, 775-475-4227 or 775-312-0424; or Jamie Lee, at jamielee1@unr.edu or 775-426-8299. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should contact Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, at plessick@unr.edu or 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.

National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry

Hold 156th Annual Convention in Sparks, Nevada

By Suzann Gilliland Peterson

From the vastness of the West to the historical roots of the East, the members of the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry came together at the Nugget in Sparks, Nevada, from November 15 to November 19 to hold their 156th annual national convention. One of the oldest fraternal organizations in the United States, the Grange’s mission is to strengthen individuals, families and communities through grassroots action, service, education, advocacy and agriculture awareness.

Members upheld that mission by coming together to solidify their common focus in order to:

• Determine policy issues for advocacy in Washington, D.C.The six legislative policy committees of the National Grange considered and debated 81 different resolutions submitted by many different State Granges, ultimately adopting 23 of them. Committees included Agriculture; Citizenship & Taxation; Conservation; Education and Health; Labor, Judiciary, and Transportation.

• Encourage and feature youth while teaching and inspiring them to become leaders – Recognition of the skills and knowledge of Grange youth was on display with the selection of youth and Junior members to serve as leaders and representatives of peers in their age group. The Showcase highlighted youth activities and projects from western states Granges. Some of the displays offered information and shared activities from both youth and adults via the Communication Fellows, Grange Youth & Young Adults, Junior Grange, Community Service, Foundation, the Dictionary Project, Grow Club, and Nevada Mining. Voices of the Grange featured live presentation from youth on LEGO robotics, reining, networking in Grange, agricultural mythology, prescribed burns, raising pheasants, and Knights of the Grange. Impromptu Speaking tested how quickly youth could organize their thoughts in a very short span of time in order to present a coherent verbal response to unknown questions. Workshops were held for youth to network and learn about the Grange and its mission and structure. The Ballet Folklorico Nuestra Herencia Mexicana dancers delighted the States of the Western Region reception attendees while they enjoyed cake and fellowship.

• Recognize members for their contributions to the good of the Grange.

• Install new officers.

• Honor member and non-member veterans with Quilts of Valor- Made by the Nevada Quilters of Comstock Quilts of Valor, eleven quilts were presented to northwestern Nevada Grange and non-Grange veterans. Junior Grange members escorted the veterans to receive their quilts.

• Award The Eddy House in Reno, NV, with $2600.00 and donations of pillowcases with strings, personal hygiene and clothing items. Sixteen states raised the funds and donations as part of the National Grange Community Service Project. The Eddy House is the only transitional housing for at-risk youth in northwestern Nevada.

• Hear the National Diversity Task Force Report.

• Affirm that the National Grange has partnered with Rural Minds to launch a campaign providing access to mental health educational content for rural America. Ruralminds.org highlights the vast challenges rural America faces with mental health issues.

• Establish the Bucket Brigade – This is a new program whereby Grange chapters can be prepared to quickly provide relief for disaster victims in their areas using a bucket with a lid that can serve as an easy system of storage for necessities: sharpies, notepads, playing cards, portable games, hand sanitizer or wipes, toiletries, feminine products, and washcloths, etc., and that can be stored until needed. Food items can be added shortly before use.

• Welcome new Delegates - New western states delegates include:

• Carl Clinger, High Desert Grange #22, NV

• Vince Scholten, Hessel #750 and Bennet Valley #16, California

• Jay Sexton, Willamette #52, Oregon

UPCOMING - The Northeast Region will host the 157th Annual National Grange Convention at the Sheraton at the Falls in downtown Niagara Falls, NY, from November 14 through November 18, 2023.

For more information on the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, visit www.nationalgrange.org or contact Gloria Montero at (775) 427-8210.

Photo courtesy of Lindsay Schroeder.

A Nod to Partnership and a Note of Thanks

After just over 25 years as an employee of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), I’ve elected to retire at the end of 2022, ending my civil service career. During the last 25 years that I’ve been a state employee, Nevada has experienced significant changes that have also affected the relationship between the Nevada ranching industry and NDOW.

There have been environmental changes as cheatgrass expands and fire threats increase. Industries and their actions and impacts are growing and shifting with dynamic demands on minerals like gold and lithium, discoveries of new deposits, new techniques, and new and emerging clean/renewable energy objectives. Feral horses and catastrophic drought plague the state. Nevada’s population has also experienced unprecedented changes in size, distribution, and demography. However, the two changes most relevant to this message, are the changes within me as a person and the changes within the state’s political landscape. Both changes have fostered a reinvestment in the NDOW/ranching industry relationship.

As a much younger biologist in Elko, I recall the resentment I felt at being required to attend and participate in the BLM’s development of a holistic resource management planning effort for an Elko County ranch. I didn’t have time for such nonsense, as my science was my empirical truth and I was too busy doing God’s work to be bothered by such nonsense as a HRM planning effort. Since those early days, I have come to realize that regardless of the task at hand, it takes true open, honest, relationships to accomplish and sustain success. That awareness was key to change within me that was essential to better adapt to Nevada’s changing political demography through partnership with Nevada’s ranchers as well.

Nevadans historically referenced our state legislature as a “cowboy legislature.” State legislators like Dean Rhoades, John Marvel, and John Carpenter, among others, had long-tenures and wielded significant influence on all issues affecting the state and particularly for rural issues and industry priorities.

As Las Vegas rapidly grew, political observers noted that the state of Nevada would be increasingly governed by southern Nevadans with, in some instances, different priorities and values than those traditionally the focus of Nevada’s more northern rural legislators. As a result, rural issues would not have the same favor, voice, or platform at the state legislature and elsewhere they had traditionally known.

Although the benefits of healthy rangelands, resistant and resilient ecosystems, and large intact landscapes are equally sought and enjoyed by many, often Nevada’s livestock producers and NDOW pursued them separately with the belief that gains for wildlife would come at the expense of livestock and vice versa. Consequently, we were most often divided and as a result, were less effective with our diluted voices and disparate efforts.

Gradually realizing our shared challenges has allowed us to work together ever more frequently and certainly more productively for rangeland health. The strength of partnership has enhanced our effectiveness, increased the volume of our voices, and yielded significant wins for ecosystem health.

I am not naive to the continued struggles of drought, fire, feral horse numbers, vegetation decadence, or the bureaucracies that still hinder us. Nor am I naive to our continued differences in perspectives and priorities at times. However, joining forces in an open, honest, transparent, and trusting partnership has paid off for both the NDOW and Nevada’s ranching industry.

The list of partnership projects and benefits is too long and complex to recite here but there are things happening every day because of our expanding partnership that 25 years ago seemed unlikely if not impossible. Conservation easements, vegetation treatments, herbicide and seeding projects, native seed production, fencing projects, water development, are just a few examples of successful collaborations.

Nevada’s ranching industry was key to improving the Nevada ranching and NDOW partnership by looking for ways to focus on our shared challenges rather than our differences. Some refer to the 80/20 rule where potential partners are better off focusing on the 80% upon which they agree, rather than the 20% that divides them. We know that we will not likely reach agreement on all things, and yet we have a choice in how we define our relationships. Do we define our relationships by what we have in common or by our differences and disagreements? Regardless of the relationship, professional, personal, family, marriage, etc., focusing on differences will divide and destroy. Focusing on our similarities and our shared challenges

like fire and invasives, predators, feral horses, and drought, will give us a better partnerships and greater chances at achieving desired results.

We have all heard the expressions “politics make for strange bedfellows” and “necessity is the mother of invention.” I believe that the state’s changing demography that has increasingly resulted in challenges of relevancy for Nevada’s livestock industry as well as for Nevada’s wildlife conservation efforts, has heightened a need for a previously thought unconventional partnership. It is a partnership that is young but with much room to grow and one valuable relationship for which I am incredibly grateful.

Necessity, resulting from one of the most rapidly changing states in the country, has caused us to focus more on the 80% upon which we agree, in working together to further stem the impacts from shared challenges rather than standing alone with weaker and less effective voices.

I’ll take the open honest transparent partnership with Nevada’s ranchers that focuses on our shared needs and purposes rather defining ourselves by what we choose to hate about one another. Positive proactive partnerships pay dividends never realized by divisive debate.

As I ride off and say goodbye, I fear what I’ll miss the most are the productive partnerships, the cherished friendships, and the supportive fellowship that results from working together to overcome challenges. Thank you, Nevada ranchers, for your patience with us and for your partnership in maintaining healthy rangelands, open spaces, and keeping working lands working. Clearly, we are not finished, and whatever the task, we are better together than when we go it alone.

| by Tony Wasley, Director, NDOW

Tony Wasley retires from NDOW

(L) Tony Wasley

(R) Tom Barnes, NCA Past President, NDOW Board Member; handmade gifts forTony by Ron Torell

Wells FFA Competes at Nationals

by

On the cold morning of Monday, October 24th, students from the Wells FFA Chapter piled into a bus and headed to the Salt Lake Airport. They had a long week of delayed flights, competitions, fun at the FFA Career Fair and Expo, and recreational chapter activities ahead of them.

The chapter arrived in Indianapolis at 2 AM on Tuesday morning. To start off the week at the national convention, they attended the Career Fair, where there were countless booths to visit. The chapter could learn about many different aspects of agriculture, compete in small games to win agricultural prizes, and talk to many different colleges about the options that were offered. One member commented that they had visited 15 colleges, and that it opened their eyes to see that they had so many opportunities. At the Fair there were many live demonstrations, ranging from tractors being brought in, to a variety of other agricultural machinery.

The chapter did not only come to visit, they came to conquer. The National Meats Evaluation team

consisted of Madison Wachtel, Carolina Johnson, Morgan Noorda and Jackson Dahl. The team traveled to the Purdue University of Agriculture on the morning of October 27th. The contest consists of identifying retail cuts, placing classes of meat, calculating yield grade, and completing team activities. Team activities started in the morning, and later in the afternoon the groups split up to do individual activities and their classes. A cold 6 hours later the teams emerged from the freezers. The team placed 16th in the nation and received a silver emblem as a team, individually they all placed silver.

Even though the chapter was very active at the Career Fair and workshops, they made time to bond as a group with various recreational activities. They took a trip to the Indianapolis Zoo, where there were many fun games and animals to see. Throughout the week they also paintballed, roller skated, swam in the pool, and visited The Escape Room.

The Wells FFA Chapter is busy preparing for their 30th annual Parent-Member Potluck on November 22nd, and various other holiday activities.

Wells FFA Chapter enjoys the National Career Fair and Expo

Morgan Noorda

From right to left: Morgan Noorda, Madison Wachtel, Carolina Johnson, and Jackson Dahl get ready to compete.

Extremely easy comfort food kicked up a notch with caramelized onions, two types of melty cheese and griddled rye bread.

1½ lbs (80/20) ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 medium sweet onions, halved & sliced kosher salt, to taste

4 shakes onion powder

4 shakes garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

8 dashes Worcestershire sauce

8 slices rye or sourdough

4 slices American cheese

4 slices sharp cheddar cheese

8 tablespoons butter

Thousand Island Dressing (optional)

Divide the ground beef into four (6 ounce) pieces and shape into oblong patties. Place them onto a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap and press between another cutting board. Set aside.

Preheat a griddle to 325°. Drizzle with olive oil, add sliced onions and season with a pinch of kosher salt. Stir, and cook the onions until soft and edges caramelized, about 10 minutes. (For "real" caramelized onions, cook 30 more minutes.) Transfer the onions to a dish and set off to the side.

Season the patties with onion and garlic powder, salt and pepper and add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce to each one.

Using the same griddle, increase heat to 350° and sear and cook the patties about 3 to 5 minutes, flip and continue cooking 2 to 3 more minutes. Transfer to a platter and tent with foil to keep warm. Wipe griddle, reduce temperature to 300° and melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Lay down 8 slices of bread and add 1 slice of American cheese to 4 slices and 4 slices cheddar to the other slices.

Once the cheese starts to melt and the bread is only lightly golden, top one slice of bread with a beef patty and divide the caramelized onions over each one.

Replace the second slice of bread so each patty has one cheddar and American cheese side. Flip occasionally, continue to griddle until the patty is heated through and the bread is deeply golden. Slice and serve with Thousand Island Dressing (optional).

Food Hub Awarded $633K Grant to Provide Local Food

2022-12-16 | By Rachel Dahl | The Fallon Post

The Nevada Department of Agriculture has expanded a grant program and awarded $6 million to community organizations to fight food insecurity and improve food access in Nevada communities, expanding funding to 14 projects working on the ground in local communities to feed those in need.

The Fallon Food Hub was one of six projects awarded $96,000 in May of this year out of the first $500,000 of the American Rescue Plan Act funding and was recently chosen as one of the 14 projects that will utilize the $6 million funding. Two days a week, members of the community could access fresh, local food at either the Life Center or the Fallon Tribe.

According to Executive Director Kelli Kelly, the Fallon Food Hub was awarded $633,000 to purchase food from local farmers within a 400-mile radius of Fallon to distribute produce and valueadded products to food-insecure families through the William N. Pennington Life Center and the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe.

Kelly said the grant will make it possible to provide for produce distribution once each week for 89 weeks at both locations. Additionally, the

Food Hub will be able to purchase a refrigerated vehicle, increasing its capacity to store, move, and keep more food through the supply chain. There is also funding to provide produce each week to both kitchens. “That is a $400 budget augmentation each week to each senior center to supplement food purchases for both kitchens,” she said referencing the senior centers.

Kelly said that this community does a good job of providing food resources to those in need. However, there is a large segment of the community that does not qualify for food assistance by the regulatory standards, but because of their income levels have to make the choice each month between electricity or fuel and healthy food.

To qualify for many food programs, a family has to fall significantly below the poverty line. “Easily one-third of the food insecure population in this community is unable to access those programs because they don’t meet the metric. It’s folks who are just getting by or on a fixed income. With the rise in gas prices if there are any unexpected expenses it will have an impact on their ability to buy healthy and nutritious food.”

It is that part of the community that this program was designed to serve. “That is whom we’re trying to target with this grant program, people who don’t think of themselves as food insecure, but are,” said Kelly. “This is for anyone who needs help. There is no barrier to entry, we just ask that they get a Life Center card because that’s how we track our numbers and just show up.” There is no age limit to access the program.

Kelly said they are slated to start the distribution in mid-January and are working on a notification plan to make sure they can get the word out.

Jennifer Ott, Directory of the NDA said that “Food insecurity is present throughout Nevada, but the resources to fight it have historically been centralized in the state’s urban centers. These projects will expand food distribution and food assistance resources in underserved rural and Tribal communities, as well as provide additional assistance to high-need urban areas. Projects from 14 organizations were funded to improve food security in the state.”

Nevada Division of Forestry: Intermountain Regional Forester's Shared Stewardship and Partnerships Award

www.facebook.com/HumboldtToiyabeNF

The Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) was recognized for their multiagency approach to Shared Stewardship. NDF's commitment to Shared Stewardship directly helps the Forest Service accomplish its mission of sustaining the health and diversity of National Forest System lands in Nevada. It also allows the Forest Service to leverage NDF's perspectives, ideas, and experience and invest in that relationship to better achieve both agencies' missions.

NDF's assistance has been integral to allowing the Forest Service to achieve the following outcomes in Nevada:

• Complete vegetation management projects that reduce the risk of unwanted wildfire and improve habitat for sage-grouse and other species in Shared Stewardship priority landscapes.

• Maintain rangeland health and availability of forage through projects that address annual invasive grasses and reduce other fuels that could lead to unwanted wildfire.

• Improve recreation by maintaining and restoring habitat that supports hunting, including big game hunting, as well as supporting recreation access through roads work completed through these projects.

NDF has also demonstrated both initiative and ingenuity in finding the resources to prioritize the implementation of Shared Stewardship projects, and in developing partnership to leverage appropriated funds to increase the ability to conduct hazardous fuels reduction work in priority areas. NDF has truly exceeded expectations to put priority work on the ground.

Food will be purchased from local farmers within a 400-mile radius of Fallon