The Progressive Rancher - May 2025

IN THIS ISSUE

BRAD SHULTZ HONORED BY SRM

35

D.C. LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE UPDATE

“There are two spiritual dangers in not owing a farm. One is the danger of supposing that breakfast comes from the grocery store, and the other that heat comes from the furnace.” - Aldo Leopold

This quote from Aldo keeps ringing in my head as I return from the Legislative Conference in Washington DC. As per the Article Writing Agreement, Martin will update you on the professional going on’s and I will share my jumbled insights in the world as Hanes sees it.

First let me thank our delegation, Senators Masto and Rosen, and Congressman Amodei for taking the time to meet with us and discuss Nevada issues. They truly have a firm grasp on the issues we face. Big thanks also to Public Lands Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association for hosting NCA. Our industry is represented well by these folks. THANKS AGAIN!

Now on to the fun stuff. As I (and the NCA team) made our way around DC it became obvious that we were the minority. People would stare, point at our cowboy hats, and ask us where we were from and what we do. In previous articles I have written about our society being removed from agriculture before but this was a different level. I understand your average citizen from San Diego not knowing agriculture and can accept that to a point, but it was shocking and scary to me that our law makers and the people appointed to run the country and develop policy

were just as clueless! I don’t want anyone to get this twisted, I’m not talking about Nevada or Western State delegation. They understand and are fighting the good fight, but again they’re the minority. I’m also not talking about party lines here, or personal representative issues, my rant is on the majority of society that have lost their direction on where food comes from.

The amount of food available to our society is amazing. A senator from New York who’s voting on a grazing bill after lunch, doesn’t have to worry about how everything on the plate got on the plate, but maybe they should!

I know that there are several efforts that are trying to do the very thing I’m talking about and I applaud them. Our lobby groups are working as hard as they can to do this but I hope it’s not too little, too late. I don’t have an answer as to how to make people care. As I looked around Washington DC, I felt like Colonel Travis at the Alamo. Holy Shit, Aldo was right! We are dangerously close to legislating ourselves into starvation and we don’t even know it. As an industry we argue and squabble amongst ourselves so much we don’t even see our biggest threat.

I want to give everyone a real-world example- say you’re reading this from you family’s ranch.

You have lots to do, you don’t have time to worry about or engage in Washington politics. Most of it is just frustrating anyway. If the Death Tax or Kamala Harris’ proposal of

unrealized capitol gains tax were to take full effect, we would all get the chance to live out Yellowstone’s last few episodes in real life.

My hope as I write this is that it may encourage some of our younger generation to become involved. One of the things I have really tried to achieve as President of NCA is to recruit new members but I feel like I’m failing. It is evident to me that reeducation of the country is an effort that is going to take a lot more of us pulling in the same direction and the sooner the better.

Cheers, Hanes Holman

Hanes Holman President, NCA

by

Martin Paris | NCA

Happy May, everyone! As usual, there’s a lot going on policy-wise lately that impacts cattle production, so I’ll dive right in.

NCA recently attended the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association & Public Lands Council Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. During the conference, we heard from U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Shultz, Bureau of Land Management Deputy Director Mike Nedd, Congressman LaMalfa (CA), Congressman Bentz (OR), and Congresswoman Maloy (UT). Additionally, senior staffers from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, House Natural Resources Committee, and Senate and House Agriculture Committees briefed attendees on upcoming natural resources and agricultural legislation.

This year’s fly-in focused on several key topics, including expanding the use of grazing as a management tool, reforming BLM grazing regulations, updating the Endangered Species Act, addressing outstanding issues in the Forest Service handbook and directives, and determining priorities for grazing within the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process.

During the trip, we also had productive meetings with Senator Cortez Masto, Senator Rosen, and Congressman Amodei, where we discussed the above priorities. We also advocated for sound tax policy, continued management of wild horses and burros, and reminded our delegation of NCA’s net loss of AUMs policy when it comes to the potential sale of public lands, as well as several other important topics. I’m very hopeful that around this time next month, I’ll be able to report on a legislative effort that would significantly increase the ability to graze cattle in order to reduce wildfire fuel loads and prevent the spread of annual invasive grasses. Overall, we had a very productive trip and look forward to seeing results.

Last but not least, the Nevada Legislative Session is about a month away from wrapping up. Here’s a brief summary of where a few key bills stand:

Senate Bill 31, which NCA opposed, proposes to exempt federal agencies from being required to file proof of their vested water rights by December 31, 2027. All other entities would still be required to submit proof of vested claims by that deadline. The

bill passed out of the Senate Natural Resources Committee and is likely headed to the Assembly.

Senate Bill 172, the “Ag Worker Bill of Rights” or “Overtime Bill,” also passed out of its respective Senate committee. The bill was amended to remove the proposal requiring overtime pay for agricultural workers. However, the “bill of rights” portion remains, allowing ag workers to collectively bargain, establishing required meal and rest periods, and requiring ag employers to provide unfettered access to “key service providers,” among other provisions.

Senate Bill 180 was passed out of the Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committee. It calls for minimum liability insurance of $1.5 million on vehicles with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 lbs. or more that transport freight within Nevada. The liability insurance requirement would increase incrementally: $1 million in 2026, $1.25 million in 2028, and $1.5 million by 2030.

NCA intends to work hard to ensure these pieces of legislation don’t saddle our industry with additional regulatory nonsense or financial burden for those who are simply trying to feed people. On the flip side, NCA is aggressively working on Senate Bill 382, which aims to eliminate the annual or threeyear trailer registration fee. Instead, it would establish a one-time, lower-cost permanent registration for trailers used to transport livestock, agricultural products, or for general ranch and farm use.

At this point in time, several bills—both good and bad—that NCA has provided testimony on are continuing their way through the process. NCA is gearing up to respond accordingly as these bills move from the Assembly to the Senate, or vice versa, for approval. This is just a snapshot of some of the work NCA is doing on your behalf. If anyone has any questions, concerns, or input on the above or any other issue, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at nca@nevadabeef.org or (775) 738-9214.

Higher Protein Diets With Lean Beef Improve Health

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

Higher Protein Diets with Lean Beef Can Support Weight Loss and Improved Body Composition, Leading to Improved Type 2 Diabetes Status in Adults

With approximately half of all adults in the United States living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) or prediabetes, there is an urgent public health need to identify dietary strategies that can reverse this debilitating condition. Most Americans with T2D are overweight or obese, and research suggests that diet and weight loss can help reverse T2D, by returning blood glucose levels to normal levels. New evidence recently published in Obesity adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the benefits of higher protein diets, including their impact on supporting weight loss and improving T2D status. The study, titled “High and normal protein diets improve body composition and glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes: A randomized trial,” found that a balanced diet higher in protein (40% protein of total energy) and a diet lower in protein (21% protein of total energy), combined with regular exercise, are both effective in reversing T2D status by supporting glucose control, weight loss, and improvements in fat mass and lean body mass percentages.

At a time when people are increasingly interested in adopting higher protein diets because of their demonstrated benefits such as appetite control and improved body composition, this study shows two variations of higher protein diets, both with and without lean beef as the primary protein source, can effectively achieve weight loss and manage T2D. The study was funded by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, which was not involved in the study design, interpretation, or publication.

“High-quality, clinical research has illustrated the benefits of higher protein diets as lifestyle-based interventions to support weight loss, yet research was needed to further explore the impact of these diets on adults with type 2 diabetes,” said study co-author James Hill, PhD, professor, The University of AlabamaBirmingham, Department of Nutrition Sciences, and director, Nutrition Obesity Research Center. “Importantly, beef is a preferred protein food for many Americans, and we know people are more likely to maintain a healthy diet if it is also satisfying and enjoyable. This long-term, clinical intervention study shows people can enjoy fresh lean beef four or more times a week, as part of higher protein diets that effectively support weight loss and manage type 2 diabetes.”

In the multi-site, randomized controlled trial, 71 study participants followed a higher protein (HP) diet with four or more 4- to 6-oz servings of lean beef per week (as the only source of red meat) or a normal protein (NP) diet with no red meat, for 52 weeks. The HP diet was composed of 40% protein, 32% carbohydrate, and 28% fat of total energy – while the NP diet was composed of 21% protein, 53% carbohydrate, and 26% fat of total energy (which is higher in protein than the average American diet, with protein intake averaging 14-16% of total energy). All participants had T2D and followed the State of Slim (SOS) weight management program, with both diets being reduced in calories and limited to food lists for each phase of the SOS program. In addition, participants worked up to exercising up to 70 minutes per day, six days per week.

Researchers assessed weight loss, body composition changes, and indicators of T2D status (e.g., glucose control). All study participants, regardless of their diet assignment, on average, lost weight with no statistical difference between groups. In addition, both groups experienced a reduction in fat mass percentage (HP: -4.3% and NP: -3.8%) and an increase in lean body mass percentage (HP: +4.2% and NP: +3.8%). Importantly, all participants significantly improved in key indicators of T2D: HbA1c and fasting glucose levels. At baseline, 74% of HP group and 62% of NP group had biomarkers in the range for T2D. At end of study, 38% of HP group and 39% of NP group no longer met diagnostic criteria for T2D.

“Type 2 diabetes is a growing public health concern, and this research demonstrates higher protein diets can be an effective tool in supporting weight loss and improving type 2 diabetes status,” added study co-author Drew Sayer, PhD, assistant professor, The University of Alabama-Birmingham, Department of Family and Community Medicine. “Importantly, this research illustrates higher protein diets can be flexible in managing type 2 diabetes, with protein intake at both 40% and 21% of calories – and with and without lean beef –to help people achieve goals based on their protein preferences. Diet can play a critical role in managing and reversing type 2 diabetes, and it’s particularly important that we offer science-based strategies to help people successfully follow diets with foods they enjoy.”

The study was funded by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, which was not involved in the study design, interpretation, or publication.

Ingredients: Easy Brunch: Beef, Mushroom & Onion Strata

This crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole can be prepared the night before so the morning is relaxed and easy!

Directions:

1-1/2 pounds Ground Beef

1 teaspoon salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 ounces button mushrooms, sliced

1 cup chopped onion

1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

2 cups milk

5 large eggs

Nonstick cooking spray

8 cups crustless bread cubes (3/4-inch)

2 cups shredded Asiago or fontina cheese

1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half

Thinly sliced fresh basil

1. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet with slotted spoon; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside. Pour off drippings from skillet.

2. Heat oil in same skillet over medium heat until hot. Add mushrooms and onion; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently. Return beef to skillet. Add thyme; cook 3 to 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Set aside.

3. Whisk milk, eggs, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in large bowl until blended.

4. Spray 2-1/2 to 3-quart shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Layer half of the bread cubes, 1/2 cup of the cheese and half of the beef mixture in dish. Pour half of the egg mixture over the top. Top with remaining bread cubes, 1/2 cup of the cheese and remaining beef and egg mixtures. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Press any dry bread cubes into egg mixture. Cover with aluminum foil; refrigerate 6 hours or as long as overnight.

Cook’s Tip: If you’re baking the strata immediately, heat oven to 350°F. Assemble strata in dish as directed. Bake, covered, 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake strata, covered, 55 minutes. Remove foil. Bake, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes or until puffed and lightly browned. Let stand 5 minutes. Top with tomatoes and basil, as desired.

Nutrition information per serving: 450 Calories; 198 Calories from fat; 22g Total Fat (10 g Saturated Fat; 0 g Trans Fat; 1.6 g Polyunsaturated Fat; 5 g Monounsaturated Fat;) 210 mg Cholesterol; 870 mg Sodium; 26 g Total Carbohydrate; 2 g Dietary Fiber; 36 g Protein; 4 mg Iron; 443 mg Potassium; 3.2 mg NE Niacin; 0.4 mg Vitamin B6; 2.4 mcg Vitamin B12; 5.6 mg Zinc; 34.4 mcg Selenium; 171.1 mg Choline. | This recipe is an excellent source of Protein, Iron, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Zinc, Selenium, and Choline.

Recipes & photos courtesy of

GREENWAY’S GRAZING CORN

Graze Yearlings1500 on a 130 Acre Pivot for 30 Days

3.5 lbs. of Gain Per Day (69% TDN) 5-7 wt. Cattle*

* Jesse Norcutt, Currant, NV

Greenway Seeds Grazing Corn (GX80) is the No. 1 grazing corn in the nation because it is 5-6 days earlier than the competition. This allows the rancher to plant 5-6 days later and still reach peak sugar content (pre tassel) before the frost shuts you down!

OVERSEED ALFALFA with Grazing Corn

Plant with a grain drill following second cutting on an older field alfalfa. Ready to graze in early September.

“We planted GX80 following second cut alfalfa. If we had to do that over we would follow third cut. We grazed 400 head for two weeks on 20 acres” Cory Veterre - Greenriver, Utah

HERE’S WHAT RANCHERS ARE SAYING

Casey Calvin - Monte Vista, CO

We grazed lambs on GX80. They ate it all the way to the ground. Unbelievable! (See website for photos)

Crawford Cattle - Winnemucca, NV

Planted mid July, it was way over our heads. We were surprised as to how long we were able to graze. We also baled some of it. We’re buying again.

Cory Miller - Grass Valley Farm, Missoula, MT

We planted our GX80 under wheel lines and watered heavily. This was key as the corn grew 7ft tall!

Tom Kerns for Mike Becker Ranch - Baker, OR

We were able to carry 14 A.U.M.’s per acre with our late season grazing of GX80.

Jesse Norcutt - Currant, NV

We cut and baled the GX80 at pre-tussel. It was fed to 5-7 wt. cattle, and they gained 31/2 lbs/day

28 Ton Silage Pasco, WA Alan Greenway Seedsman Over 50 Years Experience Greenway Seeds Caldwell, ID

News from the desk of NDA DIRECTOR GOICOECHEA

Brucellosis Vaccine Shortage Response

In response to the Brucellosis vaccine shortage impacting cattle producers, Idaho and Nevada have announced a temporary collaborative agreement to facilitate the movement of cattle unable to be vaccinated for brucellosis between the two states for grazing purposes.

Cattle affected by the brucellosis vaccine shortage within the last 12 months are eligible for this exemption. Producers may request a permit to transport cattle unvaccinated for brucellosis through their origin state’s Department of Agriculture.

Requirements:

• Cattle must be under the age of 18 months.

• Cattle must be identified with an official electronic identification tag (840 RFID).

• A list of non-vaccinated cattle must be submitted to the state of origin prior to the issuance of a movement permit.

• All animals covered by this agreement must be vaccinated according to origin state requirements as soon as the RB51 vaccine is available in sufficient quantities. Producers must work with their accredited veterinarians to ensure all animals are vaccinated in a timely manner.

The permit must be approved by both states PRIOR to movement. Producers must also meet the standard interstate movement requirements for any cattle or working horses moving across state lines on an approved grazing permit. This includes obtaining a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), completing required testing, and meeting official identification requirements.

Producers who wish to apply for an exemption are encouraged to contact their state’s Department of Agriculture.

Thank you for helping us to prevent the spread of disease and allow for the continuity of commerce.

JJ Goicoechea

JJ Goicoechea, Director Nevada Dept of Agriculture

405 South 21st Street Sparks, NV 89431

Egg prices start coming down in Nevada

After experiencing high egg prices and shortages, Nevada is starting to see a decline in the average egg price. In April the average price of a dozen eggs dropped more than $0.60 from March to $7.23 in northern Nevada, and more than a dollar from March down to $5.62 in Southern Nevada. While Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to impact egg supplies, the temporary order permitting the sale of non-cage-free eggs is allowing for additional supplies to be sold in the state. While this order is set to expire on June 20, warmer weather is expected to reduce the spread of HPAI in poultry flocks as the migration of wild birds decreases.

Livestock scale inspections to start soon

Weather permitting, livestock scale inspections are being scheduled beginning the week of Memorial Day – May 26. Scale owners will be receiving more information by email or letter in the coming weeks.

Reporting Mormon crickets prepares for possible treatment options

While no treatments can be made until the public comment period for the Environmental Assessment is complete, reporting Mormon crickets is critical to surveying and future possible treatments. Please visit agri.nv.gov/plant/report to report cricket sightings. Visit www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/ghmc to provide a comment on the Environmental Assessment.

Farmers’ Market coupons available for low-income seniors

Low-income seniors aged 60 or older in Nevada may benefit from the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. This program offers coupons redeemable for fresh fruits, vegetables and local honey at participating farmers’ markets. Coupons are distributed on a firstcome, first-served basis. Seniors can register at local distributing agencies statewide. A list of agencies offering coupons and Farmers’ Markets accepting coupons are available at agri.nv.gov/sfmnp.flocks as the migration of wild birds decreases.

Show Support! NV Jr Livestock Show

The Nevada Junior Livestock Show is coming up May 7-11, with the auction beginning at 3 pm on May 10. Make a plan to head over and show your support! www.facebook.com/events/898728618754941/

Support the Nevada Craft Beverage Passport and local artists at Brush & Brew on May 10

Join us at Parlay 6 in MidTown Reno on May 10 at 2 p.m. for the Brush & Brew Throwdown, a fastpaced, live art competition where local artists race against the clock to create stunning pieces in just 20 minutes. After each round, attendees vote to decide who advances, with the final champion potentially having their artwork featured in Parlay 6. This event supports Nevada’s thriving arts and craft beverage industries, with proceeds split toward Sierra Arts Foundation’s mission to fund artist opportunities and the grand champion artist. Plus, you’ll have one more opportunity to stamp your 2025 Craft Beverage Passport, produced by the Nevada Department of Agriculture and Made In Nevada. Tickets include entry, one craft beer, and the chance to help crown the winner. Buy tickts here: sierraartsfoundationbloom.kindful.com/e/brush-brew-throwdown

Get licensed to sell at a Farmers’ Market Farmers’ Market season is beginning across Nevada. If you’re ready to start selling your produce, get your Producer Certificate (agri.nv.gov/Producer_ certificate) and contact a farmers’ market near you! As a reminder, any products sold by weight must do so with an NDA certified scale to protect consumers and businesses, and ensure they are getting the correct amount they pay for. Register your scale for inspection by emailing ms@agri.nv.gov.

Job Opportunities

Weights and Measures Assistant (Seasonal – Sparks)

Weights and Measures Assistant (Seasonal – Elko)

Keep up with job opportunities here: nvapps.state. nv.us/NEATS/Recruiting/ViewJobListForm.aep2

Lobbying & the NCBA

I returned from Washington D.C. a couple of weeks ago. I was there with several officers of the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association and a Nevada’s Public Lands Council board member. We were there along with other representatives from Regions Five and Six of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). The states belonging to these two regions are Nevada, California, Hawaii, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. I list all of them to make the point that the West is a large part of the nation’s cattle industry. And, as we know, many of the ranches out here could not survive with out our permits to graze the public ranges. Whenever I go to our Nation’s Capital, I am further reminded of the need to be represented there to protect our ranching industry.

For these reasons alone, it is essential that there is a lobbying presence representing all cattle raisers. Also, there needs to be a public lands presence representing

cattle and sheep ranchers in the west. The organization fulfilling that duty is the Public Lands Council (PLC).

NCBA and the PLC are at work every day dealing with members of Congress and the agencies of the Executive Branch telling the ranching story for everyone whether you are a member of NCBA or not. Nevada is a strong member of the PLC because dues are paid by the Nevada Central Committee of Nevada’s Grazing Boards.

If one pays attention to neighbors out in the country there is still a small minority who are upset with the industry presence in Washington. They claim without any proof that NCBA is controlled by the packing sector of our industry.

It is true that there are four packer seats on the NCBA Board of Directors. It is also true there are 250 seats on that board of Directors, sixty percent of which represent the cow-calf sector. Who do you think has the stronger position on that Board?

it require the money your cattle sales generate and managed by the Beef Board be spent for education, research, and advertising. The law specifically says the money cannot be used for legislative advocacy.

There are naysayers out there who continually say that contractors such as NCBA use the checkoff money to lobby in Washington D. C. There is no evidence that this is the case but the lie won’t die.

As Treasurer of NCBA one of my responsibilities was to make sure the NCBA dues dollars and the Checkoff money awarded to NCBA as a prime contractor to the Checkoff were not comingled and are separated by an impenetrable fire wall.

Fish Creek Ranch in Eureka Co.

Offering a 50% interest in the Deeded Fish Creek Ranch with all the Ag use to the buyer. Lots of irrigation water from springs that arise on the ranch. Mine owner wants to reserve some water rights and Sage Grouse Credits. 2957 deeded with approx. 2000 water righted out of the springs, 5 homes plus multiple other barns, shops and outbuildings. Price: $3,000,000

Humboldt River Acreage with Water Rights

650 acres on the Humbold River with over 300 acres of surface water rights. Just East of Elko approx. 13 miles. Has access onto the Ryndon Exit. Price : $1,200,000

The dues paid by the packer representative companies in my last year as Treasurer of NCBA equaled about six percent of the NCBA budget. Many readers know I was an officer of NCBA for seven years, acting as Treasurer for five of those years. Thus, I know something about the dues receipts at NCBA. I was on the executive committee and a committee vice- chair, committee chair or regional vice- president with those duties above for most of twenty years. In all that time I never saw a packer representative sit in one of the four packer chairs at a Board meeting.

It is remarkable to me how demand for beef has not diminished even though there is a great deal of uncertainty out there. This is a decades long success story and, in my opinion, the result of a concerted effort on the part of contractors to the Beef Checkoff to show consumers the benefits of eating the high quality protein this industry produces. The law creating the Checkoff and the Order implementing

NCBA has a fulltime employee whose sole job is to audit the time spent by NCBA employees on Checkoff efforts or Dues oriented policy tasks on a daily basis. I would get periodic reports to ensure there was no mixing of the money. Occasionally, maybe a couple of times a year, there would be a clerical error in the reports the employees were required to file. These would be corrected and the money would be returned to its proper account.

In spite of the above evidence the critics of NCBA persist in perpetuating the misinformation about Packer control of NCBA and use of Checkoff dollars to lobby policy positions they disagree with when the opposite is the actual truth.

Policy of NCBA is generated from the grassroots by committees chaired and populated by actual cattle ranchers who spend their own money to participate in the process by attending at conventions, midyear meetings and events such as the one I recently attended in Washington D.C.

Maybe the critics should realize we have two ears and one mouth for a reason and listen more to the actual evidence in front of them.

I’ll see you soon.

Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo

University of Nevada, Reno Experiment Station’s Valley Road Field Lab, 1000 Valley Rd, Reno, NV https://naes.unr.edu/fieldday/ #NevadaFieldDay

At Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo, May 30, in Reno, visitors will be treated to a variety of free activities and giveaways, and even some tasty food samples.

Explore, learn, see and do at Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo on May 30 from 2 - 6 p.m. at 1000 Valley Road in Reno. Learn more at naes.unr.edu/fieldday.

Presented by the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources and its Experiment Station and Extension units, the event features handson activities and information from University experts focusing on the latest advancements in:

• agriculture, horticulture, rangeland and veterinary sciences

• biochemistry and molecular biology

• children, youth and families

• community and economic development

• health and nutrition

• natural resources and environmental science

The annual experience is a showcase of the College’s impact for Nevada, celebrating excellence in teaching, research and engagement programs that benefit the health and economic vitality of Nevada. Everyone is encouraged to join in the celebration by attending this event, held at the Experiment Station’s Valley Road Field Lab in Reno.

“It’s a great time of year for people to visit us,” Bill Payne, dean of the College, said. “There will be a lot to see and do, and it really helps people understand how we blend the missions of the University in terms of teaching, research and engaging with our communities to serve Nevadans in their everyday lives.”

Questions about this event? Please contact Rose Anguiano at 775-682-8357 or ranguiano@unr.edu.

BIOSECURITY: Prepare

& Prevent rather than Repair & Repent

Why all the fuss about foot-and-mouth disease ? Veterinarians and state/federal livestock officials predict that it is not a matter of if, but rather when it will once again reach the U.S. Read more here: https:// extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=6787

Potential

economic and operational

impacts of foot-and-mouth disease

Read more about the consequences for animal health; threats to animal agriculture productivity; and impacts to the security, cost and safety of our nation’s food supply: https://extension.unr.edu/publication. aspx?PubID=6788

Preparation for foot-and-mouth disease and maintaining continuity of business

Producers who have taken steps to prepare their operations and livestock prior to an outbreak can tip the scales in favor of surviving it in much better shape! Read more here: https://extension.unr.edu/ publication.aspx?PubID=6789

Livestock biosecurity is the set of practices and measures aimed at protecting livestock from infectious diseases, pests, and contaminants. It involves preventing the spread of diseases on farms/ranches and between farms/ranches, as well as limiting the introduction of pathogens from outside sources.

Key aspects of livestock biosecurity include:

Access Control: Restricting access to farms, minimizing contact between livestock and people or animals that could carry diseases, and ensuring visitors follow strict hygiene protocols.

Animal Health Management: Monitor animal health regularly, isolating new or sick animals, and implement vaccination programs to control disease spread.

Sanitation and Hygiene: Maintain clean facilities, equipment and vehicles to reduce the risk of contamination, including proper disposal of manure, using disinfectants, and implementing pest control.

Feed and Water Security: Ensure that feed and water sources are free from contaminants that could transmit diseases to livestock.

Record Keeping: Keeping detailed records of animal health, movements, and vaccination history to quickly identify and address potential biosecurity threats.

Effective biosecurity reduces the likelihood of disease outbreaks, protects animal welfare, supports productivity, and reduces the economic impact of diseases on the agriculture sector.

NCBA - Importance of Biosecurity to the Beef Industry

One of the greatest threats to the U.S. beef industry is the potential introduction of foot-and-mouth disease. Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, shares his thoughts on why farmers and ranchers need to prepare for a disease outbreak and the value of producers having a Secure Beef Supply Plan.

Our Mission | We strive to increase producer awareness of the importance of biosecurity to protect livestock from disease, reduce the risk of disease transmission, minimize economic losses, and ensure food safety for consumers. Our efforts increase producer awareness of the need for enhanced biosecurity measures given the acute risk of Foreign Animal Disease (FAD), including Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). We will help producers voluntarily prepare for, and defend against an outbreak to provide for continuity of business for the livestock industry in the advent of an FMD outbreak regardless of whether they operate solely on private land or also on public lands.

Vision | We envision livestock industries in Nevada that are prepared to minimize and prevent disease, which will keep livestock healthy and livestock operations productive and economically resilient. This will be made possible through a cross-species secure food supply program established for the State of Nevada that will provide state and federal decision makers with a better understanding of livestock diseases and related operational challenges that arise during livestock emergencies involving public lands.

Objectives Include...

1. Limit exposure of animals through the implementation of biosecurity measures.

2. Maintain business continuity for Nevada’s livestock industries, including producers, haulers, milk trucks, packers and wool processors during an outbreak.

3. Provide a one-stop shop where producers can find references, tools, training and resources that will help them create and implement enhanced biosecurity practices on their operations, regardless of the kind of livestock they raise.

4. Determine the areas in Nevada at greatest risk for transmission of FMD/FAD between livestock and wildlife, identify knowledge gaps regarding animal movements and transmissibility, and evaluate the effectiveness of potential measures to control outbreaks by reducing the likelihood of transmission.

WANT MORE?

Visit https://tinyurl.com/NCBA-BiosecurityImpact to watch a video where Colin Woodall, NCBA CEO shares his thoughts on farmers and ranchers need to prepare for a disease outbreak and the value of producers having a Secure Beef Supply plan.

UNR Extension hosts free workshop for livestock producers to help them prepare for disease outbreaks | Thursday, June 5 · 8am - 5pm PDT

Additional $500,000 awarded to Extension to help ensure continuity of business and supply for consumers

The recent outbreak of a virus in dairy cows across 17 states, including Nevada, has highlighted the ongoing and increased need for livestock biosecurity efforts to protect livestock from foreign animal diseases. Foot-and-mouth disease is another foreign animal disease of concern, because it occurs in many parts of the world, and there’s always a chance it could be reintroduced into the United States. To help producers prepare for disease outbreaks, University of Nevada, Reno Extension is offering a workshop on June 5 at the California Trails Interpretive Center, off U.S. Highway 80 between Carlin and Elko. Those who can’t attend in person may opt to attend virtually.

When a foreign animal disease hits, producers may not be allowed to move their livestock without movement permits issued by the Nevada Department of Agriculture, interrupting continuity of business for the producers and impacting supplies for consumers. The June 5 workshop, Enhanced Biosecurity Planning for the Farm & Ranch, is designed to help livestock producers initiate their own enhanced biosecurity plans that will ensure appropriate precautions are being taken to limit the spread of disease. Producers then submit those plans to the Department of Agriculture for approval. When an outbreak occurs, the Department will be able to issue movement permits to those who have approved plans on file, allowing continuity of business and flow of goods to consumers.

“The workshop will be helpful to anyone who wants to learn about livestock biosecurity, but we’ll be focusing on enhanced biosecurity plans for foot-and-mouth disease and other foreign animal diseases,” said Tracy Shane, a livestock specialist who co-leads Extension’s Livestock Biosecurity Program with Extension colleague Gary McCuin, an agriculture and natural resource specialist.

“Beef cattle, sheep and goats will be the focus,” Shane said. “But, any livestock producer with any size herd will be able to apply the concepts learned to their operations. We also want to encourage our region’s Tribal producers to attend.”

Both Shane and McCuin will be on hand at the workshop to provide some local Nevada examples of successful enhanced biosecurity plans, and have been certified by the American Sheep Industry Association to train others on creating livestock biosecurity plans. Shane said two national-level security food supply plan trainers are also coming in to help with the training, Erica Sanko from the American Sheep Industry Association, and Danelle Bickett-Weddle, owner of Preventalytics and a veterinarian.

In addition, Nevada Department of Agriculture Director J.J. Goicoechea, who is a doctor of veterinary medicine, and Leah Trapp, emergency coordinator with the USDA’s Veterinary Services in Utah and Nevada, will be on hand to discuss why we need secure food supply plans and the USDA’s role in preparing states for foreign animal diseases. Others who will be presenting at the workshop include Nevada State Veterinarian Peter Rolfe and representatives from the Nevada Department of Emergency Management, the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the Bureau Land Management.

The workshop runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is free, due to funding from the American Sheep Industry Association. But online preregistration is required by May 28. Those who opt to attend in person should register online here: https://tinyurl.com/ LP-EBPlanning and can bring their own lunch or purchase lunch at the event. They will also receive a free binder of materials to help them with their enhanced biosecurity plans. Those who plan to attend online should register online here: https://tinyurl. com/LP-EBPlanning-Zoom and they will receive the Zoom link after registering, and will be able to access the materials online.

The workshop is funded by the American Sheep Industry Association through a grant from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Animal Disease Preparedness and Respond Program (NADPRP).

More training and assistance in the works

The same federal program recently approved over $500,000 more in support for Extension to continue offering assistance to agriculture producers over the next two years to help them prepare for foreign animal diseases (and plant diseases) and to minimize impacts to their operations, and to consumers.

Almost $100,000 of the funds will be used specifically to reach Nevada’s 28 tribal communities, which are scattered throughout the state. In addition to a statewide training, several workshops will be held on site at tribal communities that often have limited access to programs held closer to more urban areas. Online resources will be developed, and Extension experts will use a variety of other methods to help tribal producers be prepared for animal disease outbreaks.

“This project’s long-term goal is for 85% of Nevada Tribes to develop and enhance an animal disease emergency response plan related to livestock, equine and poultry,” said Extension Professor Staci Emm, director of the programs designated specifically for

University of Nevada, Extension will host a workshop on June 5 to help livestock producers prepare for outbreaks of foreign animal diseases.

tribal outreach. “Weed and pest identification and management will also be an educational topic and is identified as a need by Nevada tribes.”

The rest of the $500,000 grant will continue to support producers statewide, tribal and nontribal, and to help coordinate efforts among governmental agencies and producers to be prepared for emergency response to an outbreak.

“This project will raise producer awareness of the acute risk of foot-and-mouth disease and help producers using private and public lands to voluntarily prepare for and defend against an outbreak,” said McCuin, who, with Shane, will direct the grant-funded statewide programming. “It will provide information and actions needed before and during an outbreak to protect their animals and meet state and federal movement criteria.”

In addition, McCuin and Shane will engage University students in the preparation efforts. The project includes educating undergraduate and graduate students in livestock biosecurity planning and training through a service-learning course format over two semesters. After the two semesters of education, the students will then be paired with livestock producers to assist them in completion of enhanced biosecurity plans.

Taking it a step further, the project will also train youth livestock leaders and advisors in enhanced biosecurity planning. Extension will provide club and chapter leaders of programs such as Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program and FAA with classroom toolkits, curriculum materials and other assistance to help them train Nevada’s next generation of livestock producers how to plan for and minimize effects of foreign animal disease outbreaks.

For more information on the June 5 workshop or livestock biosecurity planning, email Shane or call her at 775-934-5646, or email McCuin or call him at 775237-6134. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance for attending the workshop should email Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, or call him at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.

Photo by Kent McAdoo.

Students receive $20,000 in agriculture scholarships from NDF

Four students received $5,000 scholarships from the Nevada Dairy Farmers: Connor Anderson (top left), Kallie Carrigan (top right), Kira Rusinyak (bottom left), Acacia Dillion (bottom right).

The Nevada Dairy Farmers has awarded $20,000 in scholarships to four outstanding University of Nevada, Reno students with agricultural and veterinary science majors. The recipients, all with majors in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, are: Connor Anderson, Kallie Carrigan, Acacia Dillon and Kira Rusinyak. Each student was provided a $5,000 scholarship for their continuing education. Scholarship recipients attend the University of Nevada, Reno and are a junior or senior with a declared major in agricultural science or veterinary science.

Conner Anderson is a junior, pursuing a degree in agricultural science. Anderson grew up in Nevada and found his career calling lies in the broader agriculture sector. He has developed a particular interest in dairy farming and its vital role in contributing to the industry’s advancements to sustainably meet global food needs.

Kallie Carrigan is majoring in secondary education and agricultural science through the Nevada Teach program. She looks forward to returning home to Ely, Nevada upon graduation where she is committed to building an agriculture education program at White Pine High School. Having lived in rural communities, Carrigan sees the importance of nurturing future leaders who will sustain and advance the agriculture industry for years to come.

Acacia Dillon is majoring in veterinary science with a minor in wildlife studies, and is driven by a passion for animal health and sustainable land stewardship. As a first-generation veterinary student, Dillion’s career goal is to become a doctor of veterinary medicine with a focus on large animal and mixed-practice medicine. She intends to play a role in strengthening livestock health, improving productivity and ensuring ethical food production.

Kira Rusinyak is pursuing a bachelor of science in veterinary science. Growing up immersed in agriculture, she developed a deep passion for animal health and welfare, particularly within the livestock industry. Through her work in veterinary medicine, she aims to support sustainable and ethical farming practices while advocating for the people who dedicate their lives to feeding the world.

“It is an honor to support these outstanding students as they advance their education in agriculture,” said Libby Lovig, RDN, LD, general manager at Nevada Dairy Farmers. “As we celebrate the second year of this scholarship, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders who will safeguard our land, livestock and resources. We look forward to seeing these students make a lasting impact in the field.”

For more info on the program, visit the Nevada Dairy Farmers Scholarship site at nevadamilk.com/nevada-dair y-farmers-agriculture-scholarship/

UNR partners with USDA to bolster regional food systems

USDA project allocates $5 million to Nevada to build a stronger

agricultural infrastructure

The University of Nevada, Reno has entered a partnership with a consortium of public institutions, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to implement initiatives focused on strengthening the agricultural food supply system in the Southwest region, which the USDA defines as Nevada, California, Utah and Arizona for the project.

The partnership is part of a federal effort to enhance the overall resilience of the nation’s food system, particularly after the vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In support of the initiative, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service recently directed $400 million toward its newly designated 12 Regional Food Business Centers to coordinate regional activities and collectively serve all areas of the country. The centers will provide small-scale farmers, processors and distributors, especially those from underserved communities, training and guidance to expand markets and improve access to government services and funds.

The Southwest Regional Food Business Center is set to receive $30 million to improve the agricultural infrastructure in the region, with Nevada securing $5 million of the allocated funds for the five-year period of the grant. In addition to the University of Nevada, Reno, the Nevada Department of Agriculture will be a key partner in Nevada. University of Nevada, Reno Extension, a unit of the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, will lead Nevada’s participation in the project.

Other key partners for the regional project will include the University of Arizona; Utah State University; the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources; and the departments of agriculture in Arizona, Utah, California and Nevada. The University of California, Davis is the region’s lead grant applicant and will serve as the project coordinator.

The program is timely for Nevada as it addresses the issue of growing food insecurity, exacerbated by the state’s limited agricultural productivity, which has led to an excessive dependence on imported food. According to a Feeding America report, Nevada was ranked eighth nationally for the highest projected overall food insecurity rates in 2021. Additionally, the same report placed Nevada fifth nationally among states with the highest projected child food insecurity rates.

“Extension is honored to collaborate with the Nevada Department of Agriculture to revitalize Nevada’s agricultural, food-based infrastructure,” said Jacob DeDecker, the director of Extension and associate dean for engagement at the University of Nevada, Reno’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources.”

We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for this grant and their investment in Nevada. This support allows Extension and our partners to expand our reach and offer vital assistance to farmers across the state to help them achieve success and strengthen the state’s food supply.”

In collaboration with the Nevada Department of Agriculture, Extension will use the grant, among the largest it has received, to provide training and technical assistance to help Nevada producers diversify and expand their product portfolio, optimize operational processes and ensure that those entering food processing comply with USDA, Food Safety and Inspection Service, and Food and Drug Administration requirements.

“The Nevada Department of Agriculture is dedicated to creating food security in communities across Nevada and improving infrastructure for resilient supply chains,” said J.J. Goicoechea, director of the Nevada Department of Agriculture. “This grant is another step in the right direction by providing additional resources for producers and consumers, and we are thankful to partner with University of Nevada, Reno Extension on important work like this.”

Extension will draw on its extensive grassroot networks developed over a century of providing outreach services to deliver targeted support through existing programs such as the Small Business Education Program, Beginning Farmer & Rancher

Program, Risk Management Education and Integrated Pest Management, among others. The Experiment Station, also a unit of the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, will bring its research and teaching expertise in desert farming to the project, through its Desert Farming Initiative and the Initiative’s Nevada Farm Apprenticeship Program. The University’s Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Program also helps recruit and instruct participants for the Apprenticeship Program.

“The funding from this food business center will provide technical support to producers in the processing and distribution of agricultural products, conduct consumer preference research, and provide and build capacity on how to bring a crop from the farm to the marketplace,” said Staci Emm, the project’s state implementation manager, and a professor and Extension educator in Mineral County. “Educating producers on value-added processes, such as efforts to reduce spoilage and boost consumer demand, will further contribute to this initiative. This comprehensive approach marks the first long-term program in Nevada specifically designed to enhance the distribution and processing of agricultural products, setting many of our producers up for success.”

Nevada farmers advocate for supportive agricultural policies

Rodney Mehring is a past participant of Extension’s agricultural farm tours and a leadership committee member for the Nevada Farm Network, a project coordinated by the Desert Farming Initiative that helps fruit and vegetable farmers connect and access technical resources. He is also the owner of Blue Lizard Farms in Caliente, Lincoln County, where he grows specialty crops. In 2022, Mehring became the first farmer to participate in the Department of Agriculture’s Home Feeds Nevada Program, through which the agency purchases and distributes locally produced foods to those in need. This month, his farm was awarded the Nevada Agriculture, Food and Beverage Small Business of the Year by the agency for his dedication to Nevada’s food sustainability.

Despite his successful operation, Mehring, an advocate for Nevada’s food sovereignty, sees the potential for greater profits for farmers with increased state and federal support, particularly through initiatives such as the Regional Food Business Centers.

“I believe the regional food centers have the potential to empower farmers of all scales, to compete effectively against larger producers from Southern California and Mexico,” Mehring said. “Advocating for policies that fund farmers, coupled with providing transportation assistance and reinforcing direct-to-consumer marketing channels, would allow farmers to focus on expanding production, leading to accrual of economies of scale.”

Brian Markowski, farmer and owner of the Bramble Farm in Spanish Springs, Nevada, also sees supportive agricultural policies as a step to promoting farming as a viable and attractive career. He has worked as a teacher and a financial analyst but says that he didn’t find his calling until he enrolled in and graduated from Extension’s Beginning Farmer & Rancher Program. The program helps Nevada producers develop business and financial management skills to operate successful agricultural ventures.

Today, Markowski sells more than 25 varieties of vegetables at three farmers markets in Sparks, Nevada. However, had it not been for a county ordinance that has limited his water usage, curtailed his sales outlets and restricted his production to a quarter acre of his 10-acre farm, he says he would have expanded his production and sold his produce through commercial outlets. This would also qualify him for more USDA loans and allow him to participate in programs such as the Nevada Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School, which aims to help deliver healthy food to school children, connect them with the sources of their food and inspire them toward careers in agriculture.

“Establishing farmer-friendly policies in Nevada would surely foster a favorable environment for farmers like me and ensure continued production and accessibility of quality food for Nevadans,” Markowski said. “The Regional Food Business Centers can help us by advocating for such policies to build a robust food system for the state.”

Extension forms partnerships to train Nevada farmers in agribusiness and sustainable farming

As part of the project, Extension’s Small Business Education Program, which serves as a catalyst for job creation and economic growth for Nevada small businesses, will enlist the help of the University’s Center for Economic Development to provide producers with customized and multilingual small business education training, to be offered in classroom and virtual formats. The partnership will address a spectrum of topics, including grant writing, mentoring, business planning, financial management, regulatory considerations, record-keeping, value addition, direct marketing, purchasing and procurement. They will also facilitate feasibility studies and connect agribusinesses with funding sources.

“We are committed to launching business incubators aimed at discovering and fostering emerging producers, with a special focus on niche sectors like microgreens, irrespective of their scale,” said Buddy Borden, an associate professor and Extension specialist. “Our objective is to fortify their skill set and furnish them with essential resources, enabling them to navigate the challenges inherent in launching businesses. This endeavor is geared toward ensuring their commercial viability in Nevada, benefitting the local community.”

The Nevada Small Business Development Center, a statewide nonprofit organization that offers innovative training to support businesses throughout their stages of growth, will also partner with Extension’s Small Business Education Program to help farmers position their businesses for success. The Center provides advisement on topics such as marketing, sales and expense forecasting, protecting intellectual property, and financing options.

“This program represents a significant leap forward, as it allows us to bring on board an additional rural business advisor with expertise in food systems, agriculture and value-added food concepts,” said Winne Dowling, state director of the Nevada Small Business Development Center. “Since its establishment in 1985, the Center has been providing free and confidential assistance to businesses at its 12 locations across Nevada, to foster job creation, initiate new businesses, attract capital investments and boost sales, and we are pleased to collaborate with the Regional Food Centers project in transforming Nevada farmers into entrepreneurs.”

The Desert Farming Initiative will provide technical assistance to small- to medium-sized food producers in northern Nevada and align with other existing efforts that support the agricultural industry, such as the Initiative’s Nevada Farm Apprenticeship Program, according to Jill Moe, director of the Initiative. The Apprenticeship Program involves apprentices in grower-to-grower training, handson farming, and farm incubator management for executing individualized crop and sales plans. Emphasizing certified organic and climate-smart practices, it provides apprentices with guidance through science-based agriculture, food systems and farm business curriculum led by university and industry specialists.

“To operate viable enterprises, farmers require skills in marketing, sales and financial management,” Moe said. “The objective of the Nevada Farm Apprenticeship Program is to provide them with training to not only farm, but also make informed financial choices, successfully engage in the market and implement climate-smart practices.”

As part of the overarching project, the Center will also have a leadership council, comprising key partners,representatives of tribal nations and colonias (unincorporated settlements on the Mexican-United States border), and the stakeholder advisory board. The leadership council will offer policy recommendations, help coordinate funding opportunities and oversee initiatives such as business builder grants, which will distribute subawards of up to $100,000 to support projects that address regional needs and investments.

Nevadan producers can already visit the website, for information on some upcoming events and resources. For more information on Nevada’s efforts as part of the Southwest Regional Food Business Center or to learn how to participate in the program, contact Emm, the state’s project implementation manager.

www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2024/sw-regional-food-business-center

Extension offers technical training and support for food entrepreneurs

Program aims to strengthen state’s food systems

As demand for local food grows and Nevada works to strengthen its food systems, University of Nevada, Reno Extension is giving local food entrepreneurs the opportunity to grow their businesses and also participate in a free 10-week technical assistance training.

The free online training is open to all food entrepreneurs and runs 6 – 8 p.m., Thursdays, April 24 – June 26. It covers essential business skills, including accounting, business planning, regulatory requirements, business model creation, product development, pricing strategies and more to help entrepreneurs thrive in a competitive market. The training is designed for those in transportation, logistics, harvesting, processing, cold storage, bakeries, millers, commercial canning, food trucks, retail and aggregation.

These efforts are all part of a larger effort that began in 2022, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service allocated $400 million to establish Regional Food Business Centers nationwide to strengthen local and regional food systems after the vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. To support the federal initiative, the University and the Nevada Department of Agriculture were subsequently selected as key partners in the Southwest Regional Food Business Center, collaborating with other land-grant and public institutions.

Shiva Kittusamy, coordinator with Extension’s Regional Southwest Food Business Center-Nevada, and Kelli Kelly, the agriculture and food systems business advisor for the Nevada Small Business Development Center, developed the technical assistance curriculum, with additional insight and support from several partners of the food business center, including Extension’s Healthy Food Systems Program, and the University’s Desert Farming Initiative.

WESTERN WATER LAW: Understanding the Doctrine of Prior Appropriation

extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=3750

WHAT IS A WATER RIGHT?

A water right is the right to use surface water, groundwater or other water resources. Each state has different rules that define water rights. For most Western states, water rights are based on the principles of prior appropriation and beneficial use.

WHAT IS PRIOR APPROPRIATION?

Prior appropriation allocates water rights based on timing of use, place of use and purpose of use. It allows for diverting water from its source to fulfill water rights and determines who gets water during times of shortage.

TYPES OF WATER RIGHTS

Senior Right | A claim to water that is older (more senior) than those of junior rightsholders. Prior appropriation grants rights based on a priority date. The older the claim, the more secure the right. Senior water rights are often associated with farming, ranching and agricultural uses.

of the food truck business El Tacontento, revitalized his business in a competitive market with support from the Extension-led Nevada Business Builder Program.

Kittusamy, Kelly and the rest of the technical assistance team have been building a support network for food entrepreneurs in Nevada. They have helped link local farmers with buyers, including restaurants seeking unique ingredients, by leveraging resources such as the Grown in Nevada platform, which is overseen by the Nevada Small Business Development Center, as well as the NDA.

“Our goal is to help food businesses in Nevada increase profitability and diversify their markets so that they remain sustainable even during economic downturns,” Kittusamy said. “Our technical assistance curriculum introduces participants to modern strategies for running a business in today’s rapidly changing industry.”

The team has also been providing business guidance to several local food entrepreneurs, including Alvaro Alvaro, owner of the food truck business El Tacontento. After years of struggling with rising food costs and increasing competition, Alvaro was ready to give up on his family business – until he met Kittusamy’s team.

“After a series of consultations, we helped him develop a list of creative strategies to reduce operational costs and diversify his income streams to stay competitive in a saturated market,” Kittusamy said.

The solutions that helped keep Alvaro’s business running are part of the curriculum that the technical assistance team will present in the free 10-week online training.

Interested participants should register online by April 22 for the 10-week training. For more information on the technical assistance online training, contact Kittusamy at skittusamy@unr.edu.

Junior Right | A claim to water that is more recent than senior rightsholders. Junior rights are fulfilled after all senior rights have been met. Junior rights are often associated with municipal, environmental or recreational uses. However, senior rights may be bought to secure priority status.

Vested Right | In Nevada, vested rights are claims to water that were established before state law required rights to use water. These rights are commonly associated with homesteaders in the rural West. Vested rights have priority over senior and junior rights and are highly valuable.

Federal Reserve Right | When land is withdrawn from public domain by the federal government for tribal reservations, national forests or national parks, it holds a federal reserve right. The date that the land was founded or settled by the federal government is the date of the associated water right.

JUSTIFYING BENEFICIAL USE

What will you use water for? Agriculture Municipal Recreation Industry Mining? Several other options for use, depending on federal or state regulations.

PAPER WATER GRANTED!

Once you have acquired a water right, this means you have been granted “paper water” — the legal claim to a specific allocation of water for beneficial use.

PAPER WATER ISN’T WET WATER

“Wet water” is the actual, physical amount of water that is allocated for use in a given year based on your water right. However, during times of shortage some water rights may not be fulfilled.

LIMITS ON APPROPRIATIVE RIGHTS

Priority Rules | A junior water right may be reduced or postponed until a senior user fulfills their total allocation. This is based on water availability and is known as water right curtailment.

Use It or Lose It | Beneficial use defines the amount of water that is necessary to meet the stated use. Some water rights might be forfeited if a user’s full allocation is not used each year over a period of five years.

Federal Regulation | Laws such as the ESAt can impact water rights. For example, if water use threatens a protected species’ habitat, then curtailment of some water rights may be required to protect it.

Most important principles to remember: Prior appropriation grants priority based on the date use begins. This principle is known as “first in time, first in right.” Water rights may be forfeited if not applied to a beneficial use. This principle is known as “use it, or lose it.”

Contact UNR’s Extension’s Communication Team at cabnrcomms@unr.edu for more information.

Alvaro Alvaro, owner

Photo by Shiva Kittusamy.

The Central Nevada Regional Water Authority was established in 2005 to proactively address water issues in the Central Region, the largest of Nevada's 14 hydrographic regions. CNRWA formulates and presents a united position on water-related issues; monitors, assesses and responds to water projects that may adversely impact a member county; implements a groundwater monitoring program and encourages citizen participation in water-related issues. CNRWA’s nine member counties are: Churchill, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Nye, Pershing, and White Pine.

MISSION STATEMENT | The mission of the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority is to prepare communities in central and eastern Nevada for sound water-resource decisions that promote prosperous economies and strong civic institutions in a healthy natural environment. For more information, please contact:

Jeff Fontaine, CNRWA Executive Director

775-443-7667 / ccjfontaine@gmail.com CNRWA.COM

Nevada Water Solutions LLC

Thomas K. Gallagher, PE

775 • 825 • 1653 / FAX 775 • 825 • 1683

333 Flint Street / Reno, NV 89501 tomg@nevadawatersolutions.com Water Rights / Resource Permitting Expertise

WVM Headquarters Cottonwood, CA May 22

Consignment Deadline: May 14

WVM Headquarters Cottonwood, CA June 13

Consignment Deadline: June 4

(530) 347-3793

wvm@wvmcattle.com

www.wvmcattle.com

©Doverspike

Cattlewomen’s Corner of the Corral

SPRING IN NEVADA

Nevada Cattlewomen have been busy with ranching and home activities this month. Calving season is ending and branding season is beginning for most of us.

Stay tuned for information on our Summer Beef & Wine Event to be held in Minden at the Park Home Ranch Venue, date TBD. Last year we had a great turnout and lots of compliments on the idea of sharing beef recipes, taste testing, and learning about complimentary wines.

I hope this busy season finds you surrounded by family and friends at brandings. May the grass grow green and lush, and cattle stay healthy.

Keri Pommerening

Keri Pommerening NVCW President

Lifetime Pipe for Agriculture

www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/reno-nv/great-basin-rangelands-research

ninth-circuit-pauses-predator-killing-on-nevadas-federal-public-lands/ USDA | Great Basin Rangelands Research Unit

Ninth Circuit pauses predator killing on Nevada’s federal public lands

By: Dana Gentry | nevadacurrent.com/briefs/

Native animals, such as mountain lions and coyotes, will get a reprieve from predator control efforts on Nevada public lands thanks to a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals order requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services to reexamine its policy of killing wildlife to benefit cattle ranching and other livestock production.

The order, issued Monday, instructs the USDA to redo its environmental analysis to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires the department to demonstrate its actions cause no significant harm to the environment.

The ruling does not affect lethal predator control efforts employed by the Nevada Division of Wildlife, except those involving federally-protected lands.

“The decision keeps native carnivores like mountain lions and coyotes from being killed across Nevada’s 65 congressionally-designated Wilderness areas and 62 specially-protected Wilderness Study Areas, an area spanning over 6.2 million acres of federally-managed public lands, or roughly 9% of the state’s total landmass,”

WildEarth Guardians, an environmental organization, said in a news release.

“As the agency attempts to fix its deeply flawed and now invalid environmental analysis, top predators can continue playing their vital ecological roles free of human control and persecution in the state’s most remote and rugged public lands,”

Jennifer Schwartz, Senior Staff Attorney for WildEarth Guardians, said..

“Nevada’s wilderness and other specially protected areas should be sanctuaries for wildlife and places where people can experience true wilderness, not landscapes laced with traps, snares, and cyanide bombs,” Paul Ruprecht, Nevada Director for Western Watersheds Project, said in a news release. “The court’s decision underscores that the public has a right to know where and how lethal predator control is happening, especially when it puts people, pets, and native wildlife at risk.”

WildEarth Guardians and Western Watersheds Project, in 2021, challenged a decision allowing USDA-Wildlife Services in Nevada to employ aerial gunning, poisoning, trapping, and shooting of foxes, bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions, beavers, badgers, rabbits, ravens, and other wildlife on Nevada’s federal lands. The ruling marks the second time USDA Wildlife Services has shut down its lethal predator control operations since 2016, when it agreed not to respond to requests for predator control while it conducted an environmental analysis.

The effort resumed following a court order allowing the agency to protect livestock grazing on federal lands. Monday’s ruling invalidated that order.

The court ruled USDA Wildlife Services’ environment analysis was too broad and failed to consider the potential impacts on public safety and health of lethal methods such as lead shot, poisons, and cyanide ejectors, which were approved by President Donald Trump’s first administration.

The agency’s new analysis must rely on current scientific studies of the long-term efficacy of predator control methods.

Keeping An Eye On Bills For Legislative Process

By Doug Busselman | NFB Executive Vice President

As the process for Nevada bills unfolds in the Legislative process, there are several which will need to be dealt with. A number of positions have been amended with some adjustments, but there are still lets of improvements or reasons for the legislative proposals to continue to be opposed.

SB 172 is one of the major bills that has continued to be opposed but remains in position for possible continuation. The amended version of the legislation removed overtime requirements for time worked over eight hours per day or more than 40-hours per week.

In spite of this change there are still deep concerns over the rest of the Agricultural Workers’ Bill of Rights. This section includes language to provide for collective bargaining for agricultural workers. Along with the rest of the elements of the Agricultural Workers’ Bill of Rights, there was also direction for the Labor Commission to appoint a nine-member Advisory Committee on Agricultural Work, heavily stacked in favor of agricultural workers, advocacy representatives for agricultural workers and Farmworker Law Program of Nevada Legal Services.

At this point the bill has been sent to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration of how the slightly less than $200,000 fiscal note will be dealt with.

Further continued efforts needs to be made in comments to the legislators of raising points in opposition to this legislation.

SB 31 is another bill that attends strong opposition. This bill has been passed from the Senate and now is under consideration with the Assembly Natural Resources Committee.

SB 31 is proposed by the Division of Water Resources offering federal agencies requirements from having to file proof for claims of vested water rights. Private sector water rights for claims of vested water rights must proof claims by December 31, 2027, or their claims will be abandoned.

Those opposing the bill believe the unfair treatment of this proposal proposing. Ideally there will be amendments to deal with equally treatment of the private sector that is being giving for federal agencies.

SB 180 will require every vehicle over 26,000 lbs. that are hauling freight within the state, including those hauling their own agricultural products, to have liability insurance coverage to be raised from the current federal requirement of $750,000. As amended, the bill requirements will increase to $1 million on January 1st. 2026, and again will be passed to $1.25

million on January 1st, 2028, and to $1.5 million on January 1st of 2023.

SB 260 is a bill, with amended, requires the Administrator of the Division of Industrial Relations for the Department of Business and Industry to establish specific levels of wildfire smoke air quality for reduction of the exposure of employees. Air quality levels of 150 or more air quality index or 200 levels will require workers outside to have actions required.

One of the primary questions on how established levels will be determined to have occurred when there aren’t air quality monitors available near where workers are in a field? If the legislation triggers the regulation process to be instituted, parameters will need to be worked out to address remote situations.

Against the backdrop of the problem legislation that has been highlighted to this point there are also legislative proposals which warrant support and passage. A couple of these favorable bills are twin water bills that were brought forward from the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources. These bills are AB 104 and . Both bills include similar language for the establishment of a voluntary water buyout program and retirement of those purchased water rights, seeking to bring a balance to overappropriated and over-pumped groundwater basins. Neither of the bills have funds to purchase water rights at this point, but the intentions are oriented to setting a functioning program up for locating funding in the future.

The one difference between the two bills is that AB 104 has several other elements which were incorporated to meet the needs of other groups who worked together in an omnibus package. SB 36 was assembled in a more singular manner. Either of the bills or each of the bills have the potential to be passed and details can be sorted out if both do pass.

AB 80 is another good bill that warrants further development and passage. This bill, which was also brought forward by the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources, deals with launching a Healthy Soils Initiative within the State Conservation Commission. As amended, AB 80 has been focused on a program that will promote and advance the understanding of environmental and economic benefits of soil health practices. It will also be involved in conducting educational and outreach programs for the benefit of soil health practices.

To get the Healthy Soils Initiative started there has been some significant tweaks within the language to avoid fiscal impacts that could trip it up from going

forward. AB 80 has still moved into the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means but hopefully will get clearance soon and move forward. At has been granted an exemption which will provide for coverage from future deadlines.

AB 251 is an important bill that has also been given a set of amended language and has also been sent to the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means with exemption. AB 251 seeks to change existing law in order to allow for properly inspected mobile processing units to be treated as a custom processing establishment. Under this classification the mobile processing unit will qualify under Nevada’s meat inspection program, allowing for meat and poultry harvested within this system to be sold within the state.

AB 251 was introduced by Assemblymembers Greg Koenig of Fallon and Bert Gurr of Elko.

AB 363 is another water bill that was introduced by the Joint Interim Standing Committee. This bill seeks for a County Commission or a couple of County Commissions, who share a designated groundwater basin, to seek establishment of an advisory groundwater board. This request would be to the State Engineer who would appoint the committee from the nominations sent forward by the County Commission (or Commissioners). There would be a seven-member voting board with an option for one additional non-voting member. Four of the members would be senior water right owners in the groundwater basin and two of the members would be junior water right owners. One additional member would be appointed, and this member would be the groundwater right owner with the largest quantity of water rights or next to the largest water right owner, if the largest water owner was already appointed as one of the other members.

AB 363 has been amended and has been granted an exemption from the deadlines. It is also currently held in the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means. There are a whole host of additional bills that are part of the Nevada Farm Bureau watch-list for the 2025 Nevada Legislature. We welcome your calls or questions if you have specifics that you’d like to learn more about. Please call (775) 870-3349 or email doug@nvfb.org.

Join NFB for a Fun-Filled Night at the Reno Aces Ballpark

Nevada Farm Bureau members, mark your calendars! We’re excited to invite you to Nevada Farm Bureau Day at the Reno Aces Ballpark on June 24th at 6:35 p.m. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy an evening of baseball, connect with fellow members, and celebrate our shared commitment to Nevada’s agricultural community.

The Reno Aces, Minor League Baseball team, will take the field for an actionpacked game, and we want you to be part of the excitement. This event is not just about baseball—it’s about bringing together members of the Farm Bureau family to enjoy great company, delicious ballpark food, and a thrilling game under the stadium lights.

Tickets are available for members and their families, so be sure to secure yours early! Whether you’re a lifelong baseball fan or just looking for a fun evening with the Farm Bureau community, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Come cheer on the Reno Aces with us and make memories that will last a lifetime. We look forward to seeing you there!

For ticket information and details scan the QR Code below.

Join Us for the 106th NFB Annual Meeting in Winnemucca

Nevada Farm Bureau is excited to invite you to our 106th Annual Meeting, taking place November 13 and 14th, in Winnemucca, NV at the Winnemucca Visitors and Convention Center.. This gathering is a prime opportunity for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural advocates to come together, share insights, and shape the future of Nevada agriculture.

WHY ATTEND?

• Engaging Discussions – Hear from industry leaders on key agricultural issues.

• Networking Opportunities – Connect with fellow producers, policymakers, and agri-business professionals.

• Policy Development – Have a voice in shaping policies that impact Nevada agriculture.

• Workshops & Exhibits – Gain valuable knowledge and explore the latest advancements in the industry.

Whether you’re a long-time Farm Bureau member or new to the community, this event is a must-attend for anyone passionate about Nevada agriculture. Mark your calendar and plan to join us for two days of learning, collaboration, and celebration!

For the latest information on the 106th Nevada Farm Bureau annual meeting, scan the QR Code. We look forward to seeing you in Winnemucca!

6.24 6:35P.M.

Senate Passes Unfair Bill Allowing Federal Government Agencies

A Break On Filing Their Proofs For Vested Water Right Claims

he Nevada Senate passed SB 31 on a 15-6 vote on Tuesday, April 15. Nevada Farm Bureau has opposed the passage of the bill, as it is written, noting the unfairness of the exemption that the bill seeks to grant Federal agencies. Prior to the proposal that the Division of Water Resources submitted in SB 31, proof for claims of vested water rights needed to be submitted to the Division by the deadline of December 31, 2027. Those claims which are not submitted by this deadline are considered to be abandoned. If the bill passes, and becomes law, the Federal agencies won’t need to submit anything and private sector vested water right claims must meet the requirement of submitting their paperwork or their rights are abandoned.

Thank you to these six Senators Carrie Ann Buck, John Ellison, Ira Hansen, Lisa Krasner, Jeff Stone and Robin Titus for their votes in opposition to SB 31.

Senate Minority Leader Titus offered this overview of why SB 31 should not pass, as introduced:

“I rise today in opposition to Senate Bill 31—not because I believe the federal government should be treated more harshly, but because I believe Nevadans deserve to be treated more fairly.

In 2017, this Legislature imposed a hard deadline— December 31, 2027—for all claimants of vested water rights to file proof of their claims. That may have seemed like plenty of time back then. But as we sit here today, less than three years from that cutoff, it has become clear that the process is complex, resource-intensive, and in many cases, simply not feasible for many of our ranchers, farmers, small water users, and rural communities who lack the legal and technical support to comply.

SB31, as drafted, doesn’t address their concerns. Instead, it exempts the federal government—the largest and most powerful landholder in Nevada—from this deadline, while leaving our own citizens to struggle under the weight of compliance That is simply not fair.

If the 2027 deadline is unreasonable for the federal government, then it is certainly unreasonable for thousands of Nevadans who are being told: “comply or forfeit your rights.” We should not be creating carve-outs for Washington DC while turning a blind eye to the practical burdens we’ve placed on our own people.

Rather than creating exemptions, this body should be discussing whether the 2027 deadline should be pushed back—or removed altogether. A ten-year extension to 2037 would give everyone—state, federal, and private parties alike—a more realistic opportunity to comply without the risk of losing what may be generations-old water rights. Let’s not double down on an arbitrary deadline that benefits the most powerful player while punishing the

average Nevadan. I urge my colleagues to oppose SB31 in its current form and to reconsider whether the 2027 cutoff serves the interests of fairness, equity, or sound water policy.”

From here the battle moves to the Assembly where it has been referred to the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. The objective will be correcting the treatment of the inequity for how the federal government is being treated or working to prevent the legislation from passage.

There have been requests to change the bill to either delete the deadline or extend it for everyone (since it is asserted that Federal agencies can’t be required to do anything that they don’t want). The only response from the State Engineer has been to keep the legislation the way it was written – exempting the Federal agencies from needing to file their claims and requiring the private sector to meet the obligation or have their claims for vested water rights abandoned.

Bills That Aren’t Going Forward Because Of April 11th Deadline

The list of bills that Nevada Farm Bureau is watching shrunk by a few bills last Friday (April 11th) when the deadline for reporting bills from the committees of the First House moved them into the legislative wastebasket. Perhaps some of the concepts might be able to be grafted into other bills that are still moving, but only time will tell.

AB 485 – is one of the bills that we had hoped we would be able to testify in support of, but it never received a hearing. AB 485 covered the topic of assessments that the State Engineer charges to some designated basins in the state. As proposed, the bill was seeking to strengthen the limitations on how the funds raised by such levies can be spent. Nevada Farm Bureau policy also says that there should be annual reports to provide water right owners who have paid assessment fees to be told on how those fees have been used. Because of not having received a hearing and earned an exemption from the deadline, the bill is no longer able to be considered.

SB 55 – is another of the bills that Nevada Farm Bureau planned to testify in support of, but it wasn’t granted a hearing either. The bill was proposed by the Lieutenant Governor and sought to put into motion a program for agritourism, enhancing possible economic development for smaller farms and ranches. SB 55 was scheduled for a hearing by the Senate Committee on Revenue and Economic Development, but that hearing was cancelled, and no further actions took place.

SB 204 –was a bill that was heard and Nevada Farm Bureau testified in support of, but no additional action was taken by the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee. SB 204 was attempting to authorize a

temporary agricultural foreign worker who performs herding or production of livestock on the range under an H-2A visa and his or her employer to enter into a written agreement that would mirror the contract arrangements that are covered by the Federal Department of Labor. This would deal with payment of a salary approach, rather than an hourly wage and cover the specifics of periods of meals, sleep and other free time. After the hearing of the bill no further committee actions were taken.

There Are Bills We Wished Wouldn’t Still Be In The Mix…

There are several bills that we would have preferred to no longer be under further consideration, but they still are. We haven’t included all of the bills of this nature in this issue of the newsletter because we wanted to cover just those bills that have received a reprint of their amended language. Several troublesome bills have been passed out of committee with amendments but haven’t gone through the 2nd reading process. SB 172 – is at the top of the list for legislative proposals that we are putting a lot of energy into opposing. The link that we’ve provided here to look at SB 172 shows that the original language has been changed. Wording, which would have required all agricultural workers to be paid overtime when working more than 8 hours per day or more than 40 hours per week, has been removed in the newest version of the bill. There still are many reasons to continue to oppose the bill including the systems sought for collective bargaining as well as enhancing the Office of the Labor Commissioner for greater regulations and control. The amended SB 172 also calls for the establishment of a nine-member advisory committee (predominantly weighted against agricultural employers) to “gather and analyze data and other information regarding the wages and working conditions of agricultural workers.” This gathered data is required to be submitted in an annual report to go to the Nevada Legislature.

After action on the Senate floor, the bill was sent to the Senate Finance Committee.

National Law Center’s 3rd Annual Conference Set For June 19 & 20 - Reno Peppermill

The 3rd Annual Western Water, Ag & Environmental Law Conference will be held at the Peppermill Reno Resort Spa Casino on June 19 & 20, 2025. The agenda for the sessions is available here: https:// nationalaglawcenter.org/western2025/ and provides a link for registering for the conference. You are also able to connect to the Registration Process here: https://web.cvent.com/event/3ffa160c-37ac-47689c6c-840464bc0f0d/summary?environment=P2

Understanding the New Tariffs By Betty Resnick | Economist

Trade has become a hot topic this year, with a lot of uncertainty. Trade policy decisions being made in Washington will impact farmers and ranchers in the countryside. This Market Intel report is part of a series exploring different topics related to agricultural trade, including the potential impacts of trade policy changes: Agricultural Exports 101 and Tallying Up the Latest Retaliatory Tariffs.

President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs, introduced on April 2, will alter the American economy. Following an announcement speech, Trump signed two executive orders, one implementing “reciprocal” tariffs and another removing tariff exemptions from relatively low-value shipments from China (the “de minimis” exemption). This Market Intel will detail what we know to date about the new tariffs.

What are the Tariffs?

Starting on April 5, a 10% baseline tariff will be applied to nearly all products from all countries, with a few notable exceptions explained later. The executive order’s Annex I lists 57 countries (83 when accounting for all European Union member states) that will face higher tariffs of up to 50%, which go into effect on April 9. The new tariffs will stack on previous productspecific tariff rates. As a reminder, a tariff is a tax paid at the border by an importer seeking to bring products into the United States from a foreign country.

According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. the new tariffs were calculated by taking the value of the trade balance in goods divided by the value of U.S. imports of goods from the relevant country divided by two. The formula assumes that if two countries do not have a trade balance in goods (trade in services were not accounted for), there must inherently be tariffs, barriers or unfair trade practices causing the uneven trading relationship.

This formula penalizes a handful of very small countries. For example, the country with the highest tariff rate is Lesotho, a mountainous, landlocked nation slightly smaller than the state of Maryland and surrounded by South Africa. It has a population of only 2.3 million people and, in 2023, had a real GDP per capita of $2,600 (compared to $74,600 for the United States), ranking 202nd in per-capita GDP out of 222 countries according to the CIA Factbook. In 2024, Lesotho exported $237 million of products to the United States, of which 99% were clothing apparel and diamonds.

Notably, our new 34% tariff on China stacks on top of other tariffs we’ve already applied on Chinese products including 20% in response to their role in the production and distribution of fentanyl. Combined, Chinese products now face a 54% baseline tariff when imported into the United States.

Are any Countries Exempt from the New Tariffs?

Canada and Mexico are our top trading partners and the top two destinations for our agricultural products. For now, they are carved out from any new tariffs. Instead, the 25% tariff related to fentanyl/migration issues on non-U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)-compliant products remains in effect while USMCA-compliant products still enter tariff-free. The order does lay out that if the fentanyl/migrationrelated tariffs were to be repealed, they will be replaced by a 12% tariff on non-USMCA-compliant goods with energy/energy products, potash and eligible USMCA-compliant goods continuing to be dutyfree. Previously announced tariffs, including 25% on all automobile, steel and aluminum imports, still apply to Canadian and Mexican imports with some questions lingering over implementation specifics.

Several countries left off the tariff breakdown chart posted on X by the White House face other economic sanctions, including Russia, Belarus, North Korea and Cuba. Iran, which also faces steep economic sanctions, was on the list. Additionally, the White House did not clarify why Burkina Faso and Somalia were excluded.

Are there any Exemptions or Exceptions for Specific Products?

The exempted items in Annex II include, but are not limited to: copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, energy/ energy products, and products facing section 232 tariffs from the current administration (steel, aluminum, automobiles and any future section 232 investigations). While some of these industries were exempted due to their important roles in the economy (energy and critical minerals), others were excluded as they are a target for future restrictions (copper, lumber, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors).

For the agricultural industry, there are a few exemptions impacting inputs including veterinary vaccines (and all pharmaceuticals for humans too), several pesticide ingredients under HS 2399, fertilizers containing potash, peat, lubricating oils and greases, and other energy products.

Exemptions under “HS Chapter 31: Fertilizer” would have covered 44% ($3.8 billion) of all $8.7 billion in fertilizer imports in 2024. Exempted fertilizers include potash in many forms, including all potassic fertilizers under HS 3104 and several compound fertilizers containing potash under HS 3105, including “HS 3105.20 Fertilizers Containing Nitrogen, Phosphorus & Potassium” (i.e., NPK). All USMCA-compliant fertilizers from Mexico and Canada continue to enter duty-free.

Tariffs Hit Farmers’ and Ranchers’ Imports and Exports

Farmers and ranchers, like all Americans, will be paying more for many of the products they purchase, from seed for vegetable growers to tractors and other equipment made of steel. Some exemptions for products including potash and peat as mentioned above, which were hard fought for by agricultural organizations such as the American Farm Bureau Federation, are a testament to the effectiveness of farmers’ and ranchers raising their collective voice. Analysis by the Tax Foundation reports the tariffs applied in 2025 will result in an average tax increase of more than $1,900 for every U.S. household annually, which, if correct, would be the largest tax hike in 43 years, if negotiations are not initiated and resolved quickly.

Retaliatory tariffs imposed by our trading partners make American products more expensive than products from countries not facing such tariffs, thereby lowering demand for the more than 20% of U.S. agricultural production that is exported. Before the tariff announcement on April 2, Canada and China already had retaliatory tariffs on $27 billion of U.S. agricultural exports. As of April 4, China, our third-largest agricultural export market, has already announced an additional 34% retaliatory tariff on all U.S. exports effective April 10. As new retaliatory tariffs stack on top of old ones, the total applied tariff for agricultural products in China will rise even higher. For example, the total retaliatory tariffs rise to 71.5% for soybeans, 74% for in-quota cotton and 99% for frozen swine offal. With the simultaneous increase of input prices and decrease in demand, farmers who are already in financial distress will further feel the squeeze.

Longer-term, farmers may also see demand reduction as our economy struggles to cope with these major changes. The volatility of the tariff policy decisions, with new tariffs frequently being announced, paused and placed will take a toll on the American agricultural industry, as on the rest of the economy. Farmers and ranchers suffer from instability, as their soundest business decisions can be turned upside down. If these tariffs lead rapidly to new agreements with new market access, they may help our farmers. In the meantime, without direct support from USDA or a farm bill with an updated safety net, farmers will almost certainly bear the brunt of these tariffs, as they always seem to do.

To view this article and its graphics online, visit: www.fb.org/market-intel/ understanding-the-new-tariffs

Hang a Banner in the Rafters – Winter 2025 makes a snowpack three-peat in Nevada

By Jeff Anderson, NRCS Snow Survey Water Supply Specialist

The following is a summary of the April 1, 2025 Nevada NRCS Water Supply Outlook Report.

To subscribe for future reports visit: www.nrcs.usda.gov/nevada/snow-survey

Winter 2025 scores a win in terms of snowpack across much of Northern Nevada. For three years running data collected at NRCS SNOTEL and snow courses has been above median on April 1 in the Northern Great Basin across the state to the Humboldt, Owyhee, Snake, Clover Valley and Franklin basins (Figure 1, below)

The Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Carson and Walker basin snowpacks came in just below their normal peak snow water amounts in 2025 earning an honorable mention. The eastern Sierra and northern Nevada are in good shape as we move into snowmelt season. Eastern Nevada is a mixed bag with better mountain snowpack conditions near Austin, Eureka and Ely, but well below normal snow in Great Basin National Park. Southern Nevada should expect a lean water year with less than normal streamflow predicted for the Virgin River and the Colorado River inflow to Lake Powell.

April 1 snowpacks this year are 122-151% across northern Nevada, 94-103% in the Sierra basins, 86% in Eastern Nevada, 88% in the Upper Colorado, and 30% in the Spring Mountains. April 1 is typically when basin snowpacks reach their highest snow water total before melt begins. Of special note the Upper Humboldt Basin hasn’t had a three-year period with better consecutive snowpacks in since the early to mid-1980s (Figure 2 at right)

After a slow start to the winter, above normal March precipitation produced a significant comeback for Eastern Nevada where basin snow

Figure 1: April 1 snowpacks for basins across Nevada in 2025, 2024 and 2023 indicate above median conditions three years running across northern Nevada. This year’s snowpack in the Eastern Sierra was close to normal. Eastern Nevada and the Spring Mountains came in less than normal in 2025.

Figure 2, above: Between 2023-2025 the Upper Humboldt Basin peak snow water amounts (triangles) averaged 21.0 inches over three years. This is the highest three-year peak snow water average since the winters between 1982 and 1986.

Figure 3, below : This graph shows snow water data at Taylor Canyon SNOTEL. This is the lowest elevation SNOTEL in the Upper Humboldt Basin at 6,320 feet elevation. Taylor Canyon’s 2025 snow water amounts were below median all winter and far less than in 2024. Conditions at Taylor Canyon SNOTEL are representative of other parts of the state which also saw below normal snow at lower elevations.

percentages increased from 55% on March 1 to 86% by April 1. It should be noted that snow percentages in Eastern Nevada varied widely from site to site ranging from twice normal to less than 50%. In southern Nevada, the three SNOTELs in Spring Mountains were snow free on April 1, however Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon #2 snow courses still had snow to measure. The April 1 snowpack in the Spring Mountains is 30% of median. The Colorado Basin has a decent snowpack in the north but abysmal snow in the south. The Upper Colorado snowpack is 89% of median, while the Lower Colorado is just 48% of median.

The majority of this year’s winter storms have been on the warmer side with snowlines higher on the mountains. Valleys have seen mostly rain and snowpacks below ~7,000 feet elevation have lagged behind normal. The low elevation snowpack in the Humboldt Basin was very different this year compared to last year. Taylor Canyon SNOTEL, at 6,320 feet, is the lowest elevation monitoring station in the basin. This year Taylor Canyon peaked with 1.6 inches of snow water in mid-February and melted-out by mid-March. Last year it was still near its peak amount on April 1 with 7.1 inches of snow water (Figure 3, previous page).

Water year precipitation

96-131% across the Sierra basins and northern Nevada. Statewide February and March were the strongest months of for precipitation this water year (Figure 5). Monthly precipitation was 96-229% of median in March and the areas that needed precipitation the most did the best with Eastern Nevada seeing 182% of median and the Spring Mountains at 229%. After a wet March, SNOTELs in Eastern Nevada are now 103% of normal for water year precipitation, however the Spring Mountains remain below normal at 84%. The Upper Colorado basin did well in March receiving 124% of median precipitation in March, bringing water year precipitation to 95%.

STREAMFLOW FORECASTS

April 1 streamflow forecasts are above median in northern Nevada, close to median in the eastern Sierra and below median for the Virgin River (~69%) and Lake Powell Inflow on the Colorado River (74%). April 1 forecasts vary

Figure 4: Water year precipitation October 1 through March 31, 2025.

widely from 57-250% of median based on the 50% exceedance forecasts. This winter’s higher snowlines resulted in the geographic extent of snow-covered area being smaller. The impact of a smaller snow-covered area will impact this year’s April-July runoff compared to last year. At first glance April 1 snowpacks for 2024 and 2025 may appear similar with the Sierra near normal both years and Nevada above normal, but the disparity in snow-covered area may lead

Figure 5 at right: Monthly precipitation for water year 2025 varied month to month. January was the driest month while November, February and March brought above median amounts to most areas.

months are now behind us. Precipitation during the April-July runoff period will play a big role in determining where observed flows land compared to the forecast exceedance range. Water supply decisions should be made by considering the full range of forecast volumes on both sides of the 50% exceedance forecast. Forecast skill increases through the water year. The spread in volumes between the five exceedances is much narrower now than it was in January. This is an indication of increased forecast skill and provides greater confidence for water managers to base their decisions upon.

RESERVOIRS

See chart bottom right. Reservoir storage for northern Nevada is in good shape, most reservoirs are storing near normal to well above normal amounts for early April. Marlette Lake is being drawn down to allow major work on its dam this summer, trail closures will be in effect. Same is not true for reservoirs on the lower Colorado River where combined storage in Lake Powell and Lake Mead is down 691 kaf from this time last year.

DROUGHT STATUS

According to the US Drought Monitor released April 3, 2025, the northern-most counties in Nevada are free of drought. Above normal precipitation in March reduced drought severity in parts of Elko, Churchill, Lander and Eureka counties over the last month. Areas of extreme and exceptional drought in southern Nevada remain unchanged from last month.

THE ROUNDUP

An analysis of western ranching politics.

IN THE NEWS

Congress: Rep. Huffman criticizes Trump’s approach to public lands; Progressive caucus endorses Grijalva in AZ House race; Sen. Hoeven invited Sec. Rollins to ND to discuss Farm Bill and disaster relief with producers.

U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman: Trump Administration Focused On Chaos, National Parks Traveler- U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, the ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, didn’t hesitate when asked what he thought the Trump administration’s goal was with its approach to the environment and landmanagement agencies. President Donald Trump’s first 100 days have seen the Republican move aggressively to implement his agenda, largely defined by Project 2025, which was written by many individuals closely involved with Trump’s first term, including some who were on his staff then. It was envisioned to be a treatise for how a Republican president should govern. While Trump worked throughout the campaign to distance himself from that document, he has enacted many of its goals since returning to office on January 20.

Grijalva wins progressive caucus backing in Arizona race, E&E News- The Congressional Progressive Caucus’ political arm on Tuesday endorsed Democrat Adelita Grijalva to fill the seat of her late father, former Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.). The elder Grijalva’s death in March opened his seat for the first time in decades, and five Democrats have jumped in to replace the former House Natural Resources and Progressive Caucus chair. The primary will be held July 15. Adelita Grijalva formerly served on the Pima County Board of Supervisors and has jumped out as an early favorite in the contest. The Progressive Caucus endorsement is likely to further raise her stock and give her a boost in the money game.

Senator Invited Ag Secretary to Visit State, Giving Producers Opportunity for Direct Feedback & Showcasing ND Leadership in Precision Ag at Grand Farm, U.S. Senator John Hoeven of North DakotaSenator John Hoeven today organized meetings with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins in North Dakota,

giving farmers, ranchers, agriculture researchers and agri-businesses the opportunity to give direct feedback. Hoeven, who serves as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, invited Rollins to visit the state during her recent confirmation process. Hoeven continues working to pass a farm bill that addresses producers’ needs and ensures the farm safety net works when needed most. Last month, USDA released details for the $10 billion in marketbased assistance, following Hoeven’s efforts to secure the funding and his work with Secretary Rollins to implement and quickly deliver the assistance. At the same time, Hoeven continues working with USDA to advance the $21 billion in weather-related assistance for losses in 2023 and 2024, which includes $2 billion set aside for livestock producers, including those with losses due to wildfires.

Trump admin proposes new rule to rescind definition of “harm” under ESA

The Trump administration is proposing a new rule to rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). If finalized, the rule would no longer classify the modification of habitat as a form of taking. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service said the current definition of harm as it applies to habitat modification runs contrary to the best meaning of the term “take.” Previous regulations expanded the ESA’s reach in ways that do not reflect the best reading of the statute to prohibit actions that impair protected species’ habitat, the feds said.

BLM: Nearly $28 million in timber revenue allocated to Western OR counties; Input requested on proposed geothermal lease sale in ID.

BLM issues nearly $28 million to western Oregon counties from timber revenue, BLM- The Bureau of Land Management has distributed more than $27.7 million in timber revenue payments to 18 western Oregon counties. The payments are supported by the timber harvested from public lands and support local services, including emergency response and education. BLM manages this area, referred to as O&C and CBWR lands, as well as funds generated from timber harvests in accordance with two laws. The OR and CA Railroad and Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant Lands Grant Act of 1937 directs revenue from O&C Lands is shared between the U.S. Treasury and 18 western Oregon counties. The Coos Bay Wagon Road Act of 1939 directs revenue from CBWR Lands be paid inlieu of tax payments to Coos and Douglas counties.

BLM solicits for comments on planned geothermal lease sale in Idaho, Think Geoenergy- BLM is seeking input on proposed geothermal leasing of eight parcels totaling approximately 20,000 acres in Elmore and Washington counties, as well as one parcel totaling approximately 3,740 acres in Bonneville County, in Idaho. Comments must be received by 5 May 2025. The tentative date for the geothermal lease sale is on

Sept 2025. Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal geothermal resources. BLM ensures geothermal development meets the requirements set forth by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and other applicable legal authorities.

USFWS: Former wildlife agent reflects on career and challenges. Fish and Wildlife’s former top cop on caviar smuggling and agency cuts, E&E News- Edward Grace began his career cracking Russian gangsters’ hold on the NYC caviar trade. He ended it as the agency’s top cop, retiring in January as chief of the FWS Office of Law Enforcement. Now 59, Grace spent nearly 30 years working in FWS law enforcement. From the mobbedup fish egg trade and the gruesome market for animal crush videos to the craving for pet turtles and the threering circus that was the “Tiger King” murder-for-hire case, Grace handled his share of exotic police work. Funded at about $92 million and staffed by about 330 employees, the FWS OLE oversees compliance with the nation’s myriad wildlife and related laws. In fiscal 2023, it reported that it conducted over 9,600 wildlife crime investigations while inspectors processed nearly 175,000 declared wildlife shipments.

Wildlife: Eastern Shoshone in WY vote to reclassify buffalo to honor cultural and ecological significance. Eastern Shoshone classify bison as wildlife, not livestock., Grist- Jason Baldes drove down a dusty, sagebrush highway earlier this month, pulling 11 young buffalo in a trailer up from Colorado to the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. As the executive director of the Wind River Buffalo Initiative and Eastern Shoshone tribal member, he’s helped grow the number of buffalo on the reservation for the last decade. The latest count: the Northern Arapaho tribe have 97 and the Eastern Shoshone have 118. The Eastern Shoshone this month voted to classify buffalo as wildlife instead of livestock as a way to treat them more like elk or deer rather than like cattle. Because the two tribes share the same land base, the Northern Arapaho are expected to vote on the distinction as well. The vote indicates a growing interest to both restore buffalo on the landscape and challenge the relationship between animal and product.

PLC Director provides update on natural resources priorities in DC. Policy decisions that impact our natural resources have a big impact on anyone who makes their living off of the land, and that’s especially true for cattle producers. We’re currently in a very important time for natural resources policy, as we are still waiting for presidential confirmations on leaders for key land management agencies. In the latest edition of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Beltway Beef Podcast, Garrett Edmonds, director of NCBA government affairs as well as the director of the Public Lands Council, gave an update on the status of those officials.

Winnemucca’s Ranch Hand Rodeo is the largest and most exciting in Nevada. 30 teams compete for bragging rights and prizes in Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Stopping, Wild Mugging, Trailer Loading, Team Roping, Ranch Doctoring, and Team Branding.

Ranch Hand of the Year 2025 | WILL DELONG

The award is sponsored by the Agricultural District No. 3 as a way to recognize those men and women who make their living as ranch hands, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and have contributed to the fabric of our Great Basin culture and community.

Will Delong, 50, passed away on November 13, 2024, in Reno, Nevada. Will’s entire life represents exactly what a strong ranch heritage can provide; he was dedicated to this way of life and wanted to help others also see success within ranching and rodeo. Will’s honor came a little earlier than we anticipated because of his death, but it is easy to see how much he deserves this award and the chance to be recognized alongside all those who have strengthened our local ranching heritage.

Will was born in Winnemucca, Nevada, to John and Judy DeLong. He joined sisters Christy and Jhona on Trout Creek Ranch, becoming part of the fifth generation of family ranchers on the Jackson Mountains. Will started school at home at Trout Creek, attended the one-room Jackson Mountain School, and graduated from Albert M. Lowry High School with the Class of 1992. Will attended the College of Southern Idaho and Treasure Valley Community College as a college rodeo athlete. He earned his Associate’s Degree in Ag Business in 1995. In June 2002, he married the love of his life, Katie Marvel. They began their life together at Jackson Creek Ranch where they welcomed son William “Billy,” daughter Matti, and daughter Louise.

Will was a hard-working cattle rancher who loved his horses, cattle and lifestyle. He was an avid reader who loved spending time with his family, and loved watching his kids compete in junior high and high school rodeo as well as other activities and sports such as wrestling, dance and basketball.

Will was an adult director for the Humboldt County High School Rodeo Club for many years; he also served on many cattle industry boards. He was president of his family-owned business, DeLong Ranches, Inc., which was honored numerous times by the Red Angus Association for their high-quality cattle. Will was loved and adored by many and will be greatly missed.

Cow Dog Trials | 2025 Results

Our trial welcomes dogs and their handlers from across the West. Cow dogs are an essential part of a ranch operation. Our trial provides a venue to demonstrate the agility and functionality of our canine companions. Watch how quickly these dogs move cattle through a timed obstacle course!

BRACE CLASS

1st- Michael Dow with Stitch & Sky

2nd- Brian Jacobs with GS Dex & Jolene

OPEN CLASS

1st- Brian Jacobs with SBC Ivanka

2nd- Steve Wight with Rose

INTERMEDIATE CLASS

1st – Cindy Coleman with J1 Mern 2nd- John Rose with Tuff

NOVICE CLASS

1st – Dalton Wright with Mina

2nd- Lauren Anderson with ROW Ricky

NURSERY CLASS

1st- Brian Jacobs with Sueco

2nd- Brian Jacobs with Gus

Ranch Hand Rodeo | 2025 Results

Beef is the meat of cattle (Bos taurus). It is categorized as red meat — a term used for the meat of mammals, which contains higher amounts of iron than chicken or fish.

Usually eaten as roasts, ribs, or steaks, beef is also commonly ground or minced. Patties of ground beef are often used in hamburgers. Processed beef products include corned beef, beef jerky, and sausages.

Fresh, lean beef is rich in various vitamins and minerals, especially iron and zinc. Therefore, moderate intake of beef can be recommended as part of a healthy diet.

NutritioN Facts

Beef is primarily composed of protein and varying amounts of fat. The nutrition facts for a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of broiled, ground beef with 10% fat content are: Calories: 217 | Water: 61% | Protein: 26.1 grams | Carbs: 0 grams | Sugar: 0 grams | Fiber: 0 grams | Fat: 11.8 grams

PROTEIN | Meat such as beef is mainly composed of protein. The protein content of lean, cooked beef is about 22–26%.

Animal protein is usually of high quality, containing all nine essential amino acids needed for the growth and maintenance of your body.

As the building blocks of proteins, amino acids are very important from a health perspective. Their composition in proteins varies widely, depending on the dietary source.

Meat is one of the most complete dietary sources of protein, its amino acid profile being almost identical to that of your own muscles.

For this reason, eating meat — or other sources of animal protein — may be of particular benefit after surgery and for recovering athletes. In combination with strength exercise, it also helps maintain and build muscle mass.

FAT | Beef contains varying amounts of fat — also called beef tallow. Apart from adding flavor, fat increases the calorie content of meat considerably. The amount of fat in beef depends on the level of trimming and the animal’s age, breed, gender, and feed. Processed meat products, such as sausages and salami, tend to be high in fat.

Lean meat is generally about 10 g of fat and 4.5 g of saturated fat per 100 g.

Beef 101: NutritioN Facts and Health efFects

When consumed in moderation, beef can improve muscle growth and maintenance. It’s also rich in iron and zinc. But high consumption of beef has been linked to an increased risk for heart disease and cancer.

Beef is mainly composed of saturated and monounsaturated fat, present in approximately equal amounts. The major fatty acids are stearic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid.

Food products from ruminant animals — such as cows and sheep — also harbor trans fats known as ruminant trans fats. Unlike their industrially-produced counterparts, naturally-occurring ruminant trans fats are not considered unhealthy.

The most common is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is found in beef, lamb, and dairy products. CLA has been linked to various health benefits — including weight loss. Still, large doses in supplements may have harmful metabolic consequences.

VitamiNs and miNerals

Vitamins and minerals are abundant in beef:

Vitamin B12. Animal-derived foods, such as meat, are the only good dietary sources of vitamin B12, an essential nutrient that is important for blood formation and your brain and nervous system.

Zinc. Beef is very rich in zinc, a mineral that is important for body growth and maintenance.

Selenium. Meat is generally a rich source of selenium, an essential trace element that serves a variety of functions in your body.

Iron. Found in high amounts in beef, meat iron is mostly in the heme form, which is absorbed very efficiently.

Niacin. One of the B vitamins, niacin (vitamin B3) has various important functions in your body.

Vitamin B6. A family of B vitamins, vitamin B6 is important for blood formation and energy metabolism.

Phosphorus. Widely found in foods, phosphorus intake is generally high in the Western diet. It’s essential for body growth and maintenance.

Beef contains many other vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and choline, in lower amounts.

Processed beef products, such as sausages, may be particularly high in sodium (salt).

Other meat compOuNds

Like plants, meat contains a number of bioactive substances and antioxidants, which may affect health when consumed in adequate amounts.

Some of the most prominent compounds in beef include:

Creatine. Abundant in meat, creatine serves as an energy source for muscles. Creatine supplements are commonly taken by bodybuilders and may be beneficial for muscle growth and maintenance.

Taurine. Found in fish and meat, taurine is an antioxidant amino acid and a common ingredient in energy drinks. It’s produced by your body and important for heart and muscle function.

Glutathione. An antioxidant found in most whole foods, glutathione is particularly abundant in meat. It’s found in higher amounts in grass-fed beef than in grain-fed.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). CLA is a ruminant trans fat that may have various health benefits when consumed as part of a healthy diet.

Cholesterol. This compound serves many functions in your body. In most people, dietary cholesterol has little effect on blood cholesterol and is generally not considered a health concern.

health beNeFits Of beef

Beef is a rich source of high-quality protein and various vitamins and minerals. As such, it can be an excellent component of a healthy diet.

Maintaining Muscle Mass

Like all types of meat, beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein. It contains all of the essential amino acids and is referred to as a complete protein.

Many people — especially older adults — don’t consume enough high-quality protein.

Inadequate protein intake may accelerate age-related muscle wasting, increasing your risk of an adverse condition known as sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is a serious health issue among older adults but can be prevented or reversed with strength exercises and increased protein intake.

Animal protein, such as meat, fish, and milk products, is beneficial for lean muscle mass.

In the context of a healthy lifestyle, regular consumption of beef — or other sources of high-quality protein — may help preserve muscle mass, reducing your risk of sarcopenia.

Improved Exercise Performance

Carnosine is a compound important for muscle function. It’s formed in your body from beta-alanine, a dietary amino acid found in high amounts in fish and meat — including beef.

In a 2018 randomized controlled study, a group of 30 individuals in a strength training program who supplemented with high does of beta-alanine for 5 weeks were shown to increase their performance and strength. In contrast, following a vegetarian diet may lead to lower levels of carnosine in muscles over time.

In human muscles, high levels of carnosine have been linked to reduced fatigue and improved performance during exercise.

Additionally, controlled studies suggest that betaalanine supplements can improve running time and strength.

Anemia Prevention

Anemia is a common condition, characterized by a decreased number of red blood cells and reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen.

Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia. The main symptoms are tiredness and weakness.

Beef is a rich source of iron — mainly in the form of heme iron. Only found in animal-derived foods, heme iron is often very low in vegetarian and vegan diets. Your body absorbs heme iron much more efficiently than non-heme iron — the type of iron in plantderived foods. Thus, meat not only contains a highly bioavailable form of iron but also improves the absorption of non-heme iron from plant foods — a mechanism that has not been fully explained and is referred to as the “meat factor.”

One study indicates that meat can increase the absorption of non-heme iron even in meals that contain phytic acid, an inhibitor of iron absorption. Therefore, eating meat is one of the best ways to prevent iron deficiency anemia.

beef and heart disease

Heart disease is the world’s most common cause of premature death. It’s a term for various conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, such as heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.

Observational studies on red meat and heart disease provide mixed results. Current studies detect an increased risk for both unprocessed and processed red meat. Keep in mind that observational studies cannot prove cause and effect. They only show that meat eaters are either more or less likely to get a disease. It’s possible that meat consumption is just a marker for unhealthy behavior, but negative health effects are not caused by the meat itself.

For example, many health-conscious people avoid red meat because it has been claimed to be unhealthy. Additionally, people who eat processed meat are more likely to be overweight and less likely to exercise or eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, and fiber.

Of course, most observational studies try to correct for these factors, but the accuracy of the statistical adjustments may not always be perfect.

Saturated fat and heart disease

Several theories have been proposed to explain the link between meat consumption and heart disease.

The most popular is the diet-heart hypothesis — the idea that saturated fat increases your risk of heart disease by raising cholesterol levels in your blood.

The diet-heart hypothesis is controversial and the evidence mixed. Not all studies observe a significant link between saturated fat and heart disease.

Still, most health authorities advise people to limit their intake of saturated fat to under 10% of your total calories — including beef tallow.

In the context of a healthy lifestyle, it’s unlikely that moderate amounts of unprocessed lean beef have any adverse effects on heart health.

beef and caNcer

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Many observational studies link high meat consumption to an increased risk of colon cancer — but not all studies find a significant association. Several components of red meat have been discussed as possible culprits:

Heme iron. Some researchers propose that heme iron may be responsible for the cancer-causing effect of red meat.

Heterocyclic amines. These are a class of cancercausing substances, produced when meat is overcooked. Other substances. It has been suggested that other compounds added to processed meats or formed during curing and smoking may cause cancer.

Heterocyclic amines are a family of carcinogenic substances formed during high-temperature cooking of animal protein, particularly when frying, baking, or grilling. They’re found in well-done and overcooked meat, poultry, and fish. These substances may partly explain the link between red meat and cancer.

The National Cancer Institute states that eating welldone meat — or other dietary sources of heterocyclic amines — may increase your risk of various cancers, including colon, breast, and prostate cancer.

Taken together, some evidence suggests that eating high amounts of well-done meat may increase your risk of cancer.

Still, it’s not entirely clear whether it’s specifically due to heterocyclic amines or other substances formed during high-temperature cooking.

Increased cancer risk may also be related to unhealthy lifestyle factors often associated with high meat intake, such as not eating enough fruit, vegetables, and fiber. For optimal health, it seems sensible to limit your consumption of overcooked meat. Steaming, boiling, and stewing are healthier cooking methods.

Other downsides

Beef has been linked to a few adverse health conditions other than heart disease and cancer.

Beef tapeworm

The beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata) is an intestinal parasite that can sometimes reach a length of 16 to 82 feet (5 to 25 meters. It’s rare in most developed countries but relatively common in Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia. Consumption of raw or undercooked (rare) beef is the most common route of infection. Beef tapeworm infection (or taeniasis) usually doesn’t cause symptoms. However, severe infection may result in weight loss, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Iron overload

Beef is one of the richest dietary sources of iron. In some people, eating iron-rich foods may cause a condition known as iron overload. The most common cause of iron overload is hereditary hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder characterized by excessive absorption of iron from food. Excessive iron accumulation in your body can be life-threatening, leading to cancer, heart disease, and liver problems. People with hemochromatosis should limit their consumption of red meat, such as beef and lamb.

GraiN-Fed Vs. Grass-Fed beef

The nutritional value of meat depends on the feed of the source animal. In the past, most cattle in Western countries were grass-fed. In contrast, most of today’s beef production relies on grain-based feeds. Compared to grain-fed beef, grass-fed beef has:

• a higher antioxidant content

• fat that is more yellow in color — indicating higher amounts of carotenoid antioxidants

• higher amounts of vitamin E — especially when pasture-raised

• lower amounts of fat

• a healthier fatty acid profile

• higher amounts of ruminant trans fats

• higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids

Put simply, grass-fed beef is a healthier choice than grain-fed.

the bottOm liNe

Beef is one of the most popular types of meat. It’s exceptionally rich in high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, it may improve muscle growth and maintenance, as well as exercise performance. As a rich source of iron, it may also cut your risk of anemia. High consumption of processed meat and overcooked meat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and cancer. On the other hand, unprocessed and mildly cooked beef is healthy in moderation — especially in the context of a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.

Article was Written by Atli Arnarson BSc, PhD and medically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS MPA RDNLD CLT, Nutrition

Status of NRCS Programs:

USDA | Status of NRCS Programs as

 USDA has a solemn responsibility to be good stewards of the American people’s hard-earned taxpayer dollars and to ensure that every dollar spent goes to serve the people, not the bureaucracy.

 As part of this effort, Secretary Rollins is carefully reviewing funding, including for programs that support urban and rural agriculture, and will provide updates as soon as they are made available.

Status of NRCS Programs (continued):

 Secretary Rollins fully supports the President’s directive to improve government, eliminate inefficiencies, and strengthen USDA’s many services to the American people. Secretary Rollins is committed to preserving essential safety positions and will ensure that critical services remain uninterrupted.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program ACEP)

Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)

Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC)

Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act (IIJA)

Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP)

Direct payments to farmers are continuing unimpeded at this time. This includes Farm Bill-funded contracts as well as Inflation Reduction Act-funded contracts that were obligated prior to Jan. 20.

All other contracting and agreement activities are under review.

Payments for work completed prior to Feb. 25, 2025, have been approved for payment. All new obligations, including supplemental agreements (SA), Programmatic Partnership Agreements and (PPA), and future Notice of Funding Opportunities (NFOs), are still under review.

PCSC activities are under review.

IIJA funds are under review. If asked to enter into any new Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) projects via contract or asked for a modification with non-IIJA funds will require a waiver approved by the OCFO.

Activities related to general Farm Bill funding with direct payments to farmers are continuing unimpeded at this time. All other contracting and agreement activities, including future NFOs, are under review.

Status of NRCS Programs: Farm Bill Programs (Part 1)

Status of NRCS Programs: Farm Bill Programs (Part 2)

Status of NRCS Programs: Watershed Programs

As of 3/21/2025. All CDS are cleared to proceed per guidance provided on 2/28/2025.

Status of NRCS Programs: Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

OUAIP

Directed

Farm Bill Programs

USDA Cancels Biden Era Climate Slush Fund, Reprioritizes Existing Funding to Farmers

(Washington, D.C., April 14, 2025) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced the cancellation of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC). Following a thorough line by line review of each of these Biden era partnerships, it became clear that the majority of these projects had sky-high administration fees which in many instances provided less than half of the federal funding directly to farmers. Select projects may continue if it is demonstrated that a significant amount of the federal funds awarded will go to farmers. We continue to support farmers and encourage partners to ensure their projects are farmer focused or re-apply to continue work that is aligned with the priorities of this Administration. With this action, USDA is cutting bureaucratic red tape, streamlining reporting, lowering the paperwork burden on producers and putting farmers first.

Additionally, we have reformed and overhauled the Biden-era Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities initiative into the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) initiative, and the USDA has identified changes to align the initiative with current Trump Administration priorities. USDA will review existing grant agreements based on three Farmer First policy priorities:

• A minimum of 65% of federal funds must go to producers

• Grant recipients must have enrolled at least one producer as of 12/31/2024

• Grant recipients must have made a payment to at least one producer as of 12/31/2024

“The Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative was largely built to advance the green new scam at the benefit of NGOs, not American farmers,” said Secretary Rollins. “The concerns of farmers took a backseat during the Biden Administration. During my short time as Secretary, I have heard directly from our farmers that many of the USDA partnerships are overburdened by red tape, have ambiguous goals, and require complex reporting that push farmers onto the sidelines. We are correcting these mistakes and redirecting our efforts to set our farmers up for an unprecedented era of prosperity.”

USDA will contact current partners individually to provide information about their future participation. USDA will honor all eligible expenses incurred prior to April 13, 2025. This reform effort will utilize existing funding, with no new funding made available for these partnerships.

USDA Reiterates Importance of Those Who Can Work, Should Work While Receiving SNAP

(Washington, D.C., April 17, 2025) Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a memorandum to all state agencies administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) making it clear states must ensure SNAP benefits are provided with an expectation that those who can work, do.

“Since my confirmation, I have reiterated the states are our partners, and this includes ensuring our nutrition programs are tied to putting Americans back to work,” said Secretary Rollins. “It is important to remind states that Congress conditioned the receipt of benefits by able-bodied adults without dependents on satisfying work requirements. Many states have abused the system by requesting work requirement waivers. Today marks the start of a new era for SNAP—prioritizing work, career and technical education, and volunteering rather than idleness, excess spending, and misapplication of the law.”

In June 2023, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 amended the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the Act) to include in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s (SNAP) purpose statement that it “assist low-income adults in obtaining employment and increasing their earnings.” This pivotal legislation reaffirmed efforts to reduce dependency on public assistance programs and increase self-sufficiency. Today’s memorandum reiterates these fundamental objectives and their interaction with the Secretary of Agriculture’s authority to grant State SNAP agencies requests to waive the time limit on receiving SNAP benefits by Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who do not meet statutory work requirements. Section 6(o)(4) of the Act explicitly allows the Secretary sole discretion to grant an ABAWD waiver request when the Secretary determines that the area has an unemployment rate of over 10% or does not have sufficient jobs to provide employment for ABAWDs. Congress conditioned the receipt of benefits by ABAWDs on satisfying work requirements when it passed the Personal Responsibility, Work, and Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA, Pub. L. No. 104-193). The text and structure of the statute reveals a clear purpose to reduce dependence on public assistance programs and to support self-sufficiency. Congress also allowed the Secretary discretion to approve waivers of the ABAWD work requirement in specific circumstances outlined in Section 6(o)(4).

As we partner to lift Americans out of dependency and into hopeful futures, FNS affirms its commitment to consult with State agencies during the waiver review process and provide technical assistance to ensure ABAWD waivers are only utilized when consistent with the Act and protect the integrity of SNAP to the greatest extent.

Additionally, FNS will review the effectiveness of current regulatory authorities to effectuate statutory requirements and the Secretary’s discretion, all under the overarching principles articulated by Secretary Rollins.

Let’s Talk Ag

By Staci Emm | Editorial

Wildlife & Livestock: What does the future hold?

Cattle and wildlife interactions bring uncertainties and will add debates in the future as we face predators and animal disease.

I was wondering what I was going to write about this month when I got the call that my article was due. I have been focusing on USDA program changes, federal administration changes and cuts, and the state legislature bills that I am supporting this session. However, another important issue has come up that needs to be talked about.

In the middle of spring, I received an email from a livestock producer in southern Nevada that had a request for our 2026 Cattlemen’s Update agenda. The email said that there needed to be more education to producers about wildlife and livestock interactions, and the impacts to the industry because of these interactions. This communication was followed by a training that we held in March for all Nevada Tribes with USDA, Animal Plant and Animal Service (APHIS). We held this tribal training online, so that all USDA staff could participate to encourage tribes

Elko County Cattlewoman of the Year 2025 | Patsy Tomera

By Sabrina Reed

Thank you, Elko County Cattlewomen, for selecting my mother, Patsy Tomera as your 2025 Cattlewoman of the Year! She attended her first Cattlewomens meeting in October of 1983 and has been a supporter since. Patsy is the embodiment of the American dream. Born in Lane, Oklahoma she grew up walking barefoot to school and wearing flour sack dresses. She and her siblings spent their youth in the rural community surrounded by horses and some cattle but her family never owned any. Who could have guessed one day she would ride her own string of horses and run one of the larger ranches in Northeastern Nevada! That city girl found herself in Elko with a horse of her own in 1973. While cocktail waitressing at the Ranch Inn Patsy met a local rancher, Tom Tomera. They were married in 1977 and she jumped into ranch life feet first! Tom and Patsy lived at the family ranch at Southfork for five years. It was there she rode her faithful horse, Wahee, and learned to rope, brand, and feed cattle. The ranch was sold to make way for the South Fork reservoir in 1982. Together Tom and Patsy packed up their family of five children and their share of cattle and moved to the Stonehouse Ranch in Pine Valley. Patsy has countless stories of long days in the saddle, salt hauling adventures, and many memories made alongside Tom on the ranch.

in Nevada to begin their planning efforts. It was this two-day training that educated me about what wildlife we are dealing with in Nevada that could have impacts on our livestock.

While I am no expert in feral horses, I have colleagues that are very involved in the issues and provide me with input and education whenever I ask. What I did not know is that we have wolves and feral pigs in Nevada that are being monitored and watched. Both species add concerns to wildlife interactions with livestock, not to mention the disease interactions between elk, deer and wild birds.

Wild birds are on everyone’s radar, as we got an update on the Avian Flu by experts yesterday in a UNR Extension poultry workshop. Avian flu is here to stay, and we better be prepared for foot and mouth disease when it arrives. Yes, these wildlife and livestock interactions are something we all need to monitor and be aware of. I encourage each one of you to pay attention, and let people know if there is something different or unique that is happening in your part of

Patsy made time to be involved in many different stewardship programs imperative to ranching communities. Volunteering decades of years on boards for the NRCS, Great Basin Resource Board, FSA, and the Eureka County Conservation District. She was also a member of the Carlin Booster Club, the Pine Valley Volunteer fire department, and she served as a 4H leader for many years. Patsy was also instrumental to the Eureka County Fair and it’s team branding competition and horseshow.

In addition to her community support she tended to every aspect of ranching from cooking her famous deviled eggs and chili beans for brandings, keeping the books, and running the swather all summer. As many of you know, no one keeps busier on the ranch than the rancher’s wife! Patsy finds joy in giving advice to other folks who might be new to the ranching industry. One of her favorite quotes is “Anyone can do it, but it takes hard work and a realization that it’s a lifestyle not a job.”

Her children have taken a cue from her example and are involved in the agricultural industry. There’s a sheepman, a farmer/cattlewoman, a forest fire technician, and the youngest two help manage the ranch since Tom’s passing in 2021. At the age of just 82 Patsy still feeds over four hundred head of cattle daily, brands calves, and runs her swather all summer. The city girl in her still loves a good cheeseburger and fountain “Diet Pepsi” soda, but the cowgirl in her loves a Garcia Bit and a pair of jingle bobs! She has traded the long rides horseback for shorter ones and maybe

Nevada. Extension has recently just set up a biosecurity program under livestock specialist Tracy Shane, and I believe this program will also provide information about wildlife and livestock interactions.

I opened my Facebook account yesterday, and I saw a video of Dave Stix discussing wolves and the attacks on his livestock right over the Nevada border. These attacks are devastating for the producer to witness and have definite economic impacts on the livestock operation. Wolves are in parts of Nevada and the number of sightings and reports are increasing. What I realized is that I did not educate myself and gain the knowledge to understand what is happening in Nevada. Knowledge is power and I did not have the knowledge. Now, I have a passion for understanding and sharing knowledge. I would like to thank the livestock producer for reaching out to me to put this important issue on my radar as an identified need. Don’t be surprised if you see in my day job that my program teams are holding forums and educational events around these wildlife and livestock interactions.

spends more days running grandkids or cooking dinners, which, honestly, can be more exhausting. She is thankful for your nomination for this award and to be included with the other great cattlewomen who have come before her as recipients, including her mother in-law, Malfisa Tomera! It truly has been a lifetime of achievements and milestones in her career as a cattlewoman. Congratulations Mom!

Award presented by Sariah Knight

Never Silver, Always Gold

Toni Schutte defines the Proverbs 31 woman

By Lyn Miller

On a simple, green checkered table cloth written with a black permanent marker, are the names of many Nevada buckaroos and the brands from Great Basin ranches they’ve ridden for. Without fanfare, the testament lends not only to the volume of ranches in Nevada, but the occasions when treasured friends graced the table of Larry and Toni Schutte. Toni came up with the idea of keeping stock of friends and colleagues in such a simple, yet profound way. “Everyone who signed it was sharing a meal with Mom and Dad,” explains John, Larry and Toni’s son. “Time spent in good company.”

Antionette (Toni) E. Rose was born in Woodland, California, on September 25, 1955, to Bud and Liz Rose. During Toni’s childhood, Bud and Liz bought a ranch in Jiggs, Nevada, where Toni grew up horseback. Along with her three siblings, Carla, Barbara, and Jack, she spent much of her time out in the sunshine learning about God through nature. For young Toni, horses were her legs. By the time Toni was in high school, ranch life had provided her the perfect background for high school rodeo. “Patti was mom’s high school rodeo horse,” says Riata, Toni’s daughter. The gray mare was an important part of Toni’s life, as they competed in all rodeo events and she won Nevada State Rodeo Queen title in 1973, as well as 2nd place header in the ‘73 World Women’s Rodeo in Spring Creek, Nevada. Toni was active in Elko, Nevada’s chapter of FFA, and was a Nevada State FFA Sweetheart.

After graduating from Elko High School in ‘73, Toni left Nevada for Twin Falls, Idaho and cosmetology school. She took Patti with her, and the mare helped Toni win the next big title in life; wife. “I met Toni one night at the Alley Bar. Toni’s friend, Kay, worked there. They always played good dancing music. I met Toni and danced with her,” recalls Larry Schutte, Toni’s husband of 50 years. “Toni didn’t have a good place to keep Patti, so I offered to keep her. After that, we got to team roping together.”

Six months later, Larry and Toni were married. Toni was 19, Larry 20. They spent a year helping on the Schutte family farms in the Twin Falls area, but for the young couple, Nevada was a constant call. “We escaped Idaho,” says Larry. “Nevada offered knowledge, and Toni was right there with me to get it.” There were good horsemen in Nevada that could teach Larry the skillset he wanted. Their first stop in adventure was Contact, Nevada, and the Boies Ranch. There, the first of their two children, Riata, was born. Agatha Dody was in the cookhouse at the Boies, and helped Toni learn to cook. “It’s a big deal to cook and keep everything clean around cowboys,” says Larry. “Toni did that. She was considered one of the top three cooks in the Great Basin.”

Another God-given talent Toni possessed was her art. In high school, Toni began to paint western art. She started with oil, but eventually went on to water colors, which aren’t easy. “Mom always had her easel set up at every ranch,” states Riata. When the kids were little, she took

her art to shows. Her work is visible in Elko, where several large boots commemorating Elko’s centennial are on display, including one at Nevada’s renowned Capriola’s. Toni’s art always reflected her deep faith in God. After leaving the Boies Ranch, they settled for a time at the Wright Ranch in Tuscarora. There, a son was born to the young Schutte couple. Now with two children, Riata, and John, Toni was once again cooking for the crew, painting for art shows, opened a cosmetology shop in their ranch house and was helping on the crew. The stress was weighing on Toni and God sent Jeanna Wright to plant the seed of a deeper faith in the young mother. “From then on, it was growing and learning in faith. Best part is John and I got to grow and learn alongside Mom and Dad,” recalls Riata.

As the family moved in pursuit of knowledge, they spent time at the likes of the Red House Ranch, Van Norman’s, the TS, the Trembath Ranch, Marvel’s in Battle Mountain, and finally leasing the Big Springs Ranch near Wells, Nevada. “Big Springs was Toni’s favorite,” states Larry of the ranch where Riata and John grew up. “Toni was in it for the journey. She was always ready to go.”

After 12 years and the kids grown, Big Springs went to mineral rights. Always ready to start a new adventure, Larry and Toni took a temporary job in Tonopah, Nevada, on the 5 Mile Ranch. Larry found his heaven. Though it wasn’t supposed to be a permanent position, it became one. Along with cooking and cowboying, Toni kept up with her art, including horse hair hitching which she started when the family was young at the Quarter Circle S. “Toni was the first to try figuring out how to graph 3 dimensional hitching patterns,” states Larry proudly. She collaborated with Doug Kraus and Bill Black to design hitching patterns, and her abilities won her the 2002 Will Rogers national award for best horse-hair hitcher.

After 9 years at the 5 Mile, Toni longed to move closer to her kids and grandkids. It was tough for Larry to leave Nevada, but the couple moved to Bruneau, Idaho. “She cherished her family,” says son John. “No matter what, family was priority.” They spent four wonderful years among their five grandchildren.

Throughout travels in the Great Basin, Toni never let her cosmetology license lapse, and in Bruneau, she set up shop. “It was amazing all the people she impacted outside Nevada. All the lives she touched in Bruneau in just four years,” John says. Toni used cosmetology to reach out to those who needed a friend.

“God was first above all else,” states Riata. “It is evident in comments people have left on facebook. They are about her faith, love and generosity.” God did not summon Toni to long-suffering, but instead called her home gently, lovingly.

Toni never faced the falling leaves of autumn, for she was a bright, vibrant green each day of her life. She never slowed or faltered with time. Not one to ever discount the value of God’s challenges, she rose to the occasion. Toni struggled with dyslexia, a life-long difficulty proven to be a great asset when it came to helping others. Toni read a children’s illustrated Bible to her own kids, then her grandkids. As Toni grew weaker, her grandson, Jag, read the same illustrated Bible to her despite his own battle with dyslexia. She’d spent many hours guiding him through the words she herself had memorized.

When it came time for Toni to cross over, Larry had one last request.

“I want to see your face. To see what’s going on.” Larry wanted to see her reaction as she met her Savior.

“We got to see it. She got this smile. She couldn’t move her mouth, but she could move her eyes and they twinkled. That was it. No more suffering. There’s power in that,” Larry states.

Toni’s strength lie in not being afraid to cross the divide.

For Larry, though the loss is acute, he’s had time to think about what her passing means to him. In an excerpt from a letter he wrote after her death, he statesDearest Toni,

As I, you also sought His face He predestined us to eternal life, But, praise God, who also allowed us a free will, to accept Jesus or death’s hopeless strife. Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me, I AM- the way, the Truth, and the Life.” - John 14:6

After a short battle with illness, Toni Schutte passed away on March 12, 2025, in her Bruneau home surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

The loss of a great woman such as Toni isn’t easy to bear. But like a bright star in the night sky, Toni isn’t ever lost, continually shining, and always admired.

Lyn Miller writes from the ranch in Idaho. Visit her at www.authorlynmiller.com

Photos next page - right to left, starting with #1

1) Daughter of Bud and Liz Rose, Toni grew up horseback. As an adult, she competed in the Jordan Valley Big Loop and showed horses at the Elko County Fair.

2) Her love for the sport of rodeo evident in Toni’s smile, she spent her high school years roping on her mare, Patti.

3) Toni Schutte was Nevada State HS Rodeo queen in ’73.

4) Toni met the love of her life while attending cosmetology school in Twin Falls, Idaho. After dating 6 months, they married on October 11, 1974.

5) Ranch life is one of self-reliance and solitude, but Toni embraced it, going so far as to homeschool her children, Riata and John, several years of elementary school while on the Red House Ranch.

6) In 2020, Toni felt a deep call to journey to Arizona and hike to Havasu Falls with daughter Riata, and granddaughter Taylor. For Toni, it was a journey of faith.

7) Family photo. From left to right: Grandchildren Jemma, and Jick and Jag, daughter-in-law Marty and son John Schutte. Center is Toni and husband Larry, daughter Riata and grandson Garrett, son-in-law Jake Brown and granddaughter Taylor. “No matter what, family was priority,” says Toni’s son, John.

8) The great artist, William Matthews, helped Toni learn the art of watercolor. Finding in her inspiration, he also painted her portrait.

9) Being a very accomplished artist, she blended her abilities with deep faith in God, creating western art she sold at shows when her children were younger. Toni also created images with pencil and pen as well.

Creeks and Communities:

A Continuing Strategy for Accelerating Cooperative Riparian Stewardship

2025 Trainings

Riparian proper functioning condition (PFC) assessment uses common terms, definitions, and methods to identify opportunities for positive change from reasonable investments, enhance local management, and solve problems by people most affected. Integrated Riparian Management uses PFC assessment to prioritize needs for adaptive management with monitoring for riparian objectives and strategies. Trainings are available to landowners, Federal, State, and local agency personnel, tribes, industry, conservation interests, and others. Instructors are from Nevada Creeks and Communities Team. There is no cost for classes. Please share this announcement within your networks.

PFC Assessment for Integrated Riparian Management – February 17-19 by Zoom - The Zoom class will feature an optional evening (Wed.) of participant-provided practice or problem solving about class concepts.

PFC Assessment for Integrated Riparian and Grazing Management – May 19-23 McDermitt Community Hall, McDermitt NV.

PFC Assessment for Integrated Riparian and Grazing Management – June 23-27 Pioche, NV Fire Hall first building off Hwy 93 west on Airport Rd.

PFC Assessment for Integrated Riparian and Grazing Management – August 18-22, Eureka, NV Opera House

PFC Assessment for Integrated Riparian and Grazing Management – July 21-25 Feather River Land Trust Sierra Valley Preserve Nature Center 495 Beckwourth Calpine Rd., CA 96129

For PFC class reservations or questions: Sherman Swanson (775-233-6221 swanson@unr.edu) with name, affiliation, address, phone, e-mail, and interest, discipline, role or area of expertise.

You are welcome for the parts of the class you need or want (1 -5 days). After requesting a reservation, an agenda will provide a timeline. All classes begin mid-day on Monday with learning about and participating in PFC assessment, step 1 in the integrated riparian management process (IRMP). Presentations on steps 2 -7 of IRMP - riparian values, riparian area/reach prioritization, goals and objectives, management and/or restoration, monitoring, and adaptive management begin on Thursday for place based classes. PFC -IRMP and Grazing management classes include more about grazing management concepts and engagement with a case study for application of IRMP concepts.

PFC Assessment and/or Integrated Riparian Management -- Coaching field sessions are available for small groups such as interdisciplinary or collaborative teams beginning in May. Contact swanson@unr.edu

For reference materials go to https://www.blm.gov/learn/blm-library/agency -publications/technicalreferences Be sure to scroll down the page and expand the riparian area management section.

Wildlife, not Livestock: Why the Eastern Shoshone in Wyoming are reclassifying buffalo

“Bringing the buffalo back is about our relationship with them, not domination over them.”

Jason Baldes drove down a dusty sagebrush highway earlier this month, pulling 11 young buffalo in a trailer up from Colorado to the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. His blue truck has painted on the side a drawing of buffalo and a calf. As the executive director of the Wind River Buffalo Initiative and an Eastern Shoshone tribal member, he’s helped grow the number of buffalo on the reservation for the last decade. The latest count: The Northern Arapaho tribe have 97 and the Eastern Shoshone have 118.

“Tribes have an important role in restoring buffalo for food sovereignty, culture, and nutrition, but also for overall bison recovery,” he said.

The Eastern Shoshone this month voted to classify buffalo as wildlife instead of livestock as a way to treat them more like elk or deer rather than like cattle. Because the two tribes share the same land base, the Northern Arapaho are expected to vote on the distinction as well. The vote indicates a growing interest to both restore buffalo on the landscape and challenge the relationship between animal and product.

While climate change isn’t the main driver behind the push to restore buffalo wildlife status, the move could bring positive effects to the fight against global warming. Climate change is shrinking Wyoming’s glaciers, contributing to drought, and increasing wildfires. Like cows, buffalo emit methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, by belching, though it’s not clear if buffalo give off the same levels.

While buffalo can contribute to climate change, what they bring in increased biodiversity can promote drought resistance, and some buffalo herds have been shown to help store carbon.

The scale of cattle on the landscape and how they are managed contributes to climate change. Baldes argues buffalo should be able to roam on the plains to bolster biodiversity and restore the ecological health of the landscape — but that has to come with a change in relationship.

“Buffalo as wildlife allows the animals to exist on the landscape,” Baldes said, “rather than livestock based on economic and Western paradigms.”

Wildlife is broadly defined as all living organisms, like plants and animals that exist outside the direct control of humans. When it comes to how different states define wildlife, the definition can vary. But a good rule of thumb is animals that are not domesticated — as in selectively bred for human consumption or companionship — are typically classified as wildlife.

“Bison have a complex history since their near extinction over 100 years ago,” said Lisa Shipley, a professor at Washington State University who studies management of wild ungulates, which are large mammals with hooves that include buffalo. Tribes and locals tend to say buffalo, while scientists use bison to describe the animal.

During the western expansion of settlers, a combination of overhunting, habitat destruction, and government policy aimed at killing Indigenous people’s food supplies eradicated the animal from the landscape.

Around 8 million buffalo were in the United States in 1870 and then in the span of 20 years there were less than 500. Today in North America, there are roughly 20,000 wild plains bison — like the ones Baldes works to put

on the Wind River. But most buffalo reside in privately owned operations, where many are raised for the growing bison meat industry. In 2023, around 85,000 bison were processed for meat consumption in the United States, compared to the 36 million head of cattle. It’s not a lot compared to cattle, but some producers see buffalo as an interesting new addition to the global meat market. The numbers are similar for other kinds of wildlife — there are typically more livestock on the land than wildlife. According to one study, if all the livestock of the world were weighed, it would be 30 times heavier than the weight of all the wildlife on the Earth.

Reducing the world’s collective reliance on cows — a popular variety of livestock — has been a way many see as a path forward to combating climate change. Eating less beef and dairy products can be good for the planet; cows account for around 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. And having too many cows on a small patch of pasture can have negative effects on the environment by causing soil erosion and affecting the amount of carbon the land can absorb.

Buffalo are good to have on a landscape because they tend to move around if given enough room. One study saw that cattle spent half their time grazing, while buffalo spent only around a quarter of the time — buffalo even moved faster and had an affinity for more varieties of grasses to munch on. But even buffalo can damage the landscape if they are managed like cattle.

“Too many animals on the landscape can lead to rangeland degradation and health concerns,” said Justin Binfet, wildlife management coordinator for Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The state has classified the buffalo as both livestock and wildlife, which means they can be privately owned or managed in conservation herds. However, different places in the state have different rules regarding the animal. Currently, Wyoming issues around 70 buffalo hunting tags a year.

The National Park Service manages the oldest untouched population of buffalo in Yellowstone National Park, which intersects with both Wyoming and Montana. Montana has sued the park over its buffalo management plan, citing potential negative effects as the park grows the herd with an interest in letting the buffalo push

By Taylar Dawn Stagner | grist.org

Affairs Reporting Fellow

the boundaries in the park like other wildlife do. The Montana Stockgrowers Association — a group that advocates for the sale of beef — said the management plan in the park for buffalo “did not adequately represent all management options that should be considered,” like more population control and increased tribal hunting. Ranchers in Wyoming and Montana, including tribal members who raise cattle, often cite the disease brucellosis as a reason to keep buffalo and cattle strictly away from each other. The management plan for buffalo says that there has not been a recorded case of bison-tocattle transmission.

Wyoming has a history of contesting tribal hunting rights. In the 2019 Supreme Court case Herrera v. Wyoming, the court ruled in favor of treaty-protected hunting rights within the state. But how this history will intersect with buffalo’s classification as wildlife remains to be seen.

On the Wind River Reservation, the tribes have control of wildlife management and hunting regulations. The choice to designate buffalo as wildlife is a matter of tribal sovereignty, tribes making decisions on their homelands.

For Baldes, he wants to eventually hunt buffalo like someone would any other wildlife. He’s in the process of buying property to allow buffalo to roam like they did before western expansion. He doesn’t like when people call the Wind River Buffalo Initiative a “ranch,” because it has too much of an association with cows and cattle — and he says buffalo should be treated like they were before settler contact.

“Bringing the buffalo back is about our relationship with them, not domination over them,” Baldes said.

Big Wind Singers