We scheduled the May feeder sale on a Wednesday instead of Friday not anticipating close to 3000 head. This record high market keeps pulling cattle out of the woods. Market was a little softer this month overall as California buyers are getting closer to shipping season and there’s plenty of cattle selling in their backyard. Also the quality of cattle in this sale was off somewhat compared to the kind we’ve had over the last 6 months.
Next feeder sale is Wednesday June 18th. Surely numbers will start to slow down now.
Good times ahead in the cattle business. We got some serious issues to fix but we are on the right track. Get involved, get active. Question everything your being told by the elites of the cattle industry. Most of them are watching out for themselves and their special interest buddies. Remember they are the ones that got us where we are today. The go along-get along mentality is hollowing out Rural America. We must do something to reverse the trend. Until next time!
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Father's day, mid-year month and SUMMER!
June is always one of my favorite months. No more school, everything is green, many weekend activities and lots of fresh fruit.
Over past few months our ranching/ cowboying community has lost many influential and very loved individuals. My heart sends peace and healing to their families. No matter the situation
losing a loved one is always hard.
Happy Father's Day to the men in your lives. My father has always been one of the greatest supporters and now a wonderful grandfather. I hope 2025 has treated you well so far.
Please enjoy this edition. -Ashley
Steak - pg. 24
Photo of NV Rancher Magazine's Staff Writer and receipient of the 2025 Beef Advocate of the year award, Jennifer Beirtoh Whiteley
Remembering Our Loved Ones
Ronald Lee Chesser
Decenber 4, 1946 22, 1944 - May 17, 2025
On May 17th, 2025, an amazing husband, dad, and Papa passed away at his home at the age of 78. Ronald Lee Chesser was born on December 4th, 1946 to Raymond and Betty Chesser in Winnemucca, NV. He met his future wife Joan Howard, who at the time was 3 months old when their dads co-owned one of the service stations on Main St. He was raised in Winnemucca and attended the Grammar School, and Humboldt County High School, graduating in 1964. During his high school years, you would find him working at the Shell Station owned by his dad on Winnemucca Blvd. He attended UNR and worked for Sierra Pacific Power in Reno until he was drafted into the US Army in 1966. From 1966 to 1968 he served proudly in the US Army stationed in Germany, then Vietnam.
He returned home in January 1968, and married the love of his life, Joan Howard
Lile Filbin
September 22, 1944 - March 31, 2025
Born in Santa Ana, California on September 22, 1944. Lile grew up in Laguna Beach, California. After graduating high
in May 1968. Ron & Joan moved to Reno while he was working for Sierra Pacific Power for about a year, then returned home to Winnemucca to continue working for his dad at the Shell Station. They then, proudly welcomed their daughter Carrie Rae in June 1969. Ronnie worked for Tallman Lumber for several years, followed by the Insurance business as a Farm Bureau agent, then an agent for Insurance Management Services. From Insurance, he transitioned to the Mining Industry working for a couple different mines in the area, retiring from Newmont in 2009.
Ronnie was active with the Winnemucca Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter for several years. City League basketball was a favorite, as was coaching for the Kiwanis boxing events. He was very active, and very present with his daughter’s events as well… whether it was little league basketball or a dance recital, he was there supporting Carrie. Ronnie loved to hunt and fish, and sometimes, he would even take his fishing pole out of the pickup while on a fishing trip with his buddies.
school, she attended college at Cal Poly Tech in San Luis Obispo, California. While attending Cal Poly, she met her husband of 60 years, Tom Filbin. Lile passed away in Flatonia, Texas on March 31, 2025.
Lile and Tom had six children. Theresa (Jerry) LeRoy, Molly Filbin, Katie Temby, Stacy (Thomas) Voges, Jacque (Larry) Snyder and Pat (Mary) Filbin. She was also blessed with fourteen grandchildren and twelve greatgrandchildren.
Lile’s surviving siblings are Curt Harmer, Cam Wood, Carl Klass and Naliko Stewart.
You could also find Ron helping many ranchers in the area whether it was riding & gathering, or branding…..he was there smack dab in the middle of it.
In later years, the grandkids were a huge focus in his life. Josh, Daniel, and Jake were always at the top of his priority list. He was there for them at all their events and loved to cheer them on, most of the time very loudly. Hunting, Fishing, Rodeoing, and life in general was always better with Papa there. He is preceded in death by his beloved grandmother Sybil Iturri, his father Raymond Chesser, his brother David Chesser, and his grandson Jacob “Jakey” Eary. He is survived by his Wife of 57 years Joan Howard Chesser, Daughter and Son-inlaw Carrie & Jess Eary, Grandsons Josh Mansanares (Misty & Waylon), and Daniel (Ashlyn) Eary, and Cousin Joann Moffat. He is also survived by seven (7) Godchildren – Scott, Kyle, and Jana (Schellin), Damon (Booth), Noel (Bidart), Christopher and Chad (McKinnon).
Lile and Tom moved to Nevada in 1981 with five of their children and ran the IL sheep ranch for about 20 years in Pumpernickel Valley. It was nothing to find her moving a sheep camp, or on a horse herding sheep. During lambing it was not unusual to find Lile, in the lambing barn feeding bum lambs or assisting ewes lambing. Shearing was a busy time as well, she was a great cook, and always had a hot meal for everyone.
After leaving Pumpernickel Valley they ranched in Golconda, Yerington and Eureka. She was a very crucial part of the ranching
Ronnie didn’t wish to have a Service, but a Gathering was held Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 in Winnemucca, NV at the East Hall of the Convention Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Ron’s/Papa’s favorite “charity” in his memory – the Jake Eary Memorial Fund (PO Box 8358 Spring Creek, NV 89815 -or- c/o 4590 Aurora Ave. Winnemucca, NV 89445). Our Youth is our future, and Ron was always actively involved with his favorite Youth….. Carrie, Josh, Daniel, & Jake.
Rest easy Papa, we will miss you always.
operation and continued for over forty years, lending a hand wherever necessary.
She had a passion for raising and training Border Collies, Great Pyrenees for guarding the sheep, horses, painting and gardening.
A celebration of life will be announced at a future date. For more information contact Tom Filbin at, 144 Greasy Bend Rd. Smithville, TX 78957 or (775) 221-3206.
The family would like to thank Flatonia Healthcare Center (Texas) and Crown Hospice (Texas) for their support and care for Lile in her final days.
Your Farm’s Next Generation: How and When to Involve Your Children
Planting season is coming to a close on the farm and a new crop of graduates is being harvested at the local high school.
For some, college was decided long ago but for others they may be planning to stick around the farm and help out the family. While that might seem like a good idea given the current farm economy, you might want to give that plan a little more thought.
The tender age of eighteen is too young to know what you really want to do with your life, and although college isn’t for everyone, most young adults need the additional time to grow up and decide what they want to do. Education after high school doesn’t necessarily mean college, trade schools are just as valuable and are in high demand.
Some of the most successful farm families I know have a family rule that their children cannot join the family farm after high school. They must first attend college and then get a job for a minimum of 2 to 4 years, before they are allowed to join the family farm. This allows them to grow up off the farm, learn how to support themselves without the farm carrying them. It also gives them a good opportunity to learn something of value that they can bring back to the farm.
Bringing your children into the family farm can be even more difficult if you are partners with other family members who have children who want to join the farm as well. How do you decide to gets to join?
I’ve seen some partnerships dissolve at this point because they couldn’t agree on how to bring in the next generation. The partnerships dissolved and formed new partnerships with their children. Its’ good to discuss adding additional family members early in the partnership and make it part of the agreement so there are no surprises when kids graduate from school.
"Bringing the next generation onto the farm works well when it’s done right, but everyone needs to understand upfront that you are operating a business and like any business you need the best person for the job."
Be sure that you match the person’s talent to the skill set needed for the
job, and don’t just fill a tractor seat. I read an article recently where one family actually interviews family members wanting to join the farm. The interviews are conducted by senior members of the operation in “what if” scenarios. This concept seems a bit extreme, but it is a good way to let your kids know that joining the family farm isn’t a cake walk and they will be expected to make tough decisions that could make or break the farm.
My husband and I raised two sons, who were quite different from one another. Our oldest son enjoyed literature, history, computers, marketing and business concepts. Our youngest son was bored to death in the classroom and couldn’t wait to get his hands on something. There are jobs for both of my sons on a farm, but they are not interchangeable.
For the sake of your family and your business, take the time to make sure everyone is making the right decision for the future.
By:
Kathy Daily is the Managing Director of First Financial Bank’s Farm and Ranch Division. Mrs. Daily has been an agricultural lender for over 25 years.
Nevada horse owners urged to update vaccinations before mosquito season
The NDA monitors for West Nile Virus to safeguard horse and human health
The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is reminding horse owners to vaccinate their animals against West Nile Virus (WNV) as mosquito populations increase with the warm weather. This mosquito-borne disease can severely impact a horse’s brain, spinal cord and nervous system. The disease is also a transmittable to humans.
“While clinical signs of WNV may not appear until late summer or fall, now is the time to vaccinate,” advises NDA State Veterinarian Peter Rolfe, DVM. He recommends working with a veterinarian to develop an effective prevention plan that includes timely vaccinations and mosquito control measures.
“We actively monitor mosquito populations statewide for diseases like WNV,” said NDA Animal Disease Laboratory Supervisor Laura Morrow. “The NDA Animal Disease Laboratory provides crucial data to public health agencies and protects Nevada’s agricultural community.”
Currently, WNV and Equine Encephalitis have not been detected in Nevada this year. WNV and Equine Encephalitis are reportable diseases in Nevada, meaning detections must be reported to the NDA. Suspected or confirmed cases of WNV should be reported to the NDA Animal Disease Lab at 775-353-3709 or diseasereporting@agri.nv.gov. Take action now to help protect your horses and public health.
“Simple steps like minimizing stagnant water around barns and homes, and using effective deterrents can significantly reduce mosquito populations,” said Dr. Rolfe. The NDA recommends eliminating mosquito-breeding sites including standing water, using insect repellents, and vaccinating horses against WNV and Equine Encephalitis.
Nevada Cattlemen's Association June Round - Up
All Good Things?
I’ve had a little writers block trying to write the article for this month. Usually, there is some hot topic or a random idea in passing that will inspire me to write—an issue in the industry that needs some attention. It has taken me a little pondering to figure out just what was stalling me out.
It’s typical of our industry to always be on the lookout for the next conflict, the next issue that we have to deal with, and they are almost never positive. The
Happy June.
list of challenges to overcome in this business is staggering. One doesn’t usually have to look very hard to find something to worry about. I could start down the list of things in the past that keep Sam Mori awake at 2:30 AM, but right now it looks like, in my opinion, for a change, we might just have all good things.
• Agency grazing reformLooks like it might be good.
• Cattle prices - Great, and climbing
• Range conditions - Awesome so far.
I hope everyone is having a good start to summertime in Nevada. There has been quite a whirlwind of things going on in the past several months. The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association (NCA) had another successful Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. hosted by the Public Lands Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. We heard from agency leadership at the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, committee staff, and various lawmakers. We also had great meetings with Nevada’s Congressional delegation on several important topics affecting producers in Nevada. The NCA contingency covered everything from wolves, tax provisions, wild horses, and water rights, to widespread public lands sales. Each year this trip is critical in connecting decision makers with the folks that are impacted either positively or negatively
USDA to Provide $1 Billion to Livestock Producers Impacted by Drought or Wildfire in 2023 and 2024
Assistance for Flood-Impacted Producers Coming Summer 2025
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced the release of Congressionally mandated Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments to cover grazing losses due to eligible drought or wildfire events in 2023 and/or 2024. Secretary Rollins committed
by the decisions they make.
• Political leadership - As good as could be expected.
• Beef demand - Highest ever.
• EID tags - Hopefully we’re through the hiccups somewhat.
• Government agencies reforming policies - (ESA, EAJA,WHBA, etc....) Looks like there’s opportunity.
• People understanding where their food comes from - As per my last article, this one needs work.
• Young people becoming involved in NCA - Needs work also, but it always will!
I personally have a positive
To dive a little deeper into a few of the issues NCA covered; the House Natural Resources Committee recently passed H.R. 845, The Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025. The bill would effectively remove the grey wolf from any protection under the Endangered Species Act, leaving management responsibilities to the states. I’m sure you all have recently seen the destruction wolves are causing livestock operations in northern California and other neighboring states. As you would suspect, these wolves are big fans of beef, with recent studies out of the University of California, Davis finding that 72% of wolf scat samples tested during 2022 and 2023 contain cattle DNA. The study also showed that one wolf can cause between $69,000 and $162,000 in direct and indirect losses from lower pregnancy rates in cows and decreased weight gain in calves. Bottom line, wolves cannot coexist with livestock operations. When I graduated from college in California in 2014, there
on May 7 to release these emergency payments by May 30, and today she is delivering on that commitment ahead of schedule.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is leveraging existing Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) data to streamline payment calculations and expedite relief. Emergency relief payments are automatically issued for producers who have an approved LFP application on file for 2023 and/or 2024, and do not have to contact USDA to receive payments.
“The Department of Agriculture is stepping up to support livestock producers by expediting disaster payments when drought and wildfires strike. Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA has
outlook on the state of the industry right now. In life, sometimes it’s important to sit back and look at just how blessed we are right now! I called Sam at 4:30 the other morning and he was just getting out of bed, so you know things are good if Sam can sleep in like that :). I hope when you read this article you can put a few worries away and feel like, for now, it’s All Good Things.
Till next time.
Hanes Holman, NCA President
was only one wolf roaming between the border of California and Oregon. A little over a decade later there are upwards of 70. Thankfully wolves do not reproduce at the rate of wild horses, but that’s a staggering jump that points to a possible sustained population coming our way. NCA is working hard with our Congressional delegation to ensure we can get H.R. 845 across the finish line.
The other looming issue that NCA is beating the drum on is tax policy. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 provided significant tax relief for cattle producers by extending federal estate tax relief and protecting certain tools such as like-kind exchanges, 2032A special use valuation and the qualified business income deduction. However, some of these provisions are set to expire at the end of this year and without action, place family farms and ranches in a terrible situation. While the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act currently provides some relief from the estate/death tax, those that are subject to it are slapped with a 40% tax at
the backs of ranchers, and that’s why we are delivering much-needed emergency relief ahead of schedule,” said Secretary Rollins.
The American Relief Act, 2025, provided funds for emergency relief payments. This program is the first of two programs authorized to assist with eligible losses suffered by livestock producers. FSA will announce additional ELRP assistance for other losses authorized by the Act, including flooding, later this summer. FSA expects demand for this first program to be great so the ELRP payments will be factored at 35%. If additional funds remain, FSA may issue a second payment.
Supplemental Disaster Assistance Timeline:
the time of inheritance forcing families to take out loans or sell part of the ranch and/ or cattle to pay the tax. At a time when our industry and others that produce food are reducing in numbers, we need some commonsense tax policy that keeps farms and ranches in production and helps the next generation get their foot in the door. NCA will keep their foot on the gas to ensure these policies see the light of day.
Leaving Washington DC, there was no doubt in my mind that the usual way the federal government conducts business is coming to an end. The view of many is that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make some changes across the board, many that have been long past due. As the currently vacant agency deputy secretary and director positions continue to be filled, I expect the spirit of change to continue to grow. There is without a doubt a lot of work to do in this inevitable change, but NCA and our partners are excited for the opportunity to help right some wrongs.
USDA is fully committed to expediting remaining disaster assistance provided by the American Relief Act, 2025. On May 7, we launched our 2023/2024 Supplemental Disaster Assistance public landing page where the status of USDA disaster assistance and block grant rollout timeline can be tracked. The page is updated regularly and accessible through fsa.usda.gov.
The Act also authorized $10 billion in economic loss assistance to producers of covered commodities based on 2024 planted and prevented planted acres. To date, USDA has delivered more than $7.7 billion to producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP). The ECAP deadline is Aug. 15, 2025. Contact your local FSA county office for information.
Prevent Heat Stress in Hard-Working Ranch Horses
Written By: Heather Smith Thomas
High summer temperatures can present problems for working horses. Temperatures above 80 degrees increase risk for heat stress or heat stroke if relative humidity gets above 50%, with no breeze. Under these conditions, a horse has difficulty cooling himself, since sweat does not evaporate. One advantage in a dry climate and low humidity is that horses can usually cool themselves by sweating, unless they become dehydrated by having to sweat too much, too long.
Heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are all terms that refer to dangerous conditions that may occur when horses are working hard in hot weather, and most likely to be life threatening when a horse is exerting (creating more body heat) or hauled in an enclosed trailer with inadequate ventilation.
Elizabeth (Liz) Boos, DVM, (formerly at Belle Fourche Veterinary Clinic, Belle Fourche, SD and now an Associate Veterinarian at the Animal Medical Center in Gillette, Wyoming says most of her experience with heat stress in horses comes from her experience vetting some endurance rides--horses travelling 50 to 100 miles in a day. “Depending on the weather, this can be quite stressful. I also see a few rodeo horses (competition horses like barrel racing, roping, etc.) that suffer heat stress. Horses that travel may be going to different areas
and climates and this can be hard to adjust to in terms of elevation, heat and humidity. The change in environment can be difficult for them to manage. It’s mainly the difference in humidity and elevation that causes problems,” she explains.
“Horses that go from drier climates, like here in the West, to High School Rodeo finals in Ohio in the summer, for instance, tend to become dehydrated because it’s humid (and they are sweating more) and they don’t always want to drink. The important thing is to try to keep hard-working horses as hydrated as possible. Judicious use of electrolytes can also help,” she says. A horse that is sweating a lot will lose important electrolytes as well as fluid, and these minerals (sodium, potassium, etc.) need to be replaced.
There are many electrolyte products on the market but not very many of them have any scientific information behind them. “There are some electrolyte pastes that I know horsemen have had good luck with, but I caution people to not use electrolytes if their horse isn’t drinking,” says Boos.
The horse needs fluid to balance those salts or the body will pull fluid from the gut, which makes dehydration worse—which eventually causes malfunction of the intestines, which can lead to colic. “A person needs to
be cautions and use common sense. I recommend using a little salt or electrolytes at home (before the traveling and competition) and adding it to their grain, and make sure the horses are well hydrated before they even get in the trailer,” she says.
A horse’s GI system will hold a lot of water. Forage in the gut acts as a big sponge and holds fluid. “For instance, with impaction colic—which can happen any time a horse is not drinking much, such as in winter when water sources are frozen or there’s a short in the water tank heater and they don’t drink—it may take 4 or 5 days of not drinking for a horse to become impacted, because the gut normally has a lot of reserve fluid,” explains Boos.
“So if you can load the horse up with water (make sure he drinks) before you le ave to go somewhere, this is helpful. Another thing that works for horses that don’t like to drink strange water on a trip or at the show grounds is if you teach the h orse to like a certain flavor of Gatorade or Jello and add it to the water at home. Then when you add it to their water on the trip it can disguise the strange taste. Also, some of the ingredients in the gelatin are good for helping the GI tract keep working like it’s supposed to,” she says.
Some people also take along a bale of alfalfa hay so they can add a flake of alfalfa to each feeding. “The alfalfa, especially if a horse is not accustomed to eating it all the time, seems to encourage drinking and helps maintain a better electrolyte profile than when the horse is on grass hay.” There are a few more minerals in the alfalfa. It’s also helpful to travel at night during hot weather, when it’s cooler. If you stop along the way on a hot day, remember that it can get really hot in the trailer. Good ventilation in a traile r is crucial. “You don’t want to already have a hot, stressed horse when you arrive at your destination, just bef ore you compete in your event. The new trailers today are more enclosed and there’s often not enough air circulation,” she says. With heat stress, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the old saying goes. “If you can get your horse better prepared for a stressful event you can avoid some major problems and avoid a veterinary visit,” says Boos. Out on the ranch or range working all day gathering cattle, moving cattle etc. it’s important to let horses drink at every opportunity so they don’t get dehydrated. “Growing up, we always heard the old cowboys tell us to not let your horse eat or drink while working because it teaches them bad habits or that a hot horse might founder if you let him drink cold water. But the horse needs to eat and drink if he’s working hard all day. My own horsemanship wisdom and skills increased after working with endurance riders and seeing how well those horses do,” she says. Endurance horses are probably worked harder and longer in hot weather than any other horses yet they can do fine if they are allowed to keep drinking and eating along the trail.
“We can all learn some things from those riders. Not that endurance horses never have any problems, but considering the work they are doing and the distance—in potentially extreme conditions like the 100-mile Tevis Cup race and some of the other tough rides—we can learn about how a fit horse’s physiology can tolerate and handle things differently than what we might think,” says Boos.
Those horses are always allowed to drink all the water they want, whenever they come to a stream, pond, water trough etc. and also allowed
Photo By: Jennifer Whiteley- Trent Whiteley Airs out his horse's back by uncinching and lifting up the sadddle and blanekt/pad.
to grab a bite of grass at any opportunity. Even if you are gathering cattle all day, when you have a few moments to let a horse rest, allow him to eat a little grass.
Dr. Mike Foss, (Alpine Veterinary Hospital, Hood River, Oregon) says horses are most apt to become dehydrated in hot humid weather. In a dry climate, sweat evaporates almost as soon as it is produced, reducing body temperature. If air is humid, evaporation is hindered. Sweat may cover the body and run off in streams or turn into lather as the horse’s fluid supply decreases. Without evaporation, the body won’t cool, and signals for more sweating. Sweat production increases, but doe s little good; the horse stays wet but does not become cooler. If he continues to exert, or must swe at continually to cool himself on a hot day and cannot drink enough to replace the loss, he quickly dehydrates and overheats. The same amount of exertion in cool weather may not cause serious dehydration or heat stroke, but becomes a danger in the hotter, more humid days of summer.
HOW TO TELL IF A HORSE IS DEHYDRATED
Working/sorting cattle all day, riding range to check fences, gathering and moving cattle, etc. can take a toll in hot weather, especially if a horse is not in shape. Sometimes what you think will be an easy ride for a soft horse turns out to be longer or harder than you planned—if you discover cows in the wrong pasture and end up gathering, sorting and movi ng cows all day. Foss says riders should pay close attention to the horse. If you know you’ll be out there working all day, pace your horse through the day so you don’t use him up too much in the beginning. Make sure he drinks enough to replenish what is lost through sweat. “Give him a chance to drink at every opportunity. The old idea that you shouldn’t let a hot horse drink is not valid,” says Foss. Unless the water is very cold and the hot horse will be just standing around after drinking, let him drink. “Make sure he has access to salt in his pen or pasture, so he’s never short on salt. He’ll lose a lot of salt though sweating. On a hard ride he may sweat as much as an endurance horse—maybe even more, if he’s not in top shape. Also, most cow horses are more muscular than the typical endura nce horse, with more body mass. Those heavy muscles create more body heat than lean muscles during exertio n, and the horse’s body has to get rid of more heat,” explains Foss.
Horses, in contrast to cattle, are very efficient sweaters and quickly pull fluid from the bloodstream to put onto the skin through the sweat glands, to evaporate and help cool the horse. The sweat glands are already primed--all the time--with electrolytes, proteins and lipids, and all they have to do is draw water from the blood. It doesn’t take long for sweat glands to recover and be prepared to produce more sweat. Horses that work hard in hot weather, if they are fit and in good condition, don’t lose as much fluid and electrolytes as an unconditioned, fat horse. Fit horses can keep going for miles and keep themselves within a normal range of body temperature.
“While you are riding in the heat, you just have to pay attention. If the horse starts puffing and has trouble catching his breath, let him slow down or stop and rest, and cool off,” says Foss. Otherwise you risk heat exhaustion.
Fluid and electrolyte loss may lead to fatigue, muscle spasms and cramps, thumps (spasm of the diaphragm muscle, triggered by a decrease in calcium and potassium), dehydration, or heat stroke. Dehydration from sweating can interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself. A dehydrated horse develops several obvious symptoms. The horse’s temperature rises because the body is no longer able to sweat enough to cool itself. Skin becomes less elastic due to fluid loss from underlying tissues. The skin pinch test can help you estimate how dehydrated the horse is—how much fluid and body weight he’s lost.
“If the horse has been sweating he’s been robbing fluid from the blood to do it,” says Foss. There’s also less fluid in skin tissues. If the horse is dehydrated, a pinch of skin pulled out from the neck or shoulder does not spring right back into place, but stays pinched up for several seconds.
“If it takes 2 or 3 seconds for the skin to sink back into place, the horse is mildly dehydrated. He’s lost at least 6% to 7% of his body weight. Assuming the horse weighs 1000 pounds (and many ranch horses weigh more) this means he’s lost 60 to 70 pounds of fluid (about 7 to 9 gallons),” says Foss.
“If the pinch of skin stays elevated for 6 to 10 seconds or longer, the horse is severely dehydrated. He’s probably lost 10% of his body weight, which means 100 pounds (or more) of fluid (12-plus gallons). This horse needs immediate veterinary help.”
Mucous membranes in the mouth become dry and discolored, turning brick red instead of pink. Heart rate increases as the body tries to pump more blood to the surface for cooling, but has less body fluid to do it with. The horse’s eyes seem sunk back into the head; eyelids and tissues around the eyes appear wrinkled, due to loss of fluid. Sweating is diminished, and what little sweat the horse produces is often thick, sticky, and short on fluid. Other symptoms of dehydration are dry mucous membranes and poor capillary refill time. If you press your finger into the horse’s gum, the blood does not rush right back afterward; when you remove your finger, that spot stays white and pale a few seconds.
COOLING THE HORSE
The fastest way to cool an overheated horse is with cool/ cold water, applying it over the body, especially on areas where blood is near the skin surface (neck, chest, belly, legs). “You can’t just put the cold water on; you also have to scrape it back off because it heats up immediately, creating a layer of insulation that slows the cooling process. It works best to put it on, scrape it off (it’s immediately become warm) and put on more. You scrape it off, taking the heat with it,” says Foss.
HEAT STROKE
“Signs of heat stroke may begin as stumbling, unexpected fatigue, and increased respiratory rate. The horse may become restless, anxious, then show erratic or irrational behavior, depression or excitability, disorientation, rapid pulse and r espiration rate. With mild heat stress, respiration may be as high as 40, a nd pulse 60. With severe heat stress, respiration may be above 60 and pulse above 80, at rest. Some horses have muscle tremors,” Foss says.
Rectal temperature may reach 106 to 110 degrees. At first the horse is drenched with sweat, but in severe cases the sweating stops; the horse has run out of water. Hot, dry skin is a clue to impending heat stroke. The horse won’t eat. He may be oblivious to his surroundings, and has difficulty moving. If he’s being hauled, he may go down in the trailer.
If left untreated, the heat-stressed horse may collapse, go into convulsions or coma, and die in a few hours. If he’s being ridden, he suddenly refuses to continue. “Treatment for heat stroke includes cooling the horse as quickly as possible, and IV fluids to reverse the severe dehydration,” says Foss.
In most instances heat stress can be prevented by proper conditioning (gradually getting the horse in shape with shorter and easier rides at first), paying attention to the horse's vita l signs and sweating, and avoiding situations that might trigger heat stress. Fat horses and heavily muscled hor ses that don’t dissipate heat well should be watched closely in hot, humid weather.
Photo By: Heather Thomas. Checking the apillary refill
The Class of 2025 Congratulations Seniors!
Where has the time gone? The staff here at the Nevada Rancher Magazine, finally have kids old enough to be graduating from high school and are feeling our age! It seems like just yesterday all of these kids were just babies, and are pretty sure they aren’t really old enough to be graduating from High School. We can’t imagine what their parents must
be feeling but are sure they are just as proud of each of these kids as we are of ours and can’t wait to see what the future holds for each of them!
Ashley and Jennifer would like to congratulate each and every one of you and offer our best wishes to you for a bright and wonderful future! Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Photo 1: Allyta Jean Ross, daughter of John and Kaaren Ross will graduate from Elko High School. She plans to attend MSU Bozeman this fall to study Nursing.
Photo 2: Baylee Murnion, daughter of Marsha and Shane Santistevan and BJ Murnion will graduate from Spring Creek High School and plans to attend the College of Southern Idaho to study Radiologic Sciences. She plans to transfer to Boise State to complete her degree in Radiology.
Photo 3: Audrey Wright, the daughter of John and Susan Wright will graduate from Spring Creek High School. Audrey plans to college rodeo and pursue a Vet Tech degree.
Photo 4: Carson Miller, the son of Robert and Kimberly Miller will graduate from Spring Creek High School. Carson plans to attend Idaho State University on a full ride scholarship to study Business Management and Marketing.
Photo 5: Cecilia Woodworth, graduating from Lakeview Senior High School, plans to attend Frank Phillips College on a full ride rodeo scholarship to study Animal Nutrition.
Photo 6:: Corbi Dawn Brown, the daughter of Shawn and Terrilynn Brown will graduate from Eureka High School. She plans to attend Utah State University to study Rangeland Ecology.
7: Danielle Scott, daughter of Greg and Lisa Scott will graduate from Lowry High School. Danielle plans to attend Utah Tech University to become a Surgical Nurse, followed by a Nurse Practitioner.
Photo 8: Trent Whiteley, the son of Travis and Jennifer Whiteley will graduate from Spring Creek High School. Trent plans to attend Great Basin College and pursuing a degree in Welding.
Photo 9: Dusty Clark, the daughter of TJ and Amber Clark graduated from Acellus Academy. In the fall she will be attending the Academy of Equine Dentistry and working online with Penn and Foster to acquire her Vet Tech certification.
Photo 10: Graham Sloan, the son of Jacque Sloan will graduate from Spring Creek High School. He will attend South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and study Electrical Engineering.
Photo 11: Jack Wines, the son of Jake Wines and Susan Tomera will graduate from Carlin Combined School. He plans to attend Washington State University in Pullman to study Nursing.
Photo
Photo 12: Natalie Mori is the daughter of Matt and Leah Mori and the sister of Isaac and Wade. She is currently a senior at Lowry High School, where she has been actively involved in FFA, high school rodeo, and dance for the past four years. Natalie has qualified for the National High School Rodeo Finals for three consecutive years in the Reined Cow Horse and hopes to make a fourth appearance this season. After graduation, she plans to pursue a degree in business and marketing through online college courses while also working for a professional reined cow horse trainer.
Photo 13: Jazmine Mangum of Spring Creek will graduate from Northern Nevada Virtual Academy. After High School she plans to get her certification in Equine Massage and Cryotherapy for both humans and animals.
Photo 14: Jenni Barnes, the daughter of Chris and Ashley Barnes will graduate from Penn Foster Academy. She will pursue the Breeder’s Assistant Program to get certified in Equine Reproduction.
Photo 15 (Kilah Stouard): Kilah Stouard, the daughter of Casey and Kati Stouard will graduate from Penn Foster Academy. She plans to attend the Exposito School of Hair Design to get her Nail Tech Certification.
Photo 16: Lindsey Johns will be graduating from Elko High School. She plans to attend Great Basin College to pursue a degree in pediatric sonography.
Photo 17: Luci Dohl, the daughter of Jeremy and Rebekah Dohl is graduating from Elko High School. She plans to attend the Academy of Equine Dentistry and working at the PX Ranch.
Photo 18: Molly Whitaker, the daughter of Willy and Tennielle Whitaker will graduate this spring. “I’ve spent my entire life immersed in the ranching and rodeo community, a lifestyle that has deeply shaped who I am. Growing up surrounded by the traditions, challenges, and spirit of the western way of life has not only given me a strong work ethic but also a passion for storytelling.
I'm excited to pursue a career in journalism and sports broadcasting with an emphasis on the western lifestyle this coming fall.”
Photo 19: Norman House, the son of Matt and Seanne House will graduate from Spring Creek High School. He plans to attend Arizona State University-Tempe in the fall to study Architecture.
Photo 20: Oliver Buchanan, the son of Beau and Rose Buchanan will graduate from Abeka Academy. He plans to attend WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming in the fall to study Advanced Diesel Technology.
Photo 21:Thomas Pfeifer, the son of Darren and Kelly Pfeifer will graduate from Spring Creek High School. He has joined the Army and will be leaving for Boot Camp in August.
Photo 22:Tyler Miller will graduate from Pershing County High School with honors. He will be attending the College of Southern Idaho in the fall where he will be studying Agribusiness.
23:
and Janell
the
will
of
from Spring Creek High School. He plans to attend East Texas A&M University in the fall to rodeo in the calf roping and team roping events while pursuing a degree in Structural Engineering.
Photo 24: Hunter Fry, the son of Jeremy Fry and Chassy Scott will graduate from Pahranagat Valley High School. He is heading to a welding program in Las Vegas in the fall.
Photo 25: Tommy Jack Rose will be graduating from Crane Union High School. He will attend Treasure Valley
the son of Alvaro
and Shammy Ro
will graduate from Elko High School. Willis plans to go to Horse Shoeing School in Oklahoma this summer.
Photo 27: Kaden Chambers, the son of Chad and Ambur Chambers will graduate from Lovelock High School. He plans to go straight to work.
Photo
Emett Silva,
son
Shawn
Silva
graduate
Community College where he will focus on Welding and Ag including Ranch Management while continuing his rodeo career.
Photo 26: Willis Rodriguez,
“Cowboy”
driguez
Photo 28: Bailey Elordi, the daughter of David and Monica Elordi. She will graduate from Lowry in Winnemucca. After graduation Bailey plans to further her education getting certified as an A.I Tech.
Photo 29: Nate Thompson, the son of TJ and Lacey Thompson will graduate from Lowry in Winnemucca. He plans to stay on the ranch in Kings River, NV to cowboy, start colts and learn welding/ mechanic work.
Photo 30: Madison Duarte daughter of Eric and Nikki Duarte will graduate form Lakeview High School.
Photo 31: Fallon McNeill daughter of Justin and Callie McNeill will graduate from Lowry in Winnemucca. She plans to start work and later on further her education.
Photos 32: (L-R) The McDermitt Combined School's Senior Class- Riata Palmer, Leloni Tobey, and Vina Tom.
Photo 33: Kolby Hoagland, son of Brandon and Janelle Hoagland, from Winnemucca, NV
Ranching Scrapbook BRANDING SEASON
By Jennifer Whiteley
The Nevada Rancher Magazine
Somewhere in the Great Basin—We’ve waited all year for this! We’ve slogged through the snow and mud, spent hours night calving, just to keep them alive, all for this! The time spent with family admiring a calf crop, vaccinating, and putting your brand on them is time well spent. There is a lot of satisfaction in being physically tired after a day branding your own calves. Also, a huge weight off your shoulders!
We drove to Castleford, Idaho this spring to help our daughter and son-inlaw brand their calves. I called my dad to ask/tell him I was taking his horse. He asked me if they had very many calves to do. I told him I wasn’t sure, but it didn’t really matter whether they had 20 or 200, we would go either way. We just wouldn’t all be taking horses if it was only 20!
Cowboys sort cows from calves at the John Sustacha ranch in Lamoille.
Clarrisa and Layne Lopez with Ashley and Truu Buckingham in Paradise Valley, NV
WHITELEY
WHITELEY
WHITELEY
Kaitlin Kunkel shakes out a loop.
WHITELEY
QT Whiteley vaccinates a calf while his brother-in-law Kendall Kunkel sets the ropes.
Travis Whiteley sorts cows from calves at the John Sustacha ranch in Lamoille.
Cole Chambers with son, Truu, riding Lil Wayne an Owyhee mustang.
Zeke Benevides has his knife ready to cut a calf at the John Sustacha ranch in Lamoille.
Garrett Guinn takes a calf to the fire as Kaitlin Kunkel comes in to heel it. WHITELEY
The Benevides boys wrassle calves at the John Sustacha ranch in Lamoille.
John and Jhona Bell in Paradise Valley, NV. The Dream Team!
TRUST, TASTE AND TRENDS
Nevada Beef Council, Courtesy of Beef.
UNPACKING CONSUMER PREFERENCES AND BUYING BEHAVIORS
Research is a cornerstone of the Beef Checkoff program, helping drive demand and build trust in beef. A successful beef industry is dependent on the decisions consumers make in the grocery store — that’s why it’s imperative that the Beef Checkoff understands consumers’ evolving preferences, perceptions and purchasing behaviors.
Once the Beef Checkoff under-
stands the ever-evolving consumer audience and what drives their decisions, contractors can develop and activate more informed beef marketing efforts and campaigns.
TODAY’S BEEF CONSUMER
Executed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, the annual Checkoff-funded “Today’s Beef Consumer” report tracks consumer mindsets and trends, monitors issues and surveys the general landscape that has the potential to
impact the food industry. Here’s a breakdown of the newly released research and findings:
RAISED & GROWN RESEARCH
A majority of consumers (58%) rank beef above other proteins when considering their level of trust in the people who raise the animals. Of the individuals who are concerned about beef production (35%), the top priority is overall animal welfare.1
Seventy percent of consumers con-
sider how their food is raised and grown when choosing a meal with protein. However, only one-fourth of consumers are actively changing their shopping behaviors based on sustainability claims. 1,2 ACTIVATION
Knowing some consumers are concerned and make purchasing decisions based on how an animal is raised, Checkoff-funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. develops videos highlighting families, communities and professionals working in the beef industry and their commit-
ment to the land and cattle. Targeting consumers on YouTube, social media and streaming TV services, these videos are successfully helping build consumer trust in the beef industry. Before watching the videos, slightly more than 30% of consumers had a positive perception of how cattle are raised for food. These numbers more than doubled to more than 70% after watching the videos showcasing beef’s story and the people behind it.
CONVENIENCE, VERSATILITY AND PRICE RESEARCH
Most consumers spend less than 30 minutes preparing dinner on a weekday (60%) and over the weekend (54%). Beef is a convenient, versatile choice for a quick meal, as demonstrated by an uptick in beef consumption at home, with more than half of consumers eating ground beef as an ingredient (61%) or a hamburger patty (51%) and more than one third eating steak (38%) in the past week. 1, 3
• 37% of consumers are looking for deals and coupons
• 36% are eating out less
• 28% are finding more ways to use leftovers
• 27% are stocking up or freezing items more frequently More than half (52%) of all consumers report using recipes at least weekly. In particular, consumers look for budget-friendly (52%) and quick recipes (49%) with engaging imagery (60%)4.
ACTIVATION
Because consumers feel the pressures of inflation, they are looking for ways to save and be efficient with their grocery store trips. Recipe development by the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. culinary team showcases how consumers can prepare less expensive cuts of beef and how to do more with leftovers. Also, recipes are highlighted in categories such as “one-dish meals” and “30 minutes or less” to inspire convenient and accessible beef meals for all ages. Checkoff-funded content creator and influencer partnerships also showcase lowcost, simple beef recipes that are easy to make at home.
PRICE RESEARCH
In 2024, the cost of eating out was more than four times higher than the cost of a meal at home. As more than one-third (35%) choose to cook at home more often, consumers are continuing to choose beef, as demonstrated by a 3.8% increase in pounds sold and a 9.3% increase in total sales value for retail beef compared to one year ago.1,8,9
As inflationary pressures continue, 13% of consumers say they plan to purchase more budget-friendly ground beef in the future. Ground beef represents 48% of beef sales in volume at the retail case, and pounds sold are up 3.5% compared to one year ago.1, 10
ACTIVATION
Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. highlights the many ways families can
utilize ground beef through engaging recipe collections that highlight comforting classics like chili or meatloaf to more innovative burger options. Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. also provides consumers with the best methods of cooking ground beef and a guide to understanding the different grinds. Videos with chef influencer partnerships cover “tips for cooking ground beef” and “prepping and cooking the perfect burger” and are delivered to consumers on YouTube and social media.
NUTRITION RESEARCH
Eighty-eight percent of consumers sometimes or always consider if food is high in protein when choosing a meal.1
A majority (52%) of consumers rank beef above other proteins when considering which is a “great source of protein.” In 2024, 20% of consumers who were following a diet opted for a high-protein version, and 38% of consumers are paying attention to food labels when choosing what to eat.1,5,6
ACTIVATION
The Beef Checkoff funds human nutrition research to provide science- backed data that demonstrates beef ‘s role in a healthy lifestyle for infants, toddlers, adolescents and adults. Human nutrition insights featured on Checkoff-funded BeefResearch.org, highlight beef’s protein content and the nine other essential nutrients it provides in informational resources for families of all ages.
Additionally, this research supports Checkoff-funded efforts to push beef’s nutritional benefits. Here are a just few ways this information is delivered to consumer and nutrition and health expert audiences:
• Partnerships with leading, credentialed nutrition influencers to reach consumers via social media and blog posts.
• Messaging in top-tier nutrition and health journals and e-blasts to provide health professionals with educational opportunities.
• In-office educational toolkits delivered to doctor’s offices across the nation.
• Interactive, educational-based events to engage nutrition and health experts (physicians, dietitians, and other health and wellness specialists) on understanding beef’s role in wellbeing.
EATING EXPERIENCE RESEARCH
• 86% of consumers indicate they always or often consider taste when choosing what protein to eat at home.
• On average, since 2019, 57% of consumers say beef outranks other proteins when it comes to taste.7
ACTIVATION
From mouthwatering recipe videos to engaging, recipe-centered social media content to partnerships with chefs and influencers to advertisements across digital platforms and streaming services, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. efforts position beef as the tastiest option.
JENNIFER BIEROTH WHITELEY
2025 Elko County Cattlewomen’s Beef Advocate of the year.
Written By: Becky Lisle and Janice Connelley Special to the Rancher
Elko, Nev.—This year the recipient of our Beef Advocate award was Jennifer Bieroth Whiteley. Jennifer was born in Elko and raised as part of the the 4th generation on the Bieroth Ranch near Mountain City, Nevada. Her great-grandparents, Hugh and Mabel, were among the first to bring Black Angus cattle to the region, and the family has carried that tradition into the 21st century. As Jennifer grew up breeding, raising, and showing cattle in 4-H, she developed a keen eye for quality as well as passions for beef production and agriculture advocacy. After high school, Jennifer earned a degree in Agriculture Education at Montanta State University and went on to teach at both the high school and college levels. After getting married, Jennifer worked alongside her husband, Travis, for Simplot Land & Livestock in southern Idaho before moving to Maggie Creek Ranch in Lamoille. Jennifer and Travis and their two sons, Trent and Quin, continue to help on the family ranch as much as possible.
Jennifer further broadened her involvement with agriculture through writing, first for The
Progressive Rancher and currently as a staff writer for The Nevada Rancher Magazine. She also advocates for beef and agriculture in general by sharing her family’s ranch life on social media, frequently with the hashtag #igrowyourfood.
Her favorite place to be is on the back of a good bridle horse among the cattle, snapping photos to help show the world what beef is all about.
Congratulations Jennifer!
I have known Jennifer since she was a baby and have found her to be a very positive person. She brings that positiveness to her writings, photographs, and even her recipes. Her articles always show the family and wholesomeness that is inherent in the ranching business. She showcases the best our industry has to offer
in a very readable and enjoyable way. She often falls back onto the things that she learned from her parents and grandparents as well as her siblings to demonstrate the good things that are happening in our industry today.
She is a real asset to the livestock community so please join me in celebrating the 2025 Beef Advocate of the year Jennifer Bieroth Whiteley. Congratulations!
Dairy and poultry exhibition bans lifted June 1
Although Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected across Nevada since last November, the most recent outbreak has plateaued, with no new detections in the state during the past two months. All northern Nevada premises have been cleared of quarantine. Given this current trend in Nevada concerning HPAI, the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is lifting the ban on Nevada poultry and dairy shows.
Effective June 1, 2025, the ban on all Nevada poultry (birds and eggs) and dairy cattle exhibitions at fairs and shows will be lifted. With the termination of the ban on Nevada poultry and dairy shows, the NDA stresses the importance of management to implement heightened biosecurity measures while hosting shows and exhibitions. The decision whether to host poultry and dairy shows will be left to the show management. The NDA would also like to remind all dairy and poultry producers to continue to maintain strict biosecurity practices on their farms and
premises to avoid contracting this devastating disease. HPAI can be easily transmitted from contaminated equipment, vehicles, shoes and clothing. It is also important to report any cases of increased mortality in poultry and clinical symptoms in dairy cattle promptly to your veterinarian and the NDA State Veterinarian’s office at diseasereporting@agri.nv.gov to ensure prompt testing can be completed to prevent additional spread.
It is important to remember although Nevada has seen a lessening of new cases recently, HPAI is still present in the U.S. and likely to persist for some time moving forward. Thank you for your cooperation with our continued efforts to control this disease within Nevada and helping to protect our animal industry.
Submitted By: Peter Rolfe, DVM
State Veterinarian:
Nevada Department of Agriculture
PATSY TOMERA
2025 Cattlewoman of the year.
Written By: Sabrina Reed Special to the Rancher
Elko, Nev.—Thank you, Elko County Cattlewomen for selecting my mother, Patsy Tomera as your 2025 Cattlewoman of the year. She attended her first Cattlewomen’s 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 imagined back then that 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 on 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.
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 its 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,
(Sabrina Reed) Tom and Patsy Tomera branding calves with the Gallagher family in Lamoille.
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 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!
Written by Sabrina Reed Award presented by Sariah Knight
(Elko County Cattlewomen’s): Patsy Tomera and her family with her award. L-R, Hugh Reed, Jack Wines, Jullian Reed (hidden), Ian Schwandt and his fiance, Todd Schwandt, and Wayne Anderson. Front row, Susan Tomera, Sabrina Reed, Patsy Tomera, and Samantha Anderson.
(Sabrina Reed): Patsy with her grand kids, L-R, Jullian Reed, Jack Wines, Hugh Reed, Sariah Knight presenting her plaque, Patsy Tomera, Ian Schwandt, and his fiancé.
(Sabrina Reed): Patsy roping at branding time.
(Sabrina Reed) Tom and Patsy Tomera branding calves with the Gallagher family in Lamoille.
THE DOG EARED PAGES OF LIFE
I am once again, thinking of my high school English class and Mrs. Harte. I am thinking of freewriting Friday. I wrote about it in a previous article. How I loved it because I dreamt on those pages, as my pen took me to my next adventure. I, like most fifteen year old girls, would dream about my future husband. Tall, dark and handsome was at the top of my list, following only by… .”he must be a cowboy!”
Guess what else I wrote about….. Kids, I’d have a passel of them. I came from a large family, “Jones party of seven, five of those are ruffians”, to which I was the youngest. It wasn’t unusual to have a family of seven in those days. Either way, the more the merrier. I also grew up with television shows such as the Walton’s, and movies such as, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”. Here’s the funny thing, I married a tall, dark, handsome cowboy, whose
the youngest of five boys. Go figure!
I would write about becoming a large animal vet. I didn’t become a veterinarian but I have gotten to ranch, doctor a few cows, calves, and horses. I suppose I should mention chickens, an orphaned cottontail, our then eight year old son, picked up on a feed run and I can’t forget the many ranch kitten abandoned by their hooligan mothers, and baby birds…that “accidently” fell from their nest. Whew, that was a lot! I’ve stayed up late and woke up early to check livestock in the pens, and have worked calves in the spring. I guess I can call that a small taste of vet life. However, being a ranch wife was just what God intended and I thank Him for that.
I’d write about my parents. Sometimes, quite frankly complaining and saying all the things I wish I could say to their face but knew better. My sixteen year old self was smart enough to keep it in that spiral
Ever y Second & Fourth Saturday @ 11am
notebook and I was too old for a spanking. I made up for my rants with all the good. The rained out fishing trip with my dad and hours of card games in the tiny camper trailer. My mom got a page and a half when I wrote about the time she let me play hooky from school, on my tenth birthday and took me to my favor pizza joint. Best birthday ever! I’d tell other people’s stories on Freewriting Fridays. I’d meet someone that made an impression on me and I’d record what I had observed. I also wanted to steal a few ideas for my future self, perhaps I would recall it, when I needed it most.
I remember our neighbors in Prescott. The sweetest elderly couple, with a great sense of humor. Some of our extended family was coming for a visit and our home was not big enough to accommodate them. The neighbors gladly offered a room to help out. The room was an addition, so it had an exterior door convenient for guest to come and go. My mom asked me to go next door to help prepare the room. I didn’t really know our neighbors, besides their last
names. I was sophomore in high school, wrapped up in my own life. When I went next door, the couple was already in the process of making the bed. I could hear them laughing and joking with one another as I walked up. The moment they saw me, they welcomed me inside, “good afternoon, Norma”. The room, already looked immaculate, I started to reach for the sheet, when the husband quickly caught his corner and jokingly jerked it from his wife’s hand. She laughed as though this was a common game they played and I instantly fell in love with them. I fell in love with their marriage, with their playful relationship. With the idea of being like them someday with my own spouse. I stored the memory in my mind, as a bookmark to come back to when, I assess my future spouse and picture us in our golden years making the bed together.
Then I think of all the things I have bookmarked through the years, maybe not to write for freewriting Friday but instead, a mental book of sorts. The placing of important dog eared pages, that are to never leave my mind. The little
things like the smell of my grandmothers sheets fresh from the clothesline. The feel of my dad’s huge rough hand tattered from years of hard labor, scared from scratching out a living for five kids. There was literally nothing he couldn’t do, from building our family homes, to anything he was taught to do. His fifth grade education was never noticed in his impeccable craftsmanship.
My mother’s laugh and the soft scent of her perfume lies amongst those pages. They are opened up somehow in a crowd of people that I do not know but that familiar scent reminds me and suddenly, there she is with me. The floral notes were not obtrusive but were only noticeable when I’d hug her after school or when she embraced me while I sobbed from a skint knee. It was a comfort that calmed me instantly and that I miss deeply.
I have also bookmarked the sound of my grandpa’s fiddle as he played for his grandchildren, we danced around in our pajamas after a bath, with freshly washed hair and the invigorating smell of zest film on our bodies. Probably a wise activity to tucker out five rambunctious kids.
I’ve not only bookmarked memories but saying and words of advice from family, friends, wives, ranchers, and cowgirls that I admire.
“Start onion and butter in the cast iron skillet if your husband has just pulled up and you have no idea what to make for dinner. You’ll figure it out, while he compliments you on how good dinner smells.”
“Always greet him at the door” given to me from my pastor’s wife. “He will know he was missed while away and will do the same for you. Value the coming and goings of your household.”
“Just wash the dishes” given by my mother-in-law. She was referring to when someone loses a loved one and you don’t know what to do. “Show up, look around and do something.” They remember you were there and not so much what you say.
“Don’t waste your tears” from my grandmother. A women who lived through The Great Depression. “There are plenty of hard things in life”, she’d say, “save your tears for the most important ones.”
“They may call you many things, but don’t let them ever call you lazy” this one was from my dad who worked harder than any man I know.
“Now the work begins”, from my husband’s step grandmother on our wedding day. Advice we use everytime we counsel a couple on marriage. I wondered what she was talking about at time but now I understand it completely.
Some unexpected and hilarious advice came from an older lady at church. A ball of fire with a phenomenal marriage, gave my husband and I some advice for our tenth anniversary. She knew we were staying at a place where the owner of the bed and breakfast, was also an outstanding cook. She said, “Don’t eat too much” and raised her eyebrows and laughed. I will leave that one for you to figure out.
The dog-eared pages seem to open on just the right one
while thumbing through the pages of life’s book. The memory becomes as fresh as the day it was given. And finally, I hear myself, leaving bookmarks for others to recall and to turn to one day when they need it. Helpful advise, a scripture to grasp on a hard day, a sense of humor in mundane tasks, such as making the bed with your spouse. Work hard, your children will hold your tattered hands. Don’t underestimate the simplicity of chores,
clotheslined sheets, another dish to wash or the feel of your warm embrace to your children. Dance, whether from your grandfather’s fiddle or someone else's. It’s the kind of tired that helps you sleep good.
Most of all remember the words from Proverbs 10:7 “The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot.” This scripture refers to how a righteous person is remembered, by man and God.
Let’s live our lives in such a way, that there’s no doubt we belong to Christ and leave a lasting impression of His truth.
Thank you for reading.
Cross L Ranch, Railroad Valley, Nevada *3,314 deeded acres *Water Rights *Winter and Summer Range *339,266 acres of BLM to run cattle on *1500-1800 tons per year (to feed and sell) *Cattle and Equipment Included *several home for the help and new home for ranch manager $12,000,000
Segura & Fish Creek Ranch, Tonopah, Nevada
*1,075 acres *support 450-500 head of cattle & 2,500+ sheep *500,000 contiguous BLM land, AUMs for both cattle and sheep with over 1,186,411 acres with 250,725 operating acres *Two 120 acre pivots and a 60 acre pivot *diesel powered wells *50 acres gravity fed irrigation from a pond *1,000 tons of feed annually *sheep pens *home $8,000,000
Old Lynn Farm, Railroad Valley, Nevada *113 acres water rights *Permit 27491 for 111.08 ac. ft. *Permit 38565 for 368.92 ac. ft. *Newer pivots *Small house *Great Starter Farm $479,000 Make offer!
Wildhorse Ranch, North Elko County, Nevada
*Owyhee River Watershed *4,500 contiguous acres with 3116 acre feet of water rights plus 908 supplemental water rights *native grasses *runs 600+ cow calf pairs *summer ground for 1,5001,700 head of yearlings *private land $8,000,000
2623 N Canyon Road, Lamoille, Nevada *3.68 acres *Corner Lot *Fenced and cross fenced *perfectforlivestock/horses*naturalgrasses *smaller corrals *old single wide *large shed *bunkhouse *Amazing views of the Majestic Ruby Mountains. $350,000
703 Clover Valley Road, Clover Valley (Wells), Nevada *Bailey built home 2018 *4 bedroom 2 bathroom *open concept *large kitchen *2,220 sq
*1,000 sq ft garage (3 car) *10 acres *fenced forlivestock/horses*AngelCreekrunsthrough property *View of East Humboldt Mountains *secluded in Clover Valley $635,000
850 Diamond Foothill Road, Eureka, Nevada *640 acres *Base of the Diamond Peak Mountain Range *Fenced and cross fenced *3 irrigation wells *2 pivots approx. 125 & 115 acres *BLM 3 sides *access 3 sides *24x40 shop *well, power, septic for future home site $1,450,000
2448 Morgan Road, Winnemucca, Nevada *320 acres *County home being remodeled *960 sq ft garage *2 pivots - one full, one wiper *211.97 acres water rights *Mountain Views *Amazing Mountain Views *2 separate 160+ acre parcels $1,390,000
The Cowboy Pastor’s Wife
Let’s eat!
PAN SEARED CUBE STEAK
Jennifer Whiteley
The Nevada Rancher Magazine
Lamoille, Nev.—We have two boys who couldn’t be more different. One loves to cook and is very self-sufficient. The other one, he might die if his mom or little brother aren’t there to cook meals for him and he runs out of cereal! Its fun to tease the boys that TR better just stay home with us until QT graduates from High School so they can go to college together. That way QT can feed TR and take care of him! It’s a good thing they take my teasing pretty well since they are both bigger than me!
June is always a busy month for us. After getting the boys finished with school, and a senior graduating this year, we have 2 big AI projects. We also have a gelding in the Shellman Horse Sale. We will be trying to get all of that wrapped up in time to go on our annual Small-Whiteley 4th of July Camping trip. The
grass isn’t going to have much time to grow under our feet this month!
We’ve finally made it to the bottom of the deep freeze and are down to the less appealing, or maybe I should say fewer fun cuts of beef to cook. QT prefers cuts he can grill or cook on the Blackstone, and now we are down to spareribs, roasts, a few packages of stew meat, and cube steaks. If QT could just get a half a beef that is all steaks and a couple packages of ground beef, that kid would be in heaven! I’m just glad he likes to cook because it makes these busy summer days so much easier for all of us. I’m not sure what I would do without his help at mealtime!
While I’m not a huge fan of chicken fried steak, this savory comfort food dish hits the spot. It’s not heavily breaded, which makes it feel less dense. Of course, you have to serve it with gravy pan and mashed potatoes, or biscuits!
Steaks
w 4 cube steaks
w 1 teaspoon salt
w 1 teaspoon black pepper
w 1 teaspoon garlic powder
w 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
w 1/4 cup butter melted for frying
Pan Gravy
w Butter, left over from frying plus additional if needed
w 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
w 1/2 cup beef stock
w 1/2 cup milk
w 1 package au jus gravy mix
w Salt to taste
w Black pepper to taste
PAN SEARED CUBE STEAK
1. Prepare steaks. Season your cube steaks on all sides with some salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add all-purpose to a shallow dish, and then dip your seasoned steaks, coating on both sides.
2. Fry cube steaks. In a 12-inch cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat, and then carefully place your seasoned steaks and allow to cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Then, remove them to a paper towel to drain.
3. Prepare gravy. Add 2 Tablespoons of your dredging flour to the butter in your skillet, and whisk until a roux forms. Then add in your remaining ingredients, whisk together, and then allow to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
4. Once your savory gravy is prepared, add to your seared cube steaks and serve immediately.
Producer Survey Offers Insights into Liver Fluke and Parasite Management
In a survey, 120 U.S. cattle producers and veterinarians were asked the following questions about liver flukes and parasite management:
What is your familiarity with liver flukes?
What impact do you see liver flukes having on your operation?
What are your current practices for parasite diagnostic testing and treatment?
Although many respondents were familiar with liver flukes, results show a gap between knowledge and active management, leaving cattle operations at risk of the damaging fluke.
After analyzing the survey results, Jody Wade, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim, has actionable insights to help cattle caretakers address liver flukes and build sustainable, well-rounded deworming protocols.
Diagnostic testing is key for liver fluke awareness
In the survey, 77% of respondents said they were familiar with liver flukes. However, awareness did not directly translate into regional knowledge. Approximately 34% of respondents indicated they didn’t know if liver flukes were a problem in their area, while another 34% believed liver flukes were “somewhat” of a problem.
Dr. Wade underscores the importance of diagnostic testing to confirm liver fluke presence, which often goes unnoticed.
“We’re finding flukes in regions we never thought they would be,” he observed. “Unless you’re taking fecal egg counts and actually looking for liver flukes as a cow-calf operator or a stocker, you’re not going to find them.”
Diagnostic testing in regions like Kansas and Tennessee has confirmed the presence of liver flukes, challenging the misconception that liver flukes are confined to the Gulf Coast or Pacific Northwest states.
Routine testing isn’t just crucial for fluke
control, it’s important for sustainable management of all internal parasites. About 57% of survey respondents had never tested their herds for parasites. Out of those respondents that have tested, 52% said their last test was over a year ago.
“Not a lot of producers are routinely testing, because it can be a time burden,” shared Dr. Wade. “But I still encourage producers to do it, because once we do, we have a really good snapshot of what is happening on the operation, which allows us to create the most strategic deworming plan.”
When producers send fecal samples for diagnostic testing, he reminds them to specify their desire for liver fluke analysis. A general diagnostic test will only look for common gastrointestinal parasites.
Liver flukes are a problem to care about
While liver flukes rarely result in cattle death losses, understanding their underlying impact is important for cattle health and an operation’s bottom line.
“The biggest problem with flukes is their impact on production,” stated Dr. Wade. Liver flukes are one of the more complex parasites in beef production. Before setting up camp in the bile ducts of the liver, juvenile flukes cause damage in the small intestine and abdominal cavity as they travel, leaving cattle with weakened immune systems and lost growth potential.
Cattle with liver fluke infections may go months without showing clinical signs. Depending on the level of infection, cattle can experience loss of appetite, rough hair coat, decreased performance, weight loss and poor reproductive efficiency.1
“The ones that really pay for it on the back end are the packers,” Dr. Wade continued.
“When they start harvesting cattle and find flukes, they have to condemn those livers.”
Liver condemnations can lead to significant financial losses, particularly for feedlots and processors.
Liver flukes require special management
The survey highlighted common deworming practices among respondents, with pouron and injectable dewormers being the most popular application methods. However, onethird of respondents said they were unsure if their dewormers include fluke coverage.
“Right now, there are only two products in the marketplace available for effective fluke management,” said Dr. Wade. “When selecting a product for liver fluke control, it’s important to look for a product that has clorsulon, or is specifically labeled for fluke coverage.”
He further explains that the available products are only effective against adult stages and do not kill juvenile flukes, which cause the most damage. But, when applied correctly, the elimination of adult flukes can disrupt the production cycle and reduce the risk of pasture reinfestation.
Understanding the life cycle of liver flukes, from egg to adult, is essential for implementing effective control measures. Unlike other internal parasites, flukes need an intermediate host in order to propagate. For flukes, this is a common freshwater snail. As shown in Figure 3, the fluke larvae migrate to snails, where they multiply. Once they exit the snail, cattle can ingest them by grazing on infested grass or drinking infested water.
Liver fluke information is in demand
When asked about their interest in learning more about liver flukes, 72% of respondents said “yes.” In alignment, Dr. Wade believes education is key to closing the gap between awareness and action. “Sometimes, knowing that liver flukes may be a problem and not acting on that knowledge can be more harmful than not knowing at all,” he concluded.
By adopting evidence-based practices, cattle caretakers can protect their
Don't Cry
A cowboy doesn't cry when his daughter is getting married, When the first son in his family to go to college is graduating, A cowboy doesn't cry when he holds his first born in his hands, A cowboy doesn't cry when his kids won't carry on his brands, A cowboy doesn't cry when he puts his old cow dog down, When he sells the home place and moves into town, A cowboy doesn't cry when he takes his favorite horse for a last ride, He doesn't cry when he talks about the night his best friend died, If you can read all that without thinking that I lied, There might be a reason you haven't seen a cowboy when he cried.
herds, improve production outcomes, and reduce the hidden costs of liver flukes. If flukes have been previously found in your area, Dr. Wade recommends getting a baseline for the herd through diagnostic testing. Only then can a sustainable, strategic deworming program be built through collaboration with a herd veterinarian.
From: Boehringer Ingelheim
Randi Johnson 2016
8260 deeded acres plus adjoining BLM permit with 1776 aum’s on BLM. Good working corrals and 6 fenced Pastures all with good water from springs and seeps Plus 2 stock wells with Solar pumps. Price: $4,000,000
650 deeded acres of which over 300 acres has older surface Water rights. We may consider selling some of the surface water right off is some Downstream users need more. Borders I-80 with access onto the Ryndon Exit.
NEVADA’S PREMIER WATER RIGHTS ENGINEERING COMPANY
SERVING NEVADA SINCE 2004
David G. Hillis, Jr., P.E. 775-885-2101
Carson City, Nevada www.turnipseedengineering.com
We are experts in State of Nevada Water Rights. We provide a wide range of water right and resource development services that can be customized to meet your needs.
Our team works directly with you to develop the best solution for your farm, ranch, business or home.
WATER RIGHTS PROJECTS
• APPLICATIONS AND EXTENSIONS
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Jake Parnell 916-662-1298
George Gookin 209-482-1648
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