December 2019 Nevada Rancher Magazine

Oldest Independent Livestock Monthly in Nevada $3.00

• YP RANCH RECEIVES HERITAGE AWARD December, 2019 Volume XLIX, Number 12

• WSRRA FINALS RESULTS

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‘Tis the season to be merry!

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(775) 623-5011 Read back issues digitally: issuu.com/winnemuccapublishing7 The Nevada Rancher (ISSN 0047-9489) (USPS #003-257) Published monthly at Winnemucca Publishing, 1022 S. Grass Valley Road, Winnemucca, NV 89445 Call us toll free at (866) 644-5011 Periodical Postage Paid at Winnemucca, 89445

It’s now time when we reflect on this year coming to a close, celebrate the meaning of the season, and spend time with friends and family. It is also the time of year when cattle get sick, the winter weather challenges our strengths and the hay stockpile begins to diminish.

One of my family’s traditions is making divinity, a delicious white candy that my mother made with her grandmother. Another is feeding cows Christmas morning; we all bundle up and pile into the feed truck. The cattle are always so happy to see us and sometimes Dad will give them an extra bale of alfalfa.

November brought BIGGER pages to the Nevada Rancher Magazine. I hope you enjoy our new look, but rest assured, the Oldest Independent Livestock Monthly in Nevada is still full of original stories and content! During November the NV Rancher Magazine had a presence at these events: the Western States Ranch Rodeo Association Finals, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Convention, Oregon Cattlemen’s Association Convention, Malson Angus Bull Sale, and the Rolling Rock Angus Bull Sale.

From my family to yours, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope you enjoy this issue!

— Ashley

About LaRena’s Race This nonprofit has helped 280 people and dispensed over $340,000 in monetary grants since its inception in 2003.

It is named for LaRena Bengoa, a young wife and mother who lost her battle with breast cancer. Through her struggle, and others like her, the cost of taking treatments from rural areas became apparent.

LaRena’s Race helps people from all walks of life, fighting any kind of cancer, to travel to and take cancer treatments.

They sponsor one event a year, which always takes place on the Saturday before Mother’s Day. It is a 1 mile, 3-plus-mile (5K), or 5-mile Race for the Cure. It has become a social event with music, games, raffles and a silent auction.

The team has a cookbook called “A Taste of Hope” for sale. The books are $20 a piece; it is a little different kind of cookbook: “This is not just any cookbook; it contains the love and spirit of many men and women who have fought, or watched their lovedones fight cancer,” said Amorita Maher, founder of the nonprofit.

Contact Amorita to purchase yours at 208-484-0136. Go to larenasrace.org to learn more.

Publisher: Peter Bernhard Editor: Ashley Buckingham Staff Writer: Jennifer Whiteley Contributors Heather Smith Thomas, David Glaser, Norma Elliot, Jolyn Young, Sarah Hummel Sales Representative: Ashley Buckingham Office Manager: Tracy Wadley Production Manager: Joe Plummer Advertising Designer: Emily Swindle Graphic Design: Lauren Solinger Production Coordinators: Adam Trumble, Brad Bancroft, Kevin MacMillan The Nevada Rancher does not assume responsibility for statements by advertisers nor products advertised within, and The Nevada Rancher does not assume responsibility for opinions expressed in articles submitted for publication. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject advertising or editorial material submitted for publication. Contents in The Nevada Rancher may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, including, but not limited to original contents and original composition of all ads (layout and artwork) without prior written permission. Subscription rate: $16.00 per year. All content copyrighted, December 2019.

PHOTO: MARY WILLIAMS HYDE

Pictured is Editor and Sales Representative Ashley Buckingham, carrying the Cancer Awareness flag during the Grand Entry of the Tough Enough to Wear Pink night at the WSRRA Finals. This year, the highlighted organization was The LaRena Smith Bengoa Run, Ride or Walk for the Cure -- also known as LaRena’s Race.

Inside this issue:

Conflicts over “Beneficial Use” of Public Land - pg. 10 Western States Ranch Rodeo Association Finals Results - pg. 12 Winnemucca FFA Ag Issues - pg. 16 Homemade Gift Guide - pg. 28

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Nevada Rancher, Winnemucca Publishing, 1022 S. Grass Valley Road, Winnemucca, NV 89445

Wacky Traditions - pg. 28 Cover Photo By: Ashley Buckingham Many Ranchers are able to turn their cattle out to graze if Winter permits, but others spend months feeding hay. On the cover of this month’s Nevada Rancher, these momma cows are eagerly waiting for their breakfast before the storm hits at the Bar X Ranch in Paradise Valley, NV.

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THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

Hello from cow country

Message from NCA’s New President

I

t is an honor and a privilege to be taking over the reins as president of the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association, and I look forward to working with our board and membership to accomplish great things in the coming two years.

Our past president, Sam Mori, left pretty big shoes to fill — he served our association with passion, sincerity and humility. Like all those that served before him, Sam truly dedicated his knowledge and talent to the job he did for our association, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude.

I hope that I can be as productive and well respected as he was and is. Our membership has a tremendous knowledge and resource base and serves as a critical support system for our leadership. I am fortunate to be part of an outstanding officer team, and we all stand ready on your behalf to continue to address the constant barrage of issues facing our industry.

With the sheer number of issues we face as an industry, it is difficult to always know about new issues in a timely manner, so we do ask that if anyone

is dealing with a difficult situation or knows of a new issue that has surfaced, please let us know.

You are welcome to contact the Cattlemen’s office or reach out to me or any of the officers or other board members directly. There is strength in numbers, and we are more effective when we are all working toward the common good of our industry as the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association.

By giving ranchers a voice that can be heard, we strengthen our stance as an industry. There will never be a shortage of issues threatening our way of life, but with a positive attitude and an association of smart and talented people willing to work together, we will ensure our industry and way of life are around for the generations to come.

I wish you and your families a very blessed and joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Tom Barnes President, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association

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Remembering Our Loved Ones John R. Donati John R Donati peacefully passed away on October 24,2019 at his ranch in Haines, OR. John was a lifelong resident of Sparks, NV. He was born November 3, 1933 to Guido and Rena (Casci) Donati in Sparks, NV. He graduated Sparks High School and served in the US Army. He married Naomi Field in 1953 and they celebrated 56 years of marriage before her passing in 2009. John opened Vista Equipment in Sparks in 1969. He worked hard for 30 years building the business. He enjoyed his work and considered many of his customers his best friends and treated them as family. In 1998 he and Naomi retired to a life of ranching and hunting in eastern Oregon.

He loved the ranch and was still driving his tractor and

carrying a shovel just weeks before his passing.

John is preceded in death by his parents Guido and Rena Donati; Wife Naomi Donati; Sister Elsie (Barney) Martini; Daughter Lisa Brockway and Granddaughter Genny Keyser.

He is survived by Son Jerry (Rene) Donati; Daughter Raffael (Bob) Wilson; Grandchildren Jessica Donati, Zachari (Michelle) Donati, Ryan Wilson, Cheyenne Donati and Gabe Wilson; and Great Grandchildren Samual and Jeremiah Keyser, Nathan, Christian, Bella and Liam Donati.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Forsythe Wellness Clinic Foundation, 521 Hammill Lane, Reno NV 89511 or the Reno Sparks Gospel Mission. Special thanks to Heart and Home Hospice of Baker City, OR and the Homestead church of La Grande, OR

Joshua Solomon Dykes Joshua Solomon Dykes (47) went to be with Jesus on October 17, 2019. Josh died while doing what he loved; moving cattle back to his ranch.

Josh was a dedicated disciple of the Lord Jesus, a faithful and loving husband, devoted father, cattle rancher (cowboy!), and owner of 9-Mile Ranch in Walla Walla County.

He was born August 4, 1972 in Mission Viejo, California to Calvin and Sharon Dykes. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Jason. On January 2, 2012, he married the love of his life, Kristin (Brittain) Dykes. Josh was blessed with three beautiful children: Bailey Call (26), Jackson (7), and Shelby (4).

Josh graduated in 1990 from Winlock High School where he was elected Washington State FFA treasurer. He also served on the board of directors for the National Junior American Simmental Association. He attended college at

Joseph William Tibbals Joseph William Tibbals slipped peacefully from this life into the arms of a loving Lord and Savior on Friday, October 25, 2019, at his home in Yerington with his wife, Carol by his side. He was 90.

Joe was born in Glendale, California on July 5, 1929 the son of Walter and Mildred (Humphrey) Tibbals. He grew up in Bishop, California where his Father had a butcher shop and raised his own beef.

From a young age Joe loved cattle and horses and became expert in training and competing on cutting horses with a record of winning over several decades.

He moved to Mason Valley in 1951 where he and his brother, Don built Yerington’s first trailer park using nothing more than shovels and a lot of sweat. They spent their first winter in a tent, following the simple building code of “keep six feet between the water and sewer lines”.

Joe started ranching in the valley and is remembered as the first farmer who started using sulfuric acid to convert

Walla Walla Community College and Washington State University while staying very involved in the cattle industry In his 20’s, Josh took his skills to the auto industry which eventually gave him the means to transition back to fulfilling his life-long dream of being a cattle rancher.

Those close to Josh knew him to be a decisive leader, purpose-driven (only one gear… fast), creative entrepreneur, avid outdoorsman, loyal friend, trusted mentor, generous steward, and faithful servant.

He brought out the best in those who worked alongside him. Nothing excited him more than working with the Lord to help others grow toward all they were created to be. He is simply unforgettable.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Joshua Dykes Memorial Scholarship in care of Jackson and Shelby Dykes through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362.

alkali ground to crop ground. He was ‘Farmer of the Year’ in the 1970’s. He expanded his farming operation with the help of his two sons, Joe and Walt. As a farmer Joe had the instincts of an artist, freely mixing the brush and willows that Carol loved with the fields he planted in hay. Joe and Carol also expanded his family operation and adopted four children who went from city life to milking the family cow to bragging today that they were “raised on a farm.”

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Carol; his children, ‘Little” Joe, Walter, Brock, Robert, Bryon and Michelle; his 101 year old sister, Barbara Beal; his 17 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Susie, his brother, Don, his sisters, Helen Holland and Margaret McLeod.

Family and friends are invited to sign his online guest book at www.FRFH.net; also sympathy cards can be sent to Carol directly from this site. Donations may be made in Joe’s name in lieu of flowers to the Boys and Girls Club, 124 N. Main Street Yerington, NV 89447.

Rodney Michael Pridmore Rodney “Rod” Michael Pridmore, 68, of Fairfield, Idaho, died October 5, 2019 of injuries sustained in an accident, while flying his powered parachute.

Rod was born May 4, 1951 in Gooding, Idaho to Harold and Margaret (Rutherford) Pridmore of Richfield, Idaho. He grew up on a dairy farm with his three sisters, as his dad’s right-hand-man and his sisters’ fun-loving antagonist, mischievous tease, and idea man. It was in those early years that he began a lifetime as a true grit cowboy, a man with more vision, determination, and common sense than most.

He married his high school sweetheart and lifelong love, Sally Patterson, on August 28, 1969 and they moved to Boise to start their adventures together. They were blessed with four daughters and eventually settled in Camas County, where they spent many wonderful years together enjoying the beauty and blessings of living in God’s country and the journey of 50 years of marriage.

Living a simple life as a cowboy in the Idaho Mountains allowed Rod to focus on loving and leading his family in a life centered in the truth of Christ, leaving a legacy of Christian faith for generations to come.

Rod was a man of many talents and titles, at last count around 40 different jobs or businesses owned. He has been a farmer, rancher, dairyman, welder, pipe-fitter, garbage man, accountant, elected official (tax collector), government disaster relief employee, and a working

cowboy to mention a few. His most recent venture was to purchase a herd of Scottish Highland cattle. For him, going back to his ranching roots and owning a piece of Camas Prairie was a dream come true.

He was always a good and faithful provider, a trusted friend, and loving Papa to his grandkids. He also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: a good chuckle, a hot cup of coffee with friends or family, and an afternoon nap.

His love for flying began when he became a pilot in 1979. When age and health made renewing his pilot’s license difficult, he took up powered parachutes. Flying low and slow over the Camas Prairie gave him great pleasure. He shared several videos of his flights and poetry on his website: www.commonsensecowboy.com.

Rod was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Andy Frostenson, his parents, Harold and Margaret Pridmore, and his grandparents, C.M. and Priscilla Pridmore and Fred and Elnora Rutherford. He will be forever missed by: his wife — Sally; his daughters and their families – Bobi and Bria Frostenson; Darci, Todd, Hunter, Riley, and Graci Gill; Jessi, Steve, Parker, Tristan, and Dylan Webb; and Angie, Chris, Elijah, Gabe, Eden, Anna, Isaac, Mercy, Ava, and Daniel Pickering; and his sisters – Sheri and Rick Giesler, Kelly and Butch Edwards, and Lori and Toby Dayley.

Rod was an author and poet, and some of his writings, stories and videos can be seen on their website, The Common Sense Cowboy: www.commonsensecowboy.com/blog.

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

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THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

2019 WSRRA Nelo Mori Heritage of Ranching Award YP Ranch Honored with 3rd Annual Nelo Mori Heritage of Ranching Award at the 2019 WSRRA NFR The Jackson Family and Western States Ranch Rodeo Association Special to Nevada Rancher

“The American cowboy has been a worldwide icon since the early 1800s.

Today the heritage, values, and traditions of the working ranch are still alive and well. Ranch cowboys are out there living the lifestyle — calving, branding, gathering and doctoring cattle — keeping our ranching traditions alive. In 2017, the WSRRA established a special honor, the Nelo Mori Heritage of Ranching award, to honor cowboys and/or cowgirls whose unparalleled devotion to land and livestock has earned them notable respect and admiration from their peers. This prestigious award also emphasizes the humanistic, scientific and technological contributions of the ranching and livestock industries to our society,” explains Naomi Loomis, WSRRA Representative.

This year’s recipients are the Jackson family of Tuscarora, Nevada, owners and operators of the YP Ranch, which spans high desert country in Southern Idaho and Northern Nevada. It was established in the late 1800s by Juan and Grace Garat and is now owned by the Jackson family. The ranch runs both mother cows and yearlings on private and leased public land with a full cowboy crew at headquarters and at least two buckaroos camped out on the desert.

The YP iron, believed to be the third oldest branding iron in active and continuous use in the United States and probably the only livestock brand registered in the U.S. Patent Office, originated with Juan and Grace Garat, French Basques who arrived in California during the gold rush. They started using the iron in 1852 in California’s San Juaquin Valley.

By 1871 the valley was becoming too crowded and hearing reports of fine grass in northern Nevada Juan Garat and his two sons trailed approximately 1000 head of cattle over the Sierra and then headed northeast toward the Humboldt. After about

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: THE JACKSON FAMILY ; MARY WILLIAMS HYDE; THE JACKSON FAMILY

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: An early morning gathering of calves to wean. “We usually saddle horses around 5 a.m. and meet up with the cowboy crew at the 7J Ranch. We head out from there to various locations on the ranch to gather cows and steer calves and wean and ship the steer calves. Later in the fall we gather and wean the heifer calves and get them moved into the weaning lots,” said Renee Jackson.

The Jackson Family is recognized with the third annual Nelo Mori Heritage of Ranching Award. From left: Jessica Jackson, Russ Jackson, Abby Estes, Renee Jackson, John Jackson, Pete Jackson, Nancy Jackson, Nelo Mori, Ida Mae Mori, Danielle (Jackson) Sayler and Kade Sayler.

three years on the Humboldt they found what they were seeking on the middle fork of the Owyhee River approximately fifty miles northwest of Tuscarora at the southeast edge of the Owyhee Desert.

In 1939 the Garat holdings were purchased by Petan Land and Livestock.

Petan Company, a name coined from Ann J. and C. H. (Pete) Jackson, Jr., immediately initiated an ambitious improvement program: modern structures replaced old buildings, run down fields were rejuvenated, plowed, leveled, and reseeded; dams and reservoirs store water for dry years, changes in courses of streams made irrigation more efficient; roofed shelters protected baled hay; short wave radio brought closer contact among employees; a company store provided almost anything one would need including a wide variety of dry goods and ranch raised beef.

The improvements, land acquisitions, foundation and foresight of Ann and Pete Jackson has made the ranch a resilient and sustainable operation. Today Ann and Pete’s son Pete, and his wife Nancy, live on the ranch and the Petan Company continues to operate under the direction of the Jackson Family.

Over the past 30 years John, grandson of Ann and Pete Jackson, along with

his wife Renee, and family have been able to build upon and improve both ranching practices and infrastructures to continue to make the YP Ranch viable.

John and Renee’s children, Danielle, Jessica and Russ, are also involved in the operation of the ranch, making 4 generations of Jackson family members on the YP ranch. Danielle is in the office, and her husband Kade Sayler supervises the ranch crew. Jessica is a Licensed Vet Tech and comes back to help on the ranch when she can. Russ is on the cowboy crew.

The YP Ranch has been blessed through the years with quality people who do a great job and have contributed to the success of the ranch. Renee explains, “The best thing about ranch life is the freedom and bond of a tight family and crew. We help produce some of the safest and best tasting meat for consumers. I think it’s important for folks to know that beef is nutritious and delicious as well as a great source of protein. The ranch land is in better shape when the grass is grazed responsibly.

We love our cattle and treat them well. This lifestyle allows us to do what we are meant to do and hopefully, with good stewardship, hard work and perseverance, the ranch will continue on to the generations to follow.”

“Early in the fall, the cows ‘come home’ off the desert and forest range. We gather pairs and process the calves (vaccinate and brand the slicks or unbranded calves) and sort them into steer cow/calf pairs and heifer cow/calf pairs in preparation for shipping and weaning,” said Renee Jackson.

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Conflicts over ‘Beneficial Use’ of Public Land New Demands Clash with Traditional Uses Heather Smith Thomas Special to Nevada Rancher

Many folks are concerned about public lands and its resources — including ranchers who depend on public land grazing for their livelihoods, loggers and miners, along with conservation groups and others who want to ensure healthy wildlife habitats and/or recreational/scenic uses.

There are often conflicts regarding the most beneficial use of certain lands. What does “beneficial use” actually mean, and who gets to decide how these lands are used?

Who SHOULD get to decide, and are we still bound to the multiple use concept that has guided public land policy for more than a century? These are not easy questions to answer.

The conflicts have become more intense in the past few decades, with ranchers feeling they are increasingly getting the short end of the stick.

Lynn Tomera and her husband Pete are ranchers in Nevada whose future depends on continued use of their summer grazing on BLM lands. She says the ranchers who depend on public land for grazing feel they should be able to continue to use the land — not only because they have a traditional “range right” but also because they are taking good care of it.

“If we abuse it, we’d be doing ourselves harm; it has to be healthy and sustainable for our livelihood and for that of our children,” she says. “To a rancher who depends on public lands, it is to our benefit to keep that land as healthy and productive as possible. The management agencies are missing out on a great opportunity when they don’t permit optimum grazing. There must be some grazing or we will have more fires. It seems like every year the fires become more devastating; we feel that many of these fires are due to mismanagement of the entire resource (timber as well as grazing).”

“An example was last year’s fires in California, some of which burned entire towns; property and lives were lost. The public resource is not being managed wisely by the land agencies.”

There has been a direct correlation between reduction in livestock numbers on public rangelands (starting in the 1960’s and 1970’s) and the increase in catastrophic fires.

“Ranchers who are so dependent on federal grazing like we are in Nevada and most of the West use the land as wisely as we can, but when we are not allowed to use it at all, it goes up in smoke and ashes,” Tomera says.

Many allotments have had grazing numbers cut or eliminated for theoretically higher purposes of wilderness or wildlife habitat, and then it burns and those values are also lost.

“Then you have nothing. I think the agencies need to change their attitude and perception. I am not saying that we need to allow ranchers to overgraze, but today we’ve gone to the opposite extreme; the federal agencies have limited grazing too much. There must be some regulation and proper management because otherwise there are a few bad apples that abuse their grazing right. Some people call it a privilege, but for the rancher it is a right — tied to his base property — and he could not exist without it,” she says. “Today it’s gone too far the other direction — limiting grazing. Everybody has a say in what can be done with public lands, and ranchers are a tiny minority and don’t have much say.

“Sadly, the majority of people in this country don’t have a clue what they are talking

10

PHOTO: ASHLEY BUCKINGHMAN

Conflicts over beneficial use of public lands have become intense in recent years. about, regarding public lands and resources.

To them a beautiful view is the best use, and in their mind this means miles and miles of trees and grass with no logging or cows.”

She mentioned the tragic situation last year when the Lamoille Canyon south of Elko burned completely. This beautiful canyon had been “protected” for many years with no livestock grazing or timber harvest allowed and was overgrown with grass, dead trees and brush.

“It shouldn’t have been so protected and ‘pristine.’ If the Forest Service had allowed some grazing, and firewood cutting to clean out dead trees, it might have been a quick burn without as much damage to watershed and wildlife habitat,” she says. “We feel that often the ‘tree huggers’ love the country to death, trying to protect it from any use. It’s a tragedy when a usable resource is just wasted — burning it all up in a fire. These public resources are usable and renewable; they don’t need to be wasted.” If grazing lands and timber resources are managed properly they will be there forever, providing a multitude of benefits for many people, including the general public who utilize the food and timber produced, as well as the conservationists/ environmentalists.

“If timber is harvested wisely, this use doesn’t damage the land and the trees grow back. Some people don’t want any logging roads into these areas, but in areas that have been locked up from use, with no roads, there is no access to try to control a fire when there is a serious fire.”

The government policy is to let it burn, and then some of these fires get going so much that they jump the public land boundaries and burn private property, towns and put human lives at risk.

The federal agency should be responsible when fires jump to private property.

“If a fire goes from private property to public land, the landowner is responsible. It should work both ways. It’s very frustrating because the solution is so obvious, yet some people think ranchers are the problem — that we are welfare ranchers living off the government!” says Tomera.

The reality is that western homesteaders were never allowed large enough parcels to make a living from; these lands were best suited for grazing, not farming, and it takes many more acres on arid western lands.

These ranchers were not given equal opportunity with the inadequacies of the Homestead laws, and are now looked upon as a “welfare” industry because they depend on public land to make their grazing operations viable.

“Ranchers resent the fact that we don’t have a right to make a living out here on our lands, whereas the eastern homesteaders had a

THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

workable situation, with enough land to grow crops and make a living. Years ago, this land in Nevada was promised to be turned over to the states, but it didn’t happen. The ranchers are like second-class citizens,” she says. “Many people think we are making an easy living off government land. The general public has no idea about our costs and the labor that goes into our use of this land, or how much land it takes to sustain a cow on arid western ranges.”

Some environmental groups are intent on getting all cattle off public land, and the political climate the past several decades has helped them accomplish that goal in many instances.

Some ranchers get tired of fighting with the government and environmental groups and sell out; they give up their grazing allotments and subdivide their ranch land.

Others make a deal with conservation easements. Little by little, grazing allotments are being used by fewer and fewer cattle or no cattle at all.

Ranchers who don’t have children or grandchildren who want to continue the precarious business of depending on public land grow old and give up.

“Pete and I are no longer young. Our sons have worked their entire lives on this ranch but sometimes they stand back and look at this and wonder if it is worth it — wondering if all the hard work will be for nothing if we eventually lose our public land grazing,” she says.

Some of the environmental groups are just biding their time and waiting until the current generation gets too old and tired to want to continue on, and the younger generations don’t want to take on the fight.

“Our two sons are still on the ranch, but there is not a grandchild who will touch it.

They see the difficulties and don’t want to be part of it. There was a time when ranchers could work really hard and see progress and know that they were making a difference and accomplishing something,” Tomera says. “Today, especially with the BLM fights we’ve had the past several years, we wonder if we are just losing ground. The ranchers and BLM are trying to work out a solution, and hoping it is something we can live with. We did get a new state director, but we still have the same district manager.

“You work so hard to make things work, and the agency just keeps changing the rules.

You accomplish one objective, and they move the line. It just seems like a losing battle and ranching isn’t as much fun as it used to be.”

Yet in good conscience ranchers hate to give up and have it all become wilderness or a wildlife preserve and then just burn up.

“Even when we are still trying to make a living on it, they won’t allow us to put the cattle out there — for us to make a living or to

keep the grass healthy and fuels down — and then it burns, and then we really are in trouble,” says Tomera.“I just hope they never do away with multiple use or make it so difficult that ranchers can’t continue to make a living.

People seem to forget that these grazing rights are included in the purchase price when we buy a ranch; these ranches are more expensive because of the grazing rights attached to them. We buy those rights when we buy the ranch, and it’s a taking of our property when the agencies won’t let us use them.”

The future of many rural communities also depends on ranchers being able to continue in business. Public land ranchers feel threatened because of an uncertain future.

“I can’t blame the younger generation for not wanting to put their head on the chopping block. Those of us who are older are slower to quit; this is our way of life and we’ll ride it out as long as we possibly can. We feel a lot like the Indians did. The western ranchers are just the new Indians. This country seems to want us gone. In our area, many ranches have sold, and disappeared,” Tomera says.

The controversy over beneficial use of the land will probably continue for a long time because one person’s idea of what constitutes the highest beneficial use is vastly different from the view of another person.

“The environmental groups are vocal and have talked a lot of big money into backing them. The public doesn’t really know enough about it and just think that it’s important to get the ranchers off the land, and to stop the timber harvest,” she says. “They want it all to stay ‘pristine’ and let it burn. Environmental groups make a lot of money in their crusades; it’s become big business to them, getting donations from a misinformed public.”

GRAZING IS AN INDISPENSABLE PART OF THE PUBLIC LAND EQUATION – Today there are many competing demands on lands that traditionally have been grazed or logged and many people feel there are higher uses for these lands.

Ethan Lane, senior executive director of federal lands for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and executive director of the Public Lands Council, says grazing is a sustainable renewable resource essential to healthy and sustainable ecosystems.

“In debates over public land use, many people start to realize that harvesting the resources entails crucial management benefits that can’t be gained any other way,” he says.

“Conservation goals, particularly in the West on large landscapes, cannot be accomplished without grazing.”

If the livestock are taken off these lands, the values that people wanted to “preserve” deteriorate or burn up.

There are numerous examples of grazing lands being retired from use — preserved as elk habitat — and then the elk didn’t stay in those areas.

They moved onto grazed lands instead, because elk prefer the young regrowth rather than old, mature never-grazed plants. Grazing by cattle and elk together is most beneficial for the elk, just as in earlier times when elk shared the grasslands with bison.

“I bristle when people say grazing is simply another multiple use, because it isn’t. Grazing and grazing management make all the other multiple uses possible. There can be no recreation on public lands, for instance, if you don’t have ranchers managing those lands and resources,” says Lane. “My parents’ ranch looks out on the National Forest in northern Arizona. That forest looks really good, but it didn’t get that way by accident. It’s been well managed.”

If public land isn’t managed and simply

sits there for “watershed protection,” “wildlife habitat” or conserving beautiful “pristine” vistas, it becomes susceptible to catastrophic wildfires. Fire has increasingly become the biggest threat to forest and rangeland.

“Unfortunately we have seen a direct line in recent decades; reduction in grazing has led up to many of the catastrophic fires. The Martin Fire in northern Nevada last year burned 400,000 acres of prime sage grouse habitat on land that had not been grazed for several years,” says Lane. “The main thing that caused this fire was a lack of responsible fuels management. Fire is the most dangerous negative impact on sage grouse habitat, and this has been well documented in every government study and analysis. Fire is the number one threat, and yet conservation groups (fighting to protect sage grouse habitat) want to remove cattle.”

He adds: “A lot of folks say we can’t affect fire because it’s all tied to climate change and it’s out of our hands. Yet when we manage those fuel loads with responsible grazing, we can dramatically reduce the risks for catastrophic fire. This is something we can actually do. Livestock grazing is the only tool that can do this across a large landscape. Grazing is much better and more feasible than chemical fire breaks or any kind of strip that can be jumped by a fast-moving fire. Grazing reduces the fuel load across a much larger area and dramatically impacts the course of those fires.

This is the most effective and irreplaceable method for fire prevention.”

It’s obvious when you look at a grazed area adjacent to an un-grazed area, and see what the fire does when it goes across those areas.

“I wish I could get every member of the U.S. Congress out on a range tour where they could see that fire pattern behavior. It would really open their eyes,” Lane says. “Wildlife

thrive today on our private lands and our public grazing allotments because ranchers have taken good care of the land and it is healthy wildlife habitat. Some people want wildlife migration corridors; many conservation groups have a very narrow-minded view of what this needs to look like. We try to help them understand that they can’t eliminate grazing and expect to have this wonderful large block of continuous unbroken land for big game species to migrate across if we don’t have ranches.”

We still have large unbroken landscapes in the West only because ranchers have been taking care of these lands and they have not been broken up and subdivided.

“The Public Lands Council tries to help people understand that the management ranchers are providing is the best situation for wildlife and the land,” Lane says. “We explain about rotational grazing systems and sequestration of carbon in the soil, and talk about some of the misinformation about livestock.

Grazing is the most natural use and best possible example of beneficial use, in the West.”

Most of these lands were grazed for thousands of years by large herds of bison, elk and antelope. The native grasses evolved being grazed, in a symbiotic relationship with the grazing animal. If rangeland isn’t grazed, it’s not as healthy.

“This is an important point that a lot of people don’t understand about rangeland. If it’s not grazed, it will deteriorate. Many conservation groups take the position that if you lock the gate and keep the cows out, Nature will take care of things. That’s not how it works.

Grazing is an essential component of Nature,” says Lane. “We try to educate members of Congress (especially the ones from the East) on the value of grazing and the importance of working with ranchers to achieve land

Looking down from 30,000 feet on Nevada’s craggy, arid landscape doesn’t evoke an image of what most people think of as rangeland.

But this vast and seemingly desolate place as viewed from five miles high actually supports a vital and healthy livestock industry. In an environment which receives an average 7.5 inches of precipitation a year, careful and constant management of these particular rangelands is crucial.

More than 85 percent of Nevada is managed by the federal government under the supervision of the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and the military. Because private land is very limited, ranchers need to use some of these public lands, as well as their own, for grazing herds of cattle and sheep. Ranchers are given an allotment and a predetermined number of livestock are allowed to graze at a per-head fee.

management goals while simultaneously putting food on tables, keeping places of business open and empowering rural communities.”

If ranchers are put out of business by reducing or eliminating public land grazing, the landscape suffers and rural communities lose their base of support.

Some folks think that public land issues can be resolved — and the question of the highest beneficial use — by letting the highest bidder use the land.

“This doesn’t take into consideration the ranchers’ right that is attached to their private land (base property). They’ve already paid for this use,” Lane say. “The public grazing is the foundation of the value of the ranch. These are not functioning ranches without the public grazing.

“If you dispense with grazing, you destroy the stability of rural communities. If the high bid is for recreation and for 4-wheelers to be out on the land in July, it won’t keep the grocery stores open in December.”

During the Antiquities Act battle, and the monument designations in Utah at the end of the Obama administration, Lane pointed out that we cannot replace multi-generational family agriculture in these rural communities with seasonal tourism jobs.

Yet some groups want us to believe that rural economies would be helped by wilderness designation — that people will come to see the wolves and wildlife.

“Not every ranch family in the West can support themselves selling hot dogs and tourism. It’s not a reality. We have a vastly different point of view here, but the ranchers in the West are not going to Maine and telling them how to manage their resources,” says Lane.

A certain portion of the general public wants to dictate what we do here, and think that western ranchers are using something

This has been an agreeable partnership for close to a hundred years, with both parties active in managing the land to accommodate many uses such as wildlife habitat and recreation as well as grazing. The health of our rangeland is in everyone’s best interest.

Land has always been the foundation of our nation’s wealth and the men and women who work that land are the traditional caretakers.

Land management and conservation science have advanced greatly over the last decades and modern ranchers keep up, or are in the lead.

that does not belong to them.

What ranchers do for the land — benefitting every user and public owner — is hard to quantify. No one really knows the actual monetary value of the ecosystem services that ranchers provide, but it is essentially irreplaceable.

“Those resources do belong to everyone, but there are some authorities that have been granted to people on that land, one of which, in many cases, is a preference grazing right.

The public/private partnership that has been created by this situation has turned out to be very beneficial to the taxpayer,” Lane says. “If ranchers were not paying for the use of those lands, and grazing to reduce fuel loads and managing water sources, fence lines, etc. the BLM and Forest Service would be struggling to find a way to pay for that management and it wouldn’t get done.”

The agencies don’t have the manpower (or the intimate knowledge of these lands) to do all the things that ranchers do, and the public’s land would suffer. Ranchers are the best stewards and caretakers because they are there, already doing it.

It’s a tough job, however.

“If you are a rancher in the West with a grazing permit, you have every problem and concern that every other cattle or sheep producer anywhere in the country has — worrying about prices, market access, animal health, and other common issues — but also have another set of concerns on top of all that, which could put you out of business tomorrow,” Lane says. “This uncertainty and risk radically changes the way you do business.”

The rancher who depends on public lands for his/her livelihood faces an even more uncertain future than other ranchers, and worries that competing interests may claim to have a higher beneficial use for these lands.

Carefully grazed rangeland has been shown to be healthier and more productive than ungrazed land separated by only a wire fence.

Grazing animals control invasive species and organic matter that fuels destructive wildfires.

Like most of the west, Nevada has been impacted by urban growth, especially by the increased demands on a limited water supply.

Natural resources are under pressure so it becomes increasingly critical to manage our rangelands to benefit not only our livestock industry, but the very place we call home.

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THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

11

10th Annual Western States Ranch Rodeo Association National Finals

ABOVE PHOTO: MARY WILLIAMS HYDE; POSTERS BELOW: COURTESY MARY WILLIAMS HYDE

ABOVE: Richard Eiguren: 2019 WSRRA World Champion, All Around Ranch Horse, Top Hand, World Champion Open Team member. POSTERS BELOW: These six posters designed by Mary Williams-Hyde for the 10th Rodeo Anniversary can be purchased at www.buckaroocountry.com/BCblog.

Naomi Loomis WSRRA Representative

T

he tenth-annual Western States Ranch Rodeo Association National Finals presented by Protect the Harvest and Lucas Oil, was held October 31 - November 3 at the Winnemucca Events Complex in Winnemucca, Nevada.

The Western States Ranch Rodeo Association (WSRRA) continues to experience solid support in thirteen states and Canada with teams coming from as far away as

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12

THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Established in 2010, the WSRRA has experienced incredible growth, each year growing in number of events and members. The association currently has more than 600 members.

Throughout 2019, WSRRA sanctioned more than 34 open ranch rodeos, 20 women’s ranch rodeos, 25 women’s steer stoppings and over 100 ranch bronc riding events. The top open and women’s teams from each of the ranch rodeos, and the top 15 women’s steer stoppers, and top 15 ranch bronc riders

competed for cash and prizes at the National Finals. Prizes included Gist buckles, Yeti coolers, Twisted X boots, silver stirrups, Cowboy’s Choice feed, custom made gear made by Ricardo’s Saddlery and John Mincer, Joe Benner halters, Trina Webb stirrups, and custom-made hats donated by Chaz Mitchell Hatz.

For the second year in a row, the WSRRA added a Jr/Sr Division. This division required two seniors age 17 or over and two juniors ages 1216 to compete in six events.

Six teams competed in ranch horse, branding, tie down

steer, sort and rope, trailer loading and team roping. This added event was one of our highlights of this year national finals.

The 2019 WSRRA Cowboy Crisis silent auction recipients were TJ Thompson/Pat Stanford and Joel Baer. The silent auction was very successful, with a grand total raised $18,000.

The Nationals Finals kicked off Thursday with the women’s long go working ranch horse, followed by women’s team roping, trailer loading, tie-down steer roping, sort & rope doctoring, and team branding. A huge variety of vendors participated in the Christmas Buckaroo Trade Show and the WSRRA Cowboy Crisis silent auction began.

Jackpot roping events finished the action for the day.

The jackpot team roping winners were Jared Parke and Dan Webb, in the Big Loop, John Schutte and Ira Walker in the team roping and Candida Eldridge in the women’s steer stopping. This year the WSRRA also added open steer stopping with the winner going to Kyler Ericcson and a break a-way roping and the winner was Lindy Lehman.

Friday, November 1, one member of each open team and jr/sr teams started the day showing off their highly skilled ranch horses.

Then the teams competed in long go events of load & tie and team roping. The evening’s performance featured a “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” theme. Grand Marshall, Charlotte Thompson and 3rd Annual Nelo Mori Heritage of Ranching Award, Petan Company YP Ranch and the Jackson Family, made an exciting grand entrance in a refurbished horse drawn stagecoach.

If that wasn’t enough, the first two rounds of the Professional Wild Horse Racers Association (PWHRA) national finals got everyone’s blood pumping! Rodeo clown, Tuffy Gessling entertained the crowd with his rope tricks and laughs. In between specialty acts, WSRRA ranch bronc riders competed in two rounds and open and women’s teams showed their talents in featured performances.

Saturday morning started with two rounds of Women’s Steer Stopping rounds 1 & 2, followed by open team and jr/sr teams long go’s of sort & rope doctoring, and team branding. Later in the day, WSRRA National Sponsor, the Boot Barn,

PHOTOS: MARY WILLIAMS HYDE

LEFT: 2019 WSRRA NFR World Champions Anipro, featuring Teo Maestrejuan, Shaun Lequerica, Richard Eiguren and Bryan Grenke, along with WSRRA Association Representative (Naomi Loomis). RIGHT: Carmen Buckingham: 2019 WSRRA NFR Women’s World Champion, All Around Ranch Horse, All Around Cowgirl, Top Hand Cowgirl. sponsored a dummy roping contest and a stick horse barrel race for the kids. Gist Buckles were given as prizes.

The third annual Great Basin Gathering; music, poetry and trading gear was a spotlighted event.

Adding to our Saturday activities, Last Dash 4 Cash, produced by Lindsey Tregellas, added a barrel racing in the neighboring arena.

After the long go performance, the arena featured the John Lewis Memorial Family Branding, won

by Garret Brown, Bailey Bachman, Quinn Mori and Asher Freeman all took home a Gist Silversmiths buckles.

As the sun was going down, the second evening performance started. This performance was full of Wild West action and western traditions. Featured performances of more of the open and women’s teams, along with two rounds each of PWHRA and WSRRA ranch bronc riding kept the arena dust stirred up and the crowd’s excitement high! Performances by Tuffy Gessling livened up the evening’s fun. Saturday ended with year-end and long go awards at The Winners at Winners WSRRA awards party, followed by dancing to music by the Jeff Palmer Band, both hosted by the Winners Inn & Casino.

Sunday, November 3, WSRRA held a well-attended Cowboy Church with Bo and Kathy Lowe.

After Cowboy Church, WSRRA held the short go of the national finals for the open and women’s divisions and the final rounds of PWHRA wild horse racing, women’s steer stopping and WSRRA

ranch bronc riding. At the end of the afternoon, champions were crowned with Gist Silver buckles, Twisted X boots, Yeti coolers, homemade headstalls by Ricardo’s Saddlery with Mincer Silversmith WSRRA conchos, Cowboy’s Choice bag of feed and silver stirrups by Weber Stirrups.

The United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard has represented the Marine Corps in events across the United States for the last 52 years. This year, the WSRRA was honored to have the United States Mounted Color Guard at all four of our performances. The Marines were riding wild palomino mustangs, adopted from the Bureau of Land Management’s “Adopt a Horse” program. Staff Sergeant Esteban Jauregui (How-Diggy) is the Staff Non-Com-missioned officer-in-charge of the Mounted Color Guard, and this unit is stationed at Marine Corps Logistics Base, in Barstow, California.

The WSRRA scholarship fundraiser featured a pair of custom crafted spurs graciously donated by Mincer Silversmith, a Chaz Mitchell Custom 100X hat, and a Henry rifle. The custom-made spurs was won by Johnny Callahan, the Chaz Mitchell hat was won by Matt Jaguer and the rifle was won by John Owen. Thank you to all that purchased raffle tickets.

Congratulations to all the contestants not just the winners. First time visitors to the event were totally impressed with the quality of the competition and the stock. A huge thank you to all the office help, chute help, announcers, judges,

vendors and stock contractors.

The WSRRA wouldn’t be around without the help of our sponsors and major supporters which include: our premier presenting sponsor Protect the Harvest and Lucas Oil. Thank you to the Winnemucca WVCA Board, Ram Trucks/Ram Rodeo, Boot Barn, 8 Seconds Whisky, Twisted X Boots, Gouveia Ranches, Working Ranch Magazine, Yeti, Gist Silversmiths, Big Bend Trailers and Chaz Mitchell Hatz, J Bar D Canvas & Leather and host hotels, Winnemucca Inn and Winners Inn Casino.

RESULTS The 2019 Western States Ranch Rodeo World Champions are below. Be sure to take plans to attend a sanctioned WSRRA Ranch Rodeo in 2020!

World Champion Women’s Steer Stopper: Bailey Bachman Rookie Women’s Steer Stopper of the Finals: Brynn Lehman WSRRA Year End Champion: Michell Rutan Rookie Women’s Steer Stopper of the Year: Brynn Lehman World Champion Open Ranch Rodeo Team: Anipro from Nevada (Richard Eiguren, Shaun Lequerica, Bryan Grenke, Teo Maestrejuan) (Returning) World Champion Women’s Ranch Rodeo Team: Miller Livestock from Idaho (Carmen Buckingham, Katie Jo McFarlane, Kayla Tiegs and Bailey Bachman) World Champion Jr/Sr Team: Kings River Ranch from Montana (Nate Thompson, Damian McGarva, Frank Dominguez, TJ

Thompson) World Champion Ranch Bronc Rider: Cody McCarthy WSRRA Bronc Rider Average Champion: Chase Thrall WSRRA ROOKIE Ranch Bronc Rider of the Finals: Cody McCarthy WSRRA Year End Champion: Cody McCarthy WSRRA ROOKIE Ranch Bronc Rider of the YEAR: Cody McCarthy 8 Seconds Whiskey Tour Stop Champion: Cody McCarthy 8 Seconds Whiskey Tour Stop Res. Champion: Joel Baer WSRRA Scholarship Ranch Bronc Rider Champion: Cade Maupin ALL AROUND COWGIRL: Carmen Buckingham ALL AROUND COWBOY: TeJay Fenster TOP HAND COWGIRL: Carmen Buckingham TOP HAND COWBOY: Richard Eiguren Jr/Sr Top Hands: Damien McGarva and Nate Thompson ALL AROUND RANCH HORSE – OPEN: Richard Eiguren ALL AROUND RANCH HORSE – WOMENS: Carmen Buckingham Jr/Sr Ranch Horse: Nate Thompson BRONC OF THE YEAR: Broke Evan #4E3 owned by Triple J Rodeo - James Clark PICK UP MEN OF THE YEAR: Dalton Jim HIGH AVERAGE CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR (Based on top 5 Horses): King Rodeo Co. WSRRA PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: Outlaw Bronc - Jess & Kathleen Jones

THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

13

Traditions in Veterinary Medicine

I

had to call the experts to discuss traditions in veterinary medicine. I have had the pleasure to meet and work with some of the most experienced gentlemen in the veterinary profession ranging from the Fallon to Elko area. I cannot thank these gentlemen enough as some of them have taught and shaped me into the veterinarian I am today. Not only did they teach me the art of practice, but also how to work hard, long hours and be proud of that work.

There are many gems in the veterinary profession that have been practicing for around 50 years that are not included, but thank you to all of them as well. I asked three veterinarians about traditions in veterinary medicine that they continue to do today or that they saw come and go, and sometimes come back again.

Dr. Ross Zimmerman practices mainly in Winnemucca, Nevada, and also extending way into Northern Nevada and up into Oregon as well. He graduated from Colorado State University in 1971, so he has been practicing veterinary medicine for 48 years. He taught me a lot including how to handle frustrating situations which often included taking a break from practice to dig holes for fence posts.

He lived by the motto to “not sweat the small stuff” though he may have sweated a little when, many years ago, I left a crucial gate open and a heifer ended up out on West Winnemucca Boulevard. I asked him about traditions in veterinary medicine and he promptly replied “not much other than getting up in the morning and going at it, hard work.”

He is currently living that tradition as later in the conversation he asked if we figured out a way to make pregnancy checking 450 cows a day, 5 days a week any easier. I didn’t have a great answer for him other than mirroring what he had said at the beginning of the conversation. One other tradition that Dr. Zimmerman discussed that has mostly gone by the wayside is brucellosis (bangs) vaccinating heifers by heading and healing them. Dr. Zimmerman is a cattleman through and through as he is capable of

Sarah P. Hummel DVM

roping such heifers as well as bangs vaccinating them.

I first heard of Dr. Boyd Spratling from our neighbor Mr. John DeLong who was reliving tales of when Dr. Spratling would fly out in his plane, land wherever John was working cattle that day and they would head and heal the heifers while Dr. Spratling bangs vaccinated them. I don’t know if Dr. Herriot or Dr. Poll could ever do that. Dr. Boyd Spratling graduated from Washington State University in 1975.

He practices in the Deeth/Elko area and he amusingly observes how therapies and fads in veterinary medicine come full circle, “just like fashion in a way.” He said that “beefmaster bulls were popular in the 70’s and 80’s and then faded.”

Now he smiles as he sees semi loads of beef masters coming back into the country. Another traditional treatment that came and gone and is back again is using honey on various wounds.

He said that they used it initially and then it was laughed at as a treatment because there were so many “better” and more sophisticated option. But now as research progresses we use honey more and more. Dr. Spratling has also learned when not to jump on a wagon.

He retells of a time when chemical castrations were being pushed really hard by the industry. An injectable irritant was introduced into the testicle as an alternative to knife cutting or banding. He tried it and quickly discovered it was not a good practice and he was correct as it quickly faded into unpopularity after about three years.

One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is how Dr. Spratling castrates a horse. He said during his third horse castration, he was cutting a horse for Charlie Van Norman, who taught him a lot about horses in general. After Dr. Spratling got the first testicle out, he set it down next to the horse. Charlie promptly grabbed that testicle and placed it in front of the horses nose in order to encourage that gelding

PHOTO: ASHLEY BUCKINGHAM

There are many important traditions in veterinary medicine, says Sarah P. Hummel. to run faster! After that Dr. Spratling learned to always ensure those horse testicles end up in a position to encourage that horse to run faster and chase what they want!

Another tradition in veterinary medicine that seems to never change is hard work as iterated above. A model of hard work is Dr. Craig Schank from Fallon Nevada a 1982 graduate from Colorado State University. Dr. Schank has served on the Nevada Board of Veterinary Practitioners and he was also the American Association of Bovine Practitioners clinician of the month.

I cannot speak highly enough of this individual both personally and professionally.

I have witnessed him do everything from diagnosing an incredibly rare autoimmune disease, successfully perform heart surgery and pull a calf in seconds flat. He is generally the first one at work and

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THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

the last one to leave. It is no wonder that when he thinks of tradition in veterinary medicine, he thinks of the mixed animal practitioner being available 24-7 to meet the needs of his/her clients. He states, “predating cell phones, we dutifully wore a pager that would display a number entered by the caller.

If you were out and about on a call, you’d look for a pay phone or if a pay phone was not available, as was usually the case, I’d drop by the home of a friend in the area and ask to use their phone. Many of the calls were not emergencies but might include ‘when are you going to be in the clinic tomorrow?’ or ‘how much commabiotic should I give my coughing horse?’. It was just something that was part of the job title of veterinarian.”

Factors in society changed much of that including more stringent rules and standards of care set

forth by the veterinary boards as well as new clinics that did not see after hour emergencies increasing the burden on those that did. Now many of these after hour services are provided by emergency clinics to meet the rigorous standards of care.

A commonality of this generation is their amazing work ethic. They have spent their lives and built their careers on serving our communities and caring for our livestock and pets. They continue to outwork many of their younger counterparts and generally do so without a grumble from their lips. To summarize traditions in veterinary medicine after speaking to these gentlemen is hard work for the producers and clients that they serve. Thank you!

Sarah P. Hummel, DVM, 775-530-4137, sarahhummelddvm@yahoo.com

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Can Greater Sage Grouse and

Livestock Share the Range?

Winnemucca FFA members Score Big at National FFA Convention Jennifer Whiteley Nevada Rancher

A

ccording to the FFA.org website, “Participants in the Agricultural Issues Forum Leadership Development Event (LDE) research the pros and cons of an agricultural issue and present their findings to a panel of judges.

“This team LDE challenges students to investigate a variety of current local, state, national and international issues facing agriculture through classroom instruction. Students then demonstrate through portfolio, presentation and questioning an understanding of the principles and fundamentals of agricultural issue analysis.

“Communication, leadership and teamwork skills are critical to event success.

This event connects agriculture students with professionals in the industry as they research, present and then understand complicated issues facing the agricultural landscape — making it especially attractive to students with an interest in agricultural policy, law and international relations.”

The last week of October, the Winnemucca FFA chapter took 7 students, their coach Leah Mori, and chaperone Karen Aitken to the 92nd National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis.

Chapter members included Nevada State FFA Vice President Weston Noyes, Chapter Treasurer Brett Ferraro, Chapter Secretary Isaac Mori, Chapter President Allison Aitken, Dillon Patterson, Mick Coleman, and Chapter Vice President Taylie Hoyt.

Advisor Becky Hill explained, “Leah Mori was the main coach outside of class coaching these kids. She asked last year in October if she could volunteer and coach the Ag Issues team. I told her that it would be awesome to get the help, as you know how busy us Ag teachers are. Leah and the kids set out on a mission to win! The kids put in work in the classroom during their Ag Communications, Leadership and Policy class last year and many hours outside of the classroom, but she has spent the past year meeting with these kids outside of the classroom approximately once a week, researching the topic, structuring their presentation, as well as organizing all of their public forums to present at. The past month before the competition we teamed up to ensure that the kids were practicing twice a day and prepared for any of the questions that would be asked of them. It’s been great to see such dedication and hard work put in by this great group of kids and see such growth in each of them over the past year.”

The first step of their journey to Nationals was to select a topic pertaining to their area, that students could be passionate about, and decide the best way to present it. The students selected the topic, “Can Greater Sage Grouse and Livestock Share the Range?”

Their presentation was formed as a skit, staged in a classroom setting. Miss Hoyt

16

PHOTOS: JENNIFER WHITELEY

ABOVE: From left: Mick Coleman, Taylie Hoyt, Brett Ferraro, Isaac Mori, Dillon Patterson, Allison Aitken and Weston Noyes after presenting in the semifinal round at the 92nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. BELOW: Staged as a classroom setting, students prepare to debate the topic “Can Greater Sage Grouse and Livestock Share the Range?”

acted as the teacher, who after presenting her students with the question “Can Greater Sage Grouse and Livestock Share the Range?” divided her students into 2 groups: Pro Mr. Noyes, Mr. Patterson, and Miss Coleman, and Con Mr. Ferraro, Mr. Mori, and Miss Aitken. Miss Hoyt asked students to research and then debate the topic. After their debate, each student shared what they had learned from the other side about the topic.

One of the requirements of competing at the state level is to present their topic to at least 3 different groups or agencies.

Success! The Winnemucca FFA Chapter won at the State FFA Convention in March of 2019. Next, they presented their issue to nine different groups in the Humboldt County, including the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Legislative Breakfast in Carson City, continuing to hone their presentation

GROUSE, 17

THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

Weston Noyes can’t hide his excitement as the team learns they have made it to the final round! From left: Isaac Mori, Brett Ferraro, Mick Coleman, Taylie Hoyt, Allison Aitken, Dillon Patterson and Weston Noyes.

What They Learned The Winnemucca FFA Chapter Ag Issues Forum Jennifer Whiteley | Nevada Rancher

PHOTO: JENNIFER WHITELEY

From left: Allison Aitken, Dillon Patterson, Mick Coleman, Weston Noyes, Nevada Cattlemen’s President Sam Mori, Isaac Mori, Taylie Hoyt and Brett Ferraro after presenting their forum to the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Legislative Breakfast.

GROUSE

From page 16

and gaining more experience and answering more questions, before flying to Indianapolis.

First the students competed in the preliminary round against 37 teams from across the United States, presenting to a panel of judges and answering their questions, and then proceeded to the semifinals, competing against 16 other teams, once again presenting to a panel of judges and answering their questions.

Once again, they proceeded to the next and final round, competing against 3 other states, but this time on the National Stage, in front of the entire National Convention!

They ended up placing 2nd in the entire nation. The students each received gold

medals for their FFA jackets, plaques, and $600 scholarships.

Leah Mori explained, “The judges were from all over the country. They said it takes 52 judges for the contest. I talked to a couple of the judges and they had great things to say about the kids and their presentation.”

Not too bad for a small school from Northern Nevada!

Leah Mori added, “I’m so incredibly proud of these kids, we have all put in numerous hours of research, practice, and presentations. The scholarship and gold medal awarded are just a part of what they have accomplished, the exposure and contacts they have made both locally and nationally through this competition will be great assets for their bright futures. I feel so fortunate to be part of this group’s success, thank you!”

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In recent years, the population of Greater Sage Grouse has declined, catching the attention of the state and federal management agencies across the west.

With a decline in the sage grouse population, conservation efforts are being made to regrow the bird’s population.

These conservation efforts are dependent upon many stakeholders, agriculture being one of the largest. Behind tourism, agriculture and mining are the top industries in Nevada.

The sagebrush steppe is shared by both the Greater Sage Grouse and cattle. Sage grouse are dependent upon the sagebrush to survive. Though cattle are not dependent upon sagebrush, they feed on the sagebrush and grasses that grow in this habitat.

“Due to cattle grazing, perennial grass coverage reduces and an increase in shrub coverage is seen and can enhance nest production” (Jakowski, 2014).

The relationship between cattle and the sage grouse is important since the sage grouse have diverse habitat requirements according to their annual life cycle. Public land agencies have developed land management plans to preserve this habitat. Ranchers will have to abide by the plan set in place by these agencies in their grazing permits, such

as reduction of grazing time and allotted herd numbers.

The issue primarily involves federal and state agencies, ranchers, conservationists, mining industry, real estate developers, and wildlife activists. Federal and state agencies respond to the efforts of stakeholders by implementing laws and regulations. Ranchers then must follow these laws and regulations according to their grazing permits.

“It is important to consider that cattle ranching is an important sector to watch over because once something like land is destroyed, it will be very difficult to recover.” — Brett Ferraro “A cow can be important to keep rangeland maintained before it becomes an even bigger problem, such as a devastating wildfire.” — Mick Coleman “Maybe not everyone is against ranchers. We may need to undergo some slight changes in consideration of other animals that are just as reliant on the same plants we graze.” — Isaac Mori “Ranchers are important to the land.

Aside from grazing it, they keep natural resources like water available to other animals inhabiting the land.” — Dillon Patterson “The bird is at a slight disadvantage as cattle can dominate the land and have way more feed available.” — Allison Aitken “All of these factors, taken into consideration can have a long-lasting effect on a very important sector of the agriculture industry.” — Weston Noyes

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17

Meet Irene Smith A CattleWomen Series Produced by Ruby Uhart

www.rubyuhart.com I’m Irene Smith and I live on Cottonwood Ranch in O’Neil Basin and have been here for almost 67 years.

I am now 89 years old and my main job on the ranch these days is baking cookies and watering flowers, so I’ll tell about my early days on Cottonwood Ranch.

My husband and I came to the ranch in 1952. Horace had served 4 years in the Naval Air Force during the Korean War. In 1952 his Grandfather Agee died and left the ranch to Horace and his brother so as soon as we got out of the service we headed for the ranch. We arrived in November of 1952 during a snow storm.

I had never been to Cottonwood before and didn’t really know what to expect. I found a three room cabin with a tiny yard surrounded by lots of sagebrush. The current resident was a big black tom cat. We invited the cat to leave and moved in. It was pretty rustic but I loved it from the start. We were home!

There were no power lines into O’Neil Basin at that time so there was no electricity. There was a windmill that pumped water into the house so there was a tiny bathroom and a kitchen with running water. I felt lucky because that modern convenience hadn’t been there for too long. We soon acquired a gas refrigerator and replaced the old wood stove with a gas stove. Heaven! That first year we used kerosene lanterns to read at night.

That winter I’m sure I read every copy of the “Little Golden Books” there was to our one year old son, Agee. I used a gas driven wringer washing machine to do our laundry. That was a major under-taking since the machine was a little tricky and Horace often had to work on it to keep it going. He didn’t love ‘laundry day’.

In the summer I took the washing machine outdoors and did the laundry outside. Except for the horse flies that were drawn to the soapy water I kind of enjoyed that. It provided great entertainment for the kids as they made little rivers out of the water when I drained the tubs. I hung the laundry on a clothes line strung between two poles. It was great in the summer but in the winter there could be lines full of frozen diapers and clothes swinging stiffly in the wind. I improvised with a drying rack or hung the laundry on a line over the heating stove. It worked!

We soon bought a generator to provide some electricity when we needed it.

I don’t ride, brand or put up hay anymore, but I have memories of wonderful years spent building a ranch and raising kids.

One of the first things we had to do after we arrived at the ranch was get a horse. Horace

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owned a couple of horses that he had trained before he went in the service. His uncle had been using the horses on his ranch so we just had to gather them and bring them home. We also had two Thoroughbred mares that we bred to either a Thoroughbred stud or an Arabian stud, both standing on his uncle’s neighboring ranch. We soon got our own Thoroughbred stud and developed a great string of wonderful horses. Now there were colts to break and we spent most of our evenings (weather permitting) working with the horses.

We later added a Quarter Horse stud. Some of our kids preferred working with the Quarter Horses, but Horace and I always loved the Thoroughbreds and Anglo-Arabs.

There was a lot of snow the first winter we spent on the ranch. All the weaned calves from his grandfather’s and uncle’s neighboring ranches were wintering on Cottonwood and they had to be fed. We had a team of work horses and sled that we used to feed the calves. I learned to drive the team as Horace fed the hay off the sled. Our one year old son Agee was tucked in the hay to keep him warm. That was the winter that they had to fly hay into the cattle on some ranches because the snow was too deep to get feed to them. We had our share of heavy snow and blizzard conditions but managed to get hay to the cattle with our hard-working work team.

In the 1950’s there were few fences so all the ranchers ran their cattle in common. This meant that it took a lot of cowboys from the ranches to gather the cattle from the range.

There were huge brandings at each ranch. I learned to cook for lots of hungry cowboys when they gathered at Cottonwood. This was quite a challenge for a girl who had never cooked for more than two people at a time.

I even mastered baking bread and churning butter. It was fun to listen to the stories told around the big table of the day’s adventures on the range.

In the 1960s the BLM and Forest service separated the range into allotments so fences were built to separate the allotments. We no longer had the huge gatherings and brandings; each ranch and family worked their own cattle. We raised Hereford cattle and had a yearling operation. In the spring we turned the cattle out in March. In June we gathered the cattle off the range and branded the calves. We had a small branding corral on the range so the herd had to be held while the calves were worked off. This job always fell to women and kids. (My how times have changed!) It was an exciting time as lots of friends would come out to help. It was also a chance for the kids to practice roping and learn to handle cattle. I always cooked a hot meal to take to the brandings. One time I put stew in what I thought was a container for hot food, but turned out to be for cold food, and the stew melted right through the bottom.

We had a good laugh over my mistake and I rushed back to the ranch to rustle up something to feed the hungry crew.

THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

In those early days we used horses to cut and stack our hay. My job was to drive the horse drawn dump rake that gathered the hay into windrows that were then bunched by the buck rakes. We used a beaver slide to stack the loose hay. It was a lot of work for the stackers but I loved my part of putting up hay.

We soon started to improve the ranch. Together we drug and burned sagebrush to clear the land. We leveled land and planted alfalfa and other grasses and soon had doubled the amount of productive meadow on the ranch.

This took several years to accomplish and a lot of hard work. Now we are working toward making not only good meadow land but good habitat for sage grouse and other wildlife.

We also planted trees and lawn and I planted a vegetable garden every summer. Because of the short growing season and frosts every month growing anything was a challenge. I could only grow the hardiest vegetables. Beets and turnips were my best crop but nobody liked them very much. I never did manage to get a red tomato.

While we were growing the ranch we were also growing our family. By 1960 Agee had four little brothers and sisters for company.

Several of our nieces and nephews were also on the ranch so there was no shortage of kids.

Since our family had definitely out-grown the cabin, we built on an addition and created a comfortable home for all of us.

In 1953 we partnered with my father and started a hunting operation. We established a base camp on Camp Creek and a spike camp below Mary’s River Peak. Hunters from all over the country came to hunt the abundant mule deer that the Jarbidge Wilderness was famous for. We met many wonderful people and made life- long friends among the hunters. My mother and I did the cooking. My job was to cook much of the food that we sent to spike camp. I made huge stews to take ‘on the mountain’, and baked more cinnamon rolls and breads than I can count.

Horace was hunting from the spike camp

so was gone for most of the season. Inevitably the generator would quit working or something would go wrong that I couldn’t fix.

Although I enjoyed meeting the hunters and listening to the hunting stories, it was also sometimes a lonely time for me and the kids.

We all missed their dad.

In 1955 we built a hunting lodge at lower camp. We cooked on a wood stove and carried water from the creek. It was rustic and a lot of work but it was in a beautiful setting among the quaking aspen trees and beside the creek.

It served as a base for both the lower and upper camps. In the evening the big table in the dining hall was always filled with hunters exchanging great stories of the day’s hunt.

We moved the lodge to the ranch in 1964.

That October my niece was getting married at the ranch so we were planning to use the lodge for wedding guests that would be staying overnight. A few days before the wedding everybody had gone hunting from spike camp and lower camp. Instead of cooking for hunters I had stayed home to get everything ready for the wedding. I was at the house when one of the kids came running in and said the lodge was on fire. By the time I got there the building was in flames and there was nothing I could do to save it. It was very heart-breaking to stand by and watch it burn. Luckily the hunters that had been staying there were gone so nobody was hurt. In spite of the fire it was a beautiful wedding. The following year we built a new lodge.

When the kids got old enough to go to school I drove them to the ‘one room school house’ at the Gibbs ranch. It was 25 miles, much of it through a rough canyon road.

There was no home schooling at that time so I drove them to school in the morning and picked them up and drove them home when the school day was done. It was pretty challenging when the weather was bad. In the spring when the creek had washed part of the road away I would have the kids get out of the car and walk to the other side of the wash

out while I gingerly drove through. We always made it safely and made the time in the car go by singing songs and watching for wildlife.

The kids all loved going to the O’Neil school. They made close friends with the Gibbs and Knudson children who were actually all related to them. They shared a greatgreat grandmother. The road was often closed because of snow in the winter so at those times I was their teacher at home. They didn’t seem to suffer from their country schooling.

They all graduated high school and went on to college or established successful businesses.

In 1964 we celebrated our oldest son Agee’s 8th grade graduation with a roping and square dance. After that we continued having a ranch rodeo with roping and arena games for the kids on the 4th of July for the next 20 years. It grew from a few ranch families to over 200 folks from all over. We joked that some of our guests came for the 4th and stayed for several years. In the summer through the years that our kids were growing up, we had ropings every week-end. We were lucky that a couple that worked on a neighboring ranch were square dance callers so after the ropings and a barbecue we square danced. Everyone from the youngest child to the grandparents joined in and we had a great time.

Through the years most of our nieces and nephews spent the summers with us and some lived with us and went to the country school with their cousins. There were always other young people with us every summer.

Most of them came just to be on the ranch and learn to ride horses and help out on the ranch. Later, as adults, many have said that the memories of their time at the ranch were the best time of their lives and that it made a positive impact on the rest of their lives.

I worked at the Humboldt National Forest office from 1991 through 1996. While I was there I was surprised at the negative feelings many people had about cattle on public lands. In fact I often heard the slogan ‘cattle free by 93”. As a rancher I found that very troubling. I heard about a program called Holistic Resource Management from one of the range cons and how well it was working for ranchers that were practicing it. My husband, son Agee and daughter Kim all took the HRM course that was offered and we decided it would be a great program for Cottonwood. In 1995 we formed a team consisting of many BLM, Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife representatives as well as other folks who were interested. The program includes the frequent movement of cattle over the range and requires a rider or riders

checking and moving cattle almost every day.

Over the years the improvement to the range and the streams has been phenomenal and Cottonwood Ranch has won several awards in recognition of our efforts.

My husband Horace passed away in November of 2014. We would have celebrated our 65th wedding anniversary in December.

His passing left a hole in my life, our family’s life and the life of the ranch.

My son Agee and his wife Vicki, and my granddaughter McKenzie and her husband Jason are now managing and running the ranch. I spend my time visiting my other children in the winter, doing some traveling, working in the yard in the summer and enjoying my hobby of miniature painting. I also am happy to have two of my 17 great grandchildren living on the ranch. The two boys are a source of constant wonder and delight to me.

Ranch life isn’t always easy and often financially challenging, but it is always rewarding.

Some of my wonderful memories are of riding down the mountain from below Mary’s River Peak in the moonlight and riding along the high trail under God’s Pocket Peak, watching Horace and the kids break and train horses, fishing the local streams, sharing our beautiful ranch with so many people from all over the world and so many more. I am proud of

what the ranch has achieved in healing the land and streams on our range and on the ranch. I feel very fortunate that I was able to raise my family on this wonderful place. I also feel lucky to have shared this life with so many young people who are very dear to me.

My proudest accomplishment is raising my children and nieces and nephews and see them grow into good and kind adults. I have nine remarkable grandchildren and seventeen beautiful great grand- children. They are all my greatest joy.

I am truly blessed.

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THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

19

Ranching Scrapbook

PHOTOS: JENNIFER WHITELEY

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: TR Whiteley hitches a ride on the 4-wheeler with gramps and grandma while hunting for the perfect tree ... the tree is up and ready for Christmas morning ... the Cowboss uses a handsaw to cut down the perfect tree.

NEXT PAGE: The decorations are hung.

HUNTING CHRISTMAS TREES Jennifer Whiteley | Nevada Rancher Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles if wood was scarce. It is a widely held belief that Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree.

Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles.

On of my favorite family traditions is hunting for the perfect Christmas tree.

Generally, the day after Thanksgiving, or the following weekend, my brother and his family, my sister and her family, and my family all meet at my parent’s house. We then caravan up behind the ranch, often meeting with my cousins to find the perfect tree. Once there, we hike miles up and

20

down the mountain side in search of the perfect tree. Snow is often deep, trees are dense, growing closely together, and everyone is excited to be together on the hunting trip.

The Cowboss often tries to cut down the first tree he comes across. Our boys run past several decent trees trying to be the first to the top of the mountain. My brother in law, being from Oregon, never quite finds a tree that meets his ideal of the perfect tree. My cousin John prefers to “save” another tree by cutting down a tree that is growing to close to another tree. My parents are almost always the last people back to the vehicles.

Once the Cowboss and I agree on one tree, he saws it down with a hand saw. Then the boys and I help him drag it what feels like miles back to the vehicles where we wait for the rest of our family to return with their trees. Once everyone has their tree, we take group pictures to remember the day. We also enjoy cookies and coffee or hot chocolate once we are all done.

It is one of my favorite family traditions and my boys love it too. What are some of your family traditions this time of year?

THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

The obligatory Tree Hunting Party picture from 2011. Front row, TR Whiteley, Marjorie Vipham, Sarah Page and Maria Lozano. Back row, Travis Whiteley, QT Whiteley, Jessie Vipham, Marcia Bieroth, Casey Bieroth, Carlos Lozano, Pabs Lozano, John Vipham and Dennis Bieroth.

Tree Cutting Tips U.S. Forest Service Special to Nevada Rancher

Most national forests allow users to harvest trees for personal use firewood and Christmas trees, but you must first have a Forest Service-issued permit and you must follow specific guidelines, which can vary from forest to forest.

General guidelines: ■ Contact the forest district office nearest you to obtain a permit for home firewood, Christmas tree and tree cutting instructions.

■ Wood or Christmas trees cannot be sold. Permits must be in your possession at all times while on the forest.

■ Contact each forest district office for specific dates, maps, times, and accessibility.

■ Before heading out, check the local forest for the latest warnings, such as fire or road closures.

■ Always check weather conditions for proper dress attire in the forests.

■ Tell someone you know where you are going and when you’ll return.

■ Check with local district offices before you cut dead or downed trees. Dead trees could provide animal habitat.

■ Stay away from areas along the sides of streams, rivers, lakes, and wet areas. Check with the ranger district for the proper distance.

■ Be aware of areas where trees may be weakened by storms, insect damage or fire.

■ Learn how to read a map and use a compass – and carry them both with you.

Additional guidelines for Christmas trees: ■ Most holiday tree permits are issued in November. Know your location, the weather, and your ability to traverse through snow.

■ Dress for the season. Always be prepared for the cold and snow, and start tree hunting early in the day to have plenty of daylight hours.

■ Bring emergency supplies, including water and food and a first-aid kit.

■ Remember to tell someone where you are going. Your cell phone may not work on many forests.

■ The tree you choose must be at least 200 feet from main roads, recreation sites and campgrounds, and stay away from areas along the sides of streams, rivers, lakes, and wet areas. Check with the ranger district for the proper distance.

■ Select a tree with a trunk six

inches or less in diameter, and prepare to cut the tree no more than six inches above ground level.

■ Never cut a tall tree just for the top.

■ Select a tree from overstocked areas and thickets. Watch restricted areas. Cut only one tree per tag.

■ Attach your tree tag to harvested tree before placing in vehicle.

■ Bring a rope and tarp to move your tree from the harvest area to your vehicle.

What about other forest products, such as mushrooms and greenery?

A visit or call to your local forest or grassland district office is your first step. Tell them what you are interested in and how you can go about legally obtaining the items, what permits you need and what guidelines you must follow.

Our national forests and grasslands are here today for our use and enjoyment but also for the use and enjoyment of future generations.

Help us make these vital natural resources a continuing legacy.

Remember: You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you. Go to fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-yougo/tree-cutting to learn more.

THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

21

Marvel Brothers Inducted into Idaho Rodeo Hall of Fame Idaho Rodeo Hall of Fame Special to Nevada Rancher

T

he Idaho Rodeo Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving and promoting Western American Heritage and culture.

We honor the men and women who inspire and exemplify a spirit of excellence that embodies the importance rodeo plays in farming and ranching communities.

We integrate history in the lives of people and families in a way that inspires, educates, and honors the past and embraces the future with its time honored tradition of annual inductions.

Our charitable non-profit organization continues to champion our Western way of life and youth mentorship through fundraising to ensure it remains for generations to come.

Go to idahorodeo.com/hof to learn more about the Idaho Rodeo Hall of Fame and to view the entire 2019 Class.

Joe Marvel Joe Marvel was born June 26th, 1955.

He grew up cowboying with Mike and Pete Marvel on the 25 Ranch, Battle Mountain, NV. His father Tom Marvel was a great influence and teacher to all. His brother Mike started riding broncs first. Mike was Joe’s mentor and Joe wanted to ride just like him. His father Tom supplied the brothers with an endless supply of saddle broncs as well as sharing his positive influence and support. His mother Rosita was always there filming endless practices on Super eight film along with the countless prayers.

Joe went to the High School Finals in Filer, Idaho in 1971. He went to numerous rodeos in Idaho during his career. He won the Wilderness Circuit Finals in Twin Falls, Idaho 1978.

Joe succeeded in going to the NFR winning in 1974. He then went to the NFR consecutively in 1975, 1976 and in 1978 won the World Championship. He also returned to the NFR in 1979 collectively making it the fifth time to the National Finals. In 2005 Joe Marvel had the honor of being inducted into the Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Joe remarried in 2008 to Camma Dawn Logan combining the two families making six children Sam, MaryAlice, Whitney, Jake, Luke and Caleb.

All of the kids participated in rodeo.

MaryAlice, Jake, Luke and Caleb received college rodeo scholarships from CSI, College of Southern Idaho. Joe and Camma’s eight grandchildren will surely carry on the tradition of the rodeo family.

Mike Marvel Mike Marvel, born May 22, 1951 to Tom and Rosita Marvel, is a 4th generation rancher and cowboy. He, along with his siblings (Tommy, Suzy, Sally, Joe, Pete, and Amy) spent their early years riding, roping, branding, and pushing cattle across the high desert ranges of Nevada.

Under the guidance of his dad and Jim

22

COURTESY PHOTOS

The Marvel men are pictured with all their grandchildren.

Dorrance, a long-time cowboy and horsemen, Mike learned to ride bucking ranch horses and colts in the wide, open spaces of daily ranch life. Mike had worried that maybe he was letting the colts buck too much, and his dad would get upset. Jim just laughed — telling him “not to worry ... what your dad don’t know, don’t hurt him.”

When Mike was a junior in high school, cowboy and former saddle bronc rider, Tim Erickson brought Mike his first bronc saddle. Tim told him that, as good as he and his younger brothers rode outside, they should be riding in the rodeo arena. Mike liked riding the ranch horses and colts that bucked so he decided he’d give it a go. Idaho’s Bud Godby showed him how to “set” his saddle and helped him with the mechanics of the “rodeo style” of riding bucking horses. Many of Bud’s theories came from Rodeo Legend, Winston Bruce who later became a good friend and mentor of Mike’s.

Once his parents, Tom and Rosita, realized that riding rodeo broncs was something the boys wanted to do and were good at, they provided all the practice horses the boys needed. After winning the Nevada High School Saddle Bronc Riding title and numerous NCA, ICA, and CCA rodeos, Mike decided to join the professional ranks — qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo in 1974 and 1975. His parents continued to be his and his brothers’ biggest fans and supporters.

THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

Joe Marvel Mike married his wife, Theresa, in 1976.

Together on the ranch, they raised their three children Matt, Katie, and Jamie. Continuing the family rodeo tradition, all three children received college rodeo scholarships with Matt joining the ranks of the PRCA. Currently Mike and Theresa and their son, Matt and his family have a cattle ranching operation in Northeastern Nevada. Mike enjoys watching and helping his nine grandchildren compete in Youth

and Junior High School Rodeos, stockhorse shows, and other sporting events and activities.

Peter Jenkins Marvel Peter Jenkins Marvel has been a Nevada ranch cowboy his whole life, but as a teenager and young adult he was also a talented bronc rider. He was born in Battle Mountain Nevada on March 1, 1957. Pete’s older brothers Tommy, Mike, and Joe were always

Mike Marvel

Pete Marvel

there to influence and guide him along the way of his rodeo career. At every practice, it was his father Tom Marvel, who provided an endless supply of bucking horses, was his coach, and his pick-up man. His beloved mother, Rosita, was always there to cheer him on with her love, prayers, and great food.

Pete credits his strong work ethic to his father, teaching him how to work hard at young age. Tom could proudly be heard saying, “Pete was the one that liked to work.” The influential cowboy, Jim Dorrance, was also a great inspiration and teacher to Pete. During long days cowboying with Jim, Pete learned integrity, patience, horsemanship, and how to be a cowboy.

Pete remembers his desire to ride broncs resulting after a long cold day working on the family ranch with his brother Joe. They were broken down and cold after working cattle on the river; along came Mike on his way home from a rodeo. Mike showed them the buckle he had just won at the Cow Place, and Pete quickly realized who was having more fun in their situation!

At the age of 15, Pete got on his first bronc, and two years later, in 1975 he entered his first pro in Weiser, Idaho where he won his first pro-rodeo check. Pete competed in high school, college, and pro rodeos throughout Canada and the United States. He qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo

and the Wilderness Circuit Finals. During his time rodeoing Pete was honored to be in the company of many great saddle bronc legends like Rick and Bill Smith, Mike and Joe Marvel, Shawn Davis, John Holman, and Billy Stephens.

In 1978, at 21 years old he married childhood family friend, Kathi Filippini. A year later they welcomed twin daughters, Rosie and Natalie. Two tiny baby girls changed his life and priorities in a big way. Pete switched his focus from riding broncs, to raising a family and ranching. In 1980 Pete took the opportunity to purchase cattle, and lease a ranch 50 miles from Battle Mountain, Nevadahis American dream was talking form. Seven years later his youngest daughter, Abbie, was born.

In 1990, Pete and Kathi purchased the ranch they live on today in Paradise Valley, Nevada. For the first 18 years on the ranch, his best cowboys were 3 little cowgirls, and Pete was there to build their character on the Nevada desert. Times change, and now Pete can be seen pushing cows from the air in his Super Cub. Throughout the years of supporting his daughters in

high school and college rodeo, Pete was always willing to help out and give back to the rodeo community. He has served as a rough stock judge, a pick up man, a turn back man, and a coach to many kids seeking his

reserved knowledge.

Pete is truly honored to be inducted in the Idaho Rodeo Hall of Fame. He is thankful for the countless friendships and fond memories he gained through the sport. Seeing the tradition

of rodeo live on with his three daughters and their husbands, the extended Marvel and Filippini families, and especially his eight grandchildren are what make rodeo so special to him.

The University of Nevada Extension, College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources (CABNR) with financial support from local sponsors and the USDA, Risk Management Agency P R E S E N T S

2020

C AT T L E M E N ’ S UP DAT E January 6, 2020

January 7, 2020

Reno

Fallon

Registration 10 a.m.

Washoe County Cooperative Extension 4955 Energy Way Reno, NV 89502

Registration 5:30 p.m.

Fallon Convention Center 100 Campus WAY Fallon, NV 89406 Dinner Provided

Via Interactive Video to:

January 8, 2020

Ely

Logandale, Caliente, Tonopah, Lovelock, and Eureka.

Lunch Provided

January 6, 2020

Registration 5:30 p.m.

Ely Elks Lodge 694 Campton St. Ely, NV 89301 Dinner Provided

Sierra Valley, CA

January 9, 2020

Registration 5:30 p.m.

Sierra Valley Grange #466 92203 Hwy 70 Vinton, CA Dinner Provided

Elko

Agenda will be focused on cattle production

January 7, 2020

Wellington

For additional information, contact: Staci Emm, Mineral County Cooperative Extension (775) 475-4227

Registration 10 a.m.

Smith Valley Community Hall 2783 State Route 208 Wellington, NV 89444 Lunch Provided

emms@unce.unr.edu

Cost of workshop is $20 per Ranch

EXTENSION

College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources

Registration 12:30 p.m.

Great Basin College Solarium 1500 College Parkway Elko, NV 89801 Dinner Provided

January 10, 2020

Winnemucca Registration 10 a.m.

Smith Valley Community Hall 2783 State Route 208 Wellington, NV 89444 Lunch Provided

Mark your calendars for our 31st annual event

February 26 - March 1, 2020

31

ST

annual

Mark your calendars for our

31 annual event ST

WinnemuccA February 26 - march 1, 2020 R HR Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend R

Ranch, Rope & Performance

Horse Sale

2019 Top Ten Average ~ $11,030 High Selling Horse Pretty Boy Rap ~ $19,750

Winnemucca h RHR Barrel Bash

Open 4D, Youth, and Senior R Races

$12,500 ADDED MONE EY!!

20 Feb. 26 - March 1, 202

Join us at the Winnemucca Events Complex to experience Nevada’s largest & most exciting Ranch Hand Rodeo and Horse Sale! Over 30 teams compete for prizes and bragging rights!

Tentative Schedule Wed & Thurs, Feb. 26 - 27, 2020 Cow Dog Trial and Finals

Friday, February 28, 2020 Stock Horse Challenge & Horse Sale Preview Winnemucca RHR Barrel Bash

Saturday, February 29, 2020 Ranch Hand Rodeo Winnemucca RHR Barrel Bash Ranch, Rope & Performance Horse Sale

Sunday, March 1, 2020 Ranch Hand Rodeo Winnemucca RHR Barrel Bash

2019 Ranch Hand Rodeo Winning Team

C7 Ranch - Gooding, ID

For More Information: (775) 623-5071 or www.RanchRodeoNV.com THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

23

Precision Drives Predictability Beef Grading From Yesterday to Tomorrow Natalie Jones Special to Nevada Rancher

When you enjoy a great steak, it’s largely because of those little flecks of intramuscular fat (IMF).

“Marbling is like butter in the pan of potatoes,” said Dale Woerner, Texas Tech meat scientist addressing the recent Feeding Quality Forum in Amarillo. “The more marbling in the beef, the more flavor and performance we get.”

He reviewed the history of USDA beef grades, Prime, Choice, Select and Standard, wherein a combination of marbling and maturity determine quality grade. The measure of maturity has evolved from a study of chine bone ossification to dentition in 2017, with somewhat greater accuracy in the prediction of eating quality.

The U.S produced a fair amount of Choice and Prime 50 years ago but in the 1990s, dietary consensus may have moved demand toward leaner beef.

“Fortunately for all of us, the times have changed,” Woerner said. We have research that supports fat as part of a healthy diet and consumers demanding

high-quality beef. So what we have seen in the last 20 to 25 years is a rebound of grade because of increased emphasis on genetics, Angus genetics perhaps.”

That started in 1978 when the Certified Angus Beef ® (CAB®) brand “came in and changed the game” in the establishment of premium Choice.

“Today, the most progressive producers aren’t talking about percent Choice. They are focused on CAB and talk about the percent of cattle in premium Choice and Prime,” he said.

Yield grades often miss the mark on individuals but work overall and serve as an estimate of red-meat yield in carcasses, 1 being leanest and 5, the fattest, lowest yielding cattle. While many cattle no longer receive a USDA yield grade, the same formula still determines premiums or discounts for cutability.

Since approval in 2006, camera grading systems have added consistency in most major packing plants, Woerner said.

Camera systems have evolved to calculate yield and quality grades, ribeye area and marbling scores from millions of pixels in a digital image, segregated into red or white (lean or fat), amounts measured by pixel size.

“It’s really not much different

than predicting the weather,” Woerner said. “We utilize algorithms, or what the modern folk are calling ‘artificial intelligence’ to turn a machine into a human grader.

But machines don’t wake up in a bad mood or with a hangover or a personal issue with the one working next to them.”

In 800 nanoseconds — one of those is a billionth of a second — these systems calculate everything they are asked to do, ready for the next on the line. That’s happening now. What’s next?

“X-ray vision and x-ray technology is definitely coming our way,” Woerner said.

Danish and Australian systems have used it for a deep look into the carcasses, even to the point of interacting with robotic cutting lines. What may seem even more advanced is also being tested in research settings: Rapid Evaporative Ionization Mass Spectrometry (REIMS).

The technology uses metabolomics (the large-scale study of small molecules) to tell how much of a protein is intact or degraded to any degree, then comparing differences to predict tenderness, he explained.

A device reminiscent of an arc welder cooks a tiny sample, takes in the molecular signature from smoke and measures each

Now Serving All of Northern Nevada FREE Consultation for New Clients Now Serving Cities within the Distribution Area

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The more marbling in the beef, the more flavor. compound. Woerner said REIMS may even be able to differentiate beef by breed and origin, provide data on how it was raised and guarantee tenderness.

“We could, in fact, sell beef on a tough or tender basis by sorting those carcasses at the time of grading,” Woerner said.

Other emerging grading technologies will measure data that tells us more about beef than many ever thought to ask, he added. But the industry is on a good course already.

“I just think that the quality

of beef is improving because of the producers’ commitment to quality, genetics and feeding,” he said. “In the scientific world, we’re advancing by measuring improvements to differentiate quality or yield. Part of that is so that we can better market beef products in a way that’s more meaningful to a consumer. Ultimately it will drive beef demand to a higher level.”

Visit the CAB Cattlemen Connection website at www.

CABcattle.com for more stories like this.

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The Cowboy Pastor’s Wife

You Know You’re a Cowboy at Christmas if….

Y

ou know you’re a cowboy at Christmas if you scribble the following on your Christmas shopping list:

Gloves New Leggins or leather to make your own … that’s more realistic … every dayworker knows Jeans … but a specific brand and style.

None with a twist or fancy stitch.

You may be asking Santa for something to keep your pickup running…that way you can make a hand for whoever might be callin’, new alternator, battery, or fuel ... hey Cowpokes celebrate too!

What about spurs … the golden grail for cowboys or cowgirls … or a new saddle, that’s only if the cattle prices didn’t see a battle.

Breast collar Saddle Blanket New leather reins…

Handmade tie strings…

Or a slicker for your workin’ man Canvas is a good gift … for bedrolls or flies or tents. Even if it’s a small piece it comes in handy in a pinch … or for curtains for the ranch house … Heaven knows we

Norma Elliott

The Cowboy Pastor’s Wife ain’t rich!

Wildrags … flashy and plain … all serve well to bundle necks but also a statement piece for the lit’l Mrs. Tin cups Pocket knives A new rope … or two … or three Cowboys like coffee, only the dark roast will do.

Dutch ovens or cast iron are solid gifts … throw in a pound of bacon and you’ll get a kiss!

A working dog ... preferably Hanging Tree, will make your guy give you a squeeze And that brings me to … cattle, ropin’ steers … now that’s only if it’s a real bangup year! If your pockets are deep and you feel the need … why not throw in a cattle lease.

If the lease is bare better throw in some feed or junior will be selling in just six weeks.

Now don’t forget … things for the stomach, whether for horses or for yourself, are always tasty treats.

And here are some gifts we’ve received: 10 bales of horse hay 1 large sack of pinto beans Meat from a recently butchered steer and he wasn’t too lean Elk meat, deer meat, and fido the hog … made good breakfast sausage I won’t share with the dog Salsa Apple jelly Local Honey Homemade breads and goodies … Now

can you say … “YUMMY!” If you need a gift and have no money … you can look to the fence and get a kiss from your honey. Make her….

Barbed wire ornaments or a wreath Even a barbed wire basket is pretty neat!

The one … although not from my honey, but from my father-in-law was neat. I’d rather have that than a store-bought treat!

Now you know you’re a cowboy if you laughed at all. Because some years are plenty and some years are small.

Just remember that we’ll never be beat by the best gift of all…

For you and for me A Savior for all who call on His name Because it’s for Jesus that we celebrate this day: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ” — Isaiah 9:6-7 Merry Christmas ya’ll from The Cowboy Pastor’s Wife.

Society for Range Management-Winter Meeting-Emerging TechnologiesFor both Ranchers and Agencies A partnership between:

Great Basin College High Tech Center 1290 Burns Rd Elko, NV 89801

Friday, Dec 13 9:00 AM

Come join us to learn about various technological tools that can help you make better land management decisions. This workshop will include information about various levels of technology so that there will be something for everyone. All are welcome; producers, agency employees and others. Learn to use the tools that will help us all speak the same language.

Each presenter will give a 20-30-minute overview of an emerging technology. After lunch, each participant will choose a break-out session where small groups will have the opportunity to apply the tool of their choice in an instructional setting. Real hands-on application of these technologies can be used to create maps of any information to help you make better management decisions.

Presentations and Presenters Google Earth as a tool for ranchers - Jon Griggs, Maggie Creek Ranch Google Earth is a relatively easy and free way for ranchers to map their ranch.

Fences, weed treatments, production records, burned areas, future improvements and pasture monitoring are just a few of the things you can keep track of with Google Earth. And did we mention it’s free?

Web Soil Survey - Paul Meiman, UNR Cooperative Extension, Elko Come learn how to begin using the Web Soil Survey to help you remotely identify characteristics of soils and rangeland plant communities on the land you manage.

With this (and some time to consolidate data), you can build useful custom maps and reports of soils, plant community information, forage production, and more.

Land PKS (Land Potential Knowledge System) - Patti Novak, NRCS A free mobile phone app connected to global databases, models, and cloud based storage. Land PKS is a system for storing and accessing user data, as well as providing access to knowledge that can inform sustainable land management.

Rangeland Analysis Platform - Thad Heater, NRCS The Rangeland Analysis Platform is an innovative online mapping tool that can be used by anyone. Learn more about how this free tool provides quick landscape scale snapshots of rangeland vegetation allowing users to easily compare trends in rangeland resources through time. The tool allows users to track yearly changes in cover for annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and bare ground dating back to 1984.

Climate Engine - Dan McEvoy, Desert Research Institute Climate Engine uses Google’s Earth Engine for on-demand processing of satellite and climate data via a web browser. With the tool you can analyze and interact with climate and earth observations for decision support related to drought, water use, agriculture, wildfire, and ecology.

Lunch will be provided Registration $50 Producer discount. Registration is $20 Followed by dinner at the Star $35

RSVP to Dave Voth (775) 430-2047 davemvoth@gmail.com

THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

25

‘Effects of Fire on Soil Productivity’ Spring Creek Students’ Research Project Places Second at the National FFA Convention Heather Dye Nevada FFA Association & Foundation Executive Director

After witnessing the devastation of the Owl Creek fire in the Ruby Mountains, followed by the spread of invasive plant species in the burned area, Lindey Smith and Elena Petersen decided to research the effects of the fire on soil productivity.

They wanted to understand how the chemical properties of the soil had been negatively affected, so that the land could be better rehabilitated in the future. Prior to the fire, the land had a diverse population of native grasses, forbs and shrubs which was used by local ranchers for grazing and by the public for recreational activities.

This scenario served as the foundation to the Silver Sage FFA students’ success in placing second at the National FFA Convention in the Agriscience Fair’s Environmental Services/Natural Resource Systems, Division 6 category. Before reaching this achievement, they first had to compete at the Nevada FFA State Convention in March 2019.

It was there that they had to submit their research and answer questions from a panel of judges. They qualified to submit their work to National FFA. However, this didn’t guarantee that they would qualify to compete at the 92nd National FFA Convention.

Their research had to first be reviewed in order to determine if they would become national finalists in their category.

The duo became national finalists, so they packed their display board and flew to Indianapolis for the 92nd National FFA Convention, October 30 through November 2, 2019. It was there that they had to explain their research and again answer questions from a panel of judges. They displayed their board for thousands of people to view and learn about the effects of fire on soil as it relates to some of Nevada’s native and invasive plants.

This project and experience helped them develop valuable skills and exposed them to a variety of career areas. They tested the Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, pH, and Nitrate levels of soil from the burned and unburned areas. In addition, they grew Arrowleaf Balsamroot and Sandberg Bluegrass in the soil samples.

These actions required the students to

PHOTOS: AMBER SMYER

ABOVE: The students’ display board communicated their research and conclusions to thousands of people attending the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

RIGHT: Lindey Smith and Elena Petersen of the Silver Sage FFA Chapter (Spring Creek) receive second place in the Agriscience Fair’s Environmental Services/Natural Resource Systems category at the National FFA Convention Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 in Indianapolis. apply previous lessons learned as well as rely on guidance from their agriculture teacher and industry representatives. As in any research project, they had to be precise and thorough in all of their actions.

They determined that the fire had an impact on the chemical aspects of soil. It released nutrients into the A horizon of the soil, making it readily available for invasive species. The pH levels slightly increased, while the Nitrate levels significantly

SALE EVERY TUESDAY Find info and dates for upcoming TEAM ROPINGS & RANCH RODEOS on our website!

2055 Trento Lane, Fallon, NV 89406 (775) 867-2020 - Fax (775) 867-2021 FallonLivestock.com - Email FallonLivestock@gmail.com Tommy Lee, Owner (775) 741-4523 (Please call for more information on these special sales, or arrange transportation for your livestock.)

26

THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

increased. They had expected the increase in Nitrate levels due to the increase in soil temperature which accelerates bacterial activity resulting in increased Nitrate production.

The students predict that eventually all of the pH and chemical levels will return to pre-fire conditions. However, native species may have a harder time re-establishing in the area due to the initial establishment of the invasive plants. Lindey and Elena

hope that their research will help others understand the exact affects that fire has on soil and decrease any misconceptions that private landowners have about fire on their property.

The 2019 qualifying Agriscience Fair event at the Nevada FFA State Convention was sponsored by Drs. Dave Shintani and Christie Howard. To learn more about Nevada FFA and sponsorship opportunities, go to www.nvaged.com.

Small Barn at 11:00 (Goats, Sheep, Pigs) Cattle Sale at 1:00PM (Steers, Heifers, Cows, Bulls, Horses)

PLEASE NOTE THESE UPCOMING SPECIALS!

Sales every Tuesday in Dec and Jan except Dec. 24th and 31st.

Saturday, December 14th starts at 12 noon Silver State Classic Feeder Sale

Merry Christmas

2019 National FFA Convention Results Nevada Rancher

B

elow are local results from the 2019 National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. Go to ffa. org/event-results for full results.

Agriscience Fair

Environmental Services/Natural Resource Systems, Division 6 L. Smith & E. Petersen, Silver Sage FFA Gold Emblem, 2nd Place in the Nation

Agricultural Issues Forum

Winnemucca FFA – Gold Emblem Team, 2nd in the Nation W. Noyes A. Aitken D. Patterson M. Coleman B. Feraro I. Mori T. Hoyt

Agricultural Sales

Silver Sage FFA – Silver Emblem Team D. Stanfill - Gold A. Barnes - Gold S. Lamb - Silver D. Albisu - Bronze

PHOTOS: AMBER SMYER

Wells FFA Chapter, coached by advisor Don Noorda, wins gold in Farm Business Management! From left: Ian Spratling (silver individual), Hyrum Johnson (gold individual), Logan Ballard (silver individual), and Mackenzie Wachtel (gold individual).

Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems

Silver Sage FFA – Gold Emblem Team, 10th in the Nation C. Fowers – Gold K. Syme – Gold J. Cashell – Gold E. Carlon - Silver

Conduct of Chapter Meetings

Silver Sage FFA – Silver Emblem Team A.Openshaw E. Mauer E. Borg M. Borkman N. Harris S. Watkins

Creed Speaking

M. Wilson, Wells FFA – Bronze Emblem

Dairy Handlers Activity

Katie Cullen, Capitol FFA – Silver Emblem

Environmental & Natural Resources

Silver Sage FFA –Silver Emblem Team L. Smith – Gold T. Reynolds – Silver Z. Glenn – Silver M. Wines - Bronze

Extemporaneous Public Speaking

E. Petersen, Silver Sage FFA – Bronze Emblem

Farm & Agribusiness Management

Wells FFA – Gold Emblem Team H. Johnson – Gold M. Wachtel – Gold L. Ballard – Silver I. Sprattling - Silver

Floriculture

Diamond Mountain FFA – Silver Emblem Team D. Mears – Gold S. Merritt – Silver J. Protani – Silver J. Dominguez - Bronze

Horse Evaluation

Ruby Mountain FFA – Silver Emblem Team A. Flores – Gold K. Ross – Silver S. Auge – Silver A. Craven - Bronze

Livestock Evaluation

Moapa Valley FFA – Bronze Emblem Team R. McMurray – Silver M. Kephart – Bronze A. Stratton – Bronze S. Matheson - Bronze

Milk Quality & Products

Smoky Valley FFA – Bronze Emblem Team B. Christensen – Silver L. Mock – Bronze E. Gines – Bronze M. Sarmiento – Bronze

Poultry Evaluation

Capitol FFA – Bronze Emblem Team M. Meza-Moreno – Silver J. Kahue – Silver Z. Belcastro – Bronze B. Tureson - Bronze

ABOVE: Moapa Valley FFA Chapter wins bronze in Livestock Evaluation! From left: Ryan McMurray (silver individual), Shyanne Matheson (bronze individual), Avery Stratton (bronze individual), and Mackenzie Kephart (bronze individual). LEFT: From left: Silver Safe FFA advisor Aaron Albisu, Evan Carlon (silver individual), Kaden Syme (gold individual), Cody Fowers (gold individual), and John Cashel (gold individual). The Silver Sage FFA Chapter Ag Mechanics team received gold, and placed 10th overall. BELOW: Hunter Drost of Oasis FFA and Walker Fowers of Silver Sage FFA were two American Degree recipients who were able to attend the National FFA Convention to receive their degrees.

The American Degree is the highest degree awarded to FFA members.

Prepared Public Speaking

K. Hatch, Pahranagat Valley FFA, Bronze Emblem

Veterinary Science

Smith Valley FFA – Silver Emblem Team E. Lopez – Gold R. Urton – Silver H. Horton – Bronze T. Balda – Bronze

American FFA Degree

Hunter Drost, Oasis FFA Magalli Flores, Ruby Mountain FFA Walker Fowers, Silver Sage FFA Cody Gibbs, Diamond Mountain FFA

National Officer Candidate

Heather Lacovara, Diamond Mountain FFA

State Delegates Dionne Stanfill Weston Noyes Makae Pulsipher Sarah VanNest

100% State & Growth State Awards

All students enrolled in an approved Nevada Agricultural Education course are also an FFA member. FFA is an intra-curricular component of agricultural education.

Nevada was recognized for being a 100% membership state and for growing in numbers of students.

THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

27

The Nevada Rancher Gift Guide for 2020 Need a LastMinute Gift? Here are a Few Ideas!

1

Jennifer Whiteley Nevada Rancher

1. Jams or Jellies. I love to can, but often make way more than my family can eat. They make a great gift because they have a long shelf life and are a taste of summer in the winter.

2. Handmade leather jewelry.

Kendra Caber of Dally onto Faith (on Facebook) does beautiful leather work, from holsters, belts, and earrings, you are sure to find something for that special someone!

3. Calendars. For years, we got my dad a calendar every year for Christmas because it was something he needed and wanted. Today there are several different websites you can use to make your own. Our you can get one of these super cool calendars from Victoria Jackson at www. vhangingheartmedia.com!

4. Baked goods are always a hit, especially around the holidays!

There are all kids of fun ideas to dress quick breads up on Pinterest!

Just make your favorite recipe and dress it up with some pretty ribbon or paper. Most quick breads freeze well also.

5. Who doesn’t love cookies?!!

They never last long at my house! If you enjoy baking cookies, you can make a couple batches and dress them up in a pretty box or on a pretty plate. My family looks forward to goodies made by friends every holiday.

6. My boys love hot chocolate, and love to make their own mix to share with their friends! You can print or make your own little recipe cards to go with them. These are a hit with kids.

7. Simple ornaments are always fun and bring back memories of Christmases from years past. That is if the kids don’t eat the candy out of them first!

8. If you have a picture you like, you can have it printed on a canvass for a nice heartfelt gift. You can find many different professional prints from your favorite photographers online as well.

9. Or, you can always give that special someone that is hard to buy for a gift subscription to the Nevada Rancher Magazine!

3

5

Jolyn Young | Special to Nevada Rancher

1. El Caganer

he holidays are quickly bearing down upon us like the Polar Express bringing carloads of customs and long-held traditions. Most Americans routinely hang colored lights and eat red-and-white striped candy this time of year. But, how do other cultures celebrate the Christmas season? Here’s a sampling of four weird traditions from around the globe.

According to tradition, a small figurine is included in Nativity scenes throughout Spain, most of Italy, and southern France.

“El Caganer” is literally translated to “the defecator” — his folklore character is represented as a farmer or peasant squatting with his pants down, caught in the act of mid-defecation. The figure is usually tucked away far from the manger scene, and children are encouraged to find it hidden among the traditional elements of a larger Nativity scene.

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6 4

KFC For Christmas Dinner

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THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

Gross? Yes, definitely. Fun? Well, enough people seem to think so that an entire website is devoted to the subject, www.elcaganer.com. Best-selling el caganer figurines include those bearing likenesses to Barak Obama, President Donald Trump, and Angela Merkel.

2. KFC Dinner As a predominantly non-Christian nation, the Japanese don’t celebrate Christmas en masse. But, the island country has

And Other Weird Holiday Traditions from Around the World wholeheartedly adopted America’s classic fried chicken dish for Christmas dinner. According to the BBC, an estimated 3.6 million Japanese citizens eat KFC on Christmas.

Many fast food restaurants require customers to place their orders up to two months in advance to ensure supply and delivery for

TRADITIONS, 29

Besides being “Mexican April Fools’ Day,” December 28th is also “El Dia de los Santos Innocentes.”

COURTESY PHOTOS

According to the BBC, an estimated 3.6 million Japanese citizens eat KFC on Christmas.

TRADITIONS

From page 28

the holiday.

How did this cheap American dish become a Christmas craze overseas?

Marketing. Duh. Takeshi Okawara, manager of the first KFC restaurant in Japan and longtime CEO of Kentucky Fried Chicken Japan, launched a “Kentucky for Christmas” promotion in 1974. He modeled the festive dinner after the American Thanksgiving feast and substituted chicken for turkey.

Okawara’s clever promotion became a national tradition, and deep-fried poultry served in iconic red-andwhite paper boxes continues to appear on Japanese tables each December 25th.

3. December 28th On this date each year, residents of Mexico and other Latin American countries play tricks on each other and try to fool each other with outlandish tales. The custom is reminiscent of our American April Fools’ Day, when everyone and their sister is supposedly pregnant and newspaper headlines should be read and re-read for signs of a hoax.

Besides being “Mexican April Fools’ Day,” December 28th is also “El Dia de los Santos Innocentes.”

Translated to “The Day of the Holy Innocents,” this

designation carries a somber note of remembrance amidst the revelry. It refers to when King Herod ordered that every boy under the age of two be murdered shortly after Jesus was born in his attempt to kill the newborn messiah. Jesus’ parents successfully hid him and saved his life, but thousands of other baby boys perished.

These young, innocent souls certainly deserve a day of special remembrance.

4. Beach Parties

This tradition is only classified as weird for Christmas-celebrating residents of the Northern Hemisphere.

Australians wishing to celebrate Christmas (which is most of them) often have beach parties, because December 25th falls during the middle of the hot summer season Down Under. Many other Christmas-celebrating countries, such as those located in Central and South America, associate the holiday season with swim suits and flip-flops as well. Much of the United States also experiences warm – or at least moderate – temperatures during December. Maybe our staunch devotion to snowball parties, hot chocolate, and all things cold should be listed as a “weird holiday tradition” instead.

A DIFFERENT TWIST If you’re looking for a few new traditions to add to

your usual repertoire, here’s how you can alter these weird customs to blend into the average American household.

1. Elf on a Shelf According to the story that accompanies the elf, a family buys a special Elf on a Shelf doll and names him (or her). Each night of the weeks leading up to Christmas, Mom arranges the elf in some mischievous scene, such as sitting on the kitchen counter next to a half-eaten cookie with crumbs in his lap.

This fully clothed American adaptation of El Caganer is much less obscene than placing a pooping peasant alongside the Baby Jesus. But, now that you know the backstory, you’ll never be able to look at that elf without cringing.

You may want to wash your hands after each time you move him and rethink any storylines that involve placing him in the bathroom.

Sorry about that.

2. Fast Food Eating KFC for Christmas — or a holiday meal from any other fast food restaurant — really isn’t that bad of an idea. This is especially tempting for those of us (aka “moms”) who traditionally plan and prepare elaborate holiday meals. Nothing saps the joy

Elf on a Shelf is a fully clothed American adaptation of El Caganer. of the season quicker than setting a table resplendent with matching linens, a perfectly roasted turkey, and assortment of side dishes only to hear your children say “Can I have a graham cracker?”

This year, skip the hassle and give yourself a gift.

If you don’t want to fully commit to eating fast food on a major holiday, pledge to serving a simpler meal so you can enjoy the day with your family. Everybody likes grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.

3. The Day of the Innocents As a mother of two young sons, this one really hits me in the heart. Honoring those who lost their lives in King Herod’s organized mass murder can be as simple as observing a personal moment of silence for those who died. Feeling and expressing gratitude for our own living children is a wonderful way to honor the souls of the departed as well. None of us knows when the final day will come for ourselves or our loved ones, and remembering that some have much less time than others

Staging an actual beach party in Nevada on Christmas Day might not be ideal. reminds us to appreciate our family more fully.

4. Beach Parties Staging an actual beach party for Christmas won’t be too hard for residents of the South and southern California. But here in the Silver State, it’s a little too chilly for bikinis and board

shorts in December. We’ll just do what we always do: Wear coveralls and Scotch caps to feed livestock first thing in the morning, then open presents and eat cinnamon rolls. Later in the day, we’ll break ice on the stock tanks and probably shoot something. And it will be just perfect.

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CHECKING IN ON YOUR BEEF CHECKOFF

Nevada Beef Council News & Notes: Highlights From 2019 Nevada Beef Council Staff

I

t’s hard to believe another year – actually, another decade! – is coming to a close.

December brings an opportunity to reflect on the year behind us, and think about our hopes and goals for the year ahead. This is certainly true for many of us in our personal lives, but also true for us at the Nevada Beef Council (NBC). As we say goodbye to 2019 and look to the dawn of a new decade, here are some highlights we’d like to share from the past 12 months.

Beef Is Still What’s For Dinner Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. remained true in 2019. Strong consumer beef demand continued in 2019, with beef demand up 15 percent since 2012. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicted that strong consumer demand would continue through this year, with U.S. consumers anticipated to consume over 7 percent more beef this year than in 2015.

Beef demand hasn’t just been strong at the retail level, though.

Ninety-seven percent of foodservice establishments report having beef on the menu, which has been shown to increase restaurant traffic by 45 percent.

beef producers have long funded research projects through the Beef Checkoff to build a solid foundation to inform all of us about what contributes to a healthy and sustainable diet.

Earlier this year, the NBC sought to share some of the insight and research on beef’s role in a healthy, sustainable diet with registered dietitians in Nevada. Sara Place, Ph.D., Senior Director of Sustainable Beef Production Research at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, joined the NBC for a meeting of the Nevada Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NvAND).

Dr. Place gave an insightful presentation to the group that offered research findings showing the unique role cattle play in a sustainable food system, noting that because of their unique stomach structure, they eat and digest what humans cannot. She also shed light on important factors such as the fact that cattle can eat numerous other byproducts from plant-based food production, such as brewers grains, pea pulp, beet tops, potato peelings and sunflower hulls, which are all byproducts of human activities or other products. Instead of going to a landfill, cattle eat these “waste” products and turn them into a high-quality protein edible for human consumption – important information for this audience of health influencers to learn!

Beef’s Role in a Sustainable Food System

Chuck Knows Beef

Even though there is a significant amount of data and evidence that shows livestock production has a multitude of environmental benefits, sometimes it’s difficult to know just where to look for the best information on the topic. To help cut through some of this confusion,

In late 2018, “Chuck Knows Beef” — a virtual assistant powered by Google Artificial Intelligence (AI) — was introduced to the world in a soft-launch phase. After months of fine-tuning, Chuck was fully launched in March of this year, and is now an all-knowing virtual

® beef expert designed for the new generation of family cooks who are looking for food inspiration and information.

Chuck is available on any smart speaker and can be enabled through both Amazon Alexa and the Google Home app to ask questions about beef recipes, cuts and cooking methods. Chuck can also answer questions about production, like antibiotic use, sustainability, nutrition, and more.

The use of this ever-evolving technology in everyday activities is increasingly popular. Over 40 percent of people use their smart speakers in the kitchen, and almost half of all smart speaker users have used their device to find a recipe or to get cooking advice or assistance. Chuck Knows Beef allows the beef community to provide a unique tool to help people get to know more about and work with beef in their home kitchens, and allows our industry to step up to the plate in terms of adopting technological advancements for more engaging consumer interactions.

A Return on Your Investment A recent study measured the return on beef producers’ and importers’ investments into the national portion of the Beef Checkoff program over the five-year period

of 2014 to 2018, finding that the investment of the $1.00 per-head checkoff returns $11.91 to producer profit.

Through a thorough analysis of several factors and the creation of econometric models of the domestic and international beef markets, the research team at Cornell University was able to determine the impacts of important facts affecting beef demand besides checkoff-funded activities, such as beef prices, income, exchange rates, and economic conditions in importing countries.

In addition to the return on investment of $11.91, the study found that, had there not been any domestic CBB demand-enhancing activities over the period studied, total domestic beef demand would have been 14.3% lower than actual.

Similarly, had there not been any CBB contribution to USDA Foreign Agriculture Service and US Meat Export Federation foreign market development programs over the past five years, U.S. beef export demand would have been 5.5% lower than actual in the eight foreign markets studied here.

Campaign Sheds Light on Animal Care This fall, the Beef Checkoff program launched an all-new, national consumer campaign that shares the steps ranchers take to care for their animals and to produce high quality beef. The campaign focuses on the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program and works to help consumers continue to feel good about how beef is raised by highlighting the industry’s commitment to raising cattle safely, humanely and sustainably by incorporating BQA practices. BQA began 30 years ago, and today more than 85 percent of beef

produced in the U.S. comes from a rancher or beef producer who has been BQA certified.

The campaign includes a new video from Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. bringing the BQA program to life by highlighting how cattle farmers and ranchers across the country raise cattle under BQA guidelines.

The video will be used in marketing efforts and is available to consumers on the new BQA section of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com. Results from just the first two weeks of the campaign were impressive: The BQA campaign has delivered nearly 3.5 million video views and reached more than 14.5 million consumers on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

An Updated Look for the NBC Over the summer, the NBC’s website (NevadaBeef.org) was overhauled, with an all-new site launched that provides an up-todate source of information and resources for Nevada consumers to learn more about what it takes to raise cattle and produce beef.

The new site also provides plenty of information regarding cooking with beef, beef nutrition, information about the NBC, and more.

Also new is an online portal for retail and foodservice operators, providing insights, research data, industry trends, inspiration, and marketing strategies to help promote beef in the meat case or on the menu.

These are just a few of the highlights and successes from throughout the year. Learn more about all the good work being done thanks to your Beef Checkoff at DrivingDemandForBeef.com or NevadaBeef.org.

Beef Tenderloin With Wine-Braised Onions and Herb Cheese By the Nevada Beef Council Serving a delicious holiday meal with beef as the centerpiece makes any gathering extra special. This Beef Tenderloin dish includes caramelized onions and a delicious herbed cheese, complementing an already flavorful cut of meat.

INGREDIENTS: ■ 1 beef Tenderloin Roast (about 2 to 3 pounds) ■ 2 tablespoons fresh thyme ■ 1-1/2 teaspoons regular or coarse grind pepper ■ 1 package (5.2 ounces) garlic and herb soft spreadable cheese

CARAMELIZED ONIONS: ■ 2 tablespoons butter ■ 2 large yellow onions, chopped ■ 1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries or coarsely chopped tart cherries ■ 1/2 teaspoon salt ■ 1 cup dry white wine

30

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. To prepare Caramelized Onions, heat butter in large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until melted.

Add onions, cranberries and salt; cook 40 to 45 minutes or until onions are very tender and golden brown, stirring often. Stir in wine; increase heat and bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, 3 to 5 minutes or until wine is almost evaporated, stirring occasionally. Keep warm.

2. Meanwhile, heat oven to 425°F. Combine thyme and pepper; press evenly onto all surfaces of beef roast.

3. Place roast on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is centered in thickest part of beef. Do not add water or cover. Roast in 425°F oven 35 to 45 minutes for medium rare; 45 to 50 minutes for medium doneness.

4. Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare; 145°F for medium. Transfer roast to carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 15 to 20

THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

COURTESY NEVADA BEEF COUNCIL

minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10 to 15°F to reach 145°F for medium rare; 160°F for medium.)

5. Carve roast into slices; season with salt, as desired. Top slices evenly with cheese; top cheese with onions.

Let’s eat!

VINEGAR TAFFY

Jennifer Whiteley | Nevada Rancher One of my absolute Christmas treats is Vinegar Taffy. My mom would often include the taffy in gifts for our neighbors and friends during the holidays.

While it sounds horrible, it really is very tasty! The vinegar gives a subtle bite that balances the sugary sweetness of taffy. It has a very unique, old-fashioned flavor, unlike anything you can find in a store.

You could always tell when mom was making vinegar taffy. The house would be taken over by a strong stench of vinegar that would make your eyes water and your nose run, but it was worth it in the end!

Once the liquid cooled enough to touch, we would begin stretching it into taffy.

We would pull and pull and pull and twist and twist and twist until the amber candy

Vinegar Taffy Ingredients: ■ 3 cups sugar ■ 1 teaspoon cream of tartar ■ 1 cup vinegar ■ Dash of salt

DIRECTIONS: Mix all together. Stir

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turned white.

Then it would be broken into bite sized pieces and rolled in powdered sugar. The hardest part was hiding it from us kids so that there would be enough left over to share with friends and family!

The fun thing, and maybe this is why I have such fond memories of vinegar taffy, is because it is a family affair. It isn’t something you can really do by yourself. Once the liquid has cooled enough to touch, you really need at least one other person to help you pull it. Mom would give each of us kids a piece to work on while she and dad pulled the bulk of it. Living far from town, with only 1 channel to watch on TV, it was great entertainment!

This recipe comes from the Sagebrush Memories Cookbook by Leona and Norma Jena Albert. Merry Christmas!

until it starts to boil. Cook until it forms a cracking ball when a spoonful is dropped in cold water.

Pour in buttered shallow pans until cool. Butter hands, pull until white, using tips of fingers. Crack off in chunks with back of a case knife handle or cut with clean kitchen scissors.

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PHOTOS: HEATHER EMMONS

The Renfroes’ historic 1913 home they renovated.

Lovelock Veteran Returns to Farming Roots Heather Emmons, USDA Special to Nevada Rancher

E

ach Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture publishes interactive stories about farmers, producers and landowners through its #FridaysOnTheFarm series.

The Nov. 8 #FridaysOnTheFarm featured Bill Renfroe, an Air Force veteran in Lovelock, Nevada, who can now add “beginning farmer” to his resume. While Bill initially dreamed of retiring somewhere green, that vision enfolded into fields of green alfalfa in northwestern Nevada.

Life After the Air Force Growing up on a dairy farm in nearby Fallon, Nevada, Bill got up at 3 a.m. and worked hard to grow alfalfa. He joined the Air Force at the recommendation of a friend. To Bill, it sounded like a good break from the rigor of the dairy farm and a great opportunity for him and his young

wife, Vivian, who were expecting their first child. His career spanned nearly 37 years, and he retired as a full colonel. He’s worked several overseas assignments, at the Pentagon, and rounded out his career working for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

With Vivian at his side, they’ve lived in 23 homes, including in Portugal, Germany and England. When Vivian wanted to spend her retirement back in Nevada, Bill never imagined that he’d end up a farmer.

The couple bought some land in Lovelock and renovated the historic 1913 home that sits on the property. A commercial farmer worked the alfalfa fields for a few years, but opted to retire, leaving Bill with a decision to make.

“The opportunity was there. I bought some equipment and started farming myself,” said Bill. “I never thought I was going to be a farmer ever again. But it gives me something to do, and I found I enjoyed it, so I’ve grown.”

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Bill and Christie discuss the next projects that include building fences around parts of a slough area, running water lines to new watering facilities to provide water for goat grazing and brush management.

Bill and his wife, Vivian, display Bill’s career medals and honors, including the folded flag on top that was flown above the Pentagon to commemorate the day he entered the Air Force and his retirement.

On a Mission with USDA Bill began participating in Farm Service Agency programs, including the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Program, as well as the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for native grazing. He learned more about USDA’s programs after being elected to his local FSA county committee.

He enrolled in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program when Christie Scilacci, a district conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, looked at his property and discussed benefits offered to beginning farmers and veteran farmers.

“Between Bill’s two properties, he has 320 acres in alfalfa production,” said Christie. “Water is a

precious commodity in this area, and his headgates and crossgates were dilapidated, allowing water to leak out of the old gates.

Through EQIP, he was able to replace and install new ones.”

Saving Time and Water In Lovelock, farmers are allocated water and use flood irrigation to irrigate their fields.

Bill has clocked a significant time savings with his new headgates and crossgates.

“Watering the 200 acres at my one property is now 40-48 hours quicker every time, which can result in an entire extra irrigation every year,” said Bill. “This is the first time I’ve ever been able to water a fourth crop. And I still have water left over, which means more water stays in the dam for

Bill Renfroe and his brothers on his family’s dairy farm during his childhood. next year. During limited water years it will keep my plants alive.”

In years past, depending on water availability, Bill has had to transfer water from one property to another to keep his crops.

“Last year I had to transfer water and got three cuttings.

But this year, with my new gates installed, I didn’t have to transfer water,” said Bill. “I knew it would improve my water pressure and save me water — but I didn’t know it would save me that much water.

“I’m very thankful. It made a big difference.”

Bill also received cost-share on culverts to allow access across his ditches. Previous culverts were too small and backed up the water. Culverts also were installed at the end of a field to improve drainage.

“This program has been an absolute godsend for us here on the farm,” said Bill. “It’s made my property much more productive, and I’m just so thankful there’s a program like this for beginning

farmers. I couldn’t have done it without NRCS.”

More Information USDA offers a variety of risk management, disaster assistance, loan, and conservation programs to help agricultural producers in the United States. Go to farmers.gov to learn about additional programs. For information about USDA programs and services. Go to farmers.gov/service-center-locator to contact your local USDA service center.

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PRICE: $270,000

PRICED TO SELL AT $1,499,000

REDUCED PRICE: $3,600,000

NEW LISTING: Wells ranch property for sale 3796 deeded acres in several pastures plus an underground irrigation permit for 125 acres.

Paul D. Bottari, Broker E-mail: paul@bottarirealty.com • Bus. 775-752-3040 • Res. 775-752-3809 • Fax 775-752-3021 • 122 8th Street • P.O. Box 368 • Wells, NV 89835

Need more ranch listings or additional information on these properties? Go to:

BOTTARIREALTY.COM

Market report Stock Cattle by Weight 500-600 600-700 lb.

700-800 800+ lb.

Breakers (Fat Cows) lb. lb.

157-177.50 avg 140-178 avg 138-157. 139-157.25 133-144 117-140 avg Boners (Med. Flesh) Steers avg 50 avg avg 117-150 avg 123-150 avg 123-135 125-128 avg 116-122 119-119.50 avg Cutters (Lean) Heifers .50 avg avg Shelly Cutters (Thin) Preg Tested 3,4,5 year solid Top cow: 1,535 lbs (avg. 64.50) mouth 1,000-1,100 ​ November 12th, 2019 sale; volume: N/A. Single, small-framed or plainer cattle 30 to 65 less than top offering. ​ 300-400 lb.

Fallon Livestock LLC Fallon, Nevada

Slaughter Cattle 60-64.50 Butcher Bulls

400-500 lb.

Stock Cattle by Weight

Steers Heifers

Cattlemen’s Livestock Marketing Galt, Calif.

300-400 lb. #2 quality

400-500 lb. #2 quality

No test 100-130

100-130 100-130

500-600 lb. #1 quality 140-151 120-142

600-700 lb. #1 quality 120-140 120-132

52-65

55-57

Shelly Bulls

No test

51-54

Cutter Bulls

90-140

No test

Top Bull

65

Slaughter Cattle 700-800 lb. #1 quality 110-133 No Test

800+ lb. #1 quality

Boner Cows

58-68

No Test No Test

Breaker Cows Cutter Cows

52-62 30-52

Bulls

72-85

Pairs: No Test November 13, 2019 sale; volume 1,754. Market notes:Compared to the previous week slaughter cattle were steady. Compared to the previous week feeder cattle under 650 lbs. were steady. Compared to the previous week feeder cattle over 650 lbs. were steady

Shasta Livestock Auction Yard, Cottonwood, Calif.

Steers Heifers

700-800 800+ lb. lb.

125-142.75 112-140.50

High yielding

135-165

Stock Cattle by Weight 500-600 600-700 lb. lb.

120-151 120-144.50

Medium yielding

43-53

120-152

115-148

120-135

Low yielding

20-40

300-400 lb.

400-500 lb.

Not Test 130-160

110-137.50

110-129.75

Slaughter Cattle 54-62 Bulls

No Test

November 8th, 2019 sale; volume 1,640. Market notes: Cull market slightly better after approx. a month of down prices. Despite no rain, calf market $5-$10 higher in most categories, with good demand. Yearlings $3-$6 higher. Off, small lots and singles $25 to $60 below top pen lots.

7 Rivers Livestock Commission Emmett, ID

700-800 lb.

800+ lb.

High Yielding

Slaughter Cattle 52-55.50 Bulls

162-187.50

Stock Cattle by Weight 500-600 600-700 lb. lb.

139-153 137-143.25

133.25-142

132-140

Medium Yield

52-55

133-148

127-137

128-131

120-129

Low Yield

300-400 lb.

400-500 lb.

Steers

No Test

Heifers

No Test

125-135

47-49

Heiferettes: 61.50 avg

Pairs, full mouth Bred Heifers No Test no test November 14th 2019 Excellent offering as cattle were consigned ID, OR and NV. A good health program does not gost, it pays! ​​ To consign or other questions call the office @ 208-365-4401 Sale every Tuesday at high noon.

Stock Cattle by Weight

Producers Livestock, Salina, Utah

68-73

Steers Heifers

Slaughter Cattle

300-400 lb.

400-500 lb.

500-600 lb.

600-700 lb.

700-800 lb.

800+ lb.

130-205

120-195

118-156

116-141.25

115-141

122-142

117.50-172.50

115-165

113.50-143. 112.50-133 50 Heiferettes: 80.50-105.25

Pairs: No Test

Commercial/Utility Cows

44.75-59

92.50-133. 90-131 50

Cutting Bulls

87-95

Slaughter Bulls

64.50-72

November 12th, ​ ​ 2019; Volume: 2,883 The figures on this report are computer generated from “The Hottest Sale in the West” at Producers Livestock in Salina, UT. Notes: For great service contact the Salina Producers Auction at (435) 529-7437. For current market information call toll free 1-888-287-1702.

Producers Livestock, Vale, Ore.

36

Steers Heifers

300-400 lb.

400-500 lb.

160-205

1140-193

Stock Cattle by Weight 500-600 600-700 lb. lb.

134-162 125-148

128-165

125-160

121-137

120-135

700-800 lb.

127-144

800+ lb.

136-141

124-132

123-128

Butcher Cows – bulk Shelly Cows Thin

Slaughter Cattle 48-56 Butcher Bulls 40-45

Top Bull

57-70 75

Young cow pairs Older BM Cows Heiferettes: 68-78 No Test No Test November 13th, ​ ​ 2019 Volume: 3,178. ​ Market was extremely strong on verified weaned calves. Quality cattle still comand top of the market. Head count Provided excellent ​ Livestock, Vale Oregon, at (541) 473-3136 test. Questions about the market and/or to consign, call Producers

THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

AUCTION DIRECTORY Get the most up-to-date market reports by visiting these websites

NEVADA

CALIFORNIA

Nevada Livestock Marketing LLC Sale every Wednesday 1025 North Allen Road, Fallon, Nevada Office: 775-423-7760 Fax: 775-423-1813 www.nevadalivestock.us

Fallon Livestock LLC Sale every Tuesday 2055 Trento Lane, Fallon, Nevada Office: 775-867-2020 Fax: 775-867-2021 www.fallonlivestock.com

Superior Livestock Auction Load-lots of cattle sold via satellite and internet Northern Nevada Representative Allie Bear Office: 775-738-8534 www.superiorlivestock.com

Shasta Livestock Auction Yard Sale every Friday Cottonwood, California Office: 530-347-3793 Fax: 530-347-0329 www.shastalivestock.com

Cattlemen’s Livestock Market Sale every Wednesday 12495 E. Stockton Blvd., Galt, California Office: 209-745-1515 www.clmgalt.com

Treasure Valley Livestock Auction Beef sale every Friday; general sale every other Saturday 1901 E. Chicago, Caldwell, Idaho Office: 208-459-7475; 800-788-4429 www.treasurevalleylivestock.com

Twin Falls Livestock Commission Sales every Wednesday and Saturday 630 Commercial Ave. Twin Falls, Idaho Office: 208-733-7474 www.twinfallslivestock.com

OREGON Producers Livestock Marketing

IDAHO Producers Livestock Marketing Association Cattle auction every Tuesday; dairy auction every other Wednesday 11 South 100 West, Jerome, Idaho Office: 208-324-4345 www.producerslivestock.com

Sale every Wednesday P.O. Box 67, Vale, Oregon Office: 541-473-3136 www.producerslivestock.com

Central Oregon Livestock Auction Sale Every Monday 3457 S.W. Hwy. 97, Madras, Oregon Office: 541-475-3851

www.centraloregonlivestockauction.com

L i v e s t o c k A u c t i o n S e rv i c e s LIVESTOCK

SALE DEC. 5

2019 VIDEO SALE

DEC. 19

2019 VIDEO SALE

Catalog Deadline December 9

JAN. 8-9

2020 BELLRINGER XXXIII

Contact Nevada Representative Allie Bear • 775.738.8534 • www.superiorlivestock.com

Rancher Nevada

SALE EVERY TUESDAY o

TREASURE VALLEY

LIVESTOCK

2055 Trento Lane, Fallon, NV 89406 (775) 867-2020 - Fax (755) 867-2021 FallonLivestock.com - Email FallonLivestock@gmail.com

Every Second & Fourth Saturday @ 11am

Tommy Lee, Owner (775) 741-4523 office (775) 217-2259

BUTCHER CATTLE, STOCK COWS & PAIRS

LIVESTOCK

CALVES, HOGS, SHEEP & GOATS BEEF CATTLE, FEEDER CATTLE, Friday @ 10am • No More Monday Sales

MAGAZINE

SALE EVERY WEDNESDAY!

SALE EVERY WEDNESDAY! FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM FOR EXCITING GIVEAWAYS, CONVERSATION, AND MORE!

@NVRancherMagazine

Jack Payne, Mgr.: 775-217-9273 Carey Hawkins: 208-724-6712 Jack Payne, Mgr.: 775-217-9273 Office: 775-423-7760

Carey Hawkins: 208-724-6712 Office: 775-423-7760

208-459-7475 800-788-4429

THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

37

All in a Day’s Ride

I

Home Country

My First Bull

t was April 1958, Wells Nevada, time for the big Wells Rodeo. The stock was furnished by the Prunty Bro., Shorty and Corky. I was a senior in high school and had been pracDavid W. ticing on the Milk cow and her calves; I Glaser was just itching to enter the bull riding in Wells.

I had several hurdles to cross however; bull rope.”

I didn’t dare tell my Mom or Dad and as I A bunch a bull riders jumped in to help, was only 17 I needed someone to sign for think they were lookin’ forward to seeing me. I cornered my Uncle George Smaralthis green kid get throwed to the dirt. One do an told him just sign this entry form, of the bull riders told me I need to lock Bill Glaser an I’ll be off and running. I got my rowels, went over my head like a 747. entered up, entry fee was $20.00. This So he jerked some hair out of the bull’s wasn’t the kid’s calf tail and wound it I had visions of this ride being really riding; it was the around my rowels real deal ... Bull so they wouldn’t tough, but it wasn’t that hard. It had riding with the big turn. Bernie rained and there were puddles in boys! loaned me his rope the arena, and I rode him through a I was pretty and helped me pull green at this new couple when the horn blew. The clown it, Russell asked adventure, I had was running alongside me and yelling. where my glove my homemade was? Didn’t know “Git off, Git off.” bull rope with a I needed one? I set big bell, my only down on the bull, spurs were Buckaroo type with turned wow he was a little bigger than the Milk down shanks, no chaps and I didn’t have cow and had a lot bigger frog stickers. a glove. Corky Prunty is yelling “Where’s Bernie told me to put my hand in the hanthat Glaser kid, his bull’s in the chute, get dle, “do you want some Rosin” he asked. a rope on him.” I jumped up there with Someone said, “Hell Bernie he ain’t even my homemade bull rope, wouldn’t even fit got a glove on.” around him. Corky said something, like a So they pulled me up, thought they were prayer, might a been talking to God. He going to cut my fingers off. Uncle George hollered, “Somebody get this dumb shit a was standing on the back of the chute, he

kept slamming me on the back and yelling, “you can ride him, keep your toes out, stay on top” and a whole lot more instruction. Just before they released the beast, George slapped me on the chest so hard; I swallowed most of my Copenhagen.

I had visions of this ride being really tough, but it wasn’t that hard. It had rained and there were puddles in the arena, and I rode him through a couple when the horn blew. The clown was running alongside me and yelling. “Git off, Git off.”

I didn’t want to get wet so I stayed on to the next drier area and released the beast.

The bull, however I think was angry about pulling hair out of his tail, whipped it like whip right around the thumb of my free hand and drug me thought the next puddle. The clown being a real smart ass pounced on me, in the puddle, jumped on my back and went to paddling like he was in a boat and got a huge laugh from the crowd. But I rode the bull and I ended up sixth in the rodeo, won a check for $27.50.

First ride ... first check.

I had a couple things to do, get a used real bull rope, some proper bull spurs, get a new glove and make arrangements for Uncle George to haul and enter me in the next rodeo.

It’s all in a Day’s Ride!

Contact David to purchase his book at dhranch3@gmail.com, or call 208-989-5404.

T

he first cold nights sent Billy indoors. Aunt Ada always had room on the couch for Billy. It was different now, of course, since Desdemona passed away. She was good, for a cat. Now there was just Billy and the other cat, Boots, to share the couch.

Billy was Slim Randles no dummy. In Guest Column the past three years or so, since he became the official town dog, he not only knew his duties, but his options as well. Billy’s duties were to see the children safely across the street to school (helped by Martin, the crossing guard) and to visit the residents of the Rest of Your Life retirement home.

And his options? Well, with cold weather on its way, Billy knew he could leave his favorite bed under the cottonwood tree and move into the insulated dog house the high school kids built for him. And … this is the good part … he could do what he always did and move in with Aunt Ada and Boots at night.

In making his daily rounds, Billy was given snacks out the back door of several cafes and the retirement home. The Mule Barn had a special each Sunday on chicken fried steak, so Billy learned to hit the Barn’s back door when he saw folks going to church.

And Boots doesn’t wiggle around much on the couch. Life is good.

Brought to you by www.merrickpetcare.com in Hereford, Texas. “We know it’s not just food in that bowl, it’s love. And that’s why it has to be the best.”

Not So Desolate Ranch Wife

The Kid’s Horse

J

“

im, grab her off the horse. He’s going to spook. He doesn’t look like he’s okay with the situation.

He looks nervous.”

“I think you’re the one who’s nervous. Just lead her around, she’ll be fine.”

I handed my husband the lead rope that was attached to the horse our three-yearold daughter was sitting atop, forced air into my lungs, and walked away. I’ve been around livestock for all of my nearly thirty years, and I knew darn good and well that the horse and my daughter were picking up on my nervousness. I wanted to be near the pair in case I needed to help or protect my daughter, but truthfully I was more liable to just freak the freak out and cause a wreck.

I’ve started colts for a living and necked yearlings running full-tilt down the shoulder of Mountain City Highway with a semi truck as a hazer, but putting my daughter on top of a horse and telling her to have fun scares the bejeebers out of me. My husband and I worked out a system that I liked where I led the horse and he walked beside her, ready to catch her if necessary. I want Grace to grow up

38

THE NEVADA RANCHER — DECEMBER 2019

enjoying horses and riding them, and I want to protect her from unsafe or negative experiences.

We had tried letting Grace ride a couple of our super-gentle bridle horses around, but they weren’t quite comfortable with her unpredictable toddler movements.

If she jerked an arm up and let out a squall unexpectedly, they’d spook sideways and scare the hell out of Mom. After we’d been at the Spanish Ranch a few weeks, Jim said he had an older gelding in his string that was named Butters, but he spelled it l-a-z-y. He thought Butters was gentle and desensitized enough for Grace, so I helped our little cowgirl get her boots on and head to the barn for a test ride.

We tried our walk-and-lead system, but Butters was eyeballing the cowboy walking alongside him and not okay with that at all. The horse seemed unperturbed by his small passenger, though, so I decided to trust my husband, who was equally invested in the little person I wanted so desperately to protect, and stepped away so Jim could lead the pair and I could remove my nervous energy from the situation.

Jolyn Young With baby Milo strapped to my chest, I stood in the barn and chatted with another cowboy on the crew while he shod a horse. I peeked out periodically to observe a tall cowboy leading a buckskin horse around the yard with a super-happy little pink person sitting atop her daddy’s saddle. Butters’ head was lower than his withers, and he lazily swung his head from side to side while he slowly walked along. Jim stopped every so often to pet Butters on the neck and remind his daughter to hang onto the saddle horn.

I relaxed and let myself enjoy the fact that we’d found Grace a good kid’s horse. I made myself ignore the fact that he was packing a pitchfork iron on his left hip (the Spanish Ranch brand), as the Span horses have a reputation for being tough and broncy.

I judged the scene and horse before me on their own merits, and thanked Jim for leading Grace around and helping instill an early love of ranch life in our young daughter.

ADVANTAGE UPCOMING VIDEO SALES:

Wednesday, Dec. 4th

• Reduce stress on cattle

Peppermill Resort Hotel, Reno, NV Catalog Deadline: Nov. 15th Bidding Line: 775-683-6035

• No freight costs to market • National market exposure • Opportunity to improve value propositions/differentiate • Deposit per head on sale day; balance on delivery • Representation by bonded Western Video Market personnel • World-class, experienced auctioneers • Reduce risk; method of forward contracting

Watch and Listen to the sale on the web at...

Friday, Jan. 3rd WVM Headquarters, Cottonwood, CA Catalog Deadline: Dec. 23rd Internet Sale

Market your cattle with the professionals!

Steve Lucas • Paradise Valley • (775) 761-7575 Mark Venturacci • Fallon • (775) 427-8713 Gary Nolan • Elko • (775) 734-5678

For details please call our office at 530-347-3793 or email us at wvm@wvmcattle.com Look for the catalog and pictures on our web site: www.wvmcattle.com

Merry Christmas happy new yeaR

THD ©

CLM RepResentatives Jake Parnell.............................. 916-662-1298 George Gookin ........................209-482-1648 Rex Whittle................................209-996-6994 Mark Fischer............................. 209-768-6522 Kris Gudel .................................. 916-208-7258 Steve Bianchi ...........................707-484-3903 Joe Gates................................... 707-694-3063

WINTER schEdulE speCiaL FeedeR saLe

Wed., December 4, 12 p.m.

CustoMeR appReCiation LunCh/ speCiaL FeedeR saLe

last sale of 2019 Wed., December 18, 12 p.m.

Jason Dailey .............................916-439-7761 Brett Friend ............................... 510-685-4870

wednesday saLes Butcher Cows................................8:30 a.m.

Cow-Calf Pairs/Bred Cows ..11:30 a.m.

CLosed FoR the hoLidays: no saLes

Wed., December 25 • Wed., January 1 2020 speCiaL FeedeR saLes

Wed., January 8, 12 p.m.

Wed., January 15, 12 p.m.

Feeder Cattle .................................... 12 p.m.

auCtion MaRket 12495 Stockton Blvd., Galt, CA 95632 Office....................................209-745-1515 Fax ........................................ 209-745-1582 Website ...........................www.clmgalt.com Market Report .............www.clmgalt.com Web Broadcast ..www.lmaauctions.com

westeRn video MaRket call to consign to these upcoming sales in 2020

January 25 • March 1 • April 10

intRoduCing ouR new CLM RepResentative FoR nevada

Brett Friend: 510-685-4870