GUEST OPINIONS Republicans Prioritize Savings, Tax Relief as Session Kicks Off

During the week beginning Jan. 16, we had the great honor of calling to order the start of the 67th General Session of the Wyoming State Legislature. Now begins the hard work on behalf of the residents of our great state.

We are committed to upholding the rules and traditions of this institution to ensure fairness and respect, building up leaders at every level and debating policies on merit and substance.

Wyoming solutions are needed to address challenges which lie ahead. We have never taken our cues from Washington, D.C., and it would be a grave mistake to start now. The people of our great state deserve better.

By Ogden Driskill and Albert Sommers

To be sure, we have our work cut out. During this session, the legislature will decide how to allocate a nearly $2 billion budget surplus. Much of this is a one-time windfall, which owes to improved revenues from oil and gas production, smart investments and federal stimulus spending.

It does not represent a wholesale change to our longterm economic outlook.

As the House and Senate have in years past, we will prioritize savings, with the goal of putting these funds into short-, mid- and long-term endowments and savings, which will benefit future generations.

We are stewards of taxpayers’ money, and as recent history has shown, it’s not a matter of whether the good times will last, but rather how long until they run out.

We are committed to fiscal responsibility and reducing tax burdens hurting the men and women who are working hardest. In fact, our state is on the cusp of a residential property tax crisis, in which hardworking families are often faced with the unimaginable decision of selling their home just to pay the tax bill.

In the supplemental budget bill, the legislature has fully funded the Property Tax Refund Program at $5 million to provide relief to our most vulnerable, like retirees and critical workers, who are facing financial hardships due to inflationary pressures. We will continue to fight for commonsense solutions to cap or rollback property tax increases and make our tax structure simpler and fairer.

As we consider spending, our focus will be on our state’s greatest needs, like education and infrastructure, creating efficiencies, removing bureaucratic red tape in the way of economic growth and protecting Wyoming’s most vulnerable citizens. Funding an education system preparing all our young people to succeed is perhaps the highest duty of the legislature. Every dollar invested wisely in our

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Lummis questions ban

On Jan. 25, U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) penned a letter, along with nine of her colleagues, to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) demanding answers on Commissioner Richard Trumka’s desire to ban gas ranges and stoves.

Lummis sent this letter after several people in Wyoming reached out to her office with concerns about the potential ban and impacts it would have on people throughout the state.

“People in Wyoming should have the choice over what kind of appliances they have in their homes, and I share their concerns over this potential ban. Gas stoves and ranges are cheaper, more durable, have lower utility bills and are less likely to result in a cooking fire than an electric stove,” said Lummis. “I’m concerned the CPSC is trying to push the Biden administration’s anti-American energy agenda by banning an everyday appliance people in Wyoming rely on for cooking meals for their families.”

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 24 percent of homes in Wyoming have a gas stove or range.

Sens. Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Boozman (R-AR), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) joined Lummis in highlighting the many benefits of gas stoves in their letter.

To view the letter, visit lummis.senate.gov/wp-content/ uploads/23.01.19-CPSC-Gas-Stoves.pdf

Meal legislation introduced

As of Jan. 19, at least 23 states and the District of Columbia introduced policies to advance free, healthy school meals for all students. This is nearly half of all states, representing 52 percent of all students under 18.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government allowed schools to provide free meals to all children as a temporary emergency measure. During the last legislative cycle, at least 14 states recognized the beneficial impacts of universal meals and introduced legislation to continue serving free meals after federal support ended in June 2022.

Since the start of the new year, state-level universal meals policies are again sweeping the nation. Nine states are new to introduce legislation, and two states have reintroduced universal meals this legislative cycle.

For an updated list of 2023 universal meals legislation, visit farmtoschool.org

SCPP launched

The Upper Division States of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, acting through the Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC), in partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation, announced their intent to launch a System Conservation Pilot Program (SCPP) for 2023.

The SCPP is a key component of the Upper Division States’ Five-Point Plan to address the impacts of the ongoing drought and depleted storage in the Upper Colorado River Basin. The Five-Point Plan was outlined by UCRC in its July 18 letter to Reclamation Commissioner Camille Touton. The Request for Proposals for SCPP projects is a major milestone in implementing the actions outlined in the Five-Point Plan.

UCRC is seeking proposals immediately for the voluntary, compensated and temporary water conservation projects for 2023. Project proposals must be submitted by Feb. 1. The Upper Division States and UCRC will review and select projects for implementation in 2023.

The full implementation of the SCPP is contingent on the passage of pending legislation in Congress and the finalization of the SCPP funding agreement between the UCRC and Reclamation, approved by the UCRC on Nov. 21, 2022. The goal is to have water conservation projects underway in April 2023 to reduce consumptive uses in the Upper Basin Colorado River system.

The SCPP is a significant step to begin to partially mitigate the water supply crisis in the Upper Colorado River Basin brought on by a drier climate and depleted storage. The SCPP will provide short-term reductions to reduce some impacts in the Upper Colorado River Basin.

However, longer-term and durable solutions are needed to not only stabilize the system but to rebuild water supply resiliency in the Upper Colorado River Basin. The Upper Division States, individually and through the UCRC, are committed to working with water users, Tribes, non-governmental organizations, reclamation and other stakeholders to develop, fund and implement new water conservation, recycling and water efficiency projects which benefit the Upper Colorado River resources.

For more information, visit seo.wyo.gov or e-mail scpp@ucrcommision.com.

Hot sauce celebrated

In honor of National Hot Sauce Day on Jan. 22, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA), Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) celebrated a category of U.S. food exports that come in small packages but pack a lot of flavors and often heat – condiments and sauces.

In 2021, the export of U.S.-made condiments and sauces was valued at $2 billion, a 67 percent increase from a decade ago when exports totaled $1.2 billion. Kitchen staples in homes, U.S. condiments and sauces like mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and salad dressing have grown in popularity around the world.

But, it’s not just traditional American condiments enticing tastebuds across the globe. When it comes to other sauces and prep ingredients, such as barbeque sauce, cheese sauce, hummus, dipping sauce and especially hot sauce, U.S. exports are heating up.

Over the past 10 years, U.S. exports of these sauces and prep ingredients increased 81 percent, from $395.1 million in 2012 to $715.7 million in 2021. The top three U.S. export markets in 2021 for sauces and prep ingredients were Canada, Mexico and Japan, with markets valued at $223.8 million, $132.9 million and $30.3 million, respectively.

150 Years Celebrated

The Angus Foundation kicked off the year with a celebration commemorating 150 years since Angus cattle first arrived in the U.S. The 150 Years of Angus Celebration was held Jan. 6 in Oklahoma City during Cattlemen’s Congress and raised nearly $20,000 to support the foundation’s mission.

The event welcomed Angus producers for an evening of fellowship and featured refreshments, door prizes, auction items and the announcement of the 2023 Angus Herdsman of the Year.

In 1873, George Grant settled in Victoria, Kan., with four Angus bulls from Scotland. In the following 150 years, the breed has built a legacy in the beef industry. The Angus Foundation works to ensure this legacy continues through its mission to support education, youth and research efforts for the breed.

In support of the foundation’s mission, the event featured several auction and door prize items. The program concluded with the announcement of Jeff and Kathi Creamer of Lazy JB Angus in Colorado as the 2023 Angus Herdsmen of the Year. The Creamers’ longstanding dedication to Angus cattle is a testament to the breed’s influence on cattlemen and their operations.

For more information about the Angus Foundation, visit angusfoundation.org

WLSB proposes amendments

The Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) is proposing amendments to Chapter 12 rules governing Brucella ovis free flock certification. Brucella ovis is a bacteria which causes ram epididymitis and infertility and may cause infertility in ewes.

Some states, including Wyoming, require a negative Brucella ovis test prior to importation of rams. Most ram sales require a negative test for consignment. An alternative to 30-day testing is for rams to originate from a Brucella ovis certified free flock. This certification program has been in effect for many years and has been successful.

WLSB is proposing to add a requirement for Brucella ovis testing prior to releasing rams for common grazing with other flocks to prevent the potential spread of Brucella ovis

Other amendments and revisions to the rule are intended to update the certification protocols to utilize recent scientific findings so the rule is sound for the purpose of assuring certified free flocks are truly free of the disease.

New antibiotic released

A more practical and economical generic alternative to Draxxin Injectable Solution and other forms of tulathromycin injection is now available from Norbrook. The company has introduced Tulieve to its comprehensive and extensive portfolio of anti-infective products available to veterinarians for use in commercial animals.

According to Dr. Eric Moore, director of technical services for Norbrook, Tulieve is a rapidly-absorbed, long-lasting, single-shot antibiotic which has proven highly effective against a broad spectrum of bacterial pathogens affecting beef cattle, non-lactating dairy cattle and swine.

“Tulieve, like other tulathromycin injectables, is a semi-synthetic macrolide class of bacteriostatic antimicrobials which disrupts protein synthesis of both grampositive and gram-negative bacteria,” says Moore. “This is what makes this class of antibiotics so effective against a broad spectrum of diseases, especially respiratory diseases in cattle and swine.”

Moore notes Tulieve can be administered in a lowvolume dose and has a short 18-day withdrawal time for beef and a five-day withdrawal time for swine, giving veterinarians and producers more flexibility and options when it comes to managing sick animals.

Those options also include four different sizes of Tulieve – an exclusive one-liter bottle, a 500-milliliter (mL) bottle, a 250-mL bottle and 100-mL bottle. Tulieve is also the only generic tulathromycin available in plastic bottles, which makes it easier for veterinarians and producers to handle while reducing the risk of product loss due to breakage.

For more information on Tulieve, contact a local animal health provider or visit norbrook.com

NASDA appoints secretary

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) announced the election of Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur as vice president of the organization by the NASDA board of directors.

As vice president, Arthur will help the organization meet its mission of enhancing American food and agricultural communities through policy, partnerships and public engagement.

“I am honored to be chosen to serve as NASDA’s vice president, and I thank the NASDA board of directors for considering me for this position. I welcome the opportunity to partner with state departments of agriculture from across the U.S. to strengthen and promote our nation's most vital industry,” Arthur said.

Arthur has also served as chairwoman for the NASDA Animal Agriculture Committee since 2019. Her leadership has kept NASDA members actively engaged at the state, federal and international levels on issues such as African swine fever, meat processing and animal health and welfare to protect the safety and profitability of U.S. agriculture.

Arthur was sworn in as Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture on Jan. 14, 2019 and is currently the state’s first female to hold the position. Arthur is also the Food Export-Midwest president, the 2016 Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Distinguished Service Award recipient, an Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program Class 15 inductee, Journal Record 2011 Achievers Under 40 honoree and 2014 Oklahoma Agricultural Woman of the Year.

WSGLT elects McCarty

On Jan. 20, the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust (WSGLT) announced they elected Mark McCarty to the organization’s board of directors.

As a Cody resident, McCarty manages the Two Dot Ranch and the Quarter Circle Eleven Ranch, while also operating a ranch management and consulting company. McCarty is no stranger to the Big Horn Basin as he was born and raised on his family’s ranch.

McCarty ventured off to school at Northwest College in Powell, where he competed on the Livestock Judging Team. Following his time at Northwest College, McCarty completed his education at Colorado State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Ag Economics with an emphasis in farm and ranch management.

McCarty is a member of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, the National Cattleman’s Beef Association and served five years as the treasurer of the Cody Stampede Rodeo Board.

“McCarty is a well-rounded businessman whose experience and familiarity with Wyoming and the ag community will be an asset to both the organization and to conserving working lands across the state,” commented Wayne Fahsholtz, board chairman. “We are pleased to welcome McCarty to the WSGLT Board of Directors.”

4-H volunteer honored

On Jan. 25, Wyoming

4-H honored David Hansen of Albany County as the Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer of 2022. This award recognizes individuals who have dedicated 10 or more years of service to 4-H in the state of Wyoming.

According to a Wyoming 4-H press release, Hansen has volunteered in Albany County for 24 years. He has been the Wild Brumbies 4-H Club leader for nine years, after serving as co-leader for five years prior.

David Hansen

Hansen has also served on various committees for the past 15 years and previously served as the Albany County 4-H Council president. He has been selected as the Outstanding Volunteer in Albany County twice and received honors as the Outstanding Alumni in 2022.

“Hansen is superb at thinking outside the box, being creative in finding new funding sources, incentivizing members for completing their record books well, creating the small engine project and is always supportive of all the county 4-H activities,” said Albany County 4-H and Youth Development Extension Educator Mary Lousie Wood.

Sunflowers rebound

Sunflower production rebounded after severe to extreme drought conditions reduced yields in the Dakotas and Minnesota in 2021. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 2022 sunflower production totaled 2.81 billion pounds, up 48 percent from 2021.

U.S. average yield per acre of 1,750 pounds increased 221 pounds from 2021. Planted area at 1.69 million acres was 31 percent above the previous year, while area harvested increased 29 percent from 2021 to 1.61 million acres.

North Dakota regained its status as the leading sunflower producing state during 2022, with total production of 1.34 billion pounds, an increase of 76 percent from 2021. Compared with 2021, planted area in North Dakota increased 45 percent and yield increased 340 pounds to 1,921 pounds per acre.

Meanwhile, production in South Dakota increased 32 percent from 2021 to 1.08 billion pounds. Planted acreage in South Dakota at 652,000 acres increased 25 percent from the previous year. The average yield in South Dakota increased 114 pounds from 2021 to 1,746 pounds per acre.

USDA estimated domestic production of oil-type sunflower varieties at 2.57 billion pounds, representing an increase of 48 percent from 2021. Harvested acres were up 30 percent, and the average yield increased by 216 pounds to 1,739 pounds per acre. This represents the second-highest yield on record for the U.S.

Session

continued from page 2 schools benefits our communities, and we will work to establish sustainable revenue streams to ensure Wyoming remains a leader in education, nationally and globally.

At the same time, we will strive to craft policy fostering economic growth and diversification to help create economic opportunity and stop the “brain drain” of young people having to move out of state to find good jobs.

Over the past decade, Wyoming has offset its reliance on mineral extraction revenues by nearly 20 percent. This is a remarkable accomplishment, which can be owed to pragmatic policymaking which has made Wyoming a destination for new industries.

Finally, we will continue to support Wyoming’s traditional energy producers, which have been and will remain a key driver of our economy.

Forward-looking investments in carbon capture and hydrogen production, as examples, are helping to secure a cleaner, independent energy future for our state and our country. And this progress is far from done.

Wyoming is one of a few states with a citizen legislature. Our members come from all walks of life. The diverse personal and professional experiences each bring are tremendous assets.

We look forward to drawing on this collective knowledge and working with all members to set our great state on a path of continued opportunity and prosperity. And we hope the residents of Wyoming will join us.

Ogden Driskill is the president of the Senate and has served in the Wyoming Legislature since 2011. Albert Sommers is the speaker of the House and has served in the legislature since 2013. They can be reached by visiting wyoleg.com

LOGISTICS continued from page 1 percent from 2022 and 24 percent from 2021, while soybean exports are also set to decline five percent and 10 percent, respectively.

Additionally, in their Grains Transportation Report, USDA notes third quarter transportation costs for shipping soybeans to China and Europe from the U.S. and Brazil declined from the second quarter. The cost of shipping corn and soybeans to Japan also declined.

During this same time period, truck rates fell in the U.S., largely due to lower diesel fuel prices, and ocean freight rates declined due to weaker demand for bulk commodities, partially related to COVID-19 lockdowns in China.

In response to restricted movement along the Mississippi River, caused by low water levels, barge freight rates increased. Rail freight rates also increased as a result of the labor strikes in the U.S.

Sterk explains trade sources note there is an oversupply of bulk freight capacity.

“For ocean freight, not only has volume for bulk commodities decreased, but containers also are in oversupply, potentially leading to an all-out price war in 2023, according to one industry expert,” Sterk writes. “As with ocean freight, trucking capacity remains available, a stark contrast to conditions early in the pandemic.”

Trucking rates, fuel costs also decline

Similar to the decline of freight volume, transportation rates of agricultural products via air, sea or truck are also expected to decline throughout the new year, according to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professional’s Supply Chain Quarterly Report.

“Many suggest the trucking industry is the best barometer for logistics, even if it may be less important than rail, barge and ocean vessels for agricultural commodities,” says Sterk, further noting trucking accounts for nearly 80 percent of total freight spending, according to the American Trucking Association.

“While more expensive per mile than other modes of transportation due to smaller load volumes, trucks are the key source of quick freight movement and the all-important last mile,” he continues.

Sterk refers to data released from DAT Freight and Analytics, which shows spot freight rates for trucks, excluding fuel surcharges, peaked in January 2022 after more than doubling from lows seen during May of 2020.

Additionally, according to Yan Krasov, chartered financial analyst and partner at William Blair Investment Management, year-overyear spot truck rates may fall more than 25 percent in the first quarter of 2023 and 25 percent to 35 percent by the end of 2023.

“The impact of fuel prices on freight costs to shippers is an unknown for next year,” Sterk notes.

“The average on-highway diesel price reported by the Energy Information Administration was $4.75 per gallon as of Dec. 12, down more than one dollar per gallon, or 18 percent, from the late June high of $5.81 per gallon, but still up more than one dollar per gallon, or 30 percent, from a year earlier.”

Optimism in the new year

During a panel on transportation during the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association Convention in Peroria, Ill. on Jan. 19, several experts also voiced their optimism for ag transportation sectors in 2023.

Although labor and supply challenges still linger, Kirby Wagner with GROWMARK voices his belief that the trucking sector will push forward.

“Despite all of the concerns we hear in the news, we do have an interested workforce, and we do have people who are focused on getting things done,” he says. “So, I am optimistic about how the trucking industry is going to handle the challenges of 2023.”

In an interview with Radio Brownfield Ag News, Tom Torretti of the Consolidated Grain and Barge Company says, “We always have to be concerned about Mother Nature and river levels and what not. But, we had a pretty good year in 2022, given all of the navigation problems we had, and I think 2023 will be a good year for business as well.”

Peter Skosey with BNSF Railway adds, “We continue to struggle with workforce levels – we are trying to get those back up – but I think the future is bright, and we certainly want to continue the upward trajectory we began at the end of last quarter.”

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

“We always have to be concerned about Mother Nature and river levels and what not. But, we had a pretty good year in 2022, given all of the navigation problems we had, and I think 2023 will be a good year for business as well.” – Tom Torretti, Consolidated Grain and Barge Company