Roundup for 10.31.2020

Volume 32 Number 27 • October 31, 2020

®

The Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community • www.wylr.net

A Look Inside Protein requirements of growing calves are explained

by UNL’s Dr. Mary Drewnoski... ...................................... Page 7 Vaccination protocol recommendations for the flock are provided by ASI............. Page 8 Lameness prevention and management considerations are discussed................ Page 9 Dick Perue recounts the forest fires in Carbon County during the year 1902.............. Page 14

Quick Bits CFAP 2

On Oct. 26, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced in the first month of the application period, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) approved more than $7 billion in payments to producers in the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Round Two (CFAP 2), which provides producers with financial assistance to cover costs associated with the COVID19 pandemic.

COVID-19 relief funds available for Wyoming businesses Recently, Gov. Mark Gordon allocated remaining federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to help Wyoming businesses and nonprofits with ongoing COVID19 related losses and expenses.

The Wyoming Business Council, which has been in charge of distributing CARES Act dollars through the COVID-19 Business Relief Program, is currently finalizing two new funds for the program – the Agriculture Fund

and the Endurance Fund. Both funds will open on Nov. 2 and close Nov. 18.

In addition to the Agriculture and Endurance Funds, the COVID-19 Business Relief Program consists of three other funds – the Interruption

Fund, the Relief Fund and the Mitigation Fund.

“The effects of COVID19 haven’t disappeared from our communities and businesses,” says Gordon. “There are impacts still being felt by Please see FUNDS on page 5

Second trimester nutrition

MSU Extension Specialist explains the importance of nutrition during the second trimester During an online educational seminar hosted by Montana State University’s (MSU) Beef Cattle Extension Program, MSU Extension Beef Specialist Dr. Carla Sanford discusses the importance of nutrition during gestation, particularly during the second trimester, which she notes is often overlooked.

“We know the importance of conception and importance of pre-calving, but looking at individual events that happen during that second trimester has become more popular,” Sanford states.

The second trimester The typical gestational period of a cow is nine months or 289 days, which is broken into three blocks of time known as trimesters. Since many producers across the West usually calve during spring months, the majority of beef cattle are currently in the second trimester of their pregnancy.

“Right now, the fetus developing inside the cow is starting to gain weight in pounds and length in inches. Also Please see MSU on page 11

Pork Cutout The pork cutout has pulled back in the last few days but remains well above year-ago levels. On Oct. 26, USDA quoted the overall cutout at $91.86 per hundredweight (cwt), nearly $16 per cwt or 21% higher than last year. Most of the year-over-year increase in pork wholesale values has been driven by higher prices for processing items, such as bellies and hams.

Cash Cattle Cash catt􏰁le trade has been slow to develop in the last three weeks, and prices have been trending lower, in part because packers are facing a slowdown in boxed beef sales. The amount of beef available in the spot market is up, possibly indicati􏰀ng a slowdown in the flow of product through retail and foodservice channels. According to weekly USDA data, packers sold 456 loads in the negotiated market last week compared to 274 loads for the same week last year.

NCBA Event After much discussion, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has made the decision to move the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, originally scheduled for Feb. 3-5, to Aug. 10-12, 2021.

The event will still be held at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tenn.

Gestational requirements – Dr. Carla Sanford notes while nutrition during the second trimester is often overlooked, it is absolutely critical. Averi Hales photo

Mitigating risk First day of WWA convention looks at mitigating risk of infrastructure failure On Oct. 20, the Wyoming Water Association (WWA) kicked off their annual meeting and seminar, themed “Risk, Resiliency and Readiness.” The first day of the meeting was dedicated to mitigating risk.

“This couldn’t be a more important topic,” stated Gov. Mark Gordon. “Last year, we saw the collapse of the Goshen County Irrigation Tunnel and it highlighted how much irrigation infrastructure we have in the state that is over 100 years old and in various stages of decay.”

“In Wyoming, there is no more important resource than water,” Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) chimed in. “Agriculture, wildlife, forests and cities all depend on strong and healthy watersheds. So, while many look to Washington, D.C. for guidance, we know better because it all depends on folks in Wyoming to help guide the water needs of our state.”

Risk mitigation One of the ways Wyoming infrastructure may be improved is through risk mitiPlease see WWA on page 11

EQIP updated On Oct. 23, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the final rule for its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The rule updates USDA’s flagship program as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill and integrates feedback from agricultural producers and others.

“This final rule enables us to continue helping producers manage their land in the most beneficial ways possible,” said Kevin Norton, acting chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “EQIP offers producers more than 150 conservation practices and helps bridge the gap between their concerns and the opportunity to implement solutions.”

NRCS provides producers with financial resources and one-on-one help to plan and implement conservation practices through EQIP. Popular EQIP practices include cover crops, nutrient management, forest stand improvement, prescribed grazing, irrigation efficiency improvement and water quality improvement practices. Implementing conservation practices can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, while improving agricultural operations.

EQIP applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

If a producer’s application is funded, NRCS will offer an EQIP contract for financial assistance to help address the cost of implementing the practices. Payment rates for conservation practices are reviewed and set each fiscal year.

NRCS received nearly 600 comments on the interim final rule, which was published Dec. 17, 2019. To integrate this feedback, NRCS further updated EQIP. Please see EQIP on page 8

WOMEN in Ag

Women’s hunt addresses food security Wyoming women have a long history of being hardy and not easily deterred, whether in the political arena or in everyday life. When it was learned that food insecurity affects children and families throughout the state, women in Wyoming helped step up to address the issue.

The Wyoming Women’s Foundation (WYWF) was established in 1999 to raise funds to benefit local women and the communities they live in. The association’s mission is to invest in the economic self-sufficiency of women and opportunities for girls

in Wyoming.

To this end, the Wyoming Women’s Antelope Hunt was created in 2013 as a platform not only for hunting but also for mentoring and developing camaraderie between women.

A valuable annual event Hunting is a tradition in Wyoming, and teaching women the skills it requires can help them succeed in providing their families with nutritious food. This event emphasizes hunter safety, ethics and the

periodical

periodical

Please see HUNT on page 10

2

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27 • October 31, 2020

A Big Part

A report came out recently from the United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF) providing information on the export of U.S. meat to other countries worldwide. Cattle, pork and lamb from across the U.S. are From the all important protein sources in peoPublisher ple's kitchens today.

Dennis Sun

Most of us have heard of USMEF but don’t completely understand how important it is to the U.S. meat industry.

USMEF is the trade association responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry. The association is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and various checkoffs.

The beef, pork, lamb, corn and soybean checkoff programs, as well as members representing nine industry sectors including beef/veal production and feeding, pork production and feeding, packing and processing, purveying and trading, oilseed production, feed grains production, farm, ranch and livestock organizations and supply and service organizations make up USMEF. The structure of USMEF looks similar to a huge corporation with an executive board and an executive committee representing the nine industry sectors. I would guess without the various checkoffs, it could not operate and do the work it does. USMEF is the main reason our beef and lamb products are so popular around the world.

Beef exports add an extra $350 to every fed cow we process here in the U.S., and the goal is to have these carcasses worth $500 in the next 10 years. Some say the U.S. can easily eat all the beef and lamb we produce. I don’t know the answer to that, but I realize our meat industry needs to export our products to grow. This means we have to market our meat products better than other countries.

We know the U.S. has a superior meat product edge, and once people in other countries taste our beef and lamb, they will want more. We also know value-added organ meats and parts of the offal, like tripe, exported to Mexico, Russia and the Middle East have helped raise the price of our livestock.

Promoting American meat requires more than shipping meat products to other countries. It is using social media to show people at home how to store, defrost and cook these different cuts of U.S. meats and what the difference between grass-fat and corn-fed beef is.

Remember, the people who want American beef and lamb are the people who have been eating fish, soybeans and rice as a protein source for the last 10 years. If they did have a cut of meat, it was so tough, they cut it up for stew meat.

Now, due to the rising cost of living in these countries, they can afford American meats and even have a BBQ grill on their patio. Someone has to get American meat products to grocery stores in different countries and ultimately to foreign consumers. But, they also have to make sure the consumer has a favorable experience with that piece of meat on their plate.

This is part of what we want our checkoff dollars to do. So far, they have done a good job at it.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup Reporting the News by the Code of the West

Wyoming Livestock Roundup (USPS # 005-774) is published weekly by Maverick Press, Inc. P.O. Box 850 • Casper, WY 82602 Periodicals postage paid in Casper, WY Fax: 307-472-1781 • E-mail: roundup@wylr.net

Phone: 307-234-2700 800-967-1647 • www.wylr.net

DENNIS SUN, Publisher • Cell: 307-262-6132 e-mail: dennis@wylr.net HANNAH BUGAS, Managing Editor • hannah@wylr.net AVERI HALES, Editor • averi@wylr.net BEAU PITT, Production Coordinator • beau@wylr.net JODY MICHELENA, Advertising Director • jodym@wylr.net CURT COX, Director of Livestock Field Services • 307-630-4604 • curt@wylr.net ANDREA ZINK, Circulation/Accounting Manager • andrea@wylr.net DENISE OLSON, Classified Sales Manager • 307-685-8213 • denise@wylr.net

Subscription Rates: 1 year: $50; 2 years: $75; 3 years: $110 Postmaster: Send address changes to: andrea@wylr.net Wyoming Livestock Roundup • P.O. Box 850 • Casper, WY 82602 Member: Wyoming Stock Growers Association Wyoming Wool Growers Association Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation • Wyoming CattleWomen Livestock Publications Council • National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Fremont County Cattlemen's Association Green River Valley Cattlemen's Association Wyoming Angus Association Converse County Stock Growers Association Carbon County Stock Growers Association

This publication is © 2020 by Maverick Press, Inc.

GUEST OPINIONS Focusing on the Positive is More Important Than Ever

By Dr. Steve Paisley It’s been a very challenging year. From my own perspective, it’s been a difficult year as a parent, as a university employee and as a beef producer. I realize I’m not alone, and I have a lot to be thankful for.

Regardless, there have been challenges for everyone.

One of the issues bothering me the most is how, as a nation, we have shifted to focusing on what divides us, what is wrong and what is negative. Personally, I can’t function long-term on negativity. I think as ranchers and cattle producers, we exist partly because we are optimists, and in regards to prices and weather, we have short memories.

I’ve read several online articles from several nationwide reputable sources on the level of anxiety and sleeplessness existing nationwide, probably worldwide. We are all concerned about the next few weeks, about the future and about the opportunities that will exist for our children and grandchildren.

After several months of sleeplessness, anxiety, concern and love for my

family, I have ultimately decided the most important thing I can do is to focus on the positive. Rather than dwell on what divides us and what is fundamentally wrong, I decided to focus on what is right and try to encourage and promote positivity as much as I can.

To me, this is the long-term solution.

Rather than focusing on the evils of Facebook and social media, about right and left, about red and blue, let’s focus on what we appreciate and cherish, and use generosity and forgiveness to sustain what we want to protect.

There are several things I cherish.

I cherish living in Wyoming. I’ve lived a lot of places, but I’m constantly mesmerized by how blue the sky is, how clean the air is and how beautiful this country is. I grew up in the sandhills of Nebraska, which is special, but still doesn’t compare to good ol’ WYO. I love the people I work with. I have had the privilege of working with ranching families all over the

state, and every day I am in awe of the resourcefulness, generosity and independence of farmers and ranchers across the state.

In Wyoming, our ranching families are stewards of our most valuable resource – open spaces – and they do it with an amazing respect for nature, animals and stewardship.

I am proud to work for a land-grant university. I think it’s a privilege to work for the producers of the state, and important to conduct research and investigate issues directly affecting producers. I am excited to find solutions to help working ranchers and working families, not the bottom line of a privatelyowned company.

I feel a responsibility to be a steward of the land. I am lucky to be a part of a family and a family operation that has been in existence since 1888. I find satisfaction in making improvements, sustainable decisions and sustainable investments of time, labor and money.

Ultimately, I’m not the eventual steward. Hope-

fully I’m leaving things in better condition for the next generation.

So, it’s easy to focus on the negative. It exists everywhere. It requires less imagination and less thought. My wish for the coming year is as we move into the fall, as we make decisions that impact our future and as we plan for the future, we do so by focusing on the positive.

What can we do as individuals to make our community a better place and our state a better place for our children and grandchildren?

We need to focus on finding the beauty, not the ugliness. We need to find opportunities, not roadblocks. We need to develop partnerships and friendships, not division.

I love this state, and want to focus on the pride, inclusiveness and genuineness that makes our state great. Go WYO! Dr. Steve Paisley is the director of the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center and Wyoming State Extension beef cattle specialist. He can be reached at spaisley@ uwyo.edu.

K ed Angus FuFnecrttiiolen,al, Efficient...

2R

Range Raised & Ranch Ready

Fall Sale—November 19, 2020 Commercial Females—450 head

bred cows, bred heifers, yearling heifers Lunch at noon, sale at 1 p.m. MST, K2 Sale Facility, Wheatland, Wyoming

Commercial Red Angus, Black Angus, red & black baldies K2 Winter Bull & Female Sale February 4, 2021 90 Bulls 18 month old, and yearlings 12 Registered heifers

k2redangus.com

Jason & Kim Cullen Goertz 307-331-2917 kcullen@wyoming.com

Coming Soon!

2020 Christmas Corral

Receive a special rate of $7 per column inch when you advertise in the Christmas Corral!

To advertise in the Christmas Corral beginning in the Nov. 7 paper, contact Jody at 800-967-1647 or jodym@wylr.net.

®

www.wylr.net 800.967.1647 • 307.234.2700

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27• October 31, 2020

3

NEWS BRIEFS WWIA sets 2020 symposium The Wyoming Women in Ag (WWIA) will come together for their 27th Annual Symposium on Nov. 12-13 at the Ramkota Hotel in Casper.

A Nov. 12 kick-off event will feature hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and a presentation by Livestock Marketing Information Center Director Katelyn McCullock. Following McCullock’s presentation, Darci Tamlin, on the upright bass and Wes Taylor, on guitar, will entertain attendees.

The Nov. 13 event will be headlined by keynote speaker Cat Urbigkit, with a presentation on “Ranching with Large Carnivores.” Breakout sessions include presentations by Tracy Hunt on “The Great Reset,” Doug Miyamoto on industrial hemp, Rep. Hans Hunt on the Wyoming Food Freedom Act and Greg Faxon on vaccination programs. The afternoon of Nov. 13 will also include a conversation on estate planning by Tammy Burke of Financial Benefits in Spearfish, S.D. Throughout the symposium, attendees will also have the opportunity to shop from a variety of trade show booths, featuring items ranging from jewelry and clothing to food, books and more.

Sponsors for the 2020 event include Farm Credit Services of America, Jonah Wealth Management, ANB Bank and Enbridge.

A hotel room block is available at the Ramkota, with rooms available at a discounted rate of $89. Call 307-2666000 by Nov. 6 to reserve a room today. Registration for the event is $10 for Nov. 12, $35 for Nov. 13 or $40 for both days. Register at wywomeninag.org.

Recommendations provided Gov. Mark Gordon’s Invasive Species Initiative delivered a series of recommendations in its final report, which could help Wyoming be a national leader on combating invasive species.

The roughly 40-page report addresses a wide array of topics surrounding terrestrial invasive plant species and includes recommendations for the governor to consider in the coming years. They include developing assessments, improving collaboration with federal partners and exploring revisions to the funding model for invasive species management in the state.

“Completion of this report has been challenged on multiple fronts,” Gordon said. “The teams were hindered by multiple large storms last year, making meeting in-person nearly impossible. Then in early 2020, COVID-19 impacted the ability for the teams to meet again. Nevertheless, the group delivered a product that can serve as a launchpad for future discussions, and I am extremely appreciative of their efforts during these challenging times” The report emerged from a series of collaborative meetings between experts in the field of terrestrial invasive plants. The group was divided into policy and technical teams including local, state and federal government representatives, private citizens representing industry and agricultural groups, as well as scientists and practitioners.

Policy team members included Chair Steve Meadows, Wyatt Agar, Brian Boner, Jacque Buchanan, Josh Coursey, Jessica Crowder, John Elliot, Jack Engstrom, Colleen Faber, Jamie Flitner, Slade Franklin, Rob Hendry, Mark Hogan, Matt Hoobler, Astrid Martinez and Tom Walters.

The technical team included Chair Justin Derner, Bob Budd, Ben Bump, Todd Caltrider, Justin Caudill, Scott Gamo, Lindy Garner, Ken Henke, Brian Jensen, Julie Kraft, Rod Litzel, Brian Mealor, Dwayne Rice, Dan Tekiela, Amanda Thimmayya and Mahonri Williams.

The governor has ordered 250 copies of the report for distribution to Weed and Pest Districts, federal agencies and the legislature. A link to the report is also available at governor.wyo.gov.

Gray wolves delisted

On Oct. 29, Trump administration officials stripped Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in most of the U.S., ending long-standing federal safeguards and putting states and tribes in charge of overseeing the predators.

Gray wolves have recovered from near extinction in parts of the country but remain absent from much of their historical range.

Federal wildlife officials contend thriving populations in the western Great Lakes region, Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest ensure the species’ long-term survival. They argue it’s not necessary for wolves to be in every place they once inhabited to be considered recovered.

“Delisting the gray wolf has been a long and bumpy road, but I think everyone should take pride in this announcement today,” said Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY). “States like Wyoming have shown they are able to effectively manage the gray wolf.”

CREG forecast released Managing Wyoming’s fiscal crisis has been Gov. Mark Gordon’s first priority since March. He continues to caution that Wyoming’s revenue picture remains deeply concerning after the release of the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CREG) Wyoming State Government Revenue Forecast.

The October CREG forecast, released Oct. 26, shows a General Fund shortfall of $451.1 million and a school funding shortfall of more than $300 million, reflecting a historic downturn in Wyoming’s economy.

Despite performing a bit better than projected in May, the state’s revenue collections have experienced a significant decline.

“I have a fundamental belief we must live within our means,” Gordon told the Joint Appropriations Committee (JAC). “Wyoming suffered its greatest budget shortfall in history this year, just six years after the previous record in 2016. By any stretch of the imagination this crisis is unique, but it is real, and we must be prepared.”

The governor has implemented an initial round of 10 percent cuts selectively and has asked agencies to consider further cuts approaching 10 percent and to be thinking about the further cuts that may come. He noted Wyoming’s savings will not be able to offset the state’s cuts in the long-term.

“I am not interested in building a budget that just tries to get us to next year,” the governor continued.

“Wyoming, if she wants to remain competitive and productive, must live within her means and structure herself for economic opportunity.”

Members of the JAC acknowledged the scope of the problem the state is facing and expressed their appreciation to the governor for the steps he has taken to address the state’s budget crisis.

The governor will release his Fiscal Year 2021-22 Supplemental Budget on Nov. 16.

Burning scheduled The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Buffalo Field Office is planning to burn slash piles on BLM administered lands this fall and winter in several areas including Slip Road, Beartrap, Hazelton Road, Billy Creek and Weston Hills.

Burning may begin in October and continue through April 2021, with all prescribed burn projects conducted in accordance with approved burn plans, which specify weather, smoke dispersal and fuel moisture conditions.

“Conducting these controlled burns is an effective and efficient way to help maintain a balanced and healthy forest system,” said Jacob McClure, lead range technician at High Plains District. “Using the cooler and wetter winter months allows us to conduct these burns in a way that is controlled to specific areas, resulting in a more healthy forest that is more resilient and resistant to wildfires occurring during drier months.”

INFO & PHOTOS VISIT:

WERBELOW BROTHERS FARM Greybull, WY • Saturday, November 21 at 10 am

LOCATION: Greybull Recreation Community Center at 527 1st Ave. S., Greybull, WY

1,143± ACRES 900± IRRIGATED

AHA directors elected The American Hereford Association (AHA) voting delegates recently elected Wyatt Agar of Thermopolis, Jerome Ollerich of Winner, S.D. and Bob Schaffer of Spotsylvania, Va. to serve on the AHA’s Board of Directors. Each candidate will serve a four-year term on the 12-member board.

Mark St. Pierre of El Nido, Calif. was elected the 2021 AHA president and Bruce Everhart of Waldron, Ind. was elected vice president. Completing their terms on the AHA board are retiring President Joel Birdwell of Kingfisher, Okla. and Directors Tommy Mead of Midville, Ga. and Bruce Thomas of Goldcreek, Mont.

To be offered in individual parcels, combination of parcels, & as a whole.

Info & Photos

Harold (307) 272-2266 • Mark (307) 272-2303 • Forrest (307) 272-6998 Musser Bros. Inc., 1131 13th St., Suite 101, Cody, WY 82414

Best Buys in Used Equipment TRACTORS/LOADERS Case IH MXM190, MFD, cab & air, front weights, low hrs,1 owner ................ ........................................................................................................... $95,000 Case IH 7140..................................................................................... $34,500 Case IH 2096, w/ cab, air .................................................................. $19,500 Case IH 1086..................................................................................... $14,900 Case IH MX170, MFD, w/ ldr, grpl ..................................................... $69,500 Case IH MX240, 4 WD, w/ duals ....................................................... $89,000 JD 420 Dozer, antique ......................................................................... $7,500 Hesston 880-5, low hours .................................................................. $14,500 MX120, 2 WD, w/ ldr.......................................................................... $49,500 Case 580 Extendahoe ....................................................................... $12,900

HAYING & FORAGE New Holland 855 Round Baler ............................................................ $4,900 2011 MF 2190 4x4 Baler w/ accumulator ........................$129,500; $119,500 Case 8465 Baler .................................................................................. $9,500

Hesston 4910 Baler w/ accumulator ................................................... $39,500 Hesston 4910 Baler w/ accumulator ................................................... $24,500 Hesston 4900 4x4 Baler w/ accumulator ............................................ $24,500 Hesston 5580 Round Baler .................................................................. $1,900 Case RS 561 Round Baler ................................................................. $19,500 Vermeer 605h Round Baler .................................................................. $2,950 Case IH 8870 Swather, 16’ head, 1 owner ......................................... $43,500 Case IH 8840 Swather, 16’ head ........................................................ $32,500 Hesston 6650 Swather, 16’ head........................................................ $10,000 New Holland 1030 Bale Wagon ............................................................ $2,900 New Holland 1047 Bale Wagon ............................................................ $7,000 New Holland Side Delivery Rake.......................................................... $1,950 New Holland 1475 Hydroswing ............................................................ $8,900 Case IH 8750 3-Row Corn Chopper w/ new knives, spout liner & gathering chains.. ................................................................... .........$15,000 Farmhand 10 Pack w/ John Deere Quick Mounts ................................ $2,950

MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Portable Bunk Feeder............................................................. Call for Pricing 2654 NDE Feeder Mixer ................................................................... $29,500 BJM 3914 Mixer Feeder, pull type ...................................................... $6,900 1994 Kenworth, w/ Knight 3070 Feed Box ....................................... $79,000 Verneer Round Bale Feeder ............................................................... $7,900 Hesston 4870 Bale Processor ............................................................ $5,900 JD 700 Grinder/Mixer ......................................................................... $3,900 Leon 808 Loader, bucket & grpl.......................................................... $7,900 Case IH 710 Loader ........................................................................... $4,900 International 2001 Loader................................................................... $2,900 14’ Chisel Plow ................................................................................... $3,900 Meyers 7’ V-Ditcher w/ wing extenders, pull type ............................... $2,500 Aerway 15’ Aerator, pull type ............................................................ $19,900 14’ International Disc .......................................................................... $2,900

6”x32’ Grain Auger, PTO driven ............................................................. $950 8”x50’ Grain Auger, PTO driven .......................................................... $1,950 Arrow Portable Loading Chute ........................................................... $3,600 Portable Pearson Chute on trailer ...................................................... $1,900 9 Shank V Ripper ............................................................................... $4,900 Ford Dump Truck ................................................................................ $9,500 Ford 700 Truck w/ stack retriever ....................................................... $9,500 9620 Buhler 8’ Snow Blower .............................................................. $4,950 Dynamo DP-7100 Generator .............................................................. $4,950 2,000 Gallon Fuel Tank w/ Stand........................................................ $1,950 Set of IH Duals 18.4 x 38 w/ clamps...................................................... $750 1 1/4” 6 Rail 24’ Continuous Fence Panels ...................................$126/each 1 1/2” 6 Rail 20’ Continuous Fence Panels ...................................$130/each Free Standing Panels ....................................................................$325/each

CARLSON EQUIPMENT 77 Zuber Road • Riverton, WY 82501 • (307) 856-8123 carlsonequipment@gmail.com

Visit our Web Site at: www.carlsonequipment.com

4

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27 • October 31, 2020

NEWS BRIEFS Funding redirected

Gov. Mark Gordon has directed federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to assist Wyoming residents in signing up for health insurance.

The governor has allocated $600,000 for the effort, which will be directed to the Enroll Wyoming Program. The funds will be used to hire trained enrollment counselors to provide outreach, education and assistance and to ensure Wyomingites are made aware of the upcoming open enrollment period – Nov. 1 through Dec. 15.

“Wyoming is facing increased numbers of uninsured residents as a result of the pandemic,” Gordon said. “This assistance is an important resource for those seeking health insurance during these challenging times.”

The Enroll Wyoming Program is a collaborative effort between Cheyenne Regional Medical Center’s (CRMC) Institute for Population Health, the Wyoming Primary Care Association, which operates the statewide community health centers and Wyoming 2-1-1.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to help meet the increased need for health insurance during this pandemic by building on our efforts over the last seven years of providing enrollment services,” said Amy Spieker, CRMC’s director of community health and analysis. “Enroll Wyoming is an excellent example of how Wyoming organizations come together to care for our neighbors during tough times.”

More information on the Enroll Wyoming Program is available at enrollwyo.org/.

Disaster areas designated On Oct. 27, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated several counties as primary natural disaster areas.

Counties who suffered losses caused by recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.

This natural disaster designation allows FSA to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts.

Nebraska producers in Arthur, Banner, Chase, Cheyenne, Deuel, Frontier, Garden, Hayes, Lincoln, McPherson and Red Willow counties are eligible to apply for emergency loans.

Colorado producers in Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Weld and Yuma counties, Kansas producers in Cheyenne and Rawlins counties and Wyoming producers in Laramie County are also eligible for the loans.

The deadline to apply for these emergency loans is June 15, 2021.

FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.

Producers may contact their local USDA Service Center for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. Additional information is also available online at farmers.gov/recover.

Pipeline initiative moves ahead The State of Wyoming has worked for almost a decade on a plan to dedicate a carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline corridor system serving most of Wyoming.

On Oct. 27, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced it has published the Wyoming Pipeline Corridor Initiative (WPCI) Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

This marks the final planning stages for the federally managed portions of Wyoming’s proposal to designate approximately 1,150 miles of Wyoming BLM-managed lands for a dedicated pipeline corridor system.

Designated corridors under the WPCI would enable transportation of C02 from C0 2 capture units to where it could be sold, used for sequestration or used in enhanced oil recovery.

The State of Wyoming’s proposal focuses pipeline development in existing federal energy corridors or adjacent to existing pipeline infrastructure for approximately 95 percent of the corridor network.

“The WPCI is a first-of-its-kind project incentivizing solutions to one of our nation’s most consequential ways to address environmental and economic challenges,” Gov. Mark Gordon said. “The final EIS is another important step for Wyoming as it continues to be a leader in CO2 carbon capture, beneficial utilization and ultimately storage. Consolidated siting of pipeline projects, as proposed by the state, builds the foundation to minimize resource conflicts by utilizing existing corridors and co-locating infrastructure.”

The release of the final EIS commences the 60-day Governor’s Consistency Review to ensure conformity with state and local plans, policies and programs.

EPA rolls out new registration After a circuit court halted the use of dicamba this summer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released plans on Oct. 27 to allow a five-year registration for the use of dicamba on cotton and soybeans, with additional restrictions pertaining to buffer agents, application cutoff dates and downwind buffers.

In a call with media, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the registration, which will allow for use through the 2025 growing season, will provide certainty to growers as they make purchasing decisions and takes into account new scientific information as well as comments from stakeholder groups.

As part of EPA’s efforts to address the concerns outlined in the June decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, new mitigation requirements include a national cutoff date of June 30 for soybeans and July 30 for cotton for all over-the-top (OTT) applications of dicamba.

In addition, EPA is requiring the mixture of pHbuffering agents, also called a volatility reduction agent (VRA), that are already available on the marketplace to minimize the volatility of the compound. The registration process also requires a downwind buffer of 240 feet and a buffer of 310 feet in any region covered by the Endangered Species Act. Following reports of damage resulting from the off-site drift of dicamba, EPA amended the dicamba registration labels in 2017 and 2018. The June 2020 court decision vacated the registrations for three dicamba products – XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology, Engenia Herbicide and DuPont FeXapan Herbicide.

As a result of the court’s decision, EPA issued cancellation orders outlining limited circumstances under which existing stocks of the three affected products could be distributed and used until July 31, 2020.

Through Oct. 27's action, EPA approved new registrations for two OTT dicamba products – XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology and Engenia Herbicide – and extended the registration for an additional OTT dicamba product – Tavium Plus VaporGrip Technology. These registrations are only for use on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybeans and will expire in 2025.

States can further restrict or expand the national label through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide & Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and states still have an important role to play in complying with FIFRA. If a state wishes to expand the federal OTT uses of dicamba to better meet special local needs, the agency will work with that state to support its goals.

WGFD supervisor retires Tim Woolley, Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) Wildlife Division, Biological Services supervisor, is retiring after 28 years of service to the State of Wyoming.

“Tim has worked across the state throughout his career. He is best known for his contributions to mule deer and building community relationships,” said Rick King, chief of the wildlife division. “His work has made lasting impacts for wildlife, and Tim’s dedication to the resource will be missed.”

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27• October 31, 2020

FUNDS continued from page 1 business owners, nonprofit organizations and agriculture producers.”

“Right from the start, we worked with the legislature to pace our programs so they would reach each sector as the needs became clear,” he continues. “The Wyoming Business Council will distribute these federal funds where they are needed to help continue our economic recovery.”

The Agriculture and Endurance Funds According to the Wyoming Business Council, the Agriculture Fund has $90 million reserved to support the state’s farmers and ranchers who have experienced business interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Awards up to $250,000 are available to Wyoming agriculture producers who were established on or before March 13, 2020.

The council also notes the Endurance Fund will have at least $24 million set aside for businesses and nonprofits to cover COVID-19 related losses and expenses. Money available in this fund may increase as unused CARES Act dollars from other programs may be moved into it.

Awards of up to $250,000 will be available through the Endurance Fund for all affected Wyoming businesses.

“These two funds serve important purposes as we near the deadline of the current CARES Act funding,” says Wyoming Business Council CEO Josh Dorrell.

“First, because of the seasonality of agriculture production, this $90 million relief fund allows farmers and ranchers to better capture 2020 losses and expenses related to the pandemic,” Dorrell continues. “Second, many Wyoming businesses and nonprofits are not out of the woods yet, and this opportunity for another round of funding will help with the losses businesses have continued to endure.”

Eligible entities can apply one time per fund and recipients of previous Business Relief Program awards may apply for the two new funds if they have eligible losses or expenses since their previous application dates.

Application advice “We would like to offer some best practices, based on experience we have had in the past, to help make this process as smooth as possible,” states Heather Tupper, Wyoming Business Council’s southeast regional director, during an educational Zoom meeting held Oct. 28.

“First of all, we recommend working with an expert.

More information on the new funds and registration information can be found at wyobizrelief.org.

The application process can be overwhelming, but if individuals have a trusted financial advisor to help them, it will be a lot easier,” she says.

“Second, for those who have previously logged into the system, using their previous credentials and login information will help speed the process up as well,” she adds. “Individuals who may have forgotten their passwords, can reset them in the system or call our toll free number at 877-257-7844.”

Tupper’s third piece of advice is to use an online worksheet the council made to mirror the application, so individuals can gather information before the application goes live on Nov. 2.

Processing applications “After finishing the application, it doesn’t just disappear into thin air,” Tupper states.

“Individuals will receive an e-mail verification from wbc. brp@wyo.gov and a tracking number. If they do not receive this e-mail, they need to check their spam mail.”

Tupper explains the Wyoming Business Council then organizes applications in the order they were received and begins a multi-step process.

“First, the applications will go through a quick system review to make sure there are no immediate issues,” she says. “We then have a customer service team who completes a review process, where they match information to statewide database systems and other agencies.”

From here, applications move to the Wyoming State Auditor’s Office.

Circuit judge appointed Gov. Mark Gordon appointed Clark Allan to be a Circuit Court Judge for the Eighth Judicial District serving Converse County. Sanford’s appointment fills the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge I. Vincent Case.

Allan has served as deputy in Teton County since 1999 and is currently chief of the Criminal Division. He previously served as Sublette County Attorney for five years and as an attorney in private practice in Jackson.

Allan received his bachelor’s and law degrees from Brigham Young University.

Clark, his wife Kristen and his son Stuart reside in Jackson.

“The Judicial Nominating Commission advanced three strong candidates,

making this a difficult choice,” Gordon said. “Clark’s distinguished legal career, excellent reputation and extensive experience as a prosecutor will serve him well on the Circuit Court bench.”

“I am very humbled to have the opportunity to serve the wonderful people of Wyoming as a Circuit Judge in the Eighth Judicial District,” Allan said. “I will do my best to fulfill my obligations honorably and in a manner that gives due respect to all who come before the Court. I also want to thank the many good people who have acted as mentors over the years and prepared me for this new challenge. I love Wyoming.”

Allan’s appointment is effective Jan. 4, 2021.

5

“In regards to this particular project, the State Auditor’s Office is the one responsible for the distribution of funds and cutting the checks,” explains Adam Grant, fiscal division manager in the Wyoming State Auditor’s Office.

“Once an application has been approved by the Wyoming Business Council, we start our process to try and get checks out the door.”

Grant explains individu-

als who have previously conducted business through the state auditor or who have applied for other funding in the program receive their check as soon as they are validated in the system.

“Those who have not worked through the State Auditor’s Office are put into the system using information from their applications,” Grant says. “We then run them through the IRS to

Torrington Livestock Markets PO Box 1097 • Torrington, WY 82240 307.532.3333 Fax: 307.532.2040

make sure they check out, and if they do, we send them their money.”

With the council’s focus on communication, Tupper notes individuals will receive regular updates on where their application is in the process.

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.

Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Lex Madden 307-532-1580 Michael Schmitt 307-532-1776 Chuck Petersen 307-575-4015

www.torringtonlivestock.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 - FEEDER & CALF SPECIAL FEEDERS Medicine Bow River Ranch 140 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 725-900#, Branding Shots: Spring Vision 7, Pyramid 5 + Presponse, Injected Wormer, Coming off grass, No implants, Knife Cut Eugene Walck Jr 53 Blk Angus 2 & 3 Yr old Strs, 1100-1300#, Shots: Covexins and VS6 + Somnus, Home Raised ****27 Blk Angus Yrlg Bulls ,650-700#, All Natural, No shots, All home raised Hill Land & Livestock 160 Blk Strs, 650-750#, Complete Vac. Program, Coming off grass, Home Raised Three Forks Ranch 43 Mx Hfrs, 875#, Full Vac Program, Ran Open, Coming off Grass Howard B Lee 10 mx Hfrs & Strs, 750#, Complete vac, Coming off grass, Home raised CALVES Peterson Livestock 280 Blk/Bwf/Char Strs & Hfrs, 280-400#, Branding Shots: Bovi-Sheild Gold Fp 5 L5, One Shot Ultra 7, Preconditioning Shots: Cattlemaster Gold Fp 5, One Shot Ultra 7, Home Raised Randy Cole 200 Mostly Blk few Rd Strs & Hfrs, 400-550#, Branding & Pre-cond. Shots, All Natural, Home Raised Rabou Livestock 125 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 500-550#, Branding & Precond Shots Scissors Ranch 90 Blk Strs, 500-550# Melanie, Darrell & Kelly Brown 70 Blk, few Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 400#, Branding & Precond Shots Henderson Family 43 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 500-650#, Branding & Precond Shots Fred Guire 10 Blk Strs, 600#, Weaned 35 days, Bunk Broke, Branding Shots, High Altitude (7500’)

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 - ALL CLASSES MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9 - BRED COW/HFR SPECIAL BRED HEIFERS Ochsner Roth Cattle Co 269 Blk Hfrs, AI’d to Poss Achievement, a Black Angus bull with proven calving ease, high growth performance and excellent carcass traits. Ultrasounded to CF: February 6th, Hfrs are on a Complete Vac Program: Two Rounds of Bovi-Gold 5, One Shot Pasturella, Multi-Min & Ultrabac 7 w/ Somnus when weaned and Bovi-Gold FP + L5 HB before breeding Frontier Cattle Co. 10 Blk Hfrs, 2 yr olds, Bred to Reg. Blk Angus Bulls, CF: May 1 to June 15, Shots: Vira Shield 6+VL5, Poured, Home Raised, 1-Iron COMPLETE DISPERSAL Jerry Wilkinson 80 Blk few Bwf Cows, 4-8 yr olds, Complete Dispersal, Bred to M Diamond, Reyes, Lucky 7 Bulls, CF: March 25th for 50 days, No Fall Shots BRED COWS Zach & Karisa Bennett 10 Blk/Rd Cows, SM-ST, Bred to Blk & Red Angus Bulls or Hereford Bulls, CF: Jan. 10 for 60 days, Shots: Scour Bos9, Staybred Shot, Poured in the Fall Russ Trowbridge 9 Blk Cows, 1300#, ST, Bred to Blk or Red Angus Bulls, CF: Jan. 10, Shots: Stay Bred, Scour Boss 9, Poured this fall, Home Raised Joel Sandlian 6 Blk Cows, ST, Bred to Blk/Rd or Hereford Bulls, CF: Jan 10, Shots: Staybred, Scour Boss 9 Poured SALE RESULTS - MON, OCT 26 - 1592 HD Merlin Ranch Inc Diamond Land & Livestock Larry Vignaroli Hog Eye Ranch LLC Merlin Ranch Inc Sutherland Bros Ranch 88 Ranch Land & Livestock Diamond Land & Livestock Diamond Land & Livestock Merlin Ranch Inc Diamond Land & Livestock Austin Ward Tyler & Trisha Kimzey TRK Properties Bonny Richards Trowbridge Ranch LLC Duck Bar Ranch LLC Frank & Lori Nerud Rick Jones Bonny Richards Lone Cow Cattle Co LLC Darcy Garhart Diamond Land & Livestock Diamond Land & Livestock Overturf & Downs Diamond Land & Livestock Diamond Land & Livestock Patterson Family TRK Properties Lake Ranches Merlin Ranch Inc Austin Ward TRK Properties Merlin Ranch Inc Coyote Creek Ranch Stellpflug Cattle Co LLC Stellpflug Cattle Co LLC

1 Black Cow 1 Black Cow 2 Black Cow 1 Black Cow 1 Black Cow 1 BWF Cow 28 Black Bred Cow 3YR/March-April 19 Black Bred Cow 3YR/Feb-March 54 Black Bred Cow SM/Feb-March 27 Black Bred Cow 3YR/April-May 19 Black Bred Cow SM/April-May 9 Black Bred Cow SM/March-April 9 Black Bred Cow 3-SM/April-May 7 Black Bred Cow SM/April-May 1 Black Bred Cow 3YR/April-May 29 Black Bred Cow ST/Jan-Feb 12 Black Bred Cow ST/March-April 7 Black Bred Cow ST/April-May 17 Black Bred Cow ST/March-April 6 Black Bred Cow SS/April-May 23 Black Bred Cow ST/April-May 4 Black Bred Cow ST/May 2 Blk/Red Bred Cow 3YR/Feb-March 27 Blk/Red Bred Cow SS/Feb-March 49 Blk/Red Bred Cow SS-ST/April-May 20 Charolais Bred Cow 3YR/Feb-March 4 Red Bred Cow SM/Feb-March 16 Red Bred Cow ST/April-May 16 Black Bred Heifer April-May 2 Black Bred Heifer Feb-March 41 Black Bred Heifer April-May 5 Black Bred Heifer March-April 2 Black Bred Heifer April-May 19 Black Bred Heifer April-May 5 Black Pairs SM 3 Black Pairs Heifer 3 Black Pairs SM

1545 1265 1540 1645 1135 1695 1229 1294 1238 992 1326 1294 1401 1382 1385 1352 1397 1439 1403 1370 1243 1335 1497 1428 1275 1115 1303 1166 986 945 826 917 940 766 1593 1100 1376

66.00C 63.00C 60.50C 53.50C 47.00C 67.50C 1350.00H 1290.00H 1260.00H 1210.00H 1150.00H 1110.00H 1085.00H 1075.00H 1025.00H 910.00H 900.00H 860.00H 850.00H 810.00H 785.00H 725.00H 1025.00H 900.00H 800.00H 1160.00H 1175.00H 685.00H 1135.00H 1100.00H 1085.00H 1075.00H 1050.00H 1000.00H 1450.00H 1410.00H 1350.00H

M S Livestock M S Livestock Miller Land & Livestock Tom & Savanah Chant Double B Livestock Jason & Andie Hubbard Tom & Savanah Chant Lodge Pole Cattle Co Lodge Pole Cattle Co Roy & Kathleen Jarrard Spearhead Ranch Twin Buttes Spearhead Ranch Lodge Pole Cattle Co Bridle Bit Ranch Co Brock & Bridget Beavers H Lazy P Cattle Co LLC Ken Andelin David & Leann Cushman Austin Ward Lonny & Roberta Luke Barbara York Rabe Livestock JFW Corp Lonny & Roberta Luke Spearhead Ranch Jon Carr Rod Wagner Roy & Kathleen Jarrard Spearhead Ranch Lodge Pole Cattle Co Spearhead Ranch JMK Land & Livestock Lonny & Roberta Luke Blue Valley Ranch JMK Land & Livestock Justin Sarchet Barbara York Todd Gwilliams Barbara York Twin Buttes OJ Huxtable OJ Huxtable PAB & Lucy Widener PAB & Lucy Widener

3 Black Steer 1040 7 Mixed Steer 824 18 Black Heifer 588 23 Black Heifer 855 5 Black Heifer 883 11 Black Heifer 923 12 Black Heifer 970 41 Black Steer Calf Wean 360 4 Black Steer Calf Wean 298 10 Black Steer Calf 353 37 Black Steer Calf AllNat 403 46 Black Steer Calf All Nat 376 60 Black Steer Calf 436 61 Black Steer Calf Wean 454 16 Black Steer Calf Pre-Cond 508 30 Black Steer Calf Pre-Cond 476 24 Black Steer Calf All Nat 453 9 Black Steer Calf Pre-Cond 532 10 Black Steer Calf 514 6 Black Steer Calf Pre-Cond 502 36 Black Steer Calf Pre-Cond 548 33 Black Steer Calf Pre-Cond 578 35 Black Steer Calf Wean 599 30 Black Steer Calf Pre-Cond 641 67 Black Steer Calf Pre-Cond 675 7 Blk/Red Steer Calf All Nat 337 40 Blk/Red Steer Calf Pre-Cond 626 10 Blk/Red Steer Calf Pre-Cond 554 10 Black Heifer Calf 367 40 Black Heifer Calf All Nat 383 64 Black Heifer Calf Wean 421 62 Black Heifer Calf All Nat 419 13 Black Heifer Calf Pre-Cond 455 54 Black Heifer Calf Pre-Cond 515 55 Black Heifer Calf Pre-Cond 495 37 Black Heifer Calf Pre-Cond 558 7 Black Heifer Calf Wean 529 36 Black Heifer Calf Pre-Cond 562 10 Black Heifer Calf Pre-Cond 548 14 Black Heifer Calf Pre-Cond 628 8 Blk/Red Heifer Calf All Nat 270 8 Mixed Heifer Calf Wean 440 6 Black Bull Calf Wean 386 44 Black Bull Calf Wean 610 6 Black Bull Calf Wean 555

99.00C 137.00C 136.50C 132.00C 129.00C 127.00C 125.00C 209.00C 201.00C 190.00C 185.50C 185.00C 181.25C 172.00C 168.50C 166.00C 160.00C 160.00C 157.00C 155.00C 154.50C 149.25C 147.00C 145.50C 143.50C 195.00C 146.50C 146.00C 168.00C 161.50C 159.00C 156.00C 153.00C 147.00C 143.00C 137.00C 136.00C 134.00C 132.50C 130.50C 460.00H 147.00C 181.00C 125.50C 121.00C

TORRINGTON LIVE SALE SCHEDULE

SALE RESULTS - WED, OCT 28 - 3552 HD

“Like Us”

for Sale Updates, Results and News

NOTICE

Weigh Cow & Bull Consignors for Friday Sales we are asking that you do not plan to drop your cattle off until Wednesday Afternoon.

Thanks

All Classes - Every Friday Wed, Nov 4th - Feeder/Cf Special Mon, Nov 9 - Bred Cow Special Wed, Nov 11 - Feeder/Cf Special Mon, Nov 16 - Bred Cow Special Wed, Nov 18 - Feeder/Cf Special Mon, Nov 23 - Bred Cow Special Mon, Nov 30 - Bred Cow Special Wed, Dec 2 - Feeder/Cf Special Mon, Dec 7 - Bred Cow Special Wed, Dec 9 - Feeder/Cf Special

www.torringtonlivestock.com

307-532-3333

Lex Madden 307-532-1580 Michael Schmitt 307-532-1776 Chuck Petersen 307-575-4015

6

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27 • October 31, 2020

Virginia Tech researchers predict pregnancy efficiency to help producers’ bottom lines For many cattle operations, infertility and pregnancy loss are common problems in replacement heifers, resulting in decreased reproductive efficiency. Therefore, maximizing reproductive rates is critical to a ranch’s economic sustainability and bottom line.

In an effort to combat the issue of infertility and pregnancy loss, researchers in the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are working on a method to effectively identify genetic markers in pregnant heifers to determine if they will be able to successfully reproduce.

Researchers at the university believe data from the study will save ranchers resources, time and money.

Predicting genetic markers According to Virginia Tech, the method used by researchers is driven by machine-learning algorithms, which will be used during two different breeding seasons. This will allow for an adequate amount of data points to be gathered, which will strengthen the ability of the researchers to predict the genetic markers associated with pregnancy outcome.

Research also looked at how early these genetic markers could be identified and whether or not producers can determine if an animal is going to produce a calf early on.

The study came about after Dr. Fernando Biase, assistant professor in the Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, received a $475,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to conduct the genetic research.

“This research will help producers adequately allocate resources in their operations and increase the cow/calf production efficiency while minimizing potential loss,” says Biase in the August edition of Virginia Tech Daily.

Returning value of heifers According to Biase, heifers return value to producers by the amount of calves they produce over their lifetime, and in order for an operation to remain sustainable, a heifer needs to produce one calf each breeding season.

“Fifteen percent of heifers that do not get pregnant in their first breeding season cause a considerable amount of financial loss to the pro-

ducer,” notes Biase.

“Producers spend a significant amount of energy and resources to help heifer calves gain enough weight to be at a healthy reproduction level in order to produce a calf when they are around two years of age,” he continues. “Even with their efforts, sometimes it just doesn’t happen.”

Therefore, he notes many management procedures have been utilized to maximize the reproductive potential of heifers, including controlled weight gain, identification of reproductive maturity by physiological and morphological indicators and the implementation of an estrous synchronization program.

With this in mind, Biase and the other Virginia Tech researchers decided to conduct a study to understand the potential gene transcripts circulating in an animal’s bloodstream that can potentially predict the likelihood of a pregnancy occurring, with the goal of finding out how early these transcripts can be identified in a calf.

“This research opens the door for better resource allocation for producers,” states Biase. “Through a

simple blood test, heifers could have the likelihood of their reproductive rate determined.”

“Through the integration of advanced technology, our team is solving age-old problems to help improve economic efficiency of cattle operations,” he concludes.

“This research will help producers adequately allocate resources in their operations and increase the cow/calf production efficiency while minimizing potential loss.” – Dr. Fernando Biase, Virginia Tech Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock

LETTERS

Roundup.

Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Submit your letters to: Editor, Wyoming Livestock Roundup, P.O. Box 850, Casper, WY, 82602, or e-mail to roundup@wylr.net. We reserve the right to edit letters.

It is the policy of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup that we do not print letters attacking individuals, groups or organizations within the Wyoming agricultural community.

Dear Editor, As a Wyoming native and fourth-generation rancher, Cynthia Lummis understands agriculture’s vital role in Wyoming’s economy and America as a whole as well as anyone in the state. Not only does she know the important issues facing Wyoming farmers and ranchers, she can personally relate to the day-today concerns many of us in farming and ranching have when it comes to running our businesses and maintaining our western way of life.

I’ve had the honor and pleasure of knowing Cynthia for many years, and I know she will represent Wyoming’s agricultural interests with the utmost integrity and tenacity.

During her eight years as Wyoming’s lone voice in the U.S. House, Cynthia succeeded in notching up a number of victories for Wyoming ranchers.

Her deep-rooted knowledge of grazing impacts on agricultural legislation allowed her to help strengthen and pass the Grazing Improvement Act through the House, which extended grazing leases from 10 to 20 years and streamlined the approval of no-change or minor-change permit renewals.

Additionally, she successfully brought an amendment to the 2013 Farm Bill, which funded brucellosis vaccination research in wildlife reservoirs. This same year, she was able to

remove language from the Agriculture Appropriations Bill, which would have prohibited the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from inspecting horse meat.

Cynthia’s efforts were also crucial to halting a radical rule proposal by the Department of Labor under the Obama administration which would have disqualified 4-H and FFA training certifications and would have banned 14- and 15-year-olds from working with certain livestock, tractors and other equipment. Cynthia added language to the Labor Appropriations bill to prevent any resurrection of the proposal, and the proposal has not resurfaced again.

In 2010, she even persuaded former Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, a Democratic representative from Minnesota, to hold a House Agriculture Committee meeting in Cheyenne. At this meeting, seven members of the committee met to discuss conservation and forestry issues, which specifically focused on Wyoming.

In her campaign for the United States Senate, Cynthia has spoken out on a number of current agriculture issues important to Wyoming’s producers and consumers alike, and she looks forward to working with her new senate colleagues on these issues come January.

Cynthia believes now, more than ever, it is critically important consumers know where their food comes from.

To this end, she is committed to reinstating Country of Ori-

gin Labeling for all food products.

In the interests of strengthening food security in the wake of empty store shelves brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic’s shocks to the food supply chain, Cynthia believes the federal government must allow state-inspected slaughter plants to put meat in interstate commerce. Currently, meat must be processed at a USDA-inspected plant in order to be sold across state lines. This is ridiculous when state-inspected plants can do this safely and efficiently.

Cynthia is also concerned about the consolidation of the packing industry, a factor which prevented producers from marketing their livestock during the pandemic, and which contributed heavily to the meat shortages seen in grocery stores across the country.

For these reasons, Cynthia has my full support and endorsement in her bid for the United States Senate. She will be an outstanding voice for Wyoming’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. With Cynthia as our next senator, Wyomingites can rest assured agriculture will have a strong voice representing it in Washington for the next six years.

Hans Hunt

Wyoming Legislature House Agriculture Committee Chairman Newcastle

27th Annual WY Women’s Ag Symposium

Nov. 12-13, 2020 • Ramkota Hotel, Casper, WY THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13

5:30 p.m. - Cash Bar & Hors d’oeuvres 6:30 p.m. - Katelyn McCullock: Ag Outlook 7:30 p.m. - Music by Wes Taylor & Darci Tamlin

8:30 a.m. - Keynote Speaker Cat Urbigkit: Ranching with Large Carnivores 1 p.m. - The Plan - Tammy Burke, Ag Estate Planning

BREAKOUTS: The Money - Tracy Hunt • The Hemp - Doug Miyamoto • The Food - Rep. Hans Hunt • The Vaccines - Greg Faxon

Register at wywomeninag.org Call 307-259-5013 with questions.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27• October 31, 2020

7

Protein requirements of growing calves explained In a recent BeefWatch webinar, hosted by the University of NebraskaLincoln (UNL) Extension, Dr. Mary Drewnoski discusses the importance of understanding the protein needs of growing calves.

Drewnoski, a beef systems specialist with UNL Extension, shares protein, as it relates to growing calves, depends greatly on the goals of the producer and provides information for producers to make feed decisions in order to meet nutritional needs of their calves.

In an example, Drewnoski explains a study in which 500-pound steer calves were fed three different supplements – corn, corn plus five percent urea and dried distillers’ grain solubles (DDGS). Total digestible nutrients (TDN) were similar for all three supplements, and crude protein (CP) was similar for the corn plus urea supplement and the DDGS, while the corn supplement alone contained about onethird less CP than the other two.

Study results show calves consuming the corn supplement gained approximately 0.31 pounds per day, calves on the corn plus urea supplement gained around 0.53 pounds per day, and calves receiving DDGS as a supplement gained roughly 1.32 pounds per day.

The big question, Drewnoski asks, is what makes DDGS a better supplement than corn, or corn plus urea, for these calves?

Ruminally degradable protein Drewnoski starts the discussion with background information regarding ruminant nutrition, including information on ruminally degradable protein (RDP), ruminally undegradable protein (RUP) and how pro-

tein consumed by calves becomes available for digestion either by rumen microbes or the animal itself.

“RDP can be degraded and digested in the rumen, and becomes available for digestion by rumen microbes,” shares Drewnoski.

“Those microbes will use the protein to grow and multiply.

Then those microbes that grow and multiply eventually get washed out of the rumen to become a source of protein to the animal.”

However, Drewnoski explains, this is only the case if there is enough energy available in the system for microbes to utilize RDP. “If there isn’t enough energy in the system, the microbes will use the carbon from the RDP as energy and release the nitrogen as ammonia,” she explains. “In the case of RDP, we only get as much microbial CP as energy will allow.”

Adding a high-energy supplement, such as corn, into an energy deficient system has the ability to increase the utilization of RDP so the corn and released ammonia may work together to multiply microbes, according to Drewnoski.

“It is all about the microbes when we think about RDP,” notes Drewnoski. “The protein source to the animal is solely microbes.”

Ruminally undegradable protein On the other hand, RUP is a protein source which provides protein directly to the animal, bypassing use by rumen microbes.

“RUP washes through the rumen and becomes a source of amino acids or protein for the animal itself,” says Drewnoski.

“If the animal can utilize the protein, it will be used

to grow and make muscle, immune cells, enzymes and anything else the proteins would be needed for.”

However, Drewnoski notes, overfeeding RUP relative to the amount of available energy, can lead to the animal starving for energy, much like the microbes starved for energy by RDP. “The animals will break the protein down and use the carbon as an energy source to grow and make more muscle, or use it as energy to maintain their body or store fat,” she explains. “They also, of course, break off the nitrogen and release it as ammonia, which their body then has to detoxify.”

Drewnoski explains the high RUP content in DDGS is what helped calves in the study gain better than calves that only received corn or corn plus urea.

“RUP is a protein source the animal can use.

It doesn’t go through the microbes and become a secondary protein source,” she shares. “If we overfeed RUP, it can become energy. Part of the reason why DDGS is a highenergy feed is because the bypassed protein is high in energy, in terms of availability.”

Protein availability Protein available to the ruminant animal is microbial protein, which comes as microbes washed out of the rumen and RUP, says Drewnoski. With the exception of urea, we can typically expect any feedstuff to have both RDP and RUP. “The thing to understand is microbial CP production is dependent on the balance and amount of energy and protein available in the rumen,” she explains.

For example, by feeding a dairy-quality alfalfa

hay to calves, there might not be enough energy supplied to the calves to make use of the protein available. Adding corn to the ration will help balance the energy available in the rumen and make the protein from the alfalfa available, which in turn increases gain on the calves.

“A majority of the protein in alfalfa hay is RDP – around 70 to 90 percent – so it will really feed the microbes, but there is not much there to bypass the rumen and feed the animal without utilizing those microbes as the protein source,” says Drewnoski.

“In forage-based diets it is really hard to get enough microbial crude protein to sustain high rates of gain, especially for light weight calves,” she continues. “The smaller the calf, the higher the relative protein requirement.”

She adds a 400-pound calf will have a much higher protein requirement than a 700-pound calf. Often, the balance of energy to protein as calves grow can translate into getting away with feeding less protein as calves get bigger.

Drewnoski recommends feeding to meet the protein requirements of lighter weight calves to avoid making smaller

“In forage-based diets it is really hard to get enough microbial crude protein to sustain high rates of gain, especially for light weight calves.

The smaller the calf, the higher the relative protein requirement is.” – Dr. Mary Drewnoski, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension calves smaller and bigger calves bigger. She notes this strategy might not improve performance of larger calves, but it makes a large difference when it comes to smaller calves.

Forage and cost analysis Increasing the gain of smaller calves could be accomplished by adding as little as one pound of alfalfa a day, says Drewnoski.

However, she notes the nutritional value of alfalfa hay is variable.

“If producers are utilizing forage or hay as the base of the diet, I recommend testing it to know the protein content,” she notes. “Forage sources can be extremely important in growing calves.”

Drewnoski notes producers often assume alfalfa is less expensive than DDGS. “In a ration for a 500pound calf with a corn silage base, alfalfa can be supplemented at around 47 cents per head per day, feeding 5.4 pounds per day at $150 per ton,” she

explains. “DDGS can be supplemented for around 34 cents per head per day, at 2.8 pounds per head per day at $220 per ton.”

“Looking at the cost per pound of CP, alfalfa comes in at 39 cents per pound and DDGS at 41 cents per pound,” she continues.

“But, on a per head per day comparison, DDGS is more cost effective.”

Drewnoski says figuring growing calf rations is one of the best times for producers to get in touch with their local beef educators and specialists. She recommends knowing the feed options available for use, having a forage analysis if using forage as a supplement of diet base and knowing what the goals for the herd are before contacting a specialist so they can work to come up with the best option for each situation.

Averi Hales is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

r e r e b e v i e F B

Fall Female & Bull Production Sale

thurSday, novemBer 12 online or in PerSon at the ranch near leola, Sd Catalog now available on

www.BieberRedAngus.com

200

50

Registered Red Angus Females TWEgen® Models • TWE65GAH 6500 Watt Adequately starts and runs up to a 3HP Pump • TWE80GAH 8000 Watt Adequately starts and runs up to a 5HP Pump • TWE90GAH 9000 Watt

System Options • • • • •

Electronic Timer Start TWEGEN® Pipeline System Low-Well Sensor Winter Base Heater Trailer Mounting w/ Propane Tank • Stock-Well Tank Float System

Generating Solutions for Your Power Needs

Red Angus Coming Two-Year-Old Bulls

35

Commercial Red Angus Females

Trusted Quality • Honda Industrial Engines • Internally Regulated • Mill-Spec Generators • 12 Gauge Steel • Fully Enclosed • Powder Coat Painted

• CARB and EPA EmissionsCertified 636 Logan Lane • Billings, MT 59105 406-245-4600 • 800-955-3795 www.twegen.com

TWEnterprises, Inc. has been generating solution for your power needs since 1982.

®

Questions? Give us a shout!

(605) 439-3628

8

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27 • October 31, 2020

Vaccination protocol recommendations provided Proper health management is critical to successful sheep operations, as noted

by American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) Podcast Host Jake Thorne. A vaccination protocol is a major part of the health plan producers should establish.

University of California Cooperative Sheep and Goat Extension Veterinarian Dr. Rosie Bush joined Thorne on the ASI podcast to share her knowledge on the subject.

Vaccine background “Vaccines are a controlled exposure to diseases we are trying to prevent,” explains Bush. “They usually contain a killed or weakened version, or fragments of the virus or bacteria that causes disease to allow the immune system to respond as if the body were exposed, without the harmful effects.”

Many vaccines are delivered under the skin, according to Bush. Recently, some vaccines have been developed to be given closer to the

normal means of exposure.

“Some vaccines are now given in the nose, orally or like the sore mouth vaccine, are delivered by scraping skin and placing the vaccine on top of the skin,” she explains.

Improved vaccine efficacy “When we think about how vaccines work, the animal has to be able to amount a really good immune response in order to develop long-lasting immunity,” Bush says.

Livestock handling and stress management while vaccinating or doctoring impacts how well the animal responds to treatment.

“Stress certainly can affect the way an animal mounts an immune response,” notes Bush.

“Stress when giving a vaccine can impact the response to the vaccine, but also if the animal is stressed after the vaccine, it can challenge the effect of their immune system.”

General health and nutrition also play a role in the

way livestock respond to vaccinations, according to Bush.

“We have to have a healthy animal to start with,” she states.

“It is important to consider how vaccines work,” Bush continues. “Usually, we give an initial dose to prime the immune system, which provides small, shortterm protection, if any protection at all.”

“Boosters drive the level of protection where it needs to be,” she explains. “Annual boosters are reminders to the immune system to keep the protection levels up. Producers should be sure to use vaccines as directed for full efficacy.”

Typical pre-weaning vaccination protocol While vaccinations themselves vary depending on geographical location and what the herd is at greatest risk of contracting, the most common vaccine is for protecting against clostridial dis-

eases and tetanus (CD&T). If producers have noted issues in their herd with multiple diseases, such as blackleg, Bush says seven- and eightway vaccines are an option.

Otherwise, multi-way vaccines have the potential to dilute immune response.

“Common protocol is for lambs to be vaccinated around three to four weeks of age if the ewe was not vaccinated before lambing,” Bush says. “A booster is usually given as a follow-up around six to eight weeks of age.”

However, Bush explains some producers have issues with preventing a type D overeating disease in lambs older than one month of age.

In this case, a different vaccination protocol will be better.

“It would benefit those producers to vaccinate their ewes three to four weeks prior to lambing for maternal antibodies in colostrum to protect their lambs for six to eight weeks,” she shares. “If

Vermilion Ranch 2,000 ANGUS SELL Fall Performance Sale SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020

• •

Vermilion Evergreen 3133

Genomic tested with PAP tested at 6,000 feet elevation

The Vermilion Ranch has dispersed their 7-yearold cows for several years at the Fall Sale.

No exceptions - THEY ALL SELL! These cows are AI bred to the very best bulls we have.

180 Outstanding Fall Yearlings

Vermilion Elba 3068

The best of our Fall Program! Sired by Bomber, Re-Ride, Top Shelf, Quarterback, Spur, Charge On, Enhance, Southern Charm and Raindance.

120 Big, Stout Coming 2 Year Olds Sired by the best Vermilion sires.

60 Select Registered Bred Heifers

AAA 17546942 Sired by Vermilion Bear Paw and out of a TC Franklin daughter, she is one of our favorites!

She has three daughters we have kept in the herd and one son retained as a herd sire. Progeny ratios: WN 107 and YRL 108. She sells safe in calf to Deer Valley Growth Fund, due March 16, 2021.

Bred to Bomber, McIlroy and King Air.

Vermilion Bomber G756

75 Head Dispersal All 2013 Born Registered Angus Cows

AAA 17547164 Sired by Sitz JLS Game Day 9630 and out of a Connealy Gold dam, she is as impressive as they get. Progeny ratios: WN 109 and YRL 111. She is the dam of Vermilion Spur D125, used successfully in the Krebs and Vermilion herds.

She sells safe in calf to Myers Fair In Square, due March 15, 2021.

Vermilion Erica 9199

Bred to Bomber, King Air and Premium Asset.

100 Head Dispersal All April Calving Registered Angus Cows

AAA 19685376

200 Head Dispersal All 2013 Born Commercial Angus Cows From the Diamond Ring Ranch and always a sale favorite.

1,300 Fancy Commercial Angus Bred Heifers

One of the best we’ve EVER raised. Solid performance BW 72, WW 752, YW 1344. By Casino Bomber, and out of a Sitz Madison bred cow. A REAL PROSPECT. BW 72 WW 752 AAA 19508348 YW 1344. BEPD +1.8 WEPD +89 YEPD +153 MILK +25. One of the outstanding Registered Bred Heifers selling.

Sired by Vermilion Want To and bred to calve March 1, 2021 Vermilion D125 Spur G270 to Casino Bomber.

Bred to Bomber, King Air and Countdown. All one-iron, Montana raised heifers. They will calve in February and March 2021. Ultrasound pregnancy tested, sorted into short calving periods.

AI calves will be sexed.

Vermilion Hi Regard G875

AAA 19508576 AAA 19685482 HERD SIRE written all over him. Sire was the top selling bull to Krebs. Dam sells as a featured donor in the Dispersal By BTR High Regard 552, and out of a Connealy Spur of the 7-year-old cows. BW 90 WW 794 YW 1320. daughter. BW 86, WW 764, YW 1308. BEPD +2 WEPD +58 BEPD +2.9 WEPD +88 YEPD +145 MILK +20.

YEPD 110 MILK +37.

Vermilion Ranch Pat Goggins Family Bob Cook - Records & Sales Cell: 406-670-0078 Jeff Mosher - Vermilion North Brandon Mosher - Pryor Creek

Jake Kading - Herdsman Cell: 406-672-5844 Bill Shaules - South Pryor Greg Roberts - Diamond Ring

PO Box 30758 Billings, MT 59107 Email: bcook@cattleplus.com www.vermilionangus.com

lambs are processed early, producers should consider vaccinating their ewes before lambing. But, if lambs are processed later, producers should consider vaccinating around three to four weeks of age.”

Bush explains producers should remember their lambs will not have full protection until two weeks after the vaccine and the booster is administered.

Mature sheep vaccination protocol “I would recommend typically giving a CD&T vaccine to mature sheep, including an annual booster for rams,” Bush notes. “If there is a vaccine program in place, rams should definitely be included.”

Bush recommends before introducing new rams to the herd, the best disease prevention is screening. She also recommends diagnostics to determine if there are any other diseases a herd

should be vaccinated for.

“The challenge is, vaccines are very specific to a disease,” Bush explains. “It would be beneficial to get a diagnosis to figure out the agent.”

She also recommends considering the cost-benefit of vaccinations included in the herd diagnosis and comparing that to the acceptable level of risk.

“If we see above four to 10 percent abortion, we are certainly concerned, depending on the size of the herd,” she says. “If a producer has a smaller herd, they would probably not accept this number.”

Bush notes a producer often won’t vaccinate for everything included in a diagnosis, but definitely sparks future considerations.

Averi Hales is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

EQIP continued from page 1

Public Auction Yard, Billings, MT at 11:00  ()

300 TOTAL PERFORMANCE BULLS

“Common protocol is for lambs to be vaccinated around three to four weeks of age if the ewe was not vaccinated before lambing. A booster is usually given as a follow-up around six to eight weeks of age.” – Dr. Rosie Bush, University of California Cooperative Extension

Sale broadcast and videos available online through Northern Livestock Video Auction www.northernlivestockvideo.com

These updates include a revised purpose statement to expressly include addressing resource concerns for organic producers, avoiding the need for more regulatory programs and helping producers transition from the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), revised ranking protocols to expressly include consideration of an applicant’s status under CRP and an adjusted definition for a “comprehensive nutrient management plan” to ensure only applicable natural resources need to be considered.

Other updates to the rule were modified requirements for an EQIP plan of operations including the progressive implementation of a comprehensive nutrient management plan, modified language in the national priorities to specifically include soil health and weather and drought resilience in the national priorities and modified purpose and scope of Conservation Innovation Grants to expressly include field research.

Updates to EQIP included in the interim final rule included creating incentive contracts and payments for incentive practices to better support locally led conservation needs, requiring NRCS to offer an advance payment option for historically underserved producers, raising the payment cap for producers participating in the Organic Initiative to $140,000 for con-

tracts entered into for Fiscal Years 2019 through 2023 and expanding the Conservation Innovation Grant Program, which is funded through EQIP to include opportunities for On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials and Soil Health Demonstration Trials.

The 2018 farm bill created incentive contracts, which addresses up to three priority resource concerns within targeted watersheds and other high priority landscapes. While typical EQIP contracts last five years, these contracts last five to 10 years.

The Farm Bill also enabled increased payments for priority practices, through which NRCS can designate up to 10 practices in each state to receive higher rates.

EQIP helps producers make conservation improvements on their working lands. It contributes to USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda of reducing the environmental footprint of U.S. agriculture in half by 2050.

Earlier this year, Secretary Perdue announced the department-wide initiative to align resources, programs and research to position American agriculture to better meet future global demands.

For more information on how to sign up for EQIP, visit nrcs.usda.gov or contact a local NRCS field office.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27• October 31, 2020

9

BCRC discusses preventing and managing lameness in the cowherd Lameness in cattle is an age-old issue. Many producers are generally familiar with the condition and have likely seen it in their own herds in cases ranging from feedlot animals to bulls and range cows.

Although lameness is fairly well recognized, a recent Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) article, dated Oct. 21, reminds producers not all lameness is caused by foot rot.

In fact, the council says getting a proper diagnosis is the key to determining appropriate treatment and management for any lameness in cattle.

“Lameness conditions limit an animal’s interest in eating, drinking or breeding, resulting in lower weight gains and conception rates, making it an animal health and welfare concern, as well as a production and economic issue,” explains BCRC. “Producers should not assume lame cattle have foot rot without close observation to avoid unnecessary antibiotic usage,” the council continues.

Lameness studies According to BCRC, a study conducted in 2019 found lameness is the leading cause for health treatments in breeding cows and bulls. However, diagnosing lameness isn’t always straightforward, as the condition can be caused by multiple factors.

“Another recent feedlot study analyzed health records from 28 different western Canadian feedlots over a 10-year period to determine common lameness conditions. Overall,

lameness was diagnosed in 4.4 percent of steer and 4.7 percent of heifer placements,” states BCRC. When comparing diagnoses by class of cattle, BCRC explains the study reported 4.9 percent of calves were diagnosed with lameness compared with four percent of yearlings, and of the lameness diagnoses, foot rot was most common at 74.5 percent of lameness cases.

This was followed by joint infections at 16.1 percent, then lameness with no visible swelling at 6.1 percent and then lameness due to injury at 3.1 percent.

“The analysis also demonstrated there may be some risk factors. In fact, fall- and winter-placed calves were at a greater likelihood of being diagnosed with foot rot compared to yearlings,” says BCRC, noting the study showed health status was a risk factor. “Cattle diagnosed with lameness due to injury, joint infection or lameness with no visible swelling were associated with a diagnosis of Bovine Respiratory Disease.”

BCRC cites another study, in which researchers found lameness accounted for 37.4 percent of cattle in the chronic illness pen, with another 10.9 percent of cattle being diagnosed with both respiratory disease and lameness.

“Transport is also a factor and can make any lameness issues worse. Healthy and fit cattle are at a low risk for lameness caused by transport. However, a 2008 survey reported market cows were at a greater risk for lameness than fed cattle, feeders or calves, and the likelihood of lame-

For more information, visit BeefResearch.ca or e-mail info@ beefresearch.ca.

ness increased with the duration of transport,” states BCRC. Causes of lameness BCRC goes on to note there are four common causes of lameness.

The first is infection, which causes foot rot, digital dermatitis, toe tip necrosis and infectious arthritis. BCRC says infections can be difficult to diagnose.

“Foot rot is often characterized by a sudden onset of lameness and gets worse in wet conditions,” explains BCRC. “People assume lameness is caused by foot rot, but this is not always true.”

The council further explains foot rot is caused by the Fusobacterium necrophorum bacteria and is highly infectious.

The infection originates between the claws of the hoof and may be characterized by heat and swelling.

“If not identified and treated promptly, foot rot can cause many complications,” says BCRC. “However, foot rot infections almost always respond well to treatment.”

Nutrition is the second cause of lameness, according to BCRC. Nutrition issues may cause laminitis and mycotoxin-related necrosis.

The third cause of lameness is physical injury, such as frostbite, sprains or bone breaks.

The fourth and final cause of lameness is genetics resulting in bad conformation or bad temperament.

Preventative management practices BCRC notes there are many useful management practices producers can implement to help reduce lameness.

They recommend regularly cleaning and landscaping to ensure proper

“Lameness conditions limit an animal’s interest in eating, drinking or breeding, resulting in lower weight gains and conception rates, making it an animal health and welfare concern, as well as a production and economic issue.” – Beef Cattle Research Council drainage, good footing and minimal buildup of manure and bacteria, disinfecting and maintaining hoof trimming tools, removing sharp objects which may cause injury such as rocks, ice, wire or metal and practicing low-stress handling techniques.

The council further suggests incorporating proper facility designs for adequate traction and footing, applying lime to barn floors following cleaning to make the pH of the environment less friendly to infectious bacteria, incorporating stepup rations for high-grain

diets to reduce the risk of acidosis and laminitis, testing feed for potential mycotoxins and carefully inspecting feet and legs of breeding cattle to ensure soundness.

Additionally, BCRC says producers should vaccinate and/or precondition their cattle to reduce disease and improve overall health and immunity in order to minimize risk of lameness as a secondary ailment.

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.

Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

10

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27 • October 31, 2020

HUNT continued from page 1 conservation and management of natural resources.

Hunters of all skill levels are welcome, including firsttime hunters.

With the help of many generous sponsors, WYWF offers scholarships for about one third of the typically 40 plus hunters from across the nation who attend. Nonscholarship women may choose to self-pay or obtain either corporate or private sponsorships.

2020 Wyoming Women’s Antelope Hunt This year’s hunt was held Oct. 8-11 at The Ranch at Ucross near Clearmont.

Forty hunters representing 10 states were in attendance.

The two youngest hunters were 13 years old.

Upon arrival at the ranch, hunters checked in and were transported to the gun range for sight-in of their rifles.

Some hunters brought their own firearms, while others

used loaner rifles. There was also a field skills course for those who wished to participate.

Meals were served and programs held in a tent at the ranch. The first evening hosted a welcome dinner, where hunters had the opportunity to meet their hunting partners and the landowners who would be hosting them.

Most landowners either acted as guides or trained their own. Generally, there were two hunters per guide, although some had three due to changes regarding possible COVID-19 concerns.

Hunters were up early Friday morning to begin their adventure. Guides transported the women to mostly privately-owned land surrounding Ucross.

Hazy air prevented clear views of the Big Horn Mountains, but there was plenty of pronghorn habitat to the east, including alfalfa fields and

sagebrush-covered hills scattered with volcanic lava rocks.

Much of this rock was atop the hills in large piles, making them handy to hide behind when sneaking closer to get a better look at an animal.

Throughout the day hunters returned to the ranch as they filled their tags. Mentors were available for those who wanted assistance in processing their own meat, or the animal could be taken to Big Horn Meat Cutting in Buffalo to be processed. A third option was to donate part or all of the meat to the local food bank. For those wanting taxidermy work done, Rusty’s Taxidermy of Gillette was on hand as well.

Other activities were available over the weekend for women whose teams had finished hunting. These included fly tying, fly fishing, archery, trapshooting and a wild game cooking demonstration.

The Friday evening program featured both live and silent auctions plus raffles.

Gov. Mark Gordon was pres-

ent to address a festive audience and proclaim Oct. 8-11, 2020 as “Commitment to Wildlife Conservation and Equality Days in Wyoming.”

Saturday morning began again with hunters leaving the ranch to fill remaining tags. Hunting partners were encouraged to accompany those who hadn’t yet harvested in the spirit of mentorship and camaraderie.

That evening was a celebration of the entire weekend.

After dinner, hunters were recognized for exhibiting competence in specific areas. This included all new big game hunters harvesting for the first time, hunters taking their antelope with one shot, the individual who shot at closest range, a personal character award and finally, the team with the closest average shot distance.

Hunters and guides alike then told stories about their experiences in the field.

Many of these were comical as well as thought-provoking, and they were enjoyed

by all.

During the night, the weather changed drastically, and everyone woke on Sunday morning to rain and high winds. After breakfast, people prepared to leave, promising old and new friends to stay in touch.

One of the most important aspects of the entire hunt was the 254 pounds of boned out and processed

meat donated to the Bread of Life Food Pantry in Buffalo.

For more information on the annual Wyoming Women’s Antelope Hunt, visit wywf.org or wyomingwomensantelopehunt.org.

Melissa Burke is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.

Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

New experience – Heather Ruth of Fraser, Colo. took down a nice buck on the first morning of the hunt. This was Heather’s first big game animal. Melissa Burke photo

2020 Fall Herdbuilder Bull and Female Sale

Orion Beef Group

November 7, 2020

Established in 1954

Call for your catalog today!

Lot 1 • 9052G • #4110064

X-FACTOR X TITONKA X TAKEOVER 160PROS, 102HB, 58GM, 14CED, -4.2BW, 63WW, 109YW, 27MILK, 14HPG, 8CEM, 17ST, 0.54MB, 0.23RE, $15,072PRO, $61RAN

112 Coming Two Year Old Red Angus and Red Composite Bulls 84 Registered Bred Red Angus Bred Heifers Weschenfelder Development Center • Shepherd, MT • 1:00 MST Field to table – Connor Worthen of Casper helps Abby Hoffman process her meat. Abby is from Laramie, and this was her first antelope. Melissa Burke photo

Lot 5 • 9128G • #4110214

X-FACTOR X VICTORY X TAKEOVER 174PROS, 112HB, 62GM, 14CED, -4.1BW, 79WW, 133YW, 27MILK, 14HPG, 10CEM, 18ST, 0.71MB, 0.15RE, $17,838PRO, $78RAN

Lot 9 • 9501G • #4186588

PLEDGE X R397K X PROTÉGÉ 163PROS, 86HB, 77GM, 12CED, -2.0BW, 71WW, 123YW, 22MILK, 14HPG, 8CEM, 15ST, 0.63MB, 0.29RE, $12,211PRO, $44RAN

Learning to shoot – Archers take careful aim as they participate in an informal lesson taught by members of the Bowhunters of Wyoming. Melissa Burke photo

Lot 30 • 9229G • #4110416

AUTHORITY X PROSPECT X B571 141PROS, 82HB, 59GM, 14CED, -2.3BW, 77WW, 130YW, 31MILK, 10HPG, 10CEM, 14ST, 0.59MB, 0.54RE, $21,109PRO, $70RAN

Lot 113 • G9104 • #4111038

ORACLE X IRON ORE X P707 136PROS, 83HB, 53GM, 15CED, -3.0BW, 75WW, 126YW, 23MILK, 8HPG, 8CEM, 17ST, 0.35MB, 0.44RE, $16,543PRO, $55RAN DUE TO LSF SRR PRIME FACTOR 9014G • 3/18/21

Lot 2 • 9253G • #4110464

Lot 3 • 9059G • #4110078

ORACLE X REDEMPTION X P707 139PROS, 82HB, 57GM, 13CED, -1.2BW, 83WW, 136YW, 23MILK, 11HPG, 8CEM, 14ST, 0.49MB, 0.36RE, $16,066PRO, $44RAN

ORACLE X GENUINE X P707 159PROS, 87HB, 72GM, 15CED, 0.4BW, 82WW, 132YW, 24MILK, 10HPG, 9CEM, 14ST, 0.89MB, 0.56RE, $17,607PRO, $49RAN

Lot 115 • G9020 • #4110870

Lot 117 • G9083 • #4110996

X-FACTOR X TITONKA X TAKEOVER 132PROS, 76HB, 55GM, 16CED, -3.7BW, 72WW, 118YW, 28MILK, 12HPG, 9CEM, 12ST, 0.53MB, 0.09RE, $15,994PRO, $78RAN DUE TO HRP PRIVLEDGE 8851F • 3/18/21

AUTHORITY X R397K X B571 169PROS, 77HB, 91GM, 15CED, -2.8BW, 65WW, 107YW, 21MILK, 19HPG, 9CEM, 10ST, 0.78MB, 0.43RE, $16,721PRO, $64RAN DUE TO LSF SRR GUARDIAN 8005F • 5/7/21

www.ludvigsonstockfarms.com Ryan Ludvigson (515)450-3124 rl_ludvigson@hotmail.com

Park Ludvigson (712)229-3431 parkludvigson@hotmail.com

Kellen Ludvigson (515)314-2883 kellen@orionbeefgroup.com

Brian Brigham (970)481-5192 brian@orionbeefgroup.com

Other activities – Trapshooting was a popular activity that was open to all skill levels. Melissa Burke photo

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27• October 31, 2020

WWA continued from page 1 gation, according to Cory Forman, who discussed the idea of mitigating risk during the meeting.

“Risk mitigation is defined as taking steps to prevent or reduce adverse effects,” he explained. “It is really about shifting to a proactive planning process prior to failure of infrastructure occurring.”

Forman then explained the steps of risk mitigation, noting there are several variations of the steps, they are usually tailored to specific projects, and they aren’t always linear.

“Risk mitigation can be broken into two components.

There is the front end with risk identification and evaluation, and then there is the back end with risk mitigation and planning,” he said.

Forman noted risk identification assesses the condition of the system, identifies potential risks and evaluates the probability of failure.

“Step one of risk identification is system inventory,” Forman said. “This involves compiling background information, understanding the infrastructure and where things are located spatially and determining how things operate.”

“The next step is to establish a rating and ranking system,” he continued, noting this is one of the most critical steps in the process. “By ranking things up front, we can prioritize and spend money wisely.”

Forman said the next step is condition assessment, which involves an initial evaluation and meeting with a team of staff. Last, is conducting detailed inspections.

“After going through the steps of risk identification, we have to identify what possible failure would look like, what the consequences would be, some maintenance procedures we might utilize, what we can do to maintain and extend the useful life of the infrastructure and some rehabilitation and replacement options,” he said.

Benefits of risk mitigation Forman noted there are several benefits of implementing a risk mitigation process.

“First and foremost, we can prevent emergency situations from occurring and we don’t have to deal with the consequences of infrastructure failure,” he stated.

“We can also maximize the useful life of the infrastructure, optimize the way we maintain the system and the way we incorporate rehabilitation into the system, mini-

MSU continued from page 1 during this time, vascularization and blood flow is increasing to the entire placental unit,” explains Sanford.

“Some other major things are going on at this time,” she adds. “We know nutrients are needed and waste exchange and oxygen are all very critical to the success of a pregnancy.”

In addition to the big changes happening inside the womb, the cow is most likely nursing a 400 to 500-pound calf as well as maintaining her own nutritional requirements on forage that is exponentially losing quality.

Studies on pregnancy and nutrition Sanford notes several studies have looked at how nutrition related stress during the second trimester can affect a live calf later on its life.

She points to a study done at Washington State University in 2010, which found if a cow lacks the proper nutrients it needs at any point from the end of the first trimester to the end of the second trimester, muscle fiber numbers and muscle mass can be decreased in the offspring.

“Another study done in 2016 at South Dakota State University looked at how a cow’s energy intake may affect the calf. In this study, one set of cows was fed to maintain a body score of 5.5 to 6.5. The other group was fed only 80 percent of their required energy,” Sanford explains.

According to Sanford,

feeding in the study was done over a 91-day period, and results showed calves born to mothers whose energy intake had been restricted were more likely to have a weakened immune response later in life..

Importance of BCS During her talk, Sanford emphasizes how these studies demonstrate the importance of body condition scoring (BCS) in a cowherd.

She recommends producers try to maintain a cow at a BCS of 5.5 to six.

She also encourages producers to regularly check the BCS of their cows, especially during pre-breeding, over the winter, pre-calving and at weaning.

“I’ll always be a big proponent of using body condition scoring to determine what animals are not being able to maintain themselves in a herd,” Sanford says.

Sanford notes if less than 80 percent of a cowherd is not at an ideal body score, nutritional management changes may need to happen on the operation.

She suggests separating young cows and old, thin cows from the rest of the herd and providing them with additional supplementation to meet their special nutrient requirements. She also notes if early weaning is conducive to the year and operation, it is also an option.

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.

Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

11

mize overall costs and overall, make the system more efficient and reliable,” he continued.

Helpful legislation In addition to taking steps to mitigate risk, Barrasso noted he has been working on legislation regarding Wyoming’s water.

“Over the past couple of years, Congress passed two pieces of legislation that have had a direct impact on our water – the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program and the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan,” Barrasso said. “Both bills establish a framework for how Wyoming is going to manage our water resources in those particular areas for years to come.”

Barrasso went on to explain the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program is a prime example of how state and local stakeholders have come together to solve challenging water disputes.

“The program was established in 2008 and was one

of the first bills I worked on when I arrived in the Senate,” Barrasso said. “The bill authorized a cooperative agreement between Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska along with the Department of the Interior.”

He continued, “The goal of the program was to recover endangered species, to establish long-term recovery habitat and to protect the ability of states to continue to manage their water without having lengthy litigation involved while doing it. The program creates certainty, not only for agriculture and other outdoor groups, but for towns and entities within the Platte River area as well.”

Barrasso noted when the authorization of the program came up for renewal last year, it took a lot of bipartisan effort with the House and Senate to get it signed into law at the end of 2019.

“Water policy is not a space for the faint of heart,” he said. “Water controversies are typically not partisan, but much more graphic

and regional. However, getting it right is absolutely critical to our way of life in Wyoming, which is why I always depend on Wyoming’s ranchers, farmers and landowners to help show Washington, D.C. how to preserve, protect and manage one of our most critical resources.”

Barrasso noted this was not only true with the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program, but the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan, which was passed by Congress in 2019, as well.

“In addition to passing legislation to protect our own water resources, I have also been working on legislation to update Wyoming’s Water Infrastructure Act,” Barrasso stated. “This is critical to our prosperity and our economy.”

He explained earlier this year the Committee on Environmental and Public Works unanimously passed the American Water Infrastructure Act of 2020.

“The initiatives in this bill will improve navigation,

provide for storm and flood damage reduction, expand hydropower development, provide for ecosystem restoration and increase water supply and storage in Wyoming and across the West,” Barrasso said. “This bill gives priority to critical rural projects and contains a comprehensive set of water storage sections, provisions to combat invasive species and reauthorizes water programs.”

Barrasso noted the committee is also negotiating a bipartisan bill regarding drinking water infrastructure.

“The Drinking Water Infrastructure Act contains an estimated $2.5 billion in authorization for drinking water infrastructure and reauthorizes the implementation of two percent of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to be used for technical assistance for nonprofit organizations,” he explained.

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.

Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

ANNUAL FALL PRODUCTION SALE TUESDAY

NOVEMBER 24, 2020 At the Ranch in Hyattville, WY

ALTITUDE PROVEN ANGUS SEEDSTOCK ALSO OFFERING A NUMBER OF SIMANGUS BULLS BVD Negative | Carcass Ultrasounded

Bulls developed over winter at no cost to you!

Delivered to you in the spring in athletic condition ready to perform!

Our females have been summered at over 8,500 feet for 80 plus years.

We have been PAP testing for over 25 years.

Paintrock Trapper | AAA# 18270980 96 PregCheck™87%Rel • Age 4 PAP score 40 at 7280’ WYOMING’S SOURCE FOR

BIG COUNTRY

BULLS

Martin & Kelli Mercer | 307-469-2206 | paintrockangus@gmail.com Brian & Audrey Pryor | 307-469-2252 | Tom & Mary Mercer

www.PaintRockAngus.com

12

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27 • October 31, 2020

By Paul Dykstra

Market Update The fed cattle price recovery that has been painstakingly built since early September has eroded in an extraordinary decline over the past two weeks.

All facets of the beef supply chain have acknowledged the fed cattle supply burden we face as we begin the new year. However, it seems the fund managers just became enlightened to this reality, rapidly reducing long-hedged positions and creating the waterfall effect.

Unfortunately, this has not only chipped away the December and February live cattle contracts – the two months correlated to this near-term oversupply – but adjusted every contract month on the board. Fortunately, Oct. 27 saw at least a momentary stabilization, as positive contract prices emerged.

Cattle futures direction, coupled with the December corn futures price near $4.15 per bushel, has generated a similarly fast redirection in feeder cattle and calf prices at auctions. Producers merchandizing their spring calf crop the second week of October

were likely relatively pleased with the outcome, while those marketing in the subsequent week were handed a difficult dose of reality.

Volatility is alive and well.

One aspect we can’t ignore as we enter November is carcass weights. Fed steer carcasses in the latest confirmed data were 27 pounds heavier than a year ago. History suggests the annual heaviest weights will be marked in mid-November.

Winter weather and nearrecord cold temperatures in the western section of the cattle feeding belt during the week of Oct. 26 will likely help slow the uptick.

Weekly beef tonnage remains aided by heavy carcasses, as head counts bounce from below to above year-ago levels weekly.

The comprehensive beef cutout value came down more than $5 per hundredweight (cwt) last week. This should work in favor of beef demand and product movement. However, lower cutout values signal some recent resistance from end users at the price

points higher than where the market is today.

Quality spreads in the beef offering widened up a bit last week as the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) brand cutout remained essentially unchanged, while Choice slipped $5.09 per cwt and Select fell $6.61 per cwt.

Select carcass value pressure High-quality, premium branded beef products would offer little value to the production sector in the absence of price differentiation. The fact premiums exist and opportunities to charge more for higher quality are the drivers of the system.

For decades the beef supply chain has factored the Choice/Select price spread as the standard by which we measure demand for beef cuts. A wider spread signals strong demand from the market for marbling, while a narrow spread suggests weaker demand for the same.

We don’t often focus on the Select carcass trends, but it’s informative to do so in the face of shrinking supplies in this category.

Over the past decade alone, Select carcass production has fallen by nearly 50 percent in relation to Choice and Prime. So far in 2020 the Select proportion has been 13.8 percent of fed cattle carcasses, following the 2019 total of 16.9 percent.

Realizing Select supplies have dramatically declined is important as we look at

demand for Select beef. Price and volume are the two drivers defining demand.

With Select supplies becoming smaller and smaller, we might assume scarcity could drive prices higher, given healthy demand. No Roll Carcasses are those practically devoid of marbling, consequently not receiving a grade at all.

During the past two years, with the exception of this May, the spread between Select and No Roll carcasses has narrowed. Highs in this price spread previously touching $20 per cwt were reduced to $12 per cwt beginning in 2018. The lows in the comparison are also slightly lower in more recent years, while the range from highs to lows has also narrowed.

This suggests Select grade beef products are being met with less and less demand. The U.S. retail sector can be credited with embracing higher marbling beef products.

Not only has Choice surpassed 70 percent of the fed cattle supply but the CAB brand is often 20 percent of the total, while Prime has been as high as 12 percent.

Greater availability of the premium beef products is key to retailers’ ability to feature high quality beef and count

on a consistent supply in volume.

With Select product devalued to this extent and representing a shrinking category, we need to embrace the change. Low Choice is no longer a premium, but the low water mark.

Producers and end users alike should begin their beef quality conversations with premium Choice and Prime branded products with specifications. This is the “new normal” and the key to demand today and tomorrow.

CAB carcass acceptance nears annual low As fed cattle carcass weights push toward the record highs seen in November 2015, we might assume premium quality grades will follow the trend higher, also setting annual highs. Certainly, Choice and Prime grades are currently at record levels this year, in conjunction with abnormally high carcass weights.

While there is a correlation, the causation is most likely tied to days on feed, rather than carcass weight alone. This is evidenced by the rapid fall increase in carcass weights and simultaneous decline in the Choice and Prime grading percentage.

Industry-sourced data

shows the number of cattle on feed for 150 days or longer declines precipitously from June through October.

This trend is even more evident given the abnormalities of 2020.

Specific to the CAB brand, as carcass weights top out in the fall, we tend to see more carcasses that would otherwise qualify for the brand deemed unacceptable due to surpassing the 1,050-pound carcass weight limit and/or exceeding the 16-square-inch maximum ribeye size.

Finally, with average days on feed declining to near annual lows, the proportion of the Choice carcasses with enough marbling to achieve the brand’s requirement for mid-Choice or higher marbling is a limiting factor.

A declining proportion of CAB carcasses in the mix gives rise to opportunities for cattle marketers in the fourth quarter, as grid premiums tend to increase for highquality cattle as heightened demand meets marginally smaller supplies.

Paul Dykstra is the assistant director for supply management and analysis for Certified Angus Beef. For more information, visit cabcattle.com.

Fire ban lifted With recent precipitation received in the area, Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) personnel have lifted the fire ban on Wyoming Game and Fish Commission-owned and managed lands in Sheridan County and on the Sand Creek Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA) in Crook County. These areas include the Tongue River Canyon Public Access Area and the Amsden and Kerns wildlife habitat management areas.

Fire bans on commission lands in Johnson County remain in place, includ-

ing on the Bud Love and Ed O. Taylor wildlife habitat management areas.

Additionally, recent snow has created difficult travel conditions on some WHMA roads in Sheridan and Johnson counties. In particular, roads on Amsden and Kerns are icy and snow-covered. The Kerns road was closed at the TR Bench Saddle on Oct. 23 to prevent damage to the road and surrounding vegetation from off-road travel.

Motorized access to Amsden and Kerns closes annually beginning on Nov. 1.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27• October 31, 2020

13

Collaboration is essential for natural resource conservation The Working Lands Roundtable, an extension of natural resource policy work for the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) met virtually Oct. 21 in the Local Groups in Land Management webinar. The webinar focused on cross-boundary and multi-disciplinary resource management issues many western states face.

Idaho Governor and WGA Vice Chairman Brad Little presented opening remarks addressing the importance of collaboration in natural resources management and the contributions of local communities to those efforts.

Collaborative efforts “Good resource management in the West requires that people are not disenfranchised because they don’t have a voice in how they manage the federal lands,” says Little.

Although there are many differing opinions and interests in natural resource and public land management, Little comes from an understanding perspective.

“If we have a shared goal of where we want to be, it really helps collaborative work,” he notes.

“Conservation groups, wildlife groups, loggers, ranchers and the recreation community are all involved in the solutions and the planning that needs to take place for efficiently managed land.”

Little explains what happens on the soil, the water and the vegetation is how resilient watersheds, healthy communi-

ties and great wildlife populations are created for all to enjoy. He also mentions the importance of conversation and collaboration as fires rage in the west.

“We have been blessed in Idaho compared to what’s happened in the surrounding states,” he shares. “What has happened is terrible, but it has brought a lot of people to the table.”

“Where do we see the next real susceptible point for a catastrophic wildfire? And what do we do about that?” Little continues. “There is a lot of good work going forward. It’s a tragedy a lot of loss had to occur for this work.”

Wildlife management, vegetation management, collaborative conservation, invasive species control and land management data will help to efficiently manage forest health and minimize large, disruptive fires.

Community involvement Collaborative work for roadless lands, the Good Neighbor Authority and instating Rangeland Fire Protection Associations, allowing ranchers to act as first-responders to wildfires, are examples of progress Idaho has made towards making land management a community effort.

“The bottom line is these efforts save an enormous amount of resources, not only for the local area but for the state and federal government,” says Little. “Any big fires we can stop will save resources for other fires, and it keeps the

local connection.”

“A collaborative solution adds resilience, momentum and velocity to everything else we need to do,” says Little. “The crisis of catastrophic fires continues to ravage the West.

These tools and this initiative by WGA are important and will be even more important moving forward.”

Ensuring a sustainable western landscape, starting with soil and water, gives all stakeholders a say, Lit-

tle notes.

The governor was followed in the webinar by a discussion including representatives of the Western Landowners Alliance, The Nature Conservancy and Colorado Counties, Inc. Lesli Alison, executive director for the Western Landowners Alliance noted commonground solutions are found through ongoing conservation conversations.

Executive Director of Colorado Counties, Inc.

“Conservation groups, wildlife groups, loggers, ranchers and the recreation community are all involved in the solutions and the planning that needs to take place for efficiently managed land.”

– Brad Little, Governor of Idaho John Swartout shares many answers for public lands policy and management are found in local and state governments. Garth Fuller of The Nature Conservancy added the Working Lands Roundtable through

the WGA makes crossboundary projects and collaborations possible.

Averi Hales is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Upcoming Sale Schedule Thursday November 19th........ Feeder and Regular Sale Thursday December 3rd.......... Feeder and Regular Sale Thursday December 17th........ Feeder and Regular Sale

33rd ANNUAL FALL PRODUCTION SALE 31ST annual 31ST annual 31ST annual 31ST annual November 13, 2020 • 1 pm at the ranch

Take Exit 106 off I-84 Morgan, Utah

Fall production Sale production Sale Fall production Sale Fall Sale Selling Fall 100+ lotS ofproduction H ereford, AnguS, f1 BullS And Bred HeiferS November atthe ranch November 99•9•19•1pm at ranch November •pm 1pm pm atthe the ranch November 1 atthe ranch

Also selling 25+ bred commercial cows! Videos of lots available online!

100+ Lots of Hereford/Angus Bulls & Bred Heifers 100+ Lots of Hereford/Angus Bulls &Bulls Bred 100+ Lots of Hereford/Angus &Heifers Bred Heifers 100+ Lots of Hereford/Angus Bulls & Bred Heifers Scott Rees Roger Rees DVM

Take Exit 106 off I-84,off Take Exit 106 off I-84, Take Exit 106 Take Exit 106 off I-84,I-84, Selling Selling Selling Morgan Utah Morgan Utah Morgan UtahSelling Morgan Utah

Jake Rees (801) 668-8613

(801) 949-8960 Videos (801) 913-5747 Videos lots available online! ofoflots available online!

Videos of lots available online!

Videos of lots available online!

Also selling 25+ bred commercial cows!

Also selling 25+ bred commercial cows!

Also selling 25+ bred commercial cows!

Also selling 25+ bred commercial cows! reescattle@gmail.com

OnLine Bidding AvAiLABLe. COntACt jAke fOr detAiLS OnLine Bidding AvAiLABLe. COntACt jAke fOr detAiLS OnLine Bidding AvAiLABLe. COntACt jAke fOr detAiLS OnLine Bidding AvAiLABLe. COntACt jAke fOr detAiLS Jake Rees Jake Rees Jake Rees Jake Rees (801)668-8613 (801)668-8613 (801)668-8613 (801)668-8613

Scott Rees Scott Rees Scott Rees Scott Rees (801)949-8960 (801)949-8960 (801)949-8960 (801)949-8960

Roger Rees, DVM Roger Rees, DVM Roger Rees, DVM Roger Rees, DVM (801)913-5747 (801)913-5747 (801)913-5747 (801)913-5747

reescattle@gmail.com reescattle@gmail.com reescattle@gmail.com reescattle@gmail.com

ot RB 1LM RB ax M 1Eax 1E 1Lot RB ax1M 1E LotL1otRB Max 1E HE SELLS!!

HE SELLS!!

SELLS!!

HE HE SELLS!!

LRB 741 RB M iSS741E Ex 741E LRB ot 741 RB iSS741E Ex ot 741 iSSM Ex LotL741 MotiSSM Ex 741E SHE SELLS!!

SHE SELLS!!

SELLS!!

SHESHE SELLS!!

LRB otUStang 38a M38 UStang LotRB M iSS U pwaRd ot RBUStang MRB UStang 38 38 LotL704a otRB 704a RB MRB U704 pwaRd 704 704 ot L 38a M ot L 704a M UiSS pwaRd 704 LotL38a RB38a M 38 M704a iSS UiSSpwaRd HE SELLS!!

SHE SELLS! HE SELLS!!

SHE SELLS! SELLS!!

SELLS! HE HE SELLS!!

SHESHE SELLS!

visit www.REESCATTLE.com for details

visit www .REESCATTLE. com for details visit www .REESCATTLE. com for details visit www .REESCATTLE. com for details visit www .REESCATTLE. com for details

14

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27 • October 31, 2020

CALENDAR

SALES Nov. 2

Submit your events to: Editor, Wyoming Livestock Roundup, P.O. Box 850, Casper, WY, 82602, or e-mail to roundup@wylr.net.

Nov. 4

EVENTS

Nov. 5

Sept. 3-Dec. 10 University of Wyoming Extension Master Gardener Online Training.

Register at bit.ly/master-gardener-2020. For more information, contact Chris Hilgert at chilgert@uwyo.edu.

Nov. 3-4 Wyoming Weed and Pest Council 2020 Virtual Conference, Zoom. For more information, contact Slade Franklin at 307-777-6585.

Nov. 4-5 Virtual 2020 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop, 1-5 p.m. Online For more information, visit BeefRepro.org.

Nov. 4-5 Wyoming Legislature Select Water Committee Meeting and Public Comment Forum, 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit wyoleg.gov.

Nov. 4-6 Eighth Annual International Dairy Federation Symposium, Online. For more information, visit fil-idf.org.

Nov. 5-6 Wyoming Legislature Minerals, Business and Economic Development Meeting, 8:30 a.m. Online. For more information, visit wyoleg.gov.

Nov. 7 Seventh Annual Crawford Cattle Call, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Crawford, Neb. For more information, contact Samantha Dyer at 308-458-7160.

Nov. 8-9 137th American Angus Association Annual Meeting, Kansas City, Kan., Kansas City Convention Center. For more information, visit angusconvention.com.

Nov. 9-11 Joint Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Meeting, 8:30 a.m. Online. For more information, visit wyoleg.gov.

Nov. 12-13 27th Annual Wyoming Women’s Symposium, Casper, Ramkota Hotel.

For more information, visit wywomeninag.org.

Nov. 12-14 Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation’s 101st Annual Meeting, Casper, Clarion Inn at Platte River. For more information, visit wyfb.org.

Nov. 12-15 WRCA World Championship Ranch Rodeo, Amarillo, Texas. For more information, visit wrca.org.

Nov. 16-17 Wyoming Legislature Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee Meeting, 8:30 a.m. Online. For more information, visit wyoleg.gov.

Nov. 16-18 Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts’ 75th Annual Convention, Torrington, Goshen County Rendezvous Center. For more information, visit conservewy.com.

Nov. 17-18 Third Annual National Cover Crop Summit, Online. For more information, visit covercropstrategies.com.

Nov. 19-21 Rocky Mountain Farmers Union 2020 Hybrid Convention, Greeley, Colo. For more information, visit rmfu.org.

Big horn Basin

Worland, WY

Sale Barn: 307-347-9201 Danny Vigil: 307-388-0781

LIVESTOCK AUCTION LLC

Broadcasting and Online Bidding Available At lmaauctions.com.

Please visit to fill out an application and view auctions.

Danny Vigil Northern Livestock Represenative

Authorized Dealer

WE HAVE NITROGEN TO FILL YOUR SEMEN TANKS

Oct. 26 - 332 Head • Oct. 29 - 313 Head Calves Steady • Cows and Bulls Steady

BULLS Doyle McKim & Sons - Manderson 1 Blk Bull, 1760# ...........................$7600 1 Char Bull, 1835# ........................$7500 Bjornestad Land & Cattle - Manderson 1 Blk Bull, 1665# ...........................$7550 1 Blk Bull, 1670# ...........................$7200 Mueller, Terry - Shell 1 Blk Bull, 1715# ...........................$7500 1 Blk Bull, 1765# ...........................$6400 McCumber, Donald - Thermopolis 1 Hrfd Bull, 2015# .........................$7400 Lazy B V Cattle - Meeteetse 1 Blk Bull, 1785# ...........................$7250 Diamond Tail Ranch LLC - Greybull 1 Blk Bull, 2090# ...........................$7100 BRED COWS Welch, Sharon - Lander 9 Blk Bred Cows................... $1250/Hd. 8 BWF Bred Cows ............... $1200/Hd. 17 BWF Bred Cows ............. $1000/Hd. 12 Blk Bred Cows .................. $750/Hd. Durbin Creek Ranch - Thermopolis 20 RWF Bred Cows ............... $725/Hd. COWS Stark, Susie - Worland 1 Blk Cow, 1270# ..........................$6400 Doyle McKim & Sons - Manderson 1 Blk Cow, 1550# ..........................$6150 1 Blk Cow, 1495# ..........................$5950 1 Blk Cow, 1650# ..........................$5550 1 Blk Cow, 1410# ..........................$5500 1 Blk Cow, 1690# ..........................$5450 1 Blk Cow, 1490# ..........................$5300 1 Blk Cow, 1300# ..........................$5000 1 Blk Cow, 1310# ..........................$4750 1 Blk Cow, 1235# ..........................$4500 Geis, Nick - Worland 2 Blk Cows, avg. 1423#................$5950 1 Red Cow, 1455# ........................$5900 1 Blk Cow, 1345# ..........................$5850 1 Red Cow, 1255# ........................$5800 2 Blk Cows, avg. 1290#................$5750 1 Blk Cow, 1415# ..........................$5100

Schlattman, Dean - Greybull 1 Blk Cow, 1690# ..........................$5950 1 Red Cow, 1690# ........................$5700 1 Red Cow, 1470# ........................$5400 Redland, Mark Richard - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Cow, 1540# ..........................$5950 1 Blk Cow, 1250# ..........................$5950 1 Blk Cow, 1440# ..........................$5650 Hampton Sheep Co. - Worland 1 Blk Cow, 1340# ..........................$5850 1 Blk Cow, 1245# ..........................$5800 1 BWF Cow, 1400#.......................$5750 1 Blk Cow, 1260# ..........................$5700 1 Blk Cow, 1230# ..........................$5650 1 Blk Cow, 1350# ..........................$5650 LeClair, Arleen - Arapahoe 1 Blk Cow, 1125# ..........................$5850 1 Blk Cow, 1460# ..........................$4800 O’Donnell, Gary - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Cow, 1375# ..........................$5700 2 Blk Cows, avg. 1460#................$5650 1 Blk Cow, 1260# ..........................$5650 1 Blk Cow, 1490# ..........................$5550 1 Blk Cow, 1455# ..........................$5400 Warner Living Trust - Riverton 1 Sht Horn Cow, 1415# ................$5700 1 Sht Horn Cow, 1490# ................$5650 1 Sht Horn Cow, 1450# ................$5450 1 Sht Horn Cow, 1535# ................$4600 Geis, Marcus - Worland 1 BWF Cow, 1335#.......................$5650 2 Blk Cows, avg. 1225#................$5250 Diamond Tail Ranch LLC - Greybull 1 Blk Cow, 1510# ..........................$5500 Welch, Sharon - Lander 2 Blk Cows, avg. 1153# ................$5450 Moncur, D. Brent - Lovell 1 Blk Cow, 1155# ..........................$5400 Bischoff, Scott - Lovell 1 Hrfd Cow, 1825# ........................$5350 Snell, Raymond - Lovell 1 Hrfd Cow, 1385# ........................$5200 Hoggs Black Diamond Cattle - Manderson 1 Blk Cow, 1260# ..........................$5100

Nov, 2 2020 – Bawl of the Fall Special, Feeder Cattle Only Larry Paxton – 400 black steers & heifers, 475-525#, two rounds of shots • Lazy T Ranch – 200 RWF steers, 500-550#, complete vacc & pre-conditioned • Larsen Ranch – 100 black heifers, 475-525#, 30 black steers, 425-475#, two rounds of shots, poured, MultiMin • Joe Bain – 100 black steers & heifers, 550-650#, complete vacc • Eddie Shumway – 100 black steers & heifers, 500-600#, complete vacc at branding • Tom & Cassie Johnston – 55 red steers, 500-550#, out of 100% Schuler Red Angus bulls, two rounds of shots • Jacob Nicholas – 35 black & red steers, 400-475#, 56 black & red heifers, 425-500#, two rounds of shots, RFID tagged • Dave Greer – 30 red steers, 500-550#, 20 red heifers, 450-500#, Red Angus tagged, all natural, weaned, two rounds of shots • Carl & Kenny Pierce – 40 BWF heifers, 450-500#, complete vacc at branding, weaned 30 days, bunk broke • Sawyer Anderson – 25 black steers & heifers, 450-550#, two rounds of shots, weaned 60 days • Kenny Whitt – 25 black steers & heifers, 500#, high-altitude calves, all shots • Gary Gillette – 20 black steers, 600-650#, weaned Sept. 5, two rounds of shots, all natural • Clint Graft – 20 black mixed cattle, 500-550#, weaned Sept. 5, two rounds of shots, all natural • Lee Hutchinson – 18-20 black steers & heifers, 450-500#, weaned, two rounds of shots • Torry Burson – 10 Black Angus steers, high altitude, 500-600#, Vision 8 vaccs • Henthorne Ranch – 60 spayed black yearling heifers, 775-825#, complete as calves • Mark Redland – 2 spayed yearling heifers, 800#

2 Blk Cows, avg. 1438#................$4100 Fry, Linda - Lovell 1 Blk Cow, 1400# ..........................$5000 Hogg, Ronee - Meeteetse 1 Blk Cow, 1295# ..........................$4800 Jackson, Tom - Worland 1 Blk Cow, 1325# ..........................$4650 Schlager, John - Worland 1 Blk Cow, 1450# ..........................$4400 HEIFERS & HEIFER CALVES Axtell Ranch LLC - Thermopolis 7 BWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 335#.........$17100 35 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 393# ..........$15400 7 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 446# ............$14400 Swing or Sami McRae - Worland 7 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 478# ............$13500 4 RWF/BWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 548#...$12900 Moncur, D. Brent - Lovell 2 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 490# ............$13300 6 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 565# ............$12800 Schlattman, Dean - Greybull 3 Rd/Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 550# ......$13100 Lafollette, Butch - Greybull 2 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 525# ...........$13100 Miozzi, Rick - Cody 3 Blk Hr Clvs, avg. 518# .............$12950 Raines, Earl - Lovell 4 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 604# ............$12600 Harrison, Wyatt - Greybull 1 BWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 595#.........$12500 Lewis, Paul - Greybull 3 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg, 660# ............$12250 STEERS & STEER CALVES Axtell Ranch LLC - Thermopolis 5 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 285# .........$19250 61 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 370# .......$19150 56 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 432# .......$17100 5 RWF Str Clvs, avg. 532# .........$14500 Butterfield, James - Worland 7 Red Str Clvs, avg. 511# ...........$14800 6 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 641# ............$13700 Schlattman, Dean - Greybull 23 Rd/Blk Str Clvs, avg. 574# ....$14200 12 Rd/Blk Str Clvs, avg. 640# ....$13600 Lafollette, Butch - Greybull 2 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 623# .........$13600 Lewis, Paul - Cody 2 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 653# ............$13500 Blackstar Cattle Company - Hyattville 2 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 645# .........$13300

Nov. 5 Nov. 7 Nov. 8 Nov. 9 Nov. 11 Nov. 12 Nov. 13 Nov. 14 Nov. 14 Nov. 14 Nov. 17 Nov. 19

Pharo Cattle Company Sale, Burlington, Colo., 800-311-0995, pharocattle.com Hay Auction, Newell, S.D., 605-347-5110, 605-347-9293, casteelauction. com 5L Red Angus Profit $eeker Bull Sale, at the ranch, Sheridan, Mont., 877552-8557, 5lredangus.com, 5lbulls.com Special Bred Cow & Regular Sale, Dillon Livestock Auction, Dillon, Mont., 406-683-2002, dillonlivestockauction.com Ludvigson Stock Farms Fall Herdbuilder Bull and Female Sale, Weschenfelder Development Center, Shepherd, Mont., 515-450-3124, ludvigsonstockfarms.com The Wyoming Angus Association 10th Annual Wyoming Select Female Sale, Casper College, Casper, 307-630-4604, wyomingangus.org Mohican West Bull Sale, at the ranch, Laurel, Mont., 406-633-2600, 406670-8529, mohicanpolledherefords.com Diamond Land & Livestock LLC, Douglas, Unreserved Online Auction, 800-937-3558, bigiron.com Bieber Fever Fall Production Sale, at the ranch, Leola, S.D., 605-4393628, bieberredangus.com Rees Brothers 33rd Annual Fall Production Sale, at the ranch, Morgan, Utah, 801-668-8613, 801-949-8960, 801-913-5747, reescattle.com Rocky Mountain Angus Association Golden Opportunity Angus Sale, Golden Spike Events Center, Ogden, Utah, 916-837-3095, 801-540-6818 Leachman Cattle of Colorado Fall Harvest Sale, Leachman Bull Barn, Fort Collins, Colo., 970-568-3983, leachman.com Live Hay Auction, Lofink Farms, Thermopolis, 307-921-1864, 307-9211825 ZumBrunnen Angus 2nd Female Sale, at the ranch, Lusk, 307-334-2265, 307-216-0198, zbangus.com K2 Red Angus Fall Commercial Female Sale, at the ranch, Wheatland, 307-331-2917, k2redangus.com

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

Fighting Forest Fires 1902 Style “Uncle Sam furnishes aid in putting out the destructive fires in the mountains,” reads the headline in the Aug. 29, 1902 issue of the Grand Encampment Herald.

The news item, courtesy of Grandma’s Cabin of Encampment, continues, “Col. J. F. Crawford, United States Commissioner for Wyoming, came up Friday from Saratoga to arrange for the systematic fighting of several forest fires, which have been raging in the Sierra Madre Mountains for some time past. Mr. Crawford has been corresponding with the authorities at Washington concerning the fires, asking aid from the government, and in reply, received an advice instructing him to proceed at once to Grand Encampment and send out crews to extin-

guish the fires. Mr. Crawford was instructed to act in an official capacity until relieved by special agents who have been ordered here.”

It further states, “Mr. Crawford appointed four men to organize crews and fight the fires to the finish. Walter Jennison was secured to look after the fires between the two forks of the Encampment River, and on Saturday went out with two crews, both day and night. The crews have been camped on the tie camp road about four miles southeast of Olson, the halfway station between Grand Encampment and the tie camp. The men have been fighting the fire near this point, which has already burned over a territory more than four miles long and about three-quarters of a mile wide. This fire has destroyed much fine timber and unless checked would have proceeded eastward

• Upcoming Sales • Nov. 2 Nov. 5 Nov. 9 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov. 21 Nov. 23 Nov. 26 Dec. 3 Dec. 10 Dec. 14

– MONDAY SPECIAL – BAWL OF THE FALL – Feeder Cattle Only – All Class Cattle – MONDAY SPECIAL – BAWL OF THE FALL – Feeder Cattle Only – All Class Cattle – All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goat – Saturday Horse Sale @ 1pm – MONDAY SPECIAL – Feeder & Bred Cow Special – No Sale – All Class Cattle – Bred Cow Special w/ All Class Cattle – MONDAY SPECIAL – Winter Special - Feeder Cattle Only

In the early 1900’s forest fires destroyed most of the timber and vegetation surrounding Battle Lake and across the Sierra Madre Mountains of south central Carbon County. This 1904 Jack Ledbetter photo shows only a few patches of live timber standing in the Battle Lake Basin and across the mountains flowing toward Baggs and the Little Snake River Valley. Photo courtesy of the Grand Encampment Museum. Historical Reproductions by Perue

four or five miles further through the green timber and parks.”

“C. L. Vagner, general manager at the tie camp, was given instructions to set his men at work on the fire in Damfino Park, near the camp. A big fire has been raging there and another along a tributary creek, which flows into the South Fork near the camp.

Vagner’s men had been fighting these fires several days before receiving official notice, as the timber being destroyed covered a portion of the area included in the recent purchase of land secured by the Carbon Company,” the article says.

“Foster Kearns was instructed to look after the Beaver Creek fires and Ira B. Casteel to look after the fires east of the Big Creek Ranch. The Brush Creek fires are being fought by a crew under the direction of W.B. Harden of Saratoga,” it continues.

“The United States government defrays all expense incurred in the work of extinguishing these fires. Had the work been commenced a month ago, many thousands of dollars worth of valuable timber could have been saved. One of the most lamentable sights in wholesale destruction of property is to see ‘the whole country afire’ with no effort being put forth

by Uncle Sam to stop it,” reads the article.

It concludes, “With the systematic fighting now going on, every fire should be entirely wiped out within a few days. Mr. Crawford asks the Herald to advise him at once concerning new fires, and he will send help immediately.”

With all the forest fires raging across Wyoming and the West, I thought it worthwhile to re-run this Postcard from several years ago.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27• October 31, 2020

15

16

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27 • October 31, 2020

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27• October 31, 2020

17

18

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27 • October 31, 2020

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27• October 31, 2020

SALE REPORTS

19

Micheli Ranch Annual Production Sale Reported By: Curt Cox, WLR Field Editor October 28, 2020 The Micheli Ranch Ft. Bridger Auctioneer: Butch Booker 40 2-Yr.-Old Horned and Polled Hereford Bulls Avg. $4,813 36 2-Yr.-Old Angus Bulls Avg. $4,838 12 Commercial Bred Heifers Avg. $1,494

®

1 year - $50 • 2 years - $75 ($25 savings) 3 years - $110 ($40 savings) Online Subscriptions: 1 year for $30

For your agriculture news on-the-go!

The Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community

Call 307.234.2700 to receive a 6-week complimentary subscription!* *For new subscribers only

Top Sellers Hereford Bulls Lot 914 – MH Belle Air 914 – Price: $10,250 DOB: 2/23/19 Sire: BR Belle Air 6011 Dam’s Sire: C Black Hawk Down ET EPDs: BW: +2.7, WW: +53, YW: +92, Milk: +31 and M&G: +57 Buyer: Empire Ranch, Moorcroft Lot 907 – MH Black Hawk 907 – Price: $8,000 DOB: 2/12/19 Sire: C 4212 BlackHawk 907 Dam’s Sire: CCR About Time EPDs: BW: +3.6, WW: +54, YW: +86, Milk: +28 and M&G: +55 Buyer: Irwin Livestock, Douglas Lot 974 – MH Access 974 – Price: $8,000 DOB: 3/22/19 Sire: SHF Access Y90 Dam’s Sire: MH United 019 EPDs: BW: +2.5, WW: +51, YW: +79, Milk: +27 and M&G: +53 Buyer: OD Ranch, Douglas Lot 992 – MH Stockman 992 – Price: $8,000 DOB: 4/2/19 Sire: MH Stockman 524 Dam’s Sire: C Untapped EPDs: BW: +4.3, WW: +46, YW: +81, Milk: +29 and M&G: +52 Buyer: Irwin Livestock, Douglas Angus Bulls Lot 944A – MAR Confidence 944A – Price: $7,500 DOB: 3/21/19 Sire: MAR Confidence 502 Dam’s Sire: KG Solution 0018 EPDs: BW: +0.5, WW: +58, YW: +102 and Milk: +21 Buyer: Clark Ranch, Cokeville Lot 984A – MAR Resource 984A – Price: $7,000 DOB: 4/3/19 Sire: McConnell Resource 654 Dam’s Sire: HARB Pendleton 765 J H EPDs: BW: +2.3, WW: +58, YW: 105 and Milk: +25 Buyer: Hamilton Ranch, Inc., Hyattville Lot 9005A – MAR Confidence 9005A – Price: $6,750 DOB: 4/11/19 Sire: MAR Confidence 502 Dam’s Sire: McConnell Altitude 3114 EPDs: BW: +0.1, WW: +46, YW: +79 and Milk: +20 Buyer: OD Ranch, Douglas Lot 977A – MAR Resource 977A – Price: $6,500 DOB: 4/12/19 Sire: McConnell Resource 654 Dam’s Sire: CCC Curve Bender 8005 EPDs: BW: +3.7, WW: +60, YW: 110 and Milk: +16 Buyer: True Ranches, Casper

20

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 27 • October 31, 2020

It’s the Pitts

by Lee Pitts

Married To The Ranch Whitey and Nan hadn’t been on a vacation together since they were married.

Perhaps that’s why they just celebrated their 45th anniversary.

“Why don’t you just get away for a couple days,” I urged them both.

“Go someplace where they’ve never heard of calf scours or alfalfa hay.”

“Because the minute we leave bad things will

start happening around this ranch,” replied Nan. She is the undisputed family spokesperson by the way.

“What can go wrong?”

I asked.

“Are you kidding?

The minute we leave the water lines will break, the cows will be out of water, and a bull will get on the road. It’s just easier to stay home,” said Nan. “I’ll tell you what, I’ll

Visit leepittsbooks.org for more from Lee Pitts.

take care of everything while you are gone,” I pleaded with Nan. “Why don’t you take one of those exotic cruises?”

“But who will feed my chickens?” Nan knew my great dislike for anything fowl or feathered.

Biting my tongue, I replied, “I’ll even feed your chickens.”

Much to my surprise, Whitey and Nan decided to take a cruise. Well, it was kind of a cruise. They went lake fishing for a whole Saturday and Sunday.

Surprisingly, they accepted my offer to feed the chickens and look after their place.

Bright and early on the Saturday morning of their vacation, I drove over to their place, opened the truck door and let Aussie out to run. I proceeded to do the chores, leaving the chicken chores for last.

After checking to make sure everything had water and after snooping through Whitey’s barn, I finally got up enough nerve to take care of the chickens.

One can imagine my surprise when on my approach to the chicken coop I spotted Aussie gnawing on a drumstick belonging to one of Nan’s cherished chickens. When they had asked me to clean out the hen house, I doubt this was what they had in mind.

I realized I had failed Whitey and Nan dismally, and I knew after this disaster they’d never leave the ranch again. Under these circumstances I concocted a desperate and devious plan.

After locking up the dog, I tried to place a smile on the dead hen’s face and gently placed it back on a nest in the hen house.

Hopefully, Whitey and

Nan would think the hen just died of old age or in trying to lay a jumbo.

I waited until Wednesday of the following week to visit Nan and Whitey and to take them their mail. They invited me in for a cup of tea, and for a while I thought my plan had worked. They thanked me for watching their place and there had been no mention at all of the dead hen.

“Really, it was no trouble at all,” I lied. “Any time you want to take off I’d be glad to look after things.”

“We have taken our last vacation,” replied Nan adamantly. “You aren’t getting me off this ranch until I go in a pine box. We didn’t catch any fish, we worried about the ranch the whole time we were gone, and it’s gonna take 10 years to pay for the food and lodging. Can you imagine, they wanted

$59 for one night’s lodging.”

She continued, “Besides, some pretty strange things happened around here while we were gone.”

Uh, oh.

“What do you mean?

I thought you said everything was OK.” “The day before we left on vacation, I had one of my old hens die so we buried her in the yard. When we returned from our vacation, we found the dead hen back inside the coop laying in a nesting box. It was a miracle. That darn hen must have come back to life, and wouldn’t you know we had to be gone when it happened. We’re never leaving again,” said Nan with a twinkle in her eye. “If something like that ever happens again I want to be here to see it.”

And they haven’t left the ranch since.

RIVERTON LIVESTOCK AUCTION Friday & Tuesday, October 23 & 27 Market Report • 6,034 Head Representative Sales STEERS

DANIEL 9 Steer, 278# .................................................. $213.00 THERMOPOLIS 30 Steer, 371# .................................................. $208.00 CASPER 46 Steer, 322# .................................................. $205.00 LANDER 16 Steer, 333# .................................................. $197.50 MORAN 3 Steer, 381# .................................................. $193.00 EVANSVILLE 15 Steer, 401# .................................................. $186.00 KINNEAR 17 Steer, 407# .................................................. $184.00 BIG PINEY 33 Steer, 426# .................................................. $182.50 RIVERTON 13 Steer, 421# .................................................. $178.50 MCKINNON 19 Steer, 432# .................................................. $176.50 CASPER 60 Steer, 440# .................................................. $175.50 ALCOVA 27 Steer, 442# .................................................. $171.50 RANDOLPH, UT 11 Steer, 448# .................................................. $169.00 RIVERTON 19 Steer, 467# .................................................. $168.00 BIG PINEY 121 Steer, 489# .................................................. $167.75 RANDOLPH, UT 64 Steer, 513# .................................................. $165.00 LANDER 50 Steer, 511# .................................................. $165.00 DANIEL 68 Steer, 504# .................................................. $164.00 ALCOVA 66 Steer, 519# .................................................. $159.25 COKEVILLE 44 Steer, 521# .................................................. $157.00 RIVERTON 59 Steer, 565# .................................................. $148.00 PAVILLION 19 Steer, 551# .................................................. $147.00 BIG PINEY 51 Steer, 557# .................................................. $144.50 LANDER 23 Steer, 591# .................................................. $143.75 COKEVILLE 19 Steer, 734# .................................................. $143.50 RIVERTON 27 Steer, 638# .................................................. $142.50 COKEVILLE 31 Steer, 576# .................................................. $141.00 ST STEPHENS 18 Steer, 580# .................................................. $140.00 KINNEAR 10 Steer, 636# .................................................. $136.50 LANDER 9 Steer, 898# .................................................. $136.50 PAVILLION 26 Steer, 633# .................................................. $135.50 SHOSHONI 17 Steer, 620# .................................................. $134.50 RANDOLPH, UT 2 Steer, 970# .................................................. $133.50 FOUNTAIN GREEN, UT 18 Steer, 916# .................................................. $132.00 HEIFERS LANDER 6 Heifer, 292# ................................................. $182.50 KINNEAR 7 Heifer, 311# ................................................. $182.00 CORA 5 Heifer, 354# ................................................. $181.00 THERMOPOLIS 33 Heifer, 352# ................................................. $172.00 CASPER 53 Heifer, 345# ................................................. $168.00 COKEVILLE 16 Heifer, 375# ................................................. $159.00 MCKINNON 18 Heifer, 367# ................................................. $158.00 LANDER 26 Heifer, 400# ................................................. $155.00 ALCOVA 17 Heifer, 411# ................................................. $152.50 LANDER 25 Heifer, 428# ................................................. $152.00 RIVERTON 7 Heifer, 510# ................................................. $151.00 20 Heifer, 436# ................................................. $150.00 CASPER 10 Heifer, 443# ................................................. $148.00 91 Heifer, 459# ................................................. $146.25 LANDER 31 Heifer, 476# ................................................. $145.00 DANIEL 64 Heifer, 467# ................................................. $143.75 RANDOLPH, UT 44 Heifer, 489# ................................................. $142.00 FARSON 13 Heifer, 486# ................................................. $141.50 ALCOVA 62 Heifer, 492# ................................................. $141.00 PINEDALE 14 Heifer, 496# ................................................. $140.00 DANIEL 87 Heifer, 809# ................................................. $138.00

LANDER 27 Heifer, 751# ................................................. $138.00 RANDOLPH, UT 16 Heifer, 738# ................................................. $135.00 RIVERTON 11 Heifer, 835# ................................................. $133.00 DANIEL 17 Heifer, 913# ................................................. $132.00 15 Heifer, 541# ................................................. $130.50 RIVERTON 8 Heifer, 616# ................................................. $130.00 KINNEAR 58 Heifer, 570# ................................................. $129.00 COKEVILLE 21 Heifer, 699# ................................................. $128.00 FARSON 9 Heifer, 931# ................................................. $128.00 COWS ROCK SPRINGS 5 Cow, 1256# ................................................... $62.50 2 Cow, 1300# ................................................... $59.00 7 Cow, 1208# ................................................... $56.50 5 Cow, 1199# ................................................... $55.50 3 Cow, 1078# ................................................... $55.00 CROWHEART 11 Cow, 1594# ................................................... $54.00 ROCK SPRINGS 2 Cow, 1162# ................................................... $53.00 POWDER RIVER 6 Cow, 1215# ................................................... $52.00 LABARGE 4 Cow, 1212# ................................................... $51.50 RAWLINS 5 Cow, 1259# ................................................... $51.00 BOULDER 9 Cow, 1452# ................................................... $50.00 SHOSHONI 4 Cow, 1130# ................................................... $49.00 RIVERTON 8 Cow, 1136# ................................................... $48.00 12 Cow, 1187# ................................................... $47.50 SHOSHONI 7 Cow, 1254# ................................................... $47.00 DANIEL 10 Cow, 1209# ................................................... $46.50 LANDER 7 Cow, 1176# ................................................... $44.00 BULLS LANDER 2 Bull, 1110# ..................................................... $89.00 ROCK SPRINGS 1 Bull, 1650# .................................................... $82.00 CROWHEART 1 Bull, 1815# .................................................... $80.50 SHOSHONI 2 Bull, 1605# .................................................... $80.00 LANDER 7 Bull, 1472# .................................................... $78.50 3 Bull, 1713# .................................................... $78.00 EVANSTON 1 Bull, 2005# .................................................... $76.50 THERMOPOLIS 2 Bull, 1902# .................................................... $75.00 RIVERTON 1 Bull, 2020# .................................................... $74.00 BOULDER 3 Bull, 1940# .................................................... $67.50 BRED HEIFERS/COWS BOULDER 18 Bred Heifer, 878# ..................................... $1,060.00 PAVILLION 5 Bred Cow, 1277# (SM) ............................. $1,175.00 THERMOPOLIS 10 Bred Cow, 1092# (SM) ............................. $1,100.00 RAWLINS 9 Bred Cow, 1145# (SM Lates) ...................... $960.00 DANIEL 12 Bred Cow, 1180# (SM Lates) ...................... $910.00 RANDOLPH 26 Bred Cow, 1225# (ST)................................. $685.00 SHOSHONI 31 Bred Cow, 1076# (ST)................................... 645.00 HEIFERETTES POWDER RIVER WY 6 Heiferette, 806#............................................. $87.25 THERMOPOLIS 5 Heiferette, 853#............................................. $75.50 DANIEL 8 Heiferette, 816#............................................. $74.00 RIVERTON 7 Heiferette, 998#............................................. $71.00 DANIEL 14 Heiferette, 936#............................................. $65.75 POWDER RIVER 10 Heiferette, 1024#........................................... $62.00

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3 CALF & YEARLING SPECIAL START TIME 9:00 AM LOAD LOTS @ 10:30 AM EXPECTING 4,500 HEAD YEARLINGS Randy Pehrson - 60 Blk Yrling Strs & Hfrs 900-950# Jack Sims - 15 Blk PTO Yrling Hfrs 900#

Early Consignments CALVES Abernathy Ranch - 375 Blk Ang & AngX Strs 475-550# 300 Blk Ang & AngX Hfrs 450-525#. Rec Pyramid 5 w/ Presponse, Vison 7 w/ Spur @ Branding. Knife cut.

Sired by Schaff Influence & Mccumber Blk Ang bulls.

Reputation calves off big high desert country!

Woody Family Ranch Partnership - 370 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 500-550#. Comp vacc @ Branding. Rec 8-way & Bovishield Gold One shot @ Precon (10/15). 100% Blk Ang sired. High elevation.

Limestone Ranch - 300 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 475550#. Rec Pyramid 5, Once PMH & 7-way w/ Somnus @ Branding. 100% Blk Ang sired. High elevation.

Choice feeding calves!

Nick & Boyd Anderson - 200 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 500600#. Rec Vision 7 20/20 & Virashield 6 @ Branding.

Sired by Paintrock & Hancock Blk Ang bulls. Fancy!

John Stoll - 180 Blk & Red Limousin & LimousinX Strs & Hfrs 450-500#. Rec 7-way w/ Somnus @ Branding.

Reputation genetics! High elevation.

Alsade Limited - 140 Blk Strs 500-550# 40 Red & Blk Hfrs 375-525#. Rec Pyramid 5 + Presponse & 7-way w/ Somnus @ Branding & Precon.

Knife cut. Complete mineral program. High elevation.

Don Lamborn - 160 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 500-550#. Rec Vista Once SQ & Vision 8 @ Branding & Precon. Vermillion Ranch genetics. Fancy, high elevation.

Steve & Trudy Slagowski - 125 Blk Ang & AngX Strs 480-510# 35 Blk Ang & AngX Hfrs 475#. Rec Vision 8 & Virashield 6 @ Branding. Knife cut. No implants. Sired by Yardley & Durbin Creek bulls. High desert, fancy!

JF Ranch - 155 Blk Strs 475-525#. Rec Vista Once, Vision 8 w/ Somnus + Spur, Nasalgen & poured @ Branding & Precon (10/9). Knife cut. Sired by powerful Blk Ang bulls. Fancy, reputation!

Bar Lazy C Bar - 155 Blk/BWF Strs & Hfrs 450-500#.

Rec Pyramid 5 & Vision 7 @ Branding & Precon (10/1).

High elevation.

Graves Land & Livestock - 150 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 425-475#. Rec Bovishield Gold One Shot, Vision 8 w/ Somnus & Dectomax injectable @ Branding. High desert, green, fancy!

Tim Barkhurst - 120 Blk Strs & Hfrs 400-550#. Rec Nasalgen, 7-way, Virashield 6 & Cattlactive @ Branding; 7-way, Virashield 6 & Cattlactive @ Precon (Sept).

High elevation.

Campbell Inc - 110 Blk Strs & Hfrs 500-550#. Comp vacc @ Branding. Reputation calves! Fancy, high elevation.

Clyde Cattle Co - 100 Blk Ang/HerefordX Strs & Hfrs 400-500#. Rec Vision 7 w/ Somnus + Spur & Virashield 6 @ Branding. Knife cut. High desert!

Hopkins Hamilton Ranch - 100 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 500-600#. Comp vacc @ Branding. Sired by HD Dunn Blk Ang bulls. High desert.

Ramon Walker - 100 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 500-550#. Rec One Shot & 8-way @ Branding. Registered herd of Angus cows. Lots of AI genetics. Fancy!

Jack Sims - 70 Blk & CharX Strs & Hfrs 475-550#. Rec Vista Once SQ & Vision 8 w/ Somnus @ Branding.

Fancy!

Wallingford Ranch - 55 Blk Ang & AngX Strs 525#. Rec Bovishield One shot, 7-way & Safeguard @ Branding.

All natural. 40 days weaned on grass hay & Nutralix.

Dan & Anna Smedts - 50 Blk AngX Strs & Hfrs 500650#. Rec Vision 7 & Vista Once @ Branding. Sired by Diamond Peak & Resource bulls.

Craig Hurdsman - 50 SimAngusX Strs & Hfrs 550-600#.

Rec Ultrabac 8, Bovishield Gold One Shot @ Branding & Precon. Fancy!

Robert Pingree - 50 Blk Strs 400-550#. Comp vacc @ Branding. Sired by Registered Blk Ang bulls.

Jeff & Sarah Keller - 43 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 480-545#.

Rec Alpha 7 & Cattlactive @ Birth; Virashield 6 & Cattlactive @ Branding; 7-way, Virashield 6, Polybac & Cattlactive @ Precon. Knife cut. Sired by powerful Blk Ang bulls. Fancy!

Triple C Farms - 40 Blk Strs & Hfrs 450-500#. Rec Barvac 7 & Virashield 6. High desert. Fancy!

Shane Hurdsman - 35 SimAngusX Strs & Hfrs 550600#. Rec Ultrabac 8, Bovishield Gold One Shot @ Branding. Fancy!

Fred Nelson - 30 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 600#. Rec Vista Once @ Branding. Pokorny Ranch & Hellyer genetics.

Fancy!

Pat & Dixie Realing - 25 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 500-550#.

Comp vacc @ Branding. Sired by Blk Ang bulls. Fancy!

Denny Nickelson - 17 Strs & Hfrs 600-700#. Fancy!

Trevor & Christina Bekken - 6 Blk Strs & Hfrs 550-600#.

Comp vacc this Spring.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 COW SALE • START TIME 9:00 AM

Woody Family Ranch Partnership - 80 Blk Test cows Pape Ranch - 1 load of open cows Keith Manning - 1 load of weigh cows Robert McMurry - 1 load open cows Devries Livestock - 1 load of weigh cows

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 CALF & YEARLING SPECIAL START TIME 9:00 AM

Abernathy Ranch - 600 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 475550#. Rec Pyramid 5, Once PMH & 7-way w/ Somnus @ Branding. 100% Blk Ang sired by Schaff influence bulls.

High desert, reputation, green!

Cross Lazy Two - 275 Blk Ang & AngX Strs 450-525# 220 Blk Ang & AngX Hfrs 425-475#. Rec Barvac CD-T, Multimin & Cattlactive @ Birth; Vision 7 w/ Spur, Multimin & Cattlactive @ Branding. Knife cut. Complete mineral program year-round. Sired by Low PAP Lucky 7 Blk Ang bulls & Durbin Creek Polled Hereford bulls.

Reputation genetics! Fancy, high elevation!

Broken Bones Cattle - 150 Blk Ang & AngX Strs 500-550# 100 Blk Ang & AngX Hfrs 500-550#. Comp vacc @ Branding. Sired by Lucky 7 Blk Ang bulls. One brand, high desert!

Richie Ranch - 220 Hereford & HerefordX Strs & Hfrs 425475#. Rec Pyramid 5 w/ Presponse, Vision 7 @ Branding & Precon (10/15). Reputation, high elevation. Green!

Seth Jones - 200 Blk AngX Strs & Hfrs 450-500#. Rec Vista Once SQ & 8-way @ Branding & Precon (10/25). 100% Ang sired. Choice, green, high desert!

Sarah Faith Ranch - 200 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 450500#. Comp vacc @ Branding & Precon. Sired by Diamond Peak Blk bulls. High elevation, fancy!

Suhn, Allen, Stalley - 185 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 450600#. Rec Once PMH IN, Vista 5 & Vision 7 @ Branding & Precon (10/12). Sired by Broken Bow & Absolute sons.

High quality, fancy!

Armada Ranch - 125 Blk Ang Strs 475# 60 Blk Ang Hfrs 375#. Rec Vista Once & Vision 8 @ Branding. Knife cut. Sired by Vermillion, Sitz & Redland Blk Ang bulls. High desert & green!

Jim Emerson - 150 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 550-625#.

Rec two rounds of Vista Once & Vision 7 w/ Somnus & poured this Fall. Sired by Registered Blk Ang bulls.

Weaned 70 days. Bunk broke. Fancy!

Eastman Ranch - 150 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 600675#. Rec Vista Once SQ, Vision 8 w/ Somnus + Spur @ Branding & before going to elevation (6/5). Sired by Herring Blk Ang bulls. Run at 8,000-10,000 ft! High elevation, fancy!

W & M Thoman Ranches - 90 Hereford & HerefordX Strs 400# 50 Hereford & HerefordX Hfrs 345#. Rec Vision 8 @ Birth; Vision 8 & Pyramid 5 @ Branding. Sired by powerful Registered Hereford bulls. Fancy, high desert.

E Spear Ranch - 130 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 450550#. Rec Vista Once & Vision 7 @ Branding. Knife cut. Sired by SO Cattle Co Blk Ang bulls. High elevation.

Choice calves!

Falula Farms - 110 Blk AngX Strs & Hfrs 400-550#. Comp vacc @ Branding & Precon (Zoetis Program). Sired by SimAngus bulls. Fancy, high elevation calves!

Zach & Chandra Wilbourn - 110 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 500600#. Rec Vista Once, Vision 7 (2X), Multimin (2X), Safeguard & poured w/ Ivomec. Complete mineral program.

Sired by Sitz, Connealy, Hancock & Diamond Peak Blk bulls. Replacement quality. High desert, fancy!

Warren Fleming - 100 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 550650#. Rec Pyramid 5 + Presponse, Covexin 8, Tetanus @ Branding. Knife cut. Poured w/ Cydectin prior to mountain. All natural. Run @ 8,000-10,000 feet. Sired by Herring Blk Ang bulls. Choice calves!

Tony Roman - 80 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 550-600#.

Comp vacc @ Branding. One brand, high desert.

Dick & Suzy Thoman - 65 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 500-550#.

Rec 8-way w/ Somnus @ Branding. OCC Legend & Hoover Dam genetics. Fancy, high elevation!

Gloria Anderson - 65 Blk AngX Strs & Hfrs 475-575#. Rec Vista Once SQ & Vision 7 w/ Somnus. High desert.

Mitch & Susan Leclair - 50 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 500-550#.

Rec Vista Once SQ, 7-way, Multimin & poured @ Branding. Fancy!

Tom Leach - 40 Blk Strs & Hfrs 500-600#. Rec 8-way w/ Spur, Vista Once SQ & poured @ Branding. Knife cut.

Sired by powerful Blk Ang bulls. High elevation.

Contact: Riverton Livestock Auction (307) 856-2209 • Jeff Brown (307) 850-4193 • Tom Linn (307) 728-8519 • Boone Snidecor (307) 231-1059 Mark Winter (580) 747-9436 • www.rivertonlivestock.com • Also watch our live cattle auction at www.cattleusa.com

1490 South 8th Street East • River ton, WY 82501 • (307) 856-2209