ENR Committee conducts oversight meeting regarding BLM
On June 13, senators from Western states voiced their concerns during a Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing to conduct oversight of the Bureau of Land Man-
Quick Bits
Office Closed
The Wyoming Livestock Roundup office will be closed July 4-5 in observance of Independence Day. The Roundup team wishes all of our friends and readers a very safe and happy Fourth of July.
Sheep Survey
University of Wyoming
Graduate Student Josie Hernandez is looking for hair sheep producers to participate in her nationwide study focused on gathering insight to various production and management strategies employed in hair sheep and crossbred operations. Through the study, Hernandez hopes to better understand factors influencing lamb quality and end-product utilization by evaluating flock characteristics, nutrition, animal performance and marketing strategies. Participation in the study is voluntary and answers will be kept anonymous. Producers will have access to summarized data to better understand the industry. For more information or to participate in the survey, contact Hernandez at jherna35@uwyo.edu.
Angus Tour
Registration is now open for the 2024 Montana Angus Tour, which will take place Sept. 17-19 in Lewistown, Mont. The two-day event will feature tours of local Angus farms, sessions on cattle management, networking opportunities and views of the Judith Basin. For more information and to register, visit mtangus.org/montanaangus-tour.html
Pork Meeting
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will conduct a virtual and in-person stakeholder meeting Aug. 21 from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. and Aug. 22 from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. to seek feedback on current swine and pork marketing methods and the USDA AMS Livestock Mandatory Reporting program. For more information and to register, visit ams. usda.gov/content/usda-livestock-mandatory-reportingswine-and-pork-industrystakeholder-meeting
agement (BLM).
At the hearing, multiple senators questioned BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning for the agency’s lack of transparency and unrelenting determination to restrict
American oil and natural gas. In his opening remarks, Committee Chairman and U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) states, “The BLM is responsible for more than
one in every 10 acres of land in the U.S. and approximately 30 percent of the nation’s minerals, 245 million acres of surface land and 700 million acres of
Wyoming Ag Leaders
Philip Ellis and Laurie Boner selected as 2024 Wyoming Ag Hall of Fame inductees
The Wyoming Livestock Roundup is pleased to announce Philip Ellis of Chugwater and Laurie Boner of Glenrock have been selected as the 2024 Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame (HOF) inductees and will join an elite list of prestigious honorees. The Wyoming Agriculture HOF has been honoring
Delegates introduce resolution
On June 13, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) and Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced a joint resolution to overturn the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s rule mandating electronic identification (EID) eartags for bison and cattle when moving across state lines.
The final rule, which was released on May 9 and scheduled to go into effect on Nov. 5, amends a previous rule from 2013 to require identification tags for interstate movement of sexually-intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or older; cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo, recreation events or exhibition and all dairy cattle be both visually and electronically readable.
Resolutions of disapproval
However, if the resolutions of disapproval filed by Wyoming’s delegates under the Congressional Review Act – a tool Congress created to overturn certain federal actions – are passed, they would block the final rule from going into effect.
“This rule is a solution to a problem that will advance a federal mandate which the American ranching community will have to pay for,” states Hageman in the June 13 press release. “America produces the highest-quality meat in the world, and there is nothing wrong with our traditional disease traceability system.”
“This unfunded mandate raises serious privacy concerns for ranchers and their herds, with the potential to lock ranchers out of traditional markets, thereby furthering vertical integration in the U.S. food supply chain,” she continues.
Hageman notes the U.S. needs to look no further than Ireland to understand the impact of an EID mandate.
Wyoming’s agriculture leaders since 1992, and Ellis and Boner will be recognized for their lifetimes of dedication to the state’s ag industry during the Wyoming Agriculture HOF Picnic at 5 p.m. on Aug. 14 at Riverside Park in Douglas.
Please see HOF on page 9
Fourth of July Feast
Consumers expected to pay record-high Fourth of July cookout costs
Flags will fly and freedom will ring as America celebrates its 248th year of independence this Fourth of July.
In addition to setting off sparkling fireworks and attending a local parade, many will likely also partake in the popular American tradition of enjoying a feast with friends and family at a backyard barbecue.
According to the National Retail Federation’s Annual Independence Day Spending Survey, 87 percent of the U.S population plans on celebrating the Fourth of July, 66 percent of which plan to attend a cookout, barbecue or picnic.
But, as the nation’s patriotic citizens gather to enjoy grilled burgers, juicy sweet corn and tasty potato salad, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Economists Bernt Nelson and Samantha Ayoub say they should expect to pay higher prices. In the basket In a Market Intel report, published by AFBF on June 26, Nelson and Ayoub note volunteers across the U.S. contributed to the federation’s 2024 Fourth of July Market Basket Survey, which analyzes the average cost of summer cookout staples by pulling prices for a
COUNTY FAIR FEATURE
Aspyn Hamilton is the fifth generation on her family’s sheep and cattle operation nestled among the rolling, red foothills of the Big Horn Mountains in Hyattville. It is here, she fell in love with animals, agriculture and being an active member in her local 4-H club and FFA chapter.
Today, Hamilton is a member of the Renegade 4-H Club, which she has been a part of for the past eight years, and is a first-year member of the Washakie County FFA Chapter.
Hamilton shares showing is one of her favorite aspects of being involved in 4-H and FFA.
“I truly love being able to hang out and spend all of my time with my animals, so I really enjoy the showing aspect,” she says. “It has taught me the importance of responsibility and how much hard work it takes to keep animals healthy and in tip-top shape.” And, with a barn full of summer
Dedicated showman
Courtesy photos
In this topsy-turvy time we live in, almost everything is political and now this even includes food. One product gaining popularity in recent years is raw milk. Around 2010, raw milk consumption – along with other food movements like organic, buy local, vegetarian and a few others – were gaining popularity with the liberal crowd. Now, especially, raw milk is the darling of conservatives.
For years we were told not to drink raw milk because “it could kill you.” In rural areas, myself and many others grew up on raw milk and didn’t know any different.
Raw milk got a bad rap in the 1920s when many rural people were moving to urban areas and still wanted milk. In these cities, there were many distilleries with dairies nearby where the cows could eat grain waste leftover from making whiskey and other alcoholic products. The milk from these cows contained so much bacteria, it killed infants.
Nowadays, distillers’ grain is still fed to livestock, but it is a totally different product and it is safe for both animals and humans.
Long a fringe health food for liberal foodies, raw milk has gained popularity with many conservatives including legislators and regulators. Many conservative states in our region, including Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota and Alaska, have all passed laws or changed regulations since 2020 to legalize the sale of raw milk on farms or in stores.
Other states are looking at passing similar legislation.
They say raw milk and conservatives go together – conservatives are leery of experts telling them of what to do. This was well documented during the pandemic with face masks and vaccines.
The liberal press is really against raw milk, and I’m not sure why. Maybe it gives them something to bash conservatives about.
Whole Foods used to sell raw milk, but now that Amazon has bought it, has since stopped.
A former director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Division of Dairy and Eggs once said drinking raw milk is “like playing Russian roulette with your health.”
The FDA and Centers for Disease Control also tell us not to eat runny egg yolks and medium-rare meat. Not many people listen to this advice. The agencies don’t say anything about eating oysters, and yet they harm a number of people every year.
Food doesn’t belong in a political world. It is up to each individual to choose their food based on what they believe is healthy and/or what they like. It is called freedom of choice.
Listening to someone on television or on the radio tell us what to eat according to political values is just wrong.
We need to take a step back and start labeling our food truthfully. Oat or almond milk is not milk. Lab-grow meat or alternative meat is not meat. It is no wonder consumers are confused.
We need to buy the real deal, but it is a choice for all to make. We can fix the confusion with proper labeling of our food. We owe it to young consumers out there who are so out of touch with agriculture.
GUEST OPINIONS
A Collaborative Way to Celebrate July Fourth
The Fourth of July has always held a special power over me.
I love the hot dogs, burgers and my mother’s delicious potato salad.
Mostly though, I’ve always cherished the great gatherings of family and friends which culminate with spectacular fireworks displays that light up the dark summer sky.
By Tom Purcell
I knew as a kid on July 4 we were celebrating our many freedoms, which we earned by gaining independence from the British during the Revolutionary War and which we cemented with the creation of the U.S. Constitution.
As an adult, I know our country was imperfect then, as it is now – the Declaration of Independence, which
spoke so forcefully of individual liberty, was leaving out people who were enslaved.
But I also know our Constitution got many things right, especially checks and balances to keep each of our three branches of government from getting too powerful and the Bill of Rights, which guarantees the protection of the basic rights
average citizens like me continue to enjoy.
Freedom of speech allows me to write this column and criticize my government when I think it is overstepping its bounds –hello $32 trillion in recklessly borrowed funds.
It’s for all of these reasons I especially enjoy celebrating the Fourth of July.
From the Publisher Dennis Sun
OSLI adopts changes
At its June 6 meeting, the State Board of Land Commissioners (SBLC) authorized the Office of State Lands and Investments (OSLI) to commence the regular rulemaking process to address proposed rule changes to Chapters Four, 18 and 28.
Pursuant to the Wyoming Administrative Procedures Act, this serves as OSLI’s notice of intent to adopt proposed rules changes on behalf of the SBLC and accept public comments on Chapter Four, Grazing and Agricultural Leasing, which recognizes the postmark as the filing date and authorizes the OSLI director to consider lease renewals up to 30 days past the expiration date for good cause shown; Chapter 18, Leasing of Oil and Gas, defining “qualified bidder” for oil and gas lease auctions and imposes a penalty for participating in an auction if the party is not a “qualified bidder” and Chapter 28, Weed and Pest Control Program, repeal to recognize responsibility for directing weed and pest funds with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture
Copies of the proposed rules are available for review on OSLI’s website, the Secretary of State’s website or in person at OSLI located at 122 W. 25th Street, Suite W103, Cheyenne, WY 82002.
The 45-day public comment period for each chapter will end Aug. 13.
Interested persons can submit comments via e-mail to SLF-public-comments@wyo.gov.
Amicus brief filed
U.S. Sens. John Barrasso, Cynthia Lummis and U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (all R-WY) joined Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) in filing a bicameral amicus brief in Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, et al vs. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), requesting the court vacate the agency’s radical climate rule.
This climate rule would be disastrous for Wyoming energy producers who would be buried in red tape to meet unrealistic disclosure requirements.
In March, the SEC adopted a finalized rule requiring publicly-traded companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions data. This is the first time the SEC has published a rule issuing such a requirement.
The amicus brief argues the climate rule would significantly increase burdens placed on publicly-traded companies and hinder economic growth. The brief reiterates Congress – not the administration – has the power to enact legislation, including laws addressing securities markets and climate policy.
“The SEC, as a securities regulator, is not empowered to impose sweeping climate-related regulations on publicly-traded companies,” the amicus brief stated. “Congress has demonstrated historical reluctance to pass broad climate legislation, particularly legislation which would dramatically impact federal securities law disclosure requirements. The SEC’s overreach into climate regulation violates the separation of powers and the major questions doctrine, warranting the rule’s invalidation.”
WWPC offers bounty
The Wyoming Weed and Pest Council (WWPC) has announced the opening of the 2024 Weed Bounty Program. Now through July, individuals can do their part to keep Wyoming wild and beautiful by pulling invasive weeds and exchanging them at their local weed and pest district office for money.
Several counties are taking part in their own weed bounty programs across the state, with various payouts per program.
For example, the Johnson County Weed and Pest District (JCWP) will pay one dollar for a pound of spotted knapweed, houndstongue and mullein. Additionally, $1.25 will be paid out by the county per pound of oxeye daisy and orange hawkweed.
All plants need to be collected in bags supplied by local weed and pest districts. Plants collected in nonauthorized bags will not be accepted. Final payments will be made in total at the end of the pulling season.
An exact end date will be determined at the discretion of the local district supervisor. To find out if there is a weed bounty program in a particular area, visit wyoweed.org and click on the Districts tab.
“Invasive weeds like these can push out native grasses and wildflowers livestock eat – they won’t eat the weeds,” said JCWP Supervisor Allen Buff. “This program allows the public to get involved and get paid to keep our wildlands healthy.”
Last year, thousands of pounds of weeds were collected from the bounty programs across Wyoming. WWPC is hoping to collect even more this season.
USDA launches program
On June 24, at the National Rural Grocer’s Summit, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Reinvestment Fund are launching a new program under the Healthy Food Financing Initiative to increase access to healthy foods in communities underserved by grocery stores.
Funding for the new Food Access and Retail Expansion Fund is made possible by President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act.
“People across this country deserve fresh, healthy and affordable foods,” Vilsack said. “Through this program, the Biden-Harris administration is partnering with food retailers to ensure everyone has access to affordable, delicious foods while also supporting local farmers and ranchers. We are revitalizing the food systems in this country and increasing access for those who need it.”
USDA expands funding
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops program to now include medium-sized businesses in addition to small businesses.
Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification.
The program has also been expanded to include assistance for 2024-25 expenses.
Producers can apply for assistance on their Calendar Year 2024 expenses beginning July 1 through Jan. 31, 2025. For Program Year 2025, the application period will be Jan. 1, 2025 through Jan. 31, 2026.
According to History. com, in 1776 some Americans – fully displaying the raucous American sense of humor – “celebrated the birth of independence by holding mock funerals for King George III.”
But, the first official Fourth of July celebration occurred in Philadelphia in 1777 when Americans fired a cannon 13 times in honor of the original 13 colonies and also set off 13 fire-
projects, there is no doubt Hamilton knows how much work it takes to be a competitive force in the show ring.
This year, Hamilton will show horses, cattle and sheep, all of which take a lot of preparation before show day.
works, reports USA Today History.com notes the Pennsylvania Evening Post reported, “At night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks which began and concluded with 13 rockets on the commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.”
In Boston, on the very same night, the Sons of Liberty also set off fireworks, so fireworks have been a central part of our Fourth of
July celebrations ever since.
To me though, the biggest element of the Fourth of July celebration is how we have so often come together to overcome our greatest challenges.
The 13 colonies had many differences and disagreements as their delegates worked together to establish the Declaration of Independence.
According to USA Today, Barbara Clark Smith, a curator of political history at the National Museum of American His-
tory, notes how extraordinary it was for colonists to find common ground.
“They did find a way to put differences aside and join together to work for a common goal,” she stated. “While declaring independence, they also declared interdependence.”
And this is why on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously approved and adopted the Declaration of Independence.
In this collaborative spirit, I offer an idea.
In addition to the hot dogs, burgers and our family’s uniquely delicious potato salad, on this Fourth of July why don’t we engage in a civil discussion with friends and family members with whom we may disagree?
Why don’t we try a special exercise in which we identify some of the basic things we agree on?
I’m betting as we clarify our thinking in a civil manner, we’ll discover we agree far more than we disagree.
Follow this approach
and the only fireworks that will go off during your Fourth of July gathering will be the ones illuminating the night sky. Tom Purcell is the creator of the infotainment site ThurbersTail.com and is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist. Find his syndicated column, humor books and funny videos of his dog Thurber at tompurcell.com. E-mail him at tom@tompurcell.com. This opinion column was originally published by CT News Junkie on June 29, 2023.
After county fair, Hamilton will make her way to Douglas to compete at the Wyoming State Fair, and in the fall, she will show at the Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) in Billings, Mont. through the NILE Merit Heifer Program, a prestigious honor she is not taking lightly.
“I was accepted into the NILE Merit Heifer Program
She spends hours in the barn with her cattle and sheep, working their hair and teaching them how to walk and set up, as well as with her horses at horsemanship and showmanship practices.
as one of the recipients this year, and I am super excited to show there,” she says. “I feel like it is a big accomplishment because I know people out there who have applied, but it is a very hard program to get into. I feel very lucky, and I am very proud of myself.”
She continues, “One of my goals this show season is to present my merit heifer and represent my donor at the NILE to the best of my ability.”
Hamilton also hopes to continue her winning streak in showmanship, win the market show with her lambs and return home at the end of the show season with a belt buckle or two.
Respected role model
In addition to being a dedicated showman, Hamilton also works hard to be a respected role model for younger members in her community.
“I really enjoy showing, but I also love helping the younger kids,” she states. “From experience, I know
when you are younger, you really look up to the older members, so I try to be the best role model I can possibly be and help them with anything they need.”
Closer to home, Hamilton takes on this leadership role by helping her younger brother. She notes another one of her goals this summer is to help him perform to the best of his ability and bring home a
belt buckle as well. She is also involved in the local Livestock Committee Board, attends 4-H Council meetings and is looking forward to more leadership opportunities during her first year in FFA. Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.
Practice makes perfect – Aspyn Hamilton, a Renegade 4-H Club and Washakie County FFA Chapter member, spends hours practicing with her livestock projects every summer so she is poised for success on show day. Courtesy photo
An exciting opportunity – Aspyn Hamilton of Hyattville was accepted into the 2024 Northern International Livestock Exposition Merit Heifer Program and will compete in Billings, Mont. in October. Courtesy photo
“In early 2022, Ireland adopted an EID mandate, and by August 2023, their government was reporting they needed to slaughter as many as 41,000 head of livestock – not because of a disease outbreak, but because of so called ‘climate change,’” she shares. “ A mandatory EID simply gives the federal government too much power.”
Lummis agrees USDA’s EID mandate threatens the privacy and prosperity of America’s producers.
“Wyoming’s ranchers provide some of the highestquality meat in the world, yet this administration continues to find creative ways to make their jobs harder,”
complete, homemade meal.
AFBF looked at prices of cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, potato chips, pork and beans, fresh strawberries, homemade potato salad, fresh-squeezed lemonade, chocolate chip cookies and ice cream.
The survey found, on average, consumers can expect to pay $7.12 per person for their celebration, which surpassed the nationwide average of seven dollars for the first time.
“With plenty of options to feed a hungry crowd, a group of 10 this year can expect to pay $71.22 for their celebration, up five percent from last year and up 30 percent from five years ago,” Nelson and Ayoub state. “Peopleʼs grocery bills may be a shock, but it is in line with the inflation that has roiled the economy – including the farm economy – over the last several years.”
On the grill
AFBF’s economists point out meat will put the biggest dent in the grocery bill, as ground beef, chicken breasts and pork chops account for 50 percent of total cookout costs.
With the cattle inventory the smallest it has been in 73 years, record-low beef supplies in cold storage and California’s Proposition 12 in full effect, consumers will see higher beef and pork prices at the meat counter.
Nelson and Ayoub estimate two pounds of ground beef will cost an average of $12.77, up more than 11 percent from last year, while two pounds of pork is expected to cost an average of $15.49, up eight percent from last year.
“Increased broiler production will save wallets from some of these other protein price increases, as two pounds of chicken breasts will cost an average of $7.83, down four percent from 2023 and 13 percent from record highs in 2022,” Nelson and Ayoub report.
While highly pathogenic avian influenza still afflicts
she says. “Forcing Wyoming ranchers to shell out their hard-earned money to trace and chip their livestock not only threatens to erode their privacy but puts unnecessary pressure on our supply chain.”
“As a rancher myself, I understand the devastating impact this will have on our industry and will do everything in my power to block this administration’s chronic federal overreach,” Lummis adds.
Fellow Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) is an original cosponsor of the legislation, which is also cosponsored by Reps. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Lauren Boe-
the poultry industry, the AFBF economists note producers have increased their biosecurity measures, as well as their hatchling numbers and bird weights to mitigate losses and keep prices affordable.
All the fixins
Although consumers will spend around half of their cookout costs on meat, Nelson and Ayoub mention they will likely see the most drastic price differences elsewhere in the grocery store.
“It’s not just ground beef prices driving up the cost of cheeseburgers. One package of hamburger buns will cost $2.71, seven percent more than in 2023,” they state, noting ending stocks of wheat are at an eight-year low.
“Slow-to-negative milk production growth in recent months has increased the all-milk price, leading prices for dairy items up,” Nelson and Ayoub continue. “American cheese slices were relatively stable, only up one percent to $3.57 this year versus $3.53 in 2023. However, a half-gallon of ice cream will add $5.65 to the grocery bill, up seven percent from last year.”
When it comes to consumers’ favorite side dishes, the AFBF report notes pork and beans are up two percent, chocolate chip cookies are up two percent and potato chips are up eight percent to an average cost of $4.90.
Potato salad is down four percent from the previous year, with two pounds of potatoes averaging $1.53, a decrease of 17 percent from 2023.
Ingredients for sweet, fresh-squeezed lemonade are also higher, with lemon production estimated to fall by 16 percent due to a citrus greening disease outbreak in California where the majority of U.S. lemons are produced.
“In addition to disease effects on citrus trees, regulatory quarantines in the area to mitigate its spread have increased costs to producers,” Nelson and Ayoub explain. “These supply
bert (R-CO), Josh Brecheen (R-OK), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Celeste Maloy (R-UT), Thomas Massie (R-KY), Andy Ogles (R-TN), McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Jason Smith (R-MO), Victoria Spartz (R-IN) and Chip Roy (R-TX).
Support and opposition
For years, EID has been a hot button topic in the ag community, garnering mixed opinions, and the Wyoming delegate’s recent CRA to overturn the USDA’s rule has been met with both support and opposition.
On June 20, R-CALF
effects have raised lemon prices 13 percent on average from last year to $3.20 for 1.5 pounds.”
The AFBF economists also note sugar prices have
USA published a statement in support of Lummis and Hageman’s joint resolution.
R-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer Bill Bullard comments, “The final rule mandates the use of the highest-cost animal identification eartag, and it strips U.S. cattle producers from the option to use lower-cost but equally effective eartags for disease traceback purposes.”
“While the final rule mandates EID technology in eartags, it does not require the electronic transfer of any data from those eartags to anywhere or anyone,” he adds. “In other words, the rule does nothing other than force cattle producers to put an electronic chip – which is likely made in China – in the ear
increased by 11 percent due to lower global production and higher tariffs on Mexican imports.
“Made by combining 1.5 pounds of lemons with
of their cattle.”
“This is why this rule must be stopped now and why the entire industry needs to support the resolution of disapproval which will do just that,” Bullard concludes.
On the other hand, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President and Wyoming Rancher Mark Eisele has voiced an opposite opinion.
During the 2024 Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show, hosted by the Wyoming Stock Growers Association in Douglas June 5-7, Eisele noted while he respects Hageman, he “vehemently disagrees” with her stance on traceability.
“Regarding traceability, the U.S. is behind
one pound of sugar, freshsqueezed lemonade had the most drastic price increase on the Fourth of July table at $4.19 total, 12 percent higher than last year,” Nel-
everyone else in the world, and we are not doing our job. They know where their cattle are and where they are going, and they are getting paid premiums because of it,” he stated. “It is a shame we are not doing the same.”
Eisele told convention attendees some arguments made in opposition of an EID program are “conspiracy theories.” Instead, the program would simply be used as a tool for disease control to help prevent a nationwide shutdown in the event of an outbreak, he says.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.
son and Ayoub conclude.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup @wylr.net.
subsurface mineral estate.”
Roughly 10 percent of U.S. oil and gas production occurs on BLM-managed lands, and in Fiscal Year 2023, 516 million barrels of oil and 3.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas from federal onshore lands were produced, according to Manchin.
“Unfortunately, the BLM quickly followed up by choosing ‘no more coal leasing’ as their preferred alternative on those federal lands,” he adds. “I guess when you look at the regulations this administration is putting out, it’s clear they think coal won’t be needed anymore, which I disagree with, and I’m here to say what it’s actually doing is putting our grid reliability at risk.”
BLM’s activity in Wyoming
Following Manchin’s opening remarks, Committee Ranking Member and U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) confronts StoneManning on the BLM’s assault on Wyoming.
Barrasso criticizes the agency’s updates to the Rock Springs Field Office and Buffalo Field Office resource management plans, changes to the Greater sage grouse range-wide planning process and efforts to drive oil and gas production off of federal lands.
“The director’s decisions have a significant effect on people’s jobs, their family budgets, the quality of public education and our entire state’s economy,” says Barrasso. “Stone-Man
ing decisions which will crush Wyoming’s economy and lay waste to our local communities in the years ahead.”
Nearly 40 percent of U.S. coal comes from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming and Montana, most of which is extracted from BLM-managed lands.
“The bureau claims coal production in the region won’t be impacted until the year 2038 – 14 years from now – and existing leases are sufficient to meet expected demand for coal,” he states. “My question then is why is the BLM taking this action now if they say it’s not going to have any impact for at least 14 years?”
Stone-Manning replies, “As you know, President Joe Biden has asked us to turn and transition to a clean energy economy, but the lands in the Powder River Basin are leased through 2041 and the record of decision is still in formulation.”
Barrasso continues to question Stone-Manning on the BLM’s justification for its new oil and gas leasing and bonding rule.
“I don’t buy it – this rule, to me, is completely arbitrary and punitive. You’re trying to drive oil and gas producers off of federal lands, and I think it’s disgraceful,” he adds.
Lastly, Barrasso questions Stone-Manning on why BLM refuses to issue oil and gas leases and permits in Wyoming.
“We are still working our way through multiple court decisions. When we issue them, we want them to be durable and to stick,” she replies. “I don’t have a date for when we will issue them either.”
Barrasso concludes, “It seems like a lot of footdragging. The state office can’t issue the permits to drill on these leases until the bureau releases the updated analysis which is now done – it was done a year ago.”
BLM’s involvement across the West
During the hearing, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) criticizes the drastic increase in bond requirements, pointing out the decision would likely hurt smaller oil and natural gas businesses in the Western U.S. the most.
anced, science-based manner.”
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) who represents a state with a territory of roughly 61 percent federally-owned lands, brought forth concerns about BLM’s restrictive practices.
“In my home state of Alaska, it seems you’ve abandoned any pretense of balance. BLM is restricting development however and wherever it can. It has direct consequences on our jobs and revenues. It hurts our energy and our mineral security,” she states.
Murkowski then points out the decision to restrict oil and natural gas production in Alaska and other states will result in an increase in overall global emissions due to an increased global reliance on dirtier energy from other countries. She went as far as to call for BLM’s budget to be cut.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) adds the BLM’s decision to overprotect lands at the expense of the American economy was particularly damaging to his constituents, as Utah is home to roughly 65 percent federally-owned lands.
“Last fall, BLM closed 317 miles of historic roads in Utah. These are in people’s backyards. You can hardly throw a rock in any direction in Utah and not hit federal land,” he continues. “Month after a month, a sweeping new policy seems to be imposed by you from your agency, harming Utahans who rely on the land for their livelihood.”
But Stone-Manning pushed back, saying conservation fits neatly into the agency’s mandate to balance multiple uses of public lands.
The questions continue
The senate committee also questioned StoneManning during the hearing on her involvement in a decades-old, tree-spiking case and doubted her ability to lead the agency.
Questions about the tree-spiking case dominated Stone-Manning’s 2021 senate confirmation but Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and other senators resurfaced them during the oversight hearing, as Hawley questioned her about lying to the committee regarding her involvement in the case.
“It’s a radical change. It disregards the costs to reclaim a Montana well. It disregards the small oil and natural gas producers in our state. Simply put, Montana oil and gas producers can’t afford a 1,500 percent increase in bonding,” Daines states. “It is no secret the Biden administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior and BLM are doing everything they can to eliminate oil, gas and coal production in the U.S.” However, during StoneManning’s testimony, she states, “The BLM is committed to managing America’s public lands in a bal-
It was the first time Stone-Manning appeared in front of the committee since she was confirmed in 2021.
“I warned everyone when the confirmation was up, if the BLM had someone who had such disrespect for the natural resources of America, for our country and for my state of Idaho, this was what we were going to see,” U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID) reiterates.
“This is awful, awful management of our public lands – it is not multiple-use, it is abuse of our public lands.” Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
EXTENSION EDUCATION
By Jedidiah Hewlett, UW Extension Educator
Can Producers Afford to Not Rotationally Graze in a Drought?
Drought is a common occurrence in the Western U.S. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor published in mid-June, approximately 32 percent of Wyoming was abnormally dry (D0) and another 13 percent was in moderate drought (D1).
Drought usually limits forage growth potential, creating difficulties like those faced by the couple in the following case study.
The situation
Gerald and Kim’s Wyoming range usually produces enough forage for their herd of 100 cow/calf pairs to have plenty to eat for the summer months. This year, however, there is a drought.
Like many of their neighbors, Gerald and Kim find themselves deliberating over the health of their range and the economic viability of their cattle operation.
It looks like the forage will last for three out of the four-month grazing season.
Gerald and Kim take pride in being good stewards of their forage and land
resources. They would rather not sell any of their breeding stock, but leasing pasture or buying hay under current market conditions is not ideal either.
Gerald and Kim have heard about other grazing strategies but are unsure how these will align with their goals. Before making a decision, they consult with their local university Extension agent and discuss several alternatives.
Option one:
Feed through the drought
and later feed it to the cows totaled three dollars per head, then $300 would need to be added to the total cost of the hay.
Based on these numbers, Gerald and Kim estimate supplementing hay for part of the grazing season represents a total cost of approximately $7,500. This strategy preserves cattle herd dynamics and protects their range from degradation but at a cost.
Ultimately, the couple must decide if these benefits outweigh the cost of feeding. Option two: Sell animals in excess of carrying capacity
Depending on the region and time of year, the price of cull animals can vary widely. The local sale barn is often the outlet where excess animals are sold on short notice.
years as well.
Option three: Implement rotational grazing
Rotational grazing, a well-documented alternative to extensive season-long grazing, offers several advantages which may benefit Kim and Gerald. By quickly rotating cattle through smaller, subdivided sections of a pasture, this strategy allows more time for grazed areas to rest and regrow.
While maintaining a conservative stocking rate, the couple could ensure the cattle were not overgrazing some areas and underutilizing other areas.
age – in pounds – is removed by the cattle under the current conditions, it represents a higher use rate than in normal years, but moving from 25 percent to 33 percent utilization is not so high range degradation is a risk.
However, they know from experience cattle will not graze the entire pasture at a conservative rate on their own. Fencing would help ensure cattle use all areas of the pasture uniformly, encouraging them to graze non-preferred areas and protecting preferred areas from overgrazing.
a large pasture, subdividing the area into quarters will provide a basis to begin rotational grazing. Obviously, a rotational grazing strategy represents more management and time commitment, in addition to the cost of materials. The good news is cost-share programs are available for pasture improvement projects, including water development and fence installation, through Gerald and Kim’s local conservation district.
Electric fencing is often used to subdivide pastures, because it is a cheaper and more flexible alternative to using permanent fencing.
Livestock Roundup Summer 2024
Since one cow/calf pair consumes approximately 780 pounds of dried forage in a month, approximately 36 tons of hay would be required to feed 100 pairs for a month. If good quality alfalfa/ grass mix hay is purchased at $200 per ton, this represents a cash outlay of $7,200. The expense of hauling and delivering the hay, as well as costs associated with labor and management, would also need to be taken into consideration. For example, if the cost to deliver the hay to the property
Drought conditions are often associated with lower cash prices because many operations in the same region may be seeking to liquidate animal inventories at the same time.
While selling animals is an effective way to generate quick cash flow and reduce the demand on forage resources, it also means rebuilding the herd after the drought subsides. If Gerald and Kim sold 25 pairs for $1,200 each, they would receive a cash inflow of $30,000. However, this option would also represent a future loss by reducing the number of calves weaned in the current year and in subsequent
Through careful planning, Gerald and Kim may overcome the deficit in their summer forage resources by implementing rotational grazing. Estimating range resources are only producing at about 75 percent of normal this year, Gerald and Kim calculate what the grazing pressure would be if they continued to graze 100 pairs for all four months.
If the same amount of for-
According to estimates made by William Edwards in 2012, costs can range from around $200 per mile for poly wire to $4,700 per mile for high-tensile fence. Barbedwire fences were quoted at over $7,800 per mile.
If the water access point is already centrally located in
GENETIC Fly Resistance
Gerald and Kim conclude they might be able to maintain rangeland health and preserve their herd dynamics by using a rotational grazing strategy. Electric fences would be sufficient for limiting the movement of cattle within the pasture and could be taken down if they weren’t needed in future years.
Jedidiah Hewlett is the University of Wyoming Extension agriculture and natural resources educator serving Converse County. He can be reached at jhewlett@uwyo. edu or 307-358-2417.
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CONNECTING AG to CLIMATE
Recent and Current Conditions
Wyoming experienced its 35th coldest and 47th wettest May out of 130 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information database, retrieved June 24.
Scaling to the county level, the adjacent tables include temperature and precipitation rankings of select counties for the month of May.
The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) map for Wyoming, released June 20, classifies over 32 percent of Wyoming as being abnormally dry (D0) and it shows over 14 percent of the state in moderate (D1) or severe drought (D2).
The remainder of the state – nearly 54 percent – is classified as none. In other
words, these areas are not experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. View the current USDM map at bit.ly/usdmwy. Consider submitting a Condition Monitoring Observer Report at bit.ly/ condtionreports Eight- to 14-day and one-month forecasts NOAA’s eight- to 14-day forecast for July 1-7, issued on June 24, shows a 33 to 60 percent probability of above normal temperatures for nearly all of Wyoming. The exception is the northwest corner of the state where temperatures are expected to be near normal.
For the same timeframe, there is a 33 to 40 percent probability for above average precipitation throughout Wyoming.
The one-month forecast for July, issued on June 20, indicates a 50 to 80 percent probability of above normal temperatures, and a 40 to 60 percent probability for above normal precipitation throughout Wyoming. For additional information and NOAA forecasts, visit cpc.ncep.noaa.gov
Austin Snook • 307-290-2161
Taylor Snook • 307-290-2273
Craig Deveraux • 307-746-5690
Dan Catlin • 406-671-7715
Clint Snook • 307-290-4000 Cheyenne Seymour • 605-641-0638
Windy K. Kelley is the regional Extension program coordinator and state specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Northern Plains Climate Hub, the University of Wyoming Extension and WAFERx. She can be reached at wkelley1@ uwyo.edu or 307-367-4380.
Weston Garrett • 605-210-1629
Casey Sellers • 307-217-2614
Jim Forbes • 307-351-5932
Tye Curuchet • 307-351-8666
Daniel Escoz • 307-217-1440
Kade Kinghorn • 307-620-0525
"From the ring, to the video, and in the country, we market your livestock the competitive way."
Market Report • June 26, 2024
Another good run of summer time weigh up cattle selling on a steady market. Thank you to all of our consigners, buyers and crew. No sale next week, Enjoy the 4th of July we will see you July 10th for another weigh up special! Thank you and we appreciate your business!
1
To view the consignment lists visit our website:
Governor pens letter
Gov. Mark Gordon reminded the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) of Wyoming’s leadership in sage grouse conservation and outlined specific management concerns in a comment letter responding to BLM’s sage grouse draft environmental impact statement.
In the letter, Gordon noted, “Industry and agriculture have engaged in unprecedented conservation efforts to avoid and minimize conflicts which may impact the species, and conservation groups have been crucial partners in generating meaningful research and funding for habitat improvements.”
The governor made it clear he will not support designations of areas of critical environmental concern for Greater sage grouse and pointed out some of the alternatives being considered by the BLM affect the state’s ability to regulate wildlife and natural resources within its borders.
Two of the alternatives could affect Wyoming’s land-use planning, which the governor said should be addressed as a final plan is prepared.
“I am optimistic the BLM will recognize Wyoming’s leadership in the management of all wildlife and our remarkable track record of conservation of Greater sage grouse,” Gordon concluded.
Bookmark and Beyond
Each year, to showcase their understanding and appreciation of Wyoming’s essential resources, second- through fifth-grade students from across the state create bookmarks illustrating a Wyoming resource message through Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom’s Bookmark and Beyond program.
Approximately 10 winning designs are printed and distributed around the state.
For coming weeks, the Roundup will share photos of the 2024 Bookmark and Beyond finalists.
By Windy Kelley, Northern Plains Regional Climate Hub
Fourth grade finalist – Created by Hilda Reza, fourth grade, Albin Elementary, Albin
Third grade finalist – Created by Jesse Reber, third grade, Greybull Elementary, Greybull
“I am excited to announce the awardees of the 2024 Wyoming Agriculture HOF,” states Wyoming Livestock Roundup Publisher Dennis Sun, an inaugural Wyoming Agriculture HOF inductee.
“Both Laurie and Philip have put in a lot of time and work and continue to be involved in many services to help make agriculture better in Wyoming.”
“We all appreciate their dedication throughout the years,” he continues.
Lifetime ag leader Ellis, a fifth-generation rancher, grew up near Chugwater where he developed a passion for agriculture at a young age and has since been actively involved in the Wyoming ag industry.
Ellis is a University of Wyoming (UW) graduate and the current owner and operator of the Marsh and Ellis Ranch.
He has a long history of involvement in organizations supporting the beef industry, and over the years, he has advocated for the agricultural industry while serving on several policy committees and holding various state and national positions along
the way.
Ellis has spent most of his life serving the Wyoming ag industry and his community. He had an extensive career in banking as a young ag lender in Cheyenne and later as the board chairman of the Oregon Trail Bank in Guernsey.
While in agricultural lending, Ellis learned how to manage multiple projects and build relationships which helped him excel in state-level leadership roles.
He continued to advance his leadership in roles at the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA), where he served as president from 2003-05.
Ellis also served on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Board of Directors and several policy committees.
He then served as the NCBA Region Five vice president, which includes Wyoming and the Northwest and became a NCBA national officer in 2012, rising to the position of national president in 2015.
In 2017, he received WSGA’s Guardian of the Grasslands Award.
“Ellis’ experience and
commitment were instrumental in strengthening the financial position of WSGA under his leadership,” states WSGA Executive Vice President Jim Magagna in his nomination letter.
Magagna continues, “Over the past two decades, Ellis has earned the respect and admiration of cattle producers across the nation and remains fully engaged in the efforts of NCBA in our region.”
NCBA Chief Executive Officer Colin Woodall states, “Ellis’ engagement ensured the voice of Wyoming cattle producers, which he always expressed and considered during committee debates.”
“His ability to provide strong and steady leadership during uncertain times was invaluable to the association,” Woodall adds.
Kansas Livestock Association Emeritus Chief Executive Officer Dee Likes says, “As a young ranch-raised youth, Ellis has shown leadership abilities and commitment to organizations aimed at the betterment of agriculture and the beef industry. He is well known across Wyoming and the nation and is recognized for dedication and integrity to his community and industry.”
“I am honored to be thought of for this award,” Ellis states. “I am so thankful to have been raised in a pioneering ag family here in Wyoming, teaching me how to be a steward of the land and advocate for agriculture.”
Devoted to ag Joining Ellis in the 2024 Wyoming Agriculture HOF, Boner’s passion for agriculture has led her to a robust career in the ag industry.
From an early age, Boner’s influence, knowledge and passion in ranching and agriculture came from her grandparents who raised sheep and cattle and her mom who raised and trained Quarter Horses on land east of Casper.
After graduating from UW, Boner worked for the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) for over 15 years and influenced state and national agricultural policies while being an advocate for agricultural producers.
While employed with WDA, she served as a meat inspector, working her way up to a management position in the Consumer Health Services program.
In 2008, to combine her passions of ag and design, Boner opened LB Designs, a website and promotional
design company. Throughout her career, she has been a member of multiple associations including the Wyoming Quarter Horse Association (WQHA), Wyoming Wool Growers Association (WWGA), Converse County Stock Growers and WSGA.
She served on the board of the WQHA for many years and was appointed to the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) in 2015 by former Gov. Matt Mead.
“She served on the WLSB until 2021 when her term ended, but during her time on the board she was instrumental in helping protect the Wyoming livestock industry from diseases and hand developed rules and polices which were beneficial to agriculture in general,” states Dr. Jim Logan, former Wyoming state veterinarian.
“She was an active and influential board member who carefully considered the issues and impacts of her votes as she represented her district and Wyoming livestock producers,” Logan continues.
In 2021, Boner was also was honored as the Heart of Agriculture Award winner and is currently serving on the Wyoming Stock Growers Land
Trust Board, Wyoming SHEEP Foundation, Converse County Stock Growers and the Wyoming State Fair Board.
Boner is also a graduate from the Wyoming Ag Leadership Education and Development Program, and most recently, Boner and her husband Brad received the Harold Josendahl Patron Award which is presented to sheep producers who have made a substantial contribution to the Wyoming sheep industry and WWGA.
“Boner has been an integral part of the agriculture industry in Wyoming across many sectors,” states WWGA Executive Director Alison Crane.
“She volunteers much of her time in designing and maintaining websites for different entities and has aided in the coordination of the Wyoming State Ram Sale for many years.”
“I am very honored and humbled to receive the Wyoming Ag HOF award, and I want to extend my gratitude to those in Wyoming’s agriculture community for this recognition,” Boner states.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
June 30-July 7 Silver State International Rodeo, Winnemucca Events Complex, Winnemucca, Nev. For more information, visit ssir.us
July 4-5 Wyoming Livestock Roundup Office closed in observance of Independence Day. We wish all of our friends and readers a safe and happy Fourth of July.
July 4-5 Ten Sleep Rodeo Weekend, Ten Sleep. For more information, visit tensleeprodeoassociation.com
July 5-13 Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo, Casper. For more information, visit centralwyomingfair.com
July 6-14 Laramie Jubilee Days, Laramie. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit laramiejubileedays.org
July 9 Uinta County 4-H Horsemanship Clinic, 6 p.m., Uinta County Fairgrounds, Evanston. For more information, call 307-783-0570 or e-mail skrieger@uwyo.edu.
July 10-20 National High School Finals Rodeo, Sweetwater Events Complex, Rock Springs. For more information, visit nhsra.com/nhsfr/
July 11 Nebraska Extension Annual Yearling/Stocker Tour, registration begins at 7:30 a.m., Bassett Livestock Auction, Bassett, Neb. For more information, contact Hannah Smith at 402-387-2213 or hannah.greenwell@unl.edu or Erin Laborie at 308-268-3105 or erin.laborie@unl.edu.
July 12-14 2024 Wyoming Sheep and Wool Festival, Hot Springs County Fairgrounds, Thermopolis. For more information, visit wyomingsheepandwoolfestival.com
July 13 Wyoming Sheep Dog Trial, Hot Springs County Fairgrounds, Thermopolis. For more information or to enter, contact Carrie Bennet at 559-719-7127 or LaDonna Miller at 307-431-4587.
July 15-22 Converse County Fair, Douglas. For more information, visit conversecountyfair.com
July 17 2024 Environmental Stewardship Tour, S&W Livestock, LLC, Arvada. To attend, RSVP by July 5. For more information, e-mail info@wsga.org or call 307-638-3942.
July 18-20 Cowboy Camp, Northeast Utah and Southwest Wyoming. For more information, visit extension.usu.edu/Utah/4h/events/cowboycamp
July 18-20 American Shorthorn Association Summer Symposium, Lexington, Ky. For more information or to register, visit shorthorn.org
July 19-28 Campbell County Fair, Gillette. For more information, visit campbellcountywy. gov/959/County-Fair
July 20 Albany County CattleWomen Ranch Tour, Laramie. For more information, visit wyaccw.com
July 20-27 Crook County Fair, Sundance. For more information, visit crookcofair.com
Wyoming Livestock Roundup
July 4th Advertising Deadlines
Griemsman, Steve - Worland
July 20-27
July 20-28
Washakie County Fair, Worland. For more information, visit washakiecountyfair.com
Teton County Fair, Jackson. For more information, visit tetoncountyfair.com
July 20-28 Weston County Fair, Newcastle. For more information, visit westoncountyfair.org
July 21-Aug. 3 Albany County Fair, Laramie. For more information, visit albanycountyfair.org
July 22 Cowgirls of the West Annual Fundraiser, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Little America, Cheyenne. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Chris at 307-6310123 or visit cowgirlsofthewestmuseum.com
July 23-27 Park County Fair, Powell. For more information, visit parkcountyeventsandfair.com/park-county-fair
July 24-27
Sublette County Fair, Big Piney. For more information, visit sublettecountyfair.com
July 26-Aug. 4 Johnson County Fair, Buffalo. For more information, visit johnsoncountyfairgrounds.com/fair
July 26-Aug. 4 Platte County Fair, Wheatland. For more information, visit plattecountyfair. org/2024-fair
July 27 Wyoming State Fair Volunteer Days, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas. For more information, contact the Wyoming State Fair Office at 307-358-2398.
July 27-Aug. 3 Fremont County Fair, Riverton. For more information, visit fremontcountyfair.org
June 29-30
July 2
July 8-10
July 8-12
July 22-24
July 27
RT Claypoole Auction, 198 Breeze Street and 351 Yampa Avenue, Craig, Colo., 970-756-9353, rtclaypooleauction.com
Cattle Country Video High Plains Showcase Sale, UW Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, Laramie, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com
Western Video Market, Silver Legacy Casino Resort, Reno, Nev., 530-3473793, wvmcattle.com
Superior Livestock Auction Week in the Rockies, 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com
Northern Livestock Video Auction Summertime Classic, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com
South Dakota Sheep Growers Association Premium Yearling Ewe Sale, Magness Livestock Auction, Huron, S.D., 406-581-7772, sdsheepgrowers.org
July 29-Aug. 2 Superior Livestock Auction Video Royale, 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com
the Past
Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness
One hundred and ten years ago, the editor of The Centennial Post penned words which still ring true today. In the July 4, 1914 issue of the Centennial, Herman M. Porter wrote the following inspirational column, which I pray will make us all pause and reflect on what Independence Day really means, especially in today’s crazy world.
not only their time and their fortunes, but their lives for the perpetuation of the truth all men are born equal and are entitled to political and religious freedom.
3 Blk Cows, avg. 1568# $13800
& Sons LLC - Worland
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1460# $14350
1 Blk Cow, 1625# $14150
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1265# $13850 Bjornestad Land & Cattle - Manderson
1 Blk Cow, 1370# $14100
1 Blk Cow, 1200# $12300 Caines Land & Livestock - Hyattville
1 Blk Cow, 1385# $14100
1 Blk Cow, 1500# $14050
1 Blk Cow, 1410# $13600 Haun, Bill - Worland
1 BWF Cow, 1370# $14050 Whitlock, Robert - Lander
3 Blk Cows, avg. 1462# $14000
3 Blk Cows, avg. 1263# $13800 Vega, Max - Worland
1 Blk Cow, 1575# $14000 Clinton, Stanford - Cody
1 Red Cow, 1280# $13950 Redland, Adam - Burlington
1 Blk Cow, 1895# $13950
1 Blk Cow, 2065# $12400 Lyman Ranch Co. - Ten Sleep
3 Blk Cows, avg. 1438# $13950
1 Blk Cow, 1800# $13600
Holland, Pamela - Worland
2 BWF Cows, avg. 1565# $13950 Whitlock, Robert - Lander
13 Blk Cows, avg. 1360# $13900 Split Rock Land & Cattle - Worland
1 Blk Cow, 1370# $13900
1 Blk Cow, 1395# $12600 Hoffman, Ron - Thermopolis
3 Blk Cows, avg. 1270# $13900 Lungren, Sarah - Worland
B & W Cattle LLC - Scottsbluff
1 BWF Cow, 1650# $13400
1 BWF Cow, 1345# $12200
Fabricius, Dale - Burlington 1 Red Cow, 1270# $13250 TD & Sons LLC - Worland
4 Blk Cows, avg. 1501# $13250 Ward, Paul - Ginger - Thermopolis
3 Blk Cows, avg. 1453# $13100 Dooley, Dustin - Worland
1 Blk Cow, 1190# $13050
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1435# $13000 Kumm, Glen - Worland
1 XBred Cow, 905# $13000 Good, Robert - Greybull
1 Blk Cow, 1495# $12800 Smet, Pete - Worland
1 Blk Cow, 1185# $12750
Johnstone, Alex - Ten Sleep
1 Blk Cow, 1210# $12650
1 Blk Cow, 1740# $12200
Bain, C. Joy - Hyattville
1 Hrfd Cow, 1365# $12550
1 BWF Cow, 1525# $12400 Miller, Joseph - Worland
2 Hrfd Cows, avg. 1665# $12500 PAIRS Hampton Sheep Co. - Worland
2 Blk Pairs $2850/Hd. TD & Sons LLC - Worland
4
2 Hrfd Cows, avg. 1610# $13650
1 Blk Cow, 1305# $13650
1 Blk Cow, 1645# $13000 Allen, Travis - Thermopolis
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1468# $13600 Black, Vern - Riverton
3 Blk Cows, avg. 1198# $13450
5 Blk Cows, avg. 1206# $13300
1 Blk Cow, 1735# $14250 Stewart, Kenneth - Cody 1 Blk Cow, 1680# $14250 Gardner Livestock LLC - Lysite
Vigil • Owner and Northern Livestock Represenative Layne Weber • Field Rep & Auctioneer • (307) 331-2222
The Editor’s Column By Herman M. Porter Today we celebrate the Declaration of Independence, the birth of the flag we all love and the inception of the greatest nation on the face of the Earth.
It took courage for our forefathers to sign the declaration in absolute defiance of King George, the sovereign of the world at the time, and still more courage to endure the struggle which terminated in making this a free and independent nation.
The Fourth of July, when we think for what it stands, is a solemn occasion. It is more than a day on which to gaily make merry, though we have ample cause to rejoice.
We of this day can have but little conception of the terrors surrounding the wee band of patriots which dared defy the authority of the British Lion, steadfastly giving
Looking at the map of the original 13 colonies, upon which fell the solemn duty of freeing themselves from the oppression of the crown and creating a land where all people could – untrammeled – enjoy “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” we see they are only a mere corner of this now glorious nation.
From the acorn springs the mighty oak, and as a result of this
mere handful of staunchhearted patriots – the unprotected coast on one side and an unexplored wilderness full of wild beasts and hostile Native Americans on the other –so valiantly braving the vicissitudes of the perilous time, we see the America of today. Staunch hearts and true braved unknown terrors in the laying of the foundation of this mighty “land of the free and home of the brave,” so let us pause in our light-hearted, care-free celebration of the day long enough to reverently thank a merciful God such an institution was permitted to be born and humbly breathe a prayer this freeman’s land may ever be thus and generations for all time may be permitted to salute Old Glory, not only on this but every other day, with full appreciation of the trials and hardships their ancestors withstood all along the line to hand it down to them grand, unsullied the emblem of unchallenged liberty.
US #1 Pinto Beans
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Torrington
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Greeley, CO
National Sheep Summary
As of June 21, 2024
Compared to last week slaughter lambs mostly 10.00-50.00 lower. Slaughter ewes mostly steady to 15.00 lower. Feeder lambs not well tested. At San Angelo, TX 5,133 head sold in a one day sale. Equity Cooperative Auction sold 380 slaughter lambs in Wyoming. In direct trading slaughter ewes and feeder lambs not tested. 2,731 lamb carcasses traded with no trend due to confidentiality. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless specified. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 San Angelo: wooled and shorn no test. Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 120-145 lbs no test.
South Dakota: wooled and shorn 110-140 lbs 197.00-204.00 Billings: wooled and shorn 129 lbs 210.00.
Equity Coop: Powell Pool 125 lbs wooled 206.00. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2 San Angelo: hair 50-60 lbs 228.00-252.00, few 266.00; 60-70 lbs 228.00-258.00; 70-80 lbs 228.00-253.00, few 257.00; 80-90 lbs 226.00250.00, few 254.00; 90-100 lbs 220.00-246.00; 100-115 lbs 208.00230.00. wooled and shorn 50-60 lbs 240.00-244.00; 60-70 lbs 236.00240.00; 70-80 lbs 230.00-252.00; 80-90 lbs 228.00-250.00; 90-100 lbs 212.00-240.00.
Ft. Collins: no test
South Dakota: wooled and shorn 50-60 lbs 220.00-250.00; 60-70 lbs 204.00-235.00; 70-80 lbs 205.00-230.00; 80-90 lbs 195.00-215.00; 90-100 lbs 195.00-208.00; 110-120 lbs 193.00211.00. hair 45 lbs 210.00. Billings: wooled and shorn 66 lbs 272.50; 70-80 lbs 244.00270.00; 80-90 lbs 244.300-267.00; 90-100 lbs 247.00-260.50; 100-110 lbs 240.00-260.00. hair 75 lbs 207.50. Slaughter Ewes San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 80.00-102.00, hair 80.00-104.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 100.00, hair 98.00-110.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) hair 82.00100.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) hair 65.00-74.00; Cull 1 30.00-60.00.
Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) no test; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test. South Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 80.00-90.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 70.00-95.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 70.00-84.00; Cull 1 45.00-65.00. Billings: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 60.00-71.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 58.00-64.00, hair 67.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 50.00-57.00; Cull 1 44.00-45.00. Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2 San Angelo: hair 30-40 lbs 260.00; 40-50 lbs 248.00-258.00; 50 lbs 248.00.
Ft. Collins: no test.
South Dakota: 38 lbs 315.00; 40-45 lbs 305.00; 55 lbs 241.00; 60-80 lbs 239.00-245.50; 80-90 lbs 231.00-247.00; 90-100 lbs 228.00-241.00; 100-105 lbs 222.00-227.00.
South Dakota: no test.
Billings: young 145 lbs 71.00/cwt; middle age 135-205 lbs 59.00-70.00/cwt. Sheep and lambs slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 35,000 compared with 33,000 last week and 34,000 last year.
Source: USDA AMS Market News, San Angelo, Texas
National Wool Review
As of June 21, 2024
Domestic wool trading had no confirmed trades reported this week. Prices reflect trades FOB warehouse in original bag or square pack, bellies out, some graded, and 76 mm or longer. No allowance made for coring, freight, or handling fees at the warehouse level to reflect
grower prices. Wools shorter than 75 mm
and skirted wools usually
original bag prices.
Nebraska
FARM/RANCH HAND WANT-
ED: Looking to hire general labor to help in maintaining irrigation and haying equipment. Will also help with small cow/calf operation. Full-time and seasonal positions available. Call 307-3514175 for more information 7/20
SIGN-ON BONUS!! FULLOR PART-TIME DRIVERS NEEDED FROM WORLAND TO CASPER, WY: Nighttime hours, $30/hour to start. Must have CDL, pass background check and clean MVR. E-mail resumes to dingoboy6342@ yahoo.com or call Matt, 801641-4109 7/6
NE
Come Join the Gottsch Livestock Feeders Family! Gottsch Livestock Feeders is looking for Cowboys/Pen Riders for their feedyard in Red Cloud, NE. The main focus of the Cowboy/Pen Riders are spotting, pulling, diagnosing and taking cattle to the hospital and shipping fat cattle. This person will need to be a team player who is seeking a long-term position. You will have the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the best in the industry. We offer a benefits package that includes health insurance, dental, vision, 401(k), health savings, life insurance and paid vacation. Retention bonus offered to full-time employees. Incentives paid out at 6 months and 1 year of employment. If you are interested stop by and fill out an application or visit our website at
www.gottschcattlecompany.com
Call Brandon Furr at 402-257-7769 or 402-746-2222 for more information.
BIG HORN REDI MIX IS LOOK-
ING FOR A MIXER/END DUMP DRIVER FOR ITS POWELL, WY PLANT: Applicant must have a Class A or B CDL with a clean MVR and must pass a pre-employment drug test. Position is full time, Mon.-Fri. Benefits include 100% employerpaid insurance (medical, dental, vision, life) and paid vacation after one year. Pick up an application at 355 E. North St. in Powell, WY or request one by e-mail at bhrmoffice@rtconnect.net 6/29
HELP WANTED, VALLEY FOODS, SARATOGA, WY: Experienced meat cutter needed, will train the right person. Please contact us via e-mail with your qualifications at valleyfoods9024@hotmail. com 7/20
THE WYOMING STOCK GROWERS ASSOCIATION is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of Marketing & Communication Director. This diverse position reports to the Executive Vice President and has primary responsibility for assuring a strong flow of useful information to the association membership and the public. The director will oversee public relations initiatives focused on developing public understanding and support for the organization and the livestock industry. The director will also assist in the oversight of the association’s events and programs including regional meetings, two annual conventions, the Wyoming Environmental Stewardship Program and other events as assigned. This is a full-time position located in Cheyenne, WY. The job includes annual salary, paid-time off, health insurance compensation, cell phone stipend and a matching 401(k) plan. Starting salary will be based on level of experience. Letters of application accompanied by a resume and references must be received no later than July 15th Send to Jim Magagna, Executive Vice President, Wyoming Stock Growers Association, PO Box 206, Cheyenne, WY 82003, or e-mail to jim@wysga.org. This position is open until filled. Learn more at www.wysga.org 6/29
LOOKING FOR FULL-TIME RANCH HAND IN NORTHEASTERN COLORADO: We are 30 minutes away from the towns of Holyoke and Wray, CO and Imperial, NE. We have spring-calving cows and fall-calving cows. We are looking for someone to help with checking cows, calving, preparing circles for planting, sprinkler repairs, haying, moving and vaccinating cows, fixing barbwire fence and putting in hot wire fence. We work pretty long hours 6 to 7 days a week from spring through fall. House and work pickup provided! References required! Looking to fill as soon as possible. Call Kim at 970-520-2513 6/29
AGRI-ONE FINANCIAL: Farm/ ranch and all commercial loans. RATES AS LOW AS 5%. We have been helping with all aspects of agricultural, commercial financing and management for years. LET US HELP YOU on a consulting level with management to increase profitability, deal with and fix credit problems and for all your financing needs. WE CARE AND HAVE WORKING PROGRAMS designed for the farmer/rancher and not the banker. Please call Steve, 303-773-3545 or check out our website, www.agrionefinancial.com. I will come to you and get the job done!! 7/13
PROVEN RIDER/TRAINER:
This is a full-time, all-encompassing position for the True Equine Professional. This professional position includes typical ranch work, barn chores, riding, training, giving lessons to clients, etc. You must be a very good rider with proven abilities in the equine industry. You must be good with horses in the saddle and on the ground. Experience in both Western and English riding is an added advantage. You must have impeccable references and a proven record of accomplishments. Please do not apply if you are not an experienced, proven, good rider as this is a major requirement. This position is based in New Hampshire. Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate. Send resume, qualifications and references to Info@HollisRanch.com. Phone us at 603-465-2672 for more information and an initial phone interview 7/20
REMOTE NORTHEAST WYOMING RANCH IS LOOKING FOR A FULL-TIME FARM/ RANCH EMPLOYEE: This position is open immediately. Applicant must be self-motivated, reliable and responsible with knowledge of haying and farming. Mechanical skills are a must. Farming duties include: Swathing, baling and raking hay, etc. THIS IS NOT A COWBOY POSITION, but applicant will need to assist in all aspects of cattle work as well. Those duties include calving heifers, feeding hay, branding and gathering, etc. Nearest big town is 60+ miles and nearest K-12 school is 30+ miles away. Housing is provided and on a school bus route. Please send resume with references by mail or e-mail to: PeeGee Ranch, 1251 Lower Powder River Road, Arvada, WY 82831, pgranch@rangeweb. net. Call 307-736-2461 7/13
WANTED RELIABLE, HARDWORKING INDIVIDUAL NEEDED TO LIVE ONSITE AND CARE FOR A BEAUTIFUL 40 ACRE HORSE PROPERTY IN PARKER, CO: Responsibilities include daily turn out for 4 rescue horses, stall cleaning, feed set up, keeping supplies stocked, running tractors for mowing, plowing and manure spreading, keeping fence lines safe, gates in good operating condition and more!! Fully furnished 1 bedroom apartment in exchange for predetermined number of work hours. This is a long-term position. Option for additional work and pay available. Please e-mail resume to linda@experienceavatarnow.com. For questions, leave message, 720-320-9681 6/29
RANCH HAND/GROUNDS
KEEPER: Full-time position at a family-owned ranch near Cody, WY and located in the Shoshone National Forest. Position entails lawn care, irrigation, heavy equipment operation, carpentry, equipment maintenance, building maintenance and overall residential and agricultural property maintenance. Experience is welcome but will train the right candidate. The ideal candidate will be reliable; have a strong work ethic; be able to perform individually and with a team; be a self-starter and enjoy working outdoors. Benefits include health, with optional dental and eye; paid-time off and 401(k) with employer matching contribution. For the right candidate housing on property is also available. Salary based upon previous experience. Send resumes to cg1@colliergroupoffice.com or call 307-587-6275 for questions 6/29
HOUSEKEEPER: Full-time position(s) at a family-owned ranch near Cody, WY and located in the Shoshone National Forest. Position entails keeping facilities and common areas clean and maintained; vacuuming, sweeping and mopping floors; cleaning and stocking restrooms; notifying managers of necessary repairs; collecting and disposing of trash; dusting; and light outdoor cleaning and maintenance. Experience is welcome but will train the right candidate. The ideal candidate will be reliable; have a strong work ethic; be able to perform individually and with a team; be a self-starter; and must be able to lift 25 pounds. Benefits include health, with optional dental and vision; paid-time off; and 401(k) with employer matching contribution. Salary based upon previous experience. Send resumes to cg1@colliergroupoffice.com or call 307-5876275 for questions 6/29
AKC REGISTERED BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG AND F1 STANDARD BERNEDOODLE PUPPIES: These adorable puppies are microchipped and up-to-date with shots and wormer. Parents are fully DNA and genetic health tested. Males and females available. Shipping and flight nanny available, $2,500, Whitewood, S.D. Call 605-641-8272. Visit us on Facebook at Black Hills Bernese Mountain Dogs. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 6/29
AKC REGISTERED PEMBROKE WELSH CORGIS: I have 2 adorable male pups left from my Christmas litter. They are show quality, healthy, loving and robust young dogs. Parents are genetically tested clear for major problems. They have been raised in my home and are very loving and well mannered. They get along with other dogs and are very social. Five panel negative genetic tested. Vaccinated, dewormed, dewclaws removed and tails docked to show ring standards. $1,500 with full breeding rights or $1,000 as pets. Will trade for horse quality hay or useable farm equipment. Call Sonya Gangstead at 541-480-9567 or e-mail me for pictures and pedigrees at brokersonya@gmail.com. Located in Roundup, MT 6/29 REGISTERED
For
RED ANGUS 2-YEAR-OLD
FORAGE BULLS FOR SALE:
Bulls for heifers and cows. Smaller framed, efficient, easy fleshing, good dispositions. Not fat, but in great shape and ready to go to work. Have been worked with dogs, on foot and horseback. Raised in rugged, rough, steep, rocky, high elevation country. Red Fork Red Angus, Ken & Cheri Graves, Kaycee, WY, phone 307-738-2247, cell 307-2670724, e-mail gravesredfork@ rtconnect.net 6/29
RED ANGUS HIGH-ELEVATION
YEARLING BULLS FOR SALE
IN NORTHEASTERN UTAH: Out of AI and bull-bred sires. Will be trich, semen tested and fed for free until May 1. $2,500/head. Bar Lazy TL Ranch, David, 435-8281320, barlazytlranch@gmail. com 6/29
SHORTHORN BULLS FOR SALE PRIVATE TREATY: Yearlings up to mature bulls available. Developed conservatively so they hold up. Remember a red Shorthorn bull on your homozygous black cows will give you black calves. Shorthorns are excellent maternal cattle that produce quality beef. Francis-Millvale Shorthorns, Gene and Roberta Francis Family, 701-331-2403, e-mail francis.millvale@gmail. com. To view photos, go to www. wylr.net in the classifieds 7/6
Saddles & Tack
BOOT UP FOR SUMMER!! $AVE on BOOTS: HONDO, BOULET, JUSTIN WORK BOOTS, TWISTED X (boots and shoes) and more!! SOMETHING for EVERYONE!! Great SELECTION of GIFTS for all OCCASIONS!! WE CAN ship!! Shop Moss Saddles, Boots and Tack, 4648 West Yellowstone Highway, Casper, WY; 307-472-1872. Our family serving yours for 50 years!! Check us out on Facebook or our website 6/29
Leatherwork
LS CUSTOM LEATHER: Belts, tack, cell phone cases and much more!! Contact Lester, 307-6311053, leave a message. Located in Riverton, WY 6/29
RAMBOUILLET, TARGHEE AND COLUMBIA YEARLING RAMS FOR SALE. Call or text Russell Bell at 307-6804950 7/20
ARE YOU IN NEED OF A NEW HERDER CAMP OR A PERSONAL RANGE CAMP FOR YOUR FAMILY? Contact us at Western Range Camps and see what we can build for you. We specialize in quality, handcrafted camps built to your specifications. Contact us today to design the camp just right for you. Western Range Camps, 435462-5300, heidi@wrcamps. com, 1145 S. Blackhawk Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647 6/29
600 TONS 2023 GRASS/ALFALFA IN LARGE ROUNDS: Cut slightly mature but baled green!! Will deliver!! For sale by Cheyenne, WY area producer. Call 307-630-3768 7/6
GOOD QUALITY OAT HAY: 3x4 bales, barn stored, $90/ton, tests available. ALSO, grass hay or alfalfa, barn stored, $125/ ton. Lusk, WY. Call Paul Hicks, 970-203-5019 7/6
LOTS AND LOTS OF HAY FOR SALE!!! 1,350 lb. round bales, net wrapped. Grass/alfalfa mix, native grass, brome grass, straight alfalfa. ALSO, triticale and barley hay. Sheridan, WY area. Come and get it!! For pricing call the ranch, 307-737-2680 or 702-501-4243 (cell) 7/6
CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE, 3x4 bales. Cody, WY. Call 307-899-1952 TFN
Wheat Harvesting
VANBEEK HARVESTING: WHEAT HARVESTING WANTED, 2024 and beyond. Two John Deere 780 combines with supporting equipment, Pollock, S.D. Call 605-848-1080 7/20
2014 NEW HOLLAND T4.105:
ONLY 560 HOURS!! Very clean, well maintained, always inside barn or shelter, like new condition. Only used for snow blowing, this tractor has never seen the dirt. Comes with Erskine 96” double auger PTO drive blower that will move almost any snow. This blower is over $23,000 new. Get everything for one low price. $56,000 Call or text 970-8467999. To view photos, go to www. wylr.net in the classifieds 7/13
MISCELLANEOUS FARM EQUIPMENT: Panels, gates, water tanks and fuel tanks. Call 307-259-5900 7/6
FOR SALE: 2007 JOHN DEERE 568 ROUND BALER, 15,408 bales. Many new parts, new tires, field ready and in good condition. $18,500 OBO. Call 605-347-3403 or 605499-9088 7/20
NEW HOLLAND 560 ROLL BELT BALER, bale count 178 bales, in shop every night, $55,000. 2001 MACDON 9250 SWATHER with 922 auger head, 1,771 hours on tractor, 1,384 hours on head, $43,000. Area fields are being subdivided. Call 307-674-9092 7/13
FOR SALE!! NEW HOLLAND OR MACDON DOUBLE HARD GERMAN GUARDS, low back $17 or high back $18. Rowse mower, hay conditioner or swather. We have used them for years and are proven. Free shipping if buy 2 boxes. Call Leo Vilhauer, 605-216-8033 Leola, S.D. or Deon Vilhauer, 701-527-5432 Bismarck, N.D. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 7/6
REGISTERED TEXAS LONGHORNS: Brush clearing, lowmaintenance cattle, traffic-stopping colors, fascinating to watch, great pedigrees. Gentle pairs, steers, heifers, solid and colorful bulls. Raise for excellent beef, fun to show, simple handling. Herd package discounts available. Westhaven Ranch 209-2749917, e-mail swestmoore@ gmail.com, website www.westhavenlonghorns.com To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 8/10
PASTURE WANTED for 2,000 yearlings and 500 pairs. Can split into smaller bunches. Call 701-523-1235 7/6
LEASE TO A PARTNER WHO PAYS!! Sacred Song Livestock looking for partners commited to the integrity of ranching. Secure the economics and ecology of your ranch for the next generation. Call 970-570-5270
SDSGA PREMIUM YEARLING
EWE SALE, SAT. JULY 27 at 2 p.m., Huron, S.D., Magness Livestock Auction. Offering approximately 500-600 head of top quality registered and commercial replacement ewes born from Jan. 1, 2023-Dec. 31, 2023. The sale will include Dorset, Hampshire, MerinoX, Polypay, Rambouillet, SAMM, Suffolk and Targhee breeds. SDSU EXTENSION PROGRAM AT 10 AM, free noon lamb lunch and viewing of ewes offered prior to sale. INTERNET BIDDING available at www.cattleusa.com For more information, please contact Lisa Surber, 406-581-7772, e-mail lisa@sdsheepgrowers.org or visit www.sdsheepgrowers. org. Check us out on Facebook, South Dakota Sheep Growers Association 7/6
WEANER PIGS FOR SALE, located in Powell, WY. For more information, call 307271-1014 8/3
CERTIFIED WEED-FREE PURE ALFALFA HAY: Small squares, all covered. First, second and third cutting available. Will load trucks and any open trailer. OATS: Combine run. Will auger into truck, trailer or large totes/ag bags. STRAW: Small squares available. Located between Powell and Cody, WY. Call or text Knopp Farms at 307-2540554 7/20
VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Hay available. Go to www.valleyvideohay.com or call Barry McRea, 308235-5386 7/20
HAY FOR SALE: 3x3 and round bales. Call 605-8400015 6/29
BARLEY STRAW: Certified weed-free small squares, $4/ bale. ALSO, 5x6 round bales, $125/ton. GRAIN/OATS, $20/ cwt. Greybull, WY area. Call 307-762-3878 or 307-8994714, leave message 7/13
HAY FOR SALE: 2024 first cutting, second cutting available in 2-3 weeks. 2023 first and second cutting, grass/alfalfa mix. ALSO, 2023 milo, oat and corn stover hay. All in net-wrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, ask for Clint, 701-290-4418, send a text if no answer or keep trying 7/13
GOT WEEDS WE CAN HELP!! Rockin’ B Ag Services offers property/pasture spraying for noxious weeds in Southeast Wyoming/Laramie County. Neighborhood discounts available. Give the professionals at Rockin’ B Ag Services a call today, 307-351-2038 7/13
FOR SALE: 1995 FREIGHTLINER FLD 132 CLASSIC XL, 3406 B CAT, 100 miles on overhaul, 64” removable sleeper, 9 speed. Loaded with all options. Ready to go to work. Asking $30,000 OBO. Have other stuff to go with it. For details call Don, 719-743-2330. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 6/29
1991 KENWORTH T600 60 series with 1987 BEALL 40’ BELLY DUMP TRAILER. Very good condition, ready to work. ALSO, 1978 CHEVROLET TITAN, Cummins, 10 speed, in very good shape. Call 406-860-5448 6/29
2019 KUBOTA RTV x1140: Diesel engine with 2,500 hours. Hydraulic tilt bed, power steering, 4x4. Converts from 2 to 4 seats. $11,000. Call/text Matt, 307-257-4216 for more info/ pics. Located in Gillette, WY. Delivery is an option. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 7/6
FOR SALE: New Holland 7’ pull type sickle mower. Rowse 3 pt., 9’ mower. Rowse 3 pt., 7’ mower. Rowse 16’ v-rake. Gramip 9 wheel finger rake. Sitrex 7 wheel finger rake. Big square 4 tine bale spear with push off and Euro mount. New Holland 195 manure spreader with double apron chain, slop gate, big flotation tires. Richardton 700 silage dump box with auto roof opener. IHC 656 tractor, gas, wide front. Danuser 3 pt. post hole digger with 12” bit. John Deere 7000 6 row narrow, 3 pt. mounted corn planter. 2016 Volvo semi (daycab), D13 Detroit engine 435 HP, Volvo I-Shift automatic transmission, 309,000 miles, air slide 5th wheel, very clean and nice. H&S 7+4 17’ chuckwagons with bunk feeding extensions and tandem 14 ton running gear. Two John Deere 716A chuckwagons with John Deere running gear and bunk feeding extensions, been shedded, nice condition. 10’ HD box scraper with tilt. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-999-5482 6/29
FOR SALE: 9600 John Deere
Combine with 930 30’ grain header and an 893 8 row 30” corn header. A 20’ Krause offset disc (new blades in front). 24’ Model 630 John Deere tandem disc and an International 22’ roller harrow. ALSO, feeder pigs. Contact Greg Keller at 406-679-1136 7/6
MASSEY FERGUSON 30 INDUSTRIAL TRACTOR with loader (color yellow). New radiator, fan, fan belt, hoses and injector pump. Good rubber. $5,500. ALSO, 2019 CANAM OUTLANDER XT 650 four wheeler, 1,400 miles. Lots of extras: Winch, hand warmers, water cooled. Like new. Always kept inside. $7,500. Call 307899-3597 6/29
GRAHAM HOEME CHISEL PLOW: 12’, 12 double spring shanks with cylinder and hoses, $2,750. 24-FOOT JOHN DEERE 1100 CULTIVATOR 3 pt. hookup, $3,250. INTERNATIONAL 5100 12’ single disc drill with small seed box, $3,750. Call 307-674-9092 7/13
LEGEND FENCING: Specializing in livestock fences. Call 307887-2855 for a free estimate. Serving Southeast Idaho and Western Wyoming 6/29
LODGEPOLE PRODUCTS, 307-742-6992, SERVING AGRIBUSINESSES SINCE 1975!!
Treated posts, corral poles, buck-and-rail, western rail, fence stays, rough-sawn lumber, bedding. SEE US at www.lodgepoleproducts.com and click our “Picking A Fence Post” tab to see why folks choose our posts!! TFN
PIPE FOR SALE!! 2 7/8”, 3 1/2” tubing, 4” drill pipe, 4 1/2” casing, 5” casing, 7” casing. Rods 3/4”, 7/8” and 1” located in Montana, can ship anywhere. Call Mike, 602-758-4447. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 9/21
The choice is simple.
OILFIELD PIPE: PRICE REDUCED!! RPJ Enterprises, Inc. 2 3/8” and 2 7/8” is available. Used for fencing, corrals, cattle guards, etc. 2 3/8” and 2 7/8” are on average 31.5’ long per joint. Pierce, CO. Call for details, 970-324-4580 7/27 Good time management is essential to farming success. That’s why more farmers are turning to T-L center pivot irrigation systems. Hydrostatically powered, T-L’s simple design gives you the low maintenance time, cost, safety and reliability to let you manage your farm instead of calling electricians or replacing gearboxes. Simplify your complex world and make irrigation easier on you.
BIRD FARM RANCH | SHERIDAN, WY
Located in Big Horn’s Polo/Equestrian community, 320± acre unimproved ranch anchored by a live creek, irrigated meadows, a pond and wetlands adjoining lush foothill pastures. Big views of the Bighorn Mountains. OFFERED AT $4,160,000
Contact: Peter Widener | pwidener@hallandhall.com
OREGON RANCH, BAKER CITY, BAKER COUNTY, OR. The Alder Creek pasture contains over 2,000 acres of native spring, summer and fall pasture. The rangeland is situated just east of Baker City, OR. The property is in good condition and has good perimeter fencing. The range is gently south facing slope with a variety of native grass. FIRST-TIME OFFERING at just over $500 per acre for deeded and contiguous ownership, $1,095,000. Please give us a call for further information, Greg Sackos, 541-523-4434 (office) or 208598-0267 (cell), Intermountain Realty, www.intermountainland.com 7/13
MONTANA RANCHETTE:
3,100 sq. ft. home, 30 acres, irrigation, horse set up with barn and living quarters, Billings, MT, $2.15M. MONTANA FARM GROUND: 120 acres, $360,000 and 240 acres, $720,000, unrestricted, off county road, electric and internet, north of Laurel, MT. WEST END BILLINGS, MT: Seven acres, unrestricted, off Neibauer Rd., 2 wells +irrigation, trees, private, $495,000. WEST END BILLINGS, MT: Log home, on 10.7 acres, irrigation water, 2,240 sq. ft. shop, +2 garages, $589,000. Call Lorie Trump, Landmark of Billings, MT. 406-8602902 7/6
Pork
Since 1988, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has been hosting the World Pork Expo (WPX).
On June 5-6, more than 12,000 producers and industry professionals from 37 countries came together at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa to celebrate the 36th WPX.
WPX is the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, with a wide range of free seminars, networking and hospitality opportunities.
According to the WPX press release, NPPC President and Minnesota Pork Producer Lori Stevermer stated, “WPX brings out the best in the swine industry. There are so many educational and networking opportunities. I hope everyone who attended the expo went home with a new idea they can implement on their farm for a long-term benefit.”
Highlights from the NPPC included a policy panel covering current legislative, regulatory, legal and trade priorities for the pork industry.
Topics focused on the
Property for Sale
2,170 ACRES OF PRIME AGRICULTURAL NON-IRRIGATED FARMLAND: Soils consist primarily of silt and sand loams. Located east of Hawk Springs, WY along the Wyoming/Nebraska state line. Professional care is dedicated to optimizing soil health. Divisible into smaller parcels to meet your investment needs. No improvements.
$1,900,000. 4,752± DEEDED
AMISH BUILT CABIN WITH SEPARATE SHOP/HOME ON 141 ACRES IN ROUNDUP, MT: Adorable 679 sq. ft. cabin, with one bedroom and a full bath, island with electric cooktop, woodstove and gas backup heat, electric HW and fully wired. The shop/home is 1,500 sq. ft. on the main,
NORTHEAST OREGON, THE DLX RANCH: Located near Baker City, OR the DLX is noted as one of the most productive and finest ranches around. It is well balanced and contains 17,000 deeded acres with 4,000 acres of irrigated meadows and cropland. Native and improved rangeland provides good spring and summer pasture. The ranch is well improved with nice homes, excellent livestock working facilities and is noted for its production and ease of operation and management. Abundant water and over 6 miles of the Powder River running through the ranch provide for not only production but unbelievable waterfowl and upland game bird habitat. The ranch also provides good populations of elk and mule deer. Situated in the heart of the Baker Valley, the ranch enjoys very scenic mountain views and is very private yet only a short drive to Baker City, OR. Currently operated as a commercial cow/calf operation with a permitted feedlot. The ranch would also make an ideal yearling or combination operation. It is rare to find this quality of a ranch and particularly a property that is a going concern. This is a first-time offering and we look forward to hearing from you.
$32,500,000. Livestock and rolling stock available by separate treaty. Please give us a call for further information, Greg Sackos, 541523-4434 (office) or 208-5980267 (cell), Intermountain Realty, www.intermountainland. com 7/13
ACRES, LAGRANGE, WY: A top-end grass ranch with 10 wells optimized for maximum cattle production of 250 cows. Includes a stunning brick 5 bed, 3 bath home. Livestock barn with hydraulic chute, tube, concrete and pens. Shop and steel pens for calving and concrete bunk space. Deer, antelope. $4,900,000. 3,316± DEEDED ACRES consisting of improved meadow grass and lush hard grasses. Run 250± cows through 12 pastures. Outstanding condition. Nice home plus excellent corrals and calving facilities. Natural tree-lined draws for livestock protection. Hawk Springs, WY. WAS $5,100,000 NOW
$4,700,000!! Pictures and video at www.buyaranch.com Call Casey Essert, Land Broker, 307-532-1750 7/13
producers gather to share ideas at the 2024 World
ongoing fight for the 2024 Farm Bill, California’s Proposition (Prop) 12, agricultural labor, an enhanced swine traceability system, international trade and foreign animal disease preparation and prevention.
Speakers at the 2024 WPX included Jennifer Moffitt, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig.
New program
This year, the NPPC added a new program to the WPX lineup – the Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet, sponsored by Novus and NutraBlend.
The two-day competition was designed for youth from 17 to 22 years old to participate in collaborative discussions around industry issues and draft innovative solutions.
“The goal is to engage more young people and bring them to WPX,” said Seth Mitchell, manager of state pork industry relations at NPPC. “We see it as a launchpad to future involvement in the pork industry.”
Twelve youth from
eight states participated in the inaugural event, with four finalists receiving scholarships.
The winner, Emma Kuhns from Illinois, received a $2,500 scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the NPPC Legislative Action Conference in September.
The other finalists were Amanda Ostrem of Iowa, who received $2,000; Graca Goettsch of Iowa, who received $1,500 and Bella Stouffer of Washington, who received $1,000.
Something for everyone
Between Pork Academy, presented by the National Pork Board and Pork Checkoff, and company-sponsored business seminars, there were numerous opportunities to gather the latest insights into topics impacting pork production today and into the future.
Jenna Seltzer from Elanco, a swine nutritional health consultant, discussed the latest advancements in swine nutritional health and how these innovations are benefiting pork producers.
She shared insights on new products and strategies which enhance the health
and productivity of swine herds.
Ever.Ag Livestock Division President Joe Kerns and Ever.Ag Lead Economist Dr. Steve Meyer presented on the economic outlook for the pork industry.
The two speakers discussed the impact of the European Union stepping back from exports due to regulations, and for the first time since 2014, the U.S. will most likely gain the number one exporter position this year.
Meyer highlighted the optimism in the U.S. pork market, noting a recordhigh export rate of 27 percent, translating to nine percent growth.
However, he anticipates the $10 per head profit for producers is swinging back to negative margins due to factors such as Tyson’s plant closure in Perry, Iowa; improved productivity; global production rebound from African swine fever (ASF) and lower consumer spending.
Meyer warned of Brazil’s scaling efforts in the swine industry, paralleling their success in poultry and beef exports, suggesting
Pork Expo
with current demand levels, the U.S. swine industry would need to reduce its sow herd from six million to four million, if all sow farms performed at the top level.
NPPC updates Chase Adams, NPPC assistant vice president of domestic policy, discussed the complications created by Prop 12 in potentially opening the door to a web of 50 different, often conflicting, standards on how food is produced.
Adams said, “NPPC urges Congress to adopt a legislative solution in the farm bill to mitigate further impacts to both farmers and consumers, noting the legislation has led to price spikes as high as 41 percent for fresh pork in California and is negatively impacting consumers.”
As the pork industry recovers from historic economic losses, producers need stability in their operations.
NPPC Chief Executive Officer Bryan Humphreys reiterated the importance of ongoing policy efforts.
Dr. Anna Forseth, NPPC director of animal health, highlighted the importance of preserving foreign animal disease risk and prevention programs, which include the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, National Animal Health Laboratory Network, National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program and National Veterinary Stockpile.
“Pork producers continue to face threats from foreign animal disease like ASF,” Forseth stated. “Farm bill funding can address these risks and help mitigate an outbreak which could lead to billions of dollars in losses, food shortages and the immediate closure of export markets.”
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
“NPPC continues to work on a range of policy issues which protect herd health and safeguard producers’ farming businesses,” Humphreys said. “We encourage Congress to finalize a bipartisan farm bill this year reflecting the needs of pork producers.”
IT'S THE PITTS
by
Lee Pitts
Junior Con Artists
Let me ask readers some questions, and I want honest answers. Don’t hold back.
Do I look like an idiot? Do I have the word “sucker” written on my forehead? And is it visible to everyone but me?
Here’s the reason I ask.
As readers may or may not know, 4-H and FFA kids will do almost anything to get a buyer at the fair for their project animals. And apparently, some rare juvenile delinquents are not above running a con.
I was walking past the lamb pens at our local county fair during sucker season when I noticed a sad beast with pleading, soulful eyes and a watery nose. I am not referring to a lamb but the kid in the straw with it. The nine-year-old boy, whom I
knew, was hugging the lamb as tightly as he could.
“Is that you Billy? That’s a good looking little lamb you have there,” I said.
“Oh, thank you Mr. Pitts. I’ve raised her since her mother abandoned her at birth. I call her Ali Baa Baa, and she’s such a nice lamb I sure wouldn’t want to sell her and be responsible for her death. You wouldn’t buy Ali would you? She could run and play with the rest of your sheep and maybe she’d have good babies for you?” he replied.
One look at Ali Baa Baa convinced me she was not breeding ewe material –Southdown sheep haven’t been in fashion since Truman was president – but I couldn’t get the sorrowful sight out of my head.
Every time I went through the lamb barn at our fair, Billy was there clutching his lamb and crying his eyes out.
I’m a real softy, so when the day of the Junior Livestock Auction came I was sitting in the front row. Little Billy led Ali Baa Baa into the sale ring, and the bidding started at a buck a pound.
Evidently I was not the only one who felt sorry for the pitiful kid and his lamb because the bidding quickly rose to five dollars per pound. I didn’t understand why this lamb would be worth so much more than the rest, her Southdown breeding and all, but every time I thought about not bidding another crocodile tear would roll down Billy’s face.
I was $800 poorer, but the warm feeling in my heart was compensation enough. However, the warm feeling quickly defrosted.
Ali Baa Baa turned out to be one disgusting creature. She bawled all night and was always underfoot, trying to suck my kneecap, and the warm glow I had experienced
Rule generates mixed reactions
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) received mixed reactions following Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s announcement of a proposed rule to modernize the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act).
Titled “Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets,” the rule is the fourth to implement reforms first announced in President Joe Biden’s executive order on promoting competition in the American economy in 2022.
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) released a statement in support of the rule.
“This highly-anticipated rule offers important clarification to longstanding USDA interpretations of competitive injury under the P&S Act, which is intended to protect livestock and poultry growers from unfair practices,” said Billy Hackett, NSAC policy specialist. “The proposed rule repre-
sents one more step to give producers a fair shake in unbalanced contracts with corporate integrators.”
On the other hand, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) released a statement opposed to the rule.
“USDA’s newly-proposed rule is a direct attack on cattle producer profitability. By creating criteria which effectively deems any innovation or differentiation in the marketplace improper, USDA is sending a clear message cattle producers should not derive any benefit from the free market but instead be paid one low price regardless of quality, all in the name of so-called fairness,” states NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane.
USDA is seeking public comments on the proposed rule. The comment period will end 60 days after the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register
turned out to be caused by a stab to the heart.
When I attended the buyer appreciation dinner, Billy and his father were unaware I was in a restroom stall when they came in to wash up.
“Boy, we sure nailed Pitts didn’t we?” chuckled Billy’s father.
“Yeah, we pulled his leg of lamb! Ha, ha, ha,” said Billy. “Every time I saw old Pittsy coming by my pen, I would jump in with Ali, hug her and look as sad as if you had cut off my allowance. I almost felt sorry for him.”
“I know what you mean,” said Billy’s father. “I could barely keep from laughing myself, and I don’t think he ever caught on it was me bidding him up.”
“That was real smart Billy, putting the tack in your shoe while you were in the sale ring. Those tears of pain looked like genuine tears of sorrow. I’m real proud of you son,” his father continued.
The two con artists were laughing at my expense as they left the latrine.
Later that night, they put on their sorrowful expressions and came over to per-
sonally thank me for buying Ali Baa Baa.
“We sure do want to thank you for giving Ali a good home,” said the father. “I don’t know if little Billy could stand the thought of having poor Ali killed.”
Then, Little Billy got a real concerned look on his face – which I think was genuine – and asked, “By the way, how is Ali?”
I took one look at the two disgusting creatures in front of me and replied, “Deeeelicious!”
Who says revenge doesn’t taste sweet?
Carbon County Fair
AUGUST
3-10,
2024
Sunday August 4 - 7 pm: County Roping Monday, August 5 - 5 pm: Working Ranch Horse Contest Tuesday, August 6 - 7 pm: Ranch Rodeo Wednesday, August 7 - 7 pm: PRCA Rodeo Thursday, August 8 - 7 pm: Bellamy Brother’s Concert
Friday, August 9 - 1 pm: Jr. Livestock Sale
Saturday, August 10 - 5 PM: Demolition Derby
