Volume 32 Number 25 • October 17, 2020
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The Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community • www.wylr.net
A Look Inside Casper College Livestock Judging Team is off to a successful start................... Page 2 Test your knowledge with this week’s crossword puzzle.......... Page 9 Mental health conversations in the agriculture industry are critical.......................... Page 12 UW Rodeo Team ends the fall season on a high note............... .................................... Page 13
Quick Bits WHIP+ On Oct. 9, USDA announced Oct. 30 as the deadline to submit applications for the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program – Plus (WHIP+) for 2018 and 2019 losses.
Methane Rule Chief Judge Scott Skavdahl of the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming ruled on Oct. 9 that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under the Obama administration overstepped its authority with its efforts to regulate emissions of methane from oil and gas operations on federal and tribal lands. Wyoming contended in court that the BLM exceeded its statutory authority when promulgating the BLM’s methane rule.
Producers should be on the lookout for fall illness Fall is a busy time of year. In fact, most producers are harvesting their crops, gathering their cows off the summer range and weaning their calves, so treating illness is usually the last thing on
their minds. During an episode of Kansas State University’s (KSU) Agriculture Today podcast, dated Oct. 5, KSU Veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff explains the unique challenges fall
brings to the health of the cowherd and encourages producers to be prepared to treat illnesses they may see this time of year. “Autumn is a unique time of year. The days aren’t as warm, and we are
beginning to have cooler evenings,” states Tarpoff. “There is a lot going on, especially on a farm or ranch, but we have to keep in mind there are some ailments that will begin rear-
Please see ILLNESS on page 7
WBA hosts panel to discuss beef processing status, opportunities in Wyoming
Managing seasonal stress UW Sheep Specialist provides recommendations to help lambs excel through weaning and shipping stress With a recent surge in demand and improved prices for feeder lambs, University of Wyoming (UW) Extension Sheep Specialist Dr. Whit Stewart says it is more important than ever for producers to be sure lambs are in good shape to excel during weaning and shipping. Managing stress “The first thing producers need to understand is weaning is a stressful experience. There is a change in environment and social structure in the hierarchy of flock mates,” Stewart explains, noting sheep are much
different than cattle in terms of their sensitivity to the environment and removal of their pen mates. “It takes a while for lambs to adjust because they are such a flocking-type species. When they go to a new environment, they need time to reestablish their social hierarchy before they are pushed on feed,” he Please see FIX on page 5 adds. He also notes shipping can cause lambs stress. “Animals can lose a range of six to 12 percent of their Please see STRESS on page 9
COVID-19 Coronavirus cases in the U.S. rose by 63,676 to 7,980,899 cases as of Oct. 16, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The death toll increased by 813 lives to 217,717 deaths. It was the first time in two months the daily caseload increased by more than 60,000 cases. The U.S. will likely surpass the eight million caseload mark as cases continue to rise in rural areas around the country.
USDA Report The USDA World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report, issued on Oct. 9, forecasts per capita beef consumption at 57.7 pounds per person, down 1.9% compared to 2020 but 6.4% higher than in 2014. Per capita pork consumption in 2021 is currently forecast 0.6% higher than a year ago and 12.5% higher than in 2014. In the case of broiler meat, per capita supply next year is expected to be 0.3% lower but 12.2% higher than in 2014.
Processing opportunities
Hannah Bugas photo
On Aug. 13, the Wyoming Business Alliance (WBA) hosted a virtual panel of highly esteemed industry experts to discuss beef processing opportunities in Wyoming as well as the current status on enhancing local processing to propel Wyoming’s agricultural economy forward. Speakers included Rep. Tyler Lindholm, Sen. Cheri Steinmetz, Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) Deputy Director Stacia Berry, Wyoming Business Council Agribusiness Development Manager Jill Tregemba, Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Executive Vice President Jim Magagna, Wyoming Ranch Foods, LLC Founder Carla Weiser, 307 Meat Company Founder Kelcey Christensen, Central Wyoming Community College President Dr. Brad Tyndall and U.S. Meat and Produce Market Founder Shonda Boyd. Lisa Johnson, president of Orbis Advantage, Inc, moderated the meeting. Current regulatory issues Lindholm began the discussion by bringing the issue of nonsensical exempPlease see WBA on page 8
Convention season begins In addition to the usual, seasonal work, fall and winter also bring a multitude of conventions hosted by several state and national associations. While things may look a little different this year due to the worldwide pandemic, many individuals and entities are still choosing to get together for their annual meetings and conventions. Fall conventions The Wyoming Water Association (WWA) will kick off the season with their annual meeting and educational seminar held Oct. 20, 22, 27 and 29. This year the event will be virtual, and each day will have a specific theme. On Oct. 20, WWA will discuss risk mitigation. On Oct. 22, the seminar will look at resiliency in the workforce. On Oct. 27, WWA will address funding readiness, and on Oct. 29, the association will hold their annual meeting. Each seminar will begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information on the event, visit wyomingwater.org. On Nov. 3-4, the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council will host their 2020 Virtual Fall Conference via Zoom. The conference will be a series of virtual educational sessions and business meetings. Session topics include the Governor’s Invasive Species Initiative and updates from the University of Wyoming and other federal and state agencies. For more information on the Weed and Pest Council’s annual conference, visit wyoweed.org. During the following week, Wyoming Women in Ag will host their 27th Annual Wyoming Women’s Ag Symposium Nov. 12-13 at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Casper. A schedule and tickets for the event will be available Please see EVENTS on page 6
Snow water resource impacts shared The Wyoming Water Forum, hosted by the Wyoming State Engineer’s Office, welcomed United States Geological Survey (USGS) Physical Scientist with the Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center Theodore Barnhart in the Oct. 13 forum. Barnhart works to improve hydrologic predictions and further the understanding of mountain hydrology along with the distribution and variability of snowpack. “Snow water resources are extremely important and valued at trillions of dollars globally,” says Barnhart. “A lot of precipitation comes as snow and is stored for future use, so it is really important to understand mountain snowpack and how
it is changing.” Influence of snowmelt Barnhart’s presentation focused on changing snowmelt and land cover and how implications from these changes affect water availability and hydrologic modeling. At a plot-sized scale, Barnhart’s research worked to answer how changes in snowmelt influence runoff and streamflow production. “High snowpacks tend to melt later in the season and quickly, while low snowpacks melt early and slow,” explains Barnhart. The study utilized data from the
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Please see WATER on page 5