Volume 33 Number 31 • November 27, 2021
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The Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community • www.wylr.net
A Look Inside 4-H members continue their education at UW........... page 5 Stamp collection raises awareness of rare livestock breeds.... ...................................... page 9 Lynn Harlan shares Thanksgiving plans through the years...... .................................... page 13 Lee Pitts describes personality traits based on truck color......... .................................... page 20
Quick Bits CWD Found
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) continues to notify hunters of new areas where chronic wasting disease (CWD) is found. On Nov. 22 WGFD confirmed a hunter-harvested cow elk tested positive for CWD in Elk Hunt Area 113 – located in the Sheridan Region and borders CWD-positive areas 123 to the north and 129 to the west, where CWD was detected in 2020 and 2021. For more information visit wgfd.wyo.gov.
Expert recommends producers consider taxes when liquidating In a recent University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) BeefWatch podcast, UNL Farm and Ranch Management Specialist Jay Parsons discusses tax implications producers may face when liquidating a cowherd. During the podcast, Par-
sons shares his knowledge on how certain actions and decisions producers make, especially during a drought, may influence tax situations. He encourages producers to consider how liquating a cowherd might affect their situation.
Parsons coauthored a BeefWatch newsletter with UNL Extension Educator Steve Niemeyer on the topic. Drought impacts A majority of the West has experienced widespread drought, and there are several considerations ranchers
need to evaluate and understand when liquidating a cowherd. “Sales income from liquidating cows would be taxable minus any depreciable value left on purchased animals,” shares Parsons. “Due Please see TAXES on page 19
Scoping process begins Land management agency prioritizes sage grouse policy changes
Washington, D.C. – On Nov. 19 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced its plan to begin the scoping process to review and change current Greater sage grouse policy. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane shared his knowledge on the current status of sage grouse management and possible changes to current policy.
Policy changes Throughout history, there have been several management plans enacted. The first version came from the Obama administration in 2015 and was followed by revisions from the Trump administration in 2019. “When any court action occurs, it causes a chain-link effect on both sets of plans,” explained Lane. “Because of this whiplash, BLM feels the need
to gather additional information and potentially make revisions to regulations around sage grouse management.” As a result, the BLM will be seeking public comment in support to review both the 2015 and 2019 plans. “Basically, an all-encompassing review will be taking place in an effort to determine changes,” said Lane. The Biden administration and the Please see GROUSE on page 18
MFBF Election
Montana Farm Bureau Federation’s (MFBF) Vice President Cyndi Johnson was elected as president during the organization’s 102nd Annual Convention Nov. 8-11 in Billings, Mont. She will serve as the organization’s first female president since the organization’s inception in 1919. After serving as president for five years, Hans McPherson stepped down as president, giving the opportunity for Johnson, a wheat farmer to be elected. Gary Heibertshausen was elected as vice president.
Fed Cattle
As of Nov. 1, total inventory of fed cattle is estimated at 11.948 million head, 398,000 head higher than October but 25,000 or 0.2% lower than this time last year. The United States Department of Agriculture estimated the number of cattle placed on feed at 2.2 million head, 2.4% higher than a year ago. Feeder cattle sales indicate more cattle are being placed in feedlots in October compared to 2020, but still lower than in 2019.
Antitrust Case
A federal judge has approved the second of three class action settlements against JBS SA, a $12.75 million deal. The consolidated lawsuit – which includes a trio of actions and lawsuits by wholesalers, retailers and restaurants – is part of a wave of litigation involving livestock and protein, including chicken, beef, turkey, tuna, salmon and eggs. The lawsuit accuses the meatpackers of laundering information through farm sector databases published by Agri Stats Inc., which is also named as a defendant.
WYLR photo
Mexican wolves FWS reports 100 live wolves, 538 dead cattle Current trends indicate that for every 100 wolves on the landscape within Mexican wolf range, there are 105.5 head of cattle as confirmed wolf kills. This is according to data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). In 2000, the minimum Mexican wolf count was 22 animals, which were responsible for one confirmed cattle death in wolf range in Arizona and New Mexico. But, as the wolf population grew, so did the number of dead livestock, with the 163-head wolf population responsible for killing 172 cattle in 2019, or 105.5 cattle for every 100 wolves. This number only includes confirmed deaths. When FWS factored in the unconfirmed kills, at a rate of 4.1 unconfirmed cattle killed for every confirmed kill, the total was 538 dead cattle per 100 wolves. Economic impacts The livestock loss calculations were included in a recently released draft supplemental environmental impact statement (EIS), Please see WOLVES on page 19
Wyoming cowboys recognized
UW Livestock Judging Team finishes season
Several cowboys, cowgirls and western organizations will be honored at Rodeo Fame’s Legacy of the West Gala, presented by Wheeler’s Western Outfitters and Trailer Sales in Las Vegas, Nev. on Dec. 8. Bareback rider J.R. Vezain, originally from Cowley, was awarded the All Grit Award. Vezain was seriously injured at the Pasadena, Texas Livestock Show and Rodeo in September of 2018, and has since worked to overcome mobility issues after suffering a broken back. Since the accident, Vezain has undergone several surgeries and treatments, but makes it a point to stay motivated and busy. Vezain has started judging non-sanctioned bull riding events, as well as speaking at local high schools and churches. Chancey Williams, country music singer-songwriter and former saddle bronc rider from Moorcroft, was selected as the Legacy of the West Award winner. This award is given to an individual who upholds the legacy of the industry through ethics and leadership. Jackie Crawford recieved the Women’s Lasting Impact Award, which is given to women in the Western community who create change, make a difference and take a stand. Crawford, an impressive roper and horsewoman, is a strong advocate for breakaway roping as well as the integrity of what it means to be a cowgirl. Other award winners include: Christy Burlson, Innovative Photographer Award; Western Sports Foundation, Raise the Bar Award; Anthony Lucia, Trailblazer Award; Dougie Hall, Difference Maker Award; The Cowboy Channel,
The University of Wyoming’s (UW) Livestock Judging Team finished their season at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, Ky. on Nov. 15. Traditionally, the contest at the NAILE serves as the national championship for senior college livestock judging teams. “The team had a really strong year with a nice finish,” said Coach Curtis Doubet. “There were a lot of team and individual highlights throughout the year, and the team represented UW really well with the contest in Louisville as a solid way to end the year.” The senior judging team consisted of Jacey Taylor, Montrose, Colo.; McKenna
Please see AWARDS on page 9
Carnahan, Julesburg, Colo.; Holly Heckendorf, Wellington, Colo.; Kemsley Gallegos, Laramie; Macy Collins, Meeker, Colo.; Kenzie Morris, Yuma, Colo.; Grace Gullatt, Salem, Ala.; Justin Doubet, Parker, Colo.; Cooper Carlson, Atwood, Colo.; and Zach Davis, Sebastopal, Calif. The team is coached by Curtis Doubet and Assistant Coach Shanan Davey. Livestock evaluation highlights The team started their year of judging with a contest at the Cattlemen’s Congress in January. There, the team was ranked sixth overall. Heckendorf placed sixth in cattle and 20th overall, and Carnahan placed 17th overall.
periodical
periodical
Please see UW on page 9