December 31, 2022

Correction

In the Nov. 5 edition of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup article titled “National FFA Convention: Wyoming students compete and earn honors at annual event,” Ethan Jackowski of Cheyenne Frontier FFA was listed and recognized for reportedly earning a bronze emblem in the Extemporaneous Public Speaking event. Jackowski represents Big Foot FFA of Wisconsin.

Wyatt Stillwagner, originally listed to represent Amity FFA, represents Rogue River FFA of Oregon. Both contestants received a bronze emblem. The sole Wyoming FFA member earning a bronze emblem in the public speaking event was Bree Coxbill of Southeast FFA.

TBRI Meeting

The Thunder Basin Research Initiative (TBRI) is co-hosting a three-session, hybrid meeting with the Thunder Basin Grasslands Prairie Ecosystem Association to discuss research findings and provide updates on new projects. The meeting will be Feb. 7-9, 2023 from 1-4 p.m. with a rancher-oriented hybrid session planned for 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Feb. 7.

Small Grains

County-level estimates for 2022 small grains are now available, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The estimates, based primarily on surveys conducted with farmers and ranchers this fall, can be accessed at quickstats.nass.usda.gov

County-level estimates for late-season crops will be published in February 2023.

Winter Wheat

According to CattleFax Ag Meteorologist Matt Makens, wheat in parts of the Central and Western Plains don’t have a protective layer of snow to defend against the coming multiday, hard freeze and subzero temperatures. Commodity Weather Group says 20% of the crop is susceptible to winter kill in coming weeks, including 45% of the hard winter wheat crop.

Considerations for winter sheep nutrition discussed

In a Montana State University (MSU) Extension Sheep Program Facebook post published Nov. 21, MSU Extension revisits the research of V.M. Thomas and Dr. Rodney Kott, and provides a general overview

of their work, which is still relevant for Western sheep producers today.

Thomas and Kott’s study, “A Review of Montana Range Ewe Nutrition Research,” was originally published in the Sheep and

Goat Research Journal in 1995.

Seasonal nutrient requirements

To begin, MSU Extension’s summary notes protein is the number one nutrient requirement of

sheep throughout fall and early winter months.

“Because fall grass is generally high in energy and lower in protein and moisture, it is important to supplement protein to

Please see SHEEP on page 11

Environmental Stewardship Award

The Big Creek Ranch has been selected as the 2023 Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Environmental Stewardship Award winner.

The Wyoming Environmental Stewardship Program recognizes ranchers whose natural stewardship practices contribute to the environment and enhance productivity and profitability. The award is sponsored by the WSGA, Wyoming Department of Agriculture and Audubon Rockies.

The ranch, originally established in 1878, is currently owned by the Gates Family. Mark Dunning serves as the ranch manager for Big Creek Ranch, where he oversees the cow/calf/yearling operation.

Stewardship practices

According to the Saratoga-Encampment-Raw-

Predator Board sets budget

Costs are rising considerably for federal predator control services contracted to assist with coyote, non-trophy gray wolves and other predator management, according to an update at the Sublette County Predator Board’s Dec. 9 annual meeting.

But, it doesn’t mean the county board is prepared to spend much more money.

The update and a proposed annual contract came from Brady Smith, acting regional director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Wildlife Services (WS), with trapper Jeff Hansen to report on actions in the past fiscal year.

Board members present included officers reelected that day – President and Sheep Producer Pete Arambel and Secretary/Treasurer and Sheep Producer Cat Urbigkit, as well as Cattle Rancher Jacque Downs, who was also reelected. Cattle Rancher Members Kevin Campbell and Clay Olson and County Commissioner Appointed Member and Sportsman Josh Adams also attended.

Any livestock producers who pay predator fees in Sublette County were able to attend the meetings. Boulder Cattle Rancher Cotton Bousman and Sheep Rancher Kristi Thoman Wardell came as well.

The board heard about WS’ 2022 activities and discussed the coming year’s contract in view of its predicted 2023 revenues and expenses.

From Dec. 1 to Nov. 30, WS covered more than 446,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, almost 160,000 acres of Forest Service lands and

lins Conservation District (SERCD), Big Creek Ranch stewardship practices focus on adaptive rotational grazing, ranching conservation projects and cooperation with local conservation initiatives. Practices begin with a rotational grazing plan, allowing the flexibility to adapt to changes in the environment such as drought or fire.

From here, the ranch implements a variety of conservation practices benefiting both the land, fish, wildlife and cattle.

As advocates for partnerships and cooperative efforts, the ranch contributes to local initiatives and conservation efforts, including the Platte Valley Mule Deer Initiative, Saratoga Ag Day and several river cleanup days.

Please see WSGA on page 10

Wildlife Meeting

BLM gives update during convention

Casper – During the Wyoming Natural Resource Rendezvous Convention and Trade Show on Dec. 7, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA), Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts and Wyoming Wool Growers Association hosted a variety of committee meetings. During the joint federal lands and wildlife meetings, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wyoming State Director Andrew Archuleta gave several updates on federal lands and wildlife.

Economic analysis

“For all activities occurring on BLM public land, the state had roughly $13.5 billion of economic activity generated in the state per year a couple years ago,” shared Archuleta. “When I say economic output, it’s not necessarily how much money activities bring into the state, but what kind of activity it generates.”

“The economic output of coal, oil, gas, recreation and grazing is a big deal to the state of Wyoming, and it represents a large part of the activity in the state,” Archuleta said.

Please see BLM on page 4

2023 hog markets predicted

For pork producers across the nation, the beginning of the new year will bring a continuation of tight supplies and high prices, according to predictions made by Southern Ag Today, a collaboration of economists from 13 universities, in a Southwest FarmPress article published on Dec. 5.

Hog market

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) September Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report, there were 73,000 total hogs and pigs in the U.S. compared to 74,867 the year before, a decline of 1.4 percent. There were 6,152 breeding hogs reported in 2022 com-

pared to 6,190 the year before, a decline of 0.6 percent and 67,648 market hogs were reported in 2022 compared to 68,677, a decline of 1.5 percent.

“The USDA’s quarterly national inventory report from September indicated about 0.7 percent fewer breeding hogs and farrowings, which likely means a smaller pig crop and fewer market hogs in 2023,” notes Southern Ag Today.

While hog prices in 2022 have been higher than in 2021 for most of the year, they have not translated to enough profitability to generate expansion, and a

periodical

periodical

The

WSGA honors Big Creek Ranch for stewardship action

Courtesy photo

The Christmas holidays have passed, and our conscious has again surfaced to watch what we eat. I believe Christmas goodies are just too good to pass up.

The good news is the government has stepped in, and I’m saved – I now know what healthy foods to eat, I think.

In the 1980s, the federal government recommended people not eat fatty foods or high-cholesterol foods, and to eat all of the carbs we wanted. During the 1990s, the government came out with a food pyramid developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and recommended we eat six to 11 servings a day of bread, pasta and rice, which were at the base of the pyramid.

But, they also recommended we should only eat two or three servings of meat or eggs a day. This caused quite a stir with producers in the meat and egg business. Many blamed the food pyramid for the large spike in obesity of Americans in following years.

In 2011, USDA came out with “MyPlate” which was developed as a reminder to consumers to make healthier decisions on which foods to eat. The problem is, no one pays any attention to MyPlate.

A recent government study showed three out of four Americans have no idea what the MyPlate dietary guidelines are, so they completed another study, “Awareness of the MyPlate Plan: United States, 2017-March 2020,” published a couple weeks ago by the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics. This report showed MyPlate is virtually unknown among the eating public. Hey, our tax money at work!

The study’s authors surveyed more than 9,000 Americans over 16 years old, asking if they had heard of MyPlate and if so, whether they had ever used it. Overwhelmingly, the study found they had not.

According to the data, only one in four American adults has ever heard of MyPlate, and fewer than one in eight Americans had tried to follow MyPlate’s dietary recommendations. Most were women. Fewer than one in 25 men followed it.

The government knew people weren’t going to follow MyPlate from a 2005 survey conducted by a California olive oil trade group right after USDA modified its food pyramid. The sur vey found three out of four Americans believe their understand ing of what the revised food pyramid means is less than good. The survey also found around two of three respondents said they had made no changes in their diet in response to the guidelines.

A number of ag organizations have been working tirelessly to keep beef, pork and lamb on the dietary guidelines. Is it nec essary to have dietary guidelines if no one is paying attention to them? I believe it is necessary. We can’t let up and ignore these guidelines, especially since they are currently recognizing nonprocessed meats as healthy.

The surveys show more and more Americans don’t trust the government to tell them what to eat, and the government should have no role in making decisions about what we eat, especially around Christmas. The current food pyramid has almost become political.

There are some people who have no idea what is healthy to eat. The University of Wyoming College of Agriculture, Life Sci ence and Natural Resources has a great program where qualified nutritionists help soon-to-be mothers and other people choose what foods to eat and how to prepare them. It is sad many Ameri cans have no idea what and how to cook a meal in today’s day and age. I guess it’s why pizza is so popular.

GUEST OPINIONS

Forces Shaping the U.S. Rural Economy in 2023

By Brian Cavey, Brian Earnest, Tanner Ehmke, Rob Fox, Thomas Halverson, Jeff Johnston, Dan Kowalski, Christina Pope, Teri Viswanath and Kenneth Scott Zuckerberg

The U.S. economy still has considerable momentum and is not currently on the verge of recession. However, economists have never been more pessimistic, and there are very legitimate reasons for concern.

Over the past half century, inflation above five percent has never been tamed without incurring a recession. This portends a painful, yet necessary, chain of events to unfold in 2023, according to a comprehensive year-ahead outlook report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange.

“As financial conditions continue to tighten, we expect the U.S. economy will steadily soften through the first half of 2023, ushering in a brief, modest recession,” said CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Vice President Dan Kowalski. “The unemployment rate could rise as high as five percent, indirectly leading to a decline in consumer spending. Without this softening in the labor market and the associated slowing of wage

gains and spending, it will be difficult to stabilize prices.”

The CoBank 2023 outlook report examines several key factors shaping agriculture and market sectors serving rural communities throughout the U.S. Global economy

After two years defined by a strong economic rebound from the pandemic, the global economy will sputter in 2023. A persistent energy crisis in Europe, China’s messy exit from Zero-COVID and higher global interest rates will reduce world economic growth to a crawl.

Europe, likely already in recession, will muddle through the winter with sufficient energy supplies. China, much less impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, will continue to struggle with the impacts of COVID-19. Greater Asia will be negatively impacted by sliding global demand for goods.

Emerging markets will keep the global economy growing in 2023 as advanced economies collectively will be

stagnant and could even shrink.

U.S. economy

The labor market remains very tight, consumers are still spending aggressively and corporate profit margins have hit record levels despite high inflation.

If a recession is coming, it will take several months for these factors to reverse course, delaying any potential recession until at least quarter two of 2023.

Even then, it is unclear how readily businesses would lay off workers after experiencing such extreme staffing challenges over the past two years. The structural loss of more than two million workers since 2020 is contributing to higher inflation for both goods and services.

However, the void their exit has left could also cushion the economy from the worst of a downturn in 2023.

Monetary policy

The Federal Reserve’s (Fed) job will not get any easier in 2023. In nine months, the Fed has raised its federal funds rate

Please see ECONOMY on page 5

Labor act introduced

On Dec. 15, Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate in an attempt to address farm labor challenges. The Affordable and Secure Food Act seeks to reform the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program.

Bennet was joined by several U.S. representatives, farm workers and agricultural organizations during the announcement and said the legislation is the “last, best chance” to accomplish an H-2A overhaul to help support farmers faced with continuing labor challenges.

“The agricultural industry has waited many years to have a reliable, legal workforce. This legislation will address the critical need to provide a pathway to legal status for current, undocumented employees, while also improving the existing guest worker program,” said Ian LeMay, president of the California Fresh Fruit Association.

Groups including the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Potato Council and International Fresh Produce Association joined Bennet for the announcement.

More than a dozen agricultural organizations including the National Farmers Union and National Milk Producers Federation have issued support for the legislation.

The legislation specifically seeks to provide H-2A visas for year-round jobs, modernize the application process and lower the cost of rural housing for farm workers.

Bottle Creek trails close

Winter logging activity along Forest Road 443 on the east side of the Sierra Madre Range has temporarily closed most of the Bottle Creek trail system.

The impacted cross-country ski trails are near Wyoming Highway 70 in the Medicine Bow National Forest. Trails are managed and maintained by the Brush Creek/ Hayden Ranger District under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

Initially, all trails are closed except for the CCC loop. As operations progress throughout the winter, Forest Service staff will evaluate whether additional trails can safely be opened for public use.

For the most up-to-date trail status, contact the District Office in Saratoga at 307-326-5258.

An alternate winter trail system is available for use on the west side of the Snowy Range. Logging operations have been completed at the Brush Creek trails system off of Highway 130, and those trails are open and groomed this winter.

All recreationalists are reminded to be aware of and avoid heavy equipment operating in the area. Do not enter areas which are posted closed, as they are closed for public safety.

Visitors need to be aware of ongoing changes that may affect travel on Forest Service roads or maintained trails.

Strike averted

After announcing the threat of a strike earlier in December, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 shared workers voted to ratify a contract at Denver Processing, a pork and beef case-ready plant owned by JBS USA.

The union said the contract would be in place for three years and influence working conditions for 200 employees. The agreement includes a first-year wage increase for new workers and increases of four to six dollars per hour for every employee.

Other improvements of the contract include Local 7 employees staying on their existing union health care coverage and ensured pension plans. The union also negotiated an increase in weekly guarantees for minimum hours from 20 to 32.

Last September, UFCW Local 7 and JBS USA agreed to a deal at the JBS meat processing plant in Greeley, Colo. The contract was signed for four years.

Applicator program offered

Online registration is open for the 2023 Wyoming commercial pesticide applicator recertification program and new commercial pesticide applicator program, both to be held at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Casper Jan 17-19.

Licensed commercial applicators in need of continuing education credits (CEUs) are encouraged to attend the recertification program. Participants can receive up to 24 CEUs for participation in the January workshops, according to Jeff Edwards, University of Wyoming (UW) Extension pesticide safety education program coordinator.

Registration for the recertification program costs $125 and can be completed online at bit.ly/pesticide-recert-2023 Hotel reservations must be arranged separately.

A separate track is available for individuals seeking a new commercial applicator license.

Registration for the new applicator training program costs $110 and can be completed online at bit.ly/new-pesticide-app-2023

Before attending the new applicator program, those seeking new licenses are strongly encouraged to read the training manuals, which can be viewed online at bit.ly/wy-pesticide-training. E-mail cespubs@uwyo.edu to order print copies from UW Extension.

To obtain a license, a new applicator must score 70 percent or higher on a core exam and at least one category exam. To schedule an exam, contact a UW Extension county office.

To learn more about the January 2023 educational programs, visit uwyoextension.org/psep. Contact Edwards at jedward4@uwyo.edu or 307-837-2956 with questions.

Demand raises prices

The Mississippi and Ohio rivers have sunk to historically low levels in the wake of drought, which has also affected corn and soybean crop yields across the Midwest.

While some grain cargoes continue to move, they are moving in tows, or groups of barges, which are reduced in size, with lighter loads. Barge rates have skyrocketed and millions of tons of grain cargoes have been diverted.

However, strong domestic demand for soybeans from soy crushers, combined with reduced U.S. yields and some continuing export demand from China for corn have kept both corn and soybean prices relatively high so far, with corn prices in the high six dollar per bushel range and soybean prices in the high $13 per bushel range.

Naomi Blohm, senior market adviser for Total Farm Marketing, told High Plains Journal that despite the logistics snarls, “Soybean export sales are running above the five-year average, while export inspections are actually right on the five-year average pace, via rail shipments out of the Pacific Northwest.”

Already by June, grain export shipments out of the Great Lakes were up by 37 percent over last year.

Brucellosis update provided

A cattle herd in Park County was confirmed as “brucellosis affected” following laboratory testing at the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory in Laramie. Laboratory results were confirmed at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa on Dec. 6.

Brucellosis positive cattle are not uncommon within Wyoming’s Designated Surveillance Area (DSA), encompassing all or part of six counties along the western side of the state. Specified cattle from the DSA are required to be tested within 30 days prior to change of ownership or movement from counties within the DSA.

The affected herd was quarantined following confirmation of test results and will remain under quarantine until three consecutive, negative, whole-herd tests have been completed. No contact herd quarantines are expected at this time.

Epidemiologic interviews with herd owners are ongoing, and quarantine herd plans will be developed with each herd owner associated with the case where indicated. Epidemiologic tracing will be conducted in the upcoming weeks by Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service personnel.

A brucellosis suspect herd was released from quarantine in Sublette County on Dec. 13. The whole herd test did not reveal any further suspects, and follow-up testing on the suspect cow did not confirm the disease.

For further information, please contact the WLSB at 307-777-7515, e-mail lsbbrucellosis-mitigation@wyo. gov or call Wyoming State Veterinarian Dr. Hallie Hasel at 307-840-1389.

EXTENSION EDUCATION

By Catherine Wissner, Extension Horticulturist

Using high tunnels for growing season extension

Growing in a high tunnel or hoop house can be very rewarding and help improve vegetable yields. Both are non-permanent, unheated greenhouse structures typically covered with plastic, and their names are interchangeable.

Growing plants in one of these structures has a very different set of rules compared to growing plants outside.

In a high tunnel, plant growers can start as early as February or March and garden as late as December. If growers are late getting a garden in, they can still get a crop of tomatoes with a high tunnel. To some degree, it can protect from frost and offer protection from small hail.

Fertilizer considerations

What works in an out-

side garden can be very damaging inside of a high tunnel. High tunnels have a different set of rules to follow. Regardless of growing direct in the soil, raised beds or containers, growers need to take a holistic approach to soil and water management.

It’s important to develop a fertilizer plan with low nitrogen inputs of around 10 percent nitrogen and keep records of what and when fertilizer is placed.

Never use Miracle Grow or manures in a high tunnel or greenhouse. Miracle Grow is the wrong type of nitrogen. Plants will get very leggy, have insect problems, little fruit and lots of leaves.

Never use manures in

a high tunnel. Manures are low in nitrogen, but very high in salts and can create soil problems.

Greenhouse temps

Soil in a high tunnel heats up fast, which is great for tomatoes, peppers and other warm season vegetables. However, it causes organic matter (OM) to decompose quicker compared to outside garden soil – a loss of 1.5 to three percent OM per year isn’t unusual.

After each season, growers need to add OM back to the soil. Grass clippings, leaves, old hay, peat moss or non-manurebased composts are best. It’s important not to work manures into the soil as they will raise soil salt levels and cause irreversible soil damage.

Keeping temperatures below 95 degrees Fahrenheit inside the high tunnel is very important. Pollen loses its viability at 90 degrees Fahrenheit and sticks together if the humidity is too high. Most vegetable plants will drop blossoms and stop growing at temps above 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air circulation is also very important. Rolling up the structure’s sides work best for achieving this. If the sides don’t roll up, utilizing box fans and opening windows can help with air circulation.

Growers do not want high humidity in their high tunnel. Humidity fosters fungal, bacterial and insect problems, which will be next to impossible to get rid of. It’s important to always keep growing structures on the dry side in an effort to avoid turning them into a petri dish.

General rules for these structures include increasing air circulation, decreasing humidity, never using overhead watering systems and keeping the area clean of dead plants and weeds.

Other important considerations include never using manures or Miracle Grow, and all diseases become worse with over watering and high humidity.

Catherine Wissner is the University of Wyoming Laramie County Extension horticulturist. She can be reached at cwissner@ uwyo.edu or 307-6334480.

He noted coal is on the decline, and he foresees this having a big impact on Wyoming. However, BLM is working diligently to continue oil and gas lease sales, with one planned for June 2023.

“Oil and gas lease sales are big because the state gets half of the money from those lease sales,” he said.

Last June, the total revenue from these lease sales was roughly $13 million, with $6.5 million going to the state. In addition, the fourth economic output, grazing on BLM lands, generates $200 million per year.

Grazing rule

The BLM is working on preparing a new rule to guide its management of cows and other livestock grazing on federal lands.

“Our grazing regulations were last modified in 1995, so this is the real reason behind updating and reviewing these regulations,” he said. “BLM revised the rule in 2006, but it was enjoined by the court.”

“Our current rules were crafted with the idea that seasons stay the same every year, and it’s never truer, now than ever before. So, we need to have the flexibility to work with permittee holders and landowners,” he mentioned.

posal of lands, but unfortunately, it’s not a simple process. BLM is looking into opportunities in an effort to have a better approach.”

“There will likely be acquisitions in the future, and I want to be able to sit down in rooms like these to discuss the pros and cons,” he shared.

BLM is waiting for final arrangements to be made on the appeal before making further action on the property, but the Martons will be grazing the property for at least two more years and will have the ability to extend their grazing abilities, he mentioned.

Greater sage grouse

During the joint wildlife and federal land meeting, Archuleta gave an update on the Greater sage grouse. He shared BLM is currently working on another resource management plan amendment. The last amendment they are operating under is from 2015. An amendment was attempted in 2019, but was enjoined by the court.

FEEDERS

J & J Ochsner Livestock 125 Angus/SimAngus-x Strs, 675-725#, Weaned 60+ days, Bunk Broke, Been on a Light Grower Ration, 2 Rounds of Shots, Wormed, Poured, Home Raised Doug, Kim & Cole DesEnfants 110 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 625-800#, Weaned since Oct. 13, Bunk Broke, Been on a Light Grower Ration w/ Rumensin, Branding & Precond Shots

David Sherrod 109 Red Angus Strs, 700-850#, Weaned 90+ days, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration, Branding & Precond Shots Randy & Ty Steben 99 Blk Hfrs & Strs, 700-750#, Weaned since 90+ days, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration, Branding & Precond Shots Chris & Allison Allison 69 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 700-850#, Weaned 60 days, Bunk Broke,& Precond Shots. Choice to Fancy High Altitude Rosengreen Family 26 Mx Hfrs, 750-780#, PTO @ ranch, Complete Vac. Program, Bangs Vac., Coming off grass, Home Raised

WEANED CALVES

Jim & Shirley Miller/ Grace Meadows 200 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 500-600#, Weaned 45+ days, Hay Fed, 3 Rounds of Shots Greg & Peggy DesEnfants 158 Mostly Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 500-750#, Weaned since 10/15, Running out on pasture, Full Vac. Program Mark Swanson 155 Blk/Char-x Strs & Hfrs, 500-550#, Weaned for 40+ days, Bunk Broke, Ground Corn, Branding & Precond Shots

Nick & Shawna Harris 120 Mostly Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs. 620-650#, Weaned 40 days, Hay Fed, Lick Tubs, Branding & Precond Shots

Needmore Land & Cattle 115 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 350-500#, Weaned 45 days, Hay Fed, 3 Rnds of Shots

Ritschard Cattle Co. 110 Blk/Bwf/Char-x Strs & Hfrs, 550=600#, Weaned 55+days, Hay Fed, 3 Rounds of Modified Live, High Elevation

Mike Horniker/Horniker Steer Ranch 100 Blk/Bwf (5 Red) Strs & Hfrs, 350-600#, Weaned 80+ days, Hay Fed, Branding and Precond Shots

Adam Percival 100 Blk/Rd Strs & Hfrs, 500-700#, Weaned 60+ days, Running Out, Bunk Broke, Branding & Weaning Shots

Bruce Kilmer 98 Black Strs & Hfrs, 450-550#, Weaned 45 days, Running out on Pasture, Hay Fed, Branding & Precond Shots

Levi Kosmicki 90 Blk/Bwf/Red/Rwf Strs & Hfrs, 450-650#, Weaned 60 days, Running out on pasture, Hay Fed, Branding and Pre-cond. Shots

Nick Meyers 85 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 450-525#, Weaned 45 days, Bunk Broke, Cake Broke, Branding & Precond Shots

Jo Reilly Estate & Amy Applegarth 60 Mostly Blk few Bwf Strs, 450-600#, Weaned 60+ days. Branding & Precond Shots

Joe & Annie Campbell 60 Blk/Bwf/Rwf Strs & Hfrs, 400-500#, Weaned 50 days, Hay Fed, Branding & Precond Shots

Hank Davis/Lazy HX LLC 60 Char/Red Hfrs, 550-600#, Weaned 60 days, Branding & Precond Shots, Choice to Fancy, Green

Matt Eastman 50 Blk (1Bwf) Angus/Maine Ajou-x Strs & Hfrs, 500-600#, Weaned 60+ days, Branding, Precond & Booster Shots

Grant Weaver 48 Mostly Blk Strs & Hfrs, 625-750#, Weaned 55+ days, Branding & Precond Shots

Charlie Lenz 43 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 700#, Weaned 60 days, Long Stem Hay, Branding & Weaning Shots

Jim Licking 42 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 600#, Weaned 42 days, Bunk Broke, Branding & Precond Shots

Rockin Lazy A/ Nate Allsup 35 Blk Angus Strs & Hfrs, 400-500#, Weaned 60 days, Branding & Weaning Shots

Vern Zook 34 Mostly Blk few Rd Strs & Hfrs, 500-650#, Weaned 35 days, Bunk Broke, Hay Fed, Branding & Precond Shots

Dallan Christian 32 Mostly Blk Strs & Hfrs, 650#, Weaned 45 days, Long Stem Hay, Birth, Branding & Weaning Shots

TJ Ranch/Tom Jackson 50 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 500-700#, Weaned 60 days, Bunk Broke, Branding & Weaning Shots

Bryan Ennis 12 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 450-500#, Weaned for 90+ days, Been on a Vac. 45 Program, Bunk Broke, Hay Fed

Phil Zimmerman 10 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 500#, Weaned 60+ days, Hay Fed, Branding Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold,

*** Nolan Brott - Lusk, WY 307-216-0033

He noted another big part of the goal is conservation and restoration, which is expected to be part of the rule in an effort to ensure public lands are available for future generations.

Land acquisitions

In June, BLM purchased the Marton Ranch, acquiring 35,670 acres of private land southwest of Casper. The ranch borders 8.8 miles of the North Platte River east of Alcova. In June, the state of Wyoming filed an appeal challenging the purchase.

“It’s a done deal [in terms of the purchase],” said Archuleta. “The governor’s office filed a complaint, and the BLM has agreed to address their complaint by gathering public notice and comments.”

Another concern was in reference to fishing in the North Platte River. He shared BLM is going to do further environmental analysis as requested by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. He expects the analysis will be completed in an environmental assessment and will be available for public input.

“One thing that will come out of this is a better ongoing notification process,” he said. “I felt we had done a good job notifying folks. However, for some, this wasn’t the case, so we’re going to take another look and see what we can do better.”

“One of our goals in land acquisitions is to consolidate BLM parcels into a manageable grouping of land,” he said. “All of our resource management plans provide an opportunity for the dis-

“The amendment we’re doing right now is to try to address some of those issues raised by the court in 2019,” he said. “One of them was in regards to a range-wide habitat basis, rather than by state. Going forward, we will submit records of decision by state, but the analysis will be on a range-wide basis.”

To be announced at a future date, a public comment will be open on the BLM’s sage grouse plan.

“My goal is to keep the Greater sage grouse from getting listed,” he said.

Wild horses

In the joint wildlife meeting, Archuleta noted wild horses and burros are a tough topic to discuss. In the Wheatland facility, there was an outbreak of strangles and facilities throughout the state did not have the holding capacity to conduct gatherings this year.

“I’m battling hard to get funding in order to do another gathering and meet an appropriate management level, but every year we don’t do a gather, we get further behind,” he said. “Let’s not lose the momentum we have here in Wyoming to make more progress.”

“What we do here at BLM Wyoming matters, and my perspective on how we go about doing business is through a partnership,” he shared. “There’s no way we can do what we do without all of you and all of the industries we work with.”

“I’m always here, willing to listen and willing to talk,” Archuleta concluded. “There’s nothing like getting to know people and getting to know the ground to make a difference.”

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

from zero to more than four percent. Now, as some economists argue, inflation is falling, and the Fed has done enough.

Chair Powell and the Federal Open Market Committee will make even tougher decisions about when to halt rate increases.

The trickiest aspect of the Fed’s inflation fight is there is no playbook or rule of thumb to tell the Fed when to pause rate hikes.

The Fed’s preferred inflation measure, the personal consumption expenditures index, has fallen from its peak of seven to six percent. This is still much too high for the Fed’s comfort, and Chair Powell has said there is greater risk in stopping too early than raising rates for too long.

U.S. government

The 118th Congress will convene in January, marking the official beginning of the farm bill reauthorization effort. With a Sept. 30 sunset for the current farm bill, Congress will have just nine months to complete the enormous task of passing the next bill.

As the reauthorization gets underway, a number of themes are anticipated. However, they differ significantly by party. Some interest groups are lined up to address consolidation in farming and agribusiness. Other groups will push policies to direct more resources to small and beginning producers.

Ultimately, the Senate will have the upper hand in this debate, and the policies arising in the bill will impact agriculture for the next decade to come.

U.S. agricultural economy

Despite the global pandemic and a steady barrage of disruptive challenges, the U.S. agricultural economy has fared quite well for the last three years. However, in 2023 producers and related industries will begin to show financial strains.

A relentless series of

adversities including skyrocketing production costs, steeply higher interest rates and weakening demand will increasingly pressure farm income and margins.

The ongoing drought and increasing political tensions with China, the U.S.’s largest agricultural export market, present additional downside risk. China has made it clear it would like to minimize its dependence on imports of U.S. agricultural products, adopting a “buy only if we have to” attitude.

Grain, farm supply and biofuels

Grain elevators and merchandisers face a mixed picture for the year ahead. The good news for U.S. farmers is global grain and oilseed supplies are exceedingly tight. Ukrainian grain production and exports are still below average, providing underlying support for grain prices.

Ag retailers will begin 2023 on strong financial footing but face several challenges. Labor shortages and rising wages will negatively impact margins. Wholesale fertilizer costs will rise during the first half of 2023 as cooperatives absorb higher barge and rail costs and compete with export markets for limited supply.

The outlook for biofuels is very strong, supported by positive policy and demand tailwinds from 2022. Ethanol will benefit from greater usage of E15 gasoline and growing demand for corn oil.

Animal protein

Most U.S. animal protein industry segments have posted phenomenal financial performance over the past three years. However, this era of broad profitability will likely come to an end in 2023.

The high costs of feed, labor and construction support the prevailing cautionary attitude toward expanding animal production. Add in climate uncertainties, envi-

ALB receives grant

On Dec. 12, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its investment in 71 projects under the second funding pool of Partnerships for ClimateSmart Commodities. This included a grant awarded to the American Lamb Board (ALB) for “Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb.”

The ALB grant project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other benefits and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the U.S. and market the resulting climatesmart lamb products. The USDA grant budget is $4.995 million.

ALB understands the importance of sustainability, including the industry’s environmental footprint. This new, multi-year project will complement the checkoff funded research nearing completion at Michigan State University, which is calculating emissions and developing mitigation strategies.

“People who are likely to be lamb consumers seem inclined to use sustainability factors when making purchase decisions. This issue is moving beyond a trend, so it’s time for the American lamb industry to take more aggressive action,” says ALB Chairman Peter Camino. “We’ve chosen to take this new challenge as an opportunity. We’re working on projects now to help producers increase productivity and lead to greater sustainability. So it’s a win-win.”

ronmental, social and governance (ESG) pressures and increasing energy costs, and it’s likely 2023 will be a year when major market participants pause, reflect and consolidate.

On the demand side, consumers are reeling from rapidly declining real wages, a trend likely to continue well into 2023.

Dairy and milk supplies

After a year of stronger profits allowing producers to pay down debt, dairy producer margins will come under pressure in 2023.

Despite record-high milk prices earlier in 2022, herd expansion has been minimal among the major exporting countries, and this trend is expected to continue in 2023. Dairy product prices will eventually moderate in response to the gradual growth in global milk supplies.

Meanwhile, economic weakness and resurging

COVID-19 infections in China, the top dairy-importing country, threaten to destabilize global dairy demand. Domestic demand for U.S. dairy products, particularly higherpriced brands, will face headwinds as consumers trim grocery spending.

Specialty crops

Specialty crop growers and processors face a multitude of headwinds in 2023. Costs of water, labor, fertilizer and other inputs are rising, while a strong U.S. dollar and weakening global economy drag on the U.S.’s ability to sell products abroad.

California in particular faces worsening conditions with the highest diesel prices and farm wages in the U.S. amidst a worsening drought. The drought has lifted the price of water to record highs as La Niña conditions persist into a third straight year.

Tight labor availability will require growers to lean harder on temporary agricultural employment of foreign workers or adopt more automation in the field. Despite the head-

winds, growers and processors will benefit from falling costs of shipping containers and fewer delays at ocean ports.

Rural electricity

The global oil shocks of the 70s had a profound and wide-ranging impact on energy use, and today’s energy crisis foreshadows a similar response.

The collective response to the 70s crisis led to innovative policy measures, paving the way for greater energy security. These measures largely included dramatic conservation and fuel diversity but also funded moonshot projects for renewable development.

Surging energy prices, caused in large part by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, are yielding similar levels of policy intervention today. In addition, the initial seed investments made a half-century earlier are opening doors to greater opportunities for market substitution.

Rural communications

The rural communications market is heading into 2023 with numerous crosscurrents.

The increasing importance of broadband helps insulate the industry against economic weaknesses. However, new headwinds are emerging from a weakening economy. Tightening capital markets and aggressive network build activity across a wide range of market actors.

The biggest risk to network builds in 2023 will be the tight labor market and ongoing supply chain issues. This is of particular concern for smaller broadband operators who are competing against the larger national telecommunications companies for resources.

Cavey, Earnest, Ehmke, Fox, Halverson, Johnston, Kowalski, Pope, Viswanath and Zuckerberg work for CoBank, a cooperative bank and member of the Farm Credit System serving vital industries across rural America. Contact Julie Davis at judavis@ cobank.com or 202-2151354 or Dave Harding at david.h.harding@outlook.com or 262-825-79926 for questions or more information.

Dec. 26-Jan.

Jan. 6-11

Jan. 7-22 National Western Stock Show, Denver, Colo. For more information, visit nationalwestern.com

Jan. 8-10 48th Annual National Salers Show, Oklahoma City, Okla. For more information, visit salerusa.org

Jan. 10 Environmental Protection Agency Virtual Hearing on Supplemental Proposal to Cut Methane and Air Pollution, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information or to livestream the meeting, visit epa.gov

Jan. 10-13 National No-Tillage Conference, St. Louis Arch Hotel, St. Louis, Mo. To register for the event, visit no-tillfarmer.com

Jan. 11 Environmental Protection Agency Virtual Hearing on Supplemental Proposal to Cut Methane and Air Pollution, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, visit epa.gov

Jan. 11-12 Ninth Annual International Livestock Forum and Mountain Meat Summit, National Western Center, Denver, Colo. For more information and to register, visit meatsummits.com

Jan. 14 12th Annual Women’s Agriculture Summit, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Hampton Inn and Suites, Buffalo. For more information and to register, visit johnsoncountycattlewomen.com

Jan. 17-19 Wyoming Commercial Pesticide Applicator Recertification Program and New Pesticide Applicator Program, Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center, Casper. For more information or to register, visit bit.ly/pesticide-recert-2023 or bit.ly/new-pesticide-aapp-2023

Jan. 18-21 2022 American Sheep Industry Annual Convention, Fort Worth, Texas. For more information, visit sheepusa.org

Jan. 20-21 Wyoming Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers 2023 Conference, Pinedale. For more information, visit wyfb.org or call 307-532-2002.

Jan. 24 Inaugural Montana AgTech Innovation and Investment Summit, Great Falls, Mont. For more information, visit mtagtechinvest.io

Jan. 27-28 Western Colorado Soil Health Conference, Montrose Pavilion Event Center, Montrose, Colo. For more information, visit westerncoloradosoilhealth.org

Jan. 27-Feb. 4 Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City, S.D. For more information, visit blackhillsstockshow.com

Feb. 1-3

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention and Trade Show, New Orleans, La. For more information, visit ncba.org/events

Feb. 7-8 35th Annual High Plains No-till Conference, Burlington, Colo. For more information and to register, visit highplainsnotill.com

Feb. 7-9

Montana Soil Health Symposium, Billings, Mont. For more information and to register, visit mtsoilhealth.org

Feb. 7-9 Thunder Basin Research Initiative Hybrid Meeting, online. For more information, e-mail dave@rswyoming.com.

Feb. 12-16 Society for Range Management Annual Meeting, Boise, Idaho. For more information, visit rangelands.org

SALES

Jan. 9-10

Diamond Ring Ranch Sale, Billings Livestock Commission Co., Billings, Mont., 406-232-5107, 406-861-5664, northernlivestockvideo.com

Jan. 10 Cattle Country Video Winter Classic, Goshen County Rendezvous Center, Torrington, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com

Jan. 14

Rafter T Angus Annual Bull Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307736-2415, 307-299-4569, raftertangus.com

Jan. 17 Ken Haas Angus 42nd Annual Right Combination Bull Sale, at the ranch, LaGrange, 307-834-2356, kenhaasangus.com

Jan. 23 Bullis Creek Ranch Spring Production Bull Sale, at the ranch, Wood Lake, Neb., 402-376-4465, bulliscreek.com

Jan. 26 Marcy Livestock 62nd Annual Angus Bull and Female Sale, Gordon Livestock Auction, Gordon, Neb., 308-430-2005, marcylivestock.com

Jan. 27

McConnell Angus Bull & Female Sale, at the ranch, Dix, Neb., 308-2355187, 308-230-0430, 970-215-3204, mcconnellangus.com

Jan. 28 Little Goose Ranch Sixth Annual Production Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307-751-1535, 307-751-5793, 307-751-6737, littlegooseranch.com

Jan. 28 21 Angus 29th Annual Top Cut Bull Sale, at the ranch, New England, N.D., 701-579-4221, 21angus.com

Feb. 2 K2 Red Angus Winter Bull & Female Sale, at the ranch, Wheatland, 307331-2917, k2redangus.com

Feb. 2 Ridder Hereford Ranch Annual Bull and Heifer Sale, at the ranch, Callaway, Neb., 308-836-4430, 402-450-0431, ridderranch.com

Feb. 3 TJS Red Angus 15th Annual ‘Red Truck’ Sale, Buffalo Livestock Auction, Buffalo, 406-639-9112, tjsredangus.com

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

Christmas in Saratoga

In bygone days, nearly every newspaper in the state of Wyoming had a detailed description of the Christmas program presented by schools and churches. We particularly enjoyed this one in the Dec. 31, 1896, issue of the Platte Valley Lyre

Citizens of the Platte Valley are always on hand when a holiday is to be celebrated, and Christmas, the greatest of all holidays, brings them out in force. The most successful celebration ever held in Saratoga was of the united Sunday schools, held on Christmas Eve in the Episcopal Church.

Extra seats had been put in the church, but all were soon occupied and many stood in the aisle. More than the usual interest had been taken in the work of adoring the edifice with evergreens, and the result was a pleasant surprise to all.

Festoons of fragrant juniper were hung in the form of a tent, stretching from the four corners of the church to the center, and pine was wreathed gracefully about each window. Over the chancel arch, in letters of green, was the sentence, “We come to worship Him.”

Beautiful trees of pine and balsam stood inside the chancel. The white altar hangings, bearing in gold the sentences, “In Remembrance of Me,” and “The Prince of Peace, the Son of God is Come,” contrasted prettily with the green of pine, balsam and juniper and completed the picture presented to the admiring eve.

The happy faces of almost a hundred children, seated in the front end of the church, at once attracted the attention of those entering the door. About 50 of those little ones took part in the experiences, and so well trained were they, not one mistake was made, and no prompting was required.

The solos, duets and choruses were all appropriate to the season and were sweetly rendered by the children. Several of the renditions brought down the house, and the

silence during others was almost painful.

The children of the Sunday schools were trained by Miss Laura Huntington and those from the Kling school by their teacher Miss Lida Hood. No prettier number was on the program than the carol sung by nine little girls under nine years of age, and none was more perfectly rendered than the solo of sevenyear-old Lizzie Williams.

The solos and choruses of Ola Molter, Ethel Perkins, Mabel Lute, Jessie Cowan, Loretta Kelly and Roberta and Cara Huntington were all impressive. The dialogue between the Star of the East, Ethel Parker and the two children, Loretta Kelley and Jessie Cowan, was set to music.

The Star was appropriately costumed and the other little girls bore a shepherd’s crook entwined with ribbons. The song and recitations from Miss Hood’s school were well received and much credit was given to them for venturing down on such a cold night.

The rendering of “Rock of Ages” by Ethel Maxfield of this school was very fine, and the speech by Master Frank Brewer of this school brought down the house. Among the Saratoga little folk, the recitations by Axie Mullison and Louis and Harvey Eager were especially noticeable.

Immediately at the

close of the program, the Fairy Queen appeared on the platform. This character was taken by Miss Nellie Bennett, in the traditional costume of white, with glittering wings and a golden wand. A prettier, more enchanting picture was never presented to the eyes of the Saratoga little folk, and to say they appreciated it would be putting it mildly.

Scarcely had they recovered from this surprise, when the merry jingle of sleigh bells was heard outside, and the doors were opened in response to the call, “Clear the track for Santa Claus!”

Up the crowded aisle he came, robed in garments trimmed in fur and with his pack upon his back, amid the shouts of laughter from the grown people and screams of delight from the children.

After greeting the Fairy Queen and the children, he commenced his work of stripping the two handsome trees. Every child received a bag of candy, an orange and a Christmas card, and all were happy in the extreme.

Sixty-eight pounds of candy and seven dozen oranges were thus distributed. Santa Claus then told the children goodbye and was given three hearty cheers by the little folk.

It has been our pleasure to see this friend of children represented by many different parties, but never have we seen as fine a presentment of old Santa as that of this entertainment.

The character was taken by Mr. J. B. Hassett, and he was simply immense. His flowing white hair, beard and rosy cheeks being a perfect disguise.

1 The Wyoming Livestock Roundup office will be closed for Christmas through New Year’s Day.

American Farm Bureau 2023 Convention, San Juan, Puerto Rico. For more information, visit annualconvention.fb.org

48,880 acres of private lands, with permission, in Sublette County.

Nine employees put in 774 hours on the ground and 148.5 hours in the air. They estimated gunning 298 coyotes, taking out seven predator-zone wolves and poisoning 290 magpies and 125 ravens. They also trapped and relocated two river otters at the request of Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD).

Money in and out

The WS’ federal fiscal year (FY) budget runs from Nov. 1 to Oct. 31, and the predator board’s fiscal year is from July 1 to June 30. The board budgeted $65,800 for 2022 and the WS bill came to $48,255, Urbigkit reported. Urbigkit also noted she penned a $200 check for a recent coyote hunt’s prize money, which was not on her annual financial report dated Nov. 19.

Twenty cents of every cattle sale predator fee and 60 cents for each sheep are returned to the county of designation, and for 2022, the total came to $16,437, which might mean more sellers wrote in Sublette County, Urbigkit said. If the home county isn’t written in, predator fees go to the county where the sale took place.

“Sixteen thousand is the

highest it’s ever been,” she said.

Sublette County reimburses the predator board up to $50,000, and in FY 2022, the total was $47,469. Revenue of $88 came from the state, and the CD’s interest yielded $135, she reported.

As of Nov. 19, the predator board had $89,133.74 in its checking account, minus $200 for prize money and $84,208.75 invested in seven CDs. Board members gave verbal consensus for Urbigkit to explore better interest rates.

The proposed FY 2023 budget estimates $15,000 income from predator fees, $50,000 from the county and $400 in interest to total $65,400. Proposed expenses are $800 for administration including education expenses, $600 for coyote hunt prize money and $64,400 for WS, totaling $66,000.

Talking contracts

“Our rates are going up substantially, I understand,” Smith told the board.

The agency anticipates a 4.6 percent salary increase, daily rates for vehicles are rising from $17 to $21, aerial costs will go from $160 to $180 per hour for fixedwing aircraft and from $700 to $800 per hour for the helicopter.

“Word is coming from the

top down that clients might be asked to help pay for data administration costs,” he said. “They assessed Wyoming WS for tens of thousands, and it put us $200,000 in the red with no notice.”

Smith said Wyoming WS’ federal funding was supposed to cover it. Urbigkit suggested Congress should have covered the expense.

“We’re supposed to charge each cooperator $1,000,” Smith said. “We are not about to go there, and we will not be putting that cost on the producers’ back.”

Campbell said he didn’t realize the predator board would have to pay for state computers, and expressed he is not in favor.

“These are things the state office has to pay for,” Urbigkit said.

Downs added, “And eventually it may come down to us.”

Urbigkit pointed out the 2022 WS contract was not to exceed $65,800, and the total bill was just over $48,000. The board has money in their checking account if needed.

“We have, I think, one of the most efficient programs in the state and we’re cheapskates,” she said. “We want to continue with a cost-effective program.”

The board agreed to set a $66,000 cap on its 2023

WS contract. Smith said he fears response time could be slower with rising costs cutting into staff hours in Sublette County. No change

Adams urged the board to rely less on county money and consider raising the brandinspection predator fees – an annual topic Campbell moves to leave unchanged every year, and the board approves.

“In the past, we contracted for more than we’re spending,” Adams said. “We’re increasing the contract costs but getting a slower response time.”

Predator control costs are mainly absorbed by the county, generally for livestock, and predator fees cover less than half of the burden. The fees can go as high as one dollar per head.

“The reality is prices of everything are going up for the same amount of protection, and I think staying at 20 cents for cows is kind of crazy,” he said.

“Also, north and south are different with WGFD covering the trophy-wolf management area,” he added. “It would be helpful for this county to know where more coyotes are killed.”

Hansen said WS flies more around Big Piney than Daniel, Cora and down the Green River. Wardell noted she can lose 50 percent of her lamb crop to coyotes, eagles, dogs and cats.

“Coyotes do more dam-

age in the south than the north,” Campbell said. “We don’t need much control. They pay more for sheep, so they deserve more.”

With this vote the last item on the board’s agenda, Campbell made a motion that predator fees remain the same – 20 cents for cattle and 60 cents for sheep.

“I’m here to represent my fellow cattlemen,” he said. “If this board were to raise fees on my fellow cattlemen, I’m walking out of here right now.”

The board approved to keep predator fees as they are.

Looking up

With WS pressuring predator wolves in the southern part of Sublette County, Urbigkit and Bousman both reported better survival and breeding results this spring in the Boulder area.

“Six or eight years ago when a big group was killed, we had eight to 10 percent death loss,” Bousman said.

“Then it averaged off around five percent, and this year it was right at 3.5 percent.”

“Even the older cows bred back well at 95 percent because cattle were more relaxed without predator pressure,” he added. “It was the best year we’ve had.”

Urbigkit agreed, “It was our best lamb crop ever. It went up substantially for us this year.”

Campbell’s ranch in Bondurant is in WGFD’s trophygame zone with hunting seasons.

“We didn’t have near the damage we used to wolf wise,” Campbell added.

WGFD’s Ken Mills and Clint Atkinson weren’t available to report on confirmed depredation by protected grizzlies and trophy wolves in the past year.

Joy Ufford is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Adobe Stock photo

FEED YARD

MID-AMERICA

LOCATED NEAR OHIOWA, SOUTHEASTERN NEBRASKA IS CURRENTLY LOOKING TO HIRE FULL-TIME PEN RIDERS: Skilled horsemanship and feedyard or ranch experience preferred. Pay based on experience. Comprehensive benefits include family health and dental, 401(k), life insurance benefits, sick and vacation pay. Five days a week, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. with rotating weekends and rotating holidays. Applicants are required to furnish their own horses and tack. Drug and background tests required. Call 402-295-2216 1/14

KNOWLEDGEABLE RANCH

HAND that can work independently on a small ranch in Big Horn County. Experience with cattle, irrigating, haying, farming and general maintenance are essential. Send resume to wyoranchjob@yahoo. com 12/31

CDL A DRIVER OR FARM WORKER WANTED: Housing included with arrangement, utilities paid by employee, pay $100-200/day. E-mail clairsjr@yahoo.com 12/31

EARN $60,000/YEAR, PARTTIME in the livestock or farm equipment appraisal business. Agricultural background required. Home study course available. 800-488-7570 or www. amagappraisers.com 1/28

Services Services

Dogs

PUREBRED AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES: Black and brown tri-colors, tails docked, ready Dec. 22, first shots and wormed, $450. Call 307-689-3407 12/31

LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOGS: Out of working parents, with goats now. Will be 8 weeks old Dec. 12. Five males, 4 females. $300. Call Debbie Smith, 307-359-8265. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/31

GREAT PYRENEES PUPPIES FOR SALE: Ranch raised with livestock and ready to go to work!! Proven bloodlines, parents onsite, $1,000. Have been raising these fantastic LGD for 40+ years. For more information, call 406-207-7674 12/31

SANDHILL BORDER COLLIES: Working border collies for ranchers. Reds, blacks, merles, mainly short hair. Thirty years experience. Shots appropriate to age, dewclaws removed, wormed weekly. Pups and ready-to-start pups available. Prices vary. Call us (texts are better) to set up delivery, 701 -770-2364 or e-mail sandhillbc@yahoo.com. Visit our Facebook page: Sandhill Performance Horses and Border Collies. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 5/6

FOR SALE: Brown Swiss bull born April 1, 2022. Select sires AI Tequila. Gentle, beautiful dark markings. The dam is very gentle and a good milker. Can text pictures if interested, call 307-358-9323 1/7

BROWN SWISS BRED HEIFERS FOR SALE: Will calve March, April and May. Bred to Brown Swiss bulls. Have had all shots. Poured with Ivomec on regular basis. TB tested and current health papers. Nice, gentle, outside cattle, in good shape and well fed. Delivery options available. For pictures or more information, call Larry W. Carlson, 605-224-6100 (home) or 605-280-3879 (cell), if no answer leave message. Pierre, S.D. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/31

BEARMOUNTAIN BEEF INC, IN HAWK SPRINGS, WY has USDA and custom exempt processing slots available. All product is vacuum sealed for extended freezer life and quality appearance. Give us a call to book your slot at 307-338-2751 or check out our website www.bearmountainbeef.com 12/31

AGRI-ONE FINANCIAL: Farm/ranch and all commercial loans. RATES AS LOW AS 4.5%. 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!! 12/31

REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LRC. RHS, LHH. Dues paid to Jan. 23, 2023. $3,000. 307-349-4667 12/24

REGISTERED VERY OLD WYOMING BRAND used for 80 plus years in the Upper Green River by Billy Hill, Pat Dew, Tom Dew. Single iron, the “blab,” LHC, LSH, one ear mark. No iron $3,500. Call 406-939-0648, dsnow@ midrivers.com 12/31

WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LHC, LHH. Expires March 1, 2027. No irons included. $3,500 OBO. Call 307629-0260 12/31

Dogs

PUREBRED BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES FOR SALE: Out of excellent working parents. Extremely smart. All are traditional black and white. $500. Call 307-645-3322 12/24

AIREDALE PUPPIES: AKC registered, good with children, good on the farm, hunting lines, large and healthy. Wormed and first shots. Local breeder. Senior and Veteran discounts. Delivery available in Wyoming and Montana. Call 719-217-8054 12/24

AKC MINIATURE AMERICAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES FOR SALE: These little Aussies will help on the ranch, ride in your truck and generally be your best pal for life, www. bluegrasskennels.com Call 605-206-4519. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/31

Cattle

BRED COWS FOR SALE: 48 head black cows, 7 years old, bred to Angus and Hereford bulls. Start calving April 1. Located 50 miles north of Gillette, WY. $1,600/

FOR SALE: 300 registered and commercial Black Angus BRED HEIFERS, 1 group of F1 baldie bred heifers. Three groups AI bred to these elite calving ease sires: MAF Triumph O415 (Musgrave Exclusive 316 son 2022 high selling calving ease bull) and Connealy In Focus 4925. Two groups pasture bred to “sleep all night” low birthweight, calving ease Black Angus bulls. AI bred: Group #1 due March 19. Group #2 due April 5. Group #3 due April 6. Bull breds: Group #1 due April 1 for 30 days. Group #2 due May 1 for 21 days. Vaccinated and poured/ dewormed. Available FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. Delivery and volume discounts available. MILLER ANGUS FARMS, Estelline, S.D. Kody, 605-690-1997 or Brady, 605690-5733 2/4

TOLMAN RANCH LLC IS ACCEPTING BIDS FOR GRAZING APPROXIMATELY 300 ACRES OF IRRIGATED (40 acres) pasture 30 miles up the Nowood in Ten Sleep, WY. For 60 to 80 head of cattle or 200 head of sheep. Grazing turn in May 1 to Nov. 1. Two year contract with the possibility of renewal. There are a few requirements that will need to be addressed, like responsibility for irrigation of fields, cleaning of ditches and weed spraying. Send bids to Tolman Ranch LLC, PO Box 576, Ten Sleep WY, 82442, postmark by Feb. 20, 2023. For more information, contact Frank Keeler, 307-350-6994 2/4

PASTURE WANTED for 2,000 yearlings and 500 pairs. Can split into smaller bunches. 701523-1235 12/24

YOUNG FAMILY LOOKING FOR RANCH LEASE OPPORTUNITIES. References available. Call 307-763-6319 1/7

HORSES: BUY, SELL, TRADE. Will pick up. Call Dennis Black, 307-690-0916 12/31

MATCHED HALF DRAFT TEAM: Two black geldings which includes one 2-year-old Clydesdale/Quarter Horse and one 3-year-old Friesian/Clydesdale. Selling to intermediate/experienced teamster, about 15.5 hands, stands good for farrier, loads good in trailer, easy keepers. Good looking team with lots of potential. Asking $16,000, Cheyenne, WY. Please contact Sofia, 732-677-9028. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/31

WEANLING RED ROAN FILLY: Outstanding red roan filly with black legs/mane/tail. Born June 10. Sire is an AQHA and NRHA money winner DON’T STOP SHOOTIN. The filly is halter broke, trailer broke, leads, athletic and a very kind disposition. She is ready for the show ring or whatever you have planned. Call for more information, 307-532-1596 12/31

30 RED ANGUS COWS BRED TO BECKTON BULLS, 3-6 years old. Calve March 20 for 60 days. Located in Torrington, WY. Call 307-231-2883 1/7

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM MOSS SADDLES, BOOTS AND TACK!! We appreciate all your past patronage and look forward to serving you and yours in 2023!! 20% OFF OF HONDO and BOULET BOOTS. Also, GREAT SELECTION of JUSTIN WORK BOOTS, TWISTED X (boots and shoes) and more!! 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 1/7

Services

Angus

Brown Swiss

Horses

Ranch Lease Wanted

YEARLING RAMS FOR SALE: Rambouillet, Targhee and Columbia. Contact Russell Bell, 307-358-2188 or 307-680-4950 12/31

GRASS SEED FOR SALE: Manifest wheat grass, Manska wheat grass, Cash Meadow Brome, good germination, $4.50/lb. Call Big Horn Seed Company, 307-202-0704 or 307-645-3322 1/7

Hay & Feed

2022 LARGE ROUND

BALES: Net wrapped, 1,5501,650 lbs., tests done, nitrate free, Japanese and German millet, $130/ton, will deliver. Call 605-224-6100 (home) or 605-280-3879 (cell), if no answer leave message 12/31

HAY FOR SALE: 500-600 tons, 4x4x8 alfalfa. First and second cuttings. $225/ton. ALSO, CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW, 4x4x8, over 200 tons available. $90/ton. Volume discounts available, located between Powell and Lovell, WY. Call 307272-3712 1/21

2022 MIXED HAY FOR SALE: Net-wrapped heavy bales. Call 605-431-6405, Lemmon, S.D. 1/14

FIRST AND SECOND CUTTING ALFALFA/GRASS MIX: 1,300 lb. round bales. Feed analysis available upon request. Located near Powell, WY. Quarantine release has been done, $215/ton. Call 307-752-0377 1/7

2022 3-WAY HAY WITH ALFALFA. ALSO, grass/alfalfa mix, 3x3 bales, barn stored. Call 307-3500350, Farson, WY 1/21

APPROXIMATELY 150 TONS OF SANFOIN/ORCHARD GRASS MIX HAY FOR SALE: Both first and second cuttings available, 4x4 squares, $225/ ton. Volume discounts available. Located west of Powell, WY, can load. Call 307-202-0532, please leave message 1/14

GRASS HAY FOR SALE: Cow and horse quality, 3x4 and 3x3 square bales. Delivery available!! Call 307-630-3046 1/21

ROUND BALE BARLEY STRAW AND OAT STRAW

FOR SALE: Certified weed free. $100/ton. FOB Powell, WY. Call 307-254-5115 or 406480-1248 1/21

BARLEY STRAW: Certified weed-free small squares, $4/ bale. ALSO, round bales. OATS, WHEAT AND BARLEY, $20/100 cwt. Greybull, WY area. Call 307-762-3878 or 307-202-0108, leave message 1/14

VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC INTERNET HAY AUCTION THURS. JAN., 26 at 2 p.m. For consignments go to www.valleyvideohay.com or call Barry McRea, 308-2355386 1/14

CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE, 3x4. Cody, WY. Call 307-899-1952 1/14

HAY FOR SALE: 2022 first and second cutting alfalfa, alfalfa/grass, grass mix, straight grass, Haybet barley, straight millet and sorghum. 2021 alfalfa, alfalfa/grass, grass, alfalfa/ oats, alfalfa/oats/millet. All in net-wrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, 701-690-8116, please send a text if no answer or keep trying 1/14

30 TONS EXCELLENT THIRD CUTTING ALFALFA/ORCHARDGRASS MIX, 4x4x8 bales, weed free, $250/ton. Call 307-921-0582 or 307-8513912, Riverton, WY 12/31

MEADOW GRASS HAY: 2022 hay, $275/ton. 2021 hay, $250/ ton. Discount available for large purchases. For more information, please call Katie Scarbrough at 307-699-7375. Located Cora, WY 1/7

2022 FIRST AND SECOND CUTTING ALFALFA: Large net-wrapped round bales, located in Cody, WY. Can load. Call for price, 307-250-2329 1/7

HAY FOR SALE: Small square bales, 70 lbs. each, second cutting, 525 bales, alfalfa/grass hay. Lab report: Moisture 10%, protein 18.1%, 64 TDN, 134 RFV. Asking $9/bale. Call Don, 307-237-9373 (home) or 307259-8716 (cell) 1/7

2022 HAY FOR SALE: Millet, Sudangrass and alfalfa hay. Call Earl, 307-660-4796 1/7

2022 BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE: 200 tons, 3x4x8 square bales, $75/ton. Call 307-202-1719 12/31

GOOD AVAILABILITY OF ROUND AND SQUARE HAY AND STRAW BALES FOR SALE: Low delivery charge at cost. Volume discounts available. Call/text 1-204-209-1066 anytime for pricing 2/11

1992 LOGAN COACH MALIBU TWO HORSE TRAILER FOR SALE: Bumper pull, electric brakes, ramp. Solid floor and wiring. Lockable tack storage. $2,500. Call 307-250-2685, Cody, WY. To view photos, go to www. wylr.net in the classifieds 1/7

FOR SALE: Bale King 5100 bale processor, like new. J&M 350 gravity box with 12 ton running gear. Gehl 1620 18’ chuckwagon with 14 ton tandem running gear. John Deere 714A and 716A chuckwagons with John Deere running gear and bunk feeding extensions, been shedded, nice condition. Lorenz 16’x33’ stack mover. Farm King 8’ snow blower with hydraulic spout. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-999-5482 1/21

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: John Deere 8960 tractor with PTO; John Deere 5090e tractor with loader; CIH 1015 pick-up header; White 30’ disk; John Deere 7100 12 row planter; Morris 53’ airdrill; Lawson 12x30 double drum land areator; New Holland 1075 balewagon; Freeman self propelled 3 string balers; Freeman pull type 3 string balers; Vermeer R23 rake; Hesston 7434 3x4 baler; John Deere 569 baler; Massey Ferguson 2190 4x4 baler; Cat 950 loader; New Holland 359 grinder mixer; Artsway 425 grinder mixer; Modern Mill (mix mill) feed mill; Brandt 5200 grain vac; IHC 80 bbl vac truck; Merritt 48’x102” cattle pot; 2007 Western Star 4900 sleeper truck; Mobile Tech 9 yd. volumetric concrete mixer; Degelman 570 rock picker. Call 406-254-1254 12/31

ELIMINATE ● RISING ● FUEL

COSTS: Clean, safe and efficient wood heat. Central Boiler Classic and E-Classic Outdoor Wood Furnace; heats multiple buildings with only 1 furnace, 25-year warranty available. Heat with wood, no splitting! Available in dual fuel ready models. www.CentralBoiler.com WE ALSO HAVE whole house pellet/corn/biomass furnaces. Load once per month with hopper. www.Maximheat. com A-1 Heating Systems. Instant rebates may apply! Call today! 307-742-4442. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds TFN

Irrigation Systems

Property for Sale

ARIZONA RANCHES FOR SALE: 22,000+ acre central Arizona ranch, 200+ head yearlong, plus up to 2,500 stockers seasonally, Arizona state plus small BLM grazing leases, small feedyard, modest headquarters on 10 deeded acres, $1,200,000; Former ranch homestead, 1,056 sq. ft. house built in 1935, fireplace, kitchen, private well, electric power and phone. Feels remote with mountain views and thousands of acres of open space but sits just a highway close to shopping, medical facilities, Tucson and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, $390,000. LARGER RANCHES also available. Harley Hendricks Realty, 877-349-2565, www.harleyhendricks.com1/7

Pipe

Pipe

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 1/14

HDPE Pipe for Ranch Water Systems

Fair prices, good service, rancher owned. Quantities up to a truck load.

Property for Sale

Property for Sale

Mineral Rights

Improving critical wildlife habitats

Big Creek Ranch is located in a key area of the North Platte Valley. The area provides critical habitats for Greater sage grouse, Bighorn sheep, pronghorn, mule deer and other species. The ranch does not derive any income from hunting, but the Gates and Dunning families recognize the value of the wildlife in the area

and have been dedicated to protecting and improving their habitats.

SERCD notes in the last decade, Big Creek Ranch has partnered on over 1,150 acres of habitat manipulation projects ranging from aspen ripping, spike herbicide applications, lawson aerator treatments and mowing. In addition, the ranch has worked on several SERCD and Bureau of Land

JAN. 5-6: PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL RAW/DRY FUR DEER/ELK HIDES AND ANTLER, IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS AND LOCATIONS: JAN. 5: Ft. Bridger 3:30-3:50 p.m., Cash Store; Evanston 4:30-5 p.m., Prairie Inn. JAN. 6: Kemmerer 7:207:40 a.m., Ham’s Fork Station/ Sinclair; Cokeville 8:30-8:50 a.m., Flying J Truck Stop; Afton 9:50-10:20 a.m., Afton Country Village; Thayne 10:40-10:50 a.m., Farmer’s Feed (drive thru); Etna 10:50-11 a.m., Etna Trading Post (drive thru); Alpine 11:40 a.m.-12:10 p.m., Grey’s River Saloon; Hoback Jct. 12:40-1:10 p.m., Hoback Market/Exxon; Bondurant 1:40-2 p.m., Elkhorn Bar (drive thru); Bondurant 1:552:10 p.m., Post Office (drive thru); Daniel 2:30-2:50 p.m., The Den; Pinedale 3:10-3:40 p.m., Gannett Sports; Big0 Piney 4:154:30 p.m., Public RR Visitor Info. lot; La Barge 5:15-5:30 p.m., All American Fuel (drive thru); Fontenelle 6 p.m., drive thru call Greg on this day only; Green River 7 p.m., Hitching Post. For more information, call Greg, 308-750-0700 or visit www. petskafur.net 12/31

Management (BLM) water development projects –from spring developments, to wells and pipelines with multiple tanks.

In 2018, Big Creek Ranch was recognized with the Laramie Region Landowner of the Year for their involvement on improving and addressing fish barriers.

As one of the original participants of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s (WGFD) Platte Valley Mule Deer Initiative, the ranch has worked cooperatively with the BLM, U.S.

Hunting & Fishing

JAN. 7: PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL RAW/DRY FUR DEER/ELK HIDES AND ANTLER, IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS AND LOCATIONS: JAN. 7: Green River 7:30-7:50 a.m., Hitching Post; Rock Springs 8:20-9 a.m., WY Wool Warehouse; Wamsutter 10-10:10 a.m., Wamsutter Conoco (drive thru); Rawlins 10:50 a.m.-11:20 p.m., Trails West Meat Processing; Saratoga 12:15-12:45 p.m., Saratoga Feed & Grain (drive thru); Elk Mountain 1:30-1:40 p.m., Conoco on I-80 (drive thru); Hanna 1:552:05 p.m., Hometown Market (drive thru); Medicine Bow 2:302:40 p.m., JB’s (drive thru); Rock River 2:50-3 p.m., Rancher’s Supply (drive thru); Laramie 3:50-4:50 p.m., West Laramie Fly Shop. For more information, call Greg, 308-750-0700 or visit www.petskafur.net 12/31

Forest Service and SERCD to identify and convert over 22 miles of wildlife-friendly fence within migration routes.

Continuing their cooperative efforts, the Gates Family has partnered with the Platte Basin Timelapse Project, placing numerous game cameras across the landscape to document wildlife movement.

In 2022, nearly eight miles of fence was converted to wildlife-friendly specifications to address numerous migration concerns for mule deer and pronghorn.

Overcoming challenges

Within a five-year span, the ranch was directly involved in three catastrophic fires – the Beaver Creek Fire in 2016, the Ryan Fire in 2018 and the Mullen Fire in 2020. In total, the ranch had nearly 242,000 acres of land burned. Each fire required a two-year deferment of grazing on public lands.

In response to the fire, the ranch has been working diligently to replace and repair all of the needed infrastructure, such as

Hunting & Fishing

JAN. 9-10: PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL RAW/DRY FUR DEER/ELK HIDES AND ANTLER, IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS AND LOCATIONS: JAN. 9: Pine Bluffs 3:45-4 p.m., Sinclair; Burns 4:40-4:50 p.m., Antelope Truck Stop (drive thru); Cheyenne 5:15-5:30 p.m., Home on the Range Processing. JAN. 10: Cheyenne 7:30-8 a.m., Tractor Supply; Chugwater 8:45-9 a.m., Stampede Saloon (drive thru); Wheatland 9:45-10:15 a.m., Wheatland Travel Plaza; Guernsey 10:50-11:10 a.m., Crazy Tony’s; Fort Laramie 11:40-11:50 a.m., Ft. Laramie Bar/Grill (drive thru); Lingle 12:10-12:30 p.m., Ty’s Pit Stop; Torrington 12:40-1 p.m., Gary’s Gun Shop; Scottsbluff, NE 2-2:30 p.m., Murdoch’s (north side). For more information, call Greg, 308-750-0700 or visit www.petskafur.net 12/31

fences and water developments to return livestock grazing where possible.

SERCD notes it’s a true testament to the ranch’s rotational grazing system and contingencies that they have been able to survive these tragic events and loss of animal management units.

Industry involvement and support

“Big Creek Ranch’s land ethic has not only added to the habit value on their property, but their actions serve to improve wildlife populations in the area and inspire future habitat improvements on adjacent land,” explains nominator WGFD Saratoga Terrestrial Habitat Biologist Britt Burdett. “Big Creek Ranch is highly deserving of this award for their conservation actions on their property and their continued efforts to improve wildlife habitat in the area.”

Jeff Streeter of Trout Unlimited and retired North Platte River Water Project manager adds, “Big Creek Ranch exemplifies partnership, cooperation and coordination when it comes to

BMI STEEL GUITAR AND FENDER Twin Reverb (black with silver screen) amp, $2,300. Lovell, WY. Calls only, no texts 307-250-9663 1/7

Guns

MOSSBERG 5.56 FLUTED 20" bbl, laminated stock, excellent condition, takes Magpul mags, $450. RUGER 45 AUTO SR1911 , stainless, extended beavertail and 2 mags, unfired, $750. SPRINGFIELD 9MM XDM (match) ELITE , new and cased, unfired, $750. TAURUS 38 SPECIAL ULTRA-LITE , premier blue, gold plated hammer, cylinder release and trigger, rosewood grips, unfired, $475. H&K 9MM P7 , like new, 3 mags, excellent condition, with manual and boxed, $2,300. WEBLEY & SCOTT 12 GA , 2 3/4", 28" bbls, excellent condition, English leather mutton case, $3,700. Lovell, WY. Calls only, no texts 307-250-9663 1/7

environmental stewardship. A close second to their beef cattle operation in importance, environmental concerns, both aquatic and upland, has made the ranch a showcase in the Upper North Platte Valley.”

He continues “Stewardship is ingrained in the Big Creek Ranch and the Dunning family. They are always making their environmental commitment a priority.”

Jason Gay, BLM district manager of the High Desert District, adds, “The Big Creek Ranch and its manager, Mark Dunning, demonstrate success in rangeland management and communicates these efforts with the ranching community. It’s a privilege to work with the ranch where common interests and goals can be pursued and reached through stewardship practices.”

A date for the Environmental Stewardship Tour will be announced in the spring of 2023.

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

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met with Mexican officials for a second time on Dec. 23 over the country’s proposed ban on biotech corn.

During a call with reporters on Dec. 15, Vilsack said if

Mexico doesn’t allow imports of genetically modified (GM) corn, then he supports filing a trade dispute with the U.S. Trade Representative.

Vilsack met with Mexico’s president last month, and he says he’s hopeful the sec-

ond round of talks will move the needle.

“We hope we can continue to see corn produced in the U.S. exported to Mexico, and we hope to see consistency and adherence to the terms and conditions to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) or a process in which we trigger the dispute resolution aspect of USMCA,” he said.

A bipartisan group of senators and the National Corn Growers Association, each sent a letter to President Biden on Dec. 15 asking him to take additional steps to address the decree and file a trade dispute under the agreement.

U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) also sent a bipartisan letter with 24 other senators to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Trade Representative.

In fact, their New Year’s Eve parties were conducted in the spring to coincide with planting season. Pretty cool, huh? An entire society celebrated something about agriculture.

The year 2023 is upon us, and it means we will soon be hearing everyone’s New Year’s resolutions as well. I’ve heard discussing New Year’s resolutions can be compared to telling someone a detailed recount of a dream – in other words, some people don’t like hearing about resolutions.

I get it, many people make resolutions that last for about a week, and then

they die. But I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. So, without further ado, let’s talk New Year’s resolutions.

According to a blog post from the History Channel, New Year’s resolutions originated around 4,000 years ago by the Babylonians. However, their New Year celebration looked quite a bit different than ours does today.

The “resolution” aspect of ringing in the new year can also, most likely, be attributed to the Babylonians as they “made promises to the gods to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed.”

In the past, I’ve had a habit of making either wildly impractical or broad resolutions for myself not knowing what steps to take to follow through.

This year, however, I have a few things I’d like to accomplish and some habits I want to form that are 100 percent attainable.

My first resolution is to consume more ag news. Have you ever heard a song, fallen in love with it, replayed it a million times and found yourself to be sick of it a few weeks or months later? Or eaten a meal so frequently you can’t bare to look at it anymore? I did it with my news consumption.

eager to be an ag news junkie again.

ple in at least 10 different areas of agriculture.

continued from page 1

Reading of the resolutions SHEEP

feed the microbes digesting high-fiber grass,” reads the post. “Producers should focus on supplementing and not substituting.”

As sheep producers move deeper into the tough Western winter, MSU Extension explains nutrient requirements should focus more on forage availability than anything else.

The summary notes at this point in the year, range conditions have generally deteriorated and severe winter conditions can cause cold stress in the sheep herd. Because of this, ewes do not generally meet their nutritional requirements, so producers need to focus on matching their supplementation strategies with the pregnancy stage of their ewes.

Sheep pregnancy stages

Sheep body condition scores (BCS) are scored on a one to five scale, and a ewe’s 150-day gestation period is broken into three trimesters, 50 days each.

MSU Extension outlines an example of an operation that turns their bucks in on Oct. 15. They note flushing only works on thin ewes with a BCS of two or three, but producers should still supplement

heavier ewes, especially if weather or feed conditions are poor.

Oct. 16 to Dec. 4 spans the first trimester and is deemed the early-gestation period, in this example. MSU Extension encourages producers to maintain the weight of their ewes during this time if they are in good condition with a BCS of three or higher. However, if BCS is below three, they recommend providing supplementation.

The second trimester, mid-gestation, of a ewe runs from Dec. 5 to Jan. 23. During this time, placental development occurs and brown adipose tissue is laid down in the lamb. MSU Extension encourages producers to maintain weight and condition in ewes with a BCS of three or better. During this time, it is critical ewes don’t lose any weight.

In this example, late gestation runs from Jan. 24 through March 14, and during these 50 days, rapid fetal and mammary development occurs.

“Ewes need to gain weight when shearing in mid- to late-February, and lambing will start around March 14,” the MSU

Extension post reads. “A BCS around three to four is ideal. A BCS over four may lead to predisposed pregnancy toxemia and dystocia problems. A BCS below three can result in poor milk production and decreased lamb vigor.”

Supplementation recommendations

According to Thomas and Kott’s work, supplementation is generally a cost-effective practice for producers during winter months, and supplements fed at 0.2 to 0.3 percent of ewe body weight – or onehalf pound supplement to every 175 pounds of sheep – will not reduce forage intake.

“Body condition when entering winter months influences ewe productivity and her response to supplementation,” reads the post. “Ewes in better shape can use supplementation more effectively.”

MSU Extension further notes producers should provide supplemental energy when range forage is available, winter weather is mild and they have ewes with a BCS of four or five that can afford to lose some weight.

Comparatively, protein supplements should be provided when winter weather reduces forage intake and ewes cannot afford to lose

For years I ate, slept and breathed news of all kinds. I was incredibly informed. Then I got a job working for a newspaper where I not only consumed news like it was my last meal on death row, but I made it. I wrote news stories every day.

Upon leaving said job almost two years ago, I fell off the news scene. I was burnt out. However, in the past year, I’ve recouped from and am more than

any weight.

“Ewes can be supplemented on alternate days while grazing winter range,” they note.

Conclusions and take-aways

In summary, MSU Extension urges producers to sort and supplement young, old and thin ewes separate from the rest of the herd, noting tubs are a good option if weather and daily labor hinders daily supplementation.

“If ewes are stressed or a storm is coming, the

My next resolution is to talk to people across all areas of agriculture. There are three things you need to know about me: I can, and will, talk to a fence post, I thoroughly enjoy learning about things outside my everyday life and I love Aggie football.

Given my interest in visiting with people and learning about their lives, I think it’s high time I put those hobbies to good use. I would relish the opportunity to visit with other people across all sectors of agriculture.

From bee keeping to sheep herding, I think one resolution of mine this year will be to make a conscious effort to connect with peo-

best supplement is the one producers already have on hand, regardless of energy or protein needs,” reads the post. “Don’t cut back on supplement if the weather gets nice.”

Additionally, MSU Extension points out Thomas and Kott’s research found increased body weight gain does not always translate into increased economic returns when ewes in good body condition enter winter months, forage availability is good, winter weather is mild and ewes

Another resolution for 2023 is to learn more about beef production. I was raised around it and did some minimal studying on it in college, but now it’s time to learn it for real. By the end of the year, I want to know the basics of beef, if you will, from common illnesses and the vaccines to combat them, to every cut of beef and how to properly prepare it.

For the first time ever, I’m confident I will look back at the end of next year pleased with myself. I think these three resolutions are practical, attainable and easy enough to accomplish in the next 365 days. Wish me luck and happy New Year!

are fed adequately during late pregnancy.

Lastly, MSU Extension concludes inadequate ewe nutrition during the second trimester can disrupt growth and development of the placenta, resulting in low oxygen transfer to the fetus. If nutrient restriction during mid-gestation is severe enough, it cannot be made up for in late pregnancy.

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

in rugged country.

combination of several factors have contributed to this limited production.

“High feed costs have cut into returns, as they have in the rest of livestock production. Animal disease and difficulties with sow mortality have cut production and increased costs,” Southern Ag Today explains. “Additionally, higher facility production costs have reduced expected investment profits, and higher anticipated future costs and uncertainty due to Proposition 12 have also been cited as reasons for restrained production.”

Pork production

Southern Ag Today

notes pork production in 2022 was about 2.2 percent below pork production in 2021, and in 2023, pork production is on pace for nearly 27.2 billion pounds, which would be the lowest number seen in the U.S. since 2018.

“Wholesale ham prices have been significantly higher than last year since June. Strong ham exports, high turkey prices with hams as a potential substitute and fewer hams in cold storage have pushed prices higher,” Southern Ag Today explains. “Belly prices, while exhibiting their typical volatility, have been lower than last

year since April. In October, 40.2 million pounds of bellies were in cold storage compared to only 11.6 million pounds the year before.”

Additionally, USDA forecasts total U.S. per capita pork consumption at 51.3 pounds in 2022 and foresees this number rising to 52.2 pounds in 2023, which would be the first time it has exceeded 52 pounds per person since COVID-19.

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

Learn more at:

by Lee Pitts

Scared The Dickens Out Of Me

He ‘came upon the midnight clear’ roaring, “Ho, Ho, Ho.”

“Who the dickens are you?” I asked, rising from my bed.

“I’m the Ghost of Santa Claus Past. You better not pout, and you better not shout. Don’t you remember me?” asked the round man. “Step into my sleigh, and I will take you back to a Christmas long

“‘What child is this’ sitting on your lap?” I asked.

“Why, that is you. Don’t you remember? You gave me water on the knee when you were but a child,” he said.

I replied, “Was I a good little boy?”

“Not really. You were like the rest. All you wanted for Christmas was a shopping list of toys. To celebrate the birth of

the ‘Prince of Peace,’ you wanted a G.I. Joe and a Roy Rogers gun so you could shoot your sister. You were really disappointed when you woke and found a single orange and a red rubber ball in your stocking hung with care,” said Santa.

“I remember now Santa. I told you to remember to bring the batteries along with the toys next time. I think it was about then I stopped believing in you,” I said.

Suddenly I woke from my dream, when I heard a noise ‘up on the roof top.’ The ghost had disappeared just as he had arrived. I got out of bed and checked the halls decked with boughs of holly. There was nobody else around. I figured maybe I had too much

eggnog. Sleep would not come on this Christmas Eve.

But then he appeared again. Only this time it was a much older Santa Claus who visited me in my dream.

“You don’t look so good Santa,” I said.

“I am the Ghost of Christmas Present, and as you know, it hasn’t been a very good year,” he responded.

I crawled up in Santa’s sleigh once again, and we traveled in search of a Christmas present.

“Hey, that’s me and my wife. But why is my wife crying?” I asked.

“Because last year you promised you wouldn’t buy anything for each other for Christmas, and like a scrooge, you kept your word,” he said.

“I know, and my wife hasn’t said a word to me ever since. But I gave her a little present this year,” I said.

“You gave her money,” said Santa sternly.

I responded with, “But money is always the right size.”

“Is money all you think about? Sending out Christmas cards with business reply envelopes was really tacky,” said Santa.

“Yes, but Santa, you said yourself it was a tough year,” I said. But, the Ghost of Santa Present did not hear the reply. Instead, another Santa had taken his place. The Ghost of Santa Claus Future creaked along, weighted down with chains.

“Why do you look so sad Santa?” I asked.

Claus

squinted at the houses trimmed in lights and said, “Because people have forgotten the real meaning of Christmas. They don’t know if they are celebrating the birth of Jesus or of General Electric.”

“But Santa, why are you draped in chains?” I inquired.

“The Internal Revenue Service put me in jail for writing off the gifts I gave last year. The little children don’t believe in me anymore, and people don’t realize the best presents are the kind you can’t wrap,” said Santa.

“I still believe in you Santa, you have made a believer out of me,” I said. But Santa was not there to hear. He had disappeared. Not up the chimney but through a hole in the heart.

Strs 575650#. Rec Vista 5, Once PMH IN, Vision 7 & Nasalgen @ branding. Rec Vista Once, 7 way w/Somnus & poured w/ Clean Up II @ weaning. Weaned on pasture & hay. Full mineral program.

Sired by Black Summit & Big Country Genetic Sim/ Ang Bulls. Fancy!!

Hovendick Ranch – 70 Blk Ang & AngX Hfrs 550600#. Rec Vision 8, Nasalgen, Vista 5 @ branding. Weaned 45 days out on pasture aftermath! Nice, stout made heifers!!

Rodewald Ranch – 58 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 500-600#. Rec Vision 7, Once PMH IN & Vista 5 @ branding. Rec Vista 5, Vision 7 w/Somnus, Once PMH IN & Safeguard. Bunk Broke. Comp mineral program. Sired by Powerful Blk Ang Bulls.

Bob Chesnovar – 35 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 550-600#. Rec Bovi Shield Gold & Ultrabac 8 @ branding & Precon. Knife cut. Hfrs are bangs vacc. Full mineral program. High elevation!!

Brody Livestock – 26 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 550-600#. Rec 8 way & Vista 5. Weaned Oct 13th, been out

Santa

Future