Volume 30 Number 49 • April 6, 2019
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The Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community • www.wylr.net
A Look Inside Water pumps can effectively provide water for livestock, increasing weights. . . . . . Page 7 Liz Cheney’s work in Washington, D.C. continues to support ranchers in the West. . . . Page 8 Rabies in horses can present in many ways, which makes diagnosis difficult. . . . . . . . . Page 12
Recreational use of public lands proves to be a hot topic in DC Washington, D.C. – At its 50th Anniversary meeting in September, the Public Lands Council provided comments to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) on unmanaged, dispersed recreation and the challenges that result on livestock allotments.
“The increase in recreation seems like it’s everywhere, in so many different areas,” USFS Assistant Director for Planning Dave Neeley said, noting outdoor recreation ranges from hunters and shooters to snowmobilers, ATV users and hikers.
Neeley added, “The way recreation grows and changes outpaces us pretty regularly. We try to get out in front of things, but it all changes quickly.” Understanding PLC Executive Director Ethan Lane commented rec-
reation communities assert, however, that they are the priority use – both on Capitol Hill and elsewhere. “I think that is because we have groups that are maturing in their understanding of the environment they’re operatPlease see PLC on page 11
When planting crops in the spring, Jeremiah Vardiman encourages farmers to consider germination temperature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13
2019 Spring Planting Edition
Quick Bits
LEVEL CORN CROP
Elk Hunters
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department saw an increase in non-resident elk applications for the 2019 season. Nonresident hunters take a chance at 7,250 licenses in the draw. This number is based on regulations set by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, but the allocation of general licenses varies annually.
Cancer Cure Hops, the plant that adds flavor, color and bitterness to beer, also produces a primary compound that thwarts cancer cells new research at Oregon State University shows. The research showed the derivatives of the plant have cancerfighting effectiveness. That means the two non-estrogenic derivatives are attractive alternatives for testing in future preclinical studies. The study was published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Sage Grouse Gov. Mark Gordon is asking for public feedback to inform his review of Wyoming’s existing Greater Sage Grouse Executive Order. Comments are due by May 1 and should be submitted to wgfd.hpp@wyo.gov. The governor stressed that the primary elements of the state’s Core Area Strategy and protections for the bird will remain unchanged. The governor plans to re-issue a Sage Grouse Executive Order, hoping to improve upon existing elements.
Corn Studies In one of the largest leaf microbe studies to date, a research team led by University of Georgia Geneticist Jason Wallace monitored the active bacteria on the leaves of 300 diverse lines of corn growing in a common environment. They were especially interested to see how corn genes affected bacteria and found there was little relationship between the two. In fact, the bacteria were much more affected by the environment, although genetics still had a small role.
Prevention is key to keep equipment running
Purdue economists encourage contracting corn in spring to secure prices “We got some surprises from USDA on March 29,” said Jim Mintert, an agricultural economist from the Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture. “They released both a Grain Stocks report, as well as the Planting Intentions report, and it was a bit of a surprise in a number of respects.” In the reports, corn stocks were above expectations by 270 million bushels, at 8.605 billion bushels. Additionally, farmers intend to plant more corn acres than expected, with an increase of 1.46 million acres. “This shock causes us to shift our outlook a little bit – but maybe not as much as the futures reaction showed on March 29,” Mintert said. Mintert and his colleague economist Michael
Maintaining equipment
Langemeier looking into the factors impacting the corn market during an April 1 outlook webinar, noting corn prices are likely to remain around $3.50 for the next several years. Explaining corn stocks While corn stocks were above expectations, Mintert said, “Maybe there were some clues that we should have been paying closer attention to that might have given us some indication.” When analyzing weekly ethanol production, for example, negative margins in the ethanol sector has pushed production down, which likely inflated corn stocks above pre-report expectations. “As we look at the export side, exports have been Please see CORN on page 14
Spring work - As farmers across Wyoming prepare to start field work for the 2019 growing season, corn markets remain uncertain. Liz Lauck photo
Farmers across Wyoming are gearing up for spring planting, as warmer days and spring moisture point towards the beginning of the growing season. Prior to planting, however, producers should make sure their equipment is ready to go. “The biggest thing we have to remember as producers and equipment dealers is we don’t want to see equipment downtime,” says Brown Company Torrington Store Manager Charlie Harshberger. Proactive “At Brown Company, we believe in preventative maintenance to minimize downtime during busy season,” says Harshberger. “We can prevent larger issues through preventive maintenance.” Altorfer, Inc., a Midwest Caterpillar equipment dealership, also recommends preventative measures to keep equipment in top shape. “Regularly scheduled preventative maintenance programs can save a farming operation time and money, which helps producers maximize their revenue,” according to AltorPlease see EQUIP on page 5
Interim topics released for 2019
Cover crops can improve forage systems
Each year, members of the Wyoming Legislature assigned to various committees travel throughout the state to gather input, learn more and understand the complexity around issues facing Wyoming. This year, members of the Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee will focus on six priorities that impact the agriculture in the state. Rep. Hans Hunt of Newcastle, who serves as co-chairman of the joint interim committee, noted the Wyoming Legislature worked to target issues that impact Wyomingites where the Legislature can also attempt to address challenges. College of Agriculture As their top priority, the committee will review the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming and the current degree programs offered by the college. The committee will also review the Extension and Research Stations associated with the college. “This issue has been brought to our attention over the last several months and since the beginning of the year,” explains Hunt. “We wanted to take a look at the programs offered by the College of Agriculture and see how effective they are.” Programs like rangeland management have been very successful in the past, according to several legislators, but their perspective was that the programs seem to not attract Wyoming students. “The recent challenges at the College of Ag also
“In a forage context, growing multiple crops together increases biodiversity, productivity and nutrition, as well as improves upon sustainability and soil health,” said Agri-Food Canada Research Scientist Jillian Bainard. Bainard was featured as a speaker in a Beef Cattle Research Center webinar titled, “Integrating Cover Crops into Forage Operations: Risks and Rewards.” Strategy “We have a few goals and strategies when it comes to utilizing cover crops and increasing forage production,” said Bainard. “Our overarching goal is to enhance industry sustainability and improve produc-
Please see LEG on page 24
tion efficiencies,” she said. “We also want to enhance feed and forage production, improve management practices, maintain nutritional quality, identify optimal strategies and quantify benefits of integrated systems.” Bainard explained, to reach these goals, she and her colleagues have studied numerous practices in relation to increasing forage productivity via cover crops. “We have looked at utilizing various polycultures to increase production including winter polycultures,” according to Bainard. Bainard noted the team has also
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Please see CROPS on page 22