May 15, 2021

Volume 33 Number 3 • May 15, 2021

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The Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community • www.wylr.net

A Look Inside Agronomist discusses selecting the right forage........ Page 4 University of Wyoming researchers study genetic disruptions.......................... Page 9 Test your mind with this week's crossword puzzle.......... Page 9 Lee Pitts debates the history and latest trends of facial hair... ....................................Page B3

Quick Bits CSU Rodeo During the 70 Annual Skyline Stampede College Rodeo at Colorado State University (CSU), Chuck Sylvester was inducted into the 2021 Wall of Fame.

He worked as an Extension Educator, the assistant manager of the Colorado State Fair and the general manager of the National Western Stock Show for 25 years, and says his greatest enjoyment was “working with youth.” th

American Rescue Plan includes provisions for agriculture The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, House Resolution 1319, is a piece of legislation passed with the goal to realign the economy, send children back to school, make COVID-19 vaccinations available to all

and provide poverty assistance.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the bill also provides specific provisions under the jurisdiction of the USDA to provide nutrition

assistance, strengthen the food supply chain, invest in rural communities and support underserved producers.

“The American Rescue Plan will jolt our economy back to life, get money into the hands of struggling

Americans, get our children back to school safely, get COVID-19 vaccinations out more swiftly and get nutrition assistance to millions of food insecure Americans,” commented Agriculture Please see PLAN on page 6

Dedicated to improvements New organization looks toward future of U.S. sheep industry On May 11, a four-man panel of sheep industry experts, including Tom Boyer, Ben Lehfeldt, Brad Boner and Rusty Burgett, hosted a webinar in collaboration with the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) to introduce Sheep Genetics USA – a new organization dedicated to advancing the U.S. sheep industry through genetic technology.

“Sheep Genetics USA is a proactive and collabor-

ative initiative focused on improving genetic tools to enhance profitability through measurable goals leading to long-term success,” states Lehfeldt, ASI secretary/treasurer and Sheep Genetics USA board member.

According to Lehfeldt, Sheep Genetics USA was born out of and built up from the successes of the Please see SHEEP on page 7

ADMB Meeting The Wyoming Animal Damage Management Board (ADMB) is going to meet via Zoom meeting and in person at the Wyoming Game and Fish regional office in Casper.

The board will consider grant applications from Predator Management Districts across the state and receive updates on various issues. For more information, visit wyadmb.com or contact Jerry Johnson at 307- 777-6781.

Hay Stocks Hay on Wyoming farms and ranches as of May 1 totaled 325,000 tons, down 7% from stocks of 350,000 tons last year, according to the May 1 Agricultural Yield Survey conducted by the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Hay production for 2020 was 2.69 million tons, 8% higher than 2019 production. Disappearance from Dec. 1, 2020 to May 1, 2021 was 1.18 million tons, compared with 1.09 million tons the same period a year earlier.

Corn Prices Corn futures for the July 2021 contract have increased from $4.68 per bushel in early January 2021 to $6.56 a bushel the last week of April according to University of Illinois Extension. Using projected corn prices, the cattle feeding cost of gain is expected to peak in the third quarter around $103.50.

WYLR photo

Farm State of Mind AFBF provides rural mental health resources “If your tractor needed maintenance, you would stop what you were doing and you’d get it working right before you try and go out in the field,” American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Director of Communications said. “You are the most important piece of equipment on your farm.”

According to AFBF, farmers and ranchers have struggled to access mental health services available for rural living. This lack of resources, heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic and alongside the stress of unpredictable weather and commodity prices, greatly impacts producers.

“In recognition of May as Mental Health Month, we have launched a comprehensive, easy-to-use online directory of resources for farmers, ranchers and their families who are experiencing stress and mental health challenges,” shared AFBF Managing Director of Member Engagement Jessica Cabrera.

Survey results The results of a national AFBF poll demonstrated the pandemic has had broad-ranging impacts on farmers and farm workers, including two in three farmers or farmworkers saying their mental health was impacted. These studies, Please see AFBF on page 9

Replacement heifers debated

Water intake is essential in calf development

Many producers don’t make the decision to keep their own heifers to develop or purchase new heifers to add genetics into their herd lightly.

In a recent Kansas State University (KSU) Beef Cattle Institute (BCI) podcast, KSU Professors Brad White, Bob Larson, Dustin Pendell and Brain Lubbers share the decision to raise or purchase heifers includes economics, biosecurity and genetics among other considerations.

Simplified operations Speaking from the perspective of a cow/calf operator, Larson says purchasing heifers helps keep operations simple.

“Heifers are at a different stage of life than the rest of my adult cows, and buying heifers from somewhere else has its advantages in keeping everything simple,” he explains.

Additionally, from a labor standpoint, Larson says extra groups of cattle only add to the long list of to-dos around the ranch and complicates marketing.

“Every time I add another marketing group – animals fitting into a specific weight or pregnancy status class – I increase the amount of time and effort I have to place into the marketing of animals rather than just marketing feeder calves,” he says. “One of the advantages of buying replacement heifers is a streamlined marketing system for selling cattle.”

However, Larson notes a simplified marketing system may not beneficial for some producers.

Spring calving is winding down across the region. Calves are growing, which means their diets are changing. One of the most overlooked components of a calf’s diet is water intake.

According to University of NebraskaLincoln (UNL) Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Extension Specialist Karla Wilke, “Water intake is important in the nursing calf because it prevents dehydration and promotes rumen development.”

Rumen development Rumen development starts early in a calf’s lifetime. The best way for young calves to develop their rumen properly is

Please see HEIFERS on page 4

to give continuous access to dry feed and water. As solid feed intake increases in an animal’s diet, so does water intake.

Naturally, calves consume milk for the first part of their life. Milk aids in the development of their skeletal growth and provides calves with the needed nutrients from their mothers. The milk bypasses the calf’s rumen and goes straight to the abomasum through the esophageal groove – giving very little nutrients to the rumen.

By the first month of age, calves will start consuming solid feed, such as cow feed and grass. Solid feed intake is a direct correlation to water intake – the more solid

periodical

periodical

Please see WATER on page 6

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 3 • May 15, 2021

Roll The Dice

The endangered species issue has always been an important topic, especially for the western states. What compounds the issue is when it’s made political and the politics take the place of science – it comes down to science by votes.

From the

Recently, around 80 environmenPublisher tal organizations asked Congress to stop Dennis Sun approving budget riders which they say hinders adding protections for sage grouse in the 11 western states they live in.

Most of the western states that have sage grouse feel there are enough protections for the species with the individual states’ management plans – which have been approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. But, with the Biden administration and the Democratic Congress, environmental organizations feel they have a chance to get these budget riders stopped, so they can get more protection added to the birds.

These organizations would really like to see the sage grouse listed and protected, but the truth is, at this time it just isn’t warranted and the science doesn’t show it is warranted. It is just a way to gain control of public lands and some control of private lands. Sage grouse numbers cycle up and down, and there are a lot of indicators out there to keep them from falling off the cliff.

Reading through news articles in the Oil City News, I see having a hunting season for sage grouse has come up as an issue again. While the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) supports hunting, there are a number of people out there who don’t.

I think there are some good arguments for both sides, but the science is behind the WGFD and the emotional side is behind no hunting. Sage grouse numbers are lower in some areas now, so people are raising concerns.

We’ve all heard arguments from the pro-hunting side saying, “We’ll never get the hunters back if we stop hunting and the numbers killed don’t affect the total number of sage grouse.”

From a landowner’s point of view, I’m not for hunting sage grouse and don’t allow it on my private lands – this is my right.

The reason behind this decision is I woke up one morning and realized my land was in a sage grouse core area, and the decision was made without much input from me.

I realize I could have been more involved, but that’s behind us now. While it did stop some energy development, I choose not to fight it and looked for opportunities from the decision, as the decision was made and there wasn’t much I could do about it. I also realized Wyoming has done a great job with their sage grouse management plan and have been looked on as the leader in the western states for management of the bird.

I became involved in a Sage Grouse Initiative Program and later enrolled in a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances. This program protects me if the sage grouse is listed.

I see this past week, the Department of the Interior said they are moving to reopen, and potentially revise, sweeping Greater sage grouse conservation plans covering millions of acres across the West.

If the bird is listed or more regulations forced on us, I’m the guy who is going to take the hit as a landowner. To me, the loss of any sage grouse is bad, whether it is caused by hunting, weather or predators. I don’t like to roll the dice on the future of my ranch.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup Reporting the News by the Code of the West

Wyoming Livestock Roundup (USPS # 005-774) is published weekly by Maverick Press, Inc. P.O. Box 850 • Casper, WY 82602 Periodicals postage paid in Casper, WY Fax: 307-472-1781 • E-mail: roundup@wylr.net

Phone: 307-234-2700

GUEST OPINIONS Telling Agriculture’s Story

By Zippy Duvall Making ends meet on farms and ranches can be challenging, even in the best of times. With unpredictable weather and prices for products, some farmers and ranchers are diversifying their income.

As vaccine rollout continues and more of our neighbors join me and many others in getting vaccinated, I’ve been able to start traveling to meet with farmers and ranchers again. After more than a year of virtual meetings with folks, it is wonderful to see the Farm Bureau family face-to-face again.

A couple of weeks ago, I spent a few days in eastern Tennessee and met some of our members doing incredible things.

I am looking forward to a full summer of travel, meeting with grassroots leaders around the country. Getting out in the field and meeting with our members energizes our work here in Washington, D.C. The American Farm Bureau is most effective as the voice of agriculture in Washington, D.C., when we speak directly about how things are going on farms and ranches across the country as we engage with leaders in the administration and Congress.

Consumers want to

know more about where their food comes from.

The stories I heard in Tennessee could be told in farm country across our nation. Families like the Redmans are planting roots in their rural communities, but it can be hard to sustain a farm business as costs rise. Growing up on a farm outside of a small town in eastern Tennessee, Meredith Redman, remembers playing in the creek and the hayloft of her dad’s farm.

Meredith and her husband Joseph have a child of their own now, and Joseph has taken over for Meredith’s dad raising cattle at Grace Meadows Farm. Meredith also teaches third grade in a nearby school and shared most of her students didn’t know what went on at a farm.

This is a familiar story these days as the public is more disconnected than ever from agriculture and food production. With some families moving out from urban centers to be in the country, one can be surrounded by agriculture and still not know much about it.

Meredith and Joseph realized cattle alone wouldn’t sustain the farm, so they started hosting weddings on their farm for

family friends. Their business grew, and now they have plans in the works to open a petting zoo and pick-your-own produce and sunflowers. The Redmans have opened the farm gate to school and church groups, so the community can see what happens on the farm and better understand all the work and care that goes into farming.

I also had the opportunity to stop by Sweetwater Valley Farm. Just a few years ago, they built an automated facility to milk 460 cows. This new robotic facility is part of a 1,600 head dairy operation which uses 50 percent less labor than its other milking facilities.

Last year, they opened a viewing area so people could see how the automated facility worked.

They hope to welcome 10,000 visitors this year who can also buy cheese which has been made onsite for years.

Consumers want to know more about where their food comes from.

Deep down, I think there is a bit of the farmer spirit in each of us: It’s in our nature to want to grow something with our own hands and be able to put it on the dinner table.

The pandemic seems

to have inspired many firsttime gardeners. We all feel a deep connection to our food: Our meals are more than nourishment, as we gather around the table as friends, family and neighbors to share our joys and our sorrows.

This heightened interest in the source of food brings an incredible opportunity to tell our story.

We have almost limitless options and outlets to share our farm stories today.

Most of us carry around everything we need in our pocket – a smartphone.

Sharing a photo of a calf being fed, a crop being harvested or a new technology being used and sharing it on social media can bring those in your social circle a little closer to the farm.

And, for those who are interested in opening their farm for agritourism, there are some tremendous success stories serving as examples. We have a great story to tell and a great opportunity thanks to a curious public. There has never been a better time to engage.

Vincent “Zippy” Duval is the 12th president of the American Farm Bureau, as well as a poultry, cattle and hay producer from Greene County, Ga. This column was originally published on fb.org.

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 3 • May 15, 2021

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NEWS BRIEFS WSGA YPA hosts event The Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) and WSGA Young Producers Assembly (YPA) are hosting an educational event titled Business Leadership on YOUR Ranch on May 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ramada Plaza in Gillette.

This one-day event will begin with opening remarks from both WSGA President Scott Sims and YPA President Sage Askin, followed with a presentation by Dallas Mount of Ranch Management Consultants.

“In Gillette, there will be an opportunity for good value for the time spent. For the same $50, one can have a snapshot and a very personalized afternoon with Dallas Mount, learning some foundational principles taught in the Ranching for Profit School and get a discounted membership to WSGA,” said Askin.

The goal of this educational opportunity is to provide the tools necessary for both experienced and younger generations in the agriculture industry to positively impact change for the better – be it on their own operation, in local or regional issues or on a national level of policy.

A lunch will be provided for registered attendees. The event is open to the public and WSGA members. Preregistration is encouraged for accurate seating and lunch count. Registration opens at 10 a.m. and cost to attend is $50, which includes participation, materials for all sessions and lunch.

For more information or questions, visit the WSGA and YPA Facebook pages and WSGA website at wysga.org. To register, contact the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and register online at wysga.org, or call (307) 638-3942.

For those interested in sponsoring this event or placing an advertisement of a business to be displayed with the event, contact Haley Clark, YPA fundraising chair at 307-260-8983.

Disaster areas declared According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, counties suffering from a drought intensity value during the growing season of either “D2 Drought-Severe” for eight or more consecutive weeks, “D3 Drought-Extreme” or “D4 Drought-Exceptional” have been declared as primary natural disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Primary counties include Albany, Big Horn, Campbell, Carbon, Converse, Fremont, Goshen, Hot Springs, Johnson, Laramie, Natrona, Niobrara, Platte, Sheridan, Sublette, Sweetwater, Uinta, Washakie and Weston counties.

The natural disaster designation allows the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts.

For more information on FSA disaster assistance programs or to find a local USDA Service Center, visit farmers. gov/recover.

FREE Subscription To The

COWBOY STATE DAILY Publisher Bill Sniffin invites you to join 12,000 of your Wyoming friends by becoming a digital subscriber to the fastest growing statewide internet news source in Wyoming – the Cowboy State Daily.

Subscriptions are free! Just go to cowboystatedaily.com and “sign in” and you will get your morning news each day about 7:30 a.m.

This includes a daily forecast by Wyoming’s number-one weather forecaster Don Day. Join Publisher Bill Sniffin, Executive Editor Jimmy Orr, Editor Jim Angell, reporter Ellen Fike and favorite columnists like Dave Simpson and Ray Hunkins on our pages.

We are growing fast, adding 1,000 new subscribers each month.

Don’t just watch us grow – join us!

Judging camp offered Wyoming youths are invited to attend livestock judging camps this summer hosted by the University of Wyoming (UW) Livestock Judging Team.

The first camp, June 7-8, is for ages 13 to 18. Check-in starts at 8 a.m., and camp starts at 9 a.m. Registration is $200 and includes room, meals, t-shirt and hat.

Camp contestants will judge two species each day and give reasons. Contestant pickup is between 4 and 5 p.m.

The second camp is June 9 and geared toward competitors ages 8 to 12. Check-in starts at 8 a.m., and camp starts at 9 a.m. Registration is $60 and includes lunch, t-shirt and hat.

Contestants will go over species evaluations and give reasons. Contestant pickup will be between 4 and 5 p.m. the same day.

Attendees must register by May 24 to avoid a late entry fee of $50. Register at bit.ly/LivestockJudgingCampRegistration.

“The University of Wyoming Livestock Judging Camp this summer presents great opportunity for kids of all ages to learn from some of the most competitive and knowledgeable livestock judgers in the country,” said Shanan Davey, UW assistant livestock judging coach.

For questions, contact Davey at sdavey1@uwyo.edu or 970-596-7179.

Applications open for award

ICOW conference scheduled ICOW (Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming) will be holding their annual conference Sept. 10-11 at the Clarion in Casper.

Larry Bentley, Ellie Cushman and Taylor Haynes will host the Friday morning forum. Friday afternoon, Bill Bullard and R-CALF USA’s Field Director Karina Jones will speak on several national events affecting ranchers in Wyoming. Additionally, Marti Halverson will give a legislative update and Veterinarian Dennis Hermesch will speak on vaccines.

After the banquet, musician and cowboy poet Daron Little will provide musical entertainment to close Friday’s events.

Lucy Pauley from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture will speak Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon will provide Wyoming ranchers a chance for their voice to be heard on issues for the upcoming year during the annual business meeting.

For more information, contact ICOW Annual Meeting Chair Joyce Menke at joymenke@gmail.com.

FARM AND RANCH INSURANCE,

no matter what size your ranch is.

The McCoy Insurance Agency also provides: • Hard to Place Commercial Risks • Cabins and Dwellings In Unprotected Areas • Equine Risks We insure in Montana and Wyoming.

The Wyoming Council for Women (WCW) is seeking nominations for outstanding female entrepreneurs across the Cowboy State for recognition with the annual Woman Entrepreneur Award.

“Female entrepreneurs impact economies and families in every single community in Wyoming,” said Jennifer Wilmetti, chair of the WCW. “It requires tremendous courage and a belief in self, which the Wyoming Council for Women celebrates.”

Wilmetti continued, “We encourage women entrepreneurs, as well as their families, friends and colleagues, to submit an application so we can recognize and celebrate the amazing Wyoming women helping to drive our local economies.”

She added, “Given the ongoing impact COVID-19 is having on business owners across the state, we believe it is more important than ever to salute their courage, grit and hard work.”

The Woman Entrepreneur Award recognizes womanowned businesses in Wyoming and is designed to increase the attention to, and recognition of, the contribution female entrepreneurs make to Wyoming’s economy. Applications are now available on the WCW’s Facebook in the albums section at facebook.com/WyoWomensCouncil/photos.

For more information, call 307-672-3456 130 S Brooks St, Sheridan, WY 82801

Lifelong residents of Wyoming.

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Case 8465 Baler ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $9,500 Hesston 4910 Baler w/ accumulator ��������������������������������������������������� $39,500 Hesston 4910 Baler w/ accumulator ��������������������������������������������������� $24,500 Hesston 4900 4x4 Baler w/ accumulator �������������������������������������������� $24,500 International 445 Baler ������������������������������������������������������������������������� $2,450 Hesston 5580 Round Baler ������������������������������������������������������������������ $1,900 Case RS 561 Round Baler ����������������������������������������������������������������� $19,500 Vermeer 605h Round Baler ������������������������������������������������������������������ $2,950 New Holland 273 Baler ������������������������������������������������������������������������� $2,450 Case IH 8870 Swather, 16’ head, 1 owner ����������������������������������������� $43,500 Case IH 8840 Swather, 16’ head �������������������������������������������������������� $32,500 Hesston 6650 Swather, 16’ head�������������������������������������������������������� $10,000 7’ Sickle Mower ��������������������������������������������������������������������� .......... $1,450 New Holland 1030 Bale Wagon ������������������������������������������������������������ $2,900 New Holland 1047 Bale Wagon ������������������������������������������������������������ $7,000 New Holland 1002 Bale Wagon ������������������������������������������������������������ $1,950 New Holland Side Delivery Rake���������������������������������������������������������� $1,950 New Holland 1475 Hydroswing ������������������������������������������������������������ $8,900 Case IH 8750 3-Row Corn Chopper w/ new knives, spout liner & gathering chains.. ������������������������������������������������������������������� .........$15,000

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6”x32’ Grain Auger, PTO driven ������������������������������������������������������������� $950 9 Shank V Ripper ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $4,900 Ford 700 Truck w/ stack retriever ������������������������������������������������������� $9,500 22” 9 Row Corrugator ������������������������������������������������������������������������� $4,200 Dynamo DP-7100 Generator �������������������������������������������������������������� $4,950 Set of IH Duals 18.4 x 38 w/ clamps������������������������������������������������������ $750 22” 9 Row Corrugator ������������������������������������������������������������������������� $4,200 Bradco Aster 9000 Skid Steer Post Pounder�������������������������������������� $4,900 1 1/4” 6 Rail 20’ Continuous Fence Panels ���������������������������� Call for Pricing 1 1/2” 6 Rail 24’ Continuous Fence Panels ���������������������������� Call for Pricing Free Standing Panels ��������������������������������������������������������������������$325/each

CARLSON EQUIPMENT 77 Zuber Road • Riverton, WY 82501 • (307) 856-8123 carlsonequipment@gmail.com

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4

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 3 • May 15, 2021

Selecting the right forage for an operation explained by agronomist “There are many producers who grow their own forage for their cattle operations,” shares Arrow Seed Company Agronomist Rich Russell during a webinar series hosted by Ward Laboratory. “Selecting the correct forage for an operation is an important decision.”

Understanding forage varieties Many varieties of forage exist, and each variety has its own benefits.

“Alfalfa is the most economical way to grow reliable forage,” Russell shares. “Alfalfa can be seeded in the spring or in the fall to aid with winter survival.”

Russell adds many varieties of alfalfa are available to producers.

“Double-stack Roundup Ready with low-lignin alfalfa can extend the harvest window up to seven days,” continues Russell. “It will also maintain the same quality as conventional alfalfa at 10 percent bloom.”

He shares second generation Genuity Roundup Ready alfalfa is traffic tested through specific programs to ensure it offers high yielding, good variety yielding and four to five yearly cuttings of weed-free alfalfa.

“Forage yielding

excellent quality with solid pest resistance protection in a wide range of growing conditions provides fast recovery after cutting and high multifoliate expressions,” Russell states.

Additionally, he shares conventional varieties of alfalfa have increased tonnage, improved disease resistance, quick regrowth and excellent persistence.

Conventional alfalfa varieties also have unique tolerance to pH and wet soil conditions.

Conventional varieties have the best combination of tonnage and digestibility on the market, according to Russell. More production per acre means producers can take advantage of the high value which conventional varieties provide for cow/calf and dairy producers.

“Conventional alfalfa varieties also go through traffic and grazing tests,” he explains.” An alfalfa and orchardgrass mix combines the protein advantage from alfalfa varieties with the benefits of highquality grass.”

This mix is often desirable for many cattle, Russell shares. Additionally, he adds teff grass can be good for weaning calves.

“Teff grass is a great option because calves

often prefer it to other forage,” he explains. “Teff grass is very palatable and often calves flock to it.”

Grazing green forages When considering the purchase of seed for forages, producers should also consider which forages have the potential to become problematic in green up.

“One large issue producers can run into when transitioning cattle from winter feed to green forages is bloat,” shares Russell.

He notes, producers can prevent bloat by offering mineral and lick tubs before turning cowherds out on green grasses.

Additionally, producers can also run into issues with sulfur toxicity when grazing green forages. According to Russell, large amounts of hydrogen sulfide cause negative effects of excess dietary sulfur, including decreased cattle growth, reduced copper, diarrhea, muscular twitching and a potentially fatal neurologic disease of ruminants as a result of sulfur toxicity.

Grass tetany, a metabolic disorder associated with grazing of lush, growing green grasses, can also raise concerns for

producers.

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

“There are many producers who grow their own forage for their cattle operations. Selecting the correct forage for an operation is an important decision.” – Rich Russell, Arrow Seed Company

HEIFERS continued from page 1 Cost-benefit analysis When considering purchasing or retaining replacement heifers, Pendell states there are many things producers should keep in mind from an economic standpoint. The cost and availability of labor as well as feed costs are a couple items producers need to remember in figuring the cost of raising versus purchasing replacements.

“If producers are trying to raise a whole bunch of replacement heifers, understanding the price and availability of replacement heifers is important, too,” he says.

“There are many other items from a cost-benefit perspective, including tax implications and cash-flow needs.”

Larson notes some costs, such as labor, have differences based on efficiencies, sharing, “Retaining three heif-

ers from a herd will cost almost as much in time as retaining 20 heifers.”

Biosecurity In addition to labor and time, herd health and biosecurity are also a concern.

“There are certainly marketing channels where producers have more assurance about what would be coming into the herd, and there are testing strategies for producers concerned about maintaining a certain pathogen-free status,” Lubben says.

He continues, “Certainly, if producers are raising their own, it’s a much more known factor.

Producers retaining their own heifers know the risk of their area, and can be assured they are not changing the pathogen mode their animals are going to be exposed to if retaining.”

Complicated answers “This is not an easy decision,” says Larson. “It seems to be, from an economic, health, labor and

management standpoint, producers are either going to be spending their time developing heifers or finding heifers and working with a supplier.”

Larson continues, “But, it is much more complicated than it seems and there are correct answers that are very different for different producers.”

The team shares their top six considerations to keep in mind when deciding to purchase or retain replacement heifers are understanding cash-flow and tax implications, determining biosecurity risks, knowing the overall cost, evaluating the efficiencies of scale, developing genetic improvement plans and overall, realizing all costs and benefits of raising versus purchasing heifers.

Averi Hales is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.

Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

SALE REPORTS Paint Rock Angus Spring Production Sale Reported By Curt Cox, WLR Field Editor May 6, 2021 Paint Rock Angus Ranch, Hyattville Auctioneer: Joe Goggins 68 Yearling Angus Bulls Avg. $3,739 Top Sellers Bulls Lot 7 – Paintrock Motive 120-0 – Price: $7,000 DOB: 2/11/20 Sire: PRA Motive 501 Dam’s Sire: Paintrock In Focus 91-425-1 EPDs: BW: +0.2,

WW: +63, YW: +108 and Milk: +27 Buyer: Bob Stoddard, Douglas Lot 3 – Paintrock Windbreak 917-0 – Price: $6,000 DOB: 1/13/20 Sire: V D A R Wind Break 7062 Dam’s Sire: HA Cowboy Up 5405

EPDs: BW: +1.2, WW: +64, YW: +108 and Milk: +24 Buyer: HC Cattle, Columbus, Mont.

Lot 6 – Paintrock Gus 819-0 – Price: $6,000 DOB: 2/11/20 Sire: Circle L Gus Dam’s Sire: C/C Cash Flow EPDs: BW: -0.9, WW: +57, YW: +96 and Milk: +22 Buyer: Perry Livingston, Sundance Lot 8 – Paintrock Granite 794-0 – Price: $5,750 DOB: 2/5/20 Sire: Connealy Black Granite Dam’s Sire: Paintrock Product 348-6 EPDs: BW: +1.8, WW: +58, YW: +100 and Milk: +26 Buyer: Burgess Angus, Homedale, Idaho

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 3 • May 15, 2021

OBITUARIES

We welcome obituaries. Obituaries are printed free of charge and can be sent to roundup@wylr.net.

Santiago F. “Junior” Curuchet Dec. 18, 1938 – April 8, 2021

Santiago “Junior” Franklin Curuchet Jr. was born on Dec. 18, 1938 in Buffalo to Santiago and Celestina Curuchet.

He grew up and went to school in Buffalo and graduated from Johnson County High School with the class of 1957, where he played football and basketball and rodeoed.

He loved the Johnson

County Fair and entered in calf and team roping for years in his teens until his thirties. He was married on Aug. 3, 1957 in Buffalo to Virginia “Ginger” Cash and they made their home in Buffalo.

Junior joined the U.S. Army in October of 1957 and served at Ft. Leonard in Missouri. He received an honorable discharge in April of 1958 after serving at Ft. Ord in California.

He returned to Buffalo where he worked at various jobs before leasing a ranch between Buffalo and Kaycee for three years.

Junior and Ginger then bought a ranch in Natrona County where they raised their family and raised sheep.

Junior owned and operated his own trucking company and drove truck in the fall until 1983 when he sold the trucking business to his son John. They continued to increase their holdings and in 1993 they bought summer pasture in the Big Horns near the Scotch Corrals with their family, allowing them to increase their livestock numbers. They retired in 2007 and moved into Kaycee where they continued to live until his death.

He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church; a member of the county and State Wool Growers Association; a member of the Natrona County Weed and Pest Board for many

Ada Mae Hancock April 28, 1932 – May 3, 2021

Ada Hancock, 89, of Pavillion passed away at her home, surrounded by her family, on May 3.

Ada Mae Ward was born on April 28, 1932 in Felt, Idaho to Charles Heber and Nancy Carolina (Decker) Ward. Ada was raised in Badger Creek, Idaho going to a one-room school until fifth grade when the family moved to Parker, Idaho.

On June 4, 1949 Ada

married William S. Hancock in Lander and they made their home in Fremont County on various ranches that employed William until they built their own in the later 1970s. They had two sons and had been married for 63-and-a-half years until William passed away in 2012.

Ada was a devoted ranch wife who provided any role that needed filled to help her husband on the ranch. After William’s passing, she continued to be a intricate role in the family ranch up until her death.

Ada was a fantastic cook who could keep a meal warm for hours for a hungry crew. There are many people around the country who ate at her table. She was also an avid seamstress who provided homemade clothes for her family all through her life. In her spare time, she enjoyed needlepoint and

rock hunting.

She is survived by her son Calvin Hancock of Riverton; granddaughter Angela McCann and husband Tyler of Pavillion; and two great-granddaughters, Annabella and Arianna McCann of Pavillion.

Ada was preceded in death by her loving husband William Hancock; son David Hancock; parents; and eight siblings.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on May 29 at the Sunnyside Nazarene Church in Kinnear. Memorials may be made to P.A.W.S. in care of Davis Funeral Home, 2203 West Main Street, Riverton, WY 82501.

On-line condolences may be made to the family at thedavisfuneralhome.com. Services are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home.

5

years; and a member of the Johnson County Farm Services Board for eight years. Junior loved the sheep business his whole life, and even when he couldn’t do it any more he still enjoyed “talking sheep.”

He helped all his kids get started and a lot of other people along the way. He was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. In later years, he loved to have coffee, laugh and tell stories with his friends and harass his grandkids.

He is survived by his wife Ginger of Kaycee; three sons John Curuchet

and his wife Tracie, Mike Curuchet and his wife Chris and Tye Curuchet, all of Kaycee; one daughter Janine Foley and her husband David of Kaycee; fifteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters, Mary Louise Curuchet, Elynor Leath, Eileen Daley and Anita Curuchet.

Funeral services will be held May 17 at 10 a.m. in the Harold Jarrard Park Building in Kaycee with Father Pete Johnson officiating. A Vigil Service will be held and the Rosary recited on May 16

at 6 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Visitation will be held at the Harness Funeral Home Chapel May 16 from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. and in the Harold Jarrard Park Building on May 17 from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Kaycee Cemetery with graveside services to follow the Mass.

Donations in Junior’s memory may be made to the Johnson County Predator Board in care of the Harness Funeral Home at 351 N. Adams in Buffalo.

Online condolences may be made at harnessfuneralhome.com.

Unemployment benefits end Governor Mark Gordon has announced Wyoming will end its participation in federal supplemental unemployment benefits in order to address workforce shortages being felt throughout the state.

The programs were made available through federal laws initiated in response to the pandemic and include Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and Continued Assistance to Unemployed Workers Act of 2020. The additional payments will no longer be available to claimants as of June 19, 2021.

“Wyoming needs workers, our businesses are raring to go,” Gordon said. “I recognize the challenges facing Wyoming employers, and I believe it’s critical for us to do what we can to encourage more hiring.”

He continued, “Federal unemployment

programs have provided short-term relief for displaced and vulnerable workers at a tough time, but are now hindering the pace of our recovery. People want to work, and work is available. Incentivizing people not to work is just plain un-American.”

Effective June 19, 2021, the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services will stop paying these benefits to existing claimants and will no longer accept new claims for the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Programs.

The Department of Workforce Services reminds Wyoming workers that state assistance is available when the FPUC, PEUC and PUA programs end.

6

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 3 • May 15, 2021

PLAN continued from page 1 Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Hunger assistance The USDA shares as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as many as 30 million adults and 12 million children may not have access to nutritious food. The American Rescue Plan includes access to an increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as well as expanded access to fruits and vegetables through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). In addition, the bill makes investments in expanded access for online grocery shopping.

Vilsack said, “The American Rescue Plan boosts SNAP benefits for food insecure families; it expands resources to mothers and young children to purchase healthy, fresh

foods; and delivers badlyneeded nutrition aid to U.S. territories. It also increases food available for distribution through food banks, nonprofits or restaurants to help feed families in need and at the same time supports farmers by purchasing their products.”

“America’s farmers, ranchers and producers will reap the benefits of the American rescue plan as more resources flow through the economy, as more businesses open up, spurring greater demand for American food and agricultural products.”

Food supply chain COVID-19 disrupted many supply chains, especially the food supply chain.

The American Rescue Plan makes long-term investments to build resiliency including investments in

For more information, visit farmers.gov.

infrastructure and support for food processors, farmers’ markets, food banks, local food systems and producers, according to USDA. “One of the things the pandemic really demonstrated to all of us is the fragility of our food systems,” said USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Personally, I live on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, and there are 40,00050,000 head of cattle grown on the Reservation every year and our grocery store had empty meat counters.”

He continued, “There is a lot of emphasis from the administration and Secretary Vilsack to build a more resilient local and regional food system that can weather these types of setbacks more readily.”

The American Rescue Plan includes grants and loans for keeping essential food workers safe, as well as funds the monitoring of COVID-19 in animals and reduces overtime inspection fees paid by small meat and poultry processors.

Torrington Livestock Markets PO Box 1097 • Torrington, WY 82240 307.532.3333 Fax: 307.532.2040

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Supporting producers According to USDA, the struggles socially disadvantaged farmers incur have been exacerbated by a disproportionate amount of COVID-19 infection rates, property loss, hospitalizations, death and economic hurt. The American Rescue Plan provides $4 billion toward debt relief for socially disadvantaged farmers through loan repayment programs and the creation of a racial equity commission within the USDA. Ducheneaux explained Congress passed this portion of the American Rescue Plan using the Section 2501 of the Food, Ag, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 to define socially disadvantaged producers.

“The definition includes Black or African American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Hispanic or Latinoethnicity, Asian American or Pacific Islander farmers,” he shared. “Folks who are members of one of those groups and have FSA, Direct or Farm Storage loans are eligible for repayment of 120 percent of the amount of their indebted-

Lex Madden 307-532-1580 Michael Schmitt 307-532-1776 Chuck Petersen 307-575-4015

FRIDAY, MAY 21 ~ FEEDER SPECIAL & ALL CLASSES FEEDERS Larry Loeffler 113 Blk/Rd Hfrs, 800-900#, Been on a Grower Ration, 2 Rounds of Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold, 7-way, Poured w/Cydectin, Home Raised ****64 Blk few Bwf Strs, 800-900#, Been on a Grower Ration, 2 Rounds of Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold, 7-way, Poured w/Cydectin, Home Raised Helen Nichols 54 Mx Strs & Hfrs (1 Bull Calf), 450-650#, Branding Shots, Weaned since Oct., Running out/ Hay Fed, Steers are Knife Cut, Gentle and very tame SALE RESULTS -FRIDAY, MAY 7 - BRED/PAIR/ALL CLASSES - 1126 HD Frontier Land Co LLC 20 Black Bred Cow 3-4yr/May 1226 1325.00H Frank Fear Cattle Co 19 Black Bred Cow SM/May-June 1463 1310.00H Frontier Land Co LLC 3 Black Bred Cow SM/May 1155 1175.00H Frank Fear Cattle Co 10 Black Bred Cow SS/May-June 1467 1100.00H Frontier Land Co LLC 3 Red Bred Cow 3-4yr/May 1385 1335.00H Kim Cullen 2 Red Bred Cow 3yr/May-June 1140 1300.00H Doug Derouchey 40 Black Pairs Hfr 1293 2050.00H Doug Derouchey 32 Black Pairs Hfr 1263 2025.00H J T B Ventures 10 Black Pairs 3-4yr 1249 1860.00H William & Jacquiline Schlegel 22 Black Pair SM 1252 1700.00H Evans Ranch 4 Black Pairs Hfr 1120 1625.00H William & Jacquiline Schlegel 6 Black Pairs 3yr 1126 1550.00H J T B Ventures 18 Black Pairs SS 1488 1385.00H H Bar C Feeders 12 Black Pairs SS 1602 1360.00H H Bar C Feeders 14 Black Pairs ST 1578 1275.00H J T B Ventures 20 Black Pairs ST 1423 1260.00H J T B Ventures 6 Black Pairs ST 1405 1210.00H Michael Rodriguez 21 Black Pairs ST 1291 1160.00H SALE RESULTS -WED, MAY 12 - FEEDERS - 1479 HD Ritthaler Cattle Co 100 Black Bull 757 135.50C Ritthaler Cattle Co 28 Black Bull 861 119.00C Corliss/Glenda Peters 22 Black Steer 677 161.00C Corliss/Glenda Peters 19 Black Steer 591 160.00C Corliss/Glenda Peters 13 Black Steer 747 145.00C Corliss/Glenda Peters 32 Black Heifer 583 145.00C Arrow L Farms Inc 117 Black Heifer 635 139.75C Lex Burghduff 66 Black Heifer 725 139.25C Lex Burghduff 36 Black Heifer 629 139.00C Robert Clausen 50 Black Heifer 736 138.50C Arrow L Farms Inc 112 Black Heifer 694 136.75C Corliss/Glenda Peters 26 Black Heifer 692 136.25C Lex Burghduff 22 Black Heifer 788 132.50C Meyring Livestock 25 Black Heifer 816 132.00C Meyring Livestock 24 Black Heifer 731 130.00C Arrow L Farms Inc 18 Blk/Red Heifer 577 144.00C Gibbs Livestock 22 Blk/Red Heifer 657 138.00C Meyring Livestock 24 Blk/Red Heifer 791 126.50C North Casper Creek 21 Blk/Red Heifer 844 120.00C Arrow L Farms Inc 21 Mixed Heifer 628 132.00C B G Ranches 18 Black Steer Calf 563 164.50C Pilot Butte Ranch 25 Blk/Red Steer Calf 566 162.50C Pilot Butte Ranch 19 Black Heifer Calf 458 167.00C B G Ranches 15 Black Heifer Calf 512 160.00C Brian Zerbe 12 Black Heifer Calf 577 147.00C Pilot Butte Ranch 39 Black Heifer Calf 543 143.00C 3 Springs Ranch 14 Black Heifer Calf 626 137.50C

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ness as of Jan. 1, 2021.”

Rural communities “In rural America, the American Rescue Plan provides significant investments to help struggling home workers pay their mortgages, property taxes and property insurance,” said Vilsack. “It funds broadband to schools and hospitals and

other community facilities.”

In addition, the program funds rural hospitals and provides a broadened access for COVID-19 vaccines and food assistance.

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

WATER continued from page 1 feed consumed, the more water needed.

To ensure weight gain in calves, it is important to have a healthy rumen.

The best way for calves to develop a healthy rumen is to have adequate water intake.

Wilke explains, “Almost all suckled milk intake enters the abomasum via closure of the esophageal groove, allowing the highly digestible protein and energy source to go straight to tissue growth for the rapidly growing calf.”

Early calf growth translates to higher post-weaning growth. This all starts while the calf is still on the cow.

“Rumen development now is very important for the calf when they are weaned,” she continues. “Having the calf set up really well to digest feed, having a good functioning rumen they can take solid feed in and utilize those nutrients when they do wean, actually starts now.”

Importance of water Right now, checking water for calves is not the first thing on most producers’ minds, but it should be noticed. Bunking tanks is usually not done in early spring. However, Wilke suggests checking tanks to ensure calves can reach water.

Easy access to water for the calf increases their total water consumption.

Wilke also encourages producers to watch how fast tanks are flowing. Checking float systems only aids in easier access to water. It is hard for calves to get enough water but by keeping water levels high, producers should notice a difference.

To better understand the importance of water in a calf’s diet, Wilke looked into Iowa based dairy research. She shares the research showed in 70 degree weather, calves consuming 0.7 gallons of milk replacer and 2.2 pounds of starter feed consumed 0.66 gallons of water per day. Spring calving comes with spring-like weather. Although it is not the middle of summer heat, calves still need enough water to stay hydrated and healthy.

By starting to focus on calf rumen health in the spring, fall weaning can become more profitable to the producer. Water intake is a very important factor in a healthy, developing calf rumen and it all starts now.

Savannah Peterson is an intern for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 3 • May 15, 2021

SHEEP continued from page 1 National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) and ASI’s Let’s Grow Program.

“These programs have led to some industry-based forward thinking, which is what the U.S. sheep industry needs to move forward and be successful in the future,” he notes. “We have also based some of our initiatives on other successful organizations across different industries such as the Beef Improvement Federation, Meat and Livestock Australia and Sheep Genetics Australia.”

Collaboration, communication and connectivity The panel explains although Sheep Genetics USA has multiple goals, the new organization is ultimately determined to connect the U.S. sheep industry through collaboration and communication.

In fact, Burgett, the current NSIP director, notes one of the biggest downfalls in the industry is the lack of communication between different segments.

“Through years of working with NSIP and engaging with both seedstock and commercial operations, I have noticed a lot of difficulty in the flow of information between different segments of our industry,” Burgett says. “It isn’t anyone’s fault, it’s just how it is. Sheep Genetics USA will provide a platform where everyone has a seat at the table. We can share information, make deci-

sions collaboratively and move forward as a whole.”

Burgett also believes a collaborative approach is the key to solving other issues in the industry.

“There are some other current issues we need to solve. In fact, at the last Let’s Grow meeting, we identified a list of at least 20 different projects that need attention in the long term,” he continues. “Sheep Genetics USA is a solutions-based organization so we are trying to develop solutions for everyday problems. The only way to do this is by creating a solid genetic foundation, and the only way to accomplish this is through a collaborative approach.”

Additionally, Boner notes communication in regards to past and current research is critical in moving the sheep industry forward.

“Sheep Genetics USA gives us a platform to become a clearinghouse, not only for future research, but for past research as well, which is something the industry desperately needs,” states Boner. “This communication will allow us to come together as an industry and get behind research projects that have historically been disjointed and regional.”

He further explains the Sheep Genetics USA collaborative effort will allow greater access to funds and grant money when it

For more information on Sheep Genetics USA or to join the organization, visit sheepgeneticsusa.org.

• Early bird registration fee: $250/student and $160/advisor.

Deadline: Friday, May 28, 2021.

• Payment must be included with the registration form.

• Make checks payable to: Casper College Livestock Judging Camp.

• Entries after Friday, May 28, 2021: $275/ student and $175/advisor.

Use our online form located at caspercollege.edu/events/ag-judging-camp

comes to research, as well as more industry-wide support, commitment and follow through.

Public involvement Although the force behind Sheep Genetics USA is determined and forward moving, the panel notes the industrywide collaborative effort they are pushing for will not be successful without the input of individuals across the U.S. Therefore, Lehfeldt, Boyer, Boner and Burgett encourage any and all individuals involved in the sheep industry to join the organization.

“Public involvement

7

is huge,” states Lehfeldt, further noting those who are interested in joining can sign up for free on the Sheep Genetics USA website and choose the grassroots committee they would like to represent.

“Individuals can choose between six committees – the American Lamb Board/consumer committee, the NSIP committee, the research, educators and emerging technology committee, the seedstock and registries committee, the ASI/producer committee or the feeder and packer committee,” Lehfeldt explains. “We use

these six committees to tie each segment of our industry together and make sure all voices are heard.”

Lehfeldt also explains each committee has an assigned action lead – a supervisor of sorts who is responsible for sparking action within committees and communicating with action leads from other committees.

“Together, action leads will work on project prioritization, formulation and implementation,” he says. “When there is an approved project, a crucial role for both action leads and the rest of the com-

mittee is to help with the project and communicate research findings.”

Lehfeldt concludes, “Ultimately, Sheep Genetics USA has been created to connect and assist U.S. sheep producers in adopting genetic information, technology and research in their production systems while moving the U.S. sheep industry forward into a strong, independent and self-reliant industry.”

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

M a y 2 0 21 Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 3 • May 15, 2021 M a y 2 0 21 M a y 2 0 21

8

BARNYARDS & BACKYARDS BARNYARDS & BACKYARDS BARNYARDS & BACKYARDS

UW Extension | Agriculture & Horticulture | USDA | NIFA Extension | Agriculture & Horticulture USDA | NIFA UW UW Extension | Agriculture & Horticulture | USDA || NIFA

Understanding financial performance: Understanding financial financial performance: Understanding performance: Part 3 in the Getting on Track series Part 3 in the Getting on Track series Part 3 in the Getting on Track series What to do with how financial statements What to door with or to howinterpret to interpret financial statementsisisoften oftennot not What to do with This or how statements is often not easily understood. is atoproblem forfinancial many farm and businesses. easily understood.

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There are many benefits to constructing financial statements knowing financial performance.

Financial analysis can highlight areas of Therefinancial are manyperformance. benefits to constructing financial and of knowing Financial analysis canstatements highlight areas risk or poor performance and show where improvements can be made. knowing financial performance.

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Knowing the financial information a lender looks for can help put you on the sameThe page as well. course follows example producers highlighted in the previous theThe same pagefollows asand well. course example producers in the previous two courses explains the practical highlighted aspects of financial analysis and course follows example producers highlighted in theanalysis previous twoThe courses and explains theperformance. practical aspects of financial and understanding financial The course examines five areas of two courses explains the practicalThe aspects financial analysis understanding financial performance. courseofexamines five areasand of financialand analysis. understanding financial performance.

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LIQUIDITY AND SOLVENCY financial analysis.

Liquidity the ability of a business to meet current financial LIQUIDITY ANDmeasures SOLVENCY obligations without disrupting business operations. The course LIQUIDITY AND SOLVENCY Liquidity measures the ability ofnormal a business to meet current financial outlines three main ratios for measuring liquidity: the current ratio,

expense,depreciation depreciation expense, net farm income from operations.

As expense, expense, andand net farm income from operations.

As expense, depreciation expense, andanet income from with theprofitability profitability ratios, what makes afarm financial efficiency ratioorgood As or with the ratios, what makes financial efficiency ratio operations. good with the profitability ratios, what makes a financial efficiency ratio good or baddepends dependsonon the type of operation. the operation. bad the type andand sizesize of the bad depends on the type and size of the operation.

REPAYMENT REPAYMENTCAPACITY CAPACITY The ability of a borrower or potential borrower to repay farm debt REPAYMENT The ability of CAPACITY a borrower or potential borrower to repay farm debt from farm and non-farm sources is an important financial measure.

The ability a borrower or potential borrower financial to repay farmThe debt The from farm andofnon-farm sources is an important measure. course outlines the important ratios for measuring repayment capacity, from farm and non-farm sources is an measure.

The course outlines the important ratios forimportant measuringfinancial repayment capacity, including capital debt repayment capacity and term debt/capital lease course outlines ratios for measuring capacity, including capital the debtimportant repayment capacity and term repayment debt/capital lease coverage ratio. including capital debt repayment capacity and term debt/capital lease coverage ratio.

Financial analysis allows farm and ranch managers and lenders to coverage ratio.

Financial analysis allowshealth farmand andchart ranch and lenders assess a business’ financial itsmanagers progress. Analysis can to Financial analysis allows farm and ranch managers tocan assess a business’ health and chart its progress.

Analysis identify strengths and financial weaknesses and identify where actionand maylenders be assess strengths a The business’ financial healthdecision andidentify chart itswhere progress.

Analysis identify and weaknesses and may becan necessary. information can assist making, goalaction setting, identify strengths and weaknesses and identify where action may be necessary.

The information can assist decision goal and comparing business performance across severalmaking, years and to setting, similar operations.

Negative performance trends provide an several early warning system, necessary.

Thebusiness information can can assist decision making, goal setting, and comparing across years and to indicating changes or adjustments are needed. and comparing business performance years and to similar operations.

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Negative trendsare canneeded. provide an early warning system, indicating changes or adjustments indicating changes or adjustments are needed.

Net Farm Income + Depreciation Net Farm Income + Net Non-farm Income Farm Income +Net Depreciation - Family Living Depreciation ++ Net Non-farm Income - Income Taxes + Net Non-farm Income Family Living + Interest on Term Loans

Liquidity without measures the ability of a business operations. to meet current obligations disrupting normal The financial course working capital ratio, and working capital/gross revenue ratio. These obligations without normal business operations. course outlines three main disrupting ratios for measuring liquidity: the currentThe ratio, ratios are calculated using information on the balance sheet. The current outlines three main for measuring liquidity:current the current working capital ratio,ratios and capital/gross ratio. ratio, These ratio is estimated by working current assets divided byrevenue liabilities. working capital ratio, and working capital/gross revenue ratio.

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As with liquidity ratios, measures of solvency can be compared obligations and the ability of the business to withstand financial Solvency is measured by the debt/asset ratio, equity/asset ratio,adversity. and overistime or Information to industry Solvency measured by thebenchmarks. debt/asset ratio,isequity/asset ratio, and debt/equity ratio. for these ratios also on the balance debt/equity ratio.

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Asor with liquidity ratios, measures of solvency can be compared over time to industry benchmarks.

Profitability refers to the ability of a business to generate more revenue over time or to industry benchmarks.

Family Living -- Income Taxes +- Income InterestTaxes on Term Loans InterestDebt on Term Loans Capacity =+ Capital Repayment

= Capital Debt Repayment Capacity

= Capital Debt Repayment Capacity

than expenses over a period of time. The course outlines five measures

PROFITABILITY AND FINANCIAL EFFICIENCY of profitability including rate of return on assets (ROA); rate of return on PROFITABILITY AND FINANCIAL Profitability refers to the ability of a EFFICIENCY business generate revenue equity (ROE); operating profit margin; net farmto income; andmore earnings

Profitability refers to the depreciation, ability of aThe business to generate revenue than expenses over ataxes, period of time. course outlines fivemore measures before interest, and amortization (EBITDA).

Data for than expenses over period time.

Theassets course outlines measures of profitability including rate ofofreturn on (ROA); rate of return onand these ratios areaon the income statement, statement of five owner equity, of profitability including rate of return net on assets (ROA); and rate earnings of return on book value balanceprofit sheet. equity (ROE); operating margin; farm income; Financial efficiency measures can help determine whether orData not the equity interest, (ROE); operating profit margin;and netamortization farm income;(EBITDA). and earnings before taxes, depreciation, for physical assets of depreciation, a business areand being applied effectively.

Theequity, five ratios beforeratios interest, taxes, amortization (EBITDA).

Data for these are on the income statement, statement of owner and discussed in the course are asset turnover, operating expense, interest thesevalue ratiosbalance are on sheet. the income statement, statement of owner equity, and book book value balance sheet.

Financial efficiency measures can help determine whether or not the Financial efficiency measures help determine whether or five not ratios the physical assets of aRatio business arecan being applied effectively.

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The interest five ratios discussed in the of course are asset turnover, operating expense, discussed in the course are asset turnover, operating expense, interest Liquidity Benchmarks

Low Risk

Liquidity Ratio Benchmarks Liquidity Ratio Benchmarks Current Ratio >1.5 Liquidity Benchmarks Liquidity Working Benchmarks Capital

High Risk

1.0 – 1.5

<1.0

Low Moderate High Risk Risk Risk Low Moderate The appropriate level will vary primarily due toHigh farm Risk Risk size, inventory levels and accounts receivable.Risk

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Increase sales The appropriate level will vary primarily due to farm Decrease short-term debt and other financial obligations Restructuresize, debtappropriate to better reflect assets inventory levels and receivable.

The levelcurrent willaccounts vary primarily due to farm Evaluate a marketing plan to betterand time cash inflows and outflows size, inventory levels accounts receivable.

Possible actions for improvement •Possible Increase salesfor improvement actions •• Decrease short-term debt and other financial obligations Increase sales •• Restructure debt to better current assets Decrease short-term debt reflect and other financial obligations •• Evaluate a marketing plan to better time cash inflows and outflows Restructure debt to better reflect current assets • Evaluate a marketing plan to better time cash inflows and outflows

James Sedman is a consultant to the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics in the University of Wyoming College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and John Hewlett is a farm and ranch management specialist in the department. Hewlett may be reached 766‑2166toorthe hewlett@uwyo.edu.

James Sedmanatis(307) a consultant Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics

Sedman of is aWyoming consultant to theofDepartment of Agricultural and Applied inJames the University College Agriculture and Natural Resources, andEconomics inADDITIONAL theHewlett University Wyoming College of Agriculture and Natural John is aofRESOURCES farm and ranch management specialist in theResources, department.and Hewlett AVAILABLE FROM RIGHTRISK.ORG John Hewlett is at a farm ranch management specialist in the department. Hewlett may be reached (307)and 766‑2166 or hewlett@uwyo.edu.

The RiskatScenario Planner or Course may•be reached (307) 766‑2166 hewlett@uwyo.edu.

•

Enterprise Risk Analysis

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROM • Lasting Legacy RIGHTRISK.ORG ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROM • Management Succession Planning RIGHTRISK.ORG The Risk Risk Scenario Planner Course •• Evaluating Strategies The Risk Scenario Planner Course Enterprise Risk ••• Analytics Tool Box Analysis Enterprise Risk Analysis •• Lasting Legacy FOR••MORE INFORMATION Lasting Legacy Management Succession Planning RightRisk.org is a premier risk management • Management Planning resource for • Evaluating RiskSuccession Strategies producers, including the Getting on Track series highlighting the EvaluatingTool RiskBox Strategies •• Analytics importance of financial record keeping and analysis.

• Analytics Tool Box

Point your browser to RightRisk.org and select the Courses tab to FOR MORE INFORMATION access any of the three Getting on Track courses. Due to the removal FOR MORE INFORMATION RightRisk.org is is a not premier riskavailable management resource for of Flash player, audio currently with the course slides, RightRisk.org isresources athe premier risk resource forthe producers, including Getting onmanagement Track series highlighting but all accompanying remain accessible.

producers, including therecord Getting on Track highlighting the importance of financial keeping andseries analysis. importance of financial record keeping and analysis.

Point your browser to RightRisk.org and select the Courses tab to Pointany your toGetting RightRisk.org and select the tab to access ofbrowser the three on Track courses.

DueCourses to the removal access of the three Getting on Track courses. the removal of Flash any player, audio is not currently available withDue the to course slides, of Flash player, audio resources is not currently available with the course slides, but all accompanying remain accessible. but all accompanying resources remain accessible.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 3 • May 15, 2021

9

UW researchers study genetic disruptions that lead to infertility, disease University of Wyoming (UW) scientists will use a $1.65 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to continue research into understanding endocrine signaling mechanisms between the ovary and uterus which contribute to infertility and diseases when disrupted.

“The cost of faulty endocrine or hormone signaling between the ovary and uterus to humans and agriculturally important domestic species is tens of billions of dollars a year,” said Jim Pru, professor and Rochelle Chair in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Endocrine signaling Pru’s laboratory was first to evaluate the expression and function of a family of genes called the progesterone receptor membrane component (PGRMC) family, which mediate some of the actions of the female sex steroids estrogen and progesterone in the female reproductive system.

“These sex steroids, when produced at various stages of either the estrous or menstrual cycle, will coordinate molecular events in the uterus in preparation for embryo implantation, but binding to and acti-

vating specific proteins,” said Pru, who joined the Department of Animal Science in January. “The endocrine signaling existing between the ovary and uterus is a sophisticated way for two organs to communicate with one another to ensure the uterus is properly primed for early pregnancy.”

The signaling between the ovary and uterus occurs in all mammals, Pru explains, no matter if it’s humans, cows, pigs, horses, domestic animals or rodents.

“These are evolutionarily conserved pathways and have applications to not only large domestic animal species, but also to human reproductive functions,” said Pru, a Wyoming native and UW graduate.

Prior to returning to UW, Pru had a split appointment between the Agricultural Research Center and academic programs at Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman, Wash. He also served as associate director at WSU’s Center for Reproductive Biology Gene function Pru’s lab uses conditional mutagenesis as a way to understand if and how certain

AFBF continued from page 1 conducted in 2019 and 2021, brought attention to the need for local resources to help agricultural producers deal with daily stresses as well as mental health concerns.

Survey results shows farmers and farm workers were 10 percent more likely than rural adults as a whole to experience feeling nervous, anxious or on-edge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the per-

centage of farmers and farm workers who say social isolation impacts farmers’ mental health increased by 22 percent since the April 2019 survey.

“For far too long, farmers and ranchers have been trying to cope with increasing levels of stress on their own,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall.

Resource directory AFBF partnered with the

The Farm State of Mind resource directory can be found at farmstateofmind.org.

genes function in the uterus during early pregnancy and in the development of women’s reproductive diseases.

“This is the approach my laboratory uses,” he said. “We knock genes in or out of just the uterus, and then we evaluate the function of these genes based on the outcome. An understanding of gene function gives us the ability to understand the basic biology of reproductive physiology at the molecular level and to then work toward developing therapeutic strategies to combat infertility and diseases for the female reproductive system.

So, the question is, how do female sex steroids function to coordinate events in the uterus of early pregnancy?”

Scientists evaluate gene mutations and use breeding trials to understand what’s occurring in the absence or overexpression of those genes.

Importance to production “The importance of these studies is that we’ve got all sorts of reproductive issues in domestic livestock,” he said.

“Beef cattle have issues. Dairy cattle have issues in generating offspring. Many of these reproductive issues occur during the early stages of preg-

nancy when the embryo signals its presence to the mother as the embryo implants into the uterine wall.”

He continues, “These reproductive issues contribute to billions of dollars of losses to livestock producers. So, it is not insignificant. We also know there are tremendous infertility issues in humans.”

For example, when the uterus does not respond properly to the female sex steroids estrogen and progesterone, this contributes to pregnancy loss and development of reproductive diseases.

“And they are huge, huge issues,” he said.

Connection to endometriosis Endometriosis is one of the human diseases when the process derails.

“Endometriosis is really a big issue and a little bit near and dear to my heart because we do study it in the lab,” he said.

Affecting one in 10 women, the menstrual flow, instead of going outside the body, flows in retrograde fashion through the fallopian tubes into the peritoneal cavity, causing benign, highly inflammatory lesions which become infiltrated with blood vessels, said Pru.

University of Georgia School of Social Work to compile available resources to include in their mental health resource directory, the Farm State of Mind.

“Our Farm State of Mind campaign is encouraging conversations about stress and mental health in farming and ranching communities,” Duvall continued. “It is so important to spread the word that no one has to go through it alone.”

The Farm State of Mind directory includes listings for crisis hotlines and support lines, counseling services, training opportunities, podcasts, videos, published articles and many other resources available in each state and in Puerto Rico.

“This new online directory of stress and mental health resources in every state gives farmers, ranchers and rural communities a user-friendly, one-stop shop to find services in their area to help them manage farm stress and find help for mental health concerns,” noted Duvall. “Whether someone is looking for information about how to recognize and manage stress, trying to find counseling services in the area or are in need of crisis support, they can find help here.”

The resources within the Farm State of Mind directory are specifically geared toward farmers, ranchers and rural communities, says AFBF. Encouraging conversation Farmers and ranchers are

CROSSWORD Wyoming Livestock Roundup Crosswords, created by Myles Mellor. Solution available in next week's Roundup. Mail your complete crossword to Wyoming Livesock Roundup, PO Box 850, Casper, WY 82602 for a special prize!

Across

Down

1 Wyoming river, 2 words 8 Corn or wheat 9 Requiring oxygen 10 Was introduced to 11 Male bovine associated

with plows 12 Livestock predators 14 Loss of product as it moves

through the market system 17 Horse relative 19 Breeding horse 22 Product 24 Really big clothing size 25 Prima donna 27 Silent agreements 28 Making a moo sound 32 Young goat 33 Experts in field management

and crop production

1 Plants like alfalfa and clover 2 Farm vehicle 3 Breed of sheep and a famous president 4 Male pig 5 Valley 6 Round object 7 Conservation agency of the

USDA, abbr.

12 Bull elk’s call 13 Horse color pattern 15 Scorching 16 River craft 18 Cow fodder 19 Christmas visitor 20 Cow part 21 Bad-mouth 23 Glances 26 Auction offers 29 Humor 30 Operating 31 Dawn time

“The main issue is pain, of course, but it also causes infertility,” he said. “Most women who are diagnosed with endometriosis don’t even know they have it.”

Laparoscopic surgery is the only way to diagnose the disease.

“There is no long-term cure for the disease aside from menopause or removing the ovaries, because this disease, as with most hyperproliferative diseases of the female reproductive system, is driven by estrogen coming from the ovary,” said Pru. “Doctors manage the disease to prevent it from becoming highly inflammatory and causing pain and infertility, but there is really no cure for this disease.”

Interestingly, he said, members of the PGRMC family are known to be misregulated in patients with endometriosis.

It’s also a $22 billion burden in the United States, from lost wages due to not working because of pain and to treating the condition, as well as medical costs.

“The staggering statistic to me – forget the economics – is the fact it’s so prevalent and there’s no cure and no real

good diagnostic for this particular disease,” said Pru. Pru’s lab has established the PGRMC protein expression is elevated in different types of cancer.

“We’ve done work in our own lab, and we know PGRMC1, for example, is elevated in endometrial, ovarian and breast cancers,” he said. “It’s expressed about four times the normal levels in endometrial cancer.”

The lab’s studies are important not only for fertility issues, they’re also important because these proteins are misregulated in disease conditions, Pru explained.

The genes are evolutionarily conserved, he continues. He adds, “If the protein or the gene is expressed and it plays an important role in cows, in mice, humans and non-human primates, then it’s probably a pretty important protein or gene.”

This article was written by University of Wyoming Extension Senior Editor Dr. Steve Miller and is courtesy of the University of Wyoming. Miller can be reached at slmiller@uwyo.edu. For more information, visit uwagnews.com.

“For far too long, farmers and ranchers have been trying to cope with increasing levels of stress on their own.” – Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation encouraged by AFBF to share the directory with their family, friends and community to spread awareness of the resource.

Cabrera said, “It’s wonderful to have great resources available to us, but if people do not know they are available then it’s really not going to make the impact. We would love for people to share this information so we can get the word out and those people who are in need can get the help they need.”

She continued, “We want

to encourage conversations about stress and mental health in farming and ranching communities and raise awareness that those who are struggling do not need to suffer alone. We have a motto that we are stronger together, and we really do believe this is the case with addressing these very, everpresent needs in our communities right now.”

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

10

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 3 • May 15, 2021

CALENDAR

SALES May 27

Submit your events to: Editor, Wyoming Livestock Roundup, P.O. Box 850, Casper, WY, 82602, or e-mail to roundup@wylr.net.

June 5

EVENTS May 18-19

Wyoming Animal Damage Management Board Meeting, Wyoming Game and Fish Regional Office, Casper. For more information, visit wyadmb.com or contact Jerry Johnson at 307- 777-6781.

May 20 Wyoming Stock Growers Association Young Producers Assembly Outreach, Gillette. For more information, visit wysga.org.

May 20-21 Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee Meeting, State Capitol Meeting Room W110, Cheyenne. For more information, call 307-777-7881 or visit wyoleg.gov.

May 24-25 Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee Meeting, Aspen Conference Room, Campbell County School District Lakeway Learning Center, Gillette. For more information, call 307-777-7881 or visit wyoleg.gov.

May 24-28 Wyoming Ranch Camp, Broadbent Ranch, Evanston. For more information, contact Chance Marshall at cmarsha1@uwyo.edu, 307-332-2363 or Hudson Hill at hrhill@uwyo.edu, 307-885-3132.

May 25 Natural Resources Conservation Service Advisory Council Meeting, 10 a.m., Meeting Hall, Converse County Library – Glenrock Branch, Glenrock.

For more information, contact Tim Schroder (Converse County) at 307-6243146, Kenny Wolfley (Natrona County) at 307-462-5598 or Clint Anderson (Niobrara County) at 307-334-2953.

May 26 Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee Meeting, 8:30 a.m., District Board Room, Educational Services Building, Gillette. For more information, call 307-777-7881 or visit wyoleg.org.

May 31 The Wyoming Livestock Roundup will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. June 2-4 Wyoming Stock Growers Association Summer Convention and Trade Show, Sheridan. Fore more information, visit wysga.org.

June 5-6 Colorado Breed Bash Youth Cattle Show, Brush, Colo. For more information, visit facebook.com/Colorado-Breed-Bash or e-mail breedbash@gmail.com.

June 8 Natrona County Predator Management District Budget and Board of Directors Meeting, 6 p.m., telephone conference. Dial-in to 605-313-6272 and enter access code 553517 to access the meeting. Contact Laurie Alexander at 307-258-0024 or ncpmd1@charter.net for questions.

June 8-10 2021 National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference, online. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.

June 12-13 24th Annual Wind River Flywheelers Antique Engine and Tractor Show, 10 a.m., East Park, Shoshoni. For more information, contact Carlta Witthar at 307-856-1164 of cmaule@wyoming.com.

June 12-13 Hulett Rodeo, Hulett. For more information, visit the Hulett Rodeo Facebook page, rodeohulettwy.com or call 307-467-5668.

June 13-19 College National Finals Rodeo, Casper, Casper Events Center. For more information, visit cnfr.com.

June 18-19 10th Annual Chris LeDoux Days, Harold Jarrard Park, Kaycee. For more information, visit chrisledoux.com.

June 19-20 World Famous 60th Annual Woodchoppers Jamboree and Rodeo, Encampment. For more information, visit woodchoppersjamboree.org.

June 20-26 North American Junior Red Angus Event, Lebanon, Tenn. For more information, visit najrae.com.

June 21-23 2021 Casper College Livestock Judging Camp, Grace Werner Agricultural Pavilion, Casper College. To register, visit caspercollege.edu/events/ ag-judging-camp. For more information, contact Jeremy Burkett at jburkett@ caspercollege.edu or 307-268-2417.

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Worland, WY

Sale Barn: 307-347-9201 Danny Vigil: 307-388-0781

Broadcasting and Online Bidding Available At lmaauctions.com.

Please visit to fill out an application and view auctions.

Authorized Dealer May 13 • 259 Hd. Cows & Bulls Steady

BULLS LeClair, Jr. Curtis - Arapahoe 1 Bull Bull, 1835# .....................$9700 Lyman Ranch Co. - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Bull, 1940# ......................$9300 Breeden, Clinton - Ten Sleep 1 Hfrd Bull, 2285# ....................$9250 RJS Ranch - Shell 1 Blk Bull, 2245# ......................$9000 Graves, Rodney - Thermopolis 1 Hrfd Bull, 1585# ....................$8050 French, James - Greybull 1 Blk Bull, 1855# ......................$7800 Big West Land & Cattle - Riverton 1 Blk Bull, 1605# ......................$7100 BRED COWS LeClair, Jr., Curtis - Arapahoe 2 BWF Bred Cows ..........$1210/Hd. Carroll, Lyle - Powell 5 Blk Bred Cows ............. $1175/Hd. Friesen, Kenneth - Moscow 2 Blk Bred Cows ............. $1125/Hd. Pennoyer & Son, Inc. - Thermopolis 2 Blk Bred Cows ............. $1125/Hd. BREEDING BULLS Whitehead, Dustin - Worland 1 Red Breeding Bull ........$1850/Hd. Ingalls & Sons - Arvada 1 Blk Breeding Bull..........$1700/Hd. 1 Blk Breeding Bull..........$1700/Hd. BRED HEIFERS Carroll, Lyle - Powell 2 Blk Bred Hfrs ................ $1125/Hd. COWS Hamilton Ranch Inc. - Hyattville 1 Blk Cow, 1375# .....................$7100 1 Blk Cow, 1470# .....................$6350 2 Blk Cows, avg. 1220#...........$6275 Stewart, John - Riverton 1 BWF Cow, 1160# ..................$6950 2 Blk Cows, avg. 1340#...........$6850 1 Blk Cow, 1305# .....................$6750 1 Blk Cow, 1425# .....................$6600 2 Blk Cows, avg, 1383#...........$6550 1 Blk Cow, 1515# .....................$6400

1 Blk Cow, 1405# .....................$6250 1 Blk Cow, 1400# .....................$6200 1 Blk Cow, 1345# .....................$6150 1 Blk Cow, 1565# .....................$6050 1 Blk Cow, 1460# .....................$5750 Friesen, Kenneth - Moscow 1 Blk Cow, 1020# .....................$6700 1 Blk Cow, 1365# .....................$6350 1 Blk Cow, 1290# .....................$6300 1 RWF Cow, 1325# .................$6250 Kirby Creek Ranch Ltd - Thermopolis 1 Red Cow, 1305# ...................$6650 1 Red Cow, 1490# ...................$6200 1 Blk Cow, 1325# .....................$6150 2 Rd/Blk Cow, 1400# ...............$6050 LeClair, Jr., Curtis - Arapahoe 2 Blk Cows, avg. 1508#...........$6550 O’Donnell, Gary - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Cow, 1550# .....................$6550 Charter Place LLC - Jackson 1 Blk Cow, 1290# .....................$6550 1 Blk Cow, 1175# .....................$6300 LeClaire, Alice - Fort Washakie 1 Lnghrn Cow, 1115# ...............$6450 Hernandez, Mike - Byron 1 Blk Cow, 1300# .....................$6450 1 Blk Cow, 1330# .....................$5600 Mascaro, Justin - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Cow, 1535# .....................$6450 1 Red Cow, 1455# ...................$6050 1 Red Cow, 1280# ...................$5900 Pennoyer & Son, Inc. - Thermopolis 1 Blk Cow, 1210# .....................$6400 2 Rd/Blk Cow, 1283# ...............$6300 Reed, Justin - Thermopolis 3 Blk Cows, avg. 1312#...........$6400 1 Blk Cow, 1260# .....................$5850 Starbuck Ranch - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Cow, 1320# .....................$6300 2 Blk Cows, avg. 1430#...........$6200 Diamond Tail Ranch LLC - Greybull 2 Blk Cows, avg. 1418#...........$6250 1 Blk Cow, 1325# .....................$5950 Lewton, Kent - Ten Sleep 2 Blk Cows, avg. 1430#...........$6250 1 Blk Cow, 1660# .....................$6100 Baird, John - Thermopolis 1 Blk Cow 1365#......................$6250

Danny Vigil Northern Livestock Represenative 1 Blk Cow, 1385# .....................$6200 Needham, Charlie - Riverton 2 Blk Cows, avg. 1205#...........$6200 Herman Livestock LLC - Hyattville 1 Blk Cow, 1130# .....................$6150 Carroll, Lyle - Powell 1 Blk Cow, 1385# .....................$5800 French, James - Greybull 1 Blk Cow, 1595# .....................$5650 1 Blk Cow 1520#......................$5550 Bonita Ranch LLC - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Cow, 1180# .....................$5400 PAIRS Whitehead, Dustin - Worland 2 RWF Pairs ....................$1550/Hd. Renner, Paddy - Meeteetse 1 Blk Pair .........................$1300/Hd. HEIFERETTES Horton, Darrell - Greybull 1 Blk Hfrette, 820# .................$10450 Reed, Justin - Thermopolis 1 Blk Hfrette, 840# .................$10300 Frimml, Chad - Worland 3 RWF/BWF Hfrettes, avg. 832#...$10200 Carroll, Lyle - Powell 1 Blk Hfrette, 890# .................$10100 Friesen, Kenneth - Moscow 1 Blk Hfrette, 885# ...................$9550 2 Blk Hfrette, avg. 920# ...........$9450 1 Blk Hfrette, 965# ...................$9400

• Upcoming Sales • May 20 – All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goat May 27 – All Class Cattle June 10 – Pair Special w/ All Class Cattle June 24 – Weigh-Up Special w/ All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goat July 8 – All Class Cattle July 22 – All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goat August 5 – All Class Cattle

June 16-17 June 19 June 21 June 24-25 July 6 July 5-9 July 12-14 July 19-21 Aug. 2-6 Aug. 10-11 Aug. 16-17 Aug. 16-20 Aug. 23-24 Sept. 4 Sept. 13 Sept. 14 Sept. 14 Sept. 16

McClun’s Lazy JM Ranch Angus & Polled Herefords All Female Sale, Cherry Creek Ranch Sale Facility, Veteran, 307-575-3519, 307-534-5141, 307-575-2113, mcclunranch.com Bots Sots Remount Sale, preview at Sheridan County Fairgrounds, sale at Kendrick Mansion, Sheridan, 406-671-7238, botssotsremount.com Superior Livestock Auction Corn Belt Classic XXIII, The Marriott South Sioux Riverfront, South Sioux City, Neb., 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com 43rd Annual Wyoming All Breed Gaited Horse Sale, Park County Fairgrounds, Powell, 307-272-3743, 307-431-2109, hennyauctionwy.com Booth’s Cherry Creek Ranch Complete Dispersion of The Spring Calving Herd, at the ranch, Veteran, 307-534-5865, 307-532-1805, boothscherrycreekranch.com Northern Livestock Video Auction Early Summer Special, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com Cattle Country Video High Plains Showcase Sale, Goshen County Rendezvous Center, Torrington, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com Superior Livestock Auction Week in the Rockies XXXIII, Loveland, Colo., 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com Western Video Market, Silver Legacy, Reno, Nev., 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com Northern Livestock Video Auction Summertime Classic, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com Superior Livestock Auction Video Royale XXIX, Winnemucca, Nev., 800422-2117, superiorlivestock.com Cattle Country Video Oregon Trail Classic Sale, Gering Civic Center, Gering, Neb., 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com Western Video Market, Little America, Cheyenne, 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com Superior Livestock Auction Big Horn Classic XVII, Sheridan, 800-4222117, superiorlivestock.com Northern Livestock Video Auction Early Fall Preview, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com Proffit Ranch 20th Annual Labor Day Horse Sale, Diamond X Ranch, Evanston, 307-723-5857, proffitranch.com Wyoming Wool Growers Association Premier Ewe Sale, Douglas, 307265-5250, wyowool.com 93rd Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas, 307-265-5250, 307-351-1422, wyowool.com Western Video Market, Haythorn Ranch, Ogallala, Neb., 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com Cattle Country Video Sandhills Roundup Sale, Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center, Cheyenne, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

Founding of Forest Service Forestry Congress Different Branches of Forestry to be Considered at Convention in Washington The above headlines were on the front page of the Dec. 7, 1904 issue of the Saratoga Sun. Below is the article.

L. G. Davis, superintendent of the Medicine Bow Forest Reserve,

left Monday for Washington. D.C., as a delegate to the American Forestry Congress, which convenes during the first week in January, from the second to the sixth.

The congress will be under the auspices of the American Forestry Association, and it’s purpose will be to establish a broader understanding of the forest in its relation to the

Personnel in the Medicine Bow National Forest supervisor’s office on the banks of the Upper North Platte River in downtown Saratoga about 1910. The first regional office for the newly established Forest Service was housed there from 1902 until 1912. The two-story structure was originally built in 1892-93 by a group of 16 local men who were considered Saratoga’s social elite at the time and called the Sierra Madre Club House. It had four fireplaces, greeting, reception and billiard rooms, as well as bedrooms, kitchen and living quarters. It was adorned with a “broad piazza” or porch, the full length of two sides of the building. In 1927, it was on this porch that an outdoor magazine writer sat while he watched the trout jumping in the river adjoining Main Street and coined what was to become Saratoga’s motto – “Where the Trout Leap in Main Street.” During it’s 125-plus years of existence, this historic structure has been home to the following: Saratoga Whist Club, English Men’s Club, Headquarters for Homestead Irrigation Co., first supervisor’s office of the Medicine Bow National Forest, home of Charles and Ellen Sjoden family for over 60 years and now a private residence, since 1996, called the Sierra Madre Trout Club House. Photo from Dick Perue/Bob Martin collection.

Historical Reproductions by Perue

great industries depending directly or indirectly upon it and to advance the conservative use of forest resources for both the present and future needs of these industries.

Among the questions to be considered are: Forestry and it’s effect upon the lumber industry; the relationship of the public forest lands to irrigation, mining and grazing; forestry in relation to railroad supplies; and a thorough discussion of national and state forest policy.

The rise of the forest movement dates from 1875 when a small body of public spirited men organized the American Forestry Congress, and the organization has increased in numbers and influence yearly until it has become one of the great powers for good over the entire country.

The convention will be composed of delegates from every portion of the country and men who have made a thorough study of forestry in all its branches, such as Hon. James Wilson, Secretary of Agriculture and president of the American Forestry Association, Hon. Gifford Pinchot, Forester United States Department of Agriculture and others.

Under present circumstances, maybe the American Forestry Congress needs to be reconvened… But, then that’s for another day. Tomorrow go out and enjoy what’s left of our forests.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 3 • May 15, 2021

11

MARKETS

LIVE CATTLE FUTURES SETT PRICE

Month

Compiled from USDA Market News Service information and other sources

Location Volume

Steers Heifers

PAYS 5-12

3066

Centennial 5-7

500-600 600-700 700-800 Over 800 Sltr Bull Stock Cows FOR THE WEEK ENDING May 24, 2019 Sltr Cows Pairs

UnUnder 400

400-500

150

147.50-162 120-151

144-190 127.50-147

141-180

180.50 132.50-161

177.50-180 123-158

141-172.50 133-142

160.75-161 118-135

133-144 129

118.50-134 120-122.25 110

Crawford 5-7 500 Riverton 5-11 637

74-106 52-72.50

65-100 $910-$1425

81-103 47.50-73.50

$960-$1075 $1120-$1530

80-95 64-96 175 155

161-169 144-146.50

150-151 133.50

143 120

125

Torrington 5-12 3209

182.50 162-165

160-181 144-160

161 132-139.75

124-145 129-138.50

St. Onge 5-7

150-163 159-163

145-159.50 130-151

145

141.50-144.50 129-130.50 63.50-139.75 121.50-125.50

123 120-132 80-122

Big Horn Basin 5-13 259 Billings 5-13 1660

116

127.50-190.50 138-163

139-178 112-136

126-136 121-137

99-115

76-89.50 53-67.50

55.50-108 $800-$1175

87-94.50 55-76.50

88-116 $1700-$2050

80.50-105 54.50-107.50 $1200-$1650 71-97 54-71

$1125-$1210 $1300-$1550

70-110 50.50-69

55-103 $1175-$1800

PAYS Centennial St. Onge

Volume

Feeder Lambs

Slaughter Lambs

Slaughter Ewes

Stock Ewes

115.60 119.40 124.05 127.80 131.03

Slaughter Bucks

+0.12 +0.92 +0.57 +0.35 +0.43

SETT PRICE

Month

Week Prev

This Week

138.98 143.40 145.55 147.48 149.03

137.45 150.50 151.98 153.10 153.95

MAY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER

Change -1.03 +7.10 +6.43 +5.62 +4.92

WHEAT FUTURES SETT PRICE

Month

Week Prev

This Week

7.64 7.53 7.54 7.57

7.26 7.01 7.01 7.05

MAY JULY SEPTEMBER DECEMBER

Change -0.38 -0.52 -0.53 -0.52

CORN FUTURES SETT PRICE

Week Prev

This Week

7.59 7.19 6.45 6.25

7.19 6.75 5.83 5.58

MAY JULY SEPTEMBER DECEMBER

No Report 1414

115.48 118.48 123.48 127.45 130.60

Change

FEEDER CATTLE FUTURES

Month

WEEKLY SHEEP AUCTIONS Auction

This Week

JUNE AUGUST OCTOBER DECEMBER FEVRUARY

FOR THE WEEK ENDING MAY 14, 2021 WEEKLY CATTLE AUCTIONS

Week Prev

Change -0.40 -0.44 -0.62 -0.67

OATS FUTURES 200-227.50

140-375

50-160

91-130

Month

No Report

Daily Grower Bids Region Price US #2 Yellow Corn Southeast WY 6.8475-7.2475 US #1 HRWW Southeast WY 5.9275-5.9775 US #1 Black Beans Min-Dak 35-36/cwt US #1 Dark Red Kidney Beans Min-Dak 41-44/cwt US #1 Great Northern Beans Den-Rate 30/cwt US #1 Light Red Kidney Beans Min-Dak 46/cwt US #1 Pea (Navy) Beans Min-Dak 33/cwt US #1 Pinto Beans Min-Dak 35/cwt Den-Rate 35/cwt Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Torrington Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Greeley, CO National Sheep Summary For Week Ending May 7, 2021 Compared to last week slaughter lambs mostly steady to 30.00 lower, except at San Angelo, TX 10.00-15.00 higher; slaughter ewes steady to 10.00 lower; no comparison on feeder lambs. At San Angelo, TX 7,972 head sold. Equity Cooperative Auction sold 450 feeder lambs in Montana. In direct trading slaughter ewes and feeder lambs were not tested. 5,503 lamb carcasses traded with no trend due to confidentiality.

All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless specified.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 San Angelo: wooled and shorn 105-165 lbs 150.00-174.00.

Ft. Collins, CO: wooled and shorn 100-150 lbs 230.00-280.00.

South Dakota: wooled and shorn 110-155 lbs 190.00-220.00.

Billings, MT: wooled and shorn 100-145 lbs no test.

Equity Coop: no sales.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2 San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 286.00-300.00, few 302.00-308.00; 6070 lbs 280.00-298.00, few 300.00-304.00; 70-80 lbs 256.00-288.00, few 292.00-294.00; 80-90 lbs 250.00-272.00, few 279.00-280.00; 90105 lbs 240.00-262.00. wooled and shorn 40-60 lbs 288.00-291.00; 60-70 lbs 290.00-292.00; 70-80 lbs 274.00-276.00.

Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 40-50 lbs 235.00-290.00; 50-60 lbs 230.00-260.00; 60-70 lbs 235.00-260.00; 70-80 lbs 260.00-270.00; 80-90 lbs 250.00-270.00; 90-100 lbs 255.00-275.00. hair 42 lbs 210.00; 50-60 lbs 235.00-255.00; 60-70 lbs 200.00-252.50; 70-80 lbs 252.50-255.00; 90-100 lbs 235.00-255.00.

South Dakota: wooled and shorn 48 lbs 247.50; 50-60 lbs 245.00270.00; 60-70 lbs 235.00-265.00; 70-80 lbs 247.50-275.00; 80-90 lbs 230.00-260.00; 90-100 lbs 246.00-250.00.

Billings: no test.

Slaughter Ewes San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 90.00-107.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 90.00-120.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 124.00-138.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 113.00-124.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) 102.00-110.00; Cull 1 no test.

Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 112.50-160.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 80.00-117.50; Cull 1 47.50 75.00.

South Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 72.50-95.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 84.00-115.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 91.00-110.00; Cull 1 85.00105.00.

Billings: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) no test; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test.

Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2 San Angelo: no test.

Ft. Collins: 46 lbs 255.00; 50-60 lbs 247.50-270.00; 60-70 lbs 230.00-267.50; 70-80 lbs 255.00-270.00; 89 lbs 270.00.

South Dakota: 20-30 lbs 280.00-315.00; 30-40 lbs 250.00310.00; 40-60 lbs 245.00-285.00; 60-70 lbs 255.00-278.00; 73 lbs 269.00; 90-100 lbs 121.00-247.00.

Billings: no test.

Equity Coop: 95 lbs 234.75.

Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2 San Angelo: no test.

Ft. Collins: 46 lbs 255.00; 50-60 lbs 247.50-270.00; 60-70 lbs 230.00-267.50; 70-80 lbs 255.00-270.00; 89 lbs 270.00.

South Dakota: 20-30 lbs 280.00-315.00; 30-40 lbs 250.00310.00; 40-60 lbs 245.00-285.00; 60-70 lbs 255.00-278.00; 73 lbs 269.00; 90-100 lbs 121.00-247.00.

Billings: no test.

Equity Coop: 95 lbs 234.75.

Sheep and lambs slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 37,000 compared with 37,000 last week and 40,000 last year.

Source: USDA AMS Market News, San Angelo, Texas

SETT PRICE

National Wool Review For Week Ending May 7, 2021 In Australia this week, the Eastern Market Indicator was up 30 at 1,342 cents per Kg clean from the sale a week ago. A total of 47,446 bales were offered with sales of 93.6 percent. The Australian exchange rate was weaker by .0081 at .7789 percent of the U.S. dollar. The current freight rate is .15 cents per pound clean.

Clean Del Price Change from 75-85 Percent Micron US Grade in U.S. Dollars Previous Sale of Australia 18 80s 6.87 - .17 5.15-5.84 19 70-80s 5.75 - .20 4.31-4.89 20 64-70s 4.88 - .10 3.66-4.15 21 64s 4.64 - .06 3.48-3.94 22 62s 4.47 - .04 3.35-3.80 23 60-62s ---------------24 60s ---------------25 58s ---------------26 56-58s 2.82 - .13 2.12-2.40 28 54s 1.90 - .08 1.43-1.62 30 50s 1.55 - .06 1.16-1.31 32 46-48s 1.04 - .09 0.78-0.88 Merino Clippings 3.33 - .07 2.49-2.83 Source: Colorado Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO Wyoming Hay Summary Compared to last week, all reported forages sold steady on a very thin test. Bulk of the hay sheds are cleaned out with a few spot loads still left to sell. Once again, producers are having a hard time finding trucks that will haul hay to the eastern states. Cooler than normal temperatures across most of the state with some areas getting some spotty rain showers.

Few, reports of a 1” from some contacts along the Nebraska/Wyoming boarder. But we all know it will take several rains to make pastures lush again. Overall, crops are lagging due to the cold spring. Many producers are running water to help getting alfalfa going and to increase tonnage.

Very few reports that need fall seeding alfalfa had some winter kill. No talks yet on the weevil and other harmful bugs. Per NASS, Corn planted is at 30% compared to 37% in 2020. Dry edible beans planted at 8%.

Barley is 90% planted compared to 95% last year and Sugar beets comes in at 74% planted and last year was at 64%.

Eastern Wyoming Alfalfa Pellets Suncured 285 Western Wyoming Alfalfa - Premium Small Square 225 Alfalfa Cubes 280-300 Alfalfa/Orchard Mix - Premium Small Square 225 Timothy Grass - Premium Small Square 3 Tie 300 Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News,Torrington Nebraska Hay Summary Compared to last week, all reported forages sold steady. Demand was moderate to good. Spotty rain showers across the state along with cool temperatures. Some areas received frost on Monday morning with some reported temps in the high 20’s. Time will tell on how much damage this late frost did to tonnage on the forages. NASS release a crop production report and stated that hay stocks on the farm is 12% lower than last May. This drop in carry over could be huge down the road when people start looking for hay to procure. Expected corn acres to be planted was up some and more than likely those acres will come from alfalfa ground. Corn planted was 71%, behind 76% last year, but ahead of 57% for the five-year average. Emerged was 12%, behind 27% last year, and near 16% average. Soybeans planted was 47%, near 51% last year, but well ahead of 26% average. Emerged was 3%, near 5% last year and 2% average. Prices are dollars per ton and FOB they field or hay barn unless otherwise noted.

Central Nebraska Alfalfa - Good Large Round 100 Large Square 175 Alfalfa - Delivered Ground 140 Alfalfa/Grass Mix - Good Large Square 150 Alfalfa/Grass Mix - Fair Large Square 135 Corn Stalk - Delivered Ground 85 Prairie/Meadow Grass - Premium Small Square 170 Small Square 6.50/bale Prairie/Meadow Grass - Good Large Round 100 Prairie/Meadow Grass - Fair Large Round 60-70 Eastern Nebraska Alfalfa Pellets Suncured 330

Week Prev

This Week

4.09 4.19 4.01 3.94

3.64 3.72 3.67 3.68

MAY JULY SEPTEMBER DECEMBER

Change -0.45 -0.47 -0.34 -0.26

SOYBEAN FUTURES SETT PRICE

Month

Week Prev

MAY JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER

This Week

16.05 15.69 15.16 14.43

16.12 15.84 15.22 14.40

Change +0.07 +0.15 +0.06 -0.03

CUTOUT VALUES CUTOUT VALUES Primal Rib Primal Chuck Primal Round Primal Loin

This Week

Prior Week

Last Year

289.45 484.12 216.06 203.40 434.01

281.97 477.80 209.46 199.12 421.37

391.33 481.01 364.73 409.10 459.65

5 AREA WEEKLY WEIGHTED CATTLE PRICE Live Steer Live Heifer Dressed Steer Dressed Heifer

This Week

118.36 118.20 188.53 188.63

Prior Week

118.89 119.25 190.44 190.87

Last Year

104.50 105.66 159.85 156.11

Brome Grass - Good

Large Round 100 Platte Valley Nebraska Alfalfa - Delivered Ground 145-150 Alfalfa Pellets, Dehydrated 280-290 Corn Stalk - Delivered Ground 78-85 Western Nebraska Alfalfa - Delivered Ground 173 Source: USDA Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Kearny, NE South Dakota Hay Summary Compared to last week, alfalfa hay steady to firm. Good demand for all classes of hay this week. Interest in buying hay has increased dramatically in the last few weeks. As drought continues to tightly grip the greater region, hay users are starting to get concerned and want to get some hay bought. The eastern half of the state is in much better condition than the west but still in a moderate to severe drought, except for an area around Brookings and Watertown are showing no signs of drought.

The cold overnight and cooler than average daytime temps continue to hamper the growth of alfalfa, along with topsoil moisture being short. Corn planting has finished up with soybeans in full swing. 7.00 corn futures causing some alfalfa acres to be ripped up and put into corn production.

Alfalfa - Premium Large Square 200 Alfalfa - Good Large Round 140-175 Large Square 180 Alfalfa - Fair Large Round 120 Alfalfa/Grass Mix - Good/Premium Large Round 130 Wheat Straw Large Square 120 Wheat Straw - Delivered Large Square 60/bale Source: USDA Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Worthing, SD The latest markets data can be found by visiting USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service at https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news

12

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 3 • May 15, 2021

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 3 • May 15, 2021

13

14

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 3 • May 15, 2021

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 3 • May 15, 2021

It’s the Pitts

by Lee Pitts

The Revolt Against the Whisker Has anyone noticed that any self-respecting adult male has some sort of facial hair these days?

These trends run in cycles.

For example, between 1861 and 1913, all but two presidents wore either beards or mustaches during their tenures. Abe Lincoln was supposedly influenced by a letter he got from an 11-year-old girl to grow a beard to improve his chances of being elected.

Then, beards and mustaches suddenly fell out

of favor when health officials warned men’s beards were infected with tuberculosis. So, the cleanshaven look became a symbol of the new middle-class man, and Harper’s Weekly labeled this trend “the revolt against the whisker.”

I’d guess at least 90 percent of my cowboy friends have a load of hay on their faces. I heard of one cowboy who was so wooly, supporters of People for the Ethical Treat-

EXTENSION EDUCATION

By Jeremiah Vardiman, UW Extension Agriculture and Horticulture Educator

Are you replacing your nozzles?

As I write this article, our agriculture community is alive with activity. Tractors are busily finishing the last of the planting, fertilizer trucks can be seen on

the roadways moving from one location to another, and along with new crops comes the concern about controlling pests.

Of course, pesticides are

ment of Animals (PETA) poured a can of paint over his noggin.

On cowboys, I’ve seen everything from handlebar mustaches with waxed tips so pointy they could be used as a leather awl, to wool crops which remind me of a cartoon walrus of my youth. I’ve seen beards so coarse they could sand furniture and sideburns, mustaches and goatees so stylish they looked like they were trimmed in salons that serve cappuccino and play sounds of seawater crashing over rocks.

Personally, I’ve never had facial hair. No mustache, beard or even sideburns. I don’t even know if I could grow such things, but judging by the hair growing out of my nose and ears, I think I could.

I was in a coma once for eight days and when I awoke, I had the start of a pretty good mustache

and soul patch – the little piece of facial real estate under the bottom lip. The first thing I wanted when I woke up was a razor because I like the feeling of being clean-shaven.

Although, I absolutely hate shaving – it’s such a waste of time that has to be repeated daily. I hate shaving so much I’ve considered doing what the priests of ancient Egypt did and pluck out every hair on my head. Ouch, ouch, OUCH! Members of some Native American Tribes are incapable of growing facial hair, and I envy them, and not just because they own casinos. Most are also very distrustful of white men with facial hair, and if I were Native American, I would be too.

If I was a tech billionaire, I’d probably have a shaver on staff. But, I wouldn’t let he or she use one of those grotesque straight razor things like

barbers use because they come entirely too close to the aorta for me. Plus, I have seizures with no advance warning and I’m afraid my headstone would read, “Here lies Lee. He died of a jerk and a straight razor.”

My grandpa called mustaches “cookie dusters, flavor savers and soup strainers,” and he shaved every day. The only time I saw him with an unshaven face was when we went to Bridgeport, Calif. in the High Sierras for our annual two-week vacation.

Like many western towns, Bridgeport had a “whiskereno” contest every year around the Fourth of July to see who could grow the best beard.

Most men participated, but if one chose not to, they had to a buy a badge that proclaimed, “I am a sourpuss.”

My grandpa was

a sourpuss every year, except the year he and my grandmother were grand marshals of the big Bridgeport July 4th parade. It just wouldn’t have looked right for the grand marshal to be a “sourpuss.”

Although I am cleanshaven, I never looked down on those with facial hair, although after reading a hefty book by Bill Bryson called “A Short History of Nearly Everything,” I do look upon the bearded class differently.

In the book, Bryson says science indicates that how fast a man’s beard grows is partly a function of how much testosterone – which causes one’s hair, including facial hair, to grow faster – is running through his body.

This might explain why lonely cowboys who live alone in line shacks for weeks on end with no human contact have so much facial hair.

just one option available for controlling pests, and the equipment used to apply pesticide is just as important as utilizing the correct pesticide. Just like all equipment, spray rigs need maintenance and repair. It is recommended the spray rig be checked prior to and after extended storage, as well as after each use.

Additionally, it is important to make sure to use personal protective equipment (PPE). Make sure to always wear PPE when checking, maintaining and repairing a spray rig.

The next step is to

make sure to check the system from the spray tank all the way to the nozzles, of course only with water in the system and never with pesticides. Look for damages and leaks to the spray tank, pump, pressure gauge, hoses, strainers, fittings and nozzles. All worn out parts, such as hoses, fittings, nozzles and others, should be disposed of properly and not reused for any other purpose.

Worn nozzles Did you know a worn nozzle will still visibly show a uniform spray pattern?

Often, we do not think about replacing nozzles until there is a non-uniform spray pattern. However nozzles are constantly wearing due to how many hours of spraying is done, if fertilizers are used and what types of pesticides are sprayed.

To accurately determine if a nozzle is worn out or not, calibrate all nozzles against an identical new nozzle. This is done by catching the amount of water delivered from both the old and new nozzle for the same duration of time and at the same pressure in a measuring cup – typically captured in ounces. Any nozzle delivering 10 percent or more water than the new nozzle is worn out and should be replaced.

For example, say the manufacturer states the nozzle should provide 40 ounces of fluid per minute at 35 pounds of pressure.

Since 10 percent is the factor determining if a nozzle is good or worn, multiply the ounces by the factor – in this case, 40 ounces times 10 percent equals four ounces. Then, add and subtract the ounces on either side to determine the upper and lower range – this gives us 44 ounces on the high end and 36 ounces on the low end.

Therefore, any flow collected for the duration of one minute at 35 pounds of pressure and is between 36 ounces and 44 ounces would be considered a good nozzle. Anything above or below this range would be considered a worn nozzle and should be replaced.

Nozzles providing low flow could also be plugged.

If this is the case, it would be worth cleaning the nozzle and testing it again.

Nozzle lifetime Of course, not all nozzles are created equal.

Nozzles are made out of five different materials: Brass, plastic, stainless steel, hardened stainless steel and ceramic. In terms of cost, plastic nozzles are usually the cheapest and hardened stainless steel is

the most expensive.

In terms of durability, also known as nozzle life, brass is the shortest lived followed by plastics, stainless steel and hardened stainless steel, while ceramics are the longest living spray nozzle.

Unfortunately, nozzle life cannot be reported in years of use due to variable factors such as how many hours of spraying is done, if fertilizers are used and what types of pesticides are sprayed. Nozzle life is typically compared against the expected life of a brass nozzle as a standard. For example, plastics are considered to have two to three times the life of brass.

Consider the last time the nozzles were replaced on spray equipment. Properly maintained and calibrated spray equipment will save time, less headaches during application and assurance of correct application. So, I recommend carving out some time this spring and get all the spray equipment maintained and ready for the busy season ahead.

Jeremiah Vardiman is a University of Wyoming Agriculture and Horticulture Extension Educator. He can be reached at jvardima@uwyo.edu.

Gordon comments on 30x30 Gov. Mark Gordon has issued the following statement on the Biden administration’s 30x30 report, which calls for conserving 30 percent of the nation’s lands and waters by 2030.

“The Biden administration’s report on the 30x30 initiative has been met with both skepticism and applause, and I find both are warranted. Although not consulted early in the process, I assigned a small team to convey our suggestions, and the report’s overall tone appears to have captured much of the input,” Gordon said. “This is encouraging and at least an acknowledgement that our concerns were heard.”

He continued, “As always, proof lies in action, not words. I am cautiously optimistic that the administration will leave 30x30 in the hands of locally based, cooperative and truly voluntary efforts. If this initiative is not implemented in a way that focuses on the local level, it is surely doomed.”

Gordon added, “For example, an early focus of the report is to create more parks and, while the national park system is an effective way to set aside lands, Wyoming already has massive amounts of land in this system. Historically, these parks have been put in place when federal land was extremely expansive, and few people had come West.”

“Wyomingites enjoy these places today as much as any other American, but, as one of the western states with large amounts of federal land, we cannot be the conservation colony of the nation,” he shared. “Wyoming is not the nation’s national park where nothing can happen to create jobs, sustain our communities, bolster our industries and find our own prosperity.”

He continued, “This being said, the report does emphasize and outline a goal that would maintain geographically diverse con-

15

servation – a concept which should alleviate many of these concerns, and a commitment I expect to see honored.”

Gordon shared, “I am particularly pleased to see the strong recognition of private property rights and the commitment to stewardship that private landowners have shown. If 30x30 provides for long-due recognition of the excellent stewardship our ranchers and farmers provide in the West, especially in Wyoming, this is a great step forward.”

He added, “I am also happy to see the recognition of a national loss of farms and ranches due to fragmentation and development, something Wyoming is well aware of. I am hopeful this all leads to appropriate compensation for the multiple long-term values agriculture provides.”

Gordon continued, “The recognition of existing programs our landowners have with agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Natural Resource Conservation Service is also appreciated. These have been truly voluntary programs, and if this is the spirit carried forward by this initiative, we can build upon previous success.”

“Much of the implementation of this initiative will come down to what is considered “conservation” and what is not. I am certainly willing to work towards the integrated approach the report calls for and will continue to advocate for an approach to Wyoming that is led by Wyoming,” he said.

Gordon concluded, “If the radical leftwing agenda is allowed to permeate this process and sway definitions, Wyoming wants no part of it; if it remains place-based and truly voluntary, it could provide new opportunities for our landowners and our longstanding successful history in ecosystem management to prevail.”

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 3 • May 15, 2021

RIVERTON LIVESTOCK AUCTION Tuesday, May 11 Market Report • 656 Head Sold Representative Sales COWS FORT BRIDGER 2 Cow, 1030# ....................................$87.00 LANDER 3 Cow, 1120# .....................................$80.00 FORT BRIDGER 2 Cow, 1162# .....................................$76.00 1 Cow, 1175# .....................................$69.00 LABARGE 4 Cow, 1038# ....................................$68.00 FARSON 2 Cow, 1787# ....................................$67.50 SHOSHONI 2 Cow, 1655# ....................................$66.50 CASPER 4 Cow, 1201# ....................................$63.50 LABARGE 7 Cow, 1132# .....................................$62.50 RIVERTON 8 Cow, 1297# ....................................$62.00 LANDER 11 Cow, 1382# .....................................$61.75 RIVERTON 5 Cow, 1512# ....................................$61.00 6 Cow, 1353# ....................................$60.75 LANDER 3 Cow, 1241# ....................................$59.50 ARAPAHOE 4 Cow, 1146# .....................................$59.25 6 Cow, 1131# ...................................q$57.75 BULLS FARSON 5 Bull, 941# .......................................$96.50 LABARGE 1 Bull, 1980# .....................................$89.50 FARSON 1 Bull, 2440# .....................................$84.00 2 Bull, 1622# .....................................$78.00 1 Bull, 1950# .....................................$78.00 KEMMERER 3 Bull, 1943# .....................................$77.00 BRED COWS LABARGE 20 Bred Cow, 1191# (SM Late) ......$1,235.00 RIVERTON 12 Bred Cow, 1187# (SM Late) ......$1,125.00 MANILA, UT 3 Bred Cow, 1576# (SM Late) ......$1,050.00

LABARGE 14 Bred Cow, 1383# (SS LATE) .....$1,035.00 STEERS CROWHEART 14 Steer, 432# ...................................$169.00 KINNEAR 4 Steer, 427# ...................................$165.00 CROWHEART 5 Steer, 470# ...................................$161.00 7 Steer, 507# ...................................$152.50 KINNEAR 5 Steer, 618# ...................................$143.00 RIVERTON 2 Steer, 657# ...................................$136.00 HEIFERS FARSON 4 Heifer, 397# ..................................$157.50 THERMOPOLIS 5 Heifer, 388# ..................................$155.00 KINNEAR 9 Heifer, 490# ..................................$146.50 CROWHEART 8 Heifer, 470# ..................................$144.00 6 Heifer, 590# ..................................$133.50 FORT WASHAKIE 2 Heifer, 667# ..................................$130.50 KAYCEE 5 Heifer, 764# ..................................$125.00 RIVERTON 5 Heifer, 675# ..................................$120.00 HEIFERETTES LABARGE 2 Heiferette, 812# ............................ $118.00 LANDER 5 Heiferette, 793# ............................$108.00 POWDER RIVER 2 Heiferette, 845# ............................$106.00 FORT BRIDGER 5 Heiferette, 956# ............................$103.00 LABARGE 11 Heiferette, 1042# ............................$99.00 LANDER 24 Heiferette, 1004# ............................$96.00 LABARGE 10 Heiferette, 1088# ............................$92.00

E-mail us at riverton@winterlivestock.com

Early Consignments TUESDAY, MAY 18 ALL CATTLE CLASSES START TIME 9:00 AM W/ WEIGH UPS

FEEDERS Owen Scoresby - 80 Blk & BWF Strs & Hfrs 700-800# V3 Quarter Box - 30 Mixed Strs 600#. Comp vacc. Long time weaned.

Keyhole L Livestock - 1 Fat Steer 1,250#.

1 Fat Steer 950#. Both have had 90+ days on corn. Bigger steer has appt the afternoon of 5/18 at Riverton Pack.

PAIRS Harold Gonka - 12 - 2 Yr old Hfr Pairs. Angus sired calves.

Tagged to match. Rec C & D & Blackleg. Fancy!

Louis Dickinson - 10 Pairs. Comp vacc, wormed & poured.

Fancy!

ROPERS V3 Quarter Box - 1 Fresh Roping Str. Good horns, ready to rope!

TUESDAY, JUNE 29 ALL CATTLE CLASSES W/ SHEEP & HORSES START TIME 9:00 AM W/ SHEEP & WEIGH UPS

TUESDAY, JULY 6 NO SALE

TUESDAY, JULY 13 ALL CATTLE CLASSES START TIME 9:00 AM W/ WEIGH UPS

TUESDAY, JULY 20 NO SALE

TUESDAY, MAY 25

TUESDAY, JULY 27

ALL CATTLE CLASSES W/ SHEEP & HORSES START TIME 9:00 AM W/ SHEEP & WEIGH UPS

ALL CATTLE CLASSES W/ SHEEP & HORSES START TIME 9:00 AM W/ SHEEP & WEIGH UPS

TUESDAY, JUNE 1

TUESDAY, AUGUST 3

ALL CATTLE CLASSES START TIME 9:00 AM W/ WEIGH UPS

NO SALE

TUESDAY, JUNE 8 NO SALE

TUESDAY, JUNE 15 ALL CATTLE CLASSES START TIME 9:00 AM W/ WEIGH UPS

TUESDAY, JUNE 22 NO SALE

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10 ALL CATTLE CLASSES & 4-H RESALE (NOON) START TIME 9:00 AM W/ WEIGH UPS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 17 NO SALE

Be sure to check out our country cattle listings at www.cattleusa.com

Contact: Riverton Livestock Auction (307) 856-2209 • Jeff Brown (307) 850-4193 • Tom Linn (307) 728-8519 • Mark Winter (580) 747-9436 • www.rivertonlivestock.com • Also watch our live cattle auction at www.cattleusa.com

1490 South 8th Street East • River ton, WY 82501 • (307) 856-2209