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Volume 32 Number 1 • May 2, 2020

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

A Look Inside Rural americans can claim support through SBA programs...........................Page 2 Dick Perue discussed the art of catching mavericks on the Wyoming range............Page 6 College rodeo may be done early, but UW rodeo is seeing the silver lining............Page 10 Cow punchers and the IRS don’t always mix according to Lee Pitts......................Page 12

Quick Bits NRCS Grant Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) announced a $15 million investment through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIGs) program to help support the adoption of innovative conservation approaches on agricultural land and forest land. CIGs inspire creative problem-solving solutions that boost production on farms, ranches and private forests and improve natural resources.

Mineral programs can add value For many cattle producers, the chaos of calving season is winding down. Now, they are busy branding their calves and gearing up to turn their cattle out to pasture. During this time, Kansas State University Beef Systems Spe-

cialist Dr. Justin Waggoner says it is imperative producers think about the value of adding a mineral program for cattle that will be turned out to green grass all summer. “Once our cattle go to green grass, life is usually

pretty easy for cattlemen,” Waggoner states. “But it is still important for producers to understand mineral deficiencies and what they can do in terms of a nutritional program to improve their cattle’s productivity and performance.”

EXECUTIVE ORDER

As livestock producers across the country are forced to euthanize animals with no outlet for sale and lowincome families wait in record-long lines at struggling food banks, the Trump administration has deemed meatpacking plants essential and is moving to open up any closed plants. In an announcement on April 28, President Trump announced an executive order (EO) to keep meatpacking plants open, citing the critical nature of these facilities. “We are working with Tyson, signing an EO and

Product tag When it comes to implementing a strong mineral program, Waggoner suggests the first thing producers do is take a look at the product tag to understand what they are

Please see MINERAL on page 12

Trump orders meat plants to stay open

will solve any liability problems so we will be in good shape.” Trump said in an interview with reporters. “We always work with farmers, there is plenty of supply but the issue is distribution. This is a very unique situation due to the liability these large packing plants carry.” This action is followed by some of the nation’s largest meat plants shutting down due to COVID-19 concerns. This EO is being met with extreme pushback from labor unions, who argue the safety of workers supersedes the Please see OPEN on page 4

Directive

Gov. Mark Gordon has extended through May 8 his directive requiring any individual coming to Wyoming from another state or country for a nonwork-related purpose to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days. The governor anticipates allowing the directive to expire at that time, public health conditions permitting. Gordon’s decision to let the directive expire May 8 was done after speaking with county commissioners throughout the state.

COVID-19 Coronavirus cases in the U.S. as of April 28 totaled 1,067,289, up 27,905 cases according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The death toll rose by 2,644 lives to 60,999 deaths.

Corn Prices President Trump’s Executive Order to keep meat processing plants open helped increase demand prospects for livestock feed in overnight trade. Concern over the executive order’s feasibility offset gains in the energy complex and sent the corn futures market wobbling. Long-term concerns of the meat production chain weighed on corn futures as well.

Beef processing – Workers at a plant in Texas sort and separate beef parts. USDA photo by Alice Welch

Weed control Herbicide resistance is a growing issue in waterhemp and Palmer amaranth “Farmers need to buckle down to reduce the growing problem of herbicide-resistant strains of weeds, especially waterhemp and Palmer amaranth,” says University of Illinois Weed Scientist Dr. Patrick Tranal. In fact, he notes these two weeds are developing stronger defenses against herbicides all across the U.S. and there are very few post-emergence options to treat them. Multiple resistance “Herbicide resistance in these two weeds, among others, has been a factor for several years,” Tranal says. “But, the emergence of resistance to multiple modes of action is growing.” Tranal notes research in the Midwest has reported the existence of Palmer amaranth populations exhibiting four-way resistance. “Waterhemp is even further along,” Tranal states. He continues, “We’re seeing multiple resistance and it’s hard to keep track. We have three-way, fourway and five-way resistant populations. I believe there is even a six-way Please see CONTROL on page 5

Nominations open Each year, the Wyoming Livestock Roundup recognizes two Wyoming citizens or couples for their involvement in the state’s agriculture industry by inducting them into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame. Started in 1992, the Hall of Fame has honored over 50 Wyomingites to date. “The Wyoming Ag Hall of Fame award was first started in 1992 to recognize leadership in the ag community,” says Wyoming Livestock Roundup Publisher Dennis Sun. “The need is there to recognize people who have been leaders, given themselves, their time and countless resources to help the ag community in the state. It is a memorable and deserving award for those selected.” The 2019 inductees were Dick Hiser and Jim Wilson. Nomination forms are available at wylr.net or by contacting the Wyoming Livestock Roundup at 307-234-2700 or roundup@wylr.net. After nominations are submitted, a panel of three independent judges will be selected to review applications and select the winners. Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at the Wyoming Ag Hall of Fame picnic, scheduled to be held on Aug. 12 during the Wyoming State Fair. At the picnic, nominees will receive a commemorative poster and belt buckle. Nominations are due by June 10. Forms can be mailed to Wyoming Livestock Roundup, PO Box 850, Casper, WY 82602 or e-mailed to roundup@wylr.net. Feel free to include any supplemental information with the nomination form, including letters of support. Call 307-2342700 with any questions.

Namibian beef hits U.S. After decades of negotiations, Namibian beef was officially approved to be imported into the United States in February 2020. In late April, the first shipments arrived at a port in Philadelphia. This will be the first time in history the United States has imported beef from an African nation. Logistics According to the Namibian, a news outlet for the African nation, the country has previously initiated negotiations the U.S. in 2002 and 2005 with the intention of sending boneless, raw beef products such as Prime cuts, chuck, blade and beef trimmings.

Namibian meat processor Meatco will be providing the products, which will be labeled as grass-fed and hormone-and-antibiotic-free. The company has been audited by the USDA and deemed equivalent to U.S. establishments. The country also underwent audits conducted by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Boston-based Verde Farms will be the importer for these products. The company prides itself on supporting farmers globally and “allowing cattle to feed on pasture the way nature

periodical

Please see BEEF on page 11

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 1 • May 2, 2020

Business as Usual Looking at the map, you wouldn’t think there would be any sort of agriculture nestled in the towns surrounding the bustling metropolis of Houston, Texas. Growing up in this region, I can attest to the From the WYLR fact agriculture is still alive and well. Managing Editor Although urban sprawl has changed the look of some of the larger towns, you can Callie Hanson still find a pasture of Brahman cattle and a rice field close by. When COVID-19 restrictions began to hit Wyoming, I decided to pack up myself and my dog to come home and self-isolate with family on the Spindletop Ranch in Devers, Texas. Devers sits about 70 miles from the center of Houston and approximately 30 miles from the port city of Beaumont. Despite a difference in the look of our cattle, crops and weather, southeast Texas and Wyoming are very similar. Agriculture and oil and gas dominate the economy. As oil prices tank and the agriculture sector as a whole slumps, both regions are feeling the burn of the 2020 economy. While the sprawl of Houston reaches far and wide, the farmers and ranchers of southeast Texas are still working, despite a looming hotspot of COVID-19 in nearby Houston. Unlike Wyoming, many Texas towns neighbor large metropolitan areas such as Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and McAllen. The news stations tend to only report what is happening in the cities, despite the fact they serve many smaller towns and counties with minimal cases of the virus. The information presented on the news and the reality of those of us in less populated areas couldn’t be more different. For example, Harris County, which houses Houston, mandated mask wearing in public, with a hefty $1,000 penalty for not following the order. In neighboring Liberty County, which is where I am currently located, some folks are wearing masks at their own will, but there has never been a penalty attached to not wearing a mask. The picture painted by our local news stations is a grim one, making the city of Houston, and consequently the entire region of southeast Texas, out to be a barren wasteland of the virus. Despite what the news might portray, there are in fact people in the region who don’t live or commute into the city. Just like ranchers in Wyoming, Texas ranchers in proximity to large cities are feeling the effects of urban-centric policies surrounding the virus. While people in the city are fearful of going to work, you can travel just a short distance down the road and see a completely different scenario. Outside of the city, it is still business as usual, despite a grim economic outlook. On the ranch, nothing has changed. The cow crew is weaning calves and preg-checking cattle six days a week. Just down the road, rice farmers are preparing for planting and hay baling will start within the next few weeks, with some people already in the process of baling their first cutting. I have been blessed to call two of the most resilient regions in the country home. Agriculture across the country is business as usual, despite what is happening in the big cities, even those of us with the big city in our backyard.

GUEST OPINIONS Small Business Administration Delivers Support to Rural America By Dan Nordberg, Small Business Administration

Dan Nordberg

The devastating impact of COVID-19 has tested the will of millions of agricultural businesses and farms throughout rural communities all over our nation, but help is on the way. Congress just passed an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program which includes over $310 billion in new funding to help small businesses and agricultural-related industries support their payroll costs. This program is one of the largest economic recovery efforts in our nation’s history and was built in just seven short days, a true testament to

the American spirit and demonstration of what is possible when we come together to serve a higher cause. By leveraging the power of private lenders, the Paycheck Protection Program provides businesses with the capital and certainty they need to retain their employees and continue serving our communities. Of note to rural America, agricultural related industries such as production of food and fiber, ranching and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other independently owned farming and agriculture-related entities are eligible to participate in the program as long as they have 500 or fewer employees whose principal place of residence is the United States. In addition to program efforts, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has over 690 men and women who work in 68 field offices all across the nation serving as the agency’s “boots on the ground”

Irv Bard Financial Services Officer

Esther Clark Financial Officer

Reporting the News by the Code of the West

Garrett Horton Financial Services Officer

Leah LaRocca Financial Services Officer

Phone: 307-234-2700 800-967-1647 • www.wylr.net

DENNIS SUN, Publisher • Cell: 307-262-6132 e-mail: dennis@wylr.net CALLIE HANSON, Managing Editor • callie@wylr.net HANNAH BUGAS, Assistant Editor • hannah@wylr.net BEAU PITT, Production Coordinator • beau@wylr.net JODY MICHELENA, Advertising Director • jodym@wylr.net CURT COX, Director of Livestock Field Services • 307-630-4604 • curt@wylr.net CODY NEGRI, Livestock Field Services Representative • 208-697-1093 • cody@wylr.net ANDREA ZINK, Circulation/Accounting Manager • andrea@wylr.net DENISE OLSON, Classified Sales Manager • 307-685-8213 • denise@wylr.net

Brad Willford Financial Services Officer

Jim Palm Relationship Officer

Benjean Braun Consumer Lending Officer

Julie Volker Financial Officer

Subscription Rates: 1 year: $50; 2 years: $75; 3 years: $110 Postmaster: Send address changes to: andrea@wylr.net Wyoming Livestock Roundup • P.O. Box 850 • Casper, WY 82602 Member: Wyoming Stock Growers Association Wyoming Wool Growers Association Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation • Wyoming CattleWomen Livestock Publications Council • National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Fremont County Cattlemen's Association Green River Valley Cattlemen's Association Wyoming Angus Association Converse County Stock Growers Association Carbon County Stock Growers Association

worked to bring in additional lenders to provide Paycheck Protection Program loans including credit unions, farm credit lenders, USDA lenders, community banks and others that serve rural businesses. The Paycheck Protection Program is assisting rural businesses, farmers, ranchers, ag co-ops, nonprofits and the faith-based groups that serve those areas. While there’s certainly more work to be done, the SBA will continue to fight for America’s rural communities until this battle is won. For additional resources on the programs mentioned, and to find an SBA district office near you, please visit sba.gov. Dan Nordberg serves as both the SBA’s director of rural affairs and region VIII administrator, based in Denver. As regional administrator, he oversees the agency’s programs and services in Colorado, Montana, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

fcsamerica.com

Wyoming Livestock Roundup 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

and the primary contact for delivering SBA’s programs directly to rural communities, businesses and stakeholders. SBA staff also work hand in hand with our resource partners at the local level, including small business development centers (SBDCs), SCORE counselors, women’s business centers and veterans business outreach centers to serve the needs of rural small businesses. In response to the impact COVID-19 has had on our country’s rural communities, and at the request of President Trump and his administration, SBA’s district offices have been working tirelessly to serve rural small businesses and agricultural industries. District staff are collaborating closely with rural Chambers of Commerce, local governments and elected officials to provide information on SBA programs via virtual townhalls, webinars and Facebook chats. The SBA has also

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 1 • May 2, 2020

NEWS BRIEFS Nominations open

The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust (WSGLT) is seeking nominations for the 2020 Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award. The award was created in 2008 in memory of Kurt Bucholz, DVM, a legislator and rancher from Saratoga who had a passion for Wyoming’s waterways and agricultural landscapes. The recipient of the horse and rider bronze, created by Wyoming Artist Jerry Palen, should share the late Dr. Bucholz’s desire to support the landscapes and waterways of the state. Individuals eligible for nomination will have a connection to one or more of the following criteria: an advocate for conserving Wyoming’s farms and ranches, a land steward or agricultural advocate who has been a participant in state, regional or national natural resource discussions, a defender of the importance of water conservation and the significance of protecting Wyoming’s traditional water rights, a proponent of hunting and wildlife protection and a personal commitment to habitat conservation and has implemented land or resource conservation practices on their property with the WSGLT or a similar organization. Visit wsglt.org for more information.

Winners announced Wyoming State Forestry Division partnered with Wyoming Project Learning Tree (WYPLT) again this year to host the annual Wyoming State Arbor Day poster contest. This year’s theme was I Spy Trees. Over 175 fourth and fifth grade students from around the state participated in the contest. This year’s first place winner is Mckayla Baker of Green River. She will receive $100, her framed poster and a plaque. Her teacher, Ms. Terri Jones, will also receive $100. Second place goes to Samuel Heward of Medicine Bow. He will receive $50, his framed poster and a plaque. This year, the framing is being graciously donated by Main Frame of Sheridan. “We are grateful to our sponsors and the teachers who took the time to send in their students’ artwork, despite school closures at the time of the contest deadline,” said Jessica Halverson, contest coordinator. This year, Wyoming will celebrate its 132nd Arbor Day. Due to COVID-19, the Arbor Day Celebration will be held in the fall. This year’s winners, their families and teachers will be invited to celebrate. “I am really looking forward to this celebration. We will all be ready for it after so many months in quarantine,” said Halverson. Please see the WYPLT website, wyomingplt.org, for more information or contact State Program Coordinator Jessica Halverson at 307-283-2954 or jessica.halverson1@gmail.com for more information.

Relief package praised

Benefits increased U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced emergency benefit increases have reached $2 billion per month for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households across all 50 states and three territories to increase food security during the coronavirus national emergency. These emergency benefits represent a 40 percent increase in overall monthly SNAP benefits, significantly increasing food purchasing power for American families. “These are unprecedented times for American families who are facing joblessness and hunger. USDA is providing a 40 percent increase in SNAP benefits to ensure low-income individuals have enough food to feed themselves and their families during this national emergency,” said Secretary Perdue. “President Trump is taking care of America’s working-class families who have been hit hard with economic distress due to the coronavirus. Ensuring all households receive the maximum allowable SNAP benefit is an important part of President Trump’s whole of America response to the coronavirus.”

ASI sends letter

The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), its state affiliates and the National Lamb Feeders Association wrote Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture reconsider payment limits through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The COVID-19 pandemic has already led to an estimated $353 million in losses for the American sheep industry, and USDA is working to establish the parameters surrounding direct assistance to agriculture, including America’s lamb, wool and sheepskin producers. ASI is working with USDA to establish such a program as it applies to the American sheep industry. “The lamb industry supply chain is very tightly connected and the loss in any segment has a negative impact up and down the line,” read the letter. “Therefore, we would request USDA reconsider the payment limits mentioned in initial reports. Specifically, $125,000 per commodity and $250,000 per individual.” The letter continued, “This limitation would severely restrict the effectiveness of CFAP for many family-owned farms, ranches and feedlots across the nation. We have already seen many of our producers, feeders and processors incur staggering losses reaching far beyond the payment limits contemplated.” “We fully understand the budget constraints the department is under and applaud USDA for working to cover the needs of many diverse agricultural industries. The sheep industry looks forward to working with the administration and Congress to support USDA’s efforts under CFAP and other livestock programs as it recovers from the impacts of COVID-19,” ASI concluded.

Public Lands Council President Bob Skinner released the following statement praising the passage of the fourth legislative relief package that provides additional funds to critical assistance programs for cattle and sheep producers. “Federal lands ranchers play a major role in American agriculture, raising 60 percent of our nation’s sheep herd and 40 percent of our nation’s cattle herd. The expanded relief provided through Paycheck Protection Program Increase Act of 2020 recognizes the unique challenges COVID-19 presents to agriculture in rural America,” said Skinner. “The legislation provides additional funding for assistance programs for individuals to navigate economic impacts brought on by the virus and expands resources for rural healthcare systems where public lands ranchers live and work.” He continued, “The ability for the cattle and sheep industries to continue producing food and fiber is critical. Thank you to all who continue to recognize and prioritize the importance of American agriculture amid the COVID19 pandemic.”

Statement released

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera released the following statement in response to a bipartisan letter from 24 U.S. senators to U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA). “Now, more than ever, we can see how vitally important it is for haulers to have the flexibility they need to get live and perishable goods to market as quickly and safely as possible,” said Rivera. “Hauling livestock is inherently different than hauling typical consumer goods, and we continue to look for flexibilities within Hours of Service to safely haul livestock around this country. As we look toward an infrastructure package we are grateful for the continued support on Hours of Service flexibilities.”

Comments requested

The Montana Department of Livestock is encouraging the public to submit comments to remove brucellosis from the select agent, or bioterror, list. Diseases on the select agent list have severe restrictions on research because they could pose a threat to human, animal or plant health. The comment period for this notice closes on May 18 at 11:59 p.m. EST. “Including brucellosis on the list has prevented research that could have led to new vaccines, diagnostics and other methods of disease control,” said Dr. Marty Zaluski, Montana state veterinarian. “Without better tools, especially vaccines, brucellosis will continue to spread in Greater Yellowstone Area wildlife, expose more livestock and increase management costs.” “While the intent of including brucellosis on the select agent list was to limit the availability of the bacteria, it’s having the opposite effect,” stated Zaluski.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 1 • May 2, 2020

OPEN continued from page 1 need for production. According to numerous reports, Trump plans to use the Defense Production Act to order these companies to stay open as critical infrastructure and the government will provide protective gear and guidance. Executive Order In similar fashion to his order declaring the production of ventilators and other protective medical supplies as essen-

tial, Trump has ordered meat packing plants to remain open in the interest of protecting the food supply chain. However, in the instance of the medical supplies the Defense Production Act (DPA) was not used as large manufacturers such as General Motors stepped up and moved their production lines towards medical supplies. According to Bloomberg News, Trump acted one day

after Iowa’s two U.S. senators and its governor urged the administration to invoke the DPA to keep meatpackers open and reopen closed facilities “as soon as it is possible to do so safely.” The officials also asked for federal assistance in euthanizing pigs and reimbursing hog farmers for their losses due to closures of processing facilities. “At least 22 meat plants have closed within the past two months, reducing pork processing capacity by 25 percent and beef process-

ing capacity by 10 percent, according to United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW). “Farmers have animals with nowhere to go as a result, and the situation is so dire the U.S. Department of Agriculture is setting up a center to help growers with ‘depopulation and disposal methods’ for animals.” Experts have warned the U.S. could be just weeks away from fresh meat shortages. While inventories can provide some cushion, stockpiles are limited. “Total American meat

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supplies in cold-storage facilities are equal to roughly two weeks of production,” according to USDA. “With most plant shutdowns lasting about 14 days for safety reasons, that further underscores the potential for deficits.” Many cattle organizations support the order. “While there are currently no widespread shortages of beef, we are seeing supply chain disruptions because of plant closures and reductions in the processing speed at many, if not most, beef processing plants in the United States. We thank President Trump for his recognition of the problem and the action he has taken to begin correcting it,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall. “American consumers rely on a safe, steady supply of food, and President Trump understands the importance of keeping cattle and beef moving to ensure agriculture continues to operate at a time when the nation needs it most.” Defense Production Act Formally known as the Defense Production Act of 1950, the law was enacted in September of 1950 in response to the beginning of the Korean War. According to the Federal Register, the long title of the law is as follows, “An Act to establish a system of priorities and allocations for materials and facilities, authorize the requisitioning thereof, provide financial assistance for expansion of productive capacity and supply, provide for price and wage stabilization, provide for the settlement of labor disputes, strengthen controls over credit, and by these measures, facilitate the production of goods and services necessary for the national security and for other purposes.” According to the Columbia Law Review (CLR), the act is divided into three major sections. “The first authorizes the president to require businesses to accept and prioritize contracts for materials deemed necessary for national defense, regardless of a loss incurred on business,” CLR says. “The law also allows the president to designate materials to be prohibited from hoarding or price gouging. The law does not state what would occur if business refuses or is unable to complete requests on time.” They continue, “However, any person who performs any act prohibited or willfully fails to perform any act required by the Defense Production Act may be charged with felony that results in a fine up to $10,000 or imprisoned for up to one year or both.” “The second section authorizes the president to

establish mechanisms, such as regulations, orders or agencies, to allocate materials, services and facilities to promote national defense,” CLR explains. “The third section authorizes the president to control the civilian economy so scarce and critical materials necessary to the national defense effort are available for defense needs.” Push back Many labor unions are weary over the President’s EO, the largest being UFCW. The group sent a letter to Vice President Pence calling for the administration to prioritize safety as the plants reopen. “To protect America’s food supply, America’s meatpacking workers must be protected,” said UFCW International President Marc Perrone. “The reality is these workers are putting their lives on the line every day to keep our country fed during this deadly outbreak, and at least 20 meatpacking workers have tragically died from coronavirus while more than 5,000 workers have been hospitalized or are showing symptoms. For the sake of all our families, we must prioritize the safety and security of these workers.” Perrone continued, “While we share the concern over the food supply, today’s executive order to force meatpacking plants to stay open must put the safety of our country’s meatpacking workers first. Simply put, we cannot have a secure food supply without the safety of these workers.” “We urge the administration to immediately enact clear and enforceable safety standards that compel all meatpacking companies to provide the highest level of protective equipment through access to the federal stockpile of PPE, ensure daily testing is available for workers and their communities, enforce physical distancing at all plants and provide full paid sick leave for any workers who are infected,” Perrone said. “Additionally, to protect the food supply and ensure these safety standards for workers are enforced, these plants must be constantly monitored by federal inspectors and workers must have access to representation to ensure their rights are not violated,” he concluded. “All of our country’s elected leaders – federal and state – must work together to ensure we keep these essential workers safe and our country’s food supply secure.” Callie Hanson is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 1 • May 2, 2020

CONTROL continued from page 1 resistant population that’s been reported.” Tranal explains these include acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides or those with protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) chemistries and glyphosate. “Those are the most common ones,” he says. “Then, on top of that, we’re seeing resistance to herbicides with fourhydroxyphenylpyruvate deoxygenate (HPPD)

chemistry, primarily corn products such as Callisto.” For years agronomists have urged growers to use herbicides with multiple modes of action to prevent development of resistance by weeds. However, Tranal notes this is becoming more challenging since some strains of weeds are exhibiting multiple resistances. “Do we have plants resistant to multiple modes of action? Yes, we

do, but it doesn’t mean all plants out in the field are,” he says. “One may be resistant to A and B or A, B and C. The more chemistries we throw at these, the more likely we are to kill all of our plants, but we also need to make sure we reduce the chance these weeds survive up to harvest.” Metabolic and non-target resistance The other concern in both of these species, according to Tranal, is metabolic resistance or non-target resistance. “With ALS resistance,

Census completion urged Relocations and other changes caused by COVID-19 and the U.S. Census Bureau suspending field operations until summer has prompted a reminder for Wyoming residents to complete the 2020 Census. University of Wyoming Extension Specialist Cole Ehmke said the census can be completed online at my2020census.gov, over the phone or by mail. Residents can use their address to complete the census form online. They don’t have to wait to receive anything in the mail from the U.S. Census Bureau. “University students who have been sent home for the semester should still consider themselves residents of where they were going to school,” said Ehmke. About 43 percent of Wyoming residents have completed the 2020 Census compared to the national response

rate of about 52 percent as of April 23, according to data. Census data determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and guides allocation of more than $675 billion to states, counties and communities based on population and demographics. “Times like these show how important it is to have Wyoming represented fully at the national level,” said Ehmke, a rural development specialist. “But as a rural state that doesn’t have particularly good internet access, the census suspending field operations until the summer makes it more important for residents to take the initiative for themselves.” “The census does not include questions about housing characteristics or income, nor does the Census Bureau ask for Social Security numbers, bank information or money,” said Ehmke.

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CASPER, WYOMING

For Sale By Private Treaty at the Ranch 23 Yearling and Two-Year-Old Angus Bulls

Featuring sons of:

CED

+14

-0.9

+69

+115

Marb

+17

+1.22

+.99

+285

Exceptional BW to YW Growth! ACC Bourbon 0115 BW

-0.7

+59

+115

Marb

+24

+.97

+.20

+227

explains. “However, farmers should be ever vigilant. We’re getting to the point where we’re literally running out of options.” Waterhemp – a bigger threat According to Greg Ury, an agronomist with BASF, waterhemp is the bigger threat of the two weeds. “Most farmers in the Midwest are still trying to get control on resistant strains of waterhemp,” he notes. “There are a few areas of Palmer amaranth, but it isn’t as widespread as waterhemp.” He continues, “The easiest way to control waterhemp is to keep it from emerging. The key

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

High Selling Bull at the 2016 Midland Bull Test in Montana! Other Sires Represented:

Connelly Tobin • Connealy Consensus 7229 • KCF Bennet Fortress Sydgen CC and 7 • Baldridge Bronc • GAR Composure

For More Information on our program please contact:

Wesley Hiser - 307-262-1410 Velvet Hiser - 307-277-5952

is to use pre-plant applications with residual activity.” Therefore, Ury recommends BASF’s Zidua. “Typically, in most cases, the Class 15 residuals work extremely well on waterhemp,” Ury states. “Then growers will usually come back in with Liberty or dicamba application.” He notes Class 15 residuals also include herbicides like Dual Magnum, Warrant and Stalwart. Hannah Bugas is the assistant editor for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

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

www.torringtonlivestock.com

FRIDAY, MAY 8 - BRED COW & PAIR SPECIAL/ALL CLASSES Tom & Michelle Herbst 70 Blk/Bwf Cow Pairs, Partial Dispersal, 3-9 yr olds, First Calf Born: March 5th, Calves are Sired by Blk Angus Bulls, Not Tagged to Match, Home Raised, (Reducing 1/2 of cow herd; cutting back numbers for grass reasons only) ****10 Blk Cows, 3-9 yr olds, Partial Dispersal, Bred to Blk Bulls, CF: Springers, Home Raised, (Reducing ½ of cow herd; cutting back numbers for grass reasons only) Martha Page 18 Mx Cows, Running Agers, Bred to SimAngus Bulls, CF: June, Shots: Vira Shield 6 + VL5 HB, Poured w/Ivomec Bedtick Ranch 11 Blk, Hereford Cows, Mx Cows, Bred to Blk or Hereford Bulls, CF: May/June few July, Fall Shots: Vira Shield 4+VL5, Poured SALE RESULTS - FRIDAY, APRIL 24 - 1471 HD

Connealy Legendary 644L

CED

we have a mutation which encodes the enzyme targeted by the herbicide. What this means, from a practical standpoint, is if we have target resistance, resistance only affects the target, so we can rotate to another herbicide and it will control that,” he says. Other weapons, including mechanical weed suppression systems such as the Harrison Seed Destructor (HSD), will likely play a role in the future war against weed resistances, according to Tranal. “The HSD is used during harvest to pulverize weed seeds so they don’t have an opportunity to germinate later,” he

Dale & Janelle Clark Dale & Janelle Clark Doug Derouchey Doug Dunlap Harlan Angus LLC Craig Kennedy Kelley Cattle Co LLC Davis Ranch Kelley Cattle Co LLC Doug Dunlap True Ranches LLC True Ranches LLC Ron Zavorka Kent Hunter X Bar Cattle Co LLC Dale & Janelle Clark Craig Kennedy Mike Phillips Kyle Kilty Randall Haefele Ellin Wynn Rock Lake Land & Cattle Wangsgard Farms Rock Lake Land & Cattle Joan & Wayne Neumiller Joan & Wayne Neumiller Joan & Wayne Neumiller Joan & Wayne Neumiller Wangsgard Farms Clyde Peterseon Brian & Tracianne Zerbe Clyde Peterson Ellin Wynn CHK Cattle Co CHK Cattle Co Kelley Cattle Co LLC Joan & Wayne Neumiller Jerry & Pam Reichert Jerry & Pam Reichert Ross & Dede Buckhaults Ross & Dede Buckhaults

17 Black Cow 1162 2 Black Cow 942 1 Black Cow 1000 4 Black Cow 1485 3 Black Cow 1331 1 Black Cow 1245 2 Black Cow 1122 6 Black/Red Cow 1180 4 Black/Red Cow 1228 1 Black Bull 2195 1 Black Bull 1735 1 Black Bull 1715 1 Black Bull 2025 1 BWF Bull 1340 20 Black Heiferette 1015 6 Black Heiferette 948 6 Black Heiferette 948 11 Black Heiferette 1020 4 Black Heiferette 1013 3 Black Heiferette 1075 7 Black Steer 688 14 Black Steer 699 10 Black Steer 713 14 Black Steer 850 20 Black/Red Steer 745 43 Black/Red Steer 796 16 Black/Red Steer 1092 44 Black/Red Steer 1190 10 Black/Red Heifer 739 2 Black Steer Calf 425 6 Black Heifer Calf 449 8 Black Heifer Calf 514 3 Black Heifer Calf 588 30 Black Bred Cow-SM/May-June 10 Black/Red Bred Cow-SS/May-June 10 Black/Red Bred Cow-SM/May-June 18 Black/Red Bred Cow-SS-ST/May 4 Black Pairs-Heifer 10 Black Pairs-Heifer 6 Black Pairs-ST 12 Black Pairs-SS

TORRINGTON

72.00C 68.00C LIVESTOCK AREA 63.00C REPS 59.00C 57.00C Cody Thompson - Lusk, WY 307-340-0150 55.00C 50.50C 67.00C Ty Thompson – Lusk, WY 307-340-0770 51.50C 90.50C Zach Johnson Lingle, WY –307-575-2171 85.50C 83.00C Jeff Ward – Laramie, WY 307-399-9863 80.00C 76.00C 96.00C Tam Staman – Crawford, NE 308-631-8513 92.00C 90.00C Artie Johnson - Lusk, WY 307-216-0117 86.50C 84.50C 77.00C Lander Nicodemus – Cheyenne, WY 307-421-8141 143.50C 141.00C Danny Nicodemus – Cheyenne, WY 307-632-4325 135.00C 115.50C Chris Williams - Greybull, WY 307-272-4567 126.00C 120.00C Justin Smith - Lusk, WY 307-340-0724 100.25C 90.00C 125.00C 150.00C 135.00C 134.00C 128.00C 1310 1535.00H 1436 1275.00H 1180 1060.00H 1161 900.00H 1312 2035.00H 1143 2010.00H 1595 1475.00H 1555 1335.00H

VIEW SALES & BID ONLINE AT CATTLE USA

SALE POLICY DURING COVID-19 TORRINGTON LIVESTOCK MARKETS INTENDS ON HAVING WEEKLY SALES. AT THIS TIME WE ASK ALL NON-ESSENTIAL PEOPLE TO NOT ATTEND THE SALES. CONSIGNORS WE ASK THAT YOU MINIMIZE TIME SPENT AT THE BARN. OUR STAFF IS THERE TO UNLOAD YOUR CATTLE AND FROM THERE YOU CAN RETURN HOME. ONLY BUYERS WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE SALE ARENA. WE ENCOURAGE BUYERS TO SPREAD OUT IN THE SALE ARENA. AS ALWAYS SALES ARE AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE VIEWING AND BIDDING THROUGH CATTLE USA. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH SETTING UP AN ACCOUNT ON CATTLE USA PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE AT 307-532-3333 OR CALL MICHAEL AT 307-532-1776.

www.torringtonlivestock.com

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

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 1 • May 2, 2020

CALENDAR

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

EVENTS May 4-8 May 6 CANCELED May 7-9 CANCELED May 8-10 May 12 May 12-13 CANCELED May 15-17 May 18-19 CANCELED May 21

Stockmanship Workshop for Instinctive and Planned Migratory Grazing, Lance Creek. Contact Riki Kremers at 307-334-4088 for more information. Wyoming Livestock Board Meeting, Teleconference. Call 307-777-7515 for more information. To join this meeting, call 1-877-278-2734 and use pin code 533126. Wyoming Outdoor Expo, Casper, Casper Events Center. For more information, visit wyomingexpo.com. Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials, Hotchkiss, Colo. Visit hotchkissdogtrials.com for more information. Wyoming Water Development Commission Water Forum, Cheyenne, Wyoming Water Development Office. For more information or an agenda, visit wwdc.state.wy.us/. Wyoming Animal Damage Management Board, Zoom Meeting. For a complete agenda or more information about this meeting, visit wyadmb.com or contact Jerry Johnson at 307- 777-6781. Rocky Mountain Leather Trade Show, Sheridan. For more information, visit leathercraftersjournal.com. University of Wyoming Energy Transition Symposium, Laramie. For more information visit uwyo.edu/ser/events/energy-transition-symposium. Sandhills Cattle Association Convention, Thedford, Neb., Thomas County Fairgrounds. Visit sandhillscattle,com for more information.

SALES May 4 May 6 May 7 May 15

Best of the Rockies Cody Horse Sale, ONLINE ONLY, codyhorsesale. hibid.com, 307-754-4320 McDonnell Angus, Bowman Auction Market, Bowman, N.D., 406-780-0176, 307-217-0735, mcdonnellangus.com Paint Rock Angus Annual Spring Production Sale, at the ranch, Hyattville, 307-469-2206, 307-469-2252, paintrockangus.com Diamond Peak Cattle Spring Special, Loma Livestock, Loma, Colo., 970756-8600, 970-326-8620, 970-326-8621, diamondpeakcattle.com

BLEVINS New All Metal Stirrup Buckles Blevins new all-metal stirrup buckle in 3”& 2-1/2” widths. The 3” and 2-12” widths have the posts set horizontally and fit standard holes while the 2” width has the posts set vertically. Made of stainless steel and heat-treated aluminum, the same as our leather-covered buckles.

May 16 June 10-11 June 24-25

37th Annual WYO Quarter Horse, Arena, Ranch Broke Gelding and Production Sale, Hot Springs County Fairgrounds, Thermopolis, 307-864-5671, 307-272-0593, wyohorses.com Superior Livestock Auction Corn Belt Classic XXII, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com Superior Livestock Auction Big Sky Roundup IV, Billings, Mont., 800422-2117, superiorlivestock.com

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

Branding a Maverick With the coronavirus scare subsiding, it’s time to get back to work, and what better way than to host a branding gathering. The cutline for a rare 1890 photograph entitled “Branding a Maverick” states the real “art of the maverick hunter is properly applying a hot running iron. The horse, too, must know his business and is never beguiled into slackening the noose, while the roper is kindling the fire

and perfecting title to his new claim.” Many an outfit got their start in Wyoming by branding a maverick, while many other ranches sported several legitimate brands including The Swan Land & Cattle Co. which registered dozens of brands in the 1885 brand book produced by the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. A copy of the rare leather-bound 1885 Brand Book was discovered sev-

“Branding a Maverick” is the title of this rare photo by Merritt Houghton in his 1904 prospectus book. Photo from the Bob Martin/Dick Perue collection. Historical Reproductions by Perue

Big horn Basin

Broadcasting and Online Bidding Available At lmaauctions.com. Please visit to fill out an application and view auctions.

We have all of your AI supplies! Genex AI supplies on hand, as well as semen straws. Cows Steady • Bulls Higher

Sleeves same as on regular style buckle. The tongue has no hinge or strap. Available in 3” and 2-1/2” widths.

Easy to change stirrup lengths quickly and easy to install – won’t slip or stick. Made of stainless steel and heat-treated aluminum. Sleeves covered with leather. Order either improved, regular or four post buckles. Also new all-metal buckle in 3”, 2-1/2” and 2” widths. At your dealers or:

BLEVINS MANUFACTURING COMPANY INC. WHEATLAND, WY 82201

Worland, WY

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

LIVESTOCK AUCTION LLC

April 30, 2020 – 144 Head

Blevins Stirrup Buckles Improved

eral years ago in the Martin/Perue collection. The cover page states, “This fourth edition of the Brand Book is issued by the Wyoming Stock Growers Association for the use of, and it is hoped, for the benefit of all persons interested.” One reason to mark cattle with an indelible brand is to prevent theft and thus discourage the “branding of a maverick,” according to historic accounts. In Wyoming Territory, brands were also used to sort vast cattle during the annual roundups on the open range. The Wyoming Livestock Board office in Cheyenne notes the first complete list of Wyoming livestock brands was published in the 1899 Brand Book. However, the 1885 book lists more than 375 outfits with over 1,000 registered brands covering most of the Cowboy territory. As soon as information can be found, I plan to start a series on the history of branding in Wyoming. In the meantime, let’s get back to work again next week and start a barn raising.

BULLS Gillett, Gary - Powell 1 Blk Bull, 2200# ...............................$8850 Andersen, Sawyer - Worland 1 Hrfd Bull, 1835# .............................$8750 Rios, Armando - Basin 1 Blk Bull, 1855# ...............................$8450 Robertson, Daniel - Worland 1 Red Bull, 1665# .............................$8400 1 Red Bull, 1795# .............................$8150 Greet, Daniel - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Bull, 2155# ...............................$7950 Wilkinson, Kurt - Basin 1 Blk Bull, 1945# ...............................$7850 COWS Lewton, Kent - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Cow, 1295# ..............................$6500 1 Blk Cow, 1190# ..............................$6150 1 Blk Cow, 1280# ..............................$5900 1 Blk Cow, 1305# ..............................$5900 1 Blk Cow, 1165# ..............................$5850 1 Blk Cow, 1255# ..............................$5850 1 Blk Cow, 1280# ..............................$5850 1 Blk Cow, 1295# ..............................$5850 1 Blk Cow, 1465# ..............................$5750 1 Blk Cow, 1240# ..............................$5700 1 Blk Cow, 1435# ..............................$5600 Brewster Ranch Limited Part. - Ten Sleep 1 BWF Cow, 1295# ...........................$6450 1 Blk Cow, 1240# ..............................$5950 1 Blk Cow, 1390# ..............................$5500 Gerstner, John - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Cow, 1080# ..............................$6400 1 Blk Cow, 1340# ..............................$5750 Gillett, Gary - Powell 1 Blk Cow, 1430# ..............................$6350 1 Blk Cow, 1395# ..............................$6200 1 Blk Cow, 1215# ..............................$6200 2 Blk Cows, avg. 1398# ....................$6150 1 Blk Cow, 1545# ..............................$6000 PAR Ranch - Meeteetse 1 Blk Cow, 1320# ..............................$6250 1 Blk Cow, 1275# ..............................$5850 1 Blk Cow, 1245# ..............................$5750 Greet Ranch Inc. - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Cow, 1200# ..............................$6100 1 Blk Cow, 1235# ..............................$6000

1 Blk Cow, 1320# ..............................$5400 TE Ranch Limited Part. - Cody 1 Blk Cow, 1315# ..............................$5850 1 Blk Cow, 1090# ..............................$4800 Wheatcroft, Alexander - Worland 1 Blk Cow, 1360# ..............................$5800 1 Blk Cow, 1365# ..............................$5600 Wilkinson, Kurt - Basin 1 Red Cow, 1690# ............................$5800 1 Blk Cow, 1580# ..............................$5800 1 Blk Cow, 1370# ..............................$5700 1 LngHorn Cow, 1595# .....................$5700 1 CharX Cow, 1480# .........................$5400 Rios, Armando - Basin 1 Red Cow, 1475# ............................$5800 Baird, John - Thermopolis 1 Blk Cow, 1070# ..............................$5700 1 Blk Cow, 1155# ..............................$5650 1 Blk Cow, 1145# ..............................$5450 Herman Livestock - Hyattville 1 Blk Cow, 1310# ..............................$5650 1 Blk Cow, 1495# ..............................$5450 1 Blk Cow, 1225# ..............................$5200 PAIRS Rios, Armando - Basin 5 Rd/Blk Pairs ...........................$1485/Hd. 2 BWF Pairs ..............................$1375/Hd. Herman Livestock - Hyattville 1 CharX Pair .............................$1450/Hd. HEIFERETTES TE Ranch Limited Part. - Cody 3 Blk Hfrettes, avg. 985#...................$9100 2 Blk Hfrettes, avg. 1038#.................$8550 1 Blk Hfrette, 1045# ..........................$8500 Greet Ranch Inc. - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Hfrette, 1005# ..........................$8800 1 Blk Hfrette, 1035# ..........................$8300 Brewster Ranch Limited Part. - Ten Sleep 1 BWF Hfrette, 1020# .......................$8600

• Upcoming Sales • May 7 May 14 May 16 May 21 May 28 June 11 June 20 June 25

– – – – – – – –

Feeder Special Pair Special with All Class Cattle Saturday Horse Sale at 1 PM All Class Cattle, Sheep and Goats All Class Cattle Pair Special with All Class Cattle Saturday Horse Sale at 1 PM Weigh up Special with All Class Cattle

May 7, 2020 Consignments Herman Livestock – 80 BWF steers, 610#. 100 80% black, 20% red Char heifers, 550#, very green off corn stalks, fed grass hay, April 1 wormed and poured. 10 mixed calves, 400#. 1 pair. May 14, 2020 Consignments Wayne Brost – 6 four-year-old pairs.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 1 • May 2, 2020

COME RIDE WITH UW RODEO By Paula Cooper, UW Rodeo Team

College Finals Cancelation: Silver Lining for Athletes Dear Reader, The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association recently announced that 2019-2020 athlete memberships have been voided in response to the cancellation of the spring season and the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) as a result of COVID-19, granting student athletes the opportunity to use an additional year of eligibility to compete. The decision to cancel a

principle event for the town of Casper is heartbreaking for the community but during these unprecedented circumstances it is important choices like this are made so we can continue working towards a better future for humankind. For athletes who have put forth countless hours of preparation for the CNFR, the response from National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association granting an additional year of eligibility is encouraging dur-

ing this time of uncertainty. Athletes will be able to compete at rodeos while furthering their education when they otherwise might not have. Seniors Jase Staudt, Seth Peterson and Dusty Taylor are three who will be returning to take advantage of this chance to further their educations and continue to rodeo for UW. Coach Beau Clark was leading UW to a second consecutive regional title as the team was sitting in the number one stop for the men’s and women’s teams going into the spring season that was cut short. “Although I am disappointed our team didn’t get the chance to compete and showcase their talent this spring, I could not be prouder of what our students do on a daily basis to maintain excellence for UW Rodeo,” said Clark, who has organized weekly

Zoom meetings for the team to listen to inspirational speakers on their success in rodeo. “UW Rodeo is extremely demanding of our athlete’s commitment to college rodeo. That is what stings the most for our current situation. Our team of 50 has given a lot of themselves for the UW Rodeo program to ensure we do well in school, and can compete on a national level,” said Clark. The following individuals would have represented UW at the CNFR had it not been canceled this year. Women – Senior and twotime qualifier Justene Hirsig, who was the number one breakaway roper in the region this year; graduate student and four-time qualifier Casey Reimler, who was the number two breakaway roper this year; junior and three-time qualifier Taylour Latham, who was the

number one all-around cowgirl this year in the region and junior and three-time qualifier Jacey Thompson, who made the short go in both breakaway and goat tying at the CNFR last year. Men – Senior and twotime qualifier Jase Staudt, who was the number one tie down roper in the region this year; senior and two-time qualifier Dusty Taylor, who is the fourth ranked heeler in the region; senior and two-time qualifier Seth Peterson, who has been the number one allaround cowboy in the region two years in a row and firsttime qualifier Chadron Coffield, who was fifth in the region in the all-around standings as a freshman. It is people like you that help support rodeo through your passion for the agriculture industry, as it is the foundation of the sport. I thoroughly

enjoy writing this monthly column about University of Wyoming (UW) Rodeo and am honored to represent my team for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup audience. The shared affinity for the Western lifestyle across the state of Wyoming is why I have the opportunity to attend school on an athletic scholarship, receive an excellent education and represent the university through one of the best college rodeo programs in the country. I am looking forward to my senior year at UW next fall, and although it was heartbreaking to say goodbye early this year, I am taking this time to refocus, better myself and work on my horses. Thank you for reading my column and supporting UW Rodeo! Sincerely, Paula Cooper

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 1 • May 2, 2020

SALE REPORTS Lisco and M Diamond Angus 28th Annual Bull Sale Reported By: Curt Cox, WLR Field Editor April 24, 2020 M Diamond Angus Ranch, Glenrock Auctioneer: Lex Madden Sale Manger: Marcy Livestock Services 74 Yearling Angus Bulls Avg. $4,706 5 Two-Year-Old Angus Bulls Avg. $3,650 32 Commercial Yearling Angus Heifers Avg. $1,025 Top Sellers Lot 2 – Lisco Cornerstone 968 – Price: $10,500 DOB: 2/27/19 Sire: S Cornerstone 607 Dam’s Sire: Redland Emblazon 2134 EPDs: BW: +1.9, WW: +65, YW: +112 and Milk: +26 Buyer: Scott Ranches, Douglas Lot 82 – M Diamond Grand Finale 169 – Price: $10,500 DOB: 2/16/19 Sire: Lisco Grand Finale 4103 Dam’s Sire: Mystic Hill Balance 4134 EPDs: BW: +2.4, WW: +73, YW: +128 and Milk: +25 Buyer: Scott Ranches, Douglas Lot 16 – M Diamond Cornerstone 339 – Price: $9,000 DOB: 2/23/19 Sire: S Cornerstone 607 Dam’s Sire: S Rainmaker 110 EPDs: BW: +1.3, WW: +69, YW: +114 and Milk: +30 Buyer: Scott Ranches, Douglas Lot 11 – M Diamond Cornerstone 209 – Price: $8,250 DOB: 2/7/19 Sire: S Cornerstone 607 Dam’s Sire: S A V Resource 1441 EPDs: BW: -1.4, WW: +71, YW: +117 and Milk: +19 Buyer: Platte Valley Ranch, Douglas Lot 90 – M Diamond Fortress 849 – Price: $8,000 DOB: 3/5/19 Sire: K C F Bennett Fortress Dam’s Sire: GDAR Game Day 449 EPDs: BW: +0.2, WW: +67, YW: +122 and Milk: +24 Buyer: Jeff Boner, Douglas Lot 91 – M Diamond Hindquarter 269 – Price: $7,500 DOB: 2/20/19 Sire: HARB Hindquarter 473 JH Dam’s Sire: Connealy Capitalist 028 EPDs: BW: +1.5, WW: +71, YW: +120 and Milk: +25 Buyer: Marcy Cattle Company, Hay Springs, Neb.

18th Annual Herring Angus Ranch High Country Bull and Horse Sale Reported By: Curt Cox, WLR Field Editor April 25, 2020 Herring Angus Ranch, Encampment

BEEF continued from page 1 intended.” Reuters reports the country is expected to send 860 tons of various beef cuts to the U.S. in 2020, with that amount expected to raise to over 5,000 tons by 2025. “Namibia will benefit economically from tapping into the largest consumer market with purchasing power of $13 trillion, and U.S. consumers will benefit from access to Namibia’s high-quality, free-range, grass-fed beef,” U.S. Ambassador to Namibia Lisa Johnson, says. Industry reactions This announcement, however, has not been kindly welcomed by many cattle producers amidst the COVID-19 crisis, as many U.S. producers have been forced to euthanize animals due to closed or limited capacity of pack-

ing plants. Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Ken Hamilton questioned the safety of the products. “From my perspective, I think the optics of this doesn’t look very good when our producers are seeing a significant erosion of their beef income at the same time we’re opening things up to Namibia,” Hamilton says. “Farm Bureau does support country of origin labeling (COOL). Some folks have argued a COOL label isn’t a health and safety label, but I think there is still a concern about the safety of some of the beef from some of these countries because of their health and safety inspection programs.” He continues, “We know in Brazil there were certainly some less than

“While WSGA is very disappointed a U.S. processor chose to import Namibian beef at a time when our producers are facing a backedup supply of cattle, this will have very limited overall impact on the U.S. supply chain,” – Jim Magagna, Wyoming Stock Growers Association effective health and safety programs, and I fear there are other countries who might experience the same types of issues.” Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Executive Vice President Jim Magagna notes he is disappointed to see a U.S. processor turn to imported beef in a time of crisis for many American producers. “While WSGA is very disappointed a U.S. processor chose to import Namibian beef at a time when our producers are facing a backed-up supply of cattle, this will have very limited overall impact on the U.S. supply chain,” says Magagna.

“According to the information I have received, 27 metric tons of Namibian trim meat was imported. U.S. processors regularly import lean trim to blend with U.S. beef from a variety of countries.” He continues, “Because Namibia does not have a trade agreement with the U.S., the amount they could import is subject to the overall combined quota of 60,000 metric tons from all nontrade agreement countries.” Callie Hanson is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

ANNUAL SPRING PRODUCTION SALE

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020 1 PM MST | At the Ranch in Hyattville, WY

A LT I T U D E P R O V E N

ANGUS SEEDSTOCK P.A.P. Tested | Carcass Ulstrasounded | BVD Negative | Summered at 10,000 FT.

Auctioneer: Seth Weishaar 28 Yearling Angus Avg. $4,441 22 Yearling Composite Bulls Avg. $4,511 7 Ranch Horses Avg. $9,107 Top Bulls Angus Lot 35 – Price: $7,500 DOB: 3/29/19 Sire: New Game Dam’s Sire: Morgans Direction EPDs: BW: +2.6, WW: +55, YW: +93 and Milk: +21 Buyer: Castle Peak, Walden, Colo. Lot 32 – Price: $7,500 DOB: 4/3/19 Sire: Herring Legend 817 Dam’s Sire: Hobart EPDs: BW: +2.0, WW: +46, YW: +72 and Milk: +17 Buyer: Don Peterson, Buffalo Lot 1 – Price: $7,000 DOB: 3/18/19 Sire: Mountain Man Dam’s Sire: Legend EPDs: BW: +0.1, WW: +42, YW: +70 and Milk: +17 Buyer: Berger Ranches, Saratoga Composite Lot 70 – Price: $8,500 DOB: 3/31/19 Sire: Broker Act. BW: 80 WW: 694 Buyer: J Reverse J Cattle & Phil Spencer, Morgan, Utah. Lot 74 – Price: $8,000 DOB: 3/27/19 Sire: Broker Act. BW: 86 WW: 690 Buyer: CHK Cattle Company, Saratoga Horses Lot 101 – 2010 Bay Gelding Price: $11,000 Buyer: Berger Ranches, Saratoga Lot 104 – 2011 Palomino Gelding Price: $10,500 Buyer: Tyler Kimzey, Pine Bluffs

PAINTROCK TRAPPER | AAA# 18270980

SONS OF PAINTROCK TRAPPER

PAINTROCK TRAPPER 312-9 LOT 7 | AAA# 19500247

PAINTROCK TRAPPER 671-9 | LOT 1 | AAA# 19500330

PAINTROCK TRAPPER 235-9 LOT 14 | AAA# 19691758

WYOMING’S SOURCE FOR

PAINTROCK TRAPPER 500-9 LOT 45 | AAA# 19500265

BIG COUNTRY BULLS

Martin & Kelli Mercer | 307-469-2206 | paintrockangus@gmail.com Brian & Audrey Pryor | 307-469-2252 | Tom & Mary Mercer

W W W. P A I N T R O C K A N G U S . C O M

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 1 • May 2, 2020

It’s the Pitts by Lee Pitts

THEIRS WARNING - People with high blood pressure or ulcers should not read this column. Let’s talk taxes, shall we? I am qualified to discuss this subject because in addition to all my other talents, like being able to juggle and do quadratic equations, I am also a CPA. That’s right, I’m a member of the Cow Punchers Association (CPA) who get together on a semi-regular basis to eat a taxdeductible lunch and cuss the IRS.

I’m qualified to discuss and cuss taxes because in 45 years of paying them, I’ve only been audited once by the IRS. And after that audit, the IRS actually sent me a check for $500 that I overpaid. I became immediately intoxicated, that’s the euphoric feeling one gets when he or she gets money back from the IRS. I’m really glad National Emancipation Day has come and gone. That’s the day every year when you quit working

MINERAL continued from page 1 buying before they make an expensive investment. “There are so many different products for so many different occasions with so many different brand names,” he notes. “The only way we can sort through all of these products to find one that fits our particular situation is to look at the product tag.” Waggoner also notes there is a lot of information to sort through on the product tag as well. “Truthfully, I believe the most important information, the information producers need to look at first, is at the bottom of that product

tag,” Waggoner says. “This is where it will state the target consumption of that mineral, or in other words, how much we will need to supply.” Waggoner explains there are two common mineral consumption levels in the beef cattle industry – two ounces per head per day and four ounces per head per day. He then notes there are two important considerations to keep in mind regarding this information. “The first big factor is cost. A mineral targeting a four ounce per head per day consumption rate may be cheaper, but we will also be going

for the government. It’s calculated by the Tax Foundation, and in 2019, it was April 16. According to the Tax Foundation, the average American will spend 42 days just to pay state and federal taxes, 29 days to pay Social Security and Medicare, 11 days paying property taxes, 13 days to pay the interest on the national debt and 14 days for national defense. That’s the equivalent of 109 days per year to pay all your taxes! Another way of looking at it is you’re working every Monday just to pay state and federal income tax. In a normal eight-hour day, nearly three of the hours are spent working for the government. When you add in sales taxes and other assorted fees and licenses, you spend more on taxes than you do for food, clothing and shelter com-

bined. For a nation that was established to avoid taxes, we sure do pay a lot of them. After I overpaid the one year I did our taxes, my wife never trusted me again and so we send them off to a real CPA who “prepares them.” Albert Einstein, universally considered the smartest person of his generation, said the hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax code. Which is currently seven million words long. It definitely takes more brains to figure out the income tax due than it does to make the money in the first place. We interviewed a few different CPA’s before we decided on the person who would eventually do our taxes for 40 years. The first guy we talked to asked us stuff like, “How aggressive do you want to be?”

And, “Are either of you divorced?” I asked why he would ask such a question and he said, “The biggest snitches to the IRS are divorced wives and husbands.” The second CPA we talked to spent a long time explaining the difference between “tax avoidance” and “tax evasion” both of which cost him 10 years in the slammer later on in his career. I’m glad we didn’t choose him or we might be bunkmates right now in San Quentin. The third CPA asked me all sorts of questions like, “Are you a competitive body builder?” He should have known just by looking at me. It turns out a body builder can deduct the oil put on his or her bulging muscles. The CPA also asked if my wife was an actress because if she was we could write off a pair of fake

boobs as a stage prop. He also explained how we could deduct a cat who killed mice who ate feedstuffs, if we only had a cat. We left when he told us how we could deduct last year’s taxes as a bad investment. When we entered the office of the fourth CPA, he had a big sign on one wall that just said, THEIRS. “Look at that word and tell me what you see,” the CPA said, as if it was an eye exam. “If you see just one word you could end up in the jailhouse.” “If you see two words you’ll probably end up in the poorhouse. If you see two words, THE IRS, you’re already well aware of who is gonna end up with all the money you made last year.” Then he handed us a worksheet and a prescription for a new drug called Senditall.

through it faster. Whereas, a mineral with a two ounce per head per day consumption rate may be more expensive, but it will last us longer,” he explains. “The second thing producers need to pay attention to is if they are achieving that target consumption rate,” he adds. Another bit of information producers should be aware of on the bottom of the product tag is salt content, according to Waggoner. “We need to ask ourselves if the mineral was formulated as the sole source of salt or if it is a supplemental product,” he notes. Waggoner continues, “The other information on the bottom of the tag we need

to be aware of is the source of those minerals. Are they organic or inorganic?” He explains inorganic mineral sources are oxides and sulfates, and if producers choose to use inorganic minerals, they should lean toward sulfates because they are more bioavailable for cattle. “Then, there are organic sources of mineral, and these usually bond to an amino acid,” he says. “Research has shown organic minerals tend to be more bioavailable than inorganic minerals.” The limiting mineral Targeting the most limiting mineral should be a producers second consideration when creating a mineral program for their cattle, according to Waggoner.

“For most grazing beef systems, the most deficient macro mineral is phosphorus. In fact, it is one of the most common mineral deficiencies in cattle across the globe,” he notes. Waggoner points out deficiencies in sodium, magnesium and copper are also common, although they are not nearly as common as phosphorus. “When choosing mineral, I first look at the phosphorus content, then I look at the copper content,” Waggoner states. “Producers also need to tailor their mineral selection based on the production stage of their cattle and the season of the year.” In fact, Waggoner notes the content of forage phosphorus should have a lot to do

with their mineral program. “Forages change throughout the growing season. Typically their phosphorus content is highest in early spring and lowest in the fall,” he explains. “On average, forage has about 0.1 to 0.2 percent phosphorus on a dry matter basis.” He also notes lactating cattle need to consume much higher levels of phosphorus then a cow at maintenance. “Copper requirements stay relatively similar regardless of the season or production stage,” he says. “It is around 10 ppm per head per day.” Hannah Bugas is the assistant editor for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

RIVERTON LIVESTOCK AUCTION

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Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Market Reports • 2,438 Head Sold RIVERTON LIVESTOCK WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE SALES WE REALIZE THIS IS A CRITICAL TIME FOR OUR CUSTOMERS THAT NEED THE CASH FLOW FOR SPRING EXPENSES, AND WE WANT TO CONTINUE OFFERING THE OPPORTUNITY TO SELL FOR THOSE THAT WANT OR NEED TO DO SO. WE DO ASK, FOR THE SAFETY OF YOU, OUR BUYERS AND STAFF, TO PLEASE MINIMIZE THE TIME YOU SPEND AT THE MARKET, ESPECIALLY IN THE SALE ARENA. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO BRING YOUR STOCK TO TOWN AND LET US TAKE IT FROM THERE. PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE WITH YOUR CATTLE INFORMATION. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR AUCTIONS THROUGH CATTLEUSA.COM. INTERNET BUYERS, PLEASE HAVE A BACK UP PLAN. DUE TO INTERNET VOLUME, PLEASE HAVE A PHONE NUMBER TO REACH A PERSON ON SITE TO ASSIST YOUR BIDDING NEEDS. WE WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED OF ANY CHANGES. PLEASE LIKE/CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR UPDATES AS WELL. OUR GOAL AS ALWAYS, IS TO PROVIDE SERVICE TO OUR CUSTOMERS. WE ARE COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING COMMERCE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS. PLEASE CALL US ANYTIME. THANK YOU & GOD BLESS JEFF BROWN & ALL THE CREW AT RLA

Representative Sales COWS

GREYBULL 1 Cow, 1040# .......................................$72.00 LANDER 2 Cow, 1045# .......................................$68.00 FORT WASHAKIE 1 Cow, 1215# .......................................$59.00 TENSLEEP 6 Cow, 1005# .......................................$57.50 RIVERTON 4 Cow, 1245# .......................................$55.00 SHOSHONI 3 Cow, 1661# .......................................$54.50 MCKINNON 4 Cow, 1121# .......................................$54.00 RIVERTON 9 Cow, 1430# .......................................$52.00 COKEVILLE 7 Cow, 1375# .......................................$51.00 TENSLEEP 6 Cow, 1140# .......................................$50.00 CASPER 4 Cow, 1215# .......................................$49.00 4 Cow, 1328# .......................................$48.50

RIVERTON 19 Cow, 1188# .......................................$46.00 BULLS GREYBULL 2 Bull, 2022# ........................................$77.50 MANDERSON 1 Bull, 2135# ........................................$75.00 CROWHEART 1 Bull, 1795# ........................................$72.00 FARSON 1 Bull, 2130# ........................................$71.00 DUBOIS 1 Bull, 1855# ........................................$70.00 BRED COWS/BRED HEIFERS LANDER 13 Bred Cow, 1187# (SM April/May) ..............................................................$1,600.0 RIVERTON 27 Bred Cow, 1428# (SM Summer) ............................................................$1,400.00 CASPER 10 Bred Cow, 1326# (SM May).........$1,260.00 LANDER 3 Bred Heifer, 1063# (May).............$1,475.00 SHOSHONI 5 Bred Heifer, 1055# (Summer) ......$1,360.00

PAIRS RIVERTON 19 Pair, 1160# (3 & 4 Yr olds) ...........$1,935.00 22 Pair, 1096# (2 Yr olds) ................$1,925.00 36 Pair, 1174# (3 & 4 Yr olds) ...........$1,910.00 21 Pair, 1292# (5 & 6 Yr olds) ...........$1,785.00 WORLAND 14 Pair, 1229# (SM) ..........................$1,700.00 CASPER 18 Pair, 1301# (SM) ..........................$1,625.00 RIVERTON 41 Pair, 1355# (SS) ..........................$1,435.00 29 Pair, 1383# (ST)...........................$1,135.00 14 Pair, 1340# (ST)...........................$1,125.00 STEERS THERMOPOLIS 14 Steer, 518# .....................................$175.00 CRAIG, CO 10 Steer, 545# .....................................$173.00 FORT BRIDGER 12 Steer, 569# .....................................$168.50 SHOSHONI 71 Steer, 558# .....................................$165.00 FARSON 13 Steer, 601# .....................................$159.00 SHOSHONI 150 Steer, 636# .....................................$155.00 RAWLINS 8 Steer, 608# .....................................$149.00 SHOSHONI 55 Steer, 735# .....................................$136.00 FARSON 25 Steer, 721# .....................................$131.50 18 Steer, 729# .....................................$128.50 11 Steer, 768# ......................................$122.50 14 Steer, 825# .....................................$113.50 RIVERTON 20 Steer, 894# .....................................$105.00 HEIFERS SHOSHONI 146 Heifer, 617# ....................................$145.25 RAWLINS 29 Heifer, 588# ....................................$143.75 SHOSHONI 57 Heifer, 534# ....................................$140.25 CRAIG, CO 36 Heifer, 624# ....................................$138.50 SHOSHONI 12 Heifer, 639# ....................................$132.75 HEIFERETTES TENSLEEP 6 Heiferette, 876# ..............................$108.00 RIVERTON 3 Heiferette, 925# ..............................$101.00 SHOSHONI 3 Heiferette, 930# ..............................$100.00 RIVERTON 4 Heiferette, 1047# ..............................$94.00 6 Heiferette, 1118# ...............................$82.00

Early Consignments TUESDAY, MAY 5 ALL CATTLE CLASSES START TIME 9:30 AM W/ WEIGH UPS PAIRS & BREDS @ 10:30 George & Betty Collins - 175 Blk Ang & AngX 6-10 Yr old Pairs. Tagged to match. 100% Ang sired. Partial dispersion of high quality, high desert pairs! Triangle Five Ranch - 35 Blk Ang & AngX 7-10 Yr old Pairs. Tagged to match. Calves sired by SimAngus bulls. High elevation. Hellyer Ranch - 17 Blk Ang Running Age Pairs. 17 Blk Ang Running Age Bred cows. All Popo Agie Angus genetics. High elevation. One brand, reputation cows! Dave Winninger - 11 Blk Ang Mixed Age Pairs. Tagged to match. Blk Ang calves @ side. Calves received 7-way w/ Somnus & Pyramid 5 w/ Presponse. Dillon Hedges - 5 BWF (F1) Hfr Pairs. Blk calves @ side, sired by Hogg SimAngus & SO Blk Ang bulls. Tagged to match. Stout, powerful Pairs! High elevation. Pam Noriega - 5 Blk Ang Hfr Pairs. Calves received 7-way w/ C & D @ Birth. Tagged to match. Calves sired by powerful Blk Ang bulls. Stout Pairs! Pinnacle Ranch - 5 Red Angus Young Pairs. Tagged to match. Big, stout calves! A Bar A Ranch - 1 Young Jersey Nurse Cow

TUESDAY, MAY 12 ALL CATTLE CLASSES START TIME 9:00 AM W/ WEIGH UPS Lazy BV Cattle & Allen Hogg - 14 Sim/Angus & Angus Yrling Bulls. 100% AI sired by ABS Bulls (Sim/Angus: United & Abilene; Angus: Emblazon 999). Semen tested, PAP tested. Selling @ 12 PM Noon.

TUESDAY, MAY 19 ALL CATTLE CLASSES START TIME 9:00 AM W/ WEIGH UPS

TUESDAY, MAY 26 ALL CATTLE CLASSES W/ SHEEP & HORSES START TIME 9:00 AM W/ SHEEP & WEIGH UPS

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 • Riverton, WY 82501 • (307) 856-2209