Volume 31 Number 4 • May 25, 2019
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The Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community • www.wylr.net
A Look Inside The Wyoming Centennial Farm and Ranch Program is seeking centennial ranches to apply for the program. . . Page 2 Average temperatures and lots of precipitation are forecasted for the next month. . . . . . Page 7 Popular horse trainer Lew Sterrett conducted a recent workshop in Gillette. . . . . Page 9 Lee Pitts sees a disconnect with the millennial generation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16
Quick Bits Holiday Break The Wyoming Livestock Roundup will be closed on May 27 in observation of Memorial Day. As our staff enjoys a long weekend at home with their families, we also hold the memories of all servicemen and women who died while serving in the U.S. military in our hearts.
Economy Drop A monthly survey of rural bankers in 10 Plains and western states showed a decline in the confidence of the farm economy. The Rural Mainstreet survey for May showed a decline in the index from 50 in April to 48.5 in May. Scores above 50 suggest a growing economy, while scores below 50 indicate a shrinking economy. The survey’s confidence index for economy in six months dropped from 50 to 38.2, the lowest in almost 2 years.
Cattle market remains uncertain based on corn impacts Excessive moisture has pushed corn planting to historically low levels, and CattleFax analysts looked at the impact of slow planting – including poor yields – on the cattle market. During a May 22 CattleFax Trends+ webinar,
Patrick Linnell looked at many facets of the cattle market, including weather, exports and competing proteins. Weather impacts “In January, we talked about weather and how that was impacting the fed cat-
tle market,” Linnell said. “We can see a sharp difference between ‘weather market’ years compared to average years.” He noted that 2019 was an in-between year, where pounds of beef were taken off the market and prices
reacted positively. “We think we added about five dollars to our spring high compared to where we otherwise would have been,” he noted. At the same time, steer and heifer slaughter has Please see MARKET on page 4
American agriculture
Thriving industry
Ag industry leans on a close-knit community but is still very relevant
Wyoming horse industry races towards new opportunity As equine events gain popularity, the equine industry in Wyoming is racing forward, adding new events, venues and educational opportunities across the state, according to University of Wyoming (UW) Extension Equine Specialist Jennifer Ingwerson-Niemann. “The Wyoming equine industry is really looking positive, and we are very excited for the opportunities to come in the future,” says Ingwerson-Niemann. Ingewerson-Niemann credits the recent success of the equine industry to the recovery the state economy has made in the last few years. “When natural resources went down in the state, many people were out of a job in the energy industry,
and that really hurt us here in Wyoming,” says Ingwerson-Niemann. “The economy is recovering, and that really helps the horse industry.” “There is a strong foundation and rich history of equine activities here in Wyoming,” Ingwerson-Niemann stresses. “This has allowed the horse industry to persist through tough times.” Horse racing Ingwerson-Niemann says horse racing is one of the Please see HORSE on page 5
Check out the 2019-2020 Rocky Mountain Horse Edition, inserted in this week’s Roundup!
Weed Spread Among the erosion, debris and wreckage left in the wake of major flood events, weeds may be one of the last things growers affected by flooding are concerned about. However, many species of weed seed are still viable after being carried through floodwaters, and some may have been transported many miles, introducing them to new fields and pastures.
Pasture Health As calving begins to wrap up, many producers are turning their attention to summer grazing pastures and the availability of feed moving through the rest of the year. According to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service and the Daily Livestock Report, “Ample rainfall and minimal drought pressure has produced one of the best pasture condition rating in history.” The latest report showed 66% of pasture and range in good or excellent condition.
Wyoming Livestock Roundup photo
Newcastle – In a world full of rapidly evolving technology and ever-changing consumer expectations, the value of American agriculture begins to come into question. While living in a complicated and technologically sophisticated society, it is easy to forget the answers to life’s problems are often right in front of us, Ron Rabou, owner of Rabou Farms, Inc., reminded attendees at the Wyoming Agricultural Banker’s Conference in Newcastle on May 15. The answer Rabou is referring to is agriculture. “Since the beginning of time, we have been entrusted to care for creation,” Rabou said of those involved in the ag industry. “That is a big deal. Producers play an enormous role in caring for creation. There is nobody else in the world who directly effects literally every single living person.” Big world problems Rabou continued, “Fifty percent of the world’s population lives on less than $2.50 a day, and 40 percent Please see AG on page 5
Bugas joins Roundup team Fort Bridger native Hannah Bugas joined the Wyoming Livestock Roundup team this week as assistant editor after graduating from the University of Wyoming with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and minors in animal science and graphic design. Bugas was raised on Bugas Ranch, where she was actively involved in care of the Hannah Bugas family cattle herd. She decided to attend the University of Wyoming in 2015, after graduating from Mountain View High School, and spent her college career developing communication skills, preparing her for a career in ag journalism. Bugas remembers the Roundup as a staple on the lunch table at the ranch and says, “The Wyoming ag industry holds a very special place in my heart. I am excited to spend my time at the Roundup meeting others who share my passion for agriculture, learning about the wonderful people who inhabit the beautiful state of Wyoming and ultimately becoming more knowledgeable about the lifestyle I have grown to love and appreciate.” Roundup Publisher Dennis Sun comments, “We all feel fortunate Hannah decided to work with us at the Roundup. She is a talented young lady.” Welcome Hannah Bugas to the Wyoming Livestock Roundup by e-mailing hannah@wylr.net.
Eagles impact sheep producers Golden and bald eagles pose a threat to sheep producers across the entire state of Wyoming. “Predation of sheep by eagles is fairly common in Wyoming,” says USDA Wildlife Services (WS) State Director Michael Foster. “Multiple producers – from north to south and east to west – across the state have issues with eagle predation on sheep.” He adds, “Most often we see impacts on young lambs, but I’ve seen eagle depredation on all sheep – including replacements and full-grown ewes. There can be calf damage seen, as well.” While there are options for sheep producers experiencing depredation,
Foster notes producers may not deal with eagles the same way they address coyotes or other predators. “There are two things to know about dealing with eagles,” Foster says, noting that producers can work with WS to help alleviate eagle problems and they can work with Farm Service Agency (FSA) to offset losses. Protected species Animal Damage Management Coordinator Jerry Johnson explains both golden and bald eagles are protected by three federal laws. “The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty
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Please see EAGLES on page 8