Roundup June 10, 2023

Managing stress and options for help given in the opinion column Page 2

Torrington – Wyoming’s legislators serving on the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee jumped into their interim session work for 2023-

Quick Bits

Correction

A University of Wyoming Extension column titled “Conservation Agriculture in Wyoming Forage Production Systems,” published in the June 3 edition of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, was wrongly attributed to Extension Educator Jaycie Arndt. The column was instead written by Sheridan Research and Extension Center Assistant Farm Manager Tyler Jones.

Ranch Tour

The Wyoming Environmental Stewardship Program honors ranchers for their outstanding resource stewardship. This year, the Wyoming Environmental Stewardship Award will be presented during the annual Environmental Stewardship Tour, held at Big Creek Ranch in Encampment on July 12. Interested individuals must RSVP by July 1 via e-mail at info@wysga.org or by calling 307-638-3942.

BLM Comment

The deadline for public comment on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed public lands rule, titled “Strengthening the Stewardship of America’s Public Lands,” is fast approaching. Individuals have until June 20 to submit comments on the rule, which would allow conservationists and other individuals to purchase 10-year leases of federally-owned public lands for conservation and restoration. Comments can be submitted at regulations.gov

WLSB Meeting

The Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) has scheduled a public meeting on June 20 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Hampton Inn in Pinedale. Topics of the meeting will include approval of brand inspection recording updates, animal health updates, brucellosis risk mitigation plans and other administrative board business matters, to name a few. The public can attend in person or via Zoom, using the Meeting ID: 84755580013 and the Passcode: 539796.

24 in Torrington, with a robust discussion on a topic which is controversial at best in Wyoming – eminent domain.

Chairman Sheri Steinmetz started the meetings

with a quote, saying, “Leadership is not always about having the answer. It is about being willing to engage in the conversation and learn the answer together, so I think this is why we’re here

today. And, to find solutions for our state, our landowners and everyone who is concerned.”

Priority Three for the committee, titled State

Please see DOMAIN on

page 9

wyoming well represented at CNFR

Wyoming collegiate rodeo athletes to compete among best of the best in Casper

On June 11, the nation’s top collegiate rodeo athletes will converge in Casper to compete in the highly competitive and esteemed College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), held annually at the Wyoming Ford Center.

Among the exceptional athletes vying for bragging rights as a national champion are 33 athletes representing the state of Wyoming.

Wyoming women

Ten women representing four local colleges will take to the arena for three events –breakaway roping, barrel racing and goat tying.

The women’s events will kick off on June 11 at the Bulls, Broncs and Breakaway Matinee at 1 p.m.

Gillette native and University of Wyoming (UW) Student Athlete Sage Kohr, Laramie County Community College’s (LCCC) Payton Feyder of Elko, Nev. and Gillette College’s Haiden Thompson will make an appearance at the event.

Please see CNFR on page 15

WYLR photo

Roundup welcomes Anderson

On June 5, the Wyoming Livestock Roundup welcomed their new editor, Melissa Anderson, to the team.

Melissa was first introduced to the agriculture industry in southern Colorado, where she was born and raised and recalls helping her aunt and uncle on their Mesa Farm as a small child.

EWC recognizes top agriculture students at annual awards banquet

The 2023 Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) Annual Agriculture Awards Banquet, hosted in part by the Sagebrush and Roses Committee, was held on campus April 21 and honored the college’s most outstanding students in the department of agriculture.

“This was one of our most memorable agriculture awards banquets. We had the largest agriculture graduating class ever at EWC at 26,” stated Department Chair Dr. Monte Stokes.

“On top of this, it was the most successful year for EWC’s Livestock Judging Team. All of the sophomores had their name called at multiple contests during their time at the college.”

Outstanding Freshman awards

The agriculture department recognizes outstanding freshmen and sophomores based on academic performance, involvement within agriculture and campus activities, as well as their proposed future involvement in agriculture beyond EWC.

This year, four freshmen received a Freshman Top

County Fair Series

Weston County exhibitors ready for fair

Saddle and Sirloin FFA

Member Reagan Redding of Newcastle is spending her summer preparing multiple county fair projects for the Weston County Fair.

and two market hogs – she spends many hours each day prepping her animals and accommodating to their needs.

Reagan explains she completes daily chores for each individual animal including feeding them; teaching them to lead, stand and/or set up and working with their hair and/or wool.

Melissa Anderson

She later became acquainted with ranching during high school in Westcliffe, Colo. and fell in love with animals and the ranching lifestyle.

Following her graduation, Melissa attended the University of Minnesota, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business, then received a Master of Education at Colorado State University (CSU) as well as a doctoral degree in organization leadership with an emphasis in communication approaches from Abilene Christian University.

Prior to taking her position at the Roundup, Melissa worked in healthcare for 20 years and was a consultant for the state of Colorado for two years.

She notes she found a passion for writing upon being published in 2017 while working for CSU as a research assistant and is excited to continue cultivating her skills as

Reagan will be competing with seven projects across four species this year –market and breeding lambs, market goats and market hogs.

Project work and preparation

Because Reagan has quite the barn full of FFA projects – two market lambs, two breeding lambs, one market goat

She notes her routine is to feed them first. Then, she picks a few animals from each pen to work with on showing skills and treadmilling. Before feeding them for the last time, she will also work with their

Students honored

Extension

They say grilling season officially starts on Memorial Day weekend, but it only really begins when the weather gets warmer. This is when we start at my house.

Beef prices are on the rise, but it doesn’t seem like it’s been an issue during all of the graduation parties taking place over the last couple of weekends. It’s like going to a football game where the tailgate section is always there, and most of them are serving beef.

As I have said before in this column, beef, lamb and pork are commodities, in which supply and demand control prices.

The meat market has a number of players, such as producers, feeders and processors. But, it is not often all three players make money at the same time. Currently, producers and feeders – to some extent – are making money.

But, due to inflation and the high cost of inputs, both producer and feeder returns are not as high as they should be.

The public needs to realize the quality of meat is getting better all of the time. Due to improved genetics of animals raised by producers, meat products are also improving.

With beef, there are more Prime beef products on the meat counters, whereas in the past, one might only find Prime beef in high-class restaurants. Now, we are grilling Prime or top Select grades of beef in our own backyards anytime we please.

According to a Newsweek poll of 1,500 U.S. voters, published in Drovers, a majority of Americans regularly eat meat and believe it’s a healthy choice.

The poll showed 35 percent strongly agree with the statement, “Meat is healthy,” while 41 percent said they agree and 17 percent said they neither agree or disagree. Only four percent said they disagree, and one percent said they strongly disagree with the statement.

In addition, 81 percent of those polled eat meat at least once a week, and 10 percent said they eat it once or twice a month. Only four percent and three percent of the respondents said they rarely or never eat meat, respectively.

The poll also showed 55 percent of respondents would not feel safe eating artificial, lab-grown meat products, and 57 percent said they would not eat it.

The Newsweek article continues, “Despite the great strides made by vegetarian and vegan movements over the past few decades, most Americans aren’t going to give up their meatbased diets anytime soon.”

Lab-grown imitation meat, which is cultured from animal cells, is often thought to be more environmentally friendly than real beef because it is predicted to need less land and water to produce, while also resulting in less greenhouse gas emissions than raising cattle.

However, in a preprint study – which has yet to be peer reviewed – researchers at the University of California, Davis found lab-grown or “cultivated” imitation meat’s environmental impact is likely to be “orders of magnitude” higher than retail beef, based on current and near-term production methods.

Now, we have the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry arguing agriculture needs to change, and the Netherlands and Ireland are considering killing thousands of head of livestock for climate change purposes.

While I realize animal rights activists are leading the charge, it just doesn’t make any sense. That, and the government is trying to tell us what kind of cars to buy, stoves to cook on and foods to eat. They are lying to us about what is good.

We need to stand up and say, “Enough is enough.”

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 800-967-1647 • www.wylr.net

HANNAH BUGAS, Managing Editor • hannah@wylr.net

MELISSA ANDERSON, Editor • melissa@wylr.net

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DENISE OLSON, Classified Sales Manager

• 307-685-8213

• denise@wylr.net

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• 307-630-4604

CURT COX, Director of Livestock Field Services

CALLI WILLIAMS, Livestock Field Services Rep. • 605-695-1990

GUEST OPINIONS

When Being "Tough" May Be Too Much

By Bob Kemerait

• curt@wylr.net

• calli@wylr.net

Postmaster: Send address changes to: andrea@wylr.net

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • P.O. Box 850 • Casper, WY 82602

They tell me it is a good life, but life as a farmer is filled with hardship and stress many Americans can never fully understand. We admire those involved in the ag industry for many reasons, not the least of which is their tenacity.

They remain stoic in handling the challenges which come their way. Many of them grew up believing “to be tough –both physically and mentally – was a virtue.” To soldier on through adversities and having a desire to never quit is something many people look for in their heroes.

Personally, my heroes are farmers, and being “tough” is a double-edged sword for farmers. On one hand, it allows them to find success where others would quit in failure. On the other hand, a farmer may be unwilling, or unable, to seek help, especially when it comes to their mental health.

The hands of a farmer

The adjacent photo is a picture I posted to social media of a farmer holding an arrowhead he had just found in his field in Georgia.

I shared this picture because it is a “Dalton” point, which are especially old and not often found.

Among the comments was one saying, “The arrowhead is not the only story here. The hand of the farmer tells its own story. A person’s eyes are the only thing telling more about a person than their hands. I wish I knew his stories.”

The hand in the picture is

His hands tell a story – This photo was shared by Bob Kemerait on social media to show off the Dalton point arrowhead. But, the calloused and dirty hands of the farmer tell just as much of a story.

calloused and cracked, with a hint of dirt and grease. If, as my friend believes, the hands tell so much about a person, then this hand speaks of a man who is no stranger to hard work – it speaks of “tough.”

Tom Hall sang about such a farmer.

“His face was lean, and his hands were rough. His way was hogs, and his nature was tough. His doctors tried to tell him he may not live at all. But, all he ever talked about was who’s going to feed them hogs.”

Across the Chattahoochee River, another man’s family has been farming in Alabama since the 1930s. As a boy of age seven, he was being checked out of school to help with the work required at planting and harvest.

Later, while farming on his own, he grew peanuts, wheat, oats, cotton and soybeans, while also raising cattle. Together with his wife and children, he also

grew vegetables.

As his son reminisces, it was just an ordinary day during harvest season, but is there truly an “ordinary day” given the stresses and demands of gathering a crop?

While attempting to dislodge debris lodged in equipment, the farmer’s hand was caught resulting in the loss of a significant portion of his thumb. Though bleeding profusely, the farmer was unwilling to leave his crew and family as they struggled against approaching storms.

Stopping to go to the hospital was out of the question. It would take too much time.

Instead, he wrapped the wound in rags and Duct tape and continued on. Later, the thumb was beyond repair, and it took a year for the wound to heal.

The farmer’s son says loss of fingers was not uncommon in the older generations of his family.

“They were tough,” he said. “They had a job to do, and they kept at it. These were the hands of farmers in my family.”

The silent killer

Based upon the results of a survey conducted by the American Farm Bureau in 2020, an overwhelming majority of American adults – 88 percent – have trust in American farmers, likely due in part to their image of strength and resilience.

But, there is a darker side to being tough, as explored in “A Death in Dairyland Spurs a Fight Against a Silent Killer” by Elizabeth Williamson from the New York Times in April 2023.

As reported in the article, “The rate of suicide among farmers is three and one-half times higher than among the general population, according to the National Rural Health Association. Suicide rates in rural communities increased by 48 percent between 2000 and 2018, compared with 34 percent in urban areas.”

Williamson goes on to say, “Raised to value stoicism and self-determination, farmers and ranchers often avoid seeking mental health treatment out of shame and the erroneous notion depression is not an illness but a state of mind, fixable through attitude, faith or hard work.”

One farmer, Leon Statz, did seek help, but in the article, “The doctor basically told Leon to ‘chin up and face it like a man – in a year, you’ll laugh at it,’” Leon’s

Please see TOUGH on page 5

Bob Kemerait photo

Drought conditions improve

According to forecasts from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, parts of the central and southern Great Plains, as well as portions of Montana, may see improvement in or removal of drought conditions during June.

Weather conditions varied widely across the High Plains Region during May. Mostly beneficial rains fell in parts of central and eastern Colorado, northwest Kansas and parts of central and western Nebraska.

Meanwhile, east central and southeast Nebraska were remarkably dry for May, leading to worsening short-term drought on top of ongoing long-term drought.

Most of the High Plains Region experienced abovenormal temperatures. The northern parts of the region, especially northern Wyoming, northern South Dakota and North Dakota, were the warmest compared to normal, with temperatures four to 10 degrees above normal.

Drier-than-normal weather was also prevalent in southeast South Dakota and northeast North Dakota. Parts of northwest Colorado and northwest Wyoming were also drier than normal for May.

Across the region, drought coverage tended to decrease, though this varied from location to location.

Moderate drought or worse coverage dropped from 47.9 to 35.65 percent. Severe drought or worse coverage decreased from 28.3 to 21.7 percent. Extreme or worse drought coverage declined from 17.87 to 12.34 percent, and exceptional drought coverage fell from 7.44 to 6.81 percent.

During May, improvements to ongoing drought or abnormal dryness in the contiguous U.S. were most common in Western portions of the Great Plains. Degradations occurred in parts of the Midwest, especially in Missouri, southeast Nebraska and northeast Kansas.

ANDERSON continued from page 1

an editor for the Roundup

In addition to writing, Melissa is also deeply passionate for her two- and four-legged family, including her husband who is a retired bullfighter and current flyfishing guide and her daughter who is a student at the University of Wyoming.

Melissa and her family live on a small farm which is home to four horses, three dogs, five cats and several cows, goats, pigs and chickens.

“We all welcome Melissa to the Roundup, and we feel very fortunate to have her joining our team,” commented Wyoming Livestock Roundup Publisher Dennis Sun.

Welcome Melissa Anderson to the Wyoming Livestock Roundup by e-mailing melissa@wylr.net.

Shively Hardware Co.

UW team receives honors

The University of Wyoming (UW) Extension’s communications team earned national recognition from the Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) for work produced in 2022.

ACE is a professional organization for communicators, faculty and administrators in colleges of agriculture and ag-related industries across the U.S.

Reflections, the annual research magazine of the UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources (CALSNR), received a gold award in the technical publications category. The magazine, which showcases faculty and student research, was designed by Digital Marketing Specialist and Graphic Designer Tanya Engel.

Engel was also recognized for her contributions to UW Extension’s new “High-Altitude Baking” book. She earned a gold award for the cover photo and a bronze award for the publication’s design.

In addition to his duties as office manager, David Keto is the video producer for UW Extension and CALSNR. He earned a gold award for a promotional video highlighting the Wyoming Wool Initiative and its annual blanket project.

The video also received ACE’s Outstanding Professional Skill Award for the electronic media, video and audio category, placing first in a comparison of all gold entries.

Writer Brooke Ortel received a bronze award for a piece featuring nationally renowned Scientist and UW Faculty Member Camellia Moses Okpodu.

Awards will be presented at the organization’s 2023 conference in Asheville, N.C. later this month.

Field day scheduled

The University of Wyoming’s (UW) Sheridan Research and Extension Center (ShREC) will host a forage-themed field day on June 21 at the Wyarno Farm.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will focus on dryland hay and forage crops as well as native plants and rangeland restoration. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., and field tours will begin at 9 a.m., with a light lunch served at noon.

Presenters will discuss alternative forage crops, the effects of seed timing, native plant evaluation, seeding native plants with indaziflam, drought tolerance in soybeans, interseeding cover crops and more.

Attendees are asked to RSVP by contacting ShREC via e-mail at shrec@uwyo.edu or calling 307-673-2856 no later than June 14.

ShREC will host a second field day at the Adams Ranch on Aug. 2.

MWGA scholarship available

The Montana Wool Growers Association (MWGA) is proud to sponsor a $1,000 scholarship and a $500 scholarship funded by the Industry Outlet Store. The MWGA Promotions Committee sponsors this opportunity.

The scholarship is awarded to two students who have graduated from a Montana high school or homeschool program and are beginning their second year in college, at least.

Applicants may attend an in-state or out-of-state school, and the school may be a university, two-year or four-year college, vo-tech or any other educational facility of higher learning beyond high school. The applicant must be continuing his or her education in a field benefiting agriculture.

To apply for the MWGA scholarship, download and fill out an application, provide a letter of recommendation and an official transcript of grades received for completed coursework and send application materials to Stefanie Leach at stefanie@mtsheep.org.

Trade mission launched

On June 5, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor launched an agribusiness trade mission to Japan.

The U.S. delegation includes representatives from 11 state departments of agriculture, numerous farm organizations and 40 agribusinesses looking to connect with future business partners in Japan.

“As one of the largest world economies, Japan is one of the top and most reliable trading partners for the U.S. Every year for the past two decades, Japan has imported at least $10 billion worth of U.S. food and agriculture products, reaching a record-high $14.6 billion in 2022. This shows there is a continuously growing demand for U.S. products in Japan, providing U.S. exporters with a tremendous opportunity to expand their exporting,” said Taylor.

Throughout the week, USDA will help facilitate business-to-business meetings between participating small- and medium-sized U.S. agribusinesses and Japanese buyers seeking to import American food and farm products.

The itinerary also includes meetings with Japanese and local prefecture government officials and industry groups to discuss trade issues and unique opportunities offered by Japanese consumers, retail promotions featuring U.S. products and visits to Japanese farms and packaging facilities.

Animal rights activists attack beef producers through legislation

Animal rights groups are using misdirection to infiltrate the U.S. livestock industry by utilizing the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act to help reform the federal checkoff system.

During an episode of the Beltway Beef podcast, dated May 18, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Chief Executive Officer Colin Woodall sits down to discuss the attack on the Beef Checkoff by animal rights activists through the OFF Act and explains how the Beef Checkoff supports cattle producers and strengthens the industry.

Beef Checkoff

The Beef Checkoff program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill and is a producer-directed program, in which activities and investments are overseen by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) with oversight by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The Qualified State Beef Councils (QSBC) retain one-half of each dollar collected for marketing and research programs in each state and for other programs identified by the board.

The Beef Checkoff focuses on demand for beef, and the program has

Irish farmers are pushing back against a government proposal to cull cattle in an effort to meet European Union (EU) climate goals.

British newspaper The Telegraph originally reported the story, which

increased demand for beef at an estimated rate of return of $11.91 for every dollar invested in the program, according to the USDA’s latest economic evaluation, conducted by Cornell University.

Woodall states, “The checkoff program promotes industry research, consumer education, marketing and promotion efforts.

The Beef Checkoff educates cattle ranchers on implementing innovative animal welfare and conservation practices, leading to long-term sustainability for the industry.”

Regardless of false claims from supporters of the OFF Act, the Beef Checkoff is strongly supported by cattle producers and receives generous support from CBB and USDA.

Additionally, NCBA has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy.

OFF Act

U.S. Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mike Lee (R-UT), joined by U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Dina Titus (D-NV), have introduced the OFF Act to make checkoff programs more accountable and transparent.

Supporters of the OFF

Act say it’s about reform and protecting family ranches and farms, but according to Woodall, this is completely false – it is not about program accountability but about animal activists attacking beef producers.

“The OFF Act stipulates checkoff program funds should not be used for lobbying or to disparage other agricultural commodities, you can’t do that with the checkoff today,” states Woodall.

The newly introduced act states financials of the checkoff should be published so producers can look at them. Woodall notes anyone can go to CBB’s website to find their financials.

The new legislation also outlines the checkoff should be allowed to be investigated or audited by the office’s inspector general.

“If all of this stuff is already happening, why are they implementing an act that will waste tax payers’ dollars? Because, it is an attack on the checkoff program by animal activist groups,” says Woodall.

Woodall also shares the OFF Act is part of a larger effort to slow down meat consumption.

“These groups of animal activists figure the best

Adobe Stock photo

way to hurt us is to make it harder for us to do what we do. In all honesty, when we look at this strategy of the checkoff in the OFF Act, it shows the checkoff is extremely successful because we have been able to build some great beef demand with checkoff programs,” he says.

Beef Promotion Operating Committee

The Beef Promotion Operating Committee operates under CBB and is responsible for developing the annual budget, developing programs in areas of

promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications.

According to the Beef Checkoff’s website, the committee includes 10 producers elected by CBB and 10 producers elected by the Federation of State Beef Councils. The Beef Promotion Operating Committee also contracts with national, nonprofit, industry-governed organizations to implement Beef Checkoff programs.

However, proponents

European Union considers culling cows to reduce emissions

claimed the Irish Department of Agriculture is considering slaughtering 65,000 cows a year for three years. It’s part of a larger plan within the EU to reduce farming emissions by 25 percent before the end of the decade.

“We’re the one industry with a significant road map, and, to be quite honest with you, our herd isn’t any larger than it was 25 to 30 years ago,” Pat McCormack, president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, told The Telegraph . “Can the same be

said for the transport industry, can the same be said for the aviation industry?”

“Reports like this only serve to further fuel the view that the government is working behind the scenes to undermine our dairy and livestock sectors,” said Tim Cullinan, president of

the Irish Farmers’ Association. He told The Telegraph the plan would do nothing more than simply shift beef production out of Ireland. “While there may well be some farmers who wish to exit the sector, we should all be focusing on providing a pathway for

of the OFF Act claim the new bill would prevent checkoff funds from being used for lobbying, something already prohibited by the existing federal law governing the Beef Checkoff.

“What the OFF Act does is decrease beef research and efforts vital to the success of ranchers and the beef industry,” Woodall concludes.

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

the next generation to get into farming.”

According to The Telegraph report, the proposal, which is not a formal policy, would be voluntary for farmers on the cusp of retiring. It would reduce Ireland’s herd by 10 percent.

EXTENSION EDUCATION

By Micah Most, UW Extension Educator

After the record breaking cold and snow of the last six months, the last thing many ranchers want to think about is winter weather. However, summer is the perfect time of year to take steps needed to make next winter more tolerable.

Windbreaks are critical pieces of infrastructure that can reduce wind chill and its negative consequences. Not much can be done to stop the notorious Wyoming wind from blowing outright, but it can be manipulated and directed to provide relief and shelter for livestock.

The purpose of a welldesigned windbreak for livestock is to provide shelter by cutting down the velocity of air movement, and in the case of blizzard conditions, to direct blowing snow away from a protected space.

In harsh blizzard conditions, having access to space out of the wind can mean the difference between life and death for animals in a herd or flock.

Windbreak structure and design

The effective area of the windbreak is directly deter-

mined by its height, length and density – the relative amount of open space or gaps. A taller structure creates a relatively larger downwind protected space.

Proper length is required to maximize the sheltered space.

The density of a structure influences the movement of air over or through it and the resulting pattern of snow drifting.

Solid structures cause increased wind velocities over and around them, which results in a slight vacuum in the downwind side. Snow will accumulate first on the upwind side and then in the immediate downwind space, as the slight negative pressure allows it to fall out of the air.

Porous structures allow some air to pass through, which reduces the vacuum effect and disperses blowing snow over a larger area. Windbreaks lose much of their wind slowing effects at less than 50 percent solid density.

One of the most effective windbreak designs for livestock features two solid

arms set at a 90-degree angle “V,” with the point oriented directly into the prevailing wind. A map displaying the direction of local prevailing winds across Wyoming can be accessed online at bit.ly/ WYwind

Research shows the length between the ends of the two arms should be at least 10 times the height of the structure and no more than 15 times the height of the structure to maximize the shelter space.

For example, if planning a 10-feet-tall windbreak, the minimum width between ends is 100 feet and the maximum is 150 feet. Using the Pythagorean theorem and a little high school algebra, the structure should have sides at least 70 feet long and no more than 106 feet long to fall within the targeted range.

In this way, structures can be customized to any desired height or length, and I am happy to help anyone work through these calculations.

A “V”-shaped solid windbreak directs snow to drift at the ends of the walls and creates a space of reduced air velocity in the downwind area 10 to 12 times the height of the windbreaks.

Temporary versions can be built using round hay bales stacked two high with the bottom bale placed on its end and the top bale placed on its side. Follow the dimension limits described above.

Shelterbelts

Shelterbelts consisting of rows of trees and shrubs make excellent porous

windbreaks. Many factors contribute to the efficacy of shelterbelts as windbreaks, including plant spacing, species composition and number of rows.

Shelterbelts typically have at least one row of evergreen trees, but they can feature any combination of evergreen, deciduous and shrub species in one or more parallel rows. This type of planting is sometimes referred to as a living snow fence.

The characteristic dry climate and cold winters of Wyoming can make it difficult to keep trees alive long enough for them to establish. Sites without access to supplemental water should prioritize manufactured windbreaks over shelterbelts.

In places where access to water is not limiting, selection of appropriate tree and shrub species is a critical factor which contributes to the successful establishment of a shelterbelt. Plants native to Wyoming are welladapted to the soil and climate, but good non-native options are also available.

University of Wyoming (UW) Extension offices are present in all 23 counties across the state and on the Wind River Indian Reservation and can provide recommendations for plant species appropriate to a specific location. The UW Extension Barnyards and Backyards website features many arti-

cles related to living snow fences and windbreaks and can be viewed online at bit.

ly/BnBtree

Spacing will vary according to the tree and shrub species selected for a shelterbelt, but research recommends allowing three to four feet between shrubs, six to 15 feet for deciduous trees and six to 20 feet for conifers to maximize wind shelter effect without overcrowding the plants.

Shelterbelts provide many benefits in addition to the wind reducing effects. Among these are wildlife habitat, homeowner privacy, aesthetic value and more than can be listed here.

Spacing considerations

A common issue with windbreaks and shelterbelts is spacing them too close to the areas targeted for protection, which causes snow to drift around feed bunks, sheds, barns, houses and roads.

The general recommen-

dation is to place the windbreak at least 150 feet away from the area to be protected. The exact distance can be calculated according to the specific height and density of a windbreak structure on a case-by-case basis.

Constructed windbreaks can be moved, while planted shelter belts cannot. Due diligence in the planning phase will save time, money and headaches.

With winter in the rearview, it’s tempting to focus on sunny days ahead. However, installing windbreaks this summer and taking the time to do it right the first time will pay off when the snow is blowing and the winter wind is howling once again.

Micah Most is the Johnson County agriculture and natural resources educator for University of Wyoming Extension. He can be reached at mmost@uwyo. edu or 307-684-7522.

wife recalled. “I will never forget it. Because then Leon’s like, ‘Now it falls back on me again. It’s my fault I can’t get out of this.’”

Leon Statz, like too many American farmers and ranchers, ended up taking his own life.

American farmers and ranchers are a tough breed. They soldier on through pain and adversity in their lives, which most of us cannot imagine, and we respect them for it. We trust them for it.

However, knowing when to ask for help and the willingness to accept help are not signs of weakness – they are signs of strength. I encourage anyone, especially our farmers and ranchers, to seek help when needed for depression and, especially, for thoughts of suicide.

Help can be found in many places, for example at this website through University of Georgia Extension.

The hands of farmers and ranchers are calloused and their ways tough, but there are many hands reaching out to help, both in the home and outside of the home.

We need farmers and

ranchers here with us. Bob Kemerait is a plant

pathologist at the University of Georgia. This opinion column was originally published in Southeast Farm Press on June 2.

Wyoming spends record $4.2 million to kill coyotes and other predators

Wyoming will spend more than $4 million to kill coyotes, wolves, ravens, skunks and other “nuisance animals” in 2023-24, which is more than any previous fiscal year.

Federal Trapper Steve Moyles helped make the case for one portion of the expenditures May 18 in a presentation to the Wyoming Animal Damage Management Board (ADMB).

Mitigating

raven damagess

The common raven, or Corvus corax, Moyles told board members, is a “nasty bird” which causes horrific injuries to young, defenseless cattle on calving grounds.

“They peck navals, they peck eyes, and they actually peck holes in joints of calves,” he said. “They’re just a nasty bird, and I’m pleased we’re able to work on them – I hope it continues.”

Moyles made his remarks

in support of the Wyoming ADMB funding the Lincoln County Predator Board to the tune of $235,000. He also explained his method of killing the opportunistic Corvus corax

“I took 241 ravens with DRC-1339 – an avian poison – which is broadcasted with dog food,” Moyles said. “It’s very effective. I’m impressed with how it works on ravens. It flat knocks raven numbers down.”

Later, Jon Child, speaking for the Lincoln County Predator Board, expressed appreciation for Moyles’ raven-killing efforts.

“Ravens are a major problem, big time,” Child said. “They’re vicious. You come onto a lamb and it’s got its tongue gone. It’s still alive, but how is he going to suck his mother?”

Aerial culling operations

Child, as part of the same pitch to ADMB, described his county board’s aerial cull-

ing operations, which were the subject of a federal law enforcement investigation into alleged violations of the Airborne Hunting Act.

From Jan. 12-April 6

of this year, he said, predator board-funded operations gunned down 401 coyotes and six wolves – five of them on the Greys River.

“The ones in the Greys River are the ones that have been flip-flopping back from Lincoln County to Sublette County,” Child said. “We had lady luck with us and caught them in there.”

Record funding

Equipped with $4.18 million in mostly taxpayersourced general-fund money for the year, the Wyoming ADMB voted to fund Lincoln County’s Predator Board and 18 other county predator boards about an hour later.

Lincoln County’s allocation came in at $233,500, a 26 percent bump over its 2022-23 funding level of $185,500.

The ADMB had more money to work with this year than any year since the Wyoming Legislature created the statewide panel nearly a quarter century ago, accord-

to Wyoming Department of Agriculture

ing

Employee Jerry Johnson, who administers the board.

In a typical year, ADMB funding runs around $3.5 million. In the leanest years, about $2.5 million went toward predator control. One reason for the record funding, he said, is inflation –like any other inflation-influenced service, the cost of killing predators has gone up.

“It’s pricier to fly planes,” Johnson told WyoFile. “Most of these counties, they’re trappers have not had raises –some of them for 10 years.”

Materials, vehicles, gas and aviation fuel have all gotten pricier, he noted.

ADMB spending

The legislature, equipped with a surplus the last couple sessions, set aside $5.88 million for predator management for the two years between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2024 when it completed the budget last year.

Livestock producers also contribute to the ADMB’s war chest, supplementing the legislatively approved general-fund support. Any producer raising stock in an ADMB-funded county district pays a one dollar per head predator fee when they sell.

Annually, Johnson said, the fees bring in about $1 million to the statewide board, which then distributes the funds to the county districts.

According to Johnson, Platte, Laramie and Sublette county boards don’t partake, and aren’t eligible for ADMB funds. Teton County, meanwhile, doesn’t have a predator board. But, government-funded predator control is routine business in the vast majority of Wyoming and much of the rural Western U.S.

The ADMB summarizes its spending in an annual report to the governor. As a general rule, Johnson noted almost all of the funding goes to “on-the-ground” operations – in other words, killing predators.

Controlling the coyote

population

Many county boards spend the majority of their efforts and funds on trying to minimize

the coyote population.

In Washakie County, for example, the predator management board funded 180 hours of aerial gunning, according to its 2021-22 annual report.

Coyotes were the mostkilled species in the district, with 426 animals plus four dens of pups targeted – far surpassing the 78 raccoons, 25 striped skunks, seven red foxes, four beavers, two great blue herons and one raven county-funded federal trappers offed.

Wildlife Services’ specialists verified in-district livestock damages totaled $1,406 over the same time period.

Washakie County’s Predator Management District also received a big bump to its previous funding level at the ADMB’s twoday May meeting. In 202223, the local board operated with some $169,000 in state funds – a total which jumped 47 percent to $248,500 for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year.

The $4.18 million ADMB allocated to county boards isn’t the last of funding the statewide board will distribute in 2023. It will also grant an additional $200,000 – these funds routed from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) – on a project-by-project basis at the board’s June 16 meeting, Johnson said.

Such WGFD originated funds typically go to research and special predator-killing efforts aimed at protecting species like mule deer, pronghorn and sage grouse.

In the wake of this year’s especially deadly winter for pronghorn and mule deer, WGFD is separately planning to provide yet more funding for coyote killing. Following the hard winter of 2016-17, the agency spent $100,000 on aerial gunning over deer fawning grounds. This effort claimed 177 coyotes.

Mike Koshmrl is a reporter from Jackson. Prior to joining WyoFile, he spent nearly a decade covering the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem’s wild places and creatures. This article was originally published in WyoFile on June 1.

Top priority – Many county boards spend the majority of their effort and funds on trying to minimize the coyote population. A coyote pauses on the crest of a hill in western Wyoming during the spring of 2023. Tim Mayo photo

A nasty bird – Sporting a curved beak and a rakish headdress, the common raven is considered a nuisance by some and is often targeted by county predator boards despite being protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Pixabay public domain photo

By Paul Dykstra

CAB Insider: Market Update

During the last full week of May, cash fed cattle trade brought about an unexpected uptick in prices as Nebraska and Cornbelt feedlots captured values two to four dollars per hundredweight (cwt) higher, averaging $180 to $184 per cwt.

The wide price spread remains, contrasting the Northern to Southern regions, with Texas and Kansas live cash trade occurring at $170 to $171 per cwt. This represents roughly a one dollar per cwt weekly advance.

Carcass weights continue seasonal decline

Carcass weights continue their seasonal decline toward spring lows, but the latest weight data shows a trend shift.

Starting at the first of the year, weights trended primarily in a range of 15 to 20 pounds lighter than a year ago, due to extreme weather conditions and a current fed cattle supply.

Yet, carcass weights declined more rapidly in the second quarter of 2022 in contrast to this year’s more marked decline in the first quarter, which has given way to smaller downward moves in the second quarter.

Average steer weights actually moved up four pounds in the first week of May before dropping four pounds in the subsequent week.

The slowing trend suggests a potential earlier realization of the year’s lightest carcass weights versus the mid-June timeframe marked in the past two years. Industry average carcass marbling achievement will be assisted in the upfront weeks if this shift occurs.

On the product side of the business, boxed beef values were mixed during the report for the week beginning May 29, with weekly average cutout values varying slightly depending on grade.

The Certified Angus Beef (CAB) cutout was up 34 cents per cwt, while commodity Choice was lower by 24 cents per cwt. Select gained on Choice a bit with a $1.21 per cwt cutout increase.

This presented a softer

from May 1 through early June in the past 10 years.

It is much more difficult to predict the week when the annual low in the combined percent Choice and Prime quality grades is realized.

Ag Books for Kids winners announced

Choice/Select price spread in line with that of a year ago. The CAB premium to Choice firmed up fractionally to average $12.66 per cwt, placing it almost two dollars per cwt lower than a year ago.

A relatively strong quality grade mix, considering the time of year, plus recent upticks in weekly fed cattle slaughter, is underpinning production volume in the commodity Choice and Premium brands certified into branded programs.

This has CAB traditional carcass counts in the 121,000 per week average for the past four weeks versus 119,000 for this period a year ago. Lighter cut weights for the period compressed pounds per head, but weights are now par to a year ago. Prime carcass tonnage set to decline

Most recent U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) quality grade data updates carcass grading trends through May 19. This is precisely the week on the calendar at which the percentage of carcasses meeting USDA Prime marbling levels have sharply decreased in each of the past three years.

Throughout the supply chain, many stakeholders are familiar with the annual spring phenomenon when U.S. average quality grades typically decline from winter highs toward spring lows. Many may think of the grade decline following a trend line generally paralleling that of the annual, similarly predictable, carcass weight lows around this time of year.

While lighter average carcass weights are correlated with lower marbling scores, the annual realization of the lowest measurements for each of these traits is far from perfectly aligned.

Assessing any annual carcass weight pattern in recent history results in the same line graph shape each year. The variation is found in the details as it relates to the exact date the annual high and low weight weeks are realized.

Except for the COVID19 irregularities of 2020, the annual low has been reached

In the past 10 years, the “low grade” week occurred as early as mid-April and as late as the end of October. In the most recent four years, the lows were placed in September or October. From 2014 to 2018, the lows came in April and May.

Singling out annual percent Prime grade trends results in a much more consistent pattern than when percent Choice is included. The 10-year trend for percent Prime suggests a strong vote the annual low for the top USDA grade will come in June with six out of 10 years claiming the June low.

The month of July comes in as a second-place favorite with the seasonal bias favoring the two-month window.

Since 2018, the share of carcasses meeting all 10 carcass specifications for CAB has peaked in unison with the spring marbling highs in March. It then declines into early October when modest- and highermarbling (Premium Choice and Prime) carcasses are near their annual lows and carcass weights plus ribeye sizes are near their annual highs.

The combination of these risk factors results in the annual lowest acceptance rates at this time.

As the calendar turns to June, it’s a fair assumption percent USDA Prime and percent CAB Prime carcasses will fall off rapidly.

The latest 9.5 percent Prime carcass grading rate is 0.25 percentage points ahead of a year ago. The year-over-year increase for the most current week is an improvement on the year as the Prime share has run 0.39 percentage points below 2022 so far.

More importantly, Prime carcass tonnage is 4.6 percent lower over the last four weeks than a year ago due to lower slaughter head counts.

This smaller supply and projected sharp drop in the coming weeks meets up with seasonally heightened beef demand.

The Prime carcass cutout value rests at 12.8 percent higher than a year ago, and retail prices are hefty for Prime cuts. The supply side is set to build further premiums into USDA Prime and CAB Prime carcasses.

This is great to the extent producers should see the rewards. Yet, the consumer side of the equation remains a question as to demand resiliency in a more challenging economic market.

Paul Dykstra is the director of supply management and analysis at CAB. He can be reached at pdykstra@certifiedangusbeef. com.

Nearly 11,000 agriculture books have been donated to Wyoming elementary schools through the 19-year span of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R) Committee’s Ag Books for Kids program.

In 2023, county farm bureau federations across the state donated 689 “Popcorn Country” books by Cris Peterson to Wyoming elementary schools as part of the program.

Contests are held each year associated with the book of the year to encourage students to learn even more about agriculture. The contests include a coloring contest for kindergarten and first grades, a poster contest for second and third grades and a marketing ad contest for fourth and fifth grades.

Students from across Wyoming were recently recognized for their participation in the 2023 WyFB Ag Books for Kids contests. The state winners in each of the three contests received a $50 gift card from WyFB and an agriculture book titled “Popcorn Country.” The state runner-ups in each of the contests received a $25 gift card and an agriculture book.

Amelia Dunn of Goshen County was the state winner of the coloring contest. Reese Hokanson of Lincoln County was the

Coloring Contest state winners – Goshen County Lincoln Elementary Student Amelia Dunn was the state winner of the 2023 Ag Books for Kids Coloring Contest. County Coloring Contest Winners Avery Back and Blake Klutts were also recognized. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are Avery Back, Blake Klutts and Amelia Dunn. In the back row, from left to right, are Beth Donbraska, Bobby Wiegel and Lee Hageman. Courtesy photo

Poster Contest state runnerup – Jocelyn Morgan of Fremont County was the state runner-up in the WyFB YF&R Ag Books for Kids Poster Contest. Courtesy photo

state runner-up.

Shaylee Pontarolo of Goshen County won the state poster contest, and the state runner-up was Jocelyn Morgan of Fremont County.

Annabelle Duffy of

State winners – Goshen County Farm Bureau Federation Member Lee Hageman presented prizes for the 2023 Ag Books for Kids contests. Goshen County students won all three 2023 state contests. Shown here, Hageman congratulated Marketing Ad Contest State Winner Annabelle Duffy and Poster Contest State Winner Shaylee Pontarolo. Courtesy photo

Goshen County won the marketing ad contest, and Macie Sue Mathews of Uinta County was the state runner-up.

EWC continued from page 1

Hand Award. They include Garrett Greene of Alfalfa, Ore.; Shelby Madsen of Farson; Daren McConville of Hemingford, Neb. and Hannah Wiskus of Castle Rock, Colo.

Greene is an agriculture education major and a member of the livestock judging and show teams. This spring, he was the auctioneer for the Lancer Livestock Sale.

He will be serving as Student Senate president for the 2023-24 academic year and as treasurer for Block and Bridle.

Madsen is a freshman rangeland management major in resident status, but a sophomore in credit status. She was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa and serves as an ambassador for the college. Madsen will be graduating in December 2023.

McConville is a farm and range management major and has been the most active freshman in the agriculture department this

spring. He was recognized by the club as the Outstanding First Year Block and Bridle Member and will be serving as Block and Bridle president for the 2023-24 academic year.

Wiskus transferred to the agriculture department this spring from veterinary technology. She is a member of the EWC Livestock Show Team and will be joining the EWC Livestock Judging Team in the fall of 2023. She will also serve as vice president of Block and Bridle for the 2023-24 academic year.

Outstanding Sophomore awards

Seven sophomores were also honored as Top Hand Award recipients, including Celilo Brun of Joseph, Ore.; Shelby Carr of Alliance, Neb.; James Durfee of Lovell and Connor Willard of Torrington.

Brun was an agriculture communications major, resident hall assistant, EWC ambassador, Phi Theta

Kappa member and competes on the EWC livestock judging and show teams.

She served as the president of Block and Bridle this year and was recognized as the Outstanding Block and Bridle Sophomore at the National Block and Bridle Convention. She will be transferring to the University of NebraskaLincoln (UNL) to continue her education and judging career.

Carr was an agriculture education major at EWC and served as an officer for both the Student Senate and Block and Bridle. She was a resident hall assistant and a member of the EWC Livestock Show Team.

Carr was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa and plans to transfer to Dickinson State University to major in soil science.

Durfee, also an agriculture education major, was a member of the livestock judging and show teams. He also served as an EWC ambassador this year and will be transferring to UNL to complete his degree and

Austin Snook • 307-290-2161

Taylor Snook • 307-290-2273

Craig Deveraux • 307-746-5690

Dan Catlin • 406-671-7715

Clint Snook • 307-290-4000

Cheyenne Seymour • 605-641-0638

Class of 2023 – Eastern Wyoming College recognized their largest group of agriculture graduates to date at an annual awards banquet on April 21. Graduates in attendance, pictured left to right in the backrow, include Emily McGinnis, Kaitlyn Rector, Elizabeth Schaefer, James Durfee, Connor Willard and Coy Kaisler. In the middle row, pictured left to right, are Hadlee Owens, Celilo Brun, Duward Randall, Kaylee Roach and Shelby Carr. In the front row, pictured left to right, are Macoyia Stoneking, Mariah DeMers, Emily Hatch and Michaela Keller. Courtesy photo

to compete on the UNL Livestock Judging Team.

Willard was an agriculture major. He served an officer in Block and Bridle and as a member of Student Senate. Willard plans to work for M Lazy

Weston Garrett • 605-210-1629

Casey Sellers • 307-217-2614

Jim Forbes • 307-351-5932

Tye Curuchet • 307-351-8666

Daniel Escoz • 307-217-1440

Kade Kinghorn • 307-620-0525

Market Report • June 7, 2023

Heart Ranch.

In addition to the Sophomore Top Hand Awards, three other sophomore students were recognized at the banquet.

Michaela Keller of Valentine, Neb. was awarded the 4.0 Club Award, due to her outstanding academics. Keller has served as Student Senate president this past year. She is also a member and officer of Phi Theta Kappa, an ambassador and a Block and Bridle member.

Keller will be returning to her family operation.

Kaitlyn Rector of Agate, Colo. was awarded the True Grit Award. Rector has served as the Block and Bridle secretary this past year and has helped at the majority of all events sponsored by the agriculture program.

Rector will also be returning to her family operation.

Coy Kaisler of Savery received the Most Improved Award. Kaisler has continued to improve in the classroom during his time at EWC.

In addition to getting an education, he also worked full time on his family cattle operation and still managed to graduate in two years. He plans to continue in production agriculture after his graduation.

Livestock judging and show team awards

EWC Livestock Judging Team and Livestock Show Team members were recognized at the banquet as well.

This year, four students participated on the judging team, five students participated on the show team, and four students participated on both teams.

“This has been an amazing year for both teams. Our judgers have been recognized more than any other team since the turn of the century,” commented EWC Coach and Instructor Dr. Georgia Younglove.

test they attended.

Brun was recognized for the Casper Contest, Aksarben and Valentine Bull Bash. Durfee made the board for contests at the American Royal, Louisville, Griswold Contest, Tulsa State Fair and the State Fair of Texas.

Kaylee Roach of Mapleton, Utah topped the board for Louisville, the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) Carload Contest, Arizona National Livestock Show, Houston, National Barrow Show, Buck’s Cattle Company Contest, Valentine Bull Bash, Tulsa State Fair, State Fair of Texas and Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic.

McKealy Mickelson of Amherst, Neb. was the sole freshman to make the board at Aksarben, The Livestock Show Team had the Champion Any Other Wool Breed Ewe at NWSS and the First Place Cotswold Ram at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky. Graduating Sophomores

EWC also recognized the largest group of graduates to date, which include Kagen Baker of Big Horn; Alejandro Chavarria of Torrington; Mariah Demer of Akron, Colo.; Halle Fegler of Lyman, Neb.; Jadyn Hall of Veteran; Emily Hatch of Torrington; Lorren Henkel of Bayard, Neb.; William Howell of Morrill, Neb. and Makenzie Johnson of Wheatland.

The list also includes Samantha Kernan of Wheatland; Kamry Knotwell of Encampment; Echo Miller of Sundance; Tyson Morrell or Arthur, Neb.; Hadlee Owens of Vernal, Utah; Keeley Puls of Laramie; Duward Randall of Torrington; Elizabeth Schaefer of Wheatland and Macoyia Stoneking of Hartville.

www.buffalolivestockwyo.com

The program started a leaders board for EWC judgers last year, and this year’s sophomore team replaced leaders on the board for all but one con-

Sophomore honorees Brun, Carr, Durfee, Kaisler, Keller, Rector, Roach and Willard are also 2023 EWC graduates.

This article was provided by EWC. For more information, visit ewc. wy.edu

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DOMAIN

Lands and Eminent Domain, directs legislators to “consider issues regarding the exchange and transfer of state lands, including streamlining the transfer process. The committee will study eminent domain and its effects on private property rights.”

“Wind collector systems is just one component of eminent domain we were assigned to deal with at this time and probably the most pressing component,” Steinmetz said. “However, solar has become an issue in some parts of the state as well.”

In particular, the committee is focused on the statutory provisions of eminent domain which provide for private corporations to be able to use eminent domain.

Steinmetz continued, “After we listen to testimony today, we can hear the issues facing our constituents and narrow our focus.”

Eminent domain history

Sen. Larry Hicks of Baggs said, “I think one of the most pertinent things this committee will need to understand as we get into this issue is the fact there was proposed legislation in 2018, 2019 and 2023, and they all failed to extend the moratorium on collector systems. Until we understand the nature of why those failed, it seems like it might be futile to come back and try the same bill again, with the same result.”

“It will be important to know what the hurdle is and how big it is to get over if we want to move forward,” Hicks continued, asking the Legislative Services Office (LSO) to characterize the nature of discussions from the past.

Rep. Allen Slagle of Newcastle noted his bill, HB 106, Eminent domain –wind energy collector systems, passed in 2023 but was vetoed by Gov. Mark Gordon.

“I think our biggest issue here is the whole idea of private property rights,” he said. “When our country was founded, our founding fathers considered private property rights on equal basis with life and liberty, but since this point in time, our Supreme Court has continued to take the right away. I don’t know how we can overcome what the Supreme Court has done, but the issue is in private property rights.”

Hicks further suggested engaging the Executive Branch in the discussion, in light of the 2023 veto.

Experiences from landowners

Niobrara County Commissioner Patrick Wade commented, “My education on eminent domain began when my wife and I got a letter from a company notifying us they were ‘preparing to build a pipeline on or in the immediate vicinity of our property.’”

He noted the company

declared they would build the pipeline on or near the property, rather than starting a conversation with the family.

Jim Willox, Converse County commissioner, said, “In Converse County, to my knowledge, the private entity has not used eminent domain around wind, but once eminent domain is there, it is a factor in all negotiations.”

Landowner concerns

Wade noted concern with landowners’ ability to negotiate important terms of an easement, including landowner liability and the term.

“When someone negotiates for a wind or solar farm, they have the ability to negotiate the term of the lease,” Wade said. “When the project is over, everything goes away and is cleaned up. A company who is putting in a power line is more likely to negotiate a permanent easement, since the powerline has another use.”

Former Speaker of the House Kermit Brown of Laramie added, “These questions of valuation of land for eminent domain are almost always settled by a fair market appraisal. There are negotiations, but my contention is the value ought to be two to three times the money – or at least more than the appraised value.”

He explained the imposition of projects often results in inconveniences for landowners, including changes to grazing rotations, which is difficult for the landowner to

Handshake Market where a still means

deal with at best.

Ken Lay, Converse County landowner and senior managing director of an asset management firm, added, “Existing statutes are pretty clear. When we look at requirements for the exercise of eminent domain, we find one of them is a planned project or located in a manner which will have the most public good and least private injury.”

“The people who benefit financially from these companies using eminent domain probably don’t even live in our state, and they may even be foreign owned,” Wade said.

Sen. Bob Ide of Casper noted statute requires eminent domain must occur “in the public interest,” further asking whether an industry which must be heavily subsidized to be solvent is “in the public interest.”

Project necessity

An additional requirement for eminent domain is land to be condemned is necessary for the project.

Lay explained, “Developers who may be able to exercise eminent domain are interested in the least-cost option for them, not the least private injury and greatest public good.”

He continued, “We need to have a discussion about the way eminent domain is exercised in this context.”

The big picture

“When landowners get a letter saying a company is coming with condemnation ability, landowners are in a

Pronghorn H2 Project

One project in particular – the Pronghorn H2 Wind Energy Development Project – spurred much of the conversation as it relates to eminent domain for wind energy collector systems, and Jason Crowder, deputy director for the Office of State Lands and Investments (OSLI), provided an update on the project.

“OSLI received an application from Pronghorn H2, LLC on July 21, 2022 which covered two counties – Converse and Niobrara – and identified 117,037 acres of state trust land, which is a very large project,” Crowder explained, noting the whole project may reach 300,000 acres, with roughly 40 percent of it being state land. “At this time, we only understand it to be a lease application for wind energy development.”

Currently, the project is in the lessee consent and siting stage. Any entity that comes to the Board of Land Commissioners is required to get consent and comment from all surface lessees impacted by the project.

“It is a requirement for consent and comment forms to be returned, but there are provisions to move forward if those forms aren’t returned,” Crowder noted. “We work very hard with the applicant to make sure they’ve done everything they can to contact, discuss and mitigate landowner concerns before we move forward.”

There was concern originally after some misinformation that the state was “sponsoring” the project, but Crowder noted the state simply provided the opportunity.

potential no-win situation,” Lay said. “The people who negotiate these deals are professionals, and if landowners get legal help, they may spend more on legal fees than the easement would provide.”

The solution, Wade said, is working with landowner groups to make the costs effective.

“My wife said when you get a letter from a company with condemnation ability, something that wasn’t for sale, to anyone, for any price, is suddenly for sale,” Wade said.

“It is difficult to balance the public need or use for energy development and how we get this energy in Wyoming to where others are

going to use it, while protecting private property rights. This is a delicate balance, and the legislature has undertaken efforts for it,” Willox summarized.

He added, “I don’t think one will ever find a perfect eminent domain process, because somebody loses, no matter what. Either the development or a resource is going to be harmed, or private property is going to be harmed. Both have value, and it is difficult to find this balance.”

Saige Zespy is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to saige.zespy@gmail.com or roundup@wylr.net.

Monday - Wednesday, July 10-12

Monday - Tuesday, August 14-15

Consignment Deadline: July 27 Little America - Cheyenne, WY Simulcast on Dish 998

June 11-17

June 12-14

June 12-15

EVENTS

College National Finals Rodeo, Ford Wyoming Center, Casper. For more information, visit cnfr.com

University of Wyoming Livestock Judging Camp, Laramie. For more information, contact Landon Eldridge at landon.eldridge@uwyo.edu or 979-224-1340. To register, visit uw.uwyo.edu/livestock_camp_2023

Wyoming Federal Funding Summit, Sheridan. For more information and to register, visit lummis.senate.gov/federal-funding-summit-rsvp

June 12-16 University of Wyoming Extension 2023 Ranch Camp, Padlock Ranch, Ranchester. For more information or to apply, contact Hudson Hill at hrhill@uwyo. edu or Chance Marshall at cmarsha1@uwyo.edu.

June 14 National Women’s Business Council Virtual Public Meeting, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., online. For more information or to register, visit nwbc.gov

June 15 Sandhills Cattle Association Convention and Banquet, Valentine, Neb. For more information, visit sandhillscattle.com or call 402-376-2310.

June 16-17 University of Wyoming Growing Grapes in Wyoming Symposium, Sheridan Research and Extension Center, Sheridan. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/WYGrapeWorkshops

June 17 12th Annual Chris LeDoux Days, 10:30 a.m., Kaycee. For more information, visit chrisledoux.com

June 17-18 World Famous 62nd Annual Woodchopper’s Jamboree and Rodeo, Encampment. For more information, visit woodchoppersjamboree.org

June 19-21 Casper College Livestock Judging Camp, Grace Werner Agricultural Pavilion, Casper. For more information, contact Colby Hales at colby.hales@caspercollege. edu or 307-268-2040. To register, visit caspercollege.edu/events/ag-judging-camp

June 19-24 Boys 2023 Inspire a Kid Camp, Little Jennie Ranch, Bondurant. For more information, e-mail chris@thewyldlifefund.org or call 307-316-3863.

June 20 Wyoming Livestock Board Public Meeting, 9 a.m., Hampton Inn, Pinedale. For more information, visit wlsb.state.wy.us

June 21 University of Wyoming Sheridan Research and Extension Center Field Day, 8:30 a.m., Wyarno Farm. To RSVP, e-mail shrec@uwyo.edu or call 307-673-2856.

June 26-July 1 Girls 2023 Inspire a Kid Camp, Little Jennie Ranch, Bondurant. For more information, e-mail chris@thewyldlifefund.org or call 307-316-3863.

June 27-28 Nebraska Soil Health School, West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, North Platte, Neb. For more information, e-mail nheldt@unl.edu or call 308-632-1233.

June 30-July 2 Wyoming Wool Growers Annual Membership Meeting and Wyoming Sheep and Wool Festival, Kemmerer. For more information, visit wyowool.com

July 1 First Annual Sheepherders Come Bye, 6 p.m., South Lincoln Training and Event Center, Kemmerer.

July 1-8 2023 National Junior Angus Show, Grand Island, Neb. For more information, visit njas.info

July 1-10 Laramie Jubilee Days, Laramie. For more information, visit laramiejubileedays.org

July 3-6 2023 Beef Improvement Federation Symposium, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. For more information or to register, visit beefimprovement.org/symposium

July 4 American Angus Auxiliary’s 40th Annual All-American Certified Angus Beef Cook-Off Contest, Grand Island, Neb. For more information, e-mail Anne Lampe at amlampe.al@gmail.com or call 670-874-4273. To enter, visit forms.gle/dXeiVmVJJ1gfoRxi6

July 6 Nebraska Ranch Practicum, Whitman, Neb. For more information or to register, visit nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu, e-mail Troy Walz at troy.walz@unl.edu or call 308-872-6831.

July 7-15 Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo, Casper. For more information, visit centralwyomingfair.com

July 11 High Plains Journal’s Cattle U, Manhattan, Kan. For more information, visit cattleu.net or contact Kylie Reiss at kreiss@hpj.com or Lacey Vilhauer at lvilhauer@ hpj.com.

July 11-15 Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, Colorado Springs, Colo. For more information or to buy tickets, visit pikespeakorbust.org

July 12 Wyoming Stock Growers Association Environmental Stewardship Day and Tour, Big Creek Ranch, Encampment. For more information, contact the Wyoming Stock Growers Association at 307-638-3942.

July 12-16 2023 Wyoming Quarter Horse Cowboy Summer Classic, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas. For more information, visit wqha.org

July 15 Class of 2023 ProRodeo Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Colorado Springs, Colo. For more information, call Ashley Johnson at 719-528-4732.

July 15 Albany County CattleWomen Ranch Tour, Laramie. For more information, visit wyaccw.com or call 307-760-5590.

July 15-22 Converse County Fair, Douglas. For more information, visit conversecountyfair.com

EVENTS

July 21-30 Weston County Fair, Newcastle. For more information, visit westoncountyfair.com

July 22-29 Crook County Fair, Sundance. For more information, visit crookcofair.com

July 22-29 Washakie County Fair, Worland. For more information, visit washakiecountyfair.com

July 22-30 Teton County Fair, Jackson. For more information, visit tetoncountyfair.com

July 23-Aug. 7 Johnson County Fair, Buffalo. For more information, visit johnsoncountyfairgrounds.com

July 24-29 Park County Fair, Powell. For more information, visit parkcountyeventsandfair. com/park-county-fair

July 26-29 Sublette County Fair, Big Piney. For more information, visit sublettecountyfair.com

July 27-Aug. 5 Carbon County Fair, Rawlins. For more information, visit carboncountyfairgrounds.com

July 28-Aug. 5 Niobrara County Fair, Lusk. For more information, visit niobraracounty.org/_ departments/_county_extension_service/index.asp

SALES

June 22-23

Northern Livestock Video Auction Early Summer Special, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com

July 6 Cattle Country Video High Plains Showcase Sale, Goshen County Rendezvous Center, Torrington, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com

July 10-12

Western Video Market, Silver Legacy, Reno, Nev., 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com

July 24-26 Northern Livestock Video Auction Summertime Classic, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com

Aug. 8-9 Cattle Country Video Oregon Trail Classic Sale, Gering Civic Center, Gering, Neb., 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com

Aug. 14-15 Western Video Market, Little America, Cheyenne, 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com

Aug. 21-22 Northern Livestock Video Auction Early Fall Preview, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com

Aug. 26 Nebraska Quarter Horse Classic Performance Horse Sale, Ogallala Livestock Auction Market, Ogallala, Neb., 319-795-4649, 308-289-2508, 308-458-9685

Aug. 26-29 Lauing Mill Iron L Ranch 2023 QH Production Sale, online only, prohorseservices.com/internet-auctions/, 605-347-6193, 605-280-0698, 605-280-0398, lauingmillironlranch.com

Sept. 2 Proffit Ranch 22nd Annual Labor Day Horse Sale, Diamond X Ranch, Evanston, 307-723-5857, proffitranch.blogspot.com

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

The Postcard this week comes to us from the June 14, 1918 issue of The Shawnee Record May we all be inspired by the following words and be proud to fly the American flag every day, but especially on Flag Day – June 14. We salute you, Old Glory.

When Freedom was born, ’mid oppression and strife, her halo was blazon’ed in hues of the sky, with stripes for the struggles and duties of life and stars for the light of Jehovah on High. Now, in peace and in war, that fair emblem of yore, we salute as “Old Glory,” the flag we adore. May that “Star Spangled Banner” in glory e’er wave o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

When Washington’s men, with great perils to face, were crudely equip’d and in dire distress the charm of “Old Glory,” its promise and grace, brought chivalrous aid and insured our success.

To old foes and old friends now “Old Glory” extends the support that our freedom, in power, defends.

May that “Star Spangled Banner” in honor e’er wave o’er the chivalrous

land and the home of the brave.

Wherever that flag proudly floats in the haze of havoc and conflict between right and might, Its many new stars and the cheers of their ray should brighten the sky for the Allies of Right. May its radiance be shed and in triumph be spread over all in the valorous service ahead; and the “Star Spangled Banner” forever shall wave o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

(Repeat)

’Mid the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, may “Old Glory” inspire all the brave “over there.”

Aug. 24

D&N Livestock – 20 weigh-up cows.

TD Farms – 19 Red Angus pairs, solid mouth, May calves.

TD & Sons – 20 weigh-up cows.

Frank Deede – 3 Hereford pairs, middle age, 2 yearling bulls.

Bill Bell – 30 white face ewes, mixed ages.

Its cheerful red glow warms the blood from brave sires and sparkles for courage for ardor and might; its rippling white stripes glint the light that inspires when freedom and duty in service unite, and its heavenly blue, with the stars shining thru, heralds union and strength for the faithful and true.

May that “Star Spangled Banner” for righteousness wave

–W. J. Chambers in Milwaukee Sentinel

The Charm of ‘Old Glory’

MARKETS

FOR THE

WEEK ENDING June 9, 2023

FOR THE WEEK ENDING May 24, 2019

WEEKLY SHEEP AUCTIONS

Ft. Collins: no test.

South Dakota: no test.

Billings: no test.

Sheep and lambs slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 29,000 compared with 33,000 last week and 31,000 last year.

Source: USDA AMS Market News, San Angelo, Texas National Wool Review

As of June 2, 2023

Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Torrington

Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Greeley, CO National Sheep Summary

As of June 2, 2023

Compared to last week slaughter lambs mostly steady to 10.00 higher. Slaughter ewes mostly steady to 10.00 higher. Feeder lambs not well tested. At San Angelo, TX 6,284 head sold. No sales in Equity Cooperative Auction. In direct trading slaughter ewes and feeder lambs not tested. 3,568 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 115-145 lbs 160.00-168.00; 160 lbs 165.00.

Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 100-115 lbs 190.00-232.50. South Dakota: wooled and shorn 105-145 lbs 169.00-185.00, few 210.00.

Billings: wooled and shorn 105-130 lbs no test. Equity Coop: no sales. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2 San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 220.00-244.00; 60-70 lbs 210.00238.00, few 243.00-247.00; 70-80 lbs 194.00-222.00, few

227.00; 80-90 lbs 188.00-210.00; 90-100 lbs 170.00-198.00, few 202.00-204.00. wooled and shorn 50-60 lbs 220.00-

227.00; 70-80 lbs 192.00-212.00, few buck lambs 276.00; 83 lbs 200.00; 90-100 lbs 170.00-196.00.

Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 60-70 lbs 185.00-190.00; 83 lbs

192.50; 90-100 lbs 200.00-225.00. hair 40-50 lbs 200.00-210.00;

60-70 lbs 180.00-197.50.

South Dakota: wooled and shorn 40-60 lbs 155.00-175.00; 60-70 lbs 190.00-200.00; 70-80 lbs 180.00-200.00; 80-90 lbs 185.00-

195.00; 90-100 lbs 175.00-185.00, few 192.00. hair 55 lbs 160.00.

Billings: no test.

Slaughter Ewes

San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 66.00-84.00, hair 56.00-94.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 90.00, hair 80.00-104.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 70.00-84.00, hair 70.00-88.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) hair 70.00-74.00; Cull 1 50.00-70.00.

Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 70.00-98.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 65.00-92.50; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test.

South Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 50.00-55.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 45.00-65.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 40.00-60.00, hair 65.0075.00; Cull 1 10.00-25.00.

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: hair 35 lbs 232.00; 40-55 lbs 225.00.

Ft. Collins: 30-40 lbs 220.00-250.00; 40-50 lbs 175.00-240.00. hair 42 lbs 165.00.

South Dakota: 30-40 lbs 235.00-240.00; 40-50 lbs 195.00-225.00; 50-60 lbs 180.00-205.00; 68 lbs 180.00. hair 42 lbs 145.00.

Billings: no test.

Equity Coop: no sales.

Replacement

Domestic wool trading had no confirmed trades reported this week. Prices reflect trades FOB warehouse in original bag or square pack, bellies out, some graded, and 76 mm or longer. No allowance made for coring, freight, or handling fees at the warehouse level to reflect net grower prices. Wools shorter than 75 mm typically discounted .10-.20 clean. Classed and skirted wools usually trade at a .10-.20 premium to original bag prices.

As of June 8, 2023

Compared to last week, new and old crop hay sold steady. However, there seems to be a standoff between buyers and sellers, with buyers wanting lower prices before purchasing and sellers wanting to maintain current price levels. The magical zoltar fortune machine from the movie “Big” would be helpful in this scenario. First cutting alfalfa has been slow to kick off in some areas of the state. Most of first cutting is baled in the east, just getting a good start in the central and the west is waiting for the rain showers to stop for everyone to get started. Some alfalfa producers are taking off first cutting as green chop in various areas across the state as they have arrangements with feedlots or dairies. Eastern third of the state remains very dry. Many contacts in that area that farm, and hay said they need a rain in the next two weeks for dryland row crops to survive. Plus, bountiful rains are needed for the second cutting of forage.

Compared to last week: All classes of hay firm. Good demand for alfalfa, yet dairy operators are hesitant to asking prices as milk prices at 15.0016.00 per cwt are putting pressure on them. Many producers made a first cutting this last week, a lot of green chop was made as well, without rain on it if it was cut at the start of the week or last weekend. Temps have been hot, dry for the most part but there have been some pop-up rains in areas. Humidity was low, full sun, and plenty of wind helped to quickly dry alfalfa down. The southeastern part of the state is the driest part as rains have not been as plentiful as needed. More rain has been falling west of the Missouri river where it was desperately needed. Soybean planting has basically finished up, allowing farmers to move onto cutting alfalfa. Rain in the forecast for the weekend, making it challenging now to time the cutting between showers.

Alfalfa - Supreme Large Square 3x4 300 Large Round 280

Alfalfa - Premium Large Square 3x4 250

Alfalfa - Fair Large Round 210

Grass - Good/Premium Large Round 175

Straw (Wheat) (Delivered) Large Square 150

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

Notice

NOTICE: Publication in this newspaper does not guarantee the legitimacy of any offer or solicitation. Take reasonable steps to evaluate an offer before you send money or provide personal/financial information to an advertiser. If you have questions or believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Unit, 109 Capitol Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002, 307-777-6397 TFN

Events

Help Wanted

FARM MANAGER WANTED: Expertise in pivot sprinkler irrigation, operation and maintenance of farm equipment. Farm planning, planting, harvest, etc. Self-motivated. Full time. Must relocate to southeast Wyoming. Housing will be provided as well as other benefits. Send resume and references to faughtck58@gmail.com or call Kirk, 307-247-1190 6/17

Torrington Livestock Markets

Financial Services

ALL TYPES OF EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE FINANCING. Great service!! Great rates!! Call Chuck Brown at C.H. Brown Co., WY LLC, 307-3223232 (office), 307-331-0010 (cell) or e-mail chuckbrown@ wyoming.com 6/10

AGRI-ONE FINANCIAL: Farm/ ranch and all commercial loans. RATES AS LOW AS 5%. We have been helping with all aspects of agricultural, commercial financing and management for years. LET US HELP YOU on a consulting level with management to increase profitability, deal with and fix credit problems and for all your financing needs. WE CARE AND HAVE WORKING PROGRAMS designed for the farmer/rancher and not the banker. Please call Steve, 303-773-3545 or check out our website, www.agrionefinancial.com. I will come to you and get the job done!! 6/17

Services

BULLS FOR SALE

Brands

REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LRC, RHS, LHH. Dues paid to Jan. 1, 2033. $2,500. 307-3494667 6/10

WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LHC, dues paid to 2033, no irons, $2,500. Call 307-746-5557 6/24

REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: 94. LHC, LSS, LTH. Renewed to Jan. 1, 2033. $3,500. Call 830-481-0845 6/17

WORKING BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES FOR SALE: Born March 30. Located in Powell, WY. Parents onsite. Asking $500 OBO. For pictures or more information, call 307-899-3533 6/17

WETSTEIN SHEEPADOODLES!! Eight weeks old on June 6. Standard size Old English sheepdog and poodle F1. Will have first shots, mother on site, raised in home, been around children since birth. Mom is registered, dad can be registered if need be. Two males and 3 females available. Black and white are $2,000, black are $1,800. Call 406-8602284 or e-mail wetstyn@yahoo.com. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 7/1

PUREBRED GREAT PYR-

ENEES PUPPIES: Born Easter 2023. Great livestock protectors. Never aggressive toward humans or livestock they are acclimated to. These females have spent time with chickens, guineas, cats, turkeys, sheep, goats, cows and other dogs. They are looking for homes where they have space to do their job. Located in Wheatland, WY. $750 each. Call or text Anthony at 307-331-3427. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 7/1

Help Wanted

MTC LOGISTICS HAS PARTTIME DRIVER POSITIONS

AVAILABLE FOR DRIVER

CLASS B & A CDL CASPER,

WY: Must have clean driving record, no felony record and able to pass extensive background check. Pass drug test. Class B license also required, $28/ hour. E-mail resumes to dingoboy6342@yahoo.com or call Matt, 801-641-4109 6/17

RANCH/FARM HAND WANT-

ED: Year-round, full-time position. Housing included with arrangement. Utilities paid by employee. Couple preferred and both would be employed. Pay $100-220/day. Call 775224-3283 or e-mail clairsjr@ yahoo.com 7/1

FARM HAND NEEDED with equipment and haying experience. Pivot system operation a plus. Year-round employment for the right person. Wage is hourly with benefits, DOE. Call Kim, 307-350-0350, Farson, WY 6/24

HOT SPRINGS COUNTY

WEED & PEST DISTRICT IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF WEED AND PEST DISTRICT

SUPERVISOR: The position is in Thermopolis, WY. Send letter of application, resume and 3 references by June 27 to Hot Springs County Weed & Pest District, PO Box 543, Thermopolis, WY 82443. For additional information, call 307-864-2278 or e-mail hscwpcd@rtconnect.net. Hot Springs County Weed & Pest is an EOE 6/24

Registered Yearling and Two-Year-Old Black Angus Range Bulls for sale Private Treaty. Good selection for heifers and cows. From popular sires & industry leaders including Spur, Rito 707, Encore and others. Semen tested & ready to go.

Yearlings and twos. We select for fertility, milking ability, calving ease, gain and disposition.

Reasonably priced.

Call Shippen Angus 307-856-7531

REGISTERED YEARLING

BLACK ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY, 449 Carroll Lake Rd., Laramie, WY. PAP, BVD and fertility tested. Sires include: Deer Valley Wall Street, Page All Profit 9604, Page Blackfoot 7760, GAR Ashland, WXW Timberline and Worthington All Profit 576. Call to preview anytime. Page Angus Ranch, Page Family Limited Partnership. Call Tom Page, 307-760-8429. EPDs on Facebook @Page Angus 6/24

REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS

YEARLING AND 2-YEAR-OLD BULLS: Private treaty, large sire groups, performance and fertility tested, delivery available. TRANGMOE ANGUS RANCH, Glendive, MT. Call 406-687-3315 or 406-989-3315 6/24

REGISTERED RED ANGUS YEARLING BULLS FOR SALE, tested and ready to go. Delivery available. For more information, call CLR Red Angus, Dan Robertson, 307-4311013 6/10

RED ANGUS HIGH-ELEVATION YEARLING BULLS FOR SALE IN NORTHEASTERN

UTAH: Out of AI and bull-bred sires. Will be trich, semen tested and fed for free until May 1. $2,000/head. Bar Lazy TL Ranch, David, 435-828-1320, barlazytlranch@gmail.com 6/24

REGISTERED YEARLING RED ANGUS BULLS: Low birthweight and semen tested. Call 307-247-2296 6/17

Herefords

HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE: Home of the Champion Pen of Bulls at the 2021 Wyoming State Fair. Big, stout, sound Hereford bulls with calving ease and high growth potential. Lots of pigment and no extra white. Get 30-40 lbs. bigger weaning weights on your baldy calves through the heterosis factor from these bulls. BUY WYOMING FIRST!! Gene Stillahn, Sticks & Stones Ranch, 307-421-1592 6/10

KELPIE CROSS PUPS FOR SALE: Mother is a working purebred kelpie and father is a working cross of border collie/ Idaho shag. Both parents know how to take time off from work and be a family dog as well. Mother is more inclined to work the head but heels too. Father is predominantly a heel dog. They mind commands very well and are loyal partners. There are 2 pups available, $400 each. Call Kindle, 406-202-1826 6/17

FIVE PUREBRED WELSH CORGI PUPPIES: Tri-colored, 6 weeks old, 4 males and one female. $1,000 each. For more information, call 406-686-4058 or 406-224-1806 6/10

BROWN FAMILY FARMS LP/

TIMBERLINE STOCK RANCH

HEELER PUPS FOR SALE: Reds and blues. Call 406-8552211 or 406-855-6237 6/10

YOUR FAMILY AND PROPERTY PROTECTORS ARE WAITING!! We have beautiful guardians just wanting and waiting to make you their priority!! Please don’t postpone your next best friend, companion and protector. $1,000. Have been raising these fantastic LGD for 48 years. For more information, call 406-207-7674 6/17

Angus

Gelbvieh

VERY NICE RED GELBVIEH

YEARLING BULL. AI sire: JRI

Secret Instinct. Call Tony at 307-267-0249 for price and information 6/10

Longhorn

REGISTERED TEXAS LONGHORNS FOR SALE: Gentle pairs, trophy steers, heifers, solid and colorful bulls. Foraging, hardy, low-maintenance cattle. Horn Showcase championship lines for show, beef and pasture ornamentation with traffic stopping colors and excellent horns. Easy cattle accustomed to simple handling, great for youth. Westhaven Ranch in California, 209-2749917, e-mail swestmoore@ gmail.com or visit www.westhavenlonghorns.com To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 7/1

THREE YEARLING WAGYU BULLS FOR SALE: 100% Wagyu, not registered. Call 308249-0562, 308-249-2373 or 308-254-5780 6/24

TWO BROWN SWISS 2-YEAROLD BULLS FOR SALE, $1,000 each. Bulls located in Box Elder, S.D. Call in the evenings after 8 p.m., 605-3814755 6/10

Pasture Wanted

SUMMER PASTURE NEEDED FOR 60-100 COW/CALF PAIRS. Good references. Call 605-347-3403 or 605-499-9088

6/17

PASTURE WANTED for 2,000 yearlings and 500 pairs. Can split into smaller bunches. 701523-1235 7/29

IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE SHEEP PASTURE FOR 1,0002,000 PAIRS: Herders, sheep camps, guard dogs, herd dogs come with the sheep. Looking for any pasture in Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico. Sheep can be split into 2 bands. Depending on pasture, horses or 4-wheelers will also be provided for the herders. Please call Dave Brown, 719-588-8211 or e-mail at 5milefeeders@gmail.com

6/10

Livestock Equipment

Livestock Equipment

OROGRO 307: Get the best of your crop!! All Natural and Organic Humic and Fulvic Acid Chelated Mineral Fertilizer. Made in Byron, WY. Restores the soil and enhances all other fertilizers and WILL NOT settle or clog your sprayers. Call Noel, 307-250-9092 6/17

GRASS SEED FOR SALE: Manifest wheatgrass, Manska wheatgrass, Cache Meadow Brome, good germination, $3.90/lb. Call Big Horn Seed Company, 307-202-0704 or 307-645-3322 TFN

Hay Equipment

Fencing

Food & Gifts

BEAR CREEK RUBS, LLC: Hand-blended spices and rubs are great for weddings, graduations and birthday gifts!! Elevate your taste buds with our unique blends, made with only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Transform your meals with FLAVOR. Try them today and experience the difference at www.bearcreekrubs.com or call 307-421-6604 6/10

YEARLING PASTURE WANTED for 1,500 head steers/ spayed heifers for 2023 and beyond. Take all or part, smaller places okay. CO, WY, OR and ID preferred. Competitive rates, reference available. Call or text Jon, 831-240-5795

Kip Fladland Horsemanship Clinic kipfladlandhormanship.com

August 4 - 6, 2023 Circle T Arena Hermosa, S.D.

7/1

VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: New crop of alfalfa available soon. Go to www.valleyvideohay.com or call Barry McRea, 308-235-5386 7/1

WANTED: STANDING HAY, damaged wheat straw, alfalfa, CRP or cornstalks. ALSO LOOKING FOR pivot leases or meadow ground. Southeast Wyoming, western Nebraska or northern Colorado. Call for competitive rates, 307-214-5290 307-630-3046 6/24

FOR SALE: 1983 GMC GENERAL DUMP TRUCK, V6-92 Detroit with 10 speed, $10,000 OBO. Located in Rawlins, WY. Contact Steve Hays, 307-3211713 7/1

FOR SALE: Shelbourne CVS 32 stripper header, good fingers, 60-70 hook up, $20,000. Call 719-691-5280 6/17

QUICK SLEDGE HYDRAULIC POST POUNDER for skid loader, $5,000. Call 307-715-6184 6/24

2019 JOHN DEERE 560M ROUND BALER: In good working condition, has 9,000 bales on it. Large flotation tires. Net wrap and twine tie options included. $40,000 OBO. Near Pinedale, WY. Call 307-3609386 7/1

2005 9240 HESSTON SWATHER: 14’ double sickle, double auger header, hay conditioner, about 2,500 hours, good used machine. SELLS ON BIG IRON JUNE 14 Call 307 8996335 6/10

LODGEPOLE PRODUCTS, 307-742-6992, SERVING

AGRI-BUSINESSES SINCE

1975!! Treated posts, corral poles, buck-and-rail, western rail, fence stays, rough-sawn lumber, bedding. SEE US at www.lodgepoleproducts. com and click our “Picking A Fence Post” tab to see why folks choose our posts!! TFN

Property for Sale

2022 YEARLING QUARTER

HORSE COLTS/FILLIES. www. brokenbackranchqh.com has 5 yearlings for sale. Two grade geldings, buckskin, $2,500 and bay, $1,600. AQHA bay roan gelding, $4,500. AQHA sorrel filly, $2,500. AQHA gray filly, $3,500. Ten Sleep, WY. Call 307-272-5509 6/10

PRQHBA IS NOW TAKING

CONSIGNMENTS FOR WELL BROKE RANCH AND ARENA TYPE HORSES AS WELL AS YOUNG STARTED PROSPECTS!! If you are looking for a great place to meet new prospective buyers and have a funfilled weekend, please join us in Broadus, MT the first weekend in September. WE OFFER ONLINE INTERNET BIDDING FOR ALL SALE HORSES CONSIGNED. All accepted consignments are eligible for online internet bidding at no extra cost. All ride horses are eligible to compete for the PRQHBA futurity saddles. CONSIGNMENTS WILL CLOSE JULY 1 For more information, call 406-427-5420 or 406-853-3554 6/24

BOOT UP for the COLLEGE NATIONAL FINALS RODEO with 20% SAVINGS ON BOOTS!! HONDO, BOULET, JUSTIN WORK BOOTS, TWISTED X (boots and shoes) and more!! WE CAN ship!!

Shop Moss Saddles, Boots and Tack, 4648 West Yellowstone Highway, Casper, WY; 307-472-1872. Our family serving yours for 50 years!! Check us out on Facebook or our website 6/10

LS CUSTOM LEATHER: Belts, tack, cell phone cases and much more!! Contact Lester, 307-631-1053, leave a message. Located in Riverton, WY 7/1

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: White 30’ disk; John Deere 960 26’ cultivator; Lawson 12x30 double drum land areator; 3 John Deere 9600 combines; New Holland 1075 balewagon; John Deere 567 baler; CIH 8570 3x3 baler; Massey Ferguson 2190 4x4 baler; Freeman pull type 3 string balers; Vermeer R23 rake; CIH 1015 pick-up header; New Holland 357 grinder mixer; Modern Mill (mix mill) feed mill; Freightliner grain truck; Freightliner sleeper truck; WS sleeper truck; Kenworth crane truck, 18 ton, 82’; WS 90 bbl vac truck, Pete 80 bbl vac truck; IHC 80 bbl vac truck; Wilson 53x102 tri axle cattle pot; Cat 262D skid steer; Mobile Tech 9 yd. volumetric concrete mixer; Degelman 570 rock picker. View equipment at www.bigskyeb.com. Call 406-254-1254 6/24

FOR SALE: Rawhide large portable corral, WW hydraulic chute, both like new. ALSO, 2021 John Deere C500 MoCo, only cut 60 acres, brand new. R2800 Vermeer hydraulic rake. Kramer 14 bale retriever. Call 605-842-5515 6/17

Equipment

OILFIELD PIPE: RPJ Enterprises, Inc. 2 3/8, 2 7/8, 3.5, 5.5, and 3/4” sucker rod is available. Used for fencing, corrals, cattle guards, etc. 2 3/8 and 2 7/8 are on average 31.5’ long per joint. 3.5” and 5.5” are 42+ lengths. Pierce, CO. Call for details 970-324-4580 8/26

PIPE FOR SALE!! 2 7/8, 3 1/2 tubing, 4” drill pipe, 4 1/2 casing, 5” casing, 7” casing. Rods 3/4, 7/8 and 1” located in Montana, can ship anywhere. Call Mike, 602-758-4447. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 6/17

Irrigation

Irrigation

IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT

FOR SALE: Two used Wade Rain wheel lines, new in 2000. 5” pipe, 5’ wheels, 40’ pipe. Well maintained. Includes inlet or center feed, hose, end plug and valve opener so irrigation ready. As is, you dismantle and haul. 1,720’ long, $9,000. 1,560’ long, $8,600. Two Nelson P200 Big Guns on carts for 6” ringlock pipe. Includes cart, $1,500/ each. Approximately 1/3 mile A&M 6” ringlock Series 55 aluminum pipe. 6”x30’ pipe. Selling as is, pipe stacked, ready to go $135/each pipe. Call 406-6004146, Bozeman, MT 6/17

Irrigation Systems

The choice is simple.

RANCH AT MELVILLE, MT, SWEET GRASS VALLEY: Beneath the majestic Crazy Mountains lies 1,410 acres that have been under the same ownership for over 90+ years. 840 acres irrigated. Sweet Grass Creek flows through the ranch providing cover for wildlife and fishing. A full complement of improvements plus two homes. Call for pricing. Sidwell Land & Cattle Co., Richard Sidwell, 406-8614426, 406-322-4425 or e-mail sidwell@sidwell-land.com 6/24

OREGON RANCH, Baker City, Baker County, OR. The Alder Creek pasture contains over 2,000 acres of native spring, summer and fall pasture. The rangeland is situated just east of Baker City, OR. The property is in good condition and has good perimeter fencing. The range is gently south facing slope with a variety of native grass. FIRST TIME OFFERING at just over $500 per acre for deeded and contiguous ownership, $1,095,000. Give us a call at 541-523-4434, Intermountain Realty, Inc., Greg Sackos, Principal Broker, James Dunlap, Broker, www.intermountainland.com 6/17

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COUNTRY LIVING ON THE EDGE OF TOWN, STERLING, CO: Newer ranch style home, 5 bedroom, 3 bath, many upgrades with an open floor plan, 3,800 sq. ft., lots of storage. Large barn with indoor riding arena, 6 heated stalls, wash bay, tack room, indoor hay storage, bathroom. Outdoor riding arena, 3 runs, 3 corrals, 3 loafing sheds, dog run/kennel, RV hookup. 42.25 acres, recently surveyed, 3 adjacent parcels available for sale. Call Steve Robinson, Real Estate Broker Associate, 970-631-5023, A. Stephen and Company, Inc 6/17

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Limited edition glass released

The Wyoming Weed and Pest Council (WWPC), along with the Wyoming Craft Brewers Guild, are excited to partner again to help inform the public about invasive weeds and pests.

During the third annual Wyoming Craft Beer Week, June 10-17, participating breweries will release a West Coast IPA collaboration brew, with each brewery putting its own unique spin on the base recipe.

Additionally, a limitededition pint glass featuring Devil’s Tower will be available. The purchase of this glass supports WWPC’s work to keep Wyoming wild and beautiful.

Beer and outdoor enthusiasts can find the IPA brew and glass in participating taprooms starting June 13.

These include Melvin Brewing in Alpine; Cody Craft Brewing, Patʼs Brew House, Millstone Pizza

Company and Brewery and WYOld West Brewing Company in Cody and Powell; Black Tooth Brewing Company, Frontier Brewing Company and Gruner Brothers Brewing in Casper and Accomplice Beer Company, Black Tooth Brewing Company and Freedomʼs Edge Brewing Company in Cheyenne.

Roadhouse Brewing Company and Snake River Brewing in Jackson, Bondʼs Brewing in Laramie, Black Tooth Brewing Company in Sheridan and Ten Sleep Brewing Company in Ten Sleep will also participate in the event.

For more information about WWPC and how to help stop the spread of invasive weeds and species, visit wyoweed.org

To learn more about the Wyoming Craft Brewers Guild and the 2023 West Coast IPA collaboration brew, visit wyocraftbrewersguild.com

OBITUARIES

April

Phyllis Jean (Propp) Snodgrass, age 91, was born in Casper to Phillip Propp, Jr. and Mary Alice Hanson Propp, the eldest of five children. She was raised in Casper and attended Grant

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FAIR continued from page 1

legs and hair or wool.

Everything to do with county fair

School and Natrona County High School.

On April 21, 1951, she married her forever sweetheart George William (Bill) Snodgrass. They made their lives together on the Goose

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Reagan states she has learned many things about showing including how to breed for certain characteristics for each species, especially for breeding characteristics in sheep.

Reagan also notes she learned how to properly supplement her animals and what to feed each one to ensure their success.

Reagan states, “I show because of the enjoyment of doing what makes me happy. I have also learned my showing ability has paved many pathways for possible future careers.”

When it comes to the advice she would give to beginners, newcomers, young exhibitors

or even those who are her age and have shown for many years, Reagan says it is important to be grateful and enjoy the opportunity to be a part of FFA and compete at county fair.

“Fair takes a lot of hard work, especially for the kids participating, but even for the adults. Make sure to take time to thank your support systems, because they are the reason you’re out in the ring every year. And, never forget to have fun and make great memories, because one day, the memories will be the only thing you have left,” she says.

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

Reducing heat stress on livestock is critical for upcoming summer months

As summer approaches and temperatures rise, livestock are more susceptible to heat and humidity stress.

Heat and humidity stress have a negative impact on livestock. However, providing them with a cool and comfortable environment will improve production and performance during summer months.

Heat stress

“Heat stress occurs when high ambient temperature and high relative humidity cause livestock to reach a point where they cannot cool their bodies adequately,” states Steve McNulty, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) director.

According to the USDA Climate Hub website, Temperature Humidity Index (THI) incorporates both environmental temperature and humidity to determine an accurate representation of effective temperature.

“By utilizing THI, farmers can monitor heat stress to determine if livestock are in moderate, severe or extreme stress because of heat,” says McNulty.

According to University of Missouri (MU) research, heat stress can occur in cattle when THI is over 80 degrees Fahrenheit or if nighttime temperatures remain around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Likewise, heat stress will

occur when THI is above 82 degrees Fahrenheit for sheep and goats, according to South Dakota State University research.

Michigan State University (MSU) research concluded pigs under 60 pounds are more adaptable to heat and humidity than pigs over 175 pounds. However, it is perilous for all pigs when temperatures rise above 83 degrees Fahrenheit with 70 percent humidity.

An excellent resource available to producers is USDA’s SERCH LIGHTS alert. This helpful tool monitors daily forecasts and THI thresholds for cattle and will send an e-mail alert when heat stress conditions are possible for a specific location.

To sign up for the SERCH LIGHTS alert, visit serch.us/ lights/cattle-heat-stress

Signs of heat stress

High day and night temperatures prevent livestock from cooling off, and they will begin to show visible signs of heat stress.

According to USDA, producers should monitor animal behavior by looking for noticeable signs. The first obvious sign of heat stress is open-mouth breathing or panting and slobbering.

“As heat stress increases, livestock will decrease their food intake and become

Assisted Living.

Phyllis was known to welcome folks into her home for a cup of coffee and a slice of the best cherry pie you’ve ever tasted, a cookie jar that was never empty and a meal if you were hungry. The hired hands never went hungry.

lethargic,” says MSU Beef Educator Kevin Gould.

Producers need to take immediate action when the first signs of heat stress are detected, as early intervention is the key to survival.

Eric Bailey, a beef specialist at MU, says, “Producers need to watch for signs of heat stress as they are often overlooked and result in cattle weight loss, poor breeding results and even worse –death.”

Bailey explains producers should watch their livestock breathe.

“Cattle’s normal breathing rate is less than 90 breaths per minute, or a breath and a half per second. An animal that is breathing over 2.1 breaths per second, is an animal likely in an emergency heat stress event.”

Strategies for coping with heat stress

Heat stress can be reduced by decreasing heat gain and improving the heat transfer rate. Basic heat management includes shade, air and water, as these three things are vital for for livestock survival.

Protecting livestock from direct solar radiation aids in lowering their body temperature and respiration rate.

In the May issue of the University of NebraskaLincoln’s (UNL) Beef-

bells for many years and also enjoyed her friends in the coffee group, bridge club and artifact hunting when time allowed. She was always involved in her kids’ sports and rodeo activities. Phyllis also loved to laugh.

Watch Newsletter, Dr. Rick Stowell, UNL associate professor and Extension specialist, discusses heat stress management.

Stowell states, “Shade reduces both the direct solar heat load cattle experience and the indirect solar load. Cattle should have at least four to eight square feet of shade per head.”

The UNL Extension office advises allowing two to three inches of linear head space for water in a confined feeding operation. Bunk space for water is critical in preventing heat stress, as cattle will drink more than two gallons per 100 pounds of body weight during a heat stress event.

Air circulation and air exchange are also critical components in reducing heat stress. Increasing air movement around livestock can be accomplished using fans, installing proper ventilation systems or with wind movement.

There is no question heat stress can impact livestock performance, so being prepared for warmer temperatures this summer can improve livestock well-being and keep them comfortable.

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

Snodgrass; five great-grandchildren and her youngest sister Linda Galloway.

Egg Ranch west of Casper.

After Bill’s passing in 2012, Phyllis remained at the ranch until 2019 when she moved to Mountain Plaza

Somedays she could be found in the field putting up hay, in the yard tending flowers, painting a scene or bringing lemonade to hired help.

She was an active member of the Wyoming Cow-

Phyllis is survived by her daughter Laura Stalkup of Casper; son George William (Billy) Snodgrass, Jr. of Dubois; grandchildren Emmy Jenson, Brent Stalkup, Kyle Stalkup, Matlynn Snodgrass and Augusta

Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband Bill, son Mike, brothers Gary Propp and Lee Propp and sister Emily Singer.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 22 at 2 p.m. at Bustard and Jacoby Funeral Home. The family requests memorials in her honor be made to Jason’s Friends Foundation.

CNFR continued from page 1

Thompson, a Yoder native and the Central Rocky Mountain Region’s All Around Cowgirl, will also compete with fellow Gillette College Rodeo Teammate Staheli Adams for honors in goat tying.

Two UW Cowgirls – Kenna McNeill of Hobbs, Mont. and Faith Hoffman of Kiowa, Colo. – will make a showing in the battle for a national goat tying title as well.

Eastern Wyoming College’s Karissa Rayhill of Martin, S.D. will not only compete for a goat tying national championship, she will also vie for honors in barrel racing, alongside Kohr; Gillette College’s Jaycie West of Hereford, S.D.; UW’s Emme Norsworthy of Thermopolis and Ellie Bard, a Sheridan native and Gillette College representative.

Rough stock

rodeo athletes

Rough stock riders will make their first 2023 CNFR appearance in the Wyoming Ford Center on June 11 during the Bulls, Broncs and Breakaway event as well.

Saddle bronc riders representing the Cowboy State include two Sheridan College ath-

letes – Joseph Priebe of Independence, Iowa and Clancy Glenn of Parma, Idaho – as well as Casper College’s James Perrin of Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Perrin’s fellow Casper College Bronc

Rider Myles Carlson of Evanston will make an appearance in the bareback riding, alongside two UW Cowboys –Donny Proffit of Kemmerer and Brice Patterson of Bozeman, Mont.

Two Canadian bull riders representing LCCC will vie for national championship honors – Dixon Tattrie of Youngstown, Alberta and Griffin Koester of Rocky Ford, Alberta –as well as Sheridan College’s Pinedale native Wyatt Phelps.

Ropers and wrestlers

Eleven elite ropers from four colleges will also be joining the fight for a national champion title.

UW Cowboy and Central Rocky Mountain Region All Around Cowboy Cam Jensen of Hyannis, Neb. and Bodie Mattson of Sturgis, S.D. will make a showing in tie-down roping, alongside LCCC’s Chance Derner of New Underwood, S.D.

Additionally, Matt-

son will compete in team roping with partner Carson Johnson of Casper College.

Four of Johnson’s fellow Casper College teammates – Weston Mills of Gillette with partner Trae Smith of Montpelier, Idaho and Kolby Bradley of Big Piney with partner Braden Brost of Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, Canada – will also make an appearance in the team roping competition.

Other team ropers representing the state of Wyoming include UW’s Rio Nutter of Rapid City, S.D. with partner Reece Wadhams, an LCCC athlete from Pueblo, Colo., as well as Jensen with partner Tanner McInerney, a representative of Gillette College from Alzada, Mont.

Three steer wrestlers from across the state will round out the impressive list of Wyoming student rodeo athletes participating in the 2023 CNFR.

They are LCCC’s Bernard Girard of Alliance, Neb.; Central Wyoming College’s Clay Reiner of Buffalo and UW’s Jacob Wang of Baker, Mont.

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

Colorado hosts Breed Bash

Youth from across Colorado’s cattle industry gathered June 3-4 at the Morgan County Fairgrounds to compete in skill contests, participate in cattle exhibition opportunities and practice for junior nationals.

In the Breed Bash’s salesmanship contest, teams of two made mock sale pitches about their animal to improve their communication skills. In speech, they addressed the beef industry’s challenges and benefits, and in photography, their love for agriculture

was captured through the camera lens.

The Quiz Bowl, filled with buzzer slaps and laughter, pitted randomlyassigned youth teams in bracketed contests to test their cattle industry knowledge.

The stiff competition continued in the all-breeds youth showmanship contest, followed by registered cattle exhibited in breedspecific shows. Judge Garrett Barton of Cheyenne then called back each breed Grand Champion to select

the overall prize – MultiBreed Supreme Female, Bull and Market Steer. Breed Bash was a collaborative effort by junior advisors from Colorado’s Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Shorthorn and Simmental associations. Numerous monetary patrons, including Summit-level sponsors AgRisk Advisors, Morgan County Commissioners, National Western Stock Show and Trans Ova, aided the volunteers in putting on the 2023 Breed Bash.

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Successful event – Breed Bash drew participants from across Colorado in the multi-state youth weekend held in Brush, Colo. Courtesy photo

by Lee Pitts

The Non-Buying Bidder

I’ve worked about every kind of auction there is from A to Z – automobiles to zebras – and in every case, the auction crew had to deal with the menacing nuisance of a non-buying bidder. As far as I know, there are at least four species belonging to this genus.

The Big Shot

One will find this fullyfeathered fathead at charity, rare automobile and highdollar wine auctions. They are easy to spot, which is their

objective – to be noticed.

I remember one charity auction where the sale crew had to rent tuxedos to wear, and we had to pay $18 for the Cokes we drank. Although they didn’t inform the crowd of it, many items had to meet floor prices.

A car dealer donated a brand-new exotic automobile to the auction with the provision if it didn’t bring $125,000, it didn’t sell.

Knowing there was a

floor price, two very vain board members got into a fake bidding battle all the way to $124,000, giving everyone the impression they had money to burn.

We had to beg the pompous jerks for every bid, and the crowd gave the imposters a standing ovation for their fake generosity.

Not one cent was made for the charity – we pumped up the egos of two arrogant imbeciles, and the whole thing made me want to purge my $18 Coke.

The Auction Addict

In the words of Author Larry McMurtry, “People get irrationally competitive at auctions.”

To which I would add, “Especially when fueled by copious amounts of booze.”

At auctions where liquor

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is served, beauty is often in the eye of the beer holder.

Bidding at auctions is fun, and some folks just can’t control their competitive urge to out-bid another drunk. This is how we end up with a guy waking up the next morning with a hangover, $15,000 lighter in his wallet and a brand new Sea-Doo in the driveway.

And, he probably doesn’t even know how to swim!

There ought to be an organization to help such people, known as auction addicts or the AA.

The Fly Swatter

It doesn’t happen very much these days, but 30 years ago when bull sales didn’t average $5,000 – let alone $1,500 – we considered ourselves lucky if we got the bulls off of the scale.

Some owners would put a floor price under their bulls based on what they’d bring in the slaughter run at the local auction market. For example,

the seller might put a $1,200 floor on his bulls.

Although the floor price wasn’t announced, it didn’t take a genius to understand there was one. Often, auction junkies would have a glorious time bidding the price just short of the floor.

I recall one sale where we weren’t getting any bulls sold, and after about 10 “no sales” the owner whispered in the auctioneer’s ear to lower the floor. You should have seen the look on the guy’s face when all of a sudden we sold a bull to him for $1,100.

After the sale, he came up to me and said, “Lee, you gotta help me out. I bought a bull, but I don’t own a single cow to breed him to. I was just having a little fun, and my wife is gonna kill me.”

Other excuses for being caught were waving to someone, swatting flies, scratching a nose or winking at a cute gal. By far, the most used

Most educators don’t employ the performing arts to teach biochemistry.

But Pamela Langer, an associate professor in the University of Wyoming (UW) Department of Molecular Biology, has always taken a unique approach to teaching and learning.

Langer is the 2023 recipient of the John P. Ellbogen Lifetime Teaching Award, an accolade which recognizes the long, distinguished and exemplary career of one senior faculty member who has excelled as a teacher at UW.

“Perhaps due to her background in music and theatre, Pam brings a tremendous amount of creativity and originality to the way she teaches,” comments Jay Gatlin, head of the molecular biology department. “Moreover, because she wants to keep her lectures vibrant and interesting, she never lets the course material get stale.”

Langer entered Indiana University as a violin performance major and emerged a scientist. Her affinity for the performing arts continues to inform her ability to teach and connect with students.

In Langer’s classroom, doing things differently means facilitating active learning through activities like human illustration plays, in which students enact cellular processes, sometimes with musical accompaniment.

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Many students in her biochemistry classes, for instance, recall participating in a play demonstrating how vitamin B12 is absorbed into the body.

Langer is also known for her “exam

excuse was, “I was just trying to help.”

The Hide and Seeker

Although nearly extinct, this species used to be seen at consignment horse sales, usually in the back of the room with a clear path to an exit.

Most reputable horse sales these days have strict rules which don’t allow buybacks, but this doesn’t stop a consignor from asking his brother-in-law to stand in the back of the room and bid his horse up.

We refer to such people as “rabbits,” and it’s important to spot a rabbit early in case he bids one time too many and ends up actually buying the horse. Invariably, in such an incident, the rabbit tries to escape out the back of the room before we can get his name or his buyer number. Believe me, early in my career – 50 years ago – there were many occasions when I had to go rabbit hunting.

stories,” which not only assess comprehension of scientific processes, but also expose students to cultural and experiential diversity.

Langer has led curriculum development for the molecular biology department and Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI) Medical Education program for years. She currently serves as the molecular biology undergraduate curriculum coordinator and block lead for a multidisciplinary WWAMI course.

Langer has instructed more than 3,000 undergraduate students and more than 400 WWAMI students. In her four decades as an educator, she has learned a course can inspire not only curiosity and collaboration, but also mental flexibility, inclusion and courage.

Langer has been selected as a Mortar Board Top Prof seven times. In 2019, she received the John P. Ellbogen Meritorious Classroom Teaching Award.

Langer arrived at UW in 1986, after serving as a Wellcome Trust scientist in Kenya and a postdoctoral scientist at Harvard Medical School. She received a PhD in biology from MIT and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Indiana University.

Her research has focused on the human parasite Leishmania and enzymes that degrade spiders’ silk fibers.

Brooke Ortel is a writer and editor for UW Ag News. This article was originally published by UW Ag News on June 5.

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Langer receives lifetime teaching award