June 20, 2020

Volume 32 Number 8 • June 20, 2020

®

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

A Look Inside

Big four packers taken to court by grocery chain

The Clean Water Act expands after recent Supreme Court ruling.................................. Page 2

Packer collusion in protein markets has been a hot button issue for years.

The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted these issues as packer margins soared and producer margins plummeted.

Heat preparation tips and tricks provided to ready cattle for the summer months...Page 4 Dick Perue tells Father’s Day fishing stories................ Page 6

The Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division recently sent investigative demands to Tyson Foods, JBS-SA, Cargill Inc. and National Beef Inc. In early May, President Donald Trump asked

the DOJ to look into allegations that U.S. meat packers broke antitrust laws because prices paid to farmers and ranchers declined even as meat prices rose.

“I’ve asked the DOJ

to look into it. I’ve asked them to take a very serious look into it, because it shouldn’t be happening that way, and we want to protect our farmers,” President Trump said at a

Please see PACKERS on page 4

Lee Pitts discusses his secret to growing hair............. Page 12

Quick Bits WYLR Website The Wyoming Livestock Roundup is pleased to announce the launch of our new and improved website which can still be found at wylr.net. Subscribers can read the Roundup online, browse archives and purchase classified ads. Please call 307-234-2700 with any questions.

U.S. Drought For the contiguous 48 states, the U.S. Drought Monitor showed 23.36% of the area in moderate drought or worse, compared with 21.28% a week earlier.

Drought now affects 24,027,964 people, compared with 23,151,785 a week earlier. For all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, the U.S. Drought Monitor showed 19.61% of the area in moderate drought or worse, compared with 17.89% a week earlier.

Drought now affects 26,746,999 people, compared with 25,482,144 a week earlier.

CONSERVING COWBOY CULTURE

Wyoming cattlemen celebrate early victory in fight to save historic cattle drive Despite cries of opposition from anti-ranching groups who hoped to derail “Wyoming’s last great cattle drive,” dozens of Wyoming’s toughest cowboys, ranchers and cattlemen mounted up for the historic Green River Drift to push their cattle across nearly 60 miles of wild Wyoming landscape to summer range in the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

The event began as scheduled, just as it has for over 120 years, after an early round victory when a federal judge rejected a preliminary injunction to prohibit the lethal removal of documented problem grizzly bears on the Upper Green River summer grazing range, sought by the opposing groups.

A fight for preservation The case, Western Watersheds Project et al. v. Bernhardt et al., was filed in the Federal District Court of Washington, D.C. against Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service

by Western Watersheds Project, Alliance for the Rockies and Yellowstone to Uintas Connection.

Representing the Upper Green River Cattle Association, Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA), Price Cattle Ranch, Murdock Land and Livestock Co. and Sommers Ranch, LLC, Mountain States Legal Foundation (MSLF) Please see CATTLE on page 10

One of a kind – Due to the Green River Drift’s unique nature, it is the only ranch-related entity to be listed as traditional cultural property on the National Register of Historic Places. WYLR photo

Corn prices Corn futures rose June 17 on condition concerns after a week of hot and dry weather. Rain forecasted should alleviate some of the crop quality apprehensions. July futures traded 0.0225 cents per bushel higher to $3.325, while September futures traded 0.025 cents per bushel higher to $3.375. Cash corn prices were mostly steady across the Corn Belt, but a few locations were forced to raise basis in response to slow farmer sales.

Perdue announces modernization plan for U.S. Forest Service In a June 12 memorandum to Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue provided direction to help modernize the blueprint moving forward for the U.S. Forest Service.

“Under this administration, the Forest Service has sold more timber than we have in the last 22 years and made significant increases in our hazardous fuels treatments and active management of our national forests,” said Perdue. “While I am proud of our progress to promote active management, reduce hazardous fuels, work across boundaries and increase the resiliency of our nation’s forests and grasslands, I believe more can be done.”

He continued, “I am announcing a blueprint for reforms to provide further relief from burdensome regulations, improve customer service and boost the productivity of our national forest system.”

The secretary’s direction provides four key areas of improvement for the agency’s work, including increasing the productivity of national Please see FOREST on page 5

Processing Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said, as of June 10, beef processing facilities are operating at 98% capacity, pork processing facilities are operating at 95% capacity, and poultry facilities are operating at 98% capacity, compared to the same time last year.

Moving forward

Roundup welcomes Reynolds Casper native, Averi Reynolds, joined the Wyoming Livestock Roundup team as assistant editor on June 15.

Reynolds graduated from the University of Wyoming with a bachelor’s degree in rangeland ecology and watershed management and a minor in agriculture business in 2019. After graduating, she began pursuing her master’s degree in animal science with a focus on grazing ruminant Averi Reynolds nutrition.

Reynolds was actively involved in 4-H and FFA growing up and continued her service to Wyoming FFA as a state officer in 2015 and 2016. She credits these organizations for instilling a love for sharing Wyoming agriculture wherever she goes.

Reynolds has fond memories of the Roundup, as she had many morning practices for an FFA event in the conference room with former editor, Saige Zespy.

“I am so excited to be at the Roundup interacting with people who share my love for Wyoming and our western lifestyle, learning more about the agricultural industry and sharing that new knowledge,” she says.

“We are all proud to welcome Averi to the Roundup team,” says Wyoming Livestock Roundup Publisher Dennis Sun. “Everybody we spoke to at the University of Wyoming had high praise for her.”

Herd health can be improved Herd health is important for maintaining healthy, productive cattle on an operation. Avoiding conception issues, poisonous plants and weight loss from parasites or poor pasture quality are all concerns in a forage program.

In the April 9 Ranchers Roundtable webinar, University of Kentucky Professor Emeritus Dr. Garry Lacefield, Southern Cross Farm’s Dr. Nancy Jackson and Corteva Agriscience’s Biology Leader for Pasture and Land Byron Sleugh explored the impacts of forage and pasture quality on beef herd health.

Forage quality When asked to describe quality for-

age, Lacefield, a forage Extension specialist, explains it’s not as simple as it sounds. The definition of quality forage depends on the production goals of the operation.

Lacefield refers to quality forage as the factors of forages that permit a desired animal response.

Jackson, who has been a practicing large animal veterinarian for 28 years, adds that stage of production is also critical in determining what quality forage for a herd looks like.

The protein and energy requirements change as livestock transition

periodical

periodical

Please see HEALTH on page 11

2

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 8 • June 20, 2020

The Concern is Dropping

Since the middle of March, the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center at the University of Wyoming has been conducting surveys of around 500 people about their concerns and health practices during the challenging time of the From the coronavirus.

Some of the findings you Publisher might agree with, and some will disturb Dennis Sun you.

We have all felt the affects of the coronavirus. Over onethird of the people in Wyoming have either been laid off or have a family member who has lost their job. In addition, over half the people in Wyoming say they, or someone from their immediate family, have had their work hours or pay cut.

In some areas of the state where the virus has hit hard, many people know of someone who has died of the virus.

For a lot of us, we’re tired of hearing about the virus, tired of reading about it and tired of dealing with it. However, we also need to face the fact that the virus is present, and we should deal with it. This is especially true if we live in an urban area, not only for ourselves, but also for our families and others.

As we have managed the virus with some success, the governor and our health officials have reduced restrictions.

It seemed within a span of three days, a large number of people stopped wearing masks in public places and being aware of social distancing. For those living in the country, life went on as usual, as the threat of the virus is much lower.

In the latest survey, 46 percent of those polled said the virus was blown out of proportion. If polled, I would be one of those 46 percent. My reasoning is with a presidential election coming up in November, those in politics have made the virus a political issue.

If President Trump makes a statement on the virus, the other side attacks him and vice versa. A lot of politicians turned into medical experts, and the medical experts turned into politicians. It has gotten completely out of hand, and we don’t know what to believe.

I would say Wyomingites do overwhelmingly approve of the way President Trump is handling the issue.

The survey reflects the misleading press and politicizing of medical issues. While a number of people claim the virus isn’t a major issue, one-quarter of those surveyed say the worst is yet to come, and one-quarter say they don’t know.

A number of states, including Wyoming, are reacting to a second wave of the virus. Is the second wave real or are more people being tested? Most likely, the answer is both.

Gov. Gordon’s approval rating has remained high since the beginning of the virus. This high rating reflects good leadership and strong relationships with the people.

As expected, a big majority of those surveyed said they remained very concerned about the impacts of the virus on the economy and their personal finances. This is not unexpected, given the low energy and livestock prices.

The virus is still around, but the restrictions have loosened. Gatherings, both outdoors and indoors, can allow more people. This means we still have to be aware of the virus and respect how others deal with it. But those decisions are ours, and each of us will be making decisions for ourselves and families. Just remember, we have seen jump in cases the last week or so. If we get too careless, a virus will nail us.

GUEST OPINIONS Supreme Court Ruling Greatly Expands the Clean Water Act and Harms Landowners and Industry

By Conner G. Nicklas, Budd-Falen Law Offices, LLC The Clean Water Act is rearing its ugly head yet again. The Supreme Court recently passed down an opinion further expanding the powers of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Water Act. This new decision requires federal permits for sources of pollutants that have previously been under the control of states.

This has the potential to create greater obstacles for agricultural producers as well as the oil and gas industry and even homeowners.

In County of Maui v.

Hawaii Wildlife Fund, environmental groups targeted a wastewater reclamation facility in Hawaii that had been placing treated water into underground wells for disposal. This wastewater then merged with groundwater before reaching the edge of the island and entering the ocean.

The county did not think is was required to have a permit, because the Clean Water Act requires permits only for pollutants being released into “navigable water ways,” which groundwater has not traditionally

been considered.

Navigable waters include things like major rivers, streams and oceans that are currently, or have historically been, used for interstate commerce. They believed their discharge of wastewater into groundwater was beyond the scope of the Clean Water Act. However, the Supreme Court disagreed, instead deciding a permit is required “if the addition of the pollutants through groundwater is the functional equivalent of a direct discharge into navigable waters.”

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this decision is its vagueness as to what can be considered a “functional equivalent.”

The court only mentioned “time and distance” will be important in deciding this. But, just how much time and how much distance? That was left unclear and leaves a great deal of interpretation in the hands of the EPA. This decision could be found to include limitless waste sources that eventually, after spending a great deal of time in the ground-

water system, reach navigable waters.

Additionally, the relationship between groundwater and surface water is an ongoing study. This provides greater uncertainty as to what water can end up where, thus more questions as to who will need a permit.

This may have severe impacts on agriculture and the oil and gas industry because they may now have to further permit operations that may enter groundwater or potentially risk heavy fines and lawsuits.

Homeowners could also face potential challenges if they have a septic system.

The drainage from these systems reaches the water table and may eventually land in a navigable waterway.

To make matters murkier, the EPA recently announced a much-awaited final rule on the controversial definition of “Waters of the United States.” These are waters that fall under the control of the Clean Water Act’s “navigable waters” language.

This definition has been a hotly contested and litigated issue, and the final

rule was to be a huge step forward. However, the Supreme Court’s decision appears to actually take things backward.

According to the new rule, “groundwater, including groundwater drained through subsurface drainage systems,” was to be specifically excluded from the control of the Clean Water Act. However, the Supreme Court’s decision is quite opposite of this announcement.

The EPA was adamant during litigation of the Maui case that it did not have jurisdiction over the groundwater in question, but the Supreme Court has now dropped the power over groundwater in many settings until now.

Many state and local governments have implemented their own processes for regulating groundwater discharges, and this ruling appears to infringe on the power they have long held.

At this point, it is unclear what effects the Supreme Court’s decision will have on the recent Waters of the U.S. rule, but Please see WATER on page 10

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

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

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

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This publication is © 2020 by Maverick Press, Inc.

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 8 • June 20, 2020

3

NEWS BRIEFS Payments issued On June 11, Gov. Mark Gordon announced the first grant payments to Wyoming small business owners who applied for COVID-19 mitigation assistance have been issued.

The payments are posted on the WyOpen.gov website created by State Auditor Kristi Racines to provide the public with easy access to state of Wyoming expenditures.

“I’m glad to report the state has begun issuing these payments,” Gordon said. “I want to thank both the Wyoming Business Council for their expeditious work in standing up this program and the auditor for her support of our desire for transparency.”

Eight businesses have received nearly $150,000 in grant payments to date. An additional $2,661,158 in payments have been approved.

The Business Interruption Stipend is a $50 million program created by the Wyoming Legislature and funded by the federal Coronavirus aid relief and economic security act. It is designed to provide grants up to $50,000 for eligible businesses with up to 50 employees and headquartered in, or operating principally in Wyoming.

Wyoming businesses can still apply for grants through the program. For more information regarding eligibility, or to apply, visit wyobizrelief.org.

RMA announces changes On June 9, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced changes to the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) insurance program for feeder cattle, fed cattle and swine starting this summer with the 2021 crop year.

Changes include moving premium due dates to the end of the endorsement period and increasing premium subsidies to assist producers. Specifically, the changes will allow premiums to be paid at the end of the endorsement period, putting it in line with other policies and increasing the premium subsidy for coverage levels above 80 percent. Those with 80 percent or higher coverage will get a fivepercentage point subsidy increase.

“These changes will make these policies more usable and affordable for livestock producers,” RMA Administrator Martin Barbre said. “We are working to ensure these improvements can be implemented

by July 1 so producers can take advantage of these changes.”

More information can be found at farmers.gov/ coronavirus.

FARM AND RANCH INSURANCE,

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Nominations open The nomination period for USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees opened on June 15. Each county office is looking for producers to serve on the local county committee. County committee elections are held annually in every county when FSA accepts nominations for a certain Local Administrative Area (LAA). The LAA up for election rotates each year. If an individuals LAA is up for election this year, they should nominate themself or another producer to serve on the local FSA County Committee.

County committees are unique to FSA and serve as a direct link between agricultural communities across the country and USDA. Committee members are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA. Committees help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level and are comprised of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms. Producers who serve on committees help decide the kinds of programs their counties will offer and work to make FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers.

FSAs been across the country interviewing current committee members to spotlight their involvement in their county. While each producer has different reasons for serving on their FSA county committee, they all agree it’s important to inform their community and fellow farmers and ranchers about FSA programs and loans.

Please visit fsa.usda.gov/elections for more information on FSA county committees.

Director retires

On June 18, the Wyoming Association of Conservation District’s Board of Directors received notice that long-time Association Executive Director Bobbie Frank will retire, effective Aug. 1.

“We are very grateful to Bobbie for the 29 years she has dedicated to the association. She has been key in helping grow the capacity of local conservation districts and serving as a credible strong voice for conservation districts and natural resource issues, both at the state and national level,” said President Todd Heward.

“I have had a productive and successful career with the association and am very grateful to the board, past board members and the conservation districts for the support over the years. I believe we have accomplished much for natural resource conservation. I have enjoyed working with some of the best people in the state. I look forward to pursuing other interests and enjoying more time on the ranch,” said Frank.

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 8 • June 20, 2020

Cattle producers prepare for summer heat According to the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center’s (USMARC) Cattle Heat Stress Forecast, much of Wyoming will fall between the “normal” to “alert” heat stress categories in coming weeks.

The heat stress forecast maps are predicted using forecasts of temperature, wind speed, humidity and cloud cover.

“The risk of heat stress is indicated in the predictor using breathing rate,” USMARC notes. “As breathing rates vary, cattle try to maintain heat balance. In order to increase the loss of moisture, cattle will pant. Therefore, breathing rate is an impor-

tant behavior to watch for in cattle during hot weather.”

The USDA Climate Prediction Center temperature outlook predicts a higher probability for warmer than normal temperatures through at least the end of June.

Erin Laborie, a University of Nebraska Extension Educator says, “Cattle have not acclimated to summer conditions yet, so helping ease this adaptation is critical.”

Heat stress mitigation As Wyoming and surrounding states start to experience higher temperatures this summer, Laborie provides some tips to

PACKERS continued from page 1 recent White House event.

Most recently, on June 6, Central Grocers filed a class action lawsuit alleging the big four violated the Sherman Act by conspiring to constrain meat prices in the U.S. Central Grocers is an Illinois-based retailers’ cooperative, which supplies brand name and private label goods to member stores across the Midwest.

Central Grocers suit According to the com-

plaint, the defendants were responsible for the sale of roughly 80 percent of the more than 25 million pounds of fresh and frozen beef sold in the U.S. market in 2018. Per the case, the companies collectively controlled between 81 to 85 percent of the domestic cattle processed in the U.S. since 2015.

According to the case, “Defendants sit atop the supply and distribution chain that ultimately

prepare for the summer heat yet to come.

She explains the importance of providing plenty of fresh water, even if that means additional water sources.

“When those temperatures get over 80 degrees, cattle require nearly twice as much water,” she says, adding that sometimes this may mean cattle are drinking upwards of 30 gallons of water each day.”

USMARC also recommends water pipes should be at least two feet underground to avoid sun exposure.

“Water intake decreases when water temperature exceeds

80 degrees Fahrenheit, so water availability as well as temperature is important to consider,” USMARC says.

Access to water for multiple animals to drink at one time is also important, according to USMARC. Providing adequate space per animal plays a role in heat mitigation, as heat radiates off of other animals, notes USMARC. Laborie says, “In general, overcrowding has very little production benefit.”

The other important change to management Laborie explains is working and transporting cattle

in the mornings to avoid extreme temperature during the day. She adds working time should be ideally between midnight and 8 a.m. and definitely not any time after 10 a.m.

Monitoring for potential heat events Laborie notes the importance of producers utilizing their resources to reduce the heat load on cattle.

“We want to keep an eye out for predicted temperatures in the high 80s and 90s,” she says. “When temperatures remain above 70 degrees during the night, cattle are really unable to recover before the next episode of heat exposure.”

She shares that monitoring the weather for potential heat events and following climate outlooks is important. Recommended resources for producers include temperature-humidity charts, as well as the USMARC Cattle Heat Stress Forecast released every week.

Laborie concludes, “I just emphasize the importance of being proactive rather than reactive when it comes to heat stress management to help avoid train wrecks.”

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

delivers beef to the market. Their vital role is to purchase cattle from the nation’s farmers and ranchers, slaughter and pack cattle into beef and sell beef to Central Grocers and other class members.”

The suit continued, “Defendants’ gatekeeping role has enabled them to collusively control both upstream and downstream beef pricing throughout the class period.”

“Plaintiff alleges defendants violated Section One of the Sherman Act by conspiring to con-

strain beef supplies in the United States, thereby artificially inflating domestic beef prices paid by direct purchasers,” the complaint read. “As a direct result of defendants’ unlawful conduct, Central Grocers and the other class members suffered antitrust injury for which plaintiff seeks treble damages and injunctive relief and demands a jury trial.”

Sherman Act According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Sherman Act is the oldest of the U.S. antitrust legislations.

“Congress passed the first antitrust law, the Sherman Act, in 1890 as a comprehensive charter of economic liberty aimed at preserving free and unfettered competition as the rule of trade,” according to FTC records. “In 1914, Congress passed two additional antitrust laws – the Federal Trade Commission Act, which created the FTC and the Clayton Act. With some revisions, these are the three core federal

antitrust laws still in effect today.”

“The Sherman Act outlaws every contract, combination or conspiracy in restraint of trade and any monopolization, attempted monopolization, or conspiracy or combination to monopolize," the DOJ explained.

DOJ noted the Supreme Court decided the Sherman Act does not prohibit every restraint of trade, only those that are unreasonable. For instance, in some sense, an agreement between two individuals to form a partnership restrains trade, but may not do so unreasonably, and thus may be lawful under the antitrust laws.

On the other hand, certain acts are considered so harmful to competition they are almost always illegal. These include plain arrangements among competing individuals or businesses to fix prices, divide markets or rig bids.

DOJ noted these acts are “per se” violations of the Sherman Act. In other

words, no defense or justification is allowed.

Although most enforcement actions are civil, the Sherman Act is also a criminal law, and individuals and businesses that violate it may be prosecuted by the DOJ. “Criminal prosecutions are typically limited to intentional and clear violations such as when competitors fix prices or rig bids,” DOJ explained.

“The Sherman Act imposes criminal penalties of up to $100 million for a corporation and $1 million for an individual, along with up to 10 years in prison.”

Under federal law, the maximum fine may be increased to twice the amount the conspirators gained from the illegal acts or twice the money lost by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is over $100 million.

Callie Hanson is the editor for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

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Richard Grant Jr 1 Black Cow All Natural 1095 Irvine Ranch 2 Black Cow 1035 Nagle Ranch 16 Black Cow 1233 James & Diane Hall 1 Black Cow 1295 Rising 3 Livestock LLC 2 Black Cow All Natural 1175 Ben Lamp 1 Black Cow All Natural 995 Twin Buttes Ranch Inc 7 Black Cow All Natural 1157 Bryan & Shelly Bruch 5 Black Cow All Natural 1257 James McGuire 3 Black Cow 1216 Schmick Farms 4 Black Cow 1817 James Schneider 1 Black Cow 1095 Bryan & Shelly Bruch 12 Black Cow All Natural 1354 Rising 3 Livestock LLC 13 Black Cow All Natural 1314 D & W Livestock 7 Charolais Cow All Natural 1329 D & W Livestock 6 Charolais Cow All Natural 1468 Ken Haas Angus LLC 2 Black Bull 845 Broken Arrow Livestock Inc 13 Black Bull 1020 Vollman Ranches Inc 1 Black Bull 2010 Tommy & Traci Bruegger 1 Black Bull 1850 Broken Arrow Livestock Inc 18 Black Bull 1203 Rising 3 Livestock LLC 13 Black Heiferette 954 Bryan & Shelly Bruch 1 Charolais Heiferette 1040 Bret & Desiree Crosby 19 Black Steer 661 X Lazy Three Inc 62 Black Steer 787 X Lazy Three Inc 101 Black Steer 889 Flock Ranches Inc 52 Black Steer 897 Byron Wilkie 23 Black Steer 915 Pat & Joann Wade 19 Black/Red Steer 713 Brett & Desiree Crosby 4 Black Steer 727 Pipestone Ranch 22 Black/Red Steer 991 Dewey Hageman 6 Charolais Steer 583 Flock Ranches Inc 14 Red Steer 1028 Brett & Desiree Crosby 67 Black Heifer 619 Robert Taussig 38 Black Heifer 694 Brett & Desiree Crosby 13 Black Heifer 703 John Viall 73 Black Heifer 765 David & Teri Hinman 14 Black Heifer 797 Archie Chant 16 Black Heifer All Natural 800 John Viall 11 Red Heifer 893 Kevin Gaukel 3 Black Steer Calf 358 Kevin Gaukel 22 Black Steer Calf 552 Brett & Desiree Crosby 8 Black Steer Calf 594 Pine Forest Land & Livestock 25 Black/Red Steer Calf 588 Kevin Gaukel 30 Black Heifer Calf 540 Ben Lamp 9 Black Heifer Calf All Natural 607

TORRINGTON 80.00C 78.00C LIVESTOCK AREA 74.50C REPS 71.00C 68.50C Cody Thompson - Lusk, WY 307-340-0150 66.00C 65.50C Ty Thompson – Lusk, WY 307-340-0770 65.00C 65.00C Zach Johnson Lingle, WY –307-575-2171 65.00C 65.00C Jeff Ward – Laramie, WY 307-399-9863 64.50C 63.00C Tam Staman – Crawford, NE 308-631-8513 77.00C 75.50C Artie Johnson - Lusk, WY 307-216-0117 108.00C 95.00C 93.00C Lander Nicodemus – Cheyenne, WY 307-421-8141 89.50C 80.50C Danny Nicodemus – Cheyenne, WY 307-632-4325 83.00C Chris Williams - Greybull, WY 307-272-4567 78.00C 150.50C Justin Smith - Lusk, WY 307-340-0724 144.00C 131.50C 121.50C 116.00C 141.00C 141.00C 112.00C 161.00C 104.50C 140.00C 133.50C 132.00C 125.25C 121.00C 116.00C 109.00C 180.00C 170.00C 159.00C 161.00C 143.00C 139.50C

“Like Us” for Sale Updates, Results and News

VIEW SALES & BID ONLINE AT CATTLE USA

www.torringtonlivestock.com Lex Madden 307-532-1580 Michael Schmitt 307-532-1776 Chuck Petersen 307-575-4015

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 8 • June 20, 2020

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ing categorical exclusions, environmental assessments and environmental impact statements, streamline policy to ensure environmental reviews focus on analysis that is required by law and regulation, work across the government to initiate the development of policies for alternative procedures to streamline consultation processes and environmental reviews and expedite compliance with State Historic Preservation Offices for vegetation management and facility and infrastructure improvements.

Callie Hanson is the editor for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

JULYEEP

L S N E T YOMI NG W

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L ANNUA

July 3RD & 4TH

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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our customers and improve our delivery of the goods and services the American people want and need from the nation’s forest system.”

He continued, “The 193 million acres of public lands managed by the Forest Service provide important resources and recreational opportunities to the people of this great nation.”

“These lands are critical for the prosperity of rural communities, sustaining jobs and livelihoods in grazing, mining, oil and gas development, recreation and forestry sectors that support our American way of life,” said Perdue. “These lands also furnish food and water that all life depends on.”

“While I am proud of the progress to promote active management, reduce hazardous fuels, work across boundaries and increase the resiliency of our nation’s forests and grasslands, I believe more can be done,” he noted.

“I am announcing a blueprint for reforms to further provide relief from burdensome regulations, improve customer service and boost the productivity of our national forests and grasslands.”

Key areas “The American people rely on our national forests and grasslands for a variety of products and services that sustain jobs and liveli-

for recreational activities and embracing new technologies and recreation opportunities, open public access to National Forest System lands with currently limited access where feasible in cooperation with states, counties and partners and improve customer service by modernizing and simplifying forest products permitting and the Forest Service land exchange process.”

The last key area laid out in the memo involves expediting reviews to support active management.

According to the memo, the Forest Service will set time and page limits on the completion of environmental documents, includ-

e

forests and grasslands, valuing the nation’s grazing heritage and the national grasslands, increasing access to national forest system lands and expediting environmental reviews to support active management.

Memorandum “Our mission delivery includes a whole range of values and benefits people expect from their forests and grasslands,” said Christiansen. “The secretary’s direction will help ensure we are providing healthy resilient forests and grasslands that continue to deliver on the goods and services the American people want and need, while also supporting communities, public access and fire-adapted landscapes.”

The memo read, “As Secretary of Agriculture, it is my duty to ensure our national forests and grasslands are on a path to health and productivity so they can continue to meet the needs of citizens and communities, both now and into the future.”

“It is the first priority of the Forest Service to serve the American people and work in ways that exemplify the values of shared stewardship,” Perdue said. “We need modern systems and approaches, and less complicated regulations to serve

productive for generations to come.”

According to the memo, “To this end, the Forest Service will establish forest plans that support grazing on the national grasslands, which is essential for management within the framework of governing statutes, streamline renewal of range permits and range improvements on national forests and grasslands and enhance flexibility for Forest Service employees to work with ranching families and communities.”

In an effort to increase access to National Forest lands, “The Forest Service will increase access to Forest Service lands by streamlining the permit process

¶

FOREST continued from page 1

hoods in rural communities, feed America and supply the clean water that sustains life,” the memorandum read. “I am directing the Forest Service to focus resources on activities that support the productive use of these lands to deliver goods and services efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of our citizens.”

In order to increase productivity, the Forest Service will streamline processes and identify new opportunities to increase America’s energy dominance and reduce reliance on foreign countries for critical minerals, modernize management practices and reduce regulatory burdens to promote active management on Forest Service lands to support and protect rural communities, critical watersheds and species habitat and expedite broadband development on Forest Service lands to increase internet connectivity in rural America.

“The national grasslands play a vital role in the fabric of rural communities, supporting thousands of jobs, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to the economy and producing food for America and the entire world,” Perdue boasted. “They are managed sustainably with the help of ranching families, who pride themselves as conservationists, ensuring these lands will remain

5

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6

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 8 • June 20, 2020

CALENDAR

July 20-22 July 25

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

EVENTS

Aug. 4-5

June 22

South Central Sage Grouse Working Group Meeting, Saratoga, Saratoga Town Hall. Visit wgfd.wyo.gov/Regional-Offices/LaramieRegion for more information.

June 28-July 5 Silver State International Rodeo, Winnemucca, Nev., Winnemucca Events Complex. For more information, visit ssir.us.

CANCELED Central Wyoming Fair, Casper, Central Wyoming Fairgrounds. Visit centralwyomingfair.com for more information.

CANCELED Laramie Jubilee Days, Laramie. For more information, visit laramiejubileedays.org.

July 9-20 Converse County Fair, Douglas, Wyoming State Fairgrounds. Visit conversecountyfair.com for more information.

July 17-26 Teton County Fair, Jackson, Teton County Fairgrounds. Visit tetoncountyfair.com for more information.

July 21-25 Park County Fair, Powell, Park County Fairgrounds. Visit parkcountyfair.com for more information.

July 22-25 Sublette County Fair, Big Piney, Sublette County Fairgrounds. Visit sublettecountyfair.com for more information.

July 21-Aug. 1 Albany County Fair, Laramie, Albany County Fairgrounds. Visit albanycountyfair.org for more information.

SALES June 15-21 June 24-25 June 25 June 27 July 1 July 6-10 July 13-15 July 18

ONLINE ONLY – Jake Clark’s Mule Days Auction, 307-754-4320, saddlemule.hibid.com Superior Livestock Auction Big Sky Roundup IV, Billings, Mont., 800422-2117, superiorlivestock.com Northern Livestock Video Auction Early Summer Special, 866-6165035, northernlivestockvideo.com Morkrid Farms Auction, Chester, Mont., virtual online only auction, 406788-6662, ophusauction.com Cattle Country Video High Plains Showcase, Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center, Cheyenne, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com Superior Livestock Auction Week in the Rockies XXXII, Loveland, Colo., 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com Western Video Market, Nugget Casino Resort, Reno, Nev., 530-3473793, wvmcattle.com Horse Sale, Big Horn Basin Livestock Auction, Worland, 307-431-1226, 307-272-3743

All events will be taking place on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds, unless otherwise noted.

It's a vision for success in

2020

Sat. July 11th

8AM: 4-H Dog Show 1PM: 4-H/FFA Cat and Pocket Pet Show 6:30PM: 4-H Fashion Revue (EWC Douglas)

Sun. July 12th

9:30AM: 4D Barrel Race 2PM-4PM: Indoor Exhibit Hall Open 6PM- D Cross Jackpot Roping

Mon. July 13th

7AM: 4-H/FFA Horse Show 1-4 PM: Indoor Exhibit Hall Open

Tues. July 14th

6PM: Family Fun Night: 6PM:Kids Arena Games 6:30PM: Mutton Bustin' 7 PM: Pig Wrestling

Wed. July 15th

8AM: 4-H/FFA Dairy Cattle/Goat Show 9AM: 4-H/FFA Market Goat Show 11 AM: 4-H/FFA Sheep Show 11 AM: 4-H/FFA Rabbit Show 6PM:4-H/FFA Swine Show 6-10 PM: Blue Collar Cornhole Tournament

4-H/FFA Junior Market Livestock Sale Friday, July 17, 2020 Sale starts at 4PM in the Show Center Buyers Dinner to immediately follow the sale Community Dance at 7:30PM: live music by Levi Blom Beer garden from 3PM-midnight

July 27-31

Aug. 15 Aug. 17-18

Northern Livestock Video Auction Summertime Classic, 866-6165035, northernlivestockvideo.com South Dakota Sheep Growers Association Premium Yearling Ewe Sale, Magness Livestock Auction, Huron, S.D., 406-581-7772, sdsheepgrowers.org Superior Livestock Auction Video Royale XXVIII, Winnemucca, Nev., 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com Cattle Country Video Oregon Trail Classic, Gering Civic Center, Gering, Neb., 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com Horse Sale, Big Horn Basin Livestock Auction, Worland, 307-431-1226, 307-272-3743 Western Video Market, Little America, Cheyenne, 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

Go Fishing for Father’s Day Just by luck, Father’s Day, June 21, 2020, falls under the Farmers’ Almanac “Best Days for Fishing” forecast.

Of course for me, going fishing with my dad, and then as a father with the kids, was always the best day, no matter when.

Growing up on the Pick Ranch, seven miles north, or down river, from Saratoga, we had the best trout fishing in the world out the front door. As kids, my three brothers and several cousins first fished the small streams and irrigation ditches on the place, and then the Upper North Platte River from the bank.

By the time we were 10 or 12, dad would teach us to float and fish the river. With

For more information check out our website at www.conversecountyfair.com or call 307-358-2417.

Thurs. July 16th 8AM: 4-H/FFA Poultry Show 3:30 PM: CowBelle Supreme Cow Contest 4 PM: 4-H/FFA Beef Show 6PM: 20 Mile Roping Club Youth Gymkhana

Fri. July 17th

8AM: 4-H/FFA Large Animal Round Robin 10AM- 4-H/FFA Small Animal Round Robin 4PM: 4-H/FFA Junior Market Sale Immediately following the sale: Buyer's Appreciation Dinner 7:30PM: Levi Blom On the Green at Converse County Fair

Sat. July 18th

Teach a boy to fish and he will usually out-fish you, as well as miss Sunday School – A Fishermen’s Proverb. A local rancher taught his son how to fish, and sure enough the youngster caught the biggest trout. Photo courtesy of Chuck Sanger with his son Ladd many years ago on the Sanger Ranch, one of Wyoming’s premier fishing holes.

Historical Reproductions by Perue

two kids and dad in the flat bottom river boat, the routine was to each row for 30 minutes and fish for an hour. This was a great way to learn how to row, read the current and catch a few fish.

Dad always started and then gave lessons. Row 30 minutes, fish an hour, then back to rowing. A great routine as we learned, and then all of a sudden it was the kids taking turns rowing dad down the river as he fished and guided.

And, of course, I couldn’t pass up a good fishing tale.

Here’s one from the May 11, 1911, issue of The Saratoga Sun: A boy wanted to go fishing and coaxed his father to allow him to take his rod and fine fishing outfit. A younger brother, a boy of seven, wanted to go along and made such a row about not having a fishing rod that his father tied a twine string to a bed-slat, bent a pin for a hook, baited it with a piece of bacon and told the youngster to go fish too.

The boys went to the iron bridge that spans the river here and fished. In about 20 minutes, pandemonium broke loose.

It was a warm quiet day and sounds carried far. A greater part of the inhabitants of the town rushed to the bridge to rescue the drowning boys.

But, the yells and whoops and demonical shrieks continued, and a motley procession of small humanity came trooping off the bridge, led by the boy with the bed-slat, who had a four pound rainbow trout dan-

gling from his bent pin.

Strange to say the boy lived to be a strong healthy man and retains a very vivid recollection of his first trout.

Many years later another boy of about 12, fishing from a drift boat, caught an eight-pound brown trout under the same bridge. The big fish fought so hard it turned the boat around four times before he landed the whopper, but then that’s a tale for another postcard.

The Farmers’ Almanac adds, “Of course, camping is another great summertime activity to do with dad, and it goes well with fishing. Plus, Father’s Day weekend will be bathed in the darkness of a new moon, which will make the constellations as bright as they can be.”

Father’s Day also happens to be just one day after the summer solstice, meaning it will be one of the longest days of the year, as far as daylight hours go.

The first known Father’s Day service occurred at the Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South in Fairmont, W. Va. on July 5, 1908.

In spite of widespread support, Father’s Day did not become a permanent national holiday for many years. The first bill was introduced in Congress in 1913, but in spite of encouragement by President Woodrow Wilson, it did not pass.

In 1966, Lyndon Johnson issued a proclamation designating the third Sunday in June to honor fathers.

Finally, in 1972, President Richard Nixon signed a law declaring Father’s Day should be celebrated annually on the third Sunday in June. It has been an official, permanent national holiday ever since.

7 PM: Rough Stock Event

Please practice social distancing when attending and participating in Converse County Fair shows and events.

Big horn Basin LIVESTOCK AUCTION LLC

Broadcasting and Online Bidding Available At lmaauctions.com.

Please visit to fill out an application and view auctions.

Authorized Dealer

Rough Stock Event

Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 7PM in the Wyoming State Fair Grandstands Arena Events include: Ranch Bronc Riding $5,000 added money To enter, contact Jason Mathis with Mathis Rodeo Entertainment 918-900-3436 Tickets at the gate: $5/person, kids 10 and under free

Advertising made possible by Converse County Tourism Board: www.ConverseCountyTourism.com

Worland, WY

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

Danny Vigil Northern Livestock Represenative

• Upcoming Sales • June 25 July 9 July 18 – July 23 – Aug. 6 – Aug. 15 Aug. 20

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

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 8 • June 20, 2020

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 8 • June 20, 2020

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 8 • June 20, 2020

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 8 • June 20, 2020

WATER continued from page 2 it appears to be a great concern to land and homeowners as well as multiple industries, because the Clean Water Act is now

vaguely tied into groundwater that may be connected to other Waters of the U.S. The issue surround-

ing the new Waters of the U.S. definition and this recent Supreme Court ruling is one that should be followed closely, because if taken to its extreme, the Clean Water Act could greatly interfere in the average American’s life

OBITUARIES After a courageous 20-year battle on multiple fronts, Dean Bush left this world peacefully on a beautiful June morning with a cool breeze rustling through his bedroom, the meadowlarks singing, surrounded by his family.

He was born Jan. 25, 1933 on a 30-degreebelow day at his grandparents’ home in Hulett, to Neil Storms Bush and Dick Bush. He lived his first year on the Roy Bush Ranch, east of Hulett.

The next year, the family “starved out” and moved to town during a cold winter day. They did not have a good place to put Dean upfront, so they put him in the bed cart with some baby lambs.

When they arrived in Hulett, Dean’s grandmother was there to meet them and was appalled when Dean’s mom told her where he was.

When she raced back and frantically pulled back the tarp, Dean and the lambs were all snuggled together sleeping, with steam billowing off of them.

Dean lived in Hulett during his youth, along with his brother, Jimmy Dow. He roamed the dirt streets and alleys of early Hulett with his slingshot, and to the dismay of the local wags, graduated from the slingshot to his grandad’s pickup at the ripe

age of 10. By age 12 he was riding horseback with his cousin Gary Bush, multiple times out to the sheep camp on South Fork.

Dean’s parents couldn’t seem to keep him in school, and after watching the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir on the news, he was desperate to join up and go to Korea. So, in his senior year, Dean quit school, joined the Marines and took his basic training at Camp Pendleton.

He was training to be a radio operator when the untimely death of his younger brother occurred. Dean then received an honorable discharge in April 1952.

Dean returned to Hulett and worked in his dad’s sawmill. On June 19, 1954, Dean and Tiny Proctor were married and moved to the Bush range and out in the Little Missouri country, 30 miles northwest of Hulett, where he ranched the remainder of his life.

The first few years on the ranch were spent in an old homesteading cabin. There was no telephone, no electricity, no propane, no running water and they strained the wigglers out of the reservoir water to drink and cook with.

The tending and managing of the sheep herd that provided the bulk of Dean’s livelihood for decades was the source of many memories. The wool from his herd

had a reputation for being of premium quality. He cycled the dodge gate at the head of dusty sheep sorting alleys hundreds of thousands of times over the years.

Dean loved his horses, which he mostly had good ones and his dogs, which some were good and some not. Dean had extreme empathy with, and fell in love with animals, so much so, he could hardly stand the thought of selling any of them.

He had an incredible knowledge of history, and in particular, 20th century military history. He bordered on the edge of a savant in the remembering of dates of world events, birthdays, blizzards, droughts and more.

Macular degeneration in his later years robbed him of an extremely sharp set of eyes. He could pick out animals and objects from incredible distances, and he found hundreds of arrowheads and chips while horseback.

One of Dean’s favorite memories was roping at the Cheyenne Frontier Days for a couple of years, one year just missing making it into the short go.

Dean was very civic minded, serving on several county boards, including Crook County Museum Board, Devils Tower History Board, Crook County School Board, and he was also a

Range Rider 4-H leader.

Dean was a charter member of the Horse Creek Roping Club as well, helping to put on many rodeos and was a member of the Hulett Roping Club, holding different positions.

Dean always enjoyed attending his kid’s activities. He was a strong supporter, and everyone knew he was there at sporting events.

Dean was a caring and sharing man, especially with the less fortunate, and was always rooting for the underdog. He was a believer and Christian in his actions, but not a churchgoer. He could not sit still in his earlier years and could not stay awake in the later ones.

Family meant a lot to Dean. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Tiny; daughter, Rhonda; sons, Tim and Jim Bob; grandchildren, Jeremy Reed, Lindsey Rynicki, Andy Bush and Lucy Bush; great-grandchildren, Gunnar Dean Rynicki, Layla Kyle Rynicki, Tyler Steven Reed and Sophia Ryan Reed; sister, Vickie Bush and brother-in-law, Dickie Proctor.

He will be missed greatly.

A private family service will take place at the New Haven Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his name that will benefit local charities.

Arrangements are under the care of FidlerRoberts and Isburg Funeral Chapel of Sundance.

Online condolences may be written at idler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.

problem bears is not done by ranchers, but by state wildlife officials in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, after a pattern of repetitive behavior has been documented and non-lethal means of deterrence have failed.

Another argument they make is that the no-kill rule would mark a sudden departure from long-standing bear management protocols that have kept ranchers and livestock safe through the years.

“The plaintiffs hope to deprive ranchers of the lawful use of their grazing rights by making the use of this summer range more dangerous than usual for cowboys and cattle,” Gregg says. “Turning livestock that have traditionally grazed these lands into a grizzly buffet threatens the economic survival of these ranches, and will destroy this living connection to our history and our heritage.”

“The financial impact of this battle is significant,” adds WSGA Executive Director Jim Magagna. “Back in 2008, when grizzly bear pre-

dation wasn’t a big issue yet, the Upper Green River Cattle Association had 22 head of confirmed kills. In 2015, they had 79, and this was with control measures in place. Imagine a scenario with no lethal removal. It would be devastating.”

A historic event Established in 1896, the Green River Drift has functioned as the essential connecting route between winter feeding grounds in the south and summer grazing lands in the north for many cattle ranchers in the Upper Green River Valley.

The path of the Drift follows the Green River and the New Fork River for much of its route, and has made use of natural features such as draws and creeks to funnel cattle onto a common path and provide a stable supply of water and feed.

“In the spring, starting May 1-25, Upper Green River Cattle Association members graze the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) allotments on the Little Colorado

Desert or the mesa. Spring grazing on BLM managed lands lasts about two months, May through June,” notes the Upper Green River Cattle Association. “Cowboys start removing cattle from spring BLM pastures and trailing them almost 60 miles north, beginning the middle of June and ending the middle of July.”

The Upper Green River Cattle Association continues, “Each ranch has a specific time they start moving their cattle up the Drift in the spring, with ranches located further to the north starting the move first. The process takes about three to four weeks and each ranches’ herd is on the Drift for about two weeks.”

The association further explains, once cattle reach U.S. Forest Service managed lands in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, cattle from all of the herds run in a common allotment through the summer and fall.

“As cold weather arrives in the late fall, the cattle ‘drift’ out of the forest on their own,

moving south, back toward their home pastures,” explains the association. “Strategically located fences direct their movement down to the sorting grounds where they are sorted by brand, rounded up and trailed to their respective home ranches.”

There is no doubt, the Green River Drift is a vital link to Wyoming’s ranching history. In fact, the route and manner of the cattle drive are largely unchanged from when it started in the 1800s, and it is operated by the descendants of the families who homesteaded the area and began the cattle drive, according to the Upper Green River Cattle Association.

Because the event is so unique, it is listed as a traditional cultural property on the National Register of Historic Places, the only ranchingrelated entity to be so recognized.

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.

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

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

Richard Dean Bush Jan. 25, 1933 – June 10, 2020

®

CATTLE continued from page 1 filed a motion to intervene in the case in order to defend the rights of local ranchers to access federal land, as they have for generations, and to protect the legacy of the West.

“These families have cared for the land far longer and far better than any agency or activist has,” says MSLF’s Brian Gregg, lead attorney on the case. “The Green River Drift provides 124 years of evidence that ranchers are the real conservationists.”

A threat to ranchers’ livelihood Gregg explains, “Back in March, the plaintiffs – a coalition of some of the most farleft groups in the nation – filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent federal agencies from using lethal take against grizzly bears in the area where the Green River Drift occurs.

Lethal take is basically the killing of problem bears that have repeated, documented conflicts with livestock and

humans.”

The environmentalist groups in opposition of the Drift, claim the particular grazing practices involved will harm grizzly bear populations, in violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

“This case is basically another front in an overarching war in delisting the grizzly bear from the ESA for over a decade now,” Gregg says.

“In reality, grizzly populations in the region have recovered to the extent that Fish and Wildlife Service officials have twice recommended the Greater Yellowstone grizzly be removed from the endangered species list, most recently in 2017,” he continues. “All the different criteria for recovery have been met, in fact, the recovery of the grizzly population is quite a success story.”

MSLF and the Upper Green River Cattle Association point out removal of

and the EPA will have even greater power than it already holds.

Conner Nicklas is an associate attorney at Budd-Falen Law Offices, LLC in Cheyenne. He can be reached at conner@ buddfalen.com.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 8 • June 20, 2020

HEALTH continued from page 1 through different stages of life and production.

“The protein of the dam can impact the embryo’s ability to reproduce,” Jackson continues. “Forage quality is critical through the cow’s pregnancy, all the way through to when she is nursing and the calf is on the ground.”

“Palatability is just as important,” Sleugh includes. “Offering good quality forage in terms of an analysis that might come back from the lab is one thing.”

He continues, “Choice of forage sometimes can make a difference.”

Herd health concerns Poisonous plants are a detriment in pastures that can be avoided when greater forage choice is provided.

“Cattle will eat a lot of things that are out there, that if they had a choice they probably would not,” says Sleugh.

“It is really important to know what is in our pastures,” he notes. “Poisonous plants present cattle an opportunity to go graze, but have anti-quality effect that could be outright poisoning, or it might cause reduced intake.”

One of the other great concerns discussed during the webinar concerning pasture health and herd health was parasites. Managing the distribution of grazing and the distribution of manure in the pasture can reduce incidence of internal parasites, notes Sleugh.

“If we are overgrazing a pasture, cows are forced

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to eat closer to their dung,” Jackson explains. “It’s an additive effect. The cows don’t have enough to eat, we’re forcing them to eat closer, then they are picking up a heavier parasite load.”

Weight loss and compromised immune systems are some consequences of parasites, Jackson describes.

“Calves may get sick easier, they may get respiratory infections after we wean them,” she adds.

“Grazing patterns will certainly help reduce parasite problems.”

Grazing alternatives While Lacefield explains grazed pasture is usually the cheapest source of nutrients for ruminant animals, there are some years weather influences production and management decisions.

Ophus Auction Company

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“What we take home at the end of the day is based on management decisions we made along the way.” – Byron Sleugh, Corteva Agriscience where producers need to have a plan to either get into the hay earlier or stockpile feed,” Jackson says.

Lacefield shares, “People who have a good grazing management program don’t start suffering as early as those who are continually grazing.”

Improving grazing management Lacefield believes most farmers and ranchers can make improvements in their grazing management.

When asked for advice for producers, he shares, “If producers can utilize more of what they produce, use it in a higher-quality stage and use it over more days of the

Saturday, June 27 , 2020 th

The preview will be held at the Farm 4035 S Tiber RD Chester MT Go 5 miles west of Chester, MT then 7 miles South on S Tiber Rd TRACTORS

SEEDING & TILLAGE

2013 John Deere 9510R tractor, 490 Hp, 18 speed power shift, PTO, 4 Hyd., Auto steer, 2630 monitor, Diff Lock, 23 front weights, 2,904 Hr. 620/70R-46 duals 90%, Serial Num. 1RW9510RLBP007702 (Sells subject to owner’s approval).

40 Ft. Sunflower 9435 box drill with transport, Hyd. fold, 10 inch spacing double disk, 2 Pt. hitch, 400 gal. poly liquid fertilizer tank, rubber packers Serial Num. AGCS9435BZ900028*40.

•1998 John Deere 9300 tractor, 360 Hp, 24 speed, diff lock, 2600 monitor with autotrac activation, new seat, PTO, 4 Hyd., rear wheel weights in & out, 6,250 Hr. Serial Num. RW9300H010487.

•1973 John Deere 4030 Tractor, ROPS with top, 80 Hp Diesel, 8 speed Synchro range Trans, 3 Pt., PTO, 2 Hyd., 18.4-34 rear tires, 7,831 Hr. new batteries, Sells with a John Deere 158 loader & 7 Ft buckets.

•IH 824 MFWD tractor, open station, JD rear fenders, new 18.4-30 rear tires, 3 Pt., PTO, 2,073 Hr. clutch does not work, sells with an EZ-ON loader with 8 Ft bucket.

•2011 John Deere 9430 tractor, 425 Hp, 24 speed power shift, diff lock, PTO, 5 Hyd, Auto steer, 2630 monitor, 620/70R-46 duals, rear wheel weights in & out, Front has inner weights, 5, 436 Hr., Serial Num. 1RW9430PPBP023626.

•2017 New Holland T7.230 mechanical front wheel drive tractor, cab air heat radio, 180 Hp, 18 speed power shift with left hand reverser, Ag Leader auto steer, loader Joy stick in cab, 3 Pt, 540-1,000 RPM PTO, 3 Hyd., 520/85R-42 rear tires, 420/85R30 front tires with front fenders, only 577 Hr. Serial Num. ZGEZ07265EZHS7B 880061.

•2013 AGCO CAT Challenger MT585 Mechanical front wheel drive tractor, cab air heat radio, auto steer, 180 Hp diesel, 24 speed power shift with left hand reverser, 4 Hyd., 3 Pt., 1,000 RPM PTO, 710/70 R-38 rear tires with wheel weights, 600/65R-28 front tires, Front fenders, only 2,160 Hr. Serial Num. AGCO 585TDN9S1020.

Sells with a ML88 Cat self-leveling loader with 8 Ft. bucket and grapple like new.

DIRT EQUIPMENT •1994 L 785 New Holland skid steer, 57 Hp Ford diesel, ROPS, new 12-16.5 tires, 3,402 Hr. Auxiliary Hyd. Serial Num. 843606 sells with a 6.5 Ft high capacity bucket & a 6.5 Ft. low profile bucket.

•1980? Terex model 72-51B articulated loader, Detroit 6V-71, 3 speed Trans with left hand reverser, 5 yard bucket, air ride seat, unkown Hr.

EVERYTHING ELSE

Register to bid at

www.OphusAuctions.com

year, they can be more successful.”

“If they can do all three of those it’s great. If they can do one of them, it’s usually a money making proposition,” he includes.

“What we take home at the end of the day is based on management decisions we made along the way,” Sleugh notes.

Jackson adds, “Manage the grass. Manage the farm.

We will have less problems and more productive animals.”

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

MORKRID FARMS AUCTION

With Guest Consigners Virtual Online Auctions

•Allis-Chalmers 500 rough terrain fork lift, 4 Cyl. gas, runs well, 5,000 # 614 model side shift 12 Ft height.

Alex Anaya

As an example, Jackson recalls her personal operation didn’t see any precipitation from Aug. 11 until Oct. 6.

Lacefield says his first choice when he runs out of pasture is hay.

“Hopefully I’ve got a surplus production of hay,” he adds.

“Poor-quality hay could potentially add more health problems,” Jackson explains. “The cows will be sticking their head to the center of the bale trying to find something that’s any good, and they will have irritation in their eyes from that.”

“Cows should act like we’re pouring out feed when we put hay out for them,” says Jackson.

Grazing management includes planning.

“We’re limited, so that’s

•35 Ft. Sunflower 9435 box drill with transport, Hyd. fold, 10 inch spacing double disk, 2 Pt hitch, 400 gal., poly-liquid fertilizer tank, Hyd disk marker rubber packers Serial Num. AGCS9435BZ900038*30 •Degelman 45 Ft. land roller, 36 inch rollers.

•Degelman 570 H ground drive rock picker, 3 batt reel.

•15 Ft Jeffery’s chisel plow.

•46 Ft older Geysler chisel plow, no wing lift, like new Degelman harrows.

•3 Pt. Ford model 202 6 Ft disk.

• 9 Ft. Ford disk, 18 inch serrated disks on the front gan 2 broken disks.

•3 Pt. Ford 5 Ft rotary mower.

•3 - John Deere LZ 12 Ft. drills, 10 inch steel packers are in great shape.

• 3 - Van Brundt 12 Ft. double disk drills 7 inch spacing.

•57 - Dutch Industries single shoot air seeder boots, part Num. 4015.

ATV’S •2012 Polaris 800 EFI HO side by side ATV, windshield, cab top, front winch, 6 Ft Polaris snowplow, dump box, new battery. ONLY 760 miles.

•2007 Honda TRX 250 TM 4X2 ATV unknown miles.

•2013 Polaris 800 EFI HO side by side, roll bar, dump box. ONLY 751 miles, new Battery

TANKS & SPRAY EQUIPMENT •2011 Spra Coup 7660 cab air heat, air ride seat, 175 Hp diesel, 6 speed power shift Trans, Raven 5000 monitor, 725 gal. poly tank, triple nozzles, 110 Ft booms, 380/90R-46 rear tires, 320/85R-38 front tires one is new, fenders on all four, Ag leader auto steering, Serial Num. AGCS7660VNVIP2085 1,519 Hr.

Auctioneers Note: This will be a Virtual Auction. This will be an online only auction with On-line bidding at the week leading up to and then At 10:00 a.m. Saturday June 27th you will hear the Auctioneers on your smart phone or computer close out the bidding On-line.

PRE-REGISTER EARLY!! The only way to bid and buy at this auction is online. The preview will be held at the Farm 4035 S TIBER ROAD CHESTER, MT. Preview Days will be June 23 and June 25th 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. There will be pickup and load out on June 29 and July 2nd 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

COMBINE & GRAIN HANDLING

2004 John Deere 9760 STS cab air heat radio, 340 Hp, straw chopper, grain tank extensions, new 800/70-R38 drive tires, 18.4-R26 steering tires, Ag leader auto steer, 2,952 engine Hr. 2,199 separator Hr. Serial Num. H09760S706270.

•John Deere 936D combine header, Hyd fore & aft pickup reel, pea auger Transport kit.

Serial Num. H00936D706228.

•2005 John Deere 9760 STS combine, cab air heat radio, 3,071 engine Hr. 2,168 Sep hr.

800/65R-32 drive tires, 18.4R-26 steering tires, Straw chopper rebuilt, copy of recent work order coming.

•John Deere 936D header, 5 batt reel, new center canvas, Serial Num. H00936D706614.

•Farm King 10X70 Mechanical swing out auger.

•Unverferth MFG. Parker 839 grain cart, PTO or hydraulic driven, roll tarp, Hyd. adjustable spout, tank and auger cameras, serial Num. D55 280 144 (nice unit).

•Farm King 8X41 grain auger, no motor.

•2003 Shelbourne CVS 32 Ft striper header, Serial Num. 196555031273246.

•John Deere 914 pickup header & pickup attachment.

•John Deere 914 pickup header with a 14 Ft Swathmaster attachment.

•14 Ft Universal pickup header & Rakeup attachment.

•2 - Westfield folding tailgate drill fill auger with brush augers for peas, (like New).

•2009 John Deere 9770 STS combine, cab air heat radio, 360 Hp, straw chopper, 800/65R32 drive tires, 18.4R-26 steering tires, new batteries, command center, 2,187 engine Hr. 1,211 Sep Hr. copy of Recent work order coming.

•Rem 2500 grain Vac Serial Num. RM25009872.

•Brandt 5000 grain vac.

•Farm King 10X70 Hyd. swing out auger.

•Triangle Industries gravity table grain cleaner.

•Skid mounted poly tank grain treater 25 gal.

•Very old Vac-U-Vator wagon mounted grain vac, Perkins diesel engine.

COLLECTORS • 1959 Chevy Apache 31 pickup 6 Cyl, 4 speed, four wheel drive, the step side box as straight as you will find.

•1936? IH 1 ½ ton truck to restore, left hand door is off, but there.

•Butler MFG. model 3684 visible gas pump glass is gone.

•1963 Chevy ½ pickup, 6 Cyl., 4 speed, step side box, shows 59,000 miles?

•1950s? GMC 5 window cab step side pickup, no engine, for to restore.

Online Virtual Auction begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27th

TRUCKS, TRAILERS & PICKUPS

1985 GMC Brigadier tandem axle truck, 10L Cummins diesel, 9 speed, w/ lift axle, 550 Bu Meridian Goose Tender w/ wireless remote, Backup camera, rear work lights 788,000 miles •1986 freightliner tandem truck, 855 Cummins recent in frame overhaul, 10 speed, steerable air lift tag axle, 11R-22.5 tires, 20 Ft steel box & hoist with roll tarp, 816,000 miles.

•1975 Ford 9000 tandem axle truck, turbo diesel, 5&2 Trans, new batteries, 20 Ft box that has some rust with roll tarp unknown miles.

•1979 Chevy C-60 single axle truck, GM diesel engine, 5&2 speed, power steering, 7,000 # front axle, 17 Ft 3-V aluminum box & hoist, new batteries, new 900R-20 tires on the rear, 59,600 miles.

•1979 International F1924 tandem axle truck, 404 gas, 5&4 speed, new mufflers, roll tarp, clutch, 20 Ft box & hoist, 110,251 miles.

•1998 Timpte 50 Ft all aluminum grain trailer, Ag hoppers, 3rd rear axle lifts with single tires, roll tarp.

•1967 Kenworth W-900 semi, 855 Cummins, 5&4 speed Trans, twin air cleaners & stacks, diff lock, all aluminum frame, shows 358,455 miles?

•1998 CPS tri axle belly dump, 37 Ft long, new springs & equalizers, 11R-24.5 tires, pintle hitch to pull a pup.

•1967 Ford F-600 truck, V-8 engine, 4&2 speed, unknown miles, left fender is dented, 16 Ft box & hoist.

•1957 Chevy Viking C-60 truck, 6 Cyl, 4&2 speed, 16 Ft box & hoist, shows 32,000 miles?

•1975 Chevy C-65 truck, 427, 4&2 speed, 17 Ft box & hoist.

•2004 Chevy 2500 HD 3/4 ton 4X4 extended cab pickup, 6.0L, automatic, Stahl Grand Challenger service body, sells with a JD 14 Hp air compressor •1998 Volvo tandem axle truck, 435 HpN14 Red top Cummins with recent new crate motor, 10 speed, 2 year old Scott brand 18 Ft. steel box & hoist with roll tarp 60 inch sides. Rear hoist controls, 12,000# front axle, new batteries, 11R-22.5 tires, all aluminum rims, 670,215 miles. Sells with a Blizzard brand 8 Ft snow plow with Hyd tips & light bar.

•2001 Chevy 3500 4X4 dually 4 door pickup, elec.

Locks, windows, leather, Air, Duramax diesel, automatic, Bradford Steef flat bed with 5th wheel ball & built in tool boxes, 227,535 miles.

•2004 Ford F-250 XL Super duty 4X4 Reg cab pickup, Power Stroke, 5 speed, Rancher grill guard, headache rack, running boards, 127,599 miles.

•1979 Ford F-250 4X4 pickup, diesel, 4 speed, new batteries, 117,480 miles, poor paint.

VIRTUAL AUCTION ONLY Register Early

AUCTION 10 a.m.

OPHUS AUCTION COMPANY Shane & Gwen Ophus, Owners • Shane, Blaine & Taylor, Auctioneers • Mason Ophus, Clerk FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL SHANE @ (406) 788-6662

12

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 8 • June 20, 2020

It’s the Pitts

by Lee Pitts

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow I inherited two things from my father: His Case pocket knife and his bald-

ing pattern. I had to wait 64 years to get his knife, but I received his baldness from

Visit leepittsbooks.org for more from Lee Pitts.

the day I was born. So as to prevent shock, my mother kept my entire head covered as a baby, but the two photos that exist of me as a child show I was balder than a watermelon.

If you're still having trouble getting a mental picture, I'm a spitting image of FDR on a dime. Only with less hair than the coin has.

The average human scalp has 100,000 hairs, whereas mine has 12, give or take a dozen. I didn't need my first haircut until I was six years old, and even today, I only require three haircuts a year. Even then,

Position Vacancy Executive Director Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts The Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts, a statewide non-profit organization based in Cheyenne, WY, representing Wyoming’s 34 local conservation districts, seeks a highly motivated and dedicated individual to fill the position of Executive Director. The ED reports directly to the Board of Directors. Responsible for financial management, program coordination, grant writing, legislative and policy activities of the association. Includes supervisory responsibilities and extensive travel. A full position description is available on www.conservewy.com. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, background or knowledge of agriculture and private land stewardship, excellent written and verbal communication skills, strategic thinking, problem solving and being a team player. Starting salary $60,000-$65,000 DOE. Health, vision, dental, life insurance. Paid sick/vacation. Retirement. Vehicle provided. EEO. Submit resume including three references and writing sample to bobbie.frank@conservewy.com.

DEADLINE July 6, 2020

RIVERTON LIVESTOCK AUCTION Market Report, Tuesday, June 16, 2020 - No Sale

the barber charges me the full tariff.

I complained about this once, and he said he wasn't charging so much for cutting my hair as he was for finding it. An old barber joke, ha, ha. He said I don't even have enough hair for a combover unless he used the hair growing out of my ears.

I told my barber just once I'd love to know the feeling of the wind blowing my hair in my eyes, but my comedian barber said they'd have to be nose hairs.

I know, I know, I need to find a barber with better jokes.

It's hard to believe, but 50 years ago hats weren't as popular as they are today. I started the trend because I wore one all the time, usually a baseball cap. Now days, you'll probably see me wearing a Carhartt® beanie because my noggin is always frostier than the Queen of England on a Scottish morning in January.

I still wear a ball cap, cowboy hat or beanie at all times, even at night, and this is the reason I don't go to church, funerals or weddings, because you're supposed to remove your headwear on such occasions. I wore one once to a Catholic funeral and the priest sought me out afterwards to tell me he thought he saw an apparition or the second coming of Christ when I removed my hat, but it

“I still wear a ball cap, cowboy hat or beanie at all times, even at night, and this is the reason I don't go to church, funerals or weddings, because you're supposed to remove your headwear on such occasions.” – Lee Pitts was just the glow from my chrome dome.

Sadly, I have yet to find any baldness support groups or follicular telethons, so I must suffer in silence. I just wish the bullying would stop.

For instance, the last time we were preg checking cows, the bullying had reached fever pitch when ReRide mentioned he'd read hair whorls on a bull's face were an indicator of fertility. Facial hair was also found to be linked to temperament and scrotal development. Naturally, it was pointed out that I was both bald and childless.

Fred chimed in that down through the ages, various homemade cures have been tried to solve the puzzle of cranial deforestation and hair depletion syndrome. He said some native Americans believed skunk oil or a poultice of cow manure would make hair grow where only a follicle desert existed previously.

Before I knew it, two ruffian cowboys had removed my new straw cowboy hat, made in the style preferred by PRCA cowboys now days, with

lots of crosshatching and air holes. I was aghast when I saw one bully holding my hat under the cow's rear end while the other pumped the cow's tail up and down like a pump handle.

The next thing I knew they were attempting to put my hat back on my head that was half full of manure.

The hat was, not me.

Because it was a new hat, and because I'm a tightwad, I hated throwing it away, so I used a highpressure sprayer and seven kinds of industrial cleaner to remove any trace of manure. Evidently, it wasn't enough, because in two weeks I was sprouting little microscopic hairs that were growing in the same stylish weave as my straw hat.

I was growing hair faster than green grass grows after three inches of rain.

So be watching for an all-new product that beats hair plugs, Rogaine® or anything else for growing hair. I call it Lee’s Magic Hat. But just as with the Impossible Burger®, sausage and Chicken McNuggets®, don't tell anyone what it's made of.

Early Consignments

TUESDAY, JUNE 23 ALL CATTLE CLASSES W/ SHEEP & HORSES START TIME 9:30 AM W/ SHEEP & WEIGH UPS PAIRS Hellyer Ranch - 51 Blk Ang Pairs (17 Hd 2 & 3 Yr olds, 19 Hd 4, 5 & 6 Yr olds, 12 Hd 7 & 8 Yr olds, 3 Hd 9 & 10 Yr olds). Popo Agie Angus genetics & Popo Agie Angus sired calves. High elevation. Ranch raised. One brand, fancy!

Gail O’Neal - 20 Blk 2-8 Yr Old Pairs. Tagged to match. March born calves. Cows are 30 days exposed. Reputation, fancy Pairs!

Larry Love - 15 Blk & Red ST Pairs. Tagged to match. April born calves. Cows have not been running back with bulls. Fancy!

P/T Livestock - 12 Blk Ang 2-9 Yr old Pairs. Tagged to match. Predominately AI sired genetics from top bulls in the business. Fancy, high elevation genetics from a reputation program!

Horton Land & Livestock - 7- 3-5 Yr old Pairs. Tagged to match. Calves rec C & D. Cows have been running back with bulls. Fancy, young Pairs!

BRED COWS Middelstadt Ranch - 5 ST Bred cows. Calving now. High elevation.

Horton Land & Livestock - 2 Bred cows. Bred to Blk Ang bulls, calving now.

YEARLINGS Middelstadt Ranch - 7 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 700-800#. All natural. Grass fed.

WEIGH UPS V Ranch - 30 weigh cows Lockhart Cattle Co - 6 weigh cows Middelstadt Ranch - 5 open cows Ted Seely - 3 weigh cows SHEEP Johnson Farms - 300 Crossbred Lambs 80-85#. New crop Feeder Lambs. High quality, fancy!

Mike Cuin - 10 BWF Lambs 85#. Jan born. Rec CD & T shot. Fancy!

Dillon & Elayna Hedges - 5 Yrling Ewes 1 Two Yr old Ewe. All Ewes weaned lambs of 85 lbs. Fancy, show ring genetics! Bloodlines include Sanchez, Burch & Griffin genetics.

HORSES Hayden Bales - 14 Year Old Gelding. Very broke, very light neck rein. Perfect for trail riding. Has been used on a Guest ranch.

TUESDAY, JUNE 30 - No sale TUESDAY, JULY 7 ALL CATTLE CLASSES • START TIME 9:30 AM W/ WEIGH UPS Contact: Riverton Livestock Auction (307) 856-2209; Jeff Brown (307) 850-4193 • Tom Linn (307) 728-8519 Mark Winter (580) 747-9436 www.rivertonlivestock.com also watch our live cattle auction at www.cattleusa.com

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

TUESDAY, JUL TUESDAY, JULY 14 ALL CATTLE CLASSES W/ SHEE

START TIME 9:30 AM W/ SHEEP &