June 6, 2020

Volume 32 Number 6 • June 6, 2020

®

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

A Look Inside Dairy Farmers of America celebrates National Dairy Month............................ Page 2 Alfalfa productivity can be improved in multiple ways.............................. Page 5 Dick Perue honors his brother’s memory by sharing a story he wrote.............................. Page 6 Lee Pitts discusses the recipe that makes America so great............................ Page 12

Quick Bits Corn prices

Wet weather forecasts sent July futures 0.015 cents per bushel higher to $3.255 as concerns over planting progress. September futures also added 0.015 cents per bushel the morning of June 4 to $3.30. Cash corn prices fell on the Illinois River on June 3, but rose slightly on the Mississippi River.

UW researches potential of genomic testing “At the Wyoming Stock Growers Association meeting a few years ago, we received some feedback from producers noting heifer selection and feed efficiency were two of their greatest concerns

from a genetic standpoint,” explains Dr. Chris Bastian, professor of agricultural and applied economics at the University of Wyoming (UW).

After working with colleague Dr. Nicole Ball-

inger, who was interested in genomic testing, Bastian explains they, with other colleagues, put in a proposal for a small competitive grant with UW’s Agriculture Experiment Station (AES) so they

could perform an analysis on the economic potential of genomic testing on cow/calf operations.

“Genomic testing technology has been adopted in the seedstock

Please see UW on page 4

Moving forward

CattleFax optimistic about market rebound “Clearly, at this point in time, COVID-19 is the dominating factor shaping markets in the agriculture sector, and every other sector in the U.S. economy for that matter right now,” states Patrick Linnell, CattleFax analyst, during CattleFax’s most recent Cow/Calf Trends webinar, published May 20.

“The lowest production levels we’ve seen occurred in April, but they are now behind us, and we have only continued to see increases in production as the year moves forward,” he adds.

During the webinar, Linnell provides an update on current and past market numbers, as Please see MARKET on page 11

COVID-19

Coronavirus cases in the U.S. as of June 4 totaled 1,851,520 cases, up 19,699 cases from June 3, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

The death toll rose by 994 lives to 107,175 deaths.

Soy sales USDA announced a 6.8 million-bushel soybean sale to an unknown buyer June 3. Many analysts believe the shipment will go to China after a Reuters report on June 1 found state-owned Chinese firms to have booked soybean purchases amidst rising diplomatic tensions. Over 2.4 million bushels are earmarked for shipment in the current marketing year, while the remaining 4.4 million bushels will be exported after the new marketing year begins on Sept. 1.

Wheat exports Analysts estimate 2019-20 wheat exports sales to range between 1.8 million to 9.2 million bushels for the second to last reporting week for exports in the 2019-20 marketing year. New crop sales are estimated at 3.7 million to 22 million bushels. The 2019-20 export projection was 970 million bushels, but with barely a week left in the marketing year, U.S. wheat shipments are on better pace to reach 900 million bushels.

Production predicted –CattleFax predicts total cattle production will remain constrained through June, then pick up to numbers closer to normal. Hannah Bugas photo

Pageant canceled The Miss Rodeo Wyoming Association announced the cancelation of the Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2021 Pageant, originally scheduled for Aug. 11-15, during the Wyoming State Fair.

The decision was made after Miss Rodeo America Inc. released a statement canceling the Miss Rodeo America 2021 Pageant.

“I am saddened by the announcement that the Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2021 Pageant has been canceled,” said Miss Rodeo Wyoming National Director and Pageant Chair Crystal Myers. “This was a tough decision to make and one that was not taken lightly.”

Due to the cancelation, Rachel Derner, Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2020, will continue her reign through 2021 and represent Wyoming at the Miss Rodeo America 2022 Pageant, held during the Wrangler National Finals in December 2021. She will be the first Miss Rodeo Wyoming in history to hold the title for two consecutive years.

Although cancelations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have left Derner with a minimal appearance schedule, she will still make some scheduled appearances in 2020.

Derner also plans on attending the Wyoming State Fair, Evanston Cowboy Days and local county fairs, as well as some out-of state appearances.

Details about Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2022 will be announced at a later date and will address the eligibility of contestants who were planning on running for Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2021.

For more information, visit missrodeowyoming.com.

Sugarbeets Better markets predicted According to CoBank Knowledge Exchange Division Manager Tanner Ehmke, U.S. sugar producers could expect “sweeter times ahead” moving into the 2020-21 marketing season.

Ehmke noted the severe crop production losses for the 2019-20 marketing year inflicted significant financial stress on many U.S. sugarbeet growers and processors.

“Many U.S. sugarbeet growers financed their spring crop planting with crop insurance indemnity payments and financial aid from USDA while processors struggled with less throughput and lower extraction rates amid high fixed costs,” Ehmke explains.

He continues, “The smaller Mexican cane sugar crop and capacity constraints to convert raw sugar to refined sugar in the U.S. will continue supporting U.S. sugar prices heading into this fall’s sugarbeet harvest, which should allow U.S. processors to market their expected record crop at lofty prices.”

He notes COVID-19 has had minimal impact on total U.S. sugar demand, but processors will be watching retail and food service sales closely in the months ahead as state and local economies reopen.

“Assuming normal harvest weather returns this Please see SUGAR on page 5

Dairy/beef cross discussed Although creating an industry for crossbred dairy/beef cattle is a work in progress, Dr. Grant Crawford, technical services manager for Merck Animal Health, believes the timing to get involved in the industry is perfect.

During the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association’s virtual conference on April 8, Crawford explains in 2019 alone, nearly 1.4 to 1.8 million dairy/beef crossbred cattle were harvested for beef.

“It is estimated four million will be harvested in the next three to five years, maybe even longer,” he notes.

Profitability is the end game “In order to take advantage of the

dairy/beef crossbred market, the successful cross will have acceptable ribeye shape, a 900-pound carcass, grade in the upper two-thirds of Choice, provide a good yield and have no other discounts,” Crawford explains.

He notes dairy producers, feedlot operators and packers have different priorities when it comes to choosing the right animals.

“Dairy farmers prioritize calving ease, while feedlots prioritize health, growth and efficiency,” he explains.

“Packers’ priorities are quality and yield grade, size, predictability and

periodical

periodical

Please see CROSS on page 4

2

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 6 • June 6, 2020

We’re Gaining In Time Well, it is the first of June and we hope and pray we are making progress with the whole COVID-19 issue. While we have made progress within the big picture, the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and those who have From the been rioting, looting and burning Publisher up businesses is a huge setback for Dennis Sun the citizens of this country.

I know the death of George Floyd was unnecessary and tragic, and those involved should be given their day in court. I’ve never lived in a big city, and I’m glad of it. There is no doubt these protests are justified, but they should be peaceful. You don’t have to destroy our cities to make a point.

The news is reporting most of the individuals who have been arrested are from out of town. If this is the case, someone is paying them to cause all this destruction. That is another tragedy. Living in this region, it is hard to believe just what is happening.

It would be hard to protect a business or building with the large numbers of rioters. These actions have to be a boon for gun manufacturers. I don’t understand why these cities can’t use more of the National Guard to protect their citizens, businesses and buildings. It shouldn’t have to be Americans fighting Americans.

They have even driven President Trump into the White House bunker for safety. That hasn’t happened since 9/11.

In other news, the packinghouses are producing more products and the meat cases in the grocery stores seem to have more inventory. But, there are still meat shortages in some areas of the country.

Some good news is that through the middle of May, U.S. ground beef sales increased more than $1 billion compared to the same period last year, and poultry was also up. I see those figures as a result of the high cost of beef, $15 plus for a pound steak is going to have you looking elsewhere in the meat case.

They are finding out the number of market-ready cattle backlogged in the feedlots may not be as large as once thought, which is good news. Some are saying there is as few as half million head as compared to the estimated one million count.

The cattle on feed inventory was down five percent on May 1, and some are projecting a 28 percent lowering of steer and heifer slaughter during May. We also need the lamb and wool market to get higher, or in the case of the wool market, it really just needs a market.

While beef exports are still good and helping the price, we look forward to the summer internet sales to establish a market. Imports of beef now are at around 11 percent of beef consumed and most of this is lean hamburger grind. What we don’t like is meat products coming from Africa and Brazil. I just don’t trust them to give us a safe product.

In time, all of this will be behind us, but marking time can be a challenge.

GUEST OPINIONS DFA Asks Nation to Spread #GallonsofGood

By Dairy Farmers of America After schools closed early and community meal services suspended amid the COVID-19 crisis, the need for reliable, nutritious food is even greater for thousands of families across the country.

In response, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) family farm-owners have donated the equivalent of more than 625,000 gallons of milk to the many families faced with hunger who relied on these services over the past few months.

Additionally, through the creation of the DFA Cares Farmers Feeding Families Fund, DFA and its farm owners are raising money to help provide essential support and deliver much-needed dairy products to community food banks across the county. To date, DFA has raised more than $500,000.

“With job losses, food insecurity and the need for additional supplies at food banks at an all-time high, we’re grateful for our family farmers, employees, industry partners and friends in the community for all they are doing in the midst of this pandemic to get dairy from the farm to the tables for those in need,” said Monica

Massey, DFA executive vice president and chief of staff.

Starting June 1, deemed World Milk Day, DFA is encouraging everyone to join them in the Gallons of Good initiative.

For every social media post sharing what you’re grateful for using #GallonsofGood during the month of June, DFA will donate $1 to help local food banks purchase milk through the Farmers Feeding Families Fund.

“In times like this, when people are trying to feed their families with sometimes scarce resources, they know dairy offers a wealth of nutrition, yet it’s one of the least donated items at food banks,” said Massey.

“As a community of more than 13,000 family dairy farmers, we know initiatives like #GallonsofGood are more important than ever to get more milk into the hands of people who need it most.”

To kick off the 20 th anniversary of World Milk Day and spread the word about #GallonsofGood, DFA is shining a light on all the dairy industry efforts with a video all

about dairy goodness. You can learn more and watch the milk jug fill as posts are shared all month long during June Dairy Month at GallonsofGood.com.

Additionally, throughout June Dairy Month, DFA family farmers across the country will deliver more than 10,000 gallons of milk to local communities through milk giveaways, food drives and donations to local food banks.

Follow along throughout the month on @dfamilk on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

DFA celebrates World Milk Day every year to

National Dairy Month – In a time when the need for nutritious food is even greater, it is as important as ever to recognize the benefits of dairy. WYLR photo

farm credit services of america announces july retirement for martha weischedel.

Farm Credit Services of America would like to announce the retirement of Martha Weischedel on July 3, 2020. Martha has served as the Customer Service Specialist in the Casper retail office for the past 17 years. FCSAmerica would like to recognize Martha for her years of outstanding customer service to customers and teammates.

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

In her retirement announcement, Martha remarked, “Thank you customers for allowing me to serve you over the years, each phone call and each visit to your farm or ranch was special. I will always think of you as family! Farm Credit Services of America has GREAT customers. I will miss you all.” Cards in recognition of Martha’s retirement may be mailed to: Farm Credit Services of America, 1401 Wilkins Circle, Casper WY 82601.

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

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

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

This publication is © 2020 by Maverick Press, Inc.

recognize the importance of milk as a global food.

Organized by the United Nations twenty years ago, World Milk Day shares and celebrates the important contributions that the dairy industry adds to nutrition, communities, sustainability, livelihoods and economic development. Last year, World Milk Day was celebrated with 426 events in 68 countries.

DFA is a national farmer-owned dairy cooperative focusing on quality, innovation and the future of family dairies.

For more information, visit dfamilk.com.

Volume 31

Number

4 • May 25,

2019

Volume 31 Number 9 • June 29, 2019

Volume 30 ®

Number 44

• March 2,

2019

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U.S. military the equine the last few years.

Hinners spoke of the Sheridan Research down in the thebeginning referring to to previ- of in ous year. industry, about has made natural resources went export opportunities “Since the and Extension Center and the energy been entrusted y Drop “When of a job in for the U.S. associate professor at the Rabou were out time, we have Econom survey of USDA’s monthly Catcreation,” many people University of Wyoming.

Emerging markets to care for involved in the tle on Feed reports showed A monthly 10 Plains those in of big a Weed and Pest program Emerging said cattle and calves on feed “That is rural bankers states showed South Korea markets like “The history of weed ag industry. for the slaughter market in play an enorand western the confidence are important Transporting to U.S. agriculture in control in the state of deal. Producerscaring for crethe United States for feedThe a decline in for rolehay because economy. for export by mous else production Wyoming is pretty long lots with capacity of 1,000 rail to There is nobody of the farm in survey ports is becoming exceeds what this country ation. West Coast directly and extensive and dates in who or more head totaled 11.7 Rural Mainstreet it decline can consume. a a growing trend, according in the world back to 1896,” said Frank“According every single million head on June 1. The May showed 50 in April to CattleFax to The from Hoyt Report.effects literally lin. data, each of “Now, we probinventory was 2% above Scores the index Thisperson.” us is occurin May. growring becauseliving ably have the best Weed consume anotherwould need to problems June 1, 2018 and the highest to 48.5 Big world suggest a “Fifty rates, new of competitive and Pest program in the red meat each 40 pounds of June 1 inventory since the above 50 continued, trucking while scores Rabou regula- world’s poptions and country.” up with our year just to keep series began in 1996. shrinking economy, Bull test -a general of the production,” indicate a The Wyoming percent shortless than age of available Today, WyWP conHinners says. below 50 Beef Cattle will holds its lives on Test The survey’s Improvement transport ulation 40 percent trucks. categories, the econwas complete,annual sale on March sists of two ing economy.

Exports are Association a day, and test page index for 5 15. and bulls were As WyWP districts Hereford cows - Some cows, such as these Herefords in Torrington, are fed$2.50 for U.S. grain also positive confidence months dropped in a lot during 1, theand the ready to go. of March see AG on Please certain producers.

Curt times of the year. Callie Hanson photo WyWP council.

Cox photo The penultimate sale of omy in six 38.2, the lowest “Eleven percent “The WyWP districts the 2018-19 wool selling seaof the from 50 to years. value of a bushel 2 of grain can Please see WEEDS on page 12 son produced another week of in almost be attributed to deal losses, photo following in the footners continues. exports,” HinRoundup may not The Wyoming Livestock address steps of price reductions expeWyoming notes producers Liveway they In fact, the National stockFoster Weed Spread same Board (WLSB) a threat rienced during the previous the erosion, eagles the predators.

Corn Growers Association scheduled has Torrington - The George Ochsner Ranchpose was chosen Among the a tele-conferenc left about4-H and the county level th entirefor with As the temperatures two weeks. The Eastern Marand bald eagles or other rise, to know is profor a chance to comwreckage Partnerships moting the coyotes meeting across theEnvironmental 2019 Wyoming Golden Stock Growers Association e from two things between conservation value debris and of major flood for March says, FFAarestudents ket Indicator (EMI) is now acrossnotproducers Wyoming at the Wyoming State Fair held in to successfully Please see WORLD of grain 7 at 10 Foster sheep Stewardship to toconserving pete Award and a celebration of the awarda.m. is meeting and tour “There eagles,” WS organizations in the wake are gearing with with 350 cents below the record it up work compete on page A18 may be one at their local August. across by eagles agricultural are key include dealingtopics the nation. can to took place onstate legislative Juneof 20.Wyoming.

What began as a humble family of sheep saysoperevents, weedsthings growcounty in Wyoming producers Han- in August of last year fairs as achieved updates wellRecently, asand thethey Wyoming Though lands competitive in nature, native ing that and ation in 1923, has“Predation and the Canine dysautonomi grown into a multi-generational, an problems in Wyoming,” executive eagle multi-facthis State Agency of the last partnership Fort Bridger the State by floodFair − a Wyoheld session, reduction of 16.5%. The in Douglas.

Their hard alleviate character (WS) common and friendships made durService been shrouded Wyoming Stock help displayedbuilt a (CD) if Farm the eted operationfairly that values essary. both family Services and the environment. pro- The about. nah Bugas joined EMIteam ers affected a significant work with andnecdedication will be put to test Growers Wildlife as ing call-in work these times are priceless.

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 6 • June 6, 2020

3

NEWS BRIEFS Non-resident camping open Beginning June 1, Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources announced camping in Wyoming State Parks is open to out-of state residents.

Regardless of residency, all persons interested in camping at Wyoming State Parks must still go through the reservation system to secure a campsite at all locations except Hawk Springs State Recreation Area, some sites on the west side of Boysen State Park and Connor Battlefield State Historic Site near Ranchester. These areas are still open on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Additionally, a headquarters building at the various Wyoming State Parks have opened, allowing for the sale of annual day-use and overnight camping permits.

Visitors are asked to join staff in adhering to social distancing recommendations whether meeting in offices, recreating at boat ramps, working at fish cleaning stations or gathering at beaches and other areas.

Cabins and yurts are available for three-day reservations, Friday through Sunday. This will ensure each structure is cleaned and disinfected prior to the next reservation.

Wyoming State Parks continues to request people recreate responsibly so Wyoming State Parks can continue to remain open for all to enjoy.

Draft plan released The University of Wyoming (UW) has released a draft plan to restart on-campus educational experiences this fall, including measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and a mixture of in-person and online courses.

The plan is based on the work of over 100 faculty members, staff, students and administrators in five working groups that have focused on topics including scheduling and instructional delivery, research, social structure, university operations, personnel policies and community/state interaction.

“It is clear our students and our state are depending upon the university to return to some semblance of normalcy this fall, and this plan charts a course to do so as safely and as reasonably as possible,” Acting President Neil Theobald said. “There are risks associated with bringing students back to campus, but the risks of not doing so are greater. We intend to do what we can to minimize the risks for our students, faculty, staff and state.”

To view the complete draft plan, visit uwyo. edu/trustees/_files/docs/2020-board-meeting-materials/2020_june_supplemental/campusreopeningplan-06.02/20_draft.pdf.

The university is accepting public comment on the plan, which could be adjusted before it is presented to the UW Board of Trustees during its regular teleconference meeting June 10. Input will be accepted through June 5.

Offices reopen

Winners announced

Building the collection of agriculture reading materials in Wyoming elementary libraries so students can learn more about the importance of agriculture is the goal of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R) Committee’s “Ag Books for Kids” project.

This year county Farm Bureaus across the state donated 694 books, titled Right This Very Minute, by Lisl H. Detlefsen to Wyoming Elementary schools as part of the project.

The students then had the opportunity to participate in a contest, including three categories, to show what they learned about agriculture.

The “Ag for Books” 2020 coloring contest winner was Trayden Taylor, a kindergartner from Crook County, and Tilly Neves, first grader from Big Horn County, was the runner up.

Lincoln County second-grader Camille Draney won the poster contest, followed by fellow second-grader Kelli Anne Blake of Fremont County.

Dane, a fourth grader from Lincoln County, won the marketing ad contest and Rylee Dockery, a fifth grader from Fremont County was the runner up.

Contest winners in each of the three contests received a $50 gift card from WyFB and a Right This Very Minute book signed by Gov. Mark Gordon. The runner ups in each contest received a $25 gift card and a book.

Board meeting scheduled The Animal Damage Management Board will be meeting via Zoom on Thursday, June 11 at 8 a.m. During the meeting, the board will consider grant applications for wildlife and animal damage studies across the state and receive updates on various issues.

Those who wish to attend the meeting can visit zoom. us, using the meeting ID 89345141974. They can also call in using any of the following phone numbers: 253215-8782, 346-248-7799, 408-638-0968, 669-900-6833, 301-715-8592, 312-626-6799 or 646-876-9923. The password for both the Zoom meeting and calling in is 108315.

SATURDAY JUNE 13, 2020 • 10 A.M. 1229 ROAD 11 1/2 LOVELL, WY

University of Wyoming (UW) Extension offices will begin opening on a county-by-county basis as restrictions ease and individual county health protocols are followed in addition to the governor’s recommendations in determining when and how services are offered.

“As face-to-face services resume, our educators will adhere to local orders regarding group size, social distancing and recommendations associated with personal protective equipment,” said Kelly Crane, UW Extension director. “People attending inperson events, including 4-H club meetings or coming to our offices need to follow local guidance on appropriate personal protection equipment and other relevant health department guidance.”

According to Wyoming 4-H Program Director Johnathan Despain, 4-H opportunities including club meetings will resume county-by-county and follow the county and governor’s recommendations.

“Everyone needs to be aware of county limitations and know 4-H experiences will be different for members based on where they live, applicable health restrictions and subsequent opportunities,” Despain said.

Cent$ible Nutrition Program (CNP) Director Mindy Meuli noted CNP classes will continue online in the coming weeks as preparations are made to offer in-person classes later in the summer.

UW Extension advises residents to contact their county offices for local information and to determine if they are open.

County office contact information can be found at uwyo.edu/ uwe/county.

WLSB scheduled to meet The Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) has scheduled a public meeting for June 18 at 9 a.m. The board and administrators will meet in person while maintaining social distance, and the public will be able to call into the meeting.

Topics discussed will include the budget, an update on the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources meeting, a state veterinarian report, rescinding the Brucellosis Area of Concern, voluntary use of radio frequency identification tags, secure supply plans, among many other topics. An executive session to discuss legal personnel issues will also occur if needed.

The call in number for the public meeting is 877-2782734 and the PIN number is 533126.

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4

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 6 • June 6, 2020

UW continued from page 1 sector, but because it is so expensive, it generally isn’t utilized in cow/calf operations. Therefore, we wanted to perform an analysis on its potential in the cow/calf sector of the beef industry,” he explains.

Data collection “After Dr. Ballinger retired, I felt like feed efficiency was a bigger concern for the cow/calf industry because there is more of a chance for profitability improvement,” Bastian says. “The problem was, there was a lot less data, in fact there are no data on the topic, so we started piecing together information on feeding trials and looking for data on feedlot cattle.”

Bastian explains his analysis looked at data gathered by Dr. Steven Paisley at UW’s James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Cen-

ter (SAREC) in Goshen County.

“They collected the data with a GrowSafe system, which logs the animal through an electronic identification tag and measures how much they eat each time they go up to the feed bunk. They coupled that with frequent weighings,” he explains.

“We took data on their feed intake, average daily gain, calculated their average feed efficiency and sorted them into above average and below average groups.”

The analysis From the data collected at SAREC, Bastian explains they found an average improvement of 13 percent for animals that performed above average, which is the number they used in their analysis.

“We then analyzed steers and set up a feedlot budget that would be rep-

resentative of the Intermountain West. Then we analyzed the potential profitability,” Bastian explains.

“Assuming we could improve all animals by 13 percent, we wanted to understand what it would do in terms of profitability, so we worked backwards to figure out what it would cost a cow/calf producer at a normal replacement rate,” he continues.

Therefore, Bastian notes they set up the analysis to measure the improvement in profitability after seven years of using the feed efficiency marker to select heifers with the end goal of 13 percent improvement in the herd’s feed intake.

He also notes their analysis looked at two different herd sizes – an average ranch with 200 cows and an average ranch with 521 cows.

The analysis lasted a year and a half.

The results “Keep in mind, there

is absolutely no data out there linking the genomic marker for feed efficiency to performance, but we did come up with some numbers that offer really great insight,” Bastian says.

“If producers started the selection process out by testing their entire herd, then only testing heifers every year, selecting for feed efficiency wouldn’t show positive returns until year eight or year 10 for the 200 cow operations,” he explains.

For the cow/calf herds with 521 cows, Bastian says they would potentially see positive returns by year seven.

“The research shows if we can improve herd feed efficiency by 13 percent, it would take a long time to pay for current genomic testing costs,” he notes.

“This is why it is economically wise for cow/calf producers not to spend money on genomic testing right now. Instead, they are better off selecting for traits they have been selecting

“This is why it is economically wise for cow/calf producers not to spend money on genomic testing right now. Instead, they are better off selecting for traits they have been selecting for all along using other data such as EPDs.” – Dr. Chris Bastian, University of Wyoming for all along using other data such as EPDs.” He continues, “Until the technology gets cheaper, I don’t see the benefit from an economic standpoint, and until it becomes profitable for the cow/calf producer, I

don’t think we will see widespread adoption of genomic testing.”

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

CROSS continued from page 1 low contaminations.”

However, he also points out all three entities aim for profitability.

Breed differences and challenges One of the challenges crossbreeding beef and dairy cows may cause, according to Crawford, is that dairy breeds don’t perform as well as beef breeds in regards to rate of gain and efficiency.

“A Jersey cow will have an average rate of daily gain of 2.5 pounds, and a Holstein will average 2.7 to 2.9 pounds compared to a crossbred beef calf at 3.2 to 3.4 pounds,” he says.

He notes Holsteins also tend to be more sensitive to a number of issues, including weather.

“Health is an issue leading to discounts for Holsteins at the packer,” Crawford states. “Dairy cows are likely to have abscesses, largely due to early grain feeding and extended days on feed.

This costs the packer money.”

He continues, “Also, Holstein carcasses can be too big for the frames in packing plants. If the Holstein carcass drags on the table or floor, it has to be discarded.”

Another reason dairy carcasses are discounted, is the narrow shape of the ribeye, according to Crawford.

“Improving this component can make the dairy-beef crossbreed more desirable to packers,” says Crawford.

“The current discount is $3.6 per hundredweight, which amounts to nearly $31 per head, based on a 900-pound carcass.”

“Crossbreeding to avoid this discount can provide a huge opportunity to add value,” he states.

Revising genetics and management According to Crawford, there has recently been more talk about using Holstein cows as recipients for beef embryos.

“They could produce a higher-value beef calf and the cost could be about $60 per transfer, including embryo service costs,” he says.

“When dairy farmers are thinking of what to do with a lower genetic dairy cow, this might be an alternative.”

However, Crawford notes another challenge is the poorer health of dairy calves.

“There needs to be a focus on colostrum, cattle comfort, ventilation and illness prevention,” he says. “Hoof problems also seem to be a growing issue with Holstein cattle, which won’t just disappear with crossbreeding.”

As for growth, Crawford thinks dairy/beef crossbred cow producers could benefit from using implants, beta-agonists and MGA for heifers.

“Producers interested in the dairy/beef crossbreed industry need to watch for market signals and use good genetics,” he suggests. “They also may want to retain ownership, partner with a feedlot or participate in buy-back programs.”

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

USDA clarifies CFAP

Due to a large amount of questions received regarding where specific groups of cattle fit into the categories outlined in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), USDA released clarification as to where cattle fit into each category.

These categories include newborn calves, calves, bucket calves, heiferettes, steers, weaned calves, backgrounded cattle, stockers/feeders and feeder calves, yearlings, open heifers, replacement heifers, bred heifers, first-calf heifers, bred cows, open cows retained in a herd, open cows sent to slaughter, culled cows, culled herd bulls, herd bulls and fat steers and heifers.

These category classifications can be found at farmers.gov/cfap/livestock.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 6 • June 6, 2020

EXTENSION EDUCATION

By Anowar Islam, UW Extension Forage Specialist

Potassium Application and Cutting Schedules Can Improve Alfalfa Productivity – Part IV In my last few articles, I discussed requirements of potassium in alfalfa, utilization of potassium in alfalfa for its growth and yield and factors such as soil and plant factors that affect potassium uptake in alfalfa. Today, I will wrap up my discussion on potassium and cutting

schedules affecting potassium uptake and productivity of alfalfa.

As I discussed earlier, potassium is a major macronutrient and its requirement in alfalfa is very high.

Potassium contributes to the productivity of alfalfa through enhancing plant metabolism and improving

SUGAR continued from page 1 fall, U.S. sugarbeet growers and cooperatives are expected to have a stronger year financially for the 2020-21 crop,” according to Ehmke. “Improved production and high prices offer a much-needed recovery from the stressful 201920 growing season.”

Stressors and production “The U.S. sugarbeet industry has experienced multiple financial stressors from production losses in some regions of the U.S. stemming from reduced sugarbeet harvested acreage, lower quality sugarbeets and an abbreviated processing season that has hurt both growers and the cooperatives that process the sugarbeets into refined sugar,” Ehmke explains.

He continues, “Some processors had to declare force majeure on contracted sugar in affected areas as a result of the significant loss in sugarbeet production. Although refined sugar prices have rallied, the 2019-20 sugarbeet harvest had been previously marketed at much lower prices.”

“The steep loss in production hurt both proces-

sors and growers, with USDA stepping in to provide $285 million in financial aid to U.S. sugarbeet growers in April 2020 in time for planting of the 2020-21 sugarbeet crop,” he says. “This financial support helped stressed growers cover planting costs.”

According to Ehmke, the 2019 harvest of sugarbeets was the fifth biggest year-over-year decline on record with a decline of 14 percent, with some prominent sugarbeet-producing states falling more than 20 percent. In addition, abandonment levels were the highest since the Great Depression, with 13.5 percent of fields left unharvested and yields reached a five-year low.

To support U.S. sugarbeet growers heading into the 2020-21 growing season, USDA delivered $285 million in relief payments to sugarbeet growers via sugarbeet cooperatives across the country through Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity ProgramPlus (WHIP+) in March and April, playing an integral role in helping farm-

5

plant stress response and regulation of water loss.

To realize complete benefits of potassium, some agronomic management practices such as cutting schedules should be considered seriously for alfalfa production systems.

Potassium and cutting schedules The time of cut is crucial for maximizing yield, quality and stand longevity of alfalfa. This is especially important because of the trade-off between forage yield and quality of alfalfa. As a result, cutting times can influence uptake of potassium in alfalfa.

In general, frequently cutting alfalfa at an early time lowers root reserve and vigor of the plant prior to the next cut. High quantities of potassium are absorbed by the plant to boost the metabolic pro-

cesses and facilitate the translocation of photosynthates in its root and crown to accelerate growth until future cuts.

On the other hand, in frequently late cutting times, the root reserve is reduced moderately in the plant with a decline in its vigor. Consequently, moderate quantities of potassium are absorbed by the plants to boost regrowth rate for satisfactory plant growth until the next cut.

These traits were observed in an ongoing study at the James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center near Lingle. The uptake of potassium by alfalfa has great impact on the productivity of alfalfa. There was a positive relationship between potassium uptake and alfalfa forage yield.

ers finance the planting of the 2020-21 crop sugarbeet crop.

“Processors were also negatively impacted by the steep drop in sugarbeet production. Some processors declared force majeure on contracts with buyers due to the crop losses,” Ehmke says. “And because sugarbeet processing plants also have high fixed costs and can only process sugarbeets, processors in areas with big crop losses suffered significant financial losses.”

He continues, “Lower sugarbeet quality also impacted processors’ profitability. Hard freezes and early frosts last year hindered sugar accumulation in beets with the nationwide average sugar extraction rate from slice falling to 14.3 percent this year –

the lowest since the 201617 crop.”

“However, with fewer beets to process, processors were able to make up for lower-beet quality by slowing the processing pace to push extraction rates higher,” says Ehmke.

Outlook Ehmke notes growers and processors are expected to see better than normal conditions in 2020-21 following this year’s stressful year wrought with extreme weather and market uncertainty.

“While wet field conditions again disrupt spring planting efforts for sugarbeet growers, total acreage planted is expected to increase year over year and drive total production higher despite the expectations of lower yields caused by later planting,”

Results from the study suggest cutting schedules play a major role in determining the amount of potassium required by alfalfa to optimize growth and yields.

Alfalfa fertilized with high amounts of potassium, 150 pounds potassium [K2O] per acre, at early cutting, late bud to the early 10 percent bloom stage, and with moderate amounts of potassium, 100 pounds potassium [K2O] per acre, at late cutting, seven to 10 days after early cut, schedules resulted in high potassium uptake by alfalfa.

This trait eventually produced high forage yields of 6,350 versus 6,185 pounds per acre, in respective potassium application rates. This indicates delaying cut for a few days in alfalfa reduces

the requirement of potassium for high forage yields and vice versa.

The study will continue for a few more years.

However, based on three years of observations, it is encouraged alfalfa growers should consider cutting schedules when making decisions on potassium fertilization for sustaining high yield in the longer term.

Please keep an eye on my future writings of updated results of potassium and cutting effects on alfalfa productivity.

Anowar Islam is a professor and the University of Wyoming Extension forage specialist in the Department of Plant Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He can be reached at 307-766-4151 or mislam@uwyo.edu.

“USDA currently is predicting the 2020-21 sugarbeet crop currently being planted to be 18 percent larger year over year at 33.7 million short tons – assuming a return to normal harvest weather this fall.” – Tanner Ehmke, CoBank he says.

“USDA’s Prospective Plantings report forecasts U.S. sugarbeet acreage at 1,138,500 acres for 2020, up slightly year over year by 6,500 acres,” he says.

“Total acreage, though, will likely be revised upward with farmers expected to make up for lower yields to fulfill their shares of contracted beet production with processors.”

He continues, “USDA currently is predicting the 2020-21 sugarbeet crop currently being planted to be 18 percent larger year over year at 33.7 million

short tons – assuming a return to normal harvest weather this fall.”

“With processors contracting an expected large crop in today’s strong price environment, cooperatives are expected to be in a much-improved financial position, enabling them to make debt payments, reinvest proceeds to make plant upgrades, and disburse more to co-op members,” he concludes.

Callie Hanson is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.

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

Best Buys in Used Equipment TRACTORS/LOADERS Case IH MXM190, MFD, cab & air, front weights, low hrs,1 owner ................ ........................................................................................................... $95,000 Case IH 7140..................................................................................... $34,500 Case IH 2096, w/ cab, air .................................................................. $19,500 Case IH MX170, MFD, w/ ldr, grpl ..................................................... $69,500 Case IH MX240, 4 WD, w/ duals ....................................................... $89,000 JD 420 Dozer, antique ......................................................................... $7,500 Case 580K Backhoe .......................................................................... $24,900 Hesston 880-5, low hours .................................................................. $14,500 MX120, 2 WD, w/ ldr.......................................................................... $49,500 100 Hydro w/ DU-AL loader & blade ................................................... $5,900

HAYING & FORAGE New Holland 855 Round Baler ............................................................ $4,900 New Holland 276 Baler ........................................................................ $2,900 2011 MF 2190 4x4 Baler w/ accumulator ........................$129,500; $119,500 Case 8465 Baler .................................................................................. $9,500

International 445 Baler ......................................................................... $3,500 Hesston 4910 Baler w/ accumulator ................................................... $39,500 Hesston 4910 Baler w/ accumulator ................................................... $24,500 Hesston 4900 4x4 Baler w/ accumulator ............................................ $24,500 Hesston 4655 Small Square Baler ..................................................... $12,500 Hesston 5580 Round Baler .................................................................. $1,900 Case RS 561 Round Baler ................................................................. $19,500 SR 220 New Holland Swather w/ disc head ......................................$115,000 Case IH 8870 Swather, 16’ head, 1 owner ......................................... $43,500 Case IH 8840 Swather, 16’ head ........................................................ $32,500 Hesston 6650 Swather, 16’ head........................................................ $10,000 1030 New Holland Bale Wagon ............................................................ $2,900 New Holland 1118 Windrower, 16’ head ............................................. $19,500 New Holland Side Delivery Rake.......................................................... $1,950 Kuhn GA4101 Tedder Rake.................................................................. $5,900 Case IH 8750 3-Row Corn Chopper w/ new knives, spout liner & gathering chains.. ................................................................... .........$15,000

MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT 2654 NDE Feeder Mixer ................................................................... $29,500 BJM 3914 Mixer Feeder, pull type ...................................................... $6,900 1994 Kenworth, w/ Knight 3070 Feed Box ....................................... $79,000 NEW 6 Bale EZ Ration Feeder, pull type ............................... Call for Pricing JD 700 Grinder/Mixer ......................................................................... $3,900 Leon 808 Loader, bucket & grpl.......................................................... $7,900 Case IH 710 Loader ........................................................................... $4,900 International 2001 Loader................................................................... $2,900 14’ Chisel Plow ................................................................................... $3,900 Meyers 7’ V-Ditcher w/ wing extenders, pull type ............................... $2,500 Aerway 15’ Aerator, pull type ............................................................ $19,900 14’ International Disc .......................................................................... $2,900 6”x32’ Grain Auger, PTO driven ............................................................. $950

8”x50’ Grain Auger, PTO driven .......................................................... $1,950 Cube Elevator ..................................................................................... $1,000 NEW 2016 20’ Duralite Stock Trailer ...................................... Call for Pricing Arrow Portable Loading Chute ........................................................... $3,600 Portable Pearson Chute on trailer ...................................................... $1,900 9 Shank V Ripper ............................................................................... $4,900 Ford Dump Truck ................................................................................ $9,500 Ford 700 Truck w/ stack retriever ....................................................... $9,500 Dynamo DP-7100 Generator .............................................................. $4,950 3 PT Hydraulic Post Hole Digger ........................................................ $1,950 Set of IH Duals 18.4 x 38 w/ clamps...................................................... $750 1 1/4” 6 Rail 20’ Continuous Fence Panels ...................................$105/each 1 1/2” 6 Rail 20’ Continuous Fence Panels ...................................$130/each

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

Visit our Web Site at: www.carlsonequipment.com

6

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 6 • June 6, 2020

CALENDAR

July 6-10 July 13-15

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

July 27-31

EVENTS June 11 June 11 June 18 CANCELED June 19-21 June 28-July 5 CANCELED CANCELED July 9-20 July 17-26 July 21-25 July 22-25 July 21-Aug. 1 July 23-Aug. 1 July 24-July 31 July 24-Aug. 1 July 24-Aug. 1 July 24-Aug. 2 July 24-Aug. 2 July 25-Aug. 1 July 25-Aug. 1 July 25-Aug. 2 July 27-Aug. 2 July 27-Aug. 3 July 30-Aug. 8 July 30-Aug. 8

Natrona County Predator Management District Meeting, Teleconference. To dial in, call 605-313-6272 and use access code 553517.

Animal Damage Management Board, Zoom Event. To join, visit zoom.us and use access code108315.

Wyoming Livestock Board Public Meeting, Teleconference. To dial in, call 877-278-2734 and use access code 533126.

College National Finals Rodeo, Casper, Casper Events Center. Visit cnfr.com for more information.

Permaculture Design Workshop, Lander, Central Wyoming CollegeLander. For more information or questions, please contact CWC Lander at 307-332-3394 or landercenter@cwc.edu.

Silver State International Rodeo, Winnemucca, Nev., Winnemucca Events Complex. For more information, visit ssir.us.

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

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

Converse County Fair, Douglas, Wyoming State Fairgrounds. Visit conversecountyfair.com for more information.

Teton County Fair, Jackson, Teton County Fairgrounds. Visit tetoncountyfair.com for more information.

Park County Fair, Powell, Park County Fairgrounds. Visit parkcountyfair. com for more information.

Sublette County Fair, Big Piney, Sublette County Fairgrounds. Visit sublettecountyfair.com for more information.

Albany County Fair, Laramie, Albany County Fairgrounds. Visit albanycountyfair.org for more information.

Uinta County Fair, Evanston, Uinta County Fairgrounds. Visit uintacountyfair.org for more information.

Weston County Fair, Newcastle, Weston County Fairgrounds. Visit westoncountyfair.com for more information.

Niobrara County Fair, Lusk, Niobrara County Fairgrounds. Visit niobraracounty.org for more information. SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Platte County Fair, Wheatland, Platte County Fairgrounds. Visit plattecountyfair.org for more information.

Campbell County Fair, Gillette, Cam-Plex Event Center. Visit ccgov.net for more information.

Johnson County Fair, Buffalo, Johnson County Fairgrounds. Visit johnsoncountyfairgrounds.com for more information.

Fremont County Fair, Riverton, Fremont County Fairgrounds. Visit fremontcountyfair.org for more information.

Washakie County Fair, Worland, Washakie County Fairgrounds. Call 307-347-8989 for more information.

Crook County Fair, Sundance, Crook County Fairgrounds. Visit crookcofair.com for more information.

Big Horn County Fair, Basin, Big Horn County Fairgrounds. Visit bighornfair.com for more information.

Sheridan County Fair, Sheridan, Sheridan County Fairgrounds. Visit sheridancounty.com for more information.

Goshen County Fair, Torrington, Goshen County Fairgrounds. Visit goshencounty.org for more information.

Laramie County Fair, Cheyenne, Laramie County Fairgrounds. Visit laramiecountyevents.com/fair for more informaiton

SALES June 10-11 June 13 June 15-21 June 20 June 24-25 June 25-26 July 1

Superior Livestock Auction Corn Belt Classic XXII, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com Nation Auction Service Wayne Burnett Estate Auction, 1229 Road 11 ½, Lovell, 307-272-5574 ONLINE ONLY – Jake Clark’s Mule Days Auction, 307-754-4320, saddlemule.hibid.com 42nd Annual Wyoming All Breed Gaited Horse Sale, Park County Fairgrounds, Powell, 307-272-3743, 307-431-2109, henyauctionwy.com Superior Livestock Auction Big Sky Roundup IV, Billings, Mont., 800-4222117, superiorlivestock.com Northern Livestock Video Auction Early Summer Special, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com Cattle Country Video High Plains Showcase, Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center, Cheyenne, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com

Big horn Basin LIVESTOCK AUCTION LLC

Worland, WY

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

Broadcasting and Online Bidding Available At lmaauctions.com.

Please visit to fill out an application and view auctions.

Authorized Dealer

June 11 – June 20 – June 25 – July 9 – July 18 – July 23 –

July 20-22

Danny Vigil Northern Livestock Represenative

Aug. 4-5 Aug. 17-18 Aug. 17-21 Aug. 24-25 Aug. 28-29 Sept. 5 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 17 Sept. 18-19 Sept. 21 Dec. 1

Superior Livestock Auction Week in the Rockies XXXII, Loveland, Colo., 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com Western Video Market, Nugget Casino Resort, Reno, Nev., 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com Northern Livestock Video Auction Summertime Classic, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com Superior Livestock Auction Video Royale XXVIII, Winnemucca, Nev., 800422-2117, superiorlivestock.com Cattle Country Video Oregon Trail Classic, Gering Civic Center, Gering, Neb., 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com Western Video Market, Little America, Cheyenne, 530-347-3793, wvmcattle. com Superior Livestock Auction Big Horn Classic, Sheridan, 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com Northern Livestock Video Auction Early Fall Preview, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com 2020 League of Legends Invitational Horse Sale, Heart K Land & Cattle Company Arena, Livingston, Mont., 406-381-2347, turnerperformancehorses.com Proffit Ranch 19th Annual Labor Day Horse Sale, Diamond X Ranch, Evanston, 307-789-2474, proffitranch.com 92nd Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas, 307-265-5250, 307-351-1422, wyowool.com Western Video Market, Haythorn Ranch, Ogallala, Neb., 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com Cattle Country Video Sandhills Roundup, Goshen County Rendezvous Center, Torrington, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com 24th Annual Van Norman and Friends Production Sale, Elko County Fairgrounds, Elko, Nev., 775-756-6508, 775-934-7404, vannormansale.com Northern Livestock Video Auction Fall Premier, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com Western Video Market, Silver Legacy, Reno, Nev., 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

Learning to Drive a Tractor Dear readers, please indulge me as I pass along a story my brother Jim had written years ago. Jim, 18 months younger than I am, passed away this week at the age of 82. Although he grew up on the Pick Ranch near Saratoga, he left the Upper North Platte River Valley at the age 20 and only returned to visit. Yet, he never forgot his roots and often wrote about them, especially on Facebook.

In his memory, I’m passing along this story written by Jim Perue, hang on.

Here I was. Just turned 13. It was 1950 and a warm late July day. We had just finished baling some hay on Jack Creek and dad had some other baling scheduled up the road about seven miles, right up near the Continental Divide, and the roads there are rather steep in places.

Now, I was getting the hang of driving pickup trucks, tractors and such.

So, when we went to move to the new location, I just jumped up on that tractor pulling the baling machine like I did the driving regular like. Dad didn’t say anything, so Fergie and Uncle Elmer and Uncle

Buttons, they didn’t want to set on that bouncy tractor anyway, didn’t say anything either.

At the time, we had this Allis Chalmers tractor pulling the John Deere baler and combined they were quite heavy. The tractor had six forward gears, and the road going to the ranch where we were baling was on a grade up most of the way.

But, about a mile before the ranch it got fairly level with a slight downhill grade.

That’s when I got the tractor in sixth gear and the throttle wide open. I was in heaven, flying along at about 16 or 17 miles per hour. The tractor was roaring and throwing rocks, and the baler was right behind me, jumping over the ruts and rocks on that dirt road. I was doing some serious driving, for sure.

Then I got to where I could see down the road to the ranch where we were going. The drop on the road to the ranch house and barn and hay fields was down a very steep hill about a half mile long.

I was fairly new to driving but knew you got your truck/tractor into a low gear to help brake on steep hills.

So, I thought, that’s what I’ll do, and by this time I’m going down the hill at a very good

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Bob Perue baling hay out of the windrow near Saratoga, in the 1950s. Photo by Dick Perue. Historical Reproductions by Perue

pace so I got the tractor out of gear to put it into a lower gear.

Now that old tractor didn’t have synchronized or any fancy type gears, so all it did when I tried to put it in a lower gear was make a grinding noise. By this time I was going at a good rate of speed down the hill.

I was of course standing on the brakes and they were smoking, you could see the smoke and smell them.

Luckily, nothing was parked in the road below and the gate to the bridge over the creek was open.

It was a fairly straight shot to the hay field. I managed to stop at the right place to start baling.

I jumped off the tractor and swung the baler from the moving to the baling position and even had that Wisconsin engine started by the time the rest of them got there. Dad came up with the sled we piled bales on and hooked it up. He climbed on the tractor and we started baling.

Fergie and I were bucking the bales as usual. The brakes on the tractor were still smoking, and you could smell bad burning smells for a couple days. Dad never said anything for several months, but then he added a new Jim learning to drive downhill story to the family get together tales.

Dad, Fergie and Uncle Elmer drove home in one pickup and Uncle Buttons and I in the other. He, as was our habit then, had me drive so he could roll those Bull Durham cigarettes and smoke them. He never mentioned the incident until I brought it up and told him I was quite frightened going down the hill.

He just told me if I learned anything about hill driving it was OK, but just remember and don’t repeat it.

I can feel it now that a lot of you old timers are remembering the experience of a similar wild ride years ago.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 6 • June 6, 2020

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 6 • June 6, 2020

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 6 • June 6, 2020

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 6 • June 6, 2020

RHDV2 confirmed in Wyoming

An infectious and contagious viral disease of rabbits, known as Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) has recently been confirmed in New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, California, Nevada and Arizona in both domestic and wild rabbits. The disease has previously been seen in Washington State, New York, Ohio, British Columbia and Quebec, Canada.

To date, the disease has not been identified in Wyoming.

RHDV2 is a highly contagious, fatal and affects domestic, feral and wild rabbits, including hares, jackrabbits and cottontails. The virus can cause sudden death in rabbits and can be spread through direct contact with other infected rabbits, meat, fur or materials coming in contact with them.

Humans, non-rabbit domestic pets and livestock, have not been shown to develop signs of RHDV2.

Rabbit owners are advised to enhance their typical biosecurity measures by not allowing visitor to rabbitries, keeping wild rabbits from comingling with domestic rabbits, limiting new animal introduction, washing hands and changing clothes before and after handling rabbits and not

sharing equipment with other rabbit owners.

Anyone suspecting the disease in domestic rabbits is required to report it to the Wyoming State Veterinarian at 307-875-4140 or 307777-6440 immediately. Any suspect wild rabbit deaths should also be reported to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s State Wildlife Veterinarian at 307745-5865.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 6 • June 6, 2020

MARKET continued from page 1 well as CattleFax’s outlook for markets as the year progresses.

Cattle markets “During the week of May 11, USDA fed-cattle slaughter ran a pretty steady pace through the bulk of the first quarter,” Linnell says. “Then, due to the plant closures, slaughter dropped to roughly 60 percent of maximum capacity, and we had about one million head of fedcattle backed up that were intended to go through slaughter.”

However, he notes slaughter capacity has been on the rise since the first of June and is now back up to 75 percent of maximum capacity.

Linnell also says CattleFax predicts the U.S. will get back to a 500,000 head kill week. Yet, as the industry gains slaughter capacity, he believes there will still be a backlog in the system.

“Although we are gaining back some slaughter capacity, we are creating a

larger backlog in the system since we still can’t move through the underlying supply intended to go through the packing plants,” he explains. “In fact, before the end of the year, CattleFax predicts we will see up to 1.3 million cattle backed up.”

As far as total cattle production predictions, Linnell says CattleFax anticipates it will remain constrained through the month of June.

“Then, hopefully, we will start seeing some numbers that are closer to what we consider normal,” he states.

Linnell adds, “While looking at beef production, there is an overlying, offsetting factor – carcass weights. In fact, the last reported steer carcass weights were up roughly 41 pounds compared to year ago levels.”

He notes while there were some elevated weights reported prior to the coronavirus outbreak, the backlog of cattle, lead-

11

ing to cattle on feed for longer periods of time, is the main cause of the particular issue.

Pork markets As far as the pork industry goes, Linnell notes the massive levels of pork produced during the first quarter.

“When COVID-19 hit, we saw pork production slip below 60 percent of maximum industry capacity,” he states.

Because of this, the pork industry saw a significant backlog in hogs, leading to the destruction of piglets and euthanization of hogs.

“Considering the pork production system is a little more flexible and forgiving than the cattle industry, we can anticipate hog producers will be pushing to move production forward,” Linnell notes.

Poultry markets “We certainly saw the most significant destruction in poultry production due to absenteeism and plant closures in the month of April,” Linnell explains.

Although poultry numbers are trending upward,

USDA issues payments On June 4, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already approved more than $545 million in payments to producers who have applied for the Coronavirus Food Assistanc Program.

FSA began taking applications May 26, and the agency has received over 86,000 applications.

“The coronavirus has hurt Amer-

ica’s farmers, ranchers and producers and these payments directed by President Trump will help this critical industry weather the current pandemic so they can continue to plant and harvest a safe, nutritious and affordable crop for the American people,” said Perdue.

FSA will accept applications through Aug. 28. For the latest information on CFAP, visit farmers.gov/CFAP or call 877-508-8364.

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

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

www.torringtonlivestock.com

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J & J Ochsner Livestock True Ranches LLC Haywood Bartlett Flint & Aimee Haskins True Ranches LLC Bremer Land & Cattle Forshee Land & Livestock Bremer Land & Cattle Irwin Livestock Co Flag Ranch LLC Doug Brickman Larry Bone Larry Steinle True Ranches LLC Condict & Sons Cattle Co Dowling Ranch Doug Derouchey Falls Ranch LP Tom Rogers Falls Ranch LP Falls Ranch LP Falls Ranch LP Dale & Becky Appel Kerbs Four Bar Ranch Kerbs Four Bar Ranch Paul & Nancy Landeck Myra Hanna Paul & Nancy Landeck Myra Hanna Doug Derouchey Janet Talbott Larry Steinle Gary & Susan Johnson Ed Greenwald Farms Inc

2 Black Cow 1220 5 Black Cow 1165 5 Black Cow 1340 3 Black Cow 1388 1 Black Bull 1840 1 Black Bull 2070 1 Black Bull 2055 1 Black Bull 2010 1 Black Bull 1780 1 Black Bull 1840 2 Black/Red Bull 1535 4 Black Heiferette 885 4 Black Heiferette 983 13 Black Heiferette 988 12 Black Heiferette 883 39 Black Heiferette 868 17 Black Steer 677 98 Black Steer 803 25 Black Steer 806 163 Black Steer 906 121 Black Steer 991 4 Black Steer 1140 10 Black Heifer All Natural 631 51 Black Heifer 659 14 Black/Red Heifer 693 17 Black/Red Heifer 741 8 BWF Heifer 764 64 Hereford Heifer 727 12 Hereford Heifer 876 16 Black/Red Heifer Calf 600 1 Hereford Bred Cow SM/June 1195 1 Black Baby Calf 260 1 Black Baby Calf 105 1 Red Baby Calf 135

TORRINGTON 78.00C 75.50C LIVESTOCK AREA 71.00C REPS 67.00C 107.50C Cody Thompson - Lusk, WY 307-340-0150 104.50C 100.50C Ty Thompson – Lusk, WY 307-340-0770 98.00C 90.00C Zach Johnson Lingle, WY –307-575-2171 87.50C 77.00C Jeff Ward – Laramie, WY 307-399-9863 109.00C 102.00C Tam Staman – Crawford, NE 308-631-8513 100.00C 97.00C Artie Johnson - Lusk, WY 307-216-0117 89.50C 140.00C 137.25C Lander Nicodemus – Cheyenne, WY 307-421-8141 137.00C 130.00C Danny Nicodemus – Cheyenne, WY 307-632-4325 124.00C 112.00C Chris Williams - Greybull, WY 307-272-4567 135.75C Justin Smith - Lusk, WY 307-340-0724 135.00C 130.00C 127.00C 127.50C 127.00C 113.00C 133.00C 1025.00H 475.00H 285.00H 375.00H

he notes he doesn’t see a lot of improvement for placed broiler chicks in the near future.

“Throughout the second quarter, chicks placed were down nearly six percent compared to year ago levels,” he says. “We can expect poultry production will stay restrained throughout the summer months.”

However, Linnell also

points out, due to the poultry industry’s flexible nature, it will bounce back quicker than both the beef and pork industries.

Trade markets Linnell then mentions the U.S. protein trade front.

“Pork exports started the year on extremely strong footing. In fact, we were up roughly 40 percent compared to year ago levels. Beef exports were

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up 10.5 percent and broiler exports were up eight percent,” he explains.

Similar to his optimism for domestic markets, Linnell says he believes protein exports will return to the positive trend they saw before the pandemic.

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

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

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2020 Sale Schedule High Plains Showcase

July 1st, 2020

Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center - Cheyenne, WY

Deadline: June 12th

Oregon Trail Classic

August 4th & 5th, 2020 Gering Civic Center - Gering, NE

Deadline: July 17th

Sandhills Roundup

September 17th

Goshen Co Rendezvous Center - Torrington, WY

Deadline: August 28th

“Like Us” for Sale Updates, Results and News

SALE POLICY DURING COVID-19 TORRINGTON LIVESTOCK MARKETS INTENDS ON HAVING WEEKLY SALES. AT THIS TIME WE ASK ALL NON-ESSENTIAL PEOPLE TO LIMIT THEIR TIME AT THE SALES. WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO SPREAD OUT IN THE SALE ARENA. AS ALWAYS SALES ARE AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE VIEWING AND BIDDING THROUGH CATTLE USA. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH SETTING UP AN ACCOUNT ON CATTLE USA PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE AT 307-532-3333 OR CALL MICHAEL AT 307-532-1776.

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

Contact a Rep in your area to Consign your Cattle Cattle Country Video • Torrington, WY www.cattlecountryvideo.com

12

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 6 • June 6, 2020

It’s the Pitts

by Lee Pitts

Freedom Stew Far too often we forget how lucky we are to live in America. When our life’s lottery ticket was punched, we definitely hit the jackpot. Every so often it’s good

to remind ourselves what it is that makes our country so special.

The recipe that made America great calls for one giant melting pot that has

been well oiled by freedom.

The main ingredient is that someone in our families came here from someplace else. They came so they wouldn’t have to goose step in some May Day parade, hide their faces behind a veil, live on their knees or wouldn’t have to crack the heels of their boots together and “sieg heil” anyone ever again. They live here so they wouldn’t have to live in fear of being imprisoned for having a contrary opinion. They came to America so they could dare to dream their own dreams and

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live their own lives, not one dictated by a despot, tyrant, potentate or dictator.

In this melting pot, slowly stir in American Indians and their culture of spirituality, respect for their elders and love of the land. Then add thousands of Chinese who left a homeland that would have hung them for trying to leave. The Chinese came anyway, even though they were despised and would’ve been hung on the nearest tree for doing anything wrong. They came to build a railroad, the Central Pacific, from Sacramento over and through the mighty Sierra’s to Promontory Point, and now their descendants are graduating with honors from Stanford and building tech companies worth billions of dollars.

Our recipe calls for a big glass full of Irish. If the Chinese built the western part of the rails, it was the Irish who laid the eastern ones.

The Irish left a worn out land that offered them only poverty and starvation, to a new country that suited them well.

After the Irish helped build the railroads, they built our towns and cities too. Today, we can still walk into neighborhood pubs in America, hear a bit of the Irish brogue and swear we were were back

in Dublin.

Don’t forget to add Italians, Germans and other Europeans who came first for the gold, and then the silver in the Comstock Load. When their gold pans and sluice boxes came up empty, they mined the miners. A German named Levi sold them denim pants, an Italian named Giannini built Bank of America and thousands of other immigrants started companies that still stand today.

The Russians came for our whales, created villages in Northern California and ended up selling Alaska to us at a bargain price. Scotsmen came to build great ranching empires, and the Cubans risked their lives and came in leaky boats to get a good taste of our freedom. The French came for our furs and ended up opening up the West. The Cajuns in the South gave our country a healthy dose of spice and joie de vivre, a delight in being alive.

Mexicans came to pick our fruit and farm our fields, and they added a strong work ethic and love of family to the American concoction. Today, when traveling through America’s Southwest we can find at least one good Mexican food restaurant in every town, and Eng-

lish is quite often the second language. It’s a reminder that the Mexicans owned the Southwest long before the Anglos arrived.

Many races were added to our mumbo-jumbo hodgepodge as a result of wars.

The South Vietnamese came because they would have been executed had they stayed at home, and the Thais, Cambodians and Laotians likewise. Iranians arrived after the Shah was deposed in 1979, and Japanese had been loyal American citizens long before we herded them into internment camps during World War II. A vital ingredient in our American stew were the blacks from Africa who came against their will. We fought a war for their freedom and their descendants have added so much to our culture in sports, music and entertainment. Today, they are the heart and soul of urban America.

Stir this mix all together and we have American families of all sorts of permutations and possibilities. Let it stew for 250 years and we end up with us – as in the United States. There never has been, nor ever will be, anything quite like US ever again.

BLEVINS New All Metal Stirrup Buckles Blevins new all-metal stirrup buckle in 3”& 2-1/2” widths.

The 3” and 2-12” widths have the posts set horizontally and fit standard holes while the 2” width has the posts set vertically. Made of stainless steel and heat-treated aluminum, the same as our leather-covered buckles.

TUESDAY, JUNE 16 - No Sale

Blevins Stirrup Buckles Improved

TUESDAY, JUNE 23

Sleeves same as on regular style buckle. The tongue has no hinge or strap.

Available in 3” and 2-1/2” widths.

ALL CATTLE CLASSES W/ SHEEP & HORSES START TIME 9:30 AM W/ SHEEP & WEIGH UPS 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!

Johnson Farms - 300 Crossbred Lambs 80-85#. New crop Feeder Lambs. High quality, fancy!

TUESDAY, JUNE 30 - No sale TUESDAY, JULY 7 ALL CATTLE CLASSES • START TIME 9:30 AM W/ WEIGH UPS

TUESDAY, JULY 14 - No sale 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

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

BLEVINS MANUFACTURING COMPANY INC. WHEATLAND, WY 82201