Roundup for 7.15.23

A Look Inside

Test your ag knowledge with this month’s crossword puzzle

Page 5

West Nile Virus precautions encouraged by experts Page 13

GEM living history event to dedicate S&E Railway caboose Page 14

Sage grouse protection processes explained by SGIT

Page 19

Quick Bits

OSLI Rule

The State Loan and Investment Board and Office of State Lands and Investments (OSLI) submitted a notice of intent to adopt rules and regulations and is opening the public comment period to accept comments related to proposed amendments to Chapter 11, Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loans and Chapter 16, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loans. The comment period began on June 30 and will end at 5 p.m. on Aug. 31. Questions can be directed to Beth Blackwell at elizabeth.blackwell@wyo. gov or 307-777-6373.

Field Day

The Powell Research and Extension Center will host a field day on July 20 to share new agricultural research on drought-tolerant crops and alternative management strategies. The event is free and open to the public. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m. at 747 Road 9 in Powell. All ages are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by contacting the Powell Research and Extension Center at uwprec@uwyo. edu or 307-754-2223.

WWPC Tour

The Wyoming Weed and Pest Council (WWPC), in partnership with University of Wyoming Imagine and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is hosting a ventenata field tour July 18. The group will meet at the Rozet Elementary School Parking Lot and depart at 8:45 a.m. For more details, contact Jaycie Arndt at jarndt1@uwyo.edu or 307-217-1985.

Circuit Court

Gov. Mark Gordon has appointed Kevin Taheri to be a Circuit Court judge for the Seventh Judicial District serving Natrona County. Taheri’s appointment fills the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Michael N. Patchen. Taheri has been a prosecutor in the Seventh Judicial District Attorney’s Office since 2000. He has also served as an attorney with Wyoming Legal Services in Casper. His appointment is effective Sept. 11.

The Weekly News Source for Ranchers, Farmers and the Agribusiness Community •

Wyoming trichomoniasis testing updated

The Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory (WSVL) has recently implemented changes to bovine trichomoniasis testing. The new changes include a more precise testing process at the

state laboratory, and the new test is based on bovine tritrichomonas foetus RNA detection.

Bovine trichomoniasis samples in the state of Wyoming may only be col-

lected by a bovine trichomoniasis-certified veterinarian, and any exceptions from the new guidelines must be authorized by WSVL and Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB).

Wyoming trichomoniasis control

Bovine trichomoniasis has been prevalent in many Western U.S. states for decades, and testing is

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP TOUR

High Desert to the Hill

SRM hosts public grazing regulatory change discussion

Public lands ranchers had the opportunity to communicate face to face with federal agency administrators on July 11 in Reno, Nev., during an event hosted by Good Grazing Makes Cent$ in conjunction with their affiliated partners the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, Western Landowners Alliance, Ranchers Stewardship Alliance and Wyoming Livestock Board.

Topics discussed included the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed public lands rule, potential grazing regulation changes and how public lands grazers can benefit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) risk management and disaster aid programs.

Big Creek Ranch honored for land stewardship and conservation

Encampment – On July 12, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA), along with supporting organizations, friends and family, honored and congratulated Mark Dunning, his wife Suzi and the staff at Big Creek Ranch, a vast cattle ranch in Carbon County, for their hard work and dedication to wildlife and environmental conservation.

The WSGA awards a local ranch each year with the Environmental Stewardship Award. This award recognizes cattle producers in Wyoming who practice natural resource stewardship and contribute to the environment by enhancing productivity and profitability.

This year, WSGA honored Big Creek Ranch of

Please see TOUR on page 8

Celebrating conservation – Big Creek Ranch of Encampment was awarded the Environmental Stewardship Award July 12. The day included the award presentation, a tour for attendees to see the conservation projects and dinner at the ranch. Pictured left to right, Audubon Rockies Range Ecologist Cydney Handy, Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Executive Vice President Jim Magagna, WSGA President Jack Berger, Wyoming Department of Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto, Big Creek Ranch Managers Mark and Suzi Dunning and Wyoming Business Council Agribusiness Development Manager Jill Tregemba. WYLR photo

UW hires new head rodeo

Seth Glause has been named the new University of Wyoming (UW) head rodeo coach. Glause comes to UW from Laramie County Community College (LCCC) in Cheyenne, where he has been the head rodeo coach since 2018.

“Glause has an excellent reputation as an outstanding coach and a better person,” says UW Athletics Director Tom Burman. “We had a lot of people who worked with him and competed for him reach out to us to sing his praises. We are excited to work with Seth and watch him develop our cowboy and cowgirl rodeo program.”

“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead the UW Rodeo Team,” Glause says. “This has been a goal of mine, and I’m looking forward to sharing my experience with our student athletes and help create the next generation of rodeo athletes at UW.”

“To be able to be the head coach at my alma mater is a great feeling, and I’m looking forward to being able to give back to the university where I graduated. It also is great to stay in the state of Wyoming, where I’ve grown up and give back to the state,” he continues.

Additionally, Turnipseed Engineering, who specializes in Nevada water resources, discussed how to assist ranchers in the region with water rights management.

Making sense of the science

Good Grazing Makes Cent$ aims to provide practical, applicable and economically feasible range management solutions which can ultimately improve the productivity of the land and the bottom dollar of the ranch

Please see SRM on page 6

County Fair Series

FFA and 4-H provide lifelong benefits

Both the National FFA Organization and 4-H foster and support the next generation of leaders. Parents looking for positive and valuable activities to help their children grow, should look into Wyoming FFA and 4-H programs. Both are excellent options and offer opportunities for youth to learn, grow and help build a better future.

A misconception about FFA and 4-H is these clubs are strictly for students who grew up on a farm or want to become farmers. While both programs provide

opportunities for students to learn about agriculture, they also generate a platform to increase self esteem, build strong communication skills and learn resilience.

Both organizations build professional development skills and emphasize topics outside of normal school curriculums. Teachers working in schools incorporate FFA into their classes, while 4-H works through partnerships with schools and local Extension offices.

FFA students can compete in agricultural marketing or communications events

Please see FAIR on page 9

Seth Glause Courtesy photo

There are no lazy summer days for ranchers and farmers. On one side of their businesses, of course, is the hard work – managing crops and livestock.

Then, on the other side, the one that keeps them up at night, is the decision making around marketing the crops and livestock and planning for the future, both of which require a lot of thought and occupy most of the summer.

As a commodity, the price of both crops and livestock changes by the hour. It takes many hours of reading to keep abreast of daily prices and trends. What to some may be a nuisance, ag news is information and education to a rancher or farmer.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a June acreage report which was full of surprises for many farmers. The report told of a spike in planted corn acres and a large reduction in planted soybean acres.

Between the report and rains – or lack thereof across the Corn Belt – the market had a lot of news to digest on the Friday the report was released. But, analysts called the report a “game changer” for soybeans

According to the USDA, farmers made a huge cut to their intended soybean acreage. The USDA’s June Acreage Report shows farmers planted 83.5 million acres of soybeans, a large reduction from the 87.5 million-acre intention in March. This made 2023 planted acreage for soybeans five percent below last year.

The other surprise was USDA said farmers planted 94.1 million acres of corn in 2023, which is up from the 91.9 million acres in the Prospective Plantings Report in March. The 94.1 million acres planted is six percent higher than what farmers planted in 2022.

“It’s an absolute game changer in regard to the soybean balance sheets,” explains Joe Vaclavik of Standard Grain. “What this means is it gives us very little room for error in regard to yield and production given this lower acreage number.”

“And, on the flip side, we saw a higher corn acreage number that went up to 94.1 from 92, even in March. So, it was a big divergence in the markets sell off in corn on a higher acreage number and a sharp rally in soybeans on a drastically lower acreage number,” he adds.

When one takes the number of planted corn and soybean acres, then looks at the bushels of corn and soybeans stocks – what is in storage from last year – the true picture comes to light. Then, one has to look at global acres planted or harvested, the weather and other environmental factors, and a price will come out of that.

Farmers are not rolling the dice, but it may seem this way.

Considering livestock prices, which are also a global commodity, are governed by numbers of live cattle, sheep or hogs, worldwide demand and drought.

Cattle numbers seem to fit into a cycle which runs around 10 years, where historically, only two years out of this timespan offer tight feeder and cull cattle supplies. We are in one of those two years now.

These tight supplies allow better prices for cow/calf producers and feeders. But, higher input prices will erase profits, similar to what is happening now. They are buying inputs at retail value and selling their livestock at wholesale value.

Out of all of this, we hope, comes food security.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

WGFD's Feedground Plan Puts the Squeeze on Ag

Although the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s (WGFD) proposed elk feedgrounds management plan flatly states, “It is not a feedground closure plan,” the plan sets out the path the agency will use it to do just that.

It states, “The overall goal of this plan is to encourage managers to continue to explore opportunities for elk to winter away from feedgrounds by increasing tolerance for elk on private, state and federal lands while reducing reliance on supplemental feeding.”

By Cat Urbigkit

The agency readily admits its vision will require “major shifts in current land use” and a lot of public support and money so the agency can acquire elk winter range “through purchase, lease or other elk occupancy agreements.”

It won’t be fast enough to satisfy those opposed to the elk feeding program, but the path laid out in the plan should send chills down the spines of cattle operators located near existing feedgrounds.

Since our outfit is located just a few miles from

EXPERTISE

one of the feedgrounds, it’s hard for me not to envision the potential result.

While the state plan focuses on actions to “reduce or eliminate reliance of elk on supplemental feed,” the plan is stunningly similar to environmental advocate proposals to eliminate all elk feedgrounds in favor of elk free ranging in winter across broad swathes of Sublette, Lincoln and Teton counties.

Disregard for private ag land

I understand since this plan is proposed by a state

wildlife agency, it wasn’t intended to discuss the importance of maintaining viable agricultural operations on the landscape. But, the draft plan frames traditional cattle ranching as more of an obstacle to elk management rather than a critical partner for success, a few uses of “work cooperatively” aside.

Most of Wyoming’s elk herds already use private land in the winter, as a recent research paper demonstrated, highlighting the importance of private lands

Please see ELK on page 12

When it comes to financing – and refinancing – land, we offer a variety of rate options, including long-term fixed rates and payment flexibility. Financing may be eligible for cash-back dividends.

Learn more by calling the Casper office at 307.577.4700.

1401 Wilkins Circle Casper, Wyoming Agriculture Works Here.® FCSAmerica.com/landloans

Reporting the News by the Code of the West Phone: 307-234-2700

Box 850 • Casper, WY 82602 Periodicals postage paid in Casper, WY Fax: 307-472-1781 • E-mail: roundup@wylr.net

800-967-1647 • www.wylr.net

HANNAH BUGAS, Managing Editor • hannah@wylr.net

MELISSA ANDERSON, Editor • melissa@wylr.net

CANDICE PEDERSON, Production Coordinator •

THE

TO MAKE FINANCING LAND EASY, THE OPTIONS TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE.

EA available for review

Earlier this month, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) released the 2023 Draft Elk Management Plan for public review and comment. The deadline for comments on the plan is also July 31.

A draft environmental assessment (EA) of the 2023 Draft Elk Management Plan is now available for public review and comment and can be found at fwp.mt.gov/public-notices/news/2023/jun/0630-2023-draft-elk-management-plan-ea

The deadline for comments is July 31.

While the draft elk plan lays out how FWP proposes to manage elk, the EA is an evaluation and summary of potential impacts on the physical environment and human population. An EA is required by the Montana Environmental Policy Act.

To comment on the draft EA, visit fwp.mt.gov/publicnotices/news/2023/jun/0630-2023-draft-elk-managementplan-ea

To comment on the draft elk plan, visit fwp.mt.gov/ aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/draft-elk-plan

Road improvements delayed

A Bureau of Land Management (BLM) road grader was vandalized over the Fourth of July holiday weekend near the Sweetwater Station intersection of U.S. Highway 287 and Wyoming Highway 135.

A concerned citizen reported the vandalism to the BLM.

Further investigation revealed the glass was shot out of the parked grader, along with additional damage. Replacing the windows and other repairs may take several weeks, which will result in delays to needed road improvements in the BLM Lander Field Office area.

“Unprecedented winter and spring precipitation damaged many public roads in our area,” said BLM Lander Field Manager John Elliott. “Our equipment operators were in the midst of repairs, and unfortunately, this vandalism sets us back.”

The BLM is currently investigating.

Individuals who were in the area over the extended holiday weekend and noticed the road grader either before or after it was damaged, should contact BLM law enforcement at 406-896-5150 or 307-347-5124.

First necropsy conducted

In early July, the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory’s (WSVL) biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) necropsy facility was used to conduct a disease investigation for the first time.

The BSL-3 facility, designed for diagnosing serious animal infections which can be transmitted to humans, was used extensively during the pandemic to conduct COVID-19 testing. However, its intended function is animal disease diagnosis.

“The unit was designed to necropsy animals suspected of having diseases with high zoonotic potential, like brucellosis, anthrax, plague or tularemia,” says Kerry Sondgeroth, a veterinary bacteriologist and associate professor at WSVL. “There are very few veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the U.S. that have this type of facility, and we are fortunate to be able to utilize this facility going forward.”

In addition to the large animal necropsy facility, the BSL-3 certified space includes three laboratory spaces used for research.

To learn more about WSVL, visit uwyo.edu/wyovet or call 307-766-9925.

Grizzly sighting confirmed

A grizzly bear was recently observed in the Pryor Mountains, and state wildlife officials confirmed the species of the observed bear from a photograph taken of the animal. Though sightings of potential grizzly bears in the Pryor Mountains have been reported in recent years, this is the first confirmed sighting.

Historically, grizzly bears occupied most of Montana, including the Pryor Mountains, but likely have not inhabited these mountains since the late 1800s. Grizzly bears are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act in all lower 48 states.

There is a healthy population of black bears in the Pryor Mountains.

Wildlife officials contacted area landowners to alert them to the observation and provide them with information on bear conflict prevention. Game cameras were installed in the area. Officials searched for additional bear sign, specifically hair for DNA testing to determine the grizzly bear’s origin.

Anyone recreating in the Pryor Mountains are encouraged to follow bear safety protocols.

For more information on bear safety, visit fwp. mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/bebear-aware

Aerial spraying planned

In coordination with Carbon County Weed and Pest, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service will aerially treat invasive annual grass on 2,295 acres of mixed ownership lands in southern Carbon County July 13-19. This application of the herbicide Rejuvra aims to limit the spread of cheatgrass in the 2018 Ryan Fire burned area.

Visitors to the area should be aware of operations in the coming days. Short-term closure may be implemented during the application, and maps and signage will be posted in the treatment area.

Cheatgrass is a highly invasive, non-native annual grass that flourishes in burned areas. Aerial application of the herbicide limits the ability of the plant to regenerate in areas where it has historically outcompeted native species, such as steep slopes and drainages.

Declines in cheatgrass improve wildlife habitat and water quality, as well as reducing wildfire risk.

Since 2020, Rejuvra has been successfully used to limit the growth of cheatgrass in the Mullen, Badger and Squirrel Creek burned areas in Albany and Carbon counties, as well as on the Pole Mountain Unit of Medicine Bow National Forest. The Ryan wildfire area was previously treated but will now be retreated with this more effective herbicide.

Specific questions about the project should be directed to Brad Weatherd at 307-330-6752 or Reese Irvine at 307-324-6584.

High Plains drought improves

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the High Plains saw some improvement with a decrease of nine percentage points in dry or drought conditions. Much like last month, June saw varied weather conditions.

Western Kansas, the Nebraska Panhandle, Eastern Colorado, Wyoming, Western South Dakota and Southcentral North Dakota all saw wetter-than-normal conditions ranging from one to three inches. There were areas within the region experiencing three to 7.5 inches abovenormal precipitation.

Across the region, drought coverage decreased with most of the improvements in the West, particularly in Colorado and South Dakota.

Exceptional drought coverage decreased from 6.8 to 3.2 percent from May 30 to June 27. Extreme drought or worse saw similar improvements of 12.3 to 10.5 percent, and severe drought or worse was 21.7 to 20.3 percent.

Moderate drought or worse coverage improved from 35.7 to 31.8 percent, and abnormally dry or worse conditions improved from 59.7 to 50.8 percent coverage.

Grants available

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced $300,000 in available grant funding to strengthen sheep production and marketing in the U.S.

“Projects funded by the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program have already made measurable impacts on our nation’s sheep industry,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt.

In 2019, AMS awarded a five-year grant for $1.9 million to the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center. Each year, the center awards approximately $300,000 to projects addressing the needs of the entire sheep industry.

Additional information is available at ams.usda.gov

Grant applications are currently being accepted through Sept. 15.

NEWS BRIEFS

USDA expands options

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding its insurance coverage options for specialty crops and other actual production history (APH) crop programs.

Through its Risk Management Agency (RMA), it will expand the availability of enterprise units to crops where they were previously unavailable, giving agricultural producers greater options to manage their risk.

An enterprise unit allows a producer to insure all acres of the insured crop in the county together, as opposed to other unit structures which separate the acreage for insurance. Enterprise units are attractive to producers due to lower premium rates offered to recognize the lower risk associated with the geographic diversification.

In general, the larger the enterprise unit, the lesser the risk and the greater the enterprise unit discount.

This furthers RMA’s efforts to improve and expand the insurance program for specialty crops as required by the 2018 Farm Bill. Moreover, this expansion also meets producer requests for enterprise units for other APH crop insurance programs.

The initial set of targeted crops can enjoy this new option when it becomes effective on June 30. RMA plans to expand to dozens more specialty and other APH crop programs with these benefits in the coming months.

Inductees recognized

On June 13, the Livestock Marketeers held their 58th Annual Hall of Fame Banquet in Kansas City, Mo. This year’s host was the American Hereford Association (AHA) and Certified Hereford Beef.

The 2023 class of inductees was comprised of Steve Sellers, Mike Sorensen and Joe Rickabaugh.

Sellers served as the director of communications for the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association until his death in 2022. Previously, Sellers held positions with EDJE Technologies, Auction.com and other firms. Steve and his wife CeCe called Lake Park, Ga. home.

Sorensen is the longtime owner and publisher of Livestock Plus magazine. Based in Iowa, Sorensen made LPI a household name traveling the country and providing ring service for some of the most progressive purebred breeders. Mike and his wife Dixie reside in Greenfield, Iowa.

Rickabaugh has served as the central region field representative and director of seedstock marketing for the AHA since 1999. Before his tenure at AHA, Rickabaugh worked for the Kansas Livestock Association. Joe and Tracey Rickabaugh currently live in Topeka, Kan.

This year’s event saw the introduction of the Livestock Marketeers Scholarship. This award is aimed at collegeage students who are interested in entering the livestock marketing industry. Through generous sponsorships and donations, the Livestock Marketeers will be able to deposit over $15,000 into our scholarship fund.

USDA reports meat exports

Led by another outstanding month in Mexico and robust demand for variety meat, exports of U.S. pork continued to gain momentum in May, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

While well below the record-large volume and value posted in May 2022, beef exports improved from April and were the second largest – behind March – of 2023.

May pork exports reached 261,361 metric tons (mt), up 16 percent from a year ago, the ninth largest on record and the largest since May 2021. Export value climbed 12 percent to $731.1 million, also the highest since May 2021 and the seventh highest on record. Pork variety meat exports were particularly outstanding in May, setting a value record of $127 million.

Beef exports totaled 116,159 mt, down 14 percent from the May 2022 record but up four percent from the previous month. Export value was $874.7 million, down 19 percent year-over-year but two percent above April.

May exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 141 mt, down 32 percent from a year ago and the lowest volume of 2023. Export value was $772,409, down 17 percent. May exports declined to most major destinations, but increased to the Bahamas. For January through May, exports remained nine percent above last year’s pace at 958 mt, valued at $5.5 million, up five percent.

A detailed summary of the January-May export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, including marketspecific highlights, visit usmef.org

For questions, call 303-547-0030.

BLM to hold adoption at CFD

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will sponsor a wild horse adoption during Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) in Lions Park.

This year, the BLM will offer approximately 14 halter- or saddle-started wild horses for adoption. Approved bidders may participate in the adoption auction on July 28 at 5:30 p.m. All horses up for adoption were trained at the Mantle Adoption and Training Facility in Wheatland.

Interested adopters can get to know the horses beforehand, during daily demonstrations from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-5:30 p.m. everyday July 21-27.

Additional information about the Mantle Adoption and Training Facility can be found at blm.gov/programs/wildhorse-and-burro/adoptions-and-sales/adoption-centers/mantle-adoption-and-training-facility

For more information on upcoming wild horse and burro events and locations, visit blm.gov/whb or contact the national information center at 866-468-7826 or wildhorse@blm.gov.

FMMO hearing encouraged

The American Farm Bureau Federation submitted multiple recommended reforms of Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMO) on June 14 to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and encouraged the department to move forward with a long-overdue hearing on federal milk pricing.

The goal is to modernize milk pricing, protect dairy farmers from unfair treatment and ensure consumers have access to affordable fresh milk and dairy products.

The proposals were submitted in response to USDA’s tentative action plan to hold a hearing, which was released after AFBF joined the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) in urging the department to move forward with a hearing.

In addition to eight new proposals created through AFBF’s grassroots policy, AFBF also submitted comments and refinements to the five reforms submitted by NMPF. AFBF’s proposals include adjusting yields and making allowances based on a mandatory and audited survey; creating and implementing universal milk check transparency requirements, including clarification of the value of pooled milk and eliminating advanced pricing of Class I milk and Class II skim milk and their components.

In addition to submitting modernization reforms, AFBF reiterated USDA does have authority under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act to collect and audit – on a mandatory basis – the processing and yield information needed to inform make allowances.

USDA must decide by late July whether or not to move forward with hearing proceedings. A virtual pre-hearing information session was held on June 16.

BLM to revise land use plans

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) opened a 45-day public scoping period to gather comments to inform an environmental impact statement for planned revisions to the resource management plans (RMP) for the Newcastle Field Office and Nebraska planning areas.

The proposed revision would replace the existing 23-year-old Newcastle RMP which guides the management of approximately 287,900 acres of public lands and 1.7 million acres of federal mineral estate managed by the BLM in Crook, Weston and Niobrara counties.

Through this process, BLM also plans to revise the 31-year-old Nebraska RMP, which includes 5,100 surface acres and 223,900 acres of federal mineral estate managed by the BLM across the state of Nebraska.

These include meetings in Newcastle on Aug. 1 from 5-7 p.m. at the Weston County Senior Center, in Sundance on Aug. 2 from 5-7 p.m. at the Crook County Courthouse Community Room and in Lusk on Aug. 7 from 5-7 p.m. at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds.

Additionally, a virtual meeting will be held on Aug. 3 from 5-7 p.m. via Zoom at empsi.zoom.us/webinar/ register/WN_cfl7QshWSCmwbref8186tQ

Comments must be received by Aug. 25 and may be submitted through the ePlanning website at eplanning. blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2013064/510 or mailed to the BLM High Plains District, Attn: Kathleen Lacko, 2987 Prospector Dr., Casper, WY 82604.

For questions, contact RMP Project Manager Kathleen Lacko at ktlacko@blm.gov or 307-261-7536.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup Crosswords, created by Myles Mellor. Solution available in next week's Roundup. Mail your complete crossword to Wyoming Livesock Roundup, PO Box 850, Casper, WY 82602 for a special prize!

1 Flows with an irregular current

2 Command to a horse

3 Horse food

4 ____ goat

5 Degree, abbr.

6 Pear variety

7 Be brave enough, two words

10 Relating to cultivated land

12 Waters automatically

14 Gives water to

16 High protein additive to cattle feed

17 Soft food made from buckwheat

19 Pork meat

21 A cowʼs should be wet

25 Hearing organ

26 Not cooked

28 Roman six

WEED & PEST COUNCIL Wyoming

Biological control isn’t new to Wyoming, but it is a growing option for combatting weeds throughout the state. This pest management strategy is the control and reduction of unwanted species by naturally occurring enemies.

For a little over two decades, the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council (WWPC) and the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) have partnered on and helped fund projects to slow the spread of invasive species in Wyoming.

CABI works hard to research species that can feed and develop on invasive species without threatening native plants and wildlife.

CABI tour

Recently, Mikenna Smith, an entomologist with Teton County Weed and Pest, visited CABI’s campus and research labs to understand the process of studying biological control.

“CABI is researching projects important to Wyoming,” Smith said. “One of the biggest things for me

was seeing how our funds are used, how the science works and what the experiments look like.”

Smith was able to meet with the scientists overseeing research projects for Wyoming and the U.S. and observe some of the research projects in action.

Currently, WWPC funds six research projects with CABI. These research projects are looking at the best and safest ways to biologically control Dyer’s woad, Dalmatian/yellow toadflax, oxeye daisy, Russian knapweed, Russian olive and whitetop.

Biological control

The process for biological control can take years, with research taking time and the approved agents becoming established in their environment. WWPC released biocontrol agents for Russian knapweed in 2009 and is now seeing some indication the impact is successful.

It will take even more time to see clear results of this study.

Fortunately, many successful biocontrol projects

For tips to stop the spread of invasive species or for information about Wyoming Weed and Pest Council, visit wyoweed.org.

exist in several counties throughout the state, including spotted knapweed, leafy spurge and Dalmatian toadflax. All biocontrol agents fighting these invasive species are harmless to native species or wildlife.

Currently, 10 biocontrol agents, including beetles, moths and weevils, are slowing the spread of spotted knapweed in Wyoming. Additionally, there are eight effective agents for leafy spurge and four

effective agents for Dalmatian toadflax.

“We had a huge infestation of Dalmatian toadflax in Teton County, and after just six years, the biocontrol agents knocked it back significantly and brought so many native plants back,” Smith said.

Aaron Foster, chairman of the Wyoming Biological Control Steering Committee, says there is a tendency to want immediate results, but biological con-

trol doesn’t usually work this way.

Successful biological control often means accepting the weed will still be there, but the balance between weed and desired vegetation will be increased.

“Biological control is a good tool for integrated management of species which are already widespread,” Foster said. “They give us an option in areas where the conventional tools, such as herbi-

cide, may pose a greater risk to the system than weeds alone. Or, when we don’t have the resources for utilizing conventional methods.” WWPC is comprised of 23 weed and pest districts in the state of Wyoming. The council works closely with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and the University of Wyoming to keep current with the latest technology and research available in the ongoing management of noxious weeds and pests.

Lex Madden 307-532-1580

Chuck Petersen 307-575-4015 Lander Nicodemus 307-421-8141

TORRINGTON

LIVESTOCK AREA REPS

Michael Schmitt - Torrington, WY 307-532-1776

Ty Thompson – Lusk, WY 307-340-0770

Cody Thompson - Lusk, WY 307-340-0150

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Jeff Ward – Laramie, WY 307-399-9863

Justin Smith - Lusk, WY 307-340-0724

Hunter Dockery - Lusk, WY 307-340-1202

Tam Staman – Crawford, NE 308-631-8513

Chris Williams - Greybull, WY 307-272-4567

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through conversation and collaboration between range scientists and ranchers.

According to the Good Grazing Makes Cent$ website, each month they dissect a new topic intended to improve the productivity of the land and the bottom line of their members, including a monthly newsletter covering diverse topics, including everything from planning for drought to better understanding how the history of land impacts today’s management decisions.

The organization also offers a monthly video series featuring experts and ranchers from across the country discussing lessons learned and the success stories that have helped them advance the science and art of range management.

USDA risk management and aid programs

Zach Ducheneaux, USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator, a

the only way to confirm the disease’s presence. Infected bulls transmit bovine trichomoniasis during breeding, and the disease could have

third-generation rancher of his family farm on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, discussed building a proper safety net for producers.

“We are not spending taxpayer money, we are investing it,” Ducheneaux noted, as he continued discussing challenges producers face, current conservation programs and how producers can work with local USDA offices to find solutions for producers.

Ducheneaux informed the audience he and his team will provide leadership and direction on agricultural policy, administering loan programs and managing conservation, commodity, disaster and farm marketing programs through a national network of offices.

He emphasized the importance of local offices being staffed with individuals ready to assist producers.

Ducheneaux expressed, “Preserving the heritage and legacy of producers and what they have built is a commitment from the USDA team.”

He concluded, “We are focused on investing in rural communities through staffing those areas with personnel to assist local producers with programs.”

Society for Range Management land discussion

During the event, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and share concerns with top agency leaders, including BLM Senior Policy Advisor Errol Rice. Rice, a Montana native and fifthgeneration farmer and rancher, assists in facilitating BLM’s outreach and policy on grazing and investments in restoration.

According to BLM, Rice has experience in agriculture, ranching and renewable energy and works with clients in the agribusiness, agriculture technology and the renewable sector to nav-

igate the supply chain, government, climate, profit, risk and strategy.

During the town hall meeting, Rice addressed several programs BLM manages. One particular program Rice identified as a hot topic is livestock grazing.

Rice stated, “BLM manages livestock grazing on 155 million acres and administers close to 18,000 permits and leases held by ranchers who graze their livestock. The proposed public lands rule is a vehicle for BLM to tee off better opportunities.”

He further stated, “The proposed public lands rule would establish a framework to ensure healthy landscapes, abundant wildlife habitat, clean water and balanced involvement.”

“BLM was flooded with more than 150,000 public comments, which closed July 5,” he added, stressing that the agency wants to continue public engagement, and even though the comment period has closed, he wants to put out “a call

to action” to keep the conversation going.

Rice continued, “The comments give the agency a vast amount of data to sift through and helps them to understand risk profiles better, create a better framework, streamline programs to enhance the land and build a better relationship at multiple levels.”

“BLM does not have all the answers,” he concluded. “We are learning as we go, and the agency wants to continue to seek continuous improvement.”

Open discussion

Rice was met with several topics when he opened the forum for questions.

Jeff Eisenberg, former executive director of the Public Lands Council, was first to engage in the open forum asking Rice, “Please touch on the biggest complaints the BLM has had about the public lands rule, as this has been a question many have been asking.”

Rice explained, “The number one complaint the agency has heard is the rule

came out of nowhere. The agency has heard this loud and clear, and if the agency had the opportunity to remedy that, it would.”

He continued, “The agency understands this was not the best way to build trust, but it is still open for discussion even though the comment section on this rule has been closed.”

Rice fielded questions on the topic of the grazing rule being paused, wild horse grazing on BLM land and conservation concerns.

The town hall concluded with David Hillis, principal engineer at Turnipseed Engineering, sharing important information on water rights analysis in Nevada and the Western states. The event brought together board of directors, committee leaders, members and the public to discuss the future of ranching and farming.

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

a negative impact on herd production.

As a reproductive disease in cattle, it can be economically devastating for

producers, particularly those operating a cow/calf operation. To combat bovine trichomoniasis in Wyoming, the WSVL has been providing testing for decades, and WLSB has also been regulating it very closely.

WSVL has been diagnosing bovine trichomoniasis for producers throughout the state and several adjacent states before the state actually started to regulate the disease.

Wyoming began its journey to control and eradicate bovine trichomoniasis in 2000 when it implemented Chapter 15, a state rule mandating the testing of eligible bulls. However, the disease has been in Wyoming since the 1970s.

Before 2000, WSVL performed hundreds of tests annually, but since then, the number of tests has grown to thousands.

Amid state testing, the disease still persists, and

For more information on bovine trichomoniasis testing, visit uwyo. edu/wyovet or wlsb.state.wy.us. Questions or concerns can be directed to Dr. Berit Bangoura at bbangour@uwyo.edu.

effective measures should be taken to control the disease in Wyoming, as producers are often only aware of the problem once the disease is well established in the herd.

Changes to trichomoniasis testing

The Lactated Ringer’s Solution (LRS) is the new preferred sample collection media. The new test is based on tritrichomonas RNA

detection. Benefits of the new assay include the ability to accept different submission media LRS, PBS, Diamond’s media and TF tubes.

WSVL can provide, for a fee, pre-filled screw-cap tubes with LRS and appropriate packaging material. If preferred, WSVL can provide empty screw-cap tubes with packaging material.

According WSVL, collection tubes will only be accepted if the collection tube is a plastic tube with a screw cap. They recommend utilizing the pre-filled tubes provided by WSVL. Glass tubes and tube stoppers are no longer acceptable, and any sample leaking will be discarded.

Another major point in the collection process is ensuring sample quality and quantity are presented with a fully completed new trichomoniasis testing form for official testing, and all samples must be fresh and at room temperature or refrigerated, not frozen.

New forms can be downloaded on the WSVL or WLSB websites.

WSVL also advises there is a longer acceptable transport time of up to five days from sample collection to receipt of the samples at WSVL and encourages planning sample submissions accordingly. Samples received after July 1 will be subject to charges according to the new fee schedule.

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

OBITUARIES

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

Johnnie Dewayne Dillman

Oct. 12, 1944 – June 20, 2023

attending school and graduated from Yoder High School in 1963 in a class of 13. He was on Yoder’s high school state championship basketball team in 1962 and was involved in several activities throughout high school. While attending school, he also helped on the family farm.

ities, including 4-H, high school rodeo and sporting events. He was also very active within the churches he attended in Yoder, Torrington and Rock Springs.

He served as an elder, trustee and often filled the pulpit. He volunteered for many events at these churches and was also a member of the Mariners Group at the Presbyterian churches in Yoder and Torrington.

Gomez, Cheryl (Christian) Sloan, Billy, Hannah, Camryn, Conner and Charlie Pierantoni. He is also survived by his great-great grandson Hudson.

Gillette to host 75th NHSFR

Johnnie Dewayne Dillman passed away on June 20 surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with esophageal cancer.

From the beginning of his diagnosis, he said he was going to fight as long as he could and hopefully doctors would be able to learn something from his treatments to help others in their cancer fight.

Our family is very thankful for the Sweetwater Regional Cancer Center in Rock Springs at Memorial Hospital and all of the doctors and nurses who took great care of him.

Johnnie was born on Oct. 12, 1944 to John and Pauline Dillman in Scottsbluff, Neb.

He grew up in Yoder

Johnnie married the love of his life, Rosie Babbitt, on May 23, 1965, and to this union three children were born – Melody (Mel), Bradley (Brad) and Amanda (Amy).

Johnnie spent most of his life working in agriculture. He did everything from farming for others, to selling and spraying fertilizer, to feed mill operations. Once retired from the workforce, he continued farming with Rosie, raising cattle, sheep and goats.

In 2014, Johnnie and Rosie both retired and moved to Rock Springs to be closer to family. They did get to work with sheep for a few more years while their grandkids were showing them through 4-H.

Johnnie was very active with his children’s activ-

Johnnie loved to dance, and he especially loved going to Dutch Hops. He also loved gardening, woodworking, remodeling homes, animals, babies, donating blood and being on several different volunteer fire departments.

Johnnie had an infectious smile and laugh. He loved to tell jokes. He was an amazing husband, loving father and fun “Papa” who will be missed terribly.

Johnnie is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rosie of Rock Springs; daughter Mel (Brett) Clark of Pinedale; son Brad (Un) Dillman of Perris, Calif. and daughter Amy (Cody) Pierantoni of Rock Springs, as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren Dany (John) Carson, Colby, Branson, Leslea (Cyle) King, Jayden, Cylea, Haelynn, Layne (Allison) Clark, Chloe, Ryker, Valerie (Scott) Love, Ethan, Nevaeh

Handshake Market where a still means

Additionally, Johnnie is survived by his sister Millie Eckhardt; brother Willie Dillman; sister-in-law Phyllis Babbitt; brothersin-law Ray Babbitt, Lenny (Sally) Babbitt and Harold (Betty) Babbitt; Tom Brewster; Earl Yorges and Jim Best, as well as many special nieces and nephews.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents John and Pauline Dillman; in-laws Harley and Lydia Babbitt; sister Betty Best; sisters-in-law Dorothy Yorges, Myrtie Brewster, Luane Dillman, Wilma Dillman, Bertha Babbitt, Frieda Babbitt and Shirley Babbitt and brothers-in-law Merle Babbitt, Kenny Babbitt and Rodger Eckhardt, as well as many other special relatives.

In lieu of flowers sent for his funeral, Johnnie requested people plant flowers in their garden for him.

Memorial donations can be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at stjude. org or Cowboys Against Cancer at 1893 Dewar Dr., Rock Springs, WY 82901.

A celebration of life was held June 28 at the Bunning Freight Station in Rock Springs.

The 75th anniversary of the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) is coming back to the CAMPLEX in Gillette July 16-23. This elite seven days of rodeo performances is expected to contribute an economic impact of over $11 million for the Campbell County area.

Featuring more than 1,700 contestants from 44 states, five Canadian provinces, Australia, Mexico and New Zealand, the NHSFR is the world’s largest rodeo.

In addition to competing for more than $150,000 in prizes and over $150,000 in added money, NHSFR contestants will also be competing for more than $375,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named an NHSFR World Champion.

To earn this title, contestants must finish in the top 20 of their event – based on their combined times and/ or scores in the first two rounds – to advance to the final round. World champions will then be determined based on their third-round combined times and/or scores.

The Saturday championship performance will be televised nationally as a part of the Cinch High School Rodeo Tour telecast series on RFD-TV. Live broadcasts of each NHSFR performance will air online at thecowboychannel.com. Performance times begin at 7 p.m. on July 16 and competition continues daily at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. through July 22.

Having celebrated the 50th anniversary of the NHSFR in Gillette in 2016, the NHSR Foundation is excited to celebrate this year’s extraordinary 75th Anniversary Open House, open to the public, within the Campbell County community on July 20 from 1-5 p.m. in Energy Hall, followed by the VIP Alumni Social.

NHSR Foundation efforts help to award thousands of dollars in educational funding each year.

Along with great rodeo competition and the chance to meet new friends from around the world, NHSFR contestants have the opportunity to enjoy volleyball, contestant dances, family-oriented activities, church services sponsored by Golden Spur Ministries and shopping at the NHSFR trade show.

To follow your favorite contestants at the NHSFR, visit NHSRA.com daily for complete results. For rodeo and concert ticket information, visit cam-plex. com/p/nhsfr

Why Choose Us

Upcoming

Encampment as the Environmental Stewardship Award winner. Big Creek Ranch was established in 1878 and is owned by the Gates Family. As a second-generation ranch manager, Mark runs the cattle operation at Big Creek Ranch.

The Gates family also owns the A Bar A Ranch, a premier Wyoming guest ranch, which has been managed by the Howe family since 1984.

Big Creek Ranch has been an integral partner in managing the aquatic and terrestrial resources in the Platte River Valley for many decades.

Instilling conservation ethics and proper land management into daily operations benefits the ranch and provides healthy habitats for wildlife. The ranch’s attention to detail has allowed them to properly conserve and protect wild fisheries and mule deer and pronghorn habitats on their properties.

Morning presentation

The event was emceed by C.J. Box, with WSGA Executive Vice President Jim Magagna thanking individuals for their attendance and for supporting the Dunning family and Big Creek Ranch.

Doug Miyamoto, Wyoming Department of Agri-

culture director, commended the Dunning family for bettering Wyoming’s conservation, stating, “This is what conservation looks like in Wyoming. Big Creek Ranch can produce and preserve all in one.”

Additional speakers congratulated Dunning family, including Cidney Handy, range ecologist from Audubon Rockies; Jack Berger, WSGA president and Wyoming Business Council (WBC) Agribusiness Development Manager Jill Tregemba who presented the Dunnings with the Environmental Stewardship Award.

Congressional delegation representatives were also present to congratulate the ranch.

Mark Shirley, Natural Resources Conservation Service district conservationist, discussed how Big Creek Ranch created better fisheries and artificial wetlands.

“Thank you for staying in tune and standing up for irrigators and maintaining open spaces. Mark and staff are very deserving of this award,” he said.

Garrett Pantle, SaratogaEncampment-Rawlins Conservative District resource specialist, nominated Big Creek Ranch for the stewardship award for preserving natural resources.

Pantle stated, “It’s a neat

area here and preserving the migration routes for numerous animals is a priority, and Mark has been involved in over 13 projects over the years to protect water sources and wildlife habitat.”

To conclude the morning presentation, Dunning began by thanking his wife Suzi and everyone involved.

He continued, “We don’t do these conservation projects for the awards. We do them because it’s what we do as a ranch.”

Dunning explained his father started the tradition as a ranch manager in 1976, and noted collaboration with agencies across state lines creates a successful ranch and landscape.

Dunning thanked his partners Justin and Lissa Howe, A Bar A ranch managers, stating, “They are involved with these conservation projects just as much as we are, and they deserve the credit as much as we do.”

“We cannot do this without a good crew, and these guys are the best to work with,” said Dunning.

Big Creek trout project

Following the award presentation, attendees began the Environmental Stewardship Tour with a stop at the Big Creek head gate – the location for restoring a local fishery.

Benjy Duke, assistant ranch manager at A Bar A, discussed their fish passage project on a tributary to the

North Platte River, explaining, “It will make it easier for fish to move upstream to spawn without obstacles.”

He continued, “The project involved installing a rock ramp to help trout and native fish species move upstream, and a strategically placed rock along the ramp provides important resting areas for fish on their way upstream.”

Through the efforts of Big Creek Ranch, the Wyoming Department of Game and Fish (WGFD) and Trout Unlimited, Big Creek now provides excellent habitat for cutthroats to create the next generation of trout.

According to WGFD, it would be extremely difficult to manage wildlife in the upper North Platte River Valley without the cooperation of Big Creek Ranch and A Bar A.

Pronghorn migration project

Burk Knowlton, assistant ranch manager at A Bar A, presented at the tour’s second stop. He noted the Big Creek and A Bar A ranches are vital terrestrial wildlife habitats in the valley.

These habitats include critical ranges for mule deer, Bighorn sheep and sage grouse. The Big Creek Ranch and A Bar A joined forces on a conservation project providing habitat for pronghorns in the valley.

Howe explained, “Landscape connectivity is a key factor enabling pronghorn to

move freely across the valley and survive through the seasons in rugged terrain and extreme climate conditions.”

The open spaces of the ranches provide large intact landscapes, which promote freedom of movement for migrating pronghorn and other animals.

To conclude the tour, attendees gathered along the North Platte River’s edge at the A Bar A and engaged in a question-andanswer session.

Visual data

Knowlton and Duke explained the ranch’s fencing restoration process allows pronghorn to move freely among the ranches, but installing motion-activated cameras provided them with a deeper understanding of wildlife movement on the ranch.

“The cameras have captured far more data than ever imagined,” Knowlton stated. “The cameras capture wildlife throughout the year, from eagles to Bighorn sheep, mountain lions to black bears and many other species like mule deer, pronghorn, elk and moose.”

Duke noted, “The cameras have been strategically stationed in key areas across the ranches, and data has been collected over three years, identifying areas where the ranch could modify fencing, implement changes and improved wildlife habitat.”

Tuesday, August 15th •

Attendees of the Environmental Stewardship Tour were fortunate to view data collected in a video created by the assistant ranch managers to demonstrate the wealth of knowledge gathered along with inspiring wildlife photos.

A sunset ending Dunning, Howe and the team thanked everyone for supporting them on these environmental projects and expressed how important it is to work side by side in collaboration with different agencies to protect the wildlife habitat and the future of ranching.

Dunning and Howe noted learning about the environment is the first step in protecting it, and at the Big Creek and A Bar A ranches, this is what they do every day.

Dunning continued, “Conservation and stewardship practices are the foundation of the ranches, and it’s our belief to do the right thing.”

The tour demonstrated the Big Creek Ranch’s focus on land management practices, supporting healthy ecosystems while preserving open lands and providing an environment where livestock and wildlife can coexist for generations.

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

UW continued from page 1

“I want to thank LCCC for the opportunity to be the head coach there the last five years. It was an amazing experience,” Glause adds. “I would like to thank Tom Burman, Randy Welniak and the hiring committee at UW for this new opportunity to lead UW’s cowboys and cowgirls.”

Coaching experience

Glause’s rodeo coaching career began in 2014 when he became involved as an instructor at Central Wyoming College (CWC) in 2014 and 2015. He has worked as an instructor at numerous clin-

to develop their leadership skills, and 4-H students competing in livestock showing, public speaking, service projects or shooting sports at local fairs develop problemsolving skills, enhance communication skills and the importance of responsibility.

FFA

The National FFA Organization is a program for students aged 12 to 21 interested in agriculture and leadership.

However, it is for more than just students who want to be production farmers.

FFA also welcomes members who aspire careers in teaching, healthcare, business owners and more.

For this reason, the name of the organization was updated in 1988, reflecting growing diversity and new opportunities within the agricultural industry. Still, the organization remains committed to the individual, providing a path to achieve-

ics since. He also contributed as an instructor at the 2019 National High School Rodeo Finals.

From 2016-18, Glause served as the assistant rodeo coach at LCCC. In 2018, Glause was elevated to the head coaching position.

He was named the Central Rocky Mountain Region (CRMR) Coach of the Year in 2021. Glause also currently serves as the CRMR director.

During his time at LCCC, Glause helped qualify athletes to the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in 2017 and 2018

and from 2020-23.

As head coach at LCCC, Glause was responsible for recruiting rodeo student athletes; overseeing the rodeo program’s budget; administering the annual contracts for stock, feed and equipment; planning and executing practice plans for his student athletes; creating and managing relationships with donors, sponsors, volunteers and alumni and producing and promoting the annual Shawn Dubie Memorial Rodeo, which has been voted the best rodeo in the region for three consecutive years.

Rodeo experience

A former rodeo competitor himself, Glause was

to make students aware of, and ready for, the future of agriculture,” he adds.

a three-time CNFR qualifier in 2007, 2008 and 2010. He was the 2007 and 2008 CRMR All-Around Champion, competing in bull riding, saddle bronc riding and team roping.

In 2007, Glause placed third in the all-around at the CNFR, he placed fourth in bull riding and he was fifth in saddle bronc riding. At the 2008 CNFR, he placed third in bull riding, and in 2010, he finished in the top 10 in bull riding at the CNFR for the third time in his career.

Glause went on to a career in professional rodeo, where he earned over $600,000 during his career. He was a four-time

National Finals Rodeo qualifier in bull riding, qualifying in 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Among his many professional titles were the 2009 Mountain States Circuit saddle bronc riding and all-around champions. In 2008, he was the all-around champion at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver, and in 2012, he was the bull riding champion at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo.

A native of Rock Springs, Glause graduated from Farson-Eden High School. He earned his Associate of Science from CWC in Riverton. He later

attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Okla., before completing his education at UW, where he earned his Bachelor of Applied Science in organizational leadership.

Glause and his wife Jayme have a seven-yearold daughter, Kinlee, and a three-year-old son, Kallen.

The UW rodeo program was moved under the direction of the UW Department of Athletics in July 2022 even though college rodeo is not an National Collegiate Athletic Associationsanctioned sport.

This article is courtesy of UW News and was originally published on July 11.

ment in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

“The most important role for FFA members in this vision is to say yes to the opportunities and experiences FFA provides,” says Scott Stump, FFA chief executive officer.

FFA strives to support the next generation rising to meet challenges by developing unique talents and exploring interests in various agricultural career pathways.

“Just as agriculture has and continues to evolve, so must the opportunities within FFA,” says Stump.

“From production to consumption, there are emerging careers like autonomous robotics and sustainability through which our students will shape the future and feed the world.”

“I am excited for the new opportunities we’ll be launching in the years ahead

4-H

4-H is America’s largest youth development organization and empowers youth with the skills to lead for a lifetime. 4-H originated over 100 years ago, becoming the nation’s largest youth development organization.

4-H provides opportunities for youth to develop skills, real-world knowledge and wisdom through observation, problem-resolving and living through experiences.

According to the 4-H website, the concept of the program is simple – help

young people and their families gain the skills needed to be proactive forces in their communities and develop ideas for a more innovative economy.

4-H students benefit from their 4-H experience throughout their lives socially, physically, emotionally and economically.

The 4-H Youth Development Program reaches over six million youth and is America’s largest youth organization.

Research studies from Bowling Green State University show 4-H youth are four times more likely to contribute to their com-

munity and two times more likely to be civically engaged, participate in outof-school science programs and make healthier choices.

Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development Director Richard Lerner explains a five-year research study on 4-H students provides strong evidence youth strengths are aligned with the resources for healthy development in families, schools and communities.

Building future leaders

4-H and FFA does more than prepare youth for agriculture careers. They also teach leadership skills, instill a sense of service and put

young Americans on the right path to a successful future.

Wyoming is proud of the difference FFA and 4-H members make in their backyards and across the state. There are several differences between the two organizations. Still, both share a passion for supporting students by developing leadership, responsibility and public speaking skills, all while fostering fantastic opportunities for youth.

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

FAIR continued from page 1

Getting Started in Ag: Hay and Forage Production and Storage Methods

AN INTRODUCTION TO HAY AND FORAGE PRODUCTION

Successful hay production involves a variety of complex steps and factors. Weather related elements such as drying time, humidity and rainfall play a key role in hay production. Hay must also be cut and windrowed in a timely manner.

Numerous methods are available to make a bale of hay; managers must evaluate the best option for their situation. For example, a producer selling hay to small scale horse owners will most likely to use a different method than a cow calf producer whose primary goal is winter feed.

If you are new or just starting out in production agriculture, considering various hay making technologies may seem a bit overwhelming. It is important to find the system that best suits your production goals and maximizes the quality and quantity of hay produced.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

PROTECT YOUR HAY AND FORAGE INVESTMENT

Prices for most types of hay are at or near record levels. From a profitability standpoint, it is essential to cut the amount of waste and loss associated with storage and feeding. Production losses in hay can occur in a number of ways, but are generally related to moisture. Hay that isn’t baled in a timely matter degrades in quality (appearance and nutritive value). Bales that aren’t picked up in a timely manner will degrade, as will those that are not stored properly.

As quality declines, the price received will most likely drop; hay tonnage will also decline over time due to spoilage and waste. Over time these losses can add up.

Consider this example: A grower produces 500 tons of alfalfa hay each year, at an average value of $200/ton ($100,000 total value). Now suppose that the operation

Visit farmanswers.org for more information on topics related to hay production and storage. Visit RightRisk.org for risk management resources, including RightRisk Analytics, designed to help hay producers manage risk in their operation.

lacks adequate storage facilities. Due to quality loss in storage, the grower could lose an average 10 percent of that value— resulting in a $10,000 annual loss.

PRODUCTION METHODS

There are three main packaging systems for baled hay: small square bales, round bales and large square bales. Other forage storage methods include loose hay, where hay is not baled but piled in a loose stack, and making silage.

Small square bales are easily handled by one person, are often geared toward small scale producers and buyers, and require less expensive equipment and horsepower to produce. The main disadvantages of small squares is that they are sensitive to weather and require timely retrieval and stacking. They also require some type of protection from the elements if stored for longer time periods.

Large square bales are usually 8 feet long and either 3 x 3 feet, 3 x 4 feet or 4 x 4 feet in dimension. They range in size from 650 to 2,000 pounds and are often preferred by larger scale producers due to the speed of baling and ease of handling and transport using large equipment.

Like small squares, these bales are not very weather resistant and require timely stacking and storage. The equipment required to bale them is also costly.

Round bales range from 4 feet to almost 6 feet in diameter and are inherently more weather resistant due to their shape, especially if baled using net wrap. They are the most common bale type in the U.S. However, as with square bales, the larger the bale, the bigger and more expensive the equipment required to bale and handle them.

James Sedman is a consultant to the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics in the University of Wyoming College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, and John Hewlett is a farm and ranch management specialist in the department. Hewlett may be reached at (307) 766‑2166 or hewlett@uwyo.edu

Large square bales in stack. Photo by James Sedman.

Silage is the process of either chopping forage with a forage harvester and packing it in a silo or pile to seal in the moisture or baling and then wrapping with plastic to seal it; the feed then ferments and transforms into a wet, highly digestible feed. Silage requires specialized equipment both to produce and deliver the resulting feedstuff. However, it can be a very

constructions are often the most expensive storage option, they can also provide the best protection.

Wrapping systems have gained in popularity around the country in recent years. Originally, wrapping was used in the southern U.S. and other places where substantial rainfall is a problem. There are two types of wrapping systems: wrapping a single bale or wrapping an entire stack.

Single bale wrapping systems are most commonly used on round bales where, after a bale is ejected from the baler, it is picked up by a wrapping machine that wraps the hay in a white plastic film, similar to plastic food wrap. The bales are then picked up with specialized handlers, either stack wagons or loader heads, that do not puncture the plastic.

The main downside of any type of wrapping system is the quantity of plastic waste that must be either recycled or disposed of. The cost of the specialized handling equipment is another barrier to adoption.

Drying systems utilize an emerging technology that allows hay to be baled at a higher moisture content, possibly even in adverse weather conditions. These specialized machines are like a high temperature oven with fans designed for hay bales, most often used with large square bales. While not a storage option per se, hay baled using drying systems can be stored and shipped at optimum moisture and quality levels. These systems are designed to bring hay to optimum moisture levels for transport or export, usually in containers.

economical production method under the right circumstances.

STORAGE SYSTEMS

Covering involves using large tarps or covers to keep precipitation and sun off the bales. This is most commonly used for square bales but can be used for round bales as well. The main advantages are the cost relative to other capital intensive methods (like permanent structures) and how quickly tarps can be installed and secured. Care should be taken to ensure a dry surface for the stack, as well as making sure the top of the stack will shed water.

Permanent structures , such as hay sheds or awnings, are more expensive options to protect hay. The more valuable the hay being stored, the more economic such structures become. Although these

In areas where structures like hay sheds are not an option, a whole stack wrapping system may be used. Similar to a grain bagger, the system involves setting bales into a wrapper in a stack as it moves along, creating an airtight and weatherproof covering. Popular in Europe, these systems are gaining acceptance in the U.S. to keep hay dry and weatherproof. Similar systems are also available for storing chopped feed to make silage.

RIGHTRISK ANALYTICS BUDGETING TOOLS

The RightRisk Analytics toolbox offers several tools covering budgeting, forage leasing, machinery costs, financial statements, record keeping and whole farm budgeting.

To view or download the toolbox, visit RightRisk.org and select the Resources tab.

Swather cuts hay for drying prior to baling. Photo by James Sedman.

Forage harvester cutting corn for silage. Photo by James Sedman.

Round bales wrapped for storage.

Photo by James Sedman.

“in conserving migratory ungulates and the habitats they rely on.”

For an example of how WGFD’s plan treats agriculture, in a section on “current social and economic values related to elk feedgrounds,” the plan specifies “social and economic values must be thoroughly considered in the future management of Western Wyoming elk.”

It goes through hunter numbers and recreation days associated with elk hunting, hunter expenditures in the region, the economic benefits of wildlife-related tourism and revenue generated by outfitters and guides.

But, when it comes to agriculture, only WGFD costs associated with elk damage claims are mentioned.

Not mentioned is the critical nature of private agricultural lands in Western Wyoming to maintaining intact ecosystems and connectivity for migrating

wildlife herds or how reductions in the economic viability of these operations could have devastating impacts to wildlife populations. Negative impact to ag operations

The plan notes a variety of impacts to nearby ag operations that would be detrimental to those operations as elk are increased on the landscape, such as an increase in damage to private property and an increase in spillover of brucellosis from elk to cattle.

It also states, “In the event of a large shift in elk distribution, it can be expected wolves will likely follow their prey base. A change in elk and wolf distribution could complicate private livestock operations with additional predation on livestock in the vicinity.”

Yeah, more wolves could “complicate” private livestock operations.

It continues, “There

would be potential for increased interspecific disease transmission in some areas and a larger area of prion deposition on the landscape” due to environmental contamination by elk harboring chronic wasting disease.

Since ag operations could be negatively impacted, the plan lays out actions for “voluntary livestock management strategies to reduce elklivestock conflicts,” nearly all which seek to minimize agriculture and its presence.

I’m not comforted by the idea these actions are “voluntary” as the plan itself lays out the blueprint to coerce livestock producers to take these voluntary measures, such as, “The department will build working relationships with non-government organizations and coordinate with them to maximize opportunities to increase elk occupancy on native winter ranges.”

It also says it will “maximize opportunities with willing lessees to rest or retire public land grazing allot-

Austin Snook • 307-290-2161

Taylor Snook • 307-290-2273

Craig Deveraux • 307-746-5690

Dan Catlin • 406-671-7715

Clint Snook • 307-290-4000

Cheyenne Seymour • 605-641-0638

Auctioneer:

ments in key locations on native elk winter ranges.”

“The department will work with federal land management agencies, local producers, the Wyoming Livestock Board and the governor’s office to determine areas where livestock animal unit months can be adjudicated from livestock to wildlife use,” the plan reads.

“The department will need to reassess its approach to addressing damage to agriculture, commenting on county land development regulations and influencing city ordinances,” it adds.

“To garner the support needed to begin implementing necessary changes in our long-term vision for elk wintering in Western Wyoming, the department will look for cooperative opportunities to influence positive changes to statutes, regulations, county land development regulations and city ordinances in order to encourage and promote cooperative elk use on private lands,” says WGFD.

“It is the department’s

Weston Garrett • 605-210-1629

Casey Sellers • 307-217-2614

Jim Forbes • 307-351-5932

Tye Curuchet • 307-351-8666

Daniel Escoz • 307-217-1440

Kade Kinghorn • 307-620-0525

Market Report • July 12, 2023

Back for our first sale after the holiday week, had a big midsummer run of weigh up cows selling on a strong market with lots of buyers in the seats. Weigh up bulls were steady compared to before the holiday. Had a light test on yearlings with good quality selling on an active market. Had a run of new crop lambs, with plenty of buyer interest. We will be back on July 21st with an Open Consignment Horse sale and then on July 26th with another weigh-up special.

Thank you and we appreciate your business!

Public comments being accepted

Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) will accept public comments on the elk feedgrounds management plan through Sept. 10.

Public meetings are scheduled for July 24 at the Teton County Public Library in Jackson at 6 p.m., July 25 online via Zoom at 6 p.m., July 26 at the Sublette County Public Library in Pinedale at 6 p.m. and July 27 at the Afton Civic Center in Afton at 6 p.m.

After the agency finalizes its plan, it will go for WGFD Commission approval at the November 2023 meeting. Once the plan is approved, WGFD will begin developing feedground management action plans at the elk herd unit level.

responsibility to ensure the education of Wyoming lawmakers about the positive benefits to the future of elk management with regard to reducing reliance on supplemental feeding,” they continue.

The plan also says, “Long-term alternatives for how elk are allowed to winter in Western Wyoming will require changes in law, funding and public attitude regarding disease, damage and elk occupancy.”

“Increasing native winter range availability and use will take considerable time and funding and major shifts in current land use,” it continues.

The plan states, “The department has identified the following actions for voluntary livestock management strategies to reduce elk-livestock conflicts, including shipping livestock to areas of low risk for conflict and damage and conversion from cow/calf operations,” as if cattle were clothes one hangs in a closet and can switch around with ease.

how to make this work, but WGFD needs to do more than begrudgingly bring us to the table after they’ve set the stage to minimize our presence in the landscape by “shipping” us elsewhere, “converting” our operations to something else or recommending federal agencies reduce our grazing permits – all while the state wildlife agency plans to put more elk on our private ground.

We shouldn’t be viewed an obstacle to success of this plan, but a key to it.

The sooner WGFD realizes this, the sooner we can tackle the complex work ahead.

And, it’s not just traditional ag production that will change under this plan.

According to the draft, “In the case of Teton and northern Lincoln counties, this will require looking outside of traditional agricultural use properties.”

www.buffalolivestockwyo.com

Ag

is a tool, not a hindrance

The WGFD isn’t known for its expertise in livestock management, and it’s way out of its realm on this one, alienating livestock producers in the process. The plan should have said livestock producers should consider management actions and practices to reduce the risk of elk-cattle conflicts and committed WGFD to working with producers toward this goal.

What measures can producers take to reduce risk of disease transmission and conflict? We can practice timing and geographical separation to minimize the risk of disease transmission from commingling between our livestock and elk.

Off the top of my head, we can use livestock guardian dogs, hazing on snow machines or horseback or with drones to keep elk off our winter feed lines. We can continue preventative programs of calf-hood vaccinations, adult booster vaccinations and testing of our cattle and fencing stackyards.

We can continue our existing rigorous herd health practices to reduce our cattle’s susceptibility to infection, and yes, we can assess the type and class of livestock our grazing rotations. We can have the WGFD work with us rather than propose ways to eliminate us from the landscape. We have some ideas on

“Land ownership in Western Wyoming has changed in recent decades, and there are now far fewer traditional agricultural operations. The long-term focus of this plan must consider non-traditional land ownership as an avenue that must be explored as part of the future of elk winter habitat.

The department must seek out ways to cooperatively increase elk wintering opportunities on these lands,” it continues.

As Western communities deal with increasing human population and development and land use changes, the need to sustain migratory connectivity is critical.

We migrate our livestock herds with the seasons, and in doing so, we help to keep passage open to migrating wildlife herds as well. It’s a natural method of producing food and fiber.

But the WGFD’s plan to “acquire” winter range will encourage more “conservation ranching” and “fishing ranches” and “elk ranches,” which are often dominated by absentee owners or provide places for amenity owners to park their capital while they enjoy the view.

This will change the very character of our communities, which is what the plan means when it calls for “major shifts in current land use.”

Cat Urbigkit is an author and rancher who lives on the range in Sublette County. Her column, Range Writing, appears weekly in Cowboy State Daily. This opinion column was originally published in Cowboy State Daily on July 11.

"From the ring, to the video, and in the country, we market your livestock the competitive way."

This year’s wetterthan-usual summer has led to an increase in the mosquito population across several states in the West, and many experts are advising individuals and animal owners to be mindful of West Nile Virus (WNV) and its effects.

“WNV is a viral disease in the Flavivirus family which can result in fever and neurological disease,” reads a U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Fact Sheet, published on Dec. 14, 2022.

According to APHIS, WNV was first detected in the U.S. in 1999 and is now considered an endemic disease.

The virus is maintained in nature through a transmission cycle between mosquitos and wild birds, in which birds act as the host and mosquitos act as the vector.

While there is little documentation of the virus infecting livestock, mosquitos can transmit WNV to pets, humans and horses, posing a serious threat to the two latter of the three.

WNV in animals

An article published by Texas A&M University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences on Aug. 19, 2021 explains most infected animals are asymptomatic, although WNV can lead to encephalitis – inflammation of the brain – and/or meningitis – inflammation of the spinal cord lining.

Other symptoms may

Experts encourage vigilance regarding West Nile Virus

Individuals who suspect WNV should call a local veterinarian or the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory at 307-766-9925.

include fever, weakness, trembling, head tremors, inability to walk and inattention.

“Dogs and cats can become infected but are unlikely to show signs of disease, and infected dogs and cats are unlikely to infect mosquitoes, other animals or people. Fortunately, WNV is not a major concern for companion animal health,” states Dr. Sarah Hamer, an epidemiologist and associate professor at Texas A&M and director of the Texas A&M Schubot Center for Avian Health, in the article.

On the other hand, WNV does pose a deadly threat to horses. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), horses represent 96.9 percent of all reported non-human mammalian cases of WNV.

“Equine WNV complications range from debilitating to lethal. According to AAEP, horses showing clinical signs of WNV infection have an approximate 33 percent mortality rate, and research indicates 40 percent of horses that survive the acute illness still exhibit residual effects, such as gait and behavioral abnormalities, six months post-diagnosis,” explains Texas A&M University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and

Biomedical Sciences.

J.D. Ragland, PhD and Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent, urges horse owners to keep a watchful eye on their horses.

In a Texas A&M AgriLife Newsletter, written by Blair Fannin and dated July 6, Ragland notes symptoms in equids include high fever; incoordination, including stumbling, staggering and/or appearing sluggish; inability to stand; going off feed and acute death.

Physical protections

In an effort to reduce risk of transmission, Ragland encourages individuals to be vigilant of their surroundings.

He says, “Standing water in nearby lakes, trenches or even household items like flowerpots and wheelbarrows should be removed.”

He also advises backyard pools and water tanks or buckets, if not in use, should be drained.

“People with household pets should monitor their movements and try to limit them to indoor places,” Ragland adds.

Additionally, Ragland suggests people wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants to cover their skin; apply and reapply insect repellant with ingredients

like DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil and picaridin and avoid outdoor areas during dusk and dawn, which is when mosquitoes are most active.

Medical preventions

In addition to physical protections, there are some medical prevention options individuals should keep in mind in an instance when WNV is suspected.

According to Texas A&M AgriLife, there are annual vaccinations for animals, and most veterinarians offer core vaccines for tetanus, rabies, encephalomyelitis and WNV.

Vaccinations remain the primary method of reducing risk in horses. Protocol involves an initial administration of two doses at an interval of three to four weeks, followed by an annual or semi-annual booster shot.

Many experts recommend administering annual vaccines in the spring or during a suitable time before the mosquito season.

“If a horse has not been previously vaccinated, the initial dose should be administered as soon as possible,” Ragland states.

Diagnosis and treatment

In a June 27 article by Mallory Pfeifer, the Texas

A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) notes several serological tests may be used to diagnose WNV, and the most reliable test for horses is the Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which can confirm recent exposure to the virus.

“The IgM antibody rises quickly after exposure but is relatively short lived,” TVMDL explains. “A positive result indicates infection likely

occurred within the previous six weeks. Data indicates little IgM is detected as a result of recent WNV vaccination.”

APHIS shares treatment consists of supportive care and is based on the severity of clinical signs, but prognosis may be poor for horses with severe neurologic signs.

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

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

July 18 Wyoming Weed and Pest Council Ventenata Field Tour, departure at 8:45 a.m., Rozet. For more information contact Jaycie Arndt at jarndt1@uwyo.edu or call 307-217-1985.

July 20 Powell Research and Extension Center Field Day, registration begins at 3:30 p.m., Powell. For more information or to RSVP, e-mail uwprec@uwyo.edu or call 307-754-2223.

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

July 22 Cowgirls of the West Annual Fundraiser, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Little America Hotel and Resort, Cheyenne. For more information, visit cowgirlsofthewestmuseum.com

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

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

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

July 23-29 101st Annual Days of 76, Deadwood, S.D. For more information, visit daysof76.com

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

July 24 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Meeting, 6 p.m., Teton County Public Library, Jackson. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov

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

July 25 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Meeting, 6 p.m., Zoom. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov

July 26 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Meeting, 6 p.m., Sublette County Public Library, Pinedale. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov

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

July 27 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Meeting, 6 p.m., Afton Civic Center, Afton. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov

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

July 28 Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Event, 8 a.m., Wheatland. For more information or to get pre-approved to adopt, visit wildhorsesonline.blm.gov/

July 28 Red Desert Roundup, Sweetwater Events Complex, Rock Springs. For more information, visit rdrrodeo.com

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

July 28-Aug. 6 Campbell County Fair, Gillette. For more information, visit campbellcountywy. gov/959/County-Fair

July 28-Aug. 6 Platte County Fair, Wheatland. For more information, visit plattecountyfair.org

July 28-Aug. 7 Sheridan County Fair, Sheridan. For more information, visit sheridancountyfairgrounds.com

July 22

July 24-26

Big horn Basin

Worland, WY

1 Blk Cow, 1410# $10950 Mastre, Gust - Worland

1 Blk Cow, 1605# $10900 Redland, R. Rolly - Basin

1 Blk Cow, 1360# $10650 Redland, Spencer - Basin

1 Blk Cow, 1295# $10600

1 Hrfd Cow, 1295# $10550 Anderson Ranch Co. - Ten Sleep

2 Blk Cows, avg. 1233# $10550

Johnstone, Alex - Ten Sleep

1 Blk Cow, 1335# $10550

Graves, Rodney - Thermopolis

1 SimX Cow, 1490# $10550 Ward, Paul - Thermopolis

1 Blk Cow, 1075# $10500

Donley, Janell Dee - Worland

1 SimX Cow, 1690# $10450

1 SimX Cow, 1985# $9800

Dooley, Dustin - Worland

1 Blk Cow, 1405# $10100 Seaton, Dale - Meeteetse

1 BWF Cow, 1795# $9600

STEERS Vega, Max - Worland

1 BWF Str, 650# $25750 Fantaskey, Matthew - Worland

3 Rd/Blk Strs, avg. 727# $24700 Hanzlik, Clayton - Powell

1 Blk Str, 1510# $13500

South Dakota Sheep Growers Association Premium Yearling Ewe Sale, Magness Livestock Auction, Huron, S.D., 406-581-7772, sdsheepgrowers.org

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

July 31-Aug. 4 Superior Livestock Auction Video Royale, Winnemucca, Nev., 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com

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

Aug. 12 HK Yak Ranch Live and Online Auction, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, 970-4626551, contact@hkyakranch.com, buffalolivestockwyo.com

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

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

Aug. 21-25 Superior Livestock Auction Big Horn Classic, Sheridan, 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com

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

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

Slow and Easy Caboose Dedication Set

In most Wyoming towns, summer signals the start of construction, rodeos, cowboy poetry and music, plus museum history presentations.

Living history at the Grand Encampment Museum (GEM) July 22 tops the events scheduled for this area. This year, the theme is dedications of a recently remodeled caboose which ran on the rails of the now defunct Saratoga and Encampment (S&E) Railway, better known as the Slow and Easy.

During living history, I will be helping visitors pump the printing press at the GEM. Coming off the press will a publication with the following story:

In December of 2014 Gene Bashar donated a wonderful piece of history, a caboose from the S&E Railway, which was delivered to the GEM by Brad Hiebeg.

The caboose was in need of substantial repair, however – see before and after pictures of the caboose in this week’s Wyoming Livestock Roundup.

GEM is blessed to have as wonderful and capable people as Volunteer Jerry Anderson and GEM Board Member Anita Morris. Together, with the aid of Director Tim Nicklas, they were able to rebuild the caboose to authenticity.

Mike Pannel is an

expert on caboose roofs, and his insight was greatly appreciated. The doors, flooring and exterior finish proved challenging at times. Paint was copied to the original color, and window panes are original.

Donations dedicated to the caboose were graciously accepted and used to rejuvenate and enhance this wonderful display.

In 2017, a deck was built across the side of the caboose in hopes of drawing concerts, theater, plays, artists, displays or to use to the imagination. Electricity has been installed to accompany any of the previous mentioned venues.

Discussion of how to safely move a glass display case from the Doc Culleton building to the caboose has been a topic of many board meetings. With the wonderful snowfall we have had this year, this discussion ended with the use of two tractor inner tubes, some rope and local volunteers by loading the case and

sliding it across the snow.

Artifacts and displays of railroad history are being moved from other places in the museum to the new facility known as “The Caboose.”

It has been many years of patience and hard work, but finally this summer, the caboose will be dedicated on July 22 and open to the public.

S&E Railway caboose history

This caboose was built around 1890 on the East Coast. It was purchased by the S&E Railway in 1903 and served on this line from 1908 until 1928, when it was abandoned on a side track in Encampment.

Eventually, it was moved to a residence in Riverside and used as storage and a workshop. In 2014, the caboose was moved to the GEM grounds.

Over the years, the unit has been renovated, the roof sealed, siding painted and replaced as necessary and a deck built in the fall of 2016. Exhibit and interpretive planning is completed.

The S&E Caboose Renovation Project is funded by donations, memorials and grants. Folks interested in donating to this project, may do so by notifying the GEM staff, in person at 807 Barnett Ave. in Encampment, call 307-327-5308 or visit gemuseum.com

Pictured are before and after pictures of the restored S&E Railway caboose at the Grand Encampment Museum (GEM). Photos courtesy of the GEM. Historical Reproductions by Perue

MARKETS

Compiled from USDA Market News Service information and other sources

FOR THE WEEK ENDING July 14, 2023

FOR THE WEEK ENDING May 24, 2019

WEEKLY SHEEP AUCTIONS

Demand was good in the eastern part of the state with light demand in the central and western areas. Spotty rain showers across most of the state with some areas getting damaging hailstorms wiping crops completely out. Many alfalfa producers continue to struggle on getting up good dry bales of hay in the central and western areas. Some hay producers in the eastern part of the state have finished second cutting and thinking of starting third cutting next week. Grass hay producers mostly continue to work in their shops as native meadows are very west and they cannot get into them without getting stuck! It will dry out one of these

As of July 7, 2023

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

AREA WEEKLY WEIGHTED CATTLE

200

Alfalfa - Good Large Square 3x4 170

Alfalfa - Fair Large Square 3x4 150

Alfalfa Ground (Delivered) 275

Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Kearny, NE

Colorado Hay Summary

As of July 13, 2023

Compared to last week sun-cured alfalfa pellets sold 10.00 lower. Bales of alfalfa sold steady to weak. What a crazy first cutting of alfalfa! Hay producers have been dealing with rain for 6 weeks and having a very difficult time putting up top quality hay. This year is like the movie Groundhog where the hay producers keep living the same poor haying weather day after day. Hopefully it will change, and weeks of sunshine and warm weather will prevail. Sadly, there are several tons of fair or less quality hay around the state this year. Most of it will be sold to be ground into a feed ration.

Compared to last week: Trade activity and demand moderate. Hay trades are starting to gain momentum as 1st cutting gets wrapped up across the state. Areas that have received a lot of rain since mid May have created challenges in putting up hay that will test. Later cut alfalfa with low test is going to be moving into the grinder markets. Producers have struggled to put up hay without any rain on it. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s High Plains Summary for July 11, 2023, heavy rainfall soaked much of south-central and southwestern Kansas, with 4 to locally 8 inches observed in many areas. Significant drought reduction resulted, although some degree of longer-term dryness remained in most locations. Eastern Nebraska, southeastern South Dakota, eastern Colorado, and a few other parts of Kansas received moderate to locally heavy rains, prompting substantial if less-widespread improvement in those areas. In addition, parts of Wyoming continued to benefit from the exceptionally wet and (in higher elevations) snowy winter, so D0 and D1 areas were again whittled down slightly. In contrast, moderate drought (D1) expanded in both the northwestern and northeastern sections of North Dakota, where persistently below-normal precipitation has been observed for the past few months. Although more improvement than deterioration occurred last week, exceptional drought (D4) remained over parts of southeastern Kansas, portions of west-central and north-central Kansas, and a few patches in eastern Nebraska.

Notice

Help Wanted

FARM MANAGER WANTED: Expertise in pivot sprinkler irrigation, operation and maintenance of farm equipment. Farm planning, planting, harvest, etc. Self-motivated. Full time. Must relocate to southeast Wyoming. Housing will be provided as well as other benefits. Send resume and references to faughtck58@gmail.com or call Kirk, 307-247-1190 7/15

Services

Solar

COYOTE DAYS 2023: The largest gathering of predator control and fur harvesting experts in the world. Twenty instructional demos on all aspects of the industry. Come learn about an outdoor activity that can be very rewarding.

AUG. 18-19, NIOBRARA CO. FAIRGROUNDS, LUSK, WY. Vendors, drawings, banquet, fur fashion show and more. For more information, call 307-334-9930 8/5

Help Wanted

(307)

Help Wanted

Swift Creek Outfitters & Teton Horseback Adventures

Help wanted in the Tetons: Trail Ride Wranglers, Fall Pack in Camp Cook, Fall Mule Packer ( 307) 730- 8830 OR (307) 856-1226

Check Out Our Website www.horsebackadv.com

Medicine Bow Conservation District is seeking to fill the position of District Manager. For a full job description and necessary qualifications, visit Facebook @MedBowCD or the Wyoming Livestock Roundup classifieds at www.wylr.net For questions or to send a resume and references, call 307-379-2221 or e-mail joan@medbowcd.org.

MTC LOGISTICS HAS PARTTIME DRIVER POSITIONS

AVAILABLE FOR DRIVER CLASS B & A CDL WORLAND TO CASPER AND CODY TO CASPER. ALSO, for the downtown area in Casper, WY. Must have clean driving record, no felony record and able to pass extensive background check and drug test. Class B license also required, $28/hour. E-mail resumes to dingoboy6342@ yahoo.com or call Matt, 801641-4109 7/22

HOT SPRINGS COUNTY

WEED & PEST DISTRICT IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF RANGE MANAGER: The position is in Thermopolis, WY. Send letter of application, resume and 3 references to: Hot Springs County Weed & Pest District, PO Box 543, Thermopolis, WY 82443. For additional information, call 307-921-0574. Hot Springs County Weed & Pest is an EOE 7/22

SUMMER HELP WANTED: Haying and fencing. Call 605-3473403 or 605-499-9088 7/22

LOOKING TO HIRE ASE

CERTIFIED MECHANICS: Prefer 10-12 years of experience. Salary is $30-$50/hour flat rate. DOE. ALSO, looking for autobody technicians, pay DOE. Call 701-339-3037 or 406-655-3546 or e-mail resume to toptechbillings@ gmail.com 7/15

Auctions

Services

AGRI-ONE FINANCIAL: Farm/ ranch and all commercial loans. RATES AS LOW AS 5%. We have been helping with all aspects of agricultural, commercial financing and management for years. LET US HELP YOU on a consulting level with management to increase profitability, deal with and fix credit problems and for all your financing needs. WE CARE AND HAVE WORKING PROGRAMS designed for the farmer/rancher and not the banker. Please call Steve, 303-773-3545 or check out our website, www.agrionefinancial.com. I will come to you and get the job done!! 7/15

Dogs

AKC MINI AUSSIE PUPPIES: Well socialized, basic training started. Both parents are OFA certified. Three year genetic health guarantee. Will be ready for their furever homes July 14.

To reserve your puppy or to schedule a visit to the farm, call or e-mail Dennis, 406-3665453 or oldwood@ibyfax.com. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 7/15

YOUR FAMILY AND PROPERTY

PROTECTORS ARE WAITING!!

We have beautiful guardians just wanting and waiting to make you their priority!! Please don’t postpone your next best friend, companion and protector. $1,000. Have been raising these fantastic LGD for 48 years. For more information, call 406-207-7674 7/15

Angus

Dogs

BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES: Born May 23. Out of ranch raised, working parents. Four black and white males. Good with kids. Need homes where they can work cattle and/or sheep. Have had first shots and wormer. Ken & Cheri Graves, Kaycee, WY, phone 307-7382247, e-mail gravesredfork@ rtconnect.net 7/15

WORKING BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES FOR SALE: Born March 30. Located in Powell, WY. Parents onsite. Asking $500 OBO. For pictures or more information, call 307899-3533 7/15

BULLS FOR SALE

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

www.claycreek.net

Clay Creek Angus • 307-762-3541

Services

150 ANGUS BRED HEIFERS: Home raised from 27 year closed herd, 2/3 of these heifers are AI sired out of top Angus genetics, bred to sons of Captalist-316, Sept.-Oct. calvers, total health program. 450 ANGUS COWS, 4-7 years old, home raised from 27 year closed herd, 2/3s AI sired, bred to registered Angus bulls, to calve Sept.-Oct., calves consistently grade to high 90% Choice, total health program. 40 ANGUS 2- AND 3-YEAR-OLD BULLS, AI sired, bred for calving ease and carcass quality. Steer mates’ grades 98% Choice or better, total health program See our website, www.JBCattle.com. Call 573-5783086 7/15

Services Services

REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LRC. One iron, easy to put on, easy to read. $15,000. Call 307-660-5755 8/5

Dogs

WE HAVE A LITTER OF 8

GREAT PYRENEES LIVESTOCK GUARD DOGS: Ready to go now. They’ve been exposed to various types of livestock. Have sweet and loving personalities. $400/pup OBO. For more information, contact Casey or Cristy Davis, 605-431-2067 or 605-2060495 8/5

FOR SALE KELPIE/ENGLISH SHEPHERD CROSS PUPPIES: Two males and 8 females born July 6. Both parents are working dogs and friendly with children. Asking $300. Call 605866-4882 7/22

BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES: Born May 22, out of working parents, $500 each. Call 307-2369047. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 7/29

THE ROUNDUP GETS RESULTS! CALL 800-967-1647 or 307-234-2700

Hereford

Hereford

Angus

Brands

Yaks

SAT., AUG. 12 AT 1 PM BUF-

FALO LIVESTOCK MARKETING SELLING 90 YAKS FROM HK YAK RANCH, IN BUFFALO, WY. There will be a mix of steers, cows, calves, yearlings and bulls. Downsizing our herd to 60 head so we can better manage it for future operations. Online at www.cattleusa.com For questions, pictures or additional information, call HK Yak Ranch, 970-462-6551 or e-mail contact@hkyakranch. com. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 7/29

Custom Feeding

CALF BACKGROUNDING, PASTURE AND feedlot options available. ALSO, seeking cows on shares from now until 2024. Hemingford, NE. Call Ian, 307421-9116 8/5

Pasture Wanted

PASTURE WANTED for 2,000 yearlings and 500 pairs. Can split into smaller bunches. Call 701-523-1235 7/29

MINIATURE HORSES FOR

SALE OR TRADE: Pretty lawn ornaments, sweet and gentle. One stallion, 2 mares and 1 two-year-old colt. Call or text Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays, 307-258-2175. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 8/5

46TH ANNUAL POWDER RIVER QUARTER HORSE BREEDERS ASSOCIATION

HORSE SALE: SEPT. 3, BROADUS, MT, POWDER RIVER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS.

Offering weanlings and yearlings from some of the top producers in the area. Ranch broke horses and young prospects.

Lance Bateman Memorial Ranch Horse Classic, Fri. Sept.

1 Two-year-old futurity, Sat. afternoon, Sept. 2 Performance

Yearling Futurity and Youth Halter Futurity Sun., Sept. 3, 8 a.m. Horse sale preview to follow.

HORSE SALE 1 PM ON SUN., SEPT. 3. For more information, call Dan Davis, 406-4275420 or 406-853-3554 7/29

Saddles & Tack

BOOTS, BOOTS, BOOTS!!! HONDO, BOULET, JUSTIN WORK BOOTS, TWISTED X (boots and shoes) and more!! Large SELECTION of quality TACK at reasonable prices. WE CAN ship!! Shop Moss Saddles, Boots and Tack, 4648 West Yellowstone Highway, Casper, WY; 307472-1872. Our family serving yours for 50 years!! Check us out on Facebook or our website 7/15

Leatherwork

LS CUSTOM LEATHER: Belts, tack, cell phone cases and much more!! Contact Lester, 307-631-1053, leave a message. Located in Riverton, WY 7/15

Sheep

Sheep

Equipment

RAFTER 7 MERINOS

19.3 FLEECE

138 ewes: Two & 3 years old with lambs

EWE & MARCH/JUNE

LAMB UNIT

$475 each OBO 970-710-1659

SDSGA PREMIUM YEARLING EWE SALE, SAT. JULY 22, 2023, at 2 p.m., Huron, S.D., Magness Livestock Auction

Offering approximately 600-700 head of top quality registered and commercial replacement ewes born from Jan. 1, 2022-Dec. 31, 2022. The sale will include Dorset, Merino, Polypay, Rambouillet, SAMM, Suffolk and Targhee breeds.

SDSU Extenion program at 11 a.m. Free noon lamb lunch and viewing of ewes offered prior to sale.

INTERNET BIDDING available at www.cattleusa.com

For more information please contact Lisa Surber, 406-581-7772, e-mail lisa@sdsheepgrowers.org or visit www.sdsheepgrowers.org. Check us out on Facebook, South Dakota Sheep Growers Association

Seed

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

Hay & Feed

HAY FOR SALE: 2023 alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mix and intermediate grass. ALSO, two loads of 2022 CRP grass mix, cut early, good green. All in netwrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, 701-690-8116, please send a text if no answer or keep trying 8/5

TWO SEMI LOADS ALFALFA/ GRASS MIX AND 4 LOADS ALFALFA: First cutting, net-wrapped rounds. Hemingford, NE. $185/ ton. Call 307-421-9116 8/5

VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: New crop of alfalfa available soon. Go to www.valleyvideohay.com or call Barry McRea, 308-235-5386 7/29

WANTED: STANDING HAY, straw, alfalfa, CRP, cornstalks or damaged wheat straw. Southeast Wyoming, western Nebraska or northern Colorado. Call for competitive rates, 307214-5290 307-630-3046 7/22

Crop Cleanup

BENNY HERNANDEZ IS IN THE AREA AND HAS PLENTY OF HELP TO CLEANUP AND HOE YOUR CROPS. Call 307431-7160 7/15

Fire Extinguishers

The most POWERFUL FIRE EXTINGUISHING TECHNOLOGY is here!! FIRE PRO Extinguishers feature a concentrate used for over 30 years by fire departments, race tracks and the military. This formula is a non-toxic, powerful cooling liquid with foam and requires no maintenance!! Economical, do-it-yourself refill kits are also available. Choose the best for your equipment today!!

For more information, call Arlen Coblentz at 307-850-9663 7/29

Travel Trailers

2005 AIRSTREAM INTERNATIONAL FOR SALE: Sleeps 5, mint condition, factory solar system, microwave, flat screen TV, stereo system. Brand new 8 ply tires. Four batteries. Loaded!! Call 307-870-7605 7/22

STRUCTURAL OIL FIELD PIPE

Semi loads of 2 3/8” tubing, $75/jnt, FOB Colorado

307-256-7058 or wybuckinghorse@aol.com www.pipe-cable.com

Property for Sale

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: White 30’ disk; John Deere 960 26’ cultivator; Lawson 12x30 double drum land aerator; 3 John Deere 9600 combines; New Holland 1075 balewagon; John Deere 567 baler; CIH 8570 3x3 baler; Massey Ferguson 2190 4x4 baler; Freeman pull type 3 string balers; Vermeer R23 rake; CIH 1015 pick-up header; New Holland 357 grinder mixer; Modern Mill (mix mill) feed mill; Freightliner grain truck; Freightliner sleeper truck; WS sleeper truck; Kenworth crane truck, 18 ton, 82’; WS 90 bbl vac truck, Pete 80 bbl vac truck; IHC 80 bbl vac truck; Wilson 53x102 tri axle cattle pot; Cat 262D skid steer; Mobile Tech 9 yd. volumetric concrete mixer; Degelman 570 rock picker. View equipment at www.bigskyeb.com. Call 406-254-1254 7/22

FOR SALE!!! 2021 Earthquake brand pull behind deck mower. Model Acreage RC 4432. ONLY USED ONCE!! Can be pulled by a four wheeler, side-by-side UTV or a lawn tractor. Has been tarped since new. Comes with a new battery. Located in Cheyenne, WY. Photos on request, $1,500 OBO. Call Bev, 307-214-0113, if no answer please leave a message 7/22

FOR SALE: Rowse 3 pt. 9’ sickle mower. Rowse double 9’ sickle mower. Hesston/AGCO Allis 5556 big round baler, wide pickup, net wrap/twine. Nine wheel pull type finger rake. 7’ 3 pt. rotary mower. John Deere 2155 diesel tractor, wide front, 3 pt., runs great. H&S 7+4 17’ chuckwagon with tandem 14 ton running gear. John Deere 714A and 716A chuckwagons with John Deere running gear and bunk feeding extensions, been shedded, nice condition. J&M 325 gravity box with 12 ton gear and roll tarp. Meyerink 12’ box scraper with tilt. John Deere 7000 4 row wide corn planter with corn meters and bean cups. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-999-5482 7/15

FOR SALE: Rawhide large portable corral, WW hydraulic chute. ALSO, 2021 John Deere C500 MoCo, only cut 60 acres. R2800 Vermeer hydraulic rake. Kramer 14 bale retriever. Call 605-842-5515 8/26

VERMEER 605N SELECT

ROUND BALER: Excellent shape. Call for more information, 701-690-8116, please send a text if no answer or keep trying 8/5

HAY EQUIPMENT: 38 John Deere 9’ mower, $1,200; Hesston 5580 round baler, good condition, bales hay, $1,800; New Holland 56 side delivery rake, $1,200. Keystone, S.D., delivery possible. Call 605-5936637 7/15

2019 JOHN DEERE 560M ROUND BALER: In good working condition, has 9,000 bales on it. Large flotation tires. Net wrap and twine tie options included. $40,000 OBO. Near Pinedale, WY. Call 307-3609386 7/29

MONTANA RAILROAD SERVICES: Railroad ties, switch ties and other railroad materials for fencing and landscaping. Best pricing and quality in the region. Call 406-962-3514, Silesia, MT. Located 10 miles south of Laurel, MT (off of Clarks River Rd., the old highway). Visit our website, www.mtrrservices.com 7/15

LODGEPOLE PRODUCTS, 307-742-6992, SERVING AGRI-BUSINESSES SINCE

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

PIPE FOR SALE!! 2 7/8, 3 1/2 tubing, 4” drill pipe, 4 1/2 casing, 5” casing, 7” casing. Rods 3/4, 7/8 and 1” located in Montana, can ship anywhere. Call Mike, 602-758-4447. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 11/8

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

OREGON RANCH, Baker City, Baker County, OR. The Alder Creek pasture contains over 2,000 acres of native spring, summer and fall pasture. The rangeland is situated just east of Baker City, OR. The property is in good condition and has good perimeter fencing. The range is gently south facing slope with a variety of native grass. FIRST TIME OFFERING at just over $500 per acre for deeded and contiguous ownership, $1,095,000. Give us a call at 541-523-4434, Intermountain Realty, Inc., Greg Sackos, Principal Broker, James Dunlap, Broker, www.intermountainland.com 7/15

Irrigation

Irrigation Systems

The choice is simple.

Easier On You.

Big Horn Truck and Equipment Manderson, WY rairdenjlw@tritel.net

NEW GRUNDFOS SERIES LCS, SPLIT COUPLED END SUCTION PUMP. Run 20 minutes. 350 gpm, 20’ head, 5 HP, 3-phase. Asking $5,000 OBO. Call or text for more information, 307-840-0593 7/15

IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: Used Wade Rain wheel line 5” 40 ft. pipe with attached 5 ft. wheel, well maintained. In yard, as is, you dismantle wheel and haul. Quantity 32 pipes, $210 each pipe. Two Nelson P200 Big Guns on carts for 6” ringlock pipe. Includes cart, $1,500 each. A&M 6” ringlock Series 55 aluminum pipe. 6”x30’ pipe. Selling as is, pipe stacked, $135/pipe. Call 406-600-4146, Bozeman, MT 7/15

• 800-770-6280

Property for Sale

COUNTRY LIVING ON THE EDGE OF TOWN, STERLING, CO: Newer ranch style home, 5 bedroom, 3 bath, many upgrades with an open floor plan, 3,800 sq. ft., lots of storage. Large barn with indoor riding arena, 6 heated stalls, wash bay, tack room, indoor hay storage, bathroom. Outdoor riding arena: Three runs, 3 corrals, 3 loafing sheds, dog run/ kennel, RV hookup. 42.25 acres, recently surveyed, 3 adjacent parcels available for sale. Call Steve Robinson, Real Estate Broker Associate, 970-631-5023, A. Stephen and Company, Inc 7/15

Property for Sale

RANCH AT MELVILLE, MT, SWEET GRASS VALLEY: Beneath the majestic Crazy Mountains lies 1,410 acres that have been under the same ownership for over 90+ years. 840 acres irrigated. Sweet Grass Creek flows through the ranch providing cover for wildlife and fishing. A full complement of improvements plus 2 homes. Call for pricing. Sidwell Land & Cattle Co., Richard Sidwell, 406-861-4426, 406-322-4425 or e-mail sidwell@sidwellland.com 7/22

HUNTINGTON SPRINGS

RANCH: 3,654+ deeded acres in Scottsbluff County, NE & Goshen County, WY. Eleven pastures with stock water. Corrals. Exceptional blend of meadow grass and hard grass. Private and serene. Trees and live water. Prime condition.

$3,200,000. Casey Essert, Land Broker; Empire Realty, Torrington, WY, 307-532-1750 7/15

Modular Home

1982 MAGNOLIA DW HOME: 1,344 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Includes appliances, wood stove and central air. Vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets, laminate and carpet flooring. Very clean. 8’x16’ deck included. MUST BE MOVED WITHIN 60 DAYS OF CLOSING. Located near Pavillion, WY. $125,000. Range Realty, LLC, 307-8400593 7/15

Hunting & Fishing

WANTED: PROPERTY TO ARCHERY HUNT IN THE NORTH PLATTE RIVER REGION BETWEEN GUERNSEY, WY AND NEBRASKA OR NEARBY. Whitetail deer only. Must be east of I-25 and south of U.S. Hwy. 20. Open to a lease or permission based day-to-day agreement. I do not sublease or guide. It’s just me. I work well with duck and deer hunters. Call 970-227-8598 7/29

LETTERS

Dear editor,

Sometimes we have to be reminded of just how great it is to live in a small community. This is what happened to Steve Mitchell on June 22. It all came about because of four rogue heifers.

But, let’s backtrack a bit. Steve had purchased the ornery bovine girls because of an abundance of grass – plenty of feed for the summer meaning meat later on.

On June 17, Cade Olson helped his grandpa brand them. The two discussed these four were not the easiest heifers to work. Even Cade said he was tired after branding the quartet.

Steve was going to have them spayed and vaccinated as soon as he could find someone to do it. They were penned in the acreage around the barn with plenty of water, lots of grass and lots of shade.

However, when three semi loads of heifers came in, the four were curious. So curious, they pushed on the fence, went through it and took off.

In a thousand fenced acres and many, many black animals, it was decided to let them settle down and sort them out in a couple of days.

WRONG. The best laid plans of mice and men.

In the meantime, the sheriff’s department was notified about them “leaving home.” If anyone had extra animals with a different brand than their own, they might be Steve’s.

Return to June 22

Antique & Vintage

LOOKING FOR NATIVE AMERICAN and Mexican jewelry, items and textiles. Call Ray, 307-267-4205 7/22

Hay & Feed

LOTS AND LOTS OF HAY FOR SALE!!! 1,350 lb. round bales, net wrapped. Grass/alfalfa mix, native grass, brome grass, straight alfalfa… Come and get it. For pricing, call 702-501-4243 (c) or 307-737-2680 (h) 8/5

They say one man's trash is another man's treasure. Advertise your treasures in the Roundup by calling Denise at 800-967-1647.

Public Lands Council leads coalition

On July 5, the Public Lands Council (PLC) submitted grazing coalition comments raising concerns with the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed public lands rule titled “Conservation and Landscape Health.”

Together with PLC affiliate members the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), as well as partners from the American Farm Bureau Federation, the comments garnered signatures from 55 state organizations and several additional national partners.

“Public lands ranchers lead conservation across the West. Our cattle and sheep are the tools we use to feed this country and protect these landscapes. We are committed to protecting these lands and the legacies we have built on them, especially when it means working to oppose government efforts which will cause more harm than good,” said PLC President Mark Roeber, a Colo-

Klein and Anderson headed south of town to the Page Place, which now belongs to Bill Klein, where there’s a set of corrals. Not knowing another event was about to occur, Reyes went to eat lunch.

rado rancher.

“If the BLM is serious about lasting conservation, they should have talked to us first, not forge ahead blindly with a universally controversial rule which will cause billions of dollars in harm to Western states and our national economy,” he continued.

“The BLM’s proposed rule is especially concerning to cattle producers who hold federal grazing permits and utilize public lands across the West, but this rule is a threat to the national industry,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “Public lands grazing provides valuable conservation and food security benefits, and this proposal opens the door to removing grazing entirely.”

In addition to formal comments submitted by PLC and the grazing coalition, over 700 individual livestock producers signed a grassroots letter to the BLM opposing this proposed rule.

gresses, Steve shook his head wondering, “Where did these other cowboys come from?”

around 9:30 a.m., a nice young voice identifying herself as the Platte County dispatcher asked if this was the correct number for the man who reported missing heifers.

His wife Pat told her to call Steve and the saga began.

Now realize, Steve is driving around in his blue farm truck with the white tailgate towing a small flatbed with his weed eater, shovels, etc. hanging on it – looking like a real cattle baron.

One heifer was seen by the south water tower across from the golf course. By the time Pat got there, three men in a pickup said, “She went ‘thataway.’ If I had a rope I would have caught her,” and then they laughed.

Pat headed north up 13th while Steve was trying to find the four-legged “mooer” being tracked by Officers Seely and Kirlin and Deputy Matthews.

She had made her way from Cole Street clear to Rowley in about 30 minutes. Let alone she had evidently followed the railroad tracks the approximate five miles from Steve’s place south of town. This gal was on the move.

Mooer number one put the deputy in the back of his pickup and broke his taillight before she finally was tired enough to lay down in the tall grass west of North Platte Physical Therapy. A five-mile morning hike and being chased by the law will do that.

Police Chief Willad-

son and Steve discussed the heifer’s adventures while waiting for a cowboy who could rope her and put her in a trailer. Officer Seely contacted his brother-in-law Tyler Klein and Ty Anderson who showed up with two horses and trailer.

Here’s where the history starts.

When the Mitchells moved to Wheatland in 1977, Tyler’s grandparents, Dale and Charlotte Klein, were their neighbors. In fact, Steve’s son Cortney was just six years old when he, under his father’s direction from the back of a horse, drove Steve’s pickup pulling a horse trailer into Klein’s tree.

Klein commented about it being nice he could help a neighbor. His dad Bill,was about 12 when the Mitchells were Tyler’s grandparents’ neighbors – but so nice that such a young man was aware of a 40-year-old connection he had absolutely no witness to.

In the meantime, Juan Reyes showed up with his herding dogs and Brendan Murch. The “young gal” was put in Reyes’ trailer.

“Take her to my feedlot. She can’t get out of there,” he said.

So, off the trailer went with the heifer.

Oh, there’s still more.

The dispatch gets a call that the KN gas man has seen two heifers out by Gibson Road. Steve’s 77-year-old heart goes double time. He can just imagine horrible things happening on the highway.

Steve circled to the south thinking the two heifers might go back to the main group where they knew there was water. But, there were no heifers running loose near the home pasture.

As Steve headed back to the frontage road, he met Juan. As they sat in the middle of the frontage road discussing the situation while blocking traffic, dispatch called Steve and said there were two heifers on the interstate at mile post 77.

“Where is mile post 77?” they asked.

Dispatch replied, “It’s just south of the south exit to Wheatland,” making it about even with Lee’s Towing. Juan and Steve headed north on the frontage road, over the overpass to turn south onto the interstate.

The two went south a little way and saw Juan’s stock trailer on the east side of the interstate. Steve and Juan jumped the median and headed to the trailer.

“We looked to the south and here came three cowboys riding over the crest of the hill in the ditch. We had started with two men on horseback,” said Steve. “Wow, it was really getting weird.”

“When I first saw the three cowboys, they were only bringing mooer number two with a lot of ropes on her. She went right in the trailer,” he added.

The three cowboys headed back to get mooer number three which was being held by the fourth cowboy. As this all pro-

They were just going down the interstate – a couple of young cowboys headed north on I-25. They saw the two heifers, stopped, unloaded their horses and kept the troublemakers off of the interstate.

And then Steve got a closer look at one of them and said, “Don’t I know you?” to which one young man replied, “Yes you do.”

It was Quincy Reynolds, Cade’s friend from high school who rodeos for the University of Wyoming (UW) and his friend Jake Devereaux. They were headed to a rodeo in Thermopolis.

After a bit more conversation, the just-passing-through cowboys headed their horses back south where they had left their trailer when they had come upon the heifer problem. They loaded their horses and headed north, without their ropes which were still on the heifers.

Another anomaly surfaced.

Just a day before the heifer saga went south –well north really – Steve and Juan just happened to have been talking about Clarkie Reynolds who had been instrumental in helping Juan’ son Jason with a horse project.

As Juan and Steve got the trailer and themselves off of the interstate to Richmond’s Conoco Station, they discussed the extra two cowboys.

Steve said, “One of those young men was Quincy, Clarkie Reynolds’ grandson who is a friend of our grandson Cade.”

When Steve realized the UW cowboys’ ropes

were still on the heifers, he tried to catch the guys but they were long gone. Steve’s daughter Megan gave her dad Quincy’s number. The young cowboy just said to bring them the next time the Mitchells were in Gillette.

The Reynolds’ family lives just a few miles from the Olsons.

And there’s another connection in this scenario.

Steve’s wife Pat grew up at Protection, Kan., just 50 miles from Alva, Okla., which is Quincy’s mom’s hometown. When Pat and Kathy got acquainted, they realized they had a mutual friend.

Kathy had been friends with the daughter of the late Mac McKinley who was a veterinarian there. He was originally from Ashland, Kan.

Pat’s dad had wintered cattle for Mac many times and he’d eaten many meals at the Riner table. The adage, “six degrees of separation” was at work in this entire scenario.

In the end, mooer one two and three have caused enough trouble. They are never going to make it to the greener pastures that were awaiting them. Even number four, which was penned at Steve’s corrals will not be exonerated.

Believing God has a hand in everything, these four creations of His brought together seven men who were kind, helpful, considerate and made a great situation out of something that could have been disastrous.

Whatever happens to bring people together, enough cannot be said about the goodness of humanity in Wyoming, even if it is instigated by four unruly heifers.

Pat Mitchell Wheatland

Submit your letters to: Editor, Wyoming Livestock Roundup, P.O. Box 850, Casper, WY, 82602, or e-mail to roundup@wylr.net. We reserve the right to edit letters. It is the policy of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup that we do not print letters attacking individuals, groups or organizations within the Wyoming agricultural community.

State group explains process behind proposed sage grouse protections

The process to revise what areas of the state are designated as core areas for the protection of sage grouse is very much a work in progress, and a lot of work is yet to be done.

This was the message the Sage Grouse Implementation Team (SGIT) tried to get across during a meeting in Lander during the second week of July.

Proposed revisions cause controversy

When the proposed revisions to sage grouse core areas were released to the public, many ranchers were upset because of the perceived lack of transparency and communication on a decision which would potentially affect their future revenues.

There are restrictions on what can be done on properties within core areas. This can make a company shy away from drilling an oil well on a ranch that’s in this designation. For many ranchers, the revenue from leases they have with energy companies supplements their income.

The proposed revisions included labeling thousands of acres in Campbell County as core areas, including ranches west of Highway 50 and also on both sides of Interstate 90 in the Western part of Campbell County, near the Johnson County line.

This upset many local ranchers who weren’t alerted their land was in a proposed core area.

“We didn’t do a good job, I’ll accept it,” said Bob Budd, executive director of the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust and chairman of SGIT.

He pointed out a lot of work remains to be done before a final decision is reached.

“We’re not anywhere near a decision,” he said.

He noted the group believes existing leases ranchers have should be honored, whether they’re for oil and gas or renewable energy. Any coming changes would not be retroactive, he added, because “it’s not fair to tell the landowner, you have a lease, but

you can’t act on it.”

“If you have a lease now, it would be grandfathered in,” he said. “You’d have the right to develop renewables based on the lease. This may or may not make the core go away.”

Budd reiterated the energy industry and ranchers have been good partners in this, and the goal is not to try to protect every sage grouse. Instead, the focus is on protecting areas with the highest densities of sage grouse, as well as maintaining Wyoming’s economy.

Getting ahead of the federal government

The state is going through this process to try to get ahead of changes coming from the federal government.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is considering changing its resource management plan “to account for new scientific information and changing conditions accelerated by the effects of climate change and to address continued declines in sage grouse populations and loss of habitat,” according to its website.

As part of this change, BLM is updating its sage grouse habitat map. In the past, BLM was part of Wyoming’s mapping process and incorporated the state’s sage grouse core area map into its plan.

Because of limitations set by the National Environmental Policy Act, the BLM is not accepting public comment or stakeholder input at this time.

The worry is there will be a push to get the sage grouse listed as an endangered species.

Angi Bruce, deputy director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and a member of SGIT, said if it seems the process has been moving very quickly, it’s because it has.

“We had a very abbreviated timeframe to get this done,” she said. “We set up a plan and jumped into it as fast as we could. We’re fortunate the BLM is slow on their end.”

Gov. Mark Gordon

extended the public comment period to seek additional comment on the core area map revisions proposed by SGIT to 5 p.m. July 28. The old deadline had been June 28.

There will be additional informational meetings to talk to landowners and stakeholders before the public comment period closes. When the final map is completed and presented, the governor will make a final decision.

The state’s going through this process to avoid overreach by the federal government, Bruce said.

“This is why we’re here today,” she said. “So the state can remain in control.”

If Wyoming does nothing, the worry is sage grouse will be listed as an endangered species. If this happens, it would apply to the historic range of the sage grouse, which includes all

23 counties in Wyoming, as well as anywhere sage grouse has been known to live, Budd said.

“The unprecedented scale is what’s daunting –it’s the entire West,” Budd said. A long history with sage grouse

In 1998, there were petitions to list the sage grouse as an endangered species. In 1999, the state created a management plan for sage grouse. In 2005, it was determined sage grouse were not warranted to be listed as an endangered species.

“In 2007, the drums were beating again,” Budd said.

Former Gov. Dave Freudenthal had a summit in Casper to figure out how to deal with the issue. In 2008, SGIT was formed. Since then, governors have issued executive orders and maps have been redrawn.

Now, with the federal

government potentially trying to take over conservation efforts of sage grouse in Wyoming, the state is trying to get ahead.

Budd said a subgroup of SGIT was appointed to evaluate core areas in Wyoming and make adjustments where needed, based on biological data. A map was drafted, and it went out to local working groups across

the state for revisions.

And now, the people are getting involved.

“Even though the process may not be perfect, we’re trying to have involvement and trying to incorporate everyone,” Bruce said.

Jonathan Gallardo is a general assignment reporter in Wyoming. This article was originally published via Wyoming News on July 12.

IT'S THE PITTS

by Lee Pitts

Out Of Bounds

Lately, it seems like I’ve seen dogs in places where they have traditionally not been allowed entrance, like the grocery store and restaurants – and pooping on neighboring property instead of their own.

This has gotten to the point where I think someone needs to establish a few rules and boundaries before it gets totally out

of control. So, here are the top 10 places I believe one should never take their dog.

10. The tire store

Think about it. A dog in a tire store is like the proverbial kid in a candy store. Surrounded by tires of every description, there’s entirely too much temptation for a dog to lift his leg on every brand new Michelin and Goodyear in the place.

By Paul Dykstra

CAB Insider: Market Update

The fed cattle market traded slightly higher during Fourth of July week, with the five-area fed steer average at $182.06 per hundredweight (cwt).

Nebraska feedlots sold steers as high as $186 per cwt live and $290 per cwt on a dressed basis. The Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico market averaged $1.78 per cwt on just over 3,000 head sold in the negotiated cash market.

The total federallyinspected cattle harvest was especially small during the holiday week with packing firms closed for Independence Day. Some of the large packing plants were also closed on July 3, resulting in just 62,000 head of fed

cattle harvested compared to 100,000 head on July 5-6.

So far this year, only seven weeks have featured a fed cattle slaughter larger than last year. On average, the weekly steer and heifer slaughter has been 15,000 head smaller in 2023, roughly a three percent change.

In the past three years, the July fed cattle slaughter total has averaged 2.6 percent or 13,300 head-perweek larger than the rest of the year. However, cattle on feed estimates remain restricted, and packers have been disciplined in keeping slaughter head counts low.

Cutout values slip while fed prices hold steady Packer margins are esti-

9. Microchip Day for cats at the library

Cats are going to be stressed out enough about having a microchip implanted in their ear, which will allow them to be tracked 24-7. Cats are so insecure and such conspiracy theorists to begin with. Throw a dog or two into the mix, and the fur will fly.

The noise alone would be enough to distract serious readers and researchers.

8. The car wash

I know there’s a strong inclination to put the dog in the back of the truck and then run through the car wash – thus getting a twofor-one deal. But, realize if you do, the pooch will forever insist on riding up front

mated to remain positive at this time. But, cutout values continue to slip while fed prices are steady to slightly higher. Given this scenario, the smaller slaughter trend should likely continue.

Boxed beef sales tend to dip at the beginning of July with the holiday-shortened business week and a transition from spring holiday-riddled markets to fullfledged summer seasonal weather.

Cutout values are in the range of 20 percent higher than a year ago on lower available supplies. Sales for delivery in the zero to 21 day timeframe are generally in line with a year ago, considering the smaller slaughter totals.

Yet, sales for delivery beyond 21 days are noticeably lower in the latest reports. This could be a sign of price fatigue at retail or expectations on buyers’ behalf that prices should continue to seasonally decline in July.

Quality is in demand as is made clear in the cutout

right after rolling in a pile of horse manure.

7. The bank

Whereas humans most often go to the bank to make withdrawals, their dog is more apt to leave a deposit. Please be advised, if the bank president steps in it, one might never get a loan from the establishment ever again.

6. A furniture store

Trust me, as the grandson of a furniture store owner I can assure readers no one wants to buy a “brand new” recliner with dog hair all over it. Especially if the furniture smells like the previous occupant had cabbage, anchovies and some bad cheese for dinner.

5. The theater

No one wants to have

price spreads. Urner Barry’s $27.80 per cwt Choice/ Select spread based on the simple average is a bit lower than the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) weighted average value of $31.32 per cwt.

This is a record-wide spread for the first week in July, but values near this level have been tested in three of the last four years.

The Certified Angus Beef (CAB) cutout premium to Choice at $17.70 per cwt is healthy but in line with the seasonal expectation after coming off of the early June high of $26.45 per cwt.

Carcass weights find bottom late

In a continuation of tracking seasonal transitions, we turn attention to carcass weights. Confirmed USDA weight reports lag two weeks behind, but formula-priced steer and heifer carcass weights are current through the holiday week.

This represents a large portion of the total head count.

a Rottweiller eyeing their popcorn or bon bons over the back of the seat in front of them right in the middle of a scary movie.

4. The nude beach

For a dog, seeing wrinkly old men and sagging old ladies in the buff could be such a traumatic incident, it will have nightmares for the rest of its life. In extreme cases, it could be such a scary and scarring experience, they’ll run out in front of the first cement truck they see.

3. Church

You know how at every funeral or wedding in a church there’s always the embarrassed mom who has to take her baby outside when it starts crying? This will be you if you insist on

Fed cattle carcass weights traditionally find their annual lightest point in the spring of the year. In the past decade, the annual low was realized in May or early June.

Yet, the latest data indicates this year’s low was potentially realized two weeks ago, the last week in June, at 848 pounds for combined steers and heifers. This isn’t finalized, but last week’s formula cattle weights were seven pounds higher – the beginning of a seasonal turnaround when weights will build to their annual heaviest in the fall.

The “so what” in this data is the fact even though the fed cattle slaughter counts are small, they saw lighter cattle harvested well past the early June expectation.

Supplies of marketready cattle are very current, and both the market average price and quality price premiums show potential to outperform typical July expectations.

Looking ahead, there may be implications for fur-

taking your yapping purse dog into the hallowed halls of a church.

2. A concert

Those who insist on taking their dog to a Limp Biskit, Ozzie Osbourne or Paris Hilton concert, their dog’s caterwauling and howls will be heard three counties away.

1. The hospital

There’s a reason there is no such thing as a “bring your dog to work day” at the hospital. The chances are just too great the dog could bring bacteria and bad bugs into an otherwise sterile environment.

There’s also the possibility an orthopedic surgeon might throw his dog a bone every once in a while.

ther light carcass weights depending on the basis relationship between cash and futures. However, cattle supplies read as quite tight in the fourth quarter, resulting in the likelihood weights and finish on harvested cattle could be lower than recent years’ trend lines.

Now is the time for cattlemen to evaluate the potential for exceptionally strong premiums in high quality CAB traditional and Prime carcasses down the road.

Feedlot management protocols favoring protection of bred-in marbling potential make financial sense a majority of the time but may become more glaringly true in the fourth quarter this year.

When high quality carcasses are in short supply the price spreads tend to explode. Be ready.

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

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