Wyoming Livestock Roundup 8.5.23

Public meetings held to discuss elk feedground management

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) released its draft plan to revise the elk feeding program in June.

Since 2020, WGFD and a group of public stakehold-

Quick Bits

Fire Danger

Due to dry conditions and high fire danger, stage one fire restrictions began Aug. 1 on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Campbell County. The BLM is working with the county to coordinate restrictions. For more information on BLM fire restrictions or conditions, contact a local BLM office or visit blm.gov/ wyoming-fire-restrictions

Grain Markets

A broad selloff, which began with a U.S. credit rating downgrade, infiltrated the grain markets on Aug. 1, with soybeans and winter wheat contracts suffering double-digit setbacks. Corn and spring wheat prices were also in the red following a round of technical selling. Yield-friendly weather forecasts expected during the first half of August continued to apply additional headwinds as well. September corn futures dropped 9.5 cents to $4.87, with December futures down 7.5 cents to $4.99. September Chicago wheat futures fell 11.75 cents, September Kansas City hard red winter wheat futures lost 18 cents and September MGEX spring wheat futures dropped 6.25 cents.

Pork Meeting

The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2024 National Pork Producers’ delegate body will take place at 6 p.m. Aug. 24 in conjunction with a board of directors meeting of the Wyoming Pork Producers Association at the Grace Werner Ag Pavilion in Casper. All Wyoming pork producers are invited to attend. For more information, contact Jeremy Burkett at 307-630-6267.

Send Off

For over 32 years, Dr. Warrie Means has been a friendly face around the Wyoming State Fair (WSF) and University of Wyoming College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources. At 10 a.m. on Aug. 17 during WSF, the Wyoming Livestock Roundup Tent will host a cookie reception to warmly send-off Means on his new adventures. The public is welcome to attend.

ers have been discussing possible revisions to Wyoming’s current elk feeding programs.

The agency held a series of public meetings in Jackson, Pinedale and Afton. On

July 25, they held a webinar to update the public on the proposed changes, allowing the public to interact with members of WGFD’s steering team, while discussing details of the proposed elk

feedgrounds plan.

The draft plan, “Elk Feedgrounds: A Challenge We Can Take On,” was designed to guide the department’s overall approach to

CALL for ACTION

Sheep producers seek help in dealing with bird predation

Sheep producers in Northeast Wyoming,

At the forefront is 33-year-old James Curutchet, part owner and full-time operator of the historic Curutchet Ranch in Buffalo, where winged predators have decimated the lamb crop for

years.

Since 2021, after losing 157 lambs and receiving compensation for only one-third of his losses at half price, Curutchet has been lobbying to anyone who will listen for change to indemnity programs in the upcoming farm bill.

Issues with the current indemnity program Curutchet took over his family’s ranch in 2016, running a large flock of 500 sheep. However, after losing those 157 lambs two summers ago, his flock has

Please see SHEEP on page 9

Lead eagle – Although James Curutchet’s flock has been preyed on by a gang of different birds, he noted every time one eagle in particular shows up, something always dies. “I named her Heidi, because if she shows up something is going to die, so they better run and hide,” he said. James Curutchet photo

Check Out the 2023 Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo Official Guide Inside

Lamb-A-Year seeks support

After a successful first year, the Wyoming Wool Initiative is seeking donations for its second annual Lamb-AYear program.

While Steer-A-Year programs are common across the U.S., the University of Wyoming’s (UW) Lamb-A-Year program is the first of its kind. The program connects donors with UW students, allowing students to gain hands-on industry experience while providing producers with valuable lamb quality data.

Producers are asked to donate a minimum of two feeder lambs, each weighing 70 to 90 pounds. In exchange, they receive data on the average daily gain and meat quality of their lambs as well as a detailed performance report.

“Some producers have shared data from Lamb-A-Year with potential buyers as a means of marketing the genetic potential of their lambs,” says Whit Stewart, UW Extension sheep specialist. “Others have used the lamb quality information to better understand the optimal finishing weight of their lambs.”

Lamb drop-off and pick-up dates are coordinated across the state in September and October. The lambs are then transported to the Laramie Research and Extension Center, where UW students help with receiving protocols, including vaccination and electronic identification tagging.

Students enrolled in the program are responsible for data collection and feeding lambs.

Once the lambs reach finishing weight, they are transported to regional processing plants for harvest. A team of UW faculty and students travel to the plants to collect

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Economic growth

Rural farmers’ markets stimulate economies

Economic growth is not generally considered when buying at a favorite local farmers’ market. However, this is precisely what happens – each purchase helps the local economy grow.

Rural farmers’ markets also provide additional benefits, offering a venue for local residents to engage in social activities while contributing to the spirit of the community.

Evolution generates opportunities

Farmers’ markets are community events, bringing consumers and producers together to learn, share and enjoy local and regional products. These markets provide economic benefits and opportunities to develop quality products and educate customers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted research and concluded local farmers’ markets continue to grow in popularity while adding valued products to rural communities through direct-to-consumer marketing channels.

Due to the direct connection to both producers and consumers, farmers’ markets have multiple leverage points to improve health and economic outcomes.

LRP insurance available to producers

Purchasing a livestock risk protection (LRP) insurance policy is a great risk management option, but producers should always consider how a policy will work in conjunction with other risk management strategies to ensure the best possible outcome.

With an assortment of risk management tools available for livestock producers, LRP is a valuable option, no matter how big or small the operation is.

LRP insurance is intended to insure against declining market prices.

Hog and beef producers can choose from various coverage plans and insurance periods corresponding to the market

weight hogs or cattle would typically be sold at.

LRP programs are customizable and fit a variety of producers across the U.S.

History of LRP insurance policy

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) states LRP insurance policies are a federally subsidized resource for producers and were introduced in 2003 by the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA). They remained unchanged until 2018.

In 2018, improvements were made to lower costs, increase access and allow producers to utilize LRP insurance efficiently.

particularly those in and around Johnson County, are seeking assistance from local government officials in their fight against birds of prey.

Eisele family of Cheyenne receives 2023 Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award Page 4 County fair season is in full swing across the state of Wyoming Page 5 Fair to Fork program through the Wyoming Hunger Initiative will make a debut at the Wyoming State Fair Page 7 Cheyenne Frontier Days wraps up Page 15

NCBA welcomes ESA passage

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the passage of two Congressional resolutions which nullify the Biden administration’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) listings of the lesser prairie chicken and northern long-eared bat.

NCBA believes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s listing of these two species undermines on-the-ground, voluntary conservation work and hugely overextends the footprint of the federal government on cattle operations.

“The Biden administration’s listing of the lesser prairie chicken and northern long-eared bat creates numerous challenges for cattle producers and fails to consider all of their critical conservation work,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “We appreciate Congress taking bipartisan, bicameral action to nullify these two listings, and I thank the House for passing these two joint resolutions.”

Senate Joint Resolution (S.J. Res.) Nine would nullify the lesser prairie chicken listing, and S.J. Res. 24 would nullify the northern long-eared bat listing.

Both resolutions have already passed the Senate and will now go to the president for signature.

USDA launches programs

On July 26, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Acting Under Secretary Roger Glendenning announced USDA is launching two pilot programs to increase affordable homeownership opportunities for people on Tribal lands.

The first program USDA is launching is the Tribal Property Valuation Pilot Program. It provides approved lenders the opportunity to obtain desktop appraisals for mortgage transactions on Tribal land.

This program will help decrease the cost and eliminate potential inaccuracies of appraisal reports completed on properties located on Tribal land.

The department is also launching the Tribal Rehabilitation Pilot Program to help people remain in safe and improved housing on Tribal lands and improve their quality of life.

Many homes on Tribal lands have been passed on from one generation to the next and need renovations to make them safe and bring them up to current codes. Funds under this program may be used to finance repairs to these homes.

USDA is making these programs available for approved lenders through the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program. The programs will eliminate barriers to secure mortgages and make it easier to build, purchase and repair homes on Tribal lands.

For more information on both pilot programs, see page 48,031 of the July 26 Federal Register

Pork producers face challenges

U.S. pork producers are facing an increasingly challenging economic environment which is likely to persist through the remainder of 2023. The combination of elevated operating costs and depressed hog values are evaporating producer returns and limiting overall industry growth.

While hog prices have risen this summer, they have not kept pace with skyrocketing costs for feed, labor, construction and other expenses, according to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange.

Soft domestic demand for pork and a murky outlook for U.S. pork exports are compounding the market challenges. Persistently high retail pork prices and a decline in food-athome spending in the U.S. are limiting domestic consumption growth.

Globally, demand for U.S. pork has come under pressure as China’s hog supplies have rebounded from the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF). The totality of adverse market conditions, which includes higher borrowing costs, will limit U.S. herd expansion and tighten hog supplies.

Per capita U.S. pork consumption has remained essentially flat since 1990 and averaged 50 pounds annually over the last decade. In the meantime, chicken consumption nearly doubled from 57 pounds in 1987 to 102 pounds in 2022.

Roughly two-thirds of domestic pork ends up in processed items like bacon, sausage or hams, which have performed relatively well in recent years. However, key meat case items like pork loins are struggling to gain the same attraction boneless skinless breast meat or ground beef enjoy.

Exports have long played a key role in the U.S. pork industry. Approximately 25 percent of U.S. pork goes to export markets, the most of any of the U.S. processed animal proteins. When ASF decimated China’s domestic hog herd in 2018, annual U.S. pork exports to China tripled in 2019 and then doubled the following year. Since then, China’s need for U.S. pork imports have rapidly declined as its domestic herd rebounded.

UW to offer workshop

For individuals interested in learning how to build a geodesic dome greenhouse, University of Wyoming (UW) Extension will offer an intensive five-day class in Laramie Sept. 11-15.

Unlike previous workshops hosted by UW Extension, the geodome school covers each step of the process, from raw materials to a completed greenhouse. By the end of the week, participants will have the skills required to successfully construct and skin their own 22-foot geodesic dome.

“This is a start-to-finish school,” says Jeff Edwards, a UW Extension educator and leader of the new course.

The registration fee for the week-long class is $400. An additional family member can register for $250, but the class size is limited to 10 participants total.

The dome will be constructed at 62 Osprey Road, and classes will take place from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lunch is provided.

In addition to one-on-one instruction throughout the week, participants will receive a hard copy of UW Extension’s new geodome construction manual.

To register for the class, visit bit.ly/geodomeschool-2023. Registration is first come, first served and closes Sept. 8.

For more information, contact Edwards at jedward4@uwyo.edu or call 307-837-2956.

NCBA passes directive

On July 26, members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) passed a directive at the NCBA Summer Business Meeting to continue the association’s advocacy efforts on transparent labeling and inspection of cellcultured protein products.

“Cattle producers are not afraid of a little competition, and I know consumers will continue choosing real, highquality beef over cell-cultured imitations,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson. “Our priority is ensuring consumers accurately know the difference between real beef and cell-cultured products through transparent and accurate labeling. We have already been successful at engaging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conduct robust inspections and oversight to protect food safety.”

This directive was brought forward by the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, California Cattlemen’s Association and Florida Cattlemen’s Association and passed at NCBA’s Summer Business Meeting.

All policies passed at this meeting will be forwarded to NCBA’s general membership for a full vote in the fall. This grassroots policy process ensures NCBA’s policy positions reflect the views of cattle producers.

States refuse to supply wolves

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) will not provide donor wolves to Colorado, according to a June 6 letter to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Director Jeff Davis. It is in response to a request from CPW sent in May for wolves as a source of translocation.

IDFG Director Jim Fredericks said after conferring with Idaho Gov. Brad Little, “Idaho’s experience leads us to conclude negative impacts of wolves sent to Colorado will not stay in Colorado.”

Davis wrote wolves in Idaho have been a part of the Northern Rocky Mountain Distinct Population Segment (DPS), which he said took an act of Congress to delist from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) list, “despite a robust population which far exceeded recovery criteria for nearly a decade before delisting.”

Davis said despite which political party’s administration was in power, the “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was unable to live up to its assurances about delisting the Northern Rocky Mountain DPS when criteria were achieved and surpassed because of multiple lawsuits.”

He said, “The robust Great Lakes population is also back on the ESA list based on procedural reasons and not biological status.”

Davis also cited many of the same concerns heard during public comment before the CPW commission, including costs associated with monitoring, managing and controlling wolves, as well as costs associated with depredation compensation and prevention, to name a few.

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon said he will not provide wolves to Colorado either and is opposed to Colorado’s gray wolf reintroduction.

Utah was also clear about their concerns with Colorado’s reintroduction plans.

In fact, Utah provided a letter as part of the public comment portion of the wolf plan process, which was signed by Joel Ferry, executive director of Utah Department of Natural Resources.

Ferry said the state is opposed to any new wolf introduction while the species remains federally listed. Additionally, the state has long supported the delisting of the species.

AMENDMENT continued from page 2

attribute livestock to climate change could get this information as well.

2. Mandate: Visually readable ear tags have and continue to work for the American farming and ranching community. If a

livestock operation wishes to use EID to enhance their operations, they are welcome to make this business decision but should not be forced to do so.

The cost of purchasing and maintaining this

equipment would be placed on the agriculture community.

Further, by the time this equipment is implemented, it will be obsolete, which challenges the merit of the underlying policy,

let alone the authority to mandate these tags.

3. Vertical integration: This is another attempt by large industry to further vertical integration of the beef supply chain. Knowing smaller operations will struggle to shoulder the cost and infrastructure to maintain these systems,

big packers support this policy because they can lock more competition out of the interstate market.

Hageman’s amendment Hageman’s amendment would prohibit funds from being used to finalize or implement USDA’s proposed rule.

To show support for

this amendment, visit hageman.house.gov

Congresswoman Harriet Hageman is currently serving her first term in Congress as the representative of the state of Wyoming. She can be reached by calling 307-261-6595, 307-829-3299 or 202-2252311.

Eisele family chosen as recipient of the 2023 Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award

The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust (WSGLT) is pleased to announce Mark Eisele and the Eisele family of the King Ranch Company in Cheyenne have been chosen to receive the 2023 Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award.

The Eiseles are being recognized for their dedication to agricultural land conservation, water rights and habitat conservation.

The nomination was submitted by Justin Derner of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Rex Lockman of the Laramie County Conservation District.

The Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award

The Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award is given in memory of the late Dr. Kurt Bucholz, a rancher from

Carbon County and early supporter of WSGLT. The Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award winner holds the same agricultural stewardship values and conservation ethic Bucholz demonstrated throughout his life.

Mark and his family are the epitome of what this award represents.

Mark was one of the five founding members of WSGLT. He served as president from 2000-02 and 2006-08 and has completed an 11-year term on the board of directors. He also served as president of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association from 2011-13.

Mark is currently serving as president-elect for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, as well as president of the Pole Mountain Grazing Association, a role he has served in since 2004.

In addition to leadership roles, Mark has put a great amount of work into policy development for the agricultural industry, representing Wyoming and producers at state and national levels.

Lockman stated, “The King Ranch and Mark Eisele are an extraordinary Wyoming agricultural operation that embodies conservation. They are advocates of conservation and agriculture at the county, state and national levels and make Wyoming proud.”

Commitment to conservation

The Eisele family and the King Ranch Company are committed to habitat conservation through the implementation of land and resource conservation practices.

In fact, King Ranch Company has supplied cat-

tle to the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service High Plains Grassland Research Center since 2003, where grazing research has addressed habitat conservation, soil carbon responses, adaptive grazing management and the effects of cow size on calf performance.

“King Ranch, across multiple generations, has exemplified commitment to conservation with many organizations for stewardship of natural resources,” Justin Derner stated.

On the ranch, they have incorporated numerous land and resource conservation practices such as drought management, targeted grazing to reduce cheatgrass, restoration of disturbed lands and more.

The King Ranch Company promotes hunting and fishing with areas set aside

for youth and hunters with disabilities and works with the Platte River Healing Waters Flyfishing Veterans’ Group.

“Ranchers are conservationists at heart,” Mark Eisele remarked. “We do it easily and naturally. We are fortunate to blend our love of the land with our families and the ranching business.”

In recognition of the Eisele family’s dedication to conserving Wyoming’s agricultural lands, they will be presented with a bronze statue sculpted by the late Jerry Palen during WSGLT’s 2023 Annual Roundup Fundraiser and Barbecue at the TY Ranch near Boulder on Aug. 26.

Tickets for the barbecue

can be purchased by visiting wsglt.org/annual_roundup_ bbq, e-mailing sarah@ wsglt.org or calling 307772-8751.

WSGLT is dedicated to conservation through ranching. Based in Cheyenne, the nonprofit organization serves the entire state and is Wyoming’s only agricultural land trust. Through partnerships with ranch families, WSGLT holds and stewards conservation easements on more than 297,000 acres of agricultural land throughout Wyoming. Founded in 2000 by the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, it is one of the largest regional land trusts in the U.S. For more information, visit wsglt.org

BLM seeks public input

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Kemmerer Field Office is seeking public comment on a right-of-way for the proposed Sweetwater Carbon Storage Hub CO2 Sequestration Project. If approved, Pond Field, LLC would sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) in up to 44,570 acres of sub-surface federal pore space in Uinta, Sweetwater and Lincoln counties.

This proposal to permanently store carbon in underground rock formations will reduce atmospheric carbon. The proposal follows a June 2022 BLM policy update authorizing rights-of-way on public lands for the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide.

In addition to the right-of-way application submitted to the BLM, Pond Field has also applied for three Class VI Underground Injection Control Well Permits from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.

TORRINGTON LIVESTOCK AREA REPS

Michael Schmitt - Torrington, WY 307-532-1776

Cody Thompson - Lusk, WY 307-340-0150

Ty Thompson – Lusk, WY 307-340-0770

Zach Johnson Lingle, WY –307-575-2171

Jeff Ward – Laramie, WY 307-399-9863

Tam Staman – Crawford, NE 308-631-8513

Lander Nicodemus – Cheyenne, WY 307-421-8141

Danny Nicodemus – Cheyenne, WY 307-632-4325

Chris Williams - Greybull, WY 307-272-4567

Justin Smith - Lusk, WY 307-340-0724

Scott Redden - Burns, CO 970-596-3588

Ben Kukowski - Kaycee, WY 307-217-1472

The permits would allow Pond Field to construct and operate carbon dioxide injection wells exclusively on private land. Pond Field may later apply to the BLM for additional rights-of-way.

Environmental analyses would be conducted prior to constructing access roads, well pads, pipelines and any other facilities on BLM-managed public lands.

Additional information, a map of the project area and instructions on how to comment are available on the project ePlanning website at eplanning.blm.gov/ eplanning-ui/project/2024943/510

Comments may also be mailed to BLM Kemmerer Field Office, Attn: Tracy Hoover, 430 U.S. Hwy 189, Kemmerer, WY 83101. Scoping comments will be accepted until Sept. 1.

For more information, contact Tracy Hoover at 307-367-5342.

WSGLT honorees – The Eisele family of the King Ranch Company in Cheyenne has been honored as the 2023 Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award winner. Pictured from left to right are Kaycee Eisele, Miranda Eisele, Colton Eisele, Mark Eisele, Genevieve Roberts, Trudy Eisele, James Roberts and Kendall Eisele Roberts. Not pictured is Porter Eisele. Courtesy photo

ABOVE: Show ring success – Emily Anderson of Fort Bridger takes a break in the ring with one of her hogs. During the swine show at the Uinta County Fair, Emily took home honors as the Grand Champion FFA Showman, Reserve Champion Senior 4-H Showman and exhibited the Grand Champion Hog.

WYLR photo

RIGHT: 4-H exhibits – In addition to competing in livestock shows, 4-H exhibitors across the state tried their hands in canning, baking, agronomy, photography and more.

WYLR photo

BELOW: Showtime preparation – County fair is the culminating event of the summer for youth exhibitors in Wyoming. Gauge Pitts of Fort Bridger washes and combs his market steer in preparation for the big show. WYLR photo

County fair season is in full swing

For the majority of 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors across the state of Wyoming, this week marked the culminating event of their summer – county fair.

After months of anticipated excitement, youth from Johnson, Park, Sublette, Carbon, Niobrara, Campbell, Platte, Sheridan, Fremont, Uinta, Sweetwater, Goshen, Albany, Big Horn and Hot Springs counties

showed off their hard work in numerous livestock and horse shows and visual arts, baking, canning, quilting and cake decorating contests, just to name a few.

Laramie County Fair will keep the ball rolling Aug. 2-12 in Cheyenne, and Lincoln County Fair will wrap up Wyoming’s county fair season, running Aug. 5-12 in Afton.

lamb quality data, including dressing percentage, loin-eye area, leg scores and boneless closely trimmed retail cuts.

“The donation of lambs provides one-of-a-kind learning experiences for students in our sheep program while providing valuable proceeds to enhance the products we deliver in Extension and teaching,” Stewart comments.

Lamb sales help support student and producer field study trips, educational events at the annual Wyoming Sheep and Wool Festival, meat science curriculum, lamb quality research and more.

Producers receive a taxdeductible charitable gift receipt based on the market value of their lambs.

If interested in donating lambs or hosting a lamb pickup, contact Stewart at 307-766-5374 or whit.stewart@uwyo.edu by Sept. 25.

Cash and feed donations are also welcome.

“We’re grateful for any and all support for the program and welcome any inquiries,” says Stewart.

Since 1914, the Univer-

sity of Wyoming Extension has provided lifelong learning opportunities to Wyoming citizens across the

state. To learn more about UW Extension, visit uwyo. edu/uwe or call 307-7665124.

ABOVE: Carnival lights – This week, carnival lights illuminated the night sky across numerous counties in Wyoming. WYLR photo

LEFT: A family affair – For many families with youth involved in 4-H and FFA, county fair is a family affair. WYLR photo

In 2020, LRP insurance premiums were moved to the end of the insurance period, making it easier for producers to initiate insurance coverage. This change generated an increase in LRP policies.

According to the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, the benefits of LRP policy compared to futures and options include no margin calls and no quantity minimums.

Another advantage is lenders generally understand insurance. LRP is viewed more favorably as a price risk management tool than futures and options, thus allowing potentially more favorable borrowing terms and conditions.

LRP insurance can be purchased throughout the year from an RMA approved livestock insurance agent.

Local insight on LRP

Ron Burkett of Burns Insurance stated LRP policies are gaining popularity and are flexible in the tim-

ing of purchase, length of coverage, number of head covered, target weight of livestock at the end of coverage and the coverage price level.

“LRP insurance policies protect against a declining livestock market price by providing a price floor. A loss is accrued if the ending market price is below the price floor the producer set at the beginning of the coverage,” Burkett added. “LRP does not protect against any type of production risk.”

Burkett explained any size of operation can purchase an LRP policy as coverage is based on per head rather than a set contract size, which allows for different types and weights of cattle or swine to be covered while giving producers a more accurate price risk.

“After coverage is purchased, the premium is billed at the end of the coverage period,” he continued. “The premium billing date is the first of

the month, following the month in which the coverage ended. For example, if the coverage period ends Oct.14, the billing date is Nov. 1.”

LRP insurance policies were not created to enhance profits for livestock producers, and they do not guarantee a cash price for the cattle. LRP only protects against a regional and/or national cash price index decline.

“These policies do not protect against mortality, condemnation, physical damage, disease, individual marketing decisions, local price aberrations or any other cause of loss,” Burkett concluded.

As cattle prices remain positive, there still needs to be a guarantee of where prices will be when it comes time to sell livestock. Having an LRP insurance policy as a risk management tool has proven beneficial in navigating volatile markets.

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

EXTENSION EDUCATION

By Amy Smith, UW Extension Educator

What are Those Pesky Grass Bugs?

Due to the above normal amount of moisture Wyoming received this spring, many may have noticed wheatgrass varieties in and around the pastures turning a blotchy yellow and sometimes straw color.

This is due to a little insect known as the black grass bug, of which there are several species within the U.S.

Characteristics

Considered a native of Western grassland, the adult black grass bug (Labops hesperius Uhler) is approximately one-quarter of an inch long and mostly black in color with straw coloration along the outside edge of the wing covers.

Immatures are smaller in size with similar coloration.

In native rangelands, these bugs have historically been found in relatively low populations and do not appear to affect overall growth of native grasses.

Plant damage was first noticed around 1938, when an initiative began to reseed damaged rangeland with introduced wheatgrasses after prolonged drought, and the Dust Bowl had caused a degradation of native rangelands.

Large plots of wheatgrass monocultures provided suitable habitat for the black grass bug leading to a population explosion.

Lifecycle

The black grass bug has a simple lifecycle with only one generation per year.

The eggs are laid inside dried grass stems for protection over the winter and hatch in the spring when the grass begins to come out of dormancy. Newly hatched nymphs feed at night and drop to the ground during the day or when disturbed.

As the nymphs mature, they will feed during the day with adults. Nymphs feed and molt five times before becoming mature

in heavily infested patches looking frosted, yellowish, or in extreme cases, straw colored.

adults. The process from egg hatch to mature adults is completed within four to five weeks.

Adult bugs are active for roughly five to six weeks. Females, however, begin laying eggs in dry stems approximately two weeks after adult emergence.

Temperature and length of daylight

All bug activity is dependent on temperature and length of daylight after sunset. Black grass bug feeding has been observed when ambient air temperatures are 22 degrees Fahrenheit and the temperature within the microclimate found at the crown of the grasses is 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Although black grass bugs will feed on a variety of grasses, introduced wheatgrasses are preferred when available, specifically crested wheatgrass and intermediate wheatgrass.

There is usually a delay of four to seven years between reseeding and an infestation of black grass bugs, indicating the infestation is caused by a population explosion of bugs present, rather than dispersal from neighboring populations.

Low winter temperatures may reduce the number of overwintering eggs, while snowpack may insulate and protect overwintering eggs.

Pest infestations

Black grass bugs cause damage to plants by piercing the leaves and sucking out the sugary substance found within leaf cells. The bugs typically feed on the upper surface of the leaf, beginning at the tip of the leaves and moving towards the leaf base.

Once the insects start feeding, whitish spots appear because the bugs are removing chlorophyll from the leaves. This results

Heavy infestations may prevent seed formation and reduce palatability for cattle. Damaged plants will most likely recover with adequate moisture, although drouthy conditions and severe outbreaks may lead to some plant mortality.

While research based economic thresholds have not been determined, infestations have been observed from 100 black grass bugs per square foot to over 1,000 bugs per plant.

Control methods

An integrated approach to strategically control black grass bugs include cultural controls such as heavy early spring or late fall grazing by multiple animals, when possible, to utilize the nutrients found in the young plants before it is removed by the insects.

Mowing or control burning dead grass may also reduce egg hatch the following year.

The use of chemicals to control persistent infestations based on the life stage of black grass bugs is a viable option as well. An insecticidal treatment is most effective during nymphal stages or before adult females lay eggs.

Additionally, when remediating a pasture, consider using a variety of grass species, which will also reduce the likelihood of a black grass bug infestation.

It is important to keep in mind black grass bugs may not need to be controlled every year, as their populations fluctuate depending on winter temperatures, snowpack, amounts of moisture, spring temperatures and any number of other events which disrupts their lifecycle.

The key to effective control of the black grass bug, as with any pest, is correct identification, awareness of the lifecycle and early detection.

Amy Smith is an agriculture and natural resources educator with University of Wyoming Goshen County Extension. She can be reached at asmit207@uwyo.edu or 307-532-2436.

The State Fair Times

Wyoming State Fair Wrangles Hunger

With the state’s premier summer event only weeks away, Wyoming State Fair (WSF) has announced another exciting addition to this year’s fair – its upcoming collaboration with the Wyoming Hunger Initiative’s Fair to Fork program.

The Wyoming Hun-

ger Initiative was created by First Lady Jennie Gordon to combat hunger in Wyoming using in-state resources. The initiative’s Fair to Fork program purchases livestock raised by 4-H exhibitors, which is then donated to people in need across the state.

“The collaboration between WSF and Wyoming Hunger Initiative aims to raise considerable awareness about the resources available to combat hunger in the state,” says WSF General Manager Courtny Conkle. “By combining forces, our two organizations will create an invaluable opportunity for visitors to learn more about their role in eradicating hunger in Wyoming, as well as the diverse resources accessible throughout the state.”

Conkle encourages all WSF attendees to come forward, contribute and be part of this worthy cause.

Mid-week celebration

The joint initiative will

take place on Aug. 16 at the 2023 WSF, where an array of activities and celebrations will be held to highlight the significance of locally-raised food in ending hunger within the state.

According to Conkle, the centerpiece of this collaboration will be the recognition and celebration of exhibitors who have actively participated in the Fair to Fork program.

In an effort to encourage widespread participation and community engagement, a canned food drive will be organized during the day, and visitors will have the opportunity to gain discounted fair admission by

bringing four cans of nonperishable food items.

“For every four cans contributed, adults will gain entry to the fair for just four dollars, granting them access to the plethora of activities and attractions at the fairgrounds,” says Conkle.

The Fair to Fork ceremony will commence after the swine breeding show, setting the stage for the swine Wyoming Bred and Fed Show.

Fostering inclusivity and accessibility

Conkle notes Aug. 16 will also be youth and military day at WSF.

“WSF recognizes fostering inclusivity and accessibility is para-

mount. Therefore, on Aug. 16, all military personnel with proper forms of identification and all children under 12 can get in to the fair free of charge,” states Conkle.

Additionally, WSF will offer discounted carnival ride wristbands to make the day a memorable experience for families from all walks of life.

“We are excited to support persons of all socioeconomic backgrounds in their efforts to attend WSF,” Conkle concludes.

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

Grassland CRP enrollment shows record interest in habitat leasing in Wyoming

Interest in habitat leasing through the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is on the rise. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) accepted 147,612 acres across 15 counties into Grassland CRP from landowners across the state of Wyoming.

Several counties, such as Albany, Carbon and Weston, experienced acreage acceptance for the first time since the program’s inception in 2015, and more acres were offered this year than any previous years.

Grassland CRP was established in the 2014 Farm Bill as a working lands program.

Landowners can still graze livestock and harvest seed and hay on enrolled acres. Significant updates in the 2018 Farm Bill made the program applicable to Western rangelands.

Under current rules, ranchers are awarded a minimum of $13 per acre annually, but payments can range from $13 to $25 per acre, depending on the county in Wyoming, for sustaining wildlife habitat by not developing the land or converting it into row crops.

The “lease” of grassland habitat endures for 10 or 15 years, and annual rental payments are capped at $50,000 per year.

Wyoming enrollment

Shaleas Harrison, Wyoming resource coordinator for the Western Landowners Alliance (WLA), noted part of this year’s elevated enrollment can be attributed to a priority ranking several counties received as a result of a federal-state partnership to conserve migratory big game habitat.

“Focused resources established through the state of Wyoming and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Big Game Conservation Partnership provide incentives to land-

owners in counties across the state,” Harrison said.

Counties within state and/or national priority zones, such as Carbon County, saw thousands of acres offered by landowners.

“Wyoming farmers and ranchers play a critical role in helping secure the future of our food production and our natural resources. Historically, production agriculture and grazing land have created and sustained healthy and balanced economic development,” said Bill Bunce, FSA’s Wyoming state executive director.

“This yearʼs successful Grassland CRP signup proves there is interest in sustaining conservation, wildlife habitat, water and production agriculture,” he added.

Data provided by Wyoming FSA shows the change in acreage and rental rates over the years (see adjacent table).

Counties within the priority zones demonstrated record-high interest in the program in 2023.

“For a while now, landowners have been asking for a habitat lease to offset the cost of providing wildlife habitat,” said Harrison. “It’s great to see landowners rewarded for stewarding wildlife and open space. Working lands are an important piece to wildlife migrations.”

Grassland CRP

Landowners who ultimately enroll acreage into the program are subject to a conservation plan developed with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

A technician works with the landowner to devise a grazing plan and a series of practices and enhancements to promote range health and wildlife habitat. For example, the plan may stipulate times of the year when haying and grazing are not

“This year's successful Grassland CRP sign-up proves there is interest in sustaining conservation, wildlife habitat, water and production agriculture.”

– Bill Bunce, FSA’s Wyoming state executive director

allowed, and there can be cost share opportunities through FSA for enhancements such as water development, prescribed fire and fuel breaks in the plan.

In addition, as part of the Wyoming-USDA Big Game Partnership, for the first time, producers can combine Grassland CRP with the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to improve range health.

Example conservation practices provided through

EQIP include wildlifefriendly fence conversion, invasive weed treatments, aspen regeneration, brush management, range planting and wet meadow restoration.

Founded in 2012, WLA is a landowner-led organization dedicated to keeping the private and working lands of the West whole and healthy for people and wildlife. WLA’s mission is to advance policies and practices to sustain working lands, connected landscapes and native species.

For more information on Grassland CRP enrollment in Wyoming, visit westernlandowners.org.

2021 JOHN DEERE 6155R TRACTOR

JD 5093E TRACTOR

2006 NEW HOLLAND TN75DA TRACTOR

2013 NEW HOLLAND T1520 TRACTOR

2016 KUBOTA

ELK continued from page 1

elk management concerning elk feedgrounds in Wyoming.

Elk feedground history

Elk have been utilizing feedgrounds in Northwest Wyoming since they were established in 1912. During this time, the federal government fed hay to elk during winter months on the present-day National Elk Refuge (NER), primarily to prevent starvation and keep elk out of private haystacks.

State-sanctioned winter elk feeding began in 1929, the same year Wyoming legislation passed, placing the department financially liable for elk damage to hay crops.

The feeding program has since grown to thousands of elk being fed each year on the 22 WGFDoperated feedgrounds in

Teton, Sublette and Lincoln counties, as well as the NER.

The NER winter elk feeding program is currently managed by the 2019 Bison and Elk Management Step-Down Plan, a structured framework for reducing the reliance of elk and bison on supplemental feeding over a five-year period.

Moving to the future, slow and steady

According to WGFD, “The plan’s overall goal is to reduce elk’s reliance on feedgrounds, while increasing opportunities for elk to winter away from feedgrounds in an effort to decrease disease transmission amongst the elk.”

Conservation groups are challenging the feedgrounds and are calling for an abrupt end to

MARKETS continued from page 1

Farmers’ markets continue to provide entrepreneurs the space and opportunity to share their products and build a customer base within the community. Many entrepreneurs and small business owners utilize farmers’ markets to test new products, which is

a cost-effective approach to growing product lines.

During an episode of the Eat-Drink-Think podcast, dated June 14, Alaska Food Policy Council Executive Director Robbi Mixon discusses how purchasing directly from farmers, ranchers and other produc-

the feeding program. However, during the webinar, WGFD steering members stress ending the program abruptly will not work in Wyoming.

“Managing elk through the feedgrounds has been the policy in Wyoming for nearly a century, and simply halting the program would be impractical and could have devastating side effects,” states WGFD Jackson Region Wildlife Supervisor Brad Hovinga.

Hovinga notes if changes do occur, they must happen over time, systematically and with the support of all stakeholders, including hunters, outfitters and ranchers.

“Over the years, the supplemental winter feeding of elk has grown in complexity. Among the complexities are wildlife diseases spreading across Wyoming,” states the steering team. “While there are

ers at farmers’ markets has a significant impact on the economic viability of farming and ranching.

Robbi notes, “The Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) offers resources to equip local producers with tools necessary to run successful markets to preserve rural livelihoods and farmlands, stimulate local economies, promote sustain-

WYOMING RANCH RODEO

benefits to feeding elk on feedgrounds, there are also challenges, which is why the department is preparing to develop a long-term plan to guide management of feedgrounds.”

Concerns from local ranchers have also been expressed, stating the elimination of elk feedgrounds will impact them immensely because elk will begin raiding their haystacks and damaging fences, all while spreading disease to livestock.

A particular concern to local ranchers is brucellosis, which can spread from elk to cattle, causing cows to abort their calves spontaneously. Sustaining a brucellosis-free status is crucial for producers transporting and marketing Wyoming beef across state lines.

One-size does not fit all

John Lund, WGFD Pinedale regional wildlife

ability and support healthy communities.”

She continues, “Farmers’ markets are not just a place to purchase food, they also build a community.” Creating growth through local farmersʼ markets

Many small business owners rely on direct-toconsumer markets to build their local businesses and develop a reliable customer base.

According to FMC, for every $100 spent at a farmers’ market, 62 percent stays in the local economy, and producers selling locally will create 13 jobs per $1 million in revenue, leading to growth and retaining individuals in rural areas.

Farmers’ markets provide a unique supply chain and contribute to other small business growth.

Research from the Oregon State University Extension Office confirmed farmers’ markets often catalyze economic development and local business revitalization. Local markets can generate increased foot traffic, which can benefit surrounding businesses.

Farmers’ markets create a dynamic and energetic space, attracting and encouraging individuals to stay and participate in mercantile or social activities building an economic bridge.

Depending on location and products, farmers’ markets can attract tourists,

For more information on elk feedgrounds, visit wgfd.wyo.gov/ get-involved/elk-feedgrounds.

supervisor, expresses the importance of maintaining public support as the draft is created and notes WGFD wants to ensure an adaptable long-term plan to limit hardship to ranchers.

“There is no one-sizefits-all solution,” Lund states. “Every single feedground is different, with different issues.”

A strong stance was represented by the WGFD steering committee during the public meetings, stating the department is taking into consideration all concerns and wants to take a slow and steady approach to developing a strategy for the future of Wyoming’s elk feedgrounds.

The WGFD steering team informed public meet-

contributing to a community’s economic impact.

Partnerships between agricultural producers and local businesses build trust, innovation and connection between urban and rural communities.

Join the movement and eat local

According to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, farmers’ markets create economic opportunities for family farms, increase consumer choices and provide access to fresh and healthy food while improving economic outcomes for local communities.

Wyoming has some of the freshest and most delicious local foods around, and Eat Wyoming matches producers to consumers through an online farmers’ market for local residents.

LeAnn Miller, known as the “Veggie Lady” to many, is a local food broker and founder of Eat Wyoming, who connects residents to local fresh food through an online farmers’ market and weekly markets.

Eat Wyoming sources locally-made foods grown and made in Wyoming, including meat, produce, dairy, grains, baked goods and more, states Miller.

“A weekly summer farmers’ market has been happening in Campbell County now for 101 years,” states Northeast Wyoming

Farmers Artisans Ranchers Regional Market (NEW

ings attendees they had developed a comment form with a few questions for individuals to respond to.

The comment period is open through Sept. 10, but they encourage individuals to submit comments before this deadline.

The steering team will revise the draft plan based on comments received, then present a final Wyoming Elk Feedgrounds Management Plan for discussion and approval by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission at their Nov. 14-15 meeting in Cody.

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

FARRM) Exchange President Joanne Engelhaupt.

The Gillette Saturday Farmers’ Market is a subsidiary of the NEW FARRM Exchange, which seeks to build a vibrant and inclusive community to promote the development of Northeast Wyoming.

The Gillette Saturday Farmers’ Market takes place weekly on Saturday mornings June through October and on Thursday evenings from July to September.

“The Gillette Saturday Farmers’ Market supports young entrepreneurs by offering a free space for them to sell their products,” Englehaupt adds.

Farmers’ markets also attract younger farmers to the agriculture segment. The National Young Farmers Coalition reports six times as many U.S. farmers over 65 as those under 35. Farmers’ markets provide a peek into the possibilities of a farming career.

With abundant farmers’ markets scattered around Wyoming and with National Farmers’ Market Week, celebrated annually during the first full week in August, remember to get out and support local markets, enhance community spirit and contribute to sustainable economies.

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

continued to take huge hits.

“They didn’t die for no reason, and they were getting killed during the day, which is strange because most traditional predators, like coyotes, aren’t known to kill during the day,” he said. “But, at this point, there were two or three bald eagles, five or six golden eagles, five or six ravens and a couple of turkey vultures hanging around.”

All four of these species are protected by the government in two or three different ways – through the Lacey Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act –and since this makes it virtually impossible to implement any kind of control method, officials set up an indemnity program to compensate producers for their losses instead.

Curutchet explained all losses have to be reported to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA), where they are entered into the indemnity program and evaluated by the board.

The paperwork is sent off to another committee which oversees the payout of livestock loss due to migratory and protected bird predation.

“This seems to be where the problem lies,”

Curutchet stated, further noting in order to receive payout, producers have to prove each and every loss, usually by way of photos.

“The problem I had is there were so many birds, and they seemed to be hunting in a group,” he said. “First, I would see the bald eagles, then the golden eagles would come along and then there would be ravens and eventually vultures.”

“By the time I would get to the carcass, there wouldn’t be anything left, maybe a pile of wool and couple of bones, which makes it hard to photograph,” he added.

During this same year, Curutchet noted his live lambs sold at an average of $300 per head. After submitting information to FSA on the losses he could prove – only 57 and onehalf of the 157 – Curutchet was only compensated half price per head.

“They only paid half price for one-third of the animals killed,” he stated.

Last year, the Curutchets felt some relief, with losses totaling around 10 to 12 head. However, this year, the flock took another big hit, losing 50 lambs in only three weeks, and only a portion of the carcasses have been found.

Curutchet noted he has been riding the pasture two to three times a day and has still only found 15 to 20 carcasses of the 50 animals he is missing. And while FSA has raised their payout, the situation simply isn’t sustainable for any producer.

“The payout is a little higher, but the market is currently averaging $220 to $230 per animal,” he said.

“For the wethers, it isn’t a big deal – a guy could probably make it work, but we keep all of our ewe lambs back as replacements and our herd is dwindling,” he added. “We are down to 200 animals this year, and a huge part of this is because the birds are killing them in massive amounts.”

Seeking change

At the rate Northeast Wyoming producers are losing lambs to birds of prey, with no means to mitigate damages and little compensation from the government, many are destined to go out of business within the next few years.

In fear of what his operation’s future holds – and those of his close friends, neighbors and fellow producers – Curutchet has been tirelessly brainstorming

ways to solve the problem and has called upon government officials to help in his quest.

“I want to be clear – I am not out to kill them all. I don’t think exterminating them is the solution,” stated Curutchet. “They are accurate and efficient killers, and I think they are awesome and impressive.”

Instead, Curutchet believes changes should be made to the upcoming farm bill, especially in relation to indemnity program payouts. He has also suggested increasing the amount of relocation and falconer permits.

“The government issues six total eagle relocation permits in the entire U.S., and it is my understanding all six of those have come to Wyoming for the past three years,” he explained.

Curutchet shared he has been told one bird in the group serves as the leader and does most of the killing. If this bird is relocated, the others will likely stop killing and leave to go looking for their flockmate.

“It is my suggestion we should get the government to issue more of these permits because birds are such

a huge problem right here in Wyoming,” he said.

“There are also some permits issued to falconers, who take the birds, rehabilitate them and give them something to do with their amazing skills,” he added, noting he believes more falconer permits should be issued in the state of Wyoming as well.

While permits may be an option for controlling the eagle population in Johnson County, Curutchet said it is most important for changes to be made to make the indemnity program in the farm bill fairer and more sustainable for sheep producers.

“If we had our sheep in

the mountains and they were being killed by a mountain lion, the USDA would pay for three head per every one carcass found,” he shared.

“Since birds are packing off part of the carcasses and because there are so many of them, they should be paying more to help sheep producers out.”

“I think working with the payout program so ranchers are compensated fairly for their losses is a great start in creating the change we all need to see,” he concluded.

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

Fair compensation – Pictured is a typical carcass find of a lamb killed by eagles on the Curutchet Ranch. Since many carcasses are wiped clean in a matter of hours or carried off by their winged assassins, it is hard for producers to prove every one of their losses and be compensated fairly. James Curutchet is pushing for legislation in the upcoming farm bill to change this. James Curutchet photo

“I think working with the payout program so ranchers are compensated fairly for their losses is a great start in creating the change we all need to see.” – James Curutchet, Curutchet Ranch

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

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

Aug. 2-12 Laramie County Fair, Cheyenne. For more information, visit laramiecountyevents. com/fair

Aug. 5-Aug. 12 Lincoln County Fair, Afton. For more information, visit facebook.com/LincolnCountyFair

Aug. 7 Bureau of Land Management Public Meeting, 5-7 p.m., Niobrara County Fairgrounds, Lusk. For more information, contact Kathleen Lacko at ktlacko@blm.gov or call 307-261-7536.

Aug. 8 City of Lander Public Meeting, 6 p.m., Lander City Hall, Lander. For more information, call Lance Hopkin at 307-332-2870 ext. 432.

Aug. 8-9 Sheridan County Working Lands Workshop Series, Sheridan College Campus, Sheridan. For more information or to register, visit sccdwy.regfox.com

Aug. 11-13 Fourth Annual Tom Horn Days Cowboy Rendezvous, Bosler. For more information, visit tomhorndays.com

Aug. 15 Cowboy Cornhole Tournament, 1:30 p.m., Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas. For more information or to register, visit wyoffafoundation.com/cornhole or call 307-851-4392.

Aug. 15 Wyoming Ranch Rodeo Finals and Calcutta, 5 p.m., Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas. For more information, e-mail waive.yager@yahoo.com.

Aug. 15-16 Wyoming Society for Range Management Summer Field Tour, Saratoga. To register, visit bit.ly/wysrmsummertour2023. For more information, e-mail Russell Burton at russell@y2consultants.com or Bree Burton at bree@y2consultants.com.

Aug. 15-19 111th Wyoming State Fair, State Fairgrounds, Douglas. For more information, visit wystatefair.com

Aug. 16 Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame Award Ceremony and Picnic, 5 p.m., Riverside Park, Douglas. For more information, call the Wyoming Livestock Roundup at 307-234-2700.

Aug. 16 Beef Quality Assurance Training, 1-3:30 p.m., Wyoming State Fair Conference Room, Douglas. For more information or to reserve a spot, e-mail Gary Gwin at gary.gwin1@wyo.gov or call 307-777-7396.

Aug. 17 Wyoming Angus Association Meeting, Showring Grandstand, Wyoming State Fair, Douglas. For more information, call 307-630-1593.

Aug. 24 National Pork Producers Delegate Body and Wyoming Pork Producers Association Meeting, 6 p.m. Grace Werner Ag Pavilion, Casper. For more information, contact Jeremy Burkett at 307-630-6267.

Aug. 25-27 2023 Sheepherders Rendezvous, 10 a.m. daily, Glenrock City Park, Glenrock. For more information, call Rita Redig at 307-262-0513.

Sept. 3-4 35th Annual Don King Days, Big Horn.

Sept. 5-7 Public Lands Council Annual Meeting, Pendleton, Oregon. For more information, visit publiclandscouncil.org

Sept. 6-7 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Symposium, Little America Hotel and Resort, Cheyenne. For more information or to register, visit beefrepro. org or contact Shelby Rosasco at srosasco@uwyo.edu or 307-766-2329.

Sept. 6-7 2023 Nebraska Ranch Practicum, Whitman, Neb. For more information or to register, visit nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu, e-mail Troy Walz at troy.walz@unl. edu or call 308-872-6831.

Sept. 8-10 Hells Canyon Mule Days, Wallowa County Fairgrounds, Enterprise, Ore. For more information, visit hellscanyonmuledays.com

Sept. 11-15 University of Wyoming Extension Geodesic Dome Greenhouse Construction School, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Laramie. For more information, contact Jeff Edwards at jedward4@uwyo.edu or call 307-837-2956.

Sept. 15-16 Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Casper. For more information, visit wyomingcowboyhalloffame.org

Oct. 4-8 Annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival, Ketchum, Idaho. For more information, visit trailingofthesheep.org

Oct. 16-19 International Dairy Federation 2023 World Dairy Summit, Chicago, Ill. For more information, visit idfa.org

Nov. 2 Nebraska Ranch Practicum, Whitman, Neb. For more information or to register, visit nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu, e-mail Troy Walz at troy.walz@unl.edu or call 308-872-6831.

Nov. 2-4 West Central States Wool Growers Convention, Boise, Idaho. For more information, visit sheepusa.org

Nov. 3-6 2023 Angus Convention, Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, Orlando, Fla. For more information or to register, visit angusconvention.com

Nov. 9-10 30th Annual Wyoming Women in Ag Symposium and Diversity Tour, Worland. For more information, visit wywomeninag.org

Nov. 9-12 2023 World Championship Ranch Rodeo, Amarillo, Texas. For more information, visit wrca.org

Dec. 4-6 Winter Roundup Convention and Trade Show, Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center, Casper. For more information, visit wysga.org

Jan. 6-8, 2024 Stockmen in the Stockyards at the National Western Stock Show, Denver, Colo. More information coming soon.

Jan. 9-10, 2024 2024 Nebraska Ranch Practicum, Whitman, Neb. For more information or to register, visit nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu, e-mail Troy Walz at troy.walz@unl. edu or call 308-872-6831.

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, 970462-6551, 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. 25-26 11th Annual Montana Horse Progress Days Auction, Reuben Miller Farm, Moore, Mont., 406-366-4667, montanahorseprogressdays.com

Aug. 25-26 Meeker Mustang Makeover Live & Online Auction, Rio Blanco Fairgrounds, Meeker, Colo., 406-570-6818, longhornvideoauctions.com

Aug. 26 Nebraska Quarter Horse Classic Performance Horse Sale, Ogallala Livestock Auction Market, Ogallala, Neb., 319-795-4649, 308-289-2508, 308-4589685

Aug. 26 25th Annual Come To The Source Production Sale, Laramie, 307-742-4669, 970-215-6137, 307-760-1452, cometothesource.com

Aug. 26-29 Lauing Mill Iron L Ranch 2023 QH Production Sale, online only, prohorseservices.com/internet-auctions/, 605-347-6193, 605-280-0698, 605-2800398, lauingmillironlranch.com

Aug. 27 RQHBA Horse Sale, Besler’s Cadillac Ranch, Belle Fourche, S.D., 605-3473294, 605-639-9482, rqhba.com

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

Sept. 1-3 PRQHBA 46th Annual Futurity and Horse Sale, Powder River County Fairgrounds, Broadus, Mont., 406-853-3554, sales@prqhba.com

Sept. 8-9 Superior Livestock Auction Labor Day Auction, Hudson Oaks, Texas, 800422-2117, superiorlivestock.com

Sept. 9-12 Reindl Quarter Horses and Comp Quarter Horses Second Annual Online Horse Sale, prohorseservices.com/internet-auctions/, 605-840-8286, 605496-4873

Sept. 12 95th Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas, 307-265-5250, wyowool.com/ramsale

Sept. 12 Western Video Market, Haythorn Land & Cattle Co., Ogallala, Neb., 530-3473793, wvmcattle.com

Sept. 14 Cattle Country Video Cheyenne Roundup Sale, Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center, Cheyenne, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com

Sept. 15-16 27th Annual Van Norman Production Sale, Elko County Fairgrounds, Elko, Nev., 775-756-6508, 775-934-7404, vannormansale.com

Sept. 17 21st Annual Sugar Bars Legacy Sale, Sheridan County Fairgrounds, Sheridan, 406-812-0084, sugarbarslegacy.com

Sept. 18 Northern Livestock Video Auction Fall Premier, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com

Oct. 13-15 26th Annual Fall Colt & Yearling Catalog Sale & Futurity, Farmers and Ranchers Livestock Commission Co., Salina, Kan., 785-826-7884, 785-4932901, 785-825-0211

Oct. 25 Micheli Ranch Bull Sale, at the ranch, Ft. Bridger, 307-252-0437, 307-7477786, 307-747-3897, 307-780-8232, micheliranch.com

Nov. 5 Triangle J Ranch Harvest Select Female Sale, at the ranch, Miller, Neb., 308-457-2505, 308-627-5085, trianglejranch.com

Nov. 21 Paint Rock Angus Annual Fall Sale, at the ranch, Hyattville, 307-469-2206, 307-271-2000, 307-272-5332, 307-578-7392, paintrockangus.com

Nov. 28 Ward Livestock Fifth Annual Red White & Blue Bull Sale, at the ranch, Laramie, 307-399-9863

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

Sheepherder dragged by spooked horse

According to a June 22, 1911 article in a Wyoming weekly newspaper, Chas. Kennedy, a young man working for Tom Hood as a sheepherder, had gone out in the morning with a band of sheep.

About two miles from

camp, while attempting to mount his horse, the animal jumped quickly, throwing Kennedy to the ground with one foot in the stirrup. The horse began to run, dragging Kennedy with him, dislocating his hip and severely straining the muscles in

his leg.

Eventually, his foot was released, but he was in so much pain. Despite making every effort to crawl for help, he finally called over one of his sheep dogs, wrote a note and tied it to the dog’s neck.

The dog, part collie, went directly back to camp and attracted the attention of Hood.

Hood noticed the string and obtained the note, read it and took off to search for Kennedy.

Following the dog’s lead, the rancher found the injured sheepherder, who was taken to town where his injuries were treated.

The following is one sheep dog’s great feat, as reported in the Nov. 3, 1911 issue of The Grand Encampment Herald. Left one night on Wagontire Mountain with 3,086 sheep by the death of her master John Sagoday, one female shepherd dog was delivered to Maunel Saunders, owner of the sheep, two weeks later, along with 3,085 of the animals, having lost only one during two weeks of privation. The dog’s achievement was carried out despite the fact she was the mother of puppies only a few days old when her master died. From the Wyoming Newspaper Project website. Historical Reproductions by Perue

MARKETS

Compiled from USDA Market News Service information and other sources

FOR THE WEEK ENDING August 4, 2023

FOR THE WEEK ENDING May 24, 2019

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

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

National Sheep Summary

As of July 28, 2023

Compared to last week traditional slaughter lambs 10.00 lower, others mostly 5.00-20.00 lower. Slaughter ewes mostly steady to 20.00 lower. No comparison on feeder lambs. At San Angelo, TX 5,766 head sold. Equity Cooperative Auction sold 3075 feeder lambs in Wyoming and 460 feeder lambs Utah. Superior Video sold 1440 feeder lambs in Utah. In direct trading slaughter ewes and feeder lambs not tested. 3,295 lamb Carcasses traded with no trend due to confidentiality. All sheep sold per Hundred weight (CWT) unless specified.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3

San Angelo: wooled and shorn 110-140 lbs 155.00-170.00.

Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 100-130 lbs 190.00-205.00; 140150 lbs 160.00-164.00.

South Dakota: wooled and shorn 100-150 lbs 185.00-202.00. Billings: wooled and shorn 105-125 lbs no test. Equity Coop: no sales.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2

San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 201.00-233.00; 60-70 lbs 200.00-

WY: 4075: 90 lbs 223.00; 95 lbs 217.25; 100 lbs 210.25 all for Oct delivery.

Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2 San Angelo: hair ewe lambs 80-100 lbs 207.00-221.00/cwt, 110 lbs 151.00/cwt; yearling hair 100-120 lbs 149.00-187.00/ cwt; young hair 95-140 lbs 100.00-145.00/cwt.

Ft. Collins: no test.

South Dakota: no test.

Billings: no test.

Sheep and lambs slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 32,000 compared with 33,000 last week and 31,000 last year.

Source: USDA AMS Market News, San Angelo, Texas

National Wool Review

As of July 14, 2023

Special Note: Australia will be entering their annual three week summer recess. No data will be available. This report will also shut down during that time period. The next available report will be Friday, August 11, 2023.

Wyoming Hay Summary

As of August 3, 2023

Compared to last week forage products sold unevenly steady. Demand was light. Spotty rain showers with a chance for torrential rain showers in different areas of the state. Many concerned farmers that heavy rain will damage the soon-to-be harvest barley. All hope it doesn’t sprout in the field. A lot of Ut/ Fair quality hay in the market some are getting it sold others have it priced to high and continue to sit on asking levels. It’s hard to come down on price when all other fixed cost has jumped up by leaps and bounds.

Eastern Wyoming

Alfalfa - Good Large Square 3x4 200

Alfalfa - Utility/Fair Large Square 3x4 150 Large Square 3x4 175

Alfalfa Pellets 15% Suncured 380

Straw (Wheat) Large Square 115 Western Wyoming

Alfalfa - Premium Small Square 3 Tie 300-325

Alfalfa - Good/Premium Medium Square 3x3 225

Alfalfa - Good Large Square 3x4 175-190

5 AREA WEEKLY WEIGHTED CATTLE PRICE

80-90 lbs 170.00-175.00.

Billings: no test.

Slaughter Ewes

San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy)

38.00-50.00, hair 45.00-78.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 74.00-100.00, hair 70.00-80.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 55.0068.00, hair 60.00-96.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) 55.00; hair 50.00-60.00; Cull 1 20.00-31.00.

Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 85.00-100.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 77.50-95.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 65.00-75.00; Cull 1 25.00-

40.00.

South Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 50.00-60.00; Good

2-3 (fleshy) 44.00-65.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 40.00-50.00; Cull 1

Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) no test; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test.

Alfalfa - Fair/Good Large Square 3x4 165 Small Square 250

Alfalfa - Utility Large Square 3x4 125

Alfalfa Cubes 400

Alfalfa/Orchard Mix - Premium Small Square 300

Grass - Good Small Square 250

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

Nebraska Hay Summary

As of August 3, 2023

Compared to last week bales of alfalfa sold steady to 10.00 lower. Grass hay sold unevenly steady. Ground and delivered hay in the East and West sold steady, the Platte Valley sold 20.00 lower on strait alfalfa and 10.00 lower on ground and delivered cornstalks. Dehy alfalfa pellets sold steady. Demand was light for alfalfa hay with moderate demand for grass hay. Rains showers continue across many areas of the state aiding in forage growth but on the flip side the rain has damage several acres of mowed hay that producers can not get baled resulting in large quantity of poor quality of hay. Some areas in the east seem like they can not buy a rain and continue to put up top quality feed.

307-234-2700 • 1-800-967-1647 • Fax: 307-472-1781 • E-mail: jodym@wylr.net or denise@wylr.net

Help Wanted

Public Notice - Wyoming Pork Producers Association and the National Pork Board

The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2024 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 6 p.m., Aug. 24, 2023 in conjunction with a Board of Directors meeting of the Wyoming Pork Producers Association at the Grace Werner Ag Pavilion, 125 College Drive, Casper, WY. All Wyoming pork producers are invited to attend. Any producer, age 18 or older, who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/ or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving the hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff deducted. For more information, contact Jeremy Burkett, state executive for Wyoming Pork Producers Association, 125 College Drive, Casper, WY 82601, (307) 630-6267.

NOTICE: Publication in this newspaper does not guarantee the legitimacy of any offer or solicitation. Take reasonable steps to evaluate an offer before you send money or provide personal/financial information to an advertiser. If you have questions or believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Unit, 109 Capitol Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002, 307-7776397 TFN

Notice Events

UP IN ARMS, LLC FLEA MARKET AND GUN SHOW SEPT.

1-3, Gillette, WY at the CAMPLEX. Open to the public. Fri., Sept. 1, 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Sat., Sept. 2, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., Sept. 3, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Giving away a .22 pistol Sunday at 2 p.m., must be present to win, 21 years of age and able to pass background check. Buy, sell, trade. Adults $6, children 12 and under free (when accompanied by an adult). For more information, contact Lisa, 208-420-2295 8/26

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 307-3349930 8/5

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

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 8/5

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 8/5

Help Wanted

FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA) IN WYOMING IS HIRING THREE COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EXPANDED POSITIONS in Natrona, Goshen and Crook counties. These positions will be responsible for directing and managing program and administrative operations for one or more counties. Carrying out permanent and ad hoc farm bill programs and policies established by USDA as well as crop insurance operations under policies established by the Risk Management Agency (RMA). Providing basic FSA farm loan program services. May perform additional farm loan program assignments based on authorities delegated. Performing office and field activities as needed to accomplish program objectives and managing and directing activities of subordinate staff.

To find out more about this position or to apply, go to USAJOBS.gov, job announcement #FSACO-12068112-23-WYAG. Deadline to apply is Aug. 11, 2023.

If you have any questions about this position, contact Julie Williams at the WY State FSA Office at 307-261-5142. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

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

SUMMER HELP WANTED: Haying and fencing. Call 605-3473403 or 605-499-9088 8/5

WEAVE Got Your Back!

Warren Transport is looking for Truck Drivers! Family friendly with flexible scheduling, bonuses, benefits and competitive wages. We are an established company with multiple branches and a multitude of options to fit your individual needs!

LARGE NORTHWESTERN RANCH looking for a member of the farming crew must have experience with flood irrigation and haying equipment as well as livestock cattle experience. Housing and competitive salary. Send resume to mccartyranching@ gmail.com 8/19

SUNDANCE CUSTOM STEEL IS NOW HIRING TRIM SHOP OPERATORS. Clean, fast paced and friendly environment. Apply in person at 301 South 27th St., Sundance, WY 82729 or call the office at 307-2831820 8/19

LOOKING FOR A RANCH HAND FOR A YEARLING OPERATION IN NORTHWEST, CO: Must be proficient roping and doctoring and comfortable riding in the mountains with rough terrain. For more information, call Whit Gates at 970-846-4353 8/5

Auctions

Torrington Livestock Markets

ALL TYPES OF EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE FINANCING. Great service!! Great rates!! Call Chuck Brown at C.H. Brown Co., WY LLC, 307-3223232 (office), 307-331-0010 (cell) or e-mail chuckbrown@ wyoming.com 8/5

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!! 8/12

Services Services

Solar Water Pumping Systems

Brands

FALL CATTLE AND HARVEST

HELP WANTED: Blue Barn Land & Cattle is hiring. Rural location, south of Haviland, KS. Thirteen week job: Sept. 10Dec. 10. Excellent pay. Housing provided. Job responsibilities include: Processing and doctoring cattle, building fence, assisting with harvest work and other related farm tasks. If you have your own horse and tack, we will provide a place to board your horse. Call Bill Roenbaugh at 620-546-3913 or send your information to bill@roenbaugh. com

Dogs

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. ALSO, new litter ready mid-August. Have been raising these fantastic LGD for 48 years. For more information, call 406207-7674 8/26

ADORABLE PUPPIES: Family raised TOY/MINIATURE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPS, born April 1, one male and 1 female available. CINCH MINIATURE QUEENSLAND BLUE HEELER born March 3, mom blue 23 lbs., dad blue 20 lbs. All pups bred for health/disposition/smarts. UTD pup vaccines/ dewormings. All pups come with pup package. For more information, pricing/delivery options call 406-581-7586. ALSO, older mini Australian shepherd pups/dogs at reduced/rehoming prices. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 8/12

FOR SALE KELPIE/ENGLISH

SHEPHERD CROSS PUPPIES: One male and 7 females born July 6. Both parents are working dogs and friendly with children. Asking $300. Call 605866-4882 8/12

WORKING BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES FOR SALE: Born March 30. Located in Powell, WY. Parents onsite. Asking $300. For pictures or more information, call 307-899-3533 8/12

BASSET HOUND PUPPIES: Ranch and tracking lineage. AKC registered. Good with kids and very sweet. Free delivery. Ready now, $750-$1,200. Call 719-2178054 8/12

REGISTERED PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI PUPPIES FOR SALE. Ready to go at the beginning of August. Asking $900. Text or call 701-260-1207. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 8/5

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

BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES:

Born May 23. Out of ranch raised, working parents. Only 2 males left. Good with kids. Need homes where they can work cattle and/ or sheep. Have had second shots and wormer. Ken & Cheri Graves, Kaycee, WY, phone 307-738-2247, e-mail gravesredfork@rtconnect.net 8/12

AIREDALE/BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG PUPPIES: Excellent predator control and hunting background. Good with sheep and cattle. Excellent children and family dogs. Shots and wormed. Free delivery. Call 719-217-8054 8/12

Angus

Angus

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

Meat Processing

RED ANGUS 2-YEAR-OLD FORAGE BULLS FOR SALE: Bulls for heifers and cows. Smaller framed, efficient, easy fleshing, good dispositions. Not fat, but in great shape and ready to go to work. Have been worked with dogs, on foot and horseback.

Raised in rugged, rough, steep, rocky, high elevation country. Red Fork Red Angus, Ken & Cheri Graves, Kaycee, WY, phone 307-738-2247, cell 307-2670724, e-mail gravesredfork@ rtconnect.net 8/12

Sheep

Hay & Feed

HAY FOR SALE: Alfalfa/grass mix, good color. Large rounds, $230/ton. Small squares, $10/ bale. Will load and or deliver. Sheridan, WY. Call Drew, 307752-5920 8/5

LAMB SCAN

SHEEP & GOAT ULTRASOUND

TODD REINESCH

605-680-4719

25317 364th Avenue

Kimball, SD 57355

rchoice@midstatesd.net

Need a new sheep camp or the old one restored? Call us at 785-734-2663. Our camps are handcrafted with hand-forged iron work. We also offer wooden wagon wheel restoration, wheelwright services.

Horses

12-YEAR-OLD HAFLINGER GELDING: Broke to drive single and double, 15 HH, good traveler and sound, $3,600. Call David, 307-467-5651, if no answer please leave a message 8/5

RANCHERS QUARTER

HORSE BREEDERS ASSOCI-

ATION SALE AUG. 27: Located at Besler’s Cadillac Ranch, Belle Fourche, S.D. Selling 67 head. Yearling Futurity $3,000 added.

HAY BARLEY FOR SALE: Three-way beardless barley, oats and peas, round bales, about 1,200 lbs. each, $170/ton. ALSO, alfalfa hay, round bales, $190/ton. Hardin, MT. Call 406665-7521 8/19

LOTS AND LOTS OF HAY FOR SALE!!! 1,350 lb. round bales, net wrapped. Grass/alfalfa mix, native grass, brome grass, straight alfalfa… Sheridan, WY area. Come and get it!! For pricing, call the ranch, 307-737-2680 or 702-5014243 (cell) 8/5

2023 FIRST CUTTING GRASS HAY, meadow brome and orchard grass. Certified weed-free, small squares. $275/ton, Cody, South Fork, WY. Call 307-2724354 8/12

HAY FOR SALE: 2023 winter rye grass, 5’x6’ large rounds at an 1,100 lb. average, net wrapped, approximately 250 tons available, $125/ton. Near Nisland, S.D. Call Jake at 605-892-5218 for more information 8/12

Joey

Joe

Custom Feeding

CUSTOM FEEDING, BACKGROUNDING, HEIFER DEVELOPMENT AND COW WINTERING, bedded pens. Billings, MT. Call Ryan at 406-696-0104 11/11

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

*NEW* this year, yearling trail class!! All 2023 foals eligible to win in 2024. Ranch Horse Futurity, added money, open to 2- and 3-year-olds sold through the sale. Invitational saddle horse session, have 14 riders and 5 yearlings. Online bidding available day of sale with preapproval through Tri-State Livestock at www.thestockshow. hibid.com/auction/current

For more information, call Gary Mailloux, 605-347-1964 or Susan Riesland, 605-6399482, www.rqhba.com “The Sale Where You Can Buy With Confidence!” 8/19

MINIATURE HORSES FOR

SALE OR TRADE: Pretty lawn ornaments, sweet and gentle. One stallion, 2 mares and 1 two-yearold colt. Call or text Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays, 307-2582175. To view photos, go to www. wylr.net in the classifieds 8/5

Saddles & Tack

GET READY FOR THE RIDE!!

Large SELECTION of saddles, HEADSTALLS, reins and SADDLE pads. 20% off boots!!

HONDO, BOULET, JUSTIN WORK BOOTS, TWISTED X (boots and shoes) and more!!

Well stocked for arena, range and above the plains. WE CAN ship!! Shop Moss Saddles, Boots and Tack, 4648 West Yellowstone Highway, Casper, WY; 307-472-1872. Our family serving yours for 50 years!!

Check us out on Facebook or our website 8/5

Ranch/Pasture

Lease Wanted

LOOKING FOR RANCHES/ PASTURES TO LEASE: Experienced stockman and rangeland management professional. Land will be used for a custom grazing business using intensive grazing practices. I can make improvements and add value to leased land. Please contact Andrew at 830-446-9378, e-mail amainini24@gmail.com 8/12

Sheep

MERINOS 19.3 FLEECE 138 ewes: Two & 3 years old with lambs EWE & MARCH/JUNE LAMB UNIT

$475 each OBO 970-710-1659

ARE YOU IN NEED OF A NEW HERDER CAMP OR A PERSONAL RANGE CAMP FOR YOUR FAMILY? Contact us at Western Range Camps and see what we can build for you. We specialize in quality, handcrafted camps built to your specifications. Contact us today to design the camp just right for you. Western Range Camps, 435-462-5300, heidi@wrcamps. com, 1145 S. Blackhawk Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647 8/5

GERDES HAMPSHIRES HAS 30 REGISTERED PUREBRED HAMPSHIRE RAMS: Born in the fall of 2022 and winter of 2023. Our rams are fast growing with plenty of depth, muscle and bone. These are wether-type Hampshires without excessive leg length but possess tremendous thickness of loin and leg. Rams are sired by stud rams that we purchased from leading Hampshire sheep breeders at national sales and are sired by sons of Unicorn and Jackalope. For more information, call 402-760-0104. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 8/12

TRITICALE SEED FOR SALE: Great cover crop. Call 719-8501143 8/12

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 307-6453322 TFN

Hay & Feed

GRASS HAY, certified weed free, big squares 4x4x8. We are located in Worland, WY. Hay is in Cora, WY. Discount for semi loads. Delivery possible later in the season. Must take semi load for delivery. If you pick it up, any size or amount is fine. We will load you, $185/ton. Call or text 208-610-0425 or 208610-1855 8/26

VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: New crop alfalfa and oat hay available. Go to www.valleyvideohay.com or call Barry McRea, 308-235-5386 8/26

GOOD QUALITY HAY FOR SALE: Straight alfalfa, 3x3 square bales, $225/ton. Alfalfa/ orchard grass mix, net-wrapped round bales, $200/ton. Wheat/ alfalfa mix, net-wrapped round bales, $185/ton. Nisland, S.D. For more information, call 605892-5676 8/5

HAY FOR SALE: Grass hay, mixed hay, straight alfalfa. Rounds and 3x4 squares. Located near Bozeman/Manhattan, MT. Delivery available. Call Doug at 406581-4124 8/12

2023 ALFALFA AND ALFALFA

GRASS MIX HAY, 3x3 bales barn stored. Call 307-350-0350 Farson, WY 8/19

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 net-wrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, 701690-8116, 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

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

Equipment

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; 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 8/19

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. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-999-5482 8/12

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

Equipment

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. $35,000 OBO. Near Pinedale, WY. Call 307-360-9386 8/26

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 605-593-6637 8/12

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

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

Livestock Hay Equipment Pipe

Livestock Equipment

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, 406322-4425 or e-mail sidwell@ sidwell-land.com 8/5

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 8/12

3 TUBS RANCH: 3,316+ deeded acres in the treed canyons of 66 Mountain, LaGrange, WY. Lush meadows and mountain outcroppings. Deer, antelope, turkey and sage grouse. Run cows through 12 pastures, plus improvements. Excellent calving facilities. $5,100,000. Casey Essert, Land Broker; Empire Realty, Torrington, WY, 307532-1750 8/5

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, 970-3244580 8/26

Irrigation

Pipe Irrigation

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

Irrigation Systems

Easier On You. The choice is simple. Big Horn Truck and Equipment Manderson, WY rairdenjlw@tritel.net •

Property for Sale Property for Sale

Property for Sale

REDUCED: MO. Flats Ranch: Hot Springs County, Wyoming. 655+ acres located 12 miles west of Thermopolis with paved road access. Approximately 140 irrigated acres with an additional 50 adjudicated. Nearly 2 miles of Owl Creek frontage, four pastures, and three wells. 40’x84’ metal building with concrete floor, water and power. This is a great setup for a base property and great value. Price: $1,540,000

Crippled Spider RV and Arena: Hot Springs County, Wyoming. 76+ acres with 3,656 square feet very nice home, 300’x125’ metal indoor riding arena, 26 acres under pivot, and a new RV park with 38 units. Terrific horse property with great income from the commercial business. Just 4 miles North of Thermopolis near the Big Horn River. Price: $1,650,000 South Muddy Farm: Fremont County, Wyoming. Top quality 146+ acre farm with 129 acres in excellent alfalfa hay production. Located in the Midvale Irrigation District, it includes a four bed, two bath home and a 40’x60’ pole barn. Very productive hay farm in a great area.

Price: $1,070,000

Hooked on the River: Hot Springs County, Wyoming. Custom log home and horse barn on 59.6 acres with ¾ of a mile of Big Horn River Frontage. 28 acres of irrigated land and sub-irrigated pasture on a great stretch of one of the most popular fly fishing rivers in Wyoming.

Price: $1,400,000

Clay Schafer – Sales Associate • Rees Ready - Office Manager

Office: 307-234-2211

Roy Ready - Broker: 307-921-0170

www.westernland.net

66.856 ACRES, JUST NORTHWEST OF RED LODGE, MT BORDERING THE GOLF COURSE: This property is presently agriculturally zoned, current use is hay and pasture and it is fenced and cross fenced. Enjoy views of several mountain ranges and lots of water, including Spring Creek frontage, mature trees and lush grass. Could be zoned commercially, allowing for development of a number of homesites and/or other commercial ventures. This property is simply loaded with possibilities. Access is off Willow Creek Road. DNRC Right Nos. 43D 216331-00 and 43D 200020-00, Pryde Ditch and West Fork of Rock Creek. $2,300,000. Property to be shown by appointment only and listing agent shall accompany all showings. Sellers ask that prospective buyers respect their privacy. Call Bill at 406-698-9266 for a tour of this parcel 8/26

Hunting & Fishing

WANTED: PROPERTY TO ARCHERY HUNT IN THE NORTH PLATTE RIVER REGION BETWEEN GUERNSEY, WY AND THE NEBRASKA STATELINE 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 or text 970-2278598. WILLING TO PAY a $200 referral fee and $1,000 plus to hunt!! 8/26

IRON: On-site processing and removal. Receive $$$ top dollar $$$ For your junk!! Call for details: Pacific Steel and Recycling, 307-234-6006. Casper/ Central Wyoming 8/5

Creating impact through a multi-state medical education program

Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI) joined forces to create a five-state medical education program to alleviate health care shortages in underserved and rural areas.

The University of Wyoming (UW) School of Medicine joined the collaboration program with the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSoM) in 1997, establishing WWAMI, which has been Wyoming’s medical school for over 25 years.

The partnership between UWSoM and UW continues to be a productive and cost-effective approach to meet the physician workforce needs in Wyoming, as Wyoming’s rural population creates a large, medically underserved population.

According to the UW’s School of Medicine, Wyoming has a shortage of physicians. It has the 10th oldest physician workforce in the U.S. and has the third lowest proportion of female physicians nationally.

Rural healthcare in Wyoming

Individuals living in rural America face a common issue – access to health care. This issue is twofold – individuals need access to health care insurance and health care professionals are reluctant to work in rural areas.

Wyoming residents are uninsured because they either make too much to qualify for Medicaid or too little to afford private insurance. It is estimated 12.2 percent of residents are not insured, according to America’s Health Rankings report released in 2021.

And, according to a 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges study, the U.S. could see a shortage of between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034.

In 2022, the Wyoming Office of Rural Health reported there are 248 family practice physicians in the state, with 54 individuals practicing in Natrona County, 55 in Laramie

For more information on University of Wyoming’s WWAMI medical school, visit www.uwyo.edu/ wwami/index.html.

County, 15 in Park County, 15 in Fremont County and nine counties having fewer than five family practice physicians.

Given the state’s rural nature, access to health care is challenging but not without solutions. WWAMI is one of those solutions.

Increasing physicians in Wyoming

WWAMI UW Medical Education Program Director Brant Schumaker explained, “Our state’s leadership had the vision to establish a medical school where our students could be trained both in the classroom and alongside medical preceptors in hospitals and other clinical settings around Wyoming, preparing them for practice as physicians in many of Wyoming’s rural and underserved populations.”

Since Wyoming does not have a medical school, legislators partnered with the state of Washington and UWSoM to grant a specific number of medical school seats to each state participating in the WWAMI program.

“We have a fantastic medical school right here in Wyoming. Through our affiliation with the UWSoM, our students get

to complete their basic science and clinical skills training right here in Laramie while being affiliated with the number one school for family medicine and primary care,” he added.

Students participating in the WWAMI program at UW experience state-ofthe-art classrooms while receiving their medical education at the best medical schools.

Schumaker continued, “Wyoming receives 20 seats per year for a total of 80 students across the four

years who are enrolled in the program, and we host students for their first two years at UW in Laramie.”

Wyoming residents participating in the WWAMI medical school program receive their degrees from UWSoM.

The UW website explains the state of Wyoming funds these 20 seats, and students from Wyoming in the WWAMI program sign contracts requiring them to return to work in Wyoming within one year of completing

their training.

If they work in Wyoming for three years, the money the state paid on their behalf to UWSoM will be forgiven.

This year, the WWAMI program at UW graduated 16 students who have entered their residency training before being eligible to enter the workforce across Wyoming.

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

Under examination – Jenni Ebersberger of Powell performs a fixed laryngoscopic examination under instruction by Dr. David Jones, professor emeritus of the University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences, while members of the Wyoming WWAMI E-2022 class look on. Courtesy photo

Cheyenne Frontier Days wraps up, Wyoming competitors make impressive showing

Cowboys, cowgirls, country music fans, Western lifestyle enthusiasts and individuals from all walks of life gathered in Cheyenne July 19-28 for the increasingly popular “Daddy Of ʼEm All.”

The event, which boasts the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration, caters to attendees of all ages, including a daily farmers’ market, a Western Art Show and Sale, a sprawling carnival, some of the hottest live music in the region and much more.

Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) also hosts eight days of competitive Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeos, and at the end of the week, the names of several Wyoming cowboys and cowgirls flashed on the leaderboards.

Bareback riding

Two Wyoming competitors made a showing in the final round of bareback riding.

Diamondville native and University of Wyoming student Donny Proffit placed in the top 10 with an 84.5point ride.

With an 87.5-point ride, Cole Reiner of Buffalo ended the round in a threeway tie for first place with Kade Sonnier of Carencro, La. and Clayton Biglow of Clements, Calif.

In second place was

Ben Kramer of Max, N.D. with an 87-point ride, and Jess Pope of Waverly, Kan. earned third-place honors with an 86.5-point ride.

Saddle bronc riding

Proffit and Reiner’s fellow Wyoming Bronc Rider Q Taylor of Casper found his name on the scoreboard during CFD’s saddle bronc riding competition.

With an 89.5-point ride, Taylor tied for second place in the final round with Sage Newman of Melstone, Mont.

Leading the pack was Sulpher, La. Cowboy Ryder Sanford, who broke the arena record with a 92.5point ride, and Lefty Holman of Visalia, Calif. pulled into the third-place position with an 88.5-point ride.

Bull riding

Competitors from Western states swept the last of the rough stock events.

With a score of 91.5 points, Stetson Wright of Milford, Utah took home the champion bull riding title, followed by Josh Frost of Randlett, Utah in second place with a score of 89.5 points and Tristen Hutchings of Monteview, Idaho in third place with a score of 89 points.

Tie-down roping

In the final round of tie-down roping, Luke Potter of Maple City, Kan. led the pack with a 10.6-sec-

ond run, followed by John Douch of Huntsville, Texas and Britt Bedke of Oakley, Idaho in a two-way tie for second place with 10.9-second runs.

Marcos Costa of Iretama, Brazil ended the round in the third-place position with a run of 11.2 seconds.

Team roping

With an eight-second run, Texas Team Ropers Billy Bob Brown of Carbon and Kirby Blankenship of Lampasas wowed the crowd during CFD’s final round and took home first-place honors.

A mere two-tenths of a second landed Kaleb Driggers of Hoboken, Ga. and Junior Nogueira of Presidente Prude, Brazil in the second-place position, and at nine flat, Bubba Buckaloo of Kingston, Okla. and Juan Gonzales of Maypearl, Texas ended the round in third place.

With his partner Cullen Teller of Ault, Colo., Yoder’s Clayton Van Aken made a showing in the round, pulling into fourth place with a 9.5-second run.

Steer wrestling Sturgis, S.D.’s Eli Lord won the round in steer wrestling, with an impressive run of 5.9 seconds.

He was followed by Tristan Martin of Sulphur, La. in second place with

a 6.6-second run and Walt Arnold of Coleman, Texas in third place with a 6.7-second run.

Breakaway roping

In arguably the most competitive event of the day, only two-tenths of a second separated the top three finalists in women’s breakaway roping.

With a run of 3.8 seconds, Joey Williams of Volberg, Mont. finished in first place, followed closely by

Martha Angelone of Stephenville, Texas with a run of 3.9 seconds and Shayla Hall of Belle Fourche, S.D. with a run of four flat.

Barrel racing

To wrap up the final round, Blackfoot, Idaho Barrel Racer Sue Smith was crowned champion, with a smoking run of 16.89 seconds.

Summer Kosel of Glenham, S.D. took second place with a 16.97-second run,

and Kassie Mowry of Dublin, Texas rounded out the top three with a run of 17.16 seconds.

Jackson Cowgirl Shyann Lucas was one place shy of landing in the top 10 in the round after tipping a barrel, finishing her run at 22.75 seconds.

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

Daddy Of ʼEm All – Cheyenne Frontier Days brought individuals from around the world to Wyoming to enjoy rodeos, live music, shopping opportunities and more. WYLR photo

IT'S THE PITTS

by Lee Pitts

Goodfella Comes Calling

One of the disadvantages in trying to eke out a living in the cattle business on rented land is the owner of the land will often be asked for access to the ranch to hunt, bird watch, shoot black powder, look for fossils or cultivate weed.

And, I’m not talking about crabgrass or dandelions.

One of the reasons the owner of the ranch could not say “no” to trespassers was because he hoped to develop the ranch at some point in the future, and he was going to need help from some pretty shady charac-

ters, including city council members, bankers, planning commissioners, alternative financiers and all sorts of political types.

So, when one of them would call for permission to hunt or perform some other clandestine activity, like bury someone, the owner had to say “yes.”

Most visitation requests were to hunt on the ranch for quail, pheasants, elk and wild hogs, all of which I’d never seen on the place in the many years we rented it.

But, this did not mean we didn’t have varmints

including squirrels, rabbits, gophers, opossums, chipmunks and snakes, of both the human and reptile variety.

I was afraid Gentleman might step in a gopher hole at a breakneck walk and break a leg, so I didn’t mind the squirrel hunters so much.

And, I’ve been told 350 squirrels can eat as much as one cow, and I was not paying exorbitant rent just to feed 15 cows worth of squirrels.

But, I was concerned about hunters who didn’t know the difference between a cow and a deer and didn’t realize just because an animal went “moo” didnʼt mean it was a moose.

Sometimes it seemed like my landlord was throwing a big party on the place every weekend, and I had no control over the guest list. We were infested with all kinds of guests including one rich dude, who it was

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rumored provided “alternative financing” to the ranch owner.

Long before political correctness kicked in, I believe the guy would have been called a mob loan shark.

Naturally, one doesn’t say “no” to a man like this.

The alleged mobster was the only guest the ranch owner ever warned me about in advance.

I knew he must have been a big shot, because the night before his visit my landlord called to say I was to treat this guy like my life depended on it. I was to give the visiting VIP anything he wanted – which, I guess, included MY TRUCK –which the mobster immediately requisitioned.

I would have said something if not for the bulge in his jacket under both armpits and the jagged scar on his face, running from his

jaw to his forehead.

It turned out one of the goon’s interests was Greyhound racing, and I’m not referring to big buses skidding around racetracks. He showed up at the ranch to let his Greyhounds get a little exercise when we were very busy loading a truck with cows that had come up empty on preg checking day.

Things had gone swimmingly well until the gangster arrived with three of his adopted dogs that could no longer keep up with the pack on race day.

As my new friend prepared to unleash his three adopted Greyhounds, I meekly asked, “Will they come when you call them? Will they bother my cattle? Have they been trained at all?”

“Kinda,” replied the hoodlum.

“Being kinda trained

is like being kinda pregnant, either they are or they’re not,” I said, mostly to myself. But, my words came out too soft and too late as the Greyhounds assaulted my cattle from three directions.

As a result, the cattle tore down the ranch infrastructure including the corral and the lead-up alley. And, I actually had cows that had previously been loaded jump back out of the truck.

The grumpy trucker left with only half a load, and we spent the rest of the day trying to chase down the wayward Greyhounds.

I think they still must be out there having a great time chasing down real rabbits instead of the fake ones they couldn’t catch at the track because we haven’t seen a rabbit or a squirrel since the gangster’s visit.

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