Roundup for 9.19.2020

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Volume 32 Number 21 • September 19, 2020

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

A Look Inside Test your knowledge with this month’s crossword puzzle......... ...................................... Page 4 The latest research on herbicide resistance is discussed by UW Extension’s Jeremiah Vardiman............................... Page 5 WWGA State Ram Sale sees their 92nd year of success.......... ...................................... Page 6 UW graduate Connor Liljestrom finds his way as a successful, professional artist in Jackson..................... Page 7

Quick Bits Horse Tails

The Laramie County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating two reports of horse tail theft in the Hillsdale area. If individuals have any information in regards to this case, they should leave a detailed message with contact information for Deputy Stojak at 307-633-4850.

UW works through phased campus return plan On Sept. 15, the University of Wyoming (UW) resumed its phased fall campus return plan following a two-week pause to help stem an outbreak of COVID-19 among the community on campus.

Phase One of the university’s plan, originally scheduled from Aug. 24 through Sept. 4, allowed 1,500 students to return to campus with most classroom instruction delivered online. After an outbreak

of COVID-19 in individuals at the university, Phase One was extended for nearly two weeks. “The pause succeeded in allowing us to get a better handle on the testing data and in taking necessary

actions to help limit transmission of the virus,” said UW President Ed Seidel in a university newsletter published Sept. 14. The president noted while UW’s traditional

Please see CAMPUS on page 9

Moving forward

UW College of Agriculture focuses on moving forward despite current challenges

“The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources has had a great deal of support from the University of Wyoming (UW) administration, the Board of Trustees and the legislature,” notes Dr. Barbara Rasco, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at UW. In fact, Rasco notes the Legislative Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee has been instrumental in helping the College of Ag secure a number of new hires across multiple depart-

ments including animal science, veterinary science, plant science, molecular biology and family and consumer sciences. “These new hires have helped the College of Ag get back on track to being functional again,” Rasco states. “However, there are budget cuts coming, and although we are in better shape than we were last year, I am still worried the college might take a step backwards if we Please see UW on page 5

CWD Samples The Wyoming Game and Fish Department needs help from hunters this fall to collect samples from mule deer and elk for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing in target hunt areas. For the 2020 hunting season, the Jackson and Pinedale regions will focus CWD sampling efforts on elk harvested from Hunt Areas 75, 77, 79, 84, 85, 88-91, 97 and 98.

Pork Prices On Sept. 11, the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) released meat price spreads for August. The retail pork price was $4.08 per pound, lower than the month prior by 2.3% and 4.8% higher than August 2019. The second quarter 2020 pork demand index was 88, which is down 17.8% from a year ago.

SPDI Passed Gov. Gordon issued the following statement after the Wyoming Banking Division voted to approve an application to create the world’s first Special Purpose Depository Institution (SPDI) on Sept. 16. “Today, Wyoming became the first U.S. state to approve a banking charter for digital assets. Wyoming’s new charter will allow those using digital assets, like cryptocurrency, to access reliable financial services, protect consumers and allow businesses a way to hold digital assets safely. Wyoming is taking its rightful place globally as a fintech leader,” he said.

Steve Miller photo

Effect of implants UW study sees increased gains, improved feed efficiency on backgrounded calves with implants Efforts to evolve beef production to improve cattle efficiency and producer profitability are never ending. In a recent study conducted at the University of Wyoming (UW) James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center (SAREC) at Lingle, researchers looked into cattle performance and the feeding economics of implanting weaned calves during a winter drylot feeding program. Study background “Many producers will background calves, and a lot of times, they won’t implant them in the fall,” says UW Extension Beef Cattle Specialist and SAREC Director Dr. Steve Paisley. “They’ll buy calves when prices are low in the fall and will often background the calves in a drylot, basically holding them until they can go on grass the following Please see STUDY on page 9

UW Rodeo opens strong The University of Wyoming (UW) Cowboys’ Rodeo Team opened the fall season with a record-setting outing at the Chadron State College Rodeo. The Cowgirls’ team also received the women’s team title. During the first four fall rodeos of the year, the Cowboys, who are two-time defending Central Rocky Mountain Region (CRMR) champions, scored a school record of 865 points. The previous record of 855 points was set in 2018. The Cowboys outdistanced second-place Casper College, with 585 team points, and third-place Sheridan College with 410 points. UW Rodeo Coach Beau Clark, who has been with the team for three years, noted in a UW newsletter the men’s team performance is the result of having a veteran club this season. “Their work ethic and effort over the years are why they were successful,” he says. “I am so proud of how much they all give to rodeo, and it’s nice to see it be so rewarding for them.” In addition to the Cowboys’ success, two of the four points team members for the Cowgirls scored for a close win at the Chadron State College Rodeo with 255 points, topping runner-up Chadron State by 30 points. Gillette College placed third with 200 points. The UW women are also two-time defending regional champions. Chadron State Rodeo men’s results Chadron Coffield of Yuma, Colo. and Donny ProfPlease see RODEO on page 4

Judging teams continue success Amid COVID-19 restrictions from the University of Wyoming (UW) and contest cancellations, the UW Livestock Judging Team and Meat Judging Team look forward to continued success this fall. Livestock judging The livestock judging team, which is currently ranked fifth in the nation, according to Coach Caleb Boardman, was very competitive at spring contests and has been working to continue their success at fall contests. The team has been taking day trips to contests nearby, such as the contest hosted at Casper College Sept. 19, and working out on livestock close to Laramie

to sharpen their skills. “We are really looking forward to being able to travel on overnight trips as we enter Phase Three of the university’s re-opening plan,” shares Boardman. “During the first week of October, the team will compete at the Flint Hills Classic contests and the Fall Upgrade contest, which replaces the contest normally held at Aksarben Stock Show in Grand Island, Neb.” Over the summer, the judging team was forced to cancel their summer livestock judging camp for high school students. However, the team was able to help

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Please see TEAMS on page 8


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