September 29, 2019

Volume 30 Number 22 • September 29, 2018

®

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

A Look Inside Jeremiah Vardiman discusses alfalfa field renovation.....Page 5 Sheep Researcher Bret Taylor explores the immune system as it relates to vaccination....Page 6 Youth rodeo contestants compete in annual Elk's Youth Rodeo..............................Page 7 The Rural Response Hotline provides a go-to resource for farmers and ranchers......Page 9

Quick Bits Cattle on Feed

A Sept. 24 edition of the Daily Livestock Report noted September marks the fourth month in a row of new record highs for cattle-on-feed inventory.

Cattle on feed came in a 11.1 million head, a 5.9% jump from last year and 0.4% percent above analyst expectations.

KORUS Signed

Public Lands Council celebrates 50 years of representing public lands Park City, Utah – Historical displays and pieces of the Public Lands Council’s (PLC) past were presented around a convention center in Park City, Utah as tribute to half a century of the

organization.

A grazing environmental impact statement workshop from Sept. 25, 1978, written by Dean Rhodes, who was president at the time, predicted that 50 to

75 percent of the work of attorneys in attendance involved environmental impact statements (EIS).

Rhodes wrote, “There are eight total grazing EIS’s on file, and I understand

by the end of this month, they will be filed. There are reductions in every one of them. Some of them are severe reductions. We have got to find out what we can Please see PLC on page 8

AUTUMN LEAVES Fall makes its appearance across Wyoming

The finals days of harvest, sounds of newly weaned calves and cooling temperatures followed the September Equinox 2018 on Sept. 22. Along with the change of season, the National Weather Service predicts colder weather moving into October.

For the week ending Sept. 16, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Wyoming Field Office reported the state was still experiencing above normal temperatures, with 31 of 33 stations seeing higher temperatures than average. The week recorded a high of 97 degrees at Lance Creek. Drought conditions were also prevalent across the state, with reporters in western and south-central Wyoming reporting extremely hot, dry conditions with stock water shortages.

NASS said a reporter from south-central Wyoming “stated that high temperatures, winds and no moisture have led producers to pulling livestock off of summer pastures early, supplemental feeding and/or shipping early.”

Dry conditions extended to southeast Wyoming, where hot, dry conditions and grass fire activity have been seen.

According to Don Day of DayWeather, much of the state will also begin to enter freeze warnings and frost advisories in effect.

Snow showers for high elevations are likely the first part of October.

“It’s just that time of year,” Day said. “The last week of September is a typical time to see the first frost and light freezing.”

The United States signed a free-trade agreement with the Republic of Korea on Sept. 24, which provides a “better deal for the entire United States economy, including the agricultural sector,” commented Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.

The agreement improves on President Trump’s momentum in striking trade deals, added Perdue, who hopes to see new agreements with Canada, Mexico, the European Union, Japan and China follow suit.

Lamb Priorities While the U.S. lamb industry has seen progress, leaders at the American Lamb Board continue to work towards continued growth and strength for the industry. Among their goals from the Lamb Industry Roadmap are making American lamb a premier product every time, promoting lamb as a premier meat, improving productivity to remain competitive and working together as a whole industry.

Wind Projects Two large wind energy projects that would generate a combined 780 megawatts of electricity are being proposed in south-central Wyoming. The projects were presented to the Carbon County Commission this week by a representative of Intermountain Wind LLC. The Boulder, Colo.-based firm is a consultant for BluEarth Renewables of Calgary, Canada.

Intermountain Wind President Paul Martin says commercial operation is tentatively scheduled for 2020 for the 280-megawatt Two Rivers wind project.

Dennis Sun photo

Judge relists bears

U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen issued a decision on Sept. 24, invalidating the delisting of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear and returning the bear to the endangered species list.

“This ruling will allow the grizzly population to continue to grow unfettered under federal management, endangering the lives and livelihoods of westerners who settled the region long ago,” said Cody Wisniewski of Mountain States Legal Foundation, lead attorney on the case.

Ranchers in western Wyoming have faced mounting losses of their sheep and cattle in recent years and have faced more frequent attacks on humans as the grizzly population has continued to swell in number and expand its territory.

Mary Thoman of W&M Thoman Ranches, LLC, whose family has raised sheep in western Wyoming for nearly seven decades, had to give up her family grazing permit after her losses became too great.

“I am afraid the western way of life will be lost for future generations,” she wrote in an op-ed published in USA Today.

Earlier this month, Judge Christensen issued a temporary restraining order to stop Wyoming and Idaho’s planned grizzly bear hunts while the court made its decision.

“Congress intended that, when a species was recovered, it would be removed from federal listing and management would be turned back over to State jurisdiction,” said William Perry Pendley, president of Mountain States Legal Foundation. “Not only does this ruling frustrate the will of Congress, it also exposes westerners who defend themselves against attacking grizzlies to years of federal prosecution, fines and possible imprisonment.”

Health at weaning

Preconditioning important for weaned calf health Preconditioning weaned calves for at least 45 days may give producers the biggest bang for their buck.

“The goals of preconditioning are to either get more money for our calves or keep the calf alive,” according to Randy Hunter, DVM at Veterinary Research and Consulting Services, LLC. Hunter manages a feedyard of stocker cattle and shared with producers important considerations when preconditioning calves during the recent Livestock Exchange 50th anniversary open house in Brush, Colo.

“When ranchers precondition their calves, they are concentrating on making their calves a better product to buy. Weaned means something different to everyone,” he explains, noting weaning is not removing a calf from its mother, placing it on a truck and hauling it 12 hours from California to a Nebraska feedlot.

Factors like timing, stressors, nutrition and cattle handling are all key when weaning and preconditioning calves, he Please see HEALTH on page 4

Fall fires rage across Wyoming

As of Sept. 25, four large fires are burning in the state of Wyoming, including the Roosevelt Fire near Bondurant, the Ryan Fire in Carbon County, the Marten Fire east of Afton and the Irish Fire southeast of Boulder.

Forecasts for cooler winter temperatures during the last week of September are somewhat helpful in minimizing fires, but the accompany high winds and low humidity throughout the southwest portion of the state result in critical conditions for firefighters and fire managers.

Roosevelt Fire The largest fire in the state, the Roosevelt Fire, started on Sept. 15, reported to Teton Interagency Dispatch by hunters.

“Red flag conditions with high winds and low humidity caused the fire to con-

tinue to grow,” reported the Incident Management Team responding to the fire.

Fire is burning in dense timber and steep, rugged terrain.”

As a result of the fire’s rapid growth on Sept. 23, evacuations have been triggered for subdivisions in the area, with several zones identified as next to evacuate.

The fire’s rapid and erratic growth has made its size difficult to estimate, though acreage of upwards of 54,000 acres is expected to be impacted. As of Sept. 28, it is 35 percent contained.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and high wind and growth potential were expected through the remainder of September.

“Resources, both ground and air,

periodical

periodical

Please see FIRES on page 4

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 22 • September 29, 2018

The Act is Broken

On Sept. 24, U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen issued his decision that stopped the delisting of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear.

This ruling was not unexpected, From the as Judge Christensen had already Publisher ruled twice to postpone the planned Dennis Sun grizzly bear hunting seasons.

The case was brought by some wildlife advocates and a couple of tribes. They argued the bears face continued threats from climate change and loss of habitat. The case was based on more procedural action that they felt was not included the delisting study. During this trial, the questions Judge Christensen asked gave lawyers for Wyoming and the Mountain States Legal Foundation the notion he was going to rule against the state, and he did. An appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court in San Francisco, Calif. is most likely not going to happen, as that court doesn’t rule in favor of the western states often. The Ninth Circuit tends to be pretty liberal in its views.

The grizzly bear is now under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

Gov. Matt Mead said, “I am disappointed with this decision. Grizzly bear recovery should be viewed as a conservation success story. Due to Wyoming’s investment of approximately $50 million for recovery and management, grizzly bears have exceeded every scientifically established recovery criteria in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem since 2003. Numbers have risen from as few as 136 bears when they were listed in 1975, to more than 700 today.”

Gov. Mead also noted, “Biologists correctly determined grizzly bears no longer needed Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections. The decision to return grizzly bears to the list of threatened and endangered species is further evidence the ESA is not working as its drafters intended.

Congress should modernize the ESA so we can celebrate successes and focus our efforts on species in need.”

Government biologists contended that Yellowstone’s grizzlies were thriving, having adapted to changes in their diet and are among the best managed bears in the world.

If the judge’s ruling would have different, FWS would have also lifted federal protection for around 1,000 grizzly bears in the Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area of Montana, but the ruling stopped that, as well.

Just like dealing with the wolf issues, this ruling will take some time to get straightened out. Hopefully President Trump, our Congress, Sen. Barrasso and other states will get an improved and revised ESA bill passed – that is what it will take to delist bears. More states are having issues with endangered species. In Washington, ranchers see wolf predation on livestock, so we should have more sympathy to get ESA corrected.

There is a big push today that says many of the risks faced by many species today result from habitat modifications caused by climate change. Well, if the habitat is changing, usually the species will adapt also. Studies show that is happening. If the grizzly bears are short of white bark pine nuts, that doesn’t mean they can compensate by eating livestock or attacking people. Let’s be reasonable about this.

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

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GUEST OPINIONS

Forage Crops Don’t Get No Respect!

By J.H. Cherney, K.A. Albrecht, M.T. Berti, M. Bohle, S.C. Bosworth, K.A. Cassida, W.J. Cox, E. Creech, S.C. Fransen, M.H. Hall, D.B. Hannaway, M.A. Islam, K.D. Johnson, J.W. MacAdam, E.C. Meccage, D.H. Putnam, E.B. Rayburn, C.C. Sheaffer, G. Shewmaker, J. Solomon, R.M. Sulc and J.J. Volenec This is part two of a two-part article. The first part of this article looked at the value of forages and their impact on the U.S. With the example of New York State, forages are the most valuable crop, approaching $1 billion in value.

In 2017, the National Agricultural Statistical Service reported that the total dollar value of forage crops for New York State was 50 percent higher than the combined value of all vegetable and fruit crops, as you can see below. Yet there are more than 10 times the number of fruit and vegetable crop scientists at New York’s land-grant university than there are forage scientists.

Commodity promoters of vegetable and fruit crops make the case that these crops have many value-added qualities, including post-harvest processing, tourism, etc. If we assigned a modest per-acre value to the ecosystem services provided by the massive forage acreage it would dwarf the added-value of all other crops.

Forage crop teaching, extension and research Forage and pasture systems provide great value to society and to agriculture, but reduced faculty appointments dedicated to the study of forages have resulted in fewer forage courses and reduced development of future forage scientists.

As the current pool of trained forage crop faculty and crop consultants ages and retires, the agronomic industry will lose most expertise in forages. The public becomes aware of forages primarily through Extension education activities. The goal of Extension education universally is to empower stakeholders to improve the quality of their lives and to maintain viable, profitable agricultural ventures. Forage extension faculty are likewise disappearing from universities.

Forage crop value

Nationally, forage crop scientists are retiring at a rapid rate, and few are being replaced or are replaced by splitappointments primarily focusing on non-forage topics. Over the last 20 years, U.S. forage research and Extension scientists have decreased by more than 50 percent, with Extension seeing the greater decrease.

For example, approximately 70 percent of forage teaching, Extension and research faculty at Cornell University have been lost in the past 30 years. Because the value of forage crops is not appreciated by stakeholders, administrators and policy makers, Extension positions are the least likely to be replaced when such positions become available.

Land-grant system and forages The success of the land-grant college system in increasing agricultural productivity led to a rapid decline in rural populations; traditional land-grant programs have gradually become a casualty of their own success. Federal support for land-grant colleges has declined substantially during the past 40 years, forcing states to provide much of that support.

In the increasingly urban states, particularly in the northern USA, competition from urban programs has claimed more tax revenues. Policy makers and stakeholders have lost touch with agricultural research and are less willing to support it. In witness of this fact, the urban public is much more willing to support crops that directly end up on their dinner plates, without considering the forages represented by meat and milk products.

Traditional federal funding sources for research have been gradually replaced by competitive grant programs, which are often driven by commodity politics. Competitive grants are largely for short-term research, often in labPlease see CROPS on page 7

Forage crop trends since the 1960s

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 22 • September 29, 2018

NEWS BRIEFS

Broadband strategy adopted

On Aug. 31, the Wyoming Broadband Advisory Council officially adopted the Wyoming Broadband Plan as its guiding document in efforts to expand and improve broadband access across the state.

The plan is part of the 2018 Wyoming Legislature’s $10 million allocation for expanding and enhancing broadband connectivity in the state.

It outlines five key missions, which include developing a mapping strategy, leveraging public-private partnerships, removing barriers to deployment, increasing access to funding and integrating emerging technologies.

Visit wyomingbusiness.org/broadband for more information and to view the broadband plan.

Ranch conserved by WSGLT The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust (WSGLT) has conserved 2,257 acres of Purple Sage Ranch located in Carbon County near the Wyoming/Colorado border.

The conservation easement, which was made possible through funding from the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust (WWNRT) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), is a shining example of conservation offsetting environmental impacts from energy development.

Funding from NFWF originated from a community service payment received pursuant to a 2014 criminal environmental case prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming involving a wind energy company’s violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The conservation easement will prevent future subdivision and development of the ranch; protect nesting, feeding and migration habitat for bald and golden eagles; and protect other important wildlife habitats.

“The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supported the conservation of Purple Sage Ranch to protect habitat for golden and bald eagles in Wyoming,” said Chris West, director of NFWF’s Rocky Mountain Regional Office. “This project shows that protecting wildlife and securing future ranching go hand in hand.

The wildlife habitat exists on the ranch because of the outstanding stewardship of the landowners.”

Whole Foods sues rights group Whole Foods has sued the California animal rights group Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) over ongoing protests the group has held, or plans to hold, at the retailer’s locations in that state, according to media reports.

Whole Foods was granted a restraining order last week in Northern California’s Superior Court of Alameda County that effectively blocked a protest that DxE planned at the company’s Berkeley, Calif., location this week. In the lawsuit, Whole Foods alleges that members of the activist organization have been trespassing illegally at its stores.

Whole Foods released a statement, saying, “DxE members have repeatedly entered our stores and property to conduct demonstrations that disrupt customers and team members by blocking access to our aisles, departments and cash registers, interfering with our business and putting the safety of both customers and team members at risk.” – Meatingplace

WSGLT conserves ranch The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust (WSGLT) has been granted $4.1 million dollars to purchase three conservation easements in Wyoming.

The three projects, two located in Sublette County and one located in Carbon County, will conserve over 6,800 acres of agricultural land. Funding for these projects comes from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and is allocated under the conservation title of the 2014 Farm Bill.

Bo Alley, WSGLT executive director, noted, “NRCS has been an important partner in Wyoming.

This grant leverages a $1.95 million grant from Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, and together, these grants will allow us to introduce over six million dollars into Wyoming’s rural communities over the next several years and help conserve over 10.7 square miles of ag land.”

Feedground permit denied Citing worries about chronic wasting disease (CWD), U.S. District Judge Nancy Freudenthal on Sept. 14 overruled a Forest Service decision to let Wyoming use a federal site to continue feeding elk in Jackson Hole.

“There is no question that Alkali Creek Feedground could become a reservoir for CWD infection if it becomes established in elk populations in northwest Wyoming,” Freudenthal wrote.

“That potential is increased with the concentration of elk at feedgrounds.

“If infected animals congregate, the environment will eventually be contaminated,” the judge’s memorandum decision and order states. “This will significantly affect vegetation and soils, thus productivity, over a very long term, if not indefinitely, and may result in an irreversible and irretrievable loss of wildlife and habitat.”

Her order puts the issue back in the Forest Service’s hands. The agency must now reassess Wyoming Game and Fish’s request to use the federal property. Two other state elk feedgrounds in the Gros Ventre River drainage – Patrol Cabin and Fish Creek – are not affected by the decision because one is not on federal property and the permit for the other was not up for consideration.

The National Elk Refuge managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also not covered by the ruling.

Congress invests in water Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is investing to help rebuild and improve rural water and wastewater infrastructure in 42 states.

Among the grant and loan funding, Wyoming communities, including the Jamestown-Rio Vista Water and Sewer District, Town of Fort Laramie and Town of Greybull, received $1.49 million in loans and $2.63 million in grants.

“Put simply, modern and reliable water infrastructure is foundational to quality of life and economic development,” Hazlett said. “USDA’s partnerships with rural communities underscore Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s commitment to rural people and the places they call home.”

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National report looks at broadband Though progress has been made by the Federal Communications Commission to remove barriers for infrastructure investment, the rural-urban digital divide persists.

A new CoBank Knowledge Exchange Division report, “Broadband Partnerships,” addresses some of the long-standing challenges to building broadband networks such as the high cost to entry, tax and legal implications, and even the lack of investment incentives. The report includes an overview of the current situation, reiterating the need to close the digital divide, and highlights several cases where, through partnerships and differentiated thinking, cooperatives have found success in building broadband in various locations across the country.

“The interviews are wide-ranging case studies that underscore the importance of thinking outside the box to serve rural communities,” said Doran Dennis, regional vice president of electric distribution for CoBank. “The standard model of providing broadband to rural customers is changing daily in order to accomplish the goal of closing the rural-urban divide in America.”

The report, “Broadband Partnerships: A Key to High-Speed Success for Rural Electric Co-ops” is available at cobank.com.

Study: Lamb perception improving Perceptions of lamb are improving among U.S. consumers, who report increased demand for the meat and fewer qualms about cooking it, according to new market research.

“There are strong indicators our messages are getting through to consumers,” said Megan Wortman, executive director of the American Lamb Board, which directs research and promotions for the industry.

A survey of more than 2,000 people found that 43 percent said they would definitely or probably buy lamb in the next six months, up from 30 percent in 2011 and 20 percent in 2006. Of those who already eat lamb, 35 percent said they liked everything about the meat, compared to 11 percent in 2011.

Catch-a-Calf seeks participants 2019 marks the 82nd year of the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) Catch-a-Calf Contest. This long running program is an important part of that National Western. It not only gives youth the opportunity to learn about animal husbandry but also to compete at NWSS. This practical beef cattle management educational program is open to 4-H members from Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas and Nebraska that are between 12 and 19 years of age, as of Dec. 31, 2018. New for 2018 there is an online application that can be found at nationalwestern.com/livestock-shows/catch-a-calf-contest that applicants must complete. There is also a form that applicants must print off and sign, along with their parent/guardian and Extension agent.

The form and online application are both due by Dec. 1.

Cheatgrass threatens grouse Development is often seen as a primary threat to sage grouse, but the Big Horn Basin Sage Grouse Working Group turned their focus last week to a highly flammable invasive species that’s flourishing locally – cheatgrass.

“Cheatgrass is a huge problem in Wyoming and it’s a bigger problem in the Big Horn Basin than anywhere else in the state,” said Leslie Schreiber, a Greybull area wildlife biologist for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and chairman of the working group. – Gillette News Record

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 22 • September 29, 2018

HEALTH continued from page 1 says.

Hunter says it’s crucial to work with a veterinarian to make sure calves receive the right vaccinations to keep them healthy. As a general guideline, he recommends Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVD) types one and two, Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), PI3,

Mannheimia haemolytica and Clostridium seven-way, if the calves are going back to grass. In some areas, Haemophilus somnus and Pasturella multocida may also be recommended, he adds.

Are they sick?

Body temperature can play a key role in determining at what point calves should receive treatment.

“A calf can’t maintain

Preconditioning – Vaccinating calves at weaning provides them a jumpstart that helps avoid illness. Andrea Zink photo

FIRES continued from page 1 will place highest priority on value at risk on the path of the fire. These values include the public, firefighters, infrastructure and natural resources, including livestock and game habitat,” said the Incident Management Team.

Marten Creek Fire To the south of the devastating Roosevelt Fire, firefighters are mak-

ing “good progress” on the Marten Creek Fire, with much of the southern and northeast edges of the fire contained. The first is located 13 miles east of Afton and is under full suppression control.

“Firefighters are now concentrating their efforts on containing the northwest and north sides of the fire,” fire managers reported. “A

a high temperature for very long. When it comes down to it, the calf will either recover or be at room temperature. Producers need to train themselves to figure out which calves have a temperature and get in the habit of carrying a thermometer. Use the thermometer but not as a tell-all for sickness,” he says.

“If we can keep morbidity under control, we can reduce mortality,” he continues.

Cause of death If a calf dies, perform a necropsy.

“I think there is value in finding the cause of death.

We may just need to adjust our approach to treatment.

I encourage my customers to open them up and send pictures to a professional.

It might surprise them what the cause of death actually is,” he explains.

As an example, Hunter shares some photos of a necropsied calf that was previously doctored for respiratory illness but actually died of heart failure because it had a heart defect.

“By doing a necropsy, it can save buying expensive drugs to try and save a

calf that has something like heart failure and couldn’t have been saved,” he says.

Set up a treatment protocol Hunter says treatment costs for respiratory disease are the highest in September and October. Producers should set up a treatment program and organize a drug rotation for sick animals that all the employees can follow.

“This will allow us to evaluate if our treatment program is successful or failing,” he explains.

Pen checking is critical.

“No drug will overcome late pulls. If we don’t get cattle to a drug in time, it doesn’t do any good to pull them,” Hunter states.

Keeping the sick pen clean is also important.

“It is like going to the hospital. At our feedlot, we like to treat their sickness and send them home to let them be in their own surroundings. If we put them in a sick pen, it forces them to fight their illness while trying to get used to a new social group,” he explains.

Drug use To keep drug costs down, Hunter recommends starting with a product like

small contingency team has been identifying historic structures near Cottonwood Creek and working to protect them in case the fire moves in that direction.”

The 6,400-acre fire was 81 percent contained as of Sept. 27, but fire spread potential remained high through the end of September.

Ryan Fire Northwest of Waldon, Colo. and on the Wyo-

ming border, the Ryan Fire started on Sept. 15 and has grown to nearly 21,600 acres. As of Sept. 27, it was 35 percent contained, with plans to assess the condition of and threat to structures, as well as evacuation of hunters and dispersed campers.

“The wetting rain early on Sept. 24, along with moderate temperatures and higher humidity all kept the fire from growing in size,” reported InciWeb.

“I think there is value in finding the cause of death. We may just need to adjust our approach to treatment.” – Randy Hunter, Veterinary Research and Consulting Services, LLC Biomycin 200.

“Let the product have one to two days to work, and then critically evaluate success. We use it on 75 to 80 percent of our calves as a lead-off, because it’s cheap.

When calves were $600 for a 500-pound calf, we used Biomycin 90 percent of the time,” he says.

He follows up low risk treatment protocols on his own operation with Baytril, with a five-day moratorium, and then Nuflor, if further treatment is needed.

Hunter emphasizes the importance of giving the drugs a chance to work and having a system in place of marking the calves that have been treated, so every employee is on the same page. He also encourages producers to make a habit of holding a weekly meeting with employees, even if it’s just on the tailgate of the pickup.

“I have found most people don’t listen very well to

what their hired men have to say,” he tells producers.

“It is important to listen and ask questions. It gives them direction and the ability to make a difference.”

“We all need to do our part to help young people become smarter so they can make a difference. Don’t be afraid to educate them and share your knowledge,” he says.

Gayle Smith is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Safety and resources “Public safety and firefighter safety are the top priority,” said Gov. Matt Mead. “I have asked that all resources necessary to fight these fires be made available. My heart is with those whose property and homes are in harm’s way and the firefighters working to protect them.”

The Governor’s Office added that Wyoming is experiencing high fire danger statewide, with red flag conditions prevalent across the state.

“These fires are extreme and dangerous because of the terrain, fuel and weather conditions,” added the Governor’s Office. “Firefighters from across the nation are working to protect lives and property.”

Red Cross shelters are open in Pinedale to provide assistance to anyone who needs help, and a variety of resources are available in local communities.

Fire restrictions, road closures and closed public access have been implemented across the state to protect the public and enable firefighters to battle blazes. Members of the public are encouraged to review fire status before traveling or recreating in affected areas.

Saige Albert, managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, compiled this article from news releases, InciWeb data and interviews with the Wyoming State Forestry Office.

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

Randy Hunter

WGFC approves strategic goals The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission (WGFC) held its September meeting at the Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp. At its meeting the commission thanked Richard Klouda, former Commissioner from Fremont County, for his work on behalf of the facility.

The commission also approved six strategic goals.

This is a significant step in Game and Fish’s efforts to complete a strategic plan for the next five to 10 years. Those goals are organized under the department’s mission of “Conserving Wildlife and Serving People.”

The goals are to protect fish and wildlife by providing effective and efficient management and law enforcement; conserve and protect diverse and sustainable habitat for fish and wildlife; prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species in Wyoming; improve communications, outreach and education to foster appreciation, engagement and understanding of fish and wildlife conservation; encourage and promote diverse fish and wildlife-based experiences for all users; and ensure the long-term effectiveness of the agency by inspiring and empowering a highly motivated workforce and securing sustainable funding.

The public had many ways to participate in the formation of these goals including public meetings, an online forum, as well as a random telephone survey of 2,558 Wyoming citizens and focus groups.

Learn more at wgfd.wyo.gov.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 22 • September 29, 2018

EXTENSION EDUCATION

By Jeremiah Vardiman, UW Extension Agriculture and Horticulture Educator

When and How to Renovate an Alfalfa Field When and how to renovate an alfalfa field is a very pertinent question from Wyoming hay producers, who harvest approximately 1.4 million tons annually from half a million acres.

Determining when to renovate an alfalfa stand depends on yield history and plant density of the field, along with the economic cost and projected benefits from renovation.

Stand longevity depends on many factors including harvest and/or grazing management, irrigation management, precipitation, soil type and fertility, pest pressures and variety of alfalfa.

Intensively managed stands, such as hay harvested for peak quality three times a season, typically last around six years, while other stands not intensively managed, such as one or two cuttings for lower quality hay, last 10 or more years.

Field-by-field historical yield records are the most reliable method for determining if a field needs renovation.

If these records are not available, then plant density on a plant per-square-foot basis can provide insight. Unfortunately, stand age or plant density alone does not indicate a stand needs rotated, this is why yield records are so important. There are stands that can produce more than five tons per acre after 10 years of longevity. Also, high yields have been observed in thin stands with two to five plants per square foot.

The focus shifts to the best method for renovating the stand once the decision has been made to renovate a field.

Can the alfalfa stand be thickened with interseeding? Can alfalfa be planted back-to-back, or does it need separated with crop rotation?

Crop rotation is the most consistent way of achieving a good stand of alfalfa because it disrupts any disease cycles, allows opportunities for targeted weed control, adjustments to soil fertility and spaces the alfalfa planting interval more than 18 months apart, which benefits avoiding auto toxicity problems.

Wyoming producers typically rotate to a forage grain, such as hay barley, oat barley and forage wheat; however, this depends on the goals and crop production of an operation.

Planting back-to-back alfalfa stands without a crop rotation does not result in better stands when compared to crop rotated fields. Even though crop rotation provides the best option for a good stand of alfalfa, this is not always the most economical or maybe feasible option for every operation.

If attempting back-to-back planting, use one of the following methods.

Fall plow the old alfalfa with seeding in the early spring on a tilled seedbed.

Spring or summer seed on a tilled seedbed at least two weeks after plowing out the alfalfa.

For erosion-prone soils, seed directly in spring after a fall herbicide kill.

Seed in the summer at least three weeks after killing alfalfa with herbicide.

So, what about interseeding into a stand to thicken?

Do not waste the time, money and energy to attempt thickening a stand by reseeding. Alfalfa plants in an old stand can inhibit seedling alfalfa plants up to a radius of 15 inches around the plant. Thin stands interseeded typically results in the seedlings emerging and appearing to become established, but the seedlings consistently fail to become productive plants and eventually disappear from the stand.

Montana sees rabies quarantine The Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) has issued a rabies quarantine in Big Horn County after a stray cat tested positive for the disease. The cat was submitted for testing due to concern over potential human exposure.

Under Montana law, counties are quarantined for 60 days when rabies is diagnosed in a terrestrial animal such as a dog, cat, skunk or fox. During the quarantine, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated a minimum of 28 days prior to any travel outside the county.

Rabies is a fatal disease of mammals that is virtually 100 percent preventable in domestic animals through the administration of rabies vaccine.

“This incident is a good reminder of the importance of vaccinating pets for rabies,” said Tahnee Szymanski, MDOL assistant state veterinarian.

“Non-vaccinated pets that are exposed to known or suspected rabid animals must be either euthanized or placed under a strict quarantine for up to six months.”

This was Montana’s 16th case of rabies this year, with all previous cases having been in bats.

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29 Blk Steers 214 Blk Steers 28 Blk Steers 27 Blk Steers 9 Red Steers 245 Blk Steers 12 Blk Steers 22 Blk Steers 22 Blk Steers 7 Red Steers 32 Blk Steers 14 Blk/Red Steers 60 Blk/Red Steers 15 Mxd Steers 1 Blk Bull 29 Blk Heifers 10 Blk Heifers 13 Blk Heifers 19 Blk/Red Heifers 31 Blk Heifers 10 Blk Heifers 11 Blk/Red Heifers 65 Blk/Red Heifers 12 Char Heifers 18 Blk Heifers 38 Mxd Heifers 27 Blk Str Calves 53 Blk Str Calves 41 Blk Str Calves 36 Blk Str Calves 14 Blk Str Calves 24 Blk Str Calves 5 Blk Str Calves 6 Blk Hfr Calves 7 Blk Hfr Calves 25 Blk Hfr Calves 11 Blk Hfr Calves 57 Blk Hfr Calves 10 Blk Hfr Calves 31 Blk Hfr Calves 11 Blk Hfr Calves 19 Blk Hfr Calves 40 Blk Hfr Calves 10 Herf Hfr Calves

701 837 833 897 1082 941 932 1004 968 693 1010 786 962 746 880 701 783 820 647 881 929 673 740 763 1017 1036 435 444 526 541 608 593 630 239 255 310 356 379 579 471 459 452 458 585

168.00 C 164.00 C 157.75 C 155.50 C 130.50 C 153.75 C 151.00 C 146.00 C 145.50 C 168.00 C 143.50 C 158.00 C 147.00 C 161.50 C 115.00 C 158.50 C 150.00 C 148.50 C 164.00 C 146.50 C 142.50 C 158.00 C 154.00 C 153.00 C 135.00 C 138.50 C 199.00 C 197.00 C 183.00 C 178.00 C 172.00 C 169.50 C 167.00 C 225.00 C 220.00 C 204.00 C 195.00 C 190.00 C 165.00 C 175.00 C 168.00 C 167.00 C 166.00 C 161.50 C

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6

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 22 • September 29, 2018

Taylor says vaccination allows producer to harness natural immune system Vaccinating sheep is more than just injecting the drug, said Bret Taylor, U.S. Sheep Experiment Station director, research leader and supervisory scientist, who presented during a webinar on Sept. 18 titled, “Getting the Most Out of Your Vaccination Program.”

Taylor challenged producers to take accurate records and look at those records, as well as their vaccination programs, and ask whether they are getting the most out of their program.

“In any type of production agriculture, the overall goal is to get the most output from the input we apply in our system,” he said. “We need to be able to fairly evaluate our systems and decide if we are getting that output.”

Taylor adds, “If someone hands me a recommendation, piece of equipment or other, if I understand the fundamental basis for developing that recommenda-

tion or piece of equipment, it allows me to apply that knowledge more precisely and more effectively.”

National averages for the death of lambs from birth through weaning is higher than many in the industry would like to see.

At the same time, there is demand for more lamb on the rail, but Taylor said survivability of lambs must be addressed before these goals can be accomplished.

Increasing lamb survivability begins with understanding the immune system and effectively harnessing its power.

Immune system Taylor says innate and adaptive immunity are both important.

“Our innate immune system is immediate, but it’s not specific,” he explained.

“Adaptive immunity has to adapt to a specific threat and then make an attack on that threat.”

In vaccination, the

adaptive humoral response is leveraged to provide protection to the flock. The humoral response involves the creation of antibodies that target a specific threat.

“An antibody is a protein,” Taylor said. “The antibody sticks to antigens on invading cells. The antibody is the ‘flag of death.’

It tells a macrophage that the particular cell doesn’t belong. The macrophages engulf the virus and does away with the virus.”

B cells are also necessary in the adaptive humoral system.

“B cells produce those antibodies,” explained Taylor, noting each B cell secretes specific, targeted antibodies. “At the same time, memory B cells are hanging out in the body, remembering what viruses have already infected our system.”

The memory B cell response is a secondary response – extremely rapid

and at a high scale. However, memory B cells can die if they are not utilized for a long period of time.

“If that memory B cell dies and we encounter the pathogen again, we have to go through the entire response, meaning we get sick again,” Taylor said.

Vaccination Taylor defined vaccination as “the injection of a killed or modified microbe or possibly a modified toxin to stimulate the immune system against that microbe, thereby preventing disease.”

“So, vaccinations work by stimulating the natural disease-fighting system of the body,” he said. “This is a tool to prepare animals for an upcoming disease and leverage the natural tools of the body.”

He continued it makes sense for producers to leverage the natural immune response before utilizing antibiotics or other tools.

“Let’s make the most of

“Vaccinations work by stimulating the natural disease-fighting system of the body.” – Bret Taylor, U.S. Sheep Experiment Station what we already have inherent in the animal and optimize as best as we can to take care of disease,” Taylor said. “The immune system accounts for the majority of our ability to neutralize disease.”

However, vaccinations do not introduce disease, they are not passed from mother to offspring and they are not a “silver bullet” for disease. Additionally, vaccines aren’t always 100 percent efficacious.

Stages of vaccination Recalling the immune response, Taylor said, “We emulate the immune response in our vaccination strategy.”

“The primary injection is the initial exposure of the vaccine to an antigen,” he explained. “The animal is naïve, and this step is critical for selection of the B cell with the effective antibody.”

The follow-up injection, often four to eight weeks later, is essentially for initiating mass production of the effective memory B cell to further ensure a rapid response to disease.

“Then, we have our booster to make sure we maintain the effective B cell line so the cells don’t die,” Taylor said.

Ruminant physiology Another important factor, added Taylor, is that ruminants are not human.

“Passive transfer of maternal antibodies to offspring is critical for survival,” he explained.

“These antibodies are targeted to diseases that are common in the production environment.”

For humans, dogs, pigs and mice, as well as several other species, passive immune transfer occurs in utero.

“When we are born, as a human, we have a mature immune system,” Taylor said. “Our immune system can respond just like an adult system, so we can begin the process of B cell

generation.”

Ruminants, however, do not see passive transfer in utero.

“For goats, sheep, cows, bison and others, passive transfer does not occur in the womb,” he emphasized. “When they take their first breath of air, if it has a pathogen, they cannot combat that.”

At the same time, the ruminant immune system is immature.

“It takes three to four weeks for ruminants to have a mature immune system that can respond to a pathogen like their mother,” Taylor said. “The passive transfer in ruminants only comes from consuming colostrum.”

He continued, “Those lambs must consume colostrum within the first 12 to 24 hours after birth.”

In the ruminant, antibodies go from blood to the mammary tissue to colostrum, then from colostrum, into the gut and into the offspring’s blood.

“If a lamb or calf fails to consume colostrum in the first 12- to 24-hour period, passive transfer is not possible,” Taylor explained. “Failure of passive transfer may result in mortality rates greater than 70 percent.”

As a result, it is critical to ensure ruminants receive colostrum.

He said, “It is our fault if we fail to ensure the lamb is up nursing and getting early colostrum in the first 12 to 24 hours.”

“Getting the Most Out of Your Vaccination Program” was made possible with funding support from the Let’s Grow Committee of the American Sheep Industry Association. Look for more information from this webinar in upcoming editions of the Roundup.

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@ wylr.net.

Watch “Getting the Most Out of Your Vaccination Program” at optimalag. net/sheepagriculture/category/ webinars or sheepusa.org.

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On Sept. 25, Greg Ibach, Under Secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs, announced USDA’s four overarching goals for advancing animal disease traceability to protect the long-term health, marketability and economic viability of the U.S. livestock industry.

“The landscape surrounding animal disease traceability has changed dramatically in the past decade, and producers across the nation recognize that a comprehensive system is the best protection against a devastating disease outbreak like foot-and-mouth disease” Ibach said. “We have a responsibility to these producers and American agriculture as a whole to make animal disease traceability what it should be – a modern system that tracks animals from birth to slaughter using affordable technology that allows USDA to quickly trace sick and exposed animals to stop disease spread.”

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 22 • September 29, 2018

7

Sheridan Elk’s Youth Rodeo draws impressive crowd for 26th annual event Sheridan – On Aug. 25-26, youth from Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas, Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, Colorado, South Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming competed in 26 events at the 26th Annual Sheridan Elk’s Youth Rodeo.

Over 615 entries each day of the event brought two full days of skilled competition, including 91 goat tiers, 93 barrel racers and 92 breakaway ropers.

At the conclusion of the events, cash and awards of over $71,000 were presented. Of that amount, cash and scholarships equaled nearly $10,500.

Bella Fossum, 17, from Billings, Mont., won the Senior All-Around, a oneyear lease of a new Ford truck, provided by Fremont Motors of Sheridan.

Robert Strauser of

Sheridan Elk’s Youth Rodeo said, “Bella has been a contestant in this rodeo for many years having won various prizes such as a saddle. This year, she hit the top of her game, winning the truck.”

He added, “She has always been willing to help other contestants or our rodeo crew. The Elks are very proud of her and wish her the best in the future.”

The Senior Reserve Runner-up, receiving a saddle, was Rayne Grant, 14, from Billings, Mont.

Juddy Faralla, 9, from Cheyenne, won the AllAround Youth award, a Jackson three-horse slant load trailer, provided by Prime Rate Motors of Sheridan.

The saddle for the Intermediate All-Around went to Landry Haugen,

13, from Sturgis, S.D. Landry Haugen, 13, from Sturgis, S.D. received a $2,000 scholarship as the All-Around Youth Reserve Champion.

Sattyn Wilson, 9, from Bowman, N.D. received

the All-Around Youth Reserve Runner-up $1,000 scholarship, and Haiden Thompson, 14, from Yoder received the Senior Reserve Champion $2,000 scholarship.

The saddle for the

Junior All-Around went to Juddy Faralla, 9, from Cheyenne, and the saddle for the Pee Wee AllAround went to Royce Siemsen, 6, from Worden, Mont.

“The Sheridan Elk’s

Lodge #520 wishes to thank all of the contestants and sponsors for their help in making this possible and is looking forward to holding this event again next year,” comments Robert Strausser.

Saddle winners – The 2018 Sheridan Elk’s Youth Rodeo drew hundreds of youth to the annual event. After two days of competition, (from left to right) Rayne Grant, Landry Haugen, Juddy Faralla and Royce Siemsen received saddles for their efforts. Photo courtesy of The Rodeo News

Goat tying – Jace Rourke gives it his all in the goat tying event at this year's Elk's Youth Rodeo. Photo courtesy of The Rodeo News

CROPS continued from page 2 oratories. Consequently, perennial forage and grassland research, which lacks commodity recognition and often requires long-term field research, is negatively impacted by the current funding scheme.

In 2008, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) was formed within the USDA, to integrate scientific disciplines and to integrate research, education and Extension activities. A very tiny fraction of NIFA’s research and education budget has been dedicated specifically to forage and grasslands. The disturbing decline in support seen in the U.S. is in contrast to policies in Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, all of which maintain strong support for forages.

Forage-free future?

Forage crops have always provided an excellent return on investment. Ironically, while their value is increasing, the investment in them is dwindling. Forage crops are a major renewable natural resource with significant ecosystem services benefits, but they receive little recognition among University and Government administrators. Forage crops are not seen as a commodity and, therefore, will continue to lack commodity support.

We must identify legislative champions for forage crops who will advance the importance of increased state and federal funding for this irreplaceable foundation of animal agricultural systems. Such champions could effectively use forage crops as a prime example to counter the public’s common view that all conventional agriculture is unsustainable. Forage crops will survive this lack of appreciation, but forage crop Extension, teaching and research faculty at universities may become extinct.

Note: This article was derived in part from an invited presentation at the 2015 Australian Agronomy Conference, “Forage Crop Systems: Challenges, Opportunities and Technology Transfer.”

8

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 22 • September 29, 2018

PLC continued from page 1 do about them and what are the possibilities of changing them or making them so we do not have to go out of business.”

Rhodes noted EIS’s will impact all ranchers, and he looked for solutions on how to move forward.

“That was 40 years ago,” said PLC Executive Director Ethan Lane on Sept. 27 as he opened the event. “If we looked at changes in the West in general in the years since, we see a story of an organization that saw these changes coming, saw around the bend, recognized the concerns and created the Public Lands Council to look forward and deal with these challenges head on, making sure permittees and ranchers in the West had a voice.”

Today, ranchers gathered to celebrate the organization’s 50th year, and Lane commented, “It is exciting to be a part of this.”

Representatives of PLC’s partners were represented during the meeting, along with hundreds of cattle and sheep producers, all of whom gathered to learn the latest from the organization.

A look back As an important part of the event, PLC reflected on its past, seeing numerous changes.

“One of the things that has been particularly remarkable about this organization is the people who serve in the leadership remain hooked,” said Magagna. “They continue to come to these meetings who, from the time they started in leadership, never missed the meeting through the rest of their lives.”

He continued, “That shows dedication to this organization and our livelihoods.”

Magagna served in 1990-91 as president of the Public Lands Council, say-

ing, “As we look ahead, we can appreciate our past, but we need to remain focused on our future.”

Challenges Magagna served as moderator for a panel of past presidents, asking them about their most notable challenges during their term of service.

Mike Byrne of California, who served as president from 2004-06, noted, “Every day there was a new challenge, and we had to come together as a team.”

Byrne said he followed the leadership from past presidents, noting they figured out what the facts where before deciding how to handle a situation and helping derive a solution.

“It was a lot less acrimonious back then,” Byrne described. “We could go into the offices of our opposition, and we could talk with them and reason with them.”

“There was no shortage of challenges,” K.L. Bliss of Montana, PLC president from 2002-04, who noted

lawsuits against the Secretary of the Interior only started the list of concerns.

“Uniting the industry was one of my chief goals. We tried to get all the states back as members of PLC at that point.”

Under his leadership, Wyoming re-joined the organization.

“Unity amongst ourselves has always been a challenge,” Bliss added.

Similarly, PLC President from 2010-12 John Falen of Nevada said they tackled many problems, but he said the organization was consistently supported.

“Our staff kept us in line,” he said. “We couldn’t get everything done with all that help from everybody.”

Falen continued, “I don’t recall a time where we ran up against anything we couldn’t handle because we had help from staff and industry.”

Falen addressed the Ruby Pipeline as a big challenge for his term, but the settlement negotiated with

the pipeline has turned out well for the organization.

Magagna attended his first PLC meeting in 1978 and has been active in the organization ever since.

“I look at the issues that our founders dealt with through the 1970s and 1980s compared to what we’re dealing with today,” he said. “The simple answer is, it’s more of the same.”

From the foundational years of PLC, concerns about raising the grazing fee, the loss of the public lands livestock industry’s voice and more seem consistent with what the industry continues to talk about today.

Changes “I think there are a few things that have changed, as well,” Magagna continues.

Bliss echoed Magagna’s point, seeing that the environment in Washington, D.C. is largely different, with a more hostile feel.

When Byrne first started, Secretary Babbitt led the Department of the Interior, which brought a swath of programs negatively impacting the livestock industry.

“One of the hardest things we had to do was

correct those actions,” he explained.

Today, Magagna said some things have changed, as communication has improved throughout different agencies, while others have remained the same.

Vision Looking to the future, Bliss says, “I hope good people will continue on and step forward to continue this.”

He further noted public lands ranchers represent an extreme minority of the cattle industry, saying, “We have to remember that we’re a minority, and depending on political winds, we have to have unity and look at keeping people focused and together.”

Bliss continued the ranching industry has a lot to lose if the battle isn’t continued.

For the future, Byrne’s messages was, “Don’t give up. We can’t let the other side beat us down like they try to do it all the time. We are doing it right.”

Bliss added, “We have know we’re always fighting an uphill battle. We can’t rest. We have to push.”

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.

Wood River Cutthroat Ranch, Meeteetse: Over 900 acres with 611+ deeded including 375 acres of irrigated meadows with adjoining private grazing lease.

Nearly a mile of the famous Wood River (both banks) and Lower Sunshine Reservoir shoreline. Some of the best cutthroat fishing in Northwest Wyoming. Roy Ready (307) 921-0170. Price: $2,650,000 789 Farm, Riverton: 208 acre sprinkler and flood irrigated farm currently producing beets, corn, and alfalfa, adjacent to the city of Riverton. Power and well with no improvements. Great investment opportunity on a very productive farm in a prime location. Roy Ready (307) 921-0170. Price: $995,000 UNDER CONTRACT! Davis Farm, Ten Sleep: 111.63+ acres deeded. 1 mile north of Ten Sleep. Immaculate farm on the No Wood River. remodeled home, barn and pens. Price: $699,000 NEW PRICE! Cheeny Place, Ten Sleep: 68.90+ ac. Beautifully situated on the No Wood River just 2 miles south of town. Remodeled home, garage, barn and pens.

Pivot with RR alfalfa. Superb location, both banks Nowood River, adjacent to BLM. Clay Griffith (307) 851-9856. Price: $679,000 Lysite Winter Pasture, Lysite: 610 acres with 497+ acres of water rights bordering the town of Lysite. 80 AUM B.L.M. and State permit. Burlington Ditch with storage rights in the O.S.W. and Knapp reservoirs. $15,000/yr Lease income from commercial building & S.U.A. Built in revenue streams and great winter pasture. Roy Ready (307) 921-0170 or Clay Griffith (307) 851-9856. Price: $600,000 LEONHARDT FARM, Riverton: WINTER HEADQUARTERS! 80+/- deeded, with a good stick-built farm house, shop and clean, 500 head feedlot with hydraulic chute. 70+ flood irrigated, Midvale. Quality soils currently in alfalfa. Clay Griffith (307) 851-9856. Price: $550,000 Big Ridge Ranch, Kinnear: 99+ acres with 75 irrigated. Pivot irrigated alfalfa, nice home, barns and corrals. Winter your cows or sell hay. Super-private, beautiful setting. (307) 851-9856. Price: $525,000 Cowboy Mine Horse Farm, Thermopolis: 27.26+ acres with 25.61 irrigated (100 tons of hay). 2006, immaculate, ranch-style, home, shop, barn and machine storage. Thousands of acres of public land out the gate. Roy Ready (307) 9210170. Price: $495,000 SOLD! Trenchard Pasture: Lost Cabin 800 acres with 480 deeded and 320 acres B.L.M. in this mountain foothills pasture 8 miles north of Lost Cabin. Price: $410,000 Jones Summer Pasture, Thermopolis: 1,280+ State lease with 80 deeded acres. 284 A.U.M. state lease and deeded parcel are very well watered with creek, springs, reservoir, and well. Contiguous and fenced. Price: $215,000

Call us today if you are interested in marketing your farm or ranch, we are currently in need of more inventory in an extremely active market.

Check out all our new listings at www.westernland.net.

For more information, contact: Western Land Sales Office: 307-234-2211 Roy Ready, Broker: 307-921-0170 Clay Griffith: 307-851-9856 Ted Francis, Associate Broker: 307-347-2945 Tom Hadley, Sales Associate: 307-331-2424

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 22 • September 29, 2018

9

Nebraska farmers, ranchers can find help on the Rural Response Hotline

With the ongoing farm crisis, many producers are in a dilemma. Low commodity prices combined with rising costs and weather losses may prevent many farmers and ranchers from securing operating loans for next year.

By calling the Rural Response Hotline, Nebraska farmers and ranchers may be able to find help to alleviate the burden of the current farm crisis. Michelle Soll, the farm and ranch program director for Legal Aid of Nebraska, says the hotline offers many different kinds of help, including financial counseling, stress counseling and legal assistance.

Help is provided by a large network of professionals in the state.

“We offer a nice variety of services, all free of charge,” Soll explains. “We have helped some of our financially distressed producers restructure their debt or sell down. We can also help producers with bankruptcy analysis, as a last resort.”

Farm struggles Soll shares the plight of one of the many farmers struggling to survive the current economic downturn of the farm economy.

“We have a producer we were able to help with financing,” she explains.

“He worked through a sell-down process, and we

helped determine what his capital gains would be.”

She continues, “After we did cash flows and financial statements with him, we were able to see his strengths and weaknesses.

We helped him set some goals so he could try to work his way out of the situation he was in. He was able to get financing elsewhere, and it is looking positive for him.”

“It put stress on his relationship with his wife, so they enrolled in a counseling program we offer,” she continues. “They went to a licensed provider, and we paid for five sessions. Now, they have a healthy marriage, and their cash flow looks good.”

“If they can work through the next year or two with no major disasters, it will be much better for them. They have a plan in place, and everyone is now on the same page,” she says.

Farm finance clinics The Nebraska Department of Agriculture funds the statewide farm finance clinics offered, where producers can sit down one-onone, confidentially, with a financial advisor or an attor-

ney.

“Our farm finance clinics are always full, with a waiting list in most areas,” Soll says. “But, when people need help on an emergency basis, they get first priority over someone who is trying to work through an estate.”

“We refocus our work based on need. As a result, we haven’t been doing as much estate planning or transition lately. We have put those cases on the back burner to spend more time working through the financial distress cases,” she says.

Farm finance clinics are currently offered in Chadron, Bridgeport, North Platte, Grand Island, Fairbury, Norfolk and Valentine or Ainsworth, Neb. Simple questions, professional answers The hotline does more than offer financial assistance, Soll continues.

Some producers call with questions about fence disputes, conservation programs, liens and leases.

They help older producers with estate and transition planning and young producers with getting started in

For more information about the Rural Response Hotline, visit farmerandrancher.org. The hotline number is 800-464-0258.

the business.

“We have a lot of aspects of the farm industry covered, so if producers have questions they can give us a call, and we will work through their situation,” she explains.

Beginning in ag For the last nine years, the Rural Response Hotline has offered a beginning farmer and rancher program.

“We are wrapping that program, unless we receive more funding through a grant,” she says.

Through the beginning

farmer program, producers can receive help developing a portfolio and cash flow projection. Financial advisors also help beginning producers set goals, find lending and educate them about beginning farmer programs that may be available to them.

“Beginning farmers are one of our top priorities,” Soll explains. “There are quite a few services available just for beginners.”

“It is just a matter of getting them to utilize young people and guide them through that process” she notes.

In some cases, beginners may get their start through one generation successfully transitioning to the next.

“Some questions arise from generational transition like how is a beginner going to buy equipment from a retiring farmer,” Soll says.

“There are all types of scenarios out there for beginning farmers. It is just a matter of determining which services are best for them.”

Gayle Smith is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

10

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 22 • September 29, 2018

CALENDAR

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

EVENTS

Sept. 22 – Oct. 31 Green Acres Corn Maze, Casper. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and weekdays by appointment. For more information, visit greenacrescornmaze.net or call 307-797-8796.

Oct. 3 State Loan and Investment Board Meeting, Cheyenne, Office of State Lands and Investments Teton Room, 9 a.m. Call 307-777-7331 for more information.

Oct. 9 Wyoming State Engineer’s Office Drought Contingency Planning Meeting, Baggs, Valley Community Center, 6-8 p.m. For more information, contact Steve Wolff at 307-777-1942 or steve.wolff@wyo.gov.

Oct. 9-11 Wyoming Section of the Society for Range Management Annual Meeting, Sheridan. Visit wyomingrangelands.org for more information.

Oct. 9-11 BLM National Wild Horse and Burro Committee Meeting, Salt Lake City, Utah, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at go.usa.gov/xPcdQ. Oct. 10 Wyoming State Engineer’s Office Drought Contingency Planning Meeting, Rock Springs, Western Wyoming Community College, 6-8 p.m. For more information, contact Steve Wolff at 307-777-1942 or steve.wolff@wyo.gov.

Oct. 11 Wyoming State Engineer’s Office Drought Contingency Planning Meeting, Pinedale, Sublette County Library, 6-8 p.m. For more information, contact Steve Wolff at 307-777-1942 or steve.wolff@wyo.gov.

Oct. 13 Wyoming Night at the NILE Ranch Rodeo, Billings, Mont., MetraPark, 7 p.m. Buy tickets by calling 406-256-2495.

Oct. 7 Oct. 8 Oct. 11 Oct. 13 Oct. 14 Oct. 15 Oct. 22

SALES

Laramie Plains Club Calf Sale, Albany County Fairgrounds, Laramie, 307-760-5914, showcattlepage.com Ox Bow Ranch Complete Dispersion, at the ranch, Wolf Creek, Mont., 406-235-4281, oxbowranchangus.com Split Diamond Ranch and Malek Angus Ranch Ladies of the Rockies Sale, 82 Whitetail Road, Whitehall, Mont., 406-498-3005, 406-7336200, splitdiamond.com Fall Classic Catalog Horse Sale, Farmers and Ranchers Livestock Commission Co., Salina, Kan., 785-826-7884, 785-493-2901, 785-8250211 20th Annual Fall Colt and Yearling Catalog Sale, Farmers and Ranchers Livestock Commission Co., Salina, Kan., 785-826-7884, 785-4932901, 785-825-0211 The Berry’s Here fords Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Cheyenne, 307-634-5178, wherecowmenbuybulls.com J&L Livestock Montana Angus Female Bonanza XV, PAYS, Billings, Mont., 406-861-5664, 406-200-1880

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

Fighting Forest Fires, 1902 Style

“Uncle Sam furnishes aid in putting out the destructive fires in the mountains,” reads the headline in the Aug. 29, 1902 issue of the Grand Encampment Herald.

The news item, courtesy of Grandma’s Cabin of Encampment, continues: Col. J.F. Crawford, United States Commissioner for Wyoming, came up Friday from Saratoga to arrange for the systematic fighting of the several forest fires which have been raging in the Sierra Madre Mountains for some time past. Mr. Crawford has been corresponding with the authorities at Washington concerning the fires, asking aid from the government and, in reply, received an advice instructing him to proceed at once to Grand Encampment and send out crews to extinguish the fires. Mr. Crawford was instructed to act in an official capacity until relieved by special agents who have been ordered here.

Mr. Crawford appointed four men to organize crews and fight the fires to the finish. Walter Jennison was secured to look after the fires between the two forks of the Encampment River and on Saturday went out

with two crews, both day and nightshifts. The crews have been camped on the tie camp road about four miles southeast of Olson, the halfway station between Grand Encampment and the tie camp, and the men have been fighting the fire near that point which has already burned over a territory more than four miles long and about three quarters of a mile wide. This fire has destroyed much fine timber and unless checked would have proceeded eastward four or five miles farther through the green timber and parks.

C.L. Vagner, general manager at the tie camp, was given instructions to set his men at work on the fire in Damfino Park, near the camp. A big fire has been raging there, and another along a tributary creek which flows into the South Fork near the camp. Vagner’s men had been fighting these fires several days before receiving official notice, as the timber being destroyed covered a portion of the area included in the recent purchase of land secured by the Carbon Company.

Foster Kearns was instructed to look after the Beaver Creek fires, and Ira B. Casteel to look after the fires east of the Big Creek ranch.

The Brush Creek fires are being fought by a crew

under the direction of W.B. Harden, of Saratoga.

The United States government defrays all expense incurred in the work of extinguishing these fires. Had the work been commenced a month ago, many thousands of dollars’ worth of valuable timber could have been saved. One of the most lamentable sights in wholesale destruction of property is to see “the whole country afire” with no effort being put forth by Uncle Sam to stop it.

With the systematic fighting now going on, every fire should be entirely wiped out within a few days. Mr. Crawford asks the Herald to advise him at once concerning new fires, and he will send help immediately.

With all the forest fires raging across Wyoming and the West, including a big one southeast of Encampment, I thought it worthwhile to rerun this Postcard from several years ago. – D.P.

Fire destruction – In the early 1900s, forest fires destroyed most of the timber and vegetation surrounding Battle Lake, shown just left of center in this photo, and across the Sierra Madre Mountains of southcentral Carbon County. This 1904 Jack Ledbetter photo shows only a few patches of live timber standing in the Battle Lake Basin and across the mountains flowing towards Baggs and the Little Snake River Valley. Photo courtesy of the Grand Encampment Museum, Historical Reproductions by Perue

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 22 • September 29, 2018

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 22 • September 29, 2018

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 22 • September 29, 2018

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14

Property for Sale

Property for Sale

NEW LISTING!! Rock Creek Hereford Ranch, 200 acres, 60 acres irrigated. Highway location, $1,100,000. SPRINGWATER RANCH: This 267+ acre ranch is located in a year round trout stream with beautiful views of the Beartooth Mountains. 160+ acres hay meadows with 60+ acres irrigated. A spacious 2,600 sq. ft. home with a second plus shop and barn.

Located between Red Lodge and Roscoe, MT. Sidwell Land & Cattle Co., Richard Sidwell, 406-861-4426, 406-322-4425 or e-mail sidwell@sidwellland.com......................... 10/6

HUNTING AND FISHING RETREAT PROPERTY FOR SALE: Fort Smith, MT, 77+ acres, 2 bedroom, 1.5 baths, shop/Quonset. $475,000. Call Travis for details or a showing. Travis Dimond 406-8697681, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Floberg Real Estate..............................10/13

GOSHEN COUNTY, WY. Pivot irrigation. 160+ acres. Zimmatic pivot with 153 shares of Horse Creek Conservation. Home, shop, hay barns.

Five miles southwest of Yoder, WY. $650,000. 10 ACRE PROPERTY: Great value with 100’x225’ indoor arena plus a lovely 4 bedroom, 3 bath home. Only 1 mile south of Torrington, WY on Hwy. 85.

Fantastic opportunity for private or commercial equestrian clinics, ropings, self boarding with indoor and outdoor riding.

Includes pasture paddocks with shelters. $555,000. Reduced! Now $535,500. IRRIGATED HAY MEADOWS and impressive improvements on this balanced 360 acre property located near Veteran, WY. Nice home, shop, machine shed, livestock barn, Quonset, grain storage and corrals. Ideal for a purebred livestock operation. 120 acres deeded plus 240 acres state lease. $766,615. Reduced!!

Now $699,000. Casey Essert at Empire Realty at 307-534-2222 or 1-888-340FARM. More listings available at www.buyaranch.com .......................................TFN

FOR SALE: 656.9 acre hay farm and feedlot on Tunnel Hill Rd., Pavillion, WY. Very productive hay farm with 3 feedlots for up to 850 head of cattle, which makes a great winter unit. 388 acres is irrigated ground: 330 acres under 3 pivots, 58 acres with gated pipe. Historical production of 1,400-1,600 tons of high-quality alfalfa and some grass hay. Improvements include a 1,740 sq. ft. main house, 4,600 sq. ft. metal shop and storage building. Four wells provide more than adequate water for the 3 feedlots, which have separate tire tanks. The slope and soil-types of the feedlots ensure cattle do not stand in mud. Must see to appreciate. $1,950,000. Call Ray Elser, Broker, Contour Investment Properties, Jackson, WY 307690-4313 or e-mail ray@contourproperties.com........10/20

35 ACRES: This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with attached garage and bonus room on 35 acres is located on the south edge of Yoder, WY. Private lane leads to the home.

Features include: Horse barn, loafing shed, corrals and hay meadows. There is no zoning, which offers the opportunity to live the country life the way you desire. $425,000.

VETERAN, WY, 518 ACRES TOTAL: 118 acres deeded plus 400 acres Wyoming State Grazing Lease. 2004 Zimmatic 7 tower pivot. Excellent combination of sub-irrigated grass, hard grass, irrigated grass and tall brush for calf protection. $405,000. Casey Essert at Empire Realty at 307-534-2222 or 1-888-340FARM. More listings available at www.buyaranch.com .......................................TFN

ALL OF CITY BLOCK 69 IN ENCAMPMENT, WY FOR SALE: 24 lots, 12 parcels, $175,000. Call 352-316-6867, if no answer please leave a message. ....................... 10/6

CONNECTING AG to CLIMATE

By Windy Kelley, Northern Plains Regional Climate Hub

Fire season, continued warm weather predicated for Wyo Wyoming experienced near average temperatures in August, which was the 63rd warmest of 124 years, with Lincoln, Uinta and Sweetwater counties experiencing slightly above-average temperatures and Niobrara County experienced slightly below average temperatures.

Overall, the state experienced near-average precipitation in August. However, Big

Horn and Washakie counties east through Campbell and Crook counties and south into Converse County experienced slightly above average precipitation.

Fremont and Goshen counties received below average precipitation.

The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) map from Sept.18 shows that abnormally dry conditions have persisted or

Irrigation

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 22 • September 29, 2018

Irrigation

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Call Jody at 800-967-1647 or 307-234-2700 or E-mail: denise@wylr.net expanded in Albany, Carbon, Sweetwater, Fremont, Lincoln and Sublette counties – and have developed in much of Teton County. Moderate drought conditions have persisted or expanded in Albany, Carbon, Sweetwater, Uinta and Lincoln counties. Severe drought conditions have persisted in Carbon and Sweetwater counties.

View the current USDM maps at weather.gov/riw/ drought. You can help inform the U.S. Drought Monitor by submitting conditions and impacts at droughtreporter. unl.edu/submitreport.

Forecasts The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) eight- to 14-day temperature forecast for Oct. 4-10, which was made Sept.

26, indicates the northern two-

thirds of Wyoming is leaning towards below-average temperatures, 33 to 40 percent chance or probability, while the southern third of the state is more likely to experience near normal temperatures.

The precipitation forecast, for this same timeframe, indicates a 40 to 50 percent probability for above normal precipitation for the entire Cowboy State.

The forecast for October, made Sept. 20 indicates 33 to 50 percent probability of above normal temperatures for much of Wyoming – the probability increases from east to west.

The exception is most of the eastern border of the state where there are equal chances for above, near or below average temperatures.

The October precipitation forecast is above, near or below average precipitation throughout the state.

To view NOAA’s most recent forecast, visit cpc.ncep.

hcooper@ipcoilandgas.com www.threecrownpetroleum.com

WANT TO PURCHASE mineral and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201................. 10/13

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SCRAP METAL RECYCLING, Rawlins, WY. Call 307-321-1444 ..........................................TFN

Subscribe to the Roundup Online for Only $30/Year www.wylr.net noaa.gov.

As of Sept. 18, there is a 50 to 55 percent probability that an El Niño will develop this fall – with the probability increasing into the winter, which will likely drive weather forecasts.

You can read how El Niño has historically impacted Wyoming in the August Connecting Ag to Climate column, which appeared in the Aug. 25, edition of the Roundup.

Ag considerations Wildfire season arrived in western and southern Wyoming mid-September. Our thoughts go out to everyone impacted by these events. If you or your operation were impacted by the wildfires, the following are considerations and resources you might find of interest.

Contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices and ask about potential funding and technical

Cold storage jumps At the end of August, there were 2.622 billion pounds of beef, pork, chicken and turkey in cold storage, 7.7 percent more than a year ago and 14.1 percent more than the five-year average.

According to the Daily Livestock Report, “The higher inventories were largely driven by a big jump in chicken cold storage stocks. The inventory of all chicken products is now 28 percent above year ago levels.”

Total beef inventories at the end of August were 503.5 million pounds, 5.6 percent higher than last year and 14.4 percent higher than the five-year average. Boneless beef inventories at 458.6 million pounds were 4.7 percent higher than last year and 14.6 percent higher than the five-year average.

“Beef exports were quite robust through August and this may have contributed to the increase in inventories,” said DLR. “Beef imports have not increased appreciably versus last year, so we do not see that as a reason for the increase in beef stocks.”

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support. A document titled “USDA FSA Disaster Assistance Programs at a Glance” will provide you an overview of available programs such as the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, and the resource can be found at bit.ly/2D4zCSi. Were your public grazing allotments impacted? Contact your U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management Rangeland Conservationist to initiate conversations about if and how the impacts associated with the wildfire might impact your grazing permits.

Ask them about alternative forage, such as grassbanks, that might be available, process and replacement of lost infrastructure, and how postfire weed inventory and management will occur.

Contact your local University of Wyoming Extension office for additional information and technical support.

If you’re a member of a livestock association, such as the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, they might be able to connect you with peers who have been impacted by wildfires in the past and who might have advice to help aid you in your recovery.

This article was written by UW Extension, WAFERx and USDA Northern Plains Climate Hub Regional Extension Program Coordinator Windy Kelley. She can be reached at wkelley1@uwyo.edu or 307766-2205. The column was reviewed by Wyoming Water Resources Data System Deputy Director Tony Bergantino and Justin Derner of USDA Agricultural Research Service. Dannelle Peck of USDA Northern Plains Climate Hub also reviewed the article.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 22 • September 29, 2018

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Farm Foundation considers importance of education in food and agriculture industries Higher education institutions in the U.S. play a unique role in the ability of the agriculture industry to solve the biggest challenges facing the world, according to former Sen. Richard Luger.

Luger was a panelist on a Sept. 19 Farm Foundation forum titled, “The ROI on Higher Education in Food and Agriculture.”

Constance Cullman, Farm Foundation president, noted that institutions of higher education are often under-valued by Americans.

“We assume that these institutions will be there, and we assume they will continue to contribute to our lives, our competitiveness and the growth in our economy, but there have been a lot of changes occurring,” said Cullman.

Cullman listed a decline in funding in research for food and agriculture and a decline in both state and federal support for universities. Additionally, she noted demand on universities continues to inclined.

To address these issues, Cullman suggested engaging

in conversations about funding or seriously rethink how education is valued.

Ag advancement Luger said institutions of higher education are pivotal to food security in the country. Looking at his own history growing up on a farm and “Agriculture science is capable of delivering miraculous results,” Luger said.

“Having witnessed this spectacular productivity growth in my lifetime, I have always believed we can develop the technology necessary to grow, store, distribute and market a safe, affordable and nutritious supply of food, even as the number of people on this plant reaches 9.7 billion persons by the year 2050.”

Through his Senate career and life on the farm, Luger followed technology developments in the industry, asserting the U.S. should be the global leader in food security through improved efficiencies and more.

“We have developed efficient systems for distribution of ag productions – for

Styvar sworn in to House Clarence Styvar of Cheyenne was sworn in as a member of the 64th Wyoming Legislature on Sept. 21 in the House Chamber of the Jonah Business Center in Cheyenne. Wyoming Supreme Court Justice Lynne Boomgaarden administered the oath of office.

Rep. Styvar was joined by members of the Wyoming Legislature, legislative staff and family members at the brief ceremony.

Styvar was appointed by the Laramie County Commissioners to serve the residents of House District 12 on Sept. 14 to fill the vacant seat left by former Rep. Lars Lone, who resigned Aug. 27.

®

The Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community Volume 29 Number 10 • July 8, 2017 Volume 29 Number 2 • May 13, 2017 ®

29 Number 19 • September

9, 2017

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

®

A Look Inside

Torrington Livestock Markets welcomes new owner

Community • www.wylr.net AgriBusiness and PeterTorrington Farmers – Last week, Operator awareness is the for Lex stock employee Chuck Ranchers, up in Kremmling, Colo. tion,” Lex says.

Wyoming’s Source Madden, The Weekly key toNews preventing accidents Shawn Madden and son.

He graduated from Colo-

A Look Inside

®

Looking for a laugh? Find the

when using large machinery, Michael Schmitt announced says Jaime Vos..........Page 2 provides Office Shawn would be sellWater Developmentthat ing his part been of Torrington run9-10 brought overcame gram that has – May Miller HulettAshley Markets and Catsuccessnumerous hurdles for 10 years in her 4-H ningLivestock Legislature’s the Wyoming

“There won’t be muchAg rado State University Committee to Joint updates change in the operation of has been

and a field representaexist in Wyoming,” he said, back Looking Livestock Torrington or Cattive for Torrington Livestock listing the whooping crane, pro- Lex explained LaBonde tle Country Video,” Market for the last 10 years. piping plovers, the interior

“Chuck wanted to move up from employee to stock ownership, and Michael increased his level of investment,” Shawn says. “They

run by Colo- • www.wylr.net is jointly tle Country and FFA career...........Page 4 results of our “The Good, the Video Water (CCV) togramcomments.

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concerns influencers environmental Peak performers impact about water development on Beef promotion to continue market trends the Platte system that was takchanging to connect with Fire looking at extending proof acres.

Interagency (PRRIP).

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Ranchers maytrict mentsactive, need from public verification is a prowas lands As as U.S. beef expansion looks toward PRRIP of Sept.

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Fire, the majority SAREC honored as the American the U.S. Eighteen large fires and 7,500 in commercial it’s really true,” Award she says. “We do a terrible job ofconsumtelling ing strategies continue to DNA testing for female selection farmers As of Sept. 7, the National to give of Wyoming’s Legacy with a bull, right? That’s Why attempts of 18 – “Everything ages 11 thegoal Casper smaller between several verify blazes starts are Females our story, butanswers we are getting ers better.

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Jepsen active says Jepsen. he continued.

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Please see COWBOY irrigated corn suffered court ruled that Wyoming’s changed to the millennial and China, withprogram.

First meat judging breakthrough stand what the beliefs and past month fora the 90 percent leaf loss trespass laws violate generation. a dream job, and this loss,” is estimated Sept. has been whose unspoken motivations are “Thismarket 50 percent tassel Amendment rights on that “What we mean when Eberle, to be worth $2.6 billion for influence consumers' deciaccording to Carrie 7. The court asserted we say millennial is anyone for sions and, more importantly, free the U.S. beef industry. a systems agronomist the statutes regulated Interior Secretary Ryan between the age of about to care about certhem Wyoming drive asserted of they University because the speech Zinke said he plans to miti25 and 35 years old, who is of issues and out(UW) based at SAREC. tain types a greater penalty on trespassstarting to establish a famSpending Bill gate the effects of budget cuts crop comes rather than others.” to col“The majority of the ing on private land ily,” she says. “They’re getSpectrum stage On May 4, the Senate by shifting more resources forms was in the green silk lect data than other out of Washington and into ting married and starting to an 2017 do year we time fiscal a “Every the passed and hadn’t pollinated of trespassing. Further, have children, and that key appropriations bill, H.R. the field. While details of the poten- analysis of a marketplace, yet, so we lost the court said that collection target is what we really call or we find, just like a politi244, sending the measure to reorganization have not been public tial to harvest any grain of resource data on our older millennial parPresident Trump. Although released, many view this cal spectrum, we can draw silage.” land was “protected speech.” ents.”

Trump has hinted at a pos- transition as critical for the a straight line from left to that While they were decidThe ruling did not say Part of the reason older sible veto, he is expected to BLM to base crucial decisays right, and we find a range of Look ing what to do, Eberle sions on local knowledge trespass was okay. millennial parents starting sign the measure into law. also beliefs that affect the conweek’s producers who had the sumer in this particular marand input from the commufor more in next to raise families are a large lost crops kept calling nities.

Roundup on this issue. focus of beef marketing is Decid- ket place,” said Arkalgud. center for ideas.

Hay Exports of food, because they are changing In the context the Saige Albert photo ing to hold a meeting, Please see YOUTH on page 5 Please see CFI on page 4 photo around Madeline Robinson, Lucky Lyn Photography researchers tossed came up and finally Watersheds ideas The Alliance for the Wild Western Rising temperatures increase heat stress risk study. corn the to amany occasions appeal with a hailed Whitefish, Rockies, Western Watersheds Mont. – The WesternRustic, Governors' western Association roses Project, Alliance for for applicants ascontinue to soar stem,”normal.

As looked temperatures at this of Fame open As a result, they won’t he Ag Hall Native “We barbwire they used for the than Project met during the last week ofShawn and Native Eco- (WGA), found June Barber for their 2017 Designs Wild Rockies and of Barber across muchrusted of Wyoming, on range graze have been recognized since opportunity,” the much, so their rate of gain or but as filed 60 Wyomingites next booth, learning Nearly to thecattle “I went explains. annual meeting, for should systems Council hosted

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“It ended of the says. the cream Sept. 6 inside myofhead.”

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Cedar during Grizat theand Courtesy U.S.-Canada relaexports anniversaries,” court in Missoula, Mont.

Union.

Veterinarian Jim Logan. atures can dramatically increase the in 2017. be inducted of Wyoming Student Getting big University met- zlytoBear. andthose a craft crumbling The coalition, on tionship 271,174 infrastructure, as wellStarting as energy, totaled in the agril experience showcase Impacts One rose of water required for animals, “Now’s the time to reallytrade internationa Barber’s vision came to life.amount and forestrole management. the U.S. Fish ric tons (MT), accord- June 30, sent in agricul-practicality, Three years ago, Barber was wandering a strong Hot temperatures can have a large a mixes have playedWinchell into half producers may need to consider turned and industry who career and saw turned into three, which Show Stockoffer.”

At and for the industry andculture conclusion Wildlife HillsresService of the meeting, (FWS) Black ing to the USDA’s Forfive the new UW policy leadership universities through impact niche headon anormal volunteerism credits grazing these roses water source options for their support, into stems of additional the habits, ture through fallcattle’s billion firm welded He to $4 scientist a dozen. turn lucky would Service. dairy Weed imagined olutions was a were notice Schneider, formally of Agricultural never intent to approved “I sue. he credit eign to tackle topics in worksomething as well as theirtogether (UW) offers performance. applied herd. that the farm and ranch and in theirincommunity,” on can Wisc., Wyoming – both Bay, and turned it into an arrangement Chemical giants Dow agricultural and University part-time the largestofsingle experts. force development, I usedcareer.

Thewas species a lucrative This conservation publisher. quartered and the Endanintotosuchthe where science RoundupGreen Livestock “Cattle that get special stressed from Sun, Wyoming transportagiven to a “If the temperature gets hot and it’s andtoo Dennis saysweed access into a vase about more prolific placed was smart forest Chemical Co. and DuPont cows of itsrecorded learn selling two ever to stop by atobooth gered fortotal Species Act, month happened epitomize and“Iyour clients who national Phil Stahlman manageeconomics others“sure, and much heat can dehydrate more quickly, neighbors recipient friends, above 80 degrees, a 10 to 15 degree Day. Award “Nominate to keep rangeland Alumni Hot were expected to officially Weather March’s recalls. “Lay- girlfriend for Valentine’s and modes Winchell.

Oklafurniture,” ment, eclipsed last western agriculture andOutstanding sayshe western and staterustic expertise science, data at tion,” northwest agriculturalist.”

Wyoming and a crude lot of times, they’ll chain I made to be acongo turned family’s off feed,” out so nice means increase in the temperature can increase his what supplywildlife bouquet part ofby complete their merger Very itwarm and was a territory “The exports China cargo hayany Uncharted analysis. brothers or by alfalfawant ing on one of their coffee tables mainland at wylr.net available two olderdry are and market didn’t says Logan. three more vice to give forms an individual Nomination cow’s water requirements for my close friends a hitch.” ditionsHis the end of the stock are plaguing metal. It wasexecutive the northscrapMatheys, some MT. after high school. dairy During 95,212 enthusihiswithout tenure made as chairman,rose or roundup@ Gov. Steven Bullock running at 307-234-2700 was more isout offocused shares homa offi-shade up HeDeere Roundup continues, “They’ll Valentine’s Day,” formore contacting Stahlman Please see HEAT on page 11 girlfriends and ern its marketing to their onthe administrative U.S. Plains,theand close on Sept. 7 as John winter and faded metalgoal and chief national from rustyHis list forests a good Making andofrangeland made management. were more interested, includes form The nomination on wylr.net.

Inc., points“I also made one for my (UW) College president wheat yield potential of the two companies astic about crops. contin-andfor of Wyoming theUniversity initiative Schneider National,he explains. was paint.”

Colorado, tovoluncreate a mechanism achievements, statesforand civic cer New in northern agriculture see ROSES on page 9 nominee’s Resourcesfor Industryuesaway build relationships Pleaseperiodical Poultry wastothe to decline. stop trading on the Highs have caught ability Steveland managers “What to shareand A little over 400allmiles bestNatural practices peer and policyreally options of Agriculture for my eye to Winchell’s recognitions. and heads professional activities teer eggtopped who and of friend The value to the highest posi100° York Stock Exchange. soon-to-be F and in northeastlifelong themanaging three A report Martin ofWinchell, forests a panel and rangeland. thought are was submitted, graduate andwarehouse floor Transportation. from the billion farmnominations Co.compiled After fromern dairy production fellat 52% of his family’s Montana, The merged $130 northern Logistics appli- (Tianjin) released science to review in June 2017, providing information andtions in China’s Ministry selected weedSouth insights Schneider Miller looked periodical will be judges in fellow officially as independent U.S. change The meet 2016. for to wholly-owned 2015 would catalyst Dakota largest and southernUniversity, DowDuPont of the inductFame on management of practices thing. They Agricul- cations Hall one are areas of possible “He has been a improvement Ltd., the winners. on same State selectNorth and Dakota of and logistics Department transportation and at North Dakota over the past few days, started trading shares of Fame students Hall Ph.D. Ag transportation develop healthy, resilient landscapes and communities. thetoWyoming foreign China’s rapidly evolving honored at Stahlman’s under graduate will be be ees Poul-andwould releasedMiller ture’s newly rainfall has been limited Sept. 8 on the NYSE the picnic, Atwrapped 16.

Gov. Bullock in China.

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In Florida, cattlemen turkeys and roundup@wylr.net. by visiting westgov.org. periodical or e-mailed toAssociation sales from chickens in 2016 WY with the nomiare preparing for Hurricane to was $38.7 billion, down to include any supplemental information Call 307-234periodical Irma, which is expected letters of support.

20% from $48.1 billion in nation form, including make landfall this weekend.

2700 with any questions.

2015.

Most ranchers are preparing generators, fuel and supplies. than Florida reports more calves 1.6 million cattle and anticin the state. Ranchers issues ipate fewer flooding because than seen in Texas, to periodical the sandy soil is less prone they long-term flooding, but cattle Phil Stahlman are preparing to move to higher ground.

A Look Inside

Global perspectives

climate conditions are opportunity for addressing soil concerns...........................Page 6

Treasurer Wyoming State discusses Gordon Mark stratthe state’s investment age 2 egy...............................P

Selecting the top

Quick Bits

Quick Bits Wildfires

Applied research

Cowboy branding

Quick Bits

Trespass Law

BLM Staff

Bear Suit

Grizzly Suits

Ag Merger

Irma Impacts

2017 UW EDITION

WGA adopts resolutions

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both trade and humanitarian efforts,” he continued, also citing the scientific advancements from researchers in land-grant institutions across the country as leading the industry.

Hunger Looking back to 2007, when food price spikes increased the number of hungry people in the world to nearly 1 billion, Luger said his staff in the Senate began to explore the factors that impacted hunger, recommending solutions.

“They examined a host of factors in a range of food secure and food insecure countries that contributed to the level of hunger in each,” he explained. “One important finding in our study was that the stronger an agricultural higher education institution is in a country, the greater the level of food security in that country.”

Further, solving global hunger involves the important component of ag research at institutions of

higher learning.

“These labs are working to address strategic challenges,” Luger said, citing work at Perdue that looks to increase access to food by focusing on food processing and post-harvest handling.

Funding “Bolstered by research funding provided by USDA, the U.S. government has worked with universities to advance agricultural productivity, promote soil health and develop solutions to complex problems,” said Luger.

However, he noted that funding cuts have hobbled such research.

Further a recent report from the National Science Foundation noted the U.S. has lost its status as the leader of public agriculture research and development to China.

Luger was also involved in the release of a new study highlighting research and ag development, noting that the length in deploying ag technology are often decades long, with “decades required

“The stronger an agricultural higher education institution is in a country, the greater the level of food security in that country.” – Former Sen. Richard Luger for the scientific development, regulatory approvals and market entrance for new seed varieties. There is no time to waste.”

Opportunity In the upcoming farm bill, Luger sees opportunity to further support public funding for ag research.

“Even if funding increases, it will need to be matched by private dollars,” he added.

With adequate funding, Luger said public institutions are uniquely poised to addressed both domestic and international ag concerns.

“The future requires leveraging both domestic investments and overall part-

nerships to increase food and nutrition security,” Luger said. “U.S. higher institutions, both public and private, can and must lead the way to feeding a global population of 9.7 billion in 2050.”

He added, “The return on investment promises to be quite high, by educating scientists, nutritionists, small and large business owners and government leaders, these institutions will simultaneously build a more stable, secure and prosperous world.”

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.

To listen to The Farm Foundation’s forum “The ROI on Higher Education in Food and Agriculture,” visit farmfoundation.org/ news.

16

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 22 • September 29, 2018

It’s the Pitts

by Lee Pitts

Lifestyles of the Poor and Normal

Fred Flickenloss has been at the factory all day where he installs floormats in Fords. Most of the time, he only pretends to work, while his boss pretends not to notice. At noon, he attended the local Union meeting and demanded cost of living increases, paid vacations and job security, but when the siren sounded at the end of the day, he got in his new Japanese 4x4 truck and drove home.

Home is a condo in the suburbs, where he and his third wife cocoon with their six kids – one from all six of their previous marriages. It’s more of a collection than it is a family. As a practical joke, on his birthday, Fred’s kids bought him a charter membership in the “Couch Potato Club” because in the evenings all he does is sit in his La-Z-Boy recliner, eat potato

chips and watch terrible TV. Fred’s clothes come ready to wear and his food ready to eat. Fred drinks light beer because a horse on television said it was the party thing to do. Fred munches on snacks that contain no cholesterol, no salt, no smell and no nothing.

He’s supposed to get the taste by watching TV commercials. Fred’s wife microwaves him a pre-digested hamburger made from seaweed and such that will be ready in a McMinute. A TV doctor with no training in nutrition – but a million dollar diet book deal – told him he was supposed to feel guilty about eating real meat, so instead, he’s killing himself one carbohydrate at a time.

Fred is a member of the Pepsi generation who wants Haagen Daas Ice Cream for dessert. If he’s fat, it’s not his fault. He’s a victim of the

ice cream, French fries and light beer trying to kill him.

He stays active in the fitness movement by wearing a sweat suit in front of the TV watching football on Sunday, Monday and Thursday nights. His only exercise used to be getting up to change the channel, but now he has a remote control, so he doesn’t even have to do that.

Fred’s wife serves dinner in front of the TV, so they can watch some playboy or pervert newscaster report the latest misdeeds of yet another member of the Kardashian clan. Fred yells at the kids to “shut up,” so he can hear the weather report for the weekend. Fred lives for weekends and only wants rain on weekdays to water his lawn and wash his truck so he doesn’t have to.

Mrs. Flickenfloss escapes this mind-numbing madness by seeing how high a balance she can run up on her Visa card down at the mall or on the internet. Night time finds her applying her natural beauty by painting her fingernails and dyeing her hair.

Meanwhile, Fred has to walk their Yuppie Puppie. It will be the only meaningful conversation he has all day. He waits for after dark to walk his dog, so his dog can do his thing

on the neighbor’s lawn. The neighbor’s dog did his thing on Fred’s lawn earlier in the evening.

Fred sets his digital alarm for 5:30 because it takes him an hour to commute the 15 miles to work. He passes the drive time by keeping in touch with his wife and kids either talking on his cell phone or by texting them while driving. These are the same family members he could have talked to face-to-face the

night before if he hadn’t been so engrossed in all the thrilling “must see TV.” Yeah, right.

Only once a year does this routine vary. That is when Fred takes the family on a weeks vacation and escapes to Disneyland or Disneyworld. With the kids fighting in the back seat, they speed through the small towns that make up America’s heartland at 70 miles per hour. They pass a farm house or a small

community in the middle of nowhere with no cable TV, mall, fast food or skateboard park. Some clothes are drying on a line. A father is plowing a dusty field. Kids are feeding their 4-H and FFA projects while a mother pulls a fresh apple pie out of the oven. Fred surveys these rural surroundings, turns to his wife and says, “How do people live like that?”

Very well, thank you.

Very well.