September 2018 California Cattleman by California Cattleman

September 2018

Inside This Month... 2018 cal poly bull test A.I. In large commercial herds drones on the ranch cca helping in the fire fight 1

September 2018 California Cattleman

Baldy Builders

Pedretti Ranches Registered Herefords Since 1946

ALL Bulls For Sale at the ranch private treaty

Pedretti Ranches Gino Pedretti ��209/756-1609 Mark St� Pierre ��209/233-1406 Gino Pedretti Jr� ��209/756-2088 Gino Pedretti III��209/756-1612 Justin Sandlin ��209/233-1404 E-mail��GBL1domino@sbcglobal�net

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2 California Cattleman September 2018

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September 2018 California Cattleman 3

CALIFORNIA

CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

OFFICERS

PRESIDENT David Daley, Oroville FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Mark Lacey, Independence SECOND VICE PRESIDENTS Pat Kirby, Wilton Mike Miller, San Jose Cindy Tews, Fresno TREASURER Rob von der Lieth, Copperopolis

STAFF

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Billy Gatlin VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Justin Oldfield DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Kirk Wilbur DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Lisa Brendlen DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Jenna Chandler OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Katie Roberti

PUBLICATION SERVICES OFFICE & CIRCULATION CCA Office: (916) 444-0845 Fax: (916) 444-2194

MANAGING MAGAZINE EDITOR Stevie Ipsen (208) 996-4922 stevie.ipsen@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES/FIELD SERVICES Matt Macfarlane (916) 803-3113 m3cattlemarketing@gmail.com BILLING SERVICES Lisa Brendlen lisa@calcattlemen.org

WHOSE JOB IS IT?

by CCA Second Vice President Pat Kirby As I think about our industry and the challenges it faces both on State and National issues, It reminded me of the story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure Somebody would do it Anybody could of done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, But Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done. I believe there is a littler bit of that in all of us. However, CCA has an active membership that gives of their time to get involved. More importantly we have staff that keeps our organization engaged in an onslaught of state and national issues impacting ranchers. Even though many of these issues never make it out of committee, our staf spends considerable time on all of these issues, helping frame discussion that has led to favorable results for our industry. From a political stand point, we are a minority. Our challenge has been to seek out the moderate section of the Senate and Assembly to try and find some common ground. CCA has been successful in finding support or at least engagement from the other side of the isle. A sizeable task but not impossible. Our membership varies from 1,600-1,700 producer members annually. Thus when you think about the size of our membership and look at some of the success’s we have had in the past year, it’s encouraging. We must grow our relationships politically in Sacramento and Washington as well as in our local communities, that is where the real opportunity lays. When CCA finds a fix for a problem, it benefits all cattle operations in the state not just our members. It makes one think “why wouldn’t you invest time and money to be a member?” Certainly there are people who feel their interests aren’t always met all the time. That’s a fair statement, but a lack of involvement doesn’t solve the problem. You can’t solve problems, if you don’t have discussion. But it would be hard to believe that non members aren’t feeling financial relief from ELD extensions or self-certification on water diversions thru UC extension courses. Opinions are necessary for good discussion. Sometimes your ideas aren’t part of the consensus, but the next one might be the solution. How can you not be involved, if you share the same passion for preserving the livestock industry ,as most of us do. It’s our responsibility to become activists for our industry and lifestyle. Why an activist? Take a look around-those that want to draw attention to their efforts and make it a point of

being heard. I have read some articles recently on two of the most active groups I know: Sierra Club and HSUS. Both encourage their membership to be involved and give them advice on how to get their message across. HSUS is reported to have 2.6 million followers on Facebook and 800,00 on twitter. The Sierra Club has over 3.5 million members. These groups are activists in every sence of the word. One of the most important things they advocate is building “a relationship with your legislator.” They also focus on local platforms, because often times national level issues are difficult to push thru. As one put it “you can change the world with a local ordinance.” The take away here is investing time locally on issues that legislators or their staffers can relate to from their area. Many of our associations invite legislators or their staffers to their annual dinners. I would encourage all of our local associations to review their interactions with their representatives. Granted they aren’t always available, but we need to consider the out reach more than once or twice a year. This is especially important if your relationships with these groups have not been active in recent times. Something as informal as a breakfast or lunch with your board or just members will heighten their awareness about issues you are dealing with locally or on a State level. The most prominent issue on everybody’s mind in July/August has been the continuation of devastating fires engulfing California. Gov. Brown calls it the “new normal” attributing it to climate change. While that may have something to do with it. this is not an acceptable answer. One would think this is a time when mismanagement of public lands are going to get discussed a lot more over the next few months. We need to help stimulate those discussions While CCA staff has had productive meetings with Cal Fire. I believe there is an opportunity for discussions with local county officials by local Cattle Associations along with Assembly and Senate Legislators to discuss prescribed burning and to discuss accountability amongst the agencies that have responsibility for managing these lands .As a stake holder ranching interest have long sought to heighten awareness of the benefits of grazing in open space areas as well as on public lands. Environmental groups and overzealous lawsuits have compromised Forest Service and BLM ability to effectively manage these areas and fire loads have increased and the end result has been unpresented losses of property and human life. So whose job is it? It’s all of our jobs to be active as well encourage those that aren’t members of our organization to rethink their position. A unified voice is much stronger than a fragmented one.

SERVING CALIFORNIA BEEF PRODUCERS SINCE 1917 Bolded names and businesses in editorial represent only current members of the California Cattlmen’s Association or California CattleWomen, Inc. For questions about your membership status, contact the CCA office at (916) 444-0845. The California Cattleman (Publication #8-3600) is published monthly except July/August is combined by the California Cattlemen’s Association, 1221 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, for $20/year, or as part of the annual membership dues. All material and photos within may not be reproduced without permission from publisher. Periodical postage paid at Jefferson, MO. National Advertising Group: The Cattle Connection/The Powell Group, 4162-B Carmichael Ct, Montgomery, AL 36106, POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: California Cattleman, 1221 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

4 California Cattleman September 2018

ON THE COVER

SEPTEMBER 2018 Volume 101, Issue 8 ASSOCIATION PERSPECTIVES CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN

BUNKHOUSE Do you “like” CCA?

YOUR DUES DOLLARS AT WORK 12 CCA holds regional public lands events HERD HEALTH CHECK 16 Keeping down the dust PROGESSIVE PRODUCER Examining RFI

COUNCIL COMMUNICATOR 46 Finding new ways to reach consumers

SPECIAL FEATURES

Fires more fierce than ever CattleFax and Harris host leadership event CBCIA tour explores Southern Oregon Utilizing drone technology on the ranch Make plans to attend CCA & CCW Convention How large ranches can implement an A.I. program Quality in any circumstance Cal Poly bull test sees changes Timing your nutrition program

READER SERVICES

Buyers’ Guide Obituaries, Wedding Bells & New Arrivals Advertisers Index

This month’s cover photo was contributed by the Cal Poly Bull Test Enterprise at California Polytechnic State Univeristy, San Luis Obispo. The hardworking faculty and students are gearing up for the annual bull test sale, the culminating event of the 2018 Cal Poly Bull Test. This year’s sale will be held on October 7 and features top performing bulls from a variety of beef breeds. Consignors include progressive purebred producers across the west who are looking to compare their bulls with those of other producers To learn more about the bull test and sale, see the feature article on page 66.

20 24 34 38 50 52 60 66 80

86 92 94

UPCOMING CCA & CCW EVENTS SEPT. 11

MENDOCINO-LAKE CATTLEMEN’S DINNER

SEPT. 29

SACRAMENTO FARM-TO-FORK FESTIVAL Downtown Sacramento

OCT. 7

PLUMAS-SIERRA CATTLEMEN’S DINNER

NOV. 2

LASSEN COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S DINNER

NOV. 3

MODOC COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S DINNER

NOV. 28-30

102ND CCA & CCW CONVENTION The Nugget Casino Resort, Sparks, Nev.

Does your local cattlemen’s association or cattlewomen’s unit have an upcoming event they would like to share with other beef and ranching enthusiasts? Please contact the CCA office to have your events listed in this publication!

September 2018 California Cattleman 5

Inaugural Angus Female Sale Selling 100 Angus Females

Mon., october 15

Brunch at 10 a.m.4Sale at 11 a.m.

eZ Angus ranch Headquarters Porterville, california

EZAR Blackcap 6012 Sire: VAR Discovery 2240 â&#x20AC;˘ Dam: VAR Blackcap 1059

This full sister to the $90,000 EZAR Gold Rush 6001 featured at ABS Global sells! She ranks in the top 1% for WW, YW and $Beef, top 2% for RADG and top 3% for Marbling. An elite opportunity here on a young female with tremendous phenotype and genetic merit. She sells bred to VAR HERITAGE 5038. CED +6

BW +2.9

WW +80

YW +154

CW +59

MA +1.20

RE $W $B +.88 +70.07 +196.09

Female sale offering highlights

4A tremendous set of fall cow-calf pairs with calves at side by EXAR

Monumental, Sydgen Enhance, as well as the first calf crop sired by the $90,000 EZAR Gold Rush 6001.

4Fall yearling heifers that feature a Basin Payweight 1682 daughter of Baldridge Isabel Y69, making her a maternal sister to Baldridge Colonel C251 and Baldridge Bronc.

4A powerful set of spring-bred females, including production age Basin Lucy 4261

Sire: EXAR Denver 2002B â&#x20AC;˘ Dam: Basin Lucy 1022

cows and elite bred heifers, carrying the service of Basin Payweight Plus 6048, EXAR Powersource 4723B, Basin Rainmaker 4404 and Sydgen Enhance.

This full sister to ORIgen standout, Basin Yuma 4286, sells! The dam of this female is the $100,000 one-half interest donor at Tailor Made and Basin. Her granddam is a flush sister to both Basin 4The absolute top-end of the 2018 spring heifer calf crop with many ET females sired by Basin Payweight 1682, 3F Epic 4631, Baldridge Payweight 107S and the sire of Basin Payweight 1682. She sells Colonel C251, Basin Yuma 4286, EXAR Monumental 6056B, Basin with a September calf at side by EXAR MONUMENTAL 6056B. CED +4

BW +2.9

WW +64

YW +118

CW +62

MA +.91

RE $W $B +.91 +64.79 +191.63

Paycheck 5249 and more!

Live SALe broADcASt

tim & Marilyn callison .............................................................................................................owners chad Davis ............................................................................................................559 333-0362 travis coy .............................................................................................................559 392-8772 Justin Schmidt ......................................................................................................209 585-6533 6 California Cattleman September 2018

TMR Lucy 1B54

EXAR Joy 4700

EZAR Maureen B128

Sire: EXAR Denver 2002B • Dam: Connealy Consensus 7229

Sire: Baldridge Waylon W34 • MGS: HA Image Maker 0415

Sire: EXAR Denver 2002B • Dam: Connealy Consensus 7229

CED +9

CED +6

CED +0

Excellent carcass merit with top 10% Marbling EPD and ranks top 2% $Beef. Sells with a fall calf at side by SYDGEN ENHANCE. BW +2.7

WW +68

YW +112

CW +54

MA +.93

RE $W $B +.54 +69.11 +170.63

Powerful growth genetics here with top 3% YW and top 10% $Beef. She sells bred to calve to VAR HERITAGE 5038. BW +3.2

WW +61

YW +120

CW +42

MA +.75

RE $W $B +.53 +38.86 +147.92

Outlier growth with top 4% both WW and YW EPD, top 5% $Beef rank. Sells with a fall calf at side by BASIN PAYWEIGHT PLUS 6048. BW +3.2

WW +66

YW +119

CW +46

MA +.59

RE $W $B +.75 +56.47 +154.00

This stout-made female’s granddam is another full sister to Sitz Upward 307R.

EZAR Rita 8220

EZAR Henrietta Pride 8157

EZAR Lucy 8190

Sire: Basin Bonus 4345 • Dam: Discovery x SJH Complete of 6108 1564

Sire: EXAR Stud 4658B • Dam: Consensus x Sitz Henrietta Pride 657T

Sire: EXAR Monumental 6056B • Dam: Basin Lucy 4261

This female’s granddam is the $100,000 Vintage donor with nearly $3 million in progeny sales.

CED +10

BW -.1

WW +66

YW +123

CW +51

MA +1.24

RE $W $B +.57 +82.66 +168.87

The granddam of this stout-made daughter by EXAR Stud 4658B is a full sister to Sitz Upward 307R. CED +5

BW +1.9

WW +66

YW +121

CW +54

MA +.88

RE $W $B +.54 +63.54 +170.58

Huge growth and Marbling figures push this standout’s $Beef into the top 1%.

CED +5

BW +1.2

WW +75

YW +136

CW +68

MA +1.04

RE $W $B +.69 +85.13 +201.64

EZAR Henrietta Pride 7481

EZAR Lucy 8186

EZAR Lucy 8194

Sire: 3F Epic 4631 • Dam: EZX 3772B x Sitz Henrietta Pride 643T

Sire: VAR Generation 2100 • Dam: Hoover Dam x Basin Lucy 3829

Sire: Baldridge Colonel C251 • Dam: EXAR Denver x Hoover Dam

Excellent profiling female with a top 1% rank for $Wean and top 4% rank for $Beef.

CED +12

BW -.6

WW +64

YW +110

CW +53

MA +.92

RE $W $B +.71 +77.22 +168.60

She ranks in the top 2% for WW and YW, as well as top 1% for Ribeye and $Beef.

CED +2

BW +2.3

WW +74

YW +130

CW +72

MA +.60

RE $W $B +1.13 +67.53 +196.01

She ranks in the top 1% for WW, YW and $Beef and the top 5% for Marbling.

CED +5

BW +3.1

WW +78

YW +144

CW +68

MA +1.10

RE $W $B +.60 +73.49 +194.21

THD ©

Angus

RAncH

21984 Avenue 160

Porterville, CA 93257 September 2018 California Cattleman 7

BUNKHOUSE

Get Social with Us! The value of just one click by CCA Director of Communications Jenna Chandler The CCA/CCW Midyear Meeting impacts of grazing are common marked my three year anniversary with knowledge among producers, but CCA. Time flies when you’re having not necessarily to legislators. And fun! passively filling their twitter feed with the positive story of beef production My experiences over the last three in California, can go a long way when years at CCA, and even back to the it comes to lobbying time on some of time I spent at the state Capitol, have those same issues. They may not know only reinforced to me the value of where they heard that grazing helped personal connections, and one of an endangered salamander or reduced the primary vehicles we as a society fuel load for fires, but they remember use to connect today is via social it. media. Social media is also one way By far though, most social media that CCA makes and reinforces those engagement with CCA members connections with the beef cattle happens on Facebook. Insights industry as well, particularly with about those Facebook interactions the three most used platforms— can give an interesting overview of Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. our audience, and helps us to tailor Instagram is a photo based content to those groups and to expand application very popular with to others, as well. millennials. Through the use of To start, most interactions come hashtags, we can reach a wide range from desktop access, not mobile of viewers that are not involved phone access which is different in the beef cattle industry or usual than with many other platforms followers of CCA. This is a very and audiences, and can change the outward facing social media platform way content visually appears to and so our strategy with outreach is users. Of our followers, 58 percent a little different. While not a primary way CCA communicates with our members themselves, posting informative memes, photos of our members engaging in educational seminars that improve the quality of the food they produce and photos showing the positive realities of ranching and even funny pictures of healthy, happy cattle, serve to further beef ’s positive image—specifically targeted to the public at large. CCA also engages on Twitter. Although also not the most important way we communicate with CCA members, Twitter is popular with both state and even many federal legislators, who are our target Twitter viewers. CCA follows many legislators and they follow us back. If you have ever seen something tweeted by CCA that made you think “well, of course, why would they post that? Everyone knows that!” the answer is, because of our audience on Twitter. Things such as the positive 8 California Cattleman September 2018

JENNA CHANDLER are women, 41 percent men and the number one city they are from is Bakersfield. The second is Paso Robles. Our average posts reach approximately 2200 users each. 2018 ushered in a new algorithm for the way Facebook makes posts visible on those users’ timelines, however. The stated purpose was to prioritize and increase “meaningful interactions,” while filtering out ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 posts that the platform thinks are background noise. What that ultimately equates to is less visibility for businesses, groups and public pages. Pages just like CCA’s. How exactly does that work, though, and how do we combat it? IN Well, it means that Facebook E cA tracks A D ri 921 M e 1 your interactions with like CCA’s ce msinpages A and assigns them a “value” based on what they are. Comments are valued the highest. It takes time and effort to comment and if you are commenting on a post, clearly that must indicate that you have a connection to that page. This also extends to replies on comments. Replying to comments signifies an ongoing conversation, prioritizing that conversation in the algorithm. This, according to Mark Zuckerberg is the most important outcome of the 2018 update. Second most highly “valued” are reactions. It takes an extra half of a second to “love” or “wow” a post,

versus just giving it a like with the standard thumbs up. Reactions other than a like with a page will bump up the algorithm and make that page’s posts more visible to that user and related users. Sharing posts is also very important. Facebook goes even one step further as simply sharing a post is not enough. The engagement on a shared post is also tracked and prioritized in the algorithm. Share something that your friends comment on or share further? More similar content will start to appear on your timeline. But Facebook isn’t content just tracking the active participation on a page; they log the passive as well. Even the amount of time a user spends engaging with or viewing a post is factored in. We are working hard at CCA to use the algorithm changes to producers’ advantage, but member engagement helps us reach even further! Make your dues dollars count even more. Share, react and comment on content.

Even if at times it may seem like a post is obvious or trivial, engaging with it boosts our visibility. It not only ensures that you will continue to see CCA’s updates, but it increases our reach with your friends and connections. And just as a personal connection goes a long way at meetings and in AmMvalue AD face to face interactions, the and s e E IN r e 1 ic believability of social mediainccontent 92 A 1 increases exponentially when shared or interacted with by friends and people we know. We all have friends outside of the beef community and the way we personally represent it goes further than any formal ad or promotion, even just with passive scrolling in a newsfeed. In a world of endangered species and fake meat, we need all of the help we can get to win beef ’s case in the court of public opinion, and social media is one tool that is giving us a leg up in bringing the truth about the beef cattle industry to those not lucky enough to be in it! And that’s something we can all LIKE!

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California Cattleman 11

YOUR DUES DOLLARS AT WORK

CAL PLC MEETINGS OFFER INSIGHT ON PUBLIC LANDS ISSUES MEMBERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT allotments in California are vacant, while approximately 14 In early July, the California Public Lands Council (CalPLC) arm of the California Cattlemen’s Association percent of BLM allotments are vacant. held its latest two meetings in a series intended to allow While some of these allotments may be unsuitable public lands permittees to address issues of local concern for grazing, the major factor preventing these allotments with CCA staff and federal agency officials of every level. from being opened to livestock grazing is the fact that the Permittees of the Eldorado, Stanislaus and Tahoe allotments require NEPA analysis. According to Barnie National Forests and the Bureau of Land Management Gyant, the Forest Service Deputy Regional Forester (BLM) Motherlode Field Office convened at the Sonora who was on hand for the Visalia meeting, the failure to Opera Hall on July 12, with permittees of the Sequoia and complete NEPA analyses on vacant allotments is a matter Sierra National Forests and the BLM Bakersfield Field of resources: a high percentage of Forest Service funds Office meeting at the Visalia Wyndham the following have been allocated to fighting catastrophic wildfires, and day. The gatherings followed a successful meeting of the agency is also understaffed, having lost 40 perceny of Northeastern California public lands permittees held in its staff over the past 15 years. Susanville last August. Dave Eliason, President of CCA’s Fortunately, a fire funding fix included in the 2018 national affiliate the Public Lands Council (PLC), made the Omnibus Spending Bill will free up some of the trek out from his ranch in Snowville, Utah along the Utah/ agency’s resources beginning in 2020, but permittees Idaho border to provide insight into PLC’s lobbying efforts and their representatives are wise to seek reforms to in Washington, D.C. and to get a glimpse into some of the the NEPA process and identify creative paths toward challenges facing California’s public lands ranchers. completing NEPA analyses on vacant allotments. One Eliason informed attendees that PLC staff has been option is for permittees to seek third-party NEPA analyses hard at work on a trio of major priorities (among other or partially fund the process themselves, though these issues): Endangered Species Act modernization, National options can prove prohibitively expensive. Another option, Environmental Policy Act reform and Sage Grouse according to Regional Range Program Manager Tom resource management plan amendments. And PLC’s Frolli, is for permittees bordering vacant allotments to efforts seem to be paying off. On the ESA modernization seek an administrative reconfiguration of their allotment front, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) recently introduced boundaries to encompass portions of the vacant allotment. the Endangered Species Modernization Act of 2018 Another common issue identified by permittees at the and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a trio Sonora and Visalia meetings (as well as at the Susanville of proposed rules aimed at reforming the federal ESA. meeting last year) is the failure of the agencies to Likewise, the Administration’s Council on Environmental adequately maintain roadways and the resulting closures of Quality recently wrapped up a public comment period many roads. on streamlining procedural elements of NEPA, and both ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 the BLM and US Forest Service are taking steps to reform the NEPA process. Finally, the BLM’s most recent Sage Grouse Resource Management Plan Amendment for Nevada and Northeastern California, while still imperfect, represents a significant improvement upon the 2015 iteration. All of this progress is thanks to the efforts of public lands ranchers and their representatives at groups like CCA and PLC. A persistent concern of public lands permittees in California has been the rash of vacant allotments on federal lands, particularly within lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service. At both the Sonora and Visalia meetings, UC Cooperative Extension agents provided presentations USFS Deputy Regional Forester Barnie Gyant (center-left) addresses defining the scope of the problem, revealing that permittees of the Sierra National Forest during an issues breakout approximately 30 percent of U.S. Forest Service session in Visalia on July 13 12 California Cattleman September 2018

PErformAnCE-TEsTED, AnGus Bulls sEll sAT., sEPTEmBEr 8 • Clm, GAlT, CA DiABlo vAllEy

ArEllAno BrAvo

Fall Yearlings

Spring Yearlings

& Diablo

Valley Angus

saturday, september 8

cATTLEMEN’S LivESTock MArkET Galt, california, 12:30 p.m.

BrAvo rEsourCE 7442

s A v resource 1441 x Connealy Timeline cED BW WW YW MiLk MArB rE $W $B +3 +2.6 +58 +105 +22 +.33 +.74 +53.48 +130.56

BrAvo rEsourCE 7453

s A v resource 1441 x Connealy Timeline cED BW WW YW MiLk MArB rE $W $B +3 +2.6 +58 +105 +22 +.33 +.74 +53.48 +130.56

DiABlo ATlAs 4023

Baldridge Atlas A266 x sitz upward 307r cED BW WW YW MiLk MArB rE $W $B +3 +2.7 +66 +112 +13 +.42 +.63 +51.44 +146.90

DiABlo DisCovEry 4059

v A r Discovery 2240 x A A r Ten X 7008 s A cED BW WW YW MiLk MArB rE $W $B +3 +2.3 +64 +128 +35 +1.22 +.39 +66.44 +166.94

Also Selling

registered Angus Fall Pairs & registered Fall Yearling Heifers

Sale Books

www.parnelldickinson.com sales@parnelldickinson.com

BrAvo rEsourCE 7451

v A r Discovery 2240 x sitz upward 307r

cED BW WW YW MiLk MArB rE $W $B +3 +2.6 +58 +105 +22 +.33 +.74 +53.48 +130.56

cED BW WW YW MiLk MArB rE $W $B +0 +3.9 +75 +135 +24 +.64 +.47 +60.58 +148.83

SALE MANAGEMENT

John Dickinson 916-806-1919 Jake Parnell 916-662-1298

DiABlo DisCovEry 4028

s A v resource 1441 x Connealy Timeline

Adhemar Arellano: 916-996-9855 10365 Gilliam Drive, Elk Grove, CA

Diablo Valley Angus Dennis lopez: 209-814-2440

10000 Armstrong rd., Byron, CA

September 2018 California Cattleman 13

THD ©

...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 According to Stanislaus National Forest staff, the Stanislaus Grazing Permittees Association has had some success in prompting road maintenance that other grazing permittees would be wise to mimic. First, the permittees will often collectively identify priority roads, helping the Forest Service focus its efforts and better channel its limited resources. Secondly, the Permittees Association has had some success in applying or Road Use Permits that allow access to otherwise closed roads. One problem that is a constant thorn in both the agencies’ and permittees’ sides is the threat of environmental litigation. According to Gyant, there’s no quick solution to environmental litigation, but the agencies shouldn’t let legal threats dictate their every decision, either. “You can’t breathe in California without being sued, so why be afraid of it?” Gyant said. “It’s just a part of the process.” During breakout sessions at each of the meetings, permittees, CCA staff and officers and agency personnel identified dozens of other issues and how they might best be addressed by the various stakeholders. While those discussions were far too extensive to detail here, CCA staff will be sending out detailed reports to all those who attended the meetings. There is no shortage of significant problems facing the Forest Service, the BLM and the permittees and broader public they serve. However, by assembling the relevant stakeholders for these frank, detailed discussions there is hope that we can begin to alleviate some of the concerns facing California’s grazing permittees. CCA is committed to following up on the problems and potential solutions identified at each of these CalPLC meetings.

14 California Cattleman September 2018

National PLC President Dave Eliason, Snowville, Utah, speaks to public lands ranchers in Sonora.

USFS Region 5 Director of Ecosystem Services John Exline addresses permittees in Sonora on July 12.

THD ©

CLM RepResentatives Jake Parnell .............................916-662-1298 George Gookin ..................... 209-482-1648 Kris Gudel ................................916-208-7258 Mark Fischer .......................... 209-768-6522 Rex Whittle............................. 209-996-6994 Joe Gates ................................ 707-694-3063 Abel Jimenez ..........................209-401-2515 Jason Dailey ........................... 916-439-7761

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www.lmaauctions.com September 2018 California Cattleman 15

HERD HEALTH CHECK

Dust Devils

Does dust really cause pneumonia in beef calves? by Russ Daly, DVM, extension veterinarian, South Dakota State University As an extension veterinarian, I get calls about interesting animal health situations that sometimes involve unusual situations in other parts of the country. As a case in point, I recently heard from a cattle producer several states away with concerns about raising cattle in his current environment. A sand mining operation recently started up close to one of his cattle pastures. The mine produces a special “silica sand.” This sand is used by “fracking” operations to pack into the fissures they create, and hold the spaces open as oil or gas is extracted. The cattle farmer was calling because of his sick and dying calves. Of 135 calves he’d placed on grass several years ago, he’d lost 20 of them due to respiratory disease. At least that many had needed treatment and some had become chronic. Of most interest to the producer was the fact that the same year he had 400 similar calves on another pasture, with only 3 sick ones the whole grazing season. The main difference between the pastures? The sick calves were pastured next to a silica sand mine, exposed to dust whenever the wind blew the right direction. This producer wanted to know more information about silica sand dust and pneumonia in cattle. In his mind, the connection was obvious, but he needed more information that he could bring to the mining company. At the core of his investigation is the question, what does this dust do to the respiratory tract of cattle? What I think happened to this guy’s cattle is no different than what happens to South Dakota cattle in dry pastures and lots when the wind and dust blow. The producer’s thought was there was something specifically toxic in this silica dust, but in reality, it’s probably the simple exposure to dust that contributed to pneumonia in his herd. We know about silicosis, a chronic lung disease (“coal miner’s lung”) in people that have breathed in these small particles over long periods of time. Cases of silicosis have been seen in horses, but as far as we can tell not in cattle – it seems cattle don’t live long enough to develop the associated chronic lung problems. The plight of this producer was a good reminder for me that dust can be one of many risk factors for pneumonia in cattle – an important thing to keep in mind as we wean calves this year. Note that I said dust is “one of many risk factors.” Oftentimes we want to pin the blame on dust as the sole cause of cattle pneumonia; reality is more complicated than that. Persistent dusty conditions diminish the 16 California Cattleman September 2018

respiratory tract’s normal immune defenses, particularly “innate immunity.” Innate immunity can be thought of as the “built-in” features of the body that protects it against damage due to germs and other insults. Examples of innate immunity in the respiratory tract include moisture of the mucous membranes (traps germs and foreign material), hair-like respiratory surface cells that sweep germs and foreign material up so they can be coughed out, and macrophages (white blood cells) that destroy germs deep in the lung. Dust interferes with all of these, allowing germs such as Mannheimia, Histophilus, and Mycoplasma – which can be present in a normal calf ’s nose and throat – to gain access to the lower lung and cause pneumonia. Combating dust can be a challenge, especially on pasture, but using sprinklers in drylot environments can help keep it down. Even when dust can’t be controlled, its effects can be limited by paying attention to the other factors that promote healthy lungs. Appropriate preweaning vaccinations will stimulate active immunity against pneumonia germs. Making sure calves have access to water sources will combat dehydration, and will help the mucous membranes stay healthy enough to keep germs at bay. Additionally, paying attention to starting calf nutrition and avoiding acidosis will help the lungs deal with these germs too. When these defenses fail, antibiotics and other treatments can be used to help pneumonia calves recover, but they’re much more effective when these illnesses are detected and treated early. Your veterinarian is the best resource for developing a plan for diminishing the effects of all the factors that contribute to pneumonia in weaned calves.

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18 California Cattleman September 2018

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September 2018 California Cattleman 19

A HOT MESS

RANCHERS: MISMANAGEMENT TO BLAME FOR INCREASINGLY DESTRUCTIVE FIRE SEASONS

By CCA Vice President of Government Affairs Justin Oldfield

nother fire season in California unfortunately reflects a new normal – hotter, larger and more destructive wildfires. As of August 9, 18 major fires were burning at less than 100 percent containment. This includes the Carr Fire in Shasta and Trinity Counties that destroyed over 1,000 homes on the outskirts of Redding and has so far burned more than 177,000 acres. Just south of the Carr Fire, the River Fire and Ranch Fire have joined to become the Mendocino Complex Fire and California’s largest wildfire on record. The Mendocino Complex Fire has burned more than 304,000 acres and is not expected to be fully contained until Sept. 1. At the State Capitol, the focus has been on who pays for the damages caused by wildfires rather than taking a serious look at fixing the decades of mismanagement that has occurred on federally- and

state-owned lands contributing to an abundance of fuel in the form of un-grazed forage and unharvested timber. Leadership in the California State Senate and Assembly have formed a Wildfire Preparedness and Response Legislative Conference Committee that so far has focused on the reform of state liability laws for utility companies that are found at fault for starting a wildfire. Under current law, a utility company whose infrastructure is found to have caused a wild fire is held liable for the damages associated with the wild fire under the policy of “strict liability” (meaning the utility is liable even if negligence was not a factor in the wildfire). Insurance companies forced to pay out on fire policies turn to the utility companies to recapture their losses. Monetary damages determined by the court are ultimately taken to the California Public Utilities Commission to

20 California Cattleman September 2018

determine how an investorowned utility, such as Pacific Gas & Electric, can apportion those losses to their ratepayers. In response, the Governor’s Office released a proposal that will be debated by the Conference Committee to reform the strict liability standard and mandate that a court, when considering a civil action against an investor- or publiclyowned electric utility, balance the public benefit provided by the electrical infrastructure with the harm caused to private property. In addition, the court also must weigh whether the utility acted reasonably to prevent the onset of a wildfire. Both factors are likely to result in awarding fewer payouts to insurance companies. Legislation is also being considered to require utilities to prepare and routinely update fire safety, reliability and resiliency. ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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“DRIVEN BY PERFORMANCE SINCE 1943” September 2018 California Cattleman 21

...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 plans to help prevent future fires. Many have expressed concern that this legislation will result in increased costs to ratepayers in order for utility companies to pay to develop and implement the plans. Without a doubt, California farmers and ranchers need a reasonably-priced and reliable source of electricity to function and ensuring that utility companies are held to a fair liability standard when considering damages associated with wildfires that may have been started by electrical infrastructure is worth exploring. CCA will also be focusing on protecting ratepayers from hikes in the cost of electricity and ensuring private property owners seeking to reduce fuel loads are protected from liability. It goes without stating that the longer Sacramento delays in addressing the real problem, the longer Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fires will continue to ravage the state year-after-year. The discussion over wildfires cannot be relegated to just who pays. Given the heightened public attention to this issue, we must collectively seize the opportunity to better manage rangelands and forests to reduce fuel loads and remove brush and dead trees. While the state seeks to implement the most aggressive greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction laws in the world, far more GHGs are emitted from fires every year than can be contributed to cap-and-trade. Policymakers must get serious and recognize that increasing timber harvesting and grazing is actually protecting the environment and promoting the safety of our rural communities. 22 California Cattleman September 2018

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September 2018 California Cattleman 23

TRACKING TRENDS & MANAGING MARKETS: YOUNG PRODUCERS NET VALUABLE INSIGHT AT HARRIS RANCH CATTLEFAX LEADERSHIP SEMINAR by CCA Director of Communications Jenna Chandler Those leading the beef industry know that the future existence of the beef business relies on the next generation of cattle producers taking over, managing and even starting new operations all over the state today. CCA’s Leadership Series aims to offer educational opportunities for those young producers and the 2018 Harris Ranch CattleFax Seminar in August was one of them. The event kicked off on Wednesday, Aug. 8, as the group met at the iconic Harris Ranch fountain and shuttled over via van to the company’s feedlot for an in depth tour. From the sorting and identification systems all of the way down to nutritional balancing, young producers got to see the entire feeding operation from start to finish. This more thorough understanding of feedlot processes served to help attendees make decisions to set their own cattle up for maximum performance come feeding time. On the way back, the group stopped by the recently opened Harris Ranch BBQ Express. Here guests are treated to tri tip and brisket sandwiches, potato salad and wraps at an on-thego lunch counter, but with the same high quality and great tasting beef products that have become synonymous with the Harris name. Dave Wood, chairman of beef operations told the group about how the installation of the BBQ express increased the average ticket price from about $5 to about $10 dollars and also almost doubled the number of guests served over the previous restaurant in its place, Subway; driving home the point that there is an expanding market for beef, and the industry just needs to get creative about capturing it.

24 California Cattleman September 2018

After sampling the barbecue products, leadership series participants got down to business as Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax and Duane Lenz, Manager of Analysist Services for CattleFax explored the nitty gritty of markets, both domestic and global. The data and chart packed first session featured a snapshot of today’s current markets as well as historical trends. This was no mere overview, though. Attendees delved into the nuances that impacted such trends, identifying the early indicators of market increases and decreases that they could bring home to future decision making in their own operations. Blach and Lenz also explained the delicate relationships between the different markets — specifically corn and pork — and how paying attention to those, the conditions in the large cattle growing states in the Midwest and the seasonality of the beef cycle can give producers early ideas of what could be coming down the pike for California’s beef market, and ultimately their own bottom line. Their largest takeaway from day one, though? “Listen to consumers.” According to presenters, it wasn’t until the mid to late 90s when the industry truly started to listen to consumers and retail demand stopped its then downward trend, and started to increase. And producers can continue to capitalize on that increase by producing the kind of product that customers are asking to buy. Today, Blach and Lenz stressed, that demand is traceability, and they recommend getting out in front of this emerging issue. ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

EPDs as of 7/26/18

September 2018 California Cattleman 25

...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 “This is important enough to this new consumer that they are willing to pay for it. And if we don’t give it to them, they are going to get it somewhere else” Blach said, referring to both domestic and international demand. After the wrap up of day one’s seminar and a reception packed with beef appetizers and valuable networking time, attendees were treated to an experience that won’t likely be forgotten anytime soon. Walking into the room, guests were met with a plethora of Harris Ranch’s finest beef cuts on display and a renowned chef to tell them all about each one. All of the cuts were individually displayed and described in detail. Then, each person got to choose their own steak to be cooked to perfection, plated and served—right from the butcher block to the table. The second day’s theme was how to bring all of the market information learned in the first day back to the ranch to make more profitable decisions for the individual operation. The biggest take home here was, “you cannot manage what you don’t measure.” The key to being profitable as a cow/calf operator, Blach and Lenz said, was to have a detailed plan and stick to it, not change directions every few years. Breaking each and every thing down in unit cost of production accounting means that one can better manage the fixed costs to be in a better position when variable costs change in a volatile market. So, in such volatile markets, how can young producers remain profitable moving forward? According to CattleFax speakers, it’s with premium cattle. Lower feeder cattle and calf prices only serve to underscore the absolute necessity of capturing value-added premiums. Producers with solid health programs, high-end genetics and a superior product will gain those higher premiums. Thus, Blach highly recommends retaining ownership through feeding. This generally increases market opportunities and may improve chances for profitability. An added value is the data that it offers as well, potentially revealing more information on performance and quality grade to aid in genetic selection and management decisions. It does, however increase the length of exposure to risk, something that a producer needs to be aware of and manage appropriately. After day two’s session, young producers had an opportunity to ask both Blach and Lenz questions, as well as discuss the seminar with each other, before embarking on their long drives home, no doubt digesting all of the information that had just been presented. It was evident though, the wealth of information wasn’t lost on seminar attendees. Ryan Nelson of Nelson Land and Cattle Compan, Clements, summed up the experience. “Words can’t describe how appreciative I am for the California Cattlemen’s Foundation, the California Feeder Council and Harris Ranch for hosting the CattleFax seminar. As a cow/calf producer, you follow the market and try to learn from reading the CattleFax publications, but until I was able to listen to Randy Blach and Duane Lenz for two days, I didn’t fully comprehend how little I knew.” “I think I speak for everyone in attendance in saying that this was a tremendous opportunity for all of us to further our knowledge as young producers.” 26 California Cattleman September 2018

CattleFax’s Randy Blach and Duane Lenz shared valuable insight with conference attendees.

Event participants enjoyed a dinner and discussion with Harris’ Dave Wood about starting from the ground up in the beef business.

As Harris Ranch hosted the event, Harris Ranch’s Dave Wood addresed the participants.

The leadership event was a great opportunity for young producers from different facets of the industry to network. Pictured here are Ryan Nelson, Justin Niesen and Weston Roberti.

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