Sage Signals
Voice of the Nevada Livestock Industry
Volume XXXV, #7
INSIDE ✧
Calendar page 2 ✧
Wild Horse Sanctuary page 4 ✧
Hundreds File Court Challenges Against State Engineer Water Ruling page 5 ✧
BSE pages 7-9 ✧
NCBA President Says Federal Mandate on Livestock Production Compromises Animal Welfare page 10 ✧
Beef Council Checkoff page 11 ✧
Market Reports pages 12-13 ✧
MAY 2012
Published monthly for its membership
NCA Attends PLC/NCBA Legislative Conference in Washington DC
I keep being told, “Once summer comes, things will slow down at the office.” This month marks my fifth month working for Nevada Cattlemen’s and we’re still as busy as day 1. Working for the ranching industry, I should have known better. Summer isn’t when the work slows down…. Work is just getting started! This month brought our Public Lands Council/National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (PLC/ NCBA) Annual Legislative Conference in Washington DC. Members of NCA gathered at our nation’s capital to meet with state leadership and federal land management agencies to discuss current issues and bring awareness to concerns of the ranching industry. This Conference serves as an important part of the year for every State’s Cattlemen’s Association and affiliates to meet with state delegations and address the unique issues and circumstances that face the cattle industry around the nation. As over 90% of Nevada is public lands, many of the presentations from the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service addressed concerns of NCA. Presentations included the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Division, BLM employees of the Rangeland, Riparian and Plant Conservation Division and the U.S. Forest Service Rangeland Management Division. The Conference also presented updates from Affiliates of the beef industry. Affiliate updates were presented by the Association of National Grasslands, the American Sheep Industry Association and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). The Conference featured a presentation from Rep. Lucus (R-OK) in regards to the House Agriculture Committee and the Farm Bill 2012. With discussion of the Election 2012, NCBA also presented a political analyst who discussed the current races by state and nationally. Further into the week began meetings “on the Hill” with congressional representatives and agency leadership. Members of NCA met with Senator Reid, Senator Heller, Congresswoman Berkeley and Congressman Amodei and congressional staff members. Meetings with agency leadership included; Director Bob Abbey (BLM), Chief Tom Tidwell (USFS), and Chief Dave White (NRCS) as well as several Division Chairs. Our meetings proved to be productive and NCA was able to address a variety of legislative issues affecting Nevada producers. Current legislation that NCA discussed with leadership included the support of the Grazing Improvement Act, controversial U.S. Forest Service water rights, revision of the Endangered Species Act, repeal of the Estate Tax, and the Free Roaming Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971.
The Grazing Improvement Act has been introduced by Senator Barrasso (R-WY). This Act will codify the language of the appropriations bill that assures grazing permits are renewed in a timely manner. This bill will prove to be more cost effective for land management agencies by extending the life of grazing permits and make crossing and trailing permits of livestock, exempt from NEPA review. The original intent of the Endangered Species Act was to prevent the extinction of species by recovering and removing them from the threatened or endangered species list. Despite this worthy goal, the Act has had an extremely low success rate having only declared less than two percent of listed species, recovered. Recommendations for ESA reform have been submitted to the House Natural Resource Committee by the livestock industry. The Estate Tax (also known as the Death Tax) significantly impacts multi-generation farms and ranches that are essentially asset-rich and cashpoor family businesses. In December 2010, Congress passed temporary estate tax relief effective through December 31, 2012. The Death Tax Permanency Repeal Act has been introduced in the House by Rep. Brady (R-TX) and in the Senate by Senator Thune (R-SD). The Free Roaming Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971 significantly affects the lives of many Nevada producers. By not abiding by the Act, Bureau of Land Management has not achieved appropriate management levels to sustain a viable wild horse population and maintain healthy rangelands. Because of budgetary concerns and the continued adjustments to management of wild horses, discussion of revisions to the Act were presented by BLM leadership and discussed by NCA with congressional and BLM leadership. A continued controversial discussion, the ownership of water rights in the State of Nevada by the federal government, was once again debated. The USFS has been refusing to provide funding for maintaining or developing new water developments for private water rights on public land unless partial ownership is granted to the agency. USFS has been implementing new policy to deny renewal of grazing permits to try to enforce the agencies need to own these private water rights. NCA stressed our concern with this issue to congressional representatives and USFS leadership. Much like all of you, the work has just begun for the NCA office and officers. Although we had a great week and many productive meetings in Washington DC, it was clear to me, as always, we have our work cut out for us.
Sage Signals
NEVADA
NEWS
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Calendar May 11-12 Board of Wildlife Commission Meeting Reno, Nevada
May 16 BLM Community Forum Elko, Nevada Topic: Grazing Permit Renewal
May 17-20 Nevada Junior Livestock Show and Sale Reno, Nevada
June 6-8 Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition Semi-Annual Meeting Ely, Nevada
June 18-21 Nevada FFA Summer Leadership Camp and Chapter Officer Training Lake Tahoe, Nevada
May 2012
FYI from Nevada Cattlemen’s Association:
Governor Establishes Greater Sage-Grouse Advisory Committee
On April 3, 2012, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval issued executive order 2012-09 establishing a Greater Sage-Grouse Advisory Committee. In a news release from the Governor’s office, Governor Sandoval stated, “Listing the greater sage-grouse as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) would have significant adverse effects on our state. The courts have ruled that the United States Fish and Wildlife service must re-evaluate the status of the Greater Sage-grouse by September 30,2015 and the U.S. Secretary of the Interior has invited the eleven western states – including Nevada – to develop state-specific regulatory mechanisms to conserve the species and preclude the need to put the Greater Sage-grouse on the ESA list. “As such, it is in the interest of our state to bring stakeholders and experts together to recommend a course of action that will provide for conservation measures sufficient to preclude the need to list the Greater Sage-grouse. I look forward to the work of the Advisory Committee and await receiving their recommendations no later than July 31, 2012.” The appointees of the Advisory Committee are as follows: COMMITTEE CHAIR: Bob Crowell (Carson City, NV) AGRICULTURE: Bevan Lister, Lincoln County Farm Bureau President (Pioche, NV) CONSERVATION: Tina Nappe – Sierra Club (Reno, NV) ENERGY: Jeff Ceccarelli – NV Energy (Reno, NV) GENERAL PUBLIC: Kent McAdoo (Elko, NV) LOCAL GOVERNMENT: Carl Erquiaga, Churchill County Commissioner (Fallon, NV) MINING: Allen Biaggi – Nevada Mining Association (Minden, NV) SPORTSMEN: Jack Robb, Nevada Wildlife Commissioner (Reno, NV) RANCHING: J.J. Goicoechea, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association President (Eureka, NV) TRIBAL NATIONS: Beverly Harry - Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe (Nixon, NV) For more information about this committee, please contact the NCA office.
Membership Update
We would like to thank the following people for joining or renewing their membership with Nevada Cattlemen’s Association between March 24 and April 23, 2012. (New members are in bold.)
June 20 NCA Board of Directors Meeting Eureka, Nevada
June 22-23 Board of Wildlife Commission Meeting Elko, Nevada
November 14-16 NCA Convention and Trade Show
Winnemucca, Nevada Winnemucca Convention Center
• Agri-Service Inc., Doug Ottersberg • Animal Health Express, Tim & Barbara Jackson • Cat Creek Cattle Co. • Joe & Kristi Cumming • W. H. Gibbs Company, William H. Gibbs, President • Gold Spring Angus Ranch, Leland & Kathy Schneider & Sons • Greenway Seeds, Alan Greenway • Hone Ranch, Chuck Hone
• Samuel & Brittney Lossing • Moly Mfg. Inc./Silencer, Pat Mollhagen • Joe or David Sceirine Partnership, Joe Sceirine • Superior Livestock Auction, Jim Davis • Van Norman Ranches, Dan & Diana Van Norman • Wickahoney Cattle Co. • Wiley Ranch, Mike Powell • Joseph Wines
Official Publication of the
Nevada Cattlemen’s Association P.O. Box 310, Elko, NV 89803‑310 • 775‑738‑9214 wwnevadacattlemen.org • nca@nevadabeef.org
For more information on an event, please contact the NCA office.
J.J. Goicoechea President
Ron Torell President-Elect
Jon Griggs 1st Vice Pres.
Sam Mori 2nd Vice Pres.
May 2012
Sage Signals
3
NEVADA NEWS
Upcoming Sale
THURSDAY, MAY 24TH Cottonwood, CA Catalog Deadline: May 8th
WATCH & LISTEN TO THE SALE ON THE WEB AT:
Sage Signals
NEVADA
NEWS
4
May 2012
BLM Selects Proposed Wild Horse Ecosanctuary on Private and Public Land in Nevada for Environmental Analysis The Bureau of Land Management announced today that it has selected for environmental analysis a public-private land wild horse ecosanctuary proposal submitted by Saving America’s Mustangs (SAM), a non-profit organization formed by Madeleine Pickens. The BLM will conduct an environmental analysis of the proposal under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 to assess the environmental, economic, social, and other effects of the proposed ecosanctuary. The BLM expects its NEPA analysis – which will include extensive public input – to be completed in approximately two years, after which the agency will make a decision about whether to enter into a formal partnership with SAM. SAM’s proposed non-reproductive, 900-head ecosanctuary would help the BLM care for the horses while ensuring healthy rangeland conditions. Under the proposal, SAM would improve and maintain fencing and water wells and oversee management of the ecosanctuary horses, which would remain under Federal ownership. SAM would also provide Western history- and wild horse-related education and promote ecotourism. The BLM-managed public lands that would be part of the proposed ecosanctuary – 530,000 acres known as the Spruce grazing allotment – would continue to be publicly accessible for a variety of outdoor activities, such as big game hunting. The proposed ecosanctuary also includes SAM’s private land, approximately 14,000 acres located in northeastern Nevada (south of Wells), that serves as “base property” for the
DIRT (ISN’T) CHEAP
Spruce grazing allotment, which overlays portions of three wild horse Herd Management Areas. (Base property is private land to which preference for obtaining a BLM grazing permit is attached; the base property is required for a permit, which authorizes grazing on public land.) SAM holds the allotment’s livestock grazing privileges, which it would relinquish to the BLM for intended use by wild horses. SAM was the only party that submitted a potentially viable proposal to the BLM in response to the agency’s Request for Applications posted on www.grants.gov on March 25, 2011. Other proposals were not selected for environmental review because they did not meet the BLM’s minimum requirements, including ownership or control of the necessary private land and a proven ability to provide humane care for at least 200 wild horses. If a partnership agreement with SAM were to be finalized, the BLM would sponsor the ecosanctuary with funding sufficient to cover the cost of managing the horses – an expense that is anticipated to be less than the BLM’s existing cost for holding horses in long-term pastures in the Midwest. The potential partnership agreement for the ecosanctuary envisions a fundraising role by SAM to cover educational and tourist-related costs. “The selection of SAM’s proposal for environmental analysis furthers our overall effort to improve management and control costs of the Wild Horse and Burro Program,” said BLM Director Bob Abbey, who noted that the BLM is preparing to publish a new wild horse and burro management strategy in the coming weeks. The strategy, among other things, calls for the establishment of ecosanctuary partnerships. The decision to begin NEPA analysis of SAM’s proposal follows the agency’s February 24 announcement of its selection of a Wyoming-based, private land-only sanctuary proposal for environmental review. The BLM plans to announce another Request for Applications for more private land-only ecosanctuaries.
Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certifications for April 2012 Contact us about a leasing program tailored to your needs. Call 800.800.4865 today or visit AgLoan.com
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BQA Certified producers demonstrate outstanding animal care and handling practices as part of the day-to-day activities on their respective operations. These producers also strive to continually improve BQA on their operations while encouraging others to implement the producer education program. The following cattlemen and women are recent BQA Certification recipients. • Megan Harney • Jim Young • Ace Clark • Cody Barkdull • Woody Harney • Jr Harney These cattlemen and women handle and process cattle for the T Lazy S Ranch, a Level 2 BQA Certified Operation.
Sage Signals
May 2012
5
(RENO, NEVADA) April 22, 2012 - More than 300 local governments, Indian tribes, ranchers, farmers, businesses, environmental groups, and families and individuals from across Nevada and Utah filed petitions for judicial review appealing the Nevada State Engineer’s decision to allow the Southern Nevada Water Authority to pump and pipe away up to 27 billion gallons annually from rural valleys through SNWA’s massive proposed Pipeline Project. The appeal to State District Court casts further financial and legal uncertainty over a massive (and many observers say unnecessary) project that would cost well over $15 billion and cause devastating environmental impacts in an area of the Intermountain West larger than the states of New Jersey and Massachusetts combined. SNWA’s controversial project would provide water for growth and supplement its Lake Mead water supply, although Las Vegas has had virtually no growth for the better part of a decade. The agency, which has resisted calls for greater conservation measures, uses only about 70 percent of its allocation from Lake Mead . To bring the water to Las Vegas from the Spring, Dry Lake , Cave and Delamar Valleys of East-Central Nevada , SNWA proposes a sprawling system of wells, pumps and pipelines spanning some 300 miles. The system would impact both Nevada and neighboring Utah , and the proposal has united American Indian tribes, ranchers, rural businessmen, religious organizations, Las Vegas water-system ratepayers and environmental groups in an exceptionally broad and effective opposition movement that so far has blocked pipeline construction for more than 20 years. White Pine County , Nevada , and the Great Basin Water Network are leading the appeal. Their attorney, Simeon Herskovits, who represents multiple appellants, cited five primary concerns with the Nevada State Engineer’s decision: 1. The decision sanctions “large-scale groundwater mining which will draw down the groundwater system in a pervasively and seriously damaging manner” and cause particularly serious harm to existing water rights in the affected valleys; 2. The pumping would affect businesses, including ranching, farming, mining, a variety of tourismrelated industries, and recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, bird and wildlife watching, sightseeing and aesthetic enjoyment, hiking, camping, water sports, and snow sports, and spiritual pursuits such as worship at sacred sites and ritual practices using groundwater or groundwater-dependent resources; 3. SNWA’s groundwater mining would lead to increased dust emissions and associated air quality and public health impacts; 4. The decision improperly deviates from the State Engineer’s prior practice and established policy in ways that mask the long-term effects of the Pipeline Project and sanction unsustainable water exports; and 5. The rulings improperly rely on a woefully inad-
equate monitoring and mitigation plan as a substitute for ensuring that the project will not cause impermissible harms. According to Herskovits, the rulings fail to consider sound science and important public policy concerns presented during the hearing on SNWA’s applications. “We believe the rulings must be challenged and are confident of the grounds for appeal,” he added. “We appealed this decision because it would set a precedent that one big city and a few narrow business interests can trample over the economic and environmental future of many rural communities and huge areas of the country. The export of this region’s scarce water by SNWA would devastate local economies, communities, and the environment of eastern Nevada and western Utah ,” said Susan Lynn, coordinator with the Great Basin Water Network.” “We really had no choice but to appeal the State Engineer’s rulings because they pave the way for SNWA to drain our valleys of their native groundwater, which will devastate ranchers, farmers, and other local businesses with senior water rights and destroy the local environment” said White Pine County Commissioner Gary Perea. GREAT BASIN WATER NETWORK 1755 E. Plumb Ln. #170, Reno , NV 89502 775-786-9955
RECOVERY REDUCES SODIUM IN SOIL! NEVADA RESULTS June 2009
April 2011
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758 lbs sodium
52% lower!
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2,884 lbs sodium
1,106 lbs sodium
62% lower!
Field 4:
814 lbs sodium
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59% lower!
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NEWS
Susan Lynn, Great Basin Water Network
NEVADA
Hundreds File Court Challenges Against State Engineer Water Ruling
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May 2012
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May 2012
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Financial Advisor - AAMS
L.F. “SONNY” DAVIDSON Financial Advisor - AAMS
news
(RENO, NEVADA) April 25, 2012 - USDA Chief Veterinary Officer were tested at USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories in John Clifford today released the following statement on the detec- Ames, Iowa. Confirmatory results using immunohistochemistry and western blot tests confirmed the animal was positive for atypition of BSE in the United States: “As part of our targeted surveillance system, the U.S. Depart- cal BSE, a very rare form of the disease not generally associated with ment of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection an animal consuming infected feed. “We are sharing our laboratory results with international animal Service (APHIS) has confirmed the nation’s fourth case of bovine health reference laboratories in Canada spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a and England, which have official World dairy cow from central California. The Animal Health (OIE) reference labs. carcass of the animal is being held under These labs have extensive experience State authority at a rendering facility in A message from your diagnosing atypical BSE and will review California and will be destroyed. It was our confirmation of this form of the disnever presented for slaughter for human NCA President ease. In addition, we will be conducting consumption, so at no time presented a JJ Goicoechea, a comprehensive epidemiological invesrisk to the food supply or human health. tigation in conjunction with California Additionally, milk does not transmit “The surveillance for BSE put in place animal and public health officials and BSE. by the USDA is working as evidenced the FDA. “The United States has had longstandby the discovery of this latest case in “BSE is a progressive neurological ing interlocking safeguards to protect California. As a member of the Cattle disease among cattle that is always fatal. human and animal health against BSE. Health and Well Being Committee of It belongs to a family of diseases known For public health, these measures inas transmissible spongiform encephaclude the USDA ban on specified risk maNCBA, I can assure you that the beef inlopathies. Affected animals may display terials, or SRMs, from the food supply. dustry has and continues to work hard nervousness or aggression, abnormal SRMs are parts of the animal that are to provide the safest beef in the world.” posture, difficulty in coordination and most likely to contain the BSE agent if it “Foreign markets realize that Amerirising, decreased milk production, or is present in an animal. USDA also bans can beef is the safest in the world and loss of body weight despite continued all nonambulatory (sometimes called they continue to import from the U.S. appetite. “downer”) cattle from entering the hutoday, the same as they did yesterday “This detection in no way affects the man food chain. For animal health, the United States’ BSE status as determined Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and last month.” by the OIE. The United States has in ban on ruminant material in cattle feed “As America’s beef producers, our place all of the elements of a system that prevents the spread of the disease in the #1 priority has always been providing OIE has determined ensures that beef cattle herd. the safest beef. and beef products are safe for human “Evidence shows that our systems and Animal health officials will continue consumption: a mammalian feed ban, safeguards to prevent BSE are working, to investigate this case. At no time has removal of specified risk materials, and as are similar actions taken by countries the consumer been at risk and at no vigorous surveillance. Consequently, this around the world. In 2011, there were detection should not affect U.S. trade. only 29 worldwide cases of BSE, a dratime in the future will there be a risk “USDA remains confident in the health matic decline and 99% reduction since from BSE due to eating American Beef.” of the national herd and the safety of the peak in 1992 of 37,311 cases. This is “BSE is NOT contagious and NOT beef and dairy products. As the epidemidirectly attributable to the impact and transferred through milk or beef. Learn ological investigation progresses, USDA effectiveness of feed bans as a primary more at www.BSEInfo.org ” will continue to communicate findings control measure for the disease. in a timely and transparent manner.” “Samples from the animal in question
NEVADA
Statement by USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford Regarding a Detection of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in the United States
8
BSE:
Provided by Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Sage Signals
May 2012
Know acts F e h t
Strains of BSE There is increasing evidence that there are different strains of BSE: the typical BSE strain responsible for the outbreak in the United Kingdom and two atypical strains (H and L strains). ◗◗ Typical BSE strain — The BSE strain responsible for most of the BSE cases in Canada is the same classic or typical strain linked to the outbreak in the United Kingdom. It is known to be preventable through elimination of BSE contaminated feed and has been causally linked to vCJD in humans. This typical strain has not yet been identified in any U.S.-born cattle. ◗◗ Atypical BSE strain — In July 2007, the UK Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) suggested that atypical BSE may be a distinct strain of prion disease. Unlike typical BSE, cases of atypical BSE, according to SEAC, may have risen spontaneously (although transmission through feed or the environment cannot be ruled out). Recently reported French surveillance data support this theory that unlike typical BSE, atypical BSE appears to represent sporadic disease Both of the U.S.-born BSE cases and two of the 19 Canadian-
born BSE cases were 10 years of age or older. Of these older North American cases, 3 were linked to an atypical BSE strain known as the H-type. The strain type for the fourth older North American case, a 13 year-old BSE-infected Canadian cow, has been identified as the L-type. Provided by USDA Veterinary Services — April 2012
USDA’s BSE Surveillance Efforts The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken aggressive measures to prevent the introduction and potential spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has conducted surveillance for the disease since 1990. Surveillance has always targeted those cattle populations where the disease is most likely to be found. The level of surveillance in the United States has increased steadily from 1990 and jumped significantly in 2004 when USDA implemented an enhanced surveillance program from 2004 to 2006 following the detection of BSE in an imported cow in December 2003. When enhanced surveillance ended, APHIS then implemented its current, ongoing BSE surveillance program. Ongoing BSE Surveillance Ongoing BSE surveillance exceeds surveillance guidelines set forth by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). In fact,
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May 2012
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industry news
animal’s clinical presentation at the time of sampling. The highest the program provides for testing at a level 10 times that which is point values are assigned to those samples from animals with clasrecommended by OIE. sic clinical signs of the disease. The lowest point values correspond The ongoing BSE surveillance program, which samples approxito clinically normal animals tested at routine slaughter. The goal mately 40,000 animals each year, samples the cattle populations of this weighted approach is to ensure that countries sample those where the disease is most likely to be found. The statistically valid cattle populations where the disease is most likely surveillance level of 40,000 is consistent with scito be found. ence-based, internationally accepted standards. Under the OIE guidelines, points compiled This level allows USDA to detect BSE at the very over a period of 7 consecutive years are used as low level of less than 1 case per million adult For more evidence of adequate surveillance. At the current cattle, assess any change in the BSE status of U.S. ongoing level of surveillance, the United States far cattle, and identify any rise in BSE prevalence in information, exceeds OIE guidelines under the point system. this country. It is important to remember USDA’s ongoing BSE The targeted population for ongoing surveilrefer to surveillance program is not for the purposes of lance focuses on cattle exhibiting signs of central www.bseinfo.org determining food safety. Rather, it is an animal nervous disorders or any other signs that may health surveillance program designed to assess be associated with BSE, including emaciation or any change in the BSE status of U.S. cattle, and injury, and dead cattle, as well as nonambulatory identify any rise in BSE prevalence in this counanimals. Samples from the targeted population try. What truly protects human and animal health is the system are taken from locations including farms, veterinary diagnostic of interlocking safeguards, including the removal of specified risk laboratories, public health laboratories, slaughter facilities, veterimaterials— those tissues that studies have demonstrated may nary clinics, and livestock markets. contain the BSE agent in infected cattle—from the human food Samples are collected from renderers and 3D/4D facilities, with chain, along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 1997 a quota set at 5,000 samples. USDA’s National Veterinary Services ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban. Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, IA, along with contracted veterinary This ongoing BSE surveillance program allows USDA not only diagnostic laboratories, continues to use rapid screening tests to detect the disease if it exists at very low levels in the U.S. cattle as the initial screening method on all samples. Any inconclusive population, but also provide assurances to consumers and our samples are sent to NVSL for further testing and analysis. international trading partners that the interlocking system of safeUSDA’s surveillance program uses OIE’s weighted surveillance guards in place to prevent BSE are working. USDA will continually points system, which was adopted in May 2005, and reflects interanalyze the ongoing surveillance strategy and make adjustments national scientific consensus that the best BSE surveillance proas needed to ensure that we maintain a robust surveillance programs focus on obtaining quality samples from targeted subpopugram that provides the foundation for market confidence in the lations rather than looking at the entire adult cattle population. health of U.S. cattle. The number of points a sample receives correlates directly to an
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Sage Signals
INDUSTRY
NEWS
10
May 2012
NCBA President Says Federal Mandate on Livestock Production Compromises Animal Welfare
WASHINGTON – Lawmakers and representatives from animal agriculture joined forces to educate nearly 100 people about the deliberate emphasis farmers and ranchers place on caring for the health and well-being of their animals. During a briefing hosted by Congressmen Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), congressional staff learned about multiple voluntary, producer-led animal care programs and about the concerns farmers and ranchers have with legislation introduced in the House that would mandate strict on-farm production practices. Congressman Smith said science must be the driving force behind public policy decisions. He said farmers and ranchers are dedicated to caring for the health and well-being of their animals. “Ensuring public policy is driven by sound science is critical to the continued success of agriculture, and in turn, the long term safety and security of our nation’s food supply. The landscape of American agriculture continues to evolve, but the concern and care farmers and ranchers show their livestock remains unchanged,” Rep. Smith said. “Improved housing, updated handling practices and modernized health and nutrition products are the result of generations of investment and research into raising high quality animals. Every day, our producers demonstrate their dedication to providing the highest quality, safest and most affordable products in the world.” National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President J.D.
Watering
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Alexander joined Amon Baer, an egg farmer from Minnesota; Betsy Flores, director of regulatory affairs for the National Milk Producers Federation; and Bill Luckey, a hog producer from Nebraska on a panel to explain how they care for their livestock and poultry. Each speaker raised serious concern with H.R. 3798, legislation that would codify an agreement between the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the United Egg Producers (UEP) to seek federally mandated production practices for the egg industry. Alexander, who is a Nebraska beef producer, said a one-size-fits all approach to animal agriculture won’t work. “No two farms or ranches are the same. What works for my neighbor may not work for me because all farmers and ranchers have to adapt to meet the needs of their animals, to comply with regulations and, ultimately, to satisfy consumer demand,” Alexander said. “My biggest concern with H.R. 3798 is that outside groups with no knowledge of the industry will be dictating my livelihood and potentially compromising the welfare of my livestock. This legislation creates a slippery slope. Today, it’s egg farmers but tomorrow it could be any other segment of animal agriculture and we’re not going to let that happen.” Alexander said the groups are not alone in their opposition to mandated, prescriptive production practices. He said the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) has acknowledged mandated animal production practices, such as those proposed H.R. 3798, are not in the best interest of promoting true animal welfare because they cannot easily be adapted or updated for different farming models. A far better approach, according to Alexander, is voluntary, producer-led programs like the beef industry’s Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program. “BQA works and has been successful because it was created by beef producers working with veterinarians and other animal health and well-being experts to develop guidelines based on science. Unlike strict legislative mandates that would require an act of Congress to update, BQA standards are updated regularly to reflect the latest science,” Alexander said. “No one cares more about the health and well-being of animals than the men and women who work each day raising them. Together, we will work to stop this illconceived attempt to take animal care decisions out of the hands of farmers and ranchers and veterinarians.” The briefing was hosted a coalition of agricultural organizations working to stop H.R. 3798. The coalition includes NCBA; the Egg Farmers of America; the National Pork Producers Council; the National Milk Producers Federation; the American Sheep Industry; and the American Farm Bureau Federation.
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May 2012
11
Checking-In On Your Beef Checkoff Protecting the Image of Beef In concert with the national outreach efforts of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the Nevada Beef Council (NBC) has been proactive in monitoring and responding to recent traditional and social media reports about lean finely textured beef (LFTB). A letter was developed and sent to the Director of the Nutrition Services Division of the Nevada Department of Education encouraging her to contact the NBC with assistance in discerning the facts from the misinformation with regard to LFTB. Additional resources were also offered about the nutritional value and safety of beef. In response to the letter, the Nutrition Services Director reported that no contact had been made with the Nevada Department of Education regarding concern for LFTB. The NBC continues to monitor and address media coverage of this issue, as well as other issues that might negatively affect beef demand.
Upcoming Retail Promotions The NBC will be conducting two retail promotions in the Las Vegas area during the month of May. From May 2-15, the NBC will partner with Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets to promote beef through a two-week radio promotion in the Las Vegas media market. A two-week radio promotion will be conducted with Albertsons from May 16-29. Both promotions will include two radio station store level remotes where beef-themed prize packages will be given away to ten lucky customers. Prize packages will include a “Beef It’s What’s for Dinner.” apron, beef recipe brochures and a $50 gift card for beef.
Food and Nutrition Outreach The Nevada Dieticians Association (NDA) annual conference will be held in Las Vegas, NV on April 27-28, 2012. The NBC is sponsoring the keynote speaker, Mary Lee Chin, MS, RD, who is on the advisory board for the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado, Denver. She will be speaking on behalf of the NBC as she presents on “The Sustainable American Dinner Plate,” with an emphasis on how beef fits into a healthy diet. Dietitians and other nutrition professionals attend the NDA conference to acquire the latest in research and health trends. This group is a target for food and nutrition outreach as they are key influencers for individuals trying to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Firing Up for Grilling Season! The checkoff’s Fiscal Year 2012 consumer advertising program is preparing to kick off the Grilling Season with a new crop of print ads, radio spots and online advertising, including two new online video commercials. The checkoff’s new magazine ads include popular lean cuts – such as filet, flank steak, strip steak and
round steak – as well as consumer-friendly dishes like sliders, beef stew and even beef for breakfast. Beginning in May, the ads will run throughout summer in a wide variety of magazines, including Food Network Magazine, Men’s Health, Sports Illustrated, Redbook and more.
Supporting Summer Retail Sales The checkoff produced key point-of-sale pieces for retailers to help promote beef sales through the 2012 summer grilling season. State beef councils and retailers nationwide received various materials, including “Get Your Grill On!” posters, brochures, case dividers, recipe tearpads and window clings. The recipe tearpad drew an especially strong response, with orders of more than 1,500 so far. “Get Your Grill On!” materials are in participating stores now.
Focusing on Quality Two new Beef Quality Assurance videos about facility design and handling cycles in various production settings are set for release. “BQA Facilities Design” was created to help farmers, ranchers and cattle feeders of any size operation to better understand how to design and build facilities properly to accommodate the needs of their specific types of operations. Featured experts, including Curt Pate, Dr. Ron Gill and Dr. Temple Grandin, aim to enhance ranchers’ ability to work cattle in a low stress environment and in a timely manner to improve the overall experience for both cattle and handler. “BQA Cattle Handling Tips for Cow/Calf Producers” features Gill, Pate, Dr. John Maas and others on a tour through different production settings and the changing cycle of cattle operations to improve cattle and handler reactions. To view the videos, visit www.bqa.org.
The Beef Checkoff Helps To Expand Export Market Funded in part by the beef checkoff, a recent beef promotion with El Salvador’s largest supermarket chain featuring U.S. beef cuts increased the chain’s average monthly sales of those cuts by nearly 750 percent! The promotion featured U.S. beef cuts including the inside and outside skirt, ribeye, striploin, knuckle, short rib, top blade and coulotte. Paradise Island in the Bahamas has become one of the region’s leading destinations, as it boasts the Caribbean’s largest Casino, Atlantis. With 21 restaurants and 19 bars, the resort’s management wants to get its cuisine right, so it turned to the checkoff’s foreign-marketing contractor, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), for help. Combining checkoff funding with USDA Market Access Program funding, USMEF put together a training seminar for Atlantis staff about selection, handling and preparation of U.S. beef cuts.
NEVADA BEEF COUNCIL
P.O. Box 340310 • Sacramento, CA 95834-0310 www.nevadabeef.org • 877-554-BEEF (2333) • askus@nevadabeef.org
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MARKET
REPORTS
12 Fallon Livestock Exchange, Inc. (775) 867-2020 April 3, 2012 Sale Every Tuesday 11:00 am Weight/Type 300-400 400-500 500-600 600-700 700-800 800 & Over Breaker Cows - Fat Boner Cows - Medium Cutter Cows - Lean Feeder Cows Butcher Bulls Cutting Bulls
Steer/Bull Price 140.00-171.00 138.00-161.00 138.00-159.00 145.00-159.00 131.00-141.50 107.00-135.00
Heifer/Cow Price 131.75-160.00 134.00-169.00 115.00-143.00 124.00-146.00 116.00-125.00 100.00-114.00 60.00-63.00 68.00-81.50 50.00-57.50 50.00-65.00
80.00-90.50 80.00-95.00
HEAD COUNT WT 81 Weaned Steers 575 79 Weaned Heifers 600 55/63 Weaned YRIBARREN RANCH 365/365 Steers/W PETE & LYNN TOMERA 68 Steers 865
Superior Livestock Auction Region 1-ID, OR, CA, NV April 20, 2012 Cattle Type Steers
Holsteins Heifers
Website-www.superiorlivestock.com Weight Range 430-430 560-560 625-625 650-675 700-700 825-825 850-850 500-500 540-540 600-625
Price 199.00-199.00 173.50-175.00 152.50-160.00 148.00-159.00 144.00-144.00 140.75-140.75 135.00-135.00 113.00-113.00 155.00-155.00 140.00-141.00
Shasta Livestock (530) 347-3793 April 20, 2012 Kevin Devine E-mail-wvm@wvmcattle.com Website-www.wvmcattle.com
Western Video Market — Price Report April 11, 2012 CONSIGNOR HENDRIX RANCH HENDRIX RANCH
May 2012
PRICE $169.00 $146.00 $199.00 $184.00 $132.00
Weight/Type Steer/Bull Price Heifer/Cow Price 300-400 lb. xxxx-xxxx xxxx-xxxx 400-450 lb. xxxx-xxxx xxxx-xxxx 450-500 lb. xxxx-xxxx 160.00-167.50 500-550 lb. 175.00-193.50 160.00-173.75 550-600 lb. 165.00-179.00 140.00-157.00 600-650 lb. 158.00-172.50 xxxx-xxxx 650-700 lb. 155.00-161.00 (few) 136.00-141.00 700-750 lb. 150.00-156.00 (few) xxxx-xxxx 750-800 lb. xxxx-xxxx xxxx-xxxx 800-900 lb. xxxx-xxxx xxxx-xxxx Breaker Cows 68.00-73.00 Boner Cows 60.00-67.00 Cutter Cows 52.00-59.00 Bulls 1 & 2 65.00-89.00 Pairs: One set of full-mouth, mid age pairs w/200 lb calves $1435. Calvy Cows: No market test..
Marc Johnson named new UNR President RENO, Nev. (KRNV & MyNews4.com) - Mike Wolterbeek, media relations for UNR, has confirmed that Marc Johnson has been named the new president for UNR. According to Krystal Allan from KSNV in Las Vegas, 9 approved the decision, 3 abstained, and 1 was absent. Johnson served at University Provost before being named Interim President following the sudden death of then University President Milt Glick on April 16, 2011. Prior to coming to Nevada, Johnson was dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University (CSU). Johnson received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Emporia State University in Kansas, which named him a Distinguished Alumnus in 1994. His advanced degrees include a master of technology in international development from North Carolina State University, a master of economics from Michigan State University and a doctorate of agriculture economics from Michigan State University. Johnson’s research and teaching have been based in economics, with an emphasis on national and international food distribution systems.
Sage Signals
May 2012
13 Nevada Livestock Marketing April 18 & 19, 2012
Regular Butcher Cow and Feeder Sale Seller
Regular Butcher Cow and Feeder Sale
Type
Weight
Price CWT
Seller
#Head
Type
Weight
Truckee River Ranch LLC
4/4
Cow/Calf
1245
$1,500.00/hd
Shawn & Mindy Goemmer
1
COW
1210
$81.50
Truckee River Ranch LLC
5/5
Cow/Calf
1688
$1,400.00/hd
Shawn & Mindy Goemmer
1
COW
1240
$79.50
Hutchings Cattle Co.
1/1
Cow/Calf
1555
$1,480.00/hd
Harold Rother Farms, Inc
1
COW
1305
$81.00
1
Bred Cow
1540
$1,150.00/hd
A Spear Cattle
1
COW
1150
$80.00 $76.00
Henry & Joi Brackenbury
Price CWT
Henry & Joi Brackenbury
1
Bred Cow
1100
$935.00/hd
A Spear Cattle
1
COW
780
Jared Brackenbury
11
STR
325
$200.00
Frade Ranch Inc
1
COW
1485
$78.75
Jared Brackenbury
35
STR
366
$193.00
Frade Ranch Inc
1
COW
1575
$76.25
Larry & Ynez Kyte
20
STR
511
$173.50
Larry & Ynez Kyte
1
COW
1060
$77.50
Michelle Kyte
3
STR
511
$173.50
Larry & Ynez Kyte
1
COW
1330
$73.75
Masini Ranch
6
STR
355
$170.00
John & Jhona Bell
1
COW
1230
$76.25
LJ Livestock
2
STR
490
$170.00
John & Jhona Bell
1
COW
1415
$75.00
C-Ranches Inc
7
STR
524
$165.50
John & Jhona Bell
1
COW
1445
$74.00
Al Tenente
9
STR
569
$163.50
Dellis Bone
1
COW
1255
$76.00
Bruce Humphrey
4
STR
514
$163.50
Dellis Bone
1
COW
1070
$73.25
Bob Corbari
5
STR
493
$161.00
Dellis Bone
1
COW
850
$72.00
Jerry Harper
4
STR
625
$151.50
Michelle Kyte
1
COW
1350
$76.00
Gene Heckman
4
STR
675
$147.50
Michelle Kyte
1
COW
1420
$69.50
Tom Madole
4
STR
455
$142.00
Butter Spur Feed Yard
1
COW
775
$75.50
Earl & Karen Doege
2
STR
640
$142.00
Butter Spur Feed Yard
1
COW
675
$74.00
Joe & David Sceirine
44
STR
697
$140.00
Butter Spur Feed Yard
1
COW
785
$73.50
Demar Dahl
2
STR
675
$140.00
Maureen Weishaupt
1
COW
1585
$74.00
Marge Shepard
1
STR
680
$137.00
Maureen Weishaupt
1
COW
1655
$74.00
A Spear Cattle
6
STR
628
$127.00
Dale Johnson Inc
1
COW
1280
$73.75
Coyote Creek Ranch
3
STR
823
$120.00
Dale Johnson Inc
1
COW
1365
$71.00
Twin Rivers Livestock
9
STR
829
$112.00
Dale Johnson Inc
1
COW
1445
$70.00
Jared Brackenbury
33
HFR
367
$175.50
Marie Duncan
1
COW
920
$73.50
Jared Brackenbury
69
HFR
419
$170.50
Marie Duncan
1
COW
1205
$68.00
Bruce Humphrey
8
HFR
452
$160.50
Deanna Porter
1
COW
1240
$73.50
Bob Corbari
3
HFR
447
$157.50
Larry Kyte
1
COW
1430
$73.00
Hutchings Cattle Co.
1
HFR
420
$139.00
Harvey Glazier Dunn
1
COW
870
$72.00
Tom Madole
8
HFR
574
$136.50
Terrence Wright
1
COW
805
$70.50
Kenny & Flint Lee
22
HFR
420
$132.00
Bob Corbari
1
COW
1075
$67.50
Bob Baker
12
HFR
446
$128.50
Isabelle Winder
1
COW
1110
$65.00
Joe & David Sceirine
41
HFR
696
$121.75
Sage Hill Dairy
1
COW
1040
$75.00
Richard Allegre
2
HFR
723
$117.75
Sage Hill Dairy
1
COW
1070
$74.50
Larry & Ynez Kyte
9
HFR
734
$117.00
Sage Hill Dairy
1
COW
1185
$73.00
Michelle Kyte
2
HFR
734
$117.00
Phil Regli
1
COW
1580
$84.00
Coyote Creek Ranch
2
HFR
763
$116.50
Phil Regli
1
COW
1355
$71.00
R R Bass and Son
6
HFR
708
$113.50
Phil Regli
1
COW
1035
$66.50
Les Northcutt
3
HFR
790
$108.50
Oasis Dairy LLC
1
COW
1715
$71.00
Truckee River Ranch LLC
10
HFR
820
$108.00
Oasis Dairy LLC
1
COW
1180
$70.00
A Spear Cattle
7
HFR
644
$104.50
Oasis Dairy LLC
1
COW
1510
$69.50
Harold Rother Farms, Inc
11
HFR
938
$96.00
Desert Hills Dairy
1
COW
1350
$68.00
Ira Renner
1
HFRTT
905
$90.00
Desert Hills Dairy
1
COW
1285
$66.00
Ira Renner
1
COW
1190
$80.00
Desert Hills Dairy
1
COW
1430
$65.75
Ira Renner
2
COW
1258
$70.00
Sandhill Dairy
1
COW
1470
$68.00
Todd & Ally Sceirine
1
HFRTT
1345
$85.00
Sandhill Dairy
1
COW
1635
$67.25
Todd & Ally Sceirine
1
HFRTT
1320
$77.50
Sandhill Dairy
1
COW
1500
$65.00
LJ Livestock
1
HFRTT
1385
$84.75
Shawn & Mindy Goemmer
1
BULL
1640
$90.00
LJ Livestock
1
COW
1055
$80.00
Shawn & Mindy Goemmer
1
BULL
1490
$89.75
Les Northcutt
2
HFRTT
1353
$80.00
Bob Corbari
1
BULL
1845
$89.75
Sam Lompa
1
HFRTT
1305
$79.00
Harold Rother Farms, Inc
1
BULL
1780
$89.00
Sam Lompa
1
COW
1360
$77.50
Coyote Creek Ranch
1
BULL
1890
$87.25
Sam Lompa
1
COW
1535
$75.00
Gene Heckman
1
BULL
1130
$86.00
REPORTS
#Head
MARKET
Nevada Livestock Marketing April 18 & 19, 2012
14
Sage Signals
May 2012