LMD 02 feb 21

Riding Herd “The greatest homage we can pay to truth is to use it.”

– JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL

February 15, 2021 • www.aaalivestock.com

Volume 63 • No. 2

The Superbull

BY LEE PITTS

You aren’t going to believe this one.

What if you could use the worst bull imaginable, a light-muscled, structurally incorrect mongrel that when mated to your cows would produce market topping, grid busting calves that would provide some of the best tasting beef in the world? Or, would you buy a Holstein x Corriente x Marchigiana bull that was born sterile if he could pass along, not his genes, but the genes of the finest multi-trait leading bull of your preferred breed?

What we’re talking about here is technology that, if adopted, would turn the beef industry on its head. Forget everything you learned in reproductive physiology or animal breeding in school, this technology will mean you could breed a Charolais bull to a Hereford cow and get a black baldy calf that’s half Angus. This is sci-fi stuff and if you don’t think so just consider this: scientists have now found a way for you to produce your own sterile calves, and then have stem cells from a top bull of any breed inserted into his testes (ouch!) so that a bull from your own herd could sire calves out of a bull that might cost hundreds of thousands dollars at a sale.

Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in. find someone to inseminate cows seven days a week. It was just easier to buy range bulls.

So, for decades academics have been searching for a way to create “surrogate sires”. These surrogate sires would find the cows in heat, store the semen from another bull at exactly the right temperature and then inseminate your cows in a timely manner. These surrogate sires would deliver the donor’s genetic material in a natural way which would allow ranchers to let their animals continue to interact normally on far flung ranges without bringing them in for heat detection or insemination.

Now, for the very first time scientists have been able to create large meat animals that can serve as viable “surrogate sires” that carry the genetic material from donor animals.

The groundbreaking six-year study was supported by the USDA National Institute of

Food and Agriculture, and conducted by scientists at Washington State University, Utah State University and The Roslin Institute which is part of the University of Edinburgh’s Royal School of Veterinary Studies in the United Kingdom.

The research team was led by Washington State’s Jon Oatley who used a gene-editing tool to knock out a gene which was specific to male fertility in animal embryos that would then be raised to become surrogate sires. These males were born sterile and then researchers transplanted stem cells from donor animals into their testes and the surrogate sires then began reproducing semen that contained genetic material from the selected donors.

Initially, surrogate male mice were used and they successfully fathered healthy offspring who carried the genes of the donor.

Goats were primarily used in the study because they have

Surrogate Sires When I first started writing for livestock publications 48 years ago it was generally thought that in a few short years every commercial cowman in the country was going to be using artificial insemination on their range cows. Didn’t happen. It was just too difficult to heat check cows scattered all over the west. A rancher had to buy and store semen and then

The Keto Way: What If Meat Is Our Healthiest Diet?

Eating high-fat, low-carbohydrate foods has helped many people battle obesity, diabetes and other health problems

NEWSPAPER PRIORITY HANDLING

BY GARY TAUBES / WALL STREET JOURNAL

C

hoosing to avoid meat and eat a plant-based diet has never seemed so virtuous and necessary. Between the intrinsic cruelty of industrial livestock production and livestock’s climate footprint—estimated by the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization to be 14.5 percent of all greenhouse gases world-wide, significantly greater than that of plant agriculture—it has become increasingly difficult to defend the place of meat and animal-sourced foods in our diets. Jonathan Safran Foer, the novelist turned animal-rights activist, may have best captured this thinking in his 2019 nonfiction book, “We Are the Weather: Saving the Planet Begins at Breakfast.” As he writes, “We cannot keep the kind of meals we have known and also keep the planet we have known. We must either let some eating habits go or let the planet go. It is that straightforward, that fraught.”

An essential part of this argument is the proposition that animal-sourced foods, and

a shorter gestation and reach maturity sooner than cattle, making it possible to see results faster.

Utah State University animal scientist, Professor Irina Polejaeva’s team “knocked out” a gene specific to male fertility and developed embryos that were then implanted in female goats. The resulting male offspring were born with testes but were sterile. Once they were old enough to be weaned, they were moved to Washington State University where Jon Oatley’s team transplanted sperm stem cells from male donor goats into the testes of the “surrogate sires” and the animals began producing sperm that contained DNA of the donor animals.

Oatley and his cohorts at Washington State are now busy refining the process of implanting the stem cells before trying it on large groups of cattle.

Oatley, who is a reproductive biologist, stressed in a press conference that, “The current research does not put anything foreign into the animals’ genome. Humans have worked to achieve genetic gains and alter livestock by selectively breeding animals with specific traits for roughly 10,000 years and many desired changes are not realized for several generations. This technology has great potential to help food supply in places in the developing world, where herders have to rely on selective breeding to improve their stock.” continued on page two

particularly red and processed meats, aren’t just bad for the planet but harmful for the people who eat them. As the journalist Michael Pollan famously urged in his 2008 bestseller “In Defense of Food,” that is why we should eat “mostly plants.” This has become the lone piece of dietary counseling on which most nutritional authorities seemingly agree. It creates a win-win proposition: By eating mostly (or even exclusively) fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, while getting our proteins and fats from plant-based sources, we maximize our likelihood of living a long and healthy life while also doing what’s right for the planet.

But is it that simple? A growing body of evidence suggests it isn’t, at least not for many of us.

The other food movement that has won increased acceptance over the past decade is the low-carbohydrate, high-fat ketogenic diet—keto, for short—which has emerged as a direct response to the explosive rise in the incidence of obesity and diabetes. More than 70 percent of American adults are now obese or overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; nearly one in 10 is severely obese, and more than one in 10 is diabetic. An unavoidable implication of these numbers is that the conventional wisdom on weight loss—eat less, move your body more— has failed tens of millions of Americans.

These are the people who, sooner or later, may well experiment with alternative approaches, venturing into the realm of fad diets.

They may try plant-based eating—vegetarian or continued on page four

by LEE PITTS

Walking Around Money

I

never have liked money. Don’t get me wrong, I love having a big balance at the bank and all the nice things that money can buy; it’s the actual physical thing I hate. Paper money is filthy and coins just weigh you down.

That’s why my wife handles all cash transactions and why I only carry one $20 bill in my wallet as “carrying around money” for emergencies. It’s the same $20 I’ve had for decades now and I think if I took it out of my pocket Andrew Jackson would squint in the sunlight and the brittle paper would crumble into a thousand tiny pieces.

I’ve never felt comfortable carrying a lot of cash around and always thought that if you had money in your pocket you’d spend it.

And spending money has always been against my religion. I’m sure you’ve seen big shots with huge round wads of paper money that would choke a horse from which they peel off $100 bills. Mobsters called such wads of cash “flash rolls” because if you wanted to impress someone you’d flash it around. Whenever I see someone reveal their flash roll I’ve always wondered if their entire net worth wasn’t tied up in that roll. It’s been my experience that the more money you carry around the less money you actually have.

For example, England’s royals never carry cash and have lesser minions follow them around to pay for things.

It’s a good thing I don’t like money because every job I’ve ever had working for other people didn’t pay much of it. I was the richest kid in my high school thanks to Grand Champion steers but I spent that money and the good money I made working in the oilfields in the summers all on a college education. I paid every dime of it without help from anyone and when I graduated in three years I was flat broke. I was one traffic ticket away from personal bankruptcy. I took a job the day after I graduated from college working as a cowboy on a registered Angus outfit working seven days a week and I got

continued on page four

Page 2

Livestock Market Digest

February 15, 2021

SUPERBULL

Doing The Impossible

Colin Robson

For more than 100 years, Farm Credit of New Mexico has been farmer and rancher owned. Over that time, we’ve helped countless family businesses prosper and grow. Unlike other financial institutions, we’re not a bank. We’re member-driven. What can we do for you?

farmcreditnm.com 1-800-451-5997

For advertising, subscription and editorial inquiries write or call:

Livestock Market Digest (1SSN 0024-5208) (USPS NO. 712320) is published monthly except semi-monthly in September in Albuquerque, N.M. 87104 by Livestock Market Digest, Inc. Periodicals Postage Paid at Albuquerque, N.M.

POSTMASTER-Send change of address to: Livestock Market Digest, P.O. Box 7458, Albuquerque, N.M. 87194

Subscribe Today

Livestock Market Digest P.O. Box 7458 Albuquerque, N.M. 87194 Telephone: 505/243-9515 Fax: 505/349-3060 www.aaalivestock.com EDITORIAL and ADVERTISING STAFF CAREN COWAN . . . . Publisher LEE PITTS . . . . . . . . . Executive Editor CHUCK STOCKS . . . . Publisher Emeritus RANDY SUMMERS . . Sales FALL MARKETING EDITION AD SALES

RANDY SUMMERS, 505/850-8544 email: rjsauctioneer@aol.com

NAME

FIELD EDITOR

ADDRESS

DELVIN HELDERMON, 580/622-5754 1094 Koller Rd, Sulpher, OK CITY

STATE

ZIP

— MY CHECK IS ENCLOSED FOR —

One Year: $25

Two Years: $35

Single copy: $10

Clip & mail to: Livestock Market Digest, P.O. Box 7458, Albuquerque, N.M. 87194

ADMINISTRATIVE and PRODUCTION STAFF JESSICA DECKER...Special Assistance KRISTY HINDS.........Graphic Designer

each other, limiting their genetic diversity.

“Scientifically, many people did not think this was going A Slight Problem to work,” said Professor Bruce Currently the biggest obstaWhitelaw of the Roslin Institute cle to surrogate sire technology in the UK. “I think it’s fair to say that Jon, Irina and myself have isn’t to be found in the scientist’s talked to many colleagues who lab. The biggest problem is that questioned how easy or difficult with current government reguthis would be, usually being on lations and a worldwide public the side of it being very difficult. leery of anything smacking of I think the paper we’re publish- genetic manipulation, none of ing illustrates that the target these benefits of surrogate sires was exactly right and that the can currently be realized.

According to Oatley, “Even technology is here today to alwhen the technology is adlow us to do it. To say it is easy would decry the effort that has vanced enough for commercialgone in over the years to get to ization, gene-edited surrogate this position and the immense sires could not be used in the skill base that we have between food chain anywhere in the our three organizations, but it world under current regulations, is remarkably simple in its con- even though their offspring would not be gene-edited. This cept.”

“This shows the world that is due in part to the mispercepthis technology is real. It can be tions that gene editing is the used,” continued Whitelaw. “We same as the controversial gene now have to go in and work out manipulation. Gene editing inhow best to use it productively volves making changes within a to help feed our growing popu- species that could occur naturally. It does not combine DNA lation.”

Speaking of which, President from different species.”

So there is lots of work to do Trump’s outgoing Ag. Secretary Sonny Perdue said, “Our outside the lab for the Nationlivestock producers need all al Task Force on Gene Editing the tools in the toolbox to help in Livestock to bring together protect against animal diseas- researchers, ranchers, bioethies and continue to meet the cists and policymakers to find a challenge of feeding everyone path forward for the technology. now and into the future. If we “Even if all science is finished,” do not put these safe biotech- said Oatley, “the speed at which nology advances to work here this can be put into action in at home, our competitors in livestock production anywhere other nations will,” said Perdue. in the world is going to be in“Science-based advances in bio- fluenced by societal acceptance technology have great promise and federal policy. By working to continue to enhance rural with policymakers and the pubprosperity and improve the lic, we can help to provide inforquality of life across America’s mation assuring the public that heartland and around the globe. this science does not carry the With this effort, we are outlin- risks that other methods do.” ing a pragmatic, science-based, The Testes Transformation and risk-based approach that At this point I can’t say what focuses on potential risk to animal and livestock health, the effect, if any, this procedure will environment, and food safety have on your commercial herd in order to provide our farm- of cattle, or purebred breeders ers and ranchers the tools they in general. For a variety of reaneed to continue to feed, clothe sons this research may turn out to be just an interesting study and fuel the world.”

“With this technology,” said for researchers and go no furgroup leader Oatley, “we can ther. But it certainly raises some get better dissemination of de- interesting possibilities.

Of course, we don’t know sirable traits and improve the efficiency of food production. yet how much it will cost to This can have a major impact “knock out” the fertility gene to on addressing food insecuri- produce sterile bovines or how ty around the world. If we can much it will cost to then transtackle this genetically, then that plant stem cells into the sterile means less water, less feed and animal’s testes. I’m quite sure fewer antibiotics we have to put that if you asked your veterinarian today if he could perform into the animals.”

Utah State’s Polejaeva, ex- the testes transformation he’d plained why the work on goats look at you like you belonged is especially important. “Goats in the Loony Bin, the Funny are the number one source Farm, the Mental Marriott or of protein in a lot of develop- the Haha Hilton.

And can you imagine the ing countries. This technology shock and awe after a feeder could allow faster dissemination calf buyer has purchased your of specific traits in goats, whether it’s disease resistance, greater calves and hung them on the heat tolerance or better meat rail, was blown away by the carcass data and came to you and quality.”

Needless to say, this tech- said, “I gotta see the your bull nology would enable ranchers battery. You must have the best across the globe in remote re- range bulls in the world!”

Then you show the buyer your gions better access to the best genetic material of elite animals herd sire battery that consists without having to rely on arti- of a pipe gutted 900 pound #2 ficial insemination and without Okie, a 15 year old lame Mexany movement of live animals ican stag and a Holstein Jersey across global borders which is cross with less meat on it than a problematic due to quarantine Beyond Meat Burger. And just think of the identity crises this restrictions.

Another thing these scien- would cause for your mature antists are especially excited about orexic dwarf bull that wouldn’t is that their surrogate sire tech- make a decent box lunch for a nology could also open up a new mountain lion! He’d stand atop option for genetic conservation a hill overlooking all the wonof endangered species, whose derful calves he sired and say to dwindling numbers leave ani- himself, “ZOWEEEE! I always mal communities isolated from knew I had it in me!”

February 15, 2021

continued from page one

Livestock Market Digest

ND Considers Making State GROWMARK Announces Beef Checkoff Voluntary Agricultural Scholarship Program epresentative Se- producers across the state who

I have an inkling of what this testes transformation would mean for bull sales. There might BY CARRIE STADHEIM FOR TRI-STATE LIVESTOCK NEWS not be any! There could be no more free bull sale lunches, no bastian Ertelt of are in favor of it to contact their more chant of the purebred Lisbon introduced senators and representatives, auctioneer, no more free deliva bill in the North and to contact the members of ery and no more 500 head bull sales. Ranchers might not need Dakota House of Represen- the House Ag Committee to to buy bulls because they could tatives to make the state beef urge a “yes” vote.

In a 2015 interview, North make their own sterilized bulls checkoff voluntary.

Since the bill was enacted in Dakota Stockmen’s Association and have a vet implant semen from the best bulls in the world. 2015, which requires all cattle executive vice president Julie Ranchers would be able to use sold in North Dakota or sold by Ellingson explained that her ornot the sons of such bulls as a North Dakotan to pay an extra ganization lobbied in favor of sires but THE superbulls them- $1 per head of cattle sold, to the the state checkoff.

Ellingson said, in 2015, that selves. And such a bull could North Dakota Beef Commisbreed his mother or sisters and sion, sale barns have been re- members of her group support there’d be no danger of genet- quired to withhold these funds the state checkoff because they ic deformities as a result of in- from producers’ checks and pro- believe cattle producers in their ducers who sell private treaty state are missing out on opporbreeding.

Hopefully it would be the are required to submit payment tunities to fund research and education. purebred breeders themselves to the beef commission.

“We haven’t been able to House Bill 1487, introduced who would be the ones knocking out the gene in their own this year by Ertelt, would make contribute to some of the cool bulls and putting the semen in a simple change to the law. things they are doing. Other the bull’s testes and would con- Rather than the law stating state checkoffs have contributtinue to sell such bulls at their that producers “must” remit the ed to studies being done in our sales. The effect on purebred state checkoff, the bill amends state,” she said at that time. Elbreeders could be either very the law to state that producers lingson couldn’t be reached on dramatic or very drastic. And “may” remit payment. This ef- short notice for an updated inhere a major problem could fectively changes the mandatory terview. present itself. Over the past 20 refundable checkoff program years we’ve made great genet- into a voluntary checkoff proic progress and are giving the gram.

Currently, if producers reconsumer a pleasant experiquest the proper form within 60 ence nearly every time they take home a package of beef from days of payment and remit the the store and every time they form and the appropriate addidine in a restaurant. This has tional paperwork required, their been made possible mainly by checkoff dollars can be refundhaving huge and diverse nation- ed.

Independent Beef Associaal herds of black and red Angus tion of North Dakota president cattle from which are identified the best bulls in the world for Kerry Dockter of Denhoff said a variety of traits. It seems like many producers still don’t even every year the trait leaders from realize this money is being takthe previous year are replaced en out of their checks.

His group did not support the by a new group of superbulls. implementation of the checkoff But what happens if we lost 90% of our purebred breeders in 2015 — they believed proovernight? We would no longer ducers should have the opportuhave such a large and diverse nity to vote on the issue — and population from which to select they support the proposed bill the top bulls and there’s a good to amend the law.

According to ndbeef.org, chance the rate of genetic progthe state beef council took in ress would come to a standstill or at the minimum, proceed at a $2,275,536 in FY 2020. This slower pace. Or what happens if includes the mandatory $1 per only the top one or two percent head federal Beef Checkoff and of the nation’s top bulls are used the mandatory refundable $1 as donors? We would still need per head state beef checkoff. superbulls to supply the stem After remitting the required cells but how would a purebred amount to the federal Cattleoutfit stay in business just trying men’s Beef Board, refunding to produce one or two super- $136,075 to those producers bulls a year? After all, one of the who requested refunds, reimproblems with many of the less bursing states of origin, and populous breeds in the past two adding nearly $20,000 in interdecades is there did not exist est revenue, the North Dakota a large enough diverse popula- Beef Industry council had about tion to produce the outliers that $1.5 million to work with.

Their largest expense was move a breed forward. Or that research at $423,287, followed the outliers themselves didn’t produce much genetic progress. by administration/operations at Remember, Bos Indicus breeds $400,335. The next largest exinitially suffered because they penditures were promotion and supposedly did not marble as international promotion. They well as Bos taurus cattle but carried a fund balance of nearly because they had such a large $1.5 million as of June, 2020. and diverse population they’ve Not Wisely Spent been able to show that they too Dockter said he doesn’t behave bulls and bloodlines capalieve the state checkoff funds ble of producing cattle that will grade Choice on a reliable basis. are being wisely spent because If they only had a dozen super- cattle prices have not improved bull producers it’s doubtful they and protein alternatives such as could have produced or identi- lab-produced protein and “veggie-burgers” seem to be gaining fied such animals.

If you’re wondering why I’m popularity. He also said he also so concerned about bull sales believes the checkoff should it’s because it’s doubtful most promote USA beef, not generic successful livestock publica- beef, and should have pre-emptions today could survive with- tively pushed for beef to be a out bull sale advertising. And bigger part of the federal dietary without such publications this guidelines that were recently rereporter might have to look for leased.

Getting the bill out of the a real job.

On second thought, forget North Dakota House Ag ComI ever brought up this sub- mittee will be a “tough fight,” said Dockter but he urges cattle ject.

R

▫

▫

Page 3

“This is one more way we can contribute to the future of agriculture.”

T

he GROWMARK Foundation is once again offering a $1,500 scholarship program for students in the United States and Ontario, Canada, pursing two- or four-year degrees or trade school certification in an agriculture-related field.

“As our business has grown and evolved, we saw a need to provide a scholarship to students throughout the United States and Ontario, in addition to the scholarship programs already established in our core geography,” said Amy Bradford, GROWMARK corporate communications manager and GROWMARK Foundation manager. “GROWMARK and the FS member cooperatives are strong supporters of youth leadership education and this is one more way we can contribute to the future of agriculture.”

Applicants must complete an online application which includes academic information, community service and leadership activities, and essay questions regarding agriculture and cooperatives. Applications will be judged by a panel of agribusiness professionals.

High school seniors or students at any level of higher education may complete the application, which can be found at www.growmark.com/about-us/corporate-commitments

▫

Applications are due by midnight Central Time on April 15, 2021 and recipients will be notified by July 1, 2021

Page 4

HERD

Livestock Market Digest continued from page one

paid less than I was making in the oilfields. At the end of the month the owner would peel off six $100 bills off his flash roll, my pay for the month.

On that first job I got all kinds of perks like a mattress on the floor to sleep on and a bunch of mice to keep me company. In describing it to me in his sales pitch the owner described the place I’d live as a “nice little house” but it turned out to be a lean-to shed.

Tractors had better accommodations than I did. There was no TV but I didn’t need one because the owner worked me 14 hours a day and the minute I slumped off my saddle I went straight to my mattress. Half the time I didn’t even eat but that was okay because I didn’t have any money to buy much food. In addition to my salary the owner promised me a half a beef but a sick cow hadn’t died yet on my watch and I never did get any beef.

One of the skills I brought to the job was I could pregnancy check. One day I pregged about 60 two year old Angus heifers and thought I’d done a good job but Mr. Big Shot didn’t believe a 21 year old kid could know anything, so one day while I was out in the boonies fixing fence he had a veterinarian preg them again because he didn’t trust me. The vet and I agreed on the pregnancy status of every heifer except one. He called her safe and I said she was open.

Later, I found a job that paid $800 a month as a livestock field editor so I wasn’t around to find out if the heifer had a calf or was open, as I said she was. Years later I ran into my former boss and I asked if he remembered that heifer. He certainly did.

“Did she have a calf or not?”

I asked.

“She sure did,” Mr. Big Shot replied, trying to humiliate me and prove me wrong. “Two years later she gave birth to a nice bull calf.” www.LeePittsbooks.com

Take your marketing program to the top!

Contact

Randy Summers

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Office: 505/243-9515 Cell: 505/850-8544 randy@aaalivestock.com

KETO

February 15, 2021

fruits, vegetables, whole grains continue to have reservations. and legumes, with minimal an- “I have prescribed very loweven vegan—and if those don’t imal fats and red or processed carb eating strategies for many return them to health, try keto meats. It is the view embodied patients because they could or one of the many variations in the new dietary guidelines is- not achieve results with more on low-carbohydrate, high-fat sued in December 2020 by the traditional eating plans,” says diets, from the original Atkins U.S. Department of Agricul- Dr. Michael Dansinger, an exdiet to the South Beach diet to ture. This diet continues to get pert on dietary and weight-loss paleo to the latest trend, carniendorsed so widely because ep- measures at Tufts University’s vore. If they find that an unconidemiologic surveys tell us that School of Medicine. But he says ventional approach works for this is how lean, healthy and that the same is true for very them, allowing them to achieve health-conscious people tend low-fat vegetarian eating plans. and maintain a relatively healthy to eat.

He remains concerned about weight without enduring hunBut these surveys don’t tell us the potential cardiovascular ger that will be their motivation whether these health-conscious dangers of saturated animal to sustain it. But because this people are lean and healthy be- fats. “For the environment,” he way of eating is most easily accause they eat this way or be- says, at the very least, “there is complished with no question that eating less beef animal-sourced can make a favorable impact.” foods, they may [This theory is in dispute.]

When public-health authorities argue that a healthy diet come to believe The Harvard nutritional epthat what’s good idemiologist Dr. Walter Willett, for all means “mostly plants,” they make the job of these for them (and probably the most influential even their chilacademic researcher arguing physicians and the challenge to their patients that much harder.” dren) isn’t good for plant-based eating, agrees for the planet. that reducing insulin secretion Keto diets are based on the cated to the practice, and I have cause of all the other factors— in those with obesity and diaproposition that, for those pre- interviewed physicians who em- from socioeconomic privilege betes is vitally important, but disposed to become obese and/ brace it. But it is significantly to lifestyle—that are associated he doesn’t see the ketogenic or diabetic, carbohydrate-rich more challenging to pull this with health-consciousness. No extreme as necessary for most. foods trigger that predisposi- off because plant foods, by their meaningful experimental evi- People can accrue “major phystion. That isn’t because of the nature, are carbohydrate-rich. dence—no clinical trials—exists iological benefits,” he says, by calories they contain, as the It is relatively easy to create to support the contention that improving the quality of the conventional thinking on obe- and sustain a well-formulated we would live longer, healthi- carbohydrates they consume— sity assumes, but because of ketogenic diet—with all the es- er lives by eating mostly plants eating whole foods instead of the effect these foods have on sential vitamins, minerals and rather than animal-sourced highly processed grains and insulin, the hormone that dom- fats—for those willing to eat an- foods. sugar—without having to avoid inates the regulation of fat stor- imal-sourced foods.

In the early 2000s, when I carbohydrate-rich foods entireage and fat metabolism. Insulin When I started reporting interviewed several hundred ly. “If someone wants to go on is secreted mostly in response on this subject as a journal- clinicians, researchers and pub- a ketogenic diet,” Dr. Willett to carbohydrates—not just in ist 20 years ago, virtually no lic-health authorities for my says, “it could easily be plantthe form of sugars, starches and meaningful research had been first book on nutrition science, based and even vegan. While we grains (whole or otherwise) but published to test the claims of “Good Calories, Bad Calories,” don’t have a study that specifialso fruits and legumes, which the diet-book doctors—most some of the most influential of cally addresses this, a predomare the staples of a well-formu- famously Robert Atkins —who them readily admitted to using inantly plant-based ketogenic lated plant-based diet. advocated this way of eating. the ketogenic diet themselves. diet would be much better for “A high insulin level signals Since then, carbohydrate-re- “It’s a great way to lose weight,” planetary health, and very likely fat synthesis and storage…and a stricted diets, keto or otherwise, the late Stanford University for human health, than a high low level, its release as free fatty may have become the most test- endocrinologist Gerald Reav- meat and dairy ketogenic diet.” acid back into the circulation,” ed diets in history. The website en said to me about the diet. [… Admission there is no study observed the Harvard Univer- clinicaltrials.gov reports more “That’s not the issue.” to support this theory.] sity metabolism and diabetes than 100 clinical trials of keBut these physician-reWould the millions who researcher George F. Cahill Jr. togenic diets in progress, and searchers wouldn’t prescribe might benefit from keto emin 1971 in the prestigious Ban- nearly 90 completed. it for their patients, worrying brace such a diet? Perhaps, but ting Memorial Lecture at the The findings are consistent: that the risk of causing harm— as with any eating pattern, the annual meeting of the Ameri- Ketogenic eating is safe and particularly from the saturated degree to which people enjoy can Diabetes Association. This effective at controlling both fat in meat and dairy—was too the recommended foods has a process is like a switch: When weight and blood sugar. Pick a great. That was the issue. They strong bearing on whether they fat cells sense the presence of disease—from Alzheimer’s and would eat the fat-rich, keto diet will stick to them. For many insulin in the circulation, as Ca- anxiety disorders to traumatic themselves until they lost their people, meat and meat-based hill described it, they respond brain injury and tumors—and excess pounds, then they would foods provide satisfactions that by storing fat and inhibiting researchers somewhere are stop and eat “healthy.” When plants cannot. So the tension its release—and we get fatter. probably testing whether eating they regained the weight, they remains: The healthiest diet for When insulin is undetectable, a ketogenic diet improves its would repeat the cycle. those predisposed to become we burn stored fat for fuel—and prognosis. In 2019, the AmerThe big difference between fat and diabetic may not be we get leaner. The metabolic ican Diabetes Association con- the physicians and researchers what’s healthiest for the planet. state of ketosis, from which the cluded that low-carbohydrate who admitted to using keto 20 Laboratory-grown meat and keto diet gets its name, happens and very-low-carbohydrate diets years ago for temporary weight fish products may help to rewhen carbohydrates are restrict- (that is, keto) were the only di- loss and those eating and pre- solve this conflict in the future, ed almost entirely and fat pro- etary therapies that consistently scribing keto today is that the though reasons for skepticism vides most of the fuel for the resulted in beneficial outcomes latter now believe these diets include both health and gusbody. for adults with diabetes or pre- are the healthiest way for them tatory concerns. And we can The hormonal, insulin-cen- diabetes. and their patients to eat. They certainly raise livestock in ways tric regulation of fat storage and In 2017, more than 100 Ca- don’t worry about the saturated that are better for the environfat metabolism remains text- nadian physicians cosigned a fat their patients will be eating ment and make the practice book medicine. Yet its relevance letter to HuffPost declaring that because the clinical trials con- more sustainable. The Food to obesity has been effectively they personally follow keto-like firm this way of eating is bene- and Agriculture Organization ignored by nutritionists and regimens and now counsel their ficial, and they can see their pa- estimates that better feed and obesity researchers, who have patients to do so too. “What we tients (and themselves) getting feeding practices, better grazoverwhelmingly preferred to see in our clinics,” these physi- healthier, often over the course ing management and animal think that all calories are equal- cians wrote, is that “blood sugar of weeks or a few months. They husbandry can reduce greenly capable of stimulating fat ac- values go down, blood pressure are loath to recommend any- house-gas emissions by a third cumulation, that we get fat be- drops, chronic pain decreas- thing else. in many areas of the world. cause we overeat, not because es or disappears, lipid profiles I have interviewed more than But no one can tell us wheththe carbohydrates we consume improve, inflammatory mark- 120 of these physicians, who tell er we should subordinate our have some unique ability to ers improve, energy increases, me that they chose medicine as own health and well-being— stimulate fat accumulation. For weight decreases, sleep is im- a career because they wanted and perhaps that of our chilsome significant proportion of proved, IBS [irritable bowel syn- to make their patients healthy, dren too—to that of the planet.

Americans, however, remaining drome] symptoms are lessened, not to manage chronic disease. That is a personal decision. If relatively lean and healthy may etc. Medication is adjusted Getting their patients off carb- that trade-off is the reality of require minimizing their insulin downward, or even eliminated, rich foods—at the very least, our food situation in the centusecretion. This, in turn, means which reduces the side effects sugars, grains and starches— ry ahead, we have to accept the more or less rigid abstinence for patients and the costs to and eating something akin to consequences when we make from carbohydrate-rich foods. society. The results we achieve keto makes that happen. When our choices.

Animal-sourced foods— with our patients are impressive public-health authorities argue —Mr. Taubes is the author, meat, fish, fowl and even pro- and durable.” that a healthy diet for all means most recently, of “The Case for cessed meat—typically make The fact that these diets “mostly plants,” they make the Keto: Rethinking Weight Conup the bulk of this approach produce such striking results, job of these physicians and the trol and the Science and Practo weight control because they even if only anecdotally, pos- challenge to their patients that tice of Low-Carb/High-Fat Eatare almost entirely protein and es a tremendous challenge to much harder. ing,” published in December by fat, with minimal carbohydrates. conventional thinking on nuThough arguments for low- Knopf.

Until insulin was discovered in trition. Since the late 1970s, carb, high-fat diets have made 1921 and insulin therapy was healthy eating has been defined inroads with medical and pubput to use treating diabetes, to mean eating mostly plants: lic-health authorities, many these diets were known as “ancontinued from page one

“

imal diets.” They were the standard of care for diabetes, delaying death in what today is called Type 1 diabetes, the insulin-dependent form, and controlling the disease indefinitely in those with Type 2, the common form associated with excess weight and age. This is still the case.

One can certainly be a vegan or vegetarian and still eat a low-carbohydrate, high-fat, ketogenic diet, getting protein and fat from foods such as tofu and tempeh, nuts and seeds, soy and nut butters, and vegetable oils. Facebook groups are dedi-

▫

February 15, 2021

Livestock Market Digest

Celebrity Power Undermining Global Conservation Efforts, Scientists Warn

70 to 88 percent in some wildlife species monitored, including the warthog, lesser kudu, Thomson’s gazelle, eland, oryx and impala, while livestock increased substantially. Tanzania lost anti-poaching units and milBY ALEX MORSS / THEGUARDIAN.COM lions of acres of hunting areas after elephant trophy hunting eading scientists tatives warned in a letter to the imports were banned in the US. have warned that journal Science that banning Wildlife rangers in Kenya, global conservation hunting without implementing Q&A where a 1977 ban on hunting is being under- viable alternatives to protect What are the biggest was followed by declines of 70 mined by celebrity power after habitat and generate revenue threats to biodiversity? to 88 percent in some species. they suffered death threats and for local communities would Born Free in the US and the Photograph: Khalil Senosi/AP abuse in a hostile dispute over imperil biodiversity.

UK Campaign to Ban Trophy More than a million people trophy hunting.

The scientists involved say Hunting both say trophy huntsigned a 2020 petition presentGroups such as the Cam- this has led to a wave of abuse, ing does not support conservaed to Downing Street to ban paign to Ban Trophy Hunting including from anti-hunting tion. trophy hunting imports, and the and Born Free are pressuring campaign groups and celebriDickman said: “The camresults of a government consulthe UK and US governments to ties. Dr Amy Dickman, a lion paigners’ narrative – suggesting tation are pending. ban trophy hunting, with sup- conservationist from Oxford trophy hunting is driving species In July, more than 50 African port from many famous names, University who has received to extinction and banning it will community leaders, who say much of the public and more funding from both pro- and anmake things better – is false. they represent the than 150 MPs across the politviews of millions of ical spectrum. people across southMany of them signed an Hostile dispute over trophy hunting fueled by ‘myths ern Africa, signed an open letter calling for a ban, letter criticizing which scientists say contained driven by emotion and morality that ignore critical facts.” open British celebrities for misleading information. using their influence Several scientists told the to drive bans on trophy hunting Guardian that poor political ti-hunting groups, was the first I am unaware of any species – naming Ricky Gervais, Joanna decision-making and abuse di- author on the Science letter and where current trophy hunting is Lumley, Peter Egan, Ed Sheerrected at them are being fueled said she had received numerous the primary threat to their peran, Dame Judi Dench and Piers by what they describe as “myths verbal attacks. sistence. The major threats are Morgan. driven by emotion and morality The actor and animal welfare overwhelmingly habitat loss, They asked them “to stop that ignore critical facts”. campaigner Peter Egan called poaching, prey loss and conflict undermining our globally recogThey also warn that her “a very limited scientist”, with humans – all of which will nized conservation efforts and well-meaning but ill-informed while others accused her of be worsened if land used for troour basic human right to suscampaigning on the emotive being a “paid mouthpiece” for phy hunting is converted to agtainably use the natural resourcissue risks imperiling millions hunting or called her “a monriculture or settlement. es on which our communities’ of acres of wildlife habitat and ster” and “a twisted sadistic She added: “I can completelivelihoods depend.”

African livelihoods. bitch”. Dickman claims another ly sympathize with how those They added: “Imposing Although poorly regulat- said they would love to see her images of grinning hunters turn worldviews and value systems ed trophy hunting has had a face ripped off by lions. peoples’ stomachs – they do the from faraway places, amplified negative impact historically on She was also asked to leave same to me – but the kinds of through your powerful, influensome wildlife populations, there a meeting in parliament of polkillings we see in areas where tial voices, results in disastrous is wide evidence, including iticians, activists and the mewildlife has no economic value policies that undermine our from the International Union dia arranged by the Campaign are even worse.” rights and conservation sucfor Conservation of Nature to Ban Trophy Hunting. She is Many red-listed species and cess.”

(IUCN), that for many threat- not alone: other signatories to their habitats are assessed by Dickman agreed: “I find it ened species such as the black the letter have reported similar the IUCN as being supported strange that people listen more rhino, white rhino, lion and abuse. to some extent upon by trophy to actors and comedians than to markhor, well-regulated trophy The scientists say such athunting, including the giant trained conservation scientists, hunting has brought population tacks deter people from pointeland, black rhino, white rhior more importantly, to local increases and reduced larger ing out when misleading inforno, African elephant and lesser stakeholders.” threats. Conservationists say mation is being spread. kudu. A UN report found that Born Free’s head of policy, that when habitats are managed Adam Hart, professor of trophy hunting is conserving Dr Mark Jones, said: “Trophy for hunting, it can protect many science communication at the millions of acres of wildlife habhunting is an emotive issue. other endangered species living University of Gloucestershire, itat in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nevertheless, Born Free does in the same area. said: “A lot of conservation sciKenya’s 1977 ban on huntnot condone abuse of any kind.”

In 2019, 133 leading scien- entists are scared to get involved ing was followed by declines of He added: “We challenge tists and community represen- in this debate as it is so toxic. I

L

“

have had people call me a shill for the hunting industry, which is absolute twaddle. We get personal slurs against our professional integrity just for trying to engage people with the science, and trying to limit the wildlife loss that will come if trophy hunting is banned.”

Page 5

the claims made by proponents of trophy hunting that it delivers significant conservation and community benefits, or that it positively contributes to the sustainable use of wildlife. Trophy hunting is a cruel relic of a colonial era that results in intense animal suffering and disruption of wildlife populations, while contributing little or nothing to local economies or wildlife conservation. It is also wracked by corruption and greed.”

The Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting did not respond to requests for comment.

▫

Page 6

Livestock Market Digest

The Purge Has Begun.

Where It Stops, Nobody Knows.

BY JARRETT STEPMAN /DAILY SIGNAL

I

n the weeks since the November presidential election, numerous liberals, leftists, and other opponents of President Donald Trump have called for a purge of him and his supporters from public life.

Just days ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden those purges began in earnest.

In the wake of the protest that turned into a mob and then into a riot at the U.S. Capitol building, various media and hightech companies have used the moment not simply to condemn the violence, but to remove the president of the United States and countless other Americans from their digital platforms.

It’s understandable that many Americans are shaken by what they saw at the Capitol last week. It’s part of a larger pattern of mob law.

But the crimes of a few lawbreakers should not be used as an excuse to punish and silence other Americans simply because of their political beliefs.

Those actions appear to be targeted and coordinated. It’s a deeply disturbing trend, given that Biden and his fellow Democrats effectively control both Congress and the executive branch.

While Biden may be preaching “unity,” in some of his public statements, he hasn’t refrained from, for example, comparing his opponents with Nazis.

Worse, Biden’s allies are almost universally celebrating the purges and calling for more retributions against political enemies. That’s apparently what the anti-Trump Lincoln Project intends to do; namely, create a “blacklist” of people who worked for the Trump administration.

Meanwhile, an editor at Forbes magazine, Randall Lane, warned that there would be a

“truth reckoning” for companies that hire or do business with former Trump staffers.

Wasn’t McCarthyism supposed to be a bad thing?

These attempted purges aren’t being engaged in only by media and advocacy groups.

Trump was banned on Twitter and Facebook and other platforms. Twitter’s official statement cited “risk of further incitement of violence” from Trump’s tweets about not attending the Biden inauguration.

But its justification still rings hollow, given how they allow the Chinese Communist Party, Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, and the ayatollah of Iran to have a platform, as many have pointed out.

That only adds to the long list of uneven enforcement actions that we’ve seen in recent years from Big Tech, which almost always errs on the side of shutting down right-leaning voices—including The Heritage Foundation and The Daily Signal—before anyone else.

While Twitter was banning Trump, other Big Tech companies were smashing alternatives to Twitter.

Apple announced that it would pull Parler, a Twitter alternative, from its app store, accusing it of inciting violence.

“We have always supported diverse points of view being represented on the App Store, but there is no place on our platform for threats of violence and illegal activity. Parler has not taken adequate measures to address the proliferation of these threats to people’s safety.

We have suspended Parler from the App Store until they resolve these issues,” Apple’s statement read.

Google also dropped Parler from its app store.

Then, Amazon took it a step further, announcing that it would pull Parler from its

Advertise to Cattleman in the Livestock Market Digest

LOWELL

January

15, 2016

Playi

By Lee

T

Pitts

• www.aaal

ivestock.c

om

ng G

by LEE PITTS

Getti Hamm ng ered

od? T Volume

58 • No.

1

he stars he soun dtrack glow-in-th in this story of my life has been muscle-bo e-dark kitty- are an aucti the chant cats, und of oneer. silk-s In the po-allerge pinning goatssalmon, I have past 43 nic-c If you’re , hyerless fish migh of aucti attended thou years chickens.ows and feath ridin’ t pee in taking of the so to the gene auctions ons and have sands up your So why are speak, herd, tak ahead about we pool, mutant thereby time as a consifrom every seen anim wild to belon als that woul talking back eve e a look AquaBoun salmon. creating man, clerk gnor, buye angle Only after r, ty midway g more on some d seem ry was , their auctionee ring then to now man and able AquA circu r, they do freak show make sur & did FDA dvantage to make eo aucti announcer of gate more thans the give their fish sterile newspape front page e it’s proval. years thaton company a vidof a cattle seal r?

The for 20 of apstill the FDA also sold ed that Because million doesn’t re. head per nearly half a you may in a few get United for it to be solddemandhelped short years serpent-lik its way. A sell every year. I have “pou customize be creating salmon States AquA in the art to your own proteins e fish with antif t” is a to thing must be dvantage road technologyd cows using American in its land-based reeze only kind graders and from raised cons er that creat the same it to live in blood allow only in freaks the I haven of auction ing is look at Aqua umers. A clos- ties, one in tanks in two of nonBy mixin freezing I think Boun ’t work nature. ed these majo er in Pana Canada and facilihogs. strains g genes from waters. trade rity-owned ty reveals A Gam the othAnd it’s ed is one for ma. it of e Chan Although, bucket scientists salmon with the two trexo s under the by a firm that not on ger In 2004 CostCo, junkie list. As an aucti my can reach created a the pout as n Corporati name of In- er Joe’s, there I formed nored fish that on. the Mon get, Safew Whole Food Tradopinions.

American was a much in a year- a marketabl the follow on santo of Think of it -igwhose ing and-a-half e weight modified (GM monster they won’ ay and Krog s, Targene the villain Auct ticall usua movi er’s say ) fish. t sell ioneers instead y salm was a engineered As you AquA slowest geneticall e salmon. l three years on, of with chan Louisiana fish that with wild sumer, anim can imagine, y in the there’s a gooddvantage art aucti ts are wine the lived After next few al right congrou chan bad, I neve bayou. (Don in a onee and a ps unkn s and years you ce rs while fastest regulators 20-year battl the comiwere not thrill green beca owingly buy are You may r saw the film ’t feel , e The best cattle colon the and eat may ng-out ed with use as never have either.) now been AquaBounty with perfi of party of name some els. sh. person given heard at an has of Drug the su- foreign beef, now, just like to aucti Administr U.S. Food winning the non-Osca of the The AquA with it does be label who raises on is the have approval & was n’t ation bidder fish, but movie called r award actually dvantage salm (FDA FDA saysed. That’s beca have to and keep his or her altered to sell its use the on al because you will in FrankenAquAdvan geneticall ) by the FDA declared safe differencethere are no the least s it in the air, hand the futur to eat tage salm y but critic way materimodified critics of s non-buyingfavorite perso while geneticall e on that s objec back in 2010 neered and between an have slapporganisms the gene ted back AquaBouna normal salm engiconstantly busy-body n is a (GMO’s)y then tically nickname ed the Fran who ty’s CEO on. engineered The most waves to kenfi on a Ronald salmon male domifriends. quick-grow sh crowds are nated ing Massachucreated in 1989 found Club, continued at Safar Rock by a AquaBounsetts comp on page i and Duck y Mountain any two Atlantic ty. The firm called tions while ’s Unlimited Elk took an salmon genes and found at more fema aucfrom a and an quilt aucti les are Chinook inserted

BY ADAM The ons. we aren’ocean “pout”. salmon WITHNALL ever seenneatest trick INDEPEND , your kid t talking abouAnd no, was frequ an auctionee I’ve ENT.C does when t what O.UK r do ently

by Bert he or perfo ommon she mended South and Ruben Reyermed Texas es per vegetables ‘requ advice “healthier” food calor the abilit . My friend s in from the ire more s presc according ie’ than s y incre had to US resou ribed in sell in glish and ased a rcto a team many peop prest perso Departme recent Spanish both Enswitch of scien le realize, across all three n’s impact nt of Agric based in igious Carn back and and could ultur tists on the egie orie intak Pittsburg factors same lot environme e forth on – even Eatin e h, Penn Mellon Univat the when overa nt The expewas reduced. sylva ersity was biddi depending on the etables g a healthier rts exam ll caldiet rich nia. ng. could who ing and actually environme The least in fruit transporti ined how grow dangerous ng food tions are ing, proce study has nt than cons be more harm and veg- and household ; sales the envir ful uming storage claimed. you’d thinkcake auctions aucand servi sssome meat to the and onme Lettu ce; Paul Fisch nt for diffe use all take , a US might be that gun aucti and house gasce is “over three a toll on rent food beck professor emissions times wors but auto the most dang ons s. ing to of socia , study co-au than resea e because auctions are. erous University rchers from eating baco in green- “Lots of comm l and decis thor and CMU ions n”, they sourc on ’s acco the who sciences, vegetables you but can bank Not es per of diffe because rent food analysed the Carnegie Mell rdsaid: rupt requ “Eggplantcalorie than run over use and impa I on s in term you woul ire more reby a 56 almost got emis s of energct per calorie ularly bad , celery and d car think Chev aucti Published sions. when comp cucumber . y cost, y at a on The initia water s in the Decisions The biggeonce. l findi ared to pork look particEnvi prising”, st steals tions grain of journal, the ronment Syste according ngs of the studyor chicken.” are at study ms and Anthony sales and found at aucto senio meat to recent calls were “surestat for hum goes again pendent Froggatt at curb r resea worse dealssilent auctions. e rch think-tank Chatham Researche climate chan ans to quit st the a project House, fellow are found The ge. eating auction rs did whic people not at any where shou sumption looking at the h is currently an indewears the that livest ld be eatin argue again link betw and running tuxedos, sales crew st the Mr. Frog greenhous has a idea portion ock contributeg less meat, e gas een meat contheme, the auction gatt or of parking, there is according global emis s to an enorm the fact lettuce can be told the Inde emissions. sions – energy pendent incredibly to real dishe food is serve valet up to 51 ous prointen it But they some studi d on s and es. per cent ative exerc sive to prod water inten is “true found often one asks that eatin spou the food ises vary hugeuce”, but such sive and opinion. the other for se g only s are comparly the recom “We usua raised or grow depending a cow I have NEVER their on how buye lly look n. mistress, r ask a wife, seen at prote ins rathe or a for perm r than ission calcontinued to continued on page fourteen on page fourteen

LING HAND RITY R PR IO PAPE NEWS

Riding

“The grea can pay test homage we to truth is to use – JAMES it.”

RUSSELL

Lettuc bacon’ e is ‘three tim diets cofor emissio es worse than ns uld be bad fo and vegeta r enviro ria nment n

C

www.Lee Pitts

books.com

Herd

server for supposedly violating its terms of service, effectively shutting it down.

These removals, according to Apple, Google, and Amazon, centered on Parler’s lack of a moderation mechanism for violent content.

Parler might very well have violated the terms of service for those companies, but the way this all occurred at once—and to a platform championing free speech—is disturbing.

Mozilla CEO Mitchell Baker announced that “deplatforming” people from its services wasn’t enough, and that change “requires more than just the temporary silencing or permanent removal of bad actors.”

Mozilla owns Firefox, a major web browser, and has ties to Google.

What’s perhaps more shocking is the dramatic difference in how these same companies treat the left.

Last year, a book in defense of looting received sympathetic media coverage, and plenty of prominent commentators even defended vandalism and property destruction in the wake of riots as “nonviolent.”

Some went so far as to say that violence is an acceptable means of affecting policy change.

That, by contrast, was not met with mass social-media purges and deplatforming.

Tech companies have the right to set their own policies, yet it’s hard to overlook the rampant inconsistencies and double standards with which they apply them.

If even the president can be silenced by a Big Tech cabal, what’s the average American to do when that mighty, metaphorical digital knee comes down on their neck? Big Tech is signaling to half the country that they very soon also might be silenced.

In Thomas Jefferson’s first inaugural address after the highly contentious 1800 presidential election that nearly ended in civil war, he said that “we are all republicans, we are all federalists.”

Those who opposed republican government, Jefferson said, were marginal and that his political opponents should be debated, not silenced by force.

He said: “If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated, where reason is left free to combat it.”

As I wrote in November, not all kinds of political unity are the same. Bridging political divides and treating all Americans as fellow countrymen is one kind. Crushing dissent and coordinating with institutions of power to silence critics and political opponents is another— but not one that can exist in a system of ordered liberty.

It’s troubling to see the latter as the direction in which America is heading.

Editor’s Note: Jarrett Stepman is a contributor to The Daily Signal and co-host of The Right Side of History podcast. Send an email to Jarrett. He is also the author of the new book, “The War on History: The Conspiracy to Rewrite America’s Past.”

▫

February 15, 2021

Baxter BLACK ON THE EDGE OF COMMON SENSE www.baxterblack.com

Believe It Or Not!

D

o you believe in ghosts? How ‘bout angels? Miracles?

Taro cards? I grew up believin’ in Heaven and all its assorted angelic inhabitants and their counterparts in the singed black hats. Reincarnation wasn’t taught in Sunday School but we were encouraged to believe that souls existed. So, with this sort of background it was easy for me to accept ghosts. Especially when I saw the ‘ghost of Yankee Bill Summit.’

This experience happened many years ago, but I was a full grown man with a full grown moustache. It was a crisp October and Lee and I had driven to Yankee Bill in northern Nevada. We and the cowboys had worked cows all day. Since we still had another days work we stayed over at the old sheep headquarters high up in those beautiful mountains.

That evening Antonio had cooked up a great Basque supper; friend sweet peppers, spuds, codfish, dutch oven bread and his special chicken fried steak. We sat around the table in the company of Ten High and Vino Fino, smoking and getting beat at checkers by Juan Garay.

It was cold and a moonless night when we retired. Lee and I took a room right off the dining area. We layed out our rolls on a couple of cots and waited for everyone to hit the sack. The wood floor of this old sheep headquarters carried each footstep like it was next to ya.

Late into the night Lee started talkin’ in his sleep and woke me.

He rolled over and shut up but someone was standin’ over me. I strained to see him by the starlight. He was pullin’ his shirt over his head so I couldn’t see his face but he had on chinks, boots and big Mexican spurs.

I stared at him hard and I could see the dresser behind him, through him. I sat up to get a better look. I realized I was wide awake. I said, “What are you doin’ here?” He didn’t answer so I swiped at him. He jumped back but his boots didn’t make a sound on the wood floor.

He stayed in the room as long as I stared at him. Finally I lay on my back, closed my eyes and willed myself to sleep.

Now, cowboys are a superstitious lot so I didn’t say much next mornin’. I made a few inquiries whether any old buckaroos had died up there. Nobody knew. Nobody but me, I guess. I know. I know ‘cause I’ve seen him…the ghost of Yankee Bill.

▫

www.baxterblack.com

Utah Tribe Calls Biden’s Order on New Oil Drilling a ‘Direct Attack’ on Its Economy

BY CHUCK ROSS / DAILY CALLER

A

Native American tribe in Utah said a Biden administration order blocking new permits to drill for oil and gas on federal lands is a “direct attack” on its economy and sovereignty.

The Ute Indian Tribe is seeking a waiver from Order 3395, which Scott de la Vega, the acting secretary of the interior, implemented on Jan. 21.

The order pauses the issuance of new permits for oil and gas drilling on federal lands for 60 days. The order does not impact ongoing drilling, but President Joe Biden has said that he wants to ban drilling and fracking on all federal lands as part of a broader effort to fight climate change.

Biden has also said that he is open to banning fracking altogether, even on private land.

New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland, who Biden has nominated to lead the Department of the Interior, has also said she is “wholeheartedly against fracking and drilling on public lands.”

While some Native tribes oppose energy drilling on their lands, the Ute tribe says that drilling permits are vital to its economy.

“Your order is a direct attack on our economy, sovereignty, and our right to self-determination. Indian lands are not feder-

al public lands,” Luke Duncan, the chairman of the Ute Indian Tribe Business Committee, wrote to de la Vega on in late January.

“Any action on our lands and interests can only be taken after effective tribal consultation.”

The Ute Indian Tribe does not mince words in their response to Interior’s order restricting federal energy development: “Your order is a direct attack on our economy, sovereignty, and our right to self-determination.”

According to Reuters, the tribe produces around 45,000 barrels of oil and 900 million cubic feet of natural gas a day through drilling in the Uintah basin.

In another executive order, Biden suspended construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, which would transport oil from Canada to the U.S. Energy companies argue that bans on federal drilling and the Keystone pipeline will make the U.S. more dependent on foreign oil and gas and cause losses of hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

Officials in states like New Mexico worry that a permanent ban on drilling on federal lands will severely hurt their economies.

▫

February 15, 2021

Livestock Market Digest

Page 7

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

www.scottlandcompany.com

Ben G. Scott – Broker Krystal M. Nelson – NM QB 800-933-9698 5:00 a.m./10:00 p.m.

RANCH & FARM REAL ESTATE

We need listings on all types of ag properties large or small!

■ ALAMOSA CREEK RANCH – Roosevelt Co., NM – 14,982 +/- acres (10,982 +/- deeded, 4,000 ac. +/- State Lease).

Julyac.15, 2019 Good cow ranch in Eastern NM excellent access via US 60 frontage between Clovis and Fort Sumner. Alamosa creek crosses through the heart of the gently rolling grassland.

Selling residential, farm, ■ DRY CIMARRON – Union Co., NM – 1571 ac.+/- of ranch, commercial and grassland on the dry Cimarron River, located on pvmt. near relocating properties.

Kenton, OK just under the Black Mesa.

COLETTA RAY ■ COWEN ROAD FARM – Sedan, NM – two circles in CRP until Pioneer Realty 1304 Pile Street, Clovis, NM 88101 2023, one circle sown back to native grasses, all weather road.

575-799-9600 Direct ■ NORTHEASTERN NM – 10,730 total acres +/- (6,290 575.935.9680 Office deeded acres +/-, 3,840 +/- Kiowa National Grassland & 575.935.9680 Fax 600 +/- New Mexico State Lease), nice home w/beautiful coletta@plateautel.net landscaping & state-of-the-art livestock barn w/vet room, cattle www.clovisrealestatesales.com & horse pens, large, virtually new set of steel pens w/hydraulic chute, lead-up alley & tub, loading/unloading chute w/lead-up alley & tub, on pvmt. & all weather roads. Addtl. 14,000 ac +/- may be available for more acreage if desired.

■ TRINCHERA CREEK – Colfax Co., NM – 1,513 +/- acres (1,313.57 +/- deeded, 200 +/- State Lease). Located off the northern rim of Johnson Mesa. Features of the ranch include: 1,300 feet of elevation change, great elk hunting, Trinchera Paul Bottari, Broker Creek, custom built log home, horse facilities incl. indoor arena, pine trees, lake and tanks, irrigation rights, etc…

On the Plaza ■ HARMON CO., OK – livestock/hunting/recreation – 866.4 Donald Brown ac. +/- situated in two tracts, all on pvmt., located in close Qualifying Broker proximity to the entrance of the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Refuge 505-507-2915 cell & the Doc Hollis Fishing Pond.

505-838-0095 fax ■ QUAY CO., NM – 775 ac. +/- (455 ac. +/- deeded, 320 116 Plaza ac. +/- state lease), nice home, barns, pens, 14 old irrigations PO Box 1903 wells (not in use) & a complete line of farm equipment Socorro, NM 87801 Ranch Sales & Appraisals www.bottarirealty.com included w/the sale, on pvmt. www.socorroplazarealty.com ■ EAST EDGE OF FT. SUMNER, NM – a 900 hd. grow dbrown@socorroplazarealty.com yard w/immaculate 7.32 ac. +/-, a beautiful home, & other improvements w/a long line of equipment included, on pvmt.

1301 Front Street, Dimmitt, TX 79027 Ben G. Scott - Broker ■ PRICE REDUCED! OTERO CO., NM – 120 scenic ac.

Krystal M. Nelson - NM Qualifying Broker +/- on the Rio Penasco is surrounded by Lincoln National 800-933-9698 • 5:00am/10:00pm Forest lands covered in Pines Ranch & opening upReal to Estate a grass & Farm www.scottlandcompany.com covered meadow along 3,300 feet +/- of the Rio Penasco.

This property is WE an ideal locationLISTINGS to build a legacy NEED ONmountain ALL TYPES OF AG PROPERTIES LARGE OR SMALL! getaway home.

■ PRICE REDUCED! MALPAIS OF NM – ■ PECOS RIVER RANCH – Guadalupe Co., ■ PRICE REDUCED! PECOS RIVER RANCH – a scenic, 968 sections +/- NM – Scenic, 968 +/- ac. deeded & 519 +/- ac., will sellLincoln/Socorro in tracts of 418 ac. Counties, & 550 ac., live37.65 water ranch (13,322 ac. +/Deeded, 8,457 ac. +/- state lease acres, live water ranch on both that lies along both sides of the Pecos River between Santa+/- BLM Lease, NM. 2,320 ac. +/State Lease) good, sides of the Pecos River (strong flow daily) Rosa & Ft. Sumner, Wildlife, water & cattle make an useable & iswater, between Santa Rosa & Ft. Sumner; wildlife, excellent pairingimprovements for the buyer who lookingsome for top irrigation tier assets w/water rights for 2Ranch. pivot sprinklers, on pvmt. & all-weather paired w/water & cattle for the buyer looking in a rugged New Mexico road.CREEK – Wheeler Co., TX – 640 acres of for top tier assets in a rugged New Mexico ■ SWEETWATER scenic ranch land traversed by seasonal ■ UNION CO., NM Sweetwater – 955 ac.Creek +/- just w/excellent ranch! a few miles west of New Mobeetie, 200 feet elevationoperation, improvements for aTX.stocker or of cow/calf ■ LOGAN/NARA VISA, NM – 980 ac. +/change. MINERALS INCLUDED! modern ¼ mi. sprinkler, all-weather roads on three w/940.6 ac. CRP, irrigated in the past, land lays

Market Digest TEXASLivestock & OKLA. FARMS & RANCHES

208 ACRES, 39 MILES OUT OF DALLAS – High traffic count, long frontage on U.S. Highway ready for a developer. $14,000 per acre, 25 acre $700. Ready to develop.

230 ACRE GAME & RETREAT that is a dream. Lakes, woods, meadows, game galore, 35 miles out of Dallas, Kaufman County.

133 ACRES – 24 Miles out of Dallas, ready to develop. $13,000 per acre 313 ACRES NORTH OF DALLAS ON HIGHWAYS & 521 MAJOR West Second St. • Portales, 121 NM 88130 575-226-0671 or 575-226-0672 69 – Nice horse barn with livingfax quarters. $11,500 Buena Vista Realty

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

Bar M Real Estate

SCOTT MCNALLY www.ranchesnm.com 575/622-5867 575/420-1237

SOCORRO Bottari Realty PLAZA REALTY 775/752-3040

Nevada Farms & raNch PrOPerTY

Scott Land co.

Selling residential, farm, ranch, commercial and relocating properties. www.ranchesnm.com

SCOTT MCNALLY COLETTA RAY

575/622-5867 575/420-1237 575-799-9600 Direct

Pioneer Realty 1304 Pile Street, Clovis, NM 88101

Ranch Sales & Appraisals 575.935.9680 Office 575.935.9680 Fax coletta@plateautel.net www.clovisrealestatesales.com

CALDWELL RANCH

• 83 acre wood home with barns, meadows and woods. Fronts State Rd. $545,000 • 160 acre Ranger Eastland Co, $560,000 • 270 acre Mitchell County, Texas ranch. Investors dream; excellent cash flow. Rock formation being crushed and sold; wind turbans, some minerals. Irrigation water developed, crop & cattle, modest improvements. Just off I-20. Price reduced to $1.25 million.

• 840 Immaculate, Hunt Co, TX. Ranch. Pastures, 40 tanks, and lakes. Beautiful home, barns, and other improvements. Some minerals, game galore. All for $1.35 million.

First time offering of a quality ranch property located in northeastern Chaves County, New Mexico, approximately 20 miles northwest of the small community of Elida.

Priest Real Estate Configured in two tracts of a total of 7,200Joedeeded acres 1-800/671-4548 joepriestre.netwells • joepriestre@earthlink.com and 640 acres of state lease. Watered by three and pipelines. Grazing capacity is estimated to be 130 AUYL. Priced at $370 per deeded acre. Call for a brochure.

Scott McNally, Qualifying Broker

SULTEMEIER RANCH – First of a ranchLLC that has been owned and operated Bartime M offering Real Estate, by the same family for over 70 years. Fifteen miles southeast of Corona, NM in Lincoln P.O. Box NM 88202 County. 11, 889 Deeded Acres,428, 1,640 Roswell, Federal BLM Lease Acres and 2,240 NM State Lease Acres.Office: Grazing Capacity estimated at 300 AUYL. Water provided by five wells and 575-622-5867 Cell: 575-420-1237 pipelines. Improved with two residences, barns and corrals.

The ranch had a good summer Website: www.ranchesnm.com with abundant grass. Good mule deer habitat. Call for a brochure or view on my website.

Price: $4,400,000 $4,100,000 19TH STREET FARM – Located just outside the city limits of Roswell, NM. Six total acres with 5.7 acres of senior artesian water rights. Improved with a 2, 200 square foot residence,

Donald Brown

Qualifying Broker

Buena Vista Realty

505-507-2915 cell Qualifying Broker: 505-838-0095 fax A.H. (Jack) 116 Merrick Plaza 575-760-7521 PO Box 1903 www.buenavista-nm.com

AsLow Low 3% As AsAs 4.5% Paul Bottari, Broker OPWKCAP 2.9% OPWKCAP 2.9%

775/752-3040

INTEREST RATESAS AS LOW 3% INTEREST RATES LOW ASAS 4.5% Payments Scheduledon on2525 Years Payments Scheduled Years

Nevada Farms & Joe Stubblefield & Associates raNch PrOPerTY 13830 Western St., Amarillo, TX

806/622-3482 • cell 806/674-2062 joes3@suddenlink.net Michael Perez Associates Nara Visa, NM • 575/403-7970

www.bottarirealty.com

1-800/671-4548

TEXAS & OKLA. FARMS & RANCHES

On the Plaza 575-226-0671 or 575-226-0672 fax

Realty AG LAND LOANS AGBottari LAND LOANS

Qualifying Broker: A.H. (Jack) Merrick 575-760-7521 Joe Priest Real Estate www.buenavista-nm.com

joepriestre.net • joepriestre@earthlink.com

SOCORRO PLAZA REALTY 521 West Second St. • Portales, NM 88130

Socorro, NM 87801 www.socorroplazarealty.com dbrown@socorroplazarealty.com

TRACT N O C R E D UN

sides, 374 ac. +/- CRP. good & is located on the north side of Hwy. 54.

■ MIAMI SPECIAL – Colfax Co., NM – 40 ac. ■ TOP OF THE WORLD – Union Co., NM – +/- w/irrigated pastures, great cattle working & 5,025.76 +/- ac. of choice grassland w/statehandling facilities & a beautiful home, on pvmt., of-the-art working pens, recently remodeled irrigated from Miami Lake. bunk house, barbed wire fences in very good ■ WE CAN NOW DIVIDE – THE PAJARITO to new condition, well watered, on pvmt.

RANCH – Guadalupe Co., NM as follows: 3501.12 ■ SANTA ROSA, NM – 78 ac. +/- heavily Buenawater VistawellRealty at 575-226-0671 ac. +/- of grassland w/aCall commercial improved for horses, cattleor&the otherlisting livestockagent w/ Bohmof575-760-9847, or new Melody 575-825-1291. located adjacent to I40 Lori w/capability producing virtually barns,Sandberg pens, cross fences etc., on pictures onwater, MLS w/internet or www.buenavista-nm.com large incomes together w/aMany great good set of pens, a city access to the front gate.

17,000 gal. water storage tank, overhead cake ■ OTERO CO., NM – 120 scenic ac. +/- on bin, hay barn & other stock wells. 700.89 ac. the Rio Penasco is surrounded by Lincoln +/- of grassland can be purchased in addition National Forest lands covered in Pines & to the 3501.12 ac. The beautiful, virtually new opening up to a grass covered meadow custom built home w/all amenities and a large along 3,300 feet +/- of the Rio Penasco. This virtually new metal barn w/an apartment inside property is an ideal location to build a legacy on 40 ac. can be purchased separately or w/the mountain getaway home. ranch. Adjoins the Boylan Ranch if more acreage ■ TEXLINE SPECIAL – 472.4 ac. irr., on is desired.

Dalhart/Clayton hwy. in New Mexico, adjoins ■ THE BOYLAN RANCH – Newkirk, NM - 2,360 the Grassland w/Organic Potential. ac. +/- w/useable house & pens, a large domestic ■ GRASSLAND W/ORGANIC POTENTIAL well for lvstk./wildlife watering w/potential for – Union Co., NM - adjoins the Texline Special, commercial water sales, all weather road. Adjoins 927.45 ac. +/-, on pvmt. the Pajarito Creek Ranch if more acreage is desired.

■ FT. SUMNER, NM – 17 ac. +/- w/water ■ BROWN CO., TX – near Brookesmith - 424.79 rights currently planted in alfalfa & a beautiful ac. +/-, very scenic ranch w/one mi. of Clear Creek, home built in 2007 w/3 bdrms., 3 bathrooms, highly improved ranch w/fencing, well watered, an oversize garage & a 24X50 metal shop. home, hunting cabin & abundant wildlife.

U N DER

Bar M Real Estate

Page 7

521 West Se

575-226-0

B

A.H. (J ww

AG LAND LOANS

521 West Second St., Portales, NM 88130

575-226-0671 As Low As 3.5% www.buenavista-nm.com OPWKCAP 3.5%

INTEREST RATES AS LOW AS 3.5%

Rural Properties aroundPayments Portales,Scheduled NM on 25 Years 1242 NM 480 - Nice home on 59.7 acres, grass 427 S Rrd P 1/2 - Large nice home, lots of barns 24+ ac 1694 S Rrd 4, Great home, barns, cattle pens, location 2344 S Rrd K east of Dora, NM, greatJoe - Near wind farms Stubblefield & Associates Western St., Amarillo, All properties excellent homes & can13830 have horses, etc. TX 806/622-3482 • cell 806/674-2062

joes3@suddenlink.net See these and other properties at www.buenavista-nm.com Michael Perez Associates

AS PROV R

14298 N.

Nara Visa, NM • 575-403-7970

10 ACRES OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY. Incredible highway visibility & access from either East or West directions on Hwy. 60, 3 miles East of El Rancho Truck & 4 miles West of Willow Call Buena Vista Realty atPlaza 575-226-0671 or the listingSprings. agent Natural gas may be available on LOCATION PLUS! Thisorproperty well suited 575-825-1291. for many types Lorisite.

Bohm 575-760-9847, MelodyisSandberg of businesses. (Restaurant, Retail,Many Motel,good Business of anyon kind)!

A or Must See Property. MLS#11402703 pictures MLS www.buenavista-nm.com GREENFIELD TRADING POST. Available for sale at the corner of Hwy. 160 (Grand) & H Hwy. Newer tile floors, ADA bathrooms, outside storage tanks, 4 double side gas pumps. Owner reports a brisk business with sales around $1M last year. Store features a bait room for fishing at nearby Stockton Lake. Property has roll up garage door for easy storage of equipment and inventory. Vendor for popular Hunt Pizza with small eat-in area. Multiple coolers, coffee makers & shelving are included in sale. 2080 sf in store, 1120 sf for storage of inventory. This is an unbranded station. MLS# 60140876

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RANCH PROPERTY 31 years in the ranch business - see www.ranch-lands.com for videos & brochures

O’NEILL LAND, llc

DUANE & DIXIE McGARVA RANCH: approx. 985 acres Likely, CA. with about 600+ acre gravity flood irrigated pastures privateCimarron, 542 AU BLM permit.

About 425 acres so of the irrigated are level to flood P.O. PLUS Box 145, NM 87714 • 575/376-2341 • Fax: 575/376-2347 land@swranches.com • www.swranches.com excellent pastures with balance good flood irrigated pastures.

NO PUMPING COST! Dryland is perfect for expansion to pivot irrigated alfalfa if desired. Plus BLM permit for 540 AU is fenced into 4 fields on about WAGON PLACE, Mora HIDDEN PLACE, Colfax 18,000 acres only MOUND 7 miles away. REDUCED ASKING PRICECIMARRON - $3,125,000

CONTRACT P E N D IN G

County, NM 8.202 +/- deeded acres on

County, NM. 1.66± deeded acres with

outbuildings and many trees would

rooms and two bathrooms, edge of

BEAVER CREEK RANCH: 82,000 acresMound - with 2,700 deeded acres plus & BLM with western edge of about I25/Wagon a 2,304 sq contiguous ft homeUSFS updated permits 450homes, pair; 580+-abundant acres irrigatedwater alfalfa, pasture, meadowremodels from Beaver including Creek water rights andopen has for two with andrecent large one irrigation well. 3 homes, 2 hay barns, 4 feedlots each w/ 250 ton barns, 2 large reservoirs, can run up to one well, two springs and pond. Other kitchen vaulted tin ceiling, three bed500-600 cows YEAR ROUND. REDUCED ASKING PRICE - $5,400,000.

suitCREEK manyRANCH: purposes. townand amazing BEAR Approx.$190,000.

1,278 acres winter range ground recreationalviews. property.$295,000 Located on Bear Creek and accessed from South Cow Creek Valley Road. Should be great hunting for deer, wild turkey, wild COLMOR-OCATE CREEK, pigs, quail & owner states good DOLLAR trout fishing in Bear Creek. Deeded access easement thru neighbor Colfax ranches. and RATON MILLION VIEW, Mora County, NM 853 +/- deeded No improvements & very private inside the ranch.

Colfax County, NM. 97.68 +/- deeded Now only $700 per acre - $894,600 acres split by I25 and Ocate Creek.

acres in 2 parcels with excellent home, Suit cattle operation, with some wildbig shop, wildlife, a true million dollife drawn to water holes BILL WRIGHT, SHASTA LAND SERVICES, INC.in creek. lar view at the end of a private road. $617,000 530-941-8100 • DRE# 00963490 • www.ranch-lands.com $489,000. Also listed with the house and one parcel for $375,000 EAGLE NEST ESCAPE, Colfax County, NM. 78.42± deeded acres in off HWY MIAMI 20 ACRES, Colfax County, 64 overlooking Eagle Nest Lake, priNM quality 2,715 sqft adobe home, vate pond, two elk tags, 3 bedroom home with and large shop garage barn, grounds, fruit trees and P.O. Box 145, Cimarron, NM 87714 • 575/376-2341 • Fax: 575/376-2347 land@swranches.com • www.swranches.com able to store your RV and big toys. mature trees. Extremely private setImprovements a mile ting.

REDUCED $320,000.

ThisLISTING. is a CIMARRON CHICO CREEK RANCH, Colfax County, NM. NEW ON THE RIVER, almost Colfax County,half NM. 7.338 +/- off highway. an escape. must 6,404.26see. +/- Total Acres, Located approximately 10 miles east of deeded acres with Truly 4.040 acre-feet per annum$850,000 out of the

O’NEILL LAND, llc

Springer New Mexico. 3,692.60 +/- deeded acres with balance in state lease. Excellent grass and water. Two plus miles of the Chico Creek meandering through the center of the property.

Additional wells and dirt tanks. Nice historic head quarters privately located with shade trees and excellent views of the property. Shipping pens in central portion of property. $2,837,318

Maxwell-Clutton Ditch. Custom country-chic 2,094 +/- sq ft home. Owns both sides of river in places. Horse/cow/chicken/ vegetable garden/greenhouse/orchard set up. Country living at it’s finest, in town, but in a world of your own. Very special on river. Appointment only. $650,000.

E

E

Page 8

Livestock Market Digest

Ron Williams Named 2022 Citizen of the West

T

he National Western Stock Show is proud to announce Ron Williams as the 2022 Citizen of the West. This prestigious annual award recognizes those who embody Western pioneers’ spirit and determination and perpetuate their agricultural heritage and ideals. A committee of community leaders selects recipients.

Mr. Williams has been selected for this esteemed honor. Still, in light of the 2021 National Western Stock Show postponement, he will receive the award at a dinner in January 2022 at the National Western Events Center. Proceeds from the event support 100 scholarships the National Western Scholarship Trust awards annually to students that attend colleges and universities in Colorado and Wyoming and major in Agricultural Science, Rural Medicine or Veterinary Medicine.

Ron Williams is a respected leader in business, education, civic, and philanthropic communities. He has made many contributions to the community through his long-standing service and financial commitments. Mr. Williams’ contributions are indelible across Colorado and to the future of the National Western Stock Show.

Ron Williams grew up in a small town in Nebraska, with a graduating high school class of 10. He received his undergraduate degree from Kearney State College, Kearney, Nebraska, and his master’s degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska. Upon graduation, he moved to Denver. In 1977, he joined an oil company in which he later became an owner. He is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Gary-Williams Company. The company’s community investment division, The Piton Foundation, supported non-profits, including the Colorado Children’s Campaign, Denver Preschool Program, Urban Land Conservancy, and many others. This is where Mr. Williams first became involved in and found a passion for philanthropy.

Mr. Williams co-chaired the capital campaign to raise private funds for a new state-of-the-art Children’s Hospital at the Fitzsimons Campus in Denver. He and his committee successfully raised $250 million to build the new hospital.

Williams has also served on the Board of Directors for the Denver Public Schools Foundation for a decade. He is credited with shaping and influencing education in Denver. He actively raised more than $10 million for the foundation.

“Ron is a very competitive person, and everything he does, he wants to do as well as it can be done,” said Skip Miller, a long-time golfing and business colleague. Miller added, “It’s demonstrated in the results he brings about.”

In one of his latest philanthropic and civic endeavors, Ron served as the Chairman of the National Western Stock Show Board of Directors. Ron has been a member of the National Western Stock Show Board of Directors since 2004. “We’ve got a sizable project to reinvent the National Western and make it much larger and much better, and I’ve been spending all my time doing that,” Williams says. “It’s like starting a new career, and it’s been fun.”

Ron has been instrumental in the transition of the National Western Center into a 250-acre year-round educational, research, commerce, and entertainment campus, the impact of which will extend far beyond the annual National Western Stock Show.

Mr. Williams was inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame in 2016, is a lifetime member and past Chairman of the Board of Directors of Children’s Hospital Colorado, and a member of the board of the hospital’s foundation. He continues his philanthropic involvement by serving on the University of Colorado Hospital board and is a member of the Colorado Forum.

To say Ron Williams has dedicated his life to helping to create a better, stronger Colorado would be an understatement. He is truly an outstanding member of this community and the 2022 Citizen of the West honoree.

Though dedicated to his career and community engagement, Ron has also devoted his life to his wife, Cille, and their daughter and two sons. He also enjoys spending time with his seven grandchildren in his spare time.

▫

Boebert, Herrell Among New Natural Resources Republicans

BY EMMA DUMAIN, E&E NEWS REPORTER

R

epresentative Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) is set to join the Natural Resources Committee accordfng to E&E News Eight House Republican freshmen are expected to be seated on the Natural Resources Committee. Six hail from Western states, which tend to be most impacted by the panel’s policy portfolio. One is likely to spark controversy.

Each will be at the center of

major legislative debates over environmental justice, government protection of national monuments and federal activities on public lands.

“I believe we have an incredible opportunity to get back to our conservative roots and show Americans that the best environmental solutions are the ones that bolster our economy at the same time,” Representative Bruce Westerman (R-AR), the incoming ranking member of the Natural Resources Committee, said in a statement following the House Republican Steering Committee’s picks for freshman assignments.

“They bring a wide range of experience, geographic location and perspective to the table,” said Westerman of the new members.

The Steering Committee’s recommendation of Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO) is one that could lead to controversy. She was most recently

February 15, 2021

Bill Looks to Bring FWP Conservation Easements Back to Land Board

BY TOM KUGLIN / HELENAIR.COM

A

Kalispell lawmaker’s bill heard in a Montana legislative committee would put final decisions on Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ (FWP) conservation easements in the hands of the Montana Board of Land Commissioners.

Republican Senator Keith Regier, of Kalispell, said Senate Bill 115 is about creating more accountability by putting potentially multi-million dollar decisions before elected officials rather than a state agency and appointed board.

“Gotta remember Senate Bill 115 does not stop easements, it doesn’t stop them,” Regier told the Senate Fish & Game Committee. “Having elected officials involved in the process is good for the people of Montana.”

But opponents of the bill testified that it adds an unnecessary level of red tape and creates uncertainty at the end of lengthy and complicated transactions that include thorough vetting processes.

“What we’ve seen over time is that this (process) has been very effective, and I don’t think that there’s anything that could be added to that process, including oversight that has occurred, let’s call it the 11th hour, when a nearly completed easement goes in front of the Land Board and all of that work could potentially could be negated because of that additional layer,” testified Robert Sanders with Ducks Unlimited. “I would argue that it’s probably not necessary with all of the other experts involved in the process.”

SB 115 stems from a dispute in 2018 that eventually saw the Montana Supreme Court rule in favor of former Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock over former Republican Attorney General Tim Fox. FWP and Wibaux-area ranchers the Stenson family came to the Land Board — which includes the governor, attorney general, state auditor, superintendent of public instruction and secretary of state — for a vote on the Horse Creek Conservation Easement. The easement had already seen approval by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission and Land Board votes had historically supported the vast majority of easements.

While the Stensons owned the surface rights, another family retained the mineral rights and the latter raised concerns that a conservation easement could negatively impact them — a point which Fox characterized as a “red herring.”

Former Secretary of State Corey Stapleton, former State Auditor Matt Rosendale, Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen voted to delay action on the easement while Bullock and Fox opposed. Bullock, citing an interpretation of the law that the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission rather than the Land Board has final authority, then pushed the easement through months later.

The Republicans were critical of the governor. Fox, at the request of former Montana Senate President Scott Sales, a Republican, drafted an attorney general’s opinion finding that FWP easements should legally require Land Board Approval.

Bullock then filed an original proceeding with the Montana Supreme Court for a final say on the matter. The court agreed with the then-governor and FWP and the commission finalized a number of easements in the final years of his administration.

In the 2019 session the Legislature passed a similar bill to SB 115, which was met with a Bullock veto.

One of those easements was completed by Cascade area rancher John Rumney. He was in the middle of the easement process with FWP in the months between the Land Board vote and Montana Supreme Court decision, and testified Thursday about the uncertainty it caused as he sought the funds to expand his ranch.

“Allowing the Land Board into the decision making process is adding an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy and infringing on property owners’ rights,” he said. “After nearly losing our opportunity due to government overreach, I strongly urge you to kill this bill.”

Other organizations including the Montana Wildlife Federation, Montana Trout Unlimited, Back Country Hunters and Anglers and The Trust for Public Land also came in as opponents to the bill Thursday. The legislation did not see anyone testify in support.

In a larger debate about public access programs, what played out also became a question of the Habitat Montana Program and the state’s role in purchasing access. While a variety of organizations and federal agencies offer easements, the state’s program uses hunting and fishing license dollars to fund land purchases and easements. The state’s easements require public access while curbing development for wildlife habitat, and have become a rallying cry from many conservation groups touting them as beneficial to both willing property owners and hunters.

Habitat Montana is not without its critics, particularly those opposed to the state of Montana purchasing land, while the easement program has come under increasing scrutiny as well. In addition to Regier’s bill, lawmakers have a proposed a bill this session that would block the funds from being used to purchase land.

Under questioning from Democrats, Regier maintained that the bill was about accountability for spending public dollars and that he felt the Land Board offered more accountability.

The committee took no immediate action on the bill.

▫

a vocal proponent of the proTrump “Stop the Steal” rally to challenge the 2020 presidential election results that turned violent inside the Capitol — a pposition that recently led Natural Resources Chairman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) to question whether she should be awarded a seat on the panel (E&E Daily, January 12).

The Colorado Republican has also raised eyebrows for her insistence she be allowed to carry her Glock throughout the Capitol complex.

But on environment policy, Boebert is no different from many of the other far-right conservatives she’ll sit with on the committee (E&E Daily, November 6, 2020).

She recently introduced legislation to reverse President Biden’s reentry of the United States into the Paris climate accord and has tweeted disapproval of the new administration’s decision to halt construction of

the Keystone XL pipeline. She represents Colorado’s Western Slope, a district with major regional interests in the work of the committee.

Herrell Another Natural Resources newcomer to watch will be Representative Yvette Herrell (RNM), who is quickly drawing a distinction between herself and the other members of her state’s congressional delegation on energy policy.

She sent a letter to New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) asking that she use her influence with the Biden administration to urge the new president to reverse his 60-day moratorium on issuing new oil and gas leases on federal lands.

“The oil and gas industry is the lifeblood of our state’s economy,” Herrell wrote. “If banned today, New Mexico stands to lose more than 60,000 jobs by 2022. The loss of these

good-paying, family supporting jobs would devastate entire communities and have grave long-term consequences for our state.”

Herrell also pointed out that she has been the only New Mexico member of Congress to speak out against the moratorium. She will likely find the chance to confront these differences with two New Mexico Democrats who are seated on the Natural Resources Committee with her: fellow freshman Teresa Leger Fernandez and Deb Haaland, Biden’s Interior secretary-designate.

The other six Republican freshmen to serve on the Natural Resources Committee, subject to a vote by the full House GOP conference, are: Representatives. Cliff Bentz, Oregon, Jerry Carl, Alabama, Blake Moore, Utah, Jay Obernolte, California, Matt Rosendale, Montana and Tom Tiffany, Wisconsin.

▫

February 15, 2021

How did this happen?

I have previously written about the accomplishments of the Trump Administration. This time we’ll take a look at some of the things that didn’t get done.

Fake Wilderness

H

ere we find a history of jealousy, chicanery and -subterfuge by a federal agency including a big stiff arm to Congress. A little background is necessary to fully contemplate this issue.

In 1976 Congress passed the Federal Land Policy & Management Act (FLPMA).

Section 201 of FLPMA instructs the BLM to inventory the federal lands, and does not mention Wilderness.

Section 202 of FLPMA instructs BLM to conduct land use planning on federal lands utilizing the aforementioned inventory, and nowhere mentions Wilderness.

Section 603 of FLPMA is the part of FLPMA that deals with Wilderness. This Section instructs the BLM to review roadless areas of 5,000 acres or more for their suitability or nonsuitability as Wilderness, with the President making his final recommendations to Congress, as only Congress can designate a Wilderness. FLPMA required this process by the Interior Dept. to be completed in 15 years.

The administrative process was completed with any remaining action requiring Congress to act, or so everyone thought. You see BLM kept right on inventorying and recommending as if the 15-year limit did not exist.

A lawsuit ensued and finally, in an out of court settlement, the George W. Bush Administration agreed the Dept. of Interior’s authority under Section 603 had expired. So that’s it. No more inventorying or recommending areas for Wilderness.

Well no, that is when the BLM jealous bone once again came out of hiding. The BLM has long been jealous of other land management agency’s budgets and programs, especially those of the Forest Service. BLM’ers were very resentful of always being considered a stepchild of natural resource management.

Just watch them play copycat to Smokey. The Forest Service had many restrictive land-use

Livestock Market Digest designations. The BLM finally convinced Congress to create the National Conservation Lands System, along with the accompanying appropriations.

The Forest Service and the National Park Service had national monuments, now BLM has them too. The Forest Service had a centralized system of law enforcement. BLM moved their LEO’s out from under the State Directors and created a national office. The Forest Service had administratively created roadless areas. In fact, it had 58.2 million acres of them, constituting about thirty percent of all Forest Service lands. The poor BLM, however, had…none. Just imagine the terrible ache in that jealous bone!

Stick with me now. The best (worst?) is yet to come.

Next appears President Obama and his shiny new Secretary of Interior, Ken Salazar. In December of 2010, BLM convinces Salazar to issue Secretarial Order 3310, which instructs the BLM to use Section 201 of FLPMA to inventory lands with wilderness characteristics and to use Section 202 of FLPMA to designate them as “Wild Lands”.

Notice the cute little sleight of hand here. Salazar doesn’t challenge or disturb the out of court settlement which dealt with Section 603 of FLPMA, and instead claims the BLM has the same authority to accomplish the same goals under different sections of FLPMA. (One has to wonder here: Why would Congress include Section 603 which specifically directs them to inventory and protect these lands, if BLM already had such authority in Sections 201 and 202?).

In addition to this sleight of hand change in policy, there was the cute way Salazar handled the timing of the change. Recall there was an attempt by Senators Reid and Bingaman to include an Omnibus Public Lands Bill in the budget during the waning hours of that Congress.

Salazar held back the policy waiting to see if the bill would pass and when it didn’t, he waited till Congress had adjourned and left town to announce his little jewel.

History has demonstrated that tactic was just a little too cute.

The blowback was immediate. The Governors of Utah, Wyoming and Alaska sued to overturn the Secretarial Order.

Members of Congress decried the policy as undermining their sole authority to designate Wilderness. Congressional opposition was so bipartisan that they

defunded the program in the next budget cycle.

Finally seeing the light, in June of 201l Salazar issued a memorandum stating the BLM will no longer designate “Wild Lands”. The Washington Post article on this was titled Salazar shelves policy to analyze more acres for wilderness protection and the AP story was Obama abandons wilderness plan. So that should be it. This baby was finally put to bed.

Well, no. That jealous bone still must be fed. You see, the BLM is no longer designating “Wilderness Study Areas” under Section 603 of FLPMA, nor are they designating “Wildlands” under Section 202 of FLPMA. No, now they are inventorying and designating “Lands With Wilderness Characteristics” under Sections 201 and 202 of FLPMA. It does not matter what a court settlement says, it does not matter what the Secretary of Interior says, and it does not matter what a majority in Congress said. The BLM insists on having the ability to administratively designate wilderness-type management on these areas and nobody has been able to stop them.

If you’ve been able to follow me through this labyrinthine policy pathway, you have witnessed how one federal agency can defy Congress, the Courts and their own Cabinet Secretary. They dodge, they misdirect, they play word games and so far, they win.

The Trump Administration had the opportunity to right these wrongs, but failed to do so.

Until next time, be a nuisance to the devil and don’t forget th check that cinch.

Frank DuBois was the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003, is the author of a blog: The Westerner (www.thewesterner. blogspot.com) and is the founder of The DuBois Rodeo Scholarship and The DuBois Western Heritage Foundation

▫

Page 9

Angus Announces New Regional Manager Internship for Fall 2021 . BY KAREN HILTBRAND, ANGUS COMMUNICATIONS

T

he 13 regional managers of the American Angus Association® are the boots-on-the-ground Angus experts who wear many hats. This fall, the American Angus Association’s field services team is excited to offer the new 2021 Regional Manager Internship, which is designed to enhance a student’s ability to build effective relationships, craft a promotional strategy and learn about the Angus business and cattle industry.

The 9-week, full-time internship begins in August and lasts until December and will be based at the American Angus Association headquarters in St. Joseph, Mo., with numerous opportunities to travel to different regions of the country.

From assisting with herd visits to securing advertising in the Angus Journal and Angus Beef Bulletin to providing insight to the breeder, the regional manager intern will gain valuable hands-on, real-world experience in the Angus business.

“The Regional Manager Internship provides a unique learning experience for rising junior and senior college students interested in a career as a field representative with a breed association or similar positions within the industry,” said David Gazda, regional manager and director of field services. “It will provide an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and exposure to all entities and departments of the Association from conception to end product.

Most importantly, this internship will provide an individual handson experience and a greater insight into the role regional manager’s perform as a representative of the Association and the skills sets required to serve successfully in this position.”

The selected intern will have the opportunity to promote the Angus breed and represent the American Angus Association by attending production sales, shows and other events.

“The role of the regional manager is what truly drives the advancement and connection within the Angus breed. This team of dedicated professionals serve as a trusted resource for Angus breeders and buyers of Angus genetics by delivering information, guidance and support across all aspects of the Association and its entities,” said Brett Spader, Angus Media president. “This internship is a unique opportunity to become familiar with all aspects of the Angus breed while having a meaningful impact on Angus breeders.”

Those interested in applying should send a resume, cover letter and references to careers@ angus.org by May 1, 2021. Visit angus.org/careers for the internship description and requirements.

▫

Page 10

Livestock Market Digest

The View FROM THE BACK SIDE

Saving Agriculture From Joe (The views expressed in this column are not necessarily the views of this publication.)

I

n Arizona fuel prices went up 25 cents a gallon in the anticipation of a Biden presidency.

I know of no rancher, farmer, trucker, that is not concerned about this. I find it astounding that an event such as the inauguration of an American presi-

dent, would depress major commodity markets.

America has now elected someone that feels the United States should not be first in the world, especially when it comes to oil production. I have always felt like the election of a new president would give the coun-

CLASSIFIEDS KADDATZ

Auctioneering and Farm Equipment Sales New and used tractors, equipment, and parts. Salvage yard, combines, tractors, hay equipment and all types of equipment parts.

ORDER PARTS ONLINE.

www.kaddatzequipment.com •254/582-3000

g•u•i•d•e BRANGUS

R.L. Robbs 520/384-3654 4995 Arzberger Rd. Willcox, Arizona 85643 Willcox, AZ

angus

CORRIENTE

Bradley 3 Ranch Ltd.

The Finest In Corriente Cattle!

Charolais Bulls & Angus Bulls

— BULL SALE — FEBRUARY 13, 2021 At The Ranch NE of Estelline, Texas

www.bradley3ranch.com M. L.: 940/585-6471 James: 940/585-6171.

Ranch-Raised Bulls For Ranchers Since 1955

SPIKE RANCH Robbie & Pam Sproul Turkey Creek, Arizona 520.824.3344 520.444.4939 Robbie cell 520.975.2200 Pam cell pamsproul@gmail.com

BEEFMASTER

210.732.3132 • beefmasters.org 118 W. BANDERA ROAD BOERNE, TX 78006

try new hope.

No one since Ronald Reagan has been able to do that except Donald Trump. Do you really believe that 80 million people voted for a man as un-inspirational as Joe Biden? Mr. Biden has been preaching doom and gloom for years. His latest message of more lockdowns will send this country backwards for sure.

Now we hard working Americans, need to find how to circumvent Joe Biden’s predicted, dismal mandates. The other blatantly obvious point that no one is talking about, is that Joe Biden inspires no one, and there is no evidence that he ever has in his 47 year stint of living off taxpayers.

He has been around most of your life, but what has he done to make your life better? Nothing positive that I can find, and I did quite a bit of research. This is truly a coup to take traditional America away from its citizens by the far left. Just think, if the left wing media can limit the free speech of the President of the United States, how effective can they be in limiting yours?

I thank God every day that we have so many independent free-thinking writers here at Livestock Market Digest and New Mexico Stockman. On top of that our editor Caren Cowan, is one courageous woman. Isn’t it interesting the different points of view that you get in these magazines?

Thankfully, we are still the voice of the working agriculture people in the southwest. If you like what you get here, then tell your buddy to subscribe. If you don’t, then rant and rave all you like. At least as of today, we still have that choice.

One of the best things President Trump did for American agriculture was to get rid of the North American Free Trade Agreement and replaced it with United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement or USMCA as it is commonly referred to. USMCA helped farmers and ranchers that were struggling with losses due to the effects of Covid-19.

The $2 billion annual increase in US agricultural exports and the $65 billion increase in gross domestic product should be a very welcome result. The estimate of the Covid-19 impact by the United States Department of Agriculture was a $50 billion decline in commodity value which did not even include all of agriculture’s losses. It is vital that we keep these good policies in place. It will be difficult to do, with this seemingly growing war by the left on farmers and ranchers.

However, farmers and ranchers are not alone in this war. A few days ago CNN host Don Lemon compared the 74 million

February 15, 2021 people that voted for President Trump to the Ku Klux Klan. Talk about a far-fetched stretch, with absolutely no merit. In my book racists are very few and far between. I can’t even think of one that I know. Of course, I am sure the leftists have developed their own definition of racist so it fits their agenda, but that it has nothing to do with Merriam-Webster.

It seems to me in this world that people are either good or bad. Calling everyone a racist is childish behavior in my book. To me, the only person I have ever considered to possibly be racist because of her seemingly intense hatred of our great country would be Michelle Obama.

However, I do not know Mrs. Obama personally, so I will not make that judgment from here.

Another point that I think is racist are these politicians demanding reparations for slavery. Some even say the burden should fall heavily on those in agriculture today because the slaves were agricultural workers.

Even the proponents suggesting that, are not dumb enough to think that we in agriculture are rolling in millions of dollars. I would say that these alleged politicians making these demands are just manipulating the system to get something for nothing.

Slavery ended in the United States over 140 years ago. No American citizen alive has been a slave owner or been a slave.

How stupid is this? My biggest question is why these same politicians that are calling for reparations do not also want reparations, for the families of the Union soldiers that freed them?

After all without those Union soldiers, abolitionists, and President Lincoln no slaves would have been freed.

If you know history at all, and if it has not been erased yet, President Lincoln lost his life to a southerner that loved slavery.

Should we pay Mr. Lincoln’s family too? I think that the most hypocritical part of these political shysters is that they are unconcerned about slavery that is still happening today across the world.

Okay, so let’s look at how Joe Biden’s tax plan will affect you the farmer or rancher. Presently, if a rancher dies with $5 million worth of assets, such as equipment or livestock those assets get stepped up to fair market value. With Biden’s plan taxes for all $5 million will have to be paid right away.

As a result it will be difficult to hand down the family farm or ranch to the next generation.

How is this good for American agriculture? I’d like to see Farm Aid Willie Nelson explain this one. He needs to start raising a lot more money!

▫

Oklahoma Group Launches Beef Certification Program

BY PETER THOMAS RICCI / MEATINGPLACE.COM

A

n agriculture trade group has launched a new certification program for cattle raised in Oklahoma.

Called the Oklahoma Certified Beef Association (OCBA), the program was launched by the American Farmers & Ranchers/ Oklahoma Farmers Union cooperative (AFR/OFU).

It allows the state’s cattle producers to officially verify their products as “Oklahoma certified.”

As detailed in the Muskogee Phoenix, to attain the certification, producers must use an affidavit-based, third-party verification system, which will confirm that the producer’s cattle are bred, born, raised and processed within Oklahoma’s state borders.

Scott Blubaugh, president of the AFR/OFU, said the OCBA program represents a new opportunity for local processing.

“OCBA is a great opportunity for Oklahoma ranchers to connect directly with consumers looking to purchase beef from local producers,” Blubaugh told the Muskogee Phoenix. “As an organization, we’re excited to offer another way for our state’s ranchers to market high-quality Oklahoma beef.

They can ensure a higher profit margin for their ranch, while supporting their local meat processing facility and giving Oklahoma consumers more choice. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

▫

February 15, 2021

Livestock Market Digest

Family Fights On after 30 Years in Bureaucratic Purgatory

W

e know the wheels of government bureaucracy, like the wheels of justice, turn slowly. But how long should an American have to wait – 5 years? 20 years? 30 years? – for the federal government to definitively rule on a routine mining patent request that could make or break the success of a family-owned business?

And what recourse does that business owner have if the government, rather than approve or disapprove a request, just sits, and sits, and sits on it, leaving the applicant forever trapped in bureaucratic purgatory?

That was the situation facing Monte Ray and his family in 1999, when they were forced to shutter a successful Mojave Desert cinder mine they had operated since his father Emerson staked the claim in the 1940’s because the Department of Interior refused to decide, yay or nay, on a patent mining application the Rays made with the Bureau of Land Management in 1991. Instead of providing materials to help supply the Las Vegas housing boom, the Rays’ mine overnight became another California ghost town, which it remains to this day.

Mountain States Legal Foundation last year made headway in breaking the logjam when a 2019 petition for a writ of mandamus it filed forced the Department of Interior to act on the application, resulting in a partial win for the Rays. The Rays were given a patent on only 10 acres of the original 692.5 acres they sought, but the Ray’s right to a patent was now established, laying the predicate for further legal action.

This week’s MSLF filing challenges Interior’s stingy drawing of mine boundaries, arguing that the agency’s misrepresentation of the law and complete failure to consider basic facts vital to an accurate understanding of the situation rendered its long-delayed decision arbitrary and capricious in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act. MSLF wants the agency to go back to the drawing board and come back with a more carefully considered decision on the patent application, in light of the facts it ignored the first go-around. That’s the least the Rays are owed after the prolonged indifference and disdain the government showed towards the Rays, according to MSLF’s lead attorney on the case.

“The Rays waited for nearly three decades to get an answer from the BLM on their patent application, and now that we’ve finally forced the government to respond, it gave them a slap in the face,” said MSLF Attorney David A. McDonald. “By filing this complaint, we’re making a statement that not even the federal government can get away with treating people this way.”

Monte Ray’s niece, Robin Ray, slammed the government’s mistreatment of her family as unjust and disgraceful. “Government tyranny has many faces; sometimes it comes in the form of a flagrant disregarding of an American family’s request to continue its family business,” Ray said in response to the latest filing, “Just ignore them and they will go away, is what they planned. But we didn’t go away. Is this any way for the American government to treat its hard-working citizens?”

Tuition-Free Wendell Berry Farming Program Accepting Applications

T

he Wendell Berry Farming Program of Sterling College offers a tuition-free junior and senior year farming curriculum focused on ecological management of livestock, pasture, and forest using draft animals and other appropriately scaled mixed power systems.

The Wendell Berry Farming Program of Sterling College, Henry County, Kentucky, is accepting applications for the fall.

The tuition-free two-year residential education program based in Henry County is designed to serve students from generational farm families or those with a strong desire to

Page 11 farm. Students who are residents of Kentucky are particularly encouraged to apply.

The program is intended for students in their third and fourth years of college. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems from Sterling College.

Inspired by the lifework of farmer and writer, Wendell Berry, the curriculum applies Berry’s writing to learning. Courses include subjects like Agroecology, Holistic Livestock Husbandry, U.S. Farm and Food Policy and Small Business Management — all things farmers need to know and that have been exemplified in Berry’s life and writing.

“The distinctive Wendell Berry Farming Program curriculum is designed to help people learn how to live with and from a place by understanding what has happened in and to its countryside,” Dr. Leah Bayens, dean of the program, said. “Our students work side by side with neighbors and learn from and with the good farmers, foresters and rural leaders who make Henry County a worthy class-

room. In turn, they’ll become the leaders who shape thriving landscapes and communities by growing healthy food.”

Admission to this program is highly competitive. Applicants must demonstrate a desire to farm and a commitment to working to strengthen rural communities. Interested students don’t need to have previously attended Sterling to be considered and can transfer into the program. While applicants must demonstrate a commitment to sustainable agriculture, they are not required to have studied agriculture in their first two years of college.

Students do not pay tuition for the Wendell Berry Farming Program thanks to grant support from the NoVo Foundation. Students are responsible for the cost of room, board and fees. The revolutionary no-tuition model helps graduates to live and farm in rural communities without the burden of college debt.

For additional information and a link to apply visit https://sterlingcollege.edu/wendellberry/

SIGN UP FOR 2021 IS OVER ...

But let us show you month by month how PRF would have performed for you

▫

Advertise to Cattlemen and Ranchers!

Call

505-243-9515

for more information

Angus. America’s Breed.

Radale Tiner,

Regional Manager

New Mexico Texas

A reliable business partner is difficult to come by. Contact Radale Tiner to locate Angus genetics, select marketing options tailored to your needs, and to access American Angus Association® programs and services. Put the business breed to work for you.

Contact Regional Manager Radale Tiner: Cell: 979-492-2663 rtiner@angus.org

3201 Frederick Ave. | St. Joseph, MO 64506 816-383-5100 | www.ANGUS.org © 2020-2021 American Angus Association

NPN 1800930 AZ/NM/TX

Connie Cowan • 602.944.0044 • cowan@chisholmco.com

Page 12

Livestock Market Digest

February 15, 2021

30 Annual Roswell Brangus Bull & Female Sale th

Saturday February 27, 2021 Females sell at 10am — Bulls sell at 1pm

Roswell Livestock Auction 900 N. Garden St. Roswell, NM

40 Registered Brangus and Ultrablack Bulls 20 Registered Heifers 200-300 Commercial Females “He Sells” He HeSells Sells

For a sale catalog or more information please contact:

Bill Morrison at 575-760-7263 Accommodations

Hampton Inn & Suites - 575-623-5151 3607 N. Main Roswell, NM 88201 Mention the Roswell Brangus Sale for special rates!!

Floyd Brangus

Lack-Morrison Brangus

Parker Brangus

Townsend Brangus

Brown Brothers Ranch