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When it comes to your to-do list, Decisions made in the past may no longer be what’s best for the future. To help keep everything up to date, Edward Jones offers a complimentary financial review. Decisions made in the past may no longer be what’s A financial review is a great opportunity to sit face to best for the future. To help keep everything up to date, face with an Edward Jones financial advisor and Edward Jones offers a complimentary financial review. develop strategies to help keep your finances in line with your shortand goals. A financial review is along-term great opportunity to sit face to face with an Edward Jones financial advisor and develop strategies to get helpyour keep financial your finances in line To find out how to goals with your shortand long-term goals. on track, call or visit today.
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In this Issue... Nevada Cattlemen’s Association............................pg. 3 Person of Character 2011......pg. 4 Eye on the Outside................pg. 4 Cow Camp Chatter, ..............pg. 5 Omnibus Spending Bill.........pg. 6 Freddy Howard......................pg. 8
. 2213 North 5th Street Suite A Jason B Land Elko, NV 89801 Financial Advisor 775-738-8811 . 2213 North 5th Street Suite A Elko, NV 89801 775-738-8811
Horse Snorts & Cow Bawls ............................pg. 9
Edward Jones........................pg.16 Grass Root Cutters Little Club that Could...pgs. 18-20 How to Research Land & Water for Proof of Vested Water Right Claims, Parts I & II.......pgs. 21-23 Sage Grouse..................pgs. 24-25 Range Plants for the Rancher....................pg. 26 Coloring Contest..................pg. 28
Look Up...............................pg. 13 Equine Podiatry.............pgs 29-32
www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
Beef Checkoff......................pg. 14 Dr. Margaret Fumes from the Farm..........pg. 15
Winsryg, Ph.D.....................pg. 34
www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
The Progressive Rancher Owner/Editor/Publisher - Leana Stitzel progressiverancher@elko.net
Graphic Design/Layout/Production - Julie Eardley julie@jeprographics.com
Cover: “Dont Dally Up On This Horn” Photo: by Leana Stitzel, Oct 2011 Grass Root Cutting Computer Rendering: Julie Eardley
Wishing All a Healthy and Prosperous Year!
Mailed to more than 6,000 individuals with approved addresses each month. The Progressive Rancher is published monthly. The views and opinions expressed by writers of articles appearing in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor. Letters of opinion are welcomed by The Progressive Rancher. Rates for advertising are available upon request. Advertising in The Progressive Rancher does not necessarily imply editorial endorsement. Liability for any errors or omissions in advertisements shall not exceed the cost of the space occupied by the error or omission. The Progressive Rancher is free to people working and active in the livestock industry. The Progressive Rancher is donated to the agricultural industry. If you are not currently receiving this magazine on a regular basis, and would like to be a part of The Progressive Rancher family, contact us by e-mail at progressiverancher@elko.net, today, so we can include you on our mailing list. If you have moved or changed addresses, please notify us, by e-mail, so we can keep you informed. All requests for the magazine must be made by e-mail.
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2 January 2012
The Progressive Rancher
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A
vada ranchers because almost all the beef raised in the state crosses state lines for fattening before slaughter”. I realize that the number of animals that a lot of Nevada ranches deal with is unimaginable to many eastern producers. Those producers don’t brand their cattle or have facilities to process their cattle. For these producers, the use of government issued bright tags that can be placed at the sale barn is a good fit. For those of us in Nevada, the thought of running several hundred head of steers through a chute to tag them before they are loaded on trucks, and recording what tags are on what truck is just as unimaginable. While the argument is made that the government is going to issue the two cent tags to producers for their use, so the cost is nominal; they don’t realize the cost of processing those cattle. Whether it is the shrink on the cattle, the inevitable broken leg, broken neck, or otherwise injured animal, this proposed unfunded mandate will cost producers in Nevada. Now at the risk of sounding as though I am opposed to any form of identification outside brands, let me say that our operation uses RFID tags in all our steers and we also use RFID brucellosis vaccination tags in our heifers. I also assist many of my clients with similar programs and use several thousand RFID brucellosis tags in client cattle each year. The vast majority of these tags are used as part of an age and source verification program. I definitely see the need for these programs and tags in value added marketing. That is how I feel individual identification should best be handled, through VOLUNTARY and value added programs. In discussions with Dr. Phil Larussa, the Nevada State Veterinarian, he is comfortable that the use of brands in group lots will enable him to meet the requirements of trace back as set forth by the USDA. The majority of reportable disease incidence that occurs in our domestic beef herd occurs in adult animals. It is rare that a group of steers or feeder heifers that will be harvested less than 30 months of age will have a disease problem that needs to be traced back to a ranch of origin. That said, as a large animal veterinarian; let me be the first to say that we have a program in place, which when in full effect, identifies half of the annual cattle produced in Nevada. The brucellosis vaccination program utilizes an alphanumeric code to individually identify vaccinated females. These females are the future mature cows that produce our calves for export. These females are the cattle that are at the most risk of a reportable disease due to the simple fact they live long enough to have a disease manifest itself. Should the current use of our brands and brucellosis vaccination tags be scrapped for a program that requires all cattle, even those low risk steers and feeder heifers to be individually identified? I doubt many of you are in any hurry to process calves after sorting and weighing, or after selling them at a Fallon sale barn and before they can leave the state. NCA will continue to fight to protect the resident cow herd of Nevada and for using brands and group lot movements. Keep your eyes open for the final rule that we expect to see sometime early 2012. If you have the opportunity, please call and thank Dr. Phil Larussa for his work on this issue. As I stated before, we are an export state and need to ensure we can export our product with as little stress on the animals (and producers) as possible. Until next month, live each day to the fullest and hope for precipitation!
UPDATE UPDATE
s I prepared to email off my monthly article, I couldn’t help thinking that we have all heard so much about the USDA proposed rule on traceability. In spite of the almost constant barrage of information on this issue, I feel it is extremely important to us, especially those of us in an almost exclusive export state such as Nevada. So sit back, enjoy a few more moments in the warmth of the house before stepping outside and allow me to stand on my soapbox for a short spell. A few years back, the industry overwhelmingly rejected the federal government’s attempt at a National Animal Identification System (NAIS). Now we are staring down the barrel of a proposed rule that will in effect institute NAIS through the back door. I know that Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has said, “We are proposing a flexible approach in which states and tribes can develop systems for tracing animals that work best for them and for producers in their jurisdiction. This approach offers great flexibility at the state and local level and addresses gaps in our disease response efforts.” This sounds like a great and simple plan. That should be our first clue something is amiss, Washington cannot adopt a simple plan, I am convinced it is becoming all but impossible. Almost as quickly as it was said it would be left to states and tribes, the agency then told states and tribes how to do it. The proposed rule did not allow for the use of brands or group lot movement, unless individual agreements where made between each state. The problems with Nevada needing to enter into agreements with dozens of states receiving our cattle should be obvious. As a way of not needing the brand agreements, the USDA said they would issue individual bright tags for the animals. (Sounds a little like NAIS doesn’t it?) In an attempt to avoid this proposal, a group of animal health officials and industry leaders from several western brand states, including Nevada, signed a joint letter to the Secretary of Agriculture, asking that group lots of cattle be allowed to move using brands as the identification. The letter requested that this become an official part of the proposed rule. For years, brand programs have been in effect and with quality personnel can provide a means of tracing cattle movements all the way back to the ranch of origin. The economic importance of being able to move large groups of cattle on group lots cannot be underestimated. As I recently stated in an article for Northern Nevada Business Weekly, “Ranchers in northern Nevada raise herds with 3,000 or more steers. Putting each steer through a chute to tag it with an alpha-numeric code, and then later recording those codes before cattle are placed on trucks for shipping, places a significant financial burden on Ne-
J.J.
G oicoechea DVM
Nevada Cattlemen’s Association President www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
January 2012 3
Eye On The Outside By Joe Guild
SLEEPING HAY The winter sun glows off the field of sleeping hay all gold and shone of another day long ago many months away It was hot and the fiery rays came down to stay as if to say we are forever it is our way Growing a crop now stored, piled high waiting for the cattle ‘neath the cold dim sky Soon it will green up, show its life again But for now well just view it as it once had been Radiant and reflecting all creation resting now quiet but just for a spell
Ron Cerri Ron and Denise Cerri
Progressive R ancher
Person of Character 2011 R
on has a soft elegant manner, softened even more by his wife, Denise, a loving helpmate, who made sure his monthly columns were edited and sent out as quick as possible. For a big sized cowboy, Ron never uses his size to get a point across, instead patience and thoughtfulness is his trademark. Loyal to some issues—even though others would try to sway him—Ron would stay fast to his support and be proud of it. Loyal to all issues pertaining to good sound ranch management and the main idea “all ranchers should join the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association and have a voice, where that voice can heard at the national, state and local political levels.” “Stepping up to support your industry” is a motto of Ron’s and has been since I’ve known of him—for 18 years or more, now. Watching Ron closer for the last 4 years, he has never let the Ag Industry down, nor will he. Thank you, Ron, for allowing me to be part of your ideas the last four years. Thanks for always listening to me even when you might have thought I went about it like stomping on snakes. Please keep our industry tops on your list to care for—I know you will. Thank you for your integrity, grit, and always being a gentleman. Leana Stitzel Photo by Leana Stitzel
December 2010, all rights reserved
4 January 2012
The Progressive Rancher
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COW CAMP
Chatter
R on
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To r e l l
, L on g - S ta n
d i n g E d u c at o r a n d A d v o c a t e o f
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ne of the most fundamental principles of beef cow management is understanding the biological cycle of the beef cow. This basic principle reveals how a cow’s nutrient demands change at each stage of her production. With this specific knowledge under your hat, you as a manager will be better equipped to manage reproduction. The biological cycle of the beef cow is constant and well-defined. It can be divided into four periods. The first, second and third trimesters of gestation are each 94 days in duration. Given this, the duration of a cow’s pregnancy is approximately 282 days. In order for a cow to rebreed and calve at the same time the following year, the postpartum period should be no longer than 83 days. The postpartum interval is that portion of the biological cycle which is the highest nutrient demanding for a cow. This is the period from calving to first estrus. In addition to the trauma of calving, the cow is lactating. This is a huge draw nutritionally especially if she is genetically a heavy milker. Her uterus is involuting and preparing for estrus. A spring-calving cow is just seeing green grass and may be thin from over-wintering. The first trimester begins the day the cow conceives. Ideally this should be 80 to 90 days after calving. The first trimester of pregnancy is the third highest nutrient demanding period in the cow’s biological cycle. Peak lactation has come and gone but there is still a significant draw for the production of milk. Along with this the cow has the continuous suckling effect which suppresses estrus. By and large spring-calving cows may still have green grass to help meet or exceed their nutrient demands. The second trimester of pregnancy begins at 94 days after conception and is the least nutrient demanding period for the beef cow. This is especially true if the calf is weaned early on in the second trimester. Peak lactation has come and gone. Weaning generally occurs during this period. The decision of when to wean should depend on the nutrient supply and body condition of the cow. Usually when the grass starts drying up and losing its punch the cow will start losing body condition. Lactation on dry feed can rapidly make a thin cow
Biological Cycle of the Beef Cow out of a fleshed cow. On the other hand, given time, a dry cow in the second trimester of pregnancy can actually flesh up on dry feed, provided there is no calf tugging on her. Add a supplement to the equation and you are building body condition that may benefit the cow for over-wintering and breed-back in the following year. The last trimester of pregnancy begins 188 days after conception. Next to the postpartum period, the last trimester of pregnancy is the highest nutrient demanding period of a cow’s biological cycle. Two-thirds of a calf’s fetal development occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy. Adequate body condition should be banked on the cow by now. This allows a savings account of energy for her to draw from in time of need. It is not economical to flesh a cow at this stage of production. This puts the thin cow and her fetus at a strong disadvantage going in to the postpartum interval. With a renewed understanding of the biological cycle of a beef cow, it’s important to have a simplified clarification of nutrient partitioning. This translates in to knowing what nutrient demands are met first by the cow. 1. Maintenance - this entails all the energy necessary for breathing, digestion, walking, maintaining body temperature, and other body functions. 2. Growth - once maintenance needs are met, energy goes to growth. A young female is still growing after her first and even second calf, so she will require more energy compared to a female that has reached mature size. 3. Milk Production - after growth, nutrients and energy are then used for milk production. If all the female’s energy goes into maintenance and growth, then she will not produce enough milk for her calf. 4. Reproduction - only after the requirements of all other functions have been met will a female’s reproductive system develop and function. It must be reinforced that the ability to match the nutritional requirements of cows in herds with long calving seasons is unlikely unless the cows are grouped according to actual calving dates. For this reason every effort should be made to maintain a tight calving interval. This enables cattlemen to manage on a herd basis rather than on an individual basis. That’s enough for this month. A special thanks to my wife Jackie for her part in writing Cow Camp Chatter. As always, if you would like to discuss this article or simply want to talk cows, do not hesitate to contact me at 775-385-7665 or rtbulls@frontier.com.
RT Range-ready A.I. Sired Angus Bulls, Accelerated Genetics Semen, Custom Artificial Insemination & Ranch Management Consulting Ron & Jackie Torell ♦ 775-385-7665 ♦ rtbulls@frontier.com www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
January 2012 5
Livestock Groups Hail Passage of Omnibus Spending Package — PLC, NCBA Urge President to Sign Bill Including Critical Grazing, Environmental Provisions WASHINGTON (Dec. 19, 2011) – A $915 billion omnibus spending bill to fund the federal government through September 2012 passed Congress over the weekend and is headed to President Barack Obama’s desk. Dustin Van Liew, Public Lands Council (PLC) executive director and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) director of federal lands, commended lawmakers for including critical policy provisions related to livestock grazing as well as greenhouse gas reporting requirements in the spending bill. He said PLC and NCBA encourage President Obama to waste no time in signing the bill into law. Specifically, Van Liew pointed to a two-year extension of a provision to allow federal lands grazing permit renewals, despite a backlog of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews, and a provision to allow grazing permits to be transferred without undergoing a NEPA analysis as long as the permit remains under current terms and conditions. “This commonsense grazing provision will continue to provide livestock producers relief from the uncertainty and instability of the federal lands grazing permit renewal process,” Van Liew said. “Livestock producers face a constant threat of environmental activists filing lawsuits to end grazing on federal lands. We commend Congress for taking a critical step to providing stability to the federal grazing permit process while also ensuring federal lands ranchers are able to continue producing safe, wholesome beef and lamb.” In addition to the grazing language, Van Liew said language was included to exempt the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from environmental law, litigation and regulation
until the agency is able to complete environmental reviews of livestock trailing and crossing permits, the issuance of which is crucial to many ranchers on federal lands. He said the omnibus will also prohibit the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) from using funds to reduce domestic sheep grazing due to management for bighorn sheep unless the management is consistent with a state wildlife plan, which Van Liew said is a “tremendous victory” for the sheep industry and the rural west. Ashley Lyon, NCBA deputy environmental counsel, said overzealous regulators at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who do not understand production agriculture have attempted to advance regulations that would harm America’s farmers and ranchers. She said the omnibus spending bill will prohibit EPA from requiring livestock operations to obtain permits for emissions of greenhouse gases. She said the bill also will prohibit EPA from requiring reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from manure management systems. Finally, Van Liew hailed Congress for including report language requiring EPA, USFS and BLM to report fees paid by the agencies through the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). “Initial studies have shown that millions of taxpayer dollars are being paid annually to wealthy special interest litigants. This is the first step to bringing accountability and transparency to EAJA,” Van Liew said. “We encourage President Obama to sign the omnibus immediately.”
Fiscal Year 2012 Omnibus Spending Bill A $915 billion omnibus spending bill to fund the federal government through September 2012 was signed by President Obama on Friday, December 23. Addressing the 9 remaining spending bills for fiscal year (FY) 2012 (including the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies bill), this omnibus package includes important grazing provisions that will carry through to future budgets. Thanks to the tireless work of Interior Appropriations subcommittee chair, Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) and his staff, PLC’s three primary priorities were secured: the grazing rider language, bighorn sheep language and trailing permit language. Many more of our priorities were included as well, along with some negative aspects. Positive grazing provisions include: • Allows for a 2-year extension of the grazing rider (through FY 2013): this allows for permit renewals despite the NEPA backlog. It also allows permits to be transferred without undergoing NEPA, provided the permit remains under current terms and conditions. • “Trailing” provision (through FY 2013): Will give BLM an exemption from environmental law, litigation and regulations until BLM can complete environmental review of trailing/crossing permits. • Domestic Sheep/Bighorn Sheep Management (through FY 2012): Prohibits USFS from using funds to reduce domestic sheep grazing because of conflicts with bighorn sheep, unless the management is consistent with a State wildlife plan. BLM must consult with state fish & game agencies and follow state wildlife management plans to the extent that they don’t conflict with Federal laws. • BLM Exhaustion of Administrative Review (through FY 2013): Requires litigants to exhaust administrative review before litigating in Federal Court on grazing issues. Will reduce the workload for BLM employees responding to both administrative appeals and litigation
6 January 2012
at the same time; limits the scope of what can be litigated in court. • Allows Forest Service to use an Administrative “objection” Process rather than post-decisional appeals. Except in emergency situations (in which case the Secretary may implement a proposed action immediately), this pre-decisional objections process will require that persons may bring a civil action challenging Forest Service decisions only if they raised the issue during the administrative review process and have exhausted the administrative review process. This will help prevent costly environmental litigation that oftentimes thwarts ranchers’ ability to continue grazing. • Agency Range Budget Funding Levels: ◦◦ BLM Range Management is increased by $10.5M above FY 11 enacted and $15.9M above the President’s request. Increased funding will help BLM manage grazing and catch up on grazing permit renewals. ◦◦ Forest Service funding for grazing is increased by $6m above FY 11 enacted and $10m above the President’s request. This will help the Forest Service catch up on the permit backlog. USFS was also allocated research funding, level with the President’s request and intended to emphasize “localized needs” research, for projects such as research on grazing riparian areas or on forest restoration/thinning. In the past, Forest Service research has helped support active management with objective science. Other Positive Provisions/Omissions: • EAJA Reporting: Requires that the Environmental Protection Act (EPA), Forest Service, and BLM publicly disclose all the fees paid to environmental litigants under EAJA. • NPDES Permits: Overturns the 2010 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision requiring National Pollutant Discharge The Progressive Rancher
Elimination System (NPDES) permits for stormwater runoff on National Forest System roads used for timber harvesting and silviculture (and ranching). • Wild Lands: Continues to block funding for implementation of the Wild Lands order. • Wild Horse & Burro: Fully funds the wild horse and burro program, which is now capped at $75M. • NOT Included: Sen. Tester’s Wilderness provision. Concerning Provisions/Omissions: • Wolf Language: The provision PLC hoped to see that would have prevented judicial review of a wolf delisting in Wyoming was not included. • LWCF Funding: Land and Water Conservation Fund will be funded at $355 million. With $950,000 specifically marked for land acquisition in California, Nevada and Utah. • EPA/Corps Water Guidance/Regulations: Unfortunately, language to block funding for an EPA/Corps of Engineers guidance/rulemaking on the definition of “waters of the U.S.” was not included. We will continue pushing for solutions, both legislatively and with the administration. *Note: A very narrow provision was made to allow several ranchers in the California Desert Conservation Area to voluntarily retire their permits. While PLC is wary of any language allowing “voluntary” permit retirement, this provision does NOT constitute a buy-out and was a special case that is not expected to affect other grazing permits. PLC thanks Chairman Simpson and his staff for their hard work on this important bill. Its passage allows us to turn our attention toward finding more permanent fixes for matters such as the grazing permit renewal rider, the agency appeals process, and bighorn and domestic sheep management. This information courtesy Public Lands Council Capital Issues Newsletter, December 2011 www.progressiverancher.com
OFFICE: 775-423-7760 JACK PAYNE Josh MacKenzie
Cell: 775-217-9273 Alt: 775-225-8889 Cell: 208-337-8347
Email: nevadalm@yahoo.com
Full-Service Cattle Sales & Marketing serving the Fallon, Nevada and Outlying Areas. Sales Results from December 14 & 15, 2011 Regular Butcher Cow and Feeder Sale Seller Bruce Ranch LLC Robert & Karla McKay Jerry Harper R Hanging Five Robert & Karla McKay David Piquet Scossa Ranch LLC Williams Charlois Ranch Thomas/Darlene/Anthony/Mark Moura Ken & Beverly Conley Jake Casey Mary Risi Diamond Cattle Co. LLC Jerry Millett Matt Hoekenga Jake & Lydia Dempsey Alan & Lillian Mendez Donald & Norman Cliff Gene Heckman Woodrow & Linda Cunrod Susan & David Kern Keystone Ranch White Mountain Ranch Hunewill Land & Livestock Deanna Porter Kenny & Tammy Lee Ronald Berg T Quartercircle Ranches Inc Harry Brown Roy & Dorothy Heise Trust Bently Agrodynamics Bill Card Zachary & Bobi Wakley Kenneth Buckingham The Moorman Ranch LLC Peter & Kathi Marvel Alex & Rita Clark David & Corine Buckingham Windy R Ranch Arlemont Ranch Co Tommy Lee Livestock Steve Biddinger Robert & Fred Buckingham Scossa Ranch LLC Peter & Kathi Marvel Diamond Cattle Co. LLC Susan & David Kern Harry Brown Keystone Ranch Matt Hoekenga Mary Risi Robert F Thomas Family Trust Marge Shepard Thomas/Darlene/ Anthony/Mark Moura Hunewill Land & Livestock Williams Charlois Ranch Jerry Millett Roy & Dorothy Heise Trust White Mountain Ranch Kenny & Tammy Lee Arlemont Ranch Co T Quartercircle Ranches Inc Windy R Ranch Robert & Karla McKay Carolyn & Stacy Drayton Justin Sorensen Ken & Beverly Conley Ken & Beverly Conley Scossa Ranch LLC Scossa Ranch LLC Uhalde Livestock G W Gillemot G W Gillemot G W Gillemot Donald & Norman Cliff Donald & Norman Cliff Mackenzie Ranch Mackenzie Ranch Robert & Karla McKay Bruce Ranch LLC Bruce Ranch LLC Michael & Marian Gottshalk Michael & Marian Gottshalk Michael & Marian Gottshalk Truckee River Ranch LLC Truckee River Ranch LLC Carolyn & Stacy Drayton
City # Head Jordan Valley 4 McGill 10 Paradise Valley 16 Winnemucca 3 McGill 5 Winnemucca 15 Gardnerville 5 Jordan Valley 4 Lovelock 4 Eureka 9 Fallon 3 Fallon 2 Bakersfield 7 Duckwater 1 Fallon 2 Winnemucca 2 Reno 13 Washoe Valley 1 Winnemucca 14 Reno 4 Paradise Valley 2 Paradise Valley 23 Dyer 5 Wellington 3 Orovada 2 Fallon 2 Round Mountain 1 Winnemucca 4 Austin 2 Gardnerville 19 Minden 8 Fallon 1 Wells 3 Paradise Valley 5 Reno 1 Paradise Valley 1 Yerington 5 Paradise Valley 7 Washoe Valley 1 Dyer 5 Fallon 3 Fallon 4 Paradise Valley 11 Gardnerville 7 Paradise Valley 14 Bakersfield 8 Paradise Valley 3 Austin 3 Paradise Valley 13 Fallon 4 Fallon 1 Paradise Valley 8
Desc. BLK MIX BLK MIX BLK MIX MIX MIX BLK BLK BLK BLK MIX BLK BLK BLK CHAR BLK MIX BLK BLK MIX BLK MIX MIX MIX BLK MIX CHAR WF MIX CHAR BLK MIX BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK MIX MIX WF MIX BLK BLK MIX MIX CHAR MIX BLK BLK MIX
Type Bred Cow Bred Cow STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR
Weight 1291 1226 430 488 501 480 400 388 451 528 440 330 331 420 460 470 480 420 631 666 455 847 627 717 490 490 675 833 793 497 753 575 402 739 545 785 738 644 385 665 640 731 916 399 426 418 390 493 540 485 415 553
Price CWT $880.00/hd $795.00/hd $157.50 $152.00 $150.00 $145.00 $145.00 $142.00 $140.00 $136.50 $132.00 $132.00 $131.00 $131.00 $131.00 $130.00 $128.00 $126.00 $125.00 $125.00 $124.00 $123.25 $122.50 $122.00 $121.00 $120.00 $120.00 $120.00 $119.75 $119.00 $118.75 $118.00 $118.00 $116.00 $115.00 $112.00 $110.00 $110.00 $110.00 $108.00 $106.00 $105.00 $100.00 $134.75 $134.00 $127.00 $126.00 $125.50 $122.00 $119.50 $118.00 $118.00
Fallon Lovelock
2 3
BLK MIX
HFR HFR
575 563
$116.00 $116.00
Wellington Jordan Valley Duckwater Gardnerville Dyer Fallon Dyer Winnemucca Washoe Valley McGill Ely Ruby Valley Eureka Eureka Gardnerville Gardnerville Ely Washoe Valley Washoe Valley Washoe Valley Washoe Valley Washoe Valley Jordan Valley Jordan Valley McGill Jordan Valley Jordan Valley Lovelock Lovelock Lovelock Fallon Fallon Ely
2 1 11 6 8 8 1 7 1 3 3 1 3 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 33 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
RD BLK BLK WF BLK MIX RBF MIX MIX BLK MIX RBF BLK BLK BLK MIX MIX RD RD RD BLK BLK BLK RD BLK BBF BLK BLK BLK BBF BLK BLK BLK
HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFRTT COW HFRTT COW HFRTT HFRTT COW COW HFRTT COW HFRTT HFRTT COW COW COW HFRTT COW COW COW COW HFRTT
605 375 650 344 529 548 490 618 405 790 365 500 970 1135 940 1390 970 1140 1625 1440 1230 1830 1008 1066 1010 935 895 965 1140 1260 1535 1440 850
$115.00 $115.00 $111.00 $110.00 $110.00 $108.50 $105.00 $105.00 $105.00 $104.50 $101.50 $100.00 $96.00 $65.00 $90.00 $62.50 $86.50 $85.00 $64.75 $63.00 $76.00 $70.00 $75.00 $72.50 $74.00 $73.00 $71.00 $73.00 $67.00 $63.00 $72.00 $70.25 $71.00
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Regular Sale Every Wednesday Small Barn at 10:30 am Cows at 11:30 am Feeder Cattle at 1:00 pm
Café
Open on Sale Days Stop by and have a Homestyle Burger
SaleS Feeder Sale in conjunction with our Regular Wednesday sale
January 18th & 19th, 2012 in Conjunction with the Nevada Cattlemen’s Assoc.
February 15th & 16th, 2012 Butcher cows on Wednesday Feeder cattle on Thursday starting at 11 am
We have four cattle trains available for your cattle hauling needs. We can haul approx. 80,000# of cattle per load either to our sale or in the country. Give us a call for pricing.
Thank You to all of our Consignors & Buyers Look for Weekly Market Reports at www.nevadalivestock.us The Progressive Rancher
Sales Results from December 14 & 15, 2011 Regular Butcher Cow and Feeder Sale Seller Carolyn & Stacy Drayton Fredric & Betty Stodieck Fredric & Betty Stodieck Fredric & Betty Stodieck Gallagher Land & Livestock Gallagher Land & Livestock Robert & Fred Buckingham Robert & Fred Buckingham Harold Rother Farms Inc Harold Rother Farms Inc Anthony/Lisa/Thomas Moura Anthony/Lisa/Thomas Moura Anthony/Lisa/Thomas Moura Danny Berg Danny Berg Danny Berg David & Corine Buckingham David & Corine Buckingham G Lazy B Partnership G Lazy B Partnership G Lazy B Partnership Keystone Ranch John Uhalde & Co. White Mountain Ranch John Wright John Wright John Wright Alan Ansotegui Alan Ansotegui Tom Madole Eureka Livestock LLC Eureka Livestock LLC Eureka Livestock LLC Gary Kleensen Woodrow & Linda Cunrod Lucas & Kelly Williams Lucas & Kelly Williams Lucas & Kelly Williams Robert F Thomas Family Trust Richard Hucke Richard Hucke Williams Charlois Ranch Beth & James Thompson Beth & James Thompson Beth & James Thompson T Quartercircle Ranches Inc Garett Williams Bruce Bruns Bruce Bruns M S Livestock Jeff Whitaker Jeff Whitaker Jeff Whitaker Hillside Dairy Hillside Dairy Hillside Dairy Desert Hills Dairy Desert Hills Dairy Desert Hills Dairy Brian Sorensen Brian Sorensen Brian Sorensen Oasis Dairy LLC Oasis Dairy LLC Oasis Dairy LLC Lori Johnson Margaret Jernigan Margaret Jernigan Mateo Muniz Sandhill Dairy Sandhill Dairy The Moorman Ranch LLC White Mountain Ranch Gallagher Land & Livestock Wayne Hage T Quartercircle Ranches Inc Peter & Kathi Marvel Bently Agrodynamics Michael & Claudia Casey Michael & Claudia Casey Bruce Bruns Diamond Cattle Co. LLC Cave Valley Horse & Cattle Cave Valley Horse & Cattle Thomas/Darlene/Anthony/Mark Moura Harold Rother Farms Inc Alex & Rita Clark Mackenzie Ranch John Uhalde & Co.
City # Head Ely 1 Minden 1 Minden 1 Minden 1 Lamoille 1 Lamoille 1 Paradise Valley 1 Paradise Valley 1 Spring Creek 1 Spring Creek 1 Lovelock 1 Lovelock 1 Lovelock 1 Round Mountain 1 Round Mountain 1 Round Mountain 1 Paradise Valley 1 Paradise Valley 1 Yerington 1 Yerington 1 Yerington 1 Paradise Valley 1 Ely 1 Dyer 1 Elko 1 Elko 1 Elko 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Eureka 1 Eureka 1 Eureka 1 Wilmore 1 Reno 1 Jordan Valley 1 Jordan Valley 1 Jordan Valley 1 Paradise Valley 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Jordan Valley 1 Winnemucca 1 Winnemucca 1 Winnemucca 1 Winnemucca 1 Jordan Valley 1 Markleeville 1 Markleeville 1 Topaz 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Yerington 1 Yerington 1 Yerington 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Reno 1 Dyer 1 Lamoille 1 Tonopah 1 Winnemucca 1 Paradise Valley 1 Minden 1 Fallon 1 Fallon 1 Markleeville 1 Bakersfield 1 Ely 1 Ely 1 Lovelock 1 Spring Creek 1 Yerington 1 Jordan Valley 1 Ely 1
Desc. BLK BLK BBF BBF BLK LHNX BLK BLK CHAR BLK RBF RD RBF BBF BBF BBF BLK BLK RD BRN RD RD BLK BLK RD LHNX LHNX BLK BLK RD BBF BLK BLK BLK BRN CHAR WFCX BCHX RD BLK BLK CHAR RBF BLK BLK RD CHAR BLK BLK BLK HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN DAIRY-X HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN HOLSTEIN BLK BLK LHNX CHAR BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK WF BLK BLK WF BLK BLK RD BLK
Type COW COW COW COW COW COW COW HFRTT COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW HFRTT COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW HFRTT COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW HFRTT COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW HFRTT COW COW HFRTT COW COW COW COW BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL
Weight 1010 1710 1720 1585 1575 1420 1510 1010 1295 1480 1325 1130 1240 1295 955 1015 1240 1075 1475 1375 1745 1435 1225 1450 1240 920 965 1795 1345 900 1015 1130 1130 750 1795 1370 1015 1080 1440 1225 1240 1540 955 1190 1285 1295 1525 1085 1165 1250 1705 1890 1720 935 1750 1145 1835 1560 1610 1655 1545 1285 1415 1330 1215 1375 1010 1045 1690 1695 1580 1960 1540 1315 1620 1785 1845 2070 1755 1770 1630 1505 1685 1660 1500 1645 1265 1810 1525
January 2012 7
Price CWT $56.50 $69.25 $68.00 $61.50 $68.00 $65.00 $68.00 $65.00 $67.50 $62.00 $65.00 $58.00 $57.75 $65.00 $57.00 $55.00 $65.00 $54.00 $64.50 $63.25 $61.25 $64.00 $63.00 $63.00 $62.50 $61.50 $60.75 $62.00 $58.25 $62.00 $61.75 $61.25 $59.75 $60.00 $60.00 $59.00 $58.00 $57.25 $59.00 $58.00 $55.25 $58.00 $56.50 $55.50 $55.00 $54.50 $54.00 $53.00 $52.00 $52.00 $65.25 $64.25 $60.50 $65.00 $64.25 $60.00 $63.25 $62.25 $61.25 $62.25 $61.50 $61.00 $62.00 $60.25 $60.00 $60.00 $60.00 $55.75 $59.00 $56.00 $55.50 $79.75 $79.00 $75.00 $74.50 $73.50 $71.50 $70.00 $68.50 $64.00 $64.50 $64.00 $63.50 $63.00 $63.50 $62.75 $61.00 $61.00 $60.00
Freddy Howard—
Cut Out to be a Cowboy By Katie DeLong
A
t the age of 13 or 14, when veteran ranch hands held Freddy Howard down and cut his long hair with a pair of sheep shears, many would view the incident as a cruel introduction and harsh initiation into the world of the cowboy, but Freddy embraced it full-force, even laughing about it years later. This event became the start of his lifelong passion and career in the ranching and equine industry. Frederick Lee “Freddy” Howard was born August 4, 1940 in Kendelville, Indiana. As a rebellious teen, his mother, Louise Cain Holker, sent him to live with his great-uncle and great-aunt “Cap” Ernest and Louise Marvel in Battle Mountain, Nevada. Ernest was the brother of Freddy’s grandmother, Etoura Marvel Cain. After a short period, in an effort to get the boy on the “right track,” the Marvels decided to have Freddy go to work as a ranch hand at the 25 Ranch. This is where Freddy collided head-first with his future in the form of a pair of sheep shears. He truly was “cut out” to be a cowboy. At the 25 Ranch, Freddy lived in the cowboy bunkhouse near the home of his cousin, Tom Marvel, wife Rosita, and their six (eventually seven) children. During school, he stayed with “Cap” and Louise Marvel and attended Battle Mountain High School where he graduated in 1958. In 1963, Freddy was drafted into the US Army and served his country overseas in Germany as a diesel mechanic. Upon his return, he worked at the Martin Ranch near Battle Mountain for Tom Marvel. He then “cowboyed” for John Marvel at the Dunphy Ranch. Freddy was a deputy sheriff in Battle Mountain for a time and also trained cutting
“
Watering the
West
”
Office: (775) 738-2677 Fax: (775) 738-2367
www.bosstanks.com 7861 E. Idaho St. • P.O. Box 70, Elko, NV 89803
8 January 2012
Above: Fre ddy How ard taken Camp” o a s a y o un n the “ W agon.” g m an a t “Cow At left: Fre ddy How ard in rec ent years
horses at the Horseshoe Ranch. He continued to work at various places advancing his training skills and abilities with horses, and also helped to raise his sister’s son, Eddie. Eventually moving to Cottonwood, California, Freddy had a stable where he trained horses. As an avid follower and friend of Tom Dorrance, Tom’s philosophies and insight helped to mold and inspire Freddy’s talent as a horsemen. Freddy and his good friend, John DeLong, even traveled to see Tom Dorrance before Tom passed away. In addition to training, Freddy also taught at Shasta College and drove a cattle truck. In Cottonwood, California, he met his wife, Sharon, and began work as a horse chiropractor specializing in the latest technologies and equipment to treat various equine aliments. He sometimes traveled to Nevada and other places going from ranch to ranch to work on horses, renewing many old friendships along the way. Wherever he went, he also worked on dogs, cats, bucking bulls, and even people. You name it.... He worked on it. Once he even rescued his wife’s goldfish from certain death by massaging the fish and popping a rock out of its mouth! Freddy was mainly self-taught, studying for hours and traveling around the country to perfect his craft. Nevertheless, he did have many mentors in the equine industry including Dr. Marvin Cain, a horse veterinarian from the US, and Dr. Dominique Giniaux, a veterinarian from France who also practiced as a horse chiropractor. Freddy was an advocate for keeping competitive horses and other animals healthy, active and at their optimum performance. He first began his study of the equine anatomy by acquiring a dead horse, skinning it, boiling the meat off in pieces, and then reassembling the skeleton. The process took many weeks. “Miss Twiggy,” the fully-assembled horse skeleton, became quite famous on the internet. Freddy owned an extensive library of equine and animal resources. He studied zero point energy, bio-scan technology, quantum physics along with other innovative technologies in his quest to make life better for animals. Freddy was considered “ahead of his time” -- a man of vision, kindness and compassion. On August 4, 2011 -- Freddy’s 71st birthday -- after having fought a courageous battle with cancer, Freddy passed away at his home in Cottonwood, California, with his wife, Sharon, by his side. A dear friend of Freddy and Sharon’s wrote a letter that helped to encompass all that Freddy was to those that knew him well. The following is an excerpt from that letter: “Dear Freddy, You are my inspiration. You opened my eyes to the smallest subtleties in life so that I would begin to see and feel. I did. You are a light. Your radiance and brightness captivated me every time I was in your presence. You are joy. Delighted in learning and searching for deeper and deeper truth, each time you arrived you shared new knowledge and insight. You are pure energy. Vibrating, surrounded by radiance, you walked in a world I only caught glimpses of.... Cass.” Freddy Howard touched the hearts and souls of many people and animals alike. He was a teacher, trainer, and friend -- a supporter, ally, and advocate. He will be remembered for his twinkling blue eyes full of mischief, his good sense of humor, his love of the PBR bull riding, and his care toward animals and mankind. He was a true cowboy.
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
Horse Snorts
AND
Cow Bawls by Jeanne King
W
hat a dry December we are having!!! Here I am-the snow hater-wishing for snow or moisture! But it could wait until January to snow—or even February, and then it wouldn’t have to linger on the ground so long! ——— ❁ ——— I am so glad the horse slaughter bill was rescinded. That may not be the proper wordage for the act but whatever it is, the horses destined for slaughter will definitely be more comfortable in their last moments. That should help the dollar value of horses if there is a salvage value. At least the dumping of unwanted horses should decrease a bit. ——— ❁ ——— The presidential campaign race is certainly heating up. The liberal democrats must have really feared Herman Cain to go to the efforts they did to drum up all his back “history” enough to make him drop out of the race. Obama’s media really don’t care it the story is true or not, it just got Cain out of the race. Think that would have made the light of day if our darling 44th had been the one with the supposedly scandal? Not hardly, why the media refuses to even find his birth certificate or disclose the origin of his campaign funds. What’s in it for the media in the long haul? What do they get out of a dictatorship? Makes one wonder. I really hope it makes everyone wonder enough to get out and write letters, e-mails, and phone calls and most importantly, VOTE. If every voter had to show proof of citizenship, we could probably outs the current president. There are even a few states that have passed laws to make drugs tests mandatory prior to receiving welfare! If that can happen, we can demand proof of citizenship and residence to vote. We just need to enforce it! ——— ❁ ——— On to better things, ‘tis past the Christmas season by now, but not at this writing so I am still in the Christmas spirit. I do love this time of year. I don’t want to be done with preparations until the last minute! Went to a Christmas party last night and heard a few stories on the kids! One little boy’s granny sat across from me and related a couple. The boy’s mother is pregnant and was having a bad morning in the bathroom. The little boy age 2½ came in as she was being the porcelain queen. “Mom, are you puking? Are you sick?” She tells him to just go back and watch cartoons, she’ll be better soon. “No, I help you!” At that he grabbed handfuls of toilet tissue and began wiping her mouth with it! How’s that for a caring little guy? ———
Upcoming Video Sale
Thursday, January 26th Tehama County Fairgrounds, Red Bluff, CA in conjunction with the Red Bluff Bull & Gelding Replacement Female Sale WATCH & LISTEN TO THE SALE on the Web at:
I think it was the same little guy was counting coins into a donation jar with his grandpa. He counts along, one, two, three, four, five, six, nine, ten. Grandpa asks “What happened to eight and nine? You left them out.” “Well, Grandpa, that happens sometimes!” ——— Little Quill Filippini was here the other day as an only child. She’s been practicing her good manners as of late. Sitting on her mothers lap at lunch time, she very rudely told her mom to not touch her stuff! Mom reminds her that didn’t sound very good and where are her manners? Quill looks up, bats her eyes and says in a very, very sweet voice. “Don’t touch my stuff, I using my manners!” Can’t fault the logic there! ——— ❁ ——— That’s it for now, on to more things. It is warm enough now, I can get outside! Until next time, enjoy life!! www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
January 2012 9
• BALANCER • Angus
Sale:
February 18, 2012
Sale Starts
at 11:30 a.m. Fallon Livestock Exchange, Fallon, Nevada For more information or a sale catalog, call the sale office
• LIMOUSIN
150+
12-25 month, Range Ready Bulls
• BALANCER
• Hereford
• Angus
Sifting: February 17, 2012
775-738-9214
P.O. Box 310, Elko, NV 89803 or email to nca@nevadabeef.org
• Hereford 10 January 2012
• LIMOUSIN
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
MARKET REPORT
Ship ’em To
LLON A F
December 6, 10, and 13, 2011
Weight
TOP OFFERINGS Steer
Heifer
300-400 133.00-210.00 127.00-160.00 400-500 149.00-175.50 115.00-137.00 500-600 135.00-162.00 115.00-137.00 600-700 127.00-137.00 107.00-126.50 700-800 124.00-134.00 90.00-106.50 800 & Over 105.00-126.25 85.00-96.50 Lite Holstein (under 600#) 75.00-82.00 Heavy Holstein (over 600#) 67.00-74.00 Singles, Small Framed or Plainer Cattle 15.00 to 20.00 less than top offerings
BUTCHER COWS & BULLS
Livestock Exchange, Inc. Sale Every Tuesday at 11:00 am selling All Classes of Livestock: • Cattle • Horses • Sheep • Goats • Pigs
The 9th Annual
New Year’s Classic Special
Calf & Yearling Sale Saturday, January 14th, at 1:00 PM Expecting 1,500 Head
Sellers, you can bring in your good cattle on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday at No Extra Charge (only feed). This will help keep shrink to a minimum, and we feed good quality alfalfa hay. We invite you to consign your cattle to Fallon Livestock Exchange’s 1st Special Feeder Sale of 2012. So call Monte Bruck today at 775-426-8279 and consign your good cattle to this nationally advertised sale or call Fallon Livestock Exchange, Inc. at 775-867-2020. Call now, Call Today and Consign your good cattle so they can call the Buyers!
Breakers (Fat Cows) Boners (Med Flesh) Cutters (Lean) Holstein Cows Butcher Bulls Shelly (Thin) Bulls Shelly Cutters (Thin) Young Feeder Cows Heiferettes Holstein Bulls Feeder Bulls Cutting Bulls Preg Tested Cows (3-4-5 yr. old solid mouth) Pairs (solid mouth) 3-6 yrs Pairs (broken mouth)
53.00-60.00 63.00-71.50 45.00-55.00 50.00-64.50 65.00-76.50 40.00-52.00 20.00-40.00 50.00-65.00 55.00-65.00 60.00-68.50 55.00-60.00 75.00-85.00 NT NT NT
TODAY’S COWS Avg. Wt 1500 1575 1421 1391 2250 1306 1226
Top Cow Top 10 Cows Top 50 Cows Top 100 Cows Top Butcher Bull Top Holstein Cow Top 10 Holstein Cows
Avg. Cost 71.50 69.60 66.76 63.76 76.5 64.50 55.41
CALVES-SHEEP-GOATS-PIGS-HORSES Beef Calves Dairy Calves Feeder Lambs Fat Lambs Ewes Bucks Small Goats (under 65 lbs.) Large Goats (over 70 lbs.) Weaner Pigs Feeder Pigs Top Hogs Butcher Sows Horses (under 1100 lbs.) Horses (over 1100 lbs.)
60.00-240.00 HD 2.00-35.00 185.00-199.00 140.00-165.00 35.00-71.00 CWT 45.00-68.00 CWT 20.00-110.00 HD 95.00-185.00 HD 30.00-50.00 60.00-130.00 55.00-60.00 20.00-40.00 8.00-15.00 15.00-18.00
MARKET TRENDS: Feeder cattle sold steady, with very active buyer demand on same kind and quality, and depending on fill. Butcher cows steady to $5.00 higher. Remember: We have trucks available for your hauling needs, pasture to pasture or here to the sale yard. Call us with your consignments, it pays!
Fallon Livestock Exchange, Inc. 2055 Trento Lane • Fallon, Nevada 89406
For more marketing information, or to arrange trucking needs: Call Monte Bruck, Manager at
775-867-2020
775-426-8279
See you and your Friends at Ringside Soon! www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
January 2012 11
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Announces Sign-Up Period for Conservation Stewardship Program
WASHINGTON, December 15, 2011 – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today announced that the ranking period cut-off date for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is January 13, 2012. Producers interested in CSP should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the deadline so that their applications can be considered during the first ranking period of 2012. “CSP is one of our most popular conservation programs, and we expect to receive
CHAROLAIS
facts
DeBruycker charolais Genetics leaD!!
Carcass Data: 267 Purebred DeBruycker Charolais Heifers • 82% Prime or Choice • 90% Yield Grade 1’s & 2’s • Average Ribeye Area 14.77" • Average Back Fat .37" harolais e b ruycker
D
c
www. debruyckercharolais.com
Sale: Saturday, april 7 WeStern liveStock auction, Great FallS, Mt
Debruycker cccharolais g g Reating Reating
ReateR ReateR
RancheR ancheR R RetuRns etuRns R
1690 6th Lane NE, Dutton, MT 59433 LLoyd & Jane ....... 406-476-3427 Brett & Kay ........ 406-476-3214 MarK & BeLva ...... 406-469-2371 Joe & Cathy ........ 406-466-5821
many applications,” NRCS Chief Dave White said. “I encourage all farmers and ranchers who are interested in applying to contact their local NRCS office as soon as possible so they can meet the deadline.” CSP is offered in all 50 states, and the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous sign-ups. The program provides many conservation benefits including improvement of water and soil quality, wildlife habit enhancements and adoption of conservation activities that address the effects of climate change. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forest land and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe. A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help potential applicants determine if CSP is suitable for their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, contract obligations and potential payments. It is available from local NRCS offices and on the CSP Web page, www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ national/programs/financial/csp. As part of the CSP application process, applicants will work with NRCS field personnel to complete the resource inventory using a Conservation Measurement Tool (CMT). The CMT determines the conservation performance for existing and new conservation activities. The applicant’s conservation performance will be used to determine eligibility, ranking and payments. In 2010 alone, nearly 21,000 applicants enrolled in CSP, putting additional conservation on 25.2 million acres, about the size of the state of Kentucky, to improve water and soil quality, enhance wildlife habitat and address the effects of climate change. Visit the NRCS National Web site, www.nrcs.usda.gov, and connect with an NRCS office near you, www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/contact/states.
Look FoR THESE SoNS AT THE 21ST CENTURY SALE sQ cRedence 67s
4
Sons
Sell! BW +.8; WW +64; YW +105; MK +24 MB +.82; RE +.46; FAT -.053; $B +51.81
Plus sons of SQ Credence 67S S Chisum 6175 Connealy Lead On Many low bepd calving ease bulls!
s cHisuM 6175
1
Son
Sells! BW +2.5; WW +70; YW +116; MK +28 MB +.08; RE +.54; FAT +.012; $B +59.52 Ron Berg (775) 377-2360 Angus Ranch PO Box 1036 Round Mountain, NV 89045
Smoky’s
12 January 2012
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
LookUP
C
hange. That’s all we heard about three years ago during the elections. Change. Some like it; some don’t. Personally, I am not inclined to change. Some folks like to change up their wardrobe and hair style every three months or so. Not me; I’m happy with the same stuff I’ve been wearing for 30 or 40 years. In fact, it ticks me off when my favorite shirts wear out into rags. The only thing that I hate worse than change is shopping of any kind. Oh well, like it or not, change is sometimes good for us, and in some cases it is necessary. When I think about people in the Bible who had to change, the one I would identify with the most, I guess, would be Moses. In Exodus chapter 3, we see Moses peacefully pasturing the flock of his father-in-law. (It may have been a flock of cows.) He has an encounter with God, and by the end of chapter 3, Moses has an assignment to be the spokesman and leader of God’s covenant people who are enslaved in Egypt. His job, simply, was to lead God’s people (approximately 2-3 million) out of bondage in Egypt and lead them to the land that God gave them. Land good and spacious, flowing with milk and honey (Ex. 3:8). Moses went from a sheep herder with a speech problem (Ex. 4:10) to the leader and spokesperson of the Nation of Israel. I guess you could call that somewhat of a change. Ah, but was it necessary? Yes, for the Nation of Israel, it most certainly was, and for us also, because it was that nation into which our Lord and Savior was born. I believe one of the biggest reasons people shy away from a commitment to Christ is that they don’t want to change. (Don’t stop reading this, this is good news!) They may be happy with their sinful lifestyle. (Keep going.) Let’s face it, sin is fun, for a season, ‘til it comes back to bite us. Like I said, sometimes change is good – that’s up to you. But what did Jesus preach? Jesus said, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy (kindly or pleasant) and my load is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NAS Jesus did not say to get your life in order then we’ll talk about it. No, He said, “Come to me all and I will give….” Jesus is a giver, a savior. Romans 8:1-2 NAS says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” With sin comes death. Life or death – your choice. In Christ, you are not only set free from sin and death, but declared innocent. Hallelujah! Don’t shy away from Jesus because you’re afraid of change. Don’t ever think that you can’t come to Jesus because you’re not good enough – none of us are. Let’s run to Jesus and live. In John 14:6 NAS, Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me.” No other way. Your good works, your clean living, your good looks won’t get you to heaven, you need Jesus. Accept the good work that He did on the cross for you. Ask Him into your heart and He will come in and abide with you and give you his Holy Spirit.
You are invited to COWBOY CHURCH!
Are you having a Rodeo or Livestock event? Give us a call.
1st Saturday of every month Standish, CA @ 6:00 p.m. Hwy. 395 /A3 — Standish 4-H Hall
Change
by Pastor Diana Gonzalez
John 14:16-18 NAS – Jesus speaking, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Intercessor, Helper, Advocate, Strengthener – I need them all!) that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you. I (Jesus) will not leave you as orphans.” So don’t let things of the past keep you from your glorious future. If Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart, why not ask Him in? Then yield to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, in your life. Yield to the changes you need to make to line up with the Word of God. II Corinthians 3:18 AMP – And all of us, as with unveiled face, continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured (changed) into His image in ever increasing splendor from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [who is] the Spirit. We are not changed all at once, but a little at a time, from glory to glory. Why not give yourself the gift of Jesus and His teaching ministry this year? Change – it may not always be easy, but with Jesus it’s always wonderful. Read Romans 8:1-17, and I John chapters 1-5. Happy trails. May God richly bless you. We love you and would love to hear from you. If you would like someone to pray with, or just have a question, please give us a call at (775) 867-3100. ‘Til next time…. Hope you all had a great Christmas! Have a blessed and prosperous new year! Harmony Ranch Ministry
DIRT (ISN’T) CHEAP
We can help you lease most anything—with quick turnarounds, flexible payments and usually no money down. Contact us about a leasing program tailored to your needs.
We would love to come to your event or ranch and host Cowboy Church for you.
RENO (775) 825-7282 ELKO (775) 738-8496 FALLON (775) 423-3136
Harmony Ranch Ministry 3767 Keyes Way Fallon, NV 89406
Tom J. Gonzalez Diana J. Gonzalez, Pastor threecrossls@cccomm.net
www.progressiverancher.com
Call 800.800.4865 today or visit www.agloan.com
(775) 867-3100 Cell (775) 426-1107 Rancher_AAC_4.8 x 5.425_leasing.indd The ProgressiveProgressive Rancher
1
5/23/2011 5:27:11 PM January 2012 13
UNCE Launches Beginner Farmers & Ranchers Program
2012 workshops will focus on helping producers who are new to agriculture University of Nevada Cooperative Extension will launch a Beginning Farmers & Rancher’s program early next year with a series of two-day workshops covering everything from field crops to producing locally grown meat. Program leaders Staci Emm, the Extension Educator for Mineral County, and Loretta Singletary, the Extension Educator for Lyon County, said the workshops will start in March 2012 and be held periodically through September in locations all around Nevada. Emm said she and Singletary have assembled a talented team of Extension faculty to teach the workshops, which are geared toward Nevada farmers and ranchers who have been involved in agricultural production for less than 10 years or who have diversified their agriculture operation within the last 10 years. “We’re pulling together faculty who are leading experts in their areas from across the country and understand the needs of people who are learning to farm and ranch,” Emm said. “Each workshop will feature experts from within and outside the state of Nevada bringing science-based knowledge that producers want.” Emm said the program will be a combination of classroom instruction and field trips to show participants the practical applications of the in-class studies. A part of each workshop will be hands-on help in developing useful business practices that help farmers become more profitable. Workshops in 2012 will focus on three areas, including: Field Crops: Old vs. New: This program will explore the production of teff, a small grain crop that uses less water than alfalfa, as well as such traditional crops as alfalfa and grass hay. The workshop will also explore growing crops for biofuels or biomass and crops for seed harvesting.
Locations: Lovelock (March 15-16) and Fallon (Sept. 27-28) Processing and Selling Locally Grown Meat Products: This workshop will focus on beef, goat, lamb, pigs and poultry production. Locations: Logandale (April 26-27) and Gardnerville (Aug. 16-17) So You Want to be a Produce Farmer? This session will cover such issues as regulatory compliance, food safety regulations, water rights, organic vs. all-natural and season extension strategies, such as hoop houses. Locations: Las Vegas (June 7-8) and Reno (to be announced). All two-day sessions will cost $50 and will including two lunches and snacks. Extension is launching the program with the help of a $672,000 grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Those who qualify for the program include: • People who have never been involved in agriculture before. • Those who have been farming or ranching less than 10 years. • Family members who are entering a family agricultural operation or have been involved less than 10 years. • Experienced farmers and ranchers who want to diversify or have been producing a new agricultural product for less than 10 years. • Spouses who are joining their husband’s or wife’s farming or ranching operation or have joined it within the last 10 years. For more information about the program, contact Mineral County Extension Educator Staci Emm at 775-945-3444. Look for details about registering for the 2012 workshops in early 2012 at www.unce.unr.edu.
BEEF CHECKOFF NEWS
News From the Nevada Beef Council: CHECKING-IN ON YOUR BEEF CHECKOFF
Your National Beef Checkoff: 25 Years and Counting
“
The American Heart Association Puts its Heart Mark on Three Cuts of Beef.” “Lean Beef is Part of a Heart-Healthy Diet.” “Lose More Weight by Eating More Steak.” Seeing front-page headlines like these in consumer publications is hardearned news for cattle folks in 2011, of course. But if someone told you 30 years ago that these headlines would appear regularly in regional, national and international consumer publications – and it wasn’t April Fool’s Day – you probably would have first laughed in their faces, then taken away their lager … or looked around for Allen Funt and his “Candid Camera” crew. That’s because food headlines of the 1970s and 1980s were more akin to beef bashing than to any kind of beef support or promotion. Headlines like “Meatless, guiltless” on a 1974 New York Times article were more the order of the day. And then there was the seemingly endless trail of reports and warnings with which consumers were inundated in the wake of the 1977 Senate Select Committee on Food and Nutrition’s Dietary Guidelines for America, which recommended “Eat less red meat.” In fact, that very report was part of the very impetus for a national checkoff program. You needn’t dig very deep to be reminded that consumer perceptions – whether scientifically founded or not – are equivalent to reality when it comes to the bottom line for beef producers, and that reality 30 years ago was bleak. At that time, beef was declared a villain in the growing battle against heart disease, and the troubled beef industry watched its market shrink, as consumers turned toward chicken and non-meat choices as the low-fat healthier options of the day. Well, it would be an egregious understatement to say that ‘times have changed.’ Consumers understand so much more today about things like cholesterol, fat, calories and, maybe most important, the positive role that naturally nutrient dense beef plays in a healthy diet. They’re armed with the facts about beef, and they’re taking those facts all the way to the supermarket meat cases and to restaurants across the globe, in the form of beef purchases. 14 January 2012
In fact, while dietary guidelines actually were first instituted in 1941, you need only compare the vague dietary guidelines, or USDA’s equivalent “Nutrition and Your Health” documentation of 1980, to the “Food Pyramids” of 1992 through 2010, to the “MyPlate” guidelines of today to see how much things have changed. In 1980, the seven dietary guidelines included “avoid too much fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol” and sent a message to consumers to limit red-meat intake and, in what might seem shocking to us today, also stated that there was no known advantage to consuming excess amounts of any nutrients, as “the roles of specific nutrients have not been defined.” There was no pyramid or similar graphic with the guidelines of 1980, and there was no specific mention of the power of protein. Graphics of food groups were added in 1988, and the “food pyramid” became a reality in 1992 and was amended a number of times. Today’s new “MyPlate” dietary guidelines offer simple but science-based information for consumers trying to figure out what to eat to maintain a healthy lifestyle: In the simplest terms, MyPlate guidelines note that one half of your plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables – and the other have with whole grains and lean protein. And beef is not lumped into a group of fats or sweets under the category of “foods to reduce.” Yes, beef has earned at important seat at the table and on the plate, for sure, and the beef industry has a great story to tell today. But change doesn’t just happen. So what was the catalyst to change the course of the beef industry and help bring on such welcomed headlines in 2011? OK, so because this is a series about the Beef Checkoff Program, you can probably guess what we’re going to say next. But even if it’s a bit predictable in this case, the truth is also a blessing here: Back in the 70s and early 80s, there were no individual producers or organizations with the resources to make a big enough difference for beef’s reputation – or to change beef’s profile to meet evolving consumer demands – on their own. Producers realized they needed to come together if they were to stay in the fight, and the Beef Checkoff Program eventually was born to help the cattle industry help itself.
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
Letter to the Editor Note: The opinions expressed herein are strictly those of the author. The Progressive Rancher neither seeks or endorses these submissions, but allows all to voice their views.
Fumes From The Farm
I
by Hank Vogler
hope you had a Merry Christmas and are having a Happy New Year. There the citizenry out of harm’s way, whereas the Congress does just the opposite. It is my charare just so many things to be thankful for in this coming year. I look forward ity that they get paid at all. If they sign onto a bill, or propose a new rule, or make a new to the chances for new beginnings. We have a real good chance, if we stay focused and regulation, the sponsor of any of that can no longer run for public office. Also that sponsor’s don’t waste our votes, to get rid of a Socialist president. Maybe even finish up on the term in office will end the day that the new law is signed into law. On the other hand if any Senate and hopefully get the republicans to quit trying to be Democrats. Conservative person serving in congress gets rid of an existing law or regulation or an onerous mandate, Republicans are always accused of being racial prejudice and against the poor. Well he automatically gets six months added to his term in office. If an entire department or I know several black conservatives that I would vote for in a heartbeat. I am just not cabinet level entity is eliminated the sponsors will get ten years added to their term. If a interested in any more failed social programs. You can call it tough love or whatever. person serving in congress is convicted of a crime, that person will get sent to Anwar for a It still boils down to one thing. We cannot continue to borrow our kids and grandkids minimum of twenty years and count polar bear poop. If any of our dear friends should set future. with a lobbyist or even be seen within five hundred yards of a lobbyist, that office holder Many years ago Lyndon Johnson said he was going to end poverty in my lifetime. Well must be accompanied by a Rabbi, a priest, and a witch doctor to ward off evil spirits. All they better hurry. I am getting pretty long in the tooth. Jimmy Carter said we needed the de- contact with lobbyists will be videoed and that video will be sent to every constituent in partment of energy as we were thirty five percent dependent on foreign oil. We now import the delegates’ state. seventy percent of our oil and the department of energy has a budget in the billions and has I am sure you can add to the list of ideas to keep these folks on a short jerk line. The not created a gallon of gas or a kilowatt of electricity. Jimmy said we needed a department problem is in the implementation. As far as I can see, it is an oxymoron for lawyers to make of education. The education that the tax payer is getting is a good one. Our children’s test laws. If nothing more a lawyer will make a law that has enough holes in it that all his felscores have fallen every year. The department of education has grown out of control. To low travelers can get rich jumping through the loop holes. Therefore if you have a degree maintain a competitive edge in science and math, we import well educated people from in law you cannot be a larger percentage of congress than plumbers, electricians, farmers, abroad. The taxpayer’s learning curve should be heading straight up. or business people. If you have ever worked for the government outside the military, you Thomas Jefferson said the government closest to the people is the best. Also the cannot serve. government that governs least governs best. We just need to be more creative in demandAll of these ideas seem a little hard to implement. We only need to change one law and ing good governance. Maybe a few slight changes in how our representatives conduct our it will be easy. Any one that thinks it is an accident to have in the constitution the words business. Washington D.C. has outlived its usefulness. Great place to take the kids to show that the election will be held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November and the them an historical perspective. It is fine to educate the masses on the constitution and the correlation between that date and April fifteenth which is about as far away from that date bill of rights and all those wonderful things. There are great museums. There are engineer- as you can get from the constitutionally ing marvels in our national monuments. The problem we have now is that no matter how mandated Election Day has been smoking well-meaning our representatives are when they leave for Washington D.C., they soon sagebrush. Until income taxes came along, come down with Potomac fever. It is a hard disease to fight off. When you have Lobbyists the date chosen for election was to accomthrowing money at you it is hard to concentrate on why you went to Washington in the first modate the harvesting of crops. Ninety PINENUT LIVESTOCK place.. There are dozens of special interests showing you how to set up blind trusts for your eight percent of the people that ratified the retirement or walking around money when you get out of jail. There is a cocktail party constitution were involved in agriculture. SUPPLY INC. every night. You have specialists ready to get you anything you want as long as you will Therefore, in my plan to take control of is pleased to announce the support their cause. This hostile work environment will no longer due. Mark Twain once these Prima Donnas on Election Day, all said that in the United States there is no distinct criminal class, save Congress. I guess that voters must pay their annual taxes due. opening of their is why Uncle Harry Reid has a picture of Mr. Twain in his office???? The receipt for paying your taxes will be a My suggestion for starters is teleconferencing. The less face time these folks have the ballot for your representatives to congress. new Fallon location less chance for corruption. Nevada’s representatives could meet in Austin, Denio Tonopah, The way it is now you are over your April at and McDermott. This would limit seating and there are fewer distractions. On the rare fifteenth mad by Election Day You put those occasion that Congress would need to meet, they could meet in places like Point Barrow two dates together and you will have humble 263 Dorral Way Alaska or in the Anwar area of Alaska. This would solve the problem of them getting law makers and responsible citizens closcomfortable. It would also show them that the highest and best use of the Anwar is energy est to the people ready to serve. It’s just a Reno Highway across from independence. The new capitol could be somewhere cozy like the Bonneville Salt Flat or thought. Hang and Rattle. Hank A&K Earth Movers more appropriately, Death Valley California. The delegates would get focused a lot quicker on getting back home to press the flesh with the great unwashed. No franking privileges. Anyone ever hear about the Stop by and internet? No fact finding junkets to political hot spots of unrest like Hawaii or the Virgin see our new place, Islands. The military needs to train folks to fly those drones. They have cameras on we look forward Logan River Ranch, Logan, Utah them. Please tell me that with Google earth, to seeing you! drones, and instant communication, why these folks can’t have virtual meetings in Lane Parker 435-757-4643 cel. Battle Mountain Nevada. The only people that might get upset would be the locals of Battle Mountain. A citizen congress should PHONE: 775-423-5338 www.Irishblackcattle.net get the same pay as a private in the armed john@pinenutlivestocksupply.com services. People in the armed services keep
IRISH BLACK CATTLE Registered Bulls & Females
www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
January 2012 15
WSU Efforts to Improve Afghanistan Agriculture Continue with Renewed U.S. Government Funding
PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University’s work to help secure and improve agriculture in war-torn Afghanistan will continue with two new initiatives recently funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the U. S. Agency for International Development. Working as part of a consortia led by the University of California-Davis, WSU will receive $3.12 million to help strengthen the Afghani extension system. It will receive an additional $895,500 from a project led by Purdue University to improve the skills of agriculture-oriented faculty members at Afghan colleges and universities. “These new programs build on our efforts to build both human and institutional capacity from previous programs implemented through our department.,” said Chris Pannkuk, director of WSU’s International Research and Development in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.
The Afghan Agricultural Extension Program is a three-year project intended to build the capacity of the Afghanistan Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock extension service to deliver programs on the ground. WSU’s role in that project includes establishing training in the technical and management skills of Extension in high impact priority areas, such as improved wheat and grain storage, fresh market and processing value changes, use of legumes in grain crop rotation, protecting food production for high value urban markets, and livestock production for improved household health and well-being. “We’ll also be working to establish an integrative communications model to ease the development of extension policy, management, training and information exchange with our Afghan stakeholders,” Pannkuk explained. For the five-year “Strengthening Afghan Agricultural Faculties” project, WSU will conduct four primary activities, all aimed at helping develop faculty capacity,
agronomy courses and curriculum, establishing labs and integrating them into educational programs, and developing ag production activities on student and research farms. Specifically, WSU faculty will: Develop a series of annual technical assistant/training workshops targeting course curriculum development, lab development, applied research and staff visits. The project calls for 10 visits by WSU faculty to Afghanistan – two each for each of the five project years. During those visits, they will meet with their Afghani counterparts and students. Provide graduate education to five Afghan faculty – two earning master’s degrees and three earning their doctoral degrees in agronomy Host a mid-career senior Afghan faculty member as a visiting scholar for four months each year. WSU has had a working presence in Afghanistan for the past eight years, working in a variety of projects aimed at developing human and institutional capacity.
Financial Focus Presented by Sonny Davidson and Jason Land, Financial Advisors, Edward Jones in Elko, Nevada 2213 North 5th Street, Suite A | 775-738-8811
What Does Investment Landscape Look Like in 2012?
A
s an investor, you know that 2011 was a somewhat “choppy” year, with the financial markets going through many ups and downs. So what can you expect in 2012? As baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra is quoted as saying: “It’s hard to make predictions — especially about the future.” And these words are certainly applicable for anyone who would like an accurate forecast of the investment climate. Yet we do know of some factors that may affect your portfolio in the months ahead. Here are a few of them: • Strong business fundamentals — This past year, all the noise about the debt ceiling debate, the size of the U.S. deficit and the European financial situation tended to drown out some fairly good news: U.S. businesses’ balance sheets were strong for the most part, bor-
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rowing costs remained low, and corporate profits were good — and corporate profitability remains a key driver of stock prices. Heading into 2012, these fundamentals continue to look positive, which may bode well for investors. • Europe’s debt crisis — Greece’s economic problems made a lot of news in 2011, but they weren’t the end of the story in Europe, as major financial difficulties also face Italy, Spain, Portugal and Ireland. It’s by no means clear how these problems will be resolved, so don’t be surprised to see them lead to intermittent, if short-lived, shocks to the markets. • Election-year patterns — As you’re well aware, we’re voting for president in 2012. But you might be surprised to learn that the S&P 500 index has shown negative returns in only three of the last 21 presidential election years. Coincidence? No one can say for sure — and at this point, no one can say if this pattern of positive returns will continue during this election year. Still, it’s an interesting phenomenon. So there you have it: the good, the bad and the quirky. Take them all together, and you still may not be able to foresee what will happen with the markets this year, but you’ll have a lot to think about. But instead of trying to predict what will happen in 2012, you may be better off following these tried-and-true investment strategies: • Diversify your holdings. By spreading your money among a wide range of investments, you can reduce the effects of volatility on your portfolio. Keep in mind, though, that diversification, by itself, can’t guarantee profits or protect against loss. • Don’t ignore your risk tolerance. If you worry excessively about market fluctuations, you may have too much risk in your portfolio, which means you may need to make some changes. • Always look at the “big picture.” Financial markets will always fluctuate. But if you can keep your focus on your long-term objectives, and make decisions accordingly, you can avoid overreacting to short-term events. Like other years, 2012 will bring with it periods of both turbulence and smooth sailing. But by making the right investment moves, you can still chart a course that can allow you to move ever closer to your future goals. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
Shaw Cattle Co. Production Sale
February 15, 2012 - 12 p.m. (MST)
Bulls sell at 12 p.m. with females immediately following
Other AI sires include Net Worth, In Focus, Protege, Upward, Mainline, Rito Revenue & Chinook.
LT BANDWAGON 3105
SITZ DIMENSION 8607
47 Sons Sell
51 Sons Sell
450 Angus, Hereford, Red Angus & SimAngus Bulls and Heifers
THR THOR 4029
Hereford genetics sired by Rib Eye, Mr Advisor, Thor, 477, 3027, & 286.
• • •
First Season Breeding Guarantee All cattle PI tested negative for BVD Ultrasound and RFI/Feed Efficiency data available • All bulls are born and raised on our ranch. No Cooperators. • SIGHT UNSEEN PURCHASES FULLY GUARANTEED • Celebrating our 65th year in the Seed Stock Industry
Shaw Cattle Co.
18 Sons & Grandsons Sell
Watch the sale on RFD-TV
Fall Bulls on Feed Efficiency test at a GrowSafe bunk.
22993 Howe Rd. Caldwell, ID 83607 www.shawcattle.com greg@shawcattle.com The www.progressiverancher.com
UPS DOMINO 3027
25 Sons Sell
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Angus Hereford Red Angus
Bull Business Brandsm
The Progressive Rancher
Greg: (208) 459-3029 Sam: (208) 453-9790 Tucker: (208) 455-1678 January 2012 17
Grass Root Cutting Horse Association Inc. W
The Little Club hat Could t
By Penelope Parker J.D.
hat began as humble ideas, wishes and dreams has evolved into one of the largest cutting horse organizations in the State of Idaho. Grass Root Cutting Horse association is the most active, with a seven to eight show year, association of cutting horse enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest. The approximate 150 members compete over 8 months for yearend awards, at the shockingly low entry fee of 55 dollars per entry (yes, you read that correctly) plus nominal membership fees. The genesis was in 2003, when several Idaho cutters gathered at a Northern Nevada cutting, began to discuss the idea of forming a cutting club in Idaho. Several months later, the idea again reared its head, when two of the original individuals, were practicing with John Flood (finalist at the NCHA Super Stakes Derby, winner of the Abilene Bonanza Derby, co reserve winner of the NCHA Western Open, winner Utah futurity, and Las Vegas aged event s) who not only agreed that it was a dandy idea, but ran with the idea. He called his friends, organized the first meeting, was elected the first president, held clinics and literally single handedly breathed life into a fledgling club. And then John located Amy Scott, who had provided secretarial services at previous cutting events. His enthusiasm was contagious, and soon she volunteered to help, not only with her expertise, but also her computer, and other equipment. The club progressed from a small group of dedicated cutters competing at member’s arenas, with volunteer judges, and donated cattle (on one occasion we even talked our vet, Dr Robert Monroe DVM to not only donating his cattle, but to loading them and unloading them in the middle of the night) to a well organized, highly successful organization of volunteers who put on a series of two day shows, beginning in late February or early March and continuing monthly through September each year. One of the highlights of the show season is the annual Hawaiian dress contest and show held in July of each year just north of the Nevada border at House Creek, Idaho. Cutters dress in Hawaiian shirts, complete with leis, and even hula skirts; even the horses get into the act, with flowers braided into manes and tails. Although points continue to be awarded as in any cutting class, additional prizes are awarded for best dressed. This show is truly a family event with families camping for the weekend, everyone participating in pot luck on Friday night and a club sponsored bar-be-que on Saturday. And there is really nothing like sharing a potluck dinner with friends and family to bring out the best and brightest in people and that is exactly what occurred at the first House Creek show. When it came time for Danny breakfast, Becki Carter, the matriarch of one of Thomason the founding families, decided to feed us all, if we would donate to a scholarship fund
OPEN
Show 1
Show 2
Show 3
Show 4
He'll Never Notice
62/7
71.5/14
73/15
72/9.5
ICD Dually
74/24
71/12.5
63/6
70/5.5
Bob Acre Dusty
72/19
67/5
71/12
70/5.5
Miss N Light
73/22.5
73/17
64/7
KC Skyline
60/3.5
71/12.5
60/3.5
71/7.5
SSR Smooth Kitty
72/19
72/15.5
65/8.5
72/9.5
18 January 2012
Show 6
Show 7
Show 8
Cum. Score
73/11
73/16
70/12
84.5
70/5
71/10
70/10.5
68/9
82.5
67/3
68.5/6
69/7
67/8
65.5
60/2
72/13
63
70/10.5
69/10.5
60
60/1.5 69/4
69.5/8
52.5
NON-PRO
Show 1
Show 2
Show 3
Show 4
Show 5
Show 6
Show 7
Show 8
Cum Points
Jamie Lancaster
71.5/9
71/14.5
71/9
67/6
70/8
70/10
65/2
67/4
62.5
Tim Petterson
68/3
65/10
72/11
68/8
71/9
71/11
64/1
Larry Jones
71/8
70/13
66/4
66/5
69/7
66/7
72/6
62/1
51
73/18
65/3
64/4
66/5
69/8.5
71/5
71/6
49.5
72/17
60/1.5
71/12
60/2.5
60/2.5
73/7
66/3
46.5
68/12
71.5/10
68/8
60/2.5
68/3
65/2
37.5
Nicole Pilster Rebecca Petterson
60/1
Diane Schaeffer
10,000
53
Show 1
Show 2
Show 3
Show 4
Show 5
Show 6
Show 7
Show 8
Cum Points
Brenda Rowe
73/14
70/14.5
64/7.5
69/9
70/6.5
62/4.5
64/2.5
70/9
67.5
Randy Rowe
67/5.5
69/13
66/9
60/1.5
70.5/8
71.5/15
69/6
68/8
66
72.5/20.5
68/11
60/1.5
67/4
71/14
71/8.5
66/6
65.5
66/8
Nicole Pilster Larry Jones Shiela Daniels P. Parker
3,000
64/2
65/10
63/6
65/3.5
72/18.5
60/3.5
68/7
68/12
67/10
71/9
69/11
72/11.5
60/2
59.5
72/10
65/8
71/5/10
60/2
55.5
65/6
65/2.5
64/6.5
64/2.5
64/5
51.5
Cum Points
Show 1
Show 2
Show 3
Show 4
Show 5
Show 6
Show 7
Show 8
69/12.5
71.5/17.5
74/22
71/17
72/13
73.5/16
71/12
71/12
122
Quick Red Feather
71/17
71.5/17.5
73/19.5
67/9.5
70/11
72/14
64/7
64/7
102.5 96
I CD Dually Blue Rum Olena
66/7.5
72/19.5
73.5/21
69/13.5
64/7.5
65/9
70/8
67/10
Elcosta Alotalena
70/15
65/11.5
72/16
69/13.5
68/9
71/12.5
68/3.5
73/15
96
Ms Cash N Cielo
70/15
71/15.5
71.5/14
60/3
73/15
71/12
72/12
86.5
Smart Wheels
66/7.5
72/19.5
60/5.5
68/11.5
60/3
70/10.5
70/8
68/11
76.5
2,000
Show 1
Show 2
Show 3
Show 4
Show 5
Show 6
Show 7
Show 8
Cum Total
Kelby Heiner
72/15.5
69/13
72/13
70/11
70/10
70/13
70/10
68/8
93.5
Randy Rowe
70/12
71/15
60/2
66/7.5
69/9
63/9
69/8
69/9
71.5
Brenda Rowe
69/9
66/9
70/9
66/7.5
72/11
0
71/13
67/6.5
65
Sheila Daniels
66/4
72/17
69/6.5
61/4
66/5
69/12
65/5
72/11
64.5
71/11
65/6
68/8
60/5.5
72/14
70/10
54.5
Linda Elliott P. Parker
1,000
PHOTOS BY A VOLUNTEER: LEANA STITZEL
Show 5
68/6
60/3
69/6.5
67/9
67/6.5
68/11
67/6
66/5
53
Show 1
Show 2
Show 3
Show 4
Show 5
Show 6
Show 7
Show 8
Cum Points
Freckles Smartie
72/10
71/7.5
68/4
64/6.5
63/9.5
65/6.5
70/9.5
69/8
61.5
A Smokin Pine Cowboy
70/6.5
72.5/10
70/6
63/9.5
68.5/9
70/9.5
68/7
57.5
Smart Wheels
69/5
60/2
60/2
71/11
60/4
69/10
71/12
71/9
55
Machos Baby Doll
71/8
70/6
69/5
67/9
60/4
66/8
69/8
60/3.5
51.5
Inside Move
73/11
64/11
70/11
62/4
60/3.5
47.5
Oak Delivery
70/6.5
63/4
70.5/11
60/3.5
43
The Progressive Rancher
72/7 72/9
67/9
www.progressiverancher.com
500 Limited Rider Jeanette Baker
Show 1
Show 2
Show 3
Show 4
64/4
70/5
70/8
67/6
JJ Roemmich
Show 5
Show 6
Show 7
Show 8
Cum Points
65/4
68/7
71/8
42
73/8
68/6
60/2
71/6
70/7
65/2.5
67/5
36.5
Mary Sisson
61/1
67/4
69/7
62/4.5
67/5
69/6
67/5.5
60/1.5
34.5
LaRae Taylor
65/5
72/7
60/2
62/4.5
64/2
67/5
66/4
61/3
32.5
62/4
60/2
65/3
60/1.5
65/2.5
68/6
19
64/3
67/5.5
60/1.5
18.5
Ron Brans Clint Simpson
62/2
500 Novice Horse/Rider Show 1 Henry Te Ford/ Jennifer Roemmich
60/1.5
63/5
Show 2
Show 3
Show 4
Show 5
Show 6
Show 7
73/7
65/6
68/8
66/7.5
71/5
68/6.5
Cum Points 70/6
61/2
68/4
69/8
66/7
65/6
71.5/6
60/1.5
Machos Baby Doll/ Mary Sisson
69/6
70/5
63/4
63/6
61/4
67/4
64/3
60/2.5
34.5
A Smokin Pine Cowboy/ Celia Gould
61/2
67/3
64/5
68/6.5
60/2.5
28
HR Smokys Dandi/ Kade Sparks
68/5
71/6
70/9
60/3
67/7
60/3
62/5
60/1
65/4
60/2.5
22.5
Suityourhearttoatee/ Ron Brans
Youth Kelby Heiner
34.5
23
Show 1
Show 2
Show 3
Show 4
Show 5
Show 6
Show 7
Show 8
Cum Points
72.5/5
73/2
68/1.5
69/2
71/2
64/1
71/5
64/3
21.5
60/1
Cody Rowe
65/2
69/3
60/1
70/4
70/4
67/5
20
Chris Buck
69/3
72/1
70/4
70/3
69/2
69/2.5
65/4
19.5
Katie Sparks
73/6
74/3
68/1.5
72/4
69.5/3
Miranda Anderson
72/4
Jr. Youth
Show 1
66/2
Jaylee Simpson
60/1.5
Kade Sparks
60/1.5
Open Ranch
Show 2
68/3
Luke Buck
17.5 69/2.5
60/1.5
4
Show 3
Show 4
Show 5
Show 6
Show 7
Show 8
Cum Points
60/1
65/3
69/1
61/1
2
60/1.5
12.5
64/2
64/2
65/2
1
60/1.5
10.5
65/1
71/4
5.5
60/1
3.5
Show 1
Show 2
Show 3
Show 4
Show 5
Show 6
Show 7
Alberts Bro Rusti
71/19
72.5/16
70/16
70/12
71/17
70/12.5
72/12
Freckles Smartie
70/17.5
72/14
72/21
72/14
73/19
65/2.5
71/9.5
Feathers N Lace
67/10.5
73.5/19
71/18.5
71/13
66/9
72/16
68/5.5
65/6
71.5/12
70/16
67/8
70/16
67/5.5
71.5/20
65/4.5
72/18
67/10.5
73/17.5
69/13.5
65/4.5
60/2
Smart Wheels Rey Del Pistol Miss N Catt
LaRae Taylor, past treasurer
4
Alexis Andreason
Brandon Rowe
Kelby Heiner, youth cutting winner
46
PHC The Mare Leonard Aslet
67/9
Dan Carter, current president
Marge Simpson
www.progressiverancher.com
Show 8
Cum Points 104.5
67/5
102.5
66/4
71/7
74.5
69.5/11
71.5/11
68/6
70.5
70/12.5
71/9.5
91.5
70
to be established for the youth of the organization. And donate we did. And then we did more. We assessed a one dollar fee on each entry and transferred it to the scholarship fund. We sold hats and sweat shirts, we had a costume cutting with all entry fees donated to the scholarship fund. Judges regularly donated their fee to the fund. We sold sponsorships with the option of the proceeds being allocated to the scholarship fund. Members annually donate items to a silent auction at the awards banquet to benefit the fund. If a member can dream up an idea, no matter how crazy we usually give it a try, it may raise money, and it will probably be fun. We now routinely give scholarships to all of our graduating seniors. We take great pride in each of their accomplishments and believe that our scholarships have helped them each along their way. The saying “the best presents come in small packages� holds true for our club, our small packages, our youth, have been our best presents. Each has graduated from high school, many have qualified for the national high school finals in cutting and to date, one
The Progressive Rancher
Danny Thomason
Below: Walt Taylor, past president and long time board member
January 2012 19
Non Pro Ranch
Show 1
Show 2
Show 3
Jessica Lancaster
70/18
72.5/24
Dean Stitzel
62/5
71/19.5
Pam Smith
68/14.5 63/7.5
Kelly Hite
has won the national championship. Our graduates have gone on to serve in the military, to attend college and graduate school; two are in veterinary school, one is student teaching, one is pursuing a pharmacy degree. We owe our success to our volunteers. We have a volunteer board of directors, volunteer officers, volunteers who oversee the awards, the award banquet, the scholarship committee, fund raising, legal needs and shows. It is our volunteers who judge, who gather and transport cattle, who hold herd, turn back and organize. Our club could not exist without them, and each year we honor one with the volunteer of the year award, a revolving trophy given to one who has gone above and beyond for the club. Today Grass Root Cutting Horse Association is a testament to what dreams can become. We host professional quality shows, with NCHA or NRCHA judges, fresh cattle and year end awards to rival the best. All help is volunteer except the show secretary who is paid a nominal amount per show. We are often asked why did this club make it when so many others have failed. John Flood told me it was because we are all so hard headed, but I know better, it’s because we all caught his enthusiasm.
Show 5
Show 6
Show 7
Show 8
Cum Points
70/17
67/8.5
67/14.5
70/13.5
67/14
71/16.5
61/4
71/15
71.5/15
64/6
116.5
72/16.5
65/8.5
68/15
63/6.5
69/13.5
61/4
70/13.5
72/16.5
99 83.5
70/17.5
66/11.5
67/8.5
66/12.5
67/9
69/13
79.5
Marsha Freestone
68/15
64/8.5
70/15
69/19
66/7
64/2.5
65/8.5
75.5
Walt Taylor
63/5
66/11.5
71/16.5
66/12.5
65/5.5
69/11
66/10
72
Show 8
Cum Points
250 Ranch Horse
Mr. and Mrs. Rowe
Show 4
Show 1
Show 2
Show 3
Show 4
Show 5
Show 6
Show 7
Doc Charm
64/3
72/12
71.5/8
69/8.5
72/10
69.5/6
72/11
Feathers N Lace
71/12
70/9
70/6
71/10
62/4
68/5
73/12
HR Legends Playgirl
69/9.5
73/13
71/7
69/8.5
71/9
70/7
Rey Del Pistol
68/8
60/2
72/9
66/6
69/7
71/8
Smart Little Refund
65/4.5
71/10
69/5
67/7
70/8
65/2.5
Dry Bubbling Doc
60/1
60/2
64/1
64/4
60/2.5
250 Novice Novice
Show 1
Show 2
Show 3
Show 4
Smoke/ Trent Stephans
66/4.5
67/6.5
69/9
Cosmos/ Celia Gould
67/6
69/9
67/6.5
66/5
70/9
PC Sugar Wood/ Emily Nabor
69/7
68/8
66/5
63/2
66/6.5
64/3
67/6.5
64/3
60/1
68/8
65/4
65/4.5
64/2.5
Lanny Jacee Lancaster TJ Hollywood Pepper/ Cheryl Braun
66/4.5
Penny/ Leslie Ruby
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58.5 58 54
71/9.5
64/3
52.5
65/2.5
70/6.5
60/1.5
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Show 5
Show 6
Show 7
Show 8
Cum Points
66/6.5
66/4
37
68/7
70/6
43.5
65/3.5
63/2
41
60/1.5
70/8
60/1
39
65/4.5
68/7
67/6
72/7
37
65/4.5
66.5/5
66/5
65/3
35
64/3
67/6
64/2
67/4
22
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The Progressive Rancher
6/21/2010 9:15:38 AM
www.progressiverancher.com
How to Research Land & Water for Proof of Vested Water Right Claims PARTS I and II of a Three Part Series By Katie Marvel DeLong* and Sarah R. Liljefelt, Therese A. Ure, Schroeder Law Offices, P.C.†
PART 1
NOTE: Part I is an introduction to Vested Water Right Claims and the statutes regarding them. Part II will provide part of the steps on How to Research Proof of Vested Water Right Claims, including steps for completing a chain of title and searching County Recorder’s Office records. Part III will continue the research steps, describe how to compile the research, file a Proof of Vested Right Claim with the Nevada Division of Water Resources, and supply concluding information.
Introduction The phrase “vested water rights” will grab the attention of most Nevada Ranchers, as well as ranchers all across the western United States. This is because Nevada’s water laws, like other states in the West, are founded on what is called the “prior appropriation doctrine.”1 The prior appropriation doctrine allocates water based on the “first in time, first in right” principle. 2 Therefore, the first person to divert water and put it to beneficial use has the superior right and may take their water before junior water rights are satisfied in times of water shortage. Nevada’s water allocation system evolved over time. Initially, the prior appropriation system arose based on the customs of early settlers rather than being based on state laws. Nevada’s surface water code came into existence on March 1, 1905.3 Statutory provisions relating to artesian groundwater sources developed on March 22, 1913, and a percolating groundwater code was passed on March 22, 1939.4 As a result, water rights arising after those dates must comply with Nevada’s statutory scheme, including the requirement to apply to the State of Nevada for the issuance of a water right permit prior to using waters of the state.5 But what about surface water rights that arose prior to 1905, artesian rights prior to 1913 and groundwater rights prior to 1939? Prior to Nevada’s water code, water users did not need to apply to the state to obtain water right permits. All that was necessary was that users diverted the water and placed it to beneficial use.6 Thus, persons who began using water before Nevada started issuing water right permits for the particular water sources still have valid water rights.7 Pre-code water rights are called “vested water rights.”8 Vested water rights can be extremely valuable because they have the earliest priority dates. That means that the owners of vested water rights may take water before junior water
users when there is not enough water to satisfy all existing water rights from a particular source. Nevada is the driest state in the nation (measured by average annual precipitation),9 and thus vested water rights are highly coveted by Nevada water users. Vested water rights start as vested water right “claims.” Persons using water rights dating back prior to the Nevada water code must make a claim of right with the Nevada State Engineer.10 Although claims are typically submitted to the State Engineer after the initiation of a stream adjudication, they can be made at any time11 A stream adjudication is the process by which the state can determine all the water rights along a particular waterway or within a particular water basin, including individual water rights, Indian water rights and federal water rights.12 All persons with water rights must submit claims to the State Engineer in order to be issued a “decreed” or “determined” right upon the conclusion of the stream adjudication with the earliest priority date of use taking precedence.13 It is vital for a vested water right holder to prove his claim with sufficient records and documentation. A claimant must prove that the claimed water use began prior to the relevant water code date, and must prove continual use up to the present time.14 This can prove to be a daunting task given the historical proof that is required in order to prove a pre-code, vested water right. Proof of continuous use is important in order to prove that a water right has not been forfeited or abandoned. Abandonment may occur when a water user fails to use his water and manifests his intent to abandon the water right.15 Forfeiture may occur when a water user fails to exercise his water right for a period of five or more consecutive years.16 All types of water rights, whether permitted, certificated, vested, adjudicated, or un-adjudicated, are subject to abandonment and forfeiture.17 When a water right is abandoned or forfeited the right reverts to the state to hold for the public, and may be appropriated by another water user.18 If the State Engineer determines that a water right is about to be forfeited or appears to have been abandoned, they will send notification by mail to the record owner of the water right in order to allow the owner to correct the situation.19 For this reason, it is very important that water right owners send a Report of Conveyance (“ROC”)20 to the State Engineer when they obtain property with appurtenant water rights. The ROC allows the State
1 Nevada Division of Water Planning, Nevada State Water Plan, Part 1, Section 6, Glossary of Terminology, available at http://water.nv.gov/programs/planning/stateplan/documents/pt1-sec6.pdf, last viewed September 27, 2011. See also, Nevada Division of Water Resources, Nevada Water Law: Water Law Overview, available at: http://water.nv.gov/waterrights/waterlaw/index.cfm, last viewed September 27, 2011.
9 US Geological Survey, Nevada Water Science Center, Surface-Water Information and Data, available at: http://nevada.usgs.gov/water/infodata/surfacewater.htm, last viewed September 27, 2011.
2 Id.
12 Id.; NRS 533.024(2) 2011.
3 Nevada Division of Water Resources, Nevada Water Law: The Role of the State, available at: http:// water.nv.gov/waterrights/waterlaw/state_role.cfm, last viewed September 27, 2011. 4 Id. 5 Nevada Division of Water Resources, Nevada Water Law: Water Permits, available at: http://water. nv.gov/waterrights/waterlaw/water_permits.cfm, last viewed September 27, 2011. 6 Anderson Family Associates v. Hugh Ricci, P.E., 124 Nev. 182, footnote 13 (2008). 7 Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Water Rights Fact Sheet, available at http://www.blm.gov/ nstc/WaterLaws/nevada.html, last viewed September 27, 2011. NRS 533.024(2) 2011. 8 Id; see also, Anderson Family Associates, 124 Nev. at 188.
10 Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Water Rights Fact Sheet, supra note 9. 11 Id. 13 Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Water Rights Fact Sheet, supra note 9; NRS 533.430(1) 2011. 14 Id. 15 See generally, Revert v. Ray, 95 Nev. 782 (1979); NRS 534.090(4). 16 NRS 534.090(1); see also, Preferred Equities Corp. v. State Engineer, State of Nevada, 119 Nev. 384 (2003). 17 Id. However, not all water rights from certain sources are subject to abandonment. NRS 533.060. 18 Id. 19 NRS 534.090(1) and (4). 20 The Report of Conveyance form is available online at: http://water.nv.gov/forms/.
* Katie DeLong is a fifth generation cattle rancher in northern Nevada. She ranches with her family near the Black Rock Desert. Katie is a teacher, wife, and mother of three. She can be contacted at (775) 941-0196. † Schroeder Law Offices, P.C. is a law firm with offices in Reno, Nevada and Portland, Oregon. Its attorneys are licensed to practice law in Nevada, Oregon, California and Washington. Schroeder Law Offices focuses mainly on water law, property law and public lands issues. Please visit the firm’s website at www.water-law.com, or contact the firm at (503) 281-4100, (775) 786-8800, or by email at counsel@ water-law.com. Sarah Liljefelt and Therese Ure are attorneys with Schroeder Law Offices. www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
January 2012 21
Engineer to update the state’s records concerning ownership. If the records are not updated, the most current owner will not receive notification regarding potential abandonment or forfeiture.21 Additionally, the State Engineer will not take any action regarding requested changes to the water right unless the ownership is up to date. Why should land records and water rights be researched? Researching land records and water rights is essential to knowing what rights are held by the property owner. A thorough inquisition into land records and water rights will produce evidence affirming the ownership of those rights. Furthermore, the evidence obtained will be instrumental in proving which rights have the earliest priority dates, which is important if a vested water right claim is challenged or adjudicated. Documentation to support a vested water right claim may protect a water right holder from forfeiture. More and more people are realizing the significance of getting their records, documentation, and vested water claims filed prior to any initiation of adjudication in order to protect and validate their rights. When researching land records and water rights, it is important to gather as much information as possible. The research is similar to doing a jigsaw puzzle; one piece taken by itself does not yield a significant amount of information, but all of the pieces together provide a clear and complete picture of historical land and water use. In addition, when dealing with vested water claims for stock watering, it is essential to keep in mind a few basic historic facts regarding cattle ranching in Nevada. First, in the
late 1800s and early 1900s, fences were virtually non-existent, particularly in remote areas. Fences that did exist were few and far between. Water sources were, and continue to be, scarce in the arid, dry climate. Out of necessity, it was vital for cattle to find and use all water sources on the range in which they occupied and for cattle ranchers to maintain this water. Furthermore, limited water also made it crucial for ranchers to provide additional livestock water sources through hand dug wells and the use of perforated well-points to create artesian water sources. By providing evidence of cattle use on range land, the land owner can provide evidence for beneficial use of water, stock watering, to support the vested water claim. What is involved in researching property? Research is a time consuming task which requires that the researcher be highly motivated. It can often be difficult for one person to thoroughly research a vested water right claim, especially when competing with the required work to run and maintain a ranch or other full-time job. In addition, researching land records and water rights is not free; fees are generally charged for obtaining copies of records, and research professionals, if utilized, must be compensated. However, there are many resources and people available that can assist with research projects of this nature, including internet sites, informative books, independent researchers, and title companies, to name a few. Enlisting help in your research endeavor can yield significant benefits, so do not be afraid to engage support, either paid or volunteer, for this project!
21 Division of Water Resources v. Foley, 121 Nev. 77, 82 (2005).
PART II The following is Part II of a three Part Series on Vested Water Rights. NOTE: Part I (above) was an introduction to Vested Water Right Claims and the statutes regarding them. Part II will provide the steps of How to Research Proof of Vested Water Right Claims, including steps for completing a chain of title and searching County Recorder’s Office records.
Steps for Researching Your Vested Water Right Claims 1. Make a list of all your legal land descriptions. Although basic, the first step to researching your vested water right claim is to determine the legal description of your property. A good starting place is the deed to your property. If the deed is not in your possession, it can be obtained from the County Assessor’s Office in the county in which your property is located. You will want to request copies of the deed as well as parcel maps showing your property on township, range and section coordinates. Many County Assessor’s offices now have property ownership information online. Try to search online before going into the physical office. You may be able to refine your search on your own so that you are better prepared when you go into the office. You will have more success finding what you are looking for if you are well prepared. The reason it is so important to obtain parcel maps as well as the legal property description in the deed is because oftentimes legal descriptions are not extremely helpful to the layman property owner. Many property descriptions are based on geographical monuments which may or may not exist presently. In addition, many property descriptions use measurements such as “chains” and “rods” that are no longer commonly used. However a quick search in Google, you can find the conversion table specific to your geographic region. Finally, water rights are described based on the township, range and section from which they are diverted and placed to beneficial use. You will want to know the township, range and section of your property in order to describe the point of diversion and place of use for your vested water right. 2. Compile and organize all relevant information that you already have. Compiling the relevant information currently in your possession will be important in order to concentrate your research on information still needed, rather than spending time researching topics that have already been covered. To that end, gather copies of deeds, copies of existing water rights, parcel maps, allotment maps, and any prior research you or someone else has done. 3.Search the Nevada Division of Water Resources website1 for any possible existing water rights. In Nevada, water rights are appurtenant to property.2 Therefore, when property is sold 1
This resource can be found at www.water.nv.gov.
2 Nevada Division of Water Resources, Guidelines for Transferring Ownership of Water Rights, available at: http://water.nv.gov/forms/forms09/ROC_Guidelines09.pdf, last viewed September 27, 2011.
22 January 2012
to a new owner, the previous owner’s water rights will go with the land, unless specifically reserved by the seller.3 Even if a seller reserves the water rights, thus selling the land without the water, the water rights will be appurtenant to the land until the owner transfers them to a new place of use by means of a transfer application filed with the Nevada State Engineer. A good starting place to research whether there are water rights which are appurtenant to your property or to your grazing allotments is to search the Nevada Division of Water Resources website. The website provides a tool called the “hydrographic abstract” in which you can type the township, range and section of your points of diversion in order to find your water rights.4 Because the hydrographic abstract tool searches for points of diversion, a good tip is to search for a larger area than your place of use in order to make sure you find all water rights that are potentially appurtenant to your property. You may find water rights appurtenant to your property or allotments which are not in your name. This is likely because conveyances from prior property owners or grazing permittees were not reported to the State Engineer. It is important to update the ownership records for such water rights. In order to update your ownership, a Report of Conveyance (“ROC”) must be filed with the State Engineer.5 A new property owner should submit a ROC form, an abstract of title with deeds or other documents evidencing the chain of title from the last recorded water owner to you, and the required filing fees. You may need to obtain a title report from a title company in order to complete your ROC. A letter from the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) may be necessary to alert the State Engineer that you are the current permit holder for a certain allotment. Instructions for completing this process as well as example documents may be found on the Nevada Division of Water Resources website.6 4. Obtain copies of all United States land patents and information pages. United States Land Patents are the initial conveyances of land from the federal government to individuals.7 Patents were generally issued by the General Land Office (“GLO”) and can now be researched on the BLM GLO Records website.8 Search for your land patents by plugging in your land descriptions or past owners’ names. Remember to keep hard copies of all information found on the internet! 5. Use information from the U.S. land patents to obtain copies of Homestead records. 3
Id.
4
http://water.nv.gov/data/hydrographic/
5 See footnotes 22-23, supra, and accompanying text. 6
See http://water.nv.gov/forms/forms09/ROC_Guidelines09.pdf. Also, the staff engineer is available by calling the Division of Water Resources at (775) 684-2800.
7
Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records, available at: http://www.glorecords. blm.gov/, last viewed September 27, 2011.
8 Id.
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
On May 20, 1862, Congress passed the Homestead Act and President Abraham Lincoln signed the Act into law.9 The Act encouraged western settlement by giving homesteaders 160 acres of land; all that was required was that those staking a claim pay a small filing fee and reside on the land for five years.10 Alternatively, homesteaders could pay the government $1.25 per acre rather than waiting five years.11 Once settlers met the conditions of the land grants under the Homestead Act, they were entitled to be issued patents from the federal government. Some other types of land grant Acts such as, timber and mineral also allowed for similar processes to obtain land use patents. Thus, depending on the type of patent or mineral rights determined for your property, research may be required through other agencies. Once you have information regarding the initial land patent from the federal government for your property, it will be easier to find Homestead information. Homestead records are known as Land-Entry Case Files and can be obtained through the National Archives in Washington D.C.12 These files will provide an application that will usually predate the patent by five years or more. Documents within the file can also bring to light information about when the applicant first occupied the land, and may describe the settler’s use of that land. You may use the information from the BLM GLO Records website to order Homestead records from the National Archives. 6. Obtain Copies of all Nevada state land patents. Nevada state land patents, like federal land patents, are grants from the State of Nevada to the first private owner. Nevada became a state in 1864, and as such the federal government granted the state 90,000 acres of previously federal land, called the “federal land donation.”13 The state also received other federal lands through various acts aimed at settling the West.14 The state was authorized the sell state lands to raise funds for various purposes including to fund a state agricultural college.15 Nevada state land patent records can be found by searching the Nevada Division of State Lands Patent Database.16 To use this search, you must have your township, range and section information. This search may provide you with the original patentee’s name, as well as the volume and page number on which to find the state patent in the Nevada State Library and Archives patent books. For a copy of the original patent, contact Nevada State Library and Archives.17 7. Use information from the Nevada state land patents to obtain copies of the entire application and contract files for the state patents. Next, you should obtain copies of the entire Nevada state land patent application and contract files. At first glance, it may look as if these files do not contain much useful information. However, upon closer examination, important pieces of your land research puzzle will emerge. For example, the file may contain an earlier application date or payment made by another source, such as “Miller and Lux” (one of the largest land owners and ranching operations in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s), with patent applications filed under a different name. The complete Nevada state land patent application and contract files may be obtained from the Nevada Division of State Lands in Carson City, Nevada.18 8. Complete a chain of title for all of the land parcels that you own. A “chain of title” is a report that traces ownership of your property from the property’s very first owner, the federal government up through the current owner. Because research steps are not necessarily in a required order, many researchers consider completing a chain of title as the first step. However, due to the fact that the original federal and state patents are part of the chain of title and can assist in completing it, it is often a valuable to obtain them 9
Library of Congress, Homestead Act, available at: http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/Homestead.html, last viewed September 27, 2011. A full version of the Homestead Act may be accessed at: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=012/llsl012. db&recNum=423, last viewed September 27, 2011.
10 Id. 11 Id. 12 This resource can be found at www.archives.gov, last viewed September 27, 2011. Complete Form NATF 84 to order Land-Entry Case Files. The records cost $40 per file. 13 Nevada State Library and Archives, Surveyor General and State Land Office, available at: http:// nsla.nevadaculture.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=922&Itemid=418, last viewed September 27, 2011. 14 Id. 15 Id. 16 This resource is available at www.lands.nv.gov/patents/patents.htm, last viewed September 27, 2011. 17
The Nevada State Library and Archives can be contacted at (775) 684-3310; see also, http://nsla.nevadaculture.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=550&Item id=516, last viewed September 27, 2011.
18 The Division of Nevada State Lands can be contacted at (775) 684-2702; see also, http://www.lands. nv.gov/index.htm, last viewed September 27, 2011. www.progressiverancher.com
first. A chain of title report may be obtained from any title company. The cost will vary based on the size and number of parcels to be researched. The produced title report will be very detailed, and should include all of the patent, deed and easement documents from the time of the initial patent to present ownership. If you choose to complete your chain of title without the aid of a title company, the only charges you will incur are copying fees to copy the records at the County Recorder’s Office. To research your chain of title, you should go to your local County Recorder’s Office. There, you will find indexes of recorded titles. There may be both a grantor-grantee index as well as a parcel index, although the grantor-grantee index is more common. The grantorgrantee index allows you to look up recorded conveyance documents by the names of the parties to the transaction. For instance, start by looking up the name of the person who sold you your property. Then look up the person who sold the property to him, and so on and so forth. You may want to work backwards from the most current deed and forwards from the original patents in order to complete the chain of title. A parcel index is easier to use, but is not always available. A parcel index will have all conveyance documents affecting a certain parcel of land filed by the parcel description, and so extensive searching through the records books will not be necessary. Make sure to check for documents preceding the initial land patents. There may be claims on the land many years prior to the issuance of patents, and it is important to search for these documents as well because they may help to prove use of the land and water prior to a patent or homestead. Because some of the records in your chain of title may be very old, certain records may have been lost in fires or not recorded. Thus, there may be holes in the chain of title. If you find this to be the case, you can try to find alternative types of records, such as tax rolls or newspaper articles that can help bridge the gap. 9. Use the names from your chain of title, deeds, patents, and Homestead records to search the County Recorder’s Office for other important records. During the research phase, be sure to make copies of everything you find and note where it was found, including the book, the volume and the page numbers. Be sure to note the date as well as other identifying information. Other important records to search may include: A. Tax Rolls prior to 1905: These will often list cattle and livestock numbers (although the numbers may be quite low). Ranch names, locations, and cultivated acres may also be listed. B. Possessory Claims or Notices of Location Books: Claims on water and land were often recorded here, and such claims may predate patents and deeds. C. Miscellaneous Records: Records often contain contracts, leases, water claims, decrees, or quiet title judgments. D. Water Rights or Water Claim Books: These are where many water claims and possessory claims are recorded. In fact, water right numbers are based on the page numbers in the books in which they are recorded. E. Brand Books: Many County Recorder’s Offices hold the original brand record books for all the brands that were recorded in the county. These books will provide proof of livestock ownership and provide the date of registration for the brand, sometimes even giving a ranch name where the brand was used. F. Bills of Sale: These documents may give information on livestock sales. G. Mortgages and Deeds of Trust: These documents may provide some information on farm products (such as hay), farm equipment, the land and improvements to the land, and area of use. H. Newspapers: Search for historical articles which can provide evidence of cattle and livestock use. Early newspaper articles may be found at certain libraries using microfilm/microfiche machines. Ask your librarian for help navigating these early records. I. Probate records: When persons pass away, their estates must often be probated to determine the appropriate heirs to inherit their property, including real property. Sometimes property ownership transfers by inheritance will not be recorded in the county records, and so a search of probate records may be necessary to complete your chain of title. J. Any other records on topic that might be of use. The above-listed record books may or may not have indexes for names and dates. Even if they do not have an index, it is valuable to scan the book page-by-page and search for names, places, or maps that look familiar or relate to the property being researched. Scanning books that do not have an index is especially important for Possessory Claims or Notices of Locations books, as such books can be very old and may provide valuable information about the early uses of land and water. You may want to copy such records and scan them into your computer for later use in compiling your water use summary and exhibits. NOTE: Part III will be in the next issue and will continue the research steps, describe how to compile the research, file a Proof of Vested Right Claim with the Nevada Division of Water Resources, and supply concluding information.
The Progressive Rancher
January 2012 23
About BLM’s Greater Sage-Grouse Planning Strategy In March 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) ruled that listing the species for protection under the Endangered Species Act was “warranted but precluded.” FWS said that it had other, higher priority species it needed to address first, but that it would subsequently address the greater sage-grouse and determine if it needed to be listed at a later date. In its finding, FWS said BLM and the USFS are not “fully implementing the regulatory mechanisms available” to ensure species conservation. BLM and the USFS are addressing the FWS concerns through the planning process formally initiated today. The greater sage-grouse is an icon of western sagebrush ecosystems. It is a large, roundedwinged, spike-tailed, ground-dwelling bird, about two feet tall and weighing from two to seven pounds. Females are a mottled brown, black and white. Males are larger and have a large white ruff around their neck and bright yellow air sacks on their chest, which they inflate during their elaborate mating displays. Once seen in great numbers across sagebrush landscapes of the West, sage-grouse have declined in number over the past one hundred years because of the loss and degradation of sagebrush habitats essential for their survival. Greater sagegrouse now occupy only about 56% of the habitat that was available to them before the arrival of settlers of European descent. States manage all resident wildlife, including sage-grouse, through their respective wildlife management divisions or departments. Federal agencies such as the BLM and the USFS are responsible for managing habitat on the lands under their respective jurisdictions. The sage grouse are culturally significant to American Indian Tribes; many of which have traditional ceremonies, treaty rights, and conservation activities associated with the bird. Local governments and private landowners or administrators may also have responsibilities related to wildlife and habitat. The BLM’s Planning Strategy does not apply to the Washington State Distinct Population Segment (DPS) and California/Nevada “bi-state” DPS, of the Greater Sage-grouse. Sage grouse in Washington have been managed under a specific Washington Greater Sage-Grouse Recovery Plan since 2004. BLM and the USFS has limited involvement in the Washington State DPS and only manages about 5 percent of the remaining habitat for this population. The “bi-state” DPS exists in a small area in California and Nevada. It is being addressed by the FWS with different timeframes and processes. It also does not apply to Gunnison sage-grouse, which is a separate species. The Gunnison sage-grouse is being addressed by the Rangewide Conservation Plan (RCP). It includes a suite of conservation strategies designed to address localized and range-wide threats to the species, and has been used to help design projects and management strategies within its habitat.
24 January 2012
Federal Agencies Announce Initial Step to Incorporate Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Measures into Land Management Plans
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) today announced the initial steps in a formal planning process to evaluate greater sage-grouse conservation measures in land use plans in 10 Western states. The two public land management agencies are opening a 60-day public comment period on issues that should be addressed in Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) and Supplemental Environmental Impact Statements (SEISs) that will be published in the Federal Register on December 9. Based on ongoing threats to the greater sage-grouse and its habitat throughout the West, as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2015 deadline for making a decision whether to list the species under the Endangered Species Act, the BLM and the USFS aim to incorporate consistent objectives and conservation measures into relevant Resource Management Plans by September 2014. As a result, the accompanying environmental reviews will be conducted under expedited timeframes. “As the steward of more than half of all remaining sagebrush habitat in the United States, the BLM is playing a leading role in developing and implementing land management actions to conserve the sage-grouse and its habitat,” BLM Director Bob Abbey said. “Today’s action is the first step in formally involving the states, tribes,
local governments, researchers, organizations, and the interested public in addressing sage-grouse conservation in our multiple land management plans in 10 western states. Working with our partners, we will use these land use plans to implement actions range-wide so we can conserve and restore the greater sage-grouse and its habitat on BLM lands over the short term and the long term.” Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell said, “The agency is committed to conserving the habitat of the greater sagegrouse to prevent the species from being listed under the Endangered Species Act. We welcome the invitation from the Bureau of Land Management to work together as one federal family on this important issue.” Greater sage-grouse currently use as much as 47 million acres of land managed by the BLM, and about nine million acres of land managed by the USFS. As many as 98 BLM Resource Management Plans address greater sage-grouse, while the USFS expects to evaluate conservation measures into as many as nine Land and Resource Management Plans considered high priority for the conservation of sage-grouse. The BLM and the USFS expect to prepare EISs to analyze proposed amendments to some Land Use Plans that are not currently undergoing amendment or revision. For plans already under amendment or revision, the BLM and the USFS will consider
Funding Available for USDA Sage-Grouse Conservation Initiative
RENO, Dec. 12 — The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is offering financial incentives to farmers and ranchers willing to protect sage-grouse habitat. Bruce Petersen, Nevada State Conservationist, said applications must be submitted by Jan. 13 for the first ranking period. “The Sage-Grouse Initiative helps ranchers and farmers be proactive in keeping the bird from being listed under the Endangered Species Act and reducing the potential for future regulations to protect the species,” said Petersen. The Sage grouse Initiative helps producers install conservation practices that enhance sage grouse habitat such as brush management, range seeding, water developments, prescribed grazing and fencing. Payments are based on 75 percent of the estimated cost of establishing the practices. Beginning, limited resource and socially disadvantaged producers may be eligible for up to 90 percent of the estimated costs. Funding is being offered through the 2008 Farm Bill’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). Private and public lands can be enrolled under EQIP, with a $300,000 payment limit for the program through the period of the 2008 Farm Bill. WHIP allows for installation of practices on private and tribal lands and has a $50,000 annual payment limit. Applicants must meet all USDA program eligibility criteria to participate in Farm Bill conservation programs. Producers may apply at any time for SGI funding but applications must be received by Jan. 13 to be considered in the first ranking period for fiscal year 2012 funding. Depending on the availability of funds, additional applications will be ranked on March 30 and June 1. For complete details or to apply for funding, contact your local NRCS office or go online to http://www. nv.nrcs.usda.gov. The Progressive Rancher
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incorporating conservation measures, either through the ongoing amendment or revision process, or through SEISs. In an effort to encourage tailored, region-specific partnerships, cooperation and restoration measures, the planning process will be coordinated under two regions: an Eastern region which includes land use plans in the states of Colorado, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota and portions of Utah and Montana; and a Western Region which includes land use plans in northeastern California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and portions of Utah and Montana. Public scoping meetings will be held in communities throughout the west in January and February 2012 to provide an opportunity for interested parties to talk to staff and resource specialists and submit written comments on the proposal in person. Meetings will be held in Nevada on the following dates: Tonopah, Jan. 9; Ely, Jan. 10; Elko, Jan. 11; Winnemucca, Jan. 12; and Reno, Jan. 30. Specific times and locations for these meetings will be announced through local media and on the BLM’s greater sage-grouse website at http://www.blm.gov/sagegrouse. Comments may be made to the BLM during the scoping meetings or by any of the following methods: • Eastern Region ◊ web site: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/sagegrouse/eastern.html ◊ email: sageeast@blm.gov ◊ fax: 307-775-6042 ◊ mail: Eastern Region Project Manager, BLM Wyoming State Office, 5353 Yellowstone, Cheyenne, WY 82009 • Western Region ◊ web site: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/sagegrouse/western.html ◊ email: sagewest@blm.gov ◊ fax: 775-861-6747 ◊ mail: Western Region Project Manager, BLM Nevada State Office, 1340 Financial Blvd., Reno, NV 89502 To ensure that comments and information are fully considered during the preparation of the EISs/SEISs, the BLM must receive them by close of business on February 7, 2012. All comments and submissions will be considered in the environmental analysis process. For further information or to have your name added to the mailing list, contact: Chuck Otto, Eastern Region Project Manager, (307) 775-6062; mailing address 5353 Yellowstone
Schedule of Events Tuesday, January 24
Range-Ready Bull Show
Wednesday, January 25
Haltered Bull Show
Road, Cheyenne, WY 82009; email cotto@blm.gov; or Brian Amme, Western Region Project Manager; (775) 861-861-6645; mailing address 1340 Financial Boulevard, Reno, NV 89520; email bamme@blm.gov. The BLM and the USFS have identified the following preliminary issues to address in its environmental analysis: Greater Sage-Grouse habitat management, fluid minerals, coal mining, hard rock mining, mineral materials, rights-of-way, renewable energy development, wildfire, invasive species, grazing, off highway vehicle management and recreation. The BLM and the USFS will use the most current science for the analysis, including: The Greater Sage-Grouse: Ecology and Conservation of a Landscape Species and its Habitat (Knick and Connelly, eds. 2010). The BLM and USFS will also use The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ (WAFWA) Conservation Assessment of Greater Sage-Grouse and Sagebrush Habitats (2004) and Greater Sage-Grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy (2010), as well as the BLM’s National Sage-Grouse Conservation Strategy). Copies of assessment and strategy are available on the BLM’s sage-grouse website. The BLM manages more land - over 245 million acres - than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands. The Forest Service manages 155 units (e.g. National Forests, National Grasslands) on 190 million acres. Approximately 30 National Forests include shrub-steppe habitat for Greater Sage-Grouse. Habitats on USFS lands are peripheral to BLM lands, and generally provide summer brood-rearing habitat for the species, though some units also include other seasonal habitats. The FWS identified nine National Forests and Grasslands considered important for the conservation of this species. These are the Thunder Basin and Curlew National Grasslands; and the Uinta, Dixie, Fishlake, Sawtooth, Caribou, Malheur and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests. The Malheur NF is currently in plan revision. Consequently, this Forest will incorporate conservation measures through the revision process and is not expected to be included in this larger effort at this time.
s r a e y 1 7 g n Celebrati estern ay of the
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The Progressive Rancher
January 2012 25
Range Plants for the Rancher By Paul T. Tueller, Ph.D., CRMC
Alkali Sacaton T
here are a number of species that are common to edges of playas and wetlands at lower elevations in Nevada. I previously described two of these species, Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) and Great basin wildrye (Leymus cenereus). For this issue I describe another of these plants, Alkali Sacaton (Sporobolus airoides(Torr.) Torr. Alkali sacaton is a native long-lived, densely tufted, warm-season perennial bunchgrass forming a clump of stems reaching up to two meters tall but mostly ranging from 20 to 40 inches (50-100 cm) in height. Alkali Sacaton is native to Nevada and is usually found at elevations between 4200 and 6200 feet in the lowlands and floodplains of dry desert valleys. The stem bases are thick and tough, almost woody in texture. It blooms from April to May. Alkali sacaton reproduces from seeds and tillers. Seeds are produced from late summer to October. Production is abundant, and seeds remain viable for many years. Water movement in floodplains disperses seeds, some of which are deposited in saturated sediments where they later germinate. They usually germinate in July after a 9-month after ripening period. The fibrous green or gray-green leaves are up to 50 or 60 centimeters in length. The infloresence is a long and generally wide open and spreading panicle bearing yellow spikelets with purplish bases. They are nearly half the length of the plant with stiff, slender, widely spreading branches. Spikelets have 1 flower and tend to diverge from the panicles, appearing scattered. Seeds are free from the lemma and fall readily from the spikelet at maturity. Alkali sacaton is a facultative halophyte, having a broad tolerance to salinity. They are able to grow in soils with high salt concentrations. Specimens germinate best in warm, sunny, wet conditions. It is adapted to soils containing high sodium chloride concentrations and soils containing mixtures of other salts including bicarbonate and sulfate compounds. In the desert shrub and grassland communities that occupy these lowlying areas of the Great Basin, alkali sacaton is associated with saltgrass, galleta, Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides), bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides), and basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus). Though vegetation cover is often low in
26 January 2012
The Progressive Rancher
these sites, important shrub species include fourwing saltbush, winterfat, black greasewood, rabbitbrush, Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma), and numerous sagebrush species including basin big sagebrush (A. t. var. tridentata), Wyoming big sagebrush (A. t. var. wyomingensis), black sagebrush (A. nova), and budsage (A. spinescens). Alkali sacaton forms vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae. This species grows in soil textures ranging from sand to clay, usually with low organic matter. After establishment, it is tolerant of both drought and inundation by water. They do best in areas with 12 to 18 inches of annual precipitation or equivalent in run-in water. It withstands flooding and considerable soil deposition, and may occur in nearly pure stands. Alkali sacaton is intolerant of shade. It is commonly found as a primary or secondary invader on saline soils. In successional series on marsh borders, alkali sacaton represents the vegetation stage just prior to upland perennial grasslands, possibly playing a part in a cycle involving periods of decreased and increased salinity. With decreased salinity its dense root system produces hummocks. Alkali sacaton is a valuable forage species in arid and semiarid regions of Nevada. Plants are tolerant to moderate grazing and can produce abundant herbage utilized by livestock and wildlife. The palatability of alkali sacaton has been rated as good for cattle, sheep, horses and pronghorn , poor for mule deer and good to fair for small mammals, small nongame birds and waterfowl. In a New Mexico study, protein content in alkali sacaton ranged from 4.2% in January to 8.7% in October. The western saltdesert shrub and grassland communities where alkali sacaton is common support an abundance of mule deer, pronghorn, carnivores, small mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Those ranchers that have an abundance of these low elevation saline habitats should be acquainted with the forage species found there. Alkali sacaton is an excellent grass for erosion control. It is fair to good forage for cattle and horse, poor for sheep and wildlife while actively growing, poor for all animals when dry, makes fair hay when cut during or before flowering. Management should provide for grazing no more than 50 percent of the top growth during rapid growth and seed formation stage. www.progressiverancher.com
Do you have what it takes?
Pine Valley Oil Well Incident
ELKO, Nev.— An oil well undergoing maintenance to improve productivity was damaged over the weekend resulting in a leak at the top of the well. It is believed the cause of the damage was a large, high-pressure bubble of gas that emanated from the well. The leak consists of a steam and oil mixture with a small amount of nitrogen. The well is located approximately 30 miles south of Carlin, Nev. in the Pine Valley. The area is not near any structures or residences. Well control specialists are on site conducting containment. The leak has caused some soil erosion causing the drill rig to become unstable. The priority at this time is the stabilization of the drill rig so personnel can safely work on shutting down the well. An earthen berm has been established around the 5-acre drill pad and the oil and water mixture has been contained within the 10-acre berm. Two bull-dozers are on site creating containment pits as well as four vacuum trucks collecting the oil and water mixture for transport to a processing facility one-half mile away. The area is primarily a greasewood flat. There is sage-grouse habitat, but no known leks. The area is not within a wild horse herd management area and there is no known habitat for threated or endangered species. There is also no known threat to any surface or ground water supplies. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) staff in the area on Friday noted that the well was shut down for the weekend; there was no damage visible. On Sunday, Dec. 18, a well-maintenance employee noticed the damage and immediately contacted the well operator, Grant Canyon, LLC. Additional notifications were made to Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, the Nevada Division of Minerals and the BLM. The agencies are working with the operator and well control personnel for a successful containment and remediation.
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The Progressive Rancher
January 2012 27
The Progressive Rancher Coloring Contest Tear out or copy this page, color it and mail it in. Sponsored by Bill Nicholson and Jeanne King. Age Groups: 5-7, 8-10, 11-12. Mail your artwork to: The Progressive Rancher, 1188 Court St., #81, Elko, NV 89801. Include your name, address and age on entry.
28 January 2012
The Progressive Rancher
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Equine Podiatry
by Stephen E. O’Grady, DVM, MRCVS
Sheared Heels and the Correlation to Spontaneous Quarter Cracks Reprinted with permission from Equine Veterinary Education (EVE). Original published in Equine Veterinary Education Vol 23 May 2011.
S. E. O’Grady* and H. H. Castelijns† Northern Virginia Equine Marshall, Virginia, USA; and †Valecchie No.11/A, Cortona, Italy. *Corresponding author email: sogrady@look.net
equine veterinarians, farriers and horse owners, as these horses often need to continue to compete. The strong association between sheared heels and a Many causes of quarter cracks have been described, spontaneous quarter crack is hard to ignore. Although inapsuch as trauma to the coronet, pre-existing damage to the propriate farriery may play a role, limb conformation and dermis from infection, abnormal hoof conformation, short the landing pattern of the horse appear to be the dominant shoes, inappropriate farrier practices or an abnormal landing factors causing this type of hoof capsule deformation. The pattern when the foot strikes the ground (O’Grady 2001b). importance of determining the underlying cause and impleYet the most consistent finding in all quarter crack cases is menting the appropriate farriery cannot be over emphasised Fig 1: Spontaneous quarter crack. Palmar view shows the a foot conformation with a sheared heel on the side of the when managing a quarter crack associated with a sheared sheared heel. hoof with the defect and an abnormal strike pattern observed heel. The repair of spontaneous quarter cracks will be of during the impact and loading phase of the stride. In fact, it little value, and the defect will have a tendency to recur, unis extremely rare to find a spontaneous quarter crack (as opposed to less the cause is identified and rectified. a crack due to outside trauma, such as a wire cut) that is not associIntroduction ated with this type of hoof capsule distortion. Various materials and techniques exist for stabilising and repairing hoof cracks, but none Sheared heels as a clinical entity and a cause of lameness were will be successful in the case of spontaneous quarter cracks, unless first described in the veterinary literature 35 years ago (Moyer and the cause of the hoof wall defect is determined and addressed through Anderson 1975). A sheared heel is defined as a hoof capsule distortion basic farriery, as these originate from the coronet, from the inside resulting in a proximal displacement of one quarter/heel bulb relaoutwards (Moyer 1983; O’Grady 2001b; Moyer 2003; Castelijns 2006; tive to the contralateral side of the hoof (Turner 1992). The disparity McKinlay 2009). This paper will discuss the proposed aetiology leadbetween the lateral and medial quarter/heel bulb is generally 0.5 cm ing to the hoof capsule distortion termed sheared heels and its correlaor more and is measured from the coronet to the ground or to the tion with quarter cracks, along with the farriery methods used in the shoe. When the weight of the horse is not distributed uniformly over authors’ joint practices to address sheared heels. the entire hoof during the landing and/or weightbearing phase of the Fig 2: Palmar view of sheared heel. Note stride, one section of the foot, usually a heel bulb and accompanying disparity between medial and lateral heel Structural changes to the foot quarter, receives a disproportionate amount of the total load. This length. Note the medial heel starting to The equine hoof capsule is a viscoelastic structure that has the repetitive disproportionate load causes the proximal displacement of roll under. unique ability to deform when weight is accepted uniformly (Parks the heel/quarter of the hoof capsule while the increased compressive 2003). However, if an unequal load is continually placed on one stresses placed on the submural tissue in this area predispose the foot quarter/heel, over time, structural changes will become apparent. The to various injurious conditions including a quarter crack (O’Grady increased load on one side of the foot causes the hoof wall to assume 2002, 2005). While the diagnosis of a sheared heel is straightforward, a steeper angle, i.e. the wall becomes straighter. This is a predictable the aetiology of the condition may be misleading and the farriery response to increased load. Along with the increased hoof wall angle, employed in the treatment is often based on opinions. Sheared heels other changes such as contracture of the heel subjected to the greater appear to develop as an adaption-distortion of the hoof capsule as a load will soon follow. The narrow heel will decrease the ground consequence of limb conformation that results in an abnormal strike surface of the foot resulting in a lack of expansion on that side of the and loading pattern of the foot on the ground. Prevention or treatfoot, making the solar surface in the palmar/ plantar section of the foot ment of abnormal limb conformation is only possible in the foal; asymmetrical. Over time, the hoof wall begins to ‘roll under’ on the therefore in mature horses, therapy is directed toward managing the affected side, which further decreases ground surface under that area Fig 3: Right fore medial sheared heel. distortion of the hoof capsule. Spontaneous quarter cracks are a comNote the compression of the structures of the foot. The side of the foot that first impacts the ground develops mon cause of decreased athletic performance in competition horses proximal to the heel bulb. an outward flare due to bending of the hoof tubules (Fig 2). and frequently lead to foot lameness (O’Grady 2001a; Moyer 2003; Over time, the stresses placed on the overloaded side of the foot Castelijns 2006) (Fig 1). A true quarter crack originates at the coronet, extends distally through the full thickness of the hoof wall into the dermis, leading exceed the ability of the hoof wall to deform and a distortion will occur (Parks 2003). This to instability, inflammation and/or infection. These cracks can be painful due to infection overload results in the coronet at the heel quarter and heel to be displaced proximally. Not or, more commonly, the ‘pinching’ of the underlying dermis as a result of the movement only is the coronet displaced proximally but those structures located axially from the coroof the unstable hoof wall. This ‘pinching’ occurs due to the vertical movement of the heel net to the middle phalanx are also displaced proximally and compressed, and this section of bulb and the outward movement of the entrapped ungual cartilage, axial to the origin of the foot becomes narrow (Fig 3). The submural tissue on the affected side may be subjected the quarter crack, during the loading of the foot. The recurrent nature of quarter cracks to excessive compressive forces that lead to stretching or tearing of the lamellae resulting involving performance horses presents a challenging and often frustrating problem for in haemorrhage. It is thought that the exudation of fluid in the submural tissue increases
Summary
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The Progressive Rancher
January 2012 29
Fig 4: Difference between the angle of the coronary groove between the toe and the quarter on a horse with a sheared heel (courtesy of Michael Savoldi).
pressure and will eventually disrupt the coronary corium contributing to the formation of a defect. Furthermore, a recent study of horses with quarter cracks, showed the free margin of the ungual cartilage above the coronet at the site of the crack to be <15 mm, as a result of the proximally displaced quarter/ heel (Castelijns 2006). This lack of free margin appears to interfere with the abaxial expansion of the ungual cartilage when the foot is loaded, leading to increased pressure in the sheared heel and trauma to the adjacent coronet.
Mechanism The presence of a sheared heel indicates a disproportionate weight distribution over a section of the hoof that anatomically cannot resist the additional stresses without distortion or displacement. In this area, there is dorsal migration of the reflection of the wall at its junction with the bar and there are densely packed growth rings below the coronet. On gross dissection, the coronary groove, instead of being circular on a cross section, becomes disto-proximally elongated and narrow in the displaced quarter/heel. The narrower coronet produces a thinner hoof wall in this area (Fig 4). The growth rate around the circumference of the hoof is usually approximately uniform, but regional disturbances in growth rate can occur that will either increase or decrease growth. The position of the coronary band is related to the balance between hoof wall growth at the coronary band and the rate of migration of the hoof wall distally. Furthermore, the rate of migration of the hoof wall is a balance between an active process occurring in the lamellae to cause them to move distally and the force on the wall from the ground reaction force. Clinical evidence suggests that hoof wall growth is at least in part, if not predominantly, inversely determined by the force of weightbearing at the ground surface of the wall (A.H. Parks, personal communication 2010). If the rate of hoof wall
30 January 2012
growth exceeds the rate of migration distally, the coronary band displaces proximally. This appears to be the mechanism in horses with sheared heels/quarters. Tightly placed growth rings below the coronet coupled with slow hoof growth would suggest that the wall is forced proximally. Whether or not this is a real phenomenon suggested by clinical experience has not been confirmed in a scientific manner.
Aetiology In order to formulate a rational approach to management, it is necessary to discuss the aetiology of sheared heels. The presence of a sheared heel when a spontaneous quarter crack occurs provides ample evidence that this type of hoof capsule distortion plays a role in the cause of the defect. It was assumed for years that inappropriate farrier practices may lead to this type of hoof capsule distortion when trimming methods, such as leaving the heels long or excessively lowering one side of the foot, would result in excessive forces/stresses being placed on a given section of the foot. The term used to describe this type of hoof capsule distortion was a lateral medial imbalance. Although this may indeed contribute, in the authors’ experience, it does not predominately influence this type of foot conformation. To substantiate this theory, one author (S.E.O.) reviewed 50 dorsopalmar 0° radiographs on horses that had a foot with one heel bulb displaced proximally ≥0.5 cm. In all cases, it
The Progressive Rancher
Fig 5: Dorsopalmar 0° radiograph of a foot with a sheared heel. Arrows placed at the coronary band of the heels show the different heel height while the distal phalanx remains parallel with the ground.
Fig 6: Illustration shows the ratio of bone to soft tissue in the foot. The hoof capsule distortion noted in a sheared heel will involve the soft tissue structures palmar/plantar to the distal phalanx. Dotted line denotes the junction between the distal phalanx and the soft tissue structures of the foot. (courtesy of Dr Andrew Parks).
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Fig 8: Palpation of the ungual cartilage. Fig 7: Focal displacement of coronet above the origin of a quarter crack.
was clearly shown that the solar surface of the distal phalanx was approximately horizontal (parallel) with the ground. There was also an appropriate amount of sole depth under both the lateral and medial side of the distal phalanx. This would indicate that the disparity in heel height was not originating from the hoof wall and sole located distal to the distal phalanx (Fig 5). Anatomically, the distal phalanx occupies the dorsal two-thirds of the hoof capsule while the majority of the space in the palmar/plantar foot is occupied by soft tissue (Fig 6). The displacement of the heel thus seems to occur palmar/plantar to the body of the distal phalanx in the section of the hoof comprised of soft tissue. Conformational faults in the upper limb that change the horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flight phase of the stride appear to be the major factor leading to this type of hoof capsule distortion. When such faults occur, the altered flight pattern causes the horse to impact the ground with one side of the foot prior to full weightbearing on the contralateral side of the foot. In the conformationally predisposed horse, the horse will generally have a narrow chest and the carpus will be rotated laterally. When viewed from the front, although the entire limb faces outward, or in some instances, inward, the axial alignment of the limb from above the carpus to the ground surface of the foot forms a straight line indicating a rotational deviation of the limb. For example, with a lateral rotational deformity, the knee faces outward, this moves breakover to an outward or lateral direction, thus altering the flight phase of the stride such that the foot is unable to land under the horse evenly on both heels. As the limb approaches the landing phase of the stride, this flight pattern forces the foot to contact the ground on one side and then sustain excessive load on the contralateral side. There is a far greater incidence of a sheared heel occurring on the medial side of the hoof but sheared heels on the lateral side are not uncommon. Using a slow motion video camera, one can actually distinguish the point where the foot impacts the ground on one side and the point where the hoof loads the surface on the other. Spontaneous quarter cracks generally occur directly above the point of maximum load and the largest force generated within the hoof wall. This point can be readily observed as there will be a focal proximal displacement in the coronet located directly above the quarter crack (Fig 7). Furthermore, there appears to be a correlation between an offset distal phalanx and sheared heels. Most commonly the distal phalanx is offset laterally within the hoof capsule rather than being directly under the proximal and middle phalanges causing the medial side of the hoof capsule to assume more load.
Observation The evaluation of sheared heels begins with visual assessment of the hoof and limb conformation with the horse standing on a hard level surface. The gross changes noted in the foot are proportional to the amount of continual load sustained, the extent of structural damage and the duration of the condition. When sheared heels are present, the heel bulb on the affected side is displaced proximally and the structures above the heel bulb will be compressed when viewed from behind the horse. When viewed from the front, the hoof wall on the affected side is straighter and, in chronic cases, will begin to roll under the foot. There is generally a marked flare of the hoof wall present on the side opposite the affected heel in the toe quarter. When viewed from the affected side, the coronary band is displaced proximally above the damaged heel and will assume a horizontal contour, or a focal displacement, instead of having a gradual uniform slope from the toe to the heel. The solar surface of the foot reflects changes elsewhere in the hoof capsule: the foot will be less symmetrical; the sole in the quarter and heel area will appear wider on the side with the flare and narrower on the side with the sheared heel. The vertically displaced heel is often affected by recurrent spontaneous quarter crack. When this occurs, the free margin of the ungual cartilage is usually diminished in feet with sheared heels due to upward displacement of the hoof wall at the heel. This is an important parameter to keep in mind when addressing a quarter crack. On palpation and measurement of a foot with a sheared heel and a spontaneous quarter crack, it is not uncommon to find the proximal border of the ungual cartilage at or below the coronary band. When a quarter crack is present, palpation of the ungual cartilage and moving the cartilage outwards (abaxially) by hooking a finger axially to it, tends to elicit pain and opening of the proximal margins of the crack (Fig 8). The painful reaction is usually not elicited on www.progressiverancher.com
Fig 9: Using metric calipers to measure the free margin of ungual cartilage.
the contralateral side (to the sheared heel) by the same manipulation. The proximal margin of the quarter crack is always near the highest point of the vertical distortion of the coronary band when observed from the side. Measurement of the free ungual cartilage margin above the quarter crack by means of metric calipers reveals that when spontaneous cracks are present, this distance is â&#x2030;¤15 mm (2-15mm) (Castelijns 2006) (Fig 9). It is important to view the horse in motion, again on a hard level surface from the front and rear. This should be done at a walk and a trot. Fig 10: Change noted in medial sheared When viewed from behind, this should determine heel of a right forefoot before removing which section of the foot is contacting the ground shoe (a) and after (b) allowing affected initially and which portion of the foot is receiving heel to settle for 24 h before trimming the impact. The direction of breakover should be and shoeing. noted when viewed from the front. As the human eye is incapable of observing events with a duration of <0.02 s, and foot landing and loading can be quite different at different speeds and gaits, slow motion review of high speed film is highly recommended.
Farriery Farriery is directed toward unloading the hoof wall and decreasing the forces on the displaced side of the foot with the quarter crack. This is accomplished by improving the shape of the hoof and the landing pattern and the application of the appropriate shoe. When a horse develops a full thickness quarter crack, it is advisable to take the animal out of training to allow healing, but this is not always an option with competition horses. Constraints may be placed on the farriery due to the training and competition schedule of the horse. For example, the author (S.E.O.) likes to remove the shoes and stand the horse on a hard surface for 12-24 h prior to trimming and shoeing. This alone allows the affected side of the foot to settle into a more acceptable conformation (Fig 10). If a severe sheared heel hoof capsule distortion is present, the unshod foot can be stood on some form of frog support and the foot is placed in a soak bandage for 24 h (Snow and Birdsall 1990). This results in a profound change in hoof shape and the distance between the coronet and the middle phalanx will widen. If a quarter crack is present, when possible, the authors prefer to perform the farriery and then wait for the coronet to settle into a more acceptable position or slope before any type of repair is considered. If the repair has to be performed immediately, due to the competition schedule, the defect will be repaired with the coronet in a displaced position. Farriery is initiated by removing the shoes and again observing the horse walking on a hard surface noting the strike pattern of the foot. The authors use a double trimming method in an attempt to improve and unload the distorted quarter/heel. The foot is trimmed appropriately using the guidelines of a parallel hoof-pastern axis, the centre of articulation and heels of the hoof capsule trimmed to include the base of the frog (Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Grady 2009). To start, a line can be drawn across the widest part of the foot with a felt tip pen. The frog is trimmed to where it is pliable and the quarters and heels of the hoof capsule from the middle of the foot are rasped palmarly so that the heels of the hoof capsule and the trimmed frog are on the same plane if possible. An attempt is made to create as much ground surface under the affected heel as possible, which will often Fig 11: Illustration shows proportions of result in that side being marginally lower than an ideally trimmed foot.
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January 2012 31
Fig 13: Hoof wall lowered from toe quarter to the heel on second trim. Note the space created between the hoof wall and the shoe.
Fig 12: Wide web straight bar shoe.
the other side of the foot. The toe and quarters are reduced appropriately so when the trim is completed, the surface area on either side of the line drawn or the widest part of the foot will approximate each other (Fig 11). Lowering the heel on the displaced side of the foot is logical as it is the taller heel and it increases the ground surface of the foot on that side. Following the trim, the horse is again walked on a hard surface and some improvement in the landing pattern should be noted. It is one author’s opinion (S.E.O.) that, when initially managing a sheared heel, especially with a quarter crack, the horse should be placed in a bar shoe if possible. Bar shoes effectively increase the surface area of the foot, allow the palmar/plantar section of the foot to be unloaded, and decrease the independent vertical movement at the bulbs of the heels. The author’s choice is a wide web steel straight bar shoe (Kerckhaert Shoes)1 fitted symmetrically to the trimmed foot (Fig 12). Before applying the shoe, a second trim is performed under the proximally displaced quarter/ heel, which goes from 0 mm at the ipsilateral toe (e.g. inside toe for medial sheared heel) to an average of 7 mm at the affected heel. The amount of heel that can be taken off in the second trim depends on the sole depth at the seat of corn and on the severity of the proximal displacement of the coronary band at the sheared heel. The amount of heel under the sheared heel that can be taken off with this second trim ideally corresponds to the difference in length/height between the 2 heels. Lowering the hoof wall at the quarter/heel will create a space between the shoe and the hoof wall on displaced side of the hoof (Fig 13). This improves the landing pattern, unloads the affected heel and allows the heel bulb to settle down and assume a more acceptable position. Feet with a low palmar/plantar angle rarely have enough sole depth under the affected heel for the second trim, in these cases the rest of the hoof wall can be raised with a rim pad or with a full leather pad and impression material. When a full pad is used, impression material (Equilox Pink)2 is placed in the palmar section of the foot from the apex of the frog palmarly except under the displaced heel where the second trim was performed. Only the first 2 nails should be placed in the toe of the shoe on the side with the sheared heel to Manufacturers’ addresses
1. FPD, Shelbyville, Kentucky, USA. 2. Equilox Intnational, Pine Island, Minnesota, USA. 3. Dremel Tool Co., Racine, Wisconsin, USA.
32 January 2012
effectively allow the displaced heel to settle into a more acceptable position. After the shoe is attached to the foot, the affected heel will rapidly descend onto the shoe, making the original space created by the second trim between the hoof wall and the shoe disappear. The extent of the second trim at the heel will determine the increase of free margin of the ungual cartilage above the coronet on the affected side of the hoof. This can be observed visually, palpated and measured with calipers. As most horses with a sheared heel have a predisposing limb conformation (e.g., a rotational deformity), these feet have a tendency to continue to deform the affected heel proximally and the double trim method usually has to be applied to some degree at each consecutive shoeing. Horses with this type of hoof conformation should be reset at 4-6 week intervals. Some cases will present with displaced heels with recurrent cracks and will resist lowering and widening of the sheared heel with the farriery methods described above. In these cases, one author (H.H.C.) treats the distortion of the hoof capsule at the site of the sheared heel with a full wall thickness sub coronary groove, applied with a rasp or Dremel3 tool about 20 mm below and parallel to the coronet. Care must be taken to go all the way through the wall to the laminar corium, from the end of the heel forward to the most dorsal part of the hoof distortion at the coronet. Horses may show discomfort from this procedure for a few days, especially if the laminar corium has been reached, which results in tiny pinpoint haemorrhage being visible. After the procedure, an antiseptic combined with a compressive bandage should be applied. The wall growth proximal to the groove will show a totally new, wider, abaxial direction as it is disconnected from the stresses being placed on the straight distal wall.
Discussion The importance of determining the underlying cause and implementing the appropriate farriery cannot be over emphasised when managing sheared heels with quarter cracks. The strong association between sheared heels and a quarter crack coupled with limb conformation and the landing pattern of the horse is hard to ignore. The debride-
References Castelijns, H.H. (2006) Pathogenesis and treatment of spontaneous quarter cracks - quantifying vertical mobility of the hoof capsule at the heels. Pferdeheilkunde 5, 569-576. McKinlay, I. (2009) Repairing quarter cracks and managing wall separations. In: Proceedings. Focus on the Equine Foot, American Association of Equine Practitioners, Lexington. pp 175-180. Moyer, W. (1983) Repairing hoof cracks in the horse: A review and a report of a new technique. Comp. Cont. Ed. 5, 495-497. Moyer, W. (2003) Hoof wall defects: Chronic hoof wall separations and hoof wall cracks. Vet. Clin. N. Am.: Equine Pract. 19, 333-344.
ment, stabilisation and repair of spontaneous quarter cracks will be of little value, and the defect will have a tendency to recur, unless the cause is determined and rectified. Assessing the limb conformation, improving the foot shape and applying the appropriate trim/shoe appear to be as important as the repair technique used to stabilise the defect. Inadequate attention to these factors may account for the many failures encountered and the recurring nature of quarter cracks. The heels of the horse’s foot have a relatively large amount of flexibility in the proximal to distal (vertical) axis. This can be explained by the anatomical features of the foot: a discontinuity of the hoof capsule between the heels with highly mobile structures interposed between which are the frog, digital cushion, venous and arterial plexa and fibrocartilaginous connective tissue. In other words, although the dorsal wall is intimately attached to the parietal surface of the distal phalanx, the laminar attachment or suspension in the palmar/plantar section of the foot is far less rigid. This provides the flexibility necessary for function but also allows for proximal displacement of the heels when these receive excessive stress or a disproportionate load. Functionally this arrangement serves the bare-footed horse well as the hoof capsule at the heels is able to adapt to the uneven footing, but when shoes are applied this ability to adapt becomes modified. When trimming or shoeing modifications in the sagittal plane of the foot are being contemplated, it is important to be aware of this vertical mobility, and the tendency for vertical displacement of the heels. A wedge pad placed under the heels, for example, will cause proximal displacement of the heels (Castelijns 2006). The prognosis for sheared heels is good, provided a skilled, interested farrier is involved. It is also necessary to have a committed owner as these cases often require ongoing maintenance. Theoretically, the prevention and treatment of lameness and/or quarter cracks, caused by a hoof capsule distortion such as sheared heels is simple, but in practice it is often difficult to achieve. Being aware that there is a strong correlation between sheared heels and hoof wall problems, such as quarter cracks, makes prevention and treatment not only logical but imperative.
Moyer, W. and Anderson, J.P. (1975) Sheared heels: Diagnosis and treatment. J. Am. vet. med. Ass. 166, 53. O’Grady, S.E. (2001a) Quarter crack repair: An overview. Equine vet. Educ. 3, 280-282. O’Grady, S.E. (2001b) How to repair a quarter crack. Proc. Am. Ass. equine Practnrs. 47, 287-291. O’Grady, S.E. (2002) Shoeing management of sheared heels. In: Current Therapy in Equine Medicine, 5th edn., Ed: N.E. Robinson, W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia. pp 528-532. O’Grady, S.E. (2005) How to manage sheared heels. Proc. Am. Ass. equine Practnrs. 51, 451-456.
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O’Grady, S.E. (2009) Guidelines for trimming the equine foot: A review. Proc. Am. Ass. equine Practnrs. 55, 218-225. Parks, A.H. (2003) Form and function of the equine digit. Vet. Clin. N. Am.: Equine Pract. 19, 285-296. Snow, V.E. and Birdsall, D.P. (1990) Specific parameters used to evaluate hoof balance and support. Proc. Am. Ass. equine Practnrs. 36, 299-311. Turner, T.A. (1992) The use of hoof measurements for the objective assessment of hoof balance. Proc. Am. Ass. equine Practnrs. 38, 389-395.
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BLM Review of Triple B Wild Horse Gather Finds Overall Safe Practices, but Cites Incidents of Aggressive Handling
After reviewing instances of alleged animal abuse during the recently completed Triple B wild horse gather in Nevada, a Bureau of Land Management team has found that helicopter contractor Sun J Livestock generally demonstrated appropriate, humane handling of wild horses over the course of the six-week gather that ended August 31. The review team also cited specific incidents of inappropriate, aggressive practices, including cases when the helicopter operated too closely to single horses and pursued small groups of horses or single horses too long. No single incident, however, generated a consensus among animal welfare experts that horses were treated inhumanely. The team’s seven-page report made 11 recommendations, including the need for the BLM to ensure clarity of management expectations of what is appropriate and what is not in gather-related operations. The agency will take corrective actions in response to all recommendations. BLM Director Bob Abbey called for the review on September 23, following the conclusion of the Triple B gather, which resulted in the removal of more than 1,200 wild horses from overpopulated herds roaming in a complex northwest of Ely and southeast of Elko. The purpose of the gather was to bring wild horse herd populations into balance with the land’s forage capacity, consistent with the BLM’s mandate to manage the public lands for multiple resources and uses, including wildlife habitat, livestock grazing, and outdoor recreation. Toward the end of the gather, U.S. District Court Judge Howard D. McKibben granted a Temporary Restraining Order to plaintiffs opposed to the Triple B gather because of his concern that a helicopter was flying too closely to a horse being gathered. “Aggressive and rough handling of wild horses is not acceptable and we are actively taking steps to ensure that such behavior is not repeated,” Director Abbey said. “Guidance documents will be issued to ensure that all gather personnel are aware of appropriate handling techniques and related procedures.” The BLM team was composed of Ken Collum, BLM Eagle Lake (CA) Field Manager; Gus Warr, BLM-Utah Lead Wild Horse and Burro Specialist; Steven Hall, BLM-Colorado Communications Director; and Dr. Owen Henderson, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service veterinarian. The team interviewed BLM staff, external animal welfare experts, and Sun J Livestock employees. The team also reviewed declarations filed in U.S. District Court by public observers who documented alleged abuse at the gather. In addition, the BLM examined 11 videos taken by public observers of the BLM’s Triple B gather and reviewed the more extensive collection of BLM videos, photos, and reports. “I am instituting a proactive process for conducting internal reviews of many aspects of our program to ensure that we are moving toward the ‘new normal’ of wild horse and burro management,” said Joan Guilfoyle, Chief of the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Division. In response to the team’s recommendations, the BLM is taking corrective actions, including: • Establishing a helicopter gather contracts review team to determine what Photo Credit WT Bruce operational improvements are needed, whether by modification of existing contracts or by issuing new “Requests for Proposal” (solicitations) for gather-related work, and to clarify management expectations as to what is appropriate and what is inappropriate. • Reviewing existing training courses and recommending supplemental curricula to help implement an incident command structure and meet the expectations referred to above. • Issuing guidelines to ensure that helicopters do not make contact with wild horses and burros and to clarify decisionmaking regarding the movement of small groups of horses or single horses to the trap. The full text of the report, along with the 11 recommendations and the corrective actions the BLM is taking, can be found at http://on.doi.gov/TripleBReport www.progressiverancher.com
Winnemucca
Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend February 29 - March 4, 2012
Real Cowboys - Real Life Five Days of Real Excitement Winnemucca Invitational Bull Sale Black Angus - Red Angus - Balancer Charolais - Hereford - Gelbvieh
March 4, 2012
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J & J Cattle Co. P Bar Ranch Roman Ranches Charolais Bianchi Ranches Berrett Livestock ...And More
Tentative Schedule of Events Wed & Thurs, Feb 29 ~ March 1, 2012 Cow Dog Trial & Sale
Friday, March 2, 2012
Stock Horse Challenge & Horse Sale Preview
Saturday, March 3, 2012 Ranch Hand Rodeo
R anch, Rope & Performance Horse Sale
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Winnemucca Invitiational Bull Sale Ranch Hand Rodeo
For More Information 1-800-962-2638 or 775-623-5071
www.RanchRodeoNV.com
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January 2012 33
DR. Margaret, Ph.D. Dr. Margaret Winsryg, Ph.D.
B
MNM Consulting Services
Is Feeding Beet Pulp an Option for Weight Loss in Horses?
eet pulp is the fibrous material left over after the sugar is extracted from sugar beets. It’s an excellent source of digestible fiber, with a relatively low crude protein content (averaging 8 to 10%), comparable to good-quality grass hay. Its digestible energy is somewhere between that of hay and grain. In terms of other nutrients, its source of fiber is an excellent energy source--it has relatively high calcium content and very little phosphorus, is low in B vitamins, and has virtually no beta-carotene (the precursor of vitamin A) or vitamin D. Its chief value is twofold: one to help slow down the rate of passage of the horses other feeds and increase their digestibility the second, as a soft, easily digestible supplement to your horse’s roughage (fiber) intake, and as such it’s a useful addition to the diet of many types of horses. Consider feeding beet pulp if your horse is a “hard keeper” (it’s very good for encouraging weight gain), if he has dental problems that make chewing hay difficult, if the quality of your hay is poor, or if you have a geriatric horse who has trouble chewing or digesting other types of forage. It can be fed in addition to hay. You can always get hay pellets for horses that don’t consume their hay very well. Beet pulp’s excellent digestibility also makes it a great choice for a convalescing horse--one recovering from illness or surgery, for ex-
ELKO COUNTY 10,705 Deeded acres with BLM permit and 50% of the mineral rights. Only $1,391,650. This may be the best 401K ever and an excellent target for a 1031 Exchange! MASON MOUNTAIN RANCH-Great summer ranch with 3782 deeded acres plus small BLM permit Plus a landowner Elk Tag! Located approx. 75 miles North of Elko . Runs approx. 300 pair for the summer. Approx. 89 acres of meadows irrigated with water stored in Reservoir/fishing hole which also acts as Red Band Trout hatchery. Home and outbuildings for a good cow camp. Phone but no power. Price: $1,595,000. Z BAR RANCH: CLOVER VALLEY RANCH: Offering is changed to include most of the irrigated lands and one home for the reduced price of $1,513,750. One of those ranches at the foot of the Mountains that everyone would love to own is now available. This ranch consists of 2,490 deeded acres of which approx. 557 acres are irrigated. Creek water to run one pivot and several wheel-lines plus flood water. An irrigation well supplies another pivot and a 50 acre grain field. With this option the ranch has 1 home and a calving barn and seller will allow joint use of some other improvements until other facilities can be built. CLOVER VALLEY FARM: 160 acres with a new center pivot. Price: $250,000.
ANTELOPE PEAK RANCH-Elko Co. Over 5,000 deeded acres plus two adjoining BLM permits. Priced at $2,800,000. Including equipment. Ranch has 5 pivots and two irrigation wells plus large spring . Being managed to run 600 head. Nice setting at foot of Mtn. plus several ponds with fish. TENT MOUNTAIN RANCH, Starr Valley , Nevada. Price reduced by $700,000! 3435 Deeded acres at the foot of the majestic East Humboldt Range the Northern extension of the Ruby Mountains. Several perennial Streams flow through the ranch and wildlife are a daily part of the scenery. Improvements are good with a large home approx. 5,000. sq.ft, plus a second modular home and beautiful Mountain Cabin. Barn with water, hay barn, and other storage. Access onto paved road. Actually 18 legal parcels and parcel pricing would start at $1,200 AC. Price: $3,800,000.
STEPTOE VALLEY FARM: Nice Alfalfa and Grass Hay Farm in beautiful country! Approx. 1000 acres with around 700 acres of water rights. Six wells pump water to 5 center pivots and a field flooded or ready for wheel-line hookup. Nice manufactured home for a residence. $3,000,000.
Work: 775-752-3040
paul@bottarirealty.com
1222 6th St., P.O. Box 368 Wells, NV 89835
ample. It even can be fed warm in the winter months; most horses find it quite palatable, although occasionally you’ll come across one who considers it an acquired taste. In its original format, beet pulp is quite soft and prone to mold, so it must be dried for storage. You can buy dehydrated beet pulp in either a shredded or a pelleted format; either way, it’s grayish-brown in color and has a slight but distinctive odor you’ll come to recognize. Some companies add a touch of dried molasses to improve its palatability and energy content. How to feed beet pulp has 2 main opinions: some think you don’t have to soak beet pulp in water to feed it safely to horses--studies, in which horses were fed dehydrated beet pulp, up to a level of 45% of their total diet, noted no ill effects whatsoever. However they were fed beet pulp shreds. Not only did the horses not “explode” but they also suffered no signs of colic or choke, nor did the water content in their manure change. But most people prefer to soak beet pulp; it’s more palatable that way, and less likely to cause choke. And if it is the pellets you should soak it first. To soak beet pulp, place the shreds or pellets in a bucket and add twice as much water as pellets. You can use cool or warm water; some people feel it soaks a little more quickly using warm, but be careful not to use water so hot that you cook the beet pulp, because that will destroy most of the nutrients it contains. Let the bucket sit for at least a couple of hours before feeding; when ready, the beet pulp should have soaked up all of the water, increased in volume to fill the bucket, and be light and fluffy in consistency. (If you use beet pulp pellets, it’s easy to tell whether it has been soaked sufficiently, because there will be nothing left that resembles a pellet.) It’s not necessary to soak it overnight. If your add water, don’t worry; you can always drain it off before you feed, or you can feed the beet pulp on the “sloppy” side. Although most horses will eat beet pulp on its own, its appeal will be improved if you stir it into your horse’s regular grain ration. As with any new addition to the diet, start with only a small quantity and gradually increase the amount you’re feeding over a period of a week or so. Because beet pulp is really a fiber supplement, not a grain, you can safely feed up to 4 pounds; if weight gain is the objective, you may find yourself going through a gallon or more a day. It’s best to make up beet pulp in small batches--just enough to feed in a single day. In the hot summer months, especially, soaked beet pulp left to sit tends to ferment, significantly changing its odor and flavor. If this happens, it’s best to throw it out and make a fresh batch. Generally soaked beet pulp will keep for about 24 hours; in the winter, you may be able to stretch that to 48 hours or so. Now having said all that, if you want to use beep pulp Purina has a great beet pulp based feed and they have taken all the guess work out of mixing and soaking. It’s called Omolene 400, it is 40% beet pulp based product and it has energy from extruded fat. This product because it is higher in energy than beet pulp is very cost effective and very safe.
INDIAN CREEK RANCH: White Pine County, Nevada. Super hunting property surrounded by Public lands and has plentiful Mule Deer, Antelope and Elk. There is a large Spring arising on high ground that could provide pressure for hydro power, or gravity flow domestic or irrigation water. Price- $395,000.
Paul D. Bottari, Broker
34 January 2012
208-308-0106
Home: 775-752-3809 • Fax: 775-752-3021
•
www.bottarirealty.com
Dr. Margaret Winsryg MNM Consulting Equine & Bovine Nutrition (208) 308-0106 3290 N 2200 E, Twin Falls, ID 83301
The Progressive Rancher
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Resolve:
Enjoy Life
T
oo many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven’t thought about it, don’t have it on their schedule, didn’t know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine full. I got to thinking one day about all those people on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I’ve tried to be a little more flexible. How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn’t suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed? Does the word ‘refrigeration’ mean nothing to you? How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched “Jeopardy” on television? I cannot count the times I called my sister and said, “How about going to lunch in a half hour?” She would gas up and stammer, “I can’t. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain.” And my personal favorite: “It’s Monday.” She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together. Because Americans cram so much into their lives, we tend to schedule our headaches. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect! We’ll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Steve toilet-trained. We’ll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet. We’ll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college. Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of “I’m going to,” “I plan on,” and “Someday, when things are settled down a bit.” When anyone calls my “seize the moment” friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you’re ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Rollerblades and skip an eleva-
tor for a bungee cord. My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I love ice cream. It’s just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy. Now, go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to—not something on your SHOULD DO list. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting? Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask “How are you?” Do you hear the reply? When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, “We’ll do it tomorrow.” And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say “Hi”? When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away.... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.
Hosted by:
Call or Stop By!
Happy New Year Sonny Davidson Jason B. Land 2213 N. 5th St. , Elko, NV 89801 775-738-8811, 800-343-0077 www.edwardjones.com www.progressiverancher.com
B Bar B Ranch (Katie Breckenridge/ Rob Struthers)
and CSI Equine Department
Teachers: David Glaser Van Greenwell Shane Prescott
Allie Bear Real Estate
Spializing in hunting, ranching, and horse properti Fallon Farm 21.87 acres with 3 1/2 acre ft water rights and 800 ft cement ditches. 15 ac currently produce 15 acres alfalfa and 4.5 acres of pasture. Hay shed. 2 covered stud corrals and outdoor riding arena. 40’x60’ shop w/insulated storage and tack room,covered saddling area with hitching rail. 5680 Harrigan Road Cane Springs Ranch Open country and mountains. Property features a pond, meadow area, trees, 1300 sq ft barn and 3000+ sq ft shop. Water rights for the springs and water from the springs is stored in the pond areas for irrigation. With 160 acres, there is plenty of room for horses or other livestock. 30 miles N. Winnemucca. $435,000 Diamond Valley Farm Diamond Valley, Eureka 320 acre farm w/311 acres water righted at 4 ft/ac. Beautiful 3,332 square foot home. Bear Ranch East of Elko. Over 3 Full Sections private; including BLM and Meadow Ground. Good for Cattle Operation. Ranch House/Headquarters NOT included. $1,700,000. Lamoille Ranch 31.39 acres w/water rights! Beautiful home with spectacular views of the Ruby Mountains. Garage; chicken coop; barns; corrals; pens and fenced pasture are great features for this Lamoille Property! $595,000 Accepting offers! Antelope Peak Large Ranch outside of Wells, NV. 5000 deeded acres and 5000 BLM acres! Cow/calf ranch w/summer grazing and winter hay. Features a Large 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home; shop, several outbuilding; corrals; and much more for an efficient cattle operation. Enjoy the beautiful ponds; grass fields and mountains on this Nevada Ranch Sandhill Feedlot 397 acres divided into 9 parcels. 28 large pens, 10 small pens. Approx. 3,500 head feedlot. Perfect to put together cattle for California grass. Quarter Circle J Bertolino-Hamblin Ranch Adjacent to Nation Forest! Tucked away in Beautiful Peavine Canyon, NV. Property Features stream and pond; is a great get-away from City Life. Home with meadow views; several outbuildings! $325,000 Paradise Valley Ranch original sandstone house. Metal roof installed less than 10 years ago; fi replace and patio blend nostalgia with modern comfort. Easy access to Hinkey Summit and surrounding mountains. Fenced and landscaped yard, plus 900+ acres of working ranchland and complete facilities w/BLM permits too! Accessible by paved road, yet surrounded by miles of open, completely rural countryside. $1,500,000 Deerhorn Ranch Starr Valley, Nevada lies at the foot of the E. Humboldt Range and offers breathtaking views of the mountains. The ranch consists of approx. 470 deeded acres of relatively flat lying meadow lands irrigated with water from the mountain streams and provides approx. 400 tons of quality hay, excellent summer pasture. Property Includes home; bunk house; several outbuildings and BLM Grazing permits. $1,500,000
2nd Annual
Cutting Horse Judging Clinic February 18, 2012 9:30 am to 4:00 pm Taylor Building on the CSI Twin Falls Campus Clinic - $10.00 (students & youth free) Lunch - $10.00 Reservations appreciated; Katie Breckenridge 208-488-4424
Everyone welcome - contestants, parents, helpers, spouses, children.
The Progressive Rancher
Flying M Ranch 23,000± deeded acres + great winter permit. Lots of solar potential. 23+ miles of Humboldt River Frontage. Excellent & old water rights. Andreola Alfalfa Farm - Austin, NV. 1900 acres - Equipped w/ ten center pivot irrigation, planted oats and then alfalfa crops, all are in good condition and upgraded as needed. Main residence is a 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, attached 12’x12’ utility room and office w/ large covered decks on front and back. Property features Guest house, gazebo, and greenhouse. Farm 16 miles S. of Winnemucca with 2 pivots and one well
View comple listings at:
www.ARanchBroker.com
775-738-8535 Allie Bear
Broker/Realtor 775-777-6416
Realtors: Dawn Mitton Mike Sallee Ken Heinbaugh
January 2012 35
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # 3280 Salt Lake City, UT
The Cattleman’s Connection
Angus and Hereford Bull Sale Monday, March 12th, 2012 1:00 PM at Spring Cove Ranch in Bliss, Idaho Angus Bulls Selling 150 *Yearlings and Fall Yearlings
40 Hereford Bulls
*Yearlings and Fall Yearlings & 2’s
20 Yearling Hereford Heifers 30 Yearling Angus Heifers
Selling sons of CCA Emblazon 702 Reg 15980098 CED+15 BEPD-1.3 WEPD+56 YEPD+95 MEPD+19 SC+.44 CW+20 MARB+.25 RE+.40 $W+41.05 $B+52.99
Selling sons & daughters of JWR 024P Sara’s Prince 153T Reg P42862086 BEPD+5.1 WEPD+67 YEPD+107 MEPD +26 SC EPD +1.1 MARB +.04 RE+.66 $CHB+34
Selling sons of SLL Overload T18 Reg 15843888 CED+7 BEPD+1.3 WEPD+66 YEPD+108 MEPD+14 SC+.81 CW+50 MARB+.57 RE+.51 $B+80.80
Selling sons of Varsity V Warrior Reg 16410859 CED+8 BEPD-.4 WEPD+61 YEPD+118 MEPD+28 SC+.47 CW+36 MARB+1.04 RE+.55 $B+84.57
For Catalogs Call: 208-352-4332 or 208-280-1507 Spring Cove Ranch, Angus since 1919, The Butler Family, Bliss, Idaho JBB/AL Herefords, Herefords since 1967, The Bryan & Anderson Families Gooding, Idaho
36 January 2012
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com