NCA 2009 President’s Award Recipient
IN THIS ISSUE 3
Riding for the NCA Brand
4
NCA Roundup
6
NV CattleWomen
7
24
NSRM Rangelands
28
Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative
BLM Offers Grazers More Flexibililty
32
Nevada Stallion Stakes
8
Letter to Editor
34
NDA News
10
Eye on the Outside
36
NV Farm Bureau News
12
Checkoff News
40
Buckaroo Hall of Fame
14
In the Mind of a Millennial
42
HWCWMA Scotch Thistle
16
Van Norman Production Sale
44
Elko County Fair
18
Master Stockman Consulting
20
Wells FFA Report
21
NRRC Update
22
USDA News
The Progressive Rancher Owner/Editor/Publisher – Leana Litten Carey progressiverancher@elko.net
Graphic Design/Layout – Shania Brown cocobrowngraphics@gmail.com
Cover Photo “Pony Play” by Cindy Sitz. Tate Sword just horsing around with his cousins pony.
Sage Grouse Initiative: Elk + Sage Grouse = Peanut Butter and Jelly
Published 8 times each year, The Progressive Rancher is mailed to more than 7,000 approved addresses, and has digital and print readership reaching more than 30,000. 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. © The Progressive Rancher Magazine. All rights reserved.
Leana Litten Carey, Owner/Editor
1188 Court St., #81, Elko, NV 89801 (208) 358-2487 • progressiverancher@elko.net
WWW.PROGRESSIVERANCHER.COM Ads sent to or built by The Progressive Rancher become property of this magazine.
2 November/December 2017
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
from the desk of your nca president By David Stix, Jr. NCA President
M
y friends, I'm writing to you this month after a delegation including myself have just returned from the Public Lands Council annual meeting in Flagstaff, Arizona. Thank you JJ and Sally, Ron and Denise Cerri, John Falen and Hank Vogler.
I will just say to get started that the annual meeting went well as far as input by the BLM and a dues issue that arose during the Board of Directors meeting. The PLC is a valuable industry funded organization that is much needed in Washington D.C. to make clear to all in and out of the beltway what goes on as to grazing livestock on our public lands. The highlight of the Annual Meeting has to be the report by Acting Deputy BLM Director John Ruhs who unveiled the plans to implement new policy as it relates to outcome based grazing and targeted grazing. As I’ve visited with you previously about, your NCA leadership due to the horrible fire season this year, have been deeply involved with BLM making them aware of how post fire and pre-fire programs have not been working. We see these new programs announced by John Ruhs, show that the current administration is listening and are going to deliver. Mr. Ruhs spoke of f lexibility and site potential. We heard about being able to change turn out dates and gather dates based on what the resource can provide with respect to the health of both the lands and the livestock. Now I have a confession that myself and all of us from Nevada who were in Flagstaff discussed to each other and that is, can the BLM folks in the field deliver in a timely manner? We have a cautious optimism at this point due to the facts that an Environmental Assessment needs to be performed if the dates on your permit need to be changed or an AUM adjustment is called for. This will open the door to our enemies to have input on the actions being proposed. Overall
David Stix, Jr.
an increase in dues, also many permittees like Forest Service grazers do not pay dues at all, we need to correct this inequity. Also, we do not believe that PLC is using the interest revenues correctly from the Trust money received by the gas pipeline built in northern Nevada. A portion of these revenues could be used to offset costs and increase revenues normally covered by dues. In closing and speaking of dues, we need all members to consider our two main fundraising efforts that we rely on income offset. The Silver State Classic feeder sale and All Breeds Bull Sale both in Fallon. Please support both. The Silver State Classic will be held on the 16th of December this year at the Fallon Livestock LLC. Sale barn. All NCA members who bring their calves to the Classic, a portion of the commission goes to the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association and it is much appreciated let me tell you. At NCA we still only employ two people and to take care of Kaley and Sharon and try to keep them around and if one of them wants to explore more opportunity we need to be somewhat competitive when recruiting, NCA leadership several years ago could provide medical insurance to our staff. We need to keep a progressive roll in taking care of current staff and being a beacon to those who want to come join us. Best wishes and God bless, Davy Stix, President
The highlight of the Annual Meeting has to be the report by Acting Deputy BLM Director John Ruhs who unveiled the plans to implement new policy as it relates to outcome based grazing and targeted grazing.
Leaving Your Employer? Understand Your 401(k) Options.
www.progressiverancher.com
At Edward Jones, we can explain options for your 401(k), including leaving the money in your former employer’s plan, moving it to your new employer’s plan, rolling it over to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or cashing out the account subject to tax consequences.
To learn more, call or visit your financial advisor today.
the mood as reported by the NCBA’S Collin Woodall is that this is an exciting time in Washington for the beef industry and there’s more to come, the current administration whether you like Trump or not is putting in place the right people and policies to manage the Public Lands the way they were meant to be, by Laws not emotions. This will probably be one of our key issues discussed at our Convention in December. To see how the concept of targeted and outcome based grazing is progressing please attend the Convention. I do however need to tell you the only thing that has not changed is Horses! It was discussed for one hour out of three days and shrugging our shoulders its plain and simple, it’s in the Senate’s hands, no optimism here sorry. The Idaho delegation was successful in making a motion to get our PLC dues rolled back to 2015 levels and the delegates voted in favor. This will be reported at Convention by our PLC representative Ron Cerri. In a nut shell some western states like Nevada do not have the ability to raise PLC fees to pay
The Progressive Rancher
www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
November/December 2017
3
NCA Convention By Kaley Sproul Chapin, NCA Executive Director
82nd Annual NCA Convention and Tradeshow
T
he Nevada Cattlemen’s Association is eager to announce this year’s Kaley Sproul, convention. The 82nd Annual Nevada NCA Executive Director Cattlemen’s Association Convention and Trade Show is to be held December 4-6, 2017 in Elko, NV. As NCA members around the state gather in Elko, we will celebrate a lifetime of traditions, revise and review policies, and take a chance to enjoy our friends and neighbors. At the convention members of the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association, guest speakers and vendors that provide services to the beef cattle industry will join together to celebrate the Nevada Livestock Industry. NCA staff and officers are working hard to provide you with a memorable and educational experience. Registration for convention can be found on our website. If you are interested in attending and would like more information please call the office at 1-775-738-9214 or email nca@nevadabeef.org. The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association would like to thank the sponsors and exhibitors; they help make our event a success. To see a tentative schedule of convention, please see the next page or online at our website. We are constantly updating it. We look forward to seeing you all at convention!
2017 Nevada Cattlemen's Association Pre-Convention Committee Meetings
T
he Nevada Cattlemen’s Association has scheduled the preconvention committee meetings for Private Lands, Public Lands, Animal Issues and Legislative Affairs to be held on November 13 and 14, 2017. The purpose of these pre-convention meetings is to review expiring resolutions and draft any new resolutions prior to convention. This is done in an effort to expedite the process at convention where full membership approval is sought. Active NCA members are welcome to participate in these pre-convention meetings. The Animal Issues committee will begin at 9:00 a.m. on November 13 at the American AgCredit Office, 978 Commercial St, Elko, NV 89801 followed by Private Lands then Legislative Affairs. The Public Lands committee will begin at 9:00 a.m. on November 14 at the Humboldt county fairgrounds extension office, 1085 Fairgrounds Rd, Winnemucca, NV 89445. Should you have questions or would like to bring forward a resolution or change an existing policy or resolution, please come to these meetings and become a part of the process. For more information, please visit our website at www.nevadacattlemen.org or contact our office at 775-738-9214.
Branded Saddle. Photo by Uhalde. 4 November/December 2017
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
Nevada Cattlemen’s Association 2017 Joint Convention & Trade Show Tentative Schedule Monday, December 4 6:00 – 10:00 a.m. 6:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. 7:00 – 11:00 a.m. 7:00 –11:00 a.m. 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Move-In Registration Open NV WoolGrowers Breakfast NV CattleWomen’s Breakfast & General Membership Meeting Private Lands, Wildlife & Environmental Management Committee Meeting Trade Show Opens Break in the Tradeshow – Snacks and coffee to be provided Cattlemen’s College Session 1 Rangeland Resources Commission Nevada Beef Council Lunch Nevada Land Action Association Committee Meeting NCA Federal Lands Committee Meeting NV CattleWomen’s Executive Committee & CattleWomen’s Board of Directors Meeting Opening Tradeshow Reception – Hors d’oeuvres, Wine & Beer Tasting Presidents Reception Night on the Town
Tuesday, December 5 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Registration Open Inspirational Breakfast – A llied Industry Council Trade Show Bloody Mary Bar Open 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Break in the Tradeshow 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Legislative A ffairs Committee Meeting – “Cattlemen and Politics for the Future” 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Central Grazing Committee Meeting w/Lunch 11:00 – 12:00 a.m. Cattlemen’s College Session 2– BQA Certif ication by Zoetis Animal Health 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. CattleFax Lunch 1:15 – 1:30 p.m. Break in the Tradeshow 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. QuickBooks by Pacif ic Intermountain Mortgage 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Research & Education Committee Meeting 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. General Session – With Keynote Speaker, John Ruhs 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. Break in the Tradeshow 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Animal Health & Livestock Issues Committee Meeting 6:00 p.m. Trade Show closes 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Cocktail Hour 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. NCA Annual Awards Banquet
Wednesday, December 6 7:00 – 11:00 a.m. 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 10:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Registration Open NCA Breakfast sponsored by Nevada Rangeland Resources Commission General NCA Membership Meeting NCA Board of Directors Meeting w/lunch
**Committee are to meet prior to convention on November 13 and 14th to discuss new issues or resolutions to be proposed at convention and review past years’ resolutions. These meetings ta ke place to set policies. This is a chance for you to provide input to a committee chairman on any changes to a policy or a new policy that af fects our industr y and way of life. By participating it is a great way to get involved and have your voice be heard in the policy-ma k ing process. For more information on each committee, please contact the Committee Chairs or the NCA Executive Director.
www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
November/December 2017
5
T
he celebration of “Women in Agriculture” is all around lately and I can’t think of a more deserving group to praise. Though, all days recognizing women and agriculture deserve recognition, one specific day caught my interest: “International Day of Rural Women”, celebrated on October, 15th. The recognition of a woman’s position in the household, on the family ranch or farm, or in their rural community has increased significantly. Women account for a substantial proportion of the agriculture labor force making up over a quarter of the total world population and representing approximately 43 percent of the agricultural industry. Nevada has several rural communities and they are all full of women who live to support agriculture. You are the cornerstone of this industry and I want to applaud you on your hard work and dedication to the industry we all have a passion for. .
Moving along with women in agriculture, the Nevada Cattlemen and CattleWomen Annual Convention will be held in Elko, December 4 - 6th at the Convention Center. Our annual breakfast and general membership meeting will be held at 7:00 am on Monday, December 4th. As usual, we will have a delicious breakfast, fantastic guest speakers and plenty of business to discuss. I encourage all Nevada CattleWomen members to attend.
Cattle photo by Jessica Uhalde
Would you like to fill your freezer with some Nevada beef? Between now and state convention, we are selling raffle tickets for a ½ beef, cut and wrapped. This raffle item was donated by Mike and Melinda Sarman, so if you see either of them, please tell them thank you for their generosity. The drawing will be held at convention during the NCA Annual Awards Banquet on Tuesday, December 5th. Tickets are $5.00 each or 5 tickets for $20.00, please contact a Nevada CattleWomen member or visit our Facebook page to purchase tickets. Proceeds will benefit travel and registration costs for the upcoming 2018 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show for our state president. It is membership renewal time again, if you are a current NV CattleWomen member, please pay your dues to your local group as soon as possible. For those of you that are not members and would like to become one, please contact us at cwnv. inc@gmail.com and we will direct you. The Nevada CattleWomen, Inc., consists of members from across the state and has a 59-year history of uniting women in agriculture to focus on its core concepts of beef promotion, education, and legislation. By becoming a member, you will become part of a professional networking group who strongly support the cattle industry and Nevada’s agriculture community.
6 November/December 2017
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
BLM Offers Grazers More Flexibility
By Suzanne Featherston, Mining Editor, Elko Daily Free Press
This article first appeared in Elko Daily Free Press. LKO — Nevada ranchers grazing livestock on public lands could get
E
more flexibility in how they manage animals on rangeland through an outcome-based grazing demonstration program recently announced by the Bureau of Land Management. Most ranchers in Nevada — a state with large swaths of public land — have a deeded base with a house and hay meadows. On top of that, they can get a 10-year term permit on a grazing preference to rotate livestock over specified areas of public rangeland. The permits also specify season of use and how many animals can graze. “These preferences have been shaped and modified to meet some kind of objective — maybe to try to improve how country is grazed or try to fit how the operator runs his business, things like that,” said Jon Griggs, manager of Maggie Creek Ranch and a member of the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association executive committee. “But in the last 20 years, it’s become nearly impossible to renew a permit.” Renewals or changes to permits require long processes of environmental considerations and public comment periods that can be litigious. The route is so intense that “oftentimes, we are locked into the permits,” Griggs said. The consequence, cattlemen say, is that livestock operators do not have the flexibility they need to ideally manage public rangeland or their animals. That can affect the public land resources upon which they, other industries and wildlife depend. “We can do things better if you let us out of the term permits that we are held to right now,” said Sam Mori of Mori Ranches Inc. and president-elect of the cattlemen’s association.
"Back at Camp" photographed by Uhalde To provide more flexibility, the BLM recently announced an initiative that emphasizes cooperative management of public lands. So-called outcome-based grazing authorizations “will emphasize conservation performance, ecological outcomes and cooperative management of public lands that will also provide greater opportunity for an operator to manage ranching operations that are both economically and environmentally sustainable,” stated a BLM press release. “Farmers and ranchers know the wildlife and the land they work better than anyone; it only makes sense that we would enlist them in conservation efforts,” said Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. “One of my top goals is for the government to be a better neighbor, land manager and partner. I think it’s a great step in that direction. I applaud the team at BLM for coming up with this innovative program.” www.progressiverancher.com
Through the demonstration program, the BLM is seeking six to 12 authorizations for the first year. Proposals are due Oct. 27, and Griggs said area ranchers might have proposals already. Elko District BLM Public Affairs Officer Greg Deimel said the BLM’s large Elko District, with its 173 grazing permittees for mostly cattle and sheep, could be represented among those recommended to the federal level, which will select participants from areas across the West. The BLM Elko District includes Elko County and a northern portion of Lander and Eureka counties, with field offices in Tuscarora and Wells. “Everybody’s going to share best practices and how they work things out,” Deimel said. “For us at a local level, it means we are talking with permittees and are talking to the Nevada office to consider [who might participate] for the Elko BLM District.” The authorizations will emphasize ecology and give operators the chance to respond to changing conditions such as drought or wildland fire. Grazing could also be a method to control invasive species that when suppressed could make room for healthier native species, which benefit the wildlife that grazes or makes the Nevada high desert home. Mori calls that a “win-win” and said he is grateful that Zinke listened to livestock operators’ concerns and is willing to consider a change under the new presidential administration. The agencies are giving grazers the chance to prove they can have a positive effect on rangelands. “The majority of the ranchers are doing a good job of managing the public lands they run, but there is always room for improvement, and this is an avenue for that improvement,” he said. “This new line of thinking gives us a chance to improve on some things that need improving.” One of those improvements might be giving operators the leeway to turn out cattle on young cheatgrass. Cheatgrass is an invasive weed that dries out by June and creates a fire risk, according to Utah State University, which also states that the prevalence of cheatgrass in the Great Basin affects natives such as pinyon, junipers and sagebrush. Increased livestock grazing helps lower seed production and reduce fuel for fires, according to USU; however, Griggs said that permits might not allow grazing early enough in the spring while the plants are still palatable to cattle. Outcome-based grazing authorizations would give operators the flexibility to respond to the “green-up” and dormant seasons. “We can use cattle No. 1 as a tool to reduce fires, and we’re going to be harvesting plants so that the long-range health of the rangelands will be improved,” Mori said. “We are going to be harvesting range plants when they should be harvested not when a piece of paper says they should be harvested. The cattle can be used as a tool to actually improve wildlife habitat, and should we be given the flexibility and adaptability, rangeland health will improve at the same time.” If freed from permitting restrictions and allowed to respond to the rangeland, responsible ranchers would have another tool to manage the resource in a way that makes it last, said Mori, whose ranch has seen five generations. “The way that the majority of us manage these lands is generational,” he said. “So we’re not only managing for today or tomorrow or next year, but we’re managing for the next generation of the family, and they will inherit the fruits of our labor. We keep that in mind yearly, monthly.”
“We can use cattle as a tool to reduce fires, intensity and frequency in a manner that long term rangeland may improve.” — Sam Mori
The Progressive Rancher
November/December 2017
7
Letter to the Editor DEAR EDITOR, ~The explosion of wild horses on western rangelands is ruining the resource; please read on to understand why this is an issue of Absolute Urgency.~ The N-4 State Grazing Board (N-4) is a subdivision of the State of Nevada organized under N.R.S. 568 Grazing and Ranging; it represents 130 ranching families in eastern Nevada. N-4 recently commissioned a study of the economic impacts of too many wild horses on the ranches in Lincoln and White Pine counties. Please find that study and a Solutions paper on either of these two websites: www.lincolncountynv.org (click on: Science and Solutions to the Wild Horse Problem) or www.rci-nv.com (click on the wild horse picture on the bottom of the page.) In short, these local economies take a $15.2 Million dollar hit in grazing permit value; plus a $10 Million dollar reduction in annual production to impacted ranches; AND loss of economic activity in this region estimated at another $3.5 Million every year. That affects your schools, roads, all services. In just these two eastern Nevada counties, there are at least 9,382 horses, a number that is at least 434 Percent OVER the Appropriate Management Level. Maggie Orr attended the National Wild Horse and Burro Summit in Salt Lake City August 24 as president of Nevada Association of Conservation Districts. The Summit did an excellent job of presenting the impossible situation we face on the western rangelands, both public and private, because we all know horses and burros don’t necessarily stay where we have arbitrarily named Herd Management Areas. Most of the presentations from the Summit, as well as other helpful information, are available on the National Wild Horse and Burro Rangeland Management Coalition website at http://www.wildhorserange.org/summit-presentations.html. Other information from the Summit is available at https://nationalhorseandburrosummit.org/. The BLM has information on their website too. Please take the time to inform yourselves and see the harm to our rangeland resources as well as those dependent on them: wildlife, ranching enterprises, local communities, and the horses and burros themselves. There are photos that will break your heart.
Wild Horses Crossing Highway, photograph taken by Trevor Brown HOWEVER, in light of IMMEDIATE action needed, we give a brief summary of the facts: • BLM estimates Appropriate Management Level on our western rangelands to be 26,500; there are now more than 73,000 horses and burros on the range and that count was before this year’s foal crop. • Wild horse populations grow 20% per year; they have no natural predators. The population doubles every four to five years. That means 146,000+ animals by 2021. 8 November/December 2017
Wild Horses, photograph taken by Trevor Brown
• In addition to the 46,000+ excess horses and burros on our rangelands, there are an additional 47,000 horses and burros being held in corrals and off-range holding pastures, often in the Midwest. These horses cost tax payers over $50 million each year. Think of what could be done with that money. • Adoptions have slowed to about 3000 per year; the annual foal crop exceeds that by far. BLM cannot gather and remove horses and burros from the range because they have no place left in holding to put them according to the budget they have from Congress. The National Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971 allows for multiple management options: adoption, sale, sterilization, and humane euthanasia. Congress has not allowed the BLM to utilize sale or euthanasia for many years by not appropriating funding to do so. In July, the House Appropriations Committee voted to remove language from the Interior Department’s budget that would have prohibited “the destruction of healthy, unadopted wild horses and burros in the care of” the Bureau of Land Management or its contractors. We need to support this Stewart Amendment. It is URGENT THAT YOU CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE and SENATORS Right Now! A dangerous bi-partisan amendment was just defeated by the House of Representatives Rules Committee. Co-sponsors were: Titus (NV), King (NY), Polis (CO), Curbelo (FL), and Grisham (NM). It sought to strip the Stewart Amendment which was a huge achievement to pass in Committee and continue to prevent BLM from utilizing euthanasia to reduce the numbers of horses in holding or on our rangelands. The Appropriations Bill will be voted on in both the House and Senate in September. Please contact your Representatives and Senators to explain the dire situation the horses and rangelands are in and ask your elected officials to take actions to solve this destructive problem. This is not an easy subject. We don’t write this letter or make this request lightly. It is a horrible prospect before us all, to deal with the excess numbers of horses so we can protect our natural resources. Sterilization and adoption will become management tools again in the future after we have gotten the numbers down to Appropriate Management Level. Until then, we must do the hard thing, Congress must authorize direct sales and humane euthanasia of the excess wild horses and burros. We are in this position because the can has been kicked down the road for decades. We cannot continue on the path we are on; we risk everything…we risk the health of the horses themselves! We must take the approach of “Healthy Herds on Healthy Rangelands.” To do less will continue to kick the can down the road. We offer you a perspective that we hope will help you make this difficult commitment to work for “Healthy Herds on Healthy Rangelands.” Ben Masters, creator of the film, “Unbranded,” and member of the National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board, spoke of his experiences at the Summit. He said, “History will not remember lethal management well; we will be demonized and torn apart in the history books. And that hurts. But history isn’t just written in books – history is written on our lands. When you look at a landscape, it says who we were, who we are, and who we are going to become. Are we going to have sage grouse and healthy soils that we pass on to our children and grandchildren?” As Dr. Barry Perryman said in his summary statement at the Summit, “The horses and the BLM are not the adversary, irresponsibility is.” This is hard, this is not pleasant, this is the right thing to do. We ask that you contact your Representatives and Senators and tell your friends and relatives, particularly any that live in the East. Congress is the problem; Congress’ mind must be changed on this issue. Wild Horse Annie worked tirelessly for passage of the 1971 Act to protect healthy horses; we must do the same. We want our grandchildren to experience the beauty and resources that are Nevada; We know you want yours to as well. Please contact Congress and tell them they must act to allow BLM all the tools in the 1971 Act. Sincerely, Maggie Orr and Connie Simkins
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
Nevada Department of Agriculture Seeks New Cooperative Agreement for Management of Virginia Range Feral Horses
own
S
Public safety department's top priority when managing horses
PARKS, Nev. – After four years, the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is terminating its cooperative agreement with the American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign (AWHPC). AWHPC sent notice they would not be fulfilling all items in the agreement, and the NDA now seeks a new coordinating partner that has the tools and resources needed to manage feral livestock. "Our number one priority is to protect public safety, and that requires collaboration between state, local and nonprofit partners," NDA Director Jim Barbee said. "In addition to working with a coordinating partner, the NDA can assist local law enforcement with removal of feral horses upon request." The agreement, which was signed by Return to Freedom (RTF) in 2013, originally addressed only feral horse adoptions. In 2015, an additional agreement with RTF was signed to include management of feral horse populations in the Virginia Range area. In 2016, the agreement was amended to transfer all responsibilities to AWHPC. The NDA is seeking a consolidated agreement with one partner. Per Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) Chapter 569, the NDA is responsible for feral and estray livestock (including horses). Per the 2013 session of the Nevada Legislature (NRS Chapter 569.031), the NDA may enter into cooperative agreements with local governments and/or advocate groups to manage horses in the Virginia Range area. Management includes responding to public safety hazards and removal, relocation and adoption of horses.
www.progressiverancher.com
Horses in the Virginia Range cross roadways in search of feed and water sources, especially during the fall months when forage becomes scarce. Drivers should remain alert and aware and be sure to obey all traffic laws, including posted speed limits in this area. The area includes old highway 395 to 95A and I-80 to Highway 50. Nevada is a “fence-out” state, which means if landowners do not want livestock on their property, they must construct a legal fence in accordance with NRS Chapter 569.431. Until a new agreement is signed, report horses near unfenced highways or roadways in the Virginia Range area, by calling (775) 353-3709 or e-mailing horse@agri.nv.gov. The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) promotes a business climate that is fair, economically viable and encourages a sustainable environment that serves to protect food, fiber and human health and safety through eff ective service and education. NDA includes the divisions of Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition and Plant Industry.
The Progressive Rancher
November/December 2017
9
By Joseph Guild
I
am blessed, as many of you are, with a good education. My parents were insistent that my siblings and I get a college degree and more if possible. In agriculture, learning is, or should be, a lifelong endeavor. Look around at the most successful operators and their success is usually because they continually search for a new and better way to do things. They look for new crop and animal genetics, new ways to handle livestock, more water dispersion projects, better ways to use all the grass in pastures and still provide replenishment vigor to the land, more efficient ways to run the business of a farm or ranch and on and on. The people I have admired in my life the most are the ones who always try and improve themselves and their enterprises. But, there is no perfect education. That is why it is necessary to be a lifelong learner. An example of this is a law school education. A law school graduate obtains a very good theoretical and analytical education. Graduating and passing a bar exam however, is just the start because a young lawyer still has to learn how to be a lawyer and what “practicing” law actually means. Traditionally, the only way to do this was to go to work as a lawyer with the hope there would be a mentor in the picture to teach one not what the law is but how to actually practice the law. Don’t get me wrong, a law school education is a wonderful thing. The training of the mind to really analyze problems is an example of the benefit of this type of education. As I said above however, most law schools do a good job of teaching the what but most also fail in teaching the how. The solution to filling this gap is for a law school to create a clinical type program that puts law students in real world problem solving situations. In such an environment the student is forced to apply the theory to the problem and use some common sense along with the state of the law to come up with a workable solution. There was such a program when I went to law school but it was related to family law which was of no interest to me so I did not enroll in the program. Medical schools have been doing this for a very long time. A med student goes into the classroom for a year or so and then does clinical work and finally finishes the formal education with a residency in a chosen specialty. Law schools came to the idea late but are now doing this same thing in a big way. The rest of this column will focus on one clinical type program at one law school that is making a difference in how students
view the wise and capable use of our nation’s natural resources. The program is at Lewis and Clark Law School. It is an independent 501(c) (3) legal education organization called the Western Resources Legal Center (WRLC). This is currently the nation’s only hands-on legal training program specializing on the use of natural resources.
to WRLC so the clinical type education programs and training of young lawyers in the practicalities of natural resource law can continue. Here is a partial quote from a student who benefited from WRLC’s programs: “Not only did I learn more about civil procedure, any type of legal writing, and grassroots education than any other course in law school, but I also learned to appreciate natural resources from perspectives other than nonprofit public interest. Before taking WRLC, I thought that there was only one way to look at environmental and resource law. From this course I have seen there are multiple bites at the apple. This course broadened my career prospects, and nurtured my personal ethos on natural resources in a way other courses have not.” Without an alternative such as WRLC, law schools across the country will continue to provide only one perspective on natural resource law to our future attorneys and judges. The goals of WRLC are simple but important. After completing the course, students should be able to conduct legal research like a law clerk or beginning associate in a law firm, write and speak like an advocate, understand the dynamics of communicating with clients, understand negotiating techniques with regulators and legal counsel, and will have learned the fundamentals of strategic legal thinking and planning, particularly as applied to natural resource dependent industries. I don’t know about you but I feel better about our future in the livestock industry just knowing there is an educational program out there with a philosophy of having the same balanced view of the world that I personally have and that I know I share with many of you. For too long we have seen what is, in my opinion, is the domination of a narrow minded unrealistic viewpoint that opposes our need to use the resources given to mankind in a wise and beneficial way for all people. I am tired of the critics of our particular industry who criticize on full bellies with no knowledge of what we do how and why we do it and how we protect our land and animals from unreasonable and outdated practices while still providing our critics with the necessities of life. Personally, I am glad to know we have a new generation of advocates taking our point of view into account for a change. You can learn more about WRLC at www.wrlegal.org. I would suggest a small contribution if you come to believe in what they are doing. Thanks. I’ll see you soon.
"We... serve to offer a balanced perspective to students who may have an emerging interest in environmental or natural resources law but who may be undecided about the direction of their careers."
10 November/December 2017
The program was started ten years ago by some natural resource users in Oregon. Now the cases worked on by Lewis and Clark students are representative of many resource users all across the western United States. Students trained at the WRLC have been placed in externships with public and private employers in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Texas and Washington D.C. The model for this educational program concentrating on the sustainable use of our nation’s vast natural resources is being shopped around the country at other law schools, so we can expect future generations of lawyers to have practical skills nurtured at other institutions besides Lewis and Clark. Here is a statement from some of their literature: “We… serve to offer a balanced perspective to students who may have an emerging interest in environmental or natural resources law but who may be undecided about the direction of their careers.” I personally know the lawyers who are the leaders of this program. They are excellent lawyers and teachers who are very well respected in the field with many years of practical court room and advising experience. The students experiencing this clinical type education and those of us who are resource users could not hope for a better educational situation for these young students. The policies and direction of the program are set by a board of volunteer directors who are leaders in their own right in various fields of natural resource use, law school academia, practicing attorneys and public service. At last count, there were over one hundred corporate and private sponsors contributing money and other resources The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
FALLON ALL BREEDS
BULL SALE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2018
Sale starts at 11:00 a.m. ♦ FALLON LIVESTOCK LLC.
Sifting Friday, February 16 ♦ FALLON, NEVADA
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018
SPECIAL ROOM RATES AVAILABLE Holiday Inn Express
FBS Stock Dog Trial
For Reservations Please call 775-428-2588. $114 a night. Call for special rate by February 5.
8:00 a.m. Benefits families in need of help in the livestock industry.
Cowdog Auction will take place during the sale.
Churchill Co. Cowbelles Dinner/Dance and FBS Awards Presentation
Social Hour: 5:30 p.m. • Dinner 6:30 p.m. • Dance 8:00 p.m. Fallon Convention Center
Comfort Inn of Fallon
For Reservations Please Call 775-423-5554. For Discounted Rate Use Code: “LFBS”
For more information or to request a sale catalog, please call the Sale Office:
NEVADA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION
775-738-9214 www.progressiverancher.com
♦
www.nevadacattlemen.org
The Progressive Rancher
♦
nca@nevadabeef.org
November/December 2017
11
CHECKOFF NEWS: Checking on the Checkoff By Nevada Beef Council staff
Beef Checkoff Encourages Consumers to "Rethink the Ranch"
T
wenty-five years after establishing one of the nation’s most iconic food brands, America’s beef farmers and ranchers are leveraging the strong equity of Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. to reintroduce the brand to a new generation of consumers. The relaunch blends the strongest assets from the long-loved brand – such as the famous Aaron Copland “Rodeo” music and the famous tagline – and couples those with new creative assets. In total, the effort showcases the pleasure that beef brings to meals, the people who raise it and the nutritional benefits (such as protein) that beef provides. “Consumers love beef, and as with all foods, today’s consumers want the whole story about the beef they buy.” said Alisa Harrison, senior vice president, Global Marketing and Research, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the beef checkoff, which funds the campaign. “Our research shows that the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand is still extremely popular among consumers, including millennials. So, in honor of its 25th Anniversary, we have refreshed the brand and updated our resources to make beef information available to consumers where they want it, when they want it and how they want it.” The overall effort was designed with millennial media preferences in mind. The campaign launched Oct. 9 with digital advertising and a new digital platform at w w w.beefitswhatsfordinner.com, a single, comprehensive location that provides an interactive experience on all things beef, from cuts and cookery, to a robust collection of beef recipes to an inside look at the lives of the people who raise beef. “Beef is one of the most popular foods among consumers, whether it’s your favorite steak or burger. But it can also be one of the most confounding, with questions ranging from the right cut, to the right way to cook it to where it came from,” said Harrison. “That’s why we wanted to make beef easier to enjoy. We’re setting out to answer the biggest questions that consumers have about beef, all in one place.” This summer, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. team traveled more than 3,800 miles from coast to coast to capture video, images and the stories about the real people who raise beef. The new series of videos and content will feature only real farmers and ranchers from across the country. While cattle and beef are raised differently in California than in Florida, or Iowa or Washington, the passion and commitment to care for the animals and land is the same. Harrison explained that through the video series, consumers will learn about each step of the beef production process, from the farms and ranches, to feedlots, to processing and retail and to the consumer.
New videos developed as part of the digital campaign showcase the people and families who raise beef across the country.
“Today’s farmers and ranchers blend time-honored traditions with cutting edge innovations to raise beef, from drones and GPS tracking on the range to apps and other electronic tools that ensure precise and nutrient-filled rations in the feedbunk,” she said. Later in the year, new advertisements that celebrate beef ’s unique qualities as a protein source will launch to appeal to consumers’ genuine love for beef, along with virtual tools such as 360 degree videos that show how beef goes from pasture to plate. This all comes at a great time to enjoy beef. The recently completed National Beef Quality Audit, funded by the beef checkoff, shows a higher percentage of beef is grading Prime and Choice – the two highest grades USDA assigns – than it has in more than 35 years. Steak tenderness has achieved its best tenderness scores since testing began in 1990, according to the National Beef Tenderness Study. Learn more about your beef checkoff investment at MyBeefCheckoff. com, and the Nevada Beef Council at w w w.nevadabeef.org. And, don’t forget to check out the NEW Beef ItsWhatsForDinner.com!
In addition to the producer videos, the redesigned Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. website features new recipe collections, a new digital hub for all things beef, and a new brand logo.
For more about the Nevada Beef Council or the Beef Checkoff, visit www.nevadabeef.org or www.mybeefcheckoff.org. 12 November/December 2017
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
BLACK TIE BEEF ROAST WITH CHOCOLATE-PORT SAUCE AND GOAT CHEESE MASHED POTATOES The holiday season is officially upon us, and while we can’t tell you how it is that this year has gone by so quickly, we CAN offer you a decadent and delicious special occasion recipe that has beef front and center. This classic bone-in Ribeye Roast gets an impressive finishing sauce and kicked up side dish. Makes 10 servings INGREDIENTS • 1beef Ribeye Roast Bone-In (2 to 4 ribs), small end, hine (back) bone removed (6 to 8 pounds) • Salt • Chopped fresh parsley (optional) • Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes (recipe follows) Seasoning • 3 tablespoons freshly grated orange peel • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme • 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic • 1 tablespoon coarse grind black pepper Chocolate-Porrt Sauce • 3 tablespoons butter • 3/4 cup finely chopped shallots • 1-1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme • 1-1/4 cups port wine • 1 can (14 to 14-1/2 ounces) ready-to-serve beef broth • 3/4 ounce bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped • Salt and ground black pepper COOKING 1. Heat oven to 350°F. Combine seasoning ingredients; press evenly onto all surface of beef roast. 2. Place roast, fat side up, in shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is centered in thickest part of beef, not resting in fat or touching bone. Do not add water or cover. Roast in 350°F oven 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 hours for medium rare; 2-1/2 to 3 hours for medium doneness. 3. Meanwhile prepare Chocolate-Port Sauce. Melt butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and thyme; cook and stir 4 to 6 minutes or until shallots are lightly browned. Add port; cook 5 to 7 minutes or until reduced by one half, stirring occasionally. Add broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook 15 to 17 minutes or until reduced by one half, stirring occasionally. Stir in cream and soy sauce; cook 3 to 5 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add chocolate; stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Keep warm. Cook's Tip: Sauce may be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving. Do not boil.
4. About 45 minutes before serving, prepare Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes. 5. Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare; 145°F for medium. Transfer roast to carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10°-15°F to reach 145° for medium rare; 160° for medium.) Cook's Tip: To prevent seasoning on roast from overbrowning, tent loosely with aluminum foil after roasting for 1 hour. 6. Carve roast into slices; season with salt, as desired. Serve with sauce and mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes: Peel 3-1/2 pounds all-purpose potatoes and cut into 2-inch pieces. Place potatoes in stockpot and add enough water to cover potatoes; add salt as desired. Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook 25 to 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain well. Mash potatoes with 1-1/2 cups milk, 6 ounces softened goat cheese and 2 tablespoons butter in large bowl with electric mixer until smooth. Season with 1-1/2 teaspoons salt and pepper, as desired. Keep warm.
Looking for more?
If you're looking for another type of beef recipe for any occasion, be sure to visit BeefitsWhatsForDinner.com. The site has been completely redesigned, with new recipe collections, even more helpful information about beef (from cuts to production), and some great new videos featuring ranchers from through the country. Check it out today!
www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
November/December 2017
13
In the Mind of a Millennial By Jill Scofield, Director of Producer Relations, California & Nevada Beef Council
I
t's been several months since I’ve been able to share one of these updates, and I must say – it’s nice to be back! If this is your first time reading this column (or you just need a refresher), here is a quick recap of what to expect. This column explores some of the consumer insight and data used by the Beef Checkoff Program and State Beef Councils to drive and target our efforts to engage with consumers and influencers about beef. And as you might guess from the title, the specific focus is the millennial generation – which is roughly defined, for these purposes, as those born between roughly 1980 and 2000. Why the focus on this generation? Well, as you probably know, the millennial generation is a significant one. At nearly 80 million strong, this generation is larger than the Boomers and makes up about a quarter of all Americans, and a third of all adults. But size isn’t the only marker of importance. Millennials are at that critical point when attitudes and behaviors that will influence purchasing decisions for a long time are being formed. They are starting families, establishing households, approaching peak earning years… the list goes on. Millennials are also willing to put their money to use on things that reflect values and qualities that are important to them, food being no exception. Health, freshness, overall taste, and yes, factors like how and where food is raised are important. The beef industry isn’t the only one that has worked to better understand and meet the needs and preferences of this generation. And, like other industries, we’re working to appeal to these consumers in an increasingly fragmented media landscape, with fewer financial resources. It’s a conundrum that many industries face. To help address that and ensure our use of checkoff dollars to reach consumers is invested wisely, there is a significant amount of research done every year, from consumer focus groups and surveys, to gaining feedback from retailers and foodservice operators, and more. If you’ve attended a National Cattle Industry Convention in the past, you’ve probably heard first-hand some of the findings from such research. Armed with this insight, organizations like the Nevada Beef Council (as well as the national beef checkoff contractors) know what must be done to continue addressing the needs and preferences of the millennial consumer to get them to reach for beef at the meat case. Using such research, the national Beef Checkoff team has dusted off the iconic Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. in an updated campaign that is both fresh, bold and sure to resonate with the intended audience. Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. is Better Than Ever If you’ve read the Nevada Beef Council and Beef Checkoff update in this issue, you already know that the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. campaign is making a comeback, in a big way. It’s been 25 years since this campaign and brand were first introduced, and in the 2.5 decades since, it’s resonated with consumers, young and old. But today, consumers have different questions about their food than they did in the early 1990s. This includes culinary questions about what beef to choose and how to cook it, and questions about how beef is raised and produced. The new campaign and digital hub – which you can find at, you guess it, BeefItsWhatsforDinner.com – answer all these questions, and more. This relaunch is more than a new website, however. It is a comprehensive digital marketing campaign that focuses on the people behind the product, the protein and other nutrients beef provides, and the pleasure and enjoying it brings to our lives. The relaunch includes a series of beautifully done videos, that challenge consumers to “rethink the ranch,” highlighting some of the modern tools and practices ranchers and beef producers use in their traditional livelihood. The campaign as a whole is seeking to tap into something that is pretty powerful – nostalgia. 14 November/December 2017
In an article featured in the Wall Street Journal, Alexandra Bruell writes, “The U.S. beef industry is resurrecting its 25-year-old tagline, ‘Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner,’ in a marketing campaign aimed at millennials that have childhood memories of the slogan and want to know more about their food. “The social-media campaign from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association combines nostalgic elements, such as the tagline and narration that alludes to the ‘Old MacDonald Had a Farm’ nursery rhyme, with a more modern story line about how beef farmers and ranchers are using technology.” I’ll admit, there is something pretty nostalgic about this campaign. When I first joined the California and Nevada beef councils in 2013, I was excited to work with not just the producers and ranchers who we work for on behalf of the checkoff, but to work with a team committed to sharing beef’s story with consumers, using elements from the successful and iconic Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand. As someone who not only works for the industry, but also has fond memories of the original campaign, I am eager to see where this goes. I encourage you to check out the new web site (www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com), explore the new assets and videos available there, and, if you see something you like, share it with your friends or on your social media properties. All of us – whether we’re raising or producing beef, working in another capacity in the industry, or just want to protect this way of life – can use this as an opportunity to continue to share an important story with consumers who want to know more about how their food is raised and produced.
The Progressive Rancher
Jill Scofield is the Director of Producer Relations for the California and Nevada Beef Councils. She grew up on a cow-calf ranch in Northwestern Nevada. www.progressiverancher.com
DID YOU
KNOW
your checkoff works with many partners to help increase beef sales? “Your beef checkoff has developed a variety of programs for training others to deliver the beef story. The program materials are then used by state beef councils to educate those who are on the consumer front lines. So, whether our partners are working behind the meat counter, waiting tables at restaurants or writing a food blog, your checkoff has touched their work.� While you and Kristina are managing your businesses, the checkoff is working with your industry partners to sell more beef.
K risti n a McK e e
Livestock auction market partner
Read more at MyBeefCheckoff.com/Kristina www.nevadabeef.org Funded by the Beef Checkoff. www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
November/December 2017
15
21 Annual Van Norman and Friends Production Sale st
Q
uality trumped quantity at the 21st Annual Van Norman and friends Production held September 15-16 at the Elko Co. Fairgrounds in Elko, Nevada. Of the 82 horses cataloged, 69 horses of all ages sold for an all-time high gross of $355, 500 and an average of $5,152. Horses of riding age sold for an average of $7,622 while nineteen started two-year olds averaged $5774.00! Nine yearlings averaged $1833 and eighteen weanlings averaged $1633. The sale’s high seller was Smart Smokum Pepto, who brought a final bid of $18,000. The 2011 red roan gelding is by Smartnstylish Pepto and out of the Cobra Smoke mare Smokum Lizzie. The well-trained ranch gelding, bred by Gus Oman of Malta, Idaho, was consigned by Ike and Shanna Thomas of Grouse Creek, Utah, and was purchased by Lindsey Alvers of San Jose, California. As buyers of the high-selling horse, the Alvers were also the recipient of the beautiful quilt crafted and donated by Karan Ferreira of Elko who is also the mama of long-time consignor, Matt Mori. Topping the impressive lineup of two year olds was Lot 73 DR Fancy Blue Chex bred by Dean and Sharon Rhoads of Tuscarora, NV. This beautiful blue roan gelding ridden by Michael Mori of Tuscarora was sired by Long Tall Chexan out of DR Freckles Blue Lace. He was purchased by Gallagher Livestock of Lamoille, NV. Prospective buyers started converging on the sale venue early Friday afternoon to tour the barns and visit with consignors. This candid viewing time, along with the comprehensive previews of riding horses and the videos posted online ahead of Quilt crafted and donated by sale time, Karan Mori Ferreira to buyer offered of high selling horse buyers one of the most extensive preview experiences to be found anywhere. The preview format for riding horses included a dry work pattern, cow work, and roping, while many of the videos showcased the horses in their home and working environments. The Friday preview focused on riding horses that were three years old and up. The Saturday preview included the younger riding horses as well as a second opportunity to see the older ones at work. Commentary on Friday was provided by Matt Mori of Paradise Valley while Ty Van Norman did the honors on Saturday. Both were impressive in their mastery of their subject matter, interaction with the consignors, and sense of humor. Auctioneer Steve Friskup of Muleshoe, TX, with a great support staff of ring men Buck Waite, Jody Doescher, Sam Mori, Pete Mori, Joe Cahill, and Erick Schmidt kept the bidding brisk in the 16 November/December 2017
Lot 70 –SR Fancy Blue Chex –high selling 2-year old barn, on the phone, and on the web. Shannon Pearce shared his usual expertise on pedigrees while Andrea Sestanovich once again ran the auction block computer and recorded bids on sale slips. Horses found new homes in California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Nevada. The office procedures were personable, quick, and smooth due to an efficient staff led by Kimberly Porter with the able assistance of Kristin Kenley, Becky Lisle, and Wanda Stewart. Guests were treated to a delicious complimentary breakfast catered by Machi’s who also provided lunch and beverages throughout the afternoon. Full sale results can be viewed at www.vannormansale.com
The 22nd Van Norman and friends Production Sale is scheduled for September 14 and 15, 2018.
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
2 Annual Van Norman and Friends Production Sale Youth Branding Contest nd
T
hirty-three young buckaroos from 8 to 18 gathered at the Elko County Fairgrounds on a chilly September 15th evening for the 2nd Annual Van Norman and friends Production Sale Youth Branding. The competition consisted of three age divisions: 10 and Under, 1114, and Senior(15-18). Each contestant had to rope with an immediate family member and bring a two- person ground crew of his/her choosing to set their ropes and mark each branded animal. The two younger divisions had to rope and mark two head of cattle while the Seniors had to rope and mark three head! This event is becoming a real crowd pleaser and is continuing to grow in popularity. Entries filled fast and there is always a long waiting list. Carrie and Jess Eary coordinated the event, Ty Van Norman provided the cattle, and Van Norman and friends Production Sale and Los Brisas Tacos provided supper for the contestants and their families. Sponsors of the event were Jess and Carrie Eary, Ty and Ronda Van Norman, Luke and Becky Baumeister, Josh and Marva Smith of A & G Irrigation, and Van Norman and friends Production Sale.
Youth Branding Results 10 and Under • • • •
1st Reata Severe 2nd Hannah Rose Kelly 3rd Marinna Mori 4th Zane Wines
• • •
1st Taylor Brown 2nd Quade Filippini 3rd Wade Mori
•
4th Amelia Lancaster
• • •
1st Matt Wines 2nd Garrett Brown 3rd Monte Cummins
•
4th Daniel Eary
11-14 year olds
Sr Division (15-18 year olds)
9-year-old Reata Severe and her horse “Bubba” of Rogerson, Idaho shows off her champion buckle for the 10 and Under division. Reata roped with her dad Matt Severe. Photo by Anna Severe.
Young cowboy Zane Wines of Ruby Valley, NV comes in to heel a calf behind his dad Joe Wines in the 10 & Under division. Photo by Whiteley.
Taylor Brown(above) of Wells, Nevada heels a calf behind her grandfather Larry Schutte. Taylor was the champion in the 11-14 age division. Photo by Whiteley
www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
Sr. division winner Matt Wines and father Joe Wines wait for the starting count down. Photo by Whiteley
November/December 2017
17
Ranch Returns
R
anch profitability is influenced by many factors. Often times on Western ranches there are enterprises other than livestock that may account for significant sources of income. However, the primary sources of income on most Western ranches is livestock production. A majority of Western ranches can be characterized as cow-calf operations. A smaller number could be characterized as sheep operations. There are also a few ranches that utilize both cattle and sheep for livestock production. The Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC) estimates returns for cow/ calf producers in the U.S. The estimates are returns over cash costs plus pasture rent. As of October’s revisions, the LMIC's 2017 estimate was a return over cash costs plus pasture rent of about $34.00 per cow, which is above 2016’s return of negative $23.00 per cow. The 2016 return was the lowest since 2009. The 2016 return was a huge oneyear decline of about $323.00 per cow (2015 was about $300.00 per cow) and was even more disappointing when compared to 2014's record high level (about $550.00 per cow). Returns this year will struggle to cover the total economic costs for most cow-calf operations. An LMIC working group also recently developed and published a “U.S. Baseline Lamb Cost of Production Model”. Best estimate industry parameters were used to generate regionally representative budgets. These budgets were then aggregated into a national model. Utilizing the aggregated national model I calculated an estimate for lamb returns as cash costs plus pasture rent for 2010 – 2015. The high was $71 per ewe in 2011 with the low being $8.20 per ewe in 2013. It is important to note that in both cases (cattle and sheep) these calculated returns do not include all economic costs of production; they are used in market analysis and estimated cash costs plus pasture rent. Of course, every operation has different resources and costs. Year-over-year changes in calculated returns are more insightful than the specific numeric levels. With that said I was interested in comparing cow-calf returns with sheep production returns from 2010 – 2015. At first glance it seems like
cattle is the clear winner. The low return for cow-calf in the 2010-2015 time frame was $30 per cow while the high was $530 per cow. Clearly on a per cow verses per ewe basis cattle is king. However, this is not an accurate comparison based on resource use. Ranchers are generally able to run 5 ewes on the same set of resources as one cow. Therefore I adjusted the sheep returns to reflect this relationship.
Year
Cattle
Sheep
Sheep Adjusted
2010
$43
$20.20
$101
2011
$71
$71
$355
2012
$30
$22.60
$113
2013
$126
$8.20
$41
2014
$530
$54.60
$273
2015
$303
$47.60
$238
Average
$184
$37.40
$187
While the specific numeric levels are not as important as the trend, it is very instructive that the 6-year average for adjusted sheep production is nearly identical to the cow-calf average. It is also interesting to note that over the last 6 years while the average was nearly identical the timing and magnitude of the returns have been different. Certainly over the last 6 years those few ranches in the West that have a mix of sheep and cattle have had a more consistent return than those that relied on one or the other species. Not all ranches have resources that can be utilized efficiently by both sheep and cattle and not all ranches are structured with appropriate personnel and management skill sets to run both species. However, for those ranches that are able to run multiple species, a combination approach may serve to mitigate fluctuations in returns. Bridger Feuz – Owner Master Stockman Consulting University of Wyoming Livestock Marketing Specialist Hudson Hill – Master Stockman Consulting University of Wyoming Area Educator Barton Stam – Master Stockman Consulting University of Wyoming Area Educator
Photograph taken by Betsy Holt 18 November/December 2017
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE), College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources (CABNR) with financial support from local sponsors and the USDA, Risk Management Agency
P R E S E N T S
2018
Cattlemen’s Update University and department of agriculture program updates and research results impacting the Nevada livestock industry will be discussed. Come join us and receive your Red Book and Proceedings. January 8, 2018
January 8, 2018
January 9, 2018
January 11, 2018
January 12, 2018
Reno
Sierra Valley, CA
Fallon
Elko
Winnemucca
Registration 10 a.m. Washoe County Cooperative Extension 4955 Energy Way Reno, NV 89502
Registration 5:30 p.m. Sierra Valley Grange #466 92203 Hwy 70 Vinton, CA Dinner Provided
Registration 5:30 p.m. Fallon Convention Center 100 Campus WAY Fallon, NV 89406 Dinner Provided
Registration 12:30 p.m. Great Basin College Solarium 1500 College Parkway Elko, NV 89801 Dinner Provided
Via Interactive Video to:
January 9, 2018
January 10, 2018
Registration 10 a.m. Humboldt County Cooperative Extension 1085 Fairgrounds Road Winnemucca, NV 89445 Lunch Provided
Wellington
Ely
Registration 10 a.m. Smith Valley Community Hall 2783 State Route 208 Wellington, NV 89444 Lunch Provided
Registration 5:30 p.m. Old St. Lawrence Hall 504 Mill Street Ely, NV 89301 Dinner Provided
Logandale, Caliente, Tonopah, Lovelock, and Eureka. Lunch Provided
For additional information, contact:
Staci Emm
Mineral County Cooperative Extension
(775) 945-3444
emms@unce.unr.edu
Cost of workshop is $20 per Ranch
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources University of Nevada, Reno
www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
November/December 2017
19
"The Start of Something New" By Laila Jackson, Wells FFA Reporter
A
nother school year has started, meaning stress, homework, sports competitions, and another year for the Wells FFA chapter.
(Back left to right) Logan Ballard, Ruth Gale, Laila Jackson, (front left to right) Matthew James, and Ian Spratling enjoy visiting after a community service project
The Wells FFA chapter got a jump on the year, participating in adopt-a-highway July 3, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. and sending the new officer team on a a retreat August 7-9, 2017. After the school year began, FFA was in full swing. Advisors Don Noorda and Chance Crain escorted ten greenhands, President Ruth Gale, and Vice President Jade Kelly down to Fallon, Nevada for the Greenhand Leadership Conference on Septermber 18-19, 2017. "The Greenhand Conference is designed specifically for freshmen and fi rst year sophomores. Students learn about the opportunities Nevada Agriculture Education and FFA can offer them throughout high school." nv.aged.nv.gov A chapter meeting to welcome the new Greenhands into the Wells FFA Chapter was held on October 3, 2017 at 3:00 P.M. A second adopt-a-highway community service activity was held on September 20, 2017 at 3:00 P.M. Seven Wells FFA members attended State Range in Eureka, NV on Sept. 26, 2017. “Each year, the Nevada FFA hosts the Soils and Range Career Development Events in the fall. Participating students in the Soils Competition evaluate the soil of the location as well as several other tests throughout the day. Students in the Range Competition evaluate the rangeland of a test site through a series of competitive events.” nv.aged.nv.gov. “Range State was a wonderful experience. It was nice to fi nally be awarded after multiple after-school practices and study sessions. Although our performance at the competition wasn't perfect, I believe the entire team benefitted greatly from our success, and our mistakes. Range State was overall just a swell time!” Statement given by Matthew James. Matthew James received the First High Individual award in the range contest and was joined by the rest of the Wells A team, Logan Ballard (the Second High Individual recipient), Hyrum Johnson, and Liliana Cobian, as the First High Team. Practices for Nationals, which is October 25-28, 2017, have commenced, pushing into lunch hours and after school. With one competition already locked away, Hyrum Johnson commented on how the events of the year have impacted his fi rst journey to Indianapolis, “Range state was a wonderful learning opportunity for me. It defi nitely helped me and I feel more prepared and excited for nationals.” The 25th Annual Parent-Member Potluck of the Wells FFA Chapter will be held on November 21, 2017 at 6:00 A.M. Overall the Wells FFA chapter is ready for another year of raking in the golds.
20 November/December 2017
(Left) Lilianna Cobian and (right) Camberlin Uhlig enjoying milk and cookies after participating in adopt-a-highway.
RHOADS RANCH
Home of Quality AQHA Horses for your using and showing needs...
From our Ranch to yours…
Thank you
buyers and everyone from the Van Norman and friends sale staff, to our crew
See you next year!
775-756-6582 or 775-934-1683 • RHOADS-RANCH.COM
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
Nevada Rangeland Resources Commission Update
T
he Nevada Rangeland Resource Commission (NRRC) has scheduled their 4th quarterly meeting during the Nevada Cattlemen’s Joint Convention in Elko Monday, December 4th. The Commission will receive updates and discuss projects they have supported throughout the year in marketing and advertising of our public land ranching community. NRRC will be sharing information about their advertising campaign at both the Farm Bureau’s 98th Annual meeting in Minden and the NCA’s Joint Annual Convention in Elko. The NRRC is governed by a commission of nine voting members. These members are nominated through each of the grazing boards, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association, Nevada Woolgrowers and the Farm Bureau; then appointed by the Governor. The NRRC has one part-time staff person. For more information about the NRRC please visit our website at www.nevadarangelands.org.
www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
November/December 2017
21
News Release USDA Issues Farm Safety Net and Conservative Payments
W
ASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2017 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced that over $9.6 billion in payments will be made, beginning this week, to producers through the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Conservation Reserve (CRP) programs. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing approximately $8 billion in payments under the ARC and PLC programs for the 2016 crop year, and $1.6 billion under CRP for 2017. “Many of these payments will be made to landowners and producers in rural communities that have recently been ravaged by drought, wildfires, and deadly hurricanes,” Perdue said. “I am hopeful this financial assistance will help those experiencing losses with immediate cash flow needs as we head toward the end of the year.” The ARC and PLC programs were authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and offer a safety net to agricultural producers when there is a substantial drop in revenue or prices for covered commodities. Over half a million producers will receive ARC payments and over a quarter million producers will receive PLC payments for 2016 crops, starting this week and continuing over the next several months. Payments are being made to producers who enrolled base acres of barley, corn, grain sorghum, lentils, oats, peanuts, dry peas, soybeans, wheat and canola. In the upcoming months, payments will be announced after marketing year average prices are published by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the remaining covered commodities. Those include long and medium grain rice (except for temperate Japonica rice), which will be announced in November; remaining oilseeds and chickpeas, which will be announced in December; and temperate Japonica rice, which will be announced in early February 2017. The estimated payments are before application of sequestration and other reductions and limits, including adjusted gross income limits and payment limitations. Also, as part of an ongoing effort to protect sensitive lands and improve water quality and wildlife habitat, USDA will begin issuing 2017 CRP payments this week to over 375,000 Americans. “American farmers and ranchers are among our most committed conservationists,” said Perdue. “We all share a responsibility to leave the land in better shape than we found it for the benefit of the next generation of farmers. This program helps landowners provide responsible stewardship on land that should be taken out of production.” Signed into law by President Reagan in 1985, CRP is one of the largest private-lands conservation program in the United States. Thanks to voluntary participation by farmers and landowners, CRP has improved water quality, reduced soil erosion and increased habitat for endangered and threatened species. In return for enrolling in CRP, USDA, through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation, provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. Participants enter into contracts that last between 10 and 15 years. CRP payments are made to participants who remove sensitive lands from production and plant certain grasses, shrubs and trees that improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and increase wildlife habitat. For more details regarding ARC and PLC programs, go to www.fsa.usda.gov/ arc-plc. For more information about CRP, contact your local FSA office or visit www.fsa.usda.gov/crp. To locate your local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov. 22 November/December 2017
Total Exceeds $9.6 Billion Contact: USDA Press (202) 720-4623
You are invited to
You are invited to
COWBOY CHURCH!
COWBOY CHURCH!
Bible Study Fri @ 9 am
Sunday @ 11am services
4275 Solias Rd Fallon, NV
Bible Study Wed @ 6 pm
Are you having a Rodeo or Livestock event? GIVE US A CALL. We would love to come to your event or ranch and host Cowboy Church for you.
Harmony Ranch Ministry 3767 Keyes Way Fallon, NV 89406
Tom J. Gonzalez | Diana J. Gonzalez, Pastor threecrossls@cccomm.net
(775) 240-8870 Cell (775) 867-3100
USDA Issues Safety-Net Payments to Nevada Farmers Contact: USDA Press (202) 720-4623
R
ENO, NV. — Acting State Executive Director, Janice Kolvet, announced that approximately 236 Nevada farms that enrolled in safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill will receive financial assistance for the 2016 crop year. The programs, known as Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), are designed to protect against unexpected drops in crop prices or revenues due to market downturns. “These safety-net programs provide help when price and revenue fall below normal,” said Kolvet “Payments to wheat, oats and corn producers are helping provide reassurance to our Nevada farm families who are standing strong against low commodity prices compounded by unfavorable growing conditions.” Producers in 10 Nevada counties have experienced a significant drop in prices or revenues below the benchmark established by the ARC or PLC program and thus, will receive payments totaling $1,100,061.00. Cash flow from these payments is particularly helpful to farmers and ranchers in counties impacted by natural disasters. “Payments by county for an eligible commodity can vary because average county yields will differ,” said Kolvet. More details on the price and yield information used to calculate the financing assistance from the safety-net programs is available on the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc and www.fsa.usda.gov/nv.
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
Carey Hawkins
Jack Payne
Cell: 208-724-6712
Cell: 775-217-9273 Alt: 775-225-8889
OFFICE: 775-423-7760
Full-Service Cattle Sales & Marketing - serving Fallon, Nevada and the Outlying Areas.
October 2017 Market Report
November Feeder Sale
STEERS Weight
Average
400-500 500-600 600-700 700-800 800-900
Top
$151.00 $152.00 $139.00 $136.00 $112.00
Thursday, November 16
$177.00 $161.00 $151.00 $143.00 $130.00
2017 Starting at 11:30 am
HEIFERS Weight
Average
400-500 500-600 600-700 700-800 800-900
Top
$141.00 $131.00 $129.00 $130.00 $122.00
Bred Cows Cow/Calf Pairs
December Feeder Sale
$150.00 $140.00 $140.00 $138.00 $122.00
Thursday, December 21 2017 Starting at 11:30 am
$790.00 $1125.00
Consign Early - Call Jack Payne 775-225-8889 Carey Hawkins 208-724-6712
Watch for Coming December Sale Special Bred Cow Sale December 6 2017
Starting at 6:30 pm
~After the regular Wednesday sale~ Over 500 young bred cows already consigned
Nevada Livestock Vet Supply, LLC “Where the Ranchers Shop� We can drop ship/deliver for your convenience. 131 Industrial Way
Fallon, NV 89406
775-624-6996 www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
November/December 2017
23
What Tools are Successful for Rehabilitating Rangelands Affected by Invasive Species Monocultures? Mariel Boldis - University of Nevada Reno, Undergraduate in Rangeland Management
W
hether in your backyard, the ranch you call home, or the public lands you recreate on, non-native plant species invasions challenge the way you do your business or spend time outdoors with family and friends. Non-native plant species have a way of challenging our efforts to restore degraded lands by modifying ecosystem interactions, fi re cycle regimes, carbon and nutrient sequestration, and the hydrology of permanent and ephemeral streams. Many times, invasive species increase in density due to a combination of external influences which may include seasonal timing of precipitation, change in grazing patterns, accidental or purposeful introduction of non-native species, change in wildfi re frequency, and short term climatic shifts.
So what makes invasive species so successful? According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are about 4,300 invasive plant species in the U. S. These species share similar characteristics that allow them to be successful by having: 1. High growth rates 2. Short reproductive life cycles 3. High seed production 4. Efficient dispersal methods 5. High tolerance to climatic variability. The rate and timing of phenology between invasives and non-invasives are keys to their success when monopolizing an area. Monocultures impact our rangelands by decreasing biodiversity, decreasing habitat stability, negatively impacting the livestock industry, and depleting resources that provide ecosystem goods and services to rural and urban communities.
Invasive species and their economic implications The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) came out with the results of a crop-loss study in 2016 that reported 43 billion dollars in annual losses due to uncontrolled invasive plant species. A case study in Nevada of the impact of non-native invasive plants on wildlife loss related to recreation use values were estimated to be 5 to 17 million 24 November/December 2017
dollars in losses per year, which were predicted to increase to 34 million dollars per year as future expansion of invasive plants continues. In 2000, a study published in BioScience estimated control costs of invasive plants in the U.S. to be roughly 9.7 billion dollars. In 2008, invasive plants cost California alone, 82 million dollars with actual impacts reaching into the billions for crop and ranching activities. Although the costs to Figure 1: Recorded Observations of Invasive Species across the United States treat invasive plant monocultures are high, especially when coupled with herbicide delaying treatment will only increase initial costs of treatment. Conversely, broadcast seeding was eradication, and invasive plant species will continue identified to be the least effective re-vegetation to expand further than before. Figure 1 provides a effort in two separate studies with about 0.5%visual of recorded observations across the United 2.3% germination rates. In another study, States of the invasive species included in this review perennial bunchgrass cover increased 5-10 fold which will only increase in numbers if we fail to while suppressing exotic grass cover 5-fold. provide proper treatment. 2. Fall Drill Seeding of Native Perennial With a variety of methods available to manage Grasses and Forbs (phenology indicating invasive monocultures, mitigating impacts on nonearly germination) target species, impacts on human health, and success Competitive interactions between native and of at least >50% success rates must be considered. invasive species promotes natural selection With so much information and research out there, to take place to select for traits that are able how do we decide what are the best and most effective to compete with invasives; thus, providing treatments for managing invasive monocultures? select native species the ability to reduce the abundance of invasive monocultures. 3. Mowing + Pre and Post Herbicide Treatment Most Effective Treatments: >50% + Outplanting of Introduced Perennial Monoculture Eradication Grasses Of all the introduced perennial grasses, Myoporum was most effective in suppressing In no particular order, the following lists the 6 invasive monocultures. Outplanting of most effective treatments based on greater than 50% Cordia species had the greatest density of success rate recorded within each study. Note: The native vegetation and came in second with treatments listed with herbicide varied in type of suppression of the same invasive monoculture. herbicide used and were followed by a fallow period which varied from study to study. 4. Herbicide Only Herbicide was effective at eradicating 1. Herbicide + Tilling + Fall Drill Seeding of monocultures initially, and a single study Introduced Perennial Grasses indicated Imazapic as the best herbicide for Tilling followed by drill seeding provided 50% increasing native forb cover. Treatment is more emergence than all other techniques The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
found to be the most effective when used long term and the correct herbicide type and amount is applied to mitigate effects on nontarget species. 5. Native Perennial Shrubs, Forbs, Grasses Outplanting (phenology indicating early germination) Forb and shrubs were selected for traits based on early seasonal germination which were competitive with the targeted invasive monoculture species. Desert Globemallow, Indian Ricegrass, Sweetbush, and White Bursage outplantings were the most successful, and reduced exotic species biomass by 97%. 6. Defoliation at Late Vegetative Growth Targeted grazing before the flowering period of invasives, reduced abundance 50% more than when grazed during early vegetative growth. A common denominator the studies highlighted were the quantitative results where habitats with introduced perennial monocultures versus introduced annual monocultures facilitated denser native revegetation and limited re-invasion in the former. Denser vegetation and limited re-invasion of the targeted species was also true for seeding introduced species rather than native species. This is important to note because what we define as a success in rehabilitation oftentimes leads us to a series of disappointments when plots or landscapes fail to grow what we have planted. We may desire for a degraded rangeland to reflect the historical
Figure 2: Applications of Improved Invasive Monoculture Management reference community of native vegetation; however, we need to take into account the limitations and solutions for improved future applications. So what are these limitations and how do we work around them?
Limitations to the Success of Invasive Monoculture Eradication There are limitations that impede the success of rangeland restoration; however while some constraints such as climatic variability are beyond our control, there are other methods utilized that can be better managed or replaced. Broadcast seeding is often the most inexpensive method of re-seeding a large landscape, but studies show this is the least effective re-vegetation method with about 0.5%-2.3% germination. With nearly 10 billion being spent on invasive species control in the U.S, money may be better spent on alternative methods such as drilling or outplanting which generate much greater success in the long run. Political, special interest groups, and cultural constraints may also limit the use of certain methods such as the utilization of herbicides or intensive grazing. Limited commercial availability and high costs associated with seeds of local origin may impede success of native revegetation on a landscape scale.
Working Towards the Future: Solutions
Figure 3: Before photo of cheatgrass dominated site www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
Although these limitations may impede successful rangeland rehabilitation, future collaborations between governmental agencies, public land councils, private land owners, and regional and/or local organizations will promote greater success of invasive monoculture eradication and prevent spread. Research opportunities also offer counsel to increase efficacy of future management techniques. Identifying how topography may affect recovery may help us modify current methods for areas no easy accessible. Understanding life histories of more native plant species may improve seed November/December 2017
25
selection for future restoration efforts. Demographic studies of seedlings relative to the abundance of exotic species may increase further manipulation of monoculture densities. Combining research and collaborative initiatives, we are able to create improved approaches to invasive monoculture management. We must consider climatic shifts on a temporal and landscape scale, resource availability, timing of treatments, species selection (desired characteristics), and projected goals based on the four features in Figure 2.
Every Rangeland Tells a Story At the end of the day, our goal for better rangelands remain the same, but our approach to managing our rangelands must be adaptable. Below in Figures 3 and 4, we see the effects of legacy management in the form of a monoculture alongside a photograph showcasing the positive effects of intensive management reversing the legacy effects. With this kind of success, it’s safe to say our rangelands have a promising future; however, our rangeland ecosystems are dynamic and respond to change differently based on varying conditions. While one method may work one year, it may fail the next. Our job is to not only gain a better understanding of the land we live, work, and breathe on—we must also learn from our failures, and realize invasive plant management is a collective approach of many methods and strategies. In order for this to occur, maybe our policies need to change, or maybe we need to redefine what it means to reach a sustainable and healthy ecosystem—or maybe we need both. After all, invasive plant species won’t be leaving us anytime soon, but if there are effective ways to help mitigate their spread into monocultures and conserve our rangelands for future generations, wouldn’t you want to do something about it? Please consider joining the Society for Range Management-Nevada Section and become involved in the management of our Nevada rangelands: nevada.rangelands.org.
Suggested Reading Cox, R. D., & Anderson, V. J. (2004). Increasing native diversity of cheatgrass-dominated rangeland through assisted succession. Journal of Range Management, 57, 203-210. Doi: http://dx.doi. org/10.2111/1551-5028(2004)057[0203:INDOCR]2.0.CO;2 Davis, K. W., Boyd, C. S., Johnson, D. D., Nafus, A. M., & Madsen M. D. (2015). Success of seeding native compared with introduced perennial vegetation for revegetating medusahead-invaded sagebrush rangeland. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 68, 224-230. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2015.03.004 DiTomaso, J. M., Masters, R. A., & Peterson, V. F. (2010). Rangeland invasive plant management. Rangelands, 32, 4347. Doi: : http://www.jstor.org/stable/40588017 Kyser, G. B., Wilson, R. G., Zhang, J., & DiTomaso, J. M. (2013). Herbicide-assisted restoration of great basin sagebrush steppe infested with medusahead and downey brome. Rangeland Ecology and Management, 66, 588-596. Doi: 10.2111/REM-D-12-00184.1 Eiswerth, M. E., Johnson, W. S., & Harris, T. R. (2003). Estimating net losses in recreation use values from non-indigenous invasive weeds. University of Nevada cooperative Extension Special Publication, SP-03-10. Retrieved from http://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/nr/2003/SP0310.pdf WSSA calculates billions in potential economic losses from uncontrolled weeds. (2016). Weed Science Society of America. Retrieved from http://wssa.net/2016/05/wssa-calculates-billionsin-potential-economic-losses-from-uncontrolled-weeds/
Figure 4: After photo of intensive land management on previous cheatgrass dominated site 26 November/December 2017
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
“Quality Comes First”
e l a S n o i t c u Prod
Rangeland enthusiasts: Attend the 2018 SRM 71st Annual Meeting
11.19.2017
Sunday • Parma, Idaho Lunch at Noon • Sale starts at 1 p.m.
Jan. 28th - Feb. 2nd
Volume Selection of Stout, Rugged, Range-Ready Bulls
• 30 Angus Fall Yearling Bulls • 50 Angus Coming Two-year-old Bulls • 15 Hereford Bulls Foundation Angus Females
• 7 Heifer Calves • 22 Bred Heifers • 11 Spring Bred Cows Malsons Denver 251D
Malsons Big Sky 254D
D.O.B. 9/16/2016
D.O.B. 9/17/2016
Malsons Big Sky 274D
Malsons Big Sky 256D
Society for Range Management 71st Annual Meeting, Technical Training and Trade Show Jan. 28-Feb. 2 at The Nugget in Sparks. “Empowerment through Applied Science” is this year’s theme. The Society for Range Management is the professional scientific society and conservation organization whose members are concerned with studying, conserving, managing and sustaining the varied resources of the rangelands which comprise nearly half the land in the world. Established in 1948, SRM has over 4,000 members in 48 countries, including many developing nations. To learn more, go online to: annualmeeting. rangelands.org or follow us on Facebook at: www. facebook.com/SRMAnnualMtg2018.
D.O.B. 10/2/2016
D.O.B. 9/18/2016
Free bull delivery within 250 miles First-year breeding guarantee Sight-unseen guarantee Bull wintering and Payment deferral program Online bidding available at
Catalog by Request ~ Contact Us Today! Mark and Carla Malson & Family 2901 SW 9th Ave. 208-739-1059 Mark Parma, ID 83660 208-739-0725 Josh info@malsonangus.com 208-550-7251 Joe
www.malsonangus.com www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
November/December 2017
27
Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative Keeping the Grass in Grasslands: Ranching, Conservation, and the Dustbowl Legacy
Wildlife
Article by: Alexandra Murphy, Lesser Prairie Chicken-Initiative Communications Specialist Photo: Male lesser prairie-chicken displaying on a lek (courtship site) Credit: Nick Richter
"I’m
too young to have been through the Dust Bowl, but both my parents went through it,” Dwight Abell said, as he gazed out over the broad sweep of grasslands on his western Kansas ranch. “And my grandparents of course lived through it, back in the ’30s.” “It was a bad time for everybody, but [my grandparents] made it through,” Abell said. “They didn’t do a whole lot of farming—they had mostly grass and cows.” Abell’s great grandparents came to western Kansas in the 1880s. In 1908, they bought land and built the home where Abell and his family now live. Back in the late 1800s, native prairie grasslands still stretched unbroken across much of the southern Great Plains. Fires regularly swept through, and prairie grasses and forbs responded with an explosion of new growth,
which drew hungry herds of bison, pronghorn, and elk. This dynamic duo of fire and grazing by large herbivores shaped a robust prairie community. Equipped with farming backgrounds and Homestead Act requirements to ‘prove up’ on their 160acre parcels, most settlers plowed the prairie’s grasslands under and planted crops, even in the southern Great Plains—the hottest, driest region of the Plains. During the Dust Bowl decade of the 1930s, homesteaders in the southern plains encountered the formidable limitations of farming in a region of low rainfall, high winds, and frequent droughts. The native prairie plant community is well adapted to withstand these conditions, but the tilled soil was not. When prolonged drought struck, millions of acres of bone-dry soils lay exposed to the winds that regularly scour this region. Dust Bowl winds carried off an estimated 480 tons of topsoil per acre in the southern Great Plains.
LPCI provides technical and financial assistance to landowners for voluntary conservation practices like prescribed grazing, woody plant removal, and prescribed fire. Credit: Stan Bradbury
28 November/December 2017
The Progressive Rancher
Thick dust hung in the air and settled in deep, rolling drifts that suffocated grasslands, livestock, and wildlife. Poverty and famine gripped the region. This epic calamity awakened Americans to the importance of preventing soil erosion and prompted the formation of the Soil Erosion Service in 1933. Congress then created the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) in 1935 (later renamed the Natural Resources Conservation Service), to work one-on-one with landowners and help them adopt sustainable agricultural practices that prevent further soil erosion. NRCS also dispatched a team of scientists to map the region’s diverse soils. These soil survey maps allowed NRCS field staff to tailor conservation practices to meet the particular soil conditions of each farm. The soil maps also identified areas where the soil was particularly vulnerable to erosion and would benefit from restoration back to grasslands. This restoration practice took a big leap forward in 1985, which the USDA launched the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) through the Farm Service Agency (FSA). CRP offered farmers an alternative to planting fragile soils to crops. Instead, a farmer could receive an annual rent to plant marginal croplands back to grass and maintain them as grassland for 10-15 years. Through CRP, NRCS and FSA joined forces with local farming families and restored large areas of formerly cultivated lands back to prairie grassland. It soon became apparent that, in addition to its intended goal of stabilizing soils, CRP also improved habitat for grassland-dependent wildlife. The southern plains region, epicenter of the Dust Bowl, is also the only place on Earth the lesser prairie-chicken inhabits. Once common on the southern Great Plains (scientists estimate a historic population of about one million), their numbers plummeted during the Dust Bowl era, and some thought the bird had gone extinct. They have rebounded somewhat since then, with a current population of about 33,000—a number still low enough to still leave the population highly vulnerable to further decline. In encouraging recent studies, scientists have found that lesser prairie-chickens have reoccupied portions of their historical range by moving into former croplands now planted to CRP grasslands. What’s more, the birds have expanded beyond the bounds of their historical range in western Kansas by occupying newly created CRP grassland habitat (see map).
www.progressiverancher.com
But scientists have found that, over time, the wildlife habitat values of restored and Many ranchers share Abell’s vision. CRP currently enrolls more than 4.8 million idled CRP acres declined, because these grasslands lacked the natural disturbances acres of land within the lesser prairie-chicken’s range. But CRP acreage only offers of large herbivore grazing and fire that historically sustained and revitalized them. habitat for prairie-chickens and other grassland wildlife as long as it remains grassland. Moreover, those CRP grasslands weren’t contributing to landowners’ agricultural Once a CRP contract expires, that grassland habitat can disappear if it’s more operations, since the enrolled acreage had many limitations on mid-contract grazing. economically viable for the landowner to return the land to crops than to maintain Faced with the questions of how to improve habitat for at-risk wildlife and how the grassland for grazing. to increase agricultural productivity on private agricultural operations, the USDA The infrastructure needed to make the shift to grazing—perimeter fencing, water introduced the “Working Lands for Wildlife” concept, with the unprecedented development, and such—can be prohibitively expensive for private landowners. LPCI proposition that strategically focused assistance to landowners could increase helps landowners over that transitional hurdle by providing assistance with grazing populations of at-risk wildlife while improving the sustainability of farms and ranches. management planning and grazing infrastructure, and by offering technical and The NRCS-led Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative (LPCI) is a perfect example financial support for forage- and habitat-boosting practices like prescribed fire. of this. LPCI provides technical and financial assistance to landowners within the current range of the lesser prairie-chicken who voluntarily enhance lesser prairiechicken habitat through conservation practices that also benefit their agricultural operations. LPCI looks at habitat conservation for the lesser prairie-chicken from a landscape perspective, addressing key questions about their overall population dynamics. Where exactly do lesser prairie-chickens currently live, and what are the characteristics of that habitat? What obstacles are inhibiting population growth? Which conservation practices best address those issues? Where should we target these conservation practices to have the greatest return on investment? While the answers to these questions continue to emerge through on-going research, some things are clear: Lesser prairie-chickens need expansive grassland habitat to survive, with diverse structure for nesting, brood rearing, hiding from predators, and sheltering from weather extremes. Scientific studies and innovations help fine-tune LPCI’s outreach to landowners. Using detailed mapping of the extent and characteristics of the lesser prairiechicken’s current range, LPCI identifies and focuses funding on the highest priority areas for conservation efforts— areas of core habitat and areas that have the potential for creating habitat corridors between those core areas. With more than 95% of the lesser prairie-chicken’s habitat on private land, engaging private landowners in voluntary conservation practices is essential to the bird’s survival. Helping ranchers transition their CRP acreage to grazing is one of LPCI’s core conservation strategies. Back in 2005, when Dwight Abell enrolled his land in CRP, he was clear about his management goal. “When we put this land into CRP,” he said, “I told them my intention was, when it comes out, to utilize it for grazing for cattle, and I wanted to use it to benefit the wildlife. I think there’s room for both responsible grazing and for wildlife like prairie-chickens.” Map showing areas hardest by Dust Bowl erosion, overlaid with historic and current lesser prairie-chicken range.
www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
November/December 2017
29
“It’s a win-win for ranchers and chickens,” said Christian Hagen, science advisor to LPCI. “By helping ranchers transition what was once marginal cropland to grazing after CRP contracts expire, we’re helping to maintain viable habitat for the lesser prairie-chicken while supporting the sustainability of working lands and rural economies.” Abell agrees. “Raising cattle has made us more money every year than farming has—we’re able to keep more,” he said. “I’m 100% committed—I’m not going to tear this [grassland] out. It just works better for our operation to have cattle and grass.” That economic viability allows for the family’s ranching legacy to continue into the next generation. “Our two boys have talked about wanting to do this too,” Abell said. “They like the lifestyle. They like seeing the cows, the grass—the benefits of living out here.”
From CRP to Grazing—Details on How to Make the Shift When CRP acres near the end of their 10- to 15-year contract, a rancher can apply to enroll the acreage in another CRP program, like the CRP Grasslands program and the CRP State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program. Each of these CRP programs has limitations—the CRP Grasslands program is aimed at livestock operations with fewer than 100 head of cattle and enrollment is capped at 200 acres. SAFE contracts only permit grazing one out of every three years over the life of the contract. The contracts for both programs run from 10 to 15 years. Through LPCI, ranchers can access assistance for grazing planning, water development and other infrastructure, prescribed fire, and other conservation practices through three-year contracts with the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). In some states, funding for perimeter fencing may also be available through EQIP.
Jordan Menge, LPCI Field Staff Coordinator, notes that, for states within the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative Action Area (portions of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico), a certain amount of EQIP funding is set aside specifically for projects that benefit lesser prairie-chicken habitat. “LPCI funds are available to those producers that are in a focal or connectivity zone within Lesser Prairie Chicken action area or there are known leks within a .5 mile of their property,” said Menge. Landowners interested in taking part in and LPCI contract to help transition their CRP acreage to grazing should contact their local NRCS field office. A range conservationist can then visit one-on-one with the landowner and discuss assistance options available through the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative.
What’s in it for My Operation? LPCI funding helps ranchers bring expired CRP grasslands into grazing production. LPCI and NRCS field staff work one-on-one with ranchers to develop a grazing plan and identify conservation practices and infrastructure that will bring the greatest benefit to ranch operations and lesser prairie-chicken habitat. "The Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative, led by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, is a partnership-based, sciencedriven effort that uses voluntary incentives to proactively conserve America’s western rangelands, wildlife, and rural way of life.”
Lesser prairie-chicken nest in a CRP grassland Credit: Jeremy Roberts, Conservation Media 30 November/December 2017
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
One Iron
November 18, 2017
1:00 pm MST
Decades of Functional Cattle
500 head Bred Heifers Lots sold to calve in February, March, April Also selling mature cows
Ranch Raised
Ranchers Heifer Sale Juntura, Oregon
Ethan Bentz (541) 881-6286 Linda Bentz (541) 216-3379 Duarte Sales (541) 891-7863
See us online at www.RanchersHeiferSale.com
Online Bidding at www.LiveAuctions.tv Commercial Black Angus
STILL NEED TO WINTERIZE YOUR SYSTEM? Preventative maintenance can save you money.
Now’s the time of the year to think about leaks & gaskets and prepare for the next season. Parma, ID ● Grand View, ID ● Mountain Home, ID ● Idaho Falls, ID
It’s also a good time for sprinkler package upgrades! Thinking of a new system?
5025 E. Winnemucca Blvd
775-625-1945 www.progressiverancher.com
We install all through the winter (weather permitting)
Let us get you ready for next spring with no down time! Financing is available - no down, no rst payment up to 18 months OAC
The Progressive Rancher
November/December 2017
31
Nevada Stallion Stakes Horse
Owner
Rider
S G T
Total
NSS OPEN HACKAMORE CLASSES Tangy Cash N Pep A Rumor Has It
Liz Younger Amelia Wakley
Matt Hoekenga Amelia Wakley
217.5 208.5
Michael Vipham Matt Hoekenga Jeremy Meador Don Lindsey
149 146.5 146.5 131
M S S N C
NRCHA OPEN HACKAMORE SJR One Time Angel Tangy Cash N Pep Tulare Dawn Sioux Whiskey
Rodney & Jasmine Koberstein Liz Yu Alan Gurney
NRCHA NON PRO HACKAMORE A Rumor Has It Platiumum Rey
Amelia Wakley Gary Schenck
Amelia Wakley Gary Schenck
139.5
NSS Open Futurity. Gary Stark
NRCHA NON PRO BRIDLE CLASS Im No Plain Remedy Tingy Tangy Bang Bang Ima Bald Soula
Gary Schenck Lee Smith Laura Raynak
Gary Schenck Lee Smith Laura Raynak
144 141.5 140
NSS OpenHackamore, Ridden by Matt Hoekenga (Owned by Liz Badasci)
NRCHA INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BRIDLE CLASS Im No Plain Remedy Tingy Tangy Bang Bang Ima Bald Soula
Gary Schenck Lee Smith Laura Raynak
Gary Schenck Lee Smith Laura Raynak
144 141.5 140
NRCHA $5K NON PRO LIMITED Horse
Owner
Rider
Total
Smartest Super CD Dry San Pepper Pepto Fun Time Little One Time Smoke da Kitty
Shelby Sorenson Casey Bieroth Gary Ewell Tammy Lee Lynn Cafferty
Shelby Sorenson Casey Bieroth Kathy Ewell Bea Lee Lynn Cafferty
147.5 142 136 135 12935
Shelby Sorenson Ron Zumbro Carissa Bieroth Kathy Ewell Bea Lee Milt Oman
147.5 145 142 136 135 SCR
Lynn Cafferty Carol Hulme Bill Cafferty Lynn Cafferty Bea Lee Gail Manoukian Milt Oman
142 141.5 141.5 136.5 135 134.5 SCR
NRCHA NON PRO LIMITED Smartest Super CD Shoot To Thrill Dry San Pepper Pepto Fun Time Little One Time Smartnstylishpepto
Shelby Sorenson Ron Zumbro Casey Bieroth Gary Ewell Tammy Lee Milt Oman
NSS OpenDerby, Shown by Matt Mori (Owned by Betsy Searle)
NRCHA 1,000 NON PRO LIMIT Smoke da Kitty Chics Milliennium Smoke da Kitty Catadance Little One Time Peach of a Whiz Smartsnstylishpepto
Lynn Cafferty Carol Hulme Lynn Cafferty Lynn Cafferty Tammy Lee Gail Manoukian Milt Oman
NSS NON PRO LIMITED/NON PRO LIMITED DERBY Chics Milliennium Little One Time Smoke da Kitty Salute Major Boons
Carol Hulme Tammy Lee Lynn Cafferty Tom Hulme
Carol Hulme Bea Lee Lynn Cafferty Tom Hulme
211.5 210 205 203.5
NRCHA OPEN BRIDLE Mister Dual Pepinic Little One Time IX Smart Starlight SG Time Zone
Ken & Lorna Jones Tammy Lee Liz Younger Flint & Bea Lee
32 November/December 2017
Todd Fitch Flint Lee Matt Hoekenga Flint Lee
149 147.5 146.5 146
H
NSS Ltd Derby Dylan Heishman
The Progressive Rancher
NSS Ltd Futurity- Shady Lil Dust Bunny & Rusty Ruby www.progressiverancher.com
M S S K G N T
Horse
Owner
Rider
Total
NSS LIMITED FUTURITY COW WORK Shady Lil Dust Bunny Rusty & Martha Ruby Gunna B Remedy Famous Mary Lee White Topsail Reinee Dunit Rae Ann Denny
Rusty Ruby 203 Mary Lee White 194 Dean Price 180
NSS OPEN FUTURITY COW WORK & ECNRCHA LAE FUTURITY SNAFFLE BIT OPEN
Mr Metallic Freckles Smart Smoken Remedy SJR Bella Star Neat King Flo Colenas Honey
Gary Stark Bret & Amie Paulick Dean & Sharon Rhoads Bieroth Ranch Dawn Pence
Gary Stark Bret Paulick Flint Lee Casey Bieroth Gary Stark
216.5 215 214 202.5 202.5
ECNRCHA LAE FUTURITY SNAFFLE BIT OPEN Mr Metallic Freckles Smart Smoken Remedy SJR Bella Star Kual Driving Cat George Booney Neat King Flo Topsail Reinee Dunit
Gary Stark Bret & Amie Paulick Dean & Sharon Rhoads Julie Masner Cori Shields Bieroth Ranch Rae Ann Denny
Gary Stark Bret Paulick Flint Lee Jeremy Meador Cori Shields Casey Bieroth Dean Price
216.5 215 214 213 209 202.5 180
ECNRCHA OPEN TWO REIN One Genuine Survivor
Racin Allen
Karl Smith
148
NRCHA NON PRO TWO REINED CLASSES Givmesomemoonshine Scott Short Perfect Light Time Laura Raynak
Scott Short Laura Raynak
141.5 133.5
Randa Allen
145.5
NRCHA YOUTH BRIDLE Judge Roy Boon
Randa Allen
NSS LIMITED DERBY REIN & CALL FOR COW Peps High Brow Miss Kitty Prom Mr Starlights Lady DW Lexie Frettin
Dylan Heishman Milt Oman Janie Welch Alethea Prewett
Dylan Heishman Trevor Fuhirman Janie Welch Alethea Prewett
209.5 206.5 204 188
NSS OPEN DERBY & REIN & CALL FOR COW Very Smart Rey GA Star Kitty Handy N Gotta Gun Tangy Cash N Pep Very Slic 45 Cayenne Cat SJR One Time Angel DR Pepto Lonely Too Miss Kitty Prom
Besty Searle Taylor & Amelia Wakley Flint & Bea Lee Liz Younger Bret & Amie Paulick Ken & Lorna Jones Rodney & Jasmine Koberstein Becky or Rolly Lisle Milt Oman
Matt Mori Wade Reaney Flitn Lee Matt Hoekenga Bret Paulick Todd Fitch Michael Vipham Rolly Lisle Trevor Fuhirman
220.5 220.5 219.5 219 218 217 216.5 211.5 206.5
ECNRCHA DERBY 4 & 5 YR OLDS OPEN Shez Wild Rose Very Smart Rey GA Star Kitty Handy N Gotta Gun Tangy Cash N Pep Cashin Lotto Chex Little Foot Cayenne Cat DR Pepto Lonely Billie The Silly
Gail Kolbe Betsy Searle Taylor & Amelia Wakley Flint & Bea Lee Liz Younger Matt & Leah Mori Wasy & Cara Small Ken & Loma Jones Becky or Rolly Lisle Tait Gurney
Flint Lee Matt Mori Wade Reaney Flint Lee Matt Hoekenga Matt Mori Michael Vipham Todd Fitch Rolly Lisle Don Lindsey
221 220.5 220.5 219.5 219 218 217.5 217 211.5 0
NSS & NRCHA OPEN BRIDLE CLASS REIN & CALL FOR COW Mister Dual Pepinic Little One Time SG Time Zone IX Smart Starlight
Ken & Lorna Jones Tammy Lee Flint & Bea Lee Liz Younger
www.progressiverancher.com
Todd Fitch Flint Lee Flint Lee Matt Hoekenga
222 220 220 219.5
The Progressive Rancher
November/December 2017
33
Winter is Coming:
Drought Initiative
NDA Caution When Buying Firewood Know what to look for to prevent being misled
S
PARKS, Nev. – With winter approaching, the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) urges consumers to be careful when purchasing firewood. Advertisements can mislabel firewood, leading buyers to believe they are purchasing more wood than they actually are. Per Nevada law, firewood measurements have specific language. Legal terms for trade of firewood in Nevada are: full cord (128 cubic feet), half of a cord (64 cubic feet) and fourth of a cord (32 cubic feet). Buyers should use caution if sellers use any other terms, which could be an attempt to mislead. “We receive reports of misleading sales online where sellers create their own terms for firewood,” Mike Gower, NDA Consumer Equitability division interim administrator said. “These terms, such as standing cord, kitchen cord, running cord, face cord, fencing cord, country cord, long cord and rick, are not legal and are often used to misrepresent the amount of wood.”
Plant Industry Division
$500,000 available to Nevada producers for water conservation projects Applications are due Nov. 20 By Jake Dick, agriculturist
T
hroughout Nevada's history, farmers and ranchers have faced and overcome issues that arise from drought. Over the years, severe droughts have been a threat to Nevada agriculture, which plays a crucial role in Nevada's economy. To better prepare Nevada’s producers for drought conditions, Governor Brian Sandoval has put together a task force to provide resources and promote water conservation and management activities. This year, the Nevada Department of Agriculture secured $500,000 for water saving and conservation projects in 2018. The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is seeking proposals from agricultural and livestock producers who are dedicated to implementing projects that facilitate water saving and conservation efforts. The request for applications (RFA) may be found on the NDA website, and applications must be submitted to the NDA by Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. After review, individual projects that support the development and use of water saving technology and/or best management practices will be selected. The most successful applications will include projects that improve water efficiency by 1.5 acre-feet in over-allocated basins; however, projects with a lower impact in other areas will still be competitively reviewed. To be considered, producers will need to describe the sustainability of their proposed water conservation projects, their operation’s need for the project, the ways they will reduce water usage and the methods they will use to evaluate their water savings. Producers must show their operation has been in business for at least three years or that they are well-established. It is also important that producers have means of measuring or calculating water usage prior to implementing their projects to demonstrate efficiency and/or a change in their water usage.
“The best way to prevent getting shorted firewood is to get the seller’s phone number, license plate, name and address,” Gower said. “Buyers should also ask for a receipt showing the price, kind and amount of wood.” Should a buyer believe they have been shorted wood, they are encouraged to contact the seller to about the purchase. If the dispute isn’t resolved, they can contact the NDA’s Consumer Equability Division. The Nevada Department of Agriculture promotes a business climate that is fair, economically viable and encourages environmental stewardship that serves to protect food, fiber and human health and safety through eff ective service and education. The NDA includes the five divisions of Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition and Plant Industry. 34 November/December 2017
This funding opportunity supports sustainable agricultural practices, which are in line with the goals of Governor Sandoval’s drought initiative, as well as the NDA mission. Funding recipients will continue to produce food and fiber that support the economy, while reducing the use of water. Proposals should be submitted by email to Jake Dick at jdick@agri.nv.gov AND mailed or delivered via hard copy to 405 South 21st St. Sparks, NV 89431. Visit agri. nv.gov/administration/grant_opportunities to view the RFA, application and scoring rubric.
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
Risk Management Agency
Or Call (775) 945-3444, ext. 1033, for an Insurance Guide.
http://www.unce.unr.edu/cropandlivestockguide/
For more information about the insurance products available, sales closing dates, and a listing of agents, see the Crop and Livestock insurance guide at the link below.
October 31, 2017 October 31, 2017 November 15, 2017 October 31, 2017 March 15, 2018
Are you aware of recent insurance programs to protect your crop, forage and livestock for the 2018 year? Insurance can be a great way to mitigate risk in your agricultural operation. Insurance Products Sales Closing Date start in October for the 2018 crop year. See guide for a listing of all closing dates. Below are some specific insurance product closing dates.
Crop, Forage and Livestock Insurance Options for Nevada Producers
INSURANCE OPTIONS OPTIONS FOR FOR INSURANCE INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR NEVADA PRODUCERS PRODUCERS NEVADA NEVADA PRODUCERS
Alfalfa Seed: Forage Production: Pasture, Rangeland and Forage: Wheat: Whole Farm Revenue Protection:
Crop, Forage and Livestock Insurance Options for Nevada Producers Crop, Forage and Livestock Insurance Options for Nevada Producers Crop, Options for Are youForage aware of recentand insuranceLivestock programs to protectInsurance your crop, forage and livestock for the 2018 year?Nevada Insurance can beProducers a great way to Aremitigate you aware insurance programs protect yourProducts crop, forage andClosing livestockDate for the 2018 year? Insurance be acrop greatyear. way to riskofinrecent your agricultural operation.to Insurance Sales start in October for thecan 2018 Aremitigate you aware insurance programs toInsurance protect yourProducts crop, forage andClosing livestockDate for the 2018 year? Insurance can be acrop greatyear. way to riskofinrecent your agricultural operation. Sales start in October for the 2018 See guide for a listing of all closing dates. Below are some specific insurance product closing dates. mitigate risk in your agricultural operation. Products Sales startproduct in October fordates. the 2018 crop year. See guide for a listing of all Insurance closing dates. Below are someClosing specificDate insurance closing See guide for a listing all closing dates. Below are some insurance product closing dates.products available, Alfalfa Seed: ofOctober 31, 2017 For specific more information about the insurance Alfalfa Seed: October 31, 2017 For information the insurance available, salesmore closing dates, andabout a listing of agents,products see the Crop ForageAlfalfa Production: Seed: October 31, 2017 For more information about the insurance products available, sales closing dates, and a listing of agents, see the Crop and Livestock insurance guide at the link below. Forage Production: October 31, 2017 sales closing dates, and aguide listingatoftheagents, see the Crop Pasture, Rangeland Forage: October November 2017 and Livestock insurance link below. Forage and Production: 31,15, 2017 and Livestock insurance guide at the link below. Pasture, Rangeland and Forage: November 15, 2017 http://www.unce.unr.edu/cropandlivestockguide/ Wheat: November October 31,15, 2017 Pasture, Rangeland and Forage: 2017 http://www.unce.unr.edu/cropandlivestockguide/ Wheat: October 31, 2017 http://www.unce.unr.edu/cropandlivestockguide/ Whole Farm Revenue Protection: March 15,31,2018 Or Call (775) 945-3444, ext. 1033, for an Insurance Guide. Wheat: October 2017 Whole Farm Revenue Protection: March 15, 2018 Or Call (775) 945-3444, ext. 1033, for an Insurance Guide. Whole Farm Revenue Protection: March 15, 2018 Or Call (775) 945-3444, ext. 1033, for an Insurance Guide.
2018 CROP & LIVESTOCK YEAR
HAVE YOU SEEN...
INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR NEVADA PRODUCERS
2018 2018 CROP CROP &&& LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK YEAR YEAR 2018 CROP LIVESTOCK YEAR
HAVE YOU HAVE YOU SEEN... HAVE YOU SEEN... SEEN...
www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
Risk Management Agency Risk Management Agency Risk Management Agency November/December 2017
35
N evada Farm Bureau NEVADA FARM BUREAU
Important Time for Washington, D.C. to Hear From Rural Nevada
S
everal critical issues have reached a point where rural Nevada needs to engage to let Washington, D.C. know about actions that need to be taken. If we don't stand up to make our views known, others will...and the results of what they believe should be done - will be devastating. The several issues on the current front-burner include Wild Horses, Sage Grouse Conservation and Comprehensive Tax Reform.
Overpopulated Wild Horses & Burros: Wild Horses are front and center for several reasons – not the least of the reason being the incredible overpopulation throughout the West, and especially so here in Nevada, where we have over half of the entire the on-range population. Earlier this fall, the U.S. House adopted an appropriations bill which included an amendment by Utah’s Congressman Chris Stewart. Th is language would remove the management barriers that Congress has put on through the strings of budgetary limitations for several years. Removing these Congressional directed limitations would allow the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to use the authority granted under the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burro Act. The attention now turns to the U.S. Senate and the completion of the budgetary process. Nevada Farm Bureau and other fellow advocates for responsible wild horse and burro management have been communicating with Nevada’s two U.S. Senators, Senator Dean Heller and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, on how extremely critical it is for BLM to be given the full ability to use the management options that the law provides. In many ways, it could be now – or never – as wild horse and burro populations have hit the level where management and population control are nearly beyond the capability to be carried out. BLM’s established appropriate management levels for Herd Management Areas, determined to be the number of wild horses to properly achieve healthy conditions and thriving ecological balance, is 27,000 horses and burros. There are currently 72,000 horses and burros on BLM rangelands. In Nevada, the appropriate management level was determined to be 12,811 wild horses and burros – as of March 2017 (before this year’s foal crop is factored in) 36 November/December 2017
By: Doug Busselman, Nevada Farm Bureau
the estimated population is 34,780. Given population growth trends of 20 percent, per year, the herd size doubles every 4-5 years, meaning the current population could reach 140,000 by 2021, unless changes are made… Those changes don’t mean continuing with the same limited and failing management approaches being touted as the solution. Fertility-control, could be one part of the overall answer, if the massive overpopulation wasn’t already out of control. In 2015, BLM spent about $100,000 on implementing population growth suppression measures – 469 animals were treated. Adoption of excessive wild horses and burros has averaged about 2,500 animals per year, over the past five years. Th is trend in the number of adopted animals doesn’t even cover half the population growth of Nevada, let alone the entire western region. Because of the restrictions that U.S. lawmakers have placed on using necessary management tools to be available – they are the ones who need to act in order to bring the overpopulation situation to appropriate management levels. Th is means not only removing the excess numbers from the range, but also responsibly providing the ability for sale authority as well as humane euthanasia of un-adoptable horses. Taxpayers are covering the costs (about $50 million per year) for care of horses and burros in holding offrange facilities. Th is eats up over 63 percent of BLM’s horse and burro program budget, leaving only 3.9 percent of the budget for gathering and removing excessive animals from the over-populated ranges. If you haven’t connected with Nevada’s U.S. Senators, to urge their leadership in authorizing necessary management actions – please make it a point to make those contacts!
Sage Grouse Conservation: Sage Grouse conservation is another range-related matter that needs priority attention. Based on the ruling of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, related to BLM’s designation of Sagebrush Focal Areas, the agency is providing for public input on the potential for amending their 2015 land use plans. “The BLM is committed to being a good neighbor and cooperating with its partners at all levels of government, including state, as well as tribal leaders, The Progressive Rancher
industry and conservation groups, ranchers and other stakeholders throughout the amendment process,” Acting BLM Director Mike Nedd is quoted in a recent news release. The opportunity for input to a scoping process for public comments on greater sage-grouse land management issues, with a possible update for land use plans, should include the switch to adoption of Nevada’s conservation plan. In 2015, the federallyimposed land-use amendments were initiated in spite of there being a Nevada plan, which was prepared to advance a state-based conservation program. Participation in this public process and pressing for major improvements to the federal-one-size-fits-all mandate needs to be a priority over the time frame that will be provided. Federal agencies (BLM, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) were all involved in developing the Nevada sagebrush ecosystem plan, as were state agencies like the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the Nevada Department of Conservation. Th is plan addressed Nevada-specific circumstances and didn’t have the strong anti-livestock grazing bias that the federally-imposed land use plans sought to implement. While changing the current land-use plans to follow the Nevada conservation plan would be the preferred option, the minimum acceptable change will correct the anti-livestock management regime that were instituted by the Washington. D.C. knows best approach from 2015. As demonstrated again this past summer, the major sagebrush ecosystem threat is wildfire and expanding livestock grazing will go a long way in protecting the real problems for improved rangeland conditions. Following the findings of the University of Nevada, Reno research for non-growing season cheat-grass grazing practices will also greatly enhance management of the issues for invasive fine-fuel that is linked to wildfire devastation. Nevada’s sage grouse conservation plan needs to be allowed to be implemented as replacement for the 2015 federal land use plan and the clock needs to be reset to allow for the full opportunity for the state plan to be successful. Th is is related to the pending fiveyear re-review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife for the status of whether the greater sage grouse needs to be listed. It should be noted that even though the federal land use plan was put in place from a bureaucratic perspective, little action has been translated into action www.progressiverancher.com
N evada Farm Bureau NEVADA FARM BUREAU on the ground. Replacing the federal plan with the Nevada plan should provide the opportunity for the state approach to be fairly evaluated. Along the way for implementing the Nevada sage grouse conservation plan, we can’t help but also point out the importance of the accomplishing the necessary steps for bringing wild horse and burro populations into appropriate management levels. The damage un-controlled and overpopulated horses are causing to very critical sage grouse habitat areas needs to be addressed and should be strongly emphasized in public comments for what federal land management agencies could be doing to improve sage grouse conditions.
Comprehensive Tax Reform: Last, but far from least, Nevada’s two U.S. Senators – and your Congressman, need to hear from you about the importance of fi xing our broken federal tax system! Farm Bureau supports replacing the current federal income tax with a fair and equitable tax system that encourages success, savings, investment and entrepreneurship. We believe that the new code should be simple, transparent, revenue-neutral and fair to farmers and ranchers. Tax Deduction For Interest Expenses: One of the issues we’d like to highlight is the concern we have over proposed limits for the deduction for interest expenses. Providing a deduction against current and future interest income equates to eliminating the business tax deduction for farmers and ranchers (as well as many other small businesses) since it is rare for a farm/ranch business to have interest income. Farm Bureau strongly supports the continuation of the deduction for business interest expense! The business of farming and ranching is almost completely debt financed with little to no access to investment capital. In 2015, all but five (5) percent of farm/ ranch sector debt was held by banks, life insurance companies and government agencies. Loss of the interest deduction will harm agricultural producers’ liquidity, make it harder for them to purchase land and production inputs. It could easily lead to stagnation in the agricultural sector!
business success, plan for business purchases and manage taxes. Like-Kind Exchanges: Farm Bureau supports the continuation of Section 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges for real property such as land and buildings. Th is is also available for personal property like equipment and vehicles. Livestock producers have similar considerations for their applications. Estate Taxes: We consider bringing the Death Tax to an end as one of the biggest priorities to be addressed in the comprehensive tax reform package! Farm Bureau supports permanent repeal of federal estate taxes. Full unlimited stepped-up basis at death must be included in any estate tax reform. Landowners should have the option of unlimited current use valuation for estate tax purposes and Capital gains taxes should not be imposed on transfers at death. Until permanent repeal is achieved, the exemption should be increased, be indexed for inflation and continue to provide for portability between spouses. Capital Gains Taxes: Farm Bureau supports eliminating the capital gains tax. Until this is possible, the tax rate should be reduced and assets should be indexed for inflation. In addition there should be an exclusion: • for agricultural land that remains in production, • for transfers of farm business assets between family members, • for farmland preservation easements and development rights, and • for land taken by eminent domain. Taxes should be deferred when the proceeds are deposited into a retirement account.
Pass-Th rough Businesses: Any tax reform proposal considered by Congress must be comprehensive and include individual as well as corporate tax reform. The vast majority (94 percent) of farms and ranches are taxed under IRS provisions affecting individual taxpayers. Any tax reform proposal which doesn’t fairly treat those taxed under the individual and corporate tax codes will not help the bulk of all farmers and ranchers who operate outside the corporate tax code. Tax reform should help all farm and ranch businesses, including sole-proprietors, partnerships and sub-S and C Corporations. Effective Rates: Any tax reform plan that lowers rates by expanding the base should not increase the overall tax burden (combined income and self-employment taxes) of farmers and ranchers. Profit margins in farming and ranching are razorthin and this places many such businesses in the lower tax brackets. Tax reform plans which fail to factor in the impact of lost deductions for all rate brackets could result in a tax increase for agricultural producers…not an acceptable option! Cost Recovery: Because of the high costs for input costs, farmers and ranchers place a high value on immediate expensing of equipment, production supplies and pre-production costs. Business deductions that allow these agricultural enterprises to recover cost more quickly reduce net business income, effectively reducing taxable income and creating funds for increased business investments. Cash Accounting: Cash accounting is the preferred method of accounting for farmers and ranchers because it provides the flexibility to optimize cash flow for www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
November/December 2017
37
N evada Farm Bureau NEVADA FARM BUREAU
Nevada Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
A
By: Brittney Pericoli, Director of Communications, Nevada Farm Bureau
s the leaves began to change the count down has begun for the Nevada Farm Bureau annual convention. The 98th annual convention will take place November 16-18, at the Carson Valley Inn in Minden, Nevada. Registration for the 98th annual convention is now available at, http://nvfb.org/annual-meeting/. This year’s registration cost is $140, which includes entry to all events and four meals. Registration is available for purchase by cash, check and credit card. The tentative schedule is as followed:
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • • • • • • • • •
Registration area would be opened at 10 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Open Resolutions Session Chaired by Nevada Farm Bureau Vice Chairman, Bevan Lister Lunch on your own 1:00 p.m. – Opening Session - • President’s Report - Nevada Farm Bureau President, Hank Combs - • County Farm Bureau Reports - County Farm Bureau Presidents 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Voting Delegate Session 4:15 p.m. – Information Conference – “Farm Bureau’s Work On Regulatory Reform” Paul Schlegel, Director Environment & Energy Policy, American Farm Bureau Federation 5:30 p.m. Social 6:30 p.m. – Opening Dinner
• 5:30 p.m. - YF&R Discussion Final Round 1 (4 -6 contestants) • 6:30 p.m. Social and • 7:00 p.m. Awards & Recognition Dinner
Saturday, November 18, 2017 • • • • •
Registration area would be opened at 7:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Farm Bureau Breakfast 9:30 a.m. – General Session & Voting Delegates Conclude Policy Work & Elections Nevada Farm Bureau Board Meeting after the conclusion of the delegate session
For more information on this years annual convention visit, http://nvfb.org/ annual-meeting/, or feel free to contact us at the Nevada Farm Bureau office at 775-674-4000. We look forward to the 98th annual convention and hope you can join us at this years meeting.
Friday, November 17, 2017
• Registration area would be opened at 7:30 a.m. - Lobby • 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Nevada Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Meeting • 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – YF&R Meeting • 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.– Information Conference – How will Energy Choice ballot question and further changes impact agricultural electric energy power availability/costs? • 9:30 a.m. 10 a.m. Break - Lobby • 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Information Conference – Farm Bureau’s Tools For Staying In Touch With Your Elected Representatives • 10:00 a.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Prep Meeting • 10:00 a.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Judges • 11:00 a.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Round 1 (4 -6 contestants) • YF&R Discussion Meet Round 1 (4 -6 contestants) • Noon – COUNTRY Financial Lunch • 1:30 p.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Round 1 (4 -6 contestants) • YF&R Discussion Meet Round 1 (4 -6 contestants) • 2:45 p.m. - 3 p.m. Break – Lobby • 3:00 p.m. – District Caucus Meetings - * District I (Southern NV Counties) - District II (Northeastern NV Counties) - * District III (Northwestern NV Counties) (*Districts I & III – Elections For District Director) • 3:30 p.m. – Nomination Committee • One man and one woman from each county Farm Bureau • 4:00 p.m. – Information Conference – An Update From Dr. Bill Payne, Dean of CABNR 38 November/December 2017
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
N evada Farm Bureau NEVADA FARM BUREAU
What to Know About Electronic Logging Devices
A
By: Brittney Pericoli, Director of Communications, Nevada Farm Bureau
s time is ticking away for drivers of commercial trucks to make the switch from paper logbooks to an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) the California Cattlemen's Association held a workshop on September 20th to give those affected a better understanding of the regulations and agriculture exemptions. An ELD synchronizes with a vehicle engine to automatically record driving time, for easier, more accurate hours of service recording. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) says, "The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) rule is intended to help create a safer work environment for divers, and make it easie and faster to accurately track, manage, and share Records of Duty Status (RODS) data." What that means for Carries and drivers who are using paper logs or logging software must transition to the electronic log system no later than December 18, 2017. Carriers and driver who use Automatic On-board Recording Device (AOBRDS) prior to the compliance date must transition to ELDs no later than December 16, 2019. The ELD rule applies to most motor carries and drivers who are currently required to maintain Records Of Duty Status (RODS). This includes commercial buses as well as trucks. According to FMCSA, the ELD rule allows limited exceptions to the ELD mandate. The exceptions include: • Drivers who operate under the short-haul exceptions may continue using timecards: they are not required to keep RODS and will not be required to use ELDs. • Drivers who use paper RODS for not more than 8 days out of every 30-day period. • Drivers who conduct drive-away-tow-away operations, in which the vehicle being driven is the commodity being delivered. • Drivers of vehicles manufactured before 2000. • Delivering supplies and equipment for agricultural use from a wholesale or retail distribution point. • Exempt from recording the driving and working hours preformed within 150 air-mile radius. For a full list of hours of service and agriculture exemptions visit, https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa. dot.gov/files/docs/regulations/hours-service/elds/81736/ eldshours-service-and-agriculture-exemptions.pdf
www.progressiverancher.com
“Training is very important to make sure time is used correctly,” said Jerry Calderon a Nevada Federal Program Specialist for the FMCSA. One of the major things Calderon expressed during his speech at the ELD workshop was making sure to take the time to train employees on how to adequately use agriculture exemptions to your advantage. If hours are incorrectly logged and you are stopped by law enforcement you can potentially be in violation of the ELD law and face fines.
Photograph taken by Sabrina Reed
ELD duty status categories to be aware of are: • Driving: An ELD automatically switches to driving status once the vehicle is moving at a speed of no more than five miles per hours. • On Duty Not Driving: When the vehicle has not been in motion for five consecutive minutes, the ELD will prompt the driver to confirm driving status, if the driver doesn’t respond within one minute, the ELD will automatically switch to on-duty not driving status. • Off-Duty: The driver should indicate off-duty status or must edit and annotate the record later. Periods of authorized personal use may also be considered off duty time. • Sleeper-Berth: The driver should indicate sleeper berth status for sleeper berth periods or must edit and annotate the RODS later. Special driving categories to note: • Authorized Personal Use: A driver can record periods when using a vehicle for authorized personal time. • Yard Moves: A driver can record periods of yard moves. • Adverse Operations: A driver can annotate the record to document sudden bad weather, crashes, or other unforeseeable conditions. • Oilfield Operations: A driver can annotate the record to indicate oilfield operations. The Progressive Rancher
When it comes to purchasing the right ELD it is important to check that the ELD you are buying is compliant. Things to keep an eye out for when making an ELD purchase include: • Meet all technical and functional specs set by the FMCSA, https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ hours-service/elds/faqs • Be self –certified and on the FMCSA ELD registry, https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/ELD/List • Automatically record when vehicle is in motion. • Have mute functionality for sleeper berth. • Make records available to enforcement: - Display requirement - Ability to transfer records roadside - eRODS- reads data stream only, not annotations, gives officers info about violations, tampering, etc. Congress has yet to react to a waiver submitted by the American Farm Bureau Federation and seven livestock organizations asking the Transportation Department for a waiver and exemption from the fast-approaching ELD implementation deadline. With time running out and a waiver not foreseen at this time it is important to take advantage of the FMCSA website for frequently asked questions, https:// www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/faqs.
November/December 2017
39
Buckaroo Hall of Fame Inductees 2017
W
Four Northern Nevada Buckaroos Honored INNEMUCCA, NV; Four buckaroos honored at a ceremony at the Buckaroo Hall of Fame. Ed Chapin, Hank McNinch, Jess Laucerica and Tom McKnight. They all worked as buckaroos gathering and working cattle for various ranches in north central Nevada. They are known for their expertise in cattle handling, horsemanship and teaching others the traditional skills of the Great Basin Buckaroo.
Ed Chapin
Ed was born in Denver, Colorado in 1894. He moved to Burns, Oregon with his family. He left home alone on horseback with a pack outfit at the age of fourteen in 1908. The legacy of Ed Chapin, along with the help of his wife Alice, included his unique ability to combine family with his working buckaroo lifestyle. He worked as a jockey in Idaho for a few years and he was first introduced in the Great Basin with the Miller and Lux crew in McDermitt by Joe Annacabee, who owned a store there. He lived and worked in the northern Nevada portion of the Great Basin for about thirty-five years. He buckarooed in Oneil Basin and met Alice McKnight and married her in 1918. Over the years between 1922 and 1938 they had worked on many ranches and had five sons: George, Charlie, Vernon, Harold and Jerry. All of these sons have followed the rural lifestyle in the Great Basin. While one of his sons, Charlie, preceded him into the Hall of Fame in 2015. Many buckaroos crossed paths with Ed Chapin in his short life span and he had a profound effect on them. It is presumed that he died from an injury from working horses at the age of 55.
Hank McNinch
R. H. "Hank" McNinch grew up in a time of great change in the shadows of great buckaroos. He was the 10th child of 11, born June 28th, 1934 in Winnemucca, NV to Doss McNinch and Mabel (Gebhart) McNinch. Coming from such a large family allowed Hank to gain much of his experience through helping his older siblings and brothers-in-laws; Jay Fowler, John McErquiaga and Francis Hammond. From the time Hank can remember, he has had a rope in his hand. For a short time he worked with his dad and brother, Dave, drilling wells. Hank started his first job with Pete Pedroli when he was 9 years old, herding sheep and raking hay for Garley Amos. Growing up, Hank had numerous jobs working for and learning from some of the Great Buckaroos currently in the Hall of Fame such as Glenn Walcott, LoLo Munoz, Garley Amos, Thomas Pedroli, Albino Tais, and Lawrence Miller just to name a few. Hank worked all over the Great Basin buckarooing. He worked at the C.S., Dean Ranch, Circle A, Stevens Ranch and Sewell Ranch. He met Pat Nelson at Winnemucca Labor Day Rodeo in 1958 and they were married on Nov. 12 of that same year. They had a daughter Donna and son Hank. After many years of buckarooing in the Great Basin Hank and his wife Pat purchased a ranch outside Stockton, CA in 1968 and developed a good sized herd of cattle and pastured them all over California. Hank doesn’t ride as much anymore, he now enjoys the company of his grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He still lives near Stockton, CA and enjoys sharing stories about the days of buckarooing to anyone who will listen. 40 November/December 2017
Jess Laucerica
Jess Laucerica was born April 20, 1902, to Marcelino and Modesta Laucerica in Paradise Valley, Nevada. He was raised at the Summit Ranch in McDermitt and attended grade school in Oregon Canyon. The population of McDermitt at this time was 85% Native Americans, Chinese and many Basque on family ranches. Jess grew up with all of these kids and numbered them as friends. As a result, in addition to his native tongue which was Basque, he spoke Paiute, Spanish, English and a bit of Chinese. The ranch kids had to ride to school every day. Jess admitted that often he and his co-conspirators would go missing from school and maraud the wilds of Oregon Canyon chasing mustangs, smoking roll-your-owns, and generally having a rollicking grand time in the tradition of the Old West. As a young man, Jess worked as a buckaroo for the Lucky Seven Ranch in McDermitt and later worked for the Bengoa brothers at the King’s River Ranch in Orovada. He came to Battle Mountain in 1942 and went to work for Jesusa Saval at the Saval Ranches in Buffalo Valley. He was the cow boss for the Saval Ranches for the next 26 years, until his death in January 1968 at the age of 65.
Tom McKnight
A western novel or an old western movie would resemble the life and times of Tom McKnight because he was handsome, a cowboy, and a gentleman. Growing up on the family ranches in Charleston required him to ride along with his sister and brothers and the rest of his family. He married Ila Hewitt and had one son, Tim. He practiced the vaquero reining style of the snaffle bit, hackamore, two rein and bridle which was notorious in the Great Basin. He perfected the vaquero reining style in his long career, as evidenced by his own pinto horse, Cloud. He never lived outside of boundaries of the Great Basin, except for a brief period of time with WH Moffat’s pack outfit in California. He was well liked among ranchers and cowboys, and appeared to have few enemies. He did not have a reputation of partying or drinking, apparently buckaroo work was entertainment enough. He had been at Oneil Basin ranch for nephew, Charlie Chapin for a short time preceding his death when he died in his sleep in 1972 at the age of 66.
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
BANKING MEANS GROWING From operating lines and equipment financing to livestock purchases and real estate, our agriculture specialist, John Hays, will bring his knowledge and experience to the table and find the right financial solutions* so you can plan, prepare and grow.
BRING YOUR BANKING HOME.
nsbank.com | 775.748.4416
John Hays, Agricultural Banking Specialist NMLS #838218
*Loans subject to credit approval, terms and conditions apply. ZB, N.A. NMLS# 467014
www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
November/December 2017
41
HUMBOLDT WATERSHED COOPERATIVE Weed Management Area: Scotch Thistle by Andi Porreca, HWCWMA Coordinator
Hello from the Humboldt Watershed CWMA! The HWCWMA was developed to address the invasive weed problem and subsequent decline in water quality within the entire 16,843 square mile watershed, which covers most of Northern Nevada. The primary function of HWCWMA has been to provide land managers, owners and weed control groups assistance in the areas of funding, agency and weed group coordination and cooperation.
T
his month we would like to re-introduce you to one of Nevada’s state listed noxious weeds, scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium). Although we have written an article about scotch thistle in the past, this highly invasive plant seems to have really taken over the landscape during the last three years and we’d like to emphasize the importance of removing this thistle from your property before it establishes and out-competes almost everything. Scotch thistle is present in all of Nevada’s 17 counties. It drastically reduces productive rangeland by out competing desirable forage species. It can be so thick that it becomes an impenetrable, thorny barrier for ranchers, cattle, wildlife and recreationists.
stiff spiny bracts. Scotch thistle differs from musk thistle in the upright flower heads and the leafy stems below the flower heads.
Control and Management Because scotch thistle reproduces by seed, it is one of the few invasive weeds that can be controlled by mechanical, chemical and cultural methods. A persistent combination of these methods will yield the best results. Keep in mind that scotch thistle has the ability to germinate nearly year round. This adds to the difficulties associated with control and the timing of herbicide applications. A combination of control methods is recommended. • Prevention: The best and most cost effective method for weed control is prevention. This stage is often overlooked until costlier methods of control are required. By monitoring your land and destroying single plants or new infestations, great expense can be avoided. Cooperative effort among land managers is recommended to successfully prevent weed infestations among adjacent landowners. If a small infestation is found and eradicated immediately, before seeds are produced, it will reduce the chance of further infestation on your land and your neighbor’s.
Scotch Thistle rosette Scotch thistle is a native of Europe and Asia. It was introduced into the United States in the late 19th Century as an ornamental; it has since escaped cultivation. Scotch thistle is also known by two other common names: cotton thistle and woolly thistle. This is because the leaves and upper stems are covered with thick cottony hairs. Scotch thistle is an invasive weed that infests disturbed and neglected lands. It prefers sites near ditch banks and rivers, but also infests pastureland, crops, rangeland and roadsides. Its leaves are armed with sharp spines, making access to areas infested with scotch thistle difficult. Scotch thistle is a non-native biennial forb that reproduces solely by seed. A prolific seed producer, each plant can produce up to 14,000 seeds per plant. During its first year it develops a large spiny rosette, eliminating potential competing plants around its taproot by shading. In the second year Scotch thistle may grow 5 feet in diameter with branched flower stems 8 feet tall. The leaves are lobed with spiny margins that extend down the stems as spiny wings. The entire plant appears grayish-green because of a covering of fine white hairs. Purple flower heads are 1 to 2 inches in diameter with 42 September/October 2017
The Progressive Rancher
Scotch Thistle flower www.progressiverancher.com
• Mechanical/ Physical Controls: As always, please notify the HWCWMA if you Mechanical and physical control see Scotch thistle growing within the Humboldt is very effective if completed River Watershed. We have an opportunity to before scotch thistle goes to seed. stop invasive species from spreading if we act Mechanical control is effective quickly and our staff can provide the property because scotch thistle does not owner or appropriate public agency with sitereproduce vegetatively. Severing specific treatment options for these plants. The the roots of the rosette or the plant HWCWMA also maps and monitors heavily kills it. Small infestations can be infested sites in the watershed which allows the pulled by hand. This should be HWCWMA the ability to provide educational and done with caution while wearing financial assistance to land owners and groups in heavy gloves, a long-sleeved shirt their management efforts, ultimately improving and pant, and eye protection all of the qualities of the land and water in our because scotch thistle has stout watershed. spines. Most mechanical methods, The HWCWMA has also developed a website such as tilling, are not appropriate to serve as a clearinghouse for information on for rangeland and waterways. It invasive weeds in the Humboldt Watershed. is very important to keep scotch Our website (http://www.humboldtweedfree.org) thistle out of these areas. Mowing contains fact sheets for state listed noxious weeds in makes the stand more uniform, Nevada, Board of Director’s information, funding which makes herbicide applications partner’s links, and many more features including a more effective, but mowing does detailed project proposal packet that you can print, not kill scotch thistle. Mowing fill out and mail back to us at your convenience. before seed dispersal will limit We are looking to expand our project area outside the amount of seed available for of the Humboldt River and always welcome new germination. However, plants funding opportunities. are able to produce seed even Additionally, the HWCWMA is working with after they have been mowed. IFA in Elko on a 50/50 cost share program that will Consequently, mowing is not enable stakeholders with smaller projects to apply recommended unless used with a herbicide treatments at substantially lower costs. follow-up herbicide application or With minimal paperwork requirements, watershed tillage. land-owners/managers will purchase and apply • Biological/Cultural Controls: their needed herbicide; then notify HWCWMA Currently, there are no insect staff to arrange a site visit; we will collect copies biological control agents for scotch of your receipts, gather some site and application Scotch Thistle plant thistle in the United States. Sheep method information from you, and map your and cattle will not graze scotch project. You will then be reimbursed up to $250 thistle. Goats will, but only in its early rosette stage. After it has developed towards your treatment costs. Treatment costs can also include your time spent on the a coarse stem and stout spines, goats refuse to eat it. An infestation of project. An announcement of the details will be listed on our website soon. scotch thistle may be reduced or eliminated with the planting of competitive If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Andi Porreca, HWCWMA grasses. Revegetating an area with competitive grasses following treatment Coordinator at (775) 762-2636 or email her at aporreca@humboldtweedfree.org. helps prevent the invasion and establishment of new scotch thistle plants. Desirable forage that emerges during the growing season should be managed to increase its competitiveness. Not only does this help reduce the possibility of reinfestation by scotch thistle, the increased forage provides increased protection from soil erosion. As part of a good grazing plan, the establishment of desirable forages is integral to a weed management program. By monitoring for scotch thistle, not overgrazing pastures, and establishing desirable forage, scotch thistle’s threat can be reduced. • Chemical Control: Various chemicals control scotch thistle. The growing stages, environmental conditions, stand size, density, location, and the product’s cost are all factors to consider in selecting the correct herbicide for the job. A combination of chemical treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired level of control. Always check with your state or county weed specialist before purchasing and applying herbicides. The label on each product must be read, understood and followed correctly. It’s the law! Applying herbicides to scotch thistle rosettes is very effective. In this stage, applying products that contain clopyralid, dicamba, MCPA, picloram or 2, 4-D will successfully kill scotch thistle. It is effective to spray the rosettes in the spring or fall, but it is more effective in the fall. All live plants that escaped the spring application will be seedlings or rosettes and ready to be sprayed later in summer or fall. Do not let them go to seed.
Check out our NEW website! www.ProgressiveRancher.com
www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
September/October 2017
43
Elko County Fair 2017 Horse
Owner
Rider
Total
Horse
Owner
NON PRO SNAFFLE BIT Peach Whiskey Peps Highbrow Moonshine Amego JP Cougars Pistol
Will DeLong Dylan Heishman Matt & Mary Marvel Michael & Julie Irish Isaac & Wade Mori Jeff Garijo Dean & Sharon Rhoads Flint & Bea Lee
Will DeLong Dylan Heishman Matt Marvel Michael Irish
201.5 201 200 185.5
Gail Kolbe Liz Younger Badasci Jasmine Koberstein Nic Dowers
Rose Tangy Cash N Prep SJR One Time Angel Little Heart
Anthony Barnes Mary Branscomb Matt Marvel Gail Manoukian
Matt Mori Jeff Garijo Flint Lee Flint Lee
216.5 213 211 211
Anthony Barnes Mary Branscomb Matt Marvel Gail Manoukian
139.5 139 137.5 137.5
Katie DeLong Matt Barnes Lanny Morrison Matt Marvel
207 201 199.5 198.5
NON PRO HACKAMORE Fairlea Cherlena Gun Berts Cashn Chex TI Smokums Chance Frank Z
Katie DeLong Matt Barnes Lanny Morrison Matt Marvel
Flint Lee Matt Hoekenga Michael Vipham Susannah Campbell
215.5 212 208 205
Flint Lee Will DeLong
212 205
TWO REINED
NON PRO COWHORSE Champagne Cash Remedy Cash Bond Purrin Peach of a Whiz
Total
NEVADA HACKAMORE
OPEN SNAFFLE BIT Cashin Lotto Chex Playin Stylish Cat Zing Handy N Gotta Gun (Cera)
Rider
Paris Smoke from a 45
Bea Lee Will DeLong
NV CATTLE WORKING Handy N Gotta Gun (Cera) Playin Stylish Cat IX Smart Starlight Little One Time
Flint Lee Jeff Garijo Liz Badasci Tammy Lee
Flint Lee Jeff Garijo Matt Hoekenga Bea Lee
144 143 141.5 141
Jamie Marvel Katie DeLong Macy Rockwell Jennifer Black
207.5 193.5 128 0
WOMEN'S CLASS Jamie Marvel Katie DeLong Mary Branscomb Jolynn Maynard
Fairlea Bonita Lena Fairleas Silver Rose Pic Jewell
ECF 2 Rein- Paris, Owned by Flint & Bea Lee; shown by Flint Lee
Junior Rider 9-12, Best Boy: Billy DeLong
Judge
Mark Matson
Scribes
Debbie Armuth Kim Satterthwaite Katie Cavasin
CO-ED Branding Champ: 7-J Ranch: Jon Landa, Kade Sayler, Danielle Sayler, Abby Estes 44 November/December 2017
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
Horse
Owner
Rider
Total
LIMITED NON PRO BRIDLE Shawn & Mindy Goemmer Shawn & Mindy Goemmer Chris & Katie Cavasin Mike & Theresa Marvel
Wranglers Starlight Harlot Little Boondocks Micky
Riata Goemmer Dally Goemmer Katie Cavasin Mary Marvel
213 207 206.5 196.5
NV CHAMPION COWHORSE Handy N Gotta Gun (Cera) Tangy Cash N Pep Junior Holiday
Flint & Bea Lee Liz Younger Badasci John Welch Linda Robertson
Flint Lee Matt Hoekenga John Welch Casey Robertson
285.5 284.5 275.5 265.5
Flint Lee Bea Lee Casey Robertson
215 209.5 199.5
Peyton Feyder Anna Van Norman Lexi Garijo Anthony Barnes
217 206 204 199
OPEN BRIDLE SG Time Zone (Joe) Little One Time (Nikki) Holiday
Jr Riders 13-16 Champ Lil Benz-Peyton Feyder
Flint Lee Tammy Lee Linda Robertson JUNIOR RIDERS 13-16
Lil Benz One Time in Reno Champ Champagne Cash
Peyton Feyder Ty Van Norman Jeff Garijo Anthony Barnes
YOUNG BUCKAROOS 8 & UNDER
Best Boy
Little Black
Nick & Crue Dowers
Crue Dowers
142.5
Groot
Anna Rudolf
Anna Rudolf
141.5
148
Best Girl
JUNIOR RIDERS 9-12
Best Boy Perry
DeLong Kids
Billy DeLong
Reminics Kiss
Hanna Rose Kelley
Hannah Rose Kelley 148
Best Girl Champ NV Cowhorse-Handy N Gotta Gun Owned & Shown by Flint Lee
Young Buckaroos & Under Best Boy: Cure Dowes
Non Pro Hackamore Fairlea Cherlena Gun & Katie DeLong www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
Young Buckaroos 8 & Under Best Girl: Anna Rudolf
November/December 2017
45
Women's Branding
First Place:0 Timmy Lynn DeLong, Nora Lee, Jessica Kelly, Georgia Black Second Place: Mindy Goemmer, Dalley Goemmer, Riata Goemmer, Abby Estes Third Place: Jymme Dominquez, Katie DeLong, Jaci Garijo, Rita Fowler
ECF Open Bridle Champ - SG Time Zone & Flint Lee
Open Branding
First Place: Michael Mori, Quinn Mori, Asher Freeman, Hanes Holman Second Place: KC Weston, Sim Weston, Cole Weston, Range Martin Third Place: Snuff Peave, Wes Kerr, Taylor Wakley, Sam Venturraci
Open Incentive
First Place: KC Weston, Sim Weston, Cole Weston, Range Martin Second Place: Snuff Peavey, Wes Kerr, Taylor Wakley, Sam Venturraci Third Place: Flint Lee, Clay Norcutt, Jess Norcutt, Cowboy Rodriguez
Women Branding Champ - Flying M Ranch: Timmy LynnDeLong, Nora Lee, Jessica Kelly, Georgia Black
Jr Rider 9-12 Best Girl Rider: Hannah Kelley
Open Incentive Branding Champ-Bell Butte Boys: KC Weston, Sim Weston, Cole Weston, Range Martin
46 November/December 2017
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
Non Pro Cowhorse Champagne Cash & Anothony Barnes
Jr Riders 9-12 Champ Emma Garijo
ECF Women Class Marvel & Fairlea Bonita Lena ECF Young Buckaroos 8 & Under Champ: Ben Marvel
Co-Ed Branding
First Place: Jon Landa, Kade Sayler, Danielle Sayler, Abby Estes Second Place: Gary Garaventa, Rosie Bliss, Jesse Norcutt, Tammy Lee Third Place: John Jackson, Jessica Jackson, Renee Jackson, Russ Jackson Fourth Place: Timmy Lynn DeLong, RC Crutcher, Will Knight, Jessica Kelley
Team Roping
#11: Wes Tews, Chad Sestanovich #15: Curtis Robinson, Asher Freemen
Elko County Fair 2017 www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
November/December 2017
47
UPCOMING SPECIALS! Special Feeder Sale Tuesday, November 14th at 1:00 PM
SALE EVERY TUESDAY
Silver State Classic Calf and Feeder Sale Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 11:00 AM
Small Barn at 11:00 (Goats, Sheep, Pigs) Cattle Sale at 1:00 PM (Steers, Heifers, Cows, Bulls, Horses)
Special Feeder Sale Tuesday, Jan. 9th, 2018 at 1:00 PM
2055 Trento Lane, Fallon, NV 89406 (775) 867-2020 - Fax (775) 867-2021 FallonLivestock.com - Email FallonLivestock@gmail.com
The Tuesday special feeder sales are held in conjunction with our regular Tuesday sale. Please call for more information on these special sales, or to arrange transportation for your livestock.
Tommy Lee, Owner (775) 741-4523
48 November/December 2017
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com