Progressive Rancher - Nov/Dec 2016 by The Progressive Rancher

NCA 2009 Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award Recipient

IN THIS ISSUE

Fumes from the Farm

Riding for the NCA

Look Up

Nevada Cattlemen Assn.

NV Stallion Stakes

Nevada Cattlewomen

Elko County Fair

Beef Checkoff

Nevada Farm Bureau

Eye on the Outside

SRM

Plain and Brown

NRRC

Wild Horse

Range Plants for Rancher

Mind of Millenial

NV Department of Ag

BLM

Van Norman Results

American Lands Council

USDA News Release

Nevada Division of Forestry

Ramblings of a Ranch Wife

The Progressive Rancher Owner/Editor/Publisher – Leana Litten Carey progressiverancher@elko.net

Graphic Design/Layout/Production – Joshua Rinard Josh@LifeSpringDesign.com

Cover Photo by: Jennifer Whitely taken in Elko & Van Norman & Friends Youth Branding Nevada Water Law 101 Maggie Creek Ranch Stewardship Video History of Nevada Water Law Sage Grouse Initiative Fire on the Mountain Gold King Mine American Farm Bureau Federation Asks Presidential Candidates important questions Forest Service Survey Finds Record 66 Million Dead Trees USDA Announces $7 Million to Expand Wood Products and Wood Energy Marketshh

Published 9 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 Progressive Rancher is published monthly. The views and opinions expressed by writers of articles appearing in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor. Letters of opinion are welcomed by The Progressive Rancher. Rates for advertising are available upon request. Advertising in The Progressive Rancher does not necessarily imply editorial endorsement. Liability for any errors or omissions in advertisements shall not exceed the cost of the space occupied by the error or omission. The Progressive Rancher is free to people working and active in the livestock industry. The Progressive Rancher is donated to the agricultural industry. If you are not currently receiving this magazine on a regular basis, and would like to be a part of The Progressive Rancher family, contact us by e-mail at progressiverancher@elko. net, today, so we can include you on our mailing list. If you have moved or changed addresses, please notify us, by e-mail, so we can keep you informed. All requests for the magazine must be made by e-mail. © The Progressive Rancher Magazine. All rights reserved.

Leana Litten Carey, Owner/Editor

1188 Court St., #81, Elko, NV 89801 (208) 733-1828 • (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 2016

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com

A Message from our President

David Stix Jr.

ey there my friends, The month of September was a very busy month for all of us in your NCA leadership positions as well as for our hard working folks at the Nevada Department of Agriculture. With so much going on in so many places, I thought it very appropriate to share with you what we here at NCA have been doing to ensure that the livestock industry’s voice is being heard. It started on Tuesday, September 6th at the Smith’s Cottonwood Ranch in the O’Neil Basin. The Nevada Board of Agriculture met first on Tuesday to learn about the Stewardship Alliance of Northeastern Elko (S.A.N.E) and then on Wednesday the 7th to conduct the Board’s quarterly meeting. A big thanks to the Smith family for being such gracious hosts and showing us what happens in a remote spot such as the O’Neil Basin, and how neighbors can make a difference. The Board meeting went well with very little to vote on. However, great discussions were had on future items such as the electronic brand inspection system, which is here to stay. It will probably be another month before any discussions start as to the issue on brand fee increases, or at least until the state budget goes public. You were represented by Boyd Spratling and myself as board members along with key staff members of the NDA. Steve and Robin Boies were also in attendance as part of the host crew at the Cottonwood Ranch. After the Board Meeting was over it was straight to Boise, Idaho to join up with Ron Cerri, Kaley Sproul and Joe Guild who were already at the Public Lands Council 2016 Annual Meeting. Ron had a tough go with trying to obtain grant money from the pipeline funds for study projects. Good projects were funded though, including the PLC Public Relations Programs that are used to get the word out regarding all of the positive points of public grazing. I was asked to fill a seat on the Wild Horse Committee for PLC. However I’ll let you all know if they call me up, and if any of you have not been around PLC, they are a pretty tough nut to crack! While Thursday, September 8th kicked off with more PLC meetings and programs of the various committees, the National Wild Horse & Burro Advisory Board convened in Elko, NV. The PLC meetings showed some controversy when a vote was made to increase dues. The fees unfortunately did get raised. Other than that there was nothing too new going on within the meetings, but it was Elko where all of the fun was to be had! The livestock industry and NCA were well represented during the public input portion and our backs were being watched. Once again a pro wild horse person misrepresented our position on spay/neuter and Boyd set them straight. Tom Barnes was there to speak of the continuing need to reach AML. Also in attendance were Hanes Holman, Ron Torell, Demar Dahl, Ken Jones and many other ranchers. JJ Goicoechea gave a wonderful report as the Nevada State Veterinarian regarding the disgusting condition of some Wild Horses, as well as the poor conditions of the recourses needed to support these horses. Again and again it was made clear that the resources and the animals are not being managed properly. The best part of the week was Friday, September 9th back at PLC in Boise, a day all of us here in Nevada can be proud of. During the luncheon the Bureau of Land Management presented the Rangeland Stewardship award for a grazing permittee to the Mori Ranch of Tuscarora, NV. They also awarded the Rangeland Stewardship award for a collaborative team to the Shoesole Resource Management Group of Elko County. We are so proud of the Mori family and the Shoesole Group for achieving these awards. It is really sweet when it is presented in another state at a function that was dominated by Idaho and all they do in their state. Meanwhile, I made it back down to Elko to attend my first Wild Horse meeting www.progressiverancher.com

on Friday. I was not disappointed that I missed the best part. The committee voted on the recommendations and clearly it was overwhelmingly noticeable that they are all on board. The specific language of the recommendation is: “BLM should follow stipulations of the WHB Act by offering all suitable animals in long and short term holding deemed unadoptable for sale without limitation or humane euthanasia. Those animals deemed unsuitable for sale should then be destroyed in the most humane manner possible.” On another note, some major land issues have been brewing on this side of the state. First, there is a concerning Washoe County Federal Lands Bill being discussed. Within this bill there will be millions of acres in Northern Washoe County; this includes many permits, which will be designated as Wilderness Area. The other issue is the expansion of the Fallon Navy Base’s Bombing Range Facilities. This will designate many acres of Federal Land, which also includes several permits, deemed not for public use. They are in the beginning stages though and I’ll keep you posted. Again everyone, I just wanted to pass on to you what NCA is doing and to keep in mind that we are always looking out for the best interests of the industry. Take care and keep in touch, Davy Stix Jr. President, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association

Nevada Ranchers Receive BLM Rangeland Stewardship Awards

By Kaley Sproul

OISE, Idaho (September 9, 2016) – Today, at the 2016 Public Lands Council Annual Meeting in Boise, Idaho the Bureau of Land Management announced the winners of this year’s Rangeland Stewardship Awards. We at Nevada Cattlemen’s Association are excited that two of the four awards given were received by Nevada Ranchers! We would like to congratulate the Mori’s of Tuscarora, NV for winning the Rangeland and Stewardship award for a grazing permittee. They have strived to maintain healthy rangelands while maintaining a sustainable livestock operation. The other winners from Nevada are the Shoesole Resource Management Group of Elko County; they are the recipients of the Rangeland Stewardship award for a collaborative team. Members of this group include the Cottonwood, Boies and Home ranches. They are a collaborative, consensus-based group, working on natural resource management and are devoted to sustaining healthy and productive public and private landscapes. “I am proud that Nevada ranchers are getting the positive national recognition they’ve earned!!!” states Kathryn Dyer, BLM Nevada State Program Lead. Each year the BLM recognizes accomplishments of grazing permitees/lessees and other partners involved with public land management. The winners of these rangeland awards are all dedicated to improving land management through implementation of successful management practices on public land. For more information on things happening within the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association please visit our website at www.nevadacattlemen.org, like us on Facebook or contact our office at 775-738-9214.

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016 3

By Kaley Sproul, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director

Nevada Cattlemen's Association Nevada Cattlemen's Association 51st Annual Fallon Annual 2016 Convention e are approaching the 81st Annual Nevada Cattlemen’s AsAll Breeds Bull Sale sociation Joint Convention and Trade Show held December

1-3, 2016 at the Nugget Hotel and Casino in Sparks, Nevada. This year, our Annual Convention and Trade Show will be held in conjunction with California Cattlemen’s Association. The Convention brings together not only Nevada Cattlemen’s (NCA) and Land Action Associations (NLAA), and also Nevada CattleWomen, Nevada Woolgrowers, Nevada Rangeland Resources Commission and the Central Grazing Committee. The Annual Convention is an important event allowing cattlemen and women to gather information, attend educational events, and form policies that guide the association into the future. Policy committee meetings will be focused on reviewing and adopting new NCA policies. This will ensure attendees are able to make the most of their convention experience and get up-to-date information on the issues that could have the greatest impact on their operation. As always, top government and industry officials will be on hand to participate in the discussions. To encourage new membership NCA is offering a special to Young Cattlemen 35 years of age or younger for a $50 registration fee. This registration includes the Trade Show NFR Party, all three Cattlemen’s College sessions, meetings, the tradeshow breakfast, lunch, and Wine & Cheese Reception, and the NCA’s Annual Awards Banquet. Please see our webpage, www.nevadacattlemen.org for more information on prices and how to register. Be sure to register for the meeting by November 21st because pre-registration is discounted. However, on-site registration is available at the Nugget beginning December 1st. There will be an abundant line-up of speakers and much fun to be had. The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association looks forward to seeing you at this year’s convention!

Nevada Ranch Honored for Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

aggie Creek Ranch and the Searle family of Elko, Nev. were named national winners of the 2015 Environmental Stewardship Award. The award recognizes ranchers for their commitment to outstanding land management practices which create healthy, balanced ecosystems. “Maggie Creek Ranch exemplifies environmental stewardship in the beef community, illustrating how ranching families work every day with the land, natural resources and cattle to better the environment,” said Philip Ellis, President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “When cattlemen and women, like the Searle family, dedicate themselves to conservation efforts the entire industry benefits.” Raising cattle in sage brush country since 1975, Maggie Creek Ranch operates on two-thirds owned land and one-third permitted federal land. Ranch manager Jon Griggs has worked for many years to build trust with various partners and collaborate on conservation projects. One of those key partners is the Bureau of Land Management. “We have had a common vision of the watershed and what the land should look like,” said Carol Evans, Fisheries Biologist, BLM. “Never mind the land boundaries, we just get to work.” The ranch works to improve habitat for wildlife, including threatened and endan 4 November-December 2016

t is that time of year again for our Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale. This year we are celebrating our 51st year of gathering in Fallon, Nevada for this traditional sale! Our sale will be held February 18, 2017 at the Fallon Livestock Exchange at 11:00 a.m. All bull entries are subjected to be sifted and graded Friday, February 17, 2016 at 7:30 a.m. Please contact the office if you have questions regarding the health requirements for the sale. The FBS Committee is also inviting all who would like to become more involved in this sale to come participate as a committee member. The first meeting to be held this year will be on November 30th at 5:30 p.m. at Stockman’s Insurance, 1664 U SS Hwy 395, Suite 107, Minden, NV. This meeting is where decisions are made for the upcoming bull sale. For the past 51 years, producers from Nevada and the surrounding states have worked hard to bring the best quality range ready bulls to the sale to provide our buyers with quality and selection. Bulls range from yearlings to two-year olds of different breeds and are bought and sold at the annual sale. We are still accepting consignments for this year’s sale. The deadline is December 1, 2016. February 17, 2016 will feature the Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale Invitational Stock Dog Trial at the Fallon Livestock Exchange beginning at 8:00 a.m. All are welcome to enjoy the Fallon Bull Sale Dinner and Dance hosted by the Churchill County Cowbelles. During the sale the next day will be a Stock Dog Auction of 3 dogs shown during the trials on Friday. All proceeds from the Stock Dog Trial are donated to benefit families in need of help in the livestock industry. The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association would like to thank the many dedicated cosigners and buyers that participate in the sale each year. We would also like to thank the dedicated sponsors and people that support the sale and the association. Without all of their help this sale would not be possible. We look forward to seeing you there! If you have questions regarding the sale or would like a copy of the sale catalog please contact the sale office at 1-775-738-9214 or email the sale secretary at nca@ nevadabeef.org. The catalog will also be posted on the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association web page www.nevadacattlemen.org. gered species. One project of particular success was the installation of irrigation diversions and a fish passage to protect the Lahontan cutthroat trout. Protective structures in the stream ensure the fish can move up and down the creek, spawn and access food sources. A healthy habitat at Maggie Creek Ranch is an ecosystem to support fish, wildlife and cattle in a sustainable manner which is part of a family tradition that started nearly 40 years ago with Sally Searle and her late husband, Bill. “This award is such a personal thing for us with my grandfather being gone,” said Bekah Klarr, granddaughter of the Searles. “He really lives on through environmental stewardship and that heritage that he passed to us, which means a lot.” Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Environmental Stewardship Award Program was created to recognize beef producers who make environmental stewardship a priority on their farms and ranches while improving production and profitability. The award is presented by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation and NCBA, and is sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, NRCS, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “The Searle family and each of our 2015 regional winners are examples of the best in American agriculture,” said Dave Owens, U.S. Range and Pasture Marketing manager for Dow AgroSciences. “These winners make a living from the land and leave it better than when they started. We are proud to honor these outstanding environmental stewards.”

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com

Smith Creek Ranch Honored for Stewardship Efforts

By Kaley Sproul

ENVER (July 15, 2016) – Smith Creek Ranch, Austin, Nev., was honored last week as one of six Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winners during the Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting. The award, which is sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation, is presented to farmers and ranchers who are working hard to protect America’s natural resources. Originally operated as a Pony Express station, the 230,000 acre ranch includes many historic buildings and is important habitat for Lahontan cutthroat trout and sage grouse, and Smith Creek Ranch’s stewardship efforts have included restoration of more than two miles of creek bed on the ranch. Additionally, Smith Creek Reservoir on the ranch provides habitat for migrating waterfowl and irrigation water while meadows on deeded lands supply hay and provide habitat for sage grouse and other wildlife. Through extensive monitoring of rangeland, Smith Creek Ranch has also demonstrated the compatibility of livestock and sage grouse with practices that reduce habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation. “Smith Creek Ranch has always been on the cutting edge of environmental stewardship. They are open to partnerships with really diverse entities,” said Susan Abele, Nevada State Coordinator, Partners for Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). “There’s a lot of challenges in managing a ranch in the Great Basin and they really work hard to partner to solve problems.” Those partnerships include close relationships with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, USFWS, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and others. By working closely with state and federal agencies, the ranch is able to tap a significant pool of resources and serve as an example to other ranches in the region. “I know and talk to all of the permittees we work with,” said Terri Knutson, Stillwater Field Manager, Bureau of Land Management. “Just having an example like the Smith Creek Ranch to be able to show what these relationships can be like, is pretty valuable.” Smith Creek Ranch was purchased by the Hendrix family in 1994 and since that time, two ranch managers have played a vital role in enhancing the stewardship of the ranch’s extensive resources, driven by the Hendrix’s commitment to leave the ranch in better condition than they found it, despite sometimes difficult conditions. “From a cow standpoint, this is kind of a tough part of the country to make a living in. I think that if we can graze and produce a cow sustainably in central Nevada, we can do it just about anywhere,” said Duane Coombs, the previous manager for Smith Creek Ranch. That sustainability is the result of a commitment to responsible stewardship and a long track-record of improvements to the ranch itself. “The Hendrix family has a tremendous value for the land and they’re excited to see that land flourish and become even more productive because of the efforts here on the ranch,” said Sam Lossing, Ranch Manager, Smith Creek Ranch. “Those benefits don’t just impact livestock, they extend to Kaley Sproul, everything that lives on the ranch and in the sageNCA Executive Director brush landscape here.”

www.progressiverancher.com

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016 5

Cattlewomen Plan Their 2016 Convention By Sidney Wintermote

ello and happy fall! It is has been absolutely beautiful here in Northeastern Nevada and I hope the season has treated you all just as well. The 2016 Joint Annual Nevada Cattlemen’s Association and Trade Show will be here before we know it. Convention will be held at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, NV. You should have received your registration packets in the mail by now. The Nevada Cattlewomen’s Breakfast and General

Meeting is scheduled for Friday, December 3rd at 7:00 am. We have a few scheduled speakers that I think you will enjoy including American National CattleWomen President, Ann Nogan. Nevada CattleWomen, Inc. is officially on the “social media” wagon with a brand new Facebook page. You can find us at fb.me/cwnv.inc or simply as Nevada CattleWomen, Inc. under your Facebook browser. We plan to keep everyone updated on our events through this page. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention will be held February 1-3, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Ladies of the Nevada CattleWomen, Inc. are selling raffle tickets for a wooden ice chest to help send myself and Vice President, Staci Emm to represent Nevada. Please contact a CattleWomen member or check out our Facebook page for more information. I wish you all a blessed holiday season and I hope to see you all at our general meeting and breakfast during the 2016 convention.

Nevada Cattlemen's Association Statement on NAS Expansion

By Nevada Cattlemen’s Association

n reference to the Fallon Range Training Complex and Modernization Environmental Impact Statement, the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association opposes the expansion of said facilities which will cause the loss of important grazing lands. The loss of these grazing lands means a net loss in livestock numbers resulting in a serious loss in revenue to the ranchers as well as a decrease in the local and state economies. A net loss of cattle numbers also equates to a decrease in safe, local American raised beef and an increase in the importing of unsafe beef from out of country. Each individual rancher must make his or her own decision on their future. In any case, the NCA would ask that the U.S. Navy and our Congressional Delegation please work on a compensation plan that would allow any rancher looking at eviction to be just compensated. So that those ranchers affected by it can look elsewhere for a suitable grazing area as to not cause a net reduction in cattle numbers. Furthermore, NCA stands with our Sportsman, the hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, who will lose access to these areas as well. Certain hunting organizations have worked hard and have invested money towards improving and creating a habitat to help increase wild game numbers. It takes all of us to maintain access to our public lands. 6 November-December 2016

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com

Senate Report Highlights EPA Enforcement of WOTUS Rule UPCOMING SALES

November 30th Nugget Casino & Resort, Sparks, Nv Catalog Deadline: November 11th

January 5th Cottonwood, CA

Consignment Deadline: December 27th

WATCH & LISTEN TO THE SALE on the Web at:

For details call (530) 347-3793 or the representative nearest you:

Gary Nolan

Mark Venturacci

(775) 934-5678

(775) 427-8713

Elko, NV

Fallon, NV

Steve Lucas

Paradise Valley, NV

(775) 761-7575

Brad Peek— (916) 802-7335

By Chase Adams Shawna Newsome

ASHINGTON (Sept. 20, 2016) – Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee released their report highlighting examples of EPA illegally asserting jurisdiction over features traditionally exempt from the Clean Water Act. Despite the fact that the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals continues their nationwide stay on enforcement of EPA’s “waters of the United States” final rule, the report demonstrates that EPA is in fact, enforcing the WOTUS rule and expanding jurisdiction beyond congressional intent. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Tracy Brunner said this report is conclusive evidence of EPA’s continued efforts to expand their jurisdiction over all waters. “While the Courts have temporarily suspended enforcement and implementation of the rule, the EPA continues to exercise federal control over private land in a way that erodes the agricultural exemptions in the Clean Water Act,” said Brunner. “This report clearly shows that EPA continues to regulate private property, including ditches and furrows, without any statutory or legal justification.” For cattle producers, the report highlights two cases where EPA took enforcement action against normal farming and ranching activities which are exempt from the Clean Water Act. In one instance, EPA intervened when a California rancher plowed crop land that was previously used for cattle grazing. In that matter, EPA noted that by plowing, the rancher created furrow tops that served as ‘uplands’ and ‘served as small mountain ranges’ which disqualified the plowing from the agricultural exemption. In the second instance, a rancher who created a stock pond was informed the pond was too ‘aesthetic’ and therefore fell outside the stock pond exemption. “While EPA has consistently claimed that the WOTUS rule preserves the exemptions for normal farming and ranching activities, their regulatory track record proves the exact opposite,” said Brunner. “The broad and undefined terms of the WOTUS rule have created regulatory uncertainty for producers and given EPA complete subjective control in defining their jurisdiction over every drop of water in the United States.” Prior to a Senate vote on legislation to fix the WOTUS Rule, 11 Senators sent a letter to the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers asserting that they reserve the right to support efforts to revise the rule, should EPA enforcement erode traditional exemptions. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee report clearly highlights examples of the agencies doing just that. NCBA calls on these 11 Senators to work together with the Committee to forge a compromise that will bring regulatory certainty to cattle producers and preserve the agricultural exemptions of the Clean Water Act.

Rose Feed and Supply Under New Ownership/Management

or email us at wvm@wvmcattle.com

Custom gates and fencing Specialized feeds for 4-H show season All your calving, branding and weaning supplies Heating and bbq pellets Chicks, ducks, geese and turkeys ask us about our delivery options

Look for the catalog and video on our website www.wvmcattle.com

Market your cattle with the professionals!

Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

775-625-1515 • 775-421-6816

4320 W. Winnemucca Blvd., Winnemucca, NV 89445

www.progressiverancher.com

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016 7

CHECKOFF NEWS: Research with Las Vegas Chefs Helps Spur Beef Innovation

id you know that your checkoff dollars also fund research and development of innovative beef products? The Beef Innovations Group is a team of meat and food scientists, product developers, chefs, consumer researchers, packaging specialists, and marketers, inspiring beef innovation to launch successful new products into the market. One recent research project executed by the Beef Innovations Group took place right here in Nevada, and involved exploring the potential of a cold smoked fresh beef product –a creative way to wood smoke fresh raw beef while maintaining a specified temperature. The Beef Innovations Group tested the product with a group of culinary and foodservice professionals in Las Vegas over the summer months, to supplement additional research it conducted with consumer groups in Dallas, Texas. Las Vegas is one of the leading culinary scenes in the nation, and often trends in foodservice can be traced back to this market as their origin, so conducting research on new products in this market was a great fit for the beef checkoff. Done in conjunction with a major beef distributor in the Las Vegas market, the Cold Smoked Foodservice project provided chefs with the various cuts of cold smokedt beef, and then held focus groups to gain their feedback. Products tested included sirloin cap (Coulotte), petite tender (teres major), pot roast, and brisket. Half of the chefs received test product in advance of the focus groups to prepare and provide feedback. The other half were provided product following the focus groups to take home to prepare. The overall objectives were to gain insight as to how the product would be accepted and would perform at the foodservice level, how chefs might menu such an item, and to get additional feedback to optimize the product. The chefs liked a number of factors about the cold smoked beef, including that there is no need for a smoker, which reduces the cook time and staff time needed to monitor. With the use of real smoke as well, it provides the smoky flavor that is becoming increasingly popular. The chefs also liked that there is high volume potential for such a product at buffets—which is big business in Las Vegas. Smoked beef is becoming an increasingly sought after product, with the landscape including liquid smoke, which tends to have negative results in terms of quality, and high-end on-site smokers, which require a lot of time and attention when it comes to smoking beef. A cold-smoked product could have real potential at both the foodservice and retail levels.Also, since the product is raw, it allows chefs to cook to their (or the consumer’s) desired level of doneness, which provides a unique characteristic not found in smoked beef items currently on the menu. This research done here in our own state is just one of a number of exciting examples of product development brought about by the Beef Innovations Group. Here are some additional products that have been developed in order to meet the demand for quick, ultra-convenient beef meals. Microwavable roasts: Tri-tip roasts and Sirloin Cap roasts make delicious center-ofthe-plate entrées. The Beef Innovations Group utilized special FDA-approved packaging, then developed specific seasoning profiles and fat trim levels, to allow microwave preparation of these roasts with less than 20 minutes of cooking time followed by a rest period. The roasts are packaged in a special plastic bag that allows air to vent while cooking the roast to an appetizing brown exterior and desired level of internal doneness in the microwave. Microwavable ground beef: The packaging for this product is similar to that of the microwavable roasts. The product safely cooks from frozen or fresh in 6 to 9 minutes, and the ground beef then can be crumbled and added to sauces, seasoned for tacos or used in any recipes that call for ground beef. Following cooking, liquid drains to a

separate chamber in the lower part of the bag, for transfer to a sauce dish or gravy pan, or the entire bag can be easily tossed into the trash. Skillet meals: These “weekday steaks and roasts” are packaged with seasonings and easy preparation instructions to provide a beef entrée in less than 20 minutes. Choices include Flat Iron steaks, Sirloin Cap roasts and Denver Steaks. A trio of 3-in-1 kits are available: “Fajita Kit,” “Classic American Sandwich Kit: Cheese Steak / Mushroom & Swiss / BBQ Beef” and “European Classics: Italian / Greek / Pizza Beef.” Delicatessen beef: Delis are a rapidly growing section within the supermarket, and a popular choice for shoppers wanting to purchase prepared foods for consumption at home. Chicken and ham tend to dominate the meat selections though, and the checkoff is working with supermarket chains to develop beef options for in-store preparation so that deli employees, who typically are not trained chefs, can prepare items such as smoked, sliced beef brisket. Slow-cooker pot roasts: To make mealtime simpler for busy working families, the experts on the product innovation team have developed a packaged, pre-seasoned slow-cooker chuck roast that cooks in its own bag. Just cut off one corner of the bag, set it in the slow cooker, cover and turn it on. As with the microwavable ground beef, the juices move to a separate chamber in the bag when removed from the slow cooker for easy separation. The work done by the Beef Innovations Group is just one more way the beef checkoff is keeping beef top-of-mind in the protein market, and ensuring beef remains competitive with the convenience options of other proteins.

For more about the Nevada Beef Council, visit www.nevadabeef.org. 8 November-December 2016

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com

Soup's On!

From James Winstead, RDN, Director of Food and Nutrition Outreach for the Nevada Beef Council

NCBA Takes Stand Against HSUS Attempt to Weaken Beef Checkoff By Chase Adams and Shawna Newsome

As the chilly autumn months turn wintry (and downright cold), it’s the perfect time to dust off our favorite soup recipes – especially those savory, heaty beef stew or chili recipes. For inspiration, visit www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com, where you’ll find a wide collection of soup recipes that will warm your belly this winter. This time around, we’re sharing one of our favorites from the site – a beefy take on tortilla soup. Enjoy! For more great beef recipes, visit www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com. Total Recipe Time: 4 hours Ingredients - Makes 6-8 Servings • 1 beef Brisket Flat Half (2-1/2 to 3 1/2 pounds) • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 2 cups chopped onions • 2 tablespoons ground cumin • 2 tablespoons minced garlic • 3 cans (14 to 14.5 ounces) beef broth • 1 jar (16 ounces) salsa • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes • 2 cups frozen corn • 2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves • Crunchy Tortilla Strips (recipe follows) Garnish: • 16 springs fresh cilantro sprigs • 1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese Instructions 1. Heat oil in stockpot over medium heat until hot. Place brisket in stockpot; brown evenly. Remove brisket from stockpot; season with salt and pepper, as desired. Add onions, cumin and garlic to stock pot; cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until onions are crisp-tender. Return brisket, fat-side up, to stockpot. Add broth, salsa and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until brisket is fork tender. 2. To prepare the Crunchy Tortilla Strips, cut 2 corn tortillas in half, then crosswise into 1/4-inch-wide strips. Place strips in single layer on baking sheet. Spray tortillas strips lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Bake 4 to 8 minutes at 400°F or until crisp. Set aside to cool. 3. Remove brisket. Skim fat from cooking liquid. Trim fat from brisket. Cut into 4 to 6 pieces; shred with 2 forks. Return beef to stockpot. Add corn and pepper sauce; cook 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. 4. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with tortilla strips, cilantro sprigs, avocado and cheese, as desired. www.progressiverancher.com

ASHINGTON (Sept. 16, 2016) - The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association was recently notified that Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) attorneys have filed a lawsuit against USDA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) on behalf of the Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM). This lawsuit seeks to divide the beef industry against itself by opening old wounds and weakening the beef checkoff as HSUS drives toward its ultimate goal of ending animal agriculture. The lawsuit, filed by HSUS lawyers, seeks the release of documents related to two OIG audits of the beef checkoff and its contractors, including NCBA. Both audits found that producer investments in the checkoff are protected by the firewall, which prevents beef checkoff dollars from being used for policy activities. Two OIG full audits and multiple random audits by USDA have found contractors, including NCBA, to be in full compliance with the laws which protect checkoff funds. “Those findings haven’t satisfied the extremist animal rights activists at HSUS or its partners at OCM,” said NCBA CEO Kendal Frazier. “Instead of working to better our industry, these two organizations and a small handful of cattlemen have chosen a devil’s pact in an effort to weaken the checkoff, which will in turn, weaken beef demand and our entire industry.” The lawsuit is another attempt by HSUS to drive a political agenda. It diverts attention from beef promotion activities and wastes precious resources at a time when cattle prices and the profitability of the beef industry are under tremendous pressure. As part of an effort to protect the beef industry and stop the frivolous and divisive work of HSUS, NCBA will seek intervenor status in the lawsuit against OIG. “There’s no doubt that HSUS stands against rural America. Their attacks on the beef and pork checkoff programs weaken promotion efforts. HSUS and its allies have clearly demonstrated they have no interest in the livestock business beyond ending it,” said Frazier. “They will attempt to make this about transparency and say they’re undertaking this effort on behalf of producers. But let’s be clear: HSUS intends to put every cattleman and woman in America out of business. By weakening checkoff programs and damaging producer-directed marketing and promotion efforts, they can cause economic harm to our industry and force us out of production agriculture.” HSUS and OCM are working to rehash questions that were asked and answered long ago. Since then, multiple audits have demonstrated full and ongoing contractor compliance with regulations governing beef checkoff expenditures. Furthermore, NCBA has demonstrated that it remains committed to transparency and its role as a contractor to the beef checkoff. “We have nothing to hide. We have, and will continue to fully cooperate with all reviews and audits of our contracting activities,” said Frazier. “However, we will not stand idly by and allow HSUS to kill the checkoff. This isn’t the first attempt to weaken our industry and it won’t be the last, but this is where we must draw a line in the sand and protect the interests of American cattlemen and women.”

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016 9

By Joseph Guild

Legislative Sub-Committee Discusses Changes to NV. Water Law

t the risk of being controversial (something no columnist should ever be!), I will report on the actions recently taken by the Nevada Legislature Water Study Sub-Committee at its August 26th meeting in Carson City. The sub-committee was limited to 5 requests for bills. Individual members of the committee could use one of their own bills for a water related issue. There has been a great deal of mis-understanding about the decisions made at that meeting from my assessment of reports from out in the country. I followed all of the meetings of this sub-committee and thus, what I think might happen at the 2017 legislature relative to changes to Nevada’s water law is what follows. Of course, no one can accurately predict what will come out of any legislative session, but I can give some general comments. By far, the most contentious things heard at this meeting were proposals from the State Engineer (SE) and other entities regarding domestic wells. The State Engineer requested the sub-committee consider drafting a bill that in times of drought when there was a curtailment order by priority from the SE’s office only outdoor use withdrawals from domestic wells would be curtailed and such an order would not affect indoor use. Many variations on the domestic well issue were discussed by the sub-committee. For example, if there was a curtailment order, outdoor use would be impacted with an exception for the use of a domestic well for outdoor water use for pets and livestock was one idea discussed. The Nye County Water District requested a bill draft to limit withdrawals from new domestic wells to 0.5 acre feet annually in severally over-appropriated basins the SE had designated as a critical management area (CMA). An alternative to this idea was talked about at another meeting of the sub-committee whereby no new domestic wells could be drilled in severally over appropriated basins which had been declared CMAs. Another idea from Nye County was to require meters on all new domestic wells. Finally, again from Nye County was a request for a bill to provide that the priority date of a domestic well is the date of land possession and not the date of completion of a domestic well as is currently the law in NRS 534.080(4). Unique in my lengthy experience at the Legislature was the over 3.5 hours of public testimony allowed by the sub-committee chair. Each member of the public was limited to 3 minutes to talk to the committee, so obviously dozens of people provided their thoughts and concerns. And, most of these concerns were over the above proposals. They were concerned with taking property rights if there was a reduction to 0.5 acre feet for new domestic wells, depreciation of land values during times of curtailment, objection to metering domestic use and fear of continued development in areas which are greatly over appropriated. In the end, the sub-committee approved a request for a bill draft which would clarify the law that in times of curtailment, domestic well owners can still access indoor water and also provide outdoor water for pets and livestock. Further, the over appropriated basin issue was recognized by approving the recommendation to limit new domestic wells in those basins to 0.5 acre feet annually. One of the things I picked up at this hearing other than the substantive things the committee did in proposing ideas to be heard at the next legislature was the lack of understanding of the process by a good number of the public who attended. Many, many of the folks there thought the actions of the committee that day would be the final vote and the law could be changed that day. This is one of the reasons that many of them were so upset. I acknowledge that some of the ideas would result in a radical shift in our water law, but this was just the first step in the process which will involve hearings by both houses of the legislature in 2017, possibly many amendments to the proposed bills, opportuni 10 November-December 2016

ties for more public input and meetings with individual legislators and finally a possible veto of bad legislation by the Governor. I know most people are busy with their own work and lives and family. Thus, it is somewhat understandable that the intricacies of the legislative process are not wellknown to a large number of people. But I would advise anyone interested in issues before the legislature to go to the Nevada Legislative web site at leg.state.nv.us. There they will find a wealth of information about the process and how a bill becomes a law after much discussion and analysis. Other issues discussed at this meeting were related to basin management by the State engineer. For instance, the committee did not agree that a bill is needed which would require metering of all users in Nevada. However, Senators Goicoechea and Ford will cosponsor a bill giving the SE authority to use adaptive management to mitigate potential water conflicts. There will be much discussion about this idea, not least of which will be obtaining a consensus of what adaptive management means in a water law context. Another holdover idea from the 2015 legislature is to require a pre-statutory water right claimant to submit proof of that claim to the SE on or before December 31, 2025. This would mean any proofs of claim submitted after that date would void the claimed right. Water right holders should be gathering the evidence to prove their claims anyway now. This change in the law, if approved, should provide more incentive to do just that. The next session will also have a bill which would authorize the SE to approve a Groundwater Management Plan (GMP) that converts existing water rights to a credit system. This system would still be based upon priority which would give more water to senior over junior rights. Nevertheless, the idea will obviously be controversial. Also, a part of this proposal is the notion that a GMP applies to all water users in the basin. However, there was some additional controversy over how the GMP is created. Does the vote reflect each user individually or is it based on a ratio of the number of acre feet permitted to each user for votes available to cast? In fact, Senator Goicoechea asked the question what constitutes a “majority” in law for this purpose. This and some of these other proposals have enough proponents and opponents to guarantee that water will once again be contentious in the next session. Water law discussions at the Nevada Legislature are always contentious and controversial. However, we should remember our water law is one of the best and most comprehensive in the nation. If you do not believe that, just talk to a rancher from California. Therefore, when deciding to change our law, even in seemingly insignificant ways we should always be mindful of the legislative unspoken rule of unintended consequences and be very careful. I’ll see you soon.

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016â&#x20AC;&#x192;11â&#x20AC;&#x192;

Cattle Outlook - Plain & Brown By Ron Plain and Scott Brown

September 2, 2016

alculations by the Livestock Marketing Information Center put cattle feeding losses at $152 per head for closeouts during July. That made July losses the biggest for any month since February. This week fed cattle prices were lower in heavy sales volume. Through Thursday, the 5-area average price for slaughter steers sold on a live weight basis was $109.92/ cwt, down $4.89 from last week’s average and down $31.28 from a year ago. The 5-area dressed steer price averaged $174.03/cwt, down $6.35 from the week before and down $48.09 from a year ago. This week’s fed cattle prices are the lowest since the last week of July 2011. The lower cattle prices are boosting female slaughter. For the six weeks ending on August 20, steer slaughter was up 8%, but heifer slaughter was up 12% and beef cow slaughter was up 29% compared to a year ago. Beef cutout value also was lower this week. This morning, the choice boxed beef cutout value was $192.10/cwt, down $7.63 from the previous Friday, and down $48.53 from this week last year. The select carcass cutout this morning was $187.92/cwt, down $6.11 cents from last week. This week’s cattle slaughter totaled 604,000 head, down 1,000 head or 0.2% from last week, but up 7.9% from a year ago. Year-to-date cattle slaughter

12 November-December 2016

is up 4.3%. Because of heavier slaughter weights yearto-date beef production is up 4.7%. The average steer dressed weight for the week ending on August 20 was 893 pounds, up 6 pounds from the week before, down 12 pounds from a year ago, and below the year-ago level for the 16th week in a row. USDA’s weekly crop progress report said that 16% of U.S. pastures were in poor or very poor condition on August 28. That is down 2 points from the week before and also down 2 points from a year ago. Feeder cattle and stocker cattle prices were $5 to $10 lower this week at Oklahoma City. Prices for medium and large frame #1 steers byweight group were: 400450# $150-$180, 450-500# $153.50-$161, 500-550# $143-$162, 550-600# $136-$159, 600-650# $130-$147, 650-700# $128-$147, 700-750# $130-$144, 750-800# $132.50-$140.50, 800-900# $128-$141.50 and 9001000# $123.75-$128.10/cwt. Cattle futures were lower this week. The October live cattle futures contract settled at $101.60/cwt today, down $4.75 for the week. December fed cattle settled at $103.47/cwt, down $4.63 from the previous Friday. February fed cattle futures settled at $104.25/ cwt. September feeder cattle futures ended the week at $134.87/cwt, down $5.05 from a week earlier. October feeder cattle lost $3.88 this week to settle at $132.07/ cwt. November feeder cattle futures closed the week at $129.67/cwt. down $3.15 from the previous Friday.

The Progressive Rancher

September 30, 2016

oth cash cattle prices and cattle futures were sharply lower this week. There were 477 million pounds of beef in cold storage at the end of August. That is 1.5% more than the month before, 1.3% more than a year ago and the most since February. Stocks of pork in cold storage were down 7.1% year-over-year and frozen chicken stocks were down 0.7% to the lowest level since July 2015. The number of cattle placed on feed during August was up 15.1% compared to a year ago. That was the biggest year-over-year change in placements since April 2013. As has been the case for the last 25 months, placements have been skewed toward heavy cattle. The number placed weighing less than 600 pounds was down 8.9% in August. The number placed weighing more than 800 pounds was up 21.2%. Heavy placement weights imply both short feeding periods and heavy slaughter weights. Fed cattle prices this week were lower on heavy sales volume. Through Thursday, the 5-area average price for slaughter steers sold on a live weight basis was $103.36/cwt, down $3.27 from last week’s average and down $15.25 from a year ago. The 5-area dressed steer price averaged $161.92/ cwt, down $5.98 from the week before and down $25.59 from a year ago. Beef cutout value was mixed this week. This morning, the choice boxed beef cutout value was $187.94/cwt, up 77 cents from the previous Friday, but down $18.81 from this week last year. The select carcass cutout this morning was $178.93/cwt, down 38 cents from last week and down $24.45 from a year ago. This week’s cattle slaughter totaled 611,000 head, up 3.2% from last and up 7.4% from a year ago. Female slaughter is up. Thanks to two extra weekdays than last year, August cattle slaughter was up 18.5%. Steer slaughter was up 15.5% and heifer slaughter up 23.8%. The average steer dressed weight for the week ending on September 17 was 905 pounds, up 2 pounds from the week before, down 18 pounds from a year ago, and below the year-ago level for the 20th week in a row. Feeder cattle prices were $5 to $8 lower this week at the Oklahoma City auction. Stocker cattle prices were steady to $5 lower. Prices for medium and large frame #1 steers by weight group were: 400-450# $150-$155.50, 450-500# $146-$157.75, 500-550# $136-$139, 550-600# $124.50-$142, 600-650# $127.50-$140.50, 650-700# $120$139, 700-750# $122.50-$140, 750-800# $128-$131.50, 800-900# $127-$134 and 900-1000# $118-$127.25/cwt. The October live cattle futures contract settled at $98.90/cwt today, down $8.37 for the week. December fed cattle settled at $100.12/cwt, down $6.73 from the previous Friday. February fed cattle futures settled at $100.60/cwt. October feeder cattle futures ended the week at $123.15/cwt, down $9.20 from a week earlier. November feeder cattle lost $10.07 this week to settle at $119.65/cwt. www.progressiverancher.com

Cattle Market By Jennifer Whitely

n the last 3 years we have seen record high cattle prices and now a fast moderation cattle prices. We saw $3.00 per pound on 500 weight steers in 2014, and that has dropped to just over $1.00 on 500 weight steers today. It has left many of us with a lot of questions. Why did prices climb so high so fast, then drop even faster? Have we hit the bottom yet? If beef is so cheap right now, why is it so expensive at the store? What is the long term outlook for cattle producers? Long story short, it all goes back to the 2012 drought. Many producers were forced to sell out and liquidate their herds because of the high cost to feed cattle after a year of a low quantity of forage. At that time, there was a high demand for beef. Supply and demand. Demand was high, supply was low, hence the higher prices. We saw the lowest numbers of cattle in the U.S. in 30 years. With the high demand for beef in 2014, and more favorable forage conditions, many producers opted to retain heifers. Now those heifer’s calves are entering the market. The high numbers of cattle entering the market has significantly decreased their value in today’s market. Unfortunately, we may not have hit the bottom yet. It is hard to pre-

Photo taken on Oct 23rd

dict when that will be. What we do know is that it will take some time for beef prices to come back up. Prices are dependent on several factors. One is the production cycle of cattle (it takes 2 years for a beef animal to reach maturity). It is significantly longer than that of poultry and pork so it takes longer for beef prices to change, where poultry and pork have shorter production cycles, their prices can fluctuate more. Another is supply and demand. As supply decreases, or demand increases, the prices will increase. China lifting the ban on U.S. cattle will help. Another thing to consider is the value of a dollar. Right now the U.S. dollar is strong relative to other currencies. This raises the cost of beef as an export, lowering its demand in foreign markets. Unless the U.S. dollar weakens, or foreign currencies strengthen, it will have no effect on beef prices improving. When corn prices are low, the amount of poultry and pork available to consumers increases. Their productions are directly related to corn costs. They both have relatively short production cycles, which makes it easier for both industries to respond to market demands. An excess of poultry and pork on the market decreases beef demand. One source of contention for beef producers is the lack of correlation between what producers are selling cattle for and what retailers are selling that same cattle for. Where is that money going? The short answer is to www.progressiverancher.com

Photo taken on Oct 23rd

retailers margins. According to Casey Bieroth, “Retailers are slow to keep up with market trends. Their goal is to keep prices stable, it is better not to fluctuate prices.” We should start to see more advertisements featuring beef, and that can help increase the demand for beef. On the upside, feed costs are at a multi-year low. While producers are not receiving much for their cattle, they can afford to feed them. The cost to run cattle is the most economic it has been in years. The most economical producers will be successful, while those who are operating at high costs will be weeded out. We all knew that cattle prices would drop, we just didn’t anticipate it happening so suddenly or so drastically. Photo taken on Oct 24th

The Progressive Rancher

Photo taken on Oct 24th November-December 2016 13

2016 Wild Horse & Burro Overview: Overpopulation, Range Destruction, & Management Stalemate

n 1971, the Wild Free Roaming Horse & Burro Act (WFRHBA) was written into law with good intentions. Meant to preserve wild horses as part of American heritage and ensure their safe place on the western landscape, the Act was also written with several measures intended to keep numbers in check to maintain the BLM’s mandated multiple use and thriving ecological balance. The multiple use mandate was reiterated in 1976 with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA). BLM is required to manage public lands under the principles of multiple use and sustained yield, including use by domestic livestock, native wildlife, and wild horses and burros, and other uses. Further, the intent for multiple use public land management is clarified in the Senate Conference Report (92-242) which accompanies the 1971 WFRHBA (Senate Bill 1116): “The principal goal of this legislation is to provide for the protection of the animals from man and not the single use management of areas for the benefit of wild free-roaming horses and burros. It is the intent of the committee that the wild free-roaming horses and burros be specifically incorporated as a component of the multiple-use plans governing the use of the public lands.” Where we find ourselves in 2016 is nowhere near that ideal. In what one journalist referred to as “a wild horse apocalypse” threatening the West, the situation is desperately unsustainable both ecologically and financially due to a severe overpopulation of wild horses and burros both on and off-range. Hardest hit on the range have been native flora and fauna, including the embattled sage grouse, and of course public land ranchers. When the WH&B Act was written into law, there were approximately 25,000 wild horses and burros on public lands, and the appropriate management level (AML) was ascertained to be 26,700 over 177 herd management areas. Scattered through ten western states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho,h Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Wyoming, the total of all herd management areas (HMA) combined encompasses nearly 27 million acres. Now, the Bureau of Land Management’s estimate shows over 67,000 wild horses (55,300) and burros (11,700) on western rangeland, and evidence shows that the population can grow by as much as 20% per year. For the 2016 foaling season, 10,000 foals were expected. A 2013 study by the National Academy of Sciences found—in accordance with what ranchers and sportsmen have known for years-- that “BLM’s reported annual population statistics, which are based on the assumption that all animals are detected and counted, probably underestimate the actual number of animals on the range.” The BLM’s March 2016 summary showed only 29 of 177 HMAs at AML. In addition, the 177 HMAs are part of 349 “herd areas”—meaning that the horses are multiplying and spreading far beyond their original HMAs defined in the Wild Horse & Burro Act. Even while the Act states nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the Secretary to relocate wild free-roaming horses or burros to areas of the public lands where they do not presently exist, horses are breeding and spreading virtually unchecked. Instead of 27 million acres, these 67,000 horses currently roam over 42 million acres, decimating wildlife habitat, forcing public land ranchers off of their grazing permits, causing danger on roadways and damage to private property—all the while literally eating themselves out of house and home. The BLM’s “thriving natural ecological balance and multiple-use relationship” are quite literally trampled into the desert dust, and the horses themselves suffer immensely as a result. Grazing permittees, ironically referred to as “welfare ranchers” by the wild horse advocacy crowd, that share range with wild horses and burros have received letters stating things like “we would appreciate and encourage you to evaluate your livestock operation and allotment, review your options and make adjustments to livestock numbers so as to keep your use within the wild horse HMAs and HA below 50% of

14 November-December 2016

By Becky Lisle - Special Assignment

permitted AUMs (animal unit month).” While ranchers comply because they have no choice, they will often still pay for their allotted AUMs instead of risking losing them completely. In the meantime, very little, if anything, is done to control the “wild” horses and burros, which are more accurately described as feral. For example, the BLM website shows 36 gathers for 2016, with 1297 horses planned to be gathered. Of those, only 870 were planned to be removed, and a mere 760 were actually removed. Of the horses gathered, 333 mares were slated for fertility control treatment. These efforts are drops in the proverbial bucket. A great deal of hope has been pinned to fertility control as an answer to the burgeoning population. Beginning in 2004, the BLM began using PZP (porcine zona pellucida). The BLM website states that PZP has been given to thousands of mares over the years. It also shows that for fiscal years 2012—2015, the vaccine was administered to a total of 2,407 mares. Data for years previous and rate of success was unavailable. PZP is administered in two forms. The first is called ZonaStat-H, which is a liquid vaccine that must be re-administered annually, and after the initial dose, a booster must be given 15 to 30 days later. In 2009, the costs were estimated at about $4,000/month for labor and equipment, plus $25 per dose. It is usually administered via ground darting. The other form, known as PZP-22, is longer-lasting (about 22 months), with a cost estimated at $1,000 in labor and equipment per animal treated, plus $250 per animal for the vaccine itself. It is usually injected by hand. Both methods are greatly limited in both efficacy and practicality, not only because of the vaccines’ limitations but also the logistics of locating and gathering horses to be treated and then retreated. After 12 years of utilizing PZP, some success has been found in small, controlled groups, but significant population reductions “have not been apparent” on a national level.

The scale of fertility control implementation that would be necessary to even begin to slow the exploding population is impossible logistically and financially: the cost of long-term holding for horses removed from the range takes up two-thirds of the annual budget.

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com

BLM Herd Areas & Herd Management Areas

www.progressiverancher.com

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016â&#x20AC;&#x192;15â&#x20AC;&#x192;

There are currently almost 46,000 horses in 60-some long term holding facilities, and the BLM is scrambling to find more room. These horses have been gathered, passed over for adoption, and retired to live out their days at taxpayer expense: the cost of a single horse that lives out its life there can be as much as $50,000. If something doesn’t change, the overall cost is expected to easily reach over $1 billion. Legally and practically, there is no reason for long-term holding facilities to be overflowing. The Act very plainly states: The Secretary (of the Interior) shall cause additional excess wild free roaming horses and burros for which an adoption demand by qualified individuals does not exist to be destroyed in the most humane and cost efficient manner possible. The Act also states: no wild free-roaming horse or burro or its remains may be sold or transferred for consideration for processing into commercial products, meaning that they cannot legally be sold for slaughter, despite the melodramatic (and lucrative) fundraising platform of wild horse advocacy groups. So why this exorbitantly expensive and destructive stalemate, when the WH&B Act explicitly allows for the destruction of excess animals? Plainly stated, the BLM chooses not to follow the law when faced with the well-meaning but uninformed sentimentality of the American public and overwhelming litigiousness of advocacy groups—groups that, despite all of the evidence to the contrary, claim wild herds are being “managed to extinction” and fight to keep as many horses on the range as they can, regardless of the effects on the rangeland ecosystem and on the horses themselves. In his June testimony before the House Committee on Natural Resources*, Subcommittee Chairman Tom McClintock (R-CA) stated: “BLM is also plagued with lawsuits by animal rights organizations that seem to criticize virtually every action BLM takes, yet come up with no reasonable solutions themselves. While I rarely defend the BLM, the agency is severely limited in the actions it can take.” In September, the nine-member Wild Horse & Burro Advisory Board met in Elko, NV. The board is made up of people that represent different interests related to the wild horse and burro program. The group toured wild horse herd areas where cattle have been absent for several years, and saw firsthand the absolute destruction caused solely by wild horses. Compelling testimony came from Nevada officials who personally witness the horrible suffering of wild horses dying of thirst. Nevada state veterinarian, Dr. JJ Goicoechea, explained the situation as “an emergency today, and a disaster tomorrow.” Assemblyman John Ellison said that, “People should be arrested for the shape these horses are in.” The board later voted to recommend the euthanasia of excess animals to make room for more horses to be gathered, thus alleviating the suffering of on-range horses and the nearly irreparable damage to the range. Of the diverse nine member board, the only dissenting vote was from Ginger Kathrens, executive director of a mustang advocacy group, The Cloud Foundation. The response to the board’s recommendation from the BLM was: “The BLM is committed to having healthy horses on healthy rangelands. We will continue to care for and seek good homes for animals that have been removed from the range. The BLM does not 16 November-December 2016

and will not euthanize healthy animals.” As Elko Daily Free Press columnist Larry Hyslop said, “Imagine a rancher with 1,245 percent (referring to the Spruce-Pequop HMA in northern Nevada) more cattle on his public land grazing allotment than should be there. When the BLM tells him to remove the excess cattle, the rancher says “I don’t have the money to remove them and no place to put them so they will need to stay on the range.” Yet, that is exactly what the national Wild Horse and Burro Program is saying about wild horses.” *Read full testimonies from the June 2016 meeting at: http://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=400756

Wild Horse & Burro Advisory Board June Sewing As. Dr. Sue M McDonnel, PhD Steven Yardley Dr. Robert E Cope, DVM Ben Masters Dr. Julie Weikel, DVM Ginger Kathrens Jennifer Sall Fred T. Woehl

The Progressive Rancher

Executive Director, National Mustang Wild Horse & Burro Research Livestock Management Natural Resources Management Wildlife Management Veterinary Medicine Humane Advocacy Public Interest Public Interest

www.progressiverancher.com

In the Mind of a Millennial By Jill Scofield, Nevada Beef Council

The Millennial Parent’s Love for Beef

note from the author: Any of you who are on Facebook are probably familiar with “TBT” (or “Throwback Thursday”) posts, which take us on a walk down memory lane to some past experience or image. For this installation of “In the Mind of a Millennial,” I’m doing something similar. I recognize you might not be reading this on a Thursday, but if you’ll play along anyway, please allow me to present the following “TBT” millennial column that first appeared in this publication back in early 2014. My hope is that you don’t find this too repetitive, but rather a refresher of some of Jill Scofield is Director of Pro- the data presented on the millennial consumer. ducer Relations for the Nevada Enjoy! and California Beef Councils. I’ve previously shared some background and You can reach her at jill@cal- data offering a glimpse of the preferences of the millennial generation (people born from about beef.org. 1980 – 2000) and how those preferences impact beef purchases. While it is difficult to generalize an entire generation comprised of 80 million people, through solid research and studies, we’ve learned some helpful information that provides valuable insight about millennial purchasing preferences and how those in the beef business should react to them. For example, we know that the millennial generation sometimes prefers chicken over beef due to perceived health benefits and convenience factors. We know that millennials have had disappointing outcomes with beef and are unsure of how to correctly prepare it, which contributes to a hesitancy to purchase beef at the meat case. But we also know a variety of other factors that are positive things for the beef industry to focus on. When it comes to eating beef, it comes as no surprise that the number one reason people choose it is great taste. But when one looks at the top three reasons people avoid beef (health reasons, a desire to limit cholesterol or fat, and “other meats seem healthier), they are primarily based on perceptions about beef’s health and nutrition. Luckily, beef has a great story to tell when it comes to health and nutrition, and this story is one the Nevada Beef Council is constantly sharing with consumers, in large part through efforts of our own in-house registered dietitian. Sharing that ten essential nutrients can be found in a serving of beef tends to be enlightening. (And in case you need a refresher on what those nutrients beef consists of, they are protein, vitamins B12 and B6, selenium, niacin, phosphorus, choline, iron, and riboflavin.) Putting the power of beef into perspective is also helpful. For example, you’d have to consume 18 ounces of chicken breast to get the same amount of zinc, and at least 7 ½ ounces of chicken breast to get the same amount of iron as in just 3 ounces of beef. And when it comes to concerns about fat intake, beef has a great message there, too. With more than 29 cuts of lean beef that are easily accessible in grocery stores, some of the more health-conscious consumers who might have otherwise avoided beef altogether have a variety of options when it comes to lean protein. What’s more, these lean cuts represent some of the most popular beef cuts today: cuts like top sirloin, flank steak, tri tip, and others. All of this information and much, much more is available at www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com – a Web site created to educate consumers, particularly the Web-savvy millennials, on all things about beef, from recipes to nutrition. And since 70 percent of millennials say they go first to the Internet when they need information about anything, including beef, having an online clearing house on beef nutrients and health-

www.progressiverancher.com

related information is all the more important. Highlighting Beef Through Multiple Platforms For the Nevada Beef Council, sharing beef’s powerful story with all consumers is important, but particular focus is placed on older millennials, born between the early 1980s to 1990. And although these categories don’t just fit within the millennial generation, the NBC also focuses on women aged 30 to 55 and adults aged 25 to 54 in its marketing and communication strategies. Targeting segments of the population that are establishing homes and families, and thus the eating habits of those families, is of vital importance to growing long-term beef demand. When you consider that millennial parents in particular (which make up 11 million households in the United States) largely prefer chicken (74 percent) over beef (18 percent) for their children, it becomes increasingly evident why we need this audience to understand and embrace beef more. In addition, the groups the Nevada Beef Council targets in its efforts (including, but not limited to the millennials) are reaching or are at their peak earning and purchasing years, and tend to make a majority of purchasing decisions when it comes to food and groceries. Getting back to the millennial generation in particular, a 2011 study by the market research team at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) found that the millennial generation enjoys beef, but have some issues mostly related to consumer education. Some of this has already been shared, but bears repeating: When it comes to choosing a cut, 54 percent of millennials say it’s hard to know what to choose. 56 percent of millennials had a disappointing result in a beef meal they prepared 50 would buy more beef if they knew more about the different cuts On a more positive note, 75 percent want information about steaks and how to prepare and cook them, and 55 percent want information on preparing and serving beef to their children. Given this data, it would appear that sharing more information with this group – particularly online, where millennials spend a significant amount of time – would help close the gap on some of these misperceptions. The first place millennial consumers look when searching for information about beef is Google. And considering that there are 5.5 million food-related online searches on a daily basis, the audience is significant. On a national level, the beef checkoff has plans in place to enhance the presence of beef on this search engine. On a more local level, the Nevada Beef Council also amplifies the beef message through a variety of platforms, including at www.nevadabeef.org, through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, and through digital promotions and advertising with retail and media partners throughout the year. Through targeted online advertising, we are able to not just attract consumers’ attention, but engage them in our own online and social media properties, where they can get more information about the additional factors like social and sustainability qualities that are nearly as important as factors like price, quality and taste when it comes to millennial beef purchasing decisions. How can we prompt new thinking about beef among millennials? • Enhance awareness of beef’s nutritional value and health benefits. • Share simple, delicious recipes that are easy to prepare and kid-friendly. • Provide helpful information and tools to educate consumers on the best preparation and cooking methods. • Provide information on simple cooking techniques and shine a light on beef’s versatility, variety and value. • Share information about today’s cattle raising practices, and how Nevada ranchers are ensuring a safe, sustainable product for consumers.

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016 17

BLM Nevada News - For the Rancher’s File

BLM Announces $30 Million in Projects to Reduce Wildfires In Reno-Tahoe Area Project funding generated from public land sales under the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act

By Stephen Clutter

TATELINE, NV – The Bureau of Land Management has awarded almost $30 million in wildfire prevention projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin, Carson Range, and Carson City, the agency announced today. Janice Schneider, U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, approved the funding, which was generated through the sale of public lands around Las Vegas under authority of the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act (SNPLMA), and awarded to BLM partners based on thorough project proposals. “This program relies on the strength of its strong partnerships that take on important forest health and water quality projects that make a real difference,” said Assistant Secretary Schneider at a signing ceremony near Lake Tahoe. “The partners receiving funding will help ensure that we continue to improve the quality of life in the Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas while protecting the integrity of biological communities.” The eight projects are funded under the authority of SNPLMA that directs the BLM to use a portion of funding generated from the sale of public lands in southern Nevada for comprehensive hazardous fuels reduction and wildfire prevention projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas. “This money will make a real difference by funding the work that is needed to slow and stop catastrophic wildfires,” said BLM Director Neil Kornze. “We’re proud to partner with the people of California and Nevada to get this important work underway.” The funding announced today includes approximately $29.5 million for hazardous fuels reduction and wildfire prevention including: • •

• • • •

Nevada Regional Fuels Reduction, $973,250; “This money will make a real difference by funding the work that is needed to slow and stop catastrophic wildfires,” said BLM Director Neil Kornze. “We’re proud to partner with the people of California and Nevada to get this important work underway.” Completion of wildland urban interface treatments in Carnelian, Incline and South Shore around Lake Tahoe, $10,358,300; Community outreach and assistance with wildfire preparedness, $5,826,125; Carson City Hazardous Fuels Reduction, $1,999,900, and Collection, $102,389; Hazardous fuels treatments on private property, $6,814,500;

FOREST SERVICE SURVEY FINDS RECORD 66 MILLION DEAD TREES IN SOUTHERN SIERRA NEVADA Read more on ProgressiveRancher.com 18 November-December 2016

• • •

Hazardous fuels reduction planning for the Mount Rose corridor, $1,640,635; and Completion of the Programmatic Timberland Environmental Improvement Report for all private, local government, and California Tahoe Conservancy fuel reduction projects, $1,784,843.

Additional nominations for other categories in Round 16 are currently being reviewed and decisions will be announced in the coming months. More information on Round 16 is available online at www.blm.gov/snplma. Since SNPLMA’s enactment in 1998, approximately $3.6 billion has been raised for more than 1,200 projects that benefit public places in Nevada. In accordance with SNPLMA, the funds generated by the sale of certain lands will be used throughout Nevada for projects such as the development of parks, trails, and natural areas, capital improvements on Federal lands, acquisition of environmentally sensitive land, and landscape restoration projects. Additionally, 5 percent of the revenue goes to the State of Nevada General Education Fund and 10 percent to the Southern Nevada Water Authority. The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. In Fiscal Year 2015, the BLM generated $4.1 billion in receipts from activities occurring on public lands.

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com

BLM Nevada News - For the Rancher's File BLM Emergency Wild Horse, Water and Bait Trap Gather underway in the Wood Hills Area Project funding generated from public land sales under the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act

By Stephen Clutter

LKO, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management, Elko District, Wells Field Office began an emergency wild horse water and bait trap gather on September 4 with placement of corrals near the Wood Hills area located in a non-Herd Management Area (HMA). The wild horses in the Wood Hills area have been determined to be excess and are also residing largely on private lands outside of the HMA boundary. The nearest HMA is the Spruce-Pequop HMA located approximately 10 miles away. This water and bait trap gather would attempt to remove all the excess wild horses from the Wood Hills area due to the declining critical water source on public lands and gathering the excess wild horses and removing them from the area will prevent further resource degradation and allow the range to recover from wild horse impacts. The BLM plans to gather and remove approximately 60 horses utilizing temporary water and bait traps consisting of a series of corral panels stocked with water and hay; no helicopters will be used. As of Tuesday, September 6, thirty (30) wild horses have been removed. Because of the nature of the bait and water trap method, wild horses are reluctant to approach the trap site when there is too much activity; therefore, only essential gather operation personnel will be allowed at the trap site during operations. The contractor for this gather is Sampson Livestock of Utah. Excess wild horses

removed from the range will be transported to the Palomino Valley Center (PVC), north of Reno, NV to be prepared for the BLM wild horse adoption program or for long-term pastures. A total of 16 wild horses were shipped to PVC on September 6. This gather operation was reviewed as part of the Wood Hills Determination of NEPA Adequacy (DNA) released June 5. The DNA is available at http://on.doi. gov/1dMOB2a. Gather reports and additional information will be posted on BLM’s Elko District website at http://on.doi.gov/2czcr4M For more information, contact Wild Horse Specialist Bruce Thompson at 775753-0286 or b50thomp@blm.gov. Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2015, the BLM generated $4.1 billion in receipts from activities occurring on public lands.

EPA Proposes to Add Anaconda Mine Site in Nevada to National Priorities List

By Lisa Ross

PA Proposes to Add Anaconda Mine Site in Nevada to National Priorities List (SAN FRANCISCO) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it is proposing to add the Anaconda Copper Mine site in Lyon County, Nev., to the Superfund program’s National Priorities List. Today’s proposal is the first step in a process to make the site eligible to receive federal funding for a long-term, permanent cleanup. “We have been working to address the contamination at the Anaconda Mine since 2001,” said Alexis Strauss, EPA’s Acting Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “EPA welcomes public input on the proposal and we look forward to continuing our collaborative work with BLM, the State of Nevada and local officials, tribal governments and the Lyon County community.” “This public notice in the Federal Register is an anticipated next step in the process to secure federal funds to help with remediation of the Anaconda mine site,” said Kay Scherer, Interim Director of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “We are pleased to see that the site – which remains fully under control – has been recognized and included on the list of proposed national priorities, as it demonstrates that the U.S. EPA acknowledges the site is on track to proceed with corrective action.” “The BLM agrees with both EPA and the State that the site warrants attention,” said John Ruhs, Bureau of Land Management Nevada State Director. “The BLM looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the EPA and the State of

www.progressiverancher.com

Sept. 7, 2016

Nevada on this issue.” The State, EPA and potentially responsible parties have made significant progress in studying, characterizing and in some instances, cleaning up portions of the Anaconda Copper Mine site. Listing the site will allow access to funding, and development of a comprehensive plan to address the contamination. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the law establishing the Superfund program, requires EPA to update the NPL at least annually and clean up hazardous waste sites to protect human health with the goal of returning them to productive use. The Superfund program has provided important benefits for people and the environment since Congress established the program in 1980. Those benefits are both direct and indirect, and include reduction of threats to human health and ecological systems in the vicinity of Superfund sites, improvement of the economic conditions and quality of life in communities affected by hazardous waste sites, prevention of future releases of hazardous substances, and advances in science and technology. For Federal Register notices and supporting documents for the final and proposed sites: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/current-npl-updates-new-proposed-npl-sites-andnew-npl-sites For additional documentation, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/anacondacoppermine For information about Superfund and the NPL: http://www.epa.gov/superfund

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016 19

BLM Nevada News - For the Rancher’s File Air Force Applies To BLM To Renew and Expand Use At Test and Training Range

BLM Segregates 300,000 Acres While Air Force Studies Extension and Expansion By John Asselin

AS VEGAS – The Air Force has applied to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to continue to use the site of its Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) and to expand it by about 300,000 acres of additional public land. As a result of the withdrawal application, the BLM has segregated approximately 300,000 acres from appropriation under the public land laws. The two-year segregation is obligatory while the Air Force prepares an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on its expansion and extension proposals for the area northeast of Las Vegas. The Air Force published a Federal Register notice on August 25 stating that it would conduct the EIS on both renewing the existing public land withdrawal, which covers approximately 2.9 million acres, and the withdrawal and reservation for military use of another 301,507 acres of public land to expand the existing range. The existing land withdrawal expires in 2021. Based on the environmental analysis, the Secretary of the Interior will make a recommendation to Congress on the proposed withdrawals. However, Congress, not the Secretary, will make the final decision on both the requested extension and proposed expansion. As a first step in the EIS process, the Air Force will hold five public meetings on the proposed extension and expansion of the NTTR. The BLM, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Department of Energy, and the Nevada Department of Wildlife will participate as cooperating agencies in the preparation of the EIS. During the EIS, the Air Force will consider existing uses of the expansion area. For instance, of the 301,507 additional acres the Air Force is seeking, approximately 266,000 acres are managed for desert bighorn sheep by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. The Nevada Test and Training Range already includes much of this refuge’s land. More than 35,000 acres of the expansion area are managed by the BLM. The Air Force expansion would also overlap a designated energy transmission corridor (known as the 368 Energy Corridor) in two locations (Beatty and near Tule Springs National Monument), the current Vegas to Reno Off- Highway race course, and proposed mountain bike and hiking trails in the Beatty area. The two-year segregation removes the expansion lands from all forms of appropriation under the public land laws, including the mining laws, the mineral leasing laws, and the geothermal leasing laws. Valid existing rights at the time of the segregation will be honored. The existing Nevada Test and Training Range is already withdrawn from these laws. The action is required under section 204(b)(1) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. The entire Federal Register Notice for the Notice of Application for Withdrawal Extension and Withdrawal Expansion is available here. While the Air Force will accept comments on its EIS, the BLM will accept comments on the requested withdrawal actions through the following methods: • E-mail: BLM_NV_SNDO_NTTR_Withdrawal@blm.gov • Fax: (702) 515-5023 • Mail: BLM Southern Nevada District Office, Attn: NTTR Withdrawal, 4701 North Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV, 89130-2301. The following is a schedule of the Air Force public meetings on the proposed withdrawals: • Beatty Community Center, Beatty, 5-9 p.m. October 12; • Tonopah Convention Center, Tonopah, 5-9 p.m. October 13; • Caliente Elementary School, Caliente, 5-9 p.m. October 18; • Pahranagat Valley High School, Alamo, 5-9 p.m. October 19; and • Aliante Hotel, North Las Vegas, 5-9 p.m. October 20. 20 November-December 2016

Navy Applies To BLM To Expand Fallon Range Training Complex

BLM Segregates 600,000 Acres While Navy Studies Extension, Expansion By Lisa Ross ENO, Nevada – The U.S. Navy has applied to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to continue to use the site of the Fallon Range Training Complex and to expand it to include more than 600,000 acres of additional public land. As a result of the Navy’s withdrawal application, the BLM has segregated the proposed expansion area from appropriation under the public land laws. The two- year segregation is obligatory while the Navy prepares an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on its expansion and extension proposals for the Fallon site about 65 miles east of Reno. The Navy published a Federal Register notice on August 26 stating that it would conduct the EIS on both renewing the existing public land withdrawal, which covers 202,859 acres, and the withdrawal and reservation for military use of another 604,789 acres of public land to expand the existing range. The Navy’s authorization to use its existing acreage expires in 2021. Based on the environmental analysis, the Secretary of the Interior will make a recommendation to Congress on the proposed withdrawals. However, Congress, not the Secretary, will make the final decision on both the requested extension and proposed expansion. As a first step in the EIS process, the Navy will hold seven public meetings on the proposed extension and expansion of the Fallon Range Training Complex. The BLM, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will participate as cooperating agencies in the preparation of the EIS. During the EIS, the Navy will consider existing uses of the lands. For instance, the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manage some of the lands. In addition, the Pony Express National Historic Trail, managed by the BLM and the National Park Service, runs through both the existing and proposed expansion areas. An expanded Fallon Range Training Complex would also overlap with portions of the Stillwater Range Wilderness Study Area (WSA), the Job Peak WSA, and the Clan Alpine Mountains WSA, which are all managed by the BLM. The U.S. Navy expansion would also overlap sage grouse habitat, the current Vegas to Reno Off-Highway Race course, numerous right-of-way corridors, and several grazing allotments. Current authorized uses of the lands can continue during the segregation. The two-year segregation removes the expansion lands from all forms of appropriation under the public land laws, including the mining laws, the mineral leasing laws, and the geothermal leasing laws. Valid existing rights at the time of the segregation will be honored. The action is require under section 204(b)(1) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Much of the existing Fallon Range footprint is already withdrawn from these laws. The entire Federal Register Notice for the Notice of Application for Withdrawal Extension and Withdrawal Expansion is available here. While the Navy will accept comments on its EIS, the BLM will accept comments on the requested withdrawal actions through the following methods: • E-mail: BLM_NV_FRTC@blm.gov • Fax: (775) 885-6147 • Mail: BLM Carson City District, Attn: NAS Fallon FRTC, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, NV 89701 The following is a schedule of the Navy’s public meetings on the proposed withdrawals: • Fallon Convention Center, Fallon, 3-7 p.m. October 3; • Pershing County Community Center, Lovelock, 11a.m.-1 p.m. October 4; • Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center, Reno, 5-7 p.m. October 4; • Emma Nevada Town Hall, Austin, 5-7 p.m. October 5; • Eureka Elementary School, Eureka, 5-7p.m. October 6; • Hawthorne Convention Center, Hawthorne, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. October 7; and • Gabbs School Gymnasium, Gabbs, 5-7 p.m. October 7.

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com

BLM Nevada News - For the Rancher's File

Battle Mountain District BLM Fuelbreak Stops “Codr” Conducting Wild Horse Wildfire from Spreading Gather and Trap Site Adoption into Sage Grouse Habitat

By Kyle Hendrix

LM is excited to announce a special adoption event to be held in conjunction with the Stone Cabin Wild Horse Gather. On September 24th, 2016 the Tonopah Field Office will hold an adoption event at the Tonopah fair grounds from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at which approximately 20 recently gathered weanlings and yearlings will be offered for adoption. A preview of the available horses will be held September 23, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. also at the Tonopah fair grounds. All wild horses available for adoption will be vaccinated, dewormed, and Coggins tested. The contractor for this gather is Warner Livestock. The gather method is a bait and water trap method; no helicopters will be used. Approximately 115 excess wild horses, mostly weaned foals and yearlings, will be removed from the range and approximately 210 of the captured wild horses will be released. Of the horses released roughly 110 will be mares treated with the fertility control vaccine PZP-22. In 2012 the BLM did execute a gather for this HMA and applied fertility control vaccine to 98 mares. Wild horse and burro staff from the Tonopah Field Office will continue to implement fertility control through a variety of methods on the Stone Cabin HMA in an effort to suppress population growth over the years to come. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Battle Mountain District, Tonopah Field Office began the Stone Cabin Wild Horse Gather on September 3, 2016 in an effort to continue managing for healthy horses on healthy rangelands. The Tonopah Field Office will gather approximately 325 wild horses from within the Stone Cabin Herd Management Area (HMA), located 38 miles east of Tonopah, NV in Nye County. For those interested in the gather operations or adoption, the BLM is offering field tours of the holding corrals on each Saturday throughout the gather operations. To attend a tour you must first call 775-635-4054 and sign up, indicating which Saturday you will be available. Tours must be scheduled no later than the Wednesday prior to each Saturday tour. For daily updates on the Stone Cabin Gather, pictures of horses available for adoption, and more information about the adoption event please visit http://on.doi. gov/2bKxpvN or call Kyle Hendrix at 775-635-4054.

www.progressiverancher.com

By Terah Malsam

innemucca, Nev. – On September 1, The Bureau of Land Management, Desert Basin Zone Fire responded to a wildland fire on the side of Highway 95, approximately 20 miles north of Orovada. The Codr Fire was started by a burning transformer from a nearby powerline. The significance of the location was the fire’s proximity to nearby General Habitat Management Area and Priority Habitat Management Area for Greater sage-grouse upslope and in the general direction of the fire’s spread. Fire crews responded within 15 minutes of the fire report but it was the Highway 95 fuelbreak that halted the fire spread and allowed suppression crews to quickly extinguish the fire. If the fuelbreak was not in place, there would have been no barriers to limit fire spread. “The Codr fire burned 123 acres, but could have easily burned many more acres given the abundant fine fuels present and low humidity and winds occurring that day; conditions ideal for fire spread,” said Derek Messmer, Hazardous Fuels Program Manager for the Winnemucca District. “This could have resulted in the fire consuming Greater sage-grouse habitat, as well as many other natural resources and private property.” The Highway 95 fuelbreak was put into place by the Winnemucca District in 2003 and along with the Highway 290, 140, and 447 fuelbreaks, which have been expanded over time, and have all proven to be effective in stopping the spread of multiple fires. The annual maintenance on the project had been completed earlier in the summer. “The areas adjacent to highways have some of the highest humancaused fire occurrences within the Winnemucca District,” added Messmer. “The established system of highway fuelbreaks the fire program has put in place continues to be a tremendous asset in limiting fire spread along the roads within the Winnemucca District.” As of September 6, the Winnemucca District has responded to 69 fires for a total of 21,074 acres burned. For more information, please call Tracy The Highway 95 fuelbreak (center) that halted Skerjanec, Desert Basin the Codr Fire. To the left is Greater sage-grouse Zone Fire Management habitat saved by the fuel break and Sawtooth MounOfficer at 775-623- 1500 tain, a smaller peak in the Santa Rosa Range. or tskerjan@blm.gov. Photo courtesy of Anthony Perez, Captain 209, Engine Captain, Winnemucca District.

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016 21

BLM Nevada News

Secretary Jewell Issues Secretarial Order to Encourage Tribal Role inManaging Interior Lands with Native American Connections Cooperative Initiative Builds on Progress to Advance Tribal Self-Determination and Self-Government

AIRBANKS, Alaska – U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell today announced a Secretarial Order encouraging cooperative management opportunities between the Department’s land and water managers and federally-recognized tribes. The Secretarial Order sets out a framework to ensure that Native communities have the opportunity to assume meaningful and substantive roles in managing public lands that have special geographical, historical and cultural connections to the tribes. Secretary Jewell announced the Order at the annual Alaska Federation of Natives Conference in Fairbanks, Alaska. In her remarks, Jewell shared that her Order facilitates collaborative partnerships and the integration of tribal ecological knowledge, practices and concerns into the management of federal lands, waters and natural resources where there is a connection to tribal communities. “This Secretarial Order reflects the Obama Administration’s deep commitment to strengthen respect between the United States government and Native American and Alaska Native leaders and communities while boosting our efforts to increase tribal selfdetermination and self-governance,” said Secretary Jewell. “This kind of collaboration with tribal nations will help ensure that we’re appropriately and genuinely integrating indigenous expertise, experience and perspectives into the management of public lands.” Interior land and water management agencies covered by the Secretarial Order include the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and Bureau of Reclamation. The Secretarial Order directs these agencies to identify opportunities and undertake efforts to partner with tribes in the management of their land and water resources. These efforts include identifying key personnel to explore such collaborative management arrangements; developing bureauspecific guidance for collaborative partnerships with tribes; and engaging in consultation with tribal governments at bureau, regional, and unit levels to better understand tribal interests in specific collaborative opportunities. Interior Deputy Secretary Michael L. Connor, who has been a champion for collaborative management opportunities with indigenous communities during his tenure, noted that the Secretarial Order is guided by Interior’s federal trust responsibility to federallyrecognized tribes and self-governance principles. Connor helped negotiate the successful Kuskokwim River Pilot Project in Alaska which is a cooperative partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kuskokwin River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission for the management of fish and wildlife resources in the area. “This Order ensures a continued connection between Native communities and federal lands where we share complementary interests in conserving and managing fish, wildlife and their habitats, and protecting cultural resources,” said Deputy Secretary Connor. “Cooperative management and other collaborative partnerships with tribes help ensure the protection of public lands and resources, guides appropriate development, and assists in better understanding and addressing the effects of climate change.” As outlined, the Secretarial Order guides Interior’s land management agencies to identify opportunities, consult with tribes, and implement cooperative management agreements or other collaborative partnerships as appropriate that relate to: • Management of fish and wildlife resources; • Identification, protection, preservation and management of cultural sites; • Management of plant resources, including collection of plant material; • Delivery of specific programs and services; • Management and implementation of agency-related maintenance activities; • Managing public information related to tribal, cultural and/or educational materials related to an agency. The Order does not address ‘co-management,’ which are situations where there is a specific legal basis that requires co-management of natural resources or that makes comanagement otherwise necessary. In some instances, such as management of the salmon harvest in the Pacific Northwest, co-management has been established by law. 22 November-December 2016

legislative report in the State of Montana found that the federal government has blocked multiple use access on over 20,000 miles of roads on federally controlled lands, just in Montana alone, since 1995. Now we have received word that the United States Forest Service (USFS) appears to have acted illegally in yet another attempt to keep the public out of public lands, but this time they destroyed parts of a nationally significant historic trail system. The Board of County Commissioners in Lincoln County, Wyoming, responded by filing a legal complaint against the U.S. Forest Service and calling for an investigation. The complaint asserts unlawful destruction of the Lander Cutoff Trail in at least four separate locations. Damage in three more locations was discovered after the complaint was filed. Evidence clearly shows destructive excavation of the trail occurred very recently. The federal action came as a total surprise to state and local officials. According to the complaint, the USFS did not comply with federal law or consult with the Wyoming State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO)

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com

Feds Destroy Part of Historic Oregon Trail System regulations as required by law. Lincoln County senior planner Jonathan Teichert visited the sites twice to investigate and document the damage. The attached photographic evidence shows that the trails have been intentionally and severely damaged to prevent all forms of travel. Rocks and branches are placed in the route in some areas, and deep trenches are dug out in others, making it impossible for hikers, horses, bicycles or motor vehicles to pass. The affected trail segments are part of the Lander Cutoff Trail which was established in 1857 to provide safer passage for pioneers navigating one of the most challenging sections of the Historic Oregon Trail. The USFS is well aware that the Lander Trail has historical significance. The Bridger-Teton National Forest website, the Wyoming SHPO, and the BLM all have multiple sources stating that the Lander Cutoff Trail is a historical trail. The 1990 Bridger-Teton Land and Resource Management Plan documents the historical significance of the this trail system as follows: “Travel though the southern edges and portions of the Bridger-Teton National Forest started in the late 1850s with the emigrant travel to California, Mormon Country, and the Oregon Territory. The west side of the Continental Divide, between South Pass and the Green River was one of the most difficult sections of the original Oregon Trail. A safer and easier route was needed for westward expansion and the Lander Cut-Off helped fulfill that need. Fredrick W. Lander, a surveyor with the Department of Interior, surveyed the route in 1857, supervised road construction the following year and from 1858 to 1860 built the entire portion of the road to California through the Bridger-Teton National Forest.” Between 1830 and 1870, the Oregon Trail and offshoots were used by an estimated 400,000 pioneers. The eastern half of the trail was shared by those following the California Trail starting in 1843, the Mormon Trail starting in 1847, and the Bozeman Trail starting in 1863, before they turned off to their separate destinations. Lincoln County’s legal complaint includes a call for investigation of several Forest Service employees responsible for the damages. These people include regional foresters, directors, resource directors, and other Forest Service employees and officials. The complaint also requests that all employees involved in the situation be placed on administrative leave until the investigation is completed. The full complaint can be found HERE. We appreciate the efforts of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, and other elected officials who are standing up against the federal government’s destruction of public access on our public lands. This is yet another example of why we need to free our lands from federal bureaucracy and allow the people of each respective state to manage our public lands with local care and knowledge, so there is direct accountability for management actions. We want a healthy environment, abundant recreation, & safe, vibrant communities. But its clear ‘one-size-fails-all’ federal bureaucracy is giving us just the opposite: www.progressiverancher.com

Forests are overgrown and going up in smoke in record numbers, killing wildlife, destroying habitat, choking off water supplies, spewing carcinogenic pollutants, and threatening the health, safety and welfare of western communities. • •

Tens of thousands of roads and trails are being blocked off by federal agencies all over the west, restricting recreation access, delaying emergency crews, & contributing to catastrophic wildfires. Western States are held hostage -- denied the ability to care for our own lands, protect our communities, and determine our own destiny on terms of equality and fairness with States east of the Rocky Mountains.

It’s time to #FreeTheLands from federal bureaucracy so we can tend them with local care to benefit our communities and our environment. Responsible management of public lands would prevent catastrophic wildfires and profoundly benefit our economy, our citizens, and our wildlife. We need your help to achieve The Only Solution Big Enough -- the transfer of public lands to state and local stewardship in accordance with the ALC Public Policy Statement. Sign the Petition Here and contact your local, state, and national elected officials to let them know it’s time to compel Congress to #HonorThePromise of Statehood so we can #RestoreBalance, #UnlockOurLands, and manage our public lands with common sense for better access, health, and productivity.

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016 23

Silver Lining as Nature Removes Overgrowth of Trees

ne of the most difficult problems for communities to deal with when forests become overgrown, is the lack of water caused by too many thirsty trees. This lack of water has a devastating effect on those same trees, leaving them susceptible to catastrophic wildfires that destroy the very forests we are trying to protect The Wichita Eagle recently released an article that highlights the need to keep trees and ground vegetation under control in order to protect the public lands we all treasure, as was proven in the recent Anderson Creek fire, the largest recorded wildfire in the history of Kansas. Read the entire article at http://www.kansas.com/news/local/ article105463466.html On March 22, 2016, the Anderson Creek fire consumed nearly 400,000 acres of prairie, scouring the land of almost all things living. Now after 6 months, life has returned to the Red Hills near Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Rancher Brian Alexander stepped over a tiny stream and into waist-high grasses, bushes, brambles and wildflowers. “Six months ago, this was mostly bare dirt under a canopy of red cedars,” Alexander said. “This spring probably hasn’t run in the last 20 years because of all the cedars taking water.” Rising from this small valley and neighboring prairie were the charred skeletons of cedars that would never sap water or growing space from the Red Hills again. Alexander’s 7,000 acres were part of the estimated 390,000 acres burned in late March by the Anderson Creek Fire, which started in Oklahoma before moving north into Kansas. The horrific blaze was named for its ignition spot in Oklahoma. It is the biggest wildfire in Kansas history. The fire led to the deaths of hundreds of cattle, damaged or destroyed millions of dollars’ worth of fencing and torched several homes and other possessions. But now ranchers are finding a silver lining in the massive fire. Rancher Mark Huddler “It’s kind of the best of times coming out of the worst of times,” said Mark Huddler, a rancher who lost 27 miles of fence and several buildings. “We’ve got water in streams that haven’t run for years because the fire decimated so many cedars.” An Oklahoma State University study says a 12-inch cedar tree can use up to 42 gallons of water per day. Many thousands of cedars died in the fire. “What’s been the worst fire is going to become the second-worst fire if we don’t pay attention to this,” said Ted Alexander, Brian’s father. “This will happen again.” Controlled burning, proponents argue, is the only way to rid the prairie of cedar trees and other fuel and prevent another major wildfire. “Prairie needs fire almost as much as it needs water if it’s going to stay healthy,” Ted Alexander said.

Worst Fire in State History

As long as there has been lightning and grass, fire has been part of the Red Hills, a geographic region known for buttes, rugged canyons and great grazing about 90 miles southwest of Wichita. Early people like the Comanche once burned the prairie so their horses could feed on the regrowth of tender grass. But along with settlers came the fear of fire. Farmers and most ranchers did their best to quickly extinguish all blazes. That has become easier with the advent of better firefighting equipment, instant communications and access through maintained roads. But the best gear was largely ineffective on the Anderson Creek blaze. Rick Wesley, Barber County rural fire chief, said he couldn’t have designed better conditions for such a blaze. [Many] said it was the proliferation of cedar trees that repeatedly turned the battle in favor of the fire. Even live cedar trees are combustible and literally explode, sending 24 November-December 2016

embers into the air. “We’d have had a chance if it wasn’t for the trees,” Brian Alexander said, “but with them, we had the fire jumping a quarter- to a half-mile at a time.” Ranches owned by Brian Alexander, Brass, Huddler and Johnson – totaling nearly 32,000 acres – were at least 99 percent burned. Another ranch lost around 200 cattle. Wesley said at least 11 structures were destroyed, including four houses. Matt Teagarden of the Kansas Livestock Association said his group conservatively estimates 1,000 miles of fencing was destroyed or damaged. At an average of $10,000 per mile, fencing costs alone could total $10 million for the region. It would only be fair, Brian Alexander said, if ranchers got some financial assistance removing cedars from the Red Hills. Hiring specialized machinery can run more than $100 per hour. “We’re talking about cedar trees, but what we’re really dealing with is water,” he said. “That’s the most valuable natural resource on the planet. “This could be our chance to make a difference.” We’re grateful that there was no loss of human life in this devastating fire and hope that we can urge citizens and government to work together to protect our lands and the precious natural resources that thrive there.

Public Lands an Issue in the Presidential Race

t was just 4 1/2 years ago that Utah Representative Ken Ivory passed HB148 The Transfer of Public Lands Act with overwhelming support in the Utah Legislature. What was then laughed at by opponents has found its way all the way to the top political debates in the nation...the race for the United States President. As was reported in The Idaho Stateman both Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton have been persuaded to make public statements about their intentions concerning the public lands of the West as this issue has been brought to the attention of the public through The American Lands Council and other like-minded groups. “Trump Jr., 38, said his father would ‘keep public lands public and accessible,’ when he spoke in Grand Junction, Colo., Sept. 22. “‘We can have grazing, we can have energy, we can have hunting and fishing on the same lands.,’ he said to an audience of hunters, oil-patch workers, ranchers and their families. ‘We can multipurpose these lands, and we can do it in a way that’s smart and preserves the land and everybody wins, and we can see some of that prosperity come back to this country.”” Clinton’s position on public lands appears to continue in the direction of Democrat presidents before her. “Clinton policy director Jake Sullivan [said] Clinton would invest billions in programs to expand renewable energy — solar, wind, geothermal — by tenfold on public lands and expand spending through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which makes grants for park and open space purchases.” Any way you look at it, the push to bring the public lands issue to the forefront of the American consciousness has been a tremendous success as individuals, counties and states have made their voices heard. Have you made your voice heard? Please make yourself familiar with the Public Policy Statement of the American Lands Council, which was unanimously ratified by representatives from 14 states and know the rights of your state. Make your voice heard in your community by educating others and sharing the resources available. We thank you for being a part of the American Lands Council and this great movement!

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com

Anti-Hunting Laws on Public Lands? Nation’s Forest Budget Going Up in Smoke

eople all over the west are fleeing their homes to avoid the effects of devastating wildfires, and most of those fleeing are nowhere near the vicinity. (400+ acre fire in MT two days ago)

According to a 2013 study, wildfires cause more threat to the average citizen living hundreds of miles away than you may have ever realized. According to the study:

•

Wildfires often create air pollution as bad or worse than air pollution levels in Beijing, China. These levels are unhealthy for anyone to breathe, not just children and sensitive populations, “causing severe health problems and potentially death.” • Wildfires burning within 50-100 miles of a city routinely cause air quality to be 5-15 times worse than normal, and often 2-3 times worse than the worst non-fire day of the year. Some people, who may not understand the drastic changes in forest policy over the past several decades, believe these substantial increases are due to climate change. And according to a recent article in the Gazette, the blame all lies in lightening storms and fall winds, combined with a lack of funding. There is no denying the affect these fires have had on forest worker employment: Firefighting staff has increased from 5,700 in 1998 to more than 12,000 in 2015. Meanwhile, the non-firefighting forest workers have been reduced by 39 percent — from 18,000 employees in 1998 to fewer than 11,000 last year. However, wind and fire have always existed. The West has always been arid. So why the intense increase in the number of, and intensity of these desolating forest fires? The truth is, while some fires are natural, and many do start from a lightening strike or other natural occurrence, the catastrophic nature of our forest fires over the past several decades has been in large part to the failed federal policies that have turned our forests into matchbooks of mind-boggling proportions. Some of these failed federal policies forbid healthy thinning practices that would leave existing trees with enough water and sunlight for good health. These overpopulated forests end up in millions of acres of trees susceptible to beetle infestations, resulting in unbelievable amounts of dead trees. Then these same failed policies refuse to clear the forest floor of dead and decaying trees and they lie in wait for the sparks that inevitably come, and when they do, they result in fires that each release more carbon into the air than all the cars of a large city in an entire year combined (see Live Science). Because of the ample supply of dead wood, these fires are much larger, more out of control, and deadly for animals and people alike. The unusually high heat even turns the soil into a substance that can no longer hold water or hold the forest floor together, resulting in future floods that destroy our watershed for decades. These wildfires affect all citizens, urban and rural alike. It’s time to turn our public lands over to those who know the land best and love it most...those who live within the respective states. In the Transfer of Public Lands, federal public lands would become state public land, managed for the betterment of all. Let’s stop pretending that there is nothing we can do. Contact your elected official and tell them that it is time for the Transfer of Public Lands.

www.progressiverancher.com

Those who support the Transfer of Public Lands understand a few basic facts: 1. In order to be truly sovereign states, each state must manage the lands within their own boundaries. 2. The transfer of these lands has already been promised to each state in their enabling act. 3. States have been shown, over and over again, to manage their public lands better than the federal government. 4. Those who live in and rely on the lands know best how to manage them. In his recent article in the Post Register, Orson Johnson said it beautifully. In his article, Johnson explains how anti-hunting sentiment could lead to antihunting laws on a federal level if lands remain under federal government control: According to my research, about 5 percent to 6 percent of the U.S. hunting age population actually hunts wild game (compared to 16 percent in Idaho). Some 16 percent of the U.S. population is opposed to hunting. The rest are neither strongly for nor against hunting. In our increasingly urbanized society the percentage of hunters will likely continue to diminish and non-hunters and anti-hunters will likely increase. A number of animal rights and anti-hunting organizations are more than willing to restrict or ban hunting altogether. They have a much better chance of accomplishing their goals on the federal level than on the state level. In some cases, hunting and other activities have already been restricted by the endangered species act, the clean water act or by federal agencies. The power of a very vocal minority, whether you agree with their agenda or not, has increasingly shown that it can sometimes impose its will on the majority. Anti-hunting laws have little chance of being enacted in a state like Idaho. But they could be imposed on the federal level. In that case the states would have little chance of overturning those regulations. Johnson goes on to explain how the federal government could very likely succeed in enforcing such restrictions: The most likely scenario is by fiat from one of the increasingly powerful federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, the Bureau of Land Management, or the United States Forest Service. Federal courts also sometimes “enact” legislation from the bench. These forms of legislation continue to take decision making power away from state and local governments. This trend seems likely to continue. Johnson is absolutely correct. More and more we see our Constitutional rights taken away as elected officials forget the checks and balances that were carefully crafted by our Founders. Those checks and balances are not only between the Executive, Judicial and Legislative branches of government, but even more importantly, between the federal government, whose powers are intended to be “few and defined”, and the states, whose powers encompass everything not explicitly given to the federal government by the people. We will give the final word to Mr. Johnson, who understands that, though states are prepared to financially manage their own lands, there is far more than economics to consider when it comes to who should be managing the lands within your state. It has been said with some justification that the states do not have the resources to manage the huge acreages that the federal government owns in most of the western states. But with our staggering and rapidly growing federal debt, it may not be long before the federal government will no longer have the resources to manage these lands either. In any case, even inadequate management by the state may eventually be preferable to the restrictions of an increasingly powerful and autocratic federal government. Johnson was raised in Idaho Falls. He is a fourth generation Idahoan.

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016 25

#FreeTheLands - The Goal

transferring national parks, wilderness, or Indian reservations; it’s about ordinary federal public lands becoming state public lands for multiple use in accordance with state and local plans. In fact, when our advocates introduced legislation to keep public lands public, it was the very groups who claim we would sell them that opposed the bill! Please share this simple handout with your friends and contacts and help them see how they can stand with communities throughout the West in calling for a restoration of our public lands by calling for the Transfer of Public Lands in the west. https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/americanlandscouncil/pages/1271/ attachments/original/1476135538/Unlock_Our_Lands_Informational_Handout_ with_Links_9-22-16.pdf?1476135538

verywhere you turn, misinformation concerning the Transfer of Public Lands (TPL) seems to be traveling through the media as opponents repeat rhetoric that has been disproven years ago. In order for the public to understand why we need to #FreeTheLands, they must first understand what it is and what it is not. Recently, the American Lands Council has created a simple two-sided handout that summarizes the goals of the TPL movement, as well as well-founded facts to support the transfer, and reiterate the Public Policy Statement of the American Lands Council. This simple handout can be viewed and downloaded at Here. We encourage you to share it within your circle of influence and be a part of the solution! Today, let’s focus on the goal of the American Lands Council and the Transfer of Public Lands movement as taken from this handout: (link is below) It’s as simple as that...healthy environment, abundant recreation, and safe, vibrant communities. These are the things that we all want for our public lands. There is no desire to sell the lands; no desire to destroy natural resources; no desire to cut off access to the beautiful lands of the west. Don’t be fooled by those who would have you believe otherwise. It is possible to manage our own lands in the west and to do it more effectively than the failed federal policies that have been destroying our lands for decades. #FreeTheLands is NOT about selling off public lands and it’s NOT about

One Iron

Decades of Functional Cattle

B r e d He i f e r S ale 550D HE A SELL

Ranch Raised

RANCHERS SELECT November 30, 2016 1:00 pm at the Ranch Juntura, Oregon Lunch at 12 MST 550 Head Bentz Heifers to Calve February, March, April If you can't make it to Juntura Oregon BID LIVE the day of the sale at:

Linda Bentz (541) 277-3341 Ethan Bentz (541) 881-6286 Auctioneer: Eric Duarte (541) 891-7863

Bred to Thomas Angus and Memory Angus Bulls Also selling mature cows www.ranchersheifersale.com

Commercial Black Angus 26 November-December 2016

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com

Humboldt County Commissioners Approve Nevada’s First Rangeland Fire Protection Association

he Humboldt County Board of Commissioners voted to authorize the first Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) at their October 3rd, 2016 meeting. The Wildfire Support Group, Inc. was originally formed in 2000 and operated under the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM provided training, personal protective equipment and radios to communicate with responding agencies on incidents. The group decided to file for non-profit status with the Nevada Secretary of State in 2010 and later approached lawmakers about developing a new model to operate under. AB-163 was born and was carried through committee ultimately passing both houses and became law in Nevada Revised Statute Chapter 472, State Forester Firewarden. The goal was to provide a new model and authority under which an RFPA could operate in their designated response area. The Wildfire Support Group, Inc. will be responsible for detecting and providing initial attack fire suppression on privately owned lands and public lands adjacent to their private interests. An RFPA develops and submits a map of the response area boundaries which they desire to operate within. The Nevada Division of Forestry provides assistance to the counties and groups who are interested in forming an RFPA. A checklist of requirements is utilized to assure that a group has met or exceeded the requirements including, training, incorporation, bylaws, and liability insurance, to name a few.

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES

Nevada Division of Water Resources to Inventory Pumped Groundwater in Selected Basins

ARSON CITY, Nev. – Beginning this September and continuing through December, staff from the Nevada Division of Water Resources, Office of the State Engineer, will be conducting pumpage and crop inventories in approximately 60 hydrographic basins statewide. While conducting the inventories, staff will visit the sites of underground permits within the hydrographic basins. The purpose of the inventory is to, with other

www.progressiverancher.com

reports and aerial imagery, accurately determine the amount of groundwater pumped to produce an annual report of water usage statewide. Additionally, the information obtained for the individual hydrographic basins will be published and available on the Division’s website at www.water.nv.gov. The mission of the Nevada Division of Water Resources is to conserve, protect, manage and enhance the State’s water resources for Nevada’s citizens the appropriation and reallocation of the public waters.

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016 27

FUMES FROM THE FARM By Hank Vogler

ell another year is almost in the tank. Speaking of tanks how is the market treating you??? Yucky!!!! At least the market is not singling out cowboys and sheepherders. All Ag. Commodities are in the tank. Corn farmers and soybean growers, and wheat farmers were living large a few short years ago and now the dreaded over supply has hit meats as well. The dairies are milking cows that they wish would go dry and Nevada alfalfa is still a great product but is no longer golden. A dairy farmer told me that his banker is going along with him after he explained that his multi-million dollar milking carousel is for milking cows and won’t go fast enough to be a carnival ride. The good news is that your income tax problems have been solved. Your banker is now a true partner, as he can’t get his money back without the patience of Jobe. He also must go to the bunker and hope for the best as we work through the surpluses. The guy that wrote the book two years ago about how to make it big trading agriculture commodities is a Wal-Mart greeter. The Young Turk starting tomorrow with the new blue book on commodities will be tomorrows Guru. We will find a bottom and then once again build on that foundation and go on. That is what farmers have done my entire life. Farmers and ranchers are optimists and are not quitters. Never holler WHOA!!! In a horse race. Those thoughts of passing on the place to your grand kids so they can sell out the inflation in your place; may have to be revised and now you will

Paid in Full

by Pastor Diana Gonzalez

ebster’s definition – Free: not under the control or power of another. Webster’s definition – Freedom: independence, being free, civil or political liberty, exemption from an obligation, discomfort, etc., being able to act, use freely, ease of movement, frankness, right or privilege. As I write today, it’s Veteran’s Day. The day we set aside to remember and appreciate those who served our country with their time and comfort, and those who laid down their lives for the freedom we all enjoy in this wonderful country. Freedom isn’t free, is it? It costs something and so many brave Americans gave all they could give so we can be safe and free. We must never forget them. And we must never let the freedoms they paid so dearly for slip through our hands. We must always be ready to fight anyone or anything that would take away the freedoms that those brave Americans bled and died for. Any freedom we let get away would be hard, if not impossible to get back. Let’s not be passive or lazy; let’s honor our veterans and those that fell for our country by hanging on to our Christian values and our laws of freedom. Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” NKJV Thank you Veterans for your service to our country! Jesus would know about serving and sacrifice, wouldn’t he? Jesus was born to 28 November-December 2016

be able to make your great grand kids rich. If more states legalize marijuana and the farmers get the seed and the rights to grow the crap, there will be huge surpluses of it as well. Farmers are the poster children of our capitalists system. With the incentive to make a profit the stuff will be cheaper than hay. The cow feeders will then step in, put the pot in their feeding ration and give the feeder steers the munchies and increase the gain per pound of feed and we will be off and running once again. Squeeze those lemons and make lemonade. I know you are all tired of the election stuff so just briefly allow me one suggestion. The Woolgrowers and the cowboys should hire the public relations firm that Bill and Hill use. The old Democrat party used to be the party of small farmers, small retailers and working people. After years of power we now know that they are the party of special interest and cronyism. A distinction that would fit the Republicans had they been in charge all those years; Power, Money, Corruption, we all know the system. Republicans just can’t agree long enough to be in charge of the slop bucket. We have Rinos, conservatives, ultra conservatives, moderates, Evangelicals, Christians, second amendment zealots, and anti abortion folks; all with great planks and talking points yet ordering lunch is tough enough without trying to defeat the enemies. The term, cutting off ones nose to spite your face comes to mind. Hang and Rattle. Hank Vogler

die. To die for us. To take back what satan had stolen from Adam, and to put Man back in right standing with God. Praise God that He loved us so much that He sent His Son to pay the price for our sins (reference John 3:16). A price we couldn’t pay. Jesus paid it for us, in full. Jesus is God’s Grace and Mercy manifested in human form. Philippians 2:5-11: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. NKJV If Jesus was willing to lay aside the glory of heaven to come and die for us, shouldn’t we look beyond ourselves to our fellow man and his interest? Shouldn’t we want to protect our freedoms for the next generation and the next? Let’s teach our children and grandchildren the godly principles our great nation was founded on. Let’s teach them the Pledge of Allegiance – one nation under God. Let’s teach them, we can be saved by faith through grace (Jesus). Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me!” That’s the only way. We receive God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus. None of us can meet God’s perfect standard. That’s why it was necessary for Jesus to pay for our sins, in full. So if Jesus was willing to die for us, let’s be willing to live godly, Christian lives and teach our kids to live that way, too. Let’s elect godly men and women to public office and vote out those who would take away our laws of freedom that were paid for with such a dear price. Let’s honor God and His Word and put Him first in our lives, then let’s see if our country doesn’t go in a better way. Proverbs 29:2: When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan. NKJV Let’s honor Jesus and the price He paid for us by making Him our Lord and Savior, and by asking Him into your heart today. May God bless our veterans, and our nation. Scripture reading: Romans 3:21-26, Romans 10: 8-10, 13, Revelation 1:4-6 Revelation 3:19-20 Happy trails. May God richly bless you. We love you and would love to hear from you. If you would like someone to pray with, or just have a question, please give us a call at (775) 867-3100. ‘Til next time….

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com

Nevada Stallion Stakes August 26th-28th Elko County NRCHA Elko, Nevada Horse Owner Rider Total Winnings NSS & NRCHA OPEN HACKAMORE CLASSES -REIN & CALL FOR COW Tangy Cash N Pep Liz Younger Badasci Malt Hoekenga 211 $228.67 Playguns N Sparks Lazy TD Performance Todd Fitch 212 $261.34 NRCHA OPEN HACKAMORE CLASSES -REIN & CALL FOR COW Malt Hoekenga 211 Playguns N Sparks Lazy TD Performance Todd Fitch 212 $147.00 Tangy Cash N Pep Liz Younger Badasciy

NSS LTD HACKAMORE & NRCHA NON PRO HACKAMORE -REIN & CALL FOR COW Dr Pepto Ive Got Pep Casey Bieroth Casey Bieroth 208 $224.60

Peptos Wildflower Janet Kubichek

Leonardo Valdez 209

$274.99

NRCHA NON PRO HACKAMORE Bret & Amie Paulick Bret Paulick 144.5 $252.00 Dr Pepto Ive Got Pep Casey Bieroth Casey Bieroth 137 $168.00 Lasair Maolan Rynde Thurston Rynde Thurston 132 Perfect Light Tome Laura Raynak Laura Raynak 128.5 NRCHA NON PRO BRIDLE CLASS -REIN & CALL FOR COW Jymme Dominquez J Dominquez 145.5 $312 Nics Highbrow Bret Paulick 144.5 $208 Master Slic Smoke Bret & Amie Paulick Laura Raynak Laura Raynak 138 Ima Bald Soula Lee Smith 134 Tangy Bang Bang Lee & Tracy Smith NRCHA INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BRIDLE CLASSES -REIN & CALL FOR COW Laura Raynak Laura Raynak 138.5 $210 Ima Bald Soula Lee & Tracy Smith Lee Smith 134 Ting Bang Bang

Very Slic 45

NRCHA NOVICE NON PRO BRIDLE CLASSES -REIN & CALL FOR COW $310 Laura Raynak Laura Raynak 138.5 Ima Bald Soula Cori Shields 131 Genuine Bud Light Cori Shields NRCHA $5K NON PRO LIMITED $310 Casey Bieroth Carrisa Bieroth 137.5 Dry San Pepper Ellie Willoughby Ellie Willoughby Na Heza Whiz Kid NRCHA NON PRO LIMITED $310 Casey Bieroth Carrisa Bieroth 137.5 Dry San Pepper Ellie Willoughby Ellie Willoughby Na Heza Whiz Kid NRCHA $1000 NON PRO LIMITED $312.50 Flint Lee Bea Lee 143 Little One Time $187.50 Gail Manoukian Gail Manoukian 140 Peach of a Whiz $125.00 Lynn Cafferty Lynn Cafferty 137.5 Catadance Carol Hulme Carol Hulme 137 Chics Millenium Lynn Cafferty Bill Cafferty 135.5 Smokedakitty NSS LIMITED FUTURITY COW WORK $499.99 Leo Valdez 208 Dualins Dry Doc Janet Kubichex $366.66 Janet Kubichex Leo Valdez 203 Rapgun Janie Welch 197 Mr Starlights Lady Janie Welch John & Marty Schulte John Schulte 193.5 Be Metallic Ga Star Kitty Lucky Karma Very Smart Rey Dualins Dry doc

NSS OPEN FUTURITY COW WORK Taylor and Amelia Wakley Wade Reaney 214 Anne M Reynolds Ryan Thomas 213.5 Betsy Searle Matt Mori 210 Janet Kubichex Leo Valdex 210

www.progressiverancher.com

$909.7 $520.82 $430.54 $291.66

NSS Ltd Futurity - Leonardo Valdez Dualins Dry Doc

Horse

Owner Rider Total ECNRCHA LAE FUTURITY SNAFFLE BIT OPEN Taylor and Amelia Wakley Wade Reaney 214 GA Star Kitty Matt Mori 210 Very Smart Rey Betsy Searle Ken Jones Todd Fitch 208 Cayenne Cat Matt Hoekenga SCR This Cats T Too Liz Younger Badasci NSS LIMITED DERBY REIN & CALL FOR COW Casey Bieroth 212 Dr Pepto Ive Got Casey Bieroth Kaeperrick Jymme Dominquez J Dominquez 209.5 A Rumor Has It Taylor & Amelia Wakley Taylor Wakley 203.5 Jackies Nu Remedy Taylor & Amelia Wakley Taylor Wakley 198 ECNRCHA DERBY 4 & 5 YR OLDS OPEN A Rumor Has It Taylor & Amelia Wakley Taylor Wakley 203.5 Bret and Amie Paulick Bret Paulick 141.5 Very Slic 45 NSS OPEN DERBY REIN & CALL FOR COW 216.5 Very Sm Valentine J Pearson TTEE JWPTR Ryan Thomas Matt Hoekenga 207 Tangy Cash N Pep Liz Younger Badasci Gary Stark 204 Red Quejanaisalena Robin Bolles Carol Hulme Gary Stark 203 Purr Kitty

The Progressive Rancher

Winnings $402.00 $268.00

$699.99 $408.33 $349.99 $116.66 $460.00

$700.00 $350.00 $200.00 $50.00

November-December 2016 29

2016 Elko County Fair

Aug 25th-Sept 4th ELKO, NEVADA

JM Capriolas Outstanding Stockhorse 2016 Flint Lees horse - SG Time Zone

Horse

Owner

Rider

Total

ECNRCHA LAE FUTURITY SNAFFLE BIT OPEN Jeff Garijo 213 Dally Goemmer 208.5 Katie Delong 204.5 KDK Boons In Fashon Kenny Lee Kenny Lee 200.5 OPEN SNAFFLE BIT Gayle Kolbe Flint Lee 212.5 Shez Wildrose Kobe Sandra Friberg Flint Lee 210.5 Little Foot Wade & Cara Small Michael Vipham 209 Cayenne Cat Ken & Lorna Jones Todd Fitch 209 NON PRO COWHORSE Jamie Marvel Jamie Marvel 142 Fairlea Bonita Lena Little One Time Bea Lee 140 Flint & Bea Lee Fairlea Silver Rose Katie Delong Katie Delong 138.5 IX Smart Lol Texas Michael Vipham Alex Vipham 137.5 Jeff Garijo Playin Stylish Cat Harlot Shawn & M Goemmer Fairlea Cherlena Gun Katie DeLong

Rumor Dr Pepto Ive Got Pep Juan Classy Prize Ninja Playboy R Magic Tangy Cash N Pep SG Time Zone Jewel JP Colonel Blackcatt Smokey Twist of Fate SG Timezone IX Smart Starlight WCC Hot Lil Chic Playin Stylish Cat Little One Time Pepper Jack Fairlea Silver Rose Blue O Lena Ace Master Chex Dry San Pepper Blue O Lena

NON PRO HACKAMORE Taylor & Millie Wakley Taylor Wakley Casey Bieroth Casey Bieroth Kenny Lee Kenny Lee Petan Ranch/Jacob McKay Jacob McKay

208.5 207.5 199.5 189.5

LIMITED NON PRO BRIDLE Wyatt Lear Wyatt Lear John Welch John & Janie Welch Casey Bieroth Casey Bieroth Jessica Matheson Jessica Matheson

30 November-December 2016

$597 $372.75 $248.50 $149.25 $564.00 $348.00 $232.00 $141.00

Non Pro Cowhorse Champ 2016 Rider Jamie Marvel Riding Fairlea Bonita Lena Best All Around Non Pro Rider Jeff Garijo Sponsored by Chaz Mitchell Hatz & Andy Stevens Saddlery

$729.00 $417. 75 $314.50 $182.25 $432.00 $249.00 $166.00 $166.00

Judge: Scribes:

Karl Smith Debbie Armuth Kim Satterthwaite

$474.00 $316.00

SG Time Zone IX Smart Starlight Kit Kat Cash

NV CHAMPION COWHORSE Flint & Bea Lee Flint Lee Liz Younger Badasci Matt Koekenga Jolynn Maynard Jennifer Black Flint & Bea Lee Jacey Gorden

290 286.5 280.5 277

$729.00 $471.75 $314.50 $182.25

216.5 205.5 205 203.5

$465.00 $273.75 $182.50 $116.15

OK Meriah Rosie Genuine Rednic Little One Time

OPEN BRIDLE Monica Duflock Ed Robertson Taylor & Millie Wakley Taylor Wakley Sandra Friberg Flint Lee Flint Bea Lee Bea Lee

215 213 212 210.5

$531.00 $323.25 $215.50 $132.75

145 144 143 142

$696.00 $447.00 $298.00 $174.00

213.5 209.5 203 196.5

$432.00 $249.00 $166.00 $108.00

208.5 207.5 205.5 201.5

$671.25 $372.75 $248.50 $149.25

NEVADA HACKAMORE Jennifer Sanford Flint Lee 212 Liz Younger Badasci Matt Hoekenga 212 TWO REINED Flint Lee Flint Lee Jennifer Black Jennifer Black Ty Van Norman Ty VanNorman Doug Groves Doug Groves NV CATTLE WORKING Flint & Bea Lee Flint Lee Liz Younger Badasci Matt Hoekenga Dylan Heishman Dylan Heishman Jeff Garijo Jeff Garijo WOMEN’S CLASS FLint & Bea Lee Bea Lee Jennifer Black Jennifer Black Katie DeLong Katie DeLong Jessica Matheson Jessica Matheson

Winnings

JUNIOR RIDERS 13-16 Riata Goemmer 209.5 Jacey Gorden 208.5 Ppayton Feyder 207 Dylan Heishman 207 YOUNG BUCKAROOS 8 AND UNDER Matti DeLong Matti DeLong 137 Perry Mike Marvel Scooby Doo Ben Marvel 135.5 Marinna Rosie Marina Mori 135 Clive Peptos Playboy Jacque Fender Charleigh Fender 135 JUNIOR RIDERS 9-12 Emma Garjio Emma Garjio 137 Zipper Lanny & Pam Morrison Annie Zane Wines 136.5 Katie DeLong Tallulah Fox Billy DLong 136 McKay Family Lemonade Quaid McKay 135 Wranglers Starlight Cash/New Horse Check Out R Chex WCC Hot Lil Chic

The Progressive Rancher

Shawn & Mindy Goemmer Flint & Bea Lee Dustin Feyder Dylan Heishan

www.progressiverancher.com

Team Roping:

#11 - Austin Iveson, Mario Munoz #15 - Mark Eldridge Michael Mori

Cow Pony Relay Race:

First Place- Maegan Ausley, Jennifer Black, Madeline Chandler Second Place Team- Steve McDermott Justin McDermott Jason Jones Third Place Team- Flint Lee, Kirk Ferris, Cowboy Rodriguez

Co-Ed Branding:

First Place-Jessica Kelly, RC Crutcher, Timmy Lynn DeLong, Will Knight Second Place Team- Will DeLong, Katie DeLong, Jeff Garijo, Jaci Garijo Third Place Team- John Jackson, Jessica Jackson, Danielle Sayler, Russ Jackson Fourth Place Team- Kaylee Filippini, Jennifer Black, Marshall Smith, Mike Vigil

Co-Ed Branding Champs Jessica Kelly, RC Crutcher, Timmy Lynn DeLong, Will Knight

Womens Branding Timmy Lynn Dlong, Nora Lee, Jessica Kelly, Georgia Black

Open Snaffle Champ 2016 Rider Flint Lee - Riding Shez Wildrose

Non Pro Snaffle Champ 2016 Rider Jeff Garijo - Riding Playin Stylish Cat Non Pro Hackamore Champ Rider Taylor Wakley - Riding Rumor Limited Non Pro Bridle Champ Rider Wyatt Lear Riding Ace

Women’s Class Rider Bea Lee - Riding Little One Time

Women’s Branding:

First Place: Timmy Lynn DLong,Nora Lee, Kessica Kelly, Goergia Black Second Place Team: Sandy Kiel Katie Cavasin Bea Lee Natalie Norcutt Third Place Team: Mindy Goemmer Dalley Goemmer Riata Goemmer Abby Estes

Open Branding: Open Hackamore Champion Rider - Flint Lee Riding Playboys R Magic www.progressiverancher.com

Two Rein Champ Rider Flint Lee - Riding SG Time Zone

First Place: Robert Crutcher RC Crutcher Will Knight Alan Malotte Second Place Team: Hanes Holman Quinn Mori Michael Mori Ira Walker Thirs Place Team: Jim Filippini Jeff Garijo Will DeLong Tyson Torvik

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016 31

N Farm Bureau Nevada evada Farm Bureau

Nevada Farm Bureau 2016 Annual Meeting

By James Linney - Director of Communications

he Nevada Farm Bureau will be holding its annual convention in Elko this year November 14-16 at the Elko Convention Center. Every year the Nevada Farm Bureau puts on a state conference for Farm Bureau Members statewide to come together and discuss the issues facing our state’s agriculture industry. This year’s event will span across three days and keynote speakers include representatives from the American Farm Bureau Federation as well as State Veterinarian J.J. Goicoechea. Farm Bureau Members as well as County Delegates from all over the state come together for the Policy Development meeting held every year where new policies and reconstructed policies are voted on and are added to the Nevada Farm Bureau’s Policy Book for use in the Legislature and fighting for or against the bills that affect Farmers and Ranchers in this state. This is the time of year both the Women’s Leadership Committee as well as the Young Farmers & Ranchers of Nevada get together on a statewide level to plan out their activities for the year to come. Prior to the State Annual Meeting, counties across Nevada held their own county annual meetings where they brought policy ideas and new policies to the attention of their county policy chairs who will then carry the policies to be voted on at the State Annual Meeting. If being a Farmer or Rancher in Nevada is important to you and standing up for what you believe is right then don’t miss out on this once a year happening in Elko come mid November. Come be a part of the voice of Nevada Agriculture. Information on the Nevada Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting and registration costs can be found in the Nevada Farm Bureau’s Agriculture & Livestock Journal or online at our website, www.nvf b.org.

Elko Convention Center Monday, November 14, 2016 Registration area would be opened at 10 a.m. - Lobby Lunch on your own 1:00 p.m. Opening Session – Ruby Mountain 2 • President’s Report • County Farm Bureau Reports 2:30 p.m. Open Resolutions Session – Ruby Mountain 2 3:00 p.m. Break 3:30 p.m. District Caucus Meetings • Lamoille 1 – District I (Southern NV Counties) • Lamoille 2 – * District II (Northeastern NV Counties) • Lamoille 3 – District III (Northwestern NV Counties) (*District II – Election For District Director) 4 p.m. Nomination Committee – Lamoille 4 4:30 p.m. Information Conference On Nevada Water Law - Ruby Mtn 2 5:30 p.m. Social - Lobby 6:30 p.m. Opening Dinner – Ruby Mountain 3

Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Registration area would be opened at 7:30 a.m. - Lobby 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 Nevada Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Meeting – Lamoille 4 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 YF&R Meeting With AFBF Regional YF&R Reps - Lamoille 3 8:30 a.m – 9:30 Information Conference - Ruby Mountain 2 9:30 a.m. 10 Break - Lobby 10:00 a.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Prep Meeting – Lamoille 4 10:00 a.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Judges – Lamoille 3 11:00 a.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Round 1 (4 -6 contestants) – Lamoille 3 YF&R Discussion Meet Round 1 (4 -6 contestants) – Lamoille 4 Noon Lunch - Ruby Mountain 3 1:30 p.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Round 1 (4 -6 contestants) – Lamoille 3 YF&R Discussion Meet Round 1 (4 -6 contestants) – Lamoille 4 2:30 p.m. - 3 Break – Lobby 3 p.m. Information Conference - Ruby Mountain 2 4:30 p.m. Information Conference - Ruby Mountain 2 5:30 p.m. Social - Lobby 6:30 p.m. Awards Dinner – Ruby Mountain 3 YF&R Discussion Final Round 1 (4 -6 contestants) – Ruby Mountain 3

Wednesday, November 16, 2016 Registration area would be opened at 7:30 a.m. – Lobby 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 Farm Bureau Bank Breakfast – Ruby Mountain 3 9:30 a.m. General Session & Voting Delegates – Ruby Mountain 2 Policy & Elections Closing and adjournment at the conclusion of the delegate session 32 November-December 2016

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com

NNevada Farm Bureau evada Farm Bureau

Another Challenge For Livestock Grazing On Federal Lands

By Doug Busselman eeping Nevada livestock producers on the range and able to continue their operations seems to be an ever-increasing up-hill climb. If it isn’t federal agencies attempting to figure out unachievable requirements to implement under the auspices of protecting a bird that was found to not be warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act – it could be wildland fires that spread beyond belief because of fine fuel loads that are allowed to expand because of restricted livestock grazing. A new potential impact taking shape is the proposed closure of up to nine grazing allotments (in whole or in part) because of land withdrawals for the Fallon Range Training Complex Modernization. The proposed action by the United States Navy is to renew current federal land withdrawal of 202,859 acres that are set to expire in November 2021. Also included in the proposed plan is to withdraw and reserve 604,789 acres of additional federal land. From the perspective of additional impacts to surface area, the Navy is planning to acquire 65,160 acres of non-federal land. The current public scoping phase of this proposed project runs to November 25, 2016. A website has been developed at https://frtcmodernization.com/ and can provide a more complete overview of the Navy’s proposal as well as offering a tool for input. Comments can also be sent by mail to:

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest Code EV21.AK 1220 Pacific Highway Building 1, 5th Floor San Diego, CA 92132

ATTENTION - ATTENTION

Considerations From A Farm Bureau Point of View:

Nevada Farm Bureau policy on the Impacts of Military Reservations promotes compensation for the adverse economic impacts caused by military branches or the federal government. As Farm Bureau policy sees things, these payments would come about when those impacts result from new and existing military activities, reservations or restricted areas. Although that would seem to be a fairly straightforward, appropriate and simple mitigation requirement – it isn’t quite as easy as expecting the federal government to do what’s right. When asked the question at one of the Navy’s open house meetings in early October, the response was that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) had told them (the Navy) that they didn’t have to compensate for taking away grazing allotments or reducing Animal Unit Months (AUMs). There is also the question on how to make the necessary calculations to establish a value for lost or reduced grazing allotments, if compensation for loss was in the plan. Work is underway to address the details related to obtaining proper compensation. Nevada Farm Bureau and the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association are working together to develop a plan for moving forward as well as putting that plan in motion.

www.progressiverancher.com

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016 33

COLLABORATIVE CONSERVATION EFFORT HELPS KEEP NEVADA'S COLUMBIA SPOTTED FROG McAdoo, Natural Resources Specialist, Cooperative Extension FROM FEDERAL LIST- Kent Chad Mellison, Biologist, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Rangeland Scientist, Great Basin Rangelands Research Unit, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 920 Valley Road Reno, NV 89512 charlie.clements@ars.usda.gov Habitat Supervisory Biologist and Supervisory Wildlife Biologist, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Vice President, Elko Land and Livestock, and Agricultural Research Science Technician, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service

INTRODUCTION

another cannot occur. Reduction in spotted frog distribution Species Description and Life History has apparently been associated with So what’s a “spotted frog, anyway? The impacts from water developments and the Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris) introduction of nonnative fish and amphibbelongs to the anuran family of true frogs, ian predators. Other specific threats to the or Ranidae. Frogs in this widely distributed frog include improper livestock grazing, family are smooth, moist-skinned, and have spring development, mining, over-harvest large powerful hind legs. There are only of beaver, disease, and climate change. three other true frogs native to Nevada: the northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens), relict leopard frog (Lithobates onca), and HISTORY OF ENDANGERED Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog (Rana SPECIES ACT STATUS sierrae). Two additional frog species have In 1989, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serbeen successfully introduced into Nevada, vice (FWS) was petitioned to list the spotted the red-legged frog (Rana aurora) native frog (referred to originally as Rana pretiosa) to California and the bullfrog (Lithobates under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, catesbeianus) from east of the Rockies. as amended. The FWS ruled on April 23, Columbia spotted frogs are slim1993, that listing of the spotted frog was waisted and long-legged amphibians with warranted and designated the species as a webbed hind feet. Adults are from two to candidate for listing. In 1997, after speciesColumbia spotted frogs have benefitted from collaborative conservation. four inches in length (snout to vent), with specific genetic and geographic differences This species was removed from consideration for federal listing females being larger than males. The dorsal confirmed a Great Basin distinct populalargely because of successful cooperative efforts. (upper side or back) color of these frogs tion segment (DPS), the FWS conferred a (Photo courtesy of Teri Slatauski, Nevada Department of Wildlife). ranges from light brown, dark brown, or high priority designation (Priority 3) for the gray, with small spots (Figure 1). Ventral Great Basin population. However, the frog (underside or abdominal) coloration differs geographically, ranging from yellow to was precluded from listing due to higher priority species like the greater sage-grouse. salmon (Figure 2), but very young individuals may have nearly white ventral surfaces. The major impetus behind the petition was the reduction in distribution apparThe range of this species extends throughout the Great Basin, northern Rocky ently associated with the threats mentioned above. This ranking category included Mountains, British Columbia, and southeast Alaska. However, genetic research in- Great Basin Columbia spotted frog populations in both northeastern Nevada and dicates that frogs in southeastern Oregon, southwestern Idaho, and northeastern and the Toiyabe Range in central Nevada. In its December 6, 2007 Candidate Notice of central Nevada are a distinct population. Review, the FWS announced a change in priority for the Great Basin spotted frog In Nevada, Columbia spotted frogs are found closely associated with slow-moving populations from Category 3 to Category 9, and this determination was maintained or ponded surface waters that are clear and have little or no vegetation canopy cover. in subsequent years. [Note: The only other Columbia spotted frog populations in Habitats of viable populations typically include springs, often with floating vegeta- Nevada are located in the eastern portion of White Pine County near the Nevada/ tion, and larger bodies of pooled water (including oxbows, lakes, stock ponds, beaver Utah border and are geographically and genetically associated with the West Desert ponds, seeps in wet meadows, and backwaters). The frogs apparently require a deep population in Utah – these populations were withdrawn from federal candidate status silt or muck substrate for hibernation and torpor (a state of decreased physiological in April 1998.] activity, including a reduced body temperature and metabolic rate). Females may lay COLLABORATION HISTORY only one egg mass per year, with extreme yearly fluctuations in egg mass size. SuccessFrom 1999-2002, a Columbia Spotted Frog Technical Team, comprised of several ful egg production, viability, and metamorphosis of spotted frogs are influenced by cooperating entities including the FWS, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Bureau of habitat variables such as temperature, depth, and pH of water, cover, and the presence Land Management, US Forest Service, Nevada Natural Heritage Program, Natural or absence of predators (especially fish and bullfrogs). Resources Conservation Service, Nye County, and University of Nevada Cooperative Threats to Spotted Frogs Extension worked together to write a conservation plan for this species. Upon signaIn the Great Basin, Columbia spotted frogs are found in naturally fragmented habitats that are often seasonally dry and resource-limited. Such habitats are sensitive ture approval in 2003 by these same entities, a 10-year Conservation Agreement and to disturbance, both natural and human-caused, thus increasing the chance of local Strategy (CAS) was written for each of the affected Nevada spotted frog population extirpation for its inhabitants. The elimination, fragmentation, and/or degradation segments (Northeast Nevada and Toiyabe subpopulations). During this time (2003of any use area (e.g., adult foraging range, winter hibernaculum, breeding pool) will 2013), a Technical Team for each CAS was charged with plan implementation, evaluhave a negative effect on local populations because of the wide use of riparian areas by ation, and strategy revision as necessary. Survey and monitoring activities by these adult frogs. These effects on metapopulations may result in widespread declines. If cor- teams were designed to increase knowledge of spotted frog distribution, populations, ridors between population units are eliminated, dispersal from one population unit to and habitat. 34 November-December 2016

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com

The purpose of the col- agreement was signed in Februlaborative approach was to ary 2015 to ensure collaborative “ensure long-term conserva- conservation of the frog for an tion and expedite conserva- additional 10 years. tion actions.” The Technical SUCCESS! Teams that implemented the The results of this effort CAS approach were com- were at least partially responsible prised of core participants for the listing priority of spotfrom the signatory partners ted frogs being down-graded identified above. Although from a Priority 3 to a Priority there were separate CAS doc- 9 in 2007. By 2013, the USuments for the Northeast FWS concluded in its annual and Toiyabe spotted frog Candidate Notice of Review populations, they were simi- (CNOR) that “Extensive surFigure 1. Dorsal coloration of Columbian lar in content and approach. veys and monitoring since 1993 spotted frog (Photo courtesy of Participants/cooperators had have revealed that Columbia Rachel Van Horne, US Forest Service). well-defined legal or other au- spotted frog populations within thorities and technical support the Great Basin DPS are more capabilities. Each CAS was developed using a step-down outline based on best science widespread and common than available at the time and a commitment to the adaptive management process. This previously known.” More specifprocess allowed the Technical Teams the flexibility to modify the strategy at the work- ically, whereas there is historical ing group level based on new information and changing conditions. During each year documentation of 65 known ocof the agreements, the Technical Teams developed annual work-plans that included cupied watersheds prior to 1993, Figure 2. Ventral coloration of Columbia detail on field level coordination and implementation. Meeting at least twice annually, now there are 165 watersheds spotted frog (Photo courtesy of Brad the teams reviewed and evaluated conservation progress, tracking accomplishments known to be occupied by CoBauman, Nevada Department of Wildlife). through structured implementation tables that included responsibilities for actions, lumbia spotted frogs. In another completion timelines, and potential funding sources. related document, the FWS conCONSERVATION AGREEMENT & STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION cluded that, since the signing of the CAS documents in 2003, “Long-term monitoring Following the tasks outlined in the CAS agreements, biologists from the US For- plans aimed at standardizing monitoring locations and protocols have been developed est Service, Nevada Department of Wildlife, and FWS conducted presence/absence and implemented for both the Toiyabe Mountains and Northeast subpopulations” (of surveys, mark/recapture studies, and egg mass surveys, and collected descriptive Columbia spotted frogs.) habitat measurements. Sentinel sites were established and long-term monitoring plans On October 7, 2015, the FWS determined that the Great Basin DPS of the developed and implemented. This collaborative work has resulted in standardized sampling methods and protocols for disease prevention, a necessary precaution when working with sensitive amphibians. Results were summarized in annual reports, and conservation projects were planned and, in some cases, implemented. To ensure corporate memory, a data repository was also developed. The increase in monitoring that was implemented as a result of the CAS agreements has improved the partners’ knowledge of the spotted frog’s distribution and also increased knowledge of population demographics for frogs in several locations. Also, recent studies have reported that improved livestock grazing management, especially changes in the timing and duration of livestock grazing and incorporating rest-rotation grazing strategies, are resulting in improved riparian habitat conditions and water quality in occupied Columbia spotted frog habitat in some areas. Adhering to the CAS action plans, restoration and creation of new pond habitat improved numerous occupied frog sites throughout the Great Basin, as well as other parts of the species’ range. As an example, a habitat enhancement project in Indian Creek Valley, Nye County, Nevada consisted of construction or augmentation of 22 ponds in 2004 and 14 more in 2009. These ponds are all currently occupied by Columbia spotted frogs, with 77 percent having verified breeding activity as evidenced by egg masses or tadpoles. In northern Nevada, adult frogs increased 3-fold in a private land pond that was excavated to improve habitat quality. And in a nearby exclosure, livestock are being used as a tool to improve spotted frog habitat by reducing rank vegetation. Significant conservation efforts have been occurring in many areas across the range of the Columbia spotted frog in the past Figure 3. Columbia spotted frog habitat provided by beaver activity decade, most of them as the result of the CAS agreements. Due (photo courtesy of Rachel Van Horne, US Forest Service). to the success of Nevada’s first 10-year CAS experience, a revised www.progressiverancher.com

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016 35

Columbia spotted frog did not warrant federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. The FWS decided to remove the frog from the ESA candidate species list after an analysis of the best available scientific and commercial data. Much of this data was gathered by the committed group of federal, state and local conservation partners, demonstrating evidence that threats impacting the species are not as widespread throughout its range as previously thought, and that its populations are much more varied and robust than what was previously known. “Sound science conducted by our conservation partners starting as early as 2003 to learn more about the Columbia spotted frog DPS has shown us that this tenacious amphibian is not only persisting, but thriving throughout its Great Basin home,” said Ted Koch, Reno FWS State Office Field Supervisor. “The collaborative teamwork among agencies and with our state and local partners to implement a long-term comprehensive conservation strategy demonstrates a model commitment to ground-level conservation that will continue to protect the frog and its habitat, as well as benefit many other Great Basin aquatic species well into the future.” FUTURE OUTLOOK Beaver management will be an important key to sustaining spotted frog habitat and populations into the future. Beavers create small pools of slow-moving water that function as sites for frog reproduction and wet meadows for foraging habitat and protective cover (Figure 4). Beaver populations have made an astounding comeback since they were nearly extirpated in the early 1800s. Moderate contemporary beaver harvest does not seem to negatively impact the Great Basin beaver population as a whole. The collaborative CAS approach has ensured the implementation and maintenance of key conservation actions, provided incentive to generate funding and program support for conservation actions, and served as a foundation for local, community-based conservation programs. Effective conservation management efforts that reduce threats and enhance habitat, combined with ongoing data collection that indicates higher spotted frog population numbers, have assured the FWS that Columbia spotted frogs can persist in the Great Basin without the need for additional federal regulation. BIBILOGRAPHY Arkle, R.S., and D.S. Pilliod. 2015. Persistence at distributional edges: Columbia spotted frog habitat in the arid Great Basin, USA. Ecology and Evolution 5:3704–3724. Adams, M.J., C. Mellison, S.K. Galvan. 2013. Population estimates for the Toiyabe population of the Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris), 2004–10. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2013–1036. 30 pp. Booth, D.T., S.E. Cox, G. Simonds, and E.D. Sant. 2012. Willow cover as a stream-recovery indicator under a conservation grazing plan. Ecological Indicators 18:512–519. Clements, C. 1991. Beavers and riparian ecosystems. Rangelands 13:277–279. Dalldorf, K.N., S.R. Swanson, D.F. Kozlowski, K.M. Schmidt, R.S. Shane, and G. Fernandez. 2013. Influence of livestock grazing strategies on riparian response to wildfire in northern Nevada. Rangeland Ecology and Management 66:34–42. Gibson, P.R., and J.D. Olden. 2014. Ecology, management, and conservation implications of North American beaver (Castor canadensis) in dryland streams. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 24:391–409. Hatch, K., C.R. Tracy, J.K. Reaser, and S. Blomquist. 2002. Status of the Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris) on U.S. Forest Service land in the Toiyabe Mountains, NV. University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada. 64 pp. Pilliod, D.S., R.S. Arkle, J.M. Robertson, M.A. Murphy, and W.C. Funk. 2015. Effects of changing climate on aquatic habitat and connectivity for remnant populations of a wide-ranging frog species in an arid landscape. Ecology and Evolution 5:3979-3994. Pilliod, D.S., and R.D. Scherer. 2015. Managing habitat to slow or reverse population declines of the Columbia spotted frog in the northern Great Basin. Journal of Wildlife Management 79:579–590. Reaser, J.K. 2000. Demographic analyses of the Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris): case study in spatiotemporal variation. Canadian Journal of Zoology 78:1158–1167. Reaser, J.K., and D.S. Pilliod. 2005. Rana luteiventris, Columbia spotted frog. Pages 559–562 in M. Lannoo (editor), Amphibian Declines: The Conservation Status of United States Species. University of California Press, Berkeley, California. Swanson, S., S. Wyman, and C. Evans. 2015. Practical grazing management to maintain or restore riparian functions and values on rangelands. Journal of Rangeland Applications 2:1-28. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2015. Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris) distinct population segment analysis. Reno Fish and Wildlife Office, Reno, Nevada. 9 pp.

The Society for Range Management (SRM) is “the professional society dedicated to supporting persons who work with rangelands and have a commitment to their sustainable use.” SRM’s members are ranchers, land managers, scientists, educators, students, conservationists – a diverse membership guided by a professional code of ethics and unified by a strong land ethic. This series of articles is dedicated to connecting the science of range management with the art, by applied science on the ground in Nevada. Articles are the opinion of the author and may not be an official position of SRM. Further information and a link to submit suggestions or questions are available at the Nevada Section website at http://www.ag.unr.edu/nsrm/. SRM’s main webpage is www.rangelands.org. We welcome your comments.

36 November-December 2016

“Quality Comes First” Bull and Female Sale

11.20.16 Parma, Idaho

Volume Selection of Stout, Rugged, Range-Ready Bulls • 80 Angus and 20 Hereford Long Yearling and Yearling Bulls 50 Angus Females • Bred Heifers, Productive Young Cows, Heifer Calves Malsons WB Insight 9C • DOB 1/27/15 Malsons Stockman 84C • DOB 2/25/15

Malsons Johnny Cash 74C • DOB 2/24/15 Malsons Worldwide 71C • DOB 2/23/15

Online bidding available

For more information or to request a sale book, contact: 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

The Progressive2016ProgressiveRancher_Malson_Nov.indd Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com 10/10/16 10:30 PM

Tread Carefully in Changing Water Law

ur state’s top water official – the State Engineer – wants the “flexibility” to manage conflicts if it turns out the State allowed water pumping that impacts the environment or other users of that water resource. That might sound reasonable, but unfortunately various loose interpretations, over-optimistic assumptions, and loopholes since the start of Nevada water law have led one in every five water basins in our state to become over-appropriated, whith more rights on paper than water to supply them. Past State Engineers have ignored the links between ground and surface water, failed to count thousands of domestic wells against a basin’s yield, or assumed that not all water rights will be put to beneficial use. Their actions have allowed for the most development, and left future generations on the hook for the results of over pumping. Our state’s water law was designed to protect water resources from being overused, and to protect those that came first from having their water taken by thirsty newcomers. That’s why Great Basin Water Network, White Pine County, and others have been successful in court, challenging State Engineer decisions to approve water rights for a massive groundwater pipeline from Eastern Nevada to Las Vegas. Flexibility is the problem, not the solution. What the state needs is clear guidance to be prudent, not a blank check to rubber stamp water rights now and deal with the problems later. The State Engineer’s broad proposal would also contradict Federal and state constitutional protections for due process and property rights. Lawsuits over the government’s “takings” could be plentiful and costly for taxpayers as senior rights holders seek compensation for their diminished resources. On August 26, the Nevada Legislative Commission’s Subcommittee to Study Water finalized its recommendations to change water law during the 2017 Legislative session. State Senators Pete Goicoechea and Aaron Ford committed to drafting a bill to allow flexibility through “adaptive management.” Great Basin Water Network asks them to work with us to make sure changes strengthen our state’s water law, not weaken it. Anything half as vague as the State Engineer’s plan should be a non-starter. To be clear, GBWN doesn’t oppose mitigation plans. But that process has to happen before rights are granted, with specific triggers and remedies. The burden and mandate must be on the applicant as a junior rights holder to scale back when conflicts occur. We believe that language is already in state law and said as much in our comments to the Water Subcommittee. Perhaps the State Engineer needs it spelled out even more, but giving broad authority to grant water rights now, with a promise to deal with conflicts later is a mistake. It jeopardizes senior water rights and exacerbates, rather than controls, the state’s chronic over-appropriation problems. It’s essential that legislators hear now from ranchers, well owners, and others whose livelihoods depend on water, before Nevada water law is changed in ways that jeopardize senior water rights and provoke property rights takings lawsuits. This editorial has been submitted by GBWN, who the Nevada Rangeland Resources Commission supports in their efforts to protect Nevada’s water laws and its’ supply. Abby Johnson is president of Great Basin Water Network. Howard Watts is the communication specialist.

The next meeting of the Nevada Rangeland Resources Commission (NRRC) will be held during the NCA Joint Annual Convention in Reno Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. www.progressiverancher.com

Nevada Ranchers Caretakers of our

Rangelands

Cowboys and sheepherders produce food and ﬁber for the nation. Growing food on Open range is a natural biological process. Grazing actually beneﬁts the land with hoof action and natural fertilization. Plants are healthier and regenerate faster after the herds move to a new range. Antelope and other game animals and birds take advantage of the improvements

Grazing cattle and sheep coexist peacefully with native wildlife and, in fact, make a friendlier habitat for many species.

Sheep often graze on steep terrain and can control cheatgrass, a major fuel for wildﬁres. Nevada Rangeland Resources Commission was created by the State of Nevada to promote responsible public land grazing. Representatives come from Nevada state grazing boards, Nevada Woolgrowers, Nevada Farm Bureau, and Nevada Cattlemen’s Association.

4780 East Idaho Steet, Elko, NV 89801 • 775-738-4082 WWW.NEVADARANGELANDS.ORG

This ad is funded through the NRRC’s assessment of 10 cents an AUM paid by public land ranchers.

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016 37

RANGE PLANTS FOR THE RANCHER By Paul T. Tueller, Ph.D., CRMC

Purple Three-Awn

erennial grasses are the life blood of the forage resource on Nevada Rangelands. I hope to further instruct the ranching community concerning the perennial grasses on their range allotments. An interesting grass is (Aristida purpurea Nutt). Aristida purpurea is a species of grass native to North America which is known by the common name purple three-awn or red three-awn. This grass is fairly widespread and can be found across the western two thirds of the United States, much of southern Canada and parts of northern Mexico. It is most abundant on the plains but is found in dry desert valleys and hills across central Nevada but most commonly in the southern areas of the state. They are normally found in the 8-12 inch precipitation zone and occur on many soil types and have been observed between 3800 and 7000 feet elevation. This grass is a strong competitor. Plants produce abundant seeds from which they reproduce, although tillers add to reproduction. This perennial bunchgrass, grows erect to under a meter-3 feet in height, and the flower glumes often assumes a light brown to reddish-purple color. There are several varieties with overlapping geographical ranges. With a gentle breeze passing through purple three-awn inflorescences (grass flowers), one can imagine that the earth has purple hair. This low-growing prairie grass is good for erosion control on banks and provides a root matrix for many wildflower species. Purple three-awn is an early successional species. Now thinking about your knowledge of grass morphology the following are some of the characteristics of purple three-awn. The culms (stems) are 10-100 cm in length, erect to ascending and usually unbranched. The leaves mostly basal but may be mostly cauline (leaves arising from the stem above ground level). The sheaths are shorter or longer than the internodes. The collars are glabrous, or sparsely pilose at the sides with straight hairs. Ligules less than 0.5 mm; blades 4-25 cm long, 1-1.5 mm wide, tightly involute to flat, usually glabrous. Inflorescences usually sparingly branched panicles, occasionally racemes, 3-30 cm long, 2-12 cm wide, with 2 or more spikelets per node. The nodes are glabrous but may have straight, about 0.5 mm hairs; primary branches 3-6 cm, appressed to divaricate, varying sometimes within a panicle. The glumes are usually unequal with the lower glumes shorter than the upper. The color may be light to dark brown or purplish. Purple three-awn is not considered to be a good forage plant for livestock because the awns are sharp and the protein content of the grass is low. So the forage is poor (rarely fair) for livestock and wildlife and is grazed only early in the growth stages before awn development and is of little forage value in the winter. The seeds are food for some song birds. The plants provide nesting materials or habitat for some fur and game animals.An abundance on some sites, because of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitive ability, becomes an indicator of range deterioration. Once again, as a perennial bunchgrass, it is a part of the vegetation and forage resource on Nevada rangelands and has its own beauty because of the reddish awns. â&#x20AC;&#x192;38â&#x20AC;&#x192;November-December 2016

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

2017

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 9, 2017

January 9, 2017

January 10, 2017

January 12, 2017

January 13, 2017

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 10, 2017

January 11, 2017

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 ext. 10 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 2016 39

Nevada Department of Agriculture urges extreme caution around feral horses in Virginia Range Area

By Rebecca Allured Nevada Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division Administrator

fter a collision on Toll Road in south Reno, the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) officials urge motorists to use extreme caution when driving in the Virginia Range area. The collision took place late on Tuesday night and involved two vehicles and three feral horses. The motorists sustained no injuries, but the accident resulted in two dead horses. Horses in this area 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 range includes the areas of Fernley, Dayton, Lockwood, south Reno, Hidden Valley, Silver Springs, Virginia City and east of Carson City. Extra caution should be taken at dusk and during the night. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to use extreme caution and assume there are animals on the road,” Flint Wright, administrator for the NDA Animal Industry Division, said. “We are doing everything we can to keep these animals off the road for public safety and the safety of the horses.” To report horses near an unfenced road or on a roadway in the Virginia Range area (US395 to 95A and I-80 to Highway 50), please call the horse hotline at (775) 353-3608 or email 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 effective service and education. NDA includes the divisions of Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition and Plant Industry.

Worthington appointed to the Board of Agriculture By Rebecca Allured Nevada Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division Administrator fter a collision on Toll Road in south Reno, the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) officials urge motorists to use extreme caution when driving in the Virginia Range area. The collision took place late on Tuesday night and involved two vehicles and three feral horses. The motorists sustained no injuries, but the accident resulted in two dead horses. Horses in this area 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 range includes the areas of Fernley, Dayton, Lockwood, south Reno, Hidden Valley, Silver Springs, Virginia City and east of Carson City. Extra caution should be taken at dusk and during the night. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to use extreme caution and assume there are animals on the road,” Flint Wright, administrator for the NDA Animal Industry Division, said. “We are doing everything we can to keep these animals off the road for public safety and the safety of the horses.” To report horses near an unfenced road or on a roadway in the Virginia Range area (US395 to 95A and I-80 to Highway 50), please call the horse hotline at (775) 353-3608 or email horse@agri.nv.gov.

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 775-756-6582 or 775-934-1683 40 November-December 2016

The Progressive Rancher

•

See you next year!

RHOADS-RANCH.COM www.progressiverancher.com

www.progressiverancher.com

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016â&#x20AC;&#x192;41â&#x20AC;&#x192;

2016 Production Sale Results

lessed with Nevada’s beautiful fall weather, the third weekend of September created a perfect blend of exceptionally nice horses, an A+ sale staff, and eager buyers both onsite and off for the 20th annual Van Norman & Friends Production Sale in Elko, Nevada. It all came together to create what can only be described as “one hell of a

horse sale.” Following a thorough preview of saddlehorses, a total of 71 horses found new homes in Colorado, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Arizona and California as well as throughout Nevada. Despite fewer horses being sold than in some past sales, the sale was the highest grossing since the sale’s inception, mostly due to the great selection of saddle horses that ranged from colts with 45 rides to finished bridle horses. The saddle horses were extensively shown in previews designed to ensure that buyers could make informed decisions on their potential purchases. On Friday afternoon, the preview of older horses was complimented by Matt Mori colorful commentary. Riders were given the opportunity to showcase all aspects of their horse with everything from an obstacle course to a reining pattern, working a cow and roping. This segment was videotaped by Alan Taylor and uploaded to horseauctionslive. com, where it could be accessed on the internet. This feature will be expanded upon and improved in the future. Saturday’s preview focused more on two year olds, and was commentated by Ty Van Norman. Along with ample opportunity to visit with consignors about their entries, buyers were shown the young horses working in the arena. The sale was also webcast live, and had over 80 viewers who stayed on the site for the

High selling weanling: JP High Brow Squirt

High seller!!

By Becky Lisle and Linda Bunch

entire time. While only three horses actually sold over the internet, on-line bidding was brisk with several runner-up bidders to the actual sale in the barn. The two phone ringmen, Sam and Pete Mori, were also kept busy with active bidding through that venue also.

2016 Sale Results Top 10 average: 11-21 average: Average on 71 head

Top seller: Lot 81 Peptos Playboy, a 2000 red roan stallion by Peptoboonsmal x Miss Freckles Girl consigned by Van Norman Quarter Horses, Tuscarora, NV, purchased by Ellison Ranching Co. of Tuscarora, NV and Billie Filippini ”C” Ranches of Battle Mountain, NV for $19,700. These buyers were awarded a quilt handcrafted by Karan Ferreira for purchasing the high-selling horse. High selling two year old: Lot 61 JP Wranglers Leo Bar, a 2014 red roan stallion by Wranglers Starlight x JP Strawberry Zippo consigned by Van Norman Quarter Horses and purchased by Rod and Kristine Chumley of Selah, WA for $9000. High selling yearling: Lot 78,MKP White Christmas, 2014 buckskin mare by Little Young Bert x Topsail Star Chex,consigned by Porath Quarter Horses of Rockland, ID was purchased by Erica Rockwell of Spring Creek, NV for $3100.00 High selling weanling: Lot 57, JP High Brow Squirt, a 2016 bay colt by JP Colonel Blakcatt x JP Strawberry Zippo, consigned by Van Norman Quarter Horses,

Peptos Playboy

Two-year old preview (Rolly Lisle)

High selling yearling - White Christmas

42 November-December 2016

$ 12,120.00 $ 5,836.00 $ 4,260.00

High selling two year old - JP Wranglers Leo Bar The Progressive Rancher

All in the family(Travis and Trent Whitely)

“One Nation, under God”

Giving credit where credit is due www.progressiverancher.com

Rolly Lisle and Linda Bunch

Karan Ferreira quilt in background donated to buyer of high selling horse Tuscarora, NV. Purchased by Randy Leighton of Stevinson, CA for $3600. Several special touches added to the overall atmosphere and success of the weekend. After the Friday preview families, friends, and potential Taylor Brown, Wells, NV buyers were treated to a Youth Branding Contest under the direction of Ty Van Norman and Jess and Carrie Eary. Cattle for the event were donated by Broken Circle Cattle Company of Mountain Home, Idaho. The event was a great hit, showcasing so much of what ranch breeding programs and ranch values are all about. The weekend wouldn’t have been complete without good food and Nevada hospitality. Tacos Las Brisas provided their delicious Mexican food during the Youth Branding event, and on sale day, complimentary breakfast burritos, juice, and coffee were provided by the sale. Later in the day, Machi’s offered their superb lunch as well as a full bar. Make plans now to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Van Norman and friends Production Sale September 15-16, 2017. Follow on facebook and Instagram: vannormanandfriends andon sale website vannormansale.com.

Oren Knudsen, Clover Valley, NV

Van Norman and friends 2nd Annual Youth Branding Contest

The Van Norman and friends Youth Branding Contest is a timed event designed to keep our ranching heritage alive and well, and to give kids the opportunity to compete with an adult family member. in a contestant-friendly venue. Contestants in two divisions – 10 & Under and 11-14 choose their own two-person ground crew and family member to partner with. The ropers must head and heel the two calves. After each calf is roped, the ground crew sets ropes to front and back feet. They then place a chalk stick brand on a specified area of the calf. Times stops when the second calf is branded and the ground crew is back in the designated circle. There is a twelve-minute time limit with the longest time of the 27 teams entered being 3:37 and the quickest time 2:06. Many thanks to those volunteers to numerous to mention and to award sponsors Jess and Carrie Eary, Van Norman & Friends Production Sale, J.M. Capriolas, Luke & Becky Baumeister, Van Norman Quarter Horses, and Intermountain Farmers Associates(IFA). An extra special shout out to Kate Mink of Broken Circle Cattle Company for donating the use of the calves and to Pedro Romero of Tacos Las Brisas for the delicious food. Capriolas, Luke & Becky Baumeister, Van Norman Quarter Horses, Broken Circle Cattle, IFA 10 & under results (10 entries) 11-14 yrs results (17 entries) 1st - Robert Gibson (4:12.03) 1st - Monte Cummins (2:06.63) 2nd - Zane Wines (4:49.25) 2nd - Isaac Mori (2:08.90) 3rd - Anthony Atkins (4:53.19) 3rd - Anna VanNorman (2:21.59) 4th - Hannah Rose Kelly (5:33.40) 4th - Frankie Baumeister (2:42.69) 5th - Logan Cummins (5:39.75) 5th - Wade Mori (2:51.09) 6th - Riley Roderick (2:58.69) www.progressiverancher.com

The Progressive Rancher

Wade Mori, Paradise Valley, NV

November-December 2016 43

News Release

USDA Announces $1.3 Million in TeleHealth and Distance Education Grants for Renown Health, Nevada System of Higher Education, Elko County Schools By Melissa Blair, Acting State Public Affairs Officer

Teleconferencing and Video Technology Will Improve Student and Patient Access to Advanced Education and Health Care in Rural Nevada

ENO, Nev. – Oct. 17, 2016)--The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced more than $1.3 million to fund three telecommunications projects for improved technology systems to support distance education and telemedicine in Nevada. Forty-six education sites at elementary, middle and high schools, community colleges, Cooperative Extension Service Centers, and Nevada Youth Training Centers will access improved technology and more advanced educational curricula, and 21 additional health care sites will be able to provide acute and preventive health care services. “These telecommunications systems help connect rural people in remote communities to experts and resources across the country,” said USDA Rural Development State Direct Sarah Adler. “High school students will be able to access advanced courses through distance learning; the telehealth system expansion will provide rural access to health care services that are currently not available. A tremendous amount of collaboration among Renown Health, the Nevada System of Higher Education, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, health providers, USDA and other providers went into these applications for a very competitive program; it is terrific to get these results.” Renown TeleHealth received a $436,936 grant to provide acute and ambulatory healthcare services in 21 rural healthcare communities in Nevada and California through a high-definition telehealth network. Rural hospitals, clinics and correctional institutions in eight Nevada and three California counties will be able to connect patients, families and caregivers to area emergency and elective healthcare services. USDA granted the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) $493,351

You are invited to

COWBOY CHURCH!

Bible Study Fri @ 9 am

Sunday @ 11am services

4275 Solias Rd Fallon, NV

Bible Study Wed @ 6 pm

to provide videoconferencing equipment in 13 Nevada counties to replace outdated equipment and software for video, audio and interactive collaboration at 30 interactive sites across the state. Most of the connection sites are at elementary schools, high schools, and rural community college campuses. USDA approved $454,676 for the Elko County School District to connect 16 schools and 10 communities with advanced distance learning technology in Elko and White Pine County. The new systems will include video conferencing stations, archiving and replay equipment and bridging gear. This will allow Great Basin College to offer college level courses, language and math courses to smaller high schools. the Communities in Schools of Northeastern Nevada (CISNE) located in Elko, will provide counseling and behavioral health services through their systems connected to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program helps rural communities acquire technologies to connect educators and medical providers with other professionals and other needed expertise that would be too far to access otherwise. This program taps into modern telecommunications and technology to improve education and healthcare which are two imperative factors for economic and community development. Nationwide, USDA Rural Development awarded $23.4 million in grants to support 45 distance learning and 36 telemedicine projects. Since 2009, the agency has provided $213 million for 634 DLT projects in rural areas nationwide. USDA’s Rural Utilities Service, which administers the DLT program, also offers infrastructure programs that bring broadband, safe drinking water and improved wastewater treatment facilities to rural communities.

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

44 November-December 2016

(775) 240-8870 Cell (775) 867-3100

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com

News Release

USDA to Purchase Surplus Cheese for Food Banks and Families in Need, Continue to Assist Dairy Producers Lease Department Also Will Extend Margin Protection Program for Dairy Enrollment Deadline

Contact: Office of Communications

ASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase approximately 11 million pounds of cheese from private inventories to assist food banks and pantries across the nation, while reducing a cheese surplus that is at its highest level in 30 years. The purchase, valued at $20 million, will be provided to families in need across the country through USDA nutrition assistance programs, while assisting the stalled marketplace for dairy producers whose revenues have dropped 35 percent over the past two years. “We understand that the nation’s dairy producers are experiencing challenges due to market conditions and that food banks continue to see strong demand for assistance,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This commodity purchase is part of a robust, comprehensive safety net that will help reduce a cheese surplus that is at a 30-year high while, at the same time, moving a high-protein food to the tables of those most in need. USDA will continue to look for ways within its authorities to tackle food insecurity and provide for added stability in the marketplace.” USDA received requests from Congress, the National Farmers Union, the American Farm Bureau and the National Milk Producers Federation to make an immediate dairy purchase. Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 authorizes USDA to utilize fiscal year 2016 funds to purchase surplus food to benefit food banks and families in need through its nutrition assistance programs. USDA also announced that it will extend the deadline for dairy producers to enroll in the Margin Protection Program (MPP) for Dairy to Dec. 16, 2016, from the previous deadline of Sept. 30. This voluntary dairy safety net program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating dairy producers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level selected by the producer. A USDA web tool, available at www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool, allows dairy producers to calculate levels of coverage available from MPP based on price projections. On Aug. 4, USDA announced approximately $11.2 million in financial assistance to U.S. dairy producers enrolled in MPP-Dairy, the largest payment since the program began in 2014. “By supporting a strong farm safety net, expanding credit options and growing domestic and foreign markets, USDA is committed to helping America’s dairy operations remain successful,” said Vilsack. While USDA projects dairy prices to increase throughout the rest of the year, many factors including low world market prices, increased milk supplies and inventories, and slower demand have contributed to the sluggish marketplace for dairy producers. USDA will continue to monitor market conditions in the coming months and evaluate additional actions, if necessary, later this fall. Since 2009, USDA has worked to strengthen and support American agriculture, an industry that supports one in 11 American jobs, provides American www.progressiverancher.com

consumers with more than 80 percent of the food we consume, ensures that Americans spend less of their paychecks at the grocery store than most people in other countries, and supports markets for homegrown renewable energy and materials. USDA has also provided $5.6 billion in disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; expanded risk management tools with products like Whole Farm Revenue Protection; and helped farm businesses grow with $36 billion in farm credit. The Department has engaged its resources to support a strong next generation of farmers and ranchers by improving access to land and capital; building new markets and market opportunities; and extending new conservation opportunities. USDA has developed new markets for rural-made products, including more than 2,500 biobased products through USDA’s BioPreferred program; and invested $64 billion in infrastructure and community facilities to help improve the quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/results.

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016 45

by Jennifer Whiteley

R roped in his first branding contest at the Van Norman Sale Youth Branding Contest, which was held in conjunction with the Van Norman and Friends Horse Sale this past September. I’m not sure who was more nervous, mom or dad! Mom wanted TR to at least get one calf roped before the times up whistle. The CowBoss was worried he would miss too many loops. TR was cool as a cucumber. It turns out I am a horrible youth branding contest photographer. I was so busy watching all of the contestants that I didn’t even get very many good pictures of them! I wanted to get pictures of everyone, and failed miserably. We would all like to thank Carrie Eary for putting on such a great contest. It was well organized and all of the contestants had a great time. Carrie does a great job, and she made the contest all about the kids. The cattle were the perfect size and speed for all of the youth ropers. We look forward to both of our boys roping in more of her events. I had my fingers crossed that TR would at least catch one calf before he ran out of time. One of the best things about this branding contest was that there was no whistle saying time was up. Each contestant got to rope both their calves, whether they had them caught in the time allowed or not. There wasn’t a 2 minute warning either. You paid to rope 2 head and you got as much time as you needed to get the two head roped. I was able to be up close for all of the action, and was able to hear a lot of the conversations going on between dads and ropers. As the countdown began, I overheard one dad tell his daughter “Don’t worry about winning today. Just have fun. I’m just glad I get to rope here with you today.” Another daughter asked, after her dad missed several head loops: “Want me to go ahead and neck it dad?” The CowBoss told TR, “Hey! Try a smaller loop, I think you’d have better luck.” TR replied “Nope. I like a big loop.” It gave me a new appreciation for gentle kid’s horses and patient dads! I loved all of 46 November-December 2016

the high 5’s and knuckles I saw after each heat. A few of our highlights were TR getting exasperated with his dad when he missed his first head loop. We also got a kick out of all of TR’s expressions when he would miss a loop. He was a little dramatic, and pretty worried about if the crowd was watching him or not. The best part though for me was how happy he and his dad where when they let the last calf up. Ranching isn’t a 9 to 5 job, and often when we take our kids with us, we have a job to do. We don’t always have time to let kids throw 10 loops in the dirt before they pick up a leg when we are trying to doctor a calf. When we finish work for the day we don’t always feel like catching another horse and taking the kids down to practice roping leppies in the round pen. Thank you Carrie for giving us as parents an incentive to practice roping with our kids and one more opportunity to tell them we are proud of them and how hard they have worked. TR would like to thank his “foot crew” Uncle Casey (Bieroth), and Clayton Blanthorn for setting the ropes on his two calves. I would like to congratulate all of this year’s contestants and tell them what a great job they did. You all deserve a high 5 and a pat on the back!

The Progressive Rancher

www.progressiverancher.com

The Progressive Rancher

November-December 2016â&#x20AC;&#x192;47â&#x20AC;&#x192;

â&#x20AC;&#x192;48â&#x20AC;&#x192;November-December 2016

The Progressive Rancher