NCA 2009 President’s Award Recipient
IN THIS ISSUE
24
Fire Articles
3
Riding for the NCA
27
BLM
4
Nevada Cattlemen Assn.
28
Horizons
8
Plain and Brown
30
Nevada Farm Bureau
10
Eye on the Outside
33
Look Up
12
NRRC Cowboys & Critters
34
Wolves and Ranching
14
Fumes from the Farm
36
NV Department of Ag
16
SRM
38
Range Plants for Rancher
19
Mind of Millenial
39
Superior Livestock Report
20
Beef Checkoff
43
Coloring Page
22
Seasons of the Ranch
44
10 Financial Tips
23
American Lands Council
46
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
Photo by: Stacey Butler Montana Gov. Bullock announces workshops for Western Governors’ National Forest and Rangeland Management Initiative Best of the West: Out-of-control California wildfire forces 82,000 to flee, first Oregon standoff sentencing, Mysterious fish kill Drought Update: California loses $600 million to drought, Lake Powell in peril Epic Failure Another Federal Government Operation Gone Wrong Superior Livestock Sale Report Sage Grouse Initiative
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.
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2 September - October 2016
The Progressive Rancher
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A Message from our President David Stix Jr.
F
ellow Cattlemen and Cattlewomen, in this message I would like to visit with you about some upcoming programs we’re working on here at the NCA. First, during the Permittee Outreach Workshops put on in conjunction with the Bureau of Land Management and the Nevada Department of Agriculture, some permittees asked about an educational program on the Conservation Credit System (CCS). Immediately it made sense. I had to confess that though I’m familiar with the conservation easement programs and the fact that I have heard many times about the credit program, I know nothing!! In fact, while discussing this idea of a CCS workshop with others in the NCA Executive Committee, I found many others may not understand this program either. NCA does have several individuals who not only know about it but they have used the CCS program already. PLEASE! Nevada Cattlemen’s is not advocating at this time full support on the idea of the CCS program, I just feel we need to better understand the concept. Please look for announcements in the future from NCA pertaining to a workshop hopefully near you. Next as a result of a recent editorial in the Elko Daily Free Press pertaining to a piece of rubbish headlined “Public Lands Ranching is Driving Sage Grouse Extinct”, we are beginning to compile several truthful and scientifically backed statements. We will be
able to provide these to the local press. These statements will explain the positive effects of well managed livestock grazing. We do not want to go toe-to-toe with these so called “flat bellied experts” on the truth about livestock grazing. We just want talk over them and go directly to the public with the real stories of how things work in real life. And finally, the NCA Annual Convention. Yes! Please mark your calendars for December 1-3, 2016 at the Nugget Casino/Resort in Sparks, NV. This is the year we share with the California Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention. It is already looking as though this will be one of the biggest trade show events we’ve seen. Some of the ideas we are working on is to have the NCA banquet earlier instead of the last night. It will be on Friday evening and conclude with the Board of Directors meeting on Saturday morning. Kaley is working as we speak with the Nevada Cattlewomen’s Association on having some live dancing type entertainment during their Beer Tasting event after our banquet. We will not have sessions focused on projects with different agencies rather we will be having more educational platforms like a “Water Law Boot Camp”. This is very fluid at this point but our goal is to offer you a fun and worthwhile event, so please try to attend. That’s all for my message, please take care and see you all next month. -David Stix Jr.
CattleFax Daily Market Outlook and Analysis August 19th 2016 Nearby Elec. Contract Close High Low Live Cattle $113.550 ($0.025) $113.900 $112.750 Feeder Cattle $146.075 $1.050 $146.300 $144.400 Lean Hogs $61.925 $1.225 $62.400 $60.275 Class III Milk $16.95 $0.00 $16.96 $16.95 Corn $3.3425 $0.0225 $3.3475 $3.3000 Soybean $10.2700 ($0.0525) $10.3500 $10.1700 USDA Beef Complex Item Price Change Choice $200.86 ($0.89) Select $194.13 $1.00 Drop Credit $11.12 $0.00 Weekly Recap Fed cattle trade in the South occurred at $118, $1 lower compared to the week prior. Fed cattle trade in the North was at $116 to $118 this week, $1 to $2 lower compared to last week. Dressed trade in the North occurred at $185 to $187, steady to $2 lower. Boxed beef was mixed this week as buying demand for early September has remained slow. Feeder cattle were steady to $3 lower. Calves were narrowly mixed ending mostly steady, but with sharp increases in lightweight calves across some regions. Market cows were steady to $2 lower this week. Corn closed the week 8 to 10 cents higher.
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Check out today’s Chart of the Day - http://cattlefax.us7.list-manage.com/track/ click?u=527ca000cdc583caf8ae9fe70&id=c8757ad627&e=ebcaee5164 For recent market news and analysis, visit CattleFax.com To prevent CattleFax emails from being blocked by antispam software, include CattleFax.com and cfax@cattlefax.com to your list of contacts and safe senders, and please ask your ISP to include them as well.
The Progressive Rancher
September - October 2016 3
By Kaley Sproul, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director
Happy One year!
B
By Kaley Sproul, NCA Executive Director
efore we can figure out what a leader can be, we need to understand what leadership entails. Mark Sanborn states, “Leadership is an invitation to greatness we extend to others by example”. It has been a little over one year since I have started with the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association, and it has been a great one! The people I have had the opportunity to work with have given me advice and tools that not only teaches me how to do this job but how to succeed. Those leaders have been instrumental in my career by teaching me that being a leader requires hard work, compassion, understanding, creativity and patience. In July I had attended the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Summer Meetings in Denver, CO. I found this experience very educational and rewarding. Here I was able to learn more about policies that affect the industry, how we as ranchers need to engage with the public and that we need to communicate with our legislative representatives with current issues and thoughts. During the week I had the pleasure of meeting many of the Young Beef Leaders (YBL). These representatives work together and grow as leaders while advocating for our industry. I would like to thank Amber Miller for doing a great job representing Nevada as the Region 6 YBL. I am sure the next YBL will have big shoes to fill come this next year. Another highlight for Nevada at this summer meeting was at the Environmental Stewardship Awards Reception. Smith Creek Ranch of Austin, Nev., was honored as one of six Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winners. They are committed to being good stewards of the land and protecting the land’s natural resources. While in Denver I was reminded multiple times that within our associations it is important to keep in mind that we are all working together. We may not all have the same issues but we all have the same goal. That goal within Nevada is to strive for a successful Nevada Livestock Industry. Along with the day-to-day office obligations, I have had a busy and rewarding year getting to know most of the Nevada producers and trying my best to help promote a sustainable livestock industry for Nevada. Some of my highlights include the Elko Field Tour, 80th Annual Convention, 50th Fallon Bull Sale, Legislative Conference, NCBA Meetings and various workshops throughout the year. These are not all of the activities/events I have assisted with or attended this year but they have made the most impact for me. Every task within the NCA has been unique, challenging and yet gratifying! Some of my NCA goals I have been working towards are getting our Facebook page back up and running, getting our positive stories out to the public in a timely manner, and keeping our website updated with current/helpful relative information. I certainly can’t do it alone however; this is where I ask of your help. If you have any stories you would like to be highlighted please send them my way, I would love to know what things you’ve been doing. I also ask that if you have a Facebook page; please go to our Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Facebook Page and “Like It”. Unfortunately on social media, some of the negative/ Kaley Sproul, uneducated voices are louder than the true/positive NCA Executive Director ones. This is an area where we can change that! Using 4 September - October 2016
our voices on social media is one of the many powerful tools Nevada Cattlemen and Cattlewomen can use to contribute and share their experiences to a large number of people in a targeted way. I ask for you all to keep sending advice and guidance my way, as it is much appreciated! As we are going into a Legislative year, it will be an even busier one. Be sure to mark your calendars for our next big events such as Convention on December 1-3, 2016 in Sparks, and the Fallon Bull Sale on February 18, 2017. For more information and to keep up on current NCA events go to our webpage at http://www.nevadacattlemen.org/. Lastly, I would like to mention that I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work within the Nevada Livestock Industry that encompasses so many leaders!
Daily Market Outlook and Analysis August 25, 2016 Futures Market Summary Nearby Elec. Contract Close High Low Live Cattle $113.550 ($0.025) $113.900 $112.750 Feeder Cattle $146.075 $1.050 $146.300 $144.400 Lean Hogs $61.925 $1.225 $62.400 $60.275 Class III Milk $16.95 $0.00 $16.96 $16.95 Corn $3.3425 $0.0225 $3.3475 $3.3000 Soybean $10.2700 ($0.0525) $10.3500 $10.1700 USDA Beef Complex Item Price Change Choice $200.36 $0.04 Select $194.15 $0.42 Drop Credit $11.09 ($0.04) Thursday Recap The live cattle futures market moved lower again today, closing $0.17 to $0.52 lower. Steer carcass weights continue to move seasonally higher and are up one pound from last week at 887, 8 pounds below year ago levels. Feeder cattle futures closed $0.07 higher at $146.72/cwt. in the nearby contract, the last trading day for the August feeder cattle contract. September will now be the nearby contract. The CME feeder cattle index reported $0.44 lower to $147.29/cwt. Lean hog futures closed $0.60 to $1.62 lower and the CME lean hog index reported $0.03 higher to $66.99/cwt. There were no major changes in the corn and kc wheat futures closing slightly lower. Soybeans closed 22-3/4 cent to 32-1/2 cents lower. In the latest EIA data, U.S. Crude production was down at 8.548 million barrels per day from 8.597 million bpd last week; production was 9.348 million bpd this week of last year. Ethanol production was down at 1,028,000 bpd, versus 1,029,000 last week. In a time where domestic inventories should be declining seasonally, last week’s DOE report showed a 2.5-million-barrel increase, and are averaging a 600,000-barrel weekly increase for the past 4 weeks of data. Check out today’s Chart of the Day - http://info.cattlefax.com/chartoftheday/ For recent market news and analysis, visit CattleFax.com To prevent CattleFax emails from being blocked by antispam software, include CattleFax.com and cfax@cattlefax.com to your list of contacts and safe senders, and please ask your ISP to include them as well.
The Progressive Rancher
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Build a successful preconditioning program for your operation Help to make the transition from mother side to the feedlot as easy as possible. By Christina Talley, Elko Nevadah
Importance of preconditioning
P
reconditioning involves using several different management strategies in order to minimize stress during the weaning period, train calves to eat from feed bunks, hay feeders and drink from water troughs and vaccinate calves appropriately. The ultimate goal of preconditioning is to maximize profit for both the cow/calf operator and the finisher. While generally used for feedlot, all the principles of preconditioning apply equally to maximizing health in replacement heifers and bull prospects. When calves transition to the feedlot they are experiencing a new and different environment. It benefits everyone to have a healthy animal, so it is important to do everything that we can to start that animal off right.
The basics of building a preconditioning program
A successful transition is impacted by several factors, including vaccination, nutrition, environment and genetics. Preconditioning aids in maintaining a strong immune system throughout the life of the animal. First and foremost, calves should receive adequate amounts of high quality colostrum when first born. Failure to receive adequate amounts of colostrum not only adversely affects the health of the newborn calf, but can result in 3X the likelihood of requiring treatment for respiratory disease during the feedlot period. Deworming is an important part of any preconditioning program. Weaned calves are very susceptible to the effects of intestinal parasites. Heavy worm burdens cause reduced appetites and decreased ability to respond to vaccination. Ideally, calves should be dewormed 2-6 weeks prior to weaning; thus limiting damage to the intestinal system, ensuring maximum growth rate during the final weeks prior to weaning. Calves can be dewormed instead at weaning, or 2-3 weeks following weaning, but treatment prior to weaning is ideal. Calves should be weaned at least 45 days prior to movement off the farm. They should be familiar with the area in which they will be weaned; unfamiliar surroundings contribute to stress.
• Branding (2 to 3 months old) — administer first respiratory vaccine and return the animals to the environment they came from • Two to three weeks before weaning — consider other vaccines to cover regional diseases and, potentially, the second respiratory vaccine • Weaning — implement the second respiratory vaccine (if not completed pre-weaning) and parasite control
Profitability of preconditioning
Though nearly every study shows that feedlot producers are financially rewarded for purchasing healthier calves, some cow/calf producers ask if they receive the same financial benefits. In an 11-year study, as average daily gain increased, profits continued to grow. The net return per calf from preconditioning was approximately $80 in a study from 1999-2009. It’s not a guarantee that you will make money, but the odds of making money with a good preconditioning program are more likely than not. Feedlot buyers will also remember where good healthy calves originated and likely want to purchase from you again. From a health standpoint, preconditioning is always positive for the calf and typically is financially rewarding for both cow/calf and feedlot producers. As margins tighten for the cow/ calf producer, it makes sense for them to “own” the calf for a few extra weeks to improve its health and add dollars to their bottom line. With the feedlot owner receiving a healthier calf, preconditioning becomes a win-win-win situation. This year calf prices are not as high as they have been so profit margins will be tighter. Preconditioning will still pay premiums, but it might be worth running the numbers for your operation to decide what works best for you. Oklahoma State University has a downloadable tool that will help you to do that. http://beefextension.com/pages/cccalc.html
Timing is critical
Setting up a health protocol – including vaccines – is critical. We should not be giving all vaccines at weaning time, as that puts more stress on the animals. It has been well documented that weaning and preconditioning for at least 45 days on the farm or ranch of origin is the most important fact in ensuring health at the feedlot. Typical timing for vaccine protocols often include:
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The Progressive Rancher
September - October 2016 5
Carey Hawkins
Jack Payne
Cell: 208-724-6712
Cell:775-217-9273 Alt: 775-225-8889
OFFICE: 775-423-7760
Full-Service Cattle Sales & Marketing serving the Fallon, Nevada and Outlying Areas. Feeders Seller
City
#
Desc
Type
Weight
Price CWT
Judith Byler
Eureka
1
BBF
B/C
255
450/Hd
Juniper Mtn Cattle
Fallon
4
MIX
B/C
191
355/Hd
Dan & L Whitmore
Fallon
6
MIX
STR
421
$176.00
Jay & Georgia Black
Austin
4
BLK
STR
513
$163.50
Jay & Georgia Black
Austin
29
MIX
STR
648
$145.50
Wesley Behimer
Austin
2
BBF
STR
570
$151.50
Susan & David Kern
P. Valley
6
MIX
STR
573
$145.00
Aaron & D Williams
Fallon
10
MIX
STR
556
$147.50
Trever & Jake Wade
Alamo
5
BLK
STR
665
$142.00
Windy R Ranch
P. Valley
2
BLK
STR
688
$139.50
Henry & Joi Brackenbury
Yerington
4
MIX
STR
694
$137.00
Peraldo Brothers
Fallon
4
BLK
STR
763
$127.00
JM Gomes
Fallon
18
HOL
STR
444
$85.00
C & L Kretchmer
Tonopah
3
BLK
HFR
682
$130.00
Raymond & Cheryl Kretchmer
Round Mtn
2
BLK
HFR
818
$129.00
Henry & Joi Brackenbury
Yerington
3
MIX
HFR
685
$129.00
Trever & Jake Wade
Alamo
3
MIX
HFR
603
$126.50
A & DWilliams
Fallon
5
MIX
HFR
482
$120.00
Boomer Ranches
Fallon
1
BLK
HFR
515
$110.00
Sales Results from August 17th, 2016
NEXT Feeder SALE Sept 21st
Starting at 1:30pm in conjunction with our regular Wednesday sale
Cattleman's Cafe (Formerly the Feed Bunk Cafe)
located at the sale barn 775-294-5958 Open Daily Good home cooking! ~ Check out the daily special ~
For Butcher Cows and Bulls Seller
City
#
Desc
Type
Weight
Price CWT
John & Jhona Bell Alan & Mimi Mendes Jay & Georgia Black Raymond & Cheryl Kretchmer Henry & Joi Brackenbury Sunrise Ranch Juniper Mountain Jake & Lydia Dempsey Dale Johnson Phillip Amos Jeff Whitaker Hi Test Products Mateo Muniz Desert Hills Dairy Desert Hills Dairy Lacas Vacas Hillside Dairy Arelmont Ranch Kylie Amos James & Joseph Clark Moura Ranch JM Gomes Joe Gomes Tyson Torvik Juniper Mountain Trever & Jake Wade Jake & Lydia Demspey
P Valley Reno Austin Round Mtn
1 1 1 1
RBF RED RED BLK
COW COW COW COW
1060 1020 1150 1315
$77.00
Yerington
1
BLK
COW
1520
$70.00
Yerington Fallon Winn. Lovelock Fallon Fallon Fallon Fallon Yerington Yerington Fallon Fallon Dyer Fallon Reno Lovelock Fallon Fallon Fallon Fallon Alamo Winn
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
RBF WF BCHX BLK BBF HOL HOL HOL HOL HOL DRYX HOL RED BLK MIX
COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW HFRT COW COW COW BULL BULL BULL SRTHRN BULL HOL BULL HOLX BULL BLK BULL CHAR BULL WF BULL RED BULL
1180 1165 1465 1195 1175 1105 1940 1835 980 1735 1220 1390 1685 1655 1915 2175 1880 2170 1785 1920 1090 1015
$69.00
$75.50 $75.00 $74.50
$68.00 $65.00 $65.00 $58.00 $78.00 $72.00 $70.50 $70.00 $68.00 $63.00 $56.00 $102.00 $97.00 $93.00 $90.50 $90.00 $88.00
$87.00 $87.00 $86.50 $70.00
NEVADA LIVESTOCK VET SUPPLY, LLC
“WHERE RANCHERS SHOP” 131 INDUSTRIAL WAY FALLON, NV Shop in store or we will deliver to your door 775-423-3038 office 775-624-4996 cell ***SEPTEMBER SPECIAL*** 10% off Salts and Supplements Now is a great time to stock up for weaning and fall processing. For transportation needs and marketing or consignment information call Jack or Carey. 6 September - October 2016
The Progressive Rancher
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Cattle Outlook - Plain & Brown
By Ron Plain and Scott Brown The select carcass cutout this morning was $189.86/cwt, down 10 cents Ag Economics, MU July 29, 2016 from last week. The choice-select spread, $8.05/cwt this morning, the There were 451 million pounds of beef in cold storage at the end of smallest since the last week of February. June. That was up 1.2% from the month before, but down 4.9% from a This week’s cattle slaughter totaled 581,000 head, down 2.4% from last year ago. June was the fifth consecutive month with stocks of frozen week, but up 9.2% from a year ago. The average steer dressed weight beef below the year ago level. for the week ending on July 16 was 880 pounds, up 5 pounds from the The U.S. economy grew only 1.2% during the second quarter according to week before, down 4 pounds from a year ago, and below the year-ago the U.S. Commerce Department. They revised down their estimates of level for the 11th consecutive week. growth during the fourth quarter of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016 Feeder cattle prices at Oklahoma City were generally $1 to $3 higher to 0.9% and 0.8%, respectively. These numbers decrease the odds of this week. Stocker calves were lightly tested. Prices for medium and the Federal Reserve Bank raising interest rates anytime soon. Growth large frame #1 steers by weight group were: 400-450# $163.50-$179, this slow is not good for meat demand. The restaurant performance 450-500# $161-$164, 500-550# $154-$165, 550-600# $148-$166, 600-650# index was down in June for the second consecutive month. $139-$155, 650-700# $145-$155.50, 700-750# $144.50-$152, 750-800# USDA weekly crop progress report said that 15% of U.S. pastures were $138.50-$152.75, 800-900# $132-$140.75 and 900-1000# in poor or very poor condition as of July 24. That is up 1 point from $126.50-$133.50/cwt. the week before and 3 points higher than a year ago. The July Cattle on Feed report found lower placements during June than After three weeks of price decline, this week fed cattle prices were mixed in very light volume. Through Thursday, the 5-area average expected and that gave a boost to cattle futures this week. The price for slaughter steers sold on a live weight basis was August live cattle futures contract settled at $113.07/cwt today, up $118.00/cwt, up $3.35 from last week’s average, but down $27.22 from a $3.12 for the week. October fed cattle settled at $111.72/cwt, up year ago. The 5-area dressed steer price averaged $184.09/cwt, down $3.65 from the previous Friday. 74 cents from the week before and down $45.13 from a year ago. August feeder cattle futures ended the week at $140.05/cwt, up $2.85 This morning, the choice boxed beef cutout value was $197.91/cwt, down from a week earlier. October feeder cattle closed the week up $2.75 $2.45 from the previous Friday and down $11.95 from three weeks ago. at $138.57/cwt.
Analysis & Comments Review and Cattle Market Outlook Looking back at the first six months of 2016 the one word summary for beef production is “growing” compared to a year ago, especially during May and June. The word that immediately comes to mind regarding cattle prices is “volatile”, especially in futures markets. A close second price descriptor was “lower” year-over-year. The second half of 2016 may bring more of the same; however, a repeat of the price collapse that occurred in late 2015 is not expected. Due to increasing domestic supplies of beef and competing animal-based proteins, year-over-year declines in cattle prices are forecast for 2017, but the pace of price drops is expected to moderate significantly. The largest proportion of the adjustments to occur in the current cattle price cycle likely already happened. At times those price adjustments were abrupt. In mid-year updates, we typically discuss the July 1 Cattle report by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). On March 4th of this year NASS indicated that for fiscal reasons that report was being suspended. The report gave the first estimate of the size of the calf crop, allowed estimation of feeder cattle supplies outside feedlots, national herd changes, etc. Consistency in that type of report is critical and it had been suspended once before (2014’s). The lack of this report complicates understanding, in a timely way, of the fundamental supply factors impacting this industry.
Mid-Year Review/Status For the first six months of 2016, U.S. beef production was 5.2% above 2015’s. At 12.1 billion pounds, that was the largest tonnage for January-June since 2013’s. Both cattle slaughter (up 4.3%) and dressed weights (rising 0.9%) posted year-over-year increases. Most of the year- over-year gain in cattle slaughter came from steers and heifers (Federally Inspected slaughter was 4.5% above 2015’s). Cow slaughter also increased, rising 3.4% compared to 2015’s; most which was in beef-type animals rather than dairytype. Beef cow slaughter increased 8.0% year- over-year in the first half of 2016. So far in 2016, the impacts of increased beef production, lackluster exports, and large processor margins have translated into lower cattle prices, as would be expected. The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Market News negotiated 5-market average slaughter (fed) steer reported prices for the first six months of this year averaged just over $131.00 per cwt. compared to a shade above $160.00 last year, dropping 18% year-over-year. Lower fed cattle prices combined with cattle feeders adapting their feeder cattle price bids, after record large losses in 2015, pressured yearling and calf prices www.progressiverancher.com
Livestock Marketing Information Center State Extension Services in Cooperation with USDA
well below 2015’s. AMS reported auction prices for 700-to 800-pound steers in the Southern Plains plummeted 30% year-over-year in the first half of 2016. Southern Plains prices for 500-to 600-pound steers in January through June averaged 33% below 2015’s. The U.S. international trade picture so far this year (first five months were available when this article was written) has changed compared to a year ago. Several factors are behind those changes including lower U.S. prices and the effects of exchange rates. Year-over-year U.S. beef export tonnage has been up modestly (rising 2.6%). Importantly, U.S. beef import tonnage has declined compared to 2015’s (down 12% year-over-year) driven by reductions in tonnage from Australia (28% below 2015’s level). On the cattle side, U.S. imports also have declined compared to 2015’s. Yearto-date cattle imports from Mexico and Canada dropped 10% and 11%, respectively, Cattle feeder and packer profitability so far this year have been dramatically better than a year ago. Still, posting profits on cattle feeder closeout sheets remained very challenging. Beef packer gross margins in recent months have been among the largest ever calculated. With larger cattle supplies and now downsized capacity, the financial struggles caused by excess capacity of feedlots and packers may be largely behind us. However, for feedlots, the financial recovery may take several more years. Competing Meats: Production Growth Rate Slowing For the first six months of 2016, total domestic production of red meat and poultry was larger than posted in any prior year. The prior record was set in 2008. However, the rate of change from one year to the next is the important market driver not the absolute level; for the first six months of this year U.S. output increased 2.9% year-over-year. Looking back in history, record levels in total red meat and poultry production are rather normal, the anomaly was in recent years. For the 20 year period beginning in 1989 through 2008, record large U.S. total red meat and poultry production for the first six months of the year occurred 17 times. As usual in recent decades, U.S. chicken production had the largest tonnage. January-June of this year nearly 20.3 billion pounds of chicken (ready-to-cook weight) were produced, 2.9% above the same timeframe in 2015. Next was pork at 12.2 billion pounds (carcass weight), followed closely be beef at 12.1 billion pounds, a record for January-June. Importantly, the year- over-year increase in pork was only 0.9%, which
The Progressive Rancher
September - October 2016 7
was much smaller than the surge a year ago. U.S. turkey production was about 2.9 billion pounds and has been recovering from the Avian Influenza caused reductions last year and was 3.1% above 2015’s for the first six month of 2016. At about 77 million pounds, commercial lamb production in January-June was essentially unchanged from a year ago, while veal dropped (down 6.9% year-over-year). In calendar year 2015, for the first time since 1959 U.S commercial pork production exceeded that of beef. That situation is projected to be repeated in 2016; however, the gap between pork and beef is forecast to narrow. It is critical to note that the rate of growth in the amount of pork and chicken facing U.S. consumers is moderating compared to 2015’s. For example, U.S. pork production surged 7.3% in 2015 compared to 2014’s level. In 2016, LMIC forecasts U.S. pork production at 1% to 2% above 2015’s. Rather modest growth in both pork and chicken output are forecast for 2017 (up 1% to 3% year-over-year). Additionally, for the balance of 2016 and throughout 2017, U.S. exports of pork and poultry are forecast to increase, helping to keep growth in the domestic per capita supply restrained.
National Corn and Forage Conditions Good, So Far In 2016, both U.S. corn acres harvested and national production will likely exceed 2015’s. Corn production could easily be record large, depending on weather conditions. In late July, corn prices at major Midwest market areas were 25 cents to 50 cents per bushel below a year ago and the lowest for any week since mid-October 2014. Lower corn and other feedstuff costs will provide some buffering to further declines in calf and yearling prices this fall quarter. For the current corn crop-marketing year (2015/16) the national average corn price received by farmers is expected to be the lowest since 2009/10. If a record large U.S. corn crop is produced (14.6 billion bushels or so) in the 2016/17 marketing year, the estimated stocks as of September 1, 2017 will exceed 2 billion bushels for the first time since the end of the 2004/05 crop-year. The national average corn price received by farmer in the 2016/17 marketing year is expected to be the lowest since 2006/07. In terms of hay production and availability, generally expectations are for slightly increased hay supplies and continued lower prices in 2016. USDA’s NASS published their first cut of 2016’s harvested hay acres in the June Acreage report. NASS estimates total U.S. hay acres harvested to be up 3% year-over-year. Alfalfa hay acres harvested are expected to be up 2%, compared to 2015, to 18.1 million acres nationally. Other hay (mostly grass type hays) acreage harvested is expected to be up 4% year-over-year, to 38.1 million acres. The average alfalfa hay price for 2016 is expected to decrease another 6% compared to a year earlier, based on LMIC forecasts. LMIC expects the annual average other hay price to decrease 5% year-over-year. Overall, the increase reported by NASS in both alfalfa and other hay acres harvested was larger than expected. Prior expectations were for acres to stay the same or decrease slightly year-over-year based on sustained lower hay prices which have not created much incentive for increased production. Historically, it has not been uncommon for NASS to revise down hay acres harvested in the October Crop Production report however. Pasture and range conditions have been rather favorable across the U.S. for the first 8 September - October 2016
half of the spring/summer grazing season. In the past few weeks, conditions have started to dry up, but are still much improved compared to any drought levels experienced in past years. The West, mainly California, continues to deal with widespread drought although it has improved compared to last year. Also, the northeast has been unseasonably dry this year according the weekly Crop Progress report by NASS. Expect Cattle Prices to Continue Eroding The U.S. beef cowherd is still increasing, but signs of a slower growth rate are expected to emerge as 2017 progresses. If we look for analogous years in terms of U.S. beef production levels expected in 2016 and 2017, t find those years are 2012 and 2013, when commercial beef production was 25.9 and 25.7 billion pounds, respectively. The increased production is the main supply driver in the market place, and hence price lowering factor. Of course, the demand (domestic and foreign) aspects of price determination also are important. Still, cattle prices will tend toward levels of three to four years ago. Should that comparison materialize, much of the market price transition has already occurred.
Production and Use: 2016 and 2017 In calendar year 2016, the LMIC forecasts U.S. commercial beef production at about 24.7 billion pounds, which is a year-over-year increase in the range of 4.0% to 4.5%. That will be the first rise in tonnage compared to a year earlier since 2010. LMIC forecasts that U.S. beef production will continue to exceed the prior year’s level in 2017; for the year, production may grow 3% to 5%. Importantly, U.S. commercial tonnage produced is forecast to be just over 25.6 billion pounds in 2017, which is still below 2012’s (25.9 billion pounds). On a quarterly basis, LMIC forecasts incorporate rather normal flows of cattle through the national production/marketing system -- meaning no major drought, animal disease disruption, etc. That suggests beef production posting year-over-year increases every quarter for the balance of this year and throughout 2017. Per capita beef disappearance takes production and adjusts for four factors: 1) beef export tonnage; 2) beef import tonnage; 3) population growth; and 4) ending stocks. Using the LMIC’s forecasts for those factors, in 2016 U.S. per person beef disappearance (retail weight basis) is forecast at 54.6 pounds. Increasing beef production in 2017 puts forecast disappearance at about 55.4 pounds per capita. Those levels are below 2012’s (57.4 pounds) and 2013’s (56.4 pounds). If LMIC’s forecast for international trade materialize, the amount of beef per person is not burdensome compared to earlier this decade. The major uncertainty regarding cattle prices in the next two years is not supply, the U.S. will be increasing beef production, the question is demand – both domestically and that of foreign buyers. Trade relationships, exchange rates, and economic growth rates in other countries all impact the export demand profile. Those are difficult to anticipate, especially in the current geopolitical environment.
Some Price Comments Continuing our analogous year comparisons, we look now at annual prices. First, reviewing 2015, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) reported the 5-mar ket average fed steer price last year was just over $148.00 per cwt. In the Southern
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UPCOMING SALES
September 12th
Haythorn Ranch Ogallala, Ne Plains yearling animals (700- to 800-pound steer) that year averaged just over $208.00 per cwt., while steer calves (500-to- 600-pound) were just above $251.00. LMIC forecasts the annual average in 2016 for fed steers will be down 14% to 16% year- over-year (5-market average in the mid $120’s per cwt.). In 2012 and 2013, fed steers averaged $122.56 per cwt and $125.88, respectively. In 2017, the current LMIC forecast is for fed cattle prices to decline 1% to 3% year-over-year. In 2016, LMIC forecasts annual average prices of both 700-to 800-pound and 500to 600- pound steers to be 27% to 31% below 2015’s. In 2012, the 700-to 800-pound steer in the Southern Plains brought $148.81 per cwt. and the 500-to 600-pound steer was $168.26. Those prices are very similar to todays and to 2016’s forecast annual average. In terms of quarterly cattle prices, rather normal seasonal price patterns are expected in 2016 and 2017. This means fed cattle pries likely peaking in the early Spring and at their lowest in the Summer. Calf prices would be lowest in the fourth quarter. Looking back at what happened in the last few months of 2015’s cattle market, that situation is not likely to happen again this year, at least not for the same reasons. Many things are already different this year than last, most critically the delay in fed cattle marketing’s that happened last summer has not been repeated. In the fourth quarter of this year, fed steer price could actually be slightly above the depressed levels of late 2015. Furthermore, a much better managed slaughter cattle marketing flow than last year (i.e. not having over finished animals and backed-up market ready supplies) and lower corn prices suggest mitigation of further significant declines in yearling and calf prices this coming Fall; the seasonal drop may actually be less than average.
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The Progressive Rancher
September - October 2016 9
T
Perplexed
he presidential race is now set between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, and I am as perplexed as I have ever been about American politics. Many long time readers know I have followed state and national politics for 30 plus years. I try and stay current on candidates, issues and trends because some of my work requires it and because I occasionally write about these things in this column. So, I read actual newspapers and magazines, I watch debates and I try and follow the cacophony of punditry for as long as I can stand it. What a choice we have this election cycle! Both candidates have the highest negative poll numbers of any presidential candidates in history. This means over 50% of voters have a more negative than positive opinion of each of these people. Some will argue the system worked because this is who primary voters chose and the respective party conventions confirmed. Granted, that is a good argument. However, the statement would carry much more weight if there had been actual country wide participation in choosing the party’s candidates. Here is a statistic for you. In this past primary season 28.5% of eligible voters actually voted. Trump brags that he received more primary votes than any other Republican in history. But if more than two thirds of the voting public stayed at home are Trump and Clinton really able to brag as a candidate that they represent the people? Or, as has often been said, perhaps we have the government we deserve. In any case as is also said, it is what it is. We have an election coming up and if you do not like either of the major party offerings, there is always Gary Johnson of the Libertarians and Jill Stein of the Green Party. Speaking of not liking (note the candidate’s negatives discussion above), what is there to like about theses folks that would cause you to vote for one of them. Clinton touts her public service record and her competence in dealing with complex issues through the years. It is true she has a long record for voters to review. It is also true, even if you disagree with her positions that she is intelligent and has a grasp of a whole range of policy issues. Being married to Bill helps her here too because he is known for his expertise on most domestic and foreign policy issues even if you disagree with his politics and him as a person. I am trying hard for objectivity here folks so put aside your partisan and emotional buy in for a moment because the point of this column is to help people understand the great political hole we find ourselves in and see if there is a way to dig out of it. Therefore, for the purposes of this exchange of thought, let us concede that Clinton is as smart as she is crafty and politically savvy. However, she also has a huge trust problem with many voters. She does have a loyal base among minorities, women, union members, and urban college educated male and female voters, but outside of this loyalist core she is mistrusted. The spector of the tragedy at Benghazi and her missing emails also follows her around like a black storm cloud over her head alone. On the other hand, she has predictability about her because of her many years of public service. We know she is a strong pro- national defense hawk and she obviously knows her way around the world. She is personally familiar with many world leaders. I believe the financial community trusts her judgement. A Clinton presidency would not send shock waves across the investing and corporate world. Why? Because the one thing businesses want more than anything else is stability and predictability. They both need a speech delivery coach. What is it about both of these candidates? They obviously flunked high school speech class. She shouts so much it is hard to get her point; he repeats himself with platitudes and vacuous statements because what?... He has nothing of substance to say? I don’t know; I just think if you believe what you are saying is true, why do you have to say over and over “believe me its true folks”. Which leads me to comment on some of the shortcomings of the Republican nominee. Many people are saying they admire his straight talking outspokenness. But, are they listening to his actual words? 10 September - October 2016
By Joseph Guild
He has gone out of his way to alienate minorities especially Hispanics. He has disparaged women in general and some powerful women specifically such as his only female rival during the primaries. He has mocked disabled persons and what ranckles me personally the most because of my own background, veterans and their families. How can his statement about John McCain not being a hero because he was captured and in a prison camp for five years be justified under any reasonable benefit of the doubt? How can criticizing the silence of a grieving mother of a dead American soldier no matter what her religion or ethnicity be nothing less than condemned. He should have personally apologized but he did not which tells me a great deal about his character. This following incident was a one day news story but there should have been more follow through by the media. A few weeks ago a veteran at a Trump rally in Virginia gave Trump his purple heart saying he wanted the Republican nominee to have it. Trump accepted it saying he always wanted to have one but this was an easy way to get it. Really? Accepting a purple heart on a stage in Virginia and not being wounded in battle is easier than being injured in service to your country? Trump should have said I am honored but I cannot accept this because I did not earn it –you sir, are the hero and it belongs with you. All this from the man who said that avoiding sexually transmitted diseases while dating by staying in the United States was “my personal Vietnam”. While predictability may be a Clinton strong suit, it is Trump’s Achilles heel. This being a rancher magazine, a few thoughts about their respective agricultural policies are in order. It was just announced the day I am writing this Trump has named a group of National leaders in agriculture including former governors, and a secretary of agriculture, current members of congress and leaders of major agricultural trade organizations. Trump has yet to say anything substantive about agriculture although he does oppose the Trans Pacific Partnership which most agricultural organizations support. Clinton has not said much, if anything, about agriculture so it is difficult to know her positions although she too opposes the TPP and apparently has an agricultural advisory team. Thus, production agriculture has little to go on from either candidate. This is not an unusual situation in which agriculture finds itself. Recall that Presidents Obama and George W. Bush both coming from major farm and ranch states had little to say about agriculture when they ran for the office. I admit there are numerous other examples that could be listed as shortcoming both candidates have. But I guess the seminal inquiry in any election including this one is not only who is going to win, but who can win? At this writing, all of the national and relevant state polls show Clinton with a comfortable lead. Polls can be wrong too though. She also has more money and a better grass roots organization that will work hard to get out the Democrat vote. Trump may rail against the media and the system as being rigged against him, but at this stage with the numbers and other factors not in his favor he has only himself to blame, in my opinion, because of his outrageous statements against so many key interest groups and his failure to organize. Remember, it is the Electoral College that really counts when we elect a president in this country. Moreover, at this high level of politics superior organizations are important because candidates cannot cover the entire country. To win the presidency, a person needs 270 electoral votes. If the election were held at this writing with traditional Democratic states and leaning Democrat states, Clinton would receive 275 Electoral College votes and Trump would get 191 votes. The socalled states combinations of which that would give Trump a path to victory are Florida, Iowa, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Ohio. Others some people think are in play are Pennsylvania, Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin and Virginia. There are only about 78 days to the election now and when you read this there will be about 60 days. It is almost a cliché that a week is a lifetime in politics, so much can happen between now and November 2d. Who knows maybe Clinton will go off script and Trump will find one. In any case, we are in for a very different presidency no matter who wins. I, for one, am pretty worried. I’ll see you soon.
The Progressive Rancher
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The Progressive Rancher
September - October 2016 11 
COWBOYS & CRITTERS Celebrates isolation and beauty, wildlife and people on the range.
N
By Ann Henderson for NRRC
evada Rangeland Resources Commission is pleased to again sponsor an award-winning book “Cowboys & Critters” for all Nevada schools and libraries to be released in early November published and edited by RANGE magazine. Weathered hands and drawn faces may symbolize the tough, difficult life of ranchers and sheepherders. Days off are infrequent, but there is joy in long hours with little pay. The joy is captured in the new book, “Cowboys & Critters,” The publication is the recipient of three consecutive Freedom of the Press awards, and has been nominated for a fourth, plus it has been recognized by its peers with more than 75 awards of journalistic excellence. This gorgeous, 160-page hardback features 186 photographs by 65 of the best wildlife and ranch photographers in the country, including Linda Dufurrena, Larry Angier, Todd Klassy, Diane McAllister, Larry Turner, and Cynthia Baldauf. It is sprinkled with essays on the relationship between ranchers, farmers and wildlife that were penned by 11 writers who have earned a string of awards and accomplishments, including Carolyn Dufurrena, Linda M. Hasselstrom, Vess Quinlan, Bill Jones and Robert Laxalt. “Stewardship does not just mean care of the land. It means recognizing the rich and complex world of wild things that inhabit this land as well. Coexistence may not be easy, we learn it by living this life, on the edge of the wilderness, with the creatures that live here.” —Carolyn Dufurrena, rancher/award-winning author/lead writer, “Cowboys & Critters” “Cowboys & Critters” is the latest in a series of 13 beautiful “good-news” cowboy books that stand the test of time, unlike video and more temporary social media, creating a permanent tribute for future generations. The collection is intended to reflect and tell a lasting story about a unique and honorable way of life. RANGE is devoted to the people who live and work on the land and help feed more than 300 mil-
12 September - October 2016
lion Americans. Serving the hard-working producers is its only mission. Through a quarterly magazine, for 25 years RANGE has exposed the issues faced by dedicated ranchers in a straightforward style, and pursues commonsense solutions to problems in reports written by renowned scientists and investigative researchers. This includes endangered species, wetlands, takings, government regulations, urban encroachment, and innocent newcomers (many of whom have the money to buy huge ranches for the view but little understanding of how to keep them healthy). “Cowboys & Critters” will take the reader beyond the corrals and the beloved horses, and the assortment of herding and protective working dogs, to the critters that share a rancher’s world. Most of you know that some environmental activists and academics want to remove all livestock and the people who tend them on our western ranges. They prefer a buffalo commons to a multigenerational functioning symbiotic and productive community. One group’s mission is to acquire “the largest nature reserve in the continental United States.” Its followers believe that enormous parks will protect the creatures that inhabit them—but only if the families who have sustained that land and kept it thriving and beautiful for generations are no longer there. Ranchers who work this land have experience from generations of knowledge handed down. They are out there every day and see firsthand that nature can be cruel. They know they must protect the resources and use them well or their families and the wild and domestic creatures that depend on them will not survive. “Cowboys & Critters” features many of the country’s best photographers and essayists. Published by RANGE magazine, this 160-page hardcover is due out in late October. Retail price is $45.
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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.
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The Progressive Rancher
September - October 2016 13
FUMES FROM THE FARM
W
By Hank Vogler
hen you live at the end of the road out here on the high wide and lonesome, you tend to see things different. The air is clear and you learn to improvise. You don’t believe everything you hear and your common sense modem is engaged. It is not hard to believe why elitists want to discredit people that have a mentality that is more thoughtful than your common variety lemming.
think for themselves. This permanent underclass has been bought off on the cheap by elitists crying, you poor under privileged folks are being held back by the man. Vote for me and all will be well. It is for power not to help the under class. There has always been poor. If you keep making people dependent upon government programs and control education you get a voting block that makes for a ninety plus recidivism to congress. The only ones benefitting from the government program are those that administer the program.
First, if you are in America as a recent immigrant whether legally or illegally, chances are you are not a CEO of a fortune five hundred company. Since my cousins five hundred years ago discovered the consequences of uncontrolled immigration, most people started out doing jobs that no one else wanted to do like digging ditches, milking cows, garbage collection, herding sheep, or marrying Hillary Clinton.
The party that has been in power most of my life has the franchise on cronyism. They used to purport to be the party of the little guy and it worked for years. Bribing a Republican was a yawner. They had little power and beyond local issues they were no help. Had they have been in power for all those years they would be as corrupt as the Democrats. Today the left is mad. The blacks that vote for the Democrats ninety percent of the time are mad. The right is mad. The Republicans gave O’Bummer every dime he asked for and more. My grandfather always said that it is cheaper to buy a politician than be one. The Democrats and Republicans fight all day long and sleep together at night. The insiders get rid of their competition with rules and regulations handed down by the government. The Congress exempts themselves from the laws they pass and now they act like a deer in the headlights. They can’t understand why all the politicians that are resonating with the people are outsiders. We are all to blame because freedom is not free. Maybe, this year we will get lucky and clean out the dead wood.
The indentured servants were brought here and paid their passage to the new world by working off the debt. Polish people were brought here to teach the English how to build log houses. The Irish famously dug the Erie Canal. Many mines and railroads were operated with Chinese labor. Let us not forget that Africans were brought here as slaves. It was a practice of the day and was wrong. If you were on a slave ship headed for the new world, you hit a home run when you were off loaded in America. Slaves are free and the only place that I am aware of slavery still being practiced is Africa. The slaves that went to Haiti or some other place have not prospered as well as Africans in America. Freedom and capitalism have made the greatest country on earth. Lots of people came here from all over the world for a better life where they could own property and the rule of law reigned supreme. They started out doing mostly stoop labor. The next generation benefitted from their sacrifice and hard work. The family prospered and each succeeding generation did better. Statistically as each generation moved from the ghettos to the burbs, they owned better homes, wore better clothes, they ate better and got better educations. This was all based upon the premise that all men are created equal and in America you are granted by virtue of the founding fathers, Life Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Please read slowly and carefully, “the pursuit of happiness”, not the guarantee of happiness. Our system of government is not perfect. The founding fathers knew that there would always be the need for tweaking the system. They were smart enough to try and limit the elitists. The desire for money and power are in all people’s mitochondria. Thomas Jefferson said, “ we as a nation only need to fear the thieves and Congress and with the Constitution and the Bill of rights hopefully we can prevent one from becoming the other”. Mark Twain said, “that it could be proven by fact and figure that there is no distinct criminal class save Congress”. Dwight Eisenhower in his farewell speech warned of the relationship between the industrial base and the government. Today corruption of our system has become an art form. We are developing a segment of society that has become so dependent upon the government that they cannot
14 September - October 2016
The latest group to be bought off is the Hispanics. Eighty percent of the farm labor is now Hispanic. There are ninety four million Americans on government programs. You can’t blame the Hispanics. The border is as porous as the fence at Woodstock. The Hispanics can make more money in America in one day than they can make in a month South of the border. Hispanics can do math. They might not even want to become Americans. As long as Americans won’t do the stoop labor jobs and no control by examining the people drawing welfare and the no consequences to the border, what the heck do they have to lose? So, does Billiary represent the Hispanics or does she work for her pals? They are doing jobs that Americans won’t do. The crony capitalists have a steady flow of cheap labor. So the cost of labor has gone sideways for eight years. The problem that must be addressed is the one thing that all people have in common and that is, you must keep your belly button from banging into your backbone. Agriculture is time sensitive. Crops have a tendency to spoil. They must be harvested in a timely fashion. The H2A program is available to farmers but if you have ever tried to jump through the hoops of the program, you can see why it is less than five percent of the farm labor force. Regulation nation has become our great lie. Government was never designed in America to delve into the things that our government now sticks its collective nose into. Socialism has failed everywhere it is tried. Capitalism is not perfect but nothing has ever been a close second. Maybe a little hollow belly will wake people up. You can always go to Venezuela. Just bring your own toilet paper. Hang and Rattle Hank Vogler
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The Elko County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve an agreement allowing the Three Creek Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) to operate
T
he Elko County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve an agreement allowing the Three Creek Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) to operate on new, initial attack wildland fires that occur in the Northern most part of Elko County. Three Creek RFPA is based out of Southern Idaho but its members have private land holdings that cross into Nevada and Elko County. The Elko County Board met on July 6th, 2016 to hear updates that were provided by Elko County Fire Protection District (ECFPD) Administrator, Linda Bingaman. Their action culminates a six month effort by the ECFPD, the Three Creek RFPA and the Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) to insure that all criteria for operating in Elko County and the State of Nevada were met. NDF facilitated the review of all documentation and maps that would support the request. Mike Guerry, Chairman of the Three Creek RFPA attended the commission meeting. Nevada passed legislation during the 2015 session providing for the formation of Rangeland Fire Protection Associations in the counties of Nevada. AB-163 was passed and enacted under emergency regulations signed by Governor Brian Sandoval on June 4th 2015. The final regulations were entered in to the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS 472) on October 28th, 2015. Submitted: Nevada Division of Forestry
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The Progressive Rancher
September - October 2016 15 
Intermountain West Range Improvement Practices: Lessons Learned By Charlie D. Clements, Tim Rubald and Dan N. Harmon 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
T
he Nevada Section, Society for Range Management held its’ annual summer tour on July 29, 2016 in Eureka, Nevada which drew excellent attendance and participation from local landowners, Conservations Districts, consultants and state and federal agencies. The tour largely focused on the range improvement practices performed by/or in heavy cooperation with private land owners and/or the Eureka Conservation District. The tour started off with a visit to Pinon-Juniper (PJ) cutting site where Jake Tibbets, Natural Resources Manager Eureka County Department of Natural Resources presented on the goals of the project. When the project started the main goal was to get trees on the ground to benefit grazing and wildlife resources, but as time went on it was evident that there was a need to utilize the biomass from these cuttings to help fund these projects. Since 2013, more than 5,000 acres of PJ have been selectively removed to enhance grazing and wildlife resources. The costs of these cuttings have ranged from $70-$115 depending on slope and density. The additional goal of producing bi-products from this biomass to help fund these projects is also a challenge, but one that the Conservation District and PJ Partnership Program are aggressively pursuing. One of the more prominent bi-products being pursued from the biomass produced from these PJ cuttings is biochar. The PJ biomass is put through a chipper and then through a Pyrolysis process in which the biomass goes through a combustion at 400-700 C in low oxygen levels (Figure 1). The biochar is being researched as a soil additive on agricultural fields, corner pivots and mining/reclamation land as well as being added
Figure 1. Jake Tibbets presenting on the cutting and removal of Pinon-Juniper and the process of chipping (background) into biochar (foreground). 16 September - October 2016
to organic mulch and sold in bags through certain vendors. Biochar is not a fertilizer, it must be charged with water, nutrients or microbes to add benefit. Tye Morgan, Biological Science Technician with USDA-ARS presented on biochar-soil research that herself and Robert Blank, Soils Scientist USDA-ARS, performed in a greenhouse setting at their lab in Reno. In their research they reported that most applications of biochar on various soils increased Phosphorus which plays an important role in photosynthesis, respiration, energy storage and transfer, cell division, cell enlargement and several other processes in plants. It was reported that the suggested rate of application for biochar is about 5-7 tons per acre. The next stop on the tour took place on the Baumann Ranch where Jim Baumann in cooperation with Jan Schade, Wildfire Conservation Group applied the mechanical treatment of the Lawson Aerator on 160 acres in 2011 and 2012. A portion of the treated area was the seeded with crested wheatgrass in the fall of 2103 using a rangeland drill and ‘Immigrant’ forage kochia using a broadcast seeder. By 2015 the treated habitat had experienced a 300% increase in herbaceous grass and forbs while at the same time has enhanced the shrub stand age, edge effect and grazing and wildlife resources (Figure 2 and 3). The treated habitat resulted in a new sage grouse lek (strutting/mating) ground as well as increased sage grouse habitat use. This type of proactive approach was only made possible by the vision and commitment of the local land owner. The lessons learned from Jim Baumann’s efforts have been exciting to say the least, and many land owners
Figure 2. Lawson Aerator treatment followed by direct seeding, notice the herbaceous density versus the adjacent non-treated, dense shrub community.
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are tackling challenges on their land by imposing range improvement practices. Alan Jenne and Lee Turner, Nevada Department of Wildlife and Jake Tibbets, Eureka Conservation District presented on the importance of teaming up resources to treat and rehabilitate larger areas. Lee Turner presented information on the desire of many to increase efforts to grow the Nevada Partners for Conservation and Development (NPCD) where land owners, local Conservation Districts, state and federal agencies join forces to pull resources together and treat degraded habitats with increased success. Currently, the State of Utah has such a program and nearly twenty-five million dollars are allocated each year for such projects. If Nevada could head in that direction, habitat improvement projects would significantly benefit wildlife habitat and grazing resources. Following a nice lunch sponsored by the Eureka Conservation District, the group visited a 1969 PJ chaining/seeding that had been re-invaded by PJ to a Phase II-III standing. The Eureka Conservation District in cooperation with the BLM removed 504 acres of PJ in a 3-day period at $70/acre. The removal of the PJ keeps the PJ encroachment from truncating critical browse and herbaceous species while at the same time provides edge effect and improves hydrological processes as these PJ densities can intercept 40-50% of the moisture before the tree even takes water for its own use. Mike Scott, Nevada Department of Wildlife and Kent McAdoo, University Nevada Cooperative Extension spoke about the importance of treating PJ encroached habitat for wildlife use, especially mule deer browse and sage grouse corridors. The use of PJ woodlands by many wildlife species was noted, but at the same time as the group looked over the vast landscape it was well recognized that PJ was here to stay and would in fact be part of the overall environment. The treated site provided a vision and an opportunity by which this type of range improvement practice could be implemented and provide critical habitats and grazing resources that are severely lacking (Figure 4). John McLain, Resource Concepts, gave a brief presentation on the importance of the PJ Partnership Program as the steering committee focused on landscape level restoration with the resulting biomass as an additional beneficial outcome. Innovative ideas are underway to get PJ into a favorable economic use such as the soil amendments and mulch already discussed along with greenchips for essential oils and a replacement to coal. The tour then visited a BLM fuels project in which big sagebrush was mowed back in 2004. Many of
Figure 3. A significant increase in desirable herbaceous grasses and forbs After the Lawson Aerator treatment. This treatment resulted in the development of sage grouse strutting/mating habitat and increased habitat use. www.progressiverancher.com
Figure 4. At $70/acre, the cutting of these encroaching Pinon-Junipers has enhanced wildlife and grazing resources, added edge effect and improved hydrological proceeses.
the mow strips became dominated by cheatgrass and Halogeton as there was not enough residual perennial grass species to fill the void by which weedy species will. Sherm Swanson, University Nevada, presented data from a 10 year study by which they found that 57 out of the 76 (75%) mowed sites they measured increased in perennial herbaceous cover rather than an increase in annual species such as cheatgrass. He did mention the importance of good perennial densities and cover prior to the mowing treatment as a key factor in these results. The mow strips (fuels management) we were visiting west of Eureka had been broadcast seeded numerous times by the BLM, but resulted in minimal success. In cooperation with Jim Baumann, the BLM provided the seed and Jim drill seeded crested wheatgrass in the fall of 2015 and broadcasted ‘Immigrant’ forage kochia in the spring of 2016 following snow melt. In June 2016 the seeded sites averaged nearly 18 seeded species/ft², which is a very good seedling density and should result in an excellent establishment of perennial grass and kochia for fire suppressive advantages. Past research by Mike Pellant and Steve Monsen showed a video where a 15 mph wind with a flame length of 20-25’ made it through a 100’ wide greenstrip in less than 15 minutes, but the same fire running into a 300’ wide greenstrip did not make it through in 80% of the time and when it did, the fire took more than 45 minutes to go through the greenstrip. The group talked about past research that points out that these mow strips really should be seeded to greenstrips and how important it is to provide greenstrips to protect critical habitat and reduce the chance of the further advancement of catastrophic wildfires. After what turned out to be a very hot day, the group retreated back to Eureka and enjoyed some cold drinks and sit down supper prepared by the local Mennonites at the Opera House. Special thanks goes out to all the presenters, Jake Tibbets, the Eureka Conservation District and Patty Peek of the Opera House. “The Nevada Rangeland Resource Commission (NRRC) acknowledges and endorses the worthwhile effort of the Nevada Section of the Society for Range Management in dealing with the annual grass fire fuels and grazing management challenges in Nevada and throug out the West. The NRRC was created by the State of Nevada to promote responsible public land grazing. NRRC representatives come from Nevada state grazing boards, Nevada woolgrowers, Nevada farm bureau, and Nevada cattlemen’s association.
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September - October 2016 17
SAGE GROUSE INITIATIVE Wildlife Conservation Through Sustainable Ranching
Rockin’ TD Ranch Champions Rangeland Conservation in Nevada
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By Jesse Bussard
arine veteran, Tony Stobiecki and his wife Diane, operate their Rockin’ TD Ranch in the heart of high desert sagebrush country in remote Washoe County of northwest Nevada. From the front porch view of their log home stretches an endless sea of sagebrush. Remnants of the small ghost town of Vya, vacant since the 1920s, lie a few miles away and cattle graze in the distance. The Stobiecki’s ranching days began in 2003 when the couple first purchased property in Nevada. Previous to ranching, Tony’s life tells a varied and interesting story from growing up on a cattle ranch in Kenya until age 10 to a successful 20-plus year career in the U.S. Marines. He credits his veterinarian father and inspirational mother, both Polish refugees of the Soviet Invasion during World War II, for instilling the love of wildlife and the environment he sustains today. Their 3,000-acre ranch, which lies within the state’s “core area” for greater sagegrouse habitat, is home to livestock as well as abundant wildlife, a fact the Stobieckis are especially proud of. Both supervisors on the board of the local Vya Conservation District, Tony and Diane maintain a strong land ethic and are committed to doing right by the environment they steward. Since purchasing the Rockin’ TD Ranch in 2006, the Stobieckis have implemented multiple conservation improvements in partnership with the Natural Resource Conservation Service-led Sage Grouse Initiative (SGI). These projects include developing better access to water on their property and opening up more habitat for wildlife, especially sage grouse. “Our largest success is really the number of sage grouse now located on the ranch,” says Tony. According to Tony and Diane, numbers of the bird have increased quite a bit. Tony recalls a recent morning sighting where he witnessed nearly 36 sage grouse take flight from atop a ridge line en route to water at an adjacent spring. This is not something that would have happened at the ranch before conservation work began a little over six years ago, he said. “Before we purchased the property, the ranch appeared to be overgrazed by cattle, and as a result, negatively impacted the wildlife,” says Tony. “Today, with NRCS conservation practices, it has improved allowing the land to better support wildlife with proper grazing.” With the help of SGI, the Rockin’ TD Ranch has developed nearly a dozen springs and installed adjoining watering facilities, which have greatly restored vital riparian and meadow habitat and improved forages across the ranch. These spring restoration projects also included installation of wildlife-friendly fencing (where the bottom wire is smooth and at least 17 inches off the ground to allow antelope to easily pass beneath the fence) complete with fence reflective markers to improve visibility for low-flying sage grouse. “It’s really improved the grazing distribution and the understory of the grasses,” says Bryon Hadwick, NRCS-District Conservationist with the Alturas, CA field office. Tony concurs noting the addition of off-site watering troughs keep cattle away from these sensitive wet areas, allowing them to better serve as habitat for brooding sage grouse and other wildlife. “This has been most exciting to watch,” says Tony. “The spring areas have experienced drastic changes as they return to a more natural state.” SGI dollars also helped the Stobieckis remove nearly 800-acres of encroaching juniper, allowing for high-quality native forage to regenerate across the ranch. Plantings of other native grasses and forbs also add to the biological diversity of the landscape. Additionally, the ranch switched to prescribed grazing management and installed more pasture fencing to further enhance range recovery. These practices benefit their herd, as well as the sage grouse which depend upon healthy sagebrush 18 September - October 2016
habitat in Nevada. Along with projects on their own ranch, the Stobieckis work across fence boundaries to encourage neighboring ranches to get involved in conservation practices. Firm believers in “leading by example,” Tony and Diane use successes on their ranch as evidence to sway skeptics. To date, they have helped three nearby landowners in Nevada and California put in place projects such as installing wildlife-friendly fencing and developing springs. “When you can help your fellow ranchers develop their own ranches for both a wildlife- and livestock-friendly environment, you’re not only helping them be more profitable, you’re helping the wildlife as well,” says Tony. Another of their neighbors is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). To expand on the Stobieckis’ successful sage-steppe restoration efforts, the BLM is also planning to cut encroaching junipers on an adjoining allotment. This will further expand vital sage grouse habitat into public lands surrounding the ranch. The Stobiecki’s work on their own ranch and neighbors’ ranches goes to show they are truly champions for conservation. “Cattle operations and wildlife habitat can be synergized to be one in the same, producing overall habitat range improvements which benefit everything,” says Tony. Tony notes, however, not all projects will be as successful as you initially envision. The key to success is to plan, execute, and be patient. Nature has its own timetable. Going forward, the Stobieckis plan to continue their focus on conservation. With another seven projects on the docket for completion this year, Tony and Diane are dedicated to making sure the future shines bright for sage grouse and wildlife on their ranch. Read Original Article at: http://www.sagegrouseinitiative.com/ rockin-td-ranch-champions-rangeland-conservation-nevada/
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In the Mind of a Millennial By Jill Scofield, Nevada Beef Council
The Millennial Parent’s Love for Beef
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few years ago, the Beef Checkoff (and subsequently, state beef councils like the Nevada Beef Council) really began to shift the focus of its communication efforts to the millennial generation. As I’ve shared in these articles over the past couple of years, that was done for very good reason: The millennials are the largest generation of consumers in America; their relative youth means they can be important beef consumers for decades to come; and they are starting families, and therefore are a gateway to additional generations of consumers. I’ve also shared with you the importance of the millennial parent, a segment of the population which is of special interest to not just the beef industry’s communication efforts, but to the retail and foodservice industries as a whole. Millennial parents spend more on food, and obviously influence the food choices of their children. Given the importance of this generation, it’s crucial for our industry to stay on top of trends and messages that will resonate, and continue to boost beef consumption for generations to come. A few months back, I mentioned the Consumer Beef Index (CBI) as one such tool that helps identify consumer perceptions through comprehensive research. Developed in 2006, the checkoff-funded CBI is used to track changes in consumers’ perceptions of and demand for beef relative to other proteins, particularly chicken. It assesses the impact of communications efforts on consumer attitudes and behaviors, and helps shape strategy, nationally and statewide. The CBI has proven to be a valuable tool in providing key insight over the years to help shape approaches and campaigns. So in this installment of “In the Mind of a Millennial,” I’m going to share some additional insight from one of the most recent CBI, with particular focus on the millennial parent. Beef producers should feel good about the fact that millennials are strong beef consumers, with strong positive perceptions of beef. As they become parents, their inhome use of beef shifts more to ground beef, which is most likely driven by busy family lives and the need to watch budgets more carefully – to which I can relate completely. The Consumer Beef Index covers three generations of consumers: Baby Boomers, Gen X and Millennials. A look at the percentage of millennials that eat beef at least monthly shows that it is comparable to the number of consumers overall, with 91 percent reporting at least monthly beef consumption. Looking at the percentage of millennials that are “heavy beef users,” or who eat beef least three or more times a week, this escalates with parenthood. Across the entire sample, 30 percent of consumers are qualified as heavy beef users. Millennials overall are close to the norm for the percentage, but as millennials become parents, heavy beef usage increases to 37 percent. In terms of cuts of beef, millennials tend to follow patterns of other generations. Historically, there has been a pattern of ground beef being the beef product of choice for younger Americans, with steaks becoming a more frequent choice as the consumer passes the 30 year age mark. For millennial parents specifically, those with children tend to choose ground beef (47.9%) over steak (26.3%) and roasts (16.0%), whereas millennials without children have a higher tendency to choose steak (39.4%) over
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ground beef (32.4%) or roasts (16.8%). Such data helps the beef checkoff and state beef councils to determine the types of information and recipe ideation will be most helpful for millennials. Kid-friendly ground beef recipes, along with step-by-step guidelines on how to cook the perfect steak, are among the more popular posts on beefitswhatsfordinner.com. But beyond the types of meal inspiration to provide, such research also helps checkoff-funded programs determine the best approach to use in wide-reaching campaigns. More on that to come next time. For more information on the Consumer Beef Index or other valuable industry insight, visit www.beefresearch.org today. Note: The checkoff-funded Consumer Beef Index (CBI) is a semi-annual online survey begun in 2007 which is designed to identify and track key consumer perceptions of beef and to spotlight key consumption trends. One-thousand forty-seven respondents completed the July 2015 online study. The sample is national in scope, and is tested for balance with national norms, including gender, ethnicity, region of the country and age (ages 13 to 68 were included in the sample). Jill Scofield is Director of Producer Relations for the Nevada and California Beef Councils. You can reach her at jill@calbeef.org.
Rose Feed and Supply Under New Ownership/Management 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
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September - October 2016 19
CHECKOFF NEWS: Beef Checkoff Launches Food Waste Challenge
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ecognizing that food waste is a significant challenge for consumers, as well as for influencers and beef producers who work hard to raise beef, a Checkoff-funded campaign has been developed to reach a number of different audiences, with one unified goal – fighting food waste. The highly anticipated campaign was launched in early August through collaboration from a number of Checkoff-funded departments and teams, which have rallied together to make a big impact through this effort. The 30 Day Food Waste Challenge, which is modeled after the successful Protein Challenge, is designed to challenge consumers to raise awareness and introduce simple changes to fight food waste. The challenge is designed to engage participants in joining the fight against food waste by implementing minor day-to-day changes while simultaneously sharing their journey on their personal blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other social channels to help create a big impact. The Food Waste Challenge is the Beef Checkoff’s way of encouraging users to fight food waste by raising awareness in their communities and making small changes to their daily routine. The challenge, which launched on August 1 and will run through September 30, has already proactively pushed out promotional materials to more than 40,000 Masters of Beef Advocacy grads, consumer influencers and retail and foodservice stakeholders to broaden the campaign’s reach and impact. State Beef Councils like the Nevada Beef Council will join in the challenge by sharing information about the challenge, and small ways consumers can make a big different by using leftover recipes, meal planning techniques and food storage tips. The challenge incorporates many assets from “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.” as well as new infographics, inventory sheets and meal planning programs. As this campaign has unfolded the Beef Checkoff team has been amplifying social media messages from the checkofffunded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Facebook page and Twitter account and FactsAboutBeef.com Twitter account in order to reach a broader consumer audience. Once it is completed, the campaign will be evaluated for its success and effectiveness to determine its overall impact and consumer reach. To learn more and follow along, be sure to following the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Facebook page at www.facebook.com/beefitswhatsfordinner
Did You Know….? Key Facts About Food Waste • • • •
In the United States alone, 30-40% of the food supply is wasted. That’s more than 20 pounds of food per person per month. How big of a deal is 20 pounds of food per person each month? To put it in perspective, that’s enough to fill a 90,000 seat Rose Bowl stadium every day. The average American family wastes approximately $2,500 in food annually.
Cut Down on Beef Waste
Did you know that the film packaging used for store bought meats is not moisture-vapor resistant? If the meat you purchase is not wrapped in a heavy-duty film, make it last longer by putting it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Protein is an essential macronutrient, which means, it’s not just for dinner. Use last night’s steak in breakfast tacos or throw leftover fajita strips in a baggie with your favorite veggies for a well-balanced midafternoon snack.
Join the Challenge!
As a producer and member of the beef community, there are many ways you can get involved in the Food Waste Challenge. Join us in helping spread the word about this campaign and encourage others in your community and social network circles to cut down on their food waste. Together we can make a big difference in wasting less and saving more! • Follow checkoff social media properties and share any and all posted materials promoting the Food Waste Challenge. • Visit http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/foodwastechallenge.aspx for more information about the challenge, plus tips and resources you can share with others. • Use the hashtag #WasteLess in your social media posts about the challenge. To learn more about the Nevada Beef Council and Beef Checkoff, visit www.nevadabeef.org and www.mybeefcheckoff.org.
For more about the Nevada Beef Council, visit www.nevadabeef.org. 20 September - October 2016
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Garden Grill Tri-Tip From James Winstead, RDN, Director of Food and Nutrition Outreach for the Nevada Beef Council
Grilling? Good! Veggies? Good! Tri-Tip? GREAT! This recipe is a perfect combination for a filling, lean, and healthy meal. Not to mention, the only cooking equipment you will need is a grill. Perfect for a warm late summer evening, or a cool early fall night. The beef and vegetables are always great way to stack nutrients, which include fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, and B vitamins. Best of all, tri-tips often come in large-enough sizes that you can cook once and eat twice. The leftovers will make for a delicious, nutritious school lunch for the kids. For more great beef recipes, visit www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com.
Total Recipe Time: 1 to 1 1/4 hours Ingredients - Makes 6-8 servings • 1 pound beef 1 beef Tri-Tip Roast (about 1-1/2 to 2 pounds) • 1 small eggplant, cut crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices • 2 small red and/or yellow bell peppers, cut lengthwise into quarters • 2 medium yellow squash and/or zucchini, cut lengthwise in half • 1 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half • 1/4 cup lightly packed chopped fresh basil • Salt and ground black pepper Marinade: • 1/3 cup olive oil • 1/3 cup dry white wine • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Instructions 1.
Combine marinade ingredients in small bowl. Place beef roast and 1/3 cup marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn roast to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 15 minutes to 2 hours, turning occasionally. Cover and reserve remaining marinade in refrigerator. 2. Remove 1/4 cup of reserved marinade for ratatouille; set aside. Toss vegetables (except tomatoes) with remaining marinade. 3. Remove roast from marinade; discard marinade. Place roast in center of grid over medium, ash-covered coals or over medium heat on preheated gas grill; arrange vegetables (except tomatoes) around roast. Grill roast, covered, 25 to 35 minutes for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Grill eggplant and bell peppers 7 to 11 minutes; zucchini and yellow squash 8 to 12 minutes (on gas grill, eggplant 6 to 8 minutes; bell peppers, zucchini and yellow squash 7 to 11 minutes) or until tender, turning occasionally. 4. Remove roast when instant-read thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare; 150°F for medium. Transfer roast to carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 10 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10°F to reach 145°F for medium rare; 160°F for medium.) 5. Meanwhile, cut grilled vegetables into 1-inch pieces. Combine vegetables, tomatoes, basil and reserved 1/4 cup marinade in large bowl; toss to coat. Carve roast diagonally across the grain into thin slices. Season roast and ratatouille with salt and black pepper, as desired. Serve roast with ratatouille. www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
September - October 2016 21
Seasons of the Ranch
Book Review
The Great Basin, A Misunderstood Landscape
Judi Baxter
By Judi Baxter
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erhaps no other area in this beautiful country of ours evokes “sense of place” quite like the west. The historical mystique of silent, wideopen spaces, rugged cowboys and unending adventures combine to continually fascinate writers, artists, movie-makers and individuals looking for a piece of history—or heaven. The Great Basin—particularly of Nevada and California—is one such place. Joseph Guild, a fourth generation Nevadan, has captured this sense of place in his quiet, beautifully-illustrated book, “Seasons of the Ranch The Great Basin A Misunderstood Landscape” In one-hundred pages, he immerses the reader in his life and totally captures the essence and heartbeat of this vast area. In the prologue he writes: “These essays, poems and verses (written in the style of, but not actually, Japanese Haiku) are glimpses of the Great Basin which can be read alone or together. Read one at a time they capture a moment. Read as a whole, they reflect an entire year with its changes
of seasons, tasks and variety. Either way, I invite you to take a closer look into my Great Basin.” A closer look quickly opens eyes—and other senses—to that of which he speaks. His carefully chosen photographs meld with his words to give the reader a pitch-perfect experience into this land like no other, one that seems quiet and empty—until you look closer, and listen carefully….it is teeming with life. The verses follow the seasons on the ranch; I especially like this one from Spring: “Rain on the tin roof Signals Spring has a gift for the desert” “It is chilly Mist on my face softens me I go to feed the horses” Guild has given his readers the solace of open spaces…an amazing gift!
By
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Idaho native....born & raised on an 80-acre farm in Rupert; graduated from the University of Idaho Have lived in Twin Falls for 44 years Taught elementary school for 20 years (1971-1978; 2001-2013) Owned Judi’s Bookstore from 1978-1992...it was nationallyrecognized, independent Wrote book news for Publisher’s Weekly Wrote business articles for edplay and Educational Dealer magazines Wrote the column “Book Chat” for the Times News for 4 years Now work part time at Rudy’s--A Cooks Paradise in downtown TF.. instigator of “Wines Between the Lines” book and wine club Have one daughter, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 3 acres
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 22 September - October 2016
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Government to Blame for Less Public Access The Montana Standard recently featured a Guest View by Jack D. Jones of Butte, who worked as a wildlife biologist in Montana for 36 years with the Bureau of Land Management. It’s tough to argue with the view of someone who has seen the inside workings of the BLM for decades and has seen the changes in federal government that have been eroding the health of our public lands for far too long. s anticipated from the beginning of the Montana political campaigns, public land access and access to/on federal and state public lands tops the list. It’s also apparent how all the political rhetoric falls far short of addressing the real issue. No, it’s not all about an opened fishing access site along the east Gallatin River. The issue is larger -- related to the millions of acres of federal and state public lands in Montana the majority of these lands which now approach 65 percent are closed off to the public and who closed them. These public lands are closed off by the very agencies who work for us on OUR land: the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. When you examine a closed road adjacent to large blocks of public land, you see an expensive metal closure adorned with a sign “closed to protect the resource.” What is the specific resource and documented justification? No one knows. These agencies consider us, the public, destructive if we use our own land for lawful purposes such as hunting, fishing access and just plain walking. More and more acres of our land are closed off every year for nonsense reasons. It all started with the interagency travel map. The bureaucrats in all their wisdom realized if a few road closures are necessary, then even more and more would be better for the agency, not us. Then the maps increased from $4 to nearly $20 -- more government wisdom at work, less and less access on an “access map.” Over the years how many acres have they opened with new roads?
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They don’t want to talk about it. The smoke screen still exists: “they will transfer federal lands to Montana to sell.” “They” must be a political opponent. A review of the public land laws of BLM and USFS will solve that debate. These lands are held in public ownership for present and future generations. Only the U.S. Congress can change the public land laws that are then subject to presidential signature. Case closed. The legend on the interagency map would be far shorter if they showed us where we can go. Selling public lands? Perhaps the Governor and Land Board should tell us why they sold 68,060 acres of OUR state lands after a few spent 12 years getting access to 5.2 million acres with over half of those lands closed off now. Nothing received in land in return and all sold below full market value. A rip-off. The focus should be on agencies responsible for our lands and who is the real villain? No, the problem is not funding; the problem is a waste of the public funding they already have. Purposeful management of our public lands falls far short of what is necessary and required. When I look at what has happened at Georgetown Lake is a good example. Piney Point has become Clear Cut Point and no plans for more new sites such as on Rainbow Bay or anywhere else. Years ago reforestation was a common practice when we had qualified rangers with degrees in the professional field at the helm; it’s not that way anymore. No plan for any reforestation at Clear Cut Point. Yes, adaptable species spruce and fir replanted seven years ago would be 6 feet tall by now. Spraying for bugs turned out to be a boondoggle and selective cutting with available firewood is unheard of by the USFS. Doing nothing seems to be the landmark of agencies these days. Do we need some changes and soon? Perhaps a good question to ask to the “all-talk do-nothing politicians.” Check out your favorite hunting area soon; I already found mine recently closed off with no public road planned
Anti-Hunting Laws Target Public Lands
agents at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who sided with anti-hunting groups to severely reduce predator control in Alaska. Keep in mind that Alaska contains extraordinarily high populations of wolves and bears. In part, the Dispatch reported: ccording the U.S. Sportsman’s Alliance, sportsmen donate more “A new rule from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sharply limits predator control than $440 million to wildlife conservation efforts each year. True on Alaska’s national wildlife refuges over loud opposition from hunting advocates and sportsmen care deeply about wildlife. We not only respect the state wildlife officials. magnificent animals we love to see and sometimes hunt, we know Critics including U.S. Rep. Don Young also denounced the rule as usurping the if wildlife and their habitat is not managed well, populations suffer 1980 Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, which gave the state wildlife and hunting opportunities are lost. management authority on state, private and federal lands. We at American Lands Council greatly value the right to hunt, fish, trap, and otherYoung issued a press release Wednesday condemning the rule, calling it a “unilateral wise enjoy all our public lands in a responsible manner. We understand the importance power grab” that undermines promises made by the Alaska statehood compact. of striking a thoughtful balance that delivers a healthy environment, diverse outdoor recWhen states lose their rights, individuals lose their rights. State officials are created reation opportunities, and sustains the land-based livelihoods that support our families. when individuals in the community elect people from their community whom they feel Sadly a variety of very powerful groups are working hard to tip the scales in a horrific best represent their wishes. Those people get together and get input from countless professense. They push for more restrictions to halt the wonderful benefits that come from wise sionals who know the unique needs and desires of their state. As citizens of their state, they stewardship of our resources. They push for the obliteration of access roads and trails. are the most qualified to determine how to run the affairs of their state. No matter which They push to to do away with beneficial hunting, fishing, and trapping as wildlife man- state we live in, our lives and livelihoods are dependent upon good management of the agement tools. They push to lock up our lands while we fight to keep our public lands resources within our state. And because our state representatives are relatively local and open and accessible. And they have a terrible habit of telling everyone just the opposite. more accessible, when constituents feel that they are no longer being represented properly, This fall animal rights activists hope to prey on Montana voters, asking them to we have the power to replace those individuals with someone who will represent them. ban all public trapping on all public lands in the Treasure State. The American Lands Trying to take back your power from a distant, federal official is far more difficult. Our Council agrees with the growing number of professional wildlife biologists, sportsmen’s states are best managed by those who live here, breathe here, work here, and yes...hunt here. organizations, ranchers, and farmers who warn that passage of I-177 (the anti-trapping Whether you hunt for your own food, or allow others to do it for you, the fact reballot initiative) will not only restrict sportsmen’s use of public lands, it will cause mains that states are independent, sovereign entities. We have, guaranteed to us in the dangerous predator populations to skyrocket out of control -- endangering citizens and Constitution, the right to manage almost all affairs within the borders of our own state. devastating livestock and big game populations. The federal government is supposed to be limited to the powers “few and defined” given The vast majority of public land in Montana, upwards of 25 million acres, is con- to it by the states. But unless and until we the people and our elected representatives step trolled by a federal government that is dominated by wealthy special interest groups and up to protect the lawful jurisdiction of our states, we will continue to be the most hunted distant, unaccountable bureaucrats. In fact, over half of all land in western America is prey this season, and for several seasons to come. under control of a largely out-of-touch Washington DC. Visit www.AmericanLandsCouncil.org to learn more about our quest to restore a This month, the Alaska Dispatch News reported on a recent decision by federal constitutional balance to ensure our public lands are managed in a more accountable way.
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September - October 2016 23
Current Fire Map Looks Familiar
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he USDA Forest Service has a very convenient webpage that will show you, at any given time, the current wildfires being fought throughout the United States. The map almost always has a familiar ring to it for those of us who understand the public lands and that the overwhelming majority of these lands are held in the West. Yesterday, the current Forest Service Map looked like this: Notice that all of the major fire incidents currently going on in the United States are in the Western portion of the nation, and all but two of the “Other Incidents” also occur only in the west. Now, look at what we refer to as The Federal Fault Line map:
The devastation of lands in the west will not stop until the federal government turns ownership of these lands to the states wherein they lie, where those who know and love the land best are best able to care for it best. We call on states, counties and citizens everywhere to stand up and compel Congress to honor the promise made to all states, allowing them to be on equal footing, and able to manage the public lands within their states for better health, access and productivity for all.
Great Basin National Park News Release Line-ofDuty Fatality Confirmed
B Does it look familiar? Is it a coincidence that the overwhelming majority of catastrophic wildfires happen on public land that is being managed by the federal government? Why is this? Are people in the west just too uneducated to control their own forests? Hardly. Is it because we just don’t have large forested areas in the east? Absolutely not. Much of the east is covered in rich forests. The difference is that the federal government has not kept its promise to western states by disposing of the public lands to its citizens, as it did for all states east of Colorado. Lands in the east are managed largely by the states, and study after study shows that states consistently manage their lands more effectively than their federal counterparts. 24 September - October 2016
By Julie Thomas, Public Information Officer,
AKER, NV – The Great Basin National Park, Lolo National Forest, Ely District Bureau of Land Management and White Pine County officials are deeply saddened to confirm a Forest Service firefighter lost his life yesterday while working on the Strawberry Fire near Baker, Nevada. The deceased is Justin Beebe of Bellows Falls, Vermont. He is a member of the Lolo Hotshots based in Region 1 with the US Forest Service. The fire crew member succumbed to injuries suffered when struck by a tree during firefighting efforts on Saturday afternoon, August 13, 2016. The Forest Service is investigating this line-of-duty death. “This loss of life is tragic and heartbreaking,” said Park Superintendent, Steve Mietz “Please keep the family and Forest Service employees in your thoughts and prayers during this time.” The Strawberry Fire started on August 8, 2016 and is being managed jointly by Great Basin Incident Management Team 7, the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. www.nps.gov Justin Beebe About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 412 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
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US Forest Service Stretched to the Breaking Point
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or the past four years, The American Lands Council has been following the sad destruction of forests all across the West as failed federal policies have led to dead and dying forests that have turned into million-acre-matchsticks just waiting for a spark. Blaming “climate change”, rather than looking to correct devastating federal policies, the U.S. Forest service is admittedly at a “breaking point”. Each summer has seen catastrophic fires that are destroying our air, watershed, and millions of animals as we wait for Congress to fix the myriad of problems that they and the federal bureaucrats have created. TheGuardian.com February, 2016 The US Forest Service has warned it is at the “tipping point” of a crisis in dealing with escalating wildfires and diseases that are ravaging America’s increasingly fragile forest ecosystems. The federal agency, which manages 193m acres (78m hectares) of forest, will plead once again for more funding from Congress, in the wake of a devastating 2015 that saw record swaths of forest engulfed in flames. A total of 10.1m acres were burned last year, a figure that is double the typical losses seen 30 years ago. During this time, the average fire season in the US has lengthened by 78 days, with scientists predicting that the amount of forest razed by fire will double by 2050. The US Forest Service to breaking point, the agency has warned. It spent about 65% of its $5bn budget dealing with wildfires last year and is requesting that fire be treated like other natural disasters so that it is able to access more money to keep pace. Bonnie said the growing conflagration of America’s forests means the US Forest Service has had to divert resources from other areas, such as the kind of forest restoration that helps prevent future wildfires. Attempts to remedy this situation with a new disaster fund were dashed when it was not included in the federal budget in December. “We will keep on this and try again this year,” he said. “There are clear challenges that are hard to argue with. If we don’t deal with this, the trends are going to look very bad indeed.” Last year, Washington state endured its largest wildfires on record, with three people dying and more than 100 homes lost. The blazes were declared a national emergency, with the smoke causing a haze to settle over Seattle for several days. Nationally, 13 firefighters died tackling various wildfires last year. The article goes on to blame drought, people who choose to build homes near the forests and several other circumstances for the substantial increase in wildfires and their intensities over the past several decades. What they fail to mention is that federal policies that forbid the proper thinning of forests causes too many trees to compete for a limited water supply. Overcrowded timber stands leave the forests susceptible to drought, disease, and pest infestation. Bark beetle infestations in poorly managed national forests have killed millions of acres of trees. And to add insult to injury, WA DC bureaucrats and federal judges forbid caretakers to thin the forests in a timely manner or take dead wood out of the forest, which leaves us with black and brown tinder boxes instead of beautiful, healthy, productive green forests. These conditions, and a pile of non nonsensical federal rules and regulations, make it nearly impossible for federal land managers to care for the resources they are charged with managing, and extremely difficult for wildland firefighters to put fires out before they rage out of control.
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We at the American Lands Council realize we cant -- and shouldn’t have to -- wait for Washington DC to fix all these problems. We want a healthy environment, abundant recreation, & safe, vibrant communities. But ‘one-size-fails-all’ federal bureaucracy is giving us just the opposite: • 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 and aggravating catastrophic wildfire conditions. • 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 control so we can tend our public lands more like a living, breathing garden and less like a “hands-off, don’ttouch” museum. After all, who knows and cares about western lands better than westerners do? It’s time Congress honor the same promises of Statehood it made to all states --- that is to allow each State the equal right to govern the lands, resources, and citizens within their borders. The great imbalance of a federal bureaucracy controlling over half the land in western America isn’t fair, and it isn’t working.
BLM Fire News
At Least 11 Wildland Fires Burning on Winnemucca District Due to Lightning
By Terah Malsam
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August 17, 2016
innemucca, Nev. – As of this morning, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Winnemucca District is reporting at least 11 wildland fires that are actively burning and are staffed with fire resources. Another seven fires, totaling 18, were reported following last night’s lightning storm that swept through the area. Firefighters were unable to locate the additional fires because of nighttime conditions and/or precipitation occurring, but are actively looking for and staffing them today. The largest fire reported is the Monroe Fire, currently estimated at 6,000 -7,000 acres and burning adjacent to Priority and General Sage grouse habitat. The next largest fire is the Sand Pass Fire, burning just north of Winnemucca off of Sand Pass Road, is approximately 2,400 acres. The Mill Creek fire between Mill City and Jungo Road has been contained around 1000 ac. The remainder of the eight fires that are staffed are under 1,000 acres each. “We ask that the public be extra vigilant and not contribute to human-caused fires,” says Robert Towne, District Manager. “Our fire resources are stretched thin and have their hands full with these lightning fires.” Though no structures are imminently threatened at this time, additional resources – crews and aircraft – have been ordered to help the district fire resources suppress the fires. Currently the fires are being managed by local BLM Incident Commanders. Additional lightning is forecasted for today. For more information, please contact Terah Malsam, Public Affairs Specialist for the Winnemucca District at 775-455-6675 or tmalsam@blm.gov.
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BLM Fire News Help Prevent Human Caused Fires - With Above Average Fuels This Season Battle Mountain BLM Encourages All to be Extra Cautious
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By Kyle Hendrix
attle Mountain, NV – Northeastern Nevada experienced above average precipitation this season and as a result there are higher levels of fine fuels than normal. With dry fuel conditions even the smallest ignition source can cause a fire; ricocheting bullets, cigarette butts, and even the exhaust system/catalytic converter on your vehicle can start a fire with rangeland conditions as they are now. The BLM’s Battle Mountain District office is urging everyone to be extra cautious while out and about on public lands and would like to provide some information/tips on how we can all work together to reduce human caused fires. •
Follow basic safety precautions such as smoking only in areas clear of flammable vegetation and properly disposing of cigarette butts. Make sure that any internal combustion equipment being used outdoors is equipped with a functioning spark arrestor.
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Be extremely cautious where and how you build campfires. Try to keep campfires in established campgrounds with fire rings and pits. Never build campfires in an area adjacent to flammable vegetation. Make sure that a campfire is “Dead Out” prior to leaving it unattended. This means drowning the fire in water, stirring or breaking up coals and wood, and adding more water until it is cold to the touch.
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Be careful using welding, cutting, or grinding machinery outdoors. Make sure that your immediate work area has been cleared of all flammable vegetation and you have a minimum of 10 gallons of water and a shovel on hand.
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Know your county’s burning regulations.
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We would also encourage the public to be “heads up” when they see a wildfire that is possibly human-caused. Information such as vehicle descriptions and license plates seen leaving the area can be invaluable to investigators. Write down anything that seems out of the ordinary. Call 738-FIRE or 911 to report wild fires.
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All human caused fires are investigated and may result in cost recovery operations.
The Battle Mountain BLM District is the only district in the state that has not moved into Fire Restrictions. If human-caused fires become an issue the district will have to strongly consider moving in that direction. Let’s continue working together to try and prevent unnecessary damages resulting from humancaused fires! 26 September - October 2016
FIRE MITIGATION MEDIA TOUR
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By Rebeca Franco
ENO, NV—In recognition of an extraordinary fire season fire officials have engaged the assistance of a fire prevention team to help identify and address human activities that can cause unwanted wildfires. “With the frequency of wildfire occurrence this year and the daily reminder of smoke, the team is here to create tools for us to share with the public. They’ll focus on the importance of individual actions when it comes to preventing wildland fires.” says BLM State Fire Management Officer Paul Petersen. The Team will host a media briefing and field tour on Tuesday August 11, 2016. Speakers will be federal fire and law enforcement personnel. Features of each site include: The Lemmon Fire, Alicia Way, Reno (Golden Valley area) – Tour of a nine-acre fire on public land. o We will see evidence of a shooting-related fire. o Discussion will highlight extreme fire conditions, similar human-caused fires, and examples of precautions we can take to prevent wildfires. o Photo opportunity: Fuel loading; fire scar. Shooter’s Corner off Alicia Way, Reno – Tour of heavy-use impact and restorative efforts by volunteer groups (Boy Scouts). o Location impacted by illegal dumping. o Discussion will highlight “Tread Lightly” principles on public lands and how public participation makes a difference. o Photo opportunity: Area clear of trash. North side of Peavine Mountain off North Virginia St., Reno – Tour of area impacted by both target shooting and illegal dumping. o Location will depict on example of many areas in the Carson-Reno area that have been heavily impacted by target shooting and illegal dumping. o Discussion will focus on messaging such as Take Pride in America and keep your public lands clean. o Photo opportunity: fuel loading; remnants of target shooting and illegal dumping. Participating media will have the opportunity to interview agency fire and law enforcement personnel. Sponsor / Host: Nevada Fire Prevention Team When: Thursday, August 11, 2016 Time: 9:30 a.m. Please allow 2-3 hours for the tour Details: A high clearance vehicle is recommended; wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing. Meeting Location: Wendy’s Restaurant, west parking area, 1000 North Hills Blvd., Reno Please RSVP your attendance to nevadafireinfo@gmail.com by close of business on Wednesday, August 10. For more information, link to: Fire Restrictions • BLM Carson City District: http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/info/newsroom/2016/june/fire_restrictions.html • BLM Southern Nevada District: http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/info/newsroom/2016/june/southern_nevada__.html • BLM Winnemucca District: http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/wfo.html • USDA Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest: http://www. fs.usda.gov/htnf/ General Fire http://nevadafireinfo.blogspot.com/
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BLM Nevada News - For the Rancher's File
BLM Sets Meeting of National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board for September in Elko, Nevada By Dorothea Boothe
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he Bureau of Land Management’s National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board will meet September 8-9, 2016, in Elko, Nev., to discuss issues relating to the management and protection of wild horses and burros on Western public rangelands. The two-day meeting will take place on Thursday, September 8, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., and Friday, September 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (The meeting times are local time; Elko is in the Pacific Time Zone.) The meeting will be live-streamed at http://www.blm.gov/live. The agenda of the upcoming meeting can be found in the August 1, 2016, Federal Register at http://go.usa.gov/x4TRJ. The meeting will be held at Stockmen’s Hotel and Casino, 340 Commercial Street, Elko, Nev. The hotel’s website address is www.northernstarcasinos.com/Stockmens-hotel-casino; its phone number is (775) 738-5141. The Advisory Board provides advice and recommendations to the BLM as it carries out its responsibilities under the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. The law mandates the protection and management of these free-roaming animals in a manner that ensures healthy herds at levels consistent with the land’s capacity to support them. According to the BLM’s latest official estimate, approximately 67,027 wild horses and burros roam on BLM-managed rangelands in 10 Western states. The public may address the Advisory Board on Thursday, September 8, from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m., local time. Individuals who want to make a statement at Thursday’s meeting should register in person with the BLM by 3:15 p.m. local time, on that same day at the meeting site. Depending on the number of speakers, the Board may limit the length of presentations, set at three minutes for previous meetings. Speakers should submit a written copy of their statement to the BLM at the ad-
dresses below or bring a copy to the meeting. There will be a Webcam present during the entire meeting and individual comments may be recorded. Those who would like to comment but are unable to attend may submit a written statement to: National Wild Horse and Burro Program, WO-261, Attention: Ramona DeLorme, 1340 Financial Boulevard, Reno, Nev., 89502-7147. Comments may also be e-mailed to the BLM (at whbadvisoryboard@blm.gov); please include “Advisory Board Comment” in the subject line of the e-mail. For additional information regarding the meeting, please contact Ms. DeLorme, Wild Horse and Burro Administrative Assistant, at (775) 861-6583. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may reach Ms. DeLorme during normal business hours by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339. The Advisory Board generally meets twice a year and the BLM Director may call additional meetings when necessary. Members serve without salary, but are reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses according to government travel regulations. In its management of wild horses and burros, the BLM is taking a number of steps to ensure healthy horses and burros thrive on healthy public lands , including sponsoring a significant research program focused on fertility control; transitioning horses from off-range corrals to more cost-effective pastures; working to increase adoptions with new programs and partnerships; and requesting two new pieces of legislative authority -- one to allow for the immediate transfer of horses to other agencies that have a need for work animals and one that would create a congressionally-chartered foundation that could help fund and support adoption efforts. September 8–9 meeting will be livestreamed at www.blm.gov/live
BLM Announces Key Leadership Appointment
East Cinder Prescribed Fire to Take Place August 23-31
Kristin Bail Named Assistant Director for Renewable Resources and Planning By Kimberly Brubeck
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ASHINGTON -- The Bureau of Land Management announced today that it is appointing a veteran public land manager to a key leadership position by selecting Kristin Bail as the agency’s Assistant Director for Renewable Resources and Planning in Washington, D.C. Bail is currently leading the Bureau’s National Conservation Lands and Community Partnerships office, which oversees the BLM’s 30 million acres of National Conservation Lands. She has 32 years of public service with the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon, Arizona and North Carolina, where she was Forest Supervisor overseeing operations at four National Forests. “Kristin brings a wealth of service and leadership experience to her new role, which will benefit the BLM and the many communities and constituencies we serve,” BLM Director Neil Kornze said. In her new capacity, Bail will be in charge of an array of key Bureau resource programs, including sage-grouse habitat conservation, rangeland management, fish and wildlife habitat conservation, cultural and paleontological resources, outdoor recreation, wild horse and burro management, and forest management. Bail will assume her new duties on August 7. “Kristin’s in-depth knowledge of public land issues makes her a perfect fit to lead the BLM’s Renewable Resources and Planning organization,” Director Kornze said. “In her new role, she will work with BLM State Offices and stakeholders on the conservation of sage grouse habitat and be at the forefront of other important agency initiatives.” www.progressiverancher.com
Objective is to Reduce Risk of Large Fires and Enhance Wildlife Habitat
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By Kelsey Brizendine
HOSHONE, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Twin Falls District will conduct a prescribed fire in the Cinder Butte area northeast of Hazelton, Idaho, Aug. 23-31, if the weather is favorable. The East Cinder prescribed fire is expected to take three to four days of ignitions, with an additional one to two days to monitor and patrol after the prescribed fire has been completed. The project will reduce the risk of large fires and the resulting conversion of sagebrush habitat to invasive annual grasses and weeds. The burn will also enhance wildlife habitat, restore native grasses and shrubs and increase public safety. There may be some smoke that settles east of the project in the evenings, but the majority of the smoke is expected to lift and move off to the northeast. If you have any questions, please contact Kelsey Brizendine of the Twin Falls District BLM at (208) 732-7315. 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 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.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF ANIMAL SCIENTISTS A TRUE REASON TO IMPLEMENT CHANGES
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roducing and processing foods are not easy tasks. It takes several steps to get food from the farm to the consumer’s table and those steps are crucial to ensure that food is wholesome and nutritious. Since colonial days, agriculture has been a major component of the U.S. economy and in order to satisfy domestic and international demands, farming systems have become more intensive to increase efficiency. However, environmental impacts such as soil degradation and water utilization have also increased. This led consumers to start seeking environmentally responsible brands that approach sustainable practices during food production. This can only be achieved by implementing better farm management activities and improved industry practices. We animal scientists are the ones who are directly involved with research that develops new alternatives and create new methodologies to improve sustainability and food production efficiency. During my first year as the meat science and food safety program leader at University of Nevada, Reno, I interacted with many small producers and processors in order to understand their needs. Although after endless efforts were made to elevate educational standards and develop high-level research at university level, I feel that there is still a gap related to general public education that must be closed. One of my major goals is to show local producers and processors that they can improve themselves by changing old methodologies and out-of-date behavior. However, they must rely in changes to suffice the market’s most important demand: improved product quality and food safety standards. In cooperation with the University of Nevada Extension and Nevada Food Safety Task Force, our meat science and food safety program promoted workshops and gave many presentations in Reno and Las Vegas to educate general public about meat production. The College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources at UNR counts with 5 new professors who have programs directly related to forage production, animal nutrition, crop performance, and meat production. Areas of interest include improving grazing systems, increasing crop productivity under low input systems, improving cattle performance, and producing nutritious and safe meat. Due to funding opportunities, our research usually approaches demands from large producers and major meat processors. However, methodologies developed by our scientific projects can be easily applied in small-scale operations. A fresh example is a new project that is now being conducted by our meat science team with a local meat processor. This project aims to improve the quality of organic hams, generate better revenues for the processor, and satisfy specific consumer’s demand. The demand for food is expected to grow substantially by 2050 due to the increase of world population. Local and regional food production will become a major factor that will play an important role to ensure that population has access to wholesome food. Currently, local food has its important niche market but in the near future will eventually share a bigger portion in the U.S. 28 September - October 2016
agriculture. According to the USDA, barriers to local food-market expansion include: capacity constraints for small farms, lack of distribution for moving their products into mainstream markets, limited research, education, training, and food safety requirements. We, animal scientists, currently provide research, education, and training activities through our university appointments. New challenges are coming and we need to be ready for them. The first thing is to accept Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity that says that we cannot expect different results by doing the same thing over and over again. Barriers must be broken in order to grow and be better. Changes must be made and science must be used to improve what we currently do, otherwise we will remain the same.
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BIF Names 2016 Seedstock Producer of the Year Winner For the Seedstock Producer of the Year winner, it all began with one Hereford heifer in 1946. Shaw Cattle Co., Caldwell, ID - is a generational beef operation that manages Hereford, Angus and Red Angus herds in a diversified system of irrigated rotational grazing, maximizing forage resources and beef cattle genetics. Today, Shaw Cattle Co. maintains more than 1,500 registered cows encompassing the three breeds. The Shaw family works together to improve the cow herd through the diligent selection of breed-leading genetics with a keen eye toward performance, science and technology. Today, the third and fourth generations are continuing the tradition of raising reputable performance cattle.
Shaw Cattle Company, Caldwell, Idaho, was named the 2016 Seedstock Producer of the Year. Pictured (left to right): Wes Ishmael, Tucker Shaw, Angie Shaw, Cleo Shaw, Greg Shaw, Janel Shaw, Sam Shaw, Craig Bieber and Marty Ropp. Photos
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Farm Bureau Collecting Member Input On Issues For Action
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By Doug Busselman arm Bureau addresses issues that are identified by members through the organization’s annual policy development process. This grassroots orientation of Farm Bureau farmers and ranchers directing the actions to be taken has been a Farm Bureau hallmark since it started in 1919. In addition to the county Farm Bureau policy development activities where policy resolutions will be proposed, evaluated and submitted for state and national consideration, this year’s member input is taking on a new element with local town hall meetings being held in some counties. The meetings provide members with additional opportunities to identify what problems they are needing to deal with. From this initial step of member input, resolution language will be offered at county Farm Bureau annual meetings for deliberation on whether the ideas merit adoption at the local level or forwarding in the state/national resolutions process. Nevada Farm Bureau state policy will be adopted when voting delegates from the county Farm Bureaus take action at the Nevada Farm Bureau 2016 Annual Meeting, scheduled in Elko, November 14-16. This year’s Farm Bureau policy development process is taking on a higher profile because of the 2017 Nevada Legislative Session and the discussions taking shape over possible legislative proposals on several key areas of importance to Nevada agriculture. Water issues and the ability to use federally-managed lands are high on the list of identified topics thus far for Farm Bureau members. A significant point of concern, related to federally-managed lands, is associated with the massive over-populations of wild horses in Nevada and how this has been causing conflicts with forage for authorized livestock grazing. Additional limitations being forced on livestock owners to cope with are impending land use plans related to Sage Grouse conservation activities and closures connected to wildland fires on federally-managed lands. Water issues, a high priority to the farmers and ranchers of the state, are especially heightened this year because of the interim Nevada Legislative Commission’s Subcommittee to Study Water. This five-member committee of two Nevada Assembly members and three Nevada Senators chaired by Senator Pete Goicoechea of Eurkea County, have met six times around the state of Nevada. During these meetings the subcommittee has received input on various water problems. In their final meeting that was held in Carson City on August 26, they authorized legislative proposals for consideration during the 2017 Nevada Legislative Session. There are a number of water problems in need of attention. The issues are connected with the on-going drought conditions as well as the overall situation of greater demand than available supply. It has been noted that of the state’s 258 groundwater basins, 59 have been over-appropriated (more water rights being authorized than the perennial yield provides). Attention to the state’s water policy will be one of the major topics taking center stage when lawmakers gather in Carson City for the state’s 79th Session, starting February 6, 2017. Details of the various possible legislative concepts are being weighed by Farm Bureau members, engaged in the policy development process, to assess where the organization’s current policy points are relevant and where changes or new positions need to be offered.
taken, including a couple of bill drafts and proposed resolutions as well the drafting of various letters communicating the committee’s intentions. Of the adopted activities, Nevada Farm Bureau is most appreciative of the decision by the Public Lands Committee to send a letter to the Attorney General’s office. This letter request legal actions to be taken that are deemed appropriate to compel the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to manage wild horse and burro herds at appropriate management levels. Nevada Farm Bureau and the Nevada Association of Counties have been involved in a lawsuit which seeks federal agencies to follow the Wild Horse and Burro Act and properly manage wild horse and burro numbers. Bringing Nevada state government into the effort would greatly enhance the profile for the issue and possibly give greater weight to the agencies correcting their present failure to manage.
For More Information On Nevada Farm Bureau Policy: Nevada Farm Bureau’s current policy book is located on the organization’s website at the link http://nvf b.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2016Policy-Book.pdf. You can also contact Nevada Farm Bureau’s Executive Vice President at 775-674-4000 or by email at doug@nvbf.org.
Nevada Legislative Committee On Public Lands:
The Nevada Legislative Committee on Public Lands is another working group that Nevada Farm Bureau has been following during the interim between the 2015 and 2017 state legislative sessions. This nine-member committee, chaired by Senator Don Gustavson of Washoe County, wrapped up their six-meeting schedule. During their August 19 meeting in Carson City they authorized a number of actions to be 30 September - October 2016
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Nevada Legislative Water Study Sub-Committee Exploring Ideas For Possible Changes To State Law
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By James Linney - Director of Communications
he Nevada Legislative Water Study Sub-Committee is one of several legislative interim committees working in advance of the 2017 Legislature to consider potential concepts for inclusion in bill drafts for new state law. This committee, chaired by Senator Pete Goicoechea of Eureka County, includes two additional Senators (Senator Aaron Ford and Senator Joseph Hardy of Clark County) and two Assembly members (Assemblyman Maggie Carlton of Clark County and Assemblyman James Oscarson of Nye County). As authorized by the state’s Legislative Commission to study water, the subcommittee may request drafting as many as five proposed legislative measures for introduction to the 2017 Nevada Legislature. The subcommittee held their fourth meeting of the interim session in Dyer, NV, at the Fish Lake Valley Community Center. Several presentations were provided as background information and involved: • The Walker Basin Restoration Program, by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; • Overview of water resource issues in Diamond Valley; • Overview of water resource issues of the Carson Water Subconservancy District; • Overview of water resource issues in Mason Valley and Smith Valley; • Overview of water resource issues in Fish Lake Valley; and • A presentation on changing Nevada’s water law to a system of “unbundled” water rights. The central theme for the presentations involved the challenges connected with water resources falling short of what is needed. Where groundwater is over-appropriated and pumped beyond the level of recharge, water tables are falling. Availability is also an issue for surface water sources and the results take shape in not having run-off reach the end of the water system. Mike Young, a professor from the University of Adelaide, Australia, was on hand at the June 7th meeting to share his presentation on what is becoming referred to as the “Australian Plan” for “unbundling” water rights. A major benefit for the concept Dr. Young was promoting is the increased value for water, under this management approach. It also provides the opportunity for water share owners to maximize their f lexibility for managing their water shares. The “unbundling” model used in Australia converted water rights to water shares in perpetuity and established a strong water accounting system to track water use. Water Resource Plans were approved of by their legislative body and rigorous planning was involved to address the over-use experiences they were encountering. In his comments to the subcommittee, Dr. Young remarked that the prior appropriations system has trapped Nevada and other Western States where this system is in use. Along with the prospects of considering this type of a system in heavily over-appropriated and over-pumped areas like Diamond Valley, Dr. Young also noted the potential for use in the Humboldt River Basin. The idea of considering an “unbundled” approach was mostly discussed in the context of areas which have been designated by the State Water Engineer as “Critical Management Areas.” Dr. Young observed that while the ground water basin designation would apply to an area like Diamond Valley, it wouldn’t be currently an authority that the State Engineer would have for
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surface water systems like the Humboldt River Basin. Sharing on-going water planning efforts in Diamond Valley, Eureka County Natural Resource Manager, Jake Tibbitts explained that while the area have interests in the Australian model, because of the dire situation they have, they are attempting to build a workable local water plan which fits their circumstances. He noted that this local plan may or may not require any changes to state law and Eureka County Commissioners are not expressing support for any changes to existing state water law beyond providing exceptions to areas where the prior appropriation system hasn’t been followed. Tibbitts also put in context the extent of the problem across Nevada, sharing that while 25 percent of the state’s water basins might be over-appropriated, not all are necessarily being over-pumped. A possible bridge forward to make more water management tools available could take the form of Senate Bill 81 from the 2015 Nevada Legislature. The proposal didn’t survive the legislative process to become law, but might be reformatted and the concepts could be given another shot in 2017. These concepts include the authority for the State Engineer to designate a groundwater basin as an Active Management Area when consumptive groundwater use exceeds the perennial yield of the basin or where groundwater levels would continue to unreasonably decline. Local engagement was also a key element of the SB 81 proposal, providing ground water appropriators (including domestic well owners) who account for not less than 60 percent of the total groundwater appropriation in the basin to petition the State Engineer for designation. Specifications were outlined in SB 81 for local water use plans to be offered and criteria that would be necessary in order to avoid the State Engineer restricting withdrawals of groundwater (including pumping from domestic wells) within the timelines of priority rights.
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City Lights & Animal Rights
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By Lacey Sproul
icture the glare of millions of lights and the sound of a million slot machines. Las Vegas, Nevada is home to more than just endangered promises, dreams and hopes it is home to many of the species on the endangered species list for the great state of Nevada. Meet Mojave max. Max is what my 6 year old son endearingly calls the 6 foot tall giant desert tortoise he sees at many events and functions in our community. Max is the official mascot for the local desert tortoise in part with the Clark County Conservation Program. Although Max is a marketing tactic to reach a wide range of audiences on the efforts of conservation he does not tell the whole story. Now that we’ve been given an overview, let me walk you through the history of the Endangered Species Act, the issues that relate to our farmers and ranchers in this current day and age and lastly I will introduce you to American Farm Bureau policy and how we can work together on this important topic. Let’s get started. The Endangered Species Act or ESA provides a set of protections for species that have been listed as endangered or threatened and is administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. This act was enacted in 1973 with only 109 species listed for protection. Today that list has nearly 1600 domestic species listed and another 125 species are Mojave Max considered candidates for the listing. Are all 1600 species endangered or in critical need for protection? The answer is a hard no. The ESA is one of the most far-reaching environmental statues ever passed. With it being interpreted to put the interests of species above the people, the ESA has failed at recovering and delisting species since its inception. Less than two percent of all listed species have been removed from ESA protection since 1973, and many of those are due to extinction or “data error.” My family and the ESA went head to head about 20 years ago in regards to this over stretch and the available resources in Nevada. My family ran cattle in the Clark County area for over 100 years. Over 86% of Nevada is federally owned; therefore most ranchers in the state graze their cattle on these lands. Unfortunately, due to the ESA and the beloved Mojave Max or known by most as the desert tortoise our family’s heritage was on the verge of extinction. Long before the most recent news with ranchers in southern Nevada, my family fought the same fight. Unfortunately, my family lost. Ranching is not a wealthy lifestyle choice and the ESA is a litigation-driven model that rewards those who use the courtroom at the expense of those that practice positive conservation efforts. We see the same thing happening presently as we did twenty years ago. To this day, the ESA is continuing to pressure and policy our American Farmers and Ranchers. Ultimately, while policing our stewards of the land, our agriculturists are being penalized. Unlike other industries, farm and ranch land is the principal asset used in their business. These restrictions handed down to our farmers and ranchers restrict and prevent the use of their land by making productive use of their primary business asset. These negative impacts also affect a farmer and rancher’s family, as most live on the land that they work, 32 September - October 2016
which in turn affects their quality of life. Now that we have a background on this topic, let’s discuss the American Farm Bureau policy as of February 2016. The policy states that “We believe that endangered and threatened species protection can be more effectively achieved by providing incentives to private landowners and public land users rather than by imposing land use restrictions and penalties. The ESA should not be reauthorized in its current form. The current federal ESA must be amended and updated to accommodate the needs of both endangered and threatened species and humans with complete respect for private property rights within the framework of the United States Constitution. Human need for food, fiber, shelter and energy shall have priority over the protection of endangered and threatened species.” Now that we have heard the background of the Endangered Species Act, the American Farm Bureau’s policy on this topic here is my suggestion on how you and I can tackle this. I believe that we, as farmers and ranchers, will respond to incentives to protect species and habitat on their privately owned lands. Instead of being forced to feed and shelter listed species on their own, farmers and ranchers should receive technical and financial help to accomplish this. The ESA should provide a carrot instead of the stick it currently wields. I am going to end with a quote by Henry Ford, “Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.”
Raising Crops and Kids
I
By Jessica Mathews - Young Farmer & Rancher Member
t is an incredible opportunity to raise a family on a farm. The number of family-owned farms is few and far-between in today’s world. For many farming families, the lifestyle that agriculture brings to the family is more important than other potential lucrative career opportunities. The work ethic and moral values taught on a farm or ranch helps individuals find success in any direction they choose to go. In a culture where entitlement is rampant among youth, young farmers and ranchers understand that they are not entitled to anything that they do not work for. They are taught from a young age to have patience, responsibility, and determination. They find joy in their successes, and learn from their failures. Tasking our children with small chores as children, then eventually assigning them to much larger responsibilities can teach them how to be dependable. Sometimes the industry is burdened with the idea that children working on the farm is a form of child abuse. Many people see children working on the farm as dangerous or as forcing free labor upon their kids. Farmers and ranchers need to be diligent in opposing these ideas. They must also be diligent in keeping their children safe. Farm safety is essential for every family. Addressing possible dangers and setting clear guidelines can help children recognize precarious situations. “Farm Safety for Just Kids” is a non-profit organization that helps spread farm safety awareness. There are several resources on their website http://www.farmsafetyforjustkids.org/ that can help parents and children stay safe. Raising a family on a farm can be profoundly rewarding. Empowering our children with responsibilities can help them become successful individuals. Having kids on the farm produces great joy and happiness. It also presents an incredible purpose to continue to allow children to work on farms. Growing up on a farm is something special; something that will forever have an impact on a child and more importantly on society.
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It is truly the most important decision you will ever make. Choose Jesus. Choose life and everything will change, then you will know you’re heading for heaven. Your name will be in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Jesus said in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation (pressure, oppression, stress, adversity, affliction, distress) but be of good cheer! I (Jesus) have overcome the world.” NKJV Folks, times and the world are ever changing and sometime not for the best. But how wonderful to have the Overcomer living in us as we go through stressful times in this world. Let’s thank God that He loved us enough to send Jesus, because Jesus came and everything changed. Scripture reading: Romans chapters 5 and 6, 10:8-10, 13. Proverbs chapter 29 and 30:5.
And Everything changed
E
by Pastor Diana Gonzalez
ver ride along through the hills or across the desert and really look around you? Some of the open cow country hasn’t changed much since our country became a nation or since the time of Adam and Eve. However, spots like that are near impossible to find now days. So much has changed since 1776, or 1876, or 1976. So much change, so fast! Many cowboys have ridden along trying to imagine what this land looked like 100 years ago; wondering what their life would have been like back then. Cattle and horses were still king then. There were not many phones, planes, cars or tractors. Seed-time –and –harvest was understood then. (Genesis 8:22) Food came from the land and you worded hard to produce it. Some folks now days think food comes when the government check comes in and then you pick your food up at Wal-Mart. My, how times have changed. We run to and fro in cars, planes and trains now and tax cows for pollution. Like Perry Stone asked, “Is there a pill for stupid?” Well it’s just the signs of the times. What times? The end times. Daniel 12:4 says; “the time of the end, many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” NKJV Boy, is that today or what? I pray that Godly knowledge and Godly wisdom shall increase in us also! (Read the Bible and pray!) Change – some like it and some don’t. The day that Jesus Christ was born, everything changed. Christ (anointed) Jesus (Savior) came, born through a woman and conceived by The Holy Spirit. Jesus came, because God so loved us. (John 3:16) He lived a blameless, sinless life (I John 3:5) and went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. (Acts 10:38) When Jesus came, everything changed. The religious Jews were not thrilled but the sinner and the down trodden were. That’s who He came for. In Matthew 9:13 Jesus said, “For I did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” NKJV Jesus came and everything changed! Mankind needed a redeemer. Romans 5:12-19 says, “12-Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned. 13-For until the law, sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14-Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15-But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16-And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17-For if by the one man’s offense, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. 18-Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19-For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” NKJV We need Jesus. We need a redeemer. God would not have sent His Son to suffer and die on a cruel Roman cross if it was not necessary. It was NECESSARY! It was necessary for our salvation from eternity in hell. We need Jesus. If you have never asked Jesus into your heart and made Him Lord of your life – do it today! We don’t know how many days that we have left with which we can make that most important choice.
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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…. Pastor’s Note: I don’t think anything is going to have more impact on the world and especially our beloved nation since the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, than the upcoming election. Everything is going to change one way or another. As Christians, in a Christian nation, we must, we must vote the Bible. That means if God’s Word says He hates hands that shed innocent blood, or a lying tongue, (read Proverbs 6:16-19) then we vote accordingly. If God’s Word calls certain behavior an abomination (Leviticus 18:22) then it’s an abomination and we vote accordingly. Note: Not judgingly but according to God’s Word. If some folks get crosswise with the Word, then we pray for them and try to lead them into the Truth. If Christians get out and vote, we can save our country as we know it. If Christians don’t vote, I doubt we’ll recognize our country 4 years from now. Then it will be too late to save her. Please join with us as we pray for our nation, Israel and the election and at 11 A.M. every Sunday at Cow Country Fellowship, located at 4275 Solias Road in Fallon, NV. God bless you! God bless America! Pastor Diana Proverbs 29:2
The Progressive Rancher
September - October 2016 33
What Happens When Wolves
are Introduced to Ranching Areas?
History
By Jennifer B. Whitley
O
ver a hundred years ago, it is estimated there were over 1 million wolves roaming across North America. They were seen as pests, to the extent President Theodore Roosevelt called them “the beast of waste and destruction,” and called for their eradication. People waged war on the wolf populations of North America. By 1960, the once abundant gray wolf was nearly extinct, due to the systematic extermination of every wolf found by government trappers, hunters, farmers, and ranchers. As few as 300 wolves remained in the lower 48 states, roaming the deep woods of Michigan and Minnesota. In the 1970’s, the northern timber wolves began to make a slight comeback. They intermingled with Canadian wolves and their numbers began to increase. Situations improved for the gray wolf with the passing of the Endangered Species Act in 1973. With wolves listed as an endangered species in 1974, wolf recovery became possible. Shortly after listing as an Endangered Species, the first pack of wild wolves crossed the Canadian border into Glacier National Park, Montana. The Great Lakes population continued to grow as more wolves crossed the Canadian border into the United States. After years of political battle, in 1995 thirty one gray wolves were released into Yellowstone National Park and 23 gray wolves were released into the Frank Church Wilderness of Idaho, under the guidance of project leader Ted Koch. Since the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park and the Frank Church Wilderness, the wolf population has grown from less than 300 to over 4,000. There have been reports of wolf sightings in Oregon, Utah, Washington, and even Maine.
Biology
The gray wolf is a member of the canine family. It lives throughout North America and thrives on a varied diet of animals such as deer, elk, and even livestock. They are amazingly adaptable and can live in many different climates and conditions. Males can reach six and a half feet from nose to tail, weigh 140 pounds and are very agile and cunning. Wolves are very social animals and run in packs of 7-10 animals, consisting of alpha parents, pups, and subordinate males and females unrelated to the family. They hunt in packs and prefer to prey on slower, weaker animals, making livestock animals like cows and sheep perfect candidates for prey. Wolves can live up to 13 years, and continue breeding through 10 years of age. Wolves sexually mature at 2 years of age and have a gestation of roughly 63 days. 34 September - October 2016
Then females deliver on average 5 pups per litter. Wolf pups are weaned at 8 weeks of age and stay with their parents until they reach maturity. At 2 years of age, wolves leave the pack and form new packs. Lone wolves have been known to travel 600 miles in search of a mate or pack. Wolves often mate for life. Packs live within territories ranging in size from 50 square miles to more than 1,000 square miles, depending on prey availability. They defend these territories from other packs. Wolves travel over large areas to hunt, as far as 30 miles in a day. On average, wolves can travel short distances at 40 miles per hour, and trot out at about 5 miles per hour.
A Hateful Relationship
Wolves mean controversy in the west. Wolves kill cattle, sheep, and dogs, threatening the livelihoods of ranchers in areas where wolf numbers abound. For centuries, ranchers have considered wolves an enemy and have done everything in their power to protect their livestock. As wolf populations have grown, packs of wolves have left the protected areas of Yellowstone Park and other preserves. They are claiming their own territories in areas they historically haven’t inhabited. While animals like ravens, foxes, wolverines, coyotes, eagles, and even bears are benefiting from having wolves reintroduced to their habitats (they feed on carcasses of animals killed by wolves), ranchers find them to be a wasteful predator that rarely utilizes all that it kills. Coyotes are seen as competition to wolves and are kept out of their territories. A decrease in coyote numbers has led to an increase in small rodent numbers. Elk have changed their migratory behaviors to avoid wolf predation, relocating to areas that they have traditionally never inhabited. Even though elk relocation is good for willow, aspen, and cottonwood regrowth, elk are now causing much devastation on other rangelands. Special features of the Endangered Species Act allow for the removal of wolves that prey on livestock. There are programs in place to compensate for the loss of livestock and pets in most recovery areas. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to find livestock killed by wolves soon enough to get those losses confirmed by wildlife officers to be compensated. One study sited that for every animal death confirmed as by wolf, up to 8 livestock wolf kills are never found. Besides death and injury loss, what other losses are due to wolf predation on cattle? Early research on direct effects (death and injury) of predation indicate that indirect impacts are underestimated. A pack of wolves can devour an animal carcass in less than 12 hours. Some animals just disappear. Some indirect effects of wolf pre
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dation include foraging efficiencies, animal disposition, and stress levels. hese effects could negatively affect diet quality, nutritional status, and disease susceptibility, indirectly affecting calf and lamb weaning weights, conception rates, and livestock body condition scores. Leading to increased veterinary and supplemental care or death loss and disease. TIn a study beginning in 2008 conducted by Oregon Beef Council and range scientist Pat Clark of USDA’s Northwest Watershed Research Center, wolves and cows were both fitted with GPS tracking collars to track and study interactions with livestock and wolves. Their findings were very interesting. After the first summer of data collected, one collared wolf interacted with all 10 collared cows, meaning he was within 500 feet of them for a total count of 783 times. Consequently, cows were coming home in the fall a full body condition score less than in previous years and conception rates had plummeted after wolves moved into range used for cattle. Besides actual kills, animals were coming in severely maimed or injured. They also saw drastic changes in the ways cattle were using the range. Anxiety over wolves prompted cattle to move from high quality forage areas to safer, lower quality forage areas like open hill sides where they can see farther. Normally calm, easy to handle cattle became more difficult to handle. These losses are harder to measure than dead animals.
Conclusion
While most people directly involved in production agriculture enjoy seeing wildlife in the wild, the economic and environmental impact of wolves on livestock creates an economic loss few can afford. The decrease in deer and elk numbers eliminates recreational opportunities for sportsmen, and it is difficult to place a value on losses in addition to death and injury of livestock. This “beast of waste and destruction” creates just that, waste and destruction where ever it moves.
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September - October 2016 35
Cattle Theft By Flint Wright, Nevada Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division Administrator
T
he cattle industry is an important cornerstone to Nevada’s agriculture economy, and when the price per head of cattle increases, unfortunately so does cattle theft. Though still a problem, thankfully technology helps us prevent and detect cattle theft better than ever before. Last year, there were 134 head of cattle reported stolen or missing in Nevada, and the number of unreported theft is likely much higher. By taking proper precautions and using the resources available to you, hopefully you can prevent such an economic hit to your operation. Signs of cattle theft In Nevada’s big country and vast open ranges, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish cattle theft from loss. Here are a few signs your cattle have been stolen: • Look for suspicious activity – You know your operation better than anyone. If you see unusual vehicles or people along with missing cattle, report it to your district’s enforcement officer. • Inspect carcasses – Of course, many cattle die of natural causes. Inspect carcasses for unusual wounds, injuries or bullets/shells. • Cut fences or gates – If you suspect cattle have been stolen off your private land, look for cut fences or gates as a good indicator of intrusion. What to do if you suspect cattle theft If you suspect theft on your operation, the best thing you can do is report it to the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) Animal Industry Division as soon as possible, and fill out the livestock missing/theft form available at agri.nv.gov/ livestock_id. As with many crimes, the sooner an enforcement officer can start collecting evidence and interviews, the better chance there is of apprehending a suspect.
Flint Wright
Nevada is divided into four brand inspection districts, and each district has at least one enforcement officer: If theft has taken place, NDA also offers identification through DNA testing if necessary. Online livestock renewal is also available to help ensure no lapses in brand registration. Digital brand inspections give enforcement officers real time information, so that they can support the industry in a timely and informed manner. How to prevent cattle theft The number one most reliable way to prevent cattle theft is to ensure your cattle have a brand and current brand inspection when transporting or selling your livestock. Having at least one method of livestock identification is much like a lock on a door: it may not prevent the crime every time, but proper security measures are certainly a deterrent to crimes of opportunity like cattle theft. Although cattle prices are down from last year, they are still historically high, and cattle theft remains an issue. Don’t allow cattle thieves the opportunity; brand your cattle, request brand inspections and report any potential thefts to your local enforcement officer. How the NDA helps prevent cattle theft Nevada’s livestock industry represents an enormous economic value to the state, and the role of our Livestock Identification program is to protect livestock producers and owners from theft and unfair business practices through the recording and inspection of brands whenever they are presented for sale, shipment across state or district lines or slaughter. • Every head of cattle moved across state or district lines is required to receive a brand inspection through Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 561. • NDA enforcement officers monitor every stretch of road to ensure these inspections are taking place. Our enforcement officers are peace officers standards and training (POST)-certified police officers who can stop any livestock transportation vehicle on any road in Nevada for any reason. • All cattle sold to or from anyone in Nevada are also inspected. In addition, the NDA registers and licenses every livestock broker, dealer, agent and sale barn in the state. Photo Not Available
Cow/calf pairs are Nevada’s top agricultural production, contributing $466 million directly to Nevada’s economy in 2014. 36 September - October 2016
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Raul Godinez Southern Nevada (702) 668-4590
Blaine Northrop Northeastern Nevada (775) 777-5750
Chris Miller Northwestern Nevada (775) 385-1986
Justin Ely North Central Nevada (775) 388-7726
Sterling Wines Eastern Nevada (775) 530-3678 www.progressiverancher.com
Fight the bite:
Protect against West Nile Virus in Nevada By Jessica Fagundes
Aug 16 2016
T The NDA Brand Inspection District Map was revised in 2013 to streamline brand inspections and give our customers a clear set of boundaries.
he Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) reports results of West Nile Virus (WNV) infections in two horses; one in Churchill County and one in Clark County. While horses are not a source of human infection, a horse with WNV is an indication that other horses and humans in the area are at risk through mosquito bites. Every year, the NDA monitors WNV, and other diseases carried by mosquitos (also known as arboviral), very closely for the protection of public health and safety and the agriculture industry. “It’s important for horse owners to protect their animals from West Nile Virus through vaccination,” the NDA’s state veterinarian, Dr. JJ Goicoechea, said. “Vaccinations, in conjunction with practices that reduce exposure to mosquitos, are very effective in protecting horses from WNV. WNV can cause severe neurologic disease in horses.” In addition to WNV, the Animal Disease Laboratory at the NDA tests for two other prevalent arboviral diseases: Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus and Western Equine Encephalitis Virus. All three can cause severe disease and death in humans. The Animal Disease Lab has tested more than 2,000 mosquito pools from all Nevada counties since May of this year. To date, the laboratory identified WNV positive mosquito pools from Clark, Churchill, Elko, Douglas, Lincoln and Washoe Counties. Mosquitos tested positive for Saint Lewis Encephalitis in Clark and White Pine Counties. West Nile Virus has been prevalent in Nevada since 2004, while Saint Louis Encephalitis and Western Equine Encephalitis have been widespread in the western United States for decades. Mosquito season is expected to end with the first frost in October. However, while the current temperatures persist, all Nevada residents should take precautions such as eliminating mosquitobreeding sites around houses and barns, using insect repellents to fight the bite and keeping horses vaccinated against WNV and Western Equine Encephalitis. The Nevada Department of Agriculture promotes a business climate that is fair, economically viable and encourages environmental stewardship that serves to protect food, fiber and human health and safety through effective service and education. The NDA includes the five divisions of Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition and Plant Industry.
NDA Statment regarding Pickens Horse Investigation
T
he Nevada Department of Agriculture has released the following statement regarding the Pickens horse investigation:
Statement from Nevada Department of Agriculture
The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) cannot discuss any specifics of an ongoing investigation, but there are numerous horses confirmed dead both on Madeleine Pickens’ property, as well as on public land.
Comment from State Veterinarian, Dr. JJ Goicoechea, DVM
Ensure your cattle are branded to prevent theft of animals. Photo by - Theresa Willis. www.progressiverancher.com
“Although we have not determined responsibility, care for animals is ultimately the obligation of the livestock owner,” Dr. JJ Goicoechea, state veterinarian and deputy administrator for the NDA’s Animal Industry, said. “We alert all livestock owners to be extra cautious during the excessive heat of the summer months. When temperatures exceed 90 degrees, as they consistently have been in northern Nevada, dehydration can set in fast when livestock do not have access to fresh water sources.”
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Dr. JJ Goicoechea
September - October 2016 37
RANGE PLANTS FOR THE RANCHER By Paul T. Tueller, Ph.D., CRMC
A
Mule’s Ears
nother important plant of interest to ranchers in Nevada is the forb (Wyethia amplexicaulis (Nutt.) Nutt. This plant is in the Asteraceae or sunflower family of higher plants and is commonly referred to as Mule’s Ears. They are short, low to the ground goldenrayed wildflowers that resemble miniature sunflowers. Mules Ears is a strongly aromatic balsamic-resinous herb with clumps of lanceolate leaves and stout leafy stems ending in large deep yellow flowers on long stalks. The genus is named for an early explorer of the western United States, Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth, 1802–1856. Wyeth’s history is very interesting. He came out west from Boston to make a go of it in the west. He established Fort Hall in southern Idaho and later sold it along with another fort to the Hudson Bay Company because he could not make it financially. He traveled with the botanist Alexander Nuttall as part of his party. Mules Eears is a native, perennial, cool-season forb with stems up to 32 inches (80 cm) tall. The leaves are alternate and are 8 to 16 inches (20-40 cm) long and 2 to 6 inches (5-15 cm) wide. There are usually several flower heads but flower heads may occasionally be solitary. The fruits are achenes (a small fruit with a single seed attached at one point along the ovary wall). Stem leaves are more lance-shaped, resembling the ears of mule. A large, yellow, sunflower-like flower head is often surrounded by smaller yellow flowers. Plants seem varnished with resin, The stout leafy stems growing from clumps of lanceolate leaves end in several large deep yellow flower heads, the central head largest. Mule’s Ears might be confused with its close cousin, Arrowleaf balsamroot, but the leaves of the two are quite different: Mule’s Ears leaves are two-to-four inches wide and up to a 16 inches long; Arrowleaf balsamroot leaves are about four inches wide and six-to-nine inches long and arrowhead shaped. The Mule’s Ears plant is usually several inches taller with larger flowers. Mule’s Ears usually blooms several weeks after Arrowleaf Balsamroot. Mules Ears apparently hybridizes with W. arizonica Gray and with arrowleaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata). Mules Ears has a wide ecological amplitude, occurring in many plant communities. It is most abundant in mesic sagebrush (Artemisia spp.)-grassland habitats. It is also common in woodlands and seral coniferous forests above the elevational limits of sagebrush. The taproot may reach depths of over 6 feet (180 cm). Strong lateral roots run 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm) from the main root. Mules Ears is found in moist draws, meadows, open woods, and open grasslands. Elevational limits range from 4,500 to 11,000 feet (1,360-3,300 m) and require 10 to 18 inches (25.4-45.7 cm) of annual precipitation. Theygrow well on sandy loam, loam, and clay-loam textured soils, but are apparently most aggressive in heavy clay soils. Mules Ears grows well on gentle to moderately steep slopes. Mule deer prefer Mules Ears early in the growing season. Sheep forage new leaves in spring and early summer. Mature foliage is coarse and harsh, and plants dry out by mid-summer, so it is little used after early summer. Elk, deer, and all classes of livestock eat the flower heads. Mules Ears is generally unpalatable. However, the leaves 38 September - October 2016
may be moderately palatable in the spring. Plants are generally poor in energy and protein value. July estimates for crude protein and in-vitro dry matter digestiblity for mule-ears collected in a moist meadow were 11.1 percent and 75.7 percent, respectively. Mule ears dominated understory communities have relatively high production levels, but the production is mainly from the unpalatable mules ears. These stands are poor livestock range and poor wildlife habitat ebecause of a lack of structural and species diversity. The understory of many trembling aspen/mules ears stands has been altered due to severe grazing pressure, as evidenced by the overwhelming dominance of muleears in environments that could support palatable grasses and forbs. When grazing pressure is less intense and a shrub layer is present, such as in trembling aspen/ mountain snowberry-mule-ears community types, ground-level shading may be too intense to support a dominant cover of mule-ears. Mules Ears may dominates some mountain meadows in that are in poor condition due to grazing. Mules Ears has a negative effect on available soil moisture because it uses large amounts of moisture early in the season. If grazing was restricted, mules ears would probably still dominate many sites to the exclusion of other plants because of this factor.
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September - October 2016 39 
Top Lots Included: BwF & BMF with a few RWF & RMF. Wnd Str Clvs, $159.00, August del.
Southern Yearlings Rocker Ranch, Gail, TX, 730lbs, VAC 45, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Verified Natural Plus, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of 50% Beefmaster Red Angus cross cows by R.A. Brown & Ludvigson Red Angus bulls. Will be a few White Face. Fdr Strs, $141.00, December del. Mark LaBarge, Manhatan, KS, 775lbs, English, English cross & some Exotic cross w/ approx.. 10-12 showing a touch of ear. Approx. 80% Black Hided. Fdr Strs, $146.50, August del. W/88, Harrodsburg, KY, 825lbs, VAC PRECON, Angus & Angus Cross. 100% Black Hided. Fdr Strs, $140.00, September-October del.
ETR Cattle Co. / Griswold Cattle Co., Stillwater, OK, 525lbs, VAC 45, Out of Angus base (strong Fink influence) & Simmental Angus cows AI sired by Still Force & Irish Whiskey & cleaned up w/sons of Still Force & Irish Whiskey Angus bulls. Wnd Str Clvs, $160.00, August del. John Houk, Bronaugh, MO, 565lbs, VAC PRECON, Angus & a few Angus Hereford cross. 100% Black & BWF. Wnd Str Clvs, $177.00, August del. Rampy Ranch, Calvert, TX, 600lbs, VAC 45, Out of Angus & Angus cross cows by approx. 80% Charolais, 10% Angus, & 10% Horned Hereford bulls. Could be 15% with 1/8-1/4 ear, mostly no ear. Wnd Str Clvs, $157.00, August del.
Garlon Rogers, Canadian, TX, 850lbs, BVD PI Free, English, English Cross, Exotic Cross & Brahman Cross. Fdr Strs, $137.00, August del.
Keeling Cattle Co. Hugo, OK, 600lbs, VAC 45+, Out of Angus base cows by Angus (Conely & Schultz) & SimAngus (Yochum Livestock) bulls. 90% Black Hided, balance Charolais or Red. Wnd Str Clvs, $153.00, November del.
Turkey Creek Cattle Company, Yates Center, KS, 900lbs, Angus, Angus Cross & some Exotic Cross. 100% Black Hided. Fdr Strs, $138.00, September del.
Thomas R. Sorenson, Exeter, MO, 650lbs, English, English Cross & English Exotic Cross. Approx. 75% Black hided. Wnd Str Clvs, $149.00, August del.
Christie Ranch, Miami, TX, 925lbs, Certified Natural, Angus & Angus Cross. 100% Black Hided. High Percentage CAB candidates. Fdr Strs, $138.75, August del.
Smith Ranch, Boise City, OK, 700lbs, VAC 45, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Certified Natural Plus, Verified Natural Beef, GAP 4, BVD PI Free, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Reputation Black Angus cows by Green Mountain reg. Black Angus (Connealy Capitalist, Final Answer & Final Product bloodlines) bulls. 100% Black Hided. Wnd Str Clvs, $159.00, November del.
M&A Cattle Co. Fairfax, OK, 1020lbs, Certified Natural, Brangus & Brangus Cross. Some carrying up to ¼ ear. Pred. Black Hided. Fdr Strs, $130.25, August del. Rocker Ranch, Gail, TX, 675lbs, VAC 45, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Certified Natural Plus, Verified Natural Beef, Superior Progressive Genetics. Fdr Hfrs, $143.50, December del. Dale George, Decatur, TX, 735lbs, English & English Exotic Cross Carrying 3/8 or less Brahman influence. Fdr Hfrs, $134.00, August del. Tim Kocher, Fox, AR, 750lbs, VAC PRECON, English Cross, English Exotic Cross & Exotic Cross w/ some showing up to ¼ ear, depending on sort. Fdr Hfrs, $132.00, August del. Don & Lynn Kimble, Douglas, AZ, 430lbs, VAC 45, Superior Verified, BVD PI Free, Out of 80% Angus & Brangus, 20% Brahman & English cross cows by Angus & Brangus bulls. Approx. 90% Black & BWF, 10% Red, RWF & Charolais cross. Wnd Str Clvs, $177.00, November del. Kipp Cattle Co. Lordsburg, NM, 500lbs, VAC 24, Certified Natural Plus, Out of Hereford cows & a few Angus bulls. Approx. 80% purebred Hereford, 20% 40 September - October 2016
Bluff Creek Land & Cattle Co. LLC, Miami, TX, 725lbs, VAC 45+, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Certified Natural Plus, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Angus & Angus cross cows by Express Ranches Angus bulls. 100% Black & BWF. High % CAB candidates. Wnd Str Clvs, $150.00, October-November del. David W. Diver, Groesbeck, TX, 485lbs, VAC PRECON, Angus & Angus Cross. 100% Black Hided. Wnd Hfr Clvs, $152.00, August del. Lyda Cattle Co. Ltd, Fort Stockton, TX, 550lbs, Superior Progressive Genetics, Out of Angus Brangus Hereford cross & Angus Brangus cross cows by top Angus genetics 20-25 bigger hfrs on load. Black Hided. Wnd Hfr Clvs, $154.00, August del. Bonds Ranch, Fort Worth, TX, 625lbs, VAC 45, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of English & English Exotic cross cows by Angus & Charolais bulls. Few cows w/ Brahman influence. Wnd Hfr Clvs, $139.50, August del. Robert Walker, Lakeland, FL, 525lbs, VAC 24, Certified Natural, Out of English cross & Brahman The Progressive Rancher
cross cows by Angus & Horned Hereford bulls. Approx. 80% Angus sired. Red, RWF, BWF & Black. Str Clvs, $141.00, August del. A&M Management of Hendry Co. Clewiston, FL, 550lbs, VAC 24, Out of English Cross & Brahman Cross cows by Angus & Charolais bulls. Approx. 25% Horned Hereford sired. Str Clvs, $136.00, September del. Steve Rader, Canadian, TX, 610lbs, Angus & Angus Cross. 100% Black Hided. Str Clvs, $136.00, October del. McMillan Ranch, Ardmore, OK, 660lbs, Superior Progressive Genetics, Out of Angus cows by Langford Hereford bulls & out of BWF cows by Jeffies & R.A. Brown Ranches Red Angus bulls. Approx. 60% Black Hided. 40% Red & RWF & 3 Smokey. Str Clvs, $132.50, September del. Masterson Stockgrowers LLC, Amarillo, TX, 700lbs, VAC 24, Superior Progressive Genetics, Out of Angus & Angus Plus cows by Express Angus & J Bar 7 Angus Plus bulls. 100 % Black & BWF. Str Clvs, $133.00, October-November del. Durrett Cattle, Clayton, NM, 525lbs, VAC 24, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Verified Natural Beef, GAP 4. Out of Angus & Angus Hereford cross cows by Grau Charolais & West Star Hereford bulls. Approx. 60% Charolais cross, balance Black or Red Hided. Hfr Clvs, $136.00, September del. McMillan Ranch, Ardmore, OK, 635lbs, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Angus cows by Langford Hereford bulls & out of BWF cows by Jeffies & R.A. Brown Red Angus bulls. 30% Black & BWF, 70% Red & RWF. Hfr Clvs, $130.00, September del.
Northern Yearlings Sierra Valley Ranch, Reno, NV, 750lbs, Superior Verified, NHTC, Verified Natural Beef, GAP 4, Superior Progressive Genetics. 100% Black & BWF. Sired by Magness Black Lim-Flex bulls. Magness Lim-Flex bulls purchased last 5 years in top 30% Post Weaning Index (MTI) ***Non GMO Verified*** Fdr Strs, $153.50, August del. Keith Easterday, Rome, OR, 780lbs, VAC 45, Superior Verified, NHTC, Verified Natural Beef, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black Angus & Brangus Cross Cows by Black Angus & Wulf & Magness Black Lim-Flex bulls. Bloodlines Final Answer & In Focus. 100% Black hided. Lim-Flex bulls purchased last 5 yrs: top 18% Post Weaning Index (MTI), top 18% Marb. & top 39% REA. BQA Certified. Fdr Strs, $148.75, September del. McCormick Ranch LLC, Brothers, OR, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Certified Natural Plus, Verified Natural Beef, GAP 4, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black Angus & Charolais Cross cows by Black, Charolais & SimAngus bulls. Sons of Tebow. Approx. 50% Black, BWF. 50% Charolais cross & a few Red. Fdr Strs, $142.50, September del. www.progressiverancher.com
Glenn Harris, Burns, OR, 885lbs, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Verified Natural Beef, GAP 4 Superior Progressive Genetics, Top Dollar Angus. Red Angus cross w/80% by Lorenzen, Ludvigson Stock Farms & Frank Wedel Red Angus & approx. 20% Red Angus Composite bulls. Approx. 60% Red, RWF. 40% Black, BWF. Top Dollar Angus Qualified. Fdr Strs, $142.00, September del.
cows by Silver Bit Angus Ranch Black Angus bulls. 100% Black Hided. Wnd Hfr Clvs, $151.50, October del.
V Box Land & Livestock, Vale, OR, 725lbs, VAC 45, Certified Natural, Superior Progressive Genetics. English & English Cross by Black Angus bulls. 90% Black hided. Fdr Hfrs, $146.50, September del.
Swanson/Antonnelli, Leadore, ID, 620lbs, VAC 45, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black Angus cows by reg. Leadore Angus bulls. Black Angus w/a few BWF. Wnd Hfr Clvs, $139.50, November del.
Geren Moon Ranch, Burns, OR, 750lbs, Certified Natural Plus. Approx. 80% Black, BWF, balance Red, RWF & a few Charolais cross. Fdr Hfrs, $148.50, October del.
J&J Thornton LLC, Dillon, MT, 650lbs, VAC 45, Out of Black Angus, BWF & Angus cross cows by Black Angus bulls. Approx. 95% Black & 5% Red. Wnd Hfr Clvs, $131.50, December del.
Horeshoe Cattle – Lee Matthews, Raft River, ID, 715lbs, VAC 45, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black Angus & BWF cows by 100% reg. Black Angus bulls. Approx. 98% Black hided. Wnd Str Clvs, $149.00, November del.
Dr. Boyd & Audrey Spratling, DVM. Wells, NV, 800lbs, VAC 45+, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black Angus cows by top quality Black Angus bulls (selected for positive carcass traits & performance). Pred. Black, a few BWF & Red. Spayed Fdr Hfrs, $137.50, September del.
Shiner Ranch, Leadore, ID, 550lbs, VAC 34+, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of pred. Black Angus & BWF cows by reg. Leadore Angus bulls. Reputation Cattle. Str Clvs, $158.00, October del.
Cactus Ranch, Oakley, ID, 775lbs, VAC 45, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of 70% Red Angus & 30% Black Angus cows by 5L Red Angus bulls. Wnd Str Clvs, $144.75, November del.
Randy Olson, Leadore, ID, 615lbs, VAC 34+, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black Angus & BWF cows by reg. Black Angus & a few Black Simmental bulls. 100% Black & BWF. Str Clvs, $142.00, October del.
Ross & Anna Defenbaugh, Fields, OR, 440lbs, Certified Natural Plus, Out of English, Enlgish Cross, Brangus Cross & Black Stabilizer cross cows by Leachman bred Black Stabilizer Composite bulls. Pred. Black hided. Wnd Hfr Clvs, $151.00, October-November del. t Ketscher Cattle Co. Burns, OR, 565lbs, VAC 45, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black Angus & BWF cows by reg. Black Angus bulls. Approx. 97% Black hided, 3% Red Angus. Wnd Hfr Clvs, $152.50, November del.
Ken & Marcelyn Wahl, Akron, CO, 825lbs, Angus & Angus Cross. Approx. 85% Black & BWF, 5 Red & 1 Charolais cross. Fdr Hfrs, $141.00, September del. Roy Hoffman, Terreton, ID, 840lbs, Black Angus & Angus cross. Black & BWF. Fdr Hfrs, $138.25, August del.
Northern Calves Riverbend Ranches-Commercial Div. Dillon, MT, 500lbs, VAC 45+, Superior Progressive Genetics. 100% Black Hided & a few BWF. Out of pred. Black Angus a few BWF English cows by reg. Riverbend Ranch Angus bulls that rank top 10% for carcass traits. Sires are 50K tested. Over ½ are AI sired by Rio 4P26 & BoBo Ingenuity 2326 ranking in top 4% for $B & top 1% for Marbling & Ribeye. Wnd Str Clvs, $184.00, December del. 6X Ranch LLC, Mackay, ID, 550lbs, VAC 45, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Angus cows by Sitz & Spring Cove Black Angus & Harrell Ranch Hereford bulls. Approx. 70% Black & BWF & 30% Red & Charolais. Buys top end bulls & purchased based on program using EPD’s to predict high performance & high grading. Wnd Str Clvs, $157.50, NovemberDecember del. Basin Creek Ranch, Leadore, ID, 580lbs, VAC 45, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black Angus cows by reg. Upward & Final Answer Black Angus bulls. Wnd Str Clvs, $154.00, November del. Herb Whitworth, Mackay, ID, 630lbs, VAC 45, Certified Natural Plus, Superior Progressive Genetics. Black Angus & Angus cross sired by Silver Big Angus Ranch bulls. Wnd Str Clvs, $157.50, November del. Norman Tefelmeyer, Cooperstown, ND, 680lbs, VAC 45. Out of Red & Black Angus cross cows by Tweet Red Angus (Gill Influenced) bulls. Wnd Str Clvs, $142.50, December del. Baker Ranch-Wayne Baker, East Fork, ID, 500lbs, VAC 45, Certified Natural Plus, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Traveler bred Angus & Angus cross www.progressiverancher.com
Jay J. Smith, Salmon, ID, 570lbs, VAC 45, Superior Progressive Genetics. Black Angus & a few BWF. Sired by reg. Black Angus bulls. Wnd Hfr Clvs, $143.50, November del.
Thomas –Miller, Leadore, ID, 570lbs, VAC 34, Superior Progressive Genetics. Black Angus & a few BWF. Upward & Retail Value Genetics. Hfr Clvs, $133.50, October del. Bruce McConnell, Leadore, ID, 630lbs, VAC 34+. Out of 95% Black & BWF cows by Montana Angus bulls. 95% Black hided, can be 100% Black hided @ buyers option. Part of Herd fed since ’96 & have consistently avg. 85-90% Choice, 3.25-3.40 ADG & 25% CAB. Hfr Clvs, $132.00, October del. Moore Ranches, Unity, OR, 460lbs, VAC 45+, Source & Age Verified, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Red Angus Composite cows by Lorenzen, Ludvigson, 5L Red Angus & Red Angus Composite bulls & out of Black Composite cows by 5L Blk Angus & Lorenzen Black Composite bulls. Black, BWF, Red & RWF. Approx. 15% AI sired by Redemption. 2 Family Brands. Wnd Str Clvs, $185.00, November del. Otis Creek Ranch – Jeff & Sherri Hussey, Drewsey, OR, 530lbs, VAC 45, Certified Natural, GAP 4, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of pred. Red Angus & Black Angus cross cows by Lorenzen Red Angus bulls. Approx. 90% Red, bal. Black. Reputation ranch with reputation genetics. Wnd Str Clvs, $160.00, October del. Skinner Ranches, Inc. Jordan Valley, OR, 550lbs, Certified Natural Plus, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Red Angus X cows by Lorenzen, Ludvigson, 5L, Wedel & Loosli Red Angus bulls. Wnd Str Clvs, $164.00, November-December del. Otley Brothers, Inc. Diamond, OR, 630lbs, VAC 45, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Verified Natural Beef, GAP 4, BVD PI FREE, Superior Progressive Genetics, Top Dollar Angus. Out of pred. Red & a few RWF cows by approx. 65% Red SimAngus & bal. by Wedel, Schuler, Ludvigson & Lorenzen Red Angus bulls. Wnd Str Clvs, $152.00, November del. The Progressive Rancher
J Spear Ranch Co. Paisley, OR, 650lbs, VAC 45, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Certified Natural Plus, Verified Natural Beef, GAP 4, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Hereford Red Angus cross cows by Lorenzen Red Angus bulls. Wnd Str Clvs, $150.00, November del. Martin & Stone Ranch, Bakerfield, CA, 685lbs, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Certified Natural Plus, Verified Natural Beef, GAP 4, Superior Progressive Genetics. Wnd Str Clvs, $146.50, August-September del.
Trevor & Kerry Thompson, Twin Falls, ID, 550lbs, VAC 45+, Angus Source, Certified Natural Plus, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black Angus & a few BWF cows by Burgess Angus Ranch Bulls. 100% Black Hided. Wnd Hfr Clvs, $146.00, November del. Robert & Terry Fretwell, Jordan Valley, OR, 625lbs, VAC 45, Certified Natural Plus, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black & BWF cows by Thomas Black Angus. 100% Black Hided. Wnd Hfr Clvs, $152.00, September del. Hart Cattle LLC, Montague, CA, 640lbs, VAC 45+, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Verified Natural Beef, GAP 4, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of home raised cows by Byrd Cattle Co. Angus bulls. Wnd Hfr Clvs, $140.00, October-November del. Justin & Travis Christensen-Desert View Ranch, Melba, ID, 700lbs, VAC 45, Superior Verified, Certified Natural Plus, GAP 4, Superior Progressive Genetics. Approx. 85-90% Black, BWF, bal. Red & RWF. By Shaw C/C & Express Ranch Angus bulls. Wnd Hfr Clvs, $143.50, November del. Sword Ranch, LLC. Drewsey, OR, 550lbs, VAC 34+, Superior Verified, NHTC, Verified Natural Beef, GAP 4, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Limousin Red Angus cross & Red Angus Cross cows by Frank Wedel & Luvigson Red Angus & Magness Red Lim-Flex bulls. 100% Red Hided. Str Clvs, $153.50, October del.
September - October 2016 41
Miller Ranch – Sue & Cassie Miller, Union, OR, 600lbs, VAC 34+, Superior Verified, NHTC, Certified Natural Plus, Verified Natural Beef, GAP 4, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black, BWF, few Red & RWF & Angus Simmental cross cows by Leachman Black Stabilizer & Magness Lim-Flex bulls. Str Clvs, $146.50, November del. Garden Creek Ranch, LLC. Downey, ID, 650lbs, VAC 34+. Out of Black Angus, BWF & Red cows by Black Angus bulls. 95% Black Hided. Str Clvs, $142.00, November del. Knapp Cattle, Inc. Langlois, OR, 730lbs, VAC 34+, Certified Natural Plus. Out of Angus & Angus cross cows by Charolais & Angus bulls. Str Clvs, $139.00, October del. Jenkins Ranches, Inc. Burns, OR, 500lbs, VAC 34+, Superior Verified, Certified Natural Plus, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Angus Limousin cross, Black Angus Simmental cross & Black Angus cross cows by Magness Black Lim-Flex bulls. Approx. 95% Black hided & a few Red, RWF or Charolais cross. Hfr Clvs, $143.50, November del. Miller Ranch – Sue & Cassie Miller, Union, OR, 560lbs, VAC 34+, Superior Verified, NHTC, Certified Natural Plus, Verified Natural Beef, GAP 4, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black, BWF, few Red & RWF & Angus Simmental cross cows by Leachman Black Stabilizer & Magness Lim-Flex bulls. Hfr Clvs, $145.00, November del.
Charolais cross co, English cross, Black Angus cross & a few Red Angus cows by Cobb Charolais bulls. Approx. 80% Charolais, 20% Black. Str Clvs, $152.00, November del. Seibert Cattle Company, Winslow, AZ, 600lbs, VAC 34, Superior Verified, NHTC, Certified Natural Plus. Out of Black Angus, Black Angus cross, Red Angus cross & a few Charolais cross cows by Black Angus & a few Red Angus bulls. Approx. 90% Black hided. 10% Red or Charolais cross. 1/8 or less ear. Str Clvs, $144.00, December del. Justin Tindall, Elko, NV, 625lbs, VAC 34+, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black cows by Black Angus bulls purchased from Shaw Cattle Co. & TLC Angus. 100% Black Hided, few BWF. Str Clvs, $147.50, September del. Tim DeLong, Winnemucca, NV, 750lbs, VAC 34+, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Certified Natural Plus, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Charolais, Charolais Red Angus, few Charolais Black Angus & a few Black Angus cows by DeBruycker Charolais bulls. Str Clvs, $140.00, September-October del. Home Ranch LLC & Falen Family Trust, Orovada, NV, 490lbs. VAC 34+, Superior Verified, NHTC, Verified Natural Beef, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of pred. Black Angus & Black Angus cross cows by DeBruycker Charolais bulls. Cow herd approx. 95% Black hided. Hfr Clvs, $148.00, October del.
Oxbow Ranch (Riggs Land & Livestock) Sumpter, OR, 620lbs, VAC 34. Out of Angus base cows by reg. Riverbend Angus & Colyer Hereford bulls. Hfr Clvs, $139.50, October del.
Siebert Cattle Company, Seligman, AZ, 540lbs, VAC 34, Superior Verified, NHTC, Certified Natural Plus. Angus & Angus cross. Out of English & English cross cows by Black Angus bulls. Approx. 90% Black hided. Bal. Red or Charolais. Few with 1/8 ear. Hfr Clvs, $138.00, November del.
Jim & Teri Grant, Bonanza, OR, 740lbs, VAC 34+, Certified Natural, Superior Progressive Genetics. English Black Angus cross. Sired by Upward, Identity, Tebow & Bullseye bloodlines Black Angus bulls. 100% Black Hided. Hfr Clvs, $132.00, October del.
Fred & Nick Wilkinson, McDermitt, NV, 620lbs, VAC 34+, Angus Source, NHTC, Verified Natural Beef, GAP 4, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of 95% Black Angus cows. 100% Black. Hfr Clvs, $150.00, October del.
Calves Carter Livestock, Ely, NV, 450lbs, VAC 24, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of pred. Black Angus & few Red Angus cross cows by Black Angus bulls. Str Clvs, $191.25, November del. UC Cattle Co. LLC & Falen Family Trust, McDermitt, NV, 500lbs, VAC 34+, Superior Verified, NHTC, Verified Natural Beef, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black Angus & Black Angus cross cows by DeBruycker Charolais bulls. Str Clvs, $168.00, October del. Riddle Ranch, Inc. & Larry & Dan Otley, Princeton, OR, 525lbs, VAC 34+, Superior Verified, NHTC, Certified Natural Plus, Superior Progressive Genetics. Approx. 70% out of Charolais Angus cross & Red & Black Angus cross cows by DeBruycker Charolais bulls. Str Clvs, $159.00, October-November del. Tyler Agee, Elko, NV, 550lbs, VAC 34+, Certified Natural Plus, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of 42 September - October 2016
Weaned Calves Winecup-Gamble Ranch, LLC. Wells, NV, 420lbs, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of pred. Black Angus cross, Red Angus cross & very few Beefmaster cross 1st calf hfrs by purebred Black Angus bulls. 100% Black, BWF & Black Brockle Face. Wnd Str Clvs, $196.50, OctoberNovember del. Rebel Creek Ranch, LLC Ron Cerri. Orovada, NV, 480lbs, VAC 45, Source & Age Verified, Certified Natural Plus, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black Angus & Black Angus cross cows by Black Angus & a few Hereford bulls. Few AI calves by Absolute. 90% Black & BWF, bal. Red, RWF or Charolais cross. Wnd Str Clvs, $170.50, November del. Devils Gate Ranch dba Wahoo Ranches LLC, Elko, NV, 525lbs, VAC 45, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black Angus cross cows by Rafter Down A & Memory Black Angus bulls. 95% Black Hided. 5% Red, The Progressive Rancher
RWF or BWF. Wnd Str Clvs, $165.50, November del. Williams Ranch, Jordan Valley, OR, 560lbs, VAC 45+, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Certified Natural, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Charolais & Charolais Cross cows by Eaton Charolais bulls. Wnd Str Clvs, $155.00, November-December del. Crawford Cattle LLC, Winnemucca, NV, 575lbs, VAC 45+, Superior Verified Superior Progressive Genetics. Charolais Angus cross. Out of Angus cross & Charolais Angus cross cows by Broken Box. DeBrucker & Romans Charolais bulls. Front end of Charolais Strs. Wnd Str Clvs, $155.00, December del. Lamb Livestock, Panguitch, UT, 650lbs, VAC 45. Out of Angus & Angus cross cows by Angus bulls. 100% Black & BWF. Wnd Str Clvs, $145.00, November del. Frank & Kathy Bengoa, Golconda, NV, 720lbs, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of pred. Charolais cross, few Black Angus & Red Angus cross cows by DeBruycker Charolais bulls & out of Charolais cross 1st calf hfrs by Frank Wedel Red Angus bulls. Wnd Str Clvs, $141.00, NovemberDecember del. John & Jhona Bell, Paradise Valley, NV, 490lbs, VAC 45, Source & Age Verified, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Charolais cross, Angus cross & Brangus cross cows by DeBruycker Charolais bulls. Pred. Charolais w/some Black & Red. Wnd Hfr Clvs, $156.00, September-October del. Rebel Creek Ranch, LLC Ron Cerri. Orovada, NV, 540lbs, VAC PRECON, Source & Age Verified, Certified Natural Plus, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of Black Angus & Black Angus cross cows by Black Angus & a few Hereford bulls. 90% Black & BWF, bal. Red, RWF. Handful of Charolais cross. Wnd Hfr Clvs, $142.50, November del. Steptoe Ranch, Ely NV, 625lbs, Source & Age Verified, NHTC, Verified Natural Beef, GAP 4, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of 75% Angus or BWF & 25% Simmental Angus cross cows by 5L Red Angus , Ohlde Angus & Gib Yardley Angus bulls. Approx. 95%Black Hided. Wnd Str Clvs, $159.50, November del. Roberts Cattle, Beaver, UT, 675lbs, VAC 45, Superior Progressive Genetics. Out of English & English Exotic cross Schaff cows by Gib Yardley Angus & SimAngus bulls w/a percentage AI’d to Genex sires. Wnd Hfr Clvs, $132.00, January-February del.
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September - October 2016 43 
10 Tips to Help Prevent Tough Financial Times on the Farm By John Hays
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n recent years, farmers and ranchers have enjoyed profitable times, but many economists, including the USDA, are predicting stress ahead in the Ag economy. In order to be prepared, producers should keep in mind some key financial considerations. Below are 10 tips to consider when it comes to the future financial stability of your operation: 1. Cash is king. Carefully examine each capital purchase that will require additional debt. Ask yourself if the expenditure will generate the cash flow necessary to pay for itself. If the new item can’t create enough new cash to pay for itself over a reasonable period of time, defer the purchase. 2. Let a farm budget be your financial road map. Without a budget, you may find yourself in a tough spot. Use a farm budget to track income and expenses and update it frequently. This will help you maintain the direction of the business. 3. Analyze your farm’s financial position and performance. Are you getting the maximum return from your investments? If not, why? Are your non-farm assets generating a maximum return? If not, can any be sold? 4. Examine your debt structure. Finance long-term assets, like real estate, with long-term debt. Finance shorter-term assets, like machinery, with shorterterm debt. Is it possible to increase your long-term debt to pay down your shortterm debt? When deciding to use your long-term equity, make sure your need is extremely significant. 5. Prepare for your financial review with your banker. Have current inventories, cash flows and balance sheets ready, and provide the information your banker requests. If you are having financial problems, put your thoughts about how to resolve them on paper so your banker can review them and brainstorm with you. 6. Ask your banker about the USDA’s guaranteed farm and rural development loan programs. Your debt can be restructured over a longer period at a lower rate if the USDA provides a credit guarantee to the Bank. 7. Review your hazard and fire insurance coverage. Increasing your deductibles can lower your premium. Carefully review every item on your inventory list and consider eliminating coverage on obsolete or low-risk items. 8. Examine your life insurance policies. Many whole-life policies contain provisions that allow you to borrow against or deduct premium costs from the cash surrender value at low rates. What type of life insurance do you have? Is
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it worthwhile to maintain a costly whole life policy when you could get similar coverage from a less expense term policy? 9. Deal with financial problems immediately. Talk to your banker early and often. A good way to avoid serious financial problems is to identify and resolve them early. Take a team approach; create a personal “board of directors” of people you know and respect – including your banker – who can be your sounding board. 10. Keep a clear perspective. Think through business problems by temporarily getting away from them. Take a weekend off, or resolve to see at least one movie before it comes out on DVD. However you do it, it is important for you to balance and shift your focus to other activities – it will make your home team stronger. One of the most important things producers should do is keep the lines of communication open with their lenders. Their experience and advice will help you prepare for, and guide you, through tough financial times on the farm. John Hays is a seasoned financial services professional and serves as Vice President/ Agricultural Relationship Manager for Nevada State Bank. He is based in Elko, NV. The information provided is presented for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal or business advice. Any views expressed in this article may not necessarily be those of ZB, N.A or Nevada State Bank.
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 September - October 2016
(775) 240-8870 Cell (775) 867-3100
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The Progressive Rancher
September - October 2016 45 
by Jennifer Whiteley
They Hang Horse Thieves
I
’ve had another horse stolen. This is starting to happen all too frequently, and it is starting to become a problem for me. I buy a horse, raise it till it’s going good and I really start to like it. Then I wake up one morning and go to catch MY horse and it is gone.
The horse always turns up. I generally find it in the barn, eating grain, packing TR’s saddle. When I ask him what he thinks he is doing, stealing MY horse, he just grins at me. I guess I should be happy he hasn’t stolen my saddle yet! Think he’d believe me if I told him we hang horse thieves?
46 September - October 2016
The Progressive Rancher
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No-Bull Enterprises Introduces New Callicrate PRO Bander
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By Rachel Dodd, No-Bull Enterprises LLC
o-Bull Enterprises is proud to introduce the next generation Callicrate Bander – the Callicrate PRO Bander™. It is the most advanced tool of its kind, thanks in part to the use of CAD (computeraided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing). “We eliminated the need to crimp the tensioned loop, which speeds up the operation by removing a step in the process, while also making the tool lighterweight and ergonomically easier to handle,” says retired aerospace manufacturing engineer Roy Harbach, the product’s designer. “We also traded out heavier materials in favor of lighter weight, high strength aerospace-grade materials.” Other upgrades include replacing the tension system pull cord with a tough, webbed strap and adding a new 360-degree tension indicator that can be read easily from any angle. In addition, the loops are bright green to help the operator verify the loop is secured and placed properly. There is no wrong way to load the PRO Loop™, plus, the larger loop opening allows for easier application. “Precision components are machined on modern CNC (computerized numerical control) machine tools to ensure accurate fit and finish tolerances, while building on NoBull Enterprises’ two decades of experience in bringing the most humane, effective, high quality American-made tools to the animal health market,” Harbach said. “The fully encapsulated, ratchet design helps to protect the mechanism from the elements, expanding on the product line’s existing reputation for resistance to grit, wear, and abrasion.” In addition to the new Callicrate PRO Bander™, No-Bull Enterprises also manufactures the Callicrate WEE Bander™, a state-of-the-art high-tension nonsurgical castration tool made specifically for smaller animals, including newborn calves, sheep, and goats. The original Callicrate SMART Bander and Loops will still be available. Ask for Callicrate Banders at your local animal health supplier or call No-Bull Enterprises at 800-858-5974 or 785-332-3344 to find a distributor in your area. Rachel and Sam are standing by to answer any questions you may have about the PRO Bander – the first new tool for delayed castration in two decades! All Callicrate products are made in St. Francis, Kansas USA!!
www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
September - October 2016 47
 48 September - October 2016
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com