IN THIS ISSUE
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
2 UNR Food Safety Trainings
28 CNRWA Legislative Update
3 Riding for the NCA Brand
31 Falen Law Office - Opinion
Food Safety Trainings Scheduled for Farmers
4 NCA - Looking Forward to 2019
32 NRCS - Water Outlook Report
Workshops offered ahead of compliance inspections for Nevada farms
4 NDOW - Citizen Science Useful
33 NRCS - Conservation: The Sceirine Point Ranch
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule compliance dates are quickly approaching for farms that grow fruits and vegetables commonly consumed raw. Large farms will be required to undergo initial compliance inspections during the 2019 growing season.
5 Phil Allen Obituary 6 Fallon All Breed Bull Sale 10 Snyder Bulls for the 21st Century
The Nevada Department of Agriculture and the University of Nevada, Reno’s Desert Farming Initiative are teaming up to address industry training needs and provide resources that will assist growers and packers with achieving compliance. Demonstrating best practices in food safety is one of the Desert Farming Initiative’s major focuses. The Desert Farming Initiative is a program of the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources.
14 Eye on the Outside - Ag Myths
Training workshops were held in January and are also scheduled for February. Topics include general produce safety; worker health, hygiene and training; soil amendments; agricultural water; production and postharvest; wildlife, domesticated animals and land use; postharvest handling and sanitation; and developing a farm food safety plan.
19 Nevada Cattlewomen - Our Best Self
A workshop geared for exempt growers, but open to all, will be held in Reno on February 16, time TBD, at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, 3800 S. Virginia St., Nevada Farms Conference Condensed Food Safety Session, open to registrants of the Nevada Farms Conference.
22 Stewart's 96 Ranch - DC Report
These new regulations were created by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be proactive, helping to prevent contamination on farms and at packing facilities. The overall goal of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule is to establish a more secure food system, including the domestic food chain, imports and exports, as they are all required to comply with these regulations. More workshops will be announced later this year. Register for the scheduled workshops and future workshops online at the Nevada Department of Agriculture website, http://agri.nv.gov/FSMA/. For more information on the workshops, contact Adriana Marin-Herrera at 775-353-3696 or amarin-herrera@agri.nv.gov. Contact: Claudene Wharton, Communications Specialist University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Director’s Office University of Nevada, Reno / MS 0405 • Reno, Nevada 89557-0404 whartonc@unce.unr.edu • www.unce.unr.edu • 775-784-7072
16 NBC Checkoff News | Recipe 18 In the Mind of a Millennial 18 NRRC News Release 19 Interview: Thaysha Groves 20 CFT - Flood Irrigation
34 Idaho State Dept of Agriculture Trichomoniasis Control Program 36 Nevada Farm Bureau 40 Society for Range Management Proactive Rehabilitation 42 Humboldt Watershed CWMA Field Bindweed 44 Churchhill County Cowbelles Update and Beef Recipe 44 NDCNR News Release 45 USDA News Release
46 Beef Quality Assurance: 26 UNR Budget Enhancement Request Why is Certification Important?
The Progressive Rancher Owner/Editor/Publisher – Leana Litten Carey progressiverancher@elko.net Graphic Design/Layout – Allegra Print & Imaging www.AllegraReno.com
Cover Credit: Val Carter
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From the desk of your NCA president By Sam Mori, NCA President Hello from Cow Country, I hope your 2019 is off to a great start. It is indeed very active here at the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association as we look at our agenda. I can remember as I look back, winter being a slower time when we had the opportunity to reflect back and make decisions in a casual and sometimes more rational atmosphere than we do today. Technology has speeded the way we do business and communicate to the point that there is no slow time of year. With that being said, we are at work for our industry on a multitude of fronts.
The girls in the office are very busy in final preparation for the Fallon Bull Sale on February 16th. There will also be a Board of Directors meeting on Friday, February 15th should anyone feel they have an issue that needs to come before the board.
We will attend the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention January 30th – February 2nd in New Orleans and have input and engagement on the issues that will shape some of the policy our industry will be working within the Some of the many issues that the Association is working on include grazing near and distant future. regulation reform, water rights, traceability, trade, access, wildlife, fire, and many, many more on a daily basis. As we continue to pursue the best interest Well, my friends, it is almost to break daylight of our membership and industry, we are doing so with many new players in so I better close and get rolling. Thank you all the political arena. There are many new faces in both Congress and our State so much for the opportunity to work with and Legislature. It will take a lot of time and effort to express our interests, needs, for the greatest people on earth. and concerns to all of those that have an influence on how our business is Till next time, affected. We are prepared and committed to making the investment it takes to protect our people! It is so crucial that we hear from you about the issues that are important and that you want us to address. I want to remind everyone that the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association is yours, the membership, we work for Half and Page Program(5.5”x4.25”) you. Thank you to those of you that can and contact us with input as it truly Sam Mori President, NCA does benefit all.
Sam
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Phil Allen May 22, 1924 ~ December 7, 2018
Phil Allen, 94, of Antimony, UT passed away peacefully December 7, 2018. He was born the youngest of three sons, May 22, 1924 in Escalante, Utah to George Ashley Allen and Matilda (Tillie) Riddle Allen. Phil grew up in Escalante. He learned to work hard helping his dad on their ranch. His father passed away when Phil was 16. Being the only one left at home, the responsibility of running the ranch fell to him. Phil’s mother later sold the ranch and the day after his graduation from Escalante High School in 1942, they moved to Salt Lake City. On his 18th birthday, Phil went to work for Remington Arms making ammunition for World War II. Six months later, he was transferred to the state of Washington, where he continued to work on a project for the war. He found out later that he had been making the components for the atomic bomb.
Phil loved his family and said that everything he did was for his family. He loved having family around. He loved hunting, the mountains, John’s Valley, and dutch oven cooking. His dutch oven potatoes were the best. He is survived by his children JoAnn(Steve) Peters, Nibley; Bradley (Bobbe) Allen, Salina; Shannon ( Julie) Allen, Antimony; and Tracie (Scott) Peterson, Orem; 15 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and a few on the way. He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, siblings: Weldo ( Jean) Allen and Eldon ( Juanita) Allen. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 15, 2018. Burial followed in the Antimony Cemetery.
Following Washington, Phil was again transferred and worked in Kentucky and Indiana. But Phil had ranching in his blood and In April of 1946, Phil returned to Utah and moved to Antimony with only $50.00 in his pocket and a suitcase of clothes. In Antimony, Phil met his sweetheart, Billie Gleave. They were married June 1, 1948 in Salt Lake City. The marriage was solemnized December 16, 1948 in the Manti LDS Temple. They began their married life in Antimony where they raised four children. They bought a general store where they sold everything from tires and saddles to clothing and food. Also, in 1948, they bought their first registered Polled Herefords. In 1969, Phil bought Herb Gleave’s ranch and expanded his small herd to become one of the largest and oldest Polled Hereford ranches in the West. Good business practices, integrity, and a keen eye for quality cattle has enabled Phil Allen and Son Polled Herefords to sell breeding stock throughout the western United States and into Canada and Mexico. Phil was one of the founding members of the Utah Polled Hereford Association and served as a longtime president. He was one of the original founders of the Utah Beef Improvement Association (UBIA) and was the first president. He was a former recipient of the Utah Seedstock Producer of the Year. Because of his success and reputation, Phil received the Legacy Award from the Utah Cattlemen's’ Association and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the UBIA. He has also been recognized by the Nevada Cattlemen's Association for his contribution to the livestock industry in Nevada and for being the longest, continuous consignor at the Fallon All-Breeds Bull Sale. He has judged numerous cattle shows and fairs throughout the West, including the National Western Stock Show in Denver several times. He served on the State BLM Advisory Board and on numerous grazing and irrigation company boards. Phil was civic minded and served as Antimony Town Board Member and as Mayor for a combined total of 22 years. He also served as a member of the Garfield District School Board. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He fulfilled several callings, including, Antimony Ward Bishop, Panguitch Utah Stake High Council, and Scoutmaster. www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
FEBRUARY 2019 5
Avail Catalo g able Now Onlin
e!
3 ls Sifting: February 15
Sale starts at 11:00 am
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019 FALLON LIVESTOCK, LLC. FALLON, NEVADA Churchill Co. Cowbelles Dinner/Dance and FBS Awards Presentation
Cowdog Rodear Friday, February 15 & Saturday, February 16 —7:30 am
—Friday, February 15 Social Hour: 5:30 p.m. • Dinner 6:30 p.m. Dance 8:00 p.m.
Benefitting Someone in Need of Help in the Livestock Industry
Fallon Convention Center
For more infor mation or to request a sale catalog, please call the Sale Offi ce:
N evada C attlemeN ' s a ssoCiatioN 775-738-9214 6 FEBRUARY 2019
www.nevadacattlemen.org The Progressive Rancher
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nca@nevadabeef.org www.progressiverancher.com
REAL WORLD GENETICS IN NORTHERN NEVADA
Bell Ranch Herefords are backed with superb genetics, excellent mothers, and raised on the harsh Nevada range.
REAL WORLD GENETICS IN NORTHERN NEVADA
Bell Ranch Herefords are backed with superb genetics, excellent mothers, and raised on the harsh Nevada range.
Bulls for the 21st Century Bull Test and Sale Yerington, NV • March 10, 2019 9 bulls — view online at SLCNV.com
Fallon Bull Sale Feb. 16, 2019
Private Treaty 25 bulls available
For over 50 years, Bell Ranch has been raising top-tier Polled Hereford cattle just like the commercial cattlemen do. We are strict on feet, udders, pigment, and muscling. Our cattle must survive in tough conditions so we know they’ll survive in yours! Call today for more information!
Bulls for the 21st Century Bull Test and Sale Yerington, NV • March 10, 2019 9 bulls — view online at SLCNV.com
Fallon Bull Sale Feb. 16, 2019
Private Treaty 25 bulls available
For over 50 years, Bell Ranch has been raising top-tier Polled HerefordLilla cattle &just like thebell Woodie Dan Our & Theresa Bell commercial cattlemen do. We are strict on feet, udders, pigment, and muscling. cattle must PO Box 48 • Paradise Valley, survive in tough conditions so we know they’ll survive in yours! Call today for Lilla more(775) information! 578-3536 BELL RANCH HEREFORDS
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1
| February 2019
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NV
Dan (775) 304-2157 bellranches@gmail.com bellranchherefords.com
Hereford.org
FEBRUARY 2019 7
WWW.HONERANCH.COM (775) 691-1838 • Gardnerville, Nevada For Snyder Catalog: www.slcnv.com For Sale Catalog: nevadacattlemen.org
4 Bulls Fallon Bull Sale February 16
Sires represent all Bulls Available: • MJB McD Profound 9C • Coneally Capitalist 028 •Jindra Aclaim • HA Cowboy Up • Sitz Vance 579A• Leadore RS Windy 57
15 Bulls Snyders Bulls for the 21ST Century Sale
March 10
7 Bulls
Midland Bull Test
MJB McD Profound 9C
Sire of 4 of the bulls selling at Snyder’s Bulls for the 21st Century
Bulls available by private treaty
LOOK FOR US AT THESE SALES Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale Fallon Livestock Exchange Fallon, NV February 16 Snyder Livestock Bulls for the 21st Century Synder Livestock Facilities Yerington, NV March 10 WBCIA Bull Test Sale
Pingetzer’s Bull and Hfr Center • Shoshoni, WY March 14
∞
Utah Beef Improvement Association (UBIA) Producer’s Livestock Auction • Salina, UT March 16
∞
Midland Bull Test
Midland Bull Test Center • Columbus, MT April 5
∞
Private Treaty at the Ranch
8 FEBRUARY 2019
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Special Feeder Sales
February 12 March 12
NCA All Breeds Bull Sale February 16 • 11am
www.progressiverancher.com BeitiaLivestock_9.75x5.425_gs_HiRes.indd 1
The Progressive Rancher
FEBRUARY 20191/24/19 9 8:24 AM
Western Nevada CattleWomen, Inc.
Snyder Livestock Company, Inc.
(price increase at the door)
Call Linda Huntsberger 775-720-3106 Or scan this code.
L
21
ST
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$30 Adult - $50 Couple $10 Child
OR T F S L
H
Sat. March 9, 2019
BU
Annual Ag Scholarship Dinner & Dance
CENTURY
Sat. March 9, 2019 - Dinner & Dance Sun. March 10, 2019 - Bull Sale
Bell Ranch • Cardey Ranches Diablo Valley Angus • Dixie Valley Easterly Romanov Ranch • Flying RJ Ranch Gudel Cattle Co. • Hone Ranch Jorgensen Charolais • Lancaster Ranch Phillips Red Angus • Rockin RC Rosebrook Angus and Hereford Steve Smith Angus & Gelbvieh Sugarloaf Valley Farms Thorenfeldt Land and Cattle Trotter Red Angus Western Trinity Angus Westwind Angus Lance Pekus Cowboy Ninja 10 FEBRUARY 2019
P.O. Box 550 • 165 Osborne Ln. • Yerington, NV 89447 Lucy (775) 790-0801 • Office (775) 463-2677 • www.slcnv.com Funded in part by grants from the Yerington and Lyon County Room Tax Boards The Progressive Rancher
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•r(Y(; 1h BESTm PROGENY ARE THICK MADE, CORRECT, WELL BALANCED AND CLEAN FRONTED WITH EXCEPTIONAL EPDS, PACKAGING LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AND HIGH GROWTH WITH ADDED CARCASS MERIT!
Calving Ease & Low BEPD Genetics•••
RAAA # 1379610
BROWN PREMIER X7876
CED
+1.3
BW
-4.56
WW
+65
YW
+106
CEM
+9
MARB
+.90
REA
+.03
ALSO SELLING 9 OTHER STOUT FALL YEARLINGS SIRED BY:
BROWN AA PRESTIGIOUS B5153, TROTTERS FUSION 432 AND TROTTERS TIME 526. THE SAME TYPE, QUALITY AND KIND THAT HAVE DOMINATED THE RED ANGUS DIVISION AT SNYDERS FOR YEARS!
RED ANGUS
"!-loute of BAR t Boof" CALVING EASE AND MATERNAL BULLS
4 6BULLS AT SNYDER LIVESTOCK RED ANGUS BULLS AT SNYDER 21st CENTURY BULL BULL SALESALE LIVESTOCK 21st CENTURY MARCH 10, 2019
ALL TROTTER RED ANGUS BULLS ARE RA50K TESTED!
TROTTER
Breeding Quality Red Angus for the Commercial Market
LANA TROTTER
(661) 330-4617 • lanaj548@gmail.com RT 4 Box 206A • Porterville, CA 93257
Advertise with The Progressive Rancher Contact Leana Carey Owner/Editor (208) 358-2487 progressiverancher@elko.net
Cecil Felkins / lone, California 95640 209-274-4338•209-274-2674
7 tOP LOng-yeARLIngs seLL MARCh 10
Sires include Silveiras Inspiration 3096 and Amador Reserve 1111 out of our best cows by Connealy Lead On, EXAR Upshot 0562B, SydGen Trust 6228, Connealy Freightliner and S&H Upshot 2010. Lot 9015, featured below, ranks in the top 2% for CED for non-parent bulls, top 10% for MARB and $QG, top 20% for $G and top 25% for BW.
LOt 9015 RJR LeAd On InsPIRAtIOn 726
DOB 8-19-17 • Sire: Silveiras Inspiration 3096 • Dam’s Sire: Connealy Lead On BW 76 • Adj. WW 555 • Adj. YW 1,224 • ADG 4.17 • Ranks No. 4 for RFI with -3.48 CED BW WW YW MILK MARB RE $W $G $QG $B +15 +.7 +43 +74 +27 +.94 +.23 +48.51 +45.59 +44.54 $100.80
Lot 9018 (734) and Lot 9014 (725) were also among the Yearling RFI leaders!
Klamath Bull Sale: February 2, 2019 • 5 bulls Fallon Bull Sale: February 16, 2019 • 4 bulls Snyder Bull Sale: March 10, 2019 • 20 bulls
RICk & JeRRIe LIBBy
Cardey Ranches • Award Winning Bulls
(209) 606-5039 (209) 585-8650 (209) 602-4077
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530-218-1841 rlibby@syix.com
P.O. Box 128 • LIve Oak, CA FEBRUARY 2019 11
Jack Payne
Carey Hawkins
Cell: 775-217-9273 Alt: 775-225-8889
208-724-6712
OFFICE: 775-423-7760
Full-Service Cattle Sales & Marketing - serving Fallon, Nevada and the Outlying Areas.
NEXT FEEDER SALE Feb 21, 2019 • 11:30am 50 Middle-aged pairs already consigned for the February sale
“Where the Ranchers Shop” NEVADA LIVESTOCK VET SUPPLY, LLC Store Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm 131 Industrial Way • Fallon, NV 89406 • 775-624-4996
January Feeder Sale Results Type # Head Desc Weight Price CWT
Location
STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR
Paradise Valley Paradise Valley Paradise Valley Panaca Panaca Round Mountain McGill McGill Fallon Fallon Austin Pioche Pioche Fallon Fallon Fallon Orovada Fallon Fallon Fallon Winnemucca Tonopah Fallon Fallon
12 11 11 36 54 7 16 20 15 6 14 18 13 86 3 1 11 13 46 47 20 18 29 25
MIX MIX BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BBF CHAR CHAR CHAR CHAR BLK BLK MIX BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK
411 545 678 410 476 415 448 614 416 522 340 404 413 372 384 355 416 428 527 611 418 440 453 759
215 163 139.75 213 199.25 213 211 162.5 210.5 172.5 209 209 205 208 208 190 207.5 206 174.5 157.5 205.5 205.5 205 144.25
12 FEBRUARY 2019
NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV
The January 17th feeder sale was a great success thanks to the 112 consignors who sold an average of 40 head each for a total of 4500 head sold! We love our consignors, both big (the largest sent in 290 head) and small. Each one is key to the success of our business, and we thank you for having faith in our judgement. Our advice to a good share of our consignors was to wait out the fall run and flooded market until January when the numbers usually tighten up and demand increases due to grass in California. Also, that’s when the Eastern buyers start looking for spring turn-out cattle. We value our sellers and buyers and will always try to create the best outcome for both. Thank you for your trust and support in making the January sale a huge success. We are now gearing up for the February 21st sale, which has historically proven to be the highest market month. We already have 2000 head consigned with the sale still a month away! Please call early to consign so we can help combine your cattle with ranchers in your area to make full loads and keep freight costs as low as possible. Thanks again! Hope to see you in February.
Name
Type # Head Desc Weight Price CWT
Location
Peter & Kathi Marvel Peter & Kathi Marvel Peter & Kathi Marvel Mathews Farms Mathews Farms Jonathan Young Jim Assuras Jim Assuras Nevada Livestock Marketing Nevada Livestock Marketing Young Bros Lazy D Livestock Lazy D Livestock Juniper Mountain Cattle Michael & Claudia Casey Michael & Claudia Casey John Ugalde Kylie Amos Kylie Amos Kylie Amos Levi & Kristy Piquet Cross L Ranch Demar Dahl Demar Dahl
STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR
Paradise Valley Paradise Valley Enterprise Enterprise Enterprise Enterprise Yerington Winnemucca Winnemucca Winnemucca Winnemucca Winnemucca Caliente Paradise Valley Paradise Valley Paradise Valley Paradise Valley Paradise Valley Paradise Valley Paradise Valley Paradise Valley Orovada Orovada Austin
14 66 8 17 12 8 9 6 11 13 7 18 17 10 9 9 15 66 16 8 5 5 20 9
BLK BLK BLK CHAR CHAR MIX BLK BLK MIX MIX BLK BLK BLK BLK RD RD BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK MIX MIX
The Progressive Rancher
432 543 393 333 431 778 395 437 470 594 712 880 407 405 438 513 469 571 789 431 811 485 618 382
201 171.75 201 184.5 180 137 201 200 200 155 140 134 199 196 172 160.5 195 165 140 195 135 195 161 191
Name NV NV UT UT UT UT NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV
Kenneth Buckingham Kenneth Buckingham Jones Boys Ranches Jones Boys Ranches Jones Boys Ranches Jones Boys Ranches Henry & Joi Brackenbury Battle Creek Ranch Battle Creek Ranch Battle Creek Ranch Battle Creek Ranch Battle Creek Ranch Jared Brackenbury Susan & David Kern Susan & David Kern Susan & David Kern Five Fingers Grazing Five Fingers Grazing Five Fingers Grazing Keystone Ranch Keystone Ranch Rebel Creek Ranch Rebel Creek Ranch Doris Brooks
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Type # Head Desc Weight Price CWT
Location
STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR STR
Tonopah Paradise Valley Paradise Valley Winnemucca Winnemucca McDermitt French Glen French Glen Fallon Fallon Denio Winnemucca Winnemucca Winnemucca Winnemucca Winnemucca Reno Reno Reno Reno Winnemucca Winnemucca Austin Austin Duckwater Pioche Paradise Valley Fallon Austin Lovelock Tonopah Fallon Fallon Parma Golconda Winnemucca Orovada Reno Reno Wellington Reno Golconda Golconda Fallon Jerome Tonopah Fallon Round Mountain Mesquite Winnemucca Fallon Fallon Winnemucca Carson City Fallon Paradise Valley Fallon Fallon Fallon Fallon Eureka Tonopah Fallon Reno Fallon Fallon Round Mountain Longdale Yerington Fallon Lovelock Fallon Fallon
7 19 18 7 3 5 39 35 8 21 7 14 12 11 14 12 8 12 21 9 19 11 6 9 1 2 1 5 16 1 20 42 44 2 4 8 2 13 7 10 9 12 4 5 1 5 4 8 3 6 4 2 4 38 1 1 3 1 4 1 8 1 4 8 9 3 1 1 5 1 1 1 2
BLK MIX MIX MIX MIX MIX MIX MIX CHAR BLK BLK BLK MIX BLK MIX BLK BLK MIX BLK BLK CHAR MIX BLK BLK BLK BLK RD BLK BLK BLK MIX MIX MIX BLK MIX BLK MIX BLK BLK BLK RD MIX MIX MIX BLK MIX BLK MIX MIX MIX BLK BLK BLK BLK RBF MIX BLK BLK BLK BLK MIX MIX MIX MIX MIX MIX MIX BLK MIX MIX BLK BLK WF
467 412 555 424 552 394 474 572 507 568 497 500 548 500 548 585 433 470 566 733 528 734 397 494 460 480 439 564 568 435 440 552 665 520 565 563 425 546 637 617 618 632 632 480 510 531 468 468 400 608 723 724 753 837 540 516 753 669 725 530 570 574 654 745 662 793 515 505 719 420 700 860 775
191 190 157 190 159 190 185.5 159.5 184 168.25 183.5 182.5 163 182.5 163 162 181 170 160 129 180 143.75 180 160 174 173 172 168.25 168.25 167.5 167 164.25 152 163 163 162 161 155 140 154.5 154 152.5 152.5 151 151 150 150 149 147.5 146 143.5 143.5 142 141 141 141 140.5 140 138 138 137.5 136 135 132 131 130.5 130 125.5 122.5 117 116 113 111
www.progressiverancher.com
NV NV NV NV NV NV OR OR NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV ID NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV ID NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV
Name
Type # Head Desc Weight Price CWT
Toby Rollins Ninety Six Ranch Ninety Six Ranch Gene Heckman Gene Heckman Brian Crutcher Rock Creek Ranch Rock Creek Ranch Justin & Adrienne Snow Justin & Adrienne Snow Marvin & Edie Casey Stuart & Janine Avery Stuart & Janine Avery Robert & Daniel Gordan Robert & Daniel Gordan Robert & Daniel Gordan Dellis Bone Dellis Bone Dellis Bone Dellis Bone Crawford Cattle Crawford Cattle Central Nevada Livestock Central Nevada Livestock Douglas George Jr. Lonnie Cole David & Katie Kern Rambling River Ranch James Champie Casey Kiel Wayne Hage Tyson & Emily Torvik Tyson & Emily Torvik Lamar Roche FTZ Cattle Jake & Lydia Dempsey Deanna Porter Manuel Azevedo Manuel Azevedo Nat & Karen Lommori Robert Parlasca Seven Dot Cattle Co. Pinson Ranch Ed Laca William & Laura Lickley Latrice Whitmore Phillip Amos Daniel Berg Cole Rebber Giovanni Giordano Fred & Licia Rogne Chris Rogne Joe Aquiso Selmi Brothers Livestock William & Andrea McNair Fredrick Stewart Colton Hoffman Jackson Snow Lester Debraga Trevor Debraga Jerry & Cheri Sestanovich Raymond Grand Wesley Viera Alan & Mimi Mendes Tom Weddell Trent Debraga Haley Donnatin Joseph Yardley Bryson Masini Amie Morris Ray Hardy Ken Harmon Lee Hutchens
HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR HFR
10 5 12 8 16 27 33 32 14 4 4 14 18 4 19 8 17 43 5 13 15 22 29 14 1 1 70 61 29 35 11 2 1 63 13 4 6 43 3 2 15 22 10 20 10 5 16 3 16 33 19 21 45 1 4 1 1 30 3 28 10 11 9 3 5 30 6 2 2 1 6
BLK BLK BLK BLK MIX BLK BLK CHAR BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK CHAR Char BLK BLK BLK BLK MIX BLK BLK MIX BLK MIX MIX RD BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK BLK MIX MIX BLK BBF MIX MIX BLK MIX MIX MIX CHAR BLK MIX MIX MIX MIX BLK MIX
The Progressive Rancher
280 345 311 331 440 388 529 610 429 354 430 381 455 351 354 363 395 433 392 465 377 428 428 458 351 463 463 555 446 499 451 310 394 351 350 359 493 470 405 365 467 489 467 489 575 477 475 562 565 565 527 540 570 501 531 390 290 642 642 742 612 484 518 360 623 776 676 678 663 795 1006
200 182 181 181 150 179 148.75 140.5 179 170 179 177.5 177 176 176 176 175.5 175 174.5 155 174 165 173 172 170 169.75 169.75 144.75 169 158 169 169 167 166.5 165.5 162 161 160 160 160 158.5 156 158.5 156 146 156 155 147 147 147 146.75 145 141 141 140 140 140 138 138 136.25 136 135 135 135 132 131.25 129 129 125 118 105
Location Fallon Austin Round Mountain Eureka Eureka Winnemucca Winnemucca Winnemucca Battle Mountain Battle Mountain Winnemucca Jordan Valley Paradise Valley Golconda Winnemucca Orovada Caliente Fallon Paradise Valley Paradise Valley Tonopah Tonopah Austin Pioche Pioche Panaca Panaca Panaca Paradise Valley Paradise Valley Orovada Winnemucca Fallon Fallon Enterprise Fallon Yerington Fallon Paradise Valley Duckwater Winnemucca Winnemucca Winnemucca Winnemucca Winnemucca McDermitt McGill Fallon Austin Fallon Winnemucca Fallon Denio Paradise Valley Reno Tonopah Eureka Golconda Golconda Carson City Wellington Tonopah Eureka Mesquite Fallon Yerington Fallon Fallon Dayton Fallon Wilder
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FEBRUARY 2019 13
By Joseph Guild
Animal Agriculture: Myths vs Facts There are so many myths perpetuated by the opposition to animal agriculture it is sometimes overwhelming to even try and provide the truth.
So-called factory farms in some people’s opinion are the worst thing humans have ever done in agriculture because such places contribute to grave animal abuses including rampant disease, cruelty because the animals Let’s take just a few examples for the purpose of are crowded together in unsafe conditions with a low illustration. Alternative forms of protein, calls to take quality of feed, inadequate fresh water and a myriad cattle and sheep off the public ranges and let horses run of other criticisms. The critics are often people who amok, outrage at so-called factory farming feedlots, have never been to a cattle feedlot. If they visited one cattle’s contribution to global climate change and cries they would see pen riders and walkers whose sole task to stop cruelty to farm animals are all drumbeats of is to identify problems before they become problems; those who are either opposed to ranches and farmers whose working purpose is to look out for the welfare or who think they have a better way to raise animals of the animals in their charge. even if their only experience is with house cats. They would see animals in corrals with plenty of Fake meat is a term you won’t hear me use very much feed, fresh water and lots of space to roam and not because what is being manufactured from a test tube be crowded. They would see quiet handling of animals using some cells from a cow and adding a whole bunch that need to be moved to other places because they of chemicals is simply not meat. Look at a package of might be sick and need medical attention or be palced New York steaks at your meat counter next time you are with others their size, weight and sex. They would see in a grocery store. The label will say “New York Steak”. concerned employees and management whose main Envision a package of “meat” (alternative protein) in the purpose is the animals are treated humanely because if future when all of the development of this new product it were otherwise the animals would not bring a high is finished and the FDA approves the ingredients. The label will have to list so many ingredients it will look like the label on a bottle of shampoo. Then think about the conversation to convince the consumer which is the freshest, most natural and safe product. I can’t wait for the competing ads. There are too many cattle on the public lands and not enough horses; this is one of the rallying cries of the wild horse advocates. The BLM estimate of horses for 2018 is over 80,000 which exceeds the maximum appropriate management level for horses of almost 27,000 by about 53,000 horses. This is a number the advocates believe is not accurate because they do not trust the BLM count. But ask a rancher in eastern Nevada whose allotment is also part of a herd management area with an AML of 200 horses where the winter feed has been eliminated for the ranch livestock, and the answer will be there are over 1,000 horses out there year round .Let’s say his permit is for 350 cattle for six months. It is easy to see where the feed went. The scientific consensus is the range is being overgrazed by too many horses. But, thus far the emotional claims of the horse advocates is winning in the court of public opinion. Perhaps when more pictures of starving, thirsty and dead horses becomes the dominant news maybe some common sense will be brought to bear on this issue and sway public opinion to a more rational place. 14 FEBRUARY 2019
Every rancher I know wants to leave the land in their care . . . better than it was when they took charge of it.
price or be of the quality that consumers who want to feed themselves and their families with the best food available would pay less or not buy the product at all. In fact, all cattle spend the majority of their lives in pastures eating grass or eating hay in the winter which was grown on these same pastures or other areas on the ranch or farm devoted to growing that hay. Also in fact, those same cattle have plenty of room to roam at will, establish and maintain their natural social order and raise young cattle in the same conditions. The notion of a factory farm also connotes large corporate ownership and a lack of human control and concern. 97% of cattle ranches and farms in this country are owned and operated by families, some of whom have The Progressive Rancher
been operating those enterprises for three, four and up to eight generations. Again, the myth created and perpetuated by the critics and opponents of animal agriculture wants the public to believe there is no care and concern related to the raising of these animals for human consumption because it is big, faceless corporations who own the cattle. Not true. You have all heard the false claim the methane gas produced by cud chewing cattle is a prime cause of greenhouse gases exceeding the bad carbon emissions of the US transportation sector. Experts agree however, livestock production accounts for a very small percentage (about 3%) of U.S. greenhouse gasses. And again, the amount of arable cropland available on the whole planet is dwarfed by the number of millions of square miles of rangeland only suitable for grazing animals to help feed a growing hungry population. The fact that some of these animals spend a small part of their lives in a feedlot before being processed for human food, and all of these animals therefore contribute some greenhouse gas to the atmosphere is completely outweighed by the contribution they make to human nutrition needs. Finally, what rational person would do conscious harm to the very thing that provides them a livelihood thereby reducing the contribution to that livelihood? The answer is no rational person would do that. So, the welfare of the animals in the care of ranchers and farmers is foremost in the minds of those folks who raise animals for human use. The notion espoused by advocates who want to do away with animal agriculture that we practice animal cruelty is not only false but it is nonsense. You and I care deeply about the animals we are responsible for and to suggest otherwise is just an outright lie. Every rancher I know wants to leave the land and animals in their care better than it was when they took charge of it. Some want to leave it better for the next generation but there is a connection with land and livestock which generates this pride in doing things better just because it is the right thing to do. Next time you are confronted with some of the lies and myths discussed above take the time to answer them with a letter to the editor or a phone call to someone who might be swayed by such rhetoric. You will be doing yourself and all of us a huge favor. I’ll see you soon. www.progressiverancher.com
SHAW CATTLE CO.
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Greg Shaw Sam Shaw Tucker Shaw Ron Shurtz
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The Progressive Rancher
FEBRUARY 2019 15
CHECKOFF NEWS In these monthly updates, we at the Nevada Beef Council strive to share pertinent information about what’s happening thanks to your checkoff investment, both on a state and national level. After all, 50 cents of every dollar collected within each state goes to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board for investment in important national promotion and research efforts, so we want to make sure Nevada producers are aware of the checkoff ’s impact both at home and throughout the country.
This month, we’re taking a look at two topics that may be of interest to you (or that you hear a lot about): beef demand and beef sustainability. NOTE: following information is courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com. Be sure to visit that site for more helpful information like this. Consumer Demand for High-Quality Beef is Strong and Growing
Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. rang true in 2018 as beef prices remained strong and consumers regularly visited the meat case. According to the latest retail sales data from IRI/Freshlook, beef demand is up 15 percent since 2012.
Strong consumer beef demand is expected to continue into 2019, with the USDA predicting consumers in the United States will eat 8.9 percent more beef this year than in 2015. Much of beef ’s demand is driven by ground beef and loin cuts, which are particularly popular with consumers at the grocery store. Not only are consumers eating more beef, they are also enjoying more high-quality beef. This is due to more cattle in the U.S. herd grading higher than ever before. “Cattle farmers and ranchers, and the entire beef industry, have worked particularly hard during the past 10 years to produce higher-quality beef, and that work is clearly paying off with increased consumer demand,” said Bridget Wasser, Executive Director of Meat Science & Supply Chain Outreach for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. “We’re seeing demand for USDA Choice and Prime beef grow, signaling consumer desire for a higher-quality product. An increase in the size of the U.S. cattle herd paired with a higher-quality beef supply shows the industry is responding.”
On average, 40% of all the food brought home in America goes uneaten, enough to fill a 90,000 seat Rose Bowl stadium every day, and that means food waste costs the average American family $2,500 annually. If we wasted less beef, and less food in general, we would improve the environmental impact of our diets because that waste wouldn’t be emitting methane in a landfill. One great way to avoid food waste is using ingredients you already have to make a new meal or eating “plannedovers” to recreate leftovers.
We can also eat a balanced diet to contribute a healthy and sustainable food supply. We know that on average, 3 ounces of cooked beef provides 10 essential nutrients in about 170 calories including 25 grams of high quality protein, zinc, iron, and B vitamins.14 Beef packs a nutrient punch that can’t afford to be lost. By eating a variety of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins – and not wasting it – we can create a sustainable food system that will support a growing global population, so all people can thrive. When it comes to productivity, in the U.S., we produce the same amount of beef today with 33% fewer cattle compared to 1977, and 18% of the world’s beef with only 8% of the world’s cattle. This is a result of better animal health and welfare, better animal nutrition and better animal genetics, all of which are supported by the Beef Quality Assurance Program. Beef farmers and ranchers also rely on experts like nutritionists and veterinarians focused to support herd health and production.
BEEF SUSTAINABILITY: FACT VS. MYTH
As we work together to build a healthier, more sustainable food supply for ourselves and future generations, our focus should be on changes that are science-based, practical and highly impactful, like reducing food waste, consuming balanced meals and improving global agricultural productivity.
BEEF SUSTAINABILITY: FACT VS MYTH ..FACT
CO2
EQUIVALENT
Beef demand isn’t only strong at retail. Ninety-seven percent of foodservice establishments report having beef on the menu4, which has been shown to increase restaurant traffic by 45 percent.
From restaurants to retail, consumers clearly want beef on their plates. With beef supply on the upswing and consumer demand increasing, the beef industry is gaining momentum, and this trend looks to show no signs of slowing down in 2019.
MYTH..
Beef production, including the production of animal feed, is responsible for only 3.3% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.
Cattle are one of the leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
Cattle only consume 2.6 lbs. of grain per pound of beef, which is similar to pork and poultry, and nearly 90% of grain-finished cattle feed is inedible by humans.
Cattle consume 9 pounds of grain or more per pound of beef and compete with people for food.
Corn going to feed beef cattle represents only 10% of harvested corn grain in the United States, or 8 million acres.
We grow 100 million acres of corn just to feed cattle.
It only takes 308 gallons of water to produce a pound of boneless beef, and water use by beef is around 5% of U.S. water withdrawals. Plus, this water is recycled.
It takes up to 24,000 gallons of water to produce a pound of boneless beef and beef is major drain on water resources.
Beef in a Healthy and Sustainable Diet
When it comes to what is considered a healthy diet, there is a lot of conflicting information out there. And in recent years, the conversation has expanded beyond nutrition to consider whether the foods we eat are not only healthy but also sustainable – often leaving people confused about what is “good” and “bad” to eat.
To help cut through the confusion about what contributes to a healthy sustainable diet, beef farmers and ranchers have worked using science and research to build a solid foundation. Using this research as a guide, we can state without hesitation that beef promotes health and helps prevent nutrient deficiencies, and that cattle play a unique role in our food system by upcycling inedible plants to high-quality protein.
The bottom line is that beef is nourishing and sustainable, and most people are already eating beef within global dietary guidelines. So, what can we all do to help make our diets heathier and more sustainable? There are three big opportunities that can make the biggest difference: waste less food, eat a balanced diet and improve the productivity of agriculture globally. 16 FEBRUARY 2019
CA Rotz, S Asem-Hiablie, S Place, G Thoma., 2018. Environmental footprints of beef cattle production in the United States. Agricultural Systems. Advance online publication. doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2018.11.005.
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
By Nevada Beef Council Staff
This pot roast recipe, complete with gravy and potatoes, is sure to warm you and your family on a cold day. To make it even better, a number of beef recipes like this one are certified by the American Heart Association ®, a good reminder that beef does belong in a heart-healthy diet.
Pot Roast with Cider Gravy and Maple Sweet Potatoes INGREDIENTS 1 beef Shoulder Roast Boneless (3 to 3-1/2 pounds) 2 teaspoons olive oil 1-1/2 teaspoons salt 3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided 1 cup chopped onion 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 1 cup unsalted beef broth
3/4 cup apple cider 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled, cut crosswise into 1 to 1-1/2 inch pieces 2 teaspoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger 2 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons brandy or water
“Courtesy of Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.”
COOKING • Heat oil in stockpot over medium heat until hot. Place beef roast in stockpot; brown evenly. Remove roast; pour off drippings and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. • Add onion and thyme to stockpot; cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Add broth and cider; increase heat to medium-high. Cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until browned bits attached to stockpot are dissolved. Return roast to stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 2-1/2 hours. • Cook's Tip: Fresh apple cider is sold filtered and unfiltered. Filtered cider looks clear and is lighter in color than unfiltered cider, which is deep brown and cloudy due to apple pulp particles. Unlike apple juice, fresh cider is perishable and must be refrigerated before opening. Always purchase pasteurized cider. • Add sweet potatoes and garlic to stockpot; continue simmering, covered, 30 minutes or until sweet potatoes and pot roast are fork-tender. • Remove roast; keep warm. Remove sweet potatoes and garlic with slotted spoon to large bowl, leaving cooking liquid in stockpot. • Add maple syrup, ginger, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to sweet potatoes. Beat until sweet potatoes and garlic are mashed and smooth; keep warm. • Skim fat from cooking liquid; stir in cornstarch mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1 minute or until thickened. • Carve roast into slices; serve with mashed sweet potatoes and gravy. • Cooking with a pressure cooker: For optional browning, select Sauté or Browning setting on pressure cooker. When pressure cooker insert is hot, brown beef roast on both sides; remove beef. Add oil and onions; cook 3 to 5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup broth, cider, 2 large thyme sprigs, salt and pepper; top with beef roast. Close and lock pressure cooker lid. Use beef, stew or high-pressure setting on pressure cooker; program 60 minutes on pressure cooker timer. Use quick-release feature to release pressure; carefully remove lid. Add potatoes and garlic. Close and lock pressure cooker lid. Use beef, stew or high-pressure setting on pressure cooker; program 10 minutes on pressure cooker timer. Use quick-release feature to release pressure; carefully remove lid. Continue as directed in Step 4, making sure to remove thyme sprigs from cooking liquid and placing liquid in medium sauce pan. (This recipe variation was tested in an electric pressure cooker at high altitude. Cooking at an altitude of less than 3000 feet may require slightly less cooking time. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.)
www.nevadabeef.org or www.mybeefcheckoff.org www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
FEBRUARY 2019 17
In the Mind of a Millennial By Jill Scofield, Director of Producer Relations, California & Nevada Beef Council
Sustainability The word “sustainability” is used a lot with regard to livestock and cattle, and to say there’s conflicting information out there on this issue would be an understatement. So knowing what information to trust and share when talking with consumers about this issue is important.
Thanks to the Beef Checkoff, a lot of research has been conducted on this very topic, providing us with a growing body of information and resources that we can confidently share when questions arise about beef sustainability. One recent example is a study released just this January, which challenges widely reported assumptions about beef and carbon emissions, and provides clarification that the environmental impact of beef production is lower than perceived.
According to an announcement from the beef checkoff, the study was published in the journal Agricultural Systems, and is the most comprehensive beef cattle lifecycle assessment ever completed. In the report, titled Environmental Footprints of Beef Cattle Production in the United States, the researchers found widely accepted measures related to beef cattle’s impact in the U.S. are often overestimated. The comprehensive lifecycle assessment, conducted by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and The Beef Checkoff, was designed to scientifically quantify the sustainability of U.S. beef production. This was accomplished by collecting and examining feed and cattle production-related data from more than 2,200 cattle producers in seven regional production areas. Conclusions were derived using a simulation model and the regional production data to estimate national impacts in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, fossil energy use, blue water consumption and reactive nitrogen loss.
Notable study findings include:
• Greenhouse gas emissions: Beef production, including the production of animal feed, is responsible for only 3.3 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. This is dramatically lower than the often-misapplied global livestock figure of 14.5 percent. Furthermore, through continuous improvements in production practices, U.S. beef farmers and ranchers have avoided 2.3 gigatons of carbon emissions since 1975. • Grain feed consumption: Per pound of beef carcass weight, cattle only consume 2.6 pounds of grain. This is comparable to feed conversion efficiencies of pork and poultry. Additionally, nearly 90 percent of grainfinished cattle feed is inedible to humans, meaning these plants can only provide value to humans when they’re upcycled by cattle into high-quality protein. • Corn feed consumption: Corn used to feed beef cattle only represents approximately 9 percent of harvested corn grain in the U.S., or 8 million acres. By comparison, 37.5 percent of corn acreage in the U.S. is used for producing fuel ethanol.
• Water use: On average, it takes 308 gallons of water to produce a pound of boneless beef. Previous reports have estimated upwards of 24,000 gallons. Additionally, water use by beef is only around 5 percent of U.S. water withdrawals, and this water is recycled.
• Fossil fuel inputs. Total fossil energy input to U.S. beef cattle production is equivalent to 0.7% of total national consumption of fossil fuels. “This lifecycle assessment delivers the most comprehensive and accurate assessment of the environmental impact of beef cattle in the U.S. to date,” said USDA researcher and study co-author Alan Rotz.
Jill Scofield is the Director of Produce Relations for the California and Nevada Beef Councils. She grew up on a cow-calf ranch in Northwestern Nevada
The study assessed cattle production in the farm and ranch portion of the beef supply chain, including emissions associated with energy, feed, machinery, seed, pesticide and other resources used in production. Related work is in-progress to assess production further down the supply chain, including processing, packing, distribution, retail, consumption and waste handling. Together, these reports will comprise the most detailed and comprehensive assessment of U.S. beef ’s sustainability to-date. “This work produces baseline data the cattle industry can use to continue to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of U.S. beef,” said Sara Place, Ph.D., study co-author and Senior Director of Sustainable Beef Production Research at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. “Investments in this type of research demonstrate a continuous commitment to environmental stewardship by America’s farmers and ranchers.” This is great news for the beef community, but that’s not all. There’s a lot of good information about beef production practices and sustainability at www.beefitswhatsfordinner. com. If you ever have specific questions or need help looking in the right direction, you can also reach out to me at jill@calbeef.org.
NEWS RELEASE NRRC Accepting Proposals and Setting Priorities at Upcoming Meeting Each year the Nevada Rangeland Resource Commission (NRRC) meets and sets their budget priorities for the upcoming year. This year the Commission will meet early in March in Winnemucca and listen to proposals relating to projects on marketing, advertising, and/or communication of public land ranching. The application for funding includes a brief description, a proposed budget, timeline, and who the targeted audience will be. The applications for funding are available on the NRRC’s website and are due by February 20th. 18 FEBRUARY 2019
The NRRC is governed by a commission of nine voting members. These members are nominated through each of the grazing boards, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association, Nevada Woolgrowers and the Farm Bureau; then appointed by the Governor. The NRRC has one part-time staff person. Please if you would like to make a proposal, e-mail us for an application for funding at NRRC08@yahoo.com. or get it from our website at www.nevadarangelands.org.
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
Beef: It Helps Us Be Our Best Self I wanted to talk this month about the importance of beef in my life and how it intertwines within my network of friends. This thought process began late last summer. I was feeling terrible last year as my work life was all consuming as I lost funding that I had for 14 years, my travel schedule was hectic, I was overweight, I had body aches that I had never had before, and I just felt horrible. I was talking to a ranching and work friend that has a cattle ranch out of state. We actually began our careers together back in 1997. She sat me down and said Staci, you need to start investing in yourself like you invest and try to take care of the people that work for you. She explained how she was using beef to be her best self, and told me her very own story. I took the conversation with a grain of salt, but I did start looking into changing my diet so that I could, of course, get more energy to complete a hectic work schedule. My thought process was work smarter, not harder. I started the “Keto” diet a couple weeks after this conversation integrating a staple of beef several times a week. I also cut out the sugar. My energy started to climb, I was feeling better, but then I started catching every cold that was out there. It seemed every plane ride caused an illness, and I was back on antibiotics again. My stress levels at work were still high. Thanksgiving also came, and all that sugar was set before me. I fell off the wagon of no sugar and reduced my beef intake because it just took too long to cook and took too much energy; and I didn’t have the time. Every year in the second week of December, I have an Indian Ag Conference in Las Vegas. I traveled down to Las Vegas, and during that week, a new farm bill was approved by the House and Senate. All of a sudden we had a new farm bill that had an effect on several programs that I work under. I felt horrible, I had no energy, and again my friend sat me down and asked me if I had listened to her earlier that summer. She said to be your best self, you need to invest in yourself. It is this day that I made a resolution that 2019 was going to be different.
Interview: Thaysha Groves by Ruby Uhart
I was born and raised in Colorado. I moved to Nevada with my husband Grant, who was born and raised in Northern Nevada. We have 3 boys ages 9, 7 and 3 and we live and work on Schaad Ranches in Deeth, Nevada. It’s a cow/calf operation that operates on private and public lands.
A typical day for me can easily vary depending on the time of year. My day starts around 5-5:30 every morning. Once the kids catch the bus to school, I am usually home helping my husband on the ranch where needed. Some days this means feeding, doctoring cows and calves or helping with major cow work events and moving cows. There are always daily chores and tasks to be done and there is always something I can help Grant do. The list goes on! Two days a week I drive to Elko, which is about 40 miles from the ranch to run my boutique. My boutique is based off of our ranching lifestyle and I gear the items I carry toward ranch women. I share a lot of my ranch life through the boutique too! I honestly love that there’s never a dull moment in the ranch world. Day to day activities are based off of weather and animals, which we all know are unpredictable; throw in a few kids and we all know how crazy life can get! It has made me so much more easy-going.
I would say weather is the craziest, especially during calving season. Weather can change your plans in a moment. I have learned to dress for all forms of weather in one day, from freezing cold mornings that turn into t-shirt weather to sunny days that suddenly produce a snow storm. www.progressiverancher.com
I have made resolutions in the past, but they never lasted long. This time, I had to make every effort I could to feel better. As we started the new year, I took a week and a half off work to spend just with cows, horses, dogs, friends and family. Even though we had Cattlemen’s Update in early January, I told myself, everything will come together. Reduction of stress was not an option, it was mandatory. The family cattle herd during this time was my best therapy, and made me extremely happy. I also began looking at how I organized my schedule, and some programs were just not that important anymore, and did not deserve the time and energy I was giving them. Other programs, I want to take a totally different direction with an overall team effort. The biggest obstacle was how to work on my diet. I knew that I felt better when I ate beef, and stayed off sugar. The problem for me is I have a freezer full of home-grown beef, but it takes time to cook, and how did I get the time and energy to cook. During the week, I am tired when I get home, especially now that it is still dark. I wanted to continue a low-carbohydrate diet and definitely get off sugar. I found a program that made me incorporate a meal plan where I had to eat every two hours. I also made plans to cook on Sunday’s to prepare for the entire week. I would make meatballs out of hamburger, pressure cook a roast and shred it, and I would either lay out more hamburger or steaks for grilling. My favorite is cube steak on the grill with a ton of spices to give it a jerky taste. My goal was to cook and prepare beef that I could eat several different ways during the week. I also added a vegetable blend with a lot of broccoli and salad. In addition, I began utilizing essential oils to keep me in a happy place and help reduce stress. I found that spending time with cows reduced my stress. They don’t talk back or undermine you. They just get out, charge you, drink water and want to eat all the time. I now have a lunch box that travels with me. I have found a supplement to help me stay off the sugar. The biggest thing that
I did not grow up on a cow/calf operation. I grew up 15 miles from town where I was encouraged to participate in 4-H for about 11 years. I primarily showed sheep, but also competed with horses, vet science and fashion revue! My parents owned a year round guest ranch where I helped my Dad with the horses, cows and guests. I have always had a passion for animals and have learned so much about day to day ranching from my husband and father in law, Doug.
I can’t describe how much I love the ranch life. I think the thing I love the most about ranching is that I can work with my husband. We both have a passion for the animals and the ranch that we share. The hardest thing for me was learning to adjust to such an unpredictable life. It wasn’t super easy for me at first, because I did not grow up on an actual ranch, but now that I have been living the life for several years, I honestly have grown to like the craziness! It has helped me become easier going in the rest of our life too. I honestly feel like I can “go with the flow” more these days. Because things on the ranch can literally change in a matter of minutes, I have learned to be prepared for anything! It’s always fun to share with other ranch couples different stories about us working together! I am still learning this but when things get tense, if I’m thinking clearly and not allowing the moment to create a little craziness, I really try to remain calm, chew my gum and hum a little song. If those don’t seem to keep my nerves calm...all I can say is you have to laugh about those moments after you exit the corral or after you get off your horse. Personally, I think the ranch life style is not near as stressful as the fast paced urban life. Trust me, we have our moments of stress, but we aren’t rushing to be somewhere at a certain time or dealing with the hustle and bustle of town. The Progressive Rancher
By Staci Emm I noticed is that now that I eat every couple of hours, I don’t eat much. I can have one homemade meatball for a snack and then I eat less at lunch, which is usually more of a homemade beef dish with more vegetables. While it is amazing and I am beginning to feel better, I am noticing weight is slowing coming off. The funniest thing is that in my staff meetings, I am usually eating something. One of my staff told me the other day, that I was making her extremely hungry. I had to laugh and said, “This is the new me, eating beef and being the best I can be. You are welcome to join the movement.”
The biggest lesson here for me and a point that I would like to make is that I had a freezer of home-grown beef that I took for granted. I did not recognize the role that it could play in making me a healthier and happier person. I always hear people say, “You eat that much beef, that is not good for you.” I tell them, yes, I eat beef every day. I eat anywhere from 1 to 4 ounces several times a day with vegetables. So, unless there is some devastating health condition that is in my future, I feel great doing what I am doing. My cousin was and still is one of my worst critics. I say time will tell which one of us remains the healthiest. I wonder what would have happened had I not had a friend who helped me realize I needed to be the best I could, and colleagues who told me to slow down, let programs go, and reduce the stress. I never thought “Beef ” would be the answer. As I read the stories about Nevada CattleWomen that Ruby Uhart is featuring, it makes my heart melt. These stories and the role that beef plays in all our lives is so important, and such a great story to tell. We just do not always recognize it. Beef definitely makes us who and what we are. It helps us be our best.
My favorite season is calving. It is by far the most exhausting, but I love working side by side with my husband. This might sound small to most but I have learned so much about calving and this has become my most proud learning experience. I went from knowing very little about the process to now pulling calves, night watch (which I do love, crazy to most, but it’s quiet and peaceful. Yes I’m a mom of three! I feel desperate for quiet moments, you could say.) My most memorable moment to date is pulling my first calf. I was completely scared that I wouldn’t remember all the right things but realized it’s something I really enjoy. To do something like that; bring a new life into the world, then months later see that calf growing and running around healthy is very rewarding. I feel it is important for ranchers to share their stories as they are very compassionate for the livestock they tend to daily. I personally love sharing our daily activities and adventures. I honesty have learned so much from the ranch women in my life; The cooking, the stories and just realizing that all ranch women go through the same thing. I have learned how to work all day either on the ranch or at the boutique and then be ready to feed a crew.
The more I thought about sharing my story, the more I thought I wasn’t really qualified enough for this piece. I haven’t been working with beef as long as many other women, but I do love beef and I am very proud to be part of the industry. So in a small way, I guess I fit the mould of the ranch wife. I think of all the things I have made with beef, I love cooking a prime rib! I love the process and the final product. FEBRUARY 2019 19
Holstein cow at Magneson’s Dairy, which uses flood irrigation as part of its water management program.
Flood Irrigation – Friend or Foe?
Simply put, flood irrigation is the practice of flooding land with amazing amounts of water to grow crops. Although it may seem inefficient and even wasteful at first glance, flood irrigation is more environmentally friendly than it appears. In actuality, there are significant environmental benefits gained from the perceived inefficiencies of flood irrigation. Not everything is as it appears!
Farmers are flexible with the methods they use to water crops. There are many factors to take into consideration when growing crops, including sustaining productive land and conserving our water resources… or more accurately, replenishing our water resources.
“Farmland can be, and has been largely so in the past, recharge land,” said Vance Kennedy, a hydrologist who retired from the Department of the Interior. “If we can protect the farmland we have, we can keep our options for the best means of protecting our future water supply open, but still save water in the meantime. But farmers must continue to flood irrigate to replace pumped ground water.” “The inefficiency of flood irrigation carries
benefits for recharge,” said Scott Magneson, an organic dairyman and farmer. “Management of your flood irrigation practices is key. We keep a close eye on nutrient run-off and we work with experts to make sure we are doing the right things.”
Ground water replenishment is the most obvious, but not the solitary benefit of flood irrigation. Flood irrigation flushes soils of dissolved salts that plants do not absorb. If not removed, high soil salinity can be detrimental to plant growth and yield as well as their ability to absorb moisture. “Considering canal water or river water is essentially snowmelt, if we moved cities to a more strictly surface water use system, flood irrigation will flush soils of accumulated salts via clean snowmelt water and also recharge ground water stores with the same fresh water,” said Kennedy. In our video, we asked farmer John his perspective on flood irrigation. “Flood irrigation is important to us because of
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our peach production…the best production comes from flood irrigation.” Although the best production comes from flood irrigation, most of farmer John’s crops are not flood irrigated. “What prevents him from using more? The cost of the water… growers aren’t going to do that unless it’s necessary.” Keeping in mind that our population continues to grow and farmers must continue to produce more food on less land, consider this farm water fact (from farmwater.org) next time you think of flood irrigation as foe: “California farmers have invested more than $3 billion in cutting edge technology to make California farms more water-efficient & more productive overall. And, while total agricultural water use in California has remained relatively stable over the last 50 years, the amount of food we produce with that water has increased over 43 percent.”
Check out the California Farm Water Coalition’s website, www.farmwater.org, for more information!
24th Annual Bull Sale
– Problem-free Cattle – March 2, 2019 Sale star ts at 1:00 P.M.
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iles
Cordell and Patty Sheridan
Phone: 208-824-5531 • 208.430.5532 www.sheridancattle.com • Email: cordell5532@gmail.com 20 FEBRUARY 2019
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
UPCOMING SALES Friday • March 1 Cottonwood, CA
Consignment Deadline: February 21
Wednesday • April 10 Visalia, CA
Catalog Deadline: March 25 WATCH & LISTEN TO THE SALE on the Web at:
For details call (530) 347-3793 or the representative nearest you:
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Mark Venturacci
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Fallon, NV
Steve Lucas
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Brad Peek— (916) 802-7335 or email us at wvm@wvmcattle.com Look for the catalog and video on our website www.wvmcattle.com
Market your cattle with the professionals!
www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
FEBRUARY 2019 21
Stewart's Ninety-Six Ranch Martin Fire DC Presentation
In the early morning hours of July 5, 2019, the Martin Fire erupted in Paradise Valley, NV. No matter what the ignition source, the root cause of this disastrous blaze and so many others like it, is five plus decades of nonsensical federal lands management. The fire, which over the course of two weeks destroyed over 430,000 acres of public and private lands destroyed over one third of the private lands belonging to us, Stewart’s Ninety-Six Ranch as well as effectively 100% of our BLM grazing permit.
Our ranch, the Ninety-Six, is Nevada’s oldest single family run ranching operation, having started business the same year that Nevada joined the Union. Our ranch was not the only victim of fire, nine other operations from Humboldt, Lander and Elko Counties also sustained devastating losses. Later, the Sugarloaf Complex fire in Elko County not only burned range but closed hunting and recreational areas that are key to the survival of local businesses. Cattle, countless wildlife as well as private range improvements, dwellings, hundreds of miles of fence, and prime habitat for the threatened sage grouse as well as all the species that share use of the range were also destroyed. Because Nevada is a state of less than 4,000,000 people and 86% of our land mass is federally controlled, FEMA denied all requests for rehab and emergency aid following the Martin fire in Humboldt County and adjacent Sugarloaf complex fire in Elko County. The situation was more than our family was prepared to accept without a fight. Within 48 hours of the fire starting, a county commissioner as well as NCA board member Ron Cerri along with JJ Goicochea contacted us and asked that we tell our story. They asked that we write up what was happening to us so that they could present the information to House and Senate committees in DC. Their thinking was that, while wildfire loss if something that happens each year, it had finally happened to a very wellknown family and ranch. Perhaps by telling our story, we could get some interest and action in terms of meaningful federal land management reform that NCA and PLC had been working on for decades. We complied with their request and they took our story to DC. At the last minute, Ron’s testimony was deemed too late and he was not allowed to tell our story on the floor. This did not stop US Senator Dean Heller from taking to the Senate floor and telling our story to his colleagues in August. Our congressman Mark Amodei also lobbied hard for funds and action to assist the ranching victims of these wildfires. With our range burned and the federal agencies in charge of assisting us, either giving us no information or putting regulatory/program specific roadblocks in our path, we decided to take our message directly to the people in charge, in Washington DC.
In mid September, our family embarked on a nine day lobbying trip to Washington. With the help of Dean Heller and Mark Amodei, we secured meetings with the acting Director of the BLM, the Chief of the USFS, 9 members of the House Natural Resources Committee, 3 members of the Senate Public Lands Committee as well as both senators from Nevada. Our friend Demar Dahl facilitated a meeting with White House staff for us as well. We worked hard, told our story, showed pictures before and after the fire, and explained that our situation, more clearly than most, illustrated that since we had used the burned resource for decades before federal agency control (154 years total), and had maintained healthy and productive range standards over that period without major wildfires, the current situation, which includes our permits being reduced over 45 years to less than 40% of its historic capacity, allowing fuel levels on our BLM permit to hover between 200-1000% of normal without provisions or the ability to grazing longer and/or out of season to reduce dangerous fuel levels, were the direct and obvious conditions that allowed the Martin fire to destroy nearly a half million acres. We built a basic website and developed an eight point plan to save other ranchers from the same fate we had suffered. We named the initiative Save the Great American West. We added a .com to the end of this name and the website was up and running. We then presented a proposal to our elected officials, agency folks and White House staff. (See accompanying document listed to the right of this article.) Our DC meetings ranged from complete understanding and promises to help, to comments that we were naïve and our plan was too simplistic. Our final meeting in DC was at the White House. We met with a very polite mid level staffer. At the conclusion of that meeting, we were unsure if we had moved her in anyway. We came home, and I left for Oregon to tuck our daughter in at college. While still with her, I got the surprise of a lifetime in a call from President Trump. His staffer had been sufficiently impressed with our talk and plan to communicate it to the President himself. He was impressed with the common sense of our plan and how it aimed to dramatically reduce wildfire on the range and forests of the West, improve range and forest health and create an economic boom in the rural economies of the West. In short, he liked our plan, understood our problem and promised to act. He told me in late September that he did not think we would hold the House, and because of this, he was planning to take action via Executive Order. He said the order would be brief and broad, but would lead to secretarial action aimed at rewrites of policy and regulation over federal land management, and specifically forest and range. He asked me to keep telling our story and spreading our message that poor federal management of the range and forests were to blame for the explosion in wildfires throughout the West. He specifically asked me to come back right after midterms and meet with more folks at Interior, he also asked me to return and be a part of working groups on range reform following his upcoming Executive Action. He told me that he planned to release the EO at Christmas. I told him, thank you in advance for a great Christmas present. Keeping our agreement, I made time to speak the Governor’s Sagebrush Ecosystem Council and at the NCA annual convention in Winnemucca. Then I arranged my second trip to DC. Since Fred was busy with cow work and Patrice was in school, I brought my friend and NCA Research & Education Committee Member Leana Carey along with me to witness our journey and help make our case. This trip, we moved up the food chain of DC, meeting with the Undersecretary of Interior. Tim Williams is a tremendous friend to the West, Nevada and Ranching. We also met with higher level White House Staff and a director of policy for the National Security Council. The White House staff gave away little in terms of how they were progressing on the agenda the President and I discussed. The National Security official noted that he was at the meeting because of my ardent complaint to the
22 FEBRUARY 2019
President that other states got billions following fires or hurricanes and Nevada had been completely shut out of FEMA funding. The official indicated that the President told him to attend our meeting, and find a way to “help those people”. The gentleman was very helpful and took the names and phone numbers of Demar Dahl for Elko County and Dave Mendiola for Humboldt County. My follow up calls indicate that he is working with staff in both Counties to direct rehab funds through federal grants and emergency contingency funds to both counties. Leana and my last meeting together was at Interior with Tim Williams. My goal was to nail down where we stood. At first Undersecretary Williams was a bit coy, but once I put my cards on the table about the details in my conversation with President Trump, he confirmed that the plan was on track and the timing was just as the President had promised. I point blank asked if any of my 8 point plan would make it into the EO or subsequent policy and regulation rewrites, and he confirmed that we had a very good chance of getting some of our language included in policy and regulation reforms, and that the EO was intended to set the table for subsequent administrative action. I came away very heartened by what we had been able to achieve. Leana was not only a fun travel companion, but a strong lobby for Nevada’s ranching interests. I said goodbye to Leana following those meetings as she was returning to Nevada to attend the Nevada Farm Bureau Meeting. I stayed on and finished the trip with three key legislative meetings and updates. I met with Liz Cheney’s office, Mark Amodei’s office and House majority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s office. I updated these key legislators on where we were, and what steps were coming next. I asked them to keep pressure on our friends at Interior and the White House and insure that our reforms happened, and happened on time. I was a thrill to meet McCarthy’s wonderful legislative staff in the Leader’s ceremonial office in the Capital, and to spend a few minutes on the Speaker’s balcony. The access that we have been afforded so far is incredible. I cannot thank Dean Heller, Mark Amodei or Demar Dahl enough. It is a testament to the times we live in and to the man in the oval office that ordinary citizens like Fred, Patrice, Leana and I, are able to meet with leaders at the highest levels and actually make a difference.
I came home from DC, and went on to speak to the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association and the National Grazing Forum meetings. Part of my message to the folks in DC and to every cattleman, county or State official I speak with is that real working ranchers must be a part of writing this reform language. We cannot leave our future to lobbyists alone. To get these reforms right, we need the honesty and real world understanding of what really works out on the range. That comes only when we involve real ranchers at every roundtable. I was able to talk with Leader Kevin McCarthy again in mid December. He phoned me to get one more update before the new congress and to know exactly what we needed going forward. I again assured him the President would act at Christmas, and that following that we needed his help to make sure real cattlemen and women were a part of the process. True to his word, our President issued an EO on December 21. It represents the perfect first step in planned regulatory and policy reform. You can read it at whitehouse.gov under executive actions.
Now is the time to redouble our efforts and keep pressing our industry associations and our elected officials to follow through with promised reforms and to volunteer to participate in this process. I spoke with PLC’s Ethan Lane at the National Grazing Conference and made clear to him that while I and all public lands ranchers are appreciative for all PLC accomplishes on our behalf, WE (real ranchers) must have a seat at the table as we rewrite policy and regulation that will define our industry for at least a generation moving forward. PLC is a laudable organization, but it is a subset of NCBA, and that organization gets decidedly mixed reviews from me on truly representing the interests of American ranchers. As such, I want real ranchers, not just NCBA/PLC lobbyists leading the policy and regulatory reform discussion. I think we left it with a handshake, and I do appreciate his vast knowledge and his huge inventory of contacts at every level of government. PLC will be key in our efforts, but if we want it done right, we had better be a part of it. I gave Leader McCarthy and the White House a short list of ranchers who are the best of the best, and I’d happily add more names if some of you reading this would like to volunteer to join me on my next trip back to DC. I think that will occur shortly after we resolve the partial shutdown and Interior reopens.
Fred and I have talked with so many wonderful people through this journey and if we really get the kind of reform we need, our loss as a result of the Martin fire will have been worth it. If you have ideas, Wnt to hear the details of my chat with Trump or would like to come along on my next trip back to DC, give us a call, we would love to have your help.
by Kris Stewart, Stewart’s Ninety-Six Ranch, Paradise Valley, Nevada Raising Nevada’s Best Beef Since 1864
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
We presented the following proposal to our elected officials, agency folks and White House staff . . .
SAVE THE GREAT AMERICAN WEST
A common sense plan to save our environment and our way of life
The Ninety-Six Ranch is Nevada’s oldest family operated ranching operation. We started business in the same year that Nevada joined the union, back in 1864. Through 154 years and five generations, our family has thoughtfully and carefully managed the lands entrusted to it.
No matter what the ignition source of the Martin Fire, the truth is that the root cause of the fire and so many others like it, is five plus decades of completely disastrous land management by federal agencies including BLM, USFS and USFWS. The Ninety-Six Ranch use of its grazing lands predates federal agency management by many decades. Our records indicate that in over 154 years, our lands have never burned like this. This is no accident; it is due to careful and diligent management. Today, we graze at levels less than 30% of historic levels. By the BLM’s own admission, fuel levels on our permits were allowed to grow to 200-1000% of normal. We and many other permittees have discussed the fire danger with the agency’s personnel for decades, but no changes have been made to our amount of use or seasons of use. Just before leaving our BLM permit in June, our own monitoring indicated that we had used but 18-20% of allowed forage. Even with extreme fuel loads and fire danger, we were not allowed to stay longer because our use dates had past. Each year, more of the west burns and currently, is burning up at a faster rate than ever before in recorded history. Federal land managers have allowed land management to become political and a bureaucratic nightmare rather than a common sense, science based exercise. Ranchers like our family are the true environmentalists on this land. We have a vested interest in its overall health. The fences, water developments and other range improvements that we build and maintain provide measurable benefits for wildlife, recreation as well as for our livestock. Our cattle move through range and remove dangerous fuels from it. Our use is positive and productive; not negative, as rabid environmental groups like Western Watersheds and even staff at State and Federal agencies might have you believe. In almost any other environment, the holistic grazing of livestock would be a welcome contribution to maintaining overall range health. Only in the US, where environmental activism has taken on an almost religious fervor and all things related to guided human use are dismissed as unnatural and bad; are the real, substantial and measurable benefits of livestock grazing not touted and seen for what they are… necessary, common sense and backed up by sound science. This fall, the BLM and other federal agencies will seek substantial supplemental funding to restore and rehab the lands burned in the Martin Fire and elsewhere. We strongly urge our congressional delegation and the Trump administration to tie any additional funding to the BLM, USFS and USFWS to enacting the reforms outlined in this proposal for grazing and logging permits nationwide, thus allowing ranchers and foresters to use their herds to reduce dangerous fuel loads on the range and cut fire danger in the West.
For some perspective, from 1864 until the passage of the Taylor Grazing Act in June of 1934, our family ran cattle, sheep and horses out on the same lands we graze today. Our numbers were moderated by the weather, water and available feed. We went out earlier and stayed out longer. In the early days, our range was much more a grassland than a true sagebrush steppe. We built reservoirs and spring developments that are still in use today, but would never, ever be allowed to be constructed today. Following passage of the Taylor Grazing Act, our use and numbers were modified, not by political forces, but by careful study and informed negotiations with the federal agencies in charge of grazing and land management. Our operation settled into Taylor grazing with about 5,000 head of cattle on the permits. By that time we had given up our sheep and major horse operation, but were still allowed over 100 head of ranch horses on the range in addition to our cattle numbers. We went out in late March or early April and came home ahead of the early snows in October. We worked in consultation with range managers from both the BLM and USFS for many decades, and maintained one of the best set of grazing permits in the West. Our permits were the “go to” places to see for foreign groups and range scientists from all over the U.S. Nevada “range camp” was often held at our ranch or on our permits. That all began to change in the 1970’s and by the time Bruce Babbitt came into power at the department of Interior, we had little to no say in how the range we depended on would be managed, and we quickly became the enemy, rather than the engaged partner we had always been. Today, the same permits that we have grazed for 154 years, run only about 1,800 head of cattle and 18 horses and we are limited to a strict April to September schedule that requires regular rest for pastures regardless of conditions on the ground. The Taylor Grazing Act limited use to an effective number of cattle on the range, the cuts that have occurred since that time have largely been driven by politics rather than good science. We are also forced to rest fields www.progressiverancher.com
after a year of use or when the agencies do minor work in them; when in fact, even brief annual use to reduce fuels makes far more sense from a scientific and practical point of view. The truth is that timing, not the amount of livestock is the key to good range health in our brittle environment, and that targeted livestock grazing in areas with gullies or stream breakdowns is often the best method for restoring stream bank health. Livestock hoof effect, used naturally and effectively for thousands of years the world over, is a practical tool that is ignored and underused by modern land management agencies, especially those managers in the United States, where constant legal challenges from environmental groups to any change or improvement on the range is the status quo. By the time we are now able to turn out on our BLM in April, cheat grass is up and starting to head out. If we could turn out just as snow is melting off with significantly increased numbers, we could beat the cheat grass back and probably kill it in many places within a few years. The key is to get cows to it before it makes a seed head. This would take a huge change of attitude on the part of the federal agencies. They would need to acknowledge that livestock grazing can and should be a major part of range health and range conservation practices and that use dates should correspond to conditions on the ground, not arbitrary dates set in Washington D.C. by bureaucrats who neither live out-west or actually understand the complexities of resource they manage. After the Martin Fire, we are left with over a half-million acres of charred black ground, scattered with burned up animals that were not fast enough to escape. A cheat grass monoculture will quickly establish itself on this range as it has following almost every major wildfire in the Great Basin. Our five generations of experience tell us that we could help beat back the cheat grass scourge that is coming by making a large turn out early next spring. Our permit could potentially handle 6,000 head of cattle, all eating young cheat grass shoots while the invasive plant is tender and palatable to the cattle. Nothing else will be above ground growing at that time of year after this fire, just the invasive and very destructive cheat grass plant! If we did that, otherwise displaced cattle and ranching operations could be used to effectively help restore soil and plant health, and we would pay for the opportunity to do so. Then, because effective holistic grazing requires operators to be agile, use good timing and adequate numbers, we would hop back off that ground by about mid-April, in time for remaining or reseeded perennials and native bunch grasses to rebound from the fire. The key to all of this is enough numbers, and the right timing and proper duration. Nobody knows the range like the cattlemen who use it every day. Even the best range manager may only see a specific permit a few times a year. Ranchers see this ground daily. We have a vested interest in doing the right things for the long-term. We are the true environmentalists out on the range.
Before the Martin Fire our BLM and USFS permits were considered prime Sage Grouse habitat, today, there is not a single living sage grouse left on our BLM permit. Yet, some managers looking to utilize federal sage grouse dollars, want to manage exclusively for the bird, rather than for overall range health. This in non-sense and a complete waste of money, period. The birds cannot and will not comeback until a healthy sage brush ecosystem is restored. Even then, grouse are on decline world-wide and have been for over 500 years. The truth is that our sage grouse are an early type of wild chicken. Now ask yourself a simple question, what eats chicken? The answer…EVERYTHING EATS CHICKEN! Over 99% of the species that ever lived on earth are now extinct. As stewards of this grazing resource, I can tell you that we have done everything within our power to maintain and build the healthiest possible habitat for all wildlife, cattle and humans who use this range along with us. We know that our ranching operation and all those affected by the Martin Fire and other disasters like it, can contribute to restoring a healthy plant ecosystem to these lands, and from that starting point, perhaps Sage Grouse and all other species have a chance to re-establish. We hear different stories, perhaps part of our lands will be reseeded, some may be a part of trial programs aimed at outcome oriented grazing, but one thing is sure, we, the primary users of this land and the primary custodians of this resource have so far been frozen out of any conversations about its future. We’ve been told that no decisions have been made, but when pressed, local BLM officials acknowledge that a rehabilitation plan was submitted to agency brass in D.C. even before the fire was officially out. When we asked for access to the plan, the answer was NO, because it is not yet a public document. I happened to get a quick glance at a map delivered to Washington as part of their initial rehab plan. It included vast aerial seeding, drill seeding and absolutely no outcome oriented grazing plans. The local BLM office admits to requesting only about $1,000,000 to replace fencing and range improvements (wells, pumps, windmills, water pipelines and trough systems). Their $1,000,000 will barely re-fence our allotment, let alone the 8 other Humboldt County operations who lost fence and range improvements, and the losses in Elko County have not even been mentioned. We don’t even have a State BLM director to lead the effort. It’s been about nine weeks since the fire started. We hear about major University studies at UNR, plans to reseed and keep us off the range for 3-5 years, and even a few thoughts of listening to our suggestions. If we wait and give Cheat grass a chance to take hold, we will be left with . . .
The Progressive Rancher
FEBRUARY 2019 23
continued next page
In the early morning hours of July 5, 2018, the Martin fire erupted in Paradise Valley, NV. Over the next several days it consumed hundreds of thousands of acres, killed countless wildlife and destroyed what was prime habitat for the threatened sage grouse. By the end of the first day, we had lost our entire BLM grazing permit and over 6200 acres of our private land.
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. . . a cheat grass monoculture and more devastating wildfires will become the norm on this range instead of a singular disaster. If you have not already read Holistic Management 3rd Edition, by Allan Savory, please allow us to give you a copy. It contains all of the science and information necessary to understand range science, the history of livestock grazing and why our reforms make so much sense. It is a quick, interesting, and informative read. Its author employs common sense, sound science, and the only techniques necessary to restore our environment and reduce wildfire danger for the long-term. The Martin Fire also took over 6,200 acres of private land in the center of what was prime sage grouse habitat. Hardscrabble is at the headwaters of Martin Creek, the creek that runs through the east side of Paradise Valley. That watershed has been wiped out. Our historic 1920 cabin burned, the creek boiled and the fishery lost. Rocks popped and cracked open. Cattle are still making their way there even now looking for water, food and a way home, and so far, we have made 6 drives and brought home over 200 head, only 19 ours, since the fire. Our fences and catch lots were destroyed. The local office of the USDA farm services office tells us that any rebuild before their programs approve us will be denied cost sharing. Last week, we, and 3 other ranches rebuilt the catch lots at Hardscrabble at our own expense. USDA says they cannot promise that we will be reimbursed. We have to control cattle, protect stream banks, and should do some significant earth moving to create levies and shore up the channel at Hardscrabble. But we are constrained by more government bureaucracy, even at the local level.
We have lost animals and more will die as a result of this fire. Smoke inhalation will bring about dust pneumonia as we bring our cattle home this fall. The USDA limits claims to those deaths occurring within 30 days of the fire. That won’t be enough for us, so we will suffer without help. Federal agency officials who have never seen a half million acres, let alone worked them day to day, demand a level of documentation of lost fencing, animals and other structures that our family is not capable of without help. Assistance in documentation was requested and denied by the local office. FEMA recently rejected Nevada’s requests for emergency assistance following the Martin and Sugar Loaf complex fires. So while hurricane victims get aid and access to low interest loans, ranchers in Nevada get nothing. I alert you to these issues not to whine, but rather to let you know that we are but one small family operation affected by wildfire this season. 9 more operations in Humboldt County and more in Lander and Elko counties were also hit hard. This nonsense is going to keep happening, and each year we are going to lose valuable businesses that help feed the local economy. Each year, more families and communities all over the west are going to be offered up as sacrificial lambs at the altar of rabid environmental lunacy and politically driven federal bureaucracies unless we act now while we have an administration dedicated to common sense problem solving. Everyone has heard the saying that doing the same thing again and again and somehow expecting a different result is the very definition of insanity, and that is true. Please join my family, fellow Nevadans, ranchers and foresters to reform our broken system and return health and prosperity to the Great American West.
Save the Great American West
For too long we have listened to the federal agencies tell us that they want to work with us, but the truth is, for many decades, we have been treated like the enemy, rather than an engaged partner. Most local agency personnel have good intentions, good hearts and good ideas, but they don’t have the longevity or authority to change the system. Like it or not, the institutional bureaucracy that threatens industries, communities, and small businesses like ours is still very much alive and well at the BLM, USFS and USFWS. The Washington D.C. swamp still needs to be drained at these agencies and we would like to think that our proposals could be the start of that clean up. We believe that this is an idea and a plan that President Trump can get behind. It is the only practical, environmentally friendly solution when real science and common sense lead the discussion.
A return to holistic grazing at effective levels all over the West will save our environment, grow jobs, benefit communities that rely on ranching and forestry, save precious lands and habitat, and restore sanity to federal land management.
Please, help us with this effort. Reducing wildfire in the West will save lives, habitat, homes and communities.
Our home, which is also Nevada’s oldest family ranching operation, has been changed forever by this fire. The lands that we have so loved will never be restored to what they were in our lifetimes or perhaps ever. Even after 154 years in business, no mortgage and money in the bank, we truly do not know how we will operate next year.
Attached is a photo showing a dead Ninety-Six Ranch heifer outside of Hardscrabble pasture, July 6, 2018. She along with other livestock and countless wildlife of all kinds were killed by the Martin fire. Our campaign is self-funded and truly grass roots. We are moving forward with this effort because in plain terms, we don’t want one more ranching family to suffer the way we have. We want to keep our campaign simple, straightforward and free of political correctness. It’s a big, but simple idea…restore sanity to federal land management and start by restoring grazing and forestry rights that have been suspended due to nothing but politics, bad science and bureaucratic bullshit. Help us Save the Great American West. Log on today and lend your name to our campaign. www.savethegreatamericanwest.com • Kris, Fred and Patrice Stewart, Stewart’s Ninety-Six Ranch
Some Quick Facts about the Ninety-Six Ranch
An eight point plan to reduce fire danger, restore our environment and save our way of life Did you know that the American West is currently being destroyed by wildfire at a greater rate than ever in recorded history? Rural communities, ranching families, and the Nation’s food production are being put at risk because of disastrous decisions by federal land managers.
In response to the Martin fire, which burned over a half million acres across Northern Nevada, and destroyed their entire BLM grazing permit and over 6,200 acres of their private land, the Stewart family of Paradise Valley, NV make the following recommendations regarding grazing and federal land management reforms, so that no other ranching family or community will suffer like they have. Their ranch is Nevada’s oldest family run operation, and their 154 year old business and way of life is threatened by the results of the fire; which, regardless of ignition source, was caused by five decades of disastrous federal land management. 1. Immediately restore all suspended AUMs on all grazing permits Nationwide. This includes permanently suspended AUMs. Our estimates are that this action would nearly double the number of animals eligible to graze the range and consume dangerous, excess fuels from the public lands. (Require federal agencies to give specific, proven science based reasons for any AUMs not eligible for this action, and require the agency to prove that their action is in best overall interest of the resource)
2. Allow foresters to log and remove dead and dying trees from our National forests. (Would reduce fire danger and slow the spread of pine beetle infestation) 3. Extend the term of each grazing permit from 10 to 20 years, thus allowing ranchers the surety to finance necessary range improvements such as fencing, water development, and additional livestock over more realistic and sustainable repayment periods.
4. Restructure every grazing permit, so that grazing is allowable 12 months out of each year, giving both ranchers and land managers an effective tool to reduce excess fuel loads in real-time. Make extended season, change of season or amount of use triggers mandatory when fuel loads exceed ten percent over normal maximum, or when producer has utilized less than 90% of allowable forage with normally permitted numbers during regular grazing season. Require local land managers to trigger out of season turn-outs whenever conditions pose a threat to overall range health. Give ranchers a local arbitration board made up of agency personnel and local producers to appeal any rejection of proposed out of season turn-outs.
5. Limit or eliminate NEPA reviews in areas where activity such as grazing or logging are already permitted. Categorize dangerous fuel reduction activity and development under emergency and public safety rather than general grazing or logging, thus eliminating most legal challenges to this necessary activity. 6. Level the playing field by amending the EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE act to either limit its use and funds for already well-funded environmental groups, or allow ranchers, loggers and their respective communities the same access as the Environmental groups have to these funds. The current loop-hole in the law allows groups like the WWF, Sierra Club and Western Watersheds to use tax payer dollars to fund their unrelenting legal assault on the working families of the West through suits against federal land management agencies.
7. Require that every grazing and logging permit issued include a dangerous fuels reduction plan, and insure that every plan has mandatory triggers which federal land managers may not deviate from or contest.
8. Require federal agencies to allow permittees to develop and maintain water resources on permits where the permittee already owns water rights, or where a new development is in the best interests of the overall range and state law allows the development. Further, lift restrictions on use of supplemental minerals and attractants, water hauling and other products or measures which would better disperse livestock grazing and make better overall use of the range resources.
24 FEBRUARY 2019
Our goal is proper range management that restores and maintains soil, plant and animal community health, reduces fire danger, and allows the rural west to prosper. As part of our suggested reforms, we acknowledge that most but not all livestock producers/grazers and loggers are quality operators. We accept the need for safeguards, rules, as well as warning systems that give every producer notice of improper action so that the actions may be discontinued or corrected. If these rules are not followed, we accept that these safeguards can and will be used to remove consistently irresponsible operators from the range.
William Stock Farming Company, now commonly known as the Ninety-Six Ranch was Founded/ Homesteaded 1864 by William Stock, a young German immigrant credited with being one of Paradise Valley, Nevada’s first permanent settlers in 1863.
The Ninety-Six Ranch is Nevada’s oldest family ranching operation and is currently managed by the founder’s great-grandson and his family. They operate on more than 17,000 private acres in and around Paradise Valley, NV. Currently owner/operators are Fred W. Stewart, his wife Kris and daughter Patrice Stewart. Fred’s mother, Marie also continues to live on the ranch. United States Library of Congress and Smithsonian completed a program focused on the Ninety-Six Ranch entitled Buckaroos in Paradise, Cowboy Life in Northern Nevada between 1978 and 1981. It is widely considered the best documentary coverage of Great Basin ranch life ever compiled. The Stewart family, led by Leslie Stewart, worked directly with LOC and Smithsonian curators, contributed hundreds of rare artifacts as well as thousands of photos and the entire Leslie J Stewart film library to the LOC as a gift to the American people under the creative commons license. Leslie, a lifelong rancher, teacher and son of the Great Basin passed away in 2006. In 2017, LOC staff graciously completed digitizing his classic documentary films of ranch life in Northern Nevada into a high definition format and all are now available free of charge on-line at LOC. Leslie’s granddaughter Patrice Stewart, represents the fifth generation of the family to live on and manage the ranch. Here, while still a high school student, she discussed conservation before Governor’s Sagebrush Ecosystem Forum.Her website and conservation plan can be seen at savethesagegrouse.org
Under the management of Fred and Kris Stewart, the Ninety-Six Ranch has developed and runs a high quality All-English commercial cow-calf herd numbering 750-1200 depending on weather, market and overall conditions. Through experience they have moderated the size of their maternal herd to thrive in the difficult high desert environment of Northern Nevada. The maternal base of their herd is Hereford built out of bulls from the Lilla Bell operation, also of Paradise Valley, Nevada. Bell is noted as being the first woman to graduate in animal science from Cal-Poly SLO, former president of the Polled Hereford Association and has devoted her life to raising Hereford cattle designed to thrive in difficult high desert environments like Northern Nevada. To this impressive base, Stewart’s have added Shaw bred Red and Black Angus bulls. Their operation is all-natural, and their moderately sized, high quality calves have qualified for beef shipment to Japan and Korea, and are always included in both Certified Angus and Hereford branded programs. Their 154 year old operation is celebrated as Nevada’s only Sesquicentennial Ranch, and as a treasure within the State and the greater Great Basin region for its history and adherence to buckaroo traditions.
In the summer of 2018, much of the Ninety-Six Ranch range was destroyed in the Martin fire, currently the largest single fire in modern U.S. history. The fire took all of the William Stock BLM allotment as well as grazing lands permitted to 8 other Humboldt County ranching operations. Damage also spread through Lander and Elko Counties. Also destroyed was the Stewart’s 6200 acre private range at Hardscrabble, noted as being one of the finest privately managed small German Brown fisheries in the nation and home to a historic 1920 stone cabin which was featured on the back cover of a LOC publication called Buckaroos in Paradise, Cowboy life in Northern Nevada. Very sadly, after such a rich history, the family is unsure how they will operate next year. They plan to encourage Congress and the Trump administration to enact long overdue reforms to range and federal land management aimed at reducing wildfire risk, restoring the range and making sure that other ranching families like them do not suffer in the future. Ours are the real faces, pictures and stories of wildfire devastation fueled by disastrous federal land management. - The Stewart Family
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FEBRUARY 2019 27
CENTRAL NEVADA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE The 80th (2019) Session of the Nevada Legislature will not begin until February 4th but several bills have already been introduced that are of interest to the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority (CNRWA). Three bills; AB30, AB51 and AB62 were pre-filed on behalf of the Division of Water Resources of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. AB30 authorizes the State Engineer, under certain circumstances, to consider the approval of a proposal to avoid or eliminate conflicts between an applicant for a permit to appropriate water and the existing holders of water rights and owners of domestic wells. Specifically, AB30 allows the State Engineer to consider a proposal to avoid or eliminate the conflict, which may include, without limitation: an agreement between the applicant and each holder of existing rights and owner of a domestic well with whom the application conflicts; a monitoring, management and mitigation plan; or other plan to avoid or eliminate the conflict or replenish the source of supply impacted or depleted by the conflict. AB30 states that if the State Engineer determines that a proposal will avoid or eliminate the conflict, he may approve the application on the condition that every measure or action included in the proposal that he determines is necessary to avoid or eliminate the conflict is taken; and the conflict is avoided or eliminated.
The author, Jeff Fontaine, is the Executive Director of the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority. He is also the Executive Director of the Humboldt River Basin Water Authority. Jeff can be reached at: ccjfontaine@gmail.com or 775-443-7667. At their January 11th meeting in Fallon the CNRWA Board voted to oppose AB30 because it compromises Nevada water law which protects existing rights. The Board also voiced concerns about AB51 and AB62 but took no position on those measures. The bills can be viewed on the Legislative website at: www.leg.state.nv.us/Session/80th2019/Reports/ In addition to the bills that have already been introduced there are several bill draft requests (BDRs) related to water that have been submitted by legislators. The BDR’s have only a general description so we do not have all the details about these measures. The Central Nevada Regional Water Authority, however, is also seeking a BDR which requires counties to develop and integrate a water resource element within their land use plan. The intent is to assure that there are sustainable supplies of water to meet existing and future demands for water due to growth in our State. CNRWA will also be advocating for continued funding for cloud seeding activities in Nevada and funding to support competitive “Drought Initiative” grants administered by the Nevada Department of Agriculture during the Legislative Session. Much of the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority’s efforts during the early part of the Session will be to provide information to Legislators about the importance of preserving water resources for the economy, quality of life and environment of central and eastern Nevada. The Central Nevada Regional TranspirationWater Authority will also be working with other groups by vegetation to present a united position on water and water-related issues including Unsaturated zone protecting existing water rights.
AB51 requires the State Engineer to adopt regulations relating to the conjunctive management of groundwater and surface water; authorizes the State Engineer to impose certain special assessments related to a program for the conjunctive management of groundwater and Water table Water table surface water and provides that certain water rights are not subject to Jeff Fontaine is the Executive Director of the Central Nevada Regional abandonment or forfeiture. Finally, AB 62 revises the time period for WaterUnconfined Authority and can be reached at: ccjfontaine@gmail.com or aquifer which the State Engineer may grant an extension for the completion of 775-443-7667. Groundwater Dictionary work for the diversion of water. Confined aquifer Stream
www.dwa.gov.za/Groundwater/Groundwater_Dictionary/ index.html?introduction_alluvial_aquifer.htm
High hydraulic-conductivity aquifer Low hydraulic-conductivity confining unit
Transpiration by vegetation
Very low hydraulic-conductivity bedrock
Unsaturated zone Direction of ground-water flow
Water table
Water table Stream
Unconfined aquifer
Confined aquifer
28 FEBRUARY 2019
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FEBRUARY 2019 29
Blackfoot, ID
Friday, March 8, 2019 • 1:00 pm MST
MATERNAL VALUE ADDED BULL SALE
Selling Hereford & Angus 30 stout, heavy muscled 2-year olds 15 fall yearlings with maternal values 20 calving ease and spring yearling bulls
• • • • •
Buy two or more bulls and receive a volume discount. Free delivery within 400 miles. Free fee and care for 30 days. Wintering programs available until time of need. Purchase a bull and you will be entered in a drawing for a spring yearling heifer.
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30 FEBRUARY 2019
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Conner Nicklas | Falen Law Office | Opinion Editorial The Supreme Court Has a Great Chance to Fix a Major Mistake it Made and Deal a Blow to Government Corruption. I'd like to discuss the importance of the Supreme Court’s decision to accept a case that could severely limit the power of federal agencies called Kisor v. O’Rourke. For any American who is tired of a faceless bureaucrat controlling your life, the United States Supreme Court gave you an early Christmas present when they announced that they will hear a case that could drastically scale back the power of federal agencies. The case deals with Mr. Kisor, a Marine veteran, who sought disability benefits for his service-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although this case is a compelling story of a Marine veteran trying to receive benefits he was entitled to, this case has far reaching implications that affect every American, especially businesses and property owners. The reason this case is so important is that it is an opportunity for the Supreme Court to eliminate Auer Deference. Auer Deference is a rule the Supreme Court made in the 90s that federal agencies use to create a cocoon of unlimited and unsupervised power for themselves. These agencies can then use that power to control the lives of every American without any real oversight from the court systems or elected officials. Auer Deference essentially requires a court to enforce an agency’s interpretation of its own rules, unless that interpretation is “plainly erroneous.” To understand how Auer Deference works it is important to understand how regulations are made. Essentially regulations are made when Congress decides in a law that they want an agency to be in charge of a certain issue. For example, Congress in the 70s knew that it wanted to take steps to protect the environment, but it did not want the political ramifications of sometimes choosing to protect the environment by harming landowners and businesses. So instead of passing laws that clearly laid out how it wanted to protect the environment, Congress passed laws like the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Water Act, that were intentionally vague, and gave agencies like the EPA, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the US Forest Service the power to interpret and create regulations to protect the environment. www.progressiverancher.com
When Congress gives an agency the power to regulate something, they then have the authority to draft regulations laying out the rules and standards for the particular issue. Auer Deference incentivizes those agencies to draft obscure regulations which they will then be able to interpret. Then, if someone challenges the agency’s interpretation of a regulation, the court will automatically rule in the agency’s favor, unless the person can prove that the rule is “plainly erroneous.” Having to prove that a rule is “plainly erroneous” is nearly impossible. So an agency could create an absurd interpretation of a regulation it intentionally left vague, and there would be no recourse or protection against the agency enforcing that interpretation. Essentially, Auer Deference allows the people writing the rules to also interpret the rule (or in other words, the patients are running the rulemaking asylum).
district court and the Fifth Circuit both used Auer Deference to rule in favor of the Fish and Wildlife Service that critical habitat did not have to be habitable. Although the Supreme Court luckily reversed the Fifth Circuit and ruled that critical habitat had to actually be habitable, the decision was sent back to the Fifth Circuit. Due to Auer Deference, the Fifth Circuit could conceivably rule in favor the Fish and Wildlife Service and designate uninhabitable land as critical habitat. In the end, Justice Scalia best described the problem with Auer Deference when he wrote, “Auer deference… contravenes one of the great rules of separation of powers: He who writes a law must not adjudge its violation.” Or in other words, the greatest harm that Auer Deference creates is that it gives the power of interpreting the law to the very same people who write the law. Such power naturally can create corruption. This corruption manifests in federal agencies creating intentionally vague regulations that nobody can follow in order to allow government bureaucrats to write the laws themselves on a case-by-case basis. Thankfully, it appears that the US Supreme Court recognizes the dangers of Auer Deference and will hopefully eliminate it.
Although there are numerous examples of how Auer Deference harms the rights of Americans daily, a practical example of an agency using Auer Deference can be found in the Endangered Species Act. When deciding what areas should be designated as critical habitat, the US Fish and Wildlife Service created a regulation stating, “the Secretary shall focus on the principal biological or physical constituent elements within the defined area that are Sincerely, essential to the conservation of the species.” The regulations however do not define “essential to the conservation of the species.” Due to the ambiguity as to what is actually “essential to the conservation of the species,” the Fish and Conner G. Nicklas Wildlife Service has used the ambiguity to Associate Attorney, Falen Law Offices unilaterally designate critical habitat wherever they want, even stating that critical habitat did not have to actually be habitable by the endangered species. The Fish and Wildlife Service’s liberal use of “critical habitat” was the primary issue in the Dusky Gopher Frog case. In that case the agency interpreted its own rules as to what can be designated as critical habitat and determined that certain land in Louisiana, that the dusky gopher frog could not viably live on, was listed as critical habitat for the species. Since the Fish and Wildlife Service were the “experts” the The Progressive Rancher
Conner Nicklas is an associate attorney at the Falen Law Offices an environmental law firm in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Falen Law Offices specializes in property rights cases, specifically for landowners and agriculture, including the Endangered Species Act, grazing rights, local government advocacy, and representing landowners in cases where the other side has eminent domain authority. FEBRUARY 2019 31
NEVADA WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK REPORT SUMMARY Nevada’s snowpack is off to a better start in 2019 than a year ago. Eight out of eleven monitoring basins in northern Nevada have near normal to above normal snow. The only areas with less than 90% of median snow are Eastern Nevada, and the Lake Tahoe and Truckee basins. By comparison, last year January 1 snowpacks were grim, ranging from 26-60% of median statewide. Water year-to-date precipitation is also looking good with average amounts across most of northern Nevada from the Humboldt Basin eastward. Some concern is valid looking at water year-to-date precipitation in the eastern Sierra, which is lagging at 57-77% of average. Reservoir storage is generally near to above average in northern Nevada, but not as good as last year. Soil moisture across Nevada’s SNOTEL network is mainly below average and drier than in recent winters. This may lead to a less efficient runoff when snow begins to melt. It may also help buffer flooding should we see a particularly warm atmospheric river sweep across the Sierra. There is still a lot of winter to come. With above average storage in most reservoirs, NEW SNOW SURVEY PRODUCTS near to above normal snow in most basins, and a series of moderate storms knocking on the door in early January, the overall water supply picture is trending towards favorable. The NRCS has new tools that allow users to visually review the performance of past What we really need are a few strong, cold atmospheric rivers that would build the streamflow forecasts using the Interactive Map and a redesigned Forecast Chart. snowpack and help insure adequate runoff to meet demands next summer. Interactive Map options allow you to see what forecast exceedance category the observed RANGELAND CONDITIONS streamflow landed in. The map to the right provides an example based on April 1, 2018 The NRCS mission is to provide resources to farmers and ranchers to aid them with streamflow forecasts. The orange circles represent where observed flow was less than conservation. Most NRCS SNOTEL stations are located in the mountains above the 50% exceedance forecast, while green circles represent where observed flow was 6,500 feet. There are a lot of rangeland acres below the SNOTEL network. This section more than the 50% exceedance. Nearly two-thirds of the April 1, 2018 forecast points takes a closer look at data from lower elevation rangeland and valley locations which had observed streamflow that fell between the 30% and 70% forecasts exceedances. may be more meaningful to the ranching community. These are the two bins on either side of the 50% exceedance forecast. Much of the In the arid West, native plant growth occurs from late winter to early summer in response geographic variation can be explained by the precipitation distribution during the April to warming temperatures and stored moisture from fall through spring precipitation through July target period, which was less than normal in the eastern part of the state events. Northern Nevada has been colder than normal while southern Nevada was near and near to above normal in the west. to above normal. For the water year starting October 1, valley precipitation has been above normal in portions of northern Nevada and below normal in southern Nevada. A redesigned Forecast Chart provides more forecast review information. Streamflow Table 1 provides a three-month summary of temperature and precipitation from forecasts exceedances (represented by a rainbow-colored bar) can be compared selected valley climate stations across the state. A few climate stations recorded warmer to observed flow (heavy black line). Options to turn on historic minimums and/or than normal temperatures; however, most of the stations recorded colder than normal maximums are available. The example below illustrates that last season Steptoe Creek temperatures especially during November. Precipitation is above normal for the time and Cleve Creek were very close to previous minimum observed flows (heavy red period for the majority of the stations. line). For more help with this product see the page titled “Interpreting the Streamflow Forecast Chart” later in this report. Table 1. October-December summary of valley climate stations For the latest snow and water supply information, visit the NRCS Nevada Snow Survey website: www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/
32 FEBRUARY 2019
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A Conservation State of Mind: The Sceirine Point Ranch By: Heather Emmons, NRCS Nevada State Public Affairs Officer
Creating a 2,375-acre easement on their ranch admittedly wasn’t the first thing on Joe and David Sceirine’s minds. Nor was becoming an example to others of how to be great conservationists. For the Sceirines, whose family has ranched in the Bridgeport Valley, California, area for three generations over more than a century, they’re just protecting their way of life and doing what’s right – isn’t that what everyone should do?
While developers eyed the ranch for subdivisions, conservationists were eyeing it for a different reason: it is prime Bi-State sage-grouse habitat. The Sceirine Point Ranch is home to this geographically distinct population of the Greater sagegrouse that reside only along the California-Nevada state line. Bi-State ranchers like the Sceirines are working with their local conservation partners to restore and protect key habitat, which also benefits their ranching operation and their local community, regardless of the sage-grouse’s Endangered Species Act status. The Bi-State sage-grouse was proposed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 2013. On April 23, 2015, the USFWS withdrew the proposed listing due to commitments by multiple entities, including private landowners such as the Sceirines, to continue conservation measures outlined in the Bi-State Action Plan. Although a U.S. judge has recently reinstated the proposed listing of the bird as threatened, pending a new USFWS review, conservation easements like the Sceirine Point Ranch help ensure the birds thrive and populations increase.
“Because the Sceirine Point Ranch provides habitat for a threatened species, protects sensitive grassland types, and provides protection of highly sensitive natural resources, NRCS and the Eastern Sierra Land Trust (ESLT) identified the ranch as a Grassland of Special Environmental Significance enrollment,” said Jessica Gwerder, NRCS Nevada soil conservationist. “This type of enrollment is part of the NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Agricultural Land Easements. The Point Ranch Conservation Easement will preserve and protect in perpetuity the grazing use, grassland and open-space characteristics, wildlife habitat, water quality, and related conservation values of the property.” The conservation easement is funded in part by NRCS’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, the California Deer Association and the California Department of Conservation’s Sustainable Agricultural Land Conservation Program, and is held and administered by ESLT. This is part of NRCS’ Sage Grouse Initiative conservation efforts with bi-state partners.
“In this area of California, NRCS looks for opportunities to perpetually protect grazing lands from any additional developments, especially when they provide significant benefits to sage-grouse, sagebrush obligate species and other species dependent on these complexes of wet meadows adjacent to the sagebrush communities,” said Tom Moore, NRCS California State Wildlife Biologist. “Existing management at the Point Ranch over the past decades has provided high quality sagegrouse habitat that supplies essential nesting and brood-rearing cover and food resources within close proximity to a lek. Direct evidence provided by radio-telemetry shows movements of sage hens and juveniles on the ranch between the sagebrush uplands, nearby leks and the wetlands and pasture fields.”
But the easement isn’t the Sceirines’ first rodeo doing conservation measures and working with NRCS. The Sceirines are involved with the Bi-State Local Area Working Group, a forward-thinking group of stakeholders who came together in 2002 to work together for the common good of the sagegrouse—long before the bird was being considered for listing. Then, when the Bi-State sage-grouse was being considered for listing, the Sceirines wanted to be proactive and show that they cared about the sage-grouse, while keeping their operation viable. They wanted to be part of the solution. Gwerder suggested single-leaf pinyon pine removal, as raptors hunt sage-grouse from atop these pines. Since their property is a www.progressiverancher.com
critical piece of the migration corridor, the Sceirines voluntarily moved up the tree removal in their contract with NRCS to coincide with work being completed by the same contractor on three other adjoining ranches. Therefore, the project was completed all at one time, with one single contractor, saving time and money, and providing uniformity in the cutting. And this effort tied in with a larger pinyon pine cutting with the Bureau of Land Management the same year. The Sceirines found a great partner in Eastern Sierra Land Trust, with Susanna Danner and Kay Ogden. And this easement is the largest one, to date, that ESLT has completed. “ESLT became a partner, someone I can look to, go to, to help me walk the mine field (of the easement process),” said David Sceirine. “Sage-grouse and mule deer don’t see property ownership lines. For the animals that use this property, the ideal situation is they cross from private to BLM to Forest Service, and they don’t know the difference,” said Danner. “One really neat thing about landowners like the Sceirines is that they are willing to partner up on stewardship projects that benefit both their ranch and their neighbors. We’re lucky not only to have great private owners like the Sceirines, but also great public land managers, great public servants like NRCS, working together to do largescale projects that span boundaries, which is necessary for a bird that spans those same boundaries.” “The Sceirines are leaders,” said Danner. “Since the easement closed on Sceirine Point Ranch, we’ve gotten calls from other ranchers in the community asking about the potential of doing this on their property, too.” “Your whole community benefits when your ranchers and farmers do better,” said David Sceirine. “Our whole nation benefits. And education is the key. When you know better, you do better.”
Protecting Water Resources is Important for Everyone The Sceirines are part of a watershed irrigation system. They are essentially at the top of the system, so their irrigation efforts water their neighbors’ land, and on down the line.
“The water system here is unique. It doesn’t end in Bridgeport Valley – it goes to the Bridgeport Reservoir, on to Mason Valley, Smith Valley, and East Walker properties. The goal is to get water to Walker Lake,” said Sceirine. “This valley is a sponge. As water runs into the sponge, it dribbles out like creeks. With our irrigation methods, the flows are more steady, instead of a flusher. Whatever
happens here affects the rest of the system. If it gets developed, the whole dynamic changes. Our irrigation efforts stabilize the whole system and it helps downstream.”
Aspen stands are part of the plan “Research shows that aspen health is declining in the Sierra. The Sceirines are interested in improving the health of the aspen stands on their property, so we incorporated efforts to assist with this into their conservation plan. We look at the life stages in an aspen stand: are there mature trees, young adult trees, and are there saplings (new re-generation)?” said Gwerder. A couple of things can threaten aspen health: conifer encroachment and improper grazing.
“Conifer encroachment of the bigger pines, like Jeffrey pines and Lodgepole pines, is one of the biggest threats to aspens because they shade out the aspen trees, so we’ve looked at that here. Additionally, young aspens are tasty to cattle. And young stems get trampled, thus they get damaged and don’t get to a mature height. So, proper grazing is key.”
The Bridgeport Valley is rich in economics, culture and history. “If you look at ESLT’s mission, we talk about watersheds, importance of wildlife, recreation, scenic values, ranching and history. If you look at the Sceirine Point Ranch, this is an incredibly unique place that meshes all those things together. We would be remiss if we weren’t working to protect these values,” said Ogden. “The economics that happens here is hugely important to our region – agriculture and ranching is only second to tourism in the Eastern Sierra. When I first came here, I was stunned at the magnificence and beauty. As David says: there are appropriate places to build and inappropriate places to build. It isn’t just pretty here, it has real viability and economics on tourism and ranching. It’s critical that we keep this intact.” With approximately 1,810 acres of wet and semi-wet meadows and irrigated pasture on the property, it provides a brood-rearing area critical for sage-grouse. Conserving wet mesic habitats— places where water meets land—builds drought resilience, boosts forage productivity, and benefits wildlife. The ranch is a haven for all kinds of wildlife, including mule deer, waterfowl like ducks, migratory songbirds, black bears, and trout that will all benefit from the protection of these “emerald isles.” Meadows and pastures are also important to sage-grouse chicks because they provide an abundance of forbs and insects required for rapid growth. And various shrub species provide protective cover for sage-grouse and their broods within the meadows and pastures. The surrounding upland shrub communities provide cover, nesting habitat, and additional forage for adult sage-grouse.
Proper Grazing is Key Another way the Sceirines have integrated conservation measures is in their rotational grazing efforts. This includes grazing the rangeland and irrigated pastures in a manner that maintains palatable and diverse plant species. Sage-grouse like good cattle management.
“If you follow sage hen around, they like to follow the cows. After the cows graze, the grasses are shorter, making the bugs easier for them to get,” said David Sceirine. “The cows’ manure and the remaining forbs attract bugs that are important for growing chicks,” said Gwerder.
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This map shows Population Management Units (PMUs) in the bi-state area. PMUs serve as management tools for defining and monitoring sage-grouse distribution. Like pieces of a puzzle, the Sceirines’ new conservation easement connects to others in the Bridgeport Valley area to help provide an extensive migration corridor for the sage-grouse. FEBRUARY 2019 33
Idaho’s Trichomoniasis Control Program by Bill Barton, DVM State Veterinarian/Administrator, Division of Animal Industries Idaho State Department of Agriculture Trichomoniasis (trich) is a sexually transmitted disease of cattle caused by Tritrichomonas foetus, a small protozoa organism that is passed from cow to cow by an infected bull. The disease can cause abortion, decreased calf crops, infertility and a prolonged calving season resulting in severe economic loss to the producer. Because the disease produces no obvious visible symptoms, producers often don’t realize they have a problem until after the damage is done. Preventing introduction of trich into the cow herd is critical to protecting the economic viability of a cowcalf operation.
Official testing methods include Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and culture tests when conducted by an approved laboratory. Culture-positive bulls are required to have infection confirmed by PCR unless the bull is destined directly to slaughter. Idaho currently accepts pooled PCR results as official. Since there is no approved treatment for trichomoniasis in cattle, all trich-positive bulls in Idaho are required to be branded with a “T” brand high on the left hip and sent to slaughter within 30 days. Once a herd is identified as infected, the herd is placed under quarantine until all remaining bulls in the herd have undergone three negative trich tests conducted at least seven days apart. Three negative tests are required regardless of whether the test is conducted using culture or PCR. An epidemiological investigation is conducted to identify other potentially exposed or infected herds.
In 1989, at the request of the state’s cattle industry, Idaho became the first state in the U.S. to enact rules governing trichomoniasis. At that time, trich was causing significant reproductive loss in cattle herds, particularly in grazing associations where multiple cattle herds graze in common. The Idaho Cattle Association petitioned the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) to promulgate rules implementing a trichomoniasis control program. In late March 1989, following approval by of the Idaho Legislature, IDAPA 02.04.29 “Rules Governing Trichomoniasis” became law in Idaho.
Trichomoniasis is a reportable disease in the state of Idaho. The most important factor in the success of Idaho’s trich control program has been the support of the cattle industry. The trich control program was initiated at the request of the industry and producers continue to assist the ISDA with enforcement of the rules. Producers routinely report bulls without trich tags or bulls with trich tags of the wrong color for the current testing year to the ISDA. The ISDA then investigates and takes the necessary steps to ensure compliance with the rule. The Idaho Legislature has provided the ISDA with civil penalty authority to assist with enforcement of the rules.
Early in the program, a Trich Task Force was created consisting of veterinarians, cattle producers and the Idaho State Veterinarian’s office to monitor the success of the program and recommend appropriate changes as needed. Thirty years later, the ISDA still utilizes the Trich Task Force to ensure the program is successful and serving the needs of Idaho’s cattle industry. The task force meets annually to review data from the previous trich testing seasons and make recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the program.
Cattle producers continually face a variety of disease challenges. Trichomoniasis is a costly reproductive disease that directly affects a rancher’s profitability by decreasing calf crops, reducing cow fertility and extending the calving interval often resulting in reduced weaning weights. Utilization of a sound control program, whether implemented by the state or proactively by cattle producers, will dramatically decrease the negative impacts of this potentially economically devastating disease. Idaho’s industry-driven Trichomoniasis Control Program has served its cattle producers well.
In the first year of the program, which began on October 1, 1989, 332 trich-infected bulls were identified. The number of trich-positive bulls decreased dramatically during the first six years of the program. In 2018, two trich-positive bulls were identified out of 28,249 bulls tested. The graph below details the number of trich-positive bulls identified in 350 332 Idaho since mandatory trich testing was implemented. 325 Idaho’s trich rule requires annual trich testing of all bulls two years of age and older and all non-virgin bulls less than two years of age statewide. The trich testing year runs from October 1 through April 15 of the following year. All sexually-mature bulls are required to have a trich ear tag of the correct color for the current year’s testing season. This allows producers and regulators to quickly identify if bulls are current on the trich testing requirement. The only exemptions to annual trich testing include dry-lotted dairy breed bulls that are not allowed to run on pasture; bulls in Idaho-registered rodeo bull lots that do not run on pasture; and bulls in an Idaho-approved feedlot that are being fed to slaughter. All bulls 18 months of age and older and any non-virgin bull less than 18 months of age that are imported into Idaho are required to have a negative trich test within 60 days prior to import. A statement by the owner of the bull(s) verifying that the bull(s) have not had contact with female cattle since the test is required as well.
Positive Bulls/Herds
300
250
200
150
181
127 111
117
111
108
100 67 50
69
59
47
47
45 36
20
29
28
29
15
18
16
31
36
34
23
19
21
52 36
27
24
0
Idaho accepts official trich test results when the sample has been collected by a trich-certified veterinarian and testing has been conducted at a laboratory approved by the Idaho State Veterinarian. 34 FEBRUARY 2019
54
45
# Positive
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24
43 26 25
14
20
25 10
16 9
5
4
3
2
3 2
0 0
11 1
2 1
# Herds
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Farm Bureau’s First 100 Years By: Doug Busselman, NVFB
Nevada Farm Bureau’s delegation of members and leaders attended the 100th Annual Meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation in New Orleans, January 11-15, 2019. Along with the 50 other State Farm Bureaus, Nevada’s group was able to commemorate the national organization’s Centennial while preparing for our state Farm Bureau’s Centennial celebration this November.
Over the past several weeks there has been an ongoing review of Farm Bureau’s history and comparisons with what was happening, within historic timeframes, at the local, state and national levels. From a Nevada perspective, on February 25, 1919, a bill (AB 110) was introduced in the 29th Session of the Nevada Legislature, by Assemblyman Care C. Tidd of Smith, Nevada. The purpose of the bill was to provide for cooperative agricultural and home economics – extension – work in several counties in accordance with the Smith-Lever Act and provide for the organization of County Farm Bureaus. Following formation of an authorized county Farm Bureau, the bill directed that it would become recognized as the “official body within said county for carrying on extension work in agriculture and home economics in cooperation…” AB 110 passed the Nevada Assembly on a 22 to 0 vote on March 13, 1919 and passed the Nevada Senate on March 14, 1919 on an 11 – 0 vote. Tidd is considered to be the first President of the Nevada State Farm Bureau and was a prime organizer of the first county Farm Bureau in the state, Lyon County. Nevada Farm Bureau joined the American Farm Bureau Federation in 1920. Thanks to some extremely well-kept records we’ve also been able to track the development of the Elko County Farm Bureau who became active and organized in 1920.
Norman Glaser of Elko County was Nevada Farm Bureau President from 1962 to 1964 and Robert Thomas of Humboldt was elected in 1965 and served through 1968. Andrew Hanson of Washoe County served two years (1969 and 1970) followed by Norman Shurtliff from Clark County (1971 and 1972). M. Jeoffry Dahl of Elko served from 1973-1976 and Tim Hafen of Nye County served four years from 1977 to 1980. Dave Fulstone, II from Lyon County was elected as Nevada Farm Bureau President in 1981 and served to 1988. Barbara Curti of Washoe County was elected in 1989 and served until 1998 when Dennis Hellwinkel of Churchill County was elected. Hellwinkel served until 2005 when James “Hank” Combs of Clark County became President. Combs served 12 years, retiring from the post in 2017 when Bevan Lister of Lincoln County was elected and currently is serving his second, one-year term. The archives of Farm Bureau history in Nevada demonstrate the serious nature that county Farm Bureau leaders, even frequently organized down to community areas, took the responsibilities of working together to coordinate Cooperative Extension programs and projects as well as delving into area production issues. That work continues today with county Farm Bureaus focusing efforts on agricultural promotion and agricultural literacy projects like Ag In The Classroom. Farm Bureau’s priority of pursuing the implementation of public policy positions, developed and adopted from the grassroots level upward, continues to be a driving force at the local, state and national levels. Whether it represents Farm Bureau members bringing forward their ideas for county ordinances or state Farm Bureau lobbyist testifying in state legislative hearings – or national Farm Bureau lobbyists addressing national/international issues…Farm Bureau’s advocacy work to benefit farmers and ranchers continues as it has for 100 years.
E.C. Riddell of Elko County Farm Bureau became the second Farm Bureau President for Nevada in 1920 and served through 1922. W.A. Hardy of Lyon County served two years (1923 and 1924) before J.D. Yeager took over as President of the Nevada State Farm Bureau in 1925, serving to 1935 when George Ogilvie from Elko became President. Ogilvie served until 1942. In his account of “The Farm Bureau Through Three Decades”, Orville Merton Kile shared the history of Farm Bureau that went back as far as the pre-Farm Bureau days and the formation of county Farm Bureaus (Broome County in New York and Pettis County in Missouri). These organizations, which were formed in 1912 and 1913 were first created to bring county extension agents to their respective communities, assisting local farmers with education and information provided by Land Grant University research. These early county Farm Bureaus pre-dated the passage of the Smith-Lever Act by Congress on May 8, 1914.
President Bevan Lister and Vice President Darrell Pursel at the American Farm Bureau Policy Development Meeting
From the formation of county Farm Bureaus, state Farm Bureaus evolved in several states and Feb. 12-13, 1919, representatives from 12 states gathered in Ithaca, NY to consider the idea of forming a national organization. These first dozen states included Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont and West Virginia. The outcome of this initial meeting and further developments lead to the plan for a November 12 and 13, 1919 meeting in Chicago to move forward with the organization of a national Farm Bureau. This gathering occurred in the Red Room of the LaSalle Hotel in Chicago with about 500 delegates and visitors attending.
Nevada Farm Bureau Group at AFBF Annual Meeting
The names of Farm Bureau Presidents in Nevada reads like a Who’s Who of Nevada agriculture. Beyond the names already mentioned, Frank Settelmeyer of Douglas County served as state Farm Bureau President from 1943 to 1951. Rudolph Schwartz of Humboldt County took over and was President of Nevada Farm Bureau until 1955. George Frey of Churchill served a one-year term in 1956 and James Sharp of Nye County took over the reins from 1957 through 1961. 36 FEBRUARY 2019
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Nevada Farm BureauFarm Nevada
Bureau
BEVAN LISTER Nevada Farm Bureau President A new month – A new year – The past year has just flown by. It has been a year with mixed returns. Hay production was good, price was good (could have used a little less rained on). Dairy markets struggled and we saw some stress on the cattle market. Trade issues caused some volatility for a lot of growers. In the end - we got a new farm bill, some new trade agreements, ‘some’ regulatory reform, and lots of turmoil, gridlock and negativity. A few of the highlights include the visit we had from Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in February and hosting the National YF&R conference in Reno. We participated by attending the Nevada Small Farm Conference, Governor’s conference on Agriculture, Nevada Cattlemen Annual Meeting, and of course, our very own Annual Meeting and conference in Las Vegas! The elections brought us some of what we expected, some surprises; some wins and some disappointments. I like to think that our involvement in the Energy Choice ballet question had some impact in turning that proposal down. I was very pleased with the Energy Committee that was formed in Nevada Farm Bureau and their recommendations. We have just finished the Holiday Season. In this greatest nation on earth, we enjoy bountiful food, peaceful circumstances and beauties and wonders in every day. These gifts deserve our gratitude and appreciation. I hope that all of you were able to enjoy family, friends and time with those you love during this season. Now for the year ahead – Nevada Farm Bureau is turning 100 years old. It is time for a celebration! We will be having events throughout the year with the big finale at our fall Annual meeting. Keep an eye out for details and make sure to come celebrate with us!!! Relationships have always been the key part of all that we do. Over the years, we have enjoyed the respect of our legislators because we have clear, grassroots driven policy – and we stick to it. With many new legislators (both in the Nevada Statehouse and in our Congressional delegation), our challenge is to reach out and build a connection with these folks. It will be important to find the places where we have common ground and find opportunities to share information about the issues that are key to our lives and businesses. We have again watched as over a million acres of our great state has gone up in flames. Our message needs to be loud and consistent that this is unacceptable. We are repeatedly seeing the impacts of environmental preservation. The earth is bountiful and produces abundantly as resources allow, but if what grows is not harvested (eaten, logged, used), it will burn.
Farm Bureau Adopts Policy on Government Shutdown, Trade, Opioids, Cell-Based Food and Broadband by Brittney Pericoli | Director of Communications Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 100th Annual Convention today adopted policies to guide the organization’s work during its centennial year on key topics such as farm bill implementation, cell-cultured food products, trade, rural broadband access and rural mental health programs. “As our organization has done for the last 100 years, grassroots delegates from across the nation came together to express a unified voice on issues vital to the success of our farms, ranches and rural communities,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said. “It was fitting to have President Trump and numerous members of Congress among our attendees as we kicked off our centennial celebration. We continue to face a challenging farm economy and we stand ready to work with Congress and the Trump administration to address the issues important to our farm and ranch families.” Government Shutdown
Delegates urged the administration and Congress to work together to end the government shutdown as soon as possible. The current shutdown means farmers and ranchers are being delayed in securing loans and crop insurance as well as disaster and trade assistance. The impasse has also delayed implementation of important provisions of the farm bill. Trade
Delegates voted to favor negotiations to resolve trade disputes, rather than the use of tariffs or withdrawal from agreements. They also voted to support the United States’ entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Cell-based Food
Delegates adopted a comprehensive policy to support innovation in cellbased food products while ensuring a level playing field for traditional protein. Delegates affirmed that the Agriculture Department is best equipped to be the primary regulator of new cell-based products as it encouraged USDA to utilize the Food and Drug Administration’s expertise in food safety. The policy also calls for complete and accurate product labels to ensure that consumers have all the pertinent information they need.
Water is the lifeblood of our industry. Early on, Nevada’s water law was the envy of all the dry states. The prior appropriation doctrine provides a straight forward, uniform way of allowing this limited resource to be used – unfortunately, in many areas and for many years, the law has been ignored for political expediency. Now we are faced with very real issues of over appropriation. Many of the law changes we will be looking at this year will be efforts to minimize and side step the prior appropriation ideals.
Rural Broadband
Enough of the heavies – needless to say, we will be calling on all of you to lend your voices to the cause. Please share your thoughts and ideas with us as we strive to represent you.
Delegates supported increased funding for programs and facilities for the treatment of substance abuse and mental health issues. Delegates also voted to support funding for the Farm and Ranch Assistance Network, which was included in the 2018 farm bill. AFBF will urge appropriations committees to fund this program, which is critical to address the mental health issues faced by many farmers, ranchers and other rural Americans.
Happy New Year – may the choicest blessings be yours this year as we focus on what is important – Family, Faith, Farm, and Farm Bureau!
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Delegates supported improved broadband coverage maps through better data and third-party provider verification. AFBF will work with the Federal Communications Commission to address map inaccuracies. Substance Abuse and Mental Health
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FEBRUARY 2019 37
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Change the Paradigm
Proactive Rehabilitation
It’s the middle of winter in the Great Basin of Northern Nevada and if you drive from Wendover to Reno along the I-80 corridor you will likely see a sea of white, from state line to state line. Winter has been good to us and when the thermometer on the truck is showing 5 below zero the last thing on most of our minds is fire. But we have all seen what will happen next, the snow melts, the grass greens; spring in the Great Basin is simply beautiful. Unfortunately, the green grass caused by the winter precipitation will soon give way to millions of acres of red and drying cheatgrass and then all of us will wait with bated breath for the lightning, the fireworks, the heat from a bad trailer axle, and inevitably the fires.
By: By Chris Jasmine I truly fear that my grandchildren may never see a sagebrush plant unless they go to the highest elevations of this state. Habitat losses from mega wildfires, small capacity to seed after wildfires and low rehabilitation success rates like we have seen in the last decade are the norm. If you are like me, you find this unacceptable. The real question is what to do about it?
The Great Basin Desert of Nevada is in a desperate situation and it has been for a long time now. Past and present land management and the inadvertent introduction of annual grasses (now more than a century ago) has changed the landscape of even my youth and definitely that of my families when they first laid eyes on Nevada in the 1860’s. Mix that with what seems like increased ignitions from anthropogenic sources and we have a recipe for disaster. More and more acres of annual grasses mixed with more ignitions leads to larger and more frequent wildfires. Larger and more frequent wildfires cause us to lose much of the last remaining islands of sagebrush at the lower and mid elevations. A great example of this is that of the past two years and three separate wildfires, whose boundaries all touch one another (Snowstorm, Martin, South Sugarloaf ) and burned a combined 846,000 acres. Many of which were large tracts of intact sagebrush which had not burned in 100+ years (Figure 1). If you draw a straight line from the western to eastern edge of these wildfires it is almost 100 miles, through some of the most remote land left in the Lower 48 (Figure 2). It is truly heartbreaking.
We need a paradigm shift, and I don’t mean a little one. We need to completely change how we look at rangeland rehabilitation; notice I do not say restoration (more on that later). If we continue to only focus on seeding after wildfires we will lose this war. Seeding after wildfires is what I call Reactive Rehabilitation. We react to the devastation of wildfires, but only after they have burnt 1,000,000 acres. Although it is necessary, it is unfortunately difficult to do well. Agency funding cycles and the pure scale of reseeding efforts after wildfires makes it impossible to seed large percentages of what has burned. We end up only having funding for small portions of what is needed and the timeframes are too short to source enough seed and contractors to drill seed all those acres. We end up snowed out, mudded out, rushing to beat the frozen ground, rushing to beat the spring rains and rarely get the prescribed seeding done as designed. Don’t get me wrong, our BLM offices have done an amazing amount of work with wildfire rehabilitation in the last few decades. It’s a tireless and thankless task that they have put their hearts and souls into, but the bureaucratic system they must work within does not allow for full scale rehabilitation. Combine that with many of the constraints put on Reactive Rehabilitation of federal land and the pre-conceived notion that native plant materials are somehow better and we end up with large areas of Reactive Rehabilitation that simply fail to establish. It is truly a sad state of affairs.
Aldo Leopold wrote in A Sand County Almanac about cheatgrass. He said “while the sportsman and stockmen wrangle over who should move first in easing the burden on the winter range, cheat grass is leaving less and less range to wrangle about.” Sound familiar? As a profession, rangeland practitioners want numbers and data. We like to debate and study, analyze and argue. In my opinion these are the easy things, because there is no risk in arguing and studying. No risk of failure, but without risk there is no reward. Why should rangeland rehabilitation be any different? Our current paradigm in Nevada is to pray something does not burn and then rush to secure funding to seed a small portion of what did burn after we’ve lost 846,000 acres of prime habitat and valuable grazing land (Figure 3). If we keep this up, we will continue to fall further and further behind. Our perennial rangelands will slowly (if not quickly) turn to annual grass dominated rangelands, and the values we all cherish about Nevada’s rangelands will be lost for future generations.
To change our paradigm, we do not need to abandon the Reactive Rehabilitation. It is still an important part of what needs to be done, and always will be. Instead we need to refine that approach overtime and add a second approach, Proactive Rehabilitation. Proactive Rehabilitation is what we were good at in the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s. During this time frame it’s what helped us beat the large infestations of halogeton across many areas of the Great Basin. It’s what gave us the fabled Lincoln Seeding, among others. Most importantly and contrary to popular belief, the majority of these old seedings are today strongholds for native sagebrush species. Take a drive to any of the mega seedings from this time frame and tell me I’m wrong? Proactive Rehabilitation consists of seeding large acreages, every year, in areas that are already at some level of degradation. It is work that occurs regardless of the severity of the wildfire season. It is standalone from the Reactive Rehabilitation that must occur post-fire. This approach takes large tracts of land that
40 FEBRUARY 2019
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burned 5, 10, or 20 years ago and are now cheatgrass monocultures and employs rehabilitation techniques specific to these sites. Rehabilitation in the Proactive Approach focuses on taking annual dominated sites and rehabilitates them to a much more stable perennial function. One which will be more resistant to wildfire and much more resilient should it burn. When it comes to Proactive Rehabilitation, use of the term perennial function is by design, much like using the term rehabilitation instead of restoration. Current research, as well as research going back as far as 1948 has shown that many of the introduced wheatgrasses are far more successful at establishing and persisting when attempting to rehabilitate cheatgrass dominated rangelands. There is no “restoring” a site once we have moved into an annual grass dominated state. Ongoing work with State and Transition models has shown us this as well. Once we have entered an annual state the only way to get out of this never-ending cycle of reoccurring wildfires and cheatgrass dominance, is through the establishment of introduced perennial grasses. I know this is not always a popular sentiment, but if looking at the research is any indicator, it may be our only way out with current plant materials and the outcome is not truly that bad. Stabilizing perennial function on rangelands will allow for perennial succession to occur. This means that given enough time, sagebrush will re-establish on these sites. A million acres seeded to crested wheatgrass in Nevada in the 50s, 60s, and 70s have shown us this time and time again.
FIGURE 1 Critical big sagebrush communities on the Owyhee Desert consumed in the 2018 Martin Fire.
The time is now if we expect to make progress on turning the downward spiral of annual grass invasion around. We simply cannot continue to be only reactive in our rangeland rehabilitation, we must look at the best tools in our tool box and focus on reversing the conversion to annual dominated landscapes. I believe we have the tools at hand. Ongoing research work shows us that using pre-emergent herbicides followed by drill seeding and establishing introduced wheatgrasses can be successful at rehabilitating annually dominated sites. Research plots have shown us this. Demonstration plots in the last few years have begun to scale this up. State and Transition models have documented it as well. And now there are projects covering several thousands of acres that are showing it can be scaled up even more. This does not mean there is not the need for more research using new techniques or better plant materials, but it does mean that while additional research is being studied, we need to move forward with the tools that work today and at a scale larger than we have ever done before.
FIGURE 2 Wildfires consumed nearly 1,000,000 acres in a small portion of northern Nevada in 2017 and 2018. These habitats are now in jeopardy of increased cheatgrass densities and associated fuels.
To end with more wise words from Leopold, “There is, as yet, no sense of pride in the husbandry of wild plants and animals, no shame in the proprietorship of a sick landscape. We tilt at windmills in behalf of conservation in convention halls and editorial offices, but in the back forty we disclaim even owning a lance.” These are tough words from a gentle conservationist, yet it is all too true. If we are to win the war on cheatgrass in the Northern Great Basin, we must change our paradigms. We must proactively implement rehabilitation on a large scale. We must strive for converting annual dominated rangelands into functioning perennial systems. We can’t just do this in conversations at the convention of the month, but actually do it on the ground and we must do it now. If we don’t, we will lose all that we hold dear in the Great Basin. www.progressiverancher.com
FIGURE 3 Wildlife habitat and grazing resources are significantly affected by wildfires, especially large catastrophic wildfires.
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FEBRUARY 2019 41
Hello from the Humboldt Watershed CWMA!
The HWCWMA was developed to address the invasive weed problem and subsequent decline in water quality within the entire 16,843 square mile watershed, which covers most of Northern Nevada. The primary function of HWCWMA has been to provide land managers, owners and weed control groups assistance in the areas of funding, agency and weed group coordination and cooperation.
This month we would like to introduce you to a plant that is not currently listed as one of Nevada’s state listed noxious weeds, but has shown itself to be highly invasive. Field bindweed or Convolvulus arvensis, is a native of Eurasia that first was documented in California in 1884 in San Diego. By the first quarter of the twentieth century, field bindweed was proclaimed the worst weed in California and many other Western states. It most likely arrived in the United States as a contaminant in farm and garden seeds. However, because of its flowers and climbing nature, some seeds were probably planted as ornamentals, as a ground cover, in hanging baskets, or on trellises. Field bindweed has been given many names including perennial morning glory, creeping jenny, bellbine, sheepbine, and cornbind. Field bindweed is a hardy perennial that spreads from an extensive rootstock and from seed. Most parts of the bindweed roots and rhizomes can produce buds that can create new roots and shoots. Roots capable of budding are found to depths of 14 feet. Fragments of vertical roots and rhizomes as short as 2 inches can form new plants. Lateral roots serve another important function. About 15 to 30 inches from the parent plant, a lateral often turns downward, becoming a secondary vertical root, and sends out both roots and shoots from the turning point. By this means a single field bindweed plant can spread radially more than 10 feet in a growing season. This extensive underground network allows for overwintering without foliage, and it can persist for many years in the soil.
One to four dark brown seeds are produced in round, smooth, 1⁄4-inch capsules. An average plant produces about 550 seeds. Within one month after forming, the seed coat matures and becomes impervious to water. Seed that is 60 years old has been found to be viable.
42 FEBRUARY 2019
Field Bindweed Once the seed coat is weakened, the seed will germinate at temperatures of 41° to 104°F.
Drought tolerance is a characteristic of field bindweed. When water is withheld, bindweed competes better than most other plants. If an area is well watered, some ornamentals might compete better than the bindweed; however, in most cases, bindweed will flourish and twine up plants. In the landscape, field bindweed will survive with sprinkler or drip irrigation. If there is no summer water, the plant reduces its seed production first and then reduces growth and leaf size, but it still will produce some flowers and seed. This perennial plant is an herbaceous vine that produces stems 2-4' long. The stems are usually smooth, but are sometimes hairy where new growth occurs. The alternate leaves are 1-2' long and half as much across. They are often arrowhead-shaped, but are variable and can assume other forms as well. The leaf margins are smooth. A slender flowering stalk may develop from the base of a petiole. This stalk occasionally branches and can produce 1-3 flowers. The corolla of a flower is funnel-form in shape and up to 1" across; it is usually white, sometimes with light pink patterns. MECHANICAL CONTROL In general, mechanical control is not a good option because plants are able to reproduce from roots, and seeds remain viable in the soil for long periods of time. CULTURAL CONTROL Field bindweed prefers full sunlight and mesic to dry conditions. Perennial plantings may discourage establishment of field bindweed. Rotations of tall, shade-producing crops can reduce bindweed problems since the weed is not very competitive under shady conditions. Healthy, long-term stands of sod-forming grasses or dense plantings of bunch grasses and legumes can function as smother crops. BIOLOGICAL CONTROL While livestock (cattle, sheep, goats) may graze field bindweed, even intensive grazing generally will not sufficiently stress the plant to prevent its recovery and will often result in the site being overgrazed, which is not desirable and tends to favor bindweed proliferation. CHEMICAL CONTROL Long-term control of field bindweed from herbicides depends on movement of a sufficient amount of herbicide through the root system to kill the roots and root buds. This requires use
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of systemic herbicides. Examples of systemic herbicides include 2,4-D, dicamba (Banvel/Clarity®) and glyphosate (Roundup® or equivalent). Review the label to identify which may be better in your management area. Chemical control of bindweed may damage desirable plants in areas of treatment. Application of glyphosate can provide good control, but only when applied at high rates and may be more effective in combination with other herbicides. The most effective time of application is during the early flowering period when moisture levels are low. Even at high rates of application, repeated applications may be necessary for adequate control. Successful control of field bindweed requires a long-term management program. An herbicide applied once will never eliminate established stands; rather, several retreatments are required to control field bindweed and keep it suppressed. Because of long seed viability and tremendous food reserves stored in the roots, repeated chemical and/or mechanical control measures must be used. Please notify the HWCWMA if you see field bindweed growing within the Humboldt River Watershed. We have an opportunity to stop invasive species from spreading if we act quickly and our staff can provide the property owner or appropriate public agency with site-specific treatment options for these plants. The HWCWMA also maps and monitors heavily infested sites in the watershed which allows the HWCWMA the ability to provide educational and financial assistance to land owners and groups in their management efforts, ultimately improving all of the qualities of the land and water in our watershed. The HWCWMA has also developed a website to serve as a clearinghouse for information on invasive weeds in the Humboldt Watershed. Our website (www. humboldtweedfree.org) contains fact sheets for state listed noxious weeds in Nevada, Board of Director’s information, funding partner’s links, and many more features including a detailed project proposal packet that you can print, fill out and mail back to us at your convenience. We are looking to expand our project area outside of the Humboldt River and always welcome new funding opportunities. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Andi Porreca, HWCWMA Coordinator at (775) 762-2636 or send an email to aporreca@humboldtweedfree.org.
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40th Annual
CATTLEM UDY EN’S CHOICE CATTLE COMPANY BULL SALE
THE SOURCE FOR QUALITY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 • LUNCH AT 12 NOON • SALE AT 1 P.M. • ROCKLAND, ID
EPDs —
EPDs —
MM
MM
BW 2.6 WW 57 YW 92
BW -2.0 WW 67 YW 103
33
LOT 1 • UCC HOMETOWN 752
32
LOT 39 • UCC PROSPECT 840U
140 BULLS AND 52 HEIFERS
Hereford, Red Angus, Black Angus 2-year-olds and yearling bulls. HEREFORD SIRES BLACK ANGUS SIRES
HH ADVANCE 5044C CHURCHILL KICKSTART 501C NJW 73S W18 HOMETOWN 10Y
EPDs —
SAV SENSATION 5615 BARSTOW BANKROLL B73 SAV RESOURCE 1441
BW -3.5 WW 56 YW 105
RED ANGUS SIRES
MM
5 L DEFENDER 560-30Z LSF SAGA 1040Y
LOT 80 • UCC BANKROLL 801
George 208-226-7857 • Cell 208-221-2277 James 208-221-1909 • jamesudy@hotmail.com Fax 208-226-7671
Information online at:
Sale Broadcast on:
udycattle.com
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25
The Progressive Rancher
Sale Location Nine miles south of Rockland, Idaho
Sale Day Phones 208-221-1909 208-548-2277
FEBRUARY 2019 43
Churchill County Cowbelles Update
By Pegi Witte
2019 marks the 50th anniversary for the Churchill County Cowbelles to serve up dinner and dancing for the Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale. In the beginning things were a bit different. No delicious dinner or dancing, but rather more along the lines of cold cuts and beverages at a local restaurant that is no longer standing. Over the years we have said goodbye to many fine ranch ladies who served the organization well. We have also seen our membership grow with younger, enthusiastic women who fully support the local and national agricultural and beef industry. One practice that remains at the forefront of the activities of Churchill County Cowbelles is our devotion to 4-H and FFA. The young men and women who come up through those organizations are truly the future of agriculture. With that in mind, we once again invite all buyers, consignors, and local supporters of the Fallon Bull sale to join us for the best tri-tip dinner in the state on Feb. 15th at the Fallon Convention Center. Our scholarship program depends heavily on this event. Help us to help the kids!
President: Pegi Witte 775-423-1571 witteshorthorns94@yahoo.com Vice President: Karen Lawson 775-4127 Treasurer: Vella Torvik 775-217-1395 v_torvik@yahoo.com
Our Favorite Beef Recipe Quick Skillet Pepper Steak If you need a speedy skillet supper, this pepper steak recipe will come to your rescue, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook! The tender meat is slightly sweet, with just a hint of brown sugar and molasses.
INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons minced fresh gingerroot 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon molasses
1-1/2 pounds beef top sirloin steak, cut into 1/4-inch strips 1 tablespoon canola oil 2 large green peppers, cut into 1/2-inch strips 1-1/2 cups sliced celery 3 green onions, chopped 4 teaspoons lemon juice Hot cooked noodles or rice, optional
DIRECTIONS In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, brown sugar, ginger and garlic powder. Stir in broth until smooth. Add soy sauce and molasses; set aside. In a nonstick skillet or wok, stir-fry steak in oil for 4-5 minutes; remove and keep warm. Stir-fry peppers, celery and onions until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Stir broth mixture and add to the vegetables. Return meat to the pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice. Serve over noodles or rice, if desired. Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 233 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
44 FEBRUARY 2019
News Release CONTACT: JoAnn Kittrell, 775-684-2712, jkittrell@dcnr.nv.gov
Nevada State Engineer King retires, Acting State Engineer named After 28 years of service to the State of Nevada, State Engineer Jason King will retire on Friday, January 11, 2019. With King’s retirement, Bradley Crowell, Director of the Nevada Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (NDCNR), has appointed Tim Wilson to serve as Acting State Engineer and Administrator of the Nevada Division of Water Resources (NDWR). Wilson has been with NDWR since 1995 and currently serves as Deputy Administrator. King was appointed Nevada State Engineer in 2010 as part of his tenure with NDCNR’s Division of Water Resources beginning in 1991. During his time with NDWR, King worked as a hydraulic engineer, Chief of the Engineering and Dam Safety Section, Chief of the Water Rights Section, and Deputy Administrator. As Nevada’s top water regulator, King proactively addressed many of Nevada’s most pressing water resource issues, in addition to serving as a member of the State Environmental Commission, and leading former Governor Sandoval’s Drought Forum. Nevada’s new Governor, Steve Sisolak, expressed his thanks to King and support for Wilson’s appointment as Acting Administrator. “I am grateful for Jason’s service to Nevada and his steadfast leadership to thoughtfully managing our precious water resources. We are in a new era of water management in Nevada, and my administration will continue to tackle our most challenging water issues head-on in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the next State Engineer. I am confident Tim Wilson will continue the direction and progress established under Jason’s leadership on the many critical water issues and policies that affect all Nevadans.” NDCNR Director Bradley Crowell echoed the Governor’s comments, adding: “Jason’s dedication to protecting Nevada’s water resources, and efforts to focus the NDWR on addressing complex issues head-on with perseverance and integrity, has defined his extraordinary service to Nevada. Having set the stage for change, Jason is now passing the torch to Tim Wilson to manage Nevada’s limited water resources in a manner reflecting the 21st century realities of a rapidly growing state that is also the driest in the nation. I am confident Tim will succeed in advancing this critical undertaking.” The State Engineer’s Office is responsible for the appropriation, adjudication and regulation of all the waters within the State, except for the Colorado River; and has oversight of water well drilling activities, dam safety, water planning, and floodplain management. The Sate Engineer’s focus on water quantity is done cooperatively with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection which is responsible for protecting water quality throughout Nevada.
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News Release January 18, 2019 | Contact: Press Desk | : FPACpress@usda.gov
USDA Continues to Seek Public Input on its Updated Wetland Determination Guidance Public comment period for wetland conservation compliance rule open through February 5 Farmers are reminded that updated guidelines for wetland determinations are posted and available for public input. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to remind the public that the 60-day comment period for the updated guidance is open through February 5. This opportunity to comment is not impacted by the lapse in appropriations. Those interested in participating are encouraged to review and comment on the interim final rule on the Federal Register.
Nevada Water Solutions LLC
Comments may be submitted using any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Water Rights / Resource Permitting Expertise
Mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attention: National Leader for Wetland and Highly Erodible Land Conservation, USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250.
Thomas K. Gallagher, PE 775•825•1653 / FAX 775•825•1683 333 Flint Street / Reno, NV 89501 tomg@nevadawatersolutions.com
Upon conclusion of the public comment period, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will evaluate and respond to all substantive comments. USDA will then decide on a schedule for publishing a final rule. “Our goal is to improve the consistency and predictability of how NRCS makes wetland determinations,” said NRCS Chief Matt Lohr. “The updates do not change the definition of a wetland for USDA program participation purposes, but rather provide greater clarity and uniformity in how NRCS makes determinations nationwide.”
Wetland determinations are part of conservation compliance outlined in the Farm Bill. To be eligible for USDA programs and federal crop insurance, producers must be compliant.
Ranch properties now available Jiggs, Nevada Smith Creek Property 220 deeded acres with approx. 126 with surface water rights out of Smith Creek. Great homesite already carved out of the hill above the meadows with well and trees planted. On county-maintained road approx. 30 miles out of Elko. Price: $680,000.
Updates to the conservation compliance provisions include:
Identifying that determinations will rely on precipitation data from 1971-2000. Though data and average rainfall have varied over time, using this specific dataset makes determinations more predictable.
Flatnose Ranch East Side 700+ acre property in Lincoln County just 7 miles E of Pioche. 211+acres in production, Alfalfa hay. 346 water righted acres irrigated out of 3 underground wells and Flatnose Spring. 4 pivots some handline. Ranch got 6 landowner Mule Deer tags in 2018. Next to Echo Reservoir. Priced at appraisal of $2,700,000. Antelope Peak Ranch 5,300 deeded w/ BLM permit attached. 5 center pivots irrigating approx. 583 acres plus another 28 acres with surface water rights out of large spring. Three homes plus shop and other outbuildings. 1 land owner Elk Tag. Offered at $3,900,000. PENDING Will continue to show and take back up offers!
Clarifying the certification status of previously completed wetland determinations, including those completed 1990-1996. Adding definitions for playas, potholes and pocosins. These terms are found in current policy, but they are added to the regulation for transparency.
Clarifying that determinations do not have to cover the entire farm tract, but only the area of the farm on which a producer is planning to make changes.
Establishing that NRCS can now assess offsite, impacts on neighboring wetlands when producers request minimal effects exemptions. For those neighboring wetlands, NRCS can now do the evaluations off-site using aerial photography and other resources. Incorporating criteria to better reflect on-field observations of hydrology, rather than basing determinations strictly on a set number of days.
These updates were based on responses to comments received as part of the 2015 regulatory review process. Comments included requesting improved timeliness and customer service in administering the wetland conservation provisions and ensuring these provisions are consistent with the statute. Learn more about conservation compliance on the NRCS website: www.nrcs.usda.gov USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. www.progressiverancher.com
Need more Ranch Listings: Sold in the last 6 months: Z Bar Ranch, Bar O Ranch and approx. 14,000 deeded acres in Clover Valley. Have buyers looking - let me sell your ranch or farm! For additional information on these properties, go to: BOTTARIREALTY.COM
Paul D. Bottari, Broker
paul@bottarirealty.com 1222 6th St. PO Box 368 Wells, NV 89835
The Progressive Rancher
Work: 775.752.3040
Home: 775.752.3809 Fax: 775.752.3021
FEBRUARY 2019 45
Beef Quality Assurance Why is
certification
www.BQA.org
important?
Beef Quality Assurance is a national program that raises consumer confidence through offering proper management techniques and a commitment to quality within every segment of the beef industry. A.J. Tarpoff, assistant professor of animal science and extension beef veterinarian at Kansas State University, recently joined our podcast to discuss the value of Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), and why certification is important. Listen to the full podcast episode here: https://ksubci.org/2018/11/01/ This episode was sponsored by the Kansas Beef Council, https://www.kansasbeef.org/ The Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program is a nationally coordinated state implemented beef producer education program. BQA brings together common sense animal husbandry practices and evidence-based medicine to provide a series of best 46 FEBRUARY 2019
management strategies to help producers optimize their operations. The focus of this program is on stockmanship, cattle care, pre-harvest food safety, and ultimately the quality and efficiency of the beef we produce. It’s all about doing the chores to ensure we are providing everything that’s needed for our cattle to thrive. This voluntary program not only helps ensure the safety and wholesomeness of the beef we produce, but also improves consumer confidence in the production practices that we implement. Beef producers have embraced this program and get the opportunity to stay up to date on the current best practices because it is the right thing to do.
are in the works, and will be implemented soon. Cargill, US Premium Beef, and National Beef have all made stances regarding cattle procurement and BQA certification. Beginning January 2019, these packers will require BQA certification from feedlots that they purchase cattle from.
In Kansas, the BQA program is coordinated by members of the Kansas Beef Council. Certification is easy to obtain, and can be accomplished 2 different ways. Free online certification is available anytime at bqa.beeflearningcenter.org. There are specific trainings for Cow/Calf, Stocker/Backgrounder, Feedyard, Dairy and Transportation (New) available on the website. Certification can also be obtained The success of the BQA program has been noticed by through in-person trainings that are conducted our consumers. Due to this consumer confidence with throughout the state. BQA certifications are good the BQA program, new supply chain requirements for 3 years. The Progressive Rancher
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AG I S O U R M I D D LE N A M E
Susan Church & Brent Glaser Glaser Land & Livestock Elko, NV
We see things from the ground up, all of the small details that go into the big picture of ranching. Because agriculture is what we know, it’s all we do.
www.progressiverancher.com
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Call 800.800.4865 today or visit AgLoan.com A part of the Farm Credit System. Equal Opportunity Lender.
FEBRUARY 2019 47
The same cowherd, raised on the same ranch by the same family for 100 years. March Selling
Angus Bulls and
in Bliss, Idaho Angus Females.
Spring Cove bulls are raised outside on dry range conditions, are genetically designed to provide meat, marbling and muscle and to perform in our western environment while enhancing the durability, fertility and longevity in your cowherd and in ours.
Spring Cove Crossbow 4205 Reg 17924903
Spring Cove Reno 4021 Reg 17926446
Sired by: KM Broken Bow 002 MGS: CCA Emblazon 702
CED+10 BW-.3 WW+83 YW+137 SC+1.24 Milk+32 CW+54 Marb+.80 Rib+.63 $W+97.56 $F+105.75 $B+176.70 Reno sons and daughters sell March 11, 2019
Sired by : KM Broken Bow 002 MGS: CCA Emblazon 702
CED+17 BW -1.6 WW+56 YW+106 SC+.39 Milk+20 CW+53 Marb+1.00 Rib+.56 $W+48.03 $F+69.66 $B+161.59 Crossbow sons and daughters sell March 11, 2019
Spring Cove Paygrade 5064 Reg 18251392 Sired by: Basin Payweight 1682 MGS: CCA Emblazon 702
CED+11 BW-.6 WW+53 YW+91 SC+.99 Milk+26 CW+36 Marb+1.07 Rib+.23 $W+62.84 $F+48.44 $B+130.55 Paygrade sons and daughters sell March 11, 2019
S A V Resource 1411
Basin Bonus 4345 Reg 17904142
Sitz Longevity 556Z Reg 17179073
Sire: Connealy Final Product MGS: Woodhill Foresight
Sire: Basin Payweight 1682 MGS: Connealy Consensus 7229
Longevity sons and daughters sell March 11, 2019
Bonus sons and daughters sell March 11, 2019
CED+6 BEPD+.2 WEPD+60 YEPD+108 SC+1.00 Milk+30 CW+40 Marb+.80 Rib+.37 $W+67.63 $F+79.58 $B+142.71
For sale catalogs : Call: 208-352-4332 Email: info@springcoveranch.com www.springcoveranch.com
48 FEBRUARY 2019
CED+7 BEPD+1.2 WEPD+72 YEPD+125 SC+.83 MEPD+36 CW+53 Marb+1.15 Rib+.54 $W+87.94 $F+98.06 $B+160.10
Spring Cove Ranch 269 Spring Cove Rd Bliss, Idaho 83314
The Progressive Rancher
Spring Cove TL Cat D13 Reg 18582235
Sire: Basin Bonus 4345 MGS: B/R Complete 4U75-257
CED+9 BEPD+.4 WEPD+58 YEPD+103 SC+1.00 MEPD+27 CW+29 Marb+.70 Rib+.81 $W+58.45 $F+64.14 $B+119.21 D13 sons and daughters sell March 11, 2019
For more information call:
Spring Cove Ranch office: 208-352-4332 Stacy Butler’s cell & text: 208-320-8803 Find us on Facebook
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