The Progressive Rancher - JANUARY 2024 by The Progressive Rancher

IN THIS ISSUE 2 CCC | Request for Proposals

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS DUE JANUARY 12, 2024

The California Cattle Council is seeking proposals from local or regional agricultural associations, researchers, and individuals to conduct projects that are in line with the Council’s strategic priorities but benefit beef and dairy cattle producers at a local level. Issues addressed should seek to promote live cattle production or provide solutions to policy challenges that impact ranching or dairy farming in California. A list of project examples has been included for prospective applicants. Applicants can submit proposals for projects that do not exceed $15,000. The total budget the Council has allocated to this round of projects is $100,000. Proposals are due no later than 5:00 pm on January 12, 2024. Visit calcattlecouncil.org to learn more.

Horse at event in Clark County confirmed positive for EHV-1 Horses attending events in Clark County should monitor for symptoms The Nevada Dept of Ag (NDA) has received reports of a confirmed case of Equine Herpes Virus – Type 1 (EHV-1) in a horse at an event in Clark County. The infected horse has been placed under quarantine. Per Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 571.160, exact locations of the detection cannot be disclosed. EHV-1 is a respiratory, neurologic disease. EHV-1 is a reportable disease, meaning when veterinarians diagnose it, they are required to notify the NDA, per Nevada Revised Statute NRS 571.160. “If you recently attended an event in Clark County, monitor your horses for signs of illness including fever, decreased coordination, urine dribbling, limb weakness, lethargy or inability to stand,” said NDA Director Goicoechea, DVM. “Contact your local veterinarian immediately if you notice symptoms.” Director Goicoechea recommends biosecurity practices as event season is underway, and always monitor horses for signs of disease, like fever or runny nose. Biosecurity means implementing practices to reduce chances of an infectious disease being transferred by people, animals, equipment or vehicles. EHV-1 and other diseases can be easily transferred on boots, coats, gloves and equipment. Some basic practices include: • Never share equipment between horses, and always wear clean clothes when going from ill horses to others. • Always start chores at healthy horses, end with sick or recovering (30 days)

• Avoid common areas such as hitching rails, wash racks, etc. during an outbreak.

2 NDA | Clark County EHV-1 3 President's Perspective 4 NCA Roundup | NCA Annual Convention Awards & Photos 8 Nevada Beef Council | Checkoff News & Beef Recipe 10 Great Basin Bull Sale 12 Eye on the Outside | Learning from Past Inagural Addresses 16 California Cattle Council | Year in Review 17 Rep. Amodei | Year in Review

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COVER: Jon Griggs & Hanes Holman By Leana Carey Published 8 times a year. View all issues at www.progressiverancher.com Readership reaches more than 20,000. The views and opinions expressed by writers of articles appearing in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor. Letters of opinion are welcome; submit via email. Advertising rates available upon request. Advertising does not imply editorial endorsement. Liability for errors or omissions in advertisements shall not exceed the cost of the space occupied by the error or omission.

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president ' s perspective Season’s Greetings, Friends! I recently took a trip from Elko, Nevada to Fort Worth, Texas for the National Cutting Horse Futurity. As I drove across the west, I am always amazed at the bountiful agriculture production this country has. Nowhere that I traveled was agriculture not present. Cattle - both in and out of feedlots, corn fields, cotton fields, and tracts of other fairground cover the land. A lot of the articles that I have read lately lead me to concerns if consumers will keep up the demand for our product with the higher prices they are having to pay. As I go about my day-to-day chores and isolate myself on the ranch, I have worries about demand issues in the beef industry. As I drove through big cities like Albuquerque, Salt Lake City, Dallas, and many others the demand issue faded and turned it to concerns of how in the world will we ever feed all these people! Every establishment that we ate at (all of them served beef ) was packed with consumers ordering our

product and loving the eating experience. At the Big Texan Steakhouse in Amarillo I watched a truck driver in a funny top hat eat a tomahawk steak to the bone and then clean the bone off to nothing left on it. People love beef. I can’t help but ponder this as the “Climate Elites” fly their private jets into Dubai to recommend the west eats less beef. If you research the food vendors at the Summit there is plenty of meat for them (Wagyu burgers and BBQ). Private Jets are the biggest climate offenders in terms of CO2 that there are but these folks want to blame cows. HUH? If you want this “President’s Perspective” I say, “ban private jets and eat more beef to save the planet!” Hanes Holman President, NCA

Fallon: 8-5:30 M-F Gardnerville: 8-5 M-F Snyders Pinenut Livestock Supply

800-513-4963 • www.pinenutlivestocksupply.com www.progressiverancher.com

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JANUARY 2024

by Martin Paris | NCA Executive Director | O: 775-738-9214

Happy New Year! Happy New Year all! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and is off to a good start to the year. 2023 is in the rearview mirror and 2024 is here to welcome us with open arms. Last year I promised myself I would come up with a New Year’s Resolution and actually stick with it, but I regret to inform you that didn’t happen. Maybe this year will be the year.

There are also a few noteworthy events taking place in the first part of 2024. The University of Nevada, Reno will again be hosting the annual Cattlemen’s Update in person and virtually from January 8-12. The University has hosted these sessions across Nevada for more than 40 years to provide ranchers

with current research-based information about issues that may affect the efficiency, productivity, profitability, and sustainability of Nevada’s cattle industry. Please be sure to check out their website, https://naes.unr.edu/cattlemens/, for additional information on session locations and times the week of January 8-12, 2024. Lastly, if you’re in need of bulls this upcoming season, mark February 17, 2024 on your calendars for the 2nd Annual Great Basin Bull Sale in Fallon, NV at the Rafter 3C Event Center at 1:00 p.m. In the tradition of both the Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale and the Bulls for the 21st Century Bull Test and Sale, there will be a combination of performance tested and range bulls available at the sale. If you’re looking to improve the genetics of your operation, there’s no doubt you should be able to find what you’re looking for at the upcoming sale. Be sure to visit the website www.greatbasinbullsale.com for more information.

President’s Award - Laura Van Riper Left to right: Jon Griggs, Laura Van Riper

4 JANUARY 2024

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Photo Credit- Leana Carey

Photo Credit- Katlyn Mendive

We enter the new year hopeful for a little milder, but still wet winter and the continuation of an overall strong cattle market. Before I turn the page on 2023, I want to thank everyone that consigned cattle to the 21st Annual Silver State Classic Feeder Sale last month. This sale is a major fundraiser for our Association as a portion of the commission is donated to NCA to help carry out our mission. A big thank you to Fallon Livestock LLC for all of their support year after year.

As we turn the calendar to 2024, NCA has our sights set on several high priority issues. These include BLM’s Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, amended Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plans, the Solar Energy Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement in response to the Biden-Harris administration’s goals of permitting 25 gigawatts of renewable energy on public lands by 2025, potential grazing regulation re-write, and endangered species listings, to name a few. It’s important to hear from you should you feel something needs to be brought forward. Remember, NCA works for you and is always looking for engagement on the issues that are affecting livestock producers in our state.

Cattleman of the Year - Tom Barnes Left to right: Jon Griggs, Tom Barnes

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NCA Annual Convention | November 16-18, 2023 A big thank you to our sponsors, trade show exhibitors, and all that attended!

Photo Credits: Leana Carey

100,000 Mile Club Award - Allie Bear Left to right: Jon Griggs, Allie Bear, Dea Mitton

100,000 Mile Club Award - Chris Bengoa Left to right: Jon Griggs, Chris Bengoa, Mike Harry

Hall of Honor - Pete Goicoechea, Accepted by J.J. Goicoechea Left to right: Jon Griggs | J.J. , Mia, Jules & Sally Goicoechea

Allied Industry Award - Snyder Livestock Company LLC Left to right: Jon Griggs, Lucy Rechel

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JANUARY 2024

Nevada BLM Director, Jon Raby, provides an update during NCA’s Public Lands Committee meeting

Nevada Department of Wildlife Director, Alan Jenne, gives a presentation on NDOW’s recent projects.

NCA Legislative Affairs Committee Chair, Davy Stix (left) presents Senator Pete Goicoechea (right) with a jacket in recognition of his decades of service to livestock producers.

U.S. Forest Service personnel provide an update on stock water maintenance policy.

6 JANUARY 2024

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Photo credits this page: Leana Carey

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Nevada Department of Agriculture Director, J.J. Goicoechea

NCBA’s V.P. of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane, speaks about the political climate in Washington DC

Public Lands Council Associate Director Sigrid Johannes, talks about endangered species, wild horses, and agency rulemakings during the General Session

Staff Annette Kassis and Christie Van Egmond of the NV Beef Council present on media and consumer engagement during the NBC lunch. (Photo credits this page: Martin Paris)

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JANUARY 2024

Celebrating The Holidays With Beef By: Makenzie Neves | Manager, Producer Education & Engagement, NBC Through new beef recipes, heartwarming holiday beef videos and “The Gift of Flavor” beef digital advertisements, beef was front and center this holiday season. Beef was promoted as the number one protein of choice for parties, family gatherings and simple homecooked meals through the “Together We Bring More” campaign. This campaign forms a deeper emotional connection with audiences by celebrating life’s milestones and focusing on how beef can transform experiences, big or small, into meaningful moments. Here’s the rundown on how beef is being promoted this holiday season.

Beef Leading the Screens Consumers saw Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. ads across Connected TV streaming services like Paramount +, Disney+, DirectTV and Hulu as well as traditional TV channels like NBC, ABC, Discovery Fox, News, CBS News, CNN, NFL Network, ESPN and HGTV. Additionally, the ads were seen on YouTube and on Google within consumer’s favorite websites and on streaming audio platforms. Consumers were also encouraged to join in the fun on Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.‘s social channels. Engaging content around things like Friendsgiving, Hanukkah and a 12 days of holiday sweepstakes allowed followers to win official Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. swag and cookbooks. The campaign shared brand new beef recipes to bring friends and families together.

8 JANUARY 2024

Influencer Partnerships

Results

Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner’s. culinary influencer partners have followers who see them as trustworthy experts. In turn, these influencers often have significant sway over their audiences’ purchasing decisions. Their recommendations help Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. expand their reach, messages and recipe portfolio. That’s precisely why influencer marketing has become an essential tool for the Beef Checkoff as it continues to drive beef demand.

The Beef Checkoff brand marketing team is optimistic about the expected results of the holiday “Together We Bring More” campaign. The outcome is expected to be in line with the “Together We Bring More” summer grilling campaign, where the videos attracted more than 100 million views.

This holiday season, influencer efforts included some fantastic content like a Cranberry Glazed Tenderloin from Savory Experiments and a Smoked Coffee Rubbed Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Crème Fraiche from Chef Tim Hollingsworth.

As the holiday festivities come to an end, beef was positioned as the ultimate protein of choice for festive occasions and everyday meals. Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. will continue to show that beef has not only claimed its place on the table but has become synonymous with the warmth and flavor of the season.

Also, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. hosted a number of influencers at the Chef ’s Table influencer dinner, which was in partnership with FeedFeed, one of the world’s largest social media food & lifestyle publications fueled by a worldwide community of home cooks, foodies and food industry pros. This group experienced beef dishes and wine pairings for the holidays.

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MAPLE-GLAZED RIB ROAST

INGREDIENTS:

WITH ROASTED ACORN SQUASH The flavors of winter are captured with this delicious dish. Maple and thyme are the perfect pairing for both the beef and nutty acorn squash. So easy, yet so spectacular, and so very good for you!

1 beef Rib Roast Bone-In (2 to 4 ribs), small end, chine (back) bone removed (6 to 8 pounds) 1/2 cup pure maple syrup 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 2 teaspoons minced garlic 2 medium acorn squash, cut lengthwise in half, seeded COOKING: Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine maple syrup, thyme and garlic in medium bowl. Reserve 1/4 cup for squash. Brush half of remaining syrup mixture onto all surfaces of beef Rib Roast Bone-In. Reserve remaining for basting.

Nutrition information per serving, 1/8 of recipe: 513 Calories; 222.3 Calories from fat; 24.7g Total Fat (9.5 g Saturated Fat; 1.2 g Trans Fat; 1.2 g Polyunsaturated Fat; 11 g Monounsaturated Fat;) 144 mg Cholesterol; 130 mg Sodium; 25 g Total Carbohydrate; 1.7 g Dietary Fiber; 12 g Total Sugars; 50 g Protein; 12 g Added Sugars; 78.3 mg Calcium; 5.1 mg Iron; 953 mg Potassium; 0.2 mcg Vitamin D; 0.9 mg Riboflavin; 20.2 mg NE Niacin; 1.2 mg Vitamin B6; 4.1 mcg Vitamin B12; 353 mg Phosphorus; 11.5 mg Zinc; 50.7 mcg Selenium; 100.6 mg Choline. This recipe is an excellent source of Protein, Iron, Potassium, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Phosphorus, Zinc, and Selenium; and a good source of Choline.

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Place roast, fat-side up, in shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is centered in thickest part of beef, not resting in fat or touching bone. Do not add water or cover. Roast in 350°F oven 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 hours for medium rare; 2-1/2 to 3 hours for medium doneness, basting with syrup mixture halfway through roasting time. Meanwhile, place squash, cut sides up, in 13x9-inch glass baking dish. Brush cut sides of squash with some reserved syrup mixture; evenly pour remaining mixture into each well. Roast, uncovered, 45 minutes, brushing cut sides with syrup mixture from wells, halfway through baking time. Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare; 145°F for medium doneness. Transfer roast to carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10°-15°F to reach 145°F for medium rare; 160°F for medium.) Meanwhile, increase oven temperature to 425°F and continue to roast squash 15 to 20 minutes or until tender and edges begin to brown. Carve roast into slices. Cut each squash half into 2 wedges, carefully spooning syrup mixture onto each wedge. Season beef and squash with salt and pepper, as desired.

The Progressive Rancher

JANUARY 2024

nd Annual o c e S

Saturday Fallon Nevada Rafter 3c Arena ,

February 17 3C Event Complex, 325 Sheckler Road Wed./Thur. 2/14-2/15/2024

Great Basin Cow Dog Trial: 8am*

ONE EQUALS ONE SIMMENTAL AND ANGUS

Friday 2/16/2024

Fallon Ranch Hand Rodeo Team Branding, 9am*

Dinner & Dance from 4pm-10pm

Saturday 2/17/2024

All AI Herd | Balance | Elite Proven Sires

great Basin Bull Sale: 1 pm*

943 East 370 South Dietrich, ID 83324

Sale Preview all day Friday & Saturday* Vendor trade show Wednesday-Saturday* Wednesday-Saturday* state brand dedication*

Ben Berthelson (208) 731-0099 ben@berthelsoncpa.com

*starred events are free to the public

For vendor, team Branding, Dog Trial, Dinner & Dance info:

Rafter3CArena.org

rafter3carena@gmail.com PHONE: 775-423-7733 For bull sale information:

greatbasinbullsale.com greatbasinbullsale@gmail.com 10 JANUARY 2024

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CONSIGNORS Performance-Tested Division

BULLS ON TEST AT SNYDER LIVESTOCK CO. Hone Ranch Gudel Cattle Company Westwind Ranch Angus Popovits Family Ranch Diablo Valley Angus Diamond B Jorgensen Charolais Romans Angus & Brangus Carter Cattle One Equals One Rafter 9 Ranch Westall Angus

RAFTER 217 -2 4 3C ARENA FAL

LON, NV

Lunch: 12 p.m. Sale: 1 p.m.

200 Bulls Consigned: Choose from Performance-Tested and Range-Ready

Range-Ready Division

Brought to you by HONE RANCH

Hone Ranch Westwind Ranch Angus Hertlein Cattle Company Easterly Romanov Ranch Rafter Bar B Tozier Ranch Wild West Angus Bar MK - Kelly Keep Bar MK - Mark Sheridan University of Nevada Reno MDG Polled Herefords Steve Smith Angus On the Mark Cattle Co. Feather River College Broken Box Ranch Gem State Angus Amador Angus Cardey Ranches Fouts Angus Spanish Ranch Savage Cattle Vos Cattle Wild Wind

BULLS CONSIGNED BY:

GUDEL CATTLE COMPANY WESTWIND RANCH ANGUS

Endorsed by

Online Bidding and Bull Videos

Sale Catalog, Videos & Test Data

www.greatbasinbullsale.com Email

greatbasinbullsale@gmail.com Auctioneer

THD ©

SALE HOSTS HONE RANCH

Charlie Hone 775-691-1838 honeranch@gmail.com www.progressiverancher.com

Jake Parnell, 916-662-1298

Partially paid for by a grant from the Fallon Visitors & Tourism Authority.

GUDEL CATTLE CO.

Kris Gudel 916-208-7258 gudelcattleco@gmail.com

WESTWIND RANCH ANGUS

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David Holden 530-682-8594 wstwind@hotmail.com

SALE MANAGER

Matt Macfarlane, 916-803-3113 m3cattlemarketing@gmail.com www.m3cattlemarketing.com JANUARY 2024

Learning from Past Inaugural Addresses they must not, I am sure they will not be broken. The mystic chords which, proceeding from so many battlefields and so many patriot graves, pass through all the hearts and all the hearths in this broad continent of ours, will yet Likewise, Thomas Jefferson also again harmonize in their ancient deferred to the people for guidance. music when breathed upon by the Throughout his speech there was In his first inaugural speech guardian angel of the nation.” an air of humility, from a man Lincoln outlined what the country, We all remember George not known for being very humble. especially the southern states, By the time of the second inaugural, Washington who could have been Jefferson was a very learned man, needed to do to preserve the Union the nation had suffered through President for life, thus setting a and it is reflected in his wordy of States. He wanted to reconcile four years of the most terrible war dangerous precedent by creating writings. Even so, if one takes the with the seceded states but he felt in our history. 623,000 soldiers had an aristocracy leadership, chose to time to parse the period language it was them to choose a union since died, as many as in all the wars the retire at the end of a second four- and rhetorical flourishes, Jefferson they had left the other states and US had been involved in our entire year term. IN fact, he was reluctant comes across as understanding were not forced out. The speech history. About 400,000 Americans to accept a second term but finally the gravity and weightiness of the therefore was long in its plea to his died in World War II. In a recent “dissatisfied fellow countrymen” book I read, the author David did so out of a great sense of duty responsibilities he was assuming. to avoid, at all possible an armed White wrote, “If one compares to his country. Both Washington and Jefferson conflict. Here is how he closed: the United States in 1860, a small His first inaugural speech is invoked the hand of divine nation with just over 30 million characterized by self-deprecation providence for the establishment “I close. We are not, we must inhabitants, to the United States and unapologetic humility for the of the Nation and for help in not be, aliens or enemies, but in 1940, with over 130 million responsibility he was assuming. leading the country during their fellow -countrymen and brethren. citizens, the comparable losses in Although passion has strained World War II would have been More than once he deferred to presidencies. our bonds of affection too hardly, more than 2.6 million dead.” the will of the people for guidance N otably, President Trump invoked during his term of office. He also warned about too much divine providence five times in partisanship affecting the affairs of his sixteen minute, about 1500 word, speech. Also, in that speech the leaders of the nation. he said this: “Every four years, we LLC “….I behold the surest pledges that gather on these steps to carry out as on one side no local prejudices or the orderly and peaceful transfer of attachments, no separate views nor power…” Water Rights / Resource Permitting Expertise party animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal eye The quintessential Unifying speech which ought to watch over this was given by Abraham Lincoln in Thomas K. Gallagher, PE great assemblage of communities his second Inaugural. The Civil 775•825•1653 / FAX 775•825•1683 and interests, so, on another, that War was quickly coming to an end 333 Flint Street / Reno, NV 89501 the foundation of our national and there was an air of inevitability in that regard. We all know that policy will be laid in the pure and tomg@nevadawatersolutions.com immutable principles of private Lincoln would be assassinated within a few weeks after he was As we move inexorably to the 2024 elections, I have been reading some Inaugural Addresses of Past Presidents. This is good guidance it seems to me to help decide our future leadership because more than ever and particularly in these divided times, character of leaders and the evidence of that character really does count.

morality, and the preeminence of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens and command the respect of the world.”

inaugurated for a second term and the war would effectively be over with Lee’s surrender to General Grant. Unlike the first inaugural speech, he acknowledged much of what needed to be said about the war had already been said, not only by him but others too.

Nevada Water Solutions

12 JANUARY 2024

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Lincoln wrote his second inaugural address sometime before the day of the swearing in and he put a 600-word document in his desk for further edit and revision. The address he gave was 703 words. He says God fourteen times, quotes from the Bible four times and invokes prayer three times. Clearly, the stress of the war and the suffering of the entire nation weighed on him as we can see from the photographs of him as an elected President and a war- weary President just before he was killed. He had every right to be vindictive and punish the people who brought the war to the United States and who fought against the union. He was the leader who had to try and sleep every night after battles like Antietam and Gettysburg. But, in this speech he did not call the soldiers and leaders from the south “rebels” or “the enemy”. After any read of a scholarly analysis of this speech, one can only conclude (based upon Lincoln’s own theological beliefs) that forgiveness was the only path to bring the United States back to One Nation Under God. He was not a partisan seeking revenge. He was the leader of the whole nation. This is how he concluded his speech which I am sure you have read before or perhaps seen it inscribed on the wall of the Lincoln Memorial: “With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.” Have a great 2024. I’ll see you soon.

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JANUARY 2024

14 JANUARY 2024

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The Source for Quality

Cattleman's Choice 45TH ANNUAL

BULL SALE W E D N E S D A Y,

LUNCH AT 12 NOON

MARCH 13 , 2024 |

SALE AT 1:00 PM

145 BULLS 45 YEARLING HEIFERS

BW WW YW MM

4.0 74 126 34

NJW 79Z Z311 ENDURE 173D

BW WW YW MM

-5.4 63 109 30

BIEBER CL ENERGIZE F121

HEREFORD SIRE: Boyd 31Z Blueprint 6153 Pyramid Candor 9139

RED ANGUS SIRE: Bieber CL Stockmarket E119 5L Wrangler 1974-166E BW

BLACK ANGUS SIRES:

WW YW

Tehama Tahoe B767 Baldridge Movin On G780

2.1 76 138 12

STERLING PACIFIC 904

Sale Location

Nine miles south of Rockland, Idaho

Sale Day Phones

208-221-1909 | 208-548-2277

George 208-226-7857, cell 208-221-2277 James 208-221-1909 | jamesudy@hotmail.com SALE BROADCAST ON

Information online at: Hereford.org

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udycattle.com The Progressive Rancher

5078 Rockland Hwy. Rockland, ID 83271

https://www.udycattle.com

January 2024 |

JANUARY 2024

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW “2024 will bring new opportunities, projects, and investments to benefit California cattle producers.”

The Cattle Council is blessed to wrap up another successful year. As we head into 2024, we have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to be excited for next year. The Cattle Council is now going into its fourth full year in operation and has made great strides in accomplishing the work we have set out to do. Looking back through 2023, the Cattle Council launched a series of new projects and completed several. Specifically, the Cattle Council launched an aggressive public affairs campaign centered in the Capitol region but expanded throughout the state over the course of the year. The campaign benefited all three industry segments - ranching, cattle feeding, and dairy - and discussed the unique benefits of each segment to our state and local communities. The pinnacle of the campaign was a series of TV commercials that ran during local news broadcasts. Data shows that local news broadcasts are still heavily watched by local community members and provide an effective way to reach these audiences. In addition to live TV, the campaign ads were also delivered via the internet, social media, and paid TV subscription services.

WATCH: calcattlecouncil.org/calresilient-2023/ Looking forward to 2024, the Cattle Council board of directors last week reapproved a series of projects that directly support cattle producers across the state. These projects are in collaboration with the California Cattlemen’s Foundation and Western United Dairies Foundation to offer regulatory and technical compliance services to beef and dairy producers. Please note that these services are provided to all cattle producers regardless of their membership in any one trade association. In addition, a series of communication projects were also refunded for 2024, including projects like the production of Stories from Cattle County. Stories from Cattle Country is a bimonthly podcast that is professionally produced to provide stories that interest members of the public in learning more about the cattle industry, the challenges we face, and our viewpoint on a series of important issues. The podcast seeks to humanize cattle producers and our issues so they can be better appreciated by our fellow Californians. If you haven’t had the opportunity to tune in, we would highly encourage you to do so. You can subscribe to the podcast via Apple and Google Podcasts or by visiting the Cattle Council Website.

PROTECTING YOUR WATER RIGHTS The Central Nevada Regional Water Authority was established in 2005 to proactively address water issues in the Central Region, the largest of Nevada's 14 hydrographic regions. CNRWA formulates and presents a united position on water-related issues; monitors, assesses and responds to water projects that may adversely impact a member county; implements a groundwater monitoring program and encourages citizen participation in water-related issues. CNRWA’s nine member counties are: Churchill, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Nye, Pershing, and White Pine. MISSION STATEMENT | The mission of the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority is to prepare communities in central and eastern Nevada for sound water-resource decisions that promote prosperous economies and strong civic institutions in a healthy natural environment.

For more information, please contact:

Jeff Fontaine, CNRWA Executive Director 775-443-7667 / ccjfontaine@gmail.com / cnrwa.com

If you’re looking to sell a farm or ranch, give us call! Nevada/Utah Ranch w/ Winter Range

The expanded Bar O Ranch is 909 deeded Acres with over 500 acres with underground Water rights and approx. 400 acres under 4 Center pivots all in perennial crop. 300 head year around without much if any hay plus hay to sell or use the pivots for pasture and run more cows! Three good homes plus other improvements, BLM winter permits out the gate and spring and Summer range not far away. Price Reduced to $4,500,000.

Battle Mountain Farm

369 Acres with two center Pivots covering 250 acres now in Orchard Grass and a Alfalfa/Grass mixture including a dash of corn. If you’re more into cattle, pasture some and raise hay on the rest. Nice home with 4 bedroom 2 bath plus big shop with concrete floor and a machine shed and other useful sheds. At the end of the road but not far out of town. Borders BLM. $1,800,000.

From the Northernmost tip of California down to the Imperial Valley, Stories from California Cattle Country took us to 16 counties across the state. In 24 episodes, we met the faces behind the cattle industry, touching on topics from flooding to feedlots and sales yards to National Seashores. CalCattleCountry. (This podcast is produced by the California Cattlemen’s Foundation with support from the California Cattle Council.) LISTEN: calcattlecouncil.org/stories-from-california-cattle-country/ 2024 will bring new opportunities, projects, and investments to benefit cattle producers. Never hesitate to reach out to our office or any board member to provide input or comments. We certainly cannot be successful without your ongoing support, and for that, we thank you.

For additional information on these properties, visit BOTTARIREALTY.COM

Paul D. Bottari

Broker, Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) NV Lic.# B 015476

Bottari & Associates Realty | 775.752.3040

Have a wonderful Holiday season and a Happy New Year! 16 JANUARY 2024

The Progressive Rancher

Cell: 775.752.0952 | paul@bottarirealty.com 530 S Shoshone Ave • PO Box 368 Wells, NV 89835

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It has been an honor to serve Nevada in Congress for another year. I am grateful to Nevada voters for trusting me to bring Nevada’s voice to Washington and want to thank everyone who has contacted me and my office to share thoughts, questions, and concerns over the past year. In the new year, I hope you continue to communicate directly with us on the issues most important to you. Here are just a few of this year’s highlights. WASHINGTON WRAP UP

Despite what seems like constant bad news emanating from Washington, we’ve made positive strides on behalf of the American people. I can tell you, the news media isn’t going out of their

way to find instances of positive news regarding Congress, like the House’s work passing individual appropriations bills, standing against state-sponsored terrorism, ensuring our nation’s military readiness, and advancing Nevada’s priorities.

provided the FRTC with more than half a million acres of BLM land for military training vital to our national security. The implementation of this agreement will not only enhance our national security, but also serve as an economic driver for our region.

NEVADA DOING ITS PART

The FRTC has served as the Navy’s premier training environment for naval aviation forces for 75 years and is used extensively by the Navy to conduct mission training in advanced strike warfare, air warfare, electronic warfare, and tactical ground mobility, including live-fire training. The complex is the only location where an entire carrier air wing, consisting of more than 60 aircraft and associated support crews, can work together and train. The Navy needed to modernize the FRTC to address significant gaps in its training capabilities, and the agreement included in the FY23 NDAA approved the proposed expansion of land ranges and modernization. Modernization efforts include:

After years of collaboration and negotiation, the Nevada-generated solution to the Navy’s proposal to modernize the Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC) was included in the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA; P.L. 117263). This represented one of the most significant pieces of Nevada lands legislation in the State’s history and

• Renewal of the Navy’s existing public land withdrawal.

• Land range expansion through the additional withdrawal of public lands and the acquisition of some non-federal land. • Airspace expansion and modifications.

• Upgrades to range infrastructure. I am proud that Nevada represents a vital piece of our overall national security. We are living in a time of great global uncertainty, which is why it’s more important now than ever to ensure the readiness of our forces. Many factors contribute to military readiness, like the quality of our personnel, strong leadership, modern equipment,

adequate installation and base infrastructure, and effective education and training. Of these factors, none is more essential than realistic training. Training areas and ranges provide controlled and safe environments that enable military forces to conduct combat-like training as they undergo all phases of preparation needed for combat-ready deployment. The modernization of the FRTC ensures our forces have access to the ranges and operating areas necessary for realistic training to ensure combat readiness. Reps. Horsford, Lee, and I supported two amendments to require the completion of an Interagency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Air Force and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to ensure adequate access for FWS to the joint use area, as well as require the submission of a report from the Department of the Interior (DOI) describing the status of a Cooperative Agreement between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) for wildlife management activities in wilderness areas. The success of these measures is a testament to the effectiveness of our delegation when we work together. LOOKING AHEAD

I am proud of the work the House has done to make progress on the issues that affect us all. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you and Nevada’s Second Congressional District in the people’s House. I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season. As always, in 2024, I will continue to keep you apprised of legislative action in Congress, work on the Appropriations Committee, and important updates for Nevada.

Amodei.House.gov www.progressiverancher.com

The Progressive Rancher

JANUARY 2024

Cattlewomen’s Corner of the Corral 2024 brings some new faces to the Nevada Cattlewomen Executive Board. Officers were sworn in at the 2023 Nevada Cattlewomen’s General Membership meeting on November 17, held in conjunction with the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Convention and Trade Show in Winnemucca, Nevada. Pamela Griffin, ANCW President, was there to welcome each officer and offer words of wisdom to each position. The new officers are:

Keri Pommerening – President Charmi Mitchell – President-Elect Rosealee Rieman – Vice President Lacey Tom - Secretary Ana Dagenhart – Treasurer Julie Irish – Parliamentarian Madison Bowers – Past President

L-R Rosealee Rieman, Ana Dagenhart, Madison Bowers, Pamela Griffin, Charmi Mitchell, Keri Pommerening, Julie Irish (not pictured Lacey Tom)

Nevada Cattlewomen Elect New Officers | By Keri Pommerening e Nevada Cattlewomen have many great ideas in the works for 2024. Increasing Th membership, promoting beef through wine and beef pairing events to be held throughout the state, and educating producers on safe livestock handling procedures through Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) activities are just a few at the top of the list. These ideas are made possible by our great team of Executive Directors. I am a firm believer in shared leadership; therefore, I will highlight each member of our team in the future months. Each of them brings great experience and vision to our association. I ’ll start with a little about myself for those who don’t know me. I am a wife, mother of two, and grandmother of four (and maybe more to come). I’m a retired educator. I spent thirty years as a teacher, principal, teacher-trainer, and district curriculum director. In my career I focused on inspiring the next generation, which I continue to do in the beef industry and agriculture. The cattle industry and ranching have always been my passion. When people ask me what I love most about retirement, I tell them I don’t have to raise cattle and irrigate in the dark and on weekends, now it’s a 24/7 job. I grew up on the Dangberg Ranch in Carson Valley, Nevada, cowboying with my dad, Dennis Jensen, learning as much as I could about the past and future of the cow business. When I met my husband, Dan Pommerening, we continued to grow our own herd, two-legged and four legged. We now raise Angus cross commercial cattle with our children and their families. We also raise a few cow horses (enough to keep the grandkids mounted), and always have a herd of border collie dogs to help. We are blessed to have a ranch in the beautiful Smith Valley that takes a lot of our time but makes for great family memories. I’m also a brand inspector, a job I enjoy because I can connect with other cattle producers and feedlot owners. My hobbies include western photography and showing reined cow horses. I also like to dabble in drawing and writing. My favorite pastime is spending time with my four “grandboys” and teaching them about agriculture. This industry may not make you rich at the bank, but it is rich in tradition and teaching the next generation to take care of the land and animals. When I think of cattle women, I think all of us cherish our past as we look to the future. o, until next month, here’s to a prosperous 2024. If you are traveling to Cattle Con in S Florida, here’s to safe travels and many new connections.

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Selling 60 Bulls Private Treaty and at the Idaho Salers Sale February 27, 2024

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JANUARY 2024

Nevada Farm Bureau

Considering 2024 By Doug Busselman | NFB Executive Vice President As we are wrapping up the calendar year for 2023 it seems like looking ahead to 2024 might be a normal thing to do. Before we polish up the crystal ball it would also be appropriate to take a quick look in the rearview mirror and the major items of the 2023 year we’re closing out. The Winter of 2023 might be on the top of the list to remember about this year. Coming out of a drought and dealing with weather as well as high hay prices, the challenge of getting through the heavy snows and eventually flood waters from run-off in some areas made for a miserable winter/spring. It was also unusual for the amount of rain many areas in Nevada received in 2023 and how that impacted attempts to get a cutting of hay up without washing it more than anyone would have wanted. While we know that there isn’t much anyone can do but deal with the weather, 2023 was also a legislative year and those 120 days after Feb 6 included a number of highlights to add to the diary for this year. The 82nd session of the Nevada Legislature featured a record number of water related legislative proposals. Unlike past sessions, a good number of the proposals were positive ideas that would have been great additions to add to Nevada’s Revised Statutes. Unfortunately, not all the good ideas that were proposed made it through the gauntlet of becoming law. Senate Bill 112, Senate Bill 176 and Senate Bill 180 were a few of the notable ideas that would have been positive additions, but fell short of gaining passage. Senate Bill 112 was intended to deal with the special assessment fees that are raised by the State Engineer to fund groundwater management activities in 20 JANUARY 2024

some designated groundwater basins. If the measure would have gained passage it would have created a more transparent system for those who are paying the assessments to understand how the funds are being expended. It also was intended to better limit the way collected funds could be used and attempted to restrict the amount of increase that might be assessed from one year to the next. The bill went to Senate Finance Committee where it failed to gain any further action.

on a 21-0 vote. It was passed by the Assembly on a 41-0 vote (with one person absent and not voting). An amendment was added in the Assembly and sent to a conference committee to work through the differences. Because of the management of the legislative process the conference committee didn’t have an opportunity to meet until nearly the ending time of the Legislative Session and it died because of this inept operation of the legislative process.

Senate Bill 176 offered an opportunity to respond to the many overappropriated and over-pumped groundwater basins in the state. It sought to establish a program for the Nevada to purchase water rights from willing sellers in groundwater basins which are over-appropriated and over-pumped and then retire those purchased water rights. Despite wide support the bill also was sent to the Senate Finance Committee where it was placed in a desk drawer to end the session un-passed.

Senate Bill 113 is one of the water bills that did gain passage and was signed into law. SB 113 deals with groundwater basins that have been designated as a critical management area. The provisions of SB 113 are oriented for protecting senior water rights within the framework of the operations of a critical management area. This will only require senior water rights to participate in a groundwater management plan on a voluntary basis when locally developed groundwater management plans seek to bring overpumped basins back into balance with available water resources.

On a side note – the concept of SB 176 was appreciated enough by the Lombardo Administration to get another chance, using funds from the Nevada Water Conservation and Infrastructure Initiative that were established by the interim Finance Committee in 2022 that earmarked $100 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. $25 million from the $100 million were set aside for a project to buy groundwater rights from willing sellers to retire water rights from overappropriated and over-pumped basins. Senate Bill 180 might be one of the more interesting bills that failed to gain passage. It was proposed to provide for establishment of groundwater boards to locally consider possible solutions for water issues and advise the State Engineer. SB 180 passed the Senate

What Lies Ahead In 2024? Over the course of the coming months Nevada’s interim Joint Legislative Committees will be appointed and hold meetings to consider relative matters that fall into the jurisdiction of the respective Senate and Assembly committees. Issues raised and discussed during interim committee meetings could be outlined for legislation that will come before the 2025 Session. We will be able to see what water or other natural resources proposals might come forward for either the Senate or Assembly Natural Resources Committees. If things unfold as they did during the last interim session, the Nevada Legislature’s Committee on

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Public Lands will again be handled as a sub-committee of the Joint Interim Natural Resources Committee. Another predictable matter to keep a sharp eye on involves the “Conservation” rule that the Bureau of Land Management launched this past year. The agency is attempting to re-create what multiple use means, regardless of what Congress defined in the law. After wading through an incredible mountain of public comment responses, at some point BLM is likely to declare that they’ve listened to the input from the public and then return with what they wish to bring about as the right way for them to manage and operate on the lands that they have under their control. Although foretelling the future might be a bit beyond a skill that I can claim, it will more than likely take the courts to iron out whatever will be the future for this set of regulations. There also is something on the horizon in 2024 which will unfold, leading up to November. (We once could have identified election day as being when the outcome would be determined but given the manner in which the election process takes place now, figuring out the outcome by the end of November might be considered a miracle on its own.) Against the backdrop of campaigning and electioneering we’re also supposed to try to rewrite a new Farm Bill – that couldn’t get done this year, when it was supposed to be completed, because of the sharp differences in views already in place during a non-election year. Who knows, as these things play themselves out, the weather might be the best thing to write about when this article is drafted in December of 2024?

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Nevada Farm Bureau

Nevada Farm Bureau Federation Agriculture Education Materials Disbursement 2023

Humboldt Ag Day 900 Students Tri County Fair 497 Students

Ag and Water of Nevada Books

5,100

FCCLA 440 Students UNR Field Day 290 Students

Sheep and Wool in Nevada Books

2,200

Pershing County Ag Fair 295 Students

Ag Magazines

White Pine Fair 146 Students

14,400 AFBF books & teacher guides

Promos (cows squishies,sheep squishies, lettuce squishies, cow cold packs,pig cold packs, bags, pencils, and bracelets)

223

Fair Days 281 Students

Smith Valley Ag Day 290 Students

Ag Heritage Days 280 Students MES Ag in the Classroom 403 Students

Ag Fair Day 368 Students Cantaloupe Festival 423 Students

4,346

Nevada Ag map Specialty Crops Magazine

1,200

National Ag In the Classroom Ag Badging Book

636

Additional ag education programs supplied

Student Agriculture Education Outreach in January to October 2023 Total Students 8,001

Teacher Ag Kits

Total Ag ED Adult Outreach 5,113

102

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JANUARY 2024

Grassroots

Nevada Farm Bureau Reminder – Livestock Moving Permits Need To Be Renewed For New Year

18th Annual Invasive Species Conference Set For Jan. 17-18 In Ely

In his recently released December newsletter, Director of Agriculture, JJ Goicoechea reminded Nevada livestock producers that current Livestock Movement Permits expire on Dec. 31, 2023. Movement Permits are required for the movement of livestock between district lines in Nevada and are only valid for the calendar year in which they were issued. An annual fee of $25 is required. Permits for the 2024 calendar year have been mailed out and are also available at https:// agri.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/agrinvgov/ Content/Animals/Livestock/2023_ LMP_Application.pdf Please be sure to complete and sign both front and back pages.

The Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition and Tri-County Weed Control are joining together to host the 18th Annual Invasive Species Conference at the Bristlecone Convention Center (150 6th St) in Ely, NV. Visit www.envlc.org/invasive-speciesconference/ for on-line registration and schedule information. The conference starts ata 8am on Wed., January 17.

Your Input is Needed! What Initiatives Work For Local Engagement On Water Issues? Nevada UNR’s Extension program, “Cattlemen’s Update” is being planned for the week of January 8-12, 2024 and will include meeting venues across the state of Nevada. The event’s website offers more specifics on the planned program as well as the dates/locations for the meetings, but here’s a brief overview of the where’s and when’s for the schedule: Monday, January 8 at 10 a.m. Virtual Meeting

Tues, January 9 at 5:30 p.m. Fallon Convention Center – Dinner included Wed, January 10 at 5:30 p.m Ely Convention Center Dinner included

Thurs, January 11 at 12:30 p.m. Elko, Great Basin College Dinner included

Friday, January 12 at 10 a.m. Paradise Valley Community Hall Lunch included The cost is $20 per ranch

Contact: Kaley Chapin (775) 467-2668 or kaleys@unr.edu 22 JANUARY 2024

Farm Bureau And Other Ag Groups Urge Keeping AM Radio In All Vehicles Earlier this year several automakers announced they have removed or plan to remove broadcast AM radio receivers from electric vehicles (EVs) due to electromagnetic interference generated from electric batteries. Most notably, Ford announced it would not include AM radio in any of its new models beginning in 2024. However, on May 23, after Congressional backlash, Ford reversed its decision and will include it on all 2024 Ford & Lincoln vehicles. In response, H.R. 3413/S.1669, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act was introduced by Representative Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, Representative Bruce Westerman of Arkansas, Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. The proposed legislation: • Directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a rule that requires automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their vehicles without a separate or additional payment, fee, or surcharge beyond the base price of the device; • Requires any automaker that sells vehicles without access to AM broadcast radio before the effective date of the NHTSA regulation to clearly disclose to consumers that the vehicle lacks access to AM broadcast radio; and • Directs the Gvmt Accountability Office (GAO) to study the reach and effectiveness of AM broadcast radio for alerting the public to emergencies relative to other technologies.

Earlier this week the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and a group of other agricultural organizations sent this letter urging support for the bill. It is interesting to note that every one of Nevada’s House members have cosigned in support of HR 3413 and both of Nevada’s two U.S. Senators have also added their names as co-signers to S 1669.

USDA Planning Survey Of Nevada Agricultural Financial Well-being Beginning in late December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will spend several months gathering information about farm economics from farmers and ranchers across Nevada, as the agency conducts the third and final phase of the 2023 Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). “ARMS is the only survey that measures the current financial well-being of Nevada producers and their households as a whole,” said Gary Keough, Director of NASS Pacific Regional Office. “The data will help inform decisions on local and federal policies and programs that affect Nevada farms and farm families.” To obtain the most accurate data, NASS will reach out to nearly 40,000 producers nationwide, including 60 in Nevada, between January 2024 – April 2024. The survey asks producers to provide in-depth information about their operating revenues, production costs, and household characteristics. “Starting in February, our interviewers will reach out to farmers who have not yet responded,” said Keough. “We appreciate their time; we’re here to help with the questionnaire so that their information will continue to support sound agricultural decision-making.” Information provided to NASS is kept confidential; the agency only publishes data in aggregate form, ensuring that no individual respondent or operation can be identified. The expense data gathered in ARMS will be published in the annual Farm Production Expenditures report on July 26, 2024. That report and others are available at nass.usda.gov/Publications.

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Feds Seeking Opinions On Alternative Energy Production On Ag Lands What do you think of having solar or wind energy production being sited on agricultural lands? We recently shared that the USDA and DOE (U.S. Department of Energy) are hosting virtual listening sessions from January 12-17 where they are seeking differing perspectives on the benefits and challenges of this rapidly increasing level of putting solar and wind energy production on lands used for agricultural purposes. In a 2021 DOE study, solar energy deployments were projected to accelerate, perhaps from the 4 percent of the U.S. total energy production to 45 percent by 2050. Taking that level of solar power generation to 45 percent could require nearly 10.4 million acres. We’re already seeing this over-whelming increase happening in Nevada on federally managed lands. These sites are the places to go in order to register to listen in as well as participate in these virtual sessions: Government permitting and policy representatives at the state, county or other local levels – January 12, 2024, 12:30-2 p.m. (Eastern) www. zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_ CN8Y TGmtSP2JuS6QX1QsaA#/ registration Agricultural Producers – January 16, 2024, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Eastern) www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/ WN_1TqGU-qFSVuJ8Guw_TFlPA#/ registration All stakeholders and members of the public – January 16, 2024, 2:30 - 4 p.m. (Eastern) www.zoomgov. com/webinar/register/WN_8_nXs_ ShSxOC11dvyYDqTA#/registration Rural Electric Cooperatives and Clean Energy Developers – January 17, 2024, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Eastern) www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/ WN_jp23vBXUQamJtigrkJi4lA#/ registration You can also submit written comments by January 20, 2024 to this site: CleanEnergySiting@USDA.gov www.progressiverancher.com

Apply for 2024 Livestock Movement Permits

Protecting consumers this holiday season

Current Livestock Movement Permits expire on Dec. 31, 2023. Movement Permits are required for the movement of livestock between district lines in Nevada and are only valid for the calendar year in which they were issued. An annual fee of $25 is required. Permits for the 2024 calendar year have been mailed out and are available on the NDA website. Please be sure to complete and sign both front and back pages. https:// agri.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/agrinvgov/Content/ Animals/Livestock/2023_LMP_Application.pdf

Did you know the NDA’s Division of Measurement Standards inspects all weighing and measuring devices used in sales in Nevada? This includes the airline scales used to weigh luggage when traveling. Airport baggage scales are one of the many scale types inspected and certified for accuracy by the NDA to ensure accurate baggage and other weight-based charges.

Learn about available funding and programs at Natural Resources Meeting

As the holiday season approaches, our focus turns to food and family. No matter what your holiday plans look like, if you have the means, I encourage you to consider donating to your local food bank, food pantry or other donation center of your choice.

In addition to the 13 feeding programs the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) manages as a state agency, I’m proud to share that NDA staff pulled from their personal resources to donate 37 bags full of food for a holiday food drive (learn more at: tinyurl.com/ NDA-2023HFD) I am proud to lead a team dedicated to the goals of our community nutrition programs, and willing to use their own resources to help close the food gap. As one in eight Nevadans face the question of where their next meal will come from, I hope this holiday season we can ease some uncertainty.

January 11, 5 p.m. Lander County Courthouse 50 State Rte. 305, Battle Mountain, NV 89820 The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is holding a meeting in Nevada to allow interested landowners, farmers and ranchers to learn more about the programs available. Staff will be available to answer questions and provide information about our programs and how to apply to them. Stop by and talk with them about issues related to soil, water, air, plants, animals and energy. Info: www.rd.usda.gov/nv

Should you suspect an issue with a scale, including baggage scales, you can visit agri.nv.gov/ce to file a complaint.

Get your 2023 Nevada Craft Beverage Passport prizes The final days of stamping are upon us! Visit any last craft beverage establishments you haven’t made it to and send in your passport to redeem your prize. Passports with 10 stamps or more are eligible for prizes and must be postmarked by Jan. 5, 2024. Visit agri.nv.gov/passport for more information.

HELP WANTED: Join the Nevada Board of Agriculture The Nevada Board of Agriculture is looking for members to represent various industries. The Nevada Board of Agriculture establishes policy and adopts regulations under Board authority necessary for the operation of the NDA. Vacancies include: • A representative of petroleum • A representative of semi-range cattle production • A representative of food manufacturing or animal processing industries APPLY FOR A BOARD POSITION HERE: gov.nv.gov/Boards/Board-Vacancies

Happy Holidays to all,

- Director Goicoechea

HELP WANTED: More Job Opportunities • Agriculturist 3 (Sparks) * Underfill: Agriculturist 2 (Sparks)

NDA employee receives Rita Beard Leadership Award at NAISMA Conference

Home Feeds Nevada continues to distribute food to residents in need Recently the NDA marked the first year of the Home Feeds Nevada program. Through this program, the NDA purchases foods that are grown, produced or processed in Nevada and distributes them through designated food banks to populations in need. So far this year, the NDA has distributed over 986,500 pounds of food and over 106,000 gallons of milk. To learn more about this program go to agri.nv.gov/hfn. www.progressiverancher.com

Andrea Moe, an agriculturist with the NDA’s Division of Plant Health and Compliance, recently received the Rita Beard Visionary Leadership Award at the 2023 North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) conference. Andrea has worked with NAISMA during her seven years of service at the NDA, focusing on Nevada’s certified weed-free program and expanding NAISMA’s weedfree products including mulch and compost material. Andrea currently co-chairs the NAISMA Weed-Free Products Committee and is a member of its Executive Committee. Andrea’s involvement with NAISMA gives Nevada an important voice in the discussion on invasive species management in North America. Info: naisma.org/get-involved/naisma-annual-awards The Progressive Rancher

• Agricultural Police Officer 2 (Las Vegas) * Underfill: Agricultural Police Officer 1 (Las Vegas) • Division of Plant Health and Compliance Administrator (Sparks) • Weights and Measures Inspector 2 (Elko) * Underfill: W&M Inspector 1 (Elko)

Keep up to date with all job openings at nvapps.state. nv.us/NEATS/Recruiting/ViewJobsHome.aep.

Stay informed on important updates from the NDA Ensure you are receiving important updates from the NDA pertaining to agriculture businesses, regulation changes and more. Visit tinyurl.com/NDA-NL-Sub to sign up for notifications and specify which topics are relevant to your business.

JANUARY 2024

Wildlife: Gray wolves released in Colorado

Grazing Access: Comment deadline nearing on Colorado releases first 5 wolves in reintroduction controversial Rock Springs RMP.

plan approved by voters to chagrin of ranchers Rock Springs Pushes For More Local Comments (from WTAJ -AP) On Controversial BLM Plan (from The Cowboy The wolves were set free from crates in a State Daily) Grand County location that state officials The controversial plan would impact half of kept undisclosed to protect the predators. It the 3.6 million acres of public land the BLM’s marked the start of the most ambitious wolf Rock Springs office manages. What has reintroduction effort in the U.S. in almost three generated a storm of complaints is the Biden decades and a sharp departure from aggressive administration’s preferred Alternative B of the efforts by Republican-led states to cull wolf plan, which values conservation above most An analysis of western ranching politics packs. A judge on Friday night had denied a other considerations. That has many in the brought to you by the Public Lands Council request from the state’s cattle industry for region and around Wyoming worried about IN THE NEWS a temporary delay to the release. The group losing public access to the land as well as using watched as the first two wolves, 1-year-old male it for economic development. Alternative B and female siblings with gray fur, were set free. would designate much of the land as “areas Forest Service: Biden The male bolted up the golden grass, running of crucial environmental concern.” (ACEC), a Administration announces partially sideways to keep an eye on everyone 460% increase from the existing 286,450 acres intent to amend all 128 forest behind, then turning left into the trees. The currently designated ACEC. plans to further restrict thinning of old-growth forests crowd watched in silence, then some hugged each other and low murmurs started up. When The economic impact of this plan would Biden administration takes step toward the latch on the second crate flipped, the wolf devastate the county, Taylor Jones said. “The protecting old-growth trees (from The Hill) didn’t budge. Everyone waited as Colorado Gov. more you read of this document, the more you The administration issued a proposed plan Jared Polis peeked into the cage. After roughly realize how much it affects. It affects everything,” with apparent limitations on cutting down old- 30 seconds, those around the crates stepped Taylor Jones said. “It affects everything from growth trees — saying lands can’t be managed back, giving the wolf space. The female slowly recreation to oil and gas development to with the primary intention of logging such rose then bounded up a snowy divot in the dirt mining, to tourism, future jobs, access to private trees for economic reasons. It does say that road, looking back before disappearing into an lands, agriculture. It will completely wipe out our economy in Sweetwater County.” “ecologically appropriate” timber harvesting will aspen grove. be allowed as long as it meets certain standards. Wolves “have larger-than-life places in human Alternative A would leave things as they are. The Agriculture Department also said it was imagination, in the stories we all grew up Alternative C is the opposite of B, leaning proposing incorporating a “national intent” to with and tell each other,” said Polis. “To see heavily toward energy development and maintain and improve old-growth forests into them in their natural habitat, and turn around multiple use. Alternative D would strike a all of the land management plans within the look curiously at us … is really, really a special balance between these extremes. National Forest System. moment that I will treasure for my entire life.” The other three wolves released were another As far as most southwest Wyoming residents David Dreher, senior manager for public lands pair of 1-year-old male and female siblings, are concerned, the BLM should leave things as at the National Wildlife Federation, said the as well a 2-year-old male. The wolves were all they are. Even Alternative D, which is meant to establishment of the “national intent” to protect caught in Oregon on Sunday. When the final be somewhat of a compromise, is not acceptable these forests is important because it will inform crate opened, the 2-year-old male with a black for many in Rock Springs, who say they’re afraid decisions made by Forest Service officials. “It coat immediately darted out, making a sharp it would set a precedent that would eventually does guide land managers in an important way right past onlookers and dashing into the trees. lead to Alternative B. when they look at how they want to manage He didn’t look back once. When it all ended, acres on the ground,” Dreher told The Hill. “An a small round of applause broke out. Colorado To have daily/weekly news sent to you, visit: affirmative statement that says we need old officials anticipate releasing 30 to 50 wolves publiclandscouncil.org/subscribe/ forests and what I do in these old forests or in within the next five years in hopes the program mature forests that I want to recruit into old starts to fill in one of the last remaining major There, you can can subscribe to: forests contributes to the long-term persistence gaps in the western U.S. for the species. Gray • The Daily Roundup of those forests,” he said. “We’ve never had that wolves historically ranged from northern • The Weekend Roundup before.” • Capital Issues • Press Releases Canada to the desert southwest.

THE ROUNDUP

24 JANUARY 2024

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College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources ACADEMICS I EXPERIMENT STATION I EXTENSION Nevada-raised wool products and jerky in Nevada Wolf Shop are perfect for gift-giving

Associate Professor Melinda Yerka, with the College’s Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences and Experiment Station unit, showcases one of her malting and brewing sorghum varieties.

Community encouraged to do shopping that supports student activities, education and research The next time you need a gift that showcases local Nevada products, consider The University’s Nevada Wolf Shop. It has a stock of wool products from sheep and jerky from beef raised by the College. Not only do the products offer an opportunity to buy local, but sales support student activities, education and research. Shop silky soft wool

College researcher aims to improve sorghum hybrids for dairy cattle feed Associate Professor Melinda Yerka develops one of the largest and most nutritious sorghum hybrids Preliminary research by Associate Professor in the College Melinda Yerka suggests that she has made a major development in global sorghum cultivation – varieties that are more nutritious to dairy cows, are well-adapted to Nevada and California, and have a more adaptable harvest window than existing sorghums. Yerka’s work was designed to develop sustainable and resilient alternatives in dairy cow nutrition to address the shortcomings of current dairy feeds that struggle with hot, arid conditions and need more water in the West. Yerka hopes her sorghums will also decrease producers’ need to rely on feed imports from other states. Her new varieties that combine large, soft seeds with either high protein or high starch contents could rewrite the rules of how the nutrition profile of sorghum compares with corn and alfalfa. www.progressiverancher.com

Providing farm-to-table seeds To make the publicly available varieties Yerka developed commercially competitive, she founded Yerka Seeds in collaboration with the University’s College of Business. Yerka Seeds will: 1. Collaborate with dairy farms to prove the new varieties are competitive for dairy nutrition. 2. Identify the best hybrids for distribution through Yerka Seeds to farmers. 3. Connect consumers, maltsters and breweries to farmers growing the seeds for direct sales. Addressing global food challenges Yerka and her partners have recently begun collaborating with sorghum breeders at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center to expand her sorghums to less developed nations. Yerka said, “Should the newly developed sorghums prove competitive with established feed crops, they will serve as a compelling showcase of sorghum’s genetic potential in aiding global food and feed systems to adapt effectively to the challenges posed by climate change.” The Progressive Rancher

Some of the wool products available include beanies, scarves, sweaters and blankets. Their silky, soft wool is from Rafter 7 Merino sheep raised by the College’s Great Basin Research & Extension Center in Eureka, a breed that the College’s Experiment Station developed more than 30 years ago, now prized internationally for its fine wool and meat. The sheep have adapted well over time to rangeland production and to producing fine wool in spite of the harsh Nevada climate. Enjoy five jerky flavors The beef for the jerky is from cattle raised in Reno, at the Experiment Station’s Main Station Field Lab, home of Wolf Pack Meats. Wolf Pack Meats partnered with a local business to make the jerky, which comes in five flavors – teriyaki, sweet & spicy, garlic, smokey BBQ, and black pepper & sea salt. The items are part of Wolf Pack Meats’ efforts to enhance its offerings of local meats and products to the community, which support the growth of its production capacity. Providing local products from real-world programs “We’re delighted to partner with the Nevada Wolf Shop to offer these products. It’s a great way to show what the University is doing and how our programs offer real-world experiences for our students. And, it provides the community with quality, locally produced products.” – Dean Bill Payne JANUARY 2024

College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557 Max C. Fleischmann Agriculture Building, Mailstop: 221 cabnr@unr.edu | 775-784-1660

Our programs work together to make an impact Our teaching, research and engagement programs are intertwined and complement one another. Faculty who teach on campus also conduct research as part of our Experiment Station, allowing students to learn about and participate in research. Extension faculty engaging with communities identify research needs, as well as join Experiment Station faculty to conduct research. Faculty on campus help to develop Extension programs in communities. Researching critical issues Experiment Station faculty conduct research at experiment stations, labs and research facilities across the state, as well as teach classes and share and conduct research with students. The state-federal partnership tackles issues affecting Nevada’s citizens, communities and economy. Teaching University students We offer 24 undergraduate and graduate degrees to prepare students for highpaying, in-demand careers in agriculture, rangeland & veterinary sciences; biochemistry & molecular biology; natural resources & environmental science; and nutrition. Engaging Nevada communities Extension is engaged in Nevada communities, presenting research-based knowledge to address critical community needs. The county-state-federal partnership provides practical education to people, businesses and communities, fulfilling the University’s land-grant mission.

Angeline Jeyakumar joins the College as an Extension public health nutrition specialist and Department of Nutrition assistant professor.

Nutrition specialist brings global approach to managing chronic health conditions Angeline Jeyakumar aims to drive healthy nutrition choices in Nevada he College has hired Angeline Jeyakumar as an Extension public health nutrition specialist and Department of Nutrition assistant professor. Jeyakumar, who will also conduct research as part of the College’s Experiment Station, will collaborate with public health experts statewide to develop communitybased interventions targeting the reduction of chronic health conditions in Washoe County. Her immediate priority is to assess the distinctive risk factors of various chronic health conditions across age groups and to alter nutrition behaviors to mitigate risk factors. For more than 20 years, Jeyakumar has researched and advocated for the improvement of child and maternal nutrition in underserved communities. Among her notable achievements is a comprehensive nutrition education module that she designed to combat iron deficiency among adolescent girls in the Pune district of western India. Her proactive approach emphasized the significance of promoting nutritional awareness before reproduction, recognizing it as a crucial step in breaking the cycle of undernutrition for future generations. Reducing Nevadans’ disease risk “Angeline brings a unique set of skills and experience to the department and Extension, and, thanks to the support she has received from Extension and the Experiment Station, the University can look forward to the development of new and innovative approaches to reducing chronic disease risk among Nevadans.” – Nutrition Department Chair Jamie Benedict Meet Angeline! Learn more about Assistant Professor Angeline Jeyakumar here: www.unr.edu/nutrition/directory/jeyakumar-angeline

26 JANUARY 2024

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L to R: Ricky Klafehn, Elisset Poveda, Rocio Olvera and Karla Hernández represented the University at the National Diversity in STEM Conference in Portland, Oregon.

The district’s Nov. 15 meeting highlighted “The OrganWise Guys” programming that Extension is rolling out in school lunchrooms starting next month.

SACNAS provides opportunities for (old) new ideas in science

School district meeting highlights new Extension nutrition programming

A new community for Chicano/Hispanic and Native American STEM students officially arrives on campus

Carson City School District shows how the menu gets made, speaks on programs and apps to teach families about nutrition

Faculty and students from the University recently visited Portland, Oregon, for the National Diversity in STEM Conference, hosted by the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). The University attendees are part of the provisional SACNAS chapter on campus, and their conference travel was supported, in part, by the College. “There were elders and founding members at this conference,” Ricky Klafehn, graduate president of the University’s SACNAS chapter, said. “So that was really wonderful, to see and hear from their perspective.” Last fall, Klafehn reached out to Kari Emm, the College’s tribal student specialist. Emm put her in touch with Karla Hernández, who now directs the College’s Biotechnology Program. The three began efforts to create a SACNAS chapter on campus. Their recently recognized chapter is the first and only in Nevada. The campus chapter welcomes all students and faculty who want to advance diversity in science. One of its goals is to talk about science in a way that reaches beyond Western science and includes Traditional Knowledge curated by Indigenous communities.

SACNAS SPOTLIGHT: Undergraduate chapter president Paola Miramontes Gonzales Paola Miramontes Gonzalez, the undergraduate president of the University’s SACNAS chapter, is an environmental science student and student researcher in the College, studying how urbanization impacts water quality.

Nutrition Services directors from the Carson City School District wanted to show community members what makes a better meal for students. So, they put their teriyaki chicken and cheese pizza to the test during the Nov. 15 Professional Learning Community meeting at Carson High School. The regular discussions seek community engagement from local stakeholders to improve the district’s strategic plan and school priorities. Nutrition Services Director Elizabeth Martinez and food service management company Chartwells’ Director of Dining Services John Worring create Carson City schools’ menus and comply with federal nutrition regulations. They spoke on current operations and the educational aspects to providing daily breakfast and lunch programs. Martinez invited Celina Barajas-Madrigal, coordinator of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Programs for Extension’s Carson City/Storey County Office, to speak to new programming available to 350 school-age youth in the district through Extension.

Extension is rolling out a six-week curriculum called “The OrganWise Guys” targeting third- through fifth-graders using organ characters to encourage healthy eating in school lunchrooms. The program will be introduced to fourthgrade teachers at Fritsch Elementary next month. Read the Nevada Appeal story here: www.nevadaappeal.com/news/2023/ nov/24/carson-city-school-district-shows-how-the-menu-gets-made/

She said, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, talk to professors and put yourself out there. That is all it really takes to pursue your dreams and interests.” www.progressiverancher.com

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JANUARY 2024

28 JANUARY 2024

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Applications open for voluntary water rights retirements in central Nevada groundwater basins

UPCOMING SALES

The application deadline is Jan. 22, 2024

Thurs • Jan 25, 2024

The Central Nevada Regional Water Authority (CNRWA) and Humboldt River Basin Water Authority (HRBWA) were recently granted $15 million to purchase and retire groundwater rights from willing sellers.

Tehama District Fairgrounds • Red Bluff, CA Consignment Deadline: Jan 17, 2024

Applications are now open for willing sellers to apply to voluntarily retire their water rights in these basins.

Thurs • Feb 29, 2024

The program, the Nevada Water Conservation and Infrastructure Initiative, is meant to purchase and permanently retire groundwater rights from willing sellers in groundwater basins with insufficient water supply to serve all water rights and domestic wells.

WVM Headquarters • Cottonwood, CA

Funding is to be used for over-appropriated and over-pumped groundwater basins in the Central Hydrographic Region and Humboldt River Basin.

Consignment Deadline: Feb 21, 2024

Applications for the Humboldt River Basin: hrbwa.com/grrp/ Applications for the Central Nevada Hydrographic Region: cnrwa.com/grrp/ Applications are also available in most member county administrative offices. The deadline to apply is January 22, 2024.

WATCH & LISTEN TO THE SALE on the Web at:

A list of over-pumped and over-appropriated basins is here: cnrwa.com/ wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Over-pumped-and-over-aproppriatedgroundwater-basisns-11_22_23.pdf Over-pumped basins are allocated $900 per acre-foot, and over-appropriated basins that are not over-pumped are valued at $350 per acre-foot. Water rights in the Diamond Valley Basin are valued at $800 per acre-foot. “The program addresses and avoids conflicts with existing rights or detriments to the public interest and natural resources,” said Jeff Fontaine, the Initiative’s director. “Retiring groundwater rights will help stabilize groundwater levels.” Funding priorities are for retiring irrigation rights in over-pumped basins subject to curtailment. Purchasing groundwater rights in other over-appropriated basins will also be considered if such purchases mitigate conflicts with existing rights or if there are detriments to natural resources. Groundwater right holders in the portions of the Humboldt River Basin and Central Hydrographic Region located in CNRWA and HRBWA member counties are eligible to apply. Those counties include Churchill, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Nye, Pershing and White Pine. “We encourage those interested in retiring their water rights in these basins to apply sooner rather than later, as it is expected that available funds will exceed the program’s demand,” Fontaine added.

For more information, please call

(530) 347-3793 or email us at wvm@wvmcattle.com Look for the catalog and video on www.wvmcattle.com

Market your cattle with the professionals!

For more information, visit: cnrwa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/WaterRights-Retirement-Program-FAQ-final11_14_23.pdf

Contact: Jeff Fontaine at ccjfontaine@gmail.com or 775-443-7667 www.progressiverancher.com

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JANUARY 2024

Four-wing Saltbush Seed & Seedling Predation by Granivorous Rodents on Great Basin Rangelands By Charlie D. Clements and Dan N. Harmon Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), native to western North America, extends from Canada to Mexico and from the Great Plains to the Pacific Coast. Shrubby species of Atriplex are in the family Chenopodiaceae, which contains other important shrubs such as winter fat (Krascheninnikovia lanata), and often dominate landscapes in many arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in habitats that combine high soil salinity with aridity. Four-wing saltbush is an important browse species to wildlife and livestock and has been reported to provide as much as 11.4 % to 13.6% crude protein.

Granivorous rodents have been reported to be an important seed dispersal mechanism for numerous Great Basin plant species, such as antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) and Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides), as well as an active seed and seedling predator on Great Basin plants species.

and failures of these efforts. Four-wing saltbush has been reported to experience quite variable success in seeding efforts as poor seed germination or lack of proper amount and periodicity of precipitation would fit under the abiotic category and are more acknowledged. Biotic factors such as seed and seedling predation by granivorous rodents are less understood. Limited research has reported that the rodents seldom cache four-wing saltbush seed, while it has also been reported that rodents damage young four-wing saltbush plants.

Granivorous rodents exhibit two types of seed caching behavior; they cache some seeds in larders deep within their burrows, referred to as “larder hoarding”, and cache some seeds in shallow depressions they dig throughout their home range, To investigate the behavior and role granivorous referred to as “scatter hoarding”. rodents exhibit with four-wing saltbush we initiated Larder hoard caches are buried at depths that may a study to address: 1) The harvest, consumption, The use of four-wing saltbush in restoration and allow germination but are most often too deep to and caching of four-wing saltbush seed, and 2) land rehabilitation plantings is well documented sprout, whereas scatter hoard caches that are not the possible consumption of four-wing saltbush and increasingly popular. Four-wing saltbush is recovered are buried at depths that often promote seedlings by granivorous rodents. We hypothesized a common species to be seeded on Great Basin germination and therefore have been found to be that granivorous rodents in this study would rangelands, especially in the more xeric Wyoming an important mechanism for the recruitment of harvest, consume and cache a portion of the fourbig sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) and salt desert various range plants. wing saltbush seed they interacted with. We also shrub plant communities. hypothesized that four-wing saltbush seedlings In any land management practice that involves would also be consumed by granivorous rodents. Granivorous rodents are important in the ecology seeding in restoration or rehabilitation efforts, land of plant communities as well as the management managers must be coherent about the role that biotic First, we selected a study site east of Reno, NV, practices that occur in those communities. and abiotic factors ultimately have on the success Desert Queen Valley, which is a salt desert shrub habitat dominated by four-wing saltbush, shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia), Bailey’s greesewood (Sarcobatus baileyi), winter fat, Indian ricegrass and Russian thistle (Salsola tragus). The site is very arid Figure 1. Constructed portable live-traps worked perfectly in recording and only receives an average of 4” - 6” of annual rodent interactions with four-wing saltbush seed and seedlings. precipitation. To investigate rodent interaction with fourwing saltbush, we constructed portable live-trap enclosures where consumption and caching of fourwing saltbush seed and seedlings by various rodents could be recorded. These portable live-traps, 24” x 12” x 14”, were constructed having solid plywood bottoms, fronts and backs and were covered with 0.25” mesh hardware cloth (Figure 1). A hole was cut out of the front plywood panel to accommodate the placement of a Sherman livetrap, with the back door of the live-trap removed, to allow rodents to enter but not exit the enclosure. The back plywood was removable to allow for the placement and removal of a 20” x 10” x 2” deep soil flat. 30 JANUARY 2024

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A total of 12 portable enclosures, 2 enclosures permitted no access (controls), were randomly placed out on a 12 transect by 10 station grid. Each transect and station was at 50’ spacing.

Four-wing saltbush seedlings were grown in soil flats in soil from the site in a greenhouse environment. Twenty-five seedlings were grown in each flat and placed into the portable enclosures (Figure 2).

Enclosures were set out each evening at 1600h and baited with 15 ounces of millet seed (600 - 650 seeds) in the live-trap. One hundred four-wing saltbush seeds, collected from the site the previous year, were placed on the surface of the soil in the soil flats. Soil in the soil flat was collected at the site and sieved free of any seed. Enclosures were checked the following morning at 600h.

Using the same transects as in the seed part of the study, portable enclosures were placed out at 1600h each evening, baited with 15 ounces of millet seed inside the live-trap and checked the following morning at 600h. Consumption of fourwing saltbush seedlings was recorded as well as any damage to seedlings not consumed (e.g. digging up). New soil flats with fresh four-wing saltbush seedlings were placed inside the enclosures and reset at randomly selected stations within the grid. This process took place for 5 consecutive mornings for 4 separate weeks from late March through late May, the timing of four-wing saltbush seedling sprouting at the site.

Enclosures with a rodent capture were dealt with first. Rodents were recorded by identification, sex, and tagged with a numbered ear tag, or in the case of a recapture the ear tag number was recorded. Cheek pouches were checked for any seeds and removed and recorded. Rodents were released at the point of capture. The number of visible seeds on the surface of the soil was noted, then the soil flat was sieved, and the number of seeds recorded as un-cached, cached, or consumed. The portable enclosures were then reset and randomly placed out within the grid. This process took place for 5 consecutive mornings over 4 separate weeks from late September through early November, the timing of four-wing saltbush seed fall in the area. These portable enclosures were also used to investigate any four-wing saltbush seedling consumption by the various rodents at the site.

A total of 5,400 trap nights were conducted during this study, resulting in a total of 132 captures of 59 separate individuals of 4 separate species. The species richness and diversity of the rodent population at this site, as represented through the live-trap data, yielded that the site was dominated by the Merriam’s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami) (34), followed by the chisel-toothed kangaroo rat (Dipodomys microps) (13), Desert kangaroo rat (Dipodomys deserti) (8), and the White-tailed antelope ground squirrel (Ammospermophilus leucurus) (4). The trapping grid was 2.5 acres in size and therefore represents a minimum rodent population of 24/acre.

Investigation of rodents, 103, with four-wing saltbush seed in the portable enclosures revealed that none of the 103 rodents harvested four-wing saltbush seed in their cheek pouches or cached any seed in the portable enclosure. Therefore, there was no evidence that rodents were attempting to cache four-wing saltbush seed. However, all 103 rodents that entered the portable live-trap enclosures in this study did however harvest and store a portion of the millet seed available to them in their cheek pouches or mouth cavity 100% of the time. Although rodents did not harvest four-wing saltbush seed in their cheek pouches they did consume fourwing saltbush seed as they excavated the embryos from the seed coat (Figure 3). The Merriam’s and Desert kangaroo rat as well as the White-tailed antelope ground squirrel significantly consumed four-wing saltbush seed. The Desert kangaroo rat consumed the most fourwing saltbush seed, 55.11 (± 3.22), n = 29, followed by the Merriam’s kangaroo rat, 54.70 (± 2.20), n = 62 (Figure 4), White-tailed antelope ground squirrel, 34.33 (± 8.14), n = 5, and the chisel-toothed kangaroo rat, 13.63 (± 6.60), n = 7. ere were no observations of the white-tailed Th antelope ground squirrel in our portable live-trap enclosures during the seedling interaction period of the study. The remaining 3 rodent species that entered the portable enclosures, 86, at the site significantly consumed four-wing saltbush seedlings (Figure 4). The consumption of four-wing saltbush seedlings by these rodents was very high as the Desert kangaroo rat consumed an average of 99.3, n = 12, Merriam’s kangaroo rat, 92.9, n = 51, and the chisel-toothed kangaroo rat, 74.6, n = 23. Even though millet seed was available as an alternative food source, the 15 ounces of millet seed was available and never totally consumed. As one may expect, the disturbance caused by individual rodents varies as some of the fourwing saltbush seedlings are trampled, therefore we only counted those seedlings that were physically apparent as being foraged upon and consumed. From field observations, we suspected that fourwing saltbush seed would not be a preferred seed species for granivorous rodents as there is visual evidence of four-wing saltbush seed falling to the ground beneath the shrub and accumulating overtime, which is not the case with seeds from preferred shrub species such as antelope bitterbrush.

Figure 2. Four-wing saltbush seedlings grown out in soil flats in greenhouse and then transported to portable live-traps to observe seedling predation by granivorous rodents.

Four-wing saltbush seed has a wind dispersal mechanism as the seed physically contains largewinged appendages, whereas shrubs such as antelope

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bitterbrush seed does not have an active wind dispersal system and relies heavily on rodent dispersed seed. Although we hypothesize that rodent species tested in this study would harvest and cache a portion of the four-wing saltbush seed they interacted with, we did not record any harvest and caching behavior. Even though the large wing structures of four-wing saltbush seed and the very hard seed coat would be considered deterrents for granivorous rodents, we observed a high degree of de-winged and embryo excavation on four-wing saltbush seed (Figure 3). We also hypothesized that granivorous rodents would graze on four-wing saltbush seedlings which we did record high levels of this behavior. Our field experience has resulted in the observation of numerous species being grazed at the early seedling stages such as antelope bitterbrush, Indian ricegrass, and winter fat. It is important that critical browse species, such as four-wing saltbush, are vigorous and healthy as to experience good flowering and produce substantial seeds to the environment. The more seeds that are available to germinate and emerge, the less the total effect of rodent predation on the recruitment of seedlings to sustain the plant population.

Figure 3 (above): De-winging and embryo excavation of four-wing saltbush seeds by granivorous rodents. Figure 4 (below): Kangaroo rats preyed on more than 90% of the four-wing saltbush seedlings they encountered with the portable live-traps.

Although this research was conducted using portable live-trap enclosures, granivorous rodents in this study avoided caching four-wing saltbush seed while still excavating the embryo from the seed. The seedling predation may well be higher than in natural conditions, yet the fact that such a high level of seedling predation occurred when an alternative millet seed food source was available suggest a preference for these seedlings at this young phenology stage. This research yielded that four-wing saltbush seed is not highly preferred as the rodents at this site are not harvesting and caching the seed for future consumption. The high consumption of four-wing saltbush seedlings at this site is alarming and may be an explanation of poor success at given sites following the seeding of four-wing saltbush. The clipping of seedlings by granivorous rodents is more detrimental to shrub seedlings than grass seedlings due to the removal of the hypocotyl or epicotyl. In the past three decades, numerous years have resulted in large wildfires that have burned millions of acres. For example, in 1999, more than 1.8 million acres burned in Nevada alone, which resulted in the largest rehabilitation/restoration undertaking in state history. This rehabilitation/restoration effort resulted in the purchase of nearly 4.8 million pounds of grass, forb and shrub seed to be put on the burned rangelands. Four-wing saltbush seed was second only to Wyoming big sagebrush of desired shrub species in the 98,000 acres to be drill seeded and the more than 370,000 acres to be aerial seeded. The importance of four-wing saltbush for wildlife and domestic livestock as well as its’ role in improving functional plant communities only enhances the desire to successfully rehabilitate/restore degraded rangelands. The results from this study would suggest that resource managers cannot depend on granivorous rodents to harvest, disperse and cache four-wing saltbush seed, therefore drill seeding of four-wing saltbush seed may be necessary to get the seed into the ground where the seed has a higher chance of germination and emergence. The fact that four-wing saltbush seedlings were consumed at a high level allows resource managers the understanding of that perhaps transplanting of older seedlings could result in less seedling predation. Understanding the possible effects of rodent behavior with four-wing saltbush seed and seedlings should help resource managers in their planning and implementation of future rehabilitation/restoration efforts.

32 JANUARY 2024

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YOUR FUTURE GROWS HERE. COMMITTED TO SERVING YOUR NEEDS. The change in agriculture today is just a glimpse of what lies ahead. It’s why, more than ever, we are committed to being the partner you can trust, who understands your needs and delivers value to help you achieve your goals. Wherever agriculture goes, we’ll be there, alongside you, as you lead the way.

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Highlights from the NvACD 2023 Annual Meeting 2023 Annual Meeting in Winnemucca, Nevada

Empowering CDs To Meet the Mission Empowering CDs To Meet the Mission of Locally Led Conservation of Locally Led Conservation

Humboldt General Hospital Emergency Medical Services Honor Guard (left) performed the presentation of the flag. The greeting and opening ceremony included a welcome from Jesse Hill, Humboldt County Commissioner and Paradise Sonoma CD County Appointed Supervisor (center) and the welcome by Nevada Association of Conservation Districts (NvACD) Executive Director Kevin Piper. (right).

Left, Kathleen Steele from the NV Sagebrush Ecosystem Program provided an update on the Conservation Credit System and how CDs can work with landowners to improve sage grouse habitat. Right, Adam Sullivan, State Engineer with the NV Division of Water Resources, summarized Nevada’s water challenges. Left: Joe Sicking of Paradise Valley, NV received the NvACD Hall of Fame Lifetime Service Award and is recognized for his decades of service to the Paradise Valley Conservation District and the Nevada Conservation Commission. Left to right: Doug Martin, NvACD President, Joe Sicking, James Settelmeyer, Director, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Dominique Etchegoyhen, Deputy Director of DCNR.

Presentations included an overview of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources by Deputy Director Dominique Etchegoyhen (above, left). Melany Aten , CD program manager (above, right) provided a review of the Conservation District Program activities. Natural Resources Conservation Service Acting State Conservationist Greg Becker and Nevada Association of Conservation Districts Executive Director Kevin Piper summarized the new collaborative agreement.

Right: Joe and Nancy Sicking and Nevada State Senator Pete Goicoechea.

Eric Rieman, left, accepts the award on behalf of the Carson Valley CD for Outstanding CD of 2023. Presenters of the award included Doug Martin and Maggie Orr with NvACD. Middle, Robert Burdick of the Battle Mountain Bureau of Land Management received the award for Distinguished Service to the Cause of Conservation from Jake Tibbitts and Doug Martin, NvACD. Cottonwood Ranch of Elko County received the award for Conservation Excellence in Agricultural Production from Gerry Miller with the Conservation District Program and Doug Martin.

CONTACT: Connie Lee NvACD Communications and Partnerships 775.934.5376 | connielee@nvacd.org www.nvacd.org 34 JANUARY 2024

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Nevada Association of Conservation Districts Meets in Winnemucca Exciting New Agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service Announced The Nevada Association of Conservations Districts (NvACD) held their annual meeting at the Boys and Girls Club in Winnemucca, Nevada on November 8, 2023. The NvACD advocates for the 28 Conservation Districts (CDs) in Nevada. More information can be found at NvACD.org. CDs are comprised of locally elected residents who work together to address local natural resource concerns in their communities. They are a division of the state government and hold and manage grants to promote on-the-ground, locally-led conservation activities.

The greeting and opening ceremony included a welcome from Jesse Hill, Humboldt County Commissioner and Paradise Sonoma CD County Appointed Supervisor, and the presentation of the flag by Humboldt General Hospital Emergency Medical Services Honor Guard.

The theme of the meeting was Empowering CDs To Meet the Mission of Locally Led Conservation. Representatives from Starr Valley CD in Elko County, Dayton Valley CD in Lyon County, Carson Valley CD in Douglas County, Smith Valley CD in Lyon County, Mason Valley CD in Lyon and Mineral Counties, Southern Nye CD in Nye County, and Paradise Sonoma CD in Humboldt County joined in a panel to share their successes and challenges with the audience and other CDs in attendance.

Adam Sullivan, State Engineer and Administrator of the NV Division of Water Resources summarized major water issues facing the State with a focus on how CDs and local partners might improve water use and management through the use of new mapping tools and partnerships. A presentation by Kathleen Steele from the NV Sagebrush Ecosystem Program provided an update on the Conservation Credit System and how CDs can work with landowners to improve sage grouse habitat. Additional presentations included the NV Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Conservation District Program updates and highlights for the year, and the National Association of Conservation Districts updates on programs, grants and legislative activities taking place across the country.

An important announcement of a new funding agreement between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the NvACD was presented. The purpose of the agreement is to leverage resources from both the NRCS, NvACD, and external partners, including producers, to build collaborative working relationships in Nevada to increase and promote conservation projects and practices. Incoming NRCS State Conservationist Heidi Ramsey introduced herself. Her expected start date is early in the new year, 2024. The meeting concluded with an awards banquet and auction to raise funds for the NvACD annual youth scholarship program. Joe Sicking of Paradise Valley was recognized with the NvACD Hall of Fame Lifetime of Service Award for over 30 years of service to his conservation district and the decades of service to the NV Conservation Commission and he also received a proclamation honoring him presented by Nevada State Senator Pete Goicoechea. Other awards went to Carson Valley CD for Outstanding CD of 2023; Robert Burdick of the Battle Mountain Bureau of Land Management for Distinguished Service to the Cause of Conservation; and Cottonwood Ranch of Elko County for Conservation Excellence in Agricultural Production.

Wells FFA Competes at Nationals The Wells FFA Chapter pulled an all-nighter Sunday night and headed to the Salt Lake airport. They had an early flight and a long exciting week ahead of them! They had many fun activities planned such as going to a haunted house, the Indy 500 Speedway Museum, paintballing, competitions, and the FFA Career Fair and Expo. The chapter arrived in Indianapolis at 1 pm with another long night ahead of them. They visited the Hanna Haunted Acres Haunted House where they experienced 8 different haunted houses and a hay ride! The second day, they got to tour the Indy 500 Speedway Museum, a very well-known place in Indiana. The chapter got to learn a lot about the history of race cars and were let into the tradition of kissing the bricks. This tradition was started in 1996 by NASCAR champion Dale Jarrett, and all the winners of the Brickyard 400 and Indianapolis 500 have continued it since. Following the museum, they went paintballing. The advisors sure did get all of their stress out that day! That week the chapter also got to go go-karting. The chapter attended the 96th National Convention and FFA Career Fair and Expo. At the expo they explored and learned more about agriculture from different aspects. There were tons of different booths. Some had hands-on activities like welding, fun games to win agricultural products, or showcased community service projects. A group from the chapter decorated paper bags for kids lunches. At the career fair, there were a lot of live demonstrations varying from new tractors and agricultural equipment to older equipment. Members had the opportunity to talk to different colleges and hear their opinions.

Although members enjoyed fun and adventurous activities, their purpose in coming was to represent Nevada FFA and compete in their Career and Leadership Development Events. Early Wednesday morning, Carolina Johnson competed in Extemporaneous Public Speaking where students are assigned an agricultural topic and write a 4-6 minute speech and then get asked questions about their topic. Carolina received a bronze emblem for her efforts. That same day, the Conduct of Chapter Meetings team competed. The team consists of Marli Dahl, Aron Hansen, Mason Noorda, Marcos Cobian, Carson Ballard, Isaac Gale, and Colter Runnion. This Leadership Development Event challenges each team to demonstrate the correct use of FFA opening and closing ceremonies and other activities. Overall, the team received silver emblem. Thursday morning, the meats and poultry team headed off to their competitions. The team included Taylor Glaser, Hannah Prescott, Truman Kington, and Madison Dahl. The Meats Evaluation and Technology Career and Leadership event consists of evaluating and grading beef carcasses, identifying meat cuts, placing carcasses, and identifying wholesale and retail cuts. Taylor Glaser placed Gold which is the highest emblem given; Truman Kington placed silver; both Hannah Prescott and Madison Dahl received a bronze. Together, the team got a silver! Meanwhile, the poultry team was competing at the Indiana State Fairground. This team consists of Cristina Salazar, Callie Brodsho, Evelyn Walz, and Grace Otto. They evaluated and placed producing hens, broilers, ready-to-cook carcasses, and parts of chickens and turkeys. The team received a bronze emblem. Individually, Cristina Salazar, Callie Brodsho and Evelyn Walz got a bronze and Grace Otto received a silver. The Wells FFA Chapter would like to thank everyone who has supported them and dedicated time to the chapter along the way!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Nevada Association of Conservation Districts | nvacd.org Nevada Natural Resources Conservation Service | usda.gov Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Conservation Districts Program | dcnr.nv.gov

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The Progressive Rancher

JANUARY 2024

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