June 2019 Nevada Rancher Magazine

Oldest Independent Livestock Monthly in Nevada $2.00

This Issue is Themed:

Fire Prevention and Preparedness

JUNE, 2019

Volume XLIX, Number 6

Inside: Cattle Injections • Sharon Rhoads Cheatgrass • Heart Failure in Feedlot Cattle

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The Nevada Rancher (ISSN 0047-9489) (USPS #003-257) Published monthly at Winnemucca Publishing, 1022 S. Grass Valley Road, Winnemucca, NV 89445 Call us toll free at (866) 644-5011 Periodical Postage Paid at Winnemucca, 89445

This month I celebrate my one-year anniversary as the NV Rancher Magazine’s editor and nearly three years as the advertising sales representative. Time really flies by when you’re having fun. I am very thankful for the people I have met so far and the encouragement they have shown me. June will be another busy month! I pray the wildflowers bring beauty to a range near you, your livestock utilize the feeds to reduce fire fuels, and that you wish the male influencers in your life a Happy Father’s Day. Watch for NV Rancher Magazine this month at the following events: Shelman Horse Sale, Fast Times Full Hearts Ranch Rodeo and Roping weekend, Memory Ranches Horse Sale, and The Jake Eary Memorial Rodeo.

Staff Writer, Jennifer Whiteley Contributors, Heather Smith Thomas, Michelle Cook, David Glaser, Norma Elliot and Jolyn Young, Sales Representative Ashley Buckingham Office Manager, Tracy Wadley Production Manager, Joe Plummer Graphic Designer, Emily Swindle The Nevada Rancher does not assume responsibility for statements by advertisers nor products advertised within, and The Nevada Rancher does not assume responsibility for opinions expressed in articles submitted for publication. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject advertising or editorial material submitted for publication. Contents in The Nevada Rancher may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, including, but not limited to original contents and original composition of all ads (layout and artwork) without prior written permission. Subscription rate: $16.00 per year.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Nevada Rancher, Winnemucca Publishing, 1022 S. Grass Valley Road, Winnemucca, NV 89445

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WINNEMUCCA PUBLISHING 4 THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019

I hope you enjoy this issue. -Ashley

Inside This Issue:

Publisher, Peter Bernhard Editor, Ashley Buckingham

BobiRose Buckingham in her Bull Sale Bulletin hat helping move cows to her family’s grazing allotments.

Cover Photo By: Nancy Harper Indian Paintbrush and Purple Sage in full bloom.

Paradise Valley, NV

Cheatgrass- A Threat pg 10 Hero: Sharon Rhoads pg 12 Meet Jessica Anderson, A Cattlewomen Series pg 20 & 21 Heart Failure in Feedlot Cattle pg 34 & 35 ........and more!

Social Media Photo Winner By: Charmi Pommerenig “All my life I had grown up watching a 4J bar, registered to my grandparents and a PS Slash, registered to my parents, be branded on several calves each year. It was my life long dream to have my own brand and enough cattle to put my brand on. Roughly 6 years ago, my parents and grandparents made my dream come true when they gifted me with a paid brand registration fee and an iron of my own. The Bar C over Quarter Circle, or as I refer to it as, Rockin’ Bar C is what I proudly out on the right rib of all my calves.”- Charmi Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to enter our monthly photo contest.

Hello from Cow Country

By Sam Mori President, NV Cattlemen’s Assoc.

Hello Friends, I hope this writing finds you well. I know how busy you all are at this time of year, so I want to thank you for taking a moment to read this article.

There are a lot of balls in the air right now that either directly or indirectly affect our livelihoods.

Some of the things on the radar screen are trade talks and agreements, an ever-increasing supply of protein (either pork, chicken or beef), unknown feed supply and cost due to delayed planting, fake meat introduction, and on and on… We want you to know that the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association is involved on your behalf and have capable individuals engaged that have connections and relationships that get our interests and needs to be expressed.

We are in the point in the cattle cycle that many of can remember and have seen several, if not many times. Numbers and inventory have increased, and plenty of supply is now available. Fortunately, demand is good, and we can almost move this much beef without a major market wreck. Completion of trade negotiations would help a lot right now.

These times are a testament to the men, women, and children of our industry. When times are tough, our community can and has persevered. Cattlemen are a strong (and maybe stubborn) group that can withstand challenge and do the things to survive that have made our country the greatest place on earth to live! I am proud and humbled to be a part of such an upstanding and reliable sector of our society.

Work continues in Carson City during the legislative session, we are doing okay to this point. Thank you, Neil McQueary, for leading our legislative committee and keeping us updated as things move.

Many comments have been submitted on a variety of issues, some of which include the Gray Wolf Delisting, the Sonoma Forest Service decision, the Silver State Trail proposal, and the bi-state Sage Grouse management situation.

As you can see, things are happening, and it is your Association’s intention to serve your needs. If there is anything we can do to help, please don’t hesitate to call.

Till next time, Sam

Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Springtime Update

By Kaley (Sproul) Chapin Executive Director, NV Cattlemen’s Assoc.

At the beginning of April, the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association traveled to Washington D.C. to attend the Public Lands Council (PLC) and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Annual Legislative Conference. This conference serves as an essential part of the year for every State Cattlemen’s Association to meet with state delegation, and to address the unique issues and circumstances that face the cattle industry around the nation. The theme “Boots on the Hill” brought together numerous representatives of the beef industry all impacted by the policy decisions made in Washington D.C. Before working with our legislators, NCA members Ron and Denise Cerri, JJ Goicoechea, Joe Guild, Tom Barnes and I attended the briefings from our national affiliates at PLC and NCBA. The topics discussed from federal land and environmental issues to fake meat and more.

The PLC Legislative Conference took place the first two days. Seeing how Nevada consists of more than 85% of public lands, a large portion of the committee meetings mirrored concerns of the NCA. On Monday, April 1st, the first day of the PLC conference, the Wildlife, BLM, USFS and Communication Committee meetings took place. During these meetings, issues that were worked on included the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and grazing regulations. Resolutions regarding the Wildlife Migration Corridors and Chronic Wasting Disease were also brought forward and worked on. Within these meetings we had the pleasure to hear presentations from Aurelia Skipwith, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Department of Interior; Janet Bucknall, Deputy Administrator, Wildlife Services, USDA-APHIS; as well as members from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The next day we heard from elected officials such as Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID-01), Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY-At Large), Tim Williams, Deputy Director, External Affairs, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior and Nick Matiella, Majority Professional Staff, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. We also heard from Chase Adams, Senior Policy and Information Director, American Sheep Industry Association and Mark Dunn, Owyhee Basin Stewardship Coalition. Later that day the NCBA Legislative Conference began. The NCBA kickoff meeting included a briefing about the issues they are currently working on. They presented us with “Asks” to take to our state representatives.

The following are some of the “Asks” that we took to our NV representatives: Fake Meat: Protect USDA’s role in approving labels used on lab-grown products. Ensure product labels clearly differentiate lab-grown products for the consumer. Protect the recent decision allowing USDA inspection of lab-grown products.

Value of Grazing: Grazing is the federal government’s most cost-effective wildfire prevention tool. Grazing benefits wildlife and ecosystems. Grazing drives rural economic development.

Dietary Guidelines: Keep the Dietary Guidelines focused on nutrition and a balanced diet. Protect the scientific credibility and transparency of the Dietary Guidelines process.

Utilize sound, peer-reviewed science in the Dietary Guidelines process.

Green New Deal: Oppose climate change policies that unfairly target cattle and beef.

Cattle and beef producers are part of the climate change solution. Beef cattle represent only 2 percent of the greenhouse gases in the U.S., according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Livestock Transportation: Allow livestock haulers to continue transporting animals safely and humanely by supporting flexibility for livestock haulers under Hours of Service. Support continued electronic logging device (ELD) delay for livestock haulers.

Wednesday was our “Boots on the Hill” day, and I found the day to be very productive.

First thing, we attended the Community Breakfast put on by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Senator Jacky Rosen. Anyone from Nevada can attend this breakfast, so it was an excellent opportunity to network and promote the beef industry to other Nevadans. We went onto meeting with Congressman Horsford, Congressman Amodei, Senator Rosen’s staff, and Senator Masto. A part of the day we had to divide our group because two of the NCA members attended a roundtable meeting with Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and other Public Lands Council members. Altogether, we were able to spend valuable time discussing issues that matter to Nevada producers. I have found that it is crucial that we work closely and build relationships with our legislators in Washington D.C. to promote sound public policies that create a stable business environment for producers and promote conservation for the natural resources and wildlife.

The end of April we held the NCA Legislative Breakfast in Carson City. This allowed ranchers the opportunity to network with legislators regarding upcoming bills and issues that affect the livestock industry. We had a great turn out this year, and we thank everyone who came to help celebrate Nevada Ag Day at Legislature. We are very thankful for all the members in the agricultural industry that are spending their time back at Legislature, especially our lobbyist Neena Laxalt. She does an excellent job for the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association, and we are very grateful for her!

I believe we all have the chance to make an impact. Our voices and our time are valuable and can make a difference. Having “Boots on the Hill” in D.C. and in Carson City at Legislature prove to be beneficial in protecting the way of life we enjoy day in and day out.

If you are not currently a member of the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association, I encourage you to join. Become part of an Association that is working hard to protect and promote the future of ranching in Nevada. To learn more about the Association or to become a member, please call the office at 775-738-9214 or visit our webpage at www.nevadacattlemen.org.

We look forward to hearing from you! If you are currently a member, we thank you for your continued support. Without your membership, the voice of the Association wouldn’t be as strong as it is today.

THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019 5

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Laurence Larry K. Monroe Elko resident, Laurence Kistler “Larry” Monroe, 88, died peacefully March 25, 2019, at Highland Manor in Elko, Nevada among friends and relatives. Cause of death was determined to be 88 years of living life to the fullest. Larry entered the world on February 13, 1931, as the first born to Warren L. “Snowy” and Mary (Johnstone) Monroe in Berkeley, California.

Larry spent his early years in Winnemucca, Nevada before relocating to Elko, Nevada where his parents owned and operated the Elko Independent weekly newspaper. He attended Elko County High School graduating in 1949. Larry played center on the 1948 basketball team that won the school’s first state championship. Larry was fond of ranch life and as a youngster enjoyed spending time at his grandparents’ ranches located near Winnemucca. Throughout his teen years he worked on the Drown Ranch in South Fork, outside of Elko.

Once he helped drive a herd of work horses from South Fork to a ranch near Starr Valley, Nevada, a distance of nearly 40 miles, without having to cross any fences along the way. During college he worked in the summers riding circle for the Moffett Company, which ran a wagon at that time in Elko County.

Larry attended the University of Idaho studying forestry until transferring to Utah State University where he entered the Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program. He graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in journalism and then entered the U. S. Air Force, where he served during the Korean War as a Lieutenant. After his stint in the Air Force, he enrolled in Colorado State University (CSU) eventually graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering.

On December 28, 1952, Larry married Virginia Evans, also from Elko.

They lived in Utah, Elko, and then Rapid City, South Dakota, before moving to Ft. Collins, Colorado, where Larry attended CSU. Along the way they had four children. After graduating from CSU, the family moved to Boise, Idaho, where Larry began his engineering career at Tootham-Cronic & Associates.

Then the family relocated to Payette, Idaho, where he opened a branch office for that firm. Larry became the City Engineer Superintendent of Payette in 1962. He later opened his own engineering and surveying practice doing civil and municipal projects for Payette and several other cities in the region. The family relocated to Spokane, Washington, in 1970, where Larry was the Chief Civil Engineer for Esvelt & Saxton Engineers. In 1974, Larry began working for Bovay Engineers, managing their civil engineering department. Larry and Virginia divorced in 1980 and Larry moved to Kodiak, Alaska, where he was the City Engineer until his retirement in 1990. Also, while in Alaska he fished commercially long-lining for halibut.

Larry returned to Nevada in the 1990s and lived in a ranching area near Mountain City. He was in charge of the fire at the local brandings and

ushered in the burning of propane rather than sagebrush to heat the irons.

During this time, Larry spent 15 years as a member of the Board of Directors of the Raft River Rural Electric Co-op, based in Malta, Idaho, before retiring in 2018. Larry moved to Elko in 2018 and resided there until his death.

As an avid sportsman, Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. He was also passionate about firearms, shooting, and reloading his own ammunition. He spent most weekends outdoors, sometimes taking the family to picnic spots where he would fix lunch over a fire. For several years he took annual moose hunting trips to central British Columbia, Canada. After moving to Spokane, Larry took up ice hockey and was a defenseman on a recreational league team. When he took his children to the mountain to snow ski he would spend the day hiking on snowshoes or cross-country skiing. After retirement, Larry took up downhill skiing and inspired many fun family ski trips over the years.

Larry was a great driver and logged many miles on roads both paved and not. He drove back and forth from Nevada to Alaska, a distance of nearly 3000 miles each way, at least a dozen times. These trips, along with his annual 3000-mile roundtrip moose hunts, countless journeys to visit family, every day and work driving, by Larry’s estimates, totaled well over a million miles.

Larry was creative and delighted in literature, music, and the arts. He was an avid reader. He spoke and studied the Basque language. He knew his birds and wildflowers and their scientific names. In his college years he performed on stage, singing and playing his guitar. He was a poet and published a book of his poems titled “Roads”. Each year he wrote a birthday poem. When Larry started using email he began the “Trail Creek Journal”, a periodic email he sent to his faithful readers that contained news, anecdotes, observations, humor, and more. Larry loved jokes and he had a vast repertoire from which he could get anyone to laugh.

He had a unique style that was truly his own and embraced his Scottish heritage. To that end, he wore his formal Scottish Highland kilt to weddings and other ceremonies. In his later years, he wore both suspenders and a belt, just to be sure. He always had a good hat and would curse the wind when it blew it off his head.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brother James (Joanne) Monroe, daughters Dawn (Steve McConnell) Monroe, Cynthia (James) Cappello, Nancy M. Sherry, son Warren (Karen Hower) Monroe, and grandchildren Karl (Ashley) Sherry, Dean (Sarah) Sherry, Sean (Rachel Malen) Cappello, and Sarah (Greg Tariff) Cappello, great-grand daughters Georgia, Ruby, and Brooklyn, and long-time companion Sallie Knowles.

At Larry’s request there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Northeastern Nevada Museum in name of Larry Monroe. Northeastern Nevada Museum 1515 Idaho Street Elko, NV 89801 / 775-738-3418 The following poem was written by Larry on his last birthday.

THE OTHER SIDE So, I became old And now I have become infirm Paper skin – shaking – shuffling steps It’s been a long road

Lyle De braga

People who are described as “salt of the earth” are those who are considered to be of great worth to society – they represent the best of us.

Lyle Norman de Braga was the salt of the earth.

Lyle passed on to greener pastures on May 18, 2019 at the age of 86, surrounded by his family and loved ones, after a lifetime of giving of himself to his family and to his community.

Lyle was born to Frank and Goldie Norcutt de Braga, members of pioneer Churchill County families. Lyle was the oldest of five children including Dennis, Bob, Ted, and Patsy. He spent his youth working on the family farm, in Stillwater, Nevada, which was recently honored as a Nevada Centennial Ranch. He learned the value and satisfaction of hard work at an early age.

Lyle attended school in a one-room school-house in Stillwater then went on to high school at Churchill County High School, where he actually drove the school bus from Stillwater to Fallon and back each day. In addition to being school bus driver, Lyle was also an active member of ROTC and FFA during high school, serving in many local and state offices.

He graduated from CCHS in 1950.

Lyle married Marcia Smith Murdock on February 11, 1955, and they had five children, Lael, Francis, Jaime, Joe and Mitzi. Lyle farmed and ranched in the Stillwater District his entire life and taught his children many valuable lessons.

Lyle loved animals, and always had at least one dog by his side – whether in the feed truck or the drive through at Dairy Queen.

Lyle was devoted to helping his family and volunteered countless hours to 4-H, Junior rodeos, and the Nevada State High School Rodeo Association. He and Marcia were the main organizers of the Silver State International Rodeo Association for 25 years. They also attended every event in which their children and grandchildren participated - from basketball, baseball, softball, rodeo, soccer, wrestling, and track to music and dance recitals.

Lyle supported Marcia for the ten years that she served Churchill County as assemblywoman in the Nevada State Legislature in Carson City. He even survived having to eat tons of “campaign and rodeo trail” food. Lyle and Marcia loved rodeo kids and rodeo families and made many close friends throughout Nevada.

Lyle served for eight years on the Churchill County School board. He loved “chasing bad guys” during his 20 years as a sheriff’s reserve officer. He also served our country in the National Guard. Throughout his life, Lyle earned many awards, including being declared “Man-of-the-Year” by the Nevada High School Rodeo Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Francis Gail; and his beloved wife, Marcia.

He is remembered by his grandchildren as the kindest person they had ever known. He was a wonderful friend, brother, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his siblings, Dennis de Braga [Franci], Bob de Braga, Ted de Braga [Barbara], and Patsy Weaver [Bub]; daughters - Lael Casey [Truman], Jaime Dellera [Joe], Mitzi Corkill [Bruce]; and son, Joe [Angie]; grandchildren, Dusty Casey [Amanda], Tiana Theodosis [Coby], Amy Jo Grissom, Jade Corkill [Haley], Bailey Corkill, Thomas de Braga [Shay], Justin de Braga [Kammie]; great grandchildren, Sequoya and Lakota Casey, Jackson and Hayes Theodosis, Colby and Kelton Corkill, Kase and Wacy de Braga. Mary Gilbert was devoted to him as his companion for a number of years.

Donations in Lyle’s memory may be made to the Fallon High School Rodeo Club or the Stillwater School House Preservation Fund.

Blanch Allen Angell Blanch Allen Angell was born on October 31, 1925, to John Julius and Ada Glover Allen; she was the 11th of 12 children. Blanch was born and raised on a ranch in Twin Groves, Idaho. She attended grade school in a 2 room school house in St. Anthony.

On December 26, 1944, Blanch her high school sweetheart, Curley Angell. They had grown up and attended school together. On November 19, 1075 their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Rodeo has been a part of Blanchs life. She participated in rodeos, helped produce rodeos, as well as spending thousands of hours as a rodeo secretary.

In later years she and Curley loved to attend the rodeo as spectators, supporting their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as they participated.

They found great joy in supporting the sport they truly loved.

They had their own power line construction company which let them travel all over the west working alongside each other.

In 1978 Curley and Blanch moved to Burns, Oregon to Continue in the power line business.

They also bought a small ranch and raised hay, cattle, and horses. Blanch soon took her place serving in her church callings. She loved taking the young women to camp in the summer. She and Curley were also High School Rodeo Advisors while living there.

After retiring from construction and ranching they moved to Wilder, Idaho in 1994. Blanch continued with her many church callings. She was especially fond of the humanitarian work. She loved to serve those in need making several 100s of quilts and other humanitarian items to go anywhere ever the need was. She loved her home and her many friendships. Her life was truly full of adventure and joy. She always said that you can’t expect to get a lot accomplished if you don’t put out the extra time and effort to make it happen.

This really sums up Blanchs way of life.

Blanch is survived by her children Tom( Christina), Casey, Bonnie Mackenzie (Sam), Billy Joe (Heidi), 15 grandchildren,45 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

Blanch was preceeded in death by her husband of 71 years, a son , and 5 grandchildren.

Cheatgrass

A threat to the health of sagebrush steppe ecosystems.

Words By Jennifer Whiteley

As Cheatgrass seeds ripen, the plant goes from green to purple to straw-colored.

Winnemucca, Nev.-- Bromus tectorum, known as drooping brome or cheatgrass, is a winter annual grass native to Europe, southwestern Asia, and northern Africa, but has become invasive in many other areas. It now is present in most of Europe, southern Russia, Japan, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Greenland, North America and Asia. In the eastern US Cheatgrass is common along roadsides and as a crop weed, but usually does not dominate an ecosystem. It has become a dominant species in the Intermountain West and parts of Canada and displays especially invasive behavior in the sagebrush steppe ecosystems where it has been listed as a noxious weed. Cheatgrass often enters the site in an area that has been disturbed, such as after fire, and then quickly expands into the surrounding area through its rapid growth and prolific seed production.

Cheatgrass is a winter annual grass usually germinating in autumn, overwintering as a seedling, then flowering in the spring or early summer. The stems are smooth and slender. The leaves are hairy and have sheaths that are separate except at the node where the leaf attaches to the stem. It typically reaches 16–35” tall, though plants as small as 0.98” may produce seed. The flowers of Cheatgrass are arranged on a drooping panicle with approximately 30 spikelets with awns and five to eight flowers each. It is a self-pollinating, non-opening flower with no evident out-crossing. Cheatgrass has a fibrous root system with few main roots that does not reach more than a foot into the soil and has wide-spreading lateral roots that make it efficient at absorbing moisture from light precipitation episodes. A study showed that it had the capability to reduce soil moisture to the permanent wilting point to a depth of 28”, reducing competition from other species.

Cheatgrass is quick to colonize disturbed areas. It will grow in almost any type of soil, but it is most often found on coarse-textured soils and does not grow well on heavy, dry, and/or saline soils. The seeds ripen and disperse in the late spring and early summer. They are dispersed by wind, small rodents, or attachment to animal fur, within a week of maturity. They are also moved as a contaminant in hay, grain, straw, and machinery. Cheatgrass is an abundant seed producer, with a potential in excess of 300 seeds per plant; seed production per plant is dependent on plant density. Under optimal conditions, Cheatgrass may produce 400 pounds per acre with about 150,000 seeds/ pound. As Cheatgrass seeds ripen, the plant goes from green to purple

10 THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019

to straw-colored. The seeds demonstrate rapid germination as soon as the seed lands in appropriate conditions. If winter moisture is limited and germination is inhibited, but spring moisture is adequate, then seeds will germinate in the spring, and the plants will flower that summer. The seeds have the ability to germinate in dry storage, lasting over 11 years. In the field, under buried conditions, seeds will lose their viability in 2–5 years. Seeds can withstand high soil temperatures, and the primary limit to germination is inadequate moisture. They germinate fastest when covered with soil, but do not need to be in contact with bare soil. Some leaf litter cover will generally improve germination and establishment of seedlings.

The early-season growth habits of cheatgrass provide a competitive advantage by allowing it to grow tall and abundant before native species emerge. During years of high precipitation, this grass can produce more than 10,000 plants per square yard.

Cheatgrass is notorious for its ability to thrive in disturbed areas—common disturbances include construction, fire, floods, poor grazing activities, and intense recreation. But it also will invade undisturbed areas. Cheatgrass is hard to control once it becomes established. As this invasive weed begins to dominate an area, it alters native plant communities and displaces native plants thus impacting wildlife. Additional negative impacts include changes in soil properties, a decline in agricultural production, and altered fire frequencies. Cheatgrass is highly flammable and densely growing populations provide ample, fine-textured fuels that increase fire intensity and often decrease the intervals between fires. If fire should strike cheatgrass-infested land native plant communities can be inextricably altered. This may result in erosion and damage to water resources. Once Cheatgrass establishes after a fire, it seems the area will burn again and again and again.

Though several components can affect flame length and fire spread, a typical cheatgrass fire on flat terrain with wind speeds of 20 miles per hour may generate flame lengths up to eight feet in height; the fire can travel more than four miles per hour. Grass fires are dangerous because they move quickly and grasses act as ladder fuels igniting larger and more volatile vegetation.

While an invasive species, Cheatgrass does have some benefit as an early spring feed source for cattle. Join us later this summer for information on the benefits of Cheatgrass and how to prevent its establishment after fire!

THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019 11

Sharon Rhoads

Elko County Cattlewomen’s 2019 Mother of the Year

By Shammy Rodriguez and Chandra Cahill Special to the Rancher

Elko, Nev.--Believe it or not, there was a time when a person could ride from our family ranch at the south end of Independence Valley to Battle Mountain and never have a gate to open. The ranchers ran their herds together, and rodeered from time to time and Mom lived that life.

Tonight, we honor a pretty special cattlewoman that Chandra and I call Mom – the rest of you know her as Sharon Rhoads. Mom was the only child of Willis and Lois Packer - her mother’s daughter and her father’s son.

I would guess her earliest memories in life would include a horse because she has a hefty dose of horse running through her veins. But in our family’s ranching world, cattle and horses go hand in hand. If you are horseback, chances are a cow’s not too far away!

Much of Mom’s childhood days were spent riding beside her dad, as well as an untold number of hours spent holding rodeer with neighboring ranches as each outfit worked out their cattle.

Mom’s mom, Lois, cooked 3 meals a day for the crew which could be upwards to 20 men while mom was growing up. Mom spent an enormous amount of time washing dishes after those meals. Because of that Mom often states that the washing machine and the dishwasher were the best inventions she has ever seen.

When she wasn’t riding with her dad, she could be found playing with her model horses. At one point she put together a makeshift jockey saddle and would spend any time she could get away with behind the barn at the home place practicing becoming a jockey and would race the horse of the day.

During high school, mom boarded in town with several other “ranch girls”. High School Rodeo was around at that time, though it was structured much differently than it is now. Sharon qualified for the National Finals High School Rodeo more than once.

Those efforts may have helped earn her an entrance to Cal Poly because she jokes that she really wasn’t a student. During Cal Poly, mom was an active member of that rodeo team and formed many fond memories and lifelong friends. It was because of Cal Poly and the rodeo team she met my dad.

While Mom may have left the ranch behind to attend college, make no mistake, she wasn’t staying gone forever. While going to school she met and married our dad, Dean Rhoads. After she graduated, she and dad moved back to Tuscarora to join the ranching operation.

Mom and Dad were very active in the Nevada and National Cattlemen’s Associations and attended conventions annually on behalf of both associations. In those years, she was also active in Cowbells.

Mom has been a lifelong learner and to this day has many pamphlets and literature from numerous cattlemen seminars she has attended over the years. She continues to

Photo By: Taylor Mori, Elko County Cattlewomen’s President

attend such events in the hopes she can glean new information to improve something here or there.

As much as Mom enjoyed the ranch, there were several years that she stepped off the ranch so to speak, and that was when she became the Tuscarora Postmaster for a number of years. Her bookkeeping abilities and her attention to detail proved important qualities in a system where accuracy is required down to a 1 cent stamp. In addition to being postmaster, Mom was also involved with the Tuscarora Homemakers Club for many years and also served several years on the Elko County School Board. She enjoyed her time on the school board and frequently relates lessons of what she learned on there to all of us.

Mom is at the age when most Americans enjoy retirement. For Mom her joy comes from being involved in the workings of the ranch. We all get a call every morning confirming the day’s plan, and often a call again that night to see if it went as planned if she hasn’t heard from us since then. If there’s cow work to be done, she’ll probably be there. If we are branding, she will be roping or branding. If we’re working cattle or weaning, she’s there. If we are processing at the chute, she is there with cattle binder nearby where she records info in between squirting the blue water. Every year Mom makes a trip to buy bulls. She diligently studies the bull catalog ahead of time. She came home quite proud this winter. She got a really good price on a bull and it was all because he was on the fight in the ring. When he got off the truck at the ranch though, he was just as calm as the others.

It would be unfair to say mom is normal. She is quite amazing as we realized time and time again while dad was away at the legislature for about 6 months at a time every other year. Mom held down the ranch, managing several hired hands, dealing with one crisis after another, and raising us. I will point out though, while she may have managed the ranch, she did NOT cook for the crew!

At one time she was a regular contestant at the Elko County Fair and now is a faithful spectator. Her calendar is always clearly marked off with ranch related events to attend.

Mom is an extremely private and generous person. Mom was honored when she left the school board, and the Valley had a retirement potluck for her when she left the Post Office. But for the most part it has usually been Dad receiving an award of some nature.

It is with great pleasure, we present this award to our mom, grandma, great grandma, and mother in law. She is a dedicated family person to whom we go for wisdom and advice and a lifelong cattlewoman who works diligently to carry on the traditions of the ranching world and hopes to have it continue for several generations. We expect her to continue in her role as we don’t see a vacation on the calendar……except for the National Cattlemen’s convention in Texas next January!

Left to Right Shammy Rodriguez, Sharon Rhoads, Willis Rodriguez, Rachel Cahill, Cowboy Rodriguez, Mamie Rodriguez (infront), Joe Cahill, Chandra Cahill (in front), Teldon McLain, and Danny Domingo. was surrounded by family at the Elko County Cattlewomen’s Spring meeting where she was awarded 2019 Cattlewomen’s Mother of the Year.

12 THESharon NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019

Photo By: Cahill and Rodriguez Families Rodeo was structured a little differently when mom was going to school. Here she is competing in calf tying while attending Cal Poly circa 1965.

Photo By: Cahill and Rodriguez Families While at Cal Poly, Dean and Sharon met, fell in love, and were married in 1964. They lived in this camp trailer while the Visalia Auction Yard (where Dean was manager) built them a new house. Daughter Chandra shares “Mom says it was “really special” and she was glad to move out of it!”

Photo By: Cahill and Rodriguez Families Elko County Fair, 1962 Sharon took home 1st place in the Bridle Horse class on her horse Tom Thumb.

Photo By: Cahill and Rodriguez Families March 1968, Sharon gives young daughter Shammy a ride on her horse.

Photo By: Cahill and Rodriguez Families We all get a call every morning confirming the day’s plan, and often a call again that night to see if it went as planned if she hasn’t heard from us since then. If there’s cow work to be done, she’ll probably be there. If we are branding, she will be roping or branding. If we’re working cattle or weaning, she’s there. If we are processing at the chute she is there with cattle binder nearby where she records info in between squirting the blue water. I will point out though, while she may have managed the ranch, she did NOT cook for the crew!

THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019 13

Giving Injections to Cattle

By Heather Smith Thomas Nevada Rancher

Cattle are often given injections—vaccines, antibiotics, medications to reduce inflammation, injectable vitamins or minerals, etc. These should always be administered properly in order to minimize tissue residues, injection site lesions and reduce the risks for reactions and side effects.

Shannon Williams, Lemhi County Extension Educator (Salmon, Idaho) says most producers are getting better at doing this correctly. “When the last National Beef Quality Audit was released, data showed that the number of abscesses from improper injections was way down. This is good news,” she says.

“It is still important to read product labels. Vaccine companies are always updating their labels. You can’t assume it’s the same as what you’ve been familiar with,” she explains.

Dosage or injection sites may change. A product that was given intramuscular (IM) in the past, or with an option for IM or subcutaneous injection, may now be labeled for subcutaneous use only.

“Make sure that whoever is giving vaccinations knows how to give them and where to give them. As livestock managers, or if it’s your cattle, and someone on your crew is doing it wrong, don’t hesitate to speak up, or give that person a different job—even at the expense of offending a friend.” You don’t want the cattle inadequately or inappropriately vaccinated. You don’t want any animal to suffer from an abscess or have swelling on the neck that’s so sore she can’t move that shoulder forward to walk—and is lame for two days and can’t go to feed and water.

We need to use vaccines and antibiotics properly because of our commitment to consumers to provide a safe food product. “We need to be responsible, and considerate, every time we give injections. This is most humane and healthy for the animal, and enables us to put the best quality product on the consumer’s plate,” says Williams.

“You need a good working relationship with your vet and ask questions or get advice on vaccination issues or injection techniques. Your vet is up to date on the latest vaccines and antibiotics, and you might even want to change to a different vaccine that has fewer reactions or produces less irritation at the injection site. If you are giving boosters, you make sure they are the same type/brand as the original vaccination. It’s also not a good idea to mix vaccines together unless this use is on the label,” she says.

Always follow label directions and/or your vet’s advice for giving any injectable product regarding dosage, route of administration and injection site, timing (if it should or can be repeated), etc. Improper use of any injectable product may be ineffective at best, or dangerous/life threatening at worst.

Most vaccines and antibiotics are given intramuscularly (IM) or subcutaneously (SubQ). Some medications are given intravenously (IV). The animal must be adequately restrained before you administer any type of injection. If an animal is moving around, it’s difficult to give the injection; the product may be wasted or the animal may be at risk if not properly injected.

Use a clean needle and syringe of appropriate size for the injection. If using a single dose syringe, select a small one for a small injection and a larger one for a large dose. It’s easier to measure accurate dosage for a small shot with a small

14 THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019

syringe. For a large dose you need a larger syringe to accommodate the larger volume.

INJECTION SITES – For vaccines, IM and Sub Q injections should be given in the triangular mass of muscle on the side of the neck. The acceptable area starts about 3 fingers’ width behind the ear, extending down to a few inches in front of the shoulder, staying away from the top of the neck (which contains a thick ligament) and the bottom of the neck where windpipe, esophagus and jugular vein are located. An alternative choice for SubQ injections, especially on small calves, is the area of relatively loose skin behind the shoulder blade.

For antibiotics, the neck is a preferred location (whether the product is given IM or SubQ).

If a large IM dose must be given and there’s not enough area on the neck to absorb all the injections (since the product must be split into multiple sites no closer than 4 inches apart if the total dose is more than 10 cc, to have adequate tissue to absorb the medication), an alternative site is the back of the thigh. Also, if more than one product is being given at the same time, the sites should be at least 4 inches apart.

Most shots should be put into the neck, to avoid injecting into parts of the body that will eventually become important cuts of meat.

Any scarred or damaged tissue can be trimmed from the neck at slaughter. If there’s scar tissue (gristle) in the neck it’s not as critical, since neck muscle is usually made into hamburger. Today there are also some long-acting antibiotic products that can be injected under the skin on the back of the ear (being careful to avoid major veins), to avoid damage to any meat.

The rump is no longer acceptable for injections, even though these thick muscles are much better for absorbing an injection, particularly if a large dose of antibiotic must be given. Many types of injections occasionally create scars or an abscess, which would damage the best cuts of meat if put into the rump.

It’s better to put an IM injection into the neck, splitting a large dose into 2 or more sites if necessary. If an animal needs multiple injections or repeat treatment, vary the injection sites on subsequent injections.

Sometimes it’s a tradeoff between what might be ideal from a carcass standpoint and what’s practical or best for the animal. Due to the large volume of some antibiotic injections or a need for multiple treatments in the course of a severe illness, it may not be feasible or humane to put all injections into the neck. That area can become so sore and swollen that a calf might not want to raise his head to nurse, or any animal might be reluctant to lower the head to eat or drink. Stress/ discomfort can diminish effectiveness of the treatment, making the animal slower to recover. Your first concern is to save the animal. If both sides of the neck are not adequate to absorb all the IM injections, the back of the thigh can be used, putting the injection at right angles to the leg (less risk of hitting the nerves that run down the back of the muscles). If injections are given in areas that are unacceptable from a carcass standpoint, that particular animal can be held back at sale time and butchered for your own consumption. Then it won’t matter if you have some additional trimming to do on the carcass.

INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTIONS – IM injections are given with a needle long enough to go deep into the muscle. For an adult cow you need a needle at least 1.5 inches long and 2 inches is better—especially for a large dose such as an antibiotic

product. Use a 16 gauge needle--large enough diameter to go through a cow’s thick skin without bending or breaking.

Don’t use anything larger than 16 or there’s more chance for tissue damage and for the product leaking back out. For a calf use a smaller needle; 18 gauge and 1 to 1.5 inches long is best. Diameter is determined by gauge size; the smaller the number the larger the needle.

The biggest mistake most people make when vaccinating cattle, especially when running a lot of cattle through the chute, is not taking time to do a good job.

Hurried and improper injection may result in some animals not being adequately vaccinated (if some or all of the product leaks out), and also increases risk of tissue damage, abscesses, reactions, etc. To reduce chances of leakage after the injection, keep the needle inserted for at least 2 seconds after the injection, before removing it from the muscle. Another way to prevent leakage is to pull the skin taut across the injection site with one hand while you inject with the other, then release the skin after you remove the needle. The skin then moves over the hole and closes it.

You can also rub the injection site briefly afterward to help distribute the product within the muscle and reduce the pressure so it’s less apt to ooze back out.

When using a trigger-type syringe for IM shots, it’s easy to thrust the needle into muscle and pull the trigger. When using a smaller or disposable syringe, detach the needle and press your hand firmly against the skin to desensitize the site so the animal won’t jump when you insert the needle, then thrust it in quickly and forcefully. A new, sharp needle always goes in easier and causes less pain and damage than a dull one. If the animal jumps, wait until she settles down before attaching the syringe to the inserted needle and giving the injection. If the needle starts to ooze blood, meaning you’ve hit a vein, take it out and try a slightly different spot. Never inject an intramuscular product into a blood vessel.

fluid or medications given too swiftly can put too much load on the heart, and some drugs speed up the heart. Heart rate should be monitored when giving fluids or certain IV medications, and rate of administration adjusted accordingly.

Any large vein will work for an IV injection, including the large veins under the tail, the big milk vein ahead of the udder on a lactating cow, or the jugular vein on either side of the neck (in the groove above windpipe and esophagus). A large needle (at least 16 gauge and 2 inches long or longer) works best for adult animals.

For IV injections, needles and any other equipment (syringe or tubing) must be sterile. The animal must be restrained so it can’t move around during the procedure.

If using the jugular vein, find it and press down on it with your fingers or fist to build up pressure (between your hand and the animal’s head) so the vein stands up and is easier to inject. Still pressing on the vein, insert the needle into it at a point between your hand and the animal’s head, then move the needle a little forward (inside the vein) parallel with the neck. If blood flows freely from the needle, it’s in the vein and you can then attach your syringe (or tubing, if giving fluid).

The most common problem is pushing the needle too far, clear through the vein and out the other side. Sometimes the animal moves and the needle slips out of the vein. Don’t just assume it’s in the vein just because you see some blood.

Blood will flow rapidly and steadily from the needle if it’s in the vein. Make sure the needle stays in the vein when you give the injection or administer fluid. Injecting some products into tissues around the vein can cause severe irritation and stress

SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTIONS – Originally, SubQ injections were used because a particular product was highly irritating to muscle tissue or designed for slower rate of absorption. Today, however, due to concerns about carcass quality (trying to avoid IM shots, where possible) more injectable products—including some antibiotics as well as vaccines—are approved for subcutaneous use and no longer must be given IM. When you have a choice, according to label directions, it’s best to inject under the skin rather than into muscle, for less tissue damage.

IM shots are more likely to develop a serious abscess if a needle is dirty. An infection introduced by a SubQ shot is merely beneath the skin and an abscess more readily breaks open to drain.

For a SubQ injection, lift a fold of skin on the neck or shoulder where skin is loosest, and slip the needle between the skin and muscle. If using a trigger-type syringe, aim it alongside the animal so the needle goes under the skin and not into the muscle. For a small calf, it may be easiest to give a SubQ injection under the loose skin of the shoulder, and if there’s any local reaction it won’t make his neck sore (and hinder his desire to nurse).

Giving injections SubQ rather than IM allows you to use a shorter needle (¾ inch if using a trigger type syringe, or up to 1 inch if using both hands to tent the skin and slip the needle underneath) so it’s less likely to bend or break.

In the confined space of some chutes, insert the needle at an angle so you can use a one-handed technique with a syringe gun, rather than both hands to tent the skin. There’s less risk of getting your hands injured (jammed between the animal and the chute) or accidentally hitting yourself with the needle, if you can do it one handed.

INTRAVENOUS INJECTIONS – Some medications are more effective (acting faster and more readily absorbed) if given IV. Some are very irritating to muscle tissue and must be given IV. It’s not difficult to give IV injections, but they must be done properly. Chances for problems are greater, as is the speed with which a serious problem may develop, so you must know which products can be given IV (follow label directions) and know what you are doing. Large volumes of

THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019 15

(and sometimes death, depending on the drug). If the needle slips out of the vein while giving fluid the tissues around the vein start to swell. If the needle slips out of the vein, take it out and start over. If giving fluid, which means the needle must be in the vein awhile, it’s best to use an IV catheter, which is longer than a needle and more flexible, and stays in the vein better.

NEEDLES – Always use a sharp, sterile needle. Use of disposable needles ensures the needle will be clean and sharp, but avoid those with plastic hubs because they are more likely to break. Use proper diameter for the job; too large and it allows leakage, too small and it may break or slow the procedure and more pressure is needed to inject the material through it. Never try to put a thick product through a small needle. If it’s too long it may bend or break. Too short and it may not deliver product into proper location.

Needles should not be reused unless they’ve been boiled between uses. Exceptions are when a large number of cattle are being vaccinated at once. In this instance, care must be taken to make sure the needle stays clean and sharp during multiple uses. Injections should never be put into dirty hide (covered with mud or manure).

Make sure the area to be injected is clean and dry. Thrusting a needle through wet or dirty skin will take contamination with it, creating risk for an abscess at the injection site. It’s always better to vaccinate cattle when they are dry, rather than wet from rain or snow. If you are using the same needle multiple times on several animals, always use a clean sterile needle for refilling your syringe; never insert a used or dirty needle into the bottle or you may contaminate the contents.

break. You don’t want it to break off in the animal. Make sure the needle is still attached to the syringe when you finish the injection. On the rare occasion one breaks off in an animal, it may be sticking out and you can grab it. Otherwise, mark the site so your vet can surgically retrieve it—and do it as soon as possible. A needle shaft can migrate several inches within an hour, working deeper into the muscle or traveling laterally under the skin. When working cattle, have a container by the chute for disposal of used needles.

Some of the gun-type syringes have flexible ends to minimize the risk for bent or broken needles. If you use a trigger type syringe, make sure it’s easy to use and well lubricated for quick ease of motion, especially if you have small hands. The easier and faster you can give an injection, especially if the animal has any room to move around, the less likely you’ll end up with bent or broken needles. Make sure you have good access to the injection site and your hand or syringe/needle won’t be jammed into the bars or front of the chute if the animal lunges forward or backward. Many of the new squeeze chutes have access doors at the neck area or a neck extension that holds the head and neck still while you are trying to give an injection.

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If a needle gets dull or dirty after being used on several animals, exchange it for a new one. Needles are designed to cut into the skin, not puncture it. After you’ve used a needle on 10 or more animals, it starts to dull and develop a burr on the tip. Once it’s dull, you need more force to put it through the skin, producing more tissue damage. Instead of cutting through the skin, a dull needle punctures, and folds a small piece of skin under, possibly carrying dirt or bacteria with it. If a needle starts to get dull or gets a blunt tip from being bumped on the chute, discard it for a new one, even if you’ve only used it on one animal.

Always discard a needle if it becomes bent. This weakens it and it may

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Abscessed and Scar Tissue

By Heather Smith Thomas Nevada Rancher

An abscess will usually show up as a lump, a few days after the injection. It may grow larger then break and drain. If it doesn’t break on its own it should be lanced, drained and flushed. An even greater problem, however, is an abscess deep in the muscle, since it may not be detected until the animal is slaughtered. Scar tissue from a surface abscess can result in significant carcass trim, but a deep abscess may contaminate the meat around it and it must be trimmed even more drastically.

Even a poke into muscle with a clean needle without injecting anything leaves a small scar and a tough area in the meat. Sterile scar tissue in the muscle after a shot can still be there months or years later. Injections given to a calf may create lesions that must be trimmed at slaughter 2 years later or even a dozen years later when a cull cow goes to market. These sites contain more connective tissue and fat than normal muscle, and the meat may be less tender in an area up to 3 inches around the lesion—a piece of meat the size of a grapefruit.

SIDEBAR: REACTIONS – When you give any kind of injection, keep in mind the possibility of an adverse reaction. These problems are most common if a product is given in overdose or inappropriate location. For instance, a product might be safe when administered SubQ but fatal if injected into a blood vessel. A few animals are sensitive to certain products and will react even if the injection is given properly. The reaction may be as mild as local swelling at the injection site that subsides in a few days, or may be serious and life threatening if the animal goes into shock.

Temporary swelling is usually nothing to worry about, but if you inject the neck too close to the shoulder, swelling makes it hard for the animal to walk. That shoulder can’t be moved forward without discomfort. Some types of vaccine are notorious for causing local swelling, and some animals react more than others. To avoid making the animal lame, put a neck injection well ahead of the shoulder, closer to the head.

A more serious type of reaction occurs when an animal is very sensitive to the product being injected, producing a severe allergic response (anaphylaxis). This may result in constriction of air passages and difficult breathing. The animal may go into

shock, collapse, and die. Signs of severe hypersensitivity reaction may develop within 10 to 20 minutes or longer. Usually the more severe the reaction, the sooner it occurs.

When using any injectable product, keep an emergency antidote on hand, and know the proper dosage to give. You may never need it, but if you do, swift injection of epinephrine (adrenalin) and dexamethasone (a steroid—safe for a non-pregnant animal) will usually reverse the condition and enable the animal to recover. Always observe cattle after any injection and check them for at least 2 hours for any signs of shock. If a certain animal ever shows a serious reaction to a particular product, do NOT give it again to that animal. A second exposure usually produces an even greater reaction in the already sensitized animal, and it may die.

OFF LABEL DRUG USE – Using any animal health product in a way not specified on the label (at higher or lower dose, more frequent intervals, in different location or route of administration, or in a different species than intended) is illegal without a veterinarian’s prescription. Even if it’s not harmful to the animal, there may be more risk for residues.

A drug intended for another species (such as a non-food animal) may leave residues in meat since withdrawal times have not been determined. Detectable residue at slaughter is a violation that results in condemnation of the carcass.

There are situations, however, when a vet will prescribe a product in an off-label use for certain purposes or to treat an unusual condition. This is acceptable, according to the FDA, only if there is no approved drug already labeled to treat that condition or if treatment at recommended dosage or location would not be effective.

There must be a valid veterinarian/client/patient relationship for this to be legal, which means the vet has a good working relationship with the client and has seen and diagnosed the animal and agrees to take responsibility for making a judgment regarding health and treatment—and the client agrees to follow the vet’s instructions. A record of any off-label treatment must be kept, and withdrawal time before marketing for slaughter must be extended in the case of some products or overdoses, with the time determined by the veterinarian.

THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019 17

Reporting on Fire & Invasives in Sagebrush Country Photos and Words By Hannah Niknow

Intermountain West Joint Venture

This May, a dozen journalists from around the West travelled to the Elko area for an intensive workshop on a topic many Nevadans are intimately familiar with: sagebrush rangeland fire and the invasive species that follow. The Intermountain West Joint Venture hosted this workshop in collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management through their initiative called Partnering to Conserve Sagebrush Rangelands.

Sagebrush once covered roughly 247 million acres in western North America. Today, this plant’s range is only half its original size and rapidly shrinking due to fires and invasives. Sagebrush rangelands drive our nation’s economy through energy and livestock production and are home to critical regional water resources. Sagebrush also provides important wildlife values, including habitat for 350 native species such as sage-grouse, mule deer, and migratory birds. Deep-rooted western livelihoods, from Native American cultural traditions to ranching to big game hunting all rely on healthy sagebrush rangelands.

By invite-only, journalists attended this workshop to gain a more in-depth understanding of the ecological/economic/social challenges that surround the fire and invasives cycle in sagebrush ecosystem. This two-part event took place in a classroom setting as well as a field tour. The reporters learned about the latest research and management techniques practitioners are implementing, and heard directly from expert land managers who are deeply invested in the sagebrush sea and the communities within. They also got out to the field to see burned landscapes and the gravity they face.

We were grateful that these journalists took time out of the busy newscycle to come to this remote and beautiful part of the West to learn about this daunting topic. Hopefully this experience will help them report on the topic now and into the future. Failure to act proactively now to address the wildfire-invasives cycle could roll back decades of collaborative conservation, impact wildlife, water, and potentially crush rural economies.

The scale and magnitude of this issue, and associated impacts to communities across the West, warrants urgent attention and action.

Background Image: While visiting the 2018 Martin Fire scar a large windstorm blew in lifting top soil and ash into the air and pelting the tour attendees. Matt Murphy, BLM Elko Acting Fire Management Officer, was said these winds were similar to those that pushed the Martin Fire to burn 435,00 acres in just a few days.

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Above: Jon Griggs, manager at Maggie Creek Ranch, spoke to journalists about the proactive management ranchers are implementing before a fire occurs to try to lessen the impact fire has on livestock and wildlife.

Below: To show the journalists the differences between strong, deep native plant roots and the short, shallow invasive plant roots, Jeremy Maestas brought this display to the classroom day of the workshop. Jeremy is a Sagebrush Ecosystem Specialist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Below: A sagebrush seedling and other native plants were coming back at this site journalists visited on the 2012 Lime Fire.

Above: Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Coordinator for the Bureau of Land Management Elko District, Tyson Gripp, talked with journalists about the highly complex post-fire operations that occur once the smoke has cleared: from planning and implementation of immediate stabilization, to seeding applications (and reapplications), to working with the public land stakeholders, to long-term restoration.

Other speakers not shown in these pictures included: Ron Cerri, Sam Mori, Hanes Holman, Jolie Pollet, Liz Munn, Caleb McAdoo, Jason Tack, John Ruhs, Alan Jenne, James Rogers and Laura Van Riper.

  THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019 19

Meet Jessica Anderson A CattleWomen Series Produced by Ruby Uhart www.rubyuhart.com My name is Jessica Anderson, wife to the Cow Boss, Spencer Anderson, blogger, and lover of calf brandings. We have been married 10 years, together 13.

Together we operate Anderson Cattle Company. We are primarily a cow-calf operation and we run age and source verified cattle that are part of the Non Hormone Treated and Antibiotic free program. We are planning to GAP certify our herd as well. The newest growth for us has been the addition of our 2A Beef, a boxed beef program that I am launching this spring. This has been a dream of mine for about the last 5 or 6 years, and it has finally come true.

My day job includes being a program educator for the Cooperative Extension which consists of outreach education for the extension so I am usually traveling to school sites around the state or hosting beginning farmers and ranchers workshops. I am also still very passionate about high school ag education, so I work with the state ag education folks and help out with various events and projects there as well. We currently live in Smith Valley, and run cattle in California and Nevada. Town is about 30 miles away and I joined Nevada CattleWomen’s in 2015 when we transplanted here from Northern California. Prior to moving I was a High School Agriculture Teacher and fell in love with ag education of any kind. I believe we need to share our stories about ranching and agriculture to keep it alive. My motto is “Never have I met a stranger.” With an unshakeable belief in the future of agriculture, I hope to inspire and encourage everyone I meet to learn more about ranching and farming.

As for the ranch wife duties, it is definitely early mornings, late nights, and weekends! Depending on the season, I help out with feeding cows, calving, gathering, processing, and shipping with blogging and business duties wedged in the cracks. I wouldn’t have it any other way!

As much as it seems that to be in this industry, you had to be born in it, I was most definitely not. I grew up with horses and 4-H, but no cattle. For whatever reason, when I entered college, I just knew that I needed to marry a cowboy, raise cattle, and live on a ranch. Seems cliché, I know. Call it divine intervention, a whispering of purpose, a calling… Not really sure, but I can remember the day, like it was yesterday when I knew that was what I was meant to do. The road to this lifestyle definitely has come with its twists and turns, but here we are.

My husband on the other hand, knew it from the moment he was born.

Although he didn’t grow up in a ranching family, he has cowboyed for the last 20 years. When we met, we always talked about owning our own. They say timing has everything to do with the outcome of a rain dance, and that has definitely been the case for us. After we left family, friends, and all we knew in California, the dream of owning our own cattle became a reality for us in fall 2016.

Our proudest moment was when we bought our first load of cows. There is no feeling quite like it; Pride, excitement, anxiousness, nervousness, overwhelm, humbled, blessed… I could go on forever. Nothing has ever been quite like

20 THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019

watching that truck roll in and back up to the loading chute and watching those ladies unload. The loads thereafter were exciting too, but nothing quite like the first one. Honestly, call me crazy, but I LOVE working cattle with my husband.

There is no place I’d rather be. Now that doesn’t mean I haven’t walked off and left him mid gather, or locked the keys in the pick-up, or run cattle through the fence to be followed by a hind-end rearrangement, or slipped the clutch while feeding and thrown him off the feed wagon, or that he hasn’t made me wade through waist deep water to take a rope off a huffy cow, or…. You get where I am going…... Honestly it makes for great stories and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My advice for these tense situationsdon’t take yourself or any of it too seriously. Grow an extra layer of skin, and if all else fails, just laugh. Ranching, cattle, and being married to a Cow Boss isn’t for the faint of heart, but it is darn sure worth it. Enjoy the little moments; those deep conversations while calving heifers, or long drives to pick up bulls, or eating at the sale yard on a Tuesday.

Rather than focusing on the negative, shift your perspective and focus on all that are your blessings. Not very many women get the pleasure of working beside their spouse. I am sure some wives would rather not! If it is something you long for, then just enjoy it.

I know it is something I can’t wait to solely do, but for now, I appreciate the town job and relish every minute I get to do the ranch wife’n.

Sometimes, I say it with trepidation that we are first generation ranchers.

As new “owners” in the industry, it hasn’t always been the way we imagined.

What I can say is those who have stood alongside us in this journey are the true heroes of the sport. Their encouragement, love, and support are what keep the industry alive. With more and more families leaving ranching, who is going to step up and do it for the future generations? We will! We will do it with passion, because we love it; every aspect of it. What I do know, is since our story is somewhat different than most in this industry, I think embracing and sharing just that, is part of our purpose. I want to encourage every person I meet, to chase that dream. Chase it without caution. I want to never meet a stranger and tell our story with conviction. I want to encourage new comers with the same grace that has been shown to us while we have been starting out. Rather than hiding in embarrassment of not being born into ranching, I want to embrace it and share it with others, so they will chase their dreams too. Once I let go of the “image” I created for myself of what it looked like to be a rancher, and started living the story I was meant to, great things have happened. In a few short years, we have bought cattle, grown our operation, have included the boxed beef venture, learned, grown, researched, networked, and plan to keep growing.

My most favorite thing about ranch life is the life style; it’s the long days and short nights, it’s the cold weather and heat, it’s the long hours and the smell of the early morning or dew on the sage brush. It’s seeing the hard work you put

I couldn’t survive in the city, and I am sure a city dweller would say the same for ranch life. I don’t think one is more stressful than the other, just different. Though they be different lifestyles, stress is stress. It just depends if you prefer it wrapped in cow poop or fast moving taxis.

We have to share our story. People want to know where their food comes from and how it is raised, now more than ever. I think this is a good thing. It is a way to show what we do and the love and pride that goes into it.

It helps people who are removed from the ranch and farm life have a better understanding of and compassion for the challenges we face.

If I could leave you with just one parting though it would be- Just do it. If the desire was placed in your heart to be in the ag industry, go for it. It was put there for a reason. Trust your heart!

God wouldn’t allow it, if it wasn’t meant to be. Do your homework, research, learn, intern, read, and never stop learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and for help.

Quiet all the background noise, whether it be from your own doubts or from those who do not understand why you are wanting to start ranching. Don’t let someone tell you, YOU CAN’T, who doesn’t have the power to tell you, YOU CAN. Be kind to yourself and have grace. You will make mistakes, it’s inevitable. Mistakes and failures are how we grow. Like Winston Churchill says, “Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm”.

To make it, you just gotta keep getting back up. Nothing will be harder than the first few years. Be firm in your goals but flexible in your path to reaching them. It’s better to have risked it all and give it your best, then to have gotten to the end of your life and wish you would have tried.

“Don’t let someone tell you, YOU CAN’T, who doesn’t have the power to tell you, YOU CAN. Be kind to yourself and have grace. You will make mistakes, it’s inevitable. Mistakes and failures are how we grow.”-JA in pay off. It’s believing in something that built this country. It’s raising a family in a way that instills hard work, perseverance, and kindness. Branding Season is by far my favorite time of year, but I equally love calving season too. You gotta have calving season in order to enjoy branding season. I love branding season mostly for the camaraderie; Helping your neighbors out and visiting with people, laughing, storytelling and good times. It makes the long lonesomeness of winter worth it come spring time. And of course the roping!

Roping is so fun! It’s a place to show off your skill and passion. Those fancy shots you work on all year in the doctoring pasture, now get to be brought to town. Branding time is fun time.

The hardest thing about ranch life is all the unknowns. Weather, disease, predators, leases etc. It’s knowing that you have to be flexible and willing to go with the flow. Remember, I was a teacher, planning is what I do. I have come to learn that no amount of planning or preparation can really prepare you for what can and will happen. You can “think” all your duck’s are in a row, and then BAM, one just flies off. So for me, that has been the biggest challenge. Although it has been a challenge, I have learned to trust it because even in the face of hardship, lies opportunity. They are these beautiful gifts wrapped up in work clothes. Sometimes at the moment, it seems like the end of the world, but a year later you look back and think “man, I am actually glad that happened”. It makes you work harder, it makes you keep trying and pushing for more. It’s what I have come to learn is a part of ranching.

In my honest, humble opinion and being relatively new to all of this, I don’t think you can ever be prepared 100%. You can think you are and do everything in your being to be prepared, but at the end of the day you gotta just go with the flow. Roll with the punches, and trust the Big Man has a better plan. I’ve adopted the motto, “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape!”

To say our stresses are more burdensome than someone who lives in an urban setting, is probably not fair. I would say they are just different. I know

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THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019 21

Ranching Scrapbook

Volunteer Firefighters Words By Jennifer Whiteley

Lamoille, Nev.—Volunteer firefighters are often the first responders to fires and emergencies in rural communities. They spend many hours training and preparing for disasters. They do their own fundraising, use hand me down equipment, and are on call 24/7. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 69 percent of firefighters in the United States are volunteers. Volunteer firefighters go through some, or all of the same training as career personnel do; this too varies between jurisdictions, and sometimes have more training than their paid counterparts.

When volunteers join a department, they often sign up for firefighting classes and other certifications that teach them what they need to know to become a volunteer firefighter. Examples of these certifications include Firefighter I, Firefighter II, S-130/S-190, Emergency Medical Responder, and Emergency Medi-

cal Technician. These classes are a huge time commitment.

The Lamoille Volunteer Fire Department, one of many outstanding Nevada’s VFD’s has 23 active members who are trained in Wildland Fire Protection and Structure Protection. They also have a couple Emergency Responders. VFD members respond to incidents in and around Lamoille, as well as surrounding areas.

Rural America has been known to be at a higher risk for fire threats. With a sparse population, large expanses of land, and great distances from populated areas, it can be hard for fire services to reach people or fires in quick response.

Volunteers keep fires from getting out of hand, so if you haven’t done it lately, thank your volunteer fire departments for all they do for our rural communities!

Photo Courtesy of: Lamoille VFD Background Image- A Lamoille VFD member works to get the fire out on the Rabbit Creek Fire, Fall 2017.

PHOTO BY: Kaitlin Reed The Lamoille VFD is very active in their community. Members volunteer their time to help and educate community members about fire protection and prevention. Captain Travis 22 shows THEhisNEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019 Whiteley sons Trent and Quin one of Lamoille’s engines during the Warrior of the Canyon run.

PHOTO BY: Jennifer Whiteley Lamoille, Nevada. Lamoille Volunteer Fire Department poses with their new-to-them engine. The Lamoille VFD recently celebrated their 50th anniversary as a Volunteer Firew Department. Members standing left to right: Ed Sarman, Captain Travis Whiteley, Joe Gill, Captain Owen Reed, Dan Lefeber, Captain Mike Sarman, Chief Jess Sustacha, and Paul Sarman. Seated: Treasurer Kaitlin Reed, Amberlia Lefeber, and Sara Dill.

PHOTO BY: Kaitlin Reed During a summer training session, member Ed Hintz practices using a fire hose to move a bucket.

PHOTO BY: Jennifer Whiteley BLM Fire Engine Captain AJ Coleman demonstrates the proper use of a drip torch to volunteers. Left to right: Carl Sarman, Trent Whiteley, Paul Sarman, Quin Whiteley, Amberlia Lefeber, Dache Gording, Owen Reed, Ed Sarman, and AJ Coleman.   THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019 23

Western Nevada Cattlewomen Dinner Dance Recap

Photos and Words Submitted by Western Nevada Cattlewomen Western Nevada CattleWomen Inc.’s Dinner Dance was held in conjunction with the Bulls for the 21st Century Sale on March 9, 2019. We would like to thank all the Western CattleWomen, Lucy Rechel and Snyder Family, Harris Ranch for the delicious steaks, Motley Spurz Band, Jake Pickering, American Angus Assoc., Colonel Johnny Rodgers Auctioneer, and Greg Machado, Smith Valley FFA, Smith Valley Grange, Smith Valley Rotary, and Mason Valley Rotary who helped put on this exceptional fun-filled dinner dance and fundraiser.

Prior to Western Nevada CattleWomen’s portion of the evening, Lance Pekus, The Cowboy Ninja Warrior, and the Peterson Brothers performed their outstanding educational and captivating acts which have been seen world-wide. WNCW President, Emily Fulstone, started off the event with a few words and then all hats were off when 14-year-old, Yerington Intermediate student, singer, song writer, Whitney Huntley opened the dance with her beautiful rendition of our National Anthem. The crowd went wild!

Every year, a handful of awards are given during the dinner.

Western Nevada CattleWomen’s Beef Business of the Year Award: Smith Valley Dairy received the Beef Business Award and was honored by Kurt Englehart, Regional Representative for Rural Nevada from U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s Office.

“In recognition of the Smith Valley Dairy for their contributions to the promotion of BEEF and the contribution to Nevada and the Nation’s beef supply.” Smith Valley Dairy is a family-owned dairy farm located in pristine Smith Valley. The farm was built on the ideas and principles of sustainability. With several innovative water recycling systems,

Friday & Saturday, June 7 & 8, 2019 Shelman Ranch • Burns, OR

a state-of-the-art manure separating system and energy-efficient lighting with individual operating switches on each corral, Smith Valley Dairy has become an operation that is one-of-a-kind not only in the state of Nevada, but in the United States as well.

Western Nevada CattleWomen of the Year: The 2019 CattleWoman of the Year award was presented to Ashley Huntsberger of Smith Valley, Nevada. The 2019 CattleWoman of the Year honor is awarded to an active member that has been involved in a number of Western Nevada CattleWomen activities and committees and is dedicated to advancing the organization’s overall mission of beef promotion and education.

Ashley Huntsberger is daughter to Linda and Dick Huntsberger. She grew up on the family ranch in Smith Valley, Nevada and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in Education with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. Ashley was Nevada 2017 Nevada Collegiate Beef Advocate and was a National Collegiate Beef Advocate in 2018. Ashley also runs her own cattle.

Ashley is a great part of Western Nevada CattleWomen, she is fun to work with and always finishes her project thoroughly with a smile on her face. She is in charge of our social media and always comes up with great fundraiser ideas. She has done Ashley Huntsberger, Kurk Englehart from US Catherine Cortez Masto’s Office prea great job of managing our Facebook Senator sented Ashley Certificate of Commendation. page. She has helped with many duties for Western Nevada CattleWomen when asked.

She was also honored by Kurt Englehart, Regional Representative for Rural Nevada from U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s Office in recognition of being awarded the Western Nevada CattleWoman of the Year and commemorating her continued educational and outreach contributions on behalf of the ranching and agricultural communities.

Western Nevada CattleWomen Scholarship Award Winner:

Horse Sale at 2:00pm on Saturday

Treasurer Terri Chichester presented Faye Fournier with a $1,000.00 Scholarship for her outstanding scholarship and activities in her community. Faye is from Gardnerville and would someday like to raise her own show cattle. Western Nevada CattleWomen has awarded over $70,000.00 to local high school seniors. Our scholarships are open to any graduating senior from Douglas, Carson, Washoe, Storey and Lyon counties of Nevada and Alpine and Mono counties of California who are planning to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year College or University to pursue a career in agriculture. We are in the process of creating a new University of Nevada-Reno Scholarship for graduating seniors who are pursuing a career in agriculture.

A special and grateful thank you to the following companies and contributors who generously donated to the silent and live auctions:

WNCW Scholarship Faye Fournier and Terri Chester

A-Fab Creations, Ahern Gardnerville, Anytime Fitness, Art by Sarah Johnson, Barbara Byington, Bell Farming Co., Bohner Family Chiropractic, Boxwood Avenue, Boys and Girls Club of Mason Valley, Burlap Bovine, Cain Madrigal Photography,

24 THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019

Liz Carrasco, Carson Valley Country Club, Carson Valley Inn, Celeste Pierini, Celeste Settrini Photography, Christy’s Cowboy Creations, Christy Farms, Robert and Melissa Davis of Les Schwab of Gardnerville Royce Buckley from Les Schwab of South Carson City, D Bar M Western Store, Eastern Sierra Feed, Especially For You, Fresh Ideas, Fulstone Family, Ron Hurlbert, Hunter’s Guns Ammo and Sporting Goods, Jan Hunewill, Jeff and Denise Hunewill, Jill Fry, Mike Downs Ice Cream Company, Jim Menesini Petroleum, Kailen Dickson of Pope Valley Ranching, Josie Nash Silver, Joy Uhart, JT Basque Bar and Dining Room, Julene Smith, Julio’s, Kathi Hussman, Gary and Kim Lewis, KKC Ranch, Laxague Feed and Supply, Ashley Huntsberger, Linda Huntsberger, Marty’s Appliance, Mary Swirsky, Minden Meat and Deli, Minden Starbucks, More Good Hair Day, Morgan Kromm Photography, Pioneer Crossing, Pinenut Livestock Supply, R.N. Fulstone, Red Barn Antique, Renner Equipment Co., Robin Paine, Round Up Awards, Ruby Rose Cowgirl Clothes, Dough Schact, Shane Strickler Sales Representative of Boehringer Ingelheim, Sierra Nevada Large Animal Hospital, Sierra Nevada Leather, Silverado, Smith Valley Garage, Sorensen’s, Terri Chichester, The Ristorante Bar, Tractor Supply- Minden, Tracy Shane, Trimmers Outpost, TGS Construction Co., True Value-Yerington, WalMart-Gardnerville, Walker River Resort, Wayward Cowgirl, Wild West Chevrolet, Winnemucca Publishing and Kurt Urricelqui, Territory Business Manager for Zoetis and Pinenut Livestock. Thank you to anyone else who put in their contribution, time and effort to make this fundraiser successful; we are so sorry if we missed your name!

What a team it takes to put on a special event like this, and all hands and CattleWomen who helped: Chairperson, Linda Huntsberger and Ashley Huntsberger; Decorating Chairperson, Kailen Dickson; Front Door Chairperson, Kim Lewis; President, Emily Fulstone; Vice President, Jenifer Sexson; Treasurer, Terri Chichester; Secretary, Dana Fenili; Members, Tiffany Bakken, Terry Billman, Barbara Byington, Liz Carrasco, Gina Cook, Sharon DeCarlo, Tonja Dressler, Jan Hunewill, Suzanne Kelton, Jody Laxague, Tricia Marriott, LiAne McBroome, Robin Paine, Jennifer Panora, Rosealee Rieman, Jen Scott, Annalyn Settelmeyer, Brenna and Baylee Silveira, Julene Smith, Joy Uhart, Dr. Rita Wallis, Ashley Wright, and Rhiannon Wright. Thank you to the husbands, sons and other friends who shared their time and muscles!

Front Row: Jenifer Sexson, Lance Pekus (The Cowboy Ninja Warrior), Tiffany Bakken, Dr. Rita Wallis, Lucy Snyder, and Linda Huntsberger Back Row: Ally Sceirine, Ashley Huntsberger, Emily Fulstone, Ashley Wright, Kim Lewis and Jennifer Panora

We would like to honor the following Western Nevada CattleWomen, Inc., (formerly Western Nevada CowBelles), and Nevada CattleWomen, Inc. ladies who have recently passed. We graciously thank them for their lifelong service to the cattle industry, their communities and our organizations. They are truly be loved and missed.

Beatrice “Bea” Melen, Member: July 27, 1957 – February 2, 2019 Dorothy Scossa, Charter Member: November 11, 1922 – February 5, 2019 Lois (Dressler) Compston, Charter Member: November 28, 1925 - March 11, 2019 Tonja Dressler, Lifetime Member: October 2, 1949 – April 19, 2019 Western Nevada CattleWomen, Inc. is part of the oldest women’s organization in the State of Nevada. We were created “to promote friendly and social relations between people and to cooperate in the best interests of our industry, our Community and our Country.” If you are interested in joining, please call Linda Huntsberger at 775-7203106.

775-625-1945

5025 E. Winnemucca Blvd.

Winnemucca, NV. 89445

Keepin' You Wet, Helpin' Ag Grow THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019 25

How to Calculate Costs and Income per Producing Unit

By Trevor Carrasco Loan Officer, American AgCredit

How much could you profit by growing your herd or buying a few more acres of land? Before expanding a cattle operation, ranchers should consider their average costs and income based on each producing unit. It’s a straightforward calculation that yields a valuable financial benchmark.

Start by crunching the numbers with a simple formula: total expenses ÷ total number of cows owned. This formula tells you the total amount it costs you to run each cow, and can help you estimate new breakeven costs when considering an expansion. Knowing these calculations will allow you to make more informed and strategic decisions about the future.

Looking at the first line of information in the table below, you can begin to see the usefulness of this exercise. The expense per cow is $500, and the income per cow is $723. The operator’s expense per calf sold is $588 in this example. This is the breakeven price.

By expanding the herd, operators can spread fixed expenses across more production units. In this example, the breakeven price dropped by more than $100 per calf sold. Keep in mind that there may be other risk factors associated with expansion that are not covered in this example. This is assuming that cash was paid to expand the herd, but if you buy cows with a loan, the cost of servicing the increased debt would raise the fixed expenses.

Let’s say you decide to grow your herd and the neighbor’s ranch comes up for sale for $500,000. The ranch would fit well with your operation, but in order to buy it, you will need to take out a loan. The same per-unit cost formula can also be used for new debt service by taking the annual payment and dividing it by cow and by calf sold. Add the debt payment per cow to the fixed and variable expenses per cow, and you will have calculated the new breakeven price per calf sold. This calculation is shown in the example below.

Here, the producer is keeping 15 replacement heifers and only selling 85 calves, so the income per cow and the income per calf sold will be different. Thus, the 85 calves that sell for $850 per calf only produce $723 per cow when the selling price is spread over your entire herd. Those numbers differ because the producer held on to 15 replacement heifers, and they did not produce a cash income this year. This exercise doesn’t account for death loss, which should be considered in every operation.

Breaking it down per head (or production unit) helps visualize the actual cost. If you were told you could buy a neighboring property for $500,000, you may reject the idea based on upfront cost alone. When you examine the numbers more closely, however, the purchase may start to make more sense. If you break the new debt service into costs per calf, the numbers may become more manageable – and more appealing.

When you know the per-unit cost of production, you can make accurate estimates on what additional cows would do to your bottom line. Now take a look at the second line of the table. If you doubled your cow herd, that could double your income because you have the opportunity to sell twice the number of calves. This expansion could also double your variable expenses like hay, trucking, veterinary costs, etc. However, fixed expenses like debt service, salaries, and possibly rent (if you lease a ranch for a fixed amount) would remain the same in an expansion if you are still operating at capacity.

The per-unit cost formula is not only useful to cattle ranchers. This financial calculation can be used in all segments of agriculture. For example, a producer may want to calculate income per acre of alfalfa, or specific expenses like fertilizer cost per acre. There is real value in knowing numbers like per-unit cost when managing your operation and making sound financial decisions.

To learn more about our financial expertise and services, contact American AgCredit at 775-738-8496 or visit us online at AgLoan.com.

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Labor Day Weekend August 30 - September 1, 2019 Around these parts, Labor Day means just one thing; it's time for a fabulous weekend dedicated to some serious, end-of-summer fun. Great food, good times and plenty of spectacular entertainment!

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Gavica Ranch

10750 Gavica Lane, Paradise Valley. Beautiful 48 acre ranchette near the base of Santa Rosa Mountains.

A clean updated home with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, stucco exterior, metal roof, covered patio, spacious garage, carport, lawn and mature trees. The acreage produces approximately 60 ton of prime grass hay. There are 39.36 acres of water rights . There is a shop and corrals.

Clear Creek Ranch

Year round cattle ranch with 10,400 Deeded Acres, parcels in Humboldt and Pershing Counties, plus BLM allotment. 6 pivots, 790 irrigated acres, 3 irrigation wells, ranch manager's home and equipment yard, Log Cottage. Excellent surface and under ground water rights with one of the longest perennial streams in the Great Basin. Equipment and cattle included.

279.93 Acres Lamoille

Beautiful Property wih Ruby Mountain Views and seasonal creek. Access is from Lower Lamoille Road.

Diamond Valley Farm

Nice family farm with three homes all with yards and trees. The farm is 1,080 acres in Eureka County with Certificated Water Rights, six pivots, 2 alfalfa, 1 Timothy, 1 wheat and 2 in permanent. Fescue and Garrison. Two hay barns, 2 feedlots, working corrals, loading chute, arena, large equipment shop with stalls. Farm runs 350 to 400 head from May through November.

New Ranch

Over 23,000 deeded acres. Old water rights on the Humboldt River. Winter out permit.

Starr Valley Farm/Ranch

33 Upper Starr Valley Road with 38 water-righted acres. Main house 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, fireplace, vaulted ceilings, front porch and large back deck, attached 2 car garage with storage. Cozy guest house with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom with enclosed porch. Barn with loft/studio, nice horse stalls, hay storage, work shop area, and access to East Humboldt.

View Complete listings at www.ARanchBroker.com

775-738-8535 • 775-777-6416 • 775-455-6748 Allie Bear, Broker/Realtor Dawn Mitton, Broker/Realtor Kelly Draper, Agent

THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019 27

Sat.-Mon., July 8th-10th

Nugget Resort & Casino, Reno, NV Catalog Deadline: June 20th UPCOMING VIDEO SALES: Hotel Code Can Be Found: wvmcattle.com Watch and Listen to the sale on the web at... Market your cattle with the professionals!

Steve Lucas • Paradise Valley • (775) 761-7575 Mark Venturacci • Fallon • (775) 427-8713 Gary Nolan • Elko • (775) 734-5678

For details please call our office at 530-347-3793or email us at wvm@wvmcattle.com Look for the catalog and pictures on our web site: www.wvmcattle.com

28 THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019

Paradise Valley Volunteer Firemen Celebrate 69 Years of Tradition

By Ashley Buckingham Nevada Rancher

The Paradise Valley Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting their 69th Annual Father’s Day BBQ at the Firemen’s Park on June 16th from 1-4 pm . It is always a great day in Paradise Valley. The beef is cooked the old-fashioned way, garlic infused, smothered with a rub, then wrapped in foil, burlap and secured with wire. The meat is then set in an underground pit fueled with hot sagebrush coals that have been covered with sand. The pit is then topped with metal sheeting, retaining the heat to allow the meat to cook overnight.

The homemade BBQ sauce is mouth-watering. They also serve cowboy beans, tossed green salad, french bread and watermelon. The Paradise Valley 4H club will be serving ice cream and cool refreshments. The local school PTO will be hosting a cow flop.

There is plenty of fun for all including foot races for the kids and adults, a nail driving contest for the women and horse shoe pitching. There is a wide variety of door prizes, raffle and silent auction items, which are generously donated by local businesses. If you would like to donate to this event please contact a Paradise Valley Fireman or Dennis Deputy at 775-304-0402. Meal tickets are sold at the event.

Proceeds from the BBQ will go to the funding and maintenance of the Fireman’s Park and purchasing new playground equipment in addition to the PVFD scholarship fund .

Paradise Valley is located 40 miles North East of Winnemucca, NV. The valley is nestled against the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest in the Santa Rosa Mountain Range. The wild flowers will be in full bloom, making it a perfect daytrip experience.

Chris Janson concert June 19

Nightly carnival June 19-29

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Deadline for entries is: July 22, 2019 &/or the first 20 paid teams.

For more information please contact: Richard Allegre at (775) 423-5358 or 848-2108

Double R Marketplace vendors galore

For tickets visit: RenoRodeo.com or call

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THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019 29

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Looking down from 30,000 feet on Nevada’s craggy, arid landscape doesn’t evoke an image of what most people think of as rangeland. But this vast and seemingly desolate place as viewed from five miles high actually supports a vital and healthy livestock industry. In an environment which receives an average 7.5 inches of precipitation a year, careful and constant management of these particular rangelands is crucial.

More than 85 percent of nevada is managed by the federal government under the supervision of the bureau of land management, the u.s. forest service, and the military. Because private land is very limited, ranchers need to use some of these public lands, as well as their own, for grazing herds of cattle and sheep. ranchers are given an allotment and a predetermined number of livestock are allowed to graze at a per-head fee.

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This has been an agreeable partnership for close to a hundred years, with both parties active in managing the land to accommodate many uses such as wildlife habitat and recreation as well as grazing. The health of our rangeland is in everyone’s best interest.

Land has always been the foundation of our nation’s wealth and the men and women who work that land are the traditional caretakers. land management and conservation science have advanced greatly over the last decades and modern ranchers keep up, or are in the lead.

Carefully grazed rangeland has been shown to be healthier and more productive than ungrazed land separated by only a wire fence. Grazing animals control invasive species and organic matter that fuels destructive wildfires.

Like most of the west, nevada has been impacted by urban growth, especially by the increased demands on a limited water supply.

Natural resources are under pressure so it becomes increasingly critical to manage our rangelands to benefit not only our livestock industry, but the very place we call home.

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This ad is funded through the NRRC’s assessment of 10¢ per AUMNEVADA paid by public land ranchers.

THE RANCHER – JUNE 2019 31

Nevada Beef Council Website Gets Revamp

The Nevada Beef Council (NBC) has launched an all-new website, providing an up-to-date source of information and resources for Nevada consumers to learn more about what it takes to raise cattle and produce beef. The new site also provides plenty of information regarding cooking with beef, beef nutrition, information about the NBC, and more.

Also new is an online portal for retail and foodservice operators, providing insights, research data, industry trends, inspiration, and marketing strategies to help promote beef in the meat case or on the menu.

And finally, producer resources are available, providing information about the beef checkoff, information about the NBC board of directors, and copies of current and previous annual reports.

ever, implies stronger consumer demand is driving operators’ increased willingness to pay for beef.

Chart 1 shows that restaurants and bars accounted for 70% of 2018 beef foodservice purchases, whereas other commercial and non-commercial segments purchased the balance of beef volume. Over the past five years, this split has ranged from 68/32 to 70/30. The wider 2018 division was driven by beef growth at full-service restaurants (FSR) while price-sensitive non-commercial segment purchases were constrained by price inflation in 2018.

Beef Remains Foodservice Mainstay Courtesy of Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.

The 2018 growth in beef pounds at full-service restaurants was twice that of chicken (132 vs. 68 million pounds), enhanced by a strong economy, improved performance amongst independent and steak-driven concepts,5 and the popularity of iconic and higher-end steaks. Particularly appealing cuts at restaurants in 2018, whether purchased as pre-cut steak or subprimal for further fabrication, included: Filet, Ribeye, Strip, Flank, Flat Iron, and Petite Tender. FSRs also increased their purchases of Brisket and Chuck Roasts as well as Back and Country-Style Ribs in 2018.

To better understand beef trends at foodservice, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner., on behalf of the beef checkoff, completes an annual foodservice volumetric study to measure operator purchases and distributor sales of beef and other proteins across all foodservice operator segments.1

Beef’s strong share of total pounds at limited-service restaurants (LSR) (45% of pounds) is of course, driven by the ever-popular and economical burger. Related to this limited-service burger presence, operator purchase volumes are dominated by Ground Beef, followed by pre-cut steaks and then subprimals/roasts (Chart 2).

All told, beef continues to be a mainstay for foodservice operators. Its versatility by preparation, cuisine type, cut, price point and beyond provide options to meet multiple concepts and needs.

Not surprisingly, these shares shift when price is added to the mix. Whereas 64% of beef pounds were purchased as ground beef, this share fell to 37% of total beef value. Alternatively, pre-cut steaks accounted for 13% of volume and 30% of value.

Similarly, roast/subprimal purchases increased from 11% of volume to 18% by value.

Visit NevadaBeef.org today to see what the new site has to offer!

Beef accounts for fully 16% of total foodservice food and non-alcohol purchases, making it the most prominent ingredient at foodservice. It spans from the affordable and convenient burger to the high-end steak experience, and everything in between. This cornerstone role and associated investment make understanding beef’s trends important.

Overall, animal protein purchases continued to increase in 2018. Total foodservice volumes grew 1.1% to 26.464 billion pounds over the prior year and are up over 4.4% since 2014. Consistent with the overarching trend,2 consumers are enjoying more meat, poultry, fish and seafood at foodservice. While 31% of this volume is chicken and 30% is beef, beef’s wholesale purchase value exceeds that of chicken by 37.6%.

Source: Beef at Foodservice Volumetric Study, Technomic, 2019

In total, 2018 foodservice beef purchases exceeded 8.028 billion pounds or $31.205 billion. When compared to the prior year, volume was 0.1% lower while dollar purchases increased 3.3%.

Given beef’s strong performance at retail and in export markets,3 along with traffic challenges amongst casual dining chain establishments,4 this volume change at foodservice is in-line with available beef supplies.

The price inflation, how-

Beyond restaurants, 2018 beef dollar purchases remained robust, as steaks, roasts/ subprimals and Ground Beef play an important role for operators. Retailer (grocery prepared foods and convenience store) purchases of Ground Beef and strips/dices/ shaved beef strengthened, in line with consumer interest in variety, convenience and ethic offerings. Pre-cooked Roast Beef purchases at lodging increased as this segment focuses more on prepared and convenience-oriented options for guests.

1. Usage and Volumetric Assessment of Beef in Foodservice 2018 Edition, Technomic, 2019.

2. USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, April 2019.

3. Beef Export Statistics, U.S. Meat Export Federation, April 2019.

4. Restaurant Sales Analytics & Insights, Black Box Intelligence, April 2019.

5. Foodservice Planning Program, Technomic, January 2019.

6. Data for the 5 smallest segments (Bars & Taverns, Recreation, Military, Corrections and Continuous Care Retirement Centers) are only captured in odd-numbered years.

Prior year volume numbers are extended forward in even years, e.g. 2017 Bar & Tavern numbers are used for 2018.

Source: Beef at Foodservice Volumetric Study, Technomic, 2019

! t a e s Let’

Creamy Jalapeño Corn Casserole

Lamoille, Nev.—Branding season is my favorite time of year! When I was first married, getting ready for a branding was simple. I woke up 30 minutes before saddling, I pulled on the pair of jeans I wore the day before, shoved a hat on my head, and grabbed a bit on my way out the door. It was great. I got to trot out until my colt and I were both warmed up (It’s cold on the desert at 5 a.m.!), or we found cattle. I got to help gather the cattle. I roped and worked the ground. My only care was not falling off my horse or missing too many loops!

Then I had kids. Going branding turned into a chore. I had to get up 1 ½ hours before saddling. I had to pack a diaper bag. I had to remember hats, sunscreen, wipes, and snacks for everyone. I needed extra clothes to dress the boys in once we got to the branding trap. I had to remember breakfast for two tiny humans. I only rode bridle horses. If I got to help gather, it was with a kid riding with me while I led the other on his horse. I never went any faster than a walk.

My horse didn’t get much of a warmup. When I worked the ground, I packed a baby on my back. I only roped when the kids were asleep or entertained in a spot that was out of the way, but in view and ear shot so I could keep an eye on them. My boys spent lots of mornings in a playpen on the back of a pickup near the branding trap. Branding was work.

Words and Photo By Jennifer Whiteley

While I miss the days when my boys were small and needed me, I’m glad those branding days are over! Brandings are fun again. It doesn’t take nearly as much time to get out the door these days. I still try to remember to bring snacks, the only draw back is having to saddle to extra horses now.

I get to ride young horses again, and I get to trot places! I can take the big circle and ride by myself, or I can take a boy and he can keep up. My boys are mounted pretty well, they can ride their own circles. They have even started to rope a little and try to help some on the ground.

Fortunately for me, I don’t have to do much cooking at branding time. Some family friends of our do the brunt of our cooking for ranch brandings. They do a really good job, and now when we ask for people to help us brand, they ask if Julio and Sissy are cooking. I’m afraid no one will help us if they aren’t cooking! When the Cowboss and I brand our own calves, we do a potluck and Julio smokes Tri Tips and fries potatoes. My mom, sisters, and cousins each bring a salad or dessert to round out the meal. After the calves are all branded, we enjoy a great meal and conversation.

This year I made a crockpot of beans and a Jalapeno Corn Casserole. I don’t know how ranch women lived before the invention of the Crockpot! They make my life so much easier. I modified this recipe to be crockpot friendly and it was a hit! Unfortunately, it doesn’t photograph well, so instead I am sharing a picture of my branding crew!

Creamy Jalapeño Corn Casserole Ingredients 1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup Mt. Olive diced jalapeño peppers (without juice) 3 15 oz. whole kernel corn, drained Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 9x13 baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray.

In a bowl mix cream cheese and jalapeños until well incorporated. Add corn and fold into cream cheese mixture.

Spoon into prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-45 minutes. Garnish with sliced jalapeños.

If using a crockpot, mix as directed, then place in a crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours.

! y o j n E

#RanchKidsRock I’ve decided the best way to counteract the influence of technology at school and in life in general is to surround my boys with hard working ranch kids. On this day, we had 9 kids under the age of 13 helping us brand Maggie Creek Ranch calves in Lamoille.

The oldest kids took time to rope and also gave vaccinations to the calves. The younger kids gathered firewood, kept the irons hot, and cooked calf fries for

anyone brave enough to eat them! Everyone worked together. Everyone worked hard. They played hard. They got dirty. They all had fun, and I would bet more than one fell asleep on the drive home. But the best part, not a single cell phone was seen all day long! Horseback, Allie Ross. Back row, left to right: Audrey Wright, Trent Whiteley, Taggart Nelson, Clay Nelson, Quin Whiteley, and Cooper Nelson. Front row, left to right, Tel and Hannah Nelson.

THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019 33

S

ome cattle at high elevations suffer pulmonary artery hypertension, which leads to congestive heart failure. This condition has been called brisket disease, mountain sickness, big brisket, or high mountain disease. Affected animals are usually lethargic and develop edema (swelling) in neck and brisket, due to high blood pressure forcing fluid out of the vessels into surrounding tissues. Swelling may spread up the neck or under the belly. Unless the condition is reversed, the animal dies. Sometimes you don’t see outward signs; you just find the animal dead from heart failure.

Cattle living at elevations above 5000 feet are at risk, and incidence of brisket disease increases at higher elevations. In thinner air of high elevations, low oxygen availability triggers the problem. Susceptibility seems to be inherited. Affected animals often have problems early in life if they live at a high elevation, or develop the problem if brought to high elevation from lower altitudes.

We now split this “disease” into two categories: high mountain disease and feedlot heart disease. Many people are aware of the high mountain disease but it’s just been in recent years that cattlemen been learning about the feedlot problem.

Bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF) is appearing increasingly in feedlot cattle, particularly in the Western Great Plains of the US and Canada. BCHF is an untreatable, fatal condition involving pulmonary hypertension that culminates in right ventricular failure, but in many cases may begin with left-heart dysfunction at low and moderate altitudes.

This makes it different from cases of right-heart failure at high altitudes because BCHF affects both sides of the heart.

Researchers at the USDA, ARS, US Meat Animal Research Center and Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center at Clay Center, Nebraska have been working on various aspects of researching this emerging disease, focusing on the feedlot condition.

They have been studying BCHF cases in feedlot cattle since the 1970’s, so it’s not a new disease, but it is now being seen more frequently. Apparently there have always been a few cases, for a long time, but now this problem is showing up more, and more people are now taking note. There are more reports of cattle dying of this disease at relatively low altitudes, such as in Nebraska feedlots at 1600 feet and in northwest Iowa at 1000 feet.

WHEN AND WHERE DOES BCHF OCCUR?

– At this point there is still a lack of information in the feedlot industry about where and when these cases happen—at what point in the feeding period these cattle might be most at risk. At first people thought it was just an odd case here and there. Today it’s not uncommon to see feedlot situations with 6% death loss from heart failure. It seems to be an emerging disease.

When Nebraska researchers started collecting samples for case-control studies they noticed that cases of BCHF weren’t all happening late in the feeding period. A common misconception has been that this problem hits fat cattle near the end of the finishing phase--tipping over just before they go to slaughter.

The research samples showed a distribution of cases through the entire feeding period.

The deaths that happen late are the most memorable, however, because those cattle have eaten a lot of feed before they die and it’s a greater loss.

GENETIC ASPECTS –

There’s some speculation among cattlemen that perhaps we are seeing an increase in BCHF because some of the traits in beef cattle we’ve been selecting for in recent years (fast-growing, high-performing, rapidly-fattening animals that produce a superior meat carcass in a short time on feed) may be linked to this emerging problem. Beef producers are wondering if maybe there is a genetic component and we’ve been inadvertently selecting for cattle that have a genetic susceptibility to end up with BCHF in the feedlot.

Brisket Disease Research - Bovine Congestive Heart Failure in Feedlot Cattle Words By: Heather Smith Thomas 34 THE NEVADA RANCHER – APRIL 2019Photo By: Ashley Buckingham

Maybe there are some unintended consequences of cattle selection for growth and carcass traits. At this point we don’t know, but there are several of features of BCHF that suggest there might be an underlying genetic cause. Beef producers today tend to select genetics for calves that are born small and grow large. In the beef industry, at certain points in time, there has been selection for large cattle, and for small cattle, and getting some unexpected consequences, such as dwarfism when people went overboard for small frames. With BCHF disease, heavy muscle and big frame may be a factor.

Some of the research scientists at ARS are trying to find genetic risk factors for various diseases in cattle and sheep. One goal is to try to discover whether there is a specific genomic region of DNA that serves as a major genetic risk factor for BCHF. It seems like there is an underlying genetic component, and the best evidence for this is the clustering of cases by source (animals from the same ranch that are possible related, such as sired by the same bulls).

Certain groups of cattle tend to have more problems. Feedlot data in these studies have shown that most of the disease cases are in just a few of the lots. Another indication that this disease might have a genetic origin is that the producers who experience problems one year are likely to have had problems in the past and are likely to continue to have problems in the future. It’s not just a few isolated cases.

There is some speculation that maybe there is some underlying genetic mutation that occurred many years ago, that by chance has now gotten to a sizeable

frequency in some cattle populations (perhaps because it occurred in bloodlines that have been popular and used frequently) and now it is showing up. This idea fits with a simple recessive model where the carriers of the mutation would appear normal, making it difficult for producers to identify. Cattle breeders would be unable to get rid of it because they don’t know what it is or what to look for—and it doesn’t show up unless the recessive genes are doubled up from both parents in their offspring.

There might be many steers from the same source, fed in the same pen, that don’t have the problem, but the small percent that do end up with BCHF might be the ones that inherit the recessive gene from both parents. This is what makes people think this disease fits the picture of a genetic defect. In all livestock species there are detrimental mutations that exist in the population as a recessive trait, and rarely show up unless they occur in popular animals that get used for extensive breeding and have many descendants that are then bred to each other, doubling up that trait—and then it appears in the offspring.

Regarding the possibility of genetic susceptibility to BCHF in beef cattle, the fact that it seems to be increasing could be due to the possibility that there is more of this genetic trait circulating in some of the cattle population today than in the past. If there is one defective bit of DNA, the researchers think that if they could find it and identify it, and test for it, cattle breeders might be able to select cattle that don’t have it.

“We now split this “disease” into two categories: high mountain disease and feedlot heart disease.”

THE NEVADA RANCHER – APRIL 2019 35

DIAGNOSTICS AND MANAGEMENT –

There are two major goals to the current research. On one hand these scientists are working on ways to discover the underlying risk factor, but that will take time. If they do find something useful it will take time to produce a genetic test. In the meantime cattlemen need a workable plan to try to reduce the incidence of congestive heart failure in feedlot cattle. There may be many years between where we are now and when we might be able to have a way to breed this out of our cattle herds. In the short term, producers need more tools to manage this disease.

In many of the cases, it is very difficult to tell at first if these are respiratory diseases or heart failure. The early stages of both diseases look similar. Even though a feedlot cowboy may suspect that a particular animal will turn out to be a heart failure case, they can’t risk not treating for a respiratory disease. The consequences of not treating will result in a dead animal. But if they go ahead and treat with an antimicrobial drug, then there is a withdrawal period before that animal can be slaughtered.

Since heart failure is terminal (these animals cannot recover), the only thing that can be done is slaughter for salvage before that animal goes downhill too much. If the animal got treated for respiratory disease, however, it may die before the withdrawal period is over. Providing the feedlot veterinarian or producer with a tool for early diagnosis is therefore a high priority for research.

If the current research efforts can find a way to facilitate early diagnosis, then when feed-yards have a suspect case they could quickly determine whether this animal is actually a heart failure case. If so, it would not be treated with antibiotics and the feed-yard could get the animal to slaughter for salvage while it still has some value.

The withdrawal on antibiotic drugs is longer than the animal’s life-span, once that animal starts to go downhill with BCHF. Some better diagnostic tools would give the feedlots an opportunity to do a better job.

Hopefully the researchers will eventually find biomarkers or other tools that will allow breeders to select against this problem, and then the feed-yards might end up with a smaller percentage of animals at high risk for becoming fatal cases. This could allow for differential management. If there is an underlying risk factor that is complicated by rapid growth, and if we can identify the animals that are most at risk, those animals could be managed a different way—perhaps on a slower-growth less energy-dense diet.

Diagnosis is always a challenge. Respiratory disease diagnosis is something that the beef industry is not very good at. Then you add the possibility for BCHF and it becomes even more frustrating. In the early stages of BCHF we see a depressed calf that seems to have trouble breathing, and our first thought would be respiratory disease.

At this point in time, the feedlot can’t afford to not treat these cases as respi-

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36 THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019

ratory disease, because if they don’t get antibiotics, the animals with respiratory disease will have a bad outcome. Feedlot pen riders have a dilemma because so much depends on their observations and instincts. They are the ones who have to determine whether an animal needs treatment, and there is sometimes debate regarding what was actually a case of BCHF and what was not.

Many cases of BCHF develop in high-quality cattle. These are not high-risk

sale-barn, co-mingled calves. Many feedlot calves have retained ownership—and when the owners send a set of nice, healthy good-looking calves and then some of them die, this makes the owners unhappy, and the feedlot gets shorted because they lost the cattle in spite of having done everything right. The cattle were well taken care of, and fed well, so there’s often a blame game and no one is happy.

Producers need to realize the difference between high mountain “brisket disease” which can appear in a baby calf or a young bull, steer or heifer—animals that are still growing rapidly—and BCHF in feedlot cattle. The young animals that get “brisket disease” tend to be lean, compared to the finishing animal. The feedlot animal is a very different creature, at the top of the growth curve, becoming fat. We are feeding them to create choice carcasses, so these cattle are big, and fat.

BCHF has created a lot of problems in feedlot cattle, particularly in situations with retained ownership. If a rancher at low to moderate altitude sends his weaned calves to a feed yard in the Nebraska panhandle to be finished, and the yard owner calls to tell him he lost a few cattle to what looks like brisket disease, the rancher gets upset because those cattle were raised at low elevation—so this shouldn’t happen. Producers need to realize that this is a completely different disease.

Many feedlot cowboys and pen riders are skilled at recognizing which cattle are susceptible to BCHF and are good at distinguishing them from cattle with primary respiratory disease. Yet many cattle with BCHF get misclassified as primary respiratory disease because often the only tissues examined at necropsy are the lung, right ventricle of the heart, and the liver. If the diagnostic pathologist sees any sign of pneumonia in the lung, respiratory disease is thought to be the cause for the restricted blood flow in the lungs, leading to increased workload on the right heart, which caused backup of blood flow in the liver.

Cattle in the feedlot that have acute respiratory disease almost always have cardiac fibrosis and a left heart dysfunction. The problem of BCHF is probably even bigger than we realize because many times people doing a necropsy don’t look at the left side of the heart or the pulmonary venous circulation. In addition, cardiopulmonary disease likely predisposes these cattle to pneumonia. It can sometimes be tricky to get an accurate diagnosis unless the veterinarians and/or pathologists know what to look for.

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Forest Service Using Sheep to Reduce Hazardous Fuels Carson City, NV. – As part of the Carson Ranger District’s Hazardous Fuels Reduction Program on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, sheep have been released to graze on two separate fuels reduction project areas. These sheep help remove cheatgrass and other non-native vegetation from National Forest System (NFS) lands. The West Carson Fuels Project is located on the west side of Carson City, Nevada, and the Arrowhawk Fuels Reduction Project is located on the west side of Reno, Nevada. Grazing began this year on April 13 and will continue through the end of the cheatgrass growing season in mid-summer.

The West Carson Fuels Project area is approximately 500 acres and is located southeast of King’s Canyon Road near the C-Hill area in Carson City, Nevada.

The Arrowhawk Fuels Reduction Project area is about 1,000 acres and is located approximately 10 miles southwest of Reno, Nevada, and just west of the Arrowcreek Residential Area urban interface. Grazing in the project is occurring within the Thomas Creek and Whites Creek watersheds north of Timberline Road.

“Cheatgrass is an invasive species that has the potential to dominate an area if not managed,” said Fuels Forester Anna Belle Monti. “It can outcompete native vegetation, eventually pushing native grasses and shrubs out of their normal habitat. Cheatgrass plants also create an exceptional fuel bed for wildfire and can be a threat to surrounding communities.”

The Forest has contracted with the Borda Land & Sheep Company out of Gardnerville, Nevada, to perform the grazing projects.

Approximately 700 ewes are being used for each grazing area and each flock is monitored by herders and livestock guard dogs.

“This program is an important measure to help keep our communities safe from fire,” said Kevin Wilmot, Acting Carson District Ranger. “Grazing sheep is a cost-effective and efficient way to fight the spread of the problematic invasive species.”

Monti reminds dog owners hiking in both project areas to keep dogs leashed at the trailheads and within one mile of the trailheads. Last summer there were a number of incidents where off-leash dogs harassed the sheep herds. Livestock guard dogs are present with the sheep herds and they instinctively will guard the herd against any form of predator that it feels is a threat.

“For the safety of both the dogs and the sheep grazing on these fuels reduction projects, we cannot stress enough the importance of following the county ordinances and area trail rules for leashing dogs in these areas,” said Monti. “The sheep grazing program helps keep our communities safe from fire, but we are only able to graze the sheep if we all work to keep the sheep and our pets safe from harm. With participation from our visitors, both uses can coexist for everyone’s benefit.”

“We appreciate the efforts of the National Forest Service to address wildland fuels, especially cheatgrass, through sheep grazing

in order to help reduce the threat of wildfires this season,” said Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Fire Chief Charles Moore. “We ask our residents to be mindful of the grazing and ensure their pets are secured if they plan to be in the grazing areas with pets. Additionally, we expect a robust wildfire season given the winter moisture we experienced and remind our residents to remain vigilant and avoid outdoor activities that could start a wildfire.”

For more information on the Carson Ranger District Hazardous Fuels Reduction Program, contact Scott Kizziar at 775-884-8142.

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Livestock Scale Inspection Season Has Begun By: Cadence Matijevich, Division Administrator

The Nevada Department of Agriculture’s (NDA) Division of Consumer Equitability has begun the 2019 livestock scale inspection season. In the interest of helping livestock scale owners and managers plan for the season ahead, the tentative schedule was mailed out in April, though it is subject to change based on weather conditions and equipment.

Tips to ensure your inspection goes smoothly To assist the team in continuing to improve this process, if you haven’t already done so, please fill out and return the information sheet that was mailed to all livestock scale owners and managers in April. Also, please keep the following tips in mind and make sure: • scale deck is free of debris, including rocks, dirt, etc.

• scale ramps are level, constructed with solid fill material, smooth and free of excess materials, like rubber mats or metal framework.

• scale ramps are installed prior to inspection.

• beam box is clean and free of bird, insect or rodent nests.

• alleyways are clear of anything that may obstruct view of the ground, such as panels, pallets, fencing material, water or feed tubs, equipment, tools or animals.

Annual license renewal fee: As of July 1, 2019, the annual license fee for scales with a capacity of 5,000 to 30,000 pounds will be $280, and all registered scale owners will receive invoices in July reflecting this change.

The Division of Consumer Equitability welcomes industry feedback and suggestions regarding these processes and services. Please contact us at any time: Sparks inspection team leader Mike Gower 775-353-3784 m-gower@agri.nv.gov

Once checked, livestock scales with no violations (or “tags”) will receive a seal like this.

Elko inspection team leader Steve Terry 775-778-0275 s-terry@agri.nv.gov Division administrator Cadence Matijevich 775-353-3726 c.matijevich@agri.nv.gov

• corrals are free of livestock on your scheduled inspection date.

• gates are open and unlocked or our inspectors are provided with any gate codes or key locations in advance.

• digital scales are fully charged or provided with a power supply.

Inspections help to ensure every pound reported for sale is indeed a pound, protecting both businesses and consumers.

38 THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019

Rangeland Monitoring app now available: Schedule a training with NDA By: David Voth, Rangeland Health coordinator

The Rangeland Monitoring app is officially available for download to your smartphone or tablet from the iTunes or GooglePlay stores. The app is a tool for collecting, tracking, and storing rangeland monitoring data, and is based on the Rancher’s Monitoring Guide. Monitoring can be used to make long- and short-term management decisions.

New features on the range app

Monitoring helps the range, ranchers, and all users of the land

With one tap, users will be able to identify the land’s potential, what the land could look like, and what inputs are needed to make that happen.

This ESD report will give details regarding expected species composition, soil factors, vegetation factors, average production in pounds per acre, and more.

Monitoring provides all users with information and feedback for their current management practices. Monitoring also helps determine whether management objectives are realistic and achievable. Using the new app also allows access to records of environmental and resource conditions, events, and management practices that may influence vegetation trends.

When individuals apply the procedures outlined in the app with accuracy, the information that is gathered is acceptable to federal and state cooperating agencies. It is important to coordinate monitoring of public lands with the appropriate public land manager and jointly collect the information whenever possible. All who collect monitoring information should properly reference and document the data, so it may contribute to evaluating rangelands on a large scale.

The range app also features Ecological Site Descriptions (ESD) and State and Transition Models (STM). Using the GPS on your device, the app will retrieve the ESD and STM associated with that site, providing a much more detailed approach to land management and site objectives.

The STM report will show the land’s potential, help identify the current state of the land, and help to decide what management practices will increase the health of the rangeland, how to maintain the current state, and what some of the risks are that may shift the site to a different state.

Schedule a training on premise!

NDA staff is available to help effectively implement this technology on ranchers’ property or allotments. Send an email to dvoth@agri.nv.gov to schedule a training. In as little as one day per year, monitoring with the range app can provide benefits that will last for generations

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THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019 39

12 Important Things to Grab in Case of Fire

By Norma Elliott “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” Job 1:21 I never thought the day would end the way it did. Our home and most of our belongings gone. Just 24 hours prior I couldn’t have imagined how quickly fire would rearrange our family’s life. I couldn’t have imagined not having everyday conveniences such as a needle and thread or band aid for a cut, a glass for a drink of water, or a blanket for warmth. But it became a reality for us that Sunday, January 1st, 2006. Here’s what happen to us and what we learned from losing nearly everything in a fire.

It was a Sunday afternoon and we had taken some of our youth kids to eat lunch at Taco Bell. We noticed a fire several miles away, the smoke at that point was no larger than a pinpoint to our view. Honestly, we didn’t even think about it much as we finished up our lunch, made a quick Walmart stop and headed home. By the time we turned down our dirt road to our drive, about twenty miles from town, a smoke cloud snaked through the sky and was present directly above our house. Still several miles away, we knew it had grown but were still unaware of what was about to happen.

After unloading groceries, our phone began to ring as our neighbors called to check on us and told us they had ordered an evacuation for our area. This just got serious and the strong wind that had been a nuisance earlier that day was now moving a raging wildfire like a runaway freight train. Our calm demeanor had just erupted into making immediate decisions.

My husband and oldest son hooked up the trailer and loaded livestock and my youngest son went between helping outside and gathering a few things in an overnight bag for the rest of us. I tended the flood of phone calls, tried to find out the location of the fire, and made a poor attempt at packing important items. If it wasn’t for the coolness of my youngest son going back and forth to check on me...I would have left the house with nothing.

First of all, I’ve got to say...we knew we had little time but gaging the location of the fire was impossible because of brush, trees, and small rolling hills.

Getting out is the most important job, even if everything else is lost. Your family’s safety takes the highest priority.

With that being said, we quickly threw in a change of clothes, a box of family pictures, our laptop, a file of important papers, and a few guns passed down from family, into the back of my jeep. Besides that, our horses, and a few sheep were all we had in our truck and trailer.

Our dirt road and only exit, was becoming less visible due to thickening smoke, we knew the time to leave was now.

I followed my husband down the road while looking back at our place in the rearview mirror knowing I may never see it again. I felt saddened and almost sick like I was leaving behind a friend but at the same time thankful we were getting the heck out of there.

Our house did burn down that night but we were not alone. Forty families lost their homes too. Our community gave up a big portion of their lives, money, clothing, and time to getting us back on our feet and for that we will always have a deep gratitude.

What we learned from one of the biggest events in our life was, even though we lost nearly everything in a life changing event, we knew God was faithful. We had no insurance, but He provided through not only our community but people we didn’t even know. In a time we could have been devastated, all our needs and more were met.

The next thing we learned was things would no longer hold a place in our priority list. Sure we still use things and I enjoy decorating my home but people are placed above stuff.

And the final thing we learned is major life events are not quick events, rebuilding takes time. Our church assigned us families to help us over the course of the next year, or however long it took.

Those families helped us, prayed with us, provided comic relief when appropriate and walked with us through a tiring time in life. They are the type of friends one can only hope to gain in this life.

There’s a single scripture that kept coming up during this time and we wrote them in the framework of our new home and I’d like to share it with you.

Thank you for reading!

Follow thecowboypastorswife on Facebook and Instagram

40 THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019

10th Annual Dufurrena Ranch ROPE FOR HOPE July 27th Benefit Roping-Silent Auction-Steak Dinner

All proceeds benefit rural ranching families in their fight against cancer!

This one day event began in the summer of 2009 as a fundraiser to benefit Ginny Dufurrena as she battled breast cancer. Over the past few years the event has grown and thrived.

The annual summer event is held at the Dufurrena Ranch Arena near Denio, NV.

Proceeds from Rope for Hope have been given to individuals in the following communities: Nevada: Denio, Orovada, Winnemucca, Eureka, McDermitt, Paradise Valley and Kings River. Oregon: Plush, Jordan Valley, Crane, Adel and Lakeview.

This event also includes Jr/Sr roping, kids events, quilt raffle and entertainment including music by the Oregon Old Time Fiddlers.

For more information contact 775-941-0217.

Find the event flyer on Facebook: Rope for Hope

OTHER SAVE THE DATES: Fast Times Full Hearts Ranch Rodeo and Roping Weekend in Winnemucca,

NV June 14, 15 & 16th 4th of July Ranch Rodeo in McDermitt, NV July 3rd &4th Find more information on these event’s Facebook pages.

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Sierra Testing Service Hay Probe $75.00 Includes shipping within the continental U.S. THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019 41

Financing Available. Great rates for New and Used Equipment!

2019 MF Hesston WR9980, w/ 9296 Header������ Starting at $181,000

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2019 Massey Hesston 2270, 3x4 Baler, Made in the USA! ����� Starting at $138,000.

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RENTAL/USED TRACTORS

2016 Case IH Farmall 110 U 93 hp, CAB, MFD, 250 Hrs., loader ready ........................ CALL 2014 CaseIH Magnum 235CVT, 1700 hrs, 195 hp, GPS, Luxury cab.........................…..$134,000

2014 Magnum 280CVT, 235 PTO HP, GPS, suspended axle, 380R54, 1400 hrs ......... $167,033 1994 Case IH Maxxum 5250, 2wd, rebuilt engine ............................................................ $37,500 Windrowers 2005 Hesston 9240, S/N 2133 ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $41,200 2018 MF Heston WR9980 with 9295 Rotary Header, S/N 4339/4328 ��������������������$170,000 2019 MF Hesston WR9970 with 9295 Rotary Header, s/n 3147/4183 ��������������������$170,000

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Rakes

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42 THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019

2014 CaseIH Magnum 260CVT, 1200 hrs, 215 hp, GPS, Luxury cab........................……ON RENT 2014 Maxxum 125, 105 PTO HP, MFD, 1863 hrs.......................................................……$60,800

MISCELLANEOUS Koenig 450 Subsoiler, 5 shanks, steel wheels, hitch……...................................................$17,263 Parma 15 ft. Double Roller, Hydraulic Lift, Gooseneck Hitch ..........................................$19,096 Case IH 530C, Ecolotiger, One Pass Til age, 5 Shanks ..................................................$39,590

Horsch MT-15 Joker, 3pt, high speed disc, 13’4” working width….................................…$31,770

Great Plains 18 ft, TurboMax, Hydraulic Adjustable Turbo Coulters ................................ON RENT Kuhn SR112 Rakes - 4 in inventory ..............................................................................$4,600-4,800 Great Plains 1500 Notil Dril with precision vert. hitch….....................................................Call Elston GA800 Heavy Duty, Gopher Kil er ............................................................................$4,725 Koenig Finish Ripper with Wings, Rear Crumbler, Hitch .....................................................$18,995 Koenig Ring Rollers, 14 and 16 foot, In Stock ....................................................................CALL Blanket Harrows,1/2 inch to 3/4 inch Tines, In Stock ..........................................................CALL Kuhn VT168 Vertical Mixer, left and right discharge, 760 cu.ft. capacity ............................$54,000 Twinstar 2030 Hydraulic Rake, 12 ft baskets, new teeth, upgraded star wheels ...............$8,000

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Smith Creek Property, Jiggs, Nevada

5,300 deeded plus BLM permit attached to ranch. 5 center pivot’s irrigating approx. 583 acres plus another 28 acres with surface water rights out of large spring. Three homes plus shop and other outbuildings. 1 land owner Elk Tag. This Elko Co. ranch offered.

220 deeded acres with approx. 126 with surface water rights out of Smith Creek. Great homesite already carved out of the hill above the meadows with well and trees planted. On county maintained road approx. 30 miles out of Elko.

Price: $3,900,000.

Price: $600,000.

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Market Report

44 THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019

Auction Directory Get the most up-to-date market reports by visiting these websites NEVADA Nevada Livestock Marketing LLC Sale every Wednesday 1025 North Allen Road, Fallon, Nevada Office: (775) 423-7760 Fax: (775) 423-1813 www.nevadalivestock.us • Fallon Livestock LLC Sale every Tuesday 2055 Trento Lane, Fallon, Nevada Office: (775) 867-2020 Fax: (775) 867-2021 www.fallonlivestock.com • Superior Livestock Auction Load-lots of cattle sold via satellite and the Internet Northern Nevada

Representative Allie Bear (775) 738-8534 www.superiorlivestock.com

CALIFORNIA Shasta Livestock Auction Yard Sale every Friday Cottonwood, California Office: (530) 347-3793 Fax: (530) 347-0329 www.shastalivestock.com • Cattlemen’s Livestock Market Sale every Wednesday 12495 E. Stockton Blvd., Galt, California Office: (209) 745-1515 www.clmgalt.com

IDAHO Producers Livestock Marketing Assn.

11 South 100 West, Jerome, Idaho Office: (208) 324-4345 Cattle auction every Tuesday; dairy auction every-other Wednesday www.producerslivestock.com • Treasure Valley Livestock Auction Beef sale every Friday; General sale every other Saturday 1901 E. Chicago, Caldwell, Idaho Office: (208) 459-7475; (800) 788-4429 treasurevalleylivestock.com • Twin Falls Livestock Commission

www.twinfallslivestock.com Office: (208) 733-7474 630 Commercial Ave. Twin Falls, ID

OREGON Producers Livestock Marketing Sale every Wednesday P.O. Box 67, Vale, Oregon Office: (541) 473-3136 www.producerslivestock.com • Central Oregon Livestock Auction Sale Every Monday 3457 S.W. Hwy. 97 Madras, Oregon Office: (541) 475-3851 www.centraloregonlivestock

Livestock Auction Services SALE EVERY WEDNESDAY! Jack Payne, Mgr.: 775-217-9273 Carey Hawkins: 208-724-6712 Office: 775-423-7760

SALE EVERY TUESDAY 2055Trento Lane, Fallon, NV 89406 (775) 867-2020 - Fax (775) 867-2021 FallonLivestock.com - Email FallonLivestock@gmail.com Tommy Lee, Owner (775) 741-4523 office (775) 217-2259

Our readers are your customers

Read a digital copy online at www.issuu.com/winnemuccapublishing7

THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019 45

You Might be a Cowboy’s Wife if.. …you spent the first week of your married life sleeping in a double bedroll. …you walk into Target and have to take a deep breath, tell yourself to act normal, and not like a woman who hasn’t seen traffic signals or a paved parking lot in over a month. …you’ve ever uttered phrases like “You better not trade off my favorite horse” and “You entered the roping HOW many times?!” …you have a big stash of boxes stashed in the guest room closet. You haven’t moved for two years, but you know that the shortest path to a new cowboy job (and subsequently a move) is paved with the ashes of burned moving boxes. …your husband can shoe the worst horse in the cavvy on his day off by himself, but you are the only person in the house who can change a light bulb. …you’ve ever cooked something for dinner that involved at least one canned ingredient just so you have a metal lid to tack over the hole in the wall before outside critters become unwelcome houseguests. …you cook ground round, short ribs, roasts and steaks until “beef” becomes a four-letter word. Sometimes, a gal just needs to eat honey-mustard glazed chicken breast and strawberry-spinach salad. …family vacations are planned around the local ranch rodeo schedule... ...because the local ranch rodeo is the vacation destination…

All In A Day’s Ride

Cutting Loose

Wow, it’s been a busy spring, with the start of the High School cuttings, the rodeos and the BVCHA Cuttings in Oregon & Idaho. I just figured from March till now, my “05” Dodge and the 6-horse trailer have logged over 2800 miles. And there are many more to come. We have 4 already qualified for National Finals in cutting from Oregon. We still have the State finals for Idaho to go where we have one cutter qualCommentary by ified. I’m thinking I’m becoming a David W. Glaser “Road Warrior”? People who travel with me, behind my back have been referring me to as “Mad Max”? Just cause I haven’t shaved or showered for 3 days ….

What???

At the start of the year, I made myself a calendar, with all the important events.

As I am going through and reviewing the events, seems to be mostly all Horse things; on the week-ends! What happened to “Going Fishing”? Or “Play golf with the guys”?

Or even, heaven forbid, “Help Sweet Cheeks with the flower bed”? I think I need to diversify, maybe take up Moto Cross, you can still keep those horses between your legs?

You don’t have buy hay for it, don’t need to clean its stall, it won’t kick the trailer when you’re going to a show. They tell me as long as I keep the training wheels on, it won’t buck, run off or fall over. That’s what the lying super sales man said! I think he is the same one who sold me the, bent, beat up set of used golf clubs. He told me my ball would never miss the fairway; he neglected to say which fairway and it sure wasn’t the one I was playing on. I had to slow down on the golf though, got banded from several local courses; they said they had to bring in a backhoe to fill my divots. I didn’t know you were limited to how many times you could address the ball; or how loud and what words you could use? I thought it was swing away! A couple little ol ladies complained about my Foul language! Guess I’ll just have to stick with those four-legged beasts and a great bunch of young people.

It’s all in a Day’s Ride!

David W Glaser Contact David to purchase his book dhranch3@gmail.com or call 208-989-5404

…where your accommodations for the night are a range teepee and an outhouse.

We really hadn’t been, but smooth transitions aren’t always easy.

…all your Christmas, birthday, wedding anniversary and Valentine’s Day gifts are bought at a rodeo trade show. …you can correctly use the term “short circled” in a sentence. …your kindergartener doesn’t know how to tie his shoes because all he’s ever worn are cowboy boots. …your husband has no idea how much the phone, Internet or auto insurance bills are or when they’re due, but he knows the date and entry fee for every ranch rodeo and team roping within a 200-mile radius. …you can discern the clanging of your husband’s spur rowels from that of the other cowboys’ as they walk to the barn in the dark of early morning. …your kids’ playground is filled with broken-down tractors, flat tires and empty mineral tubs. ...your family’s emergency fire drill involves designating which parent grabs the baby and which parent grabs the silver bridles. ...after 7 years of marriage, you’re still sleeping in a double bed roll.

It was a bright morning, and we had finished off the coffee and conversation at the Mule Barn truck stop, and we couldn’t think of anything much to do because we were still full from breakfast and it was too early for lunch, and the political problems and Hollywood gossip tanks had been thoroughly topped off.

So we went over to Doc’s house to look at his mare in the back yard. She had, he said, a quarter crack in a front hoof.

So there we were, in a half circle around the little mare, staring at that slight crack as though focusing would bring a welded solution to the problem, but we all knew we just needed to drink Doc’s coffee and change the scene.

“I see you have a block of salt,” Bert said.

Doc nodded. Bert said, “Speaking of salt …”

46 THE NEVADA RANCHER – JUNE 2019

“…. puts me in mind of the time I stopped in that little store,” Bert said.

“Few years back now, I guess. Well, it was about the last time Milly had pups, because I think I’d left her home to have them. Of course, she waited until I got home ….”

Doc and Steve stared at him encouragingly. “And?” “Oh … well, there’s this little store up north … out in the middle of about flat nothing … and it was hot and I was thinking of a nice cold cocola right about then, so I stopped.”

Bert looked around. “Dang store was about full of salt.”

“Salt?”

“Everywhere. This guy had ice cream salt. Bags of it. Salt blocks for horses, sheep, cows, rabbits and even danged guinea pigs. He had regular salt. He had huge bags of bulk salt for putting on the ice.

“So I went to pay for my drink and I says to the guy, ‘You must sell a lot of salt.’ And he says to me, ‘No, but that salesman who calls on me sure does.’”

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