February 25, 2023 A Section

Winter weather photos submitted by readers A8-A9 Industry leaders inducted into Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame A11

Calving season preparation considerations discussed by industry specialist B4 Young producers featured from Daniel B6

Quick Bits

Snow Report

The 11th snow report for Water Year 2023 shows Wyoming’s current snow telemetry data at 107% of median, with a basin high of 137% and a basin low of 74%. In 2022, the state was at 88% and at 93% in 2021. The report and a map displaying basin snow water equivalent percentages of median for the state may be found at wrds.uwyo.edu/ wrds/nrcs/nrcs.html

World Angus

Registration is now open for the World Angus Technical Meeting, which will be held Sept. 8-15 in České Budějovice, Czechia. For complete information and to register, visit worldangus2023.com. Registration will include accommodations, tours, meals and transportation. For travel assistance, contact Nicole Beck at 816-364-3232, e-mail nicole@auratravel.com or visit auratravel.com

WSGS Data

The Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) is seeking feedback on how the public accesses data the agency provides on its website, wsgs.wyo.gov. Feedback will help WSGS improve its services with regard to GIS and digital data formats. The answers provided in this survey will remain anonymous, unless permission is given. The survey will close on March 2.

USDA Invests

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest more than $48.6 million this year through the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership for projects to mitigate wildfire risk, improve water quality and restore healthy forest ecosystems on public and private lands. Through the projects, USDA’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service are working together with agricultural producers, forest landowners and National Forest System lands to improve forest health using available farm bill conservation programs and other authorities.

WUSATA looks at strategic planning to better serve customers

Washington, D.C. – Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA)

Executive Director Brooke Markley emphasized big goals and continued growth for Western agribusiness exports during the 2023

Winter Policy Meeting held in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 15.

“There have been some significant accomplishments in the last year, despite the challenges,” she explained, noting

WUSATA is working toward rebranding, refocusing and realigning with strategic program goals in the next 10 years.

“The four pieces of focus driving our strategic planning process are opera-

tion infrastructure, a member-state working relationship, program performance and marketing and outreach,” Markley noted. “This is our starting point and our baseline.”

Please see WUSATA on page A6

Extreme Weather

Extension educator highlights management for cold-stressed livestock

Cold stress

To begin, Most explained cold stress occurs when animals are pushed outside of their thermal neutral zone, and therefore, have to increase heat production through

Gov. requests disaster aid

On Feb. 20, Gov. Mark Gordon and the Wyoming Department of Agriculture announced Wyoming livestock producers should take actions to prepare for winter weather. Preparing for storms and caring for livestock is critical across the West.

Harsh winter

The 2022-23 winter has been hard for many Wyoming sheep and cattle producers. According to Gordon’s press release, winter started early and has resulted in significant snow levels and considerable drifting, with significant livestock loss across the state. Numbers are expected to rise into this spring.

“We are well aware of the cumulative impacts this winter has brought to our ag producers,” said Gordon. “The state of Wyoming is already at work with partners, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Farm Service Agency (FSA), to determine losses, the period of impact and the geographic scale of impact due to these extraordinary conditions.”

Livestock loss, together with information from producers, will be used to submit a request for a secretarial disaster designation. Producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office as soon as possible so required information can be submitted.

“Wyoming ranchers always have a lot of adversity to overcome, but this winter has been overwhelming as we rarely see so many bad weather variables persist throughout the winter the way they have this year,” said Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) Director Doug Miyamoto.

fall freezes are more of a stressor than late spring freezes.”

Most also noted the importance of knowing the difference between acute stress and chronic stress. He explained

Please see COLD on page A11

Rural business

USDA Rural Development offers grant program

On Feb. 2, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Wyoming Business Programs Loan Assistant Lynelle Barber gave a presentation on RD’s Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program.

Purpose of program

The purpose of RBDG is to provide a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging rural business opportunities and business enterprise projects serving rural areas.

Eligible businesses include a business which has 50 or less new employees and less than $1 million in gross revenue. A rural area is considered a space with a population of 50,000 people or less.

Applications for Fiscal Year 2023 are due no later than 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 28.

Eligibility

Barber noted for-profit organizations are not eligible for funding, and the project must be located in a rural area. Eligible applicants can include state

Please see USDA on page A7

Young Producer feature

Through 4-H, Post starts his own herd

Ryden Post, a Boulder resident, has spent his 14 years on Earth enjoying the Western way of life on his family’s cattle ranch in Sublette County. Although ranching comes with some tough challenges and an overwhelming workload at times, Ryden believes it’s well worth it.

“It’s hard work. Ranchers have to be committed,” he says. “It can be long days and long nights, but it also very rewarding. Ranching is a lot of responsibility, and we have to be okay with doing a lot of different things.”

Family cattle operation

Today, the Post family runs nearly 200 head of cow/calf pairs in addition to taking in another 250 head of outside cattle. They also raise 20-plus head of butcher beef each year.

Ryden has become an important asset on the ranch and has taken over numerous responsibilities.

“My responsibilities include sorting and moving cows on my horse Pal,” he explains. “I help with feeding, supplements,

Please see POST on page A15

Blake Fegler photo

As I sat down to write this column on the afternoon of Jan. 21, I was well aware another large snowstorm was looming later in the day. It took longer than usual to write the column with my mind on the storm and the effect it may have on everyone. I was happy to sit in a warm office while writing it though.

We’re really fortunate to live in Wyoming and the Northern Plains as we have vast energy resources to keep us all warm and the lights on. Although our energy sources are changing, coal, oil and natural gas are still king. I’m glad they are, because I don’t really trust renewable sources of energy yet.

I trust the electrical and gas lines supplying the energy we need, but this could be changing as we see more solar and wind development out in the hills. I don’t mind some solar and wind development, but I don’t want it blanketing the state.

I highly believe landowners have the right to what happens on their private lands.

What worries me is what is going to happen with renewal energy development on public lands in our Western states. I keep reading more on the backlash of renewable energy from those in Eastern states.

While reading an article from northern Ohio, I realized there is quite the backlash on renewable energy in this part of the country.

The article stated, “The state legislature had newly empowered – passed a bill – county governments to drastically restrict wind and solar power development, a process formerly overseen by the Ohio Power Siting Board, and the meetings of the threemember governing body for the county suddenly started becoming a lot more animated.”

The new empowerment brought out the anti-wind and solar advocates demanding local county commissioners do something. One county’s commissioners voted late last year to approve a 10-year ban on wind development.

They were reluctant to do so as they didn’t want to tell landowners what they could do on their private lands, but both rural and urban voters were for it.

The article also said across the country in Virginia, rural Michigan, southern Tennessee, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey and Nevada, new renewable energy development has drawn heated opposition, bringing on – in many cases – bans, moratoriums and other restrictions.

In a report updated last year, the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School found “in nearly every state, local governments have enacted policies to block or restrict renewable energy facilities, and local opposition has resulted in the delay or cancelation of particular projects.”

Not including what the report called “reasonable regulations,” the 2022 edition of the report found 121 local policies, up from 17.5 percent from 2021, which blocked or restricted renewable energy, and 204 contested renewable energy facilities were up 23.6 percent.

“Not in my backyard” and other objections to renewable energy has proven, throughout the country, it can delay or stop project development, the report said.

Our current administration in Washington, D.C. and potential others down the road are not going to stop or slow down renewable energy development in this country. We’ve seen instances where they develop renewable energy programs they want on public lands in the West or recently acquired lands in the 30x30 program. This action would not be good for public lands ranching, wildlife or recreation in the West.

Petty Differences or the Canary in the Coal Mine?

There was a time before carbon monoxide monitors when coal miners kept a canary in the mines with them to serve as carbon monoxide detectors. Unfortunately, the canary’s death signaled dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

Recently, certain leaders in the agriculture industry have referred to ongoing battles surrounding Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) and Beef Checkoff as “petty differences” which drive the industry apart.

It was suggested we should instead focus on issues they deemed important such as “fake meat” and government overreach via the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Forest Service interference.

Unfortunately, if these so-called petty differences are not remedied, the American family rancher will go the way of the canary.

MCOOL

Branding is a critical

By Dr. Taylor Haynes

element of marketing any product. Some examples are Ford, Cheverolet, Wyoming Livestock Roundup, The Wall Street Journal, etc. Brands are used by consumers as they make their purchasing decisions.

Unfortunately, the Product of the USA branding label on meat products is now fraudulent.

These days country of origin labeling is critical to food security, availability and safety. Principals at one of the foreign-owned Big Four meatpackers were temporarily jailed in their home country for shipping contaminated meat treated with acid to mask the smell.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture was the last sanctioning body on this planet to ban the import of this product. Accurate labeling would provide a measure of protection for the American consumer and producer.

Foreign animal diseases such as foot and mouth disease, bovine spongiform

encephalopathy and tuberculosis – to highlight a few –are still active in major trading countries like Canada, Mexico and Brazil.

The objections raised by Canada and Mexico in their World Trade Association lawsuit have been met and mitigated.

The risk to cattle/beef exports has been used as an excuse to not reimplement MCOOL at great cost to consumers. Domestic beef production supplies make up approximately 80 percent of the beef consumed in the U.S.

There is no surplus for export. Beef exported under the Product of the USA label is imported beef which has been repackaged. This is plagiarizing the U.S. producers’ reputation at some risk to us all.

There are livestock groups opposing MCOOL.

The Beef Checkoff

A “petty difference” advertised as promoting beef and cattle sales has

resulted in the contraction of free market competition in the beef supply chain.

This is the $1.50 per head sold and paid by livestock producers. Packers and retailers don’t pay it. The largest recipient of checkoff dollars has, by subterfuge, used the checkoff dollar to lobby against MCOOL.

The checkoff was passed in the 1985 Farm Bill, which was instituted in 1988. There have been more than 82,964 small- to medium-sized, family-owned feedlots that have gone out of business since this time.

This proportionately reduces the competition for our cattle at sale barns, and this decreased competition resulted in depressed prices for producers while consumers face record-high grocery prices.

In 1988, the domestic annual per-capita beef consumption was 97 pounds, it decreased to 88 pounds by 2020.

CANDICE PEDERSON, Production Coordinator • candice@wylr.net

JODY MICHELENA, Advertising Director • jodym@wylr.net

DENISE OLSON, Classified Sales Manager

• 307-685-8213

• denise@wylr.net

ANDREA ZINK, General Manager • andrea@wylr.net

CURT COX, Director of Livestock Field Services • 307-630-4604

• curt@wylr.net

CALLI WILLIAMS, Livestock Field Services Rep. • 605-695-1990 • calli@wylr.net

7L Diamond’s Hi Altitude Bulls

Leah and Peter Clark Bulls sell April 6, 2023 at Valley Livestock in Monte Vista • 719-849-8223

Altenburg Super Baldy Ranch - Triangle J 120 bulls - Fort Collins, CO

Saturday, March 18, 2023

Willie Altenburg, 970-481-2570

Baty Livestock Spring and Fall Heifer Sales batylivestock@gmail.com facebook/batylivestock

Bridle Bit Simmentals

All-Terrain Bull & Female Sale

Monday, March 20, 2023 at Walsh, CO

Chad Cook, 719-529-0564

Campbell Simmental

Part of High-Altitude Bull Sale

Saturday, March 25, 2023 at LaGarita, CO Robert, 970-749-9708

Dilka Cattle Yearling and 18-mo-old bulls, PT Briggsdale, CO • 970-396-8791 thedilkas@aol.com

Far Out Cattle Ranch

Jerrid Brisendine, 719-353-1747

All-Terrain Bull & Female Sale

Monday, March 20, 2023 at Walsh, CO

Hill Brothers Livestock Females always available. Paul, 417-849-6851 facebook.com/hillbrotherslivestock

Jay Hill Family Simmental & SimAngus bulls Private treaty • 970-520-1555 jaywhill@kci.net

Mari Simmental Breeders

Ron Mari • Holyoke, CO

Selling black % & PB ET bulls 970-520-7333 for EPDs & data

Phoenix Cattle Co.

Fleckvieh Simmentals & Fleckvieh/Angus seedstock Roger Schager • 303-550-5592

Cody Pitt Family Black & Red bulls private treaty Hotchkiss, CO • 970-778-9267 cmp5792@aol.com

Rains Simmental Bulls of the Prairie sale

Saturday, March 11, 2023, Oakley, KS Mike Rains, 785-672-7129

Russell’s Reflected R Ranch

SimAngus bulls sell private treaty Call Curt, 719-469-2857 for data or go to www.ReflectedRRanch.com

T-Heart Ranch High-Altitude Bull Sale March 25, 2023 shane@t-heartranch.com 719-850-3082 or 719-850-3083

For sale dates, show details and event highlights, go to: www.ColoradoSimmental.com, e-mail colosimmental@gmail.com or follow us on facebook

NEWS BRIEFS

Record dairy exports reported

The U.S. saw record dairy exports in 2021 totaling $7.6 billion, up from $6.4 billion in 2020. However, last year, U.S. dairy exports didn’t just break this record – they crushed it with exports valued at $9.5 billion.

This represents a 25 percent increase in exports in just one year. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. shipped 2.4 million metric tons to foreign buyers, which was a five percent increase over 2021.

“We’ve had three consecutive years of record U.S. dairy exports while facing some of the strongest dairy export headwinds we’ve ever seen,” says U.S. Dairy Export Council President and Chief Executive Officer Krysta Harden.

The U.S. set annual export records in cheese, whey and lactose. U.S. cheese shipments were particularly notable, rising 12 percent to 451,370 metric tons, or nearly one billion pounds.

Butter exports in 2022 totaled 144.1 million pounds, up 48 percent from 2021 and the highest level since 2013. The value of 2022’s butter exports totaled $240.5 million, which was up 37 percent from 2021.

Ice cream exports for 2022 were down two percent from 2021. The value of ice cream exports totaled $255.6 million, up three percent from the previous year.

AWA rule proposed

On Feb. 17, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a final rule to establish new regulations and standards governing the humane handling, care, treatment and transportation of birds covered by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

The final rule applies to captive birds not bred for use in research.

The final rule will help ensure all birds subject to the AWA are raised and cared for in conditions ensuring their good health and well-being and their physical and behavioral needs are met. The rule outlines how entities with regulated birds can obtain a license and the standards they would have to follow.

Current AWA licensees and registrants must comply with this new rule by Aug. 21. New AWA licensees and registrants must obtain a license and comply with this new rule by Feb. 21, 2024.

APHIS announced a proposed rule, along with an Environmental Assessment and a Regulatory Impact Analysis, in February 2022 and received more than 19,000 comments from interested stakeholders. APHIS reviewed the comments and incorporated the feedback into the final rule.

Investment announced

On Feb. 21, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Biden-Harris administration is investing $59 million across the country to increase independent meat and poultry processing capacity, expand market opportunities for farmers and create jobs in rural areas.

The investments support the Biden-Harris administration’s action plan for a fairer, more competitive and more resilient meat and poultry supply chain, which dedicates resources to expand independent processing capacity. As President Biden has highlighted, creating fairer markets and more opportunities for family farmers helps bring down prices at the grocery store.

Vilsack announced USDA is providing the $59 million in grants to five independent processors under the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. The funding will help build new processing plants, create hundreds of jobs, give local producers and entrepreneurs more options and business opportunities and give consumers more options at the grocery store.

Additional information is available at usda.gov/meat

Ag scholars awarded

The Farm Foundation, an accelerator of practical solutions for agriculture, has announced its 2023 Agricultural Scholars recipients. This annual program is sponsored in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (ERS).

Up to 15 applied or agricultural economics graduate students are selected to join the program for inspiration and training in agricultural policy, commodity market analysis, agricultural finance and other applied fields.

Events and projects are conducted throughout the year, including a mentorship with an ERS senior analyst, a research project and ag-focused forums and meetings, such as a World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates “lock-up” session and Farm Foundation Round Table meetings.

The 2023 Agricultural Scholar recipients are Samantha Ayoub of Colorado State University, Jahqethea Johnson of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Jack Long of Oklahoma State University, Kayla Braggs of Michigan State University, Ezra Butcher of Iowa State University, Harrison Clark of the University of Tennessee and Inder Majumdar of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Other recipients include Evan McKay of Virginia Tech, Zach Myers of the University of Arkansas, David Nason of West Virginia University, Faith Parum of Texas A&M University, Sarah Smith of Texas State University, Jim Teal of the University of Wisconsin, Analiese Winton of Clemson University and Asamoah Zadok of Lincoln University Missouri.

Selling sons of SITZ Accomplishment 720F, SITZ Incentive 704H, SITZ Intuition, SITZ Logo 8148, SITZ Resilient 10208, SITZ Stellar 726D, SITZ Verdict 744H, BAR Dynamic, Hoffman Thedford, Myers Fair-N-Square, Spring Cove Crossfire

Angus representative selected

The Angus Foundation selected Gabriel Connealy of Whitman, Neb. to represent the Angus breed at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC).

Each year, the foundation selects and sponsors an individual to attend the conference, held in June in Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. Originally selected in 2020, Connealy’s trip was postponed for several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Connealy is well versed in both experience and history within the Angus breed. Growing up in Nebraska on his family’s Angus seedstock operation, Connealy Angus, he developed a passion for the industry and desire to assist the family business.

This led him to obtain his bachelor’s degree in finance and later his master’s degree, with an emphasis in animal breeding and genetics, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).

In addition to managing the family herd of 3,000 registered Angus cows, Connealy has been a 26-year member of NCBA, served as an Angus Convention voting delegate and played an integral role in the startup of his local Grant County Nebraska Farm Bureau chapter.

His experience is backed with an innate desire for knowledge, inspiring him to put new information to use for the betterment of the breed.

Connealy has had an array of industry experiences, from interning in Argentina with an Angus breeding consultant to regularly hosting both domestic and international tour groups at his family’s ranch.

FAS accepting applications

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is accepting Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 applications for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, which helps support education, child development and food security in low-income, food-deficit countries around the globe.

The FY 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the program is now available on grants.gov at FY 2023 McGovern-Dole NOFO. Priority countries for FY 2023 are Cameroon, Haiti, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka and Togo.

The application deadline is April 28. Information about how to apply can be found on grants.gov and on the Food Aid Information System website at fas.usda.gov/ food-aid-information-system

FAS will also hold a public meeting to discuss the NOFO. Information and details on the meeting will be shared when available.

Train derailment cleaned up

According to officials, nearly 10 of the 50 train cars involved in the the massive train derailment and ensuing chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio on Feb. 3 were carrying liquid vinyl chloride and butyl acrylate.

On Feb. 5, residents were urged to evacuate over the risk of an explosion, and the following day, crews conducted a controlled release and burn of the chemicals. Since the evacuation order was lifted on Feb. 15, officials have stated the air is safe to breathe and the water is safe to drink.

Mary Mertz, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, noted about 3,500 fish deaths have been attributed to the incident. However, no deaths from nonaquatic species in either Ohio or Pennsylvania have been reported.

In an interview with Farm Progress on Feb. 16, Haley Shoemaker, Ohio State University Extension educator for Columbiana County, said reports from the Ohio Department of Agriculture and veterinarians who have been in close contact with all the farms in the surrounding area do not substantiate media claims of livestock dying off.

Shoemaker also mentioned there are no large animal operations in the evacuation area, rather smaller farms with animals such as horses, dairy goats, feeder calves and backyard poultry.

“There is a dairy, milking about 400 head and about 900 cows total – including heifers and dry cows – outside of the evacuation zone, about three miles from the wreck,” she said.

Trail opportunities planned

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails are seeking input in the planning of new hiking, horseback and trail running opportunities on public land in the South Pass City area.

To kick off this effort, the partners hosted an open house on Feb. 23 at the Lander Library, which will be followed by an initial public input period through April 28.

During this first comment period, public input is needed as trail locations, designs and desired experiences are planned. The open house provided an opportunity to discuss possible options for these trails with both Ellis and BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner Jared Oakleaf.

While input is welcome at any time, comments at this stage of the process should be submitted by April 28 to Oakleaf at joakleaf@blm.gov or Ellis at joe.ellis@wyo.gov.

Future onsite tours and additional public input periods will be announced over the next several months.

For more information, including to request a map depicting possible trail options, contact Oakleaf at 307-332-8400 or Ellis at 307-332-3684.

Farm numbers drop

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) newly released annual report on farm and farmland showed drops in farm numbers and farm acreage in 2021 compared with 2020.

The 17-page report said the number of farms in the U.S. for 2021 is estimated at 2,012,050, down 6,950 farms from 2020.

The number of farms increased in all sales classes except $1,000 to $9,999, $100,000 to $249,999 and $1 million or more. In 2021, 51 percent of all farms had less than $10,000 in sales, and 81.5 percent of all farms had less than $100,000 in sales. In 2021, 7.4 percent of all farms had sales of $500,000 or more.

Total land in farms, at 895.3 million acres, decreased 1.3 million acres from 2020. The biggest change for 2021 is producers in the sales class of $1,000 to $9,999 operated 640,000 fewer acres than in 2020, the report said.

In 2021, 30.1 percent of all farmland was operated by farms with less than $100,000 in sales, while 40.9 percent of all farmland was operated by farms with sales of $500,000 or more.

The average farm size for 2021 is 445 acres, up from 444 acres the previous year, the report said. Average farm size increased in the $1 million or more sales class and decreased or remained unchanged in all other sales classes.

Red Angus sees success

Red Angus breeders and exhibitors from across the U.S. experienced one of the largest attended national Red Angus open and junior shows to date in Oklahoma City at the third annual Cattlemen’s Congress Jan. 2-5.

In the 2023 Cattlemen’s Congress Red Angus National Open Female Show, Morley Griffith’s MHG Barcelona 107J of Shawnee, Okla. was named Grand Champion Open Female, and Tucker Bayer’s TC Fancy 09J of Ringle, Wis. was named Reserve Champion Open Female.

Red Diamond El Rey 102, exhibited by Jackson Braggs of Salado, Texas, was the Grand Champion Open Bull, and 3ACES Ground Work 1502, exhibited by Andrew Meier of Clinton, Tenn., was the Reserve Champion Open Bull.

TC Reds of Ringle, Wis. received honors as the Premier Breeder and the Premier Exhibitor.

In the 2023 Cattlemen’s Congress National Junior Female Show, Bayer’s TC Fancy 09J was selected as Grand Champion Junior Female, while H/H Larkaba 1104, exhibited by Addison Vowell of Forest, Miss., was named Reserve Champion Junior Female.

Griffith’s MHG Barcelona 107J was selected as the Grand Champion Bred and Owned Female, while Meier’s 3ACES Ground Work 1502 was deemed the Grand Champion Bred and Owned Bull.

In the 2023 Cattlemen’s Congress Red Angus National Pen Show, Kip Wallace of Emerald, Wis. exhibited the Grand Champion Pen of Three Bulls; TC Reds exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Pen of Three Bulls; Holton Cattle Company of Cisco, Texas exhibited the Grand Champion Pen of Three Females and Newt Hutchinson of Canton, Okla. exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Pen of Three Females.

Fertilizer report published

The Fertilizer Institute in Arlington, Va. has released a new report highlighting industry improvement in sustainability performance in key priority areas of workforce safety, energy and the environment, fertilizer use and industry innovation.

“The 104,000 employees of the fertilizer industry work each day to produce and supply fertilizer to farmers in an effort to feed the world,” said TFI President and Chief Executive Officer Corey Rosenbusch.

“To feed a global population of one billion people by 2050, fertilizer is playing a critical role in increasing food production and land use efficiency sustainability in agriculture. Last year also showed us how fertilizer’s role in feeding the world contributes to global stability and national security,” Rosenbusch continued.

TFI has collected data since 2013 on metrics providing insight into the industry’s efforts to improve safety, security, sustainability, environmental stewardship and efficiency, the release said. This new data was gathered in 2022 and reflects industry operations in 2021.

Report highlights include survey participants invested an average of over $1 billion annually in capital investments to help the industry meet sustainability goals, including increasing production efficiencies, reducing energy and water use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening the U.S. economy to meet current and future agricultural needs.

Additionally, in 2021, the industry captured 31 percent of all carbon dioxide generated per ton of nutrient produced, an increase of 368 percent over emissions captured in 2013. To reduce the industry’s energy footprint, 39 percent of all energy consumed is generated using waste heat rather than pulling from the electrical grid.

Nitrogen producers recycled enough water to fill 1.6 million Olympic-sized swimming pools, and in 2021, both the recordable rate and the lost time incident rate were the secondlowest since the survey was launched in 2013.

CROSSWORD

Wyoming Livestock Roundup Crosswords, created by Myles Mellor. Solution for the Feb. 18, 2023 crossword

SALE REPORTS

Calvo Family Red Angus Annual Bull Sale

Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor

15, 2023

Top Sellers

Lot 2 – Calvo Chino

J209 – Price: $9,000

DOB: 5/5/21 Sire: Calvo

Chino 102F Dam’s Sire:

Calvo Julian 7A EPDs:

BW: -4.8, WW: +43, YW: +69 and Milk:

+26 Buyer: Kirk Bruns, Springview, Neb.

Lot 13 – Calvo

Corona 92J – Price:

$9,000 DOB: 4/22/21

Sire: OCC Corona 864C

Dam’s Sire: Calvo Ripped in Red 216D EPDs: BW:

-3.3, WW: +48, YW: +81 and Milk: +24 Buyer: Pat and JoAnn Wade, Lusk

Lot 49 – Calvo Heri-

tage 55J – Price: $8,000

DOB: 5/15/21 Sire: Calvo

Julian’s Heritage 111F

Dam’s Sire: Calvo Easy

Red 126C EPDs: BW: -2.9, WW: +51, YW: +79 and Milk: +24 Buyer:

Otott, Washington, Kan.

FEEDERS Bremer Land & Cattle 165 Blk Simm/Angus-x Strs & Hfrs, 800-875#, Weaned 150 days, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration, Full Vac. Program

Myrin Ranch 65 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 625-760#. Weaned 105 days, Running out on pasture supplemented with Grass/Alfalfa Hay Mix (NO Grain), Free Choice Mineral, Bunk Broke, Branding Shots: Inforce 3, One Shot BVD, Ultrabac 8, Multi-min 90, Weaning Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold One Shot, Ultrabac 8, Dectomax, Multi-Min 90, Home Raised, Sired by Leachman Red Angus Composite Bulls, Steers are Knife Cut, Heifers are Bangs Vac., High Elevation: Summered at 6-9000’, Source and Age, NHTC, EID Tagged thru IMI Global

WEANED CALVES

Falls Ranch 620 Blk Angus Hfrs & Strs, 550-740#, Weaned a long time, Bunk Broke, Been on a Light Grower Ration, 3 Rounds of Modified Live Vac. Program, Bangs Vac., Sired by Vermilion Bulls, Lots of Quality and Genetics, Some would make Replacement Heifers. Home Raised Jack Creek Land & Cattle Co. 480 Blk/Bwf few Red Strs, 525-685#, Weaned a long time, Bunk Broke, Been on Grower Ration, 3 Rounds of Modified Live Vac. Program, Poured, Light to Medium Flesh, High Elevation, Wintered for grass, Home Raised

Doug Derouchey 250 Blk (2 Char/3 Rd) Strs & Hfrs, 500-600#, Weaned a long time, Bunk Broke, Barley Hay, Silage, No Grain, 3 Rounds of Shots, Poured Greg & Janette Starck 117 Blk/Bwf/Rwf/Hereford Hfrs, 550-650#, Weaned 120+ days, Been on Hay and Silage, Branding Shots: Vision 7, Pyramid 5+Presponse, Bangs Vac, Poured w/Ivermectin, No Implants, Guaranteed Open, Home Raised

Harris Ranch 100 Blk/Bwf Hfrs, 475-525#, Weaned 120 days, Strictly Hay Fed, Protein Tubs, Wintered on the ranch, 3 Rounds of Shots; Pyramid 5+Presponse, Ultrabac 7, Poured, High Elevation Kerbs Four Bar 90 Blk Hfrs, 450-550#, Weaned 100+ days, Hay Fed, 3 Rounds of Shots: Pyramid 5+Presponse, Vision 7 w/Somnus, Home Raised, High Elevation Ron Lien 75 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 400-500#, Weaned a long time, Been on a Light Grower Ration, Bunk Broke, 2 Rounds of Shots: Bovoi-Shield Gold One Shot, Visin 7 Somnus Rodgers Ranch/Mike Rodgers 70 Blk/Bwf few Rd Strs & Hfrs, 550-650#, Weaned 70+ days, Been on a Light Grower Ration, Bunk Broke, Complete Vac. Program, High Elevation Garrett & Cassidy Ryland 50 Blk/Bwf/Rd/Rwf Strs & Hfrs, 400-650#, Weaned for 120+ days, Running out on Cornstalks Supplemented with 2.5# of Alfalfa Hay per day and 1.5# of Corn per day, Shots at Birth: Alpha 7, Branding Shots: Nasalgen 3 PMH, Piliguard Pinkeye, Pre-cond. Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold One Shot, Vision 7 w/Somnus, Weaning Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold 5, Somubac, Poured w/Ivermectin, No Implants, Bunk Broke, Hot Wire Broke, Willis Stallman 38 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 400-650#, Weaned 60+ days, Hay Fed, Branding Shots: 7-way, Pre-cond. Shots: Vira Shield 7, Producer All Natural CSRF-Maxwell Ranch 37 Angus/Hereford-x Hfrs, 550-600#, Weaned Mid-Oct., Running out on grass, Protein Tubs, Alfalfa Hay Fed, Branding Shots, Weaning Shots: One Shot, Bovi-Shield Gold 5, Booster Shots: Vira -Shield 6+VL5, No Replacements Kept, Replacement Quality Harvat Land & Cattle 27 Sim Angus Hfrs & Strs (7 hd ), 500-550#. Weaned 90+ days, Alfalfa Hay Fed, Shots at Birth: Alpha 7 Type A, Branding Shots: Vista Once, Pre-cond. Shots: Vision 7, 2 Shots of Vista Once, Pinkeye, High Elevation

CATTLE COUNTRY VIDEO

Notch Peak 140 Bred Cows. 40% Blk/Bwf, 60% Red/Rwf. 7 & 8 year olds. Black Cows are Bred to Hoffman Hereford Bulls. Red Cows are Bred to Black & Red Angus Bulls. CF: March 15th for 45 days. Blacks and Reds will sell separately. High Elevation. Home Raised. Not Pampered. Cows are Running Out & Fed Millett Hay. Located 15 miles west of Wheatland, Wyoming. Rep: Zach Johnson 307-575-2171. www.cattlecountryvideo.com

COMPLETE OR PARTIAL DISPERSALS

Doug Derouchey 350 Blk/Rd Cows, Complete Dispersal, Running Ages, Bred to Pete Thompson Blk Angus Bulls, CF: March 20th, Spring Shots but NO Shots this Fall, Poured Merl Glick 200 Mostly Blk/Bwf/Red/Rwf few Hereford Cows, Complete Dispersal, Mx Ages, Bred to SimAngus Bulls, CF: March 15 to April 30, Poured w/Clean-up Barnes Ranch 140 Blk Cows, Partial Dispersal, 3 yr -SM, Bred to Blk SimAngus (TNT Tanker, LFE Beast Mode Bloodlines), CF: March 10, Fall Shots, Poured, Nice, Quiet Disposition, Easy to handle, Steer Calves Weaned off cows at 625# avg. Mackey Family Trust 56 Blk/Rd Cows, Complete Dispersal, Mx Ages, Bred to Blk Angus Bulls, CF: Mar. 15, Ivomec Pour On, Running Out on Cornstalks and Native Grass, Supplemented with Grass/Hay, 40% Smart Lick Tubs, Been on a Mineral Program ****10 Blk Hfrs, Complete Dispersal, Bred to Blk Angus Bulls, CF: Mar. 15, Ivomec Pour On, Running Out on Cornstalks and Native Grass, Supplemented with Grass/Hay, 40% Smart Lick Tubs, Been on a Mineral Program

Ron & Ruth Blake 29 Blk Cows, Complete Dispersal, Mx Ages, Bred to Blk Bulls, CF: April 16th

BRED HEIFERS

Frank Prado 1 Rwf Hfr, 850#, Open, All Shots, Coming off grass

BRED COWS

Andy Barnett 40 Blk Cows, SM-ST, Bred to Hereford & Char Bulls, CF: May 1 for 60 days, Complete Vac. Program, Poured

O D Cattle Co. 30 Hereford/Rwf/Red Angus Cows, 7 yr olds to 12 yr olds, Bred to Red Angus or Hereford Bulls, CF: March 15th for 40 days, Poured this fall but No Fall Shots

Don Cox 10 Blk few Rd Cows, Mx Ages, Bred to Blk Bulls, CF: Mx

Bryan Warner 7 Hereford Cows, SM-ST, Bred to a Pure Bred Simmental Bull, CF: March/April, Shots: Vira Shield 6+VL5, Scour Guard,

Poured

PAIRS

Diane & Frank Prado 2 Bwf/Red Cow Pairs, SM

G Bar H Genetics Angus Bull Sale

Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor Feb. 14, 2023 Torrington Livestock Market, Torrington

Lex Madden

Yearling Angus Bulls Avg. $6,241

Top Sellers

Lot 7 – KJN Ledger

+79, YW: +139 and Milk: +31

Buyer: Thaler Land and Livestock, LaGrange

Williams - Greybull, WY 307-272-4567***Hunter Dockery - Lusk, WY 307-340-1202

Strategic planning

Markley explained the board approved hiring of a consultant who helped the

organization conduct a strategy design to help WUSATA better partner with companies in the region.

Leland Red

“Up until this report, released in September, the team spent 500 hours between our team, the board, members, the Foreign Agricultural Service and others working on this

initiative,” she explained, noting there were individual interviews, surveys and information gathered.

She noted the strategic plan is a living document, which will be revisited every quarter.

Additionally, the consultant continues to work with the WUSATA team to section the plan in quarterly priorities, which keeps the organization on track for accomplishing its goals.

“My focus is on rebuilding and repairing the WUSATA Foundation and culture,” Markley said. “Our next steps will be in working with our program partners to strength those relationships.”

Vision

Aligning with a longstanding mission and core values, WUSATA has developed a concrete plan for achieving its goals through its new strategic plan.

“In our first quarter, we are making our core values of trust, service, integrity, excellence and accountability more visible,” Markley explained. “Our vision for 2023 is making sure Western agribusinesses thrive in world markets.”

To meet this vision, WUSATA will leverage its networks to build the American Dream for Western agribusinesses by expanding their sales beyond U.S. borders.

Additionally, WUSATA strives to ensure U.S. food and ag products are showcased around the world –both in restaurants and on

grocery store shelves.

The end result of these efforts will lead toward a bigger goal – more profitable small businesses in the Western U.S.

“Profits for small business owners increase through export sales,” Markley said. “Jobs are created in production, manufacturing and transportation to support international growth.”

She added, “No longer do international customers have to visit the Western U.S. to have a taste of the West.”

Growing partnerships

In looking to expand customers for its program areas, WUSATA is focused on small to medium agribusinesses in the Western states and U.S. Pacific territories. In 2023, Markley noted immediate wins can be seen by assessing partners in each program area – export readiness, global connection and FundMatch.

“We think about export readiness as companies that are ready to bridge the gap. They’re ready to export,” she said. “They are a small company, distributing locally and interested in expanding globally. What resources can we use to help them learn about exporting globally?”

The Export Readiness Program provides access to market intelligence and consumer insights through a variety of platforms and helps partners learn to facilitate their international marketing efforts.

The Global Connect

Program targets larger companies with existing systems for exports and are looking to begin exporting to key markets by helping companies discover new markets and connect with international buyers.

The FundMatch Program is for larger companies who are already exporting and have a plan but are seeking the 50 percent matching funds to help them reach their goals. The program helps current exporters to compete by providing financial support for marketing and promotional activities.

Markley noted WUSATA is already competitive as a result of its existing network of export resources, territory partners, market exports and more.

Additionally, funding reliability through the Market Access Program and a “guided experience” will program customersʼ structure, systems and processes to provide higher service for customers throughout their interactions with WUSATA.

“Service is a huge piece of our strategy going forward,” Markley said. “Our proven process is to help companies find out what their needs are, and we are guiding them through the process on their journey towards international growth.”

Saige Zespy is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

Since the inception of the Beef Checkoff program, domestic beef cattle operations have declined from about 930,000 in 1990 to 730,000 by 2020. The domestic cow herd has dwindled exponentially, from 87 million mother cows in 1988 to 31 million mother cows in 2020.

Some say the Beef Checkoff is working as intended. This would mean it was intended to drive the domestic cattle producer out of business. It’s clear the checkoff should be

The latest threat to our industry is the environmentalist religion coupled with globalism. This twoheaded monster is embodied in the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, which is a nonprofit movement started by the World

They have promulgated an ever-increasing suffocating set of rules which will destroy the independent family livestock producer. Their mechanism is to put a financing chokehold on the supply chain under Environmental, Social and Corporate Gov-

The Securities and Exchange Commission passed rules last fall to set things in motion. Experts

in the financial world, like Forbes, agree this is truly dangerous to the domestic producer. Can you say Holland? One should look up the members on their website.

Wanton violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act by the Big Four has broken the cattle cycle and the cattle market.

As for the issue of fake meat, it is not a threat to our industry. It is simply substandard competition which can be countered with continued production of excellent beef products.

Beef is a true plant-based product produced naturally without “funky” biochemistry.

Dr. Taylor Haynes is the fourth generation in production agriculture since the Emancipation Proclamation. He and his wife Beth raise “true” grassfed, all-natural beef in the mountains of southeastern Wyoming and northern Colorado. Haynes has rejoined the Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming Board of Directors and is currently president of the Board of The Organization for Competitive Markets. He has served on the board of directors of R-CALF USA and as president of the Laramie County Stockgrowers and the Pole Mountain Cattlemen.

USDA continued from page A1

agencies or authorities, nonprofit entities serving rural areas, federally-recognized Tribes, nonprofit cooperatives and public institutions of higher education.

In addition, she noted applicants may be located in a non-rural area, but the project must be located in a rural area.

Applicants must have sufficient financial strength and expertise in activities proposed in the application to ensure accomplishment of the described activities and objectives, within their scope of work.

All applicants must register for “Financial Assistance Awards Only” at sam.gov and maintain registration throughout the grant period. Registration on the webpage is free.

Barber shared funds are not available for duplicate current services or substitute previously pro-

vided, pay costs of preparing the application package for funding under RBDG or any other program, pay costs for any expenses incurred prior to receipt of a full application, fund political activities, fund agricultural production and finance comprehensive area-wide type planning.

Available funding and projects used

According to USDA RD, there is no maximum grant amount. However, smaller requests are given higher priority. In addition, there is no cost sharing requirement.

There are two types of RBDG projects – opportunity grants and enterprise grants.

Opportunity-type grants are limited to up to 10 percent of the total RBDG funding, and enterprise-type grants must be used on projects to ben-

CONNECTING AG to CLIMATE

By Windy Kelley, Northern Plains Regional Climate Hub

Recent and current conditions

Wyoming experienced its 61st coolest and 24th wettest January out of 129 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information database, retrieved Feb. 21.

The adjacent table includes temperature and precipitation rankings of select counties for the month of January.

The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) map for Wyoming, released Feb. 16, classified over 44 percent of the state as moderate to extreme drought and nearly 20 percent of Wyoming as abnormally dry.

The remainder of the state – over 36 percent – is classified as none. In other words, these areas are not experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions.

The current USDM map can be viewed at bit. ly/2S28VTA. Consider submitting a Condition Monitoring Observer Report at bit.ly/3c4WRLR

Eight- to 14-day and onemonth forecasts

NOAA’s eight- to 14-day forecast for March 2-8, issued Feb. 22, shows

efit small and emerging businesses in rural areas as specified in the grant application.

Opportunity-type funds can be used for community economic development, leadership and entrepreneur training, long-term business strategic planning, rural business incubators, feasibility studies and business plans and technology-based economic plans and must be consistent with any local and area-wide strategies.

Enterprise-type funds can be used for training and technical assistance, such as project planning, business counseling and training, market research, feasibility studies, rural distance learning for job training and advancement of adult students, rural transportation development and technologybased economic development projects, etc.

The RBDG program sets aside appropriated funds specifically for fed-

For more information, visit rd.usda.gov/wy or rd.usda.gov/ programs-services/business-programs/rural-businessdevelopment-grants/wy.

erally-recognized Native American Tribes, Native American Persistent Poverty and Strategic Economic and Community Development.

To date, a few of Wyoming’s RBDG success stories include the Wyoming Women’s Business Center, Powell Economic Partnership, Inc. and the Wyoming Agricultural Leadership Council, according to Barber.

Scoring and scoring criteria

Applicants are scored based on a preset of criteria. First-time applicants can receive additional points. The RBDG program is very competitive, so the higher the score, the more chance to receive funding, shared Barber.

All applicants are evaluated based on the follow-

ing criteria: population, unemployment, median household income, economic distress/need in the area to be served, evidence that small business development supported by grant, showing job creation/support at local businesses, successful experience in type of activity, percent of nonfederal funding committed to the project, size of grant request, indirect cost request and other factors such as COVID-19, climate and equity.

Application registration

Interested parties should preregister with the free System for Award Management at sam.gov. Barber shared applicants will want to be filed as a legal entity with the Wyoming Secretary of State at wyobiz.wyo. gov/business/default.aspx

“The RBDG Program provides a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to make a difference for local businesses and communities. Training and planning functions become more attainable to support economic development in even the smallest of communities,” shared Wyoming State Director for USDA RD Glenn Pauley.

For more information, visit rd.usda.gov/wy, rd.usda.gov/programsservices/business-programs/rural-businessdevelopment-grants/wy or call the Wyoming Rural Development Office at 307-233-6700.

Brittany Gunn is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

a 50 to 80 percent probability or chance for below normal temperatures for all of Wyoming, with the probability increasing from east to west.

For the same timeframe, the forecast shows a 40 to 50 percent probability for above normal precipitation for the entire state.

The March forecast, issued Feb. 16, indicates a 33 to 50 percent probability for below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation for most of Wyoming.

The exception is the greater southeast corner of the state and west into southern Sweetwater County where there is an equal probability for below, near or above normal temperatures and precipitation.

For details and to view more NOAA forecasts, visit cpc.ncep.noaa.gov

Windy K. Kelley is the regional Extension program coordinator and state specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Northern Plains Climate Hub, the University of Wyoming Extension and WAFERx. She can be reached at wkelley1@ uwyo.edu or 307-367-4380.

There is no doubt this winter has been a tough one. Months of below-zero temperatures, driving wind and drifting snow have been hard on people and livestock across the West.

In late December, the National Weather Service reported several recordbreaking low temperatures across the state including a record low of -26 degrees Fahrenheit in Cheyenne and a record low of -42 degrees Fahrenheit in Casper. Additionally, the service reported, on Dec. 21 between 1:05 and 1:35 p.m., temperatures in the southeast corner plummeted 40 degrees, shattering the previous one-hour temperature drop record of 37 degrees.

The Wyoming Snow Report noted new snowfall, as of Feb. 22, raised snowpack levels to 114 percent for this period of time across

Wyoming producers battle tough winter weather conditions

the state. The deepest snowpack in Wyoming was last observed at Grand Targee, with a snowpack depth of 102 inches, 104 percent of normal levels at this time, according to the report.

On Feb. 21, meteorologists placed more than 60 million people across 28 states under winter weather advisories in preparation for the massive storm that rolled through this week, and they forecast nasty, winter weather conditions will only continue over the next few weeks.

The team at Wyoming Livestock Roundup asked readers to submit photos of the winter conditions they are currently battling. The adjacent photos on pages A8 and A9 have been submitted by Roundup readers across the state. This weekʼs cover photo was submitted by Blake Fegler of Shoshoni.

MarySue Carroll, Fort Bridger

Shortgrass Livestock, Burns

Kellie Chichester, Niobrara County

Blake Fegler, Shoshoni

Wyoming producers battle tough winter weather conditions (cont.)

Bob Harlan, Kaycee

George Bugas, Fort Bridger

Andrew Joannides, Cheyenne

Blake Fegler, Shoshoni

MarySue Carroll, Fort Bridger

Shortgrass Livestock, Burns

“Our ranchers have been digging and pushing snow since before Christmas just to maintain contact with livestock, with little or no relief. Prices for feed and diesel are extraordinarily high, and the situation is serious for many in our ag sector,” he continued. “We are committed to working with our partners at the federal level and our producers to try to get some assistance.”

Secretarial disaster designation process

The Secretary of Agri-

culture is authorized to designate counties as disaster areas to make emergency loans available to producers suffering losses in those counties and in counties contiguous to a designated county.

Currently, FSA administers four types of disaster designations: USDA secretarial disaster designation; presidential major disaster and presidential emergency declaration which are done through the Federal Emergency Management Agency; FSA administrator’s phys-

ical loss notification and quarantine designation by the secretary under the Plant Protection Act or animal quarantine laws.

A disaster designation specifies the natural disaster which resulted in the designation, the incident period of the disaster and specific counties included in the designation.

The USDA’s secretarial disaster designation process is streamlined to reduce paperwork and documentation requirements at the state FSA level, making the process more efficient and timelier for agriculture producers.

Additionally, the secretarial disaster designation process includes fast-track secretarial disaster designations for severe drought during the growing season and any portion of a county that meets the severe drought (D2) intensity value for eight consecutive weeks or a higher drought intensity value of D3 for any length of time, as reported in the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Furthermore, USDA offers several risk management and disaster assistance options to help producers recover after disasters.

Information needed USDA’s secretarial

disaster designations must be requested by the Secretary of Agriculture, a governor’s authorized representative, a Tribal Council leader or an FSA state executive director. The secretarial disaster designation is most widely used.

At the current time, FSA and the governor’s office are asking producers to contact their local FSA county office to share how the winter storm has affected them. Producers will need to provide the date of the storm and supporting documentation of expense and/or death loss.

Wyoming FSA State Executive Director Bill Bunce noted, “We have to have those data points so the secretary can make an informed decision.”

Bunce shared this winter has been extremely hard for producers across the West. The state won’t fully know the impact of the most recent storm until afterwards, and many producers won’t know the livestock lost until this spring, after snow drifts have melted.

Next steps

At this point in time, Bunce anticipated the governor’s request for disaster designation will be statewide, but in the meantime, he is working with his constituents to find any workable solution for Wyoming producers.

“I compliment my partners – the governor’s office and WDA – they’re wonderful people,” shared Bunce. “Wyoming people are tough and we will get through this storm, but it doesn’t make it easy right now. We’ve certainly let our Washington D.C. leadership fully know of the adverse conditions across the state.”

Bunce mentioned livestock producers can receive assistance through several different USDA FSA programs and loans. He encouraged producers to not hesitate to reach out to their local FSA county office for further assistance.

Brittany Gunn is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

SALE REPORTS

Redland Redbank Angus Bull Sale

Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor Feb. 18, 2023

Big Horn Basin Livestock Auction, Worland

Auctioneer: Jace Thompson 44 Two-Year-Old Angus Bulls Avg. $6,568

Buyer: Arapahoe Ranch, Thermopolis

Trade projections decline

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) trade projections through 2032 call for U.S. ag exports to decline at an annual rate averaging 0.7 percent per year, ending at $182.2 billion in 2032.

This is eight percent lower than U.S. ag exports of $196.4 billion in 2022.

All of this decline is projected to occur from 2022 to 2026 where agricultural exports are predicted to fall 3.8 percent annually, USDA said in its annual outlook report. By 2027, USDA said export growth is forecast to resume at an annual rate of 1.9 percent through 2032.

While accounting for a relatively small slice of overall U.S. ag exports, fresh fruit and vegetable export projections also reflect diminished expectations, falling from $7 billion in 2022 to $6.6 billion in 2032.

The USDA said a large source of the export weakness during 2022-26 is associated with grains and feeds, which are forecast to decline from $48 billion in 2022 to a low of $34 billion in 2027.

Likewise, exports of oilseeds and products decline from $45.6 billion in 2022 to a low of $35.2 billion in 2027. These declines are partly due to the record exports of those commodities to China and Mexico in 2022, and as reduced export volumes are expected, lower commodity prices are also expected to follow.

COLD continued from page A1

acute stress occurs over a short period of time – 24 to 72 hours – while chronic stress occurs over a longer period of time – a week or more.

“Livestock can typically handle cold stress in acute form, but when it is sustained over a longer period of time, there will be some severe consequences,” he said.

He also mentioned smooth temperature transitions are much easier on livestock than quick spikes and drops in temperature.

“For instance, the same animals on a ranch that can handle the cold temperatures we have been experiencing will be just fine in the middle of summer,” Most said. “However, if we were to move directly from one to the other without a period of adjustment, there would be some severe consequences.”

“When temperatures fluctuate this quickly and extremely, animals will

The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame inducted its 14th class and recognized two more award winners on. Jan. 31, prior to the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show in New Orleans.

The two Hall of Fame inductees for 2023 include Jerry Adams, with Adams Land and Cattle in Broken Bow, Neb. and the late Ed Barrett of Barrett and Crofoot Feedyard in Hereford, Texas.

Thomas “Dee” Likes, chief executive emeritus of the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) in Larkspur, Colo. received the Industry Leadership Award, and Terry Wegner with Drinnin West Cattle Company in Palmer, Neb. received the Arturo Armendariz Distinguished Service Award.

Hall of Fame inductees

Jerry Adams and his brother Bill Adams started in 1972 with five employees, 5,000 calves and 3,000 acres of farmland near Broken Bow, Neb. From this humble start, the Adams brothers grew Adams Land and Cattle to a finishing capacity of 125,000 head and a backgrounding network of up to 100,000 head in more than 85 locations.

In 1990, Adams started to focus on research and technology in feeding cattle, and today, Adams Land and Cattle is known for its innovation and data-driven model of cattle production, according to the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame.

Ed Barrett spent his lifetime in the cattle feeding industry. He began his career running Lubbock Feedyard before moving back to Emporia, Kan. in 1968 and building and operating Flint Hills Feedyard.

In 1975, Barrett, with

struggle and get really sick,” he added.

Factors affecting cold stress

In addition to fluctuating temperatures, Most noted there are several factors playing a role in whether or not animals will feel cold stress and how severe it will be.

He shared air temperature and humidity are the first factors that come to mind, although humidity isn’t much of a problem for producers in Wyoming.

“Wind speed is something we deal with a lot here, however. Wind is a form of convection, which, depending on whether it is winter or summer can either be desirable or undesirable,” he said.

There are also several nonenvironmental factors, according to Most.

These include nutritional status, body condition score (BCS), rumination, hair coat and wool condition, genetics and

stage of development.

“BCS is a big one because animals need to expend energy to maintain their body temperature so they don’t fall outside of the thermal neutral zone. If they are in good BCS, they will have the energy reserves in place, and this is not an issue,” he explained.

“Additionally, ruminant livestock species are special because they have a rumen, which serves as a built in furnace. So, when temperatures get cold, microbes breaking down cellulose in the rumen help ruminants maintain their body temperature,” he continued.

When it comes to hair coat and wool, Most shared it is a good thing when animals have snow on their backs, as this proves their winter coat and fat insulation is working.

However, if producers see animals with snow melting off of their backs, Most suggests they provide shelter to help animals get warm and dry and then reevaluate their feeding

program to get them into better body condition.

Managing for cold stress

Although livestock in Wyoming are more prone to experience factors causing cold stress, especially with recent weather conditions, Most said there are several ways producers can manage cold stress in their herds.

“When it gets cold, animals start shivering more to maintain their body heat. They also bunch up and do a lot more standing, which means they aren’t spending as much time laying down and ruminating,” he explained. “The consequences lead to greater feed requirements.”

Most further noted when animals are pushed outside of their thermal neutral zone, they expend energy to shiver in an effort to maintain body temperature, which subsequently translates into an increase in total digestible nutrient demand.

“If animals are out on dormant water range, their intake will be limited

because they will be eating typically lower-quality forages,” he said.

Additionally, during this time, many females are nearing late-gestation, which also significantly increases energy demand.

In addition to increasing feed intake, Most also mentioned windbreaks can play a large role in keeping animals warm and dry during nasty, winter weather events.

“The best way to do this is to set up two bases at a 90 degree angle, with the point of the triangle directed into the prevailing wind,” he said. “This will form a protected area in the center, equal to five times the height of the windbreak.”

Animals fit for the environment, as far as genetics go, make managing for cold stress a lot easier as well, according to Most.

“This is an extreme example, but think about the difference between Bos indicus cattle and Scottish highland cattle,” he said. “These two animals will

Industry leaders inducted into Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame

the help of the Crofoot family, established the Barrett and Crofoot Feedyard in Hereford, Texas, growing it to three yards with a total capacity of 135,000 head.

Barrett passed in 2020, but today, his sons and grandsons are continuing his legacy owning and operating the family business.

Industry leadership

According to the Hall of Fame, the Industry Leadership Award is given to distinguished individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, provide exemplary service and contribute to the advancement of the cattle feeding industry.

Likes returned to Kansas from his tour of active duty in the U.S. Navy in the

1970s and earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Kansas State University.

In 1976, he joined the staff of the KLA, where he spent the rest of his career lobbying on behalf of the state’s livestock producers. He retired after serving several decades as chief executive officer of KLA.

Distinguished service

The Arturo Armendariz Distinguished Service Award is named for a longtime devoted employee of Poky Feeders in Scott City, Kan. It recognizes feedyard employees who go above and beyond in their work to raise beef and improve the cattle feeding industry.

Wegner has worked for

more than 45 years with dairy cattle, and today, is employed by Drinnin West Cattle Company, where he uses his wealth of knowledge.

He’s adopted new tech-

nology and tools to bring efficiency to the yard, ensuring animal welfare and efficient feeding is maintained.

Farm Progress Editor Jennifer M. Latzke, the

handle the cold a lot differently, simply based on their genetics and the environment they come from.”

He continued, “This is something to keep in mind when purchasing animals from out of state.

For example, if a producer went out and bought a bunch of heifers from Texas right now, and then moved them up here in the dead of winter, there might be some consequences.”

Lastly, Most encouraged producers to offer bedding to keep animals off of the cold, hard ground.

He noted this is especially important for ruminants, so they are able to lay down, ruminate to digest their feed and maximize the nutrients they are provided, as well as for breeding males who are more apt to experience frostbite on reproductive organs.

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame published this article in Farm Progress on Feb. 21. It can be found at farmprogress.com

Hall of fame – CattleFax Chief Executive Officer Randy Blach, pictured left, presents Jerry Adams, pictured right, with a plaque inducting him into the 2023 class of the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame on Jan. 31 in New Orleans. Adams, of Broken Bow, Neb., has grown a reputation in the industry for adopting technology and research into its work feeding cattle. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association photo

Family legacy – Members of the late Ed Barrett family gather with his plaque on Jan. 31 in New Orleans. Barrett spent his lifetime in the cattle feeding industry, eventually working with the Crofoot family, to establish the Barrett and Crofoot Feedlots in Hereford, Texas. The company has since grown to include three yards with a total capacity of 135,000 head. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association photo

CALENDAR

Feb 28 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicators Licensing Education, 1-5 p.m. 2011 Agricultural Resource Learning Center, 2011 Fairgrounds Road, Casper. For more information or to register, call 307-235-9400.

March 1-2 Lincoln University Sheep Shearing School, Jefferson City, Mo. To register, e-mail Amy Bax at baxa2@lincolnu.edu.

March 1-5 34th Annual Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend, Winnemucca Events Complex, Winnemucca, Nev. For more information, visit ranchrodeonv. com or call 775-623-5071.

March 2 University of Wyoming Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Seminar, Eastern Wyoming College, Torrington. To register, visit uwyo.edu/ uwag/rmal or contact Anne DeMersseman at ademerss@uwyo.edu or call 307766-3206.

March 8 State Trade Expansion Program Logistics of Export Webinar, online. For more information, visit sba.gov

March 10-11

Harvest Wyoming Small Farm Symposium, Central Wyoming College Health and Science building, 2660 Peck Ave, Riverton. For more information, visit harvestwyoming.eventbrite.com or call 307-347-3431.

March 10-12 Cache Valley Cowboy Rendezvous, Cache County Event Center, Logan, Utah. For more information, visit cvcowboy.org

March 10-12 Black Hills Gun Show, The Lodge at Deadwood, Deadwood, S.D. For more information, call 605-641-0870 or 307-751-1877.

March 14-16 National Cover Crop Summit, online. For more information and to register, visit covercropstrategies.com

March 18 Natrona County Cow-Belles Annual Gala, Hilton Garden Inn, Casper. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Natrona County Cow-Belles on Facebook or e-mail nccowbelles@gmail.com.

March 22 State Trade Expansion Program Money Talk Webinar, online. For more information, visit sba.gov

March 22 U.S. Department of Agriculture Schedule F Webinar, 1 p.m., online. For more information and to register, visit farmersgov.com

March 24-25 Wyoming Bee College, Cheyenne. For more information, visit wyomingbeecollege.org

March 31- April 2 Moffat County Sheep Shearing School, Craig, Colo. For more information, e-mail megan.stetson@colostate.edu or call 970-826-3402.

April 20 University of Wyoming Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Seminar, University of Wyoming, Torrington. To register, visit uwyo.edu/uwag/rmal or contact Anne DeMersseman at ademerss@uwyo.edu or call 307-766-3206.

Feb. 27 Reyes/Russell 32nd Annual Sale, at the ranch, Wheatland, 307-331-1530, 307322-4848, 970-587-2534, mrangusranch.com

Feb. 27 Circle L Angus Annual Production Sale, Dillon Livestock Auction, Dillon, Mont., 406-832-3535, 406-491-7363, circlelangus.com

Feb. 27 Colyer Herefords & Angus 43rd Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Bruneau, Idaho, 208-845-2313, 208-250-3924, 208-599-0340, hereford.com

EVENTS POSTCARD from the Past

Feb. 27 Loya/Wardell Angus Online Sale, 970-396-0035, 970-396-1870, loyawardellangus.com

Feb. 28 Barker Cattle Company Bull and Female Production Sale, Burley Livestock Auction, Burley, Idaho, 801-792-1036, 208-312-3085, barkercattle.com

Feb. 28 JC Heiken Angus & Sons 16th Annual Production Sale, Miles City Livestock Commission, Miles City, Mont., 406-855-7839, jcheikenangusandsons.com

Feb. 28 Haynes Cattle Company 15th Annual “Working Bull” Angus Sale, Ogallala Livestock Auction, Ogallala, Neb., 970-854-3310, 970-520-3374, haynescattleco.com

March 1 Ox Bow Ranch Spring Bull Sale, at the ranch, Wolf Creek, Mont., 406-2354281, 541-965-0088, oxbowranchangus.com

March 2 Bieber Fever Performance Yearling Bull Sale, at the ranch, Leola, S.D., 605439-3628, bieberredangus.com

March 3 Reminisce Angus Ranch Annual Bull Sale, Big West Feeding Facility, Dillon, Mont., 406-683-6363, remangus.com

March 4 Lucky 7 Angus Annual Bull Sale, Riverton Livestock Auction, Riverton, 307850-2514, 307-850-2053, lucky7angus.com

March 4 Sega Gelbvieh Pound-Makin’ Genetics Bull Sale, at the ranch, Pierce, Colo., 970-590-4862, 970-381-0600, segagelbvieh.com

March 4 Loya/Wardell Angus Online Sale, 970-396-0035, 970-785-0145, loyawardellangus.com

March 6 McCann Red Angus Annual Bull Sale, Billings Livestock Commission, Billings, Mont., 208-743-5517, 208-790-0646, mccannredangus.com

March 6 Veseth Cattle Company 17th Annual Sale, Glasgow Stockyards, Glasgow, Mont., 406-658-2504, vesethcattleco.com

March 7 Ipsen Cattle Company 10th Annual Internet Bull Sale, 208-681-4794, 208681-4793, ipsencattle.com

March 7 Apex Angus 50th Value Added Production Sale, at the ranch, Valier, Mont., 406-279-3341, 406-472-3245, apexangus.com

March 8 Sitz Angus 21st Annual Spring Bull Sale, at the ranch, Dillon, Mont., 406-6835277, 406-581-6448, 208-670-2364, sitzangus.com

March 8 Heart River Ranch/Open A Angus Annual Production Sale, the Feedlot, Belfield, N.D., 701-575-8145, 701-623-4461, openangus.com, heartrivergenetics.com

March 10 Leland Red Angus 40th Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Sidney, Mont., 701-565-2347, 701-565-2361, lelandredangus.com

March 10 Quest of the West 18th Annual Cattle Sale, Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, Spanish Fork, Utah, 801-420-2962, questofthewestcattle.net

March 11 MTR Cattle Company Bull Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307217-0408, 307-217-0409, mtrcattle.com

March 11 Diamond Peak Cattle Company Diamonds in the Rough Bull Sale, Riverton Livestock Auction, Riverton, 970-326-8621, diamondpeakcattle.com

March 13 Holden Herefords 57th Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Valier, Mont., 406-450-1029, holdenherefords.com

March 13 Pine Coulee Bull Sale, Wagon Box Ranch, Hardin, Mont., 406-855-2832, 406780-1230, pinecoulee.com

March 13 P\T Livestock Annual High Country Genetics Performance Bull Sale, Shoshoni, 307-709-8351, 307-709-8361, ptlivestock.com

Big horn Basin

Worland, WY

Visit Cattle USA for broadcasting and online bidding – auctions.cattleusa.com

March

Feeder Special • Feeder cattle only

March 16 – All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goat

March 23 – All Class Cattle

April 6 – All Class Cattle

April 10 – Monday Feeder Special • Feeder cattle only

April 13 – Bred Cow Special w/ All Class Cattle

April 20 – All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goat

April 27 – All Class Cattle

Thursday, March 2 • All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goat • 11 a.m. Consignments

Durbin Creek Ranch – 40 all natural fed bulls.

Thursday, March 9 • Bred Cow Special w/ All Class Cattle, 11 a.m.

Bruce Thurgood – 30 running age bred cows.

Verona Cattle – 20-25 black and red, mixed ages bred cows, fall vacc.

Compiled

Hog Raising Profitable

“Hog raising profitable” is a headline in the March 9, 1908 issue of The Saratoga Sun. The following article goes on to support this statement.

G. H. Barkhurst, who owns fine ranch property on Brush Creek, was down recently to deliver some dressed pork to Saratoga parties. While here, Barkhurst gave the Sun some very interesting facts concerning pork raising in Wyoming.

Among other things, he said, “I do not know of very many kinds of business that beats raising hogs for market on a Wyoming ranch. I brought in some dressed pigs weighing 120 pounds each, and they were just exactly five months old.”

were fine,” he added. “I received 10 cents a pound for the meat.”

“All one needs is to have plenty of alfalfa for them to run to while they are young and then feed them milk, ground barley and alfalfa, and they will grow their heads off in no

time,” Barkhurst continued. As to the quality of this meat, the writer never tasted better or sweeter meat than the pork made from the pigs referred to above. One could take a sharp knife and cut through the ribs without much effort.

When it is considered how free hogs are from disease in Wyoming and how easily they are fattened for market, the only wonder is why more people do not engage in the business. When a five-month-old pig will bring $12, there is certainly good money in the business.

• Bred Cows at 1 p.m.

Warner, Bryan and Marty – 7 Hereford middle age bred cows, vacc and poured, CF March-April.

Monday, March 13

• Feeder Special

• Feeder Cattle Only

• 11 a.m.

Verona Cattle – 40 red steers, 800-900#, 2 rounds of shots, weaned in November.

Double Dollar Cattle Co. – 30 black heifers, 500-550#, 2 rounds of shots, home raised. Rankine Livestock – 100 mixed black and red, 400-500#, 2 rounds of shots, weaned long time.

Danny Vigil • Northern Livestock Represenative

“They had not cost me one cent for their feed, for they had lived on alfalfa until I began to fatten them. I fed them on milk and ground barley, which I had raised myself on the ranch, and I believe for five-month-old pigs, they

Further advice on how to raise hogs in Wyoming was found in the Nov. 11, 1891 issue of the Rawlins Daily Journal which noted, “When feeding to fatten, all things considered, it is best to feed dry food. During growth, the pigs will thrive better on a ration of ground oats, shorts and oil meal, with sweet skim milk.” Plus, “Put wood ashes and salt where the hogs can get at them every day, for an hour a day, to take a lick. If pulverized charcoal and sulphur are added, no harm will be done.” A rancher slops his hogs at the Brush Creek Ranch, southeast of Saratoga in the 1910s. Photo courtesy of Anna Pilot Stubbs in the Dick Perue/Bob Martin collection. Historical Reproductions by Perue

FOR THE WEEK ENDING February

24, 2023

FOR THE WEEK ENDING May 24, 2019

As of February 17, 2023

Compared to last week slaughter lambs mostly 10.00-20.00 higher, instances 30.00 higher. Slaughter ewes mostly steady to 15.00 lower. Feeder lambs 12.00-16.00 lower. At San Angelo, TX 4,242 head sold. No sales in Equity Cooperative Auction. In direct trading slaughter ewes and feeder lambs not tested. 3,894 lamb carcasses traded with no trend due to confidentiality. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless specified.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3

San Angelo: wooled and shorn 110-145 lbs 124.00-158.00.

Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 100-150 lbs 165.00-220.00. South Dakota: wooled and shorn 115-145 lbs 125.00-137.00, new crop 215.00; 159 lbs 122.00.

Billings: wooled and shorn 100-145 lbs no test.

Equity Coop: no sales.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2

San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 282.00-329.00; 60-70 lbs 271.00-

308.00, few 309.00-316.00; 70-80 lbs 246.00-287.00, few

294.00-296.00; 80-90 lbs 220.00-269.00, few 275.00; 90-100 lbs 180.00-225.00, few 228.00-237.00. wooled and shorn

60-70 lbs 271.00-272.00; 70-80 lbs 271.00-281.00; 80-90 lbs

230.00-259.00, few 272.00; 90-105 lbs 180.00-228.00.

Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 65 lbs 195.00; 78 lbs 225.00; 85 lbs 215.00; 90-100 lbs 200.00-235.00. hair 80 lbs 222.50. South Dakota: wooled and shorn 50-60 lbs 155.00-170.00; 70-80 lbs new crop 225.00-230.00; 88 lbs 165.50. hair 45 lbs 255.00; 60-70 lbs 190.00-220.00, few 265.00; 76 lbs

Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2 San Angelo: yearling hair 85 lbs 175.00/cwt; mixed age hair 80-120 lbs 134.00-150.00/cwt; hair ewe and lambs 95.0098.00/head.

Ft. Collins: no test

South Dakota: young 220.00-260.00/head; young hair 220.00/ head; ewes with lambs 225.00/family.

Billings: ewe lambs 90 lbs 138.00/cwt, 100-105 lbs 133.00135.00/cwt, 110-125 lbs 120.00-125.00/cwt; bred yearlings 200.00-285.00/head; bred young 175.00-260.00/head; bred middle age 175.00-225.00/head; bred aged 115.00-185.00 head.

Sheep and lambs slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 37,000 compared with 35,000 last week and 32,000 last year.

Source: USDA AMS Market News, San Angelo, Texas

National Wool Review

As of February 10, 2023

In Australia this week, the Eastern Market Indicator was down 26 cents at 1374 cents per Kg clean from the sale a week ago. A total of 57,196 bales were offered with sales of 83.4 percent. The Australian exchange rate was stronger by .0089 at .6880 percent of the U.S. dollar. Australian wool prices are quoted US Dollar per pound, delivered, Charleston, S.C. The current freight rate is .15 cents per pound clean. Clean Del Price Change from 75-85 Percent

5 AREA WEEKLY WEIGHTED CATTLE PRICE

Billings: hair 52 lbs 187.50; 78 lbs

82 lbs 174.00; 93 lbs 140.00. Slaughter Ewes

San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 55.00-101.00, hair 75.00-114.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 106.00-120.00, hair 113.00-129.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) hair 92.00-116.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) 80.00, hair 80.0085.00; Cull 1 30.00-50.00.

Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 77.50-100.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 65.00-85.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test

South Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 55.00-105.00; Good

2-3 (fleshy) 61.00-110.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 80.00-105.00; Cull 1 14.00-55.00.

Billings: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 60.00-62.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy)

61.00-70.50;

Market Indicator was down 26 cents at 1374 cents per kg clean. Australian exchange rate was stronger by .0089 at .6880 percent of the U.S. dollar.

Source: USDA- CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO

Wyoming Hay Summary

As of February 23, 2023

Compared to last report, all reported hay sold fully steady. Demand was good throughout the week. Most producers are almost out of hay with a few unsold lots of hay in the barn. Some snow and bitter cold temps across many areas of the state. States snotel for the median comes in at 107% with the basin high of 137% and basin low of 74%. Last year the state median was at 88% and 93% for 2021. South Platte basin continues to have the lowest amount of total snow every week per this report. On a good note the South Platte in 2021 for last week reported 26% snow pack and this week is at 74% snow.

Compared to last week, bales of alfalfa sold steady, grass hay fully steady. Ground and delivered products sold steady. Sun-cured alfalfa pellets 10.00 higher with dehy alfalfa pellets steady. Demand was very good with a lot of livestock owners looking for a load or more of hay. Hay supplies have tightened up immensely in the last few weeks with high asking prices on some lots. It is tough decision to procure another load of hay for “x” amount of dollars or maybe sell some livestock? This has been the conversations the last couple of weeks. Some hay continues to come into the state from North and South Dakota.

In a recent National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Beltway Beef podcast, dated Feb. 16, Iowa

Cattle Producer Bill Couser

Committee member shares insight into the EPA’s FRRCC

joins NCBA to discuss his work on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)

Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Federal Advi-

Give your calves a Head Start

sory Committee (FRRCC).

In 2007, the committee was established to provide independent policy advice, information and recommendations to the EPA administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies of importance to the agriculture and rural communities.

Committee members include representatives from academia, the agriculture industry, nongovernmental organizations and state, local and Tribe governments.

During the podcast, Couser shares details of his most recent Jan. 17-18 meeting in Washington, D.C.

FRRCC meetings

On Nov. 16, the EPA announced its selection of members to the FRRCC. The committee is a policy-oriented committee providing policy advice, information and recommendations to the administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies important to agriculture and rural communities.

FRRCC addresses specific topics as identified by the agriculture advisor to the

administrator and reports its policy advice and recommendations to the EPA administrator through the agriculture advisor.

“This meeting was our first face-to-face meeting,” shares Couser. “It provided an opportunity for us to sit down, get to know each other and make sure we had rules and regulations in place.”

He explains several topics the committee will be looking to address in the next few years include advancing climate migration and adaptation strategies for U.S. agriculture.

“This is a really broad subject,” he notes. “As committee members, this was one thing we had a lot of concerns and challenges about, but I think when it’s all said and done, basically we’re going to be looking at alternative manure management systems, improved qualifications of greenhouse gas emissions, climate and water and strategies as far as how to achieve EPA and U.S. Department of Agriculture goals.”

In addition, other areas

For more information about the Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee, visit epa.gov.

of focus will include research and regulatory responsibilities with a large focus around pesticide, water and food waste, he explains.

“We’ve got a big job ahead of us for the next few years,” says Couser.

Importance of involvement

Couser mentions 10 to 20 years ago, producers and individuals in agriculture didn’t always have a seat at the table in terms of what FRRCC members could meet to discuss.

“I truly believe we have a seat at the table,” he says. “We can sit down with policymakers on both sides of the aisle and come to an agreement, or at least discuss the issues and challenges we’re up against as farmers and ranchers.”

In coming months, the FRRCC will divide its membership into two teams and start discussing different issues the committee feels are important, he explains.

“We will then narrow our areas of focus down to certain issues we feel the administrator needs to concentrate more on,” he says.

As a feedlot farmer from Central Iowa and one of the founders of the Lincol-

nway Energy and Ethanol Plant, Couser understands the importance of agriculture and its footprint.

“It’s been my priority to make sure there’s a voice amongst us in the Midwest,” he concludes. “There’re many voices in the Midwest that come together and bring those concerns and challenges either to state or federal issues, and we’re not afraid to make those appointments and sit down and have those discussions.”

New FRRCC members include Brad Bray of Cameron, Mo.; Eddie Crandell Sr. of Lucerne, Calif.; Jeanne Merrill of Alameda, Calif.; Jennifer James of Newport, Ark.; Sarah Lucas of Marquette, Mich.; Clay Pope of Loyal, Okla.; James Pritchett of Fort Collins, Colo.; Nithya Rajan of College Station, Texas; Lindsay Reames of Amelia, Va.; Raymon Shange of Tuskegee, Ala.; Jennifer Simmelink of Esbon, Kan.; Chantel Simpson of Greensboro, N.C. and Ryan Smith of Chicago, Ill.

Brittany Gunn is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

Planting the Seeds of Greatness

Guest speaker Matt Rush

“There're many voices in the Midwest that come together and bring those concerns and challenges either to state or federal issue, and we’re not afraid to make those appointments and sit down and have those discussions.” –

Bill Couser, Iowa cattle producer

POST continued from page A1

breaking water in the winter and fixing fences as well as counting and sorting to load trucks.”

He notes there are several things he enjoys doing throughout the year, including seeing baby calves during calving season in the springtime and gathering cows off of the mountain to bring home in the fall.

“My favorite part is going to cow camp in the summer to help move cows around on the mountain and haul salt,” he says.

Ryden also enjoys running equipment on the ranch such as tractors, trucks and the skid steer.

A herd of his own

In addition to helping out on the ranch, Ryden is an active 4-H member and has been elected president of his local 4-H club for the past two years. He spends the summer taking care of, training and preparing a 4-H beef project to show at fair.

“I show steers in 4-H each year at fair,” he notes. “I also won grand champion with my gun scabbard leather project last year at fair. I really enjoy 4-H.”

Over the course of his 4-H career, Ryden has built

up a cow herd of his own. In fact, he says his greatest accomplishment is owning four cows of his own, which he gets to keep the calves off of each year.

Ryden started this herd with his very first show heifer, which he showed nearly five years ago. He also proudly shares he gets to brand his cattle with his own personal RP brand.

Like many cattlemen, Ryden has had to overcome challenges that come with growing up on a ranch and being in charge of his own herd.

“Challenges have included pulling calves, getting equipment unstuck and spending long days sorting cows,” he shares. However, when the going gets tough, he says, “I remember not to give up and to always finish what I start.”

When he isn’t hard at work on the ranch, Ryden enjoys playing basketball, downhill skiing, snowmachining, creating leather work and riding his dirt bike.

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

BRED HEIFERS

Hellyer Ranch – 50 Blk Ang Bred Heifers approx 950#. Bred LBW Popo Agie Blk Ang bulls to start calving 3-10. Comp vacc & poured @ fall preg check. 2 rounds Guardian. High elevation, one brand, one raising. Reputation Heifers!

BRED COWS

Dixon Ranch – 50 Blk (85%) & Red (15%) Bred