UW Extension outlines impor-
tance of obtaining a private pesticide applicator license Page A11
Feeding production cows in confinement helps stretch grass during drought Page A14
Current Wyoming forage situation and outlook highlighted at WESTI Ag Days Page B2
Natrona County Cow-Belles
host 32nd Annual Casper Ag Expo Pages B6-B7
Information published in an article titled “Rapid City hosts 67th Annual Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo” in the Feb. 15 edition of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup was incorrect. Lot 43, consigned by Wagonhound Land and Livestock, was not the high-selling stallion of the All-Breed Horse Sale. The high seller was actually lot 30, a stallion consigned by Hardy White which sold for $52,000.
In the 10th snow report for Water Year 2025, the state’s snowpack telemetry data reads 103% of median, with a basin high of 114% and a basin low of 48%. Last year, the state was at 87% and at 109% in 2023. 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
Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom’s (WAIC) First Annual Online Auction is now open through March 7. Individuals can bid on a long list of items including a 2025 Commissioner’s Big Game License, a scenic flight and picnic for two, a half-day Old Baldy Club guided fishing float trip and much more. Funds raised will be used for natural resource education in Wyoming. For more information and to bid on auction items, visit waic2025. givesmart.com
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wyoming State Office has implemented a call ahead appointment system to allow for a more streamlined use of the public room. To schedule a visit, call 307-775-6256 or e-mail blm_wy_copywork@ blm.gov. This change is being implemented to minimize crowded wait times and maximize public room use. This system will be in place until further notice.
On Feb. 14, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins undertook significant actions on seven key initiatives during her inaugural day in office, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the departments goals.
In a concerted effort to further Pres-
ident Donald J. Trump’s agenda, Rollins is committed to enhancing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) support for American farmers, ranchers, loggers and the broader agricultural community.
Rollins held a media conference
at the White House on her first day as well, where she discussed key priorities for American farmers and ranchers, addressing food prices due to the failed policies of the Biden administration, food stamp reform and working with
To date, more than 162.5 million birds have been affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) since January 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with cases reported in all 50 states.
Although the outbreak slowed significantly through
most of 2024, cases started rising at the beginning of November and have continued to surge into the new year.
In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reported 124 new cases in 32 states between mid-January
Please see HPAI on page A4
The second largest event in the state of South Dakota, the 2025 Black Hills Stock Show (BHSS), was held Jan. 31Feb. 8 at the Central States Fair in Rapid City, S.D.
BHSS has been at the forefront of advancing the agricultural industry through exceptional breeding and competitive events for more than 60 years.
The annual event attracts an estimated 331,000 individuals from a 13-state region and features 120 different livestock, horse and rodeo events, along with hundreds of vendors to shop from.
BHSS is dedicated to showcasing the hard work and passion of young exhibitors, and the BHSS youth livestock shows provide an invaluable opportunity for participants to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and passion for livestock.
“This show not only highlights the impressive animals raised by local youth but also emphasizes the important life skills they develop through their involvement in agriculture – teamwork, responsibility and leadership,” states the BHSS website. “Each participant has put in countless hours preparing for this moment, and we are excited to see their hard work pay off.”
Market lamb results
The youth market lamb show, held on Feb. 8, highlighted some of the best in the industry.
Hayley Byrd of California claimed the grand champion title, and the reserve champion title went to Jorie Miller of Wyoming.
USDA NASS releases 2024 Wyoming sheep and lamb loss report
On Feb. 14, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its annual report on sheep and lamb losses across the state of Wyoming for 2024.
Information in the report was compiled from a survey conducted by the NASS Mountain Regional Field Office at the request of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association, which provided funding for the project.
“The sheep and lamb survey utilized multi-frame sampling procedures and involved drawing a random sample from a list of livestock producers maintained by the USDA NASS Wyoming Field Office,” the agency explains. “In addition, sheep producers living in a selected sample area were interviewed. This procedure assures complete coverage of sheep producers by accounting for farmers and ranchers who may not be on the list.”
Total loss
According to the report, the Jan. 1, 2024 sheep and lamb inventory numbered 320,000 head, and the 2024 lamb crop was estimated at 215,000 head.
Niobrara County brothers Carson and Garrett Wurdeman, sons of Neal Wurdeman of Lusk and Cindy Wurdeman of Hastings, Neb., have a longstanding connection to the agricultural industry.
This shared connection brought them closer together and led to the establishment of Wurdeman Brothers LLC in 2020.
Wurdeman Brothers LLC is dedicated to raising high-quality hay and cattle near Node.
The brothers, in collaboration with their father and sister Lainey Wurdeman,
proudly contribute to the efforts of 5W Livestock LLC which consist of a backgrounding feedlot and both a farming and ranching operation.
Family business
“My dad moved from eastern Nebraska about 30 years ago to Duck Creek Ranch and started the family business about 12 years ago,” Carson states.
“We are very involved in the family business. We moved back to the ranch during COIVD-19, then decided to start our own
Despite the rising price of beef, consumers have not backed away from purchasing it. I believe the main reason for this is because of the high quality of beef products on grocery store shelves.
The movement for better-quality beef started around 20 years ago. At the time, I don’t think anyone had any notion of the current quality of beef and record-high prices.
A number of years ago, seedstock producers had identified different genetic traits in their bulls. Back then, it was a way to inform and make it easier for livestock producers to select bulls, mainly on birth weights of the bulls’ offspring. It was a great tool for producers to use as many other traits were developed. Then, seedstock producers started to ultrasound bulls’ rib loin for size and marbling, which in turn produced a higher-quality beef carcass. This genetic trait gave consumers just what they wanted – a tender, flavorful steak or other cut of beef that tasted great.
These improved carcasses produced more meat of the upper-Choice and Prime quality, which in turn made cattle producers, feeders and processors more money, along with the restaurant trade.
No one figured what would happen when high-quality beef would be in short supply because the world’s growing population wanted and could afford beef.
Last year, the retail beef price was nearly $8.25 per pound which was a new record, all while gaining a higher market share.
During the last five years, beef spending growth outpaced the consumer price index by 2.7 percent annually. Despite some worries consumers may switch to cheaper meats or grain proteins, U.S. beef keeps gaining traction in the marketplace.
When one figures the higher quality of beef today, beef’s current price levels don’t seem so bad. Consumers are still getting their money’s worth.
The beef carcass is also producing higher-quality byproducts. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service reports the average 1,400-pound steer produces around $161.42 worth of byproducts. This may not sound like a lot to some consumers, but considering the U.S. processes around 600,000 cattle every week, it begins to add up.
Consumers are now realizing beef tallow is a healthier cooking oil than seed oil. It is also being used in facial and body creams.
Cattle hides are still in demand and make up a large volume business in many countries. A good hide from the aforementioned 1,400-pound steer is worth around $25.04.
Since the U.S. doesn’t tan many hides, it exports a large number of hides. In 2024, the U.S. exported $1.75 billion of hides.
China has the largest hide importing and leather producing market in the world. From the light leather of sheep and goats to heavy leather from horses, cattle and water buffalo, China tanners produce close to four billion square feet of leather per year. This is more than double the production of second-place Brazil. Italy, South Korea and Mexico follow on the list.
It would take another column to list all of the byproducts coming from a beef carcass and what it takes to tan a hide.
The early weeks of February showed cattle prices dropping, but now prices are rising somewhat. With no signs of cattle numbers rising, beef prices are still staying high.
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The “perfect storm” of drought, high winds and convective storms launched a firestorm over northern Wyoming leaving nearly one million acres scorched in a matter of days this past summer. Those catastrophic fires – House Draw, Flat Rock, Remington and Constitution – made headlines, but they were not the only natural disasters of the year.
Laramie County, often considered a “Teflon” landscape, saw more than 6,634 acres burned in an early fire, while Platte and Goshen counties sustained fires that torched another 28,984 acres. This was a warning.
For years, range managers and ranchers have warned against the spread of invasive annual grasses, like cheatgrass, which thrive on drought, fire and bare ground.
A 2019 initiative led by Gov. Mark Gordon identified the risk of invasive annual grasses as a primary
By Bob Budd
threat to the ecological underpinning of Wyoming – a threat to all of our major industries.
In 2024, the governor addressed this threat in his request to the Wyoming Legislature to allocate significant resources to suppress these flame-friendly grasses.
One of the most salient recommendations from the Invasives Task Force was to “assess state-level funding for invasive weed management to identify opportunities to increase flexibility of use and time constraints on using those funds and to better leverage available funding.”
This recommendation responds directly to the needs we see today, on the ground, facing our producers who are caretakers of the land from which the state realizes significant returns.
If we want to maintain the ecological integrity of Wyoming’s landscapes, the very underpinning of our
most vital economic engines, including agriculture, tourism, wildlife resources and industry, we have to make a stand.
Today, one of the greatest threats we face is native grasslands and sagebrush ecosystems giving way to invasive grasses and weed species, both exotic and native.
These ecosystems evolved with natural disturbances, including fire and grazing by native herbivores. In more recent geologic time, these natural disturbances continued through sustainable management of timber as well as forage harvested by both domestic and wild animals.
We were lulled into believing we were immune to the threat of species like cheatgrass or the expansion of species like Utah juniper. We were wrong. The result is a landscape vulnerable to the encroachment of both,
Please see RECOVERY on page A5
Gov. Mark Gordon has appointed Stacia Berry to serve as director of the Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments (OSLI), pending confirmation by the Wyoming Senate. She takes over from Interim Director Jason Crowder, who has led the agency since September 2024 following the departure of Jenifer Scoggin.
Berry has been a partner at Koch Law P.C. since 2022, where her practice included water, property law, land use and estate planning. She previously served as deputy director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture from 201522 and was an attorney at Hageman Law P.C. She also served as the National FFA secretary.
A fourth-generation Wyoming native whose great-grandparents homesteaded north of Cheyenne, Berry received her bachelor’s and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Wyoming. She also holds a master’s degree in agricultural science from Colorado State University.
“Berry’s extensive background in agriculture, her knowledge of Wyoming land issues and her willingness to listen and engage with stakeholders makes her an outstanding choice to lead OSLI,” Gordon said. “She is Wyoming through and through.”
Berry remarked, “I am honored and excited to serve the people of the state of Wyoming in this capacity.”
According to a Feb. 15 KKTV article by Kayla Henderson, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has confirmed a wolf killed a cow in Jackson County, Colorado earlier this month.
On Feb. 5, a CPW wildlife officer investigated a report of a possible wolf attack and found injuries on the cow matching signs of a wolf kill. After working with other agencies, officials determined a wolf was responsible.
CPW says the wolf is not part of Colorado’s reintroduction program and does not have a GPS collar. All known collared wolves were accounted for in other locations. Officials don’t know where this wolf came from.
As the wolf population grows in Colorado, CPW expects more wolves to pair, breed and form packs. This will allegedly create territories allowing CPW to monitor patterns and better collaborate with ranchers on strategies to protect livestock and reduce conflicts.
CPW also offers compensation to livestock owners whose animals are killed by wolves.
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) issued a press release announcing Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has signaled it is time for the USPS Board of Governors to identify a replacement.
There is no set time frame for a successor to be named nor a departure date.
It is unclear how long it may take for a candidate to be identified or who it might be, and USPS is likely to forge ahead with the Delivering for America (DFA) plan in the near term, including seeking a large rate increase in July.
Further information on potential candidates and timing will be relayed as soon as it is confirmed, and the National Newspaper Association (NNA) continues to stress the unacceptable service and punitive rate increases the DFA plan has imposed on community newspaper publishers.
On behalf of NNA, Lynne Lance and NNA Chair Martha Aszkenazy have sent a letter to the USPS Board of Governors chair urging they select a postmaster general who will recognize the historical importance and value of periodicals in the mail and restore customer confidence.
Two national forests in Wyoming are undergoing significant forest plan revisions – the Black Hills National Forest and the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Each forest is currently at a distinct stage in the revision process, allowing for focused efforts and community engagement.
The Black Hills National Forest has completed its assessment stage and is poised to enter the plan development stage in 2025. This progression signifies an opportunity to shape a robust plan to benefit the forest ecosystem and the surrounding communities.
In January, the Bridger-Teton National Forest took a proactive approach by convening key stakeholders, including Wyoming state agencies, county commissioners and conservation districts, to gather essential feedback on their draft forest assessments.
The updated assessments will be shared with the public this spring, ensuring transparency and fostering community involvement.
The Wyoming State Forestry Division is fully committed to actively participating in revisions to the Bridger-Teton and Black Hills Forest Plan. The decisions made during this critical process will pave the way for sustainable management and effective stewardship of these forests, positively impacting the environment and the communities for many decades to come.
The Wyoming Weed and Pest Council (WWPC), along with the University of Wyoming (UW), has helped create and publish a report on the potential economic impact of invasive weeds in Wyoming.
The report detailed 10 different invasive species and examined the estimated costs each can have on every county in Wyoming, as well as the characteristics of the plants. All 23 weed and pest districts joined the university to collaborate on the report.
Estimates from the report show, if untouched, the 10 invasive weeds studied could cost Wyoming more than $300 million per year alone. These weeds include cheatgrass, hoary cress, leafy spurge, medusahead, palmer amaranth, perennial pepperweed, Russian knapweed, Russian olive, ventenata and yellow starthistle.
The State Designated Weed List currently consists of 21 other invasive weeds in addition to the 10 from the study. The possibility of newer, yet to be identified plants was also excluded from the overall estimates of the study.
WWPC and UW acknowledge the study focuses mainly on the agricultural impact of weeds and the estimates should be considered “very conservative.” Both groups stress the importance of their partnership and urge everyone to stay vigilant in the fight to protect the state’s native species.
People can help WWPC by learning about invasive plants and reporting them to a local weed and pest districts so officials can work to prevent their spread.
Information resources and online reporting can be done at wyoweed.org/identify-weeds
A complete copy of the study, along with other valuable resources, can be found at wyoweed.org/publications
The Trump administration’s federal funding freeze and staff dismissals across multiple federal agencies have raised significant concern among farmers and ranchers.
The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) is closely monitoring the situation and the impact it continues to have on farmers and rural communities. To strengthen their efforts, RMFU is asking for the public’s help.
Individuals are encouraged to fill out RMFU’s survey if a now-frozen federal program directly benefited them, their operation or their community; they or someone they know was a federal employee who was fired; they have struggled to access federal services because staff members providing the services were fired and/or if they or someone they know are in financial distress after funding was frozen.
To fill out the survey, visit rmfu.org/federal-fundingcuts-and-dismissals/
and mid-February.
Avian influenza
According to APHIS, avian influenza is a contagious viral disease in domestic and wild birds caused by the influenza type A (H5N1) virus, primarily carried by infected wild waterfowl which appear to be healthy but shed the virus via feces, saliva and other respiratory secretions.
Domestic poultry become infected through direct contact with infected birds or contact with contaminated objects, equipment or the environment.
Severity of the disease depends on the strain and species affected, and HPAI strains are known for being deadly to domestic poultry, wiping out entire flocks within a matter of days. Therefore, it is considered a major threat to the poultry industry, animal health, trade and the worldwide economy.
APHIS notes infected domestic birds may show clinical signs of sudden death without any prior symptoms of illness; lack of energy and appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling of the eyelids, comb, wattles and shanks; purple discoloration of the wattles, comb and legs; difficulty breathing; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; twisting of the head and neck; incoordination and/or diarrhea.
Because HPAI is extremely contagious between bird species, experts encourage producers to actively monitor their birds for HPAI symptoms and to be diligent with flock biosecurity measures.
APHIS recommends producers use proper disinfection methods; limit onfarm visitors and ensure visitors practice good biosecurity, such as frequent hand
washing and wearing boot covers; limit exposure to wild birds and create a sitespecific biosecurity plan.
Individuals who believe they have infected animals should contact a veterinarian immediately.
Human cases
While CDC insists current public health risk is low, 69 human cases have been reported in 12 states since February 2022 – the majority of which resulted from exposure while working on an infected operation – and the first human death linked to H5N1 was reported on Jan. 6 in Louisiana.
Closer to home, it was confirmed by the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) a Platte County woman contracted Wyoming’s first case of H5N1 and is the fourth American to be hospitalized for the virus.
The Feb. 14 WDH press release notes the woman is older in age, has underlying medical conditions and was likely exposed to the virus
through contact with her infected backyard flock.
On the same day, the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) and USDA APHIS confirmed the presence of HPAI in two other flocks in Sheridan and Washakie counties.
“Samples from each flock were tested at the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa,” WLSB shares. “Affected premises are placed under quarantine to prevent further exposure.”
WDH Epidemiologist and State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist says, “While this is a significant development as bird flu activity is monitored in Wyoming and across the country, it is not something we believe requires a high level of concern among most Wyoming residents.”
Other animals affected
Over the past year, the
disease has widened its scope to include more than just feathered species.
In March 2024, a multistate H5N1 outbreak swept through dairy operations.
As of Feb. 19, APHIS data showed 972 total cases in dairy herds across 17 U.S. states, with 36 new cases confirmed in four states between mid-January and mid-February.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes, since the first detection in March 2024, the agency has “engaged in research and other efforts with industry, federal and state partners to ensure the continued effectiveness of the federal and state milk safety system.”
Later, on Oct. 30, 2024, CDC reported the first and only case of H5N1 in a pig on a backyard farm in Crook County, Oregon.
Currently, experts are concerned about pet health after two infected indoor cats from separate residents in Multnomah County, Oregon were euthanized because they were so sick.
A Feb. 19 CBS News article by Kate Gibson notes both cats had eaten the same brand of raw pet food before falling ill, and the virus was found in both of the cats and food samples, including unopened containers.
As a result, the regional Wild Coast Pet Foods company issued a recall.
Additionally, FDA announced manufacturers of cat and dog foods covered by the Food Safety Modernization Act Preventative Controls for Animal Food Rule and that use uncooked or unpasteurized material derived from poultry or cattle must reanalyze their food safety plans to include H5N1 as a “known or reasonably foreseeable hazard.”
“Furthermore, FDA is issuing the announcement to ensure cat and dog food manufacturers are aware of information about the new H5N1 hazard associated with their pet food products, which is an additional reason manufacturers must conduct a reanalysis of their food safety plans,” FDA states.
According to FDA, domestic and wild cats are particularly sensitive to bird flu and may show signs of fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing and neurological signs like
tremors, seizures, incoordination or blindness.
While dogs can contract the disease, they usually exhibit mild clinical signs and low mortality compared to cats.
Nationwide impacts
In addition to direct infections reported across the U.S., HPAI has caused other nationwide impacts, most notably a current egg shortage resulting in recordhigh prices.
According to the USDA, wholesale egg prices rose 40 cents between mid-January and mid-February to a whopping $7.44 per dozen.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the full impact of this wholesale spike had not yet hit consumers as of Feb. 17, reporting many are paying around $4.82 per dozen. But, the agency expects prices to continue rising in coming weeks as the nation’s egg shortage persists and distributor costs are passed on to consumers.
Additionally, in an effort to “cut wasteful spending,” the Trump administration enacted mass firings across the federal government based on recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency, including those working on the avian influenza epidemic.
In a Feb. 19 CBS News article by Megan Cerullo, USDA says it is now trying to rehire bird flu experts who were “accidentally fired.”
“Although several positions supporting HPAI were notified of their terminations over the weekend, we are working to swiftly rectify the situation and rescind those letters,” USDA tells CBS News
As HPAI continues wreaking havoc across the states, USDA, FDA and CDC, along with state partners, have pledged to continue investigating the outbreak in poultry, pets, dairy cows and people.
“The responsibility of FDA is to protect public health by ensuring the safety of the milk, dairy products and animal feed supply. USDA APHIS is leading the response from the animal health perspective while coordinating closely with the FDA and CDC,” FDA shares.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net,
The 2025 Working Lands Workshop Series, hosted by the Working Lands Collaborative, will be held on March 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Watt Building in Sheridan.
Registration is $25, including lunch, and students can register for free.
The workshop will focus on how wildfires impact working lands and the producers who manage these landscapes, including wildfire preparedness, what to do during a wildfire and wildfire recovery.
The second part of the workshop will take place in the field and is scheduled for June 24.
For more information or to register, visit sccdwy. regfox.com/2025wlw-pt1
and the reality that the combination is the fuel for cataclysmic fires like those we saw last year.
If we truly desire to defend Wyoming’s forests and grasslands, we have to act as aggressively as winddriven flames, wind-borne seeds and the roll-of-thedice reality of where lightning might strike next. The answer is to build resilience into our ecosystems.
The Wyoming Legislature was asked to spend $130 million to address the threat of invasive annual grasses, restore severely burned lands and restore native grasslands and forests to a condition which will allow natural fire and, at the same time, repel fires of the catastrophic nature we saw in 2024.
These funds will augment the millions of dollars spent annually through local conservation districts, weed and pest districts, non-governmental organizations, state agencies, federal partners and, above all, the management actions of private landowners, who are the stewards of Wyoming’s iconic landscapes.
These are not “handouts” to private landowners. They are landscapescale projects driven by local entities like conservation districts and weed and pest agencies. They are locally based and inclusive of multiple interests. They are blind to land ownership – a deer doesn’t know where it sleeps – it just wants a safe place to sleep.
At this point in time, the Wyoming Legislature has reduced the funding to $100 million and changed it from a landscape-scale grant program to a loan
program for individual landowners.
The Senate has added an amendment allocating $40 million to grants and $60 million to loans, but the House rejected this compromise.
The Invasives Task Force report is clear success depends on a landscape-sized approach which ignores man-made boundaries.
“In order to increase treatment success, effective practices need to be implemented across boundaries of private, state and federal land ownership,” the task force report states.
This is the “Wyoming Way,” and we have been recognized nationwide for our ability to address natural resource issues as a community, at the level of the government closest to the people on the ground.
The role of the state is to allow people who live on the land to direct actions which will create resilient landscapes for future generations.
Is it fair or just to ask the victims of a catastrophe to pay the bills to maintain our wildlife, scenic views, water quality or economic potential for future generations of land stewards for the Wyoming we all cherish?
Or, in the Wyoming Way, is it time to build resilience into our landscapes, like we hope to build in ourselves and our families?
Bob Budd is the executive director of the Wyoming Natural Resources Trust Fund and can be reached by visiting wwnrt.wyo.gov This opinion column was originally published by WyoFile on Feb. 7.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) strongly supports the Death Tax Repeal Act, led by U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Sanford Bishop (D-GA). The Senate companion bill is led by Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD).
Repealing the federal estate tax, also known as the Death Tax, is a top priority this year for NCBA.
“The Death Tax isn’t pro-growth – it’s a death warrant for family businesses. It’s the top threat to the future of family farms and ranches, and U.S. cattle producers need relief from
The Wyoming Animal Damage Management Board (ADMB) is soliciting grant applications for special projects which emphasize integrated predator management in Wyoming.
Applications are currently available on the Wyoming ADMB website at
this insidious tax,” said NCBA President and Nebraska Cattleman Buck Wehrbein. “Family-owned farms and ranches operate on limited cash flow, with most of their value tied up in land. As farmland and pastureland values rise, more producers will be hit with this punitive tax, forcing them to sell assets or take on debt, sometimes paying the Death Tax multiple times.”
“In a recent NCBA tax survey, 33 percent of respondents had paid the tax, and 35 percent of them had paid it more than once,” Wehrbein
continued. “This is not a tax on the rich, it is a boot on the neck of family businesses. NCBA thanks Thune, Feenstra and Bishop for leading the charge to repeal the Death Tax once and for all.”
“Current Death Tax relief is set to expire at the end of 2025, and it is vital Congress acts soon to provide permanent relief for our family operations. If the federal estate tax exemption reverts to pre-2017 limits, coupled with the rapid inflation of farmland values, many more families will be subject to the Death Tax,” he concludes.
wyadmb.com/ or by contacting Jerry Johnson with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture at 307-7776581.
Emphasis for selection will be placed on research, education and field management on predator species that damage crops, live-
stock and wildlife and/or are a concern for human health and safety.
Successful grant recipients will be required to submit an annual report, including benefits derived from the project. The deadline for applications is April 1.
The ADMB will meet
on May 13-14 in Casper at the Thyra Thomson State Office Building to hear requests in person. More details on this meeting will be available when finalized. For more information on the Wyoming ADMB or the grant program, visit wyadmb.com/
U.S. Sens. Cynthia Lummis, John Barrasso and Rep. Harriet Hageman (all R-WY) introduced the bipartisan and bicameral Postal Operations Stay Timely and Local (POSTAL) Act.
This legislation prevents the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from closing, consolidating or downgrading processing and distribution centers (P&DC) if it would eliminate the only P&DC in a state.
The USPS, under its Delivering for America modernization plan, has begun to consolidate or downgrade many of its existing processing and
distribution centers, shifting the bulk of mail processing and delivery functions to other locations.
As part of this shift, USPS plans to downgrade both P&DC facilities in Wyoming, shifting Casper’s P&DC operations to Billings, Mont. and Cheyenne’s operations to Denver, leaving Wyoming without an instate P&DC.
“The people of Wyoming are greatly disadvantaged by the mail delivery policies implemented under the Biden administration,” said Lummis. “It is commonsense for every state to have at least one sorting
facility to ensure efficient and timely in-state mail delivery. I am proud to champion this commonsense mail policy for rural communities, so every American, regardless of zip code, can rely on USPS once again.”
“The USPS is a lifeline in rural states like Wyoming,” said Barrasso. “Keeping a processing and distribution center in Wyoming will help prevent delays and keep mail operations running smoothly across our state. I’ll continue to fight to make sure the people of Wyoming have access to a reliable and timely postal service.”
Reagan Redding, also from Wyoming, secured a strong third-place finish, while Raina Johnson of South Dakota finished fourth and Molly Oakley, another standout from Wyoming, completed the top five in the show.
Market goat results
The 2025 BHSS Youth Goat Show, held on Feb. 7, brimmed with energy and excitement.
Skyler Pitman of Montana claimed the title of grand champion, while Jana Stearns of South Dakota secured the reserve champion slot, as well as placing fifth overall.
Rylee Lesher of Wyoming took home third place overall, while Oakley earned another title when she placed fourth overall.
Wether doe results
Also on Feb. 7, Corbyn Siebrandt of Nebraska clinched the title of Grand Champion Wether Doe.
Charlotte Wilson of North Dakota was awarded the prestigious reserve champion title.
Siebrandt was also crowned third overall in the youth wether doe category, with Stearns following behind in fourth place.
Blair Sanchez from Wyoming also put forth an impressive effort, securing fifth place overall.
Bred heifer results
The 2025 BHSS Youth Market Beef Show was held on Feb. 6, showcasing future leaders in the beef industry as young competitors displayed their hard work and passion.
Jady Ledoux of North Dakota emerged as the grand champion, followed by Ross Harwood of Montana, who earned the prestigious reserve champion title.
Kynsleigh Krebs of Nebraska took home the award for third overall bred heifer.
Completing the impressive lineup, Bevin Bertsche of South Dakota took home both the fourth and fifth overall bred heifer honors.
Breeding heifer results
The youth breeding heifer show also showcased an outstanding turnout this year, highlighting the talent and dedication of young breeders.
Louisa Payton Scott of Nebraska emerged as the grand champion, while Jhett Jameson of Wyoming claimed the reserve champion title.
Kiarra Lambert of South Dakota secured third place overall, followed by Chael Roberts of Montana in fourth.
Rounding out the top five was Ledoux, who finished in fifth place.
Market beef results
At the 2025 BHSS Youth Market Beef show, Layton Mrnak of North Dakota triumphed with the esteemed grand champion title.
Hot on his heels, Vance Mrnak, also from North Dakota, took home the reserve champion title.
Tucker Micheel of South Dakota finished third overall, while Avery Antelope, also from South Dakota, garnered recognition in fourth place.
Finally, Jace Rich of Wyoming rounded out the top five with a fifth-place finish, highlighting the outstanding achievements of youth in the cattle industry.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
On Feb. 5, during the 41st Annual Fremont County Farm and Ranch Days in Riverton, Fremont County Weed and Pest Director Aaron Foster discussed the district’s 202529 Special Management Program and the six noxious weeds they have deemed high priority.
For the first half of his presentation, Foster discussed the district’s three-pronged special management program which includes a countywide project, a focus area in Lander and Ocean Lake and specific management zones along Badwater Creek, Beaver Creek and the Sweetwater River.
To wrap up, Foster provided details on the six weed species including treatment and prevention options to stop their spread across Wyoming.
Houndstongue
First, Foster explained houndstongue is a biennial invasive plant which grows about knee high and can be characterized by its purplishpink flowers and leaves that look like a hound’s tongue, hence its name.
“What’s really special about this plant and why it spreads so well is because once the flowers dry out and form a seed, they create a little nutlet with a lot of tiny hooks similar to Velcro. This makes the plant super effective at spreading via wildlife, pets, pants, socks, shoes, vehicle doors and tires, etc.,” said Foster.
“It is really moving up and down our wildlife corridors, especially where deer bed down underneath cottonwoods. So, we are seeing a lot of parent plants establishing along these corridors and drainages,” he added.
Because of this plant’s unique ability and the difficulty of containing wildlife movement, Foster admitted houndstongue “is a losing battle.”
Therefore, the district is focused on creating more awareness of the problem and helping landowners manage outbreaks to keep the weed contained.
The good news, according to Foster, is houndstongue may be stifled via mechanical control by simply digging it up with a shovel and pulling it out of the ground before it goes to seed.
He noted the best time to do this is in the spring. However, if individuals miss the seeding window, they can go back and dig plants up in the fall. Foster also pointed out control won’t be visible until a few weeks later.
Russian knapweed
Next, Foster discussed Russian knapweed, an invasive purple-flowered plant known for its aggressive root system and ability to form dense stands.
He explained fall is the best time to administer control of this weed, especially from around Sept. 15 until the ground freezes, although starting in late summer may work in cases where individuals are treating multiple species at once.
He noted broad treatment
with Milestone in the fall has led to successful results, and optimum timing for administering treatment is when the plant is in the budding to flowering stage.
Leafy spurge
Leafy spurge is a common enemy for many producers across the state, and Lander has been a core area for the species for many years.
“Leafy spurge is a super aggressive plant that is very difficult to control,” Foster said. “Once someone has it, they’re probably always going to have it to some level. The only thing they can really hope for is keeping it under control.”
Foster noted the species is characterized by its distinctive yellow-green color and has a tough root system which can stand up to a lot of herbicides, as well as an effective seed-spreading strategy.
“This plant is very effective at spreading seeds because when seed pods dry up, they pop with a kind of forceful explosion that pushes seeds about 15 feet away, bouncing across fences and other things,” he said.
Control of leafy spurge is limited to two tight windows – in the spring when the plant is in bloom and in the fall around mid-August to midSeptember.
“We have added QuinStar to our arsenal for leafy spurge, and we like what we see. We’re getting at least a full year of control with it and sometimes up to a year and a half before it starts to come back. But, QuinStar is kind of expensive,” Foster said.
Those treating leafy spurge on rangelands in the fall may also consider Panoramic, which Foster said is less expensive and works just as well as QuinStar.
“The key is not to use Panoramic on any irrigated pastures because it will ding grass growth,” he admitted. “But on rangelands, after grasses go dormant, we have found it works really good for us.”
Whitetop
According to Foster, whitetop is in the mustard family and is characterized by its showy white flowers blooming in early spring, as well as its ability to form dense monocultures.
Foster noted whitetop can often be confused with field pennycress. However, because pennycress is an annual, it can be pulled out of the ground with the entire root intact fairly easy. Additionally, pennycress produces small seeds in the shape of a penny, while whitetop does not.
He further explained the optimum time to administer control measures is in the spring during the pre-bloom stage, and the district has found good control with both Escort and Telar.
“If this window is missed, the fall rosette stage is another opportunity for control as well,” he said. “I have not actually witnessed this myself, but literature suggests patch treating every
year for three years in a row results in pretty good control of whitetop.”
Dalmatian toadflax
The fifth species on Fremont County’s radar is Dalmatian toadflax, which was introduced to the area from Europe as an ornamental plant for its yellow flowers which look similar to snapdragons.
While only a few patches of Dalmatian toadflax have cropped up in the Lander area, the Fremont County Weed and Pest District is working diligently to keep it contained, Foster said.
He also mentioned Dalmatian toadflax is one of the harder weeds to kill.
“Dalmatian toadflax is a really tough one to kill, partly because it has adapted so well to dry conditions. It creates a waxy cuticle layer on leaves and stems to help hold water, making it very water efficient but also really difficult for herbicides to get in,” he remarked.
Because of this, Foster noted it is important to use an effective surfactant to help herbicides penetrate this waxy cuticle layer and stay on leaves. He recommends using a methylated seed oil (MSO) for this.
“Summer is a really good time to go after Dalmatian toadflax during the budding stage to early bloom, and Telar works well as long as a MSO is also used,” he explained. “Fall is another great time to treat Dalmatian toadflax, and at this time, individuals can add Panoramic to their arsenal. It works pretty well and it is a little cheaper.”
Baby’s breath
Lastly, Foster brought up baby’s breath, a bushy plant with tiny white blooms often used in the floral industry, which was recently added to the Fremont County Designated Weed List in an effort to get ahead of it.
Foster noted problem areas exist near Ocean Lake, in Jeffrey City and around the
Lander Cemetery.
“Baby’s breath gets to be about thigh high and pretty bushy. It’s a perennial and a taproot so it doesn’t spread via its roots, it dries down in late summer, becomes a tumbleweed and when the wind blows, it bounces along and drops seeds along the way,” he explained.
When it comes to controlling baby’s breath, Foster noted timing is most important.
The plant should be treated during the blooming stage when there are visible rosettes.
“Escort and Telar work on it, but it is very timing dependent,” Foster said. “Using a surfactant is also important because baby’s breath has a lot of fine hairs on its leaves.”
Other best management practices
In addition to individual control measures, Foster stressed the importance of some other best management practices such as good
biosecurity and utilizing integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
“Leave weeds where they are, don’t take them to the next location,” he stated. “Clean equipment. ATVs are notoriously good at capturing weed seeds. And, limit disturbance. All of these weeds capitalize on disturbance. It is where they like to start.”
In regards to IPM, Foster noted there are biocontrol measures available for all of the aforementioned species, including a light biocontrol practice currently being established in Dubois.
“I also mentioned mechanical controls like grazing or pulling up weeds. Use herbicides when you need to use herbicides, but make sure you understand your equipment and use proper calibration,” he concluded.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Over the course of the year, Wyoming sheep producers lost a total 36,000 head to weather, predators, disease and other causes, representing a value of $8.25 million.
This is 9,000 head and 18.2 percent less than the 45,000 sheep and lambs and $10.08 million in value lost in 2023, respectively.
This number also rep-
resents 6.6 percent of the 2024 sheep and lamb supply – which includes the lamb crop plus lambs lost before docking – at 549,000 head. Additionally, the report highlights lambs lost prior to docking equaled 14,000 head; lambs lost after docking totaled 12,000 head and total sheep loss was reported at 10,000 head.
Predator-caused losses
Predators were the leading cause of death across Wyoming sheep operations, accounting for 62.2 percent of all deaths and 4.1 percent of the state’s sheep and lamb supply.
In fact, of the 36,000 total animals lost in 2024, NASS reports 22,400 head were lost to predators, up 1,100 head from last year.
Lamb losses from all predators amounted to 18,400 head, down 1,300
Austin Snook • 307-290-2161
Taylor Snook • 307-290-2273
Craig Deveraux • 307-746-5690
Dan Catlin • 406-671-7715
Clint Snook • 307-290-4000
Cheyenne Seymour • 605-641-0638
Thank
head from a year ago, while sheep lost to all predators totaled 4,000 head, up 2,400 head from 2023.
The report shows predator-caused losses resulted in an estimated $5.1 million lost in 2024, up 8.3 percent from 2023.
NASS also notes coyotes remained the number one predator for both sheep and lamb loss in 2024, accounting for 65.6 percent of all predator-caused losses and 40.8 percent of all death loss
Kyle Kallhoff • 605-881-1526
Casey Sellers • 307-217-2614
Jim Forbes • 307-351-5932
Tye Curuchet • 307-351-8666
Daniel Escoz • 307-217-1440
Kade Kinghorn • 307-620-0525
in the state at a whopping 14,700 total head. The value of losses attributed to coyotes totaled $3.35 million.
Other notable predator loss outlined in the report includes 3,400 head lost to eagles; 1,100 head lost to bears; 900 head lost to ravens; 800 head lost to mountain lions and 700 head lost to foxes.
Non-predatory loss
Additionally, NASS reports non-predatory losses accounted for 35.8 percent of all loss in the state of Wyoming, the equivalent of $3.15 million, down from the $5.37 million reported in 2023.
The total amount of sheep lost to non-predatory causes totaled 13,600 head, down 4,400 head from 2023, while non-predatory losses also claimed 7,600 head of lambs, 5,700 head less than a year ago.
After predators, Wyo-
ming’s harsh weather conditions claimed the most sheep and lambs, resulting in a total loss of 4,200 head, which is 5,700 head less than a year ago.
Other non-predatory causes of death include old age which claimed 1,800 head; lambing complications which claimed 1,400 head; poisoning which claimed 1,300 head; theft which claimed 700 head and disease and enterotoxaemia, both of which claimed 600 head each.
Lambs lost to unknown causes totaled 2,500 head, up from the 1,900 head reported in 2023, while sheep lost to unknown causes was reported at 1,000 head, up from the 400 head the year prior.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
To view the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service 2024 Wyoming Sheep and Lamb Losses Report in its entirety, visit nass.usda.gov.
University of Wyoming (UW) Extension welcomes Rebecca LairdCook as the new 4-H youth development educator serving Uinta County.
Laird-Cook completed her associate degree in general studies from Northwest College in Powell. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education and elementary education from Western Governors University in 2024.
Laird-Cook served as an elementary teacher at Uinta County School District #1 for three years, where she worked with students with disabilities, led arts and crafts programs and taught science. She is experienced at adjusting lesson plans to meet the needs of individual students and looks forward to using these skills to help current Uinta County 4-H’ers.
“I enjoy helping children learn in both traditional and unconventional ways that suit their needs to understand the material,” says Laird-Cook. “I found working with different people helps me learn and grow just as much as they do.”
Laird-Cook grew up in Evanston on a local ranch. As a youth, she participated in Uinta County 4-H and FFA. She is excited to give back to Uinta County 4-H and run the Catch-A-Calf and shooting sports programs.
Laird-Cook started her new role with UW Extension on Jan. 31. She can be reached at rlairdco@uwyo. edu or 307-783-0570.
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to optimize the department. Cutting wasteful spending
In one of her first actions, Rollins reviewed and implemented findings from DOGE to optimize the USDA workforce and stop wasteful spending.
Already, USDA has identified more than $132 million in excess spending and has terminated 78 contracts.
Additionally, more than 1,000 contracts are currently under review, and the USDA has also identified and canceled 948 employee trainings, 758 of which focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) alone.
“I welcome DOGE’s efforts at USDA because we know its work makes us better, stronger, faster and more efficient. I will expect full access and transparency to DOGE in the days and weeks to come,” Rollins states in a press release.
According to USDA, since Jan. 20, the agency has begun a comprehensive review of contracts, personnel and employee trainings and DEI programs. In many cases, programs funded by the Biden administration focused on DEI initiatives and are contrary to the values of millions of American taxpayers.
An example of one of the recent cuts was terminating or discontinuing efforts before they went into effect, such as neighbor-
hood electric vehicle utility vans and media contracts totaling $2.77 million. Action items
According to a Feb. 14 USDA press release, Rollins issued a memorandum to rescind all DEI programs and celebrations. Instead, USDA will reprioritize unity, equality, meritocracy and color-blind policies.
“We will neither commemorate nor celebrate our immutable characteristics, neither among ourselves nor among Americans at large. We will instead celebrate the things that make us American – merit, faith and liberty first among them,”
Rollins states. “All Americans deserve equal dignity, and at this department they will receive it. On this precipice of the 250th anniversary of our Revolution, we will rededicate ourselves to ‘the proposition all men are created equal.’”
Rollins also sent a letter to the nation’s governors outlining her vision for USDA and inviting them to participate in a new “laboratories for innovation” initiative to create bold solutions to long-ignored challenges.
In the letter she states, “I am deeply honored President Trump has put his trust in me to lead the USDA, and I will honor and uphold this trust each and every day by addressing the pressing challenges facing rural communities and opening a new chapter of prosperity in rural America.”
In another notice sent to state leaders, Rollins encouraged participation in pilot programs to reform the food stamp program, outlining principles of reform to establish robust work requirements.
“We have a historic opportunity to improve nutrition programs to better serve individuals who need additional support,” she states. “Our shared goal should be to lift millions of Americans out of dependency and into hopeful futures and unimagined possibilities.”
Recent topics
USDA’s immediate focus is controlling the avian flu outbreak, and the agency is considering vaccination strategies while acknowledging differing opinions.
However, the goal is to stabilize egg prices and support poultry farmers facing economic losses.
During the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Ky. Rollins responded to the high num-
ber of bird flu cases across the U.S. leading to a huge loss in revenue for poultry producers, as well as a huge jump in egg and poultry prices for consumers.
“The avian bird flu is a big issue,” says Rollins. “After getting confirmed, the very first briefing I had was on this issue. We are currently mapping out multiple different potential solutions.”
Rollins also delivered a video message and a letter of gratitude to U.S. Forest Service firefighters for their recent heroic actions to save lives and curb the devastating wildfires in California.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of those who risked their lives during the harrowing fires in southern California. Your courage, grit and determination to protect our communities represents the very best of America,” she writes.
She continues, “The USDA has the largest and most sophisticated wildland
firefighting workforce in the world, and I am honored to serve and support them.”
Melissa Anderson is the
Wyoming Livestock Roundup Crosswords, created by Myles Mellor. Solution for the Feb. 15, 2025 crossword
CTS BDT-40 T/A BELLY DUMP – $26,500
2019 BOBCAT T870 SKID STEER, 2145.1 HRS – $49,500
2018 BOBCAT T650 SKID STEER, 2274.5 HRS – $ 39,500
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2022 BOBCAT T770 SKID STEER
2008 BOBCAT T250 SKID STEER
JD 5093E TRACTOR
2016 KUBOTA MX5200D TRACTOR
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EXCAVATOR
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hay business.”
The brothers were fortunate to obtain a lease nearby from a neighbor which consists of three irrigation pivots where they raise alfalfaorchardgrass mix, orchardgrass and dryland hay.
“We strive to raise horsequality hay, but depending on the Wyoming weather, we have excellent cow hay. Large round bales and threeby-four squares are primarily the types of bales we make,” Carson adds.
During the third cutting, the Wurdeman brothers bale little squares for the locals to
fill their barns the winter.
Their premium products are not only sold directly to horse enthusiasts, they also re-bale and distribute hay in Colorado, ensuring topnotch quality for a wider market.
Carson says, “We have seen the market slow down, but we always keep a good supply of inventory on hand in the hay shed.”
The Wurdeman brothers store approximately one year’s supply of threeby-four square bales in the hay shed to fulfill customer demand throughout the year.
“Cow/calf producers are beginning to try straight orchard hay and are finding it to be high-quality feed,” Carson notes.
Family history
The brothers have a long history with 4-H, having shown swine, horses, crossbred steers and breeding heifers over the years.
The two found their niche in the show ring early on when Garrett won grand champion with his market steer and in showmanship at the Niobrara County Fair in 2014.
He was declared the best
in state during the Champion of Champions Market Beef Class at the 2013 Wyoming State Fair (WSF), where he also won the Overall Beef Champion.
Carson states, “We started our 4-H careers very young and began attending the WSF as soon as we could. It was a goal of ours, and together we have won several state and county titles.”
Carson continued participating in 4-H throughout high school and graduated from Niobrara County High School in Lusk in 2015.
“Lusk did not have an FFA chapter when I was in high school, but Garrett, who
is three years younger, was able to participate in FFA before he graduated,” Carson states.
After graduation, Carson attended Casper College in Casper where he studied ag business and transferred to University of Wyoming (UW) to study animal science.
Carson notes, “While attending Casper College and UW, I was a member of the livestock judging team. I truly enjoyed my experience.”
Judging at the collegiate level allowed Carson to make lifelong connections with not only his teammates but producers as well.
“I intended to eventually return to the family operation as well as growing my own operation, but when COVID-19 shut everything down, Garrett and I returned home from UW and have been working on both operations,” Carson continues.
Today, the brothers continue to actively contribute to the family operation which serves Niobrara County and surrounding areas. For more information, visit @WurdemanBrothersLLC on Facebook.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Lot 9 – Cherry Crk Skyline L175S – Price: $45,000 DOB: 9/15/23 Sire: Cherry
Crk Skyline G313 S Dam’s Sire: SD Advantage 6019 EPDs: BW: +0.1, WW: +84, YW: +155 and Milk: +27 Buyer: Koupal Angus, Dante, S.D. Lot 71 – Cherry Crk Exclusive L123 M – Price: $22,000 DOB: 9/8/23
Sire: Musgrave 316 Exclusive Dam’s Sire: HAYNES Upward 307R 032 EPDs: BW: +1.7, WW: +73 YW: +135 and Milk: +28 Buyer: Dyer Ranch, Crawford, Neb. Lot 56 – Cherry Crk Advance L86 M – Price: $18,000 DOB: 9/7/23 Sire: Cherry Crk Advance G248 S Dam’s Sire: Cherry Crk Future F15 S EPDs: BW: -0.7, WW: +72, YW: +130 and Milk: +28 Buyer: Kevin
Lyman, Salem, Utah Lot 2 – Cherry Crk Blue Collar L58 S – Price: $18,000 DOB: 9/4/23 Sire: Cherry Crk Blue Collar G275 Dam’s Sire: G A R Inertia EPDs: BW: +0.3, WW: +73, YW: +135 and Milk: +24 Buyer: Koupal Angus, Dante, S.D. Lot 7 – Cherry Crk Stellar 1173 KC – Price: $16,000 DOB: 9/14/23 Sire: Sitz Stellar 726D Dam’s Sire: Shipwheel Chinook EPDs: BW: +1, WW: +80, YW: +132 and Milk: +30 Buyer: Harding Ranch, Meriden Lot 16 – Cherry Crk Blue Collar L24 S – Price: $16,000 DOB: 9/2/23 Sire: Cherry Crk Blue Collar G275 Dam’s Sire: Cherry Crk Leupold G109 S EPDs: BW: +0.3, WW: +74, YW: +133 and Milk: +22 Buyer: Harding Ranch, Meriden
Top Sellers
Lot 16 – PRA Duke 4256 – Price: $17,000 DOB:
3/5/24 Sire: Millars Duke 816
Dam’s Sire: Musgrave Aviator EPDs: BW: +0.3, WW: +73, YW: +125 and Milk: +27 Buyer: TJ Cunningham, Broadus, Mont. Lot 6 – PRA Duke 4289
– Price: $15,500 DOB: 3/6/24
Sire: Millars Duke 816 Dam’s
Sire: GDAR Game Day 449
EPDs: BW: -1.6, WW: +67, YW: +111 and Milk: +30
Buyer: EB Ranch, Broadus, Mont.
Lot 15 – PRA Coalition 4230 – Price: $15,000 DOB: 3/2/24 Sire: U-2 Coali-
tion 206C Dam’s Sire: Kramers Apollo 317 EPDs: BW: -3.2, WW: +52, YW: +97 and Milk: +26 Buyer: Josh
Moore, Douglas Lot 10 – PRA Foundation 4204 – Price: $14,000 DOB: 2/19/24 Sire: PRA Foundation 0150 Dam’s Sire: WMR Infinity 141 EPDs: BW: -0.3, WW: +64, YW: +103 and Milk: +22 Buyer: Carbon Creek Cattle Company, Medicine Bow Lot 9 – PRA Bulldogger 4363 – Price: $13,000 DOB: 3/10/24 Sire: PRA Bulldogger 1197 Dam’s Sire: Musgrave Aviator EPDs: BW: -0.5, WW: +64, YW: +113 and Milk: +28 Buyer: EB Ranch, Broadus, Mont. Lot 8 – PRA Justice 4317 – Price: $12,500 DOB: 3/8/24 Sire: LAR Infinity 691I Dam’s Sire: Bushs Tundra 602 EPDs: BW: +1.5, WW: +79, YW: +130 and Milk: +27 Buyer: AM Cattle, Wheatland
By Dan VanderPloeg, UW Extension Educator
For agriculture in Wyoming, responsible pesticide use may be crucial for maintaining healthy crops, protecting the environment and ensuring the safety of farmworkers and consumers.
For individuals who apply restricted-use pesticides (RUP) on property or land they manage on their own, obtaining a private applicator pesticide license is not just a legal requirement, it is a vital step in promoting safe and effective pest control practices.
Ensuring safe and effective use of pesticides
Pesticides play a significant role in modern farming, helping to control insects, weeds and diseases which devastate crops. However,
tems and communities from unintended exposure.
Enhancing public trust in agriculture
Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about food safety and environmental sustainability.
improper application can lead to environmental damage, human health risks and ineffective pest control.
A private applicator pesticide license provides training on how to apply these substances safely, following guidelines which minimize harm while maximizing effectiveness.
The main goal of licensing requirements is to prevent pesticide misuse which can contaminate water sources, harm beneficial insects or pose risks to humans and animals.
Licensed applicators are trained to understand chemical labels, proper storage and disposal and techniques to reduce drift and runoff, thereby protecting ecosys-
By obtaining a private applicator pesticide license, farmers and landowners show they are committed to responsible agricultural practices. This helps build trust with consumers, regulators and the broader community, reinforcing the importance of professional and ethical agricultural practices.
Compliance with legal and regulatory standards
State and federal laws, including those enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency and state agricultural departments, regulate the use of RUPs. Failing to obtain a private applicator pesticide license can result in hefty fines, legal action and restricted access to essential pesticides.
By obtaining a license, applicators demonstrate their commitment to following regulations and using pesticides responsibly.
A robust licensing system administered by local Extension educators in conjunction with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture is a necessary step to keeping regulatory agencies local rather than national.
Economic benefits for farmers and landowners
A well-informed applicator can save money by using the correct pesticide in the right amounts, avoiding unnecessary applications and
reducing the risk of crop damage due to misapplication.
Additionally, proper pesticide use helps prevent resistance development in pests, ensuring long-term effectiveness of pest control measures.
Conclusion
Securing a private applicator pesticide license is an essential step for any individual who applies RUPs on their property. It ensures
compliance with legal requirements, promotes safe and effective pesticide application, protects human and environmental health and supports economic sustainability in agriculture.
Investing in proper training and certification is not only a smart choice but a necessary one for the future of responsible agriculture.
For more information
on how to obtain a private applicator pesticide license, contact a local Extension office. Dan VanderPloeg is the agricultural and natural resources educator with University of Wyoming Extension serving Washakie County and northwest Wyoming. He can be reached at dvanderp@uwyo.edu or 307-347-3431.
Feb. 21-28
Feb. 21-23 Up in Arms LLC Flea Market and Gun Show, The CAM-PLEX, Gillette. For more information, call 208-420-2295.
Feb. 22 Wyoming Wool Growers Association Third Annual Wyoming Select Bred Ewe Sale, Gillette. For more information, visit wyowool.com/consignor-intoewe-data
Feb. 24-26 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 2025 Winter Policy Conference, Washington, D.C. For more information or to register, visit nasda.org/2025-winter-policy-conference/
Feb. 25 University of Wyoming Sheep Task Force Predator Management Webinar, 6-7 p.m., online. For more information, contact McKenna Julian at mbrinton@uwyo.edu or 307-828-4093. To register, visit bit.ly/wy-predator
Feb. 26-27 Winnemucca Cow Dog Trial, Winnemucca Events Complex, Winnemucca, Nev. For more information, call 775-623-2220.
Feb. 26-March 2 36th Annual Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend, Winnemucca Events Complex, Winnemucca, Nev. For more information, visit ranchrodeonv. com or call 775-623-5071.
Feb. 27
Feb. 27
University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Platte Valley Bank, Torrington. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Goshen County Extension Office at goshen.county@uwyo. edu or 307-532-2436.
University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Big Horn County Weed and Pest Office, Greybull. For more information or to RSVP, contact Dan VanderPloeg at dvanderp@uwyo.edu or 307-347-3431.
Feb. 27 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 1-5 p.m., Crook County Courthouse, Sundance. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sara Fleenor at sfleenor@uwyo.edu or 307-283-1192.
Feb. 27 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program 1-5 p.m., Albany County Fairgrounds, Laramie. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Albany County Extension Office at 307-721-2571.
Feb. 27-28 101st Agriculture Outlook Forum, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, Va. and online. For more information or to register, visit reg.eventmobi.com/USDAOutlookForum2025
Feb. 28 42nd Annual Governor’s Arts Awards Banquet, Little America Hotel and Resort, Cheyenne. For more information or to register, visit governorsartsawards.rsvpify.com
March 4 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 1-5 p.m., Conference Room, Greater Hulett Community Center, Hulett. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sara Fleenor at sfleenor@uwyo.edu or 307-283-1192.
March 4 University of Wyoming Sheep Task Force Predator Management Webinar, 6-7 p.m., online. For more information, contact McKenna Julian at mbrinton@uwyo.edu or 307-828-4093. To register, visit bit.ly/wy-predator
March 5 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Sublette County Extension Office, Pinedale. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Sublette County Extension Office at sublette@ uwyo.edu or 307-367-4380.
March 5 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 2-5 p.m., Eden Valley Community Center, Farson. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Sublette County Extension Office at sublette@uwyo.edu or 307-367-4380.
March 6 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Fremont County Courthouse, Lander. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Lander Extension Office at 307-3322363 or rfisk@uwyo.edu.
March 6 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Hot Springs County Weed and Pest Office, Thermopolis. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Hot Springs County Extension Office at 307-864-3421.
March 6 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program 1-5 p.m., Valley Community Center, Baggs. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Carbon County Extension Office at 307-328-2642 or ajacks12@ uwyo.edu.
March 7 2025 Working Lands Workshop Series, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Watt Building, Sheridan. For more information or to register, visit sccdwy.regfox. com/2025wlw-pt1
March 7-8 Returning to the Farm 2025 Workshop, Central Community College, Hastings, Neb. For more information or to register, visit cap.unl.edu/rtf25
March 7-9 Black Hills Gun Show, The Lodge at Deadwood, Deadwood, S.D. For more information, call 605-641-0870 or 307-751-1877.
March 8 Harvest Wyoming, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Clay Pathfinder Building, Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne. For more information or to register, visit bit.ly/harvestwyoming2025
March 11 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program 10 a.m.-2 p.m., South Lincoln Training and Events Center, Kemmerer. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Sublette County Extension Office at sublette@uwyo.edu or 307-367-4380.
Calvo Family Red Angus Online Annual Spring Bull Sale, 605-830-2210, 402-760-1274, dvauction.com, calvofamilyredangus.com
Feb. 23 Mt. Rushmore Angus Ranch 59th Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Rapid City, S.D., 605-342-2449, 605-484-6731, 605-381-7361, mtrushmoreangus.com
Feb. 24
Reyes/Russell 34th Annual Sale, at the ranch, Wheatland, 307-331-1530, 970-371-7819, 307-331-1568, mrangusranch.com
Feb. 24 Circle L Angus Annual Production Sale, Dillon Livestock Auction, Dillon, Mont., 406-491-7363, circlelangus.com
Feb. 24
Colyer Herefords and Angus 45th Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Bruneau, Idaho, 208-845-2313, 208-599-0340, 208-845-2314, hereford.com
Feb. 24-March 1 Loya/Wardell Angus Online Sale, 970-396-0035, 970-396-1870, DVAuction. com, loyawardellangus.com
Feb. 25 Barker Cattle Company Bull and Female Production Sale, Burley Livestock Auction, Burley, Idaho, 801-792-1036, 208-312-3085, barkercattle.com
Feb. 25 JC Heiken Angus and Sons 18th Annual Production Sale, Miles City Livestock Commission, Miles City, Mont., 406-855-7839, jcheikenangusandsons.com
Feb. 25 Haynes Cattle Company 17th Annual “Working Bull” Angus Sale, Ogallala Livestock Auction, Ogallala, Neb., 970-854-3310, 970-520-3374, haynescattleco.com
March 1 Lucky 7 Angus Annual Bull Sale, Riverton Livestock Auction, Riverton, 307850-2514, 307-850-2053, lucky7angus.com
March 1 3C Cattle 14th Annual Angus Bull Sale, Sutherlin Farms Feedlot, Stevensville, Mont., 406-360-1875, 406-207-9176, 406-360-1246, 3ccattlellc.com
March 1-2 TW Angus Fourth Annual Online Production Sale, 605-999-0018. 605-6951990, DVAuction.com, twangus.com
March 5 Ox Bow Ranch Spring Production Sale, at the ranch, Wolf Creek, Mont., 541-965-0088, oxbowranchangus.com
March 6 Bieber Fever 50th Annual Performance Yearling Bull Sale, at the ranch, Leola, S.D., 605-439-3628, bieberredangus.com
March 6 Split Diamond Ranch 34th Annual Angus Bull Sale, Dillon Livestock Auction, Dillon, Mont., 406-498-3005, 406-581-0612, splitdiamond.com
March 7 Quest of the West 20th Annual Cattle Sale, Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, Spanish Fork, Utah, 801-420-2962, questofthewestcattle.net
March 8 Carlson Equipment Annual Consignment Auction, Carlson Equipment, Riverton, 307-856-8123, carlsonequipment.com
March 8 Sega Gelbvieh Pound-Makin’ Genetics Bull Sale, at the ranch, Pierce, Colo., 970-590-4862, 970-381-0600, segagelbvieh.com
March 8 MTR Cattle Company Bull Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307217-0408, 307-217-0409, mtrcattlecompany.com
March 8 Wishbone Simmental Inaugural Sale, at the ranch, Frannie, 307-272-4009, 406-690-3369
March 10 Pine Coulee Bull Sale, Wagon Box Ranch, Hardin, Mont., 406-855-2832, 406-780-1230, pinecoulee.com
Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com
In our neck of the woods, this year’s weather is exceptionally nice and warm compared to previous year’s record snowfall or the weather of more than 120 years ago.
An article in the Jan. 30, 1903 issue of the Grand Encampment Herald notes:
Along the Continental Divide in southern Wyoming, the depth of snowfall has increased to about eight feet on average. The snow, being light, rapidly settles into a solid mass –almost solid ice – and it is generally estimated 10 feet of new snow will settle into one foot of solid.
By wrapping the big mountain range – the Sierra Madres – in such an icy mantle, which often gets to be several feet thick before the winter is over, nature has provided a storehouse for irrigation which defies all of the devices of man.
Rivulets, 10,000 strong, flow out from under these icy banks to bless the crops in the valleys below, which, if planted in an arid country, would neither sprout or grow were it not for
nature’s generous assistance from the snowcapped peaks above.
When the sun shines bright upon the snow in
the spring, many victims are tortured with a dose of “snow blind,” which is certainly one of the features of dwelling in snow land that is not coveted. Snow blind is treacherous and lasting, and victims seldom fully recover. It is best to take every possible precaution against this calamity, and the man who is jeered because he puts on the black veil for the day’s trip is not so much a fool as the man who trusts his precious eyesight to the elements.
last year.
Source: USDA AMS LPG Market News, San Angelo, Texas National Wool Review
As of February 14,
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Torrington
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Greeley, CO
National Sheep Summary
As of February 14, 2025
Compared to last week slaughter lambs steady to 15.00 higher. Slaughter ewes steady to as much as 30.00 higher. Feeder lambs not well tested. At San Angelo, TX 4,686 head sold. Equity Cooperative Auction sold 320 slaughter lambs in Montana. 3,453 lamb carcasses sold with no comparison due to confidentiality. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless otherwise specified. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 San Angelo: wooled and shorn 110-125 lbs 217.00-220.00; 130-160 lbs 170.00-196.00.
Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 110-140 lbs 202.50-255.00. South Dakota: wooled and shorn 120-165 lbs 155.00-190.00. Billings: wooled and shorn no test. Equity Coop: shorn 150 lbs 159.00. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2
San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 300.00-335.00; 60-70 lbs 292.00316.00, few 321.00; 70-80 lbs 256.00-311.00, few 315.00; 8090 lbs 252.50-272.00, few 273.00-278.00; 90-110 lbs 220.00256.00, few 268.00. wooled and shorn 56 lbs 304.00; 66 lbs 292.00; 77 lbs 290.00; 83 lbs 244.00.
Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 46 lbs 275.00; 71 lbs 287.50; 80-90 lbs 250.00-295.00; 100-110 lbs 220.00-260.00. hair 60 lbs 270.00; 100-110 lbs 230.00-237.50.
South Dakota: wooled and shorn 55 lbs 360.00; 70-80 lbs 255.00-280.00; 80-90 lbs 232.50-282.50; 90-100 lbs 210.00285.00; 110-120 lbs 182.50-225.00. hair 90-100 lbs 215.00. Billings: no test.
Slaughter Ewes
San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) hair 120.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 124..00-134.00, hair 128.00-142.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 136.00-148.00, hair 126.00-140.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) hair 120.00-146.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) hair 108.00.
Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 97.50-110.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 75.00-117.50.
South Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 95.00-115.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 80.00-110.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 90.00-110.00.
Billings: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) no test: Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test.
Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2
San Angelo: hair 40 lbs 340.00.
Ft. Collins: no test.
South Dakota: 34 lbs 350.00; 62 lbs 292.00; 77 lbs 247.00; 86 lbs 242.00; 90-100 lbs 208.00-219.00; 100-110 lbs 194.00207.00; 120-130 lbs 163.00-167.00; 141 lbs 165.00. Billings: no test. Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2 San Angelo: yearling hair 75 lbs 184.00/cwt; young hair 100150 lbs 158.00-162.00/cwt.
Ft. Collins: ewes with lambs 195.00/family.
South Dakota: bred middle age 280.00/head; bred aged 140.00/head; bred young hair 200.00/head.
Source: USDA- CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO
Wyoming Hay Summary
As of February 20, 2025
Movement has decreased since the last report. Producers are saying demand has been slow all over Wyoming, even for this time of year. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor Website most of Eastern Wyoming is under severe to extreme dry soil moisture. Western Wyoming is moderately dry to severe dry soil moisture with a small patch of extreme drought. According to the National Weather Service Website precipitation was lower than normal for this time of year all over the state. Temperatures have been below normal for this time of year. According to the University of Wyoming and NRCS Weekly Snow Report, the states SNOTEL’s are reading 103% of median with a high of 114% and a low of 48%, last year the state was 87%. According to the Wyoming Crop Progress Report, as of January 2025, hay and roughage supplies were rated at 89% adequate in the state. Pasture and range is 13% good condition and 25% fair condition, winter wheat is 1% good condition and 62% fair condition, all Livestock is 57% good condition.
Central Wyoming
Alfalfa - Supreme Cubes
- Supreme
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News Torrington
Nebraska Hay Summary
As of February 20, 2025
Compared to last week alfalfa, grass hay, alfalfa pellets sold steady. Ground and delivered alfalfa sold steady with ground and delivered cornstalks 10.00 higher. Demand was light to instances moderate. Some feedlots did demand more ground and delivered hay this week due to the
Source:
For many producers, spring bloom comes with the anticipation of turning pairs out to green grass on pastures, rangelands and/ or forest allotments for the summer.
While feeding cattle in confinement through warmer months is generally the opposite of most cattlemen’s management strategies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Extension Cow/Calf and Stocker Management Specialist Dr. Karla Wilke says the practice may be useful for those battling persistent drought and poor pasture or rangeland conditions.
Wilke discussed the ins and outs of feeding cow/ calf pairs in confinement during a Jan. 13 webinar hosted by UNL.
Stretching perennial pasture
The first reason producers may want to consider feeding their production cattle in confinement is
to stretch perennial pasture, Wilke points out.
“For those in a drought situation, now is a good time to be thinking about what they are going to do come spring if things remain dry,” she begins, further noting there has been research conducted at UNL showing wet distillers’ grains mixed with either a really low-quality hay or crop residue can be used to replace grass intake at some level.
However, she admits it is difficult to achieve replacement at a one-to-one ratio.
“It’s extremely hard to get one pound of dry matter intake (DMI) from this mixture to replace one pound of DMI from grass,” she says. “Research shows only 0.22 pounds of DMI from grass is replaced, so for those trying to plan for pasture, I would use this conservative estimate and assume I’m only going
to get the smaller ratio of replacement.”
“Regardless, it does stretch grass,” she adds.
For those who may not have the resources to feed their entire herd in a confinement setting, Wilke suggests only feeding cows and/or pairs selected for dispersal in order to save grass for the core herd.
“Another situation where producers may want to consider drylot feeding is those who are in a limited perennial acre situation,” Wilke says. “They may have access to products like wet distillers’ grains, beet pulp, sweet bran or something along those lines, and they can utilize this combination to increase productivity per acre.”
Meeting nutritional needs
“Regardless of why producers decide to do this, they have to ensure nutrient density of the diet meets their cattle’s needs,” Wilke states. “We can def-
initely be mindful and save on feed resources, but we have to make sure the cow’s needs are being met so she’s either maintaining or gaining weight, depending on where she’s at in the production cycle.”
Wilke notes a cow requires the lowest amount of nutrients between weaning and mid gestation. As she moves into late gestation and fetal growth begins, these needs begin to increase.
“When she has a calf and moves into early lactation, nutritional needs jump exponentially,” Wilke says.
“Remember, a cow has to rebreed about eight weeks or so after she has her calf and while she is in peak lactation,” she continues. “We really want to make sure she’s not losing weight during this period of time. But, the nice thing about confinement diets is they can be manipulated to make those things happen.”
“For those in a drought situation, now is a good time to be thinking about what they are going to do come spring if things remain dry.” – Dr. Karla Wilke, University of NebraskaLincoln
Accounting for the cow and calf Wilke admits feeding pairs in this kind of a situation is far trickier than simply feeding gestating cows. Those who choose to feed cows and calves in confinement need to remember to meet the nutritional needs of both, Wilke notes.
“The thing that will trip producers up when feeding pairs is they don’t always remember to account for the fact a nursing calf still eats quite a bit of forage, and this increases as the calf grows,” she remarks.
“Normally, calves are out on grass and it isn’t the producer’s responsibility to provide this forage, but in this situation, it will have to come in a bunk, in a line or on the ground.”
In the beginning of a calf’s life, the abomasum makes up nearly 60 percent of their entire digestive tract, as nutrients bypass the rumen and reticulum via the esophageal groove. At about three weeks of age, calves will start nibbling on grass, kickstarting development of the rumen.
“As the calf gets older, we want it to turn into a true ruminant animal with a properly-developed digestive tract,” Wilke says. “The rumen will go from 25 to 60 percent of the total tract, and the abomasum will go from 60 to 30 percent of the tract. Our goal before we wean them is for the rumen to make up 85 percent of the total tract.”
“We want this development to take place in a confinement setting just like it would out on pasture,” she adds.
However, in a drylot setting, Wilke admits it is hard to truly know if each cow and calf are getting the nutrients they need.
To better understand this, UNL researchers conducted a study over a twoyear period looking at the difference between feeding pairs together and accounting for both the cow and calf’s needs versus offering calves their own custom creep feed.
“Calves that got the creep feed outgained those fed in pairs,” Wilke shares. “And, the creep-fed calves had a greater return over the cost of feed than the pairs.”
Wilke notes bagged and pelleted commercial creep feeds include a convenience tax and the potential to get a little spendy. Therefore, she encouraged producers to utilize resources they have available to create cheaper, custom diets.
Additionally, Wilke mentions producers need to allow at least two feet of bunk space per cow and one foot per calf.
Creating a drylot ration
Overall, rations used to feed cattle in confinement should include a poor-quality forage or residue mixed with nutrientpacked ingredients, Wilke says. This includes wet feeds like silage, wet distillers’ grains, beet pulp, sweet bran, wet corn gluten feed and/or molasses.
“These kind of ingredients make the feed more palatable for cattle, and we get better consumption,” she says. “The other thing that’s helpful is these kinds of wet feeds are pretty high in energy, and some of them are really good sources of protein as well.”
Similar to creating a custom creep feed, Wilke encourages producers to salvage products close to home to cheapen up the cost of creating a ration.
“We live in an area where we grow sugarbeets, so, at times, we have had access to actual sugarbeets before the sugar was taken out. They were selling them because they had started to rot and they needed to get rid of them,” she shares. “We took advantage of this and made a mixture of wheat straw and sugarbeets, which had the same total digestible nutrients as silage.”
Because this ration was lower in crude protein however, Wilke added a protein source and some poor-quality residue to create an efficient feed for her gestating cows.
“Some people live in areas with potatoes or cannery waste. There is always something, so be on the lookout for ingredients that might help cheapen up the ration,” she says.
For those in areas further from farm ground without access to a mixer or grinder, Wilke recommends buying bulk molasses; turning old, low-quality meadow hay bales on their side and soaking the bales with the molasses. This can be fed in addition to supplemental cake for gestating and lactating cows.
The last thing Wilke encourages producers to be mindful of is vitamin and mineral supplementation.
“When cattle are out on green grass, they get a lot of vitamins and minerals and they store it in their livers for later use. But when they are in a confinement situation or in areas which have continually been in a drought, cattle are probably not getting good vitamin and mineral content out of roughage or pasture,” she concludes.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
The 41st Annual Fremont County Farm and Ranch Days, held on Feb. 5-6 at the Fremont County Fairgrounds in Riverton, hosted University of Wyoming (UW) Agriculture and Natural Resource Extension Educator Barton Stam from Hot Springs County, who provided information on reseeding pastures and wildfire recovery.
Stam has served UW Extension for more than two decades, holding several leadership roles including serving as an elected chair of the range initiative team and cofounding UW Extension’s annual Ranch Camp.
Pasture seeding
Reseeding a portion of pasture from time to time is needed to maintain productive pastureland.
Stam affirmed a productive pasture is contingent upon a good plan, careful management and clear goals.
“Reseeding can be necessary to increase nutritional value, eradicate weeds, fill in bare spots or improve the land after disease issues or poor management,” he stated. “However, it is important to determine the reason behind the necessity for reseeding.”
A valuable question Stam encouraged producers to consider when planning to reseed a pasture is whether the pasture is irrigated or not. This information can guide effective reseeding strategies, as reseeding an irrigated pasture has far fewer risks than a dry pasture.
Stam added, “Evaluating site potential is crucial for unlocking opportunities for pasture development. By analyzing soil conditions through soil testing and understanding what has thrived in the area historically allows producers to make informed decisions on reseeding and the future success of pasture growth.”
Reseeding a pasture involves more than simply spreading seeds on the ground, it is a complex process including several essential steps, starting with testing the soil, preparing the soil, selecting the appropriate seed mix and then planting the seeds successfully.
“Preparing the seed bed requires a careful balance,” he explained. “The ground can’t be too hard or too soft, it needs to be just right. Ideally, the soil should be a uniform, firm seed bed that isn’t excessively hard, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact.”
When selecting a seed mix, it’s important to consider the specific goals and overarching purpose of the reseeding project. A thoughtful approach will help when choosing the most suitable mix for the project.
“Is the end goal to have a flower bed, a green strip to reduce wildfire danger or to have winter pasture for livestock?” Stam asked. “Each of these projects will need specific seeds selections to be successful.”
Planting options
Planting with a no-till planter or drill gives individuals a wide variety of options to maximize plant establish-
ment and yields.
“With any type of planting equipment, it is important to understand the seed and seed mix being planted,” Stam explained. “A seed drill sows seeds in rows at a specific depth, planting crops more efficiently.”
Seed drills position seeds in the soil, bury seeds to a specific depth, sow seeds at the proper seeding rate, distribute seeds evenly and prevent overcrowding.
“Another method of seeding is broadcast seeding –when the seed is spread out on the soil surface and requires a lot of seed,” Stam stated. “Make sure when purchasing seed for broadcasting to double the ratio of what would be used in seed drilling.”
It is essential to ensure a proper planting window based on seed type while also considering how weather conditions may affect the success of seeding.
He said, “When dryland seeding, be extremely careful with timing, as seeds and equipment are expensive. If planting is getting bumped into late March, April or past this window, the risk of failure increases.”
Seed depth
The depth and rate of seeding will depend on the species chosen in the seed mix, and if not done properly, the seed will never get the chance to grow as it does not have good seed-to-soil contact.
“Planting perennial grasses is very different than planting annual grains,” Stam stated. “Perennial grasses are very tiny seeds, and the seed depth is close to an eighth to a quarter of an inch.”
If the seed is planted too deeply, the failure rate increases, so the seed size must match the type of seeding being performed, he explained.
An effective method for planting oats is to use a grain drill, which allows for adjustable depth rates.
He added, “The actual depth of the seed may depend on soil conditions, so it’s important to look for rocks and pebbles in the soil prior to seeding.”
It’s critical producers do everything possible to achieve proper planting depth, giving their latest investment an opportunity for success.
Another option when planting seeds is to use notill drills, planting depths are adjusted by the cutting depth of the rolling coulter in front of the drill.
Grazing management plan
Implementing a grazing management plan helps inventory resources and provides a roadmap to improved pasture management.
Stam noted, if a producer is going through all of the trouble to reseed pastures, having a plan will help with sustainability in terms of keeping the species planted and established.
Having a grazing management plan is essential to the success, longevity and profitability of an operation and is a resource which helps to optimize productiv-
ity of the land through implementation of cost-effective practices supporting forage growth and quality and livestock productivity.
“I hate to see a lot of efforts and resources diminish because there was not a grazing management plan implemented,” he added. “A grazing management plan can help to further the farm or ranch’s resilience and increase the efficiency.”
Grazing management decisions made today can have a lasting impact on the success of the operation, and the development and regu-
lar use of a written grazing management plan allows producers to track and evaluate methods for protecting and improving the operation.
Post-fire recovery
Post-fire recovery is vital for producers, and an important aspect to focus on is their vision for the recovery process.
“Many producers want to see grass revitalized in the aftermath of a fire, which can serve as a foundation for rebuilding and improving their landscapes,” Stam said.
However, many considerations must be reviewed,
including the location of the fire, burn severity, erosion potential and the potential soil seed bank.
He explained, although the immediate aftermath of a fast-moving fire can look quite devastating, pasture grasses are resilient and can recover, especially if normal precipitation occurs.
It is not uncommon to see more annual weeds show up in a pasture after a fire. While this may seem concerning, these weeds can actually be useful and have some forage value or the ability to turn into residue and cover at the
end of the season, but their numbers will decline the following year.
“According to current research, light to moderate grazing, especially after the first spring growth season, doesn’t have much of a longterm impact on vegetation,” Stam concluded. “But in a lot of cases, in a lot of burns, I’m very comfortable grazing it, especially with a well-managed grazing plan.”
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
my personal circle.
BY RON RABOU
Winter has finally made its presence known, and it always provides me an opportunity to slow down just enough to pay a bit closer attention to some things I am surrounded by every day but in the hustle and bustle, seem to not give much thought.
Maybe it’s my age too. It seems the older I get, the more important some things become and the less important others are.
Generally speaking, what has struck me most recently is the generosity of the human spirit. It’s one of the things I have always admired about our community.
In the past, as I would quiz people I knew who had chosen to live here, my question was always, “Why?”
Certainly, I thought, there
The University of Wyoming (UW) Extension Sheep Task Force is excited to host a three-part virtual seminar on predator management for Wyoming sheep producers.
are places to live with a better climate or whose environmental beauty alone would be significantly more attractive. But over the years, I’ve come to notice the answer to this question remains consistent.
“It’s because of the people. I love the people here,” people usually reply.
On the surface this might seem cliché or even a bit unfounded, but as you get to know the people in our community, it’s absolutely true.
My first real experience with this sentiment was the 16 years I spent on the Laramie County Community College Foundation Board. At the time, I was a newly-wed 28-year-old who hadn’t had much personal or financial success in my life nor did I know many people outside of
Yet, this group of incredibly successful and bright leaders, without prejudice or preconceived notions, asked me to be part of this great organization.
Not knowing what to expect, I suddenly found myself surrounded by people who were genuine with their intentions, purposeful with their actions and kind in their treatment of and respect for others. It made a huge impact on my life. Their influence encouraged me to push the boundaries of my self-imposed limitations.
Here I was – a “nobody” really. I had no major accomplishments or successes in my adult life to this point. Here they were – some were highly educated, all were successful financially and most were influential business leaders in our community. But while they were all of this and more, what impacted me most was their deep, genuine love for service.
As the past 25 years have flown by since that time, what I have learned is good-hearted people do good things, and they do it for the
right reasons. They have no need to flaunt what they have or what they do because they are secure with who they are.
I also learned, more importantly, those are the kinds of people who we should surround ourselves with. These people understand the value of doing good, not because it gives them notoriety, it puts them on a pedestal or they can build shrines where they can selfishly say to the world, “Look at me. I’m generous. I did this.”
Rather, they understand doing good, acting with respect, humility and integrity and unselfishly giving their time and resources literally creates more of the same thing.
As Author Napoleon Hill describes, it’s the age-old principle of the “Law of Compensation.” In other words, what you give out will come back at least 100-fold.
As perhaps their number one rule, truly generous people understand money is a tool which should be used to bless others and should never be used to manipulate or apply pressure on others for any reason. These are the real differ-
ence makers in the world.
Since those early days, I have had the privilege to be surrounded by incredible people and to play a small role in many organizations which are making a positive difference in the lives of others – and I don’t use the word “privilege” lightly.
It always has been and will continue to be a sincere privilege to be trusted by others to do the right things for the right reasons.
To realize we can each take our God-given talents and abilities, give unselfishly of our time and money, work interactively and creatively with others and know because of it, the world is a little bit better because we are in it, is indeed a tremendous privilege.
We live in a world where there are countless opportunities to immerse ourselves in the world of giving. There are literally thousands of organizations whose mission is to love, care for and help others.
Organizations like the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Lions Club International, Boys and Girls Club, churches, Make-A-Wish
Each session will take place from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom, and guest speakers include Laramie Research and Extension Center (LREC) Dr. Director Derek Scasta and more
from the LREC crew, Wyoming Wool Growers Association (WWGA) President Cat Urbigkit, UW Extension Educator Chance Marshall, UW Livestock Production
2 Cow, 1467#
1 Cow, 1325#
4 Cow, 1228#
8 Cow, 1082#
4 Cow, 1313#
4 Cow, 1298#
4 Cow, 1305#
6 Cow, 1550#
4 Cow, 1341#
5 Cow, 1462#
6 Cow, 1395# $142.50
5 Cow, 1466# $142.00
5 Cow, 1488#
7 Cow, 1105#
5
5 Cow, 1213# $139.50
2 Cow, 1185#
2 Bull, 1205# $165.00
1 Bull, 1330#
975#
Heiferette, 905# $197.50
Heiferette, 1050# $191.00
Heiferette, 1043# $187.00
and Marketing Specialist Rob Ziegler and WWGA Executive Director Alison Borcher.
The first session took place on Feb. 15 and looked at LREC research
America and Magic City Enterprises are just a very small list of so many.
Private foundations like the Purple and Gold Legacy Foundation in the small community of Pine Bluffs, whose mission of supporting youth has given nearly a quarter million dollars in its first three years of existence, and apart from organizations and foundations, there’s the generosity we can all individually choose to exert to others.
In closing, let’s all be mindful of Romans 12: 6-8.
It reads, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
When we give for the right reasons, the world becomes a better place. It is up to us.
What is your gift that can help to exert the generosity of the human spirit and how will you choose to use it?
on using burros and donkeys as guardian animals.
The second session is set for March 4 and will focus on livestock guardian dogs, while the third and final session will take
Steer, 355# $415.00
LANDER 4 Steer, 381# $415.00
RIVERTON 10 Steer, 446# $412.50 WORLAND 2 Steer, 317# $410.00
BOULDER 5 Steer, 448# $390.00
RIVERTON
Steer, 576#
578#
Steer, 580# $335.00
BOULDER 7 Steer, 597# $321.00
702#
ARAPAHOE 5 Heifer, 369# $392.50 LANDER 7 Heifer, 343# $375.00
THERMOPOLIS 17 Heifer, 484#
Heifer, 523#
THERMOPOLIS 62 Heifer, 530# $340.00
Heifer, 527# $339.00 28 Heifer, 544#
27 Heifer, 578#
KINNEAR 63 Heifer, 675#
THERMOPOLIS 3 Heifer, 601#
KINNEAR 13 Heifer, 603#
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
place on March 11 and will dive into the economics of predation and available county and state services. For more information or to register, visit bitly. wy/predator