Wyoming Livestock Roundup 5.4.24

Quick Bits A Look Inside

Snow Report

In the 20th snow report for Water Year 2024, the state’s snowpack telemetry data reads 86% of median, with a basin high of 103% and a basin low of 0%. Last year, the state was at 136% and at 93% in 2022. 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

RPN Projects

On April 29, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced USDA is funding dozens of new infrastructure upgrades and clean energy projects in rural and Tribal communities participating in the Rural Partners Network (RPN). USDA is awarding approximately $144 million in loans and grants to support 56 projects which will help RPN communities address immediate needs and carry out long-term strategies for economic growth and stability. Several of the projects will create jobs and expand business opportunities. Communities will use funding to modernize water and wastewater infrastructure, install clean energy technologies, rehab affordable homes and more.

Ceremony

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (ARS), University of NebraskaLincoln and Nebraska Innovation Campus (NIC) will host a groundbreaking ceremony to launch the construction of the National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture at NIC. The event will take place on May 6 from 9-11 a.m. The state-of-the-art center will further strengthen the long-lasting collaboration between ARS, the university and the NIC. These partnerships have been instrumental in advancing research on sustainable bioenergy crops and production systems.

USDA finalizes rule requiring EID for interstate movement

On April 26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released a final rule requiring certain cattle and bison to have electronic

identification (EID) eartags when moving across state lines.

The final rule amends a previous rule from 2013 which required visual identification tags for interstate

movement of sexually-intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or older, cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreation events or shown for exhibition and all dairy cattle.

Now, eartags applied to these cattle and bison on or after 180 days following publication in the Federal Register must be both visually and electronically readable.

Sage Grouse Conversations

BLM hosts public meetings to discuss new sage grouse management plan

During the last two weeks of April, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hosted a series of public meetings across the West to address its new draft plan for Greater sage grouse conservation and management on public lands.

The last in-person meeting of the series took place at the Agricultural Resource Learning Center in Casper on April 24.

Background information

To begin, Wyoming BLM Sage Grouse Coordinator Matt Holloran provided some background information on the agency’s past and present sage grouse management plans and why they have proposed a new one.

He noted in 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser-

UW Extension welcomes director

The University of Wyoming (UW) recently welcomed Mandy Marney as director of UW Extension and associate dean of the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources.

Marney joined UW Extension in 2020 as associate director and was named senior associate director in 2022. She assumed her new role on April 29.

“I am pleased Marney will join the leadership team of our college as an associate dean and the director of UW Extension,” says Kelly Crane, interim dean of the college. “In her prior roles at UW, Mandy has clearly demonstrated her leadership capacity through innovation, collaboration and a dedication to ensuring UW Extension is responsive to the needs of Wyoming communities.”

As senior associate director, Marney has helped oversee Extension programming across the state, with an emphasis on 4-H and community vitality and health. Throughout her tenure at UW, she has supported county and statewide initiatives addressing community well-being, mental and physical health and youth leadership.

“I am deeply honored to accept the position of associate dean and director,” Marney says. “I am excited about

vice (USFWS) determined Greater sage grouse were warranted for being listed under the Endangered Species Act, but it was precluded. In 2015, USFWS came to a non-warranted decision to list the species and came up with a management plan. Then in 2019, this plan was amended.

“When this all started around two years ago, the decision was made by BLM to update and address some of the concerns in the 2019 plan and move into a new planning effort,” stated Holloran. “Based on new science which shows continued declines in the bird’s population and changes in habitat conditions, it was decided to move forward with the new planning effort.”

Sustainable beef production

Local rancher speaks at the British Society of Animal Science Conference

Lucky 7 Angus Owner and Rancher Jim Jensen recently traveled to Northern Ireland to present at the 2024 British Society of Animal Science Conference (BSAS) in Belfast, Northern Ireland on April 11.

Foyle Food Group, one of the largest red meat processors in the United Kingdom, with over 1,350 employees in both Northern Ireland, England and the Republic of Ireland, invited Jensen to speak at the 2024 BSAS Conference.

During the BSAS conference, Foyle Food Group sponsored a learning breakout session focusing on sustainable beef production through the application of science where Jensen shared his knowledge on feed efficient genetics.

Jensen shared how he has been focusing on improving feed efficiency since 1990, and over the years, he developed a feed efficiency system to assess feed intake against liveweight gain of young bulls.

“In 2010, we started utilizing GrowSafe feed bins, and as trials were conducted, it showed our bulls

UW CALSNR hosts Spring Awards Ceremony

The University of Wyoming (UW) College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources (CALSNR) honored students and faculty at its annual Spring Awards Ceremony on April 25 in Laramie.

UW Provost and Executive Vice President Kevin Carman noted individuals honored at the spring ceremony are extremely valuable to the college.

UW CALSNR Interim Dean and Director of the Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Program Kelly Crane reiterated Carman’s praise, adding, “We value their passion, insights and commitment to helping the college as they serve as advocates working in legislature and our communities.”

Prior to the awards presentation, Crane introduced new members of the advisory committee, including Bureau of Land Management State Director Andrew Archuleta and Wyoming Game and Fish Department Deputy Director Angi Bruce. Presenting at the celebration was special guest and UW Honorary Degree Recipient Dr. Noah Hull, a UW CALSNR alumni who will be recognized on May 11 at UW’s commencement ceremonies. College awards

“All of our staff work extremely hard, and I want to recognize all of our department nominees,” Crane announced. The first staff award of the evening,

Mandy Marney Courtesy photo

WYLR photo

GUEST OPINIONS Us Against Them

For over three years, I have been concerned by what I’ve heard from the Biden administration on how they hoped to manage public lands in the West. I heard a lot of talk from the Department of Interior on how conservation was going to be considered a use like grazing, energy development and recreation.

When the resource management plan came out of the Rock Springs Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Office, I sensed management on public lands was changing, and I was not too fond of the change.

The largest change I recognized was all of these decisions are coming from the White House, and while there has been time for the public to submit comments and input, their decisions are hard to change. I feel like these decisions were brought on by extreme animal rights and environmental groups who want all livestock, energy development and recreationists off of public lands.

Lately, with the BLM’s final Conservation and Landscape Health Rule and the agency’s newest sage grouse conservation draft plan, I realize there are some threats to my private lands and ranch as a whole.

All my life, while using public lands for grazing, I have tried to build good relationships with the BLM and other agencies involved. I was always willing to change management tools on both my private and BLM lands and manage both for similar objectives and goals.

In regards to sage grouse, I realized I needed to be aware of the species’ needs and manage its habitat with care. In a sense, I felt some ownership of sage grouse. But today, with all of the potential restrictions coming my way, I feel my partial ownership has been taken away.

I woke up one morning a few years ago and realized my whole ranch was in a sage grouse core area, where some restrictions were placed on both my private and public lands. I wanted to do my part so went along with it, but it did stop some energy development.

Everybody wants to place restrictions on grazing and energy to help the sage grouse, but a study conducted on the ranch not long ago proved 82 percent of nests found were predated. I realize the BLM only manages habitat, but they need to focus on predators to help sage grouse populations grow and prosper.

The biggest problem I have with these federal actions is the current administration wants state and local BLM offices to be the enforcers of rules, instead of federal land managers. I don’t think local BLM offices had much input on these draft plans.

I attended the last in-person public sage grouse meeting on the draft sage grouse action where state and local BLM personnel gave presentations. My read was they were not too happy being there. They must have felt threatened, as they had the local BLM ranger just outside of the door.

I hope users of public lands don’t blame local BLM offices for the administration’s actions and turn it into an us against them situation. I know our area has some of the best range cons in the West, as well as the best public lands.

We can only hope there will be a change in administration come November. This administration wants to manage public lands using areas of critical environmental concern, where they manage for a single use, which is not good. Multi-use management is always the best.

Never has there been an administration as focused on conservation as the Biden administration.

I don’t support the administration’s flagrant use of monument designations, their decisions about public land management – like those in progress in Wyoming’s Rock Springs Management Area – or the final rule just released by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) which foolishly defines conservation as a multiple use.

However, in the shadow of these seemingly conservation-centric decisions, the proposed conservation cuts in the farm bill are puzzling.

Reaching a new farm bill agreement has been a long and tedious process, and there are potential cuts to conservation programs which could cost Colorado agriculture producers nearly $230 million in the process of cutting $20 billion of conservation funds made available for U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation funds.

This is far from the only threat bearing down on Colorado ag producers. The list

Cuts in the Farm Bill are Puzzling

By Rachel Gabel

includes high input costs, widely varying commodity costs, land availability, land loss due to urban sprawl, always unpredictable weather, an aging producer population, damaging legislation and plenty of terrible decisions made by those without skin in the proverbial game.

In a time of focus on conservation, best practices and best available tools and technologies, ag producers are embracing and continuing conservation practices touted as sustainable, though I argue ag operations that have been successfully operated for generations are the very definition of sustainable.

Rock Springs Resource Management Plan

As mentioned previously, the BLM announced a final rule the agency claims will “guide balanced management” of public lands.

Public lands are multiple use, meaning they are to be managed according to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), by balancing recreation, mining, energy, timber and grazing, even if the use or uses in question are

WORKSMART

THE LINE OF CREDIT THAT DELIVERS MORE.

less palatable to the extremist types.

According to National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President and Wyoming Rancher Mark Eisele, these changes to the leasing structure for federal lands without authorization of direction from Congress defies the BLM’s statutory responsibility to ensure multiple use on public lands.

Just as farmers who have been in the business of feeding their neighbors for generations are, ranchers are stewards of lands and animals and are the original conservationists.

Sensible land management doesn’t include erasing the very real conservation value of grazing, nor does it include removing land from all uses in the name of conservation.

The alternative proposed by the BLM in the Rock Springs RMP increases the areas of critical environmental concern (ACEC) by over 1.3 million acres. Conservation and Landscape Health rule As if on cue, the final rule released by the BLM on “Conservation and Landscape Health” depends upon ACECs to determine which lands can be ripped from the hands of Americans.

Anyone can nominate land to be designated as an ACEC, coincidentally. It’s great news for extremists who hate economic and beneficial activities like mining,

In Wyoming, the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan (RMP) has been in development for 12 years and so far carries a $9 million price tag. The BLM threw aside 12 years of stakeholder input from the Governor’s Office to the ground and issued the agency’s preferred alternative which was as far from sensible as one can get. With no stakeholder engagement prior to the announcement since 2020, the BLM surprised Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, local residents, state and local leadership and the communities who depend upon all of the multiple uses made possible by the proper management of the 3.6 million acres of public lands in the area, with the alternative that closes the gates to energy, agriculture and recreation.

Please see FARM BILL on page 3

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Learn more by calling the Casper office at 307.577.4700. 1401 Wilkins Circle Casper, Wyoming

Phillips announces candidacy

Reg Phillips, a longtime resident of Dubois, is announcing his candidacy as a Republican for the Wyoming State Legislature to represent House District 34.

Phillips has many years of local governmental experience. He has served as a supervisor for the Dubois-Crowheart Conservation District for over 39 years, served as a member of the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Board and was a member on the Dubois Rural Fire District for 17 years.

Phillips’ professional career has been in the ranching industry, and he is deeply committed to the agricultural communities of Wyoming. He has served as the president of Fremont County Cattleman’s Association, as a former Region Five vice president and currently holds the position of first vice president of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association.

Phillips is also currently serving as a board member of the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust.

In his personal life, Phillips has lived in the Dubois area since 1978 where he managed a cow/calf and yearling operation until his retirement in 2023. He is presently involved with commercial property management in Dubois owned by a previous ranch owner.

“I believe with my background in agriculture, dealing with the challenges of public lands management and resolving them through a collaborative approach I can assist folks in my district and state,” he said. “Also, my experience of living and working through issues of a small rural community will be an asset to my district, my county and my state.”

House District 34 covers much of rural Fremont County including Dubois, Crowheart, Pavillion, the Lyon’s Valley area of Lander, the Sweetwater River country and Jeffery City.

Federal order issued

On April 24, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a federal order to help prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. It takes effect April 29 and requires mandatory testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle.

The order, issued in accordance with the regulatory authority provided by the Animal Health Protection Act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. § 8301 et seq. Section 8305, authorizes the secretary of agriculture to prohibit or restrict the movement in interstate commerce of any animal, article or means of conveyance if the secretary determines the prohibition or restriction is necessary to prevent the introduction of any pest or disease of livestock into the U.S. or the dissemination of any pest or disease of livestock within the U.S.

According to the release, Section 8308 authorizes the secretary of agriculture to carry out operations and measures to detect, control or eradicate any pest or disease of livestock. Section 8315 authorizes the secretary of agriculture to issue orders as he determines necessary to carry out the Animal Health Protection Act.

Should this order be deemed a substantive rule, APHIS has determined good cause exists to impose these requirements without notice and comment, as further delay would threaten to hasten the spread of the disease, multiplying the potential harm to livestock, poultry, the dairy industry and, potentially, human health.

The order requires specific measures be followed, effective April 29, to monitor and understand the virus’ extent and reduce the risk to poultry and other livestock.

These and more information can be found at usda. gov/media/press-releases/2024/04/24/usda-actions-protect-livestock-health-highly-pathogenic-h5n1-avian

continued from page

energy and grazing, as many decisions from this administration tend to be.

According to NCBA and the Public Lands Council, who put a sharp pencil to paper, federal rangelands generate more than $3 billion annually in ecosystem services, which amounts to more than $20 per public acre of land grazed by cattle or sheep.

If appropriated tax dollars and grazing fees paid by ranchers are added, the net return is more than $19 on each grazed acre. Ecosystem services provided by grazing are nothing to sneeze at and include wildfire mitigation, reduction of invasive species, carbon sequestration, improved wildlife habitat and preservation of open green space for recreation.

The $2.1 billion in economic output attributable to livestock grazing is more than simply lagniappe.

There’s nothing sensible about land management via non-management.

Rachel Gabel is a longtime agriculture writer and the assistant editor of The Fence Post Magazine. This column was originally published in the Colorado Springs Gazette on April 29.

Wyoming sues administration

Wyoming has joined the states of North Dakota, Montana and Texas in suing the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) over a new rule which undermines existing state regulatory programs and harms Wyoming oil and natural gas producers.

The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota. The rule – commonly known as the Methane Waste Prevention Rule and released last month – is an attempt by the DOI to reintroduce a similar rule adopted by the Obama administration in 2016. This rule was previously blocked by a Wyoming federal court.

The new rule requires oil and gas companies to pay royalties on flared gas, driving up costs for producers and resulting in increased costs to consumers, said Gov. Mark Gordon.

“This rule is yet another example of the Biden administration attempting to use rulemaking to undermine state authority and suffocate the oil and gas industry,” Gordon said. “We will continue to defend Wyoming’s interests in court whenever they are under attack by the federal government.”

Gordon has previously pointed out Wyoming is a national leader in regulating methane gas, with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission working cooperatively with oil and gas producers to reduce emissions.

The states’ complaint explains the new rule conflicts with state regulations and, in certain instances, creates less stringent standards.

The states’ complaint may be found at subscriber. politicopro.com/eenews/f/eenews/?id=0000018f-16b2da17-adbf-77b683c10000

Meeting set

The Industrial Siting Council will hold its second quarterly meeting on May 16 at 8 a.m. and continue until all items on the agenda have been discussed. The public may participate virtually or in person at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Green River.

Virtual attendance is available at meet.google.com/fsjixkn-kmq

The current agenda can be found at drive.google.com/ file/d/1ZNLU9XsQhtEhy93FqKX0OqGBOIkeQUK3/ view?usp=drive_link

For more information, contact Christopher Toalson at christopher.toalson@wyo.gov.

HOF nominations open

Each year, the Wyoming Livestock Roundup recognizes two Wyoming citizens or couples for their involvement in the state’s agriculture industry by inducting them into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame (HOF).

Started in 1992, the Ag HOF has honored 73 Wyomingites to date.

“The Wyoming Ag HOF award was first started in 1992 to recognize leadership in the ag community,” says Wyoming Livestock Roundup Publisher Dennis Sun. “The need is there to recognize people who have been leaders, given themselves, their time and countless resources to help the ag community in the state”

Last year’s inductees were Ron Cunningham of Lander and Jon and Dianne Kirkbride of Cheyenne.

To nominate someone for the Wyoming Agriculture HOF, visit wylr.net and click on the Ag HOF tab, e-mail roundup@ wylr.net or call the office at 307-234-2700.

Nominations must be submitted by June 1.

After all nominations are received, a panel of three judges independently rank nominees and select the year’s inductees. A belt buckle and poster are presented to the winners at the 2024 Wyoming Ag HOF Picnic, held on Aug. 14 during the Wyoming State Fair.

For more information, contact the Wyoming Livestock Roundup at 307-234-2700.

WWDC hosts meetings

The Wyoming Water Development Commission (WWDC) will host a workshop on May 8 at 1:30 p.m. online or in person at 6920 Yellowtail Road in Cheyenne. Livestream is available at wwdc.state.wy.us/

To provide public comment for this workshop, visit wwdc.state.wy.us/

The commission will also host its joint meeting with the Select Water Committee (SWC) on May 9 at 8:30 a.m. in the same location. Livestream is available at wyoleg.gov/

To provide public comment for this meeting or to view the SWC agenda, visit wyoleg.gov/

Holloran noted, more specifically, BLM used recent science on a rangewide connectivity movement of genetic material and the potential impacts of isolating populations, as well as research on habitat suitability and conditions and how climate change has impacted sagebrush habitat and distribution.

He also pointed out studies have found a 37 percent sage grouse population decline, on average, across the Western range.

Proposed action

Therefore, BLM set out to build on the 2015 and 2019 efforts, and the recent draft environment impact statement was born.

“Our efforts focused on parts of the plan that needed to be updated in terms of management direction,” Holloran said. “There was a lot of emphasis on trying to build on what was already done in 2015 and 2019 and to focus on areas where science suggested changes needed to be made.”

The BLM’s plan includes six alternatives, with Alternative Five as their preferred course of action.

continued from page 1

Holloran explained Alternative One includes the agency’s 2015 management plan and Alternative Two includes the 2019 management plan. The third alternative is conservation heavy and would essentially close all public lands deemed priority habitat to oil and gas leasing, livestock grazing, renewable energy development, etc.

“Alternative Four is halfway in between Alternatives Three and Five, with Alternative Five using the state’s core areas and adding flexibility into the management,” said Holloran. “Alternative Six is the same as Alternative Five, with the addition of areas of environmental concern.”

Preferred alternative

Unlike the leasing prioritization approach developed in the 2015 and 2019 plans – and therefore outlined in Alternatives One and Two –

Holloran explained the fifth alternative has language which clearly articulates there will be no sage grouse habitat management areas closed to mineral development and leasing.

“It clearly establishes

leasing is allowed in all sage grouse habitat management areas,” he stated. “So, there is an explicit fluid mineral leasing strategy established in Alternative Five.”

For renewable energy development, Holloran noted BLM’s goal is to meet the administration’s objectives.

“In the 2015 Wyoming plan, wind energy development and priority habitats were established as avoidance, but solar energy was not addressed,” he said.

“Alternative Five clearly establishes priority habitats across the range are avoidance for wind and solar, and a right-of-way was established for major transmission lines.”

For livestock grazing, Holloran said the goal is to “focus management on the potential threat of improper livestock grazing to sage grouse habitat.”

“The vast majority of what is happening in the grazing section is cleanup,” he explained, adding habitat management strategies focused on grazing have been pulled from the resource management planning (RMP) stage and

For more information on the Bureau of Land Management’s Greater Sage Grouse Conservation and Management Draft Plan or to submit comments, visit blm.gov/programs/fishand-wildlife/sage-grouse.

moved to “best management practice appendices.”

“The reason those were pulled from the RMP and pushed into an appendix is because it makes modifying those tables easier moving forward,” he said. “If new science comes forward saying this metric or habitat component is important for habitat suitability, those changes can be made with-

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out having to amend the land use plan.”

Further, Holloran explained during the planning effort, many stakeholders asked the agency address predators, as well as wild horses and burros.

He pointed out the BLM does not manage predator species – they manage their habitat. So, as far as predators go, the agency noted they will help the entities who do manage predators to reduce the effect of predation.

To address threats caused by wild horses and burros, the BLM will manage populations to the low end of an area’s established appropriate management level.

Lastly, Holloran mentioned because sage grouse habitat differs across the Western range, Alternative Five will include statespecific circumstances. In Wyoming, this includes the addition of a stewardship habitat management area in the Powder River Basin.

Moving forward

The BLM’s announcement of this draft management plan kicked off a 90-day public comment period, which will end on June 13. Holloran shared the public’s feedback and onthe-ground expertise is critical for the agency to move forward and highly encouraged individuals to submit substantive comments online at the BLM’s ePlanning website.

“The big thing is we are trying to get a durable plan the BLM can move forward with, so there is a big push for substantive comments from the public,” he said. “The public review period in the National Environmental Policy Act process is extremely important, so please submit substantive comments.”

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

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Jordan Cattle Company Bull Sale

Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor April 26, 2024

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1006

Dam’s Sire: 4M Aces 709

EPDs: BW: +0.1, WW: +65, YW: +119 and Milk: +28

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AG of Heart

BY AMANDA RADKE

Big Dreams in a Small Town

Readers know I’m on the road quite a bit speaking at agricultural conferences across the country, and each week I have the privilege of meeting hundreds of new friends who are involved in farming and ranching.

With each trip, I head for home inspired by someone’s story and fueled with new hope for the future of agriculture.

This hope comes from the most inspiring places. It’s not celebrities, politicians or corporations at the trade shows. Instead, the hope I uncover in the heart of rural America is with the God-fearing, Americanloving families I meet in attendance.

They come from all walks of life from every segment of agriculture imaginable, and yet, at their core, we are all very much the same.

I could be in California, North Carolina, Oklahoma or Washington, and these folks are all the same – honest, hard-working, community-minded, family-oriented and faithful. They immediately feel like friends – and sometimes family – and I think it’s something we should never take for granted.

At the end of the day, family and local communities are the bedrock to a secure and strong nation, and taking care of those simple basics is critical for the future of this country.

As an example of what I mean, earlier this year, I spoke at an agricultural appreciation night in Laurel, Neb. It was a great evening of fellowship, and after my speech, I met a lovely couple – Scott and Christy Taylor. They were interested in buying my books to sell in their store, and I quickly learned how impactful these entrepreneurs really were for their small town in rural Nebraska.

The Taylors own multiple businesses in Laurel – Knuckleheadz Bar, Baileyz BBQ Sauce, T&H Meat Co. and Fine Spirits, The Scoop and Scott Taylor Photography. With each venture, they are pouring life and opportunities into their community, providing goods, services and jobs along the way.

“I have always been one who refuses to sit back and wait for somebody to take care of us or solve a problem,” said Scott. “We are blessed. The Lord has given us an amazing country to live in, and anything we need to do, we can do ourselves.”

“So, I started off in business, selling seed for a living,” he added. “When I

sold my first seed business, Christy and I wanted to invest the money into our community. We’ve seen where there were areas lacking. We didn’t really have a nice restaurant to go to, so we made the decision to start our first business–a restaurant and bar called Knuckleheadz.”

The Taylors employ local high school and college students, volunteer with the FFA and find creative ways to mentor young people and carve out opportunities for them to earn money and gain job skills in the small town of Laurel, Neb.

The Taylors source their food ingredients for the restaurant from local farmers and ranchers, and today, they carry more than 40 products from smalltown makers, creators, designers and businesses in the area.

“Every product we sell has a story and a family behind it,” said Scott. “Every burger we serve is farm-to-table right here in Nebraska. Every person we employ is from our small community. If we want our rural towns to survive, we have to be the change. It’s a mindset shift, especially when many of our people leave for the larger cities not too far down the road.”

I asked Scott his best business advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and his answer was one of humility and learning as you go.

“Look to solve problems and deliver them through business. Seek ways to pursue your passions, and don’t lose sight of it, even when it gets hard,” he said. “Look for ways to diversify, and be willing to change if something isn’t working. If something doesn’t work the first time, you didn’t fail – you’ve just eliminated a path that didn’t work and you find ways to move forward.”

“And, to folks in these communities, I know it’s easier to just shop online, but consider shopping your values and investing your dollars close to home,” he continued. “With every purchase, you’re positively impacting a family and creating opportunities close to home.”

This right here is where we start. I’m thankful to the Taylors for their time, and if you would like to listen to the audio version of our interview, you can check out my podcast The Heart of Rural America on Apple + or Spotify.

Amanda Radke is a rancher, author, motivational speaker and podcast host. For more from Radke, visit amandaradke.com

IT'S THE PITTS

by

Lee Pitts

What’s in Your Pockets?

You can tell a lot about people by what’s in their pockets. You might find a horseshoe nail in a farrier’s pocket, a pipe that doesn’t smell like tobacco in a doper’s, a duck call in a hunter’s vest, throwing rocks in a juvenile delinquent’s pocket and an assortment of buckles, snaps and latigo in the apron pocket of a saddlemaker.

The back-pocket-wallet of a Hell’s Angel will be hooked with a chain, but it’s the plethora of unmarked $100 bills in the pockets of a congressman that ought to be more securely tied down. Easy come, easy go.

When I was flying all over the country, my favorite way to pass the time was to sit next to the X-ray machine where TSA employees asked flyers to empty their pockets. In small town airports like Redding and Redmond, I took a seat on the other side of a glass wall and observed.

It was like looking through people’s trash,

only legal.

It would make a great TV show.

Host Samuel L. Jackson would ask contestants, “What’s in your pockets?”

And then a celebrity panel would guess what they did for a living.

Ranchers were always easy to identify by the alfalfa leaves and stems falling out of their pockets onto the conveyor belt.

In the front pocket of their long-sleeved shirt, you’d find a file of auction market cards chronicling their livestock purchases dating back 17 years. There’d also be a pencil stub, tally book, reading glasses in a soft case, scraps of paper, a toothpick, a four-year-old speeding ticket, Maalox or Tums, a blue scour bolus and nary a sign of coin or cash.

All of their liquid assets were tied up in cows. Surprisingly, I rarely saw a rancher pull out a comb – probably because most ranchers, if they had any experience at all, had lost most of their hair.

consume 38.6 percent less than that of competitors while heifers can maintain body weight with 54 percent less feed than industry standards,” Jensen added.

A GrowSafe system is a feed intake recording system which allows continuous data acquisition by using the animal identification tag which is read multiple times per second when an animal is feeding at the trough.

“Continuous data recording enables advanced behavioral analysis,” Jensen stated.

BSAS conference

The BSAS annual conference celebrated the society’s 80th anniversary and debated scientific facts, the role livestock plays in ecosystems and the economy.

As global pressure mounts on environmental outcomes, the BSAS conference aimed its conversations on how water and air quality and biodiversity pressures can be alleviated by establishing the role of livestock in the future.

The conference included educational sessions on advances in breeding and genetics to support sustainable livestock systems, reducing the environmental impact of live-

It was easy to tell the ranchers from the cowboys because of what was NOT in the cowboy’s pockets.

There’d be no keys because you don’t need a key to start a horse, they rarely own a home and cowboys don’t usually need a key to access their gold, cash or will in their safe deposit box because they don’t have any of those things.

The only thing they owned that would set off the alarms would be a can of Copenhagen, a pair of wire cutters on their belt and a trophy buckle they won at a ranch rodeo for cow mugging.

You’d also find a thick stack of lottery tickets, which is the only way a cowboy is gonna get rich and buy his own spread.

I was always amazed at what people no longer carried.

As a teenager, I always had at least two necessities in the pockets of my jeans – a pocket watch with my name engraved on the back and a three-bladed Case knife, both of which were rights of passage when I was young.

When the day came you bought your first knife, you became a man. Nowadays, if you flash either of those things in an airport, you’ll be body slammed to the ground by security cops and arrested

wick, Northumberland.

stock systems and adapting science to foster positive change.

“Without livestock as a food source we face starvation,” Jensen pointed out. “Cattle are not an environmental problem but the solution.”

He continued, “Improving feed efficiency helps change the narrative around greenhouse gas emissions from the beef industry.”

Longevity of breeding cattle and feed efficiency were two traits Jensen placed an emphasis on, further discussing how feed efficiency is not necessarily correlated to frame size.

“It’s always a common misconception feed efficiency is related to the size of a cow, but this is not right,” he shared.

Local tours

Prior to speaking at the BSAS conference, Foyle Food Group invited Jensen and his wife Jamie to tour several top-pedigree Angus herds in Scotland and England, as part of the organization’s “Farms of Excellence” farm walk on April 10.

Part of the tour included spending time at the Netherton Farm and HW Angus operation and the Aln Angus operation in Aln-

for being a terrorist. They’d think your knife was a weapon and your pocket watch was some sort of timing device, which it really was.

Fewer and fewer people carry or wear watches these days because they get the time – and everything else – from their smartphones.

If you observe a modern young person, you’ll see they have more pockets than ever, and their backpacks runneth over. In many respects they are like turtles in that they carry everything they own with them.

Besides watches and knives, another product category which must have taken a beating with the rise of smartphones is Cross pens. They used to be handed out by corporations to good customers or employees marking 30 years of service. Many a graduate was honored to receive a Cross matching gold-filled pen and pencil set.

Not any more though, as cell phones, iPads and laptops have rendered pens, pencils and notepads redundant pieces of ancient technology. Although, I’d like to see the technology buffs try to cut a steak at a bull sale barbecue with their smartphone or castrate a bull calf with an iPad.

While visiting the Foyle Food Omagh site, the Jensens discussed sustainability challenges and how to use innovation to improve beef performance with agricultural and continuous improvement managers from the organization.

“We also presented to a number of beef industry representatives, including members of the Northern Ireland Aberdeen Angus Breeders Club, Aberdeen Angus Quality Beef and agricultural representatives from local banks, as well as Foyle suppliers at an event held at the Foyle Farms of Excellence,” Jensen stated.

“While visiting the Foyle farm, we spoke to several agricultural stakeholders in Northern Ireland about beef farming, sustainability and the environment.”

The Jensens also had the opportunity to preview research being conducted in the beef sector in Northern Ireland.

Following the BSAS convention, Agri-Food Bioscience Institute held an event with representatives from AgriSearch, Ulster Farmers’ Union, the College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise and Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers’ Association who met with the Jen-

sens and discussed opportunities and challenges facing the beef industry today.

Included in this gathering of beef industry leaders was Senior Quantitative Geneticist from Vytelle Dinesh Thekkoot. In July 2020, Vytelle and GrowSafe Systems, Ltd. combined organizations to accelerate genetic advances in bovine biotechnology.

Thekkoot outlined the capabilities of the data capturing technology from Vytelle, including feed and water intake as well as in-pen weight gain measurements.

“These have been widely adopted in U.S. feedlots and ranches to identify high-performing and feed-efficient individuals,” Thekkoot said.

The couple also spent time engaging with Irish Aberdeen Angus breeders and Angus Beef Ireland while touring Ireland.

To conclude the Jensens’ visit, they spent time with local Farmer Paul Turley in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland and toured the Gigginstown House Angus facility before returning back to Wyoming.

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

BSAS continued from page 1

Mineral lick tubs can be recycled for container gardens

Those wondering what to do with their colorful, plastic livestock mineral lick tubs once they are empty may want to consider recycling them as large gardening containers – a popular practice benefiting ranchers and gardeners.

For Wyoming Master Gardener Arlinda McLaughlin and her husband Ken, both retired Sublette County teachers, springtime means driving to local ranches to gather emptied tubs dotting thawed-out fields.

The annual practice began while brainstorming ways to recycle the large containers and to see how they would work in Wyoming’s high altitude and very short growing season.

Container gardening in a short growing season

Container gardening is beginning to become a popular way to grow annual flowers, herbs, vegetables, potatoes and greens. The container can be anything from a small food container or flower pot to a wheelbarrow or lick tub – moveable and much less work than digging out a new garden bed.

“There are many hybrid plants being developed which are specially designed to fit and grow in containers or small spaces,”

McLaughlin says. “The reward for growing some of our own food is the pleasure of eating something that tastes better and is likely more nutritious than anything money can buy.”

“Now, container gardens allow us to grow food in small spaces, in rental housing, in small yards and with limited time on our hands,” she adds.

Much of Wyoming has a short growing season, hot summers, cool nights, strong winds and the omnipresent threat of frost.

Reusing and recycling is practical, and lick tubs can be adapted for personal preferences of sun, shade, convenience, access and height.

Also, soil in containers warms up faster than soil in in-ground beds, and moist soil becomes warmer in direct sun than dry soil, according to McLaughlin.

“In our cool season climate, this can be a real advantage for some plants. Heat-loving plants often grow well in containers, such as eggplant, peppers and tomatoes, as long as they get plenty of water and are protected from the cool evenings and frost,” she says. “On the other hand, on hot days, the roots of plants grown in containers can get too warm.”

What to plant

Sublette County, for example, is in Zone Four, where shade-tolerant plants such as Asian greens, arugula, chard, leaf lettuce, parsley, kale and spinach need at least full sun all morning or all afternoon to thrive.

Compact peppers and tomatoes can grow in lick tubs, which are suited for several plants at a time.

by Three Dee Skyline- ranch, team rope, gentle

• 19 gray gelding by Played X Playgun-solid ranch horse

23 bay roan filly granddaughter Metallic Cat

6 yearlings by Son of Blues Orphan Drift- futurity eligible

• 12 paint pony-4-H trail rides, parades, “Fred”

• 21 buckskin gelding by grandson of Doc Bar

16 red roan gelding grandson of Miss N Cash-big stout

20 bay mare by JC Flashbac-good broke

• 6 yearlings by sons of High Brow Cat, Playgun, Haidas Little Pep- futurity eligible

05 sorrel gelding by Good Asset-team rope, ranch, trail ride

• 22 red roan filly by Cowed Up X Metallic Cat-90 days ridding 21 sorrel gelding by Hired Gun-good broke paid up Riata Buckle 17 bay gelding by grandson of Genuine Doc-ranch horse

• 12 chestnut gelding Something Classic & Top Sail Cody-sale highlight- ranch horse, team roping winner

13 sorrel gelding grandson of Freckles Playboy-finished head and barrel horse

• 17 buckskin gelding grandson of Mr Baron Red-fancy Riata buckle

19 sorrel gelding grandson of Metallic Cat- Sale Highlight-Solid team rope, ranch horse, been hauled

17 bay mare by Cactus Rondo-fancy, ranch horse comp, heel horse

19 black/white pony mare- “Daisy” fancy broke, does all events and ranch horse

14 brown gelding Freckles Playboy X Smart Little Jerry-gentle, trail ride, team rope

But, larger plants needing extra room for roots such as potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, summer squash, cucumbers, eggplant, tomatoes and corn can be started or transplanted into them.

McLaughlin advises researching compact plants designed to grow in containers. Her go-to resource is the Gardener’s Supply Catalog at gardeners.com

“Lick tubs make great container gardens, and local gardeners have used them to grow just about every type of vegetable and flower,” she says. “However, most perennial flowers or plants such as rhubarb, strawberries and raspberries don’t overwinter well in the tubs.”

All root crops can be grown in containers. Long root crops such as carrots

need a container that is deep enough for the root to grow and mature.

Lick tub prep

While deciding what to grow, individuals should start prepping their lick tubs.

“These tubs come from hay meadows and pastures so they are very dirty,” McLaughlin says.

Therefore, she advises growers to wash and disinfect them before drilling any holes.

“Washing them at the car wash works really well,” she shares.

Bacteria and fungus on dirty containers can cause damping-off disease, harbor tiny insect pests or transmit other harmful diseases so growers should scrub containers with soap and water, rinse with clear water and

then immerse the container in one part bleach and five parts water.

Once the tubs are clean, growers can drill plenty of one-half-inch holes in the tub’s lower side and bottom for drainage and air circulation. Two or three lick tubs can be stacked inside the other for efficiency.

Pick a location depending on what vegetable or flower is being planted, with an eye to sunshine and wind.

Add handles by drilling a pair of holes on each side, running a rope through each and knotting them.

Set the tub on a pallet, bricks or other evenly spaced supports close to the ground. At this point, individuals will start filling the tub with gardening soil, so it will become much heavier.

Some creative gardeners find ways to attach or set the tub on wheels, making it simpler to move on a deck, driveway or sidewalk. Some people turn over one tub and set the upright on it for easy access. Some gardeners cut them in half for a shallower base.

In Sublette County, Sage and Snow Garden Club members use these for their annual petunia-barrel summer subscriptions in front of businesses along the main street.

Others might move them into a greenhouse, sunroom, hoop house or another area with a solid base. Inside, put a tray underneath to prevent water and fertilizer damage. Start with dirt It takes two bags of potting or gardening mix – or its equivalent in fertile dirt – to fill a tub.

Before filling, place coffee filters over the bottom holes to keep soil in the container.

“Adding a bit of native soil and compost seems to energize the potting mixture and improve results,” McLaughlin says.

Old potting mixture can be

Reuse and recycle – The McLaughlins gather used mineral lick tubs every spring for gardeners to pick up for free. Courtesy photo

large container with new mixture added to the top. Using filler in the bottom can keep roots from spreading into the potting soil.

McLaughlin works in layers, and says the tub doesn’t need to be filled to the brim. She starts with about six inches of potting soil in the bottom and mixes in a very light fertilizer mix – fish and kelp meal.

Potting mixes without soil usually have no nutrients, which allows growers to choose a product to meet individual plants’ needs.

“Soil amendments such as compost and manure may boost the nutrient density of a potting mixture, but other fertilizers must be added at the time of planting and throughout the growing season to maximize production,” McLaughlin advises.

At planting time, mix a commercial fertilizer or a mixture of specific fertilizer products into the potting mixture, she says. Then, for plants with medium or high nitrogen needs, apply a side dressing of nutrients during the growing season.

Water well

Because moist soil warms faster than dry soil, the best time to water a lick tub crop is in the morning so plants benefit from the extra warmth, according to McLaughlin.

Those who transplant or plant seedlings without a mature root system

should keep the soil’s surface moist to help them develop roots.

As they grow, water when the top one-half to one inch of potting soil is dry, soaking the potting mixture completely until water runs through so the bottom doesn’t dry out and stress roots. Overwatering can also stress roots, so wait until the soil starts to dry out.

“I water in the early afternoon, giving each container about two gallons of water in midsummer. Then, I refill each watering can and let it sit out in the sun to warm up for the next day’s watering schedule,” McLaughlin explains. “This way, plants that do not like temperature extremes get warm water instead of cold water.”

Beware Frost and predators are the biggest threats to a garden container’s plants.

Use plant covers, trash bags and frost caps to deter both. If a container has sides or growers can set something higher beside it, use a blanket, sheet, tarps or even bubble wrap – but it should not touch the plant.

If plants are irresistible to deer and other critters, a physical barrier is necessary.

McLaughlin says the most deer-resistant annual flowers are ageratum, dusty miller, forget-menots, Iceland poppies, salvia, snapdragons, sweet alyssum, vinca and viola.

Recipe to grow lick tub potatoes according to McLaughlin

After choosing, cleaning, disinfecting, drilling and adapting a lick tub, place it on bricks or pallets for good air circulation and drainage.

Add six inches of potting soil mix to the bottom and mix in a very light fertilizer mix, such as fish and kelp meal.

Place three seed potatoes on potting mix and cover with six inches of potting mixture. Pota-

toes are very frost-sensitive. As the potatoes sprout and grow, add more soil mix to cover them to their bottom leaves. Repeat until the potting mixture is six to eight inches from the top.

Water when the soil is dry –nearly every day in summer – but do not overwater.

When plants are four inches

The most deer-resistant annual herbs are oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram and tarragon.

The most deer-resistant

tall, fertilize with liquid fertilizer every 10 days until blossoms appear.

Two weeks before harvest, let the soil dry out.

Potatoes are ready to harvest when the vines turn black and die.

Tip the barrel over or remove the soil’s top layers and dig out spuds. Store them in a cool, dry and very dark place.

vegetables are asparagus, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, fennel, garlic, peppers, rhubarb, tomatoes, onions, corn and potatoes.

Those who planned ahead and installed wheels or handles, can move their lick tubs to a protected area. Joy Ufford is a cor-

responding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

Scientists research the cause and development of liver abscesses in cattle

It is imperative to study the bacteria responsible for liver abscesses in cattle to prevent the condition effectively.

Scientists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Texas Tech University, Kansas State University and West Texas A&M University collaborated on liver abscess models to identify what triggers this costly condition in cattle. Liver abscesses negatively impact the animal’s well-being and cause liver condemnations, leading to increased carcass trimming and an overall decrease in profitability.

The first successful study on liver abscesses in cattle was recently published on March 6 in the Journal of Animal Science

The study was part of a series conducted at the USDA ARS Livestock Issues Research Unit in Lubbock, Texas, focusing on finding a solution to an issue costing the industry millions of dollars.

The mission of the unit is to conduct research to determine and develop management practices and alternative production systems which reduce animal pathogen loads prior to processing and to enhance animal well-being.

Research objective

According to the study, cattle with liver abscesses may experience health problems, reduced growth and feed efficiency, but they don’t always show clinical signs.

Economic losses associated with this condition in cattle have been reported to reach $400 million annually.

“After decades of studies, researchers haven’t found an accurate way to predict nor diagnose liver abscesses because of the complexity of the disease,” says Rand Broadway, a research scientist with the Livestock Issues Research Unit.

“Our study is a huge collaborative effort between USDA and academic partners to develop a liver abscess model in cattle to help us better understand how liver abscess formation begins. We are constantly learning about the causes and development of these abscesses,” he adds.

USDA ARS states it is important for researchers to study liver abscess development and prevention strategies, particularly in calves entering the beef supply chain from dairy origin.

During the study, the scientists mimicked “real-world” disease etiology while examining the animal’s physiological changes to better understand the disease’s root cause.

“We are trying to ensure this study is effective and applicable to test non-antibiotic interventions in the future,” adds Broadway. “We seek to use the knowledge gained from these models to develop different alternative interventions, such as nutrition management strategies.”

The study focused on cattle which commonly suffer from this infection, including dairy and beef-dairy cross steers.

During the study, researchers tested two diet types – a high-grain and forage-based diet – and three common bacteria found in liver abscesses – Fusobacterium, Trueperella and Salmonella

The results from the high-grain diet model were found to be more reliable, leading scientists to focus more on this model.

Impact of diet

Liver abscesses in cattle are generally thought to occur with a high-energy diet. The theory is when cattle are fed elevated levels of grain, highly-fermentable starch in the rumen is rapidly fermented by bacteria, causing a drop in rumen potential hydrogen (pH).

This acidity pH causes damage to the rumen lining, allowing bacteria to travel into the blood, reaching the liver and other organs where they

can cause infection.

However, it is still unknown, with accuracy, the exact route these bacteria take to cause infection or injury to the liver, states USDA ARS. Scientists discovered the bacteria associated with liver abscesses in cattle may not always originate from the rumen, it may travel from the lower gastrointestinal tract.

The research showed in some cases, when these bacteria were not detected in the acidic rumen environ-

ment caused by a high-grain diet, no liver abscesses were detected. But, when bacteria were directly introduced to the rumen, they observed the formation of liver abscesses and were able to isolate the bacteria from the infected sites.

The research study confirmed an acidotic diet, combined with bacterial inoculation in the rumen, can be used as a model to induce liver abscesses.

The research team recommended further research should be conducted to determine the study’s consistency before it can be used to evaluate new interventions to prevent this complex infection. Currently, the primary treatment to prevent liver abscesses in cattle has been in feed antibiotics, but alternatives to antibiotics are being sought.

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

Summer squash – Pictured is summer squash growing in lick tubs in Sublette County. Courtesy photo

Splash of color – To add a splash of color, growers may consider planting flowers in their lick tubs as well. Bachelor buttons are an example of a flower that can be grown in Sublette County. Courtesy photo

The last time a Sublette County man made headlines for live capturing a wolf with a snowmobile was 27 years ago, under a very different scenario.

It was two years after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) reintroduced wolves to Yellowstone National Park, but the federal lawsuit questioning whether the reintroduction was legal was still pending.

Wolf kills sheep

One evening in late February 1997, Boulder Rancher Phyllis Mayo called Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) Game Warden Dennis Almquist to report a wolf had been killing sheep on the Mayo Ranch.

The wolf killed seven sheep and wounded another during four consecutive night visits to the ranch.

Almquist, who had received reports of a wolf and wolf tracks in the area just a few days prior, contacted USFWS Special Agent Roy Brown of Lander, and they arranged to meet at the Mayo Ranch

the next day to investigate.

When the wolf returned to the ranch the next morning – Feb. 21, 1997 –Rancher Bill Mayo was ready. With the assistance of a neighbor, Bill roped the wolf from a snowmobile, and they locked the animal in a stock trailer.

Almquist and Brown arrived on the scene that afternoon, while ranch residents were not at home.

Investigators found and measured “very large canine tracks” and looked at the sheep kills. Almquist said the investigators felt “a big dog or a small wolf” could have left the evidence on the scene.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal Damage Control Supervisor Merrill Nelson arrived on scene and followed the tracks for some distance when Bill returned home to tell investigators he captured the animal and it was locked in the trailer.

Bill explained he was tired of his sheep being killed and had waited for the animal to return to the flock to capture it. Bill told

Almquist he “didn’t want to kill it, but he wanted it out of there.”

Almquist then radioed WGFD Warden Duke Early and requested he bring immobilization drugs and equipment to the Mayo Ranch. Almquist administered an injection to the wolf as she cowered in the corner of the trailer, and the Mayos provided medicine and bandages for officials to treat a minor wound on the wolf’s leg.

Brown took possession of the animal and transported her to a secure location, reporting “the animal is alive and well. He didn’t attempt to kill it. Under the regulations, he can harass it all he wants to, as long as he doesn’t kill it or inflict any permanent injuries.”

Before USFWS wolf staff examined the wolf, USFWS Wolf Biologist Ed Bangs said the animal was not one of the released Canadian wolves or one of their offspring and indicated she was probably a hybrid or a transient animal. Later, genetic testing confirmed

she was not related to any of the reintroduced wolves.

Origin of the wolf

This Boulder wolf was one of three wolves confirmed to be roaming the wilds of Western Wyoming for which USFWS couldn’t account for their origin –at a time when the legality of the wolf reintroduction hinged on Wyoming not already having a wolf population.

The other wolves were confirmed outside of Dubois and Cody.

The prospect of a criminal prosecution hung over Bill for his actions, and he explained himself in a letter to Bangs, writing, “One of the sheep which was killed was a bum lamb which was nursed back to life in a box in our house for its first week of life. This process involves feeding every two hours – including all night.”

“This lamb was bottle-fed until weaning,” Bill continued in his letter. “In her adult life, she always would call to me as I headed across the field with a horse, and she always had her head in the grain bucket as I fed corn daily. She was a pet. Another ewe that was bit-

ten, even though she was in the barn and medicated with antibiotics and topical medications, lived in pain and suffering for four days before she died.”

“We did everything in our power to do things right,” he concluded.

Bill’s assertion was reinforced by a restricted internal USFWS law enforcement memo which stated Bill’s action “seems to confirm his intent to put an end to his livestock losses, while saving the wolf. His actions averted what could have been the immediate death of the wolf and allowed service biologists to observe the wolf firsthand, to determine the origin of the animal.”

Bangs cited numerous reasons for doubting she was a wild wolf, including overall appearance, hair banding and hair shedding patterns and the fact it was found farther south than any monitored wolf of which USFWS was aware.

Bangs also noted, “Its behavior while in captivity was different than observed in other wild wolves.”

The atypical wolf behavior to which Bangs alluded included avoiding

SALE REPORTS

people while in a small kennel and snapping as a muzzle was removed.

Bangs concluded, “While, individually, these conditions do not rule out the possibility of it being a wolf, together they overwhelmingly indicate the animal is not part of the reintroduction and recovery program in the Western U.S. and in all likelihood is a wolf-dog hybrid released from captivity by unknown persons.”

As a last possibility, Bangs suggested “it is a member of a remnant wolf population that survived in the Yellowstone area since the 1930s,” but made clear he did not believe this to be the case.

After a few months of the female wolf living in a holding pen in Yellowstone, Bangs eventually directed the wolf live captured by Bill be permanently placed in captivity. That fall, she was transported to a captive facility in Texas, where she died a few months later.

Cat Urbigkit is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments to roundup@wylr.net.

Dam’s Sire: Coleman Charlo 3212 EPDs: BW: -1.5, WW: +56, YW: +94 and Milk: +25 Buyer: Atkinson Land and Live-

stock, LLC, Garrett SimAngus bulls Lot 67 – Price: $13,000

DOB: 3/24/23 Sire: Schooley Standout 27G Act EPDs: BW: 84 and WW: 714 Buyer: Vermillion Ranch, Rock Springs Lot 87 – Price: $12,500

DOB: 4/10/23 Sire:

Lambing season is one of the busiest times of the year, and as producers prepare for the birth of new lambs, it is a good time to discuss zoonotic diseases.

On the March 12 episode of the American Sheep Industry (ASI) podcast, Host Jake Thorne, sheep and goat program specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, spoke with Animal Health Committee CoChair Dr. Cindy Wolf about zoonotic diseases of sheep and goats.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), zoonotic diseases are contagious diseases and can be spread between animals and humans.

“It is estimated approximately 75 percent of recently emerging infectious diseases affecting humans are diseases of animal origin, where approximately 60 percent of all human pathogens are zoonotic,” reads the USDA APHIS website.

Humans can contract zoonotic diseases through direct contact with infected animals, by consuming contaminated food or water, inhalation, arthropod vectors and pests.

“Of the infectious diseases diagnosed in people, six out of every 10 are known as diseases coming from animals,” Wolf says. “It’s not a scary thing – it’s just good to be aware of.”

She adds national statistics are showing an increase in zoonotic diseases, but this could be due to the fact testing and surveillance for the diseases have improved over the years as well.

Zoonotic diseases

“With zoonotic diseases, the transfer of disease from animals to humans is more common with reptiles, dairy calves and poultry,” Wolf explains.

Chlamydia abortus and Campylobacter fetus are two bacteria that cause abortions in sheep and goats and can potentially be zoonotic, Wolf reports.

Chlamydia abortus infects sheep and goats. They will often show little to no symptoms when they first become infected.

The only sign of disease is the birth of weak or stillborn lambs in the last two to three weeks of pregnancy.

“Bacteria infect the uterus and is present in the afterbirth of infected animals,” she notes. “If producers experience losses a couple weeks prior to the due date of lambing, they should call their veterinarian.”

Biosecurity

Producers should always have a good biosecurity regimen in place to improve farm efficiency, protect neighbors and safeguard animal and human health.

Wolf says, “Biosecurity is not just to protect farm animals, it is also to protect the producer, their families and farmworkers.”

Disease is not always apparent, especially in early stages, so anyone visiting a farm who is not abiding by biosecurity measures can run the risk of spreading diseases to and from the premises.

She recommends removing boots prior to entering the house and washing hands for 20 seconds with soap and water to reduce the spread of zoonotic diseases. If a producer is out in the field, they should use a hand sanitizer with 60 percent alcohol.

Caseous lymphadenitis

This zoonotic disease poses significant economic losses to livestock industries due to various factors such as decreased marketability of breeding stock, condemnation of carcasses and animal death.

Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) is a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis resulting in superficial or internal abscesses and recurrent development of abscesses.

“CL is spread primarily through contact with material from abscesses or contaminated with abscess material, such as during shearing,” Wolf notes.

When abscesses are present in the lungs, CL was transmitted through respiratory secretions, including nasal discharge or coughing.

The bacteria can persist in contaminated soil for up to two years, making transmission possible through contact with contaminated equipment, facilities, pastures and feed and water troughs.

She remarks, “Herd mates can also spread the disease when they come into direct contact with a ruptured abscess, so it’s important to note CL-infected animals can carry the disease for life.”

According to Wolf, there is no cure for CL, so producers should implement management practices to minimize its impact.

Johne’s disease

Wolf continues her discussion by explaining Johne’s disease, a contagious, chronic and usually fatal infection which primarily affects the small intestine of ruminants, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis

“In cattle, signs of Johne’s disease include weight loss and diarrhea with normal appetite. Several weeks after the onset of diarrhea, a soft swelling may occur under the jaw, but in sheep and goats, the clinical signs are harder to spot,” she says.

“Affected sheep continue to eat but lose weight and waste away,” she adds. “Although the disease causes diarrhea in cattle, less than 20 percent of sheep show diarrhea symptoms.”

Johne’s is very stable in the environment, and in favorable conditions, can live outside of the host animal for an extended period of time.

Due to a long incubation period, most infected sheep do not show signs of the disease until later in life, possibly infecting younger sheep and lambs.

Additional diseases

Club lamb fungus affects the skin of sheep and is also known as sheep ringworm. This disease got its name because it most commonly affects show lambs. It is a highly contagious disease, which can be contracted by humans, according to Wolf.

“Good hygiene and management practices are critical to the prevention of club lamb fungus,” she says. “Careful shearing to avoid nicks and cuts and less frequent shampooing and grooming will help promote healthy skin, reducing the incidence of disease. Avoiding crowded and humid environments is also beneficial.”

She mentions sore mouth, often known as orf, contagious ecthyma or scabby mouth, is a viral infection primarily of sheep and goats and the condition is caused by a poxvirus called orf virus.

Shepherds, veterinarians and producers handling sheep or goats can contract orf from an infected animal or equipment.

Individuals can develop painful sores on their hands, which can last for two months and infected individuals rarely infect others.

Wolf closes the podcast discussing future research needs, as efforts to develop and implement vaccine interventions to reduce zoo-

on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Market Report • May 1, 2024

Another good market on weigh ups, price still determined by age, yield and fill. Light test on grass cattle with good demand. Thank you and we appreciate your business!

notic disease is limited.

Melissa Anderson is the

editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send com-

ments

CALENDAR

May 2-16

4-H Horse Club Event, 5-8 p.m., Pepsi Equine Center, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas. For more information, visit wystatefair.com

May 6 National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture Groundbreaking Ceremony, 9-11 a.m., Nebraska Innovation Campus, Lincoln, Neb. For more information, visit innovate.unl.edu

May 6 Wyoming State Fair Endowment Coffee and Questions, 2-3 p.m., Douglas Country Club, Douglas. For more information, contact the Wyoming State Fair Office at 307-358-2398.

May 6-13

Wyoming Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Online Corral Adoption, online. For more information, visit wildhorsesonline.blm.gov/

May 7 USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Veterans Webinar Series, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Zoom. For more information or to register, visit nrcs.usda.gov/events/ usda-beginning-farmer-and-rancher-veterans-webinar-series-1

May 8 Wyoming Water Development Commission Workshop, 1:30 p.m., Cheyenne. For more information or to view the livestream, visit wwdc.state.wy.us/

May 8-9 Animal Agriculture Alliance 2024 Stakeholders Summit, Kansas City, Mo. For more information or to register for the event, visit animalagalliance.org/ initiatives/stakeholders-summit/

May 9 Wyoming Water Development Commission and Select Water Committee Joint Meeting, 8:30 a.m., Cheyenne. For more information or to view the livestream, visit wyoleg.gov/

May 9 University of Wyoming Extension Artificial Insemination Workshops, 4-7 p.m., Fremont and Campbell counties. For more information or to register, visit tiny.cc/24cattleaibreeding

May 10-11 Sheepherder’s Festival, Rockpile Museum, Gillette. For more information, contact Heather Rodriguez at 307-682-5723.

May 13 U.S. Department of Agriculture FMD Outbreak Livestock Grazing Guidance Webinar, 12 p.m., Zoom. For more information or to register, visit zoomgov.com/j/1601496343

May 13-15 Uinta County Cattle Artificial Insemination Clinic, 8 a.m., Evanston. For more information, call 307-783-0570 or e-mail McKenna Julian at mbrinton@ uwyo.edu.

May 14 USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Veterans Webinar Series, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Zoom. For more information or to register, visit nrcs.usda.gov/events/ usda-beginning-farmer-and-rancher-veterans-webinar-series-1

May 14 Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust Community Discussion on Conservation Easements, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Ag Resource and Learning Center, Casper. For more information, contact Sarah Kauer at 307-772-8751.

May 16 Industrial Siting Council Second Quarterly Meeting, 8 a.m., Hampton Inn and Suites, Green River. For more information, contact Christopher Toalson at christopher.toalson@wyo.gov. To view the livestream, visit meet.google.com/fsj-ixkn-kmq

May 17 Wyoming Bureau of Land Management Wheatland Off-Range Corral Adoption Event, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Wheatland Off-Range Corral, Wheatland. To view available animals, visit flickr.com/photos/134389515@N06/albums/.

May 17-18 Wyoming Bureau of Land Management Honor Farm Adoption Event, Wyoming Honor Farm, Riverton. To view available animals, visit flickr.com/ photos/134389515@N06/albums/

May 17-19 7 Triangle 7 Cattle Co., LLC Artificial Insemination Clinic, Akron, Colo. For more information, visit 7triangle7.com or call 970-481-3921.

May 17-19 Rocky Mountain Leather Trade Show, Sheridan. For more information, visit leathercraftersjournal.com

May 18 Wyoming State Fair Volunteer Days, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas. For more information, contact the Wyoming State Fair Office at 307-358-2398.

May 18 Public Dart Tournament, Fort Caspar, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas. For more information, visit wystatefair.com

April 29-May 20 Dooley Auction Firearms, Ammo, Coins and Collectibles Online Auction, 406-696-0412, dooleyauction.com

May 17-18

Farmers and Ranchers Livestock Commission Ranch Horse Competition and Spring Spectacular Catalog Horse Sale, Salina, Kan., 785-825-0211, 785-826-7884, fandrlive.com

May 18 Multi-Party Liquidation Auction, 2092 Ridley Road, Cheyenne, 307-5324976, 307-534-5156, mcnameeauctioncompany.com

May 25 15th Annual Full House Horse Sale, Newcastle, 307-746-5690, 307-6840789, fullhousehorsesale.com

June 10-11

Superior Livestock Auction Corn Belt Classic, 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com

June 15 46th Annual Wyoming All Breed Gaited Horse Sale, Park County Fair Grounds, Powell, 307-272-3743, 307-431-2109, henyauctionwy.com

June 20-21

Northern Livestock Video Auction Early Summer Special, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com

July 2 Cattle Country Video High Plains Showcase Sale, UW Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, Laramie, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com

July 8-10

July 8-12

July 22-24

Western Video Market, Silver Legacy Casino Resort, Reno, Nev., 530-3473793, wvmcattle.com

Superior Livestock Auction Week in the Rockies, 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com

Northern Livestock Video Auction Summertime Classic, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com

July 29-Aug. 2 Superior Livestock Auction Video Royale, 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com

Aug. 6-7

Cattle Country Video Oregon Trail Classic Sale, Weborg Center, Gering, Neb., 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com

While researching the history of the sheep industry in Wyoming for this week’s Postcard, I discovered the following information which sidetracked me and brought back memories of how I started this column back in 2008.

Jennifer Womack, then managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and Dennis Sun, the publication’s publisher, talked me into doing a column about pioneer agriculture, and the rest is “history.”

Back in 2008, Jennifer wrote: Walcott – A 1982 “Wallop for Senate” bumper sticker plastered to a door surrounded by decades of lanolin buildup from millions of sheep may best tell the story of the Australian-style Walcott shearing barn.

Barn owners Vern and Della Vivion told attendees at the 2008 Wyoming Livestock Roundup historic ranch tour the building served as the shearing facility for the area’s expansive sheep operations and as the area’s social gathering point.

Social gatherings included fundraisers and

gatherings for political candidates.

Efforts are underway to either preserve the barn in its present-day location or relocate it to Territorial Park in Laramie, an effort which will take nearly $2 million to complete.

Della said a recently secured $10,000 grant might be the beginning of what she hopes will be a growing fund. Wyoming’s State Historic Preservation Office has also taken an interest in the building by compiling a great deal of its history in written form.

Unfortunately, the barn burned to the ground in 2011.

This building where we stand, which still has so much of its integrity, in eight years will be 100 years old. It was built in 1916,” said Della.

Located near the railroad tracks, wool sheared at the barn was loaded on the train, and in the early days, shipped to Boston.

Area shearing facilities were first located at nearby Fort Steele and operated by the Cosgriff family. Della said when an area saloon proved too distracting for shear-

ing crews, facilities were relocated to the Walcott area.

Remnants of the old town of Walcott and the shearing barn were part of the Sept. 21 tour, organized by locals Bill and Carole Ward and Dick and Marty Perue, all of Saratoga. Dick Perue offered a firsthand account of stomping wool into the wool bags at the barn during his younger days. He also noted his father and uncle were part of the shearing crew in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

In 1915, three local sheep operations – the Leo Sheep Company owned by Le Emmitt Vivion, the Savage Brothers Company and Andy Nelson and Company –purchased the Walcott shearing operation from the Cosgriffs.

Completed in 1916, the barn was part of a University of Wyoming effort to add efficiency to shearing and sort wool by its quality. The barn was last used in the 1980s.

Built for 20 sheep shearers to use at a time, Della said Curt Rochelle, Elmer Peterson, the Palms and more used the facilities.

“This has been a cultural center in a sense,” said Della.

Laughing, she added, “In my young days here, it was so if you didn’t come to the Walcott shearing sheds for dinner on Sunday, you just weren’t anybody. In fact, we had Paul Harvey here for dinner once.”

wool from sheep sheared in Carbon County was transported from individual ranches to the various railheads including Walcott Junction, Fort Steele, Rawlins, Hanna and Medicine Bow. This six-hitch team pulls three wagons loaded with more than 25 sacks of wool, along with the Sheep Wagon, from the Pass Creek area to Walcott. Photo courtesy of Carbon County Museum. From Bob Martin/Dick Perue collection. Historical Reproductions by Perue

US #1 Pinto Beans

Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Torrington

Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Greeley, CO

National Sheep Summary

As of April 26, 2024

Compared to last week slaughter lambs mostly steady to 20.00 lower, except at Kalona firm to 20.00 higher. Slaughter ewes mostly steady to 10.00 lower. Feeder lambs not well tested. At San Angelo, TX 7,726 head sold in a one day sale. No sales in Equity Cooperative Auction. In direct trading slaughter ewes and feeder lambs not tested. 3,119 lamb carcasses traded with no trend due to confidentiality. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless specified. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 San Angelo: wooled and shorn 100-120 lbs 204.00-208.00. Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 120-130 lbs 220.00-237.50. South Dakota: wooled and shorn 125-155 lbs 197.00-225.00. Billings: wooled and shorn 120-150 lbs 175.00-222.50. Equity Coop: no sales. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2 San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 258.00-298.00, few 304.00-316.00; 60-70 lbs 256.00-284.00; 70-80 lbs 248.00-276.00, few 284.00; 80-90 lbs 240.00-267.00; 90-100 lbs 250.00-266.00; 100-115 lbs 220.00-250.00. wooled and shorn 63 lbs 258.00; 70-80 lbs 254.00-256.00, few 298.00-300.00; 80-90 lbs 247.00-258.00; 95 lbs 220.00; 100-110 lbs 246.00. Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 77 lbs 277.50; 80-90 lbs 260.00275.00; 90-100 lbs 260.00-270.00; 110-120 lbs 230.00-240.00. hair 76 lbs 270.00; 81 lbs 275.00; 100 lbs 247.50. South Dakota: wooled and shorn 50-60 lbs 300.00-330.00; 60-70 lbs 295.00-320.00; 70-80 lbs 260.00-270.00, few 282.50; 80-90 lbs 255.00-265.00, few 290.00-310.00; 90-100 lbs 230.00-255.00; 100115 lbs 220.00-255.00, few 270.00. hair 57 lbs 245.00; 69 lbs 240.00; 78 lbs 232.50; 85 lbs 225.00.

Billings: wooled and shorn 49 lbs 250.00; 55 lbs 257.50; 60-70 lbs 255.00-265.00, few 270.00; 95 lbs 230.00; 100-110 lbs 232.50-242.50. hair 51 lbs 250.00; 60-70 lbs 235.00-255.00. Slaughter Ewes San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 96.00, hair 84.00-108.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 120.00-138.00, hair 112.00-128.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 90.00102.00, hair 90.00-110.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) hair

80.00-86.00; Cull 1 40.00-62.00. Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 75.00-110.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 75.00-115.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test. South Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 80.00-115.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 90.00-120.00, hair 90.00-115.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 70.00-95.00; Cull 1 75.00, hair 65.00-80.00. Billings: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 95.00-99.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 88.00-102.00, hair 93.00-120.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 69.00-86.00; Cull 1 52.00-57.00.

Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2

San Angelo: hair 30-40 lbs 282.00-311.00; 40-50 lbs 284.00316.00; 50-60 lbs 282.00-302.00. Ft. Collins: 40-50 lbs 260.00-280.00; 50-60 lbs 255.00-270.00. South Dakota: 30-40 lbs 290.00-310.00.

Billings: no test.

Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2

San Angelo: yearling hair 100-150 lbs 170.00-182.00/cwt;

young hair 120-155 lbs 128.00-166.00/cwt.

Ft. Collins: no test.

South Dakota: no test.

Billings: no test. Sheep and lambs slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 34,000 compared with 36,000 last week and 33,000 last year.

Source: USDA AMS Market News, San Angelo, Texas

National Wool Review

As of April 26, 2024

Domestic wool trading had no confirmed trades reported this week. Prices reflect trades FOB warehouse in original bag or square pack, bellies out, some graded, and 76 mm or longer. No allowance made for coring, freight, or handling

CO

Wyoming Hay Summary

As of May 2, 2024

Compared to last week all reported hay sold steady on a thin test. Demand was very light to light. A load here and there mostly going to people with horses. Few, cattlemen getting a load of hay to feed until they can go to summer grass. Per NASS , Barley planted is at 84 percent with 63 percent of it emerged. Corn planted at 14 percent. Sugarbeets planted comes in at 57 percent with 3 percent emerged. Winter wheat is rated at 73 percent good condition compared to 18 percent last year.

-

Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News Torrington

Nebraska Hay Summary

As of May 2, 2024

Compared to last week, reported hay sales sold steady to weak. Demand was very light to light. Some cattlemen have kicked out of summer grass, and many are getting ready to turn to grass so demand for that type of hay has slipped off extremely fast. Many prospective buyers think the hay could be a little cheaper this fall if Mother Nature doesn’t plague the state with a drought from east to west and north to south. Few, counties in the SE area of the state remain dry of as last weeks U.S. drought monitor. Per Nass, spring oats are 82 percent planted, corn 22 percent and soybeans 10 percent planted respectively. Some producers have planted alfalfa instead of planting corn or soybeans.

Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Kearny, NE

RANCH HAND WANTED: Cow work/calving, irrigating, haying, fixing fences. Wages based on experience. Call 307-250-8475 5/25

FULL- OR PART-TIME DRIVERS NEEDED FROM WORLAND TO CASPER, WY: Nighttime hours, $30/HOUR TO START. Must have CDL, pass background check and clean MVR. SIGN-ON BONUS!! E-mail resumes to dingoboy6342@yahoo.com or call Matt, 801-641-4109 5/4

EXTENSION AGENT, SEVERAL POSITIONS ACROSS EASTERN MONTANA, INCLUDING PLENTYWOOD, BILLINGS, SIDNEY, BAKER, CULBERTSON, MILES CITY, FORSYTH, POPLAR AND BROADUS: Will assess local needs, then develop, implement and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs, in the areas of Agriculture and 4-H/Youth Development. Complete information and application instructions at www.montana.edu/extension, click on “careers.” Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled 5/25 HOT SPRINGS COUNTY WEED & PEST IN THERMOPOLIS, WY IS SEEKING A PROGRAM LEADER: Our ideal candidate enjoys working outdoors, has strong leadership skills and has an interest in weed science and natural resource management. This is a permanent, full-time position with benefits. EOE. Contact hscwpsupervisor@gmail.com or 307864-2278 for a complete job description and application information 5/11

CALVING HELP NEEDED: Calving, fencing, haying, general cattle work. Horses used. Call 605-347-3403 or 605-4999088 5/4

HELP WANTED, VALLEY FOODS, SARATOGA, WY: Experienced meat cutter needed. Please contact us via e-mail with your qualifications at valleyfoods9024@ hotmail.com 5/25

FOR SALE: Single iron Wyoming registered brand. One hot iron available. RRC, RSS, RHH. Registered until 2031. $7,500. Call 307-254-2790 5/25

Brands Dogs

AKC BERNESE MOUN-

TAIN DOG PUPPIES: All first shots, microchipped and vet checked. $1,200. Call or text 605-680-2571. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 5/11

GET YOUR LITTLE RANCH

TRUCK BUDDY!! Two male Dachshund puppies. Purebred, smooth coat, red with some small white markings.

LOOKING FOR TOP QUALITY CATTLE? I’m a North Dakota order buyer licensed and bonded. I can help you find the perfect cattle you are looking for. I buy in North Dakota and South Dakota barns. I can help you purchase feeder cattle, weighup cows, pairs and breds, replacement heifers and any other needs. I can also find country deals. Low commission rates. Feel free to call Cody Fettig at 701-391-9132 for all you cattle needs!! 5/4

the Australian shepherd breed!

See our website for details, including pictures of our available puppies www.panhandleaustralianshepherds.com

Call 208-892-4186. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 5/18

MOUNTAIN CUR PUPS: Eight weeks, 2 males, 3 females. Parents are on hand and used for hunting, camping, around the farm and companions. Acclimated to kids, chickens, goats, cows and horses. First shots and fully weaned, available April 1. Located in Cody, WY, $400. Feel free to make an offer. Call Jon, 307-202-3345. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 5/18

AGRI-ONE FINANCIAL: Farm/ ranch and all commercial loans. RATES AS LOW AS 5%. We have been helping with all aspects of agricultural, commercial financing and management for years. LET US HELP YOU on a consulting level with management to increase profitability, deal with and fix credit problems and for all your financing needs. WE CARE AND HAVE WORKING PROGRAMS designed for the farmer/rancher and not the banker. Please call Steve, 303-773-3545 or check out our website, www.agrionefinancial.com. I will come to you and get the job done!! 5/18

AIREDALE TERRIER OORANG

PUPPIES: AKC registered, will be large calm protective dogs. Great farm/ranch protectors from mountain lions, bears, coyotes, vermin... For more information, call 307-219-2217 or 719-2178054 (cell) 5/11

BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG

PUPPIES: These adorable puppies are AKC registered, microchipped and up-to-date with shots and wormer. Parents are fully DNA and genetic health tested. Males and females available. Shipping and flight nanny available. Whitewood, S.D. Call 605-641-8272. Visit us on Facebook at Black Hills Bernese Mountain Dogs. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 5/4

NEWFOUNDLAND/PYRENEES

PUPPIES FOR SALE: Great farm dogs or outdoor companions!! Born Feb. 11, ready April 14. Both parents on site. More pictures and information can be found on our website www. ontaskoffice.com/02112024_ IzzyGrizz.html or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@WYNewfie Call or text 307-2542650. To view photos, go to www. wylr.net in the classifieds 5/4

SUPER QUALITY, PUREBRED

BLUE HEELER PUPS. Two males and 4 females. $600 each. Call 307-272-1915. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 5/11

Cattle

WANTED RECIP COWS: Must be open!! Two to 6 years old, Red Angus or Angusbased cows. For more information, call Corie Mydland, 406-855-5598 (cell), Trans Ova Genetics 5/4

200 BLACK 3-YEAR-OLD PAIRS: Full vaccination program. Ran at high elevation last year. Calves are out of Vermillion or SimAngus bulls. $3,400/pair. Call 307-7092375 with any questions. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 5/25

200 BLACK HEIFER PAIRS: All ran at high elevation last year in Cora, WY. Full vaccination program. All calves out of Vermillion bulls. Calves tagged to match. $3,200/pair. Call 307709-2375 with any questions. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 5/25

EARHART FARMS

REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS BULLS ROYLANCE ANGUS PRIVATE TREATY: Bulls are balanced, displaying calving ease, explosive growth and impressive structure. Sires of the best proven maternal bulls in the breed including Coleman Charlo 0256, Coleman Bravo 6313 and Coleman Triumph 9145. Bulls are semen tested, guaranteed and ready to work. Call, text or stop by the ranch in Charlo, MT, Adrian, 406214-4444 5/11

REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS, BRIDGER, MT • Some suitable for heifers • Performance data available • Sires Include • Iron Horse • Thedford • Movin On • Winding River Angus, Louis & Kathy Dubs, 406-652-7515, 406-208-8643 or e-mail windingriverangus@gmail.com 5/18

ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE: Calving ease, growth and good carcass data. AI sired, docile. Delivery available. Earhart Farms, Powell, WY, 307-2728876 5/11

SPENCER & SONS ANGUS:

Offering yearling Black Angus bulls. Sons of Sterling Pacific, Schiefelbein Showman 338, Powerball and Crawford Guarantee, plus grandsons of Bomber. Thirty-one years AI breeding. Reasonably priced. Fromberg, MT. Call 406-425-3814 5/4

YEARLING ANGUS BULLS: These bulls are grown, not fattened, will get out and cover cows. Many will work on heifers. We will deliver. Call Joe Buseman, 605-351-1535 5/4

FOR SALE PRIVATE TREATY: REGISTERED YEARLING ANGUS BULLS. Sired by some of the best genetics in the breed as well as our top-end herd bulls. NEVER BEFORE offered. Deep set of CALVING EASE heifer bulls and POWERFUL cow bulls available. Semen tested and up-to-date on summer kickout vaccinations. Ready to go to work for you. Selling on first come, first served basis. Volume discounts apply. Free delivery available. MILLER ANGUS FARMS, Estelline, SD. Kody, 605-690-1997 or Brady, 605-690-5733. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 5/25

RED ANGUS HIGH-ELEVATION YEARLING BULLS FOR SALE IN NORTHEASTERN UTAH: Out of AI and bull-bred sires. Will be trich, semen tested and fed for free until May 1. $2,500/head. Bar Lazy TL Ranch, David, 435828-1320, barlazytlranch@ gmail.com 6/30

Red Angus

RED ANGUS 2-YEAR-OLD

FORAGE BULLS FOR SALE: Bulls for heifers and cows. Smaller framed, efficient, easy fleshing, good dispositions. Not fat, but in great shape and ready to go to work. Have been worked with dogs, on foot and horseback. Raised in rugged, rough, steep, rocky, high elevation country. Red Fork Red Angus, Ken & Cheri Graves, Kaycee, WY, phone 307-7382247, cell 307-267-0724, email gravesredfork@rtconnect.net 5/11

SIMANGUS BULLS FOR SALE: 18-month-olds and yearlings. Sired by TJ Chief, Tehama Tahoe, TJ Big Easy, TJ Flatiron, MR SR Highlife, EWA Peyton or sons of TJ Main Event and SAV Rainfall. Call James Dilka/ Dilka Cattle, 970-396-8791, thedilkas@aol.com 5/18

SAMANTHA CAMPBELL REGISTERED HEREFORD

BULLS: Open house Sat. May 11, 18 and 25 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 28698 WCR

CHAROLAIS BULLS • 20-months-old • Registered • Performance plus calving ease • Ready to work • $4,000 • Pedigrees and videos: www.WagnerCharolais.com • Call 970420-2336 5/25

PASTURE WANTED: I am looking for a ranch lease or summer pasture lease for 250-500 pairs. Call Joe, 605-830-2210, jrcredangus@yahoo.com 5/18

PASTURE WANTED for 2,000 yearlings and 500 pairs. Can split into smaller bunches. Call 701-523-1235 5/25

SHORTHORN BULLS FOR SALE PRIVATE TREATY: Yearlings up to mature bulls available. Developed conservatively so they hold up. Remember a red Shorthorn bull on your homozygous black cows will give you black calves. Shorthorns are excellent maternal cattle that produce quality beef. Francis-Millvale Shorthorns, Gene and Roberta Francis Family, 701-331-2403, e-mail francis. millvale@gmail.com. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 5/11

SAMANTHA CAMPBELL REGISTERED HEREFORD BULLS Open house Saturday May 11, 18 and 25 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 28698 WCR 74 Eaton, CO 80615 For more information, contact: Kristy Campbell 970-405-6093

REGISTERED TEXAS LONGHORNS: Brush clearing, lowmaintenance cattle, trafficstopping colors, fascinating to watch, great pedigrees. Gentle pairs, steers, heifers, solid and colorful bulls. Raise for excellent beef, fun to show, simple handling. Herd package discounts available. Westhaven Ranch, 209-274-9917, e-mail swestmoore@gmail.com, website www.westhavenlonghorns.com To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 5/25

ORIGINAL DOCTOR’S BUGGY FOR SALE: Dark green body, red interior, black top. Top folds back to make into a convertible. Oak wheels with rubber on them. A1 condition. Was made by W.A. Heiss Coach Company in Mifflinburg, PA, company was in business from 1884-1920. Single horse shaft, always stored inside. Worland, WY. Call 307-347-2095. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 5/4

HarvXtra® alfalfa with Roundup Ready® technology, Roundup Ready® alfalfa and conventional varieties available! Plant the best! Buffalo Brand Seed for annual forages, cover crops, pasture grasses, small grains and custom mixes.

SPRING’S HERE!! BOOT UP AT MOSS SADDLES, BOOTS AND TACK!! $AVE ON BOOTS!!! HONDO, BOULET, JUSTIN WORK BOOTS, TWISTED X (boots and shoes) and more!! Something for everyone!! GREAT selection of GIFTS for GRADUATION and MOTHER’S DAY!! WE CAN ship!! Shop Moss Saddles, Boots and Tack, 4648 West Yellowstone Highway, Casper, WY; 307-472-1872. Our family serving yours for 50 years!! Check us out on Facebook or our website 5/4

LS CUSTOM LEATHER: Belts, tack, cell phone cases and much more!! Contact Lester, 307-631-1053, leave a message. Located in Riverton, WY 5/4

Hay & Feed

CERTIFIED WEED-FREE

PURE ALFALFA HAY: Small squares, all covered. First, second and third cutting available. Will load trucks and any open trailer. OATS: Combine run. Will auger into truck, trailer or large totes/ag bags. STRAW: Small squares available. Located between Powell and Cody, WY. Call or text Knopp Farms at 307-2540554 6/22

VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Hay available. Go to www.valleyvideohay. com or call Barry McRea, 308-235-5386 5/25

ROUND BALED GRASS HAY FOR SALE: Cody, WY area, 1,000 lb. net-wrapped bales, $50/bale. Call, don’t text, Anthony at 307-254-2645 5/11

HAY FOR SALE: 3x3 and round bales. Call 605-8400015 5/4

2023 ALFALFA AND ALFALFA/GRASS MIX HAY, 3x3 bales, barn stored. ALSO, SOME FEEDER HAY and BARLEY STRAW available. Call 307-350-0350, Farson, WY 5/25

ROUND BALES: QUALITY GRASS HAY FOR SALE, bales weigh approximately 1,300 lbs. each, Laramie, WY. Call 307-760-8429 5/4

285 PLUS TONS OF 2023 GRASS HAY: 3x4, $175/ton, Encampment, WY. Call 307321-1444 TFN

CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE, 3x4 bales. Cody, WY. Call 307-899-1952 TFN

FOR SALE: John Deere 7000 4RW corn planter. 2016 Volvo semi (daycab), D13 Detroit engine 435 HP, Volvo I-Shift automatic transmission, 309,000 miles, air slide 5th wheel, very clean and nice. H&S 7+4 17’ chuckwagons with bunk feeding extensions and tandem 14 ton running gear. Two John Deere 716A chuckwagons with John Deere running gear and bunk feeding extensions, been shedded, nice condition. Phoenix H14 42’ rotary harrow. 10’x24’ heavy duty bale hauler. John Deere 2155 diesel tractor, wide front, fenders, 3 pt., nice acreage tractor. Lorenz 16’x29’ stack mover. 12’ box scraper. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-999-5482 5/4

THE HOT SPRINGS COUNTY FAIR BOARD IS ACCEPTING SEALED BIDS: BIDS ARE DUE MAY 6 and can be mailed to PO Box 1367, Thermopolis, WY 82443. The fair board reserves the right to refuse all bids. PRIEFERT ROPING CHUTE and 2006 JOHN DEERE 5303 with 64 HP, 1,630 hours, 2 hydraulic hook-ups, good tires. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 5/4 FOR SALE: 7140 International Magnum tractor. 9600 John Deere combine with 930 30’ grain header and a 893 8 row 30” corn header. 20’ Krause offset disc (new blades in front). ALSO, 8 feeder pigs. Contact Greg Keller at 406679-1136 5/18

GOOD QUALITY OAT HAY : 3x4 bales, barn stored, $90/ ton, tests available. ALSO, grass hay or alfalfa, barn stored, $125/ton. Lusk, WY. Call Paul Hicks, 970-2035019 5/11

BARLEY STRAW: Certified weed-free small squares, $4/ bale. ALSO, 5x6 round bales, $125/ton. GRAIN/OATS, $20/ cwt. Greybull, WY area. Call 307-762-3878 or 307-8994714, leave message 5/18

HAY FOR SALE: Grass, alfalfa and grass/alfalfa mix hay. ALSO, OAT HAY AND STRAW. Small squares, 3x3s, 3x4s and round bales. Delivery available!! Large quantities still available. Call today for best price, 307-630-3046 5/18

DO YOU WANT TO RETIRE AT THE TOP OF THIS MARKET AND KNOW YOUR LAND IS IN GOOD HANDS? Regen, LLC is a business that provides for ranchers/ landowners the service of professional ranch management. We work to understand your needs on your ranch and provide a professional management team tenancy where you no longer need to worry about the work, get paid competitive rent and can keep the ranch legacy intact. Instead of selling, please consider renting the ranch to our team. We are a family business, based in Wyoming and with expertise in all arrangements of federal, state and deeded land and work every day to accomplish our mission. We steward land with regenerative principles, where animals thrive by connecting rich heritage to vibrant futures. Call Sage, 307-351-4875 or e-mail at saskin12@gmail. com 5/11

ARE YOU IN NEED OF A NEW HERDER CAMP OR A PERSONAL RANGE CAMP FOR YOUR FAMILY? Contact us at Western Range Camps and see what we can build for you. We specialize in quality, handcrafted camps built to your specifications. Contact us today to design the camp just right for you. Western Range Camps, 435-4625300, heidi@wrcamps.com, 1145 S. Blackhawk Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647 5/4

217-8573377 or cell/text 217-343-4962, visit website www.borriesopenpollinatedseedcorn.com 5/18

2023 HAY FOR SALE: First and second cutting, grass/ alfalfa mix. ALSO, milo, oat and corn stover hay. All in netwrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, ask for Clint, 701290-4418, send a text if no answer or keep trying 5/18

SECOND CUTTING ALFALA

HAY FOR SALE: 3x3 bales weighing approximately 800 lbs. No weather damage, under tarp. One semi load left or will sell in small lots. $150/ton. Pavillion, WY. Ranch phone, 307-856-1226, if no answer, leave a message or text 307730-8830 5/11

800 TONS NICE, green grass/ alfalfa mix (80/20); 600 TONS MIX with rain and/or weeds (cow/grinding hay); 300 TONS GRASS HAY, green; 1,000 TONS TRITICALE HAY, mostly green, some with rain; SEVERAL LOADS MILLET HAY, nice!! All types, mostly round bales, some 3x4/4x4. Delivery available. Please call 307-630-3768. Marketed by the Cheyenne, WY area producer 5/11

Hereford

Hay & Feed

Silesia, MT. Located 10 miles south of Laurel, MT (off of Clarks River Rd., the old highway). Visit our website www.mtrrservices.com 5/4

LEGEND FENCING: Specializing in livestock fences. Call 307887-2855 for a free estimate. Serving Southeast Idaho and Western Wyoming 5/11

LODGEPOLE PRODUCTS, 307-742-6992, SERVING AGRI-BUSINESSES SINCE 1975!! Treated posts, corral poles, buck-and-rail, western rail, fence stays, rough-sawn lumber, bedding. SEE US at www.lodgepoleproducts. com and click our “Picking A Fence Post” tab to see why folks choose our posts!! TFN

Pipe

PIPE FOR SALE!! 2 7/8”, 3 1/2” tubing, 4” drill pipe, 4 1/2” casing, 5” casing, 7” casing. Rods 3/4”, 7/8” and 1” located in Montana, can ship anywhere. Call Mike, 602-758-4447. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 9/21

OILFIELD PIPE: PRICE REDUCED!! RPJ Enterprises, Inc. 2 3/8” and 2 7/8” is available. Used for fencing, corrals, cattle guards, etc. 2 3/8” and 2 7/8” are on average 31.5’ long per joint. Pierce, CO. Call for details, 970-3244580 7/27

3 TUBS RANCH: 3,316+ deeded acres in the treed canyons of 66 Mountain, LaGrange, WY. Lush meadows and mountain outcroppings. Deer, antelope, turkey and sage grouse. Run cows through 12 pastures, plus improvements. Excellent calving facilities. $4,700,000 Pictures and video at www. buyaranch.com. Call Casey Essert, Land Broker, 307532-1750 5/4

Property for Sale

NORTHEAST OREGON, THE DLX RANCH: Located near Baker City, OR the DLX is noted as one of the most productive and finest ranches around. It is well balanced and contains 17,000 deeded acres with 4,000 acres of irrigated meadows and cropland. Native and improved rangeland provides good spring and summer pasture. The ranch is well improved with nice homes, excellent livestock working facilities and is noted for its production and ease of operation and management. Abundant water and over 6 miles of the Powder River running through the ranch provide for not only production but unbelievable waterfowl and upland game bird habitat. The ranch also provides good populations of elk and mule deer. Situated in the heart of the Baker Valley, the ranch enjoys very scenic mountain views and is very private yet only a short drive to Baker City, OR. Currently operated as a commercial cow/ calf operation with a permitted feedlot. The ranch would also make an ideal yearling or combination operation. It is rare to find this quality of a ranch and particularly a property that is a going concern. This is a first-time offering and we look forward to hearing from you. $32,500,000. Livestock and rolling stock available by separate treaty. Please give us a call for further information, Greg Sackos, 541-5234434 (office) or 208-598-0267 (cell), Intermountain Realty, www.intermountainland.com 5/18

OLD FARM WITH 4 ACRES: Nice out buildings, hundreds of trees, well, natural gas. Three bedroom, 1 bathroom house, needs remodeled. ALSO , included 2,500 sq. ft. steel building in excellent condition. Powell, WY, $349,000. Call 307-219-2217 or 719217-8054 5/11

OREGON RANCH, Baker City, Baker County, OR. The Alder Creek pasture contains over 2,000 acres of native spring, summer and fall pasture. The rangeland is situated just east of Baker City, OR. The property is in good condition and has good perimeter fencing. The range is gently south facing slope with a variety of native grass. FIRST TIME OFFERING at just over $500 per acre for deeded and contiguous ownership, $1,095,000. Please give us a call for further information, Greg Sackos, 541-523-4434 (office) or 208-598-0267 (cell), Intermountain Realty, www.intermountainland.com 5/18

66.856 ACRES, JUST NORTHWEST OF RED LODGE, MT BORDERING THE GOLF COURSE: This property is presently agriculturally zoned, current use is hay and pasture and it is fenced and cross fenced. Enjoy views of several mountain ranges and lots of water, including Spring Creek frontage, mature trees and lush grass. Could be zoned commercially, allowing for development of a number of homesites and/ or other commercial ventures. This property is simply loaded with possibilities. Access is off Willow Creek Road. DNRC Right Nos. 43D 216331-00 and 43D 200020-00, Pryde Ditch and West Fork of Rock Creek. $2,300,000. Property to be shown by appointment only and listing agent shall accompany all showings. Sellers ask that prospective buyers respect their privacy. Call Bill at 406-698-9266 for a tour of this parcel TFN

ANTLER MARKET STEADY TO STRONG!!! MAY 8-10 PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL GRADES OF ANTLER AND LATE SEASON FUR IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS AND LOCATIONS: MAY 8: Newcastle 7:10-7:30 p.m., Voelker’s Body Shop. MAY 9: Newcastle 6:306:50 a.m., Voelker’s Body Shop; Upton 7:20-7:40 a.m., Joe’s Grocery (drive thru, call Greg); Moorcroft 8-8:20 a.m., The Coffee Cup (drive thru, call Greg); Sundance 8:45-9:30 a.m., Rapid Stop; Beulah 10-10:20 a.m., Truck Stop (drive thru, call Greg); Spearfish, S.D. 10:30-11 a.m., Butcher Shop; Belle Fourche, S.D. 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Runnings (NE parking lot); Aladdin 12:20-12:50 p.m., General Store (drive thru, call Greg); Hulett 1-1:30 p.m., Tower Valley Ag Supply; Alzada, MT 2:15-2:30 p.m., B&J Convenience (drive thru, call Greg); Gillette 7-7:30 p.m., Rocky Mountain Sports and Howard Johnson Motel room 143 7:458:15 p.m. MAY 10: Gillette 5:45-6 a.m., Rocky Mountain Sports (drive thru, call Greg); Wright 6:20-6:50 a.m., Big D (drive thru); Midwest 7:508:10 a.m., Sinclair Truck Stop (drive thru, call Greg); Kaycee 8:35-9 a.m., Sinclair Truck Stop; Sheridan 10:30-11 a.m., Sportsman’s Warehouse; Buffalo 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Good 2 Go; Ten Sleep 1:502:20 p.m., Pony Express; Hyattville 3-3:20 p.m., Paint Rock Processing (drive thru, call Greg); Manderson 3:403:50 p.m., Hiway Bar (drive thru, call Greg); Basin 4-4:20 p.m., Overland Express Mart (drive, thru); Greybull 4:40-5 p.m., Overland Express Mart (drive thru, call Greg); Lovell 5:50-6:20 p.m., Good 2 Go (drive thru); Byron 6:10-6:20 p.m., Cardtrol Station (drive thru, call/text Greg); Powell 6:50-7:10 p.m., Murdoch’s (drive thru); Cody 7:40-8 p.m., Nature’s Design Taxidermy. For more information, call Greg, 308-750-0700 or visit www.petskafur.net 5/4

ANTLER MARKET STEADY TO STRONG!!! MAY 11-13

PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL GRADES OF ANTLER AND LATE SEASON FUR IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS AND LOCATIONS: MAY 11: Meeteetse 6:306:45 a.m., Elk Horn Bar (drive thru); Worland 7:40-8:10 a.m., Coop One Stop; Thermopolis 9-9:20 a.m., Renegade Guns; Shoshoni 10:10-10:30 a.m., Fast Lane/Exxon (west of truck diesel pumps, (drive thru, call Greg); Riverton 1111:45 a.m., Vic’s Body Shop (behind the Dollar Tree); Hudson 12:10-12:20 p.m., Wyoming Custom Meats (drive thru, call/text Greg); Lander 12:50-1:30 p.m., Zanders; Jeffrey City 2:30-2:45 p.m., Split Rock Cafe (drive thru); Muddy Gap 3-3:10 p.m., (drive thru, call/text Greg); Alcova 3:50-4 p.m., Sloanes General Store (drive thru, call/text Greg); Casper 4:30-5:15 p.m., Wagner Outdoor Sports; Glenrock 5:45-6 p.m., east exit on I-25 (drive thru, call/text Greg); Douglas 6:30-6:45 p.m., Douglas Feed. MAY 12: Douglas 6:30-6:45 a.m., Douglas Feed (drive thru); Orin Junction 7-7:10 a.m., Truck Stop (drive thru, call Greg); Lost Springs 7:30-7:40 a.m., truck pull off 1 mile east (drive thru, call Greg); Manville 8-8:10 a.m., Truck Stop (drive thru, call Greg); Lusk 8:30 a.m.-9 a.m., Decker’s Grocery; Hartville 9:50-10 a.m., Miner’s & Stockman’s Restaurant (drive thru, call Greg); Guernsey 10:15-10:45 a.m., Crazy Tony’s; Wheatland 11:15-11:45 a.m., Wheatland Travel Center; Chugwater 12:15-12:30 p.m., Stampede Saloon (drive thru); Cheyenne 1:15-1:45 p.m., Tractor Supply; Archer 2:10-2:30 p.m., Home on the Ranch Processing (drive thru, call Greg); Carpenter 2:503 p.m., Antelope Truck Stop (drive thru, call Greg); Pine Bluffs 3-3:20 p.m., Sinclair (drive thru, call Greg). MAY 13: LaGrange 6:45-7a.m., Bear Mtn. Stage Stop (drive thru, call Greg); Hawk Springs 7:20-7:30 a.m., Longbranch Saloon (drive thru, call Greg); Yoder 7:50-8 a.m., Post Office/Community Building (drive thru, call Greg); Lingle 8:20-8:40 a.m., Ty’s Pit Stop; Torrington 9:10-9:30 a.m., Gary’s Gunshop (drive thru). For more information, call Greg, 308-750-0700 or visit www.petskafur.net 5/4

Benefits of traceability

In its final rule, APHIS notes this new amendment will enhance the industry’s ability to quickly respond to high-risk diseases, both domestic and foreign.

One disease of particular importance is foot and mouth disease (FMD), which is estimated to cause $221 billion in economic losses if an outbreak were to occur in the U.S.

“One of the most significant benefits of the rule for farmers and ranchers will be the enhanced ability of the U.S. to limit impacts of animal disease outbreaks to certain regions, which is key to maintaining our foreign markets,” wrote USDA in their April 26 news brief announcing the rule.

“By being able to readily prove disease-free status in non-affected regions of the U.S., we will be able to request foreign trading partners recognize diseasefree regions or zones instead of cutting off trade for the entire country,” the agency continues. “Traceability of animals is necessary to establish these disease-free zones and facilitate reestablishment of foreign and domestic market access with minimum delay in the wake of an animal disease event.”

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

(NCBA) offered their support of the rule, and following its announcement on April 26, NCBA President and Wyoming Rancher Mark Eisele issued a statement.

Eisele notes many cattlemen are already familiar with using visual tags under the USDA’s 2013 rule, and now, the only change they will have to implement is using EIDs.

“NCBA has worked hard to secure $15 million in funding for producers to reduce the cost of implementing this change,” he shares. “We also remain committed to safeguarding producers’ private data and continuing to reduce the cost of eartags for farmers and ranchers.”

Eisele points out EIDs are often easier to read, only 11 percent of the U.S. cow herd is impacted by this rule, and the rule won’t take effect for another six months, allowing producers time to prepare.

He adds, “Our industry faces a tremendous threat from the risk of a future foreign animal disease on American soil. To avoid devastating financial losses during a potential outbreak and to help producers quickly return to commerce, we need an efficient animal disease traceability system.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will continue to provide tags to producers free of charge. For information on how to obtain free tags, visit aphis.usda.gov/ livestock-poultry-disease/ traceability.

MARNEY

serving the organization in this new role, working with college leadership, the Extension administration team and our field faculty to make positive differences in the lives of Wyoming residents.”

Marney also looks forward to building relationships with stakeholders and partners on a regional scale.

In 2023, she helped launch the Western Region Mental Health and Nutrition Network, bringing together researchers and professionals to address widespread challenges related to nutrition, food security and mental health.

Marney’s interdisciplinary approach to community outreach stems from both her academic background and her experience as an educator and administrator at several land-grant universities.

Prior to joining UW

Industry opposition

While some appreciate the potential benefits EIDs will provide to the industry, others are not as supportive of the new rule.

R-CALF USA Chief Executive Officer Bill Bullard expressed his organization’s disappointment in the rule.

“It’s no surprise while USDA claims this EID mandate is to improve disease control, it proudly discloses in the rule’s accompanying press release ‘the most significant benefit of the rule is to maintain foreign markets,’” Bullard says. “This is because the beneficiaries of this rule are not cattle producers or consumers. Instead, this rule is intended to benefit multinational beef packers and multinational eartag manufacturers who will profit at the expense of cattle producers and consumers.”

He continues, “In fact, because the rule is cost-prohibitive for independent cattle producers, the agency is using millions of taxpayer dollars to give millions of their unnecessary EID eartags away.”

Bullard further notes R-CALF USA will fight against the implementation of “this disastrous rule which infringes on the freedoms and liberties of the nation’s independent cattle farmers and ranchers.”

“This is government overreach at its worst,” he concludes. “Our goal will be to restore for our nation’s cattle producers the flexibility USDA promised them when they agreed to the agency’s 2013 rule.”

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

continued from page 1

Extension, Marney served as district director at Kansas State University Research and Extension. She also held several positions at the University of Missouri Extension, including Extension associate in bioengineering, agriculture preparedness specialist and community development specialist.

As a student at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Marney earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural journalism, followed by a master’s degree in environment and behavior and a PhD in human environmental sciences. From 2007-16, she served as a program director for the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. Brooke Ortel is a writer and editor for UW Extension. This article was originally published in UW Ag News on April 29.

For more information about University of Wyoming Extension, visit uwyo. edu/uwe or call 307-766-5124.

To contact Mandy Marney, e-mail amarney@uwyo.edu.

BuRec invites public comment

Bureau of Reclamation (BuRec), along with Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails, is seeking public comment on an integrated resource management plan (RMP) and environmental assessment (EA) for Buffalo Bill Reservoir and State Park.

The plan outlines potential recreation improvements and other management actions at the reservoir, which BuRec owns and manages in terms of operations and Wyoming State Parks manages in terms of recreation.

The draft RMP and EA describes the needs and

opportunities, public issues and concerns, goals and objectives, specific management objectives and proposed action at the reservoir. Because the reservoir is federally owned and managed, proposed recreation improvements are required to be disclosed and analyzed under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Specific and substantial comments received about the RMP and EA during the comment period will be analyzed and responded to by BuRec and/or Wyoming State Parks.

Comments on the draft RMP and EA should be spe-

cific and should address the adequacy of the statement and the merits of the alternatives discussed.

The RMP and EA are available at wyoparks.wyo. gov/index.php/buffalo-billmaster-plan

Comments on the RMP/ EA will be accepted in writing during the public comment period through June 10 and can be provided online at the aforementioned weblink, e-mailed to carlyann.carruthers@wyo. gov or sent via mail to Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82002.

Multi-Party liquidation auction

Multi-Party liquidation auction

Saturday May

18th

Saturday May 18th – Starting @ 10AM 2092 Ridley Rd., Cheyenne WY

– Starting @ 10AM 2092 Ridley Rd., Cheyenne WY

Tractors, Trailers, Vehicles, & Equipment • John Deere 6115D MFWD tractor w. 563 loader & grapple. LHR, 3 pt., dual PTO, dual remotes, 18.4-38 tires. Sells w/ 2600 hrs. SN 1P6115DKAH020951 •

Tractors, Trailers, Vehicles, & Equipment • John Deere 6115D MFWD tractor w. 563 loader & grapple. LHR, 3 pt., dual PTO, dual remotes, 18.4-38 tires. Sells w/ 2600 hrs. SN 1P6115DKAH020951 • 2009 Easley GN Stock trailer. 6.8’X20’ w/ 3 cuts (4x8x8), 4’ side ramp, & slider rear gate • welding trailer that will incl. a Bobcat 250 welder/generator (CC/CV, AC/DC) w/ 570 hrs., 10K generator, oxy/acetylene torch, • (2) portable panel trailers that will haul up to 50 panels per trailer • Tow Master 24’ GN flatbed trailer. (20’ deck w/ a

grain & grass seed boxes, packer wheels. • International 3688 tractor w/ cab. 18.4-38 rear tires, 3 pt., 2 remotes, 1000/540 pto, • Ford 3910 Diesel utility tractor. 3 pt., • (2) batwing mowers incl. a B&E 20’ mower • Lely Roterra rotary tiller • 2000 International Navistar 9100i4x2 semi eng., • 2004 Ford F250 crew cab w/ V10 gas eng., 4WD, manual trans., steel flatbed, • 1988 Ford Bronco II. 4 WD. Auto trans. Showing 78K miles. Accuracy not confirmed • 2006 Ford F150 crew cab shortbox w/ 5.4L Triton eng., custom wheels • 1999 Ford F350 crew cab dually w/ 7.3 diesel eng. Hay, Fencing Material & Misc • (10) 21 bale bundles of 2nd cutting, grass/alfalfa mix hay. 30/70 ratio, stored inside, horse hay quality. 2023 crop • asst. of fence posts, both steel & wood posts in a variety of sizes. • lg. offering of guardrail • mult. Pcs. Of decking from a former pedestrian catwalk. • extensive offering of woven wire in good shape • 14’ cattle guard with side wings Light Plant, Skid Loader Attachments, Shop, Riding • 2 light plants: Magnum unit w/ 5304 hrs. Model MLT4060MMH, SN 071871 W/ A 6000 watt generator • Handy Attachment rotating pole clamp. Skid Loader attachment. Model HSRC12 • set of 4 solid skid loader tires. (10-16.5 L514PR) • Sweepster skid loader mount broom • 50 sticks of 2 3/8” pipe • lg. offering of asst. structural steel incl. rectangular, round, & square tubing ranging in size from 1 ¼” to 3” • asst. of jointed sucker rod in a variety of diameters • Hustler “O” turn riding mower. 72” deck, converted to propane, (gas tank is available to switch it back to gas) 883 hrs. w/ the Hyper-Drive Industrial drive system. • 7 spare propane bottles (will fit the Hustler mower, fork lifts, etc.) • Jacobsen LF100 Reel mower, diesel Storage trailers, portable sheds, upright units • Mult. Semi storage trailers • 2 portable steel framed buildings. 1. 8’X12’, completely surrounded w/ OSB, fully insulated & wired w/ outlets (needs only to be plugged into 110) w/ vinyl floor. 2. 8’x10’ that will be similar to #1 but w/ 30 +/- Trees. Variety of trees incl. honey locust, 307-532-4976 or 307-534-5156

• John Deere drill w/ dbl. disk openers, grain & grass seed boxes, packer wheels. • International 3688 tractor w/ cab. 18.4-38 rear tires, 3 pt., 2 remotes, 1000/540 pto, • Ford 3910 Diesel utility tractor. 3 pt., • (2) batwing mowers incl. a B&E 20’ mower • Lely Roterra rotary tiller • 2000 International Navistar 9100i4x2 semi truck. 10 sp. Trans., Cummins eng., • 2004 Ford F250 crew cab w/ V10 gas eng., 4WD, manual trans., steel flatbed, • 1988 Ford Bronco II. 4 WD. Auto trans. Showing 78K miles. Accuracy not confirmed • 2006 Ford F150 crew cab shortbox w/ 5.4L Triton eng., custom wheels • 1999 Ford F350 crew cab dually w/ 7.3 diesel eng. Hay, Fencing Material & Misc • (10) 21 bale bundles of 2nd cutting, grass/alfalfa mix hay. 30/70 ratio, stored inside, horse hay quality. 2023 crop • asst. of fence posts, both steel & wood posts in a variety of sizes. • lg. offering of guardrail • mult. Pcs. Of decking from a former pedestrian catwalk. • extensive offering of woven wire in good shape • 14’ cattle guard with side wings Light Plant, Skid Loader Attachments, Shop, Riding Mower & Misc. • 2 light plants: Magnum unit w/ 5304 hrs. Model MLT4060MMH, SN 071871 W/ A 6000 watt generator • Handy Attachment rotating pole clamp. Skid Loader attachment. Model HSRC12 • set of 4 solid skid loader tires. (10-16.5 L514PR) • Sweepster skid loader mount broom • 50 sticks of 2 3/8” pipe • lg. offering of asst. structural steel incl. rectangular, round, & square tubing ranging in size from 1 ¼” to 3” • asst. of jointed sucker rod in a variety of diameters • Hustler “O” turn riding mower. 72” deck, converted to propane, (gas tank is available to switch it back to gas) 883 hrs. w/ the Hyper-Drive Industrial drive system. • 7 spare propane bottles (will fit the Hustler mower, fork lifts, etc.) • Jacobsen LF100 Reel mower, diesel • Storage trailers, portable sheds, upright units • Mult. Semi storage trailers • 2 portable steel framed buildings. 1. 8’X12’, completely surrounded w/ OSB, fully insulated & wired w/ outlets (needs only to be plugged into 110) w/ vinyl floor. 2. 8’x10’ that will be similar to #1 but w/ out the insulation. • 20’ tilt-up storage container • 30 +/- Trees. Variety of trees incl. honey locust, Canadian Reds, cottonwoods, that are bundled in burlap or in pots. McnaMee auction co, llc 307-532-4976 or 307-534-5156 www.mcnameeauctioncompany.com

the CALSNR Outstanding Staff Award, went to UW Zoology and Physiology Master Technician Steven DeVries and Dean’s Office Coordinator of College Affairs Kelly Wiseman.

Presenting the UW Extension Administrative Professional of the Year Award was UW Associate Dean and Agricultural Experiment Station Director Eric Webster who presented this year’s award to Campbell County Administrative Assistant Treasure Boller.

Webster also presented the UW Extension Bright Future Award to Fremont County Administrative Assistant Kassie Weber and the UW Extension Newer Employee Recognition Award to Johnson County 4-H Youth Development Educator Bryce McKenzie.

Next to be honored

was Niobrara County 4-H Youth Development Educator Kellie Chichester, Park County 4-H Youth Development Educator Mary Louise Wood, Natrona County Community Vitality and Health Educator Joddee Jacobsen and Weston County 4-H Youth Development Educator Erin Persche, who all received the UW Extension Creative Excellence Recognition Award.

The final award Webster presented was the Jim Debree Excellence in Extension Award, which went to Teton County Community Vitality and Health Educator Mary Martin.

“This is one of our most prestigious awards, and this is the second time Martin has won it – she won it 10 years ago as well,” Webster stated. “She is one of our best educators and represents our Exten-

sion programs well.”

Additional award winners

Carman, Crane and Webster also recognized Laramie Research and Extension Center Accountant Amy Newman as the recipient of the Kathleen Bertoncelj Wyoming Agriculture Experiment Station Outstanding Staff Award.

Next to be honored was UW Department of Molecular Biology Assistant Professor Dr. Thomas Boothby, who received the Agriculture Experiment Station Early Career Research Award.

“I appreciate the award and all of the support I have received from my team and department,” Boothby said. “It’s been a pleasure starting up the lab here and getting to work with so many fantastic colleagues. Thank you very much.”

Webster acknowledged Boothby has received six new extramural and three intramural grants and has one proposal currently

USDA requires reporting

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director William Bunce reminds foreign investors with an interest in agricultural land in the U.S. they are required to report their land holdings and transactions to USDA.

The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) requires foreign investors who buy, sell or hold an interest in U.S. agricultural land to report their holdings and transactions to the USDA.

Foreign investors must file AFIDA Report Form FSA-153 with the FSA county office in the county where the land is located. Large or complex filings may be handled by AFIDA headquarters staff in Washington, D.C.

According to CFR Title Seven Part 781, any foreign person who holds an interest in U.S. agricultural land is required to report their holdings no later than 90 days

after the date of the transaction.

“Failure to file a report or filing a late or inaccurate report can result in a penalty with fines up to 25 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land,” said Bunce.

Foreign investors should report holdings of agricultural land totaling 10 acres or more used for farming, ranching or timber production and leaseholds on agricultural land of 10 or more years.

Tracts totaling 10 acres or less in the aggregate and which produce annual gross receipts in excess of $1,000 from the sale of farm, ranch, forestry or timber products must also be reported.

Assistance in completing the FSA153 report may be obtained from the local county FSA office. For more information regarding AFIDA or FSA programs, contact the Wyoming State Office at 307-2615231 or visit fsa.usda.gov

under review.

“This is truly an impressive effort and an outstanding achievement for a new faculty member who has been with UW for just a year,” Webster said.

This year, the Agricultural Experiment Station Outstanding Research Award had four nominees, with the award going to UW CALSNR Professor Dr. Jeff Beck.

Webster noted, “Beck is running a prolific research program and has acquired over $11 million in funding.”

Beth Fowers, UW assistant research scientist, received a new award this year – the Agriculture Experiment Station Outstanding Research Support Award.

Final awards

Webster honored three recipients from the Agricultural Experiment Station Reflections Faculty Author Award, all out of UW’s Department of Zoology and Physiology.

The honorees were recognized for their recent publication and include Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Federal Staff Unit Leader Matt Kauffman, Assistant Unit Leader Annika Walters and Assistant Unit Leader Anna Chalfoun.

The Wyoming Unit is a cooperative research program housed under UW’s Zoology and Physiology Department.

UW PhD Student Sabrina White in the Department of Zoology and Physiology was the recipient of the Reflections Student Author Award in memory of Lynn Feltner for her research article “How do Wyoming bumble bees respond to heat stress.”

The next award is the most prestigious award UW offers for education excellence, and recipients received a monetary award and a plaque which will be displayed in the college.

The CALSNR Outstanding Educator Award went to four outstanding recipients, including Park County 4-H Youth Development Educator Mary Louise Wood, UW Department of Family and Consumer Science Assistant Lecturer Sarah Lee, UW Department of Botany Instructional Professor and Associate Director of Life Sciences Program Dr. Chris North and UW Zoology and Physiology Assistant Professor Dr. Amy Navratil.

Crane presented the final award of the ceremony, which was the Andrew Vanvig Outstanding Lifetime Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award, going to UW Zoology and Physiology Department Head and Professor Dr. Robert Scott Seville.

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

Cattle U 2024 planned

Cattle U, an educational conference and networking event hosted by High Plains Journal (HPJ), is set for June 25 in Manhattan, Kan. at the Hilton Garden Inn. This will be the sixth year for Cattle U, and the second year it will be held in Manhattan, Kan. It is designed to provide opportunities for cattle producers to take their operation to the next level.

New to this year’s event will be the inclusion of Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification, which can be achieved by attending the BQA education sessions. BQA certification lasts for three years and keeps producers up to date on the best management practices for their cattle.

Attendees who complete their BQA training will be automatically entered to win giveaway prizes provided by Certified Angus Beef (CAB). CAB and Sysco will also sponsor a premium lunch for all attendees at the Cattle U event.

This year’s education will include a keynote address, a producer panel discussion, two BQA sessions and six breakout education sessions.

HPJ will also present the Cattle U awards, which include Cattlewoman of the Year and Cattleman of the Year. Readers and attendees are encouraged to submit nominations for the awards at cattleu.net/ awards-nominations/

Winners will be notified in advance and will receive free lodging, if needed, to attend Cattle U and recognition during the awards ceremony.

Registration is free. However, attendees are encouraged to register online by June 10 to secure a seat and a complimentary lunch.

To learn more about the speakers or sponsors or to register, visit cattleu.net/ For questions about Cattle U, contact Kylie Reiss at 785-346-4067 or kreiss@hpj.com.

TUESDAY, MAY 7

REPLACEMENT HEIFERS

Rocking Chair Cattle Co- 100 Blk Ang Replacement Hfrs 700-750#. Rec Vista Once SQ & Vision 7 w/ Somnus @ branding & weaning. Rec comp vacc this spring, poured & bangs vaccinated. 100% sired by low PAP Blk Angus (multiple generation of low PAP). One brand, one raising, high elevation. Ready to breed!!

Yearlings

Riverview Ranch Co- 200 Blk & BWF Hfrs 575-650#. 75 Red & Char X Hfrs 575-650#. Rec Pyramid 5 w/ Presponse, Vision 7, & poured & bangs vaccinated. Conditioned

Weaned a long time. Been out on pasture and long-stemmed hay. Comp vacc. High elevation. Fisher Ranch- 20 Blk steers 700-750#. Complete Vacc. Nice steers

PAIRS

Herb Finlayson- 8 Blk Ang 3-5 Yr old Pairs. Fancy, young pairs, ready for grass!

TUESDAY, MAY 14

TUESDAY, MAY 28

TUESDAY, JUNE 11