Test your ag knowledge with this month’s crossword puzzle Page 6
Rangeland Productivity Forecast and fire preparedness discussed Page 7
Nine policy resolutions approved by WGA for Fiscal Year 2024 Page 9
Added value of preconditioning calves outlined by UW Extension Page 12
The Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) has scheduled a public meeting for Aug. 22, beginning at 8 a.m. via Zoom. Topics include the approval of previous meeting minutes, a director’s update, approval of the WLSB annual report, recording and animal health updates, election of officer’s and other administrative board business, among other things. To join the Zoom meeting, visit us02web. zoom.us/j/81546896427?p wd=DvXmbZVMbK8g89D aNeopT3JsSWFwrW.1
Gov. Mark Gordon announced Wyoming will lead a lawsuit with Texas, North Dakota and 14 other states challenging the latest in a slew of rules from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) targeting the coal industry. This is the fourth suit the governor has filed since EPA released the rule package targeting coal-fired power plants this spring. Wyoming previously filed three lawsuits challenging EPA’s other rules. Wyoming’s lawsuit argues the final rule exceeds EPA’s statutory authority and is otherwise arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion and not in accordance with law.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced changes to the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Farm Loan Programs, effective Sept. 25, which are intended to increase opportunities for farmers and ranchers to be financially viable. These improvements, which are part of the Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans Rule, demonstrate USDA’s commitment to improving farm profitability through farm loans designed to provide important financing options used by producers to cover operating expenses and purchase land and equipment.
Leaders of the Congressional agriculture committees reiterated their support for U.S. sugar policy during the 39th International Sweetener Symposium held in Seattle on Aug. 2-7.
Hosted by the American Sugar Alliance (ASA), this year’s conference, titled “Stability, Security, Safety: The Need for a Strong Farm Bill,” featured sugar industry leaders, policymakers
and economists addressing critical issues facing the sweetener industry.
The ASA is a national coalition of sugarbeet and sugarcane producers, including sugar farm-
ers, sugar processors, sugar refiners, sugar suppliers, sugar workers and others dedicated to preserving a strong U.S. sugar industry.
The organization works
On Aug. 14, Clark and Associates Land Brokers, LLC; Farm Credit Services of America; the University of Wyoming (UW) College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources (CALSNR) and the Wyoming Livestock Roundup hosted the 2024 Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame (HOF) Awards Picnic at Riverside Park in Douglas to recognize Wyoming ag leadership. Individuals recognized during the annual event included Wyoming Ag HOF inductees Philip Ellis of Chugwater and Laurie Boner of Glenrock, as well as the Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom (WAIC) 2024
South Dakota Ranchers Charles and Heather Maude were recently indicted on June 20 by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) on charges of “theft of government property” related to a small piece of USFS land surrounded by the Maude’s private land – land the family has stewarded since the early 1900s.
For generations, the Maude family has had a grazing permit with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland, managed by the USFS.
According to The Cattle Business Weekly, the charges against the Maudes have sparked widespread criticism, and U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) highlighted discrepancies between the cooperative plan originally agreed upon and the aggressive legal action taken in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.
Rounds called the indictments for theft of government property served on the Maudes an overzealous prosecution of a ranching family.
Charles and Heather have been indicted separately, meaning each of them must retain their own legal counsel – adding to their legal fees – and if found guilty, each faces thousands of dollars in fines and/or imprisonment of up to 10 years.
Showing support
On Aug. 8, leaders of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) issued statements in response to news of the Maude family’s indictment by USFS law enforcement officers and the U.S.
Educators of the Year Cami Brown and Sarah Butters from Mountain View Elementary School.
Also in attendance were U.S. Sens. Cynthia Lummis and John Barrassso (both R-WY), Gov. Mark Gordon, First Lady Jennie Gordon, UW CALSNR Interim Dean and Director of the Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Program Kelly Crane and numerous Wyoming ag industry leaders.
“We are so lucky to live in this state because of the people who are here,” Gordon said. “This is the state
Please see HOF on page 5
Douglas – Stormy skies and a sprinkling of rain didn’t deter a large crowd from gathering around the Sheep Show Ring at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds on Aug. 13 for the 2024 Champion of Champions Showcase, where the grand champions from each of Wyoming’s 23 county fairs competed against each other for prestigious honors.
Although the showcase has been held annually for decades, the Wyoming State Fair (WSF) Board revamped the show during last year’s state fair to make it a standout, stand-alone event.
This year, American Boer Goat Association National Show Judge Justin Burns sorted through some of the best livestock
Park County celebrates agricultural heritage during annual festival
The Homesteader Museum and Park County Travel Council have teamed up once again to host the Homesteader Days Festival Sept. 13-14 in Powell.
The festival is an annual celebration of the area’s agricultural heritage – a robust farming community nestled between the Absarokas to the west and the Big Horn Mountains to the east.
In 1909, the Shoshone Reclamation Project opened lands in the Big Horn Basin to farming, which consisted of lettings in the Powell Flat, Deaver, Frannie, Willwood, North End and Heart Mountain.
Park County’s abundant water supply and efficient irrigation systems, which stem from three major rivers – the Greybull River, the Shoshone River and the Clark’s Fork River – has enabled both farming and ranching operations to thrive.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistic Service’s 2017 Census of Agriculture, land in farms makes up 929,926 acres of Park County’s total 3,349,120 acres, with 46,573 acres used to grow hay and haylage; 19,091 acres of barley
Wyoming has to offer, crowning four elite champions in their respective species.
Hailing from Eastland, Texas, Burns owns and operates J and J Livestock with his wife Jennifer and their two children, managing a herd of nearly 200 does and 100 show-type sheep.
Burns earned a Bachelor of Science at Sacramento State University and has judged market and breeding shows in 27 different states.
During the WSF Champion of Champions Steer Show, Burns gave Sweetwater County’s Stetson Rothlisberger the grand champion slap, then honored Sheridan County’s Jhett West as the reserve
The Wyoming State Fair is winding down, and we’re all thankful for the cooler weather and some rain. I realize fire season is still upon us and probably will be until it snows, but hopefully the really hot season is behind us.
Other good news that recently came out is the study published by U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) rangeland scientists from both Burns, Ore. and Fort Collins, Colo.
The study challenged outdated information and management principles related to livestock grazing in the sagebrush steppe and how it was previously thought to negatively impact these ecosystems. Instead, the study saw desirable outcomes, particularly in regard to limiting both wildlife risk and invasive annual grasses.
The researchers reported, “In studying these ecological challenges, ARS scientists discovered strategically applying livestock grazing prior to the occurrence of climate-induced wildfires can modify sagebrush steppe characteristics in ways which decrease fire probability and severity in communities, promote biodiversity while reducing postfire annual grass invasion, fire-induced loss of native bunchgrasses and fire damage to soil biocrusts –the collection of bacteria, fungi and mosses on the soil service.”
The study continued, “The ARS team compared moderately-grazed and ungrazed sagebrush steppe and observed grazing induced shorter flame lengths, slower rates of fire spread and smaller burning fronts. Similarly, strategic grazing in annual grass-dominated rangelands reduced flame length and rate of spread, modifications which resulted in safer and more effective fire suppression.”
The study blamed Europeans in the mid- to late-1800s for their grazing practices of sheep, cattle and horses, stating, “The scientists said these early practices were not ecologically sustainable and led to widespread overuse and degradation to include loss of perennial grasses and forbs, reduced biodiversity, erosion, overabundant unpalatable species and non-native plant invasions.”
There were not many fences in those days, so except for a horse pasture, the rest was open range. I would say they didn’t know of other benefits of fencing except to keep other ranchers’ cattle out.
Kirk Davies, an ARS scientist, said, “Strategically applied grazing can spur desirable social-ecological outcomes such as reduced non-native annual grass invasion, decreased wildfire probability and spread, reduced fire suppression cost and prevent undesirable ecological transformation post fire.”
Davies’ findings also indicated, “Grazing can modify competitive relationships in introduced bunchgrass seeding to favor native species recruitment. This can be particularly valuable for reestablishing sagebrush, a critical shrub for many wildlife species. With careful attention to timing, duration, frequency and intensity of use needed to meet vegetation objectives, strategic grazing has the potential to reduce detrimental impacts of invasive annual grasses, promote native species in introduced grasslands and encourage native shrub recovery.”
Davies further noted, “Recognizing livestock grazing as a tool which can achieve desired outcomes could improve our ability to achieve meaningful rangeland management outcomes in sagebrush and likely other rangeland communities.”
This is a really good and timely study. It gives scientific support for management practices using livestock grazing to minimize fire.
Ranchers have been saying this all along, and for a number of years cities, counties and lately, the U.S. Forest Service have been grazing sheep and goats on forests and open spaces to help with fire control.
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My daily prayers are that American farmers have a good year, in which they produce safe food and fiber for the people of this great country.
However, American farmers’ operating margins are being squeezed each year due to rising labor, fuel, seed, fertilizer, equipment and interest rate costs.
My husband Rick and I grow crops with flood irrigation, and the cost of fuel to irrigate our crops was unbelievable this year. Perhaps we need to count our blessings because we have the farm bill to protect our country’s food supply since agriculture is the foundation of American society.
It is very important to acknowledge the importance of the farm bill, which encompasses hundreds of millions of dollars and touches every part of the food system. Members of U.S. Congress who represent the taxpayers of this country revise and evaluate the
By Klodette Stroh
importance of the farm bill every five years and then proceed to pass it.
Unfortunately, there have been groups from both the far left and far right who want to cut holes in this farmers’ safety net, and they will use every opportunity to do so.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
The farm bill covers both agricultural and nutritional policy by design.
In the 1970s, lawmakers included the food stamp program, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is included in the farm bill to encourage urban lawmakers to support programs benefiting rural farming areas. It also incentivizes lawmakers representing rural areas to support a program to benefit the urban poor.
The last farm bill, passed in 2018, expired in September 2023 and is running on a one-year extension. Con-
gress negotiates a new farm bill every five years.
The 2023 Farm Bill was extended in September of 2023 to be negotiated in 2024 and has a price tag of $1.5 trillion attached to it.
In the latest draft of a $1.5 trillion measure known as the farm bill, Republicans in Congress have plans to spend $50 billion over the next decade to raise price floors for major agricultural products such as corn, wheat, soybeans, cotton and peanuts.
But to pay for those new prices, the House version of the bill would scrap a 2018 change in the law which allowed the president to increase benefits in SNAP, which subsidizes groceries for nearly 42 million Americans each month.
President Joe Biden used this authority in 2021 to boost funding by the largest amount in farm bill history.
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Applications are now being accepted for the annual W.D. Farr Scholarship program. Established in 2007 by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF), the scholarship recognizes outstanding graduate students pursuing careers in meat science and animal agriculture.
Two $15,000 grants are awarded to graduate students who demonstrate superior achievement in academics and leadership and are committed to the advancement of the beef industry. Previous scholarship recipients recognize the program not only benefits their work but also the entire industry.
Graduate students must apply online by submitting a cover letter, curriculum vitae, description of applicant’s goals and experience, a short essay, statement of belief in the industry, as well as a review of the applicant’s graduate research and three letters of recommendation by Sept. 20.
The 2024 scholarship recipients will be recognized at CattleCon 2025 on Feb. 4-6 in San Antonio, Texas.
For more information and to apply, visit nationalcattlemensfoundation.org/
Honeybee colonies for operations with five or more colonies in the U.S. on Jan. 1 totaled 2.71 million colonies, down one percent from Jan. 1, 2023.
The number of colonies in the U.S. on April 1 was 2.71 million colonies. During 2023, honeybee colonies on Jan. 1, April 1, July 1 and Oct. 1 were 2.73 million, 2.71 million, 2.92 million and 2.82 million colonies, respectively.
Honeybee colonies lost for operations with five or more colonies from January through March was 396,820 colonies or 15 percent. The number of colonies lost during the quarter of April through June 2024 was 288,190 colonies or 11 percent.
During the quarter of April through June 2023, colonies lost totaled 378,190 colonies or 14 percent – the highest number lost of any quarter surveyed in 2023. The quarter surveyed in 2023 with the lowest number of colonies lost was October through December, with 254,520 colonies lost or nine percent.
Varroa mites were the number one stressor for operations with five or more colonies during all quarters surveyed in 2023. The period with the highest percentage of colonies reported to be affected by varroa mites was April through June 2023 at 52 percent. The percent of colonies reported to be affected by varroa mites during January through March and April through June are 43.3 percent and 54.8 percent, respectively.
Honey bee colonies lost with Colony Collapse Disorder symptoms on operations with five or more colonies was 70,650 colonies from January through March. This represents a 34 percent decrease from the same quarter in 2023.
For a full copy of the Honeybee Colonies report, visit nass.usda.gov. For state specific questions, contact Wyoming State Statistician Leslee Lohrenz at 800-392-3202.
Beef exports totaled 110,155 metric tons (mt) in June, down four percent from a year ago but the second largest of 2024. Export value reached $938.3 million, up three percent year-over-year and the highest since August 2022.
Exports trended higher to Japan and were the third largest on record to Taiwan, while shipments to Canada were the largest in nearly a decade. June exports to South Korea were below last year but rebounded compared to May.
Through the first half of the year, beef export value climbed five percent from a year ago to $5.22 billion, despite a four percent decline in volume.
June pork exports totaled 224,392 mt, down nine percent from a year ago and the lowest since September, while export value fell five percent to $659.7 million.
June exports to leading market Mexico were modestly lower year-over-year but still increased in value, while shipments to Korea remained very robust. Other top performers for U.S. pork in June included Central America, the Caribbean and Canada. January through June pork exports reached 1.52 million mt, three percent above the first half of 2023, while export value increased five percent to $4.26 billion.
June exports of U.S. lamb totaled 191 mt, up 26 percent from a year ago, although value declined 16 percent to $827,000. Through the first half of 2024, lamb exports increased 12 percent in volume and 19 percent in value, with shipments trending higher to the Caribbean, Mexico, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Canada and Taiwan, while exports were steady to Japan.
A detailed summary of the January through June export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the U.S. Meat Export Federation website. For questions, call 303-547-0030.
The Trailing of the Sheep Festival has been nominated for Best Fall Festival as part of USA TODAY 10Best’s Readers’ Choice Awards. The Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Idaho was selected as one of 20 nominees by a panel of travel experts, alongside the USA TODAY editors.
Voting has begun for the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Fall Festival. Over the next four weeks, USA TODAY 10Best readers will be voting on their favorites, once per day, until ballots close on Sept. 9. The top 10 winners, as ranked by USA TODAY 10Best readers, will be announced on Sept. 18.
The public can cast their votes for Trailing of the Sheep Festival at 10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/ best-fall-festival-2024/trailing-of-the-sheep-festival-hailey-idaho/. A person may vote online once per day for the run of the contest.
“We are thrilled the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, now in its 28th year, was once again nominated for this honor, and we ask all of our friends and fans to go online and vote for us,” said Laura Musbach Drake, Trailing of the Sheep Festival executive director.
The full list of USA TODAY 10Best Reader’s Choice Best Fall Festival award nominees can be found at 10best. usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-fall-festival-2024/
Details on this year’s Trailing of the Sheep Festival, held Oct. 2-6, can be found at trailingofthesheep.org/
The delegates and alternates to the 141st Convention of Delegates of the American Angus Association have been elected. These cattlemen and women will represent the members of their state to vote during the meeting, held Nov. 4 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Delegates were elected through a process which began in the spring, when members nominated other members. Those eligible to vote and be nominated were active life or regular members of the American Angus Association who qualified as eligible voting members by April 7.
Nominees could be any eligible voting member whose farm or ranch is located in the same state as the nominator. After completed forms were returned to the association, ballots were prepared and sent to eligible voting members in each voting district.
Meeting delegates elected in the state of Wyoming include Jennifer Reyes-Burr of Wheatland, Brad Boner of Glenrock, Richard Lisco and Trent Boner of Douglas and Dan Ingalls of Casper. Todd Platt of Wheatland, Jasper Ingalls of Riverton and Buttons Jackson-York of Lusk were nominated as alternates.
Just in time for canning season, University of Wyoming (UW) Extension has updated and expanded its signature food preservation publication, “Preserving Food in Wyoming.” This free downloadable resource is designed to help Wyoming residents safely can or freeze their harvest at home.
Appropriate for both experienced and aspiring food preservers, the publication provides research-tested recipes and step-by-step instructions for preserving vegetables, fruit, meat and fish using a boiling water canner or pressure canner.
To view and download a free copy of “Preserving Food in Wyoming,” visit bit.ly/wyo-1210
For questions about home canning and food preservation, contact a local UW Extension office or visit bit.ly/uw-nutrition-foodsafety
Pollard Farms of Waukomis, Okla. will donate the 2025 Angus Foundation Heifer Package in support of furthering education, youth and research. The heifer – Pollard Rita 4012 – is a daughter of EXAR Cover the Bases 0819B and out of a productive, young two-year-old that is on her way to the donor pen. She stems from the PF W34 Rita 4139, a long-time donor in the Pollard program.
The heifer will sell at the National Angus Bull Sale on Jan. 10 during the 2025 Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City. The heifer package sale benefits the Angus Fund, which provides unrestricted funding for a variety of programs supported by the Angus Foundation including Beef Leaders Institute, the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Conference and Angus University.
For more information about the package, contact Jaclyn Boester at JBoester@Angus.org or visit angus.org/foundation
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Kemmerer and Rock Springs field offices are seeking public comment on the draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Dry Creek Trona Mine south of Green River in Sweetwater County.
If approved, Pacific Soda would be authorized to construct mine well fields, processing facilities, a cogeneration plant, storage ponds, a landfill, transportation facilities and a water pipeline to mine and process materials from underground trona beds located 2,300 feet below the surface.
As proposed, the mine and associated facilities could potentially disturb 3,300 acres of private lands and 2,900 acres of public lands.
Pacific Soda estimates there are approximately 117 million tons of recoverable trona within the proposed project area which could produce approximately six million metric tons of marketable soda ash and over 440,000 metric tons of baking soda annually.
Additional information, planning documents and maps are available for review at the BLM National Environnmental Policy Act Register, where written comments may be submitted through the “Participate Now” option.
Comments may also be delivered to BLM Kemmerer Field Office, Attn: Kelly Lamborn, 430 North Highway, Kemmerer, WY 83101. The public comment period will close on Sept. 23.
A public meeting will be held on Sept. 5 from 4-7 p.m. at the Hampton Inn in Green River.
For more information, contact Lamborn at 307828-4505, klamborn@blm.gov or BLM_WY_Dry_ Creek@blm.gov.
FARMERS continued from page 2
commodity that is a part of the farm bill is the sugar program, and the world sugar market is notorious for having a volatile market.
Learning from past experiences is vital to ensuring the same mistakes are not repeated, and our country learned a good lesson years ago.
In 1974 when the U.S. Sugar Act expired after it had been in place for 40 years, worldwide prices skyrocketed to 60 cents per pound, and American consumers suffered. After a period of time, it dropped to three cents per pound, forcing many American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers out of business, but consum-
ers found no savings in their food prices.
To protect taxpayers from sugar prices and the insecurity of supply, in 1981 Congress included a sugar program in the farm bill. It stabilized the price at a reasonable level and assured American consumers and giant sugar users such as candy, cereal and soft drink makers a reliable and highquality supply of pure natural sugar.
There is no doubt American farmers create jobs and bring prosperity to this country. A prime example is sugar farms, which comprise roughly 11,000 sugar farmers.
America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane industry provides 142,000 direct and indirect
National Beef Packing Company is the latest food company to announce a settlement in an ongoing wage-fixing lawsuit, according to a notice filed in federal court.
The terms of the settlement have yet to be released as part of an ongoing lawsuit which alleged a group of food companies conducted secret compensation surveys and held secret annual meetings including executives from the companies, as part of an alleged scheme to “depress and fix” employee wages.
“Plaintiffs and defendant National Beef Packing Co., LLC respectfully write to the court to provide notice class plaintiffs have reached agreement with National Beef to settle all claims against it,” the parties said in a noticed filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. “The proposed settlement is subject to the court’s approval. Plaintiffs will move for preliminary approval of the settlement agreement in the near future.”
Details of the proposed settlement are expected to be filed with the court, according to the notice.
In June 2024, American Foods Group reached a $4 million settlement with plaintiffs. According to the settlement American Foods “denies all allegations of wrongdoing.”
Seven companies have yet to file dismissal motions or announce settlements including Cargill, Inc.; Cargill Meat Solutions Corp.; Hormel Foods Corp.; Iowa Premium, LLC; Agri Stats, Inc.; Webber, Meng, Sahl and Company, Inc.; and WMS and Company, Inc.
The court is considering nine motions to dismiss the case filed by Agri Beef Co.; Washington Beef, LLC; Quality Pork Processors, Inc.; Rochelle Foods, LLC; Indiana Packers Corporation; Greater Omaha Packing Co., Inc.; Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. and Nebraska Beef, Ltd.
The original lawsuit alleged since at least 2014, the companies “conspired and combined to fix and depress” compensation to employees at about 140 red-meat processing plants across the country, in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.
The companies named in the lawsuit produce about 80 percent of all red meat sold to U.S. consumers.
jobs with nearly $20 billion in economic impact nationwide with no cost of operation to our government.
Recognizing the importance of agriculture
Farmers are the backbone of this country, and as taxpayers we have a patriotic obligation to protect our farming industry. Currently, there is worldwide economic commotion and now is the time to support American farmers who were the founders of our nation.
Please keep in mind, despite government regulation and financial difficulties, American farmers have provided food and fiber to keep our nation fed through wars, disasters and calamities.
Without the hard work and sacrifices of our farmers, we will not have a stable American-produced
food supply.
Our young American families need to have reasonable food prices to rear their children. The farm family is the basic unit shaping life in America, and for over 200 years, agriculture has developed the countryside while providing rural strength.
I pray as soon as the election is over the new administration recognizes the importance of our agriculture sector and provides full support. History is a wise teacher, and if we look back and learn from our past mistakes, we will prosper from this great teacher.
Klodette Stroh is the national sugar chairman of Women Involved in Farm Economics and a producer in Powell. She can be reached at strohfarms@tritel.net.
where things happen. We work very hard and it’s great we have the opportunity to sit here this evening and really celebrate great leadership.”
Lifetime of service Lummis welcomed Boner to the stage and read her achievements from the Congressional Record.
“Throughout her career, she has been a member of multiple associations including the Wyoming Quarter Horse Association (WQHA), Wyoming Wool Growers Association, Converse County Stock Growers and Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA). She also served on the WQHA Board for many years and was appointed to the Wyoming Livestock Board in 2015,” Lummis noted.
“Boner was also honored as the Heart of Agriculture Award winner and is currently serving on the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust Board, Wyoming SHEEP Foundation, Converse County Stock Growers and the Wyoming State Fair Board,” she added.
“You have served the state so well, and I congratulate you on being inducted into the Wyoming Agriculture HOF,” Lummis concluded.
Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) was unable to attend, but her letters of recognition congratulating the honorees were read.
Hageman extended her sincerest congratulations to Boner on a well-deserved induction into the Wyoming Agricultural HOF stating, “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your selection to join the Wyoming Agricultural HOF. This outstanding achievement is a testament to your lifetime of dedication and outstanding contributions to the agricultural industry in Wyoming.”
She continued, “Your passion for agriculture, combined with your devotion to excellence, has made a sig-
nificant impact on the community and the industry at large.”
Lifelong dedication Barrasso had the honor of inducting Ellis and read his achievements from the Congressional Record.
“Ellis has a long history of involvement in organizations supporting the beef industry, and over the years, he has advocated for the agricultural industry while serving on several policy committees and holding various state and national positions along the way,” Barrasso noted.
He continued, “Spending most of his life serving the Wyoming ag industry and his community, Ellis continued to advance his leadership in roles at WSGA, where he served as president from 2003-05. He also served on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Board of Directors and several policy committees.”
“Ellis served as the NCBA Region Five vice president, which includes Wyoming and the Northwest and became a NCBA national officer in 2012, rising to the position of national president in 2015,” he reads.
“Ellis’ dedication and passion for Wyoming agriculture in the beef industry makes him an outstanding choice for the Wyoming Agriculture HOF,” Barrasso concluded.
In acceptance of the award Ellis said, “You can’t do all of this without the real Hall of Famers – the anchors back at the ranch. If there wasn’t an anchor on the ranch, then you couldn’t do the meetings and everything we do, making sure the ranch runs right and that it survives. And so those are the Hall of Famers in my book.”
He added, “I hope I’ve been able to further family agriculture in my time because it’s very important to me.”
Hageman acknowl-
On July 31, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced $22.8 million in grants to protect vital grassland habitat in the Northern Great Plains while also strengthening ranching operations and communities.
These 27 grants are the largest grant slate in the program’s history and will leverage $42 million in matching contributions to generate a total conservation impact of $64.8 million and benefit iconic wildlife species such as pronghorn, Sprague’s pipit, chestnut-collared longspur, Baird’s sparrow and Greater sage grouse.
The grants were awarded through the Northern Great Plains Program, a partnership between NFWF and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service; the U.S. Forest Service; the Bezos Earth Fund; Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies; Burger King; Capri Holdings, Ltd.; Cargill; Marathon Oil; Nestlé; Oxy and Sysco.
This year’s record-breaking funding level builds on a long-standing public-private funding partnership and includes a major contribution from the Bezos Earth Fund.
This year’s awards include projects in Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
To view a complete list of the 2024 grants, visit nfwf.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/nfwf-ngp20240731-gs.pdf
edged Ellis’ achievements, stating, “Your lifetime careers and contributions to the state’s agricultural sector have undoubtedly made a significant impact on the livelihoods of numerous communities.”
Impacting the future
Following the Ag HOF award presentation, WAIC Executive Director Andrew Joannides recognized Cami Brown and Sarah Butters from Mountain View Elementary School as the 2024 WAIC Educators of the Year.
“WAIC is a statewide nonprofit, and we focus on education for our youth here in the state of Wyoming.” Joannides explained. “We have three programs –our flagship program, a curriculum called Wyo Wonders, which we rebranded last year; the Bookmark and Beyond Program and Educator of the Year.”
Joannides noted this was the first time the program has recognized two educators, but since Brown and Butters both teach the curriculum at Mountain View Elementary, it seemed fitting. Although Butters was not able to make it to the ceremony, Brown and her family were in attendance.
Joannides told Brown, “We’re proud of you and grateful for what you’re doing, not only in your classroom in Mountain View, but what you’ve done to help us design the curriculum when it was released in 2019.”
Following the acceptance of her award, Brown said, “First and foremost, I want to say thank you. Wyo Wonders is so important, and I love that I get to share it with my third-grade class.”
“It’s important to me
Educator of the Year – Cami Brown and Sarah Butters, both elementary teachers at Mountain View
to pass on the love of our state and agriculture onto the next generation. I love that it focuses on the past – where we’ve been – into what we’re doing now and the future,” she added.
To congratulate the duo, Hageman sent letters of recognition, stating, “I want to offer you my sincerest congratulations and my profound gratitude for your efforts in educating future generations on the importance of our state’s assets.” Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
tered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
to ensure sugar farmers and workers in the U.S. sugar industry survive in a world of heavily subsidized sugar.
The farm bill, referred to as the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024, contains the U.S. sugar program, which is adminis-
ASA states, only through a united effort can a dedicated industry continue to offer a plentiful, secure and reasonably-priced sugar supply, and its misson is to provide the backing and support to meet this national need.
According to an Aug. 6 ASA press release written by Elizabeth Fusick, “Sugar is a vital ingredient in our national food supply, and U.S. farmers, workers and food manufacturers support sugar policy provisions in the bipartisan Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024.”
ASA reports during the symposium, Watson Green, LLC Principal Randy Green spoke on behalf of the Sweetener Users Association (SUA) calling the bill “responsive and positive,” resulting in more Americanmade sugar.
“The SUA views the bill as a pretty balanced package, and it seems to us the committees have been responsive to both the needs of both growers and users,” Green states. “From our members’ standpoint, we want a prosperous domestic sugar industry.”
Both SUA and ASA stress the need for a strong sugar policy, which would ensure U.S. farmers’ continued growth while refining sugar crops which supply American food manufacturers.
ASA Director of Economics and Policy Analysis Rob Johansson states, “Growing the food we eat has become significantly more expensive. The commonsense improvements to sugar policy put forward by both the House and Senate better reflect the economic realities of planting, cultivating, harvesting and refining sugarbeets and sugarcane.”
He continues, “This will ensure our farmers and workers can continue providing SUA members with American-made sugar, while lessening our dependence on foreign countries for this essential ingredient.”
ASA notes domestic sugar production fulfills about 75 percent of the U.S.’s sugar needs, and together with imports from more than 70 countries, the U.S. always has access to affordable sugar.
However, Green brought forth the challenges presented this year by an ongoing supply shortage from Mexico.
“Current market demands, in conjunction with low tariffs which have not risen with inflation for nearly 30 years, have led to
additional sugar entering the U.S. market from the world market,” explains Johansson. “This demonstrates the flexibility of U.S. sugar policy. USDA has administered U.S. sugar policy in a way which ensures the market is adequately supplied with sugar and the global market has supplied more when needed.”
Showing support Language in the House and Senate agriculture committees’ versions of the proposed farm bill has been seen as favorable for both sugar users, represented by the SUA and for sugar producers, represented by the ASA.
Both farm bill proposals include provisions providing additional financial security to sugar producers, as well as to implement technical updates to provide more sugar to the market earlier in the year for sugar users.
In recorded remarks, House Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA), Sen. Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) each emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong domestic sugar industry and remarked on the vital role sugar plays in the U.S.
“Sugar is so important. We can do without a lot of things, but the one thing we cannot do without is sugar,” states Scott.
Thompson adds, “Across the country, the message I heard loud and clear is farmers are struggling, and the safety net is inadequate. Between low commodity prices and high input costs, the margin squeeze is getting more serious as each day goes by.”
The House and Senate committees both released a farm bill proposal to support the farmers ability to grow, harvest, process and deliver sugar to families and food manufacturers in the U.S.
“The farm bill will give renewed strength to the farm
safety net, just as producers need it most,” Thompson continues. “On sugar specifically, not only did we deliver on critical policy improvements for domestic growers and processors, we were able to do so in a way to enhance the sugar supply chain which garnered the support of sugar users, making this the first ever farm bill supported by both sides of the industry.”
Addressing the extensive contributions of the U.S. sugar industry, Stabenow remarks, “The industry supports more than 151,000 jobs and more than $28 billion in annual economic activity.”
“Sugar may be sweet, but producersʼ role in the American economy and in communities across the country is even sweeter,” she states. “I am working hard to enact a bipartisan farm bill by the end of the year. My farm bill proposal helps sugar growers by improving loan rates and making other important changes to the sugar program.”
Highlighting the need for additional farm support, Boozman stressed the importance of a strong domestic supply chain for sugar.
“Farmers are facing challenges ranging from historic inflation, record trade deficit, rising interest rates, devastating natural disasters and global disruptions,” he states. “Senate Republicans have released a framework addressing those concerns. Our framework strengthens and protects sugar policy for growers, and we facilitate the movement of more domestic sugar into the marketplace for those who use it.”
ASA states it will continue working alongside the House and Senate agriculture committees to encourage Congress to deliver greater certainty and a strengthened safety net through a five-year farm bill as soon as possible.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on
to
As the growing season starts to wind down, peak production across grasslands has come and gone. The Grass-Cast Forecast, which estimates forage productivity or future forage growth on native rangelands also winds down as dormancy sets in.
Because of this, the three “what-if” scenarios shown
in the map, made on Aug. 6, look similar across the precipitation probabilities. In the eight- to 14-day precipitation outlook provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), much of the region is likely to experience near to above average precipitation. However, as many range-
lands did not receive adequate moisture during the growing season, areas shown in yellow, orange and red are likely to remain this way.
Individuals can find specific production estimates for their local area by visiting the zoomable maps at grasscast. unl.edu
It is important to remem-
ber Grass-Cast provides a forecast for total production, rather than grazeable production. So, if the map indicates an area might have 20 percent less pounds per acre than usual, this could translate into a 40 percent reduction in grazeable forage if the “take-half, leave-half” rule is followed.
Averi Reynolds is an ORISE science communications fellow for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Northern Plains Climate Hub, serving Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. The USDA Northern Plains Climate Hub strives to provide unbiased information
about adaptation and mitigation strategies for ranchers, farmers and foresters to help increase their operations’ resilience to weather variability and a changing climate. For more information on the Northern Plains Climate Hub, visit climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/northern-plains
Across the West, farmers and ranchers have seen devastating impacts of wildfires.
Perfect, yet unfortunate fire conditions including drought, lightning strikes, possible strong winds and dry vegetation remain. So now is prime time to remember the importance of preparing ranches for wildfire and resources which exist for livestock producers and land managers for post-fire recovery.
Preparing for fires
Wildfire is a major threat to agricultural properties.
On rangeland and livestock operations, it is important to create defensible spaces around structures and clear vegetation from around equipment, stored feed and fuel tanks. If possible, creating and maintaining firebreaks around pastures could deter or slow a potential fire.
While large livestock operations on extensive rangelands are complicated to fire proof, planning ahead for how to move livestock out of harm’s way could prove valuable. If a fire is approaching, previously grazed areas will help protect livestock by acting as a defensible space.
It is also recommended to assemble emergency supply kits to keep in all ranch and personal vehicles. If possible, it is helpful to firefighters to have access to spare keys, lock combinations and property maps in the case of a fire.
Additionally, it may be helpful to clearly mark water tanks and ponds or other water available for use by fire departments.
University of Wyoming Extension has compiled a list of easily accessible
resources to prepare properties and livestock operations which is available at uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/ resources/wildfire.html Emergency assistance programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service and Risk Management Agency offer disaster assistance programs for producers who have been impacted by wildfire.
Consider visiting a local USDA Service Center for programs designed to assist livestock producers in the case of disasters such as wildfire, including the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP); Livestock Indemnity Program; Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and
Farm-Raised Fish Program and Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP).
Assistance from these programs ranges from reimbursing losses and emergency grazing and haying to offsetting costs of purchasing additional feed, hauling livestock and damaged infrastructure.
For those affected by the Pleasant Valley and Haystack fires, FSA offices in Platte and Goshen counties have initiated the process for the ECP.
For more information, contact the Platte County FSA Office at 307-322-4050 or the Goshen County FSA Office at 307-532-4880.
For more information about disaster assistance programs, visit farmers.gov/ protection-recovery/disaster-tool
Updated forecast – As of Aug. 6, much of Eastern Wyoming is forecasted to see a 15 to 30 percent or greater decrease in pounds per acre of rangeland forage production. Some pieces of Sheridan, Johnson and Washakie counties may see a slight increase in forage production compared to the long-term average of the area.
champion with is steer Uso. In the goat show, Campbell County’s Korbin Styver was crowned Champion of Champions with his goat Ferguson, and Madison Bernard of Sweetwa-
ter County exhibited the reserve champion goat, named Eggie. The champion lamb, known as Earl, was shown by Tehya Thompson of Laramie County, and Bay-
lie Booth of Goshen County received honors with the reserve champion lamb named 21 Savage. To round out the showcase, Jacob Tillman of Lincoln County received the
grand champion handshake in the hog show, and West was honored once again with the reserve champion hog known as Higgins. Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Recently, the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) released its 2024 annual report, a 30-page document highlighting work the association has done over the past year and their priorities for moving forward.
The report focuses on WGA Chair and Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon’s Decarbonizing the West Initiative, as well as WGA’s projects to protect Western landscapes and prosperity, such as wildfire and disaster assistance, forest and rangeland management, species conservation, energy and mining, rural development and connectivity, healthcare, cybersecurity and outdoor recreation, just to name a few.
Additionally, the report outlines nine policy resolutions WGA formally approved in Fiscal Year 2024, which the governors believe represent their collective views on a broad range of issues affecting the West.
Strengthening relationships
In the report, WGA notes improving communication and cooperation between state and federal entities is one of their highest priorities, which is why the association’s first policy resolution of 2024 looks to do just that.
WGA Policy Resolution 2024-01, Strengthening the State-Federal Relationship, states, “In the absence of a Constitutional delegation of authority to the federal government, state authority should be presumed sovereign. Each executive department and agency should have a clear and accountable process to provide states with early, meaningful and substantive input in the development of federal regulatory policies.”
“Where authority has been delegated by the federal government to the states, states should be granted the maximum administrative discretion possible and should be treated as partners and coregulators,” it continues.
Land management and species conservation
With Western states laying claim to over 75 percent of national forest and rangelands, which are responsible for jobs, recreation and quality of life, the governors’ second policy resolution, National Forest and Rangeland Management, addresses challenges on and management of federal lands.
In order to accomplish effective management of national forests and rangelands, WGA emphasizes the need for coordination between federal, state, local and Tribal land management agencies.
WGA Policy Resolution 2024-02 also outlines the governors’ recommendations for wildfire mitigation, suppression and recov-
ery; workforce development and grazing administration.
In WGA Policy Resolution 2024-03, Species Conservation and the Endangered Species Act, the association updated its position on species management and conservation to reflect their support of voluntary and proactive management efforts using the best available science across individual states.
The opioid crisis
As opioid addiction becomes one of the nation’s most devastating public health crises, WGA penned WGA Policy Resolution 2024-03, Combating the Opioid Crisis, which highlights the negative impacts of opioid use across Western communities.
“The governors support efforts to identify and mitigate emerging threats, curb the supply and distribution of illicit opioids and the inappropriate use of prescriptions and provide access to a full range of effective prevention, treatment and recovery approaches,” the report reads.
Disaster preparedness
The fifth resolution, titled Disaster Preparedness and Response, recognizes WGA’s role in coordinating and executing the four phases of emergency management – mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
In this resolution, WGA also emphasizes the need for clear communication between government and local communities when dealing with disaster.
“In any disaster or emergency situation, good communication is key to developing and executing an effective response, promoting public confidence in that response and empowering citizens to make informed decisions about their safety and welfare,” reads the report.
Transportation infrastructure and mine cleanup
In WGA Policy Resolution 2024-06, the governors voice their support for flexible and longterm federal funding dedicated to the maintenance and expansion of surface transportation networks and ports.
According to the report, this resolution also outlines the unique air service needs of rural communities and collaboration between state and federal governments when planning for electric vehicle infrastructure.
Additionally, in WGA Policy Resolution 202408, Cleaning Up Abandoned Hardrock Mines in the West, the governors express their support for the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act and a pilot program proposed in the bill to protect against liabilities faced under the Clean Water Act; Comprehensive Environmen -
tal Response, Compensation and Liability Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
Water management and quality
Two of WGA’s last three policy resolutions address water in the West.
According to the report, WGA Policy Resolution 2024-07, Water Resource Management in the West, highlights states’ sovereign authority over the allocation of water in their boundaries and emphasizes the importance of federal infrastructure in reliably delivering water to
rural communities.
WGA Policy Resolution 2024-09, Water Quality in the West, states, “Clean water is essential to strong economies, healthy ecosystems and quality of life in the West. In this resolution, the governors emphasize states’ role as coregulators in the implementation of the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act.”
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.
Risk is generally defined as future events with unknown or uncertain outcomes. These outcomes matter; otherwise, they could be safely ignored. Newcomers to production agriculture may not fully realize the extent of risk involved in their operations. In production agriculture, risk comes from various sources, including weather and natural disasters, national events that impact commodity prices, and market unpredictability. Others, such as human, legal and marketing factors, may be less obvious. Developing a comprehensive, thoughtful and long-term risk management plan is crucial for success in any business. However, before creating a plan, it is essential to first understand the diverse aspects of risk.
Understanding Risk in Agriculture is a course developed by professionals at RightRisk.org aimed at helping new and beginning producers better understand risk management and create simple, effective strategies to manage uncertainty in their operations. Often, risk management solutions do not need to be complex to be effective; it is far more important to be aware of what strategies work for your specific operation.
Almost nothing is certain and, instead, uncertainty should be expected. Risk can be thought of as uncertainty that matters. Variability, on the other hand, refers to alternative or different outcomes in the future due to the effects of chance. Variability is what most managers mean when referring to risk. Variability may be reduced, in some cases, through a change in the underlying system. For example, switching from conventional to reduced tillage can conserve soil moisture and increase crop yields, thereby reducing variability in production. While the risk remains, it is reduced. On the other hand, reducing uncertainty involves studying and measuring as many potential outcomes as possible to develop effective management strategies.
Risk becomes significant in a production setting when objectives are unmet, cannot be met, or when control is lost. It’s important to remember that not all risk is bad; greater risk in an operation can lead to greater rewards. Without risk, the potential for profit decreases substantially.
The challenge lies in the fact that most people prefer certainty over uncertainty. Risk management strategies range from avoiding risk entirely, which severely limits opportunities for profitable outcomes, to accepting risk. Several strategies lie between these extremes: reducing risk, transferring risk and increasing the capacity to bear risk.
For example, reducing risk might involve changing the calving season to a more favorable weather period, thereby reducing potential death loss. Transferring risk occurs when a producer uses insurance, such as crop insurance, or pays a company to assume some risk when they cannot afford to absorb the loss themselves. Increasing the capacity to bear risk might involve diversifying crop rotations or retaining ownership of a calf crop to mitigate seasonal
Risk management involves choosing
between different strategies to address potential negative outcomes. The goal is to maximize profit while minimizing risk—while also accounting for the risk tolerance of the people involved. For maximum effectiveness, risk management should begin at the strategic level of the business and extend to individual enterprise decisions. Strategic risk management choices should set the direction for farm and ranch management decisions, as well as allocate the necessary resources to achieve those goals.
Risk analysis involves understanding the risks present in a farm or ranch business. A key part of risk analysis is identifying the threats to a business or enterprise, focusing on those that occur most frequently, have the highest likelihood, or are expected to happen first. Next, the consequences associated with the sources of risk are examined, followed by an evaluation of existing risk management strategies. The Understanding Risk in Agriculture course outlines several tools for conducting risk analysis.
As discussed in the course, influence diagrams illustrate choices, decisions, consequences and their interrelationships, typically represented by arrows. This type of diagram helps decision-makers identify the initial choice, the possible decisions or remedies that follow, and the expected consequences.
Decision trees use a quantitative approach to organize information and estimate the threat posed by different events. A potential decision is listed, followed by alternative outcomes and their estimated probabilities. Similarly, a payoff matrix presents the same information in a tabular format, detailing event descriptions, probabilities and corresponding payoffs for each combination in rows.
The Understanding Risk in Agriculture course also highlights numerous risk analysis and management tools included in the RightRisk Analytics toolbox. This set of tools was developed to help producers, especially those new to the industry or just starting out, reduce the underlying variability in their businesses through effective risk management planning. These tools cover a range of topics, from partial and enterprise budgeting to financial analysis and long-term whole-farm budgeting. Each tool includes a detailed user guide with examples designed to provide new and perhaps different ways to examine risk for better-informed decisions in agricultural operations.
A probability impact grid displays potential events of concern, along with their expected likelihood and impact, rated as high, medium or low. This exercise helps managers prioritize their attention and resources effectively.
Agricultural producers today are navigating an unprecedented landscape of uncertainty. Staying informed about risk management strategies is more crucial than ever for new or beginning farmers and ranchers, regardless of the size or scope of their operation. For comprehensive resources on managing risk, visit RightRisk.org. The site offers a wealth of information on risk management topics, including practical tools and educational courses. To access the Understanding Risk in Agriculture e-book, risk influence calculator and other useful tools, navigate to RightRisk.org and select the Courses tab.
Louis C. Dubs, III of Billings, Mont. passed away on Aug. 6 surrounded by his beloved wife and daughters after a sudden battle against endocarditis.
Louis was born on Jan. 16, 1954 in Genoa, Neb. to Louis “Louie” Dubs, II and Gertrude “Trudi” Baumgartner Dubs. Like many immigrant Midwestern families, Louie and Trudi raised their children on a small farm,
filled with corn and cattle.
When Louis was about five, Louie and Trudi purchased a cabin in the Boulder River Valley of Montana, igniting a lifelong love of the mountains within Louis. Louis and his siblings Christine and Alfred “Fred” Dubs spent their summers without electricity, subsiding on fish they caught and piles of books from the local Big Timber Library.
From a young age, Louis showed signs of a hardwired drive to create and build.
He was very active in FFA, in which he showed cattle and earned a Nebraska Star Farmer Award. He also enjoyed playing basketball and the saxophone.
After graduating from St. Edward High School, Louis attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in
By Rob Ziegler, UW Extension Educator
Microbiology and Psychology. He then attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Dentistry, obtaining his Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1980.
Subsequently, he practiced dentistry in Genoa, Neb. and St. Edward, Neb. during which time he met the love of his life Kathy Marie Votaw, a smalltown ranch girl also from Nebraska.
Louis and Kathy were married on Sept. 2, 1984 in North Platte, Neb. They lived on their farm outside of St. Edward, Neb. where they started their Winding River Angus cattle herd while Louis continued to practice dentistry.
Louis and Kathy welcomed their eldest daughter Katrina on March 1, 1987.
In 1988, the mountains of Montana called Louis back, thus he and Kathy moved their young family to Billings, Mont. where Louis purchased the dental practice from Dr. Jim Hanna. Louis, Kathy and Katrina welcomed the younger of the Dubs girls, Allison, on Dec. 31, 1991.
The 1990s and 2000s were filled with Angus cattle, dentistry, farming and mountain living. Louis enjoyed growing his dental practice, Teddy Bear Dental, where he cared deeply about each of his patients and staff. He strove to make a positive impact on the community by providing excellent care.
Louis and Kathy purchased their ranch north of Columbus, Mont. in 1997 and their farm south of Bridger, Mont. in 2000. As the father of two active 4-H’ers, Louis was the beef leader of the Ruff Riders and City Kids 4-H clubs.
He also stayed active in the Montana Angus Association and Midland Empire Angus Association, with Louis and Kathy hosting multiple Montana Angus Tour stops over the years.
Louis shared his love of Angus cattle with his girls by hauling show calves around the region and country, taking the family along to the ranch and farm and patiently seeking their input along the way.
A ceaseless worker, Louis taught his family integrity, the worth of hard work and generally how to “figure it out” whenever confronted with a challenge.
A dream of Louis’ was to once again have a cabin up in Boulder Valley, Mont., which was fulfilled in 2011 when Louis and Kathy built one. Over the last few years, Louis, with no prodding, instilled his love of ranching and farming into his grandchildren, Reagan Louise Petersen, an avid horse girl and Rhett Jeffrey Petersen, a tractor-obsessed future farmer.
Louis deeply enjoyed his trips to his family farm in St. Edward, Mont. with his brother Fred, attending Husker football games, critically discussing Husker football with his brother-inlaw Steve Kliewer, spending weekends with his family at the cabin and continuing to plan the betterment of the Winding River Angus herd, ranch and farm for the benefit of his beloved family.
Louis is proceeded in
death by his parents Louis and Gertrude Dubs and his sister Christine Dubs. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Kathy Dubs; daughters Katrina (Adam) Petersen and Allison Dubs; grandchildren Reagan and Rhett Petersen, all of Billings, Mont.; brother Alfred Dubs of Coos Bay, Ore. and many other extended family members and friends. Services will be at 10 a.m. on Aug. 23 at First Presbyterian Church, 2420 13th St. West in Billings, Mont., with a luncheon to follow. The service will also be livestreamed. Interment will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 24 at the Mountain View Cemetery in Big Timber, Mont.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Angus Foundation, 3201 Frederick Ave., St. Joseph, MO 64506 or the Sweet Grass County Recreation Association, PO Box 922, Big Timber, MT 59011. Condolences may be made at michelottisawyers. com/
Fall run is just around the corner. Many producers may be considering preconditioning their calves and wondering what preconditioning is worth. Most pharmaceutical companies and livestock auctions, including video auctions, have specific value-added protocols or preconditioning programs posted on their websites. Preconditioning offers many benefits, including reduced stress and reduced sickness, along with improved weight gain in calves, but the economics behind it are sometimes overlooked.
What is the added value, and what are the increased costs associated with preconditioning?
A scan through the literature indicates weaning calves approximately 30 days prior to shipping would increase their value by roughly $4.50 per hundredweight (cwt). If the cattle meet the criteria for additional value-added programs, the premium can be greater.
Additional costs associated with preconditioning include, but are not limited to, additional feed, labor, machinery and equipment and potential veterinary costs.
To evaluate the question, let’s consider two scenarios.
For specific questions and options regarding value-added programs, contact a cattle marketing or pharmaceutical representative. A more comprehensive overview of preconditioning calves can be found at bit.ly/4fItwW8. For more information, contact a local University of Wyoming Extension office or Ziegler at rziegle3@uwyo.edu.
Scenario one
Wean calves directly off of the cow and ship them.
The combined average weight of steers and heifers is 550 pounds and their current market value is $290 per cwt. The total gross revenue in this scenario is $290*5.50 = $1,595 per head.
Scenario two
Wean calves but keep them on the ranch for a 30-day preconditioning period.
The calves will receive
free choice hay and two pounds of a distillersʼ grainbased cube and gain approximately 50 pounds extra apiece.
A $16 per cwt slide will be applied to the sale price of cattle given the additional weight gain over the 30-day period. Their sale price is $282 per cwt – calculated as $290 - ((50/100) * $16) = $282 per cwt.
For the added value of preconditioning, add $4.50 per cwt to the sale price. So, the actual sale price is $282+$4.50=$286.50 per cwt. The total gross revenue in this scenario is $286.50 per cwt * 6.00 cwt = $1,719 per head.
But what about additional costs associated with the preconditioning time period?
The following costs are estimated based on current feed prices from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service and a local co-op in Wyoming.
Hay costs $127.50 per ton and the distillersʼ-based cube costs $345 per ton, so feed cost would be roughly $32.34 per head, not including trucking costs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, farm labor cost is approximately $17 per hour in Wyoming. Assuming one hour each day to feed and check water and one minute to vaccinate each calf, total labor costs for this scenario would be $5.66 per head.
Vaccine prices vary depending on the valueadded program and the pharmaceutical company, but let’s assume vaccine cost is $10.72 per head.
According to the USDA report in May, pasture for
yearlings is roughly one dollar per head day, so total pasture cost can be estimated at $30 per head. Equipment costs can be estimated at $7.50 per head.
Finally, we’ll charge seven percent interest on the value of the cattle in scenario one against the value of the cattle in scenario two to account for the opportunity cost of not being paid 30 days prior.
Total interest cost is $8.98 per head for the cattle in scenario two.
Summing up the costs of feed, labor, vaccine, pasture, equipment and interest results in a total preconditioning cost of $96.38 per head. Assuming zero death loss, the advantage of preconditioning the calves in this example is ($1,719$96.38)-$1,595)=$27.62 per head compared to selling immediately after weaning.
If the cattle were eligible for additional value-added programs, the economic advantage may be greater.
In this example, preconditioning has an economic advantage in addition to improving cattle health and performance attributes. The economics and available resources are ranch specific, so evaluating the revenues and costs of each potential option should be tailored accordingly.
However, this scenario offers a framework and examples of factors to consider when evaluating preconditioning programs.
Rob Ziegler is the University of Wyoming Extension livestock production and marketing specialist and can be reached at rziegle3@ uwyo.edu.
Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.
“I am deeply disgusted by USFS’s persecution of family ranchers Charles and Heather Maude,” says NCBA President and Wyoming Rancher Mark Eisele.
“The Maude family has been ranching in South Dakota for five generations, and Charles and Heather have spent their lives protecting natural resources, investing in their land and raising their children.”
“The USFS and U.S. Attorney’s Office have maliciously targeted and prosecuted these family ranchers, and it’s clear if this can happen in South Dakota, government over-
for grain; 10,240 acres of sugarbeets for sugar; 9,930 acres of dry edible beans and 5,188 acres of field and grass seed crops.
The county ranks first in the state for aquaculture; second in total crops sold, production of milk from cows, poultry and eggs and fruits, tree nuts and berries; third in hogs and pigs and vegetables, melons, potatoes and sweet potatoes; fourth in total market value of agricultural products sold, grains, oilseeds, dry beans and dry peas and fifth in nursery, greenhouse, floriculture and sod.
Farm-to-Table Dinner
To kick off the Homesteader Days Festival, the museum will host an outdoor Farm-to-Table Dinner on Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Park County Fairgrounds in Powell.
The meal will feature locally-grown produce and meat sourced from Sarah Bear’s Farmhouse Kitchen, and there will be a no-host bar.
Individuals must be 21 or older to attend and the cost of attendance is $50 per person.
Dinner tickets can be purchased online at homesteadermuseum.com until Aug. 31.
Saturday’s events
On Sept. 14, the streets surrounding the Homesteader Museum will come alive with bustling steam tractors, the smell of freshpopped kettle corn and music from the Rewinders.
Artisans and vendors will line the streets, sell-
reach can happen anywhere,” he adds.
“The Maude family are public lands permittees in good standing, and they have always been the first to step forward as constructive partners in federal land management,” says PLC President Mark Roeber, a public lands grazing permittee. “This case is a prime example of what can happen when federal agencies view ranchers as enemies, rather than partners. I urge the USFS to rethink their plan to slap handcuffs on these hardworking ranchers and instead pursue an alternative resolution to this issue.”
“The USFS actions in
ing hand-crafted specialty items, and food trucks will fill the parking lot behind Pathfinders and next to the Eagles building.
“Demonstrators will show visitors memories of yesteryear, from weavers and spinners to blacksmiths. Information booths for local nonprofit organizations and museums will share their events and family-fun activities happening in the Big Horn Basin,” explains Homesteader Museum Director and Curator Brandi Wright.
“Kids games and activities will fill the air with laughter, featuring face painting by St. John’s Episcopal Church, a cupcake walk by the Rotary Club, a prize wheel from the Park County Library and a barrel train by the Knights of Columbus,” Wright continues.
The Eagles’ Aerie #2426 will host the Vehicle Visions Car, Truck and Tractor Show throughout the day, as well as a pancake breakfast, which is open to the public, from 8-10 a.m.
From 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Homesteader Museum will hold a silent auction fundraiser in the back courtyard, and from 12:301:15 p.m., the Homesteader Museum and the Park County Museum Board will hand out free root beer floats.
Starting at 1:30 p.m., the Ruby Hopkin Commemorative Pie Auction will begin raising funds for the Homesteader Museum. Wright notes the homemade pies are made by members of the community, as well as fam-
this case – especially the deference they’ve given to a heavy-handed special agent with a long history of abusing permittees – is absolutely unconscionable,” states NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “NCBA is actively engaged with Congress to address this situation and find an outcome to protects this family.”
Lane continues, “USFS has a long, shameful history of creating confrontation with ranchers in South Dakota, and their escalation to imprisonment over a century-old fence line has shaken the confidence of permittees nationwide. Vilsack and the White House must engage now to get control of the USFS and the
ily members of the beloved Ruby Hopkin who bake her recipes. Individuals in the area
Department of Justice.”
PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover also published a statement, saying, “As active partners with federal agencies, public lands ranchers rely on open, transparent communication with the government. In this case, the USFS apparently decided to abandon decades of collaborative partnership with the Maude family, threatening their family, their ranch and their land.”
“This kind of law enforcement behavior should never have been allowed to result in criminal charges,” Glover adds.
“PLC is committed to a resolution to this situation to protect the Maude family and ensure the USFS is a good partner to ranchers,
and visitors passing through should be sure to stop at the Homesteader Days Festival Sept. 13-14 to honor the
To support the Maudes, donations can be made to the Maude Legal Fund c/o First Interstate Bank, PO Box 98, New Underwood, S.D. 57761 or at gofund.me/1819ae4.
not a looming threat over every range management decision.”
Many others are urging a quick resolution to this issue, including R-CALF USA Property Rights Committee Chairman Shad Sullivan and President Brett Kenzy who made a joint statement in a letter to Vilsack.
In a recent social media post, Heather says, “We have retained attorneys and have been advised to wait until evidence is released to speak about it. We have been waiting for evidence
rich agricultural heritage of Park County and the state of Wyoming as a whole.
Hannah Bugas is the
for almost a month longer than anticipated.”
She continues, “What we are facing is unprecedented – this is a civil issue with resolution methods in place which we were actively seeking at the time we were indicted. Criminally charging a husband and wife in this type of situation has not happened before.”
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Aug. 19
Aug. 19-22
Aug. 20
Wyoming Stock Growers Ranch Succession Planning, 1-4 p.m., Cobblestone Hotel and Suites, Torrington. For more information, visit wysga.org/programs/regional-events
University of Wyoming Extension and Wyoming Department of Agriculture
Geodesic Dome School, Sho Rap Lodge, Fort Washakie. For more information, contact Billie Spoonhunter at wspoonh1@uwyo.edu or 307-335-2872.
Wyoming Stock Growers Ranch Succession Planning, 1-4 p.m., Community Room, Platte Valley Bank, Wheatland. For more information, visit wysga. org/programs/regional-events
Aug. 21 Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory 25th Anniversary Open House, Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, Whitman, Neb. For more information or to register, visit go.unl.edu/gslopenhouse
Aug. 21 Wyoming Stock Growers Ranch Succession Planning, 1-4 p.m., Valley Community Center, Baggs. For more information, visit wysga.org/programs/ regional-events
Aug. 21-22
Aug. 22
Aug. 22
Aug. 23
Aug. 23
Aug. 23-24
U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service Pork Stakeholder Meeting, online. For more information, visit ams.usda.gov/ content/usda-livestock-mandatory-reporting-swine-and-pork-industry-stakeholder-meeting
Wyoming Agriculture Experiment Station and James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center Field Day, 9 a.m., James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Lingle. For more information and to register, e-mail sarec@uwyo.edu or call 307-837-2000 no later than Aug. 16.
Wyoming Stock Growers Ranch Succession Planning, 1-4 p.m., Platte Valley Community Center, Saratoga. For more information, visit wysga.org/ programs/regional-events
Wyoming Stock Growers Ranch Succession Planning, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Martha Hansen Teaching Arena, Laramie. For more information, visit wysga.org/ programs/regional-events
Wyoming Stock Growers Ranch Succession Planning, 3-7 p.m., Wyoming Stock Growers Association Office, Cheyenne. For more information, visit wysga.org/programs/regional-events
Stockmanship and Stewardship, Richfield, Utah. For more information, visit stockmanshipandstewardship.org/
Aug. 23-24 2024 Meeker Mustang Makeover, Meeker, Colo. For more information, visit meekermustangmakeover.org
Aug. 23-25
Sheepherder’s Rendezvous, Glenrock Town Park, Glenrock. For more information, contact Rita Redig at 307-262-0513 or Rhonda Dilts at 307-351-5375.
Aug. 24
Aug. 26
Rendezvous City Beef Round Up, Rustler Ag and Equine Center, Riverton. For more information, visit beefroundup.com
Wyoming Department of Agriculture Farm and Ranch Succession Planning Webinar, online. For more information or to register, contact Lucy Pauley at lucy.pauley@wyo.gov or 307-777-8788.
Aug. 26-Sept. 2 Nebraska State Fair, Grand Island, Neb. For more information, visit statefair.org
Aug. 28-29
Aug. 29
Sept. 5
Aug. 19-20
Aug. 19-23
Stockmanship and Stewardship, Lancaster, Wis. For more information, visit stockmanshipandstewardship.org/
Trailing of the Sheep Festival Starry Starry Night Fundraiser, 6 p.m., The Argyros Performing Arts Center, Ketchum, Idaho. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit trailingofthesheep.ejoinme.org/StarryNightTickets
Bureau of Land Management Dry Creek Trona Mine Public Meeting, 4-7 p.m., Hampton Inn, Green River. For more information, contact Kelly Lamborn by calling 307-828-4505 or e-mailing klamborn@blm.gov or BLM_WY_Dry_Creek@blm.gov.
Northern Livestock Video Auction Early Fall Preview, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com
Superior Livestock Auction Big Horn Classic, 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com
Aug. 24 12th Annual Montana Horse Progress Days Auction, Reuben Miller Farm, Moore, Mont., 406-538-5125, 406-366-4667, montanahorseprogressdays.com
Aug. 24 26th Annual Come To The Source Production Sale, Laramie, 970-231-8384, cometothesource.com
Aug. 24-28
Aug. 25
Aug. 31
Aug. 31
Aug. 31
Lauing Mill Iron L Ranch 2023 QH Production Sale, online only, prohorseservices.com/internet-auctions/, 605-347-6193, 605-280-0698, 605-2800398, lauingmillironlranch.com
RQHBA Horse Sale, Besler’s Cadillac Ranch, Belle Fourche, S.D., 605-3471964, 605-639-9482, rqhba.com
Proffit Ranch 23rd Annual Labor Day Horse Sale, Diamond X Barn, Evanston, 307-723-5857, proffitranch.blogspot.com
Huskerland Horse Sale Extravaganza, Burwell Livestock Market, Burwell, Neb., 308-383-0039, dvauction.com
Sundance Select Horse Sale, Crook County Fairgrounds, Sundance, 307281-2273, sundanceselecthorsesale.com
Sept. 10 96th Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas, 307-265-5250, wyowool.com/ramsale
As we bask in the dog days of summer and ponder tough questions about agriculture, our thoughts often turn to the weather, the hay crop and county and state fairs. Today, all of these things occur earlier then was reported in Wyoming newspapers over a century ago.
In the Sept. 1, 1915 issue of the Wyoming Stockman-Farmer hail and state fair were subjects addressed by University of Wyoming Professor Thomas Parsons in his column Agricultural College Department, which states:
Hailed out crop
Numerous inquiries come to this office as to what shall be done with a hailed out crop. There is only one thing that can be done, provided the stems are not damaged too much, and it is to cut it for hay.
If the farmer has a silo, the remnant of the crop can be saved in this way. If the grain is rather small and not yet jointed too much, a thorough irrigation where practicable will often start a quick growth and the crop may recover.
If the grain is headed, however, at the time of the hailstorm and if the damage is severe, about the only thing which can be done is to cut it for hay –
unless one has a drove of hogs to clean up the crop.
State fair exhibit
The university and experiment station are planning an extensive exhibit for the state fair this year. The exhibit will be educational in nature, showing the work being done at the institution and how it is assisting farming and other interests of the state.
There will also be an extensive exhibit of boys’ and girls’ club work from all parts of the state.
Nearly every county has appropriated funds for sending the champion boy and girl in each county to the state fair. These champions will be there with their canned products,
corn, potatoes, pigs and poultry which they have cared for during the year, preparing themselves for farmers and farmers’ wives of tomorrow.
Haying
Haying was the subject of several articles in the Aug. 26, 1903 issue of the Wyoming Tribune of Cheyenne, including these from Converse County: Kirtley: Week fair with no rain. Early oats being cut. Late oats turning rapidly. Ranges in good condition and cattle fat. Haying completed with a good crop. – R. L. ZumBrunnen
Lusk: Hot dry week. Everyone busy haying. Range quite short in this part of county, and grasshoppers thick in northern part of county. – D. E. Goddard
An item in the same newspaper notes: Iron Mountain: Good hay weather during the first part of week, but heavy showers last of week caused a delay in haying ... but, then, that’s news to be raked up when we write again.
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Greeley, CO
National Sheep Summary
As of August 9, 2024
Compared to last week slaughter lambs mostly 10.00-20.00 lower. Slaughter ewes mostly steady to 5.00 higher. Feeder lambs 20.00-40.00 lower. At San Angelo, TX 8,139 head sold in a two day sale. No sales in Equity Cooperative Auction. 3,381 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 115-130 lbs 164.00-186.00. Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 125-140 lbs 172.50-190.00. South Dakota: wooled and shorn 120-155 lbs 176.00-188.00. Billings: wooled and shorn 120-140 lbs 163.00-180.00. Equity Coop: no sales. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2 San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 224.00-264.00, few 273.00-302.00; 60-70 lbs 220.00-256.00; 70-80 lbs 200.00-240.00, few 246.00; 80-90 lbs 198.00-216.00; 90-100 lbs 178.00-213.00; 100-110 lbs 184.00-204.00. wooled and shorn 40-50 lbs 228.00-250.00; 50-60 lbs 242.00-258.00; 60-70 lbs 220.00-244.00; 70-80 lbs 208.00-229.00; 90-100 lbs 185.00189.00. Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 60-70 lbs 205.00-207.50; 70-80 lbs 210.00-220.00; 80-90 lbs 215.00-222.50; 90-100 lbs 200.00-222.50; 104 lbs 229.00. hair 40-50 lbs 210.00- 217.50; 59 lbs 215.00; 60-70 lbs 210.00-220.00; 78 lbs 210.00; 80-90 lbs 210.00-212.50; 100-105 lbs 210.00-225.00. South Dakota: wooled and shorn 60-70 lbs 180.00-200.00; 70-80 lbs 182.50-195.00, few 250.00; 80-90 lbs 180.00-190.00; 90-100 lbs 180.00-200.00; 100-110 lbs 176.00-192.50; 110-120 lbs 170.00-185.00. hair 62 lbs 205.00; 85 lbs 180.00; 90-100 lbs 185.00.
Billings: wooled and shorn 99 lbs 182.00; 107 lbs 175.00. hair 69 lbs 197.00. Slaughter Ewes
San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy)
75.00-90.00, hair 74.00-92.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 82.00-100.00, hair 80.00-106.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 70.00-88.00, hair 72.00-84.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) hair 60.00-75.00; Cull 1 38.00-60.00.
Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 82.50-122.50; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 80.00-120.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test. South Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 85.00-90.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 65.00-100.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 55.00 70.00. Billings: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 79.00-84.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 73.0083.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 65.00-75.00, hair 80.00-86.00; Cull 1 50.0060.00.
Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2
San Angelo: hair 30-40 lbs 274.00-275.00; 45 lbs 296.00; 50-60 lbs 292.00-300.00.
Ft. Collins: 40-50 lbs 220.00-227.50; 50-60 lbs 190.00-200.00; 60-70 lbs 220.00-240.00; 70-80 lbs 210.00-235.00; 80-90 lbs 220.00-230.00; 90-100 lbs 225.00-232.50; 100-105 lbs 220.00-227.50. South Dakota: 30 lbs 200.00; 40-50 lbs 215.00-225.00; 50-60 lbs 202.50-225.00; 60-70 lbs 210.00-215.00. hair 40-50 lbs 160.00-185.00; 61
cwt; young hair 90-145 lbs 112.00-121.00/cwt.
Ft. Collins: no test. South Dakota: no test.
Billings: yearlings 120-160 lbs 95.00-140.00/cwt.
Sheep and lambs slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 37,000 compared with 37,000 last week and 32,000 last year.
Source: USDA AMS Market News, San Angelo, Texas
National Wool Review
As of August 9, 2024
Australian Wool Exchange
Special Note: Australia is currently on their annual 3-week midyear recess. The next available new data from Australia will be Friday, August 23, 2024.
Source: USDA- CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO
Wyoming Hay Summary
As of August 15, 2024
Compared to last week bales of hay sold steady on a thin test. Sun-cured alfalfa pellets sold steady with hay cubes selling 20.00 per ton lower. Demand was light. Interesting year in the hay world. Most of the state is dry to very dry but ranchers are still sitting on the fence about buying hay for fall and winter use. Hay producers are thinking they can push the market higher due to the drought. But there seems to be a lot of 2023 hay sitting around along with the new crop keeping prices lower than the last several years.
Eastern Wyoming
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News Torrington
Nebraska Hay Summary
As of August 15, 2024
Compared to last week baled hay sales and ground and delivered hay sold steady on a thin test. Dehy pellets traded 25.00 lower in the Platte Valley. Demand was light. Quite a lot of hay sitting around in most areas of the state. Quite a few hay producers are struggling to move hay this summer across the state. Many factors going into the slow hay formula, decent rains in most areas, low cattle inventories, most cattle still able to graze summer grass pastures without any supplementation and several prospective buyers are carrying over a large inventory of 2023 hay supplies. The “old timers” say hay market usually follows the corn market in normal production years. Overall, there isn’t enough “mouths” to eat the tonnage of hay sitting around. If Mother Nature deals the state and early snow and cattle can’t hit the stock fields this hay market could snap up some.
1 Gillette, WY at the CAM-PLEX. Open to the pub-
Fri., Aug. 30, 3 p.m.-7
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LSC, LSH. No iron available. Registered to March 2029. $7,500. Call or text 406-5393709 9/7
HISTORIC REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND: LHC LHH, BS, single iron, registered to 2031. For more information call or text 307-3158555 9/7
AKC LAB PUPPIES: All colors available, whites, blacks, yellows, dark chocolates and dark reds. Excellent hunters, family companions. Full AKC registration. Shots, wormed, dewclaws removed. All puppies are cute, but it’s what they grow into that counts. Not all Labs are the same. Proud to own!! Been raising quality AKC Labradors for 30-plus years. Look at the rest but buy the best. Both parents on site for viewing. Will sell quickly!! $200 deposit, picking order is when the deposit is received. Doug Altman, Mitchell, S.D. Call/text 605-999-7149, click the “Our Labs” tab on the website for pictures, www.southdakotayellowlabs.com 8/17
www.gottschcattlecompany.com
Come Join the Gottsch Livestock Feeders Family! Gottsch Livestock Feeders is looking for Cowboys/Pen Riders for their feedyard in Red Cloud, NE. The main focus of the Cowboy/Pen Riders are spotting, pulling, diagnosing and taking cattle to the hospital and shipping fat cattle. This person will need to be a team player who is seeking a long-term position. You will have the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the best in the industry. We offer a benefits package that includes health insurance, dental, vision, 401(k), health savings, life insurance and paid vacation. Retention bonus offered to full-time employees. Incentives paid out at 6 months and 1 year of employment. If you are interested stop by and fill out an application or visit our website at Call Brandon Furr at 402-257-7769 or 402-746-2222 for more information.
WANTED: RELIABLE, HARDWORKING INDIVIDUAL/COUPLE TO LIVE ONSITE AND CARE FOR A BEAUTIFUL 40 ACRE HORSE PROPERTY IN PARKER, CO. Responsibilities include daily turn out for 4 rescue horses, stall cleaning, feed set up, keeping supplies stocked, running tractors for mowing, plowing and manure spreading, keeping fence lines safe, gates in good operating condition and more!! Fully furnished 1 bedroom apartment in exchange for predetermined number of work hours. This is a long-term position. Option for additional work and pay available. Please e-mail resume to linda@experienceavatarnow. com. For questions, leave message, 720-320-9681 8/24
RANCH HAND/GROUNDS
KEEPER: Full-time position at a family-owned ranch near Cody, WY and located in the Shoshone National Forest. Position entails lawn care, irrigation, heavy equipment operation, carpentry, equipment maintenance, building maintenance and overall residential and agricultural property maintenance. Experience is welcome but will train the right candidate. The ideal candidate will be reliable; have a strong work ethic; be able to perform individually and with a team; be a self-starter and enjoy working outdoors. Benefits include health, with optional dental and eye; paid-time off and 401(k) with employer matching contribution. For the right candidate housing on property is also available. Salary based upon previous experience. Send resumes to cg1@colliergroupoffice. com or call 307-587-6275 for questions 8/24
DEVILS TOWER FOREST PRODUCTS, A LUMBER MANUFACTURER IN HULETT, WY, IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FULL-TIME PLANER, SAWMILL AND MILLWRIGHT POSITIONS: Benefit package includes company paid medical and dental insurance (including dependents), life insurance, company matching 401(k) retirement program, safety incentives, holiday pay, and paid vacation. Mandatory employment and random drug testing conducted. D.O.E. Contact Joe Ortner at 307-4675252 you can also send your application (www.neimanenterprises.com) with resume to Joe.Ortner@devilstowerfp.com E.O.E 8/24
REMOTE NORTHEAST WYOMING RANCH IS LOOKING FOR A FULL-TIME FARM/ RANCH EMPLOYEE: This position is open immediately. Applicant must be self-motivated, reliable and responsible with knowledge of haying and farming. Mechanical skills are a must. Farming duties include: Swathing, baling and raking hay, etc. THIS IS NOT A COWBOY POSITION, but applicant will need to assist in all aspects of cattle work as well. Those duties include calving heifers, feeding hay, branding and gathering, etc. Nearest big town is 60+ miles and nearest K-12 school is 30+ miles away. Housing is provided and on a school bus route. Please send resume with references by mail or e-mail to: PeeGee Ranch, 1251 Lower Powder River Road, Arvada, WY 82831, pgranch@rangeweb.net. Call 307-736-2461 9/7
AIREDALE TERRIER 16-WEEK-OLD PUPS: One male, 1 female, AKC, well started on obedience, kind, gentle, quiet and docile. Ranch raised and livestock oriented. Good herd dogs and ranch hand companions. Shots and wormed. Call for details, 307219-2217 8/24
uming, sweeping and mopping floors; cleaning and stocking restrooms; notifying managers of necessary repairs; collecting and disposing of trash; dusting; and light outdoor cleaning and maintenance. Experience is welcome but will train the right candidate. The ideal candidate will be reliable; have a strong work ethic; be able to perform individually and with a team; be a self-starter; and must be able to lift 25 pounds. Benefits include health, with optional dental and vision; paid-time off; and 401(k) with employer matching contribution. Salary based upon previous experience. Send resumes to cg1@colliergroupoffice.com or call 307-5876275 for questions 8/24
BLAKEMAN PROPANE IS GROWING. WE ARE LOOKING FOR A SERVICE TECH AND A DELIVERY DRIVER IN THE MOORCROFT, WY AREA: Must have a valid CDL with tanker and hazmat endorsements. We are willing to train the right candidates. Must pass pre-employment and random drug and alcohol tests. Must be able to lift 50 pounds and be part of the on-call rotation. We are looking for team players that have a strong work ethic, are dependable and have good communication skills. We offer excellent wages and a full benefits package. Blakeman Propane is a Wyoming based, family friendly company with 9 locations around the state and have been offering great customer service and an excellent work environment since 1953. Please go to www.blakemanpropane.com to print an application or stop by our office. Completed applications can be emailed to cskiver@blakemanpropane.com or faxed to 307-756-9614 8/24
RANCH HAND WANTED: Fulltime experienced ranch hand for cow/calf operation in northeast Wyoming. Must be experienced in feeding livestock, calving, haying, as well as maintaining and servicing equipment. Housing provided with competitive wage. This position is open immediately. Call 307-685-8213, e-mail resumes with references to denise@wylr.net 8/17
SIGN-ON BONUS!! Full- or parttime DRIVERS NEEDED FROM WORLAND TO CASPER, WY: Nighttime hours, $30/HOUR TO START. Must have CDL, pass background check and clean MVR. E-mail resumes to dingoboy6342@yahoo.com or call Matt, 801-641-4109 8/17
BIG HORN REDI MIX IS LOOKING FOR MIXER/END DUMP DRIVERS FOR SEVERAL LOCATIONS IN THE BIG HORN BASIN: Applicant must have a Class A or B CDL with a clean MVR and must pass a pre-employment drug test. Position is full time, Mon.-Fri. Benefits include 100% employer-paid insurance (medical, dental, vision, life) and paid vacation after one year. To apply, call 307-864-3397 or email bhrmoffice@rtconnect. net 8/24
ALL TYPES OF EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE FINANCING. Great service!! Great rates!! Call Chuck Brown at C.H. Brown Co., WY LLC, 307-322-3232 (office), 307-331-0010 (cell) or email chuckbrown@wyoming. com 8/17
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!! 9/7
TAKE A LOOK!! REGISTERED BELTED GALLOWAY AND GALLOWAY INFLUENCE CATTLE FOR SALE: Two bull calf prospects and 1 registered heifer. Pictures and videos available by e-mail. Cattle located in Billings, MT. Transportation options available. For more information, call Gerry Thomas, 406-861-7316 or Patty Thomas, 406-861-3036. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 8/17
CUSTOM FEEDING AND FINISHING FOR CATTLE AND SHEEP. Cactus Hill Ranch Company, Fort Collins, CO. Contact AJ Nelson, 970372-8273 9/7 Custom Feeding
WINTERING COWS, backgrounding calves and developing heifers. Forsyth, MT. Call Joe at 406-930-2645 9/7
WINTER FORAGE FOR 300 PLUS HEAD AVAILABLE NORTH-CENTRAL WYOMING: Looking to take in 300 plus head of cows from Dec. 1 to April 1. Wintered on stockpiled alfalfa/orchard grass and cornstalk pivots. Supplemented with alfalfa/orchard grass hay. Full care with salt included - $2.50/day. Would consider taking yearlings - can negotiate a price. Also have room to background calves from Oct. 1 to April 1 - $1.90/day. Located in North-Central Wyoming. Please call Asa at 307-2725332 8/31
Ranch Lease Wanted
YOUNG COUPLE LOOKING FOR A RANCH: We are a young couple in our mid 30s that have extensive experience working on various size ranches. We are looking for an opportunity to lease a ranch or partner with an older operator that would like to take advantage of the high cattle markets and pass the reins on to a younger ambitious couple. Call 406-351-9892 8/31
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 8/24
SADDLES AND TACK FOR SALE: Two riding saddles, one pack saddle, bridles and other assorted tack. All rigged for mountain riding with britchen and breast collars. All in excellent condition. Call Don in Cody, WY, 307-272-8375 9/7
2024 FIRST CUTTING HAY FOR SALE: Grass mix, large round bales. Located at Murdo, S.D. Call 605-516-0107
1,000 LARGE ROUND GRASS BALES: No rain, $130/ton. Pete Bertolino at Roberts, MT, 406-425-1351
2024 FIRST CUTTING HORSE QUALITY HAY, round bales averaging 1,450 lbs./bale. Located in Clark, WY. No rain. Currently tarped. Call 847-420-9615. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net the classifieds ROUND BALED GRASS: 2023 $50/bale; 2024 $60/bale. 1,000 lb. net-wrapped bales. Cody, WY area. Call, don’t text, Anthony at 307-254-2645 8/31
SUFFOLK AND SUFFOLK/ HAMP CROSS BUCK LAMBS FOR SALE. February born, weighing 160-170 lbs. Call 605770-0853 8/24
GERDES HAMPSHIRES HAS 30 REGISTERED PUREBRED HAMPSHIRE RAMS: Born in the winter of 2024. Our rams are big framed, fast growing with plenty of depth, muscle and bone. These are wether producing-type Hampshires without excessive leg length but possess tremendous thickness of loin and leg. Rams are sired by stud rams that were purchased from leading Hampshire sheep breeders at national sales and are sired by sons of Unicorn, UFFDA and Jackalope. For more information, call or text Darrell Gerdes of Madison S.D. at 402-760-0104. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 9/21
RANCHERS QUARTER
HORSE BREEDERS ASSOCIATION SALE AUG. 25: Located at Besler’s Cadillac Ranch, Belle Fourche, S.D. Selling 71 head. Yearling Futurity $3,000 added. Featuring a yearling in-hand trail class!! All 2024 foals eligible to win in 2025. Ranch Horse Futurity, added money, open to 2- and 3-year-olds sold through the sale. Invitational saddle horse session, have 15 riders and 5 yearlings. Online bidding available day of sale with pre-approval through Tri-State Livestock at: www.thestockshow. hibid.com/auction/current For more information, call Gary Mailloux, 605-347-1964 or Susan Riesland, 605-6399482, www.rqhba.com “The Sale Where You Can Buy With Confidence” 8/17
TRITICALE SEED READY FOR FALL PLANTING: High yield, makes excellent forage and cover crop. Can be grazed fall and winter and hayed in the spring. Call 308-430-3457, for pricing and delivery. Phone calls only 8/31
2024 ALFALFA ROUNDS FOR SALE, $150/ton, semi load delivery available, Hemingford, NE. Call Ian, 307-421-9116 9/7
HAY FOR SALE: 2023 and 2024, alfalfa, Sainfoin, alfalfa/grass mix, grass and combine grass/straw. Small squares and 3x3x8 sales. Test results available for all baled in 2023. Will load 3x3’s in open truck and trailer. Call 307-2506005 9/7
2024 HAY FOR SALE: First and second cutting alfalfa, grass mix, grass/alfalfa, alfalfa with oats for cover crop cut. ALSO, oat hay and 2024 upcoming millet, still growing. All in netwrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, ask for Klint, 701-2904418, send a text if no answer or keep trying 9/7
FOR SALE: 2024 grass hay. 600 bales 2023 alfalfa hay. 1,000 bales 2024 alfalfa hay. All in net wrapped rounds bales. North central South Dakota. Call 605-281-9900 9/7
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 307-899-4714, leave message 9/7
COW AND HORSE QUALITY HAY FOR SALE: Grass and alfalfa hay. ALSO, forage wheat. 2023 hay still available. Small squares, 3x3 square bales and 3x4 square bales. Delivery available!! Call 307630-3046 9/7
LOTS AND LOTS OF HAY FOR SALE!!! 1,350 lb. round bales, net wrapped. Grass/alfalfa mix, native grass, brome grass, straight alfalfa. ALSO, triticale and barley hay. Sheridan, WY area. Come and get it!! For pricing call the ranch, 307-737-2680 or 702-501-4243 (cell) 8/31
600 TONS 2023 GRASS/ALFALFA IN LARGE ROUNDS: Cut slightly mature but baled green!! Will deliver!! For sale by Cheyenne, WY area producer. Call 307-630-3768 8/31
2024 NEW CROP HAY: Grass hay, horse quality, 3x4s and round bales, barn stored, tests available, $150/ton. New crop alfalfa, $175/ton. ALSO, oat/ pea hay, 3x4s and round bales, tests available, $150/ton. Lusk, WY. Call Paul Hicks, 970-2035019 8/31
FOR SALE: Alfalfa or grass hay, round bales, delivered in semi loads. Call Steve, 308325-5964 8/31
VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Hay available. Go to www.valleyvideohay.com or call Barry McRea, 308-2355386 8/17
CERTIFIED WEED-FREE PURE ALFALFA HAY: Small squares, covered. 2023 first and second cutting available. 2024 first cutting available. Will load trucks and any open trailer. MONIDA 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 for details: 307-254-0554 9/14
CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE, 3x4 bales. Cody, WY. Call 307-899-1952 TFN
FOR SALE: New Holland 9’ pull type sickle mower. Rowse 3 pt., 9’ mower with New Holland head and bolt on sections. Rowse 16 wheel hydraulic v-rake. Gehl 1410 manure spreader with double apron chain, slop gate, 410 bushel spreader, shedded, very nice. Richardton 700 silage dump box with auto roof opener. John Deere 2155 diesel tractor, wide front, 3 pt., 3 hydraulics, runs great. International 656 tractor, gas, wide front. 2016 Volvo semi (daycab), D13 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. 10’ HD box scraper with tilt. All in very nice condition!! Call 605999-5482 8/24
2013 BRENT 1545: 26 HP gas motor 2 years old, hydraulic mover, hydraulic winch, everything works excellent. Very good condition, $18,250. Call 605-505-0390, can text pictures if needed 9/7
GRAHAM HOEME CHISEL PLOW: 12’, 12 double spring shanks with cylinder and hoses, $2,750. 24-FOOT JOHN DEERE 1100 CULTIVATOR 3 pt. hookup, $3,250. INTERNATIONAL 5100 12’ single disc drill with small seed box, $3,750. Call 307-6749092 9/7
GRAIN AUGER FOR SALE: Westfield MK100-61 10”x61’, hydraulic lift with low profile swing out. 540 PTO. New tires. Looks like new. Has seen very little use. Transports easily down the road and pulls well. Located near Raymond, S.D. $15,500. Call Jim Kopriva, 605-468-0003 9/7
1105 MASSEY TRACTOR: Great for cutting hay. Low hours. Always shedded. New tires and A/C pump. $7,900. Call Rick, 605-2908034 or 701-361-9196. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 8/24
BENNY HERNANDEZ IS IN THE AREA AND HAS PLENTY OF HELP TO CLEANUP AND HOE YOUR CROPS. Call 307431-7160 8/17
2007 Ford 250 XLT: 4x4, crew cab 199,000 miles, 6.0 diesel. Just been through the shop. Good running truck. Needs tires. 11,000 OBO. Would consider trading for haying equipment. Calls only, no texts, 307858-5000 8/17
IMMEDIATE SALE: 2007 KENWORTH W-900 ISX-600, fresh overhaul, near new 18-speed transmission and rear ends. Noemissions. ONE OWNER, blue/ silver (color), 280-wheel-base, 72”-sleeper. ALSO, 2018 Wilson grain trailer, tri-axle, electric tarp and hopper, new brakes. Call 308-289-2365 8/17
Vehicles Wanted
1932, 1933 OR 1934 FORD WANTED, in any condition, unrestored or restored. Call 605290-3208 8/17
2016 KAWASAKI TERYX SXS, 800 twin, excellent condition, always garaged, new belt, good tires. $6,900. 3 PT. ROUND BALE FEEDER, used one season, $600. Call 307388-3300 8/31
TRACTOR FOR SALE: 2024 BOBCAT CT2540, 5.4 hours, 60” FL8 loader, 72” angle blade. Tier 4 compliant diesel engine. Block heater, full cab, with A/C, heat, AM/FM/bluetooth stereo. Price new $43,609. Asking $33,000, Cody, WY. Call 308631-2082 8/17
WANT TO BUY!! FORD 6000 COMMANDER diesel tractor, being complete and operational. Call Lloyd, 701-226-4055 8/24
NEW HOLLAND 499 12’ HYDROSWING MOWER CONDITIONER: Field ready, $4,000. 307-359-8668, Douglas, WY 8/17
TRACTOR BALER COMBO FOR SALE. International 186 Hydro: 8,094 hours, new transmission/alternator/batteries/ tires. Hesston 4760 3x3 baler: 24,485 bales, stored inside and very well maintained. Located in Farson, WY. Call 307-3500350 for more information and pictures 9/7
2001 MACDON 9250 SWATHER with 922 auger head, 1,771 hours on tractor, 1,384 hours on head, $43,000. Area fields are being subdivided. Call 307-674-9092 9/7 Livestock Equipment
Delivery and Truckload Prices Available Big Horn Livestock Services, Inc. 307-851-1634 • www.bighornlivestock.com
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
CHEYENNE COUNTY COLORADO FARM FOR SALE: 4,793+ acres of dryland and expired CRP. Immediate possession to farm upon closing. $5,020,000. Call Larry Hostetler, Colorado Land Investments, LLC, 719-342-0665 8/17
OILFIELD PIPE: PRICE REDUCED!! RPJ Enterprises, Inc. 2 3/8”, 2 7/8” and 4.5” is available, pricing is coming down. 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 1/11
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
715 ACRE LIVESTOCK FARM IN THE BIG HORN BASIN with 4 pivots irrigating 541 acres with free water. Functional improvements, 4 bedroom home, larger shop with attached apartment, livestock barn, large metal building, metal equipment building, corrals and feed pens. $3,190,000. RuraLands Real Estate, frank@ruralands. com, 307-851-2426 8/17
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 208-5980267 (cell), Intermountain Realty, www.intermountainland.com 9/7
315 ACRE TURN-KEY RANCH NEAR REED POINT, MT. All equipment conveys, including multiple tractors with implements plus attachments. Stock trailer, ATV and tools. Large barn with squeeze chutes, sorting pens, corrals, automatic waterers and 5 cross-fenced pastures. Nice home with attached shop plus car port. Plenty of grass and water! Year-round springs, solar well. Owners have run 2530 pairs plus put up 30 tons of hay each year. $1.7 million. Call George Duke at 406670-7258 or e-mail gduke@ fayranches.com. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 9/7
AMISH BUILT CABIN WITH SEPARATE SHOP/HOME ON 141 ACRES IN ROUNDUP, MT: Adorable 679 sq. ft. cabin, with one bedroom and a full bath, island with electric cooktop, woodstove and gas backup heat, electric HW and fully wired. The shop/home is 1,500 sq. ft. on the main, with additional 480 sq. ft. of loft. Four bedrooms, full bath, smooth concrete floor, well insulated and heated with propane. Wiring installed in the shop/home. Borders 1,000’s of acres BLM land. $100,000 REDUCTION, SELLER MOTIVATED, $695,000. Call 541-480-9567, Sonya Gangstead, Broker, Realty Pros Inc., e-mail brokersonya@ gmail.com 8/24
1,230 ACRES OF PRIME AGRICULTURAL NON-IRRIGATED FARMLAND: Soils consist primarily of silt and sand loams. Located east of Hawk Springs, WY along the Wyoming/Nebraska state line. Professional care is dedicated to optimizing soil health. Divisible into smaller parcels to meet your investment needs. No improvements. $1,100,000. 3,316± DEEDED ACRES consisting of improved meadow grass and lush hard grasses. Run 250± cows through 12 pastures. Outstanding condition. Nice home plus excellent corrals and calving facilities. Natural tree-lined draws for livestock protection. Hawk Springs, WY. WAS $5,100,000 NOW $4,700,000!! Pictures and video at www.buyaranch.com Call Casey Essert, Land Broker, 307-532-1750 TFN
A newly-enhanced database is expected to help wildfire managers and scientists better predict where and when wildfires may occur by incorporating hundreds of additional factors which impact the ignition and spread of fire.
“There is a tremendous amount of interest in what enables wildfire ignitions and what can be done to prevent them,” said Erica Fleishman, an Oregon State University (OSU) professor. “This database increases the ability to access relevant information and contribute to wildfire preparedness and prevention.”
Revised database
The Fire Program Analysis Fire-Occurrence Database was developed in 2013 by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and has since been updated five times. It incorporates basic information such as ignition location, discovery date and final wildfire size.
The revised database now includes many new environmental and social factors, such as topogra-
phy and vegetation, social vulnerability and economic justice metrics and practical attributes such as the distance from the ignition to the nearest road.
In addition to aiding on-the-ground firefighters and managers, the database could also help power companies evaluate shortterm risk when deciding whether to implement a public safety power shutoff or land management agencies determine whether to reduce access to public lands or restrict campfires during certain times of year, Fleishman explained.
“There seem to be a lot of policies guided to some extent by intuition or emotions rather than by a large body of evidence,” she said. “These data present one way to increase the objective evidence to consider when making those decisions.”
The team, including Fleishman and led by Yavar Pourmohamad, a doctoral student at Boise State University, as well as Mojtaba Sadegh, an associate profes-
sor at Boise State University, added nearly 270 additional attributes. The database now includes information on 2.3 million fires in the U.S. from 1992 to 2020.
“This provides a considerably deeper understanding of the individual and compounded impact of these attributes on wildfire ignitions and size,” Pourmohamad said. “It also identifies the unequal effects of wildfires on distinct human populations and ecosystems, which can in turn inform efforts to reduce inequities.”
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Information from the database can also be incorporated into artificial intelligence and machine learning models explaining drivers of past fires, project likelihoods or effects of future fires.
“It’s amazing what one can infer when they have the computational capacity and this much information,” Fleishman said. “We can ask a lot of questions informing different actions in different places to under-
stand what is associated with wildfire ignitions and fire effects.”
A paper outlining the database was recently published in the journal Earth System Science Data
Other coauthors of the paper are Eric Henderson and Sawyer Ball of Boise State University; John Abatzoglou of the University of California, Merced; Erin Belval, Karen Short, Matthew Reeves and Julia Olszewski of the USFSʼs Rocky Mountain Research Station; Nicholas Nauslar of the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center; Philip Higuera of the University of Montana; Amir AghaKouchak of the University of California, Irvine and Jeffrey Prestemon of the USFS Southern Research Station.
The research was supported by the Joint Fire Science Program, a program of the USFS and U.S. Department of the Interior.
Sean Nealon is a news editor for OSU. This article was originally published by OSU on Aug. 2.
U.S. Sens. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) announced bipartisan legislation to help Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stop the flow of illicit goods, including fentanyl, counterfeits and products made with forced labor, into the country by tightening import requirements for low-value packages. This legislation is an important first step in addressing the fentanyl crisis plaguing Wyoming communities.
“Whether through the southwest border or in packages mailed into the U.S., China is using any tool available to get illicit drugs across our border,” said Lummis. “It is time for CBP to crack down on shipments from China to ensure drugs and products made using slave labor are encountered before making it into our communities.”
In recent years, the number of direct-to-consumer shipments from foreign corporate giants like Shein and Temu into the U.S. has quadrupled. These retailers are abusing a customs process called “de minimis” entry, which allows packages under $800 to enter the country tariff-free and under a streamlined process.
As the volume of packages has increased, CBP has struggled to effectively target shipments and keep out packages containing illicit drugs, counterfeits, products made with forced labor and other goods which violate U.S. law.
The Fighting Illicit Goods, Helping Trustworthy Importers and Netting Gains (FIGHTING) for America Act would tighten the rules for de minimis entry and help CBP more effectively stop unlawful imports. The legislation would ensure Chinese corporate giants cannot use the de minimis process to avoid paying tariffs on textiles, shoes and apparel or evade trade penalties imposed because of Chinese trade cheating.
Reducing the overall volume of low-value packages entering under de minimis would promote enforcement of U.S. trade laws and level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers and works.
by Lee Pitts
It seems to me each succeeding generation is waiting longer to get married and have kids.
My wife had a greatgrandmother who got married and had a child at 14. On the other hand, I have a nephew who is 42 and still looking.
Young folks are finding out the hard way college is the best place to find a mate due to the diversity, quality and number of members
of the opposite sex. But, if a person leaves college unattached, their prospects for finding a date – outside the family of course – are limited to bars, the gym and the internet.
In the 1800s, a lot of young adults met their mates at community dances in which all of the cowboys looked forward to, even if they danced like flat-footed, heavy-handed arthritic apes.
On the night of the
dance, cowboys from far and wide would take their weekly bath, sprinkle on a few drops of eau de toilette and ride their horse an hour away, only to find there was no fiddler and no women to dance with cheek to cheek.
In this case, a few of the cowboys would willingly put on an apron or tie a bandana to their sleeve to indicate they’d be dancing the female part. Such hoedowns were known as heifer dances, but I don’t think the concept would work in today’s LGBTQ+ society.
Another traditional place people look for mates is at a bar, but I don’t think finding a life partner while in an inebriated condition is wise. Such prospects are always uglier, older and far less
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20
ALL CATTLE CLASSES W/ SHEEP & HORSES & 4-H RESALE (NOON) START TIME 9:30 AM W/ SHEEP & WEIGH UPS
Brown- 6 Blk Corriente Hrs. Bangs vacc. Open. Good to rope. SHEEP
interesting in the light of day.
I have a recently divorced friend who reentered the dating scene, and he said the date he had with a lady he met at a bar “was like a year in solitary confinement.”
People must be really desperate to resort to speed dating or weed dating.
In speed dating, a person pays a fee and then asks questions for five to 10 minutes of several prospects to find out if they know how to tie a fly or shoot a shotgun.
With weed dating, a person volunteers at a community garden in hopes of meeting someone they like. If they get into an argument with a potential candidate over whether a zucchini is ripe, they switch rows until they find someone more compatible.
This might work in an urban setting, but it seems to me weed dating won’t go over well with the cowboy crowd because women
in the urban community garden are more apt to be vegan and wouldn’t be the type one would want to take home to mama if they live in Hico, Texas or Cherry County, Nebraska.
Then there’s the gym.
I know readers won’t believe this after getting a gander at my glorious glutes and abs, but I’ve never paid to go to a gym in my life.
I’ve heard the gym scene is highly competitive and I can see where all the Spandex and heavy breathing could lead to romance, but I’ve never heard of a single instance where a man met a women at a gym, got married and lived happily ever.
But I have heard of at least two instances where it led to divorce.
Finally, there’s the internet. People don’t realize this but this experiment has been tried before in America back in the 1800s.
A lonely Basque sheepherder might correspond
with someone selected by an aunt back in the old country, and then the sheepherder would pay for the shipping and wait to see what stepped out of the stagecoach.
It’s the same way with internet dating today which seems to be very popular.
The problem with internet dating is someone can misrepresent who – or what – they are. There ought to be warnings on some of the prospects like “bring a leash.”
Thank goodness today it’s catch and release, and shipping fees to send one back are much cheaper if the article is not as represented.
I know one fellow who was told his blind date was 42-24-38. Then, he found out 42 was her age, 24 was her IQ and 38 was the number of days she’d been released from the detox center.
He learned real fast why they’re called blind dates because with a first look one wishes they were blind.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wyoming is putting a $1.1 million investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to work, cleaning up 12 orphaned well sites. The restoration funds will go to work on wells in Hot Springs, Park and Washakie counties.
determine the final impact of the project as it reduces methane released into the atmosphere.
Donna Daniels- 25 Predominantly blk face, few speckle face lambs. 100#. GOATS
Tiffany Wiser- 2 fancy Purebred Nigerian Bucks. Naturally polled, Chamoise Buckskin color. Out of clean, tested, CDT vaccinated herd. Quality Milk genetics! Great breeding prospects for 4H! Can be registered.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27 - No Sale
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
LABOR DAY FEEDER SPECIAL START TIME 9:00 AM W/ WEIGH UPS
YEARLINGS
Willow Creek Ranch - 110 Blk Ang Spayed Hfrs 750-800#. Riverview Ranch - 80 Spayed Yrlng Hfrs 675-750#. Dixon Ranch - 45 Blk & Red Yrlng Strs 700#. Otis & Norma Jones - 11 Blk Yrlng Strs 650-700#.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
CALF & YEARLING SPECIAL START TIME 9:00 AM W/ WEIGH UPS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
CALF & YEARLING SPECIAL START TIME 9:00 AM W/ WEIGH UPS WEIGH UPS
Steve Ward- 2 load weigh cows
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
CALF & YEARLING SPECIAL W/ SHEEP & HORSES START TIME 9:00 AM W/ SHEEP
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1
CALF & YEARLING SPECIAL • START TIME 9:00 AM YEARLINGS
The contract to plug these orphaned wells was awarded on July 11, and work is expected to begin this summer. The project will also restore the disturbed surface and remove debris, surface equipment and any contaminants left by the previous operators of these abandoned wells.
An additional opportunity to reclaim the sites following completion of the plugging will be announced in the future.
Prior to plugging, the methane emissions from the wells will be measured to
This year’s restoration funds are part of a multi-year, $4.7 billion investment by the Department of the Interior to plug and reclaim hundreds of orphaned wells and restore public lands, national parks, national forests and national wildlife refuges throughout the country.
These investments tackle the longstanding problem of orphaned wells on our public lands by supplementing the BLM’s annual appropriated funding to address this problem across the nation, eliminating dangerous conditions and pollution caused by past extraction activities.
For more information, visit doi.gov/ orphanedwells
