UW
Wyoming
Quick Bits
FFA Ball
The Wyoming FFA Foundation will host the Blue Jeans Ball on Sept. 21 at the Barn by Five Deuces in Casper. This annual event is a gathering of industry leaders, agricultural advocates and supporters of Wyoming FFA from across the state to help raise money for nearly 4,000 Wyoming FFA members. For more information or to purchase a ticket, e-mail oaklee@ wyoffafoundation.com or call 307-851-4392.
WNRF Raffle
The Wyoming Natural Resource Foundation’s (WNRF) Annual Side-bySide Fundraiser is in full swing. The first-place prize is a 2024 Polaris Ranger 570SP and the second-place prize is a STIHL Backpack Blower. Tickets can be purchased through a local conservation district or by contacting Sydney Baker at sydney.baker@ conservewy.com. Winners will be announced at the WNRF Convention in Jackson in November.
USMARC Jobs
The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) in Clay Center, Neb. has openings for three sheep ranch hand positions and a sheep nursery and data associate. For more information, contact Isaac Brunkow at isaac.brunkow@usda.gov or 402-762-4115. For a complete list of job openings at USMARC, visit employment.unl.edu
USDA Webinar
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host a free webinar discussing the impact of depreciation on taxes for farm and ranch businesses on Sept. 5. The investment in machinery and equipment, buildings and breeding livestock required by agricultural producers can be significant, and this presentation will discuss how depreciation in value of investments can affect taxes. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov
Proposed
House farm bill would benefit U.S. sheep industry
As August comes to an end, the Sept. 30 deadline for Congress to pass a new farm bill looms on the horizon.
Running on a one-year extension of a six-year-old law, the agriculture industry – on many occasions over the past year – has urged the House and
Senate to pass a new bill, voicing the importance of updated policy and their concerns with another year-long extension of the 2018 legislation.
Mid-May saw some promise when House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA)
and Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) proposed competing updated farm bill texts.
Thompson’s Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024 garnered
The American Sheep Industry Association’s (ASI) August 2024 edition of Sheep Industry News is dedicated to focusing on ways to advance the sheep industry, marking four consecutive years of a genetics-themed issue.
“ASI believes genetic improvement is one of the major cornerstones to help producer profitability and keep the American sheep industry competi-
WSF wool results posted
The Wyoming State Fair (WSF) is a premier venue for producers to show off the fruits of their labor, and each year wool growers from across the state meet in Douglas to vie for top honors with a variety of high-quality fleeces and impressive fiber arts.
According to WSF Wool Show Superintendent Tracy Hageman Dilts, this year’s show made history with 117 fleeces lined up along the green-shelved walls of the WSF Wool Barn.
“We’ve never had more than 100 fleeces, so we are really excited about the improvement of the show,” Dilts said.
The WSF Wool Show, according to the 2024 WSF Premium Book, “encourages improved wool production, stimulates interest and knowledge in the proper preparation of wool for market and informs the public on the versatile uses of wool as a high-quality textile fiber.”
The wool is graded on a common set of criteria, including estimated clean wool content, staple length, fiber strength, fineness, purity, color and crimp.
Eligible fleeces had to be shorn in 2023-24 and represent 12 months of growth or less. Fleeces were faulted for including paint of tar brands, excessive dung locks or tags, moisture discoloration, cotting, a break or weak staple and excess burrs or vegetable matter.
The WSF Wool Show included fleeces and fiber arts shown by both youth and open exhibitors, broken into divisions based on production type, breed and sex.
Youth Wool Show
In the youth division, Lance Rabel of Buffalo had an Final
tive in our marketplace by providing consumers with a high-quality product at a price which is sustainable up and down the value chain,” states ASI President Brad Boner.
He adds, “Countries which import the most lamb into the U.S. market are already keenly focused on genetic improvement and have made advances in Please see GENETICS on page 7
Glenrock Sheepherders Rendezvous
Annual event keeps Western heritage alive through living history
The annual Glenrock Sheepherders Rendezvous brought together the past and present lives of sheepherders and their infamous wagons during the annual event held at Glenrock City Park on Aug. 23-25.
As sheep wagons rolled in to kick off the three-day event, spectators began filling the park to celebrate the area’s unique Western heritage.
The annual event featured live music and games, along with multiple attractions including an alpaca exhibit, a look into pioneer history including a blacksmith exhibit and many vendors and food trucks.
Friends and family gathered to enjoy a bountiful lamb dinner on the opening night of the rendezvous. With plans of serving about 50 individuals, the crowd grew upwards to about 80 individuals.
“It was a great turn out,” Rhonda Dilts, a member of the Glenrock Sheepherders Rendezvous organization committee stated. “We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend at the rendezvous. It’s promising to be
Wildfires devastate Western states
The hot, dry weather conditions, afternoon lightning and thunderstorms and blustery winds of late-August have created a perfect storm of destruction –raging wildfires consuming everything in their path and leaving a wake of black ash in their place.
As of Aug. 28, four large wildfires have scorched almost one million acres in Northern Wyoming and Southeastern Montana, while flames also wreak havoc in the neighboring state of Idaho.
House Draw Fire
Ignited on Aug. 21 nine miles southeast of Buffalo, the House Draw Fire burned 174,683 total acres and was 94 percent contained, as of Aug. 28.
With fire activity slowing midweek, the 670-man force, comprised of 10 crews, five helicopters, 44 engines, nine bulldozers and four water tenders, focused on identifying and mapping suppression repair needs.
According to InciWeb, the House Draw Fire was started by a bolt of lightning. As it quickly grew and changed direction, sheep ranchers in the area scrambled to save their flocks.
Buffalo Rancher Victor Goni tells Cowboy State Daily he and other area producers did what they could to gather up a few thousand head on motorcycles and four-wheelers with the help of dogs. They
WYLR photo
From
GUEST OPINIONS Sheep Are In
Sheep have always been a vital industry in the West, even though numbers have been dropping over the years. Despite all of the hurdles of raising sheep, there is still a strong interest in them.
In the early days of statehood, Wyoming – among other Western states –was largely built by sheepmen, and thousands of sheep grazed the mountains and open plains.
At one time in Central Wyoming, one could travel for hundreds of miles and mostly see sheep. Nowadays, the shearing pens and other sheep facilities have been replaced by cattle corrals.
For the last few years, I’ve noticed a stronger tone for raising sheep. There has always been pride in raising sheep but there is new excitement lately with festivals and events showcasing sheep in the region.
I had the privilege of having one set of grandparents who were sheep people and the others who were cattle people. I only knew raising cattle, but when I was small, I lived in the middle of sheep operations, learned to ride on older sheepherders’ horses and was buddies with many sheep producers.
One even gave us a newborn orphaned antelope to raise, much to the dismay of my parents. Looking back, I realize the sheepherders I knew were not just herders, but were also shepherds of the sheep. It is still true today.
Among other issues, I think the loss of infrastructure is the biggest hurdle facing sheep producers. With fewer feeding and processing facilities in America now, it is harder to finish lambs and older sheep. It hasn’t stopped people from raising sheep, it just makes it more of a challenge.
The last few years have brought on a number of positives in the sheep industry. Institutions like Montana State University and the University of Wyoming, College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources (CALSNR) have growing sheep programs.
The Wyoming Wool Initiative (WWI) is “a flagship endeavor of CALSNR, which fosters innovative collaborations between public and private sectors within Wyoming’s sheep industry to address contemporary challenges.”
They have a number of key fundraising efforts like the Lamb-A-Year program where people can donate a lamb or lambs to support a number of student projects, both on the range and at the university.
WWI also sponsors the Wyoming State Fair Wool Show and sheep seminars.
The university has an excellent staff and the best leadership to support the initiative. This program is attracting more students every year and is just what Wyoming needs.
Thanks to CALSNR for their leadership and upholding the mission of a land-grant university.
Large imports of lamb are currently hurting America’s sheep industry, we need to somehow find a solution for the issue. As consumers, we should never buy foreign lamb products – America’s lamb is the best in the world, hands down.
A great story is how America found lamb during the pandemic. From the oven to the grill, lamb had strong support among consumers during the meat shortage.
Another growing success story is how the sheep industry is tracking performance of lambs through feeding and processing. Improved genetics is making producers money on their lambs, which should attract more producers to raise sheep and keep current producers in business.
HANNAH BUGAS, Managing Editor • hannah@wylr.net MELISSA ANDERSON, Editor • melissa@wylr.net
ANDREA
CURT
Maximizing Flock Potential: The Power of Data, Genetics and Wyoming’s Premier Programs
As lambs are being weaned and sold – and with upcoming ram sales on the horizon – it’s the perfect time to reflect on our flock’s productivity. Depending on how this year’s flock performed and current market prices, the urgency we feel to make improvements can vary.
The challenge for many of us, however, is clearly defining where we need to improve – whether it’s increasing pounds of lamb weaned per ewe, enhancing maternal traits and milk production to better support twins or improving post-weaning growth performance.
It’s easy to let personal biases, eye appeal or even our neighbors’ opinions cloud our judgment when it comes to making these decisions.
What matters to a producer marketing hair sheep on the ethnic calendar might be vastly different from the priorities of a lamb feeder focused on maximizing gains with large-framed, traditional Western lambs.
To make sound decisions, recordkeeping is essential – though we all know gathering accurate, reliable data can be easier said than done. Whether it’s tracking financials or recording how many ewes were exposed versus how many lambs were actually weaned, staying on top of these details in the midst of a busy production season is a real challenge.
So, where do we start?
Wyoming Ram Sale
One excellent opportunity to refine your approach is by attending the Wyoming Ram Sale events on Sept. 9-10. These events not only offer a chance to purchase top-tier rams, but also to deepen one’s understanding of genetic selection and recordkeeping while net-
By Dr. Whit Stewart
working with fellow producers.
The Ram Sale Seminar on Sept. 9, scheduled for 3-5 p.m. at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds, will offer a commonsense blend of theory and practice. We will combine the art and science of sheep production to help producers elevate their genetic selection decision-making.
Individuals will learn how to assess their current production levels, identify key areas for improvement and select rams that align with their specific production goals.
This interactive workshop will provide practical insights into effective measurement techniques and selection strategies which can truly enhance a flock’s genetic potential.
If the seminar doesn’t provide all of the answers one is looking for, there’s always the opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow sheep producers at the reception at the Moose Lodge in Douglas at 6 p.m. Enjoy a great meal and celebrate Wyoming’s sheep industry.
Then, on Sept. 10 starting at 11 a.m., individuals have the opportunity to choose from 322 rams to help move their flock in the right direction.
Wyoming Ram Test
For 96 years, a legacy has been on display at the Wyoming Ram Sale, which continues to improve as advancements in selection strategies evolve. Just as genetic variation is the raw material for improvement, good data and programs which help us evaluate and test our genetics are the vehicles to get us there.
One of those reliable vehicles has been the Wyoming Ram Test, hosted at the University of Wyoming (UW), now in its 62nd year.
Western white face breeds – Ram-
bouillet, Targhee, Columbia and Merinos – have been tested in a standardized way, evaluating growth performance, feed efficiency, carcass merit and reproductive traits to eliminate the environmental effects on animal performance.
The top-performing rams are ranked on multi-trait indexes to identify superior individuals.
Delivery for this year’s test is Oct. 4-7 in Laramie, with a cost of $350 per ram.
Lamb-A-Year program
Lastly, many of us may not be in the ram selling business but instead market feeder lambs in the late summer or fall. Once lambs leave the ranch gate, we often receive little information on their growth performance, feed efficiency or detailed carcass merit, too often relying on the word of the next person down the value chain.
This is where UW’s Lamb-A-Year program comes in.
Producers can donate two to 10 feeder lambs, which are delivered to Laramie, where data on the lambs’ growth performance, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics are collected and shared with the rancher.
UW students utilize these donated lambs for hands-on curriculum and applied research, and producers receive a tax-deductible deed of gift receipt.
Top-performing lambs at the end of the test period provide the intangible gift of bragging rights, celebrated at the Wyoming Sheep and Wool Festival.
The proceeds are reinvested in the UW Sheep Program to promote a vibrant sheep and wool industry in our state.
Please see DATA on page 4
the Publisher Dennis Sun
NEWS BRIEFS
HCBs warning announced
Labor Day Weekend is here and more people will be heading to Wyoming’s lakes and reservoirs to recreate.
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Wyoming Department of Health (WDH), Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) and local, state and federal partners want to remind the public to avoid and keep animals away from harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs) and to report suspected blooms and bloom-related illnesses to DEQ and WDH at wyohcbs.org
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can form HCBs which produce toxins and other irritants, posing a risk to human and animal health.
HCBs typically develop in mid- to late-summer and can occur in flowing and non-flowing waters such as streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. HCBs may be green, tan, brown or blue-green in color. HCBs may float in or on the water and look like spilled paint, grass clippings, clumps or scums. HCBs may also be attached to aquatic plants, rocks or other material and look like films, mats or gelatinous balls.
If a bloom is present, the WDH and WLSB recommend avoiding contact with water in the vicinity of the bloom, especially in areas where cyanobacteria are dense; avoid ingesting water from the bloom or boiling, filtering or performing other treatments, as these will not remove toxins; avoid water spray from the bloom and avoid allowing people, pets or livestock to drink water near the bloom, eat bloom material or lick fur after contact.
It is advised to rinse fish with clean water and eat only the fillet portion, and if people, pets or livestock do come into contact with a bloom, rinse off with clean water as soon as possible.
Seek medical attention or a veterinarian if a person or animal is experiencing adverse health effects after exposure to a cyanobacterial bloom. Young children, pregnant women, people with weak immune systems and animals are especially at risk.
Information on general health risks and symptoms related to HCBs can be found at health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/ harmful-algal-blooms/
UW to host bee college
Anyone interested in bees or beekeeping is invited to attend the 2024 Wyoming Bee College, scheduled for Sept. 13-14. The conference, organized by the University of Wyoming (UW) Extension, will take place at the Casper College Student Union, located at 1910 Lisco Drive in Casper.
The Wyoming Bee College is designed for people of all ages and skill levels. It addresses beekeeping skills, bee behavior, specialty products, native bee research and more. There will also be a vendor reception on the evening of Sept. 13.
Donna Hoffman, UW Extension horticulture educator in Natrona County, and Amy Smith, UW Extension agriculture and natural resources educator based in Goshen County, are cochairing the conference this year.
Hoffman and Smith have recruited speakers from across the U.S. and Canada, including some presenters who have spoken at the conference in the past.
Speakers include Mark Carroll, research entomologist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, who will address how to support stressed bees and Wyoming Department of Agriculture Senior Inspection Specialist Kim Dillivan, who will cover Wyoming beekeeping regulations.
Participants can sign up for the beginner, intermediate or advanced tracks, which will each cover different topics and run concurrently. The beginner track is appropriate for those who have a year or less of experience, including interested parties who do not own bees.
The conference will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 13. On Sept. 14, registration will begin at 7 a.m. and presentations will end at 4:30 p.m.
The cost is $130 to attend the Sept. 13 events and $90 to attend the Sept. 14 events or $200 for both days. Registration closes on Sept. 6.
To purchase tickets and view a full schedule of events for each track, visit bit.ly/bee-there. Contact Hoffman at dhoffman@natronacounty-wy.gov or 307235-9400 with questions.
NSIIC requests proposals
The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) Board of Directors is accepting grant proposals. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30.
The center was reestablished as part of the 2008 Farm Bill, at the request of the American Sheep Industry Association. As part of the 2019 Farm Bill, the center was awarded funding by U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service to be used for the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program.
Grant funding can be used on activities designed to strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products through infrastructure development, business development, production, resource development and market and environmental research.
Currently, the center has budgeted approximately $300,000 for grants. The average grant in recent years has been about $30,000.
Additional information can be found at nsiic.org. For more information and applications, contact NSIIC Program Manager Steve Lee at 207-236-6567 or stevelee@ nsiic.org.
USDA awards FPEP funds
At the annual Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced USDA is partnering with American business owners to expand innovative domestic fertilizer production, creating jobs in rural communities and strengthening local economies.
USDA is awarding $35 million for seven projects in seven states through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), which is funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation.
This program provides grants to independent business owners to help modernize equipment, adopt new technologies, build production plants and more.
“The Biden-Harris administration continues to make innovative investments which bolster rural communities and support farmers, ranchers and small business owners,” Vilsack said. “The investments announced will increase domestic fertilizer production and strengthen our supply chain, while creating good-paying jobs to benefit all Americans.”
NEWS BRIEFS
WLSB passes amendment
On Aug. 8, the Bighorn Sheep and Domestic Sheep Interaction Working Group unanimously passed an amendment to the Wyoming Bighorn and Domestic Sheep Interaction Plan (Wyoming Plan), which coined the term and definition “Bighorn Sheep Restoration Area” (BSRA) to be included in the Wyoming Plan.
The amendment was sparked by the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation’s Sweetwater Rocks Initiative, which plans to reintroduce Bighorn sheep to the 73,101 acres of Sweetwater Rocks in Central Wyoming.
This initiative caused concern among livestock producers due to existing federal polices mandating the separation of domestic sheep and Bighorn sheep, and during multiple meetings held throughout the spring and summer, subcommittee members representing both interests worked together to draft the BSRA language.
After it was voted on during the group’s Aug. 8 Zoom meeting, the BSRA draft language amendment was forwarded to three signatory parties, including the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB), which recently passed the amendment during their Aug. 22 board meeting.
The amendment will be presented to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department on Sept. 10 and then to the Wyoming Department of Agriculture during a meeting also tentatively scheduled for September.
Wildfire Relief Fund created
The Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Endowment Trust has announced the establishment of a Wildlife Relief Fund to assist Wyoming livestock producers who have been impacted by major fires in 2024.
The trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity established by WSGA in 1977 to ensure the future of Wyoming’s cattle industry through support for eligible programs which include keeping the next generation of ranchers on the land.
In addition to funding provided by the trust, WSGA is seeking donations from businesses and individuals interested in assisting producers impacted by the fires.
All donations are tax deductible, and donations can be made with a credit card over the phone by contacting the WSGA office at 307-638-3942 or on the WSGA website at wysga.org
Additionally, checks payable to WSGA Endowment Trust can be mailed to PO Box 206, Cheyenne, WY 82003.
To make a donation via direct wire transfer, contact the WSGA office.
The WSGA Endowment Trust will begin accepting applications for cash assistance on Sept. 15. An application form will be available at this time on the WSGA website or by calling the WSGA office.
PLC highlights study
A study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has once again confirmed the value of livestock grazing as a tool to protect Western rangelands from devastating wildfire.
The Public Lands Council (PLC), which represents ranchers who hold federal grazing permits, hailed this research as more proof of the important role livestock grazing plays in protecting natural resources.
“In a year where wildfire has run rampant across the West, this study is a great reminder livestock grazing must be an integral part of land management and wildfire mitigation. We continue to see the scientific community confirm what generations of ranchers have demonstrated – managed livestock grazing is the best, most nimble tool to support biodiversity, protect wildlife habitat and stabilize ecosystems plagued by fire and invasive species,” said PLC President and Colorado Grazing Permittee Mark Roeber.
“This study should be heeded by media outlets and environmental activists who have wrongly called for the end of livestock grazing, because if we don’t have grazing in the West, we don’t have conservation,” he added.
According to USDA ARS, the study demonstrated grazing supports reduction of fine fuels which pose huge risks in sagebrush ecosystems prone to fire. By applying targeted grazing in these landscapes, managers are able to create effective fuel breaks to slow fire activity and improve suppression efforts.
Conversely, when grazing is excluded, invasive annual grasses run rampant, resulting in a higher fire risk, lower biodiversity and lower utilization from wildlife.
USPS proposes new standards
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has again proposed to lower public expectations for mail delivery, having already proven it cannot reliably deliver mail on time in many areas. It has filed a petition for a review of proposed new service standards with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC).
The announcement states if a newspaper is further than 50 miles from a new Regional Processing and Distribution Center, an additional day would likely be added to expected delivery times for any mail entered into the newspaperʼs local post office.
National Newspaper Association (NNA) Chair John Galer, who represents NNA on the USPS Mailers Technical Advisory Committee, said the announcement will draw attention to USPS’s current failures and cause the public to have even less confidence in its postal service.
“The plan is offered in the name of cost-cutting. In reality, it is just the same old story, one of inefficiency and unreliability,” Galer said.
NNA has long complained about unreliable rural mail service. It has asked the PRC on numerous occasions to require reports on how well USPS does in delivering rural mail on time, but the PRC has declined to do so.
Galer said NNA would participate in the PRC’s review of the new request.
“There is no question USPS has severe financial problems,” he said. “It was supposed to produce more than a billion dollars in profit this year under its new Delivering for America plan. Instead, it looks like losses of close to $7 billion will be reported.”
“The mail is changing. There is less of it. We agree with USPS’s statement about this. But USPS has been driving its mailers away with postage increases which have risen several times faster than inflation,” he added. “At the same time, it is delivering mail slower. This certainly results in less mail. Now it wants a reward for its predictions of less mail. At some point, Congress has to step in to protect rural America.”
Wool featured at Olympics
When Ralph Lauren unveiled Team USA’s uniforms for the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, many were caught off guard by the inclusion of a wool blazer. Sheep producers, however, know the value of wool in any season.
The uniforms were introduced to the public back in late June and include “a distinctly modern take on a tailored look, featuring a classic tailored single-breasted wool blazer with red and white tipping and a striped oxford shirt, unexpectedly paired with a tapered jean and a classic suede buck shoe,” according to a fact sheet from the company.
“Ralph Lauren developed the Team USA collection with thoughtful consideration of material and manufacturing choices,” the company notes. “Styles throughout the collection – including Team USA’s Opening and Closing Ceremony Parade uniforms – are crafted with recycled polyester and USA-grown Responsible Wool Standard certified wool, among other materials.”
Given her previous experience in providing wool for Team USA uniforms – mostly for the Winter Olympics –Jeanne Carver of Oregon-based Shaniko Wool Company was an obvious choice to supply wool for the blazers.
“I was surprised – but thrilled – when we got the inquiry from Ralph Lauren for wool for the Team USA uniforms for Paris 2024,” Carver said. “Those of us who have worked closely with sheep for generations know wool is the original performance fiber and a premier fiber for year-round use. Wool not only supports our ‘life energy’ in a way no other fiber does, it makes the best suiting fabric in the world. We are pleased this is recognized by Ralph Lauren and is being showcased in the Team USA uniforms for this summer’s Olympics in Paris.”
Family, friends and ag industry leaders gathered in Buffalo at the Patchwork Partners and McPhee Ranches on Aug. 24 at the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust (WSGLT) Annual Roundup Fundraiser.
The annual fundraiser honors those who are dedicated to conserving Wyoming’s working agricultural lands, which also provide open space, wildlife habitat and other environmental benefits for future generations.
During the event, WSGLT awarded Jim Magagna, Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) executive vice president, the 2024 Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award.
The highly-esteemed recognition is a testament to the legacy of the late Dr. Kurt Bucholz, a rancher from Carbon County who was an early supporter of WSGLT.
The award is bestowed upon individuals who, like Bucholz, embody agricultural stewardship values and conservation ethics – the foundation of WSGLT’s work.
“I was honored to receive the Kurt Bucholz Award and express my appreciation to those who nominated me,” Magagna stated.
“The establishment of the WSGLT has been one of my proudest accomplishments during my 26 years with WSGA,” he continued. “WSGLT has not only provided conservation of agricultural lands, it has served as a tool to keep Wyoming family farms and ranches viable.”
Magagna added, “This success story was made possible by the foresight of many WSGA members and the dedication of WSGLT directors and staff.”
The evening concluded with a lively auction.
ing in the future productivity and profitability of your flock.
outreach/uw-sheep-program/index.html
These programs, including the Wyoming Ram Sale, the Wyoming
producers, and we hope you’ll take advantage of them this fall. Eat lamb. Wear wool. Go Pokes! Dr. Whit Stewart is an associate professor and the University of Wyoming Extension sheep specialist. He can be reached at whit. stewart@uwyo.edu or 307766-5374. DATA continued from page 2
Ram Test and the LambA-Year program, are valuable resources for any sheep producer serious about improving their operation. By engaging in these opportunities, you’re not just investing in better genetics, you’re invest-
Producers can’t manage what they don’t measure or, in some cases, need to recalibrate their measuring sticks from time to time to stay on track in an everchanging sheep industry. These programs and events are designed for Wyoming
WSGLT hosts fundraiser
Gary Gwin photo
ASI reminds producers of the importance of pregnancy ketosis in small ruminants
Producers of small ruminants often learn about pregnancy ketosis the hard way, but with proper nutritional management, producers can increase lamb survival rates while enhancing ewes’ health throughout gestation.
On the July 26 episode of the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) podcast, Host Jake Thorne, sheep and goat program specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, spoke with Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Animal Science Professor and Small Ruminant Extension Specialist Dr. Richard Ehrhardt about the effects of ketosis.
“Ketosis has another common name in sheep –pregnancy toxemia. Unique to sheep, it’s associated with late pregnancy,” Ehrhardt says. “It is a metabolic disease, which is different than an infectious disease.”
Ehrhardt explains ketosis is an energy crisis effecting ewes, mostly because lambs drain nutrients from ewesʼ bodies.
“Principally, glucose is the major nutrient causing the problem. It wreaks a lot of havoc when ewes can’t regulate their energy metabolism properly,” he notes.
Signs of pregnancy ketosis include depression, lethargy, poor appetite, dull eyes, low fecal output, changes in behavior and general “slowness.”
As the condition progresses, affected sheep may manifest tremors, circling, teeth grinding, blindness, wandering, stargazing, coma and death.
Economic losses because of this disease have been considerable, and it is the most commonly occurring metabolic disease of sheep.
Ketosis
According to Ehrhardt, sheep carrying multiple fetuses have a very high energy demand in late pregnancy and require adequate energy in their diet to ensure pregnancy requirements are met.
He notes this can be a challenge in females carrying two or more fetuses, as the metabolic needs of a large litter are difficult to meet.
“In late gestation, the
liver increases gluconeogenesis to facilitate glucose availability to the fetuses which represents a substantial percentage of the ewe’s glucose production and which is preferentially directed to supporting the fetuses rather than the ewe,” he explains.
Mobilization of fat stores is increased in late gestation as a way to assure adequate energy for the increased demands of the developing fetuses and impending lactation.
The release of stored energy will address low blood glucose issues, but not without side effects.
“Byproducts of fat mobilization called ketone bodies can accumulate to toxic levels and suppress appetite, and without intervention, affected ewes may spiral downward in a fatal negative energy balance, taking their unborn fetuses with them,” he adds.
Additionally, twin-bearing ewes appear to have more difficulty producing glucose and clearing ketone bodies, thus increasing their susceptibility to pregnancy toxemia.
Ketosis prevention
Producers can monitor and diagnose individuals for ketosis through the use of urinary ketone detection strips, blood ketone tests and/or checking the breath for a fruity or acetone-like smell, although not every person can detect this.
In early cases where the ewe is still eating, she can be given more energy by means of more grain or better-quality hay, he notes.
Another solution Ehrhardt mentions is orally administering multiple doses of propylene glycol.
Detection of the first case of ketosis should motivate a producer to reevaluate the herd’s ration, assess body condition scores of all pregnant animals and make adjustments as needed.
“Producers should focus on prevention,” he states. “While there are options to detect and manage ketosis, producers can help prevent ketosis in the late gestation through nutrition.”
Prevention of pregnancy ketosis includes giving preg-
nant ewes a more energydense ration beginning in at least the last four weeks of pregnancy, he mentions.
“We don’t want ewes to be too fat in the last months of pregnancy,” he remarks. “Ewes with a body condition score of less than two or over four are at risk.”
He further notes ewes pregnant with twins and triplets will require a more energy-dense diet than those with singletons, so producers
need to more closely monitor ewes pregnant with singles because they could grow excessively fat on the higherenergy ration required for twins and triplets.
Ehrhardt adds, “By utilizing ultrasound, ewes can be separated, managed and fed as a group, depending on the number of fetuses they are carrying.”
Given the close profit margins achieved by small ruminant producers, it is
“Byproducts of fat mobilization called ketone bodies can accumulate to toxic levels and sup-press appetite, and without intervention, affected ewes may spiral downward in a fatal nega-tive energy balance, taking their unborn fetuses with them.” – Dr. Richard Ehrhardt, Michigan State University
essential to understand pregnancy ketosis and how to prevent it. Melissa Anderson is the
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH
editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Riehle Ranch 410 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 850-950#, Branding and Weaning Shots: Vista Once SQ, Vision 7 w/Somnus, Implanted with Revalor G, Poured in the Fall and this Spring, Coming off grass, Home Raised
Jett Livestock 300 Blk Strs, 850#, Complete Vac. Program, Coming off grass, Purchased as Calves from Torrington Livestock and Cattle Country
Video last fall
Ochsner-Roth Cattle Co. 260 Blk/Bwf few Hereford Hfrs, 1000-1050#, Guaranteed Open, Complete Vac. Program, No Implants, Coming off grass, Coming off their Replacements
Ken Dixon 250 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 725-875#, Complete Vac Program, Implanted with Revalor G, Knife Cut, Coming off grass, Home Raised
Banner Ranch 170 50% Blk/Bwf/50% Hereford Strs & Hfrs, 675-775#, Complete Vac. Program, No Implants, Coming off grass, Home Raised, Green, Nice set of Light Steers
Brian & Jeri Lynn Currier 166 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 800-1000#, Complete Vac. Program, Coming off grass, Home Raised
Glen Barlow 150 Choice Mostly Red few Rwf (10 hd Blk/Char-x) Strs, 700-775#, Complete Vac. Program, Coming off grass, Home Raised, Producer All Natural
Z Spear Livestock 130 Blk Hfrs & Strs, 760-850#, Complete Vac. Program, Choice to Fancy, Light Flesh, Green
Three W Cattle Partnership 130 Blk Strs 725#, Complete Vac. Program, Coming off grass
7C Ranch 130 Mx Strs, 800-850#, Complete Vac. Program, Coming off grass
Homestead Acres Ag 200 Mxd Hfrs, 830-850#, Spayed, Complete Modified Live Vac. Program, Coming off grass
Sno-Shoe Ranch/John & Will Grant 90 Hereford/Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 850-900#, Home Raised, Branding & Weaning Shots: Fusoguard, Vira
Shield 6, Pinkeye, 7-way w/Somnus, No Implants, Poured, Knife Cut, Coming off grass, High Elevation
Andy Gray 85 Char-x Strs & Hfrs, 750-850#, 2 Rounds of Shots: Vista Once SQ, Vision 7, Coming off grass, Steers are Knife Cut, Heifers are Spayed, Home Raised
Burks Wagon Tongue Ranch 90 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 900-1000#, Complete Vac. Program, Coming off grass
Box E Ranch Co. 70 Fancy Blk Hfrs, 900#, Spayed, Complete Vac. Program, Coming off grass, Home Raised, Lots of Genetics, Late April/May Calves
Summers Cattle Co. 65 Char-x few Blk Strs, 800#, Complete Vac. Program, No Implants, Coming off grass, Home Raised
Herman Livestock 60 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 700-800#, Guaranteed Open, Spring Shots before going to grass: 7-way, Bovi-Shield Gold, Coming off grass Bridle Bit Ranch/Brandon Dilts 48 Blk Angus Strs & Hfrs, 800-1000#, PTO @ ranch, Branding Shots: Pyramid 5+Presponse, Vision 7 Somnus w/ Spur, Pre-Cond. Shots: Pyramid 5+Presponse, Vision 7 Somnus w/Spur, No Implants, Coming off grass, Home Raised
M Diamond Angus 45 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 825-875#, Complete Vac. Program, Coming off grass, No Implants, Knife Cut, Home Raised Marsh & Ellis 25 Red Angus/Rwf Hfrs, 950-1000#, PTO @ ranch on Aug. 30 off their Replacements, Complete Vac. Program (4 Rounds of Vac.), Coming off grass Roundtop Livestock 20 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 500-600#, Weaned a long time, 2 Rounds of Modified Live Vac., 7-way, Poured, Running out grass Netz Ranch 15 Blk Strs, 750-800#, Complete Vac. Program, Knife Cut, Coming off grass, Home Raised Bonnie Bath/Casey Epler 14 Blk Angus Strs, 850#, Complete Vac. Program, Coming off grass (because of drought conditions have been supplemented lately with Hay and Cake), Sired by Hancock Low PAP Tested Blk Angus Bulls, Home Raised
McGill Ranch 10 Blk Hfrs, 970-1000#, PTO @ ranch, Branding Shots: Vision 7 w/Somnus, Pyramid 5+Presponse, Pre-cond. Shots: Vision 7 w/ Somnus, Pyramid 5+Presponse, Coming off grass, High Elevation, No Implants PRE-COND. CALVES
Ross & Dee Buckhaults 75 Blk/Bwf Strs, 550-625#, Branding Shots on April 28: Vison 7 Somnus w/Spur, Vista Once SQ, Pre-cond. Shots on Aug. 13: Vision 7 Somnus w/Spur, Vista Once SQ, Nasalgen 3, Cylence Fly Pour On, Knife Cut, Home Raised Archie Chant Ranch 17 Blk/Rd Angus Strs, 550#, Branding Shots: Vista Once SQ, Vision 7 Somnus w/Spur, Pre-cond. Shots (Aug. 13): Vista Once SQ, Vision 7 Somnus w/Spur, Ivermic Pour On, Knife Cut, No Implants VIDEO LOTS Neil & JC Forgey 250 Blk Spayed Heifers, 930#; Wt Stop: 965#, 2-way
support across the ag industry, with agencies like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation voicing their support.
Sheep industry benefits
In the July 2024 edition of the American Sheep Industry Association’s (ASI) Sheep Industry News publication, ASI President and Wyoming Sheep Producer Brad Boner outlines ways the proposed House farm bill addresses concerns for the American sheep industry.
Boner notes Thompson’s farm bill would benefit the sheep indus-
A little over a year has gone by since the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released the draft resource management plan (RMP) and environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Rock Springs Field Office (RSFO), outlining the management of more than 3.6 million acres of public lands and 3.5 million acres of public subsurface minerals in Southwest Wyoming.
The announcement caused an uproar across the Cowboy State and most of
try in many ways, including substantially increasing the existing marketing loan rate for American wool, which has not been adjusted since 2002, and including baseline and increased funding for the Agricultural Fiber Products Trust Fund, which provides significant benefits to wool apparel manufacturers as well as the promotion and research of wool.
The bill would also increase funding for the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program, which directly benefits the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center and
its associated grant programs and provide double funding to foreign market programs like the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program, housed under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
According to ASI, these programs help U.S. producers market wool overseas.
“This text from Thompson provides real support to our sheep producers,” Boner states. “The text is favorable toward the sheep industry in areas such as foreign animal disease
management, drought and feed losses, foreign market development programs –which we are heavily reliant on for marketing American wool – as well as the wool marketing loan. The wool marketing loan is the only sheep-specific risk management tool available to American wool growers, so it’s important the program can respond to the current wool market.”
Deadline approaches
As the September deadline approaches, progress has slowed on the proposed bills, and according to Organic Farmers Association Policy Director Lily Hawkins, the House farm bill must still pass on the House Floor.
Although this is always a difficult task due to the inclusion of several policies Democrats view as “red lines,” the Congressional Budget Office stated the House Ag Committee’s farm bill would raise the federal budget deficit by $33 billion over the next decade, making a way forward even more challenging, Hawkins notes.
“Meanwhile in the Senate, the Republican response to the Majority Senate farm bill framework closely resembled the House bill, and the Senate Agriculture Committee will need to work to pass a consolidated Senate version,” Hawkins explains.
BLM issues final RMP and EIS for Rock Springs Field Office
the West, raising concerns among public lands recreators, grazing and natural resources lessees and others worried about restrictions outlined in the plan.
Published on Aug. 18, 2023, the draft RMP and EIS initiated a 90-day public comment period, which was extended for an additional 62 days upon aggressive urging from several agencies and local stakeholders.
During this time, BLM held three in-person public meetings in Sweetwa-
ter County and Gov. Mark Gordon appointed a task force composed of representatives from local government, industries, sportsmen, conservation groups, etc. to develop recommendations on the draft plan.
Final RMP and EIS
On Aug. 22, BLM Wyoming issued the final RMP and EIS for the RSFO.
According to the agency’s press release announcement, the proposed plan would replace and rename the existing
26-year-old Green River RMP, while providing “an updated, comprehensive framework for managing and allocating the uses of public lands and resources so BLM can meet its multiple-use mission to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of public lands for present and future generations.”
BLM notes the final proposed plan reflects components of alternatives originally outlined in the draft RMP and EIS, as well as input from the public, the Governor’s Task Force and the Greater Little Mountain Coalition, an organization that has been in support of the RMP since its initial announcement.
“The proposed plan provides for a balance of opportunities to use and develop public land resources within the planning area, while conserving the area’s cultural, scenic and natural heritage,” reads the press release. “The proposed RMP provides for the continued multiple uses of public lands in the RSFO while addressing growing pressures from increased visitation and a changing climate.”
A notice of availability was published in the Aug. 23 Federal Register, marking the start of a 30-day protest period and the concurrent 60-day Governor’s Consistency Review. These are some of the final steps before a record of decision is signed and the RMP becomes final.
Statewide disappointment
Again, BLM’s proposed plan has sparked outrage in Wyoming, and immediately following BLM’s press release, Gordon published a statement expressing his disappointment with the agency.
“Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the final EIS for the proposed Rock Springs RMP does not meet Wyoming’s expectations of durable, multiple use of public lands,” Gordon says. “One-quarter of the RSFO remains slated for area of critical environmental concern designation. State agencies and I are still sift-
With this, Hawkins believes it is unlikely the process will be completed before the September deadline, especially with the 2024 election around the corner. In this case, the 2018 Farm Bill will be extended again until September 2025.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.
“Once both chambers have passed their own version of the bill, leaders from the House and Senate will work to combine the two bills into one, which can then be voted on by the full Congress,” she continues.
For more information on the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan and/or to submit a protest, visit eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/ project/13853/510.
ing through the details and looking at specific maps, management actions and stipulations.”
Despite this, the governor thanked all of those involved in submitting comments and concerns over the past year.
“Thank you to everyone in Southwest Wyoming who participated in the comment process and the Governor’s Task Force,” he says. “Your comments and recommendations helped claw this document away from the BLM’s preferred, absolutely unworkable Alternative B.”
“A cursory review makes it clear where the BLM considered local and cooperative input and where the agency chose to force through national agendas,” he adds. “It is important to compare this document to the current status on the ground and not by how much it has shifted away from the BLM’s worst-case scenario.”
“Much work is left to ensure the BLM is staying within the bounds of state and county policies, as well as federal law. Additionally, we await further information to see how this RMP overlaps with the announcement of the sage grouse management plan amendment and BLM implementation of their recent Public Lands Rule,” Gordon continues.
“I will examine the final EIS closely, but make no mistake, the state of Wyoming will be filing protests where our comments were disregarded,” the governor concludes. “I will continue to identify any management decisions inconsistent with Wyoming law and policy in my upcoming consistency review.”
U.S. Sens. Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso (both R-WY) also published statements in response to the BLM’s
Rock Springs RMP, deeming the plan “misguided.”
“The Biden-Harris administration is pushing Wyoming off of an economic cliff with nothing more than a tattered parachute,” says Barrasso. “The Rock Springs RMP strangles responsible natural resource development.”
“This plan isn’t designed to manage Wyoming’s natural resources. It is designed to suffocate them. While I’m grateful for the efforts of those on the ground in Wyoming who worked to improve the original proposal, the plan unveiled today directly jeopardizes Wyoming’s economy and our way of life,” he adds.
Lummis comments, “The Biden-Harris administration has made it abundantly clear it is far more focused on appealing to radical environmentalists than supporting Western communities. The BLM’s recently announced Rock Springs RMP is only the latest in a series of land grabs punishing Wyoming and the entire West.”
“Locking up lands in Southwest Wyoming will deliver a seismic blow to Wyoming’s economy, devastating our communities and further emboldening unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. to prioritize political pandering over the economic and environmental stability of the region,” Lummis continues. “In brazenly bypassing over a decade’s worth of knowledge from local experts and stakeholders, this administration not only punishes the state of Wyoming but jeopardizes America’s energy independence and our national security.”
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.
impressive showing. Rabel exhibited both the Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Purebred Ram fleeces, as well as the Grand Champion Purebred Ewe Fleece, followed by Maria Geis of Gillette with the Reserve Champion Purebred Ewe Fleece.
The WSF Wool Show was also a successful day for Lander’s Jason Cruickshank, who took home honors with the Grand Champion Commercial Ram Fleece and the Grand Champion Commercial Ewe Fleece.
Taylor Hernandez of Green River was the reserve champion in the commercial ram division, and Hayden Geis pulled into the reserve-champion slot in the commercial ewe category.
Additionally, Cruickshank had the Grand Champion Youth Fleece of Show and was named the 2024 WSF Premier Youth Exhibitor, while Rabel took
recent years which have made their product more acceptable to the American consumer than it was 10 years ago.”
Pushing the industry forward
In 2020, Sheep Genetics USA (SGUSA) was started by industry leaders who saw the need to utilize resources to progress sheep genetics in the American sheep industry.
The SGUSA Board of Directors has been making a difference in the sheep industry and has focused on improving genetics of the American flock.
Founding members of SGUSA who still serve on the board today include Tom Boyer, Ben Lehfeldt and Rusty Burgett.
Karissa Isaacs is currently serving as chair of SGUSA in her second year on the board, and joining the board for his first term is David Ollila.
Joining the board of directors is seven different action committees, which represent different roles within the sheep industry. SGUSA is collaborating on Genetics, Environment, Management and Society (GEMS) research projects.
A key element of Sheep GEMS is to work in partnership with sheep producers, particularly those engaged in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP).
According to SGUSA, “Genetic analysis is an increasingly important and common tool in guiding animal breeding, and with the use of genomic information, a growing number of desired traits for livestock which boost flock health and producer profitability are being incorporated into breeding programs.”
home yet another honor as the Reserve Champion Youth Fleece of Show.
Open Wool Show
Douglas Native Makayla Mette swept the open show, taking home six of the 13 titles given out during the 2024 WSF Open Wool Show.
Mette exhibited both the grand and reserve champion fleeces in the purebred ram division and the reserve champion fleece in the commercial ram division. She also exhibited the Grand Champion Flock of Fleeces and the Fleece of Show and was deservingly named the 2024 WSF Premier Wool Exhibitor.
Wyoming Wool Growers Association Executive Director Alison Crane of Powell topped the podium with the Grand Champion Commercial Ram Fleece and the Reserve Champion Fleece of Show.
Youth exhibitors Rabel and Geis proved to be a
force in the open show as well. Rabel exhibited the Champion Purebred Ewe Fleece and Geis had the Reserve Grand Champion Flock of Fleeces.
During the show, Bob Hageman of Douglas made the leaderboard a few times as well, taking home honors with the
Reserve Champion Purebred Ewe Fleece and the Reserve Champion Commercial Ewe Fleece.
Additionally, Casper’s Hannah Dunford exhibited both the Grand and Reserve Champion Alpaca Fleece of Show.
Natural Fiber Arts Show
To round out the WSF
Wool Show, Wyoming artists showed off their impressive creations, all made of natural fibers.
Douglas’ Miranda Hinton had a successful show, winning Best Yarn and the title of Premier Natural Fiber Arts Handspinner of
Sheep GEMS update
Sheep GEMS, NSIP members and other sheep industry organizations have been working to create the building blocks for the implementation of genomic selection in the American sheep industry.
Sheep GEMS provided an update in research related to genomic predictions, describing the practical aspects for application of genomic selection in the industry.
Genomic selection is the process by which genomically-enhanced estimated breeding values (GEBVs) are used for selection of individuals to become the parents of the next generation, according to the ASI article.
GEBVs are different from estimated breeding values (EBVs), and GEBVs tend to be more accurate than EBVs, especially for younger animals.
This is because GEBVs are based on genomic relationships among animals instead of only pedigreebased relationships which tend to be less accurate, more incomplete and contain more errors.
However, the interpretation of GEBVs is the same – both estimate the genetic merit of an animal for a given trait.
Still, obtaining and using more accurate GEBVs allows for quicker genetic improvement because selection decisions become more accurate.
Collecting data
One of the key goals of Sheep GEMS has been to develop strategies for incorporating genomic information in EBVs.
Many factors influence the accuracy of GEBVs.
First and foremost is the size of the reference population, which is the number of individuals with both genomic data and phenotypic records for the traits of interest, according to the article.
“The larger the reference population, the more accurate the GEBVs. As a starting point, our target is at least 3,000 animals per breed before GEBVs can be reliably provided,” the article explains. “So far, only the Katahdin breed at 12,500 animals has met this target, while Polypay with 1,270 animals, Rambouillet with 1,250 animals and Suffolk with 520 animals are still working to get to this goal in their respective reference populations.”
Building a stronger reference population represents more flocks. Currently there are 100 Katahdin, 30 Polypay, 17 Rambouillet and seven Suffolk flocks contributing to the reference populations.
According to Sheep GEMS, collecting phenotypic records for various traits of interest is as important as genotyping animals, and linking genotypes to the performance of animals can improve the ability to predict their genetic merit, particularly for traits measured later in life, expressed in only one sex or difficult to assess.
Many such traits reflect the robustness and resilience of flocks, including ewe longevity, lamb survival and udder health, which are the focus of Sheep GEMS.
Genomic selection has already been implemented in the Katahdin breed with Katahdin producers benefiting from using more accurate GEBVs in their selection decisions.
Sheep GEMS is now in the process of performing genomic analyses for
various novel indicators of robustness and resilience.
The article concludes these traits are heritable, influenced by many important genes and can be predicted with greater accuracy when large enough reference populations are available.
“The opportunities from incorporating genomic infor-
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
For more information from Sheep IndustryNews, visit sheepusa.org.
mation in genetic predictions are tremendous,” Sheep GEMS states. “However, to be realized, we need to continue building robust reference populations in more
American sheep breeds.” Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Show, while Victoria Ryan of Cheyenne was crowned Best of Show.
Premier Youth Exhibitor – Jason Cruickshank of Lander had an impressive showing at the 2024 Wyoming State Fair Wool Show, where he was named the Premier Youth Exhibitor. Courtesy photo
Premier Open Exhibitor – Douglas Native Makayla Mette swept the 2024 Wyoming State Fair Open Wool Show. Mette was deservingly named the 2024 Premier Open Exhibitor. Courtesy photo
EXTENSION EDUCATION
By Whit Stewart and Jedidiah Hewlett, UW Extension Educators
Managing stress, feed and water for healthy weaned lambs discussed
Weaning is one of the most stressful periods in a lamb’s life, whether they are headed to the feedlot or staying on the ranch as replacements. Proper management during this time is essential for optimizing performance.
The stress of weaning often leads to a decrease in feed intake and a weakened immune response, which can result in weight loss and increased susceptibility to disease.
Understanding and effectively managing these challenges is crucial to ensuring lambs thrive post weaning.
Understanding stress and body weight loss during weaning Sheep producers know the weaning period is stressful for lambs, often detected by depressed immune response and a reduction in feed intake.
Data from last year’s University of Wyoming Lamb-A-Year program, which involved 100 lambs from 20 different ranches, provides valuable insights into the challenges of the post-weaning period.
During the two weeks following arrival at the feedlot, lambs initially weighed around 105 to 107 pounds. Lambs exhibited fairly consistent dry matter intake
(DMI), consuming about 2.4 pounds of feed per day during this period, regardless of whether they received a respiratory vaccine. Although there was no observable decrease in feed consumption, lamb weights declined. Those fed unchopped hay lost approximately 9.2 percent of their initial body weight, and lambs fed chopped hay lost about 2.8 percent.
This highlights maintaining good feed intake during the stressful feeder lamb-receiving phase is a strong predictor of overall lamb performance, emphasizing the importance of providing palatable, easilyaccessible feed to support post-weaning recovery and reduce initial shrink.
Understanding these dynamics allows producers to implement strategies to minimize weight loss and enhance lamb performance during this critical period. Is hay good enough for the stressful post-weaning stage?
Encouraging lambs to settle into their new environment and consume feed consistently after weaning is crucial for reducing stress.
Lambs typically consume 2.5 to three percent of their body weight in hay, but this intake can decrease
if the diet consists of lowquality hay or increase with smaller particle size feed.
When feeding hay, it’s important to offer more than the standard daily amount so lambs can select the leafy, more digestible portions, rather than expecting them to clean up all of the hay, which can be unrealistic.
A laboratory feed analysis is helpful in determining whether the hay is suitable for post-weaning needs.
Weaned lambs weighing between 60 to 90 pounds need approximately 0.2 to 0.33 pounds of crude protein and 1.5 to 2.25 pounds of total digestible nutrients (TDN) daily to support moderate growth. Their diet should contain 13 to 18 percent crude protein and 73 to 80 percent TDN.
For example, feeding a 70-pound lamb low-quality meadow hay might only partially meet its crude protein and TDN requirements, potentially leading to slower growth and reduced performance.
In contrast, offering a higher-quality alfalfagrass hay mix is more likely to meet or exceed these nutritional needs, providing better support
Austin Snook • 307-290-2161
Taylor Snook • 307-290-2273
Craig Deveraux • 307-746-5690
Dan Catlin • 406-671-7715
Clint Snook • 307-290-4000
Cheyenne Seymour • 605-641-0638
for the lamb’s growth. By understanding how different feeds measure up against these nutritional requirements, producers can make informed decisions to ensure the wellbeing and optimal growth of newly weaned lambs. The overlooked impact of water quality on sheep health and performance
Sometimes the greatest challenges in receiving feeder lambs are the most easily overlooked. A clean, visible water source which is easy to maintain is critical to a smooth transition.
Lambs from range operations may require training if they are unfamiliar with drinking from a trough.
It’s generally recommended to provide approximately one linear inch of trough space per lamb, although this can vary depending on location and environmental conditions.
According to National Research Councilʼs 2007 recommendations, 60-pound lambs will consume approximately 0.8 to 1.2 gallons of water per day, while 90-pound lambs will need 1.2 to two gallons daily.
Ensuring water quality through regular cleaning is relatively straightforward, but addressing water quality issues specific to different ranching environments can be more challenging.
Water quality issues, though challenging to manage, are crucial to preventing production losses. In 2015, Petersen et al. found a significant portion of livestock water sources, including surface water, groundwater and springs, exceeded recommended levels for iron at 66 per-
Kyle Kallhoff • 605-881-1526
Casey Sellers • 307-217-2614
Jim Forbes • 307-351-5932
Tye Curuchet • 307-351-8666
Daniel Escoz • 307-217-1440
Kade Kinghorn • 307-620-0525
Market Report • August 28, 2024
Thank you and we appreciate your business!
cent, sodium at 42 percent, sulfates at 37 percent and pH at 36 percent over five years.
Similarly, in 2018, Page et al. reported in 20 Montana sheep operations, 40 percent of water sources exceeded sodium standards, 35 percent had high sulfate levels, 20 percent had problematic pH and 10 percent were high in iron.
Understanding these water quality challenges helps ranchers develop proactive strategies to prevent performance losses and mineral deficiencies.
Mineral and vitamin supplementation
A complete vitamin and mineral package is essential post weaning, as these nutrients are critical for immune function, digestion and skeletal and muscle growth. Keep in mind the late summer diet of lambs is likely deficient in many minerals and vitamins due to the declining quality of mature grasses.
Calcium and phosphorous are two minerals requiring special attention in lamb diets.
If calcium and phosphorous are not properly balanced, urinary calculi can occur. To avoid this complication, the calciumto-phosphorus ratio should be between two to one and four to one. Providing a complete mineral supplement is vital. Ensure the mineral is specifically labeled for sheep and monitor consumption to avoid deficiencies or overconsumption. Depending on the type of supplement, target intake can vary – up to four ounces per head per day with a lick tub or about
0.75 ounces with granular mineral.
To ensure adequate intake, make sure the mineral is fresh, not caked or weathered.
Data from the 202324 UW Lamb-A-Year program showed lambs exceeded the target intake on 23 out of 24 days. The variation in mineral products on the market is significant and worth further exploration.
Feel free to consult a member of the UW Sheep Task Force for additional guidance.
Conclusion
The post-weaning period is a critical time when lambs are vulnerable to stress and nutritional challenges. Proper management of feed, water and mineral supplementation is essential to minimize weight loss and support lamb health and growth.
By providing highquality, accessible feed, clean water and balanced minerals, producers can significantly enhance lamb performance during this transition.
Remember, consulting experts and using datadriven strategies can further optimize the health and productivity of one’s flock.
Dr. Whit Stewart is an associate professor and the University of Wyoming Extension sheep specialist. He can be reached at whit. stewart@uwyo.edu or 307766-5374. Jedidiah Hewlett is the University of Wyoming Extension agriculture and natural resources educator serving Converse County. He can be reached at jhewlett@uwyo.edu or 307-358-2417.
Facility to monitor disease
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Aug. 22 the National Bio and AgroDefense Facility (NBAF), located in Manhattan, Kan., has been designated by the World Organization for Animal Health as the Collaborating Center for Genomic Monitoring of Viral Swine Diseases.
According to USDA, “The collaborating center provides support and training to World Organization for Animal Health member laboratories to understand a virus’ genome or entire set of DNA code. By understanding the genome, scientists can better understand and potentially mitigate how a virus causes disease outbreaks in swine, particularly from African swine fever (ASF) virus, classical swine fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus and Nipah virus.”
To start, NBAF will focus its efforts on the ASF virus and then broaden its focus to other additional pathogens affecting swine.
According to USDA, NBAF will perform nextgeneration sequencing of the full-length virus genome for laboratories which lack or have limited sequencing capacity; provide technical support for laboratories, such as creating protocols and training for laboratories which can do their own sequencing and identifying regional laboratory partners which can provide services for genome sequencing as well and set up standards and tools to standardize genomic data, annotation and classification for archival and new viral isolates.
The center will also build a biorepository of wellcharacterized virus strains, aid in monitoring the spread of outbreaks and provide support for vaccine matching in outbreak areas.
another stellar event.”
Event activities
The rendezvous featured something for the entire family, and the historic sheep wagons were a popular hit for many.
While some attendees sat and listened to the wonderful music and entertainment, others took to the baseball field to watch competitive dog trials.
The fifth annual Dick Grabow Memorial Sheep Trial competition had over 30 entries as multiple teams competed for the 2024 champion belt buckle.
The Dutch Spotted Sheep (DSS) are an up-and-coming breed, making their first appearance in the U.S. earlier this year.
The first ever DSS to hit American soil – or anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere – was born at Mark and Karen Rodgers’ MKVT Farm in Glover, Vt. this May.
As their name suggests, DSS originated in the Netherlands and have been recognized since the early 1800s, with the original Dutch Association, Nederlands Bonte Schaap, established in October 2006.
According to the DSS Society U.S. (DSSSUS) website, “The breed was developed in West Netherlands, an area commonly covered in lakes, bogs and swamps which farmers reclaimed using connected embankments.”
In 2015, the DSS Society was formed in the United Kingdom (UK) and the first “Spotties” were imported from the Netherlands.
DSSSUS was officially formed in December 2022, and they carefully selected bloodlines and quality genetics as they imported the very first Spotty embryos to the U.S., stated Mark, who is also the DSSSUS president and vice president of the Vermont Sheep and Goat Association.
Spotties have arrived Prior to May 5, the U.S. did not have any DSS
During the sheepdog trial competition, dogs were guided through a series of commands to complete a variety of tasks which reflect their everyday work with a flock of sheep.
Each handler and their preference of giving commands – either by voice, whistle or a combination of both – moved the sheep across the field through obstacles, securing a time when the three head of sheep were resting in the stock trailer.
This activity has changed very little over the years, and
Dutch
on native soil, but with the help of the U.S. Department of Agriculture opening up imports from the UK, the Rodgers were able to secure eight embryos.
“I saw a picture of one, and thought, ‘Those are cute,’” Mark shared. “It’s funny how things happen when you think something’s cute.”
Mark decided to inquire about the breed and sought out to find one in the U.S. but couldn’t because there were none.
“The more I learned about them in talking to individuals who had them in the UK and Holland, the more I wanted some. They have great maternal instincts, are easy lambing, have good milk production and raise some really good babies,” he said. “They have a superb temperament as well.”
The breed is noted for its tremendous rate of gain on lambs, light bone and large frame, carrying high percentages of lean meat. They are also polled, have a short tail with little or no wool so they don’t need to be docked. They have great feet and legs so they rate very highly in animal welfare traits, Mark explains.
Rodgers, who was committed to seeing the project through, was thrilled in December 2023 when eight DSS embryos made their maiden voyage from the UK to the U.S where they were
the shepherds of yesterday would easily recognize the requirements of today’s handlers’ competition.
Sheep for the annual dog trial event were provided by Brad Boner of Glenrock, and once again, Blaine Morgan and his trusty companion took home the win for the second consecutive year.
The fun continues
The Glenrock Sheepherders Rendezvous offered free lamb burgers, a Dutch oven cooking demonstration and contest and numerous opportunities to play with wool, as local spinners and weavers provided a fiber playground for those
implanted in his ewes at Tufts Veterinary Field Service in Woodstock, Conn.
“We implanted eight embryos and had seven pregnancies, which is an outstanding result,” Mark said.
One pregnancy was contracted by producers in New Jersey, so MKVT Farms welcomed six lambs, four rams and two ewes.
“The embryos were from two different breedings,” he said. “The sire of two of my lambs and the one in New Jersey is the grand sire of the other four lambs. So, we don’t have a breeding group.”
He continued, “We’ll simply import semen from unrelated rams to breed the ewes that are here and collect semen on the males we have so more people can start a breed-up program. According to folks in the UK, sheep and market lambs from Spotty rams used as a terminal cross bring top dollar at the sale barn. I’ve had a number of people call me looking for a ram.”
“I’ve got one that looks like a Dalmatian, one with coloring more like a Holstein cow and everything in between. I didn’t do this just to introduce another breed to the U.S., I did it because I believe they are a better breed,” he concluded.
Mark is currently contracted with a breeder in Holland to import 100 DSS embryos in December. Another breeder in Northern
interested in a quick lesson.
Dutch oven contest winner Kyle Gray received the People’s Choice Award for steak nachos. Linda Butler won the savory category with green chili Frito pie, and John Rose was the winner in the sweet category for his blueberry earthquake cake.
There were multiple vendors selling their goods from home-baked goodies to hand-crafted wood cribbage boards, all locally made.
Another fun attraction for rendezvous guests was purchasing a hand-crafted card from the general store and having it delivered to
Ireland is working to produce more embryos for import to the U.S.
Mark is in the process of becoming a registered importer with a U.S. Department of Agriculture-inspected semen and embryo import facility.
“We plan to implant 80 to 100 embryos ourselves, and we have a number of other people interested who we are providing embryos for at our cost and providing recipient ewes and implant services to get the breed established in the U.S.,” Mark explains.
MKVT Farm
Mark is no stranger to the ag industry. He is a fifth generation Glover, Vt. farmer descended from the Wylie and Anderson families who immigrated from Scotland in the early 1800s.
Before the establishment of MKVT Farm, Mark graduated from the University of
a loved one via the Pony Express, with the help of a postage stamp.
The Pony Express operated for only 18 months between April 1860 and October 1861, but nevertheless has become synonymous with the Old West.
From St. Joseph, Mo. to Sacramento, Calif., the Pony Express could deliver a letter faster than ever before, according to a Pony Express volunteer.
In the era before electronic communication, the Pony Express was the thread which tied East to West.
Every year, the Pony Express reride travels through Wyoming, as vol-
Vermont and took an active role in the dairy industry. He was a McCloy Fellow as an agricultural ambassador to Germany and a Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs dairy advisor in Moldova.
He has served as a board member for the National Dairy Herd Information Association, secretary of the Council of Dairy Cattle Breeders, a committee member for the Dairy Cattle Welfare Council and board chair for both the Dairy Records Management Service and the Lancaster Dairy Herd Improvement Association.
Mark has been advancing genetic improvements in the dairy industry for decades and was the recipient of the Vermont Dairy Farmer of the Year Award in 1996, the Outstanding Young U.S. Holstein Breeder in 1999, the National Dairy Shrine Progressive Producer and the U.S. Jaycees
unteer riders travel nonstop to make the 10-day trip from Missouri to California every June.
Concluding the Western heritage event, guests had the opportunity to listen to gospel music and attend Cowboy Church before the sheep wagons packed up and hit the trail home.
To keep the spirit of the West alive, donations can be made to the Glenrock Sheepherders Rendezvous via Facebook.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Outstanding Young Farmer.
Joining Mark’s passion for the ag industry is his wife Karen, who graduated from the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts in 2011 with a chef’s diploma and has taken many horticulture courses to complement her gardening passion.
Together the couple run the farm-to-plate MKVT Farm and offer high quality meat, including pasture-raised pork, chicken, lamb, beef and rabbit.
Mark concluded, “We have spent a lot of time providing ag education, teaching farmers better, more efficient ways to farm while helping keep small farms running, the land open and providing quality commodities.”
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Spotted Sheep make a debut in the U.S.
96th Annual STATE RAM SALE
8 AM – DEADLINE FOR ALL RAMS TO BE IN PLACE 9:30 AM – SIFTING OF ALL CONSIGNED RAMS WILL BEGIN
3 to 5 PM – SHEEP PRODUCTION WORKSHOP
“Effective Genetic Improvement: Assessing Current Levels, Setting Goals, and Selecting for Success” by Dr. Whit Stewart, UW Sheep Extension Specialist
LOCATION: Wyoming State Fairgrounds—Douglas
6 to 9 PM – FREE BUYER & CONSIGNOR APPRECIATION DINNER
LOCATION: Moose Club, 120 N. 2nd St., Douglas, WY 6 PM – Happy Hour • 7 PM – Lamb Dinner Everyone Welcome!
11 AM MST – WYOMING STATE RAM SALE LOCATION: Wyoming State Fairgrounds • Douglas, WY ONLINE: https://frontierlivesale.com/ Join us in 2024! Monday, September 9, 2024 tuesday, september 10, 2024
Sale
On behalf of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association (WWGA), I would like to welcome everyone to the 96th Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale on Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds. We have a great set of over 320 rams this year, showcasing the best Rambouillet, Targhee, Suffolk and Hampshire genetics in the country.
We also have an assortment of crosses available –Targhee x SAMM and Suffolk x Hampshire bucks –created from superior breed genetics for utilizing on your operations.
For the first time in sale history, we are also making available Katahdin bucks
for our growing hair sheep industry. We consider it a privilege to market bucks for our consignors to some of the best wool and lamb producers in the country. Continuing to diversify our sale and the market for these bucks secures the future of our industry.
From heavy, fine-fleeced sheep to rugged, stout made terminal bucks, we have what you need to continue to produce quality wool and lambs in any operation.
WWGA has had a phenomenal year so far. We held the Second Annual Wyoming Select Bred Ewe Sale in Gillette this past February. This sale continues to grow in numbers of consignments
and buyers, but the best part is putting great sheep into new and young producers’ hands so we can play our part in growing this amazing industry.
We also hosted our Second Annual Wyoming Sheep and Wool Festival in Thermopolis this July with over 550 people from across the country attending.
Be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s festival in Buffalo, July 11-13.
Our board works tirelessly to promote sheep and wool in Wyoming and across the region. We also strive to protect this industry.
This year we were able to secure increased funding for the Animal Dam-
age Management Board, strengthen state statutes protecting domestic sheep grazing, and we continue to fight overreach by the Bureau of Land Management with the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule and the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan.
We also hosted many educational sessions throughout the year, including a seminar on the National Sheep Improvement Program, a grazing workshop and many sessions which were a part of our summer meeting.
We continue to partner and collaborate with the U.S. Forest Service and Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) through our Sum-
mer Rendezvous on the forests and develop new relationships with groups like the Wyoming Society for Range Management.
We have more opportunities to network with fellow sheep producers in the near future during the Wyoming State Ram Sale Educational Seminar; Wyoming State Ram Sale Buyer and Consignor Appreciation Dinner; West Central States Wool Growers Convention, held Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 in Boise, Idaho and our winter meeting, held in conjunction with WSGA in Casper in December.
It is an exciting time to be a part of the sheep industry. Yes, lamb and wool
prices are lower than we would like, but we have greater relevance with the consumer than we have since before World War II. More and more, consumers want to know where their food and clothing is coming from, and they want it to be as locally sourced as possible from someone they can trust. We have such an opportunity for growth and recognition of the integrity and purity of what we do every day.
We hope you will join us at the 96th Wyoming State Ram Sale Sept. 10 at 11 a.m.
See you in Douglas! Alison Crane, PhD WWGA Executive Director
WWGA executive director shares excitement for the Wyoming State Ram
96th Annual STATE RAM SALE
WWGA president welcomes producers to ram sale
Once again, the Wyoming Wool Growers Association (WWGA), our board, our sponsors and I would personally like to welcome you to what has always been, and this year promises to be, one of the elite ram sales to be held anywhere in this country.
When you look at the consignment list and see so many seedstock producers who have brought such a consistent set of rams for many years, you know the odds are in your favor to have a great sale.
Newer consignors are also representing some outstanding programs, and it’s always exciting to see new and different genetics, as well as some new faces. We thank our consignors. Itʼs fun to have them here.
Equally crucial to this sale, we’d like to thank all of the people who come here to buy rams. We welcome you, and we appreciate your knowledge and discretion and sincerely hope you leave here with exactly what you were looking for – to improve or maintain the quality of so many great sheep herds.
As I’m writing this, the lamb market is slipping some but as of now it is still what we’d call “livable.” We will sure be hoping for everyone’s sake it finds some footing and at least stays steady. I’ve seen some articles saying there are rumblings of China’s economy starting to get a little better.
Hopefully this will eventually be good news for our wool market.
It seems such a shame we have to depend on another country to maintain the market on such an extraordinary and versatile product.
As often as not, it seems like our greatest payment in
this business is the ability to do what we love with a group of people we love.
As always, we wish you the very best of luck on your lamb and wool sales, and we ask for God’s joys and blessings on all of you and your sheep operations.
Mike Curuchet WWGA President
Aug. 26-Sept. 2 Nebraska State Fair, Grand Island, Neb. For more information, visit statefair.org
Sept. 4 Fort Rob Nebraska Soil Health School, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Buffalo Barracks Squad Room, Fort Robinson State Park, Crawford, Neb. For more information, e-mail nheldt@unl.edu or call 308-632-1372.
Sept. 5 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.
Sept. 5 U.S. Department of Agriculture Introduction to Depreciation Webinar, 10 a.m., Zoom. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov
Sept. 6-8 43rd Annual Hells Canyon Mule Days, Wallowa County Event Center and Fairgrounds, Enterprise, Ore. For more information, visit hellscanyonmuledays.com
Sept. 6-8 Wyoming Historical Society 71st Annual Meeting, Newcastle. For more information or to register, visit wyshs.org/events
Sept. 8 Rope for Hope Team Roping and Breakaway Roping, 8 a.m., Kaycee. For more information, contact 307-620-5830.
Sept. 9 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.
Sept. 13-14 Western Regional Bison Conference, Prairie Ridge Buffalo Ranch, Limon, Colo. For more information or to register, visit bisoncentral.com/nba-conferences/
Sept. 13-14 2024 Wyoming Bee College, Casper College Student Union, Casper College, Casper. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/bee-there
Sept. 13-15 2024 Salers National Tour, North Dakota. For more information or to register, visit salersusa.org/events/tour
Sept. 14 Homesteader Days Festival, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Homesteader Museum, Powell. For more information, visit homesteadermuseum.com
Sept. 14 Colorado Field Ornithologists’ Colorado Birding Challenge, Colorado. For more information and to register, visit cobirds.org/cobc/
Sept. 14-Oct. 31 Green Acres Corn Maze, every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Casper. For more information, visit greenacrescornmaze.net or call 307-797-8796.
Sept. 17 University of Wyoming Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources Career Fair, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., University of Wyoming Conference Center, Laramie. For more information and to register, visit joinhandshake.com or contact Michelle Harris at 307-766-208.
Sept. 17-19 2024 Montana Angus Tour, Lewistown, Mont. For more information, visit mtangus.org/montana-angus-tour.html
Sept. 17-19 Public Lands Council 56th Annual Meeting, DoubleTree Hilton, Grand Junction, Colo. For more information and to register, visit publiclandscouncil.org
Sept. 18-19
Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Resource Advisory Council Meeting and Field Tour, Hampton Inn and Suites, Pinedale. For more information and to register, visit blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/ wyoming
Sept. 10
96th Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas, 307-265-5250, wyowool.com/ramsale
Sept. 10 Western Video Market, Haythorn Ranch, Ogallala, Neb., 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com
Sept. 11 11th Annual Montana Ewe Sale, Eastern Montana Fairgrounds, Miles City, Mont., frontierlivesale.com
Sept. 12 99th Annual Montana Ram Sale, Eastern Montana Fairgrounds, Miles City, Mont., frontierlivesale.com
Sept. 12
Sept. 21
Sept. 13-14
Sept. 14
Sept. 14
Sept. 16
Sept. 21
Cattle Country Video Frontier Fall Roundup Sale, Goshen County Fairgrounds, Torrington, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com
RT Claypoole Auction Service Live Antiques, Collectables and Gun Auction, Luttrell Barn, Craig, Colo., 970-756-9353, rtclaypooleauction.com
Van Norman and Friends 28th Annual Production Sale, Elko County Fairgrounds, Elko, Nev., 775-756-6508, 775-934-7404, vannormansale.com
Open Box Rafter Ranch 31st Annual Production Sale, Rapid City, S.D., 605538-4450, rafterranch.com
Premier of the Sandhills Fall Catalog Horse Sale, Gordon Livestock Market, Gordon, Neb., 605-441-8544, 785-846-8014, 308-282-1171, gordonlivestock.com
Northern Livestock Video Auction Fall Premier, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com
RT Claypoole Auction Service Live Antiques, Collectables and Gun Auction, Luttrell Barn, Craig, Colo., 970-756-9353, rtclaypooleauction.com
POSTCARD from the Past
“Where
Saratoga, along with most towns in Wyoming, is being invaded by outof-state folks who move here because they can’t stand the lifestyle and politics of their own origins –especially those moving in from Colorado, California and Texas who supposedly love our town.
And then, POW, they want to change us to be just like where they came from. This is happening to my hometown, and I won’t put up with it anymore so I wrote the following rant.
The last thing the town of Saratoga needs is to throw away its nearly century old slogan of “Where the Trout Leap in Main Street” and start all over again. Read on and I’ll tell you why.
A news item in the March 4, 1927 issue of The Wyoming Eagle notes:
In an editorial, the Saratoga Sun declares the city now has a slogan, it being the title of a short story written about the city and its surrounding territory as a resort.
The Sun editor writes, “Many local businessmen believe Saratoga has gained a very valuable advertising slogan through the recent article written for Outdoor Life by Billy Oneal who was one of our summer visitors last season. Oneal’s article was entitled “Where the Trout Leap in Main Street,” which, when we come to think of it, is an absolute fact and a statement calculated to arrest the attention of any tourist or sportsman who aims or desires to spend a part or all of his vacation in reach of good fishing water.”
tising purposes have failed to bring forth anything as good, and this wording is now being used by several merchants on all envelopes and other printed matter which they have occasion to send out, and it is expected will soon be in general use by practically all local people and given the widest possible circulation.
It gives us very valuable publicity and the cost of using the slogan is very little, if anything.
Slogan survives the test of time
Throughout Saratoga’s 150-year history, hundreds of articles have been written about the town and surrounding area, with most making note of the town’s catchy moniker.
History reveals Saratoga’s first motto was “Where Fish Jump” and was used from the early 1880s to about 1910.
With Saratoga’s reputation spreading throughout the country, a 1910 story on our town in The Outing Magazine entitled “The Greatest Trout Fishing Town in the World”
sparked our forefathers to spread the message to the world until 1927.
Saratoga’s current motto, “Where the Trout Leap in Main Street,” was borrowed from the title of a 1927 Outdoor Life magazine article on the area by writer Billy Oneal.
Local lore has it Oneal was inspired to write the phrase as he was sitting on the riverside porch of what is now the Sierra Madre Trout Club at the corner of Main and River streets observing the aerial antics of Upper North Platte River trout as they jumped from the water flowing over Main Street, which extended out into the river.
Even in this age of unrelenting hype, the slogan still seems perfectly appropriate, and the last thing most residents want to see is it changed.
If you don’t think it’s unique, just call up our motto on the internet and every time, it will repeatedly pop-up as Saratoga’s slogan. I have yet to see any other town in the whole world bragging, “Saratoga, Wyoming, Where the Trout Leap in Main Street!”
The only benefit I see from the slogan change is to my son at Perue Printing when he would get paid to reprint the thousands of brochures, booklets, letterheads, envelopes, business cards, etc. with a new, unneeded and unwanted motto called a “brand” at a high and unnecessary expense of every citizen. –Dick Perue
the Trout Leap in Main Street” is Saratoga’s Slogan In the mid-1930s and 1940s, Saratoga’s slogan was promoted by the use of this vanity license plate which was made of medal and the same size as the official license plates.
from the
All former efforts to evolve a slogan for adver-
The
were “stamped out” in the then Wyoming State Prison License Plate Shop in Rawlins. Samples of the design work, prints and metal plates are preserved in the Dick Perue/Bob Martin collection and will soon be donated to the Saratoga Museum. Historical Reproductions by Perue
Pea (Navy) Beans
US #1 Pinto Beans
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Torrington
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Greeley, CO
National Sheep Summary
As of August 23, 2024
Compared to last week light slaughter lambs firm to 25.00 Higher, heavier weights steady to 25.00 lower. Slaughter ewes mostly steady to 10.00 lower, except at San Angelo 5.00-10.00 higher. Feeder lambs steady to 10.00 lower, instances 20.00 lower. At San Angelo, TX 7,800 head sold in a two day sale. Equity Cooperative Auction sold 575 replacement hair ewe lambs in New Mexico. Northern Video sold 5725 feeder lambs in Wyoming and 1,000 feeder lambs in Montana. 3,135 lamb carcasses traded with no trend due to confidentiality. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless specified. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 San Angelo: wooled and shorn 110-130 lbs 170.00-218.00. Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 100-120 lbs 172.50-175.00. South Dakota: wooled and shorn 110-160 lbs 163.00-180.50. Billings: wooled and shorn 120-140 lbs no test. Equity Coop: no sales. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2 San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 240.00-276.00, few 277.00288.00; 60-70 lbs 229.00-270.00, few 271.00-276.00; 70-80 lbs 212.00-247.00, few 248.00-258.00; 80-90 lbs 204.00-231.00, few 233.00-236.00; 90-100 lbs 190.00-218.00, few 222.00232.00; 100-110 lbs 201.00-208.00. wooled and shorn 56 lbs 256.00; 60-70 lbs 230.00-238.00; 70-80 lbs 210.00- 236.00; 80-90 lbs 208.00-215.00; 90-105 lbs 190.00-214.00. Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 70-80 lbs 190.00-191.00; 80-90 lbs 192.50-196.00; 90-100 lbs 193.00-206.00. hair 50-60 lbs 205.00-212.50; 60-70 lbs 210.00; 80-90 lbs 194.00-202.50; 100 lbs 188.00. South Dakota: wooled and shorn 58 lbs 190.00; 60-70 lbs 195.00215.00; 70-80 lbs 170.00-190.00; 80-100 lbs 170.00-185.00; 100-110 lbs 166.00-172.00. hair 46 lbs 175.00; 60-70 lbs 165.00-185.00; 78 lbs 180.00. Billings: no test. Slaughter Ewes
San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 98.00-114.00, hair 80.00-105.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 104.00-118.00, hair 97.00-116.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 80.00-100.00, hair 80.00-96.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) hair 64.00-78.00; Cull 1 no test.
Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 92.50; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 82.50108.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test.
South Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 80.00-110.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 65.00-95.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 59.00-75.00; Cull 1 64.00.
Billings: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) no test; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test..
Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2
San Angelo: hair 40-50 lbs 260.00-290.00.
Ft. Collins: 67 lbs 200.00.
South Dakota: 40-50 lbs 175.00-200.00; 50-60 lbs 204.00-209.00; 60-70 lbs 194.00-210.00; 70-80 lbs 182.00-216.00; 80-90 lbs 173.00193.00; 90-100 lbs 162.00-176.00;
South Dakota: young 180 lbs 85.00/cwt.
Billings: no test. Sheep and lambs slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 34,000 compared with 34,000 last week and 33,000 last year.
Source: USDA AMS Market News, San Angelo, Texas
National Wool Review
As of August 23, 2024 Australian Wool Exchange
Domestic wool trading had no confirmed trades reported this week. Prices reflect trades FOB warehouse in original bag or square pack, bellies out, some graded, and 76 mm or longer. No allowance made for coring, freight, or handling fees at the warehouse level to reflect net grower prices. Wools shorter than 75 mm typically discounted .10-.20 clean. Classed and skirted wools usually trade at a .10-.20 premium to original bag prices. Australian Wool Exchange Clean
SOYBEAN FUTURES
SETT PRICE
Month Week Prev This Week Change
Source: USDA- CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO
Wyoming Hay Summary
As of August 29, 2024
Compared to last week, alfalfa and alfalfa/grass mix hay sold steady. Demand was moderate.
Compared
Compared to last report: Hay sold mostly 10.00-15.00
New crop hay continues to see slow movement as most producers are seeing light interest and demand. Producers needing to move hay have lowered asking prices in hopes of finding new interest. Rancher to rancher sales are continuing to make an impact on the market as many ranchers are opting to sell new crop hay while feeding old crop hay this winter. Demand for hay is mostly light as heavy supplies continue to be seen. Dairy quality hay is being offered at little to no premium to feeding quality hay. Many ranchers are opting to not cut a 3rd cutting and use fields for grazing this winter. The vast majority of old crop hay has been cleaned up, however some will continue to deliver into the fall. Drought conditions continue to be seen in most of western Montana. Much of the central portions of the state are finishing up 2nd cutting, while the southern and eastern portions of the state are starting on 3rd. According to the drought monitor 62.51% of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, up 0.90% from two weeks ago. 22.18% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 2.91% from two weeks ago. 7.86% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, up 0.82% from two weeks ago. Notably, 100% of the state is abnormally dry, up unchanged from 2 weeks ago.
CLASSIFIEDS
NOTICE: Publication in this newspaper does not guarantee the legitimacy of any offer or solicitation. Take reasonable steps to evaluate an offer before you send money or provide personal/financial information to an advertiser. If you have questions or believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Unit, 109 Capitol Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002, 307-777-6397 TFN
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
ALL TYPES OF EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE FINANCING. Great service!! Great rates!! Call Chuck Brown at C.H. Brown Co., WY LLC, 307-3223232 (office), 307-331-0010 (cell) or e-mail chuckbrown@ wyoming.com 8/31
Financial Services
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
WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RRC, RSH. Good through 2026, $5,000. Call 307-620-1961 9/14
COMPLETE CATTLE DISPERSION: 250 Black Angus solid mouth bred cows. Calving March 1. Lucky 7 bull genetics. Hemingford, NE. Call Ian, 307421-9116 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
PASTURE WANTED for 2,000 yearlings and 500 pairs. Can split into smaller bunches. Call 701-523-1235 9/14
FOR SALE: Wyoming registered 1 iron (2) letter brand registered on all 3 species and in good locations, RRC, RSS, RSH. One hot iron available. Asking $5,000 for this easy to read brand, registered until 2031. Call or text 307-2542790 if interested 8/31
www.gottschcattlecompany.com
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.
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 oncall 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 e-mailed to cskiver@blakemanpropane.com or faxed to 307-756-9614 9/7
RANCH MAINTENANCE/ANIMAL CARE: Looking for a reliable, self-motivated individual with a good work ethic that has experience in ranch work, including maintenance and upkeep at a ranch with several outbuildings, plus horse and animal care. Proven organizational skills and attention to detail required. Job facilities are located 17 miles west of Cheyenne, WY. Applicants MUST possess a valid driver’s license, have reliable transportation and be able to work a flexible schedule. Requires working weekends occasionally. Full-time and part-time positions available. Full-time positions are eligible for health insurance and holiday and vacation pay. Call 307-275-2090 or e-mail resume to brittiny@ rfholdings.org 9/14
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
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 307-315-8555 9/7
OLD WYOMING BRAND: LSC, LSH, reverse EF. Registered to 2027, one iron, $5,000. Call 307-388-3300 8/31
PUREBRED AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES READY TO GO TO WORK: Have first shots and wormed. Both sets of grandparents were papered. Can deliver to Billings, MT Sept. 9, $400 OBO. Call 406-942-2532. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 9/7
MAREMMA/AKBASH CROSS GUARD DOGS: Twelve months old. Solid in the sheep. CALL BY SEPT. 6 FOR DELIVERY to Wyoming Ram Sale Tues. Sept. 10, Douglas, WY. John Phillips, Paul, ID, 775761-2352 8/31
LGD PUPPIES BORN JULY
4: Mother is Akbash/Komondor, sire is Pyrenees/Akbash/ Anatolian. Dogs and flock are comfortable together. Mother is proven predator control. Will be weaned soon. $450. ALSO, 1 intact male too playful for sheep. Call 406-707-0244 8/31
$1,000 REWARD FOR THE RECOVERY OF 4 BLACK AND BLACK BALDY COWS: Lost in Nowater Allotment south of Worland, WY. Three are branded with a cursive L, one branded with a NL or 4-N. Call 307-272-8920 8/31
250 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS: South Dakota origin, OCVD, exposed to proven LBW Black Angus bulls for 45 days. Start calving Feb. 1, 2025. References available. Call 785394-1955 (cell), 785-394-2374 (home) or 785-731-5067 9/21
LOOKING TO TAKE IN COWS OR BACKGROUNDING CALVES for fall, winter and spring. Located in North-Central Nebraska. ALSO, have hay for sale. Call 402-240-1824 9/21
WINTERING COWS, backgrounding calves and developing heifers. Forsyth, MT. Call Joe at 406-930-2645 9/7
CUSTOM FEEDING AND FINISHING FOR CATTLE AND SHEEP. Cactus Hill Ranch Company, Fort Collins, CO. Contact AJ Nelson, 970-3728273 9/7
BACK TO SCHOOL SAVINGS!! Large selections with great prices!! $AVE on BOOTS, BOOTS, BOOTS!!! HONDO, BOULET, JUSTIN WORK BOOTS, TWISTED X (boots and shoes) and more!! PURSES, belts, WALLETS, socks etc. WE CAN ship!! Shop Moss Saddles, Boots and Tack, 4648 West Yellowstone Highway, Casper, WY, 307-472-1872. Our family serving yours for 50 years!! Check us out on Facebook or our website 8/31
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 Sheep
ARE YOU IN NEED OF A NEW HERDER CAMP OR A PERSONAL RANGE CAMP FOR YOUR FAMILY? Contact us at Western Range Camps and see what we can build for you. We specialize in quality, handcrafted camps built to your specifications. Contact us today to design the camp just right for you. Western Range Camps, 435-462-5300, heidi@wrcamps.com, 1145 S. Blackhawk Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647 8/31
YEARLING WHITE FACED RAMS FOR SALE: RAMBOUILLET, TARGHEE AND FINE FLEECED COLUMBIAS. ALSO, a couple natural colored black rams. Bred to put the production back in production sheep. We have had more rams certified in the Certified Columbia Program than any other breeder in the nation. Look us up on Facebook at Bell Livestock. Going fast. Call to reserve your rams today, 307680-4950 9/14
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
Cattle
WEANER PIGS FOR SALE, located in Powell, WY. For more information, call 307271-1014 1/18
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
HAY FOR
SALE
Approximately 700 tons of straight alfalfa. 300 tons mixed hay and 150 tons grass hay. 3x4 squares. Near Manhattan, MT. Delivery available. Call Doug 406-581-4124
FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD
CUTTING ALFALFA HAY: No rain, big, heavy net-wrapped round bales. Delivery available. Call for pricing 605-8481563 9/7
CERTIFIED ORGANIC ALFALFA/GRASS MIX HAY. Call 307-631-4104 9/21
2024 FIRST CUTTING HORSE QUALITY HAY: Timothy/orchard/brome with a bit of alfalfa at 14% moisture. 110 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 in the classifieds 8/31
GOOD QUALITY HAY FOR
SALE: Alfalfa/orchard grass mix, wheat/alfalfa mix and straight alfalfa, all in net-wrapped round bales. Nisland, S.D. For more information and pricing, call 605892-5676 8/31
HAY AND STRAW FOR
SALE: 300 TONS OF FIRST CUTTING SANFOIN/GRASS MIX HAY, 4x4 squares, $150/ ton. 250 TONS OF BARLEY STRAW, 4x4 squares, $80/ton. Located west of Powell, WY. Call or text 307-202-0532 for more information 9/21
HAY FOR SALE Cow hay: Oat hay, last year alfalfa or new millet hay, $90-110/ton. Horse hay: First and second cutting grass hay, second cutting alfalfa and oat/ pea mix, $150-175/ton. Round bales or 3x4 squares. Square bales are barn stored. Tests available. Lusk, WY. Call Paul Hicks, 970-203-5019 8/31
GRASS HAY FOR SALE near Aberdeen, S.D. Call Brad Hart at 605-329-7211 9/21
VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Hay available. Go to www.valleyvideohay.com or call Barry McRea, 308-2355386 9/14
2024 FIRST CUTTING ALFALFA AVAILABLE IN 3X4 AND 4X4 SQUARE BALES. 250 tons available. $150/ton, FOB Lyman, NE. Call John Stratman, 303-912-8807 9/14
FEEDER HAY FOR SALE: Barley straw/alfalfa blend. 3x3 bales. Located in Farson, WY, $120/ton, trucking available. Call 307-350-0350 9/14
HAY FOR SALE!!! Alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mix and grain hay in both round and square bales. Large quantities available. Trucking available with hay trains. THE HAY YARD IS OPEN, conveniently located off I-90 and Johnson Ln. exit in Billings, MT, small to large quantities. Call us today for your fall hay needs. Montana Hay Company, 406-670-6551 11/9
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 3x3s in open truck and trailer. Call 307-250-6005 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
Crop Cleanup
BENNY HERNANDEZ IS IN THE AREA AND HAS PLENTY OF HELP TO CLEANUP AND HOE YOUR CROPS. Call 307431-7160 8/31
LIVESTOCK TRAILERS FOR SALE: 2013 ELITE, 7.6’x28’, 3 axle, 6 brand new tires, 2 cut gates both have sliders, rear gate slider, has not been used much, has salvaged title, all lights and brakes work, $25,000. 2012 WILSON, 7.6’x28’, 2 axle, brand new tires 17.5, one cut gate, clean title, $23,500. Can text pictures if interested. Call 320-905-4490. Delivery available. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 9/14
Vehicles Wanted
1932, 1933 OR 1934 FORD WANTED, in any condition, unrestored or restored. Call 605-290-3208 8/31
LODGEPOLE PRODUCTS, 307-742-6992, SERVING AGRIBUSINESSES SINCE 1975!!
Treated posts, corral poles, buckand-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
BARLEY STRAW: Certified weed-free small squares, $4/ bale. ALSO, 5x6 round bales, $125/ton. GRAIN/OATS, $20/ cwt. Greybull, WY area. Call 307-762-3878 or 307-8994714, leave message 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
2024 FIRST CUTTING HAY FOR SALE: Grass mix, large round bales. Located at Murdo, S.D. Call 605-516-0107 9/7
1,000 LARGE ROUND GRASS BALES: No rain, $130/ton. Call Pete Bertolino at Roberts, MT, 406-425-1351 TFN
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
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 702-5014243 (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
FOR SALE: Alfalfa or grass hay, round bales, delivered in semi loads. Call Steve, 308325-5964 8/31
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
Cannonball Bale Beds
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. $14,900. Call Jim Kopriva, 605-468-0003 9/7
FOR SALE: 9600 John Deere Combine with 930 30’ grain header and an 893 8 row 30” corn header. A 20’ Krause offset disc (new blades in front). 24’ Model 630 John Deere tandem disc and an International 22’ roller harrow. ALSO, feeder pigs. Contact Greg Keller at 406-679-1136 9/14
1660 IH COMBINE with 25’ direct cut header and header trailer. Has large and small wire concaves. Call 307-899-6130, for more information 8/31
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
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 307-388-3300 8/31
FOR SALE: Vermeer 7000 bale processor with hydraulic deflector. New Holland 7’ pull type sickle mower. H&S 14 wheel high capacity v-rake. Gehl 12 wheel vrake. Gehl 1410 manure spreader with double apron chain, slop gate, 410 bushel spreader, shedded, very nice. John Deere 2155 diesel tractor, wide front, 3 pt., 3 hydraulics, runs great. International 656 tractor, gas, wide front. 2015 Volvo (day cab), 10 speed manual, D13 455 HP, air ride, a/c, cruise control, 229” wheelbase, 11r 22.5 tires with aluminum rims, quarter fenders, 423,000 miles, very clean truck, runs great. 2008 Mack semi, MP8 engine, Eaton 13 speed transmission, a/c, air ride, brand new 11r 24.5 tires, full fenders, 363,000 miles, excellent truck. Unverferth 36’ header trailer with extendable hitch. Two H&S 7+4 16’ 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 24’ portable ground hay/bale feeder. 12’ HD box scraper with tilt. All in very nice condition!! Call 605999-5482 9/21
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 307-674-9092 9/7
SELF PROPELLED CORN
PICKER NEW IDEA UNI
SYSTEM: Tractor is 803C, big engine, rear wheel assist, 839 husking bed, field ready. $30,000 OBO. For more information, call Db Garber at 605228-0471 9/21
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, 970-324-4580 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
choice is
Good time management is essential to farming success. That’s why more farmers are turning to T-L center pivot irrigation systems. Hydrostatically powered, T-L’s simple design gives you the low maintenance time, cost, safety and reliability to let you manage your farm instead of calling electricians or replacing gearboxes. Simplify your complex world and make irrigation easier on you.
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
IRRIGATED FARM GROUND AND HOMESITE, 179 acres with 169 acres of irrigation from Willwood Irrigation District. Historically has grown hay, corn, grain and row crops. Irrigated by ditch and gated pipe. Yearround stock water, lots of tree covered draws for livestock. Excellent home sites with natural gas and electric available. Near Powell, WY. $849,000. Call 307-219-2217 or 719-2178054 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, 307851-2426 8/31
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
NORTHEAST OREGON, THE DLX RANCH: Located near Baker City, OR the DLX is noted as one of the most productive and finest ranches around. It is well balanced and contains 17,000 deeded acres with 4,000 acres of irrigated meadows and cropland. Native and improved rangeland provides good spring and summer pasture. The ranch is well improved with nice homes, excellent livestock working facilities and is noted for its production and ease of operation and management. Abundant water and over 6 miles of the Powder River running through the ranch provide for not only production but unbelievable waterfowl and upland game bird habitat. The ranch also provides good populations of elk and mule deer. Situated in the heart of the Baker Valley, the ranch enjoys very scenic mountain views and is very private yet only a short drive to Baker City, OR. Currently operated as a commercial cow/calf operation with a permitted feedlot. The ranch would also make an ideal yearling or combination operation. It is rare to find this quality of a ranch and particularly a property that is a going concern. This is a first-time offering and we look forward to hearing from you. $32,500,000. Livestock and rolling stock available by separate treaty. Please give us a call for further information, Greg Sackos, 541-523-4434 (office) or 208-598-0267 (cell), Intermountain Realty, www. intermountainland.com 9/7 Property for Sale
FOR SALE: 20 acres vacant land on Majestic View Rd. between Cody, WY and Yellowstone Park. Spectacular views, abundant wildlife, private and close to public land. Ideal for cabin. No subdivision, HOA or irrigation. New water well. Power nearby. Invest in your future and call today. List price: $335,000. Listing Agent: Echo Renner, Realtor, DBW Realty, Cody, WY 307-250-9723. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 9/14
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
Roofing & Painting
Roofing & Painting
CHARLES PATTENGALE PROTECTIVE COATINGS
• Polyurethane foam roofing: Seamless, watertight, lightweight, insulating.
• Rubberized and silicone roof coating: Flat roof, metal roof, gravel roof, single roof, mobile roof, horse arena roofs, grain tank waterproofing, metal roof restorations.
• Services offered: Shop insulation, patching and roof coatings of all types, leak proof your roof self flashing and seamless. Exterior shop painting.
• Serving all of Wyoming, resident, commercial, industrial, farm/ranch.
Call now for your free estimate: 307-365-2621 www.charlespattengalepainting.com
TANK COATINGS ROOF COATINGS
Available for METAL, composition shingles or tar roofs. Long lasting and easy to apply. We also manufacture tank coatings for concrete, rock, steel, galvanized or mobile tanks. VIRDEN PERMA-BILT
2024. Weaned and ready to go. Fifty still available at $250/head. ALSO, 50 HEAD 2024 WETHER LAMBS available at $190/ head. Video on YouTube channel @WYNewfie. Call or text 307-254-2650. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 9/21
America has gone to the dogs – 28 percent of the people in this country don’t like cats and only four percent don’t like dogs.
I don’t like cats for the following reasons:
1. They rub up against your leg and leave cat hairs all over the bottom of your Wranglers.
2. Their favorite place to sleep is near the fan belt of your car.
I love dogs, but there are some things they do that irritate me, such as:
1. Dogs like to pee on tires.
In this respect, they are like truck drivers.
I got a new car once with white wall tires and there was something about them that attracted dogs. I drove to a cattle sale once, and 42 dogs had a convention at my front left tire. So much for white walls.
2. Dogs chase cars and I don’t know why.
What are they ever going to do with one if they catch it?
3. Dogs love to jump on car doors.
If the banker drives up to count the cows, there is not a dog alive that won’t jump up on the banker’s car door and scratch the paint, mak-
ing the banker so mad, he or she won’t renew your loan. Why is it dogs never jump on the car door of a salesman or an in-law?
4. Ranch dogs eat stuff they shouldn’t. Enough said. You know what I mean.
5. I don’t like dogs that always have to ride up front in the truck.
I had the pleasure of riding with a small dog which belonged to the driver of the small truck. I called the dog Entomologist. One might think this was a strange name for a dog, but I assure you it was not.
This dog collected rare insects. On top of that, the dog insisted on riding next to the window so I had to ride next to the smelly male driver. We made a cute couple driving down the road seated cheek to cheek.
6. Dogs shed – usually in your favorite chair.
7. When you are wear-
Worland, WY
ing work clothes, dogs won’t jump up on you. But, put on a pair of clean pants and they feel compelled to monogram them with a couple muddy paw prints.
8. I don’t like house dogs very much.
I was raised in a family which didn’t allow our much-loved dogs in the house. They were forced to sleep in the pump house. We had a good reason. Do you remember Dick and Jane and their dog Spot? He got this name for what he did to Dick and Jane’s white carpet.
9. A dog’s bite is worse than his bark, which can lead to lawsuits and rabies.
I know one cowboy who has a dog trained only to bite people peddling religion door to door. I asked for a pup, but there is a long waiting list.
When one really stops and thinks about it, there is really not one good reason why the dog should be man’s best friend instead of a parakeet, turtle, horse, goldfish or even a cat.
All you have to do with a goldfish is give it fresh water before it runs out, and goldfish don’t drink much.
I had a turtle once which made a fine pet. It fell in love with my dad’s hard hat, and the only time I saw the turtle was when it came courting.
I stayed with a family up in Montana who had a pet pig. I was told it made a wonderful pet, but at night the pig kept trying to get in bed with me. Later I was told it was the pig’s bed when they didn’t have company.
Parakeets make fine pets, and they answer the age-old question about what to do with newspapers when you are finished reading them – it goes on the bottom of the bird cage. But please turn my face over. I have been defecated on by many a bird, and I suppose this is my biggest pet
LETTERS
Dear Editor,
Thank you for the opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude. Along with Philip Ellis, I was very honored and humbled to receive this year’s induction into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame, as well as my honor at the annual Ag Hall of Fame Picnic during the Wyoming State Fair.
The fact my award was presented by U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, with Sen. John Barrasso standing by, made it even more special.
Thank you to my immediate family members who were able to attend the picnic, especially my husband Brad, who is my biggest supporter. I don’t know anyone more committed to the agriculture industry. He is an incredible role model to me, but he is first and foremost a family man.
Thank you to my daughter and son-in-law, Meghan and Jake, and grandsons Meyer and Owen; my mom Mary; my sister and brother-in-law Nancy and Tim and my nephew Clay. Also, thank you to all of the other family, friends and colleagues who were in attendance.
I am especially grateful to Thea Nuckles, Dr. Jim Logan and Dr. Alison Crane of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association for nominating me for this great honor.
Lastly, thank you to both state and national agriculture associations for continued leadership and advocacy for agriculture producers and industries. I encourage all producers and affiliates who are reading this to join the associations that represent them. Whether you actively participate or choose to stand on the sidelines, your membership is important because these agriculture associations represent us all.
Agriculture and all it encompasses has reared and educated me, afforded me a profession and has provided a livelihood for myself and family. Giving back to an industry which has given so much to me is my passion and I am grateful and humbled to do so.
Sincerely,
Laurie Boner Glenrock
Nebraska program set
Nebraska Extension educators and fellow growers across four different locations in Nebraska will offer a program entitled “Growing for Market Statewide” in September and October.
Anyone interested in growing produce and selling at farmers’ markets, direct consumer sales or with Community Supported Agriculture groups is invited to attend.
The program will be held at six different sites across Nebraska, including the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff on Oct. 15 from 8 a.m. to noon.
The program cost is $30. To register for the course, visit go.unl.edu/2024growingformarket
For more information or questions, visit unl.edu/growing-market or contact Emily Stine at 308-632-1230.
WILDFIRES
opened gates, cut fences and pushed the animals up Reno Hill to the west side of the Buffalo Sussex.
Wile the death toll of animals remains unknown, the devastation to acres of grassland is apparent and will leave a lasting effect, as producers scramble to find a way to feed surviving livestock through coming winter months.
Remington Fire
Roughly 37 miles away, 14 miles northeast of Leiter, another lightning strike sparked the largest fire currently burning in Wyoming.
Deemed the Reming-
ton Fire, this blaze burned through four counties –Sheridan and Big Horn counties in Wyoming and the Powder River and Rosebud counties of Montana –and over 40 miles, eating up a total of 196,387 acres as of Aug. 27.
As of Aug. 28, the Remington Fire was 50 percent contained, and 215 personnel were patrolling and mopping up, while conducting suppression repair assessments.
Although the fire has proved difficult to wrangle, Rosebud County Disaster and Emergency Services
Coordinator Pat Dennis tells Northern Ag Network recent efforts have been successful.
“We got it kind of contained on the Tongue River side. They did a lot of burnout operations along the Tongue River Road from Birney, Mont. to Ashland, Mont. which really helped. It was a successful burnout as far as I know, nothing slopped out and started any more fires,” Dennis says. “They’re trying to contain to those areas from Odell Creek to Otter Creek and back to Tongue River. If they can contain it to the
LIVESTOCK AUCTION
areas still burning pretty hot, then we’ll be pretty lucky.”
Fortunately, recent rains and cool weather have aided crews’ containment efforts on the Remington Fire.
Like the House Draw Fire, the Remington Fire has also victimized local ranchers, destroying livestock, hay and infrastructure.
Dennis tells Northern Ag Network, “It came on so fast even the cattle and horses didn’t have time to get out of the pastures. They just died right there. Some of the ranchers lost all of their hay and a lot of cattle. They don’t even know the full extent yet until they can get out there, but it burned up all of the fences too. It’s going to be mass confusion for a while.”
In addition to those lost to the flames, ranchers have also had to euthanize badly burned surviving livestock, scrape up labor costs to help replace fence that was destroyed and salvage enough hay to feed the animals they have left.
Flat Rock and Constitution fires
Multiple resources available to help those affected by fire
Nobody rallies together more than a community left in the wake of devastation, and efforts have popped up all over the state to help those in need.
Community support
The Wyoming Rancher Fire Relief Facebook Group has put together an online, silent auction, in which proceeds will go toward hay, hauling and fencing supplies for ranchers affected by the flames, as well as supplies needed for those currently fighting fires.
Auction items can be viewed and bid on on Facebook. Monetary donations can also be sent to Wyoming Rancher Fire Relief, Converse County Bank, Drawer 689, Douglas WY, 82633 or via Venmo to @ Wyrancherfirerelief with “Fire Donation” written in the memo section.
With the help of the Big Horn Equestrian Center (BHEC), MTR Ranch Supply and other gracious donors, the Northeast Wyoming and Southern Montana Wildfire Fencing Relief Facebook Group has also set up a relief fund to aid ranchers with fencing costs.
Checks can be made out to BHEC and mailed to Wildfire Fencing Relief, PO Box 427, Buffalo, WY 82834.
On Aug. 28, Stockman Bank established a $10,000 matching donation for the Remington Fire Relief Fund, which will be used to provide assistance to those impacted by fires in Big Horn County, Sheridan County and Montana’s Rosebud and Powder River counties.
Donations to the account will be administered and distributed by the Rosebud County Cattlewomen and the Rosebud County Foundation and can be mailed to Stockman Bank, c/o The Remington Fire Relief Fund, PO Box 250, Miles City, MT 59301-0250.
YEARLINGS
Double RR Ranch- 175 Blk, Red, EnglishX Yrlng Strs 850-900#.
70 Blk, Red, EnglishX Yrlng Spayed Hfrs 825-850#. Choice, high elevation yearlings, off grass, Green!
Willow Creek Ranch - 110 Blk Ang Spayed Hfrs 750-800#.
Riverview Ranch - 80 Spayed Yrlng Hfrs 675-750#.
Don Frank - 50 Blk Ang & AngX Yrlng Strs 900#. Straight off grass. Reputation & high-quality genetics!
Dixon Ranch - 45 Blk & Red Yrlng Strs 700#.
Colby & Amy Erickson- 35 Blk Ang & AngX Strs 700#. Green, right off of grass. High desert, one brand!
Little Barnyard Ranch- 40 Blk Ang Strs 900-925#. High elevation, one raising Yearlings.
Diamond X Ranch - 25 Blk Ang Yrlng Strs 775-825#.
V Ranch - 24 Blk Ang/SalerX PTO Yrlng Hfrs 900-950#.
Gene Paul Pearson- 22 Blk, BWF, few Red Yrlng Strs 800#. One brand, no hormones.
48 Blk, BWF, few Red spayed heifers 700~750#. One brand, one raising. No hormones.
Otis & Norma Jones - 11 Blk Yrlng Strs 650-700#.
Flying JB Ranch- 10 Blk Ang Yrlng Strs 900-925#. One brand & High elevation. PAIRS
Bob Lucas- 5 Blk Ang & AngX (1 BWF) 4-8 yr old pairs. No brand on calves. Bulls are banded. Calves rec Enforce 3 & 8 way. Multiple generations of Lucky 7 genetics!
SPECIAL START TIME 9:00 AM W/ WEIGH UPS
YEARLINGS
Don Frank- 130 Blk Ang & AngX Hfrs 800-850#. Guaranteed open. Fancy, coming straight off grass. Arapahoe Ranch- 130 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 750-900#. IMI global certified. Nice, high elevation cattle. Reputation, high gaining cattle!
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
CALF & YEARLING SPECIAL START TIME 9:00 AM W/ WEIGH UPS CALVES
Muddy Land & Livestock- 200 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 450-500#. Rec Vista Once SQ & 7-way @ Branding. Vista Once SQ @ Precon (8-20). Angus sired. High elevation. Green, Fancy set of calves!
Ellis Ranch- 90 Blk Ang & AngX Strs 500-600# 50 Blk Ang & AngX Hfrs 450-550#. Rec Ultrachoice 7 & Bovishield Gold One Shot @ Branding. High elevation. Great performing, powerful calves! WEIGH UPS Steve Ward- 2 load weigh cows
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
CALF & YEARLING SPECIAL W/ SHEEP & HORSES START TIME 9:00 AM W/ SHEEP
SHEEP
Johnson Farms- 100 white face lambs. 100#
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1
CALF & YEARLING SPECIAL • START TIME 9:00 AM
Sheridan County’s neighbor to the east is also battling devastating wildfire activity. The Flat Rock Fire and Constitution Fire, both burning 11 miles northwest of Gillette, have consumed 52,421 acres and 24,594 acres, respectively.
As of Aug. 28, the Flat Rock Fire was 54 percent contained, and although crews caught a new fire the day before at eight-tenths of an acre, infrared technology was used to identify hotspots on the eastern side of the fire and secure the perimeter, according to InciWeb.
The website further notes the Constitution Fire was 50 percent contained on Aug. 28, with crews gaining containment the previous day along the fire perimeter.
According to the Southwest Area Incident Management Team, crews have continued to secure the edge of the Constitution Fire, extinguishing hotspots and engaging in suppression repair.
Idaho wildfires
Wyoming’s westernmost neighbor Idaho has felt the recent devastation of wildfires as well.
In Idaho, the Wapiti Fire in Custer County increased nearly ninefold in the span of a week, from 9,000 acres to 79,745 acres as of Aug. 28, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho.
The NIFC reported more than 800 personnel are battling the blaze, but as of Aug. 28, the Wapiti Fire was zero percent contained.
This fire was also started by lightning late in the evening of July 24 about two miles southwest of Grandjean, Idaho. It is currently burning through the Boise and Sawtooth national forests, and the steep terrain, difficult access and unfavorable weather conditions
On Sept. 8, the community of Kaycee will host Rope for Hope at the Harold Jarrard Park, beginning at 8 a.m. All proceeds from the event will be used to help area ranchers impacted by fires to purchase fencing supplies.
Buffalo Livestock Marketing has opened its yards for ranchers to bring livestock with feed and water available. They also have cattle pots and horse trailers lined up for those who need help moving livestock and are willing to help locate hay for producers in need. They can be reached at 307-290-2161, 307-2902273 or 605-881-1526.
MG Trucking, LLC of Casper has also offered to donate time and services to move hay and supplies for affected ranchers. They can be contacted at 307797-4074.
Government assistance
Additionally, several government assistance programs have been announced over the past few weeks to help with loss due to wildfire.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers multiple programs, including the Livestock Indemnity Program for producers who experience livestock death in excess of normal mortality; the Emergency Assistance of Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program which provides eligible producers with compensation for feed and grazing losses, transportation of feed to livestock and hauling livestock and the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program which provides low-interest financing for producers to build, repair, replace or upgrade facilities to store commodities, as well as a variety of farm and emergency loans.
Each state’s respective stockgrowers’ organizations have also put together aid for local ranchers.
The Wyoming Stock Growers Endowment Trust has established a Wildfire Relief Fund to help Wyoming producers impacted by the fire. Donations can be made with a credit card by calling 307-638-3942 or online at wysga.org. Checks payable to WSGA Endowment Trust can also be mailed to PO Box 206, Cheyenne, WY 82003.
The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation is accepting donations to benefit livestock producers in Montana, specifically those affected by the Remington Fire. Donations can be mailed to MT Stockgrowers Foundation, Attn: Wildfire Relief Fund, 420 N. California, Helena, MT 59601.
The Idaho Cattle Association is accepting donations for beef producers affected by fires in Idaho, which can be submitted online at idahocattle.org or by calling 208343-1615.
in the area have made containment a challenge for firefighters.
Evacuations, forest closures, road closures, fire restrictions and temporary flight restrictions are in place.
Roughly 25 other fires are also eating their way through the Gem State, including the Limepoint Fire at 32,636 acres, the Wye Fire at 7,341 acres, the Grouse Fire at 4,200 acres and the Big Hollow Fire at 3,435 acres, to name a few. Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.