Volume 30 Number 30 • November 24, 2018
®
The Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community • www.wylr.net
A Look Inside 2018 was record-breaking for the wool market, says Larry Page....... ..............................................Page 7 Wyoming Farm Bureau members were recognized for their achievements throughout the last year. ..... .........................................Pages 8-9 The Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts recognized the contributions of its members and partners........Pages 12-13 Lee Pitts tackles tough vocabulary, including paradigm and sustainability, in his latest column........Page 20
Quick Bits Farm Labor
Farm operators paid their hired workers an average wage of $14.47 per hour during the October reference week based on USDA’s Farm Labor report. This was up 8% from the previous year. Wage rates differed depending on the U.S. region. Field workers received an average of $13.74 per hour, up 7% from the 2017 October reference week. Livestock workers earned $13.38, up 9% from the previous year.
Investing in technology requires deliberate steps Cheyenne – “Wyoming is really trying hard to position itself as a leader in technology in all different areas,” said Sen. Ogden Driskill of Devils Tower. “I have been gifted to be a part of blockchain and BeefChain in Wyoming.”
Following a look at the future by renowned Futurist Michael Rogers, a panel at the Governor’s Business Forum looked at the future of technology in the state of Wyoming in a discussion titled, “Cryptocurrency and Computer Science: in the Cowboy
New Business The Wyoming Business Council has hired Wendy Lopez as its new business recruitment manager. Lopez is a fifth-generation Wyomingite originally from Cody, where her family has lived since 1885. She hopes to use her sales background to find new ways to recruit businesses to the state. She is already working to start a Business Ambassador partnership with the University of Wyoming (UW) Alumni Association and Foundation to tap into the vast network of UW alumni.
ESA Bills
Most of the issues the Public Lands Council (PLC) and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association are dealing with during the lame-duck session of Congress involve the Endangered Species Act (ESA), says PLC’s Ethan Lane. The groups have worked with a bipartisan initiative by the Western Governors’ Association for three years to develop recommendations, and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) turned those recommendations into bipartisan legislation the groups hope to see passed in 2018.
sor of IT Carla Hester-Croff and Rogers, looked at the future of continued technology investment in the state. Driskill continued, “We’re working really hard for Wyoming to be a fertile environment for technolPlease see TECH on page 5
HONORING LEADERS Wyoming Farm Bureau recognizes organization leaders in awards ceremony
Sheridan – The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) 99th annual meeting was capped by recognition of a set of outstanding members and leaders who were recognized for their service and dedication to the organization. The annual meeting, held Nov. 7-9 in Sheridan, brought together WyFB members from across the state to learn about the latest issues facing the agriculture industry and allowed members to revisit their policy book, renew expiring policies and pass new policies.
In recognizing their membership, WyFB first recognized Executive Vice President Ken Hamilton with the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Distinguished Service Award during the awards ceremony, which was held Nov. 8. The award is given to those who have gone above and beyond in their service to agriculture. “We are proud to recognize Ken for his dedication to agriculture and Farm Bureau in Wyoming,” said Todd Fornstrom, WyFB president. “Ken is a dedicated leader
Please see WYFB on page 8
Please see MEAD on page 7
2018 Water In the Nov. 16 Wyoming Hydrology Update, highlights from water year 2018 were provided. Top statistics showed above to well-above average peak runoff flows along central to northern Wyoming rivers and above to well-above average snowmelt streamflow volumes across central and northern Wyoming drainages. It also showed much-below average snowmelt streamflow volumes across southern Wyoming basins.
States; How Wyoming is Pioneering Digital Frontiers.” A panel of technology experts, including Gannet Peak Technical Services CEO Erin Moore, Green House Data CEO Shawn Mills, Western Wyoming Community College Associate Profes-
Distinguished Service Award – Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Ken Hamilton (right) received the WyFB Distinguished Service Award from WyFB President Todd Fornstrom (left) at the organization’s 99th annual meeting. Hamilton was joined by his son Ian Hamilton and wife Kathy Hamilton. Courtesy photo
Wyo. Legislature selects leaders Cheyenne – Party caucuses on Nov. 16-17 resulted in the election of leadership and committee assignments in the Wyoming House of Representatives and Wyoming Senate. Members of leadership and newly elected legislators will be sworn in during opening ceremonies on the first day of the legislative session, which is slated to begin at 12 noon on Jan. 8. In the House of Representatives, Rep. Steve Harshman of Casper was elected Speaker of the House; Rep. Eric Barlow of Gillette was elected Majority Floor Leader; Rep. Albert Sommers of Pinedale was elected Speaker Pro Tempore; and Rep. Tyler Lindholm of Sundance was elected Majority Whip. Rep. Cathy Connolly of Laramie was elected Minority Floor Leader; Rep. Charles Pelkey of Laramie was elected Minority Whip; and Rep. John Freeman of Green River was elected Minority Caucus Chairman. On the Senate side, Sen. Drew Perkins of Casper was elected President of the Senate; Sen. Dan Dockstader of Afton was elected Majority Floor Leader; and Sen. Ogden Driskill of Devils Tower was elected Vice President. Sen. Chris Rothfuss of Laramie was elected Minority Floor Leader; Sen. Liisa Anselmi-Dalton of Rock Springs was elected Minority Whip; and Sen. Mike Gierau of Jackson was elected Minority Caucus Chairman. The following Senate committee assignments have been made for the 65th Wyoming Legislature. • Judiciary – Chairman Tara Nethercott, Liisa AnselmiDalton, Brian Boner, R.J. Kost and Michael Von Flat-
Please see WYO on page 6
High altitudes Holt informs ranchers about PAP EPDs Boulder – As ranchers start looking for young, fertile bulls to turn in with their cows and heifers next spring, many in Wyoming – and particularly in western Wyoming – have a specific focus on bulls that can perform about 5,000 feet in elevation. A large part of bulls’ success for their operations depends on their heart health at high altitudes, where high mountain disease or brisket disease can quickly kill bulls, cows and calves. Brisket disease is congestive heart failure that brings fluids into the chest to swell and suffocate stricken animals’ lungs. It is generally considered to be inheritable, according to Timothy Holt, a veterinarian who pioneered the science of pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) testing at Colorado State University (CSU). Holt is the reason many Wyoming beef producers know how important a sire bull’s PAP scores are to a herd’s future if his weaknesses are passed down. By compiling thousands of bits of data, Holt and others studying pulmonary diseases are testing cows of calving age, as Please see PAP on page 10
Eirich: Proper storage of medication critical Properly storing vaccinations and medications can be key to ensuring animal health, according to Nebraska’s Beef Quality Assurance director. Rob Eirich told producers during a recent Animal Health Stewardship and Product Care webinar that antimicrobial resistance is real, and producers need to use good antimicrobial stewardship to properly diagnose, treat and dose animals. Using the proper method of therapy and the right route of administration is also important, he noted. “The key is realizing that antimicrobial stewards seek to achieve optimal clinical outcomes related to antimicrobial use,” he explained. “Minimize toxicity and other adverse events
reduce costs of healthcare for infections and limit the selection for antimicrobial resistant strains.” Vaccine storage “Handling and storage of vaccines and antibiotics is important. Don’t leave it on the floorboard of the pickup or in the dash,” Eirich explained to producers. Performing a test of his own, Eirich used a thermometer to determine the temperature in his pickup in December. “It was 24-degrees Fahrenheit in the cab, and an hour later, it was 84 degrees on the dash, with the heater running. The temperature outside was 22 degrees,” he said. Eirich notes that from studying the
periodical
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Please see EIRICH on page 11
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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
Leadership Wyoming, the Rocky Mountain Region and leadership always seem to go hand-in-hand, those in other states tell us. We hear this saying all the time at national meetings. And unlike other states, like California, where they also have leaders, From the our leaders have what they call the “right Publisher vision” or “common sense.” I don’t mean Dennis Sun to pick on California, but they are either burning up or flooding and have never met a tax or regulation they didn’t like. We all have a definition of leadership. We may have a hard time putting it into words, but we always know when leadership is lacking. A couple good definitions for leadership follow. “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality,” and “leadership is keeping your ear to the ground while allowing your rear end to become a target.” Several great examples of leadership is in Wyoming’s Congressional delegation, Sens. Mike Enzi and John Barrasso and Congressman Liz Cheney. They all hold leadership positions in Congress and are well respected by their peers. Here, the state of Wyoming, with the least population of all of the states, holds this great wealth of leadership. Our senior Sen. Mike Enzi is Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Budget and has worked on numerous national healthcare issues. He is a member of the Senate Committees of Finance; Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship; and the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs. Sen. John Barrasso, our junior senator has served as the 15th Chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee and has been the fourth ranking member of the Republican leadership in the U.S. Senate. Sen. Barrasso is currently Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, a member of Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; member of Senate Committee on Indian Affairs; and member of Committee on Foreign Relations. He is also a chairman and member of various subcommittees and a member of the Senate Western Caucus. Sen. Barrasso was recently named Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, making him the third highest ranking Republican in the U.S. Senate. Wyoming’s lone U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, while only been in office for one term, has an impressive leadership record. Congressman Cheney has served on the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, the House Armed Services Committee and the U.S. House on Rules Committee. The Rules Committee decides which bills to bring up and has a lot of power in the House. She recently was elected to the Chair of the House Republican Conference, the third ranking position of the House Republicans, where she will have a leadership role in setting the Republican agenda in the House. That role will not be as powerful since the Republicans lost the majority of the House, but it is still very important in getting common sense legislation through in the House. She will be a powerful example of women in a leadership role in Congress. Gov. Matt Mead and Treasurer and Governor-elect Mark Gordon are some local Wyomingites who have demonstrated leadership. And as we look into state government, we see other great examples of leadership. Numerous Wyoming legislators also provide much-needed leadership to our Legislature, with all of its new members. We in the state of Wyoming don’t have to look far for great leadership. It is all around us. Who knows, some day that great leadership may rub off on you. No person can be a great leader unless they take genuine joy in the successes of those under them.
Wyoming Livestock Roundup Reporting the News by the Code of the West
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GUEST OPINIONS
Estate Planning and the Role of Mediation
By Lucy Pauley, Wyoming Department of Agriculture Mediation Coordinator As each year passes, the average age of farmers and ranchers across the country continues to climb. According to the last Census of Agriculture in 2012, the average age of principal operator has risen from 50.5 to 58.3 over a 30-year period. As our farmers and ranchers across the country age, agricultural family estate planning becomes more and more important. While it is an important topic for today’s agricultural producers, figuring out how to transfer the farm or ranch to the next generation is not always easy. These conversations between families can be difficult and emotions can run high. Because of this, many use the Wyoming Department of Agriculture Mediation Program to help navigate these difficult situations. The Mediation Program has helped producers who were looking for resources on the nuts and bolts of estate planning, helped get family members to come together to have a conversation about the
future of the plan, provided information on succession and management planning and more. The Mediation Program is available to help farm and ranch families have discussions about estate planning, work through miscommunication or tough personalities that are affecting the estate planning process and talk about the future of the ag operation. Mediators use techniques to open up communication and give everyone an opportunity to share ideas, discuss obstacles and brainstorm solutions. Working in tandem with attorneys, accountants or other estate planning professionals, mediators can help families discuss various options and develop an agreement that works for everyone. If you’d like more information on using mediation to help with an estate planning or management transition discussion, please contact us at 307-777-8788 or e-mail lucy. pauley@wyo.gov. All conversations are confidential.
Improper Use of Jointly Held Property By Chris Nolt, Solid Rock Wealth Management Joint tenancy with rights of survivorship (JTWROS) is a popular way for a husband and wife to own assets. While owning assets jointly makes sense in many situations, there are potential problems with jointly owned assets that you need to be aware of. Property titled in joint tenancy with rights of survivorship passes directly to the surviving owner by law and avoids probate. It does not, however, avoid probate upon the death of the surviving owner. Because owning assets in joint tenancy is a simple way to pass assets and avoids probate on the first death, people often title assets jointly with other family members or friends. Below are some of the problems that can result from this. Capital gain tax issues When you gift stock or real estate to someone, they receive your cost basis in the asset. When you leave stocks or real estate to someone upon your death, they receive a “stepped-up” cost basis to the fair market value of the asset upon your date of death. Consequently, if you list stock or real estate in JTWROS with someone, you are essentially making a gift to them. And, as a result, they may end up paying more in taxes than if you left it to them upon your death. For example, after her husband died, a mother put her
daughter on the deed of her home as a joint owner. When the mother dies, the daughter becomes the sole owner of the home but because listing her daughter on the deed was considered a gift, the daughter loses out on a step up in basis on half the value of the home when her mom dies. Therefore, when the daughter sells the home, she may owe more capital gain tax than she would if she inherited the entire property from her mom. So, no matter how well your intentions may be to gift the family home to your child, you may very well end up costing them money. Instead, create an estate plan that passes on the home via an inheritance. Gift tax issues Unless an exception applies – as is the case when the joint owner is the owner’s spouse – listing assets in JTWROS can generate a taxable gift in the current year if the value of the asset is worth more than the annual gift tax exclusion amount. This means one can give cash or assets of that amount or less to another person each year without paying gift tax. When you put your child’s name on the deed of real estate, you are essentially giving your child a hefty-sized taxable gift. This cannot only cause them to pay more capital gain tax as described above but it can also reduce your
Please see NOLT on page 5
Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
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NEWS BRIEFS
NWSS opens Catch-a-Calf
Flavor profile study continues The highly anticipated American Lamb Flavor Study is moving into its final stages. This extensive, multi-year research is being funded by the lamb checkoff and the American Lamb Board. The ultimate goal is to identify how various management production practices affect American lamb flavor. The next critical step in the American Lamb Flavor Study occurred on Nov. 12, when the American Lamb Board and Colorado State University hosted an American Lamb Flavor Sensory Panel with 20 chefs from the Colorado Chefs Association, a chapter of the American Culinary Federation. Johnson and Wales University was selected for this panel because of its exceptional culinary arts education program. The panelists were asked to quantify lamb flavor intensity, off-flavor intensity and overall acceptability.
Brucellosis found again Wyoming State Veterinarian Jim Logan has been notified by the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory and the National Veterinary Services Laboratory there is another new case of brucellosis in a cattle herd in Wyoming – this time in Sublette County, which is in the Wyoming Brucellosis Designated Surveillance Area (DSA). Serologic testing at both laboratories has shown reactor level results on two animals from one herd. Further testing, including bacterial culture, will be conducted to confirm serology results. Logan and Assistant State Veterinarian Thach Winslow are working with the owner of the infected cattle and are conducting an epidemiologic investigation. The herd with known Brucella-positive animals is under quarantine at this time. No sexually-intact cattle can be moved from the quarantined premises until conditions of the quarantine release are met. There are four contact herds associated with this case that will be required to have their herds tested. The herd owners have already been notified. This case is not related to the case found in early October in Park County or the case found in Teton County earlier this month. There is no epidemiologic link between any of these cases, but it is expected that infected elk are the source of all three.
Harvest for All donates 11,176 meals Wyoming families facing hunger received a boost midNovember with the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R) Committee “Harvest for All” project. The annual fund drive to benefit the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies raised the equivalent of 11,176 meals for Wyoming families. During the state annual meeting Nov. 7-9 in Sheridan, County Farm Bureaus and farmers and ranchers from across the state donated money to help the food bank in their work with hunger-relief programs across the state of Wyoming. A raffle for a painting, handmade horseshoe lamp and a bow also helped raise funds for the Harvest for All project. The Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies was the recipient of $2,794 in monetary donations, which is equivalent to 11,176 meals.
Farm incomes continues decline A new report from the Federal Reserve suggests that income has continued to decline throughout the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions this fall because crop prices remain weak. The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Mo. said that over half of the bankers in the region reported farm income is lower in 2018 than 2017 because of the ongoing trade dispute. The bankers say farmers are borrowing money more because costs have increased. Bankers say there was a 2.5 percent increase in crop land prices and a 1.5 percent increase for pasture or farm land in the Midwest. The survey was conducted for the 10th Federal Reserve District covering Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Missouri.
BLM to offer lands for energy The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is moving forward with plans to work around a federal court order and offer tens of thousands of acres of Greater sage grouse habitat in planned oil and gas lease sales early next year. BLM announced on Nov. 16 it plans to offer more than 170,000 acres of Greater sage grouse habitat that it pulled from a scheduled December lease sale in Utah. This time, it will include 30-day public comment and protest periods. The proposed parcels in the Utah lease sale are now open for a 30-day public comment period running through Dec. 17. – E&E News
Program targets teen leadership The idea was simple. Instead of each 4-H camping program preparing teen counselors, get everyone together for a statewide training. The result, said Kimberly Fry, 4-H educator in Campbell County, was that 21 teens in 2018 contributed more confidently and competently to the experiences of 475 Wyoming campers last summer. In recognition of the Wyoming 4-H Counselor Camp, on Nov. 7, University of Wyoming Extension presented its Creative Excellence Award to the 4-H educators and state youth development specialist who piloted the program. Those receiving the award at UW Extension’s state conference in Casper were 4-H educators Amber Armajo of Washakie County, Megan Brittingham of Goshen County, Robin Schamber of Uinta County, Mary Louise Wood of Albany County, State Youth Development Specialist Warren Crawford and Fry.
The deadline for participating in the 82nd year of the National Western Stock Show Catch-a-Calf Contest is fast approaching on Dec. 1. This long-running program is an important part of the National Western Stock Show and is a great opportunity for 4-H members to learn about practical beef cattle management. Catch-a-Calf participants first must catch a calf during one of the National Western Stock Show Rodeo performances. They then return in May to receive their project, which they are required to feed and care for until the following year’s Stock Show. At that time participants bring their steers to be evaluated based on their rate of gain, appearance and carcass. Participants must also submit a record book, participate in an interview and compete in showmanship. The overall Grand and Reserve Grand Champion Catch-a-Calf steers are eligible for the Auction of Junior Livestock Champions. The program is open to 4-H members from Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas and Nebraska between 12 and 19 years of age, as of Dec. 31. New for 2018 there is an online application that can be found at nationalwestern.com/livestockshows/catch-a-calf-contest that applicants must complete. The application are both due by Dec. 1
Applicator training set Registration is now open for a three-day program to assist obtaining new commercial applicator licenses through the University of Wyoming Extension. Wyoming statutes require anyone applying pesticides, restricted use or not, and receiving payment to do so to have a commercial applicator license, said Jeff Edwards, UW Extension pesticide training coordinator. This year’s training session for those seeking new licenses is Jan. 22-24, at the Ramkota Hotel in Casper. Those attending have the option of taking examinations on Jan. 24 and receiving their licenses. Topics covered include core materials, state statutes, application procedures, pest identification and management and other license category-specific information, said Edwards. “This course is specifically designed to educate individuals who are new to pesticide application,” he said. “To receive your license, you must pass the core exam plus a minimum of one category exam with a 70 percent or better.” Class registration fee is $95 per person. Electronic registration is preferred and is at bit.ly/wyo-pesticide-2019. Edwards also highly recommends downloading for free or purchasing the training manuals and reading them prior to class. The training manuals needed are available at bit. ly/wy-pesticide-training. Printed materials can be ordered online using the order form link on the page or by contacting the UW Extension Office of Communications and Technology at 307-766-2115.
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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
NEWS BRIEFS
WLSB sets December meeting
The Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) has scheduled a public board meeting for Dec. 3 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Ramkota Hotel in Casper. Topics include reports from the director, brand commissioner, state veterinarian, budget update and draft legislation. Also, WLSB will consider Chapter 2 Vaccination Against and Surveillance for Brucellosis rule revisions, since the comment period ends Nov. 26, and the draft Chapter 21 Re-recording of Livestock Brands rule revisions. Brand recording requests and other administrative board business and matters will conclude the meeting. An executive session will be held if needed to discuss legal and personnel issues.
Large carnivore leader recognized The Wyoming Chapter of The Wildlife Society recently recognized Statewide Large Carnivore Supervisor Dan Thompson as the 2018 Professional of the Year at their meeting in Laramie. As the supervisor for the Large Carnivore Section, Thompson oversees carnivore conflicts, research, monitoring and management statewide. Retired Game and Fish Deputy Wildlife Chief Thomas J. Ryder stated in his nomination letter that Dan’s “undying belief in the uncompromising use of science to inform management decisions is refreshing” and that he is “a patient, conscientious and effective leader.”
USDA, FDA to co-regulate The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will share regulatory oversight of cell-cultured meat products, Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue and FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said. Colin Woodall, chief lobbyist for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, called the joint approach with USDA having “primary jurisdiction over the most important facets” of the process “a step in the right direction.” He added, “There is still a lot of work to do on this issue to ensure that real beef producers and consumers are protected and treated fairly.”
Loggers reflect on fires A national logging organization is offering support to President Trump following catastrophic wildfires in California and a political debate over the causes of the destructive blazes. “President Trump blamed poor forest management for wildfires in California and throughout the West, and there is truth to statements he has made,” said Daniel Dructor, executive vice president of the American Loggers Council, a coalition of state and regional associations that represents independent contract loggers. “It’s time to rise above political posturing and recognize that active forest management – including logging, thinning, grazing and controlled burning – are tools that can and must be used to reduce fire risks and help mitigate the impacts to landscapes.”
WGA comments on bug The Western Governors urged the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) not to remove the domestic quarantine for the plant pest emerald ash borer. The emerald ash borer causes significant damage to trees and could cause irreparable harm to western states. In response to the agency’s request for comments on its proposed rule, the governors outlined the “clear risk” the species poses to western states in a letter sent to APHIS Administrator Kevin Shea on Nov. 19. The domestic quarantine on emerald ash borer has allowed western states to prepare for infestations and mitigate potential impacts and if removed, could cost western states billions of extra dollars in management costs. “The proposed rule to remove the domestic quarantine would potentially result in emerald ash borer’s unchecked migration and irreparable harm to western states,” states the letter signed by WGA Chair Hawaii Gov. David Ige and WGA Vice Chair North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. “Such a decision should only be made after substantive consultation with Western Governors.”
DTN: Bankers concerned for 2019 Cash flow is a growing problem in farm country, and nearly all of the bankers that spoke with DTN at a recent conference said there’s some part of their portfolio that’s under significant financial stress. However, that portion is small, and bankers say they’re being more proactive in helping customers head off problems. Moody Analytics Director of Sales Management Doug Johnson started a presentation at the National Agricultural Bankers Conference with a number of quotes from ag lenders, the themes of which echoed through the workshops, coffee breaks and keynote sessions. He said one lender told him, “The valley is as deep as it was in the 1980s, both financially and emotionally for some producers, but it’s not as wide.” Another said, “We are one average yield away from disaster.” And a third said, “Kick the can down the road. A rolling loan never collects a loss,” resulting in chuckles and shaking heads from the crowd. – DTN
Bison group hosts workshop Increasing profitability of farmers’ market booths, onfarm stores and agritourism enterprises will be the focus of a special training workshop for bison producers and other growers at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 30 at the Comfort Inn, Ogden, Utah. Hosted by the National Bison Association and the Western Bison Association, in cooperation with U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, the workshop will cover subjects regarding planning, merchandising, marketing and leveraging a presence at farmers’ markets. It will also touch on agritourism and other direct marketing opportunities. Participants at the workshop will work through a curriculum developed by a working group of buffalo producers with extensive experience in farmers’ markets.
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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
TECH continued from page 1 ogy.” In the next year, two courthouses in Wyoming will be completely digitized, using blockchain, to create a better business environment. The digitization has been accomplished through public-private partnerships, and Driskill said, “Wyoming is a great place to make this happen.” Future digitization of state agencies, banks and more will continue to advance Wyoming as a cutting-edge leader in digital technology. “Wyoming has a strong potential for playing a strong role in the tech scene, and we need to make sure that happens,” said Moore. “The question is, how do we keep this edge?” Driskill commented. Education Mills noted, “Developments in computer science and computer science education is extremely critical in Wyoming,” Mills asserted With 1.4 million competing jobs in the U.S. and not enough people to fill those positions, Hester-Croff said the hardware Americans use every day require people to make them work. “We are implementing computer science in K-12 core education programs to teach
the next generation,” she said. Mills continued, “Bringing computer science to the school system is critical.” Currently, Mills said a priority has been on training to ensure the workforce has the necessary skills to position companies to succeed into the future. “We need to keep training our employees to be the employees of the future,” he added. Hester-Croff said it is also important to keep students in the state of Wyoming and working in Wyoming businesses. Training teachers “Right now, we are meeting like crazy to work on computer standards in the state, from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade,” HesterCroff said, noting the progression of learning technology and computation are both included. “We’re also doing a lot of teacher training to help teachers be able to teach these concepts.” Starting with a small group of teachers creates a buzz that quickly expands, explains Hester-Croff. “We started a small computer science certification with 20 teachers in our pilot group,” she said. “We’ve reached out to districts and let them know
NOLT continued from page 2 lifetime gift exemption amount. Loss of control and disinheriting children Another potential problem arising out of holding property in JTWROS with a spouse is that upon the first spouse’s death, the surviving spouse can do whatever he or she wants with the assets, possibly against the wishes of the deceased spouse. For example, a husband and wife own property jointly. After the husband dies, the wife could remarry and name her new spouse as a joint tenant on her property or give the new husband her property through her will. The result is your children could end up not inheriting your assets. A potentially better way to own assets with your spouse is in a trust. The instructions of the trust could be set up to allow your surviving spouse to receive income from the assets in the trust while he or she is alive with your kids receiving the money left in the trust when your spouse dies. Estate tax exemption Prior to 2010, one of the most common and costly mistakes made by married couples was the failure to utilize the estate tax exemption on each of their lives. Wasting one of the exemptions happened partly as a result of listing assets in joint tenancy with each other. This is currently not a concern because a new “portability” provision allows a surviving spouse to use any of the unclaimed exemption from their deceased spouse. Up until 2010, the preferred way to make sure each spouse utilized their estate tax exemption was by establishing a Bypass Trust, also referred to as an A-B or Credit Shelter Trust. This trust not only enabled each spouse to use their estate tax exemption, it also helps to ensure the couple’s assets would ultimately pass to their children. It is uncertain if the portability provision will remain. For this reason and for reasons of asset control as mentioned above, it may be wise for a couple to still utilize a Bypass or Credit Shelter Trust. Legal issues If property is held in JTRWOS with another person and that person is involved in a lawsuit or divorce, the other person’s assets are potentially subject to the risk of that person’s creditors. Chris Nolt is the owner of Solid Rock Wealth Management, Inc. and Solid Rock Realty Advisors, LLC, sister companies dedicated to working with families throughout the country who are selling a farm or ranch and transitioning into retirement. Chris helps families to save tax on the sale of their farm or ranch and create passive income from the sale proceeds. For more information, visit solidrockwealth.com and solidrockproperty.com.
we’re willing to do more training. We have to start small and let it grow, and I think it’s moving faster than some people would like.” “The technology is here and moving quickly,” HesterCroff said. “We can’t keep up sometimes.” Moore added the rapid nature of technology change means that often, students have a higher level of knowledge than their teachers. “The honest truth is, our students don’t have the luxury of waiting,” Moore said. “We are already behind, even though we are driving this conversation of K-12 education. We have to empathize with our teachers, understand where they’re coming from and support teachers while also giving our students the access to education resources they need to be prepared when they graduate high school.” Supporting current programs Moore emphasized there are a lot of cool technology projects going on in Wyo-
5
ming, but because tech companies tend to be “anti-social,” those stories aren’t necessarily being heard. “There is so much going on,” she said. “One of the biggest things we have to do is support what we have going on and highlight those to encourage bigger growth. We also need to have an open mind for tech that is coming down the pipelines and how we can drive that, in both utilization and development.” Looking at how to focus on those developments in terms of artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and software, as well as supporting the tech companies that invest in Wyoming, will be critical in the future. Recruiting Recruiting tech talent to come to Wyoming is another key step for the future, Rogers commented. Mills noted Wyoming’s quality of life offers a great recruiting tool for those looking for the best place to position their tech jobs. He empha-
sized that tech jobs can find their home anywhere, so Wyoming provides a great place for families to relocate to. As families are looking at the state, Mills said one of the very real questions they ask is the quality of the education system of the town. “We also need to consider internships, as well,” HesterCroff said. “There are a lot of smart, knowledgeable people in the state. Once we train them, they can build our experience level.” Next level With new technologies, including blockchain, Rogers said, “Blockchain security is what is coming up next.” Blockchain, he said, provides a whole host of new security issues beyond those associated with just the internet. “If I was funding something in the blockchain world right now, I would be funding a security start-up,” he added. While Wyoming has accepted blockchain and many other technologies,
Moore said the state must continue to broaden its scope, being thoughtful and paying attention to what is on the forefront. “Artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning are coming down the pipe at us,” Moore explained. “For us to think that we can relax now that we have passed blockchain legislation is false. If we’re going to be successful, we have to be prepared to keep up with the churn of new technologies.” Paying attention to the forefront of research and discerning what should be immediately adopted and what should be analyzed further will become top priorities, she continued. Mills said, “If we can drive conversation, we can be the platform the rest of the country looks at in adopting their own legislation.” Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
WYO continued from page 1 ern • Appropriations – Chairman Eli Bebout, Wyatt Agar, Mike Gierau, Larry Hicks and David Kinskey • Revenue – Chairman Cale Case, Fred Baldwin, Bo Biteman, Ogden Driskill and Affie Ellis • Education - Chairman Hank Coe, Affie Ellis, Lynn Hutchings, Bill Landen and Chris Rothfuss • Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources – Chairman Brian Boner, Anthony Bouchard, R.J. Kost,
Glenn Moniz and Cheri Steinmetz • Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources – Chairman Ogden Driskill, Liisa Anselmi-Dalton, Tom James, Glenn Moniz and Jeff Wasserburger • Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions – Chairman Bill Landen, Cale Case, Tara Nethercott, Wendy Schuler and Charles Scott. • Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs – Chairman Michael Von Flatern,
2018
Jim Anderson, Lynn Hutchings, Stephen Pappas and Cheri Steinmetz • Minerals, Business and Economic Development – Chairman Jim Anderson, Bo Biteman, Hank Coe, Chris Rothfuss and Jeff Wasserburger • Labor, Health and Social Services – Chairman Charles Scott, Fred Baldwin, Anthony Bouchard, Stephen Pappas Wendy Schuler The following House committee assignments have been made for the 65th Wyoming Legislature. • Judiciary – Chairman Dan Kirkbride, Sara Burlingame, Chuck
Christmas Corral
Gray, Mark Jennings, Charles Pelkey, Bill Pownall, Tim Salazar, Clark Stith and Art Washut • Appropriations – Chairman Bob Nicholas, Mark Kinner, Lloyd Larsen, Jared Olsen, Andy Schwartz, Albert Sommers and Tom Walters • Revenue – Chairman Dan Zwonitzer, Jim Blackburn, Cathy Con-
nolly, JoAnn Dayton, Tim Hallinan, Dan Laursen, Jim Roscoe, Pat Sweeney and Cyrus Western • Education – Chairman David Northrup, Landon Brown, Cathy Connolly, Jamie Flitner, John Freeman, Jerry Obermueller, Jerry Paxton, Gary Piiparinen and Evan Simpson • Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water
WSA bill moves forward Congressman Liz Cheney applauded the passage of her bill, Restoring Local Input and Access to Public Lands Act, out of the House Natural Resources Committee. “Passage of the Restoring Local Input and Access to Public Lands Act in the Natural Resources Committee is a win for the locally driven efforts to resolve the status of Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) in Big Horn, Lincoln and Sweetwater counties,” Cheney said. “Congress is responsible for designating WSAs, listening to local input and ultimately legislating on whether these lands should be returned to multiple-use sustained yield management.” “For over 40 years, federal land in Wyoming has languished in WSA status. Recreation, ranching and other economic activities have been negatively impacted by the decades-old WSA designation, which prevents access, locks up land and resources, restricts grazing rights and hinders good rangeland and resource management. I am pleased the Natural Resources Committee passed my bill out of committee. This is a crucial step towards finally bringing resolution to this long-standing issue,” she added.
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Resources – Chairman Hans Hunt, Stan Blake, Aaron Clausen, Bill Haley, Bill Henderson, Dan Laursen, Evan Simpson, Richard Tass and John Winter Recreation, • Travel, Wildlife and Cultural Resources – Chairman David Miller, Roy Edwards, Jamie Flitner, John Freeman, Bill Haley, Sandy Newsome, Richard Tass, John Winter and Mike Yin • Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions– Chairman Tyler Lindholm, Jim Blackburn, Aaron Clausen, Scott Clem, Andrea Clifford, Shelly Duncan, Roy Edwards, Danny Eyre and Dan Furphy • Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs – Chairman John Eklund, Stan Blake, Landon Brown, Tom Crank, Bunky Loucks, Joe MacGuire, Sandy Newsome, Jerry Obermueller and Cyrus Western • Minerals, Business and Economic Development – Chairman Mike Greear, Donald Burkhart, Tom Crank, Shelly Duncan, Danny Eyre, Dan Furphy, Bill Henderson, Bunky Loucks and Joe MacGuire • Labor, Health and Social Services – Chairman Sue Wilson, Eric Barlow, Scott Clem, JoAnn Dayton, Tim Hallinan, Jim Roscoe, Clarence Styvar, Pat Sweeney and Mike Yin Assignments for select committees, task forces and other miscellaneous committees will be made available at a later date, likely in March.
Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
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Wool surpasses record quality and price in 2018, marking historic event
Casper – “I think the wool guys have the best story in agriculture,” says Larry Prager of Center of the Nation Wool. “We were fortunate, in 2018, we had winter. It was cold. On Feb. 21, it was 22 below zero. We had snow. I’m not sure what the purpose of that was, but it made for a good wool clip.” On Jan. 1, Center of the Nation Wool started with an empty warehouse. Starting mid-spring, sheep shearers began the shearing season in snowbanks, in the high desert and across the West. “Early on in 2018, it was apparent to me it was going to be a special year for wool quality across the region,” Prager emphasizes. “We had, for whatever reason, better color, record yields, and great length. Environmentally, it was just one of those years.” As the shearing season progressed, he continues, “In 2018, we had one of the best wool clips in the history of the United States, maybe the best one ever, and we had the market to go with it, just as wool came in.” Beginning in November 2017, every month following was better than the month before. Record prices in January were only exceeded by the following months. “Every month, I thought, 'This can’t last,' so we tried to stay as current as we could, and I think the industry did that,” Prager says. Center of the Nation Wool paid up to $4.87 per pound grease price for wool, with the largest wool check surpassing $229,000. With 100 percent clearance, the company saw record prices nearly across the board. “The average price at Belle Fourche, S.D., was $3.01, which includes tags, bellies, black faces, short, long, good ones and not so good ones,” Prager comments. “In 2017, that same number was $2.06. It’s pretty remarkable.” Wool products Approximately half of the wool in the United States will be exported annually, according to Prager, because of the limited ability of the U.S. to comb and make tops. “This puts us in an interesting part of the
business around the world,” Prager adds. One source of negativity in the market is in Chinese trade, which impacts the wool industry. “We have a tariff issue for wool in China,” Prager adds. “A lot of U.S. wool goes into China. A duty of 10 percent is a trade barrier. No one has these margins.” He continues, “I think these tariff and trade issues are going to stick with us.” Great Plains Wool Company’s Bruce Barker sees possibility for shipment of wool to other places, like India and Vietnam, who also have processing capacity. Innovation Prager sees growth for the wool industry in the Super Wash process, which allows wools to be machine-washable and consumer friendly. “When they first started using Super Wash, we heard it was a milliondollar process. We are so fortunate that it is set up in Jamestown, South Carolina,” he emphasizes. “To get things made in the United States, get those yarns processed and get Super Washed yarn for the knitting industry is going to be a bigger deal than ever.” Prager adds, “This is a key component today.” Markets In the last three years, the Eastern Market Indicator, an index value coming out of Australia, peaked at 216 in August. Prager says, “The last month, it’s been in the tank. Wool is still a good story, but we’re coming off the last of the highs.” While wool prices are still generally high, he notes the end of the record prices has passed. “A dollar of Australian wool was worth about 73 cents in U.S. money on Nov. 8,” he explains. “This is not good when we’re exporting wool.” However, Prager sees good news on the horizon, with strong global economies, sound market fundamentals and positive consumer opinion about wool. “Every place we look, there is something wool in a catalog. Wool is everywhere,” he emphasizes. “The consumer demand for wool fiber is strong. Super Wash is the key
Players in the wool industry In the wool industry, Center of the Nation Wool’s Larry Prager highlighted the major players in the industry, noting Lempriere is “the export link” for wool, trading around the world. “Chargeurs is the last remaining combing processor and the last remaining processor for the United States,” he explains. “They are the top maker and the home of the Super Wash.” Anodyne provides a link to military cloth, also processing at Chargeurs, and Pendleton Woolen and a handful of other small operations are also part of the infrastructure of the wool industry. “Those are about it for the main players in the wool industry,” Prager says.
component.” He also cites finegauge knitwear, socks, sweaters and base layers as the driving force for the wool industry. These products are readily available and abundant, adds Prager. “Demand is at least steady and supplies of wool still remain limited around the world,” he comments. Moving forward However, momentum in the wool market has collapsed. By mid-November, the market was off approx-
imately 15 percent, and the Australian market was up about six percent on drought conditions. “We’re seeing inferior types of wool coming into the market that we’re not used to. The industry is resisting those,” Prager comments. “Wool is also very expensive compared to synthetics. We are seeing substitution in wool, putting different blends up, including polyester as a substitute fiber.” With sheep numbers increasing slightly and continued strength in demand for wool prod-
“In 2018, we had one of the best wool clips in the history of the United States, maybe the best one ever, and we had the market to go with it, just as wool came in.” – Larry Prager, Center of the Nation Wool ucts, Prager sees some strength in the industry. Barker adds, “We’re still a dollar a pound over where we were in 2017. I think next year we’ll be about in the same price range as we are today for the 21- to 22-micron wools.” But overall, the picture is mixed. “Confusion and uncertainty,” Prager comments,
“that’s the bottom line.” Prager addressed the West Central States Wool Growers Convention, a gathering of sheep producers from California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada and Wyoming, on Nov. 9. Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
the same league as a lot of the folks we have recognized with continued from page 1 this award,” he concluded. “I who is passionate about “Farm Bureau is a really cannot deny that I was really ensuring agriculture’s voice is good organization. I may be pleased when I received this heard through Farm Bureau.” a bit biased since I’ve been award. To have this recogni Hamilton joined the working for the organization tion is something that is pretty Wyoming Farm Bureau Fed- for 35 years,” Hamilton said. special.” eration staff 35 years ago as “The whole process we go “The Wyoming Farm field staff and research assis- through to develop policies Bureau Federation is proud tant. He then served as the to represent our members is a to honor Ken Hamilton director of field services and very good process in my opin- with the Distinguished Serlater became the administra- ion.” vice Award,” Fornstrom contive assistant. “Being a general agricul- cluded. “Making a difference In 2004, he was named ture organization is impor- for Wyoming farmers and the executive vice president tant, as well, because there ranchers by representing Farm of the Wyoming Farm Bureau will be times when policies Bureau members on agriculFederation. would be beneficial to one ture policy issues is what Ken Growing up on a ranch segment of agriculture yet is all about. We thank him for and talking with family about hurt another segment, and our his distinguished leadership politics and their impact on process seeks to address those and service to agriculture and agriculture has led Hamilton concerns,” he continued. Wyoming.” to a lifetime of WyFB lead- “And, the process itself helps Numerous other awards ership for Wyoming farm- develop leadership that can be were presented to WyFB ers and ranchers. Advocating useful and translated across to members, including the Leadfor and leading discussions other organizations.” ership Award, which was preon agriculture policy issues Ken and his wife Kathy sented to Tim and Dawn Pexis how Hamilton makes a dif- just celebrated their 37th wed- ton. ference for Wyoming farm- ding anniversary. Kathy is a United States Sens. ers and ranchers. He believes Certified Public Accountant. Mike Enzi and John Barstrongly in Farm Bureau’s They have one son, Ian. rasso and Congresswoman policy development process Hamilton stated he was Liz Cheney (all R-Wyo.) because it allows for input surprised to hear his name were each named a “Friend from a diverse group of agri- called. of Farm Bureau” for the 115th “I’ve never felt I was in Congress for their support of culture folks.
WYFB
Outstanding leadership – Tim (left) and Dawn Pexton (center) of Converse County were awarded the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) Leadership Award. Serving in leadership roles to represent farmers and ranchers is part of Tim and Dawn’s agricultural life. Tim’s direct involvement began in the early 1970s. He and Dawn were married in 1979, and Dawn has attended nearly every annual meeting with Tim. Whether it be serving as county president or county membership secretary or serving as the co-pilot for one another on the long drives across the state to Farm Bureau meetings they are the epitome of leadership in WyFB. Tim serves as the Central District Director on the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors. He also serves as the WyFB Membership Committee Chair, a position he has held for 20-plus years. “Tim and Dawn’s leadership and dedication to the Farm Bureau Federation at the local, district and state level is unrivaled,” said Todd Fornstrom, WyFB president (right). “We thank Tim and Dawn for their dedicated leadership on behalf of the Converse County Farm Bureau, the Central District and the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation and Wyoming agriculture.” Courtesy photo
America’s farmers and ranchers and food security for consumers. This award, presented by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), is given to members of Con-
gress who have supported Farm Bureau’s position on policy issues as demonstrated by their voting records. Sen. Enzi, Sen. Barrasso and Rep. Cheney were nominated by the Wyoming Farm Bureau and approved by the AFBF Board of Directors. The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general agriculture organization. Mem-
bers work together from the grassroots to develop agricultural policy, programs and services to enhance the rural lifestyle of Wyoming. Saige Albert, managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, compiled this article from press releases written by Kerin Clark of WyFB. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr. net.
Encore Green partners with UW Darlene Nash, owner of Encore Green, LLC, and Jonathan Brant, director and research lead in Civil and Architectural Engineering at the Center of Excellence in Produced Water Management (CEPWM) at the University of Wyoming, jointly announced their partnership to strategically create and manage beneficial-use water throughout the oil-producing states in the West. “The Center does great work, and we are thrilled to join with them, as we are transforming industrial byproduct water into beneficial-use water for conservation and agriculture,” says Nash. “We are excited to partner with Encore Green as they are at the forefront of reimagining how we, as a society, can use and reuse our water resources, particularly in water-scarce areas like Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain West,” says Brant.
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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
Friend of Farm Bureau – United States Sen. Mike Enzi (center) received the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award for the 115th Congress. Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Vice President Cole Coxbill (left) and WyFB President Todd Fornstrom (right) presented Sen. Enzi with the award at the organization’s 99th annual meeting held in November. During the 99th annual meeting of WyFB, Sen. Enzi reflected on the fact that both of Wyoming’s Senators attended the meeting. “That is how important WyFB and its members are,” Senator Enzi told the farmers and ranchers. “Thank you for all you do to make sure agriculture is heard in Washington.” Courtesy photo
9
Friend of Farm Bureau – United States Sen. John Barrasso (center) received the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award for the 115th Congress. Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Vice President Cole Coxbill (left) and WyFB President Todd Fornstrom (right) presented Sen. Barrasso with the award at the organization’s 99th annual meeting held in November. “In Wyoming, agriculture has a long and proud history. We know if agriculture is strong, so are our western communities,” Sen. Barrasso said. “I will continue to fight against Washington overreach.” Courtesy photo
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Discussion Meet – The “Final Four” Finalists in the 2018 Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Rancher Collegiate Discussion Meet held at Sheridan College included (from left to right) Galen Kretschman of Sheridan College, Madison Anderson of Sheridan College, Jessica Rossi of the University of Wyoming and Gillian Petsch of Sheridan College. Anderson was the winner of the discussion meet, earning her $300 cash and an expense-paid trip to Milwaukee, Wisc. Kretschman was named the runner-up and was awarded a $150 cash prize. Courtesy photo
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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
PAP continued from page 1 well as bulls. PAP testing Holt or someone he certifies are the only ones who can do PAP tests. The lowest effective elevation to test is 5,000 feet, but for western Wyoming, 6,800 feet or higher is more accurate and relevant, with many factors involved. Oxygen is thinner at high elevations, and cattle must push more blood through relatively small lungs, overworking their relatively small hearts. PAP scores are tools for high-altitude ranchers to select an animal best suited to their elevations. Holt and his team have tested cattle of all ages, at a wide variety of elevations with varying lengths of time at certain levels. The goal is to severely reduce risks of livestock loss to brisket disease. But even a small change in summer pastures’ elevations, for example, can bring on a fatal attack of brisket or pneumonia in yearlings due to
stress, according to Holt. “We have moved bulls from a very stable environment – even at the same elevation and had problems. Where there is a whole different supply of viral infections and bugs they’re not used to, with the stress and environment changes, it’s not necessarily genetic, but they could get brisket disease. The immune system at a high elevation is already in trouble,” Holt explained. EPD connection Ranchers look for bulls’ appropriate PAP scores, and within a year or two, they will find expected progeny differences (EPDs) for PAP, based on growing data that can narrow down estimates of which bulls might pass along weaker hearts. Bull producers and buyers rely on EPDs to estimated genetic values of differences from a sire and his calves. Many bull sale catalogs include EPDs for a variety of inheritable characteris-
tics including rib-eye size, fat marbling, low and high birthweights, female milk production and calving ease. Holt recently told ranchers in Pinedale that Angus breed officials are working to formulate EPDs from PAP scores. Pinedale PAP updates Justin and Renée Jensen of Jensen Angus Ranch in Boulder invited local ranchers to a get-together with Holt for his update on how PAP scores will be used in the near future. In a PAP test or “right heart pulmonary artery catheterization,” a catheter is inserted into an animal’s jugular vein to measure its pressure. The catheter is pushed through the pulmonary valve and into the pulmonary vein to get a true average of pressures. In short, PAP scores are double-digit numbers that show “low risk” or “high risk” for high-elevation cattle. “One of the big things we need to discuss a bit amongst ourselves is the PAP EPD coming out from the American Angus Association (AAA),” Holt said, relat-
Updating ranchers – Colorado State University Veterinary Tim Holt updated ranchers on expected progeny differences for pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) scores at a recent seminar at Jensen Angus Ranch in Boulder. Joy Ufford photo
ing that AAA spent two days with him at CSU to write new guidelines. “To formulate an EPD, there is so much data that error is pretty much minimized. What we do in Pinedale is not the same as what
we do in Platte County.” Other national cattle breed associations are also considering how to turn PAP scores into EPDs, Holt added. He hopes to guide consistency in how guidelines are developed and used for the most accurate estimates. This way all the data could end up in one place, he added. Eventually, ranch data submitted to the Angus Association “might PAP our entire herd, help us look at replacement heifers and compare them in a nutshell.” Inside the EPD Daniel rancher Steve James asked Holt how lowrisk PAP scores will relate to an EPDs single numbers. “Plus 4 is at the high end of EPD for the Angus breed,” Holt replied. “At altitude, the EPD should be -1.5 and below, with a 41 and below PAP score for this area. We might keep all 41 and under at this elevation.” His rule of thumb for Sublette County is that a bull’s PAP EPD should be “in the negative.” “I would not take a ‘0’ bull if he’s ever going above 5,000 feet,” Holt advised. “When we’re watching an auction and here comes a bull
with a 42 PAP, he’s 18 months old and was tested at 6,000 to 7,000 feet. An EPD can help us tell if he’s going to be good for us or might be a possible genetic carrier for brisket disease. If we have a -3 EPD, a PAP of 45 and we live in Pinedale, I would pass him up – he might die.” Relationship Holt said studies are looking for relationships between brisket disease, affecting the heart, and pneumonia, affecting the lungs. “It could be that they get pneumonia, get less oxygen and then die of brisket disease,” he said. “It’s hard to tell which comes first. It’s hard to differentiate between pneumonia or heart failure from a high PAP.” But a Montana 18-monthold bull who is PAP tested at 7,000 feet and brought to Daniel at 7,000 feet, should keep similar PAP scores. “High elevation cattle are those who stay there forever,” Holt said. Joy Ufford is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and reporter for the Pinedale Roundup and Sublette Examiner. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
OBITUARIES
We welcome obituaries. Obituaries are printed free of charge and can be sent to roundup@wylr.net.
Jacob Levi Bain
May 16, 1989 – Oct. 11, 2018
Trust God, live life, be a friend, work hard, laugh often and love one another. Let that be “Levi’s Legacy.”
Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
EIRICH continued from page 1 labels of various vaccinations, the storage temperature can vary from under 68 degrees to 86 degrees Fahrenheit for non-refrigerated medications. “I have some concern about taking the product out in the summer and storing it in a saddle bag or putting it in our pocket and riding out on the range,” he said. “I think it could easily get outside its proper storage temperature in that situation.” Eirich uses Draxxin as an example. The label indicates Draxxin should be stored at less than 77 degrees Fahrenheit. “When we look at what vaccinations like Draxxin cost, we would want to make sure and store it properly, so it is effective when we use it to treat respiratory infections,” he explained. Other antibiotics have varying storage temperatures. For example, Biomycin has a storage range of 59 to 77 degrees, and Excede is 68 to 77 degrees. “Consider the cold side, as well as the top side,” he stated. Eirich said, “We need to look at how we are storing our vaccines. Is the temperature staying consistent, and is it being stored at the correct temperature?” Check the fridge Typically, vaccinations that need to be refrigerated should be stored at temperatures between 35- and 45-degrees Fahrenheit. “Don’t be afraid to use a thermometer to make sure medications are stored at the proper temperature,” he recommended. A thermometer will indicate if the refrigerator is staying a consistent temperature or fluctuating. Medicine shouldn’t be stored in the door because opening and closing the door can change the temperature, he said. “Store medicine in the central portion of the refrigerator in a cool area where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate as much,” he explained. Periodically, stored medications should be checked for expiration and thrown away if they have expired. Unused modified live vaccinations that have been mixed should also be
disposed of. Treating livestock During treatment, Eirich recommended using some type of a cooler to keep medications at a consistent temperature. “Ranchers can purchase medical coolers, or they can create their own,” he said. Styrofoam medical coolers that vaccine is shipped to the veterinarian in work well, but a lunchbox can, too, Eirich said. Other recommendations are to store vaccinations out of direct sunlight and only mix modified live vaccinations less than an hour before they will be used. “If we are using a modified live vaccine and a killed vaccine at the same time, don’t mix up the syringes. Putting killed vaccine in a modified live vaccine syringe could leave residue behind and prevent the vaccine from doing its job. Label the syringe with what product is in it,” he said. Eirich said producers should also buy the size of bottle that is close to the number animals they want to treat. “Some medicines need to be used within a certain period of time from the first draw,” he explained. Use a clean needle Make sure the proper needle is used for the vaccination given and the size of animal. A 16- to 18-gauge needle is standard, but if the antibiotic is really thick, a 14-gauge needle may work better. “As the medicine gets thicker, it is tougher to get it through a smaller gauge needle,” he explained. For subcutaneous injections, a one-half to three-quarter inch long needle is recommended, and for intramuscular injections, three-quarters to one inch is the recommendation. Needles should be cleaned out with hot water to eliminate residue. Needles and syringes should not be cleaned with soap because, if any soap residue is left, it can kill modified live vaccine. Eirich also recommended changing needles often. “We should never put a used needle back into
Wyo recycling programs strong On Nov. 15, National Recycling Day, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recognized the important role that recycling plays in the state. “There are many recycling facilities located across the state and by having them in operation, they are able to reduce the amount of waste going into our landfills,” said Luke Esch, DEQ Solid and Hazardous Waste Division administrator. “We want to help encourage their use.” According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the total generation of municipal solid waste in 2015 was estimated at 262.4 million tons in the United States. That equals 4.48 pounds of waste per person per day. By recycling and reducing waste sent to landfills, communities extend the life of landfills thus reducing costs for waste disposal.
a bottle of medicine,” he explained. “After each animal is vaccinated, it leaves residue behind on the needle.” “If we change the needle after every 15 head, the risk of contamination is just in those 15 head, not every animal vaccinated after we stuck the needle back into the bottle,” he explained. Resources Eirich also shares information about an app producers can get on their phone. “The Compendium of Veterinary Products” is available from the Google Play Store. The app allows producers to bring up products they can use on their phone, sort it by species and read about storage information and how to use each product correctly. Gayle Smith is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
11
CROSSWORD
Wyoming Livestock Roundup Crosswords, created by Myles Mellor. Solution available at wylr.net
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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts recognizes members, partners for work
Evanston – On Nov. 15, the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts (WACD) hosted their annual awards ceremony, recognizing numerous individuals for their contributions to the association and individual conservation dis-
tricts. After recognizing Dan Dockstader as Outstanding News Reporter, Liz Withers-Thoman as Teacher of the Year, Mike and Priscilla Sims as Outstanding Small Acreage Cooperator, John
Heyneman as Outstanding Cooperator, Allison McKenzie as Outstanding Conservationist, Randall Wendling as Outstanding Elected Official, Mary Jones as Outstanding Technician, Zach Byram as Outstanding Employee and
President’s Award — Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts President Shaun Sims recognized his wife and biggest supporter Lacee Sims for her contributions to WACD and conservation work. Lacee has tirelessly traveled with Shaun to meetings, serving as photograph, organizer, travel planner and more during his eight-year presidency. Courtesy photo
Todd Heward as Outstanding Supervisor, WACD President Shaun Sims took a few moments to recognize a very special contributor to WACD with the Presidential Award. Sims commented, “This is my last convention serving in the capacity of president of WACD, which means it’s also my last opportunity to recognize an individual or an entity with the President’s Award.” In the past seven years, Sims has recognized Wayne Garman and Curtis Grandstaff, Dennis Thaler, Randy Wiggins, Cathy Rosenthal, Bob and Joe Budd, Jack and Diana Berger and Lindsay Patterson. “Each year, I get back to look back on the year and contemplate who it is that has stood out,” Sims said. “This year is a little different. I wanted to look back not on just the past year but my last eight years of service and award this recognition to someone who has been integral to my success, my ability to serve and subsequently a
service to this organization.” Sims continued, “It goes without saying that one individual stands clearly out in their contribution over the last eight years to me and WACD. It is not often that we all get an opportunity to thank our most important partner for their role in our success, but today, I am grateful and so very pleased to recognize, my wife, Lacee Sims, with the 2018 WACD Presidential Award.” Since he has served as WACD president, Lacee has booked airplane tickets, travelled numerous miles, filled out vouchers, attended meetings and graciously served as a photographer for WACD events, in general helping
everywhere she visits. “Most importantly,” Sims commented, “she knocked me upside the head when I needed it.” “I cannot even begin to list all of what she has done for me and WACD,” Sims commented. “Lacee, thank you.” Learn more about individual award winners in the photo spread below, where Shaun Sims and Stacia Berry are pictured presenting awards. Saige Albert, managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, compiled the information in this article from WACD’s awards program. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.
Outstanding Supervisor – Todd Heward (left) is a fifth-generation cattle and sheep rancher in Shirley Basin located 40 miles north of Medicine Bow. His continued passion for conservation earned him the 2018 Outstanding Supervisor Award. Heward has served on the Medicine Bow Conservation District board since February 2013. Prior to being elected as a supervisor, he worked as the district manager since 2005, where he assisted with more than $2.3 million in range improvement projects and was the key component in conservation awards and recognitions the district had received under his tenure. Heward is currently the WACD Vice President and Conservation District Area IV director. Most recently, he attended the 2018 National Association of Conservation District Summer Conservation Forum and Tour and Southeast Region meeting in Virginia as the WACD voting delegate. Heward is also the President of the Wyoming Livestock Board and a member of the Friends of the Black Footed Ferret. Photo courtesy of Lacee Sims, Leather-NLace Photography
Teacher of the Year – Liz Withers-Thoman (center) was selected as the 2018 Teacher of the Year for her leadership in Green River High School’s FFA program. The program is the only one of its kind in Sweetwater County. Under Thoman’s leadership the program has grown and has done a remarkable job cooperating with the 4-H and County Fair programs. Students from the Rock Springs School District also participate in her FFA program. While Green River is not a farming community, the range of classes appeal to the students from this desert community, providing for introductions to the many natural resource career opportunities in the area. Photo courtesy of Lacee Sims, Leather-N-Lace Photography
Outstanding News Reporter – The 2018 Outstanding News Reporter was Sen. Dan Dockstader (center), who started as a reporter at the Star Valley Independent Newspaper in 1985. As a reporter and now owner and publisher of the Star Valley Independent, as well as SVI Media, with its spurs throughout southwestern Wyoming, Dockstader has covered public land issues with fair and accurate news stories. He has had numerous interviews with Star Valley Conservation District Employees and Supervisors, covering various topics. These interviews have given the Conservation District excellent public exposure. Dockstader has been instrumental in educating the local residents of upcoming projects. Photo courtesy of Lacee Sims, Leather-N-Lace Photography
Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
Outstanding Employee – The WACD 2018 Outstanding Employee, Zach Byram of Clear Creek Conservation District (center), has spent countless hours helping the district to function when funding was drastically cut, but he was also able to grow programs, as well. He has fine-tuned an already tight budget to make it work so that the district is able to continue with programs. Byram put together an amazing small acreage program to offer those landowners in our district who have between five and 300 acres. His pet project is one that involves Russian Olive Trees and their removal from a section of land that the high school uses as ag land. For the Clear Creek Conservation District, in the words of one board member, he is “a very high caliber member of our team. He is truly passionate about the district and continues to make positive influences wherever he goes.” Photo courtesy of Lacee Sims, Leather-N-Lace Photography
Outstanding Conservationist – During her tenure with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Allison McKenzie (center) has endeared herself to the community through her work, her personality and her compassion. She is a valuable resource for southern Johnson County and was recognized as Outstanding Conservationist for 2018. McKenzie shares her knowledge and resources for agriculture, range, wildlife, rural and urban interests in the community. She has developed successful relationships with all segments of the community. Her conservation projects with cooperators are completed in a professional, timely matter. Photo courtesy of Lacee Sims, Leather-N-Lace Photography
Outstanding Technician – In 2014, Mary Jones (center) started working as a range technician in the South La Barge Common Grazing Allotment. She has continued to work extensively with Sublette and Lincoln Conservation Districts, permittees, Bureau of Land Management and United States Forest Service implementing Rangeland Health Assessment Program grants and cooperative monitoring on multiple allotments. She is trusted by landowners and permittees in both Lincoln and Sublette counties to be at the table during discussions regarding public and private land management and rangeland health. She is a liaison between permittees and federal land management agencies and continues to be a level-headed resource that can speak to both sides. Her hard work earned her the 2018 Outstanding Technician Award. Photo courtesy of Lacee Sims, Leather-N-Lace Photography
Outstanding Cooperator – John Heyneman (center) and Plank Stewardship Initiative (PSI) were recognized as Outstanding Cooperator for 2018 as a result of his passionate support of good environmental stewardship. Heyneman continues to look for ways to encourage ideas that support the conservation of soil and water. PSI has partnered to support districts monetarily and/or by providing presenters for estate planning workshops, cover crop plantings, soil health workshops and ag financial analysis workshops to name a few. He has worked with many districts, including those in Campbell, Crook, Weston and Johnson counties. Photo courtesy of Lacee Sims, Leather-N-Lace Photography
Outstanding Elected Official – Randall Wendling (center), WACD’s 2018 Outstanding Elected Official, serves as Country Commission liaison for the conservation district. He faithfully attends all meetings and was instrumental in assisting the District with winter access for the Bitter Creek Drop Structure project. Wendling attends almost all special meetings/hearings such as the Bitter Creek TMDL, Watershed Studies and project site tours, as well as the regular meetings and provides feedback to the County Commission. Since the district is a county-funded entity, this relationship has greatly strengthened the district’s budget and provided stability for operations. Photo courtesy of Lacee Sims, Leather-N-Lace Photography
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Outstanding Small Acreage Cooperator – Mike and Priscilla Sims (center) were recognized as Outstanding Small Acreage Cooperator for 2018. The couple owns a small acreage on the southwest side of Ocean Lake in Fremont County after working with the Lower Wind River Conservation District to solve a bank erosion problem on their property. The Sims family, with the assistance of volunteers, planted over 80 buckets of bull rush and 40 buckets of sedges in the project area. In 2017, additional gabion baskets were installed at the site behind the transplanted rushes and sedges. The rock gabions and vegetation not only protect the shoreline from erosion but also add a beautiful walkway along Ocean Lake. Photo courtesy of Lacee Sims, Leather-N-Lace Photography
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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
CALENDAR
Submit your events to: Editor, Wyoming Livestock Roundup, P.O. Box 850, Casper, WY, 82602, or e-mail to roundup@wylr.net.
EVENTS Nov. 21-25
Wyoming Livestock Roundup offices closed. Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov. 29
Landowner Solutions Workshop: Everything Horses, Glenrock, Glenrock Community Library, 3 p.m. RSVPs are requested to Scott Cotton at 307-235-9400 or scotton1@uwyo.edu.
Dec. 3
Wyoming Livestock Board Meeting, Casper, Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center, 8:30 a.m. For more information or an agenda, visit wlsb. state.wy.us.
Dec. 3-5
Wyoming Stock Growers Association Winter Roundup, Casper, Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center. Find more information and register at wysga.org.
Dec. 4
Natrona County Predator Management District Annual Meeting, Casper, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Office, 3:30 p.m. Learn more by calling 307-258-0024 or e-mailing ncpmd1@charter.net.
Dec. 6-15
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Las Vegas, Nev. For more information, visit nfrexperience.com.
Dec. 13
Wyoming Bighorn Sheep Domestic Sheep Interaction Working Group Meeting, Lander, The Inn at Lander.
Dec. 19
Early Advertising Deadline for the Dec. 22 Roundup. Call Jody at 307234-2700 or e-mail jodym@wylr.net to place your ad today.
Dec. 20
Early Advertising Deadline for the Dec. 29 Roundup. Call Jody at 307234-2700 or e-mail jodym@wylr.net to place your ad today.
Dec. 24-Jan. 1 Wyoming Livestock Roundup offices closed for the holidays. Dec. 25
Merry Christmas from the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.
Jan. 1
Happy New Year from the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.
SALES Nov. 24
Vermilion’s Fall Performance Sale, Public Auction Yards, Billings, Mont., 406-670-0078, 406-672-5844, vermilionangus.com
Nov. 24
St. Onge Livestock Annual Thanksgiving Bred Heifer & Stock Cow Special, St. Onge, S.D., 800-249-1995, 605-680-0259, stongelivestock. com
Nov. 26
Stevenson’s Diamond Dot 58th Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Hobson, Mont., 406-374-2250, 406-366-9023, stevensonsdiamonddot. com
Nov. 28
Western Video Market, Nugget Casino Resort, Reno, Nev., 530-3473793, wvmcattle.com
Nov. 28
Utah Cattlemen’s Classic All Breeds Bull Sale, Utah State Fair Park, Salt Lake City, Utah, 801-540-6818
Nov. 28
Beef Country Genetics Sale, Midland Bull Test, Columbus, Mont., 406780-0176, 406-322-4447 mcdonnellangus.com
Nov. 29-30
Broken Arrow Angus Ranch Complete Dispersal, at the ranch, Harrison, Neb., 308-665-5085, brokenarrowangus.com
Dec. 1
Ward Livestock Ranch Red, White & Blue Bull Sale, at the ranch, Laramie, 307-399-9863
Dec. 1
Pyramid Beef Annual Bull Sale, Fredrickson Ranch, Spearfish, S.D., 605-645-1630, pyramidbeef.net
Dec. 1
Leachman Cattle of Colorado High Altitude Bull Sale, Western Slope Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction, Loma, Colo., 970-568-3983, leachman. com
Dec. 1
Sega Gelbvieh Female Sale, at the ranch, Pierce, S.D., 970-590-4862, 970-381-0600, segagelbvieh.com
Dec. 1
Western Bison Association 20th Annual Wild West Stampede Show and Sale, Golden Spike Event Center, Ogden, Utah, 720-209-7519, westernbison. org
Dec. 6
Sitz Angus 53rd Annual Fall Bull Sale, at the ranch, Harrison, Mont., 406685-3360, 406-683-5277, 208-670-2364, sitzangus.com
Dec. 7
KG Ranch Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Three Forks, Mont., 406-285-3660, 406-600-7514, kgranch.com
Dec. 8
Ludvigson Stock Farms Sale, CSU ARDEC Facility, Fort Collins, Colo., 406-534-4263, ludvigsonstockfarms.com
Dec. 10
Cross Diamond Cattle Company Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Bertrand, Neb., 308-876-2211, crossdiamondcattle.com
Dec. 12
Shipwheel Cattle Company 10th Annual Bull Sale, Clear Creek Ranch, Chinook, Mont., 406-357-2492, shipwheelcattle.com
Dec. 12
Spruce Hill Ranch Sale, at the ranch. Ludlow, S.D., 605-576-3205, sprucehillranch.net
Dec. 14
Bowman Cattle Rugged Two-Year-Old Bull Sale, Platte Valley Livestock, Gering, Neb., 307-287-6503, 307-246-3281, bowmancattle.com
Dec. 14
Profit Maker Bulls Complete Dispersal, Profit Maker Bulls Genetic Evaluation Center, Ogallala, Neb., 308-284-8280, 308-280-2225, profitmakerbulls.com
POSTCARD from the Past
Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com
CattleWomen Publish New Cookbook with Ranch History Back in my youth – about 65 years ago – the local print shop where I worked printed many cookbooks published by local organizations including women church groups and ladies in agriculture. Original hand-written copy was often submitted to the local printer, who was responsible for correcting mistakes or catching errors. Often, it was up to this teenage printer’s devil to set the type for the cookbook – a task I hated. If you really want to get in trouble with your mother’s friends, church ladies and ranch women, just mess up a recipe, something I often did since I didn’t know the difference between a small "t" or a capital "T. After several real serious fanny chewings, I swore I’d never again do a cookbook by committee. Wrong. It’s tough for an old printer to refuse the charms of those young cowgirls, so I caved in and assisted the local CattleWomen in publishing another cookbook. Here’s the news release I prepared concerning the event. A new cook-
book, Favorite Recipes from the Snowy Range CattleWomen, was published this week and will go on sale Nov. 24. More than 350 favorite recipes submitted by members and friends of the organization were compiled by Leanne Correll and appear in the 130-page book, plus 26 division pages of Upper North Platte River ranch and valley photos, stories and history compiled by local historian Dick Perue. Those wishing to obtain a cookbook may do so by contacting Leanne Correll at 307-920-1200 or momleanne62@gmail.com. Since 1958, the organization, originally called “Snowy Range CowBelles,” has published five other cookbooks promoting the beef industry, local ranching and agriculture in general. The following brief history of the Snowy Range CattleWomen – originally CowBelles – was compiled by Perue from his files and an article by Dixie Swanson, which appeared in the April 25, 1985 issue of “The Saratoga Sun.” It reads: The first meeting of the Snowy Range CowBelles
Early cookbook – The original cover of the first “Favorite Recipes from Snowy Range CowBelles” was drawn by noted western artist Virginia Frederick Large and issued in 1958. The motto of the club was “Beef from the West – is Beef at its Best.” Drawing courtesy of Dick Perue from Martin/Perue collection, Historical Reproductions by Perue
was held at the Saratoga Inn, May 8, 1956. Twenty ladies from Saratoga, two from Elk Mountain, two from Encampment and three from Rawlins were present. Mrs. Paul (Alice) Holmes was elected president, and Mrs. Francis (Dixie) Swanson, secretary-treasurer. Other officers were elected and appointed later. The first project was an essay contest entitled “The Value of Beef in our Diet.” In 1958, the club launched its napkin with brands project which featured brands from most Carbon County ranches. Noted western artist Mrs. Wm. (Virginia) Large drew the logo and designed the napkins. The same logo was used to publish the first cookbook in 1958 plus several others. Other projects include: County and State Fair awards for young people raising and showing cattle and doing leather projects; sponsoring a day in the country for kids program; luncheons at bull sales; sponsoring Carbon County Rodeo Queen contests; presenting books on the history of beef cattle and beef industry to local libraries; selecting a “Ranch Woman of the Year” annually; and promoting agriculture through education. The group currently – 2018 – has about 30 active members, and all ranch women who are interested are invited to join. Meetings are usually held every other month at SER Conservation District office in Saratoga or other designated locations in the valley. Present officers are Suzi Dunning, president; Heidi Suttee, vice-president; Diana Galbraith, secretary; and Vickie Herring, treasurer. Next “Postcard,” we plan to cook up a few recipes from the new book, a poem and the “American National CowBelles Creed.”
MARKETS
Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
SETT PRICE
Month
FOR THE WEEK ENDING November 23, 2018 Steers Heifers
WEEKLY CATTLE AUCTIONS
Location 500-600 600-700 700-800 Over 800 Sltr Bull Stock Cows UnUnder 400 400-500 Volume Sltr Cows Pairs PAYS 195-210 157.50-210 151.50-177 141-164.50 139-149 52.50-63.50 11-16 145-157.50 141-171 131-142.50 132-142.50 131-137 104-134 39.50-56.50
Riverton 57-83 $825-$1350 11-16 2158 45.50-70.50 Torrington 77-80 $700-$1735 11-19 4574 66-70
Belle Fourche
$710-$2125
54-70 41-64
Month
PAYS
No Report
Centennial
No Report
St. Onge
No Report
Slaughter Slaughter Stock Ewes Lambs Ewes
SETT PRICE
115.38 118.75 120.63 113.48 112.45
115.70 119.73 121.58 114.03 112.20
DECEMBER FEBRUARY APRIL JUNE AUGUST
Change +0.32 +0.98 +0.95 +0.55 -0.25
Month JANUARY MARCH APRIL MAY AUGUST
Week Prev
This Week
146.98 144.13 144.48 144.70 148.83
146.88 144.15 144.50 144.65 148.75
National groups begin to meet With only one organization in Wyoming left to meet in December, national agriculture organizations are gearing up for their meetings around the country. During these meetings, organizations gather to share their challenges across the country, celebrate accomplishments and look toward the coming year. The groups will address national policy issues and
more. As ranchers and farmers across the state of Wyoming consider what they will do to move their operation forward, national organization meetings are listed below, along with more information on registration for each meeting, and each provide abundant education and networking opportunities.
Dec. 3-5
Wyoming Stock Growers Association Winter Roundup, Casper, Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center. Find more information and register at wysga.org.
Jan. 11-16
American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show, New Orleans, La. For more information, visit fb.org.
Jan. 23-26
American Sheep Industry Annual Convention, New Orleans, La. For more information, visit sheepusa.org.
Jan. 30 – Feb. 1
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Cattle Industry Convention, New Orleans, La. For more information, visit convention.beefusa.org.
Feb. 2-6
National Association of Conservation Districts 73 rd Annual Meeting, San Antonio, Texas. Visit nacdnet.org/ news-and-events/annual-meeting for more information or to register.
Feb. 10-14
2019 Society for Range Management Annual Meeting, Technical Training and Trade Show, Minneapolis, Minn. For more information, visit rangelands.org.
March 3-5
National Farmers Union 117th Annual Convention, Bellevue, Wash. For more information, visit nfu.org/convention.
March 15-18
Farm Bureau FUSION Conference, Milwaukee, Wisc. For more information, visit fb.org/events/2019-fusionconference.
If your organization’s meeting is missing, e-mail meeting details to roundup@ wylr.net. Look for coverage of these meeting in upcoming editions of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.
Change -0.05 -0.06 -0.06 -0.06
SETT PRICE
Month
Week Prev
This Week
2.84 2.85 2.87 2.87
3.04 3.03 3.00 2.87
DECEMBER MARCH MAY JULY
Change +0.20 +0.18 +0.13 NC
SETT PRICE
Slaughter Bucks
SETT PRICE
This Week
3.61 3.72 3.80 3.87
Week Prev
This Week
8.78 8.92 9.05 9.18
8.81 8.94 9.08 9.20
JANUARY MARCH MAY JULY
FEEDER CATTLE FUTURES
Week Prev
This Week
3.66 3.78 3.86 3.93
OATS FUTURES
Month
LIVE CATTLE FUTURES Month
Week Prev
$650-$1575
WEEKLY SHEEP AUCTIONS Feeder Lambs
-0.07 -0.10 -0.11 -0.11
SOYBEAN FUTURES
No Report
Auction Volume
Change
SETT PRICE
No Report 136 129
5.01 5.08 5.15 5.24
CORN FUTURES
Crawford $750-$2275 11-16
Billings 160-181 155-166 142-149.50 11-19 2288 152.50-167 144-156 134.50-143 131
This Week
5.08 5.18 5.26 5.35
DECEMBER MARCH MAY JULY
Centennial 59-63 11-16 41-68.58
St. Onge 210 149-198 156.50-181 145.50-165 131-143.50 54.50-66 11-16 144-160 137.50-167 136-141 131.50 31-87
Week Prev
DECEMBER MARCH MAY JULY
Compiled from USDA Market News Service information and other sources
Big Horn Basin
15
WHEAT FUTURES
Change -0.10 +0.02 +0.02 -0.05 -0.08
Change +0.03 +0.02 +0.03 +0.02
CUTOUT VALUES CUTOUT VALUES Primal Rib Primal Chuck Primal Round Primal Loin
This Week
Prior Week
Last Year
210.91 384.77 167.28 169.43 268.52
212.70 389.93 169.11 173.88 267.96
204.27 354.97 166.06 172.79 262.53
5 AREA WEEKLY WEIGHTED CATTLE PRICE Live Steer Live Heifer Dressed Steer Dressed Heifer
This Week
113.00 113.30 177.38 177.78
Prior Week
113.70 113.68 179.16 179.76
Last Year
119.35 119.42 189.31 189.38
Farmers to benefit from monitoring Farmers can now quickly monitor changes in pasture nutrients and adapt their animals’ grazing methods accordingly, using a new, real-time method to check nutrient levels in grassland. This relatively cheap and easy approach will greatly improve the sustainable management of pasture for sheep and cattle. Using a new method, the researchers show that overgrazing pasture to below seven centimeters significantly reduces the amount protein and digestibility of the grassland. “Real-time nutrient monitoring can provide a more timely and adaptive pasture management than is currently feasible for farmers and should lead to productivity gain,” says Matt Bell, lead author of this study and Assistant Professor at the School of Biosciences
at the University of Nottingham in the UK. “Using this new method of checking nutrient levels, we show that over-grazing or over-harvesting pastures will significantly reduce protein levels and its digestibility, which will be detrimental to the productivity of the land.” This process involved the comparison of pasture nutrient levels obtained by traditional laboratory methods, which require the use of large specialized equipment, to the readings given by the relatively quick and simple hand-held near-infrared spectrum (NIRS) device. The NIRS technique measures the spectrum of energy reflected from a sample illuminated by white light, providing information on different nutrient levels. It reduces the time taken for analysis from around 16 hours to less than a minute.
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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
Property for Sale
Property for Sale
SX RANCH: Turnkey year-round cattle operation. Three ranches totaling 7,125 acres west of Alturas, CA in Modoc County. Includes: Farm equipment, 2 custom homes, employee homes and various farm buildings. Cattle and hay purchase to be negotiated separately. This well-balanced mix of properties offers irrigated cropland, irrigated pasture, irrigated meadows and rangeland. Ideal for a year-round cattle operation. Over 3,000+ irrigated acres in total. Operated to support 1,280 AU annually and off-farm hay sales. Keeping the excess hay on site gives the operation greater potential for a carrying capacity of 1,885± AU annually. Call Brennan Jewett & Associates, 530870-6625 or visit www.landmba. org....................................... 11/24
10 ACRE PROPERTY: Great value with 100’x225’ indoor arena plus a lovely 4 bedroom, 3 bath home. Only 1 mile south of Torrington, WY on Hwy. 85. Fantastic opportunity for private or commercial equestrian clinics, ropings, self boarding with indoor and outdoor riding. Includes pasture paddocks with shelters. $555,000 Reduced! Now $535,000. GOSHEN COUNTY 240 ACRES: Five miles south of Torrington, WY on paved Road #92. 126 acres GID irrigation water. Small home. Hay and grass. Value investment. $475,000. Casey Essert at Empire Realty at 307-534-2222 or 1-888-340FARM. More listings available at www.buyaranch.com .............................................TFN
28,000+ ACRE RANCH: 40 deeded acres plus State BLM and private grazing leases, 28 acre State Ag Lease with irrigation rights and small feed yard. Very well watered ranch runs 150+ cows year-round or up to 1,000 steers in winter. $900,000. Call Harley Hendricks Realty toll free, 877-349-2565, email to HarleyHendricks@HarleyHendricks.com...............12/8 NEW LISTING!! 160 acres, 100 farmed and leased for $32/acre. Nice 4 bedroom, 1 bath home. Barn, corrals, numerous outbuildings. Additional land available for purchase. Located on Molt Rd. north of Billings, MT. ROCK CREEK HEREFORD RANCH, 200 acres, 60 acres irrigated. Highway location. SPRINGWATER RANCH: This 267+ acre ranch is located in a year-round trout stream with beautiful views of the Beartooth Mountains. 160+ acres hay meadows with 60+ acres irrigated. A spacious 2,600 sq. ft. home with a second plus shop and barn. PRICE REDUCED!! Located between Red Lodge and Roscoe, MT. Sidwell Land & Cattle Co., Richard Sidwell, 406-861-4426, 406-3224425 or e-mail sidwell@sidwellland.com...............................12/8
SCOTTSBLUFF, NE: Top producing silt loam soils. 236 acres total. 173 acre pivot and 25 acre gravity. Ditch and well water. Amazing yields. Live winter water for livestock. Cash lease. $725,000. IRRIGATED HAY MEADOWS and impressive improvements on this balanced 360 acre property located near Veteran, WY. Nice home, shop, machine shed, livestock barn, Quonset, grain storage and corrals. Ideal for a purebred livestock operation. 120 acres deeded plus 240 acres state lease. $766,615 Reduced! Now $699,000. Casey Essert at Empire Realty at 307-534-2222 or 1-888-340FARM. More listings available at www.buyaranch.com ...............................................TFN
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Largent and Sons Herefords “Money Matters” Sale
Reported By: Curt Cox, WLR Field Editor Nov. 15, 2018 Largent and Sons Hereford Ranch, Kaycee Auctioneer: Joe Goggins 74 Two-Year-Old Hereford Bulls Avg. $4,422 5 Fall Born Hereford Bulls Avg. $3,650 4.5 Hereford Bull Calves Avg. $3,833 10 Registered Hereford Heifer Calves Avg. $1,417 18 Registered Bred Hereford Heifers Avg. $1,980 1/25/17 Sire: TP Oasis Jerry ET 229 Dam’s Sire: L3 Winn Rambo 851 EPDs: BW: +3.5, WW:
+57, YW: +85, Milk: +24 and M&G: +53 Buyer: Brad and Rhonda Bauer, Union City, S.D. Lot 2 – L3 508 King Comfort 731 – Price: $8,000 DOB: 2/27/17 Sire: L3 Desert Comfort 508 Dam’s Sire: L3 Diamond 679 EPDs: BW: +3.6, WW: +47, YW: +88, Milk: +26 and M&G: +50 Buyer: Moore Ranch, Hulett Lot 11 – M Gilmar Chey-
Redland Angus Ranch “Range Calved-Range Raised” Annual Production Sale Reported By: Curt Cox, WLR Field Editor Nov, 17, 2018 Buffalo Livestock Auction, Buffalo Auctioneer: Joe Goggins 35 Two-Year-Old Angus Bulls Avg. $5,192 116 Summer Yearling Bulls Avg. $5,558 98 Commercial Bred Heifers Avg. $2,014 57 Commercial Bred Cows Avg. $1,978 Top sellers Lot 90 – Redland Traveler 6327 – Price $16,000 DOB: 6/21/17 Sire: Redland Traveler 2265 Dam’s Sire: O C C Emblazon 854E EPDs: BW: +2.6, WW: +64, YW: +102 and Milk: +20 Buyer: Burch Ranch, Montana Lot 87 – Redland Tremendous 6927 – Price $10,750 DOB: 6/21/17 Sire: Mc Cumber Tremendous 2008 Dam’s Sire: GDAR Game Day 449 EPDs: BW: -0.8, WW: +58, YW: +101 and Milk:
Mineral Rights
Irrigation Systems
SALE REPORTS
Top sellers Two-year-old bulls Lot 5 – TP Oasis Jerry 701 – Price: $9,000 DOB:
Irrigation
+27 Buyer: Rickenbach Ranch, South Dakota Lot 20 – Redland Paxton 417 – Price $10,000 DOB: 4/2/17 Sire: Redland Paxton 632 Dam’s Sire: GDAR Game Day 449 EPDs: BW: -1.2, WW: +34, YW: +63 and Milk: +22 Buyer: Burch Ranch, Montana Lot 80 – Redland Emblazon 6587 – Price $10,000 DOB: 6/23/17 Sire: O C C Emblazon 854E Dam’s Sire: G D A R Oscar 734 EPDs: BW: +0.4, WW: +47, YW: +71 and Milk: +19 Buyer: McQueary Ranch, Nevada
Lot 47 – Redland Rainmaker 7837 – Price $10,000 DOB: 6/23/17 Sire: Coleman Rainmaker 1141 Dam’s Sire: O C C Paxton 730P EPDs: BW: +0.2, WW: +43, YW: +69 and Milk: +21 Buyer: Reiss Ranch, North Dakota Lot 65 – Redland Traveler 6697 – Price $10,000 DOB: 7/19/17 Sire: Redland Traveler 0930 3456 Dam’s Sire: GDAR Game Day 449 EPDs: BW: +1.4, WW: +59, YW: +98 and Milk: +22 Buyer: Sippel Ranch, South Dakota Lot 55 – Redland Tremendous 6497 – Price $9,750 DOB: 6/23/17 Sire: Mc Cumber Tremendous 2008 Dam’s Sire: GDAR Game Day 449 EPDs: BW: -0.4, WW: +54, YW: +94 and Milk: +29 Buyer: Ellsworth Ranch, South Dakota
enne Lad T59 – Price: $8,000 DOB: 3/8/17 Sire: B Bearcat 36Z Dam’s Sire: L3 Ram Boy 768 EPDs: BW: +3.1, WW: +57, YW: +83, Milk: +17 and M&G: +45 Buyer: Empire Ranch, Moorcroft Lot 38 – L3 533 Desert Red 747 – Price: $8,000 DOB: 4/5/17 Sire: L3 Desert Red Bull 747 Dam’s Sire: Golden Oak Outcross 18U EPDs: BW: +3.3, WW: +52, YW: +88, Milk: +29 and M&G: +55 Buyer: Brad Stuart, Roby, Texas Lot 39 – TP Oasis Jerry 737 – Price:
$8,000 DOB: 3/15/17 Sire: TP Oasis Jerry ET 229 Dam’s Sire: Desert Comfort 037 EPDs: BW: +2.8, WW: +50, YW: +81, Milk: +25 and M&G: +50 Buyer: Brandon Ziesler, Bonesteel, S.D. Bull calf Lot 1 – L3 Sir Meliora 834 – Price: $7,000 (Half Interest and Full Possession) DOB: 3/11/18 Sire: LJS Mark Domino 0945 Dam’s Sire: L3 Diamond 133 EPDs: BW: +2.3, WW: +52, YW: +95, Milk: +31 and M&G: +57 Buyer: Sand Rock Ranch, Reedsburg, Wisc.
71 HEAD BISON AUCTION WESTERN BISON ASSOCIATION 20TH ANNUAL WILD WEST STAMPEDE SHOW & SALE: Golden Spike Event Center, Ogden, UT, host hotel Comfort Suites 801-621-2545. 71 HEAD SELLING ON DEC. 1, 2018 AT NOON. Seven twoyear-old bulls, 13 yearling bulls, 23 bull calves, 2 3-to 4-year-old bred cows, 7 two-year-old bred heifers, 1 pen of two yearling heifers, 6 yearling heifers, 11 heifer calves. For more information call 720-209-7519, email info@westernbison.org or visit www.westernbison. org...................................11/24
Subscribe to the Roundup Online for Only $30/Year www.wylr.net Heifer calf Lot 121 – L3 Madam Meloria 850 – Price: $2,400 DOB: 4/2/18 Sire: LJS Mark Domino 0945 Dam’s Sire: L3 Winn Duration 043 ET EPDs: BW: +3.4, WW: +60, YW: 111, Milk: +27 and M&G: +57 Buyer: CV Ledbetter, Oakmulgee, Okla. Bred heifer Lot 133 – TP Lady Oasis Jerry 727 – Price: $2,500 DOB: 3/12/17 Sire: TP Oasis Jerry ET 229 Dam’s Sire: L3 Ram Boy 826 ET EPDs: BW: +3.1, WW: +53, YW: +87, Milk: +23 and M&G: +49 Buyer: Ott Ranch Reed Point, Mont.
K2 Red Angus Fall Sale Reported By: Cody Negri, WLR Field Representative Nov. 15, 2018 K2 Red Angus, Wheatland Auctioneer: Lex Madden 24 Red Angus Bulls Avg. $4,333 83 AI Bred Heifers Avg. $1,682 70 Bull Bred Heifers Avg. $1,518 30 Bred Cows Avg. $1,603 Top sellers Lot 9 – K2 EX ANS 045 52E – Price $7,000 DOB: 5/2/17 Sire: DUBAS EXCELLENT ANSWER 1587637 Dam’s Sire: BUF
CRK HOBO 1961 EPDS: BW: -2.4, WW: +56, YW: +87 and Milk: +21 Buyer: A&M Cattle Company, Wheatland Lot 1 – K2 206 7009 –
Price $6,250 DOB: 4/2/17 Sire: K2 REDEEMED 110 4571695063 Dam’s Sire: Trend Setter 6074 EPDS: BW: -3.2, WW: +60, YW: 92, and Milk: +26 Buyer: Pat and JoAnn Wade, Lusk Lot 16 – K2 RED T 426 7012 – Price $5000 DOB: 4/25/17 Sire: K2 REDMAN 7115 5303480474 Dam’s Sire: K2 GRAND EC 840 255 EPDS: BW: -3.5, WW: +43, YW: +67 and Milk: +24 Buyer: JC and LeAnn McLaughlin, Albin
4-H educator recognized Increasing the depth and scope of Crook County 4-H and building the program through nontraditional ways has helped Sara Fleenor earn the University of Wyoming (UW) Extension’s Newer Employee Recognition Award. Fleenor was recognized during the organization’s training conference Nov. 6-8 in Casper. Fleenor strives for excellence in her 4-H programming with a keen interest in developing leadership skills in youths,” said Mary Kay
Wardlaw, associate director of UW Extension. “She is often behind the scenes making sure the youths are supported and successful.” Nominators cited her work in providing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) lessons in local classrooms and in afterschool and summer recreation programs. She has also revitalized the Weston-Crook County 4-H Summer Program since joining UW Extension in 2012. The number of campers has grown from 15 to over 50 in 2017.
Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
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Progressive Rancher Forum highlights practical application workshops for producers
Casper – The Wyoming Stock Growers Association kicks off their 2018 Winter Roundup Convention and Trade Show on Dec. 3 with the Progressive Rancher Forum, an opportunity for attendees to gain practical, useful information and discussions around educational topics important to the Wyoming rancher. Held at the Ramkota hotel and Convention Center in Casper, the Progressive Rancher Forum has a robust set of workshops by presenters who will discuss and identify topics leading the agriculture industry. This four-track system of concurrent sessions include topics specific to managing the ranch, livestock, the land, and labor and machinery. The forum is hosted with the help of the University of Wyoming (UW) Cooperative Extension. The forum will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with concurrent programs from 10 to 10:50 a.m., 11 to 11:50 a.m., 2 to 2:50 p.m. and 3 to 3:50 p.m. Each track lasts for 50 minutes. A break is scheduled from 11:50 to 2 p.m. for the Make it with Wool Fashion Show and Luncheon. A tentative schedule of forum presentations is provided to the right. The Winter Roundup continues at the conclusion of the forum with the Branding Iron Bar and Reception. The convention focuses on “Building Relationships,” with education and networking for individuals across the state and discussions on agricultural and environmental issues, as well as best practices. For a detailed schedule of the Winter Roundup or to pre-register for the convention or individual events, visit wysga.org or call 307-638-3942.
Progressive Rancher Forum breakout sessions Managing the Ranch SESSION I 10 – 10:50 a.m.
SESSION II 11 – 11:50 a.m.
Managing the Livestock
Managing the Land
A Ranch Manager’s Perspective – James Sewell
Implementing Beef Quality Assurance on the Ranch – Steve Paisley
Wildfires: Lessons Learned – Trey Patterson, Wayne Barlow, Chad Hayward, Jennifer Hayward, Andrew Cassidy
Custom Rates, Machinery Costs and Risk – John Hewlett
What can an Industry Association Do for Me? – Lynn Gordon
Cull Cow Marketing Tool – Bridger Feuz
Wildfires: Lessons Learned – Trey Patterson, Wayne Barlow, Chad Hayward, Jennifer Hayward, Andrew Cassidy
Agricultural Labor: Management and Risk – John Hewlett
Noon Luncheon and Make It with Wool Program
SESSION III 2 – 2:50 p.m.
The Right and Wrong Way to Get Involved in Policy – Rob Hendry, Pete Obermueller
Herd Management Benefits of Electronic ID – Tim Davis
Movement of Feral Horses – Jake Hennig
SESSION IV
ATV Safety on the Ranch – Jeff Edwards, Hudson Hill, Brian Sebade, Jeremiah Vardeman
Technology Side of Electronic ID – Y-Tex
Matching Range Resources with Animal Needs – Barton Stam
3 – 3:50 p.m.
Labor and Machinery
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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 30 • November 24, 2018
It’s the Pitts by Lee Pitts
Unsustainable Two of the biggest catchwords of the 21st century are “paradigm” and “sustainable.” I’ve noticed that college professors and the overeducated use the word “paradigm” a lot, while society’s fancy pants and hoity-toity tend to over-use the word “sustainable.” If you hear someone use both words in the same sentence, you can bet your boots you are in the presence of someone with pink palms who belongs to a country club, adorned with big shiny baubles who pre-
fers their chicken to be “free range” and adds an “e” to words like modern. They attend the theatre while you and I go to the theater. I try not to ever use the highfalutin word “paradigm” because I find it much overused and also because I have no idea what it means. For all I know a “pair-adime” is just a nickel short of a quarter. The hip word “sustainable” is especially popular with the environmentally conscious. I know one young man who actually graduated
with a sustainability degree in college and is now waiting tables at Olive Garden. His life isn’t exactly what I’d call “sustainable.” And when an “e” bank that only loaned to alternative energy companies went bankrupt a year ago, I’m quite sure it was because it had more Vice Presidents of Sustainability than it had depositors. I’m probably the most unsustainable person in the world. Recently, I read a list of the 10 most unsustainable professions in the country, and I was surprised to discover that I’ve made a career out of four of them – I’m a writer, owned a newspaper and have been a rancher and a cowboy. According to the experts, none of these careers was “sustainable,” and I should have ended up a homeless person living under a bridge with all my
possessions in a shopping cart. Personally, I think all this sustainability stuff is unsustainable. You can go to all the sustainability conferences in the world and have a rock-solid business plan, but the minute you put your plan into action, it will stop raining, you’ll lose a lease, a mad cow will pop up in your herd, your horse will put you into a body cast for six months, Ted Turner will buy a ranch right next door with bad fences and stock it with bison, the climate will change – as it always does, or your wife will leave you and take your sustainability with her. What could possibly be more sustainable than a cow ranch where it rains semiregularly, you have a gaggle of able-bodied children to provide free labor and a wife with a job in town? And yet,
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we’ve lost hundreds of thousands of just such family ranches in the past 20 years who found you can live off of a ranch, you can improve a ranch or you can pay off a ranch, but you can’t do more than one at any given time. Steve Jobs was one of the co-founders of what has grown to be the largest corporation in the world. The casual observer might think that if anyone had a sustainable job it was Steve, and yet, he was fired from his own Board of Directors and died way too early from pancreatic cancer. His death was a reminder that life itself is not sustainable. We all have an expiration date, no matter how sustainable you think you are. I’m a big believer in timing and luck. That’s the only explanation I can think of why one child gets born in a castle to royalty while
another to poverty in the slums of Calcutta. Wealth, I’ve found, is a highly heritable trait. One deadbeat stays broke buying lottery tickets, while another wins half a billion in the lottery and starts collecting Bugattis and Ferraris. The only constant in business these days is change, and it’s how you adapt to this change that determines your sustainability. So, go ahead, write all the sustainability plans you want and figure out a way to hand down your ranch to the next generation, but be advised the government can change the rules or move the goalposts at any time. The only thing I’ve found in life that’s sustainable is love. Love of your spouse, your kids, your country and your God. And that’s been the paradigm now for over 6,000 years.
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