December 10, 2022

Quick Bits

Eagle Survey

The Bureau of Land Management Pinedale Field Office is seeking volunteers to assist with a national midwinter bald eagle survey on Jan. 7, 2023. Volunteers should call 307-367-5300 by Jan. 5, 2023 to be assigned survey routes along public roads in Sublette County and receive instructions on survey methods and eagle identification. Two-person observation teams are needed so one person can safely drive while the other observes and documents eagles. For more information, contact Theresa Gulbrandson at 307-3675359.

Genetic Sale

The Angus Foundation will offer four elite heifer pregnancies, along with the Angus Foundation Heifer Package, in January 2023. The pregnancies will sell in the Bases Loaded, Denim and Diamonds and Angus at the Congress sales in Oklahoma City during Cattlemen’s Congress as well as at the National Western Stock Show. Lathrop Livestock Services donated complimentary trucking of the females. Funds raised by the pregnancies further the Angus Foundation’s mission to support Angus education, youth and research.

Soil Event

Farmers practicing notill, strip-till and any other conservation ag practices are invited to the National No-Tillage Conference in St. Louis, Mo. at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis Arch Hotel Jan. 10-13, 2023. To register for the event, visit no-tillfarmer.com or call 866839-8455 or 262-432-0388.

RMFU Leader

Chad Franke of Lander was elected as president of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) at the general farm organization’s annual convention. Franke will succeed Dr. Dale McCall, who announced he would retire earlier this year. RMFU members also re-elected District Directors Danny Wood and John Field, as well as electing newcomer Hana Fancher to the board.

USDA trade mission finds opportunities in Spain and Portugal

On Nov. 28, a diverse group of representatives from 21 agricultural-related U.S. companies, 11 state departments of agriculture and several U.S. gov-

ernment entities arrived in Madrid, Spain on a trade mission led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Asso-

ciate Administrator Clay Hamilton to explore export opportunities for U.S. agricultural products to Spain.

“I have had the privilege of leading this delegation of

U.S. businesses and representatives of U.S. agriculture to Spain for our trade mission, which has given us an opportunity to marry

Wyoming Rendezvous

LPC conservation

Associate Director discusses

efforts to save the lesser prairie chicken

“The lesser prairie chicken (LPC) loves the pasture or rangeland National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) producers tend to conserve and cultivate and manage for, and we think this work should be allowed to continue,” shares Public Lands Council (PLC) and NCBA Natural Resources Associate Director Sigrid Johannes. “There is a limit to how much one can accomplish when the people who know the most are taken out of the driver’s seat and are replaced with the federal government.”

Johannes joined NCBA Policy Communications Director Hunter Ihrman on a Dec. 5 episode of the Beltway Beef podcast to discuss cattle producers’ conservation efforts.

FWS listing

PLC and NCBA director shares Washington, D.C. updates

During the Wyoming Natural Resource Rendezvous Convention and Trade Show at the Ramkota Hotel in Casper Dec. 5-8, Public Lands Council (PLC) and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Natural Resources Associate Director Sigrid Johannes provided several Washington, D.C. updates impacting the ag industry.

“PLC is the only organization in Washington, D.C.

WACD recognizes individuals

The Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts and Wyoming Natural Resource Foundation held their annual awards luncheon ceremony on Dec. 7 during the Wyoming Natural Resource Rendezvous Convention and Trade Show in Casper.

“This program is designed to showcase the hard work of districts, partners, cooperators and all of those who make conservation and agriculture in Wyoming successful,” noted Kelly Crane, associate director for University of Wyoming Extension and Wyoming Natural Resource Foundation Board of Trustee member.

Certification awards

To kick off the event, Crane recognized individuals who received District Employee Certification during 2022.

“Each of these employees participated in training and successfully passed a written test on conservation district law, watershed improvement district law, district boundary reporting, records management, local government insurance, employment laws, nursery stock laws and subdivision reviews, among many other things,” Crane explained.

Individuals awarded District Employee Certification included Bridget Helms of the Crook County Conservation District, Dawn Arnell of the Little Snake River Conservation District, Jessica Halverson of the Crook County Conservation District, Kelly Kudera of the Little Snake River Conservation District, Kirsten Becker of the Lower Wind River Conservation District, Natasha Dangler of the Laramie Rivers Conservation District, Kathy Sorenson of the Hot Springs County Conservation District, Cheyenne Love

solely focused on advocating for federal grazing permittees,” shared Johannes.

Administration and federal agency focus

One of the organization’s key focuses with the Biden administration this fall and winter is getting memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with federal agencies renewed and signed.

The LPC was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on Nov. 17.

“This listing is problematic for a few reasons,” shares Johannes. “Any time we see a species listed under Please see UPDATES on page 8

WGFD honors landowners

Every year the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) recognizes landowners from each corner of the state who are enrolled in the department’s AccessYes Program, which is comprised of Hunter Management Areas (HMAs), Walk-In Hunting Areas (WIHAs), WalkIn Fishing Areas (WIFAs) and the Hunter/ Landowner Assistance Program.

AccessYes assists private landowners in providing access for hunters and anglers to hunt and fish.

This year, the Fryberger Ranch of Sheridan County, the Billy and Delbert Daniels family of Hot Springs County, the Hi Allen Ranch of Carbon County and the Vercimak family of Uinta County

were honored as the 2022 awardees at the Wyoming Natural Resource Rendezvous Convention and Trade Show in Casper on Dec. 7.

Fryberger Ranch

The Fryberger Ranch, owned and operated by Sue and Ron Martin and located in central Sheridan County, is the Northeast Quadrant AccessYes Award Recipient.

According to WGFD, the ranch was purchased by Sue’s great grandparents in 1913. Sue and Ron took over ranch operations in 2000, and enrolled their property in the AccessYes Walk-In Program in 2005, which allowed premier, public

The

Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community

WSGA welcome – Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Executive Vice President Jim Magagna welcomed attendees to the Wyoming Natural Resource Rendezvous Dec. 5-8 in Casper. WYLR photo

In August 2022, a study was published by David T. Taylor, John A. Tanaka and Kristie A. Maczko, under the University of Wyoming (UW) College of Agriculture, Live Sciences and Natural Resources, looking into the impacts of removing federal lands grazing in certain counties of Idaho, Oregon and Wyoming.

Results from the study showed negative impacts of removing grazing livestock from federal lands in counties of these three states, which may have come to a surprise to radical environmentalists in the West but not to federal lands ranchers.

Many of us know these environmentalists will never accept the results from this study, and we understand they may even try to put out misinformation to discredit the study. Hopefully instead, this study will influence a judge’s ruling as well as some politicians and federal lands management personnel.

The purpose of this analysis, which was funded by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association as a contractor for the Beef Checkoff, was to estimate the economic impact of removal of federal grazing lands used by cattle ranchers on the overall three-state economy. It documented the cost of impacts to ranchers and local communities.

The study showed the total direct impact for federal-landsgrazing-dependent cattle ranches in the three states was $652.1 million annually. About 80 percent of this impact was from cattle production, and the remainder was sales of surplus hay.

When secondary economic impacts on other regional ag businesses were considered, the total impact on federal-landsgrazing-dependent cattle ranches in the area was $1.5 billion. We’re talking big bucks here. The $1.5 billion in total economic activity supported total employment of more than 10,000 jobs and $415.2 million in total labor income.

The results of the study show for every one dollar decrease in direct ranch sales due to a reduction in federal grazing, there is a $3.01 decrease in total economic activity throughout the state, including a $2.01 decrease in secondary impacts.

I would imagine these numbers tell a similar story to what happened in the Northwest U.S. when the timber industry shut down due to some leaked misinformation of the spotted owl years ago. After the lumber mills shut down, many of these rural communities never recovered and the labor force moved away.

Come to find out, the movement was actually set in motion to stop the harvesting of trees in the area, and the spotted owl was just a means to meet this goal. Now, forests in the Northwest are either burnt up or under fire danger.

It is very similar to using sage grouse and other animals to stop livestock grazing on federal lands today. Some people don’t realize the negative impacts this will have on federal lands or the loss of revenue it will cause in local communities.

Grazing lands need managed, and what better way to do this than with proper livestock grazing to achieve our goals?

If we need to reduce damage on federal lands, federal land managers should look into enforcing stricter regulations of allterrain vehicles. They are currently causing a lot of damage every place they go.

A big thank you to those who develop studies like the one published by UW. They are critical in providing the public with real facts and impacts of issues concerning the agriculture industry, especially when misguided people get in our way.

Soil Connects Us to the Earth

By Kenneth Obayuwana

World Soil Day was recognized on Dec. 5, and is dedicated to raising awareness of how sustaining soil health is crucial to the wellbeing of humans and healthy ecosystems.

From where does food come? It starts in the soil.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 95 percent of food is produced directly or indirectly from soil. We are all connected to Earth.

The cornerstone of agriculture is the soil. Crops grow in soil and then nourish humans, domesticated animals and even aquaculture, tying our whole food system to soils. The vital nutrients and minerals plants require to flourish are stored and cycled in soils, which serve as a pantry for plants.

Farmers would not be able to give us food, fiber and fuel without good soils. Healthy soils act as a foundation for plants, supporting roots and holding plants upright for growth, much as the foundation for a home is important. To build and firm up the base, we must conserve soil and freshwater.

Our life support system is the soil. Roots cling to soils, which store water and minerals. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, each one percent increase in organic U.S. cropland could store the amount of water

flowing over Niagara Falls in 150 days. This is a lot of water.

Soils are living, biodiverse ecosystems, home to earthworms and termites, as well as a vast array of microscopic organisms fixing nitrogen and breaking down organic materials.

Human life would be impossible without soil, as soils provide numerous services in addition to food, fiber and fuel.

Soils absorb and control the discharge of rainwater, preventing flooding. Soils store significant amounts of organic carbon – one estimate is

2,500 gigatons – and may contribute to climate mitigation. Today, they remove nearly 25 percent of the world’s annual emissions from fossil fuels. Additionally, soil filters pollutants, protecting the quality of groundwater.

Soil provides a number of necessary building and manufacturing materials. For example, clay makes bricks for our homes, as well as dishes and coffee cups. Clay also serves as a record of previous environmental conditions.

The general properties of soils, known as soil functions, are critical for a wide range of agricultural, environmental, conservation, landscape architectural and urban uses. The degradation of our soils and loss of organic matter is a threat, so we must commit to safeguarding healthy soils, which provide better crop yields and stress resistance to farmers and plants, respectively.

Let’s use World Soil Day as a reminder to protect and sustain our soils and the environment.

This opinion column was originally published in Food Tank on Dec. 5. Kenneth Obayuwana is a creative thinker, leader, business strategist, certified management consultant and professional speaker. He is also an ambassador at Next Generation Agricultural Impact Network.

Kenneth Obayuwana

Gordon files lawsuit

Gov. Mark Gordon announced Wyoming has filed a second lawsuit against the Department of Interior (DOI) related to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) decision to pause oil and gas lease sales. In the first lawsuit, the state challenged the administration’s early actions bringing federal oil and gas leasing to a sudden halt in Wyoming.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming found the secretary’s decision to cancel the first quarter 2021 lease sale was lawful, but did not consider whether the secretary’s other cancellations violated the law.

The case is targeted at paused sales which should have taken place in the second and third quarters of 2021 and the third quarter of 2022. The BLM went 18 months without a single oil and gas lease sale and has yet to resume regularly scheduled quarterly lease sales.

Before pursuing legal action, Gordon asked Attorney General Bridget Hill to examine the earlier federal court decision allowing DOI to skip the first quarter sale of 2021. After careful analysis, it is the state’s opinion the Secretary of Interior does not have the same justification it provided for missing subsequent lease sales.

“Throughout my tenure as governor, I have remained committed to protecting Wyoming and her economy against overreach from the federal government, and it is exactly what this litigation is intended to do. I thank Attorney General Hill for defending Wyoming’s interests,” Gordon added.

Leadership finalized

On Dec. 2, members of the Wyoming Senate and House of Representatives selected their respective leadership and finalized committee assignments for the 67th Wyoming Legislature following party caucuses on Nov. 19 and 20. Members of leadership will be formally confirmed, and newly elected legislators will be sworn-in on Jan. 10 beginning at noon.

In the Senate, Sen. Ogden Driskill of Devils Tower was nominated for president, Sen. Larry Hicks of Baggs was elected majority floor leader and Sen. Dave Kinskey of Sheridan was elected vice president. Sen. Chris Rothfuss of Laramie was elected minority floor leader and Sen. Mike Gierau of Jackson was elected minority whip.

In the House of Representatives, Rep. Albert Sommers of Pinedale was nominated for speaker of the house, Rep. Chip Neiman of Hulett was elected majority floor leader, Rep. Clark Stith of Rock Springs was elected speaker pro tempore and Rep. Cyrus Western of Big Horn was elected majority whip. Rep. Mike Yin of Jackson was elected minority floor leader, Karlee Provenza of Laramie was elected minority whip and Rep. Trey Sherwood of Laramie was elected minority caucus chairman.

USDA expands services

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Dec. 6 the USDA will be investing $981 million to help create new and better market opportunities and expand essential services for rural people, businesses and entrepreneurs in 47 states, Guam and the Virgin Islands.

“Rural people provide the everyday essentials our country depends on,” Vilsack said. “Under the leadership of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, USDA is dedicated to helping people through job creation and expansion of entrepreneurial opportunities in the rural places they live. The partnerships we’re announcing demonstrate USDA’s commitment to advocating for rural business owners and building brighter futures for everyone in rural America.”

The funding will help keep resources and wealth made by rural people right at home through affordable financing and technical assistance. It will help rural Americans start businesses and allow small business owners to grow. It will also open the door to new economic opportunities for communities and people who historically have lacked access to critical resources and financing.

UW welcomes new director

The University of Wyoming (UW) College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources welcomed Randall Violett on Dec. 2 as associate director of its new Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership (RMAL) Program.

An experienced ag educator and researcher, Violett has taught at Northwest College in Powell, Southern Utah University and Utah State University, as well in secondary and adult education programs in Montana. As a research scientist at the Powell Research and Extension Center, he earned a doctorate in agronomy from UW.

Violett joined the RMAL team on Nov. 28. The multidisciplinary program, launched in 2022, seeks to integrate classroom learning with practical experience, connecting students with producers and industry professionals.

In addition to facilitating a second annual seminar series in spring 2023, the RMAL team is currently developing an undergraduate degree program designed to equip aspiring ag professionals with the technical, communication and leadership skills they need to succeed.

As associate director, Violett will focus on curriculum development, instructing courses and designing experiential learning opportunities.

To learn more about the RMAL Program, contact RMAL Program Coordinator Anne DeMersseman via e-mail at ademerss@uwyo.edu.

WSGLT conserves ranch

The McPhee and Jacob families have partnered with the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust (WSGLT) to place the entire Patchwork Ranch under four separate conservation easements, totaling 2,423 acres. The preservation of this ranch was complex, and its success is a result of the concerted efforts of multiple families and landowning entities.

All four easements were fully donated, a testament to the family’s determination to see their legacy and agricultural opportunities for future generations protected.

The Patchwork Ranch is situated along the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains south of Buffalo. Comprised of mixed rangeland and irrigated hay meadows, the ranch has always been a cow/calf operation, maintaining a herd sufficient to provide a living for Ellis and Nellie Patch and their descendants.

To make the project feasible, WSGLT secured funding to support the landowner’s cost of completing the project. Financial support for the project was kindly provided by the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, the Homer and Mildred Scott Foundation, the Tucker Foundation and the Purdy Family Foundation. These funding partners were instrumental in the success of the project.

Working private lands are a big part of what makes Wyoming such a special place. Conservation successes on ranches like the Patchwork Ranch provide countless public benefits. The WSGLT is grateful to the McPhee and Jacob families for their commitment to protecting their family’s legacy, open space, wildlife habitat and opportunity for future agriculturalists.

The completion of this project brings the WSGLT number of protected acres to 295,361 acres statewide.

USDA unit seeks interns

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Range Sheep Production Efficiency Research Unit is seeking summer student interns for the 2023 season. These internships will be assigned to assist with several field data collection projects.

These projects seek to quantify the effects of rangeland management activities, such as prescribed fire, grazing and herbicide treatments on vegetation production and diversity, other production and wildlife habitat outcomes.

Internships will focus on rangelands field data collection, organization and entry, assisting with experimental equipment and infrastructure and plant identification.

Students who wish to apply should send a resume, unofficial transcripts and contact information for three different references to Range Technician Nicole Strong at nicole.strong@usda.gov. Selection will begin Feb. 16 and continue until positions are filled. For more information, visit ars.usda.gov

BRIEFS

WHR celebrates record year

Wyoming Horse Racing LLC (WHR) is celebrating a record-setting year for Sweetwater Downs in Rock Springs and for the horse racing industry in the state.

In 2022, the horsemen participating in horse races throughout Wyoming will receive over $8.5 million dollars, shattering records in the state with historic levels of prize winnings, made up from purse money and breeder award monies for horsemen. Those monies are distributed directly to the owners and breeders.

“These new revenues for purses and breeding programs are a great boost to the equine sector and rural economic development in the state,” said WHR Live Racing General Manager and Partner Eugene Joyce. “From the beginning, this effort has been about the horses.”

Horse racing’s growth has more than doubled in each of those industry segments since 2018, creating a downstream economic effect for veterinarians, feed suppliers, restaurants, hotels and many others in horse racing communities.

The highlight of the racing season at Sweetwater Downs occurred on Oct. 1, which became the richest day in the history of horse racing in the state, with WHR giving away $297,370 in purses. The Wyoming All Breeds Futurity, a race competition featuring all breeds of horses, offered a purse of $127,820, which was the highest purse for any race in the past 22 years in Wyoming.

Wyoming Horse Racing committed the funding to the Sweetwater Events Complex Foundation, which will go toward capital construction improvements to the facility.

USDA announces purchase

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Nov. 22 plans for a Section 32 purchase of American lamb products for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs. The purchase was requested by the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) and the National Lamb Feeders Association (NLFA) earlier this year. Support for the purchase also came from congressional delegations across several Western states in recent months.

“We made the initial request with NLFA in the spring because we saw the supply issues starting to occur,” said ASI Executive Director Peter Orwick. “We’ve since had numerous meetings with USDA and lamb companies in support of a purchase.”

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) issued a pre-solicitation notice with the purpose to encourage the continued domestic consumption of these products by diverting them from the normal channels of trade and commerce. The notice said lamb leg roasts, diced lamb, lamb shoulder chops and lamb loin chops might all be included in the forthcoming solicitation.

ASI Executive Director Peter Orwick noted the meat purchase is basically adding a new customer for American lamb in coming months and should help strengthen demand. As a volunteer trade association, ASI is very limited in ways to impact lamb prices outside of this USDA tool.

Interest rates waived

Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s 33 million small businesses, announced the agency will waive the interest rate for the first year on new disaster loans and extend the initial payment deferment period automatically to 12 months.

New disaster loan borrowers will now have up to one year from the date of the note to begin making payments, instead of the standard five months. Interest on the loan will not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial loan disbursement.

SBA disaster loans offer individuals and businesses direct access to affordable financial assistance to help fully repair or replace disaster-damaged property.

The extended deferment to 12 months is automatic and loan borrowers do not need to take any additional action. There is no prepayment penalty and borrowers can begin making loan payments during the deferment period if they choose.

The change is effective for all disaster loans approved in response to a disaster declared on or after Sept. 21, 2022 through Sept. 30, 2023. Borrowers who already received a loan for a disaster declared after the Sept. 21 effective date will also receive an automatic extension of their first payment due date to 12 months and zero percent interest. SBA will notify eligible borrowers of their loan modification, and they will not need to submit a request to receive this automatic benefit.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at disasterassistance.gov or download the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA helpline at 800-6213362. Applicants may apply online at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/

access for deer, antelope and game bird hunting.

Today, Sue and Ron raise hay and cattle on their 2,600-acre ranch, which is made up of irrigated hay fields, riparian areas and rolling hills, and provides quality habitat for both livestock and wildlife, including whitetail deer, mule deer, small game animals, ducks, geese, cranes and other upland game birds.

“The Martin family’s participation in the program is particularly important because they provide public hunting opportunities in an

area where public access is increasingly limited,” notes WGFD. “The surrounding area is being subdivided, and nearby property rarely allows hunting.”

Through Sue and Ron’s generosity, hunters are able to harvest anywhere from 30 to 50 big game animals annually on their ranch.

Additionally, the Martins have allowed researchers access on their land to help with an ongoing mule deer study started in 2020.

WGFD explains the study is focused on identifying the movement of

mule deer through the Big Horn Mountains, evaluating seasonal range and habitat use and identifying habitat improvement and conservation opportunities.

The Martins have also taken an active approach in controlling and eliminating invasive grasses on their land, especially ventenata. According to WGFD, Sue and Ron have partnered with the department and the University of Wyoming (UW) Sheridan Research Station to map and treat ventenata in the area.

“The Martins’ participation in the management of ventenata on their ranch is crucial in reducing the spread of this new invasive grass to other public lands. Through their relationship with the department and other research and conservation organizations, the Martins have facilitated the mapping and monitoring of ventenata in the Sheridan region,” states WGFD. “Additionally, they are able to adjust their grazing practices to accommodate herbicide treatment, simultaneously leaving their property open to public hunting.”

“The Martins’ longterm participation in the AccessYes Program in an area with difficult public access and their willingness to use hunting as a wildlife management tool alone makes them a worthy recipient of this award,” says WGFD. “Additionally, their dedication to reducing the spread of ventenata and their assistance in regional research projects are reasons why the Martins are deserving of the AccessYes Program Award.”

The Billy and Delbert Daniels family

The Northwest quadrant recipient of the AccessYes Award is the Billy and Delbert Daniels family. WGFD notes Billy Daniels passed last year, but his son Delbert

has followed in his father’s footsteps and continued to allow public access on the property.

This property stretches from northeast Thermopolis on the Big Horn River to northwest of Thermopolis along Owl Creek, and has been enrolled in the AccessYes Program for nearly 20 years. The land offers quality habitat for big game, waterfowl and upland game birds.

WGFD notes the Daniels family allows access on nearly 700 acres through WIHAs to provide public access for hunting mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, waterfowl, pheasants, sand hill cranes and doves from September through February.

“The Daniels have always been gracious enough to let anyone on their property to hunt,” notes WGFD. “In fact, Delbert has said if the AccessYes Program didn’t exist, he would still offer access to the general public to hunt.”

“Their enrollment in the program has allowed the department to direct hunters to their property, resulting in better opportunities for hunting and keeping wildlife damage to tolerable levels,” WGFD continues. “The public uses the Daniels family WIHAs extensively, and hunters often interact with Delbert, which has created a lot of positive relationships.”

“Due to the productive nature of the Daniels’ land, wildlife has flourished, and without their managed access, hunters would be less off. It is our pleasure to provide the Daniels family with this AccessYes Award,” WGFD concludes.

Hi Allen Ranch

Moving down the map to approximately nine miles west of Medicine Bow, sits the Hi Allen Ranch, which is this year’s AccessYes Award

recipient from the Southeast quadrant.

Burt, Kay Lynn and Quade Palm own and operate the nearly 30,720-acre ranch, consisting of both deeded and public property. Most of the ranch, as well as stretches of neighboring properties under the Palm family’s management are enrolled in the AccessYes Program.

“Since the Private Lands Public Wildlife Initiative was first set up as a pilot program, the Palm’s Simpson Ridge HMA provides nearly half of the annual antelope harvest in Hunt Area 46,” states WGFD.

Several years ago, according to WGFD, the Palm family leased a large portion of the ranch, which was enrolled in the AccessYes Program at the time, for wind energy development. However, the Palms agreed to close access within two miles of the turbines and open a different stretch of land in the Beer Mug HMA north of the turbines.

In March 2018, the family allowed access to the University of Wyoming and WGFD to conduct a collaborative study evaluating pronghorn response to wind energy in the Shirley Basin.

“This project wouldn’t have been possible without the Palms collaboration,” says WGFD. “Additionally, Burt and Kay Lynn have been amazing about granting access to the department and our collaborators to monitor sage grouse leks every year, and some of the first Water for Wildlife projects were completed on the Hi Allen Ranch.”

“In conclusion, the Hi Allen Ranch has gone above and beyond to assist the department with wildlife management goals while providing the public with ample opportunity and still managing recreational hunting opportunities,”

WGFD adds. “Because of their exemplary dedication to wildlife resources, the department is proud to recognize the Hi Allen Ranch as the recipient of the WGFD Southeast Quadrant AccessYes Award.”

The Vercimak family Last but not least, the Vercimak family of Uinta County was the AccessYes Award honoree in the Southwest quadrant.

According to WGFD, the Vercimak family enrolled 1,920 acres of WIHA located in Robertson in the AccessYes Program in 2003. The property allowed access for the public to hunt antelope, deer, elk and moose and was a premier location for archery mule deer hunting.

“The Vercimak family graciously took a chance with the WGFD’s new AccessYes Program back then and continued to allow public access for almost 20 years,” states WGFD. “Due to circumstances beyond their control, the family was forced to pull out of the program in the fall of 2021. They will be greatly missed by the department and sportspersons in southwest Wyoming.”

“The Vercimaks willingness to go above and beyond so hunters and wildlife are successful in Uinta County has shown through their actions,” WFGD continues.

“As Wyoming is becoming more and more difficult for sportspersons to access due to private land closures, the Vercimak family stands out as people who are trying to continue access and have a very positive effect on wildlife resources. They are landowners worthy of recognition for their generosity and good stewardship.”

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

the marketing side of trade with the policy side,” stated Hamilton during a media teleconference on Dec. 1. “We are really pleased to be here. We have had tremendous reception from the buyers, and we are looking forward to a lot of opportunities to come from this trade mission.”

Marketing relationships

Hamilton noted so far U.S. representatives have participated in nearly 300 business meetings with buyers in Spain who are interested in U.S. agricultural products.

“This is the first time nearly half of our companies have participated in a trade mission and for many of them it is the first time they have ever looked at exporting their products,” he explained. “This trade mission is a fantastic way to introduce them to the market and establish working relationships.”

Hamilton noted this is now more important than ever because the last two years have been particularly difficult for agricultural trade all over the world.

“There are a lot of things that have made trade difficult. We have faced droughts, severe weather conditions, high fuel prices and the war in Ukraine,” he explained, further noting this has made it hard for U.S. companies to establish export contacts and get their products overseas.

“This mission allows them to re-establish their trade and start building anew. We are very pleased we are able to support them with this,” Hamilton said.

“Through our discussions, one thing has become clear. Farmers are farmers all over the world and they care about the same three things – they want to produce a quality product, they want to take care of their families and they want to preserve the land,” he continued. “Bringing these groups together and having these conversations helps us understand we all have the same thing at heart, which makes us more likely to work together and trade.”

Policy discussions Additionally, the FASled trade mission has spent hours discussing policy with Spanish agriculture ministries. Topics brought up in these discussions included climate change, weather, foreign ag policy and product pricing.

“We talked about a need to address climate change, our Climate-Smart Commodity programs and some other international activities we are encouraging countries to participate in,” said Hamilton.

“We also talked about some of the European Union (EU) policies we have concerns with including Farm to Fork and the Green Deal,” he explained.

“From our perspective, we are concerned these policies are not taking the needs of farmers into account or allowing them the ability to innovate and take advantage of all of the tools in their toolbox needed in order to produce a highquality product and to be even more sustainable than they already are.”

“I was very pleased to hear they understand where we are coming from, and in many cases, they agree with us,” he added.

Hamilton noted many of the Spanish buyers U.S representatives have met with are users of the nation’s bulk commodities, particularly soy beans.

“A lot of our product goes into Spain’s beef production and it is one of their biggest export orders,” he explained. “If they don’t have our soybeans, they aren’t able to produce. Therefore, there are a lot of questions around the U.S. supply disruptions like the rail strike or Mississippi River drought.”

He mentioned however, Spain has a strong appreciation for the reliability, quality and sustainability of U.S. products, especially soybeans.

According to Hamilton, there was also a lot of discussion surrounding the potential for corn exports to Spain. He explained Spain traditionally buys the majority of their corn from Ukraine, but in response to the disruption from their war, high prices and drought affecting supply, Spaniards are very interested in U.S. corn.

“In 2022, Spain imported 150 million metric tons of corn from the U.S., so they are aware of our product, and if they can’t get corn from the Ukraine, they will be looking to us to fill the market,” he said.

Moving forward Hamilton concluded the teleconference by telling attendees about trade missions scheduled in the future.

“These trade missions are one of my favorite things. This is actually the fourth one I have been directly involved with. We get a real bang for our buck, so we are definitely planning more for the future,” he stated, further noting the next destinations for U.S. trade missions include Panama, Japan and Kuwait.

“We are always looking at our policies and reevaluating. We want to have a good mix of some of the major markets like Japan, while also looking at some of the smaller markets our companies may not be as familiar with and need some introduction in, like Panama,” he added.

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

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Chuck Petersen 307-575-4015

& Hfrs, 700-825#, Complete Vac. Program, Coming off grass, Late Gathers, Heifers are Open

Ken Miles 35 Blk/Rd Angus Strs & Hfrs, 850#, Complete Vac. Program as Calves, Booster Shots before going to Grass:, Coming off grass Nick Meyers 8 Mx Hfrs, 1000#, Guaranteed Open, Complete Vac. Program, Coming off grass

WEANED CALVES

Diamond D Land & Livestock 420 Mostly Blk Saler/Angus Strs, 540-620#, Weaned 60 days, On Light Grower Ration, Branding & Precond Shots

Scissors Ranch 250 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 550-600#, Weaned 43 days, Bunk Broke, Silage & Hay Fed, Branding & Precond Shots

Jim & Shirley Miller/ Grace Meadows 200 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 500-600#, Weaned 45+ days, Hay Fed, 3 Rounds of Shots

Bard Ranch 195 Blk/Rd Hfrs, few Strs, 575-600#, Weaned 60 days, Hay Fed, Branding & Weaning Shots

Winecup Cattle Co. 110 Mostly Blk Strs & Hfrs, 400-500#, Weaned 45 days, Alfalfa/Grass Hay Mix, Branding & Precond Shots

5-T Ranch/Herman Strand 90 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 500-600#, Weaned since Oct., Bunk Broke, Branding & Precond Shots, Producer All Natural Joe & Annie Campbell 60 Blk/Bwf/Rwf Strs & Hfrs, 400-500#, Weaned 50 days, Branding & Precond Shots

Mark Parker 40 Blk few Red Strs few Hfrs, 400-500#, Weaned a long time, Bunk Broke, Branding, Precond & Weaning Shots

Mackey Family Trust 30 Blk few Rd Strs, 625#, Weaned 60 days, Hay Fed, Bunk Broke, Branding Precond Shots

Bryan McNees 12 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 450-500#, Weaned for 90+ days, Been on a Vac. 45 Program, Bunk Broke, Hay Fed PRECOND

CALVES

Cody Evans 80 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 400-500#, Branding & Precond Shots

Si Deselms/Dennis Hanson 26 Red Angus Strs, 550-600#, Branding & Precond

MONDAY,

DECEMBER 19 ~ BRED COW SPECIAL

SALE RESULTS -BRED COWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 - 1587 HD

Cade Swanson 45 Black Bred Cow 3yr/Mar-Ap 1100 2350.00H

Cade Swanson 15 Black Bred Cow 3yr/Mar-Apr 1163 2300.00H

Cade Swanson 39 Black Bred Cow 3yr/Mar-Apr 1010 2275.00H

47 QC LLC 38 Black Bred Cow 3yr/Feb-Mar 1076 2085.00H

SK Johnston Jr 9 Black Bred Cow 3-4yr/Mar-Apr1176 1900.00H

SK Johnston Jr 16 Black Bred Cow SM/May 1237 1800.00H

SK Johnston Jr 35 Black Bred Cow SM/Mar-Apr 1341 1760.00H

Mowry Ranch Inc 8 Black Bred Cow 3-4yr/Feb-Apr1155 1725.00H

Rick Jones 14 Black Bred Cow SM/Mar-Apr 1258 1685.00H

Jennifer Scheer 2 Black Bred Cow 3yr/May 1205 1675.00H

SK Johnston Jr 27 Black Bred Cow SS/Mar-Apr 1405 1385.00H

Crane Ranch 8 Black Bred Cow SM/Mar-Apri 1288 1325.00H

Dockery Ranch 4 Black Bred Cow SM/Mar-Apr 1333 1275.00H

Dirk Olson 10 Black Bred Cow SS/Feb-Mar 1561 1275.00H

Dirk Olson 22 Black Bred Cow ST/Feb-Mar 1505 1185.00H

Paul Adams 8 Black Bred Cow SS-ST/Feb-Mar 1458 1075.00H

Bob Stoddard 15 Black Bred Cow SS-ST/May 1382 1060.00H

Rocky & Paul Foy 18 Black Bred Cow SS/Mar-Apr 1282 1050.00H

SK Johnston Jr 4 Black Bred Cow ST/June 1511 67.50C

S Lazy S Land 4 BWF Bred Cow 3yr/April-May 1113 1775.00H

44 Land & Livestock 21 Corriente Bred Cow3-SM/June 878 910.00H

SK Johnston Jr 2 Red Bred Cow SM/March-April1250 1425.00H

Cade Carter 24 Black Bred Heifer 3/1-30 Days1059 1900.00H

Cade Carter 12 Black Bred Heifer 3/1-30 Days 948 1650.00H

Valley Ranch LLC 121 BWF Bred Heifer 3/1-22 Days1089 2010.00H

UPCOMING SALE SCHEDULE

Wednesday, December 7th - Yrlg & Calf Special

Friday, December 9th - All Classes Monday, December 12th - Bred Cow Special Wednesday, December 14th - Yrlg & Calf Spec

Friday, December 16th - All Classes Monday, December 19th - Bred Cow Special Wednesday, December 21st - Yrlg & Calf Spec December 21st pending

SALE RESULTS -YRLGS & CALVES

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 - 5682 HD

Murphy Ranch Co 3 Black Bull 683 171.00C

Murphy Ranch Co 5 Black Bull 915 156.00C

C Pippin Family 39 Red Heiferette 836 140.00C

Will O’Neal 12 Black Steer 882 186.00C

Hutchins Cattle Co 10 Black Steer 1403 126.00C

Double M 4 Black Heifer 847 180.50C

Rothschild Livestock 4 Black Heifer 948 175.00C

Double M 1 Black Heifer 943 171.00C

C Pippin Family 33 Red Heifer 761 174.50C

Joel & Cody Tremain 16 Black Steer Calf 421 262.50C

Magoon Ranch 34 Black Steer Calf 435 247.00C

Joel & Cody Tremain 126 Black Steer Calf 506 236.50C

Magoon Ranch 60 Black Steer Calf 509 233.00C

Rothschild Livestock 23 Black Steer Calf 505 228.00C

Will O’Neal 119 Black Steer Calf 550 224.50C

Joel & Cody Tremain 66 Black Steer Calf 561 220.00C

Bray Cattle Co 17 Black Steer Calf 626 210.00C

Guy Givens 50 Black Steer Calf 633 209.00C

Curtis LeClair 23 Black Steer Calf 624 204.50C

Grindstone Cattle Co 128 Black Heifer Calf 391 239.00C

Grindstone Cattle Co 125 Black Heifer Calf 382 236.50C

Grindstone Cattle Co 177 Black Heifer Calf 472 228.75C

J & D Cattle Co LLC 57 Black Heifer Calf 538 213.00C

Magoon Ranch 22 Black Heifer Calf 542 205.00C

Will O’Neal 103 Black Heifer Calf 549 202.50C

Duane Packard 21 Black Heifer Calf 584 199.00C

Tyler Lamb 25 Black Heifer Calf 606 183.50C

Shots, Producer All Natural CALVES

Mike Hofer 25 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 550#, Branding Shots Only, No Implants

George & Cindy Logan 25 Red/Rwf Cows, Mx Ages, Bred to Hereford Bulls, CF: April /May, Shots: Vira Shield 6 + VL5

Educators receive recognition

Two University of Wyoming (UW) Extension educators received 2022 awards from the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP).

Emily Swinyer of Sheridan County earned the Achievement Service Award and Joddee Jacobsen of Natrona County received the Distinguished Service Award.

“They were selected because of their commitment to 4-H and their counties, their quality of programming and their longevity with the association,” says Washington Association of Extension 4-H Agents President and UW Crook County Extension Educator Sara Fleenor.

In her four years with UW Extension, Swinyer has reinvigorated the 4-H program in Sheridan County, colleagues report. She has developed an impactful volunteer program which fosters teamwork and collaboration, as well as building partnerships with local businesses. Through the creation of virtual special interest clubs, Swinyer has reached communities across the state.

Joddee Jacobsen, a former 4-H educator who recently joined UW Extension’s Community Vitality and Health team, is known for her enthusiasm, leadership skills and ongoing service to the Natrona County community.

“Joddee has been a tremendous 4-H Youth Development Educator, ensuring youth have opportunities in both traditional and non-traditional programming,” comments UW Extension Senior Associate Director Amanda Marney.

Beef, lamb and pork exports increased

October exports of U.S. pork were the largest they’ve been in more than a year, and beef export volume also increased from a year ago, according to data released Dec. 7 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). U.S. beef exports are on a record pace in 2022 and have already exceeded $10 billion.

Pork exports reached 238,198 metric tons (mt) in October, up five percent from a year ago and the largest since June 2021. Pork export value increased 13 percent to $697.3 million, the highest since May 2021. October export highlights included a new

value record for Mexico at $203.1 million with strong growth to South Korea, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Dominican Republic. Exports were also higher year-over-year to Hong Kong, China.

For January through October, pork exports were 12 percent below last year at 2.18 million mt, valued at $6.26 billion, down eight percent. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom noted the October pork results were bolstered by outstanding growth in variety meat exports, which set a new value record at $126.2 million. Export volume was the second largest on record at more than 55,000 mt.

October beef exports totaled 125,466 mt, up eight percent from a year ago. Export value was $929.8 million, down three percent from the large total reported in October 2021. Hong Kong, was the leading destination for U.S. beef in October, with export value topping $240 million.

Export volume to Japan was steady with last year and shipments increased to South Korea, but export value to both markets was negatively impacted by slumping currencies. October beef exports achieved strong growth to the ASEAN, Middle East and Canada.

In the first 10 months of 2022, beef export value increased 18 per-

cent from last year’s record pace to reach $10.05 billion – topping $10 billion in a single year for only the second time. January to October export volume was 1.25 million mt, up four percent from a year ago.

Exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts edged higher year-over-year in October to 202 mt, up 18 percent. Export value totaled $1.26 million, also up 18 percent. Through October, lamb muscle cut exports increased 67 percent to 1,878 mt, valued at $11.11 million, up 60 percent. This growth has been driven mainly by the Caribbean, but October exports were bolstered by larger shipments to Canada and Taiwan.

Wyoming producers encouraged to complete NASS surveys

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) announced they will be conducting several agricultural-related surveys at the beginning of the new year. These surveys will be sent to producers across the nation, including those in Wyoming.

Cattle operations

During the first two weeks of January, NASS will survey more than 40,000 cattle operations nationwide to provide an up-to-date measure of U.S. cattle inventories, which will be published in the January Cattle Report released on Jan. 31, 2023.

Producers will be asked to report their beef and dairy cow inventories, calf crop, death loss and cattle on feed operations

“This information helps producers make timely, informed business decisions such as planning for herd expansion or reduction,” states Mountain Regional Field Office Director Rodger Ott in a NASS press release. “It also helps packers and government leaders evaluate expected slaughter volume for future months and determine potential supplies for export. Obtaining the current count of cattle will serve as an important decision-making tool for the entire agricultural industry.”

Milk production

Thousands of U.S. milk producers, including nearly 500 across the states of Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, will also receive NASS surveys focused on milk production. Results will be used for the January 2023 Milk Production Survey.

According to NASS, producers will be asked to provide information on the number of milk cows in their herd, cows milked and total milk production for the first day of the month. They will also be asked to provide information on hay purchased to feed their dairy herds and herd replacement prices.

“The dairy industry is an important component

of the Mountain Region’s agricultural economy and it is crucial for all involved to have access to accurate data,” says Ott.

Sheep and goat operations

Additionally, NASS will begin sending out surveys to measure sheep and goat inventories and wool and mohair production numbers beginning in late December. Results will be published in the Sheep and Goats Report, which will be released on Jan. 31, 2023.

“Interest in sheep and goat data continues to grow with increased diversification in agriculture and consumer demands,” says Ott. “The Sheep and Goat Survey gives producers the opportunity to report the latest information on conditions and trends in the industry.”

“Accurate data on sheep and goat inventory and production is a significant decision-making tool for USDA and the industry to be more responsive to domestic and international markets and consumer needs. The information can also help create public appreciation for the many benefits of U.S. sheep and goats and their needed products,” he adds.

Bee and honey production

In addition to sending out livestock surveys, NASS will also be conducting their Bee and Honey Production, Disposition and Income Inquiry to collect information on colony numbers, honey production, stocks and sales. NASS notes this information helps evaluate year-to-year conditions and promotes programs designed to ensure the viability of beekeepers and agricultural pollination services across the U.S.

Information will be published in the annual Honey Report on March 17, 2023.

“The survey results provide a statistical benchmark on U.S. honey production and value,” states Ott. “Information will allow the USDA, beekeepers and any other interested parties to analyze

data on a state-by-state basis and monitor changes in honey production and value.”

Farm economics

Lastly, NASS will be contacting farmers and ranchers across the state for the third and final phase of the 2022 Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). This survey looks at farm economics and production practices and asks producers to report information on their operating revenues, production costs and household characteristics.

“ARMS is the only survey measuring the current financial well-being of producers and their households as a whole,” Ott explains. “The data will help inform decisions on local and federal policies and programs affecting farms and farm families.”

In order to collect the most accurate data possible, NASS says they will be reaching out to more than 35,000 producers nationwide including 2,500 in the Mountain States between December and April of next year. Results will be published in the annual Farm Production Expenditures Report, which will be released on July 28, 2023.

Privacy and other information

When it comes to these surveys, NASS ensures participants’ information provided is kept confidential, as required by federal law, and only published in aggregate form so individual producers cannot be identified.

NASS encourages producers in Wyoming to participate in these surveys, and notes information can be reported online, by telephone or via mail.

All NASS reports are available online at nass. usda.gov/Publications/ State specific questions can be directed to USDA NASS Wyoming Statistician Leslee Lohrenz at 800-392-3202.

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

EXTENSION EDUCATION

By Brian A. Mealor, UW Extension Director

Learning together to mitigate impacts of invasive annual grasses

We’ve heard it before –how does a person build an airplane while they are flying it? What should they do when their destination seems to change mid-flight and the weather conditions and landscape alter without their awareness?

The best rangeland management seems to combine art and science with a high level of technical skill, creativity, communication and good, old hard work. Knowledge of the land and knowledge of how to best understand its patterns should complement one another.

However, it seems challenging to unite research and management, or science and practice, or knowing and doing. Building stronger connections between these important practices is one primary goal of the University of Wyoming’s Institute for Managing Annual Grasses Invading Natural Ecosystems (IMAGINE).

Working directly with land managers, researchers and educators are flipping the script on how research is often done by evaluating impacts of operationalscale invasive grass management projects with vegetation monitoring, satellite imagery and creative analysis methods. It seems to be a pretty good fit – land managers get access to information on how effective their treatments are while the whole team learns about how to better manage invasive grasses.

Many projects are ongoing, but I promise to give important insights into management practices, how to best use them in given situations and the broader impacts of management programs in this column. Below are some examples of projects currently under way.

Invasive grass management

This cooperative project uses data-science approaches to assess regional relationships among invasive grass abundance and native species composition and diversity. Additionally, the project is evaluating treatmentresponse patterns across a wide geography to identify consistencies and gaps among invasive grass treatment recommendations.

Evaluating grazing management

This graduate studentled project tracks multi-year vegetation trends on multiple sites treated for ventenata control where grazing is either excluded or allowed to occur. Existing recommendations often suggest to defer grazing in an effort to improve perennial grass establishment and recovery, but little empirical data exists to support or refute this practice.

This project will provide initial data to answer the question of whether grazing deferment benefits rangeland recovery following chemical control of ventenata.

Annual grass management

Indaziflam, a rootgrowth inhibiting herbicide, is quickly becoming a preferred tool for annual grass management on rangelands. Its ability to inhibit root growth in the upper soil profile makes it an effective tool for managing annual grasses, but it also has the ability to reduce establishment of desirable species in areas where reseeding is necessary.

This project seeks to better understand how to integrate this effective management tool with appropriate plant materials, seeding depths and seeding times.

Assessing mule deer habitat

As a subset of a larger study, we are collecting global positioning systems (GPS)-locations for multiple mule deer fitted with GPS collars in Sheridan County and investigating whether their habitat use patterns change following control of the invasive annual grasses ventenata and medusahead.

Invasive annual grass technology transfer partnership

This cooperative program seeks to put science into practice, helping land managers address the greatest threat to the sagebrush biome – invasive annual grasses. Centered around the proactive “Defend and Grow the Core” framework, a cooperative team from multiple universities, federal, state and local agencies, nonprofits and the private sector will embark on a campaign to equip land managers with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to implement effective invasive annual grass management.

Experts will translate the latest science into highly usable technical materials, foster experiential learning through field workshops and online modules, and establish an innovative multi-state demonstration and monitoring network enabling adaptive management and ongoing technical support.

Regardless of whether a person is a livestock producer whose animals depend on rangeland forage for part of the year, a conservationist who is concerned about the goods and services provided by diverse rangeland plant communities or an individual who cares about wildlife habitat and the opportunities it provides for our society, invasive annual grasses potentially impact their lives.

For more information on invasive annual grass management in rangelands or to stay up to date on results from the research described here, visit wyagresearch.org/ imagine

Brian A. Mealor is the director of the Sheridan Research and Extension Center and the Institute for Managing Annual Grasses Invading Natural Ecosystems. Mealor can be reached at bamealor@uwyo.edu.

Adobe Stock photo

Farm (Bottom) Dollar

When we think of the holidays, we think of getting together with our families, eating and sharing gifts with loved ones. A giant elephant in the room not often discussed over Christmas dinner prime rib, however, is the cost of holidays and on a broader spectrum, money.

I get it, I don’t like to talk about money either, but today, I’ll grin and bear it because the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) just released their 2021 report on the U.S. food dollar.

For all intents and purposes, a “farm” in this column refers to any agricultural operation, and “farm production” refers to all establishments classified within the

agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industries.

USDA reports the farm share on the U.S. food dollar for 2021 hit an all-time low at 14.5 cents. This number has dominated headlines all week, but what I want to talk about is the sub-groups within the farm dollar, because this is where the money is really going.

Per the USDA, a food dollar represents a one dollar expenditure on domestically-produced food by U.S. consumers. The food dollar is allocated to expenditures on each of the various food commodities sold in proportions representing their share of annual sales in the U.S. market.

The “farm dollar” is actually part of the “Farm Dollar Series,” and has been analyzed by the USDA since 1993. There are three primary series for the farm dollar. These include the marketing bill series, the industry group series and the primary factor series.

For each primary Food Dollar Series, the combined input-component values are equal to the one dollar output-market value. The three series represents distinct perspectives on the sources of market value for the combined annual food dollar expenditures.

And, while 14.5 cents seems like a small number, it’s only the number reported in the marketing bill series. If you dig a little deeper –you reach information on the industry bill series, and this is where you see some super small numbers.

The USDA analyzes 12 industry groups and their share of the farm dollar. Included in these 12 groups is agribusiness, food production, food processing, pack-

aging, transportation, wholesale trade, retail trade, food service, energy, finance and insurance, advertising and legal and accounting – all valuable areas which contribute to food getting from gate to plate.

However, as I write this column for an audience of ranchers and farmers, I realize I am about to be the bearer of bad news. Where one would believe the farm production group should be the king of the castle, pulling in the most percentage of the farm dollar, one would be wrong.

There are four groups taking up way more of the farm dollar than farmers and ranchers with food services raking in 33.6 percent of the Industry Group Series Farm Dollar, followed by food processing at 15.2 percent, retail trade at 12.7 percent and wholesale trade at 10.7 percent.

Farm production takes up 7.4 percent of the Industry Group Series Farm Dollar ahead of finance and insurance at 3.6 percent, transportation at 3.6 percent, energy at 3.2 percent, advertising

UPDATES

In a recent publication of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, PLC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service (USFS) announced on Nov. 28 they have signed a MOU in regards to National Forest System grazing allotments, which will stay in effect until January 2027.

Johannes noted they expect to have the MOU with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) signed by the end of 2022.

“We have some pretty important changes compared to the last time we went through this process,” she noted. “One change we secured was any range monitoring done by permittees is going to be accepted as a legitimate source of monitoring and the agencies are going to treat this as their own information – it gives a level of legitimacy and acceptance to the work producers are doing every day already.”

“We’re glad we got this change into text, but implementation and rollout is everything, so we’re also working with the USFS and BLM to make sure field offices and permittees can fully utilize these MOUs,” she added.

Another area of focus has been on the BLM’s grazing regulations revision process.

“PLC put together a working group with producers from across the West, with great representation from Wyoming, and we’re working with several folks from the BLM’s drafting team. We’ve been told there will be a draft rule and draft environmental impact study in the spring of 2023,” she said. “The agency needs to stick to this timeline and get

continued from page 1

this process done.”

PLC and NCBA have both been advocating for several changes impacting the standards of rangeland health, temporary non-use and flexibility with on and off dates.

“We’ve heard from a lot of folks in Wyoming, and from states across the West, about the way cooperating agencies have been handled during this process,” added Johannes. “We’re aware many cooperators were cut out of the process, and we want to make sure these individuals have a seat at the table.”

Also, expected soon from the administration is a beta version of the American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas, which will roll out as a tool for the 30x30 initiative, used to reflect baseline information on lands and waters conserved or restored, she shared.

“The Atlas is meant to document all of the acres being currently conserved,” said Johannes. “We’ve been adamant this process needs to include working lands and grazing as a conservation activity.”

There currently hasn’t been further action in regards to 30x30, but PLC and NCBA will continue to advocate for the industry as developments are made, she mentioned.

Lastly, Johannes flagged the Fish and Wildlife Service’s notice of intent on the reintroduction of the grizzly bear in the Northern Cascades and revisitation of the species status assessment for the North American wolverine.

“In all of these cases, states know what they are doing better than the federal government and this is our goal in every one of

these situations. Making sure management is led by the people who know how to handle it best – people on the ground, close to these habitats and understanding the impacts these species have on farmers, ranchers and rural residents while making sure decisions are made based on the best available science,” she said.

Court and litigation focus

In August, PLC received intervenor status to defend the Trump administration’s delisting of the gray wolf across the lower 48 states, according to Johannes.

“At the end of the day, we’re quite adamant we need to continue pursuing the overarching goal and get this listing reversed,” she said. “Our next step is waiting for the Department of Justice to file their appeal by the January deadline.”

Another item on litigation is in regards to three 2019 ESA rules. On July 5, the California U.S. District Court Judge Jon S. Tigar disposed of the Trump administration’s changes to ESA, and on Sept. 21 the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the court improperly vacated the 2019 revisions.

This reversal by the Court of Appeals now fully reinstates the 2019 rules regarding economic impacts of an ESA listing and interagency consultation.

“The Biden administration will be getting a chance to redo these rules through a rulemaking process but they are not vacated,” she mentioned.

Congressional focus

After the midterms, the Republican party has a narrow five seat majority in the House. Johannes shared this is not at all the landslide a lot of the industry

and many people in Washington, D.C. expected.

Changes in the House of Representatives will make a big difference for future policy priorities.

The appropriations process begins every February or March, and this year PLC and NCBA advocated for several priorities.

“There are two buckets – funding requests and language requests,” she said. “We made a language request that any funding can’t be used for an ESA listing of the sage grouse –it’s something we continue to fight hard for.”

PLC and NCBA also made requests for funding for the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station and the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro management program.

Congress is also trying to add legislation to the appropriations bill including the River Democracy Act, which would designate massive amounts of Wild and Scenic River miles and the SAFE Act, impacting the travel and movement of equines.

This year, PLC and NCBA put in an appropri-

at three percent, packaging at 2.9 percent and “other” at four percent.

So, to put this into perspective, I bought three chicken breasts at a local grocery store the other day and paid $7.39 for the whole package. If I base my numbers off of the 7.4 percent or 7.4 cents out of every one dollar, this means the farmer who raised the birds keep only got about 55 cents from my purchase.

Now don’t get me wrong here, I appreciate all other industry groups, but food service takes up a third of every food-related dollar? I love eating out at a nice restaurant, but this doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me.

If I’m being honest, this report really bothered me. Farmers and ranchers are constantly being named as the bad guy when food prices spike at the grocery store or restaurants, but when we only have a say in 7.4 percent of the consumers’ food cost, how can we be the greedy ones?

At this point, I wish we

were the greedy ones. I wish we had a bigger piece of the pie and more control on how much food in our country costs, but we don’t, and I don’t know if we ever will again. I guess the “direct-toconsumer” people have the right idea. Sure, they have more input costs than the rest of us, but at least they’ve cut out the middle man.

I encourage everyone reading this column to head on over to ers.usda.gov/dataproducts/food-dollar-series/ documentation.aspx to learn more about the food dollar and how we can make our percentage larger in years to come.

I also encourage everyone to not bring the farm dollar issue up over Christmas Day prime rib as it will most likely cause a few fists to pound on your beautifully set table, could make someone choke the minute they heard the number 7.4 and will absolutely incite mothers covering the ears of their children as to not hear the words coming out of your mouth.

Happy researching!

ations request for funding for the wild horse and burro program of $153.1 million, which was about a $20 million increase. Johannes cited the organizations’ desire for an increased schedule of gathers and removals.

“There’s a reason why we build relationships on both sides of the aisle, so we fully embrace a bipartisan strategy and outreach,”

she concluded. “At the end of the day, it’s extra important to be able to go to the table bringing the voices of producers and permittees we work with from across the West and make these voices and messages as loud as we need to.”

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

Industry updates – Public Lands Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Natural Resources Associate Director Sigrid Johannes provided several Washington, D.C. updates during the Wyoming Natural Resource Rendezvous. WYLR photo

The future of ag – Future WSGA members were in attendance at the Wyoming Natural Resource Rendezvous Dec. 5-8. WYLR photo

of the Campbell County Conservation District, Elise Rose of the Shoshone Conservation District and Traci Berg of the Sublette County Conservation District.

Next, awards were given for 2022 Water Quality Training Certification.

“The WACD Water Quality Monitoring Training and Certification Program was established in 1998,” said Crane. “The goal of the training and certification program is to ensure district personnel are well trained to collect high-quality data meeting the credible data statute.”

Crane noted requirements for certification include attending the Principles of Water Quality Training and Water Quality Monitoring and Analysis Trainings, receiving a score of 90 percent or better on a test given at the training, attending two sampling days with a water quality certified employee and passing a field audit.

Individuals who received Water Quality Training Certification include Cheyenne Love of the Campbell County Conservation District, Jessica Halverson of the Crook County Conservation District, Melanie Purcell and Drew Keller of the Sublette County Conservation District, David Lee of the Teton Conservation District and Katie Lott of the Uinta County Conservation District.

Additionally, to maintain certification under the WACD Water Quality Training Program, employees conducting surface water sampling are required to attend a recertification training every four years and pass a field audit every four years, according to Crane.

Individuals receiving recertification include Jeff Geyer of the Laramie County Conservation District, Steffen Cornell of the Meeteetse Conservation District, Dave Morneau of the Popo Agie Conservation District, Jackie Turner of the Sheridan County Conservation District, Mike Henn and Shari Meeks of the Sublette County Conservation District and Carrie Rogaczewski of the Sheridan County Conservation District.

Outstanding annual plans and reports

Following the certification awards, Crane honored the Sublette County Conservation District for receiving the Outstanding 2022-22 Annual Report and the Teton Conservation District for Honorable Mention.

The Outstanding 202324 Annual Plan also went to the Sublette County Conservation District and the Weston County Natural Resource District received honorable mention.

Poster and photo contest winners

Next, Crane recognized five students from across the state of Wyoming as winners of the WACD poster contest. These individuals received a certificate and $100 cash prize.

Elena Eggleston of Uinta County was the kindergarten through first grade winner, and Oliver Dillree, also of Uinta County, was the winner in the second through third grade division.

Washakie County’s Brianna Cauffman was honored as the fourth through sixth grade division winner, while Abigail Ostrander of Converse County was honored as the winner of the seventh through ninth grade division.

Anna Jo Short of Uinta County had the winning poster in the 10th through 12th grade division.

Additionally, WACD recognized the winners of their 2022 photo contest.

The winning Conservation Practices Photo was Anita Bartlett’s “Doe and Two Fawns.” Bartlett also won the Close-up Conservation Photo with her picture of a swallowtail butterfly.

The winning Conservation in Action Photo was awarded to Natasha Dangler for her photo “Befriending the Beaver,” and the winning Conservation and Agriculture Across America Photo was awarded to Lisa Ogden for her photo “Sunset on the Crop.”

Outstanding individuals

Lastly, Crane called several other individuals to the front of the room to recognize them for their outstanding work in conservation and agriculture.

The Teacher of the Year Award was given to Gretchen GasVoda Kelso of the South Big Horn Conservation District, Carol Hamilton of the Uinta County Conservation District was awarded Outstanding Cooperator, Converse County Weed and Pest Control’s Cheryl Schwartzkopf was awarded Outstanding Technician and Sheridan County Commissioner Terry Cram of the received honors as the Outstanding Elected Official.

Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Conservationist Caleb Owens of the was honored as the Outstanding Conservationist of 2022, Jean Runner of the SER Conservation District was awarded Outstanding Employee and Sublette County Conservation District’s Coke Landers received the Darrell Walker Outstanding Supervisor Award.

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

Outstanding Annual Plan and Report awardee – Sublette County Conservation District received awards for publishing both the Outstanding 2022-23 Annual Report and the Outstanding 2023-24 Annual Plan. District Manager Mike Henn accepted the

District Employee Certification awardees – During their annual awards ceremony, WACD recognized 10 individuals who received District Employee Certification. Pictured left to right: WACD Executive Director Kelli Little, WACD President Todd Heward, Elise Rose, Bridget Helms, Dawn Arnell, Kirsten Becker, Jessica Halverson, Cheyenne Love, Natasha Dangler and SER Conservation Districts District Manager Joe Parsons. Not pictured: Kelly Kudera, Kathy Sorenson and Traci Berg. WYLR photo

Water Quality Training Certification awardees – Six WACD employees received Water Quality Training Certification in 2022. Pictured left to right: WACD President Todd Heward, Cheyenne Love, Jessica Halverson, Melanie Purcell and WACD Executive Director Kelli Little. Not pictured: Drew Keller, David Lee and Katie Lott. WYLR photo

Recertification honorees – This year, seven individuals received recertification through the WACD Water Quality Training Program. Pictured left to right, back row: WACD President Todd Heward, Mike Henn, Steffen Cornell, Dave Morneau and WACD Executive Director Kelli Little. Pictured from left to right, front row: Carrie Rogaczewski, Jackie Turner and Shari Meeks. WYLR photo

2022 Darrell Walker Outstanding Supervisor – This year’s Darrell Walker Outstanding Supervisor was awarded to Coke Landers of the Darrell Walker Outstanding Supervisor Award. Coke was nominated by the Sublette County Conservation District for his long list of community and civic engagement. WYLR photo

award. WYLR photo

Poster contest winners –Elena Eggleston, Olivia Dillree, Brianna Cauffman, Abigail Ostrander and Anna Jo Short were the Kindergarten through 12th grade WACD Poster Contest winners. Ostrander made the trip from Converse County to Casper to receive her award. WYLR photos

Conservation photos winner – Anita Bartlett, district manager of the Powder River Conservation District, had the winning conservation practices photo and close-up conservation photo. WYLR photo

Conservation in action photo winner – Natasha Dangler of the Laramie Rivers Conservation District was the photographer behind WACD’s winning conservation in action photo. WYLR photo

American agriculture photo winner – Natrona County Conservation District’s Lisa Ogden received an award for her winning agriculture across America photo, titled “Sunset on the Crop.” WYLR photo

2022 Outstanding Cooperator awardee – Carol Hamilton of the Uinta County Conservation District (UCCD) was named the WACD 2022 Outstanding Cooperator. Carol served as the associate supervisor for the UCCD Board since 2007 and represents UCCD on the Coalition of Local Governments. WYLR photo

2022 Outstanding Technician – Cheryl Schwartzkopf of Converse County Weed and Pest was awarded this year’s Outstanding Technician. Her nominators noted Cheryl values hard work and doing the best job possible in all circumstances. WYLR photo

2022 Outstanding Elected Official – Sheridan County Commissioner Terry Cram received the honor of the 2022 Outstanding Elected Official. “Terry’s input and participation has always been positive, productive and useful, and she has been a consistent advocate for WACD and their programs,” noted her nominators. WYLR photo

2022 Outstanding Conservationist – Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Conservationist Caleb Owens was honored as the Outstanding Conservationist of 2022. Owens was nominated by the Little Snake River Conservation District who noted he exemplifies what it truly means to get conservation “on the ground.”

WYLR photo

2022 Employee of the Year –Jean Runner of the SER Conservation District was named WACD Employee of the Year. “Jean not only excels at her daily duties, but she goes above and beyond those tasks with active participation and leadership in many other community groups and associations,” stated her nominators. WYLR photo

2022 President’s Award

–Dan Rice of Washakie County Conservation District was the awardee of the 2022 President’s Award. WYLR photo

Caption Outstanding Service Award – Cathy Rosenthal of the Lower Wind River Conservation District received WACD’s Outstanding Service Award. WYLR photo

Las Vegas – The Miss Rodeo America Pageant took place Nov. 27 – Dec. 4 at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals (WNFR) Rodeo Dec. 1-10. Contestants across 28 states competed for the coveted title of Miss Rodeo America 2023.

Contestants competed in the categories of horsemanship, appearance, personality, speech and written test. Several contestants representing the Mountain States placed in the top 10.

Schedule

The contestants competed in a variety of events during the weeklong pageant. The contestant judges included Tana Brinkman, Brenda Pickett, Stran Smith and Stan

Weaver.

On Nov. 27, contestants checked in and took their written test. They had official contestant introductions, moved into the South Point and finished the day with a fashion show rehearsal.

On Nov. 28, pageant activities included personality interviews, fashion show rehearsal and a Get Acquainted Party, where contestants showcased their decorated Wrangler outfits and answered an impromptu question.

On Nov. 29, contestants started the day with horsemanship by riding two draw horses. They completed a pattern chosen by the judges, a freestyle pattern and a queens run. Contestants had horsemanship interviews and fashion show rehearsal

throughout the day and ended with a WNFR welcome reception.

The day started with contestant speeches on Nov. 30, followed by horsemanship interviews, fashion show rehearsals and an awards banquet.

Horsemanship interviews and fashion show rehearsals continued on Dec. 1. Contestants participated in a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) luncheon where they answered an impromptu question. Contestants then had fashion show rehearsal and attended the first round of the WNFR.

On Dec. 2, contestants modeled several sponsored outfits in the fashion show as well as a trendy Western outfit of the contestant’s choice. The day

More information about Miss Rodeo America, Inc. and the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation can be found at missrodeoamerica.com. The Miss Rodeo America horsemanship competition, fashion show and coronation can be viewed by visiting wranglernetwork.com.

Task force meeting scheduled

The Wyoming Nonpoint Source Task Force will hold a public meeting on Dec. 13-14. The meeting will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Dec. 13, and from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Dec. 14. The meeting will be held at the State of Wyoming Casper District Office, Turntable Conference Room, 444 West Collins Drive, Casper, WY, 82601.

The primary order of business will be the presentation of project proposals and funding recommendations for 2023 Clean Water Act Sections 319 and 205(j) water quality improvement projects. All members of the public are welcome to attend. In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.

Additional information regarding the meeting, including the Zoom meeting link, may be obtained by contacting the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division, Nonpoint Source Program at 307777-6733 or alexandria.jeffers@wyo.gov. For more information, visit deq.wyoming.gov

rounded out with a contestant dinner and coronation rehearsal.

The contestants continued with a coronation rehearsal on Dec. 3 and then attended the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Auction.

Coronation concluded the week’s activities on Dec. 4.

Results

The top 10 included Miss Rodeo Arizona Kennadee Riggs, Miss Rodeo Washington Lexy Hibbs, Miss Rodeo New Mexico Jamee Middagh, Miss Rodeo South Dakota Adrianne Schaunaman, Miss Rodeo Kentucky Morgan Askins, Miss Rodeo Colorado Ashley Baller, Miss Rodeo Nebraska Bailey Lehr, Miss Rodeo Louisiana Sydney Albritton, Miss Rodeo North Dakota Elise Burwell and Miss Rodeo Oregon Avalon Irwin.

The top five, listed fifth through first respectively included, Louisiana, Washington, Colorado, South Dakota and Arizona.

Riggs won the categories of horsemanship, personality, appearance and the title of Miss Rodeo America 2023. Schaunaman won the speech and photogenics category.

Other award winners included the Montana Silversmith Wear The West Your Way Award to Miss Rodeo Florida Makayla Baker, the Written Test Award to Hibbs, the Roxann Harris Memorial Competitive Spirit Scholarship to Riggs, the Traction Financial Award to Baller, the Sherry Lynn Mitchell Smith Memorial Scholarship to Miss Rodeo Minnesota Sophia Hillman, the 50 Pink Horses Challenge to Miss Rodeo Montana Briann Grimshaw, the Bex Beauty Award to Schaunaman, the Desiree Larson Memorial Achievement Award to Miss Rodeo California Jackie Scarry and Miss Congeniality to Miss Rodeo Hawaii Noel Tancayo.

Awards were given for scrapbook winners as well. First through fourth place

winners for the digital scrapbook, respectively, were Scarry, Miss Rodeo Arkansas Molly Musick, Middagh and Baller. The traditional scrapbook winners included Hibbs, Miss Rodeo Idaho Taylor Hymas, Askins and Lehr, first through fourth, respectively. The best scrapbook cover was awarded to Scarry.

The Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation awarded every contestant who did not place in the top 10 a $1,500 scholarship. In total, over $100,000 in scholarships was awarded.

Riggs will continue her travels in 2023 representing Miss Rodeo America Inc. and the PRCA.

Results of the WNFR will be published in a future edition of the Roundup after the conclusion of round 10 on Dec. 10.

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

PC 634 194.00 WT 1,230.13

20 RED-STRCF PC 506 221.00 WT 1,117.70

2 BLK-STRCF PC 510 221.00 WT 1,127.10

25 BLK-HFRCF PC 606 173.50 WT 1,050.71

15 RED-HFRCF PC 502 195.00 WT 979.55

TOM & JODY EDWARDS , BUSBY MT

18 BLK-STRCF PC 627 195.00 WT 1,222.00

3 BLK-STRCF PC 507 226.00 WT 1,145.06

14 BLK-HFRCF PC 562 187.00 WT 1,050.53

RONALD OR SUE MARTIN , SHERIDAN WY

18 BLK-STRCF PC 690 183.00 WT 1,262.19

DANIEL & CHASTA MYERS , BUFFALO WY

13 BLK-STRCF PC 687 182.50 WT 1,254.33

4 BLK-STRCF PC 571 202.50 WT 1,156.78

23 BLK-HFRCF PC 623 174.00 WT 1,084.47

JIM & LINDA COXBILL , GILLETTE WY 13 BK/RD-STRCF PC 640 188.50 WT 1,207.12 1 BLK-HFRCF PC 615 172.00 WT 1,057.80 DENNIS L OR JODEE L. DAKOLIOS , BANNER WY 6 RED-STRCF PC 656 185.50 WT 1,216.57

Unique clouds – An extremely rare cloud formation was witnessed on Dec. 6 above the Big Horn Mountains in Sheridan County. The clouds known as Kelvin-Helmholtz occur when there is a strong vertical wind gradient between two air streams, causing winds to blow faster at the upper level than at the lower levels. Rachel Gordon photo

year for comparison and enter the coverage percentages intervals (50 percent May‑Jun; 50 percent Jul‑Aug). the Calculate button at the bottom of the table generates estimated overall coverage, premium costs and estimated based on the production year selected. The ability coverages and potential indemnities can be useful to what indemnity payments would have been in past drought as evaluate how helpful RI‑PRF insurance might be in through those years.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

production year for comparison and enter the coverage percentages in the desired intervals (50 percent May‑Jun; 50 percent Jul‑Aug). Clicking the Calculate button at the bottom of the table generates the estimated overall coverage, premium costs and estimated indemnities based on the production year selected. The ability to compare coverages and potential indemnities can be useful to examine what indemnity payments would have been in past drought years, as well as evaluate how helpful RI‑PRF insurance might be in getting through those years.

Taking GrowinGApplications: Internship Program 2023

Growing Beginning Farmers & Ranchers in Wyoming

Getting Started in Ag: Managing Risk with RI-PRF Insurance

The GrowinG Internship Program is now accepting applications for 2023. Internships are funded through a USDA Beginning Farmers and Ranchers project offering educational and practical experience to qualified applicants. “Goals of the program are to provide hands-on internships at working farms and ranches to Wyoming’s beginning farmers and ranchers, in cooperation with state producer organizations and educational institutions,” explained Kendra Faucett, program coordinator. Potential interns and site hosts are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

The deciding factor in forage production for a farm or ranch is nearly always rainfall (or lack thereof). This has been especially true for a large part of the western U.S. over the last several years.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

You may not be aware there is a program specifically designed to address risk of loss associated with drought in forage production if you are new or just starting out in production agriculture. Utilizing crop insurance programs is one way to mitigate revenue losses due to drought.

The program provides $5,000 stipends for a 10-week work experience. Eligible applicants are 18 years or older who identify as ready to begin farming or who have been involved in managing their own farm or ranch enterprise fewer than 10 years.

Producers can also select a productivity factor of up to 150 percent of the county base value. This feature allows producers to better tailor coverage to match their forage resources. For example, if you value forage production in a pasture higher than the per‑acre county base value, you can increase the productivity factor to reflect the estimated forage value. Indemnities are triggered if the actual index value falls below the expected index and are paid automatically.

You CAN Farm Wyoming!

Learning Portal & Online Community

YCFWyo.com offers resources and assistance to persons looking to get started in agriculture, including:

• Online resources

Interns

several important factors to consider when analyzing RI‑PRF coverage. First, remember that the rainfall received site may not be indicative of the final rainfall index is possible to receive an indemnity with rainfall Second, coverage must be purchased for periods rainfall is most critical to forage production by selecting the index intervals. Third, total RI‑PRF coverage results combination of the levels selected for maximum coverage, level and insured acres. The level of coverage provided balanced against the value you estimate the harvested worth.

Pasture, Rangeland, Forage ‑ Rainfall Index insurance (RI‑PRF) is an area‑based insurance plan that protects against revenue losses due to reduced forage production stemming from a lack of precipitation. Pasture and hay are eligible for protection under the plan on a county‑by‑county basis. Producers can purchase coverage for both leased and owned acres and can select coverage based on their needs and forage production capacity of the land.

• Support, including on-request coaching services

• Networking and mentorship opportunities for Wyoming new and beginning farmers and ranchers.

There are several important factors to consider when analyzing potential RI‑PRF coverage. First, remember that the rainfall received on a specific site may not be indicative of the final rainfall index calculated; it is possible to receive an indemnity with rainfall or vice versa. Second, coverage must be purchased for periods where rainfall is most critical to forage production by selecting the appropriate index intervals. Third, total RI‑PRF coverage results from a combination of the levels selected for maximum coverage, productivity level and insured acres. The level of coverage provided should be balanced against the value you estimate the harvested forage is worth.

The Historical Index can be used to research precipitation trends.

RI‑PRF DECISION SUPPORT TOOL

GrowinG interns who are also degree-seeking students are encouraged to seek academic credit for participating in the GrowinG Internship Program. Academic credit must be arranged in advance between the student and an academic advisor with the granting educational institution.

Great resources are available to help evaluate RI‑PRF coverage. Starting at rma.usda.gov and selecting RI‑PRF from the tools menu, users can walkthrough the process of establishing RI‑PRF coverage for their operation. The tool is divided into four sections: Grid Locator, Historical Indexes, Decision Support Tool and Estimated Indemnities.

The Historical Index can be used to research precipitation trends.

Selected interns will spend 10 weeks on a host farm or ranch assisting with daily activities and learning from the manager and others. Accepted candidates will work with the site host to establish start and end dates once an award has been made. Interns also take part in at least one agricultural educational event, such as a UW Extension meeting, within the timeframe of their internship.

All at NO COST to the user See GrowinG-WY.org/You-Can-Farm for more information or to get started.

evaluating coverage, it is also important to remember that not to maximize potential indemnities. We frequently see into this trap. RI‑PRF is insurance, not a guaranteed Instead, the goal should be to purchase coverage that will level of guaranteed revenue if drought conditions occur. reduced premium rates are available to individuals as beginning or veteran farmers and ranchers. More and details, including a premium cost estimator, are rma.usda.gov.

Hosts

When evaluating coverage, it is also important to remember that the goal is not to maximize potential indemnities. We frequently see producers fall into this trap. RI‑PRF is insurance, not a guaranteed payout. Instead, the goal should be to purchase coverage that will provide some level of guaranteed revenue if drought conditions occur.

The Grid Locator allows users to identify their location and the subsequent Grid ID number from a map. Once the Grid ID is determined, the user can select the Historical Index tab to display Grid Index values for each year back to 1948 and for each interval period. This weather data can reveal historical trends for precipitation, as well as allow the user to compare historical data for their location to the reported index from interval periods of interest.

“Short work summaries submitted weekly help the intern reflect on day-to-day work and educational experiences throughout the internship,” noted Ben Rashford one of the project co-directors. (See at GrowinG-WY.org/post/Intern_Tales)

The Decision Support Tool is the next section of the online toolbox. It calculates the coverage, premium, and possible indemnities based on the coverage levels and production intervals selected by the user.

Finally, reduced premium rates are available to individuals who qualify as beginning or veteran farmers and ranchers. More information and details, including a premium cost estimator, are available at rma.usda.gov.

RI‑PRF policies are based on 17x17 mile grid areas for the rainfall index determined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Coverage is divided into 11 index intervals, each of which cover two months. A county per‑acre base value is established for each grid area. Coverage is established using the county base value and the producer’s selection of coverage level, productivity factor and index intervals. The ending or actual rainfall index is used to determine if an indemnity payment is due and is expressed as a percentage of the expected index. An expected index of 100 would result from average rainfall in a given grid area. Therefore, an ending index value of less than 100 is necessary to trigger an indemnity payment.

RI ‑ PRF SUPPORT TOOL AVAILABLE Visit rma.usda.gov and select “PRF Rainfall” from the tools menu. This

As an example, we select grazing or haying for the Intended Use, Maximum Coverage of up to 90 percent and a Productivity Level of up to 150 percent. We enter 2,000 for Insured Acres, select the desired

Selected hosts agree to provide room and board for the internship experience. Hosts work with the intern to provide safe and educational learning experiences, keeping in mind their learning objectives where possible.

“We encourage interested interns and potential hosts to apply now,” said John Hewlett project codirector. “A state committee will help select candidates and match interns with host sites, beginning in mid-February.”

MORE INFORMATION

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The rainfall index is calculated using actual precipitation from weather reporting stations and computer estimates. Actual precipitation received at specific locations within the grid area, like your property, does not influence coverage or indemnity payments. In other words, the rainfall index may or may not correspond with the rainfall received at your location.

The Protection Table displays coverage, premium and possible indemnities for the example situation.

The Protection Table displays coverage, premium and possible indemnities for the example situation.

Applications

Online application forms for 2023 internships are available at GrowinG-WY.org. The site also offers background information on the overall project, as well as links to collections of helpful resources and materials for beginning farmers and ranchers.

Rangeland, Forage - Rainfall Index insurance (RI-PRF) is the most subscribed federal crop insurance available in Wyoming. Covering forage losses due drought, it can be an important part of managing risk on a farm or ranch. For more information on RI-PRF coverage, visit a local crop insurance agent or rma.usda.gov. risk management resources related to drought and other topics can be found RightRisk.org

Pasture, Rangeland, Forage - Rainfall Index insurance (RI-PRF) is the most subscribed federal crop insurance available in Wyoming. Covering forage losses due to drought, it can be an important part of managing risk on a farm or ranch. For more information on RI-PRF coverage, visit a local crop insurance agent or rma.usda.gov. Further risk management resources related to drought and other topics can be found

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• RI-PRF sign-up for 2023 coverage deadline is

• RI-PRF sign-up for 2023 coverage deadline is

For more information, contact the GrowinG Internship Program at information@GrowinG-WY.org or GrowinG-WY.org

Index intervals selected for coverage must be non‑consecutive, with no more than 70 percent of the coverage in any one interval. For instance, if the April‑May interval is selected, the next closest interval available for coverage is June‑July. Coverage choices range from 70–90 percent of the county base value.

• Planting deadline for fall-planted crops is approaching (check with a crop insurance agent for exact dates in your area).

• Planting deadline for fall-planted crops is approaching (check with a crop insurance agent for exact dates in your area).

Kendra Faucett is the GrowinG Internship Coordinator in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Wyoming College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources. Faucett may be reached at (307) 766-3799 or kfaucet2@uwyo.edu. Ben Rashford is Department Head and Associate Professor in the department. Rashford may be reached at (307) 766-2386 or brashfor@uwyo. edu. John Hewlett is a farm and ranch management specialist in the department. Hewlett may be reached at (307) 766-2166 or hewlett@uwyo.

be reached at (307) 766‑2166 or hewlett@uwyo.edu

Sedman is a consultant to the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics in the University of Wyoming Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, and John Hewlett is a farm and ranch management the department. Hewlett may be reached at (307) 766‑2166 or hewlett@uwyo.edu

The Grid Locator allows users to determine a locations’ Grid ID.

James Sedman is a consultant to the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics in the University of Wyoming College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, and John Hewlett is a farm and ranch management specialist in the department. Hewlett may

The Wyoming Wool Growers Auxiliary held their annual Make It With Wool (MIWW) Fashion Show and Awards Luncheon on Dec. 5 during the Wyoming Natural Resource Rendezvous Convention and Trade Show at the Ramkota Hotel in Casper. The event was sponsored by the Wyoming Wool Growers Association (WWGA).

Seven of Wyoming’s 38 MIWW district contestants were invited to this culminating state event. They included Michelle Elser of Casper, Tera Boden of Buffalo, Evelynne Conklin of Banner, Madi Dunning of Encampment, Sawyer Hanson of Gillette, Emma Hill of Riverton and Karlie McDonald of Laramie.

Emma and Paige Sanders of Laramie were also invited to participate, although they were unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.

Judging took place on Dec. 4. Judges Lisa Keeler, Sandi Snyder and Jaci

Mathes evaluated each contestant’s garments and modeling based on construction quality, fit and overall appearance, appropriateness to the contestant’s lifestyle, coordination of fabric and yarn with the style and design of the garment, creativity of the design, versatility of the wool and the con-

contestants awarded at annual convention

plary Construction and Creativity Award donated by the Wyoming Wool Growers Auxiliary, and Hill received the People’s Choice Award.

All contestants received a length of Pendleton wool fabric.

the ESA and taken under federal control, rather than under state or local control, it’s something that concerns

us and raises a few alarms.”

FWS’s approach of listing species as endangered and attempting to imple-

testant’s presentation and poise.

As the only contestant in the adult division, Elser was awarded first place and $100 donated by WWGA. Dunning was the winner of the junior division and received a $100 dollar cash prize as well as a partially paid trip to the National MIWW Contest

ment federally-designed species recovery plans has not had great success over the past several decades, she notes.

“Very few species ever make it off of the ESA list, and by contrast, when look-

in Fort Worth, Texas Jan. 19-21.

Conklin received second place honors and $75 donated by Richard and Dorothy Jean Davis. McDonald was awarded third place and $50 donated by Bernice Groves, and Hill came in fourth place, receiving $25 donated by the Camp-

ing at state-managed wildlife populations, or even at the local level, there really are successful track records of conservation at the local level. This is the case with the LPC in particular,” Johannes explains. “We’ve seen over recent years, with the LPC and with other prairie grouse species, ranchers have really led the way on conserving habitat.”

Several studies confirm the LPC can cohabitate with other species including sheep and cattle, she mentions.

Voluntary conservation efforts

The habitat LPCs tend to nest, mate and raise its offspring in heterogeneous acres.

“What this means is a really great level of biodiversity with a wide range of plant species, different plant heights, different types of grasses and forbs and shrubs with a variety of ground cover,” she shares.

Many producers utilize these types of acres to graze their livestock in the West and Southern Great Plains and in many instances, where the LPC is found. By contrast, the LPC is not typically found in cropland and uniform grasslands in the Northern Great Plains.

“Another big factor impacting their habitat is man-made structures,” she adds. “They don’t seem to shy away from fences, but what will really throw off their life cycle is very tall, vertical, man-made structures like powerlines.”

Currently, there is no science proving the LPC and livestock cannot cohabitate, it’s quite the opposite, she says.

“We have many folks for years who have been conserving these acres and cultivating their habitat and protecting it from develop-

bell County Woolgrowers Auxiliary.

The Top Adult Construction Award winner was Elser, and the Top Junior Construction Award winner was Conklin. Both individuals received a cash prize donated by the Roxanna Johnson Memorial.

Additionally, Conklin received the Exem-

ment,” mentions Johannes. “When we talk about producers conserving habitat, it’s really a whole-landscape approach.”

“Ranchers are in the business of being grass and plant managers – they are managing forage for their cattle, but also to the benefit of wildlife like the LPC,” she adds.

Four(d) ruling

One of the biggest problems with how the rule is written, is with the 4(d) carve out rule.

“A 4(d) is something FWS writes for a threatened population, and in the current LPC rule they have split the LPC into two Distinct Population Segments (DPS) – a Southern DPS, which lists LPCs as endangered in the northern portion of New Mexico and Texas Panhandle and the Northern DPS for birds listed as threatened in Southeastern Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and the Northern Texas Panhandle,” explains Johannes.

“Normally, this is something producers find somewhat helpful, because 4(d) rules are intended to provide flexibility and legal protection for farmers, ranchers and other folks on the land who might have some level of incidental take of a listed species,” she added.

“In general, 4(d) rules provide flexibility and protections, but this 4(d) rule for the LPC has really gone off the rails with what it’s intended to do,” she says.

“The way the FWS has written this is the 4(d) protections will only extend to a ‘take’ or killing of a bird associated with grazing practices that follow a grazing management plan developed by an agencyapproved third party.”

This means if producers have an incidental take of a bird and are not follow-

“I would like to thank everyone here today for their support of this program and the WWGA, Wyoming Stock Growers Association and Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts for letting us host this program in conjunction with their convention,” stated MIWW National Director Linda Johnson. “I also appreciate all of the contestants who have worked so hard to make an outfit this year.

I am looking forward to the national contest in Fort Worth. This year’s theme is ‘All Western.’”

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

ing a grazing management plan signed off on by a third party, producers can face legal liabilities.

Advocating for the industry

The industry has a lot of producers who have been grazing for 30, 40, or even 50 years and know grazing like the back of their hand, mentions Johannes.

“FWS is opening the door for all kinds of other groups to flood in and fill this niche for third parties,” she says.

Going forward, NCBA and PLC would like to see the FWS conduct listings differently.

“On the one hand, we would like to see FWS really act with a huge degree of caution and restraint when listing species in the first place,” says Johannes. “We’ve seen a lot of success when it comes to conservation of the LPC habitat at the local, state and voluntary level, and as long it’s working, we would like to see this continue.”

Johannes explains when FWS lists a species on the ESA, there needs to be a lot more attention to what producers are currently doing to conserve the land and feed the country. More weight needs to be placed on their expertise and knowledge.

“We would like FWS to do a little bit more listening and feedback gathering before they put out a rule like this that completely misses the mark on what a 4(d) rule is intended to do,” she concludes.

At the end of the day, grazing offers several benefits to forage and soil ecosystems and species such as the LPC.

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

Fashion show – Of the 38 individuals who competed in MIWW contests across Wyoming, nine contestants were invited to the culminating state event in Casper on Dec. 5. These contestants, pictured from left to right, include Michelle Elser, Tera Boden, Evelynne Conklin, Madi Dunning, Sawyer Hanson, Emma Hill and Karlie McDonald.

By Lauren Mosher

USPB vice president highlights beef marbling, demand and production management

In a Certified Angus Beef (CAB) press release titled “Taste Drives Demand and Profit” on Dec. 2, U.S. Premium Beef LLC (USPB) Vice President of Field Operations Brian Bertelsen discussed marbling’s impact on grid marketing during the CAB annual Feeding Quality Forum Aug. 23-24.

He noted quality starts long before feedyard rations reach the bunk, and it weighs heavily on the bottom line.

“Quality is not a recent trend, but instead a long-term trend,” Bertelsen said.

With a Choice/Select spread of $12 per hundredweight (cwt) in 2020 and

$18.50 per cwt in 2021, the highest in 10 years, the numbers speak for themselves. Prime percentages keep growing, averaging 10 percent in recent years, but rewards on the grid are actually larger.

Our industry is supplying a higher-quality product, with better eating satisfaction and consumer demand drives this higher premium in the wake of increased supply, he noted.

Historically, most Prime is purchased by restaurants. When supplies increase, it allows for wider retail availability.

Bertelsen elaborated,

“Due to decreasing percentage of Select in the industry from 37 percent to 14 percent in just six years, the industry has pushed retailers to purchase less Select and instead buy higher-quality meat. Select may be cheaper for the grocery store, but consumers notice the taste difference.”

What does demand all come down to? Marbling.

“You can use expected progeny differences (EPDs) to build genetic potential, but then you have to manage the animal to express it,” Bertelsen said.

Specifically, producers must carefully manage body condition scores, herd health, docility, calving season and colostrum. To tweak it even further, bull calves should be castrated early and once weaned, they should be fed grain-based growing rations.

While the calories in corn enhance marbling, the key management component is targeting an optimal end weight or body fatness, according to Bertelsen. This is where partnering with a seasoned cat-

Wyoming producers thank law enforcement

On Dec. 7, producers from across the state of Wyoming recognized the efforts of local law enforcement during an awards luncheon at the Wyoming Natural Resource Rendezvous Convention and Trade Show in Casper.

“Every year for the past three years, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) has joined the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) in recognizing law enforcement officers who have gone above and beyond for producers in the state when it comes to working on livestock events,” said WLSB Director Steve True.

True explained WLSB has several Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with sheriff’s offices across seven counties including Big Horn, Weston, Lincoln, Hot Springs, Natrona, Sheridan and Fremont. These MOUs help provide training to county sheriffs regarding livestock law and animal cruelty issues and provide criminal investigations, livestock stops, enforcement of WLSB Rules and Regulations and emergency management services to producers in Wyoming.

At the event, True specifically honored Trooper Clifford Schrock of Car-

bon County and Corporal Dan Hilsabeck of Sheridan County.

“Trooper Schrock recognizes the importance of agriculture to Wyoming’s economy and understands why balancing the many other duties makes makes livestock carrier contacts a priority,” explained True.

“He requested WLSB provide training to his Elk Mountain Troop in order to increase their efficiency at conducting livestock stops and familiarity with the requirements of livestock carriers. His contributions are a force multiplier for our agency and sheriffs across the state.”

“Sheridan County is our most active MOU county. They have been up and down every dirt road

in Sheridan County, visiting with producers and making stops,” he continued. “Sometimes they are only stopping to find out who people are and listen to what they have to say, which is the whole goal of this program. Corporal Hilsabeck has been extremely helpful and deserves our recognition.”

WSGA President David Kane concluded the ceremony by thanking officers on behalf of producers across the state of Wyoming.

“I want you to know you are noticed, and we appreciate the effort,” he said.

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

tle feeder becomes critical. Summarizing individual animals marketed on the USPB grid, sorted by Yield Grade, showed as Yield Grade increases so does carcass weight, marbling and total dollars per head on the grid.

Bertelsen noted marbling continues to influence the grid and adds to the bottom line.

In the 2021 packer survey conducted by CAB, premiums from cattle qualifying for CAB reached $182 million – more than $3 million per week paid to producers. The top reason cattle don’t qualify for the brand has always been insufficient marbling.

In search of those premiums, cattlemen may wonder if it’s possible to meet the specification on marbling

by feeding cattle longer, and Bertelsen believes it definitely helps.

According to Bertelsen, cattle with the most genetic potential are the ones that should be fed longer. If an additional three weeks on feed is the line between achieving a higher quality grade, those extra days will increase total value because it adds marbling, carcass weight and total dollars per head.

“Marbling has the biggest effect on the price per pound of a carcass on a grid, but ribeye size and backfat are the best indicators for muscling and leanness. For cow/calf producers, it’s a balance between carcass quality and maternal traits,” Bertelsen said.

This balance comes

Big horn Basin

down to personal preference, genetics and the market.

“How long we feed them depends on the potential for the animal and market conditions, or premiums on the grid,” Bertelsen said. “If cattle producers are willing to change their mindset, there can be significant increases in total income through feeding to the proper endpoint and marketing on a valuebased grid.”

“Taking the time to fine-tune marbling potential affects the cattleman’s bottom line and consumer demand,” he concluded.

Lauren Mosher is an intern at CAB and can be reached via e-mail at info@ cabcattle.com. Find more

Feeding Quality Forum coverage at feedingqualityforum.com

Worland, WY

Nation

1

Clvs, avg. 579# $17400

Rusch, George - Lovell

1 Blk Bull, 1620# $8650

Moss, Travis - Lovell

Pfeifer, Austin - Powell

6 Blk Bred Cows, SS $1060/Hd. COWS

Deep Creek-Foster Ranch - Riverton

1 BWF Cow, 1535# $7300

1 Blk Cow, 1440# $6400

Hoffman, Ronnie - Thermopolis

2 BWF Cows, avg. 1438# $6750

Nation Livestock - Lovell

1 BWF Cow, 1335# $6600

2 Red Cows, avg. 1285# $5700

Pennoyer & Son Inc. - Thermopolis

1 Blk Cow, 1295# $6450

Shuler, Wade - Powell

1 Blk Cow, 1535# $6300

1 Blk Cow, 1475# $6000

PAR Ranch - Meeteetse

1 Blk Cow, 1240# $6150

Greet Ranch Inc. - Ten Sleep

1 Blk Cow, 1560# $6100

Mastre, Gust - Worland

1 Blk Cow, 1270# $5550

HEIFER CALVES

Tag Double H Cattle - Carmel

5 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 372# $20300

17 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 457# $19700

60 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 538# $19000

Klaren Cattle Co. Inc. - Pinedale

18 BWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 442# $20250

Open Lock Ranch Inc. - Worland

2 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 445# $19500 19 BWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 525# $18650 15 BWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 623# $17450

Rogers, Don, Jr. - Boulder

7 Rd/Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 453# $19500 24 Rd/Blk

Paxton, Brenton - Basin

12 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 603# $17350

Mendez Brothers - Otto

19 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 582# $17300

6 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 671# $16750

Friday, Sr., Sanford - Arapahoe

2 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 590# $17250

McCracken, Shawn - Powell

5 CharX Hfr Clvs, avg. 576# $17100

4 CharX Hfr Clvs, avg. 766# $15700

Sage Creek Land & Cattle - Worland

7 Rd/Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 687# $16850

Henderson, Tye - Powell

10 Rd/Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 676# $16650

7 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 691# $16350

Pfeifer, Austin - Powell

2 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 683# $16650

Blake, Ryan - Lander

6 Rd/Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 675# $16575

1 Blk Hfr Calf, 920# $14250

Zwemer, Laurie - Powell

11 RWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 694# $16500

Undem, DVM, Joel - Lovell

5 BWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 711# $16425

Miller, John - Worland

5 Rd/Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 646# $16400

Butterfield, James - Worland

11 RWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 514# $16200

Trenkle, S. Frank - Otto

5 RWF/BWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 636# $16100

6 RWF/BWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 739# $15050

Fantaskey, Matthew - Worland

2 RWF/BWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 565# $16100

STEER CALVES

Rogers, Don, Jr. - Boulder

2 Red Str Clvs, avg. 340# $28200

12 Rd/Blk Str Clvs, avg. 467# $23100

21 Rd/Blk Str Clvs, avg. 555# $20200

Shumway, Eddie - Thermopolis

3 Blk

669# $18100

25 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 717# $17550

Bjornestad Land & Cattle - Manderson

3 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 527# $21400

3 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 627# $19000

Tag Double H Cattle - Carmel

6 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 511# $21300

24 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 553# $21100

Bower, Keith - Worland

7 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 574# $20500

8 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 621# $18950

Sage Creek Land & Cattle - Worland

5 Rd/Blk Str Clvs, avg. 566# $20400

14 Rd/ Blk Str Clvs, avg. 693# $17500

Nielson, Hunter - Worland

10 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 536# $20350

7 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 623# $20050

11 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 558# $20000

Hopkin, Jessica - Byron

1 Blk Str Calf, 525# $20200

Wiechemann, Jason - Ten Sleep

14 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 570# $20000

8 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 582# $19900

28 Rd/Blk Str Clvs, avg. 641# $18800

Fantaskey, Matthew - Worland

2 RWF Str Clvs, avg. 555# $19800

8 RWF Str Clvs, avg. 680# $17500

Udem, Leif - Deaver

4 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 568# $19800

9 RWF/BWF Str Clvs, avg. 481# $18000

Bower, Eric - Worland

14 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 611# $19500

5 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 658# $18000

10 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 733# $17125

Homewood, Lucky - Frannie

3 CharX Str Clvs, avg. 542# $19500

5 CharX Str Clvs, avg. 620# $18400

Mastre, Gust - Worland

10 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 637# $19300

Loeper, Dick - Powell

9 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 611# $19300

Apland, Rick - Worland

10 Red Str Clvs, avg. 602# $19300

Trenkle, S. Frank - Otto

3 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 632# $19050

4 Rd/Blk Str Clvs, avg. 734# $17500

2 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 780# $15100

Johnson, Jerry - Thermopolis

7 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 612# $19050

2 CharX Str Clvs, avg. 608# $18600

Nicholson, Jerry - Burlington

5 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 584# $18800

Open Lock Ranch Inc. - Worland

10 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 584# $18775

McCumber, Cort - Thermopolis

6 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 659# $18700

Farley, Christine - Worland

4 RWF/BWF Str Clvs, avg. 629# $18700

Bjornestad Land & Cattle - Manderson

4 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 646# $18700

Undem, DVM, Joel - Lovell

3 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 660# $18700

5 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 721# $17450

Paxton, Brenton - Basin

7 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 654# $18600

Foss, Luke - Basin

22 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 716# $17500

Alexander, Cory - Cody

7 Rd/Blk Str Clvs, avg. 710# $17350

Zwemer, Laurie - Powell

6 Red Str Clvs, avg. 698# $17300

Miller, John - Worland 6 Rd/Blk Str Clvs, avg. 755# $16000 Stulc Farms LLC - Basin

Calf, 870# $15100

Danny Vigil

Northern Livestock Represenative

Friends of agriculture – On behalf of producers across the state of Wyoming, several agricul-ture organizations recognized local law enforcement officers at an awards luncheon on Dec. 7. Pictured from left to right: David Kane, Jim Magagna, Levi Dominguez, Daniel Hilsabeck, Allen Thompson and Steve True. WYLR photo

2022 honorees – Trooper Clifford Schrock and Corporal Dan Hilsabeck were recognized by the Wyoming Livestock Board for their exceptional work with Wyoming producers. Hilsabeck accepted his award during the Wyoming Natural Resource Rendezvous Convention and Trade Show. Schrock was unable to attend the event. WYLR photo

EVENTS

Dec. 8-10 15th Annual U.S. Cattlemen’s Association Meeting, Nashville, Tenn. For more information and to register, visit uscattlemen.org

Dec. 9-10 Fourth Annual Wyoming Food Coalition Virtual Conference. To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/wyoming-food-coalition-4th-annual-conference-registration-444424143577

Dec. 10-12 South Dakota State University Shearing School, Brookings, S.D. For more information, visit sdstate.edu/agriculture-food-environmental-sciences/ animal-science/sheep-shearing-school

Dec. 13 Pinedale Anticline Project Office Meeting, 3:30-5 p.m., Elk Conference Room at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Office, Cheyenne. For an agenda, visit wy.blm.gov/jio-papo. For more information, contact Tracy Hoover at thoover@blm.gov or 307-367-5342.

Dec. 13 Natrona County Predator Management District Annual Meeting, 1 p.m., ARLC Building, Casper. For more information, e-mail ncpmd1@charter.net.

Dec. 13 Wyoming Nonpoint Source Task Force Public Meeting, 1-4 p.m., State of Wyoming Casper District Office, Casper. For more information, visit deq. wyoming.gov or call 307-777-6733.

Dec. 14 Wyoming Nonpoint Source Task Force Public Meeting, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m., State of Wyoming Casper District Office, Casper. For more information, visit deq.wyoming.gov or call 307-777-6733.

Dec. 14 Managing COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Virtual Webinar, 2 p.m. For more information or to register, visit register.gotowebinar.com/ recording/2947132491470157837

Dec. 14 Wyoming Wildlife Taskforce Meeting, 8-11 a.m., Cheyenne. For more information, visit sites.google.com/wyo.gov/wyomingwildlifetaskforce/home

Dec. 15 State Loan and Investment Board and State Board of Land Commissioners Public Meeting, 8 a.m., Cheyenne. For more information, visit lands.wyo.gov

Dec. 15 Land Quality Advisory Board Virtual Meeting, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information or to participate, call Craig Hults at 307-777-7066 or e-mail craig. hults@wyo.gov.

Dec. 16 New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association Legacy Awards Dinner and Dance, 7 p.m., Hotel Albuquerque in Old Town, Albuquerque, N.M. For more information and to register, visit nmagriculture.org Dec. 23-Jan. 1 The Wyoming Livestock Roundup office will be closed for Christmas through New Year’s Day. The advertising deadline for both the Dec. 24 and 31 editions is Dec. 19 at noon. For questions or to advertise, call 307-234-2700.

Jan. 6-11 American Farm Bureau 2023 Convention, San Juan, Puerto Rico. For more information, visit annualconvention.fb.org

Jan. 7-22 National Western Stock Show, Denver, Colo. For more information, visit nationalwestern.com

Jan. 10 Environmental Protection Agency Virtual Hearing on Supplemental Proposal to Cut Methane and Air Pollution, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information or to live stream the meeting, visit epa.gov

SALES

Dec. 12

Cross Diamond Cattle Company Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Bertrand, Neb., 308-991-2452, crossdiamondcattle.com

Dec. 14 Shipwheel Cattle Company 14th Annual Bull Sale, at the ranch, Chinook, Mont., 406-357-2492, shipwheelcattle.com

Dec. 16

Bobcat Angus 18th Annual Production Sale, Western Livestock Auction, Great Falls, Mont., 406-937-5858, 406-788-3272, 406-788-3244, bobcatangus.com

Dec. 16 5L Red Angus Profit $eeker Winter Sale, at the ranch, Sheridan, Mont., 406842-5693, 406-596-1204, 5lredangus.com

Dec. 20 Rock Lake Angus Production Sale, at the ranch, Wheatland, 307-331-1175, rocklakeangus.com

Dec, 28-29 Annual Holiday Cow Classic, Burwell Livestock Market, Burwell, Neb., 308346-4257, burwelllivestock.com

Jan. 10 Cattle Country Video Winter Classic, Goshen County Rendezvous Center Torrington, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com

Jan. 14 Rafter T Angus Annual Bull Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307736-2415, 307-299-4569, raftertangus.com

Jan. 17 Ken Haas Angus 42nd Annual Right Combination Bull Sale, at the ranch, LaGrange, 307-834-2356, kenhaasangus.com

Jan. 27 McConnell Angus Bull & Female Sale, at the ranch, Dix, Neb., 308-235-5187, 308-230-0430, 970-215-3204, mcconnellangus.com

Jan. 28 Little Goose Ranch Sixth Annual Production Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307-751-1535, 307-751-5793, 307-751-6737, littlegooseranch.com

Jan. 28 21 Angus 29th Annual Top Cut Bull Sale, at the ranch, New England, N.D., 701-579-4221, 21angus.com

Feb. 2 K2 Red Angus Winter Bull & Female Sale, at the ranch, Wheatland, 307-3312917, k2redangus.com

SALES

Feb. 9 Booth’s Cherry Creek Angus 50th Annual “Progress Through Performance” Bull Sale, at the ranch, Veteran, 307-534-5865, 307-532-1805, 307532-1532, boothscherrycreekranch.com

Feb. 10 Powder River Angus Annual Bull Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307-680-7359, 307-680-8266, powderriverangus.com

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

Christmas Tree Custom Upheld

Thus proclaims a headline in the Jan. 1, 1909 issue of the Grand Encampment Herald. Excerpts from the article appear below.

The country’s forests have again been called upon to supply about four million Christmas trees, and again, many have asked themselves and queried the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), “Is the custom a menace to the movement for forest preservation?”

In millions of happy homes all over the country where the younger generation has made Christmas the center of play since early Friday morning, there are many mothers and fathers who have given the question more or less thought.

From Sunday schools and other organizations also, which hold an annual celebration around a gaily trimmed evergreen for the benefit of the little ones, has come the question whether it is consistent to urge conservation of forest resources and then to cut down millions of young trees every year to afford a little joy in the passing holiday season.

“Yes, it is consistent and proper the custom should be maintained,” answers U.S. Forester Gifford Pinchot in every case. “Trees are for use, and there is no other use to which they could be put which would contribute so much to the joy of man as their use by children on this one great holiday of the year.”

He continues, “The number of trees cut for this use each year is utterly insignificant when compared to the consumption for other purposes for which timber is demanded. No more than four million Christmas trees are used each year, one in every fourth family. If planted four feet apart, trees could be grown on less than 1,500 acres. This clearing of an area equal to a goodsized farm each Christmas should not be a subject of much worry, when it is remembered that for lumber alone it is necessary to take timber from an area of more than 100,000 acres every day of the year.”

“It is true there has been serious damage to forest growth in the cutting of Christmas trees in various sections of the country,

particularly in the Adirondack Mountains and parts of New England, but in these very sections, the damage through the cutting of young evergreens for use at Christmas is infinitesimal when compared with the loss of resources through fires and careless methods of lumbering. The proper remedy is not to stop using trees but to adopt wiser methods of use,” says Pinchot.

“It is generally realized a certain proportion of land must always be used for forest growth, just as for other crops. Christmas trees are one form of this crop. There is no more reason for an outcry against using land to grow Christmas trees than to grow flowers,” he adds.

The USFS upholds the Christmas tree custom, but recognizes at the same time, the indiscriminate cutting of evergreens to supply the holiday trade has produced a bad effect upon many stands of merchantable kinds of trees in different sections of the country. Waste and destruction usually result when woodlands are not under a proper system of forest management.

Foresters say it is not by denying ourselves the

wholesome pleasure of having a bit of nature in the home at Christmas that the problem of conserving the forests will only be solved, but by learning how to use the forest wisely and properly. The ravages through forest fires must be checked, the many avenues of waste of timber as it travels from the woods to the mill and then to the market must be closed, and almost numberless important problems demand attention before the Christmas tree.

Germany is conceded to have the highest developed system of forest management of any country, yet its per capita use of Christmas trees is greatest. The cutting of small trees for Christmas is not there considered in the least as a menace to the forest, but, on the contrary, as a means of improving the forest by thinning and as a source of revenue. It is therefore constantly encouraged.

There is little doubt the time will come when the Christmas tree business will become a recognized industry in this country, and as much attention will be given to it as will be given to the growing of crops of timber for other uses.

This time may not be far off, for it is already understood that only through the practice of forestry, which means both the conservation of the timber which remains, and carefully planned systems of reforestation, will it be possible to supply the country with its 40 billion feet of lumber needed each year, as well as the few million little trees used at Christmas time.

Christmas tree in the bay window of a Wyoming ranch home circa 1910. Decorations included strings of popcorn and berries, homemade ornaments, bells, candles, knitted items, balls and gingerbread men. Gifts were wrapped with newspapers, and the doll is the nicest gift of all for some lucky young lady. Compliments of Saratoga Museum. Historical Reproductions by Perue

168-172 171-175 60-74

St. Onge 120-264 191-252 171-223 182-206 176.50-191 179.50-180.25 93-103 $1385-$2075 12-2 6892 190-225 155-216.50 140-201.50 145-188 161-179.50 172.50-179.50 62-74

Big Horn Basin 240-282 180-242.75 187.75-222 173-200.50 151-176 151 85.50-91.50 $1060-$1455 12-8 2294 194.50-203 184-202.50 161-190 161-177 150.50-164.25 142.50 55.50-73 Billings 222.50-275 135-264 165-234 167-204 144-186 124-177 72-99 52-130..50 12-8 5736 175-215 160-213 144-205 141-176.50 139.50-161 147-182.50 44-78

LIVE CATTLE FUTURES

SETT PRICE

Month Week Prev This Week Change

DECEMBER 153.05 152.43 -0.62

FEBRUARY 155.43 153.93 -1.50

APRIL 159.25 158.05 -1.20

JUNE 155.73 154.93 -0.80

AUGUST 156.00 155.43 -0.57

FEEDER CATTLE FUTURES

SETT PRICE

Month Week Prev This Week Change

JANUARY 181.08 183.48 +2.40

MARCH 184.30 185.05 +0.75

APRIL 187.80 188.35 +0.55 MAY 190.85 191.53 +0.68 AUGUST 200.98 201.05 +0.07

WHEAT FUTURES

SETT PRICE

Month Week Prev This Week Change

DECEMBER 7.59 7.24 -0.35

MARCH 7.83 7.46 -0.37

MAY 7.95 7.56 -0.39

JULY 8.00 7.60 -0.40

CORN FUTURES

SETT PRICE

Month Week Prev This Week Change

DECEMBER 6.50 6.32 -0.18

MARCH 6.60 6.42 -0.18

MAY 6.59 6.44 -0.15

JULY 6.54 6.41 -0.13

OATS FUTURES

SETT PRICE

Month Week Prev This Week Change

DECEMBER 3.79 3.33 -0.46

MARCH 3.78 3.30 -0.48

MAY 3.78 3.29 -0.49

JULY 3.80 3.30 -0.50

lbs 214.00-228.00; 70-80 lbs 177.00-203.00; 80-90 lbs 140.00199.50; 90-100 lbs 145.00-155.00; 100-110 lbs 135.00-147.00; 110 lbs 123.00; 120-125 lbs 124.00-127.00.

Billings: 57 lbs 232.50; 70-80 lbs 156.00-173.00; 80-90 lbs 141.00-154.00; 90-100 lbs 130.00-136.00; 100-110 lbs 123.00134.00; 140 lbs 103.00.

Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2

San Angelo: hair ewe lambs 70 lbs 300.00/cwt, 96 lbs 220.00/ cwt; yearling hair 70-80 lbs 170.00-182.00/cwt; mixed age hair 100-145 lbs 136.00-175.00/cwt.

US #1 Pea (Navy) Beans Min-Dak 38/cwt

US #1 Pinto Beans Den Rate 36-37/cwt Min-Dak 34-35/cwt

Source:

National Sheep Summary

As of December 2, 2022

Compared to two weeks ago slaughter lambs and slaughter ewes sold mostly steady to 20.00 higher. Feeder lambs were 10.00 to as much as 40.00 higher with most advance on light lambs. At San Angelo, TX 3,821 head sold. Equity Cooperative Auction sold 350 slaughter lambs in South Dakota. Western Video sold 2825 feeder lambs in Oregon. In direct trading slaughter ewes and feeder lambs not tested. 4,756 lamb carcasses traded with no trend due to confidentiality. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless specified.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 San Angelo: wooled and shorn 111 lbs 137.00.

Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 105-130 lbs 116.00-127.50.

South Dakota: wooled and shorn 100-150 lbs 121.00-135.00, few 140.00; 150-155 lbs 121.00-123.00.

Billings: wooled and shorn 100-145 lbs 104.00-133.00. Equity Coop: shorn 140 lbs 120.75.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2 San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 310.00-345.00, few 352.00; 60-70 lbs 270.00-322.00, few 335.00; 70-80 lbs 230.00-280.00, few 293.00-303.00; 80-90 lbs 194.00-258.00; 90-110 lbs 180.00217.00, few 225.00. wooled and shorn 77 lbs 245.00; 80-90 lbs 200.00-201.00; 90-100 lbs 175.00-192.00.

Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 66 lbs 200.00; 71 lbs 200.00; 85 lbs 200.00; 90-100 lbs 185.00-190.00. hair 43 lbs 315.00; 80-90 lbs 200.00-202.50; 90-100 lbs 180.00-200.00.

South Dakota: wooled and shorn 60-70 lbs 325.00-355.00; 70-80 lbs 190.00-200.00; 80-90 lbs 165.00-180.00, few 235.00; 92 lbs 169.00. hair 47 lbs 270.00; 50-60 lbs 290.00-300.00; 67 lbs 270.00; 70-80 lbs 205.00-220.00; 83 lbs 195.00.

Billings: 50-60 lbs 220.00-235.00; 60-70 lbs 191.00-219.00, few 262.50-270.00; 70-80 lbs 168.00-181.00; 80-90 lbs 141.00176.00; 90-100 lbs 126.00-139.00. hair 47 lbs 242.50; 50-60 lbs 200.00-258.00; 77 lbs 206.00; 80 lbs 155.00; 92 lbs 151.00.

Slaughter Ewes

San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) hair 112.00-129.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 112.00-119.00, hair 116.00-133.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 105.00124.00, hair 105.00-124.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) 90.00-105; Cull 1 84.00.

Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 80.00-90.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 71.00-110.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test..

South Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 70.00-97.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 86.00-95.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 70.00-93.00, hair 105.00110.00; Cull 1 45.00-65.00.

Billings: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 72.00-77.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 75.00-86.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 85.00-95.50, hair 125.00; Cull 1 85.00.

Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2 San Angelo: 69 lbs 200.00. hair 30-40 lbs 260.00-313.00; 45 lbs 287.00; 50 lbs 300.00.

Ft. Collins: 57 lbs 195.00.

South Dakota: 44 lbs 213.00; 50-60 lbs 190.00-221.00; 60-70

Ft. Collins: yearlings 350.00/head; young 380.00/head; middle age 320.00/head.

South Dakota: ewe lambs 77 lbs 193.00/cwt, 85 lbs 181.00/ cwt, 90-100 lbs 145.00-155.00/cwt; yearlings 230.00/head; young 200.00-225.00/head; middle age 185.00-190.00/head; aged 150.00/head.

Billings: ewe lambs 107 lbs 140.00/head. Sheep and lambs slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 37,000 compared with 29,000 last week and 41,000 last year.

Source: USDA AMS Market News, San Angelo, Texas

National Wool Review

As of December 2, 2022

In Australia this week, the Eastern Market Indicator was down 32 cents at 1224 cents per Kg clean from the sale a week ago. A total of 37,347 bales were offered with sales of 82.9 percent. The Australian exchange rate was weaker by .0059 at .6696 percent of the U.S. dollar. Australian wool prices are quoted US Dollar per pound, delivered, Charleston, South Carolina. The current freight rate is .15 cents per pound clean. Clean Del Price Change from 75-85 Percent Micron US Grade in U.S. Dollars Previous Sale of Australia 17 > 80s 6.53 + .02 4.89-5.55 18 80s 5.48 - .09 4.11-4.66 19 70-80s 4.84 - .08 3.63-4.12 20 64-70s 4.37 - .07 3.28-3.71 21 64s 4.10 - .07 3.07-3.48 22 62s 3.87 - .07 2.90-3.29 23 60-62s 3.81 2.86-3.24 24 60s 25 58s 2.38 1.78-2.02 26 56-58s 2.00 - .01 1.50-1.70 28 54s 1.13 - .03 0.85-0.96 30 50s 1.03 - .04 0.77-0.88 32 46-48s 0.89 - .03 0.66-0.75

Merino Clippings 2.79 + .01 2.09-2.37

Eastern Market Indicator was up 24 cents at 1256 cents per kg clean. Australian exchange rate was stronger by .0127 at .6637 percent of the U.S. dollar. Source: Colorado Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO

SOYBEAN FUTURES

SETT PRICE

Month Week Prev This Week Change

JANUARY 14.30 14.86 +0.56

MARCH 14.37 14.90 +0.53

MAY 14.44 14.96 +0.52

JULY 14.48 14.99 +0.51

Western

Notice

The Natrona County Predator Management District is holding its 2022 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, December 13th, beginning at 1 p.m. This meeting will be held at the ARLC Building, Mills Room, 2011 Fairgrounds Road, Casper. All producers, Wyoming Game and Fish representatives, Wildlife Services representatives and the public are invited to participate. Tentative agenda items will be reports from the NCPMD trappers, game and fish, ADMB, Wool Growers and Wildlife Services representatives. At the conclusion, we will conduct Election of Officers and set Predator Fees. For additional information, please contact the NCPMD office at ncpmd1@charter.net.

NOTICE: Publication in this newspaper does not guarantee the legitimacy of any offer or solicitation. Take reasonable steps to evaluate an offer before you send money or provide personal/financial information to an advertiser. If you have questions or believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Unit, 109 Capitol Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002, 307-777-6397 TFN

Help Wanted

EARN $60,000/YEAR, PARTTIME in the livestock or farm equipment appraisal business. Agricultural background required. Home study course available. 800-488-7570 or www. amagappraisers.com 1/28

NOW HIRING ~ WORK! WORK!

Services Services

PUREBRED AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES: Out of working parents. Will have first shots and wormed. Ready by mid-December. Parents onsite. In Lavina, MT. Call 406-3202426 12/17

AKC COLLIE PUPPIES (Lassie type), sable/white and tri colored. Born Oct. 4, 2022. Excellent farm and family dogs. Great Christmas present!! Shots and dewormed, $500. Riverton, WY, 307-8586000 or 307-858-5000, no texting. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 12/17

GREAT PYRENEES PUPPIES FOR SALE: Ranch raised with livestock and ready to go to work!! Proven bloodlines, parents onsite, $1,000. Have been raising these fantastic LGD for 40+ years. For more information, call 406-207-7674 12/31

PUREBRED AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES: Black and brown tri-colors, tails docked, ready Dec. 22, first shots and wormed, $450. Call 307-689-3407 12/17

AIREDALE PUPPIES: AKC registered, good with children, good on the farm, hunting lines, large and healthy. Wormed and first shots. Local breeder. Senior and Veteran discounts. Delivery available in Wyoming and Montana. Call 719-217-8054 12/24

PUREBRED BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES FOR SALE: Out of excellent working parents. Extremely smart. All are traditional black and white. $500. Call 307645-3322 12/10

WANTED: COW/CALF PAIRS. Call Kelly, 307-780-7027 12/10

FOR SALE: RED ANGUS BRED HEIFERS, fancy, high elevation, home raised, one Iron, coming 2-year-olds. 100 head AI bred to NINE MILE FRANCHISE for March 1 calving, 29 head bull bred to calve the last two weeks of April. From reputation cowherd, currently running at Laramie, WY. Summered at 9,000 feet. Have video and photos. Call or text 307-7603837. To view photos, go to www. wylr.net in the classifieds 12/24

CDL A DRIVER OR FARM

WORKER WANTED: Housing included with arrangement, utilities paid by employee, pay $100-200/day. E-mail clairsjr@ yahoo.com 12/31

KNOWLEDGEABLE RANCH

HAND that can work independently on a small ranch in Big Horn County. Experience with cattle, irrigating, haying, farming and general maintenance are essential. Send resume to wyoranchjob@yahoo. com 12/10

PEN RIDER: UFI FEEDING LLC, PLATTEVILLE, CO. Feedlot cattle. Livestock background required. Duties include: Riding pens, doctoring cattle, processing cattle, miscellaneous building tasks, driving feed truck. Paid vacation and sick leave up to 3 weeks, willingness to work on weekends. Health insurance provided. Please contact Rex Beall, 970-539-6115 12/17

WIGGINS FEEDYARD,

WORK! Experienced Class A tanker drivers needed. 401(k), paid vacations, health insurance and FR clothing allowance! For questions, call John, 307-3514901, e-mail resume to aholden@igooil.com 12/24

Financial Services

AGRI-ONE FINANCIAL: Farm/ ranch and all commercial loans. RATES AS LOW AS 4.5%. We have been helping with all aspects of agricultural, commercial financing and management for years. LET US HELP YOU on a consulting level with management to increase profitability, deal with and fix credit problems and for all your financing needs. WE CARE AND HAVE WORKING PROGRAMS designed for the farmer/rancher and not the banker. Please call Steve, 303773-3545, or check out our website www.agrionefinancial. com. I will come to you and get the job done!! 12/31

Financial Services

ALL TYPES OF EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE FINANCING. Great service!! Great rates!! Call Chuck Brown at C.H. Brown Co., WY LLC, 307-3223232 (office), 307-331-0010 (cell) or e-mail chuckbrown@ wyoming.com 12/10

REGISTERED VERY OLD WYOMING BRAND used for 80 plus years in the Upper Green River by Billy Hill, Pat Dew, Tom Dew. Single iron, the “blab,” LHC, LSH, one ear mark. No iron $3,500. Call 406-939-0648, dsnow@midrivers.com 12/31

WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LHC, LHH. Expires March 1, 2027. No irons included. $3,500 OBO. Call 307629-0260 12/31

WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RRC, RSS, RHH. Expires Jan. 1, 2029. Electric iron included. $3,500 OBO. Call 307-5756589 11/26

AKC LAB PUPPIES: All colors available, whites, blacks, yellows, dark chocolates and dark reds. Excellent hunters, family companions. Full AKC registration. Shots, wormed, dewclaws removed. All puppies are cute, but it’s what they grow into that counts. Not all Labs are the same. Proud to own!! Been raising quality AKC Labradors for 25-plus years. Look at the rest but buy the best. Both parents on site for viewing. Will sell quickly!! $200 deposit, picking order is when the deposit is received. Doug Altman, Mitchell, S.D. Call/text 605-9997149, click the our Labs tab on the website for pictures, www.southdakotayellowlabs. com 12/10

Angus

LLC

HIRING FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE: Current driver’s license required. Call Sue Wiggins, 308-279-0924, e-mail sswiggins@wigginsfeedyard.com, 10077 U.S. 385, Bridgeport, NE 69336, provide references with phone numbers 12/17

las@fortressds.com,

MID-AMERICA FEED YARD LOCATED NEAR OHIOWA, SOUTHEASTERN NEBRASKA IS CURRENTLY LOOKING TO HIRE FULL-TIME PEN RIDERS: Skilled horsemanship and feedyard or ranch experience preferred. Pay based on experience. Comprehensive benefits include family health and dental, 401(k), life insurance benefits, sick and vacation pay. Five days a week, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. with rotating weekends and rotating holidays. Applicants are required to furnish their own horses and tack. Drug and background tests required. Call 402-295-2216 12/10

WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LSC, no irons, up for renewal in 2023, $1,500. Call 307-6803494 12/24

WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LRC, LTH. For more information, call 307-2901059 or 307-283-1059 12/10

REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LRC. RHS, LHH. Dues paid to Jan. 23, 2023. $3,000. 307-349-4667 12/24

REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND: LHH, Dues paid through March 1, 2023, comes with one hot iron, freight not included. $3,000. Call 970-846-5516 or e-mail erindan970@gmail. com 12/24

WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: Previously owned by Leland and Dona Settell. One iron brand, comes with 2 hot irons. RRC, RSH. Asking $2,500. E-mail pponcelet@ whitlockmotors.com or call 307-254-8117 12/17

WYOMING

621-3113 12/17

WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RHC, LBH. Expires Dec. 31, 2026. No irons included, $3,500. Call 307-7721126 12/10

SANDHILL BORDER COLLIES: Working border collies for ranchers. Reds, blacks, merles, mainly short hair. Thirty years experience. Shots appropriate to age, dewclaws removed, wormed weekly. Pups and ready-to-start pups available. Prices vary. Call us (texts are better) to set up delivery, 701-770-2364 or email sandhillbc@yahoo.com. Visit our Facebook page: Sandhill Performance Horses and Border Collies. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 5/6

AKC MINIATURE AMERICAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES FOR SALE: These little Aussies will help on the ranch, ride in your truck and generally be your best pal for life, www.bluegrasskennels.com. Call 605-206-4519. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/17

WYOMING RANCH RAISED

MINIATURE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS: Been around kids, cows, horses, goats and cats. Starting at $950. Check out our website at www.cowpokecornerkennels.com or give me a call or text at 307-254-3968. Thanks, Erin!! 12/10

150 BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFERS: South Dakota origin, OCVD, exposed to proven LBW Black Angus bulls for 45 days. Start calving Feb. 1, 2023. References available. Please call 785394-1955 (cell), 785-394-2374 (home) or 785-731-5067 12/24

FOR SALE: COMING THREEYEAR-OLD BRED COWS, home raised, one iron, commercial Black Angus. 170 head, bull bred and sorted to calve the month of March. Running at Laramie, WY up to 7,400 feet. Bred to PAP tested Diamond Peak and Jorgenson bulls. Front pasture cows with good disposition, medium framed and deep bodied. Call or text for price, photos and video, 307-7603837. To view photos, go to www. wylr.net in the classifieds 12/24

FOR SALE: 300 registered and commercial Black Angus BRED HEIFERS, 1 group of F1 baldie bred heifers. Three groups AI bred to these elite calving ease sires: MAF Triumph O415 (Musgrave Exclusive 316 son 2022 high selling calving ease bull) and Connealy In Focus 4925. Two groups pasture bred to “sleep all night” low birthweight, calving ease Black Angus bulls. AI bred: Group #1 due March 19. Group #2 due April 5. Group #3 due April 6. Bull breds: Group #1 due April 1 for 30 days. Group #2 due May 1 for 21 days. Vaccinated and poured/ dewormed. Available FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. Delivery and volume discounts available. MILLER ANGUS FARMS, Estelline, S.D. Kody, 605-690-1997 or Brady, 605-690-5733 2/4

Red Angus

Angus

BROWN SWISS BRED HEIFERS FOR SALE: Will calve March, April and May. Bred to Brown Swiss bulls. Have had all shots. Poured with Ivomec on regular basis. TB tested and current health papers. Nice, gentle, outside cattle, in good shape and well fed. Delivery options available. For pictures or more information, call Larry W. Carlson, 605-224-6100 (home) or 605-280-3879 (cell), if no answer leave message. Pierre, S.D. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/31

WIGGINS FEEDYARD, ACCEPTING CATTLE OF ALL CLASSES: Cows, yearlings or calves to background or finish. Call 308-262-1140 (office), Steve, 308-279-1432 (cell) or Sue, 308-279-0924 (cell) 12/17

COWBOY SANTA SHOPS HERE!! 5 STAR saddle pads and MOHAIR cinches. MONTANA Silversmith and AUSTIN Accent jewelry, MONEY clips, barrettes and MORE… Tom BALDING and DUTTON BITS and SPURS. 20% OFF OF HONDO and BOULET BOOTS. Also, GREAT SELECTION of JUSTIN WORK BOOTS, TWISTED X (boots and shoes) and more!! Ride, ROPE, WORK and play!! LEATHER belts, WALLETS, checkbook covers. Wool VESTS, silk SCARVES and more!! WE CAN ship!! Shop Moss Saddles, Boots and Tack, 4648 West Yellowstone Highway, Casper, WY; 307-472-1872. Our family serving yours for 50 years!! Check us out on Facebook or our website 12/10

HAY FOR SALE: Grass, alfalfa and STRAW. Also, CORNSTALK bales. Delivery available!! Call 307-630-3046 12/24

2022 BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE, 3x3 bales. ALSO, 3-way hay with alfalfa and other hay available. Call 307-350-0350, Farson, WY 12/24

ORGANIC GROWN GRASS HAY 2022, weed released, 3x4x8, $160/bale. Call 307-7623536, Burlington, WY 12/24

HAY FOR SALE: 2022 first and second cutting alfalfa, alfalfa/ grass, grass mix, straight grass, Haybet barley, straight millet and sorghum. 2021 alfalfa, alfalfa/ grass, grass, alfalfa/oats, alfalfa/ oats/millet. All in net-wrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, 701690-8116, please send a text if no answer or keep trying 12/17

BARLEY STRAW: Certified weed-free small squares, $4/ bale. ALSO, round bales. OATS, WHEAT AND BARLEY, $20/100 cwt, Greybull, WY area. Call 307-762-3878 or 307202-0108, leave message12/17

APPROXIMATELY 200 TONS OF SANFOIN/ORCHARD GRASS MIX HAY FOR SALE: Both first and second cuttings available, 4x4 squares, $225/ ton. ALSO, approximately 175 TONS OF BARLEY STRAW for sale, 4x4 squares, $90/ton. Volume discounts available. Located west of Powell, WY, can load. Call 307-202-0532, please leave message 12/17

VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Wyoming and western Nebraska hay available. Call Barry McRea, 308235-5386, www.valleyvideohay.com 12/17

YEARLING RAMS FOR SALE: Rambouillet, Targhee and Columbia. Contact Russell Bell, 307-358-2188 or 307-680-4950 12/31

75 WHITE-FACED TARGHEE EWES: From yearlings to solids. Early lambers, bred with white-faced bucks. Call 307899-2545 12/10

QUALITY, YEARLING VIRGIN RAMBOUILLET RAMS: Open faces, good size, fine wool, B. ovis negative. McDonald, 307856-1802 12/17

HAIR SHEEP FOR SALE: Ten pure Katahdins, born in May, uniform and healthy replacement ewe lambs, $275/each.

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

300 TONS OF THIRD CUTTING ALFALFA, $250/ton. 100 TONS OF FOURTH CUTTING ALFALFA, $275/ton. 120 TONS OF MILLET HAY, $200/ton. All in 4x4x8 bales. Located south of Douglas, WY. Call 307-3514175 12/10

GOOD AVAILABILITY OF ROUND AND SQUARE HAY AND STRAW BALES FOR SALE: Low delivery charge at cost. Volume discounts available. Call/text 1-204-209-1066 anytime for pricing 2/11

TOLMAN RANCH LLC IS ACCEPTING BIDS FOR GRAZING

APPROXIMATELY 300 ACRES OF IRRIGATED (40 acres) pasture 30 miles up the Nowood in Ten Sleep, WY. For 60 to 80 head of cattle or 200 head of sheep. Grazing turn in May 1 to Nov. 1. Two year contract with the possibility of renewal. There are a few requirements that will need to be addressed, like responsibility for irrigation of fields, cleaning of ditches and weed spraying. Send bids to Tolman Ranch LLC, PO Box 576, Ten Sleep WY, 82442, postmark by Feb. 20, 2023. For more information, contact Frank Keeler, 307-350-6994 12/10

ALSO, GOATS FOR SALE, 1 Nubian nanny, 3 weathers and 1 doeling (crossbred) and a Lamanche/Boer doe 1 1/2 that was exposed. Located in Sundance, WY 82729. Please call if interested 970-398-0017. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/10

GRASS SEED FOR SALE: Manifest wheat grass, Manska wheat grass, Cash Meadow Brome, good germination, $4.50/lb. Call Big Horn Seed Company, 307-202-0704 or 307-645-3322 12/10

2022 14K GVW SPLIT TILT

EQUIPMENT TRAILER FOR SALE: 8’ solid deck/15’ tilt deck, adjustable coupler, tool box, rub rails, Dexter axles with brakes and LED Lights. $11,000, Can deliver to Casper, WY area on Dec. 26. For more pics and information call Doug, 406-274-3706. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 12/17

PASTURE WANTED for 2,000 yearlings and 500 pairs. Can split into smaller bunches. 701523-1235 12/24

SEVERAL WELL BRED, REGISTERED THOROUGHBRED MARES AVAILABLE TO GOOD HOMES: Most of them are winners. All good broodmares. Owner is 85 years old, only selling due to getting older and health issues. Willing to make a heck of a deal, just want them to go to good homes. For more information, call 559-660-6182 12/10

WEANLING RED ROAN FILLY: Outstanding red roan filly with black legs/mane/tail. Born June 10, 2022. Sire is an AQHA and NRHA money winner DON'T STOP SHOOTIN. The filly is halter broke, trailer broke, leads, athletic and a very kind disposition. She is ready for the show ring or whatever you have planned. Call for more information 307-532-1596 12/31

2022 BARLEY STRAW

FOR SALE: 200 tons, 3x4x8 square bales, $75/ton. Call 307-202-1719 12/31

2022 LARGE ROUND

BALES: Net wrapped, 1,5501,650 lbs., tests done, nitrate free, Japanese and German millet, $130/ton, will deliver. Call 605-224-6100 (home) or 605-280-3879 (cell), if no answer leave message 12/31

ROUND BALE BARLEY STRAW AND OAT STRAW FOR SALE: Certified weed free. $100/ton. FOB Powell, WY. Call 307-254-5115 or 406-480-1248 12/24

HAY FOR SALE: 500-600 tons, 4x4x8 alfalfa. First and second cuttings. $225/ton. ALSO, CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW, 4x4x8, over 200 tons available. $90/ton. Volume discounts available, located between Powell and Lovell, WY. Call 307-272-3712 1/21

2002 FORD F350 V10: 215k miles, single cab, long bed with utility boxes and headache rack\metal rear bumper. Lights and locks in boxes. ALSO, has 36” tool box and floodlight. Newer injectors and seats, great condition, $7,500. Call 307-250-5193, Cody, WY. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 12/24

FOR SALE: NEW DIRECTION EQUIPMENT 1652 MIXER FEEDER. Very little use. Like new!! $34,500. Call 303-7174156. To view photos, go to www. wylr.net in the classifieds 12/10

Hay Equipment

2009 NEW HOLLAND H8060

EQUIPMENT

FOR SALE: John Deere 8960 tractor with PTO; John Deere 5090e tractor with loader; CIH 1015 pick-up header; White 30’ disk; John Deere 7100 12 row planter; Morris 53’ airdrill; Lawson 12x30 double drum land areator; New Holland 1075 balewagon; Freeman self propelled 3 string balers; Freeman pull type 3 string balers; Vermeer R23 rake; Hesston 7434 3x4 baler; John Deere 569 baler; Massey Ferguson 2190 4x4 baler; Cat 950 loader; New Holland 359 grinder mixer; Artsway 425 grinder mixer; Modern Mill (mix mill) feed mill; Brandt 5200 grain vac; IHC 80 bbl vac truck; Merritt 48’x102” cattle pot; 2007 Western Star 4900 sleeper truck; Mobile Tech 9 yd. volumetric concrete mixer; Degelman 570 rock picker. Call 406-254-1254 12/31

FOR SALE: Bale King 5100 bale processor, like new. J&M 350 gravity box with 12 ton running gear. Gehl 1620 18’ chuckwagon with 14 ton tandem running gear. John Deere 714A and 716A chuckwagons with John Deere running gear and bunk feeding extensions, been shedded, nice condition. Lorenz 16’x33’ stack mover. Farm King 8’ snow blower with hydraulic spout. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-9995482 12/24

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: John Deere 2630 tractor with cab, low hours, good condition, $9,500 OBO; 6’ Rhino rear blade, $750 OBO; 2016 Circle D 20’ stock trailer, excellent condition, $13,500 OBO. Located in Story, WY. Call 307-202-1356 12/10

WINDROWER FOR SALE: Has 3,100 engine hours and around 2,000 hours on 416 disc header. Header was changed around 1,000 hours. One season on new conditioner rolls and bearings. $65,000. Call 307-351-4175 12/10

ELIMINATE ● RISING ● FUEL COSTS: Clean, safe and efficient wood heat. Central Boiler Classic and E-Classic Outdoor Wood Furnace; heats multiple buildings with only 1 furnace, 25-year warranty available. Heat with wood, no splitting! Available in dual fuel ready models. www.CentralBoiler.com WE ALSO HAVE whole house pellet/corn/biomass furnaces. Load once per month with hopper. www.Maximheat. com A-1 Heating Systems. Instant rebates may apply! Call today! 307-742-4442. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds TFN

SOTZ

BARREL STOVE BY

WITH UNIQUE COOKTOP, 50 gallon, takes a 6” stove pipe. In excellent condition, $400. For more information, call 307-250-9663. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/10

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

Equipment

Irrigation

Good time management is essential to farming success. That’s why more farmers are turning to T-L center pivot irrigation systems. Hydrostatically powered, T-L’s simple design gives you the low maintenance time, cost, safety and reliability to let you manage your farm instead of calling electricians or replacing gearboxes. Simplify your complex world and make irrigation easier on you.

WANTED TO BUY: Used, gated pipe, preferably 6” or 8”, either aluminum or PVC, in decent shape. Murray Ranch, Robertson, WY. Call 307782-6177, 307-780-6519 or 307-780-6862 12/31

Property

Property for Sale

Property for Sale

ARIZONA RANCHES FOR SALE: 22,000+ acre central Arizona ranch, 200+ head year-long, plus up to 2,500 stockers seasonally, Arizona state plus small BLM grazing leases, small feedyard, modest headquarters on 10 deeded acres, $1,200,000; Former ranch homestead, 1,056 sq. ft. house built in 1935, fireplace, kitchen private well, electric power and phone, feels remote with mountain views and thousands of acres of open space but sits just a highway close to shopping, medical facilities, Tucson and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, $390,000. LARGER RANCHES also available. Harley Hendricks Realty, 877-349-2565, www.harleyhendricks.com 12/10

320 ACRES WITH A MILE AND A HALF OF LIVE SPRING WATER: Alpine setting. Beautiful views. Located in the Dillon, MT area. $1,700,000. Call Sidwell Land & Cattle Co., Richard Sidwell, 406-861-4426, 406322-4425 or e-mail sidwell@ sidwell-land.com 1/28

DEC. 15-16: PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL RAW/ DRY FUR DEER/ELK HIDES AND ANTLER, IN THE FOLLOWING WYOMING TOWNS AND LOCATIONS: DEC. 15: Douglas 7:10-7:20 a.m., Douglas Feed (drive thru); Bill 8-8:10 a.m., Bill’s Store (drive thru, call Greg); Wright 8:509:20 a.m., Exxon Big D on S. 387; Newcastle 11:15 a.m.11:45 p.m., Voelker’s Body Shop; Upton 12:30-12:45 p.m., Joe’s Grocery Store parking lot; Moorcroft 1:15-1:45 p.m., The Coffee Cup; Gillette 2:10-2:30 p.m., T&T Guns and Ammo; Gillette 3-3:30 p.m., Rocky Mountain Sports. DEC. 16: Gillette 7-7:20 a.m., Rocky Mountain Sports; Sheridan 9:30-10 a.m., Sportsman's Warehouse; Buffalo 10:4511:15 a.m., Good 2 Go; Ten Sleep 12:45-1:15 p.m., Pony Express; Hyattville 1:45-2 p.m., Paint Rock Processing; Manderson 2:40-2:50 p.m., Hiway Bar (drive thru); Basin 3-3:20 p.m., Overland Express Mart (drive thru); Greybull 3:40-4 p.m., Overland Express Mart (drive thru); Lovell 4:304:50 p.m., Good 2 Go; Byron 5-5:15 p.m., Cardtrol (drive thru); Powell 5:30-5:50 p.m., Murdoch’s. For more information, call Greg, 308-7500700, or visit www.petskafur. net 12/10

Cattle

DEC. 17-18: PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL RAW/ DRY FUR DEER/ELK HIDES AND ANTLER, IN THE FOLLOWING WYOMING TOWNS AND LOCATIONS: DEC. 17: Powell 7-7:20 a.m., Murdoch’s; Ralston 7:30 a.m., Good 2 Go (drive thru, call Greg); Cody 8-8:40 a.m., Nature’s Design Taxidermy; Meeteetse 9:209:40 a.m., Elk Horn Bar; Worland 10:50-11:20 a.m., Coop One Stop; Thermopolis 11:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m., Renegade Guns; Shoshoni 1-1:15 p.m., rest area/bus stop; Riverton 2-2:50 p.m., Vic’s Body Shop (behind the Dollar Tree); Hudson 3:10-3:20 p.m., Wyoming Custom Meats (drive thru); Lander 3:40-4:10 p.m., Zander’s One Stop; Jeffrey City 5:15-5:30 p.m., Split Rock Cafe; Muddy Gap 5:50-6 p.m. (drive thru, call Greg). DEC. 18: Casper 7:20-8:20 a.m., Wagner Outdoor Sports; Glenrock 9-9:15 a.m., east exit on I-25; Douglas 10:10-10:20 a.m., Douglas Feed; Orin Junction 10:50-11 a.m., truck stop (drive thru); Lost Springs 11:20-11:40 a.m., truck pull off (drive thru); Manville 12-12:15 p.m., truck stop (drive thru); Lusk 12:20-12:40 p.m., Decker’s Grocery. For more information, call Greg, 308-7500700, or visit www.petskafur. net 12/10

Dogs

LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOGS: Out of working parents, with goats now. Will be 8 weeks old Dec. 12. Five males, 4 females. $500. Call Debbie Smith, 307-359-8265. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/31

SALE REPORTS

Pyramid Beef Annual Bull Sale

Rocklake, N.D.

Lot 9 – Pyramid Rainfall 1077 – Price: $14,500 DOB: 3/12/21 Sire: S A V Rainfall 6846 Dam’s Sire: S A V Resource 1441 EPDs: BW: -0.4, WW: +67, YW: +124 and Milk: +27 Buyer: Native Prairie Beef Genetics, Ellis, Kan. Yearling Hereford Bulls

Two-Year-Old Hereford Bulls

Yearling Angus Bulls Lot 77 – Pyramid Stellar 2009 – Price: $13,500 DOB: 2/1/22 Sire: Sitz Stellar 726D Dam’s Sire: Connealy Courage 25L EPDs: BW: -0.5, WW: +61, YW: +106 and Milk: +24 Buyer: Steppler Ranch, Culbertson, Mont. Lot 97 – Pyramid Coal Train 2028 – Price: $10,250 DOB: 2/7/22 Sire: Pyramid Coal Train 0005

Dam’s Sire: V A R Reserve 1111 EPDs: BW: -1.7, WW: +62, YW: +105 and Milk: +22 Buyer: Mike Bayles, Broadus, Mont.

Two-Year-Old

Angus Bulls

Lot 1 – Pyramid Packer 1216 – Price: $15,500 DOB: 4/13/21 Sire: 21AR Packer 4313 Dam’s Sire: Pyramid Thunder 4206 EPDs: BW: +2.2, WW: +75, YW: +125 and Milk: +22 Buyer: TNT Angus,

Lot 123 – Pyramid ILR Daybreak 2509 ET – Price: $10,500 DOB: 2/14/22 Sire: SHF Daybreak Y02 D287 ET Dam’s Sire: Pyramid 16W 110T 9116 EPDs: BW: +4.3, WW: +70, YW: +112 and Milk: +26 Buyer: Topp Herefords, Grace City, N.D.

Lot 124 – Pyramid ILR Daybreak 2507 ET – Price: $9,250 DOB: 2/13/22 Sire: SHF Daybreak Y02 D287 ET Dam’s Sire: Pyramid 16W 110T 9116 EPDs: BW: +2.5, WW: +65, YW: +104 and Milk: +20 Buyer: Topp Herefords, Grace City, N.D.

Lot 3 – Sitz Domain 12371 – Price: $38,000 DOB: 1/25/21 Sire: Sitz Logo 8148 Dam’s Sire: Poss Achievement EPDs: BW: -0.6, WW: +85, YW: +158 and Milk: +29 Buyer: Genex Beef, Shawano, Wis.

Lot 136 – Pyramid Highland 1516 – Price: $10,000 DOB: 3/3/21 Sire: S16 782B Highland 84E Dam’s Sire: NJW 73S W18 Hometown 10Y ET EPDs: BW: +1.2, WW: +51, YW: +80 and Milk: +21 Buyer: Justin Edwards, Gillette Lot 139 – Pyramid Highland 1526 – Price: $10,000 DOB: 3/16/21 Sire: S16 782B Highland 84E Dam’s Sire: H Justify 7460 ET EPDs: BW: +3.0, WW: +58, YW: +98 and Milk: +27 Buyer: Thorstenson Hereford Ranch, Selby, S.D. Hereford Bred Heifer Lot 181 – FHF D287 Zoey 11J ET – Price: $11,000 DOB: 2/17/21 Sire: SHF Daybreak Y02 D287 ET Dam’s Sire: TH 122 71I Victor 719T EPDs: BW: +2.1, WW: +67, YW: +106 and Milk: +32 Buyer: Glenn Barrileaux, Oakwood, Texas

390C EPDs: BW: +0.5, WW: +82, YW: +149 and Milk: +27 Buyer: Harris Ranch, Killdeer, N.D.

Top Sellers

Lot 126 – Sitz Resilient 1299 – Price: $45,000 DOB: 1/29/21 Sire: Sitz Resilient 1299 Dam’s Sire: Sitz Upward 307R EPDs: BW: -1.6, WW: +77, YW: +127 and Milk: +37 Buyer: Split Diamond Ranch, Whitehall, Mont.

Lot 23 – Sitz Threshold 9901 – Price: $42,500 DOB: 2/18/21 Sire: Musgrave 316 Exclusive Dam’s Sire: Sitz Invasion 574D EPDs: BW: +0.0, WW: +90, YW: +157 and Milk: +25 Buyer: Split Diamond Ranch, Whitehall, Mont.

Lot 6 – Sitz Stellar 12251 – Price: $35,000 DOB: 1/26/21 Sire: Sitz Stellar 726D Dam’s Sire: Sitz Logo 11527 EPDs: BW: +2.5, WW: +87, YW: +147 and Milk: +29 Buyer: Lund’s B Bar Angus, Wibaux, Mont.

Lot 7 – Sitz Stellar 12441 – Price: $19,000 DOB: 1/23/21 Sire: Sitz Stellar 726D Dam’s Sire: Connealy National

Lot 1 – Sitz Insignia 12031 – Price: $19,000 DOB: 1/29/21 Sire: Sitz Logo 8148 Dam’s Sire: LD Capitalist 316 EPDs: BW: +0.0, WW: +87, YW: +145 and Milk: +19 Buyer: Don Zimbleman, Whitehall, Mont.

Lot 330 – Sitz Logo 11421 – Price: $18,000 DOB: 2/04/21 Sire: Sitz Logo 8148 Dam’s Sire: Sitz Response 405C EPDs: BW: +1.1, WW: +82, YW: +153 and Milk: +28 Buyer: Hamilton Angus, Baker City, Ore.

TANK COATINGS ROOF COATINGS

Available for METAL, composition shingles or tar roofs. Long lasting and easy to apply. We also manufacture tank coatings for concrete, rock, steel, galvanized or mobile tanks.

Call for our free catalog:

VIRDEN PERMA-BILT CO. 806-352-2761 www.virdenproducts.com

Scan the QR Code with your mobile device to visit our website!

Horses

MATCHED HALF DRAFT TEAM: Two black geldings which includes one 2-year-old Clydesdale/Quarter Horse and one 3-year-old Friesian/Clydesdale. Selling to intermediate/experienced teamster, about 15.5 hands, stands good for farrier, loads good in trailer, easy keepers. Good looking team with lots of potential. Asking $16,000 Cheyenne, WY. Please contact Sofia, 732-677-9028. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 12/31

Comment period open

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program regulates certain discharges of pollutants into groundwaters of the state. Operators of these discharges are required to receive coverage under a UIC permit.

The UIC Program intends to terminate General Permit 5C4-981 and 5C4-2: Authorization to Discharge Automotive Waste into a Class 5C4 Subsurface Fluid Distribution or Drywell System.

The public comment period on this issue begins Dec. 7 and ends Jan. 6, 2023. Electronic copies of the current permits are available for review.

Electronic comments may only be submitted through and accepted by the WDEQ comment portal provided at wq.wyomingdeq.commentinput.com/

Requests for public hearings on permit applications or modifications must be made in writing to the administrator and shall state the reasons for the request. Requests for public hearings on permit issuance, denial, revocation, termination or any other department action appealable to the council, shall be made in writing and mailed to Chairman, Wyoming Environmental Quality Council, 2300 Capitol Ave., Hathaway Bldg. 1st Floor, Room 136, Cheyenne, WY 82002 and Director, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, 200 West 17th Street, 4th Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82002.

All written comments and requests received prior to 5 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2023 in the Cheyenne office will be considered. Electronic comments may be submitted online. Written comments may be directed to Ms. Lily Barkau, P.G. Groundwater Section Manager, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division, 200 West 17th Street, 2nd Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82002 or by fax at 307-635-1784. Comments submitted by e-mail will not be considered.

WACAA gives award

Abby Perry, a University of Wyoming (UW) Extension agriculture and natural resources educator based in Rawlins and serving southeast Wyoming, received the 2022 Outstanding Extension Educator Award presented by the Wyoming Association of County Agricultural Agents (WACAA).

In addition to her leadership in addressing critical waterrelated issues, Perry consistently develops innovative educational programming for youth, supports her community in maintaining landscapes impacted by deer herbivory and is involved in a city-wide improvement plan in Rawlins.

She also brings Extension programming to smaller communities scattered across Carbon County and partners with local organizations like Carbon County Higher Education, Baggs Community Learning Center and the Hanna Garden Club.

In addition to her duties as an Extension educator, Perry is a member of Wyoming’s Small Acreage Issue team and a coordinator for the quarterly magazine Barnyards & Backyards

Reported By: Curt Cox, WLR Field Editor Dec. 3, 2022

Spur Of The Moment

One of my favorite activities prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was attending bit and spur shows, but in the aftermath, the number and quality of the shows has withered. Organizers have struggled coming up with ways to attract more attendees and younger folks to the hobby.

One show had an appraising panel like “Antiques Roadshow,” a TV show where a person could bring in their grandpa’s old horse gear and have a panel of experts appraise it. Only one person offered up an antique bit he’d bought at a previous show, but the experts

all agreed it was made in China.

One show staged a revival of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Ariz. between members of the Cowboy Action Shooting Society, but this idea went over like a crying baby at a wedding, only louder. During a seminar at one show, a professor jabbered about building a horse barn using feng shui – whatever that is. Half the crowd lapsed into a coma.

The most interesting activity happened in the aisles of a cowboy show one year – only the panel discussion was listed in

the program. The participants included my friend Chuck, a fabulous bit and spur maker in the vaquero tradition, a savvy bit and spur trader from Texas named Larry who convincingly argued Texas cowboy gear was far superior and a snowbird rancher from Wyoming who came to California to escape the winters. He represented the third style of bit and spur making –the plains style.

Their argument filled the barn to standing room only, and I anticipated the arrival of a special weapons and tactics team when their little discussion turned into a full-scale riot.

“You and your pretty gut hooks and cowboy bootjacks (spurs) wouldn’t last 30 minutes in Texas,” argued Larry. “If you wear your fancy vaquero rib wrenches with all their delicate silver work in the Texas brush country, the horse

you’re riding is going to turn around and laugh its butt off at you.”

He held up a pair of plain but well-made spurs from Texas and said, “Now this is a real pair of irons.”

“You gotta be kidding,” said Chuck. “Your grappling irons look like they were made out of two old metal files.”

Chuck took one spur from Larry and filed some metal off the edge of a nearby table and said, “As far as I’m concerned, you ruined two perfectly good files.”

The rancher from Wyoming listened intently but said nary a word.

“And what are these two jinglebob thingies hanging from the shank?” asked Larry. “They’re as useless as pockets on the back of a shirt. They’re like putting a hat on a horse.”

“That just shows how little you Texans know

about digging irons and horses in general,” said Chuck. “Instead of just jabbing your shanks into a horse, all a vaquero has to do is shake his foot to communicate with the horse. Jinglebobs also help a horse to settle into an almost musical rhythm where a good horse and skilled rider are in perfect harmony. But I guess those are two things you don’t have in Texas –skilled horsemen and good horses.”

Finally, the Wyoming rancher woke from his nap.

“Chuck, I’m sorry but I’m going to have to agree with Larry. Those jinglebobs and downward sloping shanks can get you killed two ways. First, the jinglebobs can get caught in your rowels locking them up so they don’t turn, and when you get them stuck in the mohair of your cinch, you’re in for a wreck if the horse happens to fall over back-

Wyoming Collaborative for Healthy Soils seeks input

wards or you get bucked off,” he said.

“That’s bad enough, but those huge rowels and two chains you prunies got hanging from your spurs almost got me killed when I walked across my wife’s new $20,000 wood floor she was so proud of. The big rowels with downward sloping shanks put a big dimple in the floor with each step. And the chains scratched the floor so bad it looked like someone had disked it with a plow,” he added. “It took me three weeks of sanding to erase the deep furrows they made. Sorry Chuck, your spurs sure are pretty but they almost caused a divorce in my family.”

The bit and spur show did a land office business the next year as spectators waited anxiously for round two of the big fight, but by then two of the participants were deader than the market for counterfeit Chinese spurs.

The Wyoming Collaborative for Healthy Soils (WCHS) is a stakeholder engagement effort whose goal is to engage the broad agricultural community in supporting producers in the voluntary adoption of

soil health practices. As a first step of this process, WCHS is conducting listening sessions and collecting survey results from producers and ag professionals.

Through this process,

WCHS hopes to learn about the barriers to adopting soil health practices and identify opportunities to overcome those barriers. This work will culminate in the development of a roadmap to advance

and incentivize the voluntary adoption of soil health practices.

Surveys are open through the end of the year and can be found at groundupconsulting.us/ wchs

Additionally, any Wyoming rancher or farmer is welcome to join the next full WCHS meeting, which will be held virtually in late January. At this meeting, WCHS will review the results of this stakeholder

engagement thus far. For more information, contact Natalie Allio of Ground Up Consulting at natalie.allio@gmail. com or University of Wyoming’s Liana Boggs Lynch at lboggs2@uwyo.edu.

STEERS

BAIROIL - 2 Steer, 432# $255.00

LYMAN - 9 Steer, 435# $248.00

BAIROIL - 6 Steer, 442# $241.00

RIVERTON - 3 Steer, 448# $239.00

MOUNTAIN VIEW - 5 Steer, 465# $227.50

LYMAN - 3 Steer, 473# $227.50

MOUNTAIN VIEW - 1 Steer, 490# $220.00

LYMAN - 3 Steer, 498# $212.00

LANDER - 4 Steer, 515# $211.00

MOUNTAIN VIEW -1 Steer, 5453# $207.50

BAIROIL - 52 Steer, 548# $205.75

KINNEAR - 9 Steer, 567# $205.50

FORT WASHAKIE - 5 Steer, 585# $202.50

KINNEAR - 4 Steer, 600# $194.00

BAIROIL - 14 Steer, 626# $187.50

LANDER - 15 Steer, 643# $185.25

FORT BRIDGER -17 Steer, 668# $181.25

LYMAN - 7 Steer, 673# $176.00

KINNEAR - 9 Steer, 736# $172.00

KEMMERER - 2 Steer, 960# $160.25

DIAMONDVILLE - 1 Steer, 1070# $143.00

HEIFERS

RIVERTON - 1 Heifer, 350# $222.50

LARAMIE - 3 Heifer, 415# $200.00

BIG PINEY - 5 Heifer, 502# $194.00

BAIROIL - 31 Heifer, 515# $189.00

KINNEAR - 21 Heifer, 578# $184.00

LANDER - 17 Heifer, 611# $175.00

FORT BRIDGER - 2 Heifer, 630# $172.00

CORA - 5 Heifer, 655# $163.50

LANDER - 4 Heifer, 676# $150.00

2 Heifer, 770# $137.00

FORT BRIDGER - 1 Heifer, 940# $122.00

RIVERTON

BRED COWS

38 Bred Cow, 1126# (SM 3-yr-olds) $1,960.00

38 Bred Cow, 1158# (4-yr-olds) $1,935.00

26 Bred Cow, 1254# (5-yr-olds) $1,860.00

13 Bred Cow, 1231# $1,850.00

89 Bred Cow, 1302# $1,850.00

LANDER - 70 Bred Cow, 1240# $1,800.00

RIVERTON -10 Bred Cow, 1158# $1,785.00

28 Bred Cow, 1107# $1,760.00

LANDER - 5 Bred Cow, 1166# $1,700.00

SS 7-9 yr olds

TEN SLEEP - 5 Bred Cow, 1600# $1,350.00

KINNEAR - 16 Bred Cow, 1389# $1,325.00

LANDER - 5 Bred Cow, 1400# $1,275.00

FARSON - 7 Bred Cow, 1420# $1,250.00

ST 9 & older

LANDER - 8 Bred Cow, 1337# $1,150.00

10 Bred Cow, 1338# $1,100.00

TEN SLEEP - 4 Bred Cow, 1541# $1,050.00

POWDER RIVER - 22 Bred Cow, 1227# $1,000.00

LANDER - 5 Bred Cow, 1562# $975.00

KINNEAR -13 Bred Cow, 1413# $875.00 PAIRS

RIVERTON - 13 Pair, 1349# (SM) $1,635.00

BRED HEIFERS

TEN SLEEP - 22 Bred Heifer, 1048# $1,950.00

RIVERTON - 10 Bred Heifer, 1113# $1,900.00

TEN SLEEP - 56 Bred Heifer, 1052# $1,825.00

RIVERTON - 62 Bred Heifer, 1072# $1,825.00 COWS

DUBOIS - 4 Cow, 1042# $100.00

11 Cow, 1217# $98.00

RIVERTON - 1 Cow, 1375# $97.00

6 Cow, 1013# $93.00

CROWHEART - 1 Cow, 1015# $88.00

RIVERTON - 1 Cow, 1435# $83.00

DUBOIS - 2 Cow, 1245# $82.50

RIVERTON - 1 Cow, 1070# $82.00

TEN SLEEP - 1 Cow, 1230# $81.00

RIVERTON - 2 Cow, 1665# $78.00

SARATOGA - 2 Cow, 1120# $77.00

EVANSTON - 1 Cow, 1660# $76.50

CASPER - 1 Cow, 1430# $76.00

RIVERTON - 1 Cow, 1105# $75.50

2 Cow, 1087# $75.00

1 Cow, 1720# $74.50

11 Cow, 1150# $74.00 BULLS

ARAPAHOE - 1 Bull, 2155# $90.00

LANDER - 1 Bull, 1855# $85.00

1 Bull, 2055# $84.00

1 Bull, 2260# $82.00

RIVERTON - 1 Bull, 1910# $81.00

1 Bull, 1960# $80.00

SHOSHONI - 1 Bull, 1970# $77.50

FORT BRIDGER - 2 Bull, 1590# $76.00

CROWHEART - 2 Bull, 1840# $75.00

2 Bull, 1600# $74.00

DANIEL - 1 Bull, 1835# $73.00 HEIFERETTES

GREEN RIVER

16 Heifer, 840# $162.50

EVANSTON

5 Heifer, 909# $162.50

calves are fancy and green!

Rodewald Ranch – 58 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 500-600#. Rec Vision 7, Once PMH IN & Vista 5 @ branding. Rec Vista 5, Vision 7 w/Somnus, Once PMH IN & Safeguard. Bunk Broke. Comp mineral program. Sired by Powerful Blk Ang Bulls.

TUESDAY, JANUARY

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17

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