Roundup for 2.11.23

First Hunt Foundation offers hunting mentorship Page 8

Beef industry representatives recognized at NCBA convention Page 9

Upcoming farm bill discussed by panel Page 16 Water supply outlook for February released by USDA Page 24

Quick Bits

Loan Rates

On Feb. 1, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for February 2023, which went into effect on Feb. 1. USDA’s Farm Service Agency loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.

Ag Award

Nominations are now open through July 14 for the Women in Agribusiness Demeter Award of Excellence, which recognizes women who have achieved excellence or made an outstanding contribution to the agribusiness industry. Three award recipients will be recognized Sept. 26-28 in Nashville, Tenn. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit wia.highquestevents.com or e-mail eventinfo@highquestgroup. com.

WASDE Report

The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report is released monthly to provide annual forecasts for the supply and use of U.S. and global wheat, rice, coarse grains, oilseeds and cotton, as well as the U.S. supply and use of sugar, meat, poultry eggs and milk. To read the February 2023 WASDE report, visit usda.gov/oce/commodity/wasde/wasde0223.pdf

Food Waste

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing more than $9.4 million in 45 cooperative agreements to support innovative, scalable waste management plans to reduce and divert food waste from landfills. The Compost and Food Waste Reduction cooperative agreements, which are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, are part of USDA’s broad support for urban agriculture. The projects will be implemented between 2023-25. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov

Grant approved for world's largest vertical farming center

Gov. Mark Gordon announced Feb. 2 the State Loan and Investment Board (SLIB) approved a grant to support the development of the world’s largest and most advanced vertical farming research center in Laramie

through Plenty Unlimited Inc. (Plenty).

According to a governor’s office press release, this $20 million grant, given to the City of Laramie from the Wyoming Business Council, will be

used for construction and infrastructure costs for a 60,000-square-foot facility, which will be built on 16 acres at the Cirrus Sky Technology Park. Additional funding, land and support for the project

will be provided by the City of Laramie and the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance. The project will also support the retention and creation of nearly 200 high-paying jobs in the community.

FARM AND RANCH DAYS

Keynote speakers provide updates during annual event in Fremont County

Producers and other agricultural stakeholders in and around Fremont County gathered in Riverton Feb. 8-9 for the annual Fremont County Farm and Ranch Days, which hosted University of Wyoming (UW) educators and agriculture leaders from across the state to discuss a variety of topics impacting local agriculture and Wyoming producers.

The event also welcomed National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Lance VandenBoogart for a keynote address on the first day, and

U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) addressed attendees the following day.

Wyoming sees record wet year

The National Weather Service’s (NWS) mission is to provide weather, water and climate data, forecasts, warnings and impact-based decision support services for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy.

VandenBoogart addressed attendees by answering

Please see EVENT on page 22

Colorado River update

Wyoming State Engineer’s Office hosts webinar to provide updates

The Wyoming State Engineer’s Office (SEO) Colorado River Working Group hosted a Wyoming SEO public webinar Feb. 7 to discuss plans for a consensus-based modeling alternative (CBMA) for Lakes Powell and Mead, in addition to the System Conservation Pilot Program (SCPP) 2023.

SEIS process and summary

On Jan. 30, the Colorado River Basin State representatives of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming sent a six-state letter to the Bureau of Reclamation (BuRec) in response to the BuRec’s public scoping process for a supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) intending to supplement the 2007 Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and Coordinated Operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead.

In the letter, representatives asked BuRec to model and evaluate CBMA impacts in the draft SEIS to be issued pursuant to the

FWS files ESA removal

On Feb. 3, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) completed the initial review of three petitions filed to remove the grizzly bear from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE), Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) and the lower 48 states.

Petitions with FWS

On Dec. 17, 2021, the state of Montana filed a petition to designate and delist a NCDE distinct population segment (DPS) of the grizzly bear. On Jan. 21, 2022, FWS received a petition from the state of Wyoming to designate and delist the GYE DPS of the grizzly bear.

The GYE occurs in portions of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. On March 9, 2022, FWS received a petition from the state of Idaho to delist the grizzly bear in the lower 48 states.

FWS found the first two petitions present substantial information indicating the grizzly bear in the NCDE and the GYE may qualify as their own DPS.

FWS found the third petition to remove ESA protections for the grizzly bear in the lower 48 states does not present substantial, credible information to warrant further action.

If the removal of the GYE grizzly bear is warranted, management authority will be given to each of these three states.

Grizzly bear recovery and conservation are complex issues, requiring coordination among federal agencies, states, Tribes and other stakeholders.

According to FWS, “The FWS appreciates the states historical commitments and partnerships to recover bears, particularly through conflict prevention efforts which have been

Please see FWS on page 6

Wakely makes childhood dream a reality Featured Young Producer

Getting into the cattle business was never an if for 32-year-old Colten Wakely, it was a matter of when. In fact, his love for the industry started at a young age on the living room floor, where he fondly remembers spending countless hours setting up a ranch with Lincoln Logs.

“I knew I wanted it to be a reality,” Colten says. “I have always loved this way of life and the people associated with it.”

After years of hard work and help from a close-knit circle of supporters,

Colten was able to make his lifelong dream a reality. He now runs a herd of cattle, alongside his wife Raelynn and his parents Ashlee and Forde, on their ranch in Lyman.

Humble beginnings

Colten explains his family’s operation started from the ground level around 1998 after his parents purchased an 80-acre pivot.

“After a couple years of putting up and selling hay, they decided we might

WYLR photo

As cattle markets look bullish, most producers are starting to grow concerned for their cattle’s condition with the winter we’re having. The last few months have certainly been a wakeup call for everyone on the extreme conditions a hard winter can bring.

As we did in the 1970s-80s, we’ll make it through to welcome spring and leave this winter behind us. Every day lived is one less day of winter.

The cattle forecast predicts prices and profitability will favor cattle producers in 2023. This is great news, and to top it off, we’ve also been hearing the three-year drought in the northern Great Plains may be coming to an end.

There is already adequate snowpack in the mountains for irrigating water this summer. I just wish the snowpack in the lower country would ease up a little.

I’m hearing La Niña has only a 14 percent probability of existence this spring, and this percentage will drop further by summer.

A neutral phase will take control of the pattern as the drought weakens and may last several months before giving El Niño a chance to grow later this summer.

The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cattle Inventory report came out at the end of January and showed revised beef cow numbers dropping to the lowest since 1962. Beef cow replacements were down 318,000 from last year. This tells us beef cow numbers will not rebound quickly.

While the Northern Plains drought is predicted to ease this spring or early summer, it may not in states east and south of Wyoming, which will further extend the low numbers of cattle.

A report from of the University of Missouri said the current drought in Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota caused these six states to lose more beef cows than the rest of the country combined.

Cattlefax reports, “Tighter cattle inventories reported by USDA confirm several more years of smaller calf crops and tighter cattle numbers ahead. The cattle cycle is a slow ship to turn.”

Expanding cattle numbers on the average ranch takes so much money each year. It is a balancing act to pay the bills and retain heifers.

While higher-priced cattle will help producers through this situation, it will take more than one year to get back to where they were, and higher-priced cattle may actually end up hurting them if they want to buy cattle to get their herd numbers up. Higher interest rates will not help either.

There have been a large number of heifers sent to feedlots in the last two years, and the calf supply has really dropped.

CattleFax said, “Total cattle on feed supplies were down 537,000 head to 14.2 million. The inventory of feeder cattle and calves residing outside of feedyards was down 724,000 to 25.3 million, the smallest since 2015.”

Unless they just won the lottery, I don’t imagine anyone wanting to expand cattle numbers this month due to the horrific winter we’ve been having.

Now through the first of June will be an interesting time for the cattle business. Some decisions – both easy and hard – are going to have to be made.

However, as we move out of a drought and cattle numbers rise, along with the predicted drop in input prices, I hope these decisions will be easier.

GUEST OPINIONS

Wyoming Republicans are Focused on Pocketbook Issues

By Sens. Jim Anderson, Brian Boner, Ed Cooper and Dan Dockstader and Reps. Dan Burkhart and Bill Henderson

During the week of Feb. 1, the Wyoming Senate and House entered the third week of the 67th General Session. This is a rubber-meets-road juncture of sorts, where lawmakers will begin to prioritize bills that will take up the bodies’ most earnest debate and policymaking.

Electric vehicle resolution

It won’t surprise many a resolution to phase out electric vehicle sales by 2035 – Senate Joint Resolution Four, which we proudly sponsored and co-sponsored – won’t be heard by the Committee of the Whole. This was never the point. This legislation was meant to call out the hypoc-

risy of progressive ideologues, who have sought to prop up the electric vehicle (EV) industry at the expense of taxpayers and Western energy producers.

In this regard, the resolution achieved its purpose. Major national news outlets, including the likes of USA Today, The Hill and Fox News, shined a light on what’s often ignored in the narrative around this far-left darling.

That is, there’s no magic switch to turn on EVs and turn off traditional energy, many states lack EV infrastructure to achieve unrealistic mandates, and policymakers in places like Wyoming are willing to fight to

re-level the playing field.

It’s no secret the Biden administration and a collective of progressive governors have tried to stop U.S. oil and gas production.

Energy security

Many readers will remember President Biden’s drilling ban on federal land, which, according to a University of Wyoming study, could cost more than $19 billion in lost wages, $43 billion of lost economic activity, $10 billion of lost tax revenue and the loss of over 72,000 jobs per year.

Meanwhile, EV projects have received nearly $14 billion of subsidies in recent years.

Those losses fall heavi-

est on states like Wyoming, which have and continue to help secure our country’s energy security. The Cowboy State generated over $1.6 billion from energy production on federal lands in 2021, the second highest in the nation.

Over 28,000 jobs –about one-sixth of Wyoming’s workforce – and a quarter of the state’s gross domestic product was supported by our oil and gas industry in 2019.

Few people doubt the potential value of cleaner vehicles, including us. However, should they be forced on families working hard to make ends meet, especially

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Operator week celebrated

Gov. Mark Gordon proclaimed the week of Feb. 6-13 as the Wyoming Professional Water and Wastewater Operator Appreciation Week. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) is joining him in honoring these essential professionals.

Water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment operators are professionals who are vital to Wyoming. They protect public health by ensuring drinking water is safe and pure.

They also protect Wyoming’s lakes and rivers by removing pollutants from wastewater. Certified operators are essential to correctly operate and maintain water and wastewater infrastructure which supports communities and readies them for future growth.

According to Kim Parker, WDEQ operator certification coordinator, this was decided because Feb. 5, 1975, was the day Wyoming’s first operator certification rule was created.

“It’s important we recognize these professionals and the vital role they play in safeguarding our health and protecting our environment,” Parker said. “They also protect the investment Wyoming’s taxpayers have made in water and wastewater infrastructure by operating facilities correctly.”

“Not many professions demand such widely varied skills. Professional operators contribute greatly to the high quality of life we enjoy here in Wyoming,” Parker added.

Wyoming has about 1,700 operators working in 434 facilities.

ALB launches campaign

The American Lamb Board (ALB) is celebrating February as Lamb Lovers Month with their Ewe Complete Me consumer promotion. The campaign has a strong digital presence through ALB’s consumer social media platforms, reminding followers there is no better way to show their love than preparing delicious American lamb.

American lamb lovers have been flocking to social media to share their favorite lamb recipes for a chance to win a date-night-in prize package including American lamb shanks and premium culinary items.

Ewe Complete Me is just one the Lamb Checkoff’s promotions to encourage consumers to choose American lamb. To extend the reach and message, ALB staff is sending key consumer food media representatives a Lamb Lovers Month kit including loin chops, Lamb Lovers Month tote bags, sheep’s milk cheese and wool socks with a heart pattern.

“ALB has celebrated February as Lamb Lovers Month for more than a decade,” said Peter Camino, ALB chairman. “We value this annual opportunity to amplify our impact and carry out marketing goals outlined in the 2023 strategic plan.”

For more information, visit lambresourcecenter.com

Shively Hardware Co.

CBB elects officers

Cattle producers Jimmy Taylor, Andy Bishop and Ryan Moorhouse are the new leaders of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (CBB). This officer team is responsible for guiding the national Beef Checkoff throughout 2023.

Taylor, Bishop and Moorhouse were elected by fellow CBB members during their winter meetings, held during the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans Feb. 1-3.

Taylor, the 2022 vice chair, will now serve as CBB’s chair, while Bishop will transition from his role as the 2022 secretary/treasurer to become the 2023 vice chair. Moorhouse is the newest member of the officer team, taking on Bishop’s former responsibilities as secretary/treasurer.

“As 2023 gets underway, demand for beef continues to be strong, both domestically and internationally,” Taylor said. “However, ongoing drought and economic uncertainty continues to challenge our industry. As the new chair of CBB, I’m looking forward to working with our dedicated members and contractors to develop plans and initiatives designed to advance our industry and build upon the momentum generated during 2022.”

Gov. hosts prayer breakfast

Gov. Mark Gordon invites the public to attend the 2023 Governor’s Prayer Breakfast featuring keynote speaker Anne Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne’s, the world’s largest handrolled soft pretzel franchise.

A longstanding tradition spanning more than 70 years, the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast will take place at 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 15 at the Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne.

Individual tickets are on sale through the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast website for $50 each. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis and are available at wyoprayerbreakfast.org

This year’s event is sponsored by Rocky Mountain Power, Black Hills Energy, Cheyenne Frontier Days, NextEra Energy Resources, TerraPower, UniWyo Credit Union, Western Vista Credit Union, Wyoming Downs, Wyoming Energy Futures and Wyoming Hospital Association.

“Jennie and I are immensely grateful for the ongoing support Wyomingites have shown for the prayer breakfast the past four years,” Gordon said. “We are eagerly looking forward to the 2023 event.”

The Wyoming Governor’s Prayer Breakfast traces its origin to the National Prayer Breakfast tradition, held annually in Washington, D.C. since 1953. The breakfast is nondenominational and nonpartisan. It is hosted by Gordon and the Wyoming Governor’s Residence Foundation. Visit wyoprayerbreakfast.org to learn more.

second in hogs, third in reasons, third in sheep and goats and fifth in cattle. Courtesy photo

Judging team impresses

The Casper College

Livestock Judging Team made an impressive showing among tough competition during the livestock judging contest at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in Fort Worth, Texas on Feb. 3.

The team, made up of members Jessy Barger, Robert Choma, Eddie Plumier, Bailey Mast, Madi Lupher, Rylee Helm, Colter Sharp, Kassidy Brooks, Madison Henry, Aspyn Green, Kaylee Davis, Wade Leachman, Kaley Pieper, Jacob Klaudt, Kadyn Braaten and Braden West and coached by Jeremy Burkett and Colby Hales, ended the contest as the fifth place team overall.

Additionally, the team brought home bragging rights for third place in reasons, second place in hogs, fifth place in cattle and third place in sheep and goats.

Individual awardees included Jessy Barger, who placed fifth in swine, 10th in reasons and was the

12th high individual; Jacob Klaudt who placed fifth in horses and Bailey Mast who was the second high alternate for horses.

Aspyn Green brought home the titles of first high individual in swine, fourth high individual in horses and seventh high individual alternate, while Colter Sharp received honors as third high individual alternate, fifth high alternate in cattle and fifth high alternate in horses.

Braden West ended the contest as fifth high individual alternate, first high alternate in horses, third high alternate in reasons and fourth high alternate in sheep and goats.

Kaylee Davis brought home the prestigious title of high individual alternate. In addition to finishing as the second high alternate in sheep and goats, third high alternate in cattle, third high alternate in horses, fifth high alternate in swine and fifth high alternate in reasons.

Fifth place team – The Casper College Livestock Judging Team brought home bragging rights as the fifth place team overall at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in Forth Worth, Texas. They also placed

WWPC celebrates 50 years

The Wyoming Weed and Pest Council (WWPC) is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023. On Feb. 10, 1973, the Wyoming State Legislature passed and Gov. Stan Hathaway signed, the Weed and Pest Act into law.

This law established WWPC and 23 districts throughout the Cowboy State. It was the first time all counties were required to have a district. While times have changed since 1973, WWPC continues to successfully manage invasive species, educate the public and help keep Wyoming wild and beautiful.

John F. Turner, a former Wyoming state senator who was there to pass the act, stated how gratified he was to see it passed and to see how successful it’s been.

“We wanted to emphasize local control and be sure the program had the best research and expertise,” Turner said. “Looking back, it certainly is one of Wyoming’s landmark conservation programs. The benefits to Wyoming’s landscape and citizenry have just been immense.”

The fight against invasive species in Wyoming started in 1895 when the first weed law was passed to manage Russian thistle and “kindred pests” – also known as noxious species. Now, WWPC continues to research, educate and use the latest science and technology to control and reduce the spread of invasive species.

For tips to stop the spread of invasive species or for information about WWPC and its 50th anniversary, visit wyoweed.org

APHIS hiring

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is currently in search of individuals who are passionate about animal health and interested in helping protect and defend the U.S. food supply and the nation’s livestock through a position as a veterinary medical officer on their team.

In this role, individuals will review the health status and disease potential of livestock, pets, other animals, animal products and animal byproducts imported and exported by the U.S. They will coordinate the inspection and approval of facilities importing and exporting restricted animal products.

Current openings nationwide for both supervisory and nonsupervisory veterinary medical officers through APHIS include a vacancy for a supervisory veterinary medical officer – epidemiologist in Wyoming, a vacancy for a veterinary medical officer – epidemiologist in Georgia, three vacancies for supervisory veterinary medical officers – epidemiologist in Indiana, Iowa and Minnesota and one vacancy for a veterinary medical officer – epidemiologist in New York or New Jersey.

There are also four vacancies for veterinary medical officer – emergency coordinators in Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Washington; two vacancies for area veterinarians in charge in Texas and Utah and two vacancies for area veterinarians in charge in Missouri and Texas.

HOF nominations open

Each year, two Wyoming citizens or couples are recognized for their involvement in the state’s agriculture industry by induction into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame (HOF) The Hall of Fame has honored 73 Wyomingites to date.

Last year’s inductees were Pat and Sharon O’Toole and the late Scott Keith.

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

“There are a lot of good people in Wyoming who have accomplished a lot for their communities and the ag industry,” adds Sun. “Anyone who knows someone who fits these characteristics should fill out a nomination form and send it in.”

To nominate someone for the Wyoming Agriculture HOF, visit wylr.net and click on the Ag Hall of Fame tab, e-mail roundup@wylr.net or call the office at 307-2342700. Nominations must be submitted by June 1.

After nominations are submitted, a panel of three independent judges will be selected to review applications and select the winners. HOF inductees will be honored at the Wyoming Ag HOF picnic, scheduled for Aug. 16, in conjunction with the Wyoming State Fair Aug. 15-19.

At the picnic, nominees will receive a commemorative poster and belt buckle.

Forms can be mailed to Wyoming Livestock Roundup, PO Box 850, Casper, WY 82602 or e-mailed to roundup@ wylr.net. Two letters of support are required with the application, but feel free to include any supplemental information with the nomination form. Call 307-234-2700 with any questions.

SESSION

continued from page 2

as they face down ballooning inflation and a looming recession?

EVs cost, on average, $18,000 more than internal-combustion vehicles. A report last year found EVs cost as much as 50 percent more per mile than gas vehicles.

Further, this resolution is as much about oil and gas as it is about the power grid. From a practical perspective, we have yet to see a plan from California and other states banning internal combustion engines outlining how the new demand for the electricity required to run electric vehicles will be met.

Rather than following California’s luddite approach of banning technologies disfavored by the woke left, the Wyoming Legislature is focused on innovation and technology, including cleaner uses for coal and natural gas.

Pocketbook, dinner table issues

This all points to a larger picture – the Wyoming Legislative Majority is focused on the pocketbook and dinner table issues affecting Wyoming’s hardworking men and women. And, we won’t let dug-in, out-ofstate forces distract us from advancing commonsense legislation which improves the lives of our constituents.

There is a lot of work to be done and a lot of opportunity to make a difference.

The legislative majority is committed to tackling skyrocketing property taxes, which are driving out long-time residents and making home-

ownership even more unattainable for many.

Already, the legislature has fully funded $5 million for the Property Tax Refund Program in the Supplemental Budget, which will be debated in coming weeks.

We are focused on creating economic opportunity and diversifying our economy. Bills being crafted now run the gamut from making it easier for local food producers to sell their products to creating opportunity for the rare earth elements industry to significantly expand operations in Wyoming.

These measures are just the tip of the iceberg.

What voters can count on is this – the Republican Majority is keenly focused on issues affecting families when they balance their checkbooks, when they buy food, when they send their kids to school and when they consider their futures.

And, we are steadfast in our resolve to push ahead with good ideas and good policy to make a difference in their daily lives – not high-minded political dogma which ignores our realities here in Wyoming.

Sen. Jim Anderson represents Senate District 28. Sen. Brian Boner represents Senate District Two. Sen. Ed Cooper represents Senate District 20. Sen. Dan Dockstader represents Senate District 16. Rep. Donald Burkhart represents House District 15, and Rep. Bill Henderson represents House District 41. For more information or to contact Wyoming’s senators and representatives, visit wyoleg.gov

GRANT continued from page 1

Since the approval of the grant, the project has shifted into the design phase, with plans to begin construction in 2023. The facility is set to open in early 2025.

Advancements in emerging technology

Plenty Unlimited, Inc., a company dedicated to advancing the emerging technology of indoor agriculture, got its start in Laramie.

According to the governor’s office, Chief Science Officer Dr. Nate Storey cofounded Bright Agrotech, LLC in 2010 while enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Wyoming (UW).

Later, in 2014, Storey and a group of entrepreneurs founded the startup Plenty Unlimited Inc., which later bought out Bright Agrotech.

Today, Plenty has more than 400 employees nationwide, including a research and development team of more than 75 scientists and 100 engineers. Over the past two years, this team has created more than 100 new patent filings for innovations as diverse as new crop growing systems, plant stress detection and new tomato varieties.

“As a Wyoming native, I have devoted my career to advancing plant science in my home state and am proud to be a part of helping the state play a leading role in advancing a new field,” said Storey in the press release. “This state-

of-the-art facility will not only accelerate our research and development pipeline, but it will also create an incredible opportunity to attract and employ a talented workforce to further innovation and diversification for Wyoming.”

“Creating this new center of excellence greatly expands Plenty’s ability to transform indoor agriculture,” said Plenty CEO Arama Kukutai in a Feb. 2 Business Wire article. “We’ve already built one of the top indoor farming research ecosystems in the world in Wyoming. Our new facility will expand our capability to grow the widest variety of crops, which is key to unlocking the potential of this category and addresses a major limitation for the industry today.”

“This continued commitment to innovation is what’s needed to push indoor farming forward and make fresh food accessible to everyone,” Kukutai continued.

Gordon commented, “Wyoming is proud to invest in the continued success of a business that was first innovated here in Wyoming by one of our own and demonstrated at the 2015 World Expo. The level at which Plenty will be operating in this new facility will truly advance Wyoming’s preeminence as a global center of indoor agricultural research. This

SALE REPORTS

TJS Red Angus 15th Annual "Red Truck" Sale

Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor Feb. 3, 2023

Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo

Auctioneer: Ty Thompson

Sale Manager: Legacy Genetics

134 Red and Black Angus Bulls Avg. $5,888

Top Sellers Red Angus

Lot 57 – TJH Like

A Boss J103 – Price:

$11,250 DOB: 5/5/21

Sire: 5L Like A Boss

8986-283F Dam’s Sire:

TJS Buf Crk The Legend

Z025 EPDs: BW: -0.9, WW: +64, YW: +102 and Milk: +33 Buyer:

Dwyer Red Angus, Sidney, Mont.

Lot 13 – TJS Bar-

ricade H619 – Price:

$10,250 DOB: 4/28/21

Sire: TJS Birthright E118

Dam’s Sire: Badlands

Cinched 521C EPDs:

BW: -2.0, WW: +71,

YW: +104 and Milk: +23

Buyer: Bowles J5 Reds, Chinook, Mont.

Lot 2 – TJS Super-

star J389 – Price: $10,000

DOB: 5/29/21 Sire: Red

U2 Nova 627F Dam’s

center gives us a tremendous opportunity to promote state-of-the-art research and development and further diversify our state’s economy.”

Vertical farming

According to a Feb. 2 Bowery Farming blog post, vertical farming is an agricultural process in which crops are grown on top of each other, rather than in traditional, horizontal rows. Many vertical farms are also grown indoors using a practice known as controlled environment agriculture (CEA).

Through CEA, plants are grown in spaces where

conditions can be controlled to match the specific needs of the plants.

“Similar to smart thermostats in modern homes, wherein certain rooms can be set to different temperatures, today’s smart farms allow for variations in humidity, temperature, light and nutrients from area to area within a single farm. This means different plants can grow in one indoor farm, but have their environments customized to their individual needs,” explains Bowery Farming. The company further explains, in contrast to traditional farming operations

For more information about Plenty Unlimited Inc., visit plenty.ag.

which require fertile soil, plenty of moisture and are usually determined by seasonal variations in temperature and sunlight, vertical farming systems grow crops hydroponically, aeroponically or aquaponically with LED lighting and a closedloop watering system, without soil.

Because verticallyfarmed crops are grown in clean, controlled environments there is also no need for pesticide use, and there

is a reduced instance of the presence of pathogens such as E. coli – and therefore, an increase in food safety.

Bowery Farming explains growing plants vertically also conserves space, resulting in a higher crop yield per square foot of land used.

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

Buyer: Smith Sheep Company, Douglas Black Angus

Lot 132 – TJS Cav-

alry J002 – Price: $9,000

DOB: 2/17/21 Sire: JVC

Cavalry V3326 Dam’s

Sire: Coleman Charlo 0256 EPDs: BW: +0.8, WW: +70, YW: +116 and Milk: +24 Buyer: Lara-

mie Cattle Company, Carpenter

Lot 134 – TJS Bravo

J151 – Price: $9,000

DOB: 5/9/21 Sire: Coleman Bravo 6313 Dam’s

Sire: Reisig CA Prior-

ity 536 EPDs: BW: -1.0, WW: +57, YW: +101 and Milk: +22 Buyer: Lara-

mie Cattle Company, Carpenter

Wyoming Emergency Insect Management grants available

The Wyoming Emergency Insect Management Grant application is now available.

Applications for the grant must be submitted by March 31. The Wyoming Emergency Insect Management Grant package can be found on the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (USDA) website at agriculture.wy.gov

The Emergency Insect

Management Program was enacted by the Wyoming Legislature in 2003 to create an account, and program oversight, to assist with emergency management of insect pests and insect vectors.

Funding from the account is allocated from a committee representing the director of the USDA, the director of the Department of Health, the director of the

Game and Fish, the Wyoming State Veterinarian and the governor.

Any state agency or political subdivision –municipality, special district or county – is eligible to apply for funding.

Approved programs shall receive no more than 50 percent of the total program cost. In special circumstances, programs for the

continued from page 1

control of outbreak insects may receive up to 75 percent of the program costs.

Additional clarification and requirements are outlined within the grant package. Details of the committee’s allocation meeting will be published once the date, place and time have been set.

Contact Lindsey Woodward at 307-777-6585 with questions.

FEEDERS Chris & Erick Esterholdt 160 Blk Angus Strs & Hfrs, 600-800#, Weaned 72 days, Been on Long Stem Hay, Cake, Bunk Broke, Branding & Weaning Shots

Horse Creek Farming & Feeding 128 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 750-925#, Complete Vac. Program, Been on a Grower Ration

Fred & Laurie Reichert 125 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 700#, Weaned since Nov. 15, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration, Full Vac. Program,

Home Raised

Little Creek Cattle Co. 91 Mx Hfrs, 650-725#, Weaned a long time, Running out, Hay Fed, Complete Vac. Program

Mike Werner 68 Red Angus Strs, 750#, Weaned since Oct. 26, Corn Silage/Ground Hay Mix, Branding & Weaning Shots, Home Raised

Myrin Ranch 65 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 625-760#. Weaned 105 days, Running out on pasture supplemented with Grass/Alfalfa Hay Mix (NO Grain), Free Choice Mineral, Bunk Broke, Branding & Weaning Shots, High Elevation: Summered at 6-9000’, Source and Age, NHTC, EID Tagged thru

IMI Global

Tyler Lauck 49 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 750-900#, Weaned a long time, Been on a Grower Ration, Bunk Broke, Branding, Precond & Booster Shots

Justin McWilliams 20 Blk Strs, 700-800#, Weaned 110 days, Been on Millet Hay, Branding, Precond & Booster Shots

Dale Clark 20 Blk Hfrs, 900#, PTO @ ranch, Complete Vac. Program, Coming off grass

WEANED CALVES

Travis Snowden 265 Blk/Bwf/Rd/Rwf Strs & Hfrs, 500-675#, Weaned 90+ days, Bunk broke, Been on a Light Grower Ration, Branding, Precond & Weaning Shots, No Replacements Kept, Sired by Leachman Angus Bulls

MC Ranch/Dan Miller 225 Blk few Rd/Char Hfrs, 450#, Weaned 100+ days, 3 Rounds of Shots: Pyramid 5+Presponse, Vision 7, Poured w/

Ivomec, Age & Source, All Natural, NHTC Verified thru IMI Global

Hillside Rogue LLC 160 Blk Angus Strs & Hfrs, 450-700#, Weaned 90 days, Grower Ration, Branding & Precond Shots, Home Raised, High

Elevation

Dale Clark 165 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 550-600#, Weaned 75+ days, Hay Fed Only, Branding Shots

Jeb Hanson 100 Blk Strs, 475-550#, Weaned 55 days, Hay Fed, Branding & Weaning Shots, May/June Calves

Wyoming Vagabond Cattle Co./Aubrey Dunn 50 Blk few Rd Strs & Hfrs, 575-625#, Weaned 120+ days, Bunk Broke, 3 Rounds of Modified

Live Vac. Program

Rodgers Ranch/Mike Rodgers 70 Blk/Bwf few Rd Strs & Hfrs, 550-650#, Weaned 70+ days, Light Grower Ration, Complete Vac. Program,

High Elevation

John Hubenka 70 Mx Strs, 550-650#, Weaned a long time, Bunk Broke, Been on a Light Grower Ration, Branding & Precond Shots

Charlie & Harlan Bradshaw 64 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 500-725#, Weaned 120+ days, Hay Fed, Complete Vac. Program, Poured, Heifers are Bangs

Vac., No Implants

Snow Cap Livestock 57 Mx Hfrs, 375-450#, Weaned a long time, Hay Fed, Branding Shots

Spencer Eyre 50 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 525-625#, Weaned 100+ days, Grass Hay Fed, Branding & Precond Shots, Poured

Mike Kunzler 37 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 525-625#, Weaned 100+ days, Grass Hay Fed, Branding & Precond Shots, Poured

Wyo Herz LLC 16 Blk Hfrs, 450-500#, Weaned 120 days, Hay Fed, Branding & Precond Shots, Replacement Quality

Branch Fork Ranch

SALE

13 Mx Strs, 450-500#, Weaned a long time, Hay Fed, All Shots

effective in reducing humancaused mortality.”

The release continues, “However, the impact of recently enacted state laws and regulations affecting these two grizzly bear populations is of concern and needs to be evaluated. We will fully evaluate these and all other potential threats and associated state regulatory mechanisms in detail when we conduct the status assessments and make the 12-month findings.”

Wyoming support

“This is a positive step, and I thank FWS. Wyoming’s petition, filed early last year, shows after 46 years and over $52 million dollars of investment by Wyoming sportsmen and women, the population of the bear is far above longestablished recovery goals,” said Gordon. “In addition, Wyoming has an established framework to provide adequate protection and management of the bear in the future. I trust FWS will continue to use the best scientific evidence, and I hope Wyoming will soon manage this species as part of our treasured wildlife population.”

Currently, Wyoming has a grizzly bear management plan in place. The plan will be amended to recognize the necessary legal requirements to satisfy the ESA requirements for post-delisting management.

Gordon continued, “Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) Director Brian Nesvik and I will be discussing timelines and next steps with the FWS and senior Department of Interior officials in the next several days.”

According to Gordon, there is an expanding num-

ber of grizzly bears beyond the edges of the bear’s biological and socially suitable range. Refined population estimates show population numbers are more than 1,000 bears – far beyond scientific requirements for a recovered, viable population.

“WGFD stands ready to manage this population with robust public involvement and the best science at a moment’s notice,” said Nesvik. “WGFD has a strong track record of managing grizzly bears during the times they have been delisted in the past.”

Next steps

FWS will now initiate a comprehensive status review of the grizzly bear in the NCDE and GYE based on scientific and commercial data to inform a 12-month finding to determine whether the removal of ESA protections would then be initiated through a separate rulemaking process, with additional public notice and comment.

The public can play an essential role by submitting relevant information, particularly new scientific and commercial data published since the 2021 five-year status review. In-depth status review and information can be submitted through regulations.gov, docket number: FWS-R6-ES-2022-0150, beginning Feb. 6.

The 90-day finding and petition review forms can be found by visiting www. federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/06/202302467/endangered-andthreatened-wildlife-andplants-90-day-findings-forthree-petitions-to-delist-the.

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

UPCOMING SALE SCHEDULE

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Jeff Ward – Laramie, WY 307-399-9863***Tam Staman – Crawford, NE 308-631-8513

Justin Smith - Lusk, WY 307-340-0724***Danny Nicodemus – Cheyenne, WY 307-632-4325

Chris Williams - Greybull, WY 307-272-4567***Hunter Dockery - Lusk, WY 307-340-1202

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FWS

NCBA provided updates and priorities during national convention and trade show

Agricultural producers, industry partners and other stakeholders across the country gathered in New Orleans on Feb. 1-3 for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show.

During the event, NCBA agreed on their policy priorities for the year ahead, offered cattle industry updates and elected a new team of officers.

Policy priorities

To kick off the convention, NCBA’s executive committee approved the organization’s policy priorities on Feb. 1, with a focus on advancing animal disease preparedness, protecting voluntary conservation programs and defending producers from regulatory overreach.

According to a NCBA Feb. 1 press release, these priorities include securing reauthorization of animal health provisions from the 2018 Farm Bill and advocating for expanded funding of the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank to protect against foot and mouth disease.

Additionally, the association will focus on protecting and funding the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program and other voluntary conservation programs to incentivize management of natural resources and protecting the cattle industry from regulatory attacks under Waters of the U.S., the Endangered Species Act, emissions reporting, etc.

“Our focus is to help create opportunity for America’s cattle producers and fight to make sure the federal government does not damage our industry,” said NCBA PresidentElect Todd Wilkinson. “Cattle producers have been caretakers of the land and livestock for decades and are committed to conserving this country’s natural resources while producing high-quality beef.”

Wilkinson further noted one of the largest opportunities NCBA has to help cattle producers this year is through passing a successful 2023 Farm Bill. Potential drought relief, producer profitability

On Feb. 2, the convention hosted the popular CattleFax Outlook Seminar, featuring Meterologist Matt Makens and CattleFax’s Vice President of Industry Relations and Analysis Kevin Good to share updates on current drought conditions and the cattle market.

To begin, Makens noted the latest weather forecast only shows a 14 percent probability of the existence of La Niña this spring, with the probability falling lower by summer months.

This means a pattern change may occur – with a neutral phase taking control for several months as La Niña weakens before giving El Niño a chance to grow this summer and into the fall, Makens explained.

With La Niña in the rearview mirror, he further suggested drought conditions may improve and producers will likely see more favorable growing seasons and healthier soils.

“I’m not trying to imply doing away with La Niña fixes everything. An El Niño can cause drought across the northern states. There is no win-win for everyone in any weather pattern,” Makens added. “But moisture conditions should improve for the West in the second half of this year.”

When it comes to the cattle market, Good reported U.S. beef cow inventories have fallen 1.5 million head from cycle highs, and the 2023 beef cow herd is expected to be down another million head to nearly 29.2 million.

Additionally, Good noted feeder cattle and calf supplies outside of feedyards will be 400,000 to 450,000 head smaller than 2022 at 25.1 million.

Cattle on feed inventories are expected to begin at 300,000 to 400,000 head below last year – at 14.3 million head – and remain smaller. Commercial fed slaughter in 2023 is fore cast to decline by 750,000 to 800,000, to 25.6 million head.

“With drought-forced placement and cull ing, beef production was record large in 2022 at 28.3 billion pounds. Expect production to drop over the next several years – declining four to five percent in 2023 to 27 bil lion pounds,” Good said. “The decline in production in 2023 will lead to a 2.2 pound decline in net beef supply to 57 pounds per person annually.”

Good also predicted all cattle classes are expected to trade higher, and prices are expected to continue to trend upward.

In fact, he said the average 2023 fed steer price will be $158 per hun dredweight (cwt), up $13 per cwt from 2022, with a range of $150 to $172 per cwt throughout the year. Utility cows will average $100 per cwt with a range

“Our focus is to help create opportunity for America’s cattle producers and fight to make sure the federal government does not damage our industry.” – Todd Wilkinson, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

of $75 to $115 per cwt, and bred cows will average $2,100 per cwt with a range of $1,900 to $2,300 for load lots of quality, running-age cows.

Lastly, Good offered insight into beef demand, noting although domestic beef demand has softened, it remains historically strong, and consumers have shown willingness to continue to buy beef at a higher range.

He also mentioned global protein demand has continued to rise and expects tighter global protein supplies to support prices in 2023.

“After more than 20 percent of growth across the last two years, U.S. beef exports are expected to moderate, declining three percent in 2023 to 3.5 billion pounds,” he said.

New team takes office, discuss priorities

During the last day

of the event, NCBA welcomed a new team of officers, including Wilkinson as the new president of the association.

A Feb. 3 NCBA press release noted Wilkinson owns and operates Wilkinson Livestock in De Smet, S.D. alongside his son, while also practicing law, in which he specializes in business transactions, estate planning and probate, real estate and agricultural law.

“My philosophy going into this next year is that I’m going to put on boxing gloves, and I’m going to be swinging for the industry,” Wilkinson said. “I’m going to bring the same level of passion I bring for my own family and business to this organization.”

“I think it’s important to fight back and protect this industry from the people who want to put us out of business. I also think

For more information from NCBA’s 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show, visit ncba.org.

this will unite cattle producers in the future,” he added.

He continued, “Part of the reason I’m doing this is to make sure this industry is here for my grandchildren and their grandchildren. I want them to have the opportunity to come back on this piece of ground and run cattle 100 years from now. I’m passionate about NCBA, and I won’t back up an inch on my commitment to this organization. As long as I am walking this earth, I want to make things a little bit better, and NCBA is one of the ways I think I can do that.”

Additionally, the association elected their 2023 officer team, which was approved by the NCBA

board of directors.

Mark Eisele of Wyoming was named president-elect, and Buck Wehrbein of Nebraska was elected vice president.

Brad Hastings of Texas was named NCBA treasurer, Virginia Cattleman Gene Copenhaver was elected chair of the NCBA Policy Division and Tim Schwab of Indiana was elected policy vice chair.

Clark Price of North Dakota and Dan Gattis of Texas were elected as chair and vice chair of the NCBA Federation Division, respectively.

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

Where else in the US can you find Angus Bulls with this depth of

Through countless volunteers, the First Hunt Foundation (FHF), a nonprofit organization out of Kamiah, Idaho, provides education and training for acquiring hunters. The organization’s main emphasis is on mentoring new hunters through mentor-based experiences.

The organization has over 787 mentors scattered across the nation in 35 states.

FHF programs

FHF offers a Connecting Heros and Hunters Program and a Hunter Appreciation Program.

The Connecting Heroes and Hunters Program is a new, targeted mentor and mentee recruiting program. FHF has tremendous respect and admiration for national and local heroes.

According to FHF’s webpage, all Veterans and first responders understand mission, teamwork and desire to serve. Through this program, FHF connects heroes to a new mission of recruiting new hunters and helping those in their own ranks to learn about conservation and hunting.

For more information about FHF’s Connecting Heroes and Hunters Program, contact Rich Cotte by e-mailing richc@firsthuntfoundation.org.

Through the Hunter

First Hunt Foundation offers hunting mentorship across the U.S.

Appreciation Program, FHF works alongside the Rocky Mountain Foundation Torstenson Family Endowment and Outdoors

International to seek successful first-time hunters to award them a certificate of appreciation.

Through this program, FHF congratulates each hunter for successfully completing a milestone in their hopefully long hunting career. Each is species specific, so whether the new hunter harvested an elk or a rabbit, FHF wants to celebrate with them.

The successful hunter does not have to have participated in a FHF mentored hunt to receive a certificate, and awards will be given as long as supplies and funding lasts.

A hunting certificate application can be filled on a first come, first served basis by visiting FHF’s webpage.

Upcoming events

In the state of Wyoming, FHF is hosting a Wyoming Outdoor Expo in conjunction with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, tentatively scheduled for May. The expo helps participants of all ages and abilities develop knowledge and skills to enjoy and respect Wyoming’s outdoor resources. For more infor-

mation about this event, visit wyomingexpo.com

In addition, FHF has hosted a PEAK Fish Camp, Spring Creek Pronghorn Hunt, Heart Mountain Bird Hunts, Wood River Deer Hunts and Wood River Turkey Hunt.

Currently, FHF is holding an African Safari Fundraiser, allowing FHF the ability to continue to teach, train and coach new hunters. The fundraiser requires a $10,000 donation and will provide four people a 10-day lodging trip.

Lodging, hunting guides, meals, beverages, laundry services, caping, skinning and salting of trophies, $500 credit per hunter to trophy fees and 10 percent discount on trophy fees is included in this donation.

Mentors

FHF continues to establish chapters of mentors across the U.S. Each prospective mentor must pass a criminal background check and agree to a mentor’s creed to participate.

The foundation holds their mentors to the highest standards of good hunting ethics and follows safe practices when working with mentees.

“FHF believes the heritage of hunting in the U.S. is a vital part of the culture and the American experience,” says Rick Brazell, FHF hunter, founder and president, on FHF’s webpage. “We recognize many

have no desire or interest to hunt, but we feel strongly even those folks need to understand the important role hunting places in the lives of millions of their fellow citizens. Often misunderstanding or a simple lack of knowledge about hunting causes some people to find fault with hunters and agencies managing wildlife and regulating hunting activities. Our mission is to keep the hunting heritage alive in America.”

He adds, “We hope to provide qualified, background-checked mentors so all who have a desire to learn about hunting can have the opportunity. We believe a mentor-based program can reach thousands of people each year across the nation.”

Several Wyomingbased mentors include Gloria Courser, Maureen Renkes and Susan Muncaster of Jackson; Danyel

Staley and Kason Hall of Rock Springs; Brenda Sportsman, Bruze Salzmann, Curtis Southern, Jr., Duane Feick, Jerry Anthony, Kathy Crofts, Katrina Southern, Leonard Fortunato and Lindsay Wion of Cody and Calvin Piper, Frank Gonzales, Merle Potter and Tanya Lewis of Casper.

In addition to mentors, FHF welcomes volunteers to help the foundation in various other settings. Volunteers participate, when available, in their area of interest. FHF encourages anyone who wants to help keep the hunting heritage alive to volunteer.

For more information on being a mentor, or for a complete list of mentors, visit firsthuntfoundation.org Brittany Gunn is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Adobe Stock photo

National Cattlemen's Beef Assocation recognizes excellence during annual convention

During the annual National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show, held in New Orleans on Feb. 1-3, several producers, advocates, students and organizations representing the beef industry were recognized through a variety of scholarship and award programs.

Over the course of the three days, 35 individuals and organizations received honors through the Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP), Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Program, W.D. Farr Scholarship Program, CME Group Scholarship Program, Masters of Beef Advocacy Program and the Trailblazers Program.

ESAP awards

Each year, ESAP recognizes producers and operations who participate in outstanding stewardship and conservation practices.

ESAP awards are sponsored by companies and federal agencies who share the cattle industry’s commitment to caring for the environment and protecting natural resources.

According to a Feb. 3 NCBA press release, award sponsors include the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Corteva Agriscience, McDonald’s and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Seven regional winners were honored at the convention and will have the opportunity to compete for the national award, which will be presented during the NCBA’s Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. April 24-27.

These winners include Lamb Farms, Inc. of Oakfield, N.Y. from Region One, Carter Cattle Company, LLC of Pintlala, Ala. from Region Two, Huth Polled Herefords and S&H Livestock Enterprises, LLC of Oakfield, Wis. from Region Three and Parks Ranch of Goliad County, Texas from Region Four.

The Region Five

awardee was Mannix Brothers Ranch of Helmville, Mont., Region Six awardee was Fulstone Ranches of Smith, Nev., and Jorgensen Land and Cattle Partnership of Ideal, S.D. received the award for Region Seven.

“Farming and ranching families across the country continue to incorporate practices to protect and preserve land and water resources for future generations,” said NCBA President Don Schiefelbein in the press release. “These regional winners represent the cattle industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship.”

BQA awards

Five operations from the West were honored through the BQA program.

NCBA explains BQA awards, funded in part by Beef Checkoff and sponsored by Cargill, recognize beef and dairy producers, marketers and educators each year who demonstrate high-quality animal care and handling principles while also making an effort to continually improve their operations through BQA.

Nebraska-based operations Wilson Flying Diamond Ranch, Temme Agribusiness and Darr Feedlot received the Cow/ Calf Award, Dairy FARM Award and Feedyard Award, respectively.

Dr. Tom Noffsinger, also of Nebraska, was the Educator Award recipient.

Additionally, Fresno Livestock Commission of California was presented the Marketer Award.

Masters of Beef Advocacy awards

NCBA presented the 2022 Advocate of the Year Award to Tucker Brown of Throckmorton, Texas, for his creative use of storytelling on social media and for continuing his family’s legacy as a sixth generation cattle rancher.

According to a Feb. 1 “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner” article, this award is given annually by NCBA’s Beef Checkoff-funded Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) Program, to recog-

Loan applications available

On Feb. 7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a streamlined process to apply for direct loans with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) will be available to farmers and ranchers starting March 1.

The new application will be reduced from 29 to 13 pages, and producers will have the option to complete the form electronically or to submit a paper application to their FSA Farm Loan Office.

Coupled with the Loan Assistance Tool released in October 2022, the simplified application will provide all loan applicants access to information regarding the application process and assist them with gathering the correct documents before they begin the application process.

“This announcement signals the Biden administration understands what is important – farmers are able to focus on farming,” said Billy Hackett, policy specialist with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.

USDA also announced all direct loan borrowers will soon receive a letter outlining options for distressed borrowers to receive relief using the funds Congress provided in Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Producers can explore all available options at fsa. usda.gov or by contacting their local USDA Service Center.

nize an outstanding beef advocate.

“As a modern-day influencer, Brown has a knack for creating intriguing and approachable social media content to bridge the gap between consumers and producers, reaching millions of viewers,” reads the article.

“With more than 176,000 followers on TikTok and 52,000 followers on Instagram, Brown receives, on average, a combined five to six million views per month on his videos and uses his influence to show what it’s like to raise beef.”

The article also explains Brown is active on his family’s operation, R.A. Brown Ranch, serves on the Leadership Development Committee for Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raiser’s Association and is dedicated to improving youth involvement in the industry.

Scholarship awards

On top of industry awards presented at the convention, 12 students across

the nation received scholarship awards.

Colorado State University graduate students Ashley Schilling of Timnath, Colo. and Lane Giess of Pierz, Minn. were each awarded a $15,000 W.D. Farr Scholarship by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF).

“The annual W.D. Farr Scholarship program, established by NCF in 2007, recognizes outstanding graduate students who plan to pursue careers furthering the beef industry,” NCBA notes in a press release. “Schilling and Giess were selected from 21 applicants based on their academic achievements, leadership and commitment to the advancement of the beef industry.”

Additionally, NCF awarded 10 students pursuing careers in the beef industry a $1,500 scholarship each through the CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship Program, which recognizes talented and thoughtful students emerging as industry leaders.

The 2023 CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship recipients include University of Wyoming’s Leah Allen of Steamboat Springs, Colo.; New Mexico State University’s Lauren Butler of Mancos, Colo.; Allen County Community College’s Bryce Hoeltzel of Olsburg, Kan.; Texas A&M University’s Kriby McNeill of Pleasanton, Texas and South Dakota State University’s Lily Mitchell of Boscobel, Wis.

Other CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship recipients were Iowa State University’s Macy Moore of What Cheer, Iowa; Texas Tech University’s Ashlyn Ochsner of Kersey, Colo.; Montana State University’s Colter Petre of Helena, Mont. and Kansas State University students Weston Schrader of Wells, Kan. and Paige Wood of Fullerton, Neb.

Trailblazer awards

Lastly, NCBA recognized industry advocates involved in the Beef Checkoff funded Trailblazers Pro-

gram, which was established in 2021 to identify, train, equip and empower the next generation of advocates in the beef community.

“Over the course of a year-long program, 10 elite advocates develop the necessary tools to facilitate quality conversations and help safeguard the work of producers, ranchers and cattle farmers across the U.S.,” notes the NCBA press release.

The 2022 Trailblazers include Kacy Atkinson of Wyoming, Brianna Buseman, Natalie Jones and Jaclyn Wilson of Nebraska, Markie Hageman-Jones and Sebastian Mejia Turcios of California, Marya Haverkamp of Kansas, Shaye Koester of North Dakota, Haley AmmannEkstrom of Minnesota and Jonathan Black of West Virginia.

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

The 65th Annual Black Hills Stock Show (BHSS) was held in Rapid City, S.D, Jan. 27-Feb. 4 with events ranging from elite horse sales to cattle shows, concerts and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos.

BHSS is the second largest event in the state of South Dakota, following the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which is scheduled for Aug. 4-13. An estimated 331,000 people attend BHSS to partake in livestock shows, horse and rodeo events and to shop over 300 vendors.

In 2012, an economic impact study indicated BHSS has an economic impact of $21.9 million dollars, with a direct impact of $15.2 million.

BHSS attracts people from a 13-state region and is committed to preserving the Western heritage in the state of South Dakota while incorporating rural lifestyles into the urban community of Rapid City. Whether it’s competing in American Quarter Horse Association shows, riding a wild bronc or showcasing prized livestock, BHSS has something for everyone.

champion – The winner of the Sheepdog Trials was Becky Combs of Wray, Colo. and her four-year-old border collie, Kate.

Ruffin Em Up is a 2019 palomino American Quarter Horse Association stallion with reining horse champions on both sides of his pedigree. He will start his own futurity career this summer. He is owned by Karla McDonald and Ron Volk of Lame Deer, Mont.

Livestock care – Rylee Schroeder of Winner, S.D. helps fit a Simmental bull. The bull is owned by Nathan Thyen of Thyen Farms in Waverly, S.D.

Western art – The Western Art Quick Draw Contest is a fast-paced competition, allowing only an hour and 15 minutes for contestants to complete their projects. In addition, there is a People’s Choice voting award and a subsequent auction of the artwork. Pictured is Lisa Norman of Buffalo with Images West.

65th Annual Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo draws participants and spectators

Melissa Burke photos

Sheep trials – Duncan, a nine-year-old male border collie, works sheep around the

Shearing competition – Shown here is a competitor in the preliminary round of the Professional Division of the National Sheep Shearing Championships. The number of sheep being sheared varies according to the progression of rounds and the level of competitors.

Cattle exhibitor –Twelve-year-old Kinsley Krebs of Gordon, Neb. keeps an eye on the judge during the Junior Showmanship class at the Show-Rite Youth Beef Show. Her parents are Ty and Kaleigh Krebs

PAP Tested, High-Altitude Bulls

pattern during the semifinals round of the All-American Sheepdog Trials. His owner/handler is Tim Gifford of Harrisburg, Neb.

Show prep – Wayne Jordan of Jordan Cattle Company in Alva puts some finishing touches on his Simmental heifer entry.

Future of ag – Two-year-old Elias Waheed of Rapid City, S.D. does some farming behind the bleachers while his parents, Donovan and Jorden Waheed, watch the sheep shearing contest.

Getting Started in Ag: Financial Planning for the Coming Year

Visit Farmanswers.org/library for information on a variety of financial planning topics, many geared toward new and beginning producers. The library contains more than 300 articles on financial topics alone.

Visit RightRisk.org for additional financial planning resources and tools, as well as online courses, such as the “Getting on Track” series, which specifically addresses record-keeping, financial statements, financial analysis, and more. RightRisk.org also offers the RD Financial Tool, developed to help producers evaluate their financial statements, and many other resources for new and beginning producers.

IT’S A NEW YEAR: WHERE DO I START?

This time of year is often when those involved in production agriculture begin making plans for the coming production season. Financial planning is a critical component of these plans, regardless of the size of your business. While you likely have plenty of chores and other daily activities that require your attention, it is important to set aside time for detailed financial planning.

In today’s environment of supply chain challenges, inflation, rising interest rates and price volatility, it is imperative to plan accordingly. It is important, from a risk management standpoint, to develop a complete review of your financial health. This information can help you plan for uncertainty and allow you to take advantage of potential opportunities. Understanding your current financial position and budgeting for the coming year allows you to better measure your business’s financial position and overall performance, address potential issues and make changes to succeed.

GATHER YOUR RECORDS

Before you can accurately plan for next year, you need to understand how last year went. It is important to keep good records— both production records and records of all receipts and disbursements. Save all receipts including, but not limited to, sales tickets, paid invoices, checking records and credit statements. These records should be sorted by enterprise or type, depending on the nature of your business.

In addition to keeping good records, maintain a journal of all

income and expenses. Journals can be paper or digital; many different apps and software programs, both free and paid, are available to help track transactions.

Once the data is collected, a profit and loss statement can be put together, either on a monthly or yearly basis. If your business includes more than one enterprise, it is important to divide or allocate the income and expense items by each enterprise as appropriate. Individual enterprise analysis can help you identify where both profit centers and areas of improvement exist within your business.

BUILD YOUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

There are four main financial statements crucial to analyzing your business and planning the way forward: cash flow, income statement, balance sheet and owner equity. The cash-flow statement describes the farm business’s sources and uses of cash, as well as a monthly summary of those cash inflows and outflows. The first cash-flow statement should be a historical document, using actual

data from your most recent financial records. From there you can construct a cash flow projection or budget for the coming year.

Formulating a projected cashflow is especially important if you are borrowing money needed to operate. This projection allows you to anticipate when cash

Getting started with a cash flow statement.

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

deficits might occur and how they will be addressed. The first step is to list all potential cash inflows and outflows in total, then assign them to appropriate months. It is important to be as comprehensive as possible when listing expenses, as it will cut down on surprises in the form of cost overruns later on.

Construction of the balance sheet is the next step. This statement outlines the owner’s assets and liabilities and the subsequent net worth (asset values minus liabilities). The balance sheet is a useful tool for lenders as well as business owners, providing estimated values at a certain point in time as well as a measure of business performance over time. For instance, a series of balance sheets can

show whether net worth has improved over a three-year period. Assets and liabilities are designated as current (due or sellable in the coming year) or non-current/long term (due beyond one year).

Using the information from the cash flow and balance sheet, it possible to formulate an income statement. An accrual-based income statement is the only true measure of profitability for a business. This statement accounts for all cash and non-cash (accrual) income and expenses.

Cash accounting measures income and expenses that are based on cash transactions, ignoring inventory and other non-cash changes. Accrual-basis accounting

matches revenue from the production period to actual expenses associated with producing that revenue. This provides an accurate picture of business performance over the period, not just a description of changes in cash. Production agriculture often involves inconsistent revenue streams and expenses, so even if you choose to use cash accounting

for tax purposes, it is important to develop an accrual-based income statement for management decision-making.

Finally, a statement of owner equity (net worth) shows how a business’s overall financial position may have changed over a year. This statement can help identify the financial events that led to a change in equity position as well as what steps can be taken to address any negative impacts.

BUDGETING

You can begin to develop budgets for the coming year once you have a handle on your business’s financial information. As discussed above, if you have more than one enterprise involved in your operation, such as crops and livestock, it is important to use enterprise budgets to evaluate financial performance. You can better understand the contribution of each enterprise to the profitability of the entire business by estimating net revenue for each. When building these budgets, make sure the financial information used is as accurate and up to date as possible.

Partial budgeting is another tool that can be used to consider the potential benefits and costs from a proposed change to an enterprise or the business as a whole. These changes might include expansion, machinery/equipment purchase, a new marketing strategy, or choosing to custom hire instead of owning equipment. For more information, see the Risk Scenario Planning tool available at RightRisk.org/Analytics.

Pcess609, stock.adobe.com

Windbreaks offer critical protection from Western winters

Over the past few weeks, frigid temperatures and howling winds have proved only the toughest can survive a nasty Wyoming winter. Since livestock performance and survival is heavily affected by temperature and wind, one can only imagine how hard of a toll recent conditions have had on cattle across the West.

In a University of Lincoln-Nebraska (UNL) BeefWatch newsletter titled “Windbreaks for Protection and Snow Diversion,” published on Jan. 1, UNL Extension Educator Brad Schick notes windbreaks are an important tool for keeping cattle out of the wind.

“Shelter for livestock during winter months can influence the success of calving on a livestock operation. In fact, calving success can increase by two percent behind a windbreak,” states Schick. “Additionally, in Montana feedlots during severe winters, cattle behind windbreaks gained 10.6 pounds more than cattle without windbreaks.”

Constructing a windbreak

Since protection from the wind and snow isn’t always readily available from natural topography or living windbreaks such as trees or shrubs, Schick notes it is important to construct windbreaks to increase livestock protection.

He believes it is critical to keep the end goal in mind when installing a windbreak.

“A windbreak will only be as good as it is designed, and using the wrong design can cause more harm than good,” he explains. “Knowing the purpose of the wind-

break is vital to its success.”

According to Schick, there are several different options available to producers when constructing a windbreak, including permanent, porous and nonporous structures.

Schick points out research by the U.S. Forest Service, conducted at the Rocky Mountain Research Station, examined nonporous, solid windbreaks, while research by the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture and Food and Manitoba Agriculture looked at the benefits of porous windbreaks.

“Ultimately, the turbulence of the wind behind the windbreak determines the size of the protected area and the degree and placement of snow accumulation,” he says.

Solid windbreaks

According to Schick, a solid windbreak constructed in the shape of a “V” will create adequate protection from the wind, while minimizing snow accumulation.

“The sides of the ‘V’ should form a 90-degree angle, and the point should be built facing into the prevailing winter winds. This will cause snow to be diverted around the ends of the barrier and form drifts away from the sheltered area,” he explains.

With this design, Schick says shelter will be downwind about five times the height of the windbreak, and will reduce wind speed by 60 percent with minimal snow accumulation.

“The shelter width, measured as the distance between

To read University of Nebraska-Lincoln BeefWatch newsletters, visit beef.unl. edu/beefwatch.

the open ends of the windbreak’s sides, should not exceed 15 times the height of the barrier. For example, an eight-feet tall barrier can have sides no longer than 85 feet because the distance between the ends of the sides with that configuration is 120-feet wide,” he says. “If the sides are longer, snow will begin to drift over the barrier and into the sheltered area.”

For producers who may not have the materials or funds to build a permanent “V”-shaped structure, Schick notes the same design can be accomplished by stacking round bales or placing tarps over two eightfeet long panels.

Porous windbreaks

When building a porous windbreak – permanent or temporary – Schick encourages producers to construct them in a line. He notes the effectiveness of a porous windbreak is determined by the open area as a percentage of the total area, which affects the amount of wind reduction.

“Porosity at 25 to 33 percent will optimize protection from wind and snowdrifts. Years of research have determined the protected area to be eight to 10 times the height of the windbreak. Therefore, a 10-foot tall fence – with 25 to 33 percent porosity – will provide 80 to 100 feet of protection behind it,” he says.

When using vertical

Austin Snook • 307-290-2161

Taylor Snook • 307-290-2273

Craig Deveraux • 307-746-5690

Dan Catlin • 406-671-7715

Clint Snook • 307-290-4000

boards to build a windbreak, Schick advises producers to use six-inch boards with two-inch spacings to create 25 percent porosity and to ensure the base of the windbreak is as wide as it is tall when constructing a temporary structure, to keep it from falling over.

Producers looking for portable, sturdy and lowcost options may consider using axles and hitches or a steel frame and vertical boards when constructing their windbreak.

Temporary windbreaks

Like permanent structures, Schick explains there are several advantages and disadvantages to using temporary or portable windbreaks.

Advantages include the ability to move structures to calving pastures, reducing hay loss fed in bunks or on the ground, offering shelter for cattle grazing crop residue fields, concentrating manure in a nutrient poor portion of the field and avoiding feed residue buildup.

On the other hand, Schick says disadvantages may include the act of moving windbreaks, toppling in extreme winds, a higher associated cost and the potential for the base to freeze to the ground.

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

Cheyenne Seymour • 605-641-0638

Casey Sellers • 307-217-2614

Jim Forbes • 307-351-5932

Tye Curuchet • 307-351-8666

Daniel Escoz • 307-217-1440

Kade Kinghorn • 307-620-0525

Market Report • February 8, 2023

by Lee Pitts

How To Stay Married

The other day I saw one of those bikes that makes the rider look like they are laying down while they peddle. Only this bike was a little different. The husband was facing forward with his legs peddling out in front of him while his wife was behind him facing backwards and peddling in the opposite direction.

Yet, the bike was moving forward. If that isn’t a fitting metaphor for marriage, I don’t know what is.

Next year my wife and I will celebrate 50 years of wedded bliss. My marriage is the thing I am most proud of in my life, and I knew after our first date, Diane was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Still, I was reluctant to ask, “Will you marry me?”

I was afraid she’d reply, “Will I what?” or, “I’d rather drink a gallon of paint thinner!”

Statistics reveal marriage, or what is now referred to as “the sociocultural interface” or “two or more people sharing a living space,” is an alternative lifestyle and a dying institution.

I have a friend who’s been married so many times the preacher gives him a volume discount, and he could live for a month on the rice collected in the pockets of his suit. Another monogamously challenged acquaintance jokingly refers to his “five-mile wedding license” and “his current wife.”

Having a great marriage is not easy, and there are sacrifices one has to make. For example, I was raised on Miracle Whip and was shocked to find out from my bride, “Only poor people eat Miracle Whip.”

She ate real mayonnaise and wouldn’t have Miracle Whip in the house. I figured this was a battle not worth fighting.

Then there’s her choice in football teams. She’s been a fan of the Pittsburg Steelers ever since Terry Bradshaw played for them – she’s got this thing for Bradshaw I don’t understand. Whereas, I’ve liked the 49’ers ever since I became friends with their offensive line coach who invited us once a year to sit in the owner’s box to watch a game.

One can imagine

how humiliated I was when she rooted for the Steelers while eating cheese puffs in the owner’s box of the Niners. Rather than argue, I just gave up watching football.

My wife says I only have two faults, I don’t listen and I forget the other one. Oh yeah, it’s my driving. Although you really couldn’t call it that as all I did was hold the steering wheel. She used to constantly tell me, “Slow down! Speed up! Don’t pass! Don’t let that jerk cut you off!”

I finally made the ultimate sacrifice and gave up driving after having a debilitating stroke – seizures and driving don’t mix. This meant she had to do all of the driving, and we haven’t had a fight ever since.

My neighbors have the same problem and have to drive two vehicles even when going to the same place.

I did have a minor victory in the toilet paper and paper towel department though. People might not believe this, but my wife was taught the paper was to come off the back of the roll, while I was normal and knew the proper way was for it to cascade down the front.

I also realized right away if our marriage was going to last I’d have to give up control of three things – the remote control, the cookbook and checkbook.

The best advice I ever got on how to stay married came from my grandpa who I never heard get in a fight with grandma.

When he gave me the family heirloom diamond ring that was to be Diane’s engagement ring he said, “If the husband or wife starts to get a little hot under the collar, the wife should go to the kitchen and the man should go to the garage.”

“The man will get a little quality time in the shop and maybe even some hot chocolate chip cookies. As for the wife, there’s always the possibility the car will fall off the jack stands, and she’ll get to collect on the life insurance policy,” he added.

Oh, and I almost forgot this tip, generally speaking – the couple who laughs together stays together.

Stronger

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as well run the hay through a few cows,” he says. “Our cow herd started with a couple of show heifers we purchased from a close family friend, Nate Lupher, and eight or so cows we got from my grandpa.”

“They weren’t the shiniest set of cattle, but it was a start,” Colten adds.

Things have changed drastically for the Wakelys since their humble beginnings.

“Today, we run quite a few momma cows,” Colten explains. “We have been fortunate enough to get in to some great leases that fit into the scheme of our operation. We also manage some Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service leases during the summer.”

“These opportunities have allowed us to grow over the past few years. We do most of our work horseback, which is just the way I think it ought to be,” he adds.

Colten also notes he artificially inseminates the majority of his herd to maintain quality and markets show calves, bulls and heifers.

Overcoming challenges

Like any cattleman in the business, Colten shares he has had to overcome some challenges to get where he is today.

“Name it, and we’ve probably dealt with a little of it in the past 25 years, which I’m sure is the case for most everybody involved in the industry,” he states. “One that really sticks out in my mind would have been in 2010 when the drought was so bad we were out of grass by midsummer and ended up liquidating the herd.”

He notes during this time, he was actually away at college and wasn’t around to help as much as he wishes he could have been.

“We all thought it was the most practical call,” he adds. “I’m not going to lie, it was kind of nice being able to do some of the other things I enjoyed. But, it didn’t take long for the itch to resurface, and before long we were back at it, more invested than we were before.”

Although agriculture comes with a multitude of difficulties, Colten believes the good exponentially out weighs the bad.

“God paints some pretty amazing pictures, from the early morning sunrises or the clear starry nights when we’re out checking heavies at two in the morning,” he says. “It’s the small victories keep ing me going when things get tough, like when I finally get a baby calf to latch a teat and suckle or a grand champion slap at a county fair.”

“My favorite part of the whole deal is to see the cycle come full circle,” he contin ues. “From calving, to breed ing decisions, to seeing calves climb on the truck in the fall, just to start it all over in a few short months. These are agri culture’s best kept secrets –we are truly the lucky ones.”

Colten also shares how grateful he is for everything

the industry has taught him.

“I am very passionate about the industry and feel it plays a very integral part in how the world functions,” he shares “Ag isn’t the problem, as some portray it, it is the solution. I think it’s important to let people know that.”

When it comes to an accomplishment he is most proud of, Colten says, “I take a lot of pride when looking at where we started to where we are today. It wasn’t without its challenges and luck, to be honest. I’m not sure if I’m on the right track or not, but I’m thankful for the opportunity to live this life, and hope we can continue to do so for years to come.”

Grateful for support

In addition to overcoming challenges and sticking it out when things get tough, Colten also attributes his success to a few of the role models in his life.

“The industry is full of people to look up to. Around every corner there is someone who we can visit with and learn a thing or two from,” he says.

“Nate Lupher, in particular, is the one who lit the fire in me. He taught me a lot about how to properly handle cattle and horses and what they are supposed to look like. He was a genius. Unfortunately, we lost him to cancer nine years ago,” he adds.

“I’m very thankful for the time I got to spend with him growing up and the things he taught me,” he continues. “He holds a special place in my heart, and I operate every day with him in the back of my mind.”

Colten also recognizes his parents as a contributing factor to his success and notes he wouldn’t be where he is today without their help and sacrifice.

“Family is a big part of our operation. I think it is a very important part of what we do,” he shares. “It’s important to have someone to lean on when things get tough, and they have been the best in the world for that.”

Offering advice

Like his parents and Nate were for him, Colten has grown into a role model for the newest generation on the ranch.

“I enjoy watching the

“I am very passionate about the industry and feel it plays a very integral part in how the world functions. Ag isn’t the problem, as some portray it – it is the solution. I think it’s important to let people know that.” – Colten Wakely

Childhood dream – Colten Wakely knew he wanted to get into the cattle business from a very young age and fondly remembers spending countless hours on the living room floor building a ranch out of Lincoln Logs. With a lot of hard work and a close-knit support system, he has made his childhood dream a reality. Ashlee Wakely

kids,” he shares. “My sister Bryell and a few of my friends have young ones who come help us out on the ranch from time to time. I enjoy watching them learn and grow.”

When it comes to offering advice for other young producers, Colten says, “Make goals and work toward them every day. Don’t get discouraged if you fail. Learn from mistakes and try again. Patience is key. These things take a lot of time and energy to build. Start small and work toward the end goal.”

He continues, “I think our generation has a lot on our plate. More and more people are going by the wayside and getting out of agriculture. I think it presents a pretty unique opportunity for the younger generation of agriculture. Go talk to those old timers and devise a plan. I’m sure there are a few who would be more than willing to help young producers get a start.”

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor for the Wyo-

Role model – Colten Wakely has spent most of his life looking up to his role model and late family friend Nate Lupher. Today, Colten has grown into a role model for the newest generation on the ranch, including his nephews Hunter (pictured), Gauge, Ruger and Bo. Ashlee Wakely photo

Although the ranching business comes with its fair share of difficulties, Colten Wakely believes the good outweighs the bad. When things get tough, he looks for small victories and beauty in the little things, such as early morning sunrises and clear starry nights. Ashlee

some 7000 acres of mountain forage. ere is no creep feeding or hot rations. Our goal is to provide you with some of the freshest and most proven genetics that the industry has to o er; with bred in performance and an unconditional soundness guarantee. Come see for yourselves how Rees Bros can help your program.

be happy you did.

photo

Cowboy lifestyle – Today, Colten Wakley and his parents run cattle on their ranch in Lyman. They do most of the work horseback, which is just the way Colten believes “it ought to be.” Ashlee Wakely photo

Small victories –

Wakely photo

On Dec. 6, The December Farm Foundation Forum, “What to Expect from the 2023 Farm Bill,” provided further insights into the next farm bill.

Panelists included U.S. Congressman Glenn Thompson (R-PA), National Council of Farmer Cooperatives President and CEO Chuck Conner, Gardner Agriculture Policy Program Director and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Associate Professor Jonathan Coppess and Senate Committee on Agriculture Nutri tion and Forestry Former Staff Director Christopher Adamo.

nears, we have three options for the upcoming farm bill –let it expire, pass an exten sion or craft a bill which works for farmers, ranch ers, producers and foresters nationwide,” said Thomp

Farm Foundation Forum discusses upcoming 2023 Farm Bill

son during the forum. “Of course, this is predicated on bipartisanship and the will of the House and Senate.”

He added, “I’m dedicated to working with my colleagues, agriculture advocates and farm families to get the job done.”

Thompson noted many producers across the U.S. are facing challenges, from rising input costs and diesel shortages to fracture supply chains and historic inflationary pressures.

“We must take action

provide certainty to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and other entities across our food and ag supply chains,” said Thompson. “American agriculture, if given the right tools and regulatory confidence can expand this vital role in alleviating global food instability and reducing costs for consumers.”

Additionally, he noted the need for a reliable farm safety net is paramount. Nearly 80 percent of the federal funding to produc-

and reduce the need for ad hoc assistance.” Another issue impacting producers is access to a legal reliable year-round workforce.

“No sector has been harmed more by our broken immigration system than agriculture,” he said.

Though far from perfect, Thompson shared he voted in support of the Farm Workforce Moderation Act, a bill aiming to address this very issue.

“I remain hopeful this bill will be refined through the legislative process to better support America’s farmers and ranchers,” he

“Farm bills are such an tion in terms of the future direction of farm and food policy in this country, and

To listen to the full webinar, visit youtube. com/watch?v=rA1EiRc1S20. For more information on the Farm Foundation, visit farmfoundation.org.

He added, “A farm bill is not just about farm programs or nutrition programs, it’s much more extensive and covers every function performed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.”

The farm bill includes the following titles: Title I – Commodities; Title II – Conservation; Title III –Trade; Title IV – Nutrition; Title V – Credit; Title VI –Rural Development; Title VII – Research, Extension and Related Matters; Title VIII – Forestry; Title IX – Energy; Title X – Horticulture; Title XI – Crop Insurance and Title XII –Miscellaneous.

“We tend to focus on Title I and IV, Commodities and Nutrition, but there’s a lot more going on in this

cost of production,” Conner mentioned.

A huge divide in the farm bill will come when discussing spending for these other categories in retrospect to nutrition, he noted.

Driving factors of 2023 Farm Bill Conner said there are four key areas driving the debate on the next farm bill. They include climate/ regenerative agriculture, urban versus rural, cost and nutrition.

“I feel optimistic because we’re using the most seasoned legislators than we have in a very long time to get this done,” said Conner. “I have tremendous confidence. There’s no one better than Boozman and Stabenow to put together

influential in working on the farm bill to represent

Projected spending

Conner noted in the 2018 Farm Bill, nutrition spending accounted for 76 percent of the farm bill’s budget, with nine percent going to crop insurance, seven percent going to commodities and conservation and one percent going to an

The 2023 Farm Bill projection spending increases nutrition to 84 percent, six percent to crop insurance, five percent to commodities, four percent to conservation and one percent to other.

“I can see this being a big source of conflict, and it’s not a newsflash for those of us who work on farm and food policy, but there’s going to be a real attempt to increase conservation and some of the support levels for commodity programs because those levels are so low compared to current market prices and current

provide an initial and brief look at the potential for climate change to drive revolutionary changes in the farm bill.

The report focuses on two initial concepts which could be built around farm support and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, but also notes multiple paths towards revolutionary status in 2023.

“While it is not easy to pinpoint which direction the next farm bill will take, we hope this issue report will spark thoughtful discussion and evaluation of some of the factors which may come into play to shape the 2023 Farm Bill into either an evolutionary or revolutionary farm bill,” said Farm Foundation President and CEO Shari Rogge-Fidler in a Morning AgClips article dated Oct. 4, 2022.

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

“Farm bills are such an important piece of legislation in terms of the future direction of farm and food policy in this country, and this one will be no different.” – Chuck Conner, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

SALE REPORTS

Beartooth Angus

Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor

Feb. 4, 2023

Swift River Ranch, Billings, Mont.

Auctioneer: Ty Thompson

Sale Manager: Genetic Pathways

45 Older Angus Bulls Avg. $5,405

34 Yearling

Top Sellers Yearling Bulls

Lot 1 – Beartooth 1612

– Price: $23,000 DOB:

10/25/21 Sire: DB Iconic

G95 Dam’s Sire: Basin

Payweight 1682 EPDs:

BW: +3.4, WW: +97, YW: +164 and Milk: +29 Buyer: Adams Angus, Brigham City, Utah

Lot 15 – Beartooth

Exclusive 234 – Price:

$9,500 DOB: 1/3/22 Sire:

Musgrave 316 Exclusive

Dam’s Sire: Basin Rainmaker 4704 EPDs: BW: +2.4, WW: +80, YW: +140 and Milk: +25 Buyer: Wall Street Cattle Company, Lebanon, Mo.

Older Bulls

Lot 46 – Beartooth Signal 1150 – Price: $9,000

DOB: 6/23/21 Sire: V

K2 Red Angus Annual Winter Bull and Female Sale

Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor

WW: +47, YW: +69 and Milk: +25 Buyer: Pat and JoAnn Wade, Lusk Lot 55 – K2 Quin 036 270 – Price: $8,000 DOB:

Sire: 9 Mile Enterprise Dam’s Sire: RED U-2 Malbec 195D EPDs: BW:

A R Signal 7244 Dam’s Sire: Coleman Charlo

0256 EPDs: BW: -0.2, WW: +64, YW: +125 and Milk: +26 Buyer: Maxwell Ranch, Lewistown, Mont. Lot 39 – Beartooth

Atlantis 1151 – Price:

$7,500- DOB: 6/26/21

Sire: Square B Atlantis

8060 Dam’s Sire: Basin

Rainmaker 4704 EPDs:

BW: +1.3, WW: +66, YW: +114 and Milk: +19 Buyer: Green Mountain Angus Ranch, Ryegate, Mont. Lot 66 – Beartooth

Xpand 103 – Price: $7,000

DOB: 1/1/21 Sire: Bal-

dridge Xpand X743 Dam’s

Sire: S A V Resource

1441 EPDs: BW: +0.7, WW: +50, YW: +103 and Milk: +25 Buyer: Maxwell Ranch, Lewistown, Mont.

OBITUARIES

Following high school graduation, Don attended the University of Wyoming (UW) and received a bachelor’s degree with honors in general agriculture in 1951 and was also a member of the livestock judging team and Sigma Nu Fraternity. He was selected as an International Farm Youth Exchange Delegate to Denmark for six months during his senior year.

Elkington Polled Herefords and South Devons 44th Annual Range Raised Cattle Sale

-6.3, WW: +55, YW: +95 and Milk: +28 Buyer: Dean and Marika Anderson, Chugwater Lot 49 – K2 Emmulate 310 2015 – Price: $8,000

DOB: 3/17/22 Sire: VGW

Stout Dam’s Sire: Emulation 31 EPDs: BW: -3.3,

Donald (Don) Lewis

Meike was born on May 6, 1929 in Sussex on the family ranch to Peter and Naomi Streeter Meike. He attended Sussex Grade School, often being the only student in his grade. He then attended Johnson County High School in Buffalo, where he lived with his aunt.

Don was drafted shortly after his UW graduation and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Cadet Program. He served for five years in the Air Force and flew combat missions in Korea before receiving an honorable discharge and returning to the family ranch in Kaycee. Don continued to live and work on the ranch in Kay-

cee until his death.

Don was an outstanding leader and was always interested in politics. He was a member of the Johnson County Wool Growers and served as their treasurer. He stayed very active in Wool Growers and worked his way to the top as their national president where he worked with Dick Cheney and had meetings with President Ronald Reagan.

Don distinguished himself as a rancher, sheepman and Wyoming businessman. He was always knowledgeable of new ag practices and was quick to implement them into his ranching operation. His leadership style has influenced countless others in positive ways.

Don and his brother Pete were very instrumental in establishing Meike’s Bunkhouse, a senior housing facility in Kaycee which they dedicated to their parents and grandparents.

He was a big supporter of the Kaycee Sheepherders Rodeo, the Deke Latham

Memorial Rodeo and was inducted into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Don was selfless in helping others, always had a positive attitude and enjoyed mentoring others. He would also make it a point to get involved with any organization in need, he could always be counted on and he was always humble.

He will always be remembered and greatly

missed by the people of Johnson County and the state of Wyoming.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Helen Keeler and Barbara Wolcott.

He is survived by his brother Peter Meike of Kaycee, his sister Emma Lee Koch, also of Kaycee, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life

was held Feb. 12. at the Harold Jarrard Park Building in Kaycee. The Buffalo American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars were in charge of military rites. Donations in Don’s name may be made to the Wyoming Wool Growers Association at 811 N. Glenn Road, Casper, WY 82601 or to Meike’s Bunkhouse, PO Box 372, Kaycee, WY 82639.

CALENDAR

EVENTS

Feb. 12-16 Society for Range Management Annual Meeting, Boise, Idaho. For more information, visit rangelands.org

Feb. 13 Bureau of Land Management Public Scoping Virtual Meeting, online. For more information, visit planning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/

Feb. 15 2023 Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, 6:30 a.m., Little America Hotel and Resort, Cheyenne. For more information, visit wyoprayerbreakfast.org

Feb. 15 University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s On-Farm Research Results Meeting, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Knight Museum, Alliance, Neb. For more information or to RSVP call the Box Butte County Extension Office at 308-762-5616.

Feb. 16 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Calculating Annual Cow Costs Webinar, 6:30-7:30 p.m., online. To register for the webinar, visit go.unl.edu/cow_costs For more information, contact Aaron Berger by e-mailing aberger2@unl.edu or call 308-235-3122.

Feb. 16 University of Wyoming Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Seminar, Sheridan College, Sheridan. To register, visit uwyo.edu/uwag/rmal or contact Anne DeMersseman at ademerss@uwyo.edu or call 307-766-3206.

Feb. 22 U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm and Ranch Tax Strategies Webinar, 1 p.m., online. For more information and to register, visit zoomgov.com

Feb. 22 Cattle Market Update and Free Meal, 6 p.m., Beeman-Cashin Building, Evanston. For more information and to RSVP by Feb. 16, call 307-747-6377.

Feb. 23 Cattle Market Update and Free Meal, 12 p.m., The Cowboy, Baggs. For more information and to RSVP by Feb. 16, call 307-747-6377.

SALES

Feb. 13 Pilakowski Angus Annual Performance Tested Bull Sale, Lightning Valley Ranch, Arthur, Neb., 308-249-0885, pilakowskiangus.com

Feb. 13 Fawcett’s Elm Creek Ranch Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Ree Heights, S.D., 605-870-0161, 605-870-6172, fawcettselmcreekranch.com

Feb. 13 Big Sky Salers 39th Annual Salers Focus Bull Sale, Stockmen’s Livestock, Dickinson, N.D., 406-557-6259

Feb. 14 G Bar H Genetics Angus Bull Sale, Torrington Livestock Market, Torrington, 307-575-5520, 307-532-6170, 307-575-0294, 307-575-0373

Feb. 15 Calvo Red Angus Bull Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 605-8302210, 402-760-1274, calvofamilyredangus.com

Feb. 15 Shaw Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale, at the ranch, Caldwell, Idaho, 208459-3029, 208-880-9044, shawcattle.com

Feb. 16 Wooden Shoe Farms Annual Bull Sale, at the ranch, Blackfoot, Idaho, 208681-4169, 208-604-0235

Feb. 16 McNamee Angus Ranch & Cook Angus 35th Annual Bull Sale, Miles City Livestock Commission, Miles City, Mont., 406-421-5588, 406-421-5554, 406477-8626

Feb. 17 Hoffman Ranch Annual Bull Sale, at the ranch, Thedford, Neb., 308-6452279, 530-604-5096, 406-425-0859, hoffmanranch.com

Big horn Basin

LIVESTOCK AUCTION LLC

bighornbasinlivestock.com

Worland, WY

Call to Consign Cattle Sale Barn: 307-347-9201

Danny Vigil: 307-388-0781

Visit Cattle USA for broadcasting and online bidding – auctions.cattleusa.com

Upcoming Sales

Feb. 13 – Monday Feeder Special • Feeder cattle only

Feb. 16 – Weigh-Up & Bred Cow Special w/ All Class Cattle

Feb. 23 – All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goat

March 2 – All Class Cattle

March 9 – Bred Cow Special w/ All Class Cattle

March 13 – Monday Feeder Special • Feeder cattle only

March 16 – All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goat

March 23 – All Class Cattle

Monday, Feb. 13 • Feeder Special - Feeder Cattle Only Consignments

Bar Broken Diamond – 200 black steers, 450-550#, 2 rounds of shots, 90 days weaned, grow ration.

Crow Foot Ranch – 50 mixed black/CharX, 600-650#, 2 rounds of shots, weaned Oct. 15, home raised.

DRL Timber (Holdemen) – 80 mxd black, 600-700#, 2 rounds of shots, home raised, weaned Nov. 17, grow ration.

Fabricius, Dale – 40 mixed black, 600-700#, complete vacc at branding, running out, hay fed.

Half Right Cattle Co. – 25 mixed calves, 500#, shots, weaned 60 days, bunk broke, fed hay & corn.

Haun Farms – 180 mixed black, heifers Bangs vacc, 650-775#, shots at branding, 90 days weaned, running out on corn stalks, hay fed.

Henderson, Ty – 30 mixed black, 500-550#, 2 rounds of shots, weaned Oct. 15, bunk broke, fed hay & alfalfa grass.

Hogg, Alan – 30 mixed black, 550-800#, 2 rounds of shots, weaned October, fed grain, silage & hay.

J & J Baling – 30 black steers, 600-675#, 20 black heifers, 550-625#, 2 rounds of shots plus pinkeye vacc, weaned end of September, light grow ration.

Johnstone, Casey & Jessie – 65 black & black baldy, Bangs vacc, 700-750#, 2 rounds of shots, weaned 90 days+, bunk broke, fed silage & hay.

Lungren, Elizabeth – 10 black steers, 600-700#, 2 rounds of shots, weaned Oct. 1, on slow grow ration.

Lungren, Luke – 200 black steers, 600-700#, 100 black heifers, 550-650#, 2 rounds of shots, weaned Oct. 1, on light grow ration, no grain.

McKim, Jijm & Jeff – 345 black/CharX steers, 95 black/CharX heifers, 650-750#, 2 rounds of shots, weaned a long time, slow gro ration.

Neves Trust, Jay & Susan – 50 black steers, 700-800#, 27 black heifers, 600-700#.

Nicholas, Jacob – 60 mixed black, 475#, 2 rounds of shots, weaned October, hay fed.

Pennoyer & Sons, Inc. – 75 black heifers, Bangs vacc, 550-600#, 2 rounds of shots, poured, weaned Nov. 7, hay fed.

Ramsey, Tim – 14 mixed red, 600-800#, shots at branding, weaned Nov. 1.

Redland, Adam & Briana – 45 mixed black, 600-700#, 3 rounds of shots, weaned Oct. 1, light grow ration.

River Valley Land & Cattle – 270 mixed black, 550-650#, 2 rounds of shots, weaned end of November, light grow ration.

Sinn, George & Sons – 62 black steers, 805#, 31 black heifers, Bang vacc., 2 rounds of shots, bunk broke, weaned, fed silage & ground hay.

Strauch, Bill – 2 black yearling steers, 1,000#.

Split Rock Land & Cattle – 90 black mixed, 500#, 3 rounds of shots, 90 days weaned, bunk broke, Sim/Angus bulls.

TD & Sons LLC – 90 black heifers, 550-650#, 2 rounds of shots, weaned Oct. 8.

Thurgood, Bruce – 25 fancy black steers, 15 fancy black heifers, 650-750#, 2 rounds of shots, weaned in September.

V Box Cattle – 32 black mixed, 350-450#, weaned.

Ward, Paul & Ginger – 34 black steers, 750#, 2 rounds of shots, weaned Nov. 8, on grow ration.

Thursday, Feb. 16 • Bred Cow Special w/ All Class Cattle

Troy John Corbett – 30 weigh-up cows. Running age: 15 black bred cows, bred black, CF March-April, 40 black bred cows, bred black, CF May-June.

Gumbo Flats – 6 black & BB bred cows 5 YO, bred black, CF March 15.

Galloway Ranch – 20 black open fat cows, been on feed long time.

Danny Vigil • Northern Livestock Represenative

Feb. 17 Lewis Brothers Angus 43rd Annual Bull Sale, St. Onge Livestock Auction, St. Onge, S.D., 605-391-2044, 605-391-7090, grandviewangus.com

Feb. 17 Rees Brothers Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Morgan, Utah, 801668-8613, 801-949-8960, 801-913-5747, reescattle.com

Feb. 18 Triple T Land and Livestock Annual Bull & Heifer Production Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307-746-8509, bar-t3livestock,com

Feb. 18 Redland Redbank Angus First Annual Live Auction, Big Horn Basin Livestock Auction, Worland, 307-250-1548

Feb. 18 Domek Charolais Bull Sale, at the ranch, Wibaux, Mont., 406-795-2618, 701-872-6331, domekcharolais.com

Feb. 20 Weaver Ranch 38th Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Fort Collins, Colo., 970-568-3898

Feb. 22 Mt. Rushmore Angus Ranch 57th Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Rapid City, S.D., 605-342-2449, 605-484-6731, 605-381-7361, mtrushmoreangus.com

Feb. 25 Kretschman Angus Annual Bull Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307-351-0794, 307-736-2327, kretschmanangus.com

Feb. 25 RV Bar Angus 16th Annual Bull and Female Production Sale, at the ranch, Jensen, Utah, 435-828-1111, 435-828-1116, 435-828-8391, rvbarangus.com

Feb. 25 First Annual Wyoming Select Bred Ewe Sale, Barn 3 at the CAM-PLEX, Gillette, 307-265-5250, wyowool.com/bredewesale

Feb. 27 Reyes/Russell 32nd Annual Sale, at the ranch, Wheatland, 307-331-1530, 307-322-4848, 970-587-2534, mrangusranch.com

Feb. 27 Circle L Angus Annual Production Sale, Dillon Livestock Auction, Dillon, Mont., 406-832-3535, 406-491-7363, circlelangus.com

Feb. 27 Colyer Herefords & Angus 43rd Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Bruneau, Idaho, 208-845-2313, 208-250-3924, 208-599-0340, hereford.com

Feb. 27 Loya/Wardell Angus Online Sale, 970-396-0035, 970-396-1870, loyawardellangus.com

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

Valentine Verses

Valentine verses, information and a drawing, which appeared in the Feb. 6, 1920 issue of the Rock River Review, are shared below.

First love missives

It was a Frenchman who first conceived the idea of composing valentines in verse. Charles, Duke of Orleans, was taken prisoner by the English at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. He was consigned to the Tower of London, where he spent the next 25 years of his life.

But, the cold walls of his dungeon could not completely dampen his sentimental nature, and from his gloomy vault came sunny little verses to the number of 60, which are still to be seen among the royal papers in the staid old British museum.

One of them reads: Wilt thou be mine? Dear love, reply, sweetly consent or else deny. Whisper softly, none shall know –wilt thou be mine, love? Aye or no? Spite of fortune we may be happy by one word from thee. Life flies swiftly. Ere it go –wilt thou be mine, love? Aye or no?

England at once adopted the fad which its royal prisoner had set, and Valentine’s Day found the coaches more than usually laden with poetic outpourings of lovers, friends and even slight acquaintances.

More Valentine verses A Substitute, as penned by Mary Humphrey A Valentine I’ve tried to

find that’s nice enough for you; But there is none – so here’s my heart; I hope that it will do.



To His Mother

Today an old sweetheart of mine is my most precious Valentine; My best and oldest sweetheart you are, mother dear. So loyal, true and tender always. And your love I cherish over and above Earth’s fairest gifts. You’ve made of me

all I am and hope to be –Mother mine, my Valentine.



His Tenderness Divine

When winter’s at his oldest and coldest – and boldest.

Then cometh good St. Valentine, to show that love is burning and sighing and yearning.

And breathe upon the wintry earth his tenderness divine. When life is at its bleakest and meekest – and weakest.

Then cometh good St. Valentine, to show that love is rosy and wistful eyed and cozy.

And breathe on every torpid heart his tenderness divine.

To A Girl He Left Behind

Dear girl of my dreams, I am coming back, back from war, I am coming to you;

And I wonder what fate will be waiting for me, and will you be glad I came through?

It’s so strange. They have called me a brave man, and they gave me a metal or two;

In the fight I feared nothing, and yet I’m afraid of a small brown-eyed person like you!

Do you know that I love you? I wonder.

Oh, what ages and ages it seems

Since I left you! Perhaps it’s absurd, but I hope that I’ve been the man of your dreams.

FOR THE WEEK ENDING February 10, 2023

FOR THE WEEK ENDING May 24, 2019

National Wool Review

As of February 3, 2023

In Australia this week, the Eastern Market Indicator was up 18 cents at 1356 cents per Kg clean from the sale a week ago. A total of 38,516 bales were offered with sales of 93.4 percent. The Australian exchange rate was stronger by .0049 at .7051 percent of the U.S. dollar. Australian wool prices are quoted US Dollar per pound, delivered, Charleston, S.C. The current freight rate is .15 cents per pound clean.

As of February 3, 2023

Compared to last week slaughter lambs mostly steady. Slaughter ewes steady to 5.00 higher. Feeder lambs not well tested. Much of the country was affected by adverse weather this week and receipts were lower than usual. At San Angelo, TX 1,641 head sold. No sales in Equity Cooperative Auction. In direct trading slaughter ewes and feeder lambs not tested. 4,030 lamb carcasses traded with no trend due to confidentiality. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless specified.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3

San Angelo: wooled and shorn 110-145 lbs 130.00-158.00; 160 lbs 148.00.

Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 120-140 lbs 125.00-155.00.

South Dakota: wooled and shorn 130-150 lbs 126.00-132.50.

Billings: wooled and shorn 100-145 lbs no test.

Equity Coop: no sales.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2

San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 278.00-310.00; 60-70 lbs 265.00310.00, few 320.00-330.00; 70-80 lbs 238.00-268.00, few 298.00; 80-90 lbs 200.00-232.00; 90-100 lbs 170.00-206.00, few 233.00. wooled and shorn 74 lbs 242.00; 96 lbs 188.00.

Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 65 lbs 212.50; 90-100 lbs 230.00-

235.00. hair 40 lbs 205.00; 56 lbs 220.00; 90-105 lbs 230.00-

235.00.

South Dakota: wooled and shorn 80 lbs 160.00. hair 48 lbs 190.00; 75 lbs 180.00.

Billings: no test.

Slaughter Ewes

San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy)

108.00, hair 100.00-104.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 108.00-110.00, hair 120.00-130.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) hair

120.00-128.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) hair 82.00; Cull

1 50.00.

Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy)

62.50-87.50; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test.

South Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 60.00-65.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 85.00-90.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 55.00-60.00; Cull 1 no test..

Billings: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) no test; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test.

Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2

San Angelo: no test.

Ft. Collins: no test.

South Dakota: no test.

Billings: no test.

Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2

San Angelo: no test.

Fr. Collins: no test

South Dakota: bred middle age 120.00-175.00/head.

Billings: no test.

Sheep and lambs slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 34,000 compared with 33,000 last week and 30,000 last year.

Source: USDA AMS Market News, San Angelo, Texas

Eastern Market Indicator was up 18 cents at 1356 cents per kg clean. Australian exchange rate was stronger by .0049 at .7051 percent of the U.S. dollar.

Source: USDA- CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO

Colorado Hay Summary

As of February 9, 2023

Compared to last week: Trade activity moderate on good demand for ho Compared to last week: Trade activity was mostly light on good demand for horse hay. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s High Plains Summary for February 7, 2023, most of the region was dry for the week with just some light precipitation over eastern Wyoming and surrounding areas. Temperatures were cooler than normal from eastern Colorado through western Kansas and into Nebraska as well as the eastern areas of the Dakotas where temperatures were up to 5 degrees below normal. Temperatures were near normal to slightly above normal through the central to western Dakotas, eastern Wyoming and eastern Kansas. Minimal changes were made this week as only areas of southeast Wyoming improved with a reduction of severe and exceptional drought. Some improvements to severe drought were brought into western North Dakota based on reassessing the data going back a couple of years. The next available report will be Thursday, February 16, 2023.

Mountains & Northwest

Forage Mix-Two Way - Premium Medium Square 140

Prairie/Meadow Grass - Fair/Good Medium Square 240

Alfalfa - Good/Premium

Square 280

Forage Mix-Three Way - Premium Small Square 14/bale

Alfalfa - Good/Premium

Alfalfa - Good

Square 325

260

Square 240

Source: USDA-AMS Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO

Montana Hay Summary

As of February 3, 2023

Compared to last week: Hay sold fully steady. Demand for hay remains good to very good for light offerings. Hay usage was high over the past week as extremely cold and snowy conditions were seen over much of the state. Ranchers continue to buy hay on an as need basis, but are reluctant to buy large quantities of hay as prices remain historically high. Demand for straw is very good, however supplies are tight and not much straw is selling as a result. Many ranchers continue to use straw as bedding and to blend into rations to help cheapen hay. According to the

5 AREA WEEKLY WEIGHTED CATTLE PRICE

drought monitor 67.78 of the is in Moderate drought or worse, up 7.89% from last week. 37.00% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, unchanged from last week; 10.80% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse unchanged from last week; 0% of the state is in an Exceptional drought, unchanged from last week.

Alfalfa - Good/Premium Large Square 250

Alfalfa - Fair/Good Large Square 250

Alfalfa - Utiliy Large Square 200

Silage - Haylage - RFV 150-169 Bulk 160

Source: USDA Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Billings, MT South Dakota Hay Summary

As of February 3, 2023

Compared to last week: All types and classes of hay steady. Very good demand remains for all types and qualities of hay as the hay crop was limited this year and now the winter has been tough. Snow cover across much of the state is requiring more hay to be fed to beef cattle. As cattle producers look to find the hay they need this has also created very good demand for corn stalk bales that can be ground and blended in feed rations. Very cold temps returned this week, plunging to the teens below zero, warmer weather on the way for next week. Hay stacks are harder to get to currently making more work for hay growers to get hay loaded on trucks

Alfalfa - Supreme Large Square 250-275

Alfalfa/Grass Mix - Premium Large Round 220

Grass - Premium Large Square 215

Grass - Good Large Round 185

Straw/Corn Stalk Round 100 Round 80

Straw/Wheat Small Square 6/bale

Soure: USDA Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Worthing, SD

Brands

REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR

SALE: LSC, LHH. $3,000. Call 307-899-3754 2/25

Dogs

Dogs

CKC PEMBROKE WELSH

CORGIS: Red coloring, males, $700. Call 307-217-9737 3/4

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, 307777-6397 TFN

Events

2023 CACHE VALLEY COWBOY RENDEZVOUS, MARCH

10-12: Welcomes Billy Dean and Jim Curry, singing the songs of John Denver. Free admission to Cowboy Poetry, Western Music, Vendors and Poetry Contests, etc. Fri. 3-10 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Cache County Event Center, Logan, UT. Go to www.cvcowboy.org or leave message

435-760-0160 3/4

UP IN ARMS, LLC FLEA MAR-

KET AND GUN SHOW FEB. 24-26, Gillette, WY at the CAMPLEX. Open to the public. Fri., Feb. 24, 3-7 p.m. Sat., Feb. 25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., Feb. 26, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Giving away a .22 pistol Sunday at 2 p.m., must be present to win, 21 years of age and able to pass background check. Buy, sell, trade. Adults $6, children 12 and under free (when accompanied by an adult). For more information, contact Lisa, 208-420-2295 2/18

Help Wanted

Help Wanted Services Services

LOOKING FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE TO HELP OVERSEE OUR HAYING OPERATION IN SOUTHWEST WYOMING: Must be mechanically sound and have a general understanding of pivots. Looking for a person that is highly motivated and a self-starter. Ranch house, vehicle, beef and paid time off provided. Ranch is located approximately 7 miles from Cokeville, WY. Pay DOE. Call 307-727-7721 3/4

RANCH HAND WANTED: Cow work/calving, irrigating, haying, fixing fences. Wages based on experience. Call 307-250-8475 2/11

FARM WORKER OR CDL A

DRIVER WANTED: Year-round, full-time position. Housing included with arrangement. Utilities paid by employee. Couple preferred and both would be employed. Pay $100-220/day. Call 775-224-3283, e-mail clairsjr@yahoo.com 2/11

HOT SPRINGS COUNTY WEED & PEST DISTRICT IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF WEED AND PEST DISTRICT MOSQUITO COORDINATOR/RANGE

MANAGER: The position is in Thermopolis, WY. Send letter of application, resume and 3 references by March 6 to: Hot Springs County Weed & Pest District, PO Box 543, Thermopolis, WY 82443. For additional information, call 307-864-2278 or e-mail hscwpcd@rtconnect. net. Hot Springs County Weed & Pest is an EOE 2/18

Help Wanted

is currently accepting applications for the following:

Full-Time Custodian Hulett K-12

Please visit us at www.crook1.com for complete information on position openings.

Crook County School District #1 is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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 2/11

HOT SPRINGS COUNTY

Notice Auctions

WEED & PEST DISTRICT IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF WEED AND PEST DISTRICT SUPERVISOR: The position is in Thermopolis, WY. Send letter of application, resume and 3 references by March 6 to: Hot Springs County Weed & Pest District, PO Box 543, Thermopolis, WY 82443. For additional information, call 307864-2278 or e-mail hscwpcd@ rtconnect.net. Hot Springs County Weed & Pest is an EOE 2/18

SHOP FOREMAN WANTED:

Shoshone Irrigation District is an equal opportunity employer who is looking for a self-motivated individual. The Shop Foreman’s job is to maintain and repair district equipment as well as help out with some day-to-day operations around the irrigation district. Applicants must have good general mechanical skills.

A class A CDL license is very desirable but not a requirement and must be willing to get a CDL. Our hours of operation are Mon.Thurs. 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Friday. We offer full medical, vision, dental and Wyoming State Retire. Pay will depend on experience. Applicants can come by our office at 337 East 1st, Powell, WY and fill out an application with a resume, e-mail resume to shoshoneid@hotmail.com, sid.secretary@outlook.com or feel free to call 307-7545741 2/11

CALVING HELP NEEDED:

Experience preferred. Call 605-347-3403 or 605-4999088, Sturgis, S.D 3/4

WIGGINS FEEDYARD, LLC

HIRING FULL-TIME EMPLOY-

EE: 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 2/25

Torrington

Livestock Markets

307-532-3333

Financial Services

AGRI-ONE FINANCIAL: Farm/ ranch and all commercial loans. RATES AS LOW AS 5%. We have been helping with all aspects of agricultural, commercial financing and management for years. LET US HELP YOU on a consulting level with management to increase profitability, deal with and fix credit problems and for all your financing needs. WE CARE AND HAVE WORKING PROGRAMS designed for the farmer/rancher and not the banker. Please call Steve, 303-773-3545, or check out our website www. agrionefinancial.com. I will come to you and get the job done!! 2/25

Services Services

BEAUTIFUL TINY TEXAS HEELERS (QUEENSLANDS):

One male, 1 female, born Sept. 27, 2022, mom 13 lbs., dad 7

lb. Toy Aussie, ALSO, AUGGIE PUPPIES, born Nov. 28, 2022, 1 male, 1 female, mom 18 lb. Pembroke Corgi, dad 10

lb. Toy Aussie. ALSO, 1 PUREBRED MINIATURE MALE QUEENSLAND HEELER, Kasper, born Aug. 27, 2022, mom 18 lbs., dad 22 lbs. All bred for health/disposition/ smarts, UTD pup vaccines. Parents raised with kids/cats/ livestock. For more information, pricing and delivery options, call 406-581-7586. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 2/18

WORKING RANCH DOGS: AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES. Registered. standard size. Foundation working bloodlines. Tails docked, dewclaws removed, current on vaccinations and worming. Ready now. Call 970-824-2348, leave message. To view photos go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 3/4

Cattle

WOODEN SHOE FARMS MATERNAL VALUE ADDED BULL

SALE: HEREFORD AND ANGUS GENETICS, THURS., FEB. 16, 1 p.m. at the ranch, 673 N. 825 W., Blackfoot, ID 83221. Selling 65 lots, coming 2-year-olds, fall and spring yearling bulls, select groups of Angus and black baldy open heifers. Contact 208-6814169 or 208-604-0235, woodenshoefarms@gmail.com 2/11

Red Angus

25 RED ANGUS COWS, 4 to 6 years old. ALSO, 12 Red Angus heifers. April 1 for 60 days, all bred to Red Angus bulls. Southeast Wyoming. Call 307-2312883 2/18

BLUE AND RED HEELER PUPS FOR SALE: Out of working parents, smart. Current on shots. Born Nov. 18, 2022. Call Mary, 970-568-3635 2/11

AMERICAN AIREDALE CATTLE

DOGS: Excellent cattle and herd dogs. Will be big, friendly and protective. Farm and ranch dogs. Good with kids and livestock. Call for details, 719-217-8054 2/11

GREAT PYRENEES PUPPIES

CURRENTLY WORKING WITH LIVESTOCK!! Proven bloodlines, parents onsite. Socialized. Males and females, 6 months old. $1,000. Have been raising these fantastic LGD for 48 years. For more information, call 406-2077674 2/25

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 e-mail 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

GIVING AWAY!! PUREBRED BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES: Out of excellent working parents. Extremely smart. All are traditional black and white. Call 307-6453322 1/21

YEARLING BLACK ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE: Actual weaning weight 727 lbs. Cow herd AI’d since 1969, predominantly use ABS and Select Sires. Purebred but not papered. $2,000. If we feed till April 1, $2,500. Call 307366-2911 2/25

YEARLING ANGUS BULLS: These bulls are grown, not fattened, will get out and cover cows. Many will work on heifers. We will deliver. Call Joe Buseman, 605-351-1535 3/11

Brands

TEA KETTLE BRAND FOR SALE: One-iron, one strike brand for sale. LRC, LSS, LSH, LRB. Renewed through Jan. 1, 2033. Asking $9,000 OBO. Call 307-338-1529 or 307-532-7524 2/25

WYOMING BRAND REG-

ISTERED BY GOELET GALLATIN IN 1912: LRC, BS, LSH. Irons available, seller will pay transfer fees. Renewed until 2033, $3,000. Call 307-272-4215 3/4

REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LRC, LTH, one electric branding iron included. $3,000. Call 307-851-5901 2/25

OLD WYOMING LIVESTOCK BRAND, DOUBLE QUARTER CIRCLE 3: One iron. Has been in one family since my grandfather registered it over 100 years ago!! From Sheridan County, LRC, LTH. Renewed to 2031. Would love to see it back in use!! Must sell, $2,800. For more information, call 406-538-3710, if no answer please leave message or e-mail raccoonmt@yahoo.com 2/18

REGISTERED WYOMING

BRAND FOR SALE: LRC, RSS, RSH. Expires December 2027. Iron available for pickup in Dayton, WY. $3,000 OBO. Call 307-751-0877 2/18

Hereford

LIMOUSIN SEMEN, HOMOZYGOUS BLACK BULL, polled, can be used with heifers. ALSO, 2 western saddles and 1 Australian saddle with pad and breast collar. Call 307-2728576 for any pictures or more information 2/11

BEARMOUNTAIN BEEF INC, IN HAWK SPRINGS, WY NOW EXCEPTING USDA APPOINTMENTS FOR BOTH SHEEP AND GOATS IN ADDITION TO BEEF!! USDA and custom exempt processing slots available. All product is vacuum sealed for extended freezer life and quality appearance. Give us a call to book your slot at 307338-2751 or check out our website www.bearmountainbeef.com 2/11

IRONHORSE FOUNDATION TRAINING ESTABLISHES A FOUNDATION OF RESPECT WITH HORSES FROM THE GROUND UP, helps horses with belligerent, reactive behavior and increases a horse’s performance under saddle. Horse trainer, farrier and clinician, Megan McKnight, has 21 years of developed feel, timing and experience. Located in Laramie, WY. Call 307-338-8583. www. ironhorsefoundationtraining. com 2/11

Saddles & Tack

GREAT SELECTION OF VALENTINES GIFTS!! MONTANA Silversmiths, AUSTIN Accent and others!! Jewelry prices start at $9.95!! SILK SCARVES, BELT BUCKLES, MONEY CLIPS, TOM BALDING and DUTTON BITS and ALL KINDS OF QUALITY TACK for your COWBOY or COWGIRL VALENTINE!! WE CAN ship!! Shop Moss Saddles, Boots and Tack, 4648 West Yellowstone Highway, Casper, WY; 307472-1872. Our family serving yours for 50 years!! Check us out on Facebook or our website 2/11

USED HEREFORD CUTTING

SADDLE: Good shape, 16” seat, $1,000 OBO. Call Cliff Vogel, 402-519-1958. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 2/18

Sheep

Warner Ranch Seed

Serving Fremont County, Wyoming and the surrounding areas.

HarvXtra® alfalfa with Roundup Ready® technology, Roundup Ready® alfalfa and conventional varieties available!

Plant the best!

Buffalo Brand Seed for annual forages, cover crops, pasture grasses, small grains and custom mixes.

Call Today!

Bryan Warner • 307-850-7668 (cell)

GRASS SEED FOR SALE: Manifest wheat grass, Manska wheat grass, Cache Meadow Brome, excellent germination, $3.90/lb. Call Big Horn Seed Company, 307-202-0704 or 307-645-3322 3/4

Hay & Feed

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: 440 diesel John Deere crawler dozer, $5,500; 310C gas Case crawler loader, $4,500; 95 John Deere combine round back, $6,200; 2001 4900 Hesston baler, $24,500; 2175 16’ Hesston pull type swather, $14,500. All machinery has been shedded. Call Ivan Policky, 307629-0974 2/18

WANT TO BUY!! FORD 172

DIESEL INDUSTRIAL ENGINES off of Freeman 300W self propelled small square baler or other industrial applications. Call Lloyd, 701-2264055 2/18

FOR SALE: H&S 7+4 17’ chuckwagon with tandem running gear. John Deere 714A and 716A chuckwagons with John Deere running gear and bunk feeding extensions, been shedded, nice condition. Haybuster 2650 bale processor, shedded, like new. Lorenz 16’x33’ 18 ton stack mover. Farm King 8’ snow blower with hydraulic spout. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-9995482 2/18

Equipment Decals

TOLMAN RANCH LLC IS AC CEPTING BIDS FOR GRAZ ING APPROXIMATELY 300 ACRES OF IRRIGATED acres) pasture 30 miles up the Nowood in Ten Sleep, WY. For 40 pairs of cattle or 200 head of sheep. Grazing turn in May 1-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. bids to Tolman Ranch LLC, PO Box 576, Ten Sleep WY, 82442, postmark by Feb. 20, 2023. For more information, contact Frank Keeler, 307350-6994 2/18

For sale sheepherders wagon. Queen sized bed, plenty of storage. Wheelwright services available. Also sheep wagon bows for sale. Call for price, 785-734-2663.

MERINO EWES FOR SALE: CAMPBELL AND HANSMIRE GENETICS, 1,050 HEAD: 250 2-year-olds; 228 3-year-olds; 146 4-year-olds; balance 5 to 7 year's old, 165-170 lbs. Good body condition. Supplementing on pasture. 19-20 Micron. Wormed and vaccinated 3 times in 2022. Hamp/ Suffolk bucks turned in Nov. 22, 2022. Five Akbash dogs. For more information, call 308-4407999 3/4

ARE YOU IN NEED OF A NEW HERDER CAMP OR A PERSONAL RANGE CAMP FOR YOUR FAMILY? Contact us at Western Range Camps and see what we can build for you. We specialize in quality, handcrafted camps built to your specifications. Contact us today to design the camp that is just right for you. Western Range Camps, 435-462-5300, heidi@ wrcamps.com, 1145 S. Blackhawk Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647 2/11

Gelbvieh

GRASS HAY FOR SALE: 3x4 bales, 1,200 lbs., $250/ton. Lyman, WY. Call Kelly, 307780-7027 2/25

WYOMING CERTIFIED

GRASS SEED GROWER

HAS GRASS HAY FOR SALE: 3x4x8 squares baled behind the combine. Bales have all the forage without the seed, $110/ton. Powell Wyoming area. Call Mike, 307202-0494 2/25

2022 LARGE ROUND

BALES: Net wrapped, 1,5501,650 lbs., tests done, nitrate free, Japanese and German millet, $130/ton. ALSO, large round bales of 2021 net wrapped and 2022 twine tied grass hay. Will deliver. Call 605-224-6100 (home) or 605280-3879 (cell), if no answer leave message 2/25

SHELL CORN FOR SALE: Very good feed value. ALSO, hay and straw for sale. For more information, call 307754-5864 2/18

GRASS HAY FOR SALE: Cow and horse quality, 3x4 and 3x3 square bales. Delivery available!! Call 307-6303046 2/18

WANTED!!! 1932, 1933 or 1934

Ford car project, restored or older restored one. Call 605290-3208 2/11

2007 DURAMAX 1 TON DU-

ALLY WITH HYDRABED. 4WD, straight body, no rust, 210,000 miles, 4 new drive tires, $25,000. Call 307-5753763 2/25

Equipment

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: John

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 netwrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, 701-690-8116, please send a text if no answer or keep trying 2/18

1

Yearling Gelbvieh Bulls Available:

1 Red Bull • 4 Black Bulls (Videos Available in Mid-March)

NINE BAR NINE GELBVIEH 307-351-6453

ninebar9@hotmail.com

Wagyu

WAGYU/BLACK ANGUS BULL

CALF FOR SALE: Excellent future for your herd. $2,400. Call Drew, 307-752-5920 3/4

WANTED, PASTURE FOR YEARLINGS, 200 to 1,500 head. Call 308-765-0300 2/25

YEARLING PASTURE WANTED for 1,500 head steers/ spayed heifers for 2023 and beyond. Take all or part, smaller places okay. CO, WY, OR and ID preferred. Competitive rates, reference available. Call or text Jon, 831-240-5795 7/1

PASTURE WANTED for 2,000 yearlings and 500 pairs. Can split into smaller bunches. 701523-1235 3/11

Horses

HORSES: BUY, SELL, TRADE. Will pick up. Call Dennis Black, 307-690-0916 2/11

40 HEAD OF TARGHEE EWES FOR SALE: Two-year-olds, first time lambing, starting March 1. $350/head, Powell, WY. Dennis Miller, 330-275-0708 2/11

FIFTH ANNUAL MID-STATES HAIR SHEEP SALE MARCH 25, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. Starting with equipment. Sheep to follow immediately after. NEW LOCATION!! WAHOO LIVESTOCK SALES 636 1st St., Wahoo, NE 68066. Looking for consignors and buyers. Healthy hair sheep only, all stock will be inspected upon arrival. No sheep with broken or missing teeth. All out of state sheep will need health papers. Veterinarians present to inspect and write outgoing health papers. Brucellosis testing must be done on rams over 6 months old to ship out of state. No more than 2 rams per producer. 10% commission. Sale order will be in order of consignment, call early!! NO consignments day of sale.

REGISTER TO BID ONLINE minimum of 7 days in advance at www.dvauction.com and contact the barn for approval, 402443-3512. To consign sheep call Josh Kaster, 402-245-7391 or Neal Amsberry, 308-6510327 3/18

SMALL SQUARES OF BROME GRASS/ALFALFA

MIX HAY: Covered, $10/bale. ALSO, second cutting alfalfa. Sheridan, WY. Call Drew, 307-752-5920 2/18

VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Hay still available. Go to www.valleyvideohay. com or call Barry McRea, 308-235-5386 2/11

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 307-202-0108, leave message 2/11

CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE, 3x4. Cody, WY. Call 307-899-1952 2/11

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

Deere 8960 tractor with PTO; John Deere 5090e tractor with loader; CIH 1015 pick-up header; John Deere 455 30’ grain drill; White 30’ disk; Morris 53’ airdrill; Lawson 12x30 double drum land areator; Apache 2190 self propelled sprayer; New Holland 1075 balewagon; Freeman self propelled 3 string balers; Freeman pull type 3 string balers; Vermeer R23 rake; 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; Freightliner grain truck; 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 3/4

Livestock Equipment

Heating Equipment

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

Equipment Restoration

DBL TREE TRACTOR RESTORATION LLC: Tractors, stock trailers and flatbeds, total repair, sandblast and paint. Please call Mike, 406-930-0720 2/11

Fencing

LODGEPOLE PRODUCTS, 307-742-6992, SERVING

AGRI-BUSINESSES SINCE

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

FIND IT IN THE ROUNDUP CLASSIFIEDS

PIPE FOR SALE!! 2 7/8, 3 1/2 tubing, 4” drill pipe, 4 1/2 casing, 5” casing, 7” casing. Rods 3/4, 7/8 and 1” located in Montana, can ship anywhere. Call Mike, 602-758-4447. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 6/17

HDPE Pipe for Ranch Water Systems

Fair prices, good service, rancher owned. Quantities up to a truck load.

Delivery available throughout the West. 775-657-1815

Irrigation Irrigation

Irrigation Systems

The choice is simple.

Irrigation

Irrigation

Killebrew Irrigation

Your one stop shop for all irrigation needs

Lander, WY • (307) 332-3044

• Reinke center pivot sales and field design

• Parts for most major irrigation systems

• Underground and Surface PVC pipe and fittings

• Pumps and Motors

• Phase Converters

Read

Property for Sale

Property for Sale

Property for Sale

320 ACRES WITH A MILE AND A HALF OF LIVE SPRING WATER: Alpine setting. Beautiful views. Located in the Dillon, MT area. REDUCED $1,200,000. Call Sidwell Land & Cattle Co., Richard Sidwell, 406-861-4426, 406-3224425 or e-mail sidwell@sidwellland.com 3/25

Mineral Rights

WANT TO PURCHASE mineral and other oil/gas interests. Send details to PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201 2/11

Wanted to Buy

BUYING ALL OLD 1950 AND BEFORE U.S. PAPER CURRENCY including Nationals, Colonial, etc. Call 913-271-0060, I live in Wyoming 2/18

Help Wanted

Easier On You.

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.

Big Horn Truck and Equipment Manderson, WY rairdenjlw@tritel.net • 800-770-6280

Cowgirl Channel launched

On Feb. 1, the Rural Media Group announced the official launch of The Cowgirl Channel, a new television network dedicated to women in Western sports and the modern-day cowgirl. The Cowgirl Channel will officially launch in HD on Dish Network Channel 269 and on SLING in February of 2023.

The new network will be offered as part of Dish Network’s “America’s Top 120 Package” to further the satellite company’s dedication to providing programming and services to rural America and those who love the rural lifestyle.

The Cowgirl Channel will primarily feature content around Western sports for women, including barrel racing, breakaway roping and women’s ranch rodeo. The new network will also feature programming around Western fashion, Western home design and more.

The initial television line-up will include Women’s Western Sports Roundup, Rodeo Queens, RanchHer, FarmHer, Grit and Grace and more.

The Cowgirl Channel will showcase the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, Cowgirl Hall of Fame, Art of the Cowgirl and Cowgirl Gathering, while also working with many Western associations to produce programming around special events such as reining, cutting, the National High School Rodeo Association, the American Paint Horse Association and more.

The Cowgirl Channel will serve as the sister network to The Cowboy Channel, the official network of ProRodeo, and in addition to programming designed around the interests of cowgirls, will also provide Rural Media Group the opportunity to program more professional rodeo and Western sporting events.

Together, The Cowboy Channel and The Cowgirl Channel will be the foundation for Rural Media Group’s effort to revolutionize Western sports and invest in the future of the Western lifestyle.

Livestreaming and on-demand for The Cowgirl Channel will be available by subscribing to Cowboy Channel Plus.

Subscribers will now have access to live television network feeds for both The Cowboy Channel and The Cowgirl Channel, along with access to all on-demand content for both networks as part of one $9.99 monthly or $99.99 yearly subscription. The Cowgirl Channel will also be available through the SLING app on all supported devices.

For more information, visit thecowgirlchannel.com

EVENT continued from page 1

the question, “How does winter compare to normal?”

“In the Western U.S., from California to Wyoming, weather mapping is showing a large area of record wetness from December through January,” he said. “Through much of the state, we see 300 percent of normal – it’s three times the liquid and it’s quite impressive.”

As far as temperature, he noted much of the state has seen two to four degrees below normal, but in Fremont County, temperatures have been six to 10 degrees below normal, which has been the 50th coldest December through January on record.

“Fremont County had two cold spells, one before Christmas and the other at the end of January,” he said. “It’s been quite cold overall, and we’ve received about three and a half inches of liquid equivalent precipitation and 53 inches of snow in Riverton.”

He continued to share the Shoshoni area has seen a record wet year with record snow accumulation. However, areas in and around Dubois have been less extreme.

VandenBoogart shared if spring doesn’t bring gradual warmup temperatures, there is a chance for overland flooding issues.

“Since we have three to four times the snowpack and water in the basins, we will likely deal with these kind of issues,” he said. For on-demand weather, he encouraged attendees to visit weather. gov. Here, landowners can search their zip code, street, city or state to bring up current forecasts.

For a long-term weather forecast this spring, based on the overall climate system, there’s an equal chance for above or below normal temperatures and precipitation.

VandenBoogart closed by sharing the Wyoming Conditions and Monitoring team hosts a Wyoming Conditions and Outlooks webinar and discuses climate, water and weather. The next webinar is scheduled for Feb. 16 from 1-2 p.m.

To register, visit zoomgov.com/webinar/ register/WN_L6XMFBEHTTek-RnM9RBZnQ or e-mail wkelley1@uwyo. edu.

Barrasso works to protect ranchers’ rights

“Thank you for including me in the 39th Annual Fremont County Farm and Ranch Days. It’s always a wonderful event,” said Barrasso, kicking off his keynote address on Feb. 9. “We value the work of UW Extension to educate and provide resources for the agriculture community across Wyoming. I always appreciate the opportunity to work with this group on the important issues facing daily operations. Your commitment and hard work is evident in everything you do.”

Barrasso noted agriculture is the heart of each of Wyoming’s communities. Ranchers often serve as school board members and county commissioners in organizations affecting national policy.

“Wyomingites have a history of providing fresh, innovative ideas on important issues, and agriculture adapts to new tech-

JOIN THE USDA-APHIS TO HELP PROTECT WYOMING’S AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL SOURCES: Summer positions available, salary range $15$16.57 DOE. Conduct insect and biological control surveys. Weekly travel required. Must be 18 years old. Contact USDA at 307-432-7979 or e-mail bruce.a.shambaugh@usda.gov for more information. Application deadline March 12 3/4

nology and variable markets,” he said. “Working to ensure the strength of Wyoming industries is a cornerstone of my work. There is a variety of important topics impacting farmers and ranchers I’m working on in Washington, D.C.”

He mentioned critical issues which continue to impact public and private lands across Wyoming are forestry and wildfire management.

“We need to ensure we have policies in place to protect our forests and our rural communities,” mentioned Barrasso.

In September, he introduced bipartisan legislation titled Promoting Effective Forest Management Act of 2022, to fight against wildfire risks and promote forest rangeland health.

“We are facing brutal wildfires across the West, which threaten Wyoming’s forests and communities,” said Barrasso. “They are destroying lives and livelihoods, wiping out wildlife and habitat and reducing air quality. Our bipartisan bill will fight back against wildfire risk. It directs the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to cut red tape and dramatically increase their wildfire mitigation projects.”

He noted during the last Congress he introduced legislation to promote resilient rangelands and effective grazing management through the Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health (Ranch) Act. This piece of legislation will promote resilient and healthy rangelands and effective grazing management across the West.

“The Ranch Act allows temporary use of vacant grazing allotments during extreme events and disas-

ters,” he said. “As we’re starting this 118th Congress, I’m going to continue to support legislation, such as the Ranch Act, to ensure ranchers and farmers across Wyoming have a loud and well-heard voice.”

Other issues impacting Americans across the country are historic inflation and high energy prices. Barrasso shared he will continue to work on these important topics in Washington, D.C.

“It’s time for the U.S. to get back to producing, exporting and using American energy,” he stated. “I’m going to continue to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect and expand American dominance.”

He noted the farm bill will be looking into many aspects of agriculture, including forestry management, grazing and conservation programs.

“The farm bill needs to provide research funding for animal diseases such as chronic wasting disease and brucellosis,” said Barrasso. “I look forward to working on a farm bill reflecting those who actually grow and produce our food and fiber in rural America.”

“With a new Congress, there’s work to be done, and we face many difficult challenges in the years ahead, but I truly believe we can find solutions – we must, and it will require people to work together,” he concluded.

Recordings of the entire event will be available on YouTube at youtube. com/@uwyoextension

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

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) before identifying a preferred alternative.

“Those 2007 guidelines provide an operation plan for Lake Mead and Lake Powell, but did not contemplate the dry hydrology as we are experiencing now,” said Brandon Gebhart, Wyoming state engineer. “This response is to amend actions which can be taken under the interim guidelines and help address the situation we are seeing now – in relation to drought – and to protect and restore water storage in the reservoirs.”

He added, “The six states acknowledged the need to manage water uses within the available supply, reduce the risk to all new water users, sectors and resources stemming from depleted storage and ongoing drought, address the issue of unaccounted evaporation losses in the lower basin, recognize the limitations imposed on the upper basin due to annual variations in our hydrology and hydraulic shortages and take actions in addition to those identified in the guidelines.”

He noted this is not an implementation agreement and none of the states are agreeing to what they identified in the CBMA, it simply offered some ideas, which can be evaluated, based on what the six states feel could address the situation and help with decisions on how to operate the system.

“All of the seven basin states remain committed to working together, and this includes outreach with Tribes, water users, environmental organizations and federal partners,” said Gebhart. “We want to recognize any actions in the states may ultimately agree to or require broad support and much more outreach before we would make those agreements.”

Lake Powell and Lake Mead CBMA

The six-state letter noted several alternatives, which would make specific modifications to Lake Powell and Lake Mead operations to prevent water supply from falling to critically low elevations impacting water delivery or power production from either reservoir in 2023 and 2024.

These operations are governed by the Colorado River Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and Coordinated Operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead in the 2007 guidelines.

Lake Powell operations would include raising the lower elevation of the Mid-Elevation Release Tier (MERT) from elevation 2,525 to elevation 3,550 and fixing the annual release volume in the MERT at 7.48 million acre-feet (af); raising the upper elevation of the Lower Elevation Bal-

ancing Tier (LEBT) from elevation 2,525 to elevation 3,550 and fixing the annual release at seven million af without balancing releases and reducing releases as necessary to protect elevation 3,500.

In addition, the letter noted the CBMA included elements anticipated by the BuRec notice. In revising 2007 guidelines, the CBMA assesses 1.543 million af per year of reductions among all Lower Basin Contractors when Lake Mead is below elevations 1,145 for the protection of critical infrastructure.

The six-states imple-

tion and adequately mitigate the risk either Lake Powell or Lake Mead reaches dead pool.

The letter noted several CBMA adjustments to the 2007 guidelines and to elevation-dependent Drought Contingency Plan in Lake Mead operations.

Currently the state of California has proposed a plan for Colorado River water conservation outlining some different provisions, but Attorney General Chris Brown mentioned, “This isn’t a finish line, and just because we don’t agree now, doesn’t mean we won’t later – we still have the opportunity to move forward in this process and find a southern state agree-

nificant actions need to be taken. California goes at it a little differently, but we’re all still agreeing reductions need to be made.”

CBMA provides an alternative framework for BuRec to analyze its SEIS process. BuRec is expected to release its SEIS draft in March of 2023 and a final SEIS in late spring. A record of decision could come in the summer of 2023 and would allow for implementation in 2024.

Conservation program

From 2015-18, the Upper Division States of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, through the Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC), conducted the

to address declining water levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell due to longterm drought in the Upper Colorado River Basin.

The Upper Division States and UCRC developed and adopted a FivePoint Plan, which put forward a number of strategic activities to improve the Colorado River System and reauthorize and reinitiate the SCPP program with subsequent steps of developing an agreement, legislation and funding, which would enable SCPP activ-

moved to March 1. As of Feb. 7, the office has received several applications of interested parties. They include two municipal, one industrial and four agricultural applications covering nearly 8,000 acres of land and conserving roughly 10,000 af.

The panelists noted filling out an application is the start of conversations and those with questions about the project can reach out to the Wyoming State Engineer’s Office.

Brittany Gunn is the

There Is A Difference…

You will find that there is truly a difference in the type of bulls we use in our program. We breed cattle based on how they perform in the real world and are maternally focused and profit driven. We pay close attention to each cow family and how they perform against one another.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) published the February 2023 Wyoming Basin and Water Supply Outlook Report on Feb. 1, which analyzes snowpack, precipitation, streamflow and reservoir storage across the state of Wyoming.

The report assesses the water supply outlook for the entire state of Wyoming as well as individual basins including the Snake River, Madison Headwaters, Yellowstone River, Wind River, Big Horn River, Shoshone River, Powder River, Tongue River, Belle Fourche River, Cheyenne River, Upper North Platte River, Lower North Platte River,

USDA NRCS releases water supply outlook for February

Laramie River, Sweetwater River, South Platte River, Little Snake River, Upper Green River, Lower Green River and Upper Bear River basins. Snowpack and precipitation

According NRCS, as of Feb. 1, snow water equivalent (SWE) across the state was at 121 percent of median. The Sweetwater River Basin had the highest SWE at 157 percent of median, and the Shoshone River Basin had the lowest SWE at 94 percent of median.

The report also notes the Lower North Platte River Basin saw the highest precipitation for the month of February at 257 percent of median, while the Yellow-

stone River Headwaters had the lowest precipitation amount in the state at 57 percent of median.

Streamflow

NRCS forecasts streamflow yields for April through September across Wyoming basins – excluding streamflow in the Upper and Lower Green, Little Snake and Cheyenne basins – to average 114 percent of median. For these three exclusions, NRCS forecasts median streamflow yields to average 120 percent from April through July.

The report shows streamflow yields for the Snake River, Yellowstone River, Wind River, Big Horn River and Shoshone River basins to be 101 percent, 102

percent, 118 percent, 111 percent and 97 percent of median, respectively.

Yields from the Powder River, Tongue River, Cheyenne River, Little Snake River and Green River basins are forecast by NRCS to be about 109 percent, 103 percent, 107 percent, 176 percent and 107 percent of median, respectively.

Additionally, NRCS notes streamflow yields for the Sweetwater River, Upper North Platte River, Lower North Platte River and Laramie River basins to come in around 151 percent, 139 percent, 129 percent and 125 percent of median, respectively.

Reservoir storage

When it comes to reser-

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voir storage, NRCS reports the average reservoir storage across the state of Wyoming at 81 percent of median.

Reservoirs in the Snake River Basin saw numbers far below the median at 30 percent.

The Cheyenne River, Upper North Platte River and Lower Green River reservoirs also reported numbers below median at 80 percent, 69 percent and 80 percent, respectively.

Two reservoirs reported numbers slightly below median as well – the Big Horn River Reservoir at

96 percent and the Upper Green River Reservoir at 95 percent.

Reservoirs near median include the Wind River at 100 percent, the Buffalo Bill Reservoir on the Shoshone River at 104 percent, the Tongue River at 111 percent, the Belle Fourche River at 97 percent and the Lower North Platte River at 95 percent.

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

COLORADO BRIDLE BIT

All AI Sired by These Breed Leaders:

Angus: Timberline • Gus • Promontory • Resilient

SimAngus: Colorado • TJ Gold • Dream On • TJ Rage Also Additional Sires

Cattle raised by cattlemen for cattlemen in a real-world environment at 8,000-9,000’ elevation

BRED COW SPECIAL • START TIME

AM W/ WEIGH UPS BREDS

Bob Hammon – 90 Blk Ang & AngX 5-10 yr old Bred cows. Bred to good Blk Ang Bulls to calve March/ April. Run

3-6 yr old Bred

Bred to Reg Blk Ang Hancock & Shippen Bulls to calve March/April. Rec Virashield 6 VL5 & poured this fall. High desert, good young cows! Partial dispersal.

Ranch – 36 Blk/BWF 3-6 yr old Bred cows. Bred to Blk Ang Bulls to calve May/June. High elevation. Good young stock cows! Vince Vasco – 20 Blk Ang & AngX 6-10 yr old Bred cows. Bred to Powerful Blk Ang Bulls to calve March/ April. Good producing cows!

Jay Livestock – 5 Corriente 4-5 yr old Bred cows. Bred to Blk Corriente bull to calve April/May. Jamie Nicholls – 1 Red 3 yr old Jersey/CorrienteX Bred Cow. Gentle. April calver.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

FEEDER SPECIAL • START TIME 9:00 AM W/ WEIGH UPS

CALVES

Ruby Ranch – 80 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 475575#. Rec 2 rounds of shots @ branding & weaning. Hay fed. Sired by Powerful Reg Blk Ang bulls. High elevation calves!

Diamond F Cattle – 70 Red/RWF/Hfd Strs & Hfrs 425-475#. Rec 2 rounds of shots @ branding & weaning. Weaned since Oct 30th. Out on pasture w/long stemmed hay. High elevation!

Nancy Anderson – 50 Blk/BWF Strs & Hfrs 475525#. Comp vacc @ branding & weaning. Weaned Oct 30th. Out on pasture & hay fed. One iron & high elevation!

TUESDAY,

SHOSHONI

$171.50

1 Heifer, 860# $170.00

RANDOLPH UT 16 Heifer, 778# $167.50

POWELL 11 Heifer, 807# $166.50

SHOSHONI

6 Heifer, 976# $159.00

5 Heifer, 1000# $159.00

Flying W Ranch – 45 Blk Ang Strs 475-525#. Rec 2 rounds of shots @ branding & weaning. Long stem hay fed.

Randall Jones – 39 Blk & BWF Strs & Hfrs 750#. Comp vacc @ branding & weaning & poured (1120). Bunk broke. Jim Yoder – 30 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 550-600#. Rec Vista Once, Nasalgen & Vision 7 . Weaned 60 days out on pasture & hay. One iron & fancy!

Please register online to bid on livestock. Be sure to check out our country cattle listings at www.cattleusa.com