Roundup for 2.20.2021 Section B by Wyoming Livestock Roundup

How to invest money from the sale of a ranch – part two In my experience, ranchers often play it too safe with their investments. I have asked families who sold their ranch and deposited all of the sale proceeds into Certificate of Deposits (CDs) why they chose to do so. Their response is typically, “I need to know my money is safe.” The irony is while CDs are safe from market risk, they can expose ranchers to one of the greatest risks, which is either running out of money or facing an ever-decreasing standard of living. Cash is the worst performing asset class in history. Over long periods of time, cash, which includes CDs and money market accounts, generates a negative return after subtracting taxes and the rate of inflation. A much better option for providing retirement income is to invest in a broadly diversified portfolio of low-cost, index mutual funds. Age, rate of return objective and tolerance for risk will dictate the percentage of money allocated to equities or stock funds and fixed income or bond funds. For many retiring farmers and ranchers, an allocation of around 30 percent to 60 percent in equities is appropriate. Active management versus passive management While there are many different products and strategies for investing in the stock and bond market today, there are two basic investment philosophies ranchers should be aware of. These include active management and passive management. Active management tries to outperform stock market and bond market indices using several techniques, such as market timing, stock picking and sector rotation. Passive management, on the other hand, doesn’t

attempt to outperform the stock market. Rather, it attempts to capture the returns of the market by investing in a fund mirroring a stock or bond market index. Passive investors don’t try to predict future movements in security prices. Instead, they adopt a longterm, buy-and-hold investment strategy, focusing on broad diversification and keeping costs low. The assumption of underlying active management is financial markets are not efficient. This means some assets will inevitably be overpriced, while others may be underpriced, and it’s possible to buy the underpriced ones and sell the overpriced assets at opportune times. The truth is, markets are very efficient and consistently beating the market over long periods of time is almost impossible to do. The brokerage industry and financial media often promote the idea that outperforming the market is possible if one can find the right stocks within the right sectors and get in and out at the right times. Wall Street pundits like to believe their advanced investment acumen, combined with experience in stock picking, can achieve above average performance. The research, however, points otherwise. A study was recently completed which analyzed the performance of activity managed mutual funds. The study compared the returns of these funds against a passively-managed index. From 2000 through 2018, only 17 percent of stock funds succeeded in beating their benchmark index. Bond funds performed even worse. The outcome of this study is strong evidence beating the market with active management is very difficult. Annuities Annuities are invest-

ments offered through insurance companies which can be used to accumulate money on a tax-deferred basis and to provide a contractually guaranteed income for retirement or other purposes. While I believe annuities can play a part in an overall diversified investment portfolio, I am of the opinion, and so are most independent, fee-only registered investment advisors, an investor is better off creating a portfolio of low-cost mutual funds or exchanged traded funds. Annuities may seem like a wise investment, especially in times of high market volatility, but they often have significant drawbacks which aren’t often readily apparent or disclosed. Annuities can be

very complex with many moving parts, confusing restrictions for obtaining benefits, and they can be expensive to own. Alternative investments Alternative investments include such investments as hedge funds, private equity funds and commodities. A common reason given for owning these types of investments is they provide the opportunity to improve a stock and bond portfolio’s diversification while reducing volatility. Proponents claim alternative investments are good diversifiers because they have low correlation with traditional stock and bond investments. Just because an investment may have low correlation with the stock market doesn’t justify owning it.

Alternative investments typically have much higher fees than mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. They tend to be riskier investments as well, often using large amounts of leverage or borrowed money, making concentrated bets on asset classes or sectors and trading excessively. And, while alternative investments are subject to less regulation, they also have less opportunity to publish verifiable performance data. There is little evidence alternatives have higher returns than traditional asset classes such as stocks and bonds. My belief is an individual does not need to invest in alternative investments. Given their high costs,

lack of diversification and insufficient liquidity, one is better off sticking to a properly diversified portfolio of low-cost mutual funds or exchange-traded funds. Chris Nolt is an independent registered investment advisor and the owner of Solid Rock Wealth Management, Inc. and Solid Rock Realty Advisors, LLC, sister companies dedicated to working with families around the country who are selling a farm or ranch and transitioning into retirement. To order a copy of Chris’s new book, Financial Strategies for Selling a Farm or Ranch, visit amazon. com or call 800-517-1031. For more information, visit solidrockproperty.com and solidrockwealth.com.

March, 2, 2021

Tuesday • 1 PM MST • Riverton Livestock Auction

SO Ashland 502 016

SO Rampart 420 038

Financial issues addressed A series of brief videos addressing financial issues Wyoming residents may face will begin Feb. 22. Michelle’s Monday Minute debuts on the University of Wyoming (UW) Extension Facebook page by Extension Community Development Educator Michelle Vigil. “Since Wyoming is facing many challenges in the economic realm, I wanted to offer one- to three-minute videos on a variety of money subjects,” said Vigil, based in Campbell County and serving northeastern Wyoming. Series topics will include general money topics with a seasonal twist, such as college planning in January or going back to school in August. Subjects also include tax changes for 2021, budgeting, debt repayment, financial emergencies, saving, making extra money, home buying, retirement, fraud, college planning and student loans, bill prioritization and work and money, among others. “With each video, look for two to three helpful tips and a resource each week,” Vigil said. Links to resources will be included in the postings. Vigil will also highlight UW Extension financial informational programs such as the Master Money Coach, Tax Facts, Money Talk and the Community Development Education team’s Facebook Live video series.

Lot 6

Lot 14

CED +13 BW .3 WW 87 YW 150 MILK 23 $W 85 $B 158 $C 258

CED +9 BW.6 WW 74 YW 123 MILK 20 $W 72 $B 116 $C 213

People can bid in person or online at Cattle USA, Riverton Livestock Auction.

CONTACT Mike McConnell 307-330-5670 • Anjie McConnell 307-330-4670 Mark McConnell 307-438-1218 We are on Facebook-SO Cattle Inc. Digital copy of sale catalog can be viewed at billpelton.com

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 43 • February 20, 2021

OBITUARIES

Mark James Moore

We welcome obituaries. Obituaries are printed free of charge and can be sent to roundup@wylr.net.

Milton LeRoy Green June 1, 1933 – Feb. 9, 2021

Milton LeRoy Green, 87, peacefully passed to be with the Lord on Feb. 9. Milton was born June 1, 1933 in Torrington to Hazel (Jones) Green and Waldo Green. He grew up in the LaGrange area and his early childhood years were spent at Bear Mountain Station. Moving to Cheyenne, Milton worked in the Cattle Show Barn at the Wyoming Hereford Ranch (WHR). He traveled across the nation as part of the WHR show team. On Jan. 5, 1952 he married Mary Anne Young and the couple moved back to the WHR South Camp. Two children, Milton E. and Colleen G., were born to the marriage. Later, Milton worked a number of years for Simpson Electric in Cheyenne and returned to ranch life at the WHR Campstool Ranch. The family remained in the ranch life moving to Chugwater in the early 60s. The family moved to

ranch positions in Iowa and Oregon and returned to Wyoming. Many years were spent on the Marsh/Ellis Ranch located south of Chugwater. In the late 80s, Milton and Mary Anne moved into the town of Chugwater where they resided at the time of his passing. Milton and Mary Anne were true business pioneers having owned the Wagon Wheel Café, the Chugwater Soda Fountain and the Chicken and More restaurant. Milton loved the unique features of wood. He was a master woodworker and built much of the furniture in the home. He was a fantastic carpenter, mechanic, electrician and welder. He loved being outdoors and was a very creative person. Milton had a knack for looking at something and fixing in his mind how he could not only make it, but how he could make it better and he usually did. He loved to fly fish, hand tie flies, work in the yard and make things grow. He loved to have his children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren visit. He spent many hours teaching them how to work. They painted fence, built fence and any other activity that required

guidance from grandpa. Milton was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Betty Vest of Arizona, Gladys Walden of Colorado and Shirley McCroy of Arizona. He is survived by his wife Mary Anne Green of Chugwater; son Milton E. (Patricia) Green of Torrington; daughter Colleen (Fred) Townes of Westminster, Colo.; grandchildren Eric (Kristie) Green, Travis (Erin) Townes, Troy (Anna) Townes and Nicole (Zuriel) Schooner; sisters Dorothy (Rolland) Book Rolland, Inis Cochran and Marilyn Hogg; brother Harold Lloyd (Ruth) Green; seven greatgrandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. At his request there will be no services. Donations in memory of Milton can be sent to the Chugwater Fire, Rescue and Ambulance Service C/O Fire Hall, 101 Bowie, Chugwater, WY 82210. Condolences can be sent to Mary Anne Green, PO Box 183, Chugwater, WY 82210. The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland are in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at gormanfh.com.

June 17, 1963 – Feb. 8, 2021 On Feb. 8, Mark James Moore entered the kingdom of heaven at the age of 57. He was an adoring father of two children, Ryan and Mackenna, grandfather to Gabe, loving son to Linda Swanson and Jim Moore and brother to Jamie Flitner, Lisa Ward and Tommy Moore and a friend to all. Mark was born on June 17, 1963 in Nuremberg, Germany where his parents were stationed while Jim was serving in the military. Mark attended elementary school in Linch and high school in Midwest where he participated in football, basketball and wrestling. During this time, his team went onto win state championships in football and wrestling. Upon graduating high school, Mark went on to rodeo for Dale

Stiles and continued to take history and archeology classes from various colleges. Mark grew up on the Dry Fork of Powder River on his family’s ranch, where he learned the ins and outs of cowboying, colt breaking and ranching. From there, he went on to the deserts of New Mexico where he rode and trained racehorses and then headed towards the mountains of Montana. Precious memories of Mark run far and wide. From his passion of the Moore family history, archaeology and everything ranch-related. Many boasted about his knack and keen eye for spotting arrowheads on his family’s ranch. Mark can be described as charismatic, handsome, smart as a whip and a hell of a ranch hand. Mark was a friend to everyone, and to know Mark was to love him.

Some even described him as “miracle man,” after the way he persevered following his car accident. While living in his new normal, Mark never missed a beat – from climbing into the bleachers at Cheyenne Frontier Days to dancing on the dance floors of weddings. His faith and love in the Lord were an inspiration to many, while his light continued to shine despite the many obstacles he faced. The biblical meaning for the name Mark is polite and shining. He was the epitome of both. Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents Bob and Marge Moore, Neal Stafford and Jerry Holt. Celebration of life will be held this summer after his daughter finishes her Navy Medic training.

Garrett Wade Nokes Nov. 17, 1975 – Feb.14, 2021

Garrett Wade Nokes, 45, of McCook, Neb. died Feb. 14 after a horse accident. Garrett was born on Nov. 21, 1975 in McCook, Neb. to Ray and Brenda (Bolen) Nokes. His life began with a tractor ride halfway to town in a blizzard to get to the hospital. He attended District Eight School, south of McCook, until the eighth grade and graduated in 1994 from McCook High School. Garrett was active in the Little Britches Rodeo Association and Nebraska High School Rodeo Association, winning many honors. He went on to rodeo in college at Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Okla. and helped lead the team to back-to-back national championships. Garrett’s dream from a little boy was to be a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo cowboy, and he began rodeoing professionally in 1996. Garrett was a tremendous all-around cowboy and won many all-around titles, including the allaround at Cheyenne Frontier Days, the National Western Stock Show and the Prairie Circuit. He also won many steer wrestling,

calf roping and team roping titles at both the professional and amateur level. The highlight of his career was qualifying in the steer wrestling for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in 2005, winning the first round with a 3.6-second run. He finished the year fourth in the world. He continued rodeoing in the Nebraska State Rodeo Association, the Kansas Professional Rodeo Association and the MidStates Rodeo Association up to his death. In 2017, Garrett and his partner Scott Smith won the Ariat World Series #12 roping in Las Vegas, which was a life-changing event for his family. Garrett was a substitute teacher in between rodeos when he met his wife Laura, the behavior specialist for McCook Public Schools. Garrett always said the job set Laura up to be a successful rodeo wife and made her able to handle him. They were married on May 17, 2003 and bought the farm he grew up on. Trevor Ray was born Dec. 29, 2004. Garrett said he was his lucky charm and helped him make it to the NFR. Parker Wade came along on April 21, 2008 – the day after a big team roping. In fact, Garrett delayed Laura getting to the hospital so he could fill out the deposit slip from the roping. In 2014, Garrett became the timed event head coach for Mid Plains Community College. He enjoyed helping college students be their best inside and outside of the arena. He has helped several students make it the

College National Finals Rodeo, and his team has won the Great Plains region title in 2016-17 and reserve in 2017-18, 201819 and 2019-20. Garrett was named Great Plains Region Coach of the Year in 2020. Currently, the team is ranked first in the region. Garrett is survived by his wife of almost 18 years, Laura and their boys Trevor and Parker; his father Ray (Pam) Nokes; mother Brenda (Stephen) Morell; brother Justen (Ashley) Nokes; step-brother Jeff (Sheryl) Hager; step-sisters Brooke Hager, Elizabeth Morell and Katherine (Matt) Johnson; grandmother Marlene Bolen and mother-inlaw Mary Ann Ebmeier. He is also survived by his aunts, uncles and many nieces and nephews. Garrett was preceded in death by his grandparents Mel and Nada Nokes, Bill Bolen, Rex and Avis Morell, Lester and Wanda Malleck and father-in-law Darold Ebmeier. Funeral services were held Feb. 20 at Kiplinger Arena in McCook with Pastor Jeff Kelley and Father Gary Brethour officiating. Interment followed services in Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial account has been established in Garrett’s Name for future designation. Memorials may reach the Nokes Family at First Central Bank in McCook, PO Box 1297, McCook, NE 69001. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. HerrmannJones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 43 • February 20, 2021

Producers need to keep an eye on water quality in drought conditions With drought conditions plaguing most of the U.S., water has been of particular concern for producers this past year. In addition to worrying about water quantity during drought years, North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension’s Miranda Meehan and Craig Askim say producers also need to worry about water quality. In a recent NDSU Extension column, NDSU Extension Agent Askim notes he and Meehan, NDSU Extension Livestock Environmental Stewardship Specialist, spent the year 2020 testing water wells and dugouts in Mercer County, N.D. to understand the impacts of drought conditions on water quality. Impacts of low-quality water According to Askim and Meehan, having reliable access to high-quality water

is one of the most limiting factors for cattle in a multitude of grazing systems. “During a drought, this becomes an even greater challenge for producers as water sources deplete and decrease, creating water shortages and the potential for toxicity,” explains Meehan. “When surface waters become low, the mineral component of water becomes more concentrated because minerals don’t evaporate with water,” adds Askim. “Of particular concern are increased concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS) and sulfates, which can be toxic to livestock.” For most classes of grazing livestock, Askim says TDS in water should be less than 5,000 parts per million (ppm). “Sulfate is part of TDS. The recommended concen-

Old lessons, new challenges By Miranda Reiman Imagine a life filled with dust. We inhale, only to choke on dust. People eat dust on every scarce bite of food and see a dust outline on the bedding when they wake in the morning. I’ve been reading accounts from the Dirty Thirties lately, and I don’t know if I’m drawn in to the unimaginable awfulness of it all or the amazing hope. Our Greatest Generation lived through droughts and erratic weather and endured things I can hardly comprehend. In high school history, we talked about the Dust Bowl as an era, a few pages in the textbook which covered everything from economic to environmental impacts. Without a longer lesson plan, I missed seeing the daily decisions people had to make. I missed the way families across the Plains met the impossible every morning when they got

out of bed – each day, for years at a time – and yet, they kept taking the next step. In winter and spring of 1935, “dusters” became more norm than anomaly. Homesteaders would awaken to find their car buried in sand. Venturing out afoot, they might become trapped and feeling for a way home as the blinding storm of dirt descended with little warning. Their meager houses, shacks and dugouts could not guard against the silt filtering into living rooms and creating dunes on tattered rugs. When the storms left, despite no relief from heat or hunger, they got right to work. Faced with a mountain of sand, they picked up a shovel. With no grass left for their cows, they ground up tumbleweeds and salted them. When the tractors were buried, they turned back to mules. It’s probably the most

tration of this should be less than 500 ppm for calves and less than 1,000 ppm for adult cattle,” notes Askim. “High levels of sulfate can reduce copper availability in the diet. Elevated levels of sulfates may cause loose stools, whereas very high levels of sulfate can induce central nervous system problems.” In addition to potential toxicity, the specialists further explain water quality may impact cattle intake and weight gain. In fact, studies report improved gains by as much as 0.24 pounds per day in yearlings and 0.33 pounds per day in calves with access to good-quality drinking water, according to Askim and Meehan. Monitoring TDS and sulfate levels Because TDS and sulfate levels found in poor-quality drinking water may cause

several different issues in livestock, Askim and Meehan emphasize the importance of monitoring water quality throughout the grazing season, especially during drought years. The two specialists recommend using two affordable and easy-to-use tools to screen water samples. The first is a hand-held TDS meter. Askim and Meehan note if meters indicate a TDS greater than 4,500 ppm, producers should send the sample to a lab for further analysis. Sulfate test strips are the second tool Askim and Meehan recommend. Monitoring cyanobacteria While monitoring TDS and sulfate levels, Askim and Meehan also encourage producers to monitor water resources for cyanobacterial blooms. “Drought increases the

risk for cyanobacteria (bluegreen algae) blooms, which can produce toxins harmful to livestock, wildlife, pets and people,” says Askim. “Toxicity is ultimately dependent on the species consuming the water, the concentration of the toxin and the amount of water ingested.” The specialists note the best method for monitoring cyanobacteria is through visual observation. “This can be difficult due to how rapidly a bloom can develop and ranchers’ ability to check water frequently,” says Askim, noting

a potential solution for this problem may be to use cameras to monitor water locations. “If a bloom is observed, livestock should be removed immediately and a water sample should be submitted for testing,” he continues. Meehan concludes, “While developing a drought plan, it is critical producers include strategies to ensure livestock have adequate, good-quality water.” Hannah Bugas is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

visual example I’ve had of a group of people not paralyzed by the enormity of the task at hand. They just dug in. In a broader context, people of the Dust Bowl were slowly getting a handle on the need for planned land use by locality. What happens when we turn over millions of acres of native sod without soil or climate records and persistent crop failures leave the land bare? The terrible answer was upon them at the very same time they desperately needed to fix the problem. They had to take some kind of action while still learning what the best action would be. More recently, the beef business has had one of those wakeup calls. The instance everybody points to at industry meetings and in columns like this is the downturn in beef demand. We had to do something while still not fully knowing what the “something” should be. People with vision saw at first, we needed to categorize the challenge. The National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA) was born and has served as a roadmap ever since. I was probably learning about the Dust Bowl from Mrs. Miller about the

time the NBQA became a regular topic of conversation in the industry, but I’d like to think nobody said, “It’s impossible. We can’t change this and turn beef demand around.” Instead, they decided to take collective action. This gives me hope as we look at today’s topics which seem huge, sometimes vague and always lingering.

Take consumer trust, for example, which encompasses everything from animal care to land stewardship. There are things producers are already doing well and areas where we need to do better. I get overwhelmed trying to think of all the implications of every decision and all the people and organizations with widely varying approaches

on how to go about these things. Do we need to tell our story, get benchmarks and make changes? The answer could be all of the above. Maybe it’s time to do a little figuring it out as we go. Maybe it’s just time to take the next step and dig in. Next time in Black Ink®, Miranda Reiman will cover the foundation.

“While developing a drought plan, it is critical producers include strategies to ensure livestock have adequate, good-quality water.” – Miranda Meehan, North Dakota State University Extension

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March 13, 2021 Buffalo Livestock Auction Lunch at Noon - Sale begins at 1 pm Bulls available for viewing at 37 TW Rd. in Buffalo until morning of sale.

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Home: 307-684-7858 • Miles Cell: 307-217-0408 • Tiffany Cell:307-217-0409

mtrctco@vcn.com

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 43 • February 20, 2021

KSU vet discusses hypothermia and offers tips for warming up newborn calves Producers across the U.S. are battling extreme winter conditions, and for those with early calving herds, this time of year can be tough on cattle, calves and producers alike. “Adult cows can suffer cold stress, but they are actually pretty robust,” notes Kansas State University (KSU) Veterinarian Dr. A.J. Tarpoff during an episode of KSU’s Agriculture Today podcast, dated Feb. 15. “Cows have a huge, functioning rumen which acts as their core heater during winter months, so it is really calves we have to worry about – the newborn calves especially.” Body temperature danger zones To begin his discussion, Tarpoff explains when a calf hits the ground

their average internal body temperature is between 101 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. As temperatures fall below the 100-degree mark, calves will begin showing signs of hypothermia. “Below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, calves will start to show mild signs of hypothermia,” says Tarpoff. “This is where producers will see calves start to shiver because they are trying to increase the metabolic heat produced by the body.” “Once body temperature drops even lower and hypothermia progresses, the body will begin shunting blood away from the extremities – the skin, legs, ears and tail,” he explains. “They do this to maintain core tempera-

ture and keep warm blood flowing to the brain.” As body temperature nears the 95-degree range, Tarpoff says cooling of internal organs begins to take place, and calves will start wandering around and acting differently. “Calves are still viable into the upper 80s, but as soon as body temperature drops to the mid-80s, they are usually comatose,” he states. Tarpoff notes with outside temperatures around zero degrees Fahrenheit and below across most of the western U.S., hypothermia can hit calves quickly and severely. “Hypothermia can happen one of to ways – chilling of a wet animal, usually freshly born or later in older calves sim-

ply due to the harshness of conditions,” he says. Reversing hypothermia in calves If and when producers come across hypothermic calves, Tarpoff says there are a few different ways to reverse the situation. His number one recommendation is to take a rectal temperature to gauge the severity of the issue. “The tried and true defroster on the floorboard of the pickup truck is a failsafe and easy way to warm calves on the go,” says Tarpoff, who recommends placing one-half of a cardboard box on the floorboard and bedding it with blankets to create a heat tunnel. Another option, according to Tarpoff, is to use heat lamps, although

he cautions producers who choose this route. “Heat lamps work great, but they aren’t always a good option,” he states. “When calves get warm, they will stand up and start rooting around. If they are in a barn with hay or dust, they may break the lamp and inadvertently cause a fire.” Tarpoff notes some other options include hot boxes, which can be purchased commercially or hand made and warm water baths. “Producers need to be extremely cautious when using warm water submersion,” he states. “Don’t use hot water. This practice is only used to get calves back to their normal body temperature, so if they are dropped in too

hot of water too quickly, they may get cold shock, which will cause heart failure.” Therefore, he notes the best way to give calves a warm water bath is to gradually build up temperature to a little over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and then continue adding warm water to keep the temperature consistent until the calf is warmed thoroughly. “Regardless of the method, producers need to remember the process will take time and be pretty labor intensive,” says Tarpoff. “They need to be prepared and be patient.” Hannah Bugas is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Members of Congress urge officials to reevaluate Scrapie Import Rule In his final days, former Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue passed the Importation of Sheep, Goats and Certain Other Ruminants Rule, also known as the Scrapie Import Rule, which had remained a proposed rule since July 18, 2016.

On Jan. 28, a coalition of Congressmen joined in a concerned letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting Secretary Kevin Shea. The legislators, including Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), Sen. Cyn-

Administrative Coordinator Sublette County Conservation District located in Pinedale, WY Join an interdisciplinary team to aid in promoting conservation principles and practices in Sublette County, WY! The Sublette County Conservation District (SCCD) aims to promote and maintain healthy rangelands, clean water and air and maintain premier wildlife and habitat. The SCCD Administrative Coordinator will work closely with the Board of Supervisors and staff through administrative support of projects and activities that the District is involved in within Sublette County.

General Requirements

• Knowledge and experience of day-to-day administration activities associated with the running of an office. • Ability to work with SCCD staff, agency personnel and private land managers. Excellent communication and relationship skills are mandatory. • Minimum of an associate degree in Business Administration, Finance or related field and three (3) years’ experience, or 5 years’ experience in this field. • Computer, software and technological knowledge and skills expected of administrative professionals. • Preference given to applicants with Agricultural or Natural Resource backgrounds.

General Duties

• Responsible for preparing annual budgets at the direction of the District Manager. • Performs administrative tasks including but not limited to bookkeeping, payroll, tax reporting, financial records, disburses payment by check, administrative reports and prepares for annual audits. Maintains insurance coverage. Provides accurate and timely reporting of administrative activities, accomplishments, time and financial accounting and other reporting as required. • Prepares financial reports for monthly board meetings and records minutes during the meetings. • Greets the visiting public, answers phone calls, provides support and other duties that fall within the district’s mission when needed or as directed. • Responsible for administering contracts for the janitorial maintenance and trash removal. • Attends pertinent public meetings and training seminars as directed by the district • Maintains office equipment inventory. • Maintains personnel records for all SCCD staff in accordance with the state and federal requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Endure extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, bending, lifting, etc. • Lift 50 pounds. • Comfortable working in indoor and outdoor environments. • Tolerate temperature extremes, intense sunlight, rain and/or snow, high winds, dust, pollen, etc. • Work/wade in flowing water. Full-time year-round position Salary Range: $20.72 to $28.73 per hour depending upon qualifications and experience. Benefit package includes: Retirement (Wyoming Retirement System), Health Insurance, Dental Insurance (optional), Vision Insurance, Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Leave APPLICATION SCREENING BEGINS March 1, 2021. Screening continues until a suitable candidate is hired. For more information contact Michael Henn at 307-367-2364 Submit letter of interest, resume and two (2) letters of reference to mhenn@sublettecd.com or PO Box 647, Pinedale, WY 82941 Learn about the Sublette County Conservation District at www.sublettecd.com Learn about the area at www.pinedaleonline.com

thia Lummis (R-WY), Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND), Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX), Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX), Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), urged Shea to reevaluate the rule prior to implementation, siting the rule has the potential to further damage the lamb industry and lacks economic analysis to reflect current market conditions. Final scrapie rule On Feb. 5, Cramer led another group of senators in a letter urging the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Acting Director Robert Fairweather to withdraw the final rule. The letter was signed by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), Sen. John Thune (R-SD) and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD), as well as Barrasso, Lummis and Hoeven. “The federal government has invested over $200 million into scrapie eradication since the early 2000s,” reads the letter. “This investment has

yielded tremendous results, lowering the percentage of scrapie-positive cull sheep at slaughter by 99 percent since Fiscal Year 2003.” “By allowing scrapie-positive animals and genetic materials into the U.S., we risk reintroducing the very disease we have nearly eradicated,” the senators share. According to the Feb. 5 letter, the rule would remove bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) related restrictions on imported sheep and goats, as well as many of their products. “The existing BSErelated import restrictions function as a necessary protection against the introduction of other transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), such as scrapie,” the letter continues. Market implications In the letter to Shea, the legislators share the Importation of Sheep, Goats and Certain Other Ruminants Rule will allow additional imports of lamb from countries who have an unfair trade advantage thanks to subsidies and note the U.S.

lamb market is already crowded with more than half of the lamb consumed in the U.S. imported into the nation. “Sheep producers were hit hard last summer when the Mountain States Rosen processing plant closed,” note the legislators. “This rule would deliver another substantial blow to an industry already distressed by extreme predation, increasing labor costs and loss of access to federal lands grazing.” Additionally, the Jan. 28 letter shares this rule would undercut efforts to open markets for American lamb in foreign countries, particularly the leverage to export into the United Kingdom. “The rule no longer meets regulatory criteria to consider economic consequences. The Regulatory Impact Review and Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis released by the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) during the initial rulemaking process was based on economic data, which is now nearly a decade old,” the letter continues.

Animal health concerns Along with initiating concerns for the already troubled U.S. lamb market, the passage of this rule creates a herd health risk for producers. According to the letter, the prevalence of scrapie in 2016 was 0.001 percent, and allowing the reemergence of the disease into U.S. sheep flocks would be devastating. In addition, the rule risks the introduction of a new disease, the Schmallenberg virus, into U.S. flocks. This virus is associated with ruminants from the European Union, according to APHIS. In support of both the U.S. lamb market and flock health, the Feb. 5 letter reads, “Prior to a domestic BSE occurrence in cattle in 2003, Japan was the primary export market for U.S. lamb. Japan quickly closed American access to its market, and the U.S. did not recoup until 2018.” Averi Hales is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 43 • February 20, 2021

Family adds carbon initiative to ranch for education and conservation Alex Blake is ranching near Big Timber, Mont. on a place his parents bought in 1973. “My family also has a retail tree nursery,” Alex explains. “I grew up here on the ranch, then spent time elsewhere with school, work and the military.” Alex came back to Montana in 2007 and worked for a branded beef company for a couple years before moving back to the ranch in 2009. “My parents are still involved in the business – my mom and younger brother run the tree nursery, and my dad and I manage the ranch,” he notes. “We are a conventional cow/calf operation but have a small grass-fed beef program, and some years we customgraze yearlings.” Progressive ranch management “We are fairly progressive in grazing management,” Alex explains. “My dad went through some holistic management courses in the mid1980s when Roland Kroos started classes.” “Then, the whole family went through the Ranching for Profit schools about 12 years ago and completed the Executive Link Program,” he continues. “This helped reinforce what we were doing and some of the things we wanted to do, but didn’t have the time or resources to accomplish quickly.” “The new carbon initiative program we are now participating in has given us the financial boost to get us farther along,” Alex adds. The projects included more cross-fencing and water development. The initiatives program provides financial assistance and gives the family five years to get the whole ranch cross-fenced and necessary water developed. “Without this carbon program, it would have taken us 10 years or more,” says Alex. “It’s also good for us to have the five-year timeline to get it done.” “There are a number of reasons why the carbon initiative programs excited us. My parents have been great examples with their strong environmental ethic, and they have

been committed to conservation and good stewardship since our family’s early days on this ranch,” he notes. “They fenced off our major riparian areas in the late 1970s and early 1980s and adopted rotational grazing,” Alex continues. “We’ve been proponents of renewable energy for a long time. My home has been off-grid for a dozen years, we have a 12-kilowatt grid-tie solar array which offsets much of the nursery and ranch headquarters power needs, and we use solar stock water pumps at remote well sites.” Carbon initiative program Alex works part-time for Western Sustainability Exchange (WSE), the 25-year-old nonprofit organization which started the Montana Grasslands Carbon Initiative. He explains he knew about the carbon initiative program through his work with WSE, but learned more upon meeting Kirsten McKnight. McKnight is the manager of development for Native Energy, a carbon credit provider based in Burlington, Vt., which has partnered with WSE to create a program to pay ranchers and other land stewards for sequestering carbon on grasslands through regenerative grazing practices. “We were the first ranch she met with about six years ago,” explains Alex. “At the time, most of the ranchers around this area were pretty gun-shy about carbon programs. We did quite a bit of work to sign up for a similar program about 10 years ago.” The Chicago Climate Exchange market collapsed around this time, according to Alex, and many producers were skeptical about what carbon programs should look like. “I have to applaud Native Energy and the WSE staff who have worked on this for their perseverance. Chris Mehus, the WSE ranching program director and Jesse Turfo, a former WSE employee, put a lot of time in on this and built it from scratch,” says Alex. “I’ve seen it from both sides through my involvement with WSE and through being one of the four ranch-

ers who signed up for it. It has “There was some prelim- additional income. be helpful.” also helped my family get to inary sampling the first and “There are not many Heather Smith Thomas is know the other ranchers who second years, and there will be ranches big enough to have a corresponding writer for the are involved and their fami- another round of sampling in the luxury of doing just cat- Wyoming Livestock Roundup. lies,” he notes. four years,” he shares. “Over- tle,” says Alex. “Programs Send comments on this article “This gives us a support time, technology will proba- like carbon initiatives can to roundup@wylr.net. network, and we are able to bly change in how carbon is talk with them, ask questions measured. This is a new horiand discuss things amongst zon and there will be advanceourselves when there were ments in how everything is things we didn’t understand measured and collected for and things Native Energy was sampling.” still trying to figure out,” Alex “The program is relacontinues. “Our community tively easy at this point, with is a good one to work with just four ranches, but the projbecause there are many peo- ect is expected to increase to at ple here who are involved in least half a million acres, and regenerative agriculture.” this will take a lot of sampling. New frontier in agriculture There is a good crew working “We are all still learning on the project, and there will a lot about the importance of be a lot more work go into the soils, but learning more about development. It will probably what goes on below the soil be easier as the years come,” surface and knowing there he adds. is so much more we need to Alex explains the nurslearn and more we can do. We ery has been critical to diverare on the forefront of this new sifying their operation, and to frontier in agriculture,” says keep several families involved Alex. on the ranch, it is hard to do Soil samples are taken on it with just cattle. The carbon the ranch to determine carbon program, he shares, is another Soil education – The Blake family has learned how healthy soils Pinetool Coulee Livestock 2/13,their 2/20 and 2/27 2021photo content. for theWY ranch to bring Roundup in can benefit operation. Courtesy

Monday, March 8, 2021 Wagon Box Ranch, Hardin, Montana SELLING 160 YEARLING BULLS

SALE TIM 12:0 E Lunc 0 h :00

John Carrel (406) 855-2832 • Jim Stampfel (406) 780-1230

PINE COULEE BRAVO H309

Coleman Bravo 6313 X MW Black Nellie Rita 032 BW -1.6 WW +49 YW +93 Milk +33 Sells as Lot 1

PINE COULEE RESOURCE 130H

S A V Resource 1441 x MW Black Nellie Rita 032 BW +1.0 WW +54 YW +96 Milk +17 Sells as Lot 38

PINE COULEE BRAVO H308

Coleman Bravo 6313 X MW Black Nellie Rita 032 BW -.4 WW +54 YW +106 Milk +33 Sells as Lot 2

PINE COULEE BRAVO H316

Coleman Bravo 6313 X Pine Coulee Everelda W3 BW +1.3 WW +65 YW +118 Milk +26 Sells as Lot 6

PINE COULEE CAPITALIST 186H

LD Capitalist 316 X MW Black Rose Protage 08 BW +1.1 WW +62 YW +104 Milk +26 Sells as Lot 133

PINE COULEE RENOWN 224H

S A V Renown 3439 X Pine Coulee Forever Lady A37 BW +2.0 WW +59 YW +106 Milk +24 Sells as Lot 14

Pine Coulee Angus

Carbon initiative – The Montana Grasslands Carbon Initiative currently works on four ranches to reward regenerative grazing practices. Courtesy photo

at 11

LARGE SIRE GROUPS • VOLUME DISCOUNTS AFFORDABLE QUALITY IN VOLUME

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 43 • February 20, 2021

SALE REPORTS

Durbin Creek Ranch Annual Polled Hereford Bull Sale

Booth’s Cherry Creek Angus Ranch Annual Bull Sale

Reported By: Curt Cox, WLR Field Editor Feb.10, 2021 Big Horn Basin Livestock Auction, Worland

Reported By: Curt Cox, WLR Field Editor Feb. 11, 2021 Booth’s Cherry Creek Ranch, Veteran

Auctioneer: Joe Goggins 97.5 Two-Year-Old Hereford Bulls Avg. $5,149 311 F1 Baldy Heifer Calves Avg. $1,003

Auctioneer: Lander Nicodemus 105 Fall Angus Bulls Avg. $5,986 10 Yearling Angus Bulls Avg. $4,375 11 Two-Year-Old Angus Bulls Avg. $5,068 Top Sellers Lot 8 – Cherry Crk Timberline G313 S – Price: $98,000 DOB: 9/7/19 Sire: WXW Timberline W287 Dam’s Sire: PA Safeguard 021 EPDs: BW: -0.2, WW: +65, YW: +118 and Milk: +25 Buyer: Baldridge Performance Angus, North Platte, Neb. Lot 15 – Cherry Crk Assertive G205 S – Price: $19,000 DOB: 8/29/19 Sire: K C F Bennett Assertive Dam’s Sire: Basin Payweight 1682 EPDs: BW: -0.6, WW: +65 YW: +115 and Milk: +36 Buyer: Double RL Cattle Company, Ridgway, Colo. Lot 2 – Cherry Crk Logo G140 M – Price: $16,500 DOB: 8/16/19 Sire: Sitz Logo 12964 Dam’s Sire: Cherry Crk Prophet C150M EPDs: BW: +0.0, WW: +88, YW: +143 and Milk: +21 Buyer: Bartels Angus, Riverton, Neb. Lot 44 – Cherry Crk Patriarch G225 S – Price: $9,000 DOB: 8/31/19 Sire: Tehama Patriarch F028 Dam’s Sire: V A R Discovery 2240 EPDs: BW: +0.4, WW: +69, YW: +131 and Milk: +27 Buyer: Joe Rankin, Shawnee Lot 42 – Cherry Crk Logo G158M – Price: $8,250 DOB: 8/19/19 Sire: Sitz Logo 12964 Dam’s Sire: HA Program 5652 EPDs: BW: -1.9, WW: +78, YW: +122 and Milk: +22 Buyer: Joe Rankin, Shawnee

Top Sellers Lot 26 – DCR 4110 Imperial 9218 – Price: $12,500 for half interest DOB: 3/31/19 Sire: THM 10Y Imperial 4110 ET Dam’s Sire: DCR Koot 722 EPDs: BW: +3.8, WW: +55, YW: +87, Milk: +22 and M&G: +49 Buyer Location: Basin Lot 17 – DCR 128D Reset 9248 – Price: $12,000 for half interest DOB: 4/4/19 Sire: Hills-Galore 44Z Resolute 128D Dam’s Sire: DCR 713 Iconic 312 EPDs: BW: +1.3, WW: +59, YW: +103, Milk: +26 and M&G: +56 Buyer Location: Basin Lot 91 – DCR 247 Kootenay 9014 – Price: $12,000 for half interest DOB: 4/12/19 Sire: DCR 713 Kootenay 247 Dam’s Sire: Anchor 44U EPDs: BW: +4.9, WW: +56, YW: +93, Milk: +23 and M&G: +51 Buyer Location: Basin Lot 8 – DCR 199B Cowboss 9278 – Price: $8,000 DOB: 4/7/19 Sire: NJW 78P 88X Cowboss 199B Dam’s Sire: Churchill Manhattan 428B ET EPDs: BW: +3.0, WW: +60, YW: +101, Milk: +32 and M&G: +62 Buyer Location: Belle Fourche, S.D. Lot 1 – DCR 199B Cowboss 9150 – Price: $7,500 DOB: 3/30/19 Sire: NJW 78P 88X Cowboss 199B Dam’s Sire: Churchill Manhattan 428B ET EPDs: BW: +2.2, WW: +55, YW: +91, Milk: +33 and M&G: +61 Buyer Location: Woonsocket, S.D. Lot 20 – DCR 128D Resolute 9211 ET – Price: $7,500 DOB: 3/29/19 Sire: Hills-Galore 44Z Resolute 128D Dam’s Sire: NJW 12E 4037 Duration 136X EPDs: BW: +2.8, WW: +58, YW: +104, Milk: +27 and M&G: +56 Buyer Location: Ten Sleep

47th Annual Production Sale Tuesday, March 9, 2021 Lunch at 11:30 • 1:00 MST pm • At Ranch in Ashton, Idaho

100 Yearling Bulls and 85 Yearling Heifers

Doug Booth Family Angus Bull Sale Reported By: Curt Cox, WLR Field Editor Feb. 16, 2021 Torrington Livestock, Torrington Auctioneer: Lex Madden 68 Yearling Angus Bulls Avg. $3,965 Top Sellers Lot 37 – DDB Weigh-up H10 – Price: $10,500 DOB: 1/25/20 Sire: J&J Weigh Up 294 Dam’s Sire: MGR Treasure EPDs: BW: -0.1, WW: +78, YW: +137 and Milk: +24 Buyer: Mountain Valley Livestock, Douglas Lot 77 – DB Enhance H147 – Price: $8,000 DOB: 2/26/20 Sire: SydGen Enhance Dam’s Sire: DB Justice 354 EPDs: BW: -0.2, WW: +78, YW: +142 and Milk: +26 Buyer: Lee Duckworth, Greenville, Tenn. Lot 75 – DDB Treasure H140 – Price: $7,000 DOB: 2/23/20 Sire: MGR Treasure Dam’s Sire: PA Power Tool 9108 EPDs: BW: -1.1, WW: +84, YW: +158 and Milk: +29 Buyer: Vollman Ranch, Douglas Lot 81 – DB Stunner H155 – Price: $7,000 DOB: 2/28/20 Sire: Musgrave 316 Stunner Dam’s Sire: V A R Discovery 2240 EPDs: BW: -1.4, WW: +78, YW: +127 and Milk: +30 Buyer: Vollman Ranch, Douglas Lot 20 – DB Stunner H49 – Price: $6,500 DOB: 2/10/20 Sire: Musgrave 316 Stunner Dam’s Sire: Connealy Forward EPDs: BW: +0.3, WW: +69, YW: +122 and Milk: +24 Buyer: Thaler Land & Livestock, LaGrange

WGFD sets Ocean Lake burn The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), will perform a prescribed burn on Ponds Five and Six at Ocean Lake Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA). The prescribed burn is scheduled as early as Feb. 18, through earlyApril, contingent on weather conditions. The prescribed fire is part of an ongoing cattail management program aiming to increase wetland productivity and health. Similar prescribed burns have occurred in previous years. These burns improve waterfowl habitat by removing old vegetation, increasing plant diversity and providing nutrientrich forage for waterfowl and shorebirds. Smoke from the prescribed burn will be visible from surrounding areas, including the town of Riverton. Residents should expect temporary smoke in the vicinity of the burn. Some roads within Ocean Lake WHMA may be closed for use by fire personnel and for public safety. The prescribed burn at Ponds Five and Six is anticipated to take one to two days to complete. Dates will be subject to weather conditions. For further questions, call Justin Rhine at 307-448-0995.

Wyoming State Chariot Racing Championship LOOSLI TRIAD 001 • #4281147 150 ProS, 98HB, 53GM, 16CED, -5.1BW, 69WW, 109YW, 0.25ADG, 1.73DMI, 28MK, 2ME, 18HPG, 9CEM, 14STAY, 0.74MB, 0.21YG, 25CW, 0.05REA, 0.06FAT

LOOSLI SILVER 019 • #4281185 159Pros, 89HB, 70GM, 15CED, -2.2BW, 73WW, 121YW, 0.30ADG, 1.54DMI, 34MK, -2ME, 12HPG, 8CEM, 14STAY, 0.54MB, 0.12YG, 40CW, 0.12REA, 0.01FAT

March 6 & 7, 2021

Happy Hour & Calcutta for Saturday races @ Angler’s Bar in Glendo Friday, March 5 at 6:00 PM Races Start - Saturday, March 6 @ 12:00 PM Races Start - Sunday, March 7 @ 11:00 AM Additional Calcutta auctions will be going on during the races.

LOOSLI FRANCHISE 022 • #4281191 131ProS, 100HB, 31GM, 14CED, -1.7BW, 62WW, 107YW, 0.28ADG, 1.77DMI, 29MK, 3ME, 15HPG, 9CEM, 16STAY, 0.22MB, 0.02YG, 22CW, 0.36REA, 0.03FAT

LOOSLI MERLIN 038 • #4281221 133ProS, 92HB, 41GM, 15CED, -4.5BW, 76WW, 122YW, 0.29ADG, 2.11DMI, 32MK, -3ME, 9HPG, 8CEM, 16STAY, 0.40MB, 0.14YG, 35CW, -0.05REA, 0.01FAT

www.loosliredangus.com

Call or email for a catalog!

Videos and Data will be available online. The sale will also be broadcast live for internet bidding.

Ranch is located 50 miles northeast of Idaho Falls on US 20

Brian Loosli 3127 E. 1100 N. • Ashton, ID 83420 208-652-3303 • 208-317-7878 blloosli@gmail.com

Jonathan Meek 208-227-3779 Mark Loosli 208-351-3333

Races are held 3 miles south of Glendo, WY on HWY 319 Gate Entry - $5 for ages 12 and over

Saturday Night Dinner & Calcutta

for Sunday races is at 6:00 PM at Micke's Restaurant. Tickets for dinner are $10 for adults, $5 for 12 years and younger, under 3 free. For more information call: Gene Daly - 307-331-1049 Proceeds from the Calcutta Races will be going to the youth of the Circle G Cowboy Church Youth Group & Glendo FFA Chapter. Advertising paid by grant from Platte County Lodging & Tourism Tax Joint Powers Board

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 43 • February 20, 2021

Interseeding legumes improves pasture fertility and quality While winter months generally aren’t reserved for planting, two University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Extension Educators share this is a time of year when interseeding legumes into pastures might be on producers’ radars. In the Feb. 12 episode of the UNL Beefwatch podcast, Beef Extension Educators Ben Beckman and Brad Schick discuss why interseeding legumes can benefit producers and which options might provide the best results. Considerations for interseeding legumes “Winter usually isn’t a time when we think about doing any planting or seeding, but for many legume species, the seeds

are winter-hardy, and with soil contact there is a chance of germinating and growing in the spring,” explains Beckman. According to a corresponding Beefwatch newsletter written by the pair, most legume species are high in protein and energy. Providing quality forage options – alfalfa, clover or birdsfoot trefoil in this case – can positively impact animal condition and overall productivity. In addition, Schick shares, “Adding legumes to a pasture or hayfield can increase the quality of the pasture and hay, and the need for fertilizer over the lifetime of the pasture is reduced.” Legumes are well known for their ability

Survey seeks respondents Agricultural producers are being encouraged to participate in a survey of western ranches and farms asking about stress. “This survey of producers in the 13 western states aims to learn about ag stressors and how producers would prefer to get information on dealing with stress,” said Cole Ehmke, University of Wyoming (UW) Extension specialist. “Our agriculture is a large community, but we’re dispersed, so this survey will help pin down what information is most needed and how best to get it out.” All submissions are anonymous. The survey is part of efforts by the Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program (WRASAP), which is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture funds and supported by UW Extension. Respondents can be entered in a raffle for a $50 online gift card, and 10 $50 gift cards are available per participating state. A separate link at the end of the survey asks if participants are interested in a follow-up interview with WRASAP. Those who complete the interview will automatically receive a $75 gift card. The survey takes about 15 minutes, and the findings will be used to help develop future programming, said Ehmke. Take the survey at bit.ly/agri-stress-survey. For details on the survey, contact Colorado State University Professor Lorann Stallones at Lorann.Stallones@ ColoState.EDU.

to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into a form usable by plants, note Beckman and Schick. This attribute has the potential to save producers in nitrogen fertilizer application costs. Choosing pastures for interseeding Beckman shares the first step to a successful interseeded legume stand is making sure the pastures producers select are appropriate for interseeding. “Doing soil tests and knowing the pH and phosphorus levels, as well as the type of soil in the pasture are beneficial to getting legumes up and running,” Beckman says. “Legumes are sensitive to herbicides, so a weedinfested pasture a producer knows they will spray might not be a good candidate.” He continues, “Critically thinking, producers have to figure out if the input costs are worth the extra fertilization the legumes provide. We can add phosphorus or lime to work on soils with pH issues, but we have to make sure the costs balance out.”

Often, Beckman notes, the decision isn’t easy. Sometimes the best thing a producer can do is accept a certain pasture isn’t right for interseeding, while on the other hand, a pasture receiving nitrogen fertilizer to increase forage production might save a producer money in the long-run if it is interseeded with nitrogen-fixing legumes. Preparing seeding sites After selecting pastures for interseeding, Beckman and Schick share there are certain management strategies to ensure a strong legume crop germinates. “Pastures which were heavily grazed in the fall are great candidates for interseeding because the established forbs and grasses will be slightly stressed,” says Beckman. “Legume seedlings in those pastures will have a better chance of establishing themselves before they have to compete with surrounding plants.” For producers planning to interseed with legumes, spring management practices such as targeted or flash grazing can

knock down established plants without damaging seedlings, the pair notes. Seeding strategies “Feeding seed and frost seeding are good options in the winter when there may be more labor available than in the spring during planting and calving,” says Schick. “Frost seeding is great because it doesn’t matter what the weather is as long as the field is open and there is moisture available in the spring.” Frost seeding allows the natural freezing and thawing of the ground to basically plant the seed, according to the newsletter. Although, broadcasting seeds across the pasture requires a limited amount of snow, Schick adds. “After broadcasting seed in thick snow, the seed has the possibility to wash into the neighbors’ fields or down the creek,” he says. Schick shares while the seeding rate depends upon the legume species and the goals of the producer, a general rule of thumb is two to three pounds of seed per acre. With this method, producers can shoot for 25

to 40 percent of legumes to establish a stand over a couple years of seeding. Drilling seeds, especially alfalfa seeds, provide the best option for seed-soil contact, followed by frost seeding. On the lower end of success, Beckman notes, is feeding seed. “Cheaper legume seeds hold the opportunity for feeding seed,” he shares. “Typically, fed seeds are mixed into something like a supplement or salt mineral.” He explains the appeal to feeding seed is it is the least labor-intensive option for interseeding pastures. “Non-coated seeds have seen the best success rate for making it through the animal’s digestive system as a viable seed,” Beckman continues. “However, manure patties tend to be too dense and nutrient rich for a seedling to survive longer than a few weeks, so harrowing or knocking down patties will help seeding success rates.” Averi Hales is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

GRAY’S ANGUS RANCH (308) 668-2525 • graysangusranch.com

“2nd CENTURY” Performance Bull Sale A Family Tradition Since 1898 SELLING: 125 Yearling Angus Bulls & 50 Two-Year-Olds GRAY’S RAINFALL 160

GRAY’S ACCLAIM 660

8 SAV Rainfall Sons Sell

15 Jindra Acclaim Sons Sell

Saturday • March 20, 2021 • 1:00 pm MDT At the Ranch SW of Harrison, Nebraska SALE BOOK, VIDEOS & BIDDING @ DVAUCTION.COM Call: ROD GRAY (308) 668-2525 or E-mail: grayangus@bbcwb.net

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 43 • February 20, 2021

B10

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 43 • February 20, 2021

B11

EO includes ag in whole-government carbon approach The Jan. 27 executive order (EO) on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad sought to double the amount of land conserved in the U.S. and involved the agriculture sector in the government’s efforts to address climate change. Agriculture and climate change “We see farmers making American agriculture first in the world to achieve net zero emissions and gaining new sources of income in the process,” said President Biden. “The order directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect input from farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders on how to use federal programs to encourage adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies producing verifiable carbon reductions and sequestrations and creating new sources of income and jobs for rural Americans,” according to a White House fact sheet on the order. This same order com-

mitted the nation to the goal of conserving at least 30 percent of U.S. public lands and oceans by the year 2030, enrolling stakeholder engagement from agricultural and forest landowners, as well as fishermen, native tribes and government officials to participate. Additionally, the order called for a Civilian Climate Corps Initiative to be established. This initiative is to, “Put a new generation of Americans to work conserving and restoring public lands and waters, increasing reforestation, increasing carbon sequestration in the agricultural sector, protecting biodiversity, improving access to recreation and addressing climate change.” The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), along with the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA), has outlined more than 40 recommendations to guide the development of climate policy

Montana Performance Bull Co-op™

affecting agriculture. “It is crucial as new strategies are implemented, our leaders listen to the people who will be affected most,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “While the president has invited us to the table, we’d like to invite him to the table we’ve already set through the FACA.” Whole-government approach In a whole-government approach, the EO established the While House Office of Domestic Climate Policy, which will be led by the National Climate Advisor. The order also established the National Climate Task Force, which assembled leaders from 21 federal agencies. Impacting many western states, the EO also paused new oil and gas leasing on public lands and called for a comprehensive review of the federal oil and gas program. “The order formalizes President Biden’s commitment to make environmental

Selling 180 Bulls

with

Herd Bull quality in volume

Large Groups of Half Brothers

Annual Bull Sale

March 19, 2021

Friday •

justice a part of the mission of every agency by directing federal agencies to develop programs, policies and activities to address the disproportionate health, environmental, economic and climate impacts on disadvantaged communities,” stated a White House press release. “Despite all the hot air from climate alarmists, banning new oil, gas and coal leases on federal land and waters will do nothing to address climate change. Energy producers will simply go elsewhere – likely out of state or overseas,” Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), said in a statement. “The president’s order will deprive thousands of people in Wyoming of their jobs and a principal source of revenue for public education and other essential services.” Averi Hales is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

• 1:00 pm

at the Midland Bull Test Sale Facility, Columbus, MT

EXAR Monumental 6056B

J&J Weigh Up 294

The first sons from our newest featured sire. CED

+10

-0.6

+55

+67

Marb

+1.41

+121

+.72

CEM

+11.5

+38

+14

+180

Calving ease with added muscle, expansive rib shape and power.

Milk

CED

+26

+271

+11

+2.0

+66

WW Marb

+74

+.69

+144

+.70

WW Marb

+72

+.74

+126

+.55

+12.0

+60

CEM

+157

Milk $C

+25

+264

Basin Paycheck 5249

Our newest addition for performance with maternal excellence. BW

+54

Vermilion Spur E143

CED

-0.1

CEM

+19.1

+73

+12

+169

Milk $C

+39

Continuing the Basin Payweight tradition. CED

+10

+292

Basin Deposit 6249

+1.1

+46

WW Marb

+59

+1.19

+111

+.35

CEM

+11.5

+57

+11

+170

Milk $C

+24

+277

Musgrave 316 Exclusive

NWQI applications open The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications until March 17 for conservation projects within the Alamo Creek-Bighorn River Watershed. The initiative provides a way to accelerate voluntary, on-farm conservation investments and focused water quality monitoring and assessment resources. For information about the Alamo-Bighorn Watershed NWQI project, contact Andi Neugebauer by phone at 307-233-6763, e-mail at andi.neugebauer@usda.gov or contact the Greybull Field office at 307-765-2483.

Explosive growth and marbling with muscle. CED

+67

+2.9

WW Marb

+91

+1.45

+147

+.56

+14.4

+78

CEM $B

+184

Milk $C

+25

+317

Also sire groups by: Basin Advance 5016, Basin Payweight Plus 6048, Basin Rainmaker 4404, Benchmark Tender Beef, EXAR Rolex 8709B, GAR Inertia, SydGen Enhance 5209, VAR Power Play 7018

Calving ease with growth and powerful phenotype. CED

+68

+0.7

WW Marb

+71

+.76

+129

+.67

+12.2

+69

CEM $B

+174

+11

Milk $C

+23

+295

For more information, contact any of the Montana Performance Bull Co-op consignors Brian Barragree • 406/780-1219

Rob Aumueller • 406/321-2470

Shane Whiteman • 406/366-0688

Doug Stevenson • 406/350-0350

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 43 • February 20, 2021

It’s the Pitts by Lee Pitts

Alarmed and Dangerous We’ve all received a bull sale catalog in the mail and drooled over the offering. Usually there is always one bull everyone falls in love with, knowing they could never afford such a bull because he’ll probably sell for $20,000 to as much as $100,000 to an artificial insemination stud or another purebred breeder. Well, it seems one mischievous man has figured out a way to get a big discount and buy such a bull for only $2,750. And, he has done this

at several bull sales across cow country. A secret source has informed me of these very alarming misdeeds that could cost purebred breeders dearly. Most cattlemen know even the nicest, most well-behaved bull in the world has a point in which he will blow up. It seems this creepy slime ball is going to bull sales bright and early on sale day and getting in the pen containing the bull he desires. Usually it’s the best bull in the sale.

When no one is watching, this misbehaving miscreant throws rocks and chases the gentle bull all over the pen and mistreats him to the point where he blows up and attacks everyone who dares enter the bull’s domain. For the rest of the morning, the scoundrel warns anyone who might enter the pen they are endangering their very existence. If a potential bull buyer enters the pen, they might ask the scam artist – who is usually sitting on the top rail of the sturdy fence – “Is this bull safe?” “He’s a whole lot safer than you are right now,” the culprit will say. Or the rogue will make remarks like, “Too bad, I kinda liked this bull on paper but he’s a man-killer and belongs in the Houston rodeo, not on anyone’s ranch.” If this doesn’t scare all

the potential buyers off, our wrongdoer will say, “This bull sure doesn’t walk right. Wouldn’t last a week on my place.” Or, “I really like this bull, but look at his bad left leg.” He says such things even though the bull is structurally correct in every way. Still, potential buyers will spend hours staring at the bull trying to find the physical deformity which doesn’t exist. If this didn’t run off any late-arriving buyers, the shyster says, “I had a bull out of the same sire and ended up with calves with two heads, five legs and a backbone more crooked than Nancy Pelosi.” The con man will stay in the pen until it’s time to eat the free lunch, and when it comes time to sell the bull, usually in the first five because that’s the best place in the sale order to put the best bulls, curious cat-

tlemen will watch the crook to see if he bids. If he does, the scam would fail. This is why the crooked cowboy travels with a female accomplice who appears briefly and only to buy the supposed defective bull. The accomplice pays for the bull with a driver’s license and one other form of identification – all fake – and a check more bouncy than the bikini-clad babes on Baywatch. Then, they load up their $2,750 herd sire and escape faster than anyone can say, “Stop the trailer with the license plate covered in cow dung!” The male part of the pair is 5’10” and wears a cowboy hat pulled down around his eyes and a COVID-19 mask covering everything else. He goes by several aliases including Booger Red, Fresno Fred, Torjan Lovely, Lying Jim,

Jorge Rellano, Hunky Dory Bill, Pronto Charley, One Thumb Frank, Dirty Mike, Stinky Pete, Orpheus Kerr, Rattlesnake Slim and Chortle Ashbottom. Anyone can see a Federal Bureau of Ivestigation artist’s rendition of the villain at the local Post Office. Purebred breeders, if this man shows up at a bull sale, approach with caution as he is considered alarmed and dangerous. The best way to not get stung is to have a representative on sale day in every pen armed with a shotgun and shells filled with rock salt to discourage such behavior. One application should be more than adequate. A vigilante committee of purebred breeders who have been violated by this crook have put up a $50,000 reward for this culprit, wanted dead or alive.

Dallas Mount

Join the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and Young Producers Assembly for a special discussion with Dallas Mount, owner of Ranch Management Consultants (RMC), to address "Business Leadership on YOUR Ranch"

Thursday, February 25, 2021 Holiday Inn Cody Registration 9:00 am Program 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Do you know cattle producers in your area? Bring them along!

$50 registration fee

RSVP by Monday, February 22 trenda@wysga.org 307.638.3942

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Mill Bar Hickok

Your source for powerful genetics with MORE VALUE at AFFORDABLE PRICES

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Monday, March 1, 2021 • Cowboy Auction - 1 p.m. P\T Livestock Feedlot • 345 Missouri Valley Rd. on Hwy. 134 • Riverton, WY

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