Section A February 4, 2023

A Look Inside Volume 34 Number 41 • February 4, 2023

Publisher Dennis Sun highlights Wyoming’s senators Page A2 Ranch-raised kids honored in a series of publications Page B1 High food inflation is expected to persist in 2023 Page B4 Virtual livestock fencing strategies discussed Page B10

Snow Report

The Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers and

Western Caucus members discuss priorities for 118th Congress

On Jan. 27, U.S. Sen. and Chair of the Senate Western Caucus Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) alongside U.S. Rep. and Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus Dan Newhouse

(R-WA) held a press conference to discuss their legislative priorities for the 118th Congress.

Lummis announced she would be taking the gavel as chair of the Senate West-

ern Caucus on Dec. 8, 2022 and started in her new position in January. This will be Newhouse’s second term serving as chair.

conference, Western Caucus Foundation Executive Director Darrell Henry welcomed attendees and explained the mission of the Western Caucus. ®

Three-legged stool

Please see CAUCUS on page A7

Bred Cow Nutrition

In the eighth snow report for Water Year 2023, the state’s snowpack telemetry data reads 117% of median with a basin high of 159% and a basin low of 76%. The state was at 99% in 2022 and at 80% in 2021. The report and a map displaying basin snow water equivalent percentages of median for the state may be found at wrds.uwyo.edu/ wrds/nrcs/nrcs.html

Pilot Deadline

The Upper Division States, acting through the Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC), are extending the deadline for 2023 System Conservation Pilot Project (SCPP) applications to March 1. The extension will allow for additional outreach to upper division water users and Tribes. The states and UCRC will consider applications received after March 1 on a case-by-case basis. Projects will be contracted and implemented in calendar year 2023 on a rolling basis. For more information, visit seo.wyo.gov.

Milk Report

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service, Wyoming dairy herds produced 61 million pounds of milk from October through December, up 8.5% from the previous year. Milk production in the U.S. during this same period of time totaled 56 billion pounds, up 1% from last year.

Winter Policy

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) will hold their Winter Policy Conference on Feb. 14-15, in Arlington, Va. NASDA’s Winter Policy Conference brings together commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture from across the nation to develop policies addressing food and agricultural issues.

WYLR photo

Cows have different nutritional needs at different stages of gestation. Nutrient requirements in early gestation are not much different from maintenance requirements, unless the cow is lactating. However, as the fetus grows larger, the cow’s nutrient needs increase.

If a cow is lactating, she needs a much higher level of protein and energy.

Timing is key

Dr. Travis Mulliniks, beef cattle nutritionist and range production systems specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, says there are two key time points.

“On the pregnancy side, we see a big increase in nutrient requirements during late gestation. There’s been a lot of research on supplementation and management focused on late gestation and lactation, but it mainly boils

Logan receives honor

Dr. Jim Logan might have retired from his role as the Wyoming state veterinarian a few years ago, but he continues to provide guidance and expertise to the American sheep industry.

In recognition of those efforts, he was one of two people honored with the Peter Orwick Camptender Award during the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) Annual Convention on Jan. 20 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Logan was joined on stage by fellow Veterinarian Cindy Wolf of Minnesota, who was also a recipient of the award.

The two have co-chaired ASI’s Animal Health Committee for nearly 30 years. This dynamic duo of animal health has guided the industry through a variety of diseaserelated issues, including efforts to help the U.S. reach scrapie-free status.

“I want to thank my wife and family,” said Logan, while accepting the award. “I also want to thank the many presidents of ASI who appointed Cindy and I. Thank you for appointing us and giving us the opportunity.”

“I also want to thank our committee members over the years because we didn’t do this by ourselves. The work accomplished was a group effort. There just aren’t any better quality people than what we have right here at ASI, from the leadership to the staff, the committee members and the members of the organization. So, thank you for the opportunities you’ve given us. It’s been a real privilege,” Logan added.

A lifelong sheep producer, Logan dispersed his flock

Please see AWARD on page A4

down to how it all fits a producer’s environment,” Mulliniks says.

“When we think of beef production across the U.S., the timing of when we have high-quality forages or feedstuffs affects our nutritional plan,” he adds.

In some environments, forage quality is high enough, even during late gestation, to meet those requirements, while semi-arid and arid environments may only have quality forages for three months of the year.

This makes a difference in how cows should be managed, what type of cows a producer should run and when producers should calve. Most producers in the U.S. still calve in the spring, but in the South and Southeast there are a growing number of fall-calving herds.

Please see CATTLE on page A10

Lamb markets

2023 begins

with higher prices

Live lamb prices began to increase late in 2022 providing some optimism for 2023. Ample total supplies are available in the retail market to begin the year, and they should build seasonally.

There are some big factors to watch this year, which will impact markets.

Lamb markets and prices

Live lamb prices began to increase slowly in the last quarter of 2022. Slaughter weight lambs in the 110- to 130-pound category increased from a weekly average of $97 per hundredweight (cwt) to $140 per cwt by the year’s end.

While they have increased, prices are still below the $230 per cwt at this time last year, and they remain below the five-year average. The average of traditional feeder lamb prices increased as well from about $130 to $235 cwt during the last four months of 2022. Traditional versus nontraditional markets are often discussed, and the prices are relative to each other. It’s important to remember they both market lambs even though they might be going through different channels. The prices for lambs going through these market channels move together.

ALB releases report and new strategic plan

The American Lamb Board (ALB) released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 report and a new strategic plan on Jan. 19.

The report’s intent is to inform Mandatory Lamb Checkoff stakeholders of its work to mitigate the effects of outside forces and take advantage of opportunities.

About ALB

ALB is an industry-funded national research, promotion and information checkoff program working on behalf of all American commercial seedstock producers, feeders, direct marketers and processors to build awareness and demand for American lamb.

Funding comes through mandatory assessments paid by all industry segments. The board is appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture and represents all industry sectors, geographic regions and sizes of production.

In addition, ALB is overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and supported by staff in Denver.

ALB’s budget averages $2.5 million with two-thirds of the budget devoted to American lamb promotion. By law, the boards expenditures for administration are limited to 10 percent less of projected revenues.

Please see ALB on page A11

If you haven’t noticed, Wyoming’s Senators are in the news often and in a positive way. I thought it would be interesting to see what committees they are members of.

Our senior Sen. John Barrasso has been busy as usual. He is still the number three ranked Republican in the Senate and the ranking member of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in addition to being on both the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Within these committees, he is on the Subcommittee on Energy; the Subcommittee on National Parks; the chairman of the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests and Mining; the Subcommittee on Water and Power; the Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure; the Subcommittee on Health Care; the Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs and Global Competitiveness; the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy; the Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation; the Subcommittee on Multilateral International Development, Multilateral Institutions International Economic, Energy and Environmental Policy and the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights and Global Women’s Issues.

Barrasso is sponsoring legislation to prevent the Biden administration from cancelation of student loans. He is also involved in a bill to protect private water rights.

Barrasso and other senators are sponsoring a bill, the Strategic Production Response Act, to prohibit the Secretary of Energy from tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for reasons other than a severe energy supply interruption until the Secretary of Interior issues a plan to increase oil and gas production on federal lands and waters. I imagine Biden will veto this action, but one has to try. Barrasso is a busy man.

Sen. Cynthia Lummis is busy with her work on the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Within these she is on the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection; the Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Community Development; the Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance and Investment; the Subcommittee on Communications, Media and Broadband; the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Space and Science; the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight and Ports; the Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade and Export Promotion; the Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate and Nuclear Safety; the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Water and the Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

She is now the chairman of the Senate Western Caucus. This caucus was founded by Barrasso in 2009.

Lummis is a cosponsor on a bill to expand affordable housing access for low-income families, a bill to protect the U.S. agriculture industry against foreign influence, legislation to prevent the student loan forgiveness, a bill to prohibit the approval of new abortion drugs and a bill to protect social security benefits and military pay in the event the debt limit is reached.

We are proud to call Barrasso and Lummis Wyoming senators. We respect their knowledge and appreciate their hard work.

I haven’t mentioned Rep. Harriet Hageman, as she has only been on the job for a month. She has been appointed to the House Judiciary Committee and Committee on Natural Resources, along with some subcommittees.

With her ag and natural resource background, we know she will make us proud. She has our support, and we wish her the best.

GUEST OPINIONS

Looking Back on 2022, Moving on to 2023

It has been a challenging year for sheep producers in Wyoming. Last year, we benefited from increased demand for American lamb, providing a well-earned income boost to producers for the quality protein we consistently produce.

But, in the lead-up to selling lambs this year, live lamb prices dropped month after month as consumers responded to inflation and poor economic conditions by tightening their belts.

Wyoming producers moving their lambs to mar ket this fall were faced with low prices and a mar ket saturated with heavier lambs waiting for process ing, combined with a labor shortage to handle the work.

We worked with the American Sheep Industry Association to gain con gressional support for a Sec tion 32 lamb purchase of this year’s maturing lamb

By Wyoming Wool Growers Association

crop, and we anticipate an announcement on this purchase soon.

Many of us have always known challenges to the economic viability of American sheep producers can be sudden and devastat

some changes along the way, including welcoming Sheep Specialist Alison Crane as WWGA’s new executive director in July.

Membership is already benefiting from Alison’s hands-on approach to help

these opportunities with our members and sheep producers across the state as they arise. Policy issues

Policy issues have also taken center stage for WWGA this year as state

Gov. opposes WOTUS rule

Gov. Mark Gordon and 24 other Republican governors issued a joint letter to President Joe Biden opposing the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and are calling on him to delay implementation until the U.S. Supreme Court issues a ruling in Sackett vs EPA

The governors argue President Biden’s most recent revision only further complicates the efforts to create certainty for rural communities. They make the case that the Biden administration’s overburdensome bureaucratic agenda could not come at a worse time for American families struggling with high inflation and rising gas prices.

President Biden’s WOTUS rule is being implemented months before the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide on Sackett, which could significantly alter EPA’s regulatory authority.

For more information or to read the letter, visit drive. google.com/file/d/1QxABkKm7dbn9vhHxIvQ2wxqiuH00 j9BX/view

FDA sued over antibiotics

A coalition of public health advocacy groups and online activists have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), challenging the decision to keep important antibiotics in animal agriculture.

The lawsuit, filed on Jan. 24 by the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, Food Animal Concerns Trust, Natural Resources Defense Council and Public Citizen, claims FDA violated the Administrative Procedure Act when it denied a 2016 petition by the groups to ban the use of medically important antibiotics for disease prevention in livestock and poultry.

The FDA denied the petition in 2021, despite, according to the lawsuit, generally agreeing the overuse of antibiotics in food-producing animals can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, wrote the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.

The lawsuit says the agency did not address the petition’s core concern that the use of antibiotics for disease prevention in livestock and poultry poses a significant threat to human health.

Domestic sales and distribution of medically important antimicrobial drugs approved for use in food-producing animals decreased by less than one percent between 2020 and 2021.

Since the significant decrease in sales volume in 2017, annual sales of medically important antimicrobials have remained at reduced levels, according to CVM’s 2021 Summary Report on Antimicrobials Sold or Distributed for Use in Food-Producing Animals.

Hay market efficiency studied

A team of research and Extension faculty from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) is launching a study to improve price discovery and market transparency in hay markets. These improvements will help create a more efficient market and provide valuable information which benefits buyers and sellers of hay.

While hay constitutes a major feed source for many livestock operations, market values for hay have rarely been studied.

Existing research focuses on hay auctions. However, most hay produced in the U.S. is not marketed through auctions. Rather, it is grown and fed on the same farm or is sold through private transactions, which means no publicly available transaction information is recorded.

This lack of hay market information helped prompt the latest UTIA study, through which researchers will conduct experiments to determine what hay attributes are valued by buyers and the value placed on those attributes given a variety of factors.

Understanding the valued attributes can help provide guidelines to creating additional transparency, allowing producers to make more informed purchasing and selling decisions.

The researchers are partnering with the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture on this three-year grant study, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

Deadline approaching

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reminds Mountain Region farmers and ranchers the deadline to respond to the 2022 Census of Agriculture is Feb. 6. Producers can respond online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail.

Last month, NASS mailed the Census of Agriculture questionnaires to every known ag producer in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Conducted just once every five years, the ag census provides a complete account of the nation’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Responding to the Census of Agriculture is required by federal law under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113. The same law requires NASS to keep all individual operations’ information confidential, use the data for statistical purposes only and publish the data in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation.

“Thank you to the farmers and ranchers who have completed and returned their Census of Agriculture. The data collected in the ag census is used to make decisions impacting our communities and businesses,” said Rodger Ott, NASS director at the Mountain Regional Field Office. The Census of Agriculture remains the only source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every state, county and U.S. territory. NASS will release the results of the ag census in 2024.

For more information, visit nass.usda.gov/agcensus For state specific questions, contact Wyoming NASS State Statistician Leslee Lohrenz at 1-800-392-3202.

NEWS BRIEFS

LOR accepts applications

The LOR Foundation is now accepting applications for their Field Work Initiative. The application opens Feb. 1 and will provide funding for research into innovative approaches to using water in agriculture.

Up to $10,000 will be available for farmers and ranchers in rural parts of Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Idaho and Colorado.

LOR’s Field Work Initiative is open to farmers and ranchers in listed states that have the independent authority to make changes to water use on the land.

Funding is intended for projects to improve outcome in water efficiency, reliability, quality, crop yield or crop devastation and labor efficiency. All projects must be completed in 2023 and must include a plan for reporting learnings.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 22, and applicants will be notified by March 15. For more information, visit lorfoundation.org/field-work

Domek Charolais

LMA offers scholarship

On Jan. 30, the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) announced the release of a new scholarship program.

With the goal of investing in the next generation, the program is designed to award five $2,500 scholarships to individuals who are interested in or display knowledge of the importance of the agriculture industry and its supporting entities, with plans to use their career to advocate for or advance the livestock marketing industry.

Applicants must be a graduating high school senior and/or currently enrolled at an accredited, postsecondary institution and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

A letter of recommendation from an active LMA member must accompany the application at the time of submission. LMA members may not recommend more than two applicants for the LMA scholarship in the same academic year.

Applications will remain open until March 31 at 4 p.m. Following the deadline, scholarship applications will be reviewed by a panel of LMA leadership, LMA membership and allied-industry relations.

For more information on the LMA Scholarship Program, visit lmaweb.vercel.app/About/scholarships or contact LMA at lmainfo@lmaweb.com.

Nominations accepted

The Wyoming Bean Commission is now accepting nominations for two grower members and one handler member. Each position is a four-year term

The grower positions may be filled by any Wyoming resident who has grown or caused to be grown – including an owner and tenant jointly or a partnership, association, corporation, cooperative, trust, sharecropper or any other business unit, device or arrangement – dry edible beans on one acre or more in Wyoming for the past two years and paying the dry bean assessment on the same.

The handler position may be filled by any person, no matter where they are located, who is engaged in the buying, selling, shipping or distribution of dry beans grown in Wyoming, which they have purchased or acquired from a grower or which they ship on behalf of a grower.

Interested individuals can nominate themselves or someone else for one of the open positions by sending a written request via mail to the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, 2219 Carey, Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82002 or by e-mail to wyobean@wyo.gov.

For more information on the Wyoming Bean Commission, visit agriculture.wy.gov/divisions/ts/wyoming-beancommission

WORTH educator welcomed

The University of Wyoming (UW) Extension and Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Initiative welcomed Hailey Moss as the state’s first WORTH Initiative Extension educator on Jan. 31.

Moss’ position is the product of a new partnership between UW’s Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, home to the WORTH Initiative and UW Extension.

The WORTH Initiative supports economic diversification by leading applied research, developing new educational products and services and providing outreach programs related to outdoor recreation, tourism and hospitality.

The initiative is made possible by the Wyoming Innovation Partnership, created by Gov. Gordon in 2021.

Tourism is the second largest industry in Wyoming, economically and the largest private employment sector, notes WORTH Interim Director Dan McCoy.

“We are excited to partner with Extension to leverage their extensive network to better help connect the agriculture and Extension community with opportunities in tourism and hospitality,” he says.

Moss will work with community members, business owners and landowners to identify opportunities for economic development focused on outdoor recreation, tourism and hospitality.

While based in Natrona County, she will serve communities and fellow Extension educators across the state.

Moss, a Douglas native, earned a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management from UW and recently completed her master’s degree in arts administration and museum leadership from Drexel University.

For more information on the WORTH Initiative, visit uwyo.edu/worth/

AWARD continued from page A1

in 2012 to free up time to concentrate on his veterinarian duties. But, sheep remained an important part of his professional duties. Logan and Wolf provided the American sheep industry with a perfect blend of skills in leading the charge on animal health issues.

“I had the regulatory experience, where she was coming in with the education and teaching experience,” Logan said when first notified of the award. “We just always seemed to work well together.”

The American sheep industry has no doubt benefitted from their partnership.

Camptender Award winners – Dr. Jim Logan, center, is joined by his wife Stephanie, right, while accepting the American Sheep Industry Association’s Peter Orwick Camptender Award on Jan. 20 in Fort Worth, Texas. Minnesota’s Dr. Cindy Wolf, left, was a co-recipient of the award. Courtesy photo

Hailey Moss

in seeking change to these harmful federal policies.

While the Sweetwater Rocks is just one proposal, we’re also working to support several western Wyoming producers in retaining access to their National Forest grazing permits in western Wyoming, which are also threatened by this species separation policy.

We’ll keep everyone posted as we continue to work through the process. Looking forward to the year ahead

Whether finding resolutions to rangeland conflicts or finding a way forward through unprecedented circumstances, WWGA represents all Wyoming sheep producers – from hair sheep to wool sheep and from those just establishing their flocks to the shepherd families who have been in the business for generations.

We are a producer organization serving as a voice on matters of importance

to our members and Wyoming’s sheep industry. Our commitment to the industry remains unchanged.

Our organization is only as strong as its membership, so we ask individuals to take time to consider the role they play in WWGA. Be on the lookout in upcoming newsletters for more information about our work in the next year and roles members can play in our association so it can succeed.

We encourage individuals to renew their commitment to our industry today through membership in WWGA.

Don’t hesitate to contact Alison or any of WWGA’s board members with questions or concerns or simply to discuss how to improve conditions for our industry as we move forward into 2023.

WWGA originally published this letter in their January newsletter. For more information, visit wyowool.com

Killebrew recognized

Reinke Manufacturing, a global leader in irrigation systems and precision irrigation technology, has recognized Killebrew Irrigation with a 20-year Longevity Award.

Located in Lander, the dealership also earned Reinke’s Gold Pride Award for their performance in the last year.

“Reinke is honored to have worked with Killebrew Irrigation over the last 20 years to help them serve the growers in their area,” said Chris Roth, Reinke president. Reinke dealerships from across the U.S. and Canada come together annually for the company’s sales convention to recognize select Reinke dealers for their hard work and commitment to serve growers.

The Reinke Pride Awards are determined as part of an incentive program which distinguishes superior achievement levels according to an evaluation based on a dealership’s exterior and interior housekeeping and maintenance, indoor and outdoor displays, safety, retail environment, merchandising, professionalism, promotions, event participation and market share.

NCBA announces policy priorities

On Feb. 1, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) executive committee approved the organization’s policy priorities at the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans, with a focus on advancing animal disease preparedness, protecting voluntary conservation programs and defending producers from regulatory overreach.

“Our focus is helping to create opportunity for America’s cattle producers and fighting to make sure the federal government does not damage our industry,” said NCBA President-Elect 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 produc-

ing high-quality beef.

NCBA’s 2023 policy priorities include securing reauthorization of animal health provisions in 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, NCBA is focused on protecting and

funding the Environmental Quality Incentives Programs, Conservation Stewardship Program and other voluntary conservation programs which incentivize science-based, active management of natural resources and protects the cattle industry from regulatory attacks under Waters of the United States, the Endangered Species Act, emissions reporting and more.

FEEDERS

Carter Livestock 625 Blk/Bwf (15 hd Red/Char) Strs & Hfrs, 625-730#, Weaned a long time, Roughage Ration, NO Grain, Branding Shots

Buckhaults Cow Co. 219 Blk/Bwf Hfrs, 650-775#, Weaned since Aug. 20, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration, 2 Rounds of Shots

Bill & Mary Owens 164 Red Angus Strs, 650-750#, Weaned a long time, Bunk Broke, Grower Ration, Branding, Precond & Booster Shots

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

Jerry Reichert 154 Blk/Bwf few Char Strs & Hfrs, 750-850#, Weaned since Nov., Bunk Broke, Grower Ration, Complete Modified Live Vac.

Tracy Williams 80 Mx Strs, 650-850#, Weaned at long time, Running out on pasture, Bunk Broke, Been on Ground Hay Only, 2 Rounds of Shots

Richards Ranch 57 Choice to Fancy Blk/Bwf (8 Red) Strs, 700-775# (mostly 710-735#), Weaned a long time, Hay Fed, Complete Vac. Program

Bennet Creek Sheep Co./Noah Ark 54 Blk Strs, 650-700#, Weaned 120+ days, Running out on pasture, Hay Fed, Branding & Weaning Shots

4M Land and Trust 48 Blk Few Rd Hfrs, 650#, Weaned a long time, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration, 2 Rounds of Shots, Green

Twin Peaks Ranch 23 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 700-750#, All Shots

Dennis Birdsall 22 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 1000#, Complete Vac. Program, Coming off grass, Supplemented with Hay as needed

WEANED CALVESS Ring Tail R Cattle Co./Steve Garland 400 90% Blk/Bwf//10% Red/Rwf Strs & Hfrs, 500-650#, Weaned 120+ days, Bunk Broke, Branding Shots Bruce Lewis 195 Mostly Blk few Bwf/Red Strs & Hfrs, 530#, Weaned 30 days, Hay Fed, Cake Broke, Branding, Precond & Booster Shots

Y Z Limited 150 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 500-600#, Weaned 60 days, Bunk Broke, Hay Fed, Branding & Weaning Shots, Producer All Natural Slash 3 Livestock 150 Blk/Rd Strs & Hfrs, 575-650#, Weaned a long time, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration, Complete Modified Live Vac.

Jesse and Lisa Tabke 79 Blk few Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 550-650#, Weaned 90 days, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration, Branding & Precond Shots Rodgers Ranch/Mike Rodgers 70 Blk/Bwf few Rd Strs & Hfrs, 550-650#, Weaned 70+ days, Grower Ration, Complete Vac. Program Leonard Seeley 39 Blk Strs, 525-550#, Weaned 90 days, Running out on Pasture, Hay Fed, Cake Broke, Branding Shots Only Twin Peaks Ranch 37 Mx Hfrs, 400-450#, Weaned 35+ days, Hay Fed, Branding and Precond Shots

PRECOND CALVES

Powd Boles 120 90% Blk Angus few Red/Grey Strs & Hfrs, 450-550#, Branding & Precond Shots CATTLE COUNTRY VIDEO - 1:00

Kaisler Cattle 268 Blk/Bwf Steers. Base Wt: 825 lbs. Wt Stop: 860 lbs. Slide: .08 cents. Top end of 325, lots of room left on these choice feeders. www.cattlecountryvideo.com

COMPLETE DISPERSALS

Brody & Tammi Nicholls 100 Blk/Bwf Cows, Complete Dispersal, 3-6 yr olds, Bred to Popoagie Angus and Durbin Creek Hereford Bulls,CF: March 1 for 60 days, Shots: Vista Once 2 times a year

BRED HEIFERS

Pebbles Creek Shorthorns/Elayna Hedges 1 Registered 1st Calf Shorthorn Hfr, Bred to Low Birth Weight SO Blk Angus Bulls, CF: March 6 for 65 days

BRED COWS Thomas Ranch 180 Blk/Bwf Cows, 3 yr olds to SM, Bred to Blk Angus Bulls, CF: March 1st for 60 days

Aubrey Dunn & Vagabond Cattle Co. 55 Blk few Red Cows, SS, Bred to Maine Anju Bulls, CF: April 1 for 60 days

King Inc. 55 Mx Cows, Mx Ages, Bred to Blk Angus/Hereford Bulls, CF: May 1st

Andy Barnett 40 Blk Cows, SM-ST, Bred to Hereford & Char Bulls, CF: May 1 for 60 days, Complete Vac. Program, Poured

Lone Tree 40 Mostly Blk few Bwf Cows, 3-4 yr olds, Bred to Kal Herring Blk Angus Bulls, CF: Mid-March/April, Shots: Vira Shield 6+VL5, Home Raised, High Elevation

Phil Zimmerman 10 Blk (1 Red) Cows, 8 yr olds, Bred to Blk Angus Bull, CF: End of Feb. thru May, Shots: Vira Shield 6+VL5, Vision 7

Byron & Martha Warner 4 Registered Shorthorn Cows, Mx Ages, Bred to Registered Calving Ease Shorthorn Bull, CF: March/April, Shots: Vira Shield 6+VL5, Scourboss 9, Poured (papers are available upon request)

TORRINGTON LIVESTOCK AREA REPS

Michael Schmitt - Torrington, WY 307-532-1776*** Ty Thompson – Lusk, WY 307-340-0770

Cody Thompson - Lusk, WY 307-340-0150***Zach Johnson Lingle, WY –307-575-2171

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

Nolan Brott - Lusk, WY 307-216-0033 ***Ben Kukowski - Kaycee, WY 307-217-1472*** Scott Redden - Burns, Co 970-596-3588

The non-traditional market – as measured by prices in New Holland, Penn. –declined in 2022 like traditional market lambs, but the level of prices was higher. By the end of 2022, the average of feeder lamb prices was higher than New Holland prices. The lines between these two markets will continue to blur in the future.

While live animal prices were building higher in the lamb meat area, prices for major cuts continued to slide through the end of the year.

Given evidence of struggling demand, which has caused sharply lower live prices and lower wholesale prices, evidence in retail prices remains high. Lower

prices will have to translate to retail markets to rebuild demand.

Retail pork and chicken prices are beginning to decline. Retail beef prices have been declining for months and are now lower than they were last year. So, competing meat prices in the meat case might argue for some lower lamb prices.

Supply and demand

In the fourth quarter of 2022, production was below 2021 numbers. While lamb and yearling slaughter was increasing seasonally late in the year, it was less than in 2021.

Progress Through Performance Bull Sale

Dressed weights corrected lower and fell back below the five-year average and back to last year’s level. Weights – on average – aren’t suggesting burdensome supplies this spring. Combined with reduced slaughter, domestic supplies should support prices.

The struggles of lamb demand and consumption has led to the building of cold storage stocks.

Cold storage supplies hit almost 30 million pounds in November, according to the latest available report. This is equal to the fiveyear average and more than the 23.4 million pounds in November 2021. It will be important to see stocks drawn down by the spring holiday demand.

Imports have remained large. The seasonal decline in imports from March to September was muted. Imports in November hit almost 25 million pounds. Imports combined with cold storage stocks will offset any moderation in domestic production.

One area of interest for future domestic production is mature sheep slaughter.

Throughout 2022, weekly slaughter was about equal to the 2016-20 average. Slaughter in 2021 was elevated and contributed to a smaller ewe flock. Restrained slaughter in 2022 suggests any change in the ewe flock in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s inventory might be small.

Wool and lamb trade

The industry is highly dependent on trade. Rarely would talk about markets not include some discussion of imports and exports or action in the Australian wool market, which determines prices worldwide.

Often these discussions would mention exchange

rates. A stronger U.S. dollar versus Australian and New Zealand currencies leads to more meat imports. Changing exchange rates leads to changing relative prices in each country.

In general, the U.S. dollar has strengthened against most major trading partners’ currencies this year. Higher U.S. interest rates have boosted the dollar, and differing prospects for economic growth around the world have similarly helped the dollar.

Using monthly average exchange rate data, the U.S. dollar versus the Australian dollar was 1.48 in December compared to 1.4 in December 2021 – about a six percent appreciation.

The U.S. dollar appreciated about seven percent compared to the New Zealand dollar in December.

This rate of appreciation was similar to the Euro. Compared to the British pound, the dollar was about nine percent larger in value.

While the dollar has gained in value year-overyear, the appreciation has moderated in recent months.

For example, in October 2022, the U.S. to Australian dollar rate was 1.57 compared to 1.35 in October 2021.

This exchange rate had declined to 1.48 in December 2022. But, both remain higher than the 1.39 in January. This general increase in value of the dollar through much of 2022 and some moderation in November and December holds for most major currencies.

It’s likely the U.S. dollar remains relatively stronger than our trading partners’ currencies compared to the prior year in coming months. This will act to keep meat imports large. It will affect relative prices in the wool market.

Summary

There is some reason for optimism for lamb prices in the new year, but a lot depends on demand recovery.

Higher seasonal live lamb prices should be expeted as we move closer to the spring holidays. Imports and stocks will most likely restrain price growth.

Dr. David Anderson is a professor and Extension economist for livestock and food product marketing at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. ASI originally published this article in Sheep Industry News To read the current edition, visit sheepusa.org/magazines/february-2023

CAUCUS continued from page A1

“I call the Western Caucus a three-legged stool. There is the Senate Western Caucus, which is now over 10 years old. There is the Congressional Western Caucus, which is in its 30-year anniversary, and then there is the Western Caucus Foundation,” Henry stated.

“The foundation is a section 501(c)(3) charitable organization which works with the House and Senate Western Caucuses and promotes their agenda, communication and education, while also helping put boots on the ground out West to learn about policy issues,” he added.

Following Henry, Lummis took to the stage to address attendees.

“The Western Caucus allows all of us to work together for the betterment of the Western states, to bring profile to Western issues and to solve issues unique to the West, our Western lifestyles and the natural environment in which we live, as well as the rural way of life which is frequently underrepresented here in Congress,” Lummis said. “This group provides the opportunity for all of us to work more closely together to make the issues we care about front and center, and I couldn’t be more delighted to serve as the new chairman of the Senate Western Caucus alongside my friend and former colleague Dan Newhouse.”

Senate Western Caucus priorities

Lummis also presented the priorities for the Senate Western Caucus, which include defending the Western way of life by reestablishing American energy dominance, fostering economic development and promoting smart public land management.

First, she noted the Senate Western Caucus will be working on natural resource and energy independence.

“We should be focused on the goal of having clean air and water and a landscape matching the great people who live in the West,” Lummis stated. “There is a way to accomplish this if we focus on clean air and not on the sources of energy used –to utilize all of our natural resources, whether it’s coal, gas, wind, solar or nuclear. All of these have to be a part of our energy mix.”

Lummis said this goes hand-in-hand with the second goal – economic development – as well as the third goal of smart public land management.

“Public lands are such a dominant presence in the West,” Lummis said, noting nearly one-half of Wyoming, one-third of Montana, two-thirds of Utah and seven-eighths of Nebraska are public land. “We have to be able to work together to ensure we have responsible shared use and multiple uses of this land.”

She then shared she had spent a weekend with Wyoming county commissioners during a training session they held on how to engage cooperator agency status giving them a stronger voice and more robust seat at the table.

“These are exactly the kinds of things we want to incorporate into best practices all over the West,” she concluded. “Western voices and boots on the ground are driving factors to make the West the best it can possibly be.”

Congressional Western Caucus priorities

During the press conference, Newhouse also took a turn to discuss priorities of the Congressional Western Caucus.

“I am delighted, excited and really looking forward to some of the things we are going to accomplish in the next two years,” he began. “I am also very proud of what we have been able to accomplish the past two years, and a lot of this success was due to many of our partnerships with people in this room. I can’t express how critical it is for us to have this support.”

The first priority Newhouse brought to light is to ensure every paying member of the Western Caucus is seen, heard and receives a return on their investment.

“As humbly as I can say, I think we have been successful with this. Everyone feels good about the accomplishments we have made and the focus we have been able to place on certain issues,” he said.

Newhouse further noted issues outlined by Lummis, such as water, land and energy regulations, are also top priority for the Congressional Western Caucus.

“We need to unleash America’s energy capacity so we can be a dominate force again, and so we don’t have to be dependent on foreign sources, some of which are not so friendly,” he noted. “Additionally, things like Waters of the U.S. and the upcoming farm bill are important issues for us.”

“Just so people don’t forget why we exist – we

For more information on the Senate Western Caucus, Congressional Western Caucus or Western Caucus Foundation, visit westerncacucus.house.gov or westerncaucusfoundation.org.

represent rural areas of the country from sea to shining sea. In fact, we have a representative from almost all 50 states, which is incredible,” he added. “Whether it’s Georgia or Washington, rural Americans share a lot of things in common, which is what we represent here in the Western Caucus.”

Newhouse continued, “We do what we do in order to amplify and raise up the voices of these people we represent. Not all rural Americans can come to Washington, D.C., but this is why we are here. We go out to see them faceto-face and listen to their voices to find out what is important to them. Then, we bring their voices back here to Washington, D.C. so they can be heard.”

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

Defending the West – Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis took over as chair of the Senate Western Caucus in January. During a recent press conference, she outlined her priorities as chair, which include defending the Western way of life by reestablishing American energy dominance, fostering economic development and promoting smart public land management. Courtesy photo

Feb. 7-8 35th Annual High Plains No-till Conference, Burlington, Colo. For more information and to register, visit highplainsnotill.com

Feb. 7-9 Montana Soil Health Symposium, Billings, Mont. For more information and to register, visit mtsoilhealth.org

Feb. 7-9 Thunder Basin Research Initiative Hybrid Meeting, online. For more information, e-mail dave@rswyoming.com.

Feb. 8 U.S. Department of Agriculture Cattle Contracts Library on the Agricultural Marketing Service Webinar, 9 a.m., online. For more information, visit ams.usda.gov/market-news/livestock-poultry-grain/cattle-contracts-library or contact Michael Sheats at michael.sheats@usda.gov or 202-690-3145.

Feb. 8 National Women’s Business Council Public Meeting, 12 p.m., online. For more information, e-mail nwbcouncil@sba.gov.

Feb. 8 State Trade Expansion Program Legal and Technical Questions Webinar, online. For more information, visit sba.gov

Feb. 8-9 Farm and Ranch Days, Fremont Center (Armory), Riverton. To reserve a booth space or for more information, contact the Extension office by e-mailing rfiskl@uwyo.edu or call 307-332-2363 or 307-857-3654.

Feb. 9 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. 9 Wyoming Collaborative for Healthy Soils Survey Results on Soil Health Meeting, 10 a.m., Zoom. For more information, visit groundupconsulting.us/wchs

Feb. 11 National Historic Trails Interpretive Center Tour Guide Training, 10 a.m., National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, 1501 N. Poplar Street, Casper. For more information, call Jason Vlcan at 307-261-7783.

Feb. 11-12 Hell on Wheels Rodeo Queen Competition, Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne. For more information, visit cheyenne.org/hellonwheelsrodeo/rodeo-queen/

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. 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 307766-3206.

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.

Feb. 23 Cattle Market Update and Free Meal, 6 p.m., Ramkota Hotel, Casper. For more information and to RSVP by Feb. 16, call 307-747-6377.

Feb. 23 State Trade Expansion Program Enhancing a Website for eCommerce Webinar, online. For more information, visit sba.gov

Feb. 23 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. 24-26 Up in Arms Flea Market and Gun Show, CAM-PLEX, Gillette. For more information, contact Lisa at 208-420-2295.

Feb 28 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicators Licensing Education, 1-5 p.m. 2011 Agricultural Resource Learning Center, 2011 Fairgrounds Road, Casper. For more information or to register, call 307-235-9400.

SALES

Feb. 6 Ludvigson Stock Farms Sale, Yellowstone Feeders, Shepherd, Mont., 515450-3124, 712-229-3431, ludvigsonstockfarms.com

Feb. 8 Durbin Creek Ranch 11th Annual Bull Sale, Big Horn Basin Livestock Auction, Worland, 307-921-8825, durbincreekranch.com

Feb. 8 Jindra Angus 23rd Annual Production Sale, Bull Center, Clarkson, Neb., 402-290-3171, jindraangus.com

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

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

Feb. 11 Flying M Angus Sixth Annual Bull Sale, Wright Agricultural Complex, Wright, 307-660-5755

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

Big horn Basin

Worland, WY

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

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

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

Party of Nine Near Death From Exposure in Raging Blizzard

Thus proclaims a headline in the Jan. 25, 1917 issue of The Saratoga Sun. Excerpts from the news item goes as follows.

After fighting blindly for more than 24 hours in the face of the wildest storm which has raged for years on the lonely stretch of prairie between Saratoga and Walcott, on the Union Pacific, 150 miles west of Cheyenne, a party of nine people, among whom was a woman and a 12-year-old boy, all famished and more dead than alive, staggered into the little hotel at Walcott Sunday at noon.

In the party were Mrs. Dana Crawford, wife of the former editor of The Saratoga Sun and their 12-year-old boy; D. S. Richmond, livery and stockman of Saratoga; E. A. Ryder, a traveling man of Denver; two other men from Encampment and three other traveling men whose identity could not be learned.

According to Ryder’s story, the party had been marooned in Saratoga, following a blockade of the Saratoga and Encampment Railroad. In an effort to catch the eastbound train on the main line of the Union Pacific, the party secured the services of D. S. Richmond and a man

thoroughly familiar with every foot of the county lying between Saratoga and Walcott.

“We had not been out more than an hour on Saturday when it became nearly impossible to see 40 yards ahead. Feeling our way and getting off the sled every few minutes to reconnoiter, we crept along until well past the middle of the afternoon. The four horses were pretty badly fatigued after struggling through the snow, which lay three feet deep on the level. By nightfall we had lost all sense of distance and were forced to admit we were lost,” Ryder recalls.

“Spreading such blankets as we had over the

wagon box in which we were packed, we settled down to spend the night. There was not a whimper from Mrs. Crawford or the boy. At times, one of us would venture a little distance into the blinding fury of the storm, which raged almost unabated, in a vain endeavor to find some sign allowing us to go on. We ate only a small box of crackers, which I carried in my sample case,” he continues.

“Richmond left us in the morning, and after a three-mile tramp, located an abandoned sheep camp. We made such haste as we could, tearing the boards and rails from the corrals, huddled around the fire to plan what to do next,” says Ryder.

He concludes, “Knowing we would perish before another day spent in such exposure, we struck north as nearly as we could judge, and after five miles driving topped the rise of ground which overlooks the station of Walcott. Just 25 hours had elapsed when we drove into the station Sunday from the time we left Saratoga.” – Wyoming Tribune

The deep snow of the Sierra Madre Mountains west of Encampment was tough to negotiate for both men and horses in the early 1900s. Often, the horses would be so bogged down in snow they would have to be laid on a blanket or sled and drug by several men to safe ground.

Photo by Jack Ledbetter. Courtesy of Grand Encampment Museum. Historical Reproductions by Perue

FOR THE WEEK ENDING

February 3, 2023

FOR THE WEEK ENDING May 24, 2019

Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Torrington

Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Greeley, CO

National Sheep Summary

As of January 27, 2023

Compared to last week slaughter lambs mostly steady to as much as 20.00 lower. Slaughter ewes steady to 9.00 lower, except at San Angelo, TX 5.00-10.00 higher. Feeder lambs mostly firm to 10.00 higher. At San Angelo, TX 3,258 head sold. Equity

Cooperative Auction sold 500 feeder lambs in Wyoming. Western Video sold 320 slaughter lambs in California, 580 slaughter ewes in Idaho, 1470 feeder lambs in Idaho and 1575 feeder lambs in California. 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 105-145 lbs 125.00-166.00; 150-175 lbs 132.00-160.00.

Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 120-140 lbs 120.00-130.00.

South Dakota: wooled and shorn 110-145 lbs 125.00-135.00, few 140.00.

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 280.00-320.00; 60-70 lbs 257.00303.00, few 315.00-310.00; 70-80 lbs

Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2 San Angelo: mixed age hair 100-115 lbs 135.00-138.00/cwt; hair ewes and lambs 100.00-145.00/head.

South Dakota: bred yearlings 230.00-275.00/head; bred middle age 135.00-175.00/head; bred aged 125.00-130.00/ head.

Billings: no test.

Sheep and lambs slaughter under federal inspection for the week to date totaled 33,000 compared with 32,000 last week and 29,000 last year.

Source: USDA AMS Market News, San Angelo, Texas National Wool Review

As of January 27, 2023

In Australia this week, the Eastern Market Indicator was down 3 cents at 1338 cents per Kg clean from the sale a week ago. A total of 44,306 bales were offered with sales of 86.8 percent.

The Australian exchange rate was weaker by .0195 at .7100 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.

5 AREA WEEKLY WEIGHTED CATTLE PRICE

Eastern Market Indicator was down 3 cents at 1338 cents per kg clean. Australian exchange rate was weaker by .0195 at .7100 percent of the U.S. dollar.

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

As of February 2, 2023

Billings: no test.

Slaughter Ewes

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

80.00-100.00, hair 94.00-124.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 112.00-115.00, hair 110.00-131.00; Utility 1-2 (thin)

100.00, hair 98.00-119.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) 70.00-

80.00, hair 80.00-89.00; Cull 1 no test.

Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 76.00-99.00; Good 2-3

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

Compared to last week large square bales of alfalfa sold steady to 10.00 higher. Alfalfa pellets sold 10.00 higher and hay cubes traded steady. Grass hay and small squares fully steady. Demand and buyer inquiry was very good. Many areas in the state snow have completely covered up winter grazing for livestock so producers are having to buy extra hay to feed their livestock. At this point in time, quantity is more important than quality. It will be nip and tuck if everyone will have enough feed to make it to summer grass. Currently the state’s snotels are reading 117% of the median with basin high of 159.00 and basin low at 76%.

year the state median was at 99% and at 80% in 2021. The median was 3% better this week than last week.

Compared to last week, round bales of alfalfa sold fully steady, large squares of alfalfa sold steady to 10.00 higher. Round bales or prairie hay sold steady to 15.00 higher. Alfalfa pellets sold steady to 10.00 higher. Ground and delivered products sold steady. Demand and buyer inquire was very good this week. Quite a few cattlemen are looking for large quantities of baled forage to buy. Some contacts are bringing hay in from states to the north of Nebraska. Winter grazing is pretty much done in about 2/3rds of the state. Livestock owners are going through hay reserves in a rapid rate. Many producers will be nip and tuck if they have enough to hay to get to summer grass. Some cattlemen have sold some cows just hoping they have enough hay. Western

Alfalfa - Good Large Square 3x4 275-285

Alfalfa Ground 275

Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Kearny, NE

The latest markets data can be found by visiting USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service at

“Here in Nebraska and in some areas in Montana and the Dakotas, as well as several other regions, many producers are moving to summer calving because nasty spring blizzards can cause high death losses in spring-calving herds,” says Mulliniks.

Understanding nutrient requirements

“Understanding nutrient requirements and timing of forage quality in a production system is very important. Producers need to do some fine-tuning and have a good nutritional plan throughout gestation to have the optimal production outcome,” Mulliniks explains.

“Some of this research started back in the 196070s and focused on providing adequate nutrients for the pregnant cow and making sure she was in good enough body condition to make it through the stress of winter,” he says.

In the 1980-90s, many producers progressed to thinking about nutritional requirements for the calves cows are carrying, in addition to the requirements

for the cows.

In Idaho, a lot of research was conducted in the 1970s on weak calf syndrome due to low protein levels in cows’ diets throughout the winter.

“And now, we talk about fetal programming. We may put too much emphasis on this,” states Mulliniks.

“When we look at the data and a large number of production studies, there’s not a huge difference in calf performance by maternal nutrition during late gestation. But, when we have extreme events, such as extreme cold weather like a bomb cyclone – a rapidly intensifying storm associated with a sudden and significant drop in atmospheric pressure in which weather is extremely cold and extremely wet – this can create a negative impact on the fetus and on baby calves, resulting in higherthan-normal calf losses,” he says.

“Providing correct nutrients to the fetus is like an insurance policy so it doesn’t have poor growth,

poor health or nutritional deficiencies,” Mulliniks adds.

Producers need to enable their cows to deal with calving and recover quickly enough to get pregnant in a timely manner. Open cows or latebred cows cause big losses to cow/calf producers.

“This fits into the idea of fetal programming –making sure we’re providing the correct insurance policy so there won’t be a negative effect on the cow or calf. We want to have a good impact on performance and do it in a cost-effective way,” says Mulliniks.

Achieving proper BCS

A person doesn’t want to overfeed and have cows too fat over winter, since this can also have a negative effect on performance.

Having cows with a body condition score (BCS) of six or seven usually means they’ll lose weight after they calve and start lactating. Often, these cows have the lowest pregnancy rates in the next breeding season.

“Nutrient requirements for a cow with a BCS of seven is much higher than a cow with a BCS of five,”

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he explains. “If she is losing weight after calving, she is less apt to cycle and breed back than if she’s maintaining weight or slightly gaining.”

“Cows with a BCS of seven at calving sometimes lose much more weight than cows with a BCS of five. It’s easier to get thin cows gaining weight and bred back up. So, producers need to think about optimizing the whole system and not just pregnancy in late gestation,” he says.

Some producers overdo it on one end of the spectrum and underdo it on the other. There should be a balance, which can be hard when making sure there aren’t thin cows while also being flexible enough when extreme events occur.

“We don’t want to be so far behind the ball that we have a major wreck with thin cows, a huge calf loss or a negative impact on future calves’ performance,” says Mulliniks.

There are many different factors to take into account.

“It involves monitoring and reading cows and knowing their BCS. Producers need to know the extent of their forage supply and feed quality and recognize how much time they have left between now and when they will see a big increase in nutrient requirements with lactation,” Mulliniks explains.

“We have to allow enough room so we don’t get too far behind, and we can’t afford to catch up. This happens when requirements are high and we don’t have high enough quality of feed,” he says. Be prepared, be flexible

Producers always need to have a plan and be flexible in case Mother Nature throws a curve ball. They need to be able to make decisions quickly and stay ahead of the game so they

“Providing correct nutrients to the fetus is like an insurance policy so it doesn’t have poor growth, poor health or nutritional deficiencies.” – Dr. Travis Mulliniks, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

don’t wake up and suddenly realize their cows are too thin.

“We don’t want to be stuck in the traditional mindset of starting to feed hay on a certain date instead of starting when the cows need it,” states Mulliniks. “We must allow enough room to make adjustments when needed.”

“I tell producers to use weaning data to formulate a plan for supplementation in late gestation, especially with young females because they are still growing while lactating for the first time,” he continues. “They are more susceptible to negative impacts from lack of nutrients, whereas a mature cow has more of a buffer.”

Mulliniks encourages producers to check BCS early and possibly consider weaning earlier if necessary so cows can regain condition before winter.

“Sometimes, producers get in wrecks if they always wean on a certain date and don’t leave themselves enough room for the uncertainty of a bad winter. In those situations, they often can’t afford to put enough energy into their cows to get them caught up before calving. If they wean earlier, thin cows can be gaining longer and, most likely, doing better,” he explains.

“This is where some producers got into trouble two years ago,” he adds. “We had a lot of rain in the spring, which caused forages to grow faster and therefore mature earlier than usual. By July and August, forage quality

was more similar to forage quality in October and November.”

“We’d set ourselves up for problems because cows were thinner than usual when they went into winter, and then a bomb cyclone hit. We had serious issues with very thin cows due to lack of flexibility in management systems,” says Mulliniks.

Producers also hadn’t increased nutrient supplies in their supplementation strategy or changed their weaning date, and cows were not prepared to handle the extra stress.

“There are no specific guidelines on when or how to supplement cows, but BCS tells us a lot. We can utilize BCS with direction – knowing where we are headed – and work with a nutritionist to fine-tune our plan. We need to know what feeds are available and when to start increasing or decreasing nutritional requirements. We also need to know what to supplement our cattle with to make it all work,” he says.

Feed testing is important, yet most people don’t do it.

“Producers can run into wrecks thinking their forage is higher quality than it actually is – their cows will slowly become thinner. It can happen at such a slow rate, they don’t see it until cows are suddenly too thin and there is no time to fix the situation,” Mulliniks concludes.

Heather Smith Thomas is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

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CATTLE continued from page A1

ALB report

“Even though many challenges are out of our control, it’s critical we keep driving forward as hard as we can to promote American lamb and the U.S. sheep industry,” said Peter Camino, ALB chairman from Buffalo, in a Jan. 19 press release. “During this past, tough year, the ALB board worked to support our loyal American lamb retail and foodservice customers and invest in programs and strategies strengthening our long-term competitiveness.

Making American lamb the preferred choice of consumers, chefs and retailers is at the core of the American Lamb Checkoff’s promotion, information and research programs.”

According to the report, the 2022 Lamb Summit focused on strategies to improve quality and consistency and opportunities to strengthen the industry, including ways to take advantage of the growing non-traditional marketplace.

Consumer interest in sustainability is becoming mainstream. The first American lamb environmental impact research neared completion in 2022.

In addition, ALB began a project with the University of Wyoming to create a pilot benchmarking system with the goal of helping producers increase their productivity, attract new producers and support domestic sheep production growth.

Plan process

In 2018, when ALB launched its previous plan, it was built on the Lamb Industry Roadmap, a collaborative effort to improve productivity, product quality, become more competitive and grow the U.S. flock to fulfill supply needs built by consumer demand.

While some exceptional groundwork has been accomplished, there remains much to achieve, challenges to overcome and opportunities to pursue, according to ALB.

The process of the strategic plan looks to evaluate progress made within the last few years as well as analyze data, trends and forecasts; assess industry strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats and develop a plan to establish ALB’s vision, mission, goals, objectives and metrics to track progress.

The 2023-28 plan acknowledges and addresses these industry challenges and opportunities.

It states the following: the COVID-19 pandemic caused huge losses within the industry’s fine dining

market but created opportunities for retail sales and athome consumption.

While U.S. consumers are buying lamb, the domestic flock is dwindling and more product is coming from imports, with a significant price advantage.

The non-traditional market, with demand for smaller carcasses, has grown and cultural preferences are creating new opportunities.

The loss of major lamb processors caused shortterm strife, yet smaller processors are emerging and being embraced by a society seeking a more local supply structure.

Consumer interest in sustainability has become more mainstream and part of the purchase decision process.

Overall price inflation, labor challenges and economic downturn created more pressure on the U.S. lamb industry.

ALB’s vision for the future works to provide a unified, thriving American lamb industry concentrating its resources around priorities and a measurable plan fostering profit opportunities for all stakeholders.

Strategic plan

The focus now turns to FY 2023 and beyond.

“As the American lamb industry looks to the future, there are several areas for opportunity,” noted Camino.

To embrace these opportunities, ALB has announced a strategic plan for the next five years. The plan looks to increase demand for American lamb by five percent and take five percent market share from lamb imports by the end of 2028.

The strategic plan’s three primary goals are growing consumer demand for American lamb; research, education and innovation to optimize and prioritize research and education efforts to improve product quality and consistency; increase productivity and grow the year-round supply of American lamb and industry services to expand awareness, understanding, engagement and involvement of stakeholders in the American Lamb Checkoff.

ALB’s strategic plan helps the board prioritize programs and align resources with actionable tactics helping to achieve strategic goals.

Marketing

According to the strategic plan, 52 percent of lamb purchasers are aware of the source of their lamb and 42 percent prefer to buy American lamb.

“Even though many challenges are out of our control, it’s critical we keep driving forward as hard as we can to promote American lamb and the U.S. sheep industry.” – Peter Camino, American Lamb Board

Under ALB’s marketing strategies, ALB is looking to increase the usage of American lamb through new U.S. markets and channels, increase consumer awareness and familiarity with American lamb as a healthy and sustainable produced protein, develop export market opportunities and increase programming to consumer segments who desire lamb and suppliers to these markets.

ALB looks to study the retail demand index for lamb, retail sales data, menu penetration studies, consumer and influencer usage and attitude studies and look at consumer, trade and media coverage to ensure there is adequate marketing for American lamb.

Research, education and innovation

In ALB’s strategic plan, the board looks to identify and support attainable research, educational opportunities and benchmarking tools to improve quality and productivity and

increase the U.S. flock.

In addition, the plan looks to invest in research and education programs enhancing the sustainability of lamb production and engage in key industry stakeholders for input on research needs and distribution of findings.

The plan notes ALB will communicate outcomes of completed research and widely distribute educational materials and support and promote resources, industry events and production practices to encourage increased productivity and domestic production.

The plan also hopes to increase the impact of research by leveraging ALB funding with federal or private resources and encourage new product development addressing consumer needs.

ALB looks to do this through industry engagement in research and educational recommendations, looking at USDA data on U.S. flock numbers and

through benchmarking tools.

Industry services

ALB’s strategic plan looks to utilize appropriate and effective channels to communicate with the industry, including board member trainings and outreach.

ALB will continue to facilitate the lamb industry roundtable to improve communication and collaboration across sections and industry organizations.

In addition, ALB looks to support and create programs encouraging young producers to stay engaged in the industry and serve in leadership roles.

The ALB strategic plan hopes to attain participation in producer education and quality assurance programs encouraging the use of best practices, enhance consumer trust and reflect

the industry’s ethical principles, collect and provide factual information on the market analysis and other issues and proactively address adverse topics impacting the industry.

Lastly, through ALB’s industry services goals, ALB looks to offer resources and funding to support local promotional programs extending Lamb Checkoff efforts.

ALB will achieve these goals through industry attitude surveys about the American Lamb Checkoff, industry engagement in American lamb programs, such as Enews subscribers and industry media usage of ALB news and resources.

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

by Lee Pitts

Hard of Earring

Two recently retired road agent ring men who had put too much mileage on their odometers were overheard at a bull sale.

“I’m going to sue every auctioneer on earth,” said one old-timer to the other. “By turning up their speakers W-A-A-A-Y too loud over the years and making me stand in close proximity to their huge speakers, I swear they’ve made me lose my hearing.”

“What did you say, you’re going to get an earring? You would be the last person on earth I would expect to get one of those

things. Is it going to be one of those gaudy, diamondencrusted thingamajigs or are you leaning toward a couple gold hoops in both ears?” the other ring man asked.

“I suppose you’re going tell me you’re going to cover your body with tattoos, so the next time I see you, you’ll have a tongue stud, a ring in your nose and your body covered in multi-colored epidermal ink,” the second man continued

“Stink? Well, it wasn’t me. My missus made me take a shower and put on

a clean Depends before she would let me leave the house this morning,” the first ring man said.

“Did you say you’re leasing out your house? I thought you liked it here. I was under the impression you and Margie were as happy as two fleas in a doghouse,” said the other.

“We’re not leasing out our house. The next move we make is to the funeral home. The only bad thing is we’re too far away from the kids, so they don’t come by very often. It’s just as well, whenever they do come, all they do is stare at their phones and listen to rap,” he replied.

“Did you say rap or crap?” the second man asked.

“Does it really matter? What’s the difference?” asked the first ring man.

“It sounds to me like your hearing is even worse than mine. I swear, you

need to get the wax out of your ears or buy one of those high-dollar hearing aids,” he said.

“AIDS! The hell did you say? To think I thought you a clean-living, devoted husband all the years we spent on the road together. You sure had me fooled. I was figuring on splitting a room with you some day in a rest home,” the first man said.

“I think they’re down there to the right, but I could be wrong cause I’m kind of confused,” said the other. “There were three of them. One for each sex.”

“Nah, me either. After being married for as long as we have, you kind of lose interest after a while. You know what I mean? Besides, you know me, I’m not one of those guys who brags about his conquests – having sex twice a day, four times a week. I suppose I could lie about

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January 31 Market Report

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7

FEEDER SPECIAL • START TIME 9:00 AM

W/ WEIGH UPS * EXPECTONG 2,000 CALVES CALVES JM Livestock – 350 Blk & Red EnglishX Strs 625725#. Rec Pyramid 5 + Presponse, Vision 7 w/ Somnus, poured w/ Ivomec this fall. 75 days weaned. Conditioned for grass, fed high roughage ration. Choice, Green Steers!

Rafter Cross Livestock – 150 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 550-625#. Rec Pyramid 5 + Presponse & Vision 7 @ branding & weaning. High elevation, one brand & Fancy!

Martin Land & Livestock – 140 Blk Ang & AngX Replacement Quality Hfrs 650#.

10 Blk Ang Strs 500#. Rec 2 rounds of Vista Once SQ & 7-way w/ Somnus. Sired by Sitz Blk Ang bulls. AI sons of SAV Resource, Connealy Investment & Connealy Arsenal. Cowherd Sitz genetics for multiple generations! Bull battery w/ high WW, YW & $Beef. Reputation, high desert!

Flying A Ranch / Bob Britain – 125 Mostly Blk Strs & Hfrs 500-550#. Weaned Oct 15th. Comp vacc @ branding & weaning. High desert calves!

Pathfinder Cattle Co. – 115 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 500-600#. Rec 2 rounds Vac24 program shots; Nasalgen 3-PMH, 7 way & Vista Once. Weaned Oct 15th. High elevation. Knife cut. Grass hay & 4# of corn ration. Sired by McDonald & Figure 4 Powerful Blk Composite bulls!

Diamond X Ranch – 110 Mostly Blk Strs 500-600#. Rec Bovishield Gold & 7 way w/Somnus @ branding & weaning. High elevation. Hay fed & Green!

Ron & Jackie Lucas – 100 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 450-550#. Rec 2 rounds Vista Once SQ, Nasalgen & injectable wormer @ weaning. Weaned 90+ days. Nice, High Desert calves!

Farwell Farms – 75 Char/AngX Strs & Hfrs 600-700#.

it,” said the first ring man.

“Who died? I’m telling you right now if it was one of those dang auctioneers, I’ll help dig the hole myself. I’ll even chip in for the gravestone as long as the epitaph isn’t too flowery. Speaking of dying, remember all those years we spent on the road together going from one sale to the next? Well, I’m sad to say I finally had to trade the old gal off for a newer model?” shared the second man.

“You’re getting a divorce?” exclaimed the first ring man, pounding the side of his head like one does when they’re swimming and get water in their ears. “I tell you, this old world is spinning way too fast for me. AIDS, tattoos, three bathrooms, and now you’re telling me you’re leaving the love of your life? What is it now, 60 years you’ve been mar-

ried? Why, I never thought I would live to see the day.”

“Yeah, I kind of surprised myself too, but it was getting time,” answered the second man. “I wanted a newer, sportier model. She sure didn’t owe me anything, and it was kind of hard saying goodbye to that old Chevrolet.”

“With all the problems you’re having, I can’t help but think it could be related to your drinking and going to bed high as a kite every night. I’m not saying it’ll work for everyone, but I think you might want to try alcoholics anonymous,” said the first man.

“I know hay is high right now,” the second man said. “If we don’t get rain soon, I’m going to go broke buying hay.”

“I didn’t say ‘hay’ you old goat, I said... ah just fuggidabout it,” the other replied.

WXW TIMBERLINE W287

Also Additional Sires

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

786 Head Sold

Rec Virashield 6 & Vision 7 w/Somnus + Spur.

Weaned 11/15. Powerful 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!

Will O’Neal – 60 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 475-575#. 2 rounds of shots. Long time weaned. Hay fed. Jock & Chera Campbell – 50 Blk AngX Strs & Hfrs 650-700#. Rec 2 rounds of shots, weaned a long time. Nice, one iron, high elevation calves!!

Nancy Anderson – 50 Blk/BWF Strs & Hfrs 475-525#.

Comp vacc @ branding & weaning. Weaned Oct 30th. Out on pasture & hay fed. One iron & high elevation!

Bryan & Ray Parkhurst – 41 Blk AngX Strs & Hfrs 700-800#. Rec 2 rounds 8 way, C&D @ birth. Been out on pasture w/Barley hay. Sired by Diamond Peak bulls. Nice, high elevation calves, ready to go!

Troy Corbett – 40 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 500600#. Rec 2 rounds Express 5, Nasalgen & 7 way.

Weaned a long time, hay fed & high desert!

Rick Stroh – 35 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 700-850#. Rec spring & fall shots. Hfrs are bangs vacc. Nice, one brand calves!

Gloria Anderson – 34 Blk Ang Hfrs 620-730#.

12 Blk Ang Strs 450-730#. Rec 2 rounds Vista

Once SQ, Vision 7 & Ivomec. All natural & high desert calves!!

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!

Kent Haun – 20 Blk Ang Hfrs 500-550#. Weaned long time. 2 rounds shots.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY

FEEDER

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

LUCKY 7 ANGUS BULL SALE START TIME 12:00 (NOON)

Big Piney and Riverton, WY