Section B March 11, 2023

Livestock Marketing Information Center offers sheep and lamb outlook

The annual sheep inventory report was released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), giving further insights into supplies of the American flock.

On Jan. 1, all sheep and lambs totaled 5.020 million head, down 45,000 head, or less than one percent, continuing the marginal downward trend in supplies.

The breeding sheep and lambs reported a decline of 45,000 head, or 1.2 percent, to 3.665 million head. The decline in the breeding flock was slightly above historical trends, which have typically been just below a one-percent decline.

Looking further into the breeding flock, NASS reported ewes one year and older at 2.870 million head, down 1.4 percent or 40,000 head. Replacement lambs were 635,000 head, down 5,000 head or less than one percent. Ram inventories held steady at 160,000 head.

Market lambs

From a year earlier, market lambs increased slightly by 0.2 percent, 3,000 head, to 1.280 million head.

Declines in the under 65 pounds and 65 to 85 pounds categories were more than offset by gains in the 85 to 105 pounds and over 105 pounds categories. Over 105 pound market lambs were 483,000 head, up by less than one percent, or 4,000 head.

The 85 to 105 pounds category increased 13,000 head, or 4.9 percent, to 279,000 head from last year. Lower levels were seen in the under 65 pounds and 65 to 85 pounds categories, down 2.9 percent, 10,000 head, and 2.1 percent, 4,000 head, respectively, to 335,000 and 183,000 head.

A 3,000 head decrease in the number of market sheep to 75,000 head led to a total market sheep and lambs of 1.355 million head, which is even with the year prior.

Lamb crop and lambing percentage

The American lamb crop fell by 1.6 percent, 50,000 head, to 3.110 million head, with California reporting the largest decrease of 25,000 head, or 10.4 per-

cent, to 215,000 head.

The Texas lamb crop fell 5,000 head, or 1.4 percent, to 345,000 head, while Wyoming decreased 10,000 head, or 4.2 percent, to 230,000 head.

Colorado, Idaho and Montana all had declines in their lamb crop of 5,000 head.

South Dakota, Oregon and Utah held steady with a year ago, while Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Minnesota saw gains from 1,000 to 5,000 head.

The national average lambing percentage tallied at 106.9 percent, which is in line with the historical average during the last 10 years and slightly better than last year’s 106.8 percentage.

Summary and market outlook

Taking a step back from the details of the report, the Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC) gleans supplies are still on a general decline, with all sheep and lambs down 0.9 percent and a breeding flock 1.2 percent lower.

Productivity, based on the lambing percentage of 106.9 percent, has held steady near the 107 percent average mark during the last 10 years. Looking into 2023 and 2024, there are three main factors LMIC is expecting to influence the forecast for sheep and lamb inventory levels and prices. They are drought and feed, lamb demand and lamb imports.

Drought and feed

Drought is expected to persist into 2023 with much of the western U.S. continuing to grapple with drought effects on feed and forage supplies, especially hay.

The Feb. 9 Drought Monitor map shows extreme and exceptional drought, D3 and D4, respectively, stretching through a large portion of Kansas and Oklahoma. Pockets of D3 and D4 drought are also seen in parts of northern Montana, Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Wyoming and even over to Nevada, Utah and Oregon.

The continued drought only worsened the hay supply situation.

Nationally, Dec. 1, 2022, hay supplies were

down nine percent from last year and more than six percent below the previous record low. Alfalfa production decreased 2.6 percent due to a record low number of harvested acres.

A similar story can be said for other hay production, which declined 8.6 percent due to smaller yields and lower harvested acres. The lower hay production has led to record hay prices, which has limited available feed and forage.

This is expected to increase feed costs and potentially limit profitability in 2023 and 2024.

Lamb demand

In 2022, per capita lamb consumption at the retail level was 1.28 pounds per person, which is the second highest since the early 1990s, behind 1.36 pounds per person in 2021.

LMIC is expecting per capita lamb consumption to be about 1.27 pounds per person in 2023 and 1.23 pounds in 2024, largely based on stabilizing lamb demand, post-pandemic.

While per capita consumption levels are expected to remain above 1.2 pounds per person, the lamb cutout value has also tracked above typical levels, an indication of lamb demand strength.

At the start of 2022, the lamb cutout value was above typical levels at $618 per hundredweight (cwt), but gradually moved lower to about $475 at the end of the year. At the start of 2023, the lamb cutout value has been averaging $465 per cwt, more than $100 above typical levels.

Relative strength or weakness in the lamb cutout value moving through 2023 will be an indicator of lamb demand and a factor underlying slaughter and feeder lamb prices.

Lamb imports

In 2022, total lamb imports were 278 million pounds, up 5.2 percent from last year. Australia accounted for threequarters, or 74.8 percent, of total lamb imports in 2022 at 207.5 million pounds, an increase of 6.2 percent.

Imports from New Zealand increased by less than one percent to 64.9 million

pounds, accounting for 23.4 percent of total imports last year.

As of this writing, Australia was projecting record lamb production of 567,000 tonnes, or 1.25 billion pounds, in 2023, which they expect to flow into higher export levels.

The U.S. market will likely be a destination of where Australia will be looking to send lamb in 2023. This is expected to keep lamb imports in 2023 at a level similar to the 278 million pounds imported in 2022.

Based on the points discussed above, LMIC is forecasting sheep and lamb slaughter levels to hold

about even with 2022, just under 2.1 million head. Producers are likely to continue facing drought-related impacts, which will drive production decisions.

In 2024, sheep and lamb slaughter are forecasted to decline less than one percent to just over two million head, which is based on the expectation the breeding flock will decrease about one percent, but the lambing percentage will hold steady around 107 percent yielding a lamb crop just below 3.1 million head on Jan. 1, 2024.

Feeder and slaughter lamb prices in 2023 and 2024 are expected to track closer to pre-pandemic lev-

els. Feeder lamb prices, according to the three-market average in Colorado, South Dakota and Texas, are forecast to be $181 to $189 in 2023, with marginal improvements in 2024 to $181 to $193 per cwt. Slaughter lamb prices –national negotiated live – are forecast to range from $137 to $145 per cwt, depending on the quarter. Prices are expected to improve in 2024 with a range of $145 to $157 per cwt.

The American Sheep Industry Association originally published this article in the their March issue of Sheep Industry News which can be accessed at sheepusa.org

High demand – Per capita lamb consumption at the retail level was 1.28 pounds per person, the second highest since the early 1990s. WYLR photo

Not everyone has what it takes to be a professional trucker – particularly a long-haul driver specializing in livestock transportation. It can be a dirty job. On top of this, the hours can be brutal.

There’s also an extra measure of responsibility associated with transporting live, perishable cargo.

Truckers are subject to a lot of rules and regulations, equipment and operating expenses are high.

There are plenty of hassles, and few drivers get rich

Escalating costs for cattle transport explained by analyst

from pulling a bullrack.

Don Close, chief research and analytics officer for Terrain, discussed cattle hauling costs during the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans.

“I wouldn’t do what livestock haulers have to do for $5.50 per mile,” said Close.

He reported to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Ag and Food Policy Committee, which delivers results from an analysis of cattle transpor-

tation economics.

According to Close, the committee asked him to do a deep dive to expose the real drivers of high cattle transportation costs, which have increased dramatically through the years.

Drivers of high transportation costs

Close looked back as far as 1980, when the average charge for livestock transportation was $1.25 per loaded mile. By the end of 2022, the average rate per loaded mile was $5.50. Many people naturally

Louis & Kathy Dubs & Family

4910 Custer • Billings, MT 59106 windingriverangus@gmail.com

406-652-7515 or 406-208-8643 Private Treaty Opening Day Saturday, March 18 1811 Hwy. 72, Bridger, MT

- Noon.

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assumed high fuel costs were too blame.

“And they’re right,” said Close. “The increase in livestock transportation cost is highly correlated to the increase in diesel fuel prices.”

U.S. Energy Information Administration data for 1980 shows an average retail price of number two diesel at 82 cents per gallon. The average price for 2022 was $4.98.

But, there are also other costs affecting livestock transportation rates.

“The cost of tires has doubled or more than doubled in recent years, from about $300 to $650 a piece. Insurance costs are through the roof, too, and most haulers have to carry at least $1 million in liability insurance,” Close said.

He added for large carrier companies, hired labor costs continue to increase, and the number of retiring drivers exceeds the number of available replacements.

Additionally, many over-the-road drivers are opting for short-haul work.

“Everybody knows transportation costs are huge, but I don’t think we realized how many miles are involved or how the cost relates to animal value.” – Don Close, Terrain

we realized how many miles are involved or how the cost relates to animal value,” said Close, sharing numbers showing how cattle are hauled more and farther than ever before.

The miles add up, especially when considering distances involved with moving Florida calves to the Texas Panhandle, California cattle to the Pacific Northwest or Western feeders to the Plains.

Close’s research suggests the typical calf sees an average haul of 700 miles. For a yearling, the average is 400 miles, and fed cattle going to slaughter travel an average of 150 miles.

“Collectively, with three ownership changes, the typical animal is transported 1,250 miles,” stated Close. “I think this is a conservative estimate.”

value, accounting for eight dollars per hundredweight (cwt).

For a load of yearlings, freight costs are two percent of load value and account for more than four dollars per cwt. For fed cattle, the numbers are 97 percent and one dollar per cwt, respectively.

“When we add it all up over an animal’s lifetime, there are $14 per cwt in freight costs,” said Close.

These costs affect every cattle producer, in Close’s opinion, even guys who haul calves to the sale barn in their own gooseneck trailers. They may think theyʼre escaping high transportation costs, but Close says they couldn’t be more wrong.

“The buyers know how to calculate freight, and it’s figured into what they’re willing to bid,” he

4 Schaack Wickwire 8344

SALE REPORTS

Bieber Red Angus "Bieber Fever" Peformance Bull Sale

Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor

McCann Red Angus

Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor March 6, 2023 Billings Livestock Commission, Billings, Mont.

Bill Cook

check K126 – Price: $27,500, DOB: 1/18/22 Sire: LARR

Paycheck 0728 Dam’s Sire: Bieber CL Stockman

Lucky 7 Angus "Cowboy Bulls" Sale

Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor

Top Sellers

Lot 25 – McCann Blue

Collar 2163 – Price: $10,500,

DOB: 1/15/22 Sire: Red U2

Blue Collar 295E Dam’s Sire:

5L Defender 560-30Z EPDs:

BW: +1.6, WW: +72, YW: +118 and Milk: +30 Buyer:

JD Folsom, Rexburg, Idaho

Lot 17 – McCann Propulsion 2109 – Price: $9,500,

DOB: 1/17/22 Sire: BB Propulsion 9096 Dam’s Sire: Mushrush Lock ‘N’ Load

U213 EPDs: BW: +0.3, WW:

+75, YW: +113 and Milk:

+33 Buyer: Dustin Evans, Whitman, Neb.

Lot 3 – McCann Propulsion 2177 – Price: $9,000,

DOB: 2/10/22 Sire: BB Propulsion 9096 Dam’s Sire:

Mushrush Lock ‘N’ Load

U213 EPDs: BW: -1.2, WW: +75, YW: +117 and Milk: +34

Buyer: Bieber Red Angus, Leola, S.D.

Lot 4 – McCann Innovation 0103-2053 – Price: $8,000

DOB: 1/17/22 Sire: Crump Innovation 0103 Dam’s Sire: Crump Hercules 333 EPDs:

BW: +1.8, WW: +79, YW: +130 and Milk: +27 Buyer: Dustin Evans, Whitman, Neb.

Lot 5 – McCann Freightliner 2161 – Price: $7,500

DOB: 1/14/22 Sire: NIO

Freightliner 0068 Dam’s Sire: Brown Premier X7876

EPDs: BW: -2.5, WW: +69, YW: +116 and Milk: +30

Buyer: Dustin Evans, Whitman, Neb.

Ox Bow Ranch Annual Angus Bull Sale

Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor March 1, 2023

Ox Bow Ranch, Wolf Creek, Mont.

Auctioneer: Roger Jacobs

61 Yearling Angus Bulls Avg. $7,102

25 Two-Year-Old Angus Bulls Avg. $6,105

Lot 18 – OX MVP

2201 – Price: $10,500

DOB: 1/31/22 Sire: B/R

MVP 5247 Dam’s Sire: S A V Raindance 6848

EPDs: BW: +2.6, WW: +82, YW: +138 and Milk:

+35 Buyer: Mitch Schoelerman, Mobridge, Mont. Lot 20 – OX MVP

2161 – Price: $10,500

DOB: 1/27/22 Sire: B/R

MVP 5247 Dam’s Sire: R44 Game Day 0302

EPDs: BW: +3.3, WW: +78, YW: +134 and Milk:

+23 Buyer: Shotgun Ranch, Post, Ore.

EXTENSION EDUCATION

By Chance Marshall, UW Extension Educator

Bull Fertility After Extreme Cold Temperatures

The 2023 winter in Wyoming has been difficult for everyone, but especially for livestock producers. Winter weather and extreme cold temperatures can have significant impacts on herd performance.

With breeding season around the corner for many Wyoming cow/calf producers, it is important to evaluate bulls and ensure their productivity hasn’t been damaged due to the harsh, cold environment.

Breeding soundness exams

Breeding soundness exams (BSE) were a developed practice, first utilized to assess bull fertility follow-

ing harsh winter conditions which took place during the winter of 1948-49.

Today, BSEs are a common and recommended practice for cattle producers every year, regardless of weather conditions. The goal of a BSE is to identify bulls with fertility issues prior to the breeding season to minimize open cows.

It is recommended a BSE be performed on sires at least 60 days prior to the breeding season to allow ample time to replace unsatisfactory bulls or retest any bulls which suffered a cold injury prior to the breeding season.

A good BSE includes a

physical exam evaluating a bull’s athleticism, mobility in the pasture, structure and body condition, in addition to scrotal circumference measurements, which are taken to predict a sire’s sperm-producing capacity.

Lastly, sperm motility and morphology are analyzed to ensure sufficient quantities of mobile, properly-shaped sperm cells are available.

The results compiled during a BSE can be impacted dramatically by the environment the bull lives in.

Frostbite

One of the most common ways a bull would fail a BSE is due to effects of a coldweather injury and frostbite.

Frostbite is usually visible a few days after freezing. The tissue will appear inflamed and swollen. Often a scab is present, but not always.

In turn, the heat from the swelling or any increase in body temperature can have a negative impact on sperm cells, which are stored in the epididymis surrounding the

lower end of the testicles.

Severe frostbite can eventually result in testicular degeneration and shrinking in scrotal circumference.

Frostbite can cause temporary or permanent sterility. If the damage is not too severe, it may be possible to let the bull heal and stay productive.

However, spermatogenesis – the production of spermatozoa – requires nearly 61 days. Therefore, a follow-up BSE is recommended at least 61 days following an injury to ensure the bull will be useful.

Earlier testing could result in unreliable results and premature culling of the bull.

Preventing

cold-weather injury

One of the most effective ways to prevent losses due to cold weather is to ensure bulls are being fed an adequate diet to meet their nutritional needs. Growing bulls will have higher nutrient demands as they are still growing until around three years old.

Bulls should be managed to maintain a body condition score of five or six for optimum fertility and reproductive health. Underfed bulls are known to have greater sperm cell abnormalities and are more vulnerable to cold weather.

Harsh winter conditions, especially wind, can drastically increase a bull’s nutrient demands and his chances of testicular damage due to freezing. Protective measures such as providing shelter, a snow fence and/or bedding can be effective ways to prevent injury.

Also, enclosing trailers for bulls being transported during cold temperatures

can be helpful.

Final thoughts

Reproductive success remains the number one economic factor for profitability in cow/calf operations. Evaluating bulls after a tough winter is especially important to ensure females are getting bred this spring.

By paying close attention to breeding animals now, producers can ensure the negative impacts of the 2023 Wyoming winter won’t linger on.

Chance Marshall is a Fremont County University of Wyoming Extension educator. He can be reached at cmarsha1@uwyo.edu or 307-332-2363.

What’s Cooking, Good Looking?

Some of my favorite childhood memories involve going to see my mom’s family in Butte, Mont. for the Fourth of July. It was a requirement at some point along the trip we would find ourselves in a greasy spoon diner eating Irish Pasties – pronounced PASS-tee.

These half-moon shaped shells are stuffed with hearty meat and vegetables. I like to serve mine with a side of brown gravy, but I’ve seen people simply dip them in

Irish Pasties Ingredients

Pie Crust

2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

ketchup or mustard.

People probably won’t ever see a pasty win a fancy cooking competition, but these hearty meals will stick with them through long days of digging out from the snow.

I found this recipe on The Taste of Montana website, where they also had some fun history about pasties in the area. With St. Patrickʼs Day right around the corner, it is the perfect time to give these a try.

8 oz. unsalted cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 tsp. kosher salt

7-9 tbsp. ice water

Traditional Pasty Filling

10 oz. beef chuck, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes

8 small potatoes, cubed

2 large carrots, peeled and cubed

1 small onion, finely diced

1 egg, beaten

kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper

garlic to taste (optional)

Instructions

For the pie crust, sift together the flour and salt into a large bowl. Add the cold butter pieces, and work it in with your hands until you have a pea-sized texture.

Add the ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough starts to hold together and look shaggy.

Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll out each portion into thin, dinner plate sized disks.

Place the beef, potatoes, carrots, onion and seasonings into a bowl and mix together. Mound the mixture on one side of each pie dough rollout.

Fold the dough over and pinch the edges, creating a pocket – like a calzone. Place the pasties on a baking sheet about one-inch apart and brush the tops with the beaten egg.

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about one hour.

Tressa Lawrence lives and works on her family’s cattle ranch, where she runs cattle, cooks a few meals, has been digging out of the snow incessantly and juggles freelance writing and photography. Comments can be sent to lawrenceranchbeefco@gmail.com.

WYLR photo

Bree and Russell Burton received the Outstanding Young Professional Award at the Society for Range Management’s (SRM) 76th Annual Meeting in Boise, Idaho Feb. 12-16. The award is presented by SRM to an individual member or couple who have demonstrated extraordinary potential and promise as range management

professionals, and is presented as an encouragement for outstanding performance by young men and women entering the profession of range management.

The Burtons are both employed by Y2 Consultants – Bree as a rangeland scientist and Russell as a rangeland wildlife specialist. Their multi-disciplinary education and experi-

ence has been integral to the success of many projects designed to enhance working rangelands.

As applied scientists, their work supports the needs of ranchers and land managers across the West, including Idaho, Nevada and Wyoming.

From serving on the Young Professionals Conclave (YPC) officer team and leading SRM committees, to mentoring students and creating opportunities for young professionals to bridge the gap into parent society involvement, the Burton’s contributions to

SRM are admirable.

Specifically, YPC wouldn’t be the organization it is today without their involvement.

Bree has served in several leadership roles for the YPC officer team, including vice president, president and advisory council

member and was also the 2022 Wyoming SRM section president.

Russell is currently the SRM wildlife habitat committee chair and has contributed his wildlife management expertise to several YPC educational events and activities.

Between sheep, goats and cattle, multispecies grazing can provide many advantages to producers looking to mitigate risk, diversify income and get more from their pastures, even when forage availability is limited.

“Raising different species together is fairly common, and I’ve seen the practice grow in recent years,” says Dr. Clay Elliott, small ruminant nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition. “Multispecies grazing gives farmers and ranchers another avenue for income.”

Whether producers currently raise sheep, goats or cattle, adding another species to their operation can provide several benefits.

Sustainable pasture management

“Sheep, goats and cattle are the perfect complementary species to graze together because they aren’t always competing for the same forages,” says Elliott. “Grazing any combination of these

species can help producers get more from their pastureland by turning ‘waste’ plants into meat, wool or milk.”

Goats are browsers, favoring tree limbs and leaves over the high-quality, tender grass sheep and cattle prefer. Goats are also a great option for grazing land impacted by drought as they can forage on relatively little vegetation, giving producers an additional income source without taking away the limited resources available for cattle or sheep.

Sheep can graze grass closer to the ground than cattle, so they can utilize forage cattle can’t. One watch-out with sheep is to avoid overgrazing, which could impact the long-term productivity of pastures.

Producers should create a pasture rotation plan and use water or supplemental nutrition sources to spread out grazing activity to help reduce the risk of overgrazing.

Efficient forage use isn’t the only way multispecies grazing supports sustainable pasture management. Sheep and goats can

help keep brush and invasive plants at bay, allowing for more grass growth for cattle and, in some cases, eliminating plants which

may be toxic to cattle.

Copper supplementation

“One reason producers hesitate to implement multispecies grazing is goats and cattle have a significantly higher copper requirement than sheep, which are very copper sensitive,” says Elliott. “Copper intolerance is the major difference between these three species.”

One option to address differing copper needs is to feed all species a sheep mineral low in copper and supplement cows and goats with a bolus product once or twice a year to meet their copper needs.

Soil testing can help determine how often cattle and goats need copper supplementation.

Another option is sequential grazing or rotating species through pastures separately rather than co-grazing.

This allows producers to provide each species with a mineral tailored to its unique nutritional needs and avoid the added labor of administering a bolus product.

Income opportunities

Multispecies grazing also allows producers to mitigate risk by opening up additional market opportunities and gaining more income per acre of pasture.

“A cow can only maintain herself and raise one calf every year,” says Elliott. “Producers could add four to five ewes and their babies on this same acre of ground, giving them another revenue source.”

The number of animals raised per acre depends on many factors, including pasture quality, sequential or cograzing management, water access, market availability and operational goals.

Keep in mind, reproduction rates differ by species. Sheep and goats reproduce more frequently and have more offspring than cattle. Producers should consider how quickly their sheep or goat herd will grow and plan their stocking density accordingly.

Input cost and management considerations

While there are many benefits to raising multi-

ple species together, other expenses and management changes must be considered.

“Balance input costs and the projected return on investment to determine if multispecies grazing is the right choice,” says Elliott.

“For example, fencing upgrades to keep smaller species in and help deter predators is one of the larger up-front considerations in terms of labor and cost.”

Another consideration is veterinary care. Producers need to ensure a local veterinarian is comfortable caring for whichever species they intend to raise.

They should also evaluate their handling facilities to ensure they can accommodate large and small animals and veterinary care, and other management activities can be done safely and efficiently.

Partnership opportunities

When it comes to multispecies grazing, producers don’t have to go at it alone.

Some cattle, sheep and goat producers have found success working together.

“I’ve seen very successful operations where a cattle producer brings in sheep or goats from a different ranch for summer grazing,” says Elliott. “The cattle rancher benefits from weed control and pasture management while the sheep or goat producer benefits from access to high-quality pasture for their animals. It’s a win-win.”

With some thoughtful considerations, multispecies grazing can be a great option to help operations mitigate risk, diversify income and get more from pastureland, whether they’re currently raising sheep, goats or cattle.

Purina Animal Nutrition is a national organization serving producers, animal owners and their families through more than 4,700 local cooperatives, independent dealers and other retailers throughout the U.S.

Multiple benefits – Multispecies grazing not only offers producers more income per acre, it’s also a great pasture stewardship tool. Purina

Animal Nutrition photo

WSGS discusses Wyoming landslides, work, challenges and case studies

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) hosted Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) Geologist James Mauch on Nov. 16, 2022 to cover past and ongoing work by the WSGS to map, characterize and assess the hazard of landslides within the state of Wyoming.

Additionally, he talked about some of the hurdles associated with this work and presented several case studies of prominent landslides in Wyoming.

Survey background

“WSGS is an independent state agency,” said Mauch. “Our mission is two pronged – we’re tasked with promoting the beneficial and responsible development of Wyoming’s mineral and energy resources, as well as understanding, characterizing and informing the public about geologic hazards.”

As a nonregulatory agency, WSGS primarily works to study and disseminate information about Wyoming’s geology for the benefit of Wyoming citizens, he noted.

The WSGS website shares, since 1933, WSGS has performed important and critical functions of interpreting Wyoming’s complex geology. WSGS scientists work to gain a better understanding of Earth’s history, geologic wonders, hazards and natural resources such as water, minerals and energy.

Additionally, scientists gather information, provide technical analyses, perform scientific investigations and generate maps using geographic information systems (GIS).

The team covers three core subject areas. They include energy and mineral resources; hazards, groundwater and GIS and administration, outreach and publications.

Projects background

One of WSGS’s projects is their statewide landslide inventory. From the late 1980s to the 2000s, Jim Case, WSGS geologic hazards division manager, led the project.

“This was an enormous event,” shared Mauch. “It was a statewide inventory and was completed through geologic mapping.”

WSGS’s geologic mapping program provides information on geologic structures and stratigraphy of a study area. WSGS geologists use a multi-dis-

ciplinary approach to geologic mapping, including remote sensing, structural geology, stratigraphy and geochronology to name a few.

Geologists and GIS specialists at WSGS use a variety of GIS software programs to publish digital geologic map products.

WSGS mapping is conducted at 1:100,000 and 1:24,000 scales. The agency is working toward mapping the entire state at the 1:100,000 scale. Areas of special interest are commonly mapped at 1:24,000.

Since 1994, WSGS has been an annual participant in the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP) – State Geologic Survey Mapping Component (STATEMAP).

2022 projects

Geologists at WSGS worked on a pair of 1:100,000-scale geologic maps through the STATEMAP managed by USGS.

Fiscal Year 2022 projects included a 1:100,000scale surficial geologic map of the west half of the Ramshorn 30 feet by 60 feet quadrangle in Fremont and Park counties and a 1:100,000-scale bedrock geologic map of the Firehole Canyon 30 feet by 60 feet quadrangle in Sweetwater County, Daggett County, Utah and Moffat County, Colo.

The Ramshorn quadrangle encompasses portions of the northern Wind River Range, northwestern Wind River Basin and southern Absaroka Range. Generating data about landslides is one goal of the project.

The quadrangle is in one of the most landslideprone regions in the state. U.S. Highway 26/287 runs through the quadrangle and has been damaged by unstable slopes in recent times. The project provides detailed mapping of glacial, alluvial and other surficial deposits contributing to understanding the regional quaternary geologic history.

The Firehole Canyon map compiles quadrangle’s bedrock geology. The map provides geologic data relevant to the economic resources within the southern Greater Green River Basin.

In addition, WSGS is looking to work on several other projects. They include three surficial maps of quads in central Wyoming for Riverton, Ther-

mopolis and Carter Mountain quadrangles in Central Wyoming; an online map on mineral resources in the state under development; a pair of projects focusing on heavy-mineral sands and helium resources in Wyoming.

Mauch added another ongoing project will include updating their statewide landslide database with landslide mapping that’s informed by light detection and ranging data.

Challenges

“One of the unique factors in Wyoming is we have a very low population density and most of the population centers in the state are in the basins,” said Mauch. “There’s not a lot of intersection of where the landslides are and where people live, so, most of these landslides are occurring in remote mountainous areas in the western part of the state.”

He explained from a

societal perspective, this is a great thing, but from a scientific perspective, it’s a challenge because it makes it difficult to study and track landslides. It also causes public awareness for landslide hazard to be fairly low in Wyoming.

“Another challenge we face, which is certainly not unique to Wyoming – it’s likely present in all Western states and throughout most of the country – is the fact that when landslides do occur in the front country, the assets typically damaged are transportation corridors and infrastructure,” said Mauch.

He noted in Wyoming, the Wind River Canyon is one transportation corridor particularly problematic when it comes to slope sta-

bility issues.

Another problematic area is the Togwotee Mountain Pass between Dubois and Moran.

Notable landslides

During his presentation, Mauch highlighted several notable landslides in Wyoming. He shared one of the most notable landslides occurred in 1925 – the Gros Ventre landslide – one of the largest, fast-moving landslides occurring near the town of Kelly.

The Crystal Creek landslide of 2007-12, Double Draw landslide of 2011 and Budge Drive landslide of 2014 were other notable landslides in the state.

“In Wyoming, we have a wide spectrum of landslide hazard and landslide severity,” said Mauch

“And this is because within our state, we have diverse topography, geologic structures and climates that really control the landslide hazard.”

“In the immediate future, our work here is going to focus on producing some larger scale landslide susceptibility maps by county or 30 feet by 60 feet minute quadrangle,” he concluded.

He shared he is always eager to visit with folks who are tackling similar projects in other regions. He can be reached by e-mailing james.mauch@ wyo.gov.

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

60+ Salers & Optimizer Bulls

Getting Started in Ag: A Look at Shared Machinery Arrangements

Production agriculture has been characterized as a capital-intensive, low-margin, high-cost business. If you are new or just getting started in ag, one of your largest expense categories is most likely machinery costs. Inflation, supply-chain issues and other accessibility problems, coupled with high commodity prices, have generally resulted in massive increases yearover-year in new farm equipment costs over the past several years. This has driven the cost of used equipment higher as farmers and ranchers seek a more affordable alternative to new equipment.

As a new or beginning producer, this will be one of the bigger issues you face—how to best get the job done while being smart and efficient with the capital available for machinery services. Many farmers and ranchers in Wyoming own machinery that

is highly specialized, especially harvest equipment that is extremely expensive, yet sits idle for much of the year.

Depending on your machinery needs or your mechanical repair capabilities, you may not be able to operate older equipment and stay within your cost forecast. In addition, you may not be able to take advantage of the efficiencies gained by running newer equipment. For example, a sickle-bar windrower may have a much lower cost than an equivalent disc-windrower, but the disc mower will be at least twice as productive, if not more.

Hiring custom operators is an option for some managers but may be less than ideal depending on availability. It is important to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves but, without the

necessary machinery resources, that can be difficult.

POOLING RESOURCES HAS BENEFITS

One option to consider, especially if you are a new producer or have limited resources, is using a share agreement in cooperation with one or more individuals to own, lease or rent equipment together.

These arrangements can allow for significant improvements in productivity by providing access to newer machinery, while not tying up as much capital as outright ownership would require. For example, an alfalfa hay producer with 200 acres may not be able to afford a new windrower with a price tag of around $220,000, but pooling resources with three other producers with

Example of machinery sharing using the Joint Machinery Ownership Tool from Iowa State Extension.

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

operations of a similar size may make the purchase affordable.

Another gain in productivity comes with the option to utilize the machine when it is needed on your schedule, as opposed to being at the mercy of a custom operator’s schedule.

BASIC PROVISIONS FOR JOINT MACHINERY OWNERSHIP

First and foremost, it important that the individuals or business(es) you plan to share machinery with have a good working relationship with you and your business. This means working with someone you trust on a personal and business level.

Machinery sharing is often initiated between operations of similar size and scope, though this is not a requirement. However, all parties involved should be able to effectively and safely operate the machinery, as well as have the capacity to maintain it.

Depending on the situation, distance between operations may or may not be a factor. For instance, two wheat growers 60 miles apart might have difficulty sharing a combine but a grower sharing ownership with another operator 400 miles away and two months ahead in the growing season might be able to make it work.

How cost-sharing provisions are arranged also depends on how usage is divided between parties. If machine use will be relatively equal across all users, splitting the purchase price of the machine equally may be acceptable. In most situations, however, one party will use the machine more than

the other. In this case, a more equitable method for splitting costs might be based on actual use and cost per acre, especially for repair expenses. In this way, all owners of the equipment pay expenses based on usage, usually on a prorated basis, while maintaining an equitable arrangement. If one owner ends up using the machine more than the expected number of acres or hours, they can compensate the others based on actual total annual costs.

GET IT IN WRITING

There should be a written agreement covering all important cost aspects of the machinery to be shared. Included should be provisions on how the equipment will be purchased, with an outline of individual contributions, fuel, labor, repair cost, maintenance schedules, usage schedules and an exit provision if the machine needs to be sold or one or more parties wants to end the arrangement.

Many successful machinery share arrangements call for the participants to meet on a regular basis, such as monthly, to help schedule usage and maintenance, and stay on top of any other issues that may develop. While creating a separate business entity to facilitate a machinery share arrangement is not necessary, it can simplify and formalize an agreement, as well as streamline record keeping. At a minimum, an expense account should be established that all parties contribute to on a regular basis.

MACHINERY SHARING RESOURCES

Farm Machinery and Labor Sharing Manual. Iowa State University Extension. https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/ Farm-Machinery-Labor-Sharing-Manual

A Guide to Sharing Farm Equipment: A tool sharing toolkit for farmers, cooperators, and organizers of shared equipment pools. By Faith Gilbert. Northeast.sare.org/resources/a-guide-tosharing-farm-equipment

Joint Machinery Ownership Decision Tool. Iowa State University Extension, online Excel-based spreadsheet tool, www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/xls

FOR MORE INFORMATION

When it comes to machinery sharing arrangements, every operation is different in their requirements and resources available. Spending time planning and researching machinery sharing and how it might work for your business and your potential partners is time well spent.

Numerous resources are available for producers seeking information on machinery sharing/ownership arrangements. FarmAnswers.org offers an online library with links to several resources on the topic. Iowa State University Extension also offers a comprehensive guide, available in hard copy and digital form, along with other bulletins devoted to the subject.

Water is an important, but often overlooked nutrient. Livestock water requirements are affected by many factors. They can include livestock size, productivity, diet and environmental conditions. Good water quality can greatly impact cattle’s intake and weight gain.

In a North Dakota State University (NDSU) article titled “Water Quality Can Impact Livestock Production,” NDSU Extension Livestock Environmental Stewardship Specialist Miranda Meehan and NDSU Extension Agricultural Engi-

neer Tom Scherer found adequate water quality can make a significant impact on herd health and production.

Water sources

“Water quality can vary depending on the source,” says Scherer. “Groundwater tends to be of higher quality than surface water. However, some aquifers have naturally high levels of potentially toxic salts such as sulfate due to geology.”

“Weather can also influence water quality,” he adds. “When runoff is low in the spring or during a drought, the salts in surface water

become more concentrated as water levels decline and can reach levels which can be toxic.”

All-natural water contains dissolved minerals, often called salts. The concentration of the total dissolved solids (TDS) is measured in parts per million (ppm).

Sulfate is part of TDS. The recommended concentration should be less than 500 ppm for calves and less than 1,000 ppm for adult cattle. High levels of sulfate can reduce copper availability in the diet. Elevated lev-

els of sulfates may cause loose stool, whereas very high levels of sulfate can induce central nervous system problems.

Ranchers should monitor TDS and sulfate levels throughout the grazing season because weather and other factors can influence water quality, Meehan notes in an article titled, “Livestock Water Quality Likely to be Impacted by Drought.”

Producers can conduct water tests. If the TDS is greater than 5,000 ppm or if the sulfate concentration is greater than 1,000 ppm,

the educators note producers may want to find an alternative water source or find some way to blend better-quality water with poorquality water to reduce the concentration of TDS or sulfate.

“We recommend the use of hand-held TDS meters as a quick method to screen water samples,” Meehan says. “If the screening indicates the TDS is greater than 4,500 ppm, submit a sample to a lab for additional analysis.”

Sulfate test strips are another tool to screen water samples. Both of these tools are affordable and easy to use, according to Meehan.

Illness risks

Providing high-quality water also can improve herd health. Livestock which primary water sources are ponds and dugouts have a greater risk of contracting illnesses such as giardia, leptospirosis and cyanobacterial poisoning, compared to livestock drinking from a trough.

Water with elevated nutrient levels are also at a higher risk for blue-green algae blooms in periods of hot, dry weather. Some species of blue-green algae, otherwise known as cyanobacteria, contain toxins which can be deadly when livestock and wildlife consume them.

The best method for monitoring cyanobacteria is visually. However, this can be difficult due to how rapidly a bloom can develop and ranchers’ ability to check water frequently. One potential solution is to use a camera to monitor water locations.

If a bloom is observed, livestock should be removed immediately and a water sample should be submitted for testing. The sample can

be evaluated microscopically for potentially toxic species of cyanobacteria or the water can be analyzed for several of the toxins at commercial labs at a higher cost.

“Monitoring water quality throughout the grazing season is important because it changes in response to climate and environmental conditions,” Meehan says.

Water projects

The specialists share installing a water development project can help ensure livestock have access to good-quality water throughout the grazing season.

Other benefits, in addition to animal health and performance, can include an increase in flexibility in producers’ management systems, an increase in grazeable acreage and an extended grazing season, allowing producers to utilize crop residues and cover crops for forage and improving grazing distribution.

Common projects include troughs, pumps, wells and pipelines. The specialists note through time, these improvements, combined with management practices, can increase a producer’s carrying capacity, allow for an increase in herd size and/or increase drought resistance with stockpiled forages.

The article notes Canadian studies have shown the quality of water accessible to livestock is directly tied to the amount of forage they consume. Studies report improved gains by as much as 0.24 pounds per day in yearlings and 0.33 pounds per day in calves receiving high-quality water.

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

The beginning of March marks calving season for many producers – whether they are just starting to see babies hit the ground or they are in the full swing of things. This winter has been especially tough on producers and livestock alike, and it will prove incredibly difficult as operations welcome newborn calves.

Below-zero temperatures, drifting snow and driving wind will make it much easier for calves to succumb to hypothermia, and because of this, experts are reminding producers of ways they can prepare for, intervene and treat hypothermic calves.

Levels of hypothermia

During a Kansas State University (KSU) Beef Cattle Institute (BCI) Ask the Experts segment on the KSU Agriculture Today podcast, aired on Feb. 15, Host Samantha Bennett sits down with Veterinarian and BCI Director Dr. Brad White, along with KSU Veterinarians Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Bob Larson to discuss levels of hypothermia, preparing for hypothermia and when to intervene if producers suspect hypothermia in their calves.

To begin, Lubbers notes because there are various levels of hypothermia, producers’ response to dealing with hypothermic calves will be different on a caseby-case basis.

“The response depends on how severe the hypothermia is, but regardless,

Experts discuss strategies for managing hypothermic calves

it’s best to intervene early,” he says. “If it’s a mild case, producers should get the calf inside and warmed up. If it’s severe, producers will need to partake in a more extreme response.”

On the other hand, Larson explains it’s important to identify which calves are most at risk. He notes calves at greater risk of becoming hypothermic are typically those in their first 24 to 48 hours of life.

He further notes it’s important to identify how many calves may be impacted by severe wet and cold weather conditions.

“If we have a lot of newborn calves born at once, it’s a much bigger problem,” he shares. “Producers are going to need a team of people to warm them up, because it’s going to be hard to manage the workload.”

Larson advises cattle producers avoid warming up cold calves too quickly because it runs the risk of causing hyperthermia or an abnormally high body temperature.

Preparation and when to intervene

Regardless of operation size, labor force or weather conditions, Lubbers encourages producers to prepare for the worst.

“Producers should expect the worst weather event when they have the most calves on the ground,” he says. “I would suggest keeping a covered area bedded with some straw and encourage them to be pre-

pared to manage the area – it’s going to take time to keep clean.”

Additionally, Larson encourages producers to be prepared before bad weather hits and to have a working thermometer on hand.

“The day we have tough weather, is not the best day to go to town to buy a thermometer,” he says. “Have one on hand.”

He explains newborn calves generally have a body temperature at or around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and this temperature is expected to increase the longer they are alive. If not, Larson says intervention may be necessary.

He notes calves with a body temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit are considered to be mildly affected by hypothermia, while calves at 97 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit are in serious trouble.

In order to best prevent and cure cases of hypothermia in newborn calves, Larson says producers need to get them dry as quickly as possible, and try to keep them dry.

Management strategies to treat hypothermia

Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Dr. Linsday Waechter-Mead highlights management strategies in her University of NebraskaLincoln Feb. 1 article titled “Managing Hypothermia in Newborn Calves.”

She notes a prolonged birth or dystocia can also be of concern and can lead to issues with hypothermia.

In addition to understanding when to intervene and checking a newborn calf’s temperature, as suggested by Lubbers and Lar

another tip is to place two fingers into the mouth of the calf.

A healthy calf’s mouth will be warm and moist and the calf will attempt to chew or suck. However, if the suckle reflex is absent, it’s time to get involved.

Producers can consider two routes when attempting to rewarm a calf – either through external or internal warming.

Waechter-Mead notes colostrum is the first line of

defense for warming a calf internally. Comprised of up to 10 percent fat, colostrum acts as a heat source by burning fat into energy and helps calves maintain body temperature.

External warming can be achieved through commercial warming huts, forced warm air such as the floorboard of a truck or warm bath water. She encourages producers to never leave a calf unattended while using a heat source and ensure the

area is clean, as they can serve as a breeding ground for pathogens.

“Understanding the risk factors for hypothermia will aid in developing a strategy to prevent loss,” she says.

“Knowing when and how to assist chilled calves is an essential part of a calving plan.”

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

Adobe Stock photo

“The response depends on how severe the hypothermia is, but regardless, it’s best to intervene early.” – Brian Lubbers, Kansas State University

NOTICE: Publication in this newspaper does not guarantee the legitimacy of any offer or solicitation. Take reasonable steps to evaluate an offer before you send money or provide personal/financial information to an advertiser. If you have questions or believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Unit, 109 Capitol Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002, 307-7776397 TFN

Events

GUN SHOW: Weston County

Senior Citizens Center, Newcastle, WY, Sat., March 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., March 19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission $5, kids 12 and under free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Vendor setup Fri., March 17, 3-8 p.m. For more information, call Mike Novotny, 253678-4825 3/11

FINAL DRIVE FOCUSED!!

CUSTIS SHOW PIGS 18TH AN-

NUAL SALE, MARCH 25, AT 1

PM, CARBON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, RAWLINS, WY: Multiple State Fair Grand and Reserve Champions have sold in this sale year after year. Don’t miss the chance to own the next champion!! Call Krisha, 307760-0327 3/18

Help

PART-TIME DRIVERS NEEDED FROM WORLAND TO CASPER, WY Nighttime hours, $28/hour to start, 33+ hours/week. Must have CDL, pass background check and clean MVR. E-mail resumes to dingoboy6342@yahoo.com or call Matt, 801-641-4109

BOOKKEEPER/INVOICING CLERK NEEDED: Computer experience with Quickbooks preferred. Full-time hourly wage and benefits. ALSO, FARM HAND with equipment and haying experience. Pivot system operation a plus. Year-round employment for the right person. Wage is hourly with benefits, DOW. Call Kim, 307-350-0350, Farson, WY 4/1

CONVERSE COUNTY WEED AND PEST DISTRICT

OFFICE MANAGER: Be able to be the hub of the office, answer and take phone calls, chemical sales, receive money from customers, take weekly or daily inventory, be able to work in Excel and Word, learn weed identification and other tasks as assigned. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Pay is DOE

ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR: Will need to be able to take a weed science course and be able to obtain, or already have, a pesticide commercial applicator license, you will supervise spray crews along our state and county right-of-ways and in our special project areas, work with landowners on mapping spray areas, perform weed consultations, learn or know how to calibrate sprayers and be able to help landowners calibrate and perform weed-free certifications of fields. Pay is DOE

59 STATE HIGHWAY 59 • PO BOX 728

DOUGLAS, WY 82633

PHONE: 307-358-2775 • ccwp@qwestoffice.net

Rough Country Outfitters & Guides

Want a Wyoming adventure with full room & board, excellent seasonal income with gratuities? We seek a self-motivated, young-at-heart couple to serve as camp cook/camp tender in our private ranch lodges and/or backcountry camps.

Join us April 15 - May 31 for the spring turkey and/or black bear camps & our fall big game camps Sept. 15 - Nov. 20, 2023 and beyond

Send resumes to Rough Country Outfitters

Help Wanted Brands

Attn: Deb Schell PO Box 973 • Glenrock, WY 82637 307-436-2304

EARN $60,000/YEAR, PARTTIME in the livestock or farm equipment appraisal business. Agricultural background required. Home study course available. 800-488-7570 or www. amagappraisers.com 3/11

EXPERIENCED COOK FOR

SCENIC MOUNTAIN RANCH: Working ranch with cookhouse. Live-in position with private quarters and board included. Car and driver’s license required. Meet interesting people. Call 307-383-2418 or 307-3832413 3/25

WIGGINS FEEDYARD, LLC

HIRING FULL-TIME EMPLOY-

EE: Current driver’s license required. Call Sue Wiggins, 308-279-0924, e-mail sswiggins@wigginsfeedyard.com, 10077 U.S. 385, Bridgeport, NE 69336, provide references with phone numbers 3/25

AGRI-ONE FINANCIAL: Farm/ ranch and all commercial loans. RATES AS LOW AS 5%. We have been helping with all aspects of agricultural, commercial financing and management for years. LET US HELP YOU on a consulting level with management to increase profitability, deal with and fix credit problems and for all your financing needs. WE CARE AND HAVE WORKING PROGRAMS designed for the farmer/rancher and not the banker. Please call Steve, 303773-3545, or check out our website www.agrionefinancial.com. I will come to you and get the job done!! 3/25

WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LRC, BS, LSH. Dues paid to Jan. 2033. No irons included, $3,000. Call 307-746-8243 4/1

REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND: LRC, LSH. Current through Jan. 1, 2031. $2,500 OBO. Contact Gene at 307-331-1049 3/18

REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND: RRC. Current through Jan. 1, 2031. $2,500 OBO. Contact Gene at 307331-1049 3/18

REGISTERED

Brands

REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND: RRC, RHS, RTH. Current through Jan. 1, 2031. $2,500 OBO. Contact Gene at 307-331-1049 3/18

WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: Paid through January 2033, RSC, RSH, $2,000. Call 307-851-4099 3/25

REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: Paid through January 2032, LRC, LTH. Have a cow iron and a horse iron, $2,700. Call 307-231-1231 3/25

REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LR&HC, LS&TH. Dues paid to Jan 1, 2031. Hot irons included. $3,500. Call 307351-0242 3/18

REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LHC, LSS, LHH. Dues paid to Jan 1, 2029. Hot irons included. $2,500. Call 307-351-0242 3/18

AIREDALE PUPPIES: AKC registered, good with children, good on the farm/ranch, great for predator control, hunting lines, large and healthy. Wormed and first shots. Local breeder. Senior and Veteran discounts. Delivery arrangements available. Call 719-217-8054 4/1

YOUR FAMILY AND PROPERTY PROTECTORS ARE WAITING!! We have beautiful guardians just wanting and waiting to make you their priority!! Please don’t postpone your next best friend, companion and protector. $1,000. Have been raising these fantastic LGD for 48 years. For more information, call 406-207-7674 3/25

AKC LAB PUPPIES: All colors available, whites, blacks, yellows, dark chocolates and dark reds. Excellent hunters, family companions. Full AKC registration. Shots, wormed, dewclaws removed. All puppies are cute, but it’s what they grow into that counts. Not all Labs are the same. Proud to own!! Been raising quality AKC Labradors for 25-plus years. Look at the rest but buy the best. Both parents on site for viewing. Will sell quickly!! $200 deposit, picking order is when the deposit is received. Doug Altman, Mitchell, S.D. Call/text 605-999-7149, click the our Labs tab on the website for pictures, www. southdakotayellowlabs.com WILL DISCOUNT!! 3/10

Cattle

GOT DOGS??

We have LOTS of hunters and we pay top $$ to ranchers. DCPC Varmint Hunts Est. 1992

Call Dick • 406-366-3858

Dogs Brands Angus

Brands

OLD WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RHC, RHH. Dues paid to 2033. No irons. Call 605-662-6066 (home) or 605-890-0225 (cell), leave message 3/18

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

Red Angus

Dogs Dogs Angus Red Angus

WALKER HOUND PUPS: PKC and UKC registered, 6 months old. Nominated for money hunts. Out of outstanding dogs. ALSO, 10-monthold pointing Labs, AKC registered. Call for more information 801-916-6161 3/18

GREAT PYRENEES LIVESTOCK GUARD PUPS: We have 4 females and 2 males who are ready to go now. They were born on Oct. 17, 2022, to working parents. They have sweet, gentle personalities and are great with our kids. WE ALSO HAVE A NEW LITTER from our other female. Those pups will be ready in April. $600 a pup for both litters. For more information, contact Casey or Cristy Davis, 605431-2067 or 605-206-0495. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 3/11

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

REGISTERED RED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE: Have 2-year-old bulls ready to go now and yearling bulls ready late spring. Delivery available. For more information, call CLR Red Angus, Dan Robertson, 307-431-1013 3/18

Hereford Hereford

CRR Herefords Good for your Business

Look to CRR Baldie Makers...

...Proven to Increase your Bottom Line.

Pasture Wanted

WANTED: PASTURE

Paying a premium for good hard grass for yearling steers 150 to 1,500 head.

Call 308-765-0300

Polled & Horned Hereford Bulls - Private Treaty Sale

See Bull Info & Videos on Website & Facebook

COYOTE RIDGE RANCH

Jane Evans Cornelius 970-371-0500 Hampton Cornelius 970-396-2935 18300 CO RD. 43 ~ La Salle, CO 80645

Katie Cornelius & Lee Mayo 970-396-8320 www.coyoteridgeherefords.com

HEREFORD BULLS FOR

SALE: Home of the Champion Pen of Bulls at the 2021 Wyoming State Fair. Big, stout, sound Hereford bulls with calving ease and high growth potential. Lots of pigment and no extra white. Get 30-40 lbs. bigger weaning weights on your baldy calves through the heterosis factor from these bulls.

BUY WYOMING FIRST!! Gene

Stillahn, Sticks & Stones

Ranch, 307-421-1592 3/11

Salers

MJB RANCH SELLING SAL-

ERS AND OPTIMIZER BULLS

1 p.m., March 28 at BLS in Billings, MT. Our customers report enhanced fertility, calving ease, maternal excellence and unmatched rangeability and longevity. MJB Ranch, Jim Doubet, 303-638-2625 3/18

Family & Nurse Cows

BROWN SWISS BRED HEIF-

ERS FOR SALE: Will calve March, April and May. Bred to Brown Swiss bulls. Have had all shots. Poured with Ivomec on regular basis. TB tested and current health papers. Nice, gentle, outside cattle, in good shape and well fed. Delivery options available. For pictures or more information, call Larry W. Carlson, 605-224-6100 (home) or 605-280-3879 (cell), if no answer leave message. Pierre, S.D. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 3/25

FIND IT IN THE ROUNDUP CLASSIFIEDS

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

Horses

Sheep

ARE YOU IN NEED OF A NEW HERDER CAMP OR A PERSONAL RANGE CAMP FOR YOUR FAMILY? Contact us at Western Range Camps and see what we can build for you. We specialize in quality, handcrafted camps built to your specifications. Contact us today to design the camp just right for you. Western Range Camps, 435-462-5300, heidi@wrcamps.com, 1145 S. Blackhawk Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647 3/11

BEARMOUNTAIN BEEF INC, IN HAWK SPRINGS, WY NOW EXCEPTING USDA APPOINTMENTS FOR BOTH SHEEP AND GOATS IN ADDITION TO BEEF!! USDA and custom exempt processing slots available. All product is vacuum sealed for extended freezer life and quality appearance. Give us a call to book your slot at 307-338-2751 or check out our website www. bearmountainbeef.com 3/11

OR LEASE PASTURE

LOOKING TO RENT

FOR 50-100 cow/calf pairs for 2023 season.

Preferably northeastern Wyoming. Call 307-660-0294 and leave a message if no answer.

LONG-TERM, YEAR-ROUND LEASE OR SUMMER GRAZING LEASE FOR 30 TO 50

PAIRS: Southeast Wyoming, southwest Nebraska Panhandle, north central Weld County Colorado. Excellent references. Willing to discuss a work/trade situation. Calls only please, 303-233-0604 4/1

PASTURE WANTED FOR UP TO 60 PAIRS: Northeast Wyoming or western South Dakota preferred. Please call 307-6604275 3/18

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

~ 50 th Annual ~ Selling 120 Head

Salmon Select Horse Sale

Saturday • April 15, 2023

Preview:

HORSES: BUY, SELL, TRADE. Will pick up. Call Dennis Black, 307-690-0916 3/11

BEST OF THE BIG HORNS HORSE SALE, APRIL 15, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, 44 TW Rd., Buffalo, WY. Online bidding through www.cattleusa. com, register 3 days prior to sale. Contact Ellen Allemand, 307-751-8969 or Kay Lynn Allen, 406-697-5882. Visit us on Facebook for updates 4/1

Saddles & Tack

IT’S A GREAT TIME TO STAY WARM AND SAVE!!! Great prices!! WOOL CAPS, wool VESTS, WOOL socks, SILK SCARVES, KENETREK RIDING PACKS, THINSULATE BOULET ROPER style BOOTS. HONDO, BOULET, JUSTIN WORK BOOTS, TWISTED X (boots and shoes) and more!! WE CAN ship!! Shop Moss Saddles, Boots and Tack, 4648 West Yellowstone Highway, Casper, WY; 307472-1872. Our family serving yours for 50 years!! Check us out on Facebook or our website 3/11

Leatherwork

LS CUSTOM LEATHER: Belts, tack, cell phone cases and much more!! Contact Lester, 307631-1053, leave a message. Located in Riverton, WY 3/11

Sheep

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

MERINO EWES FOR SALE: CAMPBELL AND HANSMIRE GENETICS, 350 HEAD: Two to six years old, 165-170 lbs. Good body condition. Supplementing on pasture. 19-20 Micron. Wormed and vaccinated 3 times in 2022. Hamp/Suffolk bucks turned in Nov. 22, 2022. Five Akbash dogs. For more information, call 308440-7999 4/1

60 TONS OF THIRD CUTTING

ALFALFA HAY FOR SALE, 4x4x8 big squares. Call 307840-4055 4/1

2022 LARGE ROUND BALES: Net wrapped, 1,550-1,650 lbs., tests done, nitrate free, Japanese and German millet, $130/ ton. ALSO, large round bales of 2021 net wrapped and 2022 twine tied grass hay. Will deliver. Call 605-224-6100 (home) or 605-280-3879 (cell), if no answer leave message 3/25

Horses

Horses 60 Quality Mules Friday, April 14, 2023

24th AnnuAl SAlmon Select mule SAle

Lemhi County Fairgounds, Salmon, ID Call for information or catalog: Sale Manager: Fred Snook 208-756-2125 • Fax: 208-756-6809 • 44 Cemetery Lane, Salmon, ID 83467 or vist: www.salmonselectsale.com

Swine

FINAL DRIVE FOCUSED!! CUSTIS SHOW PIGS 18TH ANNUAL SALE, MARCH 25, 2023 AT 1 PM CARBON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS RAWLINS, WY Multiple State Fair Grand and Reserve Champions have sold in this sale year after year. Don’t miss the chance to own the next champion!! Call Krisha 307-760-0327

Sheep Sheep

FIFTH ANNUAL MID-STATES HAIR SHEEP SALE MARCH 25, at 11:30 a.m. Starting with equipment. Sheep to follow immediately after. NEW LOCATION!! WAHOO LIVESTOCK SALES 636 1st St., Wahoo, NE 68066. Looking for consignors and buyers. Healthy hair sheep only, all stock will be inspected upon arrival. No sheep with broken or missing teeth. All out of state sheep will need health papers. Veterinarians present to inspect and write outgoing health papers. Brucellosis testing must be done on rams over 6 months old to ship out of state. No more than 2 rams per producer. 10% commission. Sale order will be in order of consignment, call early!! NO consignments day of sale. REGISTER TO BID ONLINE minimum of 7 days in advance at www.dvauction.com and contact the barn for approval, 402443-3512. To consign sheep call Josh Kaster, 402-245-7391 or Neal Amsberry, 308-6510327 3/18

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

GRASS HAY FOR SALE: 3x4 bales, 1,200 lbs., $250/ton. ALSO, 200 bales of certified weed free hay. Lyman, WY. Call Kelly, 307-780-7027 3/10

SHELL CORN FOR SALE: Very good feed value. ALSO, hay and straw for sale. For more information, call 307-7545864 3/18

HAY FOR SALE: 2022 first and second cutting alfalfa, alfalfa/grass, grass mix, straight grass, Haybet barley, straight millet and sorghum. ALSO, 2022 wheat straw and older hay for grinding. All in net-wrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, 701690-8116, please send a text if no answer or keep trying 3/18

WE HAVE HAY FOR SALE!! Grass and mix still available. All sizes, all qualities and all quantities. Delivery available!! Call 307-630-3046 3/18

HAY FOR SALE: Teff grass and alfalfa mix. Small square bales. Approximately 70 tons available. Located in Powell, WY. For more information, call 307-2548201 3/11

GOOD AVAILABILITY OF ROUND AND SQUARE HAY AND STRAW BALES FOR

SALE: Low delivery charge at cost. Volume discounts available. Call/text 1-204-209-1066 anytime for pricing 3/11

BARLEY STRAW: Certified weed-free small squares, $4/ bale. ALSO, round bales. OATS, WHEAT AND BARLEY, $20/100 cwt. Greybull, WY area. Call 307-762-3878 or 307-202-0108, leave message 3/11

VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Hay still available. Go to www.valleyvideohay. com or call Barry McRea, 308235-5386 3/11

Vehicles & Trailers

2015 FORD F350: Single RW, factory cab and chassis, 6.2L, 70,000 one owner miles, Krogmann bale bed, with third hydraulic function, four new mud and snow tires. Very little bale bed use. $36,000. Call 307-3662372 3/10

GRASS SEED: Orchard grass, Teff grass and many other varieties available. WE SAVE OUR PRODUCERS THOUSANDS EVERY YEAR WITH OUR HIGH QUALITY GRASS SEED AND ALFALFA VARIETIES. Call for pricing and delivery options 208740-8532 3/10

SEED FOR SALE: CONVENTIONAL ALFALFA starting at $2.89/LB, DRYLAND BRAND conventional starting at $3.20/ LB. CONVENTIONAL HYBRID CORN starting at $119/ BAG. GRASS SEED also available. We ship daily and deliver to Wyoming weekly. ORDER EARLY, PAY EARLY, SAVE BIG!! Call 208-7408532 3/25

Warner Ranch Seed

Serving Fremont County, Wyoming and the surrounding areas.

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

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

Bryan Warner • 307-850-7668 (cell)

Equipment

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: New Holland 359 grinder mixer; White 30’ disk; John Deere 1890 30’ airdrill (disk, 7.5” sp.); Morris 53’ airdrill; Lawson 12x30 double drum land areator; New Holland 1075 balewagon; CIH 8570 3x3 baler; Massey Ferguson 2190 4x4 baler; Freeman pull type 3 string balers; Vermeer R23 rake; CIH 1015 pickup header; Modern Mill (mix mill) feed mill; Freightliner grain truck; IHC 80 bbl vac truck; Merritt 48’x102” cattle pot; Mobile Tech 9 yd. volumetric concrete mixer; Degelman 570 rock picker. Call 406-254-1254 4/1

FOR SALE: WoodMaxx 72” skid steer snow blower, like new. H&S 7+4 17’ chuckwagon with tandem 14 ton running gear. John Deere 714A and 716A chuckwagons with John Deere running gear and bunk feeding extensions, been shedded, nice condition. J&M 325 gravity box with 12 ton gear. Meyerink 12’ box scraper. Lorenz 16’x33’ 18 ton stack mover. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-999-5482 3/18

Equipment

Equipment

Tractors Wanted

TRACTORS WANTED!! JOHN DEERE 7930, 8235R or other R series, 7000 or 8000. Must have low hours!! ALSO, GRASS HAY buyer choice on horse use. First, second or third cutting alfalfa, all round bales. Call 970-522-5030, if no answer leave message 3/10

Irrigation

WANTED TO BUY: Used, gated pipe, preferably 6” or 8”, either aluminum or PVC, in decent shape. Murray Ranch, Robertson, WY. Call 307-7826177, 307-780-6519 or 307780-6862 3/10

VALLEY 6000 PIVOT: Six spans measuring 180 ft., one span 160 ft., 22 ft. overhang with Nelson end gun. ALSO, Nelson drop nozzles. New Valley Icon 5 panel, 11r24.5 tires. $28,000 delivered. Call 307366-2372 3/10

Pipe

307-532-1840 • CHUGWATER, WY

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: 95

John Deere combine round back, $6,200; Hesston 3 bale accumulator 4x4 big square, $3,900; 1999 4900 Hesston baler, $24,500; 2275 16’ Hesston pull type swather, $14,500. All machinery has been shedded. Call Ivan Policky, 307-6290974 4/1

Livestock Equipment

Hay Equipment

WANT TO BUY!! GEHL 206 6 WHEEL RAKE in any condition. Call Lloyd, 701-226-4055 3/18

Livestock Equipment

Pipe

Property for Sale

Property for Sale

Irrigation

Killebrew Irrigation

•

Rupp Hydraulic Calf Tables

Rupp Hydraulic Calf Tables

$5,250

• Handles Calves up to 300 lbs.

• Handles Calves up to 300 lbs.

• Operates off tractor, bale bed or remote hydraulic unit.

• Operates off tractor, bale bed or remote hydraulic unit.

Irrigation

Call Kevin McClurg, Big Horn Livestock Services 307-751-1828 • bighornlivestock.com

Call Darin Coyle, Big Horn Livestock Services, Inc. 307-851-1634 • www.bighornlivestock.com

Equipment Decals

Heating Equipment

ELIMINATE ● RISING ● FUEL

Equipment Restoration

DBL TREE TRACTOR RESTO-

RATION LLC: Tractors, stock trailers and flatbeds, total repair, sandblast and paint. Please call Mike, 406-930-0720 3/11

COSTS: Clean, safe and efficient wood heat. Central Boiler Classic and E-Classic Outdoor Wood Furnace; heats multiple buildings with only 1 furnace, 25-year warranty available. Heat with wood, no splitting! Available in dual fuel ready models. www.CentralBoiler.com WE ALSO HAVE whole house pellet/corn/biomass furnaces. Load once per month with hopper. www.maximheat.com

A-1 Heating Systems. Instant rebates may apply! Call today! 307-742-4442. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds TFN

Ranchers interested in learning about the latest cutting-edge research in range livestock production from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) are encouraged to register for the 2023 Nebraska Ranch Practicum offered by Nebraska Extension.

The practicum will be held during eight sessions over the course of three seasons in order to cover the production cycle of livestock and forage resources.

Participants will have the opportunity

Property for Sale

320 ACRES WITH A MILE AND A HALF OF LIVE SPRING WATER: Alpine setting. Beautiful views. Located in the Dillon, MT area. REDUCED $1,200,000. Call Sidwell Land & Cattle Co., Richard Sidwell, 406861-4426, 406-322-4425 or e-mail sidwell@sidwell-land. com 3/25

to learn about a variety of topics, including the effective use of decision-making support tools to evaluate management and marketing alternatives, plant identification, range condition and grazing strategies, wildlife management, evaluation of cow body condition scores and beef cattle production systems.

The practicum will be held June 6-7, July 6, Sept. 6-7 and Nov. 2 and Jan. 9-10, 2024.

Classroom activities will open and close the practicum in North Platte, Neb. with

ALDER CREEK PASTURE, BAKER CITY, BAKER COUNTY, OR: The Alder Creek pasture contains over 2,000 acres of native spring, summer and fall pasture. The rangeland is situated just east of Baker City. The property is in good condition and has good perimeter fencing. The prior owner developed a well for stock water making a reliable source for good stock water. The range is gently sloping, south facing slope for the most part. Variety of native grass makes it desirable for cows/calves or yearlings. If you are looking for early spring, summer or fall pasture, this is ideal. This the first time being offered at approximately $500 per acre for deeded and contiguous ownership, $1,095,000. Give us a call at 541-5234434, Intermountain Realty, Inc., Greg Sackos, Principal Broker, James Dunlap, Broker, www.intermountainland. com 3/25

Mineral Rights

MONTANA RANCH, ONLY 3 MILES TO VICTOR, MT, US Hwy. 93. Eagle Feather Ranch, 331 Eagle Feather Ln., 59875 in the renowned Bitterroot Valley where Yellowstone is being filmed and a small creek runs through it. Elk galore, mountain views. Ditch irrigation rights, spring fed small pond to irrigate the upper pasture, 10+ acres. Three bedrooms, 3 bath classic log home with detached matching log 3 car garage/ shop, 4 heat sources. Barn, dry tack room, hay storage building, round pen. Fenced and cross fenced. Lower pasture/ hay field sub-irrigated. Older owners since the early 1990s say it’s time for new owners to take over, $1,150,000. Rare find on west side. Wanna be a cowboy, Yee-haw! Martin Kukich, Broker MT/ID, 406-241-9982, martykukich@hotmail.com. Realtors welcome. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 3/25

the remainder of the classes conducted at the University of Nebraskaʼs Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, a working ranch with education and research facilities, near Whitman, Neb.

The practicum can count for college or continuing education credit.

The registration fee is $675. The fee for a spouse is an additional $350. Registration covers educational materials, noon meals and breaks. Participants are responsible for travel

and lodging expenses.

To register, submit a completed application and registration fee by May 3. Applications will not be accepted after this date.

Enrollment is limited to 35 participants. Applicants will be notified of their status no later than May 19. Refunds will be issued if space is not available.

To learn more or register, visit nebraskaranchpracticum.unl.edu/ or contact Troy Walz at troy.walz@unl.edu or 308-872-6831.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup Crosswords, created by Myles Mellor. Solution available in next week's Roundup. Mail your complete crossword to Wyoming Livesock Roundup, PO Box 850, Casper, WY 82602 for a special prize!

Across 1 Wyoming county

5 Grizzly or brown creature

9 Lady sheep

10 Barnyard honker

11 ____ Dhabi

13 ‟... all ___ are created equalˮ

14 Road, abbr.

15 Cattleʼs resting area

16 Allowed to roam

19 Theyʼre raised to produce milk, two words

21 Copper symbol

22 Cow close to calving

24 Bring in a harvest

26 Fly high like an eagle

27 Old female horse

28 Chicken that is six to 12 months old

31 Meadow

33 Pulled hard on

34 Become free of moisture, two words

Down

1 Cut a sheepʼs wool

2 Red meat

3 Predator on lambs, sometimes

4 Equine pace

6 Vetʼs first step

7 Herded steer into an enclosure, two words

8 Female donkeys

12 Vital pollinator

17 Important nutrient in soils

18 Entry and exit to a field

20 Desire

USDA NRCS releases water supply outlook for the month of March

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

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

Snowpack and precipitation

As of March 1, snow water equivalent (SWE) across Wyoming was 117 percent of median.

The Little Snake River Basin reported the highest SWE in the state at 148 percent of median, while the South Platte River Basin had the lowest SWE at 95 percent of median.

The Belle Fourche River Basin saw the highest amount of precipitation over the last month, with numbers reporting 147 percent of median, and the Upper Green River Basin saw the lowest precipitation amount at 92 percent of median.

Streamflow

For April through September, USDA NRCS forecasts streamflow yields from all basins in Wyoming – except the Green River,

Little Snake River and Cheyenne River basins – at 118 percent of median.

For these three exceptions, median streamflow yields are predicted to average 119 percent of median for April through July.

According to USDA NRCS, streamflow yields for individual basins across Wyoming include the Green River Basin at 94 percent of median, the Shoshone River Basin at 97 percent of median and the Little Snake River Basin at 99 percent of median.

The Tongue River, Yellowstone River, Cheyenne River and Big Horn River basins are forecast to yield 103 percent, 105 percent, 107 percent and 109 percent of median, respectively.

Yields from the Powder River and Laramie River basins are both expected to be 111 percent of median, and yields from the Wind River Basin should be around 112 percent of median.

Additionally, USDA NRCS predicts median streamflow yields for the Upper North Platte River, Lower North Platte River, Sweetwater River and Little Snake River basins should be 138 percent, 141 percent, 147 percent and 181 percent, respectively.

Reservoir storage

USDA NRCS further notes reservoir storage across the entire state of Wyoming was at 88 percent of median.

Reservoirs reporting numbers far below median include the Little Snake River at 31 percent, the Upper North Platte River at 69 percent, the Cheyenne River at 78 percent and the Lower Green River at 79 percent.

Reservoirs on the Big Horn River are slightly

For more information or to read the entire report, visit wrds.uwyo.edu.

below median at 95 percent.

The Lower North Platte River, Wind River and Buffalo Bill reservoirs were near median with 94 per-

cent, 98 percent and 105 percent, respectively.

Both the Belle Fourche River and Upper Green River were at 100 percent

of median, and the Tongue River Reservoir reported numbers at 112 percent of median.

Hannah Bugas is

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

EPD. In addition, he stacks all the best cows in his pedigree with generations of selection pressure for fertility, productivity, longevity, and fleshing ease.

REG# 20498682 An eye-catching, well balanced, sound structured herd bull prospect with muscle, capacity and a maternal heritage that is second to none. He combines all the best from the Miss Wix cow family including his donor dam Miss Wix 2002 of Mc Cumber, the OCC Tremendous 619T daughter of Miss Wix 2022 of Mc Cumber. The maternal strength bred in for generations that you can count on.

REG #- 20498709 An impressive, heavy muscled, deep ribbed, high performing full brother to Mc Cumber Tribute 702. A herd bull prospect with the muscle, body dimension, and natural thickness to sire forage efficient, easy fleshing progeny. An additional sale highlight includes an Embryo interest in his flush sister and full sister to Mc Cumber Tribute 702.

REG# 20498900 A powerful, incredibly massive bodied, naturally thick daughter of Mc Cumber La Joya 098. This type of long necked, feminine fronted female is not on every street corner and ehind her.

MC CUMBER LA JOYA 291

MISS WIX 2191 OF MC CUMBER

MC CUMBER 2008 TREMENDOUS 2103

MC CUMBER TRADEMARK 2012

by Lee Pitts

A One Man Steer

The first animal I ever owned myself, or in this case owned me, was the meanest show steer in existence. I named him Abe, in honor of my idol Abraham Lincoln, and I want to take this opportunity to apologize to our 16th president for desecrating his name in such a manner.

Abe was an Angus steer my teacher picked out for me, and I learned my lesson right there to never let another person buy livestock for me. In 40 years of trading cattle, I never did it again.

I don’t want any Angus breeders getting mad at me for implying Angus cattle

have a disposition problem, but ancient Angus breeders will admit Angus cattle from 50 years ago could run a little hot.

If there are any Angus breeders who question my loyalty to the breed, may I remind them every one of my show steers were Angus, and the first breeding cattle I ever bought were four purebred Angus heifers and an Angus bull.

This comprised my show string that I paraded all over by the time I was 17.

Not only was Abe a bad actor, he was also a chronic bloater which meant I spent hours walking him until he

released all of the greenhouse gases bottled up inside him. And believe me, Abe had a carbon footprint bigger than Al Gore.

Speaking of footprints, Abe was the best kicker I’ve ever come in contact with.

To get ready for the fair we had a practice show at the baseball field, and my teacher held a safety rope around Abe’s neck just in case I couldn’t control him.

To no one’s surprise, Abe got away from me and drug my teacher around the bases before someone’s father saved my teacher’s life by cutting my brand new neck rope. But, this only raised

a far bigger problem – how were we going to catch Abe before he scaled the fence to terrorize and torment the town?

I had several rodeo contractors bidding for Abe’s services, and Abe would have made me filthy rich if he had been left intact.

One can imagine how surprised everyone was when Abe and I won the county fair showmanship contest, but by then, Abe had taken pity on me and stood as still and straight as a West Point plebe.

And I swear I didn’t use any pharmaceuticals to subdue him. I didn’t even know such things existed, but this still was the rumor around the barns. How else could I explain the magical metamorphosis?

Winning beef showmanship meant I qualified to compete in the round robin where the winners of the sheep, swine, beef and dairy contests had to show each other’s animals. One can imagine the fear sweeping over the fairgrounds.

I could certainly see it in the eyes of the tiny gal who’d won hog showmanship when we exchanged a lead strap for a cane.

The problem for the others was Abe was a one-man steer, and everyone knew it. In anticipation, fair officials relocated the ambulance from the rodeo grounds to the

showmanship arena, and calf ropers had their ropes at the ready.

The casualties that day included a sheep showman who got post-traumatic stress disorder, the aforementioned hog showman who became a vegetarian for life, and a dairy showman with chronic foot problems after Abe had walked all over his feet –actually Abe may have saved this guy’s life because he didn’t pass the physical to go to the Vietnam Meat Grinder due to the flat feet Abe gave him.

The ultimate disgrace occurred when all of the winners took a turn around the rodeo arena at the big Saturday night rodeo, which was meant to be a big honor. However, by this time, fair officials had seen enough of Abe, and they were worried Abe would get loose and menace the midway.

So, Abe was left tied up in his stall, and what should have been my most memorable moment turned into my worst nightmare because I had to ride on a flatbed trailer with the fair queen and her court.

And, to top it off, I had to wear white show pants.

In summation, I lost $13 for countless hours of surviving Abe, cried the night before they hauled him away and couldn’t wait to buy my next steer.

Petition filed to deem pygmy rabbit an endangered species

On March 6, environmental groups, led by the Western Watersheds Project, the Center for Biological Diversity, WildEarth Guardians and Defenders of Wildlife, filed a petition asking federal officials to add North America’s smallest rabbit – the pygmy rabbit – to the endangered species list. Pygmy rabbits, which typically weigh less than a pound at full size, are native to over six Western states, including much of southern Wyoming. But, their numbers have plummeted in recent years.

New federal protections for the species could have huge ramifications for the oil and gas industry. In fact, a Center for Biological Diversity analysis of federal data identified active oil and gas operations on over 40 percent of the pygmy rabbit’s current Wyoming range and leases spanning another 21 percent.

According to the petition, Wyoming state wildlife surveys identified a 69 percent drop in population numbers between 2013 and 2019, but noted weather conditions may have affected the accuracy of the data.

The groups behind the petition pointed to the compounding effects of habitat loss, livestock grazing, climate change, invasive grasses and energy development to explain this drop in pygmy rabbit populations.

The pygmy rabbit isn’t the first sagebrush species in Wyoming petitioned to join the endangered species list. Nearly 10 years ago, the state worked to keep the Greater sage grouse – which has also struggled to adapt to its shrinking, shifting habitat – off of the list.

Previously, the Western Watersheds Project and a handful of other environmental groups petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to grant the pygmy rabbit Endangered Species Act protections in 2003.

In 2005, following a lawsuit, the agency announced the petition didn’t provide enough substantial evidence for officials to move forward with a full status review.

The petitioners sued again, a court reversed the decision in 2007, and in 2008, FWS announced it would reconsider the species’ status after all.

In 2010, the agency acknowledged some evidence of decline, but deemed listing the species “not warranted at this time.”

The environmental groups behind the recent petition believe things have grown much worse for the pygmy rabbit since then, and data available at this time makes a much stronger case.

If FWS finds the groups’ petition credible enough during a 90-day assessment, it’ll initiate a year-long status review and return with a decision about whether listing is, or is not, warranted.