Agricultural operations in Idaho, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming have been significantly impacted by recent snowstorms. Therefore, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has tech-
The 15th snow report for Water Year 2023 shows Wyoming’s current snow telemetry data reads 118% of median, with a basin high of 156% and a basin low of 74%. In 2022, the state was at 87% and at 93% 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
The Bureau of Reclamation will begin the annual filling of Alcova Reservoir on April 1 to an operating elevation of 5,498 feet. Recreationists and reservoir users are advised to take proper precautions associated with the rising reservoir level. The reservoir will rise approximately five inches per day in April, until it reaches the summer irrigation operating level of 5,498 feet, upon which the elevation will remain near-constant until Oct. 1.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is extending the comment period on a proposal to strengthen animal disease traceability regulations, originally announced on Jan. 18. The extension will give the public an additional 30 days to prepare and submit comments. To view the proposed rule and submit comments, visit regulations.gov/document/ APHIS-2021-0020-0001
All comments must be received by April 19.
Montana State University Extension (MSU) and the Montana Pork Producers Council will host a conference for small pork producers on April 29 in Great Falls, Mont. The conference will be held from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Registration, including lunch, is $40 per attendee. For more information and to register, e-mail rose.malisani@montana. edu or call 406-454-6980.
nical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover from these adverse weather events.
Impacted producers can contact local USDA Service Centers to report losses and
learn more about program options available to assist in recovery from crop, land, infrastructure and livestock losses and damages.
“These recent winter storms have taken their toll on livestock producers
in Idaho, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming, leaving producers with snow removal costs as well as increased feed expenses,” says Robert Bonnie, under secretary for
Please see USDA on page 11
Cattlemen’s Beef Board releases annual 2022 report
The Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, more commonly referred to as the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB), recently released its 2022 Annual Report, which looks back on work the board has done and accomplishments achieved over the past year.
According to the report, CBB is an all-volunteer program, currently comprised of 101 producers and importers from around the country. The composition of the board fluctuates based on U.S. cattle population numbers.
Through CBB, these board members oversee the Beef Checkoff and are responsible for approving the annual budget for checkoff-funded programs.
According to Andrew Stewart, current owner and operator of Stewart Select Angus, a renowned seedstock operation headquartered in Greensburg, Ind., the operation got it’s start in 1955 with the purchase of 35 Angus cows to graze some newly acquired pasture and woodlands. While trying to select which breed of
cows to purchase, the Stewarts were drawn to Angus because of the availability to purchase an entire herd and because of the allaround adaptability and strength of the breed in many economically important traits.
In the beginning, the operation was focused on winning in the showring, but in
Please see STEWART on page 23
Additionally, CBB works to increase demand for beef and beef products through promotion and advertising, research, marketing, product innovation and education.
CBB’s annual report highlights these checkofffunded projects, focused on promotion, research, consumer information, industry
Please see CBB on page 10
This year, the 2023 Midland Bull Test welcomed two new breeds of cattle – Chiangus and LimFlex – as well as the producers who consigned them.
Consigners representing Chiangus include Rock Chiangus of Long Valley, S.D. and Clarahan Farms of Harper, Iowa, while those representing LimFlex include Amy and Ryon Freeman and their sons Tyler and Tate of Klamath Falls, Ore.
Rock Angus
Brandon Rock of Rock Chiangus ranches alongside his wife Sanna and their children, 18-year-old Dawson, 13-yearold Madalyn and 10-year-old Landry, as well as Brandon’s parents.
Brandon explains his uncle used Chiangus cattle, which is what brought him to the breed.
“Over the years, we’ve been able to buy some registered cows and put a herd together,” he says. “As time went on, we’ve been able to incorporate Chiangus and provide seedstock.”
Rock Chiangus is consigning lot 730, Rock MR Denali 743K; lot 733, Rock MR Denali 299K and lot 734, Rock MR Denali 88K.
The bulls collectively have an average daily gain (ADG) of 3.00 and an average weight per day of age (WDA) of 3.08.
“Our bull, MEFC Denali 864F, is a good calving-ease bull with a lot of performance,” notes Brandon. “We’ve gotten some really nice females back into the herd out of him and have been happy with how well they’ve done. They have good dispositions and are easy to handle.”
In Wyoming, 4-H is now considered a cocurricular activity, allowing members to obtain excused absences for participation in 4-H.
Wyoming House Bill (HB) 0175 states Wyoming public school students engaged in “programming or competitions sponsored by nationally recognized organizations and clubs which promote youth agricultural education” are considered to be involved in a cocurricular program, and therefore, can receive excused absences for their participation.
Wyoming 4-H is a positive youth development program jointly funded by the University of Wyoming (UW) Exten-
sion and county commissions.
The new statute will allow 4-H members to make up school assignments missed due to participation in hands-on learning experiences like visiting Congress, participating in the Wyoming State Fair, competing in national contests and attending youth leadership conferences.
“This will support students and families engaged in 4-H learning activities, complementing formal classroom learning and contributing to the overall goal of positive youth development in public education,” says Johnathan Despain, state 4-H program coordinator.
Please see 4-H on page 8
This year looks to be different from the past few years in reference to livestock prices, weather and politics.
Currently, weather continues to be the main topic of discussion for those of us in agriculture, and hopefully we’ll be getting some distance from the rough winter we’ve been having.
In tougher areas of the region, I’ve heard reports of large death loss to mule deer and antelope populations. In my area, the antelope bounce back somewhat faster than other areas, but the mule deer have been playing catch-up for a number of years.
The elk are like feral horses, they seem to get by in tough winters since they can move around more.
This winter has also affected livestock in the region, and producers are holding their breath for a good spring. But, I heard it may not warm up for a couple of weeks.
Some people have been talking about floods, which is normal during high-snowpack winters. If we don’t have a fast runoff, considering we’ve had two and a half years of drought, a lot of the snowpack will just melt into the ground, hopefully.
While on the topic of water, one of the issues I don’t understand is why people are arguing over building dams to store water – why would anyone be opposed to storing water?
The proposed West Fork Dam, northeast of Baggs, is a great example of proper water management. Besides providing late-season irrigation water downstream, it will also provide wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities for the region.
We can either store the water and manage it, or let it go downstream where it will end up in swimming pools and golf courses in the southwestern states.
Take a look around the region. Every community where there are dams and irrigation, even if it is a smaller community, is thriving because of the number of good banks and businesses in these communities.
Despite recent bank issues and hints of a recession, cattle and sheep prices are expected to keep rising. Although cattle numbers are still dropping, it is at a slower pace than it was five to six months ago. Numbers of cattle on feed and cattle being processed are also dropping.
On a positive note, ranchers are paying higher prices for bulls this season, and even though the prices are higher, the no-sales are lower.
A recent CattleFax update said, “Beef cow slaughter was massive in 2022, up 400,000 head from 2021, which was also elevated. As a percentage of the beef cow herd, beef cow slaughter was at 13.4 percent – the largest on record since at least 1960. This was a clear driver in the one million head drop in the inventory to start this year.”
It goes on to say, “The outlook for higher calf prices in coming years is hardly a secret, and many will look to take advantage of this. When pasture conditions and cash flow allow, cow/calf producers are expected to reduce culling substantially, which will continue to manifest in larger yearover-year drops in the beef cow slaughter. However, drought, forage and profitability are slow ships to turn.”
I hope the rise in beef prices won’t cause consumers to look at lesser-priced meats.
The positives are gaining on the negatives – it’s going to be a different year. I hope it will be one we will enjoy and remember fondly.
Wyoming Livestock Roundup
Sacrifice is a wellknown concept on most family farms and ranches.
A person, or a group of people, gives up something like money or time for the benefit of someone else, for example, family members or future generations.
Sometimes, this idea of sacrifice is discussed openly among family members. It’s specifically identified as a value of the family, and stories are told of past sacrifices.
Other times, sacrifice is expected, but not necessarily named – it’s an unspoken requirement of those participating in the family business.
As businesses transition from one generation to
By Lance Woodburythe next, the type of sacrificial behavior expected or offered might change.
Generational differences, the involvement of inlaws and improved financial conditions may cause the idea of sacrifice to be understood differently than how it was defined in the past, which is why it’s important to talk about sacrifice and what it currently means to family members involved in business together.
Consider these types of sacrifice and how they apply to a family company.
Sacrifice as a gift
Often, the idea of sacrifice has a beneficial connotation.
Someone suffered in the past so others could bene-
fit in the future. For example, one generation of family members might sacrifice taking money out of the business and might even put more money in the business so future generations have a stronger organization.
This might include buying and paying for land, choosing to pay down debt or going without certain comforts so future generations have it a little bit easier.
Sacrifice as a necessity
Sacrifice is sometimes necessary for the survival of the business.
A farmer might sacrifice time with others to harvest the crop. A rancher might sacrifice sleep so newborn calves are cared for. A shortage of employees might
require all hands on deck, and thus, sacrifice personal or social activities in order to get things done.
A business might also forego investments in equipment or inputs for a short time to achieve an improved financial position.
Sacrifice as a crutch
Sacrifice can also be used in unhealthy ways in the family business. For example, compensation might be kept low ostensibly because of sacrifice, when the real issue is the business’ lack of financial performance or too many family members working in the company.
In other cases, sacrifice is used as a way for parents
Beckton has long been the premier breeder of Red Angus cattle which combine calving ease, maternal traits, and rapid growth to yearling age, for maximum overall profitability to commercial cow-calf cattlemen. Beckton’s balanced genetics and emphasis on the maternal traits, have made them the leading choice for commercial replacement females and for building a productive cow herd. And the lower birth weights make them a first choice for breeding heifers.
As an indicator for "maternal" traits, the Herd Builder Index is dominated by Beckton bloodlines. 9 of the top 10, 18 of the top 20, and 43 of the top 50 sires in the breed for Herd Builder are Beckton sires or descended by Beckton sires
In the Red Angus breed, 9 of the top 10 sires for Birth Weight EPD, 8 of top 10 sires for Stayability EPD and 8 of the top 10 sires for Marbling EPD are Beckton sires or descended from Beckton sires
Wyoming Livestock Roundup (USPS # 005-774) is published weekly by Maverick Press, Inc. P.O. Box 850 • Casper, WY 82602 Periodicals postage paid in Casper, WY Fax: 307-472-1781 • E-mail: roundup@wylr.net
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Box 850 • Casper, WY 82602
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), as of March 21, 34.54 percent of the contiguous 48 states is in moderate drought or worse, compared with 35.79 percent a week earlier. Drought now affects 45,644,112 people, compared with 48,331,823 a week earlier.
For all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, the USDM showed 28.86 percent of the area in moderate drought or worse, compared with 29.9 percent a week earlier. Drought now affects 45,809,897 people, compared with 48,497,608 a week earlier.
To find populations affected by drought for specific states or time periods, visit droughtmonitor.unl.edu/dmdata/ datatables.aspx and simply select one of the population types from the “Statistic Type” pulldown menu.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor arrived in Panama City on March 20 to launch a regional agribusiness trade mission.
Taylor and her delegation of representatives from 26 agribusiness and farm organizations and two state departments of agriculture are looking to develop stronger ties and build economic partnerships between the U.S. and Panama and markets throughout the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) region.
During the mission, local staff from Panama City will host business meetings between U.S. trade mission delegates and companies from Panama and Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, seeking to import American food and farm products.
The trade mission itinerary also includes bilateral meetings with the Panamanian government officials, retail promotions featuring U.S. products and a memorandum of understanding signing between the U.S. Grains Council and the Panamanian Sugar Cane National Industry on ethanal blending.
In partnership with the Wyoming Community Navigator Program, the University of Wyoming (UW) Extension recently launched a new online resource hub for rural entrepreneurs across the state, located at wyoextension.org/ruralentrepreneurship
This project provides aspiring business owners with the resources to grow and expand their enterprises at their own pace.
The Rural Entrepreneurship Center is funded by the Wyoming Community Navigator Program, which provides small business resources and advising to traditionally underserved individuals, including rural and agribusiness entrepreneurs.
The site features video-based content from UW Extension educators and specialists, focusing on three areas of emphasis – agricultural entrepreneurship, food entrepreneurship and youth entrepreneurship.
All areas of emphasis will be consistently updated with new information and training videos.
For more information on the small business programs and services provided by the Wyoming Community Navigator Program, visit wyomingcommunitynavigator.org
The National Wheat Foundation (NWF) elected new officers at their annual meeting on March 7 in Orlando, Fla.
Bernard Peterson from Loretto, Ky. was elected chair; Scott Brown from Soda Springs, Idaho was elected vice chair and Gary Broyles from Rapelje, Mont. was elected secretary/treasurer.
NWF also elected new directors Ken Wood, Brian Walker and Carl Schwienke.
“The makeup of the board of NWF is very important so we get representation and expertise from all across the wheat value chain. We are very excited to welcome these new board members and know their contributions are critical to advancing our work in research, education and outreach for the wheat industry,” said Peterson.
The Census of Agriculture allows producers to tell the story of U.S. agriculture, and it’s not too late to respond. Since data collection began last fall, over one million ag census recipients across the country have returned their questionnaires.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will continue to collect completed 2022 ag census forms through the spring to ensure all producers have the chance to be represented in widely used census data. Producers can respond online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail.
Census data informs decisions about policy, farm and conservation programs, infrastructure and rural development, research, education and more. The stronger the response, the stronger the data. For America’s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future and their opportunity.
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service is continuing to contact producers via mail and telephone to collect information.
Whether producers responded online or by mail, they can verify their reports were received by going to agcounts.usda. gov, entering their survey codes and checking the submitted date under the status column of the “My Surveys” tab.
The status update is not always immediate and can take a few minutes up to several days, especially if the questionnaire was returned by mail.
Sired by BAR
Cash 707
Sired by KG Justified 4 star Calving ease bull +10 CED; -.7 BW; bet his calves can make the load;
+133 YW; He make the CAB bunch Top
Sired by Vermilion Optimist
at +1.16 Marbling ; DNA says he’s in Top 1% for docility; +19.7 puts him in Top 1% for HP; $M Top 5%, $W; Top 15% $W; Top 20% $G; Top 35% $B; Top 20% $C; WDA 2.67#’s; ADG 3.96#”s; Feed : Gain 5.94#’s to 1#
Sired by Ashland
Need cattle that are tuff; the Cash 707 Cattle can take it and then some; range calving he’ll work and you’ll like the heifer calves, +8 for CED Top 35%; -.8 for BW Top 15%; +69 for WW is Top 35%; +114 for YW is in Top 40%; +15.4 for Heifer Pregnancy; PAP Epd -.42 Top 15%; these cattle have big Ribeye’s take harder rougher conditions and keep going through it all, at +71 $W is in the Top 15%
Interesting mix here; Upward and Cedar Ridge in the Maternal side make him highly maternal, Ashland adds carcass to great proven lines. +9 CED; +.6 BW he’s a 3 star CE bull with performance and feed efficiency; +69 WW is Top 30%; +118 YW is Top 35%; above average Marbling 40%; You can keep his heifers Top 10% @ +80 $M; Top 10% @ +75 $W. WDA 3.23#’s; ADG 4.10#’s; Hits the target of performance pounds, maternal and efficiency!
The big guys wintered here, it has been a really hard winter, they hit green grass watch them change! 2 yr old bull will be ready to work in dry, harsh country. We have great cows out of Columbus 3546, graduate of Midland bull test, he was a growth bull w/ really good feet and covered the rough country. 2 Star calving ease, He adds REA +.78 ; WDA 2.93#’s; ADG 3.13#’s, older bulls tested at MBT fed different ration last summer.
Sired by KG Justified 3023 This bull has got it all! He Ranked #1 on Feed & Efficiency testing. Ranked #1 with ADG of 4.46 #’s ; Ranked #3 Feed to Gain 4.98#’s feed to gain 1#; ranked #2 in RFI with a raw score of -7.46; CED +6 and BW +.6 ; actual BW 90#’s ; WDA 3.80 #’s ; Weaned 757#’s for 124 WR; Top15% WW at +77; Top 15% YW
The North American Limousin Junior Association (NALJA) is offering a paid media internship for the duration of the National Junior Limousin Show and Congress (NJLSC) July 7-13. The internship will provide training and work experience in association work and media.
Applicants must be a 2023 high school graduate or older and cannot be exhibitors or competitors at the 2023 NJLSC.
The applicant should be detail oriented, outgoing, can work well with all types of people and be a self-starter who can work on their own.
Experience in photography and a media background are a bonus.
The intern will be expected to be in Rapid City, S.D. July 7-13 and run the NALJA and NALF social media accounts, take pictures and videos every day, make the end of the week wrap-up video and other media responsibilities which vary day to day.
The intern will also assist with producing pre-show social media content leading up to NJLSC. They will be compensated $1,000, and NALJA will cover the cost of travel, food and a hotel room.
To apply, interested individuals should e-mail a cover letter, resume and two references to Mallory Blunier, director of Media and Activities, at mallory@nalf.org.The application deadline is April 1.
For more information, contact Blunier via e-mail or call 309-361-3007.
The Jim Baldridge Outstanding Leadership Award was designed to recognize one outstanding National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) member each year.
In 2023, the scholarship, awarded by the Angus Foundation, will increase from $2,500 to $5,000. This prestigious award honors an NJAA member who exemplifies excellent leadership and character through their Angus involvement and beyond.
Nominations for the Jim Baldridge Outstanding Leadership Award are due May 1. The application form can be found at angus.org/foundation/whatwedo/awards and asks applicants to answer three essay questions and provide their resume and two letters of recommendation.
The recipient is selected by a judging committee and will be announced at the 2023 National Junior Angus Show in Grand Island, Neb. during the awards ceremony.
Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded more than $4.2 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships. For more information, visit angusfoundation.org
On March 17, Gov. Mark Gordon signed House Bill (HB) 0222 which creates the Colorado River Advisory Committee. This committee will help inform the State Engineer’s Office and the governor by continuing the great work of the Governor’s Colorado River Working Group.
The committee can provide input to the governor’s appointed Colorado River Commissioner, but final decisions remain with the commissioner and the governor.
The committee is comprised of 11 members representing various water users and interests in Wyoming’s portion of the Colorado River Basin.
Members chosen to represent agriculture, industry, municipalities, environmental interests, conservation districts and the legislature will meet at least twice per year to inform the development of policies and to share timely information with the public.
Current information on Wyoming’s involvement in the Colorado River Basin can be found on the Colorado River Working Group page of the State Engineer’s website. More information on the new advisory committee will also be posted to their site.
Individuals who meet the statutory qualifications and are interested in applying to be on the committee should send an e-mail to Nolan Rap at nolan.rap@wyo.gov.
Global beef exports have hit an all-time record for volume and value, adding more value to U.S. beef cattle and providing markets for products not currently used in this country.
The international markets for beef variety meats boosted exports by 15 percent in 2022 compared to 2021, accounting for $1.24 billion of the total $11.68 billion in U.S. beef exports.
John Hinners, senior vice president of industry relations for the U.S. Meat Export Federation, says, “Beef exports add nearly $450 per head of fed slaughter value. Global export value is up 10 percent from the previous record and nearly 40 percent above the previous five-year average.”
Total U.S. beef exports in 2022 hit 1.47 metric tons. The top eight importers of U.S. beef include South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, Colombia, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.
South Korea leads meat export value totals per head with $103.46, followed by Hong Kong at $97.71, Japan at $88.90, Mexico with $37.09, Canada at $32, Taiwan with $28.62 and all others at $59.80, for a total of $447.58 added value per carcass.
Applications for the Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) Merit Heifer Program are now being accepted for the 2023-24 year.
The NILE Merit Heifer program is a live animal scholarship. Recipients receive a heifer calf to help them get a start in the beef cattle business and gain knowledge about the beef industry.
This program is possible due to the generous support of donors, and the program is truly grateful for cattle producers who have been supportive since its inception. The NILE Merit Heifer Program is seeking producers interested in donating a heifer calf for the upcoming year. Those interested should contact Shelby at 406-256-2499.
During the program, participants are responsible for caretaking, record keeping, breeding and bringing the heifer back to the NILE Stock Show as a bred heifer to compete for honors such as top showman, top heifer and top herdsman.
Program participants are chosen based on merit, future goals and ability to care for the animal. 4-H or FFA members who are 12-16 years old may apply.
Application requirements include a complete application, six character references, a written essay and a three to five minute YouTube video with an introduction, a facility tour, current 4-H or FFA projects, goals and objectives for the merit heifer and must be voiced by the applicant.
Applications and a link to the YouTube video must be submitted via e-mail to shelby@thenile.org no later than June 30. No hard copies will be accepted. The 2024 recipients will be announced in late summer of 2023. Applications are available online.
For more information, e-mail Shelby at shelby@thenile. org or call the NILE Office at 406-256-2499.
On March 22, 31 members of the Conservation Coalition, a group of national and regional organizations collaborating on farm bill conservation policy and advocacy, delivered a list of comprehensive farm bill priorities to members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees.
The group provided specific recommendations for the next farm bill to help ensure farmers, ranchers and forest owners have access to a variety of tools to conserve, manage and enhance natural resources, while increasing productivity, resilience and the financial viability of their operations.
In the statement, the group wrote, “We, the undersigned organizations from diverse geographies and constituencies, stand united in calling for a strong, robust Conservation Title in the next farm bill. We offer overall recommendations for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s conservation programs, as well as detailed reforms and improvements for specific Conservation Title programs, conservation compliance, Sodsaver and the Crop Insurance Title.”
“We are excited to see strong support across the conservation community for a solid slate of farm bill reforms,” said Jesse Womack, conservation policy specialist for the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC). “Many of these reforms reinforce NSAC’s own platform for the 2023 Farm Bill.”
The Wyoming Water Development Office suspended cloud seeding operations over the Sierra Madre Mountain Range on March 12 due to snowpack conditions at the time. Snow water equivalent (SWE) values at Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) snow telemetry (SNOTEL) sites within the Sierra Madre Mountain Range have exceeded established operational criteria, forcing the immediate suspension of cloud seeding operations.
Under the Wyoming Water Development’s Cloud Seeding Program suspension criteria, the SWE measured at several SNOTEL sites is tracked as a percentage of the median seasonal SWE as of April 1.
At the beginning of each seeding season, the threshold for suspension is 85 percent of the median April 1 value for each site but increases daily to 140 percent of the April 1 value. This percentage is commonly used by other wintertime cloud seeding programs across the Western U.S.
The Wyoming Water Development Office’s operational cloud seeding season began on Nov 8, 2022 and encompasses three target areas across the state – the Wind River Mountain Range, the Medicine Bow Mountain Range and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.
Although cloud seeding is now suspended over the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, operations are expected to continue over the Wind River Mountains and Medicine Bow Mountains through April 22, 2023, unless SWE values exceed suspension criteria.
On Feb. 28, Sens. Jim Risch (R-ID), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced bipartisan legislation in an effort to require dairy alternatives made from nuts, seeds, plants and algae no longer be labeled as “milk,” “cheese” or “yogurt.”
The Defending Against Imitations and Replacement of Yogurt, Milk and Cheese to Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act, also known as the 2023 Dairy Pride Act, was later introduced into the House by Reps. John Joyce (R-PA), Ann Kuster (D-NH), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) and Angie Craig (D-MN) on March 8.
According to a press release published by Risch on Feb. 28, the bill comes in response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) guidance proposal, announced the week of Feb. 20, which would allow nut, oat, soy and other non-dairy products to use the name “milk” on their labels.
The press release notes although current FDA regulations define dairy products as those coming from dairy animals, the recent draft guidance would allow plantbased products to continue using dairy terms, despite not containing dairy or having the same nutritional value as dairy.
“The FDA’s anti-dairy draft guidance contradicts their own regulation and definitions, allowing non-dairy products to use dairy names, violating the Administrative Procedure Act and hurting dairy farmers and producers who work tirelessly to ensure their dairy products meet FDA standards and provide the public with
nutritious food,” reads the press release.
“It has also led to the proliferation of mislabeled alternative products containing a range of ingredients and nutrients which are often not equivalent to the nutritional content of dairy products,” it continues.
Risch comments, “For too long, plant-based products with completely different nutritional values have wrongly masqueraded as dairy. This dishonest branding is misleading to consumers and a disservice to the dairy farmers who have committed their lives to making milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and more nutritious products enjoyed every day.”
“It is past time the FDA enforces its own definitions for dairy terminology, prevent imitation products from deceiving consumers and start advocating for the farmers who feed us,” he adds.
The Dairy Pride Act
In response, these senators and representatives came together to introduce the Dairy Pride Act.
According to Risch, this act would require FDA to issue guidance for nationwide enforcement of mislabeled imitation dairy products within 90 days and require the FDA to report to Congress two years after enactment to hold the agency accountable for its enforcement obligations.
The legislation would also nullify any guidance not consistent with dairy standards of identity, including the one proposed the week of Feb. 20.
“Dairy Pride is needed more than ever,” notes National Milk Producers Federation President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Mulhern in a March 20 Farm
SACRIFICE continued from page 2
to avoid hard choices about succession planning and the process of letting go. Adult children are expected to sacrifice any sense of clarity about the family business transition, their roles and their financial certitude for the sake of broader family harmony or their parents’ privacy.
Unfortunately, what usually happens is the family falls apart once the parents pass away. Conflict the parents hoped to avoid has been unwittingly guaranteed.
People also sacrifice their physical and mental health for the continuation of the business.
They endure emotional stress or extreme physical pain in hopes of continuing as is only to wind up causing irreparable harm to their bodies, their relationships with others or their remaining years as emotionally healthy family participants.
For more information on the 2023 Dairy Pride Act, visit congress.gov.
Progress article. “Now, FDA has offered guidance on the labeling of plant-based beverages, which, while taking steps in the right direction, ultimately doesn’t remedy the problem it seeks to solve.”
Mulhern explains the problem he is referring to is the proven confusion among consumers created when plant-based beverages use dairy terms to make their products appear healthier than they really are. And, while FDA has acknowledged the problem of nutritional confusion, Mulhern doesn’t believe they have come up with a sound solution.
“Dairy Pride solves the problem by requiring FDA to enforce what its own standards of identity state – that ‘milk’ is a term reserved for animal products, and plant-
based drinks or beverages shouldn’t be allowed to use dairy terms in their labeling,” he continues. The proposal has gained support across the dairy industry nationwide.
Darin Von Ruden, president of the Wisconsin Farmers Unions, offers his support, saying, “Misleading labeling has run amok in the American food industry, confusing consumers and putting dairy farmers at a disadvantage. It is time we clear up the confusion around food labels by recognizing ‘milk’ originates from mammals, and items masquerading as such are often not nutritionally interchangeable.”
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Office of State Lands and Investments (OSLI) and the Wyoming Water Development Office (WDO) will hold a public meeting to discuss the draft Fiscal Year 2024 Intended Use Plans for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).
The meeting is scheduled for April 21 at 2 p.m. at the Wyoming DEQ Second Floor Conference Room 211 in Cheyenne.
The Intended Use Plans identify the intended uses of funds available through CWSRF and DWSRF programs during the upcoming fiscal year. The purpose of the public meeting is to solicit public comments prior to the finalization of the Intended Use Plans.
DEQ, OSLI and WDO encourage the public, community representatives, engineering firms and special interest groups to attend the public meeting and/or review the draft plans.
Written comments may be submitted by April 24 to Beth Blackwell at elizabeth.blackwell@wyo.gov, Jennifer Russell at jennifer.russell@wyo.gov or Shawn King at shawn.king2@wyo.gov.
Individuals can also attend the meeting and submit comments either in person or via dial-in participation on April 21. The public may also participate using Google Meet at meet.google.com/yyy-vjrz-bso or by calling 281506-0106 and using the pin 615-998-633#.
For more information on the Intended Use Plans, the public meeting or the CWSRF and DWSRF programs, call Blackwell at 307-777-6373, Russell at 307-777-7626 or King at 307-777-6941.
FEEDERS Franklin Creek Ranch 240 Blk few Rd Hfrs, 650-750#, Weaned a long time, Grower Ration, 3 Rounds of Shots Mehling Family/Kathy & Kelly Mehling 160 Blk/Rd Strs & Hfrs, 675-750#, Weaned, Roughage Ration, Branding Shots, Wintered for grass
Bridle Bit Ranch/Brandon Dilts 68 100% Blk Angus Strs & Hfrs, 675-725#, Weaned since Oct. 20, Grower Ration, Branding & Precond Shots
Sparrow Ranch Limited 44 Mx Strs, 775#, Complete Vac. Program
WEANED CALVES
TTT Ranch 640 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 500-550#, Weaned since Nov., Running out on Pivots, 2 Rounds of Shots
Lee, Deb Lohse, KC & Kelli Curtis 450 Red / Blk Hfrs, 650-725#, Weaned a long time, Grower Ration, Branding, Precond & Weaning Shots
Brian Debrie 330 Choice to Fancy Char-x/Bwf/Rwf Hfrs, 570-740#, Weaned a long time, Running out on Cornstalks, Complete Vac. Program
Bowen Arrow Ranch 154 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 525#, Weaned 30 days, Hay Fed, Producer All Natural, Birth, Branding, Weaning & Booster Shots
Q Creek Land & Livestock 120 Red/Char few Blk Heifer & Bull Calves, 250-500#, Weaned since End of Dec., Branding Shots, Green
Jim Jankovsky 70 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 600#, Weaned a long time, Running out, Hay Fed w/7#of Corn per day, Branding Shots
Jack Johnson/Jonett Wardell 68 Blk Hfrs, 550-600#, Weaned a long time
Ron & Wanda Russell 57 Blk/Bwf Strs & Hfrs, 525-575#, Weaned, Light Grower Ration, 3 Rounds of Shots, Pinkeye Shot, Wintered for grass
Tom Wiseman 50 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 600-650#, Weaned a long time, Hay Fed Only, 3 Rounds of Shots, No Implants, Home Raised Singleton
&
40 Mostly Blk few Red Strs & Hfrs, 500-600#, Weaned,Light Grower Ration, Complete Vac.
Other family members see the effects of this sacrifice and decide not to continue, thereby negating its value.
In these more errant cases, the notion of sacrifice may perpetuate the business for a while, but will eventually ruin the economic viability or family relationships necessary for long-term success.
Sacrifice can still be a wonderful and aspirational value to celebrate in the family farm and ranch. Discussing how best to promote the idea of sacrifice with family business partners will serve producers well.
Lance Woodbury is a DTN farm business adviser for Progressive Farmer. He can be reached at lance.woodbury@pinionglobal.com. This opinion column was originally published in Progressive Farmer on March 17 and can be found at dtnpf.com
for Sale Updates, Results and News
TORRINGTON
LIVESTOCK AREA REPS
Cody Thompson - Lusk, WY 307-340-0150
Ty Thompson – Lusk, WY 307-340-0770
Zach Johnson Lingle, WY –307-575-2171
Jeff Ward – Laramie, WY 307-399-9863
Tam Staman – Crawford, NE 308-631-8513
Lander Nicodemus – Cheyenne, WY 307-421-8141
Danny Nicodemus – Cheyenne, WY 307-632-4325
Chris Williams - Greybull, WY 307-272-4567
Justin Smith - Lusk, WY 307-340-0724
Scott Redden - Burns, CO 970-596-3588
Ben Kukowski - Kaycee, WY 307-217-1472
On March 17, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced USDA is making $31 million in grants available to help farmers and ranchers access new and better markets by adding more value to their products.
USDA is making the grants available under the Value-Added Producer Grant Program. The grants help agricultural producers generate new products, create marketing opportunities and increase income through value-added activities.
Funding priority will be given to beginning farmers or ranchers who are military Veterans or socially disadvantaged individuals, small and mid-sized family farms or ranches and farmer or rancher cooperatives.
Priority also will be given to projects proposing a mid-tier value chain by developing a supply network, which moves agricultural products from production through consumption in a local or regional market.
Electronic applications will be accepted via grants.gov until 9:59 p.m. on May 11. Paper applications must be sent to the state office where the project is proposed.
Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed or sent overnight by May 16. Applications may also be delivered in person or e-mailed to the Wyoming State Office by close of business May 16.
Additional information is available on page 16,396 of the March 17 Federal Register or by contacting the Wyoming State Office.
The University of Wyoming (UW) Extension recently welcomed Amy Smith as the agriculture and natural resources educator for Goshen County.
Smith worked in higher education for 14 years prior to joining UW Extension. She most recently served as the agriculture and academic services coordinator at Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) in Torrington.
At EWC, Smith worked closely with colleagues at UW and looks forward to expanding partnerships between the two institutions and other community organizations.
“We are excited to have Amy join UW Extension,” says Bridger Feuz, interim associate director for UW Extension. “Her experience working at EWC and her knowledge of the county make her a great asset to Extension.”
Smith and her family own and operate a cattle
ranch in southeastern Goshen County. She attended both UW and EWC, completing a bachelor’s degree in agroecology and later earning a master’s degree in agronomy from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
As the agriculture and academic services coordinator at EWC, she developed curriculum on plants, soil, insects, crops and pesticides. She also worked with UW Extension to create the first community college course allowing students to obtain their Wyoming commercial pesticide applicator license.
“Some of my personal interests and things I particularly love to teach and learn about are native insects and plants,” Smith shares. “In this role, I am so excited to engage with learners ranging from the youngest of 4-H members to the most seasoned expert producers and pro-
Amy Smithfessionals in the area.”
Smith served on the EWC Agriculture Advisory Board for eight years and says she values the relationships she has cultivated with the local agricultural community through this role. She is eager to continue engaging with Wyomingites in Goshen County and beyond as an Extension educator.
“I love researching and learning and look forward to helping residents answer questions and solve challenges,” she says.
University of Wyoming (UW) Extension recently welcomed 4-H educator Deborah Peavler to Lincoln County’s Kemmerer office.
Before joining UW Extension last month, Peavler most recently served as the 4-H coordinator for the University of Idaho’s Gooding County Extension Office.
“Deb brings valuable experience to the Lincoln County 4-H youth development position in Kemmerer,” says Amanda Marney, senior associate director of UW Extension. “We are excited to watch the program grow as she settles into her new position working with youth, families, volunteers and the commu-
nity in Lincoln County.”
Peavler is a former schoolteacher with a passion for gardening and art.
In addition to organizing 4-H events and managing volunteers, she has led both in-person and virtual learning opportunities for volunteers and youth in a variety of project areas.
Peavler earned her associate degree in early childhood education from Utah Valley University, a bachelor’s degree in art from Utah State University and a master’s degree in education from Plymouth State University.
She participated in 4-H as a child and later found her way back to the program.
“With my training and
Deborah Peavlereducation, 4-H is a good fit,” she says. “As a professional, I consider Extension my home.”
Her first priorities in Kemmerer, along with getting to know volunteers and 4-H members, include revitalizing the community barn and greenhouses.
McnaMee auction coMpany 2023 Spring Consignment Sale
Saturday, April 1st – Starting @ 9AM In The Pavilion parking Lot
At The Goshen County Fairgrounds – Torrington, WY
Tractors & Haying Equipment • 1974 Massey Ferguson 175 diesel tractor w/ a MF 260 loader w/ grapple. 3 pt., 540 PTO, PS, new injection pump & alternator. Tires like new w/ power adjust wheels. Nice 60 HP tractor • 1952 JD Model 60 tractor. Tractor pull quality that has been restored. SN 6014327 • Case IH 8840 swather (SN CFH 0031163). 14’ head (SN CFH 0032360), dbl. sickles that can go to the field after greasing. W/ Cummins diesel eng. • Vermeer R23 folding hydraulic hay rake, no welds & a nice rake. SN 1VRR201P631003514 Trailers, ATV’s, Riding Mower • 1990 Featherlite, 5 horse alum slant-load horse trailer. Model GNC-721, Front tack, new jack, new lights/ wiring, wheel bearings & tires less than 1500 miles ago. Rubber mats, dividers, solid rear door. Trailer is sound. Sells w/ BOS only. • 2000 Travalong 24’ Stock trailer • 2013 Sussex Welding BP trailer. All metal, 12’ long, 8’ wide & 6’6” between the fenders. Tandem 6000# axels • 1988 Trail King GN flatbed w/ triple, 7000# axels. 18’ deck w/ 4’ dovetail & 3 pc. folding ramps. Deck, lights, & tires all in good shape • 2008 homemade trailer w/ title • 1976 West GN flatbed trailer. 26’ deck, total of 33’6” length. Adj. axle • 2010 Kawasaki Mule 3010 4WD, w/ 1400 hrs. • Polaris Ranger Crew, 800 EFI side-by-side ATV. 4WD, Will seat 6, Sells w/ 2464 miles. • 2007 Kubota RTV900 side-by-side. w/ manual tilt box & block heater • 2 Honda Rancher ATV’s w/ 4WD. 2012 models Vehicles • 2005 Dodge 2500 Quad cab w/ 149K miles but only 5000 miles on a rebuilt 5.7L gas eng. Big Horn trim, 4X4, running boards, auto trans., new “U”- joints & front end overhaul less than 2000 miles ago.
• 1995 Chevy 2500. Cab & chassis only, Pickup runs but is in ranch shape • 1992 Riviera 2 dr. All orig., bucket seats, loaded, w/ sunroof, leather int., new breaks & battery. Sells w/ 168,000 miles
• 2009 Nissan Rouge SL, 4 Dr.
• 1998 Mercury Mystic 4 Dr. w/ 95,782 miles Irrigation
• 1961 Dodge D400, 2 ton farm truck. 318 V8, rear dump metal grain box, 42,000 actual miles. VIN 1481143354
Equipment • 36 joints of 10” gated pipe w/ several fittings
• 31 joints of 8” gated pipe • 2 pipe trailers Tillage, Planting, 3 pt. Equipment & Misc. Equipment • John Deere grain drill • John Deere 14’
BW disk • 3 pt. post hole digger w 8” & 10” augers • King Kutter Rotary mower • Sioux Hyd. Post driver for skid steer mount* grass seeder. Ground driven, 3 pt. or skid steer quick attach, 6’ wide Panels, Gates, Livestock Handling & Fencing
• Hi Qual, right handed calf chute • calf table
• Sheep working tub • asst. cattle & sheep panels Shop Items • AMMCO Lifts Model 82900, 2 post car lift. 9000 # capacity. SN 990830614 Miscellaneous • Propane weed burner. Adj. torch arm, tank is nearly full of propane McnaMee auction co,
307-532-4976 or 307-534-5156
www.mcnameeauctioncompany.com
Lot 17 – SCC Stellar 4K –
Price: $19,000 DOB: 1/31/22
Sire: Sitz Stellar 726D Dam’s Sire: Basin Ultimate Answer
7337 EPDs: BW: +0.2, WW: +69, YW: +119 and Milk: +23 Buyer: KG Ranch, Three Forks, Mont.
Lot 23 – Basin Exclusive
2519 – Price: $18,000 DOB:
1/24/22 Sire: Musgrave 316
Exclusive Dam’s Sire: Basin
Payweight 1682 EPDs: BW:
-0.8, WW: +71, YW: +126 and Milk: +27 Buyers: Hilltop Angus, Denton, Mont.; KG Ranch, Three Forks, Mont. and Theil Ranch, Isabel, S.D.
Lot 6 – Basin Payweight
Plus 2505 – Price: $16,000
-0.2, WW: +77, YW:
and Milk: +32 Buyer: Pine Creek Angus, Faith, S.D.
1 – Basin Kodiak
– Price: $55,000 DOB:
Sire: Basin Deposit
Dam’s Sire: Basin
4345 EPDs: BW:
WW: +91, YW: +157 and Milk: +23 Buyers: Nelson Angus Ranch, Salmon, Idaho; SHB Angus, Reardon, Wash. and Mecham Angus,
6056B EPDs:
+2.1, WW: +83, YW: +141 and Milk: +31 Buyer: Belle Point Ranch, Lavaca, Ark.
111 – Basin Step Up
– Price: $21,000 DOB:
Sire: EZAR Step
9178 Dam’s Sire: Basin
1682 EPDs: BW:
+0.4, WW: +78, YW: +136 and Milk: +34 Buyer: Double RL Cattle Company, Ridgeway, Colo.
DOB: 1/8/22 Sire: Basin Payweight Plus 6048 Dam’s Sire: Basin Deposit 6249 EPDs: BW: +0.8, WW: +96, YW: +176 and Milk: +32 Buyer: Nordal Farms, Simpson, Saskatchewan, Canada
Lot 17 – BCC Stellar 20K
– Price: $16,000 DOB: 2/1/22
Sire: Sitz Stellar 726D Dam’s Sire: S A V Renovation 6822
EPDs: BW: -0.2, WW: +65, YW: +119 and Milk:
Reported By: Justin Warren, WYLR Field Editor
WW: +82, YW: +149 and Milk: +29 Buyer: Beyeler Ranches, LLC, Leadore, Idaho
Lot 20 – Carter Dol-
lar Up 134 – Price: $10,500
DOB: 9/3/21 Sire: Sitz Dollar Up 134 Dam’s Sire: Connealy Capitalist 028 EPDs:
BW: +1.2, WW: +77, YW: +131 and Milk: +30 Buyer: Karl Tyler, Leadore, Idaho
Lot 31 – Carter Legacy 143 – Price: $8,500 DOB: 9/25/21 Sire: Sitz Legacy 1580 Dam’s Sire: Raven Powerball 53 EPDs: BW:
MBT continued from page 1
This year was Brandon’s first year consigning bulls with Midland.
He hopes others will consider getting involved with the program and says, “I hope to go back next year, and I wanted to get some feed efficiency data back to know if I was going in the right direction. I look forward to improving our Chiangus cattle from the information I get back from Midland.”
As a family farm and ranching operation, the Rock family also sells bulls private treaty and focuses on raising both commercial and purebred cows. Additionally, they look forward to learning and utilizing the Midland Bull Test Program
in the future.
Clarahan Farms
Dennis Clarahan of Harper, Iowa has been operating a beef cattle operation for the past 50-plus years, alongside his wife Sheryl and two sons Ryan and Neil.
This year, Clarahan Farms consigned lot 725, DCL MR Hustle X542 F 1902J; lot 726, DCL MR Regard 193 875J; lot 727, DCL MR Regard 193 944 K and lot 728, DCL MR Regard 193 353 K.
The bulls collectively have an average ADG of 3.35 and a WDA of 3.20.
“I’ve always been a supporter of the American Chianina Association, so I decided I’d put four bulls in the Midland Bull Test, and
“We are happy to have these Chiangus and LimFlex bulls on test. Their performance will help highlight and display the qualities they possess and bring more exposure to those breeds.” – Amy Williams, Midland Bull Test
4-H continued from page 1
The new statute does not alter the authority of local school boards. Each school district’s board creates parameters for what is considered an unexcused absence and what activities are considered cocurricular. The bill states school districts are permitted to request verification of the reasons for a student’s absence.
HB 0175 goes into effect on July 1.
The new legislation, which amended W.S. 21-3110(a)(xxxix), was cosponsored by Wyoming Rep. Tomi Strock and Sen. Brian Boner and signed into law by Gov. Mark Gordon on Feb. 21. The statute can be found at bit.ly/wyoming-hb-0175
Brooke Ortel is a writer and editor for UW Extension. This article was originally published by UW Ag News on March 21.
I got along pretty good out there,” says Dennis.
As of March 8, pending semen results and registration documents, Clarahan Farms’ lot 728 took home honors as the High Indexing Chiangus Bull with a Midland Bull Test (MBT) Index of 113, and lot 727 received the High Efficiency Chiangus Bull Award with an Efficiency (Eff) of 107.
Since 2016-17, Clarahan Farms has held an annual bull sale in the spring. They sell 30 to 40 bulls through the sale every year, and they offer bulls private treaty as well.
Dennis shares he has had great success with the Chiangus breed over the years. He notices his newborn calves very seldom need help sucking and his cows and heifers have great longevity.
The Freeman family
The Freeman family, residing in Klamath Falls, Ore., includes Ryon and Amy and their two sons, 20-year-old Tyler and 16-year-old Tate. Several years ago, they got started
For more information about the Midland Bull Test, visit
with a few Limousin projects through the Country Inn Cattle (CIC) Company.
“We were lucky enough to get to know Lee and Glenda Stillwell with CIC Company, and they helped the boys get started with their first LimFlex heifers,” notes Amy. “We’ve been able to buy more heifers through them to develop the boy’s breeding program, and this is where we are today.”
This year, the family consigned the sole LimFlex bull at the Midland Bull Test, lot 775, TNFR Kit Kat.
Amy explains the bull came from Tate’s first Limousin heifer, Daisy. The heifer was named grand champion at the 2018 Limousin North American Foundation Western Regional Junior Limousin Show and was then crowned the Grand Champion LimFlex Cow/ Calf Pair at the 2019 West-
Wyoming experienced its 44th coolest and 51st wettest February out of 129 years according to the National Oceanic and
Austin Snook • 307-290-2161
Taylor Snook • 307-290-2273
Craig Deveraux • 307-746-5690
Dan Catlin • 406-671-7715
Clint Snook • 307-290-4000
Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information database, retrieved March 22.
Cheyenne Seymour • 605-641-0638
Casey Sellers • 307-217-2614
Jim Forbes • 307-351-5932
Tye Curuchet • 307-351-8666
Daniel Escoz • 307-217-1440
Kade Kinghorn • 307-620-0525
Replacement heifers and grass cattle in high demand, selling on a strong market. Weigh up cow and bull market is steady with four cow buyers in the seats or on the internet. No sale March 29th. We will see you on the 5th of April for a bred cows, grass cattle, replacement heifer, and sheep/goat special. Thank you and we appreciate your business!
ern Regional Junior Limousin Show.
Amy mentions this was their first year at the Midland Bull Test, and for them, it is an honor to have a bull meeting all of the criteria and featured in the sale.
“The boys’ grandpa raised Angus years ago, so for us, it’s neat to see them carrying on the tradition of raising LimFlex cattle,” she concludes. “Being featured at Midland is great advertisement for our operation, and we look forward to developing our herd in years to come.”
As of March 8, pending semen results and registration documents, the High Indexing Bull and High Efficiency Bull awards were earned by Tate’s bull, lot 775, with an MBT of 101 and an Eff of 103.
Midland Bull Test
“We are happy to have these Chiangus and LimFlex bulls on test,” shares
The adjacent tables include temperature and precipitation rankings of select counties for the month of February.
The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) map for Wyoming, released March 16, classifies over 38 percent of the state as moderate to extreme drought and nearly 19 percent of Wyoming as abnormally dry.
The remainder of the state, more than 43 percent, is classified as none – in other words, these areas are not experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions.
The current USDA map can be viewed at bit. ly/2S28VTA. Consider submitting a Condition Monitoring Observer Report at bit.ly/3c4WRLR
Eight- to 14-day and one-month forecasts
NOAA’s eight- to 14-day forecast for March 29 to April 4, issued March 21, shows a 40 to 70 percent probability for below normal temperatures for all of Wyoming.
The greatest probability is in the western side of the state. For the same timeframe, the forecast shows near normal precipitation
Amy Williams of Midland. “Their performance will help highlight and display the qualities they possess and bring more exposure to these breeds.”
This year, Midland Bull Test has nearly 850 top-end bulls featured in the Final Sort Sale held in Columbus, Mont. on April 6-7, beginning at 11 a.m. both days.
Salers, Simmental, Gelbvieh, Charolais, South Devon, Hereford, Red Angus, Chiangus and LimFlex bulls will be sold on April 6, and Angus bulls will sell on April 7.
A sale catalog is available at midlandbulltest.com
Other important information will be available online or by calling 406322-5597, 406-322-9911 or 406-322-9044 on sale day.
Brittany Gunn is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
for nearly the entire state.
The exception is the southwest corner, where there is a 33 to 40 percent probability for above normal precipitation.
The April forecast, issued March 16, indicates a 33 to 50 percent probability for below normal temperatures for the western portion of Wyoming, and an equal chance of below, near or above normal temperatures for the rest of the state.
For the same timeframe, the forecast shows equal chances of below, near or above normal precipitation for nearly all of Wyoming.
The exception is the southwest corner where there is a 33 to 40 percent probability for below normal precipitation.
For additional information and NOAA forecasts, visit cpc.ncep.noaa.gov
Windy K. Kelley is the regional Extension program coordinator and state specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Northern Plains Climate Hub, the University of Wyoming Extension and WAFERx. She can be reached at wkelley1@ uwyo.edu or 307-367-4380.
www.buffalolivestockwyo.com
"From the ring, to the video, and in the country, we market your livestock the competitive way."
midlandbulltest.com
Lester Ulysses Grant passed away March 9 at the age of 83 after a long battle with cancer.
John Mason and Lydia May (Matyas) Grant welcomed him to this world on Dec. 16, 1939 in Glenrock. He was born with the help of Midwife Mabel Sutphin at her home. Days after his birth, he was taken to the family ranch in Boxelder Park in the mountains south of Glenrock, where he was greeted by his siblings Jack, Esther and Shirley.
The family later expanded to include Lois and Frankie, and they resided in a two-room log cabin, built by Lester’s father and uncles.
At age five, Lester started attending a oneroom rural school. After eighth grade, he completed high school via correspondence courses so he could remain at the ranch to help his father and uncles.
Lester was drafted by the U.S. Army. He served most of his time at Fort Dix, N.J. as a medic. His most
Salt Lake City to Harold Alexander Park and Margaret Helen (Barry) Park. She passed away March 13 at her home in Douglas.
Margaret’s early-grade school years were spent in Salt Lake City. She moved to Wyoming with her family to her mother’s family ranch on La Prele Creek when World War II broke out and her father returned to military service.
Marilyn attended Bea-
memorable experience was waiting in a plane as part of the Bay of Pigs Invasion in Cuba.
A few weeks before his passing, he was honored for his service with a We Honor Veterans Ceremony conducted by fellow Veterans where he was awarded a certificate, pins and a red, white and blue crocheted comfort shawl.
After honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to the family ranch. In 1968, he attended a barn dance where he met his future wife Norma Jean Haygood.
On June 14, 1970, the couple managed to get married, even with a 50-year flood causing Lester to have to detour using two-track roads to make it to the ceremony. From this union two sons were born, Craig and Mark.
Lester served on the Converse County Conservation District Board for several years, and in 2018, he received a Lifetime Conservation Award from the district. He also served on the Converse County Rural Fire Department since its inception.
Widely known as the local area historian, he participated on the Glenrock Museum Board.
In 1986, the family ranch was honored by the Wyoming Centennial Farm and Ranch program. This
ver School and completed high school in Douglas.
She married her true love and father of her children, E. Justin Werner, on Oct. 20, 1954 in Casper and raised their children Deborah Marilyn Werner Simon, Edmund Justin Werner, Jr. and Jeffrey Dean Werner, on the north ranch on Walker Creek Road.
As a ranch wife, she became very active in CowBelles, on both a local and state level, holding many offices. Continuing her service to the cattle industry, she also served on the National Beef Council Beef CookOff. The family’s annual Fourth of July picnics at the mountain ranch by Laramie Peak were
acknowledgment of the ranch and the family’s legacy made Lester very proud.
Lester had a lifelong love of horses and was an accomplished teamster. He grew up pitching hay to feed livestock using a team and wagon. He was known for rebuilding and demonstrating how horse-drawn haying and harvesting equipment were used.
Later in life, he enjoyed competing in driving competitions at the Wyoming
enjoyed by many. In 1972, the family bought a home in Douglas so their children could attend town school, and Marilyn started working at the schools as a paraprofessional. She continued teaching throughout the children’s school years. She started Marilyn’s Designs and continued providing interior design, upholstery and draperies throughout her life.
Marilyn served on the Converse County Tourism Board, Douglas City Council and as the mayor of Douglas. She was an active member of Zonta, Douglas Sorority, Eastern Star, the Republican Party, Wyoming Pioneer Association, Douglas Rotary Club and the Douglas
State Fair where he won a belt buckle for winning the Hay Team Race.
Lester loved the ranch and his horses, but above all, he loved his family. His grandkids were the light of his later life. He would drop everything to help a family member in need. Lester could recite the birthdates of any family member or what he and his dad were doing the day any of his nieces or nephews were born. He never met a stranger
Episcopal and Congregational Churches.
She was preceded in death by her father Harold on May 28, 1985; her mother Margaret on Oct. 20, 1970; her siblings Evelyn Louise (Park) Smith on March 9, 2006, Harold Barry Park on April 3, 2012 and Robert Renfrew
“Bob” Park on Jan. 14, 1973; her husband Justin Werner on April 27, 1987 and her son Jeff Werner on April 29, 2004.
Marilyn is survived by her daughter Deb Simon, her partner Allen Roush and her sons Lee (Nikkole) Simon and Matthew (Morgan) Simon; son Ed Werner, his wife Karen and their daughters Rachel (Brendan Whipple) Werner and Sydney (Brady)
and could talk to anyone. Ever the jokester and teasing out a smile, Lester’s laugh was infectious.
Lester was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jack and Frankie and his sister Lois.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Norma Jean; his sons Craig (Mary) and Mark (Angela); his grandchildren Kayla, Austin, Cooper and Carolyn Grant, all of the family ranch and sisters Esther
Miner; grandson Miles (Alicia) Werner and four great-grandchildren.
A short service was held on March 16, at Gorman Funeral Homes –Converse Chapel with Pastor Echo Klaproth officiating, and a celebration of life is planned for this summer on the mountain. Interment was held in the family plot at the Douglas Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Converse County Ranchers Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of the Converse County Bank, PO Box 689, Douglas, WY 82633 would be appreciated by the family.
Condolences may be sent to the family at gormanfh.com
Wollen of Glenrock and Shirley Lythgoe of Castle Rock, Colo., as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends he considered family.
A celebration of Lester’s life will be held at a later date.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at gormanfh.com
information, foreign marketing and producer communications.
The report begins by highlighting CBB’s promotion efforts.
Contracted through the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) and subcontracted through the New York Beef Council, CBB awarded $356,230 to veal promotion efforts through a partnership with Homemade, a virtual cooking class company, to produce veal-centered culinary instruction for consumers and a Discover the Farm video campaign to educate consumers about veal production.
An additional $9.2 million was awarded to the “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner.” promotion, contracted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).
These dollars went toward the Tony Romo summer grilling campaign and a partnership with celeb-
rity Chefs Jordan Andino, Dawn Burrell, Tim Hollingsworth and Stephanie Izard to showcase recipes for beef leftovers.
Research
According to the report, checkoff dollars funded five research projects throughout the year.
During the annual Meat Industry Food Safety Conference, checkoff-funded research related to post-harvest beef safety was presented, including Salmonella classification and the use of clean-label antimicrobials in product formulations.
Additionally, CBB developed and issued a targeted request for proposals to solicit projects to develop a Salmonella baseline in ground beef.
These two projects were contracted by the Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education and awarded $500,000 under the post-harvest beef safety program area.
“Producer communications work establishes a direct and ongoing line of communication with the producers and importers who pay the Beef Checkoff. It reports how their checkoff dollars are invested, shares program successes and results and builds understanding about checkoff roles, responsibilities and processes.” – Cattlemen's Beef Board
CBB awarded over $8.1 million to NCBA under the pre-harvest safety and foundational research program area for the 20th Anniversary of the Beef Industry Safety Summit, held in Denver.
They also used these dollars to commission an annual demand-driver analysis to track trends, monitor issues and survey the general landscape for agricultural impacts.
Lastly, CBB awarded $210,000 to the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and Kansas State University (KSU).
With this money, researchers at KSU engineered a study to gain insight on the distribution of long-chain fatty acids in beef carcasses and evaluate the potential for altering fat composition through feeding strategies aimed at increasing proportions of omega-3 fatty acids in beef.
Consumer information
According to the report, over $7.6 million went toward consumer information projects last year.
In the northeast consumer and supply chain engagement project area, contracted by the Meat Import Council of America and subcontracted by the Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative, CBB used $494,760 for three partnerships, including the Seton Hall University Athletic partnership, the Homemade partnership and the 2060 Digital partnership.
Contracted by the American Farm Bureau for Agriculture, $926,000 was awarded to On The Farm STEM, an annual immersion event to bring educators to real farms.
CBB also awarded over $6.2 million to the Food, Culinary and Ag Thought Leader Summer Grilling Campaign and a partnership with the third-party delivery
DoorDash app to complete a co-branded campaign with McDonald’s and “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner.”
These projects were contracted by NCBA.
Industry information
Seven projects split between three contractors were awarded over $2.6 million for industry information programs.
NAMI contracted two projects under the Veal Quality Assurance (VQA) program area, which were awarded $74,210. These programs included the Veal Summit, held in April 2022 and the VQA Outreach and Engagement Program.
The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) was awarded $79,160 for the 11th Annual NIAA Antibiotic Symposium and the continued partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Under the issues and crisis management, beef advocacy and beef quality assurance program areas, NCBA was awarded over $2.4 million for the launch of the inaugural Trailblazers advocacy program, the 24/7 Digital Command Center and the
launch of the Calf Care and Quality Assurance Program, in collaboration with the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association, VQA and the Dairy FARM Program.
Foreign marketing
“Through international marketing efforts, the Beef Checkoff maximizes U.S.produced beef’s access to foreign markets by expanding market penetration in existing locations, entering new and emerging markets and improving global consumers’ perceptions and trust in the product,” notes the report.
“Despite lingering pandemic-related challenges, which continue to impact global foodservice, cause general economic headwinds and create persistent shipping and logistics obstacles, U.S. beef exports have been outstanding throughout 2022,” the report continues. “Demand continues to be tremendous, and international buyers in all channels remain committed to the quality and consistency delivered by U.S.-produced beef.”
The report further notes the U.S. Meat Export Federation was awarded $8.4 million for international market development and access to leading export customers.
This project included an in-dining campaign at two Korean stores; a social media campaign and Meet
and Greet Tour in Mexico; e-commerce, livestream and indirect sales marketing in China and a nationwide, spring retail campaign in Japan.
Producer communications
The last focus area for CBB, as outlined in the report, is producer communications.
Three projects, all contracted by CBB, were awarded over $1.8 million.
These include the Drive in Five online video series, a CBB-hosted general session during the Livestock Marketing Association’s Convention in Shipshewana, Ind. in June and the launch of the producer insights platform, which is used to successfully reach producers with information from the Beef Checkoff.
“Producer communications work establishes a direct and ongoing line of communication with the producers and importers who pay the Beef Checkoff. It reports how their checkoff dollars are invested, shares program successes and results and builds understanding about checkoff roles, responsibilities and processes,” the report concludes.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor for the Wyoming Livvesotck Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.
USDA continued from page 1
Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC).
“We stand with our producers who have worked tirelessly in these severe conditions to keep livestock fed and to protect crops from Mother Nature’s wrath. We know these storms have left damage in their wake, and I’m glad USDA offers a strong portfolio of disaster assistance programs available to help,” he continues.
USDA disaster recovery assistance
Producers who experience livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality may be eligible for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).
To participate in LIP, producers will have to provide acceptable documentation of death losses resulting from an eligible adverse weather event and must submit a notice of loss to their local FSA office within 30 calendar days of when the loss of livestock is apparent.
Meanwhile, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides eligible producers with compensation for feed and grazing losses.
ELAP also includes costs associated with
equipment rental fees for hay lifts and snow removal. For ELAP, producers will need to file a notice of loss within 30 days and honeybee losses within 15 days.
Additionally, orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for costshare assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes or vines lost.
This complements the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), or crop insurance coverage, which covers the crop but not the plants or trees in all cases. For TAP, a program application must be filed within 90 days.
FSA also offers a variety of direct and guaranteed farm loans, including operating and emergency farm loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing.
Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for lowinterest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses.
Loans can help producers replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, cover family living expenses or refinance
farm-related debts and other needs.
Additionally, FSA has a variety of loan servicing options available for borrowers who are unable to make scheduled payments on their farm loan programs debt to the agency because of reasons beyond their control.
Risk management
Producers who have risk protection through federal crop insurance or FSA’s NAP should report crop damage to their crop insurance agent or FSA office. If they have crop insurance, producers should provide a notice of loss to their agent within 72 hours of initial discovery of damage and follow up in writing within 15 days.
For NAP covered crops, a notice of loss (CCC-576) must be filed within 15 days of the loss becoming apparent, except for hand-harvested crops, which should be reported within 72 hours.
A recent policy change simplifies the NAP application process for underserved producers, allowing form CCC-860 Socially Disadvantaged, Limited Resource, Beginning and Veteran Farmer or Rancher Certification to serve as an application for basic NAP coverage for all eligible crops.
These producers will
have all NAP-related service fees for basic coverage waived, in addition to a 50 percent premium reduction if higher levels of coverage are elected.
Conservation
FSA’s Emergency Conservation Program and Emergency Forest Restoration Program can assist landowners and forest stewards with financial and technical assistance to restore fencing, damaged farmland or forests.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is always available to provide tech-
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nical assistance during the recovery process by assisting producers to plan and implement conservation practices on farms, ranches and working forests impacted by natural disasters.
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program can help producers plan and implement conservation practices on land impacted by natural disasters.
More information
Additional USDA disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov, including USDA resources specifically for
producers impacted by winter storms. Those resources include the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disasterat-a-Glance fact sheet and Loan Assistance Tool. For FSA and NRCS programs, producers should contact local USDA Service Centers. For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent. USDA provided this article, which was originally published on March 21. For more information, visit usda.gov
ONE-BAR-ELEVEN JOHN E. ROUSE BEEF IMPROVEMENT CENTER
We have officially rescheduled the sale for April 17, 2023
Lunch Served at 11:30 • Sale begins at 12:30 p.m.
At One Bar Eleven Ranch • Saratoga, WY
Lindsey Wamsley 307-710-2938 or Mark Enns 970-491-2722
Colorado State University, Department of Animal Science
Saturday, April 1st, 2023
Laramie Research and Extension Center Cliff and Martha Hansen Teaching Arena Laramie, WY 82070
10:00AM to Noon - Educational Program Bull Selection and Evaluation
Understanding Bovine Pulmonary Hypertension High Altitude Bull Test Data Overview & Future Directions
Noon to 1:30PM - Lunch
Poster Session - Highlighting Current Beef Research at the University of Wyoming
1:30PM-3:00PM - Bulls Available for Viewing
20 Bulls Available for Private Treaty Sale
Angus - SimAngus - Red Angus
All bulls PAP & Semen tested, with EPDs and carcass evaluation data available Contact Scott Lake, 307.460.8129 | Shelby Rosasco, 209.753.8227
Arlington, Va. – During the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 99th Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, held Feb. 23-24, U.S. Forest Service Research Hydrologist Charles Luce, National Drought Mitigation Center Geoscientist and Climatologist Brian Fuchs and Western States Water Council Executive Director Tony Willardson gave a presentation titled, “Drought, Water Supply and Western Agriculture.”
Background
USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) Research Agricultural Economist and Moderator Nicholas Potter noted in the last decade, the level of drought in Western states is approaching 60 to 70, even 80 percent of the land in these areas have been under some classification of at least severe drought.
“This matters for irrigated agriculture in the
Western U.S., because a lot of water used for irrigation comes from surface water sources, which are affected by levels of drought,” he said.
In 2019, the ERS, in conjunction with the National Agriculture Statistics Service, conducted a survey of irrigation organizations across the U.S. He explained this was the first survey of its kind since 1978.
He noted, “Federal water projects and direct diversions from streams, lakes and ponds make up over half of the amount of water irrigation organizations get and then deliver to farmers. When we think about the impacts of drought on irrigated agriculture, it is substantial.”
Drought frequency and severity
Luce explained hotter temperatures, with more consecutive dry days and reduced snowpack, are two
sets of mechanisms affecting drought.
He noted the atmosphere can hold water, and it’s always hungry for water. This is referred to as vapor pressure deficit (VPD).
“Temperature-based methods are inherently flawed because the temperature state does not uniquely determine the evaporative reflux,” he said. “In fact, both the evaporative reflux and temperature are defined together by the supply water and energy, so what is fundamentally changing with climate change is the supply of energy and water.”
There are two important contexts in the conversation about irrigation – irrigated fields and the rest of the landscape.
Evapotranspiration is the process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and
other surfaces and by transpiration from plants. Luce mentioned from 1980 to 2018, evapotranspiration across the U.S. has been on a downward trend as both temperatures and the number of consecutive dry days increase.
In the Western, U.S., it is common for precipitation to occur in the winter and to have a dry, warm growing season. He noted mountains are a key feature of the irrigation story, but two nominal mechanisms impacting drought in the West are hotter temperatures and changes in snowpack.
Drought resiliency efforts
Fuchs noted the reach of the National Drought Mitigation Center services and activities has always been quite broad since the center was founded in 1995.
“We have this history of working on drought as a topic, but we come at it from multiple directions and
monitoring is one to them,” he said. “With drought frequently impacting the U.S., drought-related Climate Services and partnerships are an essential part of our work.”
The U.S Drought Monitor (USDM) has continuously evolved from past efforts to monitor drought including from the earliest versions of the map.
“Instead of looking at streamflow, the Palmer Drought Index, ground water or soil moisture all by themselves, we take the best attributes of all of these different data sets and put them together into a single product,” said Fuchs. “Instead of using a single index, a hybrid model is used.”
The USDM map is an attempt to represent all of the different types of drought on one map, including meteorological drought, agricultural drought, hydrological drought, socioeconomic drought and ecological drought. Fuchs noted this is a challenge, but the USDM has been an important tool to trigger mitigation, action plans and relief programs.
“For the entire U.S., there have been periods in the 2000s where we experienced multi-year significant drought periods,” he said. “But then, we also see some periods in the mid- to late-2000s where drought wasn’t too big of an issue.”
He noted in 2013, almost 80 percent of the country had some level of dryness.
“We’re not only talking about problematic episodes for certain parts of the country, but what the USDM map is showing is everyone is vulnerable,” he said.
In closing, he shared U.S. drought magnitude and duration has impacted much of the Western U.S. at various points in time over the last several decades. Data trends are showing this region has already become drier.
Understanding the impact of drought in the region must encompass analyses of all types of drought, including ecological, agricultural, hydrological, meteorological and socioeconomic.
Utilizing paleoclimate data, some of the more modern droughts observed are not out of the realm of possibilities for the region, and building resiliency and adaption measures will be needed to sustain vital resources of the region and to lessen the impact of drought for everyone.
“If we continue down this road of the ‘status quo’ or ‘business as usual,’ we’re going to see more hardships and more people dealing with issues due to drought,” he said. “The worst time to deal with a drought is when one is in the middle of one. It will be important to plan and prepare ahead of time.”
Regional collaboration
Willardson shared the Western States Water Council is a state government entity, which serves as an advisory body to 18 Western governors on water issues. They provide states a collective voice, foster state to state and federal to state collaboration and work with the Western Governors’ Association and Western Federal Agency Support Team.
Their mission is to ensure the West has an adequate, secure and sustainable supply of water of suitable quality to meet its diverse economic and environmental needs now and in the future, he noted.
“Western states have primary authority and responsibility for the appropriation, allocation, development, conservation and protection of water resources,” he said. “Water in the West is an increasingly scarce and precious resource.”
He noted Lake Powell and Lake Mead are two of the largest reservoirs in the U.S., with 25 to 27 millionacre feet (af) of water, with several million af going to the Colorado River.
The Colorado River and tributaries supply water to 40 million people and provides $5 billion-a-year to the agriculture industry, but it’s now stressed by drought, he shared.
According to Willardson, the states missed a midAugust deadline to address U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s (BuRec) call to propose ways to conserve two to four million af of water.
In January, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming sent a letter to BuRec, which operates the major dams in the river system, to outline an alternative to build on existing guidelines, deepen water cuts and factor in water lost through evaporation and transportation.
The modeling would result in about two million af of cuts in the Lower Basin, with smaller reductions in the Upper Basin. Mexico and California are factored into the equations, but neither have signed the letter. Although, California released a proposal last October to cut 400,000 af.
“Water must be recognized as a critical public policy priority given the importance of the resource to our public health, economy, food security, environment and Western way of life,” he said.
“One of the things we hope our work on water rights will do is to provide farmers and ranchers producing irrigation districts and others with information on their water rights, so they can understand how it fits into the larger context,” shared Willardson.
Brittany Gunn is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Whether a person hates the mess barn swallows leave or they enjoy being able to watch them up close, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert encourages individuals to plan for these birds’ arrival now.
The migratory spring season for swallows started March 1. Of the eight species of swallows in North America, barn and cliff swallows are typically considered to be the most problematic since they build mud nests attached to houses, barns and other structures.
Barn swallows tend to nest as single pairs, but cliff swallows can nest in colonies composed of up to several hundred pairs.
Swallows need a suitable surface to build a nest, typically on an overhang or covered ledge and a supply of mud they deem the proper consistency for nest building. If a property meets these building requirements, odds are good swallows will be back year after year unless someone intervenes.
Immediate intervention
AgriLife Extension’s Liz Tidwell, a small acreage wildlife program specialist in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life SciencesUvalde, says if people don’t want barn swallows on their properties, they must immediately intervene before any nests are built and occupied.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, passed in 1918, makes it a federal crime to hunt, kill, capture, sell or otherwise hurt them, which includes destroying nests in use.
“The main reason peo-
with materials hung vertically to prevent birds from getting to preferred building sites.
Bird spike sticks and bird barriers can be purchased and installed to prevent birds from building nests.
For places where there is an open entry way, vinyl plastic hung in overlapping strips may be used. This is essentially a doorway curtain similar to what one may see in a grocery store for workers in refrigerated areas.
Tidwell also suggests knocking down old, empty nests, because birds will reuse nests from previous years if they are available.
“If an individual sees a new nest starting to be constructed, they should knock down the mud daily until the birds give up on their build. Once a bird starts spending time in the nest, even if it is not yet completed, laws say homeowners will be stuck with the nest until it is empty again,” she notes.
Things to avoid
When trying to prevent the building of barn swallow nests there are several things individuals need to avoid.
First, no repellents are known to be effective, and no toxicants are registered for use. Trapping and shooting are not allowed.
Additionally, barn swallows are not easily frightened so trying to scare them away using any method is usually ineffective.
Removing a nest
Old, empty nests and the mud for nests birds are beginning to construct can be removed several ways.
These include a pressure washer or hose, a pole
In a recent University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) BeefWatch podcast, dated Feb. 14, UNL Beef Extension Educator Aaron Berger and UNL PhD Student Drew LaKamp discuss an article titled “Sire Selection FAQs” from the February UNL BeefWatch newsletter.
As producers looking to attend bull sales receive bull catalogs, addressing a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) might prove helpful as producers consider what bulls to buy this spring and consider the tools they need
selection questions answered as bull-buying season is in full swing
to select them. Balancing maternal and terminal characteristics
Some producers keep their own replacement heifers while also retaining ownership on cattle through the feedyard. One common question is how producers can keep cow weight down while simultaneously ensuring hot carcass weights don’t go down as well.
LaKamp explains balancing maternal and terminal characteristics can be tricky. If producers want to keep replacement heifers, but don’t want to use mul-
tiple bulls or utilize artificial insemination, the best solution is to select a herd bull that optimizes mature weight and carcass weight.
Many breeds have expected progeny differences (EPDs) for both of these traits, which makes it possible to select for both.
In the article, LaKamp notes, ideally, this would be done using an economic index which assumes replacements will be kept and steers and culls will be sold. Combined indexes, such as the Combined Index Value ($C) for Angus
or the All-Purpose Index (API) for Simmental, are designed to optimize maternal traits, such as mature body weight, with terminal traits, like carcass weight, to maximize profit.
Wholesale purchasing
Berger asks if there is an advantage to buying bulls at wholesale – for instance, buying three or four bulls born of the same sire.
“Is there an advantage in terms of calf uniformity?” he asks.
“The general idea is if two bulls are related, their offspring should be uni-
form in appearance, but it’s really hard to determine how closely related those two bulls are,” says LaKamp. “On average, they share about 25 percent of their genes, but a specific pair can share anywhere between zero to 50 percent.”
He adds if a producer is using half-sibling bulls and are not sure of their genetics, it can be a big gamble to know whether they are getting the same genes or not.
Berger notes a better strategy would be to select bulls with similar EPD profiles for traits in which uniformity is desired.
“Similar EPD profiles are going to push producers in a more uniform direction, rather than using two bulls or half siblings,” he says. “Unless a producer does genetic testing to see how closely related the bulls are, there’s really no way of knowing.”
Berger further notes a dam’s genetics can vary as well, so the best practice for uniformity among bull selection is by choosing bulls with similar EPD profiles.
Understanding genomic information
When looking at genomic information, such as genomic percentile ranks, EPDs, adjusted weights and ultrasound scans, the data doesn’t always agree.
The genomic percentile ranks tell a different story than the EPD, and the EPD indicates a different story than the scan data. A common question among producers is which one they should believe.
LaKamp notes when it comes to making selection decisions, EPDs are the best tool. Every other source of data for a trait, such as adjusted phenotype, genomics, pedigree, etc., are already included in the calculation of an EPD.
Phenotypes, such as weights and scans, are affected by both genetics and the environment, whereas, genomic profiles by themselves do not account for the bull’s own performance.
Only EPDs bring all of those pieces together and appropriately weighs them, he notes.
“The best tools are EPDs,” he says. “EPDs tie everything together, including the adjusted phenotype and genomics.”
For many producers, calving ease is important, especially when breeding replacement heifers. LaKamp notes choosing bulls with a good calvingease EPD is going to be the most effective option in this situation.
The bull’s calving-ease direct EPD is an estimate of how easily a bull’s calves will be born when he is bred to heifers, whereas the calving-ease maternal EPD is an estimate of how easily a bull’s daughters will give
birth when they have their first calf.
LaKamp notes while it may be tempting to select on birth weight, as birth weight is an indicator of calving ease, it does not tell the whole story.
Additionally, birth weight records are used to calculate calving-ease EPD, and selecting on both will not improve calving ease more than selecting on calving ease alone.
“From a genetic standpoint, the best tool to improve calving ease is going to be the calving-ease EPD, either by looking at the direct calving-ease EPD or the maternal calving-ease EPD,” he says.
He adds, “Calving ease already includes birth weight, so selecting based on calving ease and birth weight together is kind of like double dipping. This may result in a low birth weight, which is going to impact the calf’s weaning, yearling and final weight, which ultimately might impact a producer’s revenue.”
For many producers, calving ease is their number one priority. Therefore, LaKamp encourages them to look at other EPDs if dystocia or calving difficulty is not a concern in their herd.
“I’m not saying calving ease isn’t an important trait, but if there is not a dystocia problem, calving ease doesn’t need to be a number one concern. And, a bull’s calving-ease EPD doesn’t necessarily need to be at the top of the list when picking a bull.”
Scrotal circumference selection Berger notes in the last 35 years, there has been a focus on selecting bulls with a larger scrotal circumference, with the belief they will be more productive in terms of being a breeder and because scrotal size is correlated to the age at which a bull’s daughters reach puberty.
In fact, LaKamp shares there is evidence selection for larger scrotal size leads to progeny which reach puberty at an earlier age.
However, for taurine breeds – cattle generally adapted to cooler climates – females reaching puberty early is not as concerning as it once was.
Therefore, according to LaKamp, scrotal circumference is not a good indicator of female fertility and has little relationship with heifer pregnancy rate or sustained fertility. He mentions selecting on heifer pregnancy or stayability EPDs would yield much greater genetic gains in female fertility.
In closing, LaKamp says, “Go out there and find a bull that works for a specific operation and take him home.”
Brittany Gunn is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
With the global population projected to exceed 10 billion people by the year 2050, the demand for animal-derived proteins such as meat and milk is also expected to significantly increase.
To meet this demand, the agriculture industry must figure out how to improve the efficiency of livestock production by developing critical, new management strategies and technologies.
Reproductive efficiency
Fertility, or reproductive efficiency, is one of the most important economic factors in livestock production. However, reproduction remains relatively inefficient in most livestock species.
Nearly one-half of all beef cows and well over onehalf of all dairy cows will not become pregnant within the first month after they are bred.
One of the primary research goals for a laboratory at the University of Wyoming (UW) is to understand what differentiates an embryo establishing pregnancy from one that cannot.
In collaboration with scientists at the University of Florida, researchers sought to determine whether the quantity of certain genes important for development differs between embryos able to establish pregnancy and those that fail.
Not only did the experiment help distinguish genetic differences between viable and nonviable embryos, it was also able to identify specific genes influencing embryo development.
The critical first weeks
Approximately 60 to 80 percent of pregnancy loss in cattle occurs within the first
three weeks of gestation. During this time, several important developmental events must occur for pregnancy to continue.
In the first seven days following fertilization, the embryo, which starts out with only two cells, must undergo a series of cell divisions resulting in an embryo with about 150 to 200 cells.
In addition to cell growth, at this stage, the embryo must undergo its first differentiation, which results in two distinct cell types – those which will develop into the placenta and those which will develop into the fetus.
At the end of the first week of development, the embryo must hatch from its protective shell and undergo a period of significant elongation.
Around day 12 of gestation, the cattle embryo is a tiny, football-shaped structure approximately one to two millimeters in length, but by day 16, the embryo transforms into a string-like structure, which can measure up to 60 centimeters in length.
This elongation during the second week of gestation is important for future development of the placenta and is necessary for maternal recognition of pregnancy.
Near day 16 of gestation, the embryo must secrete a factor to let the mother know it is viable and present in the uterus, so she does not return to estrus, or heat.
As the embryo enters the third week of gestation, placental development is now fully underway, and the placenta starts to attach to the lining of the uterus. Attachment is critical for continued
pregnancy and fetal development because it allows the mother to share vital nutrients with her developing offspring.
Although it is known the vast majority of pregnancy failures occur within the first few weeks of gestation, it can be difficult to determine the cause. In cattle, pregnancy cannot accurately be diagnosed until the start of the fourth week of gestation, and earlier pregnancy failures are difficult to assess.
One important factor affecting the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy is genetics. The egg from the dam and the sperm from the sire both contribute genes to regulate early embryo development and are necessary for survival.
Another important factor is the maternal environment, including the oviduct and uterus – two components of the female reproductive system that secrete factors to support early embryo development. These factors include various classes of molecules, such as growth factors, hormones and metabolites.
But, even when the oviduct and uterus provide a favorable environment for embryo survival, the embryo itself must be able to appropriately respond to maternal signals.
Genes associated with embryo survival
In the UW experiment, researchers stimulated a group of virgin heifers with hormones to make them ovulate multiple eggs which could be fertilized using artificial insemination then develop into embryos.
One week after insemination, embryos were retrieved from the uteri of the donor heifer and split in half using a microblade system. One-half of the embryo was immediately transferred to a surrogate heifer – onehalf per surrogate – and the other one-half was frozen for gene expression analysis.
Researchers diagnosed pregnancies in the heifer surrogates at days 30 and 60 of gestation and analyzed the global gene expression patterns of the corresponding frozen embryo halves. They compared embryos that successfully established and maintained a pregnancy with those that did not.
By analyzing the data, researchers determined 155 genes were differentially expressed between the two experimental groups, with 73 genes upregulated and 82 genes downregulated in embryos which successfully established and maintained pregnancy compared to embryos that failed to establish pregnancy.
Interestingly, many of the genes more abundant in the viable embryos were receptors for various regulatory molecules secreted by the oviduct or the uterus during early pregnancy. Results suggest embryos are more likely to survive if they are better able to respond to maternal signals supporting their development.
We also found many of the genes less abundant in viable embryos were linked to metabolic activity. The most competent embryos were less metabolically active, indicating increased metabolic activity is associated with reduced viability.
Moving forward, this same UW laboratory will work to utilize functional genomics tools, such as gene editing, to explain the impor-
tance of some of genes which were differentially regulated.
Gene editing has been used for many years in research using rodent models, but only recently has it been used effectively in studies of large animal species, such as livestock. It can be used to insert, delete or modify specific genes related to embryo viability, to more effectively determine their roles in development and survival.
UW researchers hope these findings will enable them to develop applied approaches and technologies cattle producers can use to improve reproductive efficiency in their herds and meet future supply demands of the growing global population.
Jeremy Block is an assistant professor in the UW Department of Animal Science. He led the research outlined in this article and can be reached by e-mailing jeremy.block@uwyo.edu or calling 307-766-3429. This article was originally published in the 2022 issue of Reflections, the UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources annual research magazine.
MAY 1, 2023 @ 1:00 PM
MOOSE LODGE, 399 STANLEY ST, BELLE FOURCHE SD
RANCH LOCATION: The finger Buttes Ranch is located approximately 23 miles north of Alzada, MT on Hwy 323.
RANCH DESCRIPTON: The Finger Buttes Ranch is centered in the heart of the strong grass cattle country of eastern Montana and the western Dakotas. Consisting of 7,716+ deeded acres, 640+ State of Montana lease acres (98 AUM’s) and 1,561+ BLM acres,(299 AUM’s) for a total of 9,917 acres The land is comprised of rolling hills and flat-top buttes with minimal unproductive ground. Approximately 3,560+ acres are tillable with over 1,000 acres currently planted to mixtures of grass and alfalfa for grazing and haying. Underground pipelines provide water to numerous tanks located throughout the ranch in addition to multiple seasonal reservoirs. The ranch includes two homes, corrals, livestock barns, grain bins and two Quonsets. Southeast Montana is well known for large populations of mule deer and whitetail deer, as well as antelope and upland birds, of which Finger Buttes ranch has a strong population of each. There is an active Equip Program in place that may allow for the construction of additional pipeline, water tanks and fencing if the new owner qualifies. In addition, there approximately a total of 2000 FSA (1,950+ Wheat Base Acres) base acres on the ranch. The ranch will be offered in 2 tracts as well as one complete unit, selling in the manner realizing the greatest return to the Seller
FINGER BUTTES RANCH WEST PARCEL: West Finger Buttes Ranch consists of 2,800+ total acres: 2,360± deeded acres, 440+ BLM acres (80 AUM’s) fenced into four pastures. There are 1,052 acres of tillable ground of which approximately 532.5 acres has been planted in 2021 to hay/grass introducing perennial grass and legume. The balance of the tillable acres is already in hay/grazing production. Water is provided from dams and reservoirs located throughout the ranch. There are no improvements.
FINGER BUTTES HEADQUARTERS PARCEL: The Finger Buttes Headquarters consists of 5,356.48+ deeded acres, 640+ State of Montana lease acres and roughly 1,121 BLM acres (219 AUM’s) for a total of 7,117 acres. The ranch is fenced into 10 pastures. There are currently 2,437.4 acres of tillable ground with 258.5+ acres in hay/grazing production. Improvements include two houses, calving barn, pipe corrals, two Quonsets, grain bins, and other outbuildings. A 2,900-foot water well supplies water to several tanks located throughout the ranch.
AUCTION TERMS:
EARNEST MONEY: At the conclusion of the auction, the successful bidder shall make a 10% nonrefundable earnest money deposit, with the balance due in cash or certified funds at closing. CLOSING: Closing to take place on or before June 1, 2023. TAXES: All 2022 and previous years taxes shall be paid by Seller. The 2023 taxes shall be prorated to the day of closing. All subsequent years taxes shall be paid by Buyer. INSPECTIONS: The property will be sold in “As-Is” condition without any warranties, either expressed or implied, as to the nature, condition, or description of any improvements. Buyer shall inspect property to the extent deemed necessary and shall rely upon own judgment when bidding. FINANCING: Property sells without Buyer contingency of any kind. Please have all financial arrangements secured prior to bidding. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Property sold by legal description only, which will be included in the owner’s title insurance commitment that will be provided by Security Abstract, Miles City, Montana, and made available on or before the day of the auction. Acreages and square footages are approximate and determined by the Carter County Assessor and /or Treasurer. CLOSING COSTS: Closing firm’s fee shall be shared equally between the Buyer and Seller. Security Abstract, Miles City, Montana shall be the closing agent. Buyer and Seller shall be responsible for their own closing costs as customary. GENERAL TERMS: Property will be transferred by Warranty Deed subject to easements, assessments, and reservations of record. The Auctioneers/Brokers are representing the Seller’s interests as the Seller’s Agent in this transaction. Please see the Real Estate Brokerage Disclosure for agency relationship definitions. All information is derived from sources deemed reliable; however, neither Seller nor Auctioneers/Brokers are making any guaranties or warranties, actual or implied. Any announcements made day of auction supersede any and all previously printed material and any other oral statements made. METHOD OF SALE: The ranch will be offered in 2 tracts as well as one complete unit, selling in the manner realizing the greatest return to the Seller. Seller shall require an all cash sale. The Seller reserves the right to effectuate a 1031 tax-deferred exchange.
An installment sale, also known as a contract for deed, is another option
available to families selling their farm or ranch. An installment sale involves
a sale of property where a landowner receives at least one payment after the taxyear of the sale.
Installment sales
An installment sale can be advantageous to a seller, because as the seller of the property, they can receive payments over a number of years.
Additionally, by having payments spread over a number of years, they may be able to receive some of the payments when they are in a lower tax bracket.
An installment sale is attractive to a buyer because it allows them to obtain financing and make payments over a period of time at possibly lower interest rates than they could get at a bank.
Each payment on an installment sale usually consists of three parts –interest income, return of the adjusted basis in the property and gain on the sale.
As the seller, they need to make sure they separate
the principal from interest on each installment. The interest portion must be reported as ordinary income.
When a payment is received, the amount reported as gain is the same percentage of the net as the total gain is of the total sale price.
For example, if a ranch sold for $5 million and the cost basis at the time of sale was $1 million – in this example, it is assumed there aren’t any assets included in the sale that have been depreciated, because any gain due to depreciation has to be recaptured as ordinary income in the year of sale regardless of it being an installment sale – the gain would be $4 million or 80 percent of the sale price –$4 million divided by $5 million.
If the buyer and seller agree to an installment sale, the buyer would need to report 80 percent of each installment payment as gain.
If a landowner is considering an installment sale for their property, they need to ensure they receive a large down payment, so if the buyers default on their contract, one will not lose money if they have to take the property back and resell it.
It’s also important to earn a competitive interest
rate on the contract compared to the rate of return they could receive if they invested the cash themselves or if they did a 1031 exchange into other income producing real estate investments.
Installment sales with 1031 exchange or CRT
It is possible to use a 1031 exchange or a charitable remainder trust (CRT) with an installment sale.
There are, however, added complexities to doing so. If one is interested in combining a 1031 or CRT with an installment sale, they need to consult with an experienced 1031 intermediary or planned giving specialist prior to the sale, as well as consulting with an attorney or CPA.
Chris Nolt is an independent registered investment advisor and the owner of Solid Rock Wealth Management, Inc. and Solid Rock Realty Advisors, LLC, sister companies dedicated to working with families around the country who are selling a farm or ranch and transitioning into retirement.
To order a copy of Chris’s book “Financial Strategies for Selling a Farm or Ranch,” visit amazon.com or call Chris at 800-5171031. For more information, visit solidrockproperty.com and solidrockwealth.com
EXTENSION EDUCATION
ing the health of the animal and the need for medical treatment; an agreement from the client to follow the instructions of the licensee and the licensee having sufficient knowledge of the animal to initiate a general or preliminary diagnosis of its medical condition, at least.
The implementation of GFI Number 263 on June 11 will impact the livestock industry across Wyoming. Producers who are prepared and have a defined working relationship with
their local veterinarian will be well-positioned to access critical antimicrobial drugs and continue to provide excellent health care for their animals.
agriculture and natural resources educator with University of Wyoming Extension serving Johnson County. He can be reached at mmost@uwyo.edu or 307-684-7522.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is bringing the use of many common veterinary antimicrobial drugs under direct veterinary supervision, effective June 11.
This is the result of growing concerns that the unchecked use of drugs, important in human medicine, may lead to the development of resistant microbial strains.
Under the Guidance for Industry (GFI) Number 263, antibiotics currently available over the counter will become available by prescription only. GFI Number 263 is available at bit.ly/GFI-263
This FDA regulation builds on the 2017 Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD), which limits general use of antimicrobial-containing animal feeds. In the livestock industry, the impact of this regulation was primarily felt by the feedlot sector. However, the impending GFI Number 263 will impact all types and classes of livestock and domesticated animals.
Prescription required for antimicrobial drugs
A prescription from a licensed veterinarian will be required to purchase antimicrobial drugs including oxytetracyclines (e.g. Liquamycin LA-200, Oxytet), penicillin, sulfa-based antimicrobials, tylosin (e.g. Tylan) and cephapirin products, among others.
GFI Number 263 addresses antimicrobials only and does not affect antiparasitics, pro- and prebiotics, supplements or non-antibiotic topical treatments.
A complete list of the drugs restricted to prescrip-
tion use under GFI Number 263 can be viewed online at bit.ly/GFI-list
It is important to note purchasing prescription antimicrobials from a veterinarian who is prescribing the drugs is not required. The prescription will be good for purchase at any farm and ranch supply store carrying the product.
It might be tempting to stock up the animal medicine cabinet while antibiotics remain available over the counter, but ranchers should keep in mind the expiration period of products and their rates of use to ensure they are not spending money only to have the drug expire on the shelf.
Expired drugs should be disposed of and not used in livestock or other animals.
Preparing for implementation
Perhaps the most important step animal owners should take in preparing for the implementation of GFI Number 263 is to ensure they have a veterinary client-patient relationship (VCPR) in place.
Essentially, a VCPR is a shared understanding between a veterinarian and a client regarding the management of an animal, so the vet can ethically diagnose diseases and prescribe medications, the client is involved in the process and the patient receives the highest-quality care.
The American Veterinary Medical Association notes a VCPR in Wyoming should be characterized by a licensee, or veterinarian, assuming the responsibility for making medical judgments regard-
This means the licensee has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal as a result of an examination or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the location where the animal is kept and is readily available for follow-up care in case of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of therapy.
Many farmers and ranchers operate under an informal, good faith VCPR. With the upcoming changes to the use and availability of antibiotics, having a formally documented VCPR is recommended.
Preparing a VCPR Preparing early will speed up the process of accessing treatments when an animal gets sick. Producers can check with their veterinarian to see if they have a VCPR agreement form they can sign together or draft their own. Many templates and examples are available via a quick internet search.
If working with a new veterinarian, animal owners should expect an inperson examination of the animal in question before a prescription for antibiotics will be made.
In herd or flock health situations, this might involve a site visit by the vet to the ranch or animal housing area. In cases where a VCPR already exists, these steps may not be necessary.
March 31- April 2 Moffat County Sheep Shearing School, Craig, Colo. For more information, e-mail megan.stetson@colostate.edu or call 970-826-3402.
April 1 Casper College 43rd Annual Lamb and Hog Show, 6 p.m. Grace Werner Agriculture Pavilion, Casper. For more information, call 307-760-1315.
April 2 Casper College 43rd Annual Lamb and Hog Sale, 11:30 a.m. Grace Werner Agriculture Pavilion, Casper. For more information, call 307-760-1315.
April 8 Country Living: An Introduction to Small Acreage Living Workshop, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Buffalo Fire Hall, Buffalo. For more information and to register, call Amanda Hulet at 307-620-3021.
April 14 Bureau of Land Management Free Off-Range Corral Tour, 1 p.m. OffRange Wild Horse and Burro Corral, Wheatland. For more information and to RSVP, e-mail blm_blm_wy_wheatlandorc@blm.gov.
April 15 Winter Adventure Day, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Casper Mountain Biathlon Center at McMurry Mountain Park, Casper. For more information, visit bit.ly/CASPERWAD2023 or e-mail caspertrails@gmail.com.
April 20 University of Wyoming Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Seminar, University of Wyoming, Laramie. To register, visit uwyo.edu/uwag/rmal or e-mail Anne DeMersseman at ademerss@uwyo.edu or call 307-766-3206.
April 21 Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Office of State Lands and Investments and Wyoming Water Development Office Public Meeting, 2 p.m. Wyoming Department of Environment Quality Conference Room 211, Cheyenne. For more information, call 307-777-6373, 307-777-7626 or 307-777-6941.
April 27 Casper Alcova Irrigation District Board Meeting, 2-5 p.m., Mills. For more information, call 307-234-8690.
April 29 Small Pork Producers Conference, 9:30 a.m.-3.30 p.m. Montana ExpoPark’s Family Living Center, Great Falls, Mont. For more information or to register, e-mail Rose Malisani at rose.malisani@montana.edu or call Montana State University Extension at 406-454-6980.
May 3 Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality 2023 Dead Animal Compost Seminar, 10 a.m. Moorcroft Town Hall, Moorcroft. To register, visit deq. wyoming.gov/shwd/solid-waste/ and click on the “Training” tab. For more information, call Craig McOmie at 307-473-3487 or Jody Weikart at 307-777-3501.
May 4 Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality 2023 Dead Animal Compost Seminar, 10 a.m. Torrington City Hall, Torrington. To register, visit deq. wyoming.gov/shwd/solid-waste/ and click on the “Training” tab. For more information, call Craig McOmie at 307-473-3487 or Jody Weikart at 307-777-3501.
May 4-5 2023 Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholders Summit, Arlington, Va. For more information, visit whova.com
May 5-6 Powder River Basin Sheepherders Festival, Rockpile Museum, Gillette. For more information, visit rockpilemuseum.com or call Brittney Elsasser at 307-682-5723.
March 26-27 Leachman Cattle of Colorado Spring Sale, Leachman Bull Barn, Ft. Collins, Colo., 970-568-3983, leachman.com
March 27 Snowshoe Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale, at the ranch, Arthur, Neb., 406855-8288, 308-726-2138, snowshoecattle.com
March 27 Axtell Cattle Company Annual Production Sale, Sterling Livestock Commission, Sterling, Colo., 970-383-2332, 970-554-1132, axtellcattlecompany.com
March 28 Northwest Wyoming Angus Association 45th Annual Sale, Riverton Livestock Auction, Riverton, 307-868-2595, greatbearreflection.com
March 30 Gibbs Red Angus Annual Production Sale, Glasgow Stockyards, Glasgow, Mont., 406-977-2852, gibbsredangus.com
March 31-April 1 Montana Western’s Colt Challenge & Sale, Montana Center for Horsemanship, Dillon, MT, 406-925-1499, facebook.com/coltchallengeandsale
March 30-April 1 Horse Creek Angus Online Auction, 307-421-4022, horsecreekangus.com
April 1 Botts Angus Ranch 10th Annual Customer-Oriented Bull Sale, at the ranch, Huntley, Mont., 541-263-0988, 541-263-0589, 308-430-2005, bottsangusranch.com
April 1 Gray’s Angus Ranch Bull Sale, at the ranch, Harrison, Neb., 308-668-2525, 308-668-2520, graysangusranch.com
April 1 Wagner Charolais 12th Annual Bull Sale, online and at the ranch, Nunn, Colo., 970-420-2336, wagner-ranch.com
Visit
1 Blk Cow, 1275# $9250 Diamond Tail Ranch LLC - Greybull
2
April 1 High Altitude Bull Test & Sale, Laramie Research and Extension Center Cliff and Martha Hansen Teaching Arena, Laramie, 307-460-8129, 209-753-8227
April 1 2023 Spring Consignment Sale, Goshen County Fairgrounds, Torrington, 307532-4976, 307-534-5156, mcnameeauctioncompany.com
April 4 Webo Angus Annual Turning Grass into Greenbacks Bull Sale, at the ranch, Lusk, 307-216-0090, 307-340-1182, 307-340-1499, weboangus.com
April 5 Sidwell Ranch & Frank Herefords Production Sale, Sidwell Barn, Columbus, Mont., 406-861-4426, 307-631-6012, sidwell-land.com
April 5-6 Leachman Cattle of Colorado Grass Time Sale, Leachman Bull Barn, Ft. Collins, Colo., 970-568-3983, leachman.com
April 6 Arntzen Angus Ranch 47th Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Hilger, Mont., 406-350-4000, 406-350-1612, 406-350-1728, arntzenangus.com
April 6 Bar 69 Angus 35th Annual Production Sale, Belle Fourche Livestock, Belle Fourche, S.D., 605-892-2875, bar69angus.com
April 6-7 Midland Bull Test, Columbus, Mont., 406-322-5597, midlandbulltest.com
April 7 Kammerer Livestock 17th Annual Bull Sale, St. Onge Livestock, St. Onge, S.D., 605-923-6381
April 8 Ludvigson Stock Farms Spring Herdbuilder Bull Sale, Weschenfelder Development Center, Shepherd, Mont., 515-450-3124, 712-229-3431, ludvigsonstockfarms.com
April 8 Carlson Equipment Annual Consignment Auction, Riverton, 307-856-8123, carlsonequipment.com
April 11 Beckton’s 78th Anniversary Production Sale, at the ranch, Sheridan, 307674-6095, 307-674-8162, becktonredangus.com
April 12 Pass Creek Angus Ranch 49th Annual Bull Production Sale, at the ranch, Wyola, Mont., 406-343-2551, 406-679-3391, passcreekangus.com
April 12 Big Iron Harvesting Farm Auction, Winnemucca, Nev., 208-431-3405, 801369-4221, vantassellauction.com
April 13 McClun’s Lazy JM Ranch Angus & Polled Herefords Annual Production Sale, Torrington Livestock Sale Barn, Torrington, 307-534-5141, 307-575-2113, 307-575-3519, mcclunranch,com
April 13 Reich Charolais Ranch 66th Annual Bull Sale, Belle Fourche Livestock Market, Belle Fourche, S.D., 605-892-4366, 605-580-2393
April 14 5L Red Angus 2022 Profit $eeker Bull Sale, at the ranch, Sheridan, Mont., 406-596-1204, 5lbulls.com
April 14 Salmon Select 24th Annual Mule Sale, Lemhi County Fairgrounds, Salmon, Idaho, 208-756-2125, salmonselectsale.com
April 14 Sellman Ranch Annual Production Bull Sale, Crawford Livestock Market, Crawford, Neb., 308-430-4223, 308-430-3742, sellmanranch.com
April 14-15 A Ranch Horse Weekend 17th Annual Real Horse Invitational Sale, Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch Indoor Arena, Billings, Mont., 406-670-3400, realranchhorses.com
April 15 Salmon Select 50th Annual Horse Sale, Lemhi County Fairgrounds, Salmon, Idaho, 208-756-2125, salmonselectsale.com
April 15 Best of the Big Horns Horse Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307751-8969, 406-697-5882
April 15 Lee & Gayle Mausbach Moving – Liquidation Auction, Wheatland, 307-5324976, 307-534-5156, mcnameeauctioncompany.com
April 17 Colorado State University 37th Annual Yearling Commercial Angus Bull Sale, One Bar Eleven Ranch, Saratoga, 307-710-2938, 970-491-2722
Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com
Plenty of snow assures, plenty of water for irrigation Thus reads the headlines in the April 26, 1917 Encampment Record The complete news item follows:
Although the past winter has been one of the most severe and disastrous to the stockmen and ranch-
ers ever known in this section, there was never a cloud without a silver lining. The great amount of snow in the mountains assures plenty of water for irrigation of crops this year, and plenty of water means a bountiful harvest.
Already, some of the streams and all of the reservoirs are flowing full of
water and only await the hand of man to turn it into the ditches.
There will be quite an acreage of grain grown in the Encampment Valley this year, besides a great increase in hay acreage.
Most of the small ranchers are contemplating planting more potatoes and other vegetables than ever before, owing to the high prices which now prevail.
Within a few weeks the fields and prairies will be green, and this fall, Encampment Valley ranchers and stockmen will be repaid for their sufferings and losses during the past winter.
Greer, Tyler - Hyattville
1 Ree Bull, 1460# $10450
Walker, Eric - Burlington
1 Blk Bull, 1510# $10350 COWS
Walker, Eric - Burligton
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1243# $11100
1 Blk Cow, 1830# $10150
Harrison, Juli - Basin
1 Blk Cow, 1195# $10100
Hoggs Black Diamond Cattle - Meeteetse
1 Blk Cow, 1375# $9750
Walker, Brac - Burligton
$9350
2 Blk Cows, avg. 1313# $9300
Whitt, Star - Big Timber
1 Blk Cow, 1335# $9250
Mastre, Gust - Worland
1 Blk Cow, 1310# $9250 Riley, Michael - Burligton 3 Red Cows, avg. 1643# $9100
1 Red Cow, 1665# $8500 Dale Lyman Ranch - Ten Sleep
1 Blk Cow, 1245# $9000 HEIFERS
Back Ranch Co. - Ten Sleep
1 Blk Hfr, 920# $13300
Greer, Lory Ross - Hyattville
1 Blk Hfr, 985# $13100
Greer, Lee - Hyattville
1 Red Hfr, 930#
1
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• Upcoming Sales
April 6
April 10
April 13
April 20
April
Greeley, CO
As of March 17, 2023
Australian Wool Exchange: Domestic wool trading had no confirmed trades reported this week. Prices reflect trades FOB warehouse in original bag or square pack, bellies out, some graded, and 76 mm or longer. No allowance made for coring, freight, or handling fees at the warehouse level to reflect net grower prices (*) indicates new prices this week. (NA) represents microns not normally available in this region. Wools shorter than 75 mm typically discounted .10-.20 clean. Classed and skirted wools usually trade at a .10-.20 premium to original bag prices.
Nebraska Hay Summary
As of March 23, 2023
Compared to last week bales of alfalfa and grass hay sold steady. Ground and delivered alfalfa steady to 10.00 lower. Ground and delivered cornstalks steady to 10.00 lower. Suncured alfalfa pellets 10.00 higher, dehy alfalfa pellets steady. Round bales of cornstalks steady. Demand was very good for all hay products. Supplies are getting tight in most areas. However, some bales of hay are hitting the market as some cattlemen think they have enough to get them to summer grass. Plus, many of these cattlemen have pivots of alfalfa or other forages they can bale throughout the 2023 growing season. As of March 23, US Drought monitor still shows much of the state in severe to extreme drought conditions. These areas had several inches of snow this winter. Ole, Mother Nature need to bring on the April showers for additional top and sub moisture and to aid in the perennial forage growth.
Alfalfa - Good
Corn Stalk Large Round 115
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Kearny, NE
Colorado Hay Summary
As of March 23, 2023
Source: USDA- CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO Wyoming Hay Summary
As of March 23, 2023
Compared to last week all reported hay sales sold fully steady. Lives stock owners continue to pick up small square bales from area producers. Especially in the west where there are several inches of snow on the ground. Most of the snow is melted in the eastern side of the state letting cattle graze in winter pastures. US Drought monitor still shows the far SW and most of the eastern third of the state abnormally dry to severe drought. The central area doesn’t show a drought at all on March 23, 2023. This week’s snotel has the state median at 118% with the basin high of 156% and the basin low at 74%. Last year the average was 87% and at 93% for 2021..
Compared to last week: Trade activity light on good demand for dairy hay. Few trades on horse hay. Demand good to very good. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s High Plains Summary for March 21, 2023, temperatures in the High Plains region were mostly below normal for the week. The most significant departures occurred in the Dakotas, where temperatures mainly ranged from 15 to 25 degrees colder than normal outside of southwest South Dakota. Precipitation fell in some of the high elevation areas of Colorado and Wyoming this week; otherwise, the weather was mostly dry in the High Plains region. Moderate and severe drought expanded slightly in southeast Kansas; please see the Midwest paragraph for more details on this. Due to recent snowfall and lessening precipitation deficits, portions of northwest North Dakota saw reductions in moderate and severe long-term drought coverage. Otherwise, ongoing long-term drought was unchanged east of the Rocky Mountains. In northcentral South Dakota, stock pond levels and river levels remained low, despite some recent snowmelt, indicative of long-term dryness there. Parts of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and far eastern San Luis Valley saw some improvements due to increased snowpack. Increased recent precipitation in southwest Wyoming allowed for the removal of severe drought. ***Due to limited sales and price changes, this report will be released bi-weekly until more volumes of hay move.***
&
Compared to last week: All types and classes of hay steady. Another winter storm struck the region at midweek, after a good day of melting had occurred which created very muddy conditions. Very cold temps for the weekend but warmer temps coming, along with several chances of rain and snow. Country road conditions are poor as when the sun comes out and temps near the freezing mark they get very muddy and soft, nearly impassable. Very good demand for all classes and qualities of hay. Very good demand for bedding as livestock producers are having to use a lot to keep their stock comfortable during this wet and cold winter. Very good demand for corn stalks and straw as livestock producers try to keep their stock comfortable during these rough conditions.
Small Square 200
Small Square 225
Poultry & Grain Market
HUGE BIRD AND ANIMAL AUCTION SUN., APRIL 23: Selling horses, ponies, goats, llamas, alpacas and birds of all types. Sale starts 9 a.m. Dawson County Fairgrounds, Lexington, NE. To consign or for more information, call 308-2220335 or 308-457-9313 4/8
Casper Alcova Irrigation District
Change of meeting days and times. Board meetings will now be held on the second Thursday of each month from 2-5 p.m.
Scheduled board meetings will be April 27 & May 25, 2-5 p.m. at 745 Connie Street, Natrona County, Mills, WY 82644
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
Help
EXPERIENCED CATTLE BARN MANAGER POSITION IN BEAUTIFUL SOUTHWEST
MONTANA: Competitive pay and benefits. Must be knowledgeable of cattle breeds ● market values ● business minded ● able to build relationships. Contact 406-5860231, info@careersinmontana. com 4/15
DEVILS TOWER FOREST PRODUCTS INC., A LUMBER MANUFACTURER IN HULETT, WY, IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR AN EXPERIENCED, INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIAN WITH PLC WORKING KNOWLEDGE: Benefit package includes company paid medical and dental insurance (including dependents), life insurance, company-matching 401(k) retirement program, safety incentives, holiday pay and paid vacation. As an added incentive you will receive a $500 “signing bonus” after 180 days, attendance and safety conditions apply to sign on bonus. Mandatory employment and random drug testing conducted. Starting wage DOE. Contact Joe Ortner at 307-4675252, you can also send your application with resume to joe. ortner@devilstowerfp.com. Online applications available at www.neimanenterprises.com
E.O.E 4/1
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. Now hiring experienced hunting guides. Send resumes to Rough Country Outfitters
Attn: Deb Schell PO Box 973 • Glenrock, WY 82637 307-436-2304
CONVERSE COUNTY WEED AND PEST DISTRICT FULL-TIME JOB OPENINGS:
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
Join the team at the Wyoming Livestock Roundup to produce the state’s weekly news source for ranchers, farmers and the agribusiness community.
Job Description:
• Interview, write and proofread articles weekly, as well as special editions using AP style
• Help generate articles and content – must be able to keep content organized
• Update website weekly and help with social media content
Must meet weekly and special edition deadlines
• Be able to work in a team and independently
• Willingness to learn InDesign, Photoshop and Mac operating systems
This is a full-time, entry-level position based in Casper, WY. Some overnight travel is required. An ag background is preferred
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample and photography samples to andrea@wylr.net or Attn: Andrea, PO Box 850, Casper, WY 82602. Call 307-234-2700 with questions. Accepting applications until position is filled.
Assistant Farm Manager, Research and Extension
• Manage and participate in the tillage, irrigation, fertilization, application of chemicals, harvesting of hay and care of beef cattle herd and equipment.
• Work closely with feed mills, substation and supply companies to manage, receive and place orders.
• Operate, maintain and repair equipment used in agriculture and farming.
• Assist faculty in conducting research and data collection.
• Estimate the needs of the general farming operations.
• Regularly scheduled weekends/on call are part of this position.
• Move up to 100 pounds regularly with or without reasonable accommodation.
UW SAREC • Lingle, WY Job Description: Minimum Qualifications:
• Six years work-related experience OR bachelor’s degree with two years of work-related experience.
• Valid driver’s license with motor vehicle record compliant with the university vehicle use policy.
• Valid Wyoming Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain within one year.
• Valid Wyoming CDL or ability to obtain within one year.
Desired Qualifications and Knowledge of:
• Agriculture and horticulture practices including, but not limited to tillage, planting, irrigation, pesticide application and harvesting.
• Common techniques, equipment and technology used in both research and production settings across dryland and irrigated cropping systems along with the care and feeding of livestock.
• Safe, conscientious and detailed adjustment and operation of all equipment.
• Technology-based agriculture equipment operation such as GPS guidance, rate control, planter seed rate control, yield mapping and drones.
• Supervision and training techniques and practices.
• Basic computer applications.
• Most work performed outdoors; regular exposure to dirt, noise, adverse weather conditions and mechanical hazards when operating farm tools/ equipment.
For additional information, visit the University of Wyoming HR website, call UW SAREC at 307-837-2000 or e-mail sarec@uwyo.edu. The Univerity of Wyoming is an equal oppotunity/affirmative action institution.
GOTTSCH LIVESTOCK FEEDERS
LLC
Red Cloud, NE
Come Join the Gottsch Livestock Feeders Family! Gottsch Livestock Feeders is looking for Cowboys/Pen Riders for their feedyard in Red Cloud, NE. The main focus of the Cowboy/Pen Riders are spotting, pulling, diagnosing and taking cattle to the hospital and shipping fat cattle. This person will need to be a team player who is seeking a long-term position. You will have the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the best in the industry. We offer a benefits package that includes health insurance, dental, vision, 401(k), health savings, life insurance and paid vacation. If you are interested stop by and fill out an application or visit our website at
www.gottschcattlecompany.com
Call Brandon Furr at 402-257-7769 or 402-746-2222 for more information.
HOT SPRINGS COUNTY WEED & PEST DISTRICT IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF WEED AND PEST DISTRICT MOSQUITO COORDINATOR/RANGE MANAGER: The position is in Thermopolis, WY. Send letter of application, resume and 3 references by April 5 to: Hot Springs County Weed & Pest District, PO Box 543, Thermopolis, WY 82443. For additional information, call 307-864-2278 or e-mail hscwpcd@rtconnect.net. Hot Springs County Weed & Pest is an EOE 4/1 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 3/25
FIVE RIVERS CATTLE FEEDING, the world’s largest cattle feeding company with feedyards in Colorado, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Idaho and Arizona, invites you to check out our current job openings at www. fiveriverscattle.com/careers
Competitive pay and benefits, paid time off, 401(k) plan and a safety first culture is our mission 4/8
DRIVER NEEDED FOR LIVESTOCK HAULING: Part-time or full-time. Call 307-921-1544 4/8
HOT SPRINGS COUNTY WEED & PEST DISTRICT IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF WEED AND PEST DISTRICT SUPERVISOR: The position is in Thermopolis, WY. Send letter of application, resume and 3 references by April 5 to: Hot Springs County Weed & Pest District, PO Box 543, Thermopolis, WY 82443. For additional information, call 307-864-2278 or e-mail hscwpcd@rtconnect.net. Hot Springs County Weed & Pest is an EOE 4/1
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, 801-6414109 3/25
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, DOE. Call Kim, 307-3500350, Farson, WY 4/1
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 307-3832418 or 307-383-2413 3/25
WIGGINS FEEDYARD, LLC HIRING FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE: Current driver’s license required. Call Sue Wiggins, 308-279-0924, e-mail sswiggins@wigginsfeedyard.com, 10077 U.S. 385, Bridgeport, NE 69336, provide references with phone numbers 3/25
Financial Services
AGRI-ONE FINANCIAL: Farm/ ranch and all commercial loans. RATES AS LOW AS 5%. We have been helping with all aspects of agricultural, commercial financing and management for years. LET US HELP YOU on a consulting level with management to increase profitability, deal with and fix credit problems and for all your financing needs. WE CARE AND HAVE WORKING PROGRAMS designed for the farmer/rancher and not the banker. Please call Steve, 303773-3545, or check out our website www.agrionefinancial.com. I will come to you and get the job done!! 3/25
Brands
WYOMING BRAND FOR
SALE: Paid through January 2033, RSC, RSH, $2,000. Call 307-851-4099 3/25
REGISTERED WYO-
MING 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
OLD REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LRC, LSH, $2,500 OBO. 307-351-2268 3/25
Dogs
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. Senior and Veteran discounts. Located close by. Delivery available. Call 719-217-8054 4/1
PYRENEES PUPPIES FOR
SALE: Living with sheep. Lambs are bedding with pups. Working parents. Call 307-7805025 4/8
AKC ENGLISH SPRINGER
SPANIEL PUPPIES: DOB Feb. 9, ready to go April 1. Three liver/white males, 2 black/white males. Will have first shots, dewclaws removed and tails docked. $500. Call 406-234-6996 or 307267-5792 3/25
AUSTRALIAN/ENGLISH
SHEPHERD CROSS PUPPIES: Born Jan. 2. Vet checked, first shots, dewormed and dewclaws removed. From working parents. Call 719-469-3190. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 4/8
YOUR FAMILY AND PROP-
ERTY 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
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
Cattle
GOT DOGS??
Angus Angus
Clay Creek Angus
Jim & Lori French 3334 Rd 14 Greybull, WY 82426 307-762-3541 • www.claycreek.net
PRIVATE TREATY
DCPC
Pasture Wanted
ISO YEAR-ROUND OR SUMMER GRAZING 2023
LOOKING TO RENT OR LEASE PASTURE FOR 50-100 cow/calf pairs for 2023 season. Preferably northeastern Wyoming. Call 307-660-0294 and leave a message if no answer.
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.
,
1
Yearling Gelbvieh Bulls
307-351-6453
ninebar9@hotmail.com
ROCK SOLID GELBVIEH: BULLS AND HEIFERS for sale
PRIVATE TREATY. Using top of the line AI sires for calving ease and growth. Carlos & Trina Christensen, 208-680-2001, Blackfoot, ID. www.rocksolidgelbvieh.wixsite.com/home To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 4/15
Limousin
BULLS FOR SALE: Had a complete cow dispersal. Need to sell 7 Angus and 2 Hereford bulls. Twoand 3-year-olds (Marcy Cattle, M Diamond Lisco and Ochsner Roth genetics). Semen and trich tested. Call 308-765-0300 4/8
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, 605351-1535 4/8
SUMMER PASTURE NEEDED for yearling cattle or cow/calf pairs, any amount. Call 307921-1544 4/8
PASTURE WANTED for 2,000 yearlings and 500 pairs. Can split into smaller bunches. 701523-1235 5/6
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
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
Horses
Joe Freund 303/341-9311
Joey Freund 303/475-6062 Pat Kelley 303/840-1848
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 3/25
MERINO EWES FOR SALE: CAMPBELL AND HANSMIRE GENETICS, 350 HEAD: Two to 6 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
Seed
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 208-740-8532 3/25
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
Hay & Feed
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 4/8
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 4/8
1992
REGISTERED RED ANGUS YEARLING BULLS FOR SALE, ready late spring. ALSO, one 2-year-old still available and ready to go now. Delivery available. For more information, call CLR Red Angus, Dan Robertson, 307-431-1013 4/15
RED ANGUS HIGH-ELEVATION
YEARLING BULLS FOR SALE IN NORTHEASTERN UTAH: Out of AI and bull bred sires. Will be trich, semen tested and fed for free until May 1. $2,000/head. Bar Lazy TL Ranch, David, 435-828-1320, barlazytlranch@ gmail.com 5/27
SimAngus
SIMANGUS BULLS FOR SALE:
18-month-olds and yearlings.
Sired by TJ Cowboy Up, SAV Rainfall, WBF Iron Clad, TJ Stone Cold, TJ Big Easy, TJ Stability, TJ Chief, or sons of Gibbs Pirate and TJ Main Event. James Dilka/ Dilka Cattle, 970-396-8791, thedilkas@aol.com 4/8
Hereford
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, 307421-1592 3/25
BROWN SWISS BRED HEIFERS FOR SALE: Will calve March, April and May. Bred to Brown Swiss bulls. Have had all shots. Poured with Ivomec on regular basis. TB tested and current health papers. Nice, gentle, outside cattle, in good shape and well fed. Delivery options available. For pictures or more information, call Larry W. Carlson, 605-2246100 (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
Meat Processing
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 3/25
IT
HORSES: BUY, SELL, TRADE. Will pick up. Call Dennis Black, 307-690-0916 3/25
WANTED: DRAFT MULES, either a team or single mule, draft size. Needed for summer work, making hay, etc. Powell, WY. Call 307-254-9747 4/8
Seed Seed
Fremont County, Wyoming and the surrounding areas.
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; 307-472-1872. Our family serving yours for 50 years!! Check us out on Facebook or our website 3/25
Leatherwork
LS CUSTOM LEATHER: Belts, tack, cell phone cases and much more!! Contact Lester, 307-631-1053, leave a message. Located in Riverton, WY 4/8
Bryan
best!
Property
HAY FOR SALE: 2022 grass mix, millet and milo. ALSO 2022 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 4/15
ROUND BALES: Best quality first cutting alfalfa, clean, green, good leaf, $245/ton. Lesser quality but still good first cutting alfalfa, $230/ton. Straight second cutting alfalfa, $265/ton. First cutting orchard/alfalfa mix, $255/ton, second cutting orchard/alfalfa mix $270/ton. 1,500 lb. bales, NO RAIN FOR ALL TYPES, baled right. 120 miles north of Gillette, WY. Truck load quantities. Call or text 406-6724809 4/1
WE HAVE HAY FOR SALE!! Grass hay and cornstalks. Delivery available!! Call 307630-3046 4/15
SECOND CUTTING ALFALFA and CERTIFIED OAT STRAW for sale. For more information, call 307-754-5864 4/15
VALLEY VIDEO HAY MAR-
KETS, LLC: Hay still available. Go to www.valleyvideohay.com or call Barry McRea, 308-235-5386 4/8
60 TONS OF THIRD CUTTING ALFALFA HAY FOR SALE, 4x4x8 big squares. Call 307-840-4055 4/1
2022 LARGE ROUND
BALES: Net wrapped, 1,5501,650 lbs., tests done, nitrate free, Japanese and German millet, $130/ton. ALSO, large round bales of 2021 net wrapped and 2022 twine tied grass hay. Will deliver. Call 605-224-6100 (home) or 605280-3879 (cell), if no answer leave message 3/25
FOR SALE: Skid loader 6’ snow pusher. 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 4/15
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: John Deere 2630 tractor with cab, low hours, good condition, with or without 6’ Rhino rear blade and 3 pt. hydraulic wood splitter $8,500 OBO; 2016 Circle D 20’ stock trailer, excellent condition, $13,000 OBO. Located in Story, WY. Call 307-202-1356 3/25
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: 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 pick-up header; Modern Mill (mix mill) feed mill; Freightliner grain truck; IHC 80 bbl vac truck; Wilson 53x102 tri axle cattle pot; Merritt 48’x102” cattle pot; Mobile Tech 9 yd. volumetric concrete mixer; Degelman 570 rock picker. Call 406254-1254 4/1
Equipment
Tractors Wanted
Equipment Restoration Pipe
Ask about our Social Media & E-blast Advertising
Call 800-967-1647 or 307-234-2700
OILFIELD PIPE: RPJ Enterprises, Inc. 2 3/8, 2 7/8, 3.5, 5.5, and 3/4” sucker rod is available. Used for fencing, corrals, cattle guards, etc. 2 3/8 and 2 7/8 are on average 31.5’ long per joint. 3.5” and 5.5” are 42+ lengths. Pierce, CO. Call for details 970-324-4580 8/26
DBL TREE TRACTOR RESTORATION LLC: Tractors, stock trailers and flatbeds, total repair, sandblast and paint. Please call Mike, 406-930-0720 3/25
Livestock Equipment
PIPE FOR SALE!! 2 7/8, 3 1/2 tubing, 4” drill pipe, 4 1/2 casing, 5” casing, 7” casing. Rods 3/4, 7/8 and 1” located in Montana, can ship anywhere. Call Mike, 602-758-4447. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 6/17
Fencing
LODGEPOLE PRODUCTS, 307-742-6992, SERVING AGRI-BUSINESSES SINCE 1975!! Treated posts, corral poles, buck-and-rail, western rail, fence stays, rough-sawn lumber, bedding. SEE US at www.lodgepoleproducts. com and click our “Picking A Fence Post” tab to see why folks choose our posts!! TFN
$7,895,100
Owl Canyon Ranch - 1,862 contiguous acres near Fort Collins, CO. Historically a working cattle ranch, valleys, rock ridges and formations along with lush native pastures, makes this offering as a transition property suited for prime for development or conservation.
$12,560,000
John Stratman • john@ranchland.com 303-912-8807 www.RanchLand.com
Irrigation Systems
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 541-523-4434, Intermountain Realty, Inc., Greg Sackos, Principal Broker, James Dunlap, Broker, www.intermountainland. com 3/25
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
Mineral Rights
ELIMINATE ● RISING ● FUEL
307-532-1840 • CHUGWATER, WY Pipe
Good time management is essential to farming success. That’s why more farmers are turning to T-L center pivot irrigation systems. Hydrostatically powered, T-L’s simple design gives you the low maintenance time, cost, safety and reliability to let you manage your farm instead of calling electricians or replacing gearboxes. Simplify your complex world and make irrigation easier on you.
Easier On You.
Manderson, WY rairdenjlw@tritel.net • 800-770-6280
Lander, WY • (307) 332-3044
• Reinke center pivot sales and field design
• Parts for most major irrigation systems
• Underground and Surface PVC pipe and fittings
• Pumps and Motors
• Phase Converters
WANTED TO BUY: Used, gated pipe, preferably 6” or 8”, either aluminum or PVC, in decent shape. Murray Ranch, Robertson, WY. Call 307-782-6177, 307-780-6519 or 307-780-6862 3/25
To advertise in the Rocky Mountain Horse Edition, contact Jody at (800) 967-1647 or jodym@wylr.net Advertising
Deadline: April 28, 2023 Insert Date: May 27,
the mid-1990s, the Stewart family pivoted their concentration to raising and selling bulls, specifically performance-tested bulls.
Today, Stewart Select Angus has found continued success in their seedstock operation, marketing top-notch genetics through their own annual sale, held the first Monday of April, as well as the Indiana Beef Evaluation Program and the Midland Bull Test.
Current cattle operations
Andrew notes Stewart Select Angus is currently home to about 200 registered Angus cows, which have been on a performance testing program since 1962. The operation is focused on making their cows do the work for them.
“They have to handle
many stressors throughout the year, from mud in the spring, grazing fescue in the summer heat, foraging through acres of cornstalks in the fall, handling tough winter storms and temperature swings in the weather from week to week,” Andrew states.
“If a cow doesnʼt perform, they find their way to the sale barn. It starts with the mother cow and only improves from there with growth, carcass, docility and many other traits,” he continues.
Andrew also explains they frequently turn over their herd with new genetics, breeding 70 to 80 percent of the heifer calf crop and selling more of their bred, older cows.
“The goal of our opera-
by Lee PittsIndividuals who are readers of classified ads like myself, know there’s some confusion as to what we should call the sale of the debris left over from living our lives.
What is the difference, for example, between a yard sale and a barn sale? I’ll attempt to answer this question, and many more, about what a person should expect next time they go looking for junk they don’t need and will never use.
Garage sale
This is what happens when a husband finally cleans out the garage after years of nagging. Since none of the man’s stuff qualifies as junk, this means everything for sale will belong to the wife or kids.
Mostly it’s Tupperware without lids, kid’s clothes that have been handed down two times too many, broken Roseville pottery, 1954 World Book Encyclopedias and napkins for a wedding reception which ended in divorce years ago.
The garage sale is seen as a quick way to generate some income to keep the lights on and the family fed in a cashflow emergency.
But beware, some entrepreneurial types buy stuff at other garage sales and sell it at their own after marking it up 300 percent. I know one guy who actually tells people at his weekly garage sales if they didn’t find what they were looking for, he could order it for them.
Rummage sale
This is a garage sale on steroids for churches and parent-teacher associations. The organizations and churches ask their members to bring any unwanted items, and on a random Saturday, all of the junk is offered to
tion is to raise bulls suited for the commercial cattlemen in Indiana and surrounding states. Those cattlemen are looking for better than average calving ease, good docility, adequate growth and at times, good carcass traits,” he explains. “We want our cows to be a little more moderate but still be able to wean a calf weighing onehalf of their body weight.”
He continues, “I think one thing that makes our operation unique is our continued focus on capturing as many data points as possible to move our herd forward. Another thing I think makes us unique is our focus on breeding to bulls whose expected progeny differences are more moderate for mature size. We
People go to these because they’ve heard about “barn find” – Ferraris worth $2 million and Snap On toolboxes filled with $100 wrenches.
Mostly what a person will find are certified preused bolts and rusty nails –lots and lots of rusty nails, because no one has pounded
don’t like to chase the super high growth cattle and make our cow herd one that will eat away at our customers’ margins.”
Marketing performance-tested bulls
Years of focus on capturing these important data points and chasing the best genetics have made Stewart Select Angus incredibly successful in sire testing programs across the nation.
In fact, Andrew notes Stewart Select Angus bulls have found success through the Indiana Beef Evaluation Program and the Midland Bull Test.
He explains he started selling bulls through Midland in 2011 and was drawn to the program because it is one of the premier tests in the U.S.
“We wanted to expand our marketing footprint and see how our bulls stacked
a nail since pneumatic nailguns were invented.
They’ll also find pallets of one-gallon paint cans onefourth full of mustard yellow or pea-soup-colored paint.
Here’s some good advice: never buy a rattle can of paint at a barn sale, and always plug in those old Craftsman drills to see if they work.
up against the best competition in the country,” he says.
This year, Stewart Select Angus consigned 14 bulls at Midland Bull Test, and they had no problem stacking up against their competition. In fact, four bulls consigned by Andrew gained four or more pounds per day, and one of his bulls, lot 56, made the top 10 leaders board for Group 1 Class 2 Midland Bull Test (MBT) Index, with an MBT of 112.
“I try to make sure I send sire groups for those bulls to be evaluated together and to also make sure I’m sending bulls from some of my top cows,” Andrew explains. “Having some of the top average daily gain bulls at Midland every year makes me proud of my breeding decisions.”
Additionally, Andrew
Estate sale
These are far-and-away the best junk for the money, but be advised, there’s an entire subset of dealers who scan Craigslist for these sales, get up at 2:30 a.m. to be first in line and then buy up all the good stuff to sell in their booth at an antique mall.
Also, because the words
notes one of his proudest accomplishments is the performance he has seen from one, if not the best bull ever raised at Stewart Select Angus, S S Niagara Z29.
“Niagara won the getof-sire for four consecutive winter tests,” he says. “These bulls were out of my cows the first two years and out of other herds for the other two years.”
Andrew’s bulls, lots 55 through 68, will sell at the Midland Bull Test in Columbus, Mont. on April 7. More information on the Midland Bull Test can be found at midlandbulltest. com, and more information on Stewart Select Angus can be found at stewartselectangus.com
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
“estate sale” attract buyers like bars do drunks, often a person will see garage or yard sales advertised as estate sales. But remember, to be a true estate sale someone had to die.
Estate sales are unbeatable for acquiring junk to sell at one’s own estate sale when they croak.
the general public.
Except, if there’s anything good, some church member will grab it long before the general public ever sees it. I know one atheist antique dealer who joined the Methodist church just to get first crack at their rummage.
This is why the only things left are year-old calendars, clothes with broken zippers, ancient computers and printers, jigsaw puzzles with pieces missing, Danielle Steele and John Grisham paperbacks, Time-Life books and Pyrex nesting bowl sets that are missing the blue bowl – why is it always the small, blue bowl?
Yard sale
These are nothing more than a drive-by garage sale where people can look at the junk while creeping by in their cars at five miles per hour. The problem is the driver often forgets they’re driving.
These sales are good if a person needs a mangled Chevy pickup bumper from 1970, particle board furniture or an old couch missing a cushion or two. They’re also good for avoiding sales tax because no one charges it.
One time, I really scored when I bought a 100-piece ball cap collection. Since most of the caps were the kind with webbing, which I hate, I used them as oil strainers and threw them away when they got clogged.
I also bought what I think is the largest ballpoint pen collection in the world, featuring pens advertising constipation drugs that I think belonged to a gastroenterologist.
Barn sale
These should really be called “rust sales” because everything is covered in it.
Calving season is here in Montana. My family has calved out around 100 cows in the past few weeks, and it’s been a wild ride. However, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I don’t want to bore readers with the same things they hear over and over again from ranchers about calving.
This time, I want to talk about something I haven’t ever really noticed for the last 25 years of my life – something I have only started to notice in 2023 – which is just how similar the pregnancy, labor and postpartum is in cattle and in humans.
In recent years, many of my friends have given birth to
children. Although I, in addition to some of my friends, would make an off-handed joke comparing these new mothers to heavy heifers here and there, the correlation didn’t sink in until Jan. 12.
On Jan. 12, I hopped off a plane at Dallas Love Field and sat in the backseat of my grandparent’s SUV for two and a half hours, while I was headed home to Rosalie, Texas. This trip was significant for two reasons – the first being I planned to attend the first-ever bull sale put on by my dad, John Purviance.
My dad has managed Woodland Ag, a Red Angus operation near the Red River in northeast Texas, since I’ve
been in high school. And, after many long years, with the help of many others, he held the inaugural bull sale at Woodland Ag. My main reason for coming home was to help my dad out where I was needed.
The second reason is because I had been holding in a secret for over two weeks, and I needed to get it off of my chest – I am pregnant.
On the night of Jan. 12, I told my parents, siblings and other members of my family Lane and I would be expanding our family this coming September. To say my family was excited is, well, a bit of an understatement.
What I thought was hilarious, however, was my dad’s reaction. Of course, he gave me a big hug and wiped a few tears from his eyes, but as I showed them the very early ultrasound I had taken two weeks prior, he chuckled.
My mom gave him a look and asked, “Why are you laughing?”
Dad said, “I probably shouldn’t even say this, but it’s just funny. Last week, we took
some of the short-bred heifers in to be preg-checked before the sale, and the ultrasound looked pretty much exactly like that.”
I laughed, and then the bred-heifer jokes began. Now, keep in mind, I’m a pretty good sport about all of this. I make the jokes as well. I won’t get offended until someone starts calling me a dry cow later on down the road.
Once this connection was made, it was hard for me not to make it every time we talked about the upcoming calving season. And, now that we’re in the middle of it, I make the comparison every day.
I see these heifers who know something is going on, biologically speaking, but have no knowledge of what’s truly about to happen to them – just like me. I know there’s a baby, I can’t wait to meet the baby, but the birth of it all?
I can talk to as many experienced mothers as I want. I can develop a plan with my doctor. I can even watch a birthing video if I feel like having nightmares for the next
week of my life, but at the end of it all, I have no idea what’s going to happen in the delivery room, and I won’t know until it happens.
I see these heifers get up and move around with their water bag out. They stand up and lay down over and over again, and although I know if they’d just lay down they could have their calf no problem, they’re just doing what makes them comfortable.
I roll my eyes and cuss under my breath when a heifer acts a little ringy as we try to move her into our barn so she can give birth under shelter and not out in the snow, but I can’t really blame her. She’s clueless! She doesn’t know where she’s going.
And, don’t even get me started on how they act when we’re trying to get them in the head catch to pull a backwards calf.
I laughed and told Lane the other day, “If you wanted to pull a baby out of me with some chains, I’d probably throw a fit too.”
The thing that really hits
10th
home with me, however, is seeing how these new mamas react after their calf is born.
Some of them take to their calf and guard them like they’re the holy grail, some of them won’t even look at their calf and seem as if they don’t know they’ve just given birth and some of them kick their calf off every time they go to nurse.
Again, we shake our heads and complain when a heifer doesn’t act perfectly around her calf, but c’mon, these girls are hormonal and clueless!
I guess what it all boils down to is this: in my pregnant, over-analyzing mind and hormonal heart strings, I have developed some sympathy for those bred heifers and new mamas.
People can call me soft, and I’ll agree. But, I think it just makes me a little more patient in the calving barn than I was last year. After all, this September will be my first time “fall calving,” and for Lane’s sake, everyone better hope I don’t turn into a crazy heifer.