Shively Co.

Rodeo scheduled

The Western Legacy Foundation and Naja Shrine of Deadwood, S.D. are excited to partner for the third consecutive year of Back When They Bucked, an elite event and annual fundraiser in the unique, rustic, Old West setting of the Days of 76 Event Complex.

The full day of action will kick off May 28 with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) Ladies Breakaway event. The ladies will be competing for a spot in the short round which will be held during the Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association (PRCA) Xtreme Saddle Bronc Riding event held in the afternoon.

This PRCA-sanctioned event features 30 cowboys who compete in the long go-round with the eight highest scores advancing to the short-round. Short-round cowboys will be vying for the title and prize money.

Winnings at this event will count towards earnings to advance to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit backwhentheybucked.org

Crop prices reported

With rains forecast on May 10 across the Plains, the corn market remains confident in 2023 acreage following the latest Crop Progress Report, which reflected rapid planting paces across the Heartland over the past week, according to Farm Futures

Through May 7, 49 percent of anticipated 2023 corn acres had been planted, higher than what the market had been expecting and significantly faster than the five-year average.

As a result, corn prices fell four to six cents per bushel on May 10. Worries about Chinese demand and fresh inflation data also threatened any hope for gains in the corn complex.

Rapid planting paces and a slowdown in Chinese soybean imports continued to weigh on futures markets, sending Chicago soybean futures five to 11 cents per bushel lower during the overnight trading session. The nearby July 2023 contract dipped to $14.03 per bushel.

China’s April 2023 soybean import volumes dipped 10 percent below year-ago levels in fresh data released on May 9. More broadly, Chinese exports slowed during the month of April, which is raising more broad macroeconomic concerns about slowing global trade and a potential economic recession.

Rains in the Plains pushed wheat futures six to 16 cents per bushel lower on May 10.

Public meeting scheduled

The South End Water Users Improvement and Service District in Cowley will hold a public meeting at 7 p.m. on May 22 in the South End Water Users Improvement and Service District Office located at 433 S. 3rd St. E., Cowley.

The purpose of the meeting is to allow citizens to review and comment on the design of the Lane Nine Waterline Extension Project, which will extend an eight-inch PVC domestic water line along Lane Nine in Big Horn County from the intersection of Lane Nine and Road Seven, approximately six miles to the west.

After extending six miles to the west, the line would turn north, continue 1.1 miles and tie into the town of Cowley’s west end water line. This new line would provide service to a rural area of Big Horn County which currently has to haul water for domestic use. This project is for the pre-construction phase only.

Based on current cost estimates, the South End Water Users Improvement and Service District intends to borrow $167,000 from the Wyoming Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund, administered by the Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments. South End Water Users Improvement and Service District’s existing monthly revenue will repay the loan.

The South End Water Users Improvement and Service District intends to apply for 75 percent principal forgiveness. Loan terms will be 2.5 percent interest rate and the term of the loan will be 20 years. In the event principal forgiveness is not available, the district will withdraw the application.

For more information, visit deq.wyoming.gov

Seeding training offered

The Wyoming Department of Environmental/Abandoned Mine Land Division (AML) is hosting a Seeding Specialist Certification and Training at the American Society of Reclamation Sciences (ASRS) annual meeting in Boise, Idaho June 4-7.

The training will focus on planning, designing, construction management techniques and tools to increase vegetation establishment of a diverse native plant community. Participants will learn to develop diverse seed mixes, the nuances of ordering seeding material, equipment performance standards, proper calibration and operation techniques associated with seeding equipment.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Wyoming reclamation and restoration professionals to gain practical knowledge and learn proven practices associated with establishing native plant communities from seed,” says Josh Oakleaf, AML project manager and vegetation coordinator for Wyoming’s Department of Environmental Quality. “Restoring native plant communities can be crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.”

For more information to register, visit asra.us/2023conference/