May 30, 2020 by Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Volume 32 Number 5 • May 30, 2020

The Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community • www.wylr.net

A Look Inside Public Lands Council reminds producers there are still threats beyond COVID-19......... Page 2 Lynn Harlan explains the importance of seeing the best in every day................... Page 4 Lamb production can be calculated in a variety of different ways............................ Page 11 Windy Kelley discusses weather forecasts for the State of Wyoming................. Page 12

Quick Bits Corn Prices

Vaccination programs are critical in beef herds

“The basics of a vaccination program in cattle is similar to that in humans. We are trying to prevent diseases that are preventable to allow animals to produce the best quality product they can,” states veterinarian Dr. Ben Abbey of the Beaverhead Vet Clinic in

Dillon, Mont. Abbey, alongside Veterinarian Dr. Dan Goehl of the Canton Vet Clinic in Canton, Mo. sat down with Senior Editor of BEEF Magazine Burt Rutherford during BEEF’s Science Talks Webinar Series, sponsored by Merck Animal

Health, to discuss cattle vaccination considerations and practices. Types and categories First, Abbey points out there are two different types of vaccines used in cattle operations – modified live vaccines (MLV) and killed

vaccines (KV). According to Merck, MLV contains a small quantity of virus or bacteria, which has been altered so it is no longer capable of causing clinical disease, but is still capable of infecting and multiplying in

Please see BEEF on page 4

PANDEMICS AND HORSES C O V ID -1 9 h a lt s t h e h o r s e s h o w w o r ld As with seemingly every other industry across the world, horse shows have been brought to a screeching halt as a result of sanctions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), which boasts the largest breed registry in the world and is the most popular breed in the U.S., has been forced to cancel a number of major events. AQHA Director of Communications Sarah Davisson notes, “AQHA is continuing to monitor the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential effects on upcoming events and AQHA business.” She continues, “Our priority is the health and welfare of our members, staff and American Quarter Horses worldwide. We will continue to share updates at AQHA.com as

Cash corn prices firmed across the Corn Belt as end users attempted to incentivize farmers to bring bushels to market despite low-cash offerings. Basis improved on the Mississippi River as originators sought volumes for the U.S. Gulf export market. Basis surged 15 cents per bushel higher to trade 15 cents above July futures at a Chicago-area processor.

COVID-19

Please see AQHA on page 5

Gov. Mark Gordon has announced updated public health orders effective June 1 will ease restrictions on public gatherings, allowing outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people. The updated orders allow for outdoor events to occur with social distancing and increased sanitization measures in place. Sporting events, rodeos and other events will be permitted to have up to 250 spectators in attendance, in addition to the event participants.

Cash Soy

Cash soybean prices were mostly steady across the Midwest. The lone exception was a three cent per bushel uptick to three cents below July futures prices on the Mississippi River at Davenport, Iowa as merchandisers tried to coax farmers into booking new sales to supply export demand. However, low futures prices continue to deter farmers from contracting new spot sales as most are current on planting expenses and are willing to wait for a seasonal rally.

Stock Market U.S. stocks wobbled on the sentiment as Dow futures rose a mere 174 points or 0.68% to 25,708 points. Continued tensions between the U.S. and China over China’s enforcement of national security laws in Hong Kong made investors wary of gains in a recent trading session. Energy stocks dropped on eroding U.S. and Chinese relations. Diesel prices led the way, down $0.0173 per gallon to $0.9548. U.S. crude oil futures traded 11 cents per barrel lower to $32.70.

Horse shows – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many horsemen are losing the opportunity to show at nearly every level. Shane Rux Photography

C h e c k o u t th e 2 0 2 0 R o c k y M o u n ta in H o rse E d itio n in sid e th is w e e k ’s R o u n d u p .

Beef management KSU discusses factors to consider when targeting ideal cow size Genetics, feed resources and calf marketing windows are just a few of the factors determining the optimum size of cows in an operation, according to the Kansas State University (KSU) Beef Cattle Institute’s (BCI) team of experts. During BCI’s May 8 Cattle Chat podcast, KSU Extension Beef Specialist Dr. Bob Weaber, KSU Veterinarians Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White, KSU Graduate Student Dustin Ahearn and KSU Range Beef Cattle Nutrition and Management Specialist Dr. KC Olson discussed optimum cow size. What is ideal cow size? When it comes to the question of ideal cow size, Weaber says, “This is a really difficult question to answer, because for each operation, optimum cow size will be slightly different.” However, in an attempt to answer the question, Weaber worked with Larson and Ahearn to study ideal cow size. “Our results showed in eastern Kansas, a 1,300 to 1,400 pound cow was optimum in that she was able to produce a moderate to high level of milk in an environPlease see SIZE on page 4

Assistance available Agricultural producers can now apply for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which provides direct payments to offset impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. The application and a payment calculator are now available online, and USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff members are available via phone, fax and online tools to help producers complete applications. The agency set up a call center in order to simplify how they serve new customers across the nation. “We know Wyoming producers are facing a tough time now, and we are making every effort to provide much needed support as quickly as possible,” said Lois Van Mark, state executive director for FSA in Wyoming. “FSA is available over the phone and virtually to walk individuals through the application process, whether it’s the first time they’ve worked with FSA, or if they know us quite well.” Applications will be accepted through Aug. 28. Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion for vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities. Producers can download the CFAP application and other eligibility forms from farmers.gov/cfap. Also, on the webpage, producers can find a payment calculator to help identify sales and inventory records needed to apply and calculate potential payments.

Monnens practices equine alignment At just 14 years old, Kaycee Monnens was sent to a weeklong school, hosted by Randy Hapney Equine Sports Massage in Harold, S.D., to learn the ins and outs of adjusting and aligning horses. Though the intention was to bring these skills back home to the ranch for the family’s personal horses, Monnens has grown both her skillset and her business over the years and continues to serve the equine community. “It’s all about just getting hands-on and understanding how a horse’s muscles work,” Monnens says. “Randy Hapney focuses a lot on muscle work and deep tissue massage.” Monnens notes they moved from South

Dakota to Hulett seven years ago. It was then she was able to work with Bill Hackett and learn more about skeletal alignment and related issues. “He taught me so much,” she says. “I learned how to watch a horse move and figure out what’s wrong based on the movement and address the problem at the root.” She continues, “I have been able to blend the styles of my two mentors and forge my own routine. A lot of people either focus on muscle or skeletal work and not a lot of people do both.” Customer base Monnens notes she has a range of cus-

periodical

Please see HORSES on page 5

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 5 • May 30, 2020

From All Sides I dislike writing about the COVID19 pandemic. First of all, there are not many positives that come with it. Many people have, or know someone who has, contracted the virus. Countless Americans have also suffered from the indirect impacts of the From the pandemic. Publisher It is ruling this country now, and Dennis Sun we’re all tired of hearing about it. But, if you have known someone who has had it or lived to tell about it, you would know it needs to be taken very seriously in an urban setting. As one person who had recovered from it said, “I had to get better to die.” If you live and work in a town or city, precautions are everywhere, and if you live and work in a rural setting or in the country, life goes on as usual. I would be willing to bet with all the country brandings that have taken place in the last six weeks, it has not resulted in one person getting sick with the virus. Life goes on as it should. If you are involved in agriculture, it seems we’re getting hit from all sides. The weather is not discussed as much as it used to be. There are just not a lot of positives in agriculture right now, with the exception of living in rural areas. Reading a business and financial news story lately, I was dismayed and surprised when they listed the names of the “fake” meat companies on the stock exchange and how much their stock has risen since the COVID-19 pandemic started in March. Throughout the pandemic, dairy farmers across the country have been forced to dump their milk and pig farmers forced to euthanize hogs due to blips in the supply chain. Impossible Foods, known for its meatless burger, has expanded its product availability in more than 2,700 grocery stores over the past six weeks. Rachel Konrad, a spokeswoman for Impossible Foods said, “You can definitely assume that sales are doing really well. Grocery store sales have gone up astronomically, citing unprecedented demand for the company’s products during the pandemic.” Sales have tripled for All Y’alls Foods, which produces meatless jerky, according to the Texas-based company’s founder and CEO. Veestro, an online business that sells meals like red curry and a plant-based country-fried chicken, also saw higher than expected sales. Milkadamia CEO Jim Richards has seen a surge in demand for the company’s macadamia nut milk products, available in about 13,000 stores in the U.S. One of the mis-truths these companies have been saying, is their products are healthier for us and they don’t have the environmental impacts farm-raised meat and milk do. People in ag know those are false statements, but those in the cities literally “eat it up.” When your company’s name is No Evil Foods, some really believe it. One of the biggest positives to come out of this pandemic for Wyoming is the First Lady Jennie Gordon’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative Food from the Farm + Ranch Program. It is Wyoming donating beef for the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies. Wyoming Stock Growers, Wyoming Department of Agriculture and others are supporting and recruiting to support this movement. We applaud them and those who have donated money, as well as the livestock producers who have donated the animals. We thank First Lady Gordon for all she has done with this effort for hunger. As they say, the fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.

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GUEST OPINIONS Behind COVID-19, Old Threats Linger By Kaitlynn Glover, Public Lands Council Public lands ranching is a bit like three-dimensional chess with a board that rotates after every move. You navigate markets, weather and consumer preference, while dealing with the added – and often unexpected – challenges that come with operating on public lands. When COVID-19 swept through the United States this spring, it was as though a brisk Casper breeze blew all the pieces off the chess board. Without exception, COVID-19 caused all of us to rethink many aspects of our lives. For a time, these adjustments were all-consuming, and rightfully so. Among others, COVID19 caused the livestock industry to confront unprecedented challenges in our supply chain. While we were busy reassuring the American consumer, they would continue to have high-quality, safe American beef and lamb during COVID-19 and beyond, activist groups worked against us at every turn. Never one to waste a crisis, these groups ramped up their rhetoric to abolish “factory farms,” accused the industry of inhumane slaughter practices and pushed to end meat consumption altogether. In these groups’ eyes, the temporary plant closures were reason to celebrate. These organizations have exploited talks of euthanasia and depopulation to spark

fear and pity in American consumers, paying no attention to facts. We are here to remind them facts do matter. We are here to tell the American producer beef and lamb producers have durable production models that allow us to avoid the discussions of depopulation that faced pork and poultry producers. We are here to remind consumers beef and lamb are healthy and delicious meals for their families, who are likely looking for new recipes this far into restaurant closures. We are here to tell them public lands ranchers provide an incredible service to federal agencies – and to the American public – by investing in the lands and waters these agencies manage. As the executive director of the Public Lands Council, it is my job to be especially attuned to the challenges facing western cattle and sheep producers. These challenges seem to grow in number and in creativity by the day, but there are some repeat issues that unfortunately come back around. Just this last month, Western Watersheds Project, Alliance for the Wild Rockies and Yellowstone to Uintas Connection asked a court to prevent population management of grizzly bears involved in depredation of livestock in the Upper Green. Our state isn’t alone.

Activist groups have vilified predator management from New Mexico to Washington, and everywhere in between. Producers in California, Oregon and other states continue to face a litany of direct attacks by groups whose ultimate goal is to permanently remove livestock from public lands. These groups continue to be a significant threat to our way of life, and these groups continue to look for new ways to make their argument stick. In Congress, we face different kinds of challenges altogether. In the aftermath of passing four different COVID-19 assistance packages, Congress is poised to continue its spending spree. Unfortunately, discussion of mandatory funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund – to the tune of $900 million per year – has reached a head as the Senate takes up the Great American Outdoors Act. I don’t have to tell you why spending hundreds of millions of dollars every year to buy new federal land is terrifying and fundamentally irresponsible – especially at a time like this. It’s not all bad news, though. While there will always be wolves at the door – sometimes literally – ranchers have a lot to celebrate. This administration has made great progress in revising the Endangered Species Act and

the National Environmental Policy Act, and replaced the onerous “Waters of the United States” rule. For the first time in more than 20 years, we have a real chance to make BLM grazing regulations better for current and future permittees. COVID-19 has had some positive side-effects, too. For the first time in decades, maybe generations, Americans have actively thought about their food supply and are asking questions. People are cooking at home, connecting with their families and reading books. As the world took a collective pause, we have had the opportunity to demonstrate cattle and sheep are part of an environmentally sustainable food system. Ranchers will continue to meet every challenge – from predators to pandemics. It is important now, more than ever, we remain focused and engaged because those who wish ill to our industries will not rest. When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, remember you are essential and your work provides for our national security. Like so many Americans, I am thankful for all you do. Someday, I hope one of you teaches me how to play chess. Kaitlynn Glover is the executive director of the Public Lands Council. For more information, visit publiclandscouncil.org.

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 5 • May 30, 2020

NEWS BRIEFS Investments announced U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand announced the department is investing $281 million in 106 projects to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural communities in 36 states and Puerto Rico, including Wyoming. USDA is funding the projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. “These investments will bring modern, reliable water and wastewater infrastructure to rural communities. They will replace deteriorating, leaking water pipes with new ones and upgrade water handling systems that are decades old. These investments create jobs and improve public health and safety for our rural neighbors,” Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to partnering with rural communities to help them improve their infrastructure, because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.” USDA is funding projects in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Eligible applicants include rural cities, towns and water districts. The funds can be used for drinking water, storm water drainage and waste disposal systems in rural communities that meet population limits.

NCBA discusses trade “National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) agrees the industry should have a conversation about imports and where the U.S. is sourcing beef, but it’s important the conversation be rooted in facts, not back of the envelope estimates using data from nearly a decade prior,” according to an NCBA press release. In response to a May 22 press release on trade levels, NCBA suggests it’s important any reasonable discussion on trade include the most recent information available. “Global beef trade is dynamic and trade levels rise and fall based on factors such as changes in currency valuation, areas of drought or moisture, global consumer demand and many other variables,” said NCBA. NCBA noted current USDA data projects U.S. beef import numbers for 2020 at 1.334 million metric tons, while domestic consumption is estimated at 12.389 million metric tons, amounting to imports totaling 11 percent of U.S. beef consumption during 2020. In 2019, the most current full-year data available shows imports of 1.387 million metric tons, versus consumption of 12.407 million metric tons, with U.S. imports again totaling 11 percent of total consumption.

Comments sought

Loans available

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced recently the department is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, agricultural producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans may receive funding under USDA Business and Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program provisions included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. “Under the leadership of President Trump, USDA is committed to being a strong partner to rural businesses and agricultural producers and being a strong supporter of all aspects of the rural economy,” Perdue said. “Ensuring more rural agricultural producers are able to gain access to muchneeded capital in these unprecedented times is a cornerstone of that commitment.” In addition to expanding eligibility to certain agricultural producers, the changes. Perdue announced state B&I CARES Act Program loans must be used as working capital to prevent, prepare for or respond to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The loans may be used only to support rural businesses, including agricultural producers, that were in operation on Feb. 15, 2020.

Rodeos canceled

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and representatives from the state’s largest rodeos announced six of Wyoming’s large rodeos and events will not take place in 2020. This decision factored in economics, health concerns and logistics. The cancelation decision was made collectively and includes the Thermopolis Cowboy Rendezvous PRCA Rodeo in late June as well the Cody Stampede, Central Wyoming Fair and PRCA Rodeo in Casper, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo and Breakaway Roping, Laramie Jubilee Days and Cheyenne Frontier Days, all scheduled for July. “This hurts. I grew up with rodeo and it is part of Wyoming’s fabric and our culture,” Gov. Gordon said. “All the rodeos impacted today are fabulous events. It is with a heavy heart, and only after many long discussions with these fine folks on ways we could make large-venue rodeos work, did we realize it just wasn’t going to be possible this year.” The governor and his staff met with rodeo committee members from Cody, Sheridan, Thermopolis, Laramie, Casper and Cheyenne over the past several weeks to consider potential social distancing measures, entrance and exit plans and other possibilities to ensure safely staging rodeos, parades, carnivals and concerts. “The health and safety of our fans, volunteers, contestants and first responders is our primary concern,” the governor emphasized. “I know what this means for rodeo, for our communities and to Wyoming’s summer. The financial and emotional impacts are immense. But it’s the right thing to do.”

*Offers valid 5/29/2020 through 6/12/20. Stotz Equipment has the right to end or modify any promotion at any time. Other restrictions may apply, see dealer for details.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is seeking public comments and input on the Shirley Mountain elk herd objective. A herd objective is the goal toward which the department manages a big game population. Herd objectives are established through a public review and input process and are set at biologically sustainable and socially acceptable levels. WGFD reviews and updates management objectives every five years based on landowner and hunter input, habitat and climate data and herd unit population dynamics. The Shirley Mountain elk herd unit consists of elk hunt area 16, encompassing 4,548 square kilometers consisting of 55 percent federal lands, 35 percent private ownership and 10 percent state lands. The herd unit includes the Shirley, Chalk, Bennett (Seminoe), Freezeout and Pedro Mountains. The current mid-winter trend count objective of 800 elk was adopted in 2015. Prior to 2015, biologists primarily classified elk in this herd unit from the ground and only sporadically conducted aerial classification surveys. Elk can be difficult to locate and accurately survey from the ground in this herd unit due to inaccessibility caused by winter conditions and topography. As a result, ground classification surveys often produced less than adequate sample sizes that may have been a source of bias in the population estimates. Since the 2015 objective change, helicopters have been used annually to conduct the elk trend count surveys. This has resulted in more consistent sampling for trend, sex and age data. A midwinter survey in January of 2020 resulted in 1,727 elk counted in the herd unit. During this survey, 11 polygons covering open winter range habitat were systematically and thoroughly flown.

Labor stats released

According to USDA, there were 688,000 workers hired directly by farm operators on the nation’s farms and ranches during the week of April 12-18, 2020, up nine percent from the April 2019 reference week. Farm operators paid their hired workers an average wage of $15.07 per hour during the April 2020 reference week, up two percent from the April 2019 reference week. Field workers received an average of $14.19 per hour, up three percent. Livestock workers earned $14.10 per hour, up four percent. The field and livestock worker combined wage rate, at $14.16 per hour, was up three percent from the 2019 reference week. Hired laborers worked an average of 40.3 hours during the April 2020 reference week, down one percent from the hours worked during the April 2019 reference week. Farm operators paid their hired workers an average wage of $15.28 per hour during the January 2020 reference week, up two percent from the January 2019 reference week. Field workers received an average of $14.18 per hour, up three percent, while livestock workers earned $14.22 per hour, up three percent from a year earlier.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 5 • May 30, 2020

BEEF continued from page 1 the animal. On the other hand, Merck notes KV are killed microorganisms, organism components or organism byproducts. “My philosophy is just because we can, doesn’t mean we should,” says Abbey. “In fact, I am a big advocate for not using MLV in pregnant cows, so I typically advise producers to use a program with MLV in the beginning until they breed her for the first time, then to use KV exclusively.” Abbey also notes there are two categories of vaccines – those that protect individual animals and those that protect

herd health. “Some vaccines, such as eight-way or blackleg vaccines, protect individual animals by preventing the spread of transmission from animal to animal,” he explains. “Other vaccines, such as five-way vaccines, prevent the spread of transmission through nasal secretions and protect the entire herd.” Establishing a program When it comes to establishing a vaccination program in a cowherd, both Abbey and Goehl say they would begin by looking at disease pressure. “Of course, each operation is different, but I always

SIZE continued from page 1 ment where all of her nutritional requirements were met,” Weaber says. “The next phase of the study will be to see what happens if the cow’s nutritional support is limited.” Gauging economic success Olson notes one good way for a cow/calf producer to gauge economic success is to determine how much beef they can produce per acre. “The average return for an extra 100 pounds of cow

weight is just five to seven pounds of additional weight of the calf at weaning,” he says. “The cost of the additional maintenance for 100 pounds of a cow’s weight far exceeds the value the heavier calf brings,” he adds. Stocking density and calving timing White notes producers need to consider the stocking density of pastures and timing of calving, which

recommend my clients start out by looking at disease pressure in their area,” says Abbey. “One of the founding philosophies in our clinic for vaccine protocols is using an eight-way vaccine instead of a seven-way vaccine because we have a lot of flood-irrigated meadows, which is where cattle will pick up redwater.” After this, Abbey says they will take a look at disease pressure for bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR). “Then, I suggest analyzing sources of bulls and commingling to make recommendations on the reproductive side of a client’s vaccination program,” he says. Goehl chimes in to remind producers to think about what

expectations they have for the particular vaccines they decide to use when establishing a vaccination program. “We all want our vaccines to be successful, but success isn’t the same across all vaccinations,” he notes. “There are some vaccines we use and expect to see no disease at all, while we may expect others to simply decrease the incidence or the severity of the disease.” Factoring in breeding programs “Breeding programs definitely have an influence on how we set up a vaccination program,” Goehl states. “One of the ways the breeding program affects the vaccination program is the logistics.” He goes on to explain producers who utilize artifi-

cial insemination will have a much different vaccination program than those who turn bulls out to breed with natural service. “The value of pregnancy and risk versus reward has a huge influence on how we set up our vaccination programs,” Goehl says. Other considerations Although Goehl and Abbey both agree vaccination programs are important, they also note they are only a piece of the herd health management puzzle. A few other pieces of this puzzle include nutrition and parasite management. “Nutrition is obviously a huge part of herd health, and it also largely determines how well a vaccination program

will work,” Goehl explains. “We have to have a healthy animal to have a strong immune response.” Goehl also notes he believes parasite management is similar to nutrition. “Parasite management is critical for the overall health of the cow and relates to the vaccination program as well,” he says. Goehl continues, “A vaccination program is not a herd health program. It is just a piece of a total herd health program. Of course it is important, but we can’t have one without the other.” Hannah Bugas is the assistant editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

influences calf marketing windows. As an example, Olson points out he prefers to calve in May and June, because when his cows are at peak lactation, they have a plentiful source of forage for grazing. “The most expensive time to feed a cow is from calving to peak lactation, which happens four to six weeks following calving,” Olson says. “This nutritional debt can be serviced by a renewable resource – forage.” According to the team, timing of calving also dic-

tates the marketing opportunities for calves. Tips for determining ideal cow size The team of Kansas experts also offered a few other tips for determine optimum cow size. “Consider calf marketing options. Assess the availability of an economical and efficient supplemental feed. Know the resource requirements of cows. Eval-

uate when the calves will be weaned,” they suggest. They also note producers should understand their calving time relative to available grass in the region, determine the number of days available for grazing without supplementation and optimize per acre productivity. “The bottom line is each producer needs to look at their system and make a determination on what is the

most economical for them,” says White. He continues, “There is no one size fits all when deciding optimum cow size. Rather, producers need to consider many factors when making that determination for their operations.” Hannah Bugas is the assistant editor for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

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From the Kitchen Table By Lynn Harlan

Best Day I Ever Had A few years ago, my husband was feeling down. He’s not the depressive sort, and he decided then he would be the most positive person he could be. That started his usual daily salutation of “Best day I’ve ever had.” If you call him on the phone and ask how he’s doing, you’ll receive the answer, “It’s the best day I’ve ever had.” Few of us are having the best days right now. There are definitely bright spots – I’ll walk outside and the daffodils and tulips are blooming, and it’s a fine spring day. The grass is greening up, and I’m awaiting a lovely spring

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shower to come along. The baby calves and lambs are bouncing around while their moms are chasing green grass. Spring work goes on regardless of the state of affairs. And what a state it is. No matter which side you’re on, or who you’ve been listening to, we have a calamity. COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in our world. We have been fortunate most years in our lamb feeding business, it helps with a pickup purchase or other ranch necessities. Bob has always said it’ll work unless something like 9/11 comes along or some other world event. I remember President

George W. Bush coming out a few days after 9/11 and encouraging Americans to go out and buy something. How about a 300pound hog in South Dakota? You could probably get it for free if you drive over there. Some 80 cent lamb? We’ve got 400 processed lambs stashed in a freezer in Colorado, and felt lucky to have found freezer space. Got milk? Take your empty milk jugs, you can get them filled for free as they’re dumping milk everywhere. You can fill up with dollar gas on your way. Hamburger is doing well in the stores. A beautiful, big 900-pound steer is not. Sadly, agriculture is broken as most everything else right now. You can watch the daily parade of pundits on social media who have the answers, or the questions as to how this all happened. Nah, just go outside and enjoy the daffodils.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 5 • May 30, 2020

AQHA continued from page 1 the situation evolves.” Cancelations versus postponements Due to logistics of previously scheduled events, AQHA leadership decided to cancel certain shows to protect the health and safety of exhibitors, attendees, staff and the local communities hosting each event. “In regard to the cancelation of the Nutrena AQHA Level One Championships, AQHA received multiple requests from exhibitors to host the Nutrena Level One classes later in the year,”

Davisson explains. “After careful consideration and discussions with AQHA leadership and the host facilities, we are pleased to have the opportunity to add the Nutrena Level One classes to the respective AQHA world shows, which will be held pending local, state and federal government mandates due to the worldwide pandemic.” “Eligibility to compete at the 2021 Nutrena AQHA Level One Championships will be based on an exhibitor’s Level One and Rookie

HORSES continued from page 1 tomers from ranch horses to performance rodeo horses. “I have some customers who regularly get their horses worked on to prevent problems from ever arising, those are my favorite customers,” she laughs. “I have some customers who only call when they have a huge problem and their horse is crippled. It takes a lot more time to get them back in shape the further they get down that bad road.” “I work on a lot of rodeo and performance horses that experience a lot of wear and tear,” she says. While there isn’t one injury more common than another, Monnens notes horses of the same discipline will often face similar issues. “For example, heading

horses tend to have similar issues due to stressing similar parts of their body,” she explains. “Whereas a calf horse might be sore somewhere else.” “When I get started with a new horse, I ask the owner what they are feeling,” she explains. “When someone rides a horse regularly it’s easy to figure when something is wrong or feels different.” She continues, “A lot of people think they don’t know what, but they can generally feel a difference and pin-point if their horse is behaving strangely.” Head to tail “My business name is Head to Tail Alignment and I take that pretty literally,” Monnens says. “I always start with the head and work

Torrington Livestock Markets PO Box 1097 • Torrington, WY 82240 307.532.3333 Fax: 307.532.2040

eligibility as of Jan. 1, 2020,” she says. “Qualifying requirements for the 2021 AQHA World Championship Shows will be reviewed as the situation unfolds and announced at a later date.” Moving forward She continues, “We encourage members to spend as much time as possible with their American Quarter Horses, while adhering to local, state and federal government mandates.” “AQHA waived world show qualification for upcoming AQHA World Championship Shows, so this is the perfect time for riders to practice with their American Quarter Horse,

pending coronavirus guidelines in their community, and consider competing at one of our upcoming shows,” she says. In a letter to the professional horsemen of AQHA, AQHA Professional Horsemen’s Council Chairman Gene Spagnola encourages members to proceed with caution. “As much as we look forward to hitting the road, doing so in a responsible manner will be imperative,” says Spagnola. “AQHA and the AQHA Professional Horsemen’s Council are dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of horses and all participants,

as shows and events resume, pending local, state and federal coronavirus mandates.” “AQHA, along with representatives from the Professional Horsemen’s Council, Show Council, alliance partners and AQHA-approved show managers and secretaries, have been meeting to discuss what the ‘return to competition’ will look like,” Spagnola explains. He continues, “One of the key pieces, as we begin the task of navigating the ‘new normal,’ will be for each and every one of our members to understand and abide by all guidelines put in place by local, state and federal authorities.”

“The Professional Horsemen’s Council asks every AQHA Professional Horseman in attendance to help event coordinators and managers ensure all participants are following these guidelines,” Spagnola says. “As industry leaders, we must be part of the solution. Affiliates and show managers and secretaries will need our help. If guidelines are not followed, future equine events and even other types of sporting activities, will be in jeopardy.” Callie Hanson is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

my way back. I like to touch on everything.” She continues, “There is a lot that is tied into the first vertebrae in their neck, it controls movement of their face and neck. The third vertebrae has a lot to do with the pelvis and the lower vertebrae tend to be connected to the shoulders.” “I find it’s important to touch on every muscle,” she says. “I don’t like to spot treat because I may miss something. Sometimes I end up finding issues the horse isn’t indicating otherwise.” “I always start small at the front and release things such as the ears, nose or jaw,” Monnens explains. “Once those endorphins are released and the horse relaxed, I will start working out some of the bigger issues. I follow the pace of the horse, it can’t be rushed.” For more informa-

tion on Head to Tail Equine Alignment, visit @ headtotailequinealign-

ment on Facebook. Callie Hanson is the managing editor of the Wyo-

ming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Lex Madden 307-532-1580 Michael Schmitt 307-532-1776 Chuck Petersen 307-575-4015

www.torringtonlivestock.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 - PAIR & BRED SPECIAL/ALL CLASSES Rick Meyers 35 Blk Cow Pairs, SM, Tagged to Match, Calves at side: 100-175#, Home Raised SALE RESULTS - FRIDAY, MAY 22 - 1749 HD

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1 Black Cow 3 Black Cow 1 Black Cow 1 Black Cow 1 Black Cow 5 Black Cow 1 BWF Cow 3 BWF Cow 1 Red Cow 3 Red Cow 1 Black Bull 1 Red Bull 1 Black Heiferette 12 Black/Red Heiferette 2 BWF Heiferette 2 Red Heiferette 6 Red Heiferette 3 Red Heiferette 10 Black Steer 39 Black Steer 56 Black Steer 7 Mixed Steer All Natural 16 Black Heifer 7 Black Steer Calf 36 Black Heifer Calf 10 Black Heifer Calf 13 Black Heifer Calf 1 Black Bred Cow 3yr/June 6 Black Bred Cow SS/June 2 BWF Bred Cow SM/May 3 Red Bred Cow SM/June 3 Red Bred Heifer June 5 Black Pairs SM 3 Black Pairs Hfr 16 Black Pairs SS 18 Black Pairs ST 12 Black Pairs ST 12 Black Pairs ST 2 BWF Pairs Hfr 4 BWF Pairs SM 15 Red Pairs 2-3yrs 8 Red Pairs SM

1100 1193 1075 1250 1285 1006 1120 1588 1430 1240 2405 2390 1095 1308 872 945 1079 1181 792 887 911 1344 537 505 582 599 650 1305 1362 1435 1485 1180 1559 1551 1674 1502 1441 1483 1337 1408 1297 1598

93.00C 84.00C 77.00C 71.50C 68.50C 46.00C 76.50C 61.50C 68.50C 66.00C 96.00C 90.50C 105.00C 87.00C 106.00C 109.00C 97.00C 89.00C TORRINGTON 126.50C 122.00C LIVESTOCK AREA 117.25C REPS 88.00C 138.00C Cody Thompson - Lusk, WY 307-340-0150 170.00C 140.00C Ty Thompson – Lusk, WY 307-340-0770 132.50C 125.00C Zach Johnson Lingle, WY –307-575-2171 1210.00H 1000.00H Jeff Ward – Laramie, WY 307-399-9863 1225.00H 1125.00H Tam Staman – Crawford, NE 308-631-8513 1325.00H 1875.00H Artie Johnson Lusk, WY 307-216-0117 1725.00H 1600.00H Lander Nicodemus – Cheyenne, WY 307-421-8141 1300.00H 1250.00H Danny Nicodemus – Cheyenne, WY 307-632-4325 1200.00H 1550.00H Chris Williams Greybull, WY 307-272-4567 1475.00H 2100.00H Justin Smith - Lusk, WY 307-340-0724 2000.00H

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SALE POLICY DURING COVID-19 TORRINGTON LIVESTOCK MARKETS INTENDS ON HAVING WEEKLY SALES. AT THIS TIME WE ASK ALL NON-ESSENTIAL PEOPLE TO NOT ATTEND THE SALES. CONSIGNORS WE ASK THAT YOU MINIMIZE TIME SPENT AT THE BARN. OUR STAFF IS THERE TO UNLOAD YOUR CATTLE AND FROM THERE YOU CAN RETURN HOME. ONLY BUYERS WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE SALE ARENA. WE ENCOURAGE BUYERS TO SPREAD OUT IN THE SALE ARENA. AS ALWAYS SALES ARE AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE VIEWING AND BIDDING THROUGH CATTLE USA. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH SETTING UP AN ACCOUNT ON CATTLE USA PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE AT 307-532-3333 OR CALL MICHAEL AT 307-532-1776.

www.torringtonlivestock.com Lex Madden 307-532-1580 Michael Schmitt 307-532-1776 Chuck Petersen 307-575-4015

Head to tail – Equine Alignment specialist Kaycee Monnens always begins with the horse's head and works back. Courtesy photo

CattleC Country C Video www.cattlecountryvideo.com

2020 Sale Schedule High Plains Showcase

July 1st, 2020

Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center - Cheyenne, WY

Deadline: June 12th

Oregon Trail Classic

August 4th & 5th, 2020 Gering Civic Center - Gering, NE

Deadline: July 17th

Sandhills Roundup

September 17th

Goshen Co Rendezvous Center - Torrington, WY

Deadline: August 28th

Contact a Rep in your area to Consign your Cattle Cattle Country Video • Torrington, WY www.cattlecountryvideo.com

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 5 • May 30, 2020

CALENDAR

July 1 July 13-15

Submit your events to: Editor, Wyoming Livestock Roundup, P.O. Box 850, Casper, WY, 82602, or e-mail to roundup@wylr.net.

Aug. 4-5

EVENTS June 8 June 11 CANCELED June 19-21 June 28-July 5 CANCELED CANCELED July 9-20 July 17-26 July 21-25 July 22-25 July 21-Aug. 1 July 23-Aug. 1 July 24-July 31 July 24-Aug. 1 July 24-Aug. 1 July 24-Aug. 2 July 24-Aug. 2 July 25-Aug. 1 July 25-Aug. 1 July 25-Aug. 2

Aug. 17-18

Wyoming Beef Council Meeting, Casper, Holiday Inn East. Contact Ann Wittmann at ann.wittmann@wyo.gov. Natrona County Predator Management District Meeting, Teleconference. To dial in, call 605-313-6272 and use access code 553517. College National Finals Rodeo, Casper, Casper Events Center. Visit cnfr.com for more information. Permaculture Design Workshop, Lander, Central Wyoming CollegeLander. For more information or questions, please contact CWC Lander at 307-332-3394 or landercenter@cwc.edu. Silver State International Rodeo, Winnemucca, Nev., Winnemucca Events Complex. For more information, visit ssir.us. Central Wyoming Fair, Casper, Central Wyoming Fairgrounds. Visit centralwyomingfair.com for more information. Laramie Jubilee Days, Laramie. For more information, visit laramiejubileedays.org. Converse County Fair, Douglas, Wyoming State Fairgrounds. Visit conversecountyfair.com for more information. Teton County Fair, Jackson, Teton County Fairgrounds. Visit tetoncountyfair.com for more information. Park County Fair, Powell, Park County Fairgrounds. Visit parkcountyfair. com for more information. Sublette County Fair, Big Piney, Sublette County Fairgrounds. Visit sublettecountyfair.com for more information. Albany County Fair, Laramie, Albany County Fairgrounds. Visit albanycountyfair.org for more information. Uinta County Fair, Evanston, Uinta County Fairgrounds. Visit uintacountyfair.org for more information. Weston County Fair, Newcastle, Weston County Fairgrounds. Visit westoncountyfair.com for more information. Niobrara County Fair, Lusk, Niobrara County Fairgrounds. Visit niobraracounty.org for more information. SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Platte County Fair, Wheatland, Platte County Fairgrounds. Visit plattecountyfair.org for more information. Campbell County Fair, Gillette, Cam-Plex Event Center. Visit ccgov.net for more information. Johnson County Fair, Buffalo, Johnson County Fairgrounds. Visit johnsoncountyfairgrounds.com for more information. Fremont County Fair, Riverton, Fremont County Fairgrounds. Visit fremontcountyfair.org for more information. Washakie County Fair, Worland, Washakie County Fairgrounds. Call 307-347-8989 for more information. Crook County Fair, Sundance, Crook County Fairgrounds. Visit crookcofair.com for more information.

SALES June 4 June 15-21 June 25-26

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May 28, 2020 – 107 Head Bull Steady • Cows $2 to $3 Higher BULLS King Revocable Trust - Ten Sleep 1 XBred Bull, 1750# .............................$10500 1 Red Bull, 1840# ..................................$9700 1 Blk Bull, 1290# ....................................$8400 Double H Ranch - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Bull, 2025# ....................................$9600 1 Blk Bull, 2255# ....................................$8200 Crowfoot Ranch Inc. - Worland 1 CharX Bull, 1795# ..............................$9350 1 CharX Bull, 2065# ..............................$9000 Hubbard, Carla - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Bull, 2115# ....................................$9100 1 Blk Bull, 1720# ....................................$9700 Holland, Pamela - Worland 1 Blk Bull, 1920# ....................................$8900 Carter Cattle Inc. - Ten Sleep 1 Blk Bull, 1525# ....................................$8000 COWS Reno, Mark - Basin 1 Blk Cow, 1730# ...................................$7400 1 Blk Cow, 1640# ...................................$6900 1 Blk Cow, 1705# ...................................$6100 1 Blk Cow, 1380# ...................................$6000 Thon, Kenneth - Basin 1 Blk Cow, 1640# ...................................$6950 Shirran Rev. Trust - Hyattville 1 Red Cow, 1310# .................................$6900 1 Red Cow, 1630# .................................$6800 1 Red Cow, 1540# .................................$6800 1 BWF Cow, 1370# ................................$6700 1 Red Cow,1400# ..................................$6500 1 Red Cow, 1275# .................................$6500 1 RWF Cow, 1515#................................$5800

July 20-22

Danny Vigil Northern Livestock Represenative Hoffman, Ron - Thermopolis 1 Blk Cow, 1000# ...................................$6850 Lazy T Ranch LLC - Ten Sleep 1 Red Cow, 1225# .................................$6800 1 Red Cow, 1485# .................................$6600 Mendez Brothers - Otto 1 Blk Cow, 1275# ...................................$6750 Emerson, James - Worland 1 Blk Cow, 1195# ...................................$6750 Goton, Michael - Shell 1 Blk Cow, 1460# ...................................$6700 Johnson & Schuebel Farms - Cody 1 Blk Cow, 1290# ...................................$6500 1 BWF Cow, 1345# ................................$6400 1 Blk Cow, 1425# ...................................$6400 Schuebel Land & Livestock - Cody 1 Blk Cow, 1415# ...................................$6400 Jackson, Tom - Worland 2 Blk Cows, avg. 1295# .........................$6400 1 Blk Cow, 1245# ...................................$6400 Durbin Creek Ranch - Thermopolis 1 RWF Cow, 1280#................................$6350 1 RWF Cow, 1490#................................$6250 1 Red Cow, 1225# .................................$5900 Hoffman, Ron - Thermopolis 1 Blk Cow, 1235# ...................................$6300 Apland, Rick - Worland 1 Blk Cow, 1275# ...................................$6050

Aug. 24-25 Aug. 28-29 Sept. 5 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 17 Sept. 18-19 Sept. 21 Dec. 1

Cattle Country Video High Plains Showcase, Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center, Cheyenne, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com Western Video Market, Nugget Casino Resort, Reno, Nev., 530-3473793, wvmcattle.com Northern Livestock Video Auction Summertime Classic, 866-6165035, northernlivestockvideo.com Cattle Country Video Oregon Trail Classic, Gering Civic Center, Gering, Neb., 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com Western Video Market, Little America, Cheyenne, 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com Northern Livestock Video Auction Early Fall Preview, 866-6165035, northernlivestockvideo.com 2020 League of Legends Invitational Horse Sale, Heart K Land & Cattle Company Arena, Livingston, Mont., 406-381-2347, turnerperformancehorses.com Proffit Ranch 19th Annual Labor Day Horse Sale, Diamond X Ranch, Evanston, 307-789-2474, proffitranch.com 92nd Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas, 307-265-5250, 307-351-1422, wyowool.com Western Video Market, Haythorn Ranch, Ogallala, Neb., 530-3473793, wvmcattle.com Cattle Country Video Sandhills Roundup, Goshen County Rendezvous Center, Torrington, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com 24th Annual Van Norman and Friends Production Sale, Elko County Fairgrounds, Elko, Nev., 775-756-6508, 775-934-7404, vannormansale.com Northern Livestock Video Auction Fall Premier, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com Western Video Market, Silver Legacy, Reno, Nev., 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

Traditional Memorial Day When you’re an oldtime traditionalist it’s tough to distinguish between a time-honored traditional holiday and the “government day off” created ones. That’s why I’m offering this Memorial Day salute on May 30th instead of the “fake” (sorry, I couldn’t help it) one May 25. On May 30, 1920, the “Sheridan Post” printed the following Memorial Day salute: If He Were Alive Today Would you pin a flower on his coat – the hallowed coat of your country’s defender? Would you smile into his love-lit eyes and wish him happiness? Then, since God in His infinite wisdom has called many of our beloved heroes to the Great Beyond, place flowers on their graves in kindly remembrance and sincere appreciation of the sacrifices they made. It is the least you can do for those who fought and died that you might be safe and happy. To the sacred memory of all American heroes, both living and

dead. The following is a history of Memorial Day as found on the internet. What’s the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day? On both Memorial Day and Veterans Day, it’s customary to spend time remembering and honoring the countless veterans who have served the United States throughout the country’s history. However, there is a distinction between the two holidays. Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. In other words, the purpose of Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We spend time remembering those who lost their lives and could not come home, reflecting on their service and why we have the luxury and freedom we enjoy today. We might consider how we can support and safeguard their grieving families and

• Upcoming Sales • June 11 – Pair Special with All Class Cattle June 20 – Saturday Horse Sale at 1 PM June 25 – Weigh up Special with All Class Cattle July 9 – Weigh up Special with All Class Cattle July 18 – Saturday Horse Sale at 1 PM July 23 – All Class Cattle, Sheep and Goats

Advertisement which appeared in the May 20, 1920, issue of The Rawlins Republican. From Wyoming Newspaper Project files. Historical Reproductions by Perue

loved ones who are left behind. Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL who served in wartime or peacetime - regardless of whether they died or survived. Veterans Day is always observed officially on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. Traditionally, on Memorial Day people visit cemeteries and memorials, and volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at cemeteries throughout the USA. The custom of honoring ancestors by cleaning cemeteries and decorating graves is an ancient and worldwide tradition, but the specific origin of Memorial Day - or Decoration Day, as it was first known - is unclear. In early rural America, this duty was usually performed in late summer and was an occasion for family reunions and picnics. After the Civil War, America’s need for a secular, patriotic ceremony to honor its military dead became prominent, as monuments to fallen soldiers were erected and dedicated, and ceremonies centering on the decoration of soldiers’ graves were held in towns and cities throughout the nation. After World War I, the day expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. No less than 25 places have been named in connection with the origin of Memorial Day, and states observed the holiday on different dates. In 1971, Memorial Day became a national holiday by an act of Congress; it is now celebrated annually on the last Monday in May. The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 5 • May 30, 2020

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 5 • May 30, 2020

EXTENSION EDUCATION

By Whit Stewart, PhD Assistant Professor, Extension Sheep Specialist

What is My Level of Production? Lambing and springtime in general is the time when the consequences of selection decisions are on full display. Maybe it was the bargain ram purchased three years back whose daughters are now lambing, or the decision to crossbreed last fall, which is resulting in a 10-percent boost in lamb survival due to heterosis. Whatever the scenario, the ability to accurately evaluate and then make decisions to improve hinges on collecting data on the ranch. Collecting production measurements at various timepoints throughout the year can help diagnose underlying problems. It’s simply too challenging to improve without knowing where we are currently producing. We live in a datadriven era, which, if used correctly, can inform management and potentially increase profitability. Recommitting to trying to capture important production metrics such as lambing, docking and weaning percentages will allow us to identify when and where lamb losses are occurring, and better inform management decision making. According to USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) annual reports, Wyoming hovers around 105 percent docking or 105 lambs per 100 ewes, which doesn’t always tell us much about the production potential of our state. These statistics lump all production systems into one average 100 head or 5,000 head, shed or range lambing systems, hobby or commercial. Since docking is 40 plus days after lambs were born, docking percentage doesn’t tell much about how many lambs have been lost and why. Lamb scanning percentage is the number of lambs counted via ultrasonic evaluation divided by the number of ewes scanned. For example, 168 lambs divided by 115 ewes exposed to rams, multiplied by 100, equals 146 percent scanning percentage. What was the body condition of the ewes at breeding and did I flush accordingly? Ewes in a body condition score (BCS) of 3.1 during lambing have approximately 10 percent more lambs survive to weaning than ewes with a body condition score of 2.1 on a BCS scale of one to five. Maintaining condition of ewes throughout gestation will result in more lambs weaned than allowing ewes to fluctuate in their weight. First and second time lambing ewes will respond well to additional supple-

mentation at breeding and throughought pregnancy as these still have yet to reach mature body weight. Although the added level of nutrition is helpful to all sheep in the flock during breeding season, it’s those ewes that are flushed in average or below average body condition that respond with increased ovulation rates and ultimately more lambs born, not the ewes that are overly fat. Make sure to maintain adequate nutrition and not abruptly change feed too soon post-breeding, especially during the critical first 45 days or pregnancy. Where does this average stand in relation to previous five years scanning data? Consistency is higher or lower than five to 15 percent around the previous five-year average. Looking at changes from year-on-year aren’t as informative when we’re not sure where we have been in the past in terms of pregnancy scanning data. What’s most important with scanning data is it’s utilized to allocate more feed and lambing management to multiple carrying ewes and save resources with single carrying ewes. In 2019, I served as a U.S. Sheep Industry ambassador to New Zealand and Australia with a few other sheep specialists from the U.S. We spent a week touring the New Zealand sheep industry and discussing ways to increase productivity and lamb and wool consumption globally. One of the highlights of the trip was listening to conversations amongst New Zealand and Australia producers compare their pregnancy ultrasound scanning percentages and how they related to lambing and weaning percentages. The fact each producer readily knew what their ewes and neighbors ewes scanned was a stark reminder international competition keeps a close tab on these production matrices and so should we in the U.S. Lambing percentage per ewe exposed or ewe lambing Total flock productivity, to give accurate analysis, has to be calculated on all the sheep managed as a group versus hand picking a group of sheep that scanned pregnant or lambed. Reproductive efficiency, or twinning, is heavily influenced by age of the dam, nutrition during breeding, and, of course, genetics. Still, we are too quick to attribute reproduction to feed and environment during breeding and ignore the importance of genetic selec-

tion. Whether using the most accurate quantitative selection programs such as the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP), or production records of individual ewes, selection for twinning rate and ability to raise those twins to weaning is important. Selection of twin born rams and replacement ewes is a simplistic approach to increasing total productivity on commercial enterprises, whereas accurate record keeping on maternal traits should be the standard for many seedstock operations. Related maternal traits that require some type of scoring system may include, but are not limited to, maternal behavior such as aggressively licking and vocalization, udder confirmation and milk production, lambs within the first two weeks of lambing, etc. Tolerance for a twoyear-old ewe producing a single born lamb is vastly different than a four- or-five-

year-old that should consistently twin. These maternally mediocre ewes probably shouldn’t be tasked with producing our or anyone else’s future replacement ewes and rams. Docking percentage Docking percentage comes out to the number of lambs sold and retained, divided by ewes exposed to rams, multiplied by 100. USDA NASS reports docking percentages in the western states as lambs present per 100 ewes at docking. Historically, there has been improvement in docking percentages from 80 percent in 1975 to 105 percent in 2019 (See Figure 1), but for many this is where the data collection stops. Lamb losses incurred from lambing to docking can be informative to future management. The vast majority of early, non-predator lamb losses occur prior to docking and generally are attributable to hypothermia and starvation and related ailments. Were ewes producing

adequate milk or was it cold weather? This measurement once calculated in tandem with lambing percentage will provide a candid assessment of lambing management. It may point to minor tweaks in management, such as timing of vaccination to the pregnant ewe for protection of the lamb, or more complex questions regarding better selection on maternal traits. Weaning percentage and total pounds of lamb weaned per ewe Weaning percentage is equal to the number of lambs sold and retained, divided by ewes exposed to rams and multiplied by 100. Total pounds of lamb weaned per ewe equals combined lamb weaning weight per ewe exposed. Total pounds of lamb weaned per ewe is the gold standard sheep production benchmark. Take the scenario of a 180-pound ewe weaning a 90-pound single lamb or 50 percent of her weight in

lambs. Many of us would be satisfied with that level of production but consider the better alternative where a 160-pound ewe weans twin lambs at 150 pounds combined for 94 percent of her bodyweight. At $1.60 per pound, that’s $96 more per ewe. Striving for more pounds of lamb produced per ewe is not a pipe dream. Sheep can be nutritionally flushed, cross-bred and genetically improved to produce more pounds of lamb per ewe. Certainly, elements out of our control – 2020 for example – can limit the profit potential on many sheep operations, but measuring our current production level and raising better, more deliberately selected sheep is foolproof. May we all have greater docking, weaning and pounds of lamb weaned ewe in 2020. Whit Stewart is the University of Wyoming Extension sheep specialist. He can be reached at whit.stewart@ uwyo.edu.

Figure 1 – Docking percentages in Inter-Mountain West states from 1975 to 2020. Source USDA NASS

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New Holland 855 Round Baler ............................................................ $4,900 New Holland 276 Baler ........................................................................ $2,900 2011 MF 2190 4x4 Baler w/ accumulator ........................$129,500; $119,500 Case 8465 Baler .................................................................................. $9,500

International 445 Baler ......................................................................... $3,500 Hesston 4910 Baler w/ accumulator ................................................... $39,500 Hesston 4910 Baler w/ accumulator ................................................... $24,500 Hesston 4900 4x4 Baler w/ accumulator ............................................ $24,500 Hesston 4655 Small Square Baler ..................................................... $12,500 Hesston 5580 Round Baler .................................................................. $1,900 Case RS 561 Round Baler ................................................................. $19,500 SR 220 New Holland Swather w/ disc head ......................................$115,000 Case IH 8870 Swather, 16’ head, 1 owner ......................................... $43,500 Case IH 8840 Swather, 16’ head ........................................................ $32,500 Hesston 6650 Swather, 16’ head........................................................ $10,000 1030 New Holland Bale Wagon ............................................................ $2,900 New Holland 1118 Windrower, 16’ head ............................................. $19,500 New Holland Side Delivery Rake.......................................................... $1,950 Kuhn GA4101 Tedder Rake.................................................................. $5,900 Case IH 8750 3-Row Corn Chopper w/ new knives, spout liner & gathering chains.. ................................................................... .........$15,000

MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT 2654 NDE Feeder Mixer ................................................................... $29,500 BJM 3914 Mixer Feeder, pull type ...................................................... $6,900 1994 Kenworth, w/ Knight 3070 Feed Box ....................................... $79,000 NEW 6 Bale EZ Ration Feeder, pull type ............................... Call for Pricing JD 700 Grinder/Mixer ......................................................................... $3,900 Leon 808 Loader, bucket & grpl.......................................................... $7,900 Case IH 710 Loader ........................................................................... $4,900 International 2001 Loader................................................................... $2,900 14’ Chisel Plow ................................................................................... $3,900 Meyers 7’ V-Ditcher w/ wing extenders, pull type ............................... $2,500 Aerway 15’ Aerator, pull type ............................................................ $19,900 International 510 Grain Drill, double disc with alfalfa seeder.............. $7,900 14’ International Disc .......................................................................... $2,900 6”x32’ Grain Auger, PTO driven ............................................................. $950 8”x50’ Grain Auger, PTO driven .......................................................... $1,950

Cube Elevator ..................................................................................... $1,000 NEW 2016 20’ Duralite Stock Trailer ...................................... Call for Pricing Arrow Portable Loading Chute ........................................................... $3,600 Portable Pearson Chute on trailer ...................................................... $1,900 9 Shank V Ripper ............................................................................... $4,900 Ford Dump Truck ................................................................................ $9,500 Ford 700 Truck w/ stack retriever ....................................................... $9,500 Dynamo DP-7100 Generator .............................................................. $4,950 3 PT Hydraulic Post Hole Digger ........................................................ $1,950 Set of IH Duals 18.4 x 38 w/ clamps...................................................... $750 1 1/4” 6 Rail 20’ Continuous Fence Panels ...................................$105/each 1 1/2” 6 Rail 20’ Continuous Fence Panels ...................................$130/each

CARLSON EQUIPMENT 77 Zuber Road • Riverton, WY 82501 • (307) 856-8123 carlsonequipment@gmail.com

Visit our Web Site at: www.carlsonequipment.com

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 32 No. 5 • May 30, 2020

CONNECTING AG to CLIMATE

By Windy Kelley, Northern Plains Regional Climate Hub

Recent and Current Conditions National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) database shows Wyoming’s overall average April temperature and precipitation ranked 47th and 35th, respectively, out of 126 years, retrieved May 27. Scaling down, from the state to the county level, the average minimum April temperature differences or anomalies, compared to the average of the past century, ranged between -4.8 to -1.0°F while the aver-

age maximum temperature anomalies ranged between -2.6 to +2.7°F in Carbon and Weston and Weston and Sweetwater counties respectively. The average precipitation anomalies ranged between -1.07 inches to +0.52 inches in Sheridan and Teton counties respectively. The adjacent tables highlight April temperature and precipitation information for select counties. The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) map for Wyoming, from May 21, indicates abnormally dry (D0)

Grasshoppers predicted Landowners should be on the lookout for a high grasshopper year, according to University of Wyoming Extension Entomologist Scott Schell. He said mid-May through June is the best time to check for grasshoppers hatching in large numbers to prevent them from causing extensive damage this spring. “If a producer had lots of grasshoppers last year or already have them hatching this spring, then treating the grasshoppers early in the season before they become adults is best,” said Schell. Contact a local County Weed and Pest Control district for treatment options at bit.ly/weedandpestoffices. For more information, contact Schell at sschell@ uwyo.edu.

to moderate drought (D1) conditions have expanded throughout Wyoming since April in nearly 26 percent of the state. Additionally, drought conditions have increased in area and severity in surrounding states. For example, nearly 77 percent of Colorado and over 90 percent of Utah are experiencing drought conditions. View the current USDM map at bit.ly/2S28VTA, and submit condition reports for a particular area at bit.ly/34fGerf. Eight to 14-day, one-month and grass-cast forecasts NOAA’s eight to 14-day forecasts for June 3-9, made May 26, indicates there is a 33 to 50 percent chance or probability for above normal temperatures for the eastern third of the Wyoming, and a 33 percent probability for below normal temperatures for the northwestern corner of the state. Additionally, near normal temps are anticipated for the remaining western third of the state.

For the same timeframe, there is at least a 33 percent probability for above normal precipitation for the majority of Wyoming, the exception is the southeast corner where near normal precipitation is expected. The June forecast for Wyoming, made May 21, indicates a 33 to 40 percent probability for above normal temperatures for western Wyoming, including Fremont and Sweetwater counties. The signal is less clear for the remainder of the state where there is an equal chance for below, near or above normal temperatures. Additionally, there is an equal chance for below, near or above normal precipitation throughout Wyoming for the same timeframe. To view NOAA’s most recent forecasts, visit cpc.ncep.noaa.gov. The 2020 GrassCast maps, which forecast grassland productivity for areas of Wyoming, are available at grasscast.unl.

edu/, updated biweekly. Follow the University of Wyoming Extension Rangeland Facebook page for a general interpretation or follow @PeckAgEc on Twitter. Windy K. Kelley is the regional Extension pro-

gram coordinator and state specialist for the USDA Northern Plains Climate Hub, University of Wyoming Extension and WAFERx. She can be reached at wkelley1@ uwyo.edu or 307-3674325.

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RIVERTON LIVESTOCK AUCTION Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Market Reports • 774 Head Sold RIVERTON LIVESTOCK WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE SALES WE REALIZE THIS IS A CRITICAL TIME FOR OUR CUSTOMERS THAT NEED THE CASH FLOW FOR SPRING EXPENSES, AND WE WANT TO CONTINUE OFFERING THE OPPORTUNITY TO SELL FOR THOSE THAT WANT OR NEED TO DO SO. WE DO ASK, FOR THE SAFETY OF YOU, OUR BUYERS AND STAFF, TO PLEASE MINIMIZE THE TIME YOU SPEND AT THE MARKET, ESPECIALLY IN THE SALE ARENA. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO BRING YOUR STOCK TO TOWN AND LET US TAKE IT FROM THERE. PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE WITH YOUR CATTLE INFORMATION. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR AUCTIONS THROUGH CATTLEUSA.COM. INTERNET BUYERS, PLEASE HAVE A BACK UP PLAN. DUE TO INTERNET VOLUME, PLEASE HAVE A PHONE NUMBER TO REACH A PERSON ON SITE TO ASSIST YOUR BIDDING NEEDS. WE WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED OF ANY CHANGES. PLEASE LIKE/CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR UPDATES AS WELL. OUR GOAL AS ALWAYS, IS TO PROVIDE SERVICE TO OUR CUSTOMERS. WE ARE COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING COMMERCE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS. PLEASE CALL US ANYTIME. THANK YOU & GOD BLESS JEFF BROWN & ALL THE CREW AT RLA

Representative Sales COWS RIVERTON 1 Cow, 1030# .......................... $86.00 1 Cow, 1045# .......................... $84.00 3 Cow, 1063# .......................... $82.00 FARSON 2 Cow, 1297# .......................... $80.00 RIVERTON 3 Cow, 1091# .......................... $77.50 1 Cow, 1455# .......................... $71.00 3 Cow, 1365# .......................... $60.50 CORA 3 Cow, 1528# .......................... $60.00 RIVERTON 4 Cow, 1432# .......................... $59.50 5 Cow, 1155#........................... $58.00 LANDER 3 Cow, 1268# .......................... $57.50 DANIEL 4 Cow, 1217# .......................... $57.00 LANDER 5 Cow, 1150#........................... $56.50 FARSON 7 Cow, 1274# .......................... $55.50

PINEDALE 2 Cow, 1155#........................... $54.50 DANIEL 5 Cow, 1248# .......................... $54.00 BULLS BIG PINEY 2 Bull, 1027# ......................... $105.00 4 Bull, 1208# ......................... $101.00 4 Bull, 1126#............................ $97.50 PAVILLION 2 Bull, 1262# ........................... $95.00 RIVERTON 1 Bull, 1290# ........................... $89.00 DANIEL 1 Bull, 2030# ........................... $85.00 KINNEAR 1 Bull, 1855# ........................... $79.00 STEERS RIVERTON 10 Steer, 582# ......................... $153.00 CORA 9 Steer, 567# ......................... $142.75 BURLINGTON 18 Steer, 743# ......................... $131.50

LANDER 6 Steer, 765# ......................... $130.00 BURLINGTON 16 Steer, 916# ..........................$113.75 HEIFERS DUBOIS 18 Heifer, 612# ........................ $135.00 SHOSHONI 74 Heifer, 657# ........................ $134.00 BIG PINEY 49 Heifer, 675# ........................ $133.00 SHOSHONI 15 Heifer, 753# .........................$113.00 HEIFERETTES DANIEL 6 Heiferette, 807# ...................$117.00 PINEDALE 1 Heiferette, 835# .................. $104.00 BIG PINEY 3 Heiferette, 936# .................. $101.00 DUBOIS 1 Heiferette, 1010# .................. $98.00 RIVERTON 3 Heiferette, 1058# .................. $96.00

All sales are broadcast live on the internet at www.cattleusa.com. Please register online to bid on livestock. Be sure to check out our country cattle listings at www.cattleusa.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 2 NO SALE

TUESDAY, JUNE 9

Early Consignments TUESDAY, JUNE 23 ALL CATTLE CLASSES W/ SHEEP & HORSES START TIME 9:30 AM W/ SHEEP & WEIGH UPS

TUESDAY, JUNE 30 NO SALE

TUESDAY, JULY 7 ALL CATTLE CLASSES START TIME 9:30 AM W/ WEIGH UPS

TUESDAY, JULY 14 NO SALE

TUESDAY, JULY 21 ALL CATTLE CLASSES W/ SHEEP & HORSES START TIME 9:30 AM W/ SHEEP & WEIGH UPS

TUESDAY, JULY 28 NO SALE

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 ALL CATTLE CLASSES START TIME 9:30 AM W/ WEIGH UPS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11 NO SALE

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18

ALL CATTLE CLASSES START TIME 9:30 AM W/ WEIGH UPS

ALL CATTLE CLASSES W/ SHEEP & HORSES START TIME 9:30 AM W/ SHEEP & WEIGH UPS

TUESDAY, JUNE 16

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25

NO SALE

Contact: Riverton Livestock Auction (307) 856-2209 • Jeff Brown (307) 850-4193 • Tom Linn (307) 728-8519 • Mark Winter (580) 747-9436 • www.rivertonlivestock.com • Also watch our live cattle auction at www.cattleusa.com

1490 South 8th Street East • Riverton, WY 82501 • (307) 856-2209