June 26, 2021

Volume 33 Number 9 • June 26, 2021

®

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

A Look Inside Hellyer Ranch receives grant for carbon sequestration........... .......................................page 4 WY L.E.A.D. Class 16 completes educational trip to Washington, D.C............page 9 Managing livestock through drought is discussed by University of Wyoming Extension.....................page 15 Lee Pitts considers the future effects of the national debt ....... .....................................page 16

Wildfire activity heating up in summer 2021 Wildfires are frequently discussed across the state, especially following the active 2020 fire season. With the hot, dry summer months ahead, it is important to be cautious now, more than ever.

Wyoming State Forester Bill Crapser explained, “All predictions show it is going to be a long hot summer, with a lot of activity.” Understanding fires now will hopefully limit

their impact later this summer. Current fire activity In the last few years, fire activity has been high, and this year is heading in the same direction. “Right now, we are

looking at a normal fire season for June, and an above-normal fire season is the prediction for July and August across the state,” said Crapser, anticipating to see an increase Please see FIRE on page 4

Quick Bits

CNFR RESULTS

UW Field Day

College athletes make impressive showing at national finals

The University of Wyoming (UW) Sheridan Research and Extension Center Field Day will be held June 30. Events will run from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the original research center site at 663 Wyarno Road in Sheridan. The field day includes wagon tours of field sites and research, discussion of long-term invasive grass control and reestablishing desirable species. Dinner will be served. For more information, call 307673-2856 or e-mail shrec@ uwyo.edu.

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association hosted the 2021 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper June 13-19. Throughout the six days of performances at the Ford Wyoming Center, collegiate cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation traveled to Wyoming to compete for championship titles.

Saddle bronc riding Coming into the short go following the third performance on June 18, University of Wyoming (UW) Athlete Garrett Uptain was tied for 10th place. Upon receiving a no-score in the short go June 19, Uptain finished the season ninth in the average with 220 points Please see CNFR on page 14

Boxed Beef Boxed beef values have started to decline over the last 10 trading days, breaking from the 12-week climb. The last two weeks have shown consecutive slipping. The week ending June 11 averaged 23 cents lower than the previous week, and the week ending June 18 fell from $8.61. Another trade on June 21 showed another decline from last week of $2.08, or 1%.

Sage Grouse In the Great Basin, the expansion of juniper woodlands is threatening sagebrush biome, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Sage grouse are considered an indicator of the condition of sagebrush ecosystems, and results from a recent study indicate targeted conifer removal as an effective management strategy for conserving sage grouse populations.

WCW Board The Wyoming Council for Women (WCW) announced Gov. Mark Gordon has appointed three new board members. The newest members of the WCW are JoAnn Skiem-True of Casper as an at-large member, Terri Lesli from Gillette as the district six representative and Kate Debow Hayes from Riverton as the district nine representative.

Champion ropers – Casper brothers Carson and Kellan Johnson, competing for Casper College, made solid runs through four performances at the CNFR, winning the team roping event. Photo courtesy of Jackie Jensen Photography

Cattle markets NCBA looks into the future of marketing in the beef industry The June 18 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Beltway Beef podcast featured a deep dive into the foreseeable future of cattle markets. NCBA’s Director of Government Affairs and Market Regulatory Policy Tanner Beymer joined the podcast to discuss an array of challenges facing the cattle and beef industry in regards to cattle marketing. “Producer profitability touches on everybody’s policy issue area currently,” says Beymer. “Specifically, as it relates to cattle market space, there is a lot happening.” Packers and stockyards Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the possibility of revisiting the Packers and Stockyards Act. Undue or unreasonable preferences and advantages in livestock negotiations is prohibited by Section 202 of the Packers and Stockyards Act. Many have discussed the idea that the Packers and Stockyards Act needs to be strengthened, and Please see NCBA on page 8

Educator honored Lander – Riva Lobatos has been selected as the Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom (WAIC) Educator of the Year. Lobatos currently teaches fourth grade at Fort Washakie Elementary in Fremont County. Lobatos is active in her school, education communities and WAIC programs. WAIC shared, “She has been involved with writing, revising and teaching the Wyoming Stewardship Program (WSP) over the past four years.” “Using the WAIC materials provided my students with information about the state they live in and inspired many of them to talk their grown-ups into exploring more of the state,” said Lobatos. “Not only have we talked about caring for the land, water and animals, but we have also introduced the idea of recycling and its impact on future generations.” Lobatos uses WSP to have meaningful discussions on natural resources, the economic impacts of those resources and the importance of caring for the land with her students. This year through her virtual classroom, Lobatos has used resources from the WPS as she and her students explored Devils Tower and a Wyoming trona mine through virtual field trips. As the 2021 WAIC Educator of the Year, Lobatos will be awarded a cash prize of $2,500, funded by the Vermillion Ranch Limited Partnership, Mantha Phillips and the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. In addition, Lobatos will be recognized at the 2021 Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame Picnic Aug. 18 at Riverside Park in Douglas.during the Wyoming State Fair.

High temperatures lead to heat stress in cattle As weather conditions transition from the cool spring to hot summer, it is important for producers to keep an eye on how their livestock are responding. Rapid changes in temperature are not easy on anyone, and this type of event can place a large strain on cattle. “Cattle have had little opportunity to adjust to the summer heat,” University of Nebraska Extension Educator Erin Laborie says in the Beef Watch podcast dated June 11. “This combination of warm temperatures, high humidity and lack of air movement really causes some con-

cern as far as cattle experiencing heat stress,” Laborie continues. “Cattle really don’t handle heat stress as well as we do.” Regulating heat Cattle regulate heat differently than humans. Laborie, focusing on how cattle control internal heat, explains, “Their thermal natural zone – which is the range in temperature in which they don’t use additional energy to maintain their core body temperature – generally is about 32 degrees to 75 degrees.”

periodical

Please see HEAT on page 5

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 9 • June 26, 2021

Drought Information If one lives in Wyoming or the surrounding states, drought is a common word used to describe our weather conditions. The bad part is we seem to talk more about drought than we do normal or high precipitation years. From the We do realize now our dry Publisher weather is brought on by La Niña conDennis Sun ditions in the Pacific Ocean which occur every so often, and weather history has proven a colder Pacific means drought in our region. We’ve been under this La Niña’s grip since spring of 2020, and we are forecasted to be under it until maybe November or December. July may be an exception, as wetter conditions are forecasted. This tells me drought is almost a normal condition in the region. As we say in this region, “Drought may be always a month away.” Those in agriculture are always planning and doing irrigation and range improvements to lessen the drought impacts, but they never seem to be enough. We remember the drought just after the turn of the century, when Gov. Geringer hired a state climatologist to help manage the current drought information. It was a great idea and Lord knows the person had job security, as there was a large amount of information to give out on current drought conditions. Since the person was in a new state position, he was asked to speak around the state a lot. After a while, he started to tell counties and national natural resource agencies what they should do to mitigate drought. In truth, he got political, or so it seemed to those in agriculture. All his talking alarmed the federal land managers of the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. They in turn wanted to take livestock off the federal allotments. What they didn’t realize was there was adequate forage to graze in some of these allotments. The drought that was affecting most of us was a hydrological drought, not a forage drought. There was next to no snowmelt from the mountains that spring and the volume of water in the creeks and rivers for irrigation was very poor. In fact, Boysen Reservoir almost went dry during that year. The state climatologist getting political didn’t please people. It is almost like he was the Dr. Anthony Fauci of his time. Recently, Gov. Mark Gordon established a drought website to provide information all in one place. The new website will provide information on drought conditions in Wyoming. Gordon said, “Our goal in developing this resource is to make relevant and timely information available in a single location. This effort capitalizes on the collaborative partnerships already in place between state and federal agencies and allows us to better communicate program resources.” This website can be found at drought.wyo.gov and has great information for agriculture, tourism, recreation, municipalities and water utilities to use. It provides a ton of information to assist in managing the current drought, where to look for assistance, resources available, what the natural resource conditions are and what to expect. We appreciate the governor’s efforts. While La Niña has passed its peak, it is not over just yet. The cycle’s impact on temperatures, rain and snow patterns is set to continue, but as you know, this drought is not our first rodeo. We’ll manage to get through it as we have always done before. Don’t sell your rain gauge to the guy in Kaycee – in time you will need it.

GUEST OPINIONS The Ag Census Counts By Jodi Letterman No other agricultural data series is quite like the Census of Agriculture. Every five years, American producers share information about themselves and their operations, contributing to a historical legacy which engages us whether we are looking backward or forward. The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The data are used by producers, as well as those who serve them and rural communities, including federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations and many others. The purpose of any census is to enumerate – or count – all objects with a defined characteristic. For the Census of Agriculture, this goal is to account for any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, dur-

ing the census year. Even the smallest plots – urban or rural – count, if this definition is met. To prepare for the ag census, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts the National Agricultural Classification Survey, going on now, to help identify all agricultural activity across the country. NASS encourages all producers who do not currently receive USDA NASS surveys and censuses to sign up to be counted today. Everyone who receives a survey gives voice to their agricultural community, letting industry, new markets and government know who they are and what they do. It is vital everyone responds so all of agriculture is represented and no one is left out. There is a lot at stake. Quality data impacts decisions about commitment of

resources, growing communities and the best ways to leverage billions of dollars. Ag census data are used to grow markets, fund research, determine disaster assistance and much more. For the 2022 Census of Agriculture, data collection begins in November 2022. When data collection is complete, the rest of 2023 will be dedicated to data review and analysis, which includes a comprehensive disclosure review to ensure the protection of every respondent’s identity. The information provided by producers in any NASS survey or census is used for statistical purposes only. In accordance with federal law, survey responses are kept confidential and will not be disclosed in identifiable form. When the data are finalized, an expert cadre of statisticians combines the data to provide information on the characteristics of farm operations and producers at the

national, state and county levels. With data coming directly from the American agricultural producer, no other data series informs us and our descendants more completely and reliably about living and growing in this place in time. Look for the results of the 2022 Census of Agriculture early in 2024. The 2022 Census of Agriculture tagline, “Your Voice, Your Future, Your Opportunity,” though oft skimmed, beats a heart of meaning for our communities, our children’s children and our possibilities. For more information about the 2022 Census of Agriculture or how to help promote it, visit nass.usda. gov/agcensus or contact jodi. letterman@usda.gov. Jodi Letterman is a public affairs specialist at USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This article was originally published at fb.org.

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 9 • June 26, 2021

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NEWS BRIEFS Program relaunched Gov. Mark Gordon has relaunched the Wyoming Meat Processing Expansion Grant Program (WMPEG). The Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) is now accepting applications for the program, which will continue to provide support for Wyoming meat processing facilities and Wyoming citizens impacted by supply chain disruptions and regional shut-downs of processing facilities resulting from the COVID-19 public health emergency. The governor has allocated up to $2 million in Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds for WMPEG 2.0. The grant is based on the ongoing need to increase Wyoming’s local food supply chain security and capacity across the state. “The significant processing bottlenecks that surfaced last year have not gone away,” Gordon said. “This program will continue to help improve our meat processing capacity and ensure Wyomingites have access to highquality products. Our work assisting independent processors is important to our overall agriculture diversification efforts and helps to expand an important sector of our ag economy.” Initial priority will be given to entities and businesses who did not previously receive funding from WMPEG. Following this priority batching, applications will be accepted on a first come, first served rolling basis until funds have been expended. Applications will be reviewed for accuracy, eligibility and completeness by the Wyoming Business Council, the WDA and the Governor’s Office. The program offers grants of up to $500,000 to eligible businesses with a 50 percent match component for funding. For complete eligibility requirements, updated rules, and application for the Wyoming Meat Processing Expansion Grant Program 2.0, visit agriculture.wy.gov/.

Testimony heard U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee conducted a hearing June 23 titled, “Examining Markets, Transparency and Prices from Cattle Producer to Consumer,” attempting to address a wide range of issues, including the urgent need for robust price discovery and differing industry views on how to achieve it, greater market transparency and oversight and expanded beef processing capacity. Mark Gardiner, the owner-operator of Gardiner Angus Ranch and an National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) member, testified before the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee on key market challenges which have long threatened the profitability of cattle and beef producers. In his opening remarks, Gardiner confirmed the importance of solutions which have put producers in the driver’s seat. “Please do not create regulations and legislation that have the unintended consequence of harming value-based marketing. Doing so would undo many years of progress for producers such as my family and those of our customers,” said Gardiner. NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane stated, “We must address the issues preventing our members from securing their share of the beef dollar, but we must do so in a way that respects the voices of all cattle producers, regardless of how they choose to market their cattle. We thank Mr. Gardiner for his insights, and we thank Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) and other senators on the committee for the investment they’ve demonstrated in the issues facing America’s cattle producers. We appreciate the care taken by both the majority and minority to consult and select a witness panel that can speak to the current market dynamics from multiple angles.”

Economic Leverage of Grazing Managment A day of discussion and application of grazing management principles with Ranching for Profit CEO Dallas Mount. Join us in exploring why good grazing management is often the greatest point of leverage to improve profit in the ranching business. June 29 – Lusk, WY • Niobrara County Fairgrounds June 30 – Gillette, WY • George Amos Memorial Bldg. July 1 – Newcastle, WY • Weston County Fairgrounds Workshops are free! Please RSVP by calling Ranch Management Consultants at 307-213-6010.

Students recognized

Nominations sought The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) began accepting nominations for county committee members on June 15. Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2021 election must be postmarked or received in a local FSA office by Aug. 2. “We need enthusiastic, diverse leaders to serve other agricultural producers locally on FSA County Committees,” said FSA Wyoming Acting State Executive Director Jodene Johnson. “Now’s the time to step up and truly make an impact on how federal programs are administered at the local level to reach all producers fairly and equitably.” Johnson said agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in a USDA program and reside in the LAA up for election this year may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee. A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation to FSA, even if they have not applied or received program benefits. Individuals may nominate themselves or others and qualifying organizations may also nominate candidates. USDA encourages minority producers, women and beginning farmers or ranchers to nominate, vote and hold office. Producers should contact their local FSA office to register and find out how to get involved in their county’s election, and should check with their local USDA Service Center to see if their LAA is up for election this year. To be considered, a producer must be registered and sign an FSA-669 nomination form. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at fsa.usda.gov/elections. Election ballots will be mailed to eligible voters beginning Nov. 1. To find a local USDA Service Center, visit farmers.gov/service-locator.

Twelve Wyoming students from across the state were recognized for their artwork in Cheyenne on June 11 by Gov. Mark Gordon. The celebration acknowledged their achievement in art and excellence in interpreting agriculture and natural resource concepts. Each year, Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom (WAIC) encourages second, third, fourth and fifth grade students to submit a hand drawn bookmark for the program. This year, WAIC received over 1,600 entries, from students across Wyoming. The winning artworks are selected by a panel of judges and a People’s Choice Award is given to the bookmark which received the most votes during National Agriculture Week. The students’ artwork is published and distributed around the state. For copies of the bookmarks or information about the program, contact WAIC at wyaitc.org or at 307-369-1749.

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COWBOY STATE DAILY Publisher Bill Sniffin invites you to join 12,000 of your Wyoming friends by becoming a digital subscriber to the fastest growing statewide internet news source in Wyoming – the Cowboy State Daily. Subscriptions are free! Just go to cowboystatedaily.com and “sign in” and you will get your morning news each day about 7:30 a.m. This includes a daily forecast by Wyoming’s number-one weather forecaster Don Day.

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The Upper Snake River Basin Sage Grouse Working Group will meet on July 1 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Wyoming Game and Fish Office located at 420 North Cache Street in Jackson. The Upper Green River Basin Sage Grouse Working Group will meet July 8 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Wyoming Game and Fish Office located at 432 E. Mill Street in Pinedale. The purpose of the meetings is to identify suspected triggers for adaptive management. Both meetings are open to the public. For additional questions, please contact Wyoming Game and Fish Sage Grouse/Sagebrush Biologist Leslie Schreiber at leslie.schreiber@wyo.gov.

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 9 • June 26, 2021

Ranch awarded grant for carbon sequestration and soil health planning A Wyoming nonprofit, Synergy for Ecological Solutions, made their first grant to Carbon Asset Network’s landowner member, Hellyer Ranch in Lander on June 16. This grant will enable the ranch to execute a customized plan for greater soil health developed by both Jim Hellyer and Carbon Asset Network’s Certified Professional Agronomist Neal Fehringer. The increase in soil health is a result in improving plant production, which causes an increase in photosynthesis. More photosynthesis removes additional carbon dioxide from the air and, in turn, releases more oxygen into the air and secures more carbon into the soil by increased root growth from more vegetative growth. This is the basis for carbon sinks and carbon sequestration, which is nature’s method of cleaning air.

“Sometimes it’s not understood there’s a natural connection between improving our soil and reducing carbon in our air,” says Director of Carbon Asset Network (CAN) John Robitaille. “CAN works with the manager of the land to develop a customized, science-based solution to increase soil health and meet land goals. This is the new way forward.” The manager of the land, called land stewards, enlists in the You360 Program, which provides funding to develop the soil for one year. Land stewards can be ranchers, farmers or managers of any open land, such as parks or golf courses. This is not connected to any government program and the funding comes from donations to the nonprofit, Synergy for Ecological Solutions. “At Hellyer Ranch, we have taken some steps towards soil health, but with

FIRE continued from page 1 in fires. Unfortunately, Crapser shared, he has already seen an increase, noting, “Within the last week, we have had four or five large fires, which for this time of year is not normal.” University of Wyoming Range Extension Specialist Derek Scasta credits this year’s fire activity to the weather, stating, “It has been extremely warm but it has not just been heat, it is also the relative humidity – which has been very low.” Seeing relative humidity down into the single digits, Scasta explained, “As the relative humidity gets low and things get

really dry, the probability that grass and leaves from the trees will ignite goes up.” If these conditions persist, Scasta predicts hundreds of thousands of acres in fires this summer. “On average, from 2002 to 2015, we would have somewhere around 200,000 acres burn each year,” Scasta said, noting federal data on annual wild fire acres. “I certainly hope this year is not this way, but conditions are not good.” Causes of fire With this year’s fire expectancy high, Crapser and Scasta want people to

this grant, we can accomplish major goals,” says Hellyer. “It will be hard to find a better steward for our environment than someone who manages land.” The nonprofit has developed a unique way to fundraise for climate wellness, using donated funds to clean the air, which empowers individuals and businesses to be advocates for the environment. “There are many people who wake up each day, concerned about our climate, and businesses are looking for ways to meet environmental, social and governance goals. Yet, until now, the only solutions offered were to eat vegan, recycle and perhaps protest fossil fuels,” says Robitaille. Synergy gives the opportunity to donate in order to improve soil health,” says Director of Synergy for Ecological Solutions Jeff Holder.

“We encourage a change of mindset. Rather than wishing for a carbon-neutral future in the next few years or decades, let’s make a change right now – today. Finally, everyone can do something to have a direct impact on our climate.” In the You360 Program, donors can donate towards one acre of land for $30 per month or $360 per year. The one-year commitment funds pay for agronomic and soil testing and development, with the lion’s share going directly to the land steward. The funds are often used for additional equipment, such as a no-till drill, or for fencing and labor to help with mob grazing – a proven carbon sequestration practice. “We celebrate this new way to help ranchers improve their soil,” says Wyoming Stock Growers Association Executive Vice President Jim Magagna.

always be cautious during outdoor activities. “I think one of the most important things we are concerned about, and what we have seen over the last 10 years, is a huge increase in human caused fires,” Crapser said. “As we look at this kind of extended drought and dry temperatures, it is even more important than ever people are very careful of fire, recreational shooting and fireworks, as well as follow county fire restrictions,” Crapser continued. “Be careful with hot exhaust pipes and high grass, trailer chains dragging on the road and other sorts of things which are known to start fires every year.” The state of Wyoming

has put in place many resources to hopefully decrease wildfires and increase response. Crapser explained what his team has done to help this initiative, sharing, “Between county and state fire resources and our federal partners, we are definitely trying to get our fire prevention methods out there. Also, resources are in place to try and carry out as aggressive an initial attack that we can.” To help with the initial attack, there are single engineer tankers available for county agencies and the state’s Helitack crew – a team of wildland firefighters transported by helicopters to fires. Scasta suggested ways landowners could fight

WE’RE BACK!

“With funds from CAN, the rancher is able to adjust their operation with the result of healthier soil and healthier land.” This article is courtesy

of Jeff Holder and John Robitaille of Encore Green Environmental. For more information visit, synergyforecologicalsolutions.org or carbonassetnetwork.com.

Carbon capture – Jim Hellyer of Hellyer Ranch was awarded a grant through the Carbon Asset Network and Synergy for Ecological Solutions for land management practices known to improve soil health and sequester carbon. Pictured from left to right are John Robitaille, Taylor Blasko, Jim Hellyer, Joseph Hellyer and Jim Magagna. Courtesy photo

against wildfires, “Make sure to have defensible space around buildings, hay and feed supplies and fuel. I suggest mowing around those areas or grazing livestock to reduce the grasses, so if a fire comes, landowners can fight against the destruction of property,” he stated. He continued, “If producers are engaging in any ranch activity, such as welding, they really want to be careful. Welding creates a lot of heat and sparks, and I recommend having a spotter ready with water.” What to do Both Crapser and Scasta encourage landowners to always think about fires while outside. Scasta said, “One should really make sure they are doing their due

diligence to prevent any kind of unintentional ignition because we do not want to light a fire that turns into something devastating.” If something were to happen, it is important for people to identify the problem and take action. “If someone sees smoke rising on the horizon, it is important to call a central dispatch,” said Scasta.. “The quicker a fire department can get on a fire, the more likely they are going to be successful in putting that fire out.” Finally, wishing for rain and cool temperatures, Scasta concluded, “This is a time to be really cautious in my opinion.” Savannah Peterson is an intern for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

For more information on how to prepare a farm or ranch for wildfire, visit extension. okstate.edu/fact-sheets/printpublications/e/wildfire-preparingthe-ranch-and-farm-e-1048.pdf.

CROSSWORD Wyoming Livestock Roundup Crosswords, created by Myles Mellor.

Solution for the June 19, 2021 crossword

JULY

9-17

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 9 • June 26, 2021

HEAT continued from page 1 This range is impacted by metabolic size, hair coat and plane of nutrition. However, when an animal’s core temperature is outside of this range, issues may occur. “Any time an animal’s temperature gets above their upper critical temperature, they have to expend energy in attempt to dissipate heat,” says Laborie. Panting, elevated respiration and heart rate are all signs cattle are reaching their heat tolerance. Watching for those signs

can help cattle producers understand their livestock. Addressing the issue In an attempt to help producers better manage the heat, Laborie shares some tips to help cattle producers care for their animals. “The first tip, which may seem like the most obvious, is providing plenty of fresh water and space around the water tanks,” Laborie explains. “When we see temperatures get above 80 degrees, cattle will drink nearly

NASDA provides comments On June 21, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) expressed its recommendations for a resilient, diverse and secure food supply system. “We’re grateful the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) opened this conversation on how we can continue to build up our food supply system,” NASDA CEO Barb Glenn said. “Our state agriculture department leaders managed to overcome remarkable supply and demand obstacles during the COVID-19 pandemic, and through it, they earned new perspectives on what federal resources support farmers and communities best and where our food system still remains vulnerable to new disruptions.” She specifically noted insufficient cold storage infrastructure is a limitation NASDA members have identified in regional food supply chains. “The last mile of food distribution remains a challenge which threatens our supply chain’s resiliency,” Glenn commented. “Providing resources to secure refrigerated trucks and cold storage lockers on the farm and for charitable food distributors would have a dramatic effect on improving local and regional food security.” In addition to increasing consumer access to food, NASDA agrees improvements must be made in farmers’ and ranchers’ access to markets. Twenty-seven state departments of agriculture operate state meat and poultry inspection programs, and nationwide, NASDA members have heard from farmers and ranchers that investments in small-scale meat processors will ensure the safety and abundance of American protein. NASDA also proposes establishing a flexible and efficient visa program which retains current workers as well as supporting youth development programs to encourage awareness and understanding of agriculture and its career pathways.

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twice as much water.” To make sure cattle have plenty of fresh water, Laborie recommends checking flow rates and putting out extra water. Laborie also recommends sprinklers to cool cattle. If using sprinklers, Laborie cautions, “Producers want to be cautious of high humidity and make sure to not use sprinklers in those situations because that will make the problem worse.” “Removal of extra manure can also help, because when the manure builds up it can hold moisture and increase humidity as well,” Laborie says, adding more suggestions for producers. “Setting pens and providing shade if possible can help decrease surface temperature and can reduce the heat on cattle by 20 degrees,” Finally, Laborie stresses the importance of a good air flow system, noting, “Providing proper air flow can really help dissipate heat, whether producers do that by incorporating tall mounds or if they have extra pens available to space cattle out.” All of those suggestions are intended for

everyday management of heat stress in cattle. When it comes to moving cattle, Laborie has other recommendations for producers. “For cattle needing to be worked or transported, I recommend completing the task early in the morning and not any time after 10 a.m,” adds Laborie Watching for heat Putting these practices into action should help mitigate heat stress in cattle. Still, it is important to know exactly when these practices will be most effective. Laborie says, “Keep an eye out for predicated temperatures in the high 80s and 90s, especially if it is following a rain or the wind speed is going to be less than five miles per hour.” In addition, Laborie recommends places to watch for these warm conditions, sharing, “The temperature humidity index is a good source. It tells producers if they are in danger or experiencing emergency levels in regards to heat stress.” Laborie also recommends checking the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center website for weekly heat forecasts. Most importantly, Labo-

“This combination of warm temperatures, high humidity and lack of air movement causes some concern as far as cattle experiencing heat stress.” – Erin Laborie, University of Nebraska Extension rie concludes, “I reiterate the importance of trying to be proactive and keeping an eye out for potential heat stress in cattle.”

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

www.torringtonlivestock.com

Savannah Peterson is an intern for the Wyoming 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

FRIDAY, JULY 2 ~ PAIR & FEEDER SPECIAL & ALL CLASSES PAIRS Scott Gilmore 100 Blk/Bwf Cow Pairs, Complete Dispersal, Running Ages, Tagged to Match, Exposed back to SimAngus Bulls since June 15th to start Calving March 25th, Calves at side are Mid-March to Early May calves, they are branded and have had their branding shots, Cows were given Pre-breeding Shots

CATTLE COUNTRY VIDEO 2021 SALE SCHEDULE

SALE RESULTS -FRIDAY, JUNE 18 ALL CLASSES - 3151 HD N Triangle Ranch LLC 1 Black Cow 1375 74.00C Dakin & Dallie Rummel 1 Black Cow 1285 70.00C Ercanbrack Livestock 1 Black Cow 1250 68.00C High Plains Showcase Ercanbrack Livestock 1 Black Cow 1320 66.50C Goshen Co Rendezvous Center Ivan Eddy 1 Black Cow 1455 65.00C Olsen Grain & Livestock 3 Black Cow 1398 63.00C Torrington, WY Mark & Phillip Rossi 1 BWF Cow 1375 76.00C July 6th, 2021 Dry Fork Ranch LLC 1 Black Bull 2015 97.50C Mountain Valley Livestock 1 Black Bull 2290 95.50C Deadline: Thursday, June 17th Spring Creek Land & Cattle LLC 1 Black Bull 1685 94.00C Oregon Trail Classic Sullivan Ranch Inc 1 Black Bull 2050 89.50C Salt Creek Land & Cattle LLC 1 Black Bull 1855 86.00C Gering Civic Center Carbon Creek Cattle Co 5 Black Heiferette 834 118.00C Gering, Nebraska Harris Ranch LLC 16 Black Heiferette 875 107.50C August 10th & 11th, 2021 Wagstaff Family LLC 5 Black Heiferette 923 103.00C Spring Creek Land & Cattle LLC 2 Black Heiferette 985 100.00C Deadline: Monday, July 19th Olsen Grain & Livestock 5 Black Heiferette 968 95.50C Sandhills Roundup Mark & Phillip Rossi 1 Black Heiferette 950 92.00C Vollman Ranches Inc 12 Black Heiferette 1343 85.00C Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Roger Garrett 7 Black Steer 421 190.00C Center - Cheyenne, Wyoming Roger Garrett 29 Black Steer 671 170.50C Roger Garrett 32 Blk/Red Steer 740 160.00C September 16th, 2021 Roger Garrett 51 Black Heifer 671 157.00C Deadline: Friday, August 27th Linda Edwards 43 Black Heifer 749 150.00C John Viall 57 Black Heifer 808 139.75C www.cattlecountryvideo.com Pilot Butte Ranch 7 Black Bred Cow Hfr-3yr/Summer 1079 1175.00H TORRINGTON Martha Page 1 Black Bred Cow ST/Summer 1380 1100.00H Danny Castle 1 Black Pairs 3yr 1260 1735.00H LIVESTOCK AREA REPS Pat Chambers 9 Black Pairs SM 1746 1700.00H Cody Thompson - Lusk, WY 307-340-0150 Ben Thoman 21 Black Pairs SM 1394 1610.00H Ty Thompson – Lusk, WY 307-340-0770 Lilly Land & Cattle LLC 2 Black Pairs SM 1827 1585.00H Joe Martin 21 Black Pairs 2yr 1145 1510.00H Zach Johnson Lingle, WY –307-575-2171 LFC Ranch Properties 2 Black Pairs SM 1602 1485.00H Jeff Ward – Laramie, WY 307-399-9863 LFC Ranch Properties 10 Black Pairs SS 1583 1485.00H Tam Staman – Crawford, NE 308-631-8513 Ercanbrack Livestock 11 Blk/Red Pairs 3yr-SM 1592 1560.00H U Bar Livestock 11 Red Pairs 3-4yr 1240 1675.00H Lander Nicodemus – Cheyenne, WY 307-421-8141 Clay Esau 4 Black Bull Calf 202 350.00H Danny Nicodemus – Cheyenne, WY 307-632-4325 Clay Esau 6 Mixed Bull Calf 185 275.00H Chris Williams - Greybull, WY 307-272-4567 LFC Ranch Properties LTD 4 Black Baby Calf 283 575.00H Pat Chambers 4 Black Baby Calf 262 525.00H Justin Smith - Lusk, WY 307-340-0724 Mark & Phillip Rossi 4 Black Baby Calf 203 400.00H

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 9 • June 26, 2021

OBITUARIES

We welcome obituaries. Obituaries are printed free of charge and can be sent to roundup@wylr.net.

Victor Johnson

Orville Johnson

April 26, 1932 – May 18, 2021

Nov. 3, 1956 – May 16, 2021

Victor Johnson was born April 26, 1932 to James and Agnes Johnson in Laramie. He went home to Jesus on May 18. Orville Johnson was born on Nov. 3, 1956 in Laramie to Victor and Mary Johnson. He went home to Jesus on May 16. Victor and Orville were two Godly men who lived their lives to the fullest and took advantage of every opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ. Their story started 89 years ago when Victor “Poppy” Andrew Johnson was born on April 26, 1932 to James and Agnes Johnson in Laramie. He was the third out of four children. Victor was ornerier than

he looked. There are many stories – some we can talk about and some we can’t – that have been told throughout the years about Victor. One particular story involved an outhouse when he was seven years old. His mother and sister were visiting the outhouse when they noticed a stream coming from a knothole in the wood of the john and soaking their laps. When they realized what it was, they ran out of the outhouse screaming, to the great delight of Poppy. The punishment he knew he was going to get was worth it to him. He also figured out a way to bottle skunk scent and use it for his purposes. On one occasion, he decided his sister’s boyfriend’s car needed some extra aroma, so he placed some drops under the floor mats and on the exhaust. Their date that night was extra smelly. The boyfriend never did figure out why his car always smelled like a skunk. Victor completed eighth grade and started ranching with his father. He would haul bulls down to Denver as a young teenager. He met Mary Lathrop

through the First Assembly of God Church. He wooed Mary with his beautiful singing voice and banjo playing. On one of their first dates, Poppy invited Grandma Mary to his family’s house for dinner. They all bowed their heads to pray. When everyone’s eyes were closed and they were thanking God for their blessings and food, Poppy was putting a large helping of mashed potatoes on Grandma Mary’s dinner plate. When the prayer was over and everyone opened their eyes, all were quite astonished to see Mary had helped herself to a large portion of food. The embarrassment was almost too much for Mary, as her face turned multiple shades of red. Poppy was pretty happy with himself. God brought them together in marriage on May 7, 1952, where his musical talents came to an abrupt end, to the great annoyance of Mary for the rest of their 62 years of marriage. They had two sons, Jerry and Orville Johnson. According to Orville, they had Jerry

and they thought that they could do better, so they had another son. Orville thought his parents thought he was perfect, and so they stopped having children. This continued the legacy of the Johnson 99 Ranch. Orville was born on Nov. 3, 1956 in Laramie. Around the time of Orville’s birth, Victor, along with his father and brothers, Leonard and Kenny, decided it was time to liquidate the Hereford cattle, buy Angus cattle and split the ranch into different ranches. Poppy led his family through the trials and tribulations of the ranch life. Regardless of what they faced, he and Mary placed all challenges at Jesus’ feet and nothing could be a testament to this more than when he lost his brother Kenny at a very young age, when he was hit from behind by a drunk driver on I-80. Poppy’s focus and love revolved around his ranching lifestyle. There is no place he would rather be than riding horses, feeding cattle, irrigating hay fields, haying and telling his grandchildren they needed to be kicked. Poppy and Mary led their flock, now seven generations strong, to embrace their faith in everything they do and say and to trust God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Part of the Johnson family tradition was to sit around pickin’ and grinnin’ at holidays, family gatherings or any time they could take a few minutes off from ranching. This is where Orville’s love for singing and playing the guitar was born and developed. The Drovers Band came into action, and their first gig was at the high school rodeo in Laramie. Orville would take his rolls of cash – earned by playing in the band – into the Bank of Laramie. Dick VanPelt would watch him make a beeline for a certain teller, or Orville would hang around killing time until she was available. This happened over and over, and people started taking bets on how many times Orville would visit Lindy at the bank each week. They started dating and on one date, Orville bet Lindy a penny he could kiss her without touching her. Lindy accepted the bet and knew she couldn’t lose. So, Orville kissed her and said, “You won the bet! Here is your penny!”

Orville and Lindy were married on Sept. 12, 1981. Orville continually teased Lindy and always told their children Lindy was the one who proposed marriage to him. They had their oldest daughter Samantha on March 6, 1983 in Laramie during a horrible snowstorm, and it took them two hours to get to the hospital from the ranch. According to Stacy, Lindy and Orville thought they could do better and 18 months later, they had another daughter who was so perfect, they stopped having children. They had Stacy at the ranch with two midwives, and Orville caught her in his arms as she was born. Some of Orv’s proudest moments were when he walked both of his daughters down the aisle on their wedding days. After he lifted his daughters’ veils, he would pull their spouses and them close together and whisper into their ears, “Just remember, the most important thing is to serve the Lord.” When Stacy and Kyle told Orville they were expecting, he would always say, “I am so excited.” Then, he would look at Kyle with disgust and say, “I kind of want to hurt you.” He loved each of his grandchildren with an incredible love and desire to disciple and guide. In the more recent years, Orv and Lindy took in many individuals who needed a place to stay for a while, or a place to work to get back on their feet. Orv not only loved his family, but he made all who were around him feel like family. He chose to love many young individuals as his own. Many people have adopted him as their dad, and he filled the role beautifully. Orv did not hesitate to speak truth, even though sometimes it wasn’t what people wanted to hear. He loved helping others learn how to train horses and invited people to bring their horses to the ranch to work through different challenges. Orv would tell his daughters, “Make sure when you get off your horse, he is a little better than when you got on.” Orv loved to tell jokes. Almost anyone can probably recall a joke they have heard from Orv. Most of his jokes were appropriate, some not so, and most were at appro-

priate times, some at not the most appropriate times. Samantha and Stacy would tell their dad, “We are going to town, so please try not to be yourself,” and they would all laugh. Orville never missed an opportunity to tell people he taught his daughters everything they know, and he was absolutely right. Orville was always coming up with ways to do things differently or better and he became quite the inventor. Just recently, he created an easy gate opener and was in the process of getting it ready to be marketed. The family will continue to complete this project Orville started. God gave him the gift of creation and he didn’t waste it. Many had the opportunity to experience the longstanding family tradition of pickin’ and grinnin’ as Orville’s family entertains with their songs and humor. Along with Orville’s amazing musical talents, it would be hard to find a better horseman. Although Orville could sing in front of hundreds of people, he didn’t love the leadership role. But, God had different plans for him. If Orville wasn’t speaking at church, assisting with high school rodeo, Farm Bureau, Stock Growers, rodeo queening and Conservation District events, he and Lindy helped establish the Wyoming Draft and Driving Association in their spare time. If that leadership wasn’t enough, God placed him in a position of ministry with the Rancher’s Gospel Band and Friday Night Live events fulfilling God’s calling to grow God’s kingdom wherever he roamed. Orville honored his father and mother well. Part of he and Lindy’s ministry was taking care of Poppy, helping him to continue working on the ranch and including him in all things. They enjoyed the time they spent with him and served with humility and a servant’s heart. Anybody who really knew Poppy and Orville, knew they were anxiously anticipating the coming of Jesus Christ and eternal life. On the ranch, not one thing doesn’t remind their families of them. A celebration of life was held May 25 at the Albany County Fairgrounds Grandstands.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 9 • June 26, 2021

OBITUARIES

7

Gary Vernon Rice

We welcome obituaries. Obituaries are printed free of charge and can be sent to roundup@wylr.net.

Dec. 3, 1939 – June 16, 2021

John Collamer July 7, 1935 – June 15, 2021

Dr. John Collamer succumbed to the effects of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) after a long and hard-fought battle on June 15. John was born to Ben and Saima (Leino) Collamer and raised in Hanna. He was the valedictorian of his high school class, attended pre-veterinary training courses at the University of Wyoming, obtained both his bachelor’s degree and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Colorado State University. He married Sonja

Soreide and together they raised four children, Deb (Gus) Ridlen, Mike (Lori) Collamer, Ken (Susan) Collamer and Kerry (Mark) Steward. John and Sonja also owned and operated the Saratoga Veterinary Clinic, which served Carbon County and provided large and small animal veterinary services until their retirement. John also retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Army Reserves. He was actively involved in many professional and civic organizations and served as the vice president for the Wyoming Jaycees, president of the Wyoming Veterinary Medical Association, board member of the Wyoming Veterinary Medicine Board, City Council member of Saratoga, elder for the First Presbyterian Church of Saratoga and member of Masonic Temple Saratoga Lodge #14 and Independent Order of Odd Fellows Saratoga Lodge #43. John was recognized as the Wyoming Veteri-

NCBA continued from page 1 attempts have spanned the last decade to do so, but Beymer shares the attempts have been unsuccessful due to obstruction from Congress, administration stalling and agency inaction. In 2010, the Obama administration made an attempt to make Section 202 less objective and more clear, creating the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). The agency was previously placed under the USDA and now resides with the Agricultural Marketing Service. According to Beymer, “The GIPSA Rule has been left broad every time they thought they were close to finalizing it.” In 2020, the Trump administration published what they thought was a final rule, however it was also left open-ended. This year, the Biden administration paused the GIPSA Rule to allow for evaluation and regulation review. Capital issues As the country is still struggling both economically and emotionally from COVID19, NCBA has been hard

at work ensuring cattle producers remain able to produce and have a focus on the priority of highquality beef availability. Beymer notes many policies are under review, and without acknowledgement to packers and their businesses, some policies are viewed as the cause for the end of the American rancher and the consumers will be forced to pay a higher price for a lower quality product. “NCBA was one of the first organizations in Washington to request the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate packers to make sure all behavior during the volatile time was above board,” said Beymer. After this request, the DOJ announced the plan to launch an investigation into meatpackers to evaluate transactions. However, there have been few updates or discussion about the process since the announcement. “A sign of life would be appreciated,” Beymer said. “We have no indication they are still working towards an investigation. We requested this investigation for a reason and would like to have something come from it.” The future “It is really important to remember there are

narian of the Year twice in his career. He also volunteered time to help and mentor 4-H and FFA kids and provided free veterinary care for their animals. John was an avid outdoorsman and loved to share stories of his hunting, fishing, and camping adventures. His children and grandchildren all share his love of the outdoors and have many stories of their own regarding their adventures and misadventures with him. In addition to his wife and children, John leaves behind his grandchildren Josh, Nate, Paul, Lindy, Ben, Cameron, Zach, Leah and Kailee, as well as great-grandchildren Bristol, Porter, Lane, Parker, Henry and Carter. A memorial service was held June 19 at the First Presbyterian Church in Saratoga. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to the North Platte Valley Medical Center, PO Box 549, Saratoga, WY 82331, or npvmc.org. many issues going on in the industry currently,” Beymer shared. “There is no such thing as a one size fits all strategy, that if enacted or if brought to fruition is going to solve all the issues at one time.” According to Beymer, moving cattle markets forward is a full-featured approach. He notes there are several short-term solutions to consider, which place emphasis on cattle producers. “With cattle supply high and really strong beef demand – both domestically and in our export markets – there is no indication that suggests the demand will dissipate,” he explains. “Yet, on the supply side, we continue to see liquidation due to drought in the West.” Beymer continues, “In the short term, we need to have more throughput at all levels if we are going to return some leverage to cattle producers. One thing we can do is make sure meatpackers are still operating at 100 percent capacity, which will help with existing infrastructure and its future.” Cameron Magee is an intern for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Born Dec. 3, 1939, in Worland to Vernon and Doris (Mathews) Rice. Gary was raised on the family ranch east of Ten Sleep with older sister Joan and younger brother Ray. Gary graduated from Ten Sleep High School as valedictorian in 1958. He then pursued a college degree at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, graduating with a degree in animal science. While attending there he met Nancy Earl. Of this union in 1962, they had two children, Leslie and Dan. Gary was active in his community and state. He served on many boards, including the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, Washakie County

Planning Commission and Key Bank of Worland to name just a few. He was an active member of the Ten Sleep Rodeo Association, where he and his brother were also pick-up men for many years. He was very involved as a member of the Ten Sleep/ Hyattville Lions Club. He also testified, as well as represented, ranchers and grazing permittees from across the state, in Washington, D.C. Rice Ranch incorporated in 1914 and received the Wyoming Centennial Ranch award in 2017. As a capable rancher with much business ability and executive acumen, Gary worked hard all his life for his profession and the bettering of Washakie County. His personality gained him many friends that he so enjoyed sharing time with. He was always willing to take the time to visit and tell a story with a friend or a stranger and lend a helping hand. A great horseman and cattleman, he spent many hours tending to his cattle. He loved being on the range in the Big Horn Mountains, including High

Park and Leigh Creek area every summer. Gary Vernon Rice took his final ride over the Great Divide on June 16, 2021 surrounded by the country he so loved and cared for, he will be missed by many across Wyoming. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Ray. He is survived by his daughter Leslie; son Dan (Dani); grandsons Matt and Nathan Altner, and Corey, Brian and Evin Rice and one sister Joan (Dean) Liechty. A Celebration of Life was held June 24, 2021, at the Ten Sleep Park. Memories of Gary were shared while enjoying music and the great outdoors that Gary loved so much. A private graveside service for the immediate family was held at the Ten Sleep Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Ten Sleep/Hyattville Lions Club and sent to PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 9 • June 26, 2021

SALE REPORTS Booth’s Cherry Creek Angus Ranch Complete Dispersion of the Spring Calving Herd and Foundation Fall-bred Cows Reported By Curt Cox, WLR Field Editor June 21, 2021 Booth’s Cherry Creek Ranch, Veteran Auctioneers: Al Conover and Lander Nicodemus Sale Manager: Conover Auction Service 112 Spring Pairs Avg. $4,007 102 Fall-bred Cows Avg. $2,443 38 Spring-bred Heifers Avg. $2,425 17 Fall-bred Heifers Avg. $2,100 Top Sellers Fall-bred Cows Lot 1 – Cherry Crk Blackcap B6 S – Price: $9,000 DOB: 8/17/14 Sire: PA Safeguard 021 Dam’s Sire: Mytty In Focus EPDs: BW: -1.5, WW: +55, YW: +104 and Milk: +32 Buyer: Colter Zentner, Bridger, Mont. Lot 208 – Cherry Crk Blackcap B308 S – Price: $7,000 DOB: 10/8/14 Sire: HAYNES Upward 307R 032 Dam’s Sire: Cherry Crk Allied 6531 EPDs: BW: +2.1, WW: +65 YW: +120 and Milk: +36 Buyer: Fair View Farms, Fisher, W. Va. Lot 202 – Cherry Crk

Lady C185 S – Price: $5,750 DOB: 9/2/15 Sire: Mohnen Long Haul 502 Dam’s Sire: CAR Efficient 534 EPDs: BW: +0.0, WW: +57, YW: +104 and Milk: +29 Buyer: Fair View Farms, Fisher, W. Va. Pairs Lot 53 – Cherry Crk Scarlet B113 M – Price: $6,500 DOB: 9/6/14 Sire: Connealy Forward Dam’s Sire: Connealy Final Product EPDs: BW: -1.5, WW: +57, YW: +103 and Milk: +31 Buyer: Jared Knicely, Norwich, Ohio Lot 26 – Cherry Crk Thunderella D36 – Price: $6,250 DOB: 3/6/16 Sire: Stevenson Rockmount RX933 Dam’s Sire: SQ Cre-

cent probability for below average precipitation for most of Wyoming. The exception is the southwest corner of the state where dence 67S EPDs: BW: precipitation is expected By Windy Kelley, Northern Plains Regional Climate Hub +0.1, WW: +72, YW: to be near normal. +126 and Milk: +25 Buyer: The July forecast, Grant Jones, Benkelman, made June 17, indicates Neb. a 40 to 60 percent prob Lot 104 – Cherry Crk ability for above normal Shndi G5 M Price: $6,250 temperatures throughDOB: 2/5/19 Sire: Balout Wyoming with the dridge Command C036 greatest probability in the Dam’s Sire: Cherry Crk Wyoming experienced cent of Wyoming is abnor- southwest corner. For the Daybreak 9187S EPDs: its 46 th driest May out of mally dry, while nearly same timeframe, there is a BW: +2.1, WW: +73, YW: 127 years according to 73 percent of the state is 33 to 40 percent probabil+126 and Milk: +33 Buyer: National Oceanic and experiencing moderate to ity for below normal preChet Adams, Firth, Idaho Atmospheric Administra- extreme drought. This is cipitation for much of the Lot 113 – Cherry Crk tion’s (NOAA) ) National an increase in severity and state. Georgina G26 M – Price: Centers for Environmental area impacted by abnor- The exception is the $6,250 DOB: 2/12/19 Information (NCEI) data- mally dry or drought con- southern border where Sire: Baldridge Challenger base, retrieved June 17. ditions compared to May there is an equal chance Dam’s Sire: Basin PayFor the first eight months 20. for below, near or above weight 1682 EPDs: BW: of the water year – Oct. View the cur- normal precipitation. To +0.7, WW: +54, YW: +96 1, 2020 through May 31, rent USDM map at bit. view more NOAA foreand Milk: +31 Buyer: Kyle 2021 – Wyoming’s aver- ly/2S28VTA. Producers casts, visit cpc.ncep.noaa. Carr, Hobson, Mont. age maximum temperature should also consider sub- gov. Spring-bred Heifers was two degrees warmer mitting a Condition Mon- The National Inter Lot 140 – Cherry Crk than the 1901 to 2000 itoring Observer Report at agency Fire Center’s PreBlackcap H57 S – Price: average, while the aver- bit.ly/3c4WRLR. dictive Services wild$6,250 DOB: 3/1/20 Sire: age minimum temperature Eight to 14-day and land fire outlook, issued Sitz Stellar 726D Dam’s was near normal. Scaling one-month forecasts June 1, for July shows Sire: Connealy Counselor to the county level, the NOAA’s eight to above normal wildland EPDs: BW: +1.7, WW: adjacent tables show tem- 14-day forecast for June fire potential for much +79, YW: +141 and Milk: perature and precipitation 30 through July 2, made of western and southcen+27 Buyer: Miller Angus, rankings of select coun- June 22, shows a 40 to tral Wyoming. The August Draper, S.D. ties for the month of May 70 percent probability for outlook shows above nor Lot 141 – Cherry Crk and the water year through above average tempera- mal potential for all of Blackcap H12 S – Price: May 31. tures for all of Wyoming, Wyoming with the south$5,750 DOB: 2/5/20 Sire: The U.S. Drought with the lowest probabil- east corner as the excepSitz Stellar 726D Dam’s Monitor (USDM) map for ity in the southeast corner. tion. For the most current Sire: Basin Payweight Wyoming, released June For the same timeframe, wildland fire outlooks, 1682 EPDs: BW: +2.5, 17, shows over 19 per- there is a 33 to 40 per- visit bit.ly/3wmjlzC. WW: +85, YW: +151 and Additional resources Milk: +30 Buyer: Keylyn Gov. Gordon announced May Minimum Temperatures* Anderson, Pierce, Neb. the launch of a new webMay Minimum Temperatures* Compared to the Ranking Out of 127 Years site which provides drought 1901 - 2000 Average Compared to the Ranking Out of 127 Years related information and 1901 - -2000 Average Sheridan, 34th Coolest 1.5℉ resources for Wyoming. Sheridan, 35th 34th Coolest - 1.5℉ Johnson, Visit the website at drought. Johnson, 35th - 1.5℉ May Maximum Temperatures* wyo.gov. May Maximum Temperatures* Crook, 47th Coolest - 1.8℉ Watch the June 17 Crook, - 1.8℉ Weston,47th 48thCoolest 1.6℉ Wyoming Conditions and Weston, - 1.6℉ Outlooks presentation at Water48th Year** Maximum Temperatures* to Date drought.wyo.gov/webiWater Year** Maximum (October 1, 2020 -Temperatures* May 31, 2021) to Date nars/webinars.html. (October 1, 2020 May 31, 2021) Uinta, 11th Warmest + 3.0℉ The Grassland ProUinta, Warmest + 3.1℉ 3.0℉ Lincoln,11th 13th ductivity Forecast, otherLincoln, 3.1℉ Sublette,13th 17th + 2.4℉ wise known as the GrassSublette, 2.4℉ Big Horn, 17th 19th + 2.9℉ Cast, is updated every two Big Horn,20th 19th 2.9℉ weeks and is available for Carbon, + 2.4℉ several counties in eastCarbon, 20th + 2.4℉ Sweetwater, 20th 2.2℉ ern and central Wyoming. Sweetwater, 20th + 2.2℉ Fremont, 22nd View the current maps at Fremont, 22nd 2.2℉ Park, 22nd + 2.1℉ grasscast.unl.edu/. Park, 22nd23rd 2.1℉ Sheridan, + 2.4℉ Windy K. Kelley is the Sheridan, 23rd 2.4℉ Hot Springs, 24th + 2.1℉ regional Extension proHot Springs, 24th + 2.0℉ 2.1℉ gram coordinator and Johnson, 25th state specialist for the Johnson, 25th + 2.0℉ Washakie, 25th 2.4℉ U.S. Department of AgriWashakie, 25th daily & then averaged across those + 2.4℉ * Temperatures are observed days for the given timeframe. culture’s Northern Plains * Temperatures observed daily & then averaged across September those days for the given timeframe. ** A water year isare defined as October 1 of one year through 30 of the following year. * Temperatures are observed daily & then averaged across those Climate Hub, Univer** ARankings water year is defined asgiven October 1are of available one year through September the following *** &days additional at NOAA's Climate at30aof Glance website. for theinformation timeframe. sityyear. of Wyoming Exten** A water year is defined as October 1 of one year through *** Rankings & additional information are available at NOAA's Climate at a Glance website. **** Icons from the Noun Project. sion and WAFERx. She can September 30 of the following year. **** Icons*** from the Noun be reached at wkelley1@ Rankings &Project. additional information are available at NOAA's uwyo.edu or 307-367-4380. Climate at a Glance website.

CONNECTING AG to CLIMATE

Recent and current conditions

May Precipitation Campbell, 14th Driest

Precipitation Received 1.12"

Compared to the 1901 - 2000 Average - 1.32" (- 54%)

Teton, 22nd Wettest

3.97"

+ 1.00"

Ranking Out of 127 Years Converse 14th Lincoln, 27th

1.11" 2.48"

- 1.48" (- 57%) + 0.58"

Water Year** Precipitation to Date (October 1, 2020 - May 31, 2021)

Converse, 10th Driest

5.99"

- 2.9" (- 33%)

Campbell, 11th

5.31"

- 2.56" (- 33%)

Carbon, 12th

8.78"

- 2.49" (- 22%)

Natrona, 12th

5.61"

- 2.45" (- 30%)

Uinta, 12th

6.00"

- 2.46" (- 29%)

Crook, 18th

6.69"

- 2.75" (- 29%)

10.52"

- 3.22" (- 23%)

Sublette, 20th

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 9 • June 26, 2021

Wyoming L.E.A.D. gleans successful trip Wyoming Leadership Education and Development (L.E.A.D.) is an adult education program, founded in 1984 with the mission to help those who aspire to become leaders in agriculture and throughout Wyoming communities. This adult agricultural education program is designed to develop leaders for Wyoming who can speak force-

fully and articulately for Wyoming agriculture. The various topics participants can learn include communication, family business planning, leadership, agricultural policy, programs and trade, rural economics and marketing, natural resources and energy, state and national government and valueadded agriculture.

Wyoming L.E.A.D. Class 16 completed their nine in-state seminars in 2020, and will have a regional tour scheduled for late August to complete their leadership journey. In early June, the class completed their national government seminar with a trip to Washington, D.C. For more information, visit wylead.com.

Wyoming L.E.A.D. Class 16 – Members traveled to Washington, D.C. for their national government seminar. Pictured in from left to right are Cindy Garretson-Weibel of Cheyenne, Reba Sundseth of Douglas, Becky Podio of Newcastle, Kaylee Burnett of Eden; Olivia Sanchez of Cheyenne; Sarah Lungren of Worland; Sadie Eckley of Thermopolis. In the back, class members include Kate Harlan of Kaycee, Sam Sandoz of Shawnee, Jackson Ramsay of Rock Springs, Jeremiah Johnson of Albin and Jeremiah Vardiman of Powell. Courtesy photo

Congressional visits – Wyoming L.E.A.D. Class 16 members met with Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) during their national government seminar. The Wyoming L.E.A.D participants also met with Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) while in the nation’s capital. Courtesy photo

Farm tour – Wyoming L.E.A.D. Class 16 members toured Clark’s Elioak Farms in Maryland during their national government seminar. The Clark family has been farming in Howard County Maryland since 1797. Nora Crist is the seventh generation on the farm, and they sell beef and vegetables to consumers as well as run an ag tourism operation. Pictured from left to right are Jackson Ramsay, Jeremiah Vardiman, Becky Podio, Nora Crist from Elioak Farms, Reba Sundseth, Kaylee Burnett, Jeremiah Johnson, Martha Clark from Elioak Farms; Sadie Eckley, Olivia Sanchez, Sarah Lungren, Sam Sandoz and Kate Harlan. Courtesy photo

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 9 • June 26, 2021

CALENDAR

SALES July 1

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

July 5-9

EVENTS

July 12-14

June 28

Wyoming Game and Fish Department Chronic Wasting Disease Management Meeting, 6 p.m., Thorne/Williams Research Center, Sybille. June 29 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Chronic Wasting Disease Management Meeting, 6 p.m., Glendo Town Hall, Glendo. June 29 Economic Leverage of Grazing Management Workshop, 10 a.m., Niobrara County Fairgrounds, Lusk. For more information or to RSVP, call Ranch Management Consultants at 307-213-6010. June 30 University of Wyoming Sheridan Research and Extension Center Field Day, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Sheridan Research and Extension Center, 663 Wyarno Road, Sheridan. For more information or to RSVP, contact 307673-2856 or shrec@uwyo.edu. June 30 Economic Leverage of Grazing Management Workshop, 10 a.m., George Amos Memorial Building, Gillette. For more information or to RSVP, call Ranch Management Consultants at 307-213-6010. June 30-July 7 Silver State International Rodeo, Winnemucca, Nev. For more information and to register online, visit ssir.us or contact Kathy Gonzalez at 775217-2810 or silverstate10@yahoo.com. July 1 Economic Leverage of Grazing Management Workshop, 10 a.m., Weston County Fairgrounds, Newcastle. For more information or to RSVP, call Ranch Management Consultants at 307-213-6010. July 3 Glendo Ranch Rodeo, 2 p.m., Glendo. Entries due July 1. For more information, contact Gene Daly at 307-331-1049. July 3-11 Laramie Jubilee Days, Laramie. For more information, visit laramiejubileedays.org. July 9 University of Wyoming Botany Workshop, 1-4 p.m., Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, Cheyenne. For more information, e-mail khufford@uwyo.edu or visit bit.ly/learning-plant-families. July 9-17 Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo, Central Wyoming Fairgrounds, Casper. For more information, visit centralwyomingfair.com or call 307-235-5775. July 14 Galloway Ranch 2021 Environmental Stewardship Tour, Ten Sleep. For more information, contact the Wyoming Stock Growers Association at 307638-3942 or visit wysga.org. July 16-25 Converse County Fair, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas. For more information, visit conversecountyfair.com or call 307-358-5438. July 21 Double 8 Ranch 2020 Environmental Stewardship Tour, Elk Mountain. For more information, contact the Wyoming Stock Growers Association at 307-638-3942 or visit wysga.org. July 23-Aug. 1 Cheyenne Frontier Days, Frontier Park, Cheyenne. For more information, visit cfdrodeo.com. July 23-Aug. 1 Platte County Fair, Platte County Fairgrounds, Wheatland. For more information, visit plattecountyfair.org or call 307-322-9504. July 23-Aug. 1 Teton County Fair, Teton County Fairgrounds, Jackson. For more information, visit tetoncountyfair.com or call 307-733-5289. July 23-Aug. 1 Weston County Fair, Weston County Fairgrounds, Newcastle. For more information, visit westoncountyfair.com or call 307-746-9906. July 24-Aug. 1 Crook County Fair, Crook County Fairgrounds, Sundance. For more information, visit crookcofair.com or call 307-283-2644. June 25-26 16th Annual Thermopolis Cowboy Rendezvous PRCA Rodeo, Hot Springs County Fairgrounds, Thermopolis. For more information, visit thermopoliscowboyrendezvous.com. July 26-31 Washakie County Fair, Washakie County Fairgrounds, Worland. For more information, call 307-431-6318. July 26-Aug. 1 Big Horn County Fair, Big Horn County Fairgrounds, Basin. For more information, visit bighornfair.com or call 307-568-2968. July 27-31 Park County Fair, Park County Fairgrounds, Powell. For more information, call 307-754-8855. July 28-31 Sublette County Fair, Sublette County Fairgrounds, Big Piney. For more information, visit sublettecountyfair.com or call 307-276-5373. July 28-Aug. 7 Albany County Fair, Albany County Fairgrounds, Laramie. For more information, visit albanycountyfair.org or call 307-742-3224. July 29-Aug. 7 Goshen County Fair, Goshen County Fairgrounds, Torrington. For more information, visit goshencounty.org or call 307-532-2525. July 29-Aug. 7 Uinta County Fair, Uinta County Fairgrounds, Evanston. For more information, visit uintacountyfair.org or call 307-783-0313. July 30-31 Red Desert Roundup Rodeo, Sweetwater Events Complex, Rock Springs. For more information, visit rdrrodeo.com. July 30-Aug. 8 Campbell County Fair, Cam-Plex, Gillette. For more information, call 307687-0200 or e-mail eae73@ccgov.net.

Big horn Basin

July 6

Worland, WY

July 19-21 Aug. 2-6 Aug. 10-11 Aug. 16-17 Aug. 16-20 Aug. 23-24 Sept. 4 Sept. 13 Sept. 14 Sept. 14 Sept. 15 Sept. 16 Sept. 16 Sept. 17

Valley Video Hay Markets Hay Time Auction, 308-235-5386, valleyvideohay.com Cattle Country Video High Plains Showcase Sale, Goshen County Rendezvous Center, Torrington, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com Superior Livestock Auction Week in the Rockies XXXIII, Loveland, Colo., 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com Western Video Market, Silver Legacy, Reno, Nev., 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com Northern Livestock Video Auction Summertime Classic, 866-6165035, northernlivestockvideo.com Superior Livestock Auction Video Royale XXIX, Winnemucca, Nev., 800-422-2117, superiorlivestock.com Cattle Country Video Oregon Trail Classic Sale, Gering Civic Center, Gering, Neb., 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com Western Video Market, Little America, Cheyenne, 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com Superior Livestock Auction Big Horn Classic XVII, Sheridan, 800422-2117, superiorlivestock.com Northern Livestock Video Auction Early Fall Preview, 866-6165035, northernlivestockvideo.com Proffit Ranch 20th Annual Labor Day Horse Sale, Diamond X Ranch, Evanston, 307-723-5857, proffitranch.com Wyoming Wool Growers Association Premier Ewe Sale, Douglas, 307-265-5250, wyowool.com 93rd Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas, 307-265-5250, 307-351-1422, wyowool.com Western Video Market, Haythorn Ranch, Ogallala, Neb., 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com 8th Annual Montana Ewe Sale, Eastern Montana Fairgrounds, Miles City, Mont., 406-945-0404, mtsheep.org 96th Annual Montana Ram Sale, Eastern Montana Fairgrounds, Miles City, Mont., 406-210-2852, mtsheep.org Cattle Country Video Sandhills Roundup Sale, Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center, Cheyenne, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com Northern Livestock Video Auction Fall Premier, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

Water: Wyoming’s Liquid Gold With the Upper North Platte River nearly dry as it flows through Saratoga, it seems appropriate to again spread a “Postcard” concerning irrigation. Be it early 1900 or today, without Wyoming’s most precious possession – water – agriculture is dead and gone, along with everything else. When our forefathers were urging settlers to migrate West, water was used to lure them here. Here’s how Wyoming’s liquid gold was plied as bait in an early 1900 prospectus book. In a previous “Postcard,” it was reported, “The ‘irrigation farmer’

enjoys all kinds of advantages over the ‘rain farmer.’ He never fears the drought. He never scans the skies when his fields are thirsty. He does not need to depend on the spring and summer rains to bring forth his crops. He knows up in the deep canyons of the surrounding mountains, are stored the snow and ice which feeds the streams he owns.” The article continues, “Thus, when his fields are thirsty, he can easily give them drink, and so he plants with confidence and reaps with profit. He never asks for rain, not even to cool the air, as there are no humid summers here.” “Where irrigation prevails, the growing crops receive their moisture when

Sale Barn: 307-347-9201 Danny Vigil: 307-388-0781

LIVESTOCK AUCTION LLC

Broadcasting and Online Bidding Available At lmaauctions.com. Please visit to fill out an application and view auctions.

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Danny Vigil Northern Livestock Represenative

RECAP: Thursday, June 17, 2021 – Weigh-Up Special with All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goat 624 head. Cows $3 to $4 higher: $56 - $77.50, top $78 • Heiferettes: $79 - $118 Bulls steady: $74.50 - $74.50 - $104.50 Consignments Jeff Stark – 6 blk running age pairs

• Upcoming Sales • July 1 – July 15 – July 17 – July 29 – Aug. 12 –

All Class Cattle All Class Cattle, Sheep & Goat Saturday Horse Sale at 1 p.m. All Class Cattle All Class Cattle

An irrigator poses with all the tools he needs to scatter water – a sharp shovel, boots, a ditch full of water and a large flat field, plus the company of a good horse and faithful dog. Photo from Yoakum/Pilot family album in Perue/Martin collection. Historical Reproductions by Perue

it is most needed and just the right quantity to insure perfect development. The yield per acre far exceeds that of the ‘rain farming region,’ and rust, smut and blight are unknown.” “This land under irrigation is capable of a wonderful yield. A country where can be raised 50 bushels of wheat per acre, 60 bushels of barley and 80 bushels of oats . . . and 400 bushels of potatoes per acre, with native hay and alfalfa running from two-and-one-half to five tons per acre, can certainly be called wonderful.” “Under irrigation, beside crops, all kinds of vegetables and fruit grow to perfection, and in the foot-hills and on the mountain sides where farming is impracticable, livestock is pastured summer and winter without shelter. It is a free range.” “The growing of alfalfa has become quite an important industry during the past few years in this part of the country. The yield is about four tons per acre, and many carloads are shipped out of the valley, besides that which is consumed at home by being fed to livestock. In the eastern market, there is a very large demand for alfalfa, and this is one of the conditions which makes irrigated land so valuable and in constant demand.” The book noted, “Not only is the water of the North Platte River and its many tributaries which course through this section about which we are writing, available for irrigation purposes, but it is fast being harnessed for power purposes.” But then, that’s another story.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 9 • June 26, 2021

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 9 • June 26, 2021

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 9 • June 26, 2021

CNFR continued from page 1

COMING SOON! 2021-22 WYOMING SEEDSTOCK DIRECTORY To advertise in the Wyoming Seedstock Directory, contact Curt at 307-630-4604 or curt@wylr.net. Advertising Deadline: July 9, 2021

®

wylr.net 800-967-1647 • 307-234-2700

on three rides. In the championship round, Dylan Schofield of West Texas College took home the national title with an 84.5 point ride to win the round and the average with a total of 310 points. Weston Patterson of Clarendon College rode for 80 points in the short go and finished second in the average with 301.5 points, followed by Clayson Hutchings of Utah State Eastern with a 79.5 point ride to earn a total of 296.5 points in the average. Bareback riding UW’s Donny Proffit, a Kemmerer cowboy who entered the CNFR in the number one spot, came into the short go in 12th place with a total of 216 points on three rides. An 80 point ride in the championship round earned Proffit eighth place in the round and bumped him into the 11th spot in the event average. Cole Franks from Clarendon College scored 85 points in the final round for an average of 330.5 points in first place. Gauge McBride of Panola College and Nick Pelke of Missouri Valley College tied for second in the round with 83 point rides, closely followed by Waylon Boureois of McNeese State University and Kolt Dement of Panola College in third with 83.5 point rides. In the average, Franks took the lead with 330.5 points, followed by Dement at 322 points and Pelke with 321.5 points. Bull riding Casper College’s Quinten Taylor came into the short go with a 79.5 point ride in the first go. With only one qualified ride at the CNFR, Taylor finished the season sixth in the average with a total of 79.5 points. In the championship round, only two bull riders made the eight-second mark. Tristen Hutchings of Sul Ross State University scored a 90 in the short go for a total of 241.5 points on three rides to win the average. Cole Skender of Three Rivers College put down an 83 point ride in the short go and placed second in the average with a total of 167.5 on two head, followed by Austin Allred of Utah State University Eastern. Tie-down roping Connor Atkinson of Wharton County Junior College won the short go in the tie-down roping with a 9.4 second run, followed by Macon Murphy of Panola College with a 9.8 second run and Kincade Henry of Panola College with an 11.5 second run. In the average, Murphy led the pack with a

total of 39.1 seconds, followed by Caleb Berquist of Montana State University with 44.3 seconds and Atkinson with a total of 47.6 points. Steer wrestling Chadron Coffield, a UW cowboy, entered the final round of the CNFR with a total of 23.7 seconds on three head, placing him fourth before the short go. Seth Peterson, also a UW cowboy, entered the championship round in sixth with a total of 24 seconds on three head. Coffield made a 6.1 second run in the short go to place fifth, earning fourth in the average. Peterson made an 8.1 second run to place seventh and earned fifth in the average. Grant Peterson of California Polytechnic University won the championship round with a four second run, followed by Gavin Soileau of McNeese State University with a 4.2 second run and Trisyn Kalawai’a of Central Arizona College with a 4.4 second run. Soileau wins the average with a total of 19.2 seconds, Grant Peterson places second with 27.8 seconds and Bryce Harrison of University of Montana Western placed third in the average with a total score of 29.2 seconds. Team roping In the first round, Casper College’s Kellan and Carson Johnson placed second with a 6.1 second run, while Bodie Mattson of Gillette College and Cody Lansing of Casper College placed fourth with a 6.4 point run. The team from Gillette College comprised of Jon Peterson and Trae Smith placed 9th on 11.8 seconds. Mattson and Lansing placed second in the second go with a 5.6 second run, while Peterson and Smith tied for fourth on 6.4 seconds. The Johnson brothers placed eighth in the go with a run of seven seconds. In the third round, UW Cowboy Jase Staudt and teammate J.C. Flake from Gillette College took second with 5.4 seconds, while the Johnsons scored a 7.6 second run for seventh. In the short go, the Casper-raised brothers Carson and Kellan Johnson roped their steer in six seconds to win the round, also winning the average with a total of 26.7 seconds. Staudt and Flake placed third in the championship round with a time of 11.5 seconds, following J.C. Yeahquo and L.J. Yeahquo from Western Oklahoma State College. J.C. and L.J. placed second in the average with a total of 27.7 seconds, followed by the team of Wyatt Murray and Whitt Crozier from Panhandle State. Barrel racing UW’s Karson Bradley, a Big Piney cowgirl who began the CNFR in the number one spot, entered the

championship round in the seventh hole. With a 14.43 second run in the final round, Bradley tied for sixth. In the average, Bradley placed sixth with a total of 57.71 seconds. Taylor Moeykens from Montana State University won the final round with a final time of 13.99 seconds, followed by Bradi Good from Weatherford College with a 14.03 second run. Shai McDonald, also of Montana State University, placed third with a time of 14.21 seconds. Moeykens wins the average with a total of 56.84 seconds. Jaylie Matthews of East Mississippi Community College earned third with a total time of 57.13 seconds followed by Abby Hepper of Southwest Oklahoma State who earned a total of 57.16 seconds. Breakaway roping In the breakaway roping event, Zoie Bedke of Idaho State won the final round roping her calf in 2.4 seconds. Hannah Phillips of Sam Houston State closely followed for second with a 2.7 second run, and Catherine Clayton of Cochise College placed third with a 2.8 second run in the short go. Bedke won the average with a total of 10.3 seconds. Courtney Peters of Black Hills State was second in the average with a total time of 11.3 seconds, followed by Clayton with a total of 13.7 seconds. Goat tying UW’s Taylour Latham came into the short go with a total of 20.8 seconds on three head, placed 10th in the event. In the final go, Latham made an 8.6 second run to place eighth. In the average, Latham placed eighth as well. Sheyenne Anderson of Missouri Valley College won the championship round with a 6.2 second run, followed by Jill Donnely of Cochise College with a 6.5. Heather McLaughlin from the University of West Alabama earned third with 6.8 seconds. In the average, Donnely wins with a total of 26.4 seconds, followed by Anderson with 26.6 seconds and Maddee Doerr of Cochise College with a total of 27.5 seconds. All-around titles Winning the men’s allaround title, Cole Franks of Clarendon College earned a total of 395 points. UW’s Seth Peterson placed second with 185 points, followed by Garrett Jacobs of Sul Ross State University, UW’s Jase Staudt, Missouri Valley College’s Ty Pope, Casper College’s Quinten Taylor and Missouri Valley College’s Roy Lee. Averi Hales is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 9 • June 26, 2021

EXTENSION EDUCATION

By Chance Marshall, UW Extension Agriculture, Horticulture and Livestock Systems Educator

Managing cow/calf operations through drought conditions in Wyoming One thing livestock producers in Wyoming can count on is managing through drought conditions at some point. By the looks of things, most of Wyoming is in for a dry year. Managing grazing livestock during drought years, or multiple years of drought, can be stressful and difficult to navigate. However, there are strategies and considerations which can help producers get through tough times. Herd reduction The most obvious and economical response to livestock management during drought years is to reduce animal inventory to match available forage resources. This is the “panic” scenario many

producers think about first. If depopulation is absolutely necessary, it is important to refer to individual animal records to determine which animals have been the least productive for the last two to three consecutive years. The bottom 20 percent of females in the herd should be those which have not had a calf every year, cows already in thin body condition or cows which have calved late in recent calving seasons. Identifying these females should be prioritized and considered first for culling. Maintaining thin and/or non-productive cows can cost producers money and can be detrimental long-

term to pasture resources. Weaning strategies However, selling a big portion of the herd may not be the only answer to drought conditions. Management strategies such as early weaning of calves can be a great way to adjust forage demands during drought years. During lactation, a cow’s maintenance and feed requirements are at their peak. By removing calves from their dams earlier than normal, a cow can meet her nutrient requirements easier with less feed. Many studies have shown early weaning can be accomplished with minimal effects to the calf’s performance. Although early-weaned calves are typically lighter at weaning, research has shown early-weaned calves fed high-energy diets following weaning still grade at or near U.S. Department of Agriculture Choice and perform well in the feedlot. Weaning calves as early as 45 to 60 days of age may be a good strategy to include in a drought plan. Supplementing grazing Rotational grazing

15

strategies are an especially good tool to maximize carrying capacity of pasture and maintain forage health during drought years. A livestock producer must determine ways to concentrate grazing and allow for grass recovery to make the most of their pasture. Increased labor may be necessary to set up temporary pasture, move livestock, monitor grazing and haul drinking water. If hay resources are available, delaying turn out to pasture and feeding hay resources may be an option to allow for plant growth and preserve pasture resources. During dry years, weeds may be more prevalent, and producers should keep an eye out for potential toxicities from poisonous species. If forage is limited, cattle are more likely to graze weedy and toxic plant species. During dry years, a producer should be prepared for available pasture to be drier and lower in nutrient quality. In order to continue meeting requirements and maintain production, a supplementation program may be necessary.

WAIC shares bookmark finalists Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom (WAIC) holds a bookmark contest each

year for Wyoming students in second through fifth grades. Students create a message centered

around the state’s natural resources and industries to illustrate their message. The finalists, along with

their families and teachers will be honored at an annual celebration in Cheyenne.

Protein levels must be met for ruminants before energy can be supplemented. Grain supplementation on low-quality forage – considered less than nine percent crude protein – can actually result in decreased forage intake and less energy capture. Mineral supplementation is also very important during drought years, especially phosphorus. By supplementing the diet with portions of a higher quality hay or added supplementation sources, some pasture resources can be stretched. Rebuilding after drought Following a period of prolonged lack of water often means producers see overgrazed areas and lagging forage regrowth. Much like forming a drought management plan, a livestock producer should assess the damage to their pasture resources and livestock and then consider ways to rebuild their inventory. This will likely require implementing non-use periods during the growing season to re-establish root growth and overall plant health. Without adequate recovery time, pas-

tures may never produce like they used to. Prioritize pastures by their potential to recover quickly and allow additional time for heavily impacted pastures. If prolonged pasture rest is not an option, delaying turnout a couple of weeks or increasing rotation frequency would be beneficial to restoring plant vigor. Target grazing early maturing grass species such as cheatgrass or crested wheatgrass and non-toxic weeds early in the growing season, combined with other forms of weed control, will also help desirable plant recovery. Many factors must be considered while developing a drought management plan. It’s in the best interest for the operation if the producer already has a plan to manage during the hard times. As the saying goes, “Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.” Chance Marshall is a University of Wyoming Extension Agriculture, Horticulture and Livestock Systems Educator based in Fremont County. He can be reached at cmarsha1@ uwyo.edu or 307-3321018.

Crook County Fair Unmask the Outlaws, Bandits and Thieves, and Steal the Show at the Crook County Fair

 July 24-31 2021 Finalist – Constance Merriam, Fifth Grade Woodland Park Elementary, Sheridan. Sponsored by First Northern Bank

July 24

Youth Rodeo Bob Burke Memorial Drawpot Team Roping

July 27

Ranch Rodeo

July 28 & 29

2021 Finalist – Jess Grant, Third Grade Boxelder Rural School, Glenrock. Sponsored by the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and Hat Six Travel Center

Extreme Raptors Matt Henry Trained Human Story Time with Miss Bonnie Jump House Mania

July 29

Youth Rough Stock Rodeo

July 30

Muley Fanatic Foundation Family Fun Night

July 31

Junior Livestock Sale

For an updated schedule visit

2021 Finalist – Leah Sibert, Fifth Grade Mountain View Elementary School, Mountain View. Sponsored by Jonah Bank

www.crookcofair.com

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 33 No. 9 • June 26, 2021

It’s the Pitts by Lee Pitts

What Comes After A Trillion? Cash is trash. Or soon will be. Don’t believe me? There’s something called the U.S. National Debt Clock and I’d encourage everyone to pay it a visit on their computer or smart phone. As I write this on May 12, 2021, the U.S National Debt is $28,281,564,802. This is over $28 trillion, but by the time this is printed, it will be over a hundred billion more. I can’t give a more accurate number because the debt clock is spinning faster than my grandpa in his grave after he heard about the sorry state of America’s finances. The way the current administration is printing money, I don’t think it’s too early to discuss what comes after a trillion. It’s quadrillion and it’s only a matter of time before we reach this miserable milestone. Let me put this in perspective. A billion dollars in hundred dollar bills weighs 11 tons, so a trillion dollars would weigh 22 million pounds. Or, consider this. If a per-

son spent a dollar each day since the day Christ was born, they would not have spent a billion dollars. They would have a quarter of this billion left to go on spending for another 760 years. Or, one could look at it this way. A million dollars in thousand dollar bills would be eight inches high. A billion dollars in thousand dollar bills is 666 feet high, or 110 feet taller than the Washington Monument. A hundred billion dollars in thousand dollar bills is 66,600 feet high, equivalent to 12 miles. Our national debt at close to $30 trillion in one thousand dollar bills stacked to the sky would be 3,600 miles high. But, since the U.S. stopped printing the $1,000 bill, the largest denomination printed is the $100 bill, so our national debt would be 36,000 miles high in legal tender. Keep in mind this is stacked money, not placed end to end. And all this borrowed money is backed by... well, by nothing. And $7 trillion dollars of this debt is held by

foreign countries – primarily China. When our federal debt is compared to our gross domestic product (GDP), one will find that in 1980, our debt was 34 percent of GDP. Guess what it is now… 128 percent. If a normal person operated in this manner, they would be in jail and the bank would grab everything they had faster than green grass goes through a goose. The only way our government can even pay the interest on all this debt is to print money faster than they borrow it, which basically means cash is trash. At the current rate of money printing, we’re headed for a society where everyone’s a millionaire but no one has enough money to buy an ice cream cone. Have you seen those old photos of Germans pushing wheelbarrows of money down the street to buy a loaf of bread? That’s us down the road. So where are the smart people putting their money? The second wealthiest man in the country – even after his impending divorce – is Bill Gates of Microsoft fame. Where’s Bill putting his money? I’ll give you a hint, it’s not a Certificate of Deposit that pays a third of a percent or treasury bills backed by thin air. No, Bill Gates is buying farmland, and lots of it – 242,000 acres of American farmland at last count. John Malone, who made

VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC Valley ValleyVideo Video Hay Hay Markets, Markets, the the original original internet internet hay hay market market auction, auction, has has been been selling selling hay hay for for the the past past 19 16 years years from from our our same same quality quality growers growers in inWestern Western Nebraska and Eastern Wyoming Wyoming. dairy hay We will beExpecting supplying4,000 4,000 tons tons of of ranch alfalfa&and corn stalks to our tocustomers our customers the Dakota’s, Wyoming, Colorado all in thein Dakota’s, Wyoming, Colorado, and alland ourto past of our current customers in the Midwest. customers in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico.

Purchase Purchase or or consign consign hay hay with with our our Private PrivateTreaty Treaty Sales Sales or or our our HayTime HayTime Auction Auction sales sales held held atat Superior Superior Click Click to to Bid. Bid. Hay Hay isis all all sold sold from from farm farm locations. locations.We We can can help help with with freight freight arrangements. arrangements.

SALE SALE DATE: DATE: Thursday, 1, 2021 • 2 p.m. Thursday, July January 24, 2019 • 2MST p.m. VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC Valley Video Hay Markets, the original internet hay market auction, has been selling hay for the past 16 years from our same quality growers in Western Nebraska and Eastern Wyoming.

his billions in telecommunications, years ago displaced Ted Turner as the largest landowner in America. This financial genius couldn’t wait to get some of his money out of the stock market and into ranchland. He’s currently worth $7.9 billion and owns 2.2 million acres of land, including the historic and massive Bell

Ranch and the historic TO Ranch, both in New Mexico. Under the name Silver Spur Ranches, he also owns big ranches Wyoming, Colorado and overseas as well. Money talks, and these days it’s saying to invest in things which produce real wealth or has real value. And no, I’m not talking about Bitcoin.

I don’t know when this Ponzi borrowing scheme comes unwound, I just know that it has to. So take the money out from under the mattresses and buy something that will let you sleep better at night. Perform a cashectomy and remove all money from the bank to buy more land, cows, gold, silver and ammunition.

RIVERTON LIVESTOCK AUCTION Market Report, Tuesday, June 22, 2021 - No Sale

Early Consignments

TUESDAY, JUNE 29 ALL CATTLE CLASSES W/ SHEEP & HORSES START TIME 9:00 AM W/ SHEEP & WEIGH UP • PAIRS @ 11:00 AM PAIRS Hellyer Ranch - 41 Blk Ang Pairs (Approx 20- 3 Yr Olds, 9- 4-6 Yr Olds, 12 - 7-8 Yr Olds). Rec Virashield 6 VL5 & poured this Spring. Popo Agie genetics. One brand, fancy Pairs! Z/C Livestock - 15 Blk Ang & AngX 3-9 Yr Old Pairs. Tagged to match. Comp vacc @ Branding. March born calves. High elevation, fancy! Don Hankins - 15 Blk AngX 3-10 Yr old Pairs. Calves rec Vista Once SQ & 7-way. Cows have been exposed to SO Cattle Blk Ang bulls for approx 30 days. Complete dispersion. Fancy! Micheli Ranch - 15 Running Age pairs. Have been running back with bulls since 6/8. High elevation. Diamond X Ranch - 10 Blk Ang 3-5 Yr Old Pairs. High desert, fancy! Logan Hedges - 10 Blk Ang & CharX Running Age Pairs. Calves have had comp vacc & Bull calves are banded. Tagged to match. Calves sired by Hogg SimAngus & Hedges Hereford bulls. Fancy, high elevation pairs! Complete dispersion. P/T Livestock - 6 Blk Ang 3 & 4 Yr Old Pairs. Calves Rec CD & T & Multimin @ Birth. Complete mineral program. Reputation cattle coming from longtime Registered Ang AI program. Big, stout calves! High elevation, fancy! YEARLINGS Harold Albright - 30 Blk Yrling Strs 600-800# BREEDING BULLS Gary Coy - 1 Blk Ang 18 month Virgin Bull. Originally purchased from 2021 Hancock Angus Bull sale as a Yearling. Sired by High Plains Drifter. Fertility tested, ready to turn out! Only selling due to dispersion of cows. WEIGH UPS Durbin Creek Ranch - 90 Open Cows. Majority are young cows. Have been on feed. Pape Ranch - 1 load of Open Cows Burton Ranch - 1 load of Open Cows Micheli Ranch - 25 Exposed Cows HORSES Nate Andrew - 10 Yr Old Grulla Gelding. Ranch broke. Has been roped on, packed on, used on mountain trails, carried calves & started on barrels. Has been used in a sale barn setting. Approx 15.3-16 hands.

TUESDAY, JULY 6 - No Sale TUESDAY, JULY 13 ALL CATTLE CLASSES • START TIME 9:00 AM W/ WEIGH UPS

TUESDAY, JULY 20 - No Sale TUESDAY, JULY 27 ALL CATTLE CLASSES W/ SHEEP & HORSES START TIME 9:00 AM W/ SHEEP & WEIGH UPS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 3 - No Sale TUESDAY, AUGUST 10 ALL CATTLE CLASSES • 4-H RESALE (NOON) START TIME 9:00 AM W/ WEIGH UPS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 17 - No Sale TUESDAY, AUGUST 24 ALL CATTLE CLASSES W/ SHEEP & HORSES & 4-H RESALE (NOON) START TIME 9:00 AM W/ SHEEP & WEIGH UPS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 31 - No Sale

Call Barry McRea

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

www.valleyvideohay.com SALE DATE:

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

We will be supplying 4,000 tons of alfalfa and corn stalks to our customers in the Dakota’s, Wyoming, Colorado, and all our past customers in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico.

Purchase or consign hay with our Private Treaty Sales or our HayTime 888-935-3633 ••Text: 888-935-3633 Text: 308-235-5386 • barry.mcrea@gmail.com barry.mcrea@gmail.com Auction sales held308-235-5386 at Superior Click to Bid.•Hay is all sold from farm locations. We can help with freight arrangements.

Thursday, January 24, 2019 • 2 p.m.

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