September 1, 2018 by Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Volume 30 Number 18 • September 1, 2018

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

A Look Inside The Wyoming State Ram Test results provide data on some of the state’s top terminal sires...... .......................................Page 7 A producer panel provided insight on adding sheep to cattle operations................Page 10 The 90 Wyoming State Ram Sale is approaching, and consignors will offer an impressive set of rams.............Pages 11-14 th

Junior Angus breeders brought top stock to the Wyoming State Fair.............Page 24

Quick Bits Meat production Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.24 billion pounds in July, up 6% from the 3.99 billion pounds produced in July 2017. Lamb and mutton production, at 12.1 million pounds, was up 10% from July 2017. Sheep slaughter totaled 178,900 head, 7% above last year. The average live weight was 135 pounds, up 3 pounds from July a year ago.

Bell Livestock wins at National Columbia Show and Sale

Gillette – Russell Bell attended the 2018 National Columbia Show and Sale, bringing a handful of his top stock, and came away from the national event with top accolades.

“They have a class called fleece ram, which is the best ram in the fleece,” Bell explains. “Essentially, it’s a wool contest but on the sheep. One of our rams was the Grand Champion

Columbia Ram Fleece.” The family also exhibited the Champion Production Ram at the event. “Our Champion Production Ram is going to Dubois, Idaho to start

rebuilding the Columbia Flock at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station (USSES), which was where the Columbias originally came from,” Bell says. “I’m Please see BELL on page 6

2018 WYOMING STATE RAM SALE EDITION

LAMB MARKETING Seasonal nature of lamb industry creates industry challenges

“When we look at seasonality of the U.S. lamb industry, it is based off a seasonal lambing event,” explains Reid Redden, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension sheep and goat specialist. “When we lamb, we do it because it’s always been done that way, but why do we do it?” During an Aug. 21 webinar, “Seasonality of the U.S. Lamb Industry,” Redden reviewed a white paper with the same title that was compiled by himself and four colleagues. The white paper aimed to understand and resolve the issues related to seasonality of lamb supply. Influencing factors Seasonality in the market has emerged as a result of a handful of factors, said Redden. “Sheep are short-day breeders, meaning that as the

days are getting shorter, they become more fertile than the rest of the year,” he explained. “That is set up so more of the lambs are born in the spring.” Current breeding strategies also mimic feed resource availability and avoid harsh weather conditions, helping to bolster the survivability of the lamb crop. “As such, a large segment of lambs in the U.S. are born in the first five months,” Redden said, specifically noting that approximately 85 percent of lambs are born January through May. “This means a large number of lambs will be sold as feeders, which will all end up at the harvest level in the same timeframe. This sup-

Please see LAMB on page 16

Cold Storage At the end of July, the amount of beef in frozen stocks was more than expected, while pork tonnage was less than anticipated. Year-over-year, beef in U.S. freezers was up by 12.3%, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Cold Storage report, which was released Aug. 22.

Accurate Dates The “sell-by” and “best-by” dates on milk cartons may soon become more meaningful and accurate. Food scientists have created a new predictive model that examines sporeforming bacteria and when they emerge, according to research published in the August 2018 print issue of the Journal of Dairy Science. The team predicts shelf life of milk may increase by two weeks if it is kept at the proper temperature.

BSE Found

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed atypical H-type Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), a neurologic disease of cattle, in a 6-year-old mixed-breed beef cow in Florida. This animal never entered slaughter channels and at no time presented a risk to the food supply or to human health in the United States.

Saige Albert photo

Britania Fire continues to grow West of Wheatland, the Britania Mountain Fire continues to grow, fueled by winds and warm weather. The blaze, which grew to over 26,000 acres by the evening of Aug. 30. The fire was active primarily on its southern and southeastern edges, necessitating additional evacuations in the Palmer Canyon area. Firefighters and crews have worked to prevent the fire’s eastward spread by constructing fire line on the fire’s active edge. Rough terrain complicates fire suppression efforts, as do the gusty, erratic winds. As of Aug. 30, the fire was 64 percent contained. The blaze was originally started in the early morning hours of Aug. 26 by a lightning strike. A number of structures are presumed destroyed, likely including several cabins and homes, as well as outbuildings. Platte County Emergency Management Coordinator Terry Stevenson said on Aug. 29 that heavy smoke emitted by the fire, combined with dangerous conditions for crews on the ground, have prevented firefighters from accessing the area to confirm the presumed structure losses. As of Aug. 31, 436 personnel were assigned to the fire, which continues to burn in timber and short grass six miles west of Wheatland. The fire behavior was described as active and running with group torching and short-range spotting. The blaze has also made wind-driven runs to the east. Forecasts call for hot, dry weather with breezy winds over the next couple of days, and while isolated thunderstorms may occur, wetting rains that would suppress the fire are not expected. Look for information on how Wyomingites can help victims of the Britania Mountain Fire in future editions of the Roundup.

Alternative breeds

Amsberry sees a future in white Dorpers Lexington, Neb. – A few years ago, Neal Amsberry was at a sale barn selling the last of his feeder goats when he noticed some hair sheep being sold. Intrigued by the animals, the Lexington, Neb. producer later purchased some Dorper and Katahdin commercial ewes. “I had been in the goat business for more than 10 years,” he says. “During the drought of 2012, I was feeding hay as fast as I could put it up. It was starting to be too much work, so I got out of the breeding goats and into feeding goats.” “I had been feeding 350 to 400 head of goats for a couple years when I started getting curious about hair sheep,” he continues. “Two years ago, I bought some ewes with lambs on them, and since then, I have built up to about 200 head. I liked how low maintenance they are compared to goats.” Since then, Amsberry has sold all his feeder goats and started to transition from strictly a commercial hair sheep flock to adding about 26 head of purebred white Dorpers. “I plan to double my herd in the next year or two Please see BREEDS on page 7

Ultrasounding ewes adds profit potential Sammi Hansen has had a soft spot for livestock since she was a little girl growing up on a cow/calf operation in Butte County, South Dakota, near the Orman Dam. “I knew from the time I was a little kid I wanted to do something in the medical field, but my first dream was to become an OB/GYN for humans. It wasn’t until we had to do a C-section on a cow that I realized I could have both things I loved. I could be a doctor for animals and still be able to deliver babies,” Hansen explains. Early business After graduating from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in spring 2016, Hansen

returned to her home-state to set up her vet practice. “I decided to start my own mobile veterinary clinic called Sammi’s Veterinary Services, Prof. LLC and had it up and running in August 2016 to ultrasound cattle,” she says. Hansen continues, “I started my business small with just an ultrasound, pickup and a cattle chute, but from there I have built it up to be able to fertility test bulls and rams, perform C-sections on both cattle and sheep, handle calving and lambing needs and most general day-to-day procedures on the ranch.” Unique aspect Despite all the techniques Hansen does on a day-to-day basis, one is

periodical

Please see HANSEN on page 8

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

A New Twist

There is a coolness in the morning air that suggests fall may be coming, and if you have had a hot, dry summer, that is welcome news. On the other hand, the country seems to be a little dusty, and that, combined with hot and cool temperatures From the ranges in the course of a day, brings the Publisher dreaded symptoms of pneumonia or shipDennis Sun ping fever to young stock. I have already heard of a few cases of some having to doctor sick calves now. Doctoring sick calves always reminds us of the also dreaded words “antibiotic resistance.” A new study has shown that antibiotic resistance iisn’t always a result of antibiotic overuse in humans and animals. We do need to do more research on antibiotic resistance as, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 2 million people in the United States are infected with bacteria that are resistance to antibiotics. Lisa Durso, a microbiologist at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Lincoln, Neb., recently found antibiotic-resistant bacteria in prairie soils that had little or no exposure to human or animal activity. That is big news, as livestock producers have gotten a lot of blame lately over the antibiotic resistance issue. Durso belongs to a nationwide network of ARS scientists investigating agriculture-related antibiotic resistance, sharing critical information and developing solutions. The research involves examining antibiotic resistance as it relates to food safety, animal production and protection, and the environment. When it comes to resistance, scientists typically measure three things – drugs, or the antibiotics people take or give to animals; bugs, meaning the bacteria that might be resistant; and genes, or the DNA instructions in the bacteria that code for resistance. Genes are usually in the cells, although not always, Durso explains. After a cell dies, the genes can persist in the soil. Durso states that studies show antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes occur naturally. She said, “Studies have shown antibiotic resistance in soil samples dating back to the time of wooly mammoths. This is because antibiotics, such as penicillin, came originally from fungi or other bacteria found naturally in soil.” To address the problem, Durso and her team examined native prairie soil that had little human impact and no animal grazing for the past 20 years. The team worked with a number of partners, including landowners, academia and staff from state game and parks commissions, to identify 20 native prairies in southeastern Nebraska meeting these criteria. Soil samples were collected from the sites and screened for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. All the samples contained bacteria resistant to tetracycline and cefotaxime, and nearly half of the bacteria isolated from prairie soils were resistant to two or more antibiotics. The findings also included a type of sulfonamide-resistant gene in 91 percent of the samples. Considered a marker of human activity, the gene was present despite a lack of human activity at those sites. Durso said, “It would be unrealistic to say we want zero antibiotic resistance on farms, because even in natural settings, you see resistance. We’re able to use this data to set a baseline for what’s occurring naturally. It gives us a starting point for figuring out how best to manage antibiotic resistance on agricultural lands.” Well, there you go. Ag is not all to blame for the antibiotic resistance issue. It is a natural occurrence. How often do we find that to be the case?

Wyoming Livestock Roundup Reporting the News by the Code of the West

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GUEST OPINIONS

Objective Selection, Ram Test and the 2018 Ram Purchasing By Whit Stewart, UW Extension Sheep Specialist

In January 2018, Wyoming ranked third in the nation for breeding sheep with 260,000 head. Assuming 250,000 breeding ewes are in Wyoming and assuming a breeding ratio of one ram to 30 ewes, there will be roughly 8,333 rams utilized this fall for breeding. Assuming 30 percent of these 8,333 are culled annually for failure to pass a breeding soundness exam or death, producers will need approximately 2,500 to replenish Wyoming’s ram battery this fall. A great variety of commercial and stud rams will be available Sept. 11, at the 90th Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas. The top 30 percent or 20 rams from the annual University of Wyoming (UW) Terminal Sire Ram Test will be offered

at the sale in Douglas. Additionally, top certifying whiteface rams – on the certified Rambouillet Index and Wyoming Certified Index – will be available with data available upon request of consigner. Performance testing and objective breeding values demonstrates a real commitment from the ram seller and reassurance to the buyer. Identifying, selecting and disseminating superior genetics for the lamb industry is the focus of the UW, Wyoming Wool Growers Association and Mountain States Lamb Cooperative ram test. Eighty rams from 15 operations were evaluated for growth performance, carcass ultrasound characteristics, and Please see STEWART on page 5

Summary Statistics for 2018 Terminal Sire Test Trait

Certified Ram Average (Top 30%)

Overall Average

Min

Max

Start Weight, lb.

111.7

146

End Weight, lb.

166.9

142

203

Average Daily Gain, lb/day

0.88

0.71

0.17

1.35

Cost Per Pound of Gain, $/lb of gain

$0.64

$0.75

$0.35

$1.68

Feed to Gain, lb.

5.63

6.67

3.05

14.81

Loin Eye Area, inches2

3.26

2.66

1.10

4.20

Scrotal Circumference, cm

16.5

Results – This table looks at a summary of the date collected from 80 ram lambs from 14 ranches. Whit Stewart table

Summary Statistics from the 2017-18 Whiteface Ram Test Trait

Certified Ram Average (Top 30%)

Overall Average

Min

Max

Start Weight, lb.

131.9

112.4

179

End Weight, lb.

247.7

221.7

175

313

Average Daily Gain, lb/day

0.90

0.80

0.35

1.07

Adj. Grease Fleece Weight, lb.

22.9

17.8

12.68

29.51

Adj. Clean Fleece Weight, lb.

12.7

9.2

5.91

15.32

Micron

23.5

23.2

Loin Eye Area, inches2 /cwt

1.5

1.6

1.13

2.01

Loin Eye Area, actual inches2

3.71

3.54

3.11

5.40

Scrotal Circumference, cm

34.6

33.0

Whiteface test – The Whiteface Ram Test concluded earlier this year, with impressive performance from the top 30 percent of rams, as indicated in the data above. Whit Stewart table

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

NEWS BRIEFS Production increases

An Aug. 23 edition from the Daily Livestock Report noted the Choice Beef Cutout moved above a year ago in the latest week, holding steady on modest volumes of negotiated spot market trade. Last week, production was up three percent from a year ago, highlighted by cow slaughter that was up seven percent. Steer and heifer slaughter was up slightly less than three percent. Beef production this quarter is pegged to be up 2.5 percent from last year by Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC).

U.S.-Mexico reach agreement U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue commended President Trump and negotiators for reaching a preliminary trade agreement with Mexico earlier this week. “President Trump is delivering on his promise to renegotiate the old, outdated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), making good on his pledge to strike the best deals possible for all of our economic sectors, including agriculture,” said Perdue. “The President has achieved important improvements in the agreement to enable our agricultural producers to be treated more fairly. This breakthrough demonstrates that the President’s common-sense strategy of holding trading partners accountable will produce results.” He added, “President Trump and Ambassador Lighthizer, our U.S. Trade Representative, are to be congratulated for their determination, vision and leadership.” Specifically, Perdue noted the agreement specifically addresses agricultural biotechnology to keep up with 21st century innovations, and USDA pledges to work together with Mexico to reduce trade-distorting policies, increase transparency and ensure non-discriminatory treatment in grading of agricultural products. “This is nothing short of a great victory for farmers and ranchers, because locking in our access to Mexican markets is critical to supporting farm income and strengthening rural communities. Mexico has historically been a great customer and partner and we are happy to have this resolved for our agricultural producers,” Perdue commented. “We now hope that Canada will see the need to settle all of the outstanding issues between our two nations, as well, and restore us to a true North American Free Trade Agreement.”

Tariff help detailed On Aug. 27, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced details of actions the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will take to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation by foreign nations. Farm Service Agency will administer the Market Facilitation Program to provide payments to corn, cotton, dairy, hog, sorghum, soybean and wheat producers starting Sept. 4. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service will administer a Food Purchase and Distribution Program to purchase up to $1.2 billion in commodities unfairly targeted by unjustified retaliation. Through the Foreign Agricultural Service’s (FAS) Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP), $200 million will be made available to develop foreign markets for U.S. agricultural products.

ENDOW strategy released The ENDOW (Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming) Executive Council released their 20-year economic diversification strategy, prior to a press conference held with members of the media. The ENDOW Economic Diversification Strategy is available at endowyo.biz. The final report supports a shared mission to move Wyoming beyond the boom-and-bust cycles that have driven the state’s collective fate for too long. The recommendations outlined support Wyoming’s natural resource, tourism and recreation, and agriculture industries, while growing additional sectors alongside, not in lieu, of them. Central to these recommendations is the premise that the private sector will be responsible for diversifying Wyoming’s economy and achieving ENDOW’s objectives. For questions, contact ENDOW Communications Coordinator Ryan McConnaughey at 307-8514330 or e-mail endow@wyo.gov.

K-Diamond Ranch Conserved The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust (WSGLT) has conserved the 1,445-acre K-Diamond Ranch located in Sublette County. The conservation easement was funded in part by the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust (WWNRT) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The project conserved the ranch of Tim Tolton. Tolton says, “I appreciate the fact that this ranch will stay like it is – under agricultural production. The ranch has been good to me and I know it will be good to someone else.” The ranch is located near the town of Big Piney and Marbleton and is in the vicinity of four ranches that were previously conserved by WSGLT. The ranch is home to beautiful views of the Wyoming and Wind River Ranges and contains a tributary of the Green River – Muddy Creek. The views and open spaces have made the area a prime location for development and subdivisions can be seen directly adjacent to the property. The conservation of the K-Diamond ranch ensures the historical agricultural uses of the land, including hay and cattle production, will continue into the future. The open spaces maintained by the ranch offer wildlife habitat to several speciesh and falls within crucial habitat and suspected migration corridors for pronghorn antelope. K-Diamond Ranch can also be found within Sage Grouse Core Area.

NAMI, Memphis Meats join forces Cell-based protein maker Memphis Meats sent a letter to the White House detailing a jurisdictional road map for their product. Joined by the North American Meat Institute, the letter ditches the phrase “clean meat” and replaces it with “cellbased meat and poultry.” Further, the letter outlines a regulatory framework that includes both the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) President Kenny Graner said, “USCA remains concerned about the use of the term ‘meat,’ but the commitment to come to the table to propose solutions is a step in the right direction. USCA continues to call on everyone in the cattle industry to get involved in this dialogue.”

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

NEWS BRIEFS BeefChain blossoms in Wyo

On a ranch in northern Wyoming, ranchers have joined stealth startup BeefChain, to implement a shared, distributed ledger called a blockchain with the end goal to connect the world’s cattle supply chain. To give an idea of the potential scope of the BeefChain blockchain consortium, roughly 11,400 Wyoming farms last year generated $1.1 billion in cattle sales, making it the 14thlargest producer among U.S. states. This is in America’s least populated state, which is home to an estimated 579,315 people and 2.1 million cattle. According to Wyoming Sen. Odgen Driskill, blockchain technology can help capture and safeguard every step of the supply chain. If Wyoming farms can prove to the ultimate buyer that these are open-range cattle, reared in cowboy country – rather than a cramped pen, they can get a premium of up to $700 per head, or almost 30 percent.

Beef promotion activities reviewed Members of the Wyoming Beef Council (WBC) recently reviewed the evaluation of each program, event and function funded with Wyoming beef checkoff dollars during Fiscal Year 2018. At their August meeting,WBC thoroughly reviewed the document and approved it for release to investors and the public. Program evaluation is an essential tool for WBC members who continually seek to strengthen the quality of programs, improve outcomes and maximize the effectiveness of the Wyoming Beef Checkoff. “Evaluating programs leads to increased accountability within the organization as well as among the contractors who conduct work with checkoff dollars,” said Ann Wittmann, executive director of the WBC. “Our demands for results-based reporting have become more stringent through the years but in the long run, we want to be able to show ranchers that pay into the program that they are getting as much reach as possible from the dollars they put in.” The Wyoming Beef Council program evaluation document can be found online at wybeef.com or printed copies can be requested by contacting Ann Wittmann, at ann.wittmann@wyo.gov or 307-777-7396.

Poultry industry protects chicks The Canadian poultry industry could soon have a new and improved way to protect newly hatched chicks from potentially deadly diseases, thanks to the work of researchers at the University of Saskatchewan. Doctoral student Kalhari Goonewardene and her academic adviser Susantha Gomis at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine have been working on a project that uses synthetic DNA to stimulate the immune systems of baby chicks that are exposed to infectious bacteria. The synthetic DNA is applied as an aerosol mist that baby chicks inhale into their lungs. In laboratory tests, the treatment defended chicks against E. coli infection during the first week of their lives – a period when new hatchlings are most prone to bacterial infections. Tests showed that protection was initiated within six hours of inhalation and lasted for five days.

Flitner releases ranching book The University of Oklahoma is pleased to announce the release of My Ranch, Too: A Wyoming Memoir by Mary Budd Flitner. For many outsiders, the word “ranching” conjures romantic images of riding on horseback through rolling grasslands while living and working against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain vistas. In this absorbing memoir of life in the Wyoming high country, Flitner offers a more authentic glimpse into the daily realities of ranch life and what it takes to survive in the ranching world. Flitner has been a prominent rancher in Wyoming for more than 50 years. She is the author of articles in High Country News as well as various Wyoming and Montana newspapers.

Agencies support bills

Pea coats cut by Navy Time is running out to save the iconic United States Navy pea coat. As of Oct. 1, the pea coat will become an optional component of enlisted sailors’ seabags, replaced by the synthetic cold weather parka as the mandatory outerwear. The Navy cites a desire to reduce budget and uniform requirements as its primary reason for making the change, but this reduction in cost for the Navy comes at a price. For more than a century, the pea coat has been a staple in the seabags of new enlisted sailors and is one of the most iconic and recognizable symbols of a strong U.S. Navy. Its natural wool construction is virtually impervious to cold, making it ideal for harsh winter climates and, when adorned with Navy insignia, makes a statement about a special and valued group of patriots. The loss extends beyond the Navy, though. The American woolen textile industry – centered in New England, with small to medium businesses in the chain throughout the United States – is likely to be hard hit by this change. The shift away from the pea coat could mean millions of dollars in lost revenue and the potential loss of thousands of jobs. If you, like many others, would like the Navy to reconsider this change, then make your voice heard by signing the petition at savethenavypeacoat.com and show the Navy that protecting the pea coat is about more than a budget – it’s about protecting tradition and American workers.

The United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management stated they support recently introduced federal land management bills including S. 2160 sponsored by Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), H.R. 2075, sponsored by Oregon Rep. Greg Walden (R) and others sponsored by Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch (R), and Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.). Daines’ bill would require the Forest Service chief to establish a pilot program using “alternative dispute resolution” in lieu of legal action for “certain projects” designed to reduce wildfire risks in Montana. The USDA supports the idea of arbitration as a tool to help streamline project decisions while maintaining public engagement and input. Walden’s bill would remove about 830 acres from a wilderness study area in Canyon-Steelhead Falls to reduce wildfire risks. This bill was approved by the House last month.

Fire costs move up Fire season has been destructive in 2018, and the U.S. Forest Service provided some numbers to prove it. Wildfires have burned over 1 million acres in Oregon and Washington this year, according to the Forest Service, running a price tag of over $435 million. The Forest Service also said 71 percent of the 2,857 fires this year in the two states have been human-caused.

Thank You

Wyoming State Fair Advisory Board For Your Dedication to the Wyoming State Fair Jeff Ketcham, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Chairman – District 1: Goshen, Platte, Laramie Scott Lake, Laramie, Wyoming – District 2: Albany, Carbon, Sweetwater Jim Mickelson, Big Piney, Wyoming – District 3: Lincoln, Sublette, Teton, Uinta Michelle Butler, Gillette, Wyoming – District 4: Campbell, Johnson, Sheridan Kelli Mercer, Hyattville, WY – District 5: Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park, Washakie Loren Heth, Lusk, Wyoming – District 6: Crook, Niobrara, Weston Barney Cosner, Riverton, Wyoming – District 7: Fremont, Natrona Joe Rankin, Douglas, Wyoming, Vice Chairman – Converse County Appointee Johnathan Despain, Laramie, Wyoming – Dean of College of Agriculture Appointee Stacy Broda, Cheyenne, Wyoming – Wyoming FFA Association Appointee

A Special Thank You to: James Goodrich, Douglas, Wyoming – Director, Wyoming State Fair Vicki Rupert, Douglas, Wyoming – Deputy Director, Wyoming State Fair Amanda Hulet – WY Board of Ag Liaison

WYOMING STATE FAIR AND STATE FAIR PARK MISSION: Wyoming State Fair provides education, competition, and entertainment by showcasing Wyoming youth and the products, services and innovations of agricultural and non-agricultural industries with an educational and competitive environment; and by providing an annual quality entertainment package which appeals to a wide variety of clientele? The Wyoming State Fair Park contributes to the quality of life in Wyoming by offering yearlong activities venue for the citizens of Wyoming.

Mission Accomplished

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

2018 SAREC Field Day provides opportunities to review research, learn results Lingle – The University of Wyoming’s (UW) Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center (SAREC) held their annual WAES Field Day on Aug. 22. The SAREC advisory board arranges for educational tours of the test plots and other facilities as a way to highlight just a few of their current research projects. Steve Paisley, UW Extension beef specialist and SAREC director, explained there are over 70 research projects going on at the facility. This year, the tour made stops to discuss the “First Grains” project, flow monitors, dry beans and soil amendments. Paisley provided a brief overview of those research projects that were stops along the tour at the 2018 SAREC Field Day. In with the old Tom Foulke, senior

research scientist in UW’s Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics, is spearheading a research project of heritage grains and early wheat varieties at SAREC. More specifically, this project is taking a look at Emmer and Spelt, which are closely related to wheat, and were among humanity’s first cereal grains. Paisely described, “We are trying to resurrect, to go back and look, at these older varieties,” not only for their historical value but also because “there may be more flavor in heritage crops.” Through his work, Foulke is trying to encourage the use of these first grains in milling, baking and especially brewing. Sustainable irrigation Kristi Hansen, assistant professor in UW’s Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics, is tak-

For more information on SAREC and the research projects featured at the 2018 Field Day, visit uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/ centers/sarec.

STEWART continued from page 2 feed efficiency data over a 62-day period. Ram lambs arrive at the UW Laramie Research and Extension Center the end of May and conclude performance testing the end of July. The 2018 Terminal Sire Test was again successful in identifying superior performing Suffolk, Hampshire, Shropshire and crossbred rams. Central performance testing is not a new selection tool, yet the UW terminal sire test is the only one of its kind in the nation due to the ability to collect individual animal intake and thereby measure feed efficiency and residual feed intake. Identifying superior performing rams in economically relevant traits allows producers to select rams that will sire lambs that excel in the feeding

phase and on the rail. Performance traits measured on the test are compiled into an overall index that combines average daily gain, loin eye area, back fat thickness, residual feed intake and cost per pound of gain. These traits are weighted in the index based upon their heritability estimates and economic importance to identify the superior performing individuals. By taking a proven selection tool in central performance testing and incorporating new technologies – for example, feed efficiency and carcass ultrasound data, we are ensuring a premier product at the ranch, feed yard, and retail case. Phenotypic variation is the raw ingredient for genetic improvement, and within any management group there will be a normal distribution where there is

ing a look into the benefits of incorporating flow monitors into irrigation systems in Wyoming. Flow monitors are clamped to the outside of a pipe and are able to measure how much water is being pumped from a well in conjunction with how much is actually making it to the irrigation pipe. On top of that, they indicate how much of that water is being applied to the field, while identifying if there are any leaks in the system. Paisley explained how these systems have been a requirement in Nebraska since 2016, and Hansen is trying to help Wyoming get “ahead of the curve.” Cultivating beans Another stop on the SAREC Field Day tour gave community members the chance to hear about the work that Jim Heitholt, Powell Research and Extension Center director, is doing with direct harvest dry beans. These techniques and new bean varieties increase the convenience of cultivation, as farmers are able a group average and rams that fall below or above the average performance of the group. The objective of any good terminal-sire selection program is to identify and utilize elite performing rams that excel above the average group to accelerate genetic progress within a flock. Producers interested in participating in central performance testing, either Terminal Sire or White Face, at the University of Wyoming can contact me at whit.stewart@uwyo.edu or 307-766-5374. This year’s whiteface ram test will have two options for deliveries. Producers may deliver on Sept. 10-13 for a separate initial range-based performance period of 28 days. Those unable to make this early date can deliver Oct. 5-8. Required paperwork and additional information is at bit.ly/2019uwramtest.

to bypass windrowing and jump straight into combining. Heitholt is also taking into consideration that direct harvest varieties tend to experience greater harvest loss than conventional varieties. Soil amendments Another hot topic of discussion was the re-establishment of native dryland grasses. Paisley described how SAREC features several long-term grassland plots that are utilizing coal byproducts as a way to encourage reclamation of those grasses. Paisley explained that

these byproducts are incorporated into the soil and not only allow for carbon sink, which increases the overall quality of the soil and also acts as a sponge in holding onto moisture. SAREC is looking at the ways coal byproducts can be used at reclaim sites to reintroduce native grasslands to Wyoming. Other sights Aside from the tour, visitors had numerous opportunities to learn more about the research being done at SAREC. There were roughly 20 booths set up around the facility that featured the research of graduate students in the Plant and

Animal Science Departments at the university. Additionally, there were faculty members available to answer questions about other programs at the facility, such as the Grow-Safe System. Paisley mentioned how SAREC’s feedlot is full, and they continue to test bulls for feed efficiency as it relates to growth and performance. He also highlighted how this program provides this testing to the community three times a year. Terra Ochsner is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

Nichols: Long-term range monitoring is one of least utilized tools but possibly the most important Finding ways to monitor grazing lands may be one of the most important steps to improving it. Grazing land specialists at the Nebraska Grazing Conference told ranchers the first step is setting a baseline to help them determine where they want to go from there. Jeff Nichols has worked with private landowners for over 25 years. He helps them monitor grazing land through his position with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in North Platte, Neb. “What people are least likely to adopt as part of a grazing plan is range monitoring,” he states. “Given that, I believe before we can input data into more advanced technologies, we need time on our hands and knees looking at our

grazing land to realize what is there,” he says. Monitoring is a way of measuring and documenting changes to grazing land over time. It is basically a support tool to help producers adjust their management strategies. There are two types of monitoring, Nichols continues. Short-term monitoring is on a day-to-day basis and helps producer evaluate key plants to make decisions when to move to the next paddock or evaluate what’s left at the end of the season. Long-term monitoring evaluates changes in grasslands and ecosystems over time. Making progress takes time Beau Mathewson, who ranches with his family near Potter, Neb., told

BELL continued from page 1 really happy to be involved in that.” The champion ram caught the eye of USSES after participating in the Wyoming State Ram Test, where he was only 0.2 points from meeting the top standard for Columbias. Bell Livestock “I got my first sheep in 1966. It was a bum lamb, and we’ve been raising sheep ever since then,” Bell says. “About 1971, we started selling rams.” Today, Russell and his wife Kathy, with their children on the weekends, raise Columbias, Rambouillets and Targhees on their ranch north of Douglas, straddling the Converse-Campbell county line. They run both purebred and commercial flocks. The family utilizes an extensive line-breeding program that has enabled them to develop their wool and maintain a practical sheep on the range. “Everyone raises sheep for different reasons,” he continues. “We’re not in an area where we can’t just raise lambs, so we also raise rams for the commercial operator.”

Each year, the Bell family hosts a private sale, and they also participate in the Wyoming State Ram Sale. “My buck lambs haven’t seen any grain until after weaning,” he says. “They stay on their mothers in the pasture until weaning. They already know how to graze, so when we turn them out on the range, they’re ready to go onto grass.” Because they don’t creep feed, Bell says the rams smaller than some operations, but their rams perform on the range. Ewes On the ewe side of the equation, Bell notes they look for a ewe with good mothering ability. “A few years ago, my wife broke her leg, so I had to lamb the ewes by myself,” he says. “After being at the shed from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and walking better than 40,000 steps a day, I realized something had to change.” Today, he rates his ewes from one to five for mothering ability, with five being the optimal ewe. Lambs are also rated from one to three. Three lambs are aggressive

producers that monitoring grazing land is like going to the gym. “If I go to the gym and don’t see progress, then I am either not working hard enough or doing something wrong. If I see progress, I keep going,” he says. Mathewson says his tools for monitoring are a motorcycle he uses to get around to the grazing sites, GPS, a camera with a tripod, a drone and the Grass Snap application. He also relies on the NRCS. “I want to make sure what I am reporting and managing is what I am really seeing,” he explains. “If they give me the green light, then I think I’ve trained my eye correctly.” On Mathewson’s ranch, monitoring is one

of the deciding factors whether or not they graze that year. “Monitoring can be the difference in plant resilience. It helps me assess and allocate resources for the most sustainable operation possible,” he says. The cover left after grazing is important. “If bare soil is visible, it can result in tiller death. The soil won’t hold moisture as well, because it’s too hot,” he explains. Long-term records Mitch Stephenson, who is with University of Nebraska Extension in Scottsbluff, says longterm grazing records are important to help producers make decisions into the future. “We can look at how hard the pasture was grazed from year-to-year,” he explains.

that are able to live in range conditions, while ones would likely die. “We sell all of our one lambs and one and two ewes,” Bell continues. “We’ve established mothering ability, milking ability and an aggressive lamb, which otherwise would be difficult.” Further, he doesn’t feed his lambs hard, rather selecting a diet that provides them adequate nutrition to survive and look good. “A year ago, we lambed 450 sheep, and we only lost eight lambs during our lambing season,” he explained. “My yearling ewes are indistinguishable from my older ewes, as far as mothering ability.” In addition, Bell no longer shed lambs at night. Their split lambing period – in March and May – utilizes 12-by-12 pens in March, where ewes lamb on their own during the evening hours. In May, they pen lamb, utilizing larger holding pens, rather than jugs, to reduce labor. “We’ve tried to take the labor out of lambing to make it resemble a commercial range operation,” he says. Wool “We’re focused on

a medium to fine grade of wool that shears more pounds, too,” Bell explains. “Fine wools always sell the best, and people get eight to 10 pounds of wool.” He acknowledges fine wool averages 25 cents a pound more than what he sells, but with a medium to fine grade wool, he harvests 10 to 12 pounds of wool. “We’re able to produce a type of wool that is easier to market and more pounds, more volume, but not quite as fine,” he says. Marketing In addition, to help improve prices, Bell tries to work with producers who purchase his rams to create pools of progeny with the same genetics, with the goal of helping feeders to develop groups that feed more uniformly. “When feeders have to source lambs from many areas, they often have trouble with getting a group

“Monitoring can be the difference in plant resilience. It helps me assess and allocate resources for the most sustainable operation possible.” – Beau Mathewson, Potter, Neb. “It’s hard to set good goals for over a long period of time,” Nichols says. “I would recommend making specific goals and writing them down because they will change over time.” Nichols also encourages producers to set a time frame to get those goals accomplished. “Make them realistic and have a baseline for what the production potential is over time. Tie them back to something using the ecological site description. Identify where we are at in reference to plant communities,” he explains. Mathewson says when

they started monitoring rangeland, they managed for the things they could change, starting small and watching for progress. Over the years, they have added pipeline and fencing, working with the NRCS to see where it should be built. “One thing that is nice about pipeline, is we can put it exactly where we want to. But, it takes a long time to put in pipeline and fence. It is not a yearly success story. It may take more than five years,” he explains. Gayle Smith is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

“We are working to develop a ram that can work for anyone’s operation.” – Russell Bell, Bell Livestock that feeds uniformly,” he explains. “We’ve got a pool of about 2,000 lambs that we sell to the same guy. We try to put more groups together like that for feeders to help our lambs sell better.” Moving forward The Bell family has focused on producing rams that meet the needs of commercial producers. “We used to do a lot of showing,” Bell comments. “Going to shows is a nice vacation, but we didn’t sell as many sheep and half of what we make went back in to fund our travel.” He continues, “We’ve moved to raising rams and ewes at home, trying to realize where the sheep market is and develop an animal that is profitable.”

Bell says producers spend time working to select the right buck for their operation, but they often don’t get their desired result. “We are working to develop a ram that can work for anyone’s operation,” he explains. Further, Bell says, “When we’re raising sheep, everyone wants to get the most money.” He strives to produce a heavier ram that yields more dollars per sheep, rather than dollars per pound. Bell comments, “I don’t want to sell a ram I wouldn’t be willing to buy and use in our own herd.” Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr. net.

Top Columbia — In the fleece class, Russell Bell and Bell Livestock exhibited the Grand Champion Columbia Ram Fleece at the 2018 National Columbia Show, held this year in Gillette. Courtesy photo

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

BREEDS continued from page 1 and build up close to 400 head,” he explains. Hair sheep benefits Amsberry sees a lot of advantages to raising hair sheep versus feeding goats. “Feeding a goat to 60 pounds takes a lot of feed during a 60-day period and to get them to 100 pounds will take a year. A hair lamb can reach 110 pounds in five months. They grow really fast,” he explains. With it becoming harder to find sheep shearers, Amsberry likes that hair sheep don’t need shearing. He averages about 1.7 lambs per ewe, which wasn’t quite as good as his breeding goats but less labor intensive. “Unlike a lot of wool sheep, hair sheep don’t need much care. They are really good mothers, and most can have their lambs unassisted in sub-zero weather,” he says. The white Dorpers breed out of season, and Amsberry says he has a new crop of lambs every eight months. He has found the white Dorpers and the Dorper-Katahdin crosses to be the most prolific.

“The ewes have one lamb at a time, get it up, lick it off and make sure it nurses before they have the second one. I like that they don’t have them both at the same time, and one freezes to death because it didn’t get cleaned off,” he notes. New markets Amsberry is tapping into the ethnic market with 65 to 80 pound lambs, which he can produce in about 60 to 80 days. The Dorpers dress out at 60 percent or more, which is considerably better than goats at 52 percent, he says. “The market is wide open, and the ground floor is there. They came here from South Africa, so it will take some time to build the herd here,” he explains. Sheep industry future “From what I see, I believe white Dorpers could be the future. There are not millions of them in the U.S., but some people are already replacing their wool breeds with hair sheep,” Amsberry

says. “There are at least two packing houses in the U.S. that want Dorpers.” Amsberry continues, “Consumers like the taste and flavor. They don’t have that lanolin flavor or oily taste that some wool sheep have – particularly older ones. Hair sheep have a different flavor than what people remember from World War II.” In fact, Amsberry thinks Dorpers produce burgers that would have been a great hit for his “Nothing But Goat Grill.” Amsberry operated a concession trailer in central Nebraska until a few years ago. “Selling goat burgers was hard,” he explains. “I practically had to put it in the consumers mouth to get them to try it. There was a stigma people had about goat meat, until they tried it.” “I think the Dorper burgers would have been a better burger and a bigger hit because of the flavor,” he says. Building and growing As Amsberry builds his hair sheep flock, he’s

For more information about Neal Amsberry’s operation, call 308-651-0327.

concentrating on improving genetics and developing quality breeding animals he can sell to other producers. “I want to have a strict breeding program, recognizing that not every animal should be kept for breeding. If it doesn’t work for me, it probably isn’t going to work for someone else,” he explains. “We have a limited amount of bloodlines in the U.S. for white Dorpers, but we are getting access to

“The market is wide open, and the ground floor is there.” – Neal Amsberry, Lexington, Neb. new bloodlines from South Africa periodically. There are some really good animals out there we could use artificial insemination from to improve the rest of the animals,” he adds. Amsberry’s end goal is consistency. “I eventually want to develop a flock of hair sheep all the same size and color,”

he comments. “When someone has all different colors, sizes and breeds, it really hurts when we sell them at the sale barn. If we can develop a consistent product, we will make more money.” Gayle Smith is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send commetns on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Hair sheep – Neal Amsberry sees benefits to raising hair sheep. While he averages 1.7 lambs per ewe, which is less than the goat herd he has, the hair sheep are also less labor. He sees a lamb crop every eight months. Gayle Smith photo

Top performers from 2018 Terminal Sire Ram Test to sell at Wyoming State Ram Sale Laramie – At the conclusion of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association (WWGA), Mountain States Lamb Cooperative and University of Wyoming Ram Sire Test, rams that have qualified for inclusion into the State Ram Sale will sell prior to other black-faced rams in the sale. “This year, the top 30 percent of rams on test are eligible to sell,” says WWGA. “The individual performance data for these rams will be available at the sale itself, or results are available by calling WWGA at 307-265-5250.” The top 20 rams, which meet eligibility requirements, are listed below, along with their index rating, average daily gain (ADG), loin eye area (LEA), backfat (BF), residual feed intake

(RFI), cost per pound of gain, scrotal circumference and consignor information. 1 – Tag D816 – Index: 0.474, ADG: 0.77, LEA: 4.15, BF: 0.17, RFI: -1.74, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.51, Scrotal: 35.5, Consignor: Jim Dona 2 – Tag Scrapie 18022 – Index: 0.390, ADG: 1.02, LEA: 3.73, BF: 0.28, RFI: -0.95, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.54, Scrotal: 36, Consignor: Smith 3 – Tag Scrapie 18009 – Index: 0.310, ADG: 0.90, LEA: 4.16, BF: 0.22, RFI: 0.56, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.76, Scrotal: 37, Consignor: Smith 4 – Tag 1807 – Index: 0.260, ADG: 0.81, LEA: 4.20, BF: 0.30, RFI: 0.83, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.95, Scrotal: 37, Consignor:

Roaring Forks 5 – Tag 187 – Index: 0.260, ADG: 1.35, LEA: 2.51, BF: 0.17, RFI: -0.69, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.39, Scrotal: 31.5, Consignor: Reed 6 – Tag 802 – Index: 0.253, ADG: 0.90, LEA: 3.69, BF: 0.21, RFI: 0.13, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.67, Scrotal: 38, Consignor: Atkinson 7 – Tag Scrapie 18033 – Index: 0.242, ADG: 0.98, LEA: 3.56, BF: 0.26, RFI: 0.22, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.68, Scrotal: 37, Consignor: Smith 8 – Tag 806 – Index: 0.239, ADG: 1.21, LEA: 3.23, BF: 0.24, RFI: 0.45, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.59, Scrotal: 35, Consignor: Atkinson 9 – Tag J806 – Index:

0.238, ADG: 0.76, LEA: 2.99, BF: 0.22, RFI: -1.94, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.41, Scrotal: 32.5, Consignor: Jim Dona 10 – Tag 810 – Index: 0.233, ADG: 1.10, LEA: 3.05, BF: 0.19, RFI: -0.22, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.55, Scrotal: 33, Consignor: Atkinson 11 – Tag 814 – Index: 0.228, ADG: 0.71, LEA: 2.94, BF: 0.19, RFI: -2.07, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.43, Scrotal: 35, Consignor: Fenster 12 – Tag S828 – Index: 0.206, ADG: 0.89, LEA: 3.39, BF: 0.24, RFI: -0.06, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.71, Scrotal: 37, Consignor: Stewart 13 – Tag 1843 – Index: 0.198, ADG: 0.93, LEA: 3.09, BF: 0.18, RFI: -0.46,

Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.54, Scrotal: 33, Consignor: Heupel 14 – Tag 801 – Index: 0.189, ADG: 1.01, LEA: 3.46, BF: 0.16, RFI: 0.89, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.70, Scrotal: 33, Consignor: Atkinson 15 – Tag S837 – Index: 0.179, ADG: 0.94, LEA: 3.29, BF: 0.28, RFI: 0.05, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.62, Scrotal: 35, Consignor: Stewart 16 – Tag 180 – Index: 0.157, ADG: 1.08, LEA: 2.89, BF: 0.18, RFI: 0.14, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.52, Scrotal: 31, Consignor: Reed 17 – Tag J808 – Index: 0.139, ADG: 0.64, LEA: 2.93, BF: 0.19, RFI: -1.31, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.58, Scrotal: 32, Con-

signor: Jim Dona 18 – Tag S840 – Index: 0.130, ADG: 0.88, LEA: 3.14, BF: 0.28, RFI: 0.02, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.64, Scrotal: 34, Consignor: Stewart 19 – Tag 1824 – Index: 0.115, ADG: 0.63, LEA: 3.41, BF: 0.26, RFI: -0.15, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.74, Scrotal: 33.5, Consignor: Performance Shrop 20 – Tag 8321 – Index: 0.114, ADG: , LEA: 2.89, BF: 0.19, RFI: -0.89, Cost Per Pound of Gain: 0.59, Scrotal: 33, Consignor: Laramie Research and Extension Center For more information on these and other highquality rams offered at the Wyoming State Ram Sale, visit wyowool.com for a catalog.

Coming Soon!

2018 FALL CATTLEMEN'S EDITION FEATURING SOUTHWESTERN MONTANA

To schedule your advertising in the Fall Cattlemen's Edition, contact Jody at 800.967.1647or jodym@wylr.net. Advertising Deadline: September 19, 2018 Insert Date: September 28, 2018

www.wylr.net • 800.967.1647 • 307.234.2700

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

HANSEN continued from page 1 still considered somewhat unique. When she purchased her ultrasound machine, she had the opportunity to buy a second probe at a discount. She purchased a small ruminant probe, which gave her the capability of ultrasounding ewes and does for pregnancy diagnosis. It is a part of her job she particularly enjoys. “I first became interested in sheep ultrasound in vet school,” she explains. “During my clinical year, I took a rotation that focused on small ruminant medicine. It was during this time that I was introduced to ultrasounding sheep and fell in love with the animals themselves.” “It was a service that I could bring back to western South Dakota that could help the farmers and ranchers succeed in their business,” Hansen notes. Additional service Ultrasound is a technique that many sheep ranchers have readily embraced. With the machine, Hansen can tell producers if the ewe is

bred or open, determine the age of the fetus within a few days and detect multiple fetuses. “If I can detect if a ewe is carrying multiple fetuses, it can be very beneficial to the rancher because he can sort those ewes off and feed them differently,” she explains. “Some producers want to develop feeding groups based on how many fetuses the ewes are carrying to prevent diseases like pregnancy toxemia.” Determining the number of fetuses is a matter of timing – typically between 45 and 90 days. “The fetuses have to be less than 90 days old to be able to count them,” she says. “Once they get past 90 days, they get large enough that it is hard to look past the first fetus to see if there are any others.” The procedure can also save producers money just by knowing if the ewe is open or bred. “If they ultrasound their ewes, producers can sell the ones that are open. With rising hay costs, it can save them money by

not having to feed an open ewe,” she says. Ultrasound benefits Ultrasounding small ruminants can be very accurate, Hansen says. However, producers need to hold ewes from feed and water for 12 hours prior to the procedure. “A full rumen can interfere with the pregnancy diagnosis, and a full bladder will not allow me to see past it to determine if the ewe is pregnant,” she explains. “The accuracy of ultrasound is placed primarily on the individual running the equipment,” she continues. “To get to where I am today, I used a practice flock over the last year to determine fetal age.” “We started by fertility testing rams prior to turning them out with the ewes. Then, 30 days after turnout, we gathered the ewes and ultrasounded them,” she explains. “At this point, I could see the fetus of the ewe that was bred the first day.” They continued to ultrasound the flock every five days until 80 days post-ram turnout. “I used this flock to determine if the aging fea-

ture on my Ibex Pro was accurate or not. I found as long as I have the probe positioned correctly on the fetus to get the correct imaging, then the aging was correct. I followed the flock through lambing just to make sure the aging was accurate,” she states. Hansen has ultrasounded as many as 1,082 ewes a day. “Ewe lambs are harder to do and take longer because they are young and don’t want to stand still,” she says. “It is harder to get a good image if they won’t stand still.” Ease of use In fact, Hansen’s husband Wyatt created a specialized chute to make ultrasounding ewes easier. “I didn’t think I would be ultrasounding ewes my first year as much as I did,”

“I first became interested in sheep ultrasound in vet school.” – Sammi Hansen, Sammi’s Veterinary Services she explains. “I planned on using it on my parent’s small flock of sheep. However, I was approached the last week of January 2017 about pregnancy checking more than 1,600 head of ewes during the first week of February.” “I knew I couldn’t have the producers hold that many ewes for me, so we started researching different types of sheep chutes. Everything we found was made in a different country and would take three months to get to the U.S., so we decided to design our own chute based off multiple designs,” she explains. “I wanted to be able to operate the entire chute

by myself, so I utilized the knowledge of several producers and specialists in the area, and we designed our own sheep chute. It has been modified a few times but is highly functional now,” she says. Hansen is licensed in three states – Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota. She is willing to travel, as long as the producer has enough head to justify the trip. She charges $2.50 a ewe for bred/open, a $50 chute set-up fee per site, and $1.50 per mile one-way. Gayle Smith is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

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Ultrasounding ewes – When she started her veterinary practice, Sammi Hansen took the opportunity to purchase an ultrasound small ruminant probe, which has allowed her to ultrasound ewes and provide profit potential for sheep producers. Gayle Smith photo

2018 Wyoming wool clip breaks price records Douglas – When visiting a ranch west of Douglas this spring, Larry Prager of Center of the Nation Wool said, “This has been a super year for wool in Wyoming.” “Clips were longer than usual, cleaner than usual and brighter than usual. It’s fun to look at this great wool,” he commented. Prager addressed attendees at the Farm Credit Services of America and Wyoming Livestock Roundup Cattlemen’s Conference, held in Douglas on Aug. 15, and he informed producers about his optimism for the sheep and wool markets. “In Wyoming, we have some of the greatest environments for sheep and wool production of any place in the United States,” Prager continued, “and we have good-sized herds that are doing pretty well.” 2018 wool clip This year on Feb. 21, Prager took a picture of his warehouse, showing less than one truckload of wool available. “We’re coming off a three-year run with virtually 100 percent clearance from the producers’ end of the marketplace, and it’s happened early in the year,” he explained. “2018 was no exception. We’ve been sold up since about June 10, and it’s been a good run.” “This year, wool was about as good as we get to look at,” Prager added. Prager emphasized that today, shearers are better, sheep genetics are better and wool is better quality. “This year wools were clean, strong and free of vegetable matter. All the things we want in a wool clip, we had,” he said. “We also had perfect timing. Our market was ready for the product we had to sell.” “In the first six months of 2018, every month January through June, we were at the top end of historical value,” Prager commented. “I kept telling producers this is the best we’ve ever done.”

Prices were three dollars-plus per pound, and yields trended up, as well. “No matter what happened, we kept seeing positive surprises,” Prager said. “There is no question the wool guys have the best story in agriculture. Market fundamentals are in our favor.” Future trends “I think sheep numbers are slowly increasing,” described Prager. “As the Powder River dried up, there weren’t any hay bales around, no grass and no water.” “Cows came out of the country by the hundreds and thousands, but the sheep guys left their sheep at home,” he continued. “They kept the ewe lambs and sold ewes. I think we’re going to see that again this fall.” In Utah, Prager said his contacts all had more sheep, despite dry conditions. “These established operations are running more numbers out on grass today, and the sheep are pretty drought tolerant. Even locally, we’re seeing sheep numbers improve,” he said. Market fundamentals For the wool market, Prager is optimistic for 2019. “Market fundamentals are going to remain sound from now till next year,” he explained. “We don’t have stockpiles or catastrophic issues.” Further, supply and demand fundamentals are solid, with continued strong demand from consumers for natural fibers, specifically wool. “The bottom line is, we’re going to start 2019 with empty shelves, and it’ll be a seller’s market,” Prager said. “I think the wool guys are going to continue to have a positive story.” Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

It’s the Pitts by Lee Pitts

Don’t Eat the Bait The Cigarette Act of 1965 required labels on packages to warn consumers about the dangers of smoking. Although, if people who smoked and inhaled all that smoke didn’t realize it was unhealthy, I doubt they were smart enough to read the labels to begin with. That being said, I think we need similar labels on fake meat to warn folks about the dangers of eating it. Here are some warnings I’d like to see on packages of lab meat, rat stem cell burgers and eco-wieners. “Warning!” – The Sur-

geon General warns these Bunsen burner burgers are not for internal or external use and may cause mouth ulcers and broken teeth. In fact, eating the packaging material would be far better for you than gagging down this fake meat. “Important Announcement!” – The contents may contain extract of steer juice as a flavor enhancer. Otherwise, this fake meat would taste just as bad as it smells. “Attention Teenagers” – Eating this fake meat has been found to destroy brain cells in juvenile delin-

quents. It is addictive and causes euphoric ecstasy and nauseogenic hallucinations. “Caution” – These counterfeit wieners cause cancer in lab rats. In fact, after the government mandated rat and mouse bait manufacturers get rid of all the good stuff in their products, this is the only commodity left on the market strong enough to kill mice, rats and other rodents. “Choking Hazard!” – If you insist on eating this chemical concoction, prior to consumption, make sure there is someone present who knows the Heimlich maneuver. “Danger!” – This fake meat contains squished rutabaga brains. Enjoy your meal. “CDC Notification!” – Store in tightly closed container to eliminate cross contamination. If eaten, take container with you to hospital when you get food

poisoning, so the Centers for Disease Control will know what bacterial strain or poison they are dealing with. “Sex Deterrent!” – Not intended for prophylactic purposes, although, if you eat this fake meat regularly, it will make you uglier than a mud fence and therefore act as a birth control device. “Alert!” – Contents of this package may be used as wallpaper remover, swimming pool acid, rust removal or paint thinner. It will disfigure furniture and should be used by trained personnel only. “Prayers Needed!!” – If ingested call 911, get down on knees and pray they arrive in time. “Beware!!” – This lab meat contains 100 percent dioxysodiummetatriethyledistillae of mice livers. Aside from being one heck of a Scrabble word, that’s about the only thing it’s

good for, other than being stink bait for catfish, of course. “Red Flag Advisory!” – This fake meat will stain and burn holes in your clothes. Can you imagine what it’s doing to your innards? Highly flammable. Don’t barbecue or hold over an open flame. Has been used to set backfires and hot-shoe horses. Not intended for use for a weed killer in California or Massachusetts but will kill Russian thistle like nobody’s business. Not recommended for rehabbing vegetarians. “Coast Guard Notice!” – Contents are not to be used as a flotation device. “Attention” – Side effects may include dropsy, chronic fatigue, blindness, bad breath, high blood pressure, kidney stones, hectic fever, constipation, booming flatulence, diarrhea, cerebral softening

and ulcerated credit card balances. For good health, never spend your salary on celery. “Important!” – Not intended for use as ear plugs or knee pads, although may be highly effective in warning off muggers – even better than pepper spray. Do not allow contents to come in contact with skin. In a lab setting, it has caused brain defects in newborn spider monkeys. “Serving Suggestions” – Wear safety goggles at all times. Read all directions on container, and do not operate heavy machinery if you’ve never operated it before. Not dishwasher safe. Not safe around pets. Product will be hot after heating. After eating, go outside for some fresh air. Your fellow diners will appreciate it. “Fraud Advisory” – This package of meat contains no meat.

Wyoming State Fair Commercial Heifer Show draws small crowd Douglas – The Wyoming State Fair Commercial Heifer Show, which took place on Aug. 17 at 9 a.m.,

offered two contests for ranchers to compete in, and a handful of ranchers turned out with their cattle for the

event. The 2018 Wyoming Rancher Pasture to Pen Yearling Heifer Show fea-

Top pen – Tim Fenster of Casper was recognized for exhibiting the top Pen of Three Commercial Heifers during the Wyoming State Fair Commercial Heifer Show. Courtesy photo

Red Angus, IMI join forces An agreement between the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) and IMI Global, a division of Where Food Comes From, Inc., will provide convenient access into natural and non-hormone treated cattle programs to producers who utilize the Red Angus Feeder Calf Certification Program. Gary Fike, RAAA director of commercial marketing, said, “IMI Global has long been recognized for its industry-leading work in verifying cattle for Verified Natural and NHTC programs in beef cattle

operations. These designations allow producers to market their cattle to feedyards and packers with the assurance that all USDA requirements have been fully satisfied through enrollment and audit processes.” He continued, “Consumers are demanding more information from the production chain about the beef they are eating. This often includes source, age, genetics, humane handling and how cattle are fed and managed.”

tures pens of three unfit, ungroomed ranch heifers. The 2018 Wyoming Rancher Pasture to Pen Individual Yearling Heifer Show allowed entries of single heifers. Individual heifers may also compete in the pen show. To be eligible for the show, heifers must not have been washed, clipped or fit for any show ring competition, and absolutely no hair product, blowing out of heifers or fitting whatsoever is allowed, meaning the

show should include heifers that have literally been taken out of their pastures to brought to the Wyoming State Fairgrounds pens. Tim Fenster of Casper exhibited the Champion Pen of Three Commercial Heifers this year, with a selection of three animals from his ranch herd. “This is a great way for ranchers to show off their heifers and participate in the Wyoming State Fair,” says Fenster. “I think more ranchers should bring their

cattle to this show.” Prizes for the champion pen included $300 and a belt buckle. Reserve champion received $200 and a rosette, and third place received $100 and a rosette. The champion individual heifer was awarded $100 and a banner. Reserve champion received $50 and a rosette. Look for information on next year’s Commercial Heifer Show at wystatefair. com or in the Wyoming Livestock Roundup next summer.

The Weekly News Source for Wyoming’s Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community Volume 30 Number 2 • May 12, 2018

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

A Look Inside The cattle cycle has become shorter and flatter, which has an impact on the cowherd and profitability....................Page 4 Early meat companies worked to streamline the flow of meat in this Dick Perue “Postcard from the Past.”............Page 10 Lynn Harlan shares her experiences with working dogs on the family ranch...........Page 15

Call 307.234.2700 to receive your 6-week complimentary subscription to the Roundup!

Rumors run rampant in the ranch community in this week’s tale from Lee Pitts.......Page 16

Quick Bits Animal Welfare A new study conducted by Ketchum, a global communications firm, titled, “Causes Americans Care About,” gathered responses from 1,000 adults, asking what they cared about most, 41% chose animal welfare as number one. Children’s education took second place, with 38% of responses, followed by hunger, which was a top priority for 33% of respondents.

Combs visits Wyoming to discuss regional pilot program Cheyenne - Earlier this year, when the Department of the Interior (DOI) proposed a departmentwide reorganization effort, western states looked on the effort with trepidation, fearing the addition of new regions and regional coor-

dinators would add another layer of bureaucracy. Today, DOI’s nine agencies, include the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), share 61 regions across the country. The reorganization

effort, led by DOI Senior Policy Advisor Susan Combs, would consolidate those regions into 13 areas defined by state lines. Within each region, a coordinator would be assigned to oversee and coordinate work among

DOI agencies, with the goal of streamlining processes and improving efficiency. “When we first heard about this effort, there was concern it would just create another layer of bureaucracy,” explained WyoPlease see DOI on page 6

Capturing the value of crossbreeding Rolf, Weaver delve into misconceptions of crossbreeding

“The benefits of crossbreeding fall into two main categories,” says Kansas State University's (KSU) Megan Rolf. “The first of those is heterosis, and the second is breed complementarity.” Rolf explains heterosis refers to the advantages in production that producers see over the average of the performance that is expected in two purebred lines, while breed complementarity is matching breeds to complement strengths and weaknesses. Rolf and Weaver, both of KSU, looked at misperceptions surrounding crossbreeding to debunk myths.

Inside heterosis “We often hear heterosis referred to a hybrid vigor,” Rolf explains, “but actually, it’s the superiority of a crossbred animal as compared to the average of its straight-bred parents.” A larger impact in heterosis can be seen as the difference between parents gets larger, she adds. “I typically think of heterosis as being derived by alleles from two different breeds paired together in an offspring,” she says. “If we have a Simmental and Please see CATTLE on page 6

Water Supply The snow water equivalent (SWE) across Wyoming is above normal at 110%. The year-to-date precipitation average for Wyoming basins is now at 102%, varying from 65-145% of average. Monthly precipitation for the basins varied from 56-165% of average for an overall average of 102%. Forecasted runoff varies from 40-145% of average across the Wyoming basins.

Spring Progress This week, the National Agricultural Statistics Service reported 88% of Wyoming cows had calved, and 65% of Wyoming ewes had lambed. Additionally, 83% of sheep in the state have been shorn. Reporters from western Wyoming stated most producers were in the field and ranchers were starting to turn their livestock out on to spring rangeland. Also, 92% of rangelands were reported to be in fair, good or excellent condition.

Lab Meat

Restricting the use of the terms “beef” and “meat” to only products from animals would have a “chilling” effect on innovation, according to Memphis Meats in comments to USDA. The company says their lab-grown meat alternatives “meet the statutory and regulatory definitions for ‘meat’ and ‘beef’ products, among other terms, and therefore can be labeled as such.”

Photo courtesy of Madeline Robinson, Lucky Lyn Photography

Colo River Basin sees drought 2018 has brought record-low snowpack levels to many locations in the Colorado River Basin, making this the driest 19-year period on record, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BuRec). With the depressed snowpack and warming conditions, experts indicate that runoff from the Rocky Mountains into Lake Powell this spring will yield only 42 percent of the longterm average. With drought and low runoff conditions dating back to 2000, this current period is one of the worst drought cycles over the past 1,200 plus years, adds BuRec. Following strong calls for action in 2017, BuRec Commissioner Brenda Burman is focused on the increased risk from another dry year in the Colorado River Basin. She noted there is no indication that the current low runoff and drought conditions will end anytime soon. She emphasized that the extended drought and increased risk of crisis in the Colorado River Basin requires prompt action. “We need action, and we need it now. We can’t afford to wait for a crisis before we implement drought contingency plans,” said BuRec Commissioner Burman. “We all – states, tribes, water districts, non-governmental organizations – have an obligation and responsibility to work together to meet the needs of over 40 million people who depend on reliable water and power from the Colorado River. I’m calling on the Colorado River basin states to put real – and effective – drought contingency plans in place before the end of this year.” Projections of Lake Powell and Lake Mead operations for the next five years can be found at go.usa.gov/ xQNM7.

Disaster response

States developing plans to prepare for natural disasters Natural disasters are unavoidable, but states are finding ways to help agricultural producers deal with the aftermath. Although most states have some kind of disaster plan in place, many times they aren’t fully developed until a natural disaster happens. Tommy Bass, who is a livestock environment associate specialist with Montana State University, says as a delegate for the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN), he is able to share ideas, knowledge, resources and disaster education with colleagues from other states. National network EDEN is a national, territorial and international organization. “It enhances the power of response and adds depth to extension programming. It inspires program ideas because we get to see what other states go through when there is a natural disaster. It allows us to develop better intellectual and educational mutual aid,” he explains. EDEN has helped Montana officials develop Please see EDEN on page 7

BLM releases wild horse and burro report

In a late April report to Congress, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) laid out detailed options for reducing the number of wild horses on western rangelands. “Since receiving federal protection in 1971, wild horse and burro populations on public lands have dramatically increased, far exceeding what is healthy for the land and the animals,” read the report, titled, Management Options for a Sustainable Wild Horse and Burro Program. “BLM is committed to finding solutions to achieve long-term sustainable populations on the range in a humane manner.” With wild horse and burro populations spreading across 26.9 million acres of public land West-wide, BLM is charged with managing herd numbers

under the tools provided in the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burro Act. “However, current congressional appropriation riders prohibit BLM from using all the authorities available in the Act,” BLM says. “Specifically, Congress blocks the sale of wild horses and burros without limitation and has limited the use of euthanasia.” Options for control BLM cites the potential for irreversible, severe damage across even larger acreages as wild horse and burro populations continue to grow. “The damaging environmental effects may soon become irreversible and large die-offs of wild horses, burros and multiple species of plants and other animals Please see BLM on page 5

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

Grazing, marketing top concerns for ranchers considering sheep Three veteran producers were able to provide some valuable input for ranchers considering adding sheep to their grazing operations. During the Nebraska Grazing Conference, one of the most popular questions from producers was how to market the lambs, if they added ewes to their current operation. Finished lambs Mike Wallace of Double M Ranch in Nelson, Neb., told producers they will want to market finished

lambs before they are 12 months because once they are beyond that and lose the break joint, they won’t grade, and the price will go down. Brock Terrell, who runs over 1,000 head of ewes near Hay Springs, Neb., agreed, telling producers most of the lambs from his operation are processed around six months, although a few may reach a year of age if they are later born. “I think there is a winter market for 60-pound lambs to reach 100 pounds before

they go to the feedlot. It is sort of like a stocker calf, where more value can be added by carrying them over on grass,” he explained. Sage Askin of Askin Land and Livestock based in Lusk added he has noticed a push toward grass-finished lambs. “The optimal weight for a grass-finished lamb is 105 to 115 pounds. With that said, there might be a market for producers who want to buy 65 to 70 pound feeder lambs and put the last gain on them

economically,” he explained. “It is not a market that has been there historically, so I think it may be a new marketing opportunity for some producers.” Feeder market Terrell told producers he sells lambs as feeders to a feedlot in Corsica, S.D. He explained, “Those lambs end up in Detroit or Chicago. Most of the lambs are fed on the Front Range or in the Imperial Valley in California. We are just a feeder lamb supplier. We don’t fin-

Producer panel – Mike Wallace, Sage Askins and Brock Terrell provided insight for producers at the Nebraska Grazing Conference about adding sheep to a livestock operation. Gayle Smith photo

“The cows make more sheep feed by creating more forbes. The sheep are eliminating those forbes, which are competing for the sunlight and moisture needed to help the grass grow.” – Mike Wallace, Double M Ranch ish any lambs in our operation.” Askin said the feeder lambs they produce are shipped in load lots or full loads to wherever the feeder wants them to go. “The sale barn in Fort Collins, Colo. has been a good backup plan for us,” he noted. Other markets mentioned were in Kansas and Mountain States Lamb Cooperative in Greeley, Colo. “If we buy 1,000 ewes, the feedlots will find us and figure out where to put the lambs we produce,” Terrell explained. Co-grazing sheep and cattle Several producers also questioned how well sheep and cattle co-mingle when grazing. Wallace says his grazing management program entails a tight rotation avoiding back grazing. “If we try to back-graze, we will have problems with nitrates,” he explained. “I graze two to four days, then move them, come back four to five weeks later and do it again,” he said. Cows and ewes can be fed hay together, Wallace added, but he unrolls round bales so the animals can spread out. Wallace believes there is benefit to co-grazing sheep and cattle. He explained how the cattle will graze the tall grass, leaving room for more forbes and cheatgrass to develop. “Every time they put a foot down, cattle are damaging the soil because they are so heavy. When it’s wet and they sink in, they disturb the environment. It causes the soil surface to make a place for forbes to come up,” he explained. “The cows make more sheep feed by creating more forbes. The sheep are eliminating those forbes, which are competing for the sunlight and moisture needed to help the grass grow,” he said. Terrell told producers that determining what percentage of cows and ewes to graze is a constant struggle, even though he admits the sheep will beat the cows economically every time.

“We wonder if it’s okay to take some feed from our cows and run more sheep. Usually, I just run more ewes and adjust the cow numbers. Our ranch is in grass country, so I really don’t feel like the sheep and cattle compete for feed,” he explains. Forage resources Wallace says making that decision is about evaluating forage resources, not income, on his operation. “I evaluate what our forage resources are based on the percentage of browse, forage and grass, and determine how I think it is best to utilize it,” he explained. His rough target is 45 percent cows, 45 percent ewes and 10 percent goats, although he readily admits he never hits that exact goal. Winter weather Wintering animals in an area with a lot of snow figures into grazing decisions for Askin. “I find sheep more difficult to winter than cattle. Cattle are just bigger animals and are easier to handle. However, sheep are head and shoulders above goats as far as withstanding cold, wet weather,” he said. Askin readily admits that blizzard conditions can be detrimental no matter which animal a producer is considering. “We have killed sheep when we had four blizzards in a row,” he explained. “But, I’m not sure the cattle could have survived that either.” “I think the key is keeping the ewes in good body condition. If they are in good body condition, they can handle a lot. They are not as easy as cows as far as just being able to forget about them and let them graze in the snow,” he noted. Wallace added he is able to winter sheep much easier in eastern Nebraska, as long as a windbreak is available. “I trust them to take care of themselves better than either cattle or goats,” he said. “However, we have also lost some when we get a lot of snow or a blizzard.” Gayle Smith is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

90TH ANNUAL WYOMING STATE RAM SALE Wyoming State Fairgrounds • Douglas, WY MONDAY, SEPT. 10, 2018 8 a.m. – Deadline for all rams to be in place, Wyoming State Fairgrounds 9:30 a.m. – Sifting of all consigned rams begins, Wyoming State Fairgrounds 2-4 p.m. – Sheep Production Seminar: Getting More from Your Ram Investment, Hampton Inn 6 p.m. – Buyer and Consignor Appreciation Happy Hour, Moose Club 7 p.m. – Buyer and Consignor Appreciation Dinner, Moose Club

TUESDAY, SEPT. 11, 2017 11 a.m. – Wyoming State Ram Sale, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas

Welcome from the WWGA President On behalf of the Wyoming Wool Growers, I would like to welcome you to the 90th Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale. This sale would not be what it is today without the top-quality rams that our great consignors bring year after year and the buyers who come for these high-quality animals. The sale itself could not happen without some key individuals, including Laurie Boner who organizes everything from start to finish; Bob Hageman and his family, who make it happen at the sale grounds; the fairgrounds staff; the Ram Sale Committee; and the numerous volunteers who all work so hard to provide our industry with this great annual event. To all of you, I say thank you! I encourage producers to take advantage of two other events before the sale. First, a sheep production workshop with Dr. Whit Stewart will be held at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Douglas. We are fortunate to have such a great resource as Whit in Wyoming, and we offer you the opportunity to take advantage of his knowledge and expertise. Second, please join us at the free buyer and consignor appreciation dinner. This is a great opportunity to relax, have fun and spend some time visiting with your friends and neighbors. We look forward to seeing you at our 90th Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale! Vance Broadbent

Welcome from the WWGA Executive Director There is something about this year’s Ram Sale that is extraordinarily exiting to me. I think it has to do with our celebration that we’ve held this sale for 90 consecutive years – 90 years! Yet, it is more than that. It’s the tradition and the quality of rams that we consistently offer. It is also the history of a family connection to the very first Wyoming State Ram Sale held. In preparation for the Ram Sale Catalog, Laurie Boner, who makes this sale possible, asked me to look back in our records to see what information was available on the first Wyoming State Ram Sale. Fortunately, we have a compendia of The Wyoming Wool Grower starting with 1927-28 and running through 1987. What I learned was very exciting. During the July 1927 Annual Convention of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association, the membership approved holding a ram sale in September of 1928. A year later, a small blurb in The Wyoming Wool Grower states, “Since we published notice of the first ram sale in the last issue, we have received a number of entries for this sale and are assured a fine lot of rams.” The entries for the sale were published in the Sept. 5 issue and featured a total of 667 animals in 43 pens. I say “animals” because “a fine lot

of Rambouillets” were entered by King Brothers Company of Laramie, “constant prize winners at all of the big live stock [sic] shows in this country for many years”, including range rams, stud rams and “stud ewes.” Several breeds were represented at this first sale, including Rambouillet, Corriedales, Lincoln, Lincoln-Rambouillet crossbreds and Hampshires. The consignor offering the Lincolns were a breeder out of Ontario, Canada. The day after the sale, Sept. 19, The Wool Wyoming Grower declared the sale a success, stating “rams of excellent quality” were offered that “with a few exceptions brought satisfactory prices.” A Rambouillet ram offered by King Brothers Company of Laramie topped the sale with a price of $160 and was purchased by Malcolm Moncrieffe of Big Horn. Malcolm Moncrieffe was my great uncle. Imagine my surprise at this connection. To me, it is another root to this wonderful industry and a reason to great out 90th sale with excitement. The Wyoming Wool Growers Association continues its long tradition of offering quality rams for the benefit of Wyoming sheep producers. Truly, the “Best in the West” can be found in Douglas again this year. Enjoy the sale! Amy Hendrickson

Wyo Wool Growers continue Wyoming State Ram Sale into 90th year Douglas – The 90th Wyoming State Ram Sale will kick off at 11 a.m. at the Wyoming State Fair TriState Generation and Transmission Show Center, with a full slate of high-quality rams offered during the event. Only live, ring-side bidding will be offered at the event, and rams will be auctioned continuously until all consignments are sold. Rams will be sold in the following order: certified rams; Rambouillet yearlings; Targhee yearlings on test that meet the certified ram criteria; Targhee yearlings; Columbia yearlings; Prime SAMMs yearlings; Polypay lambs; Wyoming Wool Growers Association (WWGA), Mountain States Lamb Cooperative and University of Wyoming Ram Sire Test rams; Suffolk

yearlings; Suffolk lambs; Hampshire yearlings; Hampshire lambs; Suffolk/Hampshire yearlings; and Suffolk/ Hampshire labs. Data on all certified rams will be available Sept. 1 at wyowool. com. The terms of the sale are cash or good check, with no exceptions, and no ram shall be removed from the premises until paid for in full and a sales receipt and brand inspection papers are received. For complete terms and rules, visit wyowool. com under the Wyoming State Ram Sale Catalog on the left. During the Wyoming State Ram Sale, four pelts will be given away to registered buyers who purchase rams. For each ram purchase, the name of the buyer will be placed in a hat with the drawing to occur at the conclusion

of the sale. Winners must be present to win and can only win once. Lunch will also be available on the grounds during the sale, featuring an alllamb menu from Arrowhead Catering. The Ram Sale Committee, chaired by Lee Isenberger of Gillette, meets annually to determine the procedures for the next ram sale. At that meeting, rules are reviewed and proposed changes are resolved by committee members. Requests for participation received during the year from potential new consignors are considered, as well. The total number of head and the quantity from each consignor is decided. All consignors, old and new, are advised by mail of the committee’s decision. Committee members also include Charlene Von

Krosigk of Riverton, Russell Bell of Gillette, Jim Dona or Glenrock, Bob Hageman of Douglas, Gene Hardy of Douglas, Clyde Peterson of Lance Creek, Brad Boner of Glenrock, Jim Moore of Midwest, Jim Forbes of Kaycee and Whit Stewart of Laramie, who serves in exofficio capacity. Bob Hageman serves as sale manager for the event, and Mike McNamee of McNamee Auction Co. is the auctioneer. Ring men include Curt Cox of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and Terry McIntosh and Jeff Ward of McNamee Auction Co. The rams will be sifted by Ron Cunningham, Whit Stewart, veterinarian Kenzie Mares of Crossroads Veterinary Services and veterinarian Joe Dona. The WWGA Sale Committee and Loadout Com-

“Looking for ‘ewe’ at the Wyoming State Ram Sale”

LEE & PEG ISENBERGER 5925 Hwy. 59 Gillette, WY 82718 (307) 464-1289

mittee will facility bookkeeping, clerking and loading, with Luke Bethea and the Douglas FFA serving as sheep handlers. Frank Gorsuch serves as night watchman. The host hotel, the

Hampton Inn, is offering rooms, which can be booked by calling 307-358-0707. For more information or questions, contact the Wyoming Wool Growers Association at 207-265-5250 or wyowool.com.

Wyoming Ram Sale seminar set From 2-4 p.m. on Sept. 10, the day before the Wyoming State Ram Sale, sheep producers and other interested persons are invited to attend a free seminar by Whit Stewart, University of Wyoming (UW) Extension sheep specialist. The seminar, titled “Getting More From Your Ram Investment,” will include discussions on the fundamentals of ram selection, from heritability to hybrid vigor, and ram management for longevity. The program, sponsored by UW Extension, the UW Department of Animal Science Sheep program and the Wyoming Wool Growers Association, is free and open to the public. Learn more by contacting WWGA at 307-265-5250 or visiting wyowool.com.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

The Wyoming Wool Growers Association proudly presents

90TH ANNUAL WYOMING STATE RAM SALE & SAMMS

9 Mile Sheep Co

Chapman

Rambouillets

Balancing Rugged Dependability with Carcass Merit

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Selling Polled Rambouillet Rams

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Thank you 2017 Buyers

Lot 1 - Julian Land & Livestock Lot 10 - Smith Sheep Co | Lot 24A - Hardy Ranch Lot 24B - Philp Sheep Co | Lot 38 - Camino & Son 16683 Erk Road - Newell, SD 57760

Whether you have a range operation or small farm flock OUR SIRES WILL PRODUCE.

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Russell & Kathy Bell

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TARGHEES RAMBOUILLETS COLUMBIAS

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

90th Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale

THE BEST THE WEST HAS TO OFFER! MANEOTIS RANCH

Suffolk & Suffolk-Hampshire Cross Lambs

Check Out Our Entries at: Wyoming State Ram Sale Newell Ram Sale Craig Ram Sale Utah Ram Sale

Rams & Ewes Always Available Nick & Karen Maneotis Craig, Colorado

(970) 629-2719 www.maneotisranch.com

40 Plus Years of Quality Sheep. Thanks for past purchases & support.

Jim & Teena Lynn

Selling Five Yearling Targhee Rams Ryan Boner Glenrock, Wyoming

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(307) 735-4538

McCormick Rambouillet James, Laura & Mike

Registered rams and ewes for sale. Drop by and have a look. 258 Sentinal Rock Road Glendo, WY 82213 Visit us on the Web: www.geocities.com/mccormicksheep

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

Rapid City, S.D. welcomes large crowds for Central States Fair and Rodeo Rapid City, S.D. – The 2019 Central States Fair and Rodeo kicked off on Aug. 19 and ran through Aug. 26, drawing attendees from a five-state region to the annual event. Livestock shows featuring all breeds and species were juxtaposed with rodeos and evening events, auctions and motorsports, as well as traditional fair events and commercial exhibits. Take a peek inside some of the activity captured by Wyoming Livestock Roundup correspondent Melissa Burke.

Sheep show – Paige Lehrkamp, 15, dries off her Suffolk ram lamb in preparation for the Youth Sheep Show. From Hermosa, S.D., Lehrkamp’s parents are Michael and Kori. Melissa Burke photo

A relaxing moment – Rylee Shroder, 12, relaxes with his Shorthorn Plus Market Steer Toby as they wait their turn in the Youth Beef Show at the Central States Fair. His parents are Jeremy and Rhonda Schroeder of Winner, S.D. Melissa Burke photo

Bath time – Nibbles the goat received a bath from 12-year-old Jaycee Lambert prior to competing in the breeding doe class of the Youth Goat Show. Her parents are Tom and Jaymie Lambert of Harrison, Neb. Melissa Burke photo

Grand champion – The Grand Champion Feeder Steer at the Central States Fair was shown by 13-year-old Sydney Huckfeldt of Gering, Neb. Her parents are Chip and Della Huckfeldt. Melissa Burke photo

Show look – 12-year-old Jhett West of Sheridan applies conditioner with water to Tic-Tac, his market barrow. “They give a glossy show look to the skin and hair,” he explains. Jhett’s parents are Justin and Rindy West. Melissa Burke photo

Pen of three – In the Pen of Three Show, beef producers from across the region showcased high-quality cattle. Animals are exhibited “off-the-range,” meaning no fitting is permitted. This group of heavy-weight bred heifers was exhibited by Hillsview Ranch of Sturgis, S.D. Melissa Burke photo

Preparation – PRCA calf roper and farrier Justus Whitcher of Athens, Texas, formerly of Rapid City, S.D., removes the shoes from a horse. Whitcher was scheduled to compete in the rodeo the following day. Melissa Burke photo

Aggressive placements seen An Aug. 27 report by the Daily Livestock Report summarized USDA’s month Cattle on Feed report, which was released on Aug. 24, commenting the report “showed aggressive placements of this year’s calf crop into feedlots.” Cattle placed weighing under 600 pounds was up 14 percent nationally, and those placed at 600 to 699 pounds was up 23 percent above a year ago. States outside the top four and named other states in the report showed 31 percent more lightweight cattle that were placed under pounds in July compared to last year. The total number of placements was up 7.9 percent compared to a year ago and the highest July placement value since 2012. Placements were on the high side of analyst expectations but still within the range of prereport estimates.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

LAMB continued from page 1 ply will oversupply the infrastructure.” For harvest, a fairly consistent number of lambs is harvested each month. “In essence, the industry has to figure out how to spread out those lambs so they hit the market throughout the year,” Redden said. Supply challenges Further, two different supply levels emerge. First, heavy lambs, at 145 pounds, are considered a traditional supply. “Most range lambing

operations or range use take a year to get to 145 pounds,” Redden said. “However, the farm flock situations grow at a much faster pace, and they come to market sooner.” Typically, heavy lambs come to market in January through May. “Then, there’s also a light lamb or non-traditional supply,” he said, noting these lambs often go to the non-traditional market between June and September. “The ideal weight is about 65 pounds.”

Green inducted into Hall of Fame rd

During the 103 Professional Improvement Conference of the National Association of County Agriculture Agents held in Chattanooga Milton Green was inducted into the Hall of Fame. This is an award given to four members each year at the annual meeting. Green is the second County Agriculture Agents to be inducted into the Hall of Fame from Wyoming. Arlowe Hulett was the first. Green had a 32-year career in Wyoming and Utah. He served in several county, regional and state positions.

Carcass weight In January through March, carcass weight typically ranges from 71 to 73 pounds. “As we move through the spring months, more lambs come into the feedlot and remain in the feedlot, so we tend to see carcass weights go up,” Redden said. “By May and June, typically we run through the prior year’s lamb crop, and carcass weight slides down to October.” The average carcass weight range sits between 67 and 75 pounds. However, a major challenge for packers comes in the increase of heavy carcass weights above 95 pounds in the summer months because they have to find a market for large carcasses. As the carcasses disappear largely by September, they have to create a new market for the 75- to 85-pound carcasses that begin to dominate the market. “The category swing can

create some challenges for the industry,” he explained. Throughout the year, the price of lambs also fluctuates, with a market drop through May and June, followed by a market surge in July, August and September before the market normalizes in the fall. Import markets “Domestic production of lambs isn’t the only factor,” Redden said. “We also have imported lamb that is marketed to the American consumer, and it has an impact on price to some degree.” From 2010-12, when the American dollar was weak, imports were limited, but as the American dollar got stronger, imported lamb is favored. “As a result, market share is capitalized on,” he explained. “I hear the comment often that we need imported lamb to make up for lamb when we aren’t producing it, but when we look at the amount of lamb brought into the United

Michael Edminster photo

“When we lamb, we do it because it’s always been done that way, but why do we do it?” – Reid Redden, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension States, we see a peak in March that slides down to a low in September.” Redden emphasized, “Most of the imported lamb is competing directly with our traditional industry. Imported lamb isn’t making up for times we don’t produce. Rather, it feeds time when we have an increase in demand.” Incentives There are some incentives to produce lambs a seasonally, but there are also some associated challenges. “Seasonal prices can improve off-season profitability, but those vary year to year, so it can be tough for producers to make the jump,” Redden explained. “Some packers also have techniques to cover demand.” For example, contracts may indicate built-in premi-

ums for producers to supply off season. There may also be seasonal no-less-than price contracts, which set a floor on the price. “Market lambs mature early, but they can background cross-bred wethers, put more weight on them and hold them to market later,” he said. “Those will have more variability, though.” Read more about consumer demand and lamb sales on page 23 of this week’s Roundup. “Seasonality of the U.S. Lamb Industry” was made possible with funding support from the Let’s Grow Committee of the American Sheep Industry Association. Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr. net.

White paper 22

ANNUAL

Trailing of the Sheep Festival

PLAN TO JOIN US

OCTOBER 10-14, 2018 SUN VALLEY KETCHUM HAILEY

cialist, noting the group is also looking at ways to resolve some of the issues facing the industry. “This paper was written with grant support from the American Lamb Board.” Authors of the paper include Redden, Richard Ehrhardt of Michigan State Extension, Cody Hiemke of Niman Ranch and Mapleton Mynd and Erica Sanko of California Wool Growers.

BLM releases ROD on gas project

Photo: Michael Edminster

"Ten Best Fall Festivals in America" – USA Today 208.720.0585 WWW.TRAILINGOFTHESHEEP.ORG

A white paper on seasonality of the U.S. lamb industry was commissioned by the U.S. Lamb Industry Roundtable, which includes nearly a dozen industry leaders across all segments of the sheep industry. “This committee continues to use the roadmap developed a number of years ago as a guide for moving forward,” explained Reid Redden, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension sheep and goat spe-

On Aug. 28, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Wyoming issued the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Normally Pressured Lance (NPL) Natural Gas Development Project. In keeping with BLM’s goal of energy independence, NPL project could unlock up to 7 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of natural gas and between 17.5 and 140 million barrels of oil over the 40-year life of the proj-

ect. The proposed project could also create approximately 950 jobs during the development phase and generate $17.85 billion in total project revenues with Federal royalties amounting to about $2.2 billion, of which about $1.1 billion would go to the state of Wyoming. The NPL project is located immediately south and west of the existing Jonah Gas Field in Sublette County.

Coming Soon!

2018 FALL CATTLEMEN'S EDITION FEATURING SOUTHWESTERN MONTANA

To schedule your advertising in the Fall Cattlemen's Edition, contact Jody at 800.967.1647or jodym@wylr.net. Advertising Deadline: September 19, 2018 Insert Date: September 28, 2018

www.wylr.net • 800.967.1647 • 307.234.2700

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

OBITUARIES

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

Charles Harold Jarrard June 11, 1919 – Aug. 23, 2018

Harold Jarrard, 99, a lifetime Kaycee resident, passed away quietly on Aug. 23 at his ranch east of Kaycee. Charles Harold Jarrard was born on June 11, 1919 in Kaycee to Charles and Phairis Jarrard. He grew up on the North Fork of Powder River and started his education at the Dawson School. Later, he moved in to Kaycee and attended school. Harold began riding broncs as a very young man, breaking horses for neighboring ranchers in and around Kaycee. When he was 17, he, along with cousin Emery Dawson, used his riding skills to rodeo in several states. He achieved his ultimate goal of reaching cowboy’s Shangri-La in the 1920s in Texas. It was on the famed Matador Land and Cattle

Company Ranch in Texas that he followed a roundup wagon with a crew of 22 men, gathering, branding and leading wild cattle into holding pastures along with continuing to ride broncs. He credits his grandfather and father for his inherited natural ability with horses. He was married to Katherine Newton in 1938, and they had five children. They were later divorced, and Harold met Pat Murphy who came to Wyoming from Fresno, Calif. for a summer to cook for her uncle on the TTT Ranch. Pat and Harold were married in July of 1952 in Modesto, Calif., and they made their home west of Casper, where they worked on the Ben Roberts Ranch. They moved to Buffalo for a short time before moving to the J Bar U Ranch east of Kaycee. In 1960, they moved to the family ranch east of Kaycee. Pat passed away in October of 2010, and Harold continued living on the ranch until his death. Harold became a legend and was known as one of the greatest cowboys alive. He was happiest when he was horse-

back behind a bunch of cattle or in the arena picking up bucking horses. He wanted his cows fat and his horses bronc-y. Harold loved to tell stories of the past. He enjoyed dancing and visiting with friends or people he just met. Harold was always up for fam-

ily dinners or gatherings. In 1996, Harold received the Bradford Brinton Top Hand award. In 1997, he was inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, Okla. In 2015, he was inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame. Harold was a Johnson County Commissioner for 12 years. He developed the Powder River Protective Association and, as a young man, worked for the Wyoming Livestock

Association as a stock detective. He is survived by his sons Sonny (Sue) Jarrard of Kaycee, Roy (Kathleen) Jarrard of Casper, Tom Jarrard of Riverton and Murph Jarrard of Las Vegas, Nev.; daughter Tami (Neil Johnston) Jarrard of Glenrock; 19 grandchildren; and numerous great- and great-greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister Marjorie Limmer; daughters Madeline and

Lindsay; son Dick; one grandson; and one granddaughter. Funeral services for Harold were held Aug. 30 in the Harold Jarrard Park Rodeo Arena, with Bob Ruby officiating. Donations may be made in Harold’s memory to the Hoof Prints of the Past Museum or the Harold Jarrard Park, in care of the Harness Funeral Home, at 351 N. Adams, Buffalo, WY 82834. Online condolences may be made at harnessfuneralhome.com.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

CALENDAR

Sept. 11

Cattle Country Video Sandhills Roundup Sale, Goshen County Rendezvous Center, Torrington, 888-322-8853, cattlecountryvideo.com

Sept. 13

Marcy Livestock and Marcy Cattle Company Mature Cow Herd Dispersion, Gordon Livestock Auction, Gordon, Neb., 308-430-2005, 308-4300370, marcycattlecompany.com

Sept 14-15

22nd Annual Van Norman and Friends Production Sale, Elko County Fairgrounds, Elko, Nev., 775-756-6508, 775-934-7404, vannormansale.com

Sept. 16

Sugar Bars Legacy 16th Annual Horse Sale, Sheridan County Fairgrounds, Sheridan, 605-347-8120, sugarbarslegacy.com

Sept. 17

Northern Livestock Video Auction Fall Premier Special, 866-616-5035, northernlivestockvideo.com

Sept. 18

Absolute Estate Auction, 447 Crook Street, Custer, S.D., 605-673-2629, bradeenauction.com

Sept. 22

Auction, 189 Young Road, Riverton, 307-850-5506, stonesauctioon.com

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

EVENTS Sept. 1-2

16 Annual Shoshoni Labor Day Weekend Rodeo, Shoshoni, Art Shanley Memorial Arena. To enter or for questions, call 307-262-6094.

Sept. 3

Wyoming Livestock Roundup offices closed in recognition of Labor Day. Normal office hours will resume Sept. 4. E-mail roundup@wylr.net with immediate concerns.

Sept. 6

Sage Grouse Implementation Team Meeting, Rock Springs, Outlaw Inn, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit wgfd.wyo.gov.

Sept. 7-9

38 Annual Hells Canyon Mule Days, Enterprise, Ore. Visit hellscanyonmuledays.com or call 541-426-3271 for more information.

Sept. 8-9

Copper Days Festival, Encampment. For more information, visit saratogachamber.info or call 307-326-8855.

Sept. 11

Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Area III Meeting, Powell. Hosted by Powell Clarks Fork Conservation District. Visit conservewy. com for more information.

Sept. 11-14

Wally Olson’s Livestock Marketing School, Cheyenne. Visit olsonranchllc. com, call 918-244-0654 or e-mail olsonranch@junct.com for more information.

Sept. 12

Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Area IV Meeting, Lander. Hosted by Popo Agie Conservation District. Visit conservewy.com for more information.

Sept. 12

Ranching for Profit with Dave Pratt, Gillette, Fire Training Center. Register or learn more by contacting Lauren Connell at 307-696-4453 or lauren.connell@wy.usda.gov.

Sept. 13

Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Area V Meeting, Baggs. Hosted by Little Snake River Conservation District. Visit conservewy.com for more information.

Sept. 15

Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom Barn Burner 5K and Lil’ Buckaroo Races, Cheyenne, Lummis Ranch, 8:45 a.m. Visit wyaitc.org to register or for more information.

Sept. 15

Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom Barn Burner 5K and Lil’ Buckaroo Races, Casper, David Street Station, 8:45 a.m. Visit wyaitc.org to register or for more information.

Sept. 15

University of Wyoming Ag Weekend, Laramie. Visit uwyo.edu for more information.

Sept. 18

Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Area I Meeting, Sundance. Hosted by Crook County Natural Resource District. Visit conservewy. com for more information.

Sept. 1-2

41st Annual Powder River Quarter Horse Breeders Association Horse Sale, Powder River County Fairgrounds, Broadus, Mont., 406-427-5420, prqhba.com

Sept. 7-8

League of Legends Invitational Horse Sale, Heart K Land and Cattle Co., Livingston, Mont., 406-381-2347, turnerperformancehorses.com

Sept. 8

18th Annual WYO Quarter Horse, Arena, Ranch Broke Gelding and Production Sale, Hot Springs County Fairgrounds, Thermopolis, 307-864-5671, 307-272-0593, wyohorses.com

POSTCARD from the Past

Compiled by Dick Perue rrichardperue@gmail.com

Four Mile Facts as they Exist at the Gold Diggings Just Over the Line E.P. Andrews, of the firm of Cluff and Andrews, returned from Four Mile last Tuesday. From him we are enabled to glean some bottom facts concerning that camp. Mr. Andrews says it is a wonderfully rich camp and that there will be considerable gold taken out of it, but that it is

far from being a poor man’s camp. Water is scarce in Four Mile creek and very poor. The placer ground is nearly all owned by two large companies, viz – the Rock Springs company and a large company from Aspen, Colo. These companies are talking of consolidating their

SALES

Sept. 8

XLAR Angus Ranch Production Sale, at the ranch, Evansville, 307-2580107, 517-546-6374, wyoballew.com

Sept. 8

Rafter 7 Merinos Ram and Ewe Sale, Fairgrounds, Eureka, Nev., 775-2213206, 843-693-2461, rafter7.com

Sept. 8

Little Ponderosa Liquidation Auction, 1369 Deer Creek Road, Fort Laramie, 307-532-4976, 307-534-5156, mcnameeauctioncompany.com

Sept. 8

Open Box Rafter Ranch 25th Annual Horse Sale, Central States Fairgrounds, Rapid City, S.D., 605-538-4450, rafterranch.com

Sept. 10

Western Video Market, Haythorn Ranch, Ogallala, Neb., 530-347-3793, wvmcattle.com

Sept. 11

90th Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale, Wyoming State Fairgrounds, Douglas, 307-265-5250, 307-351-1422, wyowool.com

Early mines – This pen sketch by M.D. Houghton of the Ben Hur and Black Foot mines on Cow Creek, under the foothills of Bridger Peak in the Sierra Madre Mountains of south-central Carbon County is typical of the illustrations presented in prospectus books in the early 1900s. The cutline states, in part, “The Ben Hur Copper Mining Company is running a cross cut tunnel to cut an immense fissure vein, located . . . about one-half mile north east from Bridger Peak. This property was one of the earliest locations in the Grand Encampment mining district. . . . The croppings are ‘Iron Oxides’ and ‘Gossan,’ which invariably cap copper deposits, the walls showing Bornite and Native Copper. The tunnel is in nearly 300 feet and is believed to be breaking into the wall of the vein and is showing every indication of a rich body of ore. Development is being watched with interest by all who are acquainted with the property, the location is very favorable, being . . . about 13 miles from the smelter at Encampment.” Sketch and information from “Views of Southern Wyoming,” Copper Belt Edition, 1904, by M. D. Houghton, from the Bob Martin/Dick Perue collection, Historical Reproductions by Perue

forces and claims and taking a big ditch, 40 miles in length, out of Slater creek, at a cost of from $50,000 to $60,000. At present, there are two small ditches out, simply prospect ditches, taken out to try the ground. If the ground proves satisfactory, and Mr. Andrews has no doubt but it will then water will be taken out of Slater Creek, as above mentioned. But this will not be done or anything definite decided on before the First of August. There are not to exceed 20 men in the camp, and Mr. Andrews said he was much disappointed when he got there and saw the real situation of affairs. “A poor man has no show there,” said he. “It is a rich man’s camp. Water is so scarce and hard to get that a man of moderate means has no earthly show to do anything there. Yet, there is lots of gold there, but it is awfully fine and hard to save – the finest gold I ever saw. There is no work there for anyone outside of the men now employed by the two companies. If any one goes there with the expectation of getting work, he will be disappointed. It is the dullest place I ever saw. Saratoga is dull, but business is rushing here in comparison to what it is in that country.” So reads an article in the Nov. 1, 1894 issue of “The Platte Valley Lyre,” the first newspaper in Saratoga. As near as we can tell, Four Mile Gold Camp was located east of Baggs in the Sierra Mountain Range, just south of the Wyoming/Colorado border.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

Fencing

Property for Sale

MONTANA RAILROAD SERVICES: Railroad ties, fencing, landscaping, switch ties and other railroad materials!! LARGE RUBBER TIRE TANKS!! 406-962-3514 Silesia, MT (Located 10 miles south of Laurel, MT)......... 9/22

VETERAN, WY, 518 ACRES TOTAL: 118 acres deeded plus 400 acres Wyoming State Grazing Lease. 2004 Zimmatic 7 tower pivot. Excellent combination of sub-irrigated grass, hard grass, irrigated grass and tall brush for calf protection. $405,000. IRRIGATED HAY MEADOWS and impressive improvements on this balanced 360 acre property located near Veteran, WY. Nice home, shop, machine shed, livestock barn, Quonset, grain storage and corrals. Ideal for a purebred livestock operation. 120 acres deeded plus 240 acres state lease. Was $766,615. Reduced! Now $699,000. Casey Essert at Empire Realty at 307-534-2222 or 1-888-340FARM. More listings available at www.buyaranch.com ..........................................TFN GOSHEN COUNTY, WY: Pivot irrigation. 160 m/l acres. Zimmatic pivot with 153 shares Horse Creek Conservation. Home, shop, hay barns. Five miles southwest of Yoder, WY. $650,000. 10 ACRE PROPERTY: Great value with 100’x225’ indoor arena plus a lovely 4 bedroom, 3 bath home. Only 1 mile south of Torrington, WY on Hwy. 85. Fantastic opportunity for private or commercial equestrian clinics, ropings, self boarding with indoor and outdoor riding. Includes pasture paddocks with shelters. $555,000. Reduced! Now $535,000. Casey Essert at Empire Realty at 307-534-2222 or 1-888-340FARM. More listings available at www.buyaranch.com ..........................................TFN

GUARDRAIL, 13.5’ and 26’, delivered in Wyoming. 423-7914771, 712-726-3562 or 620546-3507.............................9/1 LODGEPOLE PRODUCTS 307-742-6992 SERVING AGRIBUSINESSES SINCE 1975!! Treated posts, corral poles, buck-and-rail, western rail, fence stays, rough-sawn lumber, bedding. SEE US at www. lodgepoleproducts.com and click our “Picking A Fence Post” tab to see why folks choose our posts!!..........TFN

Pipe FENCE PIPE: Structural pipe for fence, pens, feeders, rails and much more!! All sizes available, 2 3/8 7”. Pete Maxwell 307-258-8784....................9/22 WATER LINE PIPE PVC NEW SURPLUS 55,000’ FOR SALE: Sizes range from 2” to 24”. Please call Mike 602-758-4447 ............................................9/1 OILFIELD PIPE: RPJ Enterprises, Inc. Used for fencing, cattle guards, etc. ALL SIZES!! Quantity discounts and delivery available. Pierce, CO 80650. Call 970-324-4580, e-mail rpjenergy@gmail.com.......1/5

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FOR SALE: Historic cabin on Diamond Creek, mountain views, adjacent to public land! 1,230 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2 bath, cabin/home on 151 acres just minutes from Cody, WY. Diamond Creek runs through the property! Other features include a barn, irrigation for 130 acres and incredible South Fork views. Don’t wait! CALL RICK BRASHER AT COLDWELL BANKER ANTLERS REALTY, INC. 307-587-5533. To view photos go to www. codyproperty.com, MLS# 10009555, $1,132,500..... 9/1 509 RIATA ROAD, TULAROSA, NM: Four bedroom, 2 bathroom home on 70 acres with detached garage, barn, 13 acres in pistachios. $640,000. 295 PINE HILL ROAD, FENCE LAKE, NM: Two bedroom, 3 bathroom log home on 60+ acres with corral, outbuildings and well. $350,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000. Paul Stout, Broker NMREL 17843, 575760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com........................ 9/1

FOR SALE, ONE-OF-A-KIND PROPERTY IN CODY, WY: End of the road location next to the BLM, close to town. This 4 bed, 4 bath home is on 2.47 acres and features 6,416 sq. ft. of custom living space! The 2 story great room features multiple gas fireplaces, custom finishes that are designed to highlight your hunting trophies. Enjoy wood/tile floors, granite counters, pond, custom bar, hot tub, 2 car attached garage, 4 car shop/garage on 2.47 acres next to the BLM. Must see! CALL RICK BRASHER AT COLDWELL BANKER ANTLERS REALTY, INC. 307-5875533. To view photos go to www.codyproperty.com, MLS# 10012254, $890,000............. 9/1 HISTORIC 3 BEDROOM 1,900 SQ. FT. RANCH HOUSE ON 23 ACRES: Seven miles east of Broadus, MT with rental of 900 sq. ft. Includes outbuildings, 20’x32’ shop and garage. $290,000 OBO. Call 406-4362289 or e-mail nnsampson@ gmail.com. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds...................................9/15

Property for Sale

FARM & RANCH SALES GriffithFarmAndRanchSales.com NEW PRICE!! DAVIS FARM – Ten Sleep: 111.63+ acres deeded. 1 mile north of Ten Sleep. Immaculate farm on the Nowood River. Remodeled home, barn and pens. Reinke pivot, new stand of RR alfalfa. Two artesian wells and a private location. $699,000 NEW PRICE!! CHEENY PLACE – Ten Sleep: 68.90+ acres. Beautifully situated on the Nowood River just 2 miles south of town. Remodeled home, garage, barn and pens. Pivot with RR alfalfa. Superb location, both banks of the river and adjacent to BLM. $679,000 BLUE SKY FARM – Kinnear: 237.75+ with 50+ acres irrigated. 2009 pivot. Nice log home, shop and barn. Situated on the Big Wind River. $595,000 LEONHARDT FARM – Riverton: 80+ deeded, 70+ flood irrigated, Midvale. Nice farm house and shop. 500 head feedlot. Quality soils in primo alfalfa. $550,000 BIG RIDGE RANCH – Kinnear: 99+ acres with 75 irrigated. New pivot in alfalfa, home, barns and corrals. Run a few cows and sell hay. Super-private beautiful setting. $525,000 NEW LISTING!! COWBOY MINE HORSE FARM –Thermopolis: 27.26 + acres with 25.61 irrigated (100 tons of hay). 2006, immaculate, ranch-style home, shop, barn and machine storage. Thousands of acres of public land out the gate. $495,000 DESERT APARTMENTS – Shoshoni: 11, one and two bedroom apartments. Well-kept facility includes laundry and office. Good net return. 3 years’ tax returns available. $375,000 YOUNG ROAD – Riverton: 76.7+ flood irrigated. Riverton Irrigation. No improvements. Just east of Riverton. Excellent farm with live water. No improvements. $280,000

For more information or to schedule a showing, call Clay Griffith, Broker (307) 851-9856 SX RANCH: Turnkey year-round cattle operation. Three ranches totaling 7,125 acres west of Alturas, CA in Modoc County. Includes: Farm equipment, 2 custom homes, employee homes and various farm buildings. Cattle and hay purchase to be negotiated separately. This well-balanced mix of properties offers irrigated cropland, irrigated pasture, irrigated meadows and rangeland. Ideal for a year-round cattle operation. Over 3,000+ irrigated acres in total. Operated to support 1,280 AU annually and off farm hay sales. Keeping the excess hay on site gives the operation greater potential for a carrying capacity of 1,885± AU annually. Call Brennan Jewett & Associates 530870-6625 or visit www.landmba. org........................................... 9/1 BUSINESS, HOME AND RANCH: This property makes sense!! Well designed 3,820 sq. ft. home and outbuildings on 160 acres at a great location, 5 miles north of Red Lodge, MT. Approximately 99 acres irrigated, 65 acres licensed for gravel production and is presently an operating business selling to local contractors. Outbuildings include a 40’x60’ pole barn, 30’x40’ insulated and heated shop with plumbing, 14’x40’ RV port and a large truck scale house. $1,800,000. Red Lodge Country Real Estate 406-446-3232 or 406-698-9266 .......................9/22 NEW LISTING!! Rock Creek Hereford Ranch, 200 acres, 60 acres irrigated. Highway location, $1,100,000. FORMER BEAR CLAW STABLE: The former Bear Claw Stable is ready to move right in. Set up for a wide range of events and sizes. Heated, 14 stalls, tack room and office. 38 irrigated acres with 100’x240’ indoor arena. 100’x200’ outdoor arena, plus many other amenities. This equestrian estate is a must see to appreciate. Price reduced $975,000!!! Sidwell Land & Cattle Co., Richard Sidwell, 406-861-4426, 406-322-4425 or e-mail sidwell@sidwell-land. com........................................10/6 FOR SALE CONTIGUOUS 17,500+ ACRE WELL MANAGED GRASS RANCH: 6,178+ deeded, 8,054+ BLM/state, 3,619+ private lease on Montana/ Wyoming border between Broadus and Sheridan. Excellent hunting for large elk, mule deer and antelope. Owner rated at 380+ animal units depending on management and moisture. $4,350,000. Call Charlie 307-217-2777. Detailed information at www.powerslandbrokerage.com......... 9/1

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Property for Sale

Mineral Rights

FOR SALE: 656.9 acre hay farm and feedlot on Tunnel Hill Rd., Pavillion, WY. Very productive hay farm with 3 feedlots for up to 850 head of cattle, which makes a great winter unit. 388 acres is irrigated ground: 330 acres under 3 pivots, 58 acres with gated pipe. Historical production of 1,400 to 1,600 tons of high-quality alfalfa and some grass hay. Improvements include a 1,740 sq. ft. main house, 4,600 sq. ft. metal shop and storage building. Four wells provide more than adequate water for the 3 feedlots, which have separate tire tanks. The slope and soil-types of the feedlots ensure cattle do not stand in mud. Must see to appreciate. $1,950,000. Call Ray Elser, Broker, Contour Investment Properties, Jackson, WY 307-690-4313 or e-mail ray@contourproperties. com............................................10/20

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

Consumer spending shows spikes in lamb purchases largely around holiday seasons With the seasonality of the lamb industry a concern, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Sheep and Goat Specialist Reid Redden says consumers and spending habits impact the lamb industry, as well. Redden looked at lamb consumption and sales during an Aug. 21 webinar, titled “Seasonality of the U.S. lamb industry.” Traditional consumers Redden said traditional consumers get lamb at either the retail or restaurant level, after it has been fed to slaughter weight, then harvested at a pack-

ing plant before being sold wholesale. Often, these consumers purchase lamb largely during holiday months, when spikes are seen in sales. Retail sales support the idea that families celebrate their holiday meals with a leg of lamb or rack of lamb at Christmas and Easter. “However, that’s not the whole lamb. We have to look cut by cut,” Redden said. “Leg segments have a huge spike around Easter, with a three-fold jump in leg sales in one month.” Another leg segments spike is seen around

Christmas. “When we look at the rib section, we see a similar effect but less pronounced,” he continued. “We see definitely seasonal impacts for leg and rib section sales. When we move into the loin, which goes into lamb chops, there’s not as much of a season or month that changes in sales.” Ground lamb sees similar trends. With different seasons in consumption, Redden noted an easy solution would be to provide frozen product, “except for the

fact that the majority of food service and retail customers are averse to buying frozen lamb.” “When we’re looking for a high-end product, most people don’t want to go to the freezer case,” he said. Non-traditional buyers The segment of nontraditional lamb consumers don’t follow the same trends. “For the most part, our non-traditional lamb consumers typically are recent immigrants to the U.S.

from less developed countries, typically of Muslim faith, and sheep and goats meat are common proteins in their diets,” Redden commented. “There are two upticks in consumption – at Eid al-Fitr and Eid al Adha – around religious events.” The holidays are based on an Islamic calendar that happen each year, but they move by 10 days to two weeks yearly. Other non-traditional consumers include directto-consumer marketing,

which don’t go through traditional chains. They are often processed at local custom slaughter facilities and sold through farmers’ markets. “For direct marketers, frozen lamb is a nonissue,” Redden continued, “but since they know who produced it and how it was raised, they have more confidence in the product.” Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@ wylr.net.

SALE REPORTS

Ft. Fetterman Remount Horse Sale Aug. 10 • Douglas, Wyoming State Fairgrounds Top 5 Avg. $11,650 • Top 10 Avg. $9,330 Overall Avg. $6,013 • Broodmare Avg. $3,167 Yearling Avg. $2,533 • Weanling Avg. $1,800

Top seller – Jason Miller consigned the top seller at the Ft. Fetterman Remount Horse Sale. The seven-year-old all-around ranch horse sold for $17,500. Courtesy photo

Top Sellers Lot 1 – Price: $17,500, 7-year-old, good looking, gentle, all-around ranch horse who could rope both ends, was cowy and had all the right moves, Consignor: Jason Miller Lot 12 – Price: $15,000, a big, good looking Blue Roan stallion with tons of talent and a great disposition Consignor: Tommy and Jackie Moore Lot 2 – Price: $10,000, a super nice ranch and rope horse who could do it all Consignor: Justin Johnson

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • Volume 30 No. 18 • September 1, 2018

Wyoming Junior Angus Association Field Day brings the top youth and cattle

Douglas – Members of the Wyoming Junior Angus Association gathered in Douglas on Aug. 16 during the 106th Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo to hold the 2018 Wyoming Junior Angus Association Field Day Show. A number of up-and-coming Angus producers from across Wyoming and Colorado were on hand to exhibit their cattle in numbers different divisions including, Owned Female, Bred and Owned Female, Cow/Calf Pairs and Bred and Owned Bull and Three divisions of Showmanship. Amanda Von Forell-Decker of Windsor, Colo. served as the judge for the event. The winners from the event are depicted below. Reserve Champion Bred and Owned Female, KCH Ellen 6483, exhibited by Kendall Haas of LaGrange, is not pictured.

Champion Owned Female – PDM LSC Rosebud 702E, Paige Miller, Torrington, Kelly Pannell photo

Reserve Champion Owned Female – Primrose Lady 7718 of Trip, Clay Hiser, Torrington, Kurt Kangas photo

Champion Bred and Owned Female – T3 Princess 7301, Mikka Rogers, Hulett

Champion Cow/Calf Pair – KCH Verdict 25, Kendall Haas, LaGrange

Reserve Champion Bull – KCH Wyoming Charm 069, Kendall Haas, LaGrange

Champion Bull – T3 Stetson 7320, Mikka Rogers, Hulett