July 2008 Progressive Rancher - The Progressive Rancher Magazine

Transcription

www.progressiverancher.com
The Progressive Rancher
July 2008
Owner/Editor/Publisher - Leana Stitzel
progressiverancher@elko.net
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2
July 2008
In
this
Issue...
Nevada Cattlemen’s
Assoc............ pg. 3-4, 6-7
Back to Basics,
by Ron Torell .......... pg. 5
Horse Snorts &
Cow Bawls.............. pg. 8
Lorey’s Stories......pg. 10
Jess Sustacha.......... pg.11
UCD Vet Views:
Fly Control.....pgs. 14-15
UCD Vet Views:
Pinkeye ..........pgs. 16-17
Innovative
Irrigation ...............pg. 19
Range Plants for
the Rancher...........pg. 19
BEEF Checkoff ....pg. 22
Eye on the
Outside..................pg. 23
NDOW News ....... pg. 24
Earthquake 101.....pg. 29
Coloring Contest...pg. 31
Dr. Margaret...........pg.33
Roche Equine........pg. 34
Martin Black Horse
Training.................pg. 35
Board of ag Meeting, fire SeaSon, CoMMitte on PuBliC landS,
aniMal rightS reSPonSe
A
s most agricultural operators are aware, the Ne
vada Department of Agriculture has been going
through some tough times over the past year or so. There
have been in-house bickering, allegations of harassment and
overall employee moral was low.
Finally the Governor stepped in and demanded some
changes. The Ag Department Director and Board Chairmen
were asked to resign. A new director was hired and a new Chair
man selected. After less than a year on the job this new director
resigned. Employee moral remained low.
At Governor Gibbon’s request, his long time friend Dr.
Tony Lesperance was asked to take on the Department of Ag
riculture Directors position and turn things around. To make it
even more challenging, he was asked to do this in the midst of
major budget cuts called for by the Governor.
Talk about working under a handicap.
For those of you who do not know him, Tony Lesperance is
a Paradise Valley rancher and past Elko businessman & County
Commissioner and retired college professor. For twenty-five
years, Dr. Lesperance was a professor of Animal & Range Sci
ence at UNR.
Tony agreed to take the Directors position for a period
of eighteen months and reorganize the department. With his
agricultural background, administrate experience and political
savvy; I believe he is the ideal man for the job.
Last month, I attended the two-day Nevada Board of Agri
culture meeting in Reno and talk about a turn-around. You could
feel it in the air. When Ag Department employees delivered their
departmental activity reports, it was done with a new sense of
confidence and pride. There was an esprit de corps with a “can
do” attitude. It was very refreshing.
When Director Lesperance first came on board, he met with
the Ag Department’s employees and staff to discuss the reorga
nization and budget cuts. He told them: “We’ll get through this
and we’ll do with class.”
Now, I like that attitude!
Another highlight of the Board of Ag meeting was the op
portunity to meet Dr. Marc Johnson who has just become the
new University of Nevada, Reno Executive Vice President and
Provost. Dr. Johnson has extensive experience with Land-Grant
Universities involving Cooperative Extension, Colleges of Ag
riculture and Agriculture Research.
Welcome Dr. Johnson.
On another note, the fire season is upon us and I hope we
are all ready.
I keep hearing what is being done by our representatives in
DC and Carson City to address the fire problem.
Senator Harry Reid got the Farm Bill passed with provi
sions for wild land fire Disaster Relief funds. Governor Gibbons
is working diligently on his seed banking program.
These programs are appreciated. Senator Reid and Gover
nor Gibbons should be applauded for their efforts. But I think
we would all prefer not to have to use them. Besides that, these
programs are “after the fact” or more appropriately “after the
fire.”
I think time would be better spent working on “before the
D an G ralian
Nevada Cattlemen ’s Association President
fire” programs involv
ing fuels management
and fire detection. Our
money would be better-spent preventing fires, than cleaning up
after them.
When I proposed my Fire Detection Plan (See April issue)
involving the use of a contracted aircraft dedicated solely for fire
detection, Governor Gibbons was right in the midst of cutting
$900,000,000+ from the State budget.
Talk about lousy timing! In essence he said: “Good idea but
no money. Maybe next year.”
Governor Gibbons did tell me that he was working to obtain
up to six surplus helicopters that could be retro-fitted for fire
suppression. (He said that at $800 to $1,000 per hour, they were
too expensive to be used for fire detection.) I hope some of these
choppers find their way to Northern Nevada and don’t just stay
in the Tahoe, Carson and Reno area.
In June, I attended the Legislative Committee meeting on
Public Lands held in Elko, which is chaired by Senator Dean
Rhoads.
There, I testified on behalf of OHV regulation. Later in
the day I got the opportunity to pitch my Fire Detection Plan to
the Committee. I also asked for their help in working to change
public lands grazing policy in Washington DC. We need to build
more flexibility on how we manage our grazing allotments. I
firmly believe that livestock grazing can be effectively used
to reduce excessive fuel loading, while still maintaining good
land stewardship practices. I continue to believe that there are
insistences where livestock grazing can play an integral role in
the stabilization & rehabilitation of burned areas. But, current
policy precludes this. We need to change this policy.
Senator Rhoads and his Committee were very receptive
to my comments and said they would make a resolution on the
grazing policy issue.
Moving on.
When I wrote last months commentary about downer cows,
I had no idea of the response I would get. Nor did I expect to be
good-naturedly labeled an Animal Rights Activist. To date I
have received over 35 e-mails and phone calls commenting on
the article. It was picked up by someone from the humane society
and was posted on the Humane Society of the United States web
site. I received comments from ranchers, educators, urbanites
and lots of animal rights activists, from all over the country.
So far all the comments were positive and supportive. Mary
Kay Bills from Tempe, Arizona wrote, “I am a proud animal
rights activist myself and I realize that you make a living raising
cattle for slaughter and we probably have vary different views
about whether animals should be killed for food. But I would
like to thank you for acknowledging that the cows should be
treated humanely while being transported.” Sarah DeLone of the
Monroe County Humane Association wrote “I am a consumer
of meat products, including cattle, and it is very important for
me as a consumer that the animals I consume be well cared for
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
July 2008
Review
Nevada Cattlemen’s Association
By Meghan Wereley, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director
O
OHV, Gathering Wildhorses, and Sage Grouse
ver the past month the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association has been work
ing hard to promote sound management and responsible multiple use. On
June 5th NCA President Dan Gralian testified in front of the Legislative Committee
on Public Lands. The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association has had the privilege of testify
ing before this committee during the last two hearings. Below is President Gralian’s
testimony:
Good afternoon, my name is Dan Gralian and I am President of Nevada
Cattlemen’s Association. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to speak with
you today about responsible OHV use and the need for regulation. Our Association
works hard to protect the rights of the public lands users. We are strong advocates
of good land stewardship and proper grazing management. We support the multiple
use concept on public lands.
The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association is a member of The Nevada Responsible
Trails Alliance.
The Trails Alliance is a broad coalition consisting of:
The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association
The Nevada Woolgrowers Association
Nevada Law Enforcement Officers
The Coalition for Nevada’s Wildlife
The Nevada Association of Counties
The Rural Nevada Alliance
And many individual sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts.
Both as a livestock association and a member of this trails alliance group, we
believe in responsible OHV use for both recreation and work. As a group, we have
worked hard to keep access to our public lands. We understand that there are some
areas meant to be enjoyed by OHV use, while there are other areas and situations
where OHV use is not appropriate.
We recognize that there are some OHV users who are reckless, inconsiderate and
not good stewards of the land. These few inconsiderate abusers are causing damage
to our precious natural resources on both public and private lands.
We need OHV Regulations in Nevada that will address these abuses.
As a rancher, I think that it is important for you to understand how irrespon
sible OHV use can impact the management of our grazing land and welfare of our
livestock. Of particular incidents is the cutting of fences. When reckless individuals
cut fences because they are unable to open a gate, or because they are unwilling to
travel to a gate, they not only cause damages to our fences, but they are endangering
the welfare of our land and livestock.
I can site numerous examples of fences being cut releasing livestock onto public
uPdate Continued froM Page 3
and treated humanely.” And Christian Herr of the Pennsylvania Ag Industries Association
wrote” My organization represents the large agribusiness sector of our states agricultural
industry. We have developed worker code of conduct policies for the layer, broiler, hog and
dairy industries and have been outspoken advocates for taking animal welfare seriously.
We are currently working with our States’ Beef Council, dairy industry, sale barns and De
partment of Agriculture to adopt higher standards and address problem areas.” My favorite
comment was a message left on my answering machine from a local Ruby Valley rancher
who said “Thanks neighbor. I believe your comments on the treatment of livestock pretty
well represent the feelings of the vast majority of Nevada’s ranching community.” HSUS
President & CEO Wayne Pacille called to suggest that we work together on some issues of
common interest and hopefully develop some solutions that work for both parties.
Next month I’ll try and update you on what the USDA, NCBA, LMA and HSUS have
gotten done in addressing this downer cow problem.
Until than . . . . . . .Thanks (And Such)
July 2008
highways and interstates thereby placing motorist’s lives and our livestock in danger.
I have seen cattle escape from a pasture through a cut fence and become trapped in
another pasture not being used that has no water in it. Believe me it is not a pretty
sight seeing cattle dying of thirst. I have seen both livestock and wildlife being chased
and harassed by ATV riders.
As stated earlier, the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association believes that our public
lands should be managed for multiple use. But, the principal of multiple use works
only if we ALL act responsibly and respect the land & our fellow users.
In our opinion, OHV access to public lands is in jeopardy. If we do not solve this
problem among ourselves, the land agencies may be forced to close our public lands
to OHV use as their only means to protect the land from unmanaged OHV abuse. This
has already happened in several states.
The single most important action we can take today is to develop an OHV Policy
that is backed by State Regulation. We need to hold OHV vandals accountable for
their actions. To do this we believe Off Highway Vehicles need to be registered and
tagged so they are identifiable. Only than can OHV abusers be reported to law en
forcement by responsible users.
The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association has supported such legislation in the past
and we continue to do so. We are working hard to protect the rights of all public
lands users while staying true to our policy of good stewardship and proper land
management.
We ask for your support.
Thank you again for allowing me to testify on behalf of OHV Regulation.
***
Along with the Cattlemen’s Association several other representatives from BLM,
USFS, USFWS, and NDOW spoke about issues affecting the state. The BLM is focused this
summer on gathering over 1700 horses off the range. Currently there is funding and they
hope to have the gather completed by August. Citing ongoing drought, dwindling forage
and an over abundance of animals in three herd management areas. BLM expects to start
gathering horses at the North Stillwater Herd Management Area near Winnemucca within
the next two weeks. A gather planned for the Fox and Lake area south of Gerlach likely will
be conducted by early August.
The BLM also recognizes that they have been unable to properly count horses with
their current method. They have found that their counts have been off by an average of three
hundred horses. With this new information the BLM will work hard to better manage their
horse numbers.
Along with updates about the wild horse populations, the BLM is working hard on the
Sage Grouse issue. They have been working in coordination with NDOW and USFWS. This
year sage grouse habitat has been increased in the priority level for fire suppression, although
structures will continue to be the highest priority, sagebrush ecosystems will be following
close behind. Along with an increased level of priority, there have been changes in the back
burning policy. Back burning has been used to establish fire breaks and lines before the fire.
However, because this causes an increase in the fire size, i.e. loss in sagebrush habitat, their
use will be limited in the upcoming fire season.
The data call for the sage grouse listing is still underway. Most of the information has
been collected and is now being put into a national database to be synthesized by the USFWS
to make a determination. I will continue to update you as more becomes available.
If you are interested in learning more about what was mentioned in this article, or any of
the other things that the officer team is working on, or the staff at NCA please free to contact
the office at 1-775-738-9214 or nca@nevadabeef.org
If you would like to become a member of the association please contact the office or the
website at www. nevadacattlemen.org. We have several levels of membership including the
new supporting member level. If you are a rancher and you are not currently a member please
join at a regular member level and enjoy the benefits of membership, and a voice in state and
national politics. Or join as a supporting member, and connect the ever-increasing voice of
individuals that support ranching, open space, and the values we create as an industry.
Best Regards,
Meghan
Back to Basics
Cooperative Extension - Bringing the University to You
O
ver the past several years
we have grown accustomed
to $600 per head weaned fall delivered
heifer calves. Last fall’s offer of $500 per
head did not appeal to us so we decided to
over winter the calves and either gamble
on the spring “grass fever” market or
expose them to bulls, marketing on the
fall bred female market. In this issue of
Back to Basics, recognizing that hindsight
is 20/20, let’s discuss utilizing “what if”
partial budgets as tools to help recognize
when the first loss is the best loss and
which marketing choice has the highest
probability of success.
Last fall, on the corner of a feed sack,
we penciled it out. We figured we could
over winter heifer calves for $150 per head.
This figure represents our out of pocket hay
production cost. It does not consider the fair
market value of the hay had we decided to
sell that hay instead of feed it. It does not
consider that we would be taking this better
quality hay away from our brood cows. Ad
ditionally, we did not include the opportu
nity value of the up front monetary value of
the animal or interest on ensuing borrowed
money to get by. We also forgot to include
death loss, labor, depreciation and the down
side marketing risk associated with this
enterprise opportunity. “What if” programs
consider all these variables.
We felt pretty good about our decision
when the spring grass fever market arrived.
Finally our original $650 per head last falls
asking price was met. The problem is that
$650 is six months late and we have conser
vatively added an additional $150 to $200 to
the original cost.
With hindsight now at 20/20, we rec
ognize that the first loss last fall would have
been the best loss. Determined not to let the
market steal our pride and bragging rights,
we do a quick break-even calculation (this
time on the back of a snuff can) and now
decide to breed these heifers and hit the fall
bred heifer market. We have enough heifers
to just make a truck load of bred heifers if
we get a 99 % conception rate and deliver
them before we run out of standing feed in
September. If we can fetch $1100 per head
we will make a killing.
Here you go again, wishful thinking
instead of sound management decisions
based on real and total input costs and a clear
understanding of what determines value of a
bred heifer (see next month’s Back to Basic
issue: Factors Determining the Value of
Bred Heifers).
Foresight will never be as good as your
20/20 hindsight. Foresight can improve to
20/35 by conservatively evaluating all costs
(out of pocket and hidden) and considering
the marketing risk associated with a deci
sion. What if we quite using the back of feed
sacks and snuff cans in order to evaluate
Sites for “What If” templates to use
in the decision making process:
http://www.cabnr.unr.edu/CABNR/Resources.htm Go to the bottom of the page for
Cattle software programs related to back grounding, yearlings, feedlot, and cow pur
chases.
• Calfback - is a Windows PC based program designed to help producers com
pare the economics of back-grounding calves in a feedlot, on pasture, or a
both.
• CowCost - is a Windows PC based program designed to help producers evalu
ate how much you can afford to spend buying a cow.
• Feedlot - is a Windows PC based program designed to help producers compare
the economics of placing calves into the feedlot.
• Grassfat - is a Windows PC based program designed to help producers compare
the economics for pasturing yearlings.
http://info.ag.uidaho.edu/pdf/PNW/PNW0346/toc.html
Use this site for calculating machinery costs.
http://www.rightrisk.org Go to the Western Risk Management Library to evaluate not
only useable software but current risk management articles.
Specializing in hunting, ranching, and horse properties
Nouque Ranch 2,532± acred deeded land in
Idaho, Oregon, & Nevada. 381,619± acres of
grazing permits on public lands. $3,800,000.
Ron Torell, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Livestock Specialist
Ben Bruce, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Livestock Specialist
Willie Riggs, Oregon State University Extension
What If
Allie Bear Real Estate
Hinkey Summit Road 7.9 acres in Humboldt
County. Power nearby. $170,000
profit/loss opportunities when evaluating
scenarios? The “what if” programs mini
mize your risk by educating you on the issue
prior to making the final decision and helps
keep wishful thinking out of the equation.
For the computer phobic, these programs
are very easy to use. They are dynamic; the
results change instantly to help evaluate
any management idea. These programs are
fun to use, and can give you some powerful
insights.
That is enough of our rambling for
this month. As always, if you would like to
discuss this article or simply would like to
talk cows, do not hesitate to contact me at
775-738-1721 or torellr@unce.unr.edu or
Dr. Ben Bruce at 775-784-1624 or bbruce@
cabnr.unr.edu or Willie Riggs at 541-883
7131 willie.riggs@oregonstate.edu .
Corriente Longhorn cross
fresh
roping
cattle
e
l
a
S
For $
400
Shawn Goemmer
Battle Mountain
775-635-3025
775-374-1652
leave message
Lundahl Research Ranch Located in Diamond
Valley, Eureka County. Total Deeded - 4,898 acres;
BLM - 96,400 acres; Total Acreage - 101,298
acres. Water is abundant. $5,200,000 includes all
equipment.
Farm Near Winnemucca 320 acres, 982 acre
feet of water, 2 pivots. 50 ft 50 ton truck scale. 1812
Sq. Ft. Mobile with large shop.
87 Acres ~ Ruby Mountain/Lamoille 187±
luscious acres of Nevada’s heartland tucked among
the majestic Ruby Mountains. This piece of land
offers prime hunting, hiking or grazing opportunity
depending on the enthusiast. Property backs up to
wilderness. $2,059,079.
O’Neill Basin Ranch Lawrence Ranch, Nice
ranch located near the Jarbidge wilderness. Lots
of wildlife. 1713 AUM’s with 886 acres of deeded
ground. Live water runs through the property.
$2,900,000.
Heguy Ranch Cow/calf and/or yearling cattle ranch
operation with much opportunity for the hunting,
fishing and outdoor enthusiast. Approximately 3,700
acres of private land with unlimited access to trophy
animals. Water rights included. $1,675,000
6 Acres in Charleston, Nevada Two private
parcels: both are fenced, with the Bruneau River
and the Charleston Road running through each.
Properties come with two BLM Allotments totaling
2,900 AUM’s. Geothermal springs are on both
parcels and allotments. $870,000.
Diamond Springs All equipment comes with
ranch. 994 deeded acres with 3 homes. 2,120
AUM’s on excellent condition range. Wonderful
outbuildings & corrals. $3,500,000.
Diamond Valley Farm 320 acres. Beautiful home
plus second home, large shop and corrals.
Deerhorn Ranch Beautiful ranch located in Starr
Valley. 470+ deeded acres. Very productive ranch.
$1,750,000.
Wildhorse Ranch 4,500 deeded acres, new home
and fish pond. Just minutes from a boating/fishing
reservoir. Lots of meadows, borders HumboldtToiyabe National Forest. Call for details.
Triple Creek Ranch Located 50 miles north of
Elko. Borders Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest &
mountains in a gorgeous setting. 2,930+ deeded
acres, airstrip & hanger and a list of immaculate
improvements. $5,000,000.
Dawley Creek Ranch 120 acres, surrounded by
the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge on 3 sides
and the BLM on the other side. Year-round spring.
$375,000.
Andreola Farms 5 pivots water oats and alfalfa,
1,145± deeded acres.Large shop and all equipment.
$3,000,000.
Angleworm Ranch 336-acre oasis in Currant,
Nevada with water rights included and 400+ fruit &
shade trees. $890,000.
Summer Range Approximately 6½ sections (4,160
acres) in Santa Rosa Mountains, fenced for grazing.
$3,120,000
View complete listings at:
www.ARanchBroker.com
775-738-8535
Allie Bear, Broker/Realtor
Realtors: Dawn Mitton, Connie Harlan,
Riley Manzonie, Mike Sallee
July 2008
Sage Signals
Nevada Cattlemen’s
Voice of the Nevada Livestock Industry
Cattlemen Support Farm Bill Approval
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) supports presidential approval of
the Farm Bill Conference Report passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and by the
U.S. Senate. While the nation’s oldest and largest cattlemen’s organization agrees with
some criticisms of the legislation, NCBA strongly prefers it to either a reversion to the
permanent farm policy law passed in 1949, or a long-term extension of the 2002 Farm Bill.
President Bush is likely to veto the Farm Bill Conference Report, even though it passed
both houses of Congress by a substantial margin.
“While the new Farm Bill doesn’t accomplish all of the free-market reforms that were
hoped for, it does contain some areas of improvement over the 2002 Farm Bill,” said Colin
Woodall, NCBA’s executive director of legislative affairs.
The Farm Bill Conference Report addresses a range of issues important to cattle pro
ducers. It clarifies and simplifies livestock record-keeping requirements for mandatory
Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL), which is set to take effect this fall. It also moves the
grandfather date for domestic livestock in the COOL law from January 1, 2008 to July 15,
2008.
The Conservation title provides additional funding for the Environmental Quality Incen
tives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) - conservation
programs that have benefitted many cattle operations, as well as the general public. EQIP
is also expanded to include more cattle producers, including organic beef producers and
feedlot operations. Additionally, the Grasslands Reserve Program and Wetlands Reserve
Program were extended through 2012.
Cattlemen also support a provision of the Farm Bill that allows for meat processed at
state-inspected plants to be shipped to customers across state lines – a practice currently
permitted only for federally inspected facilities. This will allow many small processing
plants the opportunity to grow their business presence, and could increase local marketing
options for cattle producers.
NCBA also applauds inclusion of $3.807 billion for a permanent ag disaster aid pro
gram. Under this program, farmers and ranchers who purchase Non-insured Agricultural
Program (NAP) coverage could be eligible to receive compensation for extreme forage or
livestock losses resulting from disasters such as drought, wildfires and floods.
“Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle have worked very hard to deliver a Farm
Bill that provides a certain level of stability and consistency for agricultural producers,”
said Woodall. “No agricultural group is coming away with everything it wanted. But it’s a
bill we can all live with, and it is the best option available to us at this time.”
Woodall added that Farm Bill conferees wisely chose not to limit marketing options for
livestock producers by banning packer ownership of livestock more than 14 days before
slaughter. This provision had been included in the Senate version of the bill, but was voted
down by the Conference Committee.
As for renewable energy, the new Farm Bill would reduce the ethanol blender’s tax
credit by about 12 percent, while increasing incentives for cellulosic ethanol production.
This shift could provide a greater incentive for ethanol plants to move more quickly toward
cellulosic production, a move supported by NCBA. But the bill also includes a two-year
extension (through 2010) of the 54-cent per gallon ethanol import tariff, which had been
set to expire at the end of this year. NCBA member policy supports allowing the tariff to
expire, because it limits access to a potential fuel source during a time of great need, and
insulates feedgrain-based ethanol production from market competition.
Public Lands Council Update
Country-of-Origin Labeling: Language in both the Senate and House bills helps alleviate
the paperwork burden on producers requiring only documents used “in the normal conduct
of business” to verify origin. Language in the Senate bill also adds macadamia nuts, goat
meat, and chicken to the list of covered commodities. In its comments to USDA’s Agricul
tural Marketing Service on the mandatory COOL law set to be implemented in September
2008, NCBA articulated that, as a mandatory law, COOL exempts too many products.
While the current law is far from perfect, the compromise language in the Farm Bill is an
improvement for cattle producers. Mandatory country-of-origin labeling is scheduled to
take effect on September 20, 2008.
On May 21st the House Natural Resources Committee held a full committee oversight
hearing on “The Danger of Deception: Do Endangered Species Have a Chance?” Much of
the discussion was focused on ESA listing decisions made by a former Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks at the Department of the Interior (DOI) Represen
tatives Rahall (D-WV), DeFazio (D-OR), and Inslee (D-WA) requested the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) investigate the situation during hearings about a year ago in
addition to the DOI reviewing the listing decisions: the GAO recently released their find
ings (a summary is attached) which they testified about yesterday and the DOI reviewed
all the listing decisions made by the former Deputy Secretary and decided eight decisions
would have to be re-evaluated.
In addition to the GAO testifying, Lyle Laverty, The Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wild
life and Parks, testified on behalf of the DOI.
Current Species:
The Committee asked questions regarding many species, including the Spotted Owl,
Mexican Gray Wolf, and Polar Bear. It was abundantly clear by the questions from the
majority (Democrats) that they will attempt to tie climate change to the listing of the Polar
Bear as ‘threatened’. This issue was the subject of the most heated exchanges between
members of the Committee. Congressman Young (R-AK) asked why the polar bear has
nearly doubled in population size over the past three decades if it is going extinct, and
added, history shows that at one time the north pole had very little ice and the polar bear
still survived. (Note: DOI figures show and increase in Polar Bear population from around
10 to 12K bears in the 70’s to around 25K bears today)
On the topic of the Mexican Gray Wolf, Congressman Smith (R-NE) stated, “the law
is clear, if wolves attack livestock, ranchers can kill the wolves.” Illustrating his support
for the rancher’s right to protect their livestock. In an opposition comment, Congressman
Grijalva (D-AZ) voiced his support for a “taskforce of experts to be established to provide
guidance” in the Gray Wolf situation.
6
July 2008
Summary:
Congress has been working for months on the 2007 Farm Bill. The U.S. House of Rep
resentatives passed its Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (H.R. 2419), on July
17 by a vote of 231 to 191. The U.S. Senate passed its version of the bill on December 14,
2007 by a vote of 79 to 14. The two bills must now go to conference. While staff has begun
discussions, conferees have yet to be named. A final agreement on the Farm Bill should be
reached by March 15, 2008, when the extension of the 2002 bill expires.
Ban on Packer Ownership: For cattlemen, NCBA’s top focus will be to remove language
in the Senate bill which bans the ownership of cattle by packers. NCBA policy supports a
competitive, free-enterprise market. The Senate has chosen to include legislative language
that puts the government – not the cattleman – in charge of how cattle are marketed. This
provision must be removed so that the heavy hand of government does not interfere with a
cattle producer’s ability to provide the beef products that consumers want.
Interstate shipping: Language in both bills allows for the movement of meat products
across state lines from state-inspected facilities. NCBA policy supports the provision as
a way for state-regulated businesses to compete in interstate commerce. This will provide
a great opportunity for cattle producers and small local businesses to market branded beef
products to a wider audience. This action by Congress will help foster entrepreneurship
and add new competition in the processing sector.
Conservation Programs: Funding for conservation programs was included in the Senate
Farm Bill, but most of that funding is allocated to the Conservation Stewardship Program
(formerly the Conservation Security Program) and the Wetlands Reserve Program.
In the House bill, the budget for the popular Environmental Quality Incentives Program
(EQIP) increased to $2 billion per year over the life of the bill. The House bill also broadens
eligibility for EQIP funds to include custom feeders and livestock markets. NCBA will
be urging conferees to consider a final conservation title that more closely resembles the
House-passed version in this regard.
NCBA will also urge conferees to fix the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) cap and payment
limitations for conservation programs that exist in the House Farm Bill. This language
would make many ranchers ineligible for Farm Bill conservation programs. The goals of
voluntary conservation programs are compromised when artificial caps and limits are ap
plied. Cattlemen will urge the conference committee to exempt cost-share programs such
as EQIP from the AGI caps and payment limitations.
RePRiNT
Association
Reprinted with permission. June 2008 Issue.
Tax Incentives for Conservation Easements: Included within the tax title of the Senatepassed Farm Bill is language that would permanently extend a beneficial tax incentive for
donations of conservation easements. This provision permanently establishes tax credits
for landowners who voluntarily put easements on their property. Along with our Farm Bill
conservation programs, this legislation will help ranchers and other landowners implement
and maintain long-term conservation projects on their land. It will help private landowners
keep agricultural lands in productive use, while protecting fish and wildlife habitats, and
conserving our natural resources.
Disaster Assistance: A permanent disaster assistance program was created and funded
in the Senate Farm Bill. This program would combine the current Livestock Indemnity
Program and Livestock Compensation Program and create a similar program that will
operate on a permanent basis, as opposed to the current ad hoc system. Ranchers struggle
with difficult management, movement and sale decisions in the midst of a disaster, and that
situation is worsened by the uncertainty of whether or not Congress will be able to provide
any meaningful assistance. NCBA supports programs that are permanent in nature as op
posed to previous approaches of providing producers with assistance on an ad-hoc basis
well after a catastrophic event.
One of the disaster assistance programs is for loss due to fire on public managed lands,
the language states:
(A) IN GENERAL — An eligible livestock producer may receive assistance under this
paragraph only if—
(i) the grazing losses occur on rangeland that is managed by a Federal agency; and
(ii) the eligible livestock producer is prohibited by the Federal agency from grazing
the normal permitted livestock on the managed rangeland due to a fire.
(B) PAYMENT RATE —The payment rate for assistance under this paragraph shall be
equal to 50 percent of the monthly feed cost for the total number of livestock covered by the
Federal lease of the eligible livestock producer, as determined under paragraph (3)(C).
(C) PAYMENT DURATION —
(i) IN GENERAL —Subject to clause (ii), an eligible livestock producer shall be
eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph for the period—
(I) beginning on the date on which the Federal agency excludes the eligible
Summary of Activities of the
Sustainable Grazing Coalition
4/1/08 through 5/24/08
• Attended a scoping meeting on wilderness management plans for three Wilderness areas in Lincoln County and
provided scoping comments on issues
effecting grazing.
discuss the upcoming Sage Grouse habitat
restoration project proposed for northern
Lincoln County.
• Provided scoping comments and issues
on the proposed Horse Gather in Elko
County.
• Reviewed and provided comments on
the draft plan and EA for three additional Items in Progress and on the Horizon
Wilderness areas in Lincoln County.
• Requested to be included in the Interested
Party status on all issues effecting grazing
allotments in Nevada.
• Prepare an issue paper on the status of
management of the Virginia range Horse
Herd.
• Researched and compiled research documents pertinent to an appeal of a permit
renewal in Elko County.
• Expand the issue paper currently on the
Nevada Rangelands Resource Commis
sion web site on Post Fire Grazing to in
clude more of the benefits/uses/manage
ment tool aspects of livestock grazing.
• Provided a list of issues that could inappropriately effect grazing operations to
the Winnemucca District for their upcoming grazing permit renewals.
• Discussed the organization and structure
of the Sustainable Grazing Coalition with
individuals in Wyoming who are inter• Attended by video conference the Eastern
ested in the concept and may consider
Nevada Landscape Coalition meeting to pursuing a similar organization there.
livestock producer from using the managed rangeland for grazing; and
(II) ending on the last day of the Federal lease of the eligible livestock pro
ducer.
(ii) LIMITATION — An eligible livestock producer may only receive assistance
under this paragraph for losses that occur on not more than 180 days per year.
Livestock Forage Program (LFP) provides assistance to farmers and ranchers in areas
affected by drought. Payments from the LFP are based on the severity of the drought ex
perienced in the producer’s county. Farmers and ranchers in counties with severe, extreme
or exceptional drought conditions (as defined by the U.S. Drought Monitor http://www.
drought.unl.edu/DM/monitor.html) will qualify for assistance.
The LFP will provide payments to offset grazing losses for producers that certify a loss
and reside in a county showing a substantiated drought impact as determined by the U.S.
Drought Monitor.
In General, LFP Payments are equal to 60 percent of the lesser of:
a) The monthly feed cost for covered livestock; or
b) The monthly feed cost for the normal carrying capacity of the eligible grazing
land.
The LFP payments are adjusted to:
• 80 percent for livestock reduced due to extended drought in prior two years, and
• 50 percent for losses due to fire related restrictions of grazing on federally man
aged grazing lands (see further explanation below).
Monthly feed cost payment is equal to 60 percent of the feed cost obtained by multiply
ing: (30 days) x (the feed grain equivalent (based on pounds of corn) necessary to feed
applicable livestock) x (the higher of the 12 or 24 month national average price per pound
of corn).
Payments are determined by Drought Monitor intensity categories:
• Counties designated as D2 “Severe” for eight consecutive weeks during the grazing
period would be eligible for one assistance payment.
• Counties designated as D3 “Extreme” at any time during the normal grazing period
would be eligible for two assistance payments. If the county is rated as D3 for at least
four consecutive weeks, the producer is then eligible for three assistance payments.
• Counties designated as D4 “Exceptional” at any time during the grazing period would
be eligible for three months of assistance payments.
Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)
The permanent LIP is available to eligible producers that have incurred livestock death
losses in excess of normal mortality rates during the calendar year due to a disaster includ
ing losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, and extreme heat and
extreme cold. Indemnity payments may not exceed 75 percent of the fair market value for
the species of animal on the day prior to its death.
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July 2008
7
W
hat a strange year we have! One day the shorts and crop tops are out and
the next day, coats and mufflers adorn our bodies! I really like my coat and
am not parted from if except maybe from 1 to 3 PM on July 10!!! It protects a bit from
the wind, also. Don’t you think we have more steady wind, more days of wind, than
in the years past? It seems to me as time goes on; there are more hours of wind. We’ll
harvest the wind for power soon, at least enough so that it is affordable and efficient.
Seems to me, in light of the astronomical fuel costs, we should be developing our own
power sources. I’m sure we have the means and sources to put the squeeze on mid-east oils.
Just don’t buy from them. We could if we would use our own supplies. Might put a polar
bear off his ice cap, but a bear to a human……..Food for thought.
This soap box has been used enough so I need to go on and get on another box. This
time, it’ll be the unwanted horse box! Did we not all predict just what is happening to the
unwanted horses of the United States? Only, when the issue passed, we didn’t have the
extremely high hay costs in the formula for the disposal of unwanted horses. That fact even
compounds the plight of the unwanted equines. So now, as foretold, horses are being aban
doned on roadways causing automobile wrecks, abandoned in the wild areas to suffer from
exposure to the wild elements, starving to death, all because some do-gooders wanted to
protect them from an uncomfortable ride to a kill plant! As predicated, horses are suffering
much, much more from longer, more miserable rides, and just abandonment than before
people started meddling without thinking—our own John Ensign, included.
Now, I think I could get on the Presidential Soap Box. I’m glad to see Hillary drop out.
The United States could not have existed as a whole nation with her at the helm. Her husband
did more to hurt the country than any single person in history….In my opinion. Maybe she
will get in the Presidential Chair by becoming Obama’s running mate. That’d be something
to talk about. Wonder how long it would last. However, Obama isn’t a good choice either-in
light of his past and his connections. I for one am not ready to wear turbans. McCain is just
the lesser of two evils. I’m not sure he has the guts to change anything dramatically! Let’s
hope he does.
But, when it comes right down to it, just how much influence does the President have?
Is it really congress that rules our country? Or is it the judicial system? The president does
have more control over the judges than Congress. Does that give the President two clouts
to one? Politicians have such a “dirty” name. It’s sad that it’s such a public feeling. Same as
with all law enforcers. We should have good feelings about them and the politicians. Sadly,
that is not always the case.
A couple of kids’ stories and I’ll hang up. A friend took her two grandsons to supper
one night in Elko at a Chinese restaurant. As supper progressed, a small boy, dressed in
traditional Chinese attire, kept trying to play with my friend’s younger grandson. This went
on, and of course, the Chinese boy spoke his language in keeping with the attire. Finally,
my little friend pushed the boy away and stated he didn’t speak “Mexican”. That excited the
little Chinese boy and he quite loudly informed my friends, “I not Mexican—I Chinese!!”
Maybe dinner was served then.
Emma has now progressed into galloping “our” horse. She uses a saddle but does not
put her feet in the stirrups. I asked her about that and she informed me “It’s too hard. I can’t
kick him hard enough with the stirrups!” Logic. Then one day she told me Mr. T really gal
loped fast. I asked why. She sheepishly said she kicked him too hard! But when asked if she
could stop him she stated “Well, yeah” like are you dumb for asking. “Of course, I could
stop him!!!”
Time to quit rambling on. Don’t mean to offend anyone. I’m sure you hear all the state
ments daily.
Next time, the hay will all be put up and fall will be upon us. Did we miss summer???
The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association
Awards 2008 Scholarship
The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association 2008 Scholarship was awarded to Jasmine Dul
gar. Jasmine is from Reno and attended Regional Technical Institute where she received
a 3.442 GPA. Her goals for the future are to pursue a degree in agriculture education and
business. She is planning on attending Truckee Meadows Community College, and then
transferring to a four-year university.
After college she would like to return back to Nevada to teach and start a family. In
high school Jasmine was active in FFA and 4-H. She was the Nevada FFA Association State
Treasure her senior year in high school. Show also served as a Nevada Junior Livestock
Youth Advisory Board for three years. Not only was she active in agriculture activities she
was also involved in several education roles within the state. She was a Washoe County
High School Board Representative for two years as well as the Carl Perkins Act Student
Representative.
Each scholarship applicant was required to write an essay on an agriculture related
topic. Jasmine wrote a paper entitled, “Trich and The Fight”. In her paper she explained
the way the Trich is transmitted, how it can affect calf crop, how keeping good records can
help track the possible outbreak, and how new technology can help cure and treat infected
animals. The association feels that Jasmine is a great fit for the scholarship.
This year’s recipient will receive at $1,000 scholarship to go towards tuition. The mem
bers of the Research and Education committee and all members of Nevada Cattlemen’s
Association would like to wish Jasmine luck in the future, and look forward to hearing
about the great things she has done for agriculture.
The association would also like to thank all students who sent in scholarship applica
tions. This year we received over a dozen applications from students across the state. We
would like to thank all the students for their interest agriculture and their participation in
4-H and FFA. We wish you all the best of luck in the future.
8
July 2008
How do I define myself after Seven Years?
I often ask myself that question, especially in the times of stress.
The stressful times have usually been created by life changes —moving, a large purchase, illness, loss. Change in and of itself stops the
flow of a day-to - day structure. i have found I’m more of a structured
person than I believed. When the structure breaks down, a quick de cision must be made to quickly put my day right or I find I question
my valid reason to get through the day.
For all the reasons above, I make work of everything I do. As a
longtime friend once said, “Lean, you go at everything like you’re
stomping on snakes —rattlesnakes!”
What is wrong with me!
Well, I’ve come to believe I’m wound a little too tight. I expect
everyone to produce something and do it quickly. This often creates
a domino effect as then when others disappoints me in their efforts
to produce, I have to fill the void my expectation created and go do
something so that I can lessen the loss of structure, Odd, isn’t it, the
stress I put upon myself to define myself as a worthwhile person who
produces something!
The reason a person chooses a political party, I believe, is their
outlook on what the world owes them, or what they owe the world. I
owe the world for my place in life, so therefore I like to work to earn
my way.
Action should create movement, how thought provoking, that a
person could believe “ to receive is divine, with no return of energy.”
That is a couch and potato - chip world I don’t feel comfortable in.
My beliefs are simple: work hard, keep thinks clean, be uncomplicated, say what you mean, and try to teach your children to get
along in life.
I have used this magazine to create my own personal definition,
although without it I would still be the person I am, but with it I have
created the day-to - day structure I seem to need to produce some thing.
I want to thank everyone involved in the
magazine as well as the readers for the last
seven years, for giving me the structure in
my life which gives me the reason
to believe I’m a person who pro duces something worthwhile.
Leana Stitzel,
owner, editor
Please take a few moments and consider joining the Nevada Cattlemen’s
Association for the new Supporting Member cost of $50.00. Better yet, members
of the Nevada Cattlemen’s, please consider sponsoring a friend as a new mem
ber of the Association by paying the $50.00 and take a friend to a meeting. The
Nevada Cattlemen’s Association works very long, hard hours for every person
out there whether they be rancher, sheepman, hunter, fisher, camper, horseman
or greenie. The NCA works for the entire state of Nevada’s agricultural industry
so all have food to eat, land to cherish and water to work with and drink, please
help them to help you “join some one up today.”
Thank you Leana Stitzel, editor
C h a l l e n g e
July 2008
H
appy
Birthday
Progressive
Rancher!
Seven years old
and still going strong,
your readers love you.
Congratulations to you
Leana, because of your
hard work, determi
nation, and countless
hours, your dream has
become a huge suc
cess. I am proud to be a
very small part of your
team of wonderful and
informative writers.
Thank you for your
kind words of encour
agement, when I am grasping at straws as to what to write. Bless
your heart I know you have a deadline to meet. Leana may you
and the Progressive Rancher enjoy many more years of success.
This month I would like to share a little story that a friend
e-mailed me about an apron. I just love this story as it brings so
many memories to mind. A CattleWoman loves her apron and
many of us make our own. I remember my grandmother and my
mom with their favorite apron in front of the stove. My mother-in
law, Ida Eldridge, loved her aprons and she wore one, most of the
time. Once I took a pattern off one of her favorites and made her
a few. She cooked for her large family of eight and then later in
0
July 2008
life she cooked on many ranches throughout Elko County. I also
enjoy my aprons, the full ones that cover you up. They sure do
save your clothes from such things as grease spots, cake batter or
a big puff of flour from your bread dough. It’s amazing how useful
an apron is to a Country woman. I hope you enjoy this apron story.
I think it would be nice to read to your children too.
The principal use of Grandma’s apron was to protect
the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a
potholder for removing hot pans from the oven. It was
wonderful for drying children’s tears, and on occasion
was even used for cleaning out dirty ears. From the
chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy
chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in
the warming oven. When company came, those aprons
were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when the weath
er was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms. Those
big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over
the hot wood stove. Chips and kindling wood were brought
into the kitchen in that apron. From the garden, it carried
all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled,
it carried out the hulls. In the fall, the apron was used
to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees. When
unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising
how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter
of seconds. When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out
onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was
time to come in from the fields to dinner. It will be a long
time before someone invents something that will replace
that “ Old-Time Apron” that served so many purposes.
Have your self a wonderful 4th of July!
Lorey Eldridge
Jess Sustacha Sr.
Lamoille, Nevada
Sept. 17, 1921 – April 30, 2008
Ranchers throughout Nevada and beyond mourned the loss of one of their own last month when Jess
Sustacha Sr. died at 87. He was born and lived his life
on the ranch his father founded near Lamoille in the
shadow of the spectacular Ruby Mountains.
He was the youngest of three children born to
Jose and Francisca Sustacha, Basque immigrants who
came to the United States separately around 1910.
By the time Jess was a toddler, Jose was running
several thousand head of whiteface ewes and Jess
could remember being at Elko Mountain by 5 a.m. to
“mark” lambs before going to school, and he remembers going with his father to deliver groceries to the
sheepherders
After the Taylor Grazing act of 1934, Jose sold his
sheep and concentrated on good Hereford cattle.
(Today there are no large bands of sheep anywhere in the valley. That industry nationwide has
been decimated by environmentalists’ misguided
sentiments and burdensome government regulations.
The ungrazed mountain trails are impassable thickets
now and ripe for wildfire.)
Jess also remembered the three- or four-day
cattle drive to the Haystack Ranch from Lamoille.
– no fences in those days, making it much closer “as
the crow flies.”
He recalled another trip, too, this one to Halleck
and the railroad tracks where cattle were shipped
after the 20-mile trip. Riders would leave at daybreak
and arrive around noon to weigh and load the steers.
They’d just turn the horses loose then, to find their
own ways home before noon the next day
Today Jess Sr.s purebred and commercial Hereford herds continue to thrive under the watchful eyes
of his wife, Merilyn, and son, Jess Jr., known locally
as “Bruv” because that’s what his older sister called
him when they were children.
Jess Sr. attended the one- or two-teacher school
at Lamoille through the eighth grade, riding his horse
back and forth every school day. When it was time for
high school, he boarded at the Nevada Dinner House
in Elko while he attended Elko High School. He was
graduated in 1940. In 1957, he married Merilyn Kane
in Winnemucca’s St. Paul’s Catholic Church, the same
place his parents had married.
Jess was active and important to his industry
as a Hereford breeder and as a member of the Forest
Advisory Board, the A1 Grazing Board, the Nevada
Cattlemen’s Association and the American Hereford
Association.
In 1991, he received the prestigious 100,000 Mile
in the saddle award from the cattlemen’s association
and the Gold Medallion from the American Hereford
Association given to those who have bred Herefords
for 50 years.
As extraordinarily good parents, he and Merilyn
raised their own children and helped many others,
relatives and friends, who lived or worked on the
ranch and they encouraged and contributed to 4-H
and FFA people and projects thoughout their 51-year
marriage.
Jess was preceded in death by his parents and
his sister Fermina. He is survived by his wife and his
brother Jose Sustacha Jr. of Lamoille; daughter Tammi
Cavender of Elko; son, Jess Jr. (Shannon) of Lamoille;
granddaughter Katie Cavender of Colorado Springs,
Colo.; grandsons Jeff and Pete Cavender of Boise,
Idaho; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral Mass last month was celebrated at St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elko.
A memorial scholarship will be established in
Jess’ name. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 281214,
Lamoille, Nev. Checks should be made to the Jess
Sustacha Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Headed Home
He checked his gear’s condition
Silver belly on just right.
His Mount was prancing nervously
As he cinched his saddle tight.
The good Lord called his number.
His best mare, Julie, would not wait.
Time to ride those hooves of fire
Up to the pearly gates.
Today begins his longest journey;
It’s been expected for awhile.
Racing towards his glory,
Strength returning with each mile.
He left us at his bedside
Watching over him with love
As he spurred the now young Julie
Towards their new home up above.
Hushed whispers to his children
As he softly holds his wife.
Often told all those who’d listen:
“She was the best thing in my life.”
We’ll miss his quiet nature.
His voice will echo now and then.
Our thoughts turn to a reunion
Where we’ll ride side by side again.
Shannon Sustacha
July 2008 Support the Tradition that is
The Elko County Fair:
The Ranchers’
Ball
Hosted by The Elko County Fair Board
Saturday,
August 30th, 2008
Cocktails 6 pm,
Dinner catered by Biltoki &
Silent Auction bidding begins 7 pm,
Dance to the live music of
The Sierra Express Band 8 pm-11 pm.
To be held at the Elko Basque House.
$40/ticket
must be purchased in advance:
Call Sabrina Reed 775-754-6151 to order yours today!!!
There are only 300 available.
All proceeds benefit the ECF & it’s special projects.
Wells FFA
Wins 7 Contests
The Wells FFA Chapter has been very busy between the Nevada FFA State Convention
and our yearly Banquet for the past three months.
On March 25, 2008 the Wells FFA Chapter went to Reno, NV for the state convention.
While there, we won first place in the seven following events: Farm Business Management
which included Rowdy Hutchison with 1st high individual, Aly Reynolds with 2nd high
individual, Emma Ballard with 3rd high individual and Melora Weeks. Meats Evaluation
which included Shawn Pearson with 1st high individual, Mason Garret with 2nd high indi
vidual, Dillon Rose with 3rd high individual, and Dustan Birrer with 4th high individual.
Agriculture Sales which included Aly Reynolds with 1st high individual, Brittany Zink
with 2nd high individual, Britney Supp with 3rd high individual, and Jimmy Lotspiech
with 5th high individual. Nursery/Landscape included Kaci Spahan, who received 1st high
individual, Sam Howell, who received 3rd high individual, Rowdy Hutchison, and Myles
Nance. Best Informed Greenhand included Landon Rose with 1st high individual, Ivan
Kelly and Seth Garret who tied for 3rd high individual, Shannon Walker, Meghan Fitzger
ald, Timothy Sanders, and Nathan Ashby. Livestock Evaluation included Suzie Taylor, who
received 1st high individual, Jimmy Lotspeich who received 4th high individual, Dustan
Birrer, and Maggie Howell. Finally, Junior Parliamentary Procedure included Meghan
Fitzgerald, Carson Makin, Ivan Kelley, Landon Rose, Seth Garrett, and Nathan Ashby.
Once our state convention was complete, we then had to move on to plan for our
banquet and elect our new chapter officers. As usual, the soon to be chapter officers were
to wait the entire evening for their results. The Wells FFA Chapter 2008-2009 Historian is
Kaci Spahan. Sentinel is Rowdy Hutchison. Reporter is Emma Ballard. Treasurer is Aly
Reynolds. Secretary is Melora Weeks. Vice President is Maggie Howell and finally, the
2008-2009 Wells FFA Chapter president is Mason Garrett.
The Wells FFA Chapter plans to have a busy summer as well. Our chapter president
and vice president will be attending Washington Leadership Conference in Washington
D.C. There will also be a Summer Leadership Conference for everyone in the chapter. To
conclude the summer the chapter officers will be on an officer retreat where we will get
prepared for next year.
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2
July 2008
July 2008 UCD VET VIEWS
by John Maas, DVM, MS, Diplomate, ACVN & ACVIM, Extension Veterinarian, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis
FLY CONTROL FOR BEEF CATTLE—2008 S
ummer will be hot, dry, and long. Along with
summer, the fly season may be upon us. Cattle
pests, such as flies, cost cattlemen by increasing treat
ment costs, lost production, irritation to the cattle, and
because of the diseases they can transmit. Fly infesta
tions cost the U.S. cattle industries more than $1.6 billion
yearly. Horn flies alone cost cattle producers $876 million
a year. Horn flies are very stressful to cattle because they
take 24 to 38 blood meals per day—per fly! California
cattlemen report that face flies are the worst pests, fol
lowed by horn flies.
Face flies, in addition to producing eye irritation due to
their feeding behavior, serve as mechanical carriers of the
causative agent of Pinkeye in cattle (infectious bovine kera
toconjunctivitis [IBK] caused by the bacterium Moraxella
bovis). Pinkeye consistently ranks as one of the top five most
costly diseases in California beef cattle. Feeding by horn
flies, stable flies, horse flies, and other bloodsucking flies
mechanically transmits several disease organisms as well as
causing irritation and decreased weight gains.
Both face flies and horn flies develop resistance to
insecticides over time. For maximum prevention, it is
advisable to switch the class of drug you use each year or
two. If you used an organophosphate ear tag last year, use a
pyrethroid ear tag this year. Additionally, if you plan to use
a pyrethroid ear tag this year, use an organophosphate spray
this year. Alternating the classes of drugs in this manner will
increase the success of your preventive program. It is also
recommended that application of ear tags be delayed until
the fly population is relatively high so that the possibility of
the flies developing resistance this year is lowered. Sprays,
back rubbers, face rubbers, and dust bags can be helpful in
reducing the fly populations early in the season, before ear
tag application. Then, as the fly populations increase, apply
the fresh ear tags to achieve maximum benefit. Always fol
low the manufacturer’s label directions for ear tag applica
tion. If they call for two ear tags--use two ear tags! If you
need ear tags to prevent Pinkeye in the calves—use the
tags in the calves. In the fall always remove the ear tags.
If the ear tags are left in the cattle the flies that over win
ter—particularly the face flies—will develop resistance to
the drug you used and it will no longer be as effective.
Face flies and horn flies lay their eggs in cow manure
and the larvae can only develop in cow manure. Therefore,
some of the compounds that are fed or given orally that
kill the larvae in the manure pat can be very effective. One
example of this is the insect growth regulator methoprene.
This compound is an insect growth regulator (IGR), which
is safe, and resistance does not develop to this product. It can
be used in “feed through” products, where the drug passes
through into the manure unchanged and kills the fly larvae
in the manure. Other insecticide products are available that
can kill the fly larvae when used as a “feed through”, such
as Rabon®. Rabon® is an organophosphate and resistance
can develop to this compound. Some of the ear tags now
contain a compound that increases the effectiveness of the
insecticide. One of these compounds is piperonyl butoxide
(PBO) and it increases the activity of the primary insecticide
in the ear tag.
Several of the products available last year are no
longer on the market in California and there are a couple
of new products. One of the newer products is a pour-on
and spray from Elanco called Elector. This is a new class
of insecticides called the spinosads. These products appear
to be very safe and effective. Currently they market a pouron and a spray product; however, they do not have any ear
tags approved at the present time. There is a new ear tag
called Avenger produced by KMG Animal Health. This tag
contains endosulfan, an organochlorine compound that may
help with resistance problems. This product (Avenger) was
just approved for use in California.
Wednesday, July 23rd
Queen/Princess Contest 5:00 p.m.
Contact Marci Madsen or Pam Jensen at (775) 238-0550
Thursday, July 24th
Gymkhana 9:30 a.m. - Sign-up 9:00 a.m.
Stake Race, Tire Race, Balloon Race, Quadrangle Poles,
Pole Bending, Water Race, Rescue Race, Ribbon Race
Age groups: 9 & under, 10-14, 15-17, 18 & up
Friday, July 25th
Ranch Sorting & Branding - 9:00 a.m. EntriEs closE July 19
Call Neva for entries at (775) 238-5387
Rodeo - 5:00 p.m.
Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc, Ranch Bronc, Sr. Barrels,
Jr. Barrels - 10-15 years old (new), Steer Riding,
Mutton Busting, Calf Roping, Breakaway Roping,
Team Roping - top 10 teams from Lanes 318 roping.
For entries call Neva at (775) 238-5387
Saturday, July 26th
Pioneer Day Parade - 9:30 a.m., sign up 8:30, Theme: “Let Freedom Ring”
Pioneer Program - 11:00 a.m.
Bar-B-Que - noon
Kids’ Games & Adult Horseshoes - 1:00 p.m.
Rodeo - 5:00 p.m.
Fireworks - at dark
Lund Rodeo Qualifying Team Roping
July 25th and 26th at 9:00 ~ Lanes 318 Arena ~ For entries call Gary Lane at (775) 238-5244
Warm-up Draw Pot 2 steers: $15/man; #12 - 3 steers $30/man; #11 - 3 steers $30/man;
Top 10 teams daily combined points will qualify for the Lund Rodeo.
July 2008
1.
2.
3.
4.
IMPORTANT DETAILS TO REMEMBER FOR
FLY CONTROL AND PESTICIDE USE ARE:
Plan ahead for insecticide and ear tag purchases; fly season will arrive.
Consult with your veterinarian regarding active ingredient(s) in these products and their
record of effectiveness in your area.
Always follow instructions, warnings, and precautions: these products can be toxic to
you, your children, pets, and others working with them around the chute. Use dispos
able latex gloves when handling the ear tags. Keep the donuts and coffee away from
the tags!
Follow label withdrawal times and keep records of treatment dates, products and lot
numbers.
CALIFORNIA REGISTERED PESTICIDES FOR BEEF CATTLE: 2008
EAR TAGS
BACK RUBBERS AND FACE RUBBERS
Active Ingredient
Example Brand Names
Permethrin
Ectiban, Insectrin
Tetrachlorvinphos-Dichlorvos
Ravap
DUST BAGS
Active Ingredient
Example Brand Names
Permethrin
Tetrachlorvinphos
Zeta-cypermethrin
Permectrin, Ectiban
Rabon dust
Python
FEED-THROUGH INSECTICIDES
MANUFACTURER
Active Ingredient
Example Brand Names
Organochlorine
KMG
Diazinon +
Coumaphos
Organophosphate
Bayer
Tetrachlorvinphos
Methoprene
Rabon oral larvicide
IGR Mineral, Starbar
Cylence Ultra
beta-Cyfluthrin
Pyrethroid+PBO
Bayer
Double Barrel VP
Cyhalothrin + Pirimiphos
Organophosphate
ScheringPlough
Dominator
Pirimiphos
Organophosphate
ScheringPlough
GardStar Plus
Permethrin
Pyrethroid
Y-Tex
OPtimizer
Diazinon
Organophosphate
Y-Tex
Patriot
Diazinon
Organophosphate
KMG
Python &
Python Magnum
Zeta-cypermethrin
Pyrethroid
Y-Tex
Saber Extra
Cyhalothrin
Organophosphate
ScheringPlough
Super Deckem
Permethrin
Pyrethroid
DestronFearing
Warrior
Diazinon +
Chlorpyrifos
Organophosphate
Y-Tex
X-Terminator
Diazinon
Organophosphate
DestronFearing
PRODUCT NAME
ACTIVE INGREDIENT
CHEMICAL CLASS
Avenger
Endosulfan
Co-Ral Plus
SPRAYS
Active Ingredient
Example Brand Names
Coumaphos
Dichlorvos
Permethrin
Co-Ral
Vapona
Ectiban, Permectrin, Atroban,
Permethrin, Insectrin
Rabon
Ravap
Elector
Standguard
Tetrachlorvinphos
Tetrachlorvinphos-Dichlorvos
Spinosad
Cyhalothrin
Please Note: the active ingredients are available under a number of brand names and
those listed are examples only and not specific endorsements or recommendations.
ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
THE TURNER BRANGUS RANCH PROGRAM
‘30 Years Gatherin’ of New Genetics’
Turner Brangus Ranch has moved to Nevada
Trait Leaders
in Ribeye and
Intermuscular
Fat
All Bulls
Tested
Negative for
BVD
Private Treaty Sales * High Desert Raised
POUR-ON APPLICATIONS
Active Ingredient
Example Brand Names
Cyfluthrin
Fenthion
Permethrin
Cylence
Lysoff
DeLice, Expar, Hard Hitter, Ectiban,
Atroban, Ultraboss,
Saber
Elector
Standguard
Cyhalothrin
Spinosad
Cyhalothrin
Tom & Kathi Turner
6445 Morning Dove
Winnemucca, NV 89445
775-623-1425
tbrangus@wmca.net
www.turnerbrangusranch.com
July 2008 UCD VET VIEWS
by John Maas, DVM, MS, Diplomate, ACVN & ACVIM, Extension Veterinarian, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis
John A. Angelos, DVM, PhD, Diplomate, AVCIM, Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis
PINKEYE—Prevention & Treatment P
reviously we discussed fly control methods. One of the important reasons for
fly control is decreasing face fly infestations as a method of helping to prevent
pinkeye in cattle. Face flies are very efficient at transmitting pinkeye agents from one
animal to the next. One such agent is Moraxella bovis; this organism has been proven
to cause pinkeye in cattle. We suspect the recently characterized Moraxella species,
Moraxella bovoculi, is also involved in causing cattle pinkeye. Also, if the calves in your
herd are having more cases of pinkeye—it is most important to put the fly tags in the
calves’ ears versus the cows. It is important to put together a total “game plan” to
control the flies on your operation.
Clipping the pastures. Another aid in the prevention of pinkeye is to clip the pastures
if grass is too long and headed out. This will decrease much of the irritation to the cattle’s’
eyes that can initiate the beginnings of a pinkeye outbreak. The irritation of dust, plant
pollen, or weed seeds will promote tearing from the eyes and shedding of the bacteria (M.
bovis, M. bovoculi) by a few “carrier cows” in the herd. These carriers then spread the
organism by contact and via face flies to the rest of the herd and susceptible animals may
become infected and develop clinical pinkeye.
Foxtails or plant awns. Eye irritation can be caused by tall grasses as mentioned
above; however, another common plant product (foxtails) can cause significant irritation.
These foxtails (or other weed seeds or awns that stick in the eye) lodge in the eyes of cattle
and can cause significant damage, irritation, and watering (tearing) of the eye. This can
lead to further spread of the bacteria that cause pinkeye. Face flies that are attracted to this
tearing can easily spread the pinkeye organisms between animals. Cattle examined for
pinkeye should also be examined for the possible presence of these foxtails or plant awns.
If they are found, they must be removed. One clue to the presence of foxtails is the loca
tion of the damage in the eye. With uncomplicated pinkeye the damage usually begins in
the center of the eye and spreads outward. With a foxtail or other foreign body the damage
will be “off-center”. The examination of the eye for foxtails and pinkeye creates another
opportunity for spread of the disease and this spread must also be prevented.
Use disposable latex gloves. When examining the eyes always use disposable latex
gloves. The pinkeye agents will bind to your hands and you can become a very effective
transmitter of the disease. So you can become a “giant face fly” in terms of causing more
problems in your herd. When you do treat a pinkeye animal be sure to use disposable
needles and syringes—then dispose of them!
Keep your clothing clean. Just as with your hands, your clothing can easily become
contaminated with the pinkeye agents. Therefore, it is best to treat any pinkeye or potential
pinkeye cases after you have done all the routine animal handling procedures on healthy
animals for the day. Alternatively, change clothes after handling pinkeye cattle and before
handling normal cattle.
Disinfectants. The routine use of a disinfectant for any equipment used on animals
with pinkeye is necessary. Nolvasan (chlorhexidine; Fort Dodge) is an excellent choice
because it is not irritating to tissues and works well as a disinfectant. Your veterinarian
can also suggest other disinfectants that will accomplish your goals. Things to be disin
fected include (1) forceps, hemostats, or tweezers used to remove foxtails, (2) nose tongs
for restraint, or (3) rope or nylon halters. It may be a good idea to clean and disinfect the
head catch or head restraint area of the chute as it may be an area of contamination and
spread of the agents.
Vaccines. Vaccines can also be very effective in preventing pinkeye and there are a
relatively large number of vaccines available—which usually means no one vaccine works
perfectly. It is usually recommended for producers to start with one of the commercial vac
cines and it should be one recommended by your veterinarian. He or she will have knowl
edge about which vaccines are currently working well in your area and more importantly,
which are not working well. Remember most vaccines for pinkeye require 2 doses to be
effective and it usually takes a month or so for immunity or protection to develop. Thus, the
most effective vaccination programs begin well before the start of pinkeye season.
The chart on the next page has some general information on some currently available
6
July 2008
vaccines for pinkeye that may be of some help to you and your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian. This may be the most important part of your prevention plan. Get
your veterinarian’s advice about prevention before the outbreak or if you had problems last
year, seek their advice ahead of time. Topics to be covered should include (1) fly control,
(2) vaccines, (3) disinfectants, (4) tools and supplies to have on hand for prevention and
treatment, and (5) treatment protocols and any necessary prescriptions.
If pinkeye cases do occur, what are the treatment options? Two professors at UC Da
vis’ School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. John Angelos and Dr. Lisle George, have researched
this topic for many years and this short summary contains many of the practical items they
have discovered.
Remember, if you are going to examine the eye for a foxtail or other weed—use dispos
able latex exam gloves. After you have touched the eye (extracted the foxtail and/or treated
the eye) throw the gloves away. They are badly contaminated with the pinkeye bacteria. If
you used a halter or nose tongs to restrain the animal, disinfect this equipment and Nolva
san® is a good choice for disinfection. Use disposable needles and syringes.
The pinkeye agent is a bacterium and therefore, antibiotics are indicated for treatment.
The question has been, “Which antibiotic, what dose, what route?” The best treatments
proven by research in beef cattle are listed below:
1. Long-acting tetracycline (Biomycin® 200 or LA-200®)
Dose: 4.5 ml/cwt (hundred pounds of body weight)
Route: intramuscularly or subcutaneous (these products are irritating to tissues
and should be given sub-Q whenever possible) both are labeled for subQ use.
Frequency: Two injections 48 to 72 hours apart.
Label: Both products are labeled for pinkeye and you will not need your veteri
narian’s prescription if you follow the label instructions.
2. NuFlor® (florfenicol)
Dose: 3 ml/cwt Route: Intramuscularly
Frequency: two injections 24 hours apart
Alternatively, NuFlor® can be used as single injection for longer action.
Dose: 6 ml/cwt
Route: Subcutaneous
Frequency: one treatment
Label: NuFlor® is not currently labeled for pinkeye and you must have your
veterinarian’s prescription to use this drug for pinkeye in cattle.
3. Excede® (ceftiofur)
Dose: 1.5 ml/cwt
Route: Subcutaneous--on the back of the ear or at the base of the ear as per in
structions on the label. You will need to get your veterinarian to train you
in the proper administration of this drug. It is relatively easy; however, if
given incorrectly the drug will kill the animal very rapidly.
Frequency: one injection provides therapy for 7-8 days.
Label: Excede® is not currently labeled for pinkeye and you must have your
veterinarian’s prescription to use this drug for pinkeye in cattle.
4. Draxxin® (tulathromycin)
Dose: 1.1 ml/cwt
Route: Subcutaneous in the neck region.
Frequency: One injection.
Label: Recently approved for pinkeye, your veterinarian’s prescription is re
quired.
The above treatments are very effective and should be considered the best methods cur-
FEATURE
SolidBac® Pinkeye IR/PR®
MAXI/GUARD®
20/20® with SPUR®
20/20® Vision™ with
SPUR®
SolidBac® Pinkeye IR/PR®
Marketer
SolidTech
Addison
Intervet
Intervet
SolidTech
Strains/Isolates
8 isolates
8 isolates
8 isolates
8 isolates + clostridial
8 isolates
Initial doses required on label
One application (two doses)
One dose
Two doses
Two doses
One application (two doses)
FEATURE
Ocu-Guard® MB
Ocu-Guard® MB-1
Alpha 7/MB™
Alpha 7/MB™-1
Pinkeye Shield™ XT4
Marketer
Boehringer-Ingelheim
Novartis
Strains/Isolates
8 isolates
8 isolates
4 strains
Two doses
One dose
Two doses of MB required
One dose
One dose
FEATURE
Piliguard® Pinkeye-1 Trivalent
PINKEYE-3
Piliguard® Pinkeye + 7
Piliguard® Pinkeye TriView®
I-Site™
Marketer
Schering-Plough/Durvet
Aspen
Schering-Plough
Schering-Plough
Agri-Labs
Strains/Isolates
3 strains (EPP63, FLA64,
SAH38)
SAH38)
SAH38)
3 strains (33, 89, 109) Subunit
SAH38)
One dose
One dose
Two doses
One dose
Two doses
Addison Pinkeye Antigens
Novartis Pinkeye Antigens
rently available for the treatment of pinkeye in cattle. None of the above methods
require any injections into the eye. Continued use of tetracyclines in areas with high
numbers of anaplasmosis cases may make the cattle susceptible to sickness due
to anaplasmosis. Consult with your veterinarian regarding this potential problem.
NOTE: if any antibiotic product is not labeled for pinkeye, you must obtain
a prescription from your veterinarian, as this constitutes an extra label use
of this product.
Another treatment option is to give penicillin as an injection under the white
part of the eyeball (the sclera). If you are not expert in this method, have your
veterinarian train you on the proper way to administer this treatment. Do not at
tempt this method without training. To achieve good results, give 1 ml (1 cc) under
the sclera of both eyes for at least 3 days. This method can achieve good results,
but is more difficult and potentially more dangerous to the animal than giving
an intramuscular or subcutaneous dose of oxytetracycline, NuFlor®, Draxxin®,
or Excede®. Again, you will need your veterinarian’s prescription for the use of
penicillin as it is not labeled for use in pinkeye.
For many years Furox sprays or powders (Nitrofurazone, Furox®, Topazone®,
NFZ Puffer, P.E. 7, etc.) placed into the eye were used for the treatment of pinkeye.
This method was not as effective as the above methods. However, beginning in
2002 this treatment became illegal for cattle. This is irrespective of whether or not
you have a prescription or if a drug supply company sold you a furacin containing
product. Do not use the furacin-type drugs in cattle any more.
There are some liquids and spray-type products still available for pinkeye
treatment. These products only stay in the eye for about 7 minutes before the tears
wash it out and therefore, are much less effective than any of the methods described
above. As with all treatments that are placed directly into the eye, proper restraint
is necessary and the use of disposable latex gloves is recommended.
For many years, treatment with dexamethasone (Azium®) has been popular.
Research indicates that when this is given under the sclera, there is no difference in
the rate of healing. Therefore, use of this product is not usually recommended.
Keep written records of treatments and results. Discuss these with your vet
erinarian as you reevaluate pinkeye prevention and treatment plans for the future.
Also, if your cattle are copper deficient or selenium deficient, the number of
pinkeye cases will be greater and the severity will be worse. Be sure your mineral
program is working, as this is important in the animal’s immune response to this
bacterial pathogen.
Schering Pinkeye Antigens
Northern Nevada
Working Cowhorse Club
is now sanctioned with
Nevada Reined Cow
and Cutting Horse Association
July 5th, 2008
NRC & CHA and NNWCC approved
Open Working Cow Horse Show
Winnemucca Events Center
9:00 AM
Judge: Gary Stark • Pattern 10
Contact: Patti Lund
775-849-1476 or email nrccha@aies.net
August 9th and 10th, 2008
NRC & CHA and NNWCC
Cow Country
Classic Cow Horse Show
Contact Patti Lund for the NRC & CHA
Contact Reina Youngberg for NNWCC
775-421-8890 or
email redylivestock@aol.com
Sept. 7th, 2008
NNWCC Fall Show
Greyson Ranch, Paradise Valley, Nv.
Contact : Reina Youngberg
775-421-8890 or
Pat Cantor, 775-623-3238
for entries or information.
July 2008 7
Innovative Irrigation Systems
Toured on Field Day
by Tracey Jean Wolfe,
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Do you know how many different irrigation systems are used to raise crops
in Nevada? New technology and improved equipment are creating irrigation
systems that are smarter and more efficient than ever before.
Local farmers and ranchers, members of the Smith and Mason Valley Conservation Districts, and planners and engineers from the Natural Resources
Conservation Service had an opportunity to look at five different systems
during an irrigation field day on April 8. The purpose of the field day was to
provide
an overview of local irrigation practices and to discuss the advantages
Cameron Pedego
and
disadvantages
of each irrigation system with clients.
adjusts sprinkler
The field day started at Cameron Pedego’s new half pivot in Smith Valley.
on his new pivot
Pedego demonstrated how his system worked, including the Web site and remote
system.
camera he developed to “talk” to his system and keep it operating when he was not
on site. The group also had an opportunity to discuss irrigation water management and
how to irrigate fields, like Pedego’s, that have both loam and loamy coarse sandy soil.
David Groso demonstrated a new type of water measuring device that is being tested in Smith
Valley. The “Doppler Ultrasound Meter” uses sound waves to measure the amount of water being transported in the pipe.
The meter will be installed in a 1-mile pipeline for the Burbank Ditch Company.
The next stop was at a tailwater recovery system on the FM Fulstone Ranch in Smith Valley. Steve Fulstone had installed a pond, pumping station, and pipeline to capture flood-irrigation water that comes off his alfalfa fields as tailwater
and divert it into the pond. When needed, Fulstone pumps water from the pond to irrigate different fields. Fulstone said
that the tailwater has helped him conserve roughly an acre foot of water on his fields. The pond also provides wetland and
waterfowl habitat, and livestock water. This project was installed in 2001 with EQIP funding.
The group then toured a “W” weir on the 5-C Cottonwood Ranch installed with cost-share funding from the US Fish
and Wildlife Service by StreamWise from Mount Shasta, Calif. The purpose of the weir is two-fold: to provide habitat for
trout in the West Walker River, and to provide a “take out” for a recently installed pipeline from the river to the ranch. The
“W” weir is the first of its kind to be used in the area.
Next up was Bob Capurro’s innovative irrigation pipeline. After Capurro flood-irrigates his fields, the water is captured
and piped to the next field. This method uses almost all of the water being applied. In addition to the unique pipeline designs,
farm manager Louie Scatena manages the fields to be irrigated without borders. When establishing a crop, Scatena irrigates
approximately the top ¼ of a grain field. He irrigates the second time on the top of the field after germination occurs. He
staggers irrigation water down the field as germination occurs and when there is vegetative cover to hold the soil during
the next irrigation. This method reduces soil erosion on newly planted fields.
The last stop of the day was at a Peri Brother’s field that was recently planted with onions to see the micro-irrigation
system used by farm manager Jeff Pope. Each onion field has a solid set of sprinklers set up to be used for germination.
Once germination occurs, irrigation is switched to buried drip line and used until harvest in the fall. After harvest, the drip
line is dug up and recycled.
The field day generated discussion on NRCS practices, specifications, and applied applications. Planners and engineers
all gained more knowledge and some new ideas on irrigation systems and management to share with agricultural producers
interested in improving their irrigation systems.
If you’d like help with irrigation water management, contact your local NRCS office. NRCS offices can be found on
the Web at http://www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov.
Bob Capurro
(pointing) tells
the group how
he captures
runoff from his
flood-irrigated
fields to use on
other fields.
8
July 2008
BLM Partners with Several Counties to Support Weed Control Efforts
TWIN FALLS, ID – The weeds just don’t
stand a chance – that is, in certain areas where
the Twin Falls District Bureau of Land Man
agement (BLM) and the counties have teamed
up to complete weed eradication projects. This
year Blaine, Cassia, Minidoka, Power, Twin
Falls, Owyhee, Camas, Jerome, Lincoln and
Gooding counties will benefit from BLM con
tracts. These contracts help the counties fund
personnel, products and equipment to conduct
weed control projects.
Twin Falls County Weed Control Superin
tendent Kali Van Leeuwen said, “These BLM
contracts are a huge help. We work through the
Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s Coop
erative Weed Management program to develop
cooperative relationships that allow us to cross
property lines, whether it’s private, state or
federal land. Because we are able to work with
all who have weeds on or near their land, we can
implement more comprehensive and effective
treatments.”
Twin Falls District Emergency Stabiliza
tion and Rehabilitation Specialist Scott Uhrig
has a deep appreciation for the work accom
plished by the county weed superintendents.
“These superintendents are out on the ground
working extensively with the public,” Uhrig
said. “Because they are our best partners who
put in a lot of time and effort, it is important for
us to support their good work.”
“Through our contracts, we were also able
to help out the Southern Idaho Bio-Control
program, which has for the past several years
conducted bio-control (insect release) projects
in Gooding, Lincoln, Camas and Blaine coun
ties,” Uhrig added.
Each county matches the BLM contracts,
which increases the total resources available
to conduct the projects. “During the last few
years, we have treated hundreds of acres and
monitored thousands,” said Van Leeuwen. “We
appreciate the assistance from the BLM and the
cooperative program; it has allowed us to do
so much more than before. Today, if someone
has a project in mind, they just need to give us
a call.”
For more information about BLM’s weed
control efforts, contact Twin Falls District
Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation
Coordinator Scott Uhrig at (208) 732-7232.
Range Plants for the Rancher
By Paul T. Tueller, Ph.D. Certified Rangeland Consultant
Copyright Al Schneider, www.swcoloradowildflowers.com
Longleaf Phlox Nutt
In these articles I have described only two forbs. With
this issue I describe a small but very common and showy
range plant very common to the sagebrush country of Nevada.
This plant is called Longleaf Phlox (Phlox longifolia) Nutt.
This small perennial herb belongs to the Polemoniaceae fam
ily. Nathanial Wyeth collected the first specimens of Phlox
Longifolia probably on the return portion of his1832-33 first
trading trip to the Pacific Northwest. He gave his collection to
his friend and eminent botanist, Thomas Nuttall who named
the plant in 1834. Phlox meaning flame alluding to the showy
brightly-colored flowers
This forb is one of the most common and most widely
distributed species in the West ranging throughout most of
northern Nevada and up to 8500 feet elevation. It is found on
dry rocky plains and hills and often associated with sagebrush.
Longleaf phlox is pretty perennial forb with a shrubby base, with multiple stems
which may rise from 15 to 40 cm high. Plants may be found winding up through the
foliage of other medium height plants such as sagebrush or found growing in the open
by themselves. The herbage is glandular to glandular-hairy above and often glabrous
below. The leaves are linear to broadly lanceolate, measuring up to 7 cm long and 1
cm wide. The leaves are opposite on the stems, and are widely spaced.
The inflorescence is a loose cyme (flat topped inflorescence with the terminal
flowers with terminal flowers blooming first). Individual corollas are pink to white,
typically with notched lobes. The tube is 10 to 15 mm long, with the lobes an equal
length. The calyx is about equal in length to the tube. The membranes between the
calyx ribs are flat to slightly keeled. The style is very short (0.5-2 mm long) and is
divided near the base into 3 linear stigmas which are longer than the style.
The flowers of Phlox are relished by
sheep, especially in the summer. The palat
ability of this species is good for sheep and
occasionally they are grazed by cattle and
horses providing fair forage. Often the matted
growth of this and some of the other species
of phlox makes them valuable as soil binders
making them valuable for erosion control on
heavily grazed ranges. In one study prescribed
burning caused greater numbers of flowers.
While not a strong forage producer this
plant is of interest because it is so common
in the sagebrush country and is a showy and
interesting plant found on your sagebrush
rangelands.
UNR RANGE CLUB SADDLE RAFFLE
Saddle Info
• Estimated retail value
$3,000
• Genuine Herman Oak
leather
• Hand made and tooled
by master saddle maker:
Duane Coombs
• Stirrups are hand made by
Trina Weber
• Made on a Warren Wright
tree with a 16 inch seat
4.5 inch cantle
Tickets
• Available from Range Club members Prices:
$10 each or six for $50
• Saddle will be raffled at the Society of
Range Management annual meeting
February 12 in Albuquerque, New Mexico
need not be present to win
• All proceeds benefit UNR Range Club
Club Activities
• Attend and compete at the international
meeting for the Society of Range
Management
• Educational field trips in range related
activities
Sponsored by
Duane Coombs
Saddlery
Contact person: Range Club President Brittney Askew
Email: unrrangeclub@yahoo.com
Phone: 775-848-6391
July 2008 Gasoline and Fuel Update
The Energy Information Administration publishes fuel prices each Monday at http://
tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/gdu/gasdiesel.asp
Methodology For Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Pump Components
The components for the gasoline and diesel fuel pumps are calculated in the following
manner in cents per gallon and then converted into a percentage:
Crude Oil - the monthly average of the composite refiner acquisition cost, which is the
average price of crude oil purchased by refiners.
Refining Costs & Profits - the difference between
the monthly average of the spot price of gasoline or die
sel fuel (used as a proxy for the value of gasoline or diesel
fuel as it exits the refinery) and the average price of crude
oil purchased by refiners (the crude oil component).
Distribution & Marketing Costs & Profits - the
difference between the average retail price of gasoline or
diesel fuel as computed from EIA’s weekly survey and
the sum of the other 3 components.
Taxes - a monthly national average of federal and
state taxes applied to gasoline or diesel fuel.
It should be noted that the second and third com
ponents can vary widely, depending on the time when
the components are being calculated. Since there is
typically a lag between when the spot price changes to
when the retail price changes, the refining costs & profits
component and the distribution & marketing costs &
profits component can vary from month to month. For
example, as prices increase on the spot market, often the
retail prices take time to adjust. Thus, at this point in the
cycle, the refining costs & profits component (assuming
no corresponding increase in crude oil prices) would be
relatively large while the distribution & marketing costs
& profits component would be relatively small. However,
later on, as retail prices “catch-up” with the previous
spot price increases, the distribution & marketing costs
& profits component would increase while the refining
costs & profits component would decrease.
20
July 2008
BLM Initiates Environmental Analysis
of Solar Energy Development
As part of its ongoing efforts to increase domestic energy production and ensure
greater energy security, the Bureau of Land Management has initiated a joint program
matic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) with the Department of Energy (DOE)
to assess the environmental, social, and economic impacts associated with solar energy
development on BLM-managed public land in six western States: Arizona, California,
Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.
“Renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal, will
continue to play a larger role in meeting the Nation’s future energy needs,” said Secretary
of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We must use our own domestic energy resources as part
of a balanced, rational and realistic national policy to secure a reliable supply of affordable
energy for America’s families and businesses. Expanded solar energy development is part
of the solution, placing more control over energy supply in the hands of America.”
The joint PEIS will also evaluate a number of alternative management strategies to
determine which presents the best management approach for the agencies to adopt in terms
of mitigating potential impacts and facilitating solar energy development while carrying
out their respective missions. The measures adopted as a result of this PEIS will provide
consistency and certainty for solar energy development and will help expedite environ
mental analysis for site-specific projects in the future.
“Preparing a programmatic EIS is a necessary first step in evaluating to what extent
public lands with high solar energy potential may be able to help meet the Nation’s need for
renewable energy,” said BLM Director Jim Caswell. “Scoping is a crucial part of ensuring
that any solar energy program would take into account environmental and socio-economic
impacts while allowing the Nation to realize tremendous benefits in terms of energy avail
ability, reliability and security.”
During work on the PEIS, the BLM will focus attention on the 125 applications
already received for rights-of-way for solar energy development, while deferring new ap
plications until after completion of the PEIS. The 125 existing applications are for land
covering almost one million acres and with the potential to generate 70 billion watts of
electricity, or enough to power 20 million average American homes.
The PEIS will establish a process for accepting future applications, possibly through a
competitive process, which is likely to attract companies with the experience and resources
necessary to quickly deploy solar energy projects.
A Notice of Intent published in today’s Federal Register opened a public comment
period on the scope of the PEIS. The BLM will accept written comments related to scop
ing that are postmarked or delivered by July 15, 2008, and electronic comments that are
received by the same date. A series of public scoping meetings to obtain comments will be
held in the following locations on the dates specified:
• Riverside, California: Monday, June 16, 2008, 6:00 pm
• Barstow, California: Tuesday, June 17, 2008, 6:00 pm
• Las Vegas, Nevada: Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 6:00 pm
• Sacramento, California: Thursday, June 19, 2008, 6:00 pm
• Denver, Colorado: Monday, June 23, 2008, 6:00 pm
• Phoenix, Arizona: Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 6:00 pm
• Salt Lake City, Utah: Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 6:00 pm
• Albuquerque, New Mexico: Thursday, June 26, 2008, 6:00 pm
• Tucson, Arizona: Tuesday, July 8, 2008, 6:00pm
More information on the meetings will be announced through local media, newslet
ters and the project Website: http://solareis.anl.gov.
The BLM manages more land – 258 million surface acres – than any other Federal
agency. Most of this public land is located in 12 Western States, including Alaska. The
Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface
mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the
health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future
generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recre
ation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving
natural, historical, and cultural resources on the public lands.
July 2008 2
BEEF CHECKOFF NEWS
J uly 2008
BEEF COUNCIL ANNUAL
MEETING
The Nevada Beef Council held its annual budget meet
ing and election of officers last May.
Nevada followed suit with the NCBA‘s budget by low
ering the annual (guess-ta-mint) amount by 8%. Funds
are still focused on education, youth, nutrition and indus
try information.
The results of elected officers are; Lucy Rechel-Chair
man; Jay Dalton-Vice Chairman; John Jackson-Secre
tary/Treasure.
MEET YOUR BEEF COUNCIL
Lucy Rechel – Chairman
Lucy Rechel is the 5th
generation of Snyders to farm
and ranch in Mason Valley.
Snyder Livestock’s operation
includes onions, garlic, and
alfalfa and a feedlot. Lucy’s
partners are her father, Eddie
Snyder and two brothers, Jim
and John Snyder. Lucy’s role
on the ranch is to manage the
feedlot, which is operated as
a breeding stock development
center, specializing in custom feeding of bulls and heif
ers. Most of the cattle are seedstock, although she also
develops and breeds commercial heifers and backgrounds
calves. Ten years ago, she started a bull test that is gaining
reputation as the toughest bull test in the West.
While Lucy was in grade school, she enjoyed helping
her Dad and Grandfather with the 600 head commercial
herd. She entered high school at the same time that the
ranch sold the commercial cows and built the feedlot.
What was built as a finishing lot, evolved into a backgrounding lot then, under Lucy’s management, into a
breeding stock development center.
Lucy graduated from Washington State University
with a BS in Animal Science. She spent almost 10 years
pursuing a career as a commercial pilot before settling
down on the ranch. During that time, she flew Twin Ot
ters in the Alaskan bush and then flew a corporate turbo
prop airplane for Jake Para, owner of Scabrock feeders in
Othello Washington. Lucy was hired as a feedlot cowboy
and company pilot – there were not a lot of applicants for
the feedlot cowboy / Mitsubishi MU2 pilot position.
Lucy served on the Nevada Beef Council since Oct.
of 2003. She is in her second year as Council Chairman.
She has held the Federation of State Beef Councils seat
for 4 years and sits on NCBA Joint Youth Education sub
committee. Lucy has stated that her mission for this term
is “to put a face on the Nevada Beef Council.” I want
every rancher in Nevada to know who serves on the Ne
vada Beef Council and what our beef council does with
checkoff dollars. Every rancher should feel comfortable
calling me, or any Council member with input, criticisms,
or seeking explanations of how checkoff money is spent.
22
July 2008
It is my goal that ranchers understand what the Nevada
Beef Council does for them and how they can have a say
in the spending of checkoff dollars, both within Nevada
and at a national level.
WHAT DO PRODUCERS THINK
ABOUT THEIR CHECK-OFF?
CBB has again contacted with Aspen Media & Mar
ket Research to conduct a producer attitude that gauges
beef and dairy producers’ moods and sentiments about
their Beef Check-off Program. The survey goes into the
field in mid-June, with completion slated for the first week
of July. So, if you are called or hear of others who were
surveyed about check-off, be aware that it is a check-off
funded random survey performed by an independent re
search firm to help us understand what producers expect
from their check-off and to plan producer communica
tions. For results about the last producer attitude survey,
go to http://www,beefboard.org/NEWS Check-UpRecei
vesCleanBillOfHealth34256.aspx
and trade magazines to maximize its effectiveness. For
the complete article go to http://www.usmef.org/Abou
tUs/files/Top%20Chefs%20Enhance%2OU.pdf
MEXICO
The beef check-off sponsored butcher certification
training seminars in Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalaja
ra, Queretaro, and Culiacan in April. More than 500 retail
employees’ from meat departments attended an eighthour seminar in preparation for an examination to earn
coveted USMEF-TEC de Monterrey butcher certification.
USMEF Retail Manager Gustavo Castano explained the
characteristics and attributes of U.S. beef in Culiacan and
Mexico City, and Retail Assistant Fabian Sanchez trained
retail personnel in Queretaro and Guadalajara. For a com
plete article about the seminars, go to http://www.usmef.
org/AboutUs/files/USMEF%20Training%20Seminars%
20In%20Five%Mexican%20Cities.pdf
SHOWCASING PROTEIN
BEEF CHECK-OFF
IN THE NEWS
As the summer heats up, so do media requests for
beef information. The May 2008 issue of BEEF magazine
featured the check-off funded Culinary Center’s own
Dave Zino, as well as an exclusive column from CBB
Chairman Dave Bateman, and a feature about check-off
funded Hispanic marketing efforts. Dakota Farm Talk
(South Dakota) and WMBD Radio (Peoria, ILL) conduct
ed interviews about check-off funded summer grilling
promotions; The Producer’s Connection consistently fea
tures beef check-off veal stories; Lucinda Williams was
featured on Cattlenetwork.com and in the corresponding
e-newsletter; and Beef Today editors have asked for Beef
Backer award winners to interview while on summer
story assignments. Also watch for ongoing articles in
RFD-TV The Magazine, Dairy Business publications,
Drovers and many more. For an example of coverage,
go to http://www.cattlenetwork.com/Cow_Calf_Content.
asp?ContentID=218335
TOP CHEFS
As part of the check-off’s ongoing strategy to en
hance the image of U.S. beef in Japan, USMEF is working
with executive chefs from top-end hotels throughout the
country. Consumers there understand that the leading
hotels offer the highest quality products, so when hotel
chefs conduct seminars to demonstrate how they cook
with U.S. beef and explain its quality attributes, it’s es
sentially an endorsement of U.S. beef as a high quality
product. This “Top Chef” promotion is preceded and fol
lowed by publicity in national newspapers and consumer
The May 2008 edition of the American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition contains a thought-provoking supple
ment that reflects the discussion, intellectual explora
tions, general consensus and future directions for re
search identified by scientists who attended the first-ever
check-off funded “Protein Summit” in 2007. The summit
brought together 52 leading protein researchers from
around the globe to evaluate and discuss the collective
body of evidence for the impact of high-quality protein
on optimal health. The six comprehensive reviews in the
American Journal supplement represent a compilation of
research specific to several chronic diseases and aging
that summit participants agreed warranted individual
consideration. For abstracts of articles in the supplement,
go to Abstract#1 or Abstract#2
PRODUCT ENHANCEMENT
Colorado State University professor of animal sci
ence Dr. Keith Belk presented an overview of a check-off
funded project-“Beef carcass value optimization: Identi
fication and prediction of primal, sub primal, value-cut
and offal fabrication styles that optimize carcass value”
to the U.S. Meat Export Federation conference last week.
Another highlight of the meeting was the opportunity for
the international chefs in attendance to visit Le Cordon
Bleu Culinary School to review the new chuck roll value
cuts. This research project is part of the check-off funded
product enhancement program and USMEF collabora
tion, building on the historic muscle profiling research.
By melding our existing beef cut knowledge with inter
national fabrication procedures, additional opportunities
for new cuts for both domestic and international markets
become available.
By Joe Guild
I
How important is the
Court’s Decision
have been trying to determine the importance to public lands ranchers of the cal taking of private property and the other actions preventing plaintiffs’ full use of the
fifth and final decision from the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Hage v. The water is a regulatory taking of private property. Both of these governmental actions must
United States. There is much that is important in this decision but it is not a “great compensate a private property owner under the Fifth Amendment “Takings Clause.”
This case is important for both the technical and legal standards it represents and for its
victory” as I heard someone say last week. However, it is a victory. I am just sorry that
Wayne and Jean Hage are not here to see how this case turned out. Believe me, I would psychological value. It is very clear a government agency cannot interfere with the right of
love to discuss this with Wayne now as we discussed it many times in the past to get his a person to put their water to beneficial use. Even if a grazing permit is canceled the former
permittee can go onto the public land and access a water source and use it for agricultural
read of the outcome.
purposes on private land or even sell it to another for agricultural
I am sure most readers are aware of this case. The Pine Creek
use. A water right owner can also clean ditches and water courses
Ranch has been owned by the Hage family since 1978. In 1979, the
with mechanical devices such as backhoes and caterpillars within
U.S. Forest Service (USFS) in cooperation with the Nevada Depart
Just as important for
a 100-foot ditch right-of-way without the need for a special use per
ment of Wildlife allowed non-native elk to be introduced on one
public land grazers is the legal mit to put their water to beneficial use. The court’s own language
of the allotments permitted to the Hage Ranch. Over protest, for
is blunt and instructive: “The government cannot cancel a grazing
the next 12 years, the USFS systematically and increasingly kept
victory which set some new permit and then prohibit the plaintiff from accessing the water to
the Hage’s from fully utilizing their grazing permits altogether.
precedent and provides some redirect it to another place of valid beneficial use. The plaintiff’s
Furthermore, water rights owned by Pine Creek Ranch were jeop
additional protection to those have a right to go on land and divert the water.”
ardized by the actions of the Forest Service in refusing to allow
Somewhat lost in the reports in the amount of money awarded
clearing of stream courses, ditches and ditch rights of way and even
holding water rights and grazing the Hage family is the part of the decision related to the cancella
fencing off water sources so only elk and other wildlife could use
livestock on the public lands.
tion of a permit to devote lands to “another public purpose.” The
water owned by the Hages and preventing their cattle from being
court specifically held that the introduction of the elk onto the Hage
able to beneficially use the water.
allotment and the later cancellation of the grazing permit was a
Indeed, as Judge Loren Smith found in his opinion, Pine Creek
Ranch owned over 17,568 acre feet of water rights which had historically been beneficially governmental action which resulted in the use of the land for another public purpose and
used to water livestock and grow crops. In fact, the evidence showed that when the ranch therefore, entitled the plaintiffs to compensation as a matter of federal law.
It is my belief the specter of such compensation to public land permittees will cause
was purchased there was sufficient water from one creek to irrigate approximately 1000
acres of hay fields. But through the government action and interference with the ranch’s agencies to think twice about how their actions may be devoting grazing lands to other
purposes for which a permittee may be compensated.
ability to put this and other water to beneficial use, this source of hay was virtually elimi
This will place a burden of further analysis and thinking on the agencies which may
nated from the ranch operations. The judge found that water from seven creeks flowing
onto the ranch had been reduced by 8,000 acre feet from 13,000 acre feet per year to about result in less arbitrary actions and more discussion and collaboration on the way to allow
true multiple uses of the public lands. Wayne and Jean Hage may have left us a legacy of
5,000 acre feet.
The reduction in flow was the result of the USFS’ refusal to allow the ranch to clean less fighting and more cooperation in how best to protect and enhance the resource.
I’ll see you soon.
and repair its ditches without a special use permit under threat of a trespass action and us
ing only hand tools if a permit was granted. As the judge noted: “With hand tools this task
[cleaning ditches and stream courses spread over thousands of acres] would have taken
years or decades and required hundreds of workers.” As to the special use permit require
ment for routine ditch cleaning, the court said this “rises to the level of a prohibition, and
is therefore a taking of their [Pine Creek Ranch’s owners] property rights.
As has been reported, the court awarded the Hage family $4.2 million in damages
from the property taken by the government action plus attorneys’ fees and costs, which I
am sure, are significant after a 17-year legal battle. The court also awarded interest which
will add approximately another $4.4 million.
I am glad there will be some compensation coming to the Hage family. Just as impor
tant for public land grazers is the legal victory which set some new precedent and provides
some additional protection to those holding water rights and grazing livestock on the public
lands.
www.farhc.com
The court did not find the plaintiffs had a right to any compensation for the cancella
Opportunity available in most states
tion of their grazing permits. Citing prior case law, Judge Smith upheld the precedent that
For more information please call
a grazing permit is not property for the purposes of awarding compensation for a taking
under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. But, if a grazer owns a valid water
Shanna Wetzstein
right, even if on public land, the government action of fencing around that water is a physi
ARE YOU PAYING TO MUCH
FOR HEALTH INSURANCE?
1-800-633-6508
(208) 308-7570
July 2008 2
Financial Focus
Presented by S onny Davidson, Finan cial Advisor, Ed war d Jo nes i n E lko, Nevad a
Smart Retirement Savings Moves For Gen Xers If you belong to “Generation X” - generally defined as those born between 1965 and
1980 - you’ve got many years to go until you retire. However, that doesn’t mean you should
delay saving for retirement - but that’s exactly what many of your peers are doing. And in
the process, they may be jeopardizing the retirement lifestyle they’ve envisioned.
Consider the following:
• More than one in three workers ages 35 to 44 aren’t saving anything for retirement,
according to a survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.
• Nearly half of all Gen Xers are at risk of being unable to maintain their standard
of living in retirement, according to the Center of Retirement Research at Boston
College.
These figures are daunting - but they don’t necessarily mean that you will fall short
of your retirement goals. As a Gen Xer, you have, on your side, the world’s most valuable
asset - time. By using it wisely, and by following proven savings and investment strategies,
you can make excellent progress toward your important retirement goals.
What savings and investment strategies should you pursue? Here are a few ideas:
• Take full advantage of your 401(k). If your employer offers a 401(k) or similar plan,
such as a 403(b) or 457(b), put in as much as you can afford each year - and increase
your contribution every time you get a raise. Your 401(k) earnings can potentially
grow on a tax-deferred basis, and you generally contribute pre-tax dollars, so the
more you put in, the lower your annual taxable income. At a minimum, contribute
enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered. And if you leave your job,
2
July 2008
try to avoid liquidating your 401(k) account. Instead, consider rolling over your
401(k) to an IRA or to your new employer’s retirement plan, if such transfers are
allowed.
• Open an IRA. Even if you have a 401(k), you can probably still contribute to an
IRA, as well - and you should. You can fund an IRA with virtually any type of
investment, such as stocks, bonds, government securities and Certificates of
Deposit (CDs). And you’ll get valuable tax benefits, too - a traditional IRA can
grow tax-deferred, while a Roth IRA offers potentially tax-free earnings, as long
as you’ve had your account at least five years and don’t start taking withdrawals
until you’re 59-1/2.
• Don’t invest too conservatively. Many people are afraid of investing in the stock
market, given its ups and downs. Yet, historically, stocks have outperformed all
other financial assets. And while it’s true that past performance cannot guarantee
future results, it’s also true that if you only invest in “conservative” investments,
such as Treasury bonds or CDs, you might not even keep up with inflation, much
less earn enough to reach your retirement savings goals. Consequently, you’ll want
to include a reasonable percentage of quality stocks in your investment portfolio.
• Cut down on your debts. The more money you spend paying off debts, the less
you’ll have to invest for the future. Try hard to live within your means and work
diligently to reduce your debt load.
It will take effort, patience and discipline, but by following these suggestions, you can
boost your chances of attaining a financially secure retirement. Get started soon.
Drought Sales of Livestock:
Managing the Taxes Glenn Nader - UC Farm Advisor
Matt Byrne – Calif. Cattlemen’s Assoc. Executive Vice President
Drought conditions and a lack of feed in many parts of the state this year have raised
many questions about various management options available to reduce the impact on your
operation. Weaning calves early, purchasing feed, leasing additional pasture, or reducing
herd numbers are some of the options available to you.
It is important to consider the fact that selling animals can trigger capital gains taxes.
There are two provisions in the tax code that address the ability of livestock owners who
exercise this drought management decision to avoid additional tax liability.
Code Section 451(e): Allows ranchers whose principal business is agriculture and
who use a cash accounting method to postpone reporting the taxable gain on sales of any
livestock above the yearly average sales for one year. To qualify the producer’s county must
have received a federal disaster declaration. Sales related to the drought under this section
can qualify even if they occur prior to the declaration.
Code Section 1033(e): Allows ranchers whose principal business is agriculture and
who use any accounting method to postpone, and altogether avoid, paying taxes on the gain
from the sale of breeding animals above the yearly average sales if they are replaced within
a specified time frame. The time frame varies depending on whether or not your county was
declared a federal drought disaster.
In federally declared drought counties, the replacement period ends at the conclusion of
the first taxable year after the first drought-free year for that county. The ‘first drought-free
year’ is determined based upon the U.S. Drought Monitor at http://www.drought.unl.edu/
dm/monitor.html. IRS will publish a list each September of the counties for which a drought
exists. In counties not declared federal disaster area the replacement period ends two years
after the close of the tax year in which the involuntary sales occurred.
The information in this article is a guide to help you examine the management options
available to you. To ensure that you qualify for tax relief under either of these code sections
it is advisable to speak with a tax professional.
References: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, 2007, Q&A: Tax Options for Drought Sales of
Livestock, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Washington, D.C. 20004, (202)347-0228 http://www.
beefusa.org/uDocs/qaondroughttaxmay07.pdf
July 2008 2
Cordially invites working cowhorse riders
to come on over!
NRCHA Approved
11,000 plus
Added
Monies
$
August 8TH, 9TH, & 10TH 2008
Minkidoka County Fairgrounds • Rupert, Idaho
QQQ
F Judging by Ian A. Chisholm
F Practice runs available
3A Judge, Weatherford, Texas
for all classes
26
July 2008
Saturday evening
F All contestants must be a member of MVRCHA
and NRCHA: can join at show prior to showing
F Buckels by Tres Rios
Mike Zebarth, president
1-208-423-9055
on Friday evening
F Idaho Trout Dinner on
For more information contact:
www.mvrcha.com
Randy Dill
1-208-324-8125
R-CALF United Stockgrowers of America
Senate Antitrust Subcommittee to Justice Department:
Block Proposed JBS Acquisitions
Washington, D.C. – June 24, Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., acting in his capacity as chair
man of the Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights,
sent a formal letter to the U.S. Department of Justice to request that the acquisitions of
National Beef Packing Co., Smithfield Beef Group and Five Rivers Ranch Cattle Feeding
by Brazilian-owned JBS be blocked because “these acquisitions are likely to result in sub
stantially increased market power for JBS Swift and the other two remaining national beef
processors, significantly lower prices to ranchers and higher prices for beef consumers.”
“R-CALF USA is grateful that the chairman of the subcommittee has taken such a
strong position against this merger, recognizing that it will cause harm to both produc
ers and consumers, and we hope the chairman’s letter will help to encourage the Justice
Department and state attorneys general to work aggressively to block this merger as well,”
said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard.
Kohl wrote that these acquisitions, if permitted to proceed, would likely cause sub
stantial harm to competition and consumers, would be contrary to section 7 of the Clayton
Act, which forbids any merger or acquisition when the ‘effect of such acquisition may be
substantially to lessen competition, or tend to create a monopoly,’ and that these acquisi-
Court Decision Suspends USDA’s Efforts to Establish a New Privacy
Act System of Records for NAIS
tions would give JBS alone control of nearly one-third of the U.S. cattle market.
“The likely anti-competitive effects of permitting such a high level of concentration in
an already concentrated market are plain to see,” the letter states in part. “By reducing the
number of major buyers for ranchers’ cattle from five to three – and in some regions even
one or two – this deal will give the remaining beef processors enormous buying power.
With little choice to whom to sell their cattle, ranchers will increasingly be left in a ‘take
it or leave it’ position. On the national level, the JBS Swift acquisitions would combine 11
meat packing plants now owned by three meatpackers under the single ownership of JBS
Swift. On the regional level, many ranchers and feed lot operators will be left with only
one, and at best two, meat packing plants to sell their cattle…
“…these acquisitions are likely to substantially injure competition for cattle sold by
independent ranchers for slaughter, likely to substantially increase the market power of
three remaining national meatpacking firms and significantly reduce the prices ranchers
are able to obtain for their cattle,” the letter continues.
“These acquisitions also raise serious concerns that the three major meatpacking
firms will substantially increase their market power in the downstream market – finished
beef sold to supermarkets, small grocery stores, butcher shops and restaurants,” Kohl adds
in his correspondence. “Reducing the number of major suppliers of beef from five to three
obviously leaves retailers and restaurants, and ultimately consumers, with significantly
fewer competitive choices.”
Note: To view Kohl’s letter to the Justice Department, visit the “Competition Issues”
link at www.r-calfusa.com .
Billings, Mont. – R-CALF USA was pleased to learn that on June 4, 2008, the U.S.
District Court – District of Columbia forced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
to suspend indefinitely its plan to establish a new Privacy Act system of records titled “Na
tional Animal Identification System (NAIS).” In April, USDA proposed to establish the
NAIS system of records, which was to become effective June 9, 2008, and had published a
notice soliciting public comments. R-CALF USA and other organizations submitted com
ments with the agency in opposition to USDA’s plan. The court-ordered suspension was
a result of the Mary-Louise Zanoni v. United States Department of Agriculture case. The
suspension was published in Tuesday’s Federal Register.
In its comments to USDA, R-CALF USA states: “R-CALF maintains that USDA has
misrepresented the purpose, scope and nature of its proposed new system of records, and
that USDA’s actual purposes of the proposed new system was simply to develop a national
registry of real, personal and private property.”
“In fact, it is R-CALF’s position that the actual scope of this NAIS registry was any
thing but voluntary, as media reports indicate there likely are thousands of U.S. citizens
whose property was added to the NAIS registry against their will or without their knowl
edge,” said R-CALF USA President Max Thornsberry, a Missouri veterinarian who also
chairs the group’s animal health committee.
“It’s also important to note that USDA has provided no evidence to demonstrate that
the NAIS registry is even feasible, as no cost/benefit analysis has been conducted to deter
mine if the cost of NAIS to food-animal owners can be recovered in the marketplace, nor
has USDA provided evidence to show that things like normal loss of ear tags, data entry
errors and/or computer malfunctions would not effectively thwart any traceback efforts,”
Thornsberry pointed out. “As a result of this lack of information, USDA cannot justify the
need for its NAIS system or its related proposal for a new system of records.
“R-CALF USA will continue to request that Congress put a moratorium on any
funding for NAIS, and we are grateful that the judicial system has blocked the agency’s
misguided plan,” he concluded. “We believe the pending lawsuit will demonstrate that
USDA has improperly acquired information about many U.S. citizens and has wrongfully
included their information into its so-called ‘voluntary’ data base without their permis
sion.”
Note: To view R-CALF USA’s comments filed May 30, 2008, on USDA’s proposed new
system of records, please visit the “Animal Identification” link at www.r-calfusa.com
July 2008 27
Progressive Rancher
6/9/08
4:26 PM
Page 1
Western States
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For additional information, (775) 853-4182 or go to wildhorseandburroexpo.com
In cooperation with the:
Western States Wild Horse and Burro Expo
Nevada Department of Agriculture
Nevada Department of Corrections
28
July 2008
WILDLIFE FEELS THE HEAT OVER PAST 10 YEARS
Fire Information 1999-2008
With the summer season soon upon us,
Nevada Department of Wildlife is reminding everyone that when Nevada catches fire,
wildlife feel the heat.
Over the last 10 years, fires have destroyed over 7.5 million acres of sagebrush
and other wildlife habitat in Nevada. In the
northeast area of the state, in the big game
management unit known as Area 6, over
90% of the deer winter ranges have been
destroyed. An area that supported close to
30,000 deer in the 1960s now can only sup
port 5,000-6,000 deer.
Other wildlife has also been adversely
impacted. Over the last two years, 84%
of the sage grouse mating grounds (called
leks) have been burnt in the Tuscarora region of north-central Nevada. These fires
diminished or destroyed habitat for 7,000
sage grouse.
NDOW Announces
Tag Draw Results
The Nevada Department of Wildlife released tag draw results June 13 on the agency
website at www.ndow.org. Remaining tag information is also available on the website.
Successful tag holders will receive tags in the mail over the next week, and anyone
who applied via the Internet will receive email notification of tag draw results.
There are 768 tags remaining, more than half are for Resident Junior hunters. Remain
ing tags from resident and nonresident antlered deer and nonresident antelope are reallo
cated and now available to both resident and nonresident hunters in the second draw.
Applications for remaining tags must be received between June 21, 2008 and July 7,
2008 at 5 p.m.
Results of the second drawing will be available by July 18, 2008.
Tags are remaining for the following hunts:
Resident/Nonresident Mule Deer Antlered Longbow Hunt 1341: 151 tags
Resident/Nonresident Mule Deer Antlered Muzzleloader Hunt 1371: 1 tag
Resident/Nonresident Antelope Longbow Hunt 2161\2261: 1 tag
Resident Mule Deer Antlerless Any Legal Weapon Hunt 1181: 201 tags
Resident Mule Deer Antlerless Depredation Any Legal Weapon Hunt 1101: 16 tags
Resident Junior Mule Deer Either Sex 1107: 398 tags
Angler Cheat Sheets Now Available
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) calls them the 2008 Angler Informa
tion Guides, but you can just call them your cheat sheet for the best fishing in Nevada.
Each year NDOW puts together individual fact sheets for 79 of the state’s top waters
that include stocking information, biologist forecasts for the year, fishing and boating
regulations specific to each water, a brief history and a map of the area. These guides
can be found on the department website at http://www.ndow.org/fish/where/waters/ or at
NDOW offices statewide.
NDOW Fisheries biologist Mark Warren reports that the angler information guides
were a one-time deal that simply grew into a yearly program.
“About seven years ago I had a request to put together a little something for one of
our clinics on three or four local waters near Reno and it got me thinking that we should
have some kind of fact sheet for the most popular waters in the state that would include all
the most pertinent information an angler might need when deciding where to fish,” said
Warren. “They give the public an idea of what to expect from each of the waters with some
fishing tips on what bait or flies might work best.”
Warren states that one of the most helpful aspects of the sheets is a forecast written
by NDOW fisheries biologists. “I think it’s very useful to include the forecast from the
actual biologist who manages these waters. Obviously the best fishing information you are
going to get is from the angler who just got back from whatever water you are interested
in visiting,” said Warren, “but that option is not always available, and the next best thing
is an educated forecast from the biologist who handles that lake or river.”
He adds that with the high price of gas, it only makes sense to do a little research that
will increase your chances of success. “That’s where the angler information guides come
in to play,” states Warren.
Other affected wildlife includes pyg
my rabbits, burrowing owls, sage thrash
ers, loggerhead shrikes, many rodents and
raptors, and the predators that depend on
them.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife
continues to partner with our constituents
and federal land managers such as the
Bureau of Land Management and the U.S.
Forest Service to rehabilitate some of the
lost habitat. An emergency wildfire disas
ter fund has been established by the Reno
Chapter of Nevada Bighorns Unlimited to
gather money for use in wildlife rehabilita
tion efforts. In 2007 alone, NDOW spent
$1.5 million to rehabilitate 40,000 acres,
less than 1% of the lost habitat. Even though
the number of rehabilitated acres are a
small percentage of the total burned, these
areas represent some of the most crucial
habitat that existed prior to burning.
NDOW urges everyone to be fire safe
when using our public lands. Watch where
you park as hot exhaust systems often spark
wildfires. Find a bare spot of ground to park
your hunting truck or fishing rig. Crush out
cigarettes. Check local regulations before
you make a campfire, and if you make one,
keep it small and manageable. Please help
stop wildfires before they start. Wildlife
will thank you.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife
(NDOW) protects, restores and manages
fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting,
and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and
habitat conservation efforts are primarily
funded by sportsmen’s license and con
servation fees and a federal surcharge on
hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife
and habitat conservation in Nevada by pur
chasing a hunting, fishing, or combination
license. For more information, visit www.
ndow.org.
Elburz Ranch
Price Reduced! to $1,400,000. Approx. 600 deeded
acres plus BLM permits for approx. 300 head. Ranch is
located approx,. 15 miles East of Elko along the Humboldt River. Approx. 407 water righted acres out of two
creeks and the Humboldt River. Large Ranch house,
good horse barn and indoor arena, 600 ton hay barn.
Dawley Creek Ranch
Ruby Valley, Nevada: Beautiful ranching Valley on the
East side of the Ruby Mountains. Approx. 6000 deeded
acres plus BLM permit. Approx. 1100 irrigated acres.
Two homes and misc. outbuildings. One 680 portion
of the ranch borders the Ruby Lake National Wildlife
Refuge as well as the Humboldt National Forest. The
main part of the ranch borders the Forest and has direct
access to Dawley Creek Canyon. There is interest
for Conservation Easements on this ranch. This is a
unique ranch with control over all of it’s water. Approx.
1/2 of Frankling Lake is on the ranch deeded lands.
Price: $6,000,000.
Upper Reese River Ranch
This Nye County Ranch sit at the foot of the Toyiabe
Mountains approx. 32 miles South of Austin, Nevada.
There are 1040 acres of which approx 270 acres with
water rights out of two streams. The deeded lands
include some parcels surrounded by USFS and there
is interest in these lands by Conservation groups. The
ranch has a USFS grazing permit in 6 pastures for a
total of 570 aum’s and a BLM permit for 812 aum’s . The
ranch is rated at around 200 head. Located approx. 175
miles from Reno and Austin is the nearest town with
schools and services. Price: $1,600,000.
Elko Co. Sheep Deeded base:
10,960 deeded acres plus a BLM permit in the Adobe
Range North of Elko. Would fit well with the Elburz
Ranch offered above. Price : $130/acre.
Elko Co. Ranch
Located approx. 70 miles South of Wells just North of
the White Pine Co. line. This ranch is approx. 6 miles
off Hwy 93 on a County road. There are approx. 500
deeded acres with around 160 acres irigated out of
Springs that arise on the ranch. The home is recently
remodeled and has solar power. The BLM permit has
several pastures and is a private allotment. The ranch
will run around 200 head. If you don’t home school the
nearest schools are in Wells. Price: $795,000.
July 2008 2
YOU CAN’T CONTROL
THE WORLD,
BUT YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR DECISIONS.
Back
In The
Day
Sometimes the market reacts poorly to world events, but
just because the market reacts doesn’t mean you should.
Still, if current events are making you feel uncertain about
your finances, you should schedule a complimentary
portfolio review. That way, you can make sure you’re in
control of where you want to go and how you get there.
It always got too hot before the work was through
Because we couldn’t start, ‘til the sun
had dried the dew.
And if storms were brewing, we worked faster yet,
For each bale seemed a ton when
it was soaking wet.
And wet bales would smolder until a fire broke,
Then all our summer labors would
just go up in smoke.
There was no time for idleness if you needed hay,
That was what you did, back in the day.
I’m not saying it was better,
That was just the price you paid,
If you needed hay, back in the day.
Call or visit your local financial advisor today.
Sonny Davidson
Financial Advisor
.
2213 North 5th Street
Suite A
Elko, NV 89801
775-738-8811
www.edwardjones.com
There were two tons to an acre when
we had good yields
Laid out in ragged lines across the dusty fields.
The stacker rode the wagon,
the loader walked ‘long side,
Bucked the bales on the bed, four layers high
Three tons on the wagon,
was the best we did back then.
So we’d drop them in the barn,
just to stack them up again.
It was never ending work, but if you needed hay
That was what you did, back in the day.
Member SIPC
When the heat was at its peak,
we made it less severe
By thinking of the time when machines
were priced too dear.
When pitch forks put the burden
on our ever-aching backs
To get the hay up high where the thatcher
wove the stack
And by the end of those days,
we’d lay upon the trailer
And dream of better times
when we could buy a bailer.
So the memories of harder times
helped along the way
By reminding us how far we’d come
since before the day.
Now sometimes late at night, I’d feel my body yield
To the pleasures of recovery from
working in the field,
I’d dream of new machines to
buck and load the bales
And do the heavy work that making hay entails.
It often made me wonder if I had made that call,
Would I lie in bed and not feel a thing at all?
So I went on making hay in the time worn ways
And thanked my lucky stars to be living in the day.
by Gaynor Dawson
West Richland, Washington,
owner Crow Creek Ranch,
Enterprise, Oregon
30
July 2008
It was just the price you paid,
And there were rewards for living in the day
The Progressive Rancher Coloring Contest
Tear out or copy this page, color it and mail it in. Sponsored by Bill Nicholson and Jeanne King.
$10 cash to the First Place Winner in each age group every month. Send in a new entry every month - new winners every month. Age Groups: 5-7, 8-10, 11-12. Cash prizes provided by The Progressive Rancher. Mail your entry to: The Progressive Rancher, 1346 Idaho St., PMB 9, Elko, NV 89801. Include your name, address and age on entry.
July 2008 Cowhorse Boxing and Reining Only Classes!!
A Great Showing Opportunity
Saturday August 23rd
after the Nevada Stallion Stakes Classes at the Elko County Fairgrounds
Non Pro Limited - the new NRCHA Provisional class!
✧ 5 year old and under horses shown in snaffle bit or hackamore
✧ All other horses shown in two rein or bridle
✧ Open to all Non Pros who have not won more than $5000 in classes
with fence work since January 1, 2002
✧ Riders 50 and over can drop back to this class regardless of earnings
✧ To remain eligible for this class for this year you may not go down the
fence in other classes
✧ Points are awarded, but no awards, and not a part of the world show
Youth Limited
✧ All horses to be shown in standard bridle equipment regardless of age.
✧ No stallions
✧ For youth 18 & under as of December 1, 2008
Owner and rider must be member of NRCHA - 580-759-4949
Entries due August 15th, entry fee is $148 ($80 jackpot), with $50 added by the Elko County Fair Board. Late fee is $75 per entry
For information contact Mary Journigan, 775-753-6633
NQHA
NQHA
Ad pAid for by the Stitzel fAmily
Nevada Ag Council Project Proposals Due July 28
RENO, June 13 — The Agricultural Council of Nevada is accepting proposals for
projects that promote Nevada agriculture. Proposals are due on July 28, 2008.
Proposed projects must be conducted from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. The Ag
Council will review the proposals on July 29, from 9 am to 12 noon, at the Nevada Farm
Bureau Office, 2165 Green Vista Drive, Suite 205, Sparks, Nev. Proposals may be pre
sented during the meeting or mailed to Dennis Hellwinkel, project coordinator, at the Farm
Bureau office. Mailed proposals must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on July 28.
Proposals must include the following information about the project:
• explanation of the project and how it promotes agriculture in Nevada
• who the intended audience is and an estimate of the number
of people reached
• other partners involved and their participation
• estimated in-kind match (services and/or costs)
• dates for implementation
• costs
Organizations and individuals receiving Nevada Ag Council funds are expected to
give credit to the Ag Council for sponsorship and to use the Ag Council logo on all pro
motional materials.
Within 30 days of the completion of the project, a written report summarizing the
accomplishment(s) and copies of receipts must be submitted to the Ag Council for pay
ment.
Money to support agricultural promotion efforts comes from the Nevada agricultural
license plate fund. License plate funds are also used to support FFA activities throughout
the state. For more information on the ag license plate, visit http://www.dmvnv.com/pla
tescharitable.htm#Agriculture.
For more information on grant proposals or the Nevada Ag Council, contact Dennis
Hellwinkel, Project Coordinator, (775) 303-2385.
ck!
a
B
s
i
o
k
l
E
–
That ’s Right
AQHA Classes Silver State Circuit
July 17-20, 2008 at the Elko County Fairgrounds
RRRRRR
✧ Prizes in every class!
✧ Circuit awards!
✧ All-around awards in all division!
✧ Entry forms and class list available online!
AAQHA, NQHA, IQHA, and UQHA Approved
The following divisions are offered Open, Amateur, Novice Amateur, Select Amateur, Youth, Novice Youth, Junior Horse, Senior Horse, and some all-breed walk-trot.
Equitation, Hunter Hack, Equitation Over Fences, Working Horsemanship, Trail, Pole Bending, Barrel Racing, Youth Stake Race, Cutting, Working Cow Horse, Calf Roping, Team RRR
Roping, Breakaway Premium Books and Entry Forms:
Show secretary-Marla Fadel
801-451-0512 • Fax 801-451-4821
1086 South 200 East • Farmington, UT 84025
Email –marlafadel@hotmail.com
RRR
Saddle, Hunt Seat Western Riding, RRRRRR
✧ Make your stall reservations early through
the NQHA Office!
Halter, Hunter Under Pleasure, Western ✧ Saddles in Novice Youth, Novice
Amateur, and Open!
✧ Exhibitor BBQ!
Showmanship, Hunter, Western ✧ Scooters for Youth and Amateur
All-Around!
✧ Four AQHA shows!
Include:
Roping, Reining, Green Trail, Green Working Hunter, Green Hunter Under Saddle, and Green Cattle classes please pre-enter one week prior to the show.
Western Pleasure!
NQHA: 11300 Pickens Dr., Reno, NV 89511 • (775) 333-NQHA • www.nevadaqha.org • nevadaqha@hotmail.com
2
July 2008
DR. Margaret, Ph.D.
ur goal in feeding the growing horse is, quite simply, to achieve a steady rate
of growth from birth to maturity, while avoiding any growth depression
or growth spurts by making certain that all necessary nutrients are consumed in the
required amount. Sometimes, however, this can be a challenging objective, at best.
A good quality forage, whether nonlegume (grass) or legume (alfalfa) is the basis of a
balanced feeding program for all horses. As foals cannot possibly consume enough forage to
meet the high energy requirement necessary for proper growth, nor will forage alone provide
enough digestible energy (DE), it is of utmost importance that a formulated grain mix be
fed in the correct amount as part of their total diet.
Another good reason to provide the growing horse with a grain concentrate is that for
age only cannot provide all of the essential nutrients that are required by the growing horse.
When we “balance the ration” by feeding forage along with a properly formulated grain
concentrate, we are assuring that the horse receives the correct levels of energy, protein,
calcium and phosphorus necessary for optimum growth. Unlimited access to water is also
essential, as is a trace-mineral salt supply.
Protein, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and copper requirements for the growing horse are
greater than the levels found in most cereal grains and forages. Therefore, even if a large
amount of feed is provided it still won’t meet the growing horse’s dietary needs. This is
the reason most breeders choose to feed a grain concentrate specifically formulated for the
growing horse.
When feeding the weanling, a protein level of 15-16% is recommended, with that level
dropping to 13-14% as the horse becomes a yearling. Protein is responsible for building
body tissues and growth. Both the amount of protein and its quality (amino acid content) are
important. The essential amino acid lysine is required by the growing horse in an amount
greater than what can be produced in its digestive system, therefore it must be provided in
the horse’s daily diet.
It is interesting to note that growth rate isn’t affected by more protein than needed, but
it is reduced by inadequate protein intake, as well as, by inadequate dietary energy. A very
slow growth rate can reduce mature body size. However, at a moderate or fast growth rate
the horse’s demands for the proper amount of calcium, phosphorus, zinc and copper must be
met, or the horse may be at risk for Developmental Orthopedic Disease (DOD). Excessive
dietary energy and protein intake will result in a too rapid growth rate, which along with the
possibility of DOD, has also been shown to lead to stress fractures if the horse is put into
heavy training prior to maturity.
In addition to protein being a source of energy, so are carbohydrates and fat. In feeding
the growing horse, we need to consider both of these additional sources of energy.
Feeding high amounts of carbohydrates has been demonstrated to contribute towards
developmental orthopedic disease in the growing horse. This is partly due to the fact that
these individuals are typically being fed for a rapid rate of growth, making them candidates
for growth spurts and many related developmental problems.
Providing fat as an energy source is a good idea for all lifestyles of the horse, and es
pecially so for the growing horse. Studies reveal that fat supports a steady increased rate of
NQHA APPROVED EVENTS FOR 2008
April 16: Special event showmanship & trail,
Reno, NV
April 17-20: Nevada April Circuit, Reno, NV
May 3: All Novice Show & Clinic - Spring
Creek
May 4: NQHA Hairy Horse Show, Spring
Creek, NV
June 1: Versatility Ranch Horse Clinic
Yerington, NV
June 5-8: Region 7 Experience, Reno, NV
June 14: Versatility Ranch Horse Competition
Gardnerville, NV
June 26: Versatility Ranch Horse Competition
Reno, NV
July 3-6: IQHA Celebration Circuit, Nampa, ID
May 8-11: North Counties, Red Bluff, CA
July 10-13: UQHA Rose Circuit, Ogden, UT
May 17: All-Novice Show and Clinic, Ogden,
UT
July 17-20: NQHA Silver State Circuit Elko, NV
May 17: Trail Ride in Weeks, NV
May 23-26: NQHA Memorial Day Circuit,
Fallon, NV
May 26: Special Event Roping Fallon, NV
MNM Consulting Services
MNM Consulting Services
O
April 9-13: Early Thaw 2, Hurricane, UT
Dr. Margaret Winsryg, Ph.D.
July 26: All Novice Show & Clinic,
Gardnerville, NV
July 27: One Day show Gardnerville, NV
August 22 Versatility Ranch Horse
Competition Elko, NV
growth, along with increasing feed efficiency. Fat is “calorically dense” in that it provides
up to three times the energy per pound as cereal grains. As it is metabolized much differ
ently than carbohydrates, fat tends to provide energy without the concerns associated with
feeding carbohydrates.
Of all of the minerals necessary in the diet of the growing horse, calcium and phospho
rus are paramount. These minerals, provided in proper levels, are important for good bone
growth and development. Research tells us that the level of calcium in the total diet must be
equal to, or exceed, the level of phosphorus. A range of 1:1 up to 6:1 seems to be acceptable
for the growing horse. Make certain that the diet never has an inverted calcium-to-phos
phorus ratio! Excess phosphorus causes a loss of, or inadequate absorption of, calcium and
leads to serious problems.
The role of copper in the diet of the growing horse is to aid in preventing Osteochon
drosis, a developmental orthopedic disease (DOD). Zinc deficiencies typically are due to
feeding lower quality feeds, while zinc toxicities are usually traced to environmental causes
such as metal contamination in pastures or water sources.
Feeding the horse, especially the growing horse, is as much of an art form as it is a
science. You will do well for your youngster if you develop a diet that will meet the nutri
tional requirements of your
growing horse as we’ve just
discussed.
If you have questions
or concerns, make sure you
seek out more information.
The health of your young
Try my new Trilution, a complete supplement with
horse, and its future as an
Vitamen, mineral, direct fed microbials, enzymes and
adult, rely on the feeding de
antioxidants. Call for a 10 lbs. bucket 208-308-0106.
cisions you make today.
A Sifted Sale of Quality Performance,
Ranch and Breeding Stock
2007 AQHA GELDING.
Consigned by David and Patricia Canter.
Heavy muscled, correct and gentle colt
that has had a lot of ground work.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
208-308-0106
Great Basin Invitational Horse Sale
Dr. Margaret Winsryg, Ph.D.
Proper Nutrition
for the Growing Horse
JULY 28 - AUGUST 1 — SUPERIOR VIDEO SALE
“The nation’s leading video auction with the west’s largest video offering”
AUGUST 1 — 8 am, Sifting of Sale Horses, 4 pm,
Preview of Sale horses on cattle, roping and BBQ
AUGUST 1 — GREAT BASIN SALE - 6 PM
AUGUST 1-3 — NEVADA ALL AROUND
WORKING COW HORSE CHAMPIONSHIP
Western Trade Show
11-YEAR-OLD AQHA BAY MARE.
Consigned by Victor Madrigal.
Nice mare in the bridle. Great ranch
horse,. has been headed and heeled on
and used in ranch rodeos. Gentle!
8-YEAR-OLD APHA BAY GELDING.
Consigned by Cowhorses, Inc.
NCHA earnings of $7,000. Used on
the ranch and at local cuttings.
Big boned pretty gelding.
For Catalog or
Information call:
Duarte Sales
541-533-2105 • www.duartesales.com
July 2008 Melinda Roche, DVM | Twin Falls, Idaho
N
Safe and Healthy Travel
ow that the weather is looking up, people are looking to hit the road
with their horses. Whether hauling to a cutting, a show, a rodeo or to
the mountains, there are some things that you can do to make sure your horse
has a safe and healthy trip and doesn’t bring any diseases home with them.
Before leaving home make sure your horse is up to date on its vaccinations and
deworming. It is important plan your vaccination and deworming schedule around
the times you plan to travel. Vaccinations for diseases that are contagious between
horses, such as equine influenza, should be administered well in advance of a trip.
There needs to be time for an adequate immune response to develop. Vaccinating
two or three days prior to leaving will be of no benefit and creates added stress for
the horse.
Make sure that you pack your own hay. Diet changes are a major cause of colic.
If you will gone for an extended period of time, bring enough hay to mix with any
new hay that you will be feeding so that the change is gradual. Many horses do
not drink well on the road. If you are able, pack water. At the very least, pack your
own water buckets. This will insure that you know the buckets are clean. Water is a
wonderful medium for disease transfer and not allowing your horse to drink from
strange buckets or tanks can help prevent disease. If your horse doesn’t drink well
on the road, prior to your trip you can start the horse on electrolytes, added salt to
feed or flavoring the water to get them used to drinking. Some horses don’t like the
taste of certain water sources and you can add apple juice, soda or Gatorade to the
July 2008
(208) 731-0661
water so that it disguis
es any taste differ
ence. Horses that
travel long dis
tance in the heat
or that are being
asked to work heavily
on the road, benefit from
the addition of electro
lytes to their diet. Sweat
and stress can cause the
body’s electrolytes to de
plete so the addition of
electrolyte powder to their
feed or paste formulations given daily can prevent muscle problems and often helps keep
performance at its peak. Right before a trip it is best to feed only hay and very little or
no grain, to avoid digestive upsets. Their regular grain can be fed during the stay but
not while traveling. Traveling with hay in front of the horse has pros and cons. It keeps
the horse busy but horses that eat with their heads elevated have an increased risk of
respiratory problems due to dust that can’t be cleared from the nostrils. If your horse
has problems with this it is best to either not use hay nets or wet the hay before putting
it in the net.
Many performance horses develop gastric ulcers due to the stress of traveling. A
study was done showing that horses taken on a four hour trailer ride, worked lightly for
a week and then returned, had developed gastric ulcers without showing outward signs.
If your horse is sensitive to travel, colics easily, has changes in behavior or eating while
traveling, you may want to discuss gastric ulcers with your veterinarian. I have patients
that do fine on the trip itself and then colic after arriving home. Many of these patients
stop this when put on ulcer medication prior to and during travel.
A common question is whether stopping for rest is beneficial to the horse. Many
horses do not benefit from overnight stops because they are unable to relax in a strange
place for only 6-10 hours. In fact these stops may be more stressful for the horse than
staying in the trailer. Overnight stops can also increase the risk of disease, because you
have no idea of the health status of the horse that previously used the stall. Many people
who ship horses long distances are better to leave the horse in the trailer to rest, especially
if they can have their head hang loose and put down to eat and drink so they can clear
their airways of mucous and inhaled dust. It is advisable to stop and offer water during
the trip. You do not have to unload and it is safer not to. Putting buckets up to drop down
windows is a safe and effective means of getting water to traveling horses. Allowing a
short rest from the horse keeping their balance while traveling is also accomplished at
this time. Do not take long rest breaks, studies have shown that if trailers are stopped too
long, horses actually get restless and more stressed.
If you do choose to have an overnight stop, make sure that you inspect the stall or
pen before putting your horse in to look for anything that may be a safety hazard.
Make sure to pack a well-stocked emergency kit. (Emergency/first aid kits have been
discussed in a previous issue). There is nothing worse that getting an injury or illness
on the road and being unprepared. If taking a long trip, map out equine veterinarians
on the way. Having a list of phone numbers, just in case, will insure that you don’t need
them. I have often had people call to tell me that they are going to be traveling through
my area and just want to make sure that they have a good contact number in case there
is a problem on the road.
On returning home it is a good idea to take your horses temperature twice a day for
three days. If your horse runs a fever, immediately isolate them from your other horses.
A fever is often the first sign of many viral diseases and you can stop an outbreak by
practicing this simple step.
Being prepared and practicing these simple steps can make traveling safe and
healthy for you and your horse. Have a good time.
A Soft Feel and a Useful Horse
Q
uite often I get around people that make a reference to a “soft feel” with
For example, roping off a colt the first time. We could take two months preparing the
their horse, and I know I am learning more about getting with my horse horse for all the situations that they may experience maintaining a soft feel through all of
everyday. But what I see is some people may be getting a soft feel with the
it. On the other hand, if we can regulate the trouble we will expose the horse to
reins, but there isn’t much for direction or life to the horse’s feet.
and just role our sleeves up and get into it, we can start giving them
Coming from a working and performance background, it was
some experience doing the job. Then they can learn to appreciate
always important to get the job done. You may not always be
us directing them out of trouble and look for the “soft feel”
The art of horsemanship
proud of what it took to get there, but the important thing was
we offer them when they are on track. This way could get
you were there when you needed to be.
a bit ugly to whatever degree you allow it, but if you can
is the proper balance of these two
The horse can do the job you are asking of them
maintain safety for you and your horse, minimize panic
and learn to do it in a confident way if we can regulate
and confusion in the heat of battle, the horse can become
factors. To much pressure creates a
the amount of panic and confusion. If the horse suffers
useful quicker.
the experience with a lot of panic or confusion, it is not
We have bred horses for eons to work; they are ge
nervous horse and to much relief
something they will be looking forward to again. If we can
netically designed to work in some function or another, not
present an experience and at least minimize, if not eliminate,
just fondled and pampered like some fragile object. Not to
creates a sluggish horse.
panic and confusion, the horse can experience a job without a
say we need to be abusive or insensitive, but these animals are
bad experience.
perfectly capable of working in harsher environments than what
This discomfort or mental pressure the horse experiences can be
some people expose them to.
used to motivate them to seek the relief we will offer them as they come back
There is a difference between training a horse to do a job, and training
on track to be with us. It takes pressure for relief to be effective and relief for pressure to a horse while they do a job. My experience has been, the horse has more sense of purpose
be effective. The art of horsemanship is the proper balance of these two factors. To much and can be more content if they are doing a job as they learn.
pressure creates a nervous horse and to much relief creates a sluggish horse. The proper
balance will create a confident horse that will be quiet one minute, and the next minute
have all the life needed to accomplish any task.
I believe there can be a lot of value in exposing the horse to the job they need to do even
if they may not be confident or comfortable doing it at first. As time goes along the job is
becoming easier and more comfortable they will start gaining confidence and the pressure
will help them to seek relief. We need to be regulating the amount of pressure we let them
experience and then direct them towards some relief, relief may be letting the horse pause
and gather its thoughts after pressuring him to a specific position.
Confidence comes from allowing the horse time to process what created the pressure
or where it came from, and what action it did to find the relief. The more consistent we can
present the pressure and relief, the quicker and easier the horse will find it. If the horse can
perceive the pressure as self-inflicted and the relief created by its reaction, this is consistent
with the laws of their nature.
Once the horse is getting some confidence in what the job is, then we can raise the level
of motivation, again we need to monitor the level of panic or confusion. As we accelerate
the life in the horse, there is a point where we will lose the soft, relaxed, confident feel we
had before we motivated the horse.
July 2008 PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit # 3280
Salt Lake City, UT
6
July 2008

July 2008 Progressive Rancher - The Progressive Rancher Magazine

Transcription

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