The Progressive Rancher April 2008

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The Progressive Rancher April 2008

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April 2008 


AAC_08CD_ProgressiveRancher_4.751 1 

3/6/2008 9:44:05 AM 

www.progressiverancher.com

In 

this 

Issue... 

Nevada Cattlemen’s 

Assoc.............. pg. 3-4, 6- 

Back to Basics, 

by Ron Torell...........pg. 5 

Horse Snorts & 

Cow Bawls..............pg. 8 

Lorey’s Stories....... pg. 8 

What’s Driving 

the Market...............pg. 9 

Sale Reports...pgs. 10-12 

Ben Bruce...............pg.14 

UCD Vet Views.....pg. 15 

Eye on the 

Outside..................pg. 16 

Walker River Basin 

Research...........pg. 18-19 

Range Plants for 

the Rancher............pg. 20 

SRM......................pg. 21 

BEEF Checkoff.... pgs.24 

Winnemucca Rodeo & 

Horse Sale .....pgs. 28-27 

Cowboy Lullaby....pg. 29 

Coloring Contest...pg. 31 

Dr. Margaret...pgs. 32-33 

Roche Equine........pg. 35 

Martin Black Horse 

Training.................pg. 35 

Spring is here! Cows are calving. Soon we will be 

branding and turning bulls out to begin another 

cycle. There is moisture in the ground and a good snow 

pack in the high country. Green grass is on the way… 

Things are definitely looking up! 

With the expectation of a bountiful grass year, also comes 

the increased probability of another active fire season. We need 

to prepare ourselves and the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association is 

doing just that. We have formulated a Fire Management Action 

Plan that addresses fire management on a local, state, regional 

and national level. We are now in the process of implementing 

that plan. 

On a Local level, the NCA is working with the BLM Fire 

Office and NDF in developing a Local Liaison Program, whereby 

a local representative with knowledgeable of the area will advise 

the fire Incident Commander on terrain, roads, water sources and 

possible cultural sites. He will maintain a current resource list of 

volunteers and equipment in the area and will act as a spokesman 

for other affected land owners and permittees. 

Second Vice President Jon Griggs is taking the lead on 

behalf of Nevada Cattlemen’s on this project and is working 

with NDF and the BLM in recruiting and training Local Liaison 

candidates. 

On a State level, the NCA is working on the development of a 

Fire Detection Program. This program, another NCA brainchild, 

will be administered by NDF and coordinated with the BLM 

Fire Office. 

Currently the only type of fire detection in place during 

lightning storms is the use of one BLM aircraft. Unfortunately, 

this aircraft quickly shifts from detection mode to attack mode 

when a fire of any consequence is detected. This leaves the balance 

of the lightning activity to go undetected as it moves across 

the State. When large lightning storms occur, many fires go completely 

undetected and have the potential to become major fires. 

The Fire Detection Program will involve the use of an 

aircraft designated specifically for fire detection. This aircraft 

would be contracted to be “on call” from June 1 thru August 30 

to fly fire detection during afternoon lightning activity. It would 

also be available to fly “next day” fire recon over the previous 

afternoon’s lightning activity area in an effort to detect lightning 

strikes still smoldering. 

It is estimated that the cost of contracting a fire detection 

aircraft for the lightning storm season is $100,000. But, to put 

that into perspective, the six thousand acre 2007 Baley Fire, with 

one day of fire suppression and two days of mop up, cost approximately 

$46,000. On the six thousand acre Rain Fire, where more 

aircraft were used, one day of fire suppression and two days of 

mop up cost in excess of $120,000. These were both mid-size fires 

and very manageable. Imagine the cost of an 80,000 or 180,000 

acre wildland fire. 

In early February I met with the Governor to discuss this 

program. We are currently discussing funding and may need 

your support if funding for this worthwhile project does become 

an issue. 

On a Regional level, the NCA is working at forming alliances 

with livestock associations, farm bureaus and conservation 

districts in our neighboring states. Recognizing that it is not just 

feed but wildlife habitat that is burning, we are working to form 

alliances with various wildlife groups. We believe that by working 

together we can present a unified front, speak with a stronger 

voice and have more clout when asking for changes in fire policy. 

These alliances will give us more strength when dealing with extreme 

environmental groups and more financial resources should 

it be necessary to combat them. 

On a National level, we are working to change BLM Fire 

Policy. This policy currently 

states that livestock 

must be excluded 

from grazing burned 

areas until emergency 

stabilization and rehabilitation 

objectives 

have been met. 

In 2005, there was 

a fire on the Mary’s 

Dan Gralian 

Nevada Cattlemen’s Association President 

Mountain Allotment 

near Carlin. A division fence was installed creating a 13,000 acre 

pasture that was placed in fire closure. An extensive reseeding 

project was completed on the burned portion of the allotment 

pasture. It was rested from livestock grazing in 2006 and 2007 

in accordance to the Emergency Stabilization & Rehabilitation 

Plan. In August 2007 it burned again. With the heavy fuel buildup 

from two years of rest, we were lucky that only five thousand 

acres of the original burn area burned again. The “new” Emergency 

Stabilization & Rehabilitation Plan now calls for another 

two years of rest from livestock grazing. What is the probability 

of it burning again? With an accumulated two years of fuel build 

on the portion that did not re-burn and an additional two years of 

rest from grazing, I would say that the probability is very high. 

One pasture in the Horseshoe Allotment has burned three 

times in the past four years! (Barth Fires 1, 2 & 3) It now faces 

another two years of closure to grazing. I’d say the probability of 

a Barth 4 is pretty high indeed. 

The Mary’s Mountain and Horseshoe Allotments is just two 

examples; there are other allotments just like them. 

I firmly believe that in many cases, livestock grazing can be 

an integral part of an Emergency Stabilization & Rehabilitation 

Plan. This can be done without over grazing and while maintaining 

good solid land stewardship practices. Early spring grazing 

in newly seeded burn areas can help reduce cheat grass competition 

thereby increasing the probability of a successful reseeding. 

Dormant season livestock grazing in fall and early winter can 

help reduce excessive fuel loading, thereby reducing the probability 

or re-burning. 

But, as stated earlier, livestock are now excluded from burn 

areas in accordance to current BLM Fire Policy and the Emergency 

Stabilization & Rehabilitation Handbook. This needs to be 

changed and NCA is working to do just that. 

Now, I am not so naive as to think that the Department of 

Interior is going to roll over and readily make these proposed 

changes. It is going to take some real convincing, but it has to be 

done. We can’t continue to burn our livestock feed and wildlife 

habitat. 

I am also not so naive as to believe that the extreme environmental 

groups with the agenda of excluding all livestock 

from our public lands will not file legal action to prevent these 

changes from being made. Hence the reason for forming the fore 

mentioned alliances’. 

Well, so much for my rambling. I encourage you to get involved. 

Join your local VFD. Get your heavy equipment signed 

up and certified so you can use it when a fire breaks out on your 

allotment. A quick response with manpower and equipment is 

essential in keeping small fires from becoming major ones. 

And, for you NCA members, thanks for your support. For 

you that are not members, we’d love to have you join us. You don’t 

have to own cattle to be a NCA member. You just have to enjoy 

eating beef and care about the land. 

I do have some exciting news about the Sustainable Grazing 

Collation, but I’ll save that for next month. 

Until then . . . . . . Thanks (And Such) 



Review 

Nevada Cattlemen’s Association 

By Meghan Wereley, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director 

Spring is making its way across the state 

bringing warmer weather. Many of you 

are in the middle of calving while some are just 

gearing up. Not only are you busy at the ranch 

the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association is also busy 

working on several projects across the state and 

in the west. 

On February 16th the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association 

completed their 42nd annual Fallon All Breeds 

Bull and Heifer Sale. This year with the threat of low 

prices and cold temperatures across much of the west 

could not keep cattlemen from attending the Fallon All 

Breeds Bull and Heifer Sale. This year’s bulls ranged 

from yearlings to two-year old bulls. The overall sale 

average was $1,781 on 121 bulls and the replacement 

heifers averaged $610. Cattlemen from California, 

Idaho, and Nevada attended the sale looking to buy 

their range-ready bulls for the year. 

The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association will present 

an embroidered jacket to this year’s volume buyers, 

Dave Stix with Stix Cattle Company, and Clint Casey, 

of Winnemucca, NV. This year’s buyer award was 

sponsored by Pinenut Livestock Supply. NCA will also 

present an award to the individual who purchased the 

high selling bull. Alton Anker of Minden, NV received 

a bottle of Dectomax for purchasing the high selling 

bull. We thank Alton for his dedication to this sale as 

well as Pfizer for donating the Dectomax. 

Along with the dedicated group of buyers and consignors 

that participate in the sale each year, there are 

several sponsors who help make the sale possible year 

after year and they include: Pinenut Livestock, (awards 

for Best of Breed, Top Overall Range Bull, and Best 

Pen of Heifer); Pfizer (Dectomax for the High Selling 

Bull); Walco (ear tags for the sale); and the Fallon Convention 

Center (grant for advertising). Along with these 

dedicated sponsors we would also like to thank our new 

sponsors, Big R of Fallon for donating the panels for 

our raffle; Bonanza Inn and Casino Super 8 Motel who 

donated rooms for the Fallon Bull Sale committee as 

well as the staff of NCA. Marys River Ranch also contributed 

to the sale with the donation of the raffle calf. 

Without the support of these great sponsors the Fallon 

Bull Sale would not be possible. 

Flying X Ranch received the Top Pen of Heifers 

Award. Peter Ferraro, of Paradise, NV purchased the 

lot of five heifers for $3,050. 

The Best of Breed Awards, Top Range Bull and 

Top Pen of Heifers Award were all sponsored by 

Pinenut Livestock Supply, owned by John and Renee 

Keithley. The Best of Breed Awards were presented to 

the following breeds: Angus, Hereford, and Red Angus, 

Beefmaster, and Gelbvieh. 

The Top Range Bull Award was presented to Flying 

X Ranch, of Elko, NV. This bull also received the 

Angus Best of Breed Award. Phil Allen & Son of Antimony, 

UT were awarded the Hereford Best of breed, 

this bull was also the Highest Selling Bull of the sale. 

It should also be noted that Phil has come to the last 40 

of the 42 years of the Fallon Bull Sale. We thank him 

for his dedication to the industry and to the sale. The 

Beefmaster Best of Breed Award went to Silver State 

Beefmasters, of Fallon, NV. McPhee Red Angus, of 

Lodi, CA was awarded the Red Angus Best of Breed 

Award. AC Ranch of Smith, NV received the Gelbvieh 

Best of Breed Award. 

This year’s raffle heifer, donated by Marys River 

Ranch, was won by Darrell Thomas and the second 

place prize donated by Big R, in Fallon was won by 

Borsini Ranch of Yerington, NV. The proceeds from 

this joint raffle benefit the Churchill County FFA and 

NCA. 

Lastly, thank you to the crew at Fallon Livestock 

Exchange, the Churchill FFA, and the bull sale committee 

members, who all helped make the Fallon Bull 

Sale a huge success! 

On February 20th President Dan Gralian and Executive 

Director Meghan Wereley met with Governor 

Gibbons and staff Jodi Stephens regarding the upcoming 

fire season. As many of you are aware President 

Gralian has been working hard on the fire issue in 

Nevada looking at all the angles that it affects ranchers, 

sportsmen, rural communities, and ultimately the 

state. 

Dan stated that, “We believe that livestock grazing 

can play a beneficial role in reducing the cheat grass 

competition in newly seeded burned areas, thereby 

increasing the likelihood of a successful seeding. We 

also believe that livestock grazing can be used to help 

reduce excessive fuel loading.” This excessive fuel 

loading can take place within burn areas during the 

emergency stabilization and rehabilitation period. This 

type of prescription grazing can take place in the fall 

and winter when the plants are dormant. 

Governor Gibbons said, “I understand this and 

would like to help take your message to Washington 

DC. I know what ranchers mean to this state and to our 

rural communities and this cycle needs to stop.” 

Dormant season grazing can be used in the nonburn 

areas where there is excessive fuel loading. President 

Gralian pointed out that, “We are not suggesting 

over grazing and are fully committed to good stewardship. 

However, we do believe that livestock grazing can 

play an important role in the stabilization and rehabilitation 

of burn areas.” 

Unfortunately, ranchers are unable to utilize livestock 

grazing for burn rehabilitation purposes, because 

current policy states that livestock are to be excluded 

from burned areas until monitoring results, documented 

in writing, show emergency stabilization and rehabilitation 

objectives have been met. We need the flexibility 

to use grazing as a tool in the rehabilitation process. 

This policy change also needs to be followed down into 

the local Resources Management Plans (RMP) giving 

the local offices the authority to make positive resource 

change happen. 

Dan told the Governor that one of the ways that 

we can stop this cycle is to have better fire detection 

across the state when lightning storms pass through. In 

many counties across the state there is only one plane 

that flies to spot fires and when it does become assigned 

to that fire that leaves the rest of the county with undetected 

fires. The Governor agreed that this is an issue 

and would like to have NCA look into the cost of such 

a program and help make sure that it can get funded in 

the next legislative session. 

Along with a productive meeting with the Governor, 

the President of the association and Executive 

Director traveled to Boise Idaho to meet with several 

other Presidents of Western cattlemen’s associations. 

At this meeting several specific topics were discussed 

with the over arching theme of coordination of efforts 

among cattlemen’s associations. Several topics that 

were covered included sage grouse, animal welfare, 

Checkoff, and wolves. 

The meeting allowed members from different 

states dealing with the same problems to connect 

and collaborate possible solutions and creative ideas 

of dealing with these issues. Members from Idaho 

Cattlemen’s Association brought everyone together 

and had different members and state officials report 

on different happenings within the state on issues that 

were happening across the west. Members of Nevada 

Cattlemen’s Association were able to learn about how 

different states were attacking the same issues, as well 

as share what has happened in our state. 

Although the meeting ended, the collaboration 

between the states did not. This meeting was the foundation 

for cattle associations across the west to begin 

to work together more on issues that affect us all. One 

of the first actions of the group is on animal welfare 

and promoting BQA and animal husbandry skills. The 

group decided that we need to tell our story of how we 

care for our animals and care for their well-being. This 

letter will be sent out to the general public media. 

One of the last things on the horizon for many 

cattlemen in the upcoming months is the annual Spring 

Conference in Washington DC. Several members from 

NCA are traveling to Washington to speak with our congressional 

members regarding issues that are important 

to our state and to our industry. Some of the topics that 

are going to be discussed include: fire, wild horses, beef 

quality, county land bills, and water. 

Although the trip will only last a few days the discussions 

and networking will help the cattlemen make 

contacts that will last all year, and potentially help make 

positive actions happen in our state. 

The work of NCA does not stop with the topics 

that I listed here. Know that the association works hard 

every day to represent the ranchers in this state. If you 

have an issue that you would like to have the association 

work on please contact the office at 1-775-738- 

9214 or call Dan Gralian, President of the association 

at 1-775-468-0400. 

If you would like to become a member of the association 

please visit our website www.nevadacattlemen. 

org or call the office 1-775-738-9214. We look forward 

to your new or renewed membership. 

Best Regards, 

Meghan 

 




Back to Basics 

C o o p e r a t i v e E x t e n s i o n - B r i n g i n g t h e U n i v e r s i t y t o Yo u 

Ron Torell, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Livestock Specialist 

Dr. Dan Crowell, Nevada Department of Agriculture Senior Veterinary Diagnostician 

Dr. John Dinsmore, D.V.M., Ruby View Veterinary Clinic, Lamoille, Nevada 

Diagnostic Laboratory 

The eighth edition of The Merck Veterinary Manual is 2,305 pages of small 

print. This “Veterinarian Bible,” which many practicing veterinarians 

refer to it as, lists several thousand different ways that cattle and other farm 

animals can and do die. The authors left one bovine death disease out. Perhaps 

it is listed in the index under a scientific name that I am unfamiliar with or cannot 

spell. I, along with most cattlemen, refer to it as “ditch disease.” Anyone who 

has been in the cattle business for any length of time has lost cattle to “ditch 

disease.” 

Technically, this is not a disease but rather an isolated and unfortunate product of 

circumstances. Thusly, a vaccine has not been developed to prevent it. The condition is 

brought on when a cow lays down on the berm of a ditch with her feet positioned to the 

outside of the ditch or the cow simply lays down on a slight decline with her feet in the 

uphill position. The cow may stretch out on her side to sun herself or simply throw her head 

and tongue to lick her back. The cow’s body rolls, placing her on her back in the ditch. With 

her legs now in the air there is no way for the cow to get out of the ditch. Within a short 

time rumen gases begin to accumulate and expand. The weight of the digestive system and 

accumulated gases place pressure on the heart and lungs and the cow essentially dies of 

congestive heart failure brought on by bloat. 

Many of us can identify the easy death loss causes such as ditch disease. We need 

help from the professional community however in identifying many of the more technical 

causes. The Nevada Department of Agriculture’s Elko office recently opened a state-ofthe-art 

diagnostic laboratory. Headed by Dr. Dan Crowell, the laboratory features a necropsy 

facility that can handle and dispose of a full-sized cow or horse. Necropsies can also be 

conducted in the field. In addition, there is a laboratory in which Coggins, Trichomoniasis, 

and Brucellosis testing is completed. Additionally, samples such as rabies and West Nile 

virus-suspect animals are processed and forwarded to the Reno animal disease laboratory 

for further testing. The cost to the producer for a necropsy (field or lab) is $5.00 with any additional 

referral laboratory fees (if needed) passed on to the producer/veterinarian at cost. 

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) will consider expansion of services in the 

future as demand dictates. Samples and specimens can be submitted through your practicing 

veterinarian or can be submitted direct from the ranch although some samples require 

veterinary submission. Either way it is important to have a valid veterinarian client patient 

relationship (VCPR) with your practicing veterinarian (see side bar story: Veterinarian Client 

Patient Relationship). A price list and additional information is available at the Nevada 

Department of Agriculture’s website, or call (775) 738-8076 with any questions. There is 

also a diagnostic laboratory located in Reno for producers located at that end of the state. 

The moral of the story: the only sure fire way of preventing cattle from dieing is not 

to own one! We can never eliminate cow death loss but we can minimize them through 

vaccination, nutritional management, genetic selection, stress reduction and good management 

practices. Your N.D.A. diagnostic laboratory and practicing veterinarian are both 

excellent sources for identifying the cause of death and preventing future animal death 

loss to that same cause. 

That is enough of my 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. 

Veterinarian Client Patient Relationship: What is it and why is it important? 

A veterinarian-client-patient relationship, also known as a VCPR, essentially 

is a working trust or relationship that occurs after a client establishes and continues 

service with a veterinarian. A VCPR is important because it allows flexibility and 

advantages so that a veterinarian and producer can make decisions, offer advice, 

prescribe drugs and initiate treatments oftentimes without examining each individual 

animal. This can be of tremendous benefit to both the patient and producer by speeding 

up the treatment or service and thereby saving both money and time because then 

some issues can be resolved without a ranch call or individual animal examination. 

Under most circumstances, it is illegal for a veterinarian to treat an animal without 

first doing a physical exam or tests to support the diagnosis. A valid VCPR can avoid 

this requirement. 

A VCPR is considered valid if these conditions are met: 

The veterinarian must: 

1) Assume responsibility for making medical judgements for the 

animal(s) and the owner agrees to follow this advice. 

2) Keep accurate medical records documenting treatments and 

services. 

3) Physically have recently been on the premises and have sufficient 

knowledge of the animals care and management. 

4) Be available for follow-up and emergency care. 

Building and/or maintaining this trust and relationship is as simple as hiring a 

veterinarian to perform routine, periodic herd health services throughout the year. A 

valid VCPR allows the luxury and flexibility to treat animals on a herd basis instead 

Dr. John Dinsmore, D.V.M., Ruby View Veterinary Clinic, Lamoille, Nevada 

of an individual animal basis which will avoid legal constraints with the latter. Issues 

such as prescribing drugs, veterinary health certificates, and controlling the spread of 

serious animal disease outbreaks are all greatly simplified (and legal) only if a valid 

VCPR exists. 

Examples: 

1) 

2) 

3) 

Just because Dr. X is a licensed veterinarian, it is illegal for he/ 

she to sell or prescribe prescription drugs or certain vaccines/ 

pharmaceuticals unless he/she has examined the animal(s) OR has a 

valid VCPR. 

Dr. Y did not establish a valid VCPR with “Mr. RemoteValley” with 

a phone call or verbal description of a problem. (Dr. Y has never 

physically been there or seen the cattle.) 

Dr. Z was incorrect and illegal to write a health certificate for “Mr. 

TrucksAreLoaded” since Dr. Z has never been on the ranch nor seen 

the cattle for 16 months. (Not recent enough to justify a valid VCPR.) 

The obvious fear and concern is that government animal health officials will cite 

situations such as the preceding examples to make (and enforce) regulations so strict 

that routine inspections and herd decisions will become impractical and cumbersome. 

Huge geographical territories and dwindling numbers of veterinarians wanting to 

work in these rural areas are important reasons why a valid VCPR will ensure veterinary 

services can be provided in a practical and economic fashion. Let’s all work 

together to not jeopardize the current system and build/maintain valid VCPR’s. 



Sage Signals 

Voice 

Nevada Cattlemen’s 

of the Nevada Livestock Industry 

On February 20th 2008 Nevada Cattlemen’s Association President Dan Gralian and 

Executive Director Meghan Wereley met with Governor Gibbons and Legislative Assistant 

Jodi Stephens to discuss fire in Nevada, and how NCA was working on a pre-fire action 

plan. 

The following briefly outlines the action plan NCA is taking in preparation for the 2008 

fire season that was presented to the Governor. 

LOCAL LEVEL 

1. 

2. 

3. 

Assist local VFD in recruiting volunteers. 

Encourage local ranchers and contractors to certify and sign up heavy equipment. 

Develop & implement Local Liaison Program – Cooperative effort between BLM 

Fire Office, NDF & NCA. 

a. 

b. 

c. 

d. 

e. 

Liaison to act as local advisor to Incident Commander. 

Familiar with terrain, water sources & cultural sites. 

Maintain local resource list of volunteers & equipment. 

Act as spokesperson for other landowners within burn area. 

Develop and coordinate local Fire Watch Program. 

STATE LEVEL 

1. Develop, secure funding for and implement Nevada Fire Detection Program. Program 

to be administered by NDF and coordinated with BLM fire. 

a. Aircraft contracted to be “on call” June 1 thru August 30 to fly Fire Detection 

during PM lightning storm season. 

b. Aircraft available to fly “next day” fire recon over lightning activity area. 

REGIONAL LEVEL 

1. Form alliances with neighboring states’ livestock associations, farm bureaus and 

wildlife groups to: 

a. Develop strategies to combat extreme environmental groups. 

b. Join in demanding BLM Fire Policy changes. 

c. Create Litigation Fund. 

NATIONAL LEVEL 

1. Change BLM Post Fire Grazing Policy. 

a. BLM Post Fire Grazing Policy currently states: “Livestock are to be excluded 

from burned areas until monitoring results, documented in writing, show 

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b. 

emergency stabilization and rehabilitation objectives have been met. 

Replace current policy verbiage with: “The primary focus of Post Fire Livestock 

Grazing Management Plans must be based on the rapid stabilization and 

rehabilitation of the burned areas. Although livestock grazing may be used as 

part of the stabilization and rehabilitation process, normal grazing practices 

within the burn area cannot be resumed until monitoring shows that emergency 

stabilization and rehabilitation objectives have been met. 

2. Revise BLM Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Handbook to include post 

fire grazing strategies as part of the treatment plan. 

a. Grazing strategies for the reduction of early spring cheat grass to help reduce 

moisture and nutrient competition within newly seeded areas. 

b. Grazing strategies to reduce excessive fuel loading. 

3. 

Prepare for Litigation. 

a. Obtain legal counsel to determine legal position and litigation options. 

b. Build litigation fund. 

President Gralian stated to the Governor, “we believe that livestock grazing can play 

a beneficial role in reducing the cheat grass competition in newly seeded burned areas, 

thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful seeding. We also believe that livestock 

grazing can be used to help reduce excessive fuel loading.” The Governor agreed and felt 

that he could take this information from the action plan as well as some ideas from this 

meeting to Washington D.C. During his trip to Washington the Governor would be meeting 

with Secretary Kempthorne and stated. “I will take your message with me and help people 

in Washington see what is happening in the west.” 

Dan also explained to the Governor and his staff that, “this excessive fuel loading can 

take place within burn areas during the emergency stabilization and rehabilitation period. 

This type of prescription grazing can take place in the fall and winter when the plants are 

dormant. Dormant season grazing can be used in the non-burn areas where there is excessive 

fuel loading. We are not suggesting over grazing and are fully committed to good 

stewardship. However, we do believe that livestock grazing can play an important role in 

the stabilization and rehabilitation of burn areas.” 

Unfortunately, we are unable to utilize livestock grazing for burn rehabilitation purposes, 

because current policy states that livestock are to be excluded from burned areas 

until monitoring results, documented in writing, show emergency stabilization and rehabilitation 

objectives have been met. We need the flexibility to use grazing as a tool in the 

rehabilitation process. This policy change also needs to be followed down into the local 

Resources Management Plans (RMP) giving the local offices the authority to make positive 

resource change happen. 

We would like to change this policy and would like to know what process we must follow 

to do this. 

Changes in BLM Post Fire Grazing Policy: 

BLM Post Fire Grazing Policy currently states: “Livestock are to be excluded from 

burned areas until monitoring results, documented in writing, show emergency stabilization 

and rehabilitation objectives have been met.” 

Needs to be replaced with: 

“The primary focus of the Post Fire Livestock Grazing Management Plans must be 

based on the rapid stabilization and rehabilitation of the burned areas. Although livestock 

grazing may be used as part of the rehabilitation process, normal grazing practices within 

the burn area cannot be resumed until monitoring shows that emergency stabilization and 

rehabilitation objectives have been met.” 

BLM Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Handbook needs to INCLUDE post 

fire grazing strategies as part of the treatment plan. 

• Grazing strategies for the reduction of early spring cheat grass to help reduce moisture 

and nutrient competition within newly seeded areas. 

• Grazing strategies to reduce excessive fuel. 

 




Association 

REPRINT 

Reprinted with permission. March 2008 Issue. 

NCA Members Attend NCBA Convention in Reno 

Several members of NCA traveled to Reno February 6-9 to participate in the NCBA 

annual convention and trade show. There were several exciting events including: Pre-Ag 

Tour (see pages 6 & 7 for more on the tour), Cattlemen’s College, Trade Show, Public 

Lands Council Meeting, Ag Policy, and many others. 

The hot topic of convention was the Checkoff increase. Cattlemen directed NCBA to 

ask Congress to approve a process that will allow producers to vote on enhancements to 

their Beef Checkoff Program. 

“All we’re asking Congress to do is empower cattle producers with a referendum 

process, so they can control the destiny of their checkoff,” said incoming NCBA Policy 

Division Chairman Bill Donald, a rancher from Melville, Mont. “Producers will decide 

whether to increase the checkoff assessment, but this will put the procedure in place that 

allows them to do that.” 

NCBA members declined to ask for a specific increase in the checkoff rate, but did 

request that Congress ensure that the program is adequately funded. 

“The sense of the cattlemen at this convention is that $2 per head (a $1 increase) would 

adequately fund the program at this point in time,” said Donald. “But that can change over 

time, which is why we didn’t include a specific rate in today’s resolution.” 

Other proposed changes to the Beef Checkoff Program supported by NCBA include: 

❖ 

Simplifying the petition process that determines whether a referendum will be 

held on continuation of the checkoff. A valid petition signed by ten percent of the 

❖ 

nation’s cattle producers would trigger USDA to hold a referendum within one 

year. 

Establish a similar petition/referendum process for future increases in the checkoff 

assessment. This would allow cattlemen to approve or disapprove a proposed increase, 

without taking the question back to Congress. 

❖ Eliminate any reference to their charter date in determining whether organizations 

are eligible to manage checkoff-funded programs. Currently, some livestock organizations 

are not eligible because they were formed after 1986. 

NCBA members also discussed whether the checkoff should be used to specifically 

promote U.S. born and raised beef. Currently, U.S. beef is specifically promoted only 

in foreign markets, while domestic programs promote all beef. This is due in part to the 

fact that assessments on imported cattle and beef account for about 11 percent (roughly 

$8 million per year) of Beef Checkoff Program revenues. Members directed that by June 

1, NCBA report back to members of its Agriculture Policy Committee with amendment 

options to address this issue. But the resolution specifies that options maintaining the assessment 

on imported cattle and beef should be strongly considered. 

Not only was policy set but new members were appointed to committees and boards of 

the association. Past NCA President Preston Wright and current Nevada Cattlemen’s Association 

Beef Board representative was elected to the CBB Executive Committee. 

PAYING YOURSELF FIRST 

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For more information or to enroll in our monthly IRA investing 

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am sure by now most of you 

I have read, or have seen the 

T.V. news about the devastating 6.0 

Earthquake that jolted the little 

town of Wells, Nevada. On February 

21st at 6:16 in the morning, dishes 

fell out of cupboards, walls cracked 

and brick chimneys came tumbling 

down! Water mains were broken and 

there were some very tense hours with 

propane leaks. You could say all hell 

broke loose in Wells. A friend of ours 

from Wells described a very loud roar, 

which preceded the quake. He said 

later the same day there was an after 

shock that registered about 4.0. He was 

at his corrals and again heard the same 

roar before the shaking began. I understand 

the after shocks have continued 

and might for sometime, which hasn’t 

helped the already frazzled nerves of 

the good people there. It was reported 

that it was felt in some parts of Idaho 

also. We can testify here in Elko and the 

surrounding areas that we were definitely experiencing an earthquake. When one hears the 

news about tornados and hurricanes, it is just natural to think to one’s self; thank god we 

don’t live there! However, we need to remind ourselves we live near some large fault lines, 

which are capable of producing earthquakes. How prepared are we for a major earthquake 

is the question? 

In the mid 1800’s the early pioneers called this beautiful little oasis, Humboldt Wells. 

It is the actual headwaters of the Humboldt River. Can you imagine their joy in seeing the 

plentiful lush green grass and water flowing from its’ springs? The pioneers must have been 

in awe at the spectacular view of the majestic snow caped Ruby Mountain’s. Historians tell 

how pioneers wrote in their diaries of this wonderful place with plenty of grass and water. 

It was also a place where people could finally get some long needed rest and also rest their 

tired animals. They would repair their wagons in preparation for the long and grueling 

journey ahead to the California gold fields. Some would travel west along the Humboldt 

River; others would follow the Ruby Mountains south but many weary pioneers said, this is 

the place! There they homesteaded in the valley along the Ruby Mountains. In 1869 came 

the Central Pacific Railroad, Chinese gangs were brought in to lay the tracks. In the beginning 

the railroad company used a boxcar as a freight and passenger station near the town 

we know as Wells today. Humboldt Wells became a very important freighting point and a 

helper station because of the long grade east between Wells and Toano. What was once a 

rough road used for freighting to the many mines and the early settlers to the North, South, 

East and West. When most of the mines were abandoned, the farmers and ranchers, many 

of which, have been in the Wells area for generations, helped sustain this small town. Now 

instead of the old Wagon Trail a major freeway runs from west to east. My grandchildren will 

most likely see another major freeway built that would run north and south from Canada to 

Arizona someday. The history of small towns like Wells are forever changing and now with 

the recent earthquake more changes are in store. 

Well, now that I have given you a short history lesson maybe you will keep these good 

people in your prayers as they try to get there lives back in order. So if your driving through 

Wells stop and have a bit to eat and gas up, you will be surprised how friendly the good 

people of Well are. 

You may also send a Donation to: 

Wells Earth Quake Fund 

Nevada State Bank, 

PO Box 308, Wells, Nevada 89835. 

I hope you had a wonderful Easter. May your days be filled with Sunshine. 

Lorey Eldridge 

Isn’t this a typical Nevada Spring Day!! First, nice and sunny, gotta get out and drag 

fields or something outside—1/2 hour later, windy and overcast, gotta find something in the 

house to do-great day for paper work. Even later, snow with the wind! Now I know I can 

find some paper work, this story or something to do inside. I have spent hours perfecting 

a bull organization sheet for Eddie but it finally is a piece of art with all the bull data and 

everything he needs to find! Took lots of time and back tracking! 

The Public Utilities Commission and Sierra Pacific Power Company are out to get the 

irrigating farmer again. Enough pressure has been raised, possibly they will back off. I’m 

convinced it is a play for a water grab for Vegas and maybe Reno. Be interesting who is on 

the PUC that has ties with those areas. Sure is about money or power! If they can make it 

tough enough on some farmers to force them to give up on their water rights, Vegas could 

step in with lots of casino backing and take them over. Food for thought! 

I have just made 2 trips from Oregon the whole length of Nevada and such a change in 

terrain is so mind boggling! From water oozing out of the ground to not a smidgen of water 

in sight! Wow! We have so much country or land in these western states! Awesome!! 

A couple of kids stories—I was taking Emma to check ice at the river a while back. The 

road down from our house has suffered the winter, leaving big potholes at certain places. 

Emma, from the back seat, “Grandma, watch out for the holes!” 

So I answer her. “Emma, you back seat drive just like your Grandpa!” 

She answers, “Well, Grandpa taught me to back seat drive! You just front seat drive!” 

Then there is Kaylee playing sponge ball catch with her dad and Grandma Billie. 

Johnny hits Kaylee in the head with the sponge ball pretty hard! 

She whips around and says “Grandma, control your son!” 

Of course everybody had to stop playing and laugh at that one. 

Another observation on her part. She told her Grandma she had little short teeth. 

Billie answers her, “I’m old and my teeth are wearing out!” Kaylee replies, “ Well, just 

get new ones!” 

These kids just come up with the most logical solutions. 

Kaylees cousin Quade and his family were parked with a loaded cart at Wal-Mart check 

out stand. The cart was really full when Quade turns to his dad and tells him “Dad we got 

too much shit in here, take some back!” Whoops! And double whoops! 

We are off to a good start for spring moisture (not here in Battle Mountain, but everywhere 

else is) so things are looking better. Maybe some water holes will fill up and some 

underground basins will replenish. We better hope so. 

Again, any stories from the mouths of babes, send to me. I may have to change my e- 

mail address as I have so much spam! All from finance companies whom I have not asked 

assistance of! Must have come from one of the Credit Report companies I tried to get a report 

of. Boy, I won’t do that again! They are awful! So be careful whose site you visit. Call your 

bank and ask for one they use. That’s the safest! 

Until next, time, go out and plant something!!!!! 

 




What’s Driving the Market? 

By Brad Peek, Western Video Market 

Happy Calving 

Season to Everyone 

As most of you are right in the middle of your calving season, I 

can’t help but think of next fall and winter when you will be 

shipping your calves. The weather and the current market climate when 

selling these calves will hugely effect your bottom line, but what else can 

you do to increase your product’s marketability. Here are some helpful 

hints. 

In today’s market, record keeping and documentation are of the utmost importance. 

The progressive rancher writes everything down. The following are ways to 

better market your cattle: 

1. “Age and source third party verification” There are several companies that 

provide this service. Cattle that are approved will have USDA approval for 

the export market. You must have documentation in a calving book (which is 

best), calendar, or electronic spreadsheet of when your 1st calf was born. Last 

calf is also becoming more important. This documentation should not just be 

the 1st calf born, other information such as branding dates, vaccination dates, 

weaning dates, cattle movements, etc. should also be included. If you just 

have the 1st calf date recorded, verifiers will be suspicious. Also “bull turnout 

date” is not sufficient by itself. 1st calf birth date must be documented. 

2. “A proper Vaccination Program.” It has become obvious that cattle with 

a proper vaccination program, and preconditioning shots bring the most 

money. It is highly important that you document the dates, name brands, 

dosages and locations of vaccinations. Also keep your invoices for vaccination 

purchases as many buyers wish to have a copy of these as verification 

of shots. 

3. “Wean your calves!” A full 30 days for all calves to be sold is the minimum. 

There has been a noticeable difference for a full 45 day weaning. 

4. “Sorting your calves.” Sort your cattle for uniformity. If you have 500 steers 

for example, generally they should be sorted at least 2, maybe 3 ways. 

Every dollar spent must result in dollars gained. We fully realized that doing the 

above costs money, but it is an investment that will pay off nearly every single time. 

Like it or not, our industry is becoming more specialized, and just like the name of this 

publication, the “Progressive” Rancher will be better off. 

I have always believed the best compliment for a rancher’s cattle is to have repeat 

buyers and bidders. This means the buyer likes the cattle and the condition in which 

they were received. This includes: the cattle were accurately described, there were 

plenty of cattle to sort from, and the shipping conditions were fair. A good meal after 

shipping never hurts either. 

We at Western Video Market want to make your marketing experience the best 

possible and your cattle to get top dollar. 

Please call Ellington or me at the yard anytime if you have any questions. (530) 

347-3793 

Sincerely, 

Brad Peek 

The cover features the artwork of Denise Smith. Denise, formerly 

of Harney County, Oregon, now works for the Currin family of Heppner, 

Oregon and The Buttercreek Cattle Company who raise Registered Quarterhorses 

and Commercial Cattle. Her Art Studio is on the ranch at Buttercreek. 

www.denisesmithsranchstudio.com 



Bulls for the 21st Century Sale Report 

March 8, 2008 

1. High Selling Angus and High Point Calving Ease Angus 

Rank 1 – 8046 – Schafer Ranch, Greg & Louise Schafer 

Name: Schafer 21st Century 

Sold to: Quaker Hill Farm, Charles Rosson, Louisa, VA and Century 

Farm Angus Ranch, 

Carolyn Colson, San Francisco, CA 

$10,000 

Sire: TC Total 410 

Maternal Grandsire: H A R B High Plains 975 JH 

2. High Point Growth Angus 

Rank 2 – 8056 – Diablo Valley Angus, Dennis Lopez 

Name: Diablo New Design 1900 

Sold to: Moura Ranch, Tom Moura, Lovelock, NV 

$2500 

Sire: V A R New Design 1320 

Maternal Grandsire: N Bar Emulation EXT 

3. High Point Growth Red Angus 

Rank 3 – 8524 – Phillips Red Angus, Cecil and Ty Felkins 

Name: BARS Romeo 287 

Sold to: Christmas Tree Ranch, Nat Lommori, Wellington, NV 

$1900 

Sire: BUF CRK Romeo L081 

Maternal Grandsire: BAR S Canyon 

4. High Point Gelbvieh/Balancer 

Rank 5 – 8804 – Hone Ranch, Charlie Hone 

Name: Silver State Timeline 723 

Sold to: Dreyer Ranch, Roland Dreyer, Minden, NV 

$1900 

Sire: Sitz Timeline 9004 

Maternal Grandsire: Pacific Freedom 611L 

5. High Point Calving Ease Red Angus 


Name: TYF Woodie 702 

Sold to: John Questo, Ione, CA 

$2100 

Sire: LCC Above & Beyond 1300J 

Maternal Grandsire: GEF Crown Royal 2302 

6. High Selling and High Point Charolais 

Rank 7 – 8901 – Chase Classic Angus and Charolais, Bob Chase 

Name: Chase Western Breeze 638 

Sold to: Bently Agrodynamics, Minden, NV 

$3400 

Sire: LT Wyoming Wind 4020 PLD 

Maternal Grandsire: LHD Cigar E46 

7. High Selling Hereford 

Rank 20 – 8716 – Hutchens Herefords, Lee Hutchens 

Name: LBH Prospector 710 

Sold to: White Mountain Ranch, Daric Knight, Springerville, AZ 

$5200 

Sire: UPH Prospector P152 

Maternal Grandsire: D&M 53H Kreedence 003K 

8. High Selling Red Angus 


Name: BARS Vacation 305 

Sold to: Flying M Ranch, Tim Delong, Imlay, NV 

$3300 

Sire: Brown Vacation H7106 

Maternal Grandsire: BAR S Stormy Day 151 

9. High Selling Gelbvieh/Balancer 

Rank 22 – 8810 – Steve Smith Angus and Gelbvieh 

Name: SGS Smit New Day Power 7T 

Sold to: Dreyer Ranch, Roland Dreyer, Minden, NV 

$2200 

Sire: Riverbend New Day 4197 

Maternal Grandsire: SLC Freedom 178F ET 

• Overall High Point Bull – Schafer Ranch, Greg and Louise Schafer, 

Orland, CA 

AWARDS 

• High Point Growth Red Angus – Phillips Red Angus, Cecil and Ty 

Felkins, Ione, CA 

Matt Macfarlane© 

• Top Group Consignment – Hone Ranch, Charlie Hone, Minden, NV 

• Favorite Consignor (Lucy’s Award) – Amador Angus, Ed, Carlene, 

Joshua, and Tiffany Amador, Modesto, CA 

• High Point Calving Ease Angus – Schafer Angus, Greg and Louise 

Schafer, Orland, CA 

• High Point Growth Angus – Diablo Valley Angus, Dennis Lopez, 

Byron, CA 

• High Point Calving Ease Red Angus – Phillips Red Angus, Cecil 

and Ty Felkins, Ione, CA 

• High Point Hereford – Hutchens Herefords, Lee and Dianne 

Hutchens, Fallon, NV 

• High Point Gelbvieh/Balancer – Hone Ranch, Charlie Hone, 

Minden, NV 

• High Point Charolais – Chase Classic Angus and Charolais, Bob 

Chase, Terrance, CA 

• Volume Buyer – Will and Debra Cockrell, Cedarville, CA 

• Winkel Portable Chute Winner – Moura Ranch, Tom Moura, 

Lovelock, NV 

10 April 2008 



Sale Report 

Monday, March 10th, 2008 

A very large crowd joined the Butler Family of Spring Cove Ranch, the Patton Family 

of Sawtooth Cattle Co. and the Bryan and Anderson families of JBB/AL Herefords for the 

17th annual Cattleman’s Connection Bull Sale held at Spring Cove Ranch in Bliss, Idaho. 

Commercial and registered breeders from 7 states enjoyed the hospitality and the fantastic 

smoked brisket lunch. 

High selling bull was Lot 45, Spring Cove J/M Genesis 7154, and a January 14th, 2007 

son of B/R 65R Genesis purchased by Country Boy Genetics of Boise, Idaho for -$12,500. 

Second high seller went to Yellow Rose Ranch of King Hill, Idaho at $4800 for Lot 58, 

SCR-TL Alliance TL111 a January 28, 2007 son of HA Power Alliance 1025. 

The high selling Sawtooth bull was Lot 32, Sawtooth Total 37S an August 13, 2006 son 

of KCF Bennett Total going to Harris Ranches in California for $3200. The second high selling 

Sawtooth bull was Lot 9, Riverbend 2878 Rito S798 a 9/20/06 son of Rito 2 878 of 2536 

BVND 878 who sold for $3000 to Ed Dayen at Eagle Drift Angus of Richland, Oregon. 

The high selling JBB/AL Hereford bulls were both sons of SB 122L Pride Line 32N 

ET. Orr & Sexson Inc of Keystone, Nebraska paid $3550 for Lot 142, JBB Pride Line 679, 

calved on 9/03/06 and Alan Oppio of Gooding, Idaho bought Lot 143, JBB/AL Pride Line 

682, calved 9/8/06 at $2800. 

High Selling Female went to Yellow Rose Ranch, King Hill, Idaho at $1750 for TL 

Patty 121, and a 2/8/07 daughter of GAR Solution. 

Volume Buyers were Orr & Sexson Inc from Keystone and Craig & Jean Spratling of 

Deeth , Nevada. 

Averages: 

32- Fall Sawtooth Yearling Angus Bulls averaged $2311 

64 -Spring Cove Yearling Angus Bulls averaged $2848 

10- Spring Cove yearling Angus heifers averaged $1205 

13-JBB/AL 2 yr. old Hereford Bulls averaged $1983 

7 - JBB/AL Fall Hereford Bulls averaged $2364 

12- JBB/AL yearling Hereford Bulls averaged $1623 

6- JBB/AL Yearling Heifers averaged $933 

Photos: From Top: 

John Bryan, Art & Stacy Butler, Mike Patton & Col Rick Machodo. 

Orr & Sexon Inc., volume bull buyers at the Sale. 

Craig & Jean Spratling, volume bull buyers at the Sale. 

Scott and Angie Frost of Yellow Rose Ranch, King Hill, Idaho bought 

the 2nd High selling bull and the high selling heifer. 

The seats were full at the 2008 Cattleman’s Connection Sale. 


The Progressive Rancher April 2008 11

Shaw 

Cattle Co Production Sale 

Sale Report March 17, 2008 

Bull Averages 

35 Fall Hereford Bulls Ave: $2,501.00 33 Fall Angus Bulls Ave: $3,035.00 34 Yrlg Red Angus Bulls Ave: $2,128.00 

12 Yrlg Hereford Bulls Ave: $2,054.00 34 Yrlg Angus Bulls Ave: $1,953.00 10 Yrlg Hereford Heifers Ave: $1,880.00 

47 Hereford Bulls Ave: $2,387.00 67 Angus Bulls Ave: $2,486.00 10 Yrlg Angus heifers Ave: $1,330.00 

Top Sellers 

Lot 102 Sonoma Mtn Herefords $5,500.00 Lot 206 Dale & Brian Silflow $3,700.00 Lot 301 Aldecoa Ranch $3,250.00 

Lot 104 Ken Darby $3,900.00 Lot 236 TFI Ltd $3,500.00 Lot 307 Winlakes, Inc $2,800.00 

Lot 111 Flying Y Ranch $3,900.00 Lot 225 Eliason Livestock $3,500.00 Lot 302 Carlton Andersen $2,500.00 

Lot 118 Flying Y Ranch $3,800.00 Lot 201 G J Lvstk $3,300.00 Lot 305 Aldecoa Ranch $2,500.00 

Lot 128 San Isabel Ranch $3,750.00 Lot 210 Johnstone Ranch $3,400.00 Lot 315 Carlton Andersen $2,500.00 

Lot 219 Terry Amick $3,400.00 

Lot 220 Pat Funkhouser $3,400.00 

Heifer Averages 

Hereford 

Black Angus 

Lot 401 Young Cattle Co $3,000.00 Lot 411 James Jardine $1,700.00 

Lot 404 Sonoma Mtn herefords $2,000.00 Lot 413 Kelsey Stimpson $1,600.00 

Lot 408 Jamie Mickelson $2,000.00 Lot 418 Kari & brooke Brumley $1,550.00 

Do the Math! 

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www.SweetPro.com 




BLM Solicits Nominations for Resource Advisory Councils 

Nevada residents interested in the management and 

conservation of public lands have the opportunity to become 

directly involved in advising the Bureau of Land Management 

(BLM) in Nevada by serving on one of its three Resource 

Advisory Councils. Nominations will be accepted 

through April 14, 2008. 

“I am impressed with the hard work and dedication of 

our RAC members, said Ron Wenker, BLM Nevada State 

Director. “We value the advice of the RACs. I urge all who 

are interested to apply for the openings available this year.” 

The three RACs in Nevada are the Mojave-Southern 

Great Basin, which serves Esmeralda, Nye, Lincoln and 

Clark counties; the Sierra Front-Northwestern Great Basin, 

which serves Washoe, Humboldt, Pershing, Churchill, 

Storey, Douglas, Lyon, Mineral and Carson City counties; 

and the Northeastern Great Basin, which serves Elko, White 

Pine, Lander and Eureka counties. Nominees should live 

within the geographical area encompassed by the RAC they 

are applying to represent. 

The positions open for appointment on the Mojave- 

Southern Great Basin RAC are one representative who 

holds a Federal grazing permit or leases and represents permittees 

or lessees within the area served by the RAC; one 

representative of transportation or rights-of-way interests; 

one representative from the public-at-large; one representative 

or employee from one of the State of Nevada agencies 

responsible for management of natural resources; and one 

representative of a nationally or regionally recognized environmental 

organization. 

PULLMAN, Wash. -- The 2008 Pacific Northwest Livestock Judges and Show Management 

School is scheduled June 26-28 at Washington State University. 

The school, sponsored by Washington State University, the University of Idaho and Oregon 

State University, is an excellent learning opportunity for new and experienced judges, 

show managers, fair superintendents, livestock sale committee volunteers, 4-H Leaders, 

FFA advisors, parents, producers, and livestock enthusiast to enhance their understanding 

of exhibition food animal evaluation and positive youth development. 

The event has been organized to improve the livestock industry by developing participants’ 

skills to effectively and accurately evaluate exhibition food animals; promote positive 

youth development; and showcase the benefits of animal agriculture and youth development 

programs. 

Participants can select either the Judges or Show Management Track. Individuals completing 

the Show Management Track will gain many helpful tools to improve the quality of 

their fairs and livestock shows. The show manager’s track will focus on financial management 

and accounting of the sale of market animals, emergency planning, show management 

and livestock sale software, and expectations of the turned animal buyers. The show management 

section will feature state and national experts on the above topics. 

The Judge’s Track will focus on beef, meat goats, sheep, and swine. The sheep and 

meat goat section will feature. Frank Craddock, extension sheep and goat Specialist from 

Texas A & M. Craddock has coached a national champion collegiate livestock judging team, 

a national champion collegiate wool judging team (five times) and a state champion 4-H 

livestock judging team. 

The swine and beef cattle evaluation section will be led by Mark Boggess, director of 

Animal Sciences with the National Pork Board. Boggess has owned and operated purebred 

cattle and swine operations. Both Boggess and Craddock are recognized for their excellent 

communication skills and their knowledge of both the show and production livestock 

industries. 

Completion of the livestock judges track will certify the person as a livestock judge 

and contact information will be distributed to shows and other livestock events throughout 

Completed nominations for the Mojave-Southern 

Great Basin RAC positions should be forwarded to Chris 

Hanefeld, BLM Ely Field Office, 702 North Industrial Way, 

HC 33 Box 33500, Ely Nevada 89301. Phone number is 

775-289-1842. This RAC holds meetings in Las Vegas, and 

in Lincoln and Nye counties. 

The positions for appointment on the Sierra Front- 

Northwestern Great Basin RAC are one representative who 

holds Federal grazing permits or leases within the area 

for which the Council is organized; one representative of 

organizations associated with energy and mineral development; 

one representative from a nationally or regionally 

recognized environmental/wildlife organization; one 

representative employed by a State agency responsible for 

the management of natural resources, land, or water; and 

one representative employed as an academician in natural 

resource management or the natural sciences. 

Completed nominations for the Sierra Front-Northwestern 

Great Basin RAC positions should be forwarded to 

Mark Struble, BLM Carson City Field Office, 5665 Morgan 

Mill Road, Carson City, NV 89701. The phone number is 

775-885-6107. This RAC holds meetings in the Carson City 

and Winnemucca areas. 

The positions for appointment on the Northeastern 

Great Basin RAC are one representative who holds a Federal 

grazing permit or leases and represents permittees or lessees 

within the area for the area served by the RAC; one representative 

for transportation and rights-of-way; one representative 

from a wild horse interest group; one representative for 

recreation; and one representative representing academia 

who works or teaches at a college in Nevada. 

Completed nominations for the Northeastern Great 

Basin RAC positions should be forwarded to Mike Brown, 

BLM Elko Field Office, 3900 East Idaho Street, Elko, NV 

89801. The phone number is 775-753-0386. This RAC holds 

meetings in Northern Nevada. 

Individuals may nominate themselves or others. Nominations 

should be made on the appropriate background information 

nomination form, which is available at any BLM 

office, or on the internet at www.blm.gov/nv. Nominees 

should have demonstrated a commitment to collaborative 

resource decision-making. All nominations must include 

letters of reference from the represented interests or organizations, 

a completed background information nomination 

form, as well as any other information that speaks to the 

nominee’s qualifications. Nominees must be a resident of 

Nevada. Nominations are forwarded to the Secretary of the 

Interior who appoints members to serve three-year terms. 

The councils meet several times a year, usually quarterly, 

and provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary 

of the Interior, through the BLM field managers and the 

state director, on management of the public lands within the 

council’s geographic area. It has been the practice in Nevada 

to hold one joint meeting of all three Nevada RACs in late 

October or early November every year. 

For questions about the RACs or the application process, 

or to request a nomination form, contact field offices 

listed above, or the Nevada State Office at 775-861-6588. 

Livestock Judges and Show Management School 

June 26-29 

the Pacific Northwest. 

Registration for the Livestock Judge’s Track costs $175 for three full days. The fee 

includes a judge’s notebook, three lunches, a banquet, and refreshment breaks. Registration 

for the Show Management Track is $100 for two days. The fee includes a notebook, two 

lunches, a banquet, and refreshment breaks. Registration deadline is June 1. Registration for 

the Livestock Judges Track is limited, register early to secure your spot. 

For more information and to register, contact Sarah M. Smith, WSU Grant/Adams 

Extension, at (509) 754-2011, ext. 413 or smithsm@wsu.edu; Jerry Newman, WSU 4-H 

Livestock Program, at (509) 338-5938 or newmanj@wsu.edu; or Tiffany Boswell, 4-H 

Program Assistant, at (509)335-4128 or tiffany_boswell@wsu.edu. Complete registration 

information is also available at the following websites http://animalag.wsu.edu or http://4- 

h.wsu.edu/news/index.htm . 

Nevada Livestock Marketing, LLC 

1025 Allen Road, Fallon, Nevada 

(Gallagher’s) 

Sale Every 

Wednesday 

10:00 am Slaughter Cows, Bulls 

Approx. 11:30-12:00 Small Barn 

1:00 pm Feeder Cattle 

Horses Last 

www.progressiverancher.com The Progressive Rancher April 2008 13 

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✦ 

✦ 

For more information on times, feed charges, hauling, etc., Please Contact: 

John Hanger/manager: 217-2433 Office: 775-423-7760 

Jack Payne 775-217-9273 Fax: 775-423-1813

Drylot versus Pasture 

Backgrounding of Calves 

Dr. L. Ben Bruce 

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension; College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources 

Researchers at New Mexico State University, Las Cruces 88003 (C. P. Mathis, S. H. 

Cox, C. A. Löest, M. K. Petersen, R. L. Endecott, A. M. Encinias, and J. C. Wenzel) recently 

published “Comparison of Low-Input Pasture to High-Input Drylot Backgrounding 

on Performance and Profitability of Beef Calves Through Harvest” in The Professional 

Animal Scientist (24 (2008):169-174). They studied the difference between a low-input 

pasture backgrounding scheme to a high-input drylot scheme for beef calves. The study 

followed calves from weaning and, in the case of steers, all the way to harvest. 

These researchers took 250 calves over a period of three years to do their study. The 

calves averaged about 500 pounds at start, and included both steers and heifers in the 

backgrounding phase, but the heifers were not included in the feedlot/harvest stage. Steer 

calves were castrated at branding, and all calves vaccinated with appropriate vaccines for 

the area. The calves were vaccinated again about three weeks before weaning. 

When the calves were weaned they were weighed and assigned to one of two treatments. 

The treatments were a high-input drylot system, or a low-input pasture system. 

Both backgrounding systems lasted about 45 days. The pasture system used ungrazed 

range pastures, and the calves were given a protein supplement three times a week. The 

forage availability was above the calves needs. The drylot calves were fed 10 pounds of a 

backgrounding pellet and 2.5 pounds of alfalfa hay. The backgrounding pellet was made 

from corn middlings and wheat middlings. Calves were weighed in the middle of the backgrounding 

trial and at the end. Calf prices were closely monitored during the trial. 

At the end of the backgrounding phase, the steers were shipped to a feedlot and followed 

through to harvest. Steers were given growth promoting implants and at about 

80-90 days steers were weighed, fat thickness was determined by ultrasound, and then 

assigned to marketing groups. These marketing groups were based on an estimation of 

best harvest time. At harvest, the steers were sold on a grid using yield grade and quality 

grade factors. 

The drylot calves gained more and were worth more individually, but their feed costs 

were four times higher. That meant that the pasture calves netted $45 more during the 

background phase. In the feedlot the pastured steers gained more rapidly initially, but 

both groups finished at essentially the same weights and gain rates. The drylot steers had 

a greater death rate. The values of the animals at harvest were $946 for pasture steers and 

$833 for drylot steers. The researchers concluded that when backgrounding the extra gain 

in the feedlot was not enough to offset the extra costs. The stress associated with the drylot 

may have affected the higher death losses in these animals. The pasture system worked 

the best under the researchers’ conditions, and showed benefits in both the backgrounding 

and finishing phases. 

For help with range livestock production problems call me at 775-784-1624 or your 

local Extension Educator or email me at bbruce@unr.nevada.edu. 

R-CALF United Stockgrowers of America 

Cattle Producers to Department of Justice: Block JBS Purchases 

Washington, D.C. – In a letter sent today to the U.S. 

Department of Justice regarding JBS Acquisitions’ plans 

to purchase National Beef Packing Co., Smithfield Beef 

Group, and Five Rivers Ranch Cattle Feeding, R-CALF 

USA expressed concern that such transactions would cause 

injury to competition in both the U.S. cattle industry and the 

U.S. beef industry, which would result in harm to both independent 

U.S. cattle producers and U.S. consumers. 

JBS Acquisitions would become the largest beef packer 

in the U.S., and R-CALF USA explained that JBS likely 

would capture over 35 percent of the domestic cattle slaughter 

– based on evidence that indicates Tyson Foods already 

controlled that amount of the market in the mid-1990s. 

“We urge the U.S. Department of Justice to rigorously 

investigate the potential impacts of this proposed purchase; 

to prevent its consummation pending a thorough investigation; 

and to ultimately block this proposed purchase should 

evidence be found indicating any reduction in competition 

to either the U.S. cattle industry or the U.S. beef industry,” 

wrote R-CALF USA President/Region VI Director Max 

Thornsberry. “Should this purchase materialize, the market 

power concentrated in the hands of the remaining three 

packers…would intensify, as would their propensity to 

exercise this market power to the detriment of competition, 

resulting in economic injury to independent U.S. cattle producers 

and U.S. consumers.” 

Evidence already exists that demonstrates the exercise 

of market power by the current four firms that dominate 

the beef packing industry. Juries in Pickett v. Tyson Fresh 

Meats, Inc. and in Herman Schumacher et al. v. Tyson Fresh 

Meats, Inc. et al. have found, as matters of fact, that the actions 

of dominant beef packers, even at the current level of 

concentration, effectively manipulated prices paid to domestic 

cattle producers. Studies also show that market power can 

be, and is being, exerted by the dominant beef packers, at 

current concentration levels.[1] 

Equally disturbing are media reports indicating that 

JBS SA’s Friboi Group (JBSS3.BR) has been cited by the 

Brazilian Justice Department’s antitrust division for engaging 

in anti-competitive practices to keep cattle prices low 

when purchasing for slaughter.[2] The U.S. Department of 

Justice should independently investigate the circumstances 

surrounding any such anti-competitive practices alleged 

against and/or committed by JBS before allowing this proposed 

purchase to proceed. 

“Specifically, the department should determine, as a 

precondition for this sale, whether U.S. laws are adequate, 

and adequately enforced, to prospectively prevent a recurrence 

of the kind and type of anti-competitive behavior as 

was alleged to have been perpetrated by JBS in Brazil,” 

Thornsberry wrote. 

“R-CALF has taken a strong position against these 

JBS purchases for good reason,” said R-CALF USA Vice 

President/Region II Director Randy Stevenson. “The Justice 

Department must make absolutely certain that U.S. laws are 

adequate – and that there is adequate enforcement of those 

laws – to ensure U.S. cattle producers and consumers are not 

subjected to anti-competitive practices. 

“Imagine if you will, the day before the purchases 

are announced, that three buyers from Swift, National 

and Smithfield meet together to discuss their plans to buy 

slaughter cattle,” he explained. “If that occurred, those buyers 

would be in violation of antitrust laws against collusion. 

If they had such a discussion openly, it would provide the 

Justice Department with a ‘smoking gun’ with which to 

prosecute. 

“The activities of three buyers of the third, fourth and 

fifth largest beef processors colluding would most certainly 

hurt the price of live cattle,” Stevenson continued. “But, on 

the day after these proposed acquisitions, the same three 

buyers could discuss their plans without breaking the law. 

Who among us would expect the outcome on live cattle 

prices to be any different?” 

Note: To view the letter, visit the “Competition Issues” 

link at www.r-calfusa.com 

, or contact R-CALF USA Communications Coordinator 

Shae Dodson at the phone number or e-mail address listed 

above. 

[1] See general discussion 

on packer concentration, John Conner et al., The Ban on Packer 

Ownership and Feeding of Livestock: Legal and Economic 

Implications, available at R-CALF USA. 

[2] See Kenneth Rapoza, Brazil 

Justice Dept Fines Major Beef Cos In Cartel Case, Dow Jones 

Newswires, Agriculture Online, November 28, 2007. 




UCD VET VIEWS 

UCD VET VIEWS 

by John Maas, DVM, MS, Diplomate, ACVN & ACVIM, Extension Veterinarian, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 

Treating and Preventing 

Retained Placenta in Beef Cattle 

What is a retained placenta? 

The placenta (or afterbirth) is the name given to the 

membranes that transfer nutrients from the cow to the calf 

before the calf (fetus) is born. These membranes and blood 

vessels are made by the calf and connect to the blood supply 

in the uterus of the cow or heifer. The cotyledons (buttons) 

of the placenta “hook up” to the caruncles of the uterus. It 

is across this thin connection between the membranes of the 

cow and the membranes of the calf that essential materials 

pass to the developing calf. These essential materials include 

oxygen, blood sugar (glucose), amino acids (the building 

blocks of proteins), fats, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, 

trace minerals and all the other essential components of 

life. 

When the calf is born the placenta normally detaches 

within a few hours and is expelled. That is why it is referred 

to as the “afterbirth”. In most all situations, the placenta is 

expelled within 12 hours of the birth of the calf. If it is not 

expelled by 24 hours it is defined as a retained placenta or 

the cow is said to “have not cleaned”. 

Why is a retained placenta a problem? 

In and of itself the retained placenta is not a problem. 

However, the retention creates a number of potential problems. 

The retained placenta “hangs” out of the vulva and as 

the cow walks the placenta slides back and forth through 

the external opening of the vulva and vagina and “sucks” 

material into the uterus. The vulva of a cow is located just 

below the anus, so fecal material and fecal microorganisms 

are pulled into the uterus. Also, when a cow lays down the 

placenta will hang out further and lay in the dirt or mud, 

which is loaded with bacteria. These bacteria set up an active 

site of infection in the uterus and this can have serious 

consequences for the cow. 

The local infection in the uterus can cause the animal to 

become ill (fever, weight loss, etc). Sometimes the infection 

is so bad the cow can actually die. When the uterus becomes 

infected and inflamed, it takes much longer for the cow to 

“clean” and to be ready for the next breeding season. A retained 

placenta usually causes the cow to have an increased 

time from calving to the conception of the next calf. It is 

not uncommon for a cow with a retained placenta to delay 

the next pregnancy for 2-6 months. Obviously, a two-month 

delay will mean a late calving date in the following year. 

A six-month delay may result in an open cow next year at 

pregnancy checking time. Another result of retained placenta 

can be tetanus. The tetanus organism is commonly in 

the soil or in the feces and when it gets into the uterus it can 

set up an infection and result in tetanus (lockjaw). Tetanus 

can be fatal in cattle and at the minimum requires long term 

therapy (1-3 months). 

What causes retained placenta? 

The list of potential causes is quite long; however, there 

are a number of common causes that affect beef cattle. It is 

easier to think about the causes in groups, so the following 

listing might be helpful. 

Mechanical Causes of Retained Placenta 

Difficult birth (calf too large for cow, backwards 

calf [breech birth], 

one leg or head backwards) 

Twins 

Cesarean section 

Fetal monsters or emphysematous fetus (gas-filled 

fetus) 

Nutritional Causes of Retained Placenta 

Energy or Protein Deficiency during pregnancy 

Vitamin A deficiency 

Selenium deficiency 

Iodine deficiency 

Vitamin E deficiency 

Management Causes of Retained Placenta 

Stress (Transportation or rough handling, poor 

feed conditions) 

Obesity 

Heredity 

Infectious diseases/Toxins 

Brucellosis 

Pine Needle abortion 

Leptospirosis 

IBR virus, BVD virus 

Foothill Abortion (EBA) 

How do I treat cows with retained placenta? 

If a cow has a retained placenta of 24-48 hours and 

is running a fever (rectal temperature over 102.5 degrees 

Fahrenheit) or is not eating it should receive attention and 

treatment. The minimum treatment would be an antibiotic 

such as a long-acting tetracycline (Biomycin®, LA-200®, 

Tetradure®, etc) and Lutalyse® (which can help to speed 

expulsion of the placenta). If the cow is depressed or dehydrated 

it will be necessary to have your veterinarian examine 

and treat the cow. They will probably flush the uterus as well 

as give you advice on other drugs to use over the next 5-7 

days. Always seek your veterinarian’s advise on treating 

cows with retained placenta as the condition can deteriorate 

into a life-threatening one in a very short period of time. It 

is usually not necessary to manually remove the placenta; 

however, your veterinarian can advise you better after examining 

the animal. It is important to understand that there is 

no single course of treatment that will be safe and effective 

in every circumstance; thus your veterinarian’s advise will 

be crucial to success. 

Most of the drugs that are useful to treat a cow or 

heifer with retained placenta are not labeled for this condition. 

Therefore, these drugs are used in an EXTRALABEL 

manner and will REQUIRE one or more PRESCRIPTIONS 

from your veterinarian for this purpose. Also, there may be 

an extended withdrawal time for these drugs that will have 

to be adhered to. Additionally, if you have more than 1% of 

your cattle with retained placenta, you should seek professional 

help to prevent this problem. 

How can I prevent retained placenta problems? 

Since there are many causes of retained placenta, there 

is no simple answer. Some of the obvious answers include: 

(1) don’t allow cows to get too thin or too fat before calving, 

(2) reduce stress near calving as much as possible, (3) prevent 

exposure to pine needles, juniper trees, and pine trees 

(particularly Ponderosa Pines) before calving, (4) make sure 

your trace mineral and vitamin supplementation program 

is adequate, (5) prevent Foothill Abortion problems, and 

(6) maintain a sound vaccination program to minimize the 

chance of viral or bacterial abortions. 

Because calving problems often result in retained placenta, 

it is important to consider the appropriate selection 

of genetics for your herd as a part of prevention. One of the 

useful tools is birth weight EPD’s. Lower birth weights will 

decrease calving problems IF all other factors are equal. 

However, it is also important to remember that big cows 

with big pelvic canals can have big calves easily. So select 

bulls with birth weight EPD’s in keeping with your herd. 

Also, remember to look at the bull’s actual birth weight data 

and remember that the birth weight EPD numbers are not the 

same between breeds. One breed can have a bull calf with 

a birth weight of 100 pounds and a birth weight EPD of 1.0 

while another breed can have a bull calf with a birth weight 

of 80 pounds and a birth weight EPD of 5.0. Obviously, the 

second bull will tend to have calves with lower birth weights 

IF all other factors are equal. Another tool available is pelvic 

measurements in yearling heifers. The value of this tool is 

to cull replacement heifers with small pelvic canals before 

breeding for the first time. Regarding birth weights, it is 

important to remember that the cow or heifer has 60% of 

the “input” into how large the calf is going to be. Therefore, 

genetic selection of the cowherd has more impact than the 

one time selection of the bulls. 

If you don’t have problems with retained placenta, that 

is excellent. If you do, there are a number of important items 

you will need to consider and discuss with your veterinarian. 



By Joe Guild 

Missing the Brush 

You must think me very romantic 

You see me as cowboy 

You see it’s not from 

unused to toil and strife 

I’m usually out there riding 

living a dreamed-of life 

You can hear my spurs a jingling 

see my horse’s breath 

You can hear the cattle lowing 

and the hawk’s cry from above 

You must think what a lucky guy 

living a life to love 

There’s a big broad sky above him 

He’s humming a happy tune 

the whole West is his living room 

Even when its snowing 

When the heat’s too hot to breathe 

He’s such a fortunate fella 

always an ace hidden up his sleeve 

mounted up with rope in hand 

You think of the ranch and the spaces 

filled up with cows and brush 

as you sit there 

in your office waiting 

for a vacation created rush 

And maybe there’s a bit of envy 

jealousy grabs your mind 

as you think of me a thought or two unkind 

But before you do that 

there are some things I’d like you to know 

It ain’t all brush and horses 

with sweet smells after a rain 

There’s a whole lot 

of work and heartache 

tears and sorrow and pain 

the work of the cowboy 

makes me older than my years 

It’s from the din and the crash 

of the battles 

in halls and courts and town 

that frustrates the modern rancher 

that seeks to bring him down 

It’s the meetings discussions and discourse 

as he fight to keep his ranch 

with the people who don’t understand him 

whose goal is to see him just die 

This is the thing I think about 

trying to deflect the crush 

sitting here in another meeting 

missing the smell of the brush. 

All rights reserved 

I wish to express my sincere thanks to the editorial staff of your magazine as 

well as to Joe Guild for the kind words about my father, Bob Wilson, in this month’s 

magazine (March 2008 issue, pg. 22). It has been circulated throughout my family and 

we were all deeply touched. It has been comforting to hear how well respected and admired 

my Dad was within the agriculture industry he loved so dearly. Thanks again. 

Sincerely, 

Brandon Wilson 

I just wanted to thank you for the tribute to my brother, Bob Wilson, that was in 

your magazine. My mom received a copy of that from a cousin and was very blessed 

by it, as were the rest of the family. Bob’s death was so unexpected and we are all still 

reeling from it. He was a vital part of our family and our world. Words cannot express 

the appreciation for the outpouring of love and compassion that we have received from 

the people who knew him. Thanks again. 

Judy Gossett, Mountain Home, Idaho 






Environmental Priorities 

Walker River Basin Research Study: 

Staci Emm, Extension Educator 

Don Breazeale, Extension Educator 

Marilyn Smith, Area Specialist 

This is the sixth fact sheet in a series describing a research study of water right 

owners in the Walker River Basin. The previous fact sheets described: 1) the objectives 

and methodology of the study; (FS-04-49) 2) farming and ranching operations 

and demographic characteristics of respondents (FS-04-60); 3) attitudes toward 

Walker Lake (FS-05-37); 4) attitudes of water right owners concerning their willingness 

to sell or lease decree water rights (FS-05-54); and 5) attitudes of selected Walker 

River Basin water right owners concerning their willingness to sell or lease storage 

water rights (FS-05-55). This sixth and final fact sheet compares the perceptions and 

attitudes of selected Walker River Basin water right owners on environmental priorities 

within the basin. 

Introduction 

The Walker River Basin, running from the eastern slopes of the Sierras in 

California to a desert lake in Nevada, has been the source of major controversy for 

farmers, ranchers, environmentalists, Indian Tribes and federal/state agencies for 

decades. The Walker River faces the same fate of other rivers just like it in the West. 

The demand for water is never-ending, and conflict arises based on the allocation 

of water and its right of use. The challenge for those involved is to understand the 

lifestyle, custom and culture of every community, individual and species affected by 

water use in the Walker River Basin. 

A six-page, 38 item, questionnaire was developed in cooperation with the Mono 

County, Smith Valley and Mason Valley Conservation Districts. Due to the small 

geographic survey area, high agriculture use areas were randomly targeted within 

the Walker River Basin using “Area Frames” (Salant and Dillman, 1994). Collection 

of survey data began on June 28, 2003 with the Walker River Indian Reservation 

and was completed on September 7, 2003 in the Smith Valley area. Due to the unavailability 

of agriculture use data and time constraints, the Bridgeport area was not 

randomly surveyed. There were 139 individuals contacted out the possible 520 using 

the variable of selected high agriculture use areas described above. Twenty-three 

individuals declined to participate in the study and 116 individuals completed the 

survey. (Emm, 2003) 

Environmental Priorities 

One of the objectives of this research study was to compare the environmental 

priorities within the basin to the perceptions and attitudes of selected Walker River 

Basin water right owners. The survey questionnaire identified 11 different priorities 

and asked respondents if they were important or unimportant. The 11 identified priorities 

included (1)benefits of agriculture production; (2) Artesia Lake; (3) Lahontan 

Cutthroat Trout fishery; (4) Brown Trout/Rainbow Trout fishery; (5) open space (in 

terms of development); (6) outdoor recreation; (7) Walker River water quality; (8) 

economy of area communities; (9) Mason Valley wildlife management area; (10) 

riparian areas; and (11) maintaining custom and culture of area communities. Graph 

1 show the percentages concerning the topics that were rated the most important or 

highest rated priorities. Benefits of agriculture were the highest rated priority at 95% 

followed by the economy of area communities at 81%. Graph 2 shows the percentages 

for the topics that were rated the least important or lowest rated priorities. Forty-nine 

percent of the respondents reported that Artesia Lake was not important while 45% 

said Lahontan Cutthroat Trout and 30% said Brown/Rainbow Trout fisheries were 

not important. 

Fisheries 

There were two items in the survey questionnaire that listed the Lahontan Cutthroat 

Trout and the Rainbow Trout/Brown Trout fisheries. Respondents were asked 

to rate the importance of these fisheries. Findings indicate there were differences 

among responses from the three different geographical areas, the Walker River Indian 

Reservation (WRIR), Mason Valley/Smith Valley (MV/SV), and Multiple that represented 

Antelope Valley, Bridgeport Valley and those that own water rights in more 

than one area of the basin. Overall, 45.1% of the respondents felt that the Lahontan 

Cutthroat Trout were unimportant while 29.2% felt they were important and 25.7 

percent were undecided. Refer to Graph 3 for a percentage breakdown by area. Additionally, 

30.1% of respondents felt the Brown Trout/Rainbow Trout fisheries were 

Graph 1: Walker River Basin Research Study: 

Percentage of Group Priorities that were Most Important 

Maintaining Custom and Culture of Communities 

Riparian Area 

Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area 

Economy of Communities 

Walker River Water Quality 

Outdoor Recreation 

Open Space 

Brown/Rainbow Trout 

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout 

Artesia Lake 

Benefits of Agriculture 

22 

29 

35 

40 

38 

44 

43 

0 20 40 60 80 100 

Percentage 

62 

69 

81 

95 





Percentage of Group Priorities that were Not Important 

unimportant, while 38.1% felt it was important, 

and 31.9% were undecided. Graph 4 illustrates a 

percentage breakdown by area. 

Conclusions 

This research study was conducted to identify 

commonalities and differences that existed 

between those individuals that actually own the 

right of use of water in the Walker River Basin in 

an effort to better understand viewpoints of this 

group of people. This report describes one group 

of water users. This research study is not intended 

to favor one side or another, but rather seek to 

measure attitudes and opinions of the groups that 

use Walker River water. The respondents in this 

research study rated 11 identified environmental 

priorities. The benefits of agriculture and the 

economy of area communities were the most 

important environmental priorities in this study 

followed closely by Walker River water quality. 

Respondents also identified the least important 

environmental priorities. Respondents 

reported that Artesia Lake, fisheries and Mason 

Valley Wildlife Management Area were the least 

important priorities. However, it must be noted 

that the “not important” category was selected 

by less than 50% of respondents. This means that 

more than half of the respondents were either undecided 

or felt it was an important priority. 

There were differences found between the 

geographical areas concerning perceptions and 

attitudes involving fisheries. This may be a reflection 

of the fisheries that are located in each area. 

For example, Lahontan Cutthroat Trout are found 

at the lower end of the basin in Walker Lake and 

the lower part of the Walker River. The Brown 

/Rainbow Trout fisheries are in the headwaters 

(Multiple) area of the system and in the upper 

reaches of the Walker River. Despite these geographical 

differences, some respondents were still 

undecided as to whether or not fisheries were an 

Maintaining Custom and Culture of Communities 

Riparian Areas 

Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area 

Economy of Communities 

Walker River Water Quality 

Outdoor Recreation 

Open Space 

Brown/Rainbow Trout 

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout 

Artesia Lake 

Benefits of Agriculture 

important environmental priority. 

This research information may be used as one of 

several sources in trying to reach potential solutions 

for complex environmental questions regarding the 

Walker River Basin. This study identifies the differences 

and commonalities among the respondents concerning 

environmental priorities. The authors hope 

that the information will be useful for those seeking 

to resolve environmental conflicts through the consideration 

of different view points. It has been shown 

that decisions made through a collaborative process 

are more likely to be implemented (Singletary, Ball, 

Rebori, UNCE SP-00-04) One step in the collaborative 

process is to understand the views and values of 

others in an effort to find common ground. This data 

is provided for that purpose as discussions continue 

regarding use of water in the Walker River Basin. 

2 

6 

6 

17 

22 

17 

31 

25 

30 

45 

49 

0 20 40 60 80 100 

References 

Percentage 

California Department of Water Resources. 1992. Walker 

River Atlas. Sacramento, CA. State of California, 

Department of Water Resources. 

Emm, S. 2003. Perceptions and Attitudes of Randomly 

Chosen Agriculture Water Right Owners in Selected 

Areas of the Walker River Basin Toward Walker Lake. 

M.A. Thesis, Colorado State University. 

Salant, P. and Dillman, D.A., 1994. How to Conduct Your 

Own Survey. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York. 

Singletary. 2005. Collaborative Approaches and Communication 

Skills for Addressing Water Disputes. 

UNR. University of Nevada Fact Sheet 05-24. 

Singletary, L., A. Ball, and M. Rebori. 2000. Managing 

Natural Resource Disputes. University of Nevada 

Cooperative Extension. SP-00-04. 


Importance of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout 


Importance of Brown Trout/Rainbow Trout 

100 

100 

Percentage 

80 

60 

40 

20 

Important 

Undecided 

Not Important 

Percentage 

80 

60 

40 

20 

Important 

Undecided 

Not Important 

0 

WRIR MV/SV Multiple 

0 

WRIR MV/SV Multiple 

The Walker River Indian Reservation is WRIR. Mason Valley and Smith Valley is MV/SV. Multiple represents Antelope Valley, Bridgeport Valley 

and those that own water rights in more than one area of the basin. 



Range Plants for the Rancher 

By Paul T. Tueller, Ph.D. Certified Rangeland Consultant 

Perennial 

grasses 

tend to be the most 

important species of forage 

plants on our rangelands. 

This month I describe another 

grass, Saltgrass (Distichlis 

spicata (L.) Greene), 

sometimes referred to as 

inland saltgrass. Note the L. 

behind the scientific name 

indicating that this species 

was named by Carolus Linnaeus 

the famous Swedish 

botanist who set out to 

name all the plants in 

the world. He did not 

quite accomplish this 

task but made a gallant 

attempt. Then 

Greene was found 

to have previously 

named this species 

and so his name takes 

precedence over Linnaeus 

in the naming of 

this plant and so it goes 

in the world of systematic 

botany. 

Salt grass is a straw-colored 

short warm-season native perennial 

grass and is found in many locations throughout Nevada primarily on moist 

alkaline or saline soils with shallow water tables. Saltgrass grows from the low 

valley bottoms to the middle sagebrush grass zone. It is most common in wetlands 

associated with broad, flat valleys and basins, in swales, on the margins of ponds, 

lakes and reservoirs, and in seepage areas. The elevation range is between 2500 

and 6000 feet, and rainfall from 8 to 14 inches. It is quite resistant to fire and 

trampling. Often if is found growing in pure stands but may be found with other 

salt-tolerant grasses such as alkali sacaton. It is a sod-forming short grass with 

vigorous, creeping, scaley underground stems. The culms are decumbent to erect 

Saltgrass 

(10-40 cm tall). With rather short internodes. The rather stiff leaf blades are sharp, 

folded or inrolled for part of their length. 

Saltgrass has several adaptations to its habitat. Salt glands on the leaves 

extrude salt, allowing the plants to utilize salty water. It can survive flooding and 

heavy saturated soils if the leaves are exposed to air, allowing air to be moved 

from the leaves to the roots through a series of interconnected passages. The 

sharp-pointed scaly rhizomes effectively push through heavy clay soils, allowing 

saltgrass to colonize areas less favorable for seedling establishment. 

There are both female and male plants. Thus we say the species is dioecious. 

The inflorescence is a panicle from 1-7 cm long with short pedicels. The 

male spikelets have eight- to 15-flowers and are from 3/8 to 1 inch long. The 

female spikelets are mostly seven-or nine-flowered from 1/4 to 5/8 inch long. The 

glumes, or bracts around the flowers, are unequal, acute, blabrous (no hairs) with 

no awns. 

Saltgrass has little forage value, but is grazed when better grasses are not 

available. The foliage tends to be rather harsh and tough which reduces palatability. 

The sharp pointed blades may discourage grazing. On good sites this grass 

is cut for hay and yields from 1/2 to 1 ton per acre. This grass begins growth in 

April and seed stalks appear 6 to 12 inches high from July to September. It should 

be grazed during early growth stages when it is more palatable to livestock. 

Small mammals and birds use saltgrass for cover, nesting, as well as eating the 

rootstocks and seeds 

Growing where it does, on subirrigated alkali flats or near seeps and springs, 

saltgrass can generally be used to best advantage during the spring and fall 

drought periods when most upland grasses are dry. This short grass sod protects 

itself from overuse by growing close to the ground and increases fast as the better 

grasses are damaged by close grazing. It has been found that rumen compaction 

may develop if cattle are allowed to graze exclusively on this species in fall or 

winter. Although this grass is not a high producer it can be an important forage 

plant if you have considerable low land high in salt and alkali on your ranch. 




SOCIETY FOR RANGE MANAGEMENT 

Keeping Water on the Land Longer 

Water is the limiting factor for plant growth in the Great Basin. After 

warm spring temperatures allow plants to grow, they continue to 

grow until the soil moisture dries up. The longer water remains stored in the soil, 

the longer plants grow, increasing both above and below-ground plant material. 

In ever-wet riparian areas, plants grow throughout the summer. Riparian plants 

grow longer if the water from precipitation or snowmelt gets stored in an aquifer 

to be released as spring and stream flows. On any watershed, precipitation is the 

number one factor in forage production. It is unfortunate that there is little or 

nothing we can do to increase precipitation. 

What we can influence is getting water into the ground. On uplands, roots in the soil 

provide the organic matter for soil structure and porosity. Above ground plant parts provide 

the solar panels to grow the roots and slow the impact of moving water. Slowing the 

movement of water allows time for it to soak into the soil. Thus, there is a three-way link 

among grazing for plant health, (more above and below-ground plant production) regrowth 

after grazing, and getting more water into the soil. Water that runs off and flows out of the 

watershed in the winter or early spring, or in a flood, creates risk but provides little or no 

benefit. The job of a watershed (or more descriptively, a water catchment) is to capture, 

store, and safely release the water from precipitation. Areas that control the rate and the 

effects of water flow the most on a catchment are the riparian areas. How riparian areas 

function to keep water on the land longer depends on their setting in the watershed. How 

well they do this depends on their vegetation (type, amount, and vigor), including woody 

debris in some places, and their form, including their floodplain in some places. 

The physical functionality of riparian areas is a foundational keystone for ranch operations. 

Properly functioning riparian areas are critical to the ranch’s economic viability. Not 

only does keeping water on the land longer improve forage quantity and quality (increasing 

livestock productivity), it increases resilience and stability of the watershed through the 

years, and reduces flood damage. It also decreases the potential for conflict with agencies 

and/or others who care about riparian areas for a long list of reasons. Ranchers have many 

opportunities for successful riparian management. The more successful ranchers are in 

managing riparian areas, the less other people will try to force them to manage differently. 

During settlement, ranches were usually located where water was available to irrigate 

good soil, soil the stream had been depositing slowly for thousands of years. In most valleys 

the stream builds a floodplain with meanders that slowly sweep down the valley as 

the stream swings back and forth across the valley. As the stream moves, it deposits sediment 

on the point bars during high water. Sediment deposits keep pace with erosion on the 

outside of the meanders if those banks are held together by deep dense root systems. As 

riparian plants colonize (occupy) the sediment, new vegetation captures more sediment by 

slowing the velocity of high waters. Roughness from rocks, bends, and vegetation acts like 

a brake and meanders act like switchbacks on a mountain road, decreasing the slope. These 

features decrease the speed of flowing water so that it doesn’t crash into banks with such 

force that it tears them up and washes them away. Slowing water in a thin sheet across a 

broad floodplain also allows deposition of a thin layer of fertile soils while the soil below 

becomes charged with water stored in a “sponge”. Far more water goes into the aquifer 

when water flows across a floodplain than if the same flow is contained in a creek that has 

grown too deep from erosion in past high waters. Today many floodplains rarely have the 

opportunity to soak in the water of annual high flows in places as they once did in most 

years. We are too late to prevent channel erosion that has already happened. Fortunately, 

streams recover. We can work with their natural tendencies for restoration once we understand 

what creeks and riparian areas do to function properly. More importantly, we can 

prevent the unraveling of areas at risk. 

The Creeks and Communities Team works with people all over Nevada to recognize 

opportunities to maintain and improve their creeks and riparian areas. We work with local 

people to help them develop their own solutions to unique challenges. The team includes 

people from many walks of life including ranching, land management agencies, education, 

etc. None of us is as smart alone as when we think as part of an interdisciplinary team. Our 

By Sherman Swanson 1 Gary McCuin 2 and Kent McAdoo 3 

Creeks and Communities Team represents many disciplines, including hydrology, soils, 

range or plant ecology, and fish or wildlife biology. We have found that generally people 

come together in a community and work proactively together when they understand and 

focus on the physical functioning of their riparian areas. Even if people disagree about 

riparian values, they can agree about physical functions. Therefore, one of the first things 

we teach is riparian proper functioning condition assessment. Riparian areas function 

properly 4 when adequate vegetation, landform, and large woody debris are present to: 

• dissipate stream energy associated with high waterflow, thereby reducing erosion 

and improving water quality; 

• filter sediment, capture bedload, and aid floodplain development; 

• improve water retention and ground-water recharge; 

• develop root masses that stabilize streambanks against cutting action; 

• develop diverse ponding and channel characteristics to provide the habitat and 

water depth, duration, and temperature necessary for fish production, waterfowl breeding, 

and other uses; 

• support greater biodiversity. 

All these functions differ from place to place. The type and amount of vegetation, 

landform, and woody debris needed for riparian functions also varies as do the specific 

benefits provided by the functions. This makes proper functioning condition tremendously 

flexible and useful, but not always easy to understand. We have two classes scheduled this 

spring. April 15 & 16 in Pine Valley, south of Carlin, NV and May 21 & 22 in Bridgeport, 

CA. More classes can be scheduled as needed. The classes and instructional materials are 

free, and you are invited to come and learn as well as to add your thoughts, especially when 

we go look at creeks and springs. 

Our Team does not want to be judgmental. We do want to help put you in charge of 

your creek in a positive way. We realize that your real estate value may eventually increase 

but emphasize that your family gets to enjoy the benefits of a functioning riparian 

system every day. We all believe in private property rights. We also recognize that what a 

neighbor does with his water and creek may affect your water, your part of the creek, and 

your ability to make a living. To be a good neighbor, people should take time to be careful 

about their creek. To be a community of neighbors, we often take time to work together to 

understand the creek, to be understood about the creek, and to find win-win solutions for 

priority problems in the creek. 

Focusing on the physical functioning of riparian areas is working within your sphere 

of influence and for many it ought to be their center of focus in their watershed. While 

floods can be a real problem, floods can also be beneficial. Even minor floods sometimes 

tear the heart out of beautiful ranches, leaving a deep gully and an inability for the ranch 

to economically irrigate once valuable meadows. Yet, some dam-break events have hardly 

left a mark downstream. 

Since we can do little to increase precipitation, we must take advantage of opportunities 

to increase the retention of precipitation to support plants and animals for a longer 

period. By influencing the movement of water we can improve infiltration of water into 

the soil, reduce accelerated erosion (particularly in the wrong places), or manage sediment 

deposition for stream recovery. Knowing what will be effective begins with understanding 

the stream’s need for physical functions and developing an ability to assess functionality. 

Then managers can select strategies to target the management needed, and monitoring 

can focus on specific areas and questions. We hope to see you soon at a Riparian Proper 

Functioning Condition Assessment Class near you. 

1 

Range Extension Specialist, University of Nevada, Reno – College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and 

Natural Resources – Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science. sswanson@cabnr. 

unr.edu ph 775-784-4057 

2 

Eureka County Educator, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension 

3 

Area Natural Resources Specialist, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension 

4 

Prichard, D., H. Barrett, J. Cagney, R. Clark, J. Fogg, K. Gebhardt, P.L. Hansen, B. Mitchell, and D. Tippy. 

1993. Riparian area management—process for assessing proper functioning condition. TR 1737-9. USDI, 

Bureau of Land Management - Service Center, Denver, CO. 60 p. 

The Society for Range Management (SRM) is “the professional society dedicated to supporting persons who work with rangelands and have a commitment to their sustainable use.” SRM’s members are ranchers, 

land managers, scientists, educators, students, conservationists – a diverse membership guided by a professional code of ethics and unified by a strong land ethic. This series of articles is dedicated to connecting 

the science of range management with the art, by applied science on the ground in Nevada. Articles are the opinion of the author and may not be an official position of SRM. Further information and a link to submit 

suggestions or questions are available at the Nevada Section website at http://www.ag.unr.edu/nsrm/. SRM’s main webpage is www.rangelands.org. We welcome your comments. 



Upcoming Workshops 

Offered by University of Nevada 

Cooperative Extension and Partners 

Do you need more information about invasive weed identification and control? Do 

you need training for restricted use pesticide/herbicide certification? Would you like to 

improve the functionality of your streams and springs (riparian areas) to keep water on 

the land longer for livestock, wildlife, and/or other uses? Would you like information 

on how to protect your property from wildfire? Need more information on protecting 

your alfalfa or landscape plantings from ground squirrels, gophers, or voles? Do you 

have teenagers who are interested in ranching or natural resources and want practical 

training? Would you like more information on how to manage livestock and rangeland 

vegetation more effectively? Need details about monitoring your livestock allotment? If 

you have answered “yes” to any of the above questions, please consider attending any 

of the pertinent educational events described below. 

From Mid-April through late June, the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, 

in cooperation with several other partners, is offering a variety of workshops and 

field trips. These educational opportunities are listed chronologically below, along with 

contact information for more details. 

April 15 – 16: Riparian Proper Functioning Condition Workshop, at Pine Valley 

Volunteer Fire Station (see article in this issue of The Progressive Rancher). 

Includes field trips. 

Contacts: Sherm Swanson (swanson@cabnr.unr.edu, ph. 775-784-4057) or Kent 

McAdoo (mcadook@unce.unr.edu, ph. 775-138-1251). 

May 6 – 8: Elko County Weed Extravaganza, at Elko Convention Center, Elko, NV. 

Includes Weed Summit (May 6), Pesticide Applicator Training (May 7), and testing 

for restricted use pesticide/herbicide certification (May 8). 

Contacts: Kent McAdoo (mcadook@unce.unr.edu, ph. 775-138-1251) or Eleanor 

O’Donnell (Eleanor.Odonnell@nv.nacdnet.net, ph. 775-8431-ext. 101). 

May 15 – 17: Elko Fire Fair, at Elko Convention Center, Elko, NV. Includes Defensible 

Space (May 15), Great Basin Fire Ecology and Vegetation Management 

(May 16), and field trips (May 17). 

Contacts: Kent McAdoo (mcadook@unce.unr.edu, ph. 775-138-1251) or Dylan 

Rader (Dylan_Rader@blm.gov, ph. 753-0200). 

May 21-22: Riparian Proper Functioning Condition Workshop, Bridgeport, CA 

(see article in this issue of The Progressive Rancher). Includes field trips. 

Contacts: Sherm Swanson (swanson@cabnr.unr.edu, ph. 775-784-4057) or Kent 

McAdoo (mcadook@unce.unr.edu, ph. 775-138-1251). 

May 24: Vertebrate Pest Management Workshop (emphasis rodents), tba Great 

Basin College Campus, Elko, NV. 

Contact: Jay Paxson (paxsonj@unce.unr.edu, ph. 775-738-4722). 

June 6 – 7: Using Livestock to Control Cheatgrass – Nevada Section Society for 

Range Management Summer Tour, at University of Nevada Gund Ranch in 

Grass Valley north of Austin, NV. 

Contacts: Ken Conley (kconley@cabnr.unr.edu, ph. 775-964-2026) or Gary Mc- 

Cuin (mccuing@unce.unr.edu, ph. 775-237-5326). 

June 15 – 21: Nevada Youth Range Camp (for kids age 14 – 18 yrs) – Big Creek 

Campground 12 miles south of Austin, NV (see article in this issue of The Progressive 

Rancher). 

Contacts: Kent McAdoo (mcadook@unce.unr.edu, ph. 775-738-1251); Brad 

Schultz (schultzb@unce.unr.edu, ph. 775-623-6304); or Sherm Swanson (swanson@cabnr.unr.edu, 

ph. 775-784-4057). 

June 25 – 26: Range Management School & Rangeland Monitoring for Permittees, 

Wells Rural Electric Building, Wells, NV. Includes field trip to nearby locations. 

Contacts: Kent McAdoo (mcadook@unce.unr.edu, ph. 775-138-1251) or Ron 

Torell (torellr@unce.unr.edu, ph. 775-738-1721). 

Apply Now for Range Camp 

Caliente, Nev., March 6 — Applications are now being accepted from high school 

students to attend the Nevada Youth Range Camp to be held June 15-21 at the U.S. Forest 

Service’s Big Creek Campground in central Nevada. Applications must be postmarked 

by April 28. 

“Range Camp is a teenager’s best opportunity to learn about Nevada’s desert and 

mountain rangelands,” said Jim Gatzke, youth camp coordinator. The Society for Range 

Management operates the week-long camp for 14-18 year olds from Nevada and eastern 

California. 

Campers will have the opportunity to learn from range management professionals 

who are knowledgeable in the ecology and management of the Great Basin’s desert and 

mountain rangelands. Students learn basic surveying and map reading, identification 

and importance of rangeland plants, evaluation of sagebrush and woodland ecosystems, 

wildlife surveying techniques, evaluation of stream health, and many other topics related 

to rangelands. While the camp is educational, it also offers an enjoyable, outdoor 

experience with activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, volleyball, horseshoes, 

campfires and photography. 

Interested students must submit an application, health form, and letter of recommendation 

from a qualified adult. The cost to attend Range Camp is $150, which 

includes meals and camp activities. Applicants can be sponsored to attend Range 

Camp by contacting their local conservation district or other organizations. Forms and 

information can be found on the Nevada Youth Range Camp Web site at http://www. 

ag.unr.edu/nsrm/camp.html, or by contacting Jim Gatzke at (775) 726-3101 or james. 

gatzke@nv.usda.gov. 

Completed applications with enclosures can be mailed to NV Youth Range Camp, 

c/o USDA NRCS, PO Box 8, Caliente, NV 89008; or can be e-mailed to Gatzke. If sent 

by e-mail, letters of recommendation must be on the adult’s official letterhead or must 

be a scanned copy of the adult’s letter and signature. Applications must be postmarked 

or emailed by Monday, April 28, 2008. Approved applicants will be notified within two 

weeks. 

Camp is held every June at the US Forest Service Big Creek Campground in central 

Nevada’s Toiyabe Mountain Range. The Toiyabes are one of Nevada’s most impressive 

mountain ranges with several peaks over 10,000 feet in elevation. June is an ideal time 

to be in the Toiyabes when numerous wildflowers are in bloom and the vegetation is 

green from the recent snowmelt. 

NDOW Seeks 

Information on 

Ducks Left To Waste 

$ 

500 Reward Offered 

Nevada Department of Wildlife game wardens are seeking any tips or information 

on fourteen ducks found killed and left to waste near Gardnerville 

Ranchos on Wednesday. 

None of the ducks were field cleaned and several were still attached to a duck 

strap that was also abandoned. 

“We need the public’s help in cases like these,” said Reid Varble, the game 

warden stationed in Gardnerville. “This crime really disgusts me. There is no 

reason to let meat rot and take these birds from sportsmen and taxpayers.” 

Operation Game Thief (OGT) is offering a reward of $500 for information on 

this crime. Anyone with information can contact OGT at (800) 992-3030. Calls 

will remain anonymous. 

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 conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support 

wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, 

or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org. 




Bighorn Sheep Die-off In Hay’s 

Canyon Range 

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) has been investigating an apparent 

bighorn sheep die off in the Hay’s Canyon Range, a chain of mountains in northwestern 

Nevada. The news of a possible disease event in this area came from a 2007 bighorn sheep 

tag-holder after the hunter observed what appeared to be a sick ewe that was found dead a 

few hours later. 

NDOW game wardens retrieved the carcass, which was submitted for veterinary diagnostic 

work-up and a thorough necropsy examination. The results of the examination, 

backed up by various laboratory results, confirmed that the ewe died from severe bacterial 

pneumonia. 

ith funding from Nevada Bighorns Unlimited (NBU) NDOW performed a follow-up 

aerial survey of the Hay’s Canyon area immediately following the discovery of the first 

dead ewe and only seven live sheep were observed. Increasingly intensive ground surveys 

in October and November followed. NDOW biologists and NBU members were able to 

locate several decomposed carcasses as well as several sick bighorn sheep. A number of 

samples were obtained from both sick and dead animals. As expected, bacterial pneumonia 

was identified in all animals. 

All evidence gathered in the fall of 2007 pointed to a die-off occurring in the area and 

a second helicopter survey was conducted by NDOW in mid-November covering the entire 

ridge system and western slope of the Hay’s Canyon Range. The survey turned up more 

carcasses and only two bighorn were seen alive. Several bighorn observed alive during the 

initial helicopter survey in October were later found dead near or adjacent to water sources. 

Additional ground surveys failed to locate any live bighorn. 

Based on veterinary findings and survey results, NDOW is convinced that a major disease 

event has seriously impacted the Hay’s Canyon bighorn population. NDOW biologists 

are hopeful that a small number of bighorn survived this catastrophic disease event - some 

Agreement Seeks Thriving 

Wildlife, Productive Land 

Nevada’s rangeland is an open playground for wildlife viewing, hunting, and other 

recreationists. It is also a workplace for ranchers: sheep, cattle, and goats dine there. A new 

agreement among the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), the Nevada Department 

of Agriculture (NDOA), and the University of Nevada, Reno outlines goals towards understanding 

“disease events,” such as major wildlife die-offs, and towards effective rangeland 

management to benefit both livestock and wildlife. 

“Domestic livestock and wildlife both benefit the economy of Nevada and are important 

to the cultural heritage of the state,” said Ken Mayer, NDOW’s director. “All three agencies 

recognize, however, the risk of disease transmission when there is contact between domestic 

livestock and wildlife,” he continued. 

Collaborative research is a component of the recent Memorandum of Understanding, 

which focuses on bighorn sheep populations. Possibly because of their isolated populations, 

bighorn sheep may be particularly susceptible to pathogens. “We’re looking to understand 

the factors that influence the risk of disease transmission, and to establish mutually beneficial 

practices,” said Dr. Phil LaRussa, state veterinarian with NDOA. 

“All parties will actively participate in collaborative research, explained Dr. David 

Thain, state extension veterinarian at the university. “Science-based information can be 

used to improve disease management for the mutual benefit of producers and the wildlife 

resource.” 

Unexplained die-offs of wild bighorn sheep populations have occurred in the past, the 

most recent in the fall of 2007. A herd in the Hay’s Canyon Range in the northwest part of 

the state suffered great losses attributed to bacterial pneumonia. 

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 conservation fees and 

a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation 

in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, 

visit www.ndow.org. 


sheep may have a genetic resistance to certain diseases - and are still occupying the range. It 

is also possible that some of the population migrated to a more hospitable area in response to 

the severe drought conditions of the past year. Reports made to NDOW and the local office 

of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) indicate the presence of live bighorn north of the 

Hays Canyon Range along the Vya Rim and while the numbers of bighorn there remain low, 

the animals that have been seen appear to be healthy, apparently unaffected by the disease 

event that occurred further south. 

“We’re working hand-in-hand with the Nevada Department of Agriculture in diagnostic 

work,” said Dr. Mark Atkinson, NDOW’s wildlife veterinarian. “Landowners and 

grazing permit holders in the area are also participating in the investigation; we’re all concerned 

about the death of these bighorn sheep and are working cooperatively to solve this 

puzzle.” 

Unfortunately it may be some time before NDOW biologists have a good understanding 

of the factors that initiated this disease event or how many resident bighorn survived it. Respiratory 

disease in bighorn sheep is especially complex, usually involves multiple factors 

and specific causes can be very difficult to determine. NDOW will continue to investigate 

this bighorn sheep die-off and through collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, 

University of Nevada Reno, NBU, BLM and local ranchers hopes to be able to shed light 

on what may have contributed to this disease event. 

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 conservation fees and 

a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation 

in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, 

visit www.ndow.org. 

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 

Tom & Kathi Turner 

6445 Morning Dove 

Winnemucca, NV 89445 

775-635-1425 

All Bulls 

Tested 

Negative for 

BVD 

Private Treaty Sales * High Desert Raised 

tbrangus@wmca.net 

www.turnerbrangusranch.com 


BEEF CHECKOFF NEWS 


CHECK-OFF and BEEF RECALL INFORMATION 

Kim Essex, vice president of communications at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association- 

which coordinated and delivered the response for the Beef Check-off Program-was featured 

in a satellite media tour and appeared in more than 100 TV news reports nationwide, notably 

on NBC’s “Today” show and the Fox Business Channel. The safety message she delivered 

to consumers reached upwards of 14 million viewers. Dr. James “Bo” Reagan, vice president of 

research and knowledge management, was featured in dozens of print publications and online 

media, notably in an Associated Press article that gained considerable nationwide pickup and 

an op-ed piece in the Kansas City Star. Other major newspapers quoting Dr. Reagan include 

the Chicago Tribune, Washington Post and Los Angles Times. 

A third party expert spokesperson, Janey Thornton, Director of Child Nutrition Association 

for Hardin County Schools in Elizabethtown, KY and past president of the School Nutrition 

Association, also was featured in dozens of 

TV reports nationwide. 

Elburz Ranch: 

Located approx. 15 miles East of Elko on the 

Humboldt River this ranch has approx. 600 

deeded acres of which around 400 acres are 

water righted. It also has a 300 head cow 

BLM permit in the North Fork Allotment. Improvements 

include a large older home with 

improvements; a 600 ton hay barn with concrete 

floor; a horse barn and shop building; 

and a indoor arena. Price: $1,600,000. Consider 

combining this ranch with the Deeded 

sheep Spring Range outlined below. 

Elko Co. Deeded Spring Sheep 

range with BLM permit: 

This is a 10,960 deeded acre property with 

additional BLM permits in the North Fork 

Allotment. The BLM permit is 29% public 

lands. Currently used for sheep but could 

be converted to cattle. Priced at only $130/ 

acre including 50% of the mineral rights. 

Ranch property on Ten Mile Creek: 

Price recently reduced to $398,000. This is 

a 40+ acre property with 18 acres of Water 

rights out of Ten Mile Creek. It has a modern 

manufactured home , a good sized Insulated 

shop with concrete floor and a horse barn 

and all the equipment you need to hay the 

property. 

Cordano/Indian Creek Ranch: 

This White Pine County ranch is located in 

Steptoe Valley at the foot of the Cherry Creek 

Mountain Range. It has just less that 1000 

deeded acres and a BLM permit that runs in 

common in the Cherry Creek allotment. The 

water is from Springs on the property and a 

good portion of the deeded is a pasture type. 

Priced to sell at $1,300,000. 

Black Mountain Deeded 

Summer Pasture: 

I’ve been leasing this property for years and 

it is some of the best summer grass in Elko 

County and it is well watered. Can’t afford 

to buy it, but hopefully you can. There are 

approx. 3280 deeded acres under fence. 

Priced at $557,600. Terms to qualified buyer. 

SOLD 

SOLD 

The check-off program has issued nine 

Issue Advisories and Issue FYI reports to 

state beef councils, providing critical information 

tools and resources, including reports 

about USDA actions, messages and talking 

points, media statements, fact sheets, draft 

letters to the editor and template letters to 

send to school districts regarding beef safety. 

Media training was made available for state 

spokespeople in preparation for interviews 

and national staff worked with states to develop 

state-specific communications. 

Thanks to check-off efforts, 425 retailers 

also received an e-newsletter sharing a media statement and resources to respond to consumer 

questions. In addition, a consumer hotline with a recorded beef industry message and referrals 

to additional information sources was set up and a fact sheet about the Hallmark recall posted 

on www.beefsafety.org 

CHECK-OFF 

DOLLARS IN 

VEGAS 

Your check-off dollars really 

went to work in Las Vegas, NV for 

the International Hospitality Week 

Trade Show and Culinary Challenge. 

Well over 30,000 business 

men and women visited the International 

Restaurant Show, Night 

Club and Bar Show and the Coffee 

and Tea Expo. 

The Nevada Beef Council 

(along with the support from NC- 

BA’s Beef Board’s Federation and 

Lido Veal and Lamb, Inc.) had 

a corner booth that featured the 

goodness of beef, but also featured 

Nevada Beef Council’s booth at the Las Vegas 

mega hospitality trade show that was viewed by 

over 30,000 food service professionals. 

the four “new” cuts of veal that was created from the chuck. The “new” cuts were presented 

as cooked plate presentations for the restaurant trade and they received a lot of interest for additional 

menu ideas from the attending chefs. 

The Nevada Beef Council also sponsored a culinary challenge from the top chefs in the 

nation. The meat of choice was veal racks, in which the chefs had to make four cooked plate 

presentations for the famed judge’s professional evaluation. 

BEEF BACKER AWARD “AWARD OF MERIT” 

When you visit Yerington, NV check out there award hanging proudly at Dini’s Casino 

and Casino West. Ormachea’s Dinner House in Winnemucca proudly displays there award and 

in Elko, Roy’s Market is an honoree as well as the Star Restaurant and Machi’s. Don Noorda of 

Wells received his award for his educational skills and producing top placing FFA teams at the 

national Meats Evaluation contest. 

As a producer, do you have a business or person that should be honored? The categories are; 

restaurants, meat shops, dairy, meat processor, abattoir or an educational institution or person 

that is a strong supporter of BEEF. To receive an application, go to www.beef.org or contact the 

beef council and one will be mailed to you. 

Roy Herr, owner of Roy’s Market (Elko) and his meat manager are proudly displaying 

their Beef Backer “AWARD OF MERIT” Award on their meat counter for all to see. 




Winnemucca’s Ranch Hand Weekend 

Fun For Entire Family 

WINNEMUCCA, Nev.—Earlier this month, local families were treated to four 

days of fun-filled excitement as part of the 19th annual Ranch Hand Rodeo weekend. 

From Thursday, February 28, through Sunday, March 2, five fast-paced and fun 

events came together, drawing participants and spectators from numerous Western 

states and Canada; in all, more than 2,000 people packed the Winnemucca Events 

Complex. 

Saturday and Sunday, the 19th annual Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo saw 36 

teams go head to head in seven events including team roping, saddle bronc riding, cow 

mugging, calf roping, team branding, ranch doctoring and women’s steer stopping in 

their hunt for more than $20,000 in prizes plus enough bragging rights to last until the 

2009 competition. The Nevada Markeing, Inc Team from Fallon, Nev. took the top 

honors and winnings totaling over $6,615. 

Additionally, Friday’s Ranch, Rope and Performance Horse Sale was devoted 

to the equine enthusiasts as consignors and buyers gathered to auction off 55 horses 

to the highest bidders. This year’s High Selling Horse was Gins Smoke, consigned 

by Ike Thomas from Malta, Idaho, which sold for $12,000 to Mervin Munsch from 

Pleasanton, Calif. The 2008 Top 10 Sale Horse Average was $7,630. 

But there were plenty of other events to keep participants and spectators entertained 

as well. The Winnemucca Open Cow Dog Trials kicked off the weekend 

Thursday with 18 canine contestants who worked on verbal commands or whistles 

to put several head of cattle through various obstacles and maneuvers that simulated 

actual working ranch conditions. 

Ambrose McAuliffe and his border collie, Rebel, of Fort Klamath, Ore., took 

first place in the competition. They were followed by Pat Browning and Dub (N. San 

Juan, Calif.) in second place, Robin Nuffer (Mesa, Idaho) and Creasy in third, and 

Kirk Winebarger and Ladd (Post, Ore.) in fourth. 

With Reina Youngberg spearheading the event, the Stock Horse Challenge pit 

finely tuned cowhorses against the clock as they attempted to perform their everyday 

livestock handling duties in the fastest, most efficient manner possible. Horses entered 

in the Challenge were judged on their reining, cow work and roping abilities. 

This year’s winners in the Open Snaffle Bit/Hackamore competition included: 

First place – Laredo Nic (Owner: Roeser Ranch/Rider: Justin Bailey) $408; Second 

place – Hobbys Slidin Sister (Owner: Ivy Kent/Rider: Dave Thacker) $306; Third 

place – Fairlea Happy Pic (Owner: Therese and Basi Kehoe/Rider: Darrel Norcutt) 

$204; Fourth place – Smart Dry Pepper (Owner: Justin Martin/Rider: Justin Martin) 

$102. 

In the Open Two-Rein/Bridle competition, winners included: First place - Leanin 

Nic (Owner: Roeser Ranch/Rider: Justin Bailey) $306; Second place – Slic N Smokin 

(Owner: Justin Martin/Rider: Justin Martin) $230; Third place – Chex Out Calboy 

(Owner: Kelli Day/Rider: Darrell Norcutt); Fourth place – Colonel Hot Java (Owner: 

Carol Pierce/Rider: Flint Lee) $77. 

In the Non-Pro Snaffle Bit/Hackamore competition, winners included: First place 

– Unos Peppy Star (Owner: Rusty Ruby/Rider: Rusty Ruby) $408; Second place 

– Hesa Quine Sabe (Owner: Tom and Carmen Buckinham/Rider: Carmen Buckingham) 

$306; Third place – Mr. Peppy O Hickory (Owner: Quinn and Toni Martin/Rider: 

Quinn Martin) $204; Fourth place – Freckles Commandit (Owner: Dean and Sharon 

Rhoads/Rider: Cowboy Rodriguez) $102. 

In the Non-Pro Two-Rein Bridle competition, winners included: First place - 

Chili Con Wenas (Owner: Liz Younger/Rider: Liz Younger) $544; Second place – Slic 

N Smokin (Owner: Justin Martin/Rider: Justin Martin) $408; Third place - Hobby’s 

Drifter (Owner: Tammy Lee/Rider: Tammy Lee) $272; Fourth place – Miss Slic 

Smoke (Owner: Bret and Amie Paulick/Rider: Bret Paulick) $136. 

The Ranch Hand Rodeo Pee Wee Events gave youngsters the chance to try their 

hand at Ranch Hand competition as well. Youth were divided into three age divisions—0-5, 

6-9 and 10-12—for Dummy Steer Roping; in the Stick Horse Barrels 

contestants had to be 5 years old or younger. 

Jaylen Eldridge was the winner of the Dummy Roping (0-5 years), Cole Eiguren 

was the winner of the Dummy Roping (6-9 years), and Jesse Eshill was the winner of 

the Dummy Roping (10-12 years). Tayler Eiguren was the winner of the Stick Horse 

Barrels competition. 

Each Pee Wee winner received a special Ranch Hand Rodeo silver buckle. Additionally, 

all participants received a buckle donated by Corral West. 

The Western Trade Show took place all four days, beginning at noon on Thursday 

and continuing through Sunday night. With 60 vendors attending this year’s show, 

shoppers were not disappointed in the selection of beautiful wares, from custom 

saddles and tack to silver, horsehair, rawhide, housewares, art, clothing and much, 

much more. 

Kim Petersen, WCVA Director, said the entire weekend was a success. He 

thanked the many volunteers who helped make the weekend a success including the 

Humboldt 



19th Ranch Hand Rodeo Produces Big Competition, Big Cash 

WINNEMUCCA, Nev.—The Winnemucca special event 

season went off with a roar earlier this month with the popular 

Ranch Hand Rodeo weekend. 

February 28 through March 2, five fast-paced and fun 

events drew participants and spectators from numerous Western 

states and Canada; in all, more than 2,000 people packed 

the Winnemucca Events Complex. 

The weekend included a Ranch, Rope and Performance 

Horse Sale, Stock Horse Challenge and Open Cow Dog Trial. 

A Western Trade Show got things started on Thursday, February 

28, with over 60 vendors and plenty of fantastic buys. 

The 19th annual Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo took 

place Saturday and Sunday, March 1-2. The action got underway 

Saturday morning with the traditional Calcutta auction of 

Ranch Hand teams. 

This year drew 36 four-man/one-woman teams—34 from 

outside the Winnemucca area—whose mission it was to outdo 

the competition in seven events, including saddle bronc riding, 

cow mugging, calf roping, team branding, team roping, ranch 

doctoring and women’s breakaway. Each team competed in 

all the events; women had to compete in steer stopping and 

cow mugging. 

Following fierce competition, it was Nevada Livestock 

Marketing, Inc. of Fallon, Nevada, that walked away with 

first-prize winnings of $6,615 along with Winnemucca Ranch 

Hand Rodeo Championship jackets. 

Second place went to the Mackenzie Ranch of Jordan 

Valley, Oregon, with winnings of $5,103; the B Bar B Quarter 

Horses of Elko, Nevada, captured third place and $3,591 in 

winnings; fourth place and $2,268 in winnings went to the 

Jack Payne, the Ranch Hand Rodeo’s top hand from 

the winning team, receiving a silver buckle donated 

by Harold and Rita Chapin and presented by Roy 

Zabala in memory of Dutch & John Zabala 

Eiguren Ranch of Jordan Valley, Oregon; 

and fifth place went to the Flying M Ranch 

from Imlay, Nevada, with $1,323 in winnings. 

Daniel Norcutt was the lucky winner 

of the Calcutta with $5,645. Second place 

went to Tim DeLong for his purchase of 

the Mackenzie Ranch Team; he walked 

away with $4,355. Richard Eiguren and 

Shadow Elordi bought the third-place 

B Bar B Quarter Horses Team as well 

as the fourth-place Eiguren Team. They 

won $3,064 and $1,935 respectively. Tim 

DeLong, who also bought the Flying M 

Ranch Team, took home fifth place and 

$1,129. 

The competition was sponsored by 

the Agricultural District No. 3. Director 

Kim Petersen said this year’s Ranch Hand 

Rodeo weekend was spectacular. “We had 

our highest registration numbers ever,” he 

said. “The Ranch Hand Rodeo continues 

to get stronger every year, and the addition of these 

other great events has made this a true event season 

opener.” 

The Ranch Hand Rodeo weekend used to round 

out the event season in September. “Our move to 

March has made all the difference,” said Petersen. “By 

March, folks are going stir-crazy; they’re ready to get 

out and see some action.” 

Petersen said that kind of “action” would be impossible 

without the Winnemucca Event Center. “This 

rodeo is just one more good example of how that center 

is changing the way we do business,” said Petersen. 

“Before it was built, there was no way we could have 

enjoyed a show like this in early March, and our local 

businesses could not have enjoyed the extra influx of 

income.” 

Petersen, along with the entire rodeo committee, 

thanked the many volunteers and sponsors who helped 

make the Ranch Hand Rodeo weekend a success. 

Ranch Hand Rodeo results follow: 

Ranch Hand Team Winners: 

First Place: Nevada Livestock Marketing, Inc. 

(Fallon, NV) $6,615 – Darrel Norcutt, Jack Payne, Billy 

Finks, Buddy Blosser and Rosie Bliss. Points: 40 

Second Place: Mackenzie Ranch (Jordan Valley, 

OR) $5,103 – Ryan Mackenzie, Sam Mackenzie, Josh 

Mackenzie, Josh Bruce and Lacey Matteson. Points: 

32 

Third Place: B Bar B Quarter Horses (Elko, NV) 

- $3,591 – Mark Eldridge, Marlow Eldridge, John 

Schutte, Hanes Holman and Audrey Eldridge. Points: 

30.5 

Fourth Place: Eiguren Ranch (Jordan Valley, 

OR) $2,268 - Richard Eiguren, Mike Eiguren, Jason 

Eiguren, Shawn Lequerica and Jane Eiguren. Points: 

30 

Fifth Place: Flying M Ranch (Imlay, NV) - $1,323 

– Tim DeLong, T.J. Thompson, D.W. Fowler, Jess Eary 

and Rita Fowler. Points: 26 

Winning Ranch Hand Rodeo Team- Nevada Livestock Marketing, 

Inc. from Fallon, NV - Pictured: Kim Petersen, WCVA Director, Jack 

Payne, Darrel Norcutt, Billy Finks, Buddy Blosser, Rosie Bliss, and 

announcer Pat Stanford. 

Winners of the Calcutta: 

First Place: $5,645– Darrel Norcutt bought the Nevada 

Livestock Team. 

Second Place: $4,355 – Tim DeLong bought the 

Mackenzie Ranch Team. 

Third Place: $3,064 – Richard Eiguren and Shadow 

Elordi bought the B Bar B Quarter Horses Team. 

Fourth Place: $1,935 – Richard Eiguren and Shadow 

Elordi bought the Eiguren Team. 

Fifth Place: $1,129 - Tim DeLong bought the Flying 

M Ranch Team. 

Individual Event Winners: 

Saddle Bronc: Ryan Mackenzie, Mackenzie Ranch, 

Score 76 

Team Roping: Nevada Livestock Marketing Inc. – Darrel 

Norcutt and Billy Finks – Faster Time: 7.22 

Calf Roping: Jeff Garijo, DeLong Ranches - Time: 

15.60 

Women’s Steer Stopping: Kassi Venturacci, Venturacci 

Livestock - Time: 5.59 

Wild Mugging: B Bar B Quarter Horses Team - Time 

40.03 

Team Branding: B Bar B Quarter Horses Team - Time: 

3:37:50 

Ranch Doctoring: C Lazy L Ranch – Time: 43.91 (Nathan 

Kelly Sr., Nathan Kelly Jr., Robert Crutcher 

and Asher Freeman) 

Top Hand Award: (Given in memory of John & Dutch 

Zabala and present by Ray Zabala) 

Jack Payne, Nevada Livestock Marketing, Inc. 

- 34 points 




Payouts 

2008 Ranch Hand Rodeo Teams: 

B Bar B Quarter Horses, Elko 

B Team, Alturas, CA 

Blossom Ranch, Owyhee 

C 7 Ranch, Weiser, ID 

C Lazy L Ranch, Owyhee 

Coleman Cattle Co., Harper, OR 

Dave Stix Livestock, Fallon 

Dave Wood Ranches, Bridgeport 

Davison Ranch, Caldwell, ID 

DeLong Ranches, Winnemucca 

Eiguren Ranch, Jordan Valley, OR 

Eliason/Taylor Ranch, St. Anthony 

Flying M Ranch, Imlay 

GS Bar Ranch, Carlin 

HS Ranch, Paradise Valley 

J3T Inc., Gooding, ID 

Lazy S Ranches, Yerington 

Lee Ranches, Fallon 

Lee Stock Horses & Livestock, Fallon 

Mackenzie Ranch, Jordan Valley 

Martinez Cowboys, Winnemucca 

Nevada Livestock Marketing, Fallon 

Nevada Star, Fallon 

Quarter Circle CH, Winnemucca 

R-Arrow, Round Mountain 

Rocking R Team, Bruneau, ID 

Slash Y Cattle Co., Wellington 

Sligar Ranch Team, Spring Creek 

Stewart Ranch, Haines, OR 

Tanner Ranch, Rogerson, ID 

The B Flat, Battle Mountain 

Tulle Land & Lvstk, Wendle, CA 

Van Norman Ranch, Tuscarora 

Venturacci Livestock, Fallon 

Villagrana Ranch, Vale, OR 

Wolf & 6D Ranches, Fallon 

Performance Horse Sale Scores 

Big With Consignors, Buyers 

WINNEMUCCA, Nev.—Some of the West’s premier work and show horses were up for sale earlier this month 

as part of Nevada’s favorite ranch hand weekend. 

The Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo weekend celebrated its 19th year from Thursday, February 28, through 

Sunday, March 2. Thirty-six teams vied for honors Saturday and Sunday at the Winnemucca Event Center. The 

weekend also featured a Stock Horse Competition, Cow Dog Trials, Western Trade Show and Pee Wee dummy steer 

roping and stick horse barrels competitions. 

One of the weekend’s high points was the Ranch, Rope and Performance Horse Sale, which drew horse sellers 

and buyers to Winnemucca from all over the Western United States. The sale also featured one of the world’s best 

auctioneers: Rick Machado, the 1999 World Champion Auctioneer from Arroyo Grande, Calif. 

Machado, along with his seasoned team of pedigree and ring men, set the stage for a bid-slinging, action-packed 

evening. The sale crew included the talents of Matt MacFarlane, John Dickinson, Dennis Metzger, and Steve Goedert. 

“We had such a great response to the sale,” said Michelle Hammond Urain, Winnemucca Convention and Visitors 

Authority Marketing and Sales Coordinator. “We have been getting such positive feedback.” 

Urain added, “It was a great event. We had a professional crew who really made sure our sale was a success.” 

The sale was open to ranch, rope and performance horses under saddle two years and older aswell as grade 

horses. All entries were inspected for soundness, conformation, temperament and quality; only the best horses were 

featured in the catalog and sale. 

Urain said the WCVA horse sale team was very focused on producing a high quality sale. Consignors were asked 

to submit a recent short video of each sale horse to enable the committee to expedite their evaluations. Additionally, 

rope horses were previewed roping out of the box, while cutting and working cow horses were given the option to 

work a single cow in the auction arena during the sale. 

The High Selling Horse was Gins Smoke, consigned by Ike Thomas from Malta, Idaho, which sold for $12,000 

to Mervin Munsch from Pleasanton, Calif. Other top sellers included Leanin Nic, consigned by Roeser Ranch Co., 

which sold for $10,000, to Lee Smith, and Idaho Style, consigned by Tom and Carmen Buckingham, which sold for 

$9,000 to Ambrose McAuliffe. This year’s Top 10 Sale Horse Average was $7,630. 

Urain said the event could not have seen such success without the 2008 Sifting Committee members including 

sale manager Dave Grashuis, Dr. Reese Hand, D.V.M., Lee Smith, Charley Amos, Danny Martinez and Wayne 

Lund. 

Additionally, renowned horseman and NRCHA Hall of Fame and Triple Crown Winner Bobby Ingersoll assisted 

by providing feedback on the auction block. “The hard work and dedication of these men truly helped make the sale 

a success,” said Urain. 

The 20th anniversary Ranch Hand Rodeo weekend is scheduled for Thursday, February 27, through Sunday, 

March 1, 2009. Additional information will be posted at www.winnemucca.com as it becomes available. 

Leanin Nic, consigned 

by Roeser Ranch from Marsing, ID. The 

buyer was Lee Smith from Washoe Valley, NV. The horse sold 

for $10,000. Leanin Nic and rider Justin Bailey won the Open Two-Rein/Bridle 

competition in the Stock Horse Challenge. They received an additional incentive 

for high point sale horse. Pictured: Dan Roeser, Lee Smith, and Justin 

Bailey In addition, part of the auction crew Bobby Ingersoll, Matt MacFarlane, 

Rick Machado, and Michelle Urain are pictured in the background. 

Gins Smoke, 

consigned by Ike & Shanna 

Thomas from Malta, ID. The buyer was Merven Munsch 

from Pleasanton, CA. The high selling horse at $12,000. 



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Cowboy’s Lullaby 

In the midst of the winter, ‘neath a sliver of moon 

The north wind rises and picks out a tune 

On barbed wire fences stretched banjo tight 

By the fruit of my labor and the chill of the night. 

The notes sound lonely, but before too long, 

A distant coyote joins in the song. 

And my heart is beating in time with the sound 

Of my horse’s hooves on the frozen ground 

I’m riding high where the eagles fly, 

Where the Oregon mountains touch the sky; 

Where the sun and the rain 

Are the simple refrain 

Of the cowboy’s lullaby 






The unfettered freedom of the northern night 

Lifts my spirits and puts them to flight 

Swooping down the canyons and over the ridge. 

Life is a river and I am the bridge 

From the past to the present and around the bend, 

Here in the land that stands on end. 

Where the music is magic and flows in a stream 

Eroding the lines between life and a dream 

The moonlight dapples the western pine 

As they sway in the breeze just to stay in time. 

And the horse’s hot breath in the frigid air, 

Flows like a mane of ghostly white hair; 

A million stars glitter above and below, 

Like diamonds dancing in the fresh fallen snow. 

In which hoof prints draw a line from where I’ve been; 

And soon they will lead me back home again 

The journey’s well worth it, no matter how long, 

For I am a cowboy and this is my song. 






The night feels colder as I top the rim. 

So I turn up my collar and pull down my brim. 

There are miles to go with more of the same 

But I already feel the home fire’s flame. 

So a flick of the reins, a shift of my weight 

And the horse is flying through the 

spring pole gate. 

The works never done, but that’s 

all right 

I’m lost in the music, I’m a part of 

the night. 

by Gaynor Dawson 

West Richland, Washington, 

owner Crow Creek Ranch, Enterprise, Oregon 



F i n a n c i a l Focus 

Presented by Sonny Davidson, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones in Elko, Nevada 

Teach Your Children Well … 

About Saving and Investing 

Any day is a good day to start teaching children about saving and investing. But the 

“official” Teach Children to Save Day is April 29 - so you may want to take this opportunity 

to launch your efforts toward helping your children develop solid financial habits. 

The American Bankers Association Education Foundation established National Teach 

Children to Save Day to highlight the importance of teaching children to save and plan 

for the future. 

But as a parent, what steps can you take? Here are a few suggestions: 

• Explain the “three pools” concept. Encourage your children to divide their 

money into three pools: one for saving, one for spending and one for giving. 

The “spending” pool should be for fairly inexpensive purchases, such as small 

toys, whereas the “saving” pool should be earmarked for bigger purchases they 

may want to eventually make, such as video games or a new bicycle. You may 

want to suggest that your children use the “giving” pool to put aside money for 

birthday presents or contributions to charitable groups. 

• Exhibit appropriate behavior. Children may learn best by imitating their elders, 

so it’s important that you set a good example in the area of smart financial 

behavior. Take the time to explain to your children that, for instance, you’d 

like to buy a new car, but you can’t afford one now, so you are saving up for 

it. And look for similar opportunities to stress the connections between saving 

and reaching goals. 

• Simplify the concept of investing. You might think that young children can’t 

grasp the meaning of investing, but that’s not really the case. Just use simple 

terms and concepts, and they’ll get it. You might say: “Anyone can buy little 

parts of a company. These little parts are called stocks, and the more that people 

like what the company makes, the more stock they will buy, and the more the 

stocks have the potential to be worth.” You can then connect the potential 

growth of stocks with the achievement of very long-term goals, such as a new 

home or the chance to retire comfortably. 

• Make investing fun. You can make investing seem more real to your kids by 

playing a “stock-picking” game. Each member of your family could choose to 

follow the stock of a company with which the kids are familiar.. You can create 

a daily chart of the stock’s prices, and at the end of a given period of time, 

such as three months, award a prize to the person whose stock has gone up the 

most. During this time, make sure to point out to your kids that stock prices 

will always go up and down and, in as “child-friendly” a way as possible, try 

to explain some of the key factors - demand for products, competition, basic 

economic forces - that cause stock prices to fluctuate. 

Teach Children to Save Day only lasts 24 hours - but the financial lessons you can 

impart to your children will stick with them for a lifetime. 

Weed Identification 

Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., Bugwood.org 

Rush Skeletonweed 

Asteraceae 

Chondrilla juncea L. 

The Rush Skeletonweed, a perennial that originated in Eurasia, grows 12 to 48 

inches tall and has a deep extensive root system. Its stems have coarse, red 

hairs that bend downward 4 to 6 inches up their base. The stem is hairless and smooth 

above. Sharply-toothed leaves form a dandelion-like rosette that withers as the flower 

stem develops. Leaves up the stem are inconspicuous, narrow, and entire. The green stems 

photosynthesize. The plant exudes a milky latex when cut or damaged. The flowers 

are scattered on the branches, are approximately 3/4 inch in diameter, and have 7 to 

15 yellow, strap-shaped petals. Flowers and the pale brown to nearly black, 1/8 inch 

long seeds are produced mid-July through frost. The seeds are ribbed with tiny, scaly 

projections on top and a long beak with soft, white bristles at one end. 

It inhabits well-drained, light-textured soils along roadsides and in rangelands, grain fields, and pastures. This plant 

prospers in disturbed soils and with 9 to 59 inches of annual precipitation. It is growing in Elko and Douglas counties in 

Nevada and infest millions of acres in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and California. 

Hand pulling and grubbing are effective in small, young infestations, but new plants will emerge from severed 

roots and buried seeds. Mowing and cultivation are ineffective; they increase infestation. Planting competitive 

legumes can reduce the populations. Early, repeated grazing by sheep can reduce or prevent production of rosettes 

and seed. Herbicides are ineffective due to lack of leaf surface; use surfactants to improve uptake of the chemical 

into the stems. Three biological control agents are available that reduce its competitiveness with other vegetation. 

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension “Invasive Weed Identification for Nevada” 

by Wayne S. Johnson, Robert E. Wilson, and Jessica Graham 

Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., Bugwood.org 

Utah State University Archive, Utah State University, Bugwood.org 




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. 



DR. Margaret, Ph.D. 

Dr. Margaret Winsryg, Ph.D. 

208-308-0106 

MNM Consulting Services 

Minerals are necessary for normal metabolic activity and body functions, 

and they can be divided into two main groups - macro minerals 

and micro minerals. Macro minerals are often referred to as “major” minerals 

because the horse requires these in larger amounts, while micro minerals are often 

referred to as “trace” Minerals as they are required in very small amounts. 

Supplementary levels of vitamins and minerals aim to improve the nutritional value of 

feeds by supplementing those elements which are likely to be absent or low in commonly 

used ingredients. Complete vitamin and mineral supplement is formulated to ensure that 

dietary deficiencies are corrected. What is surprising is, no matter what the quality of the 

feed ration or environment, the intake of essential dietary nutrients is likely to be deficient. 

Nutrients can be deficient for many reasons: adverse growing conditions, poor or depleted 

soils, the effects of sun and poor storage practices, and even processing of finished feeds. 

Supplementation is essential for both, 

(a) optimum growth, development and reproduction, 

(b) to ensure maximum body function and athletic efficiency 

The Importance of 

MINERALS 

Dr. Margaret Winsryg, Ph.D. 

MNM Consulting Services 

Stabled show horses and hard working animals are particularly prone to nutrient deficiencies 

(vitamins, minerals and trace elements), but, pregnant and growing animals are 

also susceptible, depending on pasture and feed quality, season, and environment. In addition, 

pleasure horses are not always fed a well balance ration, because they typically rely 

more on available pastures, hays and more basic diets where nutrient deficiencies affecting 

growth, development and performance can have devastating consequences. 

Requirements for working horses can have a huge increase in daily requirements for 

essential nutrients as well as horses in training and competition requires supplementation 

simply to meet the increased nutritional demands imposed by strenuous work, plus the 

increased need for tissue repair and maintenance. Does your horse not perform as well at 

the end of the day or the last spin or cut? Energy is probably the most limiting factor but 

Vitamen and minerals are close behind. 

If any essential nutrient is not available at the time it is required, all tissue repair, 

growth, energy production and performance cease until the essential nutrient is obtained. 

Nutrition, prevention is better than cure. 

MACROMINERALS 

Calcium - Primarily, calcium is the structural element of bone. In fact, almost all of 

the calcium in the horse is found in the skeletal system and the teeth. The small remaining 

amount of calcium is in muscle and blood, where it plays an important role in muscle 

contraction and relaxation. 

Phosphorus - Necessary for proper development of bone and teeth, phosphorus is 

also essential for many metabolic functions 

such as energy transfer within the 

body. There is a close relationship between 

calcium and phosphorus in the horse which 

is referred to as the “calcium: phosphorus 

ratio”. The balance between these two minerals 

is very important. In young, growing 

horses, the ration should consist of calcium: 

phosphorus ratio of 1:1 to 2:1 at proper dietary 

levels. A deficiency in phosphorus in 

a growing horse will result in reduced bone 

mineralization and predispose the horse to 

skeletal problems. 

The mature horse’s diet should be 1:1 

to 3:1, although some research has shown 

no adverse effects with up to a 6:1 ratio. 

Magnesium - Magnesium activates 

many enzymes which are involved in the metabolism of energy. Magnesium deficiencies 

in the foal cause many problems, however these concerns can be easily addressed by providing 

a balanced ration. 

Sulfur - Sulfur is typically provided in adequate supply in the daily diet. It is an 

essential amino acid component which is found largely in hair and hoof. It is part of the 

vitamins biotin and thiamin and the hormone insulin. Sulfur is also part of the composition 

of chondroitin sulfate. 

Sodium - One of the major electrolytes, sodium is lost in large amounts through 

perspiration and must be replenished. Many factors affect the loss of perspiration, and 

thereby sodium loss, including the size and activity of the horse, external temperature, 

and humidity. 

Chloride - Chloride is necessary for the synthesis of hydrochloric-acid by gastric 

glands which is utilized to lower the pH of the ingesta and to activate enzymes essential for 

protein digestion. Chloride is also lost through perspiration and must be replenished. 

Potassium - Potassium works within the cell and interacts with sodium. As sodium 

is lost through perspiration, so is potassium removed either through perspiration or by the 

kidneys. Most forages contain substantial potassium, so the horse should receive the proper 

dietary requirements when fed a balanced ration. 

MICROMINERALS 

Iron - Iron is an important component of red blood cells and is essential in the transport 

and storage of oxygen in the body. Iron absorption occurs in the small intestine and 

the level of absorption is controlled by 

many factors. Notably, as copper is also 

necessary for iron transport it can thereby 

control iron absorption. Excessive iron in 

the diet can interfere with the absorption of 

other minerals just as, conversely; excessively 

high levels of other minerals may 

limit iron absorption. 

Copper - In addition to copper being 

essential for the absorption of iron, 

it is required for bone production, skin 

pigmentation, and the function of several 

enzyme systems of the body. A deficiency 

in copper causes impaired melanin production 

resulting in a loss of black pigment 

in the hair, as well as, impaired immune 

function, anemia, and reproductive failure. 

Absorption of copper throughout the 




Allie Bear Real Estate 

Specializing in hunting, ranching, and horse properties 

digestive system is controlled by need. Excessive dietary copper intake is not known to be 

harmful to the horse and is simply excreted in the feces. 

Zinc - Zinc is a very important element of the horse’s diet. It plays a main role as a major 

element of many enzyme systems including skeletal development and the immune system. 

It is directly involved in the production, storage, and secretion of several hormones, 

and largely affects coat and skin health. A deficiency of zinc can develop relatively quickly 

and will be noticeable on the horse’s coat with scaling and flaking, similar to dandruff. 

Severe and prolonged deficiencies can result in extensive hair loss. In foals, inadequate 

dietary zinc will result in reduced growth and immune function. 

Manganese - Important in the development of bone and cartilage, manganese activates 

many other enzymes. While horses have not been known to have a deficiency of 

manganese, excessive calcium and iron have been demonstrated to reduce the absorption 

of manganese. 

Selenium - Selenium is required for muscle and immune functions, and is part of 

the enzyme which aids in the protection of the cell from oxidation along with Vitamin 

E. Selenium is absorbed in the small intestine, cecum and colon. Absorption of dietary 

selenium is quite high in horses, and an amount of 0.1 mg/kg in the diet provides the daily 

requirement. Maximum tolerance of selenium in the horse is approximately 2 mg/kg of 

the total diet. Toxicity can occur due to over-supplementation while a deficiency can result 

in white-muscle disease. Deficiencies are most noticed in younger horses not receiving a 

balanced ration. 

Cobalt - Cobalt is an integral part of vitamin B12. A cobalt deficiency has never been 

documented in the horse. 

Iodine - Iodine plays a role as part of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. 

It is readily absorbed from the gut and delivered directly to the thyroid gland. Thyroid 

hormones are important in many roles of the horse’s metabolism, skeletal development, 

growth, tissues, and reproduction. An iodine deficiency can be identified in newborn foals 

whose dams are deficient. Iodine toxicity can occur from feeding large amounts of kelp or 

by feeding supplements that contain high iodine levels. 

Chromium - Still under continuing research, chromium is known to be involved in 

the effect of insulin, blood glucose and lactic acid concentrations in performance horses 

but definitive findings have not yet been established. 

Fluorine - Readily absorbed from most dietary sources, fluorine is not known to be a 

required mineral for horses. It combines with calcium in the blood and is then deposited in 

bones and teeth. It will accumulate in the horse and can be noticeable by mottling on the 

teeth. Because it will accumulate and can reach toxic levels, it’s availability to the horse 

should be controlled. 

The primary source of fluorine is in drinking water so in specific geographical areas 

fluorine may be available at higher levels than in other areas. 

Because horses that eat only hay or pasture are usually deficient in most vitamins 

and minerals, it is important to add a balanced supplement daily. By providing your horse 

with a balanced ration consisting of good quality forage and a supplement or grain concentrate, 

along with a readily available source of salt and fresh, clean water, you will meet 

your horse’s daily dietary mineral requirements along with energy, vitamin, and protein 

requirements. 

Try my new Trilution, a complete supplement with Vitamen, mineral, direct fed microbials, 

enzymes and antioxidants. Vitamen and minerals take care of the horse nutrient 

requirements and the direct fed microbials, enzymes and antioxidants improve hind gut 

health as well as build tier immune system. Call for a 10 lbs. bucket 2083080106. 

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187± luscious acres of Nevada’s heartland tucked 

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offer. 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 

516 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. 

775-738-8535 

www.ARanchBroker.com 

Allie Bear, Broker/Realtor 

Realtors: Dawn Mitton, Connie Harlan, Riley Manzonie, Mike Sallee 

Calves stay 

healthier and 

perform better! 

- DAN FIElDS, KANSAS 

The Beauty 

of the Callicrate Bander 

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 Humboldt-Toiyabe 

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. 

Bear Ranch 

3 miles east of Elko. Cattle ranch and industrial land. 

$2,500,000. 

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 

2,100 acres water righted, 1,200 acres planted 

in alfalfa with 9 pivots, 80 foot scale, large shop, 

nice home and complete line of farm equipment. 

$4,500,000. 

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 

• Castrate 

• De-horn 

• DoCk tails 

• treat 

ProlaPses 

800-858-5974 

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“Best investment 

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VIRGINIA 

“2,000 head 

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GEORGIA 

“I can’t believe 

how easy it is 

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cattle don’t seem 

to mind at all.” 

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OREGON 

Never failed 

me! 

- KENNETh NEwTON, 

mISSOuRI 



Melinda Roche, DVM (208) 731-0661 

Successful Foaling 

It may not feel like it, but spring is almost here. It’s foaling time and I’d like to take this opportunity to review some key concepts. 

Knowledge of the normal foaling sequence and neonatal foal care will help you identify problems early and may save your foal. 

THE PREPARTUM MARE 

The average gestational length for most mares is 335-340 days (range 320- 

350 days). I often see mares go longer if they are scheduled to foal early in the 

year and the temperature is cold. Mares scheduled to foal early in the year should 

be kept under lights prior to foaling to try and avoid long gestation time. Pregnant 

mares should be given additional feed, beyond maintenance requirements, with an 

appropriate vitamin and mineral balance, in the last trimester of pregnancy. Mares 

with suboptimal nutrition programs often have foals with angular limb deformities. 

They can lose excessive weight prior to delivery and during lactation. These mares 

may also have poor colostral quality, which affects the foal’s immune system. 

Mares should be vaccinated and dewormed 4-6 weeks prior to their expected 

delivery date to maximize colostral antibody and decrease parasite exposure for 

the foal. 

PREPARING FOR DELIVERY 

Mammary growth begins about a month before delivery but the major change 

in udder size occurs in the last 2 weeks. As the time for delivery becomes imminent, 

the teats fill with milk, elongate and become tender. The mare may also develop 

edema (swelling) of the udder and ventral body wall. Many mares “wax up” (a 

clotted bead of colostrum at the end of the teat) 24-48 hours prior to birth. The 

muscles around the tail head relax and the mare may appear sunken in if looked at 

from behind. The vulva also elongates and may swell. The best place for a mare to 

foal is a clean, large stall (bedded with straw) or a clean pasture. Shavings should 

be avoided as they can stick to the foal’s nostrils 

and suffocate them. 

Most mares foal at night, with 86% occurring 

between 7 PM and 7 AM. It is a good idea 

TEMPERATURE 

to check the mare frequently because, unlike the 

HEART RATE 

cow, a mare in labor has a very short window 

BREATHING RATE 

before catastrophic complications can occur. 

DELIVERY 

Labor consists of three stages. 

In stage one the mare may become restless, pacing and pawing. She may exhibit 

profuse or patchy sweating and get up and down frequently. Stage one can last 

from minutes to hours, and during intervals between painful bouts the mare may 

eat or rest quietly. During this stage the front half of the foal starts to rotate from a 

flexed position to a position where the forelimbs and head are extended. Mares may 

interrupt the progression to stage two labor if they are disturbed. Stage one ends 

with the rupture of the membranes and release of allantoic fluid (breaking water). 

Stage two of delivery consists of expulsion of the foal. Delivery should progress 

rapidly, with the foal being born within 20-30 minutes. The white amnionic 

membrane surrounding the foal’s foot is usually visible at the vulvar lips within 5 

minutes of the water breaking. The foal should be presented with both forelimbs 

extended (one slightly ahead of the other) followed by the outstretched head. If 

your mare experiences prolonged labor without delivery of the foal-or if the foal 

appears to be in an abnormal position- contact your veterinarian immediately. The 

mare may get up and down during stage two, which can help to rotate the foal into 

normal position. If the foal appears to be in an abnormal position, getting the mare 

up and walking her may allow the foal to get into a better position. The contractions 

are the most forceful during delivery of the chest and the mare usually stops 

straining as the hips are delivered. Some maiden or out of shape mares may stop and 

rest at this time. If the foal is not moving enough to clear the amnionic membrane 

from it’s muzzle, it may suffocate. This is a very important reason to have someone 

present during delivery. 

Stage three of labor consists of the passage of the placenta. The mare should 

pass her placenta within 3 hours of foaling. It is important to seek veterinary intervention 

if the mare retains her placenta, as that can lead to a potentially fatal uterine 

infection. Uterine infections can affect future fertility and can cause laminitis. If a 

portion of the placenta is hanging it can be tied to itself to prevent tearing. Gentle 

manual traction may be used if the majority of the placenta is out. The mare can also 

be walked to try and get the placenta to pass. You should not put weights on the placenta 

or manually pull hard, as this may cause tearing or excessive bleeding from 

placental attachments. When the placenta is passed it should be checked to make 

sure it was delivered in its entirety. Lay the placenta out and it should look like an F. 

There is a large hole where the foal was delivered and the two “arms” should have 

rounded tips. If the tips are missing or there are large tears, a veterinarian should be 

consulted to make sure nothing was left in the mare. The placenta should be saved 

for examination at the time of the new foal exam. If the placenta has not passed by 

6 hours post foaling, veterinary attention is needed immediately. 

THE NEONATAL FOAL 

The first few hours of the foal’s life are critical. A healthy newborn foal should 

be able to stand within one hour of delivery and should be nursing within two hours. 

If your foal is too weak to stand and nurse, or if the foal has not nursed within 2-3 

hours of birth, contact your veterinarian immediately. Common causes of weakness 

include bacterial infection (often starts in utero), prematurity and/or neonatal 

maladjustment syndrome (dummy foal-neurologic dysfunction associated with 

lack of oxygen before or during delivery). Early 

veterinary intervention can be lifesaving. 

The foal’s umbilical stump should be dipped 

99-102 degrees F 

in dilute chlorhexidine (1 part Nolvasan solution 

80-100 beats/min 

to 3 parts water) at birth and then twice daily for 

20-40 breaths/min (at rest) 2-3 days or until the stump is dry. Strong iodine 

should not be used as it causes a greater risk of 

infection and reactions due to tissue necrosis. 

Betadine can be used but it’s antibacterial properties are deactivated in the presence 

of dirt and manure. 

The foal should pass its first manure, or meconium, within 12-24 hours. 

Meconium is pasty or pelleted in consistency and dark brown or black in color. If 

the foal does not pass the meconium or is straining, an enema should be given. A 

prophylactic enema given shortly after birth can help reduce the risk of meconium 

impaction. Following the meconium passage, the foal’s feces should be soft and 

light tan in color. 

The foal should drink at least 1-2 pints of good quality colostrum in the first 

24 hours of life to ensure absorption of adequate antibodies. Peak absorption occurs 

during the first 6-12 hours after birth. Newborn foals should be examined within 

24 hours of birth by a veterinarian. Blood can be drawn to detect whether the foal 

ingested enough colostrum. 

Foals should be observed frequently during the first few weeks of life to detect 

early signs of disease. Often the first sign of a sick foal is lethargy and decreased 

nursing vigor, often accompanied by an overly distended udder on the mare. A 

normal foal will nurse on average 3-5 times per hour. Young foals are at risk for 

respiratory diseases and diarrhea. Monitor the young foal’s breathing rate and effort, 

body temperature, nursing behavior and manure consistency. 

NORMAL FOAL VITAL SIGNS 

Luckily, foaling complications are rare in the mare (20%). Knowing the 

normal progression of foaling and the behaviors of normal foals can help avoid a 

catastrophy. Many neonatal foals have been saved by identifying problems early 

and seeking veterinary help. I wish you an uncomplicated foaling season. 

34 




Flagging from your Horse 

When I was a boy, the older 

buckaroos would say” 

Don’t do anything on foot that you 

can do on horseback.” I learned that 

if you wanted to become a good horseman 

that was good advice for two 

reasons. First by trying to do different 

jobs using your horse, your horse gets 

handier. Second, the more you do with 

your horse, the more you can learn 

from your horse. 

With this background when it came to 

starting horses, it only made sense to me 

to do all that could be done from a horse. 

Again the horse you are riding has a job so 

he has an opportunity to become handier, 

not only can you be safer and stronger when 

need be, but you can also become handier, 

too. 

In recent articles, we talked about the 

flagging process, the purpose, the philosophy, 

and now we can talk about the application 

from another horse. There are two 

things to remember and maintain using a 

horse to flag another horse. First keep your 

horse’s head pointed toward the colt’s tail. 

Second, keep the flag between the colt and 

your horse as they are in motion. This will 

be the way to position everything while in 

motion over ninety percent of the time. 

There will be times you may ride 

straight forward, back-up or side pass but if 

the flag is effectively working, the colt will 

be moving away from you. If your horse is 

traveling towards the colt’s tail, the rope 

will be tipping the colt’s nose towards you 

and the hindquarters away. 

Now with those being the primary 

objectives to positioning, here are some 

tips that may help. For your horse to travel 

towards the colt’s tail, your rein hand will 

be pointed towards the colt’s tail. When 

you are working from the right side of your 

horse, you will be on the right side of the 

colt. Your reins are in the left hand, and flag 

in your right hand. When you change sides, 

change hands. If you don’t feel confident 

and safe with the rope around the saddle 

horn, hold it in the same hand as your reins. 

This way as the colt pulls on you, he pulls 

your rein, turning your horse to catch up. 

If the colt is pulling too much, raise the 

flag back over your head away from him to 

relieve some of the pressure. 

As we mentioned earlier, the position 

of the flag and the angle of the pull on the 

rope will determine the position of the 

colt in relation to you. The rope should be 

adjusted so the colt is at least as far away as 

your flag can reach. If the colt is responding 

too much, back off with the flag or give 

him more rope to give him more distance 

from you. 

If the rope is around the saddle horn, 

don’t tie off solid. Dally and hold the end 

with your hand or you can tuck a few inches 

under your thigh or knee with the end of 

the rope hanging down in front of your leg. 

If things become unsafe raise your leg and 

the rope can be released, the dallies will slip 

and you can be freed from the colt. Safety 

is always first. You should be familiar 

and confident with dallying or practice 

before hand so you are not attempting to 

do too many new things at once. 

As mentioned in previous articles, the 

flag is positioned generally between the 

colt’s poll and his loin and between your 

horse and the colt. This will keep the colt 

towards the end of the rope and not under 

your horse’s tail. If the colt is bothered by 

seeing the flag and you allow him to get to 

your horse’s tail, with his head down, he 

will learn to run under the flag and you will 

have taught him to hide from it. Don’t let 

this happen. Not only can it be potentially 

dangerous, it will also make the lesson 

ineffective. 

Working with large animals can be 

Call or Stop By! 

Good Luck 

to our High School 

Rodeo Clubs 

at the State Contest 

Sonny Davidson 

2213 N. 5th St. 

Elko, NV 89801 

775-738-8811 

800-343-0077 

www.edwardjones.com 

dangerous, especially when they panic and 

use all their strength. But avoiding trouble 

can create more trouble. Don’t just postpone 

dealing with the horses fear, it can 

confirm their fears and make things worse. 

Pick your battles, deal with them, but pick 

the time and place that is favorable and safe 

for you and your horse. Don’t wait and let 

something happen at an inconvenient and 

unsafe time. 

As discussed in the two previous 

articles, Can Your Horse Survive a Fire 

Drill and creating a Fire Drill for your 

Horse through flagging, this process will 

not only help young horses that haven’t 

been handled much but older horses that 

don’t handle a crisis very well. If they are 

braced in the poll and loin, they can learn 

to soften up. They can learn a safe way to 

respond to frightful situations. They can 

learn to stop and accept pressure, so they 

can stand for saddling, picking up their 

feet, brushing or anything else that may 

have been bothering them, causing them 

to move. Parking them is teaching control 

and is just as important as having control to 

go right or left, forward or backwards. As 

they learn all this, desensitizing becomes 

the by product. A desensitized horse that 

you cannot control the feet on, to me is still 

a dangerous horse. 

Obvious things like getting off your 

horse to open a gate could be made easier 

after taking some to learn to do it from 

your horse. While working cattle in a corral, 

we can learn to understand cattle and 

how to work from a horse and make the job 

better for the cattle by being less stressful 

and again you and your horse can become 

handier. 



PRSRT STD 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

Permit # 3280 

Salt Lake City, UT 

80 

Saturday 

June 21st 

2008 

31st ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE 

 

 

ZOOM ZOOM SHORTY 

2001 Buckskin Stallion 

Shorty Lena x Paloma Quixote by Doc Quixote 

BET ON BINION 

2004 Black Stallion 

Bet on Me 498 x Sangelina by Mr San Peppy 

GUN GOES BOON 

Playgun x My Angel of Blue 

( Peppy San Badger x Royal Blue Boon) 

RICOCHETS SUE 

2002 Sorrel Stallion 

Smart Lil Rocochet x Meradas Little Sue by Freckles Merada 

Buckskins, Red Duns, Blacks, Roans, Palominos, Grullas, Sorrels, and Bays with Plenty of Chrome 

Sale Terms: 1/3 down payment with balance to be paid in September when foals are weaned and picked up by their new owners. Foal Guaranteed to be alive and sound or your down payment will be refunded. 

 

Brian Anderson 

Trainer 

Eric Duarte - Auctioneer 

541-533-2105 

www.duartesales.com 

Al Dunning - Pedigrees 

480-471-4600 

www.aldunning.com 

FOR INFORMATION AND CATALOG CONTACT: 

Rick Ellis - General Manager 

18305 West 15200 North 

Howell, Utah 84316 

208-681-9829 

435-471-7411

The Progressive Rancher April 2008

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