Ellington A. (Andy) Peek - The Progressive Rancher Magazine

Ellington A. (Andy) PeekJanuary 11, 1952 — January 3, 2008www.progressiverancher.comThe Progressive Rancher February 2008

The Progressive RancherOwner/Editor/Publisher - Leana StitzelGraphic Design/Layout/Production - Julie Eardleyjulie@jeprographics.comCover photo: Andy Peekby Debra CockrellMailed to over 5,300 individuals with approved addresses each month.The Progressive Rancher is published monthly. The views and opinions expressed by writers ofarticles appearing in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor. Letters of opinion arewelcomed by The Progressive Rancher.Rates for advertising are available upon request. Advertising in The Progressive Rancher does notnecessarily imply editorial endorsement. Liability for any errors or omissions in advertisementsshall not exceed the cost of the space occupied by the error or omission.The Progressive Rancher is free to people working and active in the livestock industry. If youare not currently receiving this magazine on a regular basis, and would like to be a part of TheProgressive Rancher family, contact us by e-mail at progressiverancher@elko.net, today so wecan include you on our mailing list. If you have moved or changed addresses, please notify us, bye-mail, so we can keep you informed. All requests for the magazine must be made by e-mail.Leana Stitzel, Owner/Editor1346 Idaho St., PMB 9, Elko, NV 89801(775) 934-3388progressiverancher@elko.netWWW.PROGRESSIVERANCHER.COMAds set to or built by The Progressive Rancher become property of this magazine.February 2008The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com

InthisIssue...NevadaCattlemen’sAssoc............ pg. 3-4, 6-7Lorey’s Stories.........pg.4Back to Basics,by Ron Torell...........pg. 5BEEF Checkoff.......pg. 8Conservationon the Move......... pg. 10Horse Snorts &Cow Bawls............pg. 13Society for RangeManagement.....pg. 14-15Andy Peek’sFinal Victory.....pg. 18-19Eye on theOutside..................pg. 22Ben Bruce...............pg.31UCD Vet Views.....pg. 31Murphy &the Badger............ pgs.32Dr. Margaret..........pg. 33Roche Equine........pg. 34Martin Black HorseTraining.................pg. 35UpsandDownsFor starters, Lyn, Kate & I would like to wish youall a Happy New Year. We hope you had a greatholiday season with friends & family, and are now readyto get back to work.In looking back at 2007, we certainly had our Ups &Downs. It was a hot, dry summer and definitely another yearfor fires. The cattle market held fairly steady in spite of ethanol.And the hay market reached an all time high. (An Up for thoseof us selling hay and a Down for those buying it.)Just before Christmas, Meghan and I had a brief meetingwith Governor Gibbons. The meeting was at his request andwas a get to know you type of meeting, with me being the newPresident of NCA. He considers our industry to be very importantto Nevada’s economy, and rightfully so. The main thingthat came out of the meeting was that our Association doeshave the Governor’s ear. He is very supportive of our industryand very tuned in to our problems, especially when it comes towildland fires and the invasion of cheat grass. He fully agreesthat we have to break this pattern that has developed with repeatwildland fires. And he is very tuned in to the issues surroundinguse of reseeding with native vs non-native seed. Last fall,Governor Gibbons was instrumental in the writing and signingof a MOU with Idaho, Utah and Wyoming calling for interstatecooperation in fire suppression, seed banking and rangelandrestoration. The concept being that, by pulling together, we canpool our seed and equipment resources, especially when oneState gets hit harder than the others by wildland fires.I might add that, Meghan Wereley, our Executive Directorhas done an exceptional job of establishing a rapport with theGovernors staff, making his office even more accessible.Speaking of Ups, I invite you to stop by our office andsee the new “face lift’ Meghan and Sharon have given it. Thecarpet has been cleaned, and with some furniture on loan fromNewmont, we now have a comfortable reception area and ourown conference area for informal meetings. Be sure to stop bythe office next time you are in Elko and check it out.The Fifth Annual Silver State Classic Feeder & YearlingSale which the Nevada Cattleman’s Association co-sponsorswith the Fallon Livestock Exchange was down from previousyears. This was partly because at the time of the sale, the rainshad not yet come to California and partly because consignmentnumbers were down. In 2006, 1,707 head of cattle wereconsigned by NCA members. This year Nevada Cattlemenconsign 1,086 head of feeder calves and yearlings in the SilverState Classic Sale.The Fallon Livestock Exchange pays the NCA $2.50 perhead for each calf or yearling that is consigned by a NCADan GralianNevada Cattlemen’s Association Presidentmember. We do not get paid for non-member consignments.This year we raised $2,715, down from the $4,267.50 we raisedthe year before.Another great event sponsored by the Nevada Cattleman’sAssociation is the Fallon Bull Sale. This year the Forty SecondAnnual Fallon Bull Sale will be held on February 16th at theFallon Livestock Exchange. Chris Gansberg and his Sale Committeehave done an outstanding job of organizing this event.There are 180 yearling and two year old bulls consigned, representing33 breeders and 9 breeds. I hope to see you there.As in the past, the Churchill Cattlewomen will be hosting adinner and dance the evening before the sale. This has become avery popular social event. Lyn & I hope to see you there also.Here in Nevada, we do not have the number of ranchingoperations and cattle inventory that our neighboring states do,yet we still face the same number of issues. This is even more sowhen it comes to public lands issues. Therefore your membershipis important! But even with that, we can not relay solely onthe funding from membership to effectively represent you on alocal, state and national basis. This makes fund raising eventslike the Fallon Bull Sale and the Silver State Classic Feeder Salevery important to our Association. We do need your support.Over the past several months, we have had three grandladies from three Nevada ranching families pass away. Ourcondolences to their families, as I know they are surely missed.And then on January 3rd, Andy Peek, manager of Shasta LivestockMarket and president of Western Video Market died aftera year long battle with pancreatic cancer. He too will be sorelymissed, not just by him family and friends, but by our industry.Let’s remember them all in our thoughts and prayers.Well, last month I said I would return to my few wordsphilosophy, and I am. I look forward to representing you in2008 and I ask for your input. So please do not hesitate to callme with your questions, comments, concerns and even yourcomplaints! The TS Ranch is (775) 468-0400 and my cell phoneis (775) 778-1295. My e-mail address is dan.gralian@newmont.com or you can call the NCA office at (775) 738-9214 and theywill get your message to me.Until then . . . . . . Thanks (And Such)www.progressiverancher.comThe Progressive Rancher February 2008

ReviewNevada Cattlemen’s AssociationBy Meghan Wereley, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Executive DirectorHappy New Year and welcome to 2008. Ashas been tradition for the past 42 years theNevada Cattlemen’s Association has started out theNew Year with the Fallon All Breeds Bull and HeiferSale. This year the sale will be held February 16th at12:30 at the Fallon Livestock Exchange. As in yearspast the sale will present buyers with quality bullsthat are range ready. I look forward to meeting manyof you there, and please feel free to come up and introduceyourself.The office has been dedicated to the promotion andproduction of the sale for several months, working closelywith Chris Gansburg, the chairman of the Fallon Bull SaleCommittee, to make sure to make the best sale for both ourconsigners and buyers.Although the office has been dedicated to the bull sale,there are several issues that the office is continuing to keepan eye on including grazing, public land issues, and wildlife.The office is currently working on a comment letter regardingthe November 16, EPA issued notice seeking publiccomment on a petition by environmental groups to cancelthe registration for M-44 and Compound 1080. The associationfeels very strongly about the fact the Fish and Wildlifeagencies should be able to continue to use such compoundsto protect the viability of ranching operations in the West.The ability to lethally control wildlife on our rangelands isnecessary, but it is a science-informed decision to do suchactions. The association continues to work with the PublicLands Council on this issue as well as other livestock associationsacross the west.Along with submitting comment letters to both nationaland state offices regarding livestock issues the association isworking on improving its relationships with state offices andnational delegates. The director and president are planningon traveling to Washington D.C. in a few months to meetwith several important leaders.Along with networking, the office is also working onorganizing the office to run more efficiently and effectively.Newmont has made several donations to the office in theform of office furniture. The office now has a greeting areaand a conference room. We are very grateful for their donationsand continued support of the association. To makeroom for this new furniture the office needed to look at howit had been organized and how it will be organized in thefuture. Several improvements have been made in the filingsystem and publication section.Nevada Cattlemen’s Association is proud of its memberswho are so dedicated to the industry and the association.We are thankful for all those that work hard each dayto protect what is theirs and work for what’s not. Over theyears the membership of Nevada Cattlemen’s Associationhas changed and now encompasses not only ranchers butinterested individuals who care about the industry. Many ofthe new members of the association are people and studentsthat care about the land and the people that cultivate the valuesthey hold dear. If you are one of those individuals thatcare about the land, the livestock industry, rural communities,rural families, and wildlife, then Nevada Cattlemen’sAssociation is the place for you. We work to protect thefuture of ranching that provides open space, wildlife, healthystreams, and viable rural communities. If you are interestedin learning more about the association or about becoming amember please contact the office at 1-775-738-9214 or visitthe web page at www.nevadacattlemen.orgThank you so much and I look forward to meeting manyof you at our 42nd annual Fallon All Breeds Bull and HeiferSale February 16th in Fallon, Nevada. As always I appreciateyour input and comments.Best Regards -------Meghan WereleyLet it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow! While theweather out side is frightful, the snow is quitedelightful, that is if you have no place to go. Is this wintergoing to be referred to as the winter of 2008. Now, if I hada fireplace or a wood stove I would be just as happy as asnow bound person could be. On these cold winter daysyou just throw a pot of beans on the stove a beef roastin the oven and make a couple loaves of bread while theovens hot and your cattleman will love you.Well, I’ll tell you how snow bound Mom and I have been.You can’t say we’ve gone to the dogs. It is the birds! This fallwe had five or six Scrub Jays show up here. There in the BlueJay family and they do have a lot of blue on them. They are verypretty and they are real smart. My brother in Reno has some, andthey come when he calls them and they also eat peanuts out ofhis hand. Mine are not that gentle but we bought some peanutsand they come when I call them now. So next thing we knewbrother brought us some bird feeders and a ton of birdseed. Sonow Mom and I are full fledged bird watchers. Then, of courseI had to buy a nice bird book to look up what some of the littlefeathered friends are called. Now the little tweeties have told their little feathered friendsand I am probably going to go broke buying birdseed. Mom has really enjoyed watching thedifferent kinds of little birds that are coming to the feeders. Could this be a sign of old agewhen you start watching birds or is it just a long winter?Speaking of cold weather! The snow did not stop the Elko CountyCattleWomen from delivering Beef Roasts to all Senior Centers this Christmas.The CattleWomen made sure all of the Senior Citizen’s throughout ElkoCounty, Eureka and Crescent Valley had Beef for their Christmas Dinners.A total of 320 pounds of beef roasts were donated. With the help of Royat Roy’s Market and Stuarts Food town in Wells, who donated 35 poundsof Beef Roasts for the Wells Senior Center, the CattleWomen were able todistribute beef to all the senior centers for the holidays.Another event, which promoted beef for the holidays and was coordinatedby the CattleWomen was the “Holiday Tour of Homes.” According toChairwoman, Rachel Buzzetti it was a huge success and they were thrilledwith the turnout. The public was able to tour four homes around town thatwere all decorated to the max, as I understand. Two different beef appetizerswere served at each home along with other delicious holiday desserts madeby the homeowners. Beef brochures were distributed at each home, givingthe consumer more recipes for cooking beef.Lastly, the Elko County CattleWomen will be holding their annualBeef Ambassador Contest for all youth 9 to 20 years of age living in Elko,Eureka and Lander Counties. This event is scheduled for February 9th at 1:00 p.m. in the Northeastern Nevada Museum Theater Room and is open tothe public. The CattleWomen will give a cash award of $100 for first place.Second place will receive $75 and third place $50. For information or an entry form contactour ambassador chairwoman Jolene Maestretti-Noorda at 752-1127.Remember February is BEEF MONTH, so let’s all promote a little more beef!Cowboy Logic:“If you get to thinkin’ you are a person of some influence, try orderin’ someone else’s dog around.”Courtesy of PCC UpdateFebruary 2008The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com

Back to BasicsC 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 uShannon Williams, Lemhi County Extension EducatorRon Torell, Nevada Livestock Extension SpecialistGood Cow/Good Employee:Ranchers generally have no problem managingtheir four-legged bovine employees. Toooften it is the two-legged human employee that is thechallenge. Comparing the two, there are some similaritieswhen it comes to management. In this issue ofBack to Basics let’s examine those similarities.Every rancher has the “good cow.” They can dependon that cow to be on the correct side of the fence, raise agood calf, breed back on time and have a good attitude. It’sas if she knows her job and just does it. She cares for hernewborn calf without assistance even when calving in acclimateweather, always mothers-up quickly when changingpastures, and maintains good body condition year round.Every rancher wants the “good employee.” A goodemployee is much like that good cow. They know their job,do it to the best of their ability with a good attitude, ask questionswhen necessary and are dependable. Just as you haveto “reward” the good cow with enough feed, a good bull,and a proper health program to stay productive, the goodemployee needs to be rewarded too.Examine the economics of your operation and determinewhat wage you can afford to pay. The old saying, “Youget what you pay for,” certainly applies in this situation.Take a look at the number of hours an employee is askedto work. While everyone recognizes that ranching is a 24/7job, the employee has no monetary equity in your ranch,only sweat equity. Expecting 24/7 from them year round isexpecting too much.Compare wages to the number of hours worked. Forexample if the base pay is $1,500 per month and you askthe employee to work seven 8-hour days, the pay per hour is$6.69. If you reduce the ranch work schedule to six 8-hourdays, the wage increases to $7.81 per hour. Your employeesare doing this math and weighing their “in town” employmentopportunities against the “at ranch” rate.For those busy times of year when it is 24/7, like calvingseason, think “outside of the calving stall” and rewardgood employees. Employee incentives that work includelongevity bonuses for finishing out the job or paid time offafter the last calf is born. Other rewards could include beeffor their freezer, registration paid for job- related educationalmeetings, or gift certificates to a favorite restaurant. Manytimes it isn’t the reward as much as it is the recognition of a“job well done” that counts.First-calf heifers need more inputs than mature cowssuch as feed, time and assistance. We all recognize that.New employees are like first-calf heifers. They kind of knowwhat they are supposed to do, but are not always sure. Newemployees should spend time working along side the manageror another seasoned employee and learn the job whilegetting familiarized with the ranch.Initially managers might assist the new employee inPart 2 of a 3 part series on Ranch Labortheir duties just as they assist a new calf to suckle for thefirst time or a heifer to mother up. New employees need tocome on board before the “crisis.” This gives everyone timeto acclimate, prepare and adjust before “crunch” time.Not all first-calf heifers are excellent mothers theirfirst year yet may miss the cull gate if a positive attitude ismaintained and the cow shows potential by weaning a calf.New employees won’t always do everything right the firsttime but if they show a positive attitude, good work ethicand potential, the manager is much more likely to hang onto that new employee.Just as it takes time and effort to develop a weanedreplacement heifer into a good solid aged cow who knowsthe ranch, it takes time and effort to develop a solid ranchemployee. As a ranch owner or manager, are you willing tomake the “OJT” (on the job training) investment? New hiresare not going to absorb everything in a day so keep in mindit takes a commitment in the form of time and patience onyour part.Cows and employees both need care and attention.Trained, treated and managed correctly, both can make yourranch money, or at the minimum, make life more enjoyable.As you consider who is working on your operation, considerhow you manage man and beast.The authors invite you to participate in an educationalprogram on labor. The program is scheduled for March 19in Elko, Nevada and concurrently by interactive video at alocation near you. See accompanying news release in thispublication for additional interactive video locations anddetails.That is enough for this month. As always, if you wouldlike to discuss this article or simply would like to talk cowsdo not hesitate to contact Ron Torell at 775-738-1721 or attorellr@unce.unr.edu or Shannon Williams, University ofIdaho Cooperative Extension Agent in Lemhi County at208-756-2824, shannonw@uidaho.eduAgriculture LaborEducational ProgramUniversity of Nevada and Idaho Cooperative Extension Systems along with the U.S.D.A. Risk ManagementAgency, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association and Nevada Farm Bureau have teamed up to bring an educational programon labor to the agriculture community. The half-day program will be held on March 19, 2008 from 1 p.m. to4 p.m. in Elko, Nevada at Great Basin College, Greenhaw Technical Arts Building, room 130 and by interactivevideo at the Nevada Farm Bureau office in Sparks at 2165 Green Vista Drive. Additional locations can be addedby interactive video upon request. Call Ron Torell to add an interactive video site near you.“The qualified and experienced labor pool for agriculture has diminished,” states Ron Torell, UNCE livestockspecialist and program coordinator. “Fewer people are raised on the farm or ranch where they not only learnagriculture skills at an early age; they learn to be self-reliant, self-starters and problem solvers.”Dan Gralian, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association president, agrees with Torell and feels that agriculture’s lowprofit margin business limits our ability to compete with other industries for pay and benefits. “This has resultedin many of our potential agriculture employees to choose other professions such as construction or the gold minesin northeastern Nevada. These individuals left the agriculture industry for shorter hours, better pay and a packageof benefits including health insurance and a retirement plan,” concludes Gralian.It is because of the agriculture labor shortage that the sponsors of this program have put together this educationalprogram. The March 19 program will cover the timely topics of cost and coverage of agriculture healthand accident insurance, employee recruitment, selection and retention, creating a good work environment, performanceevaluations, pay and benefits, writing a job description, retirement plans and much more. At the conclusionof the program a round table discussion will be held with experts on all the above subjects as well as a successfulranch employer and a satisfied employee.Doug Busselman, Nevada Farm Bureau executive vice president, encourages agriculture producers who haveranch labor issues to participate in the Elko program in person, the Nevada Farm Bureau office in Reno by interactivevideo or request an interactive video downlink site in their area by contacting Ron Torell, UNCE livestockspecialist, at 775-738-1721, torellr@unce.unr.eduwww.progressiverancher.comThe Progressive Rancher February 2008

Sage SignalsVoice2007 Census ofNevada Cattlemen’sof the Nevada Livestock IndustryNew Policies andAgricultureThe Census of Agriculture is the leading source of facts and figures about American agriculture.Conducted every five years, the Census provides a detailed picture of U.S. farms andranches and the people who operate them. It is the only source of uniform, comprehensiveagricultural data for every state and county in the United States.For the 2007 Census of Agriculture, forms will be mailed in late December 2007 and farmersand ranchers are asked to respond by mail or online by February 4, 2008. Participationby every farmer and rancher, regardless of the size or type of operation, is vitally important.By responding to the Census, producers are helping themselves, their communities and allof U.S. agriculture.The 2007 Census of Agriculture will collect information concerning all areas of farmingand ranching operations, including production expenses, market value of products, and operatorcharacteristics. This information is used by everyone who provides services to farmersand rural communities – including federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, andmany others. Census data is used to make decisions about many things that directly impactfarmers, including:• community planning• store/company locations• availability of operational loans and other funding• location and staffing of service centers• farm programs and policiesParticipation in the Census is required by law, and that same law protects the confidentialityof all individual responses.The Census of Agriculture is your voice, your future and your responsibility!What is the Census of Agriculture?The Census of Agriculture, is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the peoplewho operate them. The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics,production practices, income and expenditures and many other areas. For America’s farmersand ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future and their responsibility.The Census provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for everycounty in the nation. Through the Census, producers can show the nation the value andimportance of agriculture and they can help influence decisions that will shape the future ofAmerican agriculture for years to come. By responding to the Census, producers are helpingthemselves, their communities and all of U.S. agriculture.There is a convenient and secure online response option that can not only save you time,but will save taxpayer dollars for return postage costs.In order to take the Census online, you will need to have a unique Census ID code. Thiscode is on the mailing label of the Census form that was mailed to you. It is the series of 17numbers and letters that appear on the first line of the label, immediately above the bars.Will my information be kept confidential?Absolutely. Respondents are guaranteed by law (Title 7, U.S. Code) that their individualinformation will be kept confidential. NASS uses the information only for statistical purposesand publishes data only in tabulated totals. The report cannot be used for purposesof taxation, investigation, or regulation. The privacy of individual Census records is alsoprotected from disclosure through the Freedom of Information Act.What if I only have a small operation or do not participate in government farmprograms?The Census of Agriculture is the responsibility of every farmer and rancher, regardless ofthe size or type of operation. For Census purposes, a farm is any place from which $1,000or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold,during the Census year.Census of Agriculture data is available through the NASS field office in your state, manydepository libraries, universities and state government offices. It is also available online atwww.nass.usda.gov or www.agcensus.usda.gov. For additional information on the Censusof Agriculture or any NASS survey, call the Agricultural Statistics Hotline at (800) 727-9540.Floor Resolution 1:WHEREAS it is the Federal Land Management Agency’s responsibility to implementCongressional policy and these agencies are dependent uponannual funding by Congress; andWHEREAS these agencies are administered through the Executive Branch ofFederal Government and therefore required to support the President’sbudgetary requests to Congress; andWHEREAS funding for land management agencies has historically been deficientto provide for proactive land and vegetation management, pre-suppressionof wildfires, and range improvements (PRIA Funds) the result ofwhich is that the natural resources and multiple use interests dependentupon public lands have suffered from this lack of funding.THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association andNevada Woolgrowers Association are committed to working with theland management agencies to inform Congress and the Administrationof the need for adequate funding to the federal land management agenciesto manage federal lands in a sustainable and proactive manner toprovide the numerous benefits and products demanded by society.Floor Resolution 2:WHEREAS Nevada livestock producers often own private property and grazingpermits adjacent to public highway rights-of-way; andWHEREAS a one size fits all NDOT fencing specifications is not sufficient to insuresafety of the driving public as well as livestock.WHEREAS as NDOT seeks to upgrade and improve its highway right-of-way fencinginfrastructure as these fences age and deteriorate;WHEREAS it is imperative that state agencies and private property owners communicatewith each other at every opportunity before any constructioncan begin.THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that when NDOT builds, repairs or maintainsfences on public highway rights-of-way which are adjacent to privateproperty and grazing permits NDOT consult with the property ownerand permittee and construct a fence which meets the public safety andlivestock protection needs of each individual livestock producer.Floor Resolution 3:WHEREAS Congress has appropriated over $70 million to study the impacts ofpurchasing water rights and to purchase those rights from prior appropriationsin the Walker River Basin for the benefit of Walker Lake;andWHEREAS to date only one option to purchase 9000 acre feet of water rights hasbeen negotiated; andWHEREAS it appears that leasing of water rights might be a better solution to thegoal to save Walker Lake.THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association and theNevada WoolGrowers Association resolve that any federal legislationproposed concerning issues related to water in the Walker RiverBasin in California and Nevada be consistent with the proposals of theWalker River Irrigation District, and especially include:(1) the leasing program proposed by the Walker River IrrigationDistrict;(2) a limitation on the quantity of water rights which may be acquiredin the Walker River Basin;February 2008The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com

AssociationREPRINTReprinted with permission. December 2007 and January 2008 Issues.Resolutions 2007: Floor Resolutions and Livestock Issues(3) alternatives to water right acquisition;(4) mandatory mitigation of economic and environmental effectsof any programs; and(5) a final and reliable resolution of all water litigation in theWalker River Basin.Livestock Issues 9:WHEREAS the state of Nevada currently has a brand inspection program that inpart utilizes district lines for determining the need for a brand inspectionor movement permit; andWHEREAS many ranching operations now operate in two or more districts, oftenonly a few miles apart; andWHEREAS the district lines have not been evaluated for many years.THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Nevada Cattlemen’s Association urges theNevada Department of Agriculture, Division of Livestock Identificationto establish a working group, consisting of representatives fromall aspects of the equine and cattle industries, to study the validity ofdistrict lines within the state of Nevada.Livestock Issues 10:WHEREAS Congress is considering banning the slaughter of equidae for humanconsumption in the United States; andWHEREAS the cost of euthanizing and rendering or landfill burial (if available) ofequidae can be quite costly; andWHEREAS in the absence of a viable outlet for unwanted equidae, an increasednumber of equidae will be and have already been abandoned on publiclands; andWHEREAS the livestock industry depends upon an economically healthy horse industryand systems to offer a humane end of life for unwanted horses;andWHEREAS horse owners may experience psychological and economic hardshipby being denied a viable, humane and reasonable outlet for unwanted,unusable, or dangerous equidae.THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association is opposed tothe equine slaughter bill (S. 311).BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Nevada Cattlemen’s Association urges Congress toconduct a study of the social, economic, resource and welfare impactsan equine slaughter ban may create; andBE IT FURTHER RESOLVED Nevada Cattlemen’s Association urges this study beconducted before action is taken on Senate Bill 311.Livestock Issues 11:WHEREAS The Beef Checkoff has existed since 1985; andWHEREAS the Beef Checkoff has resulted in research into nutrition, healthy andnumerous new products especially meant to increase the demand forbeef; andWHEREAS Beef Checkoff dollars are used to advertise the nutritious, healthy andconvenient use of beef in American meals; andWHEREAS inflation has eroded the checkoff’s buying power, such that, it takes$1.90 of today’s dollar to buy what $1.00 would buy in 1986, whenwww.progressiverancher.comthe $1.00 per-head checkoff began; andWHEREAS beef producers face growing challenges, export competition, opportunitiesand risks.THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association supports thecontinuance of a viable Beef Checkoff program; andTHEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Nevada Cattlemen’s Associationsupports allowing the nation’s beef producers to vote through areferendum on whether to increase the amount of the Beef Checkoffprogram.Livestock Issues 12:WHEREAS numerous livestock diseases impact Nevada cattlemen; andWHEREAS diagnostic tests for Trichomonosis/trichomoniasis and Foothill Abortion(EBA) are not adequate; andWHEREAS diagnostic tests for Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) are varied and oftentimes are impractical on range operations; andWHEREAS paternity testing for range livestock operations is not available; andWHEREAS research investigating livestock grazing to manage invasive plants inthe Great Basin is lacking; andWHEREAS university programs to encourage & mentor rangeland and foodanimal pre-veterinary medicine undergraduates lack adequate externshipsand internships.THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association encourageand support the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and NaturalResources at UNR and the Nevada Department of Agriculture tosupport and sustain research in Great Basin livestock disease issues, inpaternity testing, range livestock grazing management and improveddiagnostic testing for various livestock diseases.THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Nevada Cattlemen’s Associationencourage and support the College of Agriculture, Biotechnologyand Natural Resources at UNR in mentoring food animal pre-veterinarymedicine undergraduate majors and rangeland undergraduate andgraduate students through internships and externships.“WATERINGTHE WEST”Water Line InstallationDispensing, Welding,& Plowing Available7861 E. Idaho StreetP.O. Box 5689, Elko, Nevada 89802This Sage Signals reprint, sponsored by:See Us ForAll Your Fencing Needs• Barbed Wire • T Posts • Drill SteelJoe & Kristi CummingMatt Anderson775-738-2677www.bosstanks.comThe Progressive Rancher February 2008

BEEF CHECKOFF NEWSFebruary 2008MERRY CHRISTMAS TO USOur Nevada Beef Council received a very nice Christmas present from the NationalCattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) Federation this December. The CBB awarded us with a grant of$9,500 for participation at the Las Vegas Restaurant and Hospitality Expo Show during February25, 26, 27, 2008. Approximately 30,000 professionals will be in attendance with over 92%of the attendees being the decision makers in their field.The real boost in recognition for the beef industry will be from the culinary challenge thatthe Nevada Beef Council is sponsoring. Top chefs from around the country will be in competitionand judged by ACF certified judges.The Nevada Beef Council has acquired added support from a couple of national meatprocessors as well as from NCBA’s marketing team.BEEF BACKERS “AWARD OF MERIT”February is Beef Month for Nevada, and during the month, the Nevada Beef Council willbe awarding their first awards to businesses or people nominated by producers for their supportand promotion of BEEF. Lucy Rechel nominated Dini’s, ‘Guiseppi’s Steakhouse’ as well asCasino West, both in Yerington; Steve Lucas nominated Ormachea’s from Winnemucca; TomBarnes nominated Machi’s of Elko; Jay Dalton nominated Don Noorda of Wells FFA; PrestonWright nominated the Star from Elko and Seanne House nominated Roy’s Market from Elko.They will be our first honorees to receive this handsome plaque. For nominating your favoriterestaurant, market, educator, dairy, processor or abattoir, please check our web site (nevadabeef.org) for an application.When youput on thiscomfortablecanvas waterproof jacketyou’ll stay dry whileyou work. Its unique2-layer constructiondelivers protectionfrom even the harshestelements withoutcompromisingmobility.Much like thecanvas back duck thatinspires our brand,Dri duckproductsare known forstrength andadaptability.Teflon ® coatedThis lightweightjacketis heavy onfeatures.It is constructedof breathable nylon shelland is fully waterproof.The result is a unique abilityto keep out the wind andrain, without compromisingyour comfortor mobility.GROWTH PROMOTANTSIncreased consumer attention to beef production technology led the check-off fundedissues management team to update a fact sheet about the safety aspects and science behindgrowth promotants. In addition, the team developed a new fact sheet describing the governmentapproval process regarding these technologies. Check out the new and updated fact sheetat http://www.beeffrompasturetoplate.org/SAFE COOKINGIn the wake of heavy media coverage about the Topps Meat Company recall of more than 21million pounds of ground beef, the check-off conducted a survey to assess consumer attitudesabout ground beef safety. Consumer’s demonstrated widespread awareness of E.coli associatedwith ground beef, but ranked beef below fish and chicken as a food safety concern. Still, consumersdo not know proper internal cooking temperatures for ground beef, and few consumersuse instant-read thermometers when cooking it. These insights will be used to guide safetyprogramming in the upcoming year. For associated check-off materials, go to http://www.beef.org/uDocs/MeatThermometerFactSheet _Final.orgNUTRIENT QUALITIES OF BEEFThanks to check-off funding, Dr. Adam Drewnowski, University of Washington, and histeam of scientists, completed the scientific assessment required to develop a nutrient rich index.This includes a “family of indexes” that measure the nutritional quality of a food based on the totalpackage (positive and negative) of nutrients, rather than the negative only. The Nutrient RichFoods Coalition (NRFC) has selected one index to move forward to the consumer applicationphase. Consumer research to get consumer reactions to the index is under way. For more informationabout NRFC, visit http://www.beefnutrition.org/NutrientRichFoodsCoalition.aspxBEEF AMBASSADORSThe National Beef Ambassador team-funded in part by the beef check-off, was in Wooster,Ohio December 19-20 for a “Building Blocks for Success” seminar that included a Science Behindthe Sizzle presentation focused on criteria for producing beef. In addition, they learnedabout creating and processing supply and sourcing a brand. Ambassadors also had an opportunityto network with Junior National Angus Board members, and learned about sales, domesticand international marketing, brand assurance and value-added products. For more informationabout the beef ambassadors, go to http://www.nationalbeefambassador.org/Content/February 2008The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com

ATTENTION LIVESTOCK OWNERSBLM Implements Impound toEnd Cattle TrespassFederal Magistrate Robert A. McQuaid ordered Inger Casey and Larry Hiibelto remove their unauthorized livestock from public lands southwest of Winnemuccalast fall or the cattle would be impounded by the Bureau of Land Management. Thecattle were not removed and the impoundment began yesterday.The Court issued its rulings on Hiibel August 16, 2007, and gave him five daysto remove his livestock from public lands. He ruled on Inger Casey September 27,2007, and gave her 15 days to remove their livestock. The BLM gave Hiibel almostfive additional months and Casey almost four months to comply with the CourtOrders.“BLM does not impound livestock without first giving the owners many opportunitiesto remove their animals,” said Gail Givens, BLM Winnemucca FieldManager. “In this instance, efforts to effect voluntary removal have gone on formany years.”During the past four to five years the BLM issued numerous warnings andtrespass notices to Casey and Hiibel. After all efforts failed, BLM issued criminalcitations to Casey in August 2006 and Hiibel in April 2007.The impoundment will continue as long as necessary to remove the cattle.Impounded animals will be transported to holding facilities where their owners willhave the first right to claim them upon payment of past fines and impoundment fees.If the cattle are not claimed and the fees paid within seven days, the livestock willbe auctioned to recoup the fees.“The vast majority of our ranchers strive to be good stewards of the publicrangelands,” added Givens. “Casey and Hiibel are cheating those operators whofollow the rules and pay their fees.”ScrapieGenotypeTestingNow Available atNevada AnimalDisease Laboratory350 Capitol Hill Ave, Reno, NevadaFor more information contactDr. Keith Forbes, DVM, at 775-688-1180 ext. 284.■■■*For sheep only*Test can be run on blood ortissue samplesResults for 2 or 3 codons(136, 171, 154)Costs: 2 codons: $20.003 codons: $25.00www.progressiverancher.comThe Progressive Rancher February 2008

19thn alAn uWinnemuccaRanch Hand RodeoMarch 1 & 2, 2008Come to the Winnemucca Events Complex to experience Nevada’slargest & most exciting ranch hand rodeo! Over 30 top teams competefor bragging rights & prizes in saddle bronc riding, mugging, calfroping, ranch doctoring, team roping & team branding. Top that offwith a Premier Horse Sale featuring the best Ranch, Rope, &Performance Horses in the West, featuring Rick Machado, WorldChampion Auctioneer! Don’t miss the Fun!Horse Sale & MoreFebruary 28th- March 2nd- Ranch, Rope, & PerformanceHorse Sale- Stock Horse Competition- Cow Dog Trials- Western Trade Show- Kids’ Dummy Roping &Stick Horse BarrelsWinnemucca Events ComplexWinnemucca, NevadaFor More Consignment or Participation Info:1-800-962-2638 or 775-623-2220www.winnemucca.com10 February 2008 The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com

CONSERVATIONon the moveJoe and Kristi Cummingare working hard tomake their ranch aconservation show place.by Lee PorterNatural Resources Conservation ServiceElko, NevadaHave you ever had the experience of looking at something like a piece of equipment,land, horse, cow or a homestead and been able to see the potential of what it could be in afew years with sound planning and some hard work? In my work, I have had the opportunityto meet people who were planners, thinkers, and do-ers. I meet people with these qualitieseveryday and have the pleasure of working with them on a daily basis. Though they areall in themselves a success story, I would like to share one special story with you.I would like to introduce you to Joe and Kristi Cumming.I had the privilege of meeting these folks several years ago. Joe came into the officeand asked for some help with planning and wanted to know if we could help with someengineering assistance. Joe and Kristi met with a planner in the office and reviewed theplanning process, how our programs worked, and what programs and assistance was availableto landowners. Then many hours were spent on the ground conducting inventory andevaluation on their ranch.Joe and Kristi had ideas and plan to improve their ranch short term and long term.Time was spent in reviewing resource concerns with discussions about the best treatmentthat would meet the NRCS standards and specifications and accomplish the goals of theirown.Treatments were selected and prioritized. Joe is not one to keep things on the burner.He wants them done.The first priority was to get control of the irrigation water. Major diversion structureswere destroyed by flood events and needed to be replaced which required careful engineeringto ensure streamflow would not be impaired, and existing erosion could be correctedand controlled. All of Joe’s water control structures were old and in need of repair. WithNRCS assistance, he is in the process of replacing all of them. Joe is currently installingturnouts in the field ditches to allow him to control and apply the desired volume of waterat each station.Proper grazing distribution was also a big problem since most of the fences were indisrepair and livestock water was in short supply.Joe was actively involved with surveying, staking the planned route for stock waterpipelines, fence locations, water trough locations, and plant identifications. Cross fenceswere in need of repair or non-existent. Joe’s goal was to create pastures with water facilitiesthat would keep the livestock in those areas while the plants were the most desirable, andplants such as cheatgrass could be controlled with grazing. Joe has installed several milesof stock water pipelines and numerous water troughs, using both solar and electric pumpsystems, in areas that had limited use because of the available water. By making theseareas more suitable for grazing, Joe reduced the impact on areas that had been previouslyover-utilized due to drought.Wildlife is always a concern with Joe and Kristi. They make sure that what they doprovides water sources and food plots for wildlife, and manage livestock on these areas.Joe has been busy removing brush and reseeding areas to provide feed for livestock,which to date has shown great success. With plans to do more each year, Joe is consistentlyworking with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to find ways to improve theirranch.Through a lot of hard work, good planning, persistence and understanding, Joe andKristi are in the process of restoring damage caused by many years of heavy use. It mightbe noted at this point that, being a family operation, a lot of credit should also be givento their sons Jared and Nolan, and daughter Katrina for all of their hard work and assistance.It has been a pleasure to be a small part of this team and we send a big “Congratulations”to Joe and Kristi Cumming.www.progressiverancher.com(Photos by J. Cumming)Joe designed watertoughs with built-inwildlife ramps thatalso provide waterfor their wildlifefood plots.New water controlstructures were installedto divert water for thehay fields.New fencing willbe installed on thehay meadow tomanage grazingand protectwildlife habitat.A brush beater/aerator was usedto break up sagebrushand allowgrasses to growon the rangeland.Jared, Nolan andKatrina Cumminghave helpedinstall the newwater controlstructures.The Progressive Rancher February 2008 11

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆Phil Allen and Son, UTTravis Smith - Rose Ranch,UTSteve Smith Angus andGilbvieh, UTUhart Polled Herefords, NVKDK Angus, NVHone Ranch, NVAmador Angus, CAEdd Price - Price AngusRanch, ORWard Ranches, CASchwoerer Beefmasters,CAIndian Creek Ranch, NVPotters Emmett ValleyRanch, IDHawley Harrison andSon’s, IDMack Land and Cattle, NVconsignors◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆Blackstock Herefords, NVMcPhee Red Angus, CAAC Ranch, NVSilver State Beefmasters, NVFlying X Ranch, NVCardey Ranch, CAWalker Polled Herefords, CACooper Cattle, CADTK Land and Cattle, IDRex Daniels and Sons PolledHereford, IDAnchor Valley Ranch, NVTM Bench Ranch, NVSetter Cattle Company, CAGillemot Sunset Ranch RedAngus, NVLeonardini Brangus, CAUNR S Bar S Ranch, NVButte Country Ranch, CAJulian Cattle Company, NV12 February 2008 The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com

Here it is on the downslide of the winter-early into 2008! Time goes sofast, I’m at the point it seems we live two years in the space of one! Ioverheard that one and thought it so appropriate.Just recently, (be a month before this comes out) I attended a meeting in Winnemuccawith farmers, Sierra Pacific Power officials and politicians, with a couple of Public UtilitiesCommission employees as well.What I get out of the situation is that the power company is anticipating a power shortagecome summer. It can’t be shortage of income. The company netted over $57 millionlast year. They figure a power shortage even though the new plant at Dunphy is expected tobe producing by summer of 2008 as well as the new Tracy plant in April of this year. Thosetwo are expected to generate over 90% of the needed electricity for the system. Very likely100% so none would have to be purchased out of state. It seems we have some really greedypeople up there dictating to us. They intend to raise the rates in general in spite of the $57million NET profit in 2006.Now, get this, the farmers with their irrigation pumps account for about 1.3 % of thatnet profit. OK, the plan is to install power cut valves on all irrigation pumps to cut off powerfor 4 hours every third day. Just the cost of installing those switches is estimated to be $1.4million. On top of that, there will be maintenance and overhead, let alone any breakdownexpense. It seems the power company hasn’t thought much of consequences. What happenswhen a third of the irrigation pumps start up at one time? Who compensates for the farmersburnt out pump, time lost on water on the crops, lost yields? All this for an estimated$300,000 savings?? The math doesn’t add up. I don’t think things were thought out verythoroughly. Had they done as much thinking on it as Erik Taylor , Pete Goicoechea, DougBrusselman and John Carpenter have, they may have had some different ideas. Erik hadsome real facts researched and printed out.I understand the outcome of that meeting was to recommend putting on hold any tamperingwith rates and outages for a year. To maybe at least try on a few pumps and not thewhole lot of them. You know some are going to have problems just shut off and then somebodyhas to go round and restart them. Lots of extra labor and loss of production in sight.We should all sell out and buy shares in Sierra Pacific Power. We’d have a guaranteedincome then unless the top dogs get all the $57,000,000!On to some better news like the wetter weather we are seeing. Elko county schools wereclosed due to snow!! More snow than we’ve seen for a long time. Here in Battle Mountainwe get rain and I can still go feed the barn in my house slippers! Most time that is! Sorryfor Fernley home owners getting washed away and for the farmers in Fallon loosing all thatwater. Horrible to wake up at 4 AM to find your house is washing away and all the damageof the aftermath!!At least, some of the water tanks about the country might get a bit of storage but it willtake a lot more to fill ‘em. Might get it yet! Keep your fingers crossed.Emma wants enough snow to go sledding and to build a snowman! I’ll watch as I reallydon’t care to get out in the snow anymore! I’ll make hot chocolate.Well, enough complaining, hope you all have the start of a Happy New Year. Take careand live safe.JeanneChurchill County Cowbelles Fallon Bull SaleDinner & DanceFriday Feb. 15th, 2008Fallon Convention CenterSocial Hour 5:30 pmDinner 6:30 pm$15.00 per person$5.00 after 8pm (for dance only)*Limited number of tickets available at the doorFor more information you can call Kathy Lofthouse @ 775-423-5065Churchill County Cowbelles BreakfastSaturday, Feb. 16th, 2008 • 8 amAt the Feed Bunk Cafe1025 S Allen Rd.(formerly Gallagher’s Sale Yard)Fallon, Nevada$10 per person (not including gratuity)www.progressiverancher.com The Progressive Rancher February 2008 13

SOCIETY FOR RANGE MANAGEMENTTargeted Grazing Need To Know GuideThe On Site Evaluation: The ContractorBy Leslie Savva Haug, Targeted Grazing Specialist, Nevada Agricultural Experiment StationsIntroductionI want to talk to the contractor. By this, I mean anyone who has, or is starting, theirown targeted grazing service. Regardless of livestock species or geographic region, thereare a few lessons related to me by those already in the business that might help make yourendeavor easier.Building a BusinessThere seems to be this strange misconception that setting up a contracting businessmeans simply getting some animals, buying some electric fence, waiting for the phone toring and watching the money roll in. Nothing could be further from the truth. Livestockare unpredictable, they never shut off, their welfare comes before money and, if managedimproperly, livestock are capable of serious harm. It’s important to develop a business planthat fits your schedule, resources and energy or it may lead to frustration and impropermanagement decisions.To begin, you need a business plan. To make a plan, you need a starting point and anending point (A to B). The ending point will be your goal or the long-term vision of yourbusiness. There are about as many types of grazing services as there are ways to grazelivestock. Some examples are:• Livestock species specific,• Target vegetation specific (i.e. – only working on leafy spurge or brushcontrol),• Local v. Regional,• Part-time v. Full-time or• Client specific (i.e. – only working for state agencies).The starting point consists of:1. What you have that you can use, such as:a. Livestock.b. Experience with your intended livestock species.c. Plant knowledge.d. Noxious weed knowledge.e. Any private, local, state or federal contacts you know. These people aregoing to be your potential client base.f. Perhaps you just happen to have some random temporary electric fencesomewhere.2. Your obstacles. There are many potential obstacles, but most of it comes downto how much time and money you have to commit to this business. Runninglivestock involves too much work for you to end up with a company that doesn’tfit your schedule or budget.3. Your needs. This can be broken down into two aspects. What you need to startwith based on what you have and what you need to maintain the business youultimately want. Knowing both, you can develop a plan over time that will allowyou to get from one to the other. Because if you want a large business andyou start at that level, it’s going to be expensive and very difficult to manage.Some of your needs will include:a. Livestock species/breed. And make sure it’s a species and breed that suitsthe areas where you want to work.b. Animal numbers.c. Labor. How many herders? Will they provide their own dogs? Will youneed an accountant to keep track of expenses, income, taxes, etc.? A busi-14 February 2008 The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com

ness manager to field phone calls, set up appointments and schedule contracts?If you’re planning on a regional service, this may be necessary.Equipment. This may include:Temporary Electronet or some other kind of portable fencing.Portable fence energizers/chargers and ground rods.Campers for lodging.Horse trailers.Herding animals,Guarding animals,Supplement,Tools,Corral supplies,Veterinary suppliesBasic animal husbandry supplies.Breeding supplies. If you need bred animals for a project, whatabout adequate breeding facilities on site? How will you deal withbum babies (orphans)? Castration? Weaning?Insurance. This includes liability insurance, which is essential to yourbusiness, health coverage for your employees and worker’s compensation.A home base for use during down time.f.Once you’ve determined these things, it will help you decide 1) If your original goal isfeasible and how to adjust it to fit your needs 2) where you’ll need to start and 3) how youwill need to proceed in order to reach your goal.Set the Ground RulesUnless you plan on taking any project and doing whatever it takes to run that project,these rules are something you will need. Some examples of ground rules might be:•••••d.e.i.ii.iii.iv.v.vi.vii.viii.ix.x.xi.xii.Water and how it will be provided to the animals.Payment schedule.Site access. Do you want the truck/trailer to be able to drive into the site andturn around or are you willing to walk the animals into the site?Urban sites. Yes or no.Animal health disclaimer. The right to remove the animals if there is anythingyou consider to be a serious risk to their health and safety.Defining these ground rules during the site evaluation will allow you and the clientto 1) decide if the project is appropriate for your service and 2) establish your needs wellin advance. This saves everyone a lot of time, makes you look a lot more professionaland allows everyone to focus on the most important aspect of the project; the vegetationmanagement.TrainingWhen you’re finally ready to purchase animals, unless you buy them from a targetedgrazing professional, they will need to be trained. In order for them to do their job to thebest of their ability, they need to be exposed to electric fence, the target vegetation, herding,moving, trucking, strange noises and people milling about. Exposure to all of these thingsmeans lower stress for the animals once they get to a contract site. The less stress imposedupon the animal, the better they will do their job. And this includes making your life easierby not looking for other sources of feed besides the target vegetation you’re being paid tograze, not spooking so easily, not dying on the truck and not escaping the fence as often.You must also train yourself. You’ll have to use both your gut and your brain. And it’ssomething for which you need to prepare. Learn about:• The livestock. The health of the animals must come first and they never shut••••••off, so make sure to learn about the husbandry of that animal. Their:7 Vaccination requirements.7 Supplement needs.7 Grooming.7 Breeding.7 Nutrition.7 Vulnerability to differing climates. Not all animals were made for allweather.7 Vulnerability to toxins.Utilization levels, ocular assessments, monitoring and soils.The desired and undesired plants in your chosen area.Poisonous plants and how to recognize them.Electric fences, horse trailers, loading, corrals and herding.Guard animals and herding dogs.Your individual animals. No one should know those animals better than you.As a species, they have certain behavioral and physiological traits, but eachherd/flock and individual is different. This is important because eventually,they will be the ones to tell you when it’s time to move, when they’re nothealthy and when they’re content.On the Job SiteBy the time you get to working with the client, you should have a strong idea of whatyou need in order to set up, implement and complete that project. For the evaluation andimplementation, I would only have a few words of advice to add:1.2.3.4.5.6.7.Make sure both you and the client understand the project goals.Go through all of the information listed in the first part of this series. Theseaspects of the project and site are important for you to know.Don’t forget your disaster plan. The one constant in this business is that bothnature and livestock are nothing if not unpredictable.Communicate.Be flexible and ready for change.Know your animals and your plants.Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Taking on projects that you’re notequipped to handle not only gives you a bad reputation, but targeted grazingas well.Good Luck and Expect ChangeMy only other piece of advice would be to expect change and embrace it. Your goalswill change, as will your management of the animals. As you begin to see the progress ofyour business or projects unfold, adjustments in management will have to be made. But it’sessential to have that initial starting point and plan because it’s the foundation on whichthose adjustments will be made. Otherwise, good luck and good grazing.The Society for Range Management (SRM) is “the professional society dedicated to supportingpersons 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 landethic. This series of articles is dedicated to connecting the science of range management withthe art, by applied science on the ground in Nevada. Articles are the opinion of the author andmay not be an official position of SRM. Further information and a link to submit suggestionsor questions are available at the Nevada Section website at http://www.ag.unr.edu/nsrm/. SRM’smain webpage is www.rangelands.org. We welcome your comments.10 Bulls Sell at Snyder’s Bulls for the 21 st CenturyMarch 8, 2008 TEST RESULTS AVAILABLENevada Livestock Marketing, LLC1025 Allen Road, Fallon, Nevada(Gallagher’s)Sale EveryWednesday✦✦✦✦10:00 am Slaughter Cows, BullsApprox. 11:30-12:00 Small Barn1:00 pm Feeder CattleHorses LastFor more information on times, feed charges, hauling, etc., Please Contact:John Hanger/manager: 217-2433 Office: 775-423-7760Jack Payne 775-217-9273 Fax: 775-423-1813www.progressiverancher.comThe Progressive Rancher February 2008 15

R-CALF United Stockgrowers of America“Fighting for the U.S. CattleProducer’s Prosperity – Together”is Theme for Annual Convention inOmaha, Feb. 20 -23Billings, Mont. – The R-CALF USA Board of Directors is pleased to announce thatthe group’s 9th annual convention will take place Feb. 20- 23, 2008, and has been movedto Omaha, Neb. The theme for this year’s event is “Fighting for the U.S. Cattle Producer’sProsperity – Together.” The location is the newly remodeled Holiday Inn Omaha ConventionCenter, located at 3321 S. 72nd St, just off Interstate 80 at Exit 449.“Many members over the years have requested that we hold the R-CALF conventionin a more central location and during a time that we’re not in direct competition with theNational Western Stock Show in Denver, so this board decided to listen to those suggestions,and we think this change will increase attendance dramatically,” said R-CALF USAConvention Committee Chair Eric Nelson. “We’ve also lined up a fresh new roster ofexciting presenters who are experts in their fields. Only four speakers are back by populardemand – Charlie McVean, with McVean Trading and Investments, will give an outlookreport on the cattle markets; Roger McEowen, the director of the Iowa State UniversityCenter for Agricultural Law and Taxation; Creighton University’s Jason Bartz, an expertscientist on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE); and, nationally renowned diseaserisk-assessment expert Tony Cox.“Additionally, we now have a much larger area in which to hold the trade show, andsince our convention dates no longer compete with the National Western, we’re hoping toattract several new vendors who want to reach hundreds of grassroots cattle producers whorun all different sizes of operations,” he added.“The Holiday Inn Omaha is large enough so that we’re now able to have separaterooms for the presentations and meals, and it’s the first time R-CALF has ever been ableto offer a fully equipped newsroom to media who cover the event,” Nelson continued.“Another thing our members have requested over the years, as far as entertainment goes,is a live band and a dance floor, so this year we’re proud to welcome the breakout countrygroup 32 Below, and our members will have plenty of room to two-step the night away ifthey like.”For the second year in a row, the R-CALF USA Private Property Rights Committeewill hold a seminar on Wednesday, Feb. 20, one day before the convention officially getsunderway. Panel discussions throughout the convention cover several topics important tothe live cattle industry, including animal health issues such as BSE and foot-and-mouthdisease (FMD), animal identification, market competition, international trade and the FarmBill. Also planned are updates on the National Beef Checkoff Program and country-oforiginlabeling (COOL). More in-depth information on these topics and the presenters willbe forthcoming in the days ahead.The keynote speaker for the luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 21, is prominent radio talkshow host Derry Brownfield, who is heard on more than 80 radio stations in 23 states. Healso speaks frequently across the country, talking about his common sense points of view.The keynote speaker for the Friday luncheon is G.B. Oliver III, executive vice presidentof the Paragon Foundation, which was created in 1996 to support the advancement of thefundamental principals articulated by the United States’ founding fathers in both the Declarationof Independence and the U.S. Constitution.How could proven CRYSTALYX ® performance get any better? By gettingOn the evening of Feb. 21, the Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA) will hosteasier. The BioBarrel Single Trip Containerl degrades naturally as the“CPA Night at the R-CALF USA Convention”. CPA plans to bring in several big-namespeakers, to be announced at a later date, to discuss how current U.S. trade policies aresupplement is consumed. (Time-consuming clean-up and disposal issues detrimental to the United States. Nelson represents R-CALF USA on the CPA board ofdirectors.disappear, too.) And just like our original black steel barrel option, youNew this year to get Saturday’s business session started on a positive note is a prayercan count on profitable results. Learn more at www.crystalyx.com.breakfast during which Brother David Andrews will speak about the importance of bringingwholesome food to consumers and supporting a food system made up of family farmersand ranchers.“Anyone who is at all concerned about the rising tide of globalization, the increase incorporate influence over our governmental agencies and the erosion of our personal freedomsshould make plans to attend this convention,” Nelson urged. “We’re taking the themeCall 1-800-727-2502 • www.crystalyx.comof this convention very seriously. We absolutely must begin working together with likemindedgroups if we want to be prosperous in the near-term and preserve the heritage of theRESULTS BY THE BARREL ®domestic live cattle industry for our children and future generations for the long-term.”For more information about the convention or trade show, call R-CALF USA headquartersat 406-252-2516.RBO803-BioBarrel National Ad - Progressive Rancher - 5”x11” - BW • 9.11.0716 February 2008 The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com

PartnershiP DisPersionSelling Over 1250 Head10 Herd Bulls25 Coming Two Year Old Bulls50 Fall Yearling Bulls200 2007 Bulls20 Angus Composite Bulls475 Spring Calving Cows200 2007 Heifers32 Spring Bred Heifers80 Fall Pairs40 Fall Bred cows38 Fall Bred Heifers10 Ranch HorsesEmbryos & SemenPlus a special guest bull consignment fromPheasant Trek , Wilton, CA.saleFebruary 22 & 23, 2008 • 11 amFallon Cattle & Feed• 3500 Cushman Rd., Fallon, NV.The Finest Angus Genetics AvailableSons & Daughters of These Great Sires Sell.......LAU DecadeBW WW YW MILK IMF% RE FAT $B+3.3 +70 +119 +27 +.45 +.66 +.053 +53.75BR MidlandG13 SteelOurInterestSells!OurInterestSells!BW WW YW MILK IMF% RE FAT $B+1.6 +46 +86 +12 +.79 +.53 +.030 +48.15These Top Individuals Sell.....................................6212BW WW YW MILK+4.0 +49 +97 +271424BW WW YW MILK+2.7 +37 +92 +260147DOB: 2-20-06Sire: Schurrtop MC 2500Dam By: Bon View New Design 1407DOB: 3-20-06Sire: G13 StructureDam By: Bon View New Design 1407The most impressive groups of Angusmatrons to sell in the West for decades.A True Sight To Behold!For Sale Books Contact:Rich (775)761-1834 • Gary (775)217-1836Office (775)867-4136 • www.hutchingscattleco.com P.O. w eBox s t e r5340 n c o• w mFallon, a n • jNV a n89407u a r y 2 0 0 8OurInterestSells!BW WW YW MILK IMF% RE FAT $B+6.4 +53 +94 +22 -.13 +.08 -.033 +34.50BW WW YW MILK+1.6 +44 +82 +24DOB: 1-26-00Sire: TC QAdvantageDam By: B/R New Design 036Marketing AgentJames Danekas & Associates, Inc.3222 Ramos Cir, Suite ASacramento, CA 95827(916) 362-2697 • jdainc@cwo.comwww.progressiverancher.comThe Progressive Rancher February 2008 17

Andy Peek1952-2008Ellington A. “Andy” Peek passed away January 3,2008 at his home in Cottonwood, with his family at hisside. Andy, with support of his wife Rhonda and family,bravely fought pancreatic cancer this past year. Hedemonstrated strength, faith and even humor during thisdifficult time.Andy was born January 11, 1952 at Mather Air ForceBase in Sacramento. In 1955 the family relocated to theCottonwood area. Andy graduated from Red Bluff Highin 1970 and attended Shasta College while working in thefamily livestock business, Shasta Livestock Auction andWestern Video Market, of which he was president of.Andy was involved in numerous local and stateprograms, projects and organizations dealing with thelivestock industry. He was former chairman and ex-directorof the Shasta District Fair and served on the NationalLivestock Marketing Association board. Andy was pastpresident of California Cattlemen’s Association and wasnamed Tehama County Cattlemen’s 2007 Man of theYear.He gave his knowledge and talents to help his communityin countless projects. Andy could be counted onto give a helping hand to those in need and was known asa man of deep integrity and honesty.Andy is survived by his wife Rhonda and sonMason of Cottonwood; step-daughter, Tarin Regelin ofAnderson, step-son J.P. Vansickle of Red Bluff and fourstep-grandchildren; parents Ellington and Betty Peek ofCottonwood, sister and brother-in-law Callie and DarrellWood of Vina; sister and brother-in-law Laurie andJerry Norene of Wheatland and brother, Brad Peek ofElk Grove. Andy is also survived by two nieces, DalliceWood of Susanville, Courtney Norene of Wheatland;and two nephews, Ramsey Wood of Susanville and MattNorene of Cottonwood.In lieu of flowers, the Peek family would appreciatedonations made in Andy Peek’s name to one or all of thefollowing charitable causes: Hirshberg Foundation (PancreaticCancer Research), 2990 S. Sepulveda Blvd. SuiteC, Los Angeles, CA 90064; Mercy Hospice, 1544 MarketSt. Redding, CA 96049; and Andy Peek Livestock Scholarship,C/O Red Bluff Bull Sale, 270 Antelope Blvd.,Suite 3, Red Bluff, CA 96080.By Lee PittsBetty, do you remember when this long ordeal began, when Andy had hisfirst operation? Johnny and I flew up to see Andy and I sat down next to you in thewaiting area in the hospital. You grabbed my hand and asked, “Why Andy? He hasalways been such a good person. He wouldn’t hurt anyone. He doesn’t deserve this.Why Andy?” Betty your question haunted me for weeks until one day I saw the answerto your question in a beautiful Monarch butterfly that landed outside my office.Did you know, my friends, that your average beautiful butterfly lives but a singleday? That butterfly reminded me that most exquisite and meaningful things in thislife don’t last near as long as they should. A butterfly, a rose, a dollar fat market,a buck and a half calf market, the innocence of a baby, a rainbow and Andy Peek.They are all with us for too short a time. That’s why they are so special.At funerals there is a temptation to make people out to be better than they reallywere. That’s impossible in Andy’s case: he was quite simply the most decent humanbeing I’ve ever known. But still that does not answer Betty’s question. “Why?” Ithink it is for us. It is for we the living so that we can benefit, that we may fullyappreciate all that is good in this world. So that we might learn from Andy’s painand live a fuller life because of his example.On what was truly one of the saddest days in my life Brad called after Andy’ssecond surgery and gave me the news that I feared was coming. Then Brad put Andyon the phone. If it was one of the most dismal days of my life it was also one of themost inspirational and meaningful because of what Andy said next. Please keep inmind that Andy had just hours earlier been told that his life had a finite end. Andysaid, “Lee, I know what the Doctors have said and I haven’t figured out yet whatI’m going to do but I’m going to think of some way to turn this into a win.”That simple sentence is the essence of Andy Peek.There is a popular bumper sticker that reads WWJD. It stands for “What wouldJesus do?” I didn’t know Jesus, not in a physical way. But I was privileged to knowAndy Peek. And this past year whenever I was faced with a problem or had to confrontmy own inadequacies I found myself asking, “What would Andy do?”When I felt sorry for myself or was overwhelmed with sadness about Andy’scondition I would think of him and his optimistic outlook on life. Steve Lucaswho has fought his own courageous battle lately put it in the right perspective. As18 February 2008 The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com

Doctors were getting ready to remove his nose and maybe his eyes, I kept asking Steve,“Aren’t you scared? How do you feel?” Steve just thought of his good friend Andy andsaid, “I feel great. Seeing Andy and his optimistic spirit how could I not?” Indeed.Isn’t it extraordinary that throughout this entire traumatic ordeal it was Andy whowas lifting our spirits, helping us cope rather than the other way around?If you want to know about a person ask the people who work for him. Let’s not forgetthe wonderful women in the office who have suffered through this too. Jenny, Michelle,Kris. They all loved Andy. As did the people out back, Kevin. To a person I’ve neverheard anyone who worked with Andy say anything negative about him. Andy saw thebest in people merely because he did not go looking for the worst.I have gained greater love for my own family by watching the Peeks these past fewmonths. They’ve were with him every step of the way. Callie worked so hard researchingand looking for medical help. As a result Andy got the best medical care possible. I’velong known that Laurie was an Angel on earth and she gave of herself unselfishly tryingto make things better for Andy, Rhonda and everyone else. She shares Andy’s optimisticoutlook on life. And then there is Brad. Let me say that no one ever had a better brother.And Andy knew it. He was so proud of Brad and we should be too.Betty and Ellington. I hope you know how much we all love and appreciate you.Andy was who he was because of you. I hope if you feel the tears welling up think ofthat beautiful butterfly, or in your case Ellington that dollar fat market, and be remindedthat beauty is not measured by a calendar nor character by a clock. Take a cue from Andy,we should all be so thankful that we were blessed with his presence for nearly 56 years.How all our lives would have been diminished had he not come along. And your job isnot yet finished. You must be there, as you’ve always been, to watch Uncle Brad coachMason in Little League and to welcome your great grandchildren into this world. MournAndy we must, but let’s also be thankful we have Mason, Matt, Courtney, Dallice andRamsey. You have the most wonderful family I’ve ever met. I hope you find comfort andhope in them. That’s what Andy did.Whenever I want to bundle up in a ball and live the life of a hermit because of allthe challenges of modern day life I think of Andy’s sense of adventure. He never gotused to the high life or spent his years acquiring expensive toys. He’d work like crazy51 weeks of the year and then one week he’d be off to some exotic location that I neverheard. He’d eat their food, mingle with the people and partake of their customs. He hadsuch a thirst for knowledge and was wise in so many ways. I like to think that Andy ison another such adventure now. He’s in an exotic locale with no futures market or nomad cows. And I’m pretty sure there are no lawyers, P and S bureaucrats or folks fromthe Water Quality Control Board where Andy is.In dying Andy taught us all how to live. When I feel like giving up I think of Andy.He fought a valiant battle until the end. When he could no longer talk, he crunched hishands into fists and give cancer a couple of upper cuts. Never once did anyone hear himutter a defeatist word. Plenty of tears were shed but I never heard of a single one thatcame from Andy’s eyes. He was good, sweet, decent Andy until the end, without bitterness,depression, fears or tears. We set an example not only in how we live our livesbut also in how we exit them. Andy handled his dying as he did his living, with grace,dignity and courage.As Andy would say... “Everything is gonna be all right.” Oh, maybe not today. Todayis for grieving, for crying. The flowers are really for us the living. Today we say wehave come to celebrate the life of Andy Peek but it is really for us to cry our eyes out andto lean on each other. It is all together fitting and proper that we do this. The depths of ourdismay really show much we loved him. Yes, today is for us to console one another, tohug the Peeks and try to give back to them what they have given us all these many years.So cry our eyes out we must but when we all wake up tomorrow morning I’d suggest adifferent perspective. If today is for us then, tomorrow and the day after that, and the dayafter that is for Andy. Remember I told you Andy wanted to find a way to turn his deathinto a victory. That’s where you and I come in. Rhonda told me that this past year shehas learned so much from Andy that will be useful in her life. Haven’t we all? When weare faced with hardship think of Andy and handle it with grace like he did. Faced with atough business decision handle it honestly as Andy always did. And when faced with ourown mortality we should remember Andy’s example and handle it with the same dignityand courage that he did.Andy gave something to all of us that can live forever. If because of Andy we insome way become better and more decent people ourselves and in turn pass these qualitieson down to our children and grandchildren we not only become better people, we’llmake this world a far more beautiful place... just like the butterfly, the rose, the rainbowand Andy. Isn’t it glorious, my friends, that we have been given the power to give Andya lasting legacy and his final victory. Let’s win one for Andy!www.progressiverancher.comThe Progressive Rancher February 2008 19

R-CALF United Stockgrowers of America2008 Congressional Priorities for the U.S. Cattle IndustryWashington, D.C. – “The U.S. cattle industry is the only major livestock sector thathas not been vertically integrated from birth to plate, and as such, remains the last frontierfor the U.S. meatpacking industry,” warned R-CALF USA President/Region VI DirectorMax Thornsberry.“2008 will be a pivotal year in determining whether the cattle industry goes the wayof the poultry and hog industries, or charts a new course and develops a new model whereproducers and packers maintain a harmonious partnership without either party exertingeconomic control over the other,” he continued. “Thousands of R-CALF members whoraise and sell cattle across the U.S. first will ask members of the 2007 Farm Bill conferencecommittee to support the competition provisions within the Senate version of the Farm Bill,and then ask all of Congress to support the remainder of the policies outlined below that willensure their continued independence.”Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling• Ensure the proper implementation of mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL)no later than Sept. 30, 2008, to enable U.S. producers to maintain the separate identity oftheir U.S. cattle herd and engage in competition with growing volumes of imported beefand cattle.Market Competition• Preserve the competition reforms in the Senate version of the 2007 Farm Bill andensure their proper and timely implementation in 2008. These critical reforms include:◊ A ban on packer ownership of livestock for more than 14 days before slaughter toprevent packers from manipulating and controlling fed cattle prices.◊ The establishment of an Office of Special Council for Agricultural Competition toensure proper enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA).◊ A requirement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conduct a rule-making to define the PSA term “unreasonable preference or advantage” to protectproducers against discriminatory marketing practices by packers.◊ The authorization for voluntary arbitration for contract livestock producers to ensurethat contract growers can hold vertically integrated packers accountable.◊ The authorization for state-inspected packing plants to engage in interstate commerceto provide smaller packers with an incentive to expand.• Amend the PSA to require forward contracts to contain a firm base price to preventlarger packers from acquiring large volumes of un-priced cattle that effectively shield themfrom the competitive marketplace and allow them to leverage down domestic cattle prices.• Amend the PSA to correct court interpretations that found packers are free to controlor manipulate cattle prices if they allege a “business justification” for their actions. Pricecontrol and manipulation should be unlawful regardless of the reason the packers choose toengage in such practices.• Amend the PSA to correct court decisions that found producers must not only provethey were harmed by unfair and deceptive acts or practices of the packers, but also, that thepractices caused an injury to the competitiveness of the entire industry. This is an untenableburden for individual producers.• Amend mandatory price reporting requirements to achieve greater transparency oflivestock market prices as recommended by the General Accountability Office (GAO).Cattle Herd Health• Pass immediately the Resolution of Disapproval to overturn USDA’s OTM Rule thatallows the importation of over-30-month cattle and beef from Canada. These commoditiesrepresent the highest risk for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) from a country thatcontinues to detect this incurable, always fatal disease, and the U.S. has not yet restored lostexport markets.• Amend the Animal Health Protection Act (AHPA) to prohibit USDA from allowingimports of cattle or beef from a country where incurable and always fatal bovine diseasesare known to exist or, alternatively, require USDA to trade only with countries determinedto be either free of disease or that meet the OIE standard for countries with a negligible riskfor disease.• Amend the AHPA to prohibit USDA from allowing imports of cattle or beef from acountry affected by serious foreign animal diseases through the process of regionalization,which is the process of establishing imaginary disease-free zones within the borders of anotherwise disease-affected country.• Amend the U.S. feed ban to prohibit all animal protein and animal by-products fromlivestock feed to further protect against the spread of BSE.• Authorize voluntary BSE testing to facilitate the restoration of lost export markets.International TradeRequire all trade agreements to include provisions that reflect the unique marketingcharacteristics of the U.S. cattle industry, including its extreme price sensitivity to increasesin supply. As a minimum, all trade agreements must include:Classification of cattle and beef as perishable and cyclical items and consideredlike/kind products.Quantity and price safeguards for both beef and live cattle.Rules of origin that provide preferential treatment only for products from cattle thatwere born, raised, and slaughtered in the country of export.Upward harmonization of import health and safety standards.◊Remove livestock from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s “J-List” thereby requiring allimported livestock to be permanently marked with their country-of-origin to ensure that importedlivestock can be traced following a disease outbreak detected in a foreign country.Take steps to correct currency manipulation by trading partners that have taken action tounder-value their currencies vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar to gain an unjust trading advantage.Animal Identification• Amend the AHPA to prohibit mandatory animal identification and premises registrationand direct USDA instead to make improvements to existing animal disease trace-backprograms, such as the successful brucellosis surveillance program.Beef Checkoff Program• Amend the National Beef Checkoff program to allow U.S. cattle producers to promoteand advertise their USA beef and to improve the accountability of the program. R-CALFUSA does not support the recommendation to increase the checkoff assessment to $2 perhead.20 February 2008 The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com◊◊◊

Wildlife: Winter Could BringShort-term Losses,Long-term GainsNevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) game biologists are grateful for the heavyprecipitation from the recent winter storms that dropped much needed snow on some verydry habitat. After three years of drought conditions and wildfires, the snow and rain may helpnurse some of the Silver State’s struggling habitat back to health, provided that the stormscontinue to come. On the other hand, many of Nevada’s animals were in poor condition goinginto winter, and severe weather conditions may take a significant toll.“Precipitation has been below average, resulting in less-than-optimum habitat conditions,”said Russ Mason, NDOW’s game division chief. “In the past, wildlife die-offs havebeen influenced by drought conditions,” he continued, “and a large-scale snow event couldresult in above average losses of big and small game species going into winter in poorcondition.”Nevada HunterEducationGoes OnlineNo getting around it, first time and young hunter wannabes in Nevada have to take ahunter education class before they can buy their license and go hunting. Now with the additionof an internet based course, new hunters in the Silver State have another option formeeting part of their hunter education requirement and getting into the field.Nevada law requires anyone born after Jan. 1, 1960 and who hasn’t successfully completeda hunter education course in another state take a class before purchasing a huntinglicense. Nevada’s course, administered by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) hastwo components: home study, where students complete course materials, followed by aninstructor-led course.Until recently, home study meant picking up a free workbook and student manual ata NDOW office, while allowing adequate time to complete the workbook before the classdate arrives.Often this isn’t easy or convenient with busy school, sports or work schedules competingfor students and parent’s time and attention. And with the price of gas hovering around$3 a gallon it may not be very economical to drive across town – or in rural areas, acrosscounty – to get books. Now with the advent of the online hunter education course studentscan skip the trip to NDOW and complete their pre-class work on their computer withoutever leaving home.To get started, students simply go to www.hunter-ed.com and click on the link to theNevada course. The course is user-friendly and self paced; students can study as much or aslittle as they want and take as many practice tests as they feel necessary for free. When readyto take the online course completion exam, students pay a $15 fee, pass or fail.Once they pass the exam, students print out their Online Course Completion Confirmationthat serves as proof of completion of their pre-class work and gains them admittance toan NDOW hunter education class. After completing the class students will be issued theirofficial Nevada Hunter Education Certificate and be eligible to purchase a hunting license.The certificate is good for life and is recognized as proof of hunter education throughoutNorth America.NDOW offers hunter education classes across the state throughout the year. Taught byvolunteer instructors, the class costs $5, payable at the door to the instructor. Go to NDOW’swebsite at www.ndow.org for more information or to view class schedules. With Nevada’sbig game tag application period just around the corner the annual rush for hunter educationclasses is coming. The difference this year is that for the first time hunter ed students havethe option of hitting the books or surfing the net.The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fishand wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitatconservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees anda federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservationin Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information,visit www.ndow.org.www.progressiverancher.comIn western Nevada, a dry year and record high temperatures have left big game populationson dry feed in many ranges for over a year. Current “green-up” from December precipitationhas chukar and deer taking advantage, although this usually does not occur untilspring when wildlife is still on winter range without a good shrub component in their diet.If the region receives an unusually heavy snow, higher than normal deer losses should beexpected. In the central part of the state, dry conditions have left game in pooroverall body condition, reflected by relatively low reproduction. Given their condition andthe lack of quality forage, even an average winter could result in higher mortality for manyspecies. For the same reasons, NDOW biologists are concerned that reproduction may bepoor next spring.It’s a mixed bag in southern Nevada. Pronghorn antelope are expected to fare the worst,as their habitat is in the poorest condition. Desert bighorn sheep habitat appears to be moderatethroughout most of southeastern Nevada. Although there is wide variability, mule deerhabitat appears to be in moderate to good condition, depending on the area. Elk habitat appearsgood in general. If the southeastern part of the state receives heavy snowfall this year,expect low numbers of young to survive the winter.The good news is that wildlife will benefit from the moisture we’re seeing in the longrun because of the improvement to habitat. Precipitation means good forage and encouragesshrub growth, providing cover for some species.The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fishand wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitatconservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees anda federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservationin Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information,visit www.ndow.org.7From Phillips-To Snyder’sLow Birth EPD’s • Hi Maternal • High GrowthSpring YearlingsAvailable at SnyderLivestock TestBulls & FemalesAvailable at theRanch in the FallHome of the 2003 Snyder Livestock Bull Test High Point Bull.Cecil & Ty FelkinsHome Of BAR S Beef.Breeding Quality Red Angus for the Commercial Market(209) 274-4338 • (209) 274-2674 • Ione, California. 95640The Progressive Rancher February 2008 21

By Joe Guildjust completed an outline for a talk I will have given just about the timeI this column is published. The topic is Estate Planning and I will give thetalk at the Cattlemen’s College in conjunction with the National Cattlemen’s BeefAssociation Convention to be held in Reno, February 5th through 9th.I don’t practice law full-time in this area anymore but I did do quite a bit of estate planningin my practice years ago. I drifted into other specialties over time but I have personalexperience within my own family and I know enough to be able to make some educatedrecommendations. I have also been actively and intimately involved with NCBA over thelast 10 years in attempting to repeal the Federal Estate Tax or,as I, and others like to say, the Death Tax.Given that broad range of experience and my personalanimus toward the Death Tax I feel compelled to offer someadvice. I know of no rancher who does not feel strong attachmentto two very important things—his or her family andtheir ranch. A lifetime of working close to animals and theland naturally creates a strong and vital bond. Most ranchingfamilies work together on the land and we all know this cansometimes mean several generations pulling together underdifficult, trying and not always easy circumstances. Obviously,this also creates a strong and vital bond among thefamily members and to their animals and the land.The typical rancher I know in the above situation wantstwo things—to leave the land and the ranch better than it was when it came into their handsand to keep the ranch in the family’s hands after they are gone. The big problem is how todo this by the most economical means and to avoid the largest estate tax burden and disharmonywithin the family. This can only be accomplished by a thoughtful and measuredestate plan. Fortunately, there are many tools with which any family can accomplish thistask.The most important tool is a competent honest estate planning professional advisor.This is usually an attorney specializing in estate and tax planning. Make no mistake, theprocess, no matter whom you use for advice, will take some time and cost some money.Estate PlanningThe current estate tax iscomplicated and confusing.The most important tool isa competent honest estateplanning professional advisor.Without a plan, if your estate is probated through the courts, it will take more time andcost your heirs more money. The goal should be that your family not have to sell all or partof the ranch to satisfy the tax burden and other expenses which will inevitably be assessedagainst your estate after you pass on.To do the job right, I believe an attorney, accountant and appraiser should be involvedin creating an estate plan. These advisors should also be specialists in this area. It is a fool’sjourney to try and create an estate plan by yourself. There are internet sites which offer thisalternative, but unless you understand the legal and tax implications of your decisions oneshould not try and create a plan without trusted advice.Once you have settled upon your advisors, the processof deciding which course of action will begin. At aminimum every person should have a will, a physician’sdirective for healthcare decisions (sometimes erroneouslyreferred to as a living will) and a power of attorney givento someone you trust with a working knowledge of yourranch operations who can make management and financialdecisions if you are physically or mentally unable to operateyour ranch.Some families create closed corporations and issuestock. Over time, the older generation can give their sharesof stock to the younger generation, thus, transferringownership over time. Another alternative is to create an irrevocableliving trust. This will help to avoid the time and expense of probate by puttingownerships of the trust assets, which can include real estate and livestock, in the handsof successor trustees after the original trustee (the ranch owner or owners) passes on. Apartnership can also be created among family members. When one of the partners dies, theother partners, through a partnership agreement of succession can acquire the deceasedpartner’s ownership interest.It is very important to note here that none of the above techniques will help to completelyavoid paying a death tax on the assets of an estate which qualifies for a levy. Theold adage nothing is as certain as death and taxes applies in magnification when it comesto the federal estate tax.The current estate tax is complicated and confusing. In very general terms, if youpassed away in 2008, the amount of exclusion from the tax available to you and your spousewould be $2 million. Thus, if your total estate was less than that amount there would be nodeath tax. Anything over that amount would be subject to the death tax. If you died in 2009the exclusion would be 3.5 million. A death tax in 2010 would result in no tax because forthat one year Congress repealed the tax. However, unless Congress changes the law a deathin 2011 would subject an estate to a tax of 55% of any estate worth over $1 million.You can see the dilemma. What exactly do you plan for; a death in 2010 or a death in2011 where the tax burden would be just what it was in 2000 when the tax reform bill waslast passed. That is why I recommend professional advice in this extremely complicatedarea of the law.In a short column such as this I can’t give any one an answer to their particular questionsabout their specific situation. The purpose here has been to start you thinking aboutplanning so that your family ranch does not fall into unwanted hands. After spending alifetime building something or making something you inherited better it would be a shameto not pass it on to the next generation if that is your wish. Call your attorney and begin theexploration of this very important effort for the protection of your ranch and your family.I’ll see you soon.22 February 2008 The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com

F i n a n c i a l FocusPresented by Sonny Davidson, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones in Elko, NevadaTo Fight Rising Prices,Invest for Income and GrowthEven if you don’t typically follow economic news all that closely, the fact that oil pricesare now hovering near the $100-per-barrel mark has probably caught your attention. If not,it should, because stratospheric oil prices will almost certainly affect you as a consumer- and it may also cause you to review your investment strategies.Of course, if you drive, you’re aware of oil economics every time you fill up at thepump. But even if you don’t own a car, you’ll find that oil - or at least petrochemical productsmade from crude oil - is leaving a big footprint in your life. From computers to clothing,pens to paint brushes and shampoo to shower curtains, you use petrochemical productsmade from petroleum all the time, and every day. So, given the stratospheric prices of crudeoil, don’t be surprised to see the prices of many of these products start to climb.You might be less concerned about the potential inflationary pressures caused by risingoil prices if your income were rising significantly. But that may not be the case; overthe past several years, wage growth has been relatively low. Factoring in inflation, weeklywages were just 2.2 percent higher in September 2007 than in March 2001, according toresearch compiled by the Center for American Progress.So, here’s the situation in a nutshell: While prices may be going up, your wages may bestagnating. That’s not a formula for achieving your long-term goals, such as a comfortableretirement. To address this problem, then, you’ll need to look at another component of yourfinancial picture - your investments. Consider these suggestions:• Invest for rising income. Fixed-income vehicles, such as bonds and Certificates ofMeyers Ranch & Friends presentHEART of the ROCKIES4th AnnualPremium Performance &Working Cow Horse SaleSpecial ConsignmentFehringerRed Angusin conjunction with theDodge National Circuit Finals RodeoFriday, March 21, 2008Holt Arena • Pocatello, IdahoPreview 8 a.m. • Sale 9 a.m.Featuring 45 Pre-Selected PremiumPerformance & Working Cow-Bred HorsesProven & Prospect Team & Calf Roping, Reining,Team Penning, Cow Cutting & Working Ranch HorsesTimed Working PreviewThurs., March 20, 2008 • 1 p.m. • Guthrie Arena, Inkom, IDFor more information, contact:Jay or Ranae Meyers 208-233-7653www.meyersranch.com • Catalog & owner information at www.heartoftherockies.us.Deposit (CDs), may well have a place in your portfolio, but they might not keepyou ahead of inflation. That’s why you may want to consider investing in dividendproducingstocks. Some of these stocks have actually increased their dividends formore than 25 straight years. So, if you’re seeking ways to stay ahead of inflation,here’s one place to look. (Keep in mind, though, that even stocks with long historiesof paying dividends are not obligated to do so in the future, and they may cutdividends, or not pay them at all, in any given year.)• Invest for growth. To stay ahead of inflation for the future, you’ll want investmentsthat provide the opportunity for long-term appreciation. That means you shouldhave a certain percentage of your portfolio devoted to growth stocks. It’s true thatthese stocks can be volatile; their prices will go up and down, and it’s possible youcould lose some or your entire principal. But you can reduce this risk, and increasethe chances of staying ahead of inflation, by purchasing an array of quality growthstocks - those issued by companies with solid management, competitive productsand strong balance sheets.No one can really predict how high oil prices will rise, how long they will stay elevatedand how much they will affect overall inflation. But you shouldn’t sit around and wait forthese answers. Instead, work with your financial advisor to find income and growth opportunities.www.progressiverancher.comThe Progressive Rancher February 2008 23

Test Your Home For RadonContact the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension for free, simple-to-use kitRENO – Most people associate lung cancer with smoking. Although smokers have ahigher incidence of lung cancer than nonsmokers do, about 21,000 nonsmokers die of lungcancer each year, caused by indoor radon exposure. Yet, few people know about the radonrisk or have their homes tested for it.In response, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Governor JimGibbons have declared January Radon Action Month. University of Nevada CooperativeExtension and the Nevada State Health Division have taken the lead in Nevada, urging allresidents to test their homes for radon. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer amongnonsmokers.Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uraniumin soil and enters homes through foundation cracks, openings and some of the porous materialsused to construct foundations and floors of homes. It is an odorless, colorless, invisiblegas that can reach harmful levels if trapped indoors.Radon can enter any home, old or new. Two neighboring homes can have very differentradon levels. The only way to know what the radon levels are inside your home is tomeasure them.January is the ideal time to test your home for radon, as most of us keep our homesclosed up during cold weather. If you are ready to test your home for radon, University ofNevada Cooperative Extension, in cooperation with the Nevada State Health Division, isoffering free short-term radon test kits to Nevada residents for a limited time. For a freeFarm Bill Sign Up AnnouncedReno, Jan. 8: The Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting applicationsfor conservation program assistance under the Environmental Quality IncentivesProgram. Applications are due by Feb. 15.FALLON BULL SALEFebruary 16SNYDER’S“BULLS FOR THE 21 ST CENTURY”March 817 Angus, Gelbvieh, and Balancer bulls on test.Selling a powerful group ofAngus and Balancer’s bySITZ TIMELINE 9004Bw: 3.2 ww 55 yw 92 mk 18Imf .02 re .39 fat -.009 $B 37.50SITZ RAINMAKER 6169Bw 3.8 ww 55 yw 91 mk 19Imf -.07 re .44 fat -.007 $B 32.78SAV 8180 TRAVELER 004Bw 3.4 ww 58 yw 106 mk 21Imf -.015 re .34 fat .012 $B 33.12CONNEALY FREIGHTLINERBw 1.8 ww 47 yw 91 mk 20Imf .09 re .18 fat .013 $B 31.47CONNEALY DANNY BOYBw .5 ww 52 yw 92 mk 6Imf .00 re .58 fat -.016 $B38.52LEADORE MAYBEY 8173Bw .9 ww 45 yw 79 mk 16Imf .14 re .30 fat -.002 $B 37.82kit, call University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, (775) 784-4848. For your first test,it is best to use the short-term test kit, which remains in your home for two to four days. Itcontains activated charcoal, which absorbs radon, and provides extremely accurate results.If you do find high levels of radon in your home, the EPA recommends a follow-up test, asradon levels fluctuate naturally. A long-term test may be recommended.If you do have elevated levels of radon in your home, it is best to have the problemaddressed by a qualified professional. Radon problems can be fixed for a cost similar to thatof many common home repairs, ranging from about $800 to $2,500.For more information, call University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, (775) 784-4848; or the Nevada State Health Division, (775) 687-7531. You can also visit your local CooperativeExtension offices in Churchill, Clark, Elko, Lincoln, Northern Nye & Esmeralda,Mineral and Southern Nye counties or the EPA’s National Radon Action Month website,www.epa.gov/radon/nram. California residents can go to http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/environhealth/Pages/RadonTestKits.aspxfor information on obtaining a test kit.An Evening ofBeef and Trent LoosSnyder Livestock and Bulls for the 21st Century Bull Sale is sponsoring a series ofproducer dinners in California, Oregon, and Nevada. Beef producers are invited to take abreak from winter, attend the prime rib dinner and listen to the evening’s speakers. Dr. BruceHoffman’s talk, BVD – A Simple Approach to a Complex Problem, will cover BVD testingand vaccination as well as the biosecurity necessary to control this profit robbing disease.Dr. Bill Kvasnicka will present information about two factors that inhibit immune response– BVD and parasites. If you ever “gave them all their shots” and had them get sick whenthey arrived at the feedlot, Dr. Bill may have some answers for your questions.The keynote speaker is Trent Loos. Trent is a 6th generation farmer-rancher fromNebraska. He has a radio program entitled Loos Tales that is focused on putting a humanface back on agriculture. He has traveled the country as an advocate for agriculture. Beefproducers will love listening to this passionate, funny, and inspiring rancher as he tells ourside of the story.Each dinner will start with a hosted social hour at 5 PM, a prime rib dinner follows at 6PM, and the presentations will begin at 7 PM. All beef producers are invited to attend. Theevening will include an opportunity to meet and ask questions of program speakers and theconsignors of Bulls for the 21st Century. The schedule and locations are as follows:Monday, Feb. 11, Cedarville, CAFairgroundsTuesday, Feb. 12, Lakeview, ORElks LodgeWednesday, Feb. 13, Elko, NVThe Basque HouseThursday, Feb. 14, Winnemucca, NV Convention CenterThe program is sponsored by Shering-Plough, Intervet, Animal Profiling International,Snyder Livestock, and Bulls for the 21st Century. For reservations or more information,please call Snyder Livestock 775-463-2677.SITZ TIMELINE 9004Gelbvieh sired byWRK PACIFIC EAGLE 585LBw .1 ww 48 yuw 82 mk 13Imf -.08 re .12 fat .01RTC ATLAS 712GBw -1.6 ww 49 yw 85 mk 20Imf -.07 re -.002 fat -.02➨➨➨➨Red Bluff Bull & Gelding Sale: 26 BullsKlamath Falls Bull Sale: 8 BullsFallon All Breeds Bull Sale: 6 BullsGood Bulls…Ready to work andare climatized for aNevada workout!Snyder’s “Bulls for the 21 st Century” Sale: 8 Bulls24 February 2008 The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com

Matt Macfarlane ©2008 teSt conSiGnorSacord charolais, new plymouth, idamador angus, modesto, caavila cattle company, cottonwood, caBell ranch, paradise valley, nvchase classic angus & charolais,torrance, cacooper cattle company, oakdale, cadiablo valley angus, Brentwood, caGBJ Beef cattle, Grass valley, caHone ranch, minden, nvJcL cattle company, diamond Bar, caLee Hutchens Herefords, Fallon, nvmoore creek red angus, visalia, caniX angus, minden, nvp&m Waltz ranches, Wheatland, nvphillips ranch, ione, caroadrunner angus, turlock, caSchafer ranch, orland, caSilacci ranches, Gilroy, caSteve Smith angus & Gelbvieh, Lehi, Utt & S Livestock, cottonwood, catodisco ranches, madera, catomera ranch, Jiggs, nvtripp cattle company, Loomis, catrotter red angus, porterville, caUhart polled Herefords, minden, nvCPP©Snyder LiveStock company, inc.office: (775) 463-2677 • Lucy rechel: (775) 790-0801catalog available online: www.slcnv.comwww.progressiverancher.comThe Progressive Rancher February 2008 25

George William Frey1917-2008 George William Frey departed this earth, on January 14, 2008, to go home to Jesus andto be with his mother, father, son, and brothers. He was born December 7, 1917 to Josephand Ethel Peckham Frey at the hospital on Broadway Street in Fallon, Nevada. George attendedChurchill County schools and later graduated from the University of Nevada at Renoin 1942. George dedicated his life to his country, his community and his family. He servedin the Philippines in World War II as an Army Medic and received a Soldiers Medal for hisactions in an attempt to save the life of a “buddy.” After the war George turned his attentionto service as an Assemblyman in the Nevada Legislature in 1947, and also served as NevadaFarm Bureau president in the 1950’sHe further dedicated himself to his community by serving on many local boards andcommittees, including 12 years of service to the Churchill County School Board starting in1958. He also served as Federal Land Bank president, which provided funding for the agriculturalindustry which he so loved. George is very well known for his letters to the editorregarding water issues, and other issues important to the community.George was honored for his public service by the Mayor of Fallon who requested thathe light the Christmas tree on Maine Street on his 90th birthday which was December 7,2007. At that ceremony the entire town sang Happy Birthday to him.During his generous community service George, with the assistance of his father Joseph,his brother Charlie, and his son Norman, put together a beautiful 800 acre farm on theCarson River west of Fallon.He was preceded in death by his mother, who passed away when he was only 1 monthold, his two-year old son Donald, his father Joseph, and his brothers Joseph and Charlie.He is survived by Irene, his loving wife of 31 years, and his children; Louise (David)Workman, Jerry (Gloria) Frey, and Norman (Susan) Frey, along with their mother ElenorCandee Fort. Additional children include Maureen (Rodney) Weishaupt, Mike (Amy) Matzen,Kathy (David) Hansen, and David (Nan) Matzen.Papa George was also loved by his 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.A viewing was held at The Gardens Funeral Home, Crematory, Cemetery, 2949 AustinHwy, Fallon, Nevada on Saturday, January 19, 11:30-12:30, followed by a Celebration ofGeorge’s Life at 1:00 P.M. A potluck reception followed at the Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers,contributions may be made in his memory, to the charity of your choice, the ChurchillCounty Library or the Churchill County Museum.26 February 2008 The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com

www.progressiverancher.comThe Progressive Rancher February 2008 27

Range Plants for the RancherBy Paul T. Tueller, Ph.D. Certified Rangeland ConsultantFor a number of months I have been briefly describing range plant specieswith the intent of informing ranchers and other readers of range plantsin the Great Basin that are important forage species or are important for otherreasons. During that period I have described only one forb. Remember that thereare basically three categories of rangeland plant species, grasses, shrubs (woodyplants) and forbs. Forb is a term used to identify those plants found on rangelandthat are not woody, are not grasses or grass-like plants. The term forb is a contractionof the words forage and herb.So this month I describe another forb, namely Tailcup lupine,sometimes called spurred lupine, Lupinus caudatus, Kellogg. Thisplant is a legume belonging to the pea family (Fabaceae) andis a native, perennial, cool-season forb. Simple or branchedstems arise from a woody caudex and are generally 8 to16 inches (20-40 cm) tall. Leaves are basal, palmate,and have 5 to 9 leaflets 2-15 cm long and 5-15 mmwide. The inflorescence is a terminal raceme andflowers have a conspicuous spur. Pods containfour to six seeds. Plants grow from a stout,deep taproot and reproduces by seed. Theseeds are heavy and are not widely dispersed.They will germinate in full sun orpartial shade and are usually 100 percentviable.This is a common plant in Nevadaand very attractive, sometimes havingtwo to four foot tall flower stalks and,in some cases associated with disturbance,occurs in nearly pure stands.Plants are often bushy and may beup to two to three feet wide withvery long-lasting flower clusters.“Caudatus” is Latin for “with a tail”and perhaps refers to the long flowercluster or to the tail at the end of theseed pod.Tailcup lupine has maximumgrowth in the spring. It is found in avariety of habitats including grassland,sagebrush, desert and mountain shrub,and coniferous forest. They normallyare found on dry sites on gentle to steepslopes and in open woods. They grow bestin dry, well-drained gravelly, sandy, sandyloam,and clayey-loam soils but do not growwell in clay or other organic, sodic-saline, oracid soils. Tailcup lupine persists under partialshade, but it’s cover increases with more sunlightand less competitionTailcup lupine is consumed to a moderate to highdegree by elk, mule deer, antelope, upland game birds,small nongame birds, and small mammals. Tailcup lupineis also utilized by sheep, cattle, and horses. Palatability is ratedas poor to fair for cattle and horses and fair for sheep. The early vegetativefoliage and immature pods are more palatable to sheep than maturevegetation, probably corresponding to a relatively low alkaloid content early in the growingTailcup Lupineseason. The plant has good nutritive value but must be managed carefully because of it’spoison properties. Tailcup lupine provides fair to good cover for small nongame birds andsmall mammals.Tailcup lupine’s ability to fix nitrogen allows it to colonize soils of relatively low fertility.Overall, tailcup lupine has a medium to low rating for erosion control, and a high tolow rating for its use in long-term revegetation. The lupine genus as a whole has possiblitiesfor use in management, but more information is needed on the response of this species towithstand disturbance in a wide range of habitats.Unfortunately, tailcup lupine is highly toxic to livestock, especiallyto sheep. It is less toxic to cattle and horses. It produces quinolizidinealkaloids which affect the nervous system. The alkaloidcontent of above ground vegetative parts peaks in mid-Juneat 0.9 percent and decreases to 0.2 percent in August,during the pod stage. Alkaloid content of seeds rangesfrom 2.3 to 9.5 percent, making them highly toxic.Plants are toxic from at least the beginning ofspring growth until they dry in late summer.Sheep are poisoned by ingesting 0.13 to 0.25pound (0.06-0.11 kg) daily for 3 to 4 days.Cattle usually graze tailcup lupine onlywhen other forage is not available. Ingestionof 1 to 1.5 pounds of tailcup lupine(0.45-0.68 kg) daily will poison cattle.It is apparently not toxic to wildlife. Adrug has been extracted from tailcuplupine for use in controlling cardiacarrhythmia.Tailcup lupine increases underintensive grazing and is most abundantunder poor to fair range conditions.Poisoning of livestock occurswhen poor range management has resultedin overgrazing and depletion ofpreferred species. It is unlikely to bedangerous under normal conditions.Where lupine species are common,rangeland should be utilized whenother forage is abundant, and especiallywhen lupines are not in fruit.Tailcup lupine is favored or relativelyunaffected by fire in sagebrush or pinyonjuniperhabitats. It germinates from buriedseed after fire. Top-killed plants may make aready recovery and rapid increase in vigor, butan increase in plant numbers awaits seed production,usually in the second growing season afterburning. Lupines are generally favored by burningand tend to increase following fire. This increase maybe attributed to heat breaking seed dormancy, increasedavailable nutrients, and possibly the removal of inhibitorycompounds in shrub litter.This common forb is one that you should be able to identify andmanage, partly because of it’s potential usefulness and the fact that it is apoisonous plant. Forbs are valuable species on many range sites.28 February 2008 The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com

www.progressiverancher.comThe Progressive Rancher February 2008 29

The Progressive Rancher Coloring ContestTear 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.30 February 2008 The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com

UCD VET VIEWSUCD VET VIEWSby John Maas, DVM, MS, Diplomate, ACVN & ACVIM, Extension Veterinarian, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, DavisThe drought of 2007 has been devastatingin many ways, some of them obvious likethe shortage of feed and water; while others havebeen more subtle such as the increase in outbreaksof anaplasmosis or foothill abortion. One of things thathappened up and down the state was the oak trees respondedto the extremely dry conditions by producing prodigiousamounts of acorns. This is a natural response of the oaktrees to the stress of drought. There are more acorns on theground and getting ready to fall than we have had for manyyears. The problem with acorns is that they can be toxic tocattle. Most of our California beef cattle spend at least part ofthe year in areas where oak trees abound. Disease problemsdue to ingestion of acorns or oak leaves are not an everydayproblem; however, when problems do occur they can becatastrophic. Several years ago, in a few northern Californiacounties, about 2,700 cattle died due to oak toxicity.Do all oak trees contain toxic materials?There are more than 50 common species of oak trees inCalifornia and all contain some levels of the chemicals thatcan cause problems in cattle. The buds, young leaves, andfresh acorns have the highest level of toxins. There is considerablevariation in the concentration of toxins in the plant tissuesand is dependent on (1) the species of oak trees, (2) theseason of the year, and (3) the climate of the year in question.The chemical toxins in question are tannins and phenols,which are naturally contained in the plant material, but varyin concentration based on the variables listed above.How do the toxins affect the cattle?The oak toxins (tannins and phenols) attack the proteinsthey contact. Thus, the gastrointestinal tract (mouth, esophagus,rumen, and intestines) is damaged by direct contactwith the toxins. This results in ulcers, bleeding, and perforationin some cases. So if the cattle live long enough, bloodydiarrhea or dark diarrhea is seen. Also, in the rumen, someof the tannins are converted to other chemicals (gallic acidand pyrogallols) that are absorbed into the blood stream,travel to the kidneys where they cause severe damage. Thiskidney damage results in renal failure, which can cause moredeaths. Younger cattle (less than 400 pounds) are usuallymore severely affected than older cattle.What do the affected cattle look like?Symptoms usually appear shortly after cattle eat 50%or more of their diet as oak (leaves, buds, acorns). Someanimals may simply be found dead. A day or two after eatingoak leaves or buds, bloody or dark diarrhea may be noticed.As kidney failure progresses, fluid may accumulate aroundthe anus or vulva. Throughout the course of clinical disease,the cattle appear weak, listless, and have no appetite.What are the most important risk factorsthat can lead to oak toxicity?The presence of large numbers of acorns when forage isscarce is one of the main risks. Wind, hail, or snowstorms cancause large numbers of acorns or limbs with leaves and budsto drop so that cattle can gain easy access to these potentiallytoxic materials. California outbreaks have been worse in thelate winter and early spring when oak buds and small leavesare present in large numbers and a wet snowstorm occurs.The wet snow breaks branches and limbs which fall to theground. The snow also covers the available grass and thisKILLER OAK TREESleaves the cattle very hungry. This leads to consumption ofthese very toxic buds and young leaves because it is the onlyfeed available. Likewise, this year with the large acorn cropand dry conditions with very little grass, the consumption ofacorns has been very high in some herds.What is the acorn calf syndrome?The acorn calf syndrome is completely different fromthe problems seen due to oak toxicity from ingestion ofacorns, leaves, and/or buds. Acorn calves are congenitallymalformed calves. The syndrome is associated with poorfeed conditions during the second trimester of pregnancy(3rd -7th month of pregnancy). The exact cause is notknown but seems to occur more often following falls withlarge numbers of acorns. These calves have very short legs,abnormal hooves, and misshapen heads (either short nosesor long narrow heads). The acorn calves look like dwarfs inmost instances. Occasionally, more than 10% of the calvesin a herd can be acorn calves.How do you treat cattle with oak toxicity?Successful treatment of affected animals usually requiresfluid therapy, antibiotics, and supportive care. Yourveterinarian should be consulted and a treatment protocol setup to increase the odds of success and to provide the mostrelief for the cattle. The antibiotics help prevent secondarypneumonia and abscessation of the bowel. Fluid therapy willbe necessary for many cattle to survive and must be plannedwith your veterinarian. Ready access to water and goodquality grass hay will be very important parts of providingadequate nursing care.How can oak toxicity be prevented?Oak toxicity can be prevented by supplementing thecattle with hay or other supplemental feed when forageconditions are poor and acorns are abundant. Likewise,when late snowstorms cover the grass and knock down oaklimbs with large amounts of buds and young leaves, be sureto start hay supplementation immediately. DO NOT waituntil cattle get sick or die. Al delay of only a day or twocan easily result in many more deaths and ill cattle. If cattleare in conditions where toxicity is a longer term possibilitythe use of calcium hydroxide in a supplement can preventsickness. The addition of 10% calcium hydroxide (hydratedlime) to a supplement will still be palatable to cattle. Then ifthe cattle will consume about two (2) pounds of this supplementper day it will prevent many cases of oak toxicity. Thissupplemental calcium hydroxide has to be consumed beforeexposure to be effective.Body Conditionand Poisonous PlantsDr. L. Ben Bruce University of Nevada Cooperative Extension; College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural ResourcesResearchers at Colegio de Postgraduados, perennial forbs, Idaho fescue, Sandberg bluegrass, and, ofVeracruz, Mexico (S. Lopez-Ortiz); USDA- course, velvet lupine. The cattle were acclimated to observers,and they counted bites and types of forage being con-ARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan,UT, (J. A. Pfister); University of Idaho (K. L. Launchbaugh);and Washington State University, Pullman collected and amounts eaten estimated.sumed. Through these observations forage samples were(C. C. Gay) recently published “Forage AvailabilityCows in lower body condition began eating lupinesooner that cows in high body condition, and they alsoand Body Condition Affect Intake of Lupine (Lupinusate more of it. The low body condition cows would alsoleucophyllus) by Grazing Cattle” in The Professionaleat lupine over a longer period of time. As the amount ofAnimal Scientist (23 (2007):459–466). They studiedforage in the pasture decreased, the consumption of lupinethe effects of body condition score on how much of a increased.poisonous plant an animal would eat.These researchers concluded that all cows are likely toPoisonous plants are a fact of life on Western ranges. eat some lupine, but those in lower body condition will eatWe have long known that hungry animals are less choosy more of it. They concluded that low body condition cowsthan others in the plants that they graze. It has also been that are pregnant in lupine pastures are much more likely tolong standing advice to make sure animals are full before give birth to calves with skeletal deformities.being shipped off to a new range.While these researchers worked with lupine, I thinkThis study involved velvet lupine (it is found in westernNevada). Velvet lupine can cause death when consumed As is the case with body condition in other productionthis reaction is likely to similar for all poisonous plants.in large amounts. For pregnant animals in the 40 to 100 days parameter (such as calving intervals) keeping cows in aof gestation, velvet lupine consumption can cause crooked good body condition score can probably help eliminatecalf disease (a skeletal deformity). To cause this condition some other poisonous plant issues. Keeping cows in goodconsumption is much less than the amount needed to kill body condition at all times is really a good idea and a greatan animal.production tool.These researchers had two groups of mature cows, one For help with range livestock production problems callin low body condition (4.2) and one in high body condition me at 775-784-1624 or your local Extension Educator or(6.6). The study area was in Washington with cheat grass, email me at bbruce@unr.nevada.edu.www.progressiverancher.comThe Progressive Rancher February 2008 31

Murphy and theBadgerby Gaynor Dawson W. Richland, WA, owner Crow Creek Ranch, Enterprise, OregonMurphy loves a good story;I tell this one on his behalf,In which he was the foilAnd a badger got the last laugh.It took but a single shotTo put that beast away,So they tossed it in the backFor skinning later that day.Once they were beyond the reachOf the badger’s toothy biteThey had a chance to laughAnd get the story right.The badger seemed contented,As if it was all planned,And he was clearly enjoyingHaving gained the upper hand.It took place some years agoOut on the eastern slopes,Where Murphy and some friendsWere scouting for antelope.They climbed back in the rig,Their prowess now in tact;As Murphy fired the engine up,There was a ruckus in the back.The aim may have seemed good,But lethal it was not,For they had but stunned the preyWith that single shot.With his point firmly made,He finally stepped downAnd strutted up the hill,To his hole in the ground.Murph’s dad Ken had drawn a permitAnd to improve upon his luckThe boys had offered assistanceLocating some trophy bucks.Murph knew before he looked,But registered disbelief;When a glance in the mirrorRevealed a mouth full of teeth.And now the thrill of victoryTasted of defeatAs the badger got comfortableNestled in the driver’s seat.Not another shot was fired,At the badger’s calm retreat.The boys were content to leaveDespite their clear defeat.They loaded all their camping gearInto Ken’s new SUVThen headed out of townOn a back road Odyssey.Lethal looking claws churnedBeneath that old striped head,The foot stool was joining them,Looking anything but dead.He poked his nose knowinglyAt the instruments on the dash,Until Murph began to fearHe might do something rash.All would tell the storyEach in his own way.You’d wonder of the storiesAll happened that same day.It was early when they got there,So they stopped to glass aroundWhen they spied this old badgerDigging a hole in the ground.Now a Badgers’ temper is completeIts fury has no bar.So the boys took little time,In abandoning the car.What if it engaged the gears?The thought gave Murph a chill;With that engine running,A wreck lay down the hill.But the cause of the delayEveryone agrees;Was that the badgerCouldn’t find the brake release.One of the guys got thinkingIt would be kind of neatTo shoot and stuff that badgerAs a stool for his feet.And there out on the prairie,Four doors open wide,Sat the car with engine runningAnd a badger safe inside.Murph reckoned they could end it allBy shooting it again;But no one wanted to explainA shot up car to Ken.Sexy Star CashAQHA # 40921012001 Sorrel- 15.2 h, 1230 lbSire: Fantasy For Cash(Dash For Cash grandson)Dam: Sexy Happy Chex(Bueno Chex Jr. granddaughter)“Star” is a superbly bred,well-balanced stallion withan outstanding disposition.Whether breeding for speed, cow sense or just a nicepleasure prospect. With bloodlines of Dash For Cash,Bueno Chex, North Slope and Doc’s Jack Frost, youcan’t go wrong. “Star” has not been shown yet, due toa previous leg injury. But he will sire a champion in orout of the arena.Mare requirements• Health certificate• Neg. culture on mares that were open in 2007 or lost a colt.• Unshod• HYPP N/N2008 Breeding Fee $500Booking Fee $100Broadhorn RanchKatie McDonald3500 Farm District Rd., Fernley, NV. 89408Phone: (775) 575-2338Ranch Manager: Cindy Koepke (775) 426-8653Quarter Horses and Texas Longhorns Also Available 2005 Filly 2006 Stud Colt32 February 2008 The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com

DR. Margaret, Ph.D.Dr. Margaret Winsryg, Ph.D.If you’re thinking about breedingyour mare, proper nutritionis essential in order for her to bein good condition prior to breeding. Itdoesn’t even hurt if she carries a littlefat, although she shouldn’t exceed abody condition score of more than a7-8. Research indicates that the rateof conception is substantially higherfor those mares in good condition overmares that are either too thin or tooobese. Mares that are in good body conditiontend to begin their reproductivecycle earlier in the year, conceive morereadily, and are more likely to maintaintheir pregnancy to full term.If your mare looks as if she needs togain some weight prior to breeding her,make sure that your grain concentrate isincreased slowly and that you don’t exceedmanufacturer’s recommendations. Feedinga fat based commercial feed, or adding a fatsupplement, is an effective way to increaseyour mare’s weight.208-308-0106MNM Consulting ServicesOnce your mare has conceived, she willrequire approximately the same daily caloricrequirements for the first 8 months as she didprior to becoming pregnant. However, herneeds during her last trimester will increasedue to the rapid growth of the fetus duringthis time. Increase yourmare’s diet with an additional10 - 20% of calories(digestible energy) per dayfor the last three months ofher pregnancy in order tomeet her growing needs,and the needs of her babywho is gaining about a pound per day duringthis period!During the last trimester of gestationthe fetus is beginning to take up more space,thereby putting some constraints on themare’s digestive tract. You may find that shebegins to consume less forage, so it becomeseven more challenging to provide her withall of the necessary energy, vitamins andminerals. A fortified commercial feed of 14to 16 percent protein that is also higher in…energy requirements ofthe lactating mare almostdouble over that of whenshe was not pregnant…NUTRITION FOR THEBROODMAREDr. Margaret Winsryg, Ph.D.fat content, makes a good source of energyto complement your good quality hay and/orpasture.When the foal finally arrives, theenergy requirements of the lactating marealmost double over that of when she wasnot pregnant and had beenable to sustain herself quitenicely on a daily maintenancediet! This meansthat she will now requirea daily intake of up to 3%of her body weight in totalhay and grain concentrate.The grain concentrate portion of her diet isvery important in that it will keep her fromlosing weight and will provide all necessarynutrients to meet increased demands.Maintaining proper weight of the lactatingbroodmare is extremely important! Ifshe is too thin she will not be able to provideadequate milk production for the foal and,as a result, the foal’s own growth rate andimmunity are likely to decrease as well. Thetoo thin lactating mare may also be difficultPAYING YOURSELF FIRSTCOULD PAY OFF LATER.LIKE WHEN YOU RETIRE.With so much happening in our lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the future– like retirement. Edward Jones can help make saving for retirementeasier with our monthly IRA investing program.This simple, convenient service puts your retirement investing on“autopilot” by letting you put aside a set amount every month into anEdward Jones IRA. You can even set it up so that the money comesautomatically from any account you choose.A systematic investment plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in a declining market.Such a plan involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuating price levels of such securities,the investor should consider the financial ability to continue the purchases through periods of low price levels.For more information or to enroll in our monthly IRA investingprogram, call your local Edward Jones financial advisor today.Sonny DavidsonFinancial Advisor2213 North 5th St.Suite AElko, NV 89801775-738-8811www.edwardjones.com Member SIPCMNM Consulting Servicesto get back into foal. If, on the other hand,the mare is a bit too heavy at foaling, her dietmay be adjusted so that she can utilize herfat reserves during lactation and may sooncome back to a more desirable weight.Remember, adjusting your mare’s dietto meet her changing lifestyle needs isimportant in providing her, and her foal, abalanced ration that meets nutritional demandsand that will keep them both in good,healthy condition!Sheep Creek Ranch:This Eureka Co. ranch is at the end of theroad with power and phone. It has approx.2520 deeded acres in 6 pastures plus asmall BLM permit that adjoins the ranch.The headquarters has two stick built homesplus a metal equipment storage buildingand a metal insulated shop. Priced to sellat $1,600,000.Cordano/Indian Creek Ranch:This White Pine County ranch is locatedin Steptoe Valley at the foot of the CherryCreek Mountain Range. It has just lessthat 1000 deeded acres and a BLM permitthat runs in common in the Cherry Creekallotment. The water is from Springs onthe property and a good portion of thedeeded is a pasture type. Priced to sell at$1,300,000.Elko Co. Spring Sheep Range-deeded and BLM:On the market for the first time in manyyears. This property consists of approx.10,960 deeded acres plus BLM permits. InElko County. Offered at $130/acre.Elburz Ranch:Located approx. 15 miles East of Elko alongthe Humboldt River. This ranch consists ofapprox. 600 deeded acres and has BLMpermits for approx. 300 head for 6 months.It has a larger older home, a nice horsebarn and an indoor arena as well as a Haybarn that can hold up to around 600 ton ofhay. This ranch should work together withthe Elko Co. Sheep range noted just above.Price $1,600,000.Black Mountain DeededSummer Pasture:I’ve been leasing this property for years andit is some of the best summer grass in ElkoCounty and it is well watered. Can’t affordto buy it, but hopefully you can. There areapprox. 3280 deeded acres under fence.Priced at $557,600. Terms to qualifiedbuyer.www.progressiverancher.comThe Progressive Rancher February 2008 33

Melinda Roche, DVM (208) 731-0661Equine VaccinationsWhy, What, When, Who? Part 1The goal of this article is to inform the reader of pertinent information relating to vaccine decisions. A brief overview of diseases is presented to aidin understanding why these recommendations may be different from those given in the past. This is the first part of a 2 part series. Part 1 will cover anintroduction on risk assessment and core vaccines. Part 2, next month, will cover adjunct vaccines specific vaccines and have a recommendation chart.Vaccination of horses is an important step in disease reductionand prevention. It is also a source of confusion. There are choicesto be made about what diseases to vaccinate for and equally important,what types of products to choose. Some vaccines do a very good job ofprotecting from disease or reducing clinical signs and others may do verylittle. Some diseases have high fatality rates and others may only causetime off work. Every horse has a different environment and lifestyle thatmay preclude or exclude them from exposure to disease. Vaccination itselfis not without risk and can cause adverse reactions and serious illness.Recommendations on vaccinations and what we know about immunity tocertain diseases has changed a lot in the last decade. This has promptedhorse health professionals to modify vaccination protocols to better preventdisease, as well as avoid potential harm to horses from unnecessaryvaccines and vaccine reactions.Risk assessment has become very important in vaccination decisions. Onemust first consider whether there is a risk of the infectious disease for which a vaccineis available. The second issue to consider is whether it is likely that a specifichorse or a specific facility will be exposed to the infectious disease. Fewer, or lessfrequent vaccinations are needed for a closed herd of horses as opposed to a farmwhere horses travel off premises to areas where risk of infectious disease is higher.Farm history of illness also plays an important role in decision making.Vaccination does not guarantee disease prevention. There are no products thatcan stop disease 100% of the time. However, the best vaccines that we have availabledo prevent disease the majority of the time and if an animal gets ill it is usuallyless severe than an unvaccinated animal. In some situations the biggest advantageto vaccination is herd immunity. For example, equine herpes virus 1 (rhino) vaccinationin pregnant mares has not stopped the incidence of rhino caused abortionscompletely (individual foal loss) but has significantly reduced the incidence ofabortion storms (large scale foal loss) within herds.Vaccines can be divided into three main groups: core vaccines - recommendedfor all horses, adjunct vaccines - recommended only if exposure is likely and farmor horse specific vaccines – recommended in specific situations only.Management of horses on a farm is a very important and often overlookedadjunct to a vaccination program. Keeping young horses separate from broodmaresand older horses, as well as isolating frequent travelers is a key to preventing diseasein a herd.Some horses react to vaccines. If your horse experiences a problem that maybe related to vaccination contact your veterinarian. Adverse reactions need to bereported to the vaccine manufacturer. The only way for us to assess safety andprogress towards better vaccines is to make sure the manufacturers know howhorses are responding.CORE VACCINESTetanusAll horses are at risk for developing tetanus, therefore, routine vaccinationwith a tetanus toxoid product is recommended. The tetanus vaccines that are availableinduce a strong response in the horse and therefore do a good job of preventingdisease. Tetanus is now rarely encountered in vaccinated horses. There hasbeen some question as to how long the immunity lasts considering the length ofimmunity after human tetanus vaccination. However, no recent challenge studieshave been performed and it is still highly recommended that tetanus be boosteredannually.Foals born from mares that are adequately vaccinated are well protected bycirculating antibody that is transferred through colostrum. There is no indication fortetanus antitoxin administration at birth unless the mare was not vaccinated. Maternalantibody is long lived and will interfere with response to vaccination if foalsare vaccinated too early in life. It has also been shown that a three dose primaryvaccine series provides substantially better immunity.Due to horses sensitivity to the tetanus bacteria it still recommended that ahorse get a tetanus booster if undergoing surgery, if it has sustained a penetratingcontaminated, wound, or developed an abcess and has not received the vaccinewithin the last 6 months or the vaccine history is unknown.Western Encephalomyelitis, Eastern Encephalomyelitis(WEE, EEE aka sleeping sickness)WEE and EEE are transmitted by mosquitos and biting insects. They are endemicin many areas of North America and therefore vaccination is recommended.Annual vaccination in the spring before the onset of insect season is effectivein most areas. (There different recommendations for other regions in the UnitedStates) The current vaccines are protective and are passed to foals from vaccinatedmares through colostrum. In the Western US vaccination in foals is started laterbecause there is no risk of EEE and maternal antibody interferes with response tovaccine early in life.West Nile VirusIn the last 7 years, this mosquito-borne viral disease has become endemicin almost all mainland states. The risks possed by the virus are real and 35% ofclinically affected horses die or are euthanized. All horses should be vaccinated forWest Nile Virus. There are three, very effective products currently available. If theIntervet, Prevenile vaccine is used, foals can receive the vaccine first at 5 monthsof age and then get boosters annually. There is no need to repeat the vaccine morethan once yearly in horses older than 5 months. If using the Fort Dodge Innovatoror Merial Recombitek products horses receiving their first dose should get the initialvaccine and then be boostered in 4-6 weeks with another dose. Foals less than oneyear of age should receive a third booster 2-3 months after the second shot for thebest immune response. Pregnant mares should be vaccinated 4-6 weeks prior totheir due date to provide colostral immunity for their foals.Next month we will discuss adjunct respiratory vaccines and provide achart to follow for different classes of horses to determine vaccination schedules.34February 2008 The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com

lot of things have changedA since I was in grade school,but one thing I remember the teachersdoing was testing us with a fire drill.It was just a drill but, they made animpression that nothing less than animmediate response was acceptable. Nomatter what else was going on, a lesson,gym activities, or lunch in the cafeteria,we were expected to respond when thefire alarm sounded.It was a good lesson and it taught us todo the right thing under pressure. At first itwas very uncomfortable but as time wenton we learned not to worry, just respondand everything would turn out alright.When the bell would sound the teacherwanted an immediate response. If anyonewas preparing otherwise they may get drugaway and forced to keep up with the othersgoing out the door. There was no time forcompromise, rationalizing, or analyzinghow we “feel” about it just get out of theroom. They didn’t want us thinking aboutit just do it and do it now. What we learnedwas to trust their judgment, and have confidencethat they were looking out for ourbest interest. They were not being abusiveor mean, we learned to think in a panicsituation and that can only be taught in apanic situation.We were not offered a “soft feel,” theydidn’t “wait on our feet,” they made surewe got from point A to point B. They madesure nobody had a nervous breakdown overit but the point was to teach us to handlepressure. They would put the right amountof pressure on us, just short of panickingus.This was for our safety in case weshould ever find ourselves in a dangeroussituation. We learned to make happen whatneeded to happen in spite of anything else,we became confident how to respond tosomething that was originally confusingand intimidating.I find this is a valuable lesson for ourhorses to experience. It can be very dangerouswhen a horse panics and doesn’trespond properly during the confusion,anxiety, loud noises or whatever may createsome uncertainty. There is a lot of value intaking the time to fix a situation up for ahorse so they can think their way throughand find their way out, and we should be doingthat most of the time. But we should atCan Your Horse Survive A Fire Drill?some point, preferablybefore they experiencebeing caughtin a burning building,expose them to apanic situation where we can have controlof the level of intensity and show them theproper response.They can learn to follow our guidanceno matter what. Learn that when weask for a change of speed, faster or slower,or change of direction, they can do it. Weneed to be careful that we don’t exposethe horse to more than they can handle,but we need to expose them to enough toknow how much they can handle.Whether we are preparing a horse fora competitive performance field or justto perform safely in an unsafe situationthey can learn to reach inside themselvesand find what it takes when the occasionarises.This is done by successful experiences,showing them how to get out of thebuilding at the first sign of a fire. But just asimportant, we may not always need to exit.If a tornado horn sounds, we need to digin and find the cellar or basement. This iswhy we need to be able to guide them underpressure, instead of them reacting with atrained response.If they can experience following ourguidance under pressure situations andtrust our guidance in different situationthen they can develop the confidence andgood judgment needed for a variety ofcircumstances.Call or Stop By!We welcomeRUTHE AGEEto our staffBOA traineeHorses need to experience followingour guidance under pressure.Sonny Davidson2213 N. 5th St.Elko, NV 89801775-738-8811800-343-0077www.edwardjones.comIf the horse getsupset and we removethe stimulus or circumstancethat causedthe rise in emotion, thehorse just learns to be a cry baby, anytimethey start to become uneasy they overdramatize it to get the comfort situationback. They get the people trained. This isnot how the real world works, and this canin some situations become more dangerousfor the horse. Horses don’t develop beingcry babies from other horses; they learn toadjust to situations. When the horse that hasdeveloped this kind of judgment learnedfrom people has to get along with otherhorses they are insecure, anxious, aggressiveor timid.Horses are wired to find their placein the pecking order with other horses andnature in general. We don’t need to rewritethe laws of nature, just help them learn howthey apply in man’s world. A horse learnsto be content with their circumstances; ourprotecting them can sometimes confusethem because it’s inconsistent with whatthey know. They learn how to respond toavoid trouble with other horses. Sometimesit may be flight, another time fight oranother time accept or tolerate it like badweather.Again, being soft and gentle with ourhorse can be productive in their training, itfeels good to the horse and the person. Butif we want to prepare them for the frontlines we are not going to go through bootcamp singing songs and painting sunsets.If we can expose them to frightful ordifficult situations once in a while, and theylearn where to reach in their back pack forthe tool to deal with it, we are doing them afavor in my opinion.www.progressiverancher.comThe Progressive Rancher February 2008 35

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEPAIDPermit # 3280Salt Lake City, UT36 February 2008 The Progressive Rancherwww.progressiverancher.com