LMD August 2021

Riding Herd Saying things that need to be said.

August 15, 2021 • www.aaalivestock.com

Volume 63 • No. 8

Pulling a Fast One LEE PITTS

Y

ou’d think ranchers would have highly developed B.S. alarms and “fake news” detectors by now.

But recently several ag groups fell hook, line and sinker for one of the biggest “fake news” stories of the year.

Biden On Mount Rushmore?

NEWSPAPER PRIORITY HANDLING

Let’s start with the press release from President Biden/ Obama outlining their Executive Order which, according to them, will “promote competition in the American economy, lower prices for families, increase wages for workers, and promote innovation and even faster economic growth.”

Sounds almost utopian doesn’t it? Do you really believe that will be Joe Biden’s legacy?

Your first clue that Biden’s Executive Order is a misdirection trick can be found in the first sentence of the administration’s press release: “The economy is booming under President Biden’s leadership. The economy has gained more than three million jobs since the President took office—the most jobs created in the first five months of any presidency in modern history.”

While that may be true, it’s certainly not because of any action that Biden took but because people were finally going back to work because of the development, production, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

Then Biden attempted to create his public persona in the image of Teddy and Franklin Roosevelt. The press release continued, “When past presidents faced similar threats from growing corporate power, they

Take care of yourself as well as you do your horse and you’ll both be healthy.

took bold action. In the early 1900s, Teddy Roosevelt’s Administration broke up the trusts controlling the economy—Standard Oil, J.P. Morgan’s railroads, and others—giving the little guy a fighting chance. In the late 1930s, FDR’s Administration supercharged antitrust enforcement, increasing more than eightfold the number of cases brought in just two years—enforcement actions that saved consumers billions in today’s dollars and helped unleash decades of sustained, inclusive economic growth.”

Biden would have you think he’s going to break up the giant tech companies, Big Pharma and the Big Four meat packers that helped get him elected. Bloomberg reported, “In a sweeping, 72-point executive order on competition, the Biden Administration announced it was taking dead aim at the heavily concentrated multinational companies that increasingly

dominate markets for crops, chemicals, seeds, and meat.”

Is it time to start chiseling Biden’s image on Mount Rushmore?

Biden Forgets Biden may be forgetting something, which would be nothing new. In Teddy and Franklin’s day the companies broken up were American companies, whereas in today’s world companies are multinational.

How do you break up the Big Four meat packers when JBS is 100 percent owned by Brazilian crooks and Marfrig/National is 51 percent owned by Brazilians? Marfrig is the second largest Brazilian food processing company after JBS with its headquarters in Sao Paulo. The company has an operational base in 22 countries, exporting to over 100 and is the second-largest beef producer in the world. How do you break up the largest pork packer in the world,

Climate Alarmists Call for Global ‘Eco-Dictatorship’

BY H. STERLING BURNETT

E

very so often the truth seeps out that significantly reducing global greenhouse gas emissions will require enormous sacrifices, meaning profound losses of welfare on people’s part.

Bear that in mind when you hear politicians’ promises of “net zero by X date” or “50 or 80 percent carbon dioxide reductions by year X.” In the Western world, the energy cuts and lifestyle changes required to hit net zero will mean going back to early-1800s levels of emissions. This will force enormously negative economic growth and giving up modern conveniences (and the freedoms they have created) that people in developed countries have come to take for granted over the past century.

For people in developing countries the news is even worse. They will have to be kept from developing, which will consign even more generations to premature deaths and abject penury due to energy poverty and food privation.

Oh well, climate alarmists whisper (usually in secret), you’ve got break a few eggs to make an omelet.

Socialist writer Naomi Klein has written at least two books calling on us to overthrow capitalism and restrict free choice in order to fight climate change.

Smithfield, when you let the American company be sold lock stock and barrel to a Chinese firm controlled by communists?

The time to put a stop to this was when the very same politicians signed off on selling some of America’s crown jewels to foreign firms. And we keep doing it, allowing JBS, the world’s largest beef packer to buy Pilgrim’s Pride, an American chicken firm. And how could we possibly let the Chinese buy up TWO BILLION dollars’ worth of America’s best farmland? and membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) that Congress, including Joe Biden, rubber stamped.

Biden says he plans on achieving this ‘never-ever land’ by allowing more than a dozen federal agencies “to promptly tackle some of the most pressing competition problems across our economy.” In other words, more BIG government.

He plans on corralling Big Meat by issuing new rules that will define the “Product of the USA” label on beef, develop a plan to increase opportunities for producers to sell their product in fair, transparent, and competitive markets and by directing continued on page 2

In 2015, Christiana Figueres, then the executive secretary of the U.N.’s Framework Convention on Climate Change, acknowledged the goal of the organization’s climate efforts is not really to save the world from an ecological catastrophe. The true goal is to put global elites in control of the world economy, directing producers’ and consumers’ choices to goals chosen by those same elites.

“This is the first time in the history of mankind that we are setting ourselves the task of intentionally, within a defined period of time, to change the economic development model that has been reigning for at least 150 years, since the Industrial Revolution,” Figueres said when discussing the Paris climate agreement then being developed. “This is probably the most difficult task we have ever given ourselves, which is to intentionally transform the economic development model for the first time in human history.”

In 2019, Saikat Chakrabarti, New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s chief of staff at the time, said the Green New Deal (GND) is not about fighting climate change but instead about remaking the economy, contrary to what many people supposed.

“The interesting thing about the Green New Deal, is it wasn’t originally a climate thing at all,” Chakrabarti reportedly told Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee’s climate director, Sam Ricketts. “Do you guys think of it as a climate thing? Because we really think of it as a howdo-you-change-the-entire-economy thing.”

Because the underlying goal of leading clicontinued on page 4

by LEE PITTS

The Testes Test

Y

ou aren’t going to believe this one.

One of the many benefits of being a syndicated columnist is I get to read many of the fine publications that carry my column. The Livestock Weekly out of San Angelo, Texas is a good example. One of the columns I read religiously in that great paper is The Computer and The Cowboy

by C.A. Rodenberger, PhD. According to one of C.A.’s columns, “Scientists have developed a method to produce male pigs, goats and cattle that pass along desired genetic traits from a donor rather than their own genome in their offspring.”

This means that scientists have figured out a way to use a scrub bull to breed your cows because the bull is not passing along his traits but those of the very best bull in the world! According to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, “Scientists edited a fertility gene in the embryo of surrogate mice, then translated stem cells from a male donor into the surrogate’s testes” (OUCH!), “so that offspring would carry only the donor’s genetic material, acting as surrogate fathers.”

You know what this means, don’t you? The worst bull imaginable, a light muscled, structurally incorrect mongrel of a crossbred bull when mated to your cows could produce the very best calves in the world! You could buy a Holstein x Corriente x Marchigiana bull out of the slaughter run at your local sale barn for $700 and have this procedure performed on said bull and he would be passing along the genes of your choice of the finest multi-trait leading bull of any breed. Can you imagine the replacement heifer calves you’d get?

At this point I can’t say what effect this procedure will have on purebred producers. When I first started writing for livestock publications 48 years ago it was generally thought that in a few short years every commercial cowman in the country was going to be using artificial insemination. Didn’t happen. And this “testes test” may turn out to be just

continued on page 4

Page 2

Livestock Market Digest

August 15, 2021

PULLING A FAST ONE USDA to consider issuing new rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act. According to the Biden/Obama administration, “This gives Ag. Secretary Vilsack the clear green light to perfect and finalize the work he started on these issues during the Obama administration.”

Ian & Colin Robson

For more than 100 years, Farm Credit of New Mexico has been farmer and rancher owned. Over that time, we’ve helped countless family businesses prosper and grow. Unlike other financial institutions, we’re not a bank. We’re member-driven. What can we do for you?

farmcreditnm.com 1-800-451-5997

For advertising, subscription and editorial inquiries write or call:

Livestock Market Digest (1SSN 0024-5208) (USPS NO. 712320) is published monthly except semi-monthly in September in Albuquerque, N.M. 87104 by Livestock Market Digest, Inc. Periodicals Postage Paid at Albuquerque, N.M.

POSTMASTER-Send change of address to: Livestock Market Digest, P.O. Box 7458, Albuquerque, N.M. 87194

Subscribe Today

Livestock Market Digest P.O. Box 7458 Albuquerque, N.M. 87194 Telephone: 505/243-9515 Fax: 505/349-3060 www.aaalivestock.com EDITORIAL and ADVERTISING STAFF CAREN COWAN . . . . Publisher LEE PITTS . . . . . . . . . Executive Editor CHUCK STOCKS . . . . Publisher Emeritus RANDY SUMMERS . . Sales FALL MARKETING EDITION AD SALES

RANDY SUMMERS, 505/850-8544 email: rjsauctioneer@aol.com

NAME

FIELD EDITOR

ADDRESS

DELVIN HELDERMON, 580/622-5754 1094 Koller Rd, Sulpher, OK CITY

STATE

ZIP

— MY CHECK IS ENCLOSED FOR —

One Year: $25

Two Years: $35

Single copy: $10

Clip & mail to: Livestock Market Digest, P.O. Box 7458, Albuquerque, N.M. 87194

ADMINISTRATIVE and PRODUCTION STAFF JESSICA DECKER...Special Assistance KRISTY HINDS.........Graphic Designer

continued from page 1

A Bunch of Bologna

In response to Biden’s directive The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association said, “This is a positive step towards closing the ‘Product of the U.S.A.’ loophole.”

But is it? The first thing that should tip off ranchers that nothing good will come of USDA’s phony label Voluntary Isn’t scheme is that the NCBA Mandatory applauded Biden’s directives.

Let’s consider just one NCBA President Jerry Bohn aspect of the Biden/Obama said, “’The ‘Product of the plan. On July 1, Agriculture USA’ label, is not subject to Secretary Tom Vilsack an- source verification, is not nounced that the USDA will tied to any kind of food safereview the “Product of the ty standard, and is applied USA” label for meat man- by packers and retailers in aged by the Food Safety a manner that does not deand Inspection Service after liver value back to the cattle the Federal Trade Commis- producer. This label not only sion voted to strengthen its misleads consumers, it is yet enforcement of products la- another barrier to producers beled “Made in the USA.” gaining leverage and distin“After considering the guishing their product in the many comments received by marketplace.” the FTC and USDA on this “NCBA members have issue,” said Vilsack, “we are voiced concerns about the initiating a top-to-bottom re- potentially misleading use of view of the ‘Product of USA’ the label and we thank USDA label that will, among other for responding to those conthings, help us to determine cerns and recognizing that what that label means to con- non-source verified labels are sumers.” He continued, “the a disservice to producers and USDA is committed to pro- consumers alike. We look formote transparency in VOL- ward to working with USDA UNTARY (emphasis ours) to find labeling solutions that ‘Product of USA’ meat labels represent investments made through a rulemaking pro- by producers to continually cess.” The key word in all that improve their product and BS was “voluntary.” meet consumer demand.”

“I am committed,” said Never forget, NCBA Vilsack, “to ensuring that HAS ALWAYS OPPOSED the ‘Product of USA’ label COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN reflects what a plain under- LABELS and here’s another standing of those clue that terms means to they still U.S. consumers.” do. Their America is If he is so press recommitted, why lease in constrained didn’t he get response that done in the to Biden’s from fixing many eight years from Execu2009 -2017 when tive Order of the problems we he served as Ag said, “The Secretary under N C B A Obama? face today by trade h a s “Throughout long-adthe rulemaking agreements ...” vocated process, we will for VOLbe asking quesUNTARY labels that meet tions, collecting data, and consumer demand and allow requesting comments,” said producers to distinguish their Vilsack. “We will be consider- products in the marketplace.” ing all ideas suggested by the There’s that word “volunwhole range of stakeholders, tary” again. including our trading partThere are other clues that ners with whom we will en- the NCBA is trying to make gage to ensure that this label- ranchers feel that the NCBA ing initiative is implemented is behind them 100 perin a way that fulfills our com- cent when they’re really not. mitment to working coopera- “NCBA believes that USDA tively with our trade partners is the best-equipped agency and meeting our internation- to properly oversee beef laal trade obligations.” beling and we support USBiden may be forgetting DA’s continued jurisdiction again that Congress once over labeling of meat food passed COOL and ranch- products.” ers enjoyed one of the best Of course they do. The economic periods in modern USDA is a monolithic, imhistory but later Congress mense and slow-moving creawas forced to rescind it after ture that has opposed couna World Trade Organization try of origin labeling from the committee found the labels beginning. resulted in discrimination So what is NCBA’s answer against Canadian and Mex- to the labeling conundrum? ican meat. There is nothing They have petitioned the USin Biden’s 72 directives that DA’s Food Safety and Inspecmentions withdrawing from tion Service to eliminate the the WTO or attempting to get use of “Product of the USA” them to change their stance and substitute in its place a on COOL. In the meantime, “Processed in the USA” label. packers can process beef that This would allow multicame from over two dozen national meatpackers to concountries around the world, tinue their charade so that all have it stamped “USDA In- meat from Mexico, Canada spected” and put a label on it that says “Product of the continued on page 3 USA.”

“

August 15, 2021

Livestock Market Digest

Page 3

PULLING A FAST ONE and all the rest of the beef imported into the U.S. ALONG WITH beef born and raised in the U.S. could be lumped under the label “Processed in the United States” instead of “Product of the USA.” So once again the consumer would have no idea where the meat she’s buying, or not buying, came from. It’s the same ludicrous situation we have now.

It may be even worse because one can argue that consumers may be even more turned off by the word “processed.” It might sound too much like bologna or other processed luncheon meats.

So the NCBA acts like they’re all of a sudden for COOL and says things like, “There is a growing desire among consumers to know more about the origin of the food they purchase, and it is critical that producers are empowered with opportunities to market their high-quality beef in a way that allows them to differentiate the source of their product from competitors and potentially increase profitability.” And then they come up with a solution that does exactly the opposite.

How would this “increase producer profitability?”

One of R CALF’s founders and industry leader Leo McDonnell says, “The fact is, the Chinese consumers will have a better idea of the origin of beef from the US than the US consumers will in our own domestic market.”

If NCBA really wanted to make progressive changes they’d ask for a Presidential directive to either withdraw from the WTO or renegotiate that aspect of our agreement that says we can’t use country of origin labeling. Or they’d demand changes in the checkoff so that checkoff dollars couldn’t be used to promote

“

continued from page 2

foreign beef. But the NCBA wouldn’t want to open that can of worms because they get over 80 percent of their funding from the checkoff. Biden’s directive did not include any directives about the checkoff.

If NCBA members are placated by this smokescreen maybe they deserve to be run out of business by multinational meat packers.

of the brand name to trick consumers.

These are all implied statements of American origin. Just like the NCBA’s suggestion: “Processed in the United States.” In the case of most manufactured items, you can look for the fine print to see where the product was actually made, but with beef you can’t even do that.

I thought I was buying an Hold Your Horses “American car” from Buick, According to the Federal but on closer examination I Trade Commission, “Some found it was 67 percent made companies will do anything to in Mexico. But you won’t find hide where their products are even that on a package of actually manufactured. And ground round you put in your are they ever clever! Compa- mouth!

The FTC says about mannies will label their products as ‘Distributed By ABC Corp’ ufactured goods that, “Your and list a US address. Others customers will ask for USAwill label their products as Made products because they ‘Produced By ABC Corp’ and know American manufacturlist a US address, seeking to ing is a big deal – it supports obscure the origin of its prod- over 17 million jobs across the country and contributes over ucts.”

The NCBA and the pack- 12 percent to U.S. GDP. Buyers are using the same tricks ing products with the ‘Made car companies and manufac- in USA’ label keeps those jobs turers are using to convince going, and keeps our economy consumers their products are thriving. And, when you buy American-made when, in fact, a product made in the USA, they’re not. They’ll use phras- you can be sure you’re getting American quality and not a cheap, foreign knock-off.”

Biden may be forgetting again that Can’t the same thing be said Congress once passed COOL ...” about beef?

Perhaps the es like, This product is assem- most prophetic words came bled in the U.S.; Most parts or from beef’s main competitor. materials are Made in USA; National Chicken Council Made in USA with Foreign & President Mike Brown says, Domestic Components; Some “With regard to ‘Product of materials or parts are Made in USA’ labeling issues, USDA USA; Assembled in USA; 60 AMS regulations already repercent U.S. content; Made quire that chicken sold at retail in USA of U.S. and imported clearly and accurately identify parts, Distributed for, Man- the product’s country of oriufactured for, or a Product of gin. Consumers seeking USA chicken can already find the (insert company name).

The FTC says companies label on American chicken. will package displays featur- More than 99 percent of the ing the American flag, a map chicken we consume is of doof the U.S., or the words mestic origin and can easily be “U.S.A.” or “American” as part

identified.”

That raises a big question... is 99 percent of the chicken consumed in the United States domestically produced because consumers prefer a domestic product and because they are honest with their customers with a label says “‘Hatched, Raised & Processed in the U.S.?” If so, beef will continue to lose market share to the poultry pluckers as long as the beef packers, with NCBA’s blessing, are allowed to be dishonest and hide where their product comes from.

▫

Page 4

Livestock Market Digest

CLIMATE ALARMISTS

continued from page 1

mate alarmists, if not their unthinking minions protesting in the streets and at schools, is really about imposing socialism on masses who have repeatedly rejected and overthrown it in the past, the leaders ignore the environmental destruction wrought in socialist countries in the past and present. They also disregard the vast academic literature showing authoritarian regimes or “coercive environmentalism,” in the words of one recent book, have consistently caused more environmental harm than people making free choices in liberal democracies with at least somewhat capitalist economies.

The environment is just one more egg that must be broken in making the socialist omelet.

As far back as 2011, NASA’s James Hansen referred to the people of the United States as “barbarians” compared to China, whom he praised as enlightened. He ignored the fact that China, already by then the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, was increasing its emissions while U.S. emissions were declining. Hansen joined other climate scolds in blaming democracy for failing to come to grips with the climate crisis, and he said Chinese-style authoritarianism was the world’s “best hope” for fighting climate change.

Climate scientist Pat Michaels quotes Hansen as saying the United States is a “fossil-money-‘democracy’ that now rules the roost” and makes it impossible to legislate effectively on climate change.

“Unlike us, the Chinese are enlightened, unfettered by pesky elections,” wrote Michaels in conveying the view of Hansen and others who have openly longed for eco-czars to take over the world.

A recent report from Deutsche Bank picked up on this theme.

The author of the report, titled “Climate neutrality: Are we ready for an honest discussion?” writes if the world is serious about fighting climate change, “[a] certain degree of eco-dictatorship will be necessary.” He explains why: Global energy demand is likely to rise further in the coming years, driven mainly by population growth (the world’s population grows by 80m people each year) and the desire for prosperity. Fossil fuels will remain the most important source of energy for now. …

If we really want to achieve climate neutrality, we need to change our behavior in all … areas of life. This is simply because there are no adequate cost-effective technologies yet to allow us to maintain our living standards in a carbon-neutral way. … I know that “eco-dictatorship” is a nasty word. But we may have to ask ourselves the question whether and to what extent we may be willing to accept some kind of eco-dictatorship (in the form of regulatory law) in order to move towards climate neutrality.

The belief in the desirability of an eco-dictatorship is so great that many environmentalists, who normally align with liberals on social and cultural issues, are even willing to turn a blind eye to slavery. A recent column in Forbes noted the leaders of major environmental organizations are loathe to critique China’s use of slave labor and oppression of religious and cultural minorities to produce the millions of solar panels they believe are necessary to bring about a green energy Nirvana.

In fact, they are pushing for more solar panels and more wind turbines even at the cost of environmental quality. Thousands of square miles of wildlife habitat are being destroyed and millions of animals killed as solar and wind industrial facilities cover over formerly wild ecosystems. In addition, millions of acres of land and thousands of rivers and waters are being befouled, and people sickened and enslaved, in the process of mining, refining, manufacturing, and waste disposal of the chemicals, minerals, and materials necessary to make wind turbines, solar panels, and high-tech batteries.

These activities are undertaken almost exclusively in countries like China and the Congo, where environmental and labor standards are much lower than in the developed countries, if such standards exist or are enforced at all. So much for climate alarmists’ oft-voiced concerns for environmental justice and thinking globally.

Fortunately, for now, we in the United States and the people of Europe and some other countries around the globe live in democracies. As a result, we can choose whether to forego progress, freedom, and democratic rule in favor of a “benign” eco-dictatorship supposedly acting for our own good.

Let’s hope these free people make the right choices in the coming elections. If not, we will lose our freedom, our prosperity, Contact and environmental quality. The climate won’t care either way.

To paraphrase Fox News’ slogan: I report, you decide.

ADVERTISING SOURCES: Global Warming Policy FounREPRESENTATIVE dation; Deutsche Bank; Bloomberg News Office: 505/243-9515 (behind paywall); Forbes; PRI; Environmental Politics Cell: 505/850-8544 randy@aaalivestock.com

Take your marketing program to the top!

Randy Summers

▫

The Right Fit for Any Environment

BY MACEY MUELLER

K

INSGVILLE, Texas – From the rolling hills of Indiana, down to the river bottoms of Louisiana and out to the foothills of Colorado, the Santa Gertrudis breed continues to prove its adaptability and profitability for producers everywhere.

Originally developed to withstand the harsh brush country of south Texas, Santa Gertrudis cattle are now found thriving in a myriad of environmental conditions. Three cattlemen – with operations in varying climates and landscapes – describe how Santa Gertrudis genetics are adding value to the cattle industry.

Bob Hiss – Indiana Bob Hiss, a dairy farmer-turned-cattleman from Columbia City, Indiana, wasn’t exactly sure what he was buying when he purchased a set of red, crossbred heifers at the auction barn nearly 25 years ago, but he knew he liked their look and was especially excited when they turned out to be excellent mama cows in his new beef cattle business.

After discovering they were Santa Gertrudis influenced, he and his late wife, Margie, bought their first Gert purebreds from a herd dispersal in Texas. With the help of his three grown daughters and other family members, Hiss has since developed a successful seedstock operation on his 250-acre Hiss Family Farms, where he uses rotational grazing practices on fields of alfalfa, clover, brome and orchardgrass.

Hiss markets his replacement-quality females to other seedstock producers, primarily through sales in Alabama and South Carolina, where he recently consigned the highest selling yearling heifer. He also sells bulls to commercial cattlemen looking to capture the value of hybrid vigor and improve maternal instinct in their herds.

With an abundant supply of corn silage, corn and alfalfa, Hiss conditions his steers and culled females to market as freezer beef, which he says, “sells itself.”

August 15, 2021 “I haven’t had to advertise any of our freezer beef for sale,” he says. “We have many repeat buyers who have spread the word about the quality, tenderness and taste of our beef, and we usually always have customers waiting.”

Although not extremely common in his neck of the woods, Hiss says his Santa Gertrudis cattle are well-adapted to northern Indiana, where seasonal climate conditions are somewhat erratic. Hiss has seen winters that average 25 to 30 inches of snow and others with only a few nights below freezing. Summer temperatures can reach more than 100 degrees but tend to average in the 80s and 90s. He has been especially impressed with the hardiness of the Santa Gertrudis breed, whether it’s during a hot and dry season or during a polar vortex storm like they saw a few years back.

“We had two days at -20 degrees and didn’t lose a single animal; they weren’t even shivering,” Hiss says. “And likewise in the summer, they have very little shade and still manage very well in the heat.”

In addition to climate variability, Hiss says flies can be a major nuisance in his area, but with their characteristic insect resistance, his Santa Gertrudis cattle have very few problems.

“We don’t have to fight pink eye with our cattle like other breeds around us do,” he says.

“I am just always amazed at how well these cattle can do in even the harshest conditions.

It doesn’t seem to matter what nature throws at them, they stay hardy, stay healthy and just keep doing their job. Their versatility has really been profitable for our operation.”

Erik Wiley – Louisiana When Deville, Lousiana, producer Erik Wiley and his father, Kim, looked to diversify their row crop operation in 2009, they were especially interested in cattle that would thrive in their hot and humid summers while adding value to their family farm. They found success with the Santa Gertrudis breed.

“Brahman cattle work well in our area, but we didn’t really like their temperament,” he says. “We chose Santa Gertrudis based on their docility, superior mothering ability and adaptability to the central Louisiana climate.”

Today, Wiley Ranch is home to nearly 500 Santa Gertrudis

HERD an interesting study for re- carcass data and came to you searchers and go no further. and said, “I gotta see the your But it certainly raises some bull battery. You must have the interesting possibilities. You best range bulls in the world!” could raise your own bulls, for Then you show the buyexample, by just keeping back er your herd sire battery that the tail end of your calf crop consists of a pipe gutted 900 and not castrating some bull pound #2 Okie, a 15-yearcalves. After the operation one old lame Mexican stag and a of your bulls could breed his Holstein Jersey cross with less mother or sisters and there’d meat on it than a Beyond Beef be no danger of genetic defor- Burger. Think of the identity mities as a result of inbreeding. crises a mature anorexic dwarf If one of your bulls gets snuffy bull that wouldn’t make a deand tries to kill you just per- cent box lunch for a mountain form a little Winchester-otomy lion would have as he stood on him, what do you care, it’s atop a hill overlooking all the not like you spent $10,000 on wonderful calves he sired. the bull.

He’d probably say to himself, Can you imagine the “ZOWEEEE! I did that?” shock and awe after a feeder The article didn’t say how calf buyer has purchased your much the operation on your calves and hung them on the bull’s testes would cost or if it rail, was blown away by the would have to be repeated ev-

cows that run on a combination of native grass, ryegrass and clover. The family has divided nearly 1,800 acres into 50-acre paddocks and utilizes an intensive rotational grazing program to maximize forage quality.

With an annual rainfall of 50 to 60 inches, Wiley says his area often sees 100-degree summer days, 50 to 60 percent humidity and some very muddy winters, but his cows remain tolerant of the conditions.

As the largest Santa Gertrudis seedstock producer in Louisiana, Wiley Ranch genetics can be found in herds across the country and internationally. The family uses both a production sale in September and private treaty sales to market purebred and commercial females and approximately 25 bulls each year.

Most of their bulls are used in commercial operations to take advantage of heterosis, and Wiley says many of his customers also retain their Gert-influenced heifers to improve maternal characteristics within their herds.

As both a breeder and Santa Gertrudis Breeders International (SGBI) Board member, Wiley says targeted trait improvements being made to meet industry demands, coupled with natural adaptability, have fueled the breed’s growth and popularity with producers across the country.

“All breeds are noticing what we’re doing, especially how we’ve moved from a large-frame cow to a more moderate size and how we’ve really cleaned up the underlines,” he says. “The packers are also noticing that these cattle grade well on the grid.

“Their improved performance and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions can really add value to a herd.”

Rafael Miranda – Colorado As manager of Cherokee Ranch, Sedalia, Colorado, Rafael Miranda has had the unique opportunity to develop Santa Gertrudis seedstock that work especially well in the rugged terrain and semi-arid climate of central Colorado and beyond.

The ranch was established in 1954 when pioneer cattlewoman Tweet Kimball became the first rancher to introduce the breed in Colorado.

“Tweet used to remind everyone that the breed is fiveeighths Shorthorn and should not have any problem taking

continued from page 1

ery year. I am quite sure that if you asked your veterinarian today if he could perform the testes transformation on your bull’s testicles he’d look at you like you belonged in the Loony Bin, the Funny Farm, the Mental Marriott or the Haha Hilton.

The more I think about this interesting idea the more I hope it doesn’t catch on. It would probably destroy most purebred producers because only a few very top bulls would be needed and without purebred producers most of the livestock publications that carry my column would go broke without advertisements for their bull sales.

On second thought, forget I ever brought up the subject. www.LeePittsbooks.com

August 15, 2021

Livestock Market Digest

Page 5

THE RIGHT FIT the cold weather, especially if they are acclimated at the right time,” Miranda says. “We try to introduce new animals during the warmer summer months to give them a chance to adapt, and they do a really good job.”

Miranda says the area annually experiences four seasons, with warm temperatures in the summer that often lead into an Indian summer, where temperatures can be abnormally warm for early fall, before it begins to cool down. Average winter temperatures are in the 40s, but March and April usually bring several inches of snow.

“We can get a foot of snow and still see our cows with their noses on the ground, looking for grass,” he says. “They just figure it out, and the younger calves learn from watching their mamas.”

Despite the snow, Miranda says the average annual precip-

continued from page 4

itation is only 17 inches and forage is often limited, but the cattle are hardy and willing to travel through the rocky landscape to find food.

“Our elevation goes from 5,800 feet up to 7,000 feet and there are very few meadows,” he says. “It’s really pretty rugged, but the cows still thrive and do very well here.”

Cherokee Ranch markets bulls, semen and embryos, and Miranda says his Santa Gertrudis females are always in high demand.

While his market has traditionally been stronger in southern states, he has seen increased interest from cattlemen in the North and has recently sold bulls into Iowa, Nebraska and Wyoming. Many of his newer customers are kin to original ranch customers who are looking to reintroduce the breed back in their operations.

“Some of our original customers kept detailed records of their success with Santa Gertrudis genetics, and the younger generation is really excited about the feed conversion and other performance traits they’re finding as they go back over them,” he says. “As the climate gets warmer and warmer, some northern producers want to inject the Brahman influence in their cattle to get along better in the feedlots, and they’re turning to Santa Gertrudis because they can adapt and perform so well in different environments.

“We use GrowSafe Systems to measure feed efficiency in individual animals and then select for that trait so our cattle can make more beef with less feed, and our customers are seeing a real improvement in the feedlots.”

Miranda, who currently serves on the SGBI Board of

Directors, was also involved with the leadership back in the early 2000s when the breed began taking drastic measures to improve performance data and phenotype. Using his background as a commercial cattleman, his interest in DNA sampling and ultrasound and his expertise in artificial insemination, he has continued that focus at Cherokee Ranch.

Santa Gertrudis were developed for survival and are adaptable to most climates, environments and terrains, and cattle producers from across the country are starting to take notice.

▫

Do You or You and Your Neighbor Have 300+ Acres of Clean Farm or Pasture Land? Lease Us Your Land!

300 acres or more relatively level, clean farm or pastureland with a large transmission line crossing?

Lease Your Land for Solar Power Production Extraordinary income to the right property owner(s) If your property qualifies or your property along with neighbors qualify you may potentially receive long term income. (20 – 40-year lease) $800 - $1200 Per acre Per year with incremental increases

Do You Have Power Lines Like This On Or Adjacent To Your Land?

• Can Not be Subtranssmision Lines • Must be Transmission Power Lines • Must be 115 Kv to 345 Kv

Please Note the Four Essential Requirements Below Transmission lines crossing or within 200 yards of property

300 or more acres (must be in recent cultivation or in pasture or clear open range)

No timberland or clear cuts

State or count y maintained road bordering the proper t y

CALL (828)-817-5400 or (828)-817-9101

Email Us at: InnovativeSolarFarms@gmail.com

Visit our website at innovativesolarsystemsllc.com to view recent projects

First Amendment & CEI Prevail

BY KENT LASSMAN, CEI PRESIDENT & CEO

T

he Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), Washington D.C. and First Amendment advocates across the nation had reason to celebrate last week as the Superior Court of the District of Columbia granted our motion for summary judgment in a defamation lawsuit brought years ago by Professor Michael Mann. This hard-fought battle has been a nine-year struggle, not only for CEI, but for free speech warriors working tirelessly to tell the truth and stop bad actors who push climate alarmism in an effort to obtain even more environmental regulation and control over your life.

Mann filed his defamation suit in October 2012 after his work on climate issues was criticized by a CEI adjunct fellow in a blog post on CEI.org.

Throughout the past nine years, we have seen long delays, multiple presiding judges, a cert petition to the Supreme Court, and time-consuming document production demands and depositions (more than 30 of them!).

I am grateful for the many CEI staff members who contributed valuable time, energy, and expertise to our defense. And from start to finish, the process was skillfully managed by CEI’s General Counsel, Sam Kazman, and executed by outside counsel.

In issuing his ruling, Judge Irving of the D.C. Superior Court wrote in part: “Our profound national commitment to the free exchange of ideas, as enshrined in the First Amendment, demands that the law of libel carve out an area of breathing space so that protected speech is not discouraged.”

We are grateful for the court’s decision to grant our motion for summary judgement. It is a testament to a robust public sphere where ideas are contested through evidence, speech, and debate. Mann’s attempt to use the judicial system as retribution for CEI’s expression of views has many parallels to the way government regulators and federal agencies use the legal process to “punish” business owners and entire industries.

There is no justice when the process is itself a punishment.

Whether it’s in the court of law or the private sector, CEI continues to defend the idea that in a free society the individual is the proper arbiter of speech. CEI defends the First Amendment because the commitment to protecting nonconformist expression is the mark of a free and open society.

Ben Franklin once said, “Without Freedom of thought there can be no such thing as wisdom; and no such thing as public liberty, without freedom of speech.”

These words ring especially true in today’s harshly divided political environment. Thank you for your continued support of CEI as we fight to uphold freedom of expression and fidelity to the rule of law.

▫

Page 6

High Court Poised To Move the Needle on Takings Law

BY ANDREW MCINTYRE LAW 360

T

he U.S. Supreme Court sent several property owner-friendly messages in opinions and dissents in land takings disputes last term, and the court has signaled it may further shift power to private owners in cases alleging that governments unconstitutionally took value from properties in violation of the Fifth and 14th Amendments.

Conservative justices often side with property owners in such disputes, and with Justice Amy Coney Barrett on the court, conservatives now have a 6-3 majority. That has resulted in various owner-friendly rulings.

Experts say the court for several years has been moving the needle more to the property owner side in such disputes, and they expect more of that to come. That means more property owners may see avenues for lawsuits, and governments may think twice before trying to take property via eminent domain.

“This is obviously right now a court … that has reset the takings jurisprudence in a more

Livestock Market Digest property-owner friendly direction, clearly,” said Ben Reznik, a partner and chair of the government, land use, environment and energy department at Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP. “They will find their case.

If not this term, next term. The willingness to expand takings is also quite remarkable.”

In one closely watched decision in late June, the high court sided 6-3 with an owner of an agricultural property in northern California. The justices found that a California law granting labor unions limited access to private agricultural properties constituted an unconstitutional taking. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion in that case, Cedar Point Nursery et al. v. Hassid et al., while Justice Stephen Breyer penned a dissenting opinion.

Justice Roberts found that the law, which permits unions to enter such properties 120 days a year and three hours a day, rose to the level of a taking under the Fifth Amendment, which prohibits governments from depriving owners of value of the property absent just compensation. The 14th Amendment applies the takings clause to states.

Justice Breyer said in the dissent that while a taking may have occurred had unions had unfettered access, the restrictions placed on access meant the act of unions entering the property on a limited basis did not rise to the level of a taking.

The shift on the high court in favor of owners has municipalities thinking twice about eminent domain, which owners

August 15, 2021

often challenge as an unconstitutional taking on behalf of the government.

Many cities are budget-strapped and may choose not to pursue some eminent domain actions they might otherwise have taken. State and local governments will also more carefully consider new regulations, which can also be challenged by owners as leading to takings.

“Public agencies are concerned about avoiding the prospect of takings judgments against them for land-use regulation. It’s something that local governments are always thinking about,” said Matthew Zinn, a partner at Shute Mihaly & Weinberger LLP who represents municipalities. “The more that the court moves the doctrine in the direction of making this easier for property owners, it will have a chilling effect on governments’ decision-making.”

“The more you create the impression that it’s becoming easier to demonstrate a taking, the less likely public agencies are to push the envelope in terms of adopting land-use and environmental and other regulations that a court could find … [to be a] taking,” Zinn added.

Meanwhile, less than a week after its decision in Cedar Point, the Supreme Court vacated and remanded another California dispute back to the Ninth Circuit.

In that case, Peyman Pakdel et ux v. City and County of San Francisco the plaintiff claimed that a San Francisco rule requiring an owner to grant a lifetime lease to tenants in order to convert a property to condo status was an unconstitutional taking.

The plaintiffs went directly to federal court, which rejected the suit, citing a requirement that plaintiffs first obtain a decision at the state level. But while the Peyman case was on appeal at the Ninth Circuit, the Supreme Court ruled in Rose Mary Knick v. Township of Scott, Pennsylvania et al. that plaintiffs can take such suits directly to federal court without first needing a

state court decision.

The high court remanded the Peyman case in late June, partly due to the procedural change the Knick ruling lays out. Justice Barrett was not on the court when it decided Knick.

“The Knick case was certainly a big move,” Zinn said.

Shortly after vacating Peyman, the high court weighed in on another takings case.

The justices in early July declined to hear Fred J. Eychaner v. City of Chicago, a dispute over what’s needed to meet the public use requirement under takings law. An Illinois appellate court in May 2020 said the city had met the public use requirement when it took land from a property owner and said the public use was stopping potential future “blight” there.

Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch dissented from the court’s denial of certiorari, while Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted he would have granted certiorari in Eychaner.

“If they’re going to deal with what is the public use, then that could be big,” Reznik of Jeffer Mangels said. “If the court comes down with [a ruling that says] this a public use or … extent of a taking, that is going to be binding in state courts. You can do it in state court, and the state would apply federal rules.”

“I think that’s what the court’s trying to achieve. They certainly are sending a lot of signals that they are,” Reznik added.

In the Eychaner dissent, Justice Thomas said the high court should have taken up Eychaner in part to correct the Supreme Court’s 2005 decision in Kelo v. New London which said “economic development” met the takings public use requirement.

The recent decisions, lawyers say, show just how focused the high court is on protecting property rights.

“Property rights for a long, long time ... [were considered to be] second-class rights,” said Bryan Wenter, a shareholder at Miller Starr Regalia who represents developers and agencies. “These cases suggest that

property rights are first-class rights like every right in the Bill of Rights and deserve the same protections as the other rights that have long gotten more attention than property rights.”

“These aren’t ambiguous cases. … They are strong, easily understandable propositions. It sends strong messages to property owners and to government agencies,” Wenter added.

Wenter said one of the outstanding issues is that takings law still varies considerably from state to state. That may change given the current leanings of the high court, although it will take some time to trickle down to state and local governments, Wenter said.

“With the questions that remain unanswered and the long-standing practices of government agencies in their regulatory practices, I suspect that in most instances it’s still going to be some time before they calibrate their practices better toward Supreme Court precedent that is recognizing and favoring property rights,” Wenter said.

“I don’t anticipate local regulatory practices to change very much in the short term,” Wenter added. “I think it’s going to be a while before government agencies recognize … and in practice implement the direction the court is providing.”

And while the perceived directional shift at the Supreme Court may embolden property owners to file lawsuits, it’s also causing cities to think more carefully — and tread lightly.

“It’s something, frankly, that plays an outsize role in the decision-making of a lot of local governments,” Zinn of Shute Mihaly said. “From a municipality’s perspective, I think in general local governments are very concerned about the risks of takings liability.”

Jace Stagemeyer Becomes the Grandest Showman

my control. I was super thrilled.”

Although many junior national shows have a showmanship contest, there are a few factors that come into play that potentially make this the most prestigious showmanship contest of them all. First, to have the opportunity to compete at the NJAS showmanship competition, juniors must be selected by their home state. The juniors that are selected have only one year of eligibility. At NJAS, juniors must compete in preliminary rounds with hopes of being selected as the top 15 showman and women.

The top 5 winners were selected by judges Cody Bock of Illinois; Britney Creamer of Colorado; Susan Henderson-Perry of California; and Bobby Strecker of Colorado. The top 5 winners are awarded each a coveted Silver Revere bowl sponsored by the American Angus Auxiliary.

As a part of being selected as the champion showman, the junior member is awarded the Dean Hurlbut Award in honor of the man who began the Angus showmanship competition in 1967.

“It was a really humbling experience and I feel really blessed to have even had the opportunity to experience it,” Stagemeyer said. “This is probably the pre-

miere showmanship competition in the nation, and to be able to make it to that top spot was a once in a lifetime opportunity – that makes it even more special.”

Showmanship exhibitors were evaluated on how they handle their animal, sportsmanship, plus their ability to follow instructions given by the judges.

To enhance the contest further, exhibitors were given preselected heifers and switched animals with other exhibitors several times throughout the contest to prove their skills. The rest of the top 5 winners included: second place, Natalie Philips of West Virginia; third place, Chancee Clark of Oklahoma; fourth place, Hannah Tremaine of Wisconsin; and fifth place, Eva Hinrichsen of Kansas.

The National Junior Showmanship displays the best of the best in terms of livestock handling. The remaining top 15 contestant were: Brooklyn Curtin of Iowa, Kaitlyn Bell of Pennsylvania, Zachary McCall of Virginia, Whitney Walker of Arkansas, Maguire Rohr of Colorado, Erica Chapman of Iowa, Ashlyn Mool of Illinois, Alexandria Cozzitorto of Kansas, Skye Wimmer of Kansas and Claire Brown of Indiana.

Jace Stagemeyer wins top honors at the 2021 NJAS prestigious showmanship contest.

BY RILEY REEP, ANGUS COMMUNICATIONS

M

embers of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) all aspire to have the chance to compete for the Champion Showman title at the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS). Jace Stagemeyer of Nebraska had his dream come true as he was named the 2021 NJAS showmanship winner in Grand Island, Nebraska on July 17, 2021.

“I said to myself you’re either going big or going home, then they announced my name and all my nerves j ust went away,” Stagemeyer said. “Deep down inside I was thrilled. I knew I had the potential to do it, but it comes down to so many little nitty gritty things that are out of

▫

▫

August 15, 2021

Livestock Market Digest

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

www.scottlandcompany.com

Ben G. Scott – Broker Krystal M. Nelson – NM QB 800-933-9698 5:00 a.m./10:00 p.m.

RANCH & FARM REAL ESTATE

We need listings on all types of ag properties large or small!

■ CEDARVALE, NM – 6,961 acre ranch (5,000 ac. +/- Deeded – 1,961 ac. +/- State Lease) well fenced & watered w/good pens, new barn.

■ TEXAS PANHANDLE – Let’s look at this Livestock Market Digest 6,000 hd. permitted feedyard w/953 ac. +/-, a recently remodeled owner’s home, 2 residences for employee housing, addtl. home on 6 ac., 5 pivot sprinkler irr. circles, truck scale, cattle scale, excellent perimeter fencing, located on pavement & all weather road, currently in full operation.

■ SIGNIFICANT PRICE REDUCTION! RIMROCK RANCH - BUEYEROS, NM – 14,993.49 total acres +/- (12,157.49 deeded acres +/-, 2,836 +/- New Mexico State Lease).

Live water with five miles of scenic Ute Creek.

Elk, deer and antelope to go along with a good cattle ranch!

TATE GUIDE

alty

ker

40

rms

erTY

y.com

mitt, TX 79027 Scott - Broker lifying Broker am/10:00pm company.com

R SMALL!

uadalupe Co., eded & 519 anch on both g flow daily) mner; wildlife, buyer looking New Mexico

+/- w/water & a beautiful 3 bathrooms, etal shop.

Page 7

TEXAS & OKLA. FARMS & RANCHES

Selling residential, farm, ranch, commercial and relocating properties.

Selling residential, farm, COLETTA RAY ranch, commercial and Pioneer Realty relocating properties.

1304 Pile Street, Clovis, NM 88101

COLETTA RAY 575-799-9600 Direct Pioneer Realty 575.935.9680 Office 1304 Pile Street, Clovis, NM 88101 575.935.9680 Fax 575-799-9600 Direct coletta@plateautel.net 575.935.9680 Office www.clovisrealestatesales.com 575.935.9680 Fax coletta@plateautel.net www.clovisrealestatesales.com

■ ALAMOSA CREEK RANCH – Roosevelt Co., NM – 14,982 +/- acres (10,982 ac. +/- deeded, 4,000 ac. +/- State Lease). Good cow ranch in Eastern NM excellent access via US 60 frontage between Clovis and Fort Sumner. Alamosa creek crosses through the heart of the gently rolling grassland.

■ SARGENT CANYON RANCH (Chaves/ 521 West Second St. • Portales, NM 88130 Otero Co.) – 18,460 +/- ac. - 200 +/- deeded, 575-226-0671 or 575-226-0672 fax 2,580 +/- State, 11,200 +/- BLM, 4,480 +/Forest - permitted for 380 AUs year-round, well Buena Vista Realty watered, good headquarters, very nice updated home, excellent Qualifying pens & outBroker: buildings. Scenic ranch! A.H. (Jack) Merrick 575-760-7521

Rd. $545,000

■ EAST EDGE OF FT. SUMNER, NM – a 900 hd. grow yard w/immaculate 7.32 ac. +/-, a • 270 acre Mitchell County, Texas beautiful home, & other improvements w/a long Investors dream; excellent line ofranch. equipment included, on pvmt.

SOLD

575-226-0671 www.buenavista-nm.com

Rural Properties around Portales, NM 1242 NM 480 - Nice home on 59.7 acres, grass 427 S Rrd P 1/2 - Large nice home, lots of barns 24+ ac FOR SALE Large Successful operating & Preschool in Portales, 1694– S RrdVery 4, Great home, barns, Daycare cattle pens, location 2344 Scomplete Rrd K east of Dora, NM, Business great - Near wind farms NM. Business with Assets, Premier with Excellent Reputation.

All properties homesis & can have horses, Barn Home — Built in excellent a Metal building, a unique setting for theetc. right buyer!!

Over 3400See sq. these ft. living space (2 story) in this huge metal building w/2 and other properties at www.buenavista-nm.com 14' metal doors giving a large garage in between 2 living spaces. Includes 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths on approximately 2 acres.

See these Properties with details at www.buenavista-nm.com or call agent for info

twoRanch. noncontiguous of native grass rangeland separated by lands belonging to other ownership. Located Pastures, 40tracts tanks, and approximately 20 miles northwest of the small community of Elida, New Mexico in northeast Chaves County. lakes. Beautiful home, barns, CALIFORNIA RANCH Theandtwoother tracts are approximately apart as the crow flies. Access to both tracts isPROPERTY good by maintained improvements.

Some 2.5 milesNORTHERN 31 years in the ranch business - see www.ranch-lands.com for videos & brochures minerals, game Roadways. galore. All for $1.35 Chaves County The north tract, referred to as the Cothern Place, is comprised of approximately DUANE & DIXIE McGARVA RANCH: approx. 985 acres Likely, CA. with about 600+ acre gravity flood million.± deeded acres that is partially fenced 2,500 with PLUS one private well.542The south referred theareRippee Place, is irrigated pastures AU BLM permit.tract, About 425 acres so ofto the as irrigated level to flood excellent pastures with balance good flood irrigated pastures. NO PUMPING COST! Dryland is perfect for comprised of approximately 4,700 deeded acres and 640 State Lease fenced into three pastures, watered by expansion to pivot irrigated alfalfa if desired. Plus BLM permit for 540 AU is fenced into 4 fields on about 18,000 acres only 7 miles away.2.5 REDUCED PRICE - $3,125,000 year around cow country. two wells and pipelines. The two tracts are approximately milesASKING apart.

Excellent Joe Priest Real Estate RANCH: 82,000$345 acres - with deeded acres plus $2,484,000. contiguous USFS & BLM Grazing capacity is estimated to be 130BEAVER AUYL.CREEK Priced at about $370 per2,700deeded acre; permits for 450 pair; 580+- acres irrigated alfalfa, pasture, and meadow from Beaver Creek water rights and one irrigation well. 3 homes, 2 hay barns, 4 feedlots each w/ 250 ton barns, 2 large reservoirs, can run up to 500-600 cows YEAR ROUND. REDUCED ASKING PRICE - $5,400,000.

COWBOY DRAW RANCH joepriestre.net • joepriestre@earthlink.com

Excellent cattle ranch located in southeastern NM approximately BEAR CREEK RANCH: Approx. 1,278 acres winter range ground and recreational property. Located on Bear 50 miles northwest of Roswell on the Chaves/Lincoln County Creek and accessed from South Cowline.

Creek 7,455 Valley Road.total Shouldacres be great with hunting 2,600 for deer, wilddeeded. turkey, wild 150 pigs, quail & owner states good trout fishing in Bear Creek. Deeded access easement thru neighbor ranches.

AU capacity. Livestock water is providedNotwo wells; one electric submersible, one solar well with considerable improvements & very private inside the ranch.

Now only per acreinto - $894,600 water pipeline scattered throughout the ranch. $700 Fenced three larger pastures and two smaller holding traps.

Several large, open draws run through the ranch providing excellent overflow areas.SERVICES, Terrain is open and rolling.

BILL WRIGHT, SHASTA LAND INC. 530-941-8100 • DRE# 00963490 • www.ranch-lands.com Good turf cover. Had a good rain recently, all draws ran big. Come take a look. Not many like this on today’s market.

Scott McNally, Qualifying Broker ch that has been owned and operated s southeast of Corona, NM in Lincoln Bar M Real Estate, LLC M Lease Acres and 2,240 NM State Box 145, Cimarron, NM 8771488202 • 575/376-2341 • Fax: 575/376-2347 P.O. Box 428,P.O.Roswell, NM land@swranches.com • www.swranches.com UYL. Water provided by five wells and corrals. The ranch had a good summerOffice: 575-622-5867 CHICO CREEK RANCH, Colfax Cell: County, NM. 575-420-1237 NEW LISTING. CIMARRON ON THE RIVER, Colfax County, NM. 7.338 +/6,404.26 +/- Total Acres, Located approximately 10 miles east of deeded acres with 4.040 acre-feet per annum out of the for a brochure or view on my website. Website: www.ranchesnm.com Springer New Mexico. 3,692.60 +/- deeded acres with balance Maxwell-Clutton Ditch. Custom country-chic 2,094 +/- sq ft

R CT

775/752-3040

SCOTT MCNALLY

Nevada Farms & raNch PrOPerTY

www.ranchesnm.com 575/622-5867 575/420-1237 Ranch Sales & Appraisals

www.bottarirealty.com

AG LAND LOANS

O’NEILL LAND, llc

in state lease. Excellent grass and water. Two plus miles of the Chico Creek meandering through the center of the property.

Additional wells and dirt tanks. Nice historic head quarters privately located with shade trees and excellent views of the property. Shipping pens in central portion of property. $2,837,318

home. Owns both sides of river in places. Horse/cow/chicken/ vegetable garden/greenhouse/orchard set up. Country living at it’s finest, in town, but in a world of your own. Very special on river. Appointment only. $650,000.

RATON MILLION DOLLAR VIEW, Colfax County, NM. 97.68

521 West Se

575-226-0

B

A.H. (J ww

Advertise to Cattlemen and Ranchers!

As Low As 3.5% OPWKCAP 3.5%

INTEREST RATES AS LOW AS 3.5% Payments Scheduled on 25 Years

AS PRO R

Joe Stubblefield & Associates 13830 Western St., Amarillo, TX 806/622-3482 • cell 806/674-2062 joes3@suddenlink.net Michael Perez Associates Nara Visa, NM • 575-403-7970

Call

505-243-9515

for more information

14298 N

521 West Second St. • Portales, NM 88130

575-226-0671 or 575-226-0672 fax

joepriestre.net • joepriestre@earthlink.com

CALDWELL RANCH • 840 Immaculate, Hunt Co, TX. PRICE REDUCED First time offering of the Caldwell Ranch comprised of a

y limits of Roswell, NM. Six total acres ved with a 2, 200 square foot residence,

Paul Bottari, Broker

521 West Second St., Portales, NM 88130

cash flow. Rock formation being crushed and sold; wind turbans, some minerals. Irrigation water developed, crop & cattle, modest improvements. Just off I-20. Price reduced to $1.25 million.

1-800/671-4548

Bottari Realty

1-800/671-4548

TEXAS & OKLA. FARMS & RANCHES

■ STRONG WATER! Baca Co., CO – 640 ac. +/- w/three pivot sprinklers & three irrigation well all• 160 tied together w/underground pipe, acre Ranger Eastland Co,fourth quarter in native grass permitted for irrigation $560,000 according to owner.

SOLD

the Plaza meadows,Ongame galore, 35 miles Donald Brown out ofQualifying Dallas, Kaufman Broker County.

505-507-2915 cell @10,000 PA 505-838-0095 fax 116–Plaza 133 ACRES 24 Miles out of PO Box 1903 Socorro, NM 87801 $13,000 Dallas, ready to develop. www.socorroplazarealty.com dbrown@socorroplazarealty.com per acre 313 ACRES NORTH OF DALLAS AG LAND LOANS AGMAJOR LAND LOANS ON HIGHWAYS 121 & AsLow LowAsAs 3% As 4.5% 2.9% 69 – OPWKCAP Nice horse barn with living OPWKCAP 2.9% INTEREST RATESAS AS LOW AS 3% INTEREST RATES LOW 4.5% quarters. Scheduled $11,500 onon25AS Payments Scheduled 25 Years Payments Years 234 SHOW RANCH – 8,000.

Imaculate home, cattle show barn, Joe Stubblefield & Associates 2313830 milesWestern from Dallas $2.8MTX St., Amarillo,

Bar M Real Estate

Joe Priest Real Estate

www.buenavista-nm.com

■ SUPER OPPORTUNITY! One of the best steak •houses in the nation just out Amarillo & 83 acre wood home withof barns, Canyon at Umbarger, TX., state-of-the- art bldg., meadows andfacilities woods.inFronts State turn-key w/complete full operation at this time.

230 SOCORRO ACRE GAME & RETREAT PLAZA REALTY that is a dream.

Lakes, woods,

806/622-3482 • cell 806/674-2062 joes3@suddenlink.net Michael Perez Associates Nara Visa, NM • 575/403-7970

■ PRICE REDUCED! DRY CIMARRON – Union Co., NM – 1,571 ac.+/- of grassland on the dry Cimarron River, located on pvmt. near Kenton, OK just under the Black Mesa.

980 ac. +/past, land lays e of Hwy. 54. on Co., NM – and w/statey remodeled in very good n pvmt. . +/- heavily listing r livestockagent w/ 75-825-1291. ences etc., on ta-nm.com e front gate. ic ac. +/- on d by Lincoln in Pines & ed meadow Penasco. This uild a legacy

4 ac. irr., on exico, adjoins l.

POTENTIAL xline Special,

Page 7

Buena Vista Realty

Qualifying Broker: A.H. (Jack) Merrick 575-760-7521 www.buenavista-nm.com Call Buena Vista Realty at 575-226-0671 or the listing agent

Lori Bohm 575-760-9847, or Melody Sandberg 575-825-1291.

Many good pictures on MLS or www.buenavista-nm.com

521 West Second St. • Portales, NM 88130

575-226-0671 or 575-226-0672 fax

Buena Vista Realty

Qualifying Broker: A.H. (Jack) Merrick 575-760-7521 www.buenavista-nm.com

TABLE ROCK GEM! Elegant, quality, meticulously maintained, attention to detail - words do not do justice to this home. The finish work in this home down to the marble floors in each bathroom and hardwoods is spectacular. Walk into the living room with soaring ceilings (check the crown molding) and a wall of windows to view the beautiful lake. The gas fireplace (one of three) warms, warms a chilly morning. The chefs kitchen features custom cabinets, granite countertops, center island, pantry, wine fridge and lots of built in features. The formal dining and casual dining areas offer a serene view of the lake. The main floor large master also has a lakeview (and fireplace) with ensuite bath and walk-in shower, and separate jetted tub. Upstairs are two full bedrooms with beautiful lakeview. Also upstairs a non-conforming third dorm bedroom which accommodates multiple beds or serves as a separate living area.

Downstairs features another living area, gas fireplace with a built in bar (second wine fridge), another bedroom with lakeview, and a large storage room with a safe/tornado shelter. There is also a separate pool table/workout room, 3 car garage, central vacuum, three HVAC systems, on a corner lot with beautiful landscaping. Both covered decks with large outdoor fans face the lake. You won’t find a better home on Table Rock Lake. MLS#60189891

O’NEILL LAND, llc P.O. Box 145, Cimarron, NM 87714 • 575/376-2341 • Fax: 575/376-2347 land@swranches.com • www.swranches.com

RATON MILLION DOLLAR VIEW, Colfax County, NM. 97.68 +/- deeded acres in 2 parcels with excellent home, big shop, wildlife, a true million dollar view at the end of a private road. $489,000.

MIAMI 40 ACRES, Colfax County, NM. Private 2 bedroom getaway with elevated fantastic view, nice porch, little casita, irrigation and pole barn.

Extremely private setting. $450,000.

MIAMI 55.89 ACRES, Colfax County, NM. Remodeled adobe, awesome shop, out buildings, long road frontage, private fishing in Miami Lake. Amazing porch view. $400,000.

SOLD

CIMARRON HIDDEN PLACE, Colfax County, NM. 1.66± deeded acres with a 2,304 sq ft home updated with recent remodels including

large open kitchen vaulted tin ceiling, three bedrooms and two bathrooms, edge of town amazing views. $290,000 COLMOR-OCATE CREEK, Colfax and Mora County, NM 853 +/- deeded acres split by I25 and Ocate Creek.

Suit cattle operation, with some wildlife drawn to water holes in creek. $617,000 EAGLE NEST ESCAPE, Colfax County, NM. 78.42± deeded acres in off HWY 64 overlooking Eagle Nest Lake, private pond, two elk tags, 3 bedroom home with and large shop garage able to store your RV and big toys. Improvements almost half a mile off highway. Truly an escape. $795,000

CONTRACT PENDING

E

E

CON W

C

Page 8

EPA & Army Announce Next Steps for Crafting Enduring Definition of Waters of the United States

T

he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of the Army announced on July 30plans for upcoming community engagements to inform their efforts to revise the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) to better ensure clean and safe water for all.

EPA and Army are committed to developing a reasonable, effective, and durable definition of WOTUS that protects public health, the environment, and downstream communities while supporting economic opportunity, agriculture, and other industries.

“We are committed to crafting an enduring definition of WOTUS by listening to all sides so that we can build on an inclusive foundation,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.

“Uncertainty over the definition of WOTUS has harmed our waters and the stakeholders and communities that rely on them.

I look forward to engaging all parties as we move forward to provide the certainty that’s needed to protect our precious natural water resources.”

“Our nation’s water resources are critical to support all of our communities,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jaime A. Pinkham.

“Like the EPA, the Department of the Army recognizes the importance of this effort and we are committed to meaningful engagement with Tribes, states, local governments, and stakeholders to ensure that a revised definition of WOTUS reflects the experiences of, and input received, from all communities.”

The agencies intend to revise the definition of WOTUS following a process that includes two rulemakings. A forthcoming foundational rule would restore the regulations defining WOTUS that were in place for decades until 2015, with updates to be consistent with rel-

Livestock Market Digest evant Supreme Court decisions. learning from diverse perspecA separate, second rulemaking tives, the agencies plan to conprocess would refine this regula- vene ten regionally focused and tory foundation and establish an inclusive roundtables during the updated and durable definition upcoming fall and winter. These of “waters of the United States.” roundtables will allow a full A durable definition of WO- range of stakeholders to engage TUS is essential to ensuring and discuss their experience clean and safe water in all com- with definitions of WOTUS— munities—supporting human including what has worked and health, animal habitat, agricul- what has not within their geoture, watersheds, flood man- graphic areas. The roundtables agement, local economies, and will provide opportunities to industry. The announcement discuss geographic similarities marks an important step in the and differences, particular water agencies’ efforts to restore pro- resources that are characteristic tections and write a rule to de- of or unique to each region, and fine WOTUS that is grounded in site-specific feedback about imscience and the law, emphasizes plementation. effective implementation, and For more information on prioritizes collaborative partner- submitting written recommenships with states, Tribes, local dations or to register for the governments, and stakeholders. public meetings, see www.epa.

To help ensure that EPA and gov/wotus.

Army hear from diverse perspectives, future engagement Background activities will be developed in Congress enacted the Clean coordination with the U.S. De- Water Act in 1972 with the statpartment of Agriculture. utory objective “to restore and “It is vital that farmers and maintain the chemical, physical, rural Americans have a seat at and biological integrity of the the table and a voice in this pro- Nation’s waters.” One of the cess so that the rule responds Act’s principal tools in achieving to concerns and realities on the that objective is a prohibition on ground. The engagement in the the discharge of pollutants from coming months is important a point source to navigable waand I encourage ters unless otherall stakeholders wise authorized to provide their the Act. The agencies under experiences and Navigable waters views in order to are defined in the intend to help shape fuAct as “the wature policy,” said ters of the Unitrevise the definition ed States, includU.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom ing the territorial of WOTUS following seas.” Thus, “waVilsack.

The, EPA ters of the Unitand Army are ed States” is a a process that announcing a threshold term series of engageestablishing the includes two ment opportugeographic scope nities, including of federal jurisrulemakings.” an opportunity diction under the for stakeholders and the public Clean Water Act. The term “wato provide written recommen- ters of the United States” is not dations and a series of public defined by the Act but has been meetings in August to hear per- defined by EPA and the Army spectives on both rules. In addi- in regulations since the 1970s tion, the agencies are initiating and jointly implemented in the Federalism and Tribal consulta- agencies’ respective programtions for the foundational rule. matic activities.

The agencies also intend to host On June 9, 2021, EPA and a series of dialogues with state the Department of the Army and Tribal co-regulators this fall announced their intent to revise to discuss both rulemakings. the definition of WOTUS to Additionally, the previous better protect our nation’s vital rulemaking efforts have high- water resources that support lighted the regional variability public health, environmental of water resources and the im- protection, agricultural activity, portance of close engagement and economic growth. Upon with stakeholders to understand review of the Navigable Waters the specifics of how they expe- Protection Rule, the agencies rience regulation under vary- determined that the rule is siging definitions of waters of the nificantly reducing clean water United States. To honor our protections. commitment to listening and

“

▫

August 15, 2021

Overcrowded Wild Horse Herds Drive Out Sage Grouse

BY SCOTT STREATER / POLITICO

A

new federal study suggests that the uncontrolled growth of one iconic symbol of the American West — wild horses — is jeopardizing the future survival of another: greater sage grouse.

The peer-reviewed study, published in the Journal of Wildlife Management and led by researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey, found sage grouse populations are negatively affected by the overcrowding of wild horses on federal herd management areas.

The study released today, and billed by USGS as the first to evaluate “the ecological relationship” between wild horses and sage grouse, estimated that 70 percent of grouse populations within herd management areas could be lost within 15 years in the study area of Nevada and northeast California unless wild horse herd sizes on federal rangelands are reduced.

The study does not advocate for the removal of wild horses, but does suggest that reducing the number of feral equids in overcrowded herd management areas “could neutralize their negative impacts” on sage grouse.

“The results of the study indicate that coexistence is possible for free-roaming horses and sage grouse if horse populations are maintained” below the so-called appropriate management level, said Peter Coates, a research wildlife biologist with the USGS’s Western Ecological Research Center and the study’s lead author.

The study noted the importance of the sagebrush ecosystem for the chicken-like bird, which can be degraded by horses that trample the habitat as well as eat the vegetation.

There are currently 86,189 wild horses and burros on federal rangelands, or more than three times the appropriate management level of 26,715 animals that the Bureau of Land Management estimates that federal rangelands can sustain without causing damage to vegetation, soils and other resources.

The 86,189 wild horses and burros, as of March 1, marked the first decline in range-wide populations since 2012, and is nine percent less than the record 95,114 wild horses and burros counted last year (E&E News PM, July 1).

But BLM announced today it may have to round up and remove as many as 6,000 additional wild horses and burros by the end of next month due to the extreme drought conditions in the West that threaten the safety of federally protected horses and burros (Greenwire, August 2). BLM so far this year has already conducted numerous emergency gathers to remove nearly 1,200 wild horses and burros due to the drought.

Greater sage grouse, meanwhile, are suffering too.

A USGS report in March revealed that millions of acres of priority sage grouse habitat have been lost in the last two decades, due to human activity and natural threats (E&E News PM, March 17).

The number one reason for grouse population declines is a loss of habitat, and the study found that wildfires alone have destroyed 20 percent of priority grouse habitat in the Great Basin area of Nevada since 2000.

But there had never been “empirical evidence linking horse abundance to sage grouse population dynamics” until now, according to the study.

The clash between sage grouse and wild horses is most pronounced in the Great Basin — which has by far more wild horses roaming federal rangelands than any other state — and northeast California, according to the latest USGS study. Both states have been greatly impacted by the ongoing drought.

The USGS researchers developed a computer model based on sage grouse male surveys at breeding grounds, called leks, to estimate how grouse population levels changed relative to the number of wild horses that exceeded the appropriate management level.

It found a greater than 99 percent probability “of sage grouse population decline” when wild horse populations were greater than three times the appropriate management level — as is the case today range-wide.

In Nevada, as of 2019, all herd management areas had populations greater than four times the appropriate management level, the study says.

“If feral horse populations continue to grow at current rates unabated, model projections indicate sage grouse populations will be reduced within horse-occupied areas by [greater than] 70 percent by 2034,” the study says.

Overall, in the study area of Nevada and northeast California, sage grouse populations are already declining by about four percent annually, the study concludes, with “strong evidence” that the concentration of wild horse populations plays a major role.

If the wild horse and burro populations in the study area could be reduced to the appropriate management level, the study estimated sage grouse populations would increase 12 percent.

This suggests, among other things, that “there is potential for rebound where sage grouse populations have previously declined,” according to the study.

“While this study highlights the challenges of maintaining biodiversity in sagebrush environments, it also provides valuable insights into the options for wildlife management,” said David Applegate, the USGS’s associate director temporarily leading the agency.

Neda DeMayo, president of Return to Freedom, a wild horse conservation group, said the USGS study underscores the complexity of managing landscapes for all wildlife.

“This is exactly why it’s critical for diverse groups and agencies to develop good communication and trust, so that we can work together on holistic and sustainable conservation that benefits all,” DeMayo said in an emailed statement. “Better understanding of the specific issues within each wild horse Herd Management Area enables us to design the most effective, humane fertility control program to slow down reproduction so our herds can remain healthy even in the more compromised ranges.”

▫

August 15, 2021

Livestock Market Digest

USDA to Invest Millions ... to Help Heirs Resolve Land Ownership & Succession Issues

A

griculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced at a late July press conference with U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, U.S. Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., and U.S. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $67 million in competitive loans through the new Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP), which aims to help agricultural producers and landowners resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues. Intermediary lenders -- cooperatives, credit unions, and nonprofit organizations – can apply for loans up to $5 million at one percent interest once the Farm Service Agency (FSA) opens the twomonth signup window in late August.

After FSA selects lenders, heirs can apply directly to those lenders for loans and assistance.

Heirs’ property issues have long been a barrier for many producers and landowners to access USDA programs and services, and this relending program provides access to capital to help producers find a resolution to these issues.

“While those affected are in all geographic and cultural areas, many Black farmers and other groups who have experienced historic discrimination have inherited heirs’ property,” Vilsack said. “USDA is committed to revising policies to be more equitable and examining barriers faced by heirs’ property owners is part of that effort.

This helps ensure that we protect the legacy of these family farms for generations to come.”

The Heirs’ Property Relending Program is another example of how USDA is working to rebuild trust with America’s farmers and ranchers. HPRP is a loan and will need to be repaid as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill.

The program’s benefits go far beyond its participants. It will

Baxter

BLACK

ON THE EDGE OF COMMON SENSE

www.baxterblack.com

Visiting Dogs

W

hen I hear a truck pull up in front of the house and the pandemonium of dogs barkin’ would wake a hibernating mastodon, I relax. It’s only my neighbor, D.K., come to borrow something of his back.

He doesn’t get this ferocious reception because he’s on the canine list of unsavory visitors or because he has the reputation of annoying domestic animals on a regular basis. It’s because his two dogs usually accompany him on his rounds.

My dogs even bark at his pickup when he drives in anticipation that his dogs will be in the back. On those rare occasions when he comes “undogged,” my dogs give him a withering glare

also keep farmland in farming, protect family farm legacies and support economic viability.

Eligible Lenders To be eligible, intermediary lenders must be certified as a community development financial institution and have experience and capability in making and servicing agricultural and commercial loans that are similar in nature.

If applications exceed the amount of available funds, those applicants with at least 10 years or more of experience with socially disadvantaged farmers that are located in states that have adopted a statute consisting of enactment or adoption of the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act (UPHPA) will receive first preference. A list of these states is available at farmers.gov/heirs/relending. A secondary preference tier is established for those that have applications from ultimate recipients already in process, or that have a history of successfully relending previous HPRP funds.

When multiple applicants are in the same tier, or there are no applicants in tier 1 or 2, applications will be funded in order of the date the application was received.

Selected intermediary lenders will determine the rates, terms, and payment structure for loans to heirs. Interest rates will be the lowest rate sufficient for intermediaries to cover cost of operating and sustaining the loan.

Additional information for lenders, including how to apply for funding, can be found in the HPRP final rule (PDF, 387 KB). A webinar will be held Tuesday, August 3, 2021 regarding applying for funding. Interested re-lender should register through the FSA Outreach and Education webpage.

Relending to Heirs Heirs may use the loans to resolve title issues by financing the purchase or consolidation of property interests and financing costs associated with a succession plan. This may also include costs and fees associated with buying out fractional interests of other heirs in jointly-owned property to clear the title, as well as closing costs, appraisals, title searches, surveys, preparing documents, mediation, and and stomp off. It’s like they are disappointed.

After all, what else have they got to do? Watch the sheep through the fence? Go to the pasture and check the cows? Sneak up on the creek in hopes of scaring the urea out of the ducks?

I watched them the last time I went to D.K.’s to borrow his brush hog. My dogs were leaning out the side already clearing their throats as we neared his place. I deliberately drove by the first turn-in. Both dogs jerked their heads around and glared at me through the back window.

I could see Hattie mouthing the words, “Hey turkey, ya missed it!”

I turned in the second drive and we were met with the raucous sounds of a rabbit let go in a dog kennel. I pulled to a stop as D.K.’s dogs surrounded the pickup barking at the top of their dog lungs.

My dogs were leaning out over the side like seasick fishermen returning in kind, bark for bark. It was deafening.

legal services.

Heirs may not use loans for any land improvement, development purpose, acquisition or repair of buildings, acquisition of personal property, payment of operating costs, payment of finders’ fees, or similar costs.

Intermediary lenders will make loans to heirs who: Are individuals or legal entities with authority to incur the debt and to resolve ownership and succession of a farm owned by multiple owners; Are a family member or heir-at-law related by blood or marriage to the previous owner of the property; Agree to complete a succession plan.

More information on how heirs can borrow from lenders under HPRP will be available in the coming months.

More Information Heirs’ property is a legal term that refers to family land inherited without a will or legal documentation of ownership. It has historically been challenging for heirs to benefit from USDA programs because of the belief that they cannot get a farm number without proof of ownership or control of land.

However, FSA provides alternative options that allow an heir to obtain a farm number. In states that have adopted the UPHPA, producers may provide specific documents to receive a farm number. To learn more about heirs property, HPRP, or UPHPA, visit farmers.gov/heirs/ relending.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov

▫

But I noticed D.K.’s dogs never got quite close enough to touch noses and mine knew just how far to lean to avoid actual contact.

One might think it was all for show. Protecting their territory, as if his were shouting, “Don’t you dare get out,” and mine were screaming, “No way we’re lettin’ you jump in this truck!”

Or they could just be visiting like old folks at a reunion, “HOW ARE YOU, TEX! I HEAR YOU GOT A NEW HEARING AID! WHAT KIND IS IT?” “QUARTER TO FOUR!” I’ve gotten to where I don’t worry about it much. Dogs like to bark. It’s in their job description. It probably doesn’t irritate the dogs near as much as it does us humans. They just communicate at different decibel levels.

It’s part of nature. It’s possible even aphids bark at each other and we just can’t hear it. But it must drive the ants crazy. www.baxterblack.com

Page 9

Biden Administration Explores Dragging Land Agency Away From U.S. Land, Back To The Swamp

BY TRISTAN JUSTICE / THE FEDERALIST

P

resident Joe Biden’s Interior Secretary Deb Haaland gave the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) headquarters in Grand Junction, Colorado in late July as she contemplates the agency’s return to Washington, DC. “My first priority is to avoid doing any more harm to the BLM’s dedicated employees,” Haaland said, and indicated a decision is likely to come soon. The only harm that could come would be from a costly move back to the beltway after a brief two-year stint on the western slope.

The land agency that oversees about 12 percent of U.S. lands, 99 percent of which reside across 11 western states and Alaska, decentralized its D.C. headquarters and moved to Grand Junction in 2019. Casey Hammond, who announced the move as the agency’s acting director at the time, told The Federalist the decision came as the bureau faced crises on several fronts.

The BLM’s lease on high-end D.C. office space near Nationals Park, which had been locked in at a low rate, was coming to an end and renewal was unaffordable. Also, by the end of the year, 130 headquarters employees would be eligible for retirement, with new hires for beltway positions “extraordinarily difficult” to find.

“If you want experienced land managers, they don’t come from Washington D.C., and they don’t want to move to Washington D.C.,” Hammond said. “If you have a good life in Montana or in Colorado, there’s a good chance you don’t want to move to Washington D.C.” The impending crises also presented an opportunity to relocate the BLM headquarters closer to the lands it manages and the people it serves, and Grand Junction was a natural choice.

New office space would be cheaper, the cost of living would be lower, homes for employees would be bigger and less expensive, opportunities for outdoor recreation would be wider, and commutes would be shorter. In contrast, a one-way one- to two-hour commute was common among D.C. staff.

Once the headquarters was moved, the BLM was flooded with resumes for positions re-listed in Grand Junction and across much of the west.

“People were willing to live and take these jobs in the west, they just weren’t willing to pick up and move east to do it,” Hammond said.

William Perry Pendley, who led the BLM under the Trump administration and coordinated the transition, emphasized many positions also went to western locations outside Grand Junction relevant to their area of oversight. “[We] moved all the experts into the places where their expertise is needed,” Pendley told The Federalist. Those who worked in renewable energy went to California. Those who worked in recreation went to Utah. Those who worked in oil and gas went to New Mexico. Those who worked with wild horses went to Nevada. “We thought, ‘It makes sense for these people to be there.’”

The most senior positions within the BLM were sent to Grand Junction. Yet Democrats who wanted to the agency to be closer to national politicians as opposed to the people they serve trashed the move at the time as Republicans seeking to “dismantle” the bureau. Haaland, who will now play a primary role in the bureau’s fate, was a first-term congresswoman from New Mexico on the state’s Natural Resources Committee when the proposal was introduced.

The then-freshman representative now leading the nation’s premier department overseeing public lands cloaked her opposition to the headquarters move as one of concern for agency employees as she prepares for a possible reversal.

▫

Page 10

Livestock Market Digest

BRAND FOR SALE Recorded for 2021 $5000 firm $5000 firm Contact Susie Schreiner at (406) 321-1452 or susiesch1961@msn.com

CLASSIFIEDS KADDATZ

Auctioneering and Farm Equipment Sales New and used tractors, equipment, and parts.

Salvage yard, combines, tractors, hay equipment and all types of equipment parts. We can sell your surplus items at online auction anywhere in the U.S.

ORDER PARTS ONLINE.

www.kaddatzequipment.com •254/582-3000

g•u•i•d•e angus

Bradley 3 Ranch Ltd. Charolais Bulls & Angus Bulls

— BULL SALE — FEBRUARY 12, 2022 At The Ranch NE of Estelline, Texas

www.bradley3ranch.com M. L.: 940/585-6471 James: 940/585-6171.

Ranch-Raised Bulls For Ranchers Since 1955

BEEFMASTER

210.732.3132 • beefmasters.org 118 W. BANDERA ROAD BOERNE, TX 78006

BRANGUS

R.L. Robbs 520/384-3654 4995 Arzberger Rd. Willcox, Arizona 85643 Willcox, AZ

You Are About to be Spiked

BY FRANK DUBOIS

T

racy Stone-Manning is President Biden’s nominee to be Director of the Bureau of Land Management an d her nomination hearing was recently held before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. It didn’t seem like a big deal, as she was just one of four nominations to be considered by the Committee that day.

In her testimony, Stone-Manning spoke of her experience on the staff of the Governor of Montana and on the staff of Senator Jon Tester (D-Montana). She introduced her husband of many years and said both her parents had been military retirees and instilled in her the honor of being a public servant. All intended to leave the impression she was a family person from a patriotic family to boot.

Not having any of this was John Barrasso (R-Wyo) the Ranking Republican on the committee. He and the other Republicans were concerned about her voluntary work, while in college, for the radical, violence-prone group EarthFirst!

However, the two issues they are pressing in opposing her nomination are a) a suspicious loan from a political donor and b) her involvement in a threatening letter to authorities about tree spiking in a forest.

The loan was from developer Stuart Goldberg and was for $60,000 (some reports say it was for $100,00). It included an interest rate of 6 percent when the going rate at the time

August 15, 2021 was 11 percent.

It also occurred while she was an employee of Senator John Tester (D-Mont.).

Eight years prior to the loan, while Stone-Manning was the executive director of the Clark Fort Coalition, she made what she called the “perhaps unprecedented” act of supporting a project of Goldberg’s company. The Republicans accused Stone-Manning of violating the ethics rules of Senate. That rule requires reporting of any gift over $250 by any Senate staffer and a loan was considered a gift under the Senate rules.

The tree spiking was a much more important politically.

Stone-Manning testified she was approached by an Earth Firster and asked to mail the letter to the Forest Service.

Stone-Manning said she rented a typewriter, edited and retyped the letter, and sent it to the Forest Service. The letter was threatening in nature, as it stated the Forest, “is home to the Elk, Deer, Mountain Lions, Birds and especially the Trees…

You bastards go in there anyway and a lot of people could get hurt.” Stone-Manning said she only did the letter because she “didn’t want anybody to get hurt.” She also testified that she had never been a “target” of the investigation.

Then up pops one Michael Merkley, an investigator in the tree spiking case. Merkley, a retired special agent for the Forest Service, wrote a letter to the committee asserting Ms. Stone-Manning was “not an innocent bystander.” He wrote the investigation led his team to search the Missoula residence where Ms. Stone-Manning and other members of Earth First! had lived, and a grand jury served subpoenas “on persons suspected of having knowledge of the incident, including Ms. Tracy Stone-Manning.” Merkley reported that Ms. Stone-Manning throughout his investigation was “vulgar, antagonistic, and extremely anti-government” and refused to provide the hair,

Pot Farms Using Groundwater can Affect Stream Flows

handwriting and fingerprint samples ordered by the grand jury until threatened with arrest.

Senator Barrasso said, “BLM’s work is too important to be led by someone who covered up for ecoterrorists, lied to the Senate and supports extremist views most Americans find reprehensible. The Senate must reject this nomination.”

Even Minority Leader Mitch McConnell went to the senate floor and stated the President should withdraw her nomination and all ten Republicans on the committee signed a letter to the President requesting the nomination be withdrawn.

All this was to no avail as the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has just voted 10 to 10, on a strict party line basis, to advance her nomination to the full senate.

If she retains the support of all Democrat senators, and with the Vice-President available to break a tie vote, she will become the next Director of the Bureau of Land Management.

What do you think the outcome would have been if the nominee was a male, who while attending college had lived with members of a local militia group, and who had rented a typewriter, and edited and retyped a letter to the FBI threatening to booby trap a federal facility?

If confirmed by the senate, Stone-Manning will become the key person to implement President Biden’s policy to drastically curtail energy production on federal lands. She will also assume a leadership role in carrying out the President’s policy to set aside and permanently protect one-third of our land and waters.

This debate is not just about some tree spikes in an Idaho forest. This debate is about a spike aimed directly at the heart of the West.

Until next time, be a nuisance to the devil and don’t forget to check that cinch.

Frank DuBois was the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003, is the author of a blog: The Westerner (www.thewesterner. blogspot.com) and is the founder of The DuBois Rodeo Scholarship and The DuBois Western Heritage Foundation

▫

surface water diversions,” said co-author Ted Grantham, UC Cooperative Extension specialist and co-director of the Cannabis Research Center.

The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, or

BY PAMELA KAN-RICE ter use in 11 of California’s top WESTERN FARMER-STOCKMAN cannabis-producing counties – SGMA, enacted in 2014, is deHumboldt, Lake, Mendocino, signed to prevent overdraft of he legalization of Monterey, Nevada, San Luis groundwater and protect water marijuana for recre- Obispo, Santa Barbara, San- quality and supplies for agriculational use has en- ta Cruz, Sonoma, Trinity, and ture, residents, fish and other couraged growers to Yolo. wildlife. expand plantings of the lucraBut according to Grantham, Using California state cantive crop. Like any plant, canna- nabis permitting data, the “Most of the cannabis farms bis requires water to grow. researchers found that can- fall outside of the groundwater A new study from the Can- nabis farms rely primarily on basins regulated under SGMA, nabis Research Center at the groundwater wells, not streams, so well use represents an imUniversity of portant, but California, largely unregBerkeley exulated threat Most of the cannabis farms fall outside of the amined where to streams in cannabis growthe region.” ers are getting groundwater basins regulated under SGMA, Well use is water for their common crops, highso well use represents an important, but largely lighting signifThe reicant gaps in searchers unregulated threat to streams in the region.” cannabis cultifound that vation policy. for their irrigation needs. But well use by cannabis farms is Environmental advocates pumping groundwater could common statewide, exceeding have expressed concern that also have an undesirable effect 75 percent among farms that cannabis farms are diverting on wildlife. have permits to grow in nine water from rivers and streams, “Wells drilled near streams of the 11 top cannabis-producwhich could harm fish and oth- in upland watersheds have the ing counties. In eight of the 11 er wildlife. potential to cause rapid streamThe researchers studied wa- flow depletion similar to direct continued on page 12

T

“

August 15, 2021

Livestock Market Digest

The View FROM THE BACK SIDE

Fly Your Flags America!

BY BARRY DENTON The opinions in this column do not necessarily reflect those of this publication

I

f you get up in the morning, walk outside, and a statue offends you then just give me a call. You bet, you can bring your offending statue of American history right here to my ranch and you will no longer be offended.

I have room for all the offenders, just not the offended.

When you bring your statue, just stop at the front gate. I’ll see you there and then I will come out and get the statue.

I will not let you or the idiot dumb enough to hire on to haul it for you, on my place. I can haul it inside my gate after you get it here. You will be able to find my place easily as it has my name on the gate, and we are always flying the American flag.

Once inside I can assure you that your offending statue will be well taken care of, respected, and honored. We do not even have any pigeons here.

Now, I do think the least you can do as a statue donator is to reimburse the taxpayers that have supported your offending statue all these years.

There is a grand plan for my statue ranch. My first goal would be to bring school age children here to teach them about how great America really is, and the people that made it that way. I would explain to them how it is a miracle from God that this country even exists. I would also make sure that they knew the definition of “divine providence” and what role it played in this country’s founding.

The next thing that I would teach them is about General George Washington crossing The Delaware River In the middle of a freezing Christmas Day night, December 25th, 1776. He had an ill-equipped 2400 soldier Continental Army, many of whom did not have shoes to protect their feet from the snow they were marching on.

The general had spent the previous summer and fall fighting the British, losing, and retreating. General Washington’s winter encampment at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania was reeked with disease, hunger, a lack of supplies, and a high desertion rate. He knew there was a garrison of about 1400 Hessian mercenaries spending the winter at Trenton, New Jersey.

This elite fighting force had been hired by King George of England to assist the British army. The Hessians were under the very capable leadership of Colonel Rahl an experienced veteran of many European wars. Not only did General Washington cross the river with an army, but he also brought artillery with him in the form of 3-pounder, 4-pounder, and

even 6-pound cannon and horses to move the artillery into position.

Can you imagine floating horses across a frozen river on open barges, on a stormy night?

General Henry Knox was responsible for the artillery which he placed on a hilltop overlooking the town of Trenton, to the surprise of the waking Hessians. Included in this precarious attack was James Monroe who was to become the fifth president of the United States.

Mr. Monroe led his regiment down King Street to capture valuable Hessian cannon

Page 11

that was firing upon them. In the process he was wounded, but he became a hero because his quick thinking saved many Continental Army lives.

One thing that General Washington did have to contend with was a spy amongst his war council prior to the attack. When he had planned the attack, the spy, sent a pair of deserters to deliver the battle plan to Hessian Colonel Rahl at Trenton. Colonel Rahl did not take the intelligence presented to him seriously and chose to disregard it.

Thankfully, this allowed Washington to create a surprise attack that never should have happened. As we all know, The Battle of Trenton was the first American victory of the Revolutionary War and the most significant as it turned the tide of the war into Washington’s favor. Just ten days later General Washington secured another victory at Princeton, New Jer-

sey and he was on his way to winning the American Revolution.

If you study the battle of Trenton carefully, there are a number of events that went in favor of the Americans that never should have. Also, if you continue your study of the American Revolution you will be scratching your head a thousand times wondering how the good fortunes of the Continental Army ever came about.

I just explained a little portion, of one battle, of an impossible war for the American Continental Army to win. The heart and genius of George Washington abounds and cannot be denied. This country would not exist today if it were not for George Washington, James Monroe, Henry Knox, and a host of others prominent in founding this country.

Today we have a self-proclaimed Marxist group known as Black Lives Matter trying to

tell us that our founders were bad people. They also are trying hard to erase our illustrious history.

Besides that, they are telling their followers that a convicted felon named George Floyd is a hero and are even erecting monuments to him. Now they are trying to tell us that our American Flag is a symbol of racism.

My opinion is that you need to deny these Marxists any credibility, fly your flag, keep your statues on display in the public square, keep the founders names on buildings, and be a proud American.

▫

PROTECT AMERICANS NOW Join Now

P.O. Box 1204 Elephant Butte, NM 87935

www.protect americansnow.org

Freedom lies in being bold. —Robert Frost

OUR WORK TODAY FOCUSES ON THESE ISSUES › Protecting Americans from

an open border

› Protecting ranching families

from Mexican wolves

› Insuring that beef is

available at an affordable price for Americans www.protectamericansnow.org • (505) 263-2015 • protectamericansnowcc@gmail.com • P.O. Box 1204, Elephant Butte, NM 87935 Protect Americans Now is a non-profit organization dedicated to affecting and changing government policy. Through careful research of better solutions designed for a brighter future for generations of Americans to come, we actively educate the public on a broad range of issues that affect them daily, either directly or indirectly.

Page 12

Livestock Market Digest

POT

continued from page 10

counties, more than one-quarter of farms using wells are located outside of groundwater basins subject to state groundwater use regulations. Farms growing larger acreages of cannabis pumped more groundwater for irrigation, while farms with onfarm streams or located in areas that receive more rainfall were less reliant on wells.

The study relied on water-source data only for cannabis farms that have state permits to grow.

Based on models, the researchers estimate the majority (60 percent) of unregulated Northern California cannabis farms in Humboldt and Mendocino counties are likely to use groundwater wells if they follow the same patterns as the regulated industry.

“Our results suggest that proactive steps be taken to address groundwater use in cannabis regulations in California and call for further research

into the effects of groundwater use on streamflow, especially outside of large groundwater basins,” write the authors.

Source: University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source.

Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

The paper, “Cannabis farms in California rely on wells outside of regulated groundwater basins,” by Christopher Dillis, Van Butsic, Jennifer Carah, Samuel C. Zipper and Grantham is published in Environmental Research Communications at doi. org/10.1088/2515-7620/ac1124

▫

August 15, 2021

Stricter Controls Sought Against Ag-Based Water Pollution

BY MOLLY ROSBACH | WESTERN FARMER-STOCKMAN

G

reater buffer zones around bodies of water and more consistent enforcement of water protection regulations are needed to reduce agriculture-based pollution in the Western U.S., a recent review from Oregon State University (OSU) found.

Prior research has shown that agricultural pollution, both from croplands and rangelands, is the cause of 48 percent of water-quality impairment in U.S. surface waters, which in turn disrupts habitat for fish and insects and reduces biodiversity in aquatic environments.

The OSU paper, featured earlier this month on the cover of the journal Water, reviewed more than 40 case studies on the impacts of agriculture on

water quality. Specifically, researchers looked at studies that related agricultural management practices to aquatic responses in rivers and streams; and related livestock rangeland uses to biotic responses within rivers and streams as well as in riparian zones, the areas bordering rivers and streams.

The latest national assessment of streams and rivers in the lower 48 U.S. states found that only 26 to 30 percent of the entire stream and river length was in good condition for the insects and fish that inhabit them.

Still, researchers are optimistic that with proper mitigation, led by local communities, the U.S. can improve aquatic habitat and boost the health of water-dwelling species.

The same national assess-

The Best Advertising Value In Western Livestock Industry!

ment found that 44 percent and 37 percent of total stream and river length was in poor condition for insects and fish, respectively.

Study authors say that point sources — specific outlets where pollution enters the water — are relatively easy to identify and treat, but the challenge with agricultural pollution is that it occurs over diffuse areas of land, especially throughout the Western U.S. This includes row crop fields that drain into rivers and streams, as well as rangelands where cattle graze and defecate directly in and near bodies of water.

Washington lags behind Researcher Robert Vadas, Jr. from Washington co-authored the study and emphasized that regulation of agricultural pollution in Washington lags behind regulation of urban and forestry land uses.

In Oregon, a 2009 study found that agricultural lands accounted for 80 percent of the impaired stream length in the Willamette Basin, despite representing only 30 percent of the total length.

But Hughes cites the Willamette River as an example of positive change. Significant rehabilitation projects have cleaned up point sources of pollution and improved fish habitat by planting trees, opening up side channels and removing road crossings that blocked fish migration.

Potential barriers Lead author Robert Hughes, who holds a courtesy appointment as an associate professor in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences in OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences recognizes the potential barriers to convincing farmers to allow some of their farmland to return to nature, as well as the cost of infrastructure needed to provide more protection for rivers and streams.

The solutions need to come from within local communities themselves, he said, not as mandates handed down from outside government agencies.

“What we’ve done most successfully in Oregon is watershed councils, where local people get together and decide what they can do, and talk about, ‘We tried this; we can make this improvement,’” Hughes said. “That’s the way to do it. We’re wired to not listen to something that comes from above.”

Source: Oregon State University, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source.

Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

▫

Reserve your space now Digest’s Livestock Market

2021 Annual Fall Marketing Edition

Contact Randy TODAY 505.850.8544 rjsauctioneer@aol.com

Advertising Deadline: August 1