March 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 1 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2024 Vol. 80 | Issue 3
COOKSLEY FIRST DOWN 327 | RAAA: 4857782 Sire: RED LWNBRG FIRST DOWN 64J MGS: RED LWNBRG FALLOUT 100G Power, substance, and shear mass! Cooksley First Down 327 will add pounds and payweight to your next calf crop! RIDGE ADONIS 3022 | RAAA: 4808553 Sire: RIDGE COMPASS 7087 MGS: MLK CRK RANGEMAN 3291 This powerhouse prospect is a breed leader for growth and performance. He charts an impressive WWR at 118 and a YWR at 117! RIDGE JUMANJI 3511 | RAAA: 4808195 Sire: SIX MILE SUN JUMANJI 642J MGS: RED RAINBOW ROLEX 15F 3511 is an eye-appealing herd sire prospect with an outcross Canadian pedigree supported by maternal excellence! RIDGE MR 3068 | RAAA: 4808463 Sire: RED ARO MR 125 MGS: RED RMJ REDMAN 1T A tremendous calving ease option that is supported by the everlasting influence of a Red RMJ Redman 1T daughter! RIDGE MECHANIC 3092 | RAAA: 4808415 Sire: JACOBSON MECHANIC 1033 MGS: 5L VIGILANTE 2674-11D The rookie calf crop sired by Jacobson Mechanic 1033 is sure to impress! This elite calving ease option checks all the boxes! RIDGE TOP GUN 3602 | RAAA: 4829620 Sire: 5L TOPGUN 560-65B MGS: GLACIER CHATEAU 744 3602 is one of the premier calving ease options in this year’s sale offering! He boasts a 20 CED which positions him among the top 1% of the breed! COOKSLEY HARVESTOR 301 | RAAA: 4857748 Sire: RED LWNBRG HARVESTOR 175E MGS: BIEBER IRON WARRIOR C124 This herd bull prospect offers multi-trait excellence with curve bending genetics! COOKSLEY EDGE 322 | RAAA: 4857778 Sire: 5L LEADING EDGE 15383-117C MGS: WFL PROFITMAKER E7030 322 is charts among the top 25% of the breed in 11 traits of economic importance. A surefire option to add profitability to your operation! COOKSLEY EDGE 304 | RAAA: 4857784 Sire: 5L LEADING EDGE 15383-117C MGS: BIEBER STOCKMAN G270 Another curvebender that recorded a 718 lb. adjusted weaning weight to record a WWR at 113!
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6 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2024 THE ONLY PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE NEBRASKA CATTLE INDUSTRY. NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2024 Vol. 80 | Issue 3 REGULARS Insights ...................................................8 Ruminations ........................................10 Consider This ......................................34 Boots on the Ground ........................66 NC Foundation ....................................70 Nebraska Beef Council .......................72 IANR .....................................................74 NCIG ......................................................78 Advertiser Index .................................82 NC Partners .........................................84 NC Dispatch ........................................86 Sale & Event Calendar ......................88 FEATURES PRODUCTION Having a Plan ...............................................................................................14 A look at Secure Beef Supply Plans and why they are important. Pasture Outlook and Preparation.............................................................24 Prepare grazing plans and stocking rates to be set up for success this growing season. Combating Woody Encroachment .......................................................... 38 A look at the spread of eastern red cedar and some management options. Don’t Go With the Flow On Water Quality ............................................. 56 Proactive planning can protect your herd’s health and productivity. PEOPLE YCC Members Meet in Lincoln ................................................................50 YCC members share about their experiences and the program’s importance. PERSPECTIVES The Complicated Carbon Challenge........................................................ 30 What’s all the fuss about carbon? Well, it’s complicated. PAST Ancient Flames ........................................................................................... 20 The history of fire on the Great Plains. POLICY Nebraska Cattlemen in Orlando............................................................... 44 Nebraska Cattlemen was well represented at the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention. Session Halfway Mark ............................................................................... 48 Nebraska Cattlemen identifies two priority bills for this session. SPECIAL TO THIS ISSUE Nebraska Cattlemen Iceland Journey ..................................................... 64 Manuscripts and advertisements are welcome. Nebraska Cattlemen reserves the right to edit and refuse advertisements. Readers are welcome to submit letters to the editor. Full name and address of writer must accompany all letters. Letters are accepted with the understanding that they may be condensed to fit the magazine format and edited for accuracy and clarity. Letters contain the opinion of the writer and not that of the Nebraska Cattlemen. You can get Nebraska Cattleman via email. Receive each issue even before the Post O ce ships the printed edition. Just send an email to us at NCmag@necattlemen.org and put “Email NC Magazine” in the subject line. We assure you we will not share your email address with anyone! ON THE COVER: An Angus cow and her calf enjoy some sunshine in the shelter of 100-year-old cottonwoods in Blaine County. Photo courtesy of Linda Teahon.
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8 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2024 NC BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Jerry Kuenning*, Lemoyne, (308) 883-8382 PRESIDENT-ELECT: Dick Pierce*, Miller, (308) 440-2489 VICE PRESIDENT: Craig Uden*, (308) 325-0285 TREASURER: Laura Field, Lincoln, (402) 475-2333 SECRETARY: Melody Benjamin, Lakeside, (308) 760-6464 PAST PRESIDENT: Steve Hanson*, Elsie, (308) 289-0225 MEMBER SERVICES VICE CHAIR BY REGION 1 – Jaclyn Wilson, Lakeside, (308) 762-3196 2 – Kat Kennedy, Purdum, (308) 645-7036 3 – Allan Louthan, Stanton, (402) 841-6601 4 – John Ecklund, Atkinson, (408) 602-5905 5 – 6 – Chuck Graff, Ogallala, (308) 289-5841 7 – Heath Clausen, Leigh, (402) 750-4433 8 – Allen Bruntz, Friend, (402) 525-2651 9 – Shannon Peterson, Gothenburg, (308) 529-2116 COW-CALF COUNCIL CHAIR: Travis Chrisman, Wauneta, (308) 883-6781 VICE CHAIR: Jake Johnson, Hastings, (402) 984-8824 FARMER-STOCKMAN COUNCIL CHAIR: Marc Hanson, Morrowville, Kan., (402) 729-7174 VICE CHAIR: Dwight Dam, Hooper, (402) 720-4250 FEEDLOT COUNCIL CHAIR: Ryan Danehey, Manhattan, Kan., (308) 440-8267 VICE CHAIR: Daron Huyser, Lexington, (308) 233-4368 SEEDSTOCK COUNCIL CHAIR: Reiss Bruning, Bruning, (402) 768-3332 VICE CHAIR: James Felt, Wakefield, (402) 287-2488 ALLIED INDUSTRIES COUNCIL Jake Pullen, Aurora, (308) 380-9040 ~ COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP ~ ANIMAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION CHAIR: Jared Walahoski*, Overton, (308) 746-1965 CHAIR-ELECT: Jeff Heldt, Scottsbluff, (308) 641-5781 BRAND AND PROPERTY RIGHTS CHAIR: Brock Terrell, Hay Springs, (308) 430-1213 CHAIR-ELECT: Matt Blackford, Brownlee, (402) 322-1377 EDUCATION AND RESEARCH CHAIR: Marcus Urban, Leigh, (402) 276-3830 CHAIR-ELECT: Suzanne Jagels, Davenport, (402) 469-3374 MARKETING AND COMMERCE CHAIR: Joe Eisenmenger, Humphrey, (402) 920-0665 CHAIR-ELECT: Chance McLean, Stromsburg, (402) 366-2254 NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT CHAIR: Eric Hansen*, North Platte, (308) 530-3899 CHAIR-ELECT: Sam Drinnin, Grand Island, (402) 910-0233 TAXATION CHAIR: Scott Peterson, Valentine, (402) 322-0225 CHAIR-ELECT: Stephen Sunderman, Norfolk, (402) 750-0149 MEMBER SERVICES CHAIR: Jim Edwards, Ord, (308) 750-0881 NEBRASKA LIVESTOCK MARKETING ASSOCIATION REP. Bryce Dibbern, Interior, S.D., (308) 293-7766 UNL EXTENSION REPRESENATIVE Erin Laborie, Beaver City, (419) 494-3872 UNL REPRESENTATIVE Deb VanOverbeke, Lincoln, (402) 714-5879 * member of the Executive & Finance Committee INSIGHTS A STORY WORTH TELLING ERIC HANSEN | NORTH PLATTE | NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR Most producers reading this magazine don’t take time to think about conserving Nebraska’s natural resources. That’s because conservation is naturally a big part of our thought process every day. “Leave it better than you found it” is always a top priority. The story of natural resource conservation in Nebraska is one we should be proud to tell. There are some well-funded groups out there telling their version of our story, and we don’t like the way their story goes. I was recently reminded of this when my daughter, Emily, a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, came home for Christmas break and told me her biology professor encouraged the entire lecture hall full of students to embrace veganism because agriculture is ruining the environment. In a state made up of predominantly privately owned land, partnerships have been formed to accomplish the goals of diverse entities through practices that are beneficial to everyone involved. The Sandhills Task Force is a non-profit organization made up of mostly ranchers as well as representatives from U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Nebraska Game and Parks, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Nebraska Cattlemen, The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited and others sharing expertise and financial resources. With a focus in the Sandhills, they have raised more than $10.4 million in grant funds to cost share on grazing projects, eastern red cedar removal, stream and lake restoration and conservation easements over the past 30 years. These projects help soil, water and air quality, which is beneficial for cattle, wildlife and every citizen of Nebraska. The Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) has been a Sandhills Task Force funding partner since near the beginning of both organizations. The NET is another great example of Nebraskans recognizing the importance of conserving our natural resources. Since its creation in 1992, the NET, funded through Nebraska Lottery proceeds, has awarded more than $375 million in grants covering all 93 counties to “conserve, enhance and restore the natural environments of Nebraska.” These are just two examples of how Nebraskans have decided to make conservation a top priority. Nebraskans have been known to be fiercely independent, which makes these partnerships and accomplishments even more impressive. I’ve been involved with the Sandhills Task Force for about 20 years and the NET for about two months, but both have been a big part of my personal conservation journey. It’s not about the organizations, it’s all about the people. It’s the discussions and the sharing of ideas, experiences and information. It’s the inspiration and the courage for change. These organizations are where great ideas and funding come together to make a significant impact on natural resource conservation. Be proud to tell your conservation story to whomever needs to hear it. By the way, a few years ago when I was a college student, I also had a professor who was convinced agriculture was going to ruin the environment. ~NC~ It’s not about the organizations, it’s all about the people.
WHERE SEAMLESS SETUP AND UNPARALLELED SAFETY MEET.
10 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2024 LAURA FIELD | NC EVP RUMINATIONS 4611 Cattle Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521 Phone (402) 475-2333 | Fax (402) 475-0822 nc@necattlemen.org | www.nebraskacattlemen.org NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN STAFF EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT | Laura Field lfield@necattlemen.org VICE PRESIDENT OF ASSOCIATION ENGAGEMENT | Melody Benjamin VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING | Jeff Stolle DIRECTOR OF MARKETING | John Roberts DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS | Libby Schroeder DIRECTOR OF PRODUCER EDUCATION | Bonita Lederer DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP-RETENTION | Jessica Rudolph DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP-RECRUITMENT | Steven Stettner EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT | Patty Goes Nebraska Cattleman is published monthly, except for May and July, by the Nebraska Cattlemen, 4611 Cattle Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521 – (402) 475-2333. --------------------------------------------------------------------- MAGAZINE PRODUCTION: BLUEPRINT MEDIA LLC www.blueprintma.com | ncmag@necattlemen.org EDITOR | Lisa Bard MANAGING EDITOR | Jessie Topp-Becker COPY EDITOR | Larisa Willrett DESIGNER & MATERIALS COORDINATOR | Megan Sajbel Field ADMINISTRATION | Leslie McKibben CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Bill Coe | Natalie Jones STATE & REGIONAL ADVERTISING Amber Coleman | (402) 340-1588 acoleman@necattlemen.org NATIONAL ADVERTISING Wendy McFarland | (334) 271-6100 mcfarlandadvantage@gmail.com Working for Nebraska Beef Producers PASTURE TO PLATE TO PLATE NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN VIEW NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN DIGITAL VERSION BY SCANNING THE QR CODE. ENGAGING IN THE PROCESS LAURA FIELD | NC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Engagement is at the heart of everything we do at Nebraska Cattlemen. Paying attention to critical matters affecting members is our mission. The effectiveness and strength of our organization is the result of the voices and passion originating with those who join and then show up to engage in the process of setting policy. Last month, Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) was well-represented at the Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in Orlando, Fla. NC officers, representatives of the board of directors and many other members and staff traveled to Florida to give voice to policy discussions, engage with fellow cattle producers and represent Nebraska Cattlemen. Prior to leaving for Florida, the NC Board met and considered positions on state legislative bills for the 2024 session. That meeting is always one of my favorites, as the investment of discussion, thought and significant time is imperative to the association’s success. It is the reason NC’s policy process is an important part of its framework by which the will of the members is exercised. Committee leadership and staff evaluate bills and present them to the board of directors, who decide to support, oppose or monitor legislation in alignment with adopted policy positions. Grassroots representation depends on this process and is a tried-and-proven method. As I’ve shared in previous columns, membership matters, as does engagement in the policy process for cattle producers across Nebraska. (The process for setting policy was outlined in the January issue of Nebraska Cattleman.) Decisions affecting our members are not made based on whim or convenience, and our process must be sufficiently robust to facilitate engagement on challenging issues as well as those that are straightforward. Even with access to membership and a seat at the table for forming effective policy positions, some in our industry choose to sit on the sidelines, throwing criticism of those who are in the ring doing the work, fighting for association members and the industry we represent. Engaged members embrace the policy process, recognizing that this is where the work happens and where efforts to create a better environment for cattle production take flight. Just as our nation’s founding fathers understood, leadership means taking time away from daily business operations, meeting with those you both agree and disagree with, paying dues and challenging organizations like Nebraska Cattlemen to work on solutions to keep cattle operations profitable and able to continue for generations to come. Productive and well-intentioned discord is part of the policy process. Not everyone agrees on every issue; however, it is healthy debate that generates the best solutions. When we roll up our sleeves and work toward solutions, we have the best opportunity to create a brighter future for the industry. Every NC member has a voice in the development and adoption of policy, and the first step is becoming a member and showing up. Livestock producers face detractors from outside our ranks who strive to destroy our business, and it makes no sense to me why some people in our business CONTINUED ON PAGE 82
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14 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2024 PRODUCTION Having a Plan What Is a Secure Beef Supply Plan and Why Do I Need One? KELSEY POPE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER As busy cattle producers, it’s only natural to stay occupied doing what we do best – operating our cattle businesses. But taking time for planning and preparedness will make all the difference in the instance of a foreign animal disease (FAD) making its way into our nation’s borders. This is why a Secure Beef Supply Plan is imperative to the continuity of business for cattle operations. When we hear about FADs, the most infectious viral disease in the world first comes to mind – foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The FMD virus causes illness in cows, pigs, sheep, goats, deer and other animals with split hooves. It does not affect horses, dogs or cats. FMD is not a public health or food safety threat, and it is not related to hand, foot and mouth disease, a common childhood illness caused by a different type of virus. Foot and Mouth Disease If FMD is found in U.S. livestock, regulatory officials will limit the movement of animals and animal products in an attempt to control the spread of this very contagious animal disease. The last U.S. FMD outbreak was in 1929, which was controlled by halting movement and stamping out (depopulation of infected and exposed animals). However, Nebraska State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley says the control of FMD today would be different from earlier outbreaks. “Herd size, extensive movements of animals, public resistance, carcass disposal of the large herd size and increased numbers of deer and feral swine across the U.S. would make controlling the spread of the disease today very difficult,” he explains. Trade and Economic Impact Even though there has not been a case of FMD since 1929 in the United States, there is always a risk of FMD being introduced through international trade and travel. This highly contagious livestock disease is present in about two-thirds of the countries in the world. If introduced into U.S. livestock, exports of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and their products will stop. “Foot and mouth disease will always be a threat,” Dudley warns. “Customs and Border Patrol is constantly monitoring products and people coming in to make sure that foot-andmouth disease doesn’t get into the United States.” If an active case of FMD was found in the United States, Dudley explains that the export markets for cattle and their products will be shut down, causing tremendous economic hardship. Some economists have predicted that an FMD outbreak in the United States could cost as much as $200 billion over a 10-year period. “It is a constant battle for the United States to make sure that it doesn’t get here, and other countries are doing the same thing, especially Canada and Mexico,” Dudley says. “We don’t want that disease anywhere close to us. This virus is the most contagious animal virus in the world. That being said, we’ve been very successful at keeping it out of the country since 1929. But there is always some risk.” Mike Drinnin, feedyard owner and manager near Columbus, attests to the detrimental impacts an outbreak would have on our exports. “Our exports would shut down immediately,” he says. “That’s more than $350 per head of value that those exports would take away overnight.” “One of the main reasons for responding to foreign animal disease is because of trade,” Dudley says. “The trade impacts are significant if we have FMD in the country. Secure Beef Supply plans play a key role in helping get back to some kind of normal.” Secure Beef Supply Plan The Secure Beef Supply (SBS) Plan is a continuity-of-business plan for cattle operations during an FMD outbreak. Movement of animals and animal products (semen, embryos, manure) would be stopped in the areas around infected animals. Once stopped, restarting movement will require a special permit. The SBS Plan provides guidance for operations with cattle that have no evidence of FMD infection in a control zone, an area around an infected farm, and helps them prepare to meet movement permit requirements. “What an SBS Plan does is help producers be more prepared for an outbreak and think through what a FAD response may look like on their farm,” Dudley says. “The key is to have that plan in place ahead of time because it’s going to
March 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 15 be a challenge to approve new plans during the event of an outbreak.” The SBS Plan is the result of a multi-year collaborative effort by industry, state, federal and academic representative. Funding for its development was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The SBS Plan provides guidance only; in an actual outbreak, decisions will be made by the responsible regulatory officials. Developing a plan is also voluntary. The intent is to speed up a successful FMD response and eventually enable the issuance of movement permits after the extent of the outbreak is understood. This will support continuity of business for cattle producers, transporters, packers, processors and allied industries that choose to participate. From a producer’s perspective, continuity of business and movement of cattle is critical, which is why every producer should have a plan in place. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 • It is critical that we find the disease as early as possible to minimize its spread (i.e., report suspicious lesions to your veterinarian). • There will be stop-movement orders issued when an FMD outbreak begins, and you need to be prepared to “hunker down” for a week or more. • You need to have a biosecurity plan ready to prevent the FMD virus from getting onto your operation. • We need to have enough vaccine available to be able to control the spread of the disease without having to depopulate large numbers of animals. • FMD is not a public health or food safety threat. “It would affect just about everything – it would be a total disruption of our system,” Drinnin says of a possible FMD outbreak. “There are trucks coming in and out of the feedyards daily, and that’s also a big part of your plan. How are you going to continue to feed cattle because, one way or another, those cattle have to get fed,” Drinnin adds. If FMD is diagnosed, animal movement will be severely restricted for the first three to seven days or until the size and location of the outbreak is determined. When the extent of the outbreak is determined, movement of animals may start again following the SBS plans. By having a plan in place if FMD is detected and all movement of livestock is halted, cattle operations that follow the guidance of the SBS Plan will be better prepared to request a movement permit once movement restarts. “This process for movement is critical because we don’t want to destroy the livestock industry by over-restricting KEYS POinTS TO THE EFFiCiEnT COnTROl OF an FMD OUTBREaK
16 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2024 movement to the point of putting producers out of business while eliminating the virus from the U.S.,” Dudley adds. Biosecurity Some operations may have existing biosecurity plans that can be used to prevent normal endemic diseases like BVD or trichomoniasis, but FMD requires heightened biosecurity measures. During an FMD outbreak, it is the producer’s responsibility to keep their animals from becoming infected, focusing on what they can control on their premises. “Biosecurity is expensive and inconvenient; however, if we are going to control the spread of FMD, everyone needs to understand biosecurity and what is required to keep the FMD virus from spreading,” Dudley says. There are three major concepts that all cattle operations should implement prior to an outbreak: 1. A biosecurity manager (one person in charge of monitoring biosecurity on your premises). 2. A written, operation-specific, enhanced biosecurity plan. 3. A line of separation or LOS (a clearly identified boundary around or within a premises to separate off-farm traffic from on-farm movements of vehicles, items, people and animals). Developing a Secure Beef Supply Plan There are four steps to developing your SBS Plan: 1. Request a National Premises Identification Number (PIN) from your state animal health official. Having a PIN facilitates requesting movement permits during an outbreak. A PIN is linked to the geospatial location reflecting the actual location of the animals on the premises. This includes a valid 911 address and a set of matching coordinates (latitude and longitude). A PIN is required for both the premises of origin and the premises of destination. 2. Implement your enhanced operation-specific biosecurity plan. Biosecurity checklists, enhanced biosecurity plan templates and materials for educating individuals who work on the operation (in English and Spanish) are available on the SBS website. 3. Designate and train personnel on the cattle operation to monitor for FMD and potentially collect samples. Animal caretakers should be trained to observe animals and recognize abnormal findings and record their observations. All abnormal observations should be reported during an outbreak. 4. Keep movement records for traceability. Premises in a control area will be required to provide information at the beginning of an outbreak to identify potential exposure to the disease. Maintaining accurate records of animal movement, feed, supplies, equipment, personnel and visitors enables producers to provide accurate information for tracing backward and forward. Drinnin was able to get started on his plan with the involvement of his veterinarian, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and seeing examples of work done from the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Since then, many resources have been added to the SBS website that gives producers resources and guidelines of where to start. “Certainly, we want to be here as a resource for producers,” Dudley adds. “We can help work through plans, and we also encourage producers to work with their veterinarians to have them help with planning.” Drinnin encourages producers to develop a plan for their business and review that plan at least on an annual basis. “We have our plans in place, but it helps all of us to remember to review our plans as certain things change in our feedyard that could affect our original plans,” Drinnin says. “To be honest, this is a subject that nobody wants to talk about, and we don’t want to have to deal with it,” Drinnin articulates. “But heightened awareness of Secure Beef Supply Plans and having them in place in facilities across our state, and all other feeding areas in the United States, will be one of the most progressive, industry-wide ways to prepare and resume to full commerce and restore our foreign markets.” For more information on FMD disease, visit FMDinfo.org. For more information on Secure Beef Supply Plans, visit securebeef.org. ~NC~ HAVING A PLAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
SCHAWANG Cattle Co. 27TH ANNUAL BEST OF ALL WORLDS SALE MARCH 16, 2024 (STORM DATE MARCH 23) 1:00 PM CST - At our homestead 3271 K Road - David City, NE • Lunch provided www.schawangcattle.net Selling 35 Bulls • 15 Open Heifers Level 5 Johnes Herd Certification Tested negative for BVD 21 years in a row Pelvic measured Satisfaction guaranteed Design by Chrisman Cattle Services Gelbvieh, Angus, Balancer, Simmental, & Red Angus Cross Randy & Mindy Schawang & SonS 402.367.2345 (Randy cell) 402.367.8280 (Mindy cell) Call or text for a catalog! Not the most, not the biggest... just the best value for your genetic improvement dollar.
March 22, 2024 Our 35th Annual Bull Sale 1pm CST near Bassett, NE at the Ranch SAV America, Sitz Barricade, Ellingson Rangeland, Connealy Emerald, Barstow Trailboss, KG Justified, Smith Cowboy Tuff, SAV Rainfall, SAV Certified sires of 60 spring & 40 fall bulls: maternal based performance & profitability At the end of the day, producers need optimum genetic performance and maximized profitability. Here at Smith Angus Ranch, we look to provide the sires that will achieve that for our customers. Kent Smith: (402) 760-0830 Cameron Smith: (402) 853-4679 www.SmithAngus.com 35TH ANNUAL
March 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 19 13th Annual Bull Sale Saturday, April 13, 2024 5:00 p.m. BULLS DISPLAYED – Laurel Livestock Sales Company SALE – Laurel Community Center, Laurel, Neb. OFFERING: 70 Yearling & Age-Advantaged Charolais Bulls
20 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2024 PAST ANCIENT FLAMES The History of Fire on the Great Plains NATALIE JONES | CONTRIBUTING WRITER In the heart of America lies a vast expanse of land that has long captivated the imagination of explorers, settlers, stewards and conservationists alike – the Great Plains. Stretching across thousands of miles, this iconic landscape is not only home to a diverse array of flora and fauna but also holds within its soil a rich tapestry of history, culture and ecological significance. At the center of this story is the ancient practice of prescribed burns, a tradition deeply rooted in the land and its people. Long before our ranches dotted the horizon, indigenous peoples roamed these plains, tending to the land with a wisdom born of centuries. To them, fire was not merely a tool but a sacred force, intricately woven into the fabric of their culture. Through prescribed burns, they nurtured the land, fostering biodiversity and sustaining the delicate balance of ecosystems. Age-Old Practices In a world increasingly grappling with environmental challenges, prescribed burning emerges as a practice rooted in ancient wisdom yet pivotal for contemporary land management. This technique, once integral to indigenous land stewardship, has found renewed significance in our fight against climate change, biodiversity loss and wildfire management. Prescribed burning, known also as controlled burning, isn’t a novel concept. For millennia, the indigenous peoples of the Great Plains understood the intricate dance between fire and ecology. Through controlled burns, they shaped the landscape, promoting the growth of vital grasses, renewing grazing lands for bison herds, warding off invasive species, promoting certain plant species beneficial for food and medicinal purposes, and driving game for easier hunting. Fire was not just a means of land management but a sacred act, intimately woven into cultural ceremonies and spiritual beliefs.
March 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 21 Bison were the lifeblood of many Plains tribes. These massive herds provided meat, hides, bones for tools and sinew for cordage. To facilitate bison hunting, indigenous peoples used fire to create open grasslands that attracted the herds and made hunting more efficient. The periodic burning of grasslands encouraged growth of nutritious forage, which, in turn, sustained healthy bison populations. Controlled burns were integral to Plains tribes’ land management practices but were also deeply rooted in their cultural and ecological knowledge. These practices sustained their communities for generations, demonstrating a profound understanding of the relationships between fire, ecology and human livelihoods. A Shift in Fire Culture With the arrival of European settlers came a shift in attitudes toward fire. Viewing it as a threat to their crops and settlements, pioneers embarked on a campaign of fire suppression, extinguishing flames that had once danced across the Plains. This change in attitude toward fire suppression disrupted the natural fire regimens that had been maintained by indigenous peoples for centuries. Without fire to clear away accumulated brush and promote new growth, the Great Plains began to suffer. Ecosystems became imbalanced, invasive species gained a foothold and the risk of catastrophic wildfires loomed ever larger on the horizon. As the 20th century progressed, a new understanding of fire management began to take hold. Scientists and ecologists embarked on pioneering studies, revealing the ecological benefits of prescribed burns. By reintroducing controlled fires into the landscape, they found it was possible to mimic the natural rhythms of the ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and reducing the risk of wildfires. This paradigm shift marked a turning point in the history of the Great Plains, heralding a return to the ancient wisdom of indigenous peoples. Stewarding the Great Plains Today, the Great Plains is experiencing a renaissance of fire. As prescribed burns become more commonplace, the land is INDIGENOUS WISDOM WHY BURN? • Enhancing Grazing Lands: Indigenous communities, such as the Lakota, Cheyenne, Comanche and others, used prescribed burns to improve the quality of grazing lands for bison herds. By burning o�f old, dead vegetation, they stimulated the growth of fresh grasses, making it more nutritious and palatable for the bison. • Hunting and Game Management: Fire was used to drive game animals, making hunting more e���cient. By creating open grasslands through controlled burns, indigenous peoples could attract and access game animals like bison, deer and elk more easily. • Clearing Underbrush: Prescribed burns helped clear underbrush and dead vegetation, reducing the risk of wild��res and making travel through the landscape more manageable. • Promoting Medicinal and Edible Plants: Certain plant species that were important for food and medicinal purposes ��ourished in the aftermath of ��res. Controlled burns were used to encourage the growth of these valuable plants. • Maintaining Open Grasslands: Fire was instrumental in preventing the encroachment of woody vegetation like shrubs and trees into grasslands. This maintained the open grasslands that were essential for both grazing and cultural practices. • Spiritual and Cultural Significance: Fire had deep spiritual and cultural signi��cance for indigenous communities. It was often integrated into ceremonies and rituals, symbolizing renewal, puri��cation and the connection between humans and the natural world. • Resource Management: Indigenous peoples were known for their resourcefulness and waste reduction. They utilized every part of the animals they hunted and the plants they gathered. Controlled burns helped ensure the availability of important plant resources. This paradigm shift marked a turning point in the history of the Great Plains, heralding a return to the ancient wisdom of indigenous peoples.
22 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2024 13th Annual Bull Sale Thursday March 21st, 2024 DBL Power Play 3021 Reg# 20858150 Selling 120 Angus Bulls & a Select Yearling Heifers & Pairs Sires: VAR Power Play, Sterling Pacific, Mohnen Homeraised and our own Herd bull battery. DBL World Wide 3075 Reg # 20858169 DBL Versatile 3043 Reg #20858161 dblbullsale.com Dean Christensen (308) 550-0298 Fullerton, NE Bonnie Christensen (308) 550-0299 Office (308)536-2405 Glenn Davis (219)776-7584 awakening from its slumber. Native grasses once thought lost are returning, wildlife habitats are flourishing and the cultural connections between indigenous communities and the land are being revitalized. Through partnerships between tribes, government agencies and conservation organizations, a new chapter in the story of the Great Plains is being written – one that honors the past while embracing the future. The history of prescribed burns on the Great Plains is a testament to the enduring power of human ingenuity and the wisdom of the land itself. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, fire has always been and will continue to be an integral part of this vast and magnificent landscape. In the heart of America’s Great Plains, where the land stretches as far as the eye can see, the ancient practice of prescribed burns has left an indelible mark. From the wisdom of indigenous peoples who revered fire as a sacred force to the modern embrace of controlled burns as a vital tool for ecological health, the story of these flames is one of resilience, renewal and reverence. ~NC~ Editor’s Note: Natalie Jones is the communications specialist for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This article reflects the personal views of the author and does not represent an official position of the University of NebraskaLincoln. ANCIENT FLAMES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 Prescribed burns are an art and learned skill and when done correctly, can greatly benefit grasslands.
March 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 23 okbrand.com 800.654.4164 Oklahoma Steel & Wire Madill, Oklahoma Iowa Steel & Wire Centerville, Iowa est. 1979 OKBRAND
24 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2024 Pasture Outlook and Preparation TRESSA LAWRENCE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Pasture conditions across Nebraska have varied greatly in the last year. Parts of the state have enjoyed above-average precipitation through the fall, while other parts of the state are left wondering why their rain dances haven’t been working. Mixed Conditions Producers through central and northeastern Nebraska saw some precipitation through October that gave their soil a much-needed recharge, ideally leading to improved pasture conditions for the upcoming year. In spite of this, meteorologist and Extension Educator Eric Hunt says there may still be a delay in some growth. “Certain types of grasses, even if you’ve had moisture, still lag a bit to actually develop and rebound,” he explains. “Last year saw some really, really bad impacts between Grand Island and Seward, and the Kansas border to Columbus. It was just a very bad spring and stifling heat at times through the summer.” After a rough, dry stretch, things are starting to look up for most of the western part of the state. That area saw some impactful moisture through the fall, at the very least growing hope for the next season. “I think pasture conditions have improved significantly in the western third of the state this past growing season, which is great because it’s been a rough couple of years,” Hunt says. The exception to this is southwestern Nebraska. That area missed out on the fall precipitation that other areas enjoyed. Sporadic, light showers did not carry the impact that many producers had hoped for, according to Hunt. “Here in the west and a lot of the Sandhills we actually saw pretty good precipitation last year, and the rangeland looks pretty good. In the Panhandle we have had three years of fairly dry growing seasons – 2020, 2021 and 2022 – so 2023 was one of those years that was just a really good recovery year for our grasslands with very timely rain,” says Mitch Stephenson, associate professor and associate director of the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center at University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). “That good rainfall that we got through May, June, even into July, were all good months for grass growth,” Stephenson explains. “Mid-summer rain was especially beneficial for some of our warm-season grasses. It dried off a little bit into the fall CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 Utilizing rotational grazing and monitoring forage growth can help producers when studying and adapting grazing plans. Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition hosts grazing schools throughout the year to help producers best utilize their forages and grazing plans. Photo courtesy of Leah Peterson. PRODUCTION
March 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 25 Helpful Tools If you want to take a closer look at grass and drought predictions for the upcoming year, the professionals have a few tools that they recommend: Grass-Cast: Grassland Productivity Forecast is a website run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps ranchers predict whether productivity, which is measured in pounds per acre, is likely to be above normal, near normal or below normal for the upcoming growing season, based on the relativity to the history of the area. Grass-Cast publishes initial data for the year in late spring and updates data every two weeks throughout the growing season. https://grasscast.unl.edu Vegetation Drought Response Index (VegDRI) is a resource managed by UNL and is a weekly depiction of vegetation stress, especially as a result of drought, across the United States. UNL relies on efforts by the National Drought Mitigation Center, the U.S. Geological Survey National Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science and the High Plains Regional Climate Center to maintain the VegDRI map and resources. According to the VegDRI website, the VegDRI calculations integrate satellite-based observations of vegetation conditions, climate data and other biophysical information such as land cover/land use type, soil characteristics and ecological setting. https://vegdri.unl.edu The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) is another resource to take a look at for current pasture outlook conditions. The USDM releases updated maps every Thursday, showing where the droughts are across the U.S. and its territories, and the severity of the drought. The maps rank conditions into six categories, ranging from normal to exceptional drought. The USDM is a collaboration of the UNL National Drought Mitigation Center, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDM provides a map that visually portrays the drought conditions, as well as summaries of each region that dive deeper into specific conditions. You can also find graphs comparing drought patterns back to 2000, drought impacts by state and even guidance for determining if your area is eligible for Farm Service Agency funds. https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu A Grass-Cast map of the Great Plains regions shows the percent change in 2023 predicted ANPP compared to the 36-year mean ANPP. A rangeland map from VegDRI for Aug. 13, 2023. By visiting the VegDRI website, you can see current rangeland conditions across the United States. Map courtesy of Eric Hunt. A look at drought conditions across the United States for Aug. 15, 2023, from the U.S. Drought Monitor. USDM shows current drought conditions as well historical drought conditions.
26 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2024 but, by and large, we had a pretty solid year, and a lot of our plant biomass data would suggest that it was a good year for warm-season grass growth.” Summer Outlook As far as weather patterns go, we are starting to transition out of El Niño, which is a good thing for those waiting for that rain dance to work. By looking at data from years where weather patterns transitioned out of El Niño, we can take an educated estimate of what to expect for the coming summer. “If you look at other years where we’ve started transitioning from El Niño back into more oceanic and atmosphere neutral conditions, we do tend to have a pretty active weather pattern throughout a lot of the north central U.S., which would include most of Nebraska,” Hunt explains. “Unfortunately, sometimes the Panhandle doesn’t always get in on that action. But generally speaking, if you’re east of the 100th meridian, you can probably expect a lot of moisture this spring.” Despite this moisture prediction, Hunt encourages producers to reflect on the past as they look to pasture management and planning for the summer. “Depending on the part of the state you’re in, you’re still in drought and it might be several months before it’s fully eradicated, which is why I say that, even if we are getting above-average moisture through the spring, there might be some lag effects on pasture,” Hunt says. ”My recommendation for ranchers is to think back if you’ve been through two or three straight years of drought in the past. Think back to the early part of the teens when we had a couple of pretty bad years in a row and think about how long it took your grasses to mostly recover or your pastures to recover from that and use that as a guide.” How to Prepare Practice those rain dances and say some prayers. But if you’re wanting a more hands-on approach to preparing for the summer, having a grazing plan is a great place to start. “I recommend having a grazing plan in place and making sure that your stocking rates are appropriate for the landscape, making sure that you’re not overstocked,” Stephenson explains. “A lot of times if you’re stocked at the appropriate stocking rate, these wet years are an opportunity for recovery because you probably get more grass than what your cattle can consume. So, it offers a good chance to recover from drought.” But what is a grazing plan? Many producers already have one in place, but to refresh your memory, a grazing plan is defined by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as a site-specific conservation plan that contains planned PASTURE OUTLOOK AND PREPARATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 AI Sires Include: Bieber Energize, Pie Cinch, Duff Red Blood, Duff HD, Bieber Deep End, WFL Profitmaker, Seneca, 9 Mile Franchise and many more! BULLS AND FEMALES LIKE THIS SELL! SRA MACK DADDY 301L Reg: 4797212 Sire: BIEBER CL STOCKMARKET E119 Top 2% WW / YW / ADG / MARB / REA SRA CHIEF STOCKMARKET 9262L Reg: 4797208 Sire: BIEBER CL STOCKMARKET E119 -3.2 BW • Top 10% YW / WW / ADG / MARB SRA DARK HORSE ENERGIZE 1628 Reg: 4797230 Sire: BIEBER CL ENGERGIZE F121 Top 8% YW / ADG / WW SRA Half Page.indd 1 2/8/24 6:22 AM
March 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 27 605-835-8790 www.rancherslivestockequipment.com Ranchers Bale Feeders SAVE HAY! When hay is in short supply you don’t want to waste it. Ranchers Bale Feeders will save you hay and money. They don’t break and they don’t bend which saves you time and money because you don’t have to fix or replace them. You don’t have to fill as often because there is little waste and that in turn saves you money too. Check out our SAVE HAY page and the Testimonials on our website and see why it is time for you to make the smart choice and get a Ranchers Bale Feeder. Heavy Duty, Hay Saving Bale Feeders grazing-related conservation treatment activities for one or more resource concerns. By using the tools discussed earlier in the article, producers can look at their pastures and grasslands from a scientific perspective, utilizing that data to better understand what the drought impacts truly are in comparison to average years. This data is great, but what do we do with it? There are many experts at both local and state levels who can help you establish a grazing plan, or even lend a new perspective to an already established plan. Regional educators and state specialists with UNL Beef Extension are reliable, readily accessible resources who can help you or point you in the direction of an expert to help you. The ultimate goal of utilizing a grazing plan, especially in drought-ridden years, is to balance forage supply and demand in terms of stocking rates. Common recommendations for producers in areas that were dry in 2023 may include reducing stocking rates, increasing or implementing rotational grazing or delaying initial turn-out to pastures so forages have a chance to get a stronger start. “There’s a number of other great organizations out there that have really skillful people, like the NRCS and Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition, that have really good resources available to producers,” Stephenson says. The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition (NGLC) is comprised of a rancher-led board of directors, as well as a team of advisors from various agencies, including Nebraska Game & Parks, Pheasants Forever, Fisheries and Wildlife, UNL Extension and others. The NGLC is a nonprofit that works with grants to provide educational opportunities, including grazing schools and succession-planning workshops. In addition to the educational opportunities, NGLC also provides boots-on-the-ground technical-grazing advice and services for producers developing their grazing plans. “The technical assistance dollars we have are to actually help landowners prepare for a prescribed burn that they would like to put on, as well as technical grazing advice and services,” says Leah Peterson, NGLC executive director. “That’s a fairly new development for us. We’re still working that program out, but dollars are available to actually get the educator or expert to your place and help you work on a grazing plan. We’re really excited about what that is going to look like – to be able to actually get a person out to someone’s place and have them look at their pastures, fences and water, and help them come up with a grazing plan that’ll work for their own unique situation.” When looking at spring and summer outlooks, as optimists, we hope that last year’s moisture has set up the majority of the state for a normal start from a moisture and grass standpoint. The realist side of us knows to prepare our grazing plans and stocking rates so we are set up for success no matter the outcome. Reach out to any of the experts or resources listed in this article to help your operation be prepared to thrive this growing season. ~NC~ /agribusiness Overlooking nothing. Ready for everything. Farmers and ranchers, the world relies on you. And you deserve a bank that’s rooted in the details and dedicated to helping you do more.
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