With recent land purchases, some are asking questions to learn more about IRS Section 180 and how it may provide tax deductions in the year of purchase. Let’s explore more about this tax code.
What is this code and what may it have to do with the purchased ground?
Section 180 states that “In general: a taxpayer engaged in the business of farming may elect to treat expenses, which are usually not chargeable to capital account expenditures, as chargeable to the capital account, which are paid or incurred during the taxable year. Qualified purchases or acquisitions include fertilizer, lime, ground limestone, marl, or other materials to enrich, neutralize, or condition land used in farming, or for the application of such materials to such land. The expenditures so treated shall be allowed as a deduction. This means that section 180 can potentially allow landowners of newly acquired land to treat the residual fertility present in the soil at the time of purchase as a deductible cost. Typically, an IRS section 180 tax deduction must be filed in the same year the land is purchased. However, opportunities may exist to file an amended tax return up to three years
AUCTIONS
Mar 6 - 12, 13, Booker Auction, Annual Early Spring Eltopia Consignment, Online A3
Mar 9 - 25, Ascent Auction Services, Joel Bos Retirement, Online A5
Mar 9 - Apr 8, Rivers West Auction, CHS Montana Statewide Rolling Stock & Ag Equip Inv Reduction, Online A7
Mar 9 - 31, Musser Bros Auctions & Real Estate, NW Regional Consignment, Online A9
Mar 11 - 25, Rivers West Auction, Firearms, Ammo, Outdoor Auction, Online A10
Mar 16 - 25, Booker Auction, Annual Spring Offsit Consignment, Online A3
Mar 17 - Mar 31, Pate Auction Inc., Outdoor Solutions Downsizing, Online A13
Mar 18 - Apr 1, Rivers West Auction, Ray Swenson Estate, Online A16
Mar 22, RLP Auctions, Tractors, Vehicles, Equip, ATV’s, Hamilton MT A22
Mar 23 - Apr 8, Ascent Auction Services, Montana Statewide Spring Equipment Auction, Online A5
Apr 25 - May 9, Pate Auction Inc., Spring 2026 State of Montana Surplus Property, Online A29
Apr 27 - May 13 , Ascent Auction Inc., Belgrade Spring Equipment & Vehicle Auction, Online A5
May 9, Flying D Auction, Keith Littrell, Vehicle & Collectible Reduction Sale, Shelby MT A35
May 16, Weaver Auctions, 13th Annual Spring Farm & Ranch Consignment, Drummond MT A22
Lambing webinar series
On Tuesday, March 17, the University of Wyoming Extension Sheep Task Force will host a free webinar about managing flock health around lambing season. The webinar, which is the first of two episodes, will discuss strategies for mitigating ewe and lamb stress from late gestation through docking.
The second webinar will be hosted Thursday, March 26. Both webinars will be held 6-7:30 p.m. on Zoom.
Topics:
March 17: Colostrum and orphan lamb management
March 26: Metabolic stress of ewes through late gestation and early lactation
The sessions will be led by members of the UW Extension Sheep Task Force and feature guests from the industry. The Sheep Task Force supports Wyoming’s sheep producers facing current industry challenges through evidence-based research and on-the-ground implementation.
“Lambing is the first opportunity to have a positive impact on the success of the lamb crop, which makes proper preparation super important and beneficial,” says Jedidiah Hewlett, Converse County extension educator.
Due to outdated equipment and the need to allow for more flexibility for businesses looking to sell hunting and fishing licenses, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is moving to a new License Ambassador program this spring.
This move to the License Ambassador program is going to transition all license sales and applications to our online licensing system (OLS). This move allows FWP to add additional businesses who would like to sell licenses and move away from the old point of sale systems that were unreplaceable and outdated.
As FWP has worked on this transition, we’ve heard lots of questions and concerns. A couple of questions we’re hearing include:
Can I still go into my local sporting good store and buy my license?
Answer: That depends if your local store has signed up to be a License Ambassador. FWP has worked with local businesses who want to be Ambassadors to provide them window decals, technical support and promotional materials so that it’s clear to
PRODUCTION SALES
Mar 16, Whistling Winds Angus, Inc, Hingham MT A4
Mar 19, Rough Country Breeders, Martin Red Angus & Koss Angus, Glasgow MT A6
Mar 19 - Mar 21, Danell Diamond Six Ranch, Gelbvieh & Angus, Online A2
Mar 21, Gnerer Angus, Olive MT A8
Mar 24, Open Gate Ranch, Black, Red, Simmental, SimAngus, Fairfield MT A11
Mar 25, Peterson Grain & Cattle, Angus, Havre MT....A15
Mar 26, Gibbs Red Angus, Glasgow MT A24
Mar 28, Valley View Charolais, Columbus MT A19
Apr 1, Nissen Angus, Chinook MT A25
Apr 2. Arntzen Angus Ranch, Hilger MT A27
Apr 15, Milk River Angus, Chinook MT A28
Apr 25, Eayrs Ranch, Glasgow MT A33
May 7, Koenig Ranch Reds, Glasgow MT A39
customers which businesses are FWP License Ambassadors.
Are license sales now only online?
Answer: No, you can go to an FWP office or License Ambassador to buy or apply for a license. You can also, like always, buy and apply online.
Can I pay in cash at a License Ambassador?
Answer: No. The License Ambassador program uses the online licensing system the public uses. All transactions are finalized with a credit card.
Remember, the 2026 license year starts March 1. At that time, you can buy your new hunting and fishing licenses and apply for permits.
Dallas Polled Herefords, Canyon Creek MT A9
Duncan Ranch Co, Herefords, Joplin MT A35 Ferrat Ranch, Toston MT A40 K & C Herefords, Deer Lodge MT A17
McMurry Cattle, Herefords, Billings MT A17
Thomas
JIM NIELSEN TRUCK & PARTS, INC.
Inventory Available Call for More Information
2006 International 4300 with 22-ft. Chevron roll back wheel lift. Low actual miles. Like new $33,500
2002 Great Dane 40-ft. van trailer, air ride suspension, roll door, good rubber, excellent condition. $5500
1994 International 4700 20-ft. van, electric gate, new roll door. Low actual miles. Like new $10,500
Aluminum & steel fuel tanks.
2006 Freightliner complete hood, good condition.
Wide selection truck transmissions drop ins & axles. 1991 GMC Top Kick complete cab.
What is IRS Section 180
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
1990 Fruehauf 48-ft. shop & parts trailer, excellent condition.
Wide selection, medium & heavy truck doors. (4) Used hoist assemblies, scissor & center post.
$14,000
1987 International 2574 tandem roll-off truck, 16-ft. steel tub, 400 Cummins engine. $10,000
1980 Ford F150 shop pickup, 300/6 engine, 60,000 actual miles (as is) $1000
Large selection, medium duty truck hoods. (30) Steel wheels, hub, pilot and Budd. (36) Transport chains and binders, 3/8 through 3/4 hi tensile.
after the land was purchased. A couple of important things to note if considering talking to your accountant about section 180 is that if the owner was previously the renter (i.e. the land was rented by you prior to purchasing) there is no deduction since they already deducted the cost. The other thing of importance is that the owner is deducting “excess” fertility and cannot deduct all nutrients present but just what is more than “normal”. Ideally, a producer should conduct soil sampling before or shortly after the land is acquired and before additional fertilizer application.
Landowners may realize some tax savings by deducting the value of pre-existing soil fertility. The value of the residual fertility load and the applicable landowner tax rate determine the savings. The landowner must determine deductions with support from their CPA or tax advisor.
Free suicide prevention webinars
Addressing the wellness needs of those working in agriculture or related areas will be the focus of the upcoming “Question. Persuade. Refer.” suicide prevention webinars sponsored by North Dakota State University Extension. Two sessions are scheduled: March 25 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and April 21 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
The 90-minute webinars will address concerns of high stress levels in agriculture-related jobs and the toll they take on mental and emotional well-being.
Research indicates the suicide rate is significantly higher for those working in agriculture. The QPR trainings will provide participants with skills to recognize warning signs of a mental health crisis or suicidal thinking and to respond in an appropriate and supportive way.
“Ongoing farm and ranch stress takes a toll on health, including mental and emotional well-being,” says Sean Brotherson, NDSU Extension family science specialist. “We say, ‘Sometimes you need help, and sometimes you are help.’”
NDSU Extension agents Katie Henry (Cavalier County) and Jill Sokness (Cass County), as well as Madeleine Smith, NDSU Extension pesticide specialist, will facilitate the webinars.
Although the training will focus on people working in and around agriculture, anyone interested in the topic can register. There is no cost for the training, which is supported by a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant.
Registration is limited to the first 30 participants per webinar. Register at ndsu.ag/QPR-NDSU-Mar2026 for the March session and ndsu.ag/QPR-NDSU-Apr2026 for the April session.
For additional information, contact Adriana Drusini at adriana.drusini@ndsu.edu or Sean Brotherson at sean.brotherson@ ndsu.edu.
Lambing webinar series
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
To register for the webinar, visit https://bit.ly/uwyosheep-26. A Zoom link will be emailed to participants after registration.
Both webinar sessions will be recorded and posted on UW Extension’s YouTube page for viewing after the live session. For additional info, please contact Hewlett at jhewlett@ uwyo.edu or (307) 358-2417.
Double or Single Rollers
DEADLINE FOR APRIL ISSUE
Wednesday, April 1
Toole County Initial Private Applicator Training
An Initial Private Applicator Training will be held March 19, 2026, in Shelby for individuals who wish to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides (RUPs) to land they or their employer own, rent or lease. The program meets the requirements to become certified as a Montana Private Applicator. The training will take place at the Comfort Inn, 455 McKinley Ave., Shelby, MT 59474. Check in begins at 7:30 a.m., and the program runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Registration is encouraged by March 12, though walk-ins are welcome. To register, contact Kim Woodring at (406) 424-8350 or kimberly.woodring1@montana.edu.
The registration fee is $20 for new or lapsed applicators and $10 for recertifying applicators. Lunch will be provided.
Permit Fee Information
To obtain a Montana Private Applicator permit after attending the training, participants must submit an application along with the appropriate permit fee. Toole County is in Private Applicator District 3. The 2026 permit fee for District 3 is $60. Attendees should bring cash or a check made payable to the Montana Department of Agriculture to cover this amount.
Program Agenda
The training agenda includes:
Private Applicator Permit overview
Understanding the pesticide product label
Pesticide characteristics
Pesticide safety Environmental considerations
Pesticide law
Agricultural pest management
Calibration Review and exam
Instructors include MSU Extension specialists and agents, along with Montana Department of Agriculture staff.
Pesticide permit credits will be available for recertifying applicators (three in morning session, three in afternoon session). For more information about this training contact Kim Woodring at the number or email listed above or view the event webpage at: https://www.montana. edu/extension/pesticides/ events/26-02.html.
I think it can
In 2010 a swimming accident left 19-year-old Ian Burkhart paralyzed from the elbows down; he couldn’t even move his fingers. Four years later, doctors at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center implanted a chip into Burkhart’s brain in the area that controls movement. Then a cable was plugged into his head that was hooked up to a computer, which was hooked up to an electronic stimulation sleeve around his forearm. Burkhart thought very hard, and then…his fingers moved. The device completely bypassed his broken spinal cord, and for the first time since the accident, he could open and close his hand.
Joel Bos Retirement
FARM & RANCH EQUIPMENT AUCTION
Tractors, Trucks, Trailers, Chopper, Combine & More
AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS:
• 2014 Claas Jaguar 960 Forage Chopper
• 2012 Claas 658 Chopper Header
• 2016 Claas 135 Pickup Header
• 2001 John Deere 9650 STS Combine
• 2002 John Deere 930D Draper Header
• 2012 Case IH WD 2303 Swather
• 1998 Rogator 854 Self Propelled Sprayer
• 2005 Case IH MX285 Magnum Tractor
• (3) 1997 New Holland 8770 Tractors
• 1996 Case IH 7210 Magnum Tractor
• 2003 Gehl 721 T Wheel Loader
• Komatsu PC 200 LC Excavator
• 2006 Kenworth T300 Forage/Silage Truck
• (4) Freightliner Forage/Sileage Trucks
• Vermeer R2800 Hay Rake
• 2002 Pro Ag Auto Align Bale Runner 16K
• Hesston 7434 Large Square Baler
• Hesston 4790 Large Square Baler
• 1995 Trail King 48’ Step deck Trailer
• Corn Husker 60 Grain Trailer, 48’
• Great Plains 2S-2600 HD Grain Drill
• Seed Shuttle 500 Seed Tender
• John Deere 7300 Maxemerge Planter
• Sunflower Land Finisher
• Case K23B Field Disk
• Norwest Manufacturing Pivot Track Filler
• International 415 Cultipacker
MANHATTAN, MONTANA Online Only BIDDING ENDING MARCH 25TH ADDITIONAL PIECES WILL BE ADDED WATCH ASCENTAUCTION.COM FOR UPDATES!
Nebraska Extension to host webinar on confinement feeding cow-calf pairs
Nebraska Extension will host a webinar titled Confinement Feeding Cow-calf Pairs in the Face of Limited Perennial Grass Options on March 17 at 6:30 p.m. Mountain time.
As drought continues to expand across Nebraska and the western Great Plains, pasture rental and purchase prices remain high while many harvested feed commodities are moderately priced. The webinar will explore the potential of adding a confined cow operation to an integrated cattle and crop system, along with nutritional and management considerations when drought limits or delays perennial grass growth.
“Both the feed needs of the cow and calf have to be accounted for,” said Karla Wilke, Nebraska Extension cowcalf systems specialist. “Either the calf needs to be fed in a separate creep area, or the feed delivered to the pair needs to be increased as the calf grows to meet its needs.”
Wilke said lactation requires significantly more protein and energy than gestation. “While we can use low-quality forages or residues in confinement diets, we have to add a source of energy and protein to meet the needs of the pair appropriately,” she said.
The webinar will provide practical information that producers can use this spring and summer as they evaluate drylotting operations. Wilke will highlight lessons learned from university research and from producers who have utilized drylot systems for cow-calf pairs.
Topics will include: Logistics for drylotting pairs, including needed bunk space, water, fence, shade, and creep access for calves
Ration examples and feed cost estimates based on current commodity prices
Limit feeding versus full feeding
Use of annual forages to complement drylot feeding
Health considerations for cows and calves
Breeding strategies in a drylot setting
The webinar is free, but registration is required. To register, contact Aaron Berger at aberger2@unl. edu.
Strange lawsuit
The Plaintiff: Carl Sagan, world-famous astronomer
The Defendant: Apple Computer, Inc.
The Lawsuit: Late in 1993, computer designers at Apple codenamed a new computer model “Carl Sagan.” Traditionally, this is an honor–“You pick a name of someone you respect,” explained one employee. “And the code is only used while the computer is being developed. It never makes it out of the company.” Nonetheless, Sagan’s lawyers complained that the code was “an illegal usurpation of his name for commercial purposes” and demanded that it be changed. So Apple designers changed it to BHA. When Segan heard that it stood for “Butt-Head Astronomer,” he sued, contending that “Butt-Head” is “defamatory on its face.”
The verdict: Case dismissed.
CHS Montana
Bidding now open - Auction Begins Closing Wednesday, April 8 at 6:00 PM
Low pregnancy rates in young cows webinar
From Nebraska Extension
Low pregnancy rates in young cows can significantly impact herd replacement costs and long-term profitability for cow-calf producers. To address this challenge, Nebraska Extension will host a webinar titled “Considerations of Causes of Low Pregnancy Rates in Young Cows” on Tuesday, March 10.
An in-person webinar will be held at the Sheridan County Office, 800 South Loofborrow St. in Rushville, where producers can engage and discuss with others. It will be hosted by Brock Ortner, Nebraska Extension Livestock Educator.
The webinar will begin at 6:30 p.m Mountain time (7:30 p.m. Central) and focus on key biological and management factors that influence reproductive success in young cows.
Topics and presenters include:
• Heifer Development – Dr. Rick Funston and Dr. Kacie McCarthy
• Genetic Selection – Dr. Matt Spangler
• Nutrition for the Cow – Dr. Karla Wilke
• Infectious Diseases and Infertility – Dr. Brian Vander Ley and Dr. Matt Hille.
The first 40 minutes of the program will feature short presentations from each speaker, followed by a live questionand-answer session. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with Nebraska Extension specialists, veterinarians, and educators.
The webinar is open to cow-calf producers, veterinarians, and consultants. The goal of the program is to encourage discussion around low pregnancy rates in young cows and to provide research-based insights that can be applied in herd management decisions.
There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is requested. To register for the webinar or to attend the in-person webinar, email Nebraska Extension Livestock Educator Aaron Berger at aberger2@unl.edu by Friday, March 6. A recording of the webinar will be made available to registered participants following the program.
For more information, contact Berger at 308-235-3122 or aberger2@unl.edu.
NDSU sets Oakes Crop Shop Talk
Farmers, crop consultants, agriculture professionals and industry partners are invited to attend the Crop Shop Talk event at North Dakota State University’s Oakes Irrigation Research Site near Oakes, North Dakota. The free event will be held March 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Graduate students and NDSU Extension specialists will present on research projects being conducted at Oakes. Graduate students will discuss topics such as evaluating biological products for the management of white mold of soybean, the efficacy of N fertilizer applications and the identification of tar spot on corn. The specialists will also provide updates on canola agronomy, fungicides for corn disease management and a demonstration of using the white mold predictive models integrated into the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network.
“Several research programs from NDSU’s main campus spend a lot of time down in Oakes running research trials. This is an informal meeting that allows us to demonstrate what research is currently being done for local farmers and stakeholders, with the opportunity for them to give feedback and opinions on any research topics that they would like to see at the Oakes Site,” says Hope Becton, NDSU research assistant professor of soybean pathology. “The main motivation behind this event is to strengthen ties with local communities and farmers to this NDSU research site.”
Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and there will be an opportunity to interact with event sponsors. A moderated discussion on local farmers’ suggested research objectives at the Oakes Irrigation Research Site will be led by Jeff Stachler, NDSU Extension cropping systems specialist.
For the event schedule and registration, visit ndsu.ag/ crop-shop-talk26. Registration is encouraged.
NDSU’s Oakes Irrigation Research Site is located at 9251 ND-1, Robert Titus Research Farm, near Oakes.
Minimalism, Medieval-style
Setting the medieval table was fairly simple – because there were no plates. Even nobles, who generally spread out tablecloths for their meals, went without plates. Instead, meals were served on round, flat slabs of bread. Bread plates eventually came into vogue, it was customary to share your plate with the person sitting next to you.
Guests were invited to bring their own knives; spoons and forks weren’t widely used in Europe until much later. In the eastern Mediterranean, two-pronged forks had been in use for centuries, but they didn’t come to Europe until 1071, when a Greek princess brought the custom to Venice. Rich Venetians took it up as the fashion, but forks stayed in Venice for centuries before the rest of Europe caught on.
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In 1943, Captain Tootsie Roll and his sidekick Rollo premiered in an advertising comic strip.
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Tootsie Rolls were singer Frank Sinatra’s favorite candy. Perhaps that explains his sweet voice.
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For the diet conscious, five pieces of Tootsie Roll has 120 calories, 23 grams of carbs, and no cholesterol.
NDSU Extension to host 2026 horse management webinar series
Session topics will include equine ocular health and neurologic conditions. (NDSU photo)
North Dakota State University Extension will host its 2026 Horse Management Webinar Series, offering horse owners, stable managers and equine enthusiasts the opportunity to learn practical management strategies from veterinary and equine health professionals. The free online webinars will be held at noon CT on March 11 and March 18.
“Our goal with this webinar series is to give horse owners practical, research-based information they can use right away,” says Mary Keena, NDSU Extension livestock environmental management specialist. “Whether it’s recognizing early signs of an eye issue or understanding what to expect with neurologic concerns, these sessions are designed to help owners feel more confident in caring for their horses.”
During each session, presenters will share research-based information to help participants improve everyday care and decision-making for their horses.
Topics will include equine ocular (eye) health and equine neurologic conditions.
On March 11, Dr. Lynn Martin with the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center will break down the most common equine eye issues — such as corneal ulcers, squamous cell carcinoma and equine recurrent uveitis — into actionable knowledge for everyday horse owners. Attendees will learn how to recognize early warning signs and provide safe first aid while awaiting veterinary care.
The March 18 session will be led by Dr. Sally DeNotta with the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Neurologic conditions can affect both performance and pleasure horses. This webinar will review common neurologic issues that might affect horses and discuss veterinary diagnostic options if a horse owner suspects neurologic involvement.
Registration is required to attend. Visit ndsu.ag/horsewebinar26 to register for the Zoom webinars.
NDSU Extension to host drainage water management workshop
North Dakota State University Extension and University of Minnesota Extension will jointly host a drainage water management workshop on March 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Memorial Union on NDSU’s campus in Fargo, North Dakota. The in-person workshop is designed to help farmers and agricultural professionals better understand drainage systems and make informed drainage management decisions.
This one-day event will focus on how subsurface (tile) drainage works, the basics of drainage design, and the performance and economic returns of drainage investments. Participants will also learn how soil characteristics influence drainage suitability and what factors should be considered before installing drainage systems.
“Properly designed tile drainage systems are long-term investments that can significantly enhance field performance and water management,” says Laxmi Prasad, NDSU Extension water engineer. “This workshop brings together leading drainage experts to share science-based knowledge and practical insights that will help participants make wellinformed drainage management decisions.”
The workshop is intended for farmers, landowners, crop consultants, drainage contractors and conservation professionals interested in improving field performance while avoiding costly mistakes. Sessions will provide practical, field-based guidance and real-world examples to support effective planning, installation and long-term management of drainage systems. Session speakers will emphasize asking the right questions and making decisions that support both productivity and water management goals.
Registration details and a full agenda are available at ndsu. ag/drainage-mgmt-26.
The cost to attend is $35, and lunch and refreshments will be included.
Grandma’s Wedding Band
Again today I was asked to tell
The story about my grandma’s wedding band
As always it took me back to years and years ago
And getting to reach up to hold my grandma’s hand
While holding my hand she would tell
Me things about life that I wanted to know
She also would scare me talking about heaven
Saying that soon now that was where she would go
My years of age didn’t seem to come fast
But hers she said were on a downhill run
With her I didn’t do much but sit and talk
About my childhood days those days I can recall each and every one
My grandma took sick one day and my mom woke me
Saying grandma wants you, it was in the middle of the night
Grandma said she must go now, I cried but She said with time, I would be all right
Then I noticed her small finger was missing
That ever so important to me, gold wedding band
With her last smile, it was all she could do
She hugged me and put that ring in my hand
The tape was still on the ring, put there so
She wouldn’t lose what was given to her with love
Now I know why it was the last thing she Gave up before she left to go up above
For years I wore this ring on a chain around My neck so the world, every day, I could show
That the love hidden in grandma’s ring has affected
Lives of people she never got to know
The ring has gotten thinner now, it’s years of Being in the family, it’s showing its age
You can understand why, knowing in our life’s book
It’s been in each and every page
Once again I watched my mom tell the story
While on this special day we all gathered around All the tears in her eyes, looking at grandma’s Weather worn cross, with flowers laid all around From Down Ridgway’s Road
Copyright Robert Lee Ridgway
Vaughn, Mt
Expectations for old hay
By Ben Beckman, UNL
Putting up hay is really a way of preserving forage by limiting moisture. As long as hay stays dry, it stays stable. While we often assume older hay means lower quality, losses are usually less about age and more about storage — once moisture shows up, quality begins to slip.
And we actually have proof of that. There are documented bales put up in the Sandhills in the late 1940s that were stored dry for decades, and even when tested in 2024, quality wasn’t nearly as poor as you’d expect. That tells us age alone isn’t driving quality loss — storage conditions are.
In real-world conditions, anytime a bale gets warm and wet enough, microbes become active again. As they grow, they use the bale itself for energy, which means we’re losing dry matter — that feed is literally disappearing.
That dry matter loss usually shows up first as a decline in TDN. Microbes go after the most digestible, high-energy parts of the plant, leaving behind more fiber and less usable energy.
Crude protein is more complicated. We can lose protein through leaf shatter or weathering, but because protein is measured as a percentage of dry matter, it doesn’t always decline the same way energy does. Moisture and heating can also damage protein and reduce availability.
Finally, a lot of quality loss in outside-stored hay is concentrated on the outside of the bale — especially round bales, where a major portion of the total bale resides. Cows often sort and refuse the more highly weathered material, so actual intake can be much lower than a forage test suggests.
Despite that issue, forage testing older hay is critical — it’s the best way to get an accurate picture of what your cattle are actually consuming and to make sound feeding decisions.
Auction Outdoor Solutions Downsizing Auction
Treatments in the fight against Varroa mites
By Jessica Ryan, ARS
Researchers from USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are helping bee keepers protect their colonies by studying the effectiveness of combining a widely used mitekilling pesticide with an agent that inhibits the ability of the destructive Varroa mite to tolerate the pesticide.
Honey bees play a crucial role in U.S. agriculture, with the value of crops that require pollination estimated at more than $20 billion annually in the U.S. Varroa mites, also known as Varroa destructor, are a force to be reckoned with in the honey bee world. The dangerous and parasitic mite of bee colonies causes bodily harm and spreads deadly viruses that have led to major colony losses across the country.
A preferred method to control Varroa mite populations is amitraz, a pesticide that is highly toxic to Varroa mites but safe for honey bees, when used as instructed. However, a recent ARS study found that Varroa mites are becoming increasingly resistant to amitraz due to a genetic mutation. Thus, bee keepers are now seeking more effective methods for controlling Varroa mite populations.
In a new study, ARS and University of California, Davis (UC Davis) researchers explored a new way to increase the efficacy of amitraz, even in amitraz-resistant mites. The researchers conducted a proof-of-concept study in a laboratory setting by combining amitraz with a compound used in research to understand how certain pesticides are tolerated in organisms, like the Varroa mite.
“This compound inhibits a naturally occurring process that prevents certain chemicals, like pesticides, from accumulating inside cells,” said Julia Fine, a Research Entomologist at the Pollinator Health Research Laboratory in Davis, CA.
“If a chemical toxicant can’t reach a high enough concentration in a cell, it won’t have a toxic effect in the organism. Previously, we didn’t know if this process was part of how Varroa tolerate amitraz exposure.”
Through a collaboration with UC Davis, Fine found that using the inhibiting compound in combination with amitraz increases amitraz toxicity and was even effective against amitraz-resistant mites. These findings open a promising new line of research that may lead to the development of novel synergists that can be used to control Varroa mites in combination with amitraz or other miticides. Increasing the efficacy of amitraz treatments, especially the initial application, may help bee keepers save time and money.
“Better amitraz formulations can decrease the need for additional treatments, lower the selection pressure on the mite population, and decrease the economic burden on bee keepers as they protect their colonies,” said Fine.
Adult honey bee with a Varroa mite on its back. (Photo by Stephen Ausmus, ARS)
A magnified image of live varroa mites on a honey bee pupa host. (Image by Julia Fine, ARS)
Treatments in the fight against Varroa mites
Fine noted that the inhibitor used in the research is not specific to Varroa. It can also negatively affect the ability of honey bees to tolerate pesticide exposures.
“Now that we know this process is important to amitraz tolerance in Varroa, the next step is to develop synergists that specifically inhibit this process in Varroa without affecting honey bees.”
The research was conducted in collaboration with the ARS Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, MD, and ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research Laboratory in Baton Rouge, LA. This research was supported by a Honey Bee Health Grant through the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC) and the Pollinator Partnership (P2) to Professor Sascha Nicklisch of UC Davis.
Dirty trix
The Trix rabbit is trying to brainwash our children. And so is Cap’n Crunch, Toucan Sam, and dozens of other cereal box cartoon characters. That’s what a team of researchers at Cornell University concluded in 2014. They discovered that on cereals marketed to kids, the characters’ eyes are shifted down 9.6 degrees…directly at kid level in the cereal aisle. That way, the eyes “follow kids around” (much like a museum painting). Test subjects were shown one of two similar boxes of Trix–one with the silly rabbit looking down the other altered so he’s looking straight ahead. The subjects who were met by the rabbit’s gaze “increased feeling of connection to the brand by 28 percent.” The study concluded with two recommendations:
• If you are a cereal company looking to market healthy cereals to kids, use spokes-characters that make eye contact with children.
• If you are a parent who does not want your kids to go “cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs,” avoid taking them down the cereal aisle.
AUCTION
Bidding opens on March 18, 2026 and will be closing on April 1, 2026
This Auction will be hosted by our AuctionTime platform, please use your AuctionTime username and password.
Please contact Reed @406-249-1767 or Jason @ 406-239-3529 to schedule preview. Preview by appointment only.
Rivers West Auction will be selling this nice lineup of farm equipment in St, Ignatius, Montana.
Ray was known for taking much pride and very good care of his machinery. This will be a great opportunity to own top notch, field ready tractors, tillage and haying equipment.
Winter Wonderland: Wildlife make adaptations to survive cold temperatures
This hasn’t been a typical winter, but when the temperatures dip and the snow falls, it reminds us how amazing it is that animals survive the winter months. You could spend a whole winter just learning about the intricacy and variety of adaptations that Montana’s wildlife have developed.
Some animals leave for warmer places, some sleep through it and others stay active by utilizing blankets of fur, underground hide-outs or a kind of internal antifreeze to survive this cold season.
Looking at the sky lately, it’s hard not to notice the sporadic V formations of geese migrating to find warmer locales closer to the equator. But not all migrations are cross-country; deer, elk and antelope may move a short distance to lower elevations or open fields to feed.
Many animals hibernate, slowing their activities so they use less energy. Bears are well-known hibernators, getting stocked up on body fat to survive while they den. They breed in spring, but the fertilized eggs don’t implant until after denning, once a female has adequate fat stores to support cubs. Once in the den, bears lower their heart rates, body temperatures, breathing and metabolism to save energy for the long, cold months. In yet another amazing adaptation, their bodies absorb their waste while they sleep, and they birth and suckle their cubs while in the den. Bats hibernate, too, hanging around until it’s warm enough for their tasty insect prey to hatch again.
In reptiles and amphibians, they call this dormant state brumation. Frogs rely on a kind of biological antifreeze that keeps the cold from destroying their cells. They may freeze nearly solid, with no heart rate or breathing, then revive when the weather warms. Some insects have similar protections, or they over-winter as eggs, larvae or pupae. Fish slow their metabolism way down and stay in deeper, unfrozen water where temperatures are more stable.
Birds like the common poorwill, chickadee and hummingbird enter a lighter state of dormancy called torpor, which is similar to hibernation but usually lasts hours to days. This is to conserve energy during cold snaps or overnight when food is scarce. Smaller mammals like mice, chipmunks and squirrels also experience torpor. Air pockets in birds’ feathers create warmth, and some species cluster for warmth.
Ruffed grouse dive under snow for insulation. Many species of wildlife know all too well that dens, burrows, tree cavities, lodges and thick forests also provide protection from wind, snow and extreme cold.
Some animals master the art of camouflage by changing color in winter. Snowshoe hares turn white to blend easily into snow. Short-tailed weasels (ermine) and white-tailed ptarmigans do the same. This helps them blend into Montana’s snowy forests, mountains and grasslands, which reduces the chance of being spotted by predators like lynxes, foxes, owls and coyotes. The weasel is a predator in its own right, and turning white improves its hunting success by allowing it to approach prey unnoticed.
These color changes are paired with thicker winter coats that provide insulation against Montana’s cold temperatures and strong winds. The snowshoe hare, common in western forests, also has large, fur-covered feet that act like snowshoes. The ptarmigan grows feathers on its feet in winter for added warmth and traction. Shorter periods of daylight, rather than temperature, trigger these seasonal color shifts.
Animals also shift their food sources or store food to tide them over until spring. Elk and deer change their diets to twigs and woody plants and live off fat stores when all the good green stuff goes away. Squirrels, chickadees and beavers accumulate caches of food and hide it away.
A lot of small animals survive in what’s called the subnivean zone – the insulated space between the ground and the snowpack. This hidden layer stays surprisingly warmer than the air above, giving mice, voles and other small critters a place to travel, hide and find food all winter.
Winter may look quiet on the surface, but underneath the snow and ice it’s full of strategy, survival and adaptation. Nature never stops working
By Jennifer Thompson, UW Extension Horticulture Specialist
We’ve had unusually warm and dry weather in many parts of Wyoming this fall and winter. If this trend continues and brings with it our typical western region yo-yoing temperatures (warmer spells followed by deep freeze events), we are likely to see a variety of effects on plants as spring and summer roll around. Here are some issues you might encounter this spring and summer and what, if anything, you can do about them.
Possible effects:
Increased amount of winter desiccation (a.k.a. “winter burn”) on evergreen plants such as spruce, pine trees, etc., especially if the soil was mostly dry over winter. Newly planted trees and also those in wind-prone areas can be particularly affected.
• Sunscald on the trunks of newly planted or thin-skinned trees.
• Cold damage on newly emerged leaves, flowers, and stems.
• No or little fruit on some fruit trees, due to cold-damaged flowers.
• Winter desiccation (a.k.a “winter burn”) This issue tends to be a problem on evergreen trees and shrubs in our state. These plants keep their leaves/needles all year and continue to lose some water during the fall/ winter. Dry, windy weather conditions in winter increase this water loss to the point where tissue damage can occur and leaves/ needles turn partially or wholly brown (usually from the tip of the needle downwards).
This type of damage is often unevenly distributed around the tree or shrub, with the sides facing the sun or prevailing winds exhibiting more damage. Damage can be reduced by watering unfrozen bare (not covered with snow) ground during extended warm spells or using temporary windbreaks to protect small trees. When planting new trees, damage can be reduced by choosing appropriate species for the site.
Sunscald
Sunscald is a condition where tissue on tree trunks becomes damaged. It often appears as an area of shrunken, cracked dead bark on a tree trunk. Sunscald appears to be caused by warm sun shining on the bark, which causes the cells to become more active. As the temperature drops again at night or during a cold spell, these active cells can freeze, causing tissue damage and death. The damage will be found on the side of the tree facing the sun (usually south to southwest).
This condition is more common in young trees or trees with thin bark (young cherry trees, etc.). Trees will try to partition off this type of damage and may continue to grow reasonably well, or they may die from severe damage. Sunscald can be prevented by not pruning off too many lower branches, wrapping thin-barked younger tree trunks in fall with white tree wrap or using types of white paint on tree trunks to reflect the sunlight.
General cold damage
During fall and winter, perennial plants are in a condition called dormancy. The factors controlling plant dormancy can be complicated and vary amongst different kinds of plants. For many species, cold temperatures are not the only factors that drive plant dormancy. In many of our deciduous trees, dormancy is driven by both day length and temperature, among other variables.
As plants emerge from dormancy and start putting on new growth, they may experience cold damage. Cold tolerance varies depending on the kind of plant (species or even variety) and its stage of growth.
Different parts of plants also have varying degrees of resistance to cold damage. Cold damage can express itself in the following ways.
• Flowers – In general, damage becomes more likely if flowers are closer to blooming and temperatures are colder. Flowers tend to be most susceptible to cold just before, during, and just after bloom. However, a flower’s cold tolerance is greatly dependent on plant type. Many daffodil flowers can take significantly more cold without injury than apricot blossoms, for example. If damaged, flowers may become limp, change color, turn brown, and fall off.
• Leaves – If leaves are injured due to severe cold, they will eventually turn brown or black and possibly fall off. If it is early enough in the season, the plant will expend extra energy reserves to replace them. The same goes with many herbaceous stems.
• Woody stems/branches – If severe cold after warm spells damages a branch, it may die back partially or completely, or wounds may be created in the branch’s tissue. If a branch dies back partially, dormant buds in the surviving tissue may become active and start to grow. Wounds make the plant more susceptible to infection by other organisms. If the plant is in reasonable shape, it will try to repair or partition off these wounds before an infection occurs.
Perennial flowers and foliage plants
Many healthy perennials that sustain cold damage early in the season will outgrow it as the season progresses, replacing damaged leaves and stems.
People often become concerned when they see spring bulbs emerging from the soil earlier than normal. In general, many spring-blooming bulbs are adapted to quite cold temperatures. However, cold tolerance varies amongst species.
My daffodils regularly go through freezing temperatures most nights in spring. I have watched them weather 13°F with no apparent problem. They gradually freeze and droop down each night and then slowly defrost in the morning as the sun comes out, raising their heads and leaves again to greet another day in Wyoming with no signs of damage. If cold damage occurs, the extent will vary by plant type, stage of development, amount of snow cover (it can act as an insulator), how low the temperature drops, and length of the cold spell. CONTINUED
Tunnel work begins as growers worry about snowpack and drought conditions
By Chabella Guzman | PREEC Communications
February may seem a long way off from planting season, but growers have been meeting to hear more about what will affect their 2026 crops along the North Platte River Basin. The annual Bean Day hosted by the Nebraska Dry Bean Growers Association was held in early February, with an update on the Goshen/Gering-Ft. Laramie tunnels.
“This winter, they are replacing the portals of Tunnel 2, and that’s all to get ready to receive the digger shield in the fall of 2026,” said Scott Hort, Gering Ft. Laramie General Manager.
The tunnel portals are being constructed by Mountain View Builders of Sheridan, Wyo. The digger shields are basically boring machines that will convert the 14ft horseshoe-shaped tunnel into an 18-ft round tunnel. The construction also starts at the bottom and moves up. “If by some chance you don’t get that tunnel completed in the off-season, and May 1st comes around, and we have to run water. It’s always easier to go from a smaller tunnel to a bigger one than vice versa. Hopefully, they’ll get it completed in the off-season, and that won’t be an issue,” Hort said.
The increase in size and shape of the tunnels is for safety standards that were not in place in 1917, when the tunnels were originally built.
The Bean Day didn’t have anyone speak about the amount of irrigation water that will be available in 2026, but it’s a question on most agriculturists’ minds.
The Bureau of Reclamation’s February forecast does show that spring runoff from mountain snowmelt in the North Platte River Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be well below average this year.
“Snowfall has been limited this winter in the Upper North Platte Basin, which typically supplies about 75 percent of our inflows. That region is currently experiencing severe drought conditions. The Lower North Platte is also very dry,” said George Finnegan, Bureau of Reclamation Water Scheduler.
Inflows in the Lower North Platte have historically been driven more by precipitation than by snowpack. So, there is little correlation between current snowpack levels and expected inflows from that area. “We’re hopeful that moisture improves this spring, but until then, USBR is anticipating reduced inflows and a constrained allocation,” Finnegan said.
Snowpack is well below average, and the Upper North Platte Basin is in severe drought. Reclamation expects total runoff from
April through July to reach approximately 430,000 acre-feet, which is approximately 47 percent of the 30-year average.
Current releases:
Seminoe Reservoir: 630 cubic feet per second (cfs) through the Miracle Mile
Gray Reef Reservoir: 500 cfs
Glendo Reservoir: 25 cfs
Guernsey Reservoir: No current releases
Projected releases (May–July):
Seminoe Reservoir: Expected to peak at approximately 2,600 cfs
Gray Reef Reservoir: Expected to range from approximately 1,000 to 2,500 cfs
Guernsey Reservoir: Expected to range from approximately 1,600 to 5,000 cfs
Pathfinder Reservoir: Not expected to spill this spring
North Platte Project: An allocation is expected based on the current forecast
Life hack - Putting a dry tea bag in your shoes overnight will absorb funky odors. (But remember to throw away the bags when you’re done.)
##### According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, sugarcane is the world’s largest crop. 168 million tons of sugar were produced around the world in 2011. 80% of the world’s sugar production comes from sugarcane, while the other 20% comes from sugar beets.
Dry winter forage irrigation
By Todd Whitney, UNL
CLAY CREEK ANGUS
Extreme dry winter conditions have many alfalfa, wheat and other forage producers considering possible late winter irrigation. In many locations, stored subsoil moisture levels are very low due with some at least 5” below normal. So, dry winter conditions may trigger earlier irrigation. However, until air temperatures consistently stay above 40ºF, it will likely be wise to delay irrigation for at least one month to protect irrigation equipment from freezing. Although irrigation equipment are generally safe to operate when temperatures are about 34ºF, there have been cases where 40ºF air temperatures have frozen outer pivots and created considerable equipment damage.
Also, early spring irrigation runs the risk of bringing wheat out of dormancy prematurely; and then if temperatures drop too much, then there is risk of potential late Spring freezes damaging immature heads of early tillers. So, monitor temperature and field soil moisture to protect, wheat from winterkill / springkill and improve yield.
Usually, the fall and winter months target is to provide 3.0 to 4.0 inches per acre of available soil stored water to hydrate wheat during the winter months. Our UNL publication, EC731 “Producing Irrigated Winter Wheat,” outlines wheat peak water development usage stages as: Jointing; Boot; Heading (flowering through kernel dough); and final kernel development. Of the 22 inches of normal total wheat crop water usage from snow, rain, soil stored and supplemental irrigation; only 3.0 to 4.0 inches will be needed for final kernel plumping. Based on peak wheat growth stages, plants will utilize about 0.23 inches per acre per day during the main growing season. Coarse textured (sandy) soils will require earlier and more frequent watering to reduce stress compared to other soil textures.
For alfalfa, producers may irrigate during April and May to fill the root zone without water runoff, to promote healthy roots. Then, adjust supplemental irrigation, based on soil stored water, EvapoTranspiration (ET) and rainfall, to provide about 6 inches per acre per target ton of alfalfa production. Our UNL NebGuide, G1778, “Irrigation Management and Crop Characteristics of Alfalfa” provides more details at: https://cropwater.unl.edu or https://water.unl.edu
A singer who butchered science
Superstar Bette Midler recorded a very popular song that makes casual reference to a basic scientific phenomenon… and got the facts completely wrong.
Midler’s 1988 ballad “Wind Beneath My Winds” was featured in the movie Beaches and won a Grammy for Song of the Year. The sentiment of the song is simple: the singer thanks a friend for always supporting her, for helping her metaphorically fly–the wind beneath her wings,” The problem is that this is not how flight works. For the song’s narrator to “fly higher than an eagle”–or at all–wind would have to be moving above the wings, not below. But in any case, calling someone the “wind beneath my wings” sounds like a completely different kind of wind.
Sunday, March 22nd, 2026 at 10:30 am at RLP Sale Barn, Hamilton, MT 31/2 miles north of Hamilton on Hwy 93 Preview: Saturday, March 21 (12:00 - 5:00 pm)
If your bulb flowers and foliage are damaged by cold, do not cut them off. Leave them in place until you see the full extent of the damage (by early summer) or they turn fully brown and crispy. Any green foliage left that survives will photosynthesize, providing the bulb with the energy it needs to survive and hopefully recover, grow, and bloom again next year.
Newly emerged foliage of other perennial plants is often more cold-hardy than older foliage. In addition, crowns and roots are often insulated by the soil. If perennial leaves do sustain damage, they will change color and eventually brown. When new foliage grows out, it can sometimes hide this damage.
Trees & shrubs
show certain types of damage, so patience and observation may be needed before all damage is apparent. Unless you have safety concerns, it’s best to monitor trees and shrubs as spring and summer progress to see what the true damage is.
Some trees and shrubs are not well adapted to many parts of Wyoming. Trees such as peach trees may survive for a number of years before a bad winter or untimely cold spell severely damages or kills them. Keep this in mind as you select tree/shrubs for planting or replanting. Choose trees that are rated at or below your area’s USDA hardiness zone; below is preferable. If you live in an area rated as USDA Zone 5, select trees that have at least a Zone 5 rating— Zones 4 or 3
As mentioned previously, cold damage depends on the species/variety of tree or shrub, its stage of plant growth, the low temperatures reached, and how long those temperatures persist. Most trees and shrubs in our state weather temperature swings reasonably well.
In some circumstances, emerged deciduous tree leaves will sustain enough damage that they will drop, and the tree will expend reserves to replace them. If trees are stressed from drought (especially multiple years of drought) or other reasons, they have fewer reserves to call upon for this purpose.
The flowers of certain early-blooming trees and shrubs (some crabapples, lilacs, etc.) may sustain freeze damage that will cause them to turn brown and become limp and mushy.
Cold damage is fairly common in fruit
trees in Wyoming and will cause the fruit blossoms to abort and fall off, resulting in little or no fruit set for that growing season. This phenomenon has been studied on commercial fruit crops and various charts exist that show the likely effects of different temperatures during particular stages of flower development. (See the Summer 2026 issue of Barnyards & Backyards magazine for more details on this subject.) Losing this year’s blossoms will not harm the tree’s ability to set fruit in following years. It just affects the yield for this year.
Branches or stems can also suffer cold injury. If you think this kind of damage has occurred, wait and see how the plant responds (mid to late summer at the earliest, waiting a year is often better) before you get out the pruners. Trees and shrubs often have reserve buds that will start to activate if a primary bud has been damaged. Trees can be slow to
are preferable.
What can you do to assist your plants?
In general, plants can recover from quite a bit of this kind of damage when they have the resources they need. Once temperatures are above freezing, make sure to provide enough water and nutrients to sustain the plants during their recovery period.
During warm dry spells in fall/winter, consider watering your trees and shrubs (giving evergreens and newly planted trees priority) when temps are above 40°F and the soil is dry. If it has been very dry, warm, and/or windy, consider watering other plants as well. Plants do not need a lot of water this time of year; watering once a month is often sufficient. Make sure to water early enough in the day to allow the water to soak into the soil before freezing temperatures return. Also remember to drain hoses and spigots each day after watering.
Once spring has sprung and plants are growing quickly, water all your plants consistently. Mulch trees and shrubs and make sure they are not suffering from nutrient deficiencies (often appearing as oddly colored leaves) or other issues that will hinder their recovery. Lastly, a word on annuals: as we go through the spring temperature rollercoaster in many parts of the state, remember to prac-
tice patience and vigilance. Warm spells in early spring can tempt us to plant annuals such as flowers or vegetables a bit too early. Whether you choose to do this or not depends on your risk tolerance and how much effort you want to invest in plant protection and/or replacement. Sometimes early planting pays off; oftentimes it doesn’t.
Whether we get some untimely deep freezes after plants have come out of dormancy this year, or the next, or the one after that, we hope that this article will help you determine what has happened and what steps you can take to help plants recover.
What are greenhouse gases (GHG) and where are they produced?
Part 1 of 6
By Kortney Harpestad – UNL Animal Science Extension Program Associate, Galen Erickson, Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist, Paul Kononoff – UNL Dairy Specialist, Rick Rasby, Extension Specialist
Greenhouse gases (GHG) are molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere that allow heat from the sun to pass through to the surface while restricting heat from escaping back through the atmosphere, leading to a net warming effect on the climate. The name ‘greenhouse gas’ originated from the process first observed in glass greenhouses. The glass lets sunlight and solar heat into the “greenhouse” but does not let heat escape as easily, creating a desirable environment for growing plants during cold weather. Greenhouse gases similarly trap heat produced by the sun and produce a warming effect on a global scale.
The primary greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). It’s important to note that these compounds are naturally present in the atmosphere at small concentrations and are not problematic when in balance. Plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, as part of the biological carbon cycle, and when this carbon returns to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (natural respiration and decomposition processes), balance is maintained. The concerns about GHG relate to contributions from human-influenced (referred to as ‘anthropogenic’) activities, which have increasingly tipped things out of balance, resulting in increasing GHG concentrations in the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide accounts for about 80% of GHG emissions. Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil), decomposition of solid waste, and other organic materials, and because of certain chemical reactions (e.g., cement production). Methane accounts for about 11% of GHG emissions. Methane is emitted during production and transportation of coal, natural gas, and oil and from agriculture. Nitrous oxide accounts for about 6% of GHG emissions. Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural land use, and industrial activities; combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste; and treatment of wastewater.
Each of these gases can remain in the atmosphere for different amounts of time, ranging from a few years to thousands of years. All gases remain in the atmosphere long enough to become mixed, meaning that the concentration in the atmosphere measured at one location is roughly the same all over the world.
Half-life is defined as the time needed for an element or compound to decrease to half of its original value. The atmospheric half-life
of carbon dioxide is thousands of years. In comparison, the atmospheric half-life of the methane is about 9 to 12 years, meaning that after 9 to 12 years, half of the methane released today into the atmosphere will have been degraded into carbon dioxide (effectively removed). The shorter half-life of methane means it has less “staying ability” in the atmosphere as greenhouse gases. However, methane is more potent than other GHGs, meaning that it is more effective at trapping heat.
Methane produced by both beef and dairy cattle as well as other ruminants such as sheep, deer, and goats is called “enteric methane”. This methane is produced when feeds are digested in the rumen by microorganisms through fermentation. During the natural process of rumen fermentation, methane is belched out through the mouth and into the atmosphere. Enteric methane’ represents about 4% of the 10% GHGs coming from agriculture.
Montana Department of Agriculture 2026 Pesticide Disposal Program
If you have any old pesticides - insecticides, herbicides, rodent poison or fungicides - laying around unused, the Montana Department of Agriculture will take them off your hands. The agency will hold waste pesticide collections in Western Montana in April. Pre-registration deadline for April events is March 31. The collections are scheduled in Kalispell on April 7; Plains on April 8; Missoula on April 9. Pre-registration for July events is June 30. The collections are scheduled in Polson on July 7; Hamilton on July 8; and Butte on July 9. The disposal program is a non-regulatory, service progam that offers pesticide users the opportunity to dispose of unwanted and unusable pesticides in a safe and legal way that is economical and convenient. Disposal costs are free for the first 200 pounds and $1.00/lb. per pound for additional amounts over 200 pounds. Disposal by other services can cost 5 to 10 times more. Additional information and the required preregistration forms are available by contacting Carli Davis in Richland at (406) 465-0531; mail to Dept. of Agriculture, Pesticide Disposal Program, 508 Prairie Dell Rd, Richland, MT 59260; email Carli.Davis@mt.gov; website http://agr. mt.gov/pesticide-waste-disposal-program
Blockbuster yield year after year
Wheat Yield Contest
#####
What kind of training did Pony Express riders undergo? Training for riders was minimal but intense. They were expected to be skilled horsemen and endure long, grueling rides. Most training focused on route navigation, as riders needed to memorize the 1,900-mile trail and its relay stations.
Perennial forages for pasture on crop ground
By Aaron Berger and Brock Ortner | Nebraska Extension Livestock Educators
In light of current market dynamics, there has been growing interest in converting marginal dryland crop acres to perennial pasture. Additionally, several government and non-governmental organizations have cost-share dollars available to help facilitate the establishment of perennial forages. To address this opportunity, UNL Extension and the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition will host programs on Monday, March 16, in Kimball, and on Tuesday, March 17, in Rushville.
The programs will begin at 2 p.m. MT and focus on agronomic practices and cost-share opportunities for establishing perennial forages. The first hour and a half will feature presentations with ample time for questions, followed by a panel discussion with area producers sharing personal experiences in establishing perennial forages.
Topics and presenters include:
Practical considerations for establishing perennial forages on former cropland – Dr. Jerry Volesky, UNL Extension Specialist
Available cost-share opportunities through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and keys to success – Kristen Dickinson (Kimball NRCS); Cody Gibbons (Rushville NRCS)
Available cost-share opportunities through the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition (NRCS) – Jack Arterburn, NGLC Western Nebraska Program Coordinator
What worked, what didn’t, and what we would do differently now – Producer Panel of area farmers and ranchers. There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is requested. To register, call or email the contact for your preferred host site.
March 16 – Kimball County Transit Meeting Room, 233 S Chestnut St, Kimball – contact Aaron Berger at 308-2353122 or aberger2@unl.edu
March 17 – Sheridan County Extension Office, 800 South Loofborrow St., Rushville – contact Brock Ortner at 308327-2312 or bortner2@nebraska.edu
Beware of false Spring
By David Lott Nebraska Extension Horticulture Educator
Warmer weather and longer days are starting to show up, giving so many of us hope and excitement for the new growing season. Beware of “False Spring”, where the warm days can be followed by cold snaps and potential spring blizzards that will visit the region at some point in March and April. Below are some tips to consider now, and through mid-April on gardening related jobs in our very uncertain weather.
Now is a great time to sharpen lawn mower blades and service mower engines so they are in good working order for the growing season. Do not mow bluegrass or tall fescue lawns until they have broken dormancy and are greening up for the season, usually around mid-April. Remember to keep the mower height at 3 inches for the mowing season and remove no more than 1/3 of the grass in a single mowing, leaving 2/3 of the grass intact to grow back.
Clean and lubricate garden tools that have been in winter storage, removing rust as needed, so they are ready for the gardening season. Do not clean dead plant material and mulch out of flower beds and garden spots. This dead material may look unsightly to some, but it serves as a protective buffer for tender, emerging perennial plants that are starting to peak out from under the layers. This protective layer also serves as a winter home for many beneficial landscape insects. Leave this layer intact until mid-April in Western Nebraska.
Wait to prune rose canes and dead landscape plant stems until mid-April. Early pruning can initiate early, tender plant growth that can be severely damaged or killed during future cold snaps. When pruning landscape plant stems back in midApril, leave eight inches of dead stem behind for pollinating insects to use as a habitat for the next generation of native bee species as a natural “bee hotel” to improve pollinator insects in landscapes and gardens. New plant growth will “hide” these stems from view. Rose canes can be pruned back in mid-April at a 45-degree angle. Prune dead cane material back to where new growth is present.
For questions about our False Spring, send an email to David Lott at dlott2@unl.edu.
PREEC accepting applicants for scholarships
From Nebraska Extension
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center is now accepting applications for its annual student scholarships of $1000 each to be awarded in 2026.
Eligible applicants must have attended high school in one of the following counties: Banner, Blaine, Box Butte, Cherry, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Hooker, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sioux, and Thomas. The applicant should be a graduating high school senior or a first- or second-year college student.
Applicants must attend any of the University of Nebraska campuses at Lincoln, Kearney, and Omaha, or the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. They must major in Agronomy, Ag Economics, Animal Science, Vet Science, Agricultural Technology, or a related degree that emphasizes agriculture.
Applications can be filled out at https://ssp.qualtrics.com/ jfe/form/SV_1LE6WLZ7KKFV7H8. They must include a supporting letter of recommendation to be considered complete. Email letter with subject line, 2026 Scholarship recommendation letter (insert name of student) to dmccarthy2@unl.edu.
The scholarship is open now through April 1. Awardees will be chosen by May 1 and notified via email. For more information or questions, contact Deidra McCarthy at dmccarthy2@unl.edu or 308-632-1230
Rubin’s cubed
Vera Rubin, the astronomer whose work provided the first real evidence or dark matter, was one of the few bright female stars in a male-dominated field. As she found this anomaly quite strange, she spent much of her life advocating for female scientists until her death in 2016. Along the way, she came up with “Three Basic Assumptions.” Here they are: There is no problem in science that can be solved by a man that cannot be solved by a woman. Worldwide, half of all brains are in women. We all need permission to do science, but for reasons that are deeply ingrained in history, this permission is more often given to men than women.
Proving that progress does happen, in 2001, Princeton University (which Rubin was unable to attend because of her gender) appointed Shirley M. Tilghman as the first woman president of the school’s 255-year history.
1992 Volvo WG Dump Truck
N14 Cummins, 13 spd, Jake, AC, clean Dbl. Frame, 16k front, 40k rears on Hendrickson, 12k lift axle, 85% tires, 15-ft. rock box, runs and drives good. $29,500
1998 Freightliner FL70
4x4 Bucket Truck
210hp 12v 5.9 Cummins, Allison 5spd AT, AB, PS, 45-ft. Altec Bucket, winch, two outriggers, last certified in 2016, runs and drives great, 60% 11r22.5’s, 31K gvw. $19,500
6.4L Powerstroke, AT, PS, PB, AC, one owner, tow package, enclosed service body with drawers on both sides, 60% tires, 189K miles, runs and drives great. $16,500
Winterizing your cowherd- Managing cows through cold stress
By Bethany Johnston, Nebraska Extension Educator, Karla Wilke, Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist, Mary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist
Understanding Cold Stress in Cows
Cattle are naturally adapted to cold weather, but their ability to stay warm depends on factors such as their winter coat, body condition score (BCS), nutrition, and staying dry. Managing cows properly during winter is crucial to maintaining health and productivity. Cold stress increases their energy needs, and without sufficient energy intake, this can lead to weight loss and decreased body condition.
Effects of Body Condition Score (BCS)
Body condition score, based on the cow’s external fat layer, is a critical factor in a cow’s ability to handle cold stress. A healthy cow with a body condition score of 5 (on a scale from 1 to 9) has a good layer of fat that helps insulate her body and reduce the amount of energy needed to stay warm. In such cows, the lower critical temperature (LCT)—the temperature at which they begin to use extra energy to maintain body heat—is around 19°F, when they have a dry, thick winter coat. Cows in good condition can handle cold temperatures without needing additional energy supplementation until the wind chill falls below their lower critical temperature (LCT).
Since cows will lose weight due to winter conditions on low quality feeds, producers may consider adding extra external fat to cows in the fall, to achieve body condition scores 5.5 or 6. If cold or blizzard conditions happen, cows can lose one full condition score in two weeks. By starting with “fleshier” cows in BCS 5.5 or 6, producers can avoid cows turning thin (BCS 4).
The lower critical temperature (LCT) changes depending on the cow’s body condition and the weather conditions. A thin cow (body condition score of 4) has a higher LCT of about 27°F, meaning she will need to start using additional energy to stay warm at higher temperatures than a well-conditioned cow. If thin cows are exposed to cold weather, they will lose body condition more quickly and may not have enough stored fat to keep them warm. This can be particularly problematic during late gestation or calving, as cows in poor condition may give birth to weaker calves, or face difficulties during the breeding season.
The fall of 2024 has been relatively mild in Nebraska, but winter storms are due to sweep across the Plains. Due to the unseasonably warm weather this fall, cows may also have lighter hair coats. This makes managing cattle even more important, as cows might already be in thin condition due to drought-related pasture shortages. A thin cow with a body condition score of 4, for example, could require 8% more energy than a cow in good condition (BCS 5) just to maintain body temperature at 21°F. Consider feeding thin cows slightly more energy to gain condition during the fall to early winter, so that they have less energy needs during the rest of the winter.
Wet Hair
cows with wind protection, the ambient temperature can be used to estimate energy needs. Without wind protection, the wind chill temperature should be used to estimate energy needs.
Feeding Your Cows During Cold Weather
To meet the energy needs of cattle during cold stress, it’s important not to make drastic changes to their daily rations, but to provide consistent, high-energy feed during extended cold spells. Instead over a week or two, feed more of the same ration or supplement with higher-quality hay, grains like corn, or energy-rich feeds like distillers grains. Good quality forage/hay can also help, as the fermentation in the rumen adds internal heat to the animal.
When feeding lower quality hay, dormant range grazing or corn stalk grazing, additional feed will be needed. One option is to feed a higher quality hay source with higher total digestible nutrients (TDN), if available. Free choice high quality hay (58 to 60% TDN) can work down to temperatures of 34°F below the LCT of the cow (-15°F for cows in good condition with dry hair or 19°F with wet hair). If cows are grazing cornstalks or winter range, then supplementation with a high energy feed may be desirable. While corn can be used to provide more energy, it comes with risk. Feeding more than 2 to 3 pounds per head can decrease forage digestion, especially if the forage is lower in protein. Feeding corn with some alfalfa on low protein forages can mitigate this issue.
For corn supplementation, 3 pounds of corn (82% TDN) provides 2.5 pounds of TDN, which can offset energy requirements for a cow (BCS 5) down to 5°F with a dry coat or 38°F with a wet coat.
Distillers grains are another excellent choice-both high in energy and protein. Distillers grains can reduce forage substitution effects. Compared to corn, the decision to feed distillers grains lean more towards cost than digestion limitations. In the case of distillers and gestating cows, the pounds of TDN needed to account for energy used due to cold stress would be equal to the pounds of dry distillers that would need to be fed daily.
When wind chill temperatures are extremely cold or the cow has a wet hair coat, a lot of supplement would be needed to make up the greater energy needs and maintain body condition. For instance, if the wind chill was -10°F and the cows had a wet hair coat, then 8.9 pounds of dry distillers would be needed to account for the increased energy requirement.
However, feeding these levels can be impractical. A better approach would be to provide a smaller amount of supplemental feed and to continue to feed the extra feed after the weather has moderated to allow cows to regain energy lost during the storm.
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Wet hair significantly increases the lower critical temperature (LCT), raising the critical temperature to 53°F for a cow in good condition. In wet winters, especially with freezing rain, maintaining body condition becomes challenging as cows expend extra energy to stay warm.
Wind Protection
$29,500
Wind increases heat loss, raising energy requirements. Providing windbreaks reduces energy needs by minimizing heat loss, helping cows maintain condition. For
It is also important to remember that lactating cows have a much greater energy requirement than pregnant cows. Given this, the combination of cold stress and lactation can pull down BCS quickly.
For lactating cows, the energy demand is even greater, and cold stress can have a more immediate impact on their body condition. Ensuring that these cows have adequate nutrition before they start losing condition is key to preventing further complications, particularly during the harshest months of winter.
Winterizing your cowherd- Managing cows through cold stress
CONTINUED FROM PAGE A26
How to Calculate Extra Energy Needs for Cows
You will need to gather this information to figure the extra energy needs:
-the cow’s lower critical temperature (based on her body condition score)
-the outside temperature (ambient temperature) if a windbreak is provided or-the windchill temperature if no windbreak is provided.
Using a cow’s lower critical temperature (LCT), you can figure the percent increase in energy based on the outside temperature. Use the windchill temperature if there is no wind protection. If there is wind protection, use the ambient temperature in the formula. There is a 1% increase in energy needs for every 1° below the LCT.
Let’s assume a cow is in body condition score 5, which means the BCS 5 cow’s lower critical temperature (LCT) is 19°F. For this example, let’s assume the ambient temperature is 21°F, and the wind speed is 10 mph, which makes it feel like 11°F (the wind chill index).
No windbreaks:
Lower Critical Temperature – Wind Chill Index = Percent increase in energy requirements
For our example: 19 – 11 = 8 percent increase in energy requirements for a cow in good condition (BCS 5) with a dry winter coat.
The cow egg man
In April 2008, a team of scientists at Newcastle University in England extracted an unfertilized egg cell from a cow, removed its nucleus–where most of a cell’s DNA resides–and replaced it with the nucleus of a cell taken from another animal. They then gave the egg a tiny electric shock, which “activated’ it, meaning that the inserted DNA began to do its work, and the cell started dividing. In other words, it was alive. The DNA they inserted into the cow egg was taken from a human skin cell. The Newcastle scientists had successfully cloned a human-animal hybrid, possibly for the first time in history. However, the cells stopped dividing after about three days. But the team hopes to repeat the experiment and get an egg to keep dividing for about six days–at which time it should begin creating embryonic stem cells, the “building block” cells found in embryos that go on to become more than 200 different types of cells in the body. The cells would consist of 99.9 percent human DNA and only 0.1 percent cow DNA. If successful, the procedure would allow scientists to skirt around laws forbidding or restricting the use of “normal” human embryos for stem-cell production.
If a windbreak is provided:
Lower Critical Temperature – Ambient Temperature = Percent increase in energy requirements
For this example: 19 – 21 = No increase in requirements for a good condition cow (BCS 5) with a dry winter coat.
The energy needs of various classes of cattle can be found here. A 1200-pound dry cow in late gestation has an energy requirement of 13 pounds total digestible nutrients (TDN). The cold described above in the no-windbreak situation increased this need by an additional 8% which is equal to 1 pound of TDN, for a total of 14 pounds TDN per day.
Conclusion
Proactive management during cold weather is essential to reduce cold stress in cattle. Monitor body condition, provide wind and moisture protection, and adjust feed to meet increased energy needs. Ensuring cows are in good condition before winter and supplementing their diets as necessary will help maintain herd health and productivity through the cold months.
SQUEEZE CHUTE
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Life hack - For an effective way to clean a dirty toilet, drop in a couple of denture tablets. After 20 minutes, scrub the toilet bowl and flush.
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Life hack - Spraying nonstick cooking spray on shovels will keep them ice-free while you’re shoveling snow.
Ken & Linda Boggs & Dennis Buffham
April 11, 2026 • 10 am
Preview and registration.
185 Russel Ranch Road, Great Falls, Montana
Ken & Linda are offering a complete commercial wood working shop with top of the line equipment.
Grizzly and Shop Foxsaws, planers, sanders, routers, clamps, etc.
New solar water pump and panels, welders, 5-ft. roto tiller and nice anvil. All equipment is very clean and well cared for.
Dennis is offering 40 years of mechanic tools including 2 roll-around tool boxes, Snap-On, Plumb and Proto bolt bins, air compressor, testers, micrometers, etc.
Cub Cadet snow blower, 2) Toro mowers, Stihl chain saws, string trimmer, blower (Lawn equipment is like new) ESAB EM 220 wire feed welder.
Help protect cattle against New World screwworm
Boehringer Ingelheim, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the use of IVOMEC® (ivermectin) 1% Injection for the prevention of infestations caused by New World screwworm (NWS) in cattle. Under the EUA, IVOMEC (ivermectin) 1% Injection is authorized for the prevention of infestations caused by NWS (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae (myiasis) when administered within 24 hours of birth, at the time of castration, or at the appearance of a wound in cattle, except for female dairy cattle producing milk for human consumption and calves that will be processed for veal. Based on available scientific evidence, FDA determined that there is no adequate, approved, and available alternative to the product for the prevention of NWS in certain cattle at these critical intervention points.1 This is the first EUA for any over-thecounter drug for the prevention of infestations caused by NWS in cattle,1 providing timely access to a preventive tool should an NWS incursion occur in the United States.
NWS is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm blooded animals, causing serious tissue damage and potentially fatal infestations.2 Although NWS is not currently present in the United States, recent cases have been confirmed in livestock in northern Mexico, including in Tamaulipas, a border state adjacent to Texas.3 More information about NWS and the unified federal response is available at screwworm.gov.
“Having worked in regions where New World screwworm is endemic, I’ve seen firsthand that effective readiness depends on access to preventive tools and strong producer education,” said Dr. Gustavo Sabatini, Global Technical Manager for Ruminant Parasiticides at Boehringer Ingelheim, who recently testified before the Texas House Agriculture and Livestock Committee on NWS preparedness alongside federal and state animal health officials and industry groups. “Screwworm strikes cattle when they are most vulnerable, including at birth, and demands more labor intensive management on the ground. That’s why prevention is essential – not only to protect animal health, but also to safeguard the food supply and the livelihoods of cattle producers.”
IVOMEC (ivermectin) 1% Injection is authorized for this use only for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of the emergency use of IVOMEC (ivermectin) 1% Injection under section 564(b) (1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization revoked sooner.
For more information, please visit the IVOMEC® (ivermectin) 1% Injection EUA Fact Sheet.
Alfalfa weevil resistance to Pyrethroids
By Samantha Daniel, UNL
Alfalfa weevil is a serious pest of alfalfa and can cause significant damage, usually in April and May before the first cutting. Reports of reduced efficacy of pyrethroids in Nebraska as well as confirmed resistance to pyrethroids in several western states led to a project in 2025 to determine if Nebraska weevil populations are developing resistance.
During the 2025 season, alfalfa weevil larvae were collected from 12 counties across the state including the panhandle, southwest, south central, and eastern Nebraska. The larvae were shipped live to the PHREEC Entomology Lab in Scottsbluff where they were exposed to the label rate of two types of pyrethroid insecticides: lambda-cyhalothrin and permethrin. The study found that 5 of the 12 weevil populations had 90% or less mortality when exposed to lambda-cyhalothrin. This indicates that some Nebraska weevil populations may be losing susceptibility to lambdacyhalothrin. In contrast, all 12 weevil populations had a 100% mortality rate when exposed to permethrin. What does this mean for alfalfa weevil management? Currently there are only two insecticide modes of action available for chemical control of this insect, pyrethroids and indoxacarb (Steward). Because of this, resistance management and the use of alternative control methods is critical. Make sure to scout and only spray when thresholds are reached; use the highest labeled rates; rotate control measures to delay resistance development. If you believe you have reached the treatment threshold for alfalfa weevil, contact your local Extension Office for confirmation and guidance for selecting the best management option.
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Extension know how alfalfa insects are affecting you
South Dakota State University Extension is encouraging forage producers to participate in a survey about managing alfalfa insects.
SDSU Extension is collaborating with Anthony Hanson from the University of Minnesota Extension program to host the short, 22-question online survey. To take the survey, visit https://z.umn.edu/alfalfapestsurvey.
Philip Rozeboom, SDSU Extension Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, and Adam Varenhorst, associate professor and SDSU Extension Field Crop Entomologist, said there have been reports of pesticides not being as effective against alfalfa weevil in recent years. They noted that alfalfa weevil populations were larger than usual in 2025.
The purpose of the survey is to gather alfalfa grower perspectives and needs for alfalfa weevil management and other related insects. The information gathered will help the Extension programs within the Midwest develop better educational programming and research. For more information, contact Anthony Hanson, UM Extension Integrated Pest Management Educator; Philip Rozeboom, SDSU Extension Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, or Adam Varenhorst, associate professor and SDSU Extension Field Crop Entomologist.
##### Life hack - Place a coin inside the bottom hem of a tie to keep it from flying around and smacking you in the face on a windy day.
Because I have to pay for land selling calves, I have to be a low input, least cost producer focused on profit. That means smaller cows, more of them, producing more pounds per acre, sold at a higher price per pound. Smaller pastures, grazing longer, feeding less. Calving later with more live calves, fewer cull cows, fewer replacements And it means using my own bulls.
Raising Line Bred, Low Input, No Maintenance, Hands Free, Grass Cattle
NDSU crop budget projections show low returns for 2026
North Dakota State University Extension has released projected crop budgets for 2026. These budget projections serve as guides for farmers in the state and are organized by multicounty region.
Returns and costs can vary considerably between producers within a region, and projected profits vary by region and crop. The budgets estimate returns to labor and management, with no consideration of price and yield variability or risk.
“There is no perfect comparison of crops because there are different levels of labor, management and risk to consider,” says Ron Haugen, NDSU Extension farm management specialist.
A warm, wet fall in 2025 contributed to higher-thanaverage soil fertility levels, explains Haugen.
“As a result, fertilizer application rates should be lower in most regions,” says Haugen. “However, fertilizer prices are up, so the overall fertilizer cost per acre will be higher than 2025.
“This year, in most regions, and for most crops, the projected profitability is low or negative,” continues Haugen. “Inputs and ownership costs are flat to somewhat higher, but lower commodity prices are the main contributor to the lower profitability. It’s a revenue problem.”
Chemical expenses are generally flat, fuel costs are down, interest costs are down, and ownership and repair costs are up. Some specialty crops may show a positive return but usually have limited contracts and acreages, and they may also carry a higher risk.
Individual farmers are encouraged to develop their own budgets with their specific estimates.
The NDSU Extension budgets are available online at ndsu.ag/cropbudgets26. A PDF version is also available, along with spreadsheets for producers to input their own estimates.
Printed copies are available at NDSU Extension county offices.
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Let’s all stop and give some thanks to our feet and legs for always supporting us.
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Two police officers crash their car into a tree. After a moment of silence, one of them says, “Wow, that’s got to be the fastest we ever got to the accident site.”
BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR!!!
Indoor air scrubber for removing ammonia in poultry houses
By: Jessica Ryan, USDA ARS
Researchers from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are helping poultry farmers protect their flocks and their employees, while improving poultry production. ARS researchers recently developed an indoor air scrubber that purifies the air in chicken houses and reduces ammonia levels by 87% to 99%.
High levels of ammonia pose problems for poultry and agricultural workers. Ammonia, which is released from litter in poultry houses, reduces birds’ body weight gain, causes poor feed conversion, and makes birds more susceptible to viral diseases. In addition, ammonia exposure can pose health risks to agricultural workers.
Poultry manure accounts for 27% of atmospheric ammonia emissions in the United States, representing a significant loss of nitrogen that could otherwise be used as fertilizer for crop production.
Currently, farmers use poultry litter acidifying amendments such as adding aluminum sulfate, known as alum, to litter to reduce ammonia levels in poultry houses. However, the amendments only last up to three to four weeks. Ammonia scrubbers offer an alternative solution; however, current systems only treat exhaust air. As a result, they provide no direct benefits to poultry production and are not cost-effective.
To find a more economical solution for farmers, researchers from the ARS Poultry Production and Product Safety Research Unit in Fayetteville, AR, designed and patented a full-scale prototype of an indoor air scrubber that can be easily installed in a poultry house to purify the air and save valuable nitrogen. The scrubber has a fast sand filter that removes particulate matter from the scrubbing solution to prevent the nozzles from clogging – a problem that existing air scrubbers have in animal facilities with heavy dust.
“In study trials at our testing facility, our scrubber purified the amount of air in a 40 foot by 400-foot chicken house every 30 minutes and reduced ammonia levels by 87% to 99%, depending on the ammonia concentration and the air flow rate at which it is operated,” said ARS Research Soil Scientist Philip Moore.
Moore and his research partners are planning to test the air scrubber in commercial poultry houses in the near future.
In addition to measuring ammonia levels, the researchers will look at how effectively the air scrubber can remove dust and pathogens from the air, such as viruses responsible for avian influenza and other pathogens that cause foodborne illnesses.
“This innovative technology could transform livestock production in poultry and potentially swine housing operations by improving animal welfare and worker safety, reducing disease transmission risks, and increasing farm profitability and environmental sustainability,” said Moore.
The study was published in the Journal of Applied Poultry Research and done in collaboration with the ARS Poultry Research Unit at Mississippi State University, MS, and the University of Delaware’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences.
Saran Wrap
In 1933 Dow researchers discovered a plastic called monomeric vinylidene chloride. They called it VC Plastic. In 1949 a salesman suggested they rename it Saran (the name of a tree in India). Dow liked the new name because it had only five letters and had no negative connotations. During World War II, Saran was used in everything from belts to subway seats. After the war, it was marketed as a plastic film called Saran Wrap.
ARS Research Soil Scientist Philip Moore poses next to the indoor air scrubber. (Photo by Jerry Martin, ARS)
Strange medical condition
Subject: Graham Harrison of Exeter, England
Condition: Cotard’s syndrome
Story: In 2004 Harrison, then 48, went to a doctor with an odd complaint: he was dead. He explained that he’d attempted to commit suicide several months earlier (he took an electrical appliance with him into a bath), and while he seemed to have survived, he was convinced he had, in fact, killed his brain. Harrison recognized that he could walk and talk, but he was still convinced his brain had ceased to function. His rationale: he had lost all sensation, he said, including the ability to smell, to taste, and to feel pleasure. He was so convinced he was dead that he saw no point in eating. (His family had to make sure he ate food and took his medications.) Finally in 2013, after nine years of suffering with the symptoms, doctors diagnosed Harrison’s condition as Cotard’s syndrome, also known as “walking corpse syndrome”, an extremely rare psychological disorder, the cause or which is unknown. People with Cotard’s sincerely believe they are, basically, zombies. After the diagnosis, Harrison was able to return to the land of the living: “I don’t feel that brain-dead anymore,” he told New Scientist magazine. “Things just feel a bit bizarre sometimes.”
In the course of being treated, Harrison underwent brain scans, and they were, according to his doctors, surprising: Harrison’s brain showed a level of activity similar to someone in a vegetative state. “I’ve been analyzing scans for 15 years,” said Dr. Steven Laureys. “I’ve never seen anyone who was on his feet, who was interacting with people, with such an abnormal scan result.”
Origin of the Equal Sign
Invented by English mathematician Robert Recorde in 1557, with this rationale: “I will sette as I doe often in woorke use, a paire of paralleles, or Gemowe (i.e., twin) lines of one length, thus =, because noe 2 thynges, can be more equalle.” His equal signs were about five times as long as the current ones, and it took more than a century for his sign to be accepted over its rival: a strange curly symbol invented by Descartes.
One Winthropp, Maine man divorced his wife because she “wore earplugs whenever his mother came to visit.”
Book Your Spring Seed
JD EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
John Deere 4630 tractor with Powershift.
John Deere 4650 mechanical drive, Powershift.
John Deere 4840 2WD tractor.
John Deere 568 round baler, wet wrap. Phone (406) 660-0110
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Don’t you hate it when you come to somebody’s place and they just can’t shut up asking you stupid questions like “what do you want” and “who are you” and “omg is that a real gun?”
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Need cheering up? Start a fight with somebody when they have the hiccups!
R ecipe Patch
By Geri
Juicy skillet chicken breasts
1 ½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon avocado oil or other high heat cooking oil
Salt, to taste
1 teaspoon chili powder, see our homemade chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Half of a lemon, quartered, optional
Set aside a wide skillet with a lid, or if you do not have one with a lid, prepare a sheet of aluminum foil that fits over the skillet.
Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and season on both sides with salt (we use just less than 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt per chicken breast).
Combine the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper to make the spice rub.
Liberally dust the spice rub all over the chicken.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and looks shimmery, add the chicken breasts. Cook, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden.
Flip, reduce the heat to low, and add a few tablespoons of water (or broth) to the skillet. Cover the skillet with the lid or use foil.
Cook, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until an instantread thermometer reads 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the breast.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, cut into thick slices, and then serve with pan drippings and lemon wedges.
Garam Masala Fish Sticks
Cooking spray
1 Lb cod fish fillets
1 tsp kosher salt, divided, or to taste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large egg
1/3 cup whole milk
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and spray with cooking spray and set aside. Using paper towels, pat the fish dry on both sides. Cut the fish fillet into 3/4-inch wide, finger-length pieces. Sprinkle the fish sticks with salt. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, garam masala, and cayenne powder and season with salt and pepper. In another medium bowl, whisk together the egg and milk and season lightly with salt. In a third medium bowl, add the panko and season with salt and pepper. Working with one fish stick at a time, dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it is coated evenly. Dip in egg wash next, letting any excess briefly drip off, then coat in the panko. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining fish sticks and make sure all sides of the fish sticks are well coated. Spread the fish sticks out on the baking sheet in a single layer. Spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake the fish sticks until they are cooked through and crispy on the outside, 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through baking. Sprinkle the fish sticks with salt.
Sweet Pea Radish Salad
3 cups frozen peas (about 12 ounces)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
2 tsp dill weed
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 pound radishes, thinly sliced
4 ounces dill Havarti cheese, cubed
In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Add peas; cook, uncovered, just until peas turn bright green, 3-4 minutes. Drain and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry.
In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, cream, dill, salt and pepper. Stir in radishes, cheese and peas. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
March is International Mirth Month
International Mirth Month lights up March with laughter and joy, making it a time to embrace the lighter side of life.
Celebrated every March, it’s a special period dedicated to increasing happiness and improving our mental health through the power of laughter.
The celebration of International Mirth Month is rooted in laughter’s numerous benefits to our health and well-being.
Laughing enhances our mood and has proven health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving heart health, and even helping with weight loss through its calorie-burning effects. It’s a natural remedy that brightens our days and helps us cope with life’s challenges by shifting our perspective toward positivity.
Moreover, International Mirth Month plays a crucial role in strengthening relationships. Sharing a laugh with friends, family, or coworkers can forge stronger bonds and create lasting memories.
It’s a universal language that diminishes barriers and builds connections among people, making it an essential part of healthy, supportive relationships.
As we celebrate this month, it serves as a reminder of the joy and unity that laughter can bring into our lives.
History of International Mirth Month
Allen Klein brought International Mirth Month to life. Klein, who has a background in motivational speaking and focuses on the therapeutic benefits of humor, envisioned a month dedicated to the joys of laughter and its positive effects on health and well-being.
He officially established the month-long celebration to highlight and promote the importance of laughter and its ability to improve mental and physical health.
The celebration takes place every March and encourages people to incorporate more humor into their daily lives.
It is grounded in the belief that laughter is a universal tool that can help alleviate stress, strengthen relationships, and provide a healthier outlook on life. The aim is to remind everyone of the simple joy and the health benefits that come from laughing.
Keith Littrell Retirement
VEHICLES / TRAILERS
• 1991 Ford F-350 dually, transmission issue
• 2014 Subaru Forester, 5,600 miles
• 2014 Subaru, bad motor and transmission
• 6’x10’ flatbed trailer
• 18’ bumper pull Horse Trailer GUNS
• Desert Eagle Pellet Gun
• Flare gun
• 4 - Swords
• Winchester Model 425 pellet gun
• Pistol air gun
• Antique Fishing Rod & Reel
• 1940s Shooting Bible
• 12 guage Mossberg Barrell
• Wyatt Earp .44 Mag Replica Pistol
• Lever action Winchester Repeating Arms Replica
3-speed manual transmission and online 6 cylinder, 95,000 original miles. New shocks, starter, carpet and U-joints. Currently getting seats recovered, Dayton true spoke 14” rims and new tires, Starts and runs great!
As of press time, there is another storage unit being sorted out for auction day. Keith has treasures being discovered daily!
AMMO
• Misc. Boxes of Ammo
• Misc. Ammo Bandolier Holsters
HOUSEHOLD / ANTIQUES
• Various Big Game Mounts and Hides
• Bear Trap
• Antique Wooden Chairs
• Lodge Pole Bed - Queensize
• Carling lighted Beer sign - works
• 5 - Hamms Beer signs
• 3 - Old Cigarette dispensers, one still has cigarettes inside
• Condom Dispenser
• Antique Superior Stovecomplete, working wood cook stove
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
• Misc. Bronzes
• Antique Barbers Chair with shaving equipment
• Antique Handcuffs / Shackles
• Barbers Light
• 2 - Working Telephone Booths
• Original Art by Gene Lucas and Brian Morgan
• Misc. Buckskin / Wooly Coats
TOYS
• Wooden Toy Trucks
• Metal and Plastic Trains
• New York Central Electric Train
• Hudson Electric Train
• One Cent scale “Tells Your Future”
• Belt Buckle Collection
• 4 - large jars of Marbles
GARAGE TREASURES
• 2 sets Snowshoes, one old, one new
• Misc. Hand & Power Tools
• Coors on Tap - Lighted Sign
• Cream Separator
• Ice Shreader Machine
• Several old Metal & Wooden Trunks
• New Multi-purpose floor lift for Motorcycles, Snowmobiles, ATV
• Antique Cash Register from Rex’s Hardware in Shelby
• Antique Hand Saws
• Antique Mosler Safe)
• 1973 Cadillac Eldorado, 2 door convertible, 82K miles, running
• 2 - old Johnson Boat Motors
• 17’ Coleman Canoe, Red, used once
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Pasture lease considerations
By Jerry Volesky, UNL
As pasture grazing leases are getting finalized for the 2026 season, it is important to make sure that some of the key details are clear and in writing.
Traditionally, summer pasture leases are for 5 or 6 months from May or June to October or November. Specific starting and ending dates can be used, but there could be exceptions based on spring weather conditions or if there were drought conditions the previous year that might warrant delaying turn-out to allow some recovery of grasses.
A lease clause that provides details on what would happen if drought occurs during the season is a must. Most often, this is handled by reduced stocking rates or a shorter grazing period. Other situations that could affect the amount of pasture available includes severe hail, grasshoppers, or wildfire. In fairness of course, pasture rent owed should also be adjusted accordingly if the grazing period is shortened. Consider pricing leases based on grazing animal unit months (AUM’s) rather than a flat rate per acre or cow-calf pair. This can make it easier when adjustments are made to the length of time grazing occurs. In some cases, an abundance of pasture growth might result in extra grazing.
Other pasture and grazing management details that could be part of a written lease agreement would include fence maintenance and repair, weed control, or any issues associated with the livestock water supply. Some landowners might also have specific preferences in how grazing rotations are done through several pastures.
Start your communications early and make written agreements for fairness and equity. A fillable lease form for pasture can be found online by searching ‘Ag Lease 101’.
Origin of Question Mark
When early scholars wrote in Latin, they would place the word question –meaning “question” – at the end of a sentence to indicate a query. To conserve valuable space, writing it was soon shortened to qo, which caused another problem –ready might mistake it for the ending of a word, So, the quashed the letters into a symbol: a lowercase q on top of an o. Over time the o shrank to a dot and the q to a squiggle, giving us our current question mark.
During the Apollo 10 mission, astronauts found a floating turd in the cabin on two separate occasions, but no one ever admitted to it.
HERE’S WHAT GROWERS ARE SAYING: (More testimonials available on our website)
“The largest leaves we've ever seen on any alfalfa variety. In a year of no rain and only slight irrigation, 360 D yielded.”
Travis Olsen - Glasgow, MT
“ Ten years ago we planted 5lbs/per acre of 360-D mixed with some grasses The pivot was so short on water, we had to plug some nozzles in order to water parts of the piovt. Over the years the grasses died out due to lack of water, but the 360-D kept increasing. Today, 10 years later, the pivot is solid 360-D and producing well, and still very short on water.”
Cade Davis Spring Valley Ranch - 30 miles east of Ely, NV
“The best dryland alfalfa ever raised. The leafiness was surprising.”
Fred Walters - 40 Mile Colony / Lodge Grass, MT
“We planted 2200 lbs of 360-D. Considering the ‘not so good’ soil we planted 360-D on, and our high altitude, and less than needed rainfall, the 360-D did well enough that we will definitely plant it again”
Geier - Osage, WY
High quality hay after calving
By Ben Beckman, UNL
Good cow nutrition is crucial following calving to get cows rebred. Today, let’s look at the reason for using our top tier hay after calves hit the ground.
Because cows experience a lot of stress after calving, they needs good feed. Not only is the cow producing milk for her calf, she is also preparing her reproductive system to rebreed. As a result, nutrient demands are high. Energy requirements increase about 30 percent and protein needs nearly double after calving. Underfeeding reduces the amount of milk a cow provides her calf, and it can delay or even prevent rebreeding. If it gets cold, wet, or icy again, nutrient demands can sky-rocket. If animals can get to them, winter grass, corn stalks, and other crop residues are low quality right now as these feeds have weathered and are well picked over. It is critical that the hay or silage you feed will provide the extra nutrients your cows need.
Because of this, not just any hay or silage will do. Your cow needs 10 to 12 percent crude protein and 60 to 65 percent TDN in her total diet. If she is grazing poor quality feeds or eating grass hay, your other forages and supplements must make up any deficiencies.
Make sure your forage has adequate nutrients; if you haven’t done so yet, get it tested now for protein and energy content. Compare this to the nutrient requirements of your cows. Then feed your cows a ration that will meet their requirements. Use supplements if needed. But don’t overfeed, either. That is wasteful and expensive.
Calving and the months after are a stressful time for cows. If we underfeed, it can delay rebreeding and slow down calf growth. Use your best quality forages with any needed supplements to provide adequate nutrition. By meeting nutrient requirements, your cows will milk well, rebreed on time, and produce healthy calves year after year.
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Why are tennis players bad in relationships? Because love means nothing to them.
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How are plateaus similar to imitation?
They’re both the highest forms of flattery.
Below breed average bulls may be better!
By Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator
The use of genetic selection tools by cattle breeders has resulted in significant changes within the majority of major breeds over the last 30 years. With a few exceptions, the overwhelming genetic trend has been for more milk, higher weaning weight, and bigger mature weight. Without question, the use of Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) has enabled this change. While we have achieved our goals of more, have we achieved our goals of better? The late Dr. Bob Taylor from Colorado State University said it well, “Profitable cattle are usually productive, but productive cattle are not always profitable.”
Weaning weight questions
Four different benchmark data sets for commercial cowcalf producers from the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, Kansas, as well as Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma have shown little to no change in average weaning weights or calf weaning rates in terms of the percentage of calves weaned per cow exposed over the last 15 years. This has to prompt the question why? How can it be that there has been such significant genetic change in several breeds that should increase weaning weights, but records from several commercial cow-calf data sets would indicate that there has been relatively no change?
In 2014, Dr. David Lalman from Oklahoma State University made a presentation at the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle meeting titled “Matching Cows to Forage Resources in a World of Mixed Messages.” In that presentation, Dr. Lalman made the case that the genetic potential of many cattle today is not supported by the forage resources available, so the animals never fully express their genetic potential. He presented data that shows the cost of maintaining larger cows with higher milk potential exceeds the value produced by small increases in calf weaning weights.
In 1988, Dr. Rick Bourdon, wrote a paper titled “Bovine Nirvana – From the Perspective of a Modeler and Purebred Breeder” where he presented the case that genetic selection should be toward the optimum for what a set of resources or environment could support. Dr. Bourdon stated, “To breed for optimum means to have a target insight beyond which you don’t want to go. If your goal is to maintain an optimum level for any trait, the evidence of your accomplishment is not visible change, but lack of it.”
Replacement heifer considerations
Cow-calf producers have EPDs and index tools to make genetic selection decisions related to traits that impact levels of productivity and longevity. Producers selecting sires from which to develop replacement heifers may want to evaluate where their cow herd is compared to what they believe optimum to be. Producers can work with beef cattle genetic specialists and breed association representatives to help them identify what EPD levels for milk, weaning weight and mature weight best meet their target. What a producer identifies as optimum in terms of milk production, weaning weight and mature size can vary significantly from one operation to another depending upon resources available and management. When optimum is identified, sires can be selected to produce daughters whose maintenance energy, longevity, level of milk production and mature weight will move the cow herd toward identified goals given available resources.
Identifying and selecting optimum genetics for milk production and mature weight is a genetics selection approach that may require a change in focus for many cow-calf producers. It may mean selecting sires at a bull sale that are at or below breed average to move the cow herd genetically toward a desired level for certain traits. Selecting a bull that is “below breed average” is a paradigm shift for many cowcalf producers. Identifying a window of optimum given a set of resources and then selecting cattle that hit the optimum target is the goal under this method of cattle breeding. Success in selecting for optimum means that for many producers they will be selecting sires whose EPDs for milk production and mature weight will decrease the average in their herd. Simultaneously, they should be using EPDs to select for traits that will maintain or improve fertility and longevity. Genetic selection and breeding programs should focus on increased profit, and in many cases this may mean selection for decreased mature weight and milk production to move future replacements for the cowherd towards optimum.
Irrigation water availability and risk management considerations
By Cory Walters, Jessica Groskopf, Gary Stone, Xin Qiao | UNL Extension Educators and Specialists
Current snowpack in the headwaters of the North Platte River Basin continues to be below average. Wyoming reservoir water levels on the North Platte River are Pathfinder at thirty-three percent full, requiring 722,530 acre-feet to fill. Seminoe is thirtytwo percent full, requiring 689,042 acrefeet to fill. While Initial weather forecasts indicate the potential for more moisture in the next few weeks, many farmers are concerned about irrigation water availability for the 2026 Crop Year.
Crop insurance may play a critical role in supporting surface water irrigated producers in the North Platte Valley this year. While irrigation districts have not yet finalized official water availability determinations, limited snowpack since March 15, 2025, may affect irrigation water availability for the 2026 crops. If the allocation letters from the irrigation districts indicate lower water availability and the letter comes out before planting, then according to the Preventative Planting Standards Handbook (FCIC-25370 (12-2025), in the insurance period, section 4:
“When available information indicates that the effects of drought… prior to the insurance period for the current Crop Year are such that normal weather conditions within the Prevent Plant insurance period would still not allow crop production (e.g., irrigation water allocations remain below what is needed to irrigate 100 percent of historical acreage, even with normal weather), the loss would be attributable to events occurring outside the Prevent Plant insurance period for the current year and no Prevent Plant payment could be made on such acreage.”
In other words, preventative planting would not be available if there is official communication about reduced irrigation water before the insurance period. While planting typical crop rotations may still be feasible this season, producers may benefit from considering alternative crops. To have planting flexibility, there are actions you can take ahead of the crop insurance sales closing date of March 15. First, add crops
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I just got a photo from a speeding camera through the mail. I sent it right back – way too expensive and really bad quality.
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What do electric cars and diarrhea have in common?
The idea, “I will make it home.”
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Where do we get virgin wool from? Ugly sheep.
to your insurance policy that you could plant if drought conditions persist. If you do not plant these crops, there is no penalty. Second, make sure your dryland coverage is adequate. If there are reductions in irrigation allocation, you may end up with dryland practice in part of a surface water irrigated field. As limited irrigation water requires the insured acreage to reflect what can be properly watered. Third, be in excellent communication with your crop insurance agent to understand your options. Especially before the sales closing date of March 15.
We encourage everyone to know your cost of production, how it relates to your insurance guarantee across many crops and practices. If irrigation water is limited, find the right crops to plant at the right coverage levels. The time is now to develop a strategy, a strategy that will evolve with new information.
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Modular Homes and Cabins
Pots of possibility: Herbs that thrive indoors
By Allison Kosto
is the MSU Extension Agent in Broadwater County
There is something satisfying about using fresh herbs in the middle of winter when the landscape is brown and bare. To be able to pick the herbs from your own plants is even more gratifying. As our Montana growing season is ending, consider starting a winter herb garden inside to enjoy fresh herbs year-round. Although it is slightly more challenging than growing them outdoors, many herbs can successfully be grown indoors.
For the purpose of this article, herbs are defined as plant parts, often leaves, that are used to flavor or season food. In addition to being a food source, indoor herbs also provide fragrant foliage and visual interest. Like other houseplants, they can absorb carbon dioxide, increase oxygen levels, increase positive feelings, reduce sound levels, and reduce stress levels.
SELECTING THE RIGHT HERBS
Some herbs grow well in containers while others struggle. Easy-to-grow herbs include parsley, mint, chives, basil, oregano, cilantro and thyme. Other options that are a little harder to grow indoors are rosemary, sage, lemon balm and marjoram. Avoid herbs with large root systems like horseradish and fennel. If you have indoor cats and dogs, consider avoiding toxic plants such tarragon.
Perennial herbs that were grown outside during the summer can be brought in for the winter. Examples are rosemary, chives, thyme and mint. Some herbs, such as mint and chives, benefit from a light frost before they are moved indoors, which will induce a rest period and stimulate growth. Annual or biennial herbs such as basil, parsley, cilantro and caraway can be successfully started from seed indoors.
CREATING THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT
It’s important to choose the right container with welldrained potting soil and a pot that has sufficient drainage holes in the bottom. Clay or terracotta containers work well for herbs because they are porous, which allows the soil to dry more easily between watering. However, there are a variety of other container options too. Grouping plants with similar growing requirements together can be helpful for creating a favorable microclimate and can also simplify care practices such as watering.
Most home temperatures are perfect for herbs. Lighting is a much bigger issue. Many herbs are Mediterranean plants, so they need a significant amount of sunlight. At minimum, they need a window space that will allow them to receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, some species such as rosemary, thyme and bay laurel (bay leaves) need 12 to 16 hours a day and it will be necessary to supplement light with a full-spectrum LED or florescent grow light. If plants are long and lanky, that is often a sign that they are not getting enough light.
CARE
Watering depends on the species, but in general water when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering is the most common issue with houseplants, and can lead to increased disease issues, most commonly root rot. Generally, herbs don’t need much fertilizer but could benefit from diluted fertilizer, used sparingly as needed throughout the winter. Lack of humidity can be a concern in our arid environment but is generally not a major problem for herbs. Wood stove use may cause more of an issue. If humidity is an issue, then grouping plants together, spraying or misting the leaves with a water bottle on a regular basis, or placing a humidifier nearby can help.
HARVESTING
Harvest the same as outdoor herbs. Most herbs can handle periodic snipping and often have the best flavor right before flowering. Some leafy herbs like basil, chervil (a type of parsley) and parsley can even be cut back significantly. For herbs in the mint family, such as basil, cut on the stem right above a set of leaves. This will promote growth and result in a bushier plant. For perennial herbs such as chives, oregano and thyme, only remove one-third of the top growth if you plan to move them outdoors for the summer.
Perennial plants can be moved outdoors when the threat of frost has passed. Slowly acclimate them back to the outdoors to more intense light and wind. Start by placing the pots in a protected outdoor location with partial shade for a few hours a day. Gradually increase the duration outside and the amount of sunlight until they are fully acclimated. This process generally takes about two weeks until the plants are ready to be outdoors full-time.
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Dakota Gardener: 23 years from now
By Joe Zeleznik, Forester, NDSU Extension
How tall will a tree grow in 23 years?
That’s a very specific question. A lot of factors go into figuring out the answer.
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What tree species is it? Is it planted in a good site, with plenty of sunlight, water and nutrients? How big was the tree when it was planted? Have there been any problems, such as insects, diseases or wildlife damage? The list can go on.
As I look in my own yard, I see two 20-year-old trees, each over 30 feet tall. They’re fast-growing species and are planted in a good site. Not all trees are so impressive.
Regardless, these trees remind me of the long-term decisions we make. In September 2002, when I moved to North Dakota, a little green insect was discovered in southeast Michigan, killing all the ash trees there. The scientists studying the problem called it emerald ash borer, EAB for short. It took quite a while, but EAB finally made its way to North Dakota back in 2024, near Edgeley. Last week, it was discovered in Fargo.
This news isn’t surprising. We’ve been expecting it for quite a while.
Each of these finds reminds me of the challenges of managing long-lived plants such as trees. The decisions we make today can have ramifications for decades to come.
For most of the state, there’s still plenty of time to make those decisions. EAB travels very slowly on its own – about a half-mile each year. For folks in and around that find north of Edgeley, as well as those in the Fargo area, the time to make decisions is getting shorter. In the next five to 10 years, the infestation will be well established in those areas, and a lot of ash trees will be dead or dying
What do you plan to do with your ash trees?
While doing nothing is always a management option, I don’t recommend it with ash trees around homes or in urban areas in the long run. Dead ash trees are brittle and dangerous. Removing a dead tree around a home or near power lines is awfully expensive.
Some people are already removing their ash trees and planting different species. This is a great option, as it reduces future risk and diversifies the urban forest – or even just your yard.
Other people have decided to treat their ash trees. Several potential chemical treatments can be used to control EAB. Emamectin benzoate, in particular, is highly effective. However, it must be injected into the stem every two or three years, which can get a bit pricey.
To be clear, we don’t recommend chemical treatments unless EAB has been found within 15 miles of your location. Definitely, that covers all of the Fargo-Moorhead metro area. But most of the state is well outside that range. As mentioned above, EAB spreads slowly, so it could be a long time before it reaches your location.
Long-term injections when EAB isn’t in your area yet, could be a waste of money. If we had started injecting ash trees when I moved to North Dakota in 2002, it would have been a huge investment without a lot of return. However, if we had removed an ash tree and planted a new one, we could have a 30-foot tree by now.
Okay, maybe a 20-foot tree is more realistic.
Pots of possibility: Herbs that thrive indoors
CONTINUED FROM PAGE A40
Once annual plants have flowered, they are usually coming to the end of their life. The flavor may change, and is often less favorable. If you have a significant harvest, drying herbs is a good way to preserve them. Air drying is the best option as it results in the best flavor. Hang four to five stems together upside down with a clean string in a dark, warm, dry, well-ventilated room. It typically takes 7-14 days to dry most herbs completely. Other methods for drying herbs include the microwave or oven, but this takes specific techniques to avoid overcooking and to preserve the flavor. Once dry, store in an airtight container. Stored correctly, herbs can be used up to a year.
For more information about herbs, refer to the MontGuide Herbs for Montana Gardens (MT200003AG).
Women’s contributions to ranching have been historically overlooked, but the latest rendition of the University of Wyoming’s Larsh Bristol Photojournalism Fellowship challenges these assumptions.
Shelby Sinclair, a UW student from Fort Collins, Colo., is the recipient of the 2025 Bristol fellowship. She presented her work, titled “Unseen Hands,” in February.
At the heart of Sinclair’s project is the story of Faith Hamlin and the transformation of the Little Jennie Ranch in Bondurant.
As an agricultural communications major, Sinclair says her work is driven by a desire to connect people to the origins of their food.
“I’ve always wanted to bridge the gap between community, products, and consumers,” she says. “That’s a big disconnect—a lot of people don’t understand where their food comes from.”
Sinclair’s relationship with photojournalism began in the classes she took in the Department of Communication and Journalism.
“I was taking Dr. Shane Epping’s photography classes, and I fell in love with it,” she says. “I think it helped me develop a sense of really being in the moment. That’s what photojournalism is, if you do it right.”
Epping, who is the first-ever Bobby Model Photojournalism Professor, has instructed students in the art of photography, photojournalism, and visual communication since 2021.
“Documentary photography asks us to observe rather than direct, to wait for truth instead of constructing it. Shelby embraced that discipline fully,” he says. “She didn’t pose her subject or look for shortcuts. She drove to Bondurant, built a relationship with Faith Hamlin over time and returned again and again to document a life in progress. That kind of commitment—showing up, putting in the hours, earning trust—is exactly what the Larsh Bristol Photojournalism Fellowship was created to support and Shelby honors that legacy well.”
The Larsh Bristol fellowship presentation has been hosted by the Department of Communication and Journalism since 2008 and gives recipients the opportunity to pursue strong visual storytelling projects. It is named in honor of Larsh Bristol, a UW journalism alumnus who died in 2006.
Sinclair says the Bristol fellowship pushed her to grow as a professional.
“I don’t think I could have done that a year ago; I couldn’t have reached out to someone and been like, ‘Hey, can I spend all this time with you behind the scenes and take this whole story and all of these photos of you?,’” she says. “I don’t think I could have had the confidence to reach out and spend that much time with a new person, and this story gave me the opportunity to work on that.”
She says the experience she gained over the past summer left a lasting impression of what she is capable of as a photographer and as a woman in the field.
“What has stuck with me the most is the confidence I have now as a photographer,” Sinclair says. “I feel very honored to represent UW with this project and represent this Western culture and way of life.”
The deadline for the 2026 Larsh Bristol Photojournalism Fellowship student applications is Friday, March 27. For more information, email Cindy Price Schultz at Cprice@ uwyo.edu.
Peach
The English word peach is, surprisingly enough, derived from an ancient Greek name for Persia. The Greeks called the peach the persikon malon, meaning “Persian apple,” or simply Persikos. Reason: It was the Persians who first introduced the fruit – which actually originated in China – to Europe. The Greek name evolved over the centuries, becoming pesca in Latin, and the pesche in Old French, before arriving in English as peach around 1400.
Rancher Faith Hamlin, of Bondurant, is the center of the new Larsh Bristol Photojournalism Fellowship presentation, “Unseen Hands.” (Shelby Sinclair Photo)
Faith Hamlin and her team brand a calf. (Shelby Sinclair Photo)
Snowpack deficits grow across Montana after a dry, warm January
By Tasha Gibby, State Public Affairs Specialist, NRCS Montana State Office
Well below normal January precipitation and unseasonably warm temperatures stalled Montana’s snowpack accumulation last month.
“Most Montana basins are now reporting below normal snowpack. While some higher elevations are holding onto their snowpack reserves, mid elevation snowpack is falling behind, and low elevation snowpack is noticeably absent,” said Florence Miller, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Hydrologist. “As of February 1, most major basins hold 65-90% of median snowpack, a 10-30% decrease from the January 1 medians. Snowpack in the Bears Paw Mountains is currently around 45% of median Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), while the Upper Yellowstone and Bighorn basins are the only basins in the state hovering around 100% of median SWE.”
January precipitation was only 50-75% of median and temperatures remained largely above normal. Many areas across the state lost soil moisture with the dry January and minimal snow cover, causing drought conditions to increase. The snowpack continues to be denser than normal for this time of year due to the above normal temperatures seen in December and January.
Water-year-to-date precipitation remains well above normal (100-150% of median) statewide, thanks to a wet December. Higher elevation SNOTELs, where early precipitation fell as snow, accumulated snowpack surpluses during that period. However, January’s lack of precipitation eroded those surpluses at all but the highest sites. Most SNOTEL and snow course stations across Montana are reporting a oneto five-inch deficit below normal SWE for this time of year, with a couple higher elevation pockets in the Cabinet and Swan Range nearing an eight-inch deficit. A few higher elevation stations have retained up to a five-inch surplus from the early winter precipitation. For example, in the Whitefish Range, the Stahl Peak SNOTEL at 6,040 feet is reporting 24.5 inches of SWE (111% of median). The lower elevation Grave Creek SNOTEL at 4,350 feet has only 4.4 inches of SWE (41% of median).
“Mid- to high-elevation snowpack is the main contributor to summer streamflow. How the lack of low elevation snow coverage will influence snowmelt driven runoff this year is yet to be determined. Official water supply forecasts will be available starting next month after more of the snowpack accumulation season has played out,” explains Miller.
Montana’s mountains typically reach peak snowpack between late March and early May. Conditions at that time will influence summer streamflow far more than this February 1 snapshot. Statewide, most SNOTELs are less than half of the way towards their normal peak snowpack. With two to three months remaining in the snowpack accumulation sea-
son, a return of winter and continued snowfall will be crucial to catch up current snowpack deficits. While current snowpack deficits can still be recovered, the larger they grow, and the shorter the time to catch up, the less likely full recovery becomes.
More Information
A full report of conditions on February 1 can be found in the monthly Water Supply Outlook Report available on the Montana Snow Survey website. In addition, real-time snow survey data can be found at nrcs.usda. gov/montana/snow-survey.
For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.
Hay Sales
Fraser’s Oil Inc.
What heifers will fit my forage resources?
By Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator
•
excess moisture, and drought. Also improves nutrient use efficiency.
• Speeds up recovery from herbicide hangover - the correct supply of nutrients helps the crop metabolize the herbicide more quickly.
• Contains novel Phosphorus nutrition, providing increased nutrient uptake and movement within the plant.
• Targeted at the reproductive phse of the plant.
• Proactive way of managing the crops utritional requirement
• Contains other essential nutrients targeted for each specific crop, ie. Boron to aid pollen
growth, Zinc to help produce Auxin, to ensure
growth.
The old phrase, “horses for courses” now has a complementary phrase of “cows for resources.” Approximately 75% of the feed that goes towards producing a pound of beef comes from forage. Recent research at Oklahoma State University by Dr. David Lalman has shown that there are significant differences in how efficiently heifers convert forage to pounds of beef in a growing diet consisting of good quality hay. In a recent article titled “Finding Forage Efficient Heifers” in the December 15 issue of the CowCalf Corner Newsletter, Dr. Lalman shares groundbreaking research examining forage efficiency.
Research has been conducted for almost three decades, measuring individually how efficiently cattle convert feed into pounds of gain. The feed used in these research studies tends to be high quality, energy dense, and utilizes some grain as a part of the ration. What has not been studied is feed efficiency utilizing a medium to high quality, long stem grass hay which is more similar in type to what most beef cattle are expected to utilize through grazing.
The research results show tremendous variability in the performance of the weaned heifer calves utilized in this study. Average daily forage intake ranged from 9 to 19 pounds per head per day, while average daily gain ranges from a slight weight loss to a gain of 1.6 pounds per day. In the study, there are heifers that have an unacceptable rate of gain on the forage-based diet. There are also heifers that have moderate forage intake and acceptable to even exceptional levels of gain. There are also heifers that ate a lot but only had moderate levels of gain.
In a recent BeefWatch Podcast, https://go.unl.edu/heifer_ forage_efficency, Dr. Lalman shares data that consistently shows there is statistically no correlation between feed efficiency on a long stem grass hay diet when compared to an energy dense diet that has a grain component. While there is a correlation of level of feed intake in individual cattle across these diets, there is no correlation in feed efficiency! This means that cattle that eat a lot when fed an energy dense diet are likely to eat a lot when fed a long stem grass hay diet. However, cattle that are identified as being efficient when fed an energy dense diet may not be efficient when fed a diet consisting of medium to high quality long stem grass.
These research results give food for thought for those selecting bulls to produce replacement heifers and when thinking about replacement heifer development systems. Sires that have genetics for increased levels of feed intake when compared to their contemporaries, will likely pass this trait on to their resulting heifer calves. However, sires that have been shown to be efficient at converting an energy dense diet to pounds of beef, may not sire heifers that are efficient at converting forage to pounds of beef.
In the BeefWatch podcast, Dr. Lalman shared some practical thoughts for cow-calf producers wanting to produce heifers that will efficiently convert forage to pounds of beef and fit available grazing resources.
After weaning, conduct a forage test for heifers either through grazing a medium quality forage or through feeding of medium quality hay for a 60-to-90-day period. Heifers that perform acceptably in terms of average daily gain will likely be heifers that will make cows that will effectively utilize forage resources.
Sires with genetic potential for high levels of feed intake will likely pass these traits on to their daughters. Selecting for higher levels of feed intake will eventually necessitate a decrease in stocking rate as the same size herd of cows will eat more.
Sires that are efficient at converting high-quality energy dense diets to pounds of beef, may not sire heifers that are efficient at converting forage to pounds of beef. The data shows no correlation between feed efficiency on a highquality energy dense diet and feed efficiency on a medium to high-quality long stem hay diet.
The primary feed resource for cattle is forage. The competitive advantage of cattle, when compared to poultry or pigs, is that they can harvest and convert forage into highquality protein products. Utilizing selection tools and management practices that can identify forage efficient cattle will aid in developing cows that fit grazing resources and effectively convert forage into beef.
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a critical role in animal nutrition and production.
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CRYSTALYX Blueprint 30 with BIO-MOS 2 supplement is designed for self-feeding to grazing beef cattle health.
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Why do I have so many open cows? Causes of reproductive failure
By Bethany Johnston, Nebraska Extension Educator, Rick Funston, Nebraska Extension Beef Cattle Reproductive Physiologist
With calves weaned, veterinarians crisscross the country conducting pregnancy checks, or preg checking, cow herds. The vet calls out and marks an “O” on the hips of “open” or non-pregnant cows. Producers figure the herd percentage bred by dividing the number of pregnant cows by the total cows exposed. Armed with these numbers, the question can arise, “Why is my open rate so much higher this year?”
While several factors can play into a herd’s reproductive success, management is usually the key. Nutrition, bull management, vaccination protocols, and handling of early pregnant animals can greatly influence the herd pregnancy rate.
A change in management can have a ripple effect. For example, one management decision on calving could impact pregnancy rates. If you push back your calving date from March to May, the breeding season is pushed back to August. And this can result in more open cows.
Causes of Reproductive Failure (or Why Do I Have So Many Open Cows?)
1) Nutrition
As I interviewed specialists, veterinarians, and nutritionists, they all agreed that nutrition is normally the biggest cause of reproductive failure. “If you think of building a wall, nutrition is the bricks. If the bricks are missing, the wall is going to fail,” said Mary Drewnoski, UNL Beef and Forage Specialist. “Protein or energy are usually the big rocks that are missing, especially in young animals that may still be growing.”
Heifers and cows should be on an increasing plane of nutrition during the breeding season, as established through years of research.
Breeding in Late Summer or Fall
In our previous example, a March calving herd in the Sandhills would breed while grazing grass in June, which is increasing in protein and energy. However, if I changed that herd’s calving date to May, that herd is now breeding in August on grass that has matured and dropping in the available protein and energy. In the Sandhills, this herd would be breeding on rangeland that is decreasing in forage value.
To solve this nutrient deficiency, the heifer calves and first calf heifers in the May calving herd at the university research ranch (Gudmundsen Sandhills Lab) receive 0.3 pounds of protein per head per day (or 1 lb. of a 30% distillers based cake supplement/day) two weeks prior to breeding and for 30 days into the breeding season. A bull is turned out with these young females for 30 days. Another rancher who has a May calving herd starts supplementing 2 weeks prior to breeding and feeds 3 weeks into his breeding season. By supplementing, the plane of nutrition is increasing, even though the grass forage value is dropping, which should boost the pregnancy rate.
Rick Funston, UNL Beef Reproductive Specialist, believes the kind of protein you are feeding matters. Distillers grains products are higher in by-pass protein, which the animal can use, and the young animals in the May herd receive 0.3 lbs of protein per head per day. However, if feeding alfalfa hay, which is lower in by-pass protein, Funston suggests feeding 0.5 lbs of protein per head per day.
Wet Years with Lots of Mature Grass
In wet years with higher than normal precipitation, producers are often surprised when they have more open cows than usual. Remember that mature grass is lower in
protein and energy, because the rigid stem and seedhead are less digestible. “But those cows were belly deep in grass!?” is a common response. That “washy” grass was providing a declining plane of nutrition during the breeding season, which could lower pregnancy rates.
On the flip side, producers are often surprised at good pregnancy rates during lower precipitation years. While grass production is lower, the grass may lack the rainfall to produce a seedhead, resulting in a higher forage value.
Thin Cows
Research shows that cows that are thin, or body condition score 4 or less, are less likely to breed back. Thin cows are also milking during the breeding season and will need more protein and energy to gain weight. The environment is telling the cow she can’t support herself, so why could she support the extra nutritional needs of a fetus? After calving and heading into the breeding season, cows should be in a good body condition score, or thinner cows (BCS 4) should be gaining body condition.
Young Animals are Still Growing
Young heifers and cows are growing and may need a higher diet of protein and energy. Often producers will sort off these young animals and manage them differently than the older cows. The young herd is often fed more protein or energy to compensate for growth.
If second or third calf heifers have lower pregnancy rates, consider the genetics you have been selecting for and the environment the herd is in. If you are selecting for higher weaning or yearling weights, cow size and milk production may also be increasing. More open young animals could indicate your environment and genetics no longer match. Energy and protein may not be meeting the needs of these young, growing, and milking females.
Other Nutrients
Vitamin A and dietary phosphorus are important to reproduction success. Vitamin A does not store well in the animal, and levels differ drastically in feeds, so vitamin A should be a consideration. Dietary phosphorus drops in grasses as plants mature, so it may need supplemented in mineral if cattle are grazing dormant winter range. However, distillers grains are high in phosphorus, so if supplemented, phosphorus may not be needed in the mineral.
2) Bulls
Bull Power
Females are just one part of the equation- don’t forget about bull management. If running multiple bulls in a herd, ensure there are enough bulls. Recommendations for the cow to bull ratio depends on the age of the bulls, terrain and size of the pasture, and other variables. For older bulls, 25 cows per 1 bull is suggested. For a yearling bull, the number of females is equal to the bull’s age in months (for example, a 15 month old bull could run with 15 females).
Breeding Soundness Exam or Semen Testing Bulls
Bulls should be tested 4-6 weeks prior to turn out. Bulls may be subfertile or infertile. Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead, veterinarian and Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator, states that sperm production is a 61-day process, so injuries that occur earlier in the spring may not show up during a Breeding Soundness Exam, if the exam is done too early.
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##### During World War II, the Bicycle playing card company worked with American and British intelligence agencies to create “map decks” that were sent to Allied prisoners of war in German prison camps. Unbeknownst to the Germans, the decks contained special cards that, when soaked in water, revealed hidden maps of routes the POWS couold use if they managed to escape.
Why do I have so many open cows? Causes of reproductive failure
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B2
Check Bulls Often During the Breeding Season
The exam is just a “snapshot” in time, so check bulls often during the breeding season to ensure bulls are “sound” all season. Bulls can injure feet, legs, or hips. Check for swelling around the sheath and scrotal areas. Remove injured bulls and replace with a healthy “spare” bull.
3) Early Embryonic Death Loss
When heifers or cows are first pregnant, the embryo is small, as well as fragile. If you are synchronizing and utilizing Artificial Insemination (AI), either move animals immediately after breeding (within 5 days of breeding) or wait until 45 days to transport. By waiting to transport, this will reduce the embryonic loss, which will increase pregnancy rates.
“Preg checking should also wait until after 50 days of breeding to reduce the amount of embryonic loss in pregnant animals,” suggests Rick Funston, who worked with large sets of ranch data that studied the relationship of the timing of pregnancy checking herds.
4) Infections
Keeping infections or diseases out of herds may be the first thing you think of when you have a lot of non-pregnant cows, but in Dr. Waechter-Mead’s experience, “diseases are rarely found and it’s usually a management issue.” If management or nutrition deficiencies have been ruled out, work with your local veterinarian for diseases that could affect reproduction.
Based on risks and benefits, each herd will have their own vaccinations or health protocols, again working with your veterinarian. However, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners recommends core vaccines of IBR, BRSV, BVD, PI3, and Clostridial species. The rest should be based on risk/benefits specific to each vaccine.
During the semen testing of bulls, samples for trichomoniasis tests can be taken during the bulls’ breeding soundness exams. Virgin bulls should not need a trichomoniasis, or trich, test.
Conclusion
According to established herds that Nebraska Extension Beef Reproductive Specialist, Rick Funston, has worked with, these herds achieve 90% or greater pregnancy rates on cows and 80% or greater pregnancy rates on heifers. If your pregnancy rates are significantly lower, reach out to your local veterinarian, as each is evaluated on a case-bycase basis. By asking the right questions, a solution can be found faster and at less expense.
These may be a few questions asked:
Did anything drastically change during the breeding season?
Was there drought or overgrazing of pastures?
How long is the breeding season?
When do the cows calve? If the cows are breeding on a declining plane of nutrition, that would suppress pregnancy rate.
Did you test your feed/hay? Or change who you bought your feed from?
How much and when did you supplement extra protein or energy to the heifers/cows?
The science of singing sands
Dunes that “sing” need a special recipe of sand, moisture, wind, and movement. In particular, the dunes must be created out or grains of sand the have been blown over long distances, making them unusually smooth and round. All the grains must be similar in size, and the dunes free of foreign particles. Humidity and moisture also affect the sound–too much moisture, the sand goes silent because, the grains can’t move. But the dune must have some rainfall so that its inner grains stay a little damp.
When a dune creates sound, it’s outer layer of sand (which must be a few feet thick) is dry from the Sun, but it’s inner core can be wet. Wind then pushes sand grains to the top of the dune, and they accumulate until the angel of the slope reaches a tipping point of about 35 degrees. That causes an avalanche of sand grains to fall, creating friction and producing the loud bass tone, similar to one produced by, a stringed instrument.
Changes to Montana Private Applicator
Certification and Training
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has increased standards of certification and training of pesticide applicators in the US to improve safety and decrease risk. These changes took effect in January 2026 and impact all pesticide license holders in Montana. Below is a summary of updates to the Montana Private Applicator Training Program.
Private Applicator General Permit
The Montana private applicator license is now called the Private Applicator General Permit. Anyone holding a valid license on January 1, 2026, continued their existing five-year recertification cycle and are not required to retest. This permit allows individuals to apply restricted use pesticides (RUPs) on land they or their employers own, rent or lease for the purpose of growing an agricultural commodity. It does not include RUPs within the categories of aquatic, aerial, nonsoil fumigation, M-44, or 1080 livestock protection collars.
Certification
To obtain a Private Applicator General Permit, applicators may attend an Initial Private Applicator Training or take an exam. Initial trainings increased from seven to eight hours of instruction with added and revised topics. Initial exams remain open book with a 70% passing score. If certification has lapsed applicators taking the exam within 12 months of their permit expiration must take a closed book exam with a 70% passing score. To prepare for the exam an applicator must study the 2014 National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual (2nd Edition) and the 2026 Montana Private Pesticide Certification Addendum (4th Edition).
Pesticide applicators seeking a Private Applicator General Permit may contact their local Montana State University (MSU) Extension office to schedule an exam, or check the MSU Pesticide Education Program (PEP) Event Page for initial training opportunities.
CONTINUED ON PAGE B6
Changes to Montana Private Applicator Certification and Training
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B5
Recertification
To maintain certification applicators must earn six continuing education credits (CECs) or pass a closed book exam prior to their permit expiration date. A few exceptions exist: Individuals certified in the last year of the cycle do not need CECs.
Individuals certified after June 30 of the third year of the cycle need only three CECs.
New Private Applicator Categories=
Private applicators applying RUPs in certain ways must obtain the appropriate category in addition to their Private Applicator General Permit. Applicators with existing subcategories on January 1, 2026, in aquatic pest control, M-44 control, or 1080 livestock protection collar were grandfathered into the corresponding category. All others must pass the required exam to add a category.
Private Aquatic Pest Control
This category applies to RUP applications to standing or running water. Applicators must purchase the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) Aquatic Pest Control Manual and pass an open book exam at an MSU Extension office with a 70% score.
Private Farm 1080 Livestock Collar Control
This category applies to the use of sodium fluoroacetate livestock protection collars for predator control. Applicators must purchase the relevant MDA manual and pass a closed book exam with an 80% score at an MDA field office. In addition, applicators must complete category-specific training with the MDA Vertebrate Pest Specialist.
Private Farm M-44 Sodium Cyanide Control
This category applies to using sodium cyanide in mechanical ejection devices for predator control. Applicators must purchase the MDA M-44 Training Manual and pass a closed book exam with an 80% score at an MDA field office. In addition, the applicator must complete category-specific training with the MDA Vertebrate Pest Specialist.
Private Non-Soil Fumigation
This category applies to restricted use fumigants used to manage insects in agricultural structures or rodents in burrows on agricultural land. Applicators must purchase the Non-Soil Agricultural Fumigation Manual for Private Applicators and pass an open book exam at an MSU Extension office with a 70% score.
Private Farm Aerial Pest Control
This category applies to RUP applications made by aircraft, drone or unmanned aerial vehicles. Applicators must purchase the MDA Aerial Applicator’s Manual and pass an open book exam at an MSU Extension office with a 70% score.
Recertification of Categories
Categories follow the same five-year recertification cycles as the Private Applicator General Permit. To remain certified in a category, applicators must earn three CECs specific to that category in addition to the CECs required for the general permit by the expiration date. Alternatively, applicators may pass a closed book exam during the final year of the cycle.
Manual Purchase
Core and non-soil fumigation manuals can be purchased online through the MSU Extension Store or by calling (406) 994-3273.
2014 National Pesticide Certification Core Manual - 2nd Edition (4509CM)
Non-Soil Agricultural Fumigation Manual for Private Applicators (EB0229)
All other categorical manuals are available from the MDA online or call (406) 444-3732.
Permit Fees
Private applicator permit fees remain the same at $12 per year or $60 per five-year recertification cycle. Added categories do not have an associated fee.
Minimum Age
Private applicators must be at least 18 years old. A family member exemption exists for non-certified applicators working under the supervision of a family member who holds an active Private Applicator General Permit. This exception does not apply to non-family members, restricted use fumigants, sodium cyanide (M-44), sodium fluoroacetate (1080), or aerial applications.
Changes to Montana Private Applicator Certification and Training
Supervising Applicators Under a Private Applicator Permit
Noncertified applicators, including employees and family members, working under a certified private applicator must meet specific requirements and receive annual training from the permit holder or a certified trainer. Training records must be kept for five years. When supervising noncertified applicators, the certifying applicator must provide safe working conditions, ensure access to the pesticide label and maintain communication during application.
MSU PEP recommends using the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Agricultural Handler training video available through the Pesticide Education Resource Council to meet annual training requirements.
For More Information
For more information regarding these changes see the MontGuide titled The Montana Private Applicator Program. For questions about these changes, contact Cecil Tharp, Pesticide Education Specialist (406-994-5067, ctharp@ montana.edu) or Amy Bowser, Private Applicator Certification and Training Manager (406-994-5178, amy.bowser@ montana.edu) with the MSU Extension Pesticide Education Program.
To schedule exams, contact your local PAT Coordinator. For private applicator licensing questions contact Samantha Novak, MDA Licensing (406-444-5471, samantha.novak2@ mt.gov), or Kyra Allison Wright, MDA Licensing (406444-3691, k.allison-wright@mt.gov), for all other license questions.
#####
The sloth’s lack of movement makes its fur habitable to insects, such as moths and beetles, that would fly away from more active animals. Sloth fur is also known to host incredibly slow-growing creatures...such as algae.
Environmental Benefits of Wool
By Brent Roeder, MSU Extension Sheep and Wool Specialist
Montana, the last best place and rapidly disappearing. Sixty-eight million acres of rangeland cover Montana and are managed in a sustainable way to create organic wealth for multigenerational ranching and farming families. Many of these families in Montana run sheep and most of those sheep produce high quality clips of wool sought after by our military and outdoor enthusiasts.
Montana rangeland continues to benefit from a historic private/public rangeland grazing system that produces clean water, clean air, captures carbon, provides open space and has scenic value and wildlife habitat for all Montanans. Increasingly as we lose the tie between the private valley land and the public mountain land, our mountain valleys are quickly being subdivided to the highest bidder with a loss of all the aforementioned benefits.
Really, what I’m trying to do is set the stage for an article that touts the environmental benefits of wool and sheep as the industry is constantly bombarded with negative media that could well be distracting us from more immediate and pressing environmental dangers.
Sheep convert grass into wool; what’s your superpower? Wool is fire retardant, can adsorb 40 percent of its weight in water, keep you warm and is naturally odor resistant. Those are just a few of the reasons why our military and other countries’ astronauts wear wool undergarments.
From an environmental standpoint, sheep can graze noxious weeds and wildfire-prone landscapes to produce wool in a sustainable manner. Pure organic carbon makes up 50 percent of the weight of wool and this carbon is sequestered from the atmosphere by plants consumed by the sheep: https://www.woolmark.com/industry/research/factsheets/.
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So, sheep convert grass to wool in a sustainable fashion. That doesn’t sound like much of a superpower until you take a hard look at how we use wool compared to synthetic textile production using fossil fuels.
Wool, while being durable, is also naturally biodegradable. Recent research has shown some synthetic clothing takes hundreds of years to degrade in landfills, while wool, the most recycled fabric, takes only about a year. More important to Montana with our emphasis on pristine waterways, research has shown the massive environmental contamination that comes from washing synthetic clothing. Some synthetic fabrics release up to 4,500 microfibers per gram of clothing washed, and up to 40 percent of those fibers pass through our water treatment facilities and contaminate our river and oceans (https://www.woolmark. com/industry/support/resources/#fact-sheets: Sustainability Toolkit). We do not yet comprehend the enormous impact microplastic contamination is having on our world, so become a proponent of slow fashion, read those clothing labels and look for American-made wool products.
Sheep are part of the natural carbon cycle, consuming the organic carbon stored in plants and converting it to wool. Wool is one of the most recycled fibers. With a market share of just over 1 percent of all textile fibers, wool claims 5 percent within the recycled fibers market share identifying wool as a suitable
fiber for recycling. Finally, at the very end of its lifespan, wool readily biodegrades (https:// iwto.org/resources/wool-science/).
Over the past decade, Montana producers have reaped the benefits of their high-quality wool by starting sheep-to-shelf enterprises. In the current commercial system, producers harvest their wool, package it and sell it to a buyer. From there, over 70 percent of all U.S. wool is hauled to a port, loaded onto a ship and sent mostly to China for processing where labor and environmental standards are much lower than the in the U.S. Montana wool producers need a more sustainable way to process wool and believe Montana State University has the engineers and expertise to move this industry into the next century.
Well that all sounded just dreamy, but let’s get into some documented research. The latest data from the U.S. EPA estimated U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by economic sector to be: Transportation - 27%, Electricity - 25%, Industry - 24%, Commercial & Residential13% and Agriculture-11% (https://www.epa. gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gasemissions).
According to a presentation by Dr. Richard Ehrhardt of Michigan State University at the 2022 American Sheep Industry Convention, animal agriculture accounts for 3.9% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions with ruminants contributing 2.3% and the U.S. sheep industry only 0.023%. How much “new” methane has been produced in the U.S. by ruminants since European settlement? According to Hristov 2012, Journal of Animal Science 90:1371, before European settlement, wild ruminants like deer, elk and bison already produced about 86% of the current greenhouse gas emissions that domestic livestock and wild ruminants produce today. That 14% increase occurred over the past 530 years.
Look at some of the more recent trends driving greenhouse gas emission around the world at these sites to put that in perspective: https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-othergreenhouse-gas-emissions and https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ abee4e. Another presentation by Dr. Frank Mitloehner of University of California - Davis stated that globally one in three calories produced for food is wasted and, in the U.S. 40 percent of food is thrown out. So, food waste, not diet, is the real issue (https://www. sheepusa.org/events-pastconventionpresentations). Domestic ruminants do produce GHG, but are not responsible for the large increase we have seen recently.
Grasslands worldwide, including those grazed by livestock, are found to exert no warming effect on climate. This conclusion is thanks to the presence of intensified carbon sinks, especially over sparsely grazed grasslands (like many of our Western ranges), which mainly result from the in creased productivity of grass-lands exposed to increased CO2 and nitrogen deposition (2021,12:118 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-20406-7 |www.nature.com/naturecommunications).
Recent research out of New Zealand documents how they reduced their red meat sector greenhouse gas emission by 30% over the past CONTINUED ON PAGE B9
Environmental Benefits of Wool
30 years (https://academic.oup.com/af/article/11/4/26/6364964). The author simply writes off most of the improvement to the decrease in breeding sheep from 40.4 million head in 1990 to 16.6 million head in 2020. This equates to an almost 60% reduction in breeding females with only a 13.5% reduction in pounds of lamb produced over the same time according to data from (https://www.fao.org/statistics/en/). They truly missed the boat by not praising all the advances we have made in efficiency by improving genetics and production systems in New Zealand and around the world.
Be careful selling your rangeland carbon credits. Many countries are considering implementing a carbon tax. We could see other countries that are heavy polluters buy up carbon credits from our Montana ranchers who are carbon neutral in many cases and use them against us. As crazy as it sounds, a Montana sheep rancher who faces many challenges other countries do not have (weather extremes, predators, heavier regulations and high inputs) could be forced out of business by the added burden of having to pay carbon taxes because the previous generation sold their carbon credits for pennies on the dollar to foreign countries that are importing cheap wool products. The real future earnings potential for your ranch may well be locked in the clean air, clean water, open space and potential carbon capture your rangeland provides. Keep running sheep and protect the rangeland for those future generations.
In conclusion, continued media fascination with sheep burps while ignoring more important and pressing impacts to our environment could lead to removing sheep from our Montana rangeland which could increases fuel loads leading to catastrophic wildfires, release stored carbon-dioxide, increase subdivision of private rangeland decreasing wildlife habitat and increase our dependence on the imported oil-based clothing polluting our fresh water systems. So, let’s focus on the positive points and all work together to help maintain and improve The Last Best Place before we completely pave it over.
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Registration open for 2026 SDSU
Extension Master Gardener training
Registration is open for the 2026 South Dakota State University Extension Master Gardener training that will be offered from April 1 to July 31, 2026.
The training is open to anyone who would like to learn horticulture skills and research-based best practices and share their gardening knowledge with others. Participants will learn which plants are wellsuited for South Dakota, including trees, shrubs, perennial flowers, turfgrass, vegetables and fruits.
Prairey Walkling, SDSU Extension Master Gardener Field Specialist, said caring for plants is both an art and a science, and this training aims to educate in both areas. Numerous topics are covered, including botany, plant nomenclature, taxonomy, soil health and nutrient management, invertebrate and vertebrate pests, integrated pest management, vegetables, small fruits, tree fruits, plant propagation, indoor plants, herbaceous landscape plants, introduction to lawn care, diagnosing turf diseases, weeds and woody landscape plants.
Offered once each year, the courses are a hybrid of online and in-person training for South Dakota residents age 18 and over. Registration is required and costs $250 (training plus 40 hours of volunteer work) or $500 (training without volunteer hours). Apply online on the SDSU Extension Master Gardener page. Applications are due by March 10, 2026.
Extension Master Gardener is one of the largest volunteer organizations in the country with more than 76,500 volunteers in 49 states. Walkling states that there are many ways to volunteer, such as answering questions, teaching classes to youth and adults, and coordinating demonstration gardens.
Most coursework is online and self-directed. Online coursework includes weekly 90-minute live webinar sessions that start at 7 p.m. CST from April 16 to June 25. Participants must complete an open-book final exam by July 31.
Participants must attend two in-person training sessions to pass the course. In April, the session is noon to 5 p.m and the options are April 1 in Rapid City; April 7 in Yankton; or April 9 in Watertown. In June, the session is 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the options are June 16 in Yankton; June 17 in Watertown; or June 23 in Rapid City.
For more information, contact sdsu.sdmg@sdstate.edu.
Fiddlers Neck
Musical ailments
The name might sound silly, but according to a study of regular violin and viola players by Dr. Thilo Gambichler of Oldchurch Hospital in London, the friction of the instrument’s base against the left side of the neck (for right-handed players) can cause lesions, severe inflammation, and cysts. What’s worse, study, published in the British medical journal BMC Dermatology, it causes lichenification–the development of a patch of thick, leathery skin on the neck, giving it a “bark-like” appearance.
Guitar Nipple
A similar report issued in the United States cited three female classical guitarists who suffered from traumatic mastitis–swelling of the breast and nipple area–due to prolonged friction from the instrument’s body. The condition can strike male guitarists, too.
Bagpiper’s fungus
Recent medical reports have detailed the dangers of playing Scotland’s national instrument. Bagpipes are traditionally made of sheepskin coated with a molasses-like substance called treacle. That, the report said,
can inadvertently
lung (and even brain) diseases. ##### Tanzania has a postage stamp featuring Michael Jackson.
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Most scholars believe Napoleon Bonaparte was not the first person to eat an omelet. Evidence shows the omelet originated in Ancient Persia (now Iran).
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Early American colonists made grey paint by boiling blueberries in milk.
Opportunities for distillers feed byproducts in your beef operation
By Galen Erickson, Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist, Mary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist, Jim MacDonald – Animal Science Professor
The use of distillers grains in beef systems has been a long-term focus at UNL because of the opportunities for a beef producer to get an inexpensive source of both energy and protein that can fit well in many cow, backgrounding, and finishing systems.
Usage is greater for the feedlot sector, but there is actually great value in younger, lightweight, backgrounding cattle. Of course, use of distillers in combination with low energy forages like residues for cows is also a consideration, or in situations when protein supplementation is needed.
We recently summarized the feeding value of distillers grains for finishing cattle and how that may have changed over time (https://beef.unl.edu/2026-beef-cattle-report/ feedlot-nutrition-and-management/summary-value-distillers-grains-plus/). While the value has decreased in feedlot diets, using distillers can still be a very economical choice and fed at 10 to 40% depending on price, availability, and transportation. The value of wet is greater than modified, which are both greater than dry in terms of energy utilization. All are equal when considering their value as a protein supplement and provide a good source of bypass protein in situations where that is needed. Our data (summarizing performance from over 6,000 head across 50 experiments suggests that dry, modified, and wet have a value of approximately 103, 115, and 120% the value of corn for finishing cattle. These values are lower than values we measured with cattle performance prior to 2012. If you feed distillers at 20% or less of the diet, you may not notice a large change in feed efficiency (feeding distillers at 20% that is 15% better than corn will be a 3% improvement in the diet), but cattle still tend to eat more, and gain 5-10% more when fed distillers and that extra rate of gain is valuable at today’s prices. In addition, your supplemental protein costs should be lower as feeding 20% or more in most finishing diets should displace needs for expensive supplemental protein (including urea). More data is needed with growing cattle, but the value is likely 125 to 130% the value of supplementing corn in growing diets, with a fair Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) estimated to be 125 to 130% of corn, or a TDN in a growing diet of about 105%. Interestingly, there is no difference between dry, modified, or wet distillers when used in a forage-based diet in terms of energy content. There may be concerns with mixing in dry distillers in a forage-based diet unless your forages are wet like silage.
Again, all distillers are a good intermediate protein supplement that contains 30 to 35% protein from most conventional ethanol plants. Some new distillers byproduct feeds are becoming common in some areas that may run lower in fat, lower in protein, or in some cases, higher in protein. As always, watch the sulfur content, particularly if feeding finishing cattle and feeding large amounts or inclusions greater than 40% of the diet (on a Dry Matter (DM) basis, probably 50 to 60% on an as-fed basis).
Predicting the future always comes with uncertainty, but distillers has been priced competitively to corn for much of the past 12 months. As normal, prices are generally lower in the summer and increase in the winter, although prices have remained competitive these past few fall/winter months
With increasing use of biofuels, there is an expected increase in the availability of soy protein products. It is reasonable to expect that the additional soy protein products may displace distillers grains use in pig and poultry diets, thereby increasing the availability of distillers grains available for beef systems. This is occurring concomitantly with decreased cattle numbers, particularly in feedlots and to the south. We expect greater opportunities to utilize distillers grains at higher inclusions may be realized in the next few years.
Understanding the actual feeding value to cattle from the previous research comparing feeding distillers grains to its alternatives should allow for good decision making and perhaps a return to feeding more distillers in diets than in recent years.
Summary points:
Given recent pricing and potential trends, there may be greater opportunities again for use of distillers that is priced competitively to other protein and energy sources.
Sharpen your pencil to price distillers on a Dry Matter
CONTINUED ON PAGE B13
basis, and then as either an energy (TDN) or protein source. Of course, delivered price is critical to know as well as accounting for moisture when considering both cost per ton of DM, and how to store before feeding.
The biological response has not changed for use in forage systems (cows or backgrounding cattle) in that the TDN is likely 105 to 108%, and consistently 30% greater than supplementing corn grain as an energy in forage-based backgrounding programs.
While removing some of the fat (and maybe protein) impacts the value today compared to a decade ago, using distillers in feedlot diets may be economically beneficial and optimum inclusions may be greater than in recent years, so understanding the value relative to price will be very important for decision making.
More information to come on storing wet or modified distillers as opportunities arise for inexpensive distillers. Storage for smaller operations allows for better planning and ensuring adequate feed supplies when needed.
Weird energy: Algae
One of the main obstacles in developing alternate energy sources is that alternatives are more expensive than oil. The fact that algae-based energy could be as cheap as petroleum might make it one of the more viable long-term options. Currently, crude oil is pumped out of seabeds, where it was created from heat and pressure, transforming algae and other microorganisms over the course of millions of years. Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Washington state have devised a way to re-create and speed up the process of turning algae into oil. If they scale it up to mass production, the lab estimates that it could sell this biofuel for about $2 a gallon.
Other benefits: the technology that converts algae into petroleum creates fertilizer that can be used to make more energy in the form of natural gas. The big negative: real estate. To produce enough energy to meet just 17 percent of the country’s current needs, we’d need an area the size of South Caroline for algae production.
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The nations whose citizens trust each other the most also consume the most coffee.
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Landowners may now apply for 2026 hunting access programs
Landowners interested in allowing public hunting access on their property or providing access through private land to public land, may now apply for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 2026 hunting access programs.
Applications and program information are available for several landowner options, including Block Management, Block Management Access Corridors, Elk Hunting Access Agreements, Public Access Land Agreements and Unlocking Public Lands. For more information, contact a local FWP regional office or visit fwp.mt.gov/hunt/landownerprograms.
Landowners proposing access routes through private land to landlocked or difficult-to-access public lands must apply by March 15. Application deadlines for landowners allowing public hunting access on private lands are May 1 for Elk Hunting Access Agreements and June 1 for Block Management.
FWP offers multiple tools to assist landowners with managing public access on or through their property. In all FWP access programs, landowners retain control by setting the rules and conditions for when, where and how the public may use enrolled lands.
All landowners participating in FWP access programs receive liability protection in accordance with 70-16-302, MCA. Depending on the program, additional landowner benefits may include hunter management assistance, monetary compensation for hunter impacts, infrastructure reimbursements to support public access to public lands and complimentary licenses or permits in exchange for allowing public hunting access
SD Extension, AARP, and rural libraries to provide better internet access
South Dakota State University Extension is collaborating with AARP South Dakota and South Dakota’s public libraries to give the state’s rural citizens better access to the internet.
The Rural Library Hotspot Lending Program is a new initiative that will enable residents in four pilot communities to visit their local library and “check out the internet” by borrowing a hotspot device.
Lemmon Public Library, Hot Springs Public Library, Faulk County Library in Faulkton and Sinte Gleska University Library in Mission will receive several hotspot devices, like a phone or tablet, that community members can check out.
“This pilot program will not only support households in rural South Dakota facing affordability barriers to home internet subscriptions, but also strengthen bonds between rural libraries and their communities,” said Whoi Cho, assistant professor of applied economics in the Ness School of Management at SDSU.
Each library selected to be part of the program will receive mobile hotspots with internet service at no cost for one year. Libraries will be responsible for setting circulation policies, such as loan duration, late return fees and other usage guidelines.
“Access to reliable internet is a basic need for every home today,” said Sarah Sellars, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Sustainable Farm and Food Systems Specialist. “Without it, they may struggle with schoolwork or job searches, and they miss out on free digital resources offered by South Dakota libraries. We’re proud to be able to offer this hotspot lending program.”
Any rural South Dakota library is eligible to apply by emailing Sellars.
Erik Gaikowski, AARP South Dakota State Director, said more than 40 percent of households in some South Dakota counties do not have regular, reliable access to the internet.
“Many residents in South Dakota have limited or no internet access for work, study, or accessing vital services like health care,” said Gaikowski. “This program will bring connectivity to people in rural areas needing support for everyday needs.”
For more information, contact Sarah Sellars, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Sustainable Farm and Food Systems Specialist; or Whoi Cho, assistant professor of applied economics in the Ness School of Management and Economics at SDSU.
##### What myths or misconceptions exist about Crayola crayons?
A common misconception is that crayons are toxic. In reality, Crayola crayons are certified non-toxic and safe for children. Another myth is that “white crayons” are useless, but artists use them to create textures or blend colors.
Lastly, some believe older crayons work better due to differences in wax composition, but this is unproven.
UNL research on methane production in cattle
Part 2 of 6
By Galen Erickson, Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist, Paul Kononoff – UNL Dairy Specialist, Rick Rasby, Nebraska Extension Specialist, Kortney Harpestad – UNL Animal Science Extension Program Associate
Methane is produced by dairy and beef cattle when feeds are digested (rumen fermentation) in the stomach (rumen). Through the digestive process methane is belched from the mouth of the animal into the environment. There are also small amounts of methane produced from storage of livestock manure. An example would be feedlot lagoons that catch and store runoff from pens.
Agriculture’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is about 10%. About 4% of the 10% is in the form of direct methane production, mostly from cattle. Methane from cattle accounts for 25% of the 11% of the methane in the atmosphere.
The University of Nebraska began its journey in measuring methane and researching mitigation strategies in beef cattle in 2014 (2014 NE Beef). The research included an ionophore in the ration to alter volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. Ionophores increase the VFA propionate at the expense of butyrate and acetate. The response of methane production due to treatment was variable. In addition, it was concluded that getting exact measurements of methane production is not easy and it is important to get the measuring techniques developed. Calculations used to determine amounts need to be refined. After 2014, research on methane production in beef cattle continued. Buildings were retrofitted, and state-of-the-art instrumentation was purchased to measure methane production. Methane production from ruminants has been measured in different settings including cattle in an open pasture, which is really difficult as methane detecting instrumentation needs to be placed to account for environment conditions like wind direction.
In 2012, the University began to study the use of energy in dairy cattle rations by using a technique known as indirect calorimetry. In a headbox system, a pump gently pulls air from inside the “box” capturing the gases the cattle breathe out. Scientists then measure carbon dioxide and methane produced by the animal and also measure how much oxygen is consumed. Together these measures can then be used to calculate how much heat the animal produces. Using this system, researchers can feed cows different diets and track where the energy from their food goes. About 30% of the energy a dairy cow consumes is used to produce milk. The largest amount of energy that doesn’t go toward production is lost in feces (30–35%). Other major energy losses include heat (around 30%), methane (about 5%), urine (around 3%), and tissue growth (about 1%). Because this system allows investigators to precisely measure methane, it has been used to test new feed additives that reduce enteric methane production in dairy cattle.
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In 2024, a team of research and extension faculty from the University of Nebraska and U.S. Meat Animal Research Center received a $5 million grant to research more sustainable dairy and beef production systems. The team is studying the interrelationships among animal genetics, the gut microbiome and nutrition and methane production. The goal of the research is to develop tools and management practices that lower methane emissions from dairy and beef cattle. The ultimate goal of this research is to investigate ways to establish a rumen environment early in the life of dairy and beef cattle that produces less methane without having a negative impact on normal growth and production.
In 2025, researchers at UNL received a $2.3 million grant to study cattle with lower methane production. The grant was from Bezos Earth and the Global Methane Hub. The project aims to create genetic tools to help identify and breed cattle that emit less methane without sacrificing performance. Studies have shown that some cattle emit less methane than others and that these traits are heritable. The goal is to produce genetic selection tools to enable breeders to select animals that produce less methane.
The following are key points of understanding related to methane:
Greenhouse gasses (GHGs) trap heat from the sun from getting back into the atmosphere.
Methane is one of three primary greenhouse gases. The greenhouse gas methane is 11% of all greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Beef and dairy cattle account for 25% of the methane in
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People in ancient China would swing their arms to cure a headache.
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UNL research on methane production in cattle
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B18
the atmosphere.
Methane traps heat better than any other greenhouse gas. Methane has a half-life of 9 to 12 years.
Because of the half-life of methane, it is not sustained in the atmosphere for a long period of time as compared to other greenhouse gases.
Small reductions in methane production result in big reductions in heat trapping ability of greenhouse gases.
Reducing methane as a greenhouse gas will help reduce the earth’s warming.
10% of GHGs come from Agriculture.
Of the 10% of the GHGs, livestock (mainly ruminants) account for 4%, mostly from livestock methane production.
Cattle (ruminants) produce methane by belching it from their mouth, titled enteric fermentation.
Methane is important to the well-being of cattle.
Some cattle produce less methane than others.
Why research methane production in dairy and beef cattle?
To reduce the methane contribution of cattle as a greenhouse gas.
To determine mitigation of methane that is economical and sustainable.
Help producers make informed decisions when considering methane mitigation strategies.
Fifteen minutes of laughing a day can make you lose weight. #####
SDSU Extension invites growers to Sioux Falls Organic Conference
South Dakota State University Extension and the Southeast Research Farm at SDSU invite farmers to attend the Sioux Falls Organic Conference on March 12, 2026.
Pete Sexton, associate Professor, SDSU Extension Sustainable Cropping Systems Specialist and Southeast Research Farm Supervisor, said the conference is a great way for farmers in the area to learn different ways of controlling weeds while reducing tillage.
“It’s an opportunity for people to network, to learn about research being done in other areas where people are reducing tillage,” Sexton said.
The conference is from 8:45 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. CST at the Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel. Registration is $25 per person and is available by visiting the SDSU Extension Events page and searching “organic”.
Anthony Bly, SDSU Extension Soils Field Specialist, will start the day with a short presentation on principles of soil health. Other speakers will include:
Eric Gallandt, professor of weed ecology and management at the University of Maine on new tools for weed control in organic systems.
Charlie Johnson, organic farmer from Madison, on crop production in South Dakota.
Rick Clark, organic farmer from Williamsport, Indiana, on organic no-till crop production in Indiana.
Joy Scaria, Walter R. Sitlington Endowed Chair in Infectious Diseases and Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology at Oklahoma State University, will discuss food quality and the human gut microbiome. Ben Brockmueller, researcher of organic and sustainable agriculture research and Extension at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an SDSU graduate, on leveraging ecological principles to reduce tillage in organic cropping systems.
Kurt Dagel, agronomist with Olsen Custom Farms in Hendricks, Minnesota, on strategic use of an organic herbicide in a fragile soil environment.
John Sather and Zeke Sather, organic farmers, Freyre Manufacturing and KT Transload, on using a flame weeder for weed control in Minnesota.
“We think this is a timely event, with presentations on a number of ways to reduce disturbance in the ecosystem while controlling weeds,” Sexton said.
For more information, contact Pete Sexton, associate Professor, SDSU Extension Sustainable Cropping Systems Specialist and Southeast Research Farm Supervisor; or Sasha Huether, Southeast Research Farm senior secretary.
& W MACHINE
National Tater Day
Celebrated: Every March 31st
Whether they are of the regular variety (tubers) or the orange-colored sweet variety (root vegetables), potatoes can be affectionately known as “taters”. Filling, energizing and nutritional, the potato packs a punch when it comes to feeding large groups of people.
History of National Tater Day
Researchers believe that potatoes have been part of human civilization for thousands of years. Dating back more than 4000 years, to the Incan civilizations, potatoes were probably domesticated as a farming staple for these ancient people who lived in what is modern-day Peru. Since that time, potatoes have followed the history of people from South America to Europe, to North America, Asia and beyond.
National Tater Day has a history that may date back more than 150 years, when the folks in the state of Kentucky would buy and sell their sweet potatoes (‘taters’). Sweet potatoes were a crop that was an important part of the livelihood of many people in this area, and the trade day has a history that started in the 1840s. Though it was originally celebrated early in the month of April, the day has since been moved to the last day of March. Though the day was originally set aside to celebrate potatoes of the sweet and orange variety, things have changed and now the day is here to pay heed to and enjoy potatoes of all types and kinds!
Learn Some Health Benefits of ‘Taters’
This carbohydrate rich vegetable has a lot to offer when it comes to nutrition, especially when they are prepared in a healthy manner (like baked with the skin on). Plus, it is affordable and easily accessible, giving a quick amount of energy to anyone who eats it. Learn about some of these health benefits of potatoes in honor and celebration of National Tater Day:
• Potatoes contain fiber - The most fiber-filled part of the potato is the skin, and fiber is good for preventing heart disease. So be sure to leave the skin on the potatoes when preparing them at home. Plus, it makes cooking simpler and easier!
• Full of antioxidants - Potatoes offer a bunch of antioxidants that are extremely helpful in getting rid of those free radicals that can be harmful to the body and are often associated with causing cancer. Antioxidants can also help reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Potassium and magnesium - Both of these minerals are essential for the way the body functions in a healthy manner, particularly helping with lowering the blood pressure, which can reduce the incidence of stroke or heart disease.
• Vitamin C - Many people don’t realize that potato skins are rich in vitamin C. In fact, one potato (with the skin on) contains around 40% of the daily recommended nutritional value of Vitamin C for an adult. This is why potatoes were used to prevent scurvy for ship crews in the 18th century and beyond.
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In Hardwick, Georgia, a woman divorced her husband because he “stayed home too much and was much too affectionate.”
Young ranchers spent a lot of time examining the hydraulic squeeze chutes at the MATE in Billings, MT in February.
SDSU Extension helps agritourism producers promote their strengths
In 2019, Good Earth Farm owners Nancy and Jeff Kirstein had to make a decision. The barn on their Lennox-based property, originally constructed in 1897, needed attention.
“We decided we either need to save the barn or let it go, and we made the decision to save it,” Nancy Kirstein said.
Now beautifully restored, the barn serves as a backdrop for Good Earth Farm’s summer events, which include hosting weddings and special events and serving homemade oven-fired pizzas made with locally sourced ingredients.
“We make everything outside so people can watch the entire process,” Nancy said. “It’s really fun. People see it’s all handmade.”
While there, people can also interact with the 25-odd animals on the property, ranging from cows, pigs, goats, a pony, chickens, ducks and geese. People can also get a close look at how Good Earth grows its flowers and vegetables.
“We get to tell people what these animals are and how they live. It’s kind of weird to think people don’t have that kind of exposure around us, but they really don’t,” Nancy said.
The Kirsteins bought the property in 2011 and started a community supported agriculture program, selling what they grew. After years of dealing with thin profit margins and unpredictable growing conditions, Kirstein explored diversifying.
Around the same time, and while renovating their barn, Nancy Kirstein learned about
the AgritourismSD program being hosted by SDSU Extension. Kirstein said the two-year cohort class helped her build relationships in the industry and understand how agritourism operations work.
“You’ve got the agricultural part of it, which is challenging enough, and then you’re also inviting other people to be a part of it,” she said. “It gave a lot of support to understand what might work for us and what we’re comfortable with.”
The National Agricultural Law Center defines agritourism as “a form of commercial enterprise that links agricultural production and/or processing with tourism to attract visitors onto a farm, ranch or other agricultural business for the purposes of entertaining and/or educating the visitors while generating income for the farm, ranch or business owner.”
Peggy Schlechter, SDSU Extension Community Vitality Program Director, said agritourism presents a unique opportunity to combine aspects of South Dakota’s two top industries: tourism and agriculture.
Networking, community support and continuing education are all important components of successful agritourism operations, Schlechter said, and SDSU Extension works to aid producers in those areas.
To start, Schlechter tries
to help people decide whether agritourism is the right fit for their operation. She encourages interested producers to look at what they are already doing, what resources they have – including how much time they can invest – and start small.
“Start small with what you’re good at and connect it to what you are doing in agriculture, because part of agritourism is educating people about agriculture and what you’re an expert in,” Schlechter said.
SDSU Extension community vitality also hosts agritourism webinars and a statewide agritourism workshop every other year.
One of their long-term projects includes a “rural road trip” trail along U.S. Highway 14, which runs about 1,445 miles across the country from Chicago, Illinois, to the eastern entrance of Yellowstone National
CONTINUED ON PAGE B24
The owners of Good Earth Farm by Lennox restored a barn originally constructed in 1897 and now use it to host weddings and other special events.
(Photo courtesy of Good Earth Farm)
SDSU Extension helps agritourism producers promote their strengths
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B23
Park in Wyoming, passing through many South Dakota communities along the way, including Brookings, De Smet, Huron, Miller, Highmore, Pierre, Philip, Wall and Sturgis.
Schlechter described many of South Dakota’s visitors as “road trippers,” and Highway 14 is a well-traveled route. Developing stops across the state enhances visitors’ experience and encourages them to stay longer. For agritourism producers, it’s a chance to show off rural South Dakota.
“Rural life in South Dakota is unique, and for a lot of people is completely foreign,” Schlechter said.
Beth Simonson in Highmore embraced that idea by creating an annual event to showcase her region’s prettiest crop: sunflowers. She started in 2023 with a sunflower photo shoot. The next year, she launched her daylong Sunflower Festival, which includes guided sunflower field tours and maps of fields for people to visit.
Held in August, this year’s event drew
more than 500 people from at least 14 states. One couple came from Louisiana just for the event after seeing a public TV program about it.
“That is what we want. They are coming to South Dakota for agriculture,” Simonson said.
Another alumna of the first AgritourismSD cohort, Simonson is also an avid attendee of the SDSU Extension Energize conferences. Her idea for the sunflower festival started at the first Energize she attended in De Smet, where a speaker talked about a festival in a small town like hers. Since then, she has attended six Energize conferences and spoken at four, encouraging others to follow their ideas.
“My dreams have been fueled and inspired by the SDSU Extension programs that I have been a part of,” she said.
What gets wetter the more that it dries? A towel!
Buzzards Day
This holiday is always observed and celebrated on March 15th
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This holiday is sometimes called Turkey Vulture Day, as this is another name for these under-appreciated birds. Bizarre as it may seem, today we celebrate them. It’s not like they are cute or cuddly, or any other pleasant adjective for that matter. So, before we continue, let’s make certain we know what we’re celebrating. A buzzard is also known as a Turkey Vulture, or simply called a Vulture. Buzzards are scavengers. They eat roadkill or carrion. By definition, they eat the dead and putrefying meat of animals….. yuck. Now, aren’t you glad to know that we’re celebrating buzzards today?
Turkey vultures are migratory birds. In the fall, they migrate to the warmer climates of Mexico, Columbia, and Ecuador. In the spring, they return to many parts of North America.
How on earth did we ever get to the point of having Buzzard’s Day? Walter Nawalaniec, a Cleveland, Ohio patrolman and bird watcher, tracked the spring migration of returning turkey vultures to the Cleveland area each year. He told local reporter Robert Bordner and historian Eunice Morton that he had observed the buzzards had returned to the area exactly on March 15 for the past six years. History has since proven that Buzzards return to the Cleveland, Ohio area on March 15 most years.
Watching the buzzards return each year became an annual event in the Cleveland area. Along the way, serving and eating pancakes and sausage became part of the tradition for this day.
Did You Know? The Migratory Bird Act of 1918 protects buzzards. Turkey vultures perform an important role in the ecosystem, cleaning the environment of dead animals.
I suppose if people call you an “old buzzard”, then this day is for you, too!
Today’s Quote
“I’ve exercised with women so thin, that buzzards follow them to their car.” – – Erma Bombeck
Origin of the Olympic Rings
Designed in 1913 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the five rings represent the five regions of the world that participated in the Olympic: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. While the individual rings do not symbolize any single continent, the five colors – red, blue, green, yellow, an black – were chosen because at least one of them is found on the flag of every nation. The plain white background is symbolic of peace.
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Innovative pipeline to analyze plant pathogens
By Tami Terella-Faram, ARS
ARS scientists in Corvallis, Oregon, in collaboration with Oregon State University, developed a disease surveillance platform that could improve U.S. agriculture by unlocking the future of plant health. PathogenSurveillance is an innovative, open-source software tool that can quickly analyze and identify novel microbial variants based on DNA sequences.
The automated PathogenSurveillance pipeline is an innovative workflow tool to help scientists respond in real-time to emerging, or re-emerging, invasive pathogens and pests. The surveillance platform will improve plant health and aid in reducing the spread of new and emerging diseases in agronomic, urban, and forest ecosystems.
“This genomics pipeline revolutionizes plant health, allowing us to identify any microbe, pest, or pathogen in just minutes-tohours once there is a genome sequence,” said Nik Grunwald, ARS research plant pathologist at the Horticultural Crops Disease and Pest Management Research Unit in Corvallis. “The genomic pipeline can be used for real-time biosurveillance of known, or unknown, pathogens relatively quickly, which lessens the barrier to adoption and use of PathogenSurveillance drastically.”
Grunwald added that, since everything is sequence-based, this tool can be used to monitor the evolution of pest/pathogens in real-time, providing insights into how populations change, variations emerge, and new invasions occur. The platform can also be easily deployed to identify a specific pathogen, or to monitor the emergence of new disease strains or variants.
Phytophthora nemorosa, which causes leaf blight. (Photo by Nik Grunwald, ARS plant pathologist).
“Samples are sent to a local lab, and the resulting genome is sequenced and uploaded to the pipeline software system for identification,” Grunwald said. “Variation in genomes can thus be monitored over time and space by comparing genomes.”
This allows PathogenSurveillance to be used by labs or clinics with little computational experience, and it provides “unprecedented capability for in-field or point-of-care diagnosis of pests and pathogens,” according to Grunwald.
The PathogenSurveillance platform also enables scientists to input one to several hundred population samples of small-to-modest genome sizes, including bacteria, fungi, insects, and nematodes for pathogen surveillance and identification.
The program output is also intuitive for the user because it can provide graphs of genetic diversity and create reports in the form of an interactive HTML document.
“This will be a benefit to researchers, disease clinics, and diagnosticians in their work to identify clonal, or other types of variants such as the UG99 stem rust, or NA2 of sudden oak death,” added Grunwald.
Romancing the stone
Many gem scholars attribute the tradition of birthstones to the jeweled “breastplate of Aaron” described in the Bible. The breast plate was a ceremonial religious garment worn by Aaron, the brother of Moses; it was set with 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel and perhaps, say folklorists, the 12 months of the year.
Around the same time, the Assyrians began assigning gemstones to each region of the zodiac according to a color system that they believed controlled its power. Each stone had its own distinct magical, protective, and curative qualities that corresponded with the attributes or the astrological sign Over time the stones came to be associated more with calendar months then astrological signs.
The custom spread to other cultures–including Arabic, Jewish, Hindu, Polish, and Russian, each of which modified the list of birthstones. Over the centuries, other changes and substitutions were made: sometimes accidentally by scribes, sometimes by royalty who didn’t like their birthstones, and sometimes according to fashion and availability.
In 1912 the American National Association of Jewelers came up with the Traditional Birthstone List, a standardized list that combined contemporary trends with all the birthstones lists from the 15th to the 20th centuries. A few years later, it was revised and renamed the Modern Birthstone List. The association hoped the modern list would eliminate confusion among jewelers.
Did it work? Not entirely. The old lists didn’t go away, there are still variations in jeweler’s lists. And those aren’t the only lists, either. There’s a Mystical Birthstone list that’s based on ancient Tibetan culture, an Ayurvedic list originating from the 1,000-year-old system of Indian medicine, a zodiac list, and a planetary list, to name just a few.
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A man and his wife were arguing about how much golf he plays, “You’re on the course every day, rain or shine, you’re neglecting our family, and you’re not even that good.”
“What are you talking about?” the man retorts. “There are many people who are worse at golf than me.” “That may be true,” his wife concedes, “although most of them are people who have never picked up a club.”
A Camellia plant infected with
Accidental discovery: Penicillin
Dr. Alexander Fleming has spent most of 1928 working in a cramped laboratory in a London hospital. While working on the influenza virus, he had filled his lab with culture dishes containing staphylococci bacteria. Exhausted from too many late nights, Fleming decided to take a break, giving strict instructions to his assistants on how to care for his specimens. On his return, however, Fleming was annoyed to find that someone has left a window open the previous night. The result? A foreign mold had flown in through the window and contaminated the culture dishes. A devastated Fleming went to dispose of the dishes when something caught his eye–moldy patches were growing all over the plates, but there were rings of clear space around them where there were no bacteria. Looking closer, Fleming saw that the bacteria closest to the clear rings were shriveling or dissolving. The astute doctor began experimenting with this mold that appeared to eat up bacteria. After years of research he was able to extract from it a drug–penicillin–that has saved millions of lives. And it was all because someone forgot to close the window.
I’m starving! What’s for lunch!
For most people in the year A.D. 1000, finding enough food to eat was a constant problem. There were long periods, particularly in winter, when no fresh food was available. During the 10th century alone, Europe suffered 20 famines. As a result, people tended to gorge themselves whenever food was abundant because they never knew what the next season would bring. The staple of Joe Peasant’s diet was gruel – what we’d call oatmeal – which nutritionists say was probably healthier than our modern meat-heavy diet. When vegetables were in season, people ate cabbage, carrots, peas, and various garden greens. They picked apples, pears, and nuts right off the trees.
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Origin of “The Twist”
You can thank Dick Clark for this dance craze – a host of TV’s American Bandstand, he was always on the lookout for the next big fad. In 1959 he heard a little-known Hank Ballard b-side called “The Twist.” Clark love the song and urged Ballard to perform it on Bandstand, but Ballard wasn’t interested. So Clark searched around Philadelphia (where the show was based) and found a part-time chicken plucker named Ernest Evans who was known for his ability to mimic popular singers.
Before Evans could perform, however, Clark insisted he find a good stage name. Clark’s wife, Barbara, suggested modeling it after Fats Domino. “Fats” became “Chubby” and “Domino” became “Checkers.”
So the newly christened Chubby Checker sang “The Twist” on Bandstand and it was an immediate hit. The single shot to #1, and the dance craze of the 1960s was born.
So why was the Twist so popular? First, as a non-contact dance, it was novel and rebellious enough to appeal to teenagers, but safe enough for the conservative media.
Second, the Twist is easy – even non dancers – could do it. “It’s like putting out a cigarette with both feet and wiping you bottom with a towel,” explained Checker.
“The Twist” turned Checker into a star. He followed it up with a string of successful dance songs (to this day, he’s the only recording artist to have had five albums in the Top 12 at the same time). Yet the song also took a toll on Checker’s artistic dreams. “In a way, ‘The Twist’ really ruined my life,” he lamented years later. “I was on my way to becoming a big nightclub performer, and ‘The Twist’ just wiped it out. It got so out of proportion. No one ever believes I have talent.
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My boss told me that I don’t know my boundaries. So I fired him.
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Wife: “OK, that’s it, I’m leaving you! You’re SO childish!”
Husband: “Well, good luck with that - because the floor is lava!”
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My brother went to jail. He didn’t take it very well. He was yelling insults and attacking everyone, he even threw his feces on the wall. I don’t think we will play Monopoly with him again.
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Forage Matters: Bull management from the sale to the pasture
By James Rogers, Forage crops production specialist, NDSU Extension
Bull sales are prevalent this time of year, and current sale averages are setting records. Taking care of that bull investment from the time of purchase until he is turned in on pasture for the breeding season is critical. Forage plays an important role in this transition period.
Bulls from weaning to yearling age are often managed to measure their genetic growth potential. The type of feed ration they are developed on during this time can contain a high percentage of concentrates and a low percentage of forage to maximize growth rate. At the end of this feeding period, some bulls may be “overconditioned,” which can affect their fertility and ability to settle cows.
Bulls that are overconditioned will have a body condition score (BCS) of 7 or higher on a scale of 1-9. Young bulls should be at a body condition score of 6-6.5 at the start of the breeding season to compensate for weight loss during the breeding season. Bulls that are actively breeding can lose up to 200 pounds during the breeding period. Bulls at a BCS of 7 or higher can have fat deposits in the scrotum that interfere with temperature regulation, which can affect semen quality.
Evaluation of overconditioned bulls at the University of Georgia found that only 41% passed a breeding soundness examination compared to an 81% passage rate of bulls in adequate condition. Bulls that are overconditioned may also lack the stamina required to work through an entire breeding season.
There are several management strategies that can ease the transition of bulls from
being overconditioned to breeding-season condition. When new bulls are brought into your operation, consider biosecurity. Ideally, bulls should be quarantined for 30 days or at least two weeks before being introduced to other animals. This reduces the risks of introducing disease into your herd. Provide an area where bulls can exercise, with fresh water available.
Give bulls time. A 90-day transition period is the best. This gives the bull time to adjust to different feeds, surroundings and routines. Another benefit of a 90-day transition period is that it fits the spermatogenesis cycle, which lasts approximately 60 days. If there are any problems with the bull’s semen quality, 90 days is enough time for a new cycle to complete and resolve any problems.
Know what the feed ration was that the bull was developed on prior to purchase. Initially, after purchase, if he can continue to be fed a similar ration to what he has been used to, this will reduce stress and help to keep him healthy.
Avoid rapid and dramatic changes in diet. If bulls have been developed on high-concentrate diets, the change to a forage-based diet should be gradual. Replace concentrate with forage at a rate of 10% a week over several weeks. While we don’t want young bulls to put on excessive condition, we still want them to grow
A daily weight gain of 1.5-2.0 pounds per day should be the target. To do this, bulls will need access to a good supply of quality forage. Forage quality should be 10% crude protein and 60%-70% total digestible
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Poultry Day
Always celebrated on March 19th Poultry Day celebrates chicken, turkey, and other birds we commonly consume. Chicken, turkey, and many other fowl are lower in fats, and cholesterol than other meats. So, eating them is better for your health. They also give you your breakfast eggs.
One way to celebrate Poultry Day is to eat eggs for breakfast, a chicken sandwich for lunch, and barbecue chicken for dinner. Don’t forget to cook up some chicken fingers for the kids.
On November 17, 1989, then-President George H.W. Bush gave a presidential pardon to a turkey. It immediately became an annual tradition.
Most famous Chicken: Looney Tune’s Foghorn Leghorn. Chicken Philosophy: Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Favorite Dance: The Chicken Dance
What is Poultry? Poultry is any birds or fowl that are used by humans for meat, eggs, or feathers.
The most common poultry is: Cornish Game Hens, Chicken, Ducks, Geese, Turkey. There are several lesscommon fowl that are also poultry, they include: Guinea Fowl, Pheasant, Pigeon, yes pigeon, Quail.
Today’s Quote: “It takes a tough man to make a tender chicken.” – – Frank Perdue
Like many golf enthusiasts, Alice was always trying to buy herself a better golf game. She invested lots of her hard-earned money into lessons, clothes, and of course her equipment. The pro shop staff knew her well and always tried to keep her happy, as their commissions depended on it. So after Alice bought the most expensive clubs in the store, the assistant who sold them to her was eager to hear about her first round with her new weapons. “Alice,” the employee asked, “how was your round?” “It was great!” Alice retorted with sarcasm spewing. “I can throw these clubs 20 yards farther than my previous ones.”
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Bull management
nutrients (TDN). Good grass hay or a grass legume blend will work well to stimulate rumen microbial development. Avoid feeding pure alfalfa hay that might cause bloat or other digestive issues. Aim to have the bull transitioned to a forage-based diet 2-3 weeks before the start of the breeding season. The goal is for him to be ready to consume and digest pasture and range forages.
Once bulls are out on pasture, they should be monitored for excessive weight loss or physical problems that can prevent them from breeding. If possible, provide bulls with supplementation to keep them growing and in good breeding condition.
If you buy bulls that are overconditioned and turn them straight out into pasture for breeding, you may not recognize them at the end of the breeding season. Time spent getting bulls into breeding-season shape is time well spent, just like an athlete training for a sporting event.
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Evaluating biocontrol: What happens to biocontrol agents after release?
By Jill Leblow and Melissa Maggio, Montana Biocontrol Project (MTBCP, mtbiocontrol.org)
Biocontrol agent populations can be assessed through site evaluations which are a quick way to inform management decisions. Evaluating biocontrol sites will help answer the most common questions – Are biocontrol agents established? Is the biocontrol agent collectible? Are my release practices working?
Are Biocontrol Agents Established?
We consider biocontrol agents to be established if any number of the biocontrol agent is present five or more years following release. This indicates they have produced new generations and are capable of surviving at a site.
Can Biocontrol Agents Be Collected from this Site?
Site evaluations use standardized insect counts and site characteristics to determine if past releases have developed into sites you can collect from. This is easily confirmed when insect counts meet a predetermined threshold, which is specific to the biocontrol agent being evaluated (contact MTBCP for more information). Once a biocontrol agent population has reached the threshold, collection efforts have little to no negative impact on that population.
Local, easy-to-access collection sites save land managers time and money and increase the likelihood of establishment at other sites because the insects are adapted to similar environmental conditions.
Are My Release Practices Working? Biocontrol agent establishment and success depend on unique site conditions. At some sites with less- than-ideal conditions, insects may be present but in low numbers (well below the threshold) after
About 400 leafy spurge flea beetles collected from one sample. Photo: MTBCP
1-5 acre infestation, releasing up to 10 times the minimum could increase the likelihood of developing a collectible population.
Do You Have Biocontrol Sites that Should Be Evaluated?
he Montana Biocontrol Project can assist land managers by conducting site evaluations, hosting evaluation field trainings, and distributing monitoring supplies. In general, we evaluate sites where 1) biocontrol releases were made five or more years ago, 2) the site is accessible with known coordinates, and 3) the biocontrol agent was released on yellow toadflax, Dalmatian toadflax, leafy spurge, or spotted knapweed. Site evaluations provide answers to the questions listed above, but if knowing how biocontrol has impacted the target weed, and if beneficial plants or other weed populations have changed, regular monitoring should begin before biocontrol agents are first released. Contact the Montana Biocontrol Project at jleblow@missoulacounty.us to learn more.
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multiple releases have been made. Tailoring your release practices can help populations increase more rapidly, making your efforts more efficient. Most biocontrol agents only live for one season, therefore it is essential they mate and lay eggs to ensure they survive to the following year. This is why releasing all insects in one spot, not scattering, is ideal. Additionally, increasing the number of releases at a site can boost the biocontrol agent population. For example, if one release is the minimum suggested for a
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As George Smith’s neighbor approached his house, George was already fuming. He’s always trying to borrow something and I’m sick of it, George thought. I’m not going to let him get away with it this time. When the neighbor knocked on George’s door, he was ready. “Howdy George,” the neighbor began, “I was wondering if I could borrow your lawn mower?” “Sorry, neighbor, but as you can see I have a very big lawn, and I’ll be using it all day.” “In that case,” the crafty neighbor said, “Do you mind if I borrow your golf clubs? You obviously won’t be needing them.”
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Extreme heat and drought at flowering could put future wheat harvests at risk
New research shows that short periods of extreme heat and drought during flowering could become one of the biggest threats to global wheat production in the coming decades.
As the climate changes, farmers around the world are facing more frequent and intense weather extremes. While drought has long been seen as the main danger to wheat crops, this new study suggests that heatwaves at a key moment in the plant’s life cycle may soon pose an even greater risk.
Dr Mikhail Semenov, Mathematical Modeller and Emeritus Fellow at Rothamsted Research said: “Flowering is one of the most sensitive stages in wheat development. It’s when the plant sets grain, which ultimately determines yield. Even a few days of very high temperatures or severe water stress at this stage can reduce grain numbers and significantly cut final harvests.”
The study used advanced climate projections and the Sirius wheat model to estimate how short, intense heatwaves and droughts during flowering could affect global wheat yields in the future.
The results show a clear shift in risk - drought during flowering currently causes more yield loss than heat. However, its overall global impact is expected to decline slightly in the future.
Heat stress during flowering, on the other hand, is projected to become much more damaging. By 2050, global yield losses linked to extreme heat at flowering could rise by about onethird. By 2090, those losses could increase by more than three-quarters.
While drought remains important, extreme heat at flowering is set to become a growing challenge for wheat growers worldwide. Professor Malcolm Hawkesford, Leader of the “Delivering Sustainable Wheat” Institute Strategic Programme at Rothamsted Research said: “This kind of modelling studies provide critical information on, and pointers to, the traits we should be
She knows what she’s talking about
In December 1998, newly elected Mexico City mayor Rosario Robles Berlanga was preparing to give an inauguration speech in which she planned to announce a crackdown on crime. Just hours before Berlanga was to speak, her top aide was mugged in a taxi. The thief stole the briefcase containing the mayor’s rough-oncrime-speech.
breeding for now, ready for predicted future climate conditions.”
What this means for farmers
Choosing varieties with improved tolerance to heat as well as drought
Considering sowing dates and management strategies that reduce the risk of flowering during peak heat periods
Staying informed about local climate trends and seasonal forecasts
Plant breeders will also need to place greater emphasis on developing wheat varieties that can cope with short bursts of high temperature during flowering.
With global demand for wheat continuing to grow, protecting yields under changing weather patterns is essential for food security. This research shows that preparing for heat stress - not just drought - will be key to keeping wheat production stable in the decades ahead. By understanding when crops are most vulnerable, farmers and researchers can work together to build more resilient farming systems for the future.
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nitrogen fertilizer trial program
South Dakota State University Extension, in collaboration with Premier Crop Systems and university researchers, are seeking corn producers to participate in on-farm nitrogen fertilizer trials designed to improve nitrogen management recommendations across the state and better support farmer profitability and sustainable nutrient use.
“These on farm trials are part of a multiyear project that brings together SDSU Extension specialists, crop advisors and growers to generate real field data that improves nitrogen recommendations and benefits producers directly,” said Jason Clark, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Soil Fertility Specialist. Ravi Mural, who leads the newly launched South Dakota Nitrogen Initiative, added that these trials will also help researchers understand how soil, weather and management factors interact to influence crop nitrogen response across different regions of South Dakota.
Excessive nitrogen fertilizer application can lead to reduced fertilizer efficiency, environmental losses and lower grower
profits. These trials use Enhanced Learning Blocks™ to test varying nitrogen application rates within participating farmers’ fields. Location- and farmer-specific data will remain confidential. Trial plot sizes typically range from 2 to 5 acres depending on equipment size and field layout.
Producers who participate will gain direct insight into how corn on their own fields responds to different nitrogen rates while also contributing to a larger statewide dataset. Information gathered through these trials will support ongoing SDSU Extension and research efforts focused on developing improved, data-driven nitrogen recommendations that account for soil type, weather variability and regional differences. This work strengthens grower profitability while also helping reduce environmental risk in South Dakota corn production.
To learn more about these trials or to participate, email Jason Clark. To see the existing nitrogen fertilizer recommendations guide, visit the SDSU Extension Fertilizer Recommendation Guide.
International Waffle Day
This holiday is always observed on March 25th
This holiday originated in Sweden. It is called Våffeldagen. The holiday coincides with the Christian Feast of the Annunciation. This day was also considered the start of spring in Sweden and Europe. It became a custom for Swedish families to celebrate the two coinciding events by making waffles on this day.
Another thing you can do today is waffle on the issues when making a decision. This is clearly not the objective of this day. But, if you need an excuse to waffle for any reason, cite this holiday as your justification.
Have waffles any way you’d like There’s plain, buttermilk, blueberry, cinnamon, and many more flavors and toppings. When you make them at home the flavor choices become endless. Finally, don’t forget Belgian waffles. They are a treat at any meal.
Today’s Quote “We need to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, work. Or, waffles, friends, work. It doesn’t matter but work is third.” – – Amy Poehler
History and Origin of
International Waffle Day
Eating waffles is a longstanding tradition in Sweden.
*Jerry Hoagland, Seven High Ranch, Reynolds Creek, Owyhee Co, Idaho
Dakota Gardener: Amazing new tomatoes for 2026
By Tom Kalb, NDSU Extension horticulturist
Tomato production in the Dakotas is about to change. There is a new wave of tomato varieties that will provide more colors, better flavors and higher yields.
Scientists have cracked the genetic code of tomato. They have identified new genes to improve the crop. Through natural breeding (not GMO) techniques, scientists are using these genes to develop new varieties with amazing qualities.
The latest breakthrough is BadaBing! This is one of the first varieties to resist Septoria leaf spot, the most common disease of tomatoes in the Dakotas. Septoria is a fungus that causes spotting and browning of tomato leaves late in the season. This breakthrough will help our vines stay healthy and productive until frost.
You won’t hear much about BadaBing! The seeds of this cherry tomato are rare and expensive. Nevertheless, this news is very exciting.
That’s because this special gene can now be bred into future varieties. The same thing occurred over the past 10 years with early blight and late blight. Now we have several varieties that resist these diseases.
Another breakthrough has led to the Plus varieties. Celebrity is one of the most popular varieties in the Dakotas. Now we have Celebrity Plus. Celebrity Plus has all the great qualities of Celebrity, with better fruit quality and greater disease resistance. The same goes for other varieties such as Better Boy Plus, Big Beef Plus and Lemon Boy Plus. Look for them.
A new group of varieties is coming out of the Blue Ridge Mountains. These varieties resist diseases and grow well in cool summers. Mountain Fresh Plus and Mountain Merit have excelled in our trials. A new beefsteak called Mountain Man is available this spring. This variety is reported to have a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making it perfect for slicing and topping burgers and sandwiches. It sounds delicious!
A bonus of the Mountain tomatoes is that their vines are determinate. This is important because determinate vines stay compact. They do not need to be pruned and can be easily trellised with cages or weaving. Determinate varieties usually yield earlier than indeterminate vines, which are more vigorous and require a lot more work.
Another big trend is the improvement of heirloom tomatoes. Gardeners enjoy the taste of heirloom fruits, but the vines are unproductive and susceptible to disease.
Scientists are now developing hybrid heirlooms that have the beauty and flavor of heirloom fruits, but with productive, disease-resistant vines.
A good example is Cherokee Carbon. This is a cross between the popular heirlooms Cherokee Purple and Carbon. This new hybrid has the special flavors of these two purple heirlooms, but it ripens earlier, produces more fruits, resists cracking and fights diseases. I can’t wait to try it.
I also look forward to growing Wonderstar Pink. This new hybrid produces pink tomatoes like the famous heirloom Brandywine, but its fruits are firmer and ripen earlier. Its compact, two-foot vines resist diseases and are easy to grow.
Get to know the new and colorful cherry tomatoes. Gardeners have raved over the golden cherry Sungold for its intense, fruity flavor in recent years. This year, we will test Sunorange, which has larger fruits that crack less. We are going to test chocolate cherry tomatoes, too. These will be great for snacking.
You won’t find many of these new varieties in garden centers yet. You will need to search for the varieties online. Aim to sow the seeds in late March to early April.
I encourage you to visit our website at ndsu.ag/gardentrials and download our list of recommended varieties. In that publication, there is also a list of companies that you can contact for seeds. Nearly all these companies offer free catalogs.
Many of these new varieties will be tested in gardens across our region. If you want to evaluate the varieties for North Dakota State University, you can request our online catalog from our website.
A revolution in tomato production is upon us. Let’s explore and enjoy!
Bolster Hypocalcemia prevention with calcium boluses
From Boehringer Ingelheim
Getting cows off to a good start at the beginning of lactation can sometimes be a struggle. Hypocalcemia — also known as milk fever — is often the culprit, triggered by a drop in blood calcium levels.
“Historically, when we think of hypocalcemia, it’s those cows that go down and are unable to stand around the time of calving,” said Jen Roberts, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim. “They may also have difficulty calving because they don’t have enough blood calcium for uterine contractions to deliver the calf. Those are the cows we see.”
However, those obvious cases are only part of the story. It’s often the cows that aren’t showing visible signs that experience broader challenges.
“Subclinical hypocalcemia, by definition, is something you don’t typically see, especially in healthy cows, which are the most susceptible,” explained Curt Vlietstra, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim. “If you want to address it, you need to be aware that it is a problem.”
Even without visible symptoms, subclinical hypocalcemia can influence performance in several ways:
Lower feed intake
Reduction in milk production
Lack of muscle contractions can cause a retained placenta, leading to uterine infections
Because subclinical hypocalcemia is difficult to identify, focusing on prevention is a must.
“To set cows up for success, we need to manage them well during the pre-fresh period to make sure we’re preventing low blood calcium, and then supporting calcium levels through calving and the transition period with a well-formulated bolus,” stated Dr. Roberts.
Prevention begins with nutrition
Prevention starts in the pre-fresh pen, where nutrition plays a central role in preparing cows for calving. Typically, third-lactation and older cows are the most susceptible to hypocalcemia. Secondlactation cows may also struggle with low blood calcium.
“Some farms will use what is called a negative dietary cation-anion difference [DCAD] in the diet during the pre-fresh period to get the mature cows prepared for calving,” said Dr. Roberts.
DCAD is a balance of cations (potassium and sodium) and anions (chloride and sulfur) in the diet. Generally, in the last three weeks of pregnancy, a negative-DCAD diet will be fed to cows.
“It is a way to acidify the diet in the prefresh period to help prevent subclinical or clinical hypocalcemia,” noted Dr. Roberts.
The role of calcium boluses
Cows are at their lowest blood calcium levels 18 to 24 hours after calving. Because of this dip, supplementing cows with a calcium bolus can help support their calcium needs during the transition period.
“After calving, supplementing cows with an oral, rapidly dissolving, readily available calcium bolus will help support their needs,” shared Dr. Roberts. “If we’re not supporting those cows and providing addi-
tional calcium to keep them going smoothly through that transition, it can negatively impact their lactation and longevity in the herd. We need to ensure we provide supplemental calcium to support cows, so they can get lactation off to the best start.”
Providing additional support with a second bolus within 12 to 24 hours post calving can further set cows up for success.
“Coming back in with a second calcium bolus will help those high-producing cows have enough calcium to make milk and get off to a good start of lactating,” said Dr. Vlietstra. “It will also help keep all of their organs and internal systems working so they are healthy, and we can keep them out of the sick pen.”
Choosing the right bolus
There are many calcium bolus options available. It is critical to examine their ingredients, as the type of calcium directly affects how quickly and effectively cows can use it.
The types of calcium in those boluses fall into two groups: acidogenic or alkalogenic.
Acidogenic boluses are recommended, because they help increase the responsiveness to the body’s signals to move calcium into the blood from the cow’s bones.
“A bolus that has acidogenic calcium is not only going to provide her with a rapidly absorbable form of calcium, but it is also going to encourage her body to move calcium out of the bones in response to the demands at the beginning of lactation,” said Dr. Roberts. “The types of calcium in BOVIKALC® boluses are calcium chloride and calcium sulfate, which are both acidogenic.”
The other commonly used calcium is the alkalogenic type, calcium carbonate, found in many commercially available boluses.
“Calcium carbonate isn’t as rapidly absorbed by the cow as calcium chloride or calcium sulfate,” related Dr. Roberts. “It doesn’t encourage the cow’s body to do its own mobilization of calcium from her internal stores of calcium.”
An ideal bolus is about two-thirds calcium chloride and one-third calcium sulfate for optimal absorption. This combination provides rapid availability and sustained support during the transition period.
“It’s not just the differences in the types of calcium in the boluses, but the quality that matters,” added Dr. Vlietstra.
When evaluating boluses, look for a few key quality indicators:
Use a bolus with a fat coating, because it makes administration easier and safer for both workers and fresh cows
Avoid products with fillers or the wrong calcium forms
Reading ingredient labels on calcium bolus supplements and pairing them with balanced nutrition help ensure your cows reach their full lactation potential.
A successful transition period depends on more than one intervention. By combining balanced pre-fresh nutrition with a highquality calcium bolus program, you can support metabolic health, reduce fresh-cow interventions, and promote a smoother path into early lactation. These steps help cows perform at their best when it matters most.
March is National Sauce Month
National Sauce Month provides a great excuse to behave just a little saucy! The month is the time to celebrate the sweet or savory culinary magic that sauces bring to our tables. From the humble roots of ketchup to the more refined béarnaise, sauces are the unsung heroes that hold the power to turn ordinary meals into extraordinary feasts.
History of National Sauce Month
The origins of National Sauce Month are as mysterious and varied as the sauces everyone enjoys today. While the exact founding date and founder remain unknown, the importance of sauces in culinary history is undeniable.
Sauces have been around since the days of ancient civilizations – Phoenicia, Greece, and the Roman Empire. In those days, sauces were perfect for masking the taste of less-thanfresh food, as well as adding depth and flavor to any meal. A prime example of an ancient sauce is Garum, a fermented fish sauce that became a staple in ancient Roman cuisine.
Ancient cooks used this salty sauce much like we enjoy soy sauce today. It was crucial for adding umami to dishes. It was so widespread in ancient times that archaeologists found evidence of a Roman-era Garum sauce factory in modern-day Israel.
Asian cultures also have a long-revered sauce tradition. From Thai chili oil to the more familiar Japanese Teriyaki, Asian sauces have spanned centuries and are now welcomed in fusions with Western cuisine.
Don’t forget Latin cuisine — the geniuses behind those yummy salsas that are so addictive. From mild to super-hot or from salsa verde (green sauce) to the tomato-ey classic found at everyone’s favorite Mexican restaurants, there’s undoubtedly one to suit the taste buds. Don’t forget the tortilla chips!
In the 1970s, the term “special sauce” entered the popular lexicon, thanks to a certain fast-food giant’s secret concoction. That sauce became a cultural icon in its own right, highlighting the sauce’s role as a star in its own right.
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Life hack - Running a slightly damp rubber glove over furniture will pick up pet hair quickly and easily.
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Prairie Fare: Stand by your pan — Avoiding kitchen fires
By Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension food and nutrition specialist
“I need to check something in the kitchen,” a colleague said. She was working from home.
“I hear the smoke alarm,” she added quickly before turning off her Zoom camera and microphone.
She sounded remarkably calm. I would have bolted from the room. And I probably would have forgotten to mute my microphone.
Several minutes later, she returned online. Her young children had started a fire in the kitchen. Apparently, they attempted to “toast” a coffee filter.
“I put the fire out, but my countertop is damaged,” she said. I’m guessing she also moved her kids out of the kitchen.
Fortunately, no one was injured. Fires can start remarkably fast and may damage property or even cause loss of life.
I can relate. I once put garlic toast under the broiler and ran to the basement to grab something. A couple of minutes later, I returned to find inedible charcoal. I narrowly avoided setting off the smoke alarm.
I knew better than that. My kids learned from my bad example and still remember the smoking garlic bread to this day.
Cooking is a leading cause of home fires. Most of us have heard stories of homes going up in flames after someone left a pan on the burner and fell asleep on the couch. That’s why the U.S. Fire Administration urges us to “stand by your pan.” In other words, stay in the kitchen when cooking, especially when using the stovetop.
Let’s try a quick quiz based on a two-year period reported by fire departments in 2019:
How many fires in residential buildings were reported in the U.S.?
a) 97,700
b) 147,400
c) 187,500
How many injuries occurred in these residential fires?
a) 1,340
b) 3,325
c) 5,210
What was the total property loss?
a) $444 million
b) $755 million
c) $982 million
The answers are c) 187,500 cooking fires, b) 3,325 injuries and a) $444 million in property losses. In fact, cooking
March is
Sing With Your Child Month
Sing With Your Child Month is a delightful time dedicated to the joys of family bonding through music. It’s a celebration that encourages parents to sing with their children, fostering happiness, confidence, and closer relationships.
Whether you’re singing in the car, during bath time, or as a bedtime lullaby, this activity promotes positive interactions and emotional connections between parents and children.
The month highlights the simple yet profound act of singing together, turning everyday moments into cherished memories!
History of Sing With Your Child Month
Sing With Your Child Month began in the early 2000s as an initiative by Music Together, a company that offers music and movement classes for young children.
The idea was to encourage parents to engage in musical activities with their children and highlight the importance of singing as a way to foster stronger parent-child relationships and to promote children’s development
Music Together, founded by Kenneth K. Guilmartin in 1987, wanted to create a special time each year for families to focus on the joys and benefits of singing together. They believed that making music should be a shared, family experience that helps children develop their musical skills and overall cognitive abilities. The month-long celebration also aims to raise awareness about the positive impacts of music on children’s emotional and social development
Avoiding kitchen fires
CONTINUED FROM PAGE4 C8
accounted for 51% of all building fires in the U.S. during the 2017-2019 period for which statistics are available.
So, what’s a savvy cook to do? Use common sense and stay alert. Ranges are involved in more than half of kitchen fires, and unattended equipment is linked to one in four home cooking fires.
Fire-Smart Kitchen Tips
Stay in or very near the kitchen while cooking. Check food often.
Turn off the burner if you leave the kitchen.
Avoid frying on high heat. If oil begins to smoke, cover and remove from the burner.
Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
Keep a lid or baking sheet nearby to smother flames. Keep flammable items — oven mitts, towels, wooden utensils and food packaging — away from the stovetop. Make sure clothing, including long sleeves and aprons, stays clear of burners.
Supervise children in the kitchen at all times. If you help care for an older adult living independently, review kitchen safety precautions together.
Test smoke alarms regularly. If someone has a hearing impairment, use alarms with strobe lights or other alert systems. Keep a working fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it.
Have an escape plan in case of fire.
This spreadable roasted garlic recipe avoids the broiler, but I still stay close to the kitchen. It’s delicious on wholegrain crackers or fresh bread. For more garlic recipes, visit www.ag.ndsu.edu/fieldtofork.
Roasted Garlic Spread
7 medium heads garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Arrange garlic heads in muffin cups sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 40 minutes to 1 hour until garlic is soft and squeezable. Cool slightly and serve on crackers or bread. Refrigerate leftovers.
Makes 10 servings. Each serving provides 30 calories, 1 gram (g) carbohydrate, 3 g fat, 0 g fiber, and 0 milligrams sodium.
When I see lovers’ names carved in a tree, I don’t think it’s sweet. I just think it’s surprising how many people bring a knife on a date.
UW Receives State Legislator’s Estate Gift
By UWEAGNEWS
A significant gift from the estate of the late John Hines, a former state legislator from Gillette, will boost support to University of Wyoming students and programs.
Hines’ generous gift will support the Hines Family Scholarship, contribute to the Wildlife Livestock Health Center Endowment, and support the Cowboy Joe Club.
Hines established the Hines Family Scholarship in 2005 to honor his family’s long-standing legacy in Wyoming agriculture. The scholarship supports UW students in financial need who are enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, and gives first preference to students from Wyoming. Funding from Hines’ estate will further strengthen and sustain this scholarship for future generations.
“John Hines devoted his life to serving Wyoming’s agriculture, education, and rural communities,” says Kelly Crane, the Farm Credit Services of America Dean of the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources. “This gift continues John’s legacy of community and industry service in an extraordinary way. This estate gift reflects the enduring commitment of the Hines family to the University of Wyoming and their continued support of UW research, education, and extension programs that serve Wyoming’s sheep industry. This support honors John Hines’ legacy while empowering our students and programs to advance the agricultural industry, which John dearly loved.”
The Wildlife Livestock Health Center Endowment provides significant benefits to the state’s livestock and wildlife industries. The program offers hands-on research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students, along with specialized training focused on diseases that impact wildlife and livestock using emerging technologies.
Funding in the wildlife and livestock health fields is scarce, yet essential. The program’s research supports both sportsmen and stock growers, recognizing that the health of wildlife and livestock deeply affect the other. Hines’ gift will further expand opportunities, advance research, and promote deeper understanding of animal health issues across the state.
Hines’ estate also will provide continued support to the fundraising arm of UW Athletics, the Cowboy Joe Club. His gift will create a lasting investment in the lives of Wyoming student-athletes and the future of UW Athletics. This meaningful commitment will directly enhance scholarship support, strengthen competitive resources, and fuel program improvements across the department. More importantly, Hines’ legacy will help ensure that generations of Cowboys and Cowgirls have the opportunity to pursue their dreams; compete at the highest level; and proudly represent the Brown and Gold.
Through this enduring gift, Hines’ impact will be felt far beyond today, shaping the future of UW Athletics for years to come.
“John was an amazing supporter of the Cowboys and Cowgirls,” says Tom Burman, UW’s director of athletics. “He loved to travel the country to watch Wyoming football. He was always proud to represent the University of Wyoming when traveling. He was a supportive fan who was always asking what he could do to help the Cowboys. Sen. Hines was a rare breed of fan who cared immensely about the students, staff, and coaches.”
“John Hines’ extraordinary generosity reflects a lifetime of dedication to Wyoming, its people, and the University of Wyoming,” says John Stark, president and CEO of the UW Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to the Hines family for honoring John’s legacy in a way that will benefit agriculture, student success, research, and Cowboy pride.”
The Hines family has lived on and operated a ranch in Campbell County since 1900. Originally a cattle and horse operation, the ranch shifted to running sheep in the 1930s and transitioned back to cattle ranching in 2009.
Hines graduated from Campbell County High School and attended UW, studying in the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources. After graduating from UW, he served in the U.S. Army.
In 1960, Hines purchased his family’s ranching operation from his mother and committed to improving the state’s agriculture industry. He served as president of the Wyoming
John Hines.
UW Receives State Legislator’s Estate Gift
Wool Growers Association and was a charter member of the Cowboy Joe Club. The Cowboy Joe Club was near and dear to Hines’ heart, and he contributed donations in support of Wyoming student-athletes for over 50 years. His dedication expanded far beyond his financial contributions, as he also was a longtime football season ticket holder and regularly attended events in Laramie.
Hines served 29 years in the Wyoming Legislature. From 1985-2002, he represented District 31 in the House of Representatives. From 2003 until his retirement in 2015, he represented District 23 in the Senate.
Hines passed away in 2024 at the age of 87.
Plant a Flower Day
This holiday is always celebrated on March 12th
The calendar says it is mid-March, the dawn of a new gardening season. It sure has been a long time in coming. Winter has seemed endless. Plant a Flower Day has arrived. This holiday is a day to finally get a little dirt under your fingernails again. Take a few minutes to plant a flower today.
Gardening is a great hobby. It’s enjoyed by millions of people, old and young alike. It’s a hobby that virtually everyone can participate in, regardless of age, and health. Senior citizens love it, as they can garden long after they give up other hobbies and sports.
Identifying the correct date for celebrating Plant a Flower Day has proved frustrating and a bit futile. As we researched this day, we found multiple dates in March and May for Plant a Flower Day.
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The American Malting Barley Association (AMBA) Sustainability Committee has published the first ever emissions report from U.S. barley production, using real farm data. The Baselining Barley project was a collaborative effort between farmers and industry end-users to articulate the environmental impact of barley production, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions. The work confirmed the very sustainable nature of the barley crop, but did identify areas of opportunity where emissions could be reduced through various interventions. The association pursued this work to support efforts by their industry members to better account for their supply chain emissions and strive towards reduction goals.
The pilot project leveraged data from 33 farms across the primary barley growing regions that were producing barley on contract for malting and brewing companies. The comprehensive data collection effort assessed the 2024 crop year and included review of production practices, soil type, crop yield, and water management. Neil Fuller, consultant with Atlas Geo-Data Ltd, was the data steward ensuring accuracy of input data and appropriate use of the Cool Farms Tool to calculate emissions. “Getting data direct from farms is essential as it allows the project to showcase the incredible job U.S. barley farmers are doing, not only in producing top-quality grain, but in delivering a stack of environmental benefits that accompany that grain from soil to glass,” Fuller shared.
The full report can be accessed at the AMBA website, which illustrates these findings:
The aggregate carbon intensity score was 15.74 pounds of CO2e per bushel of barley produced. Rain-fed crops produced 13.39 pounds of CO2e, whereas irrigated barley produced 16.76 pounds of CO2e per bushel. Energy consumed to run irrigation systems was the primary driver for the difference. This highlights a very tangible opportunity to convert systems to renewable energy, driving down carbon intensity.
Nitrogen fertilizer use, which was similar across rain-fed and irrigated systems, consistently ranked the highest single category of produced emissions, at times being responsible for a quarter or more of the total emissions. This supports efforts underway by AMBA to identify fertilizer sources that have a lower carbon intensity, while still supporting a high yielding and high quality crop.
The default values found in the Cool Farms Tool consistently over-estimate emissions, highlighting the importance of farms collecting and reporting accurate data to ensure sound measurements. Furthermore, with only 33 datasets included in the pilot year, more data is needed to comply with protocols such as the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which is often needed to export into international markets. This supports a more robust data collection effort in subsequent crop years.
AMBA Sustainability Committee co-chair, Walker Modic from New Belgium Brewing Company, highlights the importance of this work for their business. “Mitigating our contribution to a changing climate calls for close collaboration with experts across our value chain. Leveraging that expertise requires a shared understanding and a common language for the work ahead. The project AMBA led provides just that, a clear, empirical understanding of where we are today, where our greatest opportunities exist, and a shared understanding of the implications of different solutions.”
As a result of the project, AMBA members now have access to a data monitoring tool that will allow them to continue to baseline their barley supply and track continuous improvement across the landscape. Industry is grateful for the partnership with the National Barley Growers Association and the farmers they represent, who committed time and farm data to this effort. Their support acknowledges the importance of this knowledge to preserve, promote, and expand market opportunities for U.S. barley.
In addition to the report, a webinar on the results is available on AMBA’s YouTube channel. Project inquiries can be made to Ashley McFarland, AMBA president.
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When the police arrived at Charlie’s house, they found his wife dead on the kitchen floor. There was a bloody golf club lying next to her body. The police officer asked, “Did you kill this woman?” “Yes, I did,” Charlie answered matter-of-factly. “It appears that you hit her in the head nine times with this five iron. Is that accurate?” “Yes,” Charlie answered honestly. “But if you could put me down for a five, I would appreciate it.”
Establishing perennial grasses
By Jerry Volesky, UNL
Are you considering establishing a new field of perennial forage grasses this spring or renovating an existing field? Seed selection, seedbed preparation, fertilization, methods of seeding, time and rate of seeding, and weed control are all an important part of the process.
For cool-season grasses such smooth brome, wheatgrasses, or orchardgrass, the planting period is typically mid-March into April. Planting in late April or May is suggested for warmseason grasses like big bluestem or switchgrass.
The seedbed for grasses should be firm, well-packed, and free of large clods with just enough loose surface soil for proper seed coverage. Good seed-to-soil contact is essential to maintain adequate moisture near the seeds. This moisture is necessary for germination and for the small root systems of young grass seedlings.
A companion crop such as oats with cool-season grasses can be used for seedling protection and to reduce soil erosion. Sandy soils or hilly sites are most likely to benefit from companion crops.
Grass seedlings grow slowly and compete poorly with weeds. The most frequent cause of seeding failure and slow establishment of warm- and cool-season grasses is poor weed control. If weeds are abundant, mowing can be used to reduce competition. Broadleaf weeds can be controlled in grass seedings using 2,4D ester at a rate of 1 pt/A (4 lbs of acid equivalent/gal). Do not spray 2,4-D until grass seedlings have at least five leaves.
For more information on this topic, search online for the Extension NebGuide titled ‘Establishing Dryland Forage Grasses’.
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According to surveys, 57% of Americans shower daily, 17% sing in the shower, 4% shower with the lights off, and 3% clean their pets by showering with them.
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Most common causes of hiccups are: too much alcohol, spicy food, cold water, carbonated drinks, indigestion, or asthma. They can also be caused by liver or kidney problems, abdominal surgery, or a brain tumor.
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A cautionary tale
By Carrie Knutson, Horticulture agent, NDSU Extension – Grand Forks County
Seed starting time is just around the corner. I would like to share a cautionary tale about seedlings while there is still time to order or purchase your seed-starting supplies. This way, you won’t have to live in fear of your precious tomato seedlings dying, as I did last year.
Two years ago, I found a tomato variety I really liked by accident. Last year, I was lucky enough to find the seed. It was expensive seed, and I was really watching over my seedlings. To my dismay, after the seedlings were transplanted, the leaves began to curl, and the lower leaves started to die. There was always new growth, but the older leaves just kept dying.
At that point, there wasn’t much I could do. I transplanted the tomato seedlings into new containers with new potting soil. They seemed to hold their own but only improved when it was time to harden them off outside and plant them in the garden. I planted the tomato plants deeply and had the best tomato crop ever.
What was happening to my tomato plants? I am still not sure what happened. All my other seeds germinated, transplanted and grew well. With that in mind, let’s go through a list of things to consider to make sure your seedlings survive indoors and can be planted in your garden.
First, clean and disinfect last year’s seedling containers and tools. After washing them in hot, soapy water, soak them in a 10% bleach solution for 30 minutes. Damping off is a common seedling disease that can kill the seedlings of many different plants and vegetables. The disease-causing organisms can survive in containers used the previous year. Cleaning and disinfecting containers and tools will help prevent the disease.
Second, seed heat mats can help improve plant growth by keeping the soil temperatures warmer. In addition, grow lights are a great investment for seed starting. The grow lights should be on for 12-16 hours every day.
Third, keep your seedlings and transplants healthy by using potting soil or a seed-starting mix. The mix will allow excess water to drain, keeping the mix moist but not overly wet. Always use new potting or seed-starting mixes to help with any disease issues.
Fourth, water seedlings with room-temperature water. Keep the soil moist, but not overly wet. Seedling containers should have drainage holes. An easy way to avoid overwatering is to water the seedlings from the bottom by pouring water into the catch tray. Wait about an hour and drain the excess water from the catch tray.
Finally, fertilizer should be applied only after the first several true leaves have formed. Then use a quarter-strength mix to avoid burning the seedlings. Additionally, a small fan can be used to create air movement and strengthen stems.
I’m still not sure what caused the issue last year. I thought I did everything right. Perhaps the tomato variety is a bit picky when grown indoors. I might give a seed heat mat a try. I will let you know how it goes. Happy gardening!
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A child’s observation: If a mother laughs at dad’s jokes, we have guests.
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The person who thought it’s a good idea to put the light switch outside of the bathroom clearly didn’t have any siblings.
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Cattle Chat: Managing body condition for the calving season
By Ella Johnson, K-State Extension news service
It’s a question that many cattle producers often ponder: Is it more costly to have fat or thin cows in the herd, and how should they manage the problem?
On a recent episode of the Beef Cattle Institute’s Cattle Chat podcast, Kansas State University experts discussed whether producers should be more concerned with a fat or a thin cow at the end of the calving season.
The consensus? The team agreed that thin cows are more costly due to potential calving difficulties and a longer infertility window between calving cycles, but “it depends on where we are in the production cycle,” K-State veterinarian Bob Larson said.
“If we are late in pregnancy, we are headed into calving because I would rather cows be a little thin,” he said.
Larson said thin cows in the herd produce less colostrum, which can affect the calf. The specialists note that if low bodyconditioning scores are uncommon in the herd and there are cows with scores of 3 or 4, producers should bring them in for a
closer look.
The possibility of a health issue in thin cows is more likely than in fat cows.
The experts noted that if producers are having difficulty with thin cows, it will take approximately 30-60 days to see a change, assuming a daily gain of two pounds.
“You’re going to take at least 30 to 60 days to effectively change them,” said Jason Warner, an associate professor of animal sciences, and extension beef specialist. “Can I get a cow to gain two pounds a day? Yes, but that does take a lot of energy to be able to do that.”
The K-State experts encourage producers to spend extra time checking on their thin cows to ensure there are no health concerns causing the issue. Being aware of the nutritional value of rations will also help when managing thin cows.
To learn more about managing body conditioning for cows or to learn more from the beef cattle experts, check out the BCI Cattle Chat podcast. For questions, reach out on social media or email to bci@ksu.edu.
March is Berries and Cherries Month
This month is dedicated to enjoying the delicious flavors of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and cherries.
These fruits are not only tasty but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants that boost your health. Throughout this period, you can indulge in various ways to savor these juicy delights, whether fresh, in smoothies, or as part of your favorite dishes.
Reasons for Celebrating Berries and Cherries Month
First, these fruits are nutritional powerhouses, rich in vitamins like C and A, and full of fiber. Their melatonin content helps boost the immune system, improve digestion, and even promote better sleep.
Second, they offer a variety of flavors, from the sweetness of strawberries to the tartness of cherries, making them versatile for numerous recipes.
Lastly, this celebration encourages people to explore and enjoy these fruits, promoting a healthier lifestyle and a deeper appreciation for fresh, natural foods
History of Berries and Cherries Month
Berries and Cherries Month started as a way to highlight the deliciousness and nutritional value of these fruits. The origins of cherry celebrations in the United States trace back to the mid-1800s.
Peter Dougherty, a missionary in Michigan, planted cherry trees in 1852, which flourished and led to a thriving cherry industry. This success inspired others in the area to grow cherries, establishing Michigan as a key producer
The concept of a month dedicated to these fruits likely evolved from various regional celebrations and agricultural fairs. These events showcased the harvests and educated the public on the benefits of consuming berries and cherries. The month of March was chosen to coincide with the beginning of spring, a time when these fruits start to become available and people begin to look for fresh, nutritious options. This celebration aims to promote healthy eating by encouraging people to include more berries and cherries in their diets. These fruits are known for their high content of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making them excellent for boosting health. By dedicating a whole month to them, the initiative seeks to increase awareness and appreciation of these versatile and tasty fruits
How to Celebrate Berries and Cherries Month
• Have a Berry Smoothie Extravaganza
• Go on a Cherry-Picking Adventure
• Have a DIY Berry Jam Session
• Prepare a Berry Dessert Delight
• Make Cherry-Infused Recipes
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How to read Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs)
By Taylor Grussing, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist
Bull sale season is here for many operations and cattlemen are spending nights scanning websites and catalogs in search or their next herd sire. The search for a new bull can be overwhelming if you are not familiar with how to interpret the numbers. Seedstock operations are going to put several numbers in the catalogs, made up of both performance data (ex. birth weight, weaning weight) and genetic data presented as expected progeny differences (EPDs) to help sell their animals. The EPDs are calculated by breed associations using the submitted performance data of the animal, as well as genetics of their sire and dam. An EPD is the best way to compare traits between animals of the same breed and a more accurate predictor of genetic potential than performance data only because it is exempt from management or environment influences. EPDs will change over time with DNA and progeny records.
To determine which EPDs to look at, one must first set up their breeding objective by working backwards. How do you select or market your calf crop? For example, if you are raising heifers, you may be looking for maternally driven bulls. Yet, if you are selling all calves at weaning and purchasing replacements, a terminal sire should be selected for more growth and performance. Keep in mind you may have one breeding objective when buying a bull to use on heifers versus cows if their calves are marketed differently.
So what do all the numbers mean? EPDs are expressed in units such as pounds or
Production
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)
percentage that allows comparison between animals to determine which will give more or less of a certain trait. EPDs of animals within the same breed can be directly compared. If you don’t have another animal to compare it to, you can compare it to the breed average. Animals cannot be compared across breeds without an adjustment. To keep it simple, Angus bulls in one catalog can be compared to any other Angus bulls in another catalog.
Common EPDs
Common EPDs are listed in many sale catalogs in order of production, maternal, management, carcass and value indexes. The sections below explain many common EPDs, the abbreviation, unit of measure and how to use them. Keep in mind EPDs can be positive and negative. Single trait selection is not recommended so evaluating multiple EPDs or indexes is a better way to achieve balanced results.
Accuracy
Accuracy (ACC) is a measure of con
number means lighter progeny at birth
Higher number means calves will be heavier at weaning
number means calves will be heavier as yearlings
Management
predicts more heifers to conceive and calve at 2 years of age
value means heavier weaning weight due to milk production
Higher value predicts more of his daughters will calve unassisted
Carcass
means heavier
predicts a larger
(Credit: SDSU
Worship of Tools Day
This holiday is always observed on March 11th
There are few things that the male population worships more than his tools. Power tools, hand tools, yard, and garden tools, we love them all. Got duplicates? No problem as you can’t have too many tools. To some guys, any tool is a natural extension of their arm. And, it’s not just a guy thing. More than a few ladies love them and participate in this day, too. Many ladies love to work with tools in their hands and find today to be an important holiday.
Need a birthday or Christmas gift idea for one of the boys in the family? You’re never lacking for tool ideas when you visit your local hardware store. However, it does pay to ask him for a list, as chances are he already has a toolbox or two full of them. And, if you do buy something he already has, no problem. Every guy starts out with one flathead screwdriver and one Philips screwdriver. Years later, he’s got a couple dozen screwdrivers of varying sizes and types. Yet, there’s still another one on his list. The same goes for other tools. You just can’t have enough.
Celebrate today by working with tools and buying a couple of new ones. Receiving a tool as a gift today makes this truly a special day.
This special day was created in the 1990s on the comedy television show Home Improvement. In the show, Tim (Tim Allen) the “Tool Man” Taylor, and his sidekick Al Borland (Richard Karn) were always having humorous adventures with tools. Reference to a Worship of Tools Day was mentioned in an episode, and a new holiday was born.
Some internet websites add the word “National” to the title. In the show, the proper name given to this day did not use the word “National”. Also, we did not find any congressional records or presidential proclamations for this day. #####
Meringue will not shrink if you spread it on the pie so that it touches the crust on each side and bake it in a moderate oven. #####
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How to read Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs)
CONTINUED FROM PAGE C18
fidence ranging from 0 to 0.99 with 0.99 indicating 99% accurate. Yearling bulls are going to have low accuracy until they have progeny registered to them. One way seedstock operators improve accuracy on young animals is to submit DNA which is used to produce genomically enhanced EPDs which produce progeny equivalents to improve the accuracy of their EPDs. Higher accuracy will yield more reliable results in expression of that trait. Accuracy is often reported under the EPD value.
Percentile Rankings
As you search through the catalogs and still find it hard to narrow down the list, you can also use percentile ranking to help identify bulls that excel in the top percent of the breed. Selecting bulls that rank in the top 10% of a trait may help you make faster progress towards a breeding objective. Keep in mind that traits interact with another, for example selecting for high weaning weights may also increase mature weight of heifers that are retained. Percentile ranks are listed under accuracy on an EPD profile.
Performance and Herd Data
Actual animal performance data is often provided in catalogs but should be utilized secondary to EPDs due to the influence of management on these values. Yet, looking at actual birth weight is something you can visit with the seller about and determine how their management may affect the data, including how their cows are fed, if any supplement is provided to preweaning calves and what the postweaning development is like. Ratios are developed to compare animals within the herd to each other when they were raised under these same conditions. Ratios average 100, therefore, if the ratio is 110 for Bull A, that indicates that Bull A performed 10% greater performance than herd average. Ratios should not be compared across herds as every operation is using different management, nutrition and environmental conditions.
Every breed will report some similar EPDs but there may be different abbreviations. In addition, each breed can report more EPDs and indexes if they collect the data from their registration membership. Make sure to only compare EPDs within a breed and find the correct EPDs and indexes that work for your breeding objective. If you are interested in comparing across breeds, there is a conversion published by the USDA Meat Animal Research Center annually. It is available on the Beef Improvement Federation website.
PLAY BY THE RULES.
Summary
• EPDs are a tool to compare traits between animals within the same breed.
• Depending on the EPD, high or low values may be considered more desirable.
• To compare EPDs across two different breeds, an adjustment must be made.
• Higher accuracy will yield more reliable results in expression of that trait.
• Percentile ranks and breed averages can be used to compare an animal across the entire breed.
#####
How did Crayola come up with the name for their crayons?
The name “Crayola” is a combination of the French word craie (meaning “chalk”) and oleaginous (referring to an oily texture).
Alice Binney, co-founder Edwin Binney’s wife, came up with this name. The choice reflected the smooth, waxy texture of the crayons, which set them apart from earlier marking tools.
This simple yet creative naming process symbolized the innovative spirit of the company, which began with the goal of making art accessible to children.
#####
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MSU Extension trainers recognized for pesticide education impacts
Two Montana State University Extension trainers have been recognized by the MSU Extension Pesticide Education Program for exceptional efforts educating agricultural producers, land managers and pesticide applicators, as well as promoting the proper use of pesticides to protect public health and the environment.
The MSU Pesticide Education Program presented the 2025 Early Achievement Award to Marley Voll, former Richland County agriculture and horticulture Extension agent, and the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award to Jane Mangold, MSU rangeland weed specialist. The award recipients were nominated by peers within MSU Extension.
The Early Achievement Award recognizes exceptional efforts and impacts in pesticide education in the first five years of an individual’s employment with MSU Extension. Voll, who has a master’s degree in animal science from MSU, began working with MSU Extension in 2021 as the Rosebud/Treasure County agent before transferring to Sidney in 2022 as the Richland County agricultural and horticulture agent. Voll has since left MSU Extension to pursue other career interests.
Award nominators noted that Voll formed strong partnerships with producers and peers through well-attended and engaging teaching events, including MonDak cropping seminars, MonDak Ag Days and Trade Shows, Northeast annual initial private applicator trainings, and grasshopper management events.
Voll was also known as a reliable expert delivering integrated pest management recommendations to agricultural and urban clientele and for being accessible and useful to producers in eastern Montana. Nominators also said she strengthened local partnerships, increased producer engagement and supported regional events.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual demonstrating exceptional efforts resulting in statewide pesticide education impacts over 15 years. Award recipients have shown excellence through coordinating many types of pesticide education events, grant efforts resulting in positive impacts in pesticide education, or being a regional leader for pesticide education events or trainings. The award is not given annually but is granted only when an acceptable candidate rises to this level.
Mangold, who moved to Montana in 1995, earned a Ph.D. in land resources and environmental sciences from MSU in 2004. Her doctoral work focused on testing how plants compete for limited soil resources and how to use this information to manage weeds. Mangold began working for MSU Extension in 2008 as a rangeland weed specialist. Her weed education efforts, spanning more than 17 years in Montana, have supported producers, applicators and peers through many well-organized training efforts. Those include coordinating noxious weed management workshops as well as delivering a monthly weed post, integrated pest management presentations and numerous other presentations.
Mangold has also supported Montanans by delivering accurate weed management recommendations to thousands of clients throughout her career in a timely manner, while serving as a lead member of the integrated pest management team that provides educational activities across the state.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to work with Extension agents and specialists, the Department of Agriculture, county weed districts, and our stakeholders around the state over my career thus far,” Mangold said. “Judicious pesticide use is very important for ensuring agricultural production and protecting all aspects of the beautiful environment we steward in Montana. I may be the one receiving this award, but credit goes to our entire team of pesticide educators and, additionally, the applicators who put the information we share with them on the ground in careful and conscientious ways.”
Cecil Tharp, MSU Extension Pesticide Education specialist, noted that the program relies on the professional education and interactions of Extension agents and specialists, as well as the enthusiasm of newer employees to promote proper use of pesticides across the state.
“Having Extension agents like Marley Voll and specialists like Jane Mangold boosts the knowledge, expertise and education of pesticide applicators in Montana,” Tharp said.
For more information on the MSU Extension Pesticide Education program, visit www.montana.edu/extension/pesticides/. Future pesticide education award nominations may be sent to Tharp at ctharp@montana.edu or 406-994-5067.
EMPLOYEE NEEDED
Exhibitors must follow regulations when bringing project animals into North Dakota
While the groundhog has forecast six more weeks of winter, livestock exhibitors around the state are looking forward to the summer show season. In early 2026, many exhibitors will attend show animal sales in other states, searching for an animal to bring home the blue ribbon.
The North Dakota State Board of Animal Health and North Dakota State University Extension have issued a reminder to buyers that show animals purchased out of North Dakota require a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) to enter the state.
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“A CVI documents that the animal is free of signs of infectious, contagious disease and has met the health requirements set by the State Board of Animal Health for import into North Dakota,” says Dr. Jake Galbreath, NDSU Extension veterinarian. “A veterinarian that is licensed and accredited in the state the animal is coming from must perform an evaluation and any required testing, and they must ensure the animal meets requirements for individual identification before entering North Dakota.”
Dr. Galbreath explains that this documentation is important because it allows
the state veterinary office to trace animals in the event of a disease outbreak, which can be key to limiting the spread of illness. An outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) associated with rodeo events in Texas and Oklahoma in late 2025 demonstrated how proper documentation can help quickly identify animals that may have been exposed and allow officials to contact owners with response instructions.
At livestock check-ins at the 2025 North Dakota State Fair, state veterinary officials identified 187 animals from 80 families and three third-party importers that originated outside North Dakota that had no CVI to document when they entered the state.
“Animal agriculture faces many challenges in disease and pests,” says Dr. Ethan Andress, North Dakota state veterinarian.
“Many of these challenges can be seen on the daily news, ranging from highly pathogenic avian influenza to New World screwworm. The key to the control of these diseases is constant vigilance and monitoring.”
Dr. Galbreath advises exhibitors considering purchasing show stock from out of state to ask sellers whether a veterinarian will be available to provide CVIs or if they will need to make separate arrangements.
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“Exhibitors should also work with their own veterinarians to develop biosecurity protocols for their operations that they can implement to keep their herds and flocks safe,” says Dr. Galbreath.
The Board of Animal Health plans to step up surveillance and enforcement of animal movement regulations at fairs and events in 2026. The North Dakota Century Code states that importing animals without a required CVI can result in fines of up to $5,000 per violation. In recent cases, the Board of Animal Health has imposed a $500 penalty, which would be suspended if the individual commits no further violations in the next three years.
“If you are importing animals and have difficulty finding a veterinarian, or if someone delivers animals to your property without a CVI, please reach out to our office,” says Dr. Andress. “We would rather help exhibitors become compliant than issue them fines.”
For information on requirements to transport animals into North Dakota, visit https://www.ndda.nd.gov/ divisions/animal-health/ animal-movement-and-importation-requirements or call the state board at 701328-2655.
#####
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PLOWDOWN ALFALFA
Canine cancer survivor may
Clarice, a 6-year-old silver Labrador retriever, had a malignant tumor growing near her left wrist, in a spot where surgery would be risky and amputation was the usual recommendation (photo courtesy of Dayla Culp).
It had only been a year and a half since Dayla Culp and her family lost her sister, Darcy Klepec, to breast cancer when she and her husband, Jon, heard another devastating diagnosis — this time for their dog, Clarice.
The 6-year-old silver Labrador retriever, a gift from Darcy, had a malignant tumor growing near her left wrist, in a spot where surgery would be risky and amputation was the usual recommendation. For help, the Culps turned to Washington State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where Clarice became part of a novel treatment plan that combined surgery, radiation, and a clinical trial in partnership with Seattle Children’s Hospital. The approach not only appears to have left Clarice cancer free, but could also help advance new immunotherapy options for difficult-to-treat tumors in both dogs and children.
“Clarice means so much to us,” Dayla said. “She’s just such a great dog, and since she was a gift to me from my sister, when she got cancer, it was just that much more difficult.”
The Culps learned Clarice qualified for the clinical trial being completed in partnership with Seattle Children’s Hospital after arriving at WSU and decided to participate.
“So many people in our families have had cancer,” Dayla said. “If there was a chance this could help somebody else someday — especially a child — that mattered to us.”
The treatment involved injecting an immune-stimulating agent directly into Clarice’s tumor to activate the body’s T cells. The trial was only the first step. One week after receiving the injection, Clarice underwent surgery to remove the tumor.
Soft-tissue sarcomas are among the most common canine cancers, accounting for roughly 15% of all malignant tumors in dogs. As many as 95,000 dogs in the United States are diagnosed each year, and an estimated 20% to 30% of cases are fatal, largely because these tumors can grow unnoticed and often extend microscopically beyond what’s visible, making them difficult to fully remove. Sarcomas can often be removed cleanly if caught early and located in areas with enough room to obtain clear margins, but in cases like Clarice’s — where the tumor is in an area that offers little extra tissue to work with — amputation is often recommended. Clarice, though, had an arthritic right shoulder that made it unlikely she could comfortably manage life on three legs, making amputation a poor option.
Even with the location of the tumor, Dr. Janean Fidel, a WSU oncologist who oversaw Clarice’s care, was confident that the hospital’s surgeons could remove most of the tumor. The remainder could then be eliminated with radiation therapy.
Clarice’s surgery took place just before Thanksgiving, and by early January she had completed a three-round course of radiation therapy. Fidel is hopeful that Clarice has been cured, but she will still receive routine checkups to ensure the tumor doesn’t return unnoticed.
“When she came back for her first radiation treatments, there was no palpable tumor — the surgery went as well as any of us could have hoped for,” Fidel said.
Back home in the Okanogan, Washington, Clarice has returned to her normal self. She greets Jon and Dayla every morning by proudly showing off her stuffed toys, and she still reliably announces both breakfast and snack time.
The Culps are grateful to have Clarice back home, and they hope her treatment and what will be learned from the clinical trial may help other pets and people.
“In the end, we wanted to do everything we could for Clarice,” Jon said. “But knowing her treatment might help someone else someday made the decision feel even more meaningful.”
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Cattle Chat: Defining cow efficiency
By
Chevy-Lynn Vaske, K-State Extension news service
When it comes to cow efficiency, beef producers often focus on outputs like weaning weights and pregnancy rates. K-State beef cattle experts recently discussed which performance metrics really matter on a recent Beef Cattle Institute Cattle Chat podcast episode.
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Researchers defined cow efficiency as the relationship between feed intake and pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed, a metric that directly affects profitability. However, beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster suggested accurately measuring that relationship remains a challenge — especially when forage intake is involved.
“We as researchers need to work on these math equations to make them more accurate for the type of cows we have today,” K-State veterinarian Bob Larson said.
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“We want to get to the point where we can measure efficiency better, but it is currently impossible to accurately measure forage intake,” Lancaster said.
Without precise intake data, researchers rely on models and indicators to evaluate how cows convert available resources into reproductive and growth outcomes.
Despite those limitations, the discussion reinforced several core principles producers can apply in their operations. The team stressed that efficiency is strongly tied to adequate nutrition, sound animal husbandry and maintaining proper body condition, particularly heading into calving.
“Sometimes the math clearly shows how thin cows going into the calving season can affect fertility and overall efficiency,” Larson said. Poor body condition at calving often results in delayed rebreeding, fewer pounds weaned and higher costs per cow — all of which reduce system efficiency.
While research continues to refine efficiency models, producers can protect herd performance by focusing on fundamentals: matching cow size to the environment, ensuring nutritional needs are met and managing body condition before calving begins.
To learn more about managing body conditioning for cows or learn more from the beef cattle experts, check out the BCI Cattle Chat podcast. For questions, reach out on social media or email to bci@ksu.edu.
New World Screwworm Flies and Maggots: What They Look Like
Register today for summer fun at MFU’s Summer Camp at Arrowpeak
Registration for Montana Farmers Union’s low-cost, high-impact summer camps at Arrowpeak is now open.
The camps are part of MFU’s commitment to education and youth and feature lessons about agriculture and cooperatives at MFU’s Arrowpeak facility in the Highwood Mountains.
“Montana Farmers Union Arrowpeak camps are a unique blend of hands-on learning, social activities, group interactions, and outdoor adventures. The facilities provide the amenities of comfort with access to the wild adventures of camping. There are so many exciting opportunities planned for the 2026 camps, you won’t want to miss them,” MFU’s Education Director Jodi Koterba said.
Campers have enjoyed summer programming at picturesque Arrowpeak for more than 60 years, with this year’s camp theme as “Neon Nights & Northern Lights.”
Campers can expect fun, agriculturally based lessons on topics like gardening, farm to table, and cooperatives, with plenty of old-fashioned summer camp fun like crafts, hiking, dancing,
group games, and mini golf.
Camp dates are:
June 7-12 Senior/Teen 1 (ages 13-18)
June 14-16 Mini Camp (ages 7-9)
June 14-16 Parent Camp (with registered mini camper)
June 28-July 2 Junior 1 camp (ages 8-12)
July 6-10 Junior 2 camp (ages 8-12)
July 12-17 Teen 2 camp (ages 11-14)
July 21-23 Ag for Classroom Teachers Camp
Several Montana Farmers Union Countywide Locals provide scholarships for campers living within their counties. Cost for all the camps except the Mini Camp is $100 for Montana Farmers Union members or $150 for non-members. Mini Camp cost is $75 for MFU members or $125 for non-members. New this year is a parent camp in conjunction with Mini Camp for $150 group bunks and $250 individual bunks.
Gift certificates are available on MFU’s website so people can gift summer fun to their loved ones. Register today at https://montanafarmersunion.com/mfu-camp/.
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President George H. W. Bush banned broccoli from being served on Air Force One and at the White House because he simply did not like the vegetable.
Kessel Construction, LLC
Seed selection to combat alfalfa diseases
By Ben Beckman, UNL
If you’re planning to seed alfalfa this year, one of the most important decisions you’ll make happens before the planter ever rolls—and that’s variety selection. Disease resistance should be part of that decision, especially when it comes to Phytophthora root rot and anthracnose.
Start by thinking about the fields you’re planting. Heavier soils, poor drainage, or areas that stay wet after rains increase the risk of Phytophthora root rot. In new seedings, it can cause rapid seedling death under wet conditions. In established stands, it damages the taproot, leading to yield loss, thinning stands, and a higher risk of winterkill.
Now look at fields with a history of stem disease, frequent harvest traffic, or past stand decline. Those conditions increase the risk of anthracnose. This disease attacks stems and crowns, spreads easily through rain, wind, and harvesting equipment, and can significantly reduce production within a few growing seasons.
Multiple races of anthracnose are already causing problems in the Midwest. Races 1 and 2 have been present for years and remain common. A newer and more aggressive race 5 has yet to be lab-verified in Nebraska, but has been confirmed in neighboring states. Race 5 often shows up earlier in the life of a stand, adding another layer of risk. Because alfalfa is a long-term investment, seed selection is your first—and best—line of defense. When ordering seed this year, look for varieties rated Resistant or Highly Resistant to anthracnose across multiple races, along with strong resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Matching disease resistance to field conditions now can help protect yield, stand life, and profitability for years to come.
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Golf balls were originally smooth until players realized that old, beat-up balls flew farther. The dimples were eventually added to improve airflow and reduce drag.
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Fetuses hiccup in the womb.
2022 John Deere X9 1100 Signature Edition, Ultimate cab/lights, Gen 4 display w/extended monitor, 31-ft. unloading auger, fixed speed CM/fore/aft feederhouse, extended wear grain handling, Kondex all crop concaves, Advanced Tailboard with extra fine cut, 650/85R38 duals and VF750/65R26 rear tires, Combine Advisor, Active Yield. Stock #91881
2023 John Deere S780 w/Tristream (Bullet Rotor) w/Small Wire concaves, Combine Advisor, Active Yield, Contour Master w/ Fore&Aft, Advanced Powercast Tailboard, Power Folding Covers, 28.5’ unloading auger, 580/85R42 dual drive wheels, 750/65R 26 rears, small grain windboard, Premium Lights (LED), general purpose shoe (sidehill performance kit installed). Stock #93552
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2019 John Deere S780 w/Premium cab, guidance, Combine Advisor, Active Yield, Pro Drive transmission w/HarvestSmart, regular wear handling pkg., power folding covers, 28.5-ft. auger, fine cut chopper with Advanced Powercast Tailboard, 12 inch wheel spacers. Stock #94377 $315,000
2020 John Deere S780 w/Premium cab, singles, chopper, yield monitor, Contour Master (lateral tilt feederhouse) fore/aft, Active Yield, Advisor Package, fine cut chopper w/ Powercast Tailboard, 28.5-ft. unload auger, power folding bin extension. Stock #94352
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(15)
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2023 John Deere S770 w/Command Touch feederhouse (5 speed), TriStream rotor, Pro Drive, premium visibility select cab (non-leather), Active Yield, Combine Advisor (parts in Great Falls), 28.5-ft. unloading auger, power folding tops, Premium Fine Cut Advanced Tailboard, 520/85R42 duals, 600/70R28 rear, general purpose shoe, side
NEW PRICING FOR 2026
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4WD, ROW CROP AND UTILITY TRACTORS
Let’s get ready for spring planting season with that tractor you need to get the job done quickly. Also a good selection of loader tractors available.
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2012 John Deere 9560RT w/18/6 Powershift transmission, 5 SCVs w/hi-flow hydraulics, PTO, 2630 display w/AutoTrac, 3000 receiver, CommandView II cab, electric RH & LH mirrors, 36” Durabuilt 5500 series tracks, premium lighting, front weight bracket w/27 weights, 4-450 lbs front idler weights, tow cable. Stock #95203
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SELF PROPELLED SPREADERS & SPRAYERS
Several used John Deere and competitive self-propelled sprayers and applicators in stock! Variety of boom and widths available. Several units are ready to roll with turnkey GPS!
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2015 John Deere R4045 w/Command View II Plus cab, guidance, section control, 120 ft. boom w/auto boom leveling, stainless steel tank, foam markers, RH and LH fence row nozzles, no eductor, 420/95R50 tires. Stock #86591
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2018 John Deere 8245R w/IVT w.RH reverser, MFWD w/ILS, 540/1000/1000E PTO, standard cab w/guidance, 6 SCVs, Cat 3/3N 3-pt w/quik coupler, 380/90R54 rear & 380/80R38 front all w/duals, front and rear weights, many other options. Stock #95989
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2024 John Deere 6155M w/MFWD, 20 speed AutoQuad, 3 SCV’s, 114 LPM pump, cast center, 480/80R42 singles, 420/85R28 front, front/rear fenders, standard seat/radio, beacon, buddy seat, L/R mirrors, cold start 1 pkg,, 2-450# weights, loader ready with mounts, hood guard, electric joystick (for now) AutoTrac ready. Stock #96079
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2015 John Deere 6195R w/IVT-40K, 10 In. display, guidance ready, Premium cab, 4 SCVs, 540/1000/1000E PTO, 3-point hitch, 480/80R46 rear single tires, MFWD w/TLS, front fenders, panorama roof, light package, rear weights, no loader. Stock #95467
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2023 John Deere 6R 145 w/640R loader w/ grapple, 20/20 AQ transmission, front suspension (TLS), 4200 display w/AutoTrac Activation, 3 E-SCV, 540/1000/1000E PTO, cab suspension, Panorama glass roof w/lights, 480/80R46 duals w/fender extensions, rear weights, 420/85R32 front tires, many other options. Stock #92242 $199,000 (11)
DRILLS & SEEDERS
Spring seeding will be here before we know it. Please see our line of good used air seeders for your spring planting needs
John Deere N560F 60-ft. no till disk drill w/10 inch spacing, dry fert. delivery tubes, cast serrated fertilizer closing wheels, narrow gauge wheels, All Run Blockage, double shoot air package for tow behind C850 cart.
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2015 John Deere 1890 60-ft., 10” spacing, 90 Series openers, mix of spoked and unspoked gauge wheels, mix of smooth and serrated closing wheels, All Run Blockage, 430 tow between w/Intelligent AG section control, 12” conveyor w/standard hopper. Stock #88790
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2015 John Deere 1890 60-ft., 7.5” spacing, SS, All Run Blockage, solid gauge wheel, 430 bushel two behind cart, 3 tank, 8 run, hydraulic drive (section command), 10” fill auger. Stock #90868 $157,500 (12)
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2023 John Deere N560 60-ft., 10” spacing, Pro Series opener, spoked narrow gauge wheels, crumbler closing wheel, All Run Blockage, TruSet pressure control, 430 tow between cart with section control, 12” conveyour with standard hopper, dual 420 cart tires. Stock #95463
2014 John Deere 1890 42-ft. air drill, 7.5” spacing, single shoot, All Run Blockage, dual 31x13.5-15 hi-float tires, spoked gauge wheels, 1910 tow behind 430 bushel cart, no section command. Stock #92797
2023 John Deere 612R 120-ft. steel boom, 20” spacing, Exact Apply, 5 sensor boom height, 1200 gallon tank, boom air purge, boom recirculation, front fill, eductor, auto bill, fence nozzles, Active seat-leather, 380/105R50 & LSW800/55R46 tires, flotation fenders. Stock #95920 $390,000 (14)
2021 John Deere 1890 60-ft. drill, 10” spacing, single shoot disk drill with ProSeries openers, narrow/spoked gauge wheels, crumbler closing wheels, All Run Blockage, 1910 tow between cart, 430 bushel, 12” conveyor with KSI hopper, 800/70R38 singles, no section control. Stock #96017 $245,000 (14)
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The Navajo feared being haunted by the dead, so the body was burned and the deceased’s house was destroyed. On the way back from the funeral, relatives took a long, circuitous route to confuse the spirit into not following them.
Cover crop vs chem fallow in no-till Sorghum
Brent Bean, Sorghum Checkoff Director of Agronomy In recent years, cover crops have gained favor across the U.S. as part of the sustainability and soil regeneration movement. Some of the potential benefits of cover crops are protecting the soil from wind and water erosion, increasing water infiltration, improving soil structure, and, in the long run, increasing soil organic matter and nutrient benefits and potentially sequestering carbon. Another common benefit that is often mentioned is weed suppression.
The last benefit of weed suppression was of particular interest to researchers at Kansas State University, who conducted a three-year study integrating a cover crop into the popular no-till, dryland wheat-sorghum-fallow system used in western Kansas and much of the southern High Plains. In this study, a cover crop of triticale+winter peas+canola+radish was planted following wheat harvest and compared to a standard chemical fallow system. Weed control, sorghum yield and net return were then compared. Following wheat harvest, all treatments were sprayed with glyphosate and dicamba in late July. In the cover crop treatment, the cover crop was planted at the end of September or the beginning of October. Termination of the cover crop occurred in the middle of May, following triticale heading. At termination, a herbicide combination of glyphosate+acetochlor+atrazine was applied to the cover crop treatment, and at the same time to the chemical fallow treatment.
with Kansas State University. Across all three years of the study, adding the cover crop reduced weed density 34% to 81%. However, there was no significant difference in sorghum yields when averaged across the three years. The cover crop treatment averaged 23 bu/acre and the chemical fallow treatment 22 bu/acre. It is important to note that rainfall was considerably below the 30-year average in all three years of this study, which led to the low sorghum yields in both treatments.
Net return was much lower in the cover crop treatment, primarily because of the cost of the seed. On the positive side, the cover crop did significantly reduce weed density, which likely lowered the amount of weed seed that would have otherwise entered the soil bank. However, the cost of integrating the cover crop greatly exceeded the benefits of improved weed control, with lower net returns recorded in all three years compared to chemical fallow.
Middle Name Pride Day
This holiday is always celebrated on March 10th This day honors the seldom-used middle name that often sets you apart from others. our parents selected it with care, so you should be proud of it. Some people like it so much, that as adults they use their second name as their official name. A great example of this is F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Here are two big reasons to be proud of your middle name:
First, there are plenty of John Smiths and Mary Jones. It’s the second name your parents gave you that makes your name unique.
Second, your parents often selected your middle name to honor a good friend or relative. That person is likely a role model for you as you grow up. He or she may possess certain quality traits and characteristics that hope you to inherit. Do you know why you were given your middle name? If not, today is the day to find out. If it was in honor of someone, find out a little more about that person.
Thought for the Day: The sole purpose of a child’s middle name is so he can tell when he is really in trouble.
SDSU Extension 4-H excels at 2026 Western National Roundup
South Dakota State University Extension 4-H youth excelled at the 2026 Western National Roundup, winning the overall high state award in the Horse Classic.
In the Horse Classic, states can compete in hippology, horse (quiz) bowl, public speaking and judging. Each state accumulates points in each category based on how their teams/individuals perform. The state with the most points at the end of the competition wins the high state award.
“Our kids did awesome,” said Steve Zoss, who coached the hippology team. “It was a fun competition. It’s just fun to see South Dakota do so well.”
SDSU Extension 4-H had an impressive showing in each category, winning second place in the hippology and horse quiz bowl competitions and third as a team in horse judging, along with several individuals placing in the top 10.
Lila Stutzman, of Bon Homme County, placed first individually in the horse quiz bowl competition and Arryanna Schnetzer, also of Bon Homme County, placed fourth. Other team members were Hensley Talsma and Madalynn Stutzman, all of Bon Homme County.
In hippology, Delaney Zoss, of Sanborn County, placed third individually and Hayden Talsma, of Bon Homme County, placed fourth. Other team members were Aedan Klawonn, of Lake County; and Isabella Kolousek, Buffalo/ Jerauld counties.
Tarynn Torsney, of Bon Homme County, placed sixth individually in the horse judging competition. Other team members were Cash Martinez, Hutchinson County; Payden Brue, Lincoln County; and Kenley Henke, Hutchinson
Hope Baysinger, Sanborn County, placed fifth overall in public speaking.
Kenton Timmons, Deuel County; Natalie Yates, Butte/ Lawrence County; Emma Piskule, Brule County; and Jonathan Moe, Brookings County, competed in livestock judging, and placed 16th as a team.
The Western National Roundup brings together 4-H and FFA youth from across the nation to compete, learn and connect through a series of educational contests and leadership events.
The annual contest was January 7-10, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. To compete, youth must qualify at a state-level contest. Throughout the year, Steve Zoss said hippology team members studied the different aspects of the competition –an individual written exam, individual stations, individual judging and a team problem.
“It’s a lot of individual study. They’ve really got to be self-starters with it,” he said.
He added that the team’s strong showing is a
Thirteen youth in cowboy hats and western wear smile for the camera, holding up their ribbons and award plaques
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By Brooke Ortel
As many Wyoming residents have experienced firsthand, invasive plants like cheatgrass increase wildfire risk and compete with native species for water and nutrients. In some cases, they can also be toxic to grazing animals.
While these scourges pose serious threats to agricultural operations, a new study1 by UW scientists may provide some reassurance for Wyoming sheep producers. Nutritionally, the researchers found, eating a higher proportion of at least some of these plants is unlikely to hinder livestock performance. The sheep rumen, it turns out, is quite resilient.
Previous research indicates that the High Plains region is likely to experience warmer temperatures and higher atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations in the future. Unfortunately, studies also suggest that invasive species like cheatgrass and Dalmatian toadflax will thrive under such conditions.
Paulo De Mello Tavares Lima, an assistant professor in the UW Department of Animal Science, noticed a gap in the literature: how might the expansion of invasive plant populations affect livestock nutrition and performance?
“Why not evaluate the nutritional value?” he wondered. “Maybe ruminants can thrive even in the high presence of these forages.”
Determining digestibility
Lima’s research focuses primarily on precision livestock management, but he also studies ruminant nutrition and methane emissions. His goal is to support domestic ruminant production, especially of sheep, in Wyoming and worldwide.
Lima’s latest research2 suggests that sheep performance will likely not suffer even if they consume a higher proportion of cheatgrass and Dalmatian toadflax. Furthermore, consumption of these forages may not result in higher methane emissions than consumption of native species—a potential boon for both animal productivity and the environment.
Starting in December 2024, Lima ran multiple trials “in vitro,” simulating a sheep’s digestive process by combining rumen fluid and dried forage samples in an anerobic environment. Through these lab experiments, he analyzed the gas production, digestibility, and nutrient content associated with each forage type.
“For most parameters, the invasive forages are comparable to the native grasses,” Lima found. His results indicate that cheatgrass and Dalmatian toadflax are just as digestible as native forages like Western wheatgrass, suggesting they may be a viable forage resource for domestic ruminants.
That’s potentially good news because if the invasive forages were less digestible than their native counterparts, the animals would likely consume less feed and their performance might suffer.
Monitoring methane
Lima also observed that the two invasive forages produced about the same amount of methane emissions as native forages.
Methane production is a direct product of the digestive process, he notes, so emissions are influenced by digestibility. “But in this case, we had some indication that the digestibility of these forages was just as high as that of the native grass,” he says. While the livestock industry tends to get a bad rap for contributing to the release of heat-trapping gases like methane, Lima’s research may indicate that sheep production—which helps sustain communities in Wyoming and around the world—is not necessarily incompatible with a healthy environment.
Perceptions of the livestock industry aside, it’s possible that lower methane production may increase animal productivity. “In terms of animal production, the carbon that is converted to methane is carbon that is not utilized by the animal to grow,” Lima explains. “So, you’re losing some of the
Sheep graze a mixture of native shrubs, native and non-native grasses, and some native forbs in a rangeland in southern Wyoming’s Sierra Madre range.
Vials are prepared for an experiment measuring digestibility and methane emissions of different types of forages. Note the feed bag inside the vial and buffer solution injection. Photo by Jeremy Cain.
UW PhD student Aaron Kersh and undergraduate Molly McMurry organize vials in the incubator used for experiments measuring methane production.
Photo by Jeremy Cain.
Continuous and General Conservation Reserve Program enrollment open
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the enrollment periods for agricultural producers and landowners to submit offers for the Continuous and General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting offers for Continuous CRP starting Feb. 12, 2026, through March 20, 2026. Enrollment for General CRP will run from March 9, 2026, through April 17, 2026. FSA will announce dates for Grassland CRP signup in the near future.
CRP is USDA’s flagship conservation program, providing financial and technical support to agricultural producers and landowners who place unproductive or marginal cropland under contract for 10-15 years and who agree to voluntarily convert the land to beneficial vegetative cover to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and support wildlife habitat. The Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, extends FSA’s authority to administer CRP through Sept. 30, 2026.
“We’re still very close to the 27-millionacre statutory cap with 1.9 million acres available for all CRP enrollments this fiscal year so enrollment is likely to be competitive,” USDA’s Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce said. “This isn’t about the total number of acres enrolled, it’s about producers and landowners offering and USDA accepting the acres that can best deliver real, lasting benefits to soil, water and wildlife.”
Continuous CRP (Signup 65) FSA will batch Continuous CRP offers submitted by interested agricultural producers and landowners. Offers to re-enroll expiring CRP continuous acreage will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. New acreage offered in continuous CRP practices will be considered for acceptance on a first-come, first-serve basis if they support USDA conservation priorities including but not limited to practices that address water quality, such as filter strips and grass waterways, and practices that restore native ecosystems or target specific resource concerns.
acceptance in subsequent batching periods if acreage remains available.
Continuous CRP participants voluntarily offer environmentally sensitive lands, typically smaller parcels than offered through General CRP including wetlands, riparian buffers, and varying wildlife habitats. In return, they receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish longterm, resource-conserving vegetative cover.
Continuous CRP enrollment options include:
Clean Lakes, Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR) Initiative: Prioritizes water quality practices on the land that, if enrolled, will help reduce sediment loadings, nutrient loadings, and harmful algal blooms. The vegetative covers also contribute to increased wildlife populations.
CLEAR30 (a component of the CLEAR Initiative): Offers additional incentives for water quality practice adoption and can be accessed in 30-year contracts.
Highly Erodible Land Initiative (HELI): Producers and landowners can enroll in CRP to establish long-term cover on highly erodible cropland that has a weighted erodibility index greater than or equal to 20.
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP): Addresses high priority conservation objectives of states and Tribal governments on agricultural lands in specific geographic areas.
State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Initiative (SAFE): Restores vital habitat in order to meet high-priority state wildlife conservation goals.
General CRP (Signup 66) General CRP offers are submitted through a competitive bid process. After the enrollment period closes, General CRP offers are ranked and scored by FSA, using nationally established environmental benefits criteria. USDA will announce accepted offers once ranking and scoring for all offers is completed. In addition to annual rental payments, approved General CRP participants may also be eligible for cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative cover.
More Information
The first Continuous CRP batching period ends on March 20, 2026. Offers submitted after this date will be considered for
Producers and landowners interested in participating in CRP should contact their local FSA county office.
Invasive scourges like cheatgrass unlikely to compromise forage nutrition
CONTINUED FROM PAGE C36
energy potential of the feed provided to the animal.”
Implications for the sheep industry
Lima’s study suggests that, even in the face of warming temperatures and increased carbon dioxide concentrations, Wyoming sheep production will likely remain sustainable. If invasive grasses like cheatgrass and Dalmatian toadflax continue to spread across the landscape, grazing management may look a little different, but the animals will adapt.
“The main take-home message in terms of animal nutrition is that unless the animals are eating almost the entirety of their diet from these plants, they can cope without issues,” Lima says.
His results may be useful for producers who are trying to optimize forage nutrition while minimizing the negative impacts of invasive plants. Cheatgrass, for example, has a short life cycle and loses nutritional value
quickly. Its nutritional value peaks in late winter through early spring; later in the season, livestock tend to lose interest in the grass and it becomes a fire hazard. Implementing a targeted grazing system that encourages heavy grazing of cheatgrass early in the season could potentially provide decent-quality forage while also reducing fuel for wildfires.
In previous field trials, Lima and UW partners observed sheep grazing invasive species under various conditions. Although Dalmatian toadflax contains compounds that can be toxic to grazing animals if consumed in large amounts, livestock typically avoid consuming large quantities of the plant. Nutritionally speaking, consumption of Dalmatian toadflax and cheatgrass can be compatible with decent animal productivity, Lima concludes—a hopeful sign for the sheep industry.
To learn more, contact Lima at pdemello@ uwyo.edu.
SDSU Extension 4-H excels at 2026 Western National Roundup
the hard work each member put in throughout the year. For some, like his daughter Delaney Zoss, it’s also a culmination of her years of work and study in the 4-H project.
Katie Stutzman agreed. Stutzman, who served as a chaperone on the trip and whose daughters competed on the quiz bowl team, said her older daughter Lila was especially dedicated, committing herself to many hours of study outside of practice.
“The information is so wide, it’s incomprehensible what can be thrown at you in the horse bowl,” Katie Stutzman said.
Another thing that helped the horse bowl team is their camaraderie. Stutzman said the team has been together for about a year and a half and works well together. They first competed at the 2025 Black Hills Stock Show and won, then continued that success by winning at the 2025 State 4-H Horse Show, which qualified them to compete in Denver.
“There’s a lot of prep work and they’re dedicated to it. It gives us a good competitive edge when we go out there,” she said. “South Dakota has a really good history of winning high point at nationals.”
Complete team results and top 10 individual results are as follows:
HIPPOLOGY
Team – 2nd place. Team members: Delaney Zoss, Sanborn County; Hayden Talsma, Bon Homme County; Aedan Klawonn, of Lake County; and Isabella Kolousek, Buffalo/ Jerauld counties.
Stations individual
Delaney Zoss – 4th
Hayden Talsma – 6th
Aedan Klawonn – 9th
Exam individual
Delaney Zoss – 5th
Judging individual
Hayden Talsma
Delaney Zoss
Isabella Kolousek
Overall individual
Delaney Zoss – 3rd
Hayden Talsma – 4th
Individual
Lila Stutzman – 1st
Arryanna Schnetzer – 4th
The SDSU Extension hippology team won second place at the 2026 Western National Roundup in January in Denver, Colorado.
The SDSU Extension horse quiz bowl team won second place at the 2026 Western National Roundup in January in Denver, Colorado.
– 3rd
– 7th
– 10th
HORSE BOWL Team – 2nd place. Team members: Arryanna Schnetzer, Hensley Talsma, Lila Stutzman and Madalynn Stutzman, all of Bon Homme County.
Turkey Neck
Soup Day
This holiday is always observed on March 30th
We suggest you follow the aroma coming from your kitchen, waddle on in, and pour yourself a bowl of turkey neck soup. You are certain to gobble it up and even waddle back for more. Will this become your favorite soup of all time!? Perhaps.
While some people are turned off at the thought of eating a turkey neck in any way, shape, or form, we encourage you to get over your hesitation. Turkey necks are very flavorful. It makes an excellent soup stock, ready for you to add some of your favorite veggies and spices.
You won’t find this soup at the grocery store or a restaurant. So, plan on making it at home from scratch. The morning before you make it head to your local butcher shop to purchase the turkey necks to make the stock. Start the soup in the morning, allowing the stock to cook for a few hours. Then, add the veggies. Your soup will be flavorful and ready by dinnertime.
Today’s Quote
“What a marvelous resource soup is for the thrifty cook – it solves the hambone and lamb-bone problems, the everlasting Thanksgiving turkey, the extra vegetables.” – – Julia Child History and Origin of Turkey Neck Soup Day It appears to have originated around 2015. It seems like a day in the dead of winter or around Thanksgiving would be more appropriate.
SDSU Extension 4-H excels at 2026 Western National Roundup
HORSE PRESENTATIONS AND DEMONSTRATIONS
Public Speaking: Hope Baysinger, Sanborn County, 5th place
HORSE JUDGING – 4-H
Team overall – 3rd place. Team members: Cash Martinez, Hutchinson County; Payden Brue, Lincoln County; Ken-
Cut Bank Tire
Overall Individual Tarynn Torsney
Halter
Team – 5th
Performance
Team – 4th
Individual – Tarynn Torsney, 7th
Reasons
Team – 8th
Individual – Kenley Henke, 10th
LIVESTOCK JUDGING
Overall Team – 16th
Cattle
Team – 17th
Goats Team – 11th
Reasons
Team – 17th
Sheep
Team – 8th
Individual – Kenton Timmons, 6th Swine Team – 16th
ley Henke, Hutchinson County; and Tarynn Torsney, Bon Homme County.
– 6th
The SDSU Extension 4-H horse judging team won 3rd place overall at the 2026 Western National Roundup.
The South Dakota 4-H Livestock Judging team placed 16th overall at the 2026 Western National Roundup.
Organic sweet corn production in clover living mulch systems: 2-year research summary
By Kristina Harms, SDSU M.S. Graduate Research Assistant,
under the direction and review
of Thandiwe Nleya and Kristine Lang.
Photo: Kristina Harms, SDSU
Adjusting to varying weather across multiple seasons is a challenge farmers have been facing for generations. The historical grassland prairies of South Dakota, while favorable for growing many vegetable crops, are known for seasonality and unpredictable springs. Sweet corn is a popular warm season specialty crop that is a staple across many places in the United States, including South Dakota. As a warm season crop, sweet corn prefers warm soil temperatures and well drained conditions to sprout. This feature of warm season grasses can take advantage of the mid-summer heat in our state but can be sensitive to unpredictable wet or very cold springs.
Methods Used Research in 2024 and 2025 in a USDA certified organic field at the SDSU Southeast Research Farm explored growing sweet corn in three types of clover grown as a living mulch. Living mulch systems are a cover crop that is grown alongside the chosen main (cash) crop. Chosen clover cultivars for this study included ‘Domino’ White Clover (Trifolium repens), Aberlasting’ White x Kura Clover (T. repens x ambiguum), and ‘Domino’ Red Clover (T. pratense). The clover plots were established two years prior to planting the sweet corn (Barnes et al., 2023; Harms et al., 2024). A bare ground treatment with no cover crop was used as a control. All systems were strip-tilled to allow for direct seeding of sweet corn seeds. Sweet corn was planted in midMay both years of the study and harvested at the beginning of August. Sweet corn yield was compared to the USDA Marketable standards for husk off sweet corn grading standards (USDA: 7 CFR Section 51.835).
Findings
a singular occurrence (Figure 1-A). During the 2025 growing season, spring had a late snap of cold after sweet corn planting which delayed sweet corn emergence (Figure 1-B).
CLOVER VARIETIES
All clover varieties had accelerated growth during the cold snap of 2025, putting sweet corn at a disadvantage and affecting stalk height over the entire season (Figure 2-A and 2-B). Red clover specifically affected sweet corn growth and yield, producing the least number of marketable ears in both seasons
Figure 1-A. Precipitation and bare ground soil temperature at four-inch depth, as sourced from the South Dakota Mesonet data for planting date of May 13, 2024, at Beresford Southeast Research Station. Soil temperature in Bare Ground was 76-degrees, which is warm enough for non-treated, organic sweet corn to be planted.
Figure 1-B. Precipitation and bare ground soil temperature at four-inch depth, as sourced from the South Dakota Mesonet data for planting date of May 14, 2025, at Beresford Southeast Research Station. Soil temperature dropped to below ideal sweet corn planting temperature of 65-degrees Fahrenheit from May 15 until May 31, 2025.
(Figure 3-A and 3-B). Red clover also produced the most weed biomass, due to heavy competition with weed pressure. After mowing events, red clover was not re-established and instead was outcompeted by the weeds. White clover and kura clover thrived with high water quantities in 2024 and 2025, establishing through rhizomes and stolons, and out-competing weed pressure.
WEATHER IMPACTS
Strong differences in sweet corn growth occurred between 2024 and 2025, influenced by very different weather patterns between the years. In 2024, spring had heavy rainfall, but it took place after sweet corn planting and was
GROWTH AND YIELD
Acclimating to varying seasons is a consistent challenge for farmers, and knowledge of inconsistent yield output based on our results is a cautionary tale for adoption of living
USED HEADERS
USED AIR DRILLS
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2012 Case IH Flex Hoe 700 air drill with Precision Air 3430 TBT cart, 70-ft., 10” spacing single shoot, walking beam rubber tire packers, 4” spread carbide opener.
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Organic sweet corn production in clover living mulch systems: 2-year research summary
CONTINUED FROM PAGE C44
mulch systems for organic sweet corn production. Clover living mulch systems were shown to increase production challenges impacted by seasonality including, colder temperatures, inconsistent rainfall, and severe storm damage. These factors highly impacted both the growth and yield of sweet corn (Figure 4-A, 4-B, and 4-C).
The yield of the sweet corn produced the highest quality under bare ground over both
2-A. Sweet corn on Jul 9, 2024. Sweet corn shown growing in white clover, red clover, and bare ground - left to right. Heights of the sweet corn in the clover treatments are similar to the bare ground. In 2024, although the clover treatments appeared to be a week behind development of the bare ground, the clover end of season stalk heights were within 10 centimeters of each other. The sweet corn stalk height was less of an indicator in the struggles of the sweet corn growth, than the differences in growth stages between the bare ground and clover plots.
All Photos: Kristina Harms, SDSU
Figure 2-B. Sweet corn on 8 Jul 2025. Sweet corn shown growing in kura clover, red clover, and bare ground – front to back. Heights of sweet corn in the clover treatments are severely below the bare ground control. The sweet corn within the clover treatments did not emerge and develop as quickly as the bare ground. The stalk heights were much diminished for the clover treatments in the 2025 growing season. Both the growth stages and the stalk heights were two weeks behind in the clover treatments as compared to the bare ground.
years, although in 2024 the total marketable yield under all USDA categories was within 10% of each other. This was not reflected in 2025, when clover varieties did produce much smaller marketable yields compared to the bare ground control.
Figure 4-A. Sweet corn grading differences in 2024 bare ground treatment. Top to bottom is: Unmarketable, US Number 1, and US Fancy. Grading for husk off was in alignment with USDA marketable standards for sweet corn. Bare ground produced high percentage of US Fancy in 2024, with straight development, good tip fill, and proper kernel maturity.
4-B. Sweet corn grading differences in 2024, under the red clover treatment. Sweet corn on the top would be considered US Number 1, and the ear on the bottom is US Number 2. Sweet corn grown in 2024 under red clover treatment, were lower quality but still considered marketable. Much of the lower standards came from lack of tip fill, and not prime kernel development (not straight rows).
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2015 Gehl RS1055 2160 hours, frame tilt, 3-way steering, 55” reach, 10K pound lift capacity, auxiliary hydraulics, nice foam filled tires, 68” carriage, 72” forks, has been through the shop, recent service, extremely clean, low-hour telehandler. Located in Spearfish, SD.
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Figure 4-C. Sweet corn grading differences in 2025 under the kura clover treatment, specifically no-till treatment. Much of the sweet corn in 2025 under the clover living mulch, did not palate to US Fancy category. The ear on the left was the highest quality produced in kura clover no-till, which would be a US Number 1 ear, due to lack of proper ear development. The other demonstrated ears would not be considered marketable, due to lack of pollination, tip fill, and ear maturity.
WEED CONTROL
Weed control was one benefit of the living mulch systems: white clover and kura clover promoted weed suppression especially late season, while red clover did not. Red clover would be a beneficial cover crop but does not grow well to diminish weeds after mowing occurrences in living mulch systems. Considerations before implementing living mulch systems would be establishing a clear planting bed and using adequate early season fertilizer.
Conclusion
Usage of clover living mulch systems for sweet corn results in expectations of lower marketable crops, and competition between the clover and cash crop. Farmers who want to incorporate living mulches for soil health and weed management benefits will need to be willing to acclimate to varying weather over seasons and be able to accept a loss of sweet corn yield or explore using this system for crops that are less sensitive than sweet corn.
Figure
Figure 3-A. 2025 tassel height of sweet corn grown in red clover. The sweet corn was highly stunted, due to lack of nutrients.
Figure 3-B. 2024 tassel height of sweet corn grown in red clover. The sweet corn struggled with nutrients and growing degree days but still produced height in growth during the 2024 season.
