CALIFORNIA CATTLEMAN WEEKLY

October 14, 2024

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CDFW Releases New Wolf Depredation Reports
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife on Friday announced that it has released thirteen new “livestock loss determination” reports regarding suspected wolf depredations of livestock, dated between July 31 and Sept. 18.

The reports confirm 11 livestock kills by wolves across 10 separate incidents. Five attacks occurred within the Whaleback Pack’s range in Siskiyou County and three within the Harvey Pack’s range in Lassen County. While two incidents were outside known pack areas, one depredation in Sierra County appears attributable to the Whaleback Pack. The Yowlumni Pack, active within the Tule River Tribe Reservation in Central Tulare County, was deemed to be the probable cause of a calf kill last month.

Overall, CDFW has found wolves responsible for 40 livestock depredations so far in 2024, with 25 animals confirmed to have been killed by members of the Whaleback Pack.

New Episode of Sorting Pen: The California Cattleman Podcast
A new episode of Sorting Pen: The California Cattleman Podcast is out now! In this week’s episode, CCA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Kirk Wilbur joins Katie on the podcast for the final legislative recap episode of the year. Tune in to hear Wilbur explain how CCA’s priorities in the 2023-2024 Legislative Session shook out now that the governor’s deadline to act on all bills has come and gone. To listen, click here.

California Beef Cattle Improvement Association Now Accepting 2024 Seedstock Producer of the Year Award Applications
The California Beef Cattle Improvement Association (CBCIA) is now accepting applications for the CBCIA Outstanding Seedstock Producer of the Year Awards. The awards recognize progressive beef cattle breeders who use practical, scientifically accepted selection and management methods and integrate them into successful ranching operations. Applications are due Oct. 15. To learn more about the award and view the informational flyer click here and here. To download the application click here.

National Cattlemen’s Foundation CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship Applications Now Open 
The National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2025 CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship. The application deadline is Nov. 8, 2024 at midnight Central Time. To learn more, click here.

Questionnaire on Wolf-Livestock Compensation Programs
From Oregon State University Graduate Student Tyler Allen
Oregon State University’s (OSU) Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences is seeking help to understand livestock producer’s thoughts about wolf-livestock compensation programs. Graduate student, Tyler Allen asks that you or another member of your household or company over the age of 18 please complete the following questionnaire in the next few days.

The accuracy of conclusions OSU makes depends on opinions from all livestock producers being represented, so even if you live outside of the current range of wolves or have not applied for compensation in the past, your participation is still very much needed and greatly encouraged.

The questionnaire should take less than 15-20 minutes to complete and the survey can be accessed here.

This research study is part of a requirement for Tyler Allen to complete his Master’s degree, and this study is not being funded by any agency or organization. Participation is voluntary, responses are confidential, and you can refuse to answer any question(s) for any reason.

OSU and Allen value your time and opinions. Completing this questionnaire will help them understand how livestock producers think about, engage with, or could engage with compensation programs.

If you have questions about this questionnaire, please contact Tyler Allen at Tyler.Allen@oregonstate.edu or (503) 998-9537.

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Industry News

NCBA Releases Findings from Cattle Producer Tax Survey National Cattlemen’s Beef Association “Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) released a report analyzing data collected in a nationwide tax survey of America’s cattle producers. With the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire at the end of 2025, NCBA collected this survey data to better understand how key tax provisions, such as Death Tax relief and business deductions, impact family-owned cattle operations.” To continue, click here.

A new wolf pack, irate ranchers, and the astonishing comeback of California’s most celebrated predator The San Francisco Chronicle “Preliminary research shared with the Chronicle shows that cows are indeed a dietary staple for many California wolves. An analysis led by Ken Tate, a professor of plant sciences at UC Davis, found that 72% of wolf scat collected in the area around the Lassen Pack in 2022 and 2023, from 18 different wolves, contained traces of cattle. About 45% contained deer. None had elk.” To continue reading, click here.

Are California’s forests becoming more resilient to wildfire? State leaders say yes The San Francisco Chronicle “Nearly 700,000 acres of wildlands across California were ‘treated’ last year with prescribed burning, tree cutting, grazing or some combination of these and other forestry tactics designed to clear out burnable vegetation and reduce wildfire risk, according to newly released state data.” To continue reading, click here.