2023 Fall Cattlemen's Edition Section B

Working With Mother Nature

LU Ranch raises cattle with a focus on land stewardship

The LU Ranch, originally called LU Sheep Company, is a fourth-generation cattle ranch in the foothills of the Absaroka Mountains in northwest Wyoming.

DJ Healy, the current ranch manager, explains Dave Dickie founded the LU Sheep Company in 1899 when he bought several homesteads in the area.

Over time, Dickie expanded the operation, and at one point, he ran 19,600 head of sheep and 800 cattle.

“In 1935, the ranch was sold to my great-grandfather Alexander Healy, and it has been in our family ever since. Alexander’s son Dan Healy, my grandfather, took over the ranch in the 1950s and ran it until 1990 when my dad Mike took over. My dad retired in 2018, and then I took over,” says DJ.

Switching to cattle

For a while the ranch raised both sheep and cattle, before eventually turning to just cattle, but the corporation’s official name is still the LU Sheep Company.

“In the early 1980s we sold all of our sheep. Today, we are a commercial cow/ calf operation, but my grandfather started a small herd of purebred Angus to raise our own bulls for the commercial herd as well,” DJ says.

Under his grandfather’s management – from 1952 to 1990 – the ranch built perimeter fences to help manage grazing. When Mike took over in 1990, he started working on a number of projects, including water development, better range management and improving herd genetics.

Over the next 30 years, the LU Ranch developed a reputation for conservation, stewardship and an elite herd of cattle.

“When my dad took over, he changed the cattle genetics. We’d been having health issues with the cattle due to inbreeding with straight Angus, including brisket disease at our high elevation,” DJ explains. “My dad embraced the idea of heterosis and crossbreeding. He

worked with several bull providers and eventually settled on Leachman Cattle in the early 2000s because they focus on heterosis and data-driven performance.”

“Since then, we’ve been breeding our Angus-based herd to Leachman Stabilizer bulls, using DNA testing and data-driven decision-making to ensure our herd has superior genetics,” he adds.

Now the herd is a composite of Simmental and several other breeds with Angus.

Current cattle operation

According to DJ, cattle at LU Ranch are born and raised on the open range. More than 1,400 mother cows spend summers grazing the rough Absaroka foothills, moving up to the Shoshone National Forest and then wintering in the desert badlands of the Big Horn Basin.

The mature cows calve in April and May, and heifers historically started calving at the end of February.

“This year we changed to a later date, because the last few winters have been really hard,” DJ notes.

The cows have good grass in summer and calves are weaned in late August and early September.

“We wean early because we retain ownership of the calves, send them to a feedlot in Nebraska and sell them on the rail,” he explains. “We get paid based on carcass results and the market at the time. We try to get them fed out to synchronize when the market is the best, selling finished animals as early in the summer as possible to hit the peak of the market.”

He continues, “We try to keep challenging old assumptions to see if what we are doing is the best way for us. Our cattle are like wild animals – they live in the Greater Yellowstone Area. They have to fend for themselves and deal with grizzlies and wolves. A mean, aggressive cow is a good thing.”

Utilizing available technology

DJ notes his father viewed ranching as a business

Continued on next page

“Caring for the ranch, the people we live and work with and the land is both our responsibility and our passion. We do this by combining new ideas, techniques and technology with tried-and-true methods to constantly improve our ability to bring high-quality beef to market using sustainable ranching practices.”

Big country – Today, the LU Ranch runs more than 1,400 mother cows in the foothills of the Absaroka Range. Cows are moved to the Shoshone National Forest and winter in the desert badlands of the Big Horn Basin. Courtesy photo

~DJ HEALY~

and focused on making good business decisions. This led to DNA testing in 2010, and within a few years, LU Ranch had DNA tested the entire herd.

“We use some of the best technology available to manage and collect data on our cow herd,” DJ explains. “Every time we process our cows, we are recording tag numbers, health records, doctoring information or pregnancy test information and putting it on the computer.”

The ranch also uses the latest technology in veterinary medicine, keeping up to date on vaccination protocols, available products and preventative measures to keep the herd as healthy as possible.

“We rely on technology, but at the same time, we believe in balanced traits. Although we try a lot of new things, we also rely on traditional methods that we know work,” DJ says. “For instance, we only move our cattle horseback. This mainly has to do with the rugged terrain and delicate ecological locations. We don’t want to drive over the land with vehicles, 4-wheelers or motorcycles.”

“We accomplish all of our livestock-related tasks with the help of good horses, good dogs and

good people,” he adds. “We are very conscientious about how we impact our environment.”

Focusing on land stewardship

DJ explains, for years, LU Ranch has implemented grazing practices that borrow from holistic management ideas such as rotational grazing.

“I have never taken any courses in holistic management, but I’ve read Allan Savory’s books and a few others on various practices – everything from regenerative agriculture and other practices related to cattle and farming,” DJ shares. “We have some irrigated land where we raise alfalfa. We work at improving grazing practices and water practices. I attend some lectures and seminars but most of my education in this direction is self-taught.”

“Even though many practices may not fit our high-altitude ranches in Wyoming, some of those ideas can be tweaked to fit. One of the great things about ranches is the diversity – no two are the same,” he adds.

In regards to land stewardship, DJ notes the ranch focuses on maintaining soil and ecological health and has partnered with government and non-government agencies to implement

Progress Through Performance Bull Sale

wildlife and livestock projects and monitor resources.

“We want an ecosystem where wildlife flourishes,” DJ says. “One example is we like to have beaver on our ranch, and we work with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to plant beaver wherever we feel they are needed to improve drainage systems. It’s best to work with Mother Nature, instead of against her.”

“As a business, the LU Ranch must be profitable to sustain itself, but profit in and of itself is not the goal we want to pursue. We want to have a positive impact on our community, and we are committed to preserving the environmental wellbeing of the land we live and work on,” he states.

“Caring for the ranch, the people we live and work with and the land is both our responsibility and our passion. We do this by combining new ideas, techniques and technology with tried-and-true methods to constantly improve our ability to bring high-quality beef to market using sustainable ranching practices,” DJ concludes.

For more information on LU Ranch, visit luranch.com

Heather Smith Thomas is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

At

FEATURING SONS OF: Cherry Crk Skyline G313 S

Cherry Crk Blue Collar G275

CED: +14 BW: -1.8 WW: +80 YW: +144 M: +17

Marb: +.86 RE: +1.23 $B: +170 $C: +281

Blue Collar was selected by Baldridge Performance Angus in our 2021 Progress Through Performance Bull Sale. His first progeny dominated our 2023 bull sale being the high selling sire group and also the overall top selling bull. He is out of our Donor Dam Cherry Crk Envita B211 S. His PAP Score was 41 at 8,000’ in Walden, CO.

Our 2024 Sires Include:

CODY CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Conservation Districts were created in the 1930s in response to the Dust Bowl Era. There are 3,000 conservation districts in the United States, including 34 in Wyoming. Conservation Districts in Wyoming are locally-based, non-regulatory subdivisions of the state as defined as established by state statute. The Cody Conservation District was organized on May 20, 1942, and is one of three conservation districts in Park County. The Cody Conservation District encompasses over 3 million acres, and is managed by an elected, five-member board of volunteers. This ensures the District is led by local people who have a personal investment and interest in improving the quality of life in the Cody Conservation District.

Operational funds for the District come primarily from grants. The District is one of two conservation districts in the state that are not locally funded on an ongoing basis. The Cody Conservation District receives an annual allocation of $8,824 from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. Office space is provided by the Park County Commissioners. All other operating funds come from time-limited and restricted (i.e., purpose-specific), grants. Many grant funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, meaning the District must have a sufficient operating budget to incur debt and be reimbursed later.

Sitz Resilient • Sitz Incentive • Cherry Crk Skyline Cherry Crk Blue Collar

Heiken Broadview

Cherry Crk Advance G248

Stellar

Baldridge Alternative

Plus many sired by Cherry Creek herd sires.

Our mission is to conserve natural resources for sustainable use and implement resource conservation practices that address soil health and erosion, water quality, quantity, and use; promote energy conservation, enhance wildlife habitat, forests, rangeland, and other landscapes. Conservation Districts often act as a conduit to direct funds from other government and private sources to partner on local projects. In addition, the District offers resource conservation technical assistance, education, and outreach tailored to the needs of our community.

If you are interested in learning more about the Cody Conservation District and the services offered, call 307-578-8335 or email us at conservecody@gmail.com.

Running cattle – In the 1980s, LU Sheep Company sold off their flock and switched to only raising cattle. Today, the operation is called LU Ranch and is managed by DJ Healy. Courtesy photo

Multi-species operation – Originally called LU Sheep Company, the LU Ranch of Park County used to raise 19,600 head of sheep and 800 cattle. Courtesy photo

Park County History

The historic Big Horn Basin continues to prosper

The Big Horn Basin of present day Park County tells a story dating back long before white settlers ventured across the states.

In fact, the basin was prime hunting ground for various mountain and plains people of the time, including the Crow, Shoshone, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Lakota Sioux and Blackfeet Tribes, among others.

After the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 designated the area as Crow land, a Crow Reservation was built to the north and a Shoshone Reservation was built to the south.

In 1869, prior to becoming a territory, Wyoming was split into four counties – Laramie, Albany, Carbon and Carter – with a strip along the western border which would later become Uinta County.

The Big Horn Basin stayed fairly unpopulated until the late 1870s when ranchers and other settlers started moving in, and as the white population grew, Fremont County was organized in the northern end of Sweetwater County, originally named Carter County after Judge W.A. Carter.

In 1890, the basin became part of Big Horn County, which was officially organized in 1896, and in 1909, Park County was eventually created out of the western half of Big Horn County.

Historic towns

Today, Park County sprawls across 6,943 square miles, encompassing the historic towns of Meeteetse, Cody, Frannie, Garland, Ralston, Clark and Powell.

Meeteetse, a Shoshone word meaning “meeting place,” is located in the southern part of the state and is home to the Pitchfork Ranch, one of the oldest cattle and sheep ranches in the basin. At one time, the ranch, which was founded in 1879 by Count Otto Franc von Lichtenstein, covered 250,000 acres.

Fifty-three miles west of Yellowstone National Park, the town of Cody was founded in 1896 and named after Col. William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, who told people he met during his travels it was “a paradise with land suitable for farming and ranching with close proximity to Yellowstone and an abundance of hunting and fishing opportunities.”

In 1901, the towns of Frannie and Garland were founded.

Named after the daughter of a cattle rancher in the area, Frannie is the only town in the Big

Horn Basin named after a woman and sits on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy (CB&Q) Railroad line just south of the Montana border.

Garland is also situated along the railroad and was nicknamed “Gate City” because it was CB&Q’s gateway to the Big Horn Basin. The town boomed for five years before the railroad extended its main line to Worland, bypassing the city altogether.

In 1906, Ralston was also founded as a railroad town and the town of Powell was started as a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Camp, known as Camp Colter, for men working on an irrigation system called the Garland Division of the Shoshone Project.

Heart Mountain

Park County is also home to the monumental Heart Mountain Relocation Camp, which was established during World War II between Cody and Powell. The camp was mandated through an executive order issued by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1942 and was one of 10 relocation centers in the U.S.

Here, Japanese Americans who were living on the West Coast were ordered to leave their homes, jobs and possessions and relocate to camps, where they were confined to live regardless of their citizenship.

The camp had its own school, hospital, post office, newspaper and recreation centers, as well as guard towers and barbed wire fence to keep individuals from leaving.

For three years, Heart Mountain was considered its own town, with the population peaking to 10,872, making it the third largest town in Wyoming at the time.

In 1996, the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was established to preserve what remains of the camp and to tell stories of the 14,000 people who were incarcerated at the site.

The foundation also opened the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center in 2011, which is still open to the public today.

Economy and industries

From the beginning, Park County’s economy has centered around oil and gas production, agriculture and tourism.

Several oil and gas fields still exist today, including the Oregon Basin and Salt Creek, established in 1912; the Big Gas Field, established in 1915 and Elk Basin, established in 1916. The county’s abun-

dant water supply and efficient irrigation system has allowed for farming and ranching operations to thrive. Several cattle, sheep and hog operations call Park County home, but the majority of its agriculture production comes from fertile farmland, where sugarbeets, beans and barley are grown, among many other crops.

In 1926, the Dude Ranchers’ Association was started, and in 1953, Northwest College was founded, opening doors at its current site in Powell three years later.

Home to 53 percent of Yellowstone National Park, the county is also a popular tourism destination.

The growth of Park

County’s top-performing industries and the area’s increasing popularity has helped the community prosper and made it a breathtaking place to live or visit.

Information in this article was compiled from the Wyoming Historical Society and Park County’s official website, parkcountywy.gov

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

The Powell Tribune publishes five ag editions annually between February and September.

AGRICULTURAL EDITIONS

Started From Scratch

Stroh family builds farm over three decades

Klodette and Rick Stroh started their family farm in 1989. The couple began with row crops, and a few years later, they added Black Angus cattle to the operation.

Alongside Rick and Klodette, their son Ricky and nephew Paul have worked hard over the last 34 years to build an operation driven from a conservation standpoint and is well diversified.

“My husband and I started from scratch,” says Klodette. “We have been blessed to build this life for our family.”

Diversification is key

Over the years, the family has farmed everything from sunflowers, sugarbeets, gluten-free barley and dry edible beans. Adding cattle into the mixture made sense, as they were already growing many of the crops utilized in cattle production.

Starting out with six Angus cows, the couple has kept a closed herd, slowly building up their numbers over the years. With an emphasis on good genetics, the couple has built the herd up to an ideal size for their farm.

“We buy good Black Angus bulls from a neighbor in Burlington. He’s a great guy, and the bulls have good genetics, which we have found work well for us,” explains Rick.

Rick and Klodette emphasize the care going into raising their livestock. As many ranchers know, this lifestyle is a labor of love.

“We get very attached to the animals, so some of our cows are now up to 15 years old. We know the females we keep are from good bloodlines. We pay close attention to the good mothers, how she takes care of her baby and how well the calf grows. We know their quality, and we usually keep the daughters from those mothers,” says Klodette.

The family has found through this diversification they have been able to better navigate the tough times every industry faces.

“The livelihood of the farm has changed over the years. If we grew something that worked for awhile, like sunflowers, and then the market didn’t work with us, we had to stop and go to something else. It just depends how everything goes, how the market is and

what the prices are,” says Klodette.

Keeping the faith

In spite of the trials and challenges everyone in agriculture inevitably faces, Klodette says a person can’t let those times defeat them.

“We had very challenging weather three years in a row, and we lost some crops every year. In those challenging times I would say to just keep working hard and having faith in the good Lord,” says Klodette. “The past few years have been a little better. The cattle market is better. But inevitably, bad weather is going to hit us again. We just have to keep working.”

With the cost of inputs – fertilizer, vaccines and fuel – going up, the couple acknowledges the struggles producers, especially new producers, may face.

“The cost of everything has been going up, so it’s something everyone has had to adjust to. It is important as the cost goes up, to make sure to grow the crop or animal you’ll be able to pay the expenses with, which you have to watch very carefully,” explains Klodette. “This is what we do here. We also keep faith in the Lord and keep on going.”

Since establishing their farm, the couple has worked together and relied on each other to find success, through good times and bad. Rick and Klodette know the importance of agriculture, not only to their local community, but to the country as a whole.

“Our national treasures are farmers, ranchers and agriculturalists. We have to preserve and keep agriculture in our country,” explains Klodette. “Farmers and ranchers have always been the backbone of this country, and they will always continue to be.”

Rick and Klodette find great joy in their children and grandchildren, all of whom are active on the farm in some capacity.

“When you raise kids in agriculture they learn a lot of responsibility and grow up to be productive people,” says Rick. “There is nothing more special than seeing your family grow up on the farm.”

Tressa Lawrence is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

“Farmers and ranchers have always been the backbone of this country, and they will always continue to be.”

~KLODETTE STROH~

Wyoming is humble, where hard work speaks for itself.

Working together – Ricky, Klodette, Rick and Paul Stroh stand in front of one of the family’s trucks. Courtesy photo

Sled Runner Cattle Co Kailey Barlow PO Box 1223 Big Piney, WY 83113

307-260-6409 sledrunnercattle@gmail.com

M Diamond Angus Brad & Jeff Boner PO Box 1345 Glenrock, WY 82637

307-359-1162 brad@mdiamondangus.com

M Diamond Angus Trent Boner PO Box 1587 Douglas, WY 82633

307-359-2708 trent@mdiamondangus.com

Doug Booth Family Angus Doug & Carolyn Booth 7618 Road 41 Torrington, WY 82240 307-532-5830 cbooth@actcom.net

Doug Booth Family Angus Dudley & Jennifer Booth 4156 Road 82 Torrington, WY 82240

307-532-7179 dbooth@scottsbluff.net

Booth's Cherry Creek Ranch

Michael Booth 2162 Road 60 Veteran, WY 82243

307-837-0164 lindsybooth23@gmail.com

Booth's Cherry Creek Ranch

Shawn & Diane Booth 2749 Road 60 Veteran, WY 82243

307-837-2994 boothangus@scottsbluff.net

Bowman Cattle Lyle Bowman 3410 CR 163 Pine Bluffs, WY 82082

307-246-3281

Buline Angus Jim Buline 623 Old Yellowstone Highway Crowheart, WY 82512

307-486-2330

K-Butterfield Livestock Kim & Janet Butterfield 2925 Road 54 Veteran, WY 82243

307-575-7340 kbutterfieldlivestock@gmail.com

Camblin Livestock

Mike & Danna Camblin PO Box 130 Maybell, CO 81640

970-629-5309 camblinlivestok@gmail.com

Lazy GT Ranch Don Cox 4024 I-25 Service Road Cheyenne, WY 82009

307-630-0400

C C Angus Curt & Diane Cox

1835 Willow Creek Road Casper, WY 82604

307-630-4604 curt@wylr.net

Dalles/Edwards 179 Dalles Lane Laramie, WY 82070

307-760-6323

Davidson Angus Peter & Susan Davidson 208 S. Main Burlington, WY 82411

307-762-3612 davidson82411@yahoo.com

Deniz Family Ranch

Conrrado Deniz 2509 Angus Lane Cheyenne, WY 82009 307-431-5652 deniz@dfrangus.com

Flying M Angus Larry & Jackie Dobrenz 6566 Clarton Highway Gillette, WY 82718 307-660-5755

Earhart Farms

Larry & Andrea Earhart 1373 Road 8 Powell, WY 82435 307-754-3535 learhart@tctwest.net

Labonte Creek Angus Ranch

Neil & Clarice Forgey 193 K-Field Road Lost Springs, WY 82224 307-358-9232 labontecreek@hotmail.com

Horse Creek Angus Dan & Bobbie Frank 5396 Road 236 Meriden, WY 82081 307-421-4022 orsecreekangus@gmail.com

Clay Creek Angus Ranch Jim & Lori French 3334 Road 14 Greybull, WY 82426 307-762-3541 bulls@claycreek.net

Gardner Heart Dot Angus

Bret & Laurie Gardner 720 Missouri Valley Road Shoshoni, WY 82649 307-857-4444

CWDR Angus Joe Giemza 329 Petz Road Lusk, WY 82225 608-863-3959 giemza.joe73@gmail.com

Godley Angus Ranch Gary Godley PO Box 304 Kaycee, WY 82639 307-738-2683 godley@rtconnect.net

GM Livestock/McDonnell Angus Victor & Darcy Goni PO Box 334 Buffalo, WY 82834 (mcdonnellangus.com) 307-217-3437 307angus@gmail.com

Grandstaff G-Wing Angus Curtis & Cheryl Grandstaff PO Box 155 LaGrange, WY 82221 307-834-2459 granny@prairieweb.net

Gray's Angus Ranch Rod & Laura Gray 4281 Henry Road Harrison, NE 69346 308-668-2520

Double Lazy A Daniel Greet 1728 State Highway 434 Ten Sleep, WY 82442

307-366-2062 dlgreet@gmail.com

B & D Cattle Co.

Bill & Dana Haas 2312 Road 60 Veteran, WY 82243 307-837-2925

Ken Haas Angus Kenneth Haas

4766 State Highway 151 LaGrange, WY 82221 307-834-2356

Hancock Livestock Charles Hancock PO Box 435 Basin, WY 82410 307-250-6900 hanstock76@gmaill.com

Herring Angus Ranch Kal & Vickie Herring PO Box 275 Encampment, WY 82325 307-327-5396

Boone & Melanie Herring 5440 Road 27 Veteran, WY 82243

307-575-5520

gbarh@bbcwb.net

Hiser Farms Wesley Hiser PO Box 882 Casper, WY 82602

307-262-1410 whiser@wyoheart.com

Hogg's Angus

Ronee Hogg 5423 State Highway 120 Meeteetse, WY 82433

307-868-2431 hoggsangus@tctwest.net

Lucky 7 Angus Jim & Jamie Jensen PO Box 1445 Riverton, WY 82501

307-850-2514 cowboybulls@hotmail.com

Jensen Angus Justin & Renee Jensen PO Box 316 Boulder, WY 82923

307-360-9136 rjj@wyoming.com

Deer Creek Angus Ranch

Bill, Jo and Katie Keith 9250 Zero Road Casper, WY 82604

307-457-2314 katie.keith.827@gmail.com

Kilts Angus Russell & Sheila Kilts PO Box 382 Edgerton, WY 82635

307-437-6466 shekilts@rtconnect.net

Klein Angus Bill Klein

256 Brookside Road Wheatland, WY 82201

307-331-0136 bill82201@yahoo.com

Rafter T Angus

Kale & Kim Kretschman

721 Middle Prong Road Gillette, WY 82716

307-736-2415 raftertangus@gmail.com

Kretschman Angus Kelby & Lacey Kretschman 1336 Lower Powder River Road Arvada, WY 82831

307-736-2327 klkret@rangeweb.net

LTJ Angus Tim & Julie Latham 390 Highway 14A Powell, WY 82435

307-202-1356

Linford Angus Colin Linford PO Box 622 Sundance, WY 82729 801-520-0658 colin54ducks@gmail.com

Lisco Angus Dick Lisco 554 Tank Farm Road Douglas, WY 82633

307-358-3810 liscoangus@vcn.com

Little Goose Ranch

Chad Bradshaw, Manager PO Box 770 Big Horn, WY 82833

307-751-1535 chad4lgr@yahoo.com

SS Ranch Co. Andy Malm PO Box 128 LaGrange, WY 82221

307-834-0128 mrc3mt@aol.com

McClun's Lazy JM Ranch

Jim, Jeff & Kody McClun 1929 Road 60 Veteran, WY 82243

307-534-5141 mccluncattle@gmail.com

McConnell Angus Roger, Ryan & Royce McConnell 5740 Road 52 North Dix, NE 69133

308-682-5615 mcconnellangus@msn.com

SO Cattle Inc.

Diane Frank or Mike & Anjie

McConnell 420 Lyons Valley Road Lander, WY 82520

307-332-5969 socattle@wyoming.com

Ranch Country Angus

Delaney McGowan PO Box 178 LaGrange, WY 82221

308-436-5473 ranchcountryangus@gmail.com

Travis & Mandy McIntosh PO Box 1587 Wheatland, WY 82201

307-331-2727

Cow Capital Livestock, LLC

Doug McLean 63 Signal Butte Road Miles City, MT 59301

307-462-1683 cowcapital61@gmail.com

Paint Rock Angus Ranch Martin & Kelli Mercer 1926 Highway 31 Hyattville, WY 82428

307-469-2206 paintrockangus@gmail.com

Micheli Ranch Dale Micheli PO Box 15 Ft. Bridger, WY 82933

307-782-3469 dmicheli@bvea.net

Mills Cattle Co., LLC Doug & Dena Mills PO Box 3 Hulett, WY 82720

307-756-2030 millscattleco@gmail.com

Mitchem Ranch

Stan & Karen Mitchem PO Box 1115 Glenrock, WY 82637

307-436-2504 stan@stanmitchem.com

J Bar M Angus John & ManDee Moore 4095 Rodd Road Douglas, WY 82622

307-464-6222 jjcattleco@gmail.com

Neiman Cattle Co. Sonnie Neiman 541 Mona Road Alva, WY 82711 307-259-6810 neimancattle@gmail.com

Nickel Cattle Co. Kevin & Jackie Nickel 3148 State Highway 154 Veteran, WY 82243 307-837-2279 kjnickel@zimbracloud.com

Nolke Angus Calvin Nolke Jr. 2949 Four Corners Road LaGrange, WY 82221 307-477-0029 nolkeangus@gmail.com

Ochsner Roth Cattle Co George Ochsner 10672 Van Tassell Road Torrington, WY 82240 307-532-5892 ochsnerblake@gmail.com

Oedekoven Angus Cynthis & Teresa Oedekoven PO Box 68 Sheridan, WY 82801 307-763-3789

Pingetzer's Six Iron Ranch Robert & Paige Pingetzer 11882 Highway 789 Shoshoni, WY 82649 307-856-4401

Rock Lake Land & Cattle Todd Platt 714 Grange Road Wheatland, WY 82201 307-331-1175 rlangusranch@yahoo.com

M.R. Angus Ranch Juan & Joni Reyes 98 Olson Road Wheatland, WY 82201 307-322-4848 mrangusranch@gmail.com

Colton & Tanna Rodeman PO Box 837 Douglas, WY 82633 307-351-4275 tannarodeman@yahoo.com

ELK Angus Tyler Scales 227 Muddy Creek Road Buffalo, WY 82834 meg@scalescattleco.com

PoPo Agie Angus Ted Seely PO Box 569 Lander, WY 82520 307-332-2839

G G Angus Greg & Kim Selin 3788 Road 215 Cheyenne, WY 82009 307-631-8814

Broken Diamond T Angus Deb Simon & Allen Roush 581 Highway 20 North Thermopolis, WY 82443 307-921-2900

Powder River Angus Neal & Amanda Sorenson 7241 Highway 14-16 Arvada, WY 82831 307-736-2260 nasorenson@rangeweb.net

Wyoming Livestock Roundup Dennis Sun PO Box 850 Casper, WY 82602 307-234-2700 roundup@wylr.net

Teichert Angus Mark Teichert PO Box 327 Cokeville, WY 83114 307-279-3179

Obsidian Angus Fred & Kay Thomas PO Box 346 Meeteetse, WY 82433 307-868-2595 kfdramsrus@hotmail.com

P\T Livestock Pete Thompson 345 Missouri Valley Road Shoshoni, WY 82649 307-709-8351

JL Farm Jordyn Wagner 3752 Little Creek Lane Billings, MT 59101 406-672-5553 jordynlynnwagner@gmail.com jenalee.wagner@gmail.com

Weaver Ranch Susan & Mourine Weaver 3000 W CR 70 Ft. Collins, CO 80524 970-568-3898 weaverrch@aol.com Beaver Creek Ranches Pete & Lucy Widener 568 Beaver Creek Road Sheridan, WY 82801 307-674-6947 doublew@fiberpipe.net

WEBO Angus Buttons York PO Box 848 Lusk, WY 82225 307-334-3006 weboangus@gmail.com

ZumBrunnen Angus Jason & Shirley ZumBrunnen 1174 Kirtley Road Lusk, WY 82225 307-216-0198 zbangus5@gmail.com

Serving theLocal Community

Agri-Industries now has five stores – Williston, N.D.; Sydney, Miles City and Billings, Mont. and Powell – providing irrigation supplies for farms and ranches.

George Fagan, account manager in the Powell store, says the business was originally started in 1982 in Williston, N.D., when the company was established by brothers Mike and Greg Ames.

The brothers founded the company on the idea of expanding irrigation throughout Montana and the Dakotas. Today, AgriIndustries is still owned by Mike Ames.

According to George, Mike and Greg took advantage of an opportunity in 2018 to expand the company by purchasing the Big Valley stores in Billings, Mont. and Powell.

“Here in Powell, it was originally called Big Valley Irrigation. Then, it became MVI for a few years and was later purchased by Agri-Industries,” George says. “This is a very progressive company, and our business has really taken off since they bought it.”

“Mike is a big proponent of having parts on the shelf. If we are selling something, we have to be able to service it,” he continues.

Pivot versus flood irrigation

Although the area has seen a lot of recent growth, George believes there is still room for more pivot

irrigation in the Big Horn Basin, since there are many farms and ranches that still don’t have pivots.

“It is amazing to me how much water we can save when we use pivots rather than flood irrigation, but some people worry about ground water levels,” he says.

The belief is sprinklers don’t recharge the ground water as much as flood irrigation does, but there is a place for both.

“There are some places where we simply can’t put pivots. They won’t work,” George explains. “It is also important to look at the soil under a pivot and the crop being grown – some will need more water than others.”

“Regarding pivots, we also look at efficiency. Pivot irrigation is about 85 percent efficient with water, while flood is only about 30 to 35 percent efficient because some of it runs off,” he adds.

There is also the issue of silt and soil movement.

“A few years back, Willwood Dam needed the overflow floodgate repaired, and there was a lot of silt backed up behind the dam. When they opened the floodgate to let water out so they could fix it, a lot of the silt came downstream, almost all the way to Lovell,” he continues.

There are some places that just can’t hold soil when water runs across it, unless there are living

Continued on next page

Continued from previous page

roots in the ground and a lot of plant matter and litter on the ground surface. If this ground ever has to be plowed, it will erode when irrigated.

“Normally, when we go to pivot irrigation, we screen the water to keep silt out, but we have it set up now to where we can have a secondary end gun that puts some of the silt back on the field,” George says.

“However, the big factor is eliminating runoff from the field itself so it can’t go back into a stream,” he adds.

“We’ve been fortunate to be a part of the effort, working with local growers. There are some very unique growers is the Big Horn Basin and most of them now understand they can increase production with pivot irrigation,” he continues. “The return on investment actually comes in a fairly short amount of time, depending on the crop.”

Diverse operation

George notes AgriIndustries offers more than just pivots at their Powell location. They also have a full electrical department, a master and journeyman electrician and some apprentices.

“We also do wheel lines and what we call ‘solid set’ where we put big guns on a timer. We can do 20 acres and set it up on a timer to switch on and off,” George explains. “There are many ways to sprinkle, which can be helpful for some of the specialty crops.”

“We don’t farm out any projects when we do an irrigation project,” he continues. “We do it all ourselves. We have our own pipeline crew, our own pivot crew and our own service department. Sometimes we will do a contract to have another pivot built, but we prefer to keep it all in house so we have more quality control and can schedule it when needed.”

“Between our five stores and the amount of inventory we have, if we have a pivot go down for any reason or the wind blows it over, we can generally have it fixed within three to four days at most,” he adds.

Improvements in technology

According to George, technology has improved and is still growing in leaps and bounds.

He says, “Valley has a platform where we can monitor and manage the pivot and turn it on and off. We can put in a weather

station and do moisture probes. There is a platform called Scheduling as well, and now they have another platform called Insights.”

George explains they are able to put cameras on the pivot itself to take constant pictures as the pivot moves around, and if a producer has a pest problem or a planting issue, they can use the photos to locate and identify it.

“For instance, potatoes may attract a certain pest, and the crop can have $30,000 to $40,000 worth of damage very quickly.

Producers need to catch this early. The camera sends the grower a picture to his computer or phone with GPS coordinates and the field it is in so they can go to the exact spot, spray it and keep the infestation from growing,” says George. “This can save them a lot of money.”

“The impressive thing is they have integrated all of this into one app, and producers can use different platforms within the app,” he explains. “They don’t have to use them all. They can pick and choose what they want it to do. Technology-wise, Valley is doing a great job.”

George also notes, this year the company came out with a machine diagnostic program for pivots, which producers can use to check the alignment of their pivot. They are also working on tire monitors that can alert producers of a low tire and voltage monitors, which let producers know of voltage across the pivot.

George says he feels fortunate because northwest Wyoming is a great place to live and Mother Nature supplies plenty of water for irrigation.

“Even though we have all of this technology and farmers and ranchers are moving into sprinklers, I marvel at the early pioneers who made this available so we can do this,” he states.

“In the early 1900s, Buffalo Bill came up with the idea we needed to build a dam, approached different people and they built it,” he continues. “If it wasn’t for this dam, we wouldn’t be here. Irrigation is what made the arid West agriculturally productive.”

For more information on Agri-Industries, visit agriindustries.com

Heather Smith Thomas is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

“There are some very unique growers is the Big Horn Basin and most of them now understand they can increase production with pivot irrigation. The return on investment actually comes in a fairly short amount of time, depending on the crop.”

We want you to have every advantage when it comes to protecting your ranch operation.

Our Ag Advantage policy offers coverage for the property exposures of your farm and ranch. This includes your home, additional dwellings, personal property, outbuildings and much more.

More than any other company in Wyoming farm and ranch owners choose us for their insurance needs. Contact your agent today and see how Ag Advantage can help you protect what matters most.

Pivot services – Agri-Industries has the capacity to help growers with any kind of pivot repair and maintenance. Courtesy photo

~GEORGE FAGAN~

Heterosis makes the best BETTER!

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Successful Sales, Historic Venues

Clark Management Company offers unique horse sales in Park County

Downtown Cody has become a hub of Western culture and heritage, and nothing rings “Wild West” like Buffalo Bill’s historic Irma Hotel, fondly referred to as the Grand Old Lady of Cody.

According to the Irma’s website, the hotel was opened to the public on Nov. 1, 1902 and has remained a symbol of neighborliness and good cheer ever since.

“Everyone from Col. Cody, to princes and potentates, Indian chiefs and cowboys ‘came as they were’ to the Irma,” notes the website. “Cody stayed in the hotel frequently when he returned from his Wild West Show tours, and his personality and fame kept the Irma packed when he was in town.”

To this day, crowds of people still gather outside of the historic hotel, especially on Mother’s Day weekend when Clark Management Company, headed by TJ Clark, hosts their

increasingly popular Cody Country Horse Sale.

Cody Country Horse Sale

Although the exact origin of the sale is hard to trace, TJ notes the Cody Country Horse Sale was started by the Hornecke brothers. After a few years, operations were handed over to TJ’s family, and after recently buying out Clark Management Company, the Clark’s have taken over all aspects of the sale.

“Last year was our first year in charge, and it has been great,” TJ states.

TJ notes the Cody Country Horse Sale is held annually on the second Sunday in May on Main Street in downtown Cody, right outside of Buffalo Bill’s historic Irma Hotel.

A ranch horse competition and open preview are held on the Friday evening before the sale so individuals can view the horses beforehand.

“It is a select sale so I sift through horses prior to creating the catalog and before they get here,” TJ explains. “If I find something I don’t like, I sift through them.”

Because of this, the Cody Country Horse Sale is known for offering a lineup of only the best, guaranteed high-quality horses from honest and reputable consignors, and has seen continuous increased success each year.

According to their website, for the past three years the Cody Country Horse

Sale has averaged $19,000, $19,837 and $20,525, respectively, across total head sold.

In 2021, the high-selling horse brought $110,000, with the top four head averaging $56,100, and in 2022, the top-selling horse was purchased for $90,000, with the top four head averaging $62,000.

This year, the top sale price was punched at $54,000, with the top four head averaging $40,400.

Pitchfork Ranch Horse Sale

The Cody Country Horse Sale isn’t the only unique sale offered through Clark Management Company.

“We also put on the Pitchfork Horse Sale at the Pitchfork Ranch in Meeteetse,” says TJ. “This sale takes place on the first weekend in June, and we have been running it for a few years now.”

TJ explains the Pitchfork Horse Sale is quite different than most, complete with camping, music, dinner, dancing and a vendor fair, as well as a working dog trial and sale.

A branding is held on the Saturday morning before the sale, where consigned horses can be previewed prior to purchase.

“As with many great ideas, the Pitchfork Ranch Horse Sale came about after a couple of Keystone Lights and a long morning of branding calves,” reads the Pitchfork Ranch website.

acre farm with an opportunity to lease adjoining farm ground

Continued from previous page

“Our goal was to put on an event that showcases ranch horses doing what they do best – working. The showing will consist of a good, ol’ fashioned Pitchfork Ranch branding, ranch reining, trail course, one and two man doctoring and a dog trial.”

Although this year’s sale was rainy and wet, TJ notes they had a good turnout and an overall successful sale, with horses averaging around $20,000.

“The Pitchfork Horse Sale is becoming the event of the year,” he says. “It takes place on a historic ranch, and I think everyone wants to set foot on it and check it out. Now,

they don’t even have to be invited to go to the branding. They can just come and partake in the sale, the party and the dance. It is a lot of fun.”

Although this year’s sales have come and gone, TJ notes plans are already in the works for next year. Consignments will open on Oct. 1 and run through Dec. 19.

For more information on the Cody Country Horse Sale or the Pitchfork Ranch Horse Sale, respectively visit codyhorsesale.com or pitchforkranch.com/pitchforkhorsesale. To consign horses in the sale, contact TJ Clark at 307-272-4563.

Hannah Bugas is the

managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Select sale – Prior to creating the catalog and sale lineup, horses are sifted so only the best of the best are offered through the Cody Country Horse Sale. Courtesy photo

Connecting People to the American West

we have to offer, visitors will find that this is their West.”

Five museums, one location

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a collection of five family-friendly museums, stands proud in the heart of Cody.

The center is dedicated to sharing epic stories of early exploration and present day happenings in Yellowstone

National Park and the American West in one place for one price.

“We’re surrounded by the majesty of the Rockies and are privy to the history and myths of the Old West, the vibrant life of the New West and the living cultures of

Plains Indian peoples,” reads the museum’s website.

“Join us as we connect people to the stories of the American West through galleries, exhibitions, programs and kid-approved activities,” it continues. “Through presence and participation in all

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West has become a premier destination for visitors interested in the history of the American West.

An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the center sprawls an impressive 300,000 square feet and is home to an extensive collection of artifacts, interactive displays, Western art and other exhibits.

These exhibits are displayed in five separate museums housed under one roof, including the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Draper Natural History Museum, the Cody Firearms Museum, the Plains Indian Museum and the Whitney Western Art Museum.

According to the website, the Buffalo Bill Museum explores the history and myth of the American West through the private life of Col. William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, while the Draper Natural History Museum highlights the relationship between man and nature with a focus on the wildlife and landscapes of the Greater Yellowstone Area.

Founded in 1991 and recently redesigned in 2019, the Cody Firearms Museum houses more than 10,000 artifacts in its walls, including over 4,000 firearms, making it the most comprehensive firearms museum in the U.S.

Visitors can also explore the culture, history and living traditions of the Plains natives in one of the nation’s largest collections of Native American art and artifacts at the Plains Indian Museum.

“The Plains Indian Museum reveals how the art, history, traditions and contemporary lives of Plains Indian peoples helped shape the character of the American West,” notes the center’s website.

“The Whitney Western Art Museum depicts the tapestry of the American West through the eyes of the artists – Bierstadt, Remington, Russell and more – who interpreted and defined it,” the website continues.

Events and other experiences

In addition to housing a world-class collection of ancient art, artifacts and other displays, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West provides a venue for a multitude of programs and activities.

From March 1 through May 1 and May 29 through Sept. 4, the museum hosts its daily Live Raptor Experience in the Draper Natural History Museum. This family-friendly event allows visitors of all ages to learn about birds of prey and see a live bald eagle, golden eagle, turkey vulture, peregrine falcon, red-tailed hawk and owls, among others.

Every Tuesday and Saturday, from June to August, 2 Mules Chuckwagon offers a special dining experience, in which attendees can watch and taste authentic Dutchoven cooking. Cooking begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required.

Additionally, the center hosts special monthly programs. Programs scheduled for October include a wolfelk interaction presentation and discussion at 12 p.m. on Oct. 5, a Coffee and Curators Members Event at 10 a.m. on Oct. 7, a presentation on early day Western movies by Bob Richard at 12 p.m. on Oct. 19 and a Buffalo Gals Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. on Oct. 25.

Customized, private tours are also available, and

History, Hats, Horses and Hospitality

WDRA demonstrates unwavering commitment to providing authentic Western experience

In 1917, the historic Pitchfork Ranch of Meeteetse purchased Timber Creek Ranch and made it the headquarters of their dude ranching operation.

A few years later, in 1926, the Wyoming Dude Ranchers’ Association (WDRA) was established, and Irving H. “Larry” Larom of Valley Ranch took over as president.

Today, the association is still going strong with their commitment to ensuring guest ranches throughout Wyoming that carry the WDRA Seal of Membership demonstrate an unwavering commitment to provide an authentic Western experience for their visitors from all over the world.

“WDRA is all about history, hats, horses and hospitality,” reads the association’s website. “We have a commitment to the quality of each ranch that is a member of our association. Individuals can be assured they have been inspected and work hard to uphold the quality we all represent.”

Wyoming dude ranches

Twenty dude ranches across the state of Wyoming carry the WDRA Seal of Membership, including three within the borders of Park County.

These include the 7D Ranch, the Crossed Sabres Ranch and the Shoshone Lodge and Guest Ranch, all located in Cody.

Other affiliated dude ranches in eastern Wyoming include the Paradise Guest Ranch in Buffalo, the Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch in Shell, the Vee Bar Guest Ranch in Laramie, Eatons’ Ranch in Wolf and the Medi-

cine Bow Lodge in Saratoga.

The western side of Wyoming is home to the majority of member ranches.

These include Absaroka Ranch, Bitterroot Ranch, CM Ranch and the Lazy LB Ranch in Dubois; Flat Creek Ranch, Goosewing Ranch and Spotted Horse Ranch in Jackson; Lost Creek Ranch and Spa, Moose Head Ranch and Triangle X Ranch in Moose; R Lazy S Ranch in Teton Village and Red Rock Ranch in Kelly.

Types of dude ranches

According to WDRA, there are various types of dude ranches in Wyoming, offering a variety of different experiences depending on what visitors are looking for.

Rustic Wyoming dude and guest ranches offer basic accommodations. Guests may sleep together in a bunkstyle building with other guests or in cabins or lodgestyle rooms. Vacations at these ranches are priced accordingly.

Comparatively, working Wyoming dude and guest ranches come with different levels of accommodations and services.

“Some are rustic, some are traditional and a few are upscale,” explains WDRA.

“Guests may choose to be a cowboy during the day and pampered at night at an upscale working cattle ranch or be a full-time cowboy at a more rustic working ranch.”

The majority of Wyoming’s guest ranches fall under the category of a traditional style ranch. These types of ranches combine modern amenities and private cabins.

“There are several levels

Continued from previous page

the facility provides rental spaces for special events.

Internships and school programs

In addition to acting as a venue for family-friendly events, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is also dedicated to supporting the youth of its community.

The center offers a multitude of school programs for Kindergarten through 12th grade students including virtual and in-person field trips, the Park County Youth Program, the MILES Program and a plethora of teaching resources.

Older students can also gain experience through the center’s summer internship program, where they have an opportunity to partake in specialized learning in everything from conservation, education, public relations and more.

“The center’s summer internship program provides opportunities for students who want to gain practical museum experience and to assist students in the devel-

of service dictated by price in this category,” notes WDRA.

“As with the other categories, there are Wyoming dude, guest and working cattle ranches in this category.”

The association continues, “The choice is up to travelers to decide which

type of Wyoming dude ranch will work best for their family vacation or adventure getaway.”

For more information on WDRA or for a detailed list of affiliated ranches, visit wyomingdra.com or call 888-996-9372.

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

opment of new or expanded applications for their academic and professional interests,” explains the center’s website.

“The internship program offers students handson involvement with the museum profession in a manner which cannot be duplicated in the classroom or through textbooks. These experiences may result in graduate theses and dissertations and assist students in defining their career goals,” the website continues.

Internships are full-time positions and usually last 10 weeks. Interns are paid $12.50 per hour for 40 hours per week and are provided a a $750 housing stipend.

For more information on the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, as well as the programs, events, experiences and internships it offers, visit centerofthewest.org

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Checkoff dollars support culinary programs like Family Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and Pro Start, by providing educational materials as well as sponsoring annual competitions where beef is cooked and judged.

Wyoming Beef Council PO Box 1243 . Cheyenne 307.777.7396 gary.gwin1@wyo.gov

Crossed Sabres Ranch – Crossed Sabres Ranch is located along Libby Creek and is home to a main lodge, a Western saloon and 19 cabins. Guests can spend their day on horseback, reeling in monster trout or relaxing in the presence of some of Wyoming’s most breathtaking views. Courtesy photo

Through the Lens

Cat Hesselbacher captures nature at its finest

Cat Hesselbacher, owner of Silver Pine Ranch

Photography in Meeteetse, spends most of her time traveling the Wyoming high country in search of her favorite subject matter

– Mother Nature.

Cat, initially from Oregon, moved to Wyoming

13 years ago but has been

behind the lens for over 30 years.

No stranger to ranch life, Cat raised alfalfa and high-dollar horses on her 140-acre ranch in Oregon.

It’s there she started her photography career, taking pictures of her boys riding rough stock through the years. From sheep to bulls,

she was in the arena capturing the moment.

Cat attended the New York Institute of Photography and earned her ICA photo card, allowing her to take rodeo shots in the middle of the action.

“I was the crazed horse girl growing up and

Continued on next page

SALES

Farmers and Ranchers Livestock Commission Fall Classic Catalog Horse Sale

Saturday, October 14, 2023 • 10 a.m. • Salina, KS

Friday, October 13, 2023: 15th Annual F&R Futurity - 10 a.m. • $16,000 Added Money | Rope Horse Preview - 6 p.m.

Sunday, October 15, 2023: 26th Annual Fall Colt & Yearling Catalog Sale - 10 a.m.

20 palomino gelding out of daughter of Genuine Jack Flash- ranch, hot heels

• 03 sorrel mare by Young Gun-NCHA producer sells open

• 20 red roan gelding grandson of Cat Ichi-16.1 broke, barrel prospect

20 sorrel gelding grandson of CD Lights- ranch broke

19 gray gelding grandson of Paddy Irish Whiskey-14.3 thick & heavy

• 21 sorrel gelding by First Money Medley-big gentle, Future Fortunes Eligible

21 buckskin gelding Jessie Tivio X Docs Oak- pretty started good

11 chestnut stallion by Zans Gold Digger

• 20 palomino gelding by Valiant Leader- gentle, ranch broke

• 20 bay mare by Ranger Cookie

21 blue roan gelding grandson of Cant Kick This Cat- futurity eligible

21 palomino gelding grandson of Cant Kick This Cat- futurity eligible

• 11 bay roan broodmare granddaughter Peptos Stylish Oak

20 buckskin gelding Smart Little Lena X Smart Chick Olena- ranch broke

20 black gelding grandson Texas Wade- ranch broke $ earner ranch rodeos broke

• 14 sorrel gelding grandson Bully Bullion- home raised, gentle, team rope, ranch

20 sorrel gelding by Shooter Cat- futurity entry

14 blue roan gelding by Funnys Boys Blue- ranch, team rope

17 gray gelding grandson Mr Baron Red- ranch, gentle, team rope

• 20 sorrel stallion by Don’t Stop Believin ($436K) futurity entry

18 bay gelding by grandson Tanquery Gin-ranch flagging, started heeling

18 red roan gelding grandson Kings Bar Hancock- ranch, team rope

• 19 bay mare High Brow Cat X Joe Jack Red in foal to son of Docs Stylish Oak

17 sorrel gelding by Yellow Smoke Of Texas- ranch, head horse

16 bay gelding by son of Colonel Hotrodder- fancy broke, good looking, ranch horse, gentle

• 18 sorrel mare by Cactus Rondo- good broke, Frank Higgs breeding program

20 grullo gelding- used at sale barn, trails, horse show, etc

18 sorrel gelding by Streaking Ta Fame out of daughter of Three Jay Colonel- fancy

bred ranch horse

16 sorrel gelding Playgun X Two Eyed Red Buck- head horse

07 dun broodmare by Real Gun- 2 in 1 package

• 19 red roan gelding grandson Paddys Irish Whiskey- team rope, ranch, nice

• 07 sorrel broodmare by Meradas Money Talks- broke & sells open

10 sorrel mare granddaughter of Peptoboonsmal- good broke

12 sorrel gelding grandson of Boonlight Dancer- big stout ranch gelding

• 14 sorrel brood mare by Travelin Jonez (200K-NCHA)- daughter of Bob Acre Doc

2 paint pony mares ridden on the ranch by the kids

13 sorrel gelding by grandson of Peptoboonsmal- rope, ranch 16.2 hands

• 20 bay gelding by grandson of Zans Diamond Dun It- 60 days ridding

• 19 sorrel mare granddaughter High Brow Cat- ranch broke

These colts and yearlings will be paid up in the 2025 and 2026 F&R Cow Horse Futurity:

18 brown gelding by Smart Like Highbrow- started heading, heeling, breakaway, ranch

17 bay gelding grandson Downtown

Cat- big time horse, team rope & breakaway

For More Information Contact: Farmers & Ranchers: 785-825-0211

Mike Samples, Manager: 785-826-7884 • Kyle Elwood: 785-493-2901 • F&R Fax: 785-826-1590

Or visit our website at www.fandrlive.com

Kansas Connection For Ranch & Rope Horses • 72 Hour Soundness Guarantee

22 sorrel filly daughter Dual Reyish

22 black colt son of A Vintage Smoke

17 gray gelding by Guns Loaded X Playgun- team rope, ranching heritage eligible

Sire CED BW WW YW Milk $EN Marb REA Fat

Hiding in plain sight – From behind the lens Cat Hesselbacher catches one of her favorites, bears, through the trees. Courtesy photo

Buck-nrail – The stunning colors of the Teton Range are depicted in this magical photo.

Courtesy photo

Continued from previous page

dreamed about owning a ranch, and I continue to dream today,” she states.

So, when Cat is not capturing nature’s finest in one of her favorite spots in the Teton Range, she is at home raising registered Scottish Highlanders in her other family business – Beartooth Highlands – which they just started.

She adds, “I have always loved them. They are a beautiful breed with such great personality.”

On the wild side

“I grew up watching Wild Kingdom, and my love for animals and the outdoors has always been there. It’s why we moved to Wyoming, so I could be closer to my subject matter. It’s a photographer’s paradise,” Cat continues.

Her photographs depict her passion for the outdoors. Whether catching wildlife in action or nature in its full beauty, her love is captured in the shot.

“Bears, moose and elk are my favorite to catch if they let me,” she recalls. “I have had the pleasure to capture the spirit of wild horses as well.”

Cat continues, “I have had some close encounters leaving me a little shaken, but I was able to get the shot – three in one week even.”

“One day I pulled up to two grizzly bears where a boar was looking for his girlfriend, and when I rolled my window down, you could hear him snorting and clicking his teeth. Then, about 50 feet away, he emerged,” she shares. “I always wanted a shot of a bear with their face covered by a shadow, like in Braveheart, and there it was. I got the shot.”

Today, in Cat’s repertoire, the famous “Brave Heart” image enamors her audience. She also added a new photo to her collection – a cow moose wading in the river on a beautiful October day, displaying her quirky personality.

“No humans, wildlife only,” she jokes. “Landscapes, wildlife and ranches are my focus.”

Catch the action

To view Cat’s breathtaking work of art, stop by the Open Range Gallery in Cody. It is fine art photography at its best, where 11 local photographers work

“One day, I pulled up to a grizzly bear jam where a boar was looking for his girlfriend, and when I rolled my window down, you could hear him snorting and clicking his teeth. Then, about 50 feet away, he emerged. I always wanted a shot of a bear with their face covered by a shadow, like in Braveheart, and there it was. I got the shot.”

~CAT HESSELBACHER~

under one roof.

“It’s across the street from the famous Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel, and all of the artist’s work in the gallery three days a month,” she states. “It’s a great place to visit and see museumquality work.”

If ever in beautiful Cody, the Rendezvous Royale, an annual celebration of the arts held each September, hosts artists from Open Range Gallery including Cat.

For more information on Silver Pine Ranch Photography, visit silverpineranch.smugmug.com

Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Teton morning mist – A great shot from Cat Hesselbacher capturing the historical Teton Range. Courtesy photo

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JUST LIKE MANY OF OUR CUSTOMER, YOU TOO CAN ENJOY THE VERY HIGHEST PRICES WHEEN YOU USE HEREFORDS WITH DOCUMENTED PERFORMANCE COMBINED WITH SUPERIOR CARCASS EXCELLENCEE! NOOW IS THE TIME TO CAAPPTURE ALL THE PREMIUMS!