SS Ranch Company builds foundation of productive, functional cattle with competitive carcass traits
The Malm family lives in Goshen County near LaGrange on what is known as the SS Ranch Company.
Andy, Stacy and their family moved to LaGrange from Albin in 2006 when they, along with Andy’s parents Gordon and Fanny Malm, made the purchase of the SS Ranch.
Gordon and Fanny began a registered Hereford business in the early 1950s. Their work ethic and dedication to improving their cow herd led to many accolades within the industry, including exhibiting the Champion Carload of Hereford Bulls at the 1969 National Western Stock Show in Denver.
As time went on and trends changed, Gordon found it imperative to put a focus on carcass superiority, which led to inclusion of multiple other breeds.
“My dad was an astute cowman, with an eye for high-quality phenotype, and he started crossbreeding to improve the Hereford breed,” shares Andy. “Then it evolved into a six-breed operation known as Malm Ranch Company. The whole family was involved, including my brother Howard and my sisters Martha and Lynette.”
Acquiring the SS Ranch
The family had been leasing a ranch in Nebraska and feared their lease was going to be terminated. This was the beginning of the transition of the Malm Ranch herd to a new home, and Andy and his family came to the SS Ranch.
“Purchasing this ranch was a huge leap of faith so
we could help run the Malm Ranch cows here on a lease basis,” Andy says. “When we moved here in 2006, this ranch had been on the market for a while. Taking it from where it was then to what it is today has been a work in progress,” Andy says.
The SS Ranch sits on the south bank of Horse Creek, just south of LaGrange and was known for many years as the KJ Ranch.
Then Charles Hirsig, the owner in 1937, bought some cattle with the SS brand and obtained the brand as well.
“From then on, the ranch was known as the SS Ranch – sometimes, jokingly, we say the SS stands for sandy soil,” Andy laughs.
Over the years, the ranch has seen some interesting history.
“It’s hard to imagine now, but the peaceful creek flowing by the ranch was once the site of cattle drives from Texas to several northern states,” Andy shares. “The big herds traveled along the creek, coming from Pine Bluffs across the range. They probably followed this creek for several miles before cutting cross country and crossing the North Platte River to go into northern Wyoming and Montana.”
In 1962, the owners of the ranch established a corporation, which was owned by Ed and Elizabeth Johnson and their three sons –Jelmer, Bill and Jim.
The Malm family purchased the ranch and the
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The banks of Horse Creek –The SS Ranch Company is situated on the south bank of Horse Creek just south of LaGrange. Boasting a rich and colorful history, the location is a prime location for raising cattle. Courtesy photo
brand in 2006 from the Johnson family corporation.
Developing the cow herd
Today, the SS Ranch runs a registered and commercial cow/calf operation, based on strict principles of producing functional, appealing cattle with the right growth and performance for today’s industry demands.
“We strive to breed cattle to have the genetic and phenotypic advantage to achieve maximum profitability in any facet of the industry,” Andy states.
This has been accomplished through strict culling, along with extensive artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer programs.
“This was all built on the great eye for cattle my father passed on to me to build the herd utilizing outstanding embryo transfer (ET) donors,” Andy says.
He continues, “My dad was a very successful Hereford breeder as a young man. Then, he had a herd of Gelbvieh and Salers cattle that gained national recognition. He trademarked the Carcass Master Composite bulls as the mainstay of the Malm Ranch program. This was a four-breed composite.”
“Today, however, we raise some F1 and threebreed composite bulls and sell 20 to 30 bulls every year via private treaty,” Andy adds. “We also raise our own bulls to clean up behind our AI breeding and ET programs.”
Andy notes the Malms have developed their cow herd from this foundation, utilizing registered Angus, Simmental and threebreed composite genetics – Angus, Simmental and Maine Anjou. They also run a herd of registered Hereford cows.
This enables the operation to provide bulls to fit any customer’s goals.
“We raise bull calves through strict culling, with a heavy emphasis on productive, functional cattle and carcass traits,” Andy explains. “My dad was a pioneer in pushing carcass traits with the Angus and Salers cattle in the Malm Ranch Company. We test our product by selling 50 to 60 freezer beef each year, which helps us make sure our cattle are doing the
best job from conception to consumption.”
Alongside a focus on a bull crop that can fit a multitude of customers’ needs, the ranch puts a lot of focus on the females they retain, as well as some they purchase to build around.
“Building off of notable cow families which have proven themselves within the herd or for other operations across the country has been an important factor when it’s time to make mating decisions,” Andy states.
“The quality and traits of a bull itself are certainly taken into consideration, but taking into account the cows that are behind them and stacking those potent females into a pedigree has proven to be lucrative and consistent.”
“Although females aren’t marketed here at the same rate as their male contemporaries, we find it of utmost importance to build consistency in the cow base each generation,” he adds. Diversifying the operation
While the SS Ranch is the trademark for most of the registered offspring, the Malms own a second ranch, the Creekside Ranch, which was purchased at the same time.
“We market cattle through the two entities. However, the same goal remains of producing a quality product for other producers and consumers alike,” Andy says.
“We feel blessed to be able to do our part in producing, marketing and moving the beef industry forward,” Andy says. “Our main goal is to try to keep improving the quality of the cattle – genotypically and phenotypically – with a heavy emphasis on carcass and cutability since those are the traits important for the end product.”
Additionally, the ranch grows a lot of their own feed and purchases some from neighboring hay farms.
“We try to raise our own silage, but we don’t have quite enough farm ground to raise all of our feed and grain crops,” Andy admits. “When we moved here, we were limited in what we could do, but we are trying to move forward with
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The Malm family – The Malm family runs SS Ranch Company near LaGrange. Pictured from left to right are Kaden Malm, Paige Miller, Avery Jamerman, Katelin Jamerman, Andy Malm, Stacy Malm, Karissa Malm, Ryan Malm and Carson Jamerman. Courtesy photo
a better feeding operation and do more in-house here at the ranch.”
He further notes the ranch develops bull calves on a high-forage ration before they are turned out to finish on grass prior to being sold as two-year-olds.
Calves that don’t make the cut as bull prospects or replacement females are sold as 500- to 650-pound prospective feeder or grass cattle.
“In the future, we may try to market some yearling bulls, but the private treaty bulls are primarily two-year-olds,” Andy says. “With a focus on mating for function and quality, we’ve had the opportunity to market more prospect show calves as yearlings and weaned calves.”
“My son has headed this up since he moved back to the ranch and works to sell calves privately or through online sales,” he adds.
Raising the family Goshen County has proved a great place for the Malms to raise their family and grow their love for the cattle industry.
“The Lord has richly blessed us to live in this part of the country and be a part of this industry. We enjoy a lifestyle, which hopefully, our kids and grandkids can continue and do whatever they’d like to do through
use of the ranch,” Andy says. “We are here because we feel it is our calling to do our part in moving the beef industry forward.”
Andy and Stacy have two daughters – Katelin, who is married to Avery Jamerman and has a son named Carson, and Karissa. They also have one son, Kaden, who is engaged to be married to his fiancé Paige Miller.
“Kaden, along with Katelin and Avery, currently work at the ranch, and Karissa is a surgical technician at Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colo.,” shares Andy.
“My wife is the secretary at a grade school in the area and enjoys helping out whenever she can.”
“Every piece of the puzzle has to fit,” he continues.
“We have a little bit of outside help – some part-time help periodically – but right now all of the labor is handled by family members.
It’s a team effort.”
For more information on the SS Ranch Company, visit @SSRanchCompany on Facebook, call 307-8340128 or e-mail semalm91@ yahoo.com.
Heather Smith Thomas is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.
“We strive to breed cattle to have the genetic and phenotypic advantage to achieve maximum profitability in any facet of the industry.”
ANDY MALM
11/22/23 11:05 AM
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Enhancing F lavors
Bear Creek Rubs provides full flavor gourmet spice blends
Judith Bartmann, alongside her sister Patricia Day, transformed their deep love for cooking into a remarkable business, elevating dishes nationwide.
Judith, a retired human services educator, and Patri-
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cia, a retired consumer safety inspector from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, have explored the world’s diverse flavors through their travels.
Seven years ago, Bear Creek Rubs was born in LaGrange, with Judith eventually taking the reins.
Now retired and with a grown family, Judith embraces the opportunity to pursue her culinary passion and connect with others.
Transformation
“In the beginning, I was hand washing jars and using a scale to measure out the spices,” Judith reflects. “It was a labor-intensive process to fill the jars with a measuring cup and funnel, but as orders increased, I knew I had to find a better way.”
For years, Judith experimented with recipes, often finding them lacking in flavor, but through countless trials and discussions, she crafted five unique rub and spice combinations that define Bear Creek Rubs today.
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“In 2016, I felt it was the right time to share our creations with others. I mixed the first batch of spices and brought them to the local farmers’ market and the response was incredible,” she reflects. “Bear Creek Rubs’ mission is to offer our customers high-quality, healthy ingredients and custom-blended spices and rub mixes.”
Known for her commitment to quality ingredients and custom blends, Judith sought out a copacker in Denver, allowing Bear Creek Rubs to continually uphold its mission of excellence.
“Now, I can meet order demands while maintaining control over quality,” she says. “Bear Creek Rubs only uses fresh, full-flavor spices.”
Judith was introduced to the Wyoming Women’s Business Center’s (WWBC) COVID-19 Support Program, launched in June 2020 to empower Wyoming’s women-owned businesses with training and access to digital design services.
Soon after, the LaGrange entrepreneur was connected with invaluable resources to turn her expansion dreams into reality.
“WWBC empowered me to elevate my sales by connecting me with a talented graphic designer who crafted a website, enabling
Today, Bear Creek Rubs are primarily sold online, yet they also grace local markets and stores across Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska. Judith continues to cherish the connections she makes with her customers and can be found chatting with them everywhere she goes.
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“Bear Creek Rubs only uses fresh, full-flavor spices.”
JUDITH BARTMANN
Diverse flavors – Bear Creek Rubs Owner Judith Bartmann travels across Goshen County and beyond, showcasing her famous handcrafted spice blends. Courtesy photo
customers to purchase the spice blends online when shopping was difficult,” she shares.
“While getting our products into kitchens has been a challenge, collaborating with WWBC’s Business Education Director Christine Langley on our expansion strategies has transformed this hurdle into an opportunity for growth,” Judith adds. “She has been a wonderful mentor, and I can’t speak highly enough about her or the program.”
Bear Creek Rubs offers an inspiring array of spices, from robust steak seasoning to a vibrant citrus blend elevating chicken, seafood and salads.
Judith shares, “Every year, I unveil three new spice blends, and this year they flew off the table. I
also embraced the challenge of creating new dipping blends.”
She emphasizes quality is her unwavering commitment, and she is dedicated to ensuring it shines through, even in the face of large orders.
New opportunity
The Go Goshen Board of Directors manages the Progress Program, dedicated to fostering economic development in Goshen County.
This initiative empowers local businesses, nonprofit organizations and municipal infrastructure projects to thrive.
Funded by Goshen County’s one-quarter cent sales tax, the Progress Program fuels a vision of growth, supporting businesses with infrastructure
improvements, equipment upgrades, product development, e-commerce expansion and workforce training, all designed to ignite economic vitality in the community.
Just before Christmas, Bear Creek Rubs received a grant from the Progress Program, a stepping stone for their expansion journey.
“With this grant, Bear Creek Rubs will be able to
The Lingle Fort Laramie Conservation District (LFLCD), established in 1943, serves constituents within its nearly 475,000-acre boundary. Our mission is to provide leadership and education towards the utilization of natural resources to meet current needs while developing good stewardship practices to enhance natural resources for future generations. Our five main areas of focus include agriculture and natural resources, water quality, soil erosion, community support, and education.
LFLCD implements a variety of programs aimed at promoting responsible stewardship. One of our most successful initiatives is the no-till drill rental program.
elevate our packaging and marketing, allowing me to devote more time in the kitchen to create new spice blends,” says Judith. For more information, visit bearcreekrubs.com or e-mail info@bearcreekrubs.com.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
To date, thousands of acres have been planted with minimum or no-till which preserves the soil integrity while reducing erosion potential. One of the no-till drills available for rent is equipped with a native seed box and cost-share is available on applicable seed. Other equipment available for rent includes a broadcast seeder and pivot track closer.
To promote wildlife habitat and reduce erosion, LFLCD offers conservation-grade tree seedlings for sale each spring. With a variety of species to choose from, constituents can build a windbreak and provide habitat while maintaining a pleasing aesthetic. Educational resources are available to complement tree sales. In honor of Arbor Day, we provide tree seedlings to local elementary students and donate trees for new plantings in the town cemetery.
LFLCD also organizes educational workshops such as the “Irrigation for the Home and Small Acreage” and a “Tree Care Workshop.” LFLCD also partners with agencies like NRCS and WDA to carry out programming and statutory requirements. Additionally, we are proud to partner with North Platte Valley Conservation District and South Goshen Conservation District on events such as the hazardous household waste collection day.
The LFLCD board meetings are open to the public and we welcome attendance at 1:00pm on the second Tuesday of each month at 224 Main Street, Lingle, WY. For more information, visit our website linglefortlaramieconservationdistrict.com or contact us at (307) 534-5768 or conservelfl@ gmail.com.
Committed to quality – Judith Bartmann enjoys connecting with customers and gathering feedback to enhance her products. Courtesy photo
Renowned Reputation
Ken Haas grew up in the Angus business.
His grandfather brought the first registered Angus into Wyoming, and as one of seven children growing up on the family cattle ranch in Veteran, he knows the meaning of hard work and dedication to livestock.
After graduating high school, Ken spent some time traveling the country and clipping cattle. From his time in show barns and prepping cattle for sales, he made connections and built a network which has helped him get to where he is today.
His name is widely recognized in the big show rings across the country.
With over 50 years in the registered business and 45 years of selling bulls, Ken has established a reputation for developing quality bulls that are the “right combination” of high maternal traits, carcass quality and growth.
Bulls are sold either private treaty or through their
annual production sale, which is held on the third Tuesday in January every year.
Family affair
Today, Ken’s wife Heather and daughter Kendall have stepped into a more active role at the ranch, while Ken continues to give them guidance and direction.
Kendall graduated from Oklahoma State University in May and returned home to be at the ranch full time.
“I’m home for good
now, and my dad is taking more of a – not really a backseat role – but more of a managerial role,” explains Kendall. “But, he is the main driving force behind our operation.”
Being a seedstock operation, the Haas family’s year-to-year schedule may look a little different than their commercial neighbors.
With both a spring and a fall calving program, there are always calves to tag and data to record.
Ken’s son Kirk helps out with the constant rotation of heat syncing and artificial insemination (AI) marking the calendars. The second oldest, Kevin, is an ADM Animal Nutrition specialist and is an integral part of the program with his expertise in nutrition and feeding cattle.
Unique challenges
The operation is unique in the fact they consider themselves to be pretty confined compared to many other producers.
“We don’t have the acres some people have, so we have to develop our weaned calves in feedlots.
The yearling bulls are sold in January, and we winter them until March before they go out to work for our customers. Our yearling heifers are turned out on grass after we AI them,” says Kendall. “It’s sometimes hard to rotate our cattle through our pastures, and we have to be very organized for timely rotations
and pasture management.”
Open door policy
The family knows sales aren’t necessarily made on sale day, so they welcome buyers to stop by any time to check out the bulls at the ranch, which is located one mile west of LaGrange on Highway 151.
“We know our customers don’t just want to see the bulls when everything’s clipped and all prettied up or when we have them on a show halter, they want to see them in their natural state. They want to be able to see how you’re taking care of the animals year-round, not just the month or the week before the sale,” says Heather. Heather and Kendall are excited to continue to build on the high standards Ken Haas Angus has established over the last four decades.
The reputation for consistently high-quality bulls has expanded across the country.
In spite of all of the dedication and success within the cattle industry, when asked what the legacy of Ken Haas Angus is, Heather notes it is ultimately their three children – Kevin, Kirk and Kendall.
For more information on Ken Haas Angus, visit kenhaasangus.com
Tressa Lawrence is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.
Providing guidance –Ken Haas, the founder of Ken Haas Angus, has recently stepped into a managerial role, providing guidance to the next generation.
Pictured are Kendall and Kenny evaluating cattle. Courtesy photo
The right combination – Ken Haas Angus has a reputation of raising bulls with the right combination of high maternal traits, carcass quality and growth. Pictured is KCH Harley 91, lot 91 in the 2025 January bull sale. Courtesy photo
The Haas men – Pictured are Kirk, Kenny and Kevin Haas. Courtesy photo
Serving Rural Wyoming’s Needs
Cherry Creek
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21st Century Equipment holds extensive offering for Goshen County resident’s unique agricultural needs
Owen Palm started 21st Century Equipment in 1996, meaning 2025 marks the business’s 29th year in operation.
Owen grew up in Minnesota and obtained a degree in geological engineering before getting his first job with the global technology company Schlumberger in Casper.
“This is how I came to Wyoming,” shares Owen. “The equipment business is actually my third career. I was in the oil field for about 10 years with Schlumberger and then moved to Scottsbluff, Neb. where I live today. “
“I worked for Western Sugar for about 10 years, and during this time, I made a small investment in our single John Deere store in Scottsbluff, Neb.,” he continues. “Then, 40 years later, I went to work for the dealership full time.”
The Torrington location
Owen notes 21st Century is a John Deere agricultural equipment dealership boasting 26 locations and nearly 700 employees across the U.S.
The Torrington location, located on Highway 26 near the eastern edge of town, was purchased in 2015.
It has a large outdoor lot and most of the various types of equipment are kept in stock. If there is a specific piece of machinery that isn’t available, it can soon be brought in.
“All of the equipment we have across the entire
company is available,” Owen explains. “It might be at another location, but it all gets shared. We have our own trucking fleet and can move equipment around.”
Owen reiterates 21st Century is able to serve the diverse agriculture population of Goshen County.
“We have producers here who have nothing but livestock. We have row crop producers, dryland wheat producers and custom applicators who work out of Torrington, so all of the segments of our business are represented in this location,” says Owen.
Serving the ag community
Across all of their locations, 21st Century Equipment has the capacity to serve four different segments of customers.
“One segment is the farmers who are focused on row crop production and/or large acreage wheat farms and small grains,” Owen explains. “We have customers who do irrigated or dryland crops and need the appropriate farm equipment.”
Another segment is livestock producers.
“They often put up hay as their primary crop for their livestock, so we have all types of haying equipment,” Owen says.
“Our third segment is the custom operators,” he adds. “They may be harvesting wheat or corn for other farmers or chopping various crops for silage as a forage
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Supporting rural communities – From compact tractors to custom sprayers, 21st Century Equipment has something for all members of the rural community. Courtesy photo
crop. This group includes the big ag input suppliers like Nutrien, the Canadianbased fertilizer company, or Simplot. We provide sprayers for them for their custom spraying operations as well.”
Owen notes the fourth and final segment 21st Century serves is the consumer market – including compact tractors and turf – especially along the Front Range of Colorado.
“Those are the four primary types of customers we serve,” he concludes. “We basically serve all segments of the agriculture industry except for the orchards in places like Florida or California.”
He continues, “We operate in southeastern Wyoming, the eastern half of Colorado, the western part of Nebraska and a small portion of both South Dakota and Kansas. We cover about 110,000 square miles.”
Helping the community thrive
Running such an extensive business takes a full crew, and Owen believes the workforce at 21st Century Equipment is one of the best.
He states, “This is probably the greatest strength of our organization – our people. We like to think we offer excellent customer service.”
Like most ag organizations, however, certain times of the year prove to be busier than others.
“Like many ag businesses, ours is cyclic. It also depends on cattle prices, crop prices, interest rates and the general economy. There is a lot of variability in this business,” he says.
Some years, customers can afford new machinery or have the luxury of upgrading to something bigger and better. Other years, this might not be an option
at all. Occasionally, during the busy season, something unexpected might be needed.
There are times these dealerships can be the farmer or rancher’s best ally, carrying parts for and/or servicing machinery and tractors.
“At 21st Century Equipment, we’re more than a John Deere dealership –we’re partners in our customers’ farming success,” he adds. “Our mission is to support farmers through expert guidance, workshops and hands-on demos with John Deere technology.”
“From soil health to equipment selection, we tailor solutions to meet every farm’s unique needs, and this helps ensure both the farm and community thrive,” he continues.
If the farmers and ranchers thrive, the community thrives, and 21st Century equipment also strives to support others in rural communities through their offering of compact tractors and other equipment designed for small-scale farms and ranches.
“With everything from front-end loaders to mowers, we offer the right tools for efficient, manageable farming,” Owen says. “Through workshops and local events, we connect with farmers and provide personalized advice on equipment selection, maintenance and safety – helping people achieve their agricultural goals, whether they are growing crops or raising livestock.”
For more information on 21st Century Equipment’s Torrington location, visit 21stcenturyequipment.com/ locations/torrington-wy
Heather Smith Thomas is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.
AGRICULTURE REQUIRES
HARD WORK AND A LENDER WHO WORKS HARD FOR
“We have producers here who have nothing but livestock. We have row crop producers, dryland wheat producers and custom applicators who work out of Torrington, so all of the segments of our business are represented in this location.”
OWEN PALM
Excellent customer service – Running an extensive business takes a full crew, and Owen Palm believes the workforce at 21st Century Equipment is one of the best. Courtesy photo
Smalltown location – 21st Century Equipment is a John Deere agricultural equipment dealership with a location in Torrington, located on Highway 26 near the eastern edge of town. Courtesy photo
Problem-F ree Performance Cattle
McClun’s Lazy JM Ranch boasts rich history in the purebred business
McClun’s Lazy JM Ranch is a five-generation family ranch near Veteran, with a long history in the purebred business, selling bulls for 51 years.
Jeff McClun’s grandfather bought the original place in 1946.
Through the years, the ranch has remained a family operation and current day-to-day operations are run by the fourth generation of McCluns – Jeff, his wife Kari, his son and daughterin-law Kody and Tyler and his father Jim.
The fifth generation – Kody and Tyler’s three children Mason, Kane and Haisely – are also an integral part of the family dynamic and already enjoy working on the ranch.
“It’s nice to have new generations to carry on. This is always something to work toward and keep going,” Jeff says. “It’s nice to be able to watch your kids and grandkids grow up this way.”
Quality-guaranteed bulls Jim started the registered cattle side of things, selling bulls to consignment sales like the Black Hills Stock Show and local sales.
Then, about 30 years ago, the family starting holding their own annual production sale every second Thursday in April at the sale barn in Torrington.
The sale offering usually includes around 100 bulls, and the family sells to customers across the entire U.S. – from California to Wisconsin and Minnesota to New Mexico.
“We sell bulls and heifers, Polled Hereford and
Angus,” Jeff says. “Some of our bull customers are interested in our heifers too, and we usually sell about 40 to 50 heifers each year via private treaty.”
“Our philosophy is to produce problem-free cattle that perform well,” Kody says. “We make money when our customers make money, so we try to produce what the customers want in terms of calving ease, bulls with both calving ease and performance or bulls that will put more pounds on calves.”
“We get compliments all the time regarding how long our bulls last – they have good longevity – and how the cows are able to calve on their own,” he continues. “The customers are very happy with them.”
With confidence in their program and to ensure customers are always satisfied, the McClun’s guarantee their bulls as well.
Jeff notes if a customer has a problem with any of their bulls, they will replace the bull or do whatever they can to ensure their customers cows get bred with highquality genetics.
“We try to sell customer service along with the bulls,” Kody says. “Every bull has a first-year breeding guarantee in case anything goes wrong or a bull
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Annual sale – For about three decades, the McClun family has hosted their own production sale every second Thursday of April at the sale barn in Torrington, offering a selection of fall-born, two-year-old and yearling Angus and Hereford bulls. This year, the sale will take place on April 10. Courtesy photo
gets injured. This covers everything except abuse and neglect.”
“We want the bull to work for our customers, and if he’s not doing his job, he’s not doing them any good,” he adds. “We honor this guarantee on about two or three bulls every year, depending on what happens. If we have a bull that’s a suitable replacement, we just trade bulls. If we don’t have something and the customer doesn’t need another bull right away, we give credit for a bull in our next sale.”
A good selection
In addition to ensuring their bulls are of the highest quality, McClun’s Lazy JM also offers a good selection to fit every customer’s needs – two-year-old, yearling and fall-born Angus and Hereford bulls.
Kody notes these two breeds complement each other nicely, which is essential for customers who do a lot of crossbreeding.
“Probably 90 percent of our Hereford bulls go to customers with black cows to take advantage of hybrid vigor,” he explains. “The black cows are good mothers and milk well, and the calves have this advantage as well.”
“We also sell a fair amount of Hereford bulls to Hereford breeders, but it’s nice to have a good mix,” Kody adds. “A lot of ranchers have a set of baldy cows they like to put black bulls back on females sired by one of our Hereford bulls.”
Jeff also says the McCluns’ customers appreciate their selection of different-aged bulls.
“We really like the growth we get on the fallborn bulls,” he states. “When we sell them in the spring, they are 18 months old and ready to go to work compared to a yearling.”
“We really like this age, especially on the Angus bulls, compared to a twoyear-old,” Jeff says. “The 18-month-old bulls are a lot easier to handle than a twoyear-old Angus. The polled Herefords aren’t as aggressive by that age, so we don’t mind holding the Herefords until they are two.”
Some customers prefer older bulls, since yearlings
have a hard time their first year.
“When people buy yearling bulls, they are generally looking for something to cover heifers or turn out with cows and not expect much from them their first year – just get them grown up and working for the following years,” Kody says.
“We try to have calving ease and as much performance as possible in all of our bulls. Most of our customers really like the 18-month-old bulls as they are a little more versatile,” he adds. “They are a little bigger and more mature, but not so big they can’t be used on heifers. If a rancher runs replacement heifers with the cow herd, the same bull works for both.”
Unique operation
In addition to offering bulls of several breeds and ages, the McClun ranch is unique in that it is all connected and cattle don’t have to go far or cross neighboring properties to go out to pasture.
“We mainly just worry about our border fences, but we don’t have to worry much about cattle getting mixed,” Jeff says.
“If it does happen, however, we can determine parentage of calves through DNA tests – everything in the registered herd gets tested,” he adds. “All of the females are artificially inseminated (AI) once and the bulls clean up. Our conception rates vary, but our calves are about 70 percent AI sired and the rest are through our own bulls.”
Because the ranch is fairly flat and everything is close to home, the McCluns utilize ATVs and side-bysides to move their cows.
The ranch also has a lot of farm ground and grows enough crops to feed all of the cattle, including corn for silage, high-moisture earlage and alfalfa hay.
For more information or to request a catalog for the McClun’s Lazy JM Ranch 2025 Production Sale set for April 10, visit mcclunranch.com
Heather Smith Thomas is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.
“We get compliments all the time regarding how long our bulls last – they have good longevity – and how the cows are able to calve on their own. The customers are very happy with them.”
KODY
MCCLUN
The McClun family – McClun’s Lazy JM Ranch is a five-generation family ranch near Veteran with a long history in the purebred business.
Courtesy photo
Live cattle auctions are rooted in centuries-old practices known as private treaty sales, where ranchers negotiate the sale of animals directly with one another.
About two decades ago, the livestock industry underwent a transformation with the introduction of online sales.
This innovation allowed sellers to reach a global audience, expanding their potential buyer base beyond geographical limitations.
“Years ago, the owners of Torrington Livestock Markets saw the value and necessity of representing cattle on video auctions,” Torrington Livestock Markets Co-Owner Lander
JC HEIKEN ANGUS & SONS
Nicodemus states.
As the industry evolved, sellers began to explore new methods of selling livestock, adopting innovative approaches which provides greater control and personalization.
According to Cattle Country Video (CCV), selling cattle on video allows both buyer and seller to capture the benefits of a ranch’s direct sales while still capitalizing on the most competitive way to market livestock, through the auction method of selling.
Lander notes, “Torrington Livestock Markets represented cattle on video with Western Video Market for 18 years before realizing the need for a more regionally focused video marketing company.”
Under the ownership of Shawn and Lex Madden and Michael Schmitt, CCV was born.
Continued growth
Located in Torrington, the video marketing company CCV was created in 2010 and is dedicated to showcasing the genetics and quality of the West.
The methods for selling livestock have significantly evolved over time, from simple bartering to advanced online platforms.
With CCV, producers can connect directly with representatives, thereby expanding their opportunities.
This platform allows cattle to remain on the seller’s ranch or farm until delivery, which helps reduce stress for the animals and minimizes shrinkage.
This thoughtful approach not only lowers trucking costs for the seller but also enables them to sell on contract for future delivery based on current market rates.
At CCV, convenience for buyers is a priority, as they can easily watch the auction on television or online and can bid from the comfort of their home, office or even while on the move using their mobile phones.
CCV provides buyers with a catalog listing all available cattle, allowing them to preview videos of the cattle prior to the sale.
“We are blessed to get to represent some of the greatest cattlemen and women in the country, and CCV just celebrated our 15th year,” Lander states. “Leah Wayne Overton just retired in September of 2024 after 15 years, and it is to her credit for making it all possible and getting it off the ground.”
He adds, “We are excited to have Clara Petersen as our new manager of video operations, but just like at the sale barn, it takes a great team to make it all happen. We have incredible staff that makes it all happen from catalog production, video editing and broadcasting, to hosting our sales.”
“In addition, we have great video representatives who truly care about the success of the producers they represent,” Lander states.
The benefits
Livestock auction markets, held regularly across the country, provide ideal venues for producers looking to buy or sell a variety of animals.
Buyers can also reach out to a representative for any questions they might have regarding the sale lots.
The livestock industry is a dynamic landscape which thrives on innovation and adaptation. From the traditional practice of private treaty sales to the cuttingedge personalized auctions of today, sellers continue to push the boundaries of conventional selling methods.
As technology advances and new ideas emerge, one constant remains – the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation within the livestock community.
Whether through bartering, auctions or digital platforms, the art of selling livestock continues to evolve, presenting new opportunities and challenges for ranchers around the world.
For more information, visit cattlecountryvideo. com, call 307-532-3333 or follow them on Facebook @ CattleCountryVideo.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Serving Wyoming Since 1948
Eastern Wyoming College offers innovative learning
Since 1948, Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) has assisted tens of thousands of students from around the world in earning degrees, certificates or completing transfer courses, enabling them to pursue further education.
EWC offers a variety of programs designed to help students either learn a new career or transfer to a fouryear college or university.
The college is supported by dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to guiding students every step of the way, as student success is a top priority at EWC.
As a learning community, the college provides opportunities empowering students to achieve their goals while enriching the state through work, partnerships and academic accomplishments.
EWC’s student experience is crafted to promote personal growth by fostering independence, encouraging ethical behavior and instilling individual responsibility for learning.
Additionally, the college offers opportunities for student involvement in campus activities to enhance social development.
Lancer history
EWC was originally established in Torrington as the Southeast University Center, which was an extension of the University of Wyoming (UW) and part of Torrington School District #3.
Between 1948-56, the college faced significant challenges due to a very limited budget, which restricted its faculty, curriculum and student enrollment.
During this time, the college enrolled only 16 full-time students who were taught by two full-time instructors and offered just a dozen classes.
In 1956, the citizens of the Torrington Public School District voted to create the Goshen County Community College District as an independent political entity of the state, complete with its own board of control.
By 1968, the college was renamed EWC, changing from its previous designation as the Goshen County Community College District.
After the reorganization, EWC’s enrollment increased to 62 full-time students with four full-time instructors offering approximately 30 classes during each term of the school year.
The institution’s growth has continued steadily, now supporting a branch cam-
pus in Douglas and regional learning centers in Converse, Crook, Platte and Weston counties.
Lancer leadership
EWC is a public institution established under the Community College Act of the State Legislature.
Its purpose is to provide instruction for the first two years of college education and offer related services to individuals in eastern Wyoming communities.
The college is a taxsupported, co-educational institution governed by an elected board and operates within the EWC College District.
The EWC Board consists of seven members, each elected to four-year terms by eligible voters within the College District.
In 2022, Dr. Jeffry Hawes was appointed as president of the college by the EWC Board of Trustees and works closely with the administration, faculty and staff to deliver quality instructional programs to prepare students for their futures.
Ag department
EWC is currently redesigning its agriculture program, with plans to implement the updated curriculum in the fall of 2025.
The new offering will emphasize traditional education while also incorporating modern applied agriculture components.
“Torrington is the center of the largest ag producing area in the state,” EWC Director of Agricultural Development Martin Winchell states. “EWC continues to develop its ag programming to ensure students have the appropriate applied skills to enter the local agricultural workforce.”
As part of this redesign, EWC will offer two majors that are focused on distinct pathways. The Ag Business and Science Degree will be for students looking to transfer to a four-year university with the potential to major in a wide range of ag-based degrees. The Farm and Ranch Management Degree will prepare students to return to the farm or ranch and/or a wide range of other ag careers.
Students can also seek specialized certificates including animal production, crop production and modern agricultural systems. These applied certificates are for those seeking specialist credentials or looking to update knowledge and skills in a specific area.
Martin adds, “Our judging, show, rodeo and SkillsUSA teams are a
major focus on campus. Investing in these programs will continue to be a cornerstone of our applied student experience.”
Partnerships
“EWC partners with UW to share and maximize the state’s resources,” Martin says. “The school collaborates with local 4-H and FFA chapters, along with middle and high school students to help retain and train local talent.”
For example, EWC has teamed up with UW’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center (SAREC) through a
Wyoming Innovation Partnership grant.
This collaboration allows students to further their education while accessing latest research and technologies all in applied setting including internships.
Furthermore, EWC is planning additional agricultural changes for the upcoming year, as Martin and his team focus on scholarship opportunities and the poten-
tial establishment of an entrepreneurship center.
For more information, visit ewc.wy.edu or call 307532-8200.
this article to roundup@wylr.net.
MARTIN WINCHELL
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on
F arming F lowers
Mike and Gretchen Wollert settled in the lowlands of Goshen County over three decades ago after leaving southeast Colorado in pursuit of better opportunities.
Gretchen, an English and history major, taught in the Goshen County School District, while Mike offered services stacking square bales for alfalfa farmers in the area.
“My husband started stacking hay about 20 to 25 years ago, and it just kind of took off,” Gretchen shares. “There weren’t a lot of square-bale stackers in the area, so my husband filled the need and really helped out all of the farmers who were raising alfalfa.”
Another big opportunity came shortly after the turn of the century, when the couple purchased a quarter-section and started farming full time. They planted their own alfalfa and added a herd of 200 mother cows to the mix.
In 2007, yet another opportunity was presented to the Wollerts, and they purchased the McKeehan Greenhouse.
“In its heyday, it was an awesome place, but it had become run down and the customers dwindled,” Gretchen explains. “We bought the property with the greenhouses on it. We had to do a lot of fix up, but we jumped right in.”
A local hotspot
The Wollerts opened the doors of Pleasant Valley Greenhouse for the first time at the beginning of the 2008 season and have been supplying Goshen County’s seasonal, horticultural needs for the last 15 years.
Today, Mike handles all of the day-to-day operations on their farm while Gretchen runs the greenhouse, where she “farms flowers” as she likes to call it.
Home to eight greenhouses total, Pleasant Valley is open seasonally from the end of March through the end of June, offering everything from flowers and vegetable plants to trees and shrubs and everything in between.
“I’ve tried to go yearround, but the population of the area just isn’t big enough, so we really focus on the spring and summer growing season,” Gretchen says.
Although this is only a
relatively short time, during the three months it is open, Pleasant Valley Greenhouse has become a bustling local hotspot, drawing customers across Goshen County and beyond – with some even making the drive from Cheyenne, Douglas and Nebraska.
“It’s a business the area has really embraced,” Gretchen says. “There is another large greenhouse in Goshen County, and we are able to give each other some friendly competition. My greenhouse is not big enough to supply the whole county, so we work together in a way, with enough competition to keep our prices low.”
A growing success
Over the course of time, and primarily through word of mouth, Gretchen’s customer base has only continued to grow, something she attributes to Pleasant Valley’s unique selection.
“We didn’t used to sell out of everything, but as we’ve built up our customer base and as word has gotten around, more people are coming from a further distance away,” she shares.
“We have a lot of customers who heard from us by word of mouth, and they like to shop here because we are not a big box store,” she continues. “We have a lot more to offer than a Walmart or Home Depot.”
Some of the more popular items at Pleasant Valley include a wide selection of specialty annuals and unique varieties of tomatoes, peppers and herbs which can only be found at select locations.
Gretchen notes Pleasant
Valley’s crowd favorite are the huge selection of hanging baskets she puts together with different combinations of wave petunias she plants from seed and other plants sourced from a wholesale greenhouse in Colorado.
“We put together at least 400 hanging baskets every season, and we have sold out of them for the past four years,” she states.
A year-round commitment
Although Pleasant Valley Greenhouse is only open to the public for a quarter of the year, Gretchen stays busy year-round preparing for the busy season.
She notes around 70 percent of the plants offered at Pleasant Valley are outsourced from wholesale greenhouses in Colorado, while she grows the other 30 percent herself from seed.
“In the fall I have to order from the four wholesale greenhouses down in Colorado that I source a lot of my material from,” she explains. “They have specialty annuals and other things I cannot grow from seed.”
Gretchen is currently busy planting these seeds, which she will carefully nurture for the next few months.
“Right now, I am busy planting seeds, then I will have to transplant,” she
says. “In March, I will make my trip to Colorado to get a trailer load of boxes and flats of little bitty plants to bring back to the greenhouse. Then I will take care of them until customers start to show up in April.”
In addition to hiring a handful of seasonal employees when Pleasant Valley’s doors are open in the spring, Gretchen notes she has also received a lot of help from her and Mike’s four daughters, her best friend Bernadine and other friends who help sporadically when they need some “soil therapy.”
“My daughters are all grown and gone. They are now off living in Wyoming. Three of them are married, and we are expecting our fifth grandchild this month,” Gretchen notes.
A force in the community
In addition to the wide and popular selection offered at Pleasant Valley, Gretchen has found other ways to be a force in her community.
Gretchen has hosted wreath making workshops during the holidays and various youth groups and chil-
dren’s outreach programs throughout the year.
“Two years ago, I put on a workshop through the conservation district on straw bale gardening, which was fun,” she says. “We had community members sign up for the class, we went through everything it takes to have a straw bale garden and they each went home with their own.”
Gretchen has also hosted a number of community-based talks and demonstrations on everything from creating a patio planter to the basics of fertilizing.
“It’s just sporadic, nothing absolute,” she admits.
“I go do things when I am requested, and we can also organize things at the greenhouse.”
Pleasant Valley Greenhouse is currently closed for the season but will reopen at the end of March. For more information, call 307-5324769 or stop by when their doors open at 4308 U.S. Hwy 26/85, Torrington, WY 82240.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
“It’s a business the area has really embraced.”
GRETCHEN WOLLERT
WEAVER RANCH
Pop of color – Despite some of the challenges facing the economy and America’s working class, Pleasant Valley Greenhouse Owner Gretchen Wollert notes people are still willing to pay for plants and flowers. Courtesy photo
Down the Dirt Road
What began as a simple hobby has blossomed into a fulfilling and inspiring career for Teresa Milner, the owner of Dirt Road Wife Photography.
“In junior high school, I received my first camera. I took it everywhere and loved taking pictures of all of my show animals,” Teresa shares.
A native of Cheyenne, Teresa grew up immersed in 4-H and FFA, showing livestock and cultivating a deep appreciation for the beauty of agricultural life. She has since dedicated herself to capturing special moments of the Goshen County community.
Teresa and her family moved to Goshen County over 10 years ago due to her husband’s job.
Her husband Ben is the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) bird farm coordinator for the Downer Bird Farm, where they live and raise their daughter Emily.
Before she embarked on her exciting journey as a photographer, which officially began in 2017, Teresa enjoyed her time working with the WGFD in public relations and natural resource management.
Multi-talented
Teresa describes herself as a wife, mom, photographer and part-time pheasant wrangler, with a passion for her family, friends and Wyoming.
A graduate of the University of Wyoming, she earned a degree in agricultural communications in 1999 but is a self-taught photographer.
She honed her skills through a few college courses and several years of taking pictures, experimenting with wildlife photography and family portraits, always striving to capture the perfect shot.
“I have explored a variety of styles and genres of photography, but I wanted to enhance my skills so I dove into every book and YouTube video I could find,” she explains. “Friends and family started asking me to take their pictures and even offered to pay me for them. Before I knew it, an opportunity arose, and I found myself with a viable business.”
Teresa has led her business by capturing memorable moments as a community and school photographer.
“I love the art form of photography and the connections I make with my subjects. It’s a wonderful way to meet people, and I enjoy getting out there and being creative while sharing it with them,” Teresa says.
Teresa has spent the past decade traveling down the dirt roads of southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska.
When she is not helping her husband raise pheasants or assisting her daughter with 4-H projects, she can be found at local schools, capturing photos of students and sporting events.
Teresa specializes in senior portraits, county fairs, rodeo photography and school and club sports photos.
Event photography
Throughout her childhood, Teresa’s father played a vital role in various local organizations and made significant contributions to their community.
“My dad announced slack at Cheyenne Frontier Days, and it has been an incredible honor to be among the pool of photographers this year,” she reflects.
“I was just a girl who loved horses and animals, and my passion for agriculture blossomed when I joined FFA and 4-H,” she adds.
Over the years, her dedication to FFA has only deepened, as she has taken on roles such as executive secretary, official organization photographer and public relations coordinator for Wyoming.
Teresa’s captivating photographs have been selected for the Wyoming Department of Agriculture’s Mediation Program annual calendar and are displayed in various government buildings and businesses throughout Goshen County.
Her images beautifully capture the landscapes, farms and daily life of the region, and they have also been featured in several local magazines, showcasing her talent and the charm of the community.
For more information, visit dirtroadwifephotography.com or e-mail teresa@ dirtroadwifephotography. com to schedule a personal appointment.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
