The 2025 Legislative General Session commenced on Jan. 14, and during the dynamic first week, Wyoming’s legislators engaged in thoughtful floor debates while committees diligently reviewed proposed bills. Several important and timely
In the sixth snow report for Water Year 2025, the state’s snow telemetry data reads 86% of median, with a basin high of 106% and a basin low of 39%. Last year, the state was at 83% and at 120% in 2023. The report and a map displaying basin snow water equivalent percentages of median for the state may be found at wrds.uwyo.edu/ wrds/nrcs/nrcs.html
On Jan. 17, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is accepting applications for grants to help agricultural producers and farmers expand market opportunities and generate more revenue. Eligible applicants include independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. For more information, visit rd.usda.gov
The Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) is offering two $1,500 scholarships to college students in agricultural or natural resource pathways. Eligible students, their parents and/ or their guardians must be a WSGA member in good standing. Applicants must be a sophomore, junior or senior for the upcoming fall semester or a senior who is graduating and has been accepted into graduate school for the concurrent semester. Applications are due on March 15. For more information or to apply, visit wysga.org/ program,s/scholarshipsinternships
The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is inviting all students to apply for the marketing and communication intern position through the MSGA Summer Internship Program by Feb. 15. The internship will start in May and end in August. Start and end dates are flexible based on the candidate’s school schedule. For more information or to apply, visit mtbeef.org/careers
issues were discussed, and an update is provided below.
Proof of voter residency registration
On Jan. 16, the Wyoming Legislature’s House Corporations Committee passed House Bill (HB) 156 and HB157 which require proof of U.S.
citizenship and Wyoming registration to register to vote in Wyoming.
Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray testified in support of both bills and released a press release following his testimony.
At the start of each new year, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA), in partnership with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, recognizes one Wyoming ranch whose natural resource stewardship practices contribute to environmental sustainability, while also enhancing the operation’s productivity and profitability.
This year, Robinson Ranch Company, LLC received the prestigious 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award.
The ranch
Robinson Ranch Company, LLC was established in 1916 through the Homestead Act by Tom Robinson, Sr., who, with the help of his son Tom Robinson, Jr., developed the ranch into an 18,000-acre sheep operation.
In 1964, Tom, Jr. and his sister Helen RobinsonEberspecher took over operations, but managed their
Please see AWARD on page 20
Habitat restoration – Beth Butler of Robinson Ranch Company, LLC looks out over a plot of newly planted sagebrush. Plants were established following a fire in order to restore sage grouse habitat. Courtesy photo
On Jan. 1, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) published the January 2025 Wyoming Basin and Water Supply Outlook Report, which analyzes snowpack, precipitation, streamflow and reservoir storage across the state of Wyoming.
The report also assesses the water supply outlook for the entire state of Wyoming, as well as individual basins including the Snake River, Madison Headwaters, Yellowstone River, Wind River, Big Horn River, Shoshone River, Powder River, Tongue River, Belle Fourche River, Cheyenne River, Upper North Platte River, Lower North Platte River, Laramie River, Sweetwater River, South Platte River, Little Snake River, Upper Green River, Lower Green River and Upper Bear River basins.
Forecast uncertainty
NRCS notes because most of the annual streamflow in the western U.S. originates as snowfall, which accumulates in the mountains during winter and early spring, hydrologists are able to estimate the runoff which will occur when snowpack melts.
“Measurements of snow water equivalent (SWE) at selected manual snow courses and automated snowpack telemetry (SNOTEL) sites, along with precipitation, antecedent streamflow and indices of the El Niño/Southern Oscillation are used in computerized statistical and simulation models to prepare runoff forecasts,” reads the report. “Unless otherwise specified, all forecasts are for flows which would occur naturally without any upstream influences.”
On Jan. 16, President Donald Trump announced several key nominations for leadership positions within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
In a social media announcement, he nominated four agricultural leaders to enhance the USDA’s capacity to support farmers, ranchers and agricultural industries across the country.
One of his first nominations was Dudley Hoskins, who serves as counsel for the Senate Agriculture Committee, for the position of USDA under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs.
In this role, Hoskins would be responsible for overseeing the Agricultural Marketing Service and the Ani-
WyFB YF&R hosts annual conference in Cody
Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) hosted their Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) annual conference Jan. 16-18 at the Holiday Inn in Cody.
To kick off the two-day event, attendees enjoyed a blustery tour of the George Dairy Farm and ended the morning with a tour of the Y-Tex manufacturing plant.
Legacy
The conference began with Keynote Speaker Ron Rabou, a fifth-generation farmer and president of Rabou Farms in southeastern Wyoming.
Rabou explained his family’s history of making their way to Cheyenne from Kearney, Neb. in a wagon to homesteading near Albin and the tragic and unexpected death of his father years later.
“My father was my best friend and my confidant, and his death was completely devastating to me,” he stated. “I owe much of my work ethic, integrity and ability to manage an agricultural operation to my father’s guidance and example.”
He noted the loss of his father was the beginning of Rabou Farm, Inc. and reminded conference
mal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which focus on animal health and veterinary services.
Currently, Hoskins works as counsel on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.
He previously spent four years at the USDA during Trump’s first term, serving as chief of staff for marketing and regulatory programs and as a senior advisor to the secretary.
Under secretary for farm production and conservation
Osborn Barr Paramore (OBP) Director of Agricultural Business Richard Fordyce has been selected to serve
Today, everything we read about cattle and beef say prices are going up. This can be attributed to the short supply of cattle and the high demand of consumers, both in America and around the world. Everyone wants American beef.
The weekly CattleFax update, dated Jan.17, says, “The fed cattle market has surged higher, clipping the $200 hundredweight (cwt) mark for the first time on a U.S. average basis. The market has more than doubled in less than five years from the COVID-19 lows of $95 cwt in early July 2020.”
“The price strength has been driven by tightening fed cattle supplies amidst continued beef demand strength. Higher fed cattle prices will send the market signal to ration tighter cattle and beef supplies by pushing wholesale and retail prices higher as well. While all dollars flow from the consumer in the long run, supply-side forces can often prevail in the short or intermediate term,” CattleFax continues.
“As a result of crossing the psychologically important $200 level, packers, wholesalers and retailers will adjust prices higher. Ebbs and flows in beef prices will still occur, especially for the cutout, but the downside risk is likely more limited. The spot composite cutout above $330 has already eclipsed the high from 2024. Expect strong support in the $300 to $310 area compared to a cutout which spent 15 weeks below $300 in 2024. After an expected near-term pullback, odds favor a spring cutout rally exceeding current levels,” CattleFax adds.
These three paragraphs summarize the cattle and beef industry today. Last week, the federally-inspected number of fat or fed cattle processed was 589,000 in the U.S. A year ago, the number was 545,000. Most all of the cattle being processed today have a higher dressed weight than a year ago, so this helps with tonnage of beef sold.
Also, live cattle futures continued their bullish path of least resistance in early 2025, reaching a new record high of $1.99 per pound in late January 2025.
Some consumers are eating organ meats – liver, tongue and heart. These meats have always sold well to ethnic groups and in places like the Middle East, Korea and Russia. Organ meats are advertised as healthier because they contain all of the essential vitamins and micronutrients. One advertisement said these meats were nature’s multivitamins.
I’m not sure if this is true, but it’s out there. So now we should eat heart meats to improve our own. And, beef processing plants are finding organ meats can be marketed as valueadded instead of going into certain hotdogs.
Consumers are also finding better labels on their meat products today. These labels tell consumers what the cut of beef is and some recommendations for cooking. This helps buyers purchase beef for their intended use and know whether it’s natural or organic beef.
More consumers are buying branded beef products today. For most branded beef products, consumers can look up specifications online to learn more about the product. A branded beef program is usually associated with premium meat or something in which purchasers have more trust that the product is of higher quality than other commodity products.
However consumers purchase or select their U.S. beef products, it is the safest, tastiest and the healthiest in the world.
Fuel costs are a consistent and fluctuating part of any family budget, and Americans with lower and fixed incomes face the largest burden when prices spike.
During the summer of 2022, when drivers had serious sticker shock at the gas pump, the average price of gas eclipsed five dollars nationwide, and states with especially restrictive energy policies, like California and New York, registered average gas prices of $6.40 and $4.90, respectively.
These rapid and, at times, unexpected hikes in gas prices drain wallets and leave Americans with less disposable income to pay bills, contribute to the economy and provide for their families.
Fortunately, in Iowa, we’ve literally grown the solution to lower gas prices for decades – and it is well past time we turn the key to start the ignition on affordable fuel for families everywhere.
By U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra
For Americans who have traversed the country by car and traveled across the Midwest, cornfields are everywhere. At first glance, those fields don’t appear to have the potential to lower gas prices, but once harvested, homegrown corn can be converted into ethanol – a liquid fuel – and blended into our nation’s gasoline supply.
Standard gasoline Americans purchase every day is also known as E-10. In other words, the gas we put in our tanks contains 10 percent ethanol.
The benefits of ethanol blended into our gasoline are multifaceted. It burns cleaner, it’s cheaper, it’s easy on car engines and it’s a major economic boost for America’s farmers.
An easy way to enhance these benefits and continue to lower gas prices is to up the blend percentage to 15 percent, which we call E-15. It’s common for communities across the Midwest to sell E-15 at gas stations, but in other
states, it’s hard to come by.
For years, misguided federal regulations have prevented this cheaper fuel from being sold year-round across the country. It is well past time to fix this issue with legislation giving freedom to our families to buy the fuel they think is best for them.
According to the Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol – being a pure compound – can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from anywhere between 40 to 50 percent as compared to standard petroleum.
As it relates to cost, E-15 is also roughly 25 cents cheaper than standard E-10 gasoline, and savings add up on every purchase and over the course of the year.
Taken together, both the environmental and economic benefits make the case for another policy proposal lawmakers and advocates alike have
HANNAH BUGAS, Managing Editor • hannah@wylr.net
CANDICE PEDERSON, Production Coordinator • candice@wylr.net
20 Sons of LSF SRR KING ARTHUR
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University of Wyoming (UW) Extension announced they will host the 2025 Southwest Wyoming Ag Days –previously known as the Wyoming and Utah Ag Days – on Feb. 20 at the Roundhouse and Railyards in Evanston from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event will feature a trade show, a free lunch and several presentations from UW Extension personnel on a range of topics, including multi-species grazing, mitigating livestock stress, range management considerations and a livestock market outlook.
Following the event, UW’s Ranch Management Agricultural Leadership (RMAL) Program will host the second installment of their Ranching in the West Seminar Series from 5-7 p.m. at the same venue.
To register for the Southwest Wyoming Ag Days, contact McKenna Julian at mbrinton@uwyo.edu or 307-8284093. To register for the RMAL seminar, visit uwyo.edu/ uwag/rmal/ranching-in-the-west-seminar-series.html
The state of Wyoming and 22 other states have filed litigation in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia challenging a rule known as the “Waste Emissions Charge” issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Wyoming and other states argue EPA exceeded its statutory authority in requiring a substantial fine for industries – particularly the oil and gas industry – when emitting gases, including carbon dioxide in the course of their operations.
This legal challenge is the latest in a slew of litigation by many states, including Wyoming, challenging many anti-fossil fuel rules issued by the EPA.
“In particular, this rule negatively impacts small independent producers in Wyoming,” Gov. Mark Gordon said. “I am hopeful the many regulations damaging our Wyoming core industries will be overturned by the courts, reversed or substantially modified by the incoming presidential administration.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) has announced Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) rates for 2025 crop graded wool by micron class. Loan rates for ungraded wool and mohair are unchanged and remained the same from the prior crop year at 40 cents per pound grease weight.
MAL and Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) are marketing tools available to producers upon harvest or shearing and are available for graded wool, ungraded wool and mohair. Unshorn pelts are eligible for LDPs only.
The unshorn pelt LDP rate is $2.75 per pelt and is based on the ungraded wool LDP rate multiplied by the average weight of an unshorn pelt – 6.865 pounds.
MAL provide producers interim financing at harvest time to meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are typically at harvest-time lows.
LDPs are payments made to producers who, although eligible to obtain a CCC loan, agree to forgo the loan in return for a payment on the eligible commodity.
In the past, Nebraska has crushed Wyoming when it came to the annual Farm to School Crunch Off challenge within the Mountain Plains Region, but this year, Wyoming soared ahead.
Wyoming managed to secure almost 40,000 “crunches” in October using food grown and sourced from the state. Compared to last year, this was an increase of more than 2,000 percent, sailing past Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
A “crunch” is counted when a participant takes a bite of designated locally-grown food.
Natrona County played its role in contributing to the state’s win with all schools across the district participating.
Students in Natrona enjoyed Chugwater Chili made with beans from local farmers, according to a Facebook post by the district. The chili and cinnamon roll pairing led to approximately 4,700 “crunches” within the district.
University of Wyoming Extension will host the WESTI Ag Days Forage Conference on Feb. 12 at the Washakie County Museum in Worland starting at 8 a.m.
This one-day conference is dedicated to alfalfa forage in Wyoming and will include seven speakers covering all aspects of alfalfa hay production, including long-term alfalfa weevil management, fertilizing alfalfa to maximize value, reducing the risk of blister beetle contamination, weed control in alfalfa establishment, the H2A labor program and the current forage situation and outlook. For more information and to RSVP for the event, contact the Washakie County Extension Office at 307-347-3431.
The East Yellowstone Collaborative invites ranchers, farmers and land stewards to the Wyoming Virtual Fence Symposium, which will explore the latest advancements in virtual fencing technology.
This one-day event, themed “Harnessing Virtual Fencing: Insights from Producers, Vendors and Researchers,” will be held on Jan. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West’s Kuyper Pavilion in Cody.
Virtual fencing has the potential to improve livestock management, enhancing grazing efficiency and land stewardship while supporting wildlife conservation. The symposium will feature four unique panels with vendors, producers, researchers and funders.
Vendors, including Vence/Merck, Halter and eShepherd/Gallagher, will explain how virtual fencing works with product demonstrations, and producers from Montana, Oregon and Wyoming will share real-world applications and lessons learned from the technology.
Researchers from the University of Idaho, Colorado State University and South Dakota State University will present data on the operational benefits and challenges of virtual fencing.
Finally, a panel of experts will discuss economic models and funding opportunities to help ranchers adopt virtual fencing on their operations.
Registration is free and lunch is provided. For more information, contact Erin Welty at ewelty@greateryellowstone.org or 307-527-6233.
In light of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) agreement with JBS USA Food Company to address child labor, the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) reiterated their commitment to challenging exploitation and fighting for a level playing field for American producers.
USCA Director Emeritus Leo McDonnell testified on June 22, 2023 during the Legislative Hearing on Cattle Supply Chains and Deforestation of the Amazon, noting USCA’s ongoing concerns regarding the beef industry in Brazil, specifically related to deforestation and concerns over links to forced and child labor.
McDonnell’s testimony specifically referenced this point in which, “‘Beef” and ‘cattle’ are both listed next to Brazil’s name on the most recent report issued by the DOL’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs of goods produced by child or forced labor.”
Following USCA’s Annual Meeting in December, new policy resolutions were circulated to the membership, including one regarding Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 which specifically prohibits importing any product mined, produced or manufactured wholly or in part by forced labor, including forced or indentured child labor.
It is on this note USCA is renewing their call to Congress and Customs to look deeper into forced labor practices in Brazil and will be remaining a part of ongoing conversations regarding these concerns, and in the interim, supports prohibiting importing from any country which violates these measures.
Gov. Mark Gordon will visit Gillette, Sheridan and Wheatland for informational community forums on Jan. 27 to discuss his fire restoration and recovery proposals in the 2025 supplemental budget.
The governor’s budget recommendation – currently before the Wyoming Legislature – is to assist in restoring fire-ravaged lands and serves as a backstop to current federal, state and insurance programs. The forum will also include discussion of additional funding to Wyoming’s Mineral Royalty Grant Program.
The forums are open to community members, county commissioners, municipal leaders and media members. Gordon and other state leaders will present information on the proposed fire mitigation/restoration fund to be used to restore grass, hay and forage lost due last summer’s fires.
The forums will take place at the Whitney Center for the Arts on the Sheridan College Campus from 9 to 11 a.m.; the Main Presentation Hall at Gillette College from 12 to 2 p.m. and the Agriplex in Wheatland from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m.
“It is my intention to move as quickly as possible to alleviate the devastation to our Wyoming landscape and assist landowners in their recovery, which is why I have requested funding from the Wyoming State Legislature. This is a top priority,” Gordon said.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Gov. Mark Gordon is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Governor’s Arts Awards.
Six remarkable individuals will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the arts in Wyoming during the 42nd Annual Governor’s Arts Awards Banquet, where they will be celebrated by the governor, the first lady and other state leaders.
This year’s honorees are Mike Kopriva, a talented painter from Powell, renowned for his western landscapes, still lifes and portraits which capture the essence of the American West; Jane Lavino, sugden chief curator of education at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, recognized for her dedication to arts education and curatorial excellence; Tim Allen Lawson, a celebrated landscape artist from Sheridan, known for his stunning depictions of Wyoming’s natural beauty; Sue and Albert Sommers, advocates for the arts from Pinedale, honored for their longstanding commitment to promoting and supporting the arts in Wyoming and Willie LeClair, who was an Eastern Shoshone spiritual leader, teacher and storyteller from Riverton, recognized for his profound impact on Native American culture and the arts.
These honorees exemplify the rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit of Wyoming, and their work continues to inspire communities across the state. They will all be celebrated at a dinner and awards ceremony at the Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne Feb. 28.
For reservations to the dinner and awards ceremony or for more information on the event, visit governorsartsawards. rsvpify.com. For additional information, contact Mandy Connelley with the Wyoming Arts Council at 307-214-2701 or mandy.connelley@wyo.gov.
Two bison-focused organizations are taking another step to strengthen their relationship. The National Bison Association (NBA) and the Center of Excellence (COE) for Bison Studies at South Dakota State University (SDSU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which provides a new home for the NBA.
Beginning in 2025, the NBA office will relocate to Rapid City, S.D. from Westminster, Colo. The agreement also provides the potential for additional future office accommodations, should the need arise.
NBA Executive Director Jim Matheson commented, “This move to the COE is a huge step forward for our association, our membership and the bison community at large. The NBA helped establish the COE and we’ve since enjoyed a rewarding working relationship collaborating on everything from outreach and education to bison research and herd health. We appreciate the generosity of SDSU to host our office and look forward to many more years of collaboration on bison.”
This announcement builds upon each organization’s goal of better serving the greater bison industry. The two entities recently collaborated to organize and host the highly successful 2024 International Bison Health Symposium and a task force addressing Mycoplasma bovis in bison.
They also collaboratively lead an $80 million U.S. Department of Agriculture Climate Smart Agriculture Grant, along with a number of other research and outreach projects and activities.
by Lee Pitts
Instead of fun and games this week, I’d like to write about what I call “the outside disease” because most of the people I’ve met with skin cancer lived their life outside in the sun – like farmers, ranchers, roustabouts, roughnecks and roofers.
Even though I occasionally sit at a desk, I’ve always been an outside guy. Whether it be working in the oilfields as I did in my younger years, ranching, farming or running cross country, I’ve always subjected my body to the sun. Foolishly, as it turns out.
Sixty years ago when I ran with my shirt off and never used sunscreen, it wasn’t really common knowledge such indecent exposure could cause skin cancer as one matured. Had I known then what I know now, I’d have worn longsleeved shirts like real cowboys do.
I’d have worn a big cowboy hat instead of a ball cap and a steel hard hat with a brim instead of a plastic one without one.
Believe it or not, I was first diagnosed with skin cancer by a dentist, not a dermatologist. I’d had this spot on my nose for over a year that would bleed on a regular basis, but I attributed it to the fact my glasses were too tight on my nose.
If my dentist hadn’t advised me to see a skin doctor, I’d have probably ended up like my good friend Steve who had to
have his nose removed. However, Steve’s skin cancer wasn’t caused by the sun but by being frequently sprayed with Agent Orange in Vietnam, which was used to defoliate the jungle.
I watched Steve courageously go through several operations, and believe me, I’ve had a lot of health issues but I’ve never experienced anything like Steve did. So when the skin doctor biopsied my nose and said it was cancer, I was a little concerned.
Luckily, it was a basal cell cancer, which is not nearly as bad as a melanoma, which I would end up having a few years later when the doc took a big scoop out of my back.
Melanomas are not to be trifled with, and I’ve known two different men who died from one.
For the carcinoma on my nose, they did what they call a Mohs surgery, in which the doc removes thin layers of skin one layer at a time and examines each layer under a microscope to determine if any cancer remains. This procedure continues until only cancerfree tissue remains around the edges.
Eight of us began the procedure, and one by one we’d have to be numbed up every hour so the doc would go to work with his scalpel.
In my case I was given 31 shots of lidocaine over the course of my surgery, and I think I felt every one.
With Mohs surgery, if
you’re lucky, you might only have to see the doctor twice – once to have the skin cancer removed and another to sew you up. You go in once an hour until the doc thinks he’s got “clean edges.”
I asked my doc what’s the latest he’d ever had a patient be finished. The patient had been repeatedly numbed once every hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., so I felt extremely lucky I only had to go back in three times.
One of my fellow patients that day was a lady with a cancer on her eyelid, and let me tell you, she was as anxious as a soreuddered momma cow with a buck-toothed calf.
After some reconstructive surgery one inch away from my eyeball, I didn’t have to have another Mohs surgery until they found another basal cell carcinoma on the top of my ear.
Afterwards, I had to wear a large bandage that made me look like I was mocking Donald Trump after he got shot.
Now I have another cancer about half an inch from my eye, and another Mohs surgery is in my near future.
Initially I tried to write about the humorous side of skin cancer, but I concluded there is none. I know 99 percent of readers probably know about the dangers of skin cancer, but for those of who don’t, just remember my friend Steve. Believe me, skin cancer is no laughing matter, and you might want to consider getting checked out.
I’ll get off my soapbox now.
However, these predictions are by no means perfect and are subject to change due to the uncertainty of future weather conditions, forecasting procedures and errors in the data. So, the agency encourages individuals to interpret their forecast as a range of values with specific probabilities of occurrence instead of as a single value.
NRCS further notes, the wider the spread among these values, the more uncertain the forecast will be. As the season progresses, forecasts will likely become more accurate because a greater portion of future weather conditions will be known.
Snowpack and precipitation
As of Jan. 1, SWE across the state was 76 percent of median. The highest SWE was reported in the Lower Green River Basin at 101 percent of median, and the lowest SWE was reported in the South Platte River Basin at 11 percent of median.
According to NRCS, the Cheyenne, South Platte, Belle Fourche, Powder, Shoshone, Tongue, Big Horn, Yellowstone, Wind, Laramie, Madison Headwaters, Sweetwater, Snake, Lower North Platte and Upper North Platte river basins were below the minimum SWE recorded
from 1991 to 2020.
Additionally, the report notes the Upper Green River Basin had the highest precipitation for the month at 127 percent of median, while the South Platte River Basin had the lowest amount of precipitation for the month at 20 percent of median.
Streamflow yields NRCS forecasts streamflow yields from April through September across all Wyoming basins – except the Cheyenne, Little Snake and Green river basins – to average 77 percent.
Streamflow yields for these three exceptions are expected to respectively average 79, 85 and 87 percent of median from April through July.
Expected streamflow yields for individual basins across Wyoming include the Big Horn Basin at 56 percent of median, the Tongue River Basin at 63 percent of median, both the Wind River and Powder River basins at 67 percent of median, the Shoshone River Basin at 75 percent of median, the Sweetwater River Basin at 76 percent of median and both the Yellowstone and Cheyenne River basins at 79 percent of median.
Other streamflow yields expected across the state include the Snake River Basin at 81 percent of median, both the
Upper and Lower North Platte river basins at 82 percent of median and the Laramie River Basin at 91 percent of median.
Reservoir storage For the entire state of Wyoming, NRCS reports average reservoir storage at 89 percent of median, with the majority of reservoirs in the state reporting below median.
According to NRCS, reservoirs in the Laramie River, Wind River, Upper Bear River, Belle Fourche River and Cheyenne River basins reported numbers below median at 50 percent, 82 percent, 87 percent, 89 percent and 89 percent, respectively.
Likewise, the Buffalo Bill Reservoir on the Shoshone River was 83 percent of median.
Reservoirs in the Lower North Platte River Basin and Upper Green River Basin both reported near median at 92 percent, while reservoirs in the Upper North Platte River Basin were 95 percent of median and the Boyson Reservoir in the Big Horn Basin was at 96 percent of median.
Additionally, reservoirs in the Lower Green River Basin were at 100 percent of median and those in the Snake River Basin were at 105 percent of median.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) is pressing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) leadership to immediately suspend enforcement of the USDA’s electronic identification (EID) tag mandate.
The rule, which went into effect on Nov. 5, 2024, requires producers to use both visually and electronically readable tags on covered cattle and bison herds. Many producers are concerned about the security and confidentiality of EID tag data.
The Southwestern Water Conservation District (SWCD) has been awarded $25.6 million from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s (BuREC) Upper Colorado River Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation Program.
The grant application was developed in collaboration with the SWCD and Infrastructure Partnership. The funding, made available through the Inflation Reduction Act, is intended to help mitigate the impacts of drought to aquatic habitats with priority to the Colorado River Basin.
After receiving funding from Congress to address the price of the rulemaking, USDA initially said it would supply the tags at no cost to producers.
However, animal health officials have not made these tags available to producers of covered livestock, leaving producers with no choice but to spend their own money on these tags or risk being noncompliant with Animal Disease Traceability regulations.
“Our American ranchers work hard
The funding award will support 17 projects across the Dolores and San Juan river basins in southwest Colorado, which are tributaries to the Colorado River. The total value of the grant application is $29.3 million, including $3.7 million of nonfederal support provided through cash and in-kind sources from project proponents.
Funding will advance important projects to help address the drought crisis in southwest Colorado through bank stabilization, invasive plant species removal, riparian and pro-
FEEDERS
every day to produce the highest-quality beef in the world while contending with unpredictable markets, rising input costs and extreme weather,” said Rounds. “It is unreasonable to subject American producers to this unfunded mandate.”
In 2024, Rounds introduced legislation to prevent the EID tag mandate from going into effect. The bill was endorsed by the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, R-CALF USA and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association.
cess-based restoration, fish passage and habitat connectivity, erosion control and wetland restoration.
Projects were selected based on their feasibility, readiness and level of stakeholder and community engagement in the region. The proposal was supported by 37 different federal, state, Tribal and local entities representing regional and local stakeholders.
The final grant contract isn’t expected to be executed until late 2025 or early 2026. All funding must be spent by Sept. 30, 2031.
Mortec Family Ranch LLC 60 Mostly Blk few Red Hfrs, 800#, Weaned a long time, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration, Complete Vac. Program Gardner Livestock 50 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 750-800#, Complete Vac. Program, Coming off Grass, Heifers are Guaranteed Open or Spayed EHB Ranch LLC 11 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 1200-1500#, Complete Vac. Program, Heifers PTO @ barn
WEANED CALVES
Falls Run Ranch Limited 500 Blk Strs, 550-750#, Bunk Broke, Been on a Light Grower Ration, 2 Rounds of Shots this Fall, Home Raised, Vermilion Genetics Duck Bar Ranch 250 Blk & Char-x Strs & Hfrs, 500-650#, Weaned a long time, Been on a Light Grower Ration, 3 Rounds of Shots, Safeguard Wormer, Poured w/Clean-up, Knife Cut
Mark Clark 160 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 500-600#, Weaned 60 days, Hay Fed Only, Branding Shots: Inforce 3, Cattle Master Gold, Ultra Choice, Multi-min 90, Weaning Shots: Ultra Choice 8, Cattlemaster, Poured w/Ivermectin
Vince Kasperbauer 100 Red/Blk Angus Strs, 560-750# (mostly 600-725#), Weaned since Oct.. 1, Running out on pasture Supplemented with Millet Hay and Lick Tubs, Branding Shots: Vision 7, 20/20 Pinkeye, Weaning Shots: Vision 7, 20/20 Pineye, Pyramid 5+Presponse SQ, Poured ****19 Rd/Blk Strs & Hfrs, 400-575#, Weaned 2 Weeks, Hay Fed, Branding Shots; Vision 7 Zale Vacher 90 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 525-600#, Weaned on Nov. 7, Grass/Alfalfa Hay Mix, 2 Rounds of Shots, Multi-min, Poured, No implants, Producer All Natural Spencer Erye 90 Red/Blk Strs & Hfrs, 500-700#, Weaned 60+ days, Bunk Broke, Hay Fed, Branding and Weaning Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold 5, 8-way Kelly Land & Cattle 90 Mostly Blk Strs, 650-700#, Weaned a long time, Hay Fed, Complete Vac. Program, Knife Cut Del Tinsey 100 Red few Blk Strs, 575-600#, Weaned 90 days, Bunk Broke, Been on a Roughage Ration, 3 Rounds of Shots Johnny Hubenka 100 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 450-600#, Weaned since Nov. 2, Bunk Broke, Been on a Light Grower Ration, Branding and Pre-cond. Shots: Vira Shield, 7-way, Ivomec, No Implants, Home Raised
Diamond Tail Ranch 90 Blk/Bwf (2-3 Red) Strs & Hfrs, 500-750#, Weaned since September, Bunk Broke, Been on a Light Grower Ration, Branding Shots: Pyramid 5+Presponse SQ, Inforce 3, Vision 7, Pre-cond. Shots: Vista Once, Vision 7 w/Somnus, Weaning Shots: Vista Once, Poured w/ Ivomec Pending 67 Choice to Fancy Red/Rwf Strs, 690-725#, Weaned a long time, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration: 60% Corn Silage, 30% Ground Alfalfa Hay, & 2.5 lbs high moisture Corn per head, Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold, Vision 7 w/Somnus, Poured w/Ivermectin Dean Anderson 60 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 500-650#, Weaned since Nov. 23, Hay Fed, Branding & Pre-cond. Shots: Vision 7 w/Spur, Pyramid 5+Presponse SQ, Producer All Natural Clausen Ranch 60 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 500-600#, Weaned a long time, 3 Rounds of Shots EHB Ranch LLC 60 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 550-600#, Weaned 40 days, Been on a Grass/Alfalfa Hay Mix, Branding Shots: 6-way, Pneumonia, Blackleg, Weaning Shots: 6-way, Pneumonia, Blackleg, No Implants Waddle Limousin Ranch 45 Blk Limousin/Lim-Flex (2 Rd) Strs/Hfrs, 600-700#, Weaned 90 days, Bunk Broke, Been 3# of Pelleted Feed, Shots at Birth: Vision 7-way, Branding Shots, Pre-cond. Shots: One Shot BVD, Inforce 3, Weaning Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold 5, Vision 7 w/Somnus, Vetrimec Pour On Brodie Livestock/Jake Brodie 25 Blk Hfrs, 550-650#, Weaned 90 days, Bunk Broke, Hay Fed, Branding Shots: 8-way, Weaning Shots: 8-way, Vista 5, Poured w/Ivermectin, Home Raised
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025 -
SALE RESULTS -CALF SPECIAL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 - 3791 HD
J Reverse J 84 Black Steer 716 308.50 $2,208.86
Lisco Ranch 53 Black Steer
Michael Schmitt - Torrington, WY 307-532-1776
Ty Thompson – Lusk, WY 307-340-0770
Zach Johnson Lingle, WY –307-575-2171
Jeff Ward – Laramie, WY 307-399-9863
Tam Staman – Crawford, NE 308-631-8513
Chris Williams - Greybull, WY 307-272-4567
Justin Smith - Lusk, WY 307-340-0724
Nolan Brott - Lusk, WY - 307-216-0033
Hunter Dockery - Lusk, WY 307-340-1202
Ben Kukowski - Kaycee, WY 307-217-1472
Scott Redden - Burns, CO 970-596-3588
Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor Jan. 18, 2025 Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo Auctioneer: Joe Goggins 86 Angus Bulls Avg. $8,145
Top Sellers
Lot 68 – Redland Cow Power 2833 – Price:
$19,000 DOB: 8/1/23
Sire: Mc Cumber Cow Power 118 Dam’s Sire: O C C Do It All 656D EPDs: BW: -2.1, WW: +50, YW: +89 and Milk: +23 Buyer: Tim and Linda Burch, Wyoming
Lot 2 – Redland Tremendous 2013 – Price:
$18,000 DOB: 3/27/23
Sire: Mc Cumber Tremendous 2008 Dam’s
Sire: Redland Traveler 0930 3456 EPDs: BW: -1.1, WW: +56, YW: +94 and Milk: +24 Buyer: Tim and Linda Burch, Wyoming
Lot 53 – Redland Do It All 2363 – Price:
$14,000 DOB: 7/25/23
Sire: O C C Do It All
656D Dam’s Sire: Ravenglen Resolve EPDs: BW: -0.7, WW: +47, YW: +82 and Milk: +20 Buyer: McQueary Ranch, North Dakota
Lot 26 – Redland Chancellor 2473 – Price:
$13,000 DOB: 7/20/23
Sire: O C C Chancellor 767C Dam’s Sire: Redland Paxton 535 EPDs: BW: +0.6, WW: +41, YW: +71 and Milk: +17
Buyer: Armells Creek Angus, Montana
Lot 27 – Redland Do It All 2573 – Price:
$13,000 DOB: 7/24/23
Sire: Redland Do It All
6170 Dam’s Sire: Ravenglen Resolve EPDs:
BW: +0.7, WW: +38, YW: +71 and Milk: +20 Buyer: Virgil Huseman, Kansas
Top Sellers
Lot 16 – Ingalls
Resilient 4050 – Price:
$9,000 DOB: 1/7/24
Sire: Sitz Resilient
10208 Dam’s Sire: V D A R Cedar Wind 7000
EPDs: BW: +0.3, WW: +82, YW: +137 and Milk: +30 Buyer: David Noble, Cora
Lot 31 – Ingalls
Kahuna 4049 – Price:
$8,500 DOB: 1/7/24 Sire: Ingalls Kahuna Dam’s
Sire: Sitz Royal 6899
EPDs: BW: +3.2, WW: +86, YW: +147 and Milk: +24 Buyer: Michael Vigil, Manderson
Lot 12 – Ingalls
Resilient 4020 – Price:
$8,500 DOB: 12/30/23
Sire: Sitz Resilient
10208 Dam’s Sire:
Sitz Who’s That 10709
EPDs: BW: +0.5, WW: +72, YW: +117 and Milk: +27 Buyer: Justin Reed, Thermopolis
Lot 30 – Ingalls
Kahuna 4042 – Price:
$8,000 DOB: 1/5/24
Sire: Ingalls Kahuna
Dam’s Sire: Sitz Royal 6899 EPDs: BW: +2.7,
WW: +87, YW: +141 and Milk: +19 Buyer: David Rael, Cowley
Lot 9 – Ingalls Resilient 4017 – Price: $8,000 DOB: 12/28/23
Sire: Sitz Resilient 10208 Dam’s Sire: Ingalls Power Alliance 0151 EPDs: BW: +0.1, WW: +89, YW: +146 and Milk: +26 Buyer: David Rael, Cowley Top bred heifer Lot 92 – Ingalls 9115 Pride 3922 – Price: $4,400 DOB: 2/3/23 Sire: Sitz Resilient 10208 Dam’s Sire: Sitz RLS Investment 12226
EPDs: BW: +0.4, WW: +77, YW: +127 and Milk: +25 Buyer: Double Lazy A, Ten Sleep Top bred cow Lot 106 – Ingalls 0193 Elluna 2210 –Price: $4,700 DOB: 3/4/22 Sire: Sitz Who’s That 10709 Dam’s Sire: VDAR Showdown 7236 EPDs: BW: -1.5, WW: +50, YW: +88 and Milk: +28 Buyer: Spencer Ingalls, Medora, N.D.
The welding industry is projected to face a shortage of approximately 360,000 welders by 2027.
Between 2023-27, an estimated 90,000 welding jobs will need to be filled annually due to industry growth and retirements, as reported by the American Welding Society.
In response to this challenge, Western Welding Academy (WWA) Chief Executive Officer and Founder Tyler Sasse, along with his leadership team, is taking proactive steps.
Sasse has built a nationwide reputation for his expertise and quality of work and established WWA in 2019, recognizing the urgent need for skilled welders across the country.
Today, WWA employs 68 full-time employees, approximately 20 full-time instructors and has graduated 1,200-plus students at the Gillette facility.
Breann Clemetson, the chief of staff at WWA, has been with the organization for the past four years and emphasized, “We are striving to meet the nation’s needs by graduating skilled welders weekly from our program. We focus on three principles – work ethic, accountability and integrity.”
WWA employs elite, highly-skilled welders who teach students how to weld pipes. The instructors are dedicated to working closely with students to help them reach their full potential and
achieve success in the field.
WWA’s Vice President of Marketing Colton Pfeil added, “WWA is truly unique because all of us have extensive experience in welding or have worked in the welding industry.”
WWA is committed to cultivating the next generation of welders and is focused on revitalizing the trade industry, which has experienced decline.
“The academy has welcomed students from all 50 states,” Pfeil mentioned. “This influx of students moving to Gillette brings money into the community while students work and live there.”
WWA program
WWA is a state-certified school offering a comprehensive curriculum led by experienced instructors, providing students with handson learning opportunities.
“Our welding courses deliver top-quality guidance and invaluable insights from instructors who possess extensive knowledge and practical experience,” Pfeil noted.
WWA’s 24-week, 960hour welding course is designed to meet industry standards, ensuring students develop the skills necessary to address the challenges of pipe welding across various sectors, including construction and manufacturing.
Clemetson remarked, “WWA starts a new program every three weeks and students can complete the program in four to six months,
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as students progress at their own pace.”
Whether a student is a beginner eager to enter the welding industry or an experienced professional aiming to enhance their skills, WWA provides a transformative learning experience which opens the door to exciting career opportunities.
Additionally, last year, WWA started offering student housing at its privatelyowned Western Lodging community, which is conveniently located just 10 minutes from campus.
WWA is dedicated to helping students achieve their educational and career goals and their student selection advisors provide a comprehensive list of scholarships, grants and funding opportunities specifically designed to support students pursuing careers in skilled trades.
“We have a wide range of student placements. They go on to work at power
plants, computer chip manufacturing plants, dairies, breweries, refineries, National Aeronautics Space Administration, SpaceX and more,” stated Pfeil.
WWA events
The academy adopted a distinctive approach to marketing and recruitment and maintains an active presence on social media, but places a strong emphasis on face-toface events.
One of its key initiatives is the annual Blue Collar Tour. During the tour, WWA staff travel across the country on a bus, stopping at high schools to engage with students about their experiences with the academy.
This tour serves to spark interest in the trade industries among high school students – fields which have seen a decline
in engagement.
WWA is creating a unique experience which has never been offered by a trade school before.
The tour visits approximately 30 schools in 60 days to inspire the next generation of workers by conducting live welding demonstrations, hosting meetand-greet sessions to answer questions and providing excellent giveaways.
“We have fantastic sponsors who enable us to promote WWA through various events,” WWA stated.
In addition, WWA awards thousands of dollars in scholarships, merchandise and prizes at its annual welding competition, held the first Saturday in May, where high school contestants and vendors from across the country come together for
an exciting event. The annual event provides opportunities for attendees to connect with industry experts, employers and vendors.
“Last year, WWA hosted its fourth annual welding competition, which attracted over 1,000 attendees. The top-placing high school student received a full tuition scholarship, excluding housing costs,” WWA stated.
WWA is dedicated to shaping the next generation of skilled craftsmen by prioritizing exceptional outcomes for welding students and is committed to forging a future filled with excellence in the industry.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Spotted Horse, WY
Pap tested ANGUS bulls that have been developed in rugged country. Learn more at: PowderRiverAngus.com
as the USDA under secretary for farm production and conservation.
A fourth-generation farmer, Fordyce grows corn, soybeans and raises cattle on his farm in northern Missouri.
With over 30 years of experience, Fordyce has held leadership positions in agriculture at local, state and national levels.
Prior to his role at the USDA, he was appointed by former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon to lead the Missouri Department of Agriculture from 2013-17.
Before joining OBP, he served as the administrator of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency during Trump’s first administration.
In this position, he managed a nationwide network of over 2,000 county officials and 50 state officials dedicated to supporting farmers and ranchers during particularly chal-
lenging periods.
On Truth Social, Trump states, “Fordyce will work closely with our wonderful Secretary of Agriculture Nominee Brooke Rollins to ensure our incredible American farmers and ranchers have the support they need to feed our great nation and the world.”
If confirmed by the Senate, Fordyce will oversee the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, among others.
This prestigious appointment reflects Fordyce’s exceptional reputation, dedication and expertise in the field of agriculture.
Under secretary for trade and foreign agriculture
South Dakota Trade Chief Executive Officer Luke Lindberg has been named the USDA under secretary for trade and for-
eign agriculture.
“I’d like to thank President Trump for the opportunity to serve our farmers and ranchers in this capacity,” Lindberg says in a statement provided to The Dakota Scout. “Rural Americans are staring down the largest agricultural trade deficit on record, and we’re going to fix it. America will once again feed the world.”
This position is a key role in international relations within the USDA, as Lindberg would supervise the Foreign Agricultural Service and collaborate with the U.S. Trade Representative on behalf of the agriculture sector.
Currently held by Undersecretary Alexis Taylor, this job is regarded as the department’s top diplomatic role, responsible for negotiating trade agreements in foreign markets for farmers and ranchers.
If confirmed, Lindberg will manage the Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs staff across 95 offices
located in various countries.
During Trump’s first term, Lindberg served as the chief of staff and chief strategy officer at the Export-Import Bank.
“Lindberg will work to make sure American farmers and ranchers get the smart trade deals they deserve,” Trump posts on his Truth Social account, announcing the nomination and congratulating Lindberg on the distinction.
Lindberg is the latest South Dakotan to take a high-profile job in Washington, D.C.
After the November election, Sen. John Thune (R-SD) was elected as the Senate majority leader, and Gov. Kristi Noem is expected to be confirmed by the Senate as the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security later this month.
Under secretary for natural resources
Michael Boren, a businessman from Idaho, has been nominated as the
USDA under secretary for natural resources and environment.
If confirmed, he will oversee the U.S. Forest Service and the 193 million acres of forest and grasslands it manages.
According to Trump’s announcement, Boren has founded six companies, including Clearwater Analytics, and served as a volunteer firefighter for Sawtooth Valley Rural Fire Department and as a board member of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
“Boren would work to reinvigorate forest management at a time when it is desperately needed,” Trump states via social media.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little supports Boren’s nomination, stating in a press release, “This appointment is a win for all Western states, especially Idaho. As a resident of Idaho’s Sawtooth Valley, Boren understands rural America and will work hand in hand with Trump to fundamentally transform how lands and fires are managed here in the West.”
All nominees will work
alongside Rollins, whose Senate confirmation hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23. Rollins’s confirmation was initially set for Jan. 15, but it was delayed due to paperwork issues.
Rollins, a 52-year-old native of Texas and a former White House aide during Trump’s first term, was nominated on Nov. 23, 2024.
Future nomination
Trump is expected to nominate Tyler Clarkson as the general counsel of the USDA.
Clarkson previously served as the USDA’s deputy general counsel during Trump’s first term and worked at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the same administration.
Currently, Clarkson is the vice president and deputy general counsel of Ginkgo Bioworks, a biotechnology company which specializes in ingredients for vaccines, fertilizers and alternative proteins.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
A letter sent by outgoing U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture Julio Antonio Berdeguê on Jan. 17 acknowledges the progress made in reopening cattle trade between the two countries following the detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in Mexico, but says more action is needed to resume trade.
Vilsack emphasizes the importance of expediting the approval process for these facilities to resume safe export as soon as possible, citing the significance of trade for a safe and affordable food supply.
The letter also addresses efforts to combat the spread of NWS, including emergency funding, which has been authorized to increase sterile fly production; production increasing fivefold in the past year; enhanced regional response through increased dispersal, surveillance, education and partnerships; acknowledgment of Mexico’s partnership in sterile fly releases, movement controls and surveillance and a shared goal to push the pest south to the Darien Gap.
Vilsack requests immediate support from Berdeguê for the establishment of two planned sterile fly dispersal centers in southern Mexico to strengthen current efforts.
been pushing for more than a decade – access to E-15 at gas stations nationwide, 365 days a year.
Per Growth Energy, a biofuels advocacy group, permanently making E-15 available at gas pumps nationwide and all year long would equate to almost $21 billion in fuel savings for consumers and return more than $36 billion in income to American consumers.
This improvement to U.S. energy policy would also generate $66.3 billion for our GDP – strengthening our economy and prioritizing affordability for our families.
It’s clear we can no longer rely on unpredictable and last-minute waivers to ensure this low-cost fuel can be sold year-round. A simple legislative fix like making E-15 available year-round would eliminate uncertainty for our farmers and ethanol producers and deliver relief at the pump for drivers.
Since I was first elected to Congress, I have worked to make year-round access to E-15 nationwide permanent and advocated for increased production of homegrown biofuels. It is a cost-free amendment to existing policy which would be a real victory for families, farmers and rural communities not only in Iowa but also across the country.
Representing the largest biofuel-producing district in the U.S. House of Representatives, I will continue to work to advance sensible legislation to support our farmers, lower gas prices for our families and secure American energy independence and dominance.
Rep. Randy Feenstra represents Iowa’s Fourth District and serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Agriculture Committee. This opinion column was originally published by AgriPulse on Jan. 17.
attendees legacy is not about where one lives or what they own but, more importantly, legacy is about family.
Rabou Farms, Inc. is a certified organic farm. In 2019, it was recognized by Farm Journal as one of three national finalists and the first in Wyoming’s history for Top Producer of the Year Award.
Environmental issues
Following a brief break, Courtney Briggs, senior director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), took the podium to discuss environmental challenges confronting the agricultural industry.
She began her presentation by addressing the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS), which involves various issues such as land rights, landowners’ ability to utilize their land and requirements for Clean Water Act permits.
“We have had a lot of confusion and consternation throughout the countryside as to the regulatory definition of WOTUS,” said Briggs. “There has been ping ponging back and forth of definitions based on the administration, which has led to a lack of certainty and lack of clarity for our members. But with a new administration, we are hoping terms become clearer.”
She continued, “There are a few terms within the Biden administration’s definition which I believe were intentionally left undefined in order to expand jurisdictional reach to allow them to have the latitude to regulate however they please. I think if we can find clearer and more precise definitions for our members, it will clear up a lot of uncertainty in the lack of clarity in the regulatory space.”
In conclusion, she reviewed the chemical regulations concerning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS are a class of manufactured chemicals which have been used in various industries and consumer products since the 1940s.
There are thousands of different PFAS, some of which are more widely used and studied than others. These substances are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly over time.
“The chemical is a forever chemical. It doesn’t break down naturally in the environment, and sometimes it can naturally find its way to a farm field. Farmers should not be held liable for a chemical they did not use,”
Briggs stated. “Farmers are completely unaware of PFAS levels on farms until it’s too late, and it could cost them everything.”
AFBF has been educating Congress and policymakers about the impacts of PFAS contamination on agriculture, highlighting the need for farmers to be protected from liability.
Herd resources
University of Wyoming Associate Professor and Wyoming State Beef Extension Specialist Dr. Steve Paisley kicked off the second day of activities with a discussion on nutrition and management heading into calving season and resources available through Beef Quality Assurance (BQA).
Paisley is also a coordinator for BQA, a nationally coordinated, state implemented program which provides systematic information to U.S. beef producers and beef consumers of how commonsense husbandry techniques can be coupled with accepted scientific knowledge to raise cattle under optimum management and environmental conditions.
“BQA is an important program, created in the 1980s. It’s a completely volunteer program, and is producer driven,” he stated. “The program focuses on quality control and is built around unbiased research and education.”
BQA is invested in building consumer confidence in beef through supporting a safe and wholesome product.
“Producers around the state and the nation are trying to address consumer concerns,” he continued.
“BQA addresses a lot of different things from cattle care to herd health and transportation. It even has resources for recordkeeping, nutrition and emergency action plans.”
One of the resources BQA offers is an onsite assessment for cow/calf producers which provides science-based information along with sample protocols for areas highlighted by the BQA program and encourages continuous improvement.
Financial tutorial
Farm Credit Services of America Relationship Officer Robbie Alexander presented how to use financials to measure the health of an operation.
“The balance sheet is more than just a financial statement – it’s the scorecard of an operation, providing key insights into financial health,” he stated. “It’s one piece of the broader financial picture, but one that can reveal whether a business is thriv-
ing or facing challenges.”
Alexander continued his presentation with a deep dive into utilizing and leveraging an organization’s balance sheets as a tool for success.
He guided the group through the process of building a balance sheet, while helping them understand working capital, owners’ equity and the financial ratios impacting a business.
He added, “This knowledge will empower individuals to make informed decisions and guide their operation towards lasting excellence.”
Additional highlights
Day Weather, Inc. President and Meteorologist Don Day, Jr. provided attendees with an overview of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Additionally, AFBF YF&R Committee Members Caitlin and Jason Keck shared their experiences in agriculture, highlighting how they have successfully continued their family legacy through courage and creativity.
The Kecks operate a beef and crop farm in Minnesota and Jason manages agronomy operations for Keck Farms, a corn, soybean and hog operation.
To conclude the conference, WyFB team members discussed what opportunities are available through WyFB YF&R and its grassroots policy development.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
John Deere’s practices to restrict farmers from the ability to seek repairs for farm equipment have unfairly driven up equipment repair costs, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and attorneys general in Minnesota and Illinois alleged in a new federal antitrust lawsuit filed in Illinois.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, seeks to stop what the FTC said is “anticompetitive conduct” on the part of John Deere.
The lawsuit asks the court to order John Deere to make access to its “fully functional Service ADVISOR repair tool and
any other repair resources available to authorized dealers, owners of large tractors and combines, as well as independent repair shops.”
The FTC also asks the court for a permanent injunction against John Deere.
The Biden administration has been investigating John Deere’s practices, after agriculture groups filed a complaint with the FTC in March 2022.
Those groups, including the National Farmers Union and state-level farmers unions, along with the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, alleged John Deere’s
practice of withholding diagnostic software and other equipment from farmers violated the Sherman Act.
The FTC’s action comes in addition to several other antitrust lawsuits filed by farmers and consolidated in the same court. The new lawsuit alleges John Deere has created a monopoly by restricting who can repair its equipment.
By creating these restrictions, John Deere has “unlawfully acquired and maintained monopoly power” in the market for certain repair services for agricultural equipment, according to the FTC complaint.
Conrad Schelkopf of Geneva, Neb. and Tyler Thomas of Baker City, Ore. have each been awarded a $15,000 W.D. Farr Scholarship by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF).
The annual W.D. Farr Scholarship program recognizes outstanding graduate students for their academic achievements, leadership and commitment to the advancement of the beef industry.
Scholarship recipients will be recognized during CattleCon 2025 Feb. 4-6 in San Antonio, Texas.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in animal sci-
ence from Colorado State University (CSU) and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University (KSU), Schelkopf is continuing his education at KSU, pursuing a PhD in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology.
Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from KSU and a master’s degree in animal science from CSU, where he is currently working toward a PhD in animal nutrition.
The scholarship, established by NCF in 2007, honors the successful career of the late W.D. Farr, a thirdgeneration Coloradan, pio-
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neer rancher, statesman and banker, who was known for his extraordinary vision. His dedication to improving agriculture, livestock and water development resulted in significant changes in farming methods which have influenced the practices of ranchers and farmers throughout the nation.
Farr was the first president of the NCF and served as president of the American National Cattlemen’s Association, which later became the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. For more information, visit nationalcattlemensfoundation.org
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By Rob Ziegler, UW Extension Educator
Agriculture is Wyoming’s third largest sector in the state’s economy following energy and tourism, with the sheep industry serving as an important contributor. According to 2024 U.S. Department of Agriculture data, Wyoming was ranked fourth in the country in terms of sheep inventories, with a value of nearly $80 million.
Adverse effects to the sheep industry, such as increasing input costs, will have rippling effects across Wyoming’s economy.
Growing concerns regard-
For many producers, the most concerning change is the continued increase in wages paid to employees. Adverse effect wage rates (AEWR) in 2025 have increased approximately 3.6 percent over 2024 levels for range occupations, which includes herders.
ing labor and related costs exist in the sheep sector.
Labor shortages and rising input costs
One of the biggest challenges in agriculture is labor shortages and rising input costs resulting in reduced margins. Several agricultural industries, including sheep production, rely on skilled temporary workers to fill voids in seasonal labor shortages.
The new year has brought on several changes to the temporary agricultural program, commonly referred to as H-2A.
Livestock producers are typically “price takers,” meaning the product they sell is only worth as much as the market will offer. In other words, sheep producers are not able to pass off rising input costs, such as labor, to the next buyer of their product.
Both sheep shearers and sheep producers rely on H-2A workers. However, unlike sheep producers, shearing crews can offset rising input costs by increasing rates charged to their clients. An increase in wages paid to shearers could result in increased charges to the sheep producer, further increasing input costs and reducing margins.
Changes in H-2A wages
paid to shearers could also result in production inefficiencies which may further complicate the situation.
Rising input costs, coupled with an unstable lamb and wool market, both contribute to thinning margins for the sheep industry.
Impact of increasing H-2A wages
Over the past decade, research from the Univer-
sity of Wyoming’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics has evaluated how increasing H-2A wages may impact the sheep industry.
Approximately 10 years ago, the H-2A program proposed phasing in increased wages from $750 to $2,400 per month over a five-year period.
One study suggested sheep producers would be profitable approximately 40 percent of the time prior to the increase in wages. After the proposed increase in wages, producers would only be profitable eight percent of the time under their assumptions of a “typical” operation. Visit bit. ly/4haUdT9 to learn more.
Current H-2A wages are not at $2,400 per month, but they’re inching closer and it’s safe to assume the probability of sheep producers being profitable is decreasing.
In 2020, UW Extension Associate Director Bridger Feuz used the “U.S. Baseline Lamb Cost of Production Analysis: 2018 Update” to evaluate the impacts of increasing H-2A wages on a per ewe basis. Visit bit. ly/4hegSy9 to learn more.
Results from the analysis indicated, prior to increasing input costs, returns per ewe were $28.
After factoring in increased wages, producers experienced losses of up to $15.67 per ewe and an average loss of $4.87 per ewe over a three-year period.
In short, both studies demonstrated increases in H-2A wages make profitability in the sheep industry very difficult, threatening economic viability.
Relationship between H-2A wages and lamb values
Figure one shows the relationship between H-2A wages and the value of an 80-pound feeder lamb over time. The monthly H-2A wage increased 3.6 percent in 2025 from 2024 and is now $2,058 per month for
range occupations.
Looking back over the past 10 years, 2015-24, AEWR has gone up 165 percent.
During this time, the value of a feeder lamb between 60 and 90 pounds has fluctuated. However, on average, feeder lamb values have only increased 31 percent over the same time period. Thus, increases in AEWR are outpacing potential feeder lamb revenues.
Figure two shows how many 80-pound lambs would need to be sold to generate enough revenue to cover an annual AEWR salary, not including additional costs such as meals and housing for H-2A workers.
Fluctuations in the lamb market, for better or worse, influence how many lambs would need to be sold to cover AEWR salaries. From 2013-24, it took approximately six additional lambs each year to cover increases in AEWR salaries when only considering revenues generated from feeder lamb sales.
This figure does not include annual increases in housing and meal costs H-2A employers are required to provide to employees. Therefore, it will likely take more than six additional lambs to cover an AEWR annual salary. Range production is constrained by resources. Therefore, increasing flock size to offset rising labor costs is not always a viable option for producers.
Increases in AEWR wages over time will certainly affect the sheep industry and may potentially force some operations out of business. Practices to optimize efficiency and manage human resources will become increasingly important in the future.
Rob Ziegler is the University of Wyoming Extension livestock production and marketing specialist and can be reached at rziegle3@uwyo.edu.
In mid-January, the American Lamb Board (ALB) released its 2024 Annual Report, which outlines efforts made by the organization over the past year to increase consumer demand, enhance product quality and consistency, increase productivity and expand engagement in the Lamb Checkoff program.
“Through various programs completed over the past several years and the new and ongoing programs ALB is providing, we are building a strong future for American lamb,” writes ALB Chair Jeff Ebert in the report.
The first section of the 2024 Annual Report highlights ALB’s various marketing campaigns and initiatives.
“In 2024, ALB launched a series of successful campaigns to reach a wider audience and highlight the versatility, health benefits, environmental sustainability and exceptional flavor profile of American lamb,” the document reads.
These include seasonal promotions such as Lamb Lovers Month celebrated in February, Lambventures Grill-Off which takes place during the summer months, Taste of the Tailgates celebrated during football season in October and Holiday Headquarters celebrated at the end of the year.
ALB’s marquee event, the Lamb Jam Dine Around, was expanded in 2024 to include seven tour cities including Atlanta; Boston; Washington, D.C.; Denver; San Francisco; Seattle and Austin, Texas.
Throughout the month of May, restaurants and chefs in each location were spotlighted for featuring lamb items on their menus.
This year, the event boasted 54 participating restaurants; 32 new chefs; 5,000 pounds of American lamb consumed; 27,000 website visits and 7,900 engaged users.
Additionally, ALB held several restaurant promotions, foodservice promotions and conferences, online cooking classes and other consumer events, including the San Diego Food and Wine Festival and Brewery Running Series, to name a few.
ALB’s Lambassadors, a group of talented chefs, influencers and recipe developers who showcase American lamb, are a huge part of their promotion efforts as well.
“With a reach of 700,000 and more than 30,000 lamb-based impressions, the Lambassadors are a crucial online presence in American Lamb
promotion and education,” reads the report. “ALB hosted a group of Lambassadors at an educational retreat during the Trailing of the Sheep in Idaho in 2024.”
Research and innovation
Research and innovation are also a large part of ALB’s mission.
According to the 2024 Annual Report, ALB partnered with Michigan State University to develop a user-friendly calculator to help producers measure current on-farm greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and model changes in management practices which may affect these emissions.
“The new calculator will allow U.S. sheep producers to model which changes could significantly impact GHG emissions,” the document reads. “The calculator can also assist producers in establishing both short- and long-term management goals.”
Additionally, ALB conducted two studies at Colorado State University and the University of Idaho to quantify marketplace preferences such as marbling, flavor and tenderness. The board also cosponsored an exhibit with the American Sheep Industry Association at the Solar Farm Summit to showcase shepherds’ land stewardship practices.
Industry services
Under the realm of industry services, ALB made sure to stay in touch with members and other consumers through promotional materials, producer resources and regularly scheduled reports including the monthly Lamb Market Summary Report, Annual Sheep Industry Review Market Report and the U.S. Quarterly Lamb Report.
ALB also worked to enhance the industry’s commitment to sustainability through a U.S. Department of Agriculture Climate Smart Commodities Grant.
Under the grant, the board implemented programs to measure the benefits of targeted sheep grazing on carbon sequestration, soil health and related ecosystem services. They also held a series of targeted grazing workshops across Texas, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
The report further notes, in 2024, ALB added branded retail and food service programing to their cooperative funding programs which are designed to promote American lamb in grocery stores and with other retailers.
“In addition, funds from the cooperative fund-
To read ALB’s 2024 Annual Report in its entirety, visit lambboard.com. For more from ALB, visit @FanofLamb on Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok or @AmericanLamb on Facebook.
ing program were utilized for emerging sheep workshops developed to encourage sheep production by new producers in key markets by providing best production practices and tools to maximize productivity and profits,” ALB explains. Looking ahead
To wrap up, ALB’s report notes targeted grazing workshops will continue into 2025 and encourages producers to make plans to attend.
Workshops will be held in California in April, Texas in May, Illinois in June, Maryland in August, Colorado in September and Kentucky in October.
Additionally, the American Lamb Summit, a biennial industry event, is scheduled for July 22-25 at the University of Idaho.
ALB also plans to continue building on the longterm success of its popular Lamb Jam event. Tour dates include Atlanta on
March 26; Austin, Texas on April 16; Washington, D.C. on May 21; San Francisco on June 18; Seattle on July
30; Denver on Aug. 20 and Boston on Sept. 10 or 17. Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.
“I am very pleased by the committee’s passage of these commonsense, conservative, election integrity bills,” Gray says. “By requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and Wyoming’s residency, we will ensure only Wyomingites are voting in Wyoming elections. I want to commend the committee’s passage of these bills, and I look forward to continuing to work with the legislature to achieve meaningful, conservative reform.”
As of Jan. 22, both bills passed the House in their third readings and were received for introduction in the Senate.
Paralleling the House bills is Senate File (SF) 33, which successfully passed its third reading in the Senate on Jan. 22, sponsored by the Senate Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee.
This legislation proposes
the addition of a new line on identification cards which will read “Not U.S.,” as well as incorporating green coloring in the banner, the Bucking Horse logo and a disclaimer reflecting the citizenship status of the cardholder.
This initiative aims to provide clear identification while ensuring individuals’ citizenship status is accurately represented.
Prohibiting foreign adversaries
On Jan. 16, the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously voted in favor of SF076, which prohibits foreign adversaries from establishing operations near critical infrastructure in Wyoming.
SF076 mandates the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security to review and investigate property transfers near such infrastructure to ensure none are transferred to prohibited foreign entities.
“We do not have the capacity to create this program at this point in time,” Wyoming Office of Homeland Security Director Lynn Budd states. “And while the bill does give us two additional folks, in looking at all of the different tasks that are part of this bill, we don’t believe we can do it with just two people.”
She points out, with more than one million real estate transactions taking place in Wyoming each year, the responsibilities outlined in the bill may necessitate a greater number of personnel and estimates her office would benefit from adding at least five additional employees to adequately fulfill the expectations set forth by the legislature.
Budd conveys her recognition of the issue as a matter of national security and highlights the importance of safeguarding and supporting not only the citizens of
Wyoming but also individuals of other states who rely on Wyoming’s resources and services.
“Many different states rely on us for energy production,” she says. “I think it’s incumbent upon us to protect infrastructure and do everything we can to make sure it is protected.”
During the testimony, Sen. Darin Smith (R-S06) inquired of Budd whether the system her office was developing would be able to identify a hypothetical business owned by an individual from a country deemed hostile, particularly if it were located in proximity to critical infrastructure.
Budd says she doesn’t believe the problem can be solved by what her office is setting up.
The bill received unanimous support after thoughtful public testimony and a concise discussion during the committee meeting.
Separate hunting season for deer
The Senate Travel, Rec-
reation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee cast a vote of four to one to advance SF003 to the full Senate on Jan. 21.
While opinions on the bill are diverse, supporters believe it could provide valuable assistance to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) in effectively managing deer populations and contributing to the conservation of the state’s vulnerable mule deer herds.
According to a Jan. 21 Cowboy State Daily article by Mark Heinz, it’s been the main argument of state Sen. Ogden Driskill (R-S01) who says whitetails have driven mule deer off of his family’s ranch.
Driskill sponsored the 2024 bill to split whitetailed and mule deer management, but he is not sponsoring the current bill nor is he on the committee. However, he reiterated his support during this week’s testimony.
Advocates for splitting hunting licenses for Wyoming’s mule deer and whitetailed deer argue it would help conserve prized mulies.
But some argue it would have the opposite effect as more hunters would select to hunt mule deer over whitetailed deer.
This point was repeated to the committee by Joe Sandrini, who retired from WGFD in October 2024, after working in the Black Hills region as a game warden and biologist.
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Co-Chair Buzz Hettick testified against the bill, stating hunters can choose on their own to focus on whitetails so new regulations aren’t needed.
“I hunt whitetails because they’re really good eating,” he states during his testimony. “And I don’t feel like I’m shooting the last dodo bird or whatever you want to say. When I shoot a mule deer, I feel like I’m doing more harm to the herd than good.”
Additional outfitters testified against the bill, but speaking in favor of the bills was Bill Novotny, Johnson County commis-
sioner and member of the Wyoming Outfitters and Guides Association.
“SF003 could create more opportunity for hunters,” Novotny adds. “If the hunting tags are split, WGFD might be able to issue more tags for whitetails.”
In the end, Sen. Bill Landen (R-S27) cast the sole vote against advancing SF003, while other committee members from across the state voted in favor of it.
Eliminate gun-free zones
HB172, sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Haroldson (R-H04), aims to eliminate all gun-free zones in Wyoming.
The bill successfully passed an initial vote on the House floor on Jan. 21, and if enacted, HB172 would permit the concealed carry of firearms in locations where it has previously been restricted, including staterun buildings and rooms where public meetings are conducted across Wyoming.
However, the State Building Commission is working to remove gun-free zones, specifically in the Capitol, while still maintaining them in public committee meeting rooms.
Haroldson argues this change does not go far enough and would create confusion for individuals carrying firearms who visit the Capitol.
The second reading of the bill passed on Jan. 22. If it passes additional readings in the House, it will then move to the Senate for consideration.
Additional actions
Sponsored by the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Interim Committee, HB091 seeks to establish guidelines which would prevent companies who are not classified as public utilities from condemning land for electrical collection systems.
The bill made progress by successfully passing its second reading on Jan. 20. However, it did not advance in the third reading the following day.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development Wyoming Acting State Director Janice Blare announced a $23.5 million award to Powder River Energy Corporation (PRECorp) to support the installation of a renewable energy and storage system through the USDA Powering Affordable Clean Energy program.
Powder River Energy Corporation, headquartered in Sundance, will use the $23.5 million PACE award to develop a solar facility and battery energy storage system totaling nearly 1.2 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy and five MW of energy storage in rural Wyoming.
Over 2,100 single-axis tilt solar array panels will be installed on property owned by PRECorp. The panels will rotate and follow the sun’s path to absorb sunlight. The energy storage system will allow for the storage and release of electrical energy to reduce wholesale power supply costs for PRECorp members in Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan and Weston counties, as well as improve reliability for its members near the project site.
The project will generate enough energy annually to serve an estimated 1,800 households.
By Windy Kelley, Northern Plains Regional Climate Hub
Wyoming experienced its third warmest and 42nd driest December out of 130 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information database, retrieved on Jan. 22.
Scaling to the county level, the minimum December temperatures of Wyoming’s counties ranked from the first to the 23rd warmest, and the maximum temperatures ranked from the warmest to the eighth warmest out of 130 years. See adjacent tables.
Precipitation rankings of select counties for the month of December are also included in the adjacent tables.
The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) map for Wyoming, released Jan. 16, classifies nearly 13.25 percent of Wyoming as being abnormally dry (D0), and it shows over 86.75 percent of the state in moderate (D1) to
extreme drought (D3).
View the current USDM map at bit.ly/usdm-wy. Consider submitting a Condition Monitoring Observer Report at bit.ly/condtionreports
Eight- to 14-day and one-month forecasts
NOAA’s eight- to 14-day forecast for Jan. 29 through Feb. 4, issued on Jan. 21, shows near normal temperatures for all of Wyoming.
For the same timeframe, there is a 33 to 40 percent probability for below normal precipitation for the southern half of the state and for near normal precipitation for nearly the rest of the state. The exception is a sliver along the Montana border where there is a 33 to 40 percent probability for above normal precipitation.
The one-month forecast for February, issued on Jan. 16, indicates an equal chance for below, near or above normal temperatures for much of Wyoming. However, there is a 33
to 40 percent probability for above normal temperatures in the greater southwestern corner of the state and a 33 to 40 percent probability in the very northeastern corner for below normal temperatures.
For the same timeframe, there is a 33 to 40 percent probability for above normal precipitation in the northwest corner of Wyoming and an equal chance for below, near or above normal precipitation throughout the rest of the state.
For additional information and NOAA forecasts, visit cpc.ncep.noaa.gov
Windy K. Kelley is the regional Extension program coordinator and state specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Northern Plains Climate Hub, the University of Wyoming Extension and WAFERx. She can be reached at wkelley1@uwyo.edu or 307367-4380.
McCracken, Shawn - Powell
1 CharX Bull, 2380# $15550 COWS
McCracken, Shawn - Powell
1 CharX Cow, 2010# $13850 HEIFER CALVES
Michaels, Calvin - Burlington
9 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 391# $38000
17 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 509# $33200 Peterson, Michael - Ten Sleep
5 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 357# $38000
16 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 468# $33600
17 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 534# $32750
Axtell Ranch LLC - Thermopolis
38 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 384# $37600
Cauffman Land & Cattle - Burlington
14 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 365# $37600
Thompson, Will - Shoshoni
3 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 390# $36750
Blk Str Clvs, avg. 500# $39300 Michaels, Calvin - Burlington 14 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 492# $40000 Greer Land & Livestock - Hyattville 32 Red Str Clvs, avg. 488# $39800 27 Red Str Clvs, avg. 571# $35225
Fabricius, Dale - Burlington
8 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 445# $39750
10 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 535# $36750
Bonita Ranch LLC - Ten Sleep
1 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 510# $39750
Rios, Armando - Basin
6 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 503# $39500
22 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 698# $30700 Crowfoot Ranch Inc. - Worland
5 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 513# $39250
8 CharX Str Clvs, avg. 627# $32800
19 CharX Str Clvs, avg. 707# $30600
Hoopengarner, Patricia - Kinnear
8 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 410# $36250 Vega, Amiliano - Worland
5 Rd/Blk Str Clvs, avg. 454# $39000
7 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 566# $36000
Shurtleff, Gavin - Kinnear
5 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 356# $35750 Lake, Jerry - Thermopolis
10 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 424# $35300
41 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 502# $34625
Fabricius, Dale - Burlington
11 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 495# $34000
6 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 426# $38750
30 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 547# $37000
23 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 545# $36900
Peterson, Michael - Ten Sleep
15 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 532# $38500
River Valley Land & Livestock - Lovell
Chrisman, John - Big Piney
9 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 454# $34000
3 F LLC - Worland
10 BWF Hfr Clvs, avg. 536# $33750
1 Blk Hfr Calf, 440# $32000
Shurtleff, Gavin - Kinnear
21 Red Hfr Clvs, avg. 500# $33500
TD & Sons LLC - Worland
52 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 538# $33300
Pierce, Sr., Kenny - Deaver
5 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 445# $33250
Borre, Gene - Burlington
5 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 514# $33250
Wiechmann, Jason - Ten Sleep
6 Blk Hfr Clvs, avg. 524# $33000
Riley, Michael - Burlington
19 Red Hfr Clvs, avg. 746# $26700 STEER CALVES
Cauffman Land & Cattle - Burlington 11 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 378# $41750 Axtell Ranch LLC - Thermopolis
12 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 360# $41250 37 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 408# $40900
Pitchfork Ranch - Meeteetse
$40000
13 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 532# $38300
84 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 669# $32150
10 Red Str Clvs, avg. 676# $30600
23 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 792# $27300
20 CharX Str Clvs, avg. 853# $26550
Emerson, Chase - Riverton
8 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 527# $38250 Galloway, Clayton - Manderson
5 BWF Str Clvs, avg. 461# $38250 Pierce, Sr., Kenny - Deaver
5 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 524# $38100
Douglas M. Crouse Trust - Basin
13 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 526# $37800
Blk Str Clvs, avg. 675# $31775
Gary - Powell 4 Blk Str Clvs, avg. 454# $37750
Ranch – Ten Sleep
Blk Str Clvs, avg. 566# $36100
Jan. 27
Governor’s Wildfire Restoration and Recovery Program Community Forum, 9-11 a.m., Whitney Center for the Arts, Sheridan College, Sheridan. For more information, visit governor.wyo.gov
Jan. 27 Governor’s Wildfire Restoration and Recovery Program Community Forum, 12-2 p.m., Main Presentation Hall, Gillette College, Gillette. For more information, visit governor.wyo.gov
Jan. 27 Governor’s Wildfire Restoration and Recovery Program Community Forum, 3:15-5:15 p.m., Agriplex, Wheatland. For more information, visit governor.wyo.gov
Jan. 28 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Niobrara County Fairgrounds, Lusk. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Niobrara County Extension Office at kelliec@uwyo.edu or 307-334-3534.
Jan. 28 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 1-5 p.m., Niobrara County Fairgrounds, Lusk. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Niobrara County Extension Office at kelliec@uwyo.edu or 307-334-3534.
Jan. 28-30 Colorado Farm Show, Island Grove Park, Greeley, Colo. For more information, visit coloradofarmshow.com or call 970-356-9426.
Jan. 29 Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Resource Advisory Council Meeting, Cheyenne State Office. For more information, visit blm.gov/get-involved/ resource-advisory-council/near-you/wyoming
Jan. 30 Wyoming Virtual Fence Symposium, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Kuyper Pavilion, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody. For more information or to register, contact Erin Welty at ewelty@greateryellowstone.org or 307-527-6233.
Jan. 31 Wyoming Sage Grouse Implementation Team Public Meeting, 9 a.m. Wyoming Game and Fish Department Headquarters, Cheyenne. For more information, call 307-777-4506.
Jan. 31 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 1-5 p.m., Kaycee Branch Library, Kaycee. For more information or to RSVP, contact Micah Most at mmost@uwyo.edu or 307-684-7522.
Feb. 4
Feb. 4-6
University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 1-5 p.m., Platte Valley Bank, Torrington. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Goshen County Extension Office at Goshen.county@uwyo.edu or 307-532-2436.
CattleCon 2025, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas. For more information, visit convention.ncba.org
Feb. 5-6 Fremont County Farm and Ranch Days, Fremont Center, Fremont County Fairgrounds, Riverton. For more information, call 307-332-2363.
Jan. 26
Triangle J Ranch 35th Annual Bull Sale, at the ranch, Miller, Neb., 308-6275085, 308-457-2505, 308-293-9241, trianglejranch.com
Jan. 27 Douglas Booth Family Angus 33rd Annual Bull Sale, Torrington Livestock Markets, Torrington, 307-532-5830, 307-532-6207, boothfamilyangus.com
Jan. 27 Bullis Creek Ranch Spring Production Bull Sale, at the ranch, Wood Lake, Neb., 402-376-4465, bulliscreek.com
Jan. 29 Scott Angus Cattle Third Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Belgrade, Neb., 308-550-1726, scottanguscattle.com
Jan. 30 Ridder Hereford Ranch Annual Sale, at the ranch, Callaway, Neb., 308-8364430, 402-450-0431, ridderranch.com
Feb. 1
Beartooth Angus Annual Bull Sale, Swift River Ranch, Billings, Mont., 406794-1287, beartoothangus.com
Feb. 1 Graff Cattle Bull Sale, seven miles east of Ogallala, Neb. on Highway 30, 308-289-5841, graffcattle.com
Feb. 5 Durbin Creek Ranch Annual Bull Sale, Big Horn Basin Livestock Auction, Worland, 307-921-8825, durbincreekranch.com
Feb. 6 K2 Red Angus 25th Annual Winter Bull and Female Sale, K2 sale barn, Wheatland, 307-331-2917, k2redangus.com
Feb. 7 Powder River Angus Annual Bull Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 307-680-7359, 307-680-8266, powderriverangus.com
Feb. 7 Elkington Polled Herefords and South Devons 45th Annual Range Raised Cattle Sale, at the ranch, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 208-521-1774, 208-681-0765, elkingtonpolledherefords.com
Feb. 7 TJS Red Angus 17th Annual “Red Truck” Sale, Buffalo Livestock Marketing, Buffalo, 406-639-9112, tjsredangus.com
Feb. 10
Feb. 10
Pilakowski Angus Annual Performance Tested Bull Sale, Lightning Valley Ranch, Arthur, Neb., 308-249-0885, pilakowskiangus.com
Fawcett’s Elm Creek Ranch Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Ree Heights, S.D., 605-870-0161, 605-870-6172, fawcettselmcreekranch.com
Feb. 11 G Bar H Genetics Angus Bull Sale, Torrington Livestock Markets, Torrington, 307-575-5520, 307-575-0373
Feb. 11
Feb. 12
Feb. 13
Ludvigson Stock Farms Big Sky Bull Sale, Diamond Y Development Center, Park City, Mont., 406-601-9192, 406-696-6509, 712-577-0445, ludvigsonstockfarms.com
Jindra Angus 25th Annual Production Sale, at the Bull Center near Clarkson, Neb., 402-920-3171, jindraangus.com
Booth’s Cherry Creek Angus 52nd Annual “Progress Through Performance” Bull Sale, at the ranch, Veteran, 307-534-5865, 307-532-1805, 307532-1532, boothscherrycreekranch.com
Feb. 15 Redland Redbank Angus Third Annual Live Auction, Big Horn Basin Livestock Auction, Worland, 307-250-1548
Feb. 15 Domek Charolais Bull Sale, at the ranch, Wibaux, Mont., 406-795-2618, 701-872-6331, domekcharolais.com
Feb. 17 Weaver Ranch 40th Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Fort Collins, Colo., 970-568-3898
Feb. 17
Big Sky Salers 41st Annual Salers Focus Bull Sale, Stockmen’s Livestock, Dickinson, N.D., 406-557-6259
Feb. 20 McNamee Angus Ranch and Cook Angus 37th Annual Production Sale, Miles City Livestock Commission, Miles City, Mont., 406-421-5588, 406-4215554, 406-477-3175
Feb. 21
Feb. 21
Hoffman Ranch Annual Bull Sale, Hoffman Ranch facility, Thedford, Neb., 308-645-2279, 530-604-5096, 406-425-0859, hoffmanranch.com
Stellpflug Cattle Company Spring Bull Sale, held with Hoffman Ranch Sale at Hoffman Ranch facility, Thedford, Neb., 307-351-1712, stellpflugcattle.com
This article in the Dec. 22, 1902 issue of the Grand Encampment Herald notes:
It will no doubt be a matter of surprise to many people, both in this state and elsewhere, to know some of the finest thoroughbred cattle in the West are being raised right here in this valley.
In our office, we have two large photographs showing some of the thoroughbred Short Horn cattle on the ranch of I.M. Conness, which will give one some idea of the progress being made in the line of raising fine cattle to visit his ranch and look them over.
Hon. L.C. Davis also has a very fine herd of Herefords that are a sight for any lover of animals to enjoy. Davis has something over 100 head of registered cows and a very valuable bull. He makes a specialty of
white-faced cattle and there are few herds in the West which compare with the one he now has on his ranch, six miles up the river from this place.
R.A. Day, whose
ranch is just above that of Davis, also has a small bunch of Short Horn cattle which will compare very favorably with any in the valley. Day has one registered Short Horn cow weighing 1,750 pounds.
There are a number of other small bunches of thoroughbred cattle scattered around over the valley, the nucleus for herds of fine stock and, as the years increase, these herds will increase until in the next decade there will be a large number of thoroughbred cattle in this part of the state.
Sheep and lambs slaughter under federal inspection for the
Source:
Domestic
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Greeley, CO
National Sheep Summary
As of January 17, 2025
Compared to last week slaughter lambs were mostly weak to 20.00 lower. Slaughter ewes firm to 10.00 higher except in South Dakota 3.00-20.00 lower. Feeder lambs steady to 11.00 lower. At San Angelo, TX 5,322 head sold. No sales in Equity Cooperative Auction. 2,868 lamb carcasses traded with no trend due to confidentiality. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless specified. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 San Angelo: wooled and shorn 110-120 lbs 176.00-205.00; 120145 lbs 182.00-200.00; 170-190 lbs 135.00-145.00. Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 115-190 lbs 167.00-175.00, few 200.00. South Dakota: wooled and shorn 115-140 lbs 155.00-210.00; 140-170 lbs 146.00-165.00. Billings: wooled and shorn 110-130 lbs no test. Equity Coop: no sales. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2 San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 320.00-362.00; 60-70 lbs 300.00330.00, few 344.00-346.00; 70-80 lbs 280.00-328.00; 80-90 lbs 260.00-280.00, few 290.00-302.00; 90-110 lbs 220.00-256.00. wooled and shorn 91 lbs 230.00.
Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 60-70 lbs 270.00-277.50; 70-80 lbs 257.50-261.00; 80-90 lbs 250.00-265.00; 90-100 lbs 230.00-246.00; 100-110 lbs 229.00-235.00. hair 50-60 lbs 290.00-307.50; 60-70 lbs 275.00-300.00; 78 lbs 272.50; 88 lbs 260.00.
South Dakota: wooled and shorn 50-60 lbs 330.00-340.00; 60-70 lbs 290.00-315.00; 70-80 lbs 275.00-315.00; 80-90 lbs 250.00-300.00; 90100 lbs 225.00-285.00; 100-110 lbs 212.50-235.00. hair 56 lbs 300.00; 80-90 lbs 240.00-245.00; 90-100 lbs 210.00-245.00. Billings: no test. Slaughter Ewes
San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) hair 98.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 100.00, hair 108.00-115.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 126.00-144.00, hair 110.00-130.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 100.00, hair 102.00-118.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) hair 84.00-96.00. Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 95.00-127.50; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 71.00-86.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test
South Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 80.00-105.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 80.00-105.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 90.00-115.00; Cull 1 45.00-70.00.
Billings: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) no test; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test. Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2
San Angelo: hair 30-40 lbs 350.00-365.00; 40-50 lbs 345.00365.00; 51 lbs 340.00; 61 lbs 326.00.
Ft. Collins: 50-60 lbs 275.00-280.00.
South Dakota: 50-60 lbs 289.00-310.00; 60-70 lbs 288.00-300.00; 70-80 lbs 256.00-280.00; 88 lbs 241.00; 95 lbs 194.00; 100110 lbs 185.00-197.00; 112 lbs 187.00; 122 lbs 170.00. Billings: no test.
Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2
San Angelo: yearling hair 100 lbs 202.00/cwt; young hair 105-165 lbs 146.00-164.00/cwt; hair ewes and lambs 110.00/ head. Ft. Collins: no test.
South
Merino Clippings
Source: USDA- CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO
Wyoming Hay Summary
As of January 23, 2025
Movement has increased from the last report. Producers are saying demand has been slow all over Wyoming. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor Website most of Eastern Wyoming is under extreme dry soil moisture. Western Wyoming is moderately dry to severe dry soil moisture. According to the National Weather Service Website precipitation was a lot lower than normal for this time of year all over the state. Temperatures have been above normal for this time of year. According to the Wyoming Crop Progress Report, as of December 2024, hay and roughage supplies were rated at 82% adequate in the state. Pasture and range is 21% good condition and 45% fair condition, winter wheat is 4% good condition and 59% fair condition, all Livestock is 68% good condition.
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News
Torrington
Nebraska Hay Summary
As of January 23, 2025
Compared to last week all reported hay
307-234-2700 • 1-800-967-1647 • Fax: 307-472-1781 • E-mail: jodym@wylr.net or denise@wylr.net Website: www.wylr.net. Weekly Deadline: Wednesday, 12:00 p.m.
NOTICE: Publication in this newspaper does not guarantee the legitimacy of any offer or solicitation. Take reasonable steps to evaluate an offer before you send money or provide personal/financial information to an advertiser. If you have questions or believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Unit, 109 Capitol Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002, 307-777-6397 TFN
UP IN ARMS, LLC FLEA MARKET AND GUN SHOW FEB. 21-23, Gillette, WY at the CAMPLEX. Open to the public. Fri., Feb. 21, 3-7 p.m. Sat., Feb. 22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., Feb. 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Giving away a .22 pistol Sunday at 2 p.m., must be present to win, 21 years of age and able to pass background check. Buy, sell, trade. Adults $6, children 12 and under free (when accompanied by an adult). For more information, contact Lisa, 208-4202295 2/15
Advertising is the foot on the AccelerAtor, the hAnd on the throttle, the spur on the flAnk thAt keeps our economy surging forwArd - robert w. sArnoff
PEEGEE RANCH NEAR ARVADA, WY IS LOOKING FOR A FULL-TIME FARM/RANCH EMPLOYEE: This position is open immediately. Applicant must be self-motivated, reliable and responsible with knowledge of haying and farming. Mechanical skills are a must. Farming duties include swathing, baling and raking hay, etc. This is not a cowboy position, but applicant will need to assist in all aspects of cattle work as well. Those duties include calving heifers, feeding hay, branding and gathering, etc. Nearest big town is 60+ miles and nearest K-12 school is 30+ miles away (location of the ranch is remote). Housing is provided and on a school bus route. Please send resume with references by mail or e-mail to: PeeGee Ranch, 1251 Lower Powder River Road, Arvada, WY 82831, pgranch@rangeweb.net. Call 307-736-2461 1/25
CATTLE/HAY OPERATION
LOOKING FOR YEARROUND HIRED MAN: Wages plus housing provided, 1/2 beef/year and can run a few cattle. Call 406-366-2052 or 406-428-2133 2/8
DEVILS TOWER FOREST
PRODUCTS INC., A LUM-
BER MANUFACTURER IN HULETT, WY, IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FULL-TIME BOILER/KILN OPERATOR, MILLWRIGHT AND PLANER PRODUCTION OPERATOR: Benefit package includes company paid medical and dental insurance (including dependents), life insurance, company-matching 401(k), safety incentives, holiday pay, paid vacation and sign-on bonus. Mandatory employment and random drug testing is conducted. EOE. Starting wage D.O.E. Online applications are available at wwww.neimanenterprises.com. E-mail applications to joe.ortner@ devilstowerfp.com or fax to 307-467-5418, contact Joe Ortner at 307-467-5252 with additional questions 1/25
GOTTSCH LIVESTOCK
LLC Red Cloud, NE
Come Join the Gottsch Livestock Feeders Family! Gottsch Livestock Feeders is looking for Cowboys/Pen Riders for their feedyard in Red Cloud, NE. The main focus of the Cowboy/Pen Riders are spotting, pulling, diagnosing and taking cattle to the hospital and shipping fat cattle. This person will need to be a team player who is seeking a long-term position. You will have the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the best in the industry. We offer a benefits package that includes health insurance, dental, vision, 401(k), health savings, life insurance and paid vacation. Retention bonus offered to full-time employees. Incentives paid out at 6 months and 1 year of employment. If you are interested stop by and fill out an application or visit our website at
www.gottschcattlecompany.com
Call Brandon Furr at 402-257-7769 or 402-746-2222 for more information.
THE CITY OF LANDER IS ACCEPTING PROPOSALS FOR A CONCESSIONAIRE AND FACILITY MANAGER FOR THE LANDER RODEO GROUNDS located at 1665 Rodeo Drive, Lander, WY 82520 with the intent of producing of rodeos, rough stock events, concerts and other community events for the benefit and entertainment of the general public at the Lander Rodeo Grounds. Contract will commence March 2025, for a two-year term ending December 2026. A proposed “Agreement for Lander Rodeo Grounds Concessionaire Services” is located at www.landerwyoming.org/rfps or may be picked up at City Hall, 240 Lincoln, Lander, WY 82520. Interested parties may inspect the rodeo ground premises by contacting Parks and Recreation staff Lori Eckhardt, 405 Fremont Street, Lander, WY or by calling 307-332-4647. All proposals must be received by 2 p.m. on Thurs. Feb. 20, 2025 Proposals will be accepted by electronic submission to rsfossen@landerwyoming.org or by standard mail and hand delivery. Standard mail and hand delivered proposals must be clearly marked “Lander Rodeo Concessionaire” and delivered to City of Lander, RaJean Strube Fossen, 240 Lincoln Street, Lander, WY 82520. Proposals should include an explanation of the type and frequency of potential entertainment events, description of experience in operating rodeos and other similar entertainment events, proof of capacity to operate and maintain the rodeo facilities as a sole provider or using subcontractors, proof of business or organizational structure, and certificate of liability insurance as required in the draft agreement. Proposals will be evaluated based on the frequency and type of entertainment events, past experience, references for similar concession agreements. The City of Lander reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and to accept the proposal which is deemed to be in the best interests of the City of Lander to increase the usage and capacity of the rodeo grounds for community events. The City of Lander does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The City of Lander does comply with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in Section 504 of the ADA regulations. The City of Lander is an Equal Opportunity Provider 2/1
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: LSH, one iron, nice horse brand, doesn’t scald, $5,000. Call 307247-5307 2/15
REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND, LRC, LSS, LSH, LRB, one iron, best offer or open to trade. Call 307760-5976 2/15
AKC BORDER COLLIES
CHAMPION LINES: This is a beautiful litter of Border Collies with the potential to show and compete. They have numerous champions in their lineage. They will have rough coats and have medium to low drive. They will also make amazing family pets just as their parents are!! These puppies come with an AKC registration application. They will have a vet check at 6 weeks of age including vaccinations, worming and microchip. To reserve a puppy, a non-refundable deposit of $300 will be required. With the balance due before pick-up. Whelped Dec. 19, 2024. Will be ready to go Feb. 22. Five males available, 1 male and 1 female are reserved. If you have any questions about this litter please contact me. Call or text 307-267-6362, thanks Cheri. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 2/15
TOY AUSSIE DOODLES. Two litters born Nov. 16 and Nov. 20. Great New Year’s gifts. Will be ready early to mid-January. Red tris, black tris and merles available. $800 OBO, located in Billings, MT. Please call or text Billie at 208-540-2667. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 1/25
STAIRCASE CHAROLAIS AND RED ANGUS ONLINE
BULL SALE: 50+ purebred yearling Charolais and Red Angus bulls SELLING APRIL 1217 Timed auction online with www.dvauction.com!! Practical bulls bred for balanced traits, functionality, consistency, disposition, efficiency and quality, built to excel in every step of the cattle industry!! For more information, visit www.staircasebulls.com, find us on Facebook or give us a call. Gus, 307-575-5860 or Amy, 308-631-1952 4/12
AGRI-ONE FINANCIAL: Farm/ ranch and all commercial loans. RATES AS LOW AS 5%. We have been helping with all aspects of agricultural, commercial financing and management for years. LET US HELP YOU on a consulting level with management to increase profitability, deal with and fix credit problems and for all your financing needs. WE CARE AND HAVE WORKING PROGRAMS designed for the farmer/rancher and not the banker. Please call Steve, 303-773-3545 or check out our website, www.agrionefinancial.com. I will come to you and get the job done!! 1/25
THIRD ANNUAL SCOTT ANGUS CATTLE PRODUCTION
SALE JAN. 29 , 1 p.m. Selling 70+ Angus yearling bulls, 8 SimAngus yearling bulls, 7 2023 summer/fall born bulls and 8 Elite Angus embryo matings. Sired by: Pappy, Craftsman, Jameson, Milestone, Badlands, Armstrong, Badger, Logo 8148, Stellar, Robust, Virtue, Pathfinder, Profound, Panther, Perseverance, Open Range, Bloodline and High Roller. Bulls can be viewed morning of the sale or call anytime to view them prior to sale day. Sale hosted by www.dvauction.com Catalog by request ranchoffice@ scottanguscattle.com, Belgrade, NE. For more information, call 308-550-1726 or visit www.scottanguscattle. com 1/25
YEARLING ANGUS BULLS: These bulls are grown, not fattened, will get out and cover cows. Many will work on heifers. We will deliver. Call Joe Buseman, 605-351-1535 2/8
Angus
120 BLACK ANGUS REPLACEMENT HEIFERS: Uniform group created from our closed herd of females. Will make excellent mothers. Registration papers available. Private treaty sales for nearly 50 years. Let our selective breeding program go to work for you!! Clay Creek Angus, 3334 Rd. 14, Greybull, WY 82426. Call 307762-3541 TFN
BULLS FOR SALE: Registered yearling and 2-year-old Black Angus range bulls for sale private treaty. Good selection for heifers and cows. From popular sires and industry leaders. Semen tested and ready to go. Call 307-762-3541 TFN
PASTURE WANTED AND/OR RANCH OR FARM LEASE, northwest Wyoming or south-central Montana. References available. Call 307-851-2426 1/25
WANTED GRASS FOR YEARLINGS SUMMER OF 2025, references available. Maddux Cattle Company, 308-3501133 2/1
FOR SALE, PERCHERON CROSS HORSES. Call 605210-1785. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 2/15
FOR SALE, 18-YEAR-OLD
RANCH GELDING: Been here his whole life, done everything on the ranch. Gentle and sound just needs a smaller circle. Call 307-760-5976. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 2/15
CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE, 3x4 bales. Cody, WY. Call 307-899-1952 TFN
1,300 TONS OF ALFALFA, ALFALFA/GRASS MIX AND STRAIGHT GRASS: Prices starting at $95/ton, 3x4 squares. Located near Manhattan, MT. Delivery available. Minimum order of 200 tons. Call Doug, 406-5814124 2/1
ROUND-BALED GRASS: 2024 crop $50/bale. 1,000 lb. netwrapped bales. Cody, WY area. Call, don’t text, Anthony at 307254-2645 3/1
HORSE QUALITY GRASS HAY, 3x4s barn stored, $175/ton. 2024 GRASS COW HAY, 3x4s barn stored, $135/ton. 2023 GRASS COW HAY, 3x4s barn stored, $115/ton. Encampment, WY. Call 307-321-1444 TFN
FOR SALE: First and second cutting alfalfa, grass/alfalfa mix and oat straw. All in large round bales. For more information, call 307754-5864 1/25
200 tons 2023 GRASS/ALFALFA in large rounds, cut slightly mature but baled green!! Also, selling 2024 WHEAT STRAW in large squares and 200 tons MILLET HAY. Will deliver!! For sale by Cheyenne, WY area producer. Call 307-630-3768 2/15
MILLET AND BARLEY HAY, 4x4 square bales for sale, $135 and $140 a ton. ALSO, have third and fourth cutting alfalfa available. Located near Douglas, WY. Call 307-3514175 2/8
NEW YEAR, NEW BUILD!
Call us at 785-734-2663. Our camps are handcrafted with hand-forged iron work. We also offer wooden wagon wheel restoration, wheelwright services. McGilvray Farms
GRASS HAY FOR SALE: 2023 crop, 3x4x8 bales, 1,200 lbs., $100/ton. 2024 crop, $135/ton. Call Kelly Foianini, 307-7807027 or Bronson Foianini, 307760-2263, Lyman, WY 2/8
SUPERIOR 2024 HAY FOR SALE: For horses, cows, dairy cows. Protein 16-18%, RFV 140-175. Lab tested. Lab reports available. Large round net-wrapped bales, 1,500 lbs./ bale. We arrange trucking and participate in trucking costs for buyers. Price negotiable. Buffalo, WY. Call 307-2170386 2/8
2,000 TONS OF HAY FOR SALE: First, second and third cutting alfalfa. All bales are 4x4x8 in size. Location between Lovell and Powell, WY. Contact Crosby Farms, 307-272-3712 2/1
Larry’s Seed with Legend Seeds has corn, grain, corn silage,
for phosphrus and potassium enhancement.
Wyoming Division Larry French 307-272-9194 Larryjfrench1950@gmail.com
Montana Division Jeremy Robertus 406-853-8554 triangle6livestock@outlook.com PO Box 191 • Powell, WY 82435
Hay & Feed
Hay & Feed
CLEAN ALFALFA AND SOME BARLEY HAY FOR SALE in Riverton, WY area with some trucking available. Call 307-8514532 2/15
HAY FOR SALE: 3x3 and round bales of grass or alfalfa/grass mix. Prices starting at $70/ton. FOB. Delivered only. Call 605840-0015 1/25
BARLEY STRAW: Certified weed-free small squares, $4/bale. ALSO, 5x6 round bales, $125/ton. GRAIN OATS, wheat and barley, $20/cwt. Greybull, WY area. Call 307-762-3878 or 307-899-4714, leave message 1/25
STRAW FOR SALE: 200 TONS OF BARLEY STRAW, 4x4 squares, $40/ton. Located west of Powell, WY. Call or text 307-202-0532 for more information 2/8
GRASS HAY FOR SALE, 1,400 lb. net-wrapped round bales, $140/bale. Near Laramie, WY. Call 307-760-8429 2/8
FOR SALE 80 TONS FOURTH CUTTING ALFALFA: John Deere 5x6 big rounds, net wrapped. RFV 218, protein 20.7%. The quality of this hay will make it go a long way and help supplement a lesser quality feed. Reasonably priced. Delivery by semi loads. Call 308430-0428 2/8
HAY FOR SALE: Alfalfa, mixed grass/oats and pea hay. Feed analysis and trucking available. Call 701-290-2363 2/8
EXCELLENT QUALITY OATS FOR SALE, $12/cwt. ALSO, WRANGLER ALFALFA SEED, $2.50/lb. Greybull, WY area. Call 307-272-9259 2/1
HORSE QUALITY GRASS HAY, third cutting, barn stored, 3x4 square bales, $200/ton. ALFALFA HAY, second cutting, round bales, $175/ton. Tests available. Lusk, WY. Call Paul Hicks, 970203-5019 1/25
FOURTH CUTTING ALFALFA
HAY FOR SALE, 3x3 squares, 800 lbs./bale, stored in barn, RFV 252, protein 26.17%. Wheatland, WY. Call 307-3313781, no texts 2/8
VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Hay available. Go to www.valleyvideohay.com or call Barry McRea, 308-2355386 2/1
2024 HAY FOR SALE: First, second and third cutting alfalfa/orchardgrass mix, roughly 50/50, round bales. If tests wanted, they can be obtained. Thirty miles east of Valentine, NE, trucking available needed. Call or text for more information, 402-759-2033 2/1
FOR SALE: 2008 FEATHERLITE LIVESTOCK TRAILER, 24’, aluminum, 14 ply tires, new mats. Just gone through Carl’s Trailer Sales, $18,000. Call 307680-9834 2/22
OLDER DOUBLE DECK
SHEEP TRAILER FOR SALE: Good condition. Located in Powell, WY region. $4,500. Call 918-530-2407 2/1
LODGEPOLE OUTDOOR FURNACES, 307-223-2046. Your authorized Central Boiler Dealer. Get your outdoor wood furnace today!! $2,000 tax credit on qualifying models!! Efficient wood heat. Heat multiple buildings. Invest in your heating, don’t just pay for it!! See us at www.cb.lodgepoleproducts. com!! 1/25
1932, 1933 OR 1934 FORD
WANTED, in any condition, unrestored or restored. Call 605290-3208 1/25
CERTIFIED WEED-FREE PURE ALFALFA HAY: Small squares, covered. 2023 first cutting available for a reduced price. 2024 first, second and third cutting available. Will load trucks and any open trailer. MONIDA OATS, $16/cwt. Combine run. Will auger into truck, trailer or large totes/ag bags. Located between Powell and Cody, WY. Call or text Knopp Farms for details, 307-254-0554 3/1
GRASS AND ALFALFA HAY FOR SALE: Cow and horse quality. Round bales, small squares, 3x3 square bales and 3x4 square bales. Delivery available!! Call 307-630-3046 1/25
ALFALFA HAY FOR SALE: 3x3 bales shedded. Priced depending on quality and quantity needed. Farson, WY, trucking available. Call 307-350-0350 1/25
HAY FOR SALE: 250 tons of first year, first cutting alfalfa, 4x4 bales, $110/ton. 200 tons of first year, second cutting alfalfa, 4x4 bales, $150/ton. Call 307-765-4393, near Greybull, WY area 1/25
HAY FOR SALE: 2023 milo and grass/alfalfa. 2024 first cutting 90% alfalfa/10% grass mix, grass mix, grass/alfalfa, millet, milo, CRP cut early, green and high, non-raked and clean. ALSO, 2024 haybet barley, nitrates low, protein high. All in net-wrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, ask for Klint, 701-2904418, send a text if no answer or keep trying 1/25
POWELL, WY 3x3 STRAIGHT
ALFALFA: First cutting 2024, 118 bales left, second cutting 2024, 167 bales left. Tests available. Paved access. $80/bale. Call Bob, 307-254-7047 2/15
HAY FOR SALE: 2023 and 2024, alfalfa, sainfoin, grass and combine grass/straw. Small squares and 3x3x8 bales. Test results available for 2023 and 2024. Will load 3x3s in open truck and trailer. Call 307-250-6005 1/25
2007 KIOTI FRONT END LOADER, BACKHOE AND SNOWPLOW: 30 HP diesel, 200 engine hours. Pictures available upon request. Call 303-442-7543, leave a message. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 2/8
FOR SALE: Vermeer BP7000 bale processor. Summers hydraulic rock picker. John Deere 3020 gas tractor, with fresh overhaul, fenders and 3 pt. Landoll 36’ cushion gang disc with 3 bar mulcher. 2016 Mack (day cab), automatic transmission, MP7 engine, air ride, A/C, cruise control, 185” wheelbase, 488,000 miles, very clean truck, runs great. 2019 Freightliner, automatic transmission, DD13 engine, 184” wheelbase, 614,413 miles, runs and drives nice. Miller Pro 5100 18’ chuckwagon with bunk feeding extensions and tandem running gear. H&S 7+4 17’ and 16’ chuckwagons with bunk feeding extensions and tandem 14 ton running gear. John Deere 716A chuckwagons with John Deere running gear and bunk feeding extensions, been shedded, nice condition. John Deere 1760 12rn planter with liquid fertilizer. Rowse 14 wheel v-rake with wind panels. 12’ HD box scraper with tilt. Erskine 60” snowblower for skid loader. Feterl 8’ snowblower with hydraulic spout. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-9995482 2/8
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE, FARMER RETIRING: 9600
John Deere combine with 930 30’ grain header and an 893 8 row 30” corn header. A 20’ Krause offset disc (new blades in front). 24’ Model 630 John Deere tandem disc. Safety pull with a bull hitch. John Deere front suitcase weights. IHC front suitcase weights. Round John Deere wheel weights. Two 1,000 gallon fuel tanks with pumps. 500 gallon round fuel tank with stand. Contact Greg Keller at 406-679-1136 2/1
FOR SALE 1948 INTERNATIONAL TD6 DOZER, new injection pump, clutch, seat, paint and steering clutches, $8,000. ALSO, 1948 JOHN DEERE MT TRACTOR, engine rebuilt, new paint and seat, runs great, $4,000. Contact James at 307254-0087 2/1
LODGEPOLE PRODUCTS, 307-742-6992, SERVING AGRIBUSINESSES SINCE 1975!! Treated posts, corral poles, buck-and-rail, western rail, fence stays, rough-sawn lumber, bedding. SEE US at www.lodgepoleproducts.com and click our “Picking A Fence Post” tab to see why folks choose our posts!! TFN
OILFIELD PIPE: PRICE RE-
DUCED!! RPJ Enterprises, Inc.
2 3/8”, 2 7/8” and 4.5” is available, pricing is coming down. Used for fencing, corrals, cattle guards, etc. 2 3/8” and 2 7/8” are on average 31.5’ long per joint. Pierce, CO. Call for details, 970-324-4580 6/28
PIPE FOR SALE!! 2 7/8”, 3 1/2” tubing, 4” drill pipe, 4 1/2” casing, 5” casing, 7” casing. Rods 3/4”, 7/8” and 1” located in Montana, can ship anywhere. Call Mike, 602-758-4447. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 2/22
Irrigation
USED IRRIGATION PIVOTS FOR SALE, www.zimmag. com Irrigation systems are COMPLETE with custom sprinkler package, SORTED, BUNDLED and ready to ship ● 2021 Zimmatic 8500 7 tower 1,297’ ● 2020 Zimmatic 8500 7 tower 1,297’ ● 2020 Zimmatic 8500 8 tower 1,296’ ● 2013 Valley 7000 7 tower 1,336’ ● 2014 Valley 8000 7 tower 1,216’ ● 2020 Zimmatic 8500 3 tower 526’. Call 402-910-3236 2/15
The choice is simple. Easier On You.
Good time management is essential to farming success. That’s why more farmers are turning to T-L center pivot irrigation systems. Hydrostatically powered, T-L’s simple design gives you the low maintenance time, cost, safety and reliability to let you manage your farm instead of calling electricians or replacing gearboxes. Simplify your complex world and make irrigation easier on you.
Big Horn Truck and Equipment Manderson, WY rairdenjlw@tritel.net • 800-770-6280
THE DLX RANCH: Located near Baker City, OR the DLX is noted as one of the most productive and finest ranches around. It is well balanced and contains 17,000 deeded acres with 4,000 acres of irrigated meadows and cropland. Native and improved rangeland provides good spring and summer pasture. The ranch is well improved with nice homes, excellent livestock working facilities and is noted for its production and ease of operation and management. Abundant water and over 6 miles of the Powder River running through the ranch provide for not only production but unbelievable waterfowl and upland game bird habitat. The ranch also provides good populations of elk and mule deer. Situated in the heart of the Baker Valley, the ranch enjoys very scenic mountain views and is very private yet only a short drive to Baker City, OR. Currently operated as a commercial cow/calf operation with a permitted feedlot. The ranch would also make an ideal yearling or combination operation. It is rare to find this quality of a ranch and particularly a property that is a going concern. This is a first-time offering and we look forward to hearing from you. $32,500,000. Livestock and rolling stock available by separate treaty. Please give us a call for further information, Greg Sackos, 541-5234434 (office) or 208-598-0267 (cell), Intermountain Realty, www.intermountainland.com 1/25
On Jan. 22, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced the appointment of key cattle industry leaders to serve on the association’s policy committees.
The policy committees review, discuss and vote on resolutions brought forward by NCBA members. These grassroots policies become part of NCBA’s policy book, which directs advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. New committee leaders include Agriculture and Food Policy Committee Chair Jeff Schafer of North Dakota and Vice Chair Eric Jennings of South Dakota; Cattle Health and Well Being Committee Chair Barbara Jackson of Arizona
and Vice Chair Dr. Troy Shelby of Oklahoma; Federal Lands Committee Chair Alisa Ogden of New Mexico and Vice Chair Lesley Robinson of Montana and International Trade Committee Chair Tony Toso of California and Vice Chair Will Mayfield of Tennessee. Other committee leaders include Live Cattle Marketing Committee Chair Mike Drinnin of Nebraska and Vice Chair Bruce Mershon of Missouri; Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee Chair Barb Cooksley of Nebraska and Vice Chair Leroy Startz of Texas and Tax and Credit Committee Chair Jeff Magee of Mississippi and Vice Chair Thomas Bryant of Florida.
JAN. 30, 31, FEB. 1: PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL RAW/DRY FUR DEER/ ELK HIDES AND ANTLER, IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS AND LOCATIONS: JAN. 30: Ft. Bridger 3:40-4 p.m., Cash Store; Evanston 4:405:10 p.m., Prairie Inn. JAN 31: Kemmerer 7-7:20 a.m., Ham’s Fork Station/Sinclair; Cokeville 8:10-8:30 a.m., Flying J Truck Stop; Afton 9:309:50 a.m., Afton Country Village; Thayne 10:05-10:20 a.m., Farmer’s Feed (drive thru); Etna 10:20-10:30 a.m., Etna Trading Post (drive thru); Alpine 11-11:30 a.m., Grey’s River Saloon; Hoback Jct. 1212:20 p.m., Hoback Market/ Exxon; Bondurant 1-1:15 p.m., Elkhorn Bar (drive thru); Bondurant 1:15-1:30 p.m., Post Office (drive thru); Daniel 2-2:20 p.m., The Den; Pinedale 2:403:10 p.m., Gannett Sports; Big Piney 4-4:15 p.m., Public RR Visitor Info. lot; La Barge 4:45-5 p.m., All American Fuel (drive thru); Fontenelle 5:305:40 p.m., (drive thru, call Greg on this day only); Green River 6:30-6:45 p.m., Hitching Post. FEB. 1: Green River 7:20-7:40 a.m., Hitching Post; Rock Springs 8:15-8:45 a.m., WY Wool Warehouse; Wamsutter 9:45-10 a.m., Wamsutter Conoco (drive thru); Rawlins 10:45-11:15 a.m., Trails West Meat Processing; Saratoga 12:15-12:45 p.m., Saratoga Feed & Grain (drive thru); Elk Mountain 1:30-1:45 p.m., Conoco on I-80 (drive thru, call Greg); Medicine Bow 2:10-2:20 p.m., JB’s (drive thru); Rock River 2:50-3 p.m., Rancher’s Supply (drive thru); Laramie 3:50-4:50 p.m., West Laramie Fly Shop. For more information, call Greg, 308750-0700 or visit www.petskafur.net 1/25
Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor Jan. 21, 2025
Ken Haas Angus Ranch, LaGrange Auctioneer: Lex Madden
Sale Manager: Genetic Pathways 102 Yearling Angus Bulls Avg. $7,852
Top Sellers
Bulls
Lot 3 – KCH Congress
25 – Price: $16,000 DOB: 1/29/24 Sire: Crouch Congress Dam’s Sire: KCH
Objective 831 EPDs: BW: +1.4, WW: +77, YW: +128, Milk: +20, Marb: +1.03 and RE: +0.91
Buyer: Commercial Buyer
Lot 35 – KCH Congress 2101 – Price: $14,500 DOB: 1/29/24
Sire: Crouch Congress Dam’s Sire: EXAR Monumental 6056B EPDs: BW: +1, WW: +94, YW: +174, Milk: +22, Marb: +1.82 and RE: +1.27
Buyer: Bootheel 7 Ranch, Lusk
Lot 1 – KCH Statesman 18 – Price: $14,000 DOB: 2/14/24 Sire: Virginia Tech Statesman Dam’s Sire: EXAR Guru
WE WILL PICK UP SCRAP
IRON: On-site processing and removal. Receive $$$ top dollar $$$ for your junk!! Call for details, Pacific Steel and Recycling, 307-234-6006. Casper/ Central Wyoming 1/25
BUYING 200-300 JACKRABBITS PER MONTH AT $10/ EACH: I pay shipping. E-mail ohminocat@gmail.com or call Dave at 406-529-1080 for further details 2/15
8719B EPDs: BW: +1.4, WW: +84, YW: +154, Milk: +38, Marb: +1.12 and RE: +0.84 Buyer: Crow Valley Ranch, Carpenter
Lot 70 – KCH
Acclaim 133 – Price: $14,000 DOB: 3/28/24
Sire: EXAR Acclaim
1209B Dam’s Sire: GB Fireball 672 EPDs: BW: -0.5, WW: +82, YW: +152, Milk: +33, Marb: +1.48 and RE: +0.90 Buyer: Bootheel 7 Ranch, Lusk
Lot 19 – KCH Congress 2150 – Price: $14,000 DOB: 2/4/24 Sire: Crouch Congress Dam’s Sire: GB Fireball 672 EPDs: BW: +0.9, WW: +89, YW: +145, Milk: +15, Marb: +1.41 and RE: +0.89 Buyer: Bootheel 7 Ranch, Lusk Ken Haas Angus 44th Annual Right
Join Nebraska Feedlot Extension at three locations across the state Feb. 18-20 to dive into a series of timely topics relevant to feedlot management.
The program will include managing hairy heel wart in the feedyard with Dr. Becky Funk, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Great Plains Veterinary Education Center veterinarian; leveraging cattle implant strategies for greater gains with Jessica Sperber, Nebraska Extension feedlot specialist; a UNL Beef Innovation and research update with Galen Erickson, Nebraska Extension feedlot specialist; feedyard personnel management with Pete Anderson of Midwest PMS and a market outlook with Jeff Stolle of Nebraska Cattlemen.
Each roundtable runs from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. local time. On Feb. 18, the roundtable will take place at the Prairie Winds Community Center in Bridgeport, Neb; on Feb. 19, the event will take place at Bayer Water Utilization Learning Center in Gothenburg, Neb. and on Feb. 20, the event will take place at the Nielsen Community Center in West Point, Neb.
Pre-registration is requested by Feb. 14 at go.unl. edu/2025roundtable
The cost is $20, payable online at registration or at the door via cash or check. Lunch will be provided.
Additionally, NCBA made appointments to the NCBA Political Action Committee and the Reso-
lutions Committee. Donnie Lawson of Indiana will serve as the chair of the Political Action Commit-
tee, with Charlie Swanson of Oklahoma as vice chair, while Margaret Ann Smith of Virginia will serve
as chair of the Resolutions Committee and Cary King of Kentucky will serve as vice chair.
On Jan. 15, Out West, the official Western Governors’ Association (WGA) podcast, explored community navigator programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Navigating complicated bureaucratic systems after natural disasters can be extremely challenging, especially for those living in historically underserved communities.
Community Navigators (CN) can help raise awareness about available resources and provide technical assistance when applying for grants or other government aid.
In this episode, WGA Senior Policy Advisor Jonah Seifer spoke with USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Meryl Harrell.
During the program, they discussed the department’s newly formed CN programs and how they can help disseminate funds more equitably and efficiently.
Seifer also spoke with Coalitions and Collaboratives (COCO) Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Bruno and Community Navigator Director Thérèse D’Auria Ryley, who are among the USDA partners charged with enacting the community navigators’ program on the ground.
CN programs
In the first half of 2024, CN programs provided training and technical assistance to more than 870 community members in more than 150 communities and organizations.
“Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) established community navigator pilot programs to partner with community-based organizations and work directly
with communities to provide support and guidance to access programs, services and potential funding opportunities,” Harrell states.
These programs are cocreated with other federal agencies and departments doing similar work to facilitate information sharing to assist communities in navigating the complex array of available programs and requirements.
She continues, “Several obstacles make it difficult for communities to successfully access USFS resources, including lack of awareness of available programs, limited community capacity or experience developing proposals for competitive grants.”
Harrell mentions numerous programs and funding opportunities available for communities to utilize, including the Watershed Research and Training Center, which conducts land and watershed management services; leads state biomass and fire resilience initiatives through partnerships with communities, organizations and public agencies; stewards the landscape; creates sustainable jobs and connects people to the land and to each other.
Another program she discussed was the Federation of Southern Cooperative, a catalyst for developing self-supporting communities through cooperative economic development, land retention and advocacy.
She adds, “Additional programs include the Hispanic Access Foundation, First Nations Development Institute and Coalitions, American Indian Native Tourism Association and Collaboratives Incorporated. These outreach programs focus on engagement and
Casey Jentz was recently named chief operating officer (COO) of the American Angus Association (AAA) and will assume his new role on March 3.
For more than 10 years, Jentz has served as an Angus regional manager in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. During this time, he worked directly with association members, helping them understand association programs, market their cattle with Angus Media services and answer their questions.
In his new role, Jentz will be responsible for direction and strategy of several departments, including member and field services, communications, performance programs, commercial programs and events and junior activities.
Jentz is a fourth-generation Angus breeder who was a National Junior Angus Association board member from 2004-06. Prior to working for the association, Jentz was the general manager of a farm in Wisconsin and managed a multi-state sales territory for an animal health company.
“We are thrilled to promote Jentz to this new role,” said Mark McCully, AAA chief executive officer. “Not only does he have years of experience working with Angus breeders in the field, but his knowledge of the association and its programs will also be invaluable as COO. In particular, I love his unwavering commitment to the breed.”
helping communities understand what opportunities are out there.”
According to Harrell, a CN program can help support communities and make things easier when they matter the most by eliminating stress when communities experiencing extreme situations where individuals are displaced and trying to figure out how to get basic necessities.
COCO
COCO was established in 2014 and traces its roots to the 1996 Buffalo Creek Fire in Jefferson County, Colorado.
This fire, which burned 11,700 acres, spurred significant flooding and prompted local water providers to collaborate on watershed protection, leading to the creation of the Coalition for the Upper South Platte in 1997.
Since its inception, COCO has empowered local groups by providing expertise, resources and funding,
while supporting transparent, collaborative conservation efforts which safeguard the environment, strengthen communities and boost local economies.
“Our strategy starts with some simple fundamental concepts, and one is to build trusting relationships by working closely with the individuals within the community,” Bruno states. “We have to start by listening and not stop assuming we know their challenges.”
Drawing on over 20 years of experience in postwildfire recovery, COCO established After the Flames, a comprehensive suite of services, tools and resources to provide direct support to communities after a fire.
“Our organization and others implement partnerships allowing us to work closely with communities on the ground to identify their needs while removing barriers,” D’Auria Ryley adds. “It all starts from the ground
up, and we start from a place of listening and understanding to what makes a community thrive.”
Bruno continues, “Currently, California residents are the ones picking up the pieces, but they will lean towards our agency and other federal programs to help provide them with financial resources. However, if they don’t have the skills, tools, tactics or strategies in hand, success is going to be hard to obtain.”
In November 2024, the USFS started accepting applications for the Community Wildfire Defense grant to assist at-risk communities and will except applications until Feb. 28.
The Community Wildfire Defense Grant program prioritizes at-risk communities who are in an area identified as having high or very high wildfire hazard potential, are low-income and/or have been impacted by a severe disaster.
The grant is also for communities that are declared, designated or recognized by a government authority as having damage, loss or destruction to an extent and scale which is an unusual or abnormal increase in wildfire risk or hazard potential.
According to the November USFS news release, in the first two years of the program, USFS awarded $467 million to 259 projects across 36 states, two territories and 18 Tribes.
These projects directly support the agency’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy to treat up to 20 million acres of national forests and grasslands and 30 million acres of other federal, state, Tribal and private lands to reduce wildfire risk to communities, infrastructure and natural resources.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
businesses separately until Helen passed.
Tom, Jr. was able to reunite both halves of the ranch after buying out his nieces and nephews and continued running sheep, as well as some cattle.
After spending the long summer days of his childhood helping his grandfather – Tom, Jr. – on the ranch, Jay is now the full-time owner and operator of Robinson Ranch Company, alongside his wife Linda and his two daughters Beth Butler and Karen Drumhiller.
“In 2004, I took over managing the ranch and running cattle, all while continuing to teach eighth grade science at Douglas Middle School,” Jay shares. “I retired from Douglas Middle School in 2011 to focus all of my efforts on the ranching business, which included a herd of 200 cow/calf pairs and leased ranch grazing of another 200 cow/calf pairs.”
Today, Jay and his family run 100 head of their own cattle and lease ground to Aaron Clausen, Josh Ulibarri and Andy Moore for another 300 cow/calf pairs.
“This long-standing lease arrangement fosters collaboration with shared labor efforts which mutually benefit all of our businesses,” Jay explains.
The land According to Jay, stewardship and conservation are top priority when it comes to the ranch’s management goals.
“We are committed to raising healthy cattle in a manner which promotes the
health of the land, supports native plants and wildlife and ensures long-term sustainability of our ecosystem,” he says.
In order to accomplish this, the Butlers began working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to create a rotational grazing plan in 2005.
The plan consisted of installing over 25 new solar wells to enhance water availability for livestock and wildlife, as well as numerous miles of wildlife-friendly cross fencing.
The family utilizes this rotational grazing plan to this day, and Jay notes it has helped the ranch optimize forage utilization, maintain soil health, reduce erosion and prevent overgrazing. It also allows the family to leave plenty of forage for the wildlife they share a home with.
“We ensure our grasslands have ample time to recover and regenerate, supporting both livestock productivity and ecological resilience,” Jay states. Additionally, to ensure success of native plant species on their property, the Butlers have been working with the Converse County Weed and Pest District to reduce the presence of invasive grasses through biological control and the use of specific herbicides to control cheatgrass.
Some of these projects include using seed-bor-
ing weevils to reduce musk thistle and stem-boring weevils to reduce Canada thistle; utilizing targeted grazing to reduce the seed bank of cheatgrass and Canada thistle and manually removing or utilizing targeted herbicide spraying to prevent the spread of noxious weeds such as Russian thistle, houndstongue, Scotch thistle and other emerging invasives.
The wildlife
In addition to taking care of their land and livestock, the Butler family is also a loyal friend to local wildlife.
“Our ranch is more than a livelihood, it is a legacy of care for the land and the animals that inhabit it,” Jay says. “We believe responsible stewardship not only ensures the well-being of our cattle but also preserves the beauty and biodiversity of our natural environment for generations to come.”
In addition to leaving ample forage on the landscape for wildlife, Robinson Ranch Company’s wildlife conservation efforts have been especially focused on fostering habitat for birds and small mammals.
Following a 25,000-acre burn, the Butlers and the Sage Grouse Recovery Team planted thousands of sagebrush plants to restore critical habitat for sage grouse.
In partnership with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the Butlers planted native trees and bushes to create nesting and feeding areas for resident and migratory birds along the Walker Creek drainage.
And, to ensure bird and small mammal safety and access to water, the family worked with the Converse
County Conservation District to add escape ramps to water tanks and added overflow ponds to solar wells to mimic natural watering habitat.
Jay adds, “The National Audubon Society collected grassland bird population data on Robinson Ranch for many years. Our rotational grazing practices encourage plant diversity, providing birds with varied food sources and cover.”
The community
Not only does Robinson Ranch Company strive to be stewards of the land, livestock and wildlife, they also believe in the importance of community stewardship and are dedicated to helping local children succeed.
“During my term on the Converse County School Board, I helped source over 120 local beef and pork for the school lunch program through rancher donations with the Farm to School Program created by First Lady Jennie Gordon under the Wyoming Hunger Initiative (WHI),” Jay explains. “I have also been a leader in promoting the Food from the Farm and Ranch Program within WHI.”
Additionally, Jay has served on the board for the Boys and Girls Club of Douglas for 12 years, as the board chairman for four years and currently serves as the Wyoming State Boys and Girls Club Area council chairman.
“In these positions, I’ve been able to work closely with WHI to bring local, high-quality meat to Wyoming children across the state,” he says. “I personally donate beef and find
other ranchers willing to donate animals, collect them and hold them at Robinson Ranch until processing, transport animals to meat processors and then deliver packaged meat to the Boys and Girls clubs across the state.”
For all of the years Jay worked as a Douglas Middle School science teacher, he used his platform to teach and advocate for agriculture.
“I started an innovative field science curriculum for middle school students which included many field trips to Robinson Ranch with the assistance of Tim Schroeder, former NRCS district conservationist,” he shares.
Through this curriculum, students conducted plant transects to gather data for analysis of rangeland conditions and took part in a living history experience about life on the homestead in the early 1900s.
Because of his hard work and dedication to Wyoming stewardship, Jay was nominated and ultimately chosen to receive WSGA’s esteemed Environ-
days weaned. Been out on pasture and supplemented with hay. Bunk broke. Super set of high desert, high quality steers!
BRED COWS
Dustin Eaton- 20 Blk Ang Bred Cows (3-ST). Bred to Blk Ang bulls to calve March/April. Poured with Ivermectin at gather and Clean Up II when Preg checked. Were given Vira shield 6 plus VL 5. Nice, high desert cows!
WEIGH COWS
Dustin Eaton- 50 Weigh cows
Meadow Creek Livestock- 140 open weighs
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4
YEARLINGS
Ed & Tory Burton- 16 Blk Ang Yearling Strs 9001000#. CALVES/FEEDERS
Dustin Eaton- 300 Blk Ang Strs 500-600#. 130 Blk Ang Hfrs 500-600#. Rec two rounds of Vista Once SQ & Vision 7 w/Spur. Poured with Ivermectin at gather and poured with Clean up II at weaning. On free choice mineral. Long stem hay. No implants. High elevation desert calves.
Ed & Tory Burton- 400 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 550625#. Rec Vista Once SQ, Vision7, Nasalgen 3 @ branding & Weaning. Sired by powerful Blk Ang Bulls, bunk broke, summered on high desert range! Choice calves!!
JM Ranch- 200 Blk & BWF, sml % RWF Strs 650-725#. 76 Blk & BWF, sml % RWF Hfrs 625-675#. Rec Pyramid 5 w/Presponse, 7way w/Somnus, Safeguard & CleanUp. Choice, high elevation calves! Gloria Anderson- 60 Blk Ang Strs 530-630#. 2 rounds of shots & poured with Ivomec this fall. Over 80
Dennis Horton- 90 Blk/BWF Hfrs 600#. 30 Blk/BWF Strs 600#. Rec Endovac, Vista Once, Nasalgen, 7-way w/Somnus. Weaned since Oct 1st on Mormon pellets. Bunk broke. Nice set of high desert, reputation calves!
Gene Paul Pearson- 95 Blk Ang & AngX Strs 550600#. Rec 2 rounds of Vista Once SQ & Vision 8 w/Somnus. Weaned since November. Been out on pasture and hay fed. High elevation & green!
Diamond Bar Ranch- 89 CharX Hfrs 600-625#. Rec Vista Once SQ and Vision 7 w/Somnus @ branding and weaning (11/1). Poured and Boostered w/ Somnus 11/15. Over 60 days weaned on pasture and Smart Lic tub w/ Availa 4. Hay fed. Sired by Valley View Charolais and Lucky 7 Black Angus.
Reputation, Green, Loaded with Genetics!!!
Steve Mines- 65 Blk Ang Hfrs 550-600#. Vista Once SQ & Vision 7 @ branding & weaning (11/18). Poured w/ Clean-Up & Ivomec @ weaning. Bangs vaccinated.
Reputation Angus Hfrs! Loaded with genetics!
Lazy S Ranch- 17 Blk & BWF Strs 625-650#
8 Blk & BWF Hfrs 550#. Spring and Fall shots. 60 days weaned, Hay Fed. High Elevation, Top end Genetics!!
BRED HEIFERS
Steve Ward- 7 Blk Ang Bred Hfrs 1100#. Bred to LBW Blk Ang bulls. Rec Virashield 6 VL5 & Poured.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
mental Stewardship Award.
Andi Neugebauer-Bailey, Wyoming state resource conservationist, writes in her nomination letter, “Jay has worked to become a steward of the land and an advocate for the ranching community. His hard work, dedication and commitment to the youth of the community and improvement of the environment has helped set the stage to assist those who experience food insecurity and to leave the land better for the next generation.”
“I wholeheartedly support the Robinson Ranch Company, LLC for this recognition which they very much deserve,” adds Schroeder in a separate letter. “The ranch has a rich history in our county and state’s natural resource conservation. I know Jay, Linda, Beth, Karen and family will ensure their role as environmental stewards will continue for the next generations into the future.”
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
TUESDAY, MARCH 4
TUESDAY, MARCH 11
TUESDAY, MARCH 18
TUESDAY, MARCH 25
Hoggs Angus, JOH Ranch & WYO Angus. Bulls will all be BVD, Semen & PAP tested. (1:00 PM) Contact Fred & Kay Thomas 307-868-2595 or any Breeder to request a catalog or more information fkdramsrus@gmx.com.