WWIA keynote speaker encourages women to live authentically Page A10
Egg prices continue to climb as HPAI outbreak grows Page B1
Recent arctic blast impacts crops Page B2
American Angus Association names 2025 Angus Herdsman of the Year Page B5
Model developed to predict invasive weed hotspots Page B11
Annual ASI convention focuses on targeted and solar grazing Page B12
In the seventh snow report for Water Year 2025, the state’s snowpack telemetry data reads 85% of median, with a basin high of 108% and a basin low of 45%. Last year, the state was at 80% and at 116% 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
Milk production in the U.S. from October through December 2024 totaled 55.5 billion pounds, down 0.1% from the same time last year. Wyoming dairy herds produced 62.9 million pounds of milk during the last quarter, up 1.5% from the previous year. Other highlights from the Mountain Region include Colorado dairies with 1.33 billion pounds, up 3.9%; Arizona dairies with 1.14 billion pounds, down 5.3%; New Mexico with 1.46 billion pounds, down 4.4%; Utah dairies with 520 million pounds, up 2% and Montana dairies with 48 million pounds, down 4%.
On Jan. 27, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program is now open. USDA Rural Development will award approximately $30 million in grant funding during this year’s round. Applications are due on April 17. Eligible applicants must produce more than 50% of the agricultural commodity to which value will be added. Processors who don’t own any of the livestock being processed are ineligible. USDA defines value-added as commodities which have “undergone a change in physical state or produced in a manner which enhances the value.” For more information, visit rd.usda.gov
A number of property tax measures are currently navigating the legislative process as Wyoming lawmakers thoughtfully consider options to address the high property tax rates affecting specific regions of the state.
In 2024, several important prop-
erty tax relief bills were enacted in response to notable increases in residential taxes.
Nevertheless, many legislators feel additional measures may still be necessary to adequately address the concerns of constituents.
Two significant property tax bills are currently advancing with noteworthy support, as they have successfully passed through each vote held.
Homeowner tax exemption
House Bill (HB) 169, sponsored by
Over half a million in bison sales generated at the 2025 GTSS
The National Bison Association (NBA) hosted its 45th Gold Trophy Show and Sale (GTSS) on Jan. 25 at the National Western Stock Show Livestock Event Center in the Del Hensel Bison Pens in Denver.
Nearly 120 head of top bison breeding stock from the U.S. and Canada gathered in the Mile High City for the annual event.
Twenty-four consignors brought animals to the sale, ranging from calves to two-year-olds, which were judged by Dave Schroth of Ellsworth, Neb. and Trevor Gompf of Oak Lake, Manitoba, Canada.
Quality Auction Services, Inc., of Rapid City, S.D. called the auction, which hosted 77 registered bidders from 24 states and two Canadian provinces.
According to a Jan. 28 NBA press release, the 2025 sale saw a 6.3 percent increase from a year ago, reflecting the growing strength within the bison live animal market.
After two whirlwind weeks of competitive livestock shows, thrilling entertainment and tough rodeo competition, the 119th National Western Stock Show (NWSS) wrapped up in Denver with a sold-out, record-breaking Auction of Junior Champions on the evening of Jan. 24.
With World Champion Auctioneer John Cory at the helm, the sale shattered multiple records, fetching a record-breaking total of $1,452,500 across 98 animals, which is the highest total in stock show history.
Please see NWSS on page A6
Shattered records – The 2025 National Western Stock Show (NWSS) Grand Champion Steer, exhibited by 14-year-old Madilyn Norvell of Tuttle, Okla., brought a staggering $210,000 at the Auction of Junior Champions, shattering the previous record set in 2023 by Justin Pfannebecker of $200,000. NWSS photo
Surrounded by a large support system of family, friends and community members, Brooke Rollins, President Donald Trump’s U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) secretary nominee, outlined her day-one priorities, laid out her vison for the department and fielded questions about how she will tackle current issues during her confirmation hearing on Jan. 23 in Washington, D.C.
During her opening remarks, Rollins thanks family and friends in attendance, including her former FFA advisor and the little league softball team she coaches, as well as the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry for her nomination.
“Most importantly, I want to thank and honor the men and women I may potentially serve, who daily – without pause or complaint – provide our great nation and the world with the best food, fiber and fuel,” she adds.
“It is clear we all agree farmers and ranchers are the cornerstone of our nation’s communities, and I commit to you today, if confirmed, I will do everything in my ability to make sure our farmers, ranchers and rural communities thrive,” she continues.
Immediate priorities
With hopes of “rethinking” and “modernizing” USDA in line with Trump’s plans to make sweeping changes across federal agencies, Rollins notes she would immediately get to work on four priorities if confirmed as USDA secretary.
First, she says she will make a “fast and furious effort” to efficiently distribute the $10 billion of economic aid approved
“GTSS is known for offering the top breeding genetics in the bison business, and this year was no exception,” states NBA Executive Director Jim Matheson in the press release. “As the judges can
Growing up as the sixth-generation in her family’s cow/calf operation southwest of Chugwater, Megan Sagner is deeply rooted in agriculture.
“This lifestyle has allowed me to develop a deep appreciation for all things agriculture and the people within the industry, and it truly is my greatest passion,” Megan expresses.
Her parents work on the family ranch operated by her grandparents, who live two miles up the road from Megan’s childhood home.
“Going to the ranch was like daycare for my older sister and me,” she shares.
“Whatever was going on at the ranch, from moving cows, fencing and checking salt and mineral for cows, we were there.
We spent many hours coloring in the horse trailer while my family worked cows.”
She also recalls spending countless hours in a baby carrier riding horses with her parents until she was old enough to ride on her own.
“I cannot emphasize enough how
For the last two years, I, along with everyone else, understood the pandemic and inflation were two reasons for the high price of groceries. But, when egg prices started rising even more last fall, I realized there were more issues bringing on the rising prices.
We all found out the real culprit was an outbreak of H5N1, a highly transmissible and fatal strain of avian influenza, more commonly referred to as bird flu.
The outbreak of H5N1 started in early 2022 in the U.S., and it quickly rose into the largest bird flu outbreak in U.S. history.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of Jan. 14, the virus affected more than 134 million birds in the U.S. Of this number, the outbreak has affected more than 102.6 million egg-laying hens, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
One of the worst parts of an outbreak is egg producers are forced to cull all of their chickens, which is really the only way to put a stop to it.
In one year, egg prices have increased over 36.8 percent. This is in contrast to the rise in food prices overall, which rose 2.5 percent in the past year.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data tracking egg prices goes back to at least 1980, when large, Grade A eggs cost 88 cents a dozen, not adjusted for inflation. Before February 2022, the average cost of a dozen had largely stayed below two dollars since March 2016. Then, the price of eggs more than doubled from the start of 2022 until reaching its peak of $4.82 per dozen in January.
Those who have noticed cage-free eggs cost more than other eggs, it is because H5N1 affects mingling chickens far more than separated, caged chickens. Eight states have restrictions or laws in place which ban the production and sale of caged chickens’ eggs for animal welfare reasons. Many stores like Whole Foods Markets and Trader Joe’s only sell cage-free eggs.
Most of these states have recently experienced major outbreaks of bird flu. Currently, about one-third of U.S. egg layers are cage-free hens, but they contributed nearly 60 percent of all bird flu cases for the past year. So, expect cagefree egg prices to rise faster and stay higher longer than other eggs.
Even with the shortage of eggs, consumer demand has held steady despite the persistently high prices. As with beef, the mismatch between supply and demand tends to drive prices up.
The irony is, because of todayʼs high prices, stores have had to change how they price eggs. It has been common for retailers to keep egg prices low, sometimes even below what they paid for them, as eggs effectively draw shoppers into the store. They would stop at the store for cheap eggs and then would leave with a cart full of groceries.
Now, stores realize pricing eggs too low could mean selling out of eggs, which would increase the chance shoppers would encounter empty egg shelves and abandon their carts.
Currently, at my local store, caged eggs are around $6.49 and cage-free eggs are $6.50 to eight dollars a dozen. I’m sorry to say this disease is not going to go away soon.
Livestock Roundup (USPS # 005-774) is published weekly by Maverick Press, Inc. P.O. Box 850 • Casper, WY 82602 Periodicals postage paid in Casper, WY Fax: 307-472-1781 • E-mail: roundup@wylr.net Wyoming Livestock Roundup Reporting the News by the Code of the West Phone: 307-234-2700 800-967-1647 • www.wylr.net
Private property rights are fundamental to our freedoms, and an attack on those rights is an inherent attack on agriculture. It is impossible to separate the two.
As much as we all hate to see houses on lands once ripe with barley or full of grazing cows, I firmly believe people should have the right to sell their land whenever they want, to whomever they want, in whatever size and shape they want and for the highest price they can get.
Being land rich and cash poor, ag producers have the most to lose through heavy-handed county land use regulations.
Park County land use planning process
Here in Park County, private property rights and agriculture are under attack. Our county is in the middle of a new land use planning process, and anyone truly paying attention is already aware of the subliminal anti-ag and private property agenda.
For those just tuning in for the regulation development phase, a newly released public survey reveals what was previously disguised. The narrative during the first phase was that ag was so important, farmers and ranchers should have their development rights largely taken away to stop subdivision.
“Saving ag lands” was the buzz phrase. Many of us recognized this for what it was – a power grab on property rights to preserve open space for people who just built their house five minutes ago and don’t want things to change starting now.
What better than to force us lowly farmers and ranchers to provide and maintain the viewsheds of everyone
By Carrie Peters
else? I mean this is why we exist, right?
Last fall, Park County Planning Director Joy Hill and County Commissioner Dossie Overfield discussed the county’s agenda on the radio and admitted the larger conversation really was all about preserving open space, not protecting agriculture.
Fast forward to the present, and question number five on the new survey asks how much various production ag activities should be regulated going forward in the new rules.
If Park County valued ag and had no intent to try and regulate it, they would never include this question.
County Commissioner Lloyd Thiel, a fellow ag producer, spoke up at a recent public meeting to share his disgust at the survey. With no support from the other commissioners, he was able to get a change made so at least there was a “no regulations” option on the questionnaire, otherwise, any choice a respondent made would automatically suggest they wanted more regulations.
Our county wants the open space ag provides, but now it has to be “just the right kind” of ag – “Not too hot or too cold,” as Goldilocks would say. Do you see the moving target here?
The Wyoming Right to Farm Act largely provides protection from bad actors – the intent is to keep ag-haters from shutting down things they find offensive or annoying.
The act states under Section 11-44103 ag operations are not a nuisance if they conform to generally accepted agricultural management practices and existed before a change in the land use
Austin Snook • 307-290-2161
Taylor Snook • 307-290-2273
Craig Deveraux • 307-746-5690
Dan Catlin • 406-671-7715
Clint Snook • 307-290-4000
Cheyenne Seymour • 605-641-0638
adjacent to the farm or ranch land and the farm or ranch operation would not have been a nuisance before the change in land use or occupancy occurred.
Ag is not currently regulated by Park County. Feedlots over 300 head are listed in the regulations, but this is ultimately coming from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. Building permits for large structures are required, but so are building permits for everything else.
Park County is posturing to not only regulate new ag – there really isn’t any new ag popping up in areas where it hasn’t been historically – but also to exploit a potential loophole in the Wyoming Right to Farm Act based on changes within an existing operation.
On the surface, it seems current ag is “grandfathered in,” but consider this hypothetical – a young couple just bought a place and are trying to get their operation going. They only raise crops right now.
Meanwhile, a subdivision goes in next door. The couple finally gets to where they can start the cow herd they’ve always dreamed of.
Now their neighbors can complain about the change in the operation that didn’t exist before as the cows weren’t there when they moved in, and the county can deny the cows to preserve “harmony” in the neighborhood or because the new regs may not allow it in this area.
Additionally, because the new definition of a feedlot in Park County is an “enclosed facility where animals are confined for the purpose of feeding and growing prior to slaughter,”
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1
The Beef Leaders Institute (BLI) is a three-day program designed to strengthen leadership skills while providing valuable industry insights to attendees. Individuals are encouraged to apply by Feb. 15 for a chance to attend the one-of-akind event, scheduled for June 9-12 at the American Angus Association (AAA) headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo.
Established in 2007, BLI is designed for association members 25 to 45 years of age to provide insight into the beef industry, while enhancing their knowledge and strengthening leadership skills.
The annual event is hosted by AAA and funded by the Angus Foundation and Certified Angus Beef.
For more information, visit angus.org/angus-media/ angus-journal/2025/01/bli-apps-open or contact AAA’s Events and Junior Activities Department at 816-383-5100 or events@angus.org.
Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has championed the success of Angus youth by investing in their education.
In the past 27 years, the foundation has awarded more than $4.9 million in scholarships including $388,500 in 2024 alone. These scholarships help support students in their educational endeavors – whether pursuing undergraduate, graduate or trade degrees.
Applications opened Feb. 1 and are due by May 1, offering an opportunity for Angus youth to receive financial support for their education.
The Angus Foundation undergraduate and graduate scholarship applications are available to National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members through their American Angus Association login.
The Foundation’s Certified Angus Beef, NJAA and commercial cattlemen scholarships can be accessed at angus.org/foundation and submitted via e-mail. The website also offers more information about the scholarship program.
The Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) has scheduled a public meeting for Feb. 7, beginning at 7 a.m. via Zoom.
Topics include the approval of Nov. 15, 2024 minutes, a director’s report, legislative updates, an update on the draft interstate memorandum of understanding, Board of Pharmacy-draft emergency rule on supplying veterinary medication to Wyoming livestock animal owners, animal health updates, Chapter 66 Bighorn sheep and domestic sheep plan amendment review public comment summary and department response, brand inspection recording updates and other administrative board business and matters.
The board may hold an executive session to receive legal advice or for any of the other statutorily authorized reasons if needed.
For more information, visit wlsb.state.wy.us or contact WLSB at 307-777-7515.
U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) announced she will chair the U.S. Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, Nuclear Innovation and Safety for the 119th Congress.
“Thanks to my position on the EPW Works committee, I can deliver crucial results for the people of Wyoming,” said Lummis. “I am honored to chair this subcommittee, which oversees the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Air and Radiation and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.”
“Wyoming continues to develop its traditional energy sector while investing in new and exciting nuclear technology,” she continued. “I look forward to advancing policies that benefit an all-of-the-above energy approach and spur development across the Cowboy State.”
Lummis will also serve on the EPWʼs Transportation and Infrastructure and the Fisheries, Water and Wildlife subcommittees.
The University of Wyoming (UW) College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources welcomed two new faculty members to the Department of Veterinary Sciences and the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory (WSVL).
Sarah Kane joined the Department of Veterinary Sciences on Jan. 13. She will serve as an assistant professor and the Riverbend Endowed Professor of Wildlife-Livestock Health, a position which supports wildlife and livestock research at UW.
Kane has experience in studying chronic wasting disease and developing new technologies for infectious disease testing. She completed her doctorate and post-doctoral training at the Colorado State University (CSU) Prion Research Center.
In 2020, she joined a company which tests for pathogens, GT Molecular, to support COVID-19 wastewater testing during the pandemic. Kane became director of research and development at GT Molecular in 2022.
Izabela Ragan will serve as an assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Sciences and a virologist within the WSVL. Ragan is an expert in foreign animal diseases, zoonoses, disease mechanism investigation and the development of diagnostic tests and vaccines.
Ragan completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. She then moved to CSU to finish her post-doctoral training and was promoted to assistant research professor in 2021.
In 2023, Ragan took on the additional role of director of research and development at Solaris Vaccines, a company based in Fort Collins, Colo. that develops vaccines.
Ragan assumed her new role at UW on Jan. 21.
We will serve a lunch please RSVP the Washakie County Extension Office. Call (307) 347-3431.
Platinum Sponsors •
by Congress in December.
continued from page A1
Second, Rollins vows to address animal disease outbreaks, noting highly pathogenic avian influenza and New World screwworm are currently top of mind.
“Third, we must immediately begin to modernize, realign and rethink the USDA, responding to the clear need and the desires of the American people as set forth so well by the president over this last historic week,” she says.
“And finally, longer term, we understand serving all American agriculture and all of the American people means ensuring our rural communities are equipped to prosper, not just today, but tomorrow, the day after and the many tomorrows to come,” she adds.
Trade and immigration
Trump’s views on tariffs and immigration have caused some controversy in the industry, with many wor-
ried a second trade war could severely limit export markets and mass deportation would threaten an already worrisome labor shortage.
When faced with tough questions on the topics, Rollins says she stands behind the president’s views, but promises to cushion the blows and ensure the fallout to the nation’s producers will be limited.
Rollins notes while Trump understands tariffs could have a “potentially devastating impact” on farmers and ranchers, he still believes they are an important tool to ensure a thriving economy.
Because of this, Rollins relays she is willing to set up another farm bailout program to offset trade losses, similar to the Market Facilitation Program employed by former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, who Rollins has been in consultation with. When it comes to immi-
gration, Rollins promises to advocate for industry interests, even though she supports Trump’s plan to conduct mass deportations.
“The president’s vision of a secure border and a mass deportation at a scale that matters is something I support,” she states. “It is my commitment to help Trump deploy his agenda in an effective way, while at the same time defending our farmers and ranchers across this country. One may argue they are in conflict, but I have both of those as key priorities.”
If confirmed, Rollins plans to work with the Secretary of Labor Nominee U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR) to modernize the H2A visa program.
Biofuels
Another concern brought to light during the hearing was Rollins tenure as president and chief executive officer of the Texas Public Policy Foundation between 2003-18, an organization which has endorsed multiple reports critical of ethanol –
even going so far as to call it a national security threat.
When U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, asks about her position on biofuels, Rollins clarifies the documents in question were written over a decade ago and were not authored by her.
While she admits she has been a “massive defender of fossil fuels,” she promises to be a “champion for all fuels,” and notes Trump’s energy plan includes biofuels as a key component.
“I will be a secretary for all agriculture,” Rollins remarks. “It is really important to me we continue to defend, elevate and honor all sources of fuel. In his current energy dominance plan, my former and current boss included biofuels as an important piece of his agenda, so I really look forward to continuing on with this.”
Additionally, Rollins says she is committed to working with U.S. Secretary
To view Brooke Rollins’ Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry confirmation hearing in its entirety, visit agriculture.senate.gov/hearings/ nomination-hearing-01-23-2025.
of the Treasury Scott Bessent on the 45Z Clean Fuels Production Credit and ensure he has the “data and voices around him to make the right decisions.”
Other issues
While immigration, trade and biofuels dominated the discussion during Rollins’ confirmation hearing, a few other issues were also addressed.
Rollins notes she is committed to providing whatever assistance is needed to advance a farm bill and says she is in support of efforts to overturn California’s Proposition 12.
When asked about nutrition program funding, Rollins discloses her support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other nutrition programs,
but would not commit to ruling out funding cuts. She also declines to offer a position on additional work requirements for SNAP recipients.
When U.S. Sen. Rafael Warnock (D-GA) brings up an executive order (EO) issued by Trump with the potential to eliminate USDA’s liaison to 1890 land grant institutions, Rollins admits she is not familiar with the EO.
When asked about the provision in the controversial Project 2025 which calls for capping crop insurance payments at $40,000 per farmer, Rollins declines to offer a position on whether she favors or opposes the cap.
Next steps
To wrap up the hearing, Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) announced committee members had until 6 p.m. on Jan. 24 to submit additional written questions.
Once these questions are resolved, the committee will continue considering Rollins’ nomination, and if they recommend her, the full Senate will vote at a date yet to be determined.
According to a Jan. 28 press release, many of the members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, as well as numerous other policy leaders and stakeholders, are impressed with Rollins and fully support her nomination.
7L Diamond’s Hi Altitude Bulls
Leah 719-850-2720; Peter 849-8223
Bulls & heifers sell Friday, March 21, 2025 at Valley Lvstk. in Monte Vista, CO
Altenburg Super Baldy-Triangle J Selling 150 bulls – Fort Collins, CO
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Willie Altenburg 970-481-2570
Baty Livestock
Spring and Fall Heifer Sales batylivestock@gmail.com facebook/batylivestock
Black Summit Cattle
The Quin LaFollette family
Bulls sell Friday, March 21, 2025 at Powell, WY • 307-899-3553
Bridle Bit Simmentals
All-Terrain Bull & Female Sale
Monday, March 17, 2025 at Walsh, CO
Chad Cook 719-529-0564
Campbell Simmental
Part of High-Altitude Bull Sale on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at LaGarita, CO Robert 970-749-9708
Dilka Cattle
Yearling & 18-mo-old bulls PT Briggsdale, CO • 970-396-8791 thedilkas@aol.com
Far Out Cattle Ranch
Jerrid Brisendine 719-353-1747
All-Terrain Bull & Female Sale Monday, March 17, 2025 at Walsh, CO
Hill Brothers Livestock Bulls & females available Paul 417-849-6851 facebook.com/hillbrotherslivestock/
Jay Hill family
Simmental & SimAngus bulls Private treaty • 970-520-1555 jaywhill@kci.net
Larges Farms, Inc.
60 SimAngus yearling bulls to sell February 5, 2025 at Wauneta, NE Jeremy Gittlein 308-414-1466
Mari Simmental Breeders Ron Mari • Holyoke, CO Selling black % & PB ET bulls 970-520-7333 for EPDs & data
e-mail colosimmental@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook
Phoenix Cattle Co.
Fleckvieh Simmentals & Fleckvieh/Angus seedstock Roger Schager 303-550-5592
Cody Pitt Black & red bulls selling Private treaty at Hotchkiss, CO 970-778-9267 • cmp5792@aol.com
Rains Simmental Bulls of the Prairie Sale Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Oakley, KS Mike Rains 785-672-7129
Russell’s Reflected R Ranch Curt 719-469-2857; black & red bulls PT or sell March & Oct. @ RA Brown www.ReflectedRRanch.com
T-Heart Ranch
High-Altitude Bull Sale March 22, 2025 719-850-3082 or 850-3083 shane@t-heartranch.com
“As I have met and talked with Rollins, it is clear the needs of America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities will be her focus,” says Boozman. “It is also clear she has the relationships across this new administration and an understanding of the processes in which decisions are made in the executive branch to best position our producers for success. I look forward to seeing her bring her considerable skills and abilities to bear at USDA for the benefit of our farmers, ranchers and rural communities.”
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) comments, “At every stage, Rollins has proven herself to be a leader. She’s proven herself to be an innovative policy thinker and she’s proven herself able to bring people together to accomplish major objectives. All of these skills will serve her and the farmers and ranchers of America exceptionally well.”
“There is no doubt Rollins has the connections, the tools and the good ol’ fashioned know-how she needs to be a strong leader and to succeed in the fight for America’s farmers as our next secretary of agriculture,” adds Perdue.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Submit your letters to: Editor, Wyoming Livestock Roundup, P.O. Box 850, Casper, WY, 82602, or e-mail to roundup@wylr.net. We reserve the right to edit letters. It is the policy of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup that we do not print letters attacking individuals, groups or organizations within the Wyoming agricultural community.
Dear Editor,
The Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming (ICOW) wish to thank Sen. Cheri Steinmetz (R-S03) for her editorial printed in the Jan. 18 edition of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, entitled “Wyoming Must Reject U.S. Department of Agricultureʼs (USDA) Electronic Livestock Traceability Rule.”
It is very well written, concise and hits every nail on the head of the issues facing Wyoming cattle producers.
ICOW could not have said it better. We support Sen. Steinmetz on the bills she has introduced, including Senate File 64, Wyoming Opposes Mandatory Electronic ID Devices-Livestock; her not yet numbered bill which directs the Wyoming Livestock Board to use the exemption in the USDA rule which allows for state-to-state agreements to continue “business as usual” and her bill requiring Country of Origin Labeling for beef.
Hugh Turk ICOW President
Reported By: Curt Cox, WYLR Field Editor Jan. 24, 2025
McConnell Angus Ranch, Dix, Neb. Auctioneer: Matt Lowery
Sire: S A V Magnum 1335 Dam’s Sire: McConnell Bomber 0619 EPDs:
BW: +1.7, WW: +104, YW: +178 and Milk: +34
Buyer: Milldale Ranch, Nebraska
Lot 1 – McConnell Yeti 3530 – Price: $27,000 DOB: 1/22/23 Sire: McConnell Altitude 672
Dam’s Sire: S A V Brand Name 9115 EPDs: BW: +2, WW: +58, YW: +102 and Milk: +30 Buyer:
Steppler Ranch, Montana
Lot 4 – McConnell Man In Black 3412 – Price: $25,000 DOB: 8/4/23 Sire: LAR Man In Black Dam’s Sire: S A V Final Answer 0035 EPDs: BW: +1.8, WW: +90, YW: +154 and Milk: +29
Buyer: Lanning Ranch, Tennessee
Lot 6 – McConnell Craftsman 3419 – Price: $20,000 DOB: 8/11/23
Sire: Connealy Craftsman Dam’s Sire: LD Capitalist 316 EPDs: BW: +3.1, WW: +83, YW: +144 and Milk: +38 Buyer: Johnson Mesa Angus, New Mexico
Cattlemen’s Source for Top Quality Cattle”
Precond Shots: Vision 7/Somnus & BoviShield Gold 5. Weaning Shots: BoviShield Gold 5, Somnubac & Dectomax. Weigh: Early morning gather, load on buyer’s pre-weighed truck, haul 12 miles, weigh on the truck w/a 3%. Comments: Fancy, one iron, home raised steers. Weaned 85+ days. No Implants. Presorted January 16th. Test weighed January 31st. Rep: Ty Thompson 307-340-0770. www.cattlecountryvideo.com
FEEDERS
Vollman Ranch 380 Blk Strs, 675-750#, Weaned 90 days, Bunk Broke, Been on a Hay & Silage Ration, Branding Shots: One Shot BVD, Ultra Choice 7, Synovex C, Pre-breeding Shots: One Shot BVD, Ultra Choice 7, Dectomax Pour On, Booster Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold Jerry & Pam Reichert 140 Blk/Bwf (4 Red) Strs & Hfrs, 750-800#, Weaned since Sept. 20, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration, 2 Rounds of Shots: Vision 7 w/Somnus, Poured w/Ivomec, No Implants, Home Raised
Tony & Rachel Hedges 38 Blk Hfrs, 650-700##, Weaned 100+ days, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration of Hay and Silage, Branding Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold, Vision 7 w/Spur, Weaning Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold, Vision 7 w/Spur, Poured with Ivomec, AI Sires: JRI Trade Secret, JRI Marshall, TAU Infinity, Herd Bulls are Sons of the same AI Sires, Replacement Quality X Cross Ranch 18 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 700-950#, All Shots
WEANED CALVES
HB Lee Family 220 Blk (6 Reds) Strs & Hfrs, 500-600#, Weaned 100 days, Running Out, Hay Fed, Mineral/Salt Tubs, Bunk Broke, Branding and Pre-cond. Shots: 7-way, Vision 7 w/Spur, Pyramid 5+Presponse SQ, No Implants, Steers are Knife Cut, No Replacements Kept, High Elevation Thaler Land & Livestock 180 Bwf Strs, 550-750#, Weaned a long time, Bunk Broke, Been on a Grower Ration, Branding and Pre-cond. Shots: Inforce 3, Bovi-Shield Gold Shot, Ultra Choice 7, Booster Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold 5, Bita Charge Drench
Y X Limited 175 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 500-600#, Weaned 45+ days, Hay Fed, Branding Shots: 7-way, Bovi-Shield Gold 5, Wormer, Weaning Shots: 7-way, Bovi-Shield Gold 5, Wormer, No Implants SDKE 175 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 500-600#, Weaned 45+ days, Hay Fed, Branding Shots: 7-way, Bovi-Shield Gold 5, Wormer, Weaning Shots: 7-way, Bovi-Shield Gold 5, Wormer, No Implants
Bar R Z Ranch 225 Red Angus /Red Angus-x Strs & Hfrs, 500-650#, Weaned 80 days, Running out, Hay Fed, On Biomass Tubs, Branding Shots: 7-way w/Somnus, Weaning Shots: Nasalgen 3--PMH, Poured w/Ivermectin, No Implants, Age and Source Verified thru Allied Tags
Circle H/ Norm Hochstetler 85 Blk Hfrs, 550-625#, Weaned since Oct. 15, Bunk Broke, Been on a Light Grower Ration, Branding Shots: Pyramid 5+Presponse, Vision 7 w/Somnus, Pre-cond. Shots: Pyramid 5+Presponse, Vision 7, C & D, Poured w/Cleanup, No Replacements Kept, Sired by Ochsner-Roth Cattle Bulls J & D Cattle Co. LLC and Jordan/Jessie Reed 71 Blk Angus Hfrs, 580#, Weaned 110 days, Been on a Light Grower Maintenance Ration, Branding Shots: Vira Shield 6, Vision 7 w/Somnus, Pre-cond. Shots: Vira Shield 6, Presponse HM, Poured w/Ivermectin, Weaning Shots: Vision 7, BoviShield Gold l5, Safeguard Wormer, Home Raised X Cross Ranch 55 Mx Hfrs, 400-450#, Weaned a long time, Hay Feed, Complete Vac. Program
JC & Leann McLaughlin 36 Blk Strs & Hfrs, 500-650#, Weaned 80 days, Running out, Hay Fed, On Biomass Tubs, Branding Shots: 7-way w/Somnus, Weaning Shots: Nasalgen 3--PMH, Poured w/Ivermectin, No Implants, April/June Calves, Age and Source Verified thru Red Angus Will Whitlock 30 Red/Rwf Strs, 450-550#, Weaned a long time, Bunk Broke, 2 Rounds of Shots: Endovac, Vira Shield 6, Somubac Hales Ranch Trust/Lee Hales 14 Blk Strs, 525#, Weaned 90 days, Grass Hay, 2# of Grain, 2# of Cake, Branding Shots: Bovi-Shield 5, 7-way w/ Sopmnus, Pre-cond. Shots: One Shot, Ultra 7, Bovi-Shield Gold 5, Weaning Shots: Bovi-Shield Gold 5, 7-way w/Somnus, No Implants A & M Wehrli 10 Mx Strs & Hfrs, 550-750#, Weaned since Nov. 1. Bunk Broke, Been on Hay and a Light Grower Ration, Complete Mineral & Salt Program, Shots at Birth: Alpha 7, Branding Shots: Inforce 3, Presponse HM, Weaning Shots: Vision 7 w/Somnus, Bovi-Shield Gold 5 One Shot
BRED COWS
Wagonhound Land & Livestock 270 Red Angus Cows, ST few SS, Bred to Predominantly
Dollar Red Angus Bulls with a few Hereford Bulls, CF: April 1st for 45 days or May 15th for 30 days, Shots at Preg Check: Vira Shield 6 + VL5, Poured w/Ivermectin, Home Raised, 1-iron Falls Ranch 130 Blk Cows, Mx Ages, Bred to Blk Bulls, CF: March/April few Late, Vermilion Genetics, Home Raised, 1-iron Ron Hoffman 48 Red/Blk/White Corr. Cows, 800-1000#, 3-8 yr olds, Bred to Char Bulls, CF: March 10, 50% Horn / 50% Dehorned Verona Cattle 40 Blk/Rd Cows, 3 yr olds to SM, Bred to Blk Angus or Red Angus Bulls, CF: April-June Lee Hales/Hales Ranch Trust 17 Blk/Bwf Cows, 1350#, Mx Ages, Bred to Gray’s Angus Bulls, CF: April 9, Spring Shots: Pre-guard 10, Poured w/ Ivomectrin this Fall, Home Raised, Running out on Grass, Cake Broke Kruse Livestock LLC 6 Bwf Cows, 3-8 yr olds, Bred to Registered Hereford or Angus Bulls, CF: May 1 for 55 days, Been on a modified Live Vacc Program, Bangs Vac., Shots in December: Vira Shield 6 Vl5 + HB, Poured, Been on a Salt/Mineral Program, Running Out, Cake Broke, Home Raised Kruse Cattle LLC 6 Hereford Cows, 4-8 yr olds, Bred to Registered Hereford or Angus Bulls, CF: May 1 for 55 days, Been on a modified Live Vacc Program, Bangs Vac., Shots in December: Vira Shield 6 Vl5 + HB, Poured, Been on a Salt/Mineral Program, Running Out, Cake Broke, Home Raised Tony and Rachel Hedges 2 Blk Cows, 4-5 yr olds, Bred Blk Angus/Gelbvieh Blk Bulls, Bred To March 1, Shots: Vira Shield 6 VL5,
Bos 9, Multimin 90, Ivomec
-
The top eight champion animals sold for a collective $637,000, far surpassing the previous record of $585,000 set in 2023.
According to a Jan. 24 press release, the majority of proceeds go directly to exhibitors to help support their agricultural careers and college education.
“A portion of the proceeds also benefits the National Western Scholarship Trust, which provides scholarships for agriculture studies and rural medicine at colleges across Colorado and Wyoming,” the press release reads. “This year, 110 students received financial support through the program for their education.”
The brief further notes, “This remarkable display
of support underscores the community’s commitment to fostering the growth of young agricultural talent and the continued success of the junior livestock auction at NWSS.”
Champion steers
Previous records continued to fall as this year’s champions entered the sale ring.
Madilyn Norvell, a 14-year-old hailing from Tuttle, Okla., brought in $210,000 with her 2025 NWSS Grand Champion Steer Thunder, named after her favorite basketball team – the Oklahoma City Thunder – breaking the previous record of $200,000 set in 2023 by Justin Pfannebecker.
Norvell’s steer was purchased by Hutchison Western in honor of the late Buck Hutchison, a founding member of the junior livestock auction and a devoted supporter of youth in agriculture.
In an emotional interview with 9News Chief Meteorologist Kathy Sabine, Norvell thanked her buyers for “changing her life forever.”
“This is going to allow me to do so many things I have always dreamed of,” she said, noting she plans on using the money to pursue a degree at Oklahoma State University (OSU), a career as an agricultural lobbyist and to show at the NWSS next year.
Fourteen-year-old Rhylee Rodgers of Searsboro, Iowa exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Steer, known as Mogcky, during her first year at the NWSS. Her steer was purchased by Transwest Trucks, Inc. for a record $125,000.
Rodgers told 9News she also plans to attend OSU and remain actively involved in the ag industry. Winning hogs Fellow 14-year-old Alice Hawk of Muncie, Ind. exhibited the Grand Champion Hog and broke a record of her own.
Hawk’s hog, by the name of Goose, brought a record $85,000 and was purchased by OXY.
“It’s been a really good year – my best year yet,” she said.
Scout, the 2025 Reserve Grand Champion Hog, was exhibited by 18-year-old Rylee Anderson of Chillicothe, Mo. and was purchased by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce for $55,000.
Ending her showing career on a high note, Anderson gave 9News an emotional farewell interview.
“In July, we made the decision this would be my last year after 10 years of showing, and NWSS was the last show I will ever show at,” she said. “Being on the green carpet and getting a handshake was the greatest highlight of my show career.”
Sheep and goats
Fondly referred to as Tucker, the 2025 NWSS Grand Champion Lamb was shown by 18-year-old Clay Randall of Canute, Okla. and sold to TKM Foundation for a record-breaking $52,000.
Randall has been a force in the show industry for nine years and said, most of all, he treasures the connections he has made in a community that feels more like family.
Brayden Bowers, age 15, of Belmont, Wis., exhibited Spook, the Reserve Champion Lamb, which sold for $42,000 to APC Resources.
With six years of showing under his belt, Bowers noted he plans to invest the money in his next crop of show lambs and pigs and to attend college.
Yet another record was broken at the end of the night, when Sayde Allan’s Grand Champion Goat Humble sold for a record $45,000 to Babson Farms.
Hailing from Elk City, Okla., the 15-year-old said her favorite part of showing is traveling across the nation and gaining new experiences.
To round out the sale, 18-year-old Madden Wise of Brownwood, Texas sold his Reserve Champion Goat Phillip for $22,500 to Wagner Equipment Company.
Madden started showing at the age of 10 and aspires to become an agricultural lawyer and business owner.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Winning goats – Elk City,
ited the National
Nine months of early morning and late night chores, halter breaking, hair training, recordkeeping and updating donors culminated at the 2025 National Western Stock Show (NWSS) Catch-ACalf Contest Jan. 9-12.
As NWSS’s longeststanding practical beef management program, the contest is designed for participants to catch a donated calf, feed it out and return one year later with a competitive, market-ready steer.
Steers are judged on production and carcass quality, while participants are judged on showmanship, record books and a personal interview.
This year, Wyoming’s own Cooper Sanchez of Burns took home the coveted title of 2025 NWSS Grand Champion CatchA-Calf.
Cooper is now the second consecutive Sanchez to top the leaderboard in the contest, as his twin sister Blair exhibited the 2024 NWSS Grand Champion Catch-A-Calf.
At the Auction of Junior Champions, Cooper’s Hereford steer brought an impressive $80,000 and sold to the Roundup Riders.
The Reserve Cham-
pion Catch-A-Calf was shown by 16-year-old Garrett Tolman of Crawford, Neb. and was purchased by Gutterson Ranches for $35,000.
For more information, contact Dawn Schooley Territory Sales Manager – MT, WY (406) 633-3003 Alltech.com/bio-mos2
attest, this year’s bison were top-notch animals making their jobs extra difficult. These bison will go on to start and expand herds across the continent for years to come, assisting with the restoration of the species and supporting our growing market.”
Top bull sales
“We had the largest offering of bison we have seen in many years,” says GTSS Coordinator Karen Conley. “There were four new consignors and a strong showing of both U.S. and Canadian animals who bolstered numbers. GTSS showcases some of the finest breeding stock in the country, and our consignors certainly brought their best
to the event.”
The 2025 GTSS event generated over half of a million dollars in sales revenue with the highest-selling animal, a grand champion yearling bull, which sold for $25,000 to Arizona Buffalo Company of Buckeye, Ariz. and Mary Adams of Evergreen, Colo.
The yearling bull was consigned by first-time consignors and Rookie of the Year Honorees Bruce, Avis, Brock and Britney Friedel of Iron River Elk and Bison of Iron River, Alberta, Canada.
Iron River Elk and Bison have been raising elk and bison for over 30 years in northern Alberta, and in the yearling bull division they secured both first place
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Lunch at Noon • Sale begins at 1pm
Selling 40 Angus & Balancer® Bulls
Selling sons of MTR Titlest 619, Tehama Patriarch F028, Basin Safe Deposit 9342 Gelbvieh Sire: DLW TPG Frontrunner 2510F
Buffalo Livestock Marketing Buffalo, WY
Miles and Tiffany Rives
P.O. Box 392 • Buffalo, WY 82834
307-217-0408 or 307-217-0409 mtrctco@vcn.com
BIG
60 TRAILERS IN STOCK
2013 WESTERN STAR 4900 DAY CAB, 555,547 MILES, ISX 550 CUMMINS, 18 SPD TRANS., 46,000 LBS REAR, 390 RATIO WET KIT, 1 LIFT AXLE – $59,500 2013 MACK 600, 306,406 MILES
EXTENSIVE ENGINE WORK DONE – $39,500
2006 INTERNATIONAL 9200 DAY CAB, 292,298 MILES, 12,695 ENGINE HOURS, CAT C-13 ACERT ENGINE, 10 SPD SHIFT TRANS., JAKE BRAKE, STATIONARY 5TH PLATE – $39,500
2007 CTS BDT-40 T/A BELLY DUMP – $26,500
2019 BOBCAT T870 SKID STEER, 2145.1 HRS – $49,500
2018 BOBCAT T650 SKID STEER, 2274.5 HRS – $ 39,500
2022 BOBCAT E60 MINI EXCAVATOR
2022 BOBCAT T770 SKID STEER
2008 BOBCAT T250 SKID STEER
JD 5093E TRACTOR
2016 KUBOTA MX5200D TRACTOR
2023 CAT D6 DOZER
CAT 906 LOADER
CAT 930M LOADER
FRIESEN TRAILER
COMPRESSOR CAT REACH FORKLIFT (TELEHANDLER)
2023 SA CARGO TRAILER
with a 1,415-pound yearling bull and second place with another 1,475-pound yearling bull which sold for $13,000.
In the two-year-old bull division, Mark Silzer and Cec Stumborg of Wolverine Bison of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada sold a 2,005-pound bull for $20,000 and a 1,935-pound bull for $17,000.
In the same two-yearold bull division, Nathan and Amanda Scott of Beldon Bison Ranch of Nipawin, Saskatchewan, Canada sold a 2,015-pound bull for $17,000, while Nolan and Nicole Miller of Silver Creek Bison of Binscarth, Manitoba, Canada sold a 1,960pound bull for $14,000 and secured the reserve grand champion title.
Top heifer and bred heifer sales
The Miller family also dominated the two-yearold bred heifer division in high sales, with a 1,545pound bred heifer selling for $7,500 and a 1,420pound bred heifer selling for $8,750.
The highest-selling female was a two-year-old bred heifer consigned by Joe and Bonnie Brown of 2J Bison of Terreton, Idaho which sold for $16,000 and was purchased by the Arizona Buffalo Company.
Justin and Shaelyn Dorey of Irish Creek Bison of Vermilion, Alberta, Canada sold a 986-pound year-
ling heifer for $4,250 to secure the reserve grand champion title, while Dixie Byrd of Trails End River Bison of Presho, S.D. secured first place and top sales for the pen of three yearling heifers division.
Honorable mention went to Alan and Victoria Oborny of Deep Creek Ranch of Choteau, Mont., who took
home top sales in the bull calves division, as well as the top honors in the pen of five heifer calves division and secured the top three places in the heifer calves division.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
The Wyoming Legislature has taken significant steps in addressing key agricultural and consumer issues, with two bills passing the Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee.
These bills, sponsored by Sen. Cheri Steinmetz (R-S03), reinforce Wyoming’s commitment to supporting its livestock industry and ensuring transparency for consumers purchasing U.S. beef.
Senate File (SF) 64, Wyoming Opposes Mandatory Electronic ID Devices (EID) for Livestock, establishes Wyoming livestock producers have the right to continue using historically reliable, affordable and voluntary methods of livestock identification, such as brands, backtags, tattoos and ear tags.
It also reinforces the confidentiality of producer information as outlined in Wyoming Statute 11-18-
continued from page A2
the couple may have to get county review and a permit for their kids to raise 4-H animals or they may be denied this request outright as well.
Park County is becoming a fiefdom ruled by overlords and “not in my backyard” hypocrites. A man who moved here from Colorado recently informed me, in the county he fled, a person couldn’t even cut down a tree on their property without permission.
This is exactly where we’re headed in Park County and throughout Wyoming if we don’t fight land use regulations at all levels.
I sometimes have fellow ag producers or friends and neighbors tell me we should “save ag lands” from development. As a person who loves and makes a living from the land, I get it. However, in my opinion, “saving ag lands” through regulation
The Wyoming Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force is excited to announce the launch of Phase Two of the Semiquincentennial Grant Program. This initiative is eager to engage Wyoming communities in celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary through meaningful projects and programs.
The grant program will support initiatives focused on strategic planning, public art, monuments, exhibits, cultural and historic preservation
117. The Wyoming Livestock Board has supported this effort by passing resolutions opposing the federal mandatory EID rule implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
SF064 has passed the Senate Agriculture Committee and will move to the Senate floor for further debate.
SF084, Country of Origin Labeling for U.S. Beef, mandates beef products born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the U.S.
must be labeled accordingly to provide consumers with transparency and assurance.
Acceptable labels include “Product of the U.S.A.” or region-specific alternatives such as “Wyoming Beef” or “Local Beef.” This legislation aims to promote consumer awareness and support domestic beef producers. The bill passed the Senate Agriculture Committee and will be considered on the Senate floor.
is a short-sighted argument missing the bigger picture. As we’re seeing in Park County, government will always try to get more control, and we the people must constantly push back. If we safeguard our property rights first and foremost, I’m confident agriculture will be all the better for it. Join me in letting the Park County commissioners and the planner director know what you think. Their e-mail addresses are as follows:
• scott.mangold@parkcounty-wy.gov
• kelly.simone@parkcounty-wy.gov
• dossie.overfield@parkcounty-wy.gov
• lloyd.thiel@parkcounty-wy.gov
• scott.steward@parkcounty-wy.gov
• planning@parkcounty-wy.gov.
Carrie Peters is a third generation Wyoming ag producer who graduated with an animal science degree from the University of Wyoming. She and her family farm and ranch between Powell and Cody.
and other areas designed to showcase Wyoming’s significant contributions to American history.
Phase One of the grant program opened in December and is focused on helping counties and Tribes begin to plan their commemorative efforts. Phase Two seeks to expand the program’s reach by encouraging partnerships with local organizations, schools and communities. All partnerships must be formalized in writing before propos-
als are submitted.
This funding opportunity is exclusively open to local governments, public education institutions, nonprofit organizations, state agencies and the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Business Councils through their officially recognized designees.
Eligible applicants must have project management experience and, if applicable, be registered as a compliant 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. A
letter of support from the official County Semiquincentennial Committee or County Commission is also required. Applications are now open for submission and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until Dec. 31. All applications must be complete. Any late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
For more information regarding eligibility, application procedures and project guidelines, visit wyoming250.com/grants
Rep. Tony Locke (R-H35) would impose a 50 percent exemption on all residential property values up to $1 million and is forecast to generate $197 million less in revenue for the state.
Property taxes play a crucial role in funding local governments and schools in Wyoming, and with HB169, these entities would benefit from a 50 percent reimbursement to offset any revenue reductions caused by the proposed exemption which would only be in effect for the next two tax years and expire by 2027.
This reimbursement would be supported by a $125 million allocation from the state, ensuring vital services and programs can continue to thrive.
The bill received support in the House last week, passing with a vote of 40 to 20 – two members were absent – and now has been introduced in the Senate for the first reading.
Its favorable margin is noteworthy, especially considering Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed a similar bill in 2024.
Should Gordon choose to veto this legislation as well, it would require a two-thirds majority in both houses to successfully override the veto, assuming
the Senate also approves the bill.
“A large number of us were sent here to deliver property tax relief and ultimately tax reform to Wyoming families,” states Locke on the House floor on Jan. 21. “This bill is short-term relief for a large swath of our residential taxpayers to fix excessive increases to property tax burdens our families have seen in the last several years. The people have been very clear it is a priority, evidenced by their initiative to get tax relief and reform in place.”
However, a number of organizations have expressed their concerns regarding the bill, highlighting the potential challenges it may pose to their operations as a result of the anticipated shortfall it could create.
Rep. Lloyd Larsen (R-H17) echoed those concerns about backfills when the House of Representatives debated the amendment last week.
Homeowner property tax exemption Senate File (SF) 69 is another bill making significant progress through the legislature and is currently being discussed in the Senate.
The proposed bill aims
to alleviate the financial burden of property taxes by offering a 25 percent reduction on the first $2 million of a single-family residence’s fair market value.
While this initiative aims to benefit homeowners, it is important to note it goes beyond the provisions outlined in HB169, as this bill does not include an expiration date or provisions for backfill funding to support local governments and schools in addressing the anticipated loss of tax revenue.
Initial estimates suggest this exemption could lead to a reduction of approximately $142.6 million in tax revenue annually.
According to reports, SF069 would require each county treasurer to carefully document any reductions in local tax revenues which may occur as a result of its implementation.
In response, the state government’s Legislative Stabilization Reserve Account will be allocated to help offset these losses for local entities, ensuring the compensation remains within a cap of $100 million. Property tax refund program-revision Sponsored by the Joint Revenue Interim Committee, HB039, Property Tax
Refund Program-Revisions, is aimed at enhancing accessibility for Wyoming residents to qualify for the property tax refund program and successfully passed its third reading in the House on Jan. 28.
This bill seeks to adjust the maximum income threshold for property tax refunds from 165 percent to 145 percent of the median household income within the homeowner’s county.
These proposed changes would modify the property tax refund program established by the state legislature in 2023. However, the measure is now poised for further discussion in the Senate.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
In a tradition spanning more than four decades, Fremont County’s 41st Annual Farm and Ranch Days will take place Feb. 5-6 at the county fairgrounds in Riverton. This year’s event boasts more than 25 educational presentations on topics ranging from invasive weeds and wildfire recovery to federal grazing permits and conflict mediation.
Sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 2:45 p.m. A free lunch, funded by sponsors and prepared by the Fremont County CattleWomen, will be provided both days.
Speakers include experts from the Fremont County Weed and Pest District, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Farm Credit Services of America, Wyoming Wool Growers Association and the Wyoming State Veterinarian’s office, as well as University of Wyoming (UW) Extension educators and local ranchers.
For attendees seeking to obtain or renew their private pesticide applicator licenses, a four-session program will be offered from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Participants must bring a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license and attend all four sessions to apply for a private applicator license.
For a full schedule of events, visit wyoextension.org/ fremontcounty. For more information, contact UW Extension’s Lander office at 307-332-2363 or the Riverton office at 307-857-3654.
Keynote Speaker Andrea Flemming, a Minnesota producer and content creator behind “That Fit Agvocate,” provided a powerful speech to kick off the 31st Annual Wyoming Women in Ag Symposium, held in Laramie Nov. 7-8, 2024.
While growing up, Flemming shared she was looked down on as the “weird farm girl” who didn’t fit in with her peers and was bullied up until the day she graduated high school.
After some other hard knocks and failed dreams, Flemming returned home to her family’s farm in smalltown Minnesota and has made it her mission to bridge the gap between producers and consumers by sharing her raw and honest story and to empower other women to be confident, live authentically and find alignment in life.
Embracing roles with confidence
“As women, it is really easy to compare ourselves to those around us,” Flemming began. “But here’s the deal –our worth is not determined by anyone else. We are the only ones who can determine our worth.”
To increase self-worth, Flemming encouraged women to speak up for what they want, step outside of traditional roles and embrace these roles with
more confidence.
“I firmly believe you should all be in roles – notice I put an ‘s’ on the end because it can always be more than one – you want to be in, not ones you feel like you should be in or are shoved in to,” she stated. “These should be roles you are valued in, you thrive in and that you love. Roles that challenge you to grow and learn, because if we are not learning and growing, we are not really existing as humans.”
She added, “And, I firmly believe we should be constantly evolving in a role that lights our souls on fire.”
In a historically maledominated industry, where women might have a harder time speaking up for what they want, Flemming emboldened the crowd to do just this, noting women bring a lot more to the table than many believe – even the women themselves.
She encouraged women to look past the limiting beliefs that keep them from speaking up and make note of what they can do or are currently doing to make a positive impact on their operation – in their current roles or in other roles they would like to possess.
“Speak up and use your voice,” she said. “We have a lot to offer. We bring a lot to the table. We think differently. We have unique way
of doing things.”
Whether women are happy in their current roles or seeking something more fulfilling, Flemming urged them to embrace these roles with more confidence.
“There is this lovely word in our vocabulary –it’s the word ‘just,’” she stated. “So many times I hear women say, ‘I just feed the crew during harvest. I just take care of the cows. I just do the books.’ And they are selling themselves short every single time they use this word. It is doing so much more damage than any of us think possible.”
Finding alignment, living authentically
Along these same lines, Flemming said, “If you look at your current life and think ‘I’m happy, but there is something missing,’ it’s okay. It is honestly just part of being a woman.”
She reassured women it’s okay to pursue other roles and passions, regardless of how quirky or random. She believes this is the key to finding alignment and living authentically.
“What makes you, you?” she asked. “Your quirks, your passions. Whatever they are, it is what makes you, you and this is a gift to everyone around you.”
She also asked meeting attendees to reflect on their natural gifts and talents.
“We are really terrible as women about giving ourselves credit for things we are good at or naturally gifted with,” she noted. “I’m really good with data and excel spreadsheets, and I never used any of it to my advantage until I automated all of our calving records. I am also much better at reading cattle and watching for sickness than my dad, and he eventually had to admit he is not patient enough to notice these things when he feeds the cattle because he is focused on driving the truck down the alleyway.”
These realizations can help women fit into roles on the operation which are better aligned for them.
Flemming further noted passions and roles may pivot and change with the seasons, which is also okay.
“There might be years of trying to figure things out, finding out what works and running into some failure,” she said. “Failure is not
always a bad thing, neither is reassessing and pivoting. This is how we find alignment, and alignment is not a permanent destination.”
Further advice
To wrap up her presentation, Flemming offered a few more bits of advice.
On days when it’s hard to feel worthy or brave, she suggested borrowing confidence from someone else.
“Borrow the confidence,” she stated. “I know it sounds silly, but it you think about physically taking confidence from me and using it to do the hard thing, it will help. I promise.”
In addition to using their voices to speak up for themselves, Flemming also encouraged women to learn to say no.
“Nobody is literally going to die if you say no,” she said. “You might feel like you’re letting everyone down, but if you say yes to something you are not fully invested in, you’re not
going to give it your all anyway. So do the right thing and say no. Don’t overwork yourself.”
She continued, “And, when you say no to one thing, it usually leaves space and energy for something that better aligns with your life to come along.”
Flemming also noted, “Third, fill your own cup. It’s super cliché, I know, but you cannot pour from an empty cup.”
Lastly, Flemming encouraged the crowd to create more connections with the people around them and build up a support system to lean on when things get tough.
“Connection is key to human existence,” she said. “Connect with others. Find your people and lean into them.”
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Hutcheson, Tom - Meeteetse
$14500
1 Blk Bull, 1805# $14000
Boardman, Jared - Frannie
1 Blk Bull, 1995# $13750
Hook, Jace - Thermopolis
1 Blk Bull, 1920# $13650
Lembke, Ryan - Lovell
1 Red Bull, 1625# $13500
Gillet Farms, Inc. - Powell
1 Blk Bull, 2360# $13450
Hotler, JB - Powell
1 BramX Bull, 1430# $12800 COWS
Hutcheson, Tom - Meeteetse
1 Blk Cow, 1220# $14000
1 Blk Cow, 1395# $13350
Gillett, Gary - Powell
1 Blk Cow, 1520# $14000
Russell Land & Livestock - Basin
3 BWF Cows, avg. 1407# $13500
Double Dollar Cattle Co. - Lovell
1 Red Cow, 1645# $13200
Givens, Guy - Arapahoe
1 Blk Cow, 1425# $13100
Lungren, Luke - Worland
1 Blk Cow, 1125# $12850
1 Blk
Feb. 10
Feb. 10
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.
Feb. 6
Feb. 6
University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 1-5 p.m., Fairgrounds Community Building, Buffalo. For more information or to RSVP, contact Micah Most at mmost@uwyo.edu or 307-684-7522.
University of Wyoming 2025 Ranching in the West We Can All Be Heroes in Our Own Lives Seminar, 5-7 p.m., Ag and Equine Center, Central Wyoming College, Riverton. For more information or to register, contact Dr. Randall Violett at rviolett@uwyo.edu or 307-766-4239.
Feb. 7 Wyoming Livestock Board Public Meeting, 7 a.m., Zoom. For more information, visit wlsb.state.wy.us or contact WLSB at 307-777-7515.
Feb. 11
University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Laramie County Fairgrounds, Cheyenne. For more information or to RSVP, contact Hannah Mills at hmorneau2@uwyo.edu or 307-633-4383.
Feb. 11 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Converse County Library, Douglas. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Converse County Extension Office at 307-358-2417.
Feb. 11 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 1-5 p.m., Laramie County Fairgrounds, Cheyenne. For more information or to RSVP, contact Hannah Mills at hmorneau2@uwyo.edu or 307-633-4383.
Feb. 11
University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program 1-5 p.m., Watt Agricultural Center, Sheridan. For more information or to RSVP, contact Micah Most at mmost@uwyo.edu. Or 307-684-7522.
Feb. 11-13 World Ag Expo, Tulare, Calif. For more information, visit worldagexpo.com
Feb. 12 Beef Cattle Research Council Foot and Mouth Disease Webinar, 7 p.m., online. For more information or to register, visit beefresearch.ca
Feb. 12 WESTI Ag Days, 8 a.m., Washakie Museum and Cultural Center, Worland. For more information, contact Dan VanderPloeg at dvanderp@uwyo.edu.
Feb. 12 2025 Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, 6:30 a.m., Little America Hotel and Resort, Cheyenne. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit wyoprayerbreakfast.org
Feb. 13 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Platte County Agri-Plex, Wheatland. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Platte County Extension Office at platteco@uwyo.edu or 307-322-3667.
Feb. 18 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program
8 a.m.-12 p.m., Crook County Courthouse, Sundance. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sara Fleenor at sfleenor@uwyo.edu or 307-283-1192.
Feb. 18 University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension Beef Roundtable, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Prairie Winds Community Center, Bridgeport, Neb. For more information or to register, visit go.unl.edu/2025roundtable
Feb. 18 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 12-4 p.m., Park County Library, Cody. For more information or to RSVP, contact Makayla Getz at mgetz@uwyo.edu or 307-754-8837.
Feb. 19 University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension Beef Roundtable, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Bayer Water Utilization Learning Center, Gothenburg, Neb. For more information or to register, visit go.unl.edu/2025roundtable
Feb. 19 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Washakie County Extension Office, Worland. For more information or to RSVP, contact Dan VanderPloeg at dvanderp@uwyo.edu or 307347-3431.
Feb. 19 University of Wyoming Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Program, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Weston County Fairgrounds, Newcastle. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sara Fleenor at sfleenor@uwyo.edu or 307-283-1192.
Feb. 20 University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension Beef Roundtable, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Nielsen Community Center, West Point, Neb. For more information or to register, visit go.unl.edu/2025roundtable
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
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 Market, Torrington, 307-575-5520, 307-575-0373
Feb. 11 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
Feb. 12
Feb. 13
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
Feb. 17
Feb. 20
Feb. 21
Feb. 21
Feb. 21
Weaver Ranch 40th Annual Production Sale, at the ranch, Fort Collins, Colo., 970-568-3898
Big Sky Salers 41st Annual Salers Focus Bull Sale, Stockmen’s Livestock, Dickinson, N.D., 406-557-6259
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
Lewis Brothers Angus 45th Annual Bull Sale, St. Onge Livestock Auction, St. Onge, S.D., 605-391-7090, 605-391-6399, 605-430-3312, grandviewangus.com
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
Hitch a team of highstrung race horses to a couple of over-sized ice skates welded to half of a 55-gallon drum, find a “crazy” teamster/driver who would challenge the neighbors and you have an old fashioned “cutter race.”
For more than 150 years, Wyoming cowboys with a couple of fast horses have been staging cutter and chariot races wherever a flat spot and snow could be found.
During the mid1920s, organized cutter races began to spring up across the Rocky Mountain Region, including Star Valley, Jackson, Evanston, Laramie, Casper, Rawlins, Baggs/ Little Snake River Valley and Saratoga/Encampment Valley in Wyoming and Steamboat Springs, Craig, Walden and the Front Range of Colorado.
When snow wasn’t available, bicycle wheels were placed on sleds and the chariot – similar to those used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome for warfare, racing and hunting – was born again.
The chariot is described as a light, twowheeled vehicle for one person, hitched to a team and driven from a standing position.
Evolving greatly over history of the sport, the wooden chariots of ancient wars and gas barrels of ranch racing have been replaced by lightweight, aluminum/fiberglass models with rubber wheels.
Veteran Chariot Racer Ron Garretson of the Saratoga area noted both homemade and commercial chariots are made out of aluminum on the hitch with fiberglass on the “can” or body of the contraption. Wheels are similar to bicycle tires, only heavier.
According to Garretson, the chariots are a standard size and weigh right at 58 pounds. The body, where the driver stands during a race, is u-shaped with an open back and no seat. Since there aren’t seats or safety belts in the chariots, Garretson said, the driver grabs the “sissy bar” for the fast start and balances on the lines – reins – during the race.
For many years chariot/cutter races were held throughout the Rockies during the winter including in Saratoga, usually in February. It was billed as the “most exciting quar-
ter-mile in Wyoming.”
The three-day event featured calcuttas, ontrack betting, dinners, entertainment, racing and wrecks and was jointly sponsored by the Saratoga Lions Club and Saratoga and Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The few chariot races remaining today in Wyoming are a far cry from the contests held years ago on a hay meadow or flat country road.
A few years back the cutter/chariot races in Saratoga were discontinued and replaced with skijoring which is being held this year during the weekend of Feb. 1-2 at the Buck Springs Race Track east of town. There are typically around 90 races per day with prize money totaling about $10,000. For those not familiar with the sport of skijoring, it is an action-packed event combining ski and horse racing. Skiers are towed behind a horse and rider down a 700-feet track. The skier must navigate ski gates, jumps and collect rings in this timed event. Horses can reach upwards of 40 miles per hour (mph), while skiers push 50 mph during their runs. But, then, that’s a story for the next horse race.
Billings: no test.
Source:
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Torrington
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News, Greeley, CO National Sheep Summary
As of January 24, 2025
Compared to last week slaughter lambs were mostly steady to 10.00 lower. Slaughter ewes steady. Feeder lambs under 90 lbs sharply lower, heavier lambs steady to 2.00 higher. At San Angelo, TX 3,967 head sold. Equity Cooperative Auction sold 400 feeder lambs in North Dakota and 355 feeder lambs in Utah. Western Video sold 2216 feeder lambs and 600 slaughter lambs in California. 3,853 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 105-145 lbs 170.00-194.00. Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 130-160 lbs 165.00-195.00. South Dakota: wooled and shorn 120-150 lbs 160.00-176.00; 150-165 lbs 152.00-160.00.
Billings: wooled and shorn 115-140 lbs 152.50-186.00. Equity Coop: no sales. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2 San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 320.00-347.00; 60-70 lbs 290.00330.00; 70-80 lbs 280.00-326.00; 80-90 lbs 246.00-286.00, few 296.00; 90-110 lbs 208.00-260.00. wooled and shorn 68 lbs 315.00; 96 lbs 210.00.
Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 60 lbs 292.50; 80-90 lbs 257.50272.50; 107 lbs 253.00; 115 lbs 254.00. hair 50 lbs 312.50; 70-80 lbs 287.00; 95 lbs 270.00; 109 lbs 242.50. South Dakota: wooled and shorn 60-70 lbs 285.00-312.50; 70-80 lbs 275.00-295.00; 80-90 lbs 230.00-275.00; 100-110 lbs 210.00-240.00. hair 55 lbs 300.00; 70-80 lbs 250.00-290.00; 84 lbs 240.00; 90-100 lbs 205.00-230.00. Billings: wooled and shorn 60-70 lbs 240.00-269.00; 70-80 lbs
233.00-254.00; 80-90 lbs 210.00-230.00; 90-100 lbs 194.00214.00. hair 50-60 lbs 262.50-266.00; 60-70 lbs 250.00-270.00; 70-80 lbs 237.00-262.50; 86 lbs 240.00; 90-100 lbs 190.00-211.00. Slaughter Ewes San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 100.00-136.00, hair 100.00-116.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) hair 110.00-134.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 119.00, hair 90.00-96.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) hair 82.00-90.00. Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 110.00-112.50; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 78.00-110.00; 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) 85.00-105.00, hair 100.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 790.00-890.00; Cull 1 33.00-50.00.
Billings: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 85.00-96.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 89.00-97.00, hair 96.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 72.00-89.00; Cull 1 65.00. Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2
San Angelo: hair 39 lbs 370.00; 40-50 lbs 341.00-347.00. Ft. Collins: no test.
South Dakota: 34 lbs 425.00; 40-50 lbs 365.00-380.00; 64 lbs 265.00; 70-80 lbs 240.00-259.00; 80-90 lbs 227.00-236.00; 90-110 lbs 190.00-199.00; 150-160 lbs 151.00. hair 69 lbs 265.00.
Billings: 50-60 lbs 260.00-265.00; 60-70 lbs 252.50-260.00; 74 lbs 250.00. Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2 San Angelo: yearling hair 85-100 lbs 162.00-182.00/cwt. Ft. Collins: no test. South Dakota: young 230.00-310.00/head; middle age 210.00290.00/head; aged 190.00-197.50/head; middle age hair 210.00 head.
Source: USDA- CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO Wyoming Hay Summary
As of January 30, 2025
Movement is about the same since the last report. Producers are saying demand has been slow all over Wyoming. Phones aren’t ringing and there doesn’t seem to be big local demand. 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. Central Wyoming
Source: USDA AMS Livestock,
by
Using a set of reasons –like the ones I used to give on my high school and college livestock
teams – I will now appraise the
farm animals. Sir or madame, I place this class of farm animals dog, horse, hog, cow and sheep. I had a very
close top pair and an easy bottom.
I place the dog on top, over the horse, because the dog can’t buck you off so high birds will build nests in your beard on your way back down to Earth. The dog doesn’t smell as bad as the hog – unless it’s tangled
with a skunk – doesn’t have the brains of a fire hydrant like the sheep and doesn’t try to kill you in the sorting alley or the rodeo arena like the bovine.
Dogs are cheap to feed, can ride in the cab of your pickup and will protect the empty beer cans and broken jack in the bed of your truck with their life.
I do grant the dog can’t carry you around on its back all day like the horse, and its incessant yapping can be annoying.
In placing the horse second, I highly value you can tell your rumors, gossip,
hearsay and transgressions to your horse and it will never spill the beans. Also, a horse will follow your subtle commands, unless they are of an idiotic nature.
The horse can turn like a serpent, walk like a cat and run like a deer. The only other contrivance that can do this on a farm is green and mechanical in nature.
The horse looks good in leather and is the only animal I know of that smells good when sweaty.
Unlike a cowboy, your average horse knows what “whoa” means.
Horses have better den-
tition than the cow and can run faster than a sow.
Horses are also kinder than other farm animals, and if you don’t believe me, watch them stand head to tail and swat flies off of each other.
Name one time you’ve ever seen a hog do this with its corkscrew tail.
Over the centuries, a good cow horse has always been worth about 10 times the value of a cow.
I do grant pork tastes better than horse meat, and your average county fair racing pig costs less than the average Thoroughbred at Keeneland.
I place the hog in the third position over the cow because the pig doesn’t have the IQ of a cauliflower like many cows I’ve known. In terms of intelligence, hogs could have been placed at the top of the class, but their putrid smell and evasive nature puts them in the third position today.
I do not like how they are as evasive as coyotes and have the morals of a Congressperson.
I grant the meat from a bovine tastes better than all the rest, but I was forced to put the cow in the fourth spot today because when the chips are down, cattle are nowhere to be found.
Take the bull for instance. When he’s done violating cows and heifers, he goes off and drinks with his buddies for nine months. Neither is the cow very quick on the uptake.
All a cow has to do to live a long and productive life is bring a healthy calf to the branding pen every year, yet she will not stand for a bull and kicks at the artificial inseminator.
They also have a propensity to pee on expensive hay.
Cows aren’t cowboyfriendly, and if you yell instructions at them, it just goes in one ear and out the udder.
I place the cow above the sheep and rolled the sheep to the bottom of the class because the cow is still not as stupid as the normal sheep whose IQ is lower than the average temperature of South Dakota in winter.
A sheep doesn’t know the difference between a cow and a sow and spends its time just hunting for a place to die. A young lamb’s goal in life is to grow up and be a car seat cushion like its father and mother.
It’s for these reasons I place this class of farm animals dog, horse, hog, cow and sheep.
blessed I am to have been raised in agriculture and grow up in this lifestyle,” she adds. “Being raised in agriculture has taught me the importance of hard work and dedication and that great things never come while remaining in our comfort zone.”
A passion for ag Megan is a freshman at Sheridan College in Sheridan, studying animal science, biology and farrier science.
“I knew I wanted to study something that would complement and supplement my passion for agriculture,” Megan states. “My grandpa has always emphasized the importance of leaving the ranch to learn new skills, gain knowledge and return with a trait benefiting the operation.”
Before college, Megan was highly involved in extracurricular activities from a young age, especially 4-H and FFA.
“I spent 10 years showing market swine, market beef, breeding beef, dogs and horses through 4-H, while also serving in leadership roles for my local 4-H club.
I spent three years serving on the Platte County 4-H Junior
Leadership Team as treasurer, secretary and president,” she states.
During her career, she exhibited the Platte County Grand Champion Market Hog in 2019, the Platte County Fair Best in Show Dog in 2020, the Platte County Reserve Champion Market Hog in 2021 and the Wyoming State Fair Champion Angus Steer in 2022 and 2024, both with ranch-raised calves.
With three of her ranchraised steers, she won the Platte County Market Beef Grand Drive as division and reserve champions in 2022 and the Champion Supreme Cow in 2024 with a threeyear-old cow from her own herd.
Megan even traveled to Belize in 2023 through the Wyoming 4-H International Exchange.
She says, “Showing livestock has instilled in me a deep sense of hard work, dedication and resilience, as I had many highs and lows throughout my show career –starting with losing one of my markets hogs the very first year I was showing.”
Megan’s parents always
reminded her and her sister to win with humility and lose with grace, which has stuck with her for more than just showing in 4-H.
“I have been beyond blessed with success in 4-H, and it isn’t about winning buckles, ribbons or banners, it’s about the lessons learned and memories and friendships made,” she remarks.
Ag leadership
Megan has been extremely successful in her FFA career, serving as a sentinel, treasurer and secretary of the Chugwater FFA Chapter and as president of the Wheatland FFA Chapter for two years.
“I have had the utmost privilege of competing at the National FFA Convention six times, where I placed among the top competitors each time,” she states. “The greatest of those accomplishments was finishing as the third high team in farm business management at National FFA, where my team walked the stage in the Lucas Oil Stadium, and one of our team members was the high individual overall nationally.”
During her senior year of high school, she coached the Wheatland FFA Farm Business Management Team to a state win where they com-
peted at the National FFA Convention last fall, as well as the National FFA Veterinary Science Competition.
Her involvement in FFA has allowed her to gain valuable skills from an array of competitions, many of which have proved valuable in college. It has also deepened her passion for agriculture and those in the industry.
“Agriculture truly is a family where everyone has each other’s backs, so one of the most crucial factors of agriculture is gaining connections,” she adds.
Future in ag
After graduating from Sheridan College, Megan plans to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine or ruminant nutrition.
“I plan to attend West Texas A&M University or Kansas State University to finish a bachelor’s degree with hopes of also being a meats judge at the collegiate level,” she adds. “Long-term, after attending either school, I ultimately want to return to the family ranch.”
While at Sheridan College, Megan has been involved in many organizations, including Wyoming Farm Bureau (WyFB) where she recently competed at the WyFB Young Farmers and
Ranchers discussion meet.
“The first round of the discussion meet was held in Cody, which brought a lot of expected jitters, but it was a confidence boost going into the second round,” she remarks. “Thanks to two members and mentors, Becka Nutting and Brand Terrell, I went into the final round as prepared as possible, and it paid off in the end, leading me to the national competition in March.”
A bright future
“My family has always pushed me to do my best in everything and value resilience. I credit my success to the way I was raised, the lessons I have learned and the community who has pushed me, helped me and congratulated me along the way,” she states.
Outside of agriculture, Megan is involved in basketball and cross country, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and student council.
2 Cow, 1222#
4 Cow, 1108# $150.00 BIG PINEY
2 Cow, 1045# $148.00 ARAPAHOE
1 Cow, 1110# $138.00 LANDER
2 Cow, 1532# $136.00
2 Cow, 1085#
2 Cow, 1180#
Cow,
6 Cow, 1425# $133.00
12 Cow, 1132#
RIVERTON
12 Cow, 1342# $132.50 ARAPAHOE
10 Cow, 1409# $132.00
4 Cow, 1301# $131.50
RIVERTON
12 Cow, 1202# $131.00
6 Cow, 1307# $130.50
9 Cow, 1185# $130.00
LANDER
1 Cow, 1350# $129.50
FARSON
7 Cow, 1312# $129.00
BIG PINEY
1 Cow, 1355# $128.00
FARSON
6 Cow, 1165#
3 Cow, 1336# $125.00
1 Cow, 1240# $124.50 BULLS
Bull,
7 Heiferette,
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 550-625#. 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 650725#.
76 Blk & BWF, sml % RWF Hfrs 625-675#. Rec Pyramid 5 w/Presponse, 7way w/Somnus, Safeguard & CleanUp. Choice, high elevation calves!
Herman Livestock- 125 Blk/BWF/CharX(black nose)
Strs & Hfrs 300-400#. Rec Bovishield Gold 5 & 8 way @ branding & weaning. Poured this fall. Weaned 90+ days. High elevation, summer born calves!
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!
Diamond Bar Ranch- 89 CharX Hfrs 600-625#. Sired by Valley View Charolais.
30 Blk Ang Hfrs 550#. Sired by Lucky 7 Angus. Rec Vista Once SQ and Vision 7 w/Somnus @ branding and weaning (11/1). Poured and Boostered w/ Somnus 11/15. Bangs vaccinated. Over 60 days weaned on pasture and Smart Lic tub w/ Availa 4. Hay fed. Reputation, Green, Loaded with Genetics!!!
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!
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!
Gloria Anderson- 60 Blk Ang Strs 530-630#. 2 rounds of shots & poured with Ivomec this fall. Over 80 days weaned. Been out on pasture and supplemented with hay. Bunk broke. Super set of high desert, high quality steers!
Jock & Chera Campbell- 50 Ang & CharX Strs & Hfrs 550-650#. Rec Pyramid 5 + Presponse & Vision 7 spring & fall. Weaned 100+ days. High elevation. Ben Warren- 50 Blk/BWF Strs & Hfrs 500-550#. Rec Bovishield Gold 5, Vision 7 w/Spur & Ivomec. No implants. Knife cut. High desert!
Jim Yoder- 40 Blk Ang Strs & Hfrs 550-650#. Rec Nasalgen, Vista Once & Vision 7. 60 days weaned out on pasture & hay fed. Good gaining calves!
Horton Land & Livestock- 40 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 500-600#. 2 rounds Pyramid 5 & Vision 7. Drenched w/Safeguard @ precon. Weaned 60+ days on silage/hay ration. No hormones. Heifers are bangs vaccinated. Great performing calves!
Lee & Karen Wilkes- 34 Blk Lim/AngX Strs & Hfrs 600-700#. Rec Vista Once & Vision 7 @ branding & weaning. Clean-Up @ weaning. Weaned 60+ days. Hay fed. Nice set of reputation calves!
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!!
Jim Mines- 20 Blk Ang Strs & 5 Blk Ang Hfrs 550-650#. Rec Vision7 & Vista Once SQ @ branding & weaning (11-24). Weaned 60+ days. Bunk Broke. Heifers are bangs vaccinated.
Pete Dempster- 16 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 500700#. Comp vacc. Weaned a long time. Bunk broke. Hay fed.
Duncan LeClair- 11 Blk LimFlex Strs & Hfrs 500-600#. 3 rounds 7 way, 2 rounds Vista Once, Clean Up in Dec. Year around mineral program. Weaned 90 days. High elevation. Good calves!
Pathfinder Cattle- 10 Blk Ang & AngX Strs & Hfrs 500600#. Weaned Oct 1st. Branding & weaning shots. High desert calves!
Gavin Burgess- 2 Hereford Strs 650#. Weaned Oct 1st. Branding & weaning shots. WEIGHS Medow Creek Livestock- 100 weigh cows. Mrs. Dixon- 200 weighs.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Cross Livestock-
yr
&
stock through 4-H and FFA has shaped Megan into the ag leader she is today. Courtesy photo
Through FBLA, she has competed at the national level three times and finished as the fourth-highest individual in agribusiness in 2024 at the National FBLA Convention.
She has also played violin for 11 years, played in the Eastern Wyoming Youth Orchestra for several years and sat as concertmaster for two years, while dabbling in the banjo, mandolin and cello.
“Growing up showing cattle has allowed me to build my own herd with heifer calves from my grandparents and a couple of heifers purchased throughout the years,” she shares.
Ultimately, her goal is to have a registered Gelbvieh Balancer seedstock operation to run with the family cow/ calf operation.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
SATURDAY, MARCH 1
TUESDAY, MARCH 4
TUESDAY, MARCH 25
fkdramsrus@gmx.com.