Wyoming Stock Growers 150th Anniversary Special Edition

Wyoming Stock Growers Association

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Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

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2022 • Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Wyoming Stock Growers Association: A Historic Event

By Jim Magagna I am experiencing an unprecedented level of excitement as my team and I prepare for the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) – Wyoming’s oldest trade association and our nation’s second oldest state cattle association.

When those five men met in a livery stable in Cheyenne in 1872, they were driven to respond to cattle thefts and the need to conduct annual roundups across Wyoming’s vast open lands. It is doubtful they envisioned an organization which would continue to serve Wyoming and her ranching industry for 150 years.

Today we can look back on WSGA’s contributions to Wyoming and her foundational agricultural industry as we look forward to serving the opportunities and needs

of the next generation of Wyoming ranchers. This is the theme of our 150th Anniversary Celebration – “Celebrating Our Past - Empowering Our Future.”

The celebration is set to take place in Cheyenne June 8-11.

Our 2022 Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show will once again provide attendees the opportunity to hear from key speakers on industry topics, while our members engage in development of the policies guiding our work for the next year.

I appreciate this opportunity to invite all

Wyoming agricultural producers, industry supporters and community leaders to join us in Cheyenne for this celebration.

Highlights include the Thursday night WSGA Invitational Rodeo, the Friday Ranchers Roundup Banquet featuring entertainment by Annie and Amy and Saturday’s parade. You can review the full schedule in this issue of the Roundup as well as on our WSGA website.

By attending the celebration, you will receive a number of WSGA memorabilia, have the opportunity to bid on several unique items in our historic auction and acquire a copy of

On the cover:

our “Celebrating 150 Years of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association” book with a unique labeled bottle of 150th Anniversary Wyoming Whiskey.

Whether you have lived through many of the years embodied in WSGA’s history, are focused on what WSGA is doing for you today or are just beginning to build your future in Wyoming, I am confident you will find fulfillment in participating in our 150th Anniversary Celebration. I urge you to pre-register today at wysga.org or by calling 307-638-3942.

Join your friends, meet new friends and receive updates on matters affecting your business. I look forward to sharing my excitement with you in Cheyenne in June!

Jim Magagna is the Wyoming Stock Growers Association executive vice president.

Cover artwork – The Wyoming Stock Growers Association started with five men in a livery stable in Cheyenne. Depicted here in a 1977 original artwork by Dave Paulley are Tom and John Durbin, R. S. Van Tassell, Charles Coffee and one unknown gentleman. They decided to organize a vigilance committee to cope with rustlers. This meeting was allegedly in the Jim Abney stable, which was on the corner of Capitol Avenue and 16 th Street in Cheyenne.

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • 2022

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

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Leadership team – The Wyoming Stock Growers Association leadership team consists of several members. Back row, left to right, Region One Vice President Kahla Mills, Region Five Vice President Darla Griffin, Region Three Vice President Leif Hanson, Young Producers Assembly President Sage Askin, Region Two Vice President Dan Frank and Region Four Vice President Brad Mead. Front row, left to right, Executive Vice President Jim Magagna, President David Kane and Vice President Jack Berger. Courtesy photo

Dear Fellow Stock Growers Members, One hundred fifty years is a remarkable milestone, and I am honored to congratulate Wyoming Stock Growers Association on this important anniversary. For 150 years, you have been the tireless guardians of the grasslands. Wyoming Stock Growers plays an integral role in policy development and decision-making at every level of government. I am especially honored as a member of the Wyoming Stock Growers to serve you as governor. Together we have worked to preserve the heritage and character of Wyoming agriculture.

In that spirit, I will note it’s perhaps fitting on this anniversary, a governor from Johnson County – a rancher from Kaycee – holds the honor of conveying these congratulations.

Wyoming has a strong sense of history. One hundred thirty years ago, during the War on the Powder River, an occasion like this could not have happened, but today we recognize we are stronger together.

Wyoming Stock Growers embodies our

ambitions for a bright future. You are the steadfast stewards of the land, staunch defenders of your communities and the very people who make Wyoming the great state it is. You strive to ingrain the same principles in future generations we were all raised with, thereby ensuring our state does not lose what makes us unique. Each day you do the hard work of feeding the nation, and your efforts do not stop there. You are involved in your local communities – as members of service organizations, boards and as elected officials. Your contributions give meaning to what should be the 11th principle of the Code of the West – the one my parents Crow and Kay Gordon left with me, “Leave this place a little better for having been here.”

As you reflect on this milestone, I want to thank you for your work, dedication and friendship. As the governor of Wyoming, I am proud to ride herd with you. No matter the challenge we face, Wyoming Stock Growers are the ones who will always strive for a better Wyoming and a brighter future for all.

All the best on the trails ahead, Mark Gordon Governor

Congratulations Wyoming Stock Growers Association on celebrating

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Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

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2022 • Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Grassroots organization – Throughout 1882-1938, several ranchers got together to host Wyoming Stock Growers Association meetings to discuss a variety of livestock and business topics. These meetings grew into larger conventions which included meals and evening banquets. Pictured here is a group of miscellaneous people during a convention. American Heritage Center photo

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YPA president looks forward to the next 150 years of WSGA

y o m i n g Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Young Producers Assembly (YPA) President Sage Askin is a fifth-generation Wyomingite who grew up in Douglas. Sage started his own operation “completely from scratch.”

He is grateful for WSGA

and what the association has done for Wyoming ag over the years, and he looks forward to seeing what the future holds for the association and Wyoming agriculture as a whole.

Background Sage has been a WSGA member for 10 years and a YPA member since its start in 2015. He was part of the

“The livestock industry would certainly not exist like it does without the influence of WSGA.”– Sage Askin, rancher inaugural crew developing YPA. Sage notes he initially became a WSGA member to network with other ranchers across the state.

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“What attracted me to WSGA was it’s a networking event to meet Wyoming’s really successful ranchers and mentors and make connections, but I was quickly able to ascertain it’s also the most affective ag affiliate operation in Wyoming,” he says.

The effectiveness of the association is what kept Sage interested and inspired him to become an active member.

“Most of the time, if something is proposed in legislature negatively effecting Wyoming ag, WSGA is able to stop it in committee, and it doesn’t even get brought forth,” he says. “If it’s going to positively impact Wyoming ag, it usually gets all the way to a vote. The system is very effective.”

“I’ve realized Wyoming ag as we know it, our state’s favorable tax laws and private property rights have been strengthened by WSGA,” Sage continues.

“The livestock industry would certainly not exist like it does without the influence of WSGA.” Supporting youth producers YPA’s mission is to generate opportunities for young producers to be successful and passionate about the livestock industry in Wyoming, notes Sage.

“YPA follow this mission very closely,” he says.

“We see ourselves as the education wing of WSGA.” He notes YPA members are involved with progressive rancher forums, cattlemen’s colleges, regional outreach events and more.

Sage says WSGA hasn’t historically been an association to “pat itself on the back,” and YPA is helping the association proudly share the work they do.

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“We are trying to bring in new membership. We are pretty involved with outreach and spreading the word about WSGA,” he says. “We bring our expertise in social media knowledge to the table.”

Sage says most YPA members are young producers engaged in production ag.

“Most YPA members have taken over their families’ ranches. Some are employed on the ranch, and some are planning to take over the operation in the future,” he says. “They’re all in various stages of succession. We spend a lot of time focusing on successional issues.”

YPA president’s role Sage mentions his number one goal as YPA president is to develop leaders.

“We have a bright, young group of people, and I’m there to help them learn about themselves and to become leaders someday,” he says.

Sage is also in charge of facilitating various events and committees YPA manages. This includes the education and outreach committee; social, recruitment and events committee; policy committee; public relations and media committee; and finance committee.

“I make sure these are all functioning and keep the committee chairs enthusiastic and engaged,” he says. “I also serve on the leadership team of WSGA. It’s been eye opening and impactful for my leadership career developing other leaders.”

Sage notes his role as president revolves around “connecting the dots between the older generation and younger generation of producers.”

Future of WSGA Sage mentions ranching has changed drastically over the years, and this is something WSGA needs to keep in mind.

“We have a whole new wing of progressive ranching,” he says. “Ranching has changed so much in the past 30 years. A producer can’t often buy a ranch with livestock on the ranch anymore, almost never.”

Sage says the future of Wyoming ranching will Please see ASKIN on page A6

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • 2022

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

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2022 • Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Current WSGA president shares his role in the association

ourth-generation rancher David Kane has long been involved in the agriculture industry. His great-grandfather homesteaded in Sheridan in 1882, and his family has been ranching there ever since.

Today, David runs two separate operations beside his wife Terri and son Nate.

David was selected to serve as the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) president in 2021 through 2023.

Early inspiration and duties as president Like father, like son, David was inspired to follow in his father’s footsteps to join WSGA. His father Chas served as a WSGA president from 1983-1985.

“In the early 80s I attended a few meetings and saw how beneficial WSGA was and realized it was something worth belonging to,” shares David. “I’ve been a member ever since.”

Throughout his time with WSGA, David was asked to join several com-

“One of the really rewarding things about being a part of WSGA is the relationships and friendships you make with ranchers across the state and nationally – connections you wouldn’t have otherwise.” – David Kane, Wyoming Stock Growers Association mittees and chair committees. From 2008-2009, David served as the Region One vice president. His involvement in the association ultimately led him to serve as the association’s vice president, to today, as

president, he explained.

Role as president and WSGA changes David has several responsibilities as WSGA president, but he notes his main job is to lead the organization, saying, “My

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most likely not involve many owner-operators, but instead, operators and owners as two separate entities.

“I see WSGA mitigating this relationship going forward, and I think there can still be great success by both parties,” he says. “Producers will see a lot of emphasis on leasing and protecting private property rights, but there will be a shift towards protecting producers who don’t own land but do own livestock on the land. WSGA will be involved with these producers’ private property rights and their lease being a right.”

Sage mentions land now has other values which weren’t so valuable in the past, including aesthetics, wildlife recreational value, wind and solar values.

“These are things WSGA will be very involved with

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job is to lead the organization in a way which helps the agriculture community, whether this is by helping what ranchers need legislatively, encouraging membership or representing WSGA at county meetings and any other meeting where WSGA presence is beneficial.”

There are a variety of duties David keeps busy with, but throughout his involvement with the association he has seen several changes.

“One thing which has been very beneficial to WSGA is social media,” he says. “The ability to communicate more effectively and efficiently with the use of e-mails, texts and our No Bull Sheet, which is a monthly newsletter addressing legislation changes or issues is a huge change within WSGA.” With the help of social media, David’s team is able to address social media requests and questions much quicker than they were able to in the past, he adds.

Fondest memories and proudest accomplishments “One of the really rewarding things about being a part of WSGA is the relationships and friendships you make with ranchers across the state and nationally – connections you wouldn’t have otherwise,” shares David.

“I think this is really beneficial in a lot of different ways. I’ve got friends

throughout the state I’ve become acquainted with through the association – it’s certainly one of the highlights.”

The upcoming WSGA 150th Anniversary Celebration is a proud accomplishment for many across the state. For David, the celebration marks WSGA’s ability to adapt to change.

He continues, “What it shows of WSGA is the ability to adapt to the changing business climate and still be worthwhile representing the agriculture industry and producers.”

“It shows a lot of the leadership the association had in the past continued to take the reins and guide the association. They dealt with and adapted to whatever it took at the time,” he adds. “With that being said, WSGA is still a very relevant and respected organization.”

Through WSGA membership, the association will continue to stay relevant throughout the next 150 years, he explains.

Importance of YPA “The participation has been great and the energy around the Young Producers Assembly (YPA) has been outstanding,” he says.

In early March, YPA hosted an event in Sheridan and hosted nearly 80 younger-generation folks in agriculture. One of the things YPA has been doing to interact with ag youth is putting on seminars throughout regions of the state, he shares.

“The youth is the future, and this is something we hear a lot,” he explains. “If we don’t think this is true, we won’t be a viable organization much longer.”

For more information and to stay up to date on the upcoming celebration, visit wsga.org.

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

4/13/22 8:16 AM

in the future,” he says.

Sage says grazing management, stewardship of land, environmental concerns and animal welfare are all huge issues producers in Wyoming are currently facing, and WSGA will continue to mitigate these concerns with Wyoming’s producers in mind.

“Producers will see WSGA do things with stockmanship so ranchers can have better animal welfare with better grazing management to run more livestock in a more sustainable manner,” Sage says. “This is the direction producers will see WSGA going over the next 150 years.”

Kaitlyn Root is an editor for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • 2022

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

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Convention attendees – Throughout 1882-1938, several ranchers got together to host conventions. Pictured here is a group of ranchers and members from throughout the state, attending a Wyoming Stock Growers Association convention.

American Heritage Center photo

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Wyoming Stock Growers Association history

The open range system in the Wyoming Territory of the late 1800s made cattle rustling a tempting career track for thieves of the time. To combat this assault on their livelihood, five cattlemen met in a Cheyenne livery stable in 1872 to organize a vigilance committee to cope with cattle rustlers.

The meeting was just the beginning of what would become the Stock Association of Laramie County, which in 1879 was renamed the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA). The association then, as it is now, was involved in a wide range of activities, including managing roundups, conducting brand inspections and dealing with health and sanitary concerns of cattle on the range. Freight rates, fencing and other public domain issues also occupied the association’s time.

Today, the association exists to serve the livestock business and families of Wyoming by protecting their economic, legislative, regulatory, judicial, environmental, custom and cultural interests.

It also aids other states in issues important to all of agriculture.

In its early days, the association played an important role in the development of Wyoming livestock and rangeland laws beginning in the 1880s. In more recent years, the association has worked cooperatively with the U.S. Forest Service for range improvement and the establishment of multiple use objectives. Although methods have changed, rustling continues to be a problem. The association works to apprehend and prosecute these cattle thieves.

The association’s success spawned two affiliated groups: a women’s auxiliary, the Wyoming Cow-Belles organized in 1940 and a youth group, known as the Junior WSGA, organized in 1954.

The Wyoming Cow-Belles have provided invaluable service in the promotion of the beef industry, while the Junior WSGA prepared future cattlemen and cattlewomen for a future in this challenging, yet rewarding industry.

The association now has approximately 1,200 members and supporters. They are committed to remaining solid and true to the WSGA mission while being nimble enough to change with the industry. A major goal is to strengthen the financial resources through the 150th Anniversary Campaign and build the endowment to $1.5 million. They continue to grow a presence on social media and expand the use of internet communications tools.

As they approach their own sesquicentennial in 2022, WSGA is focused on building an organization serving the industry during the next 50 years as ably as they did since those five men met in a Cheyenne livery stable so many years ago.

This article is courtesy of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

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Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

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2022 • Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Impactful weather – The winter of 1948-49 was proved worst of the century, leaving hundreds of people to risk their lives in the storm to search for stranded motorists, missing neighbors and family members. The blizzard impacted Wyoming, northern Colorado, western South Dakota and western Nebraska. American Heritage Center photo

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Past president shares his involvement and the importance of WSGA

T

hermopolis – Jim Wilson hangs his hat on his family’s ranch near “T-Town,” a small town in western Wyoming, where natural hot spring waters flow. The town’s motto, “A Past to Behold, A Future to Uphold,” perfectly describes the upcoming Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) 150th Anniversary Celebration.

Early involvement Jim ranches with his wife Terry and daughter Billie Jo Norsworthy. He has been very involved with WSGA and now serves as

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the endowment campaign co-chair.

“WSGA has been a big part of the history of Wyoming,” he shares. “I really enjoyed being a WSGA president and serving the association for nearly 20 years. Besides it playing a part of the history of Wyoming, it still plays a huge part in the making of the state today – what happened 150 years ago and what is happening this past year; WSGA still is quite the influence.”

Jim served as WSGA president from 2013-2015.

Role as president The association influences a lot of the agriculture industry, he continues by saying, “WSGA is a leader, especially with what happens in the livestock industry, animal and wildlife health, property rights and mineral development.

A lot of our members are sheep producers as well as livestock producers.”

Jim feels fortunate to have been involved in such an outstanding organization and recalls a lot of his interest in the organization began when he served on the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB).

“I first became a committee chair of WSGA when I was chairman of the WLSB,” he says. “I then moved from committee chair up to regional vice president. From there, to vice president and then president.”

“A lot of people I looked up to were very involved in the association, and this encouraged me to get more involved,” he adds.

Benefits of being a member There are several benefits of being a member, but regardless of membership, there are still benefits by being involved, he notes.

“It’s kind of a shame more ranchers don’t realize how much influence WSGA has and the benefits of working on wildlife and public lands issues, not just on a statewide level, but regionally and nationally,” he says.

From the governor’s office, to local representatives, WSGA always has a seat at the table – this is one of the main advantages, he adds.

Throughout the year the organization has several ways for members to connect to the happenings of WSGA. In December, the organization hosts a winter convention in Casper, as well as a summer convention, which moves throughout the state each year.

This year’s summer convention is taking place in Cheyenne during the association’s 150th anniversary.

“Everybody’s voice can be heard,” he says.

“Attendees can attend any committee meeting if they are a member or not.

Members are the only ones allowed to vote, but nonmembers’ voices will be heard.”

“It’s a unique procedure – the way things are brought from WSGA or through the association, but issues are heard and addressed regardless of membership,” he shares.

Celebrating WSGA’s 150 th milestone and endowment “I think it’s huge for the association – we’re older than the state of Wyoming,” jokes Jim. “It’s something not very many other organizations have accomplished.”

The WSGA has an endowment trust, established to ensure the future of Wyoming’s cattle industry through support of several programs.

Continued on next page

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • 2022

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

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Former WSGA president reminisces on membership

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a l l a c e “Wally” Ramsbottom has ranched in Johnson County his whole life – ranching is what he knows and loves.

He has been an active agriculture advocate for many years, supporting the people and the land of the Western ranching community.

“I spent my whole life here on the ranch,” he says.

“I graduated from Johnson County High School, went to Colorado State University, spent a little time in the Army and came back to the ranch.”

Wally notes he was a Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) member for at least 50 years.

Wally was first introduced to the association by his father, who was a WSGA member himself.

“I’d been to a WSGA meeting or two with my father way back when I was in high school,” he says. “My father thought it was pretty important to be involved with, so I kind of picked up on this and decided to join myself.”

Wally served as WSGA president from 1989 to 1991.

Role as president Wally notes he didn’t campaign for the role of president, but instead was recruited for the role. He was honored to receive the nomination and to serve as president of such an “important association.”

“I previously served on several WSGA committees, and when I was offered the opportunity of president, I took it,” he says.

Wally mentions many topics he invested his time on as president years ago are still issues WSGA face today.

“We had many private property threats as producers during this time. I think this is still probably a big issue affecting farmers and ranchers today.” – Wallace “Wally” Ramsbottom “Private property rights was one of the things I worked on a lot during my time as president,” he notes.

“We had many private property threats as producers during this time. I think this is still probably a big issue affecting farmers and ranchers today.”

Wally also notes WSGA focused a lot of time on the brand program for many years until it was turned over to the state.

“Branding issues were one of the main reasons WSGA was organized in the 1800s,” he says. “Producers were worried about brands, theft and the health of the livestock. This is something we still work on today.”

Wally recognizes the members he worked with during his time as president and says he greatly appreciates them and the dedication they had for WSGA. “WSGA had a lot of good help when I was president. There was a good office staff at the time and an outstanding executive team.

I don’t think I could’ve done it without them, and I really appreciate the job they did,” he says.

New members Throughout his time with WSGA, Wally has seen producers evolve and change with the times. He notes change wasn’t always easy for the association, but it was something they often needed.

“Society in general has changed a lot in itself over the years,” he says. “We’ve

had to go along with it and deal with the changes.”

Wally encourages producers to be involved with organizations like WSGA. He mentions it’s a person’s duty to be involved in policy which directly affects their operation.

Wally references one

of his favorite quotes from Theodore Roosevelt to inspire others to join WSGA, which says, “Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere.”

Kaitlyn Root is an editor for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

CONGRATULATIONS Wyoming Stock Growers Association on celebrating

150 Years!

Continued from previous page

Current programs funded include: public education; environmental stewardship recognition; student scholarships and internships; producer education and information; and programs focused on keeping the next generation of ranchers on the land.

“When I was president, I pushed for the younger people to step forth,” he says. “The president appoints committee chairs and vice chairs, and I encouraged and appointed several young members to fill these roles.”

It’s important to support the younger generation and get them involved in agriculture because they are the next generation of this industry, he explains.

“Through this endowment we can support additional programs in promotion of agriculture,” he adds. “My thought was, with others as well, with the 150th we would have $1.5 million as our goal to have in the endowment.”

By investing these funds into an endowment,

the organization would be able to use the interest from the funds to help the next generation, he says.

“I’ve made some really good friends through the association,” says Jim. “I used to be involved in the livestock brokerage business, and I didn’t realize a lot of the customers I sold livestock to in Nebraska and Kansas were also involved in their associations and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. It was kind of interesting to see those people involved in all aspects of agriculture.”

“Agriculture is the grassroots of America,” he concludes. “It’s what keeps us going, and I think as time goes along there will be more emphasis on agriculture to produce more, and it will be important to be involved in grassroot associations, such as WSGA.” Brittany Gunn is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

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Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

2022 • Wyoming Livestock Roundup

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup • 2022

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WSGA’s first and only female president expresses importance of association

L

ois G. Herbst grew up on a farm in southern Ohio and served in the military after graduating high school. She eventually married a rancher, moved to Wyoming and has called Wyoming home ever since.

“I knew nothing about ranching before moving to Wyoming,” Lois says. “My husband taught me everything I had to know; how to chop ice on the river so cattle could drink, check pastures through the night during calving, etc. I learned everything from him about taking care of cattle. It’s a good life.”

Involvement The ranching way of life was new to Lois at the time, but she developed a passion for agriculture and has advocated for ranchers throughout the years.

Lois chaired the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Private Lands Committee and represented the committee while attending National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) conventions. She also represented WSGA on the NCBA Live Animal Marketing Committee as well as on the NCBA Political Action Committee.

Lois served as second vice president of WSGA in 1998 and was elected WSGA president in 2005.

“Becoming president fell right in with what I was already doing,” she says.

Lois made history as WSGA’s first female president, and she is the association’s only female president to date.

On top of all of this involvement with several associations, Lois also managed the family ranch, Herbst Lazy TY Cattle Co.

near Shoshoni.

She enjoyed getting to know ranchers across the state and learning the history of the West through her involvement on the ranch.

“Through ranching, going to meetings and being interested in history – I have been all over the state,” Lois says. “Every place we took cattle I would get associated with the history of the ranches in the area.”

Women in ag Lois says although women are not always recognized for their work in ag, they have always been involved on ranches and will continue to play important roles in the industry.

“Women are involved in ag more than anyone ever realized because they were quietly doing the work on the ranch,” she says. “Anything a rancher was involved with, the women were also.”

Lois mentions women still do everything required on a ranch these days.

“Women ride, work cattle, calve, etc.,” she says.

“Women are also up at 4 a.m. cooking breakfast for the family and hired men, securing food for their use in the winter with canning and growing a big garden.”

WSGA protects rights Lois mentions much of her time as WSGA president was spent dealing with issues related to animal identification, which are still issues ranchers face today.

“The same issues keep recurring, some in a more dangerous form and some get mitigation help,” she says.

Lois explains WSGA has protected ranchers’ rights for many years and will continue to do so.

“On the whole, we have to work to protect ranch-

ers’ grazing rights and water rights,” she says. “Some environmental groups would prefer ranchers aren’t on the land. They consider federal lands their lands for wildlife.”

“It’s issues like this we fight year in and year out,” Lois continues. “This year another worry is the 30x30 initiative. It never ends.”

Lois notes ranching in Wyoming wouldn’t be where it is today without WSGA and the work the members do.

“It’s a big job to protect the right to use federal lands for grazing, but that’s one of the big things WSGA does,” she says. “WSGA protects our rights for grazing lands and owning cattle; they set up a brand system for the inspection of cattle in order to identify and maintain ownership through owning a brand and applying it to the animal.”

She mentions WSGA will continue to protect ranchers’ rights in the future while

working with Congress.

“WSGA continues to have a good relationship with our Congressional people

and with the governor,” Lois says. “WSGA will continue to advocate for ranchers.”

Kaitlyn Root is an editor

for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr. net.

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2022 • Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Honoring WSGA president – Several officer members honor incoming 2005 President Lois G. Herbst. She is shown standing in the middle holding an irrigation shovel/cedar fencepost gavel made for her by outgoing president Philip Ellis. Pictured left to right, Mark Eisele, Jon Kirkbride, Gene Vieh, Lois G. Herbst, Joe Thomas, Jody Bagley and Mike Lohse. “Cow Country” photo

s n o i t a l tu

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Wyoming Stock Growers Association on your

Concerned cattlemen – Several Wyoming Stock Growers Association members meet to discuss concerns in regards to the “invaders” of the Johnson County War. American Heritage Center photo

150 Anniversary! th

A Proud Past! A Bright Future!

From all of us at the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts & Wyoming Natural Resource Foundation

Cattle rustling – Brands were used to identify cattle and livestock so ownership could be easily identified when rounded up. Several concerns rose during this time, as many brands were easily altered.

American Heritage Center photo

1997 team – The Wyoming Stock Growers Association officer team in 1997. Back row, left to right, Jack Turnell, Carol Hamilton and Philip Ellis. Front row, left to right, Rob Hendry and Nels Smith. “Cow Country” photo

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • 2022

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Stan Blake recognizes WSGA and recalls his time as representative

tan Blake represented District 39 in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 2007-2020.

He actively served on the agriculture, state and public lands and water resources committee during his years of service, which he came to thoroughly enjoy.

“It was a real joy working with chairmen on this committee,” he says. “It was my favorite committee of all.”

Stan never ranched or farmed himself – he worked as a conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad. During his time as representative, he was able to gain a better understanding of Wyoming ag, which he partly accredits to the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA).

Working with WSGA Although he didn’t come from an ag background, Stan advocated for agriculture throughout his time as a representative and always considered what ranchers had to say.

“I was one of the few Democrats representing Wyoming at the time,” he says, “but I always supported ag issues all the way.”

After retiring from the House, Stan recalls receiving the “nicest e-mail” from WSGA Executive Vice President Jim Magagna.

Stan says the e-mail mentioned Jim never expected a railroader from Green River would be such an advocate for

“Stock growers are probably the best stewards of our land in Wyoming.” – Stan Blake the Wyoming ag industry.

“I was really honored to receive this acknowledgement,” says Stan.

Advocating for ag Stan views Wyoming ranchers as conservationists who want what’s best for the land, and he says WSGA continues to advocate for proper land use.

“Stock growers are probably the best stewards of our land in Wyoming,” he says. “They’re as good or better than anyone else, and a lot of conservation groups agree.”

Stan feels WSGA members and Wyoming ranchers often get a bad reputation for their use of the land, but he disagrees with this.

“Stock growers know their futures depend on keeping the land and water pristine. They are the true stewards of theland, in my opinion,” he says. “There are some great lobbyists representing the livestock industry – to have those guys up there to put forward the trials and tribulations of the ranchers is much needed.”

Stan mentions Wyoming ag has evolved and adapted along with a changing society over the years.

“Technology has come a long way, and Wyoming has adapted really well,” he says.

“WSGA is becoming more tech savvy. Years

ago, probably no farmer had a computer, now a lot of them have computers right there in their trucks,” he says.

Past and current challenges Stan says eminent domain was a huge issue WSGA faced during his time as a representative. Private property rights were also constantly discussed, which he mentions are still a major challenge WSGA faces.

He says he always supported private property rights, but he advocated for public land use as well.

“I’m a proponent of public lands, but public lands are multiple-use lands – this includes graz-

ing livestock,” he says.

Stan notes a current issue WSGA faces is the monopoly created by dominating packing plants and their prices.

He says WSGA needs to ensure customers are aware higher food prices are not the fault of ranchers, because ranchers are the price takers.

“You look at the price of beef raised in Wyoming, and the ranchers aren’t making the money, the packing plants are making the money,” he says.

Stan notes the U.S. needs more state certified and U.S. Department of Agriculture certified plants and slaughterhouses.

“I’m not happy with the big monopoly,” he says. “These packing plants control the price of everything.”

Stan mentions he buys beef directly from

lobbyists I dealt with were straight shooters, they’ll tell their side of the issue and the other side of the issue, then you have to make a decision.”

Stan mentions legislators often don’t have experience in the ag industry, so WSGA plays an important role in educating decision makers at the state level and in Washington D.C. “The information WSGA lobbyists provide to a legislator who isn’t in the industry is invaluable,” he says.

“There are a few legislators in the ag industry but not as many as there used to be, so we need to be educated.”

Kaitlyn Root is an editor for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.

Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

a rancher and gets it processed locally.

“I wish we could all go to this route, you know where the animal is raised, you know where it was butchered and it’s in your freezer,” he says. “I hope we keep trending this way, and I think we will.”

“We need to rally behind WSGA and put them in the forefront,” Stan says. “In my mind, Wyoming beef is the best beef in the nation, maybe even the world.”

Appreciation for WSGA Stan is grateful for the WSGA members he was able to work with throughout his time as representative and acknowledges the value WSGA brings to the table in legislation.

“WSGA provided me with valuable information I needed to know,” he says. “All livestock

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Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

2022 • Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Did You Know?

Historic building – The Cheyenne Club, originally built on the northwest corner of 17th Street and present-day Warren Avenue, was built so members could stay while in town and entertain associates. American Heritage Center photo

The Cheyenne Club

Although many of the ranch “headquarters” comprised a small log cabin constructed of crude pine or cottonwood poles, daubed with mud and corrals of rough poles, or, in some instances just a dug-out in the side of a hill with a cowhide for a door, no one complained, as such structures were considered adequate for range needs. But living quarters in town were different matters.

Many of the young cattlemen, who headquartered in Cheyenne, were just out of eastern colleges such as Harvard, Princeton or Dartmouth. They came from a home of wealth and had always been accustomed to the best in creature comforts. Some of the bachelor members of the association decided to build a clubhouse where they could stay when in town and where they could entertain their friends.

In June 1880, a small group including two Sturgis brothers, Hay, Thomas, Davis and Kingman formed the Cactus Club, which became the nucleus of the Cheyenne Club.

In sending out invitations to membership in the Cheyenne Club, William Sturgis, Jr., a brother of Thomas Sturgis, wrote the following.

“We expect to furnish to members of substitute for an improvement on the old Railroad House where the butler has lately been promoted and the sprees of the Jones family are growing inconveniently frequent,” he stated.

“We shall have rooms for a limited number, a good restaurant for all, billiard room, reading rooms, etc. The numbers are limited to 50 to the end that they may be selected with great care.”

The Cheyenne Club was incorporated on Sept. 22, 1880, by Philip Dater, James Dater, William Sturgis, Jr., N. R. Davis, H. G. Hay, Thomas Sturgis, William C. Lane, C. M. Oelrichs and E. B. Bronson.

According to the articles of incorporation, “The purpose of this association shall be to establish and maintain a pleasure resort and place of amusement.”

The entrance fee was set at $50, with annual dues of $30.

As the membership grew and the plans for the new clubhouse progressed, the entrance fee was increased on Nov. 15, 1880, to $100.

All of the members of the club belonged to the Wyoming Stock Growers Association.

Excavation work for the clubhouse, which was for many, many years a landmark of Cheyenne, was started in the fall of 1880, at the corner of 17th and Dodge Streets (now Warren Avenue), on a lot “at the eastern end of Hay’s block.”

The building of the structure was financed by the issuance of bonds for which it was security.

These bonds were defaulted after $2,500 had been paid, a fact reflecting the collapse of the “big” cattle industry after the destructive winter of 1886-87. The structure passed first to the Club of Cheyenne, which assumed the unpaid indebtedness and settled with the bondholders at 20 cents on the dollar, then to the Cheyenne Industrial Club and finally to the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce.

In 1936, the old building was razed, and a new streamlined Chamber of Commerce was constructed upon the site.

Today, cow hands from all over the West – riders, ropers and bulldoggers, congregate on the spot each year for the big Frontier Days’ registrations. Their boot heels click on the concrete pavement bordering the building. It is, however, a far different scene from the days when the Oelrichs and Daters, Teschemacher and De Billier pulled up to the grass-covered curb in a tally-ho or “drag” drawn by the four or six prancing horses, and entertained their friends in the club dining room with pickled eels, olives and the finest hors d’oeuvres, Champagne Perrier Brut, Champagne “Giesler,” Rum St. Cruz, Zinfandel Claret, Reina Victorias and Manila Cheroots, and foods obtained in San Francisco, Chicago and New York City.

This article was written by Agnes Wright Spring in the publication “70 Years Cow Country,” Wyoming Stock Growers Association, first edition,Jan. 1, 1942. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • 2022

Page A15

Association Executives Through the Years

WILLIAM KUYKENDALL 1873-1875

MINNIE HAAS 1924-1930

THOMAS STURGIS 1876-1887

RUSSELL THORP 1930-1950

THOMAS ADAMS 1888-1890

ROBERT HANESWORTH 1950-1964

F.B. FJAMS 1891-1895

DEAN PROSSER 1964-1984

ALICE SMITH 1896-1921

BOB BUDD 1984-1993

DR. B.F. DAVIS 1922-1923

CINDY GARRETSON-WEIBEL 1993-1998

JIM MAGAGNA 1999-

Prior to 1930, the association president bore most of the executive duties with the assistance of a secretary. As time, issues and responsibilities accumulated, the need for an executive on staff became apparent. Russell Thorp was the first hired to fill this vital position.

Photos and information courtesy of WSGA

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Page A16

2022 • Wyoming Livestock Roundup

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Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

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YPA generates opportunities for young producers in Wyoming ag

heyenne – Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Young Producers Assembly (YPA) Public Relations and Media Chair and Region Two Representative Kendall Roberts has been involved with the agriculture industry all of her life.

She currently runs a Red and Black Angus cow/calf operation with her family outside the Magic City of the Plains.

Kendall recalls being involved with WSGA through her parents, who were active members throughout her youth. Her dad, Mark Eisele, is a former WSGA president. She served as the WSGA YPA president from 2015-2018.

Today, she continues to impact youth across the state but recalls her goal as president was to generate opportunities for youth.

Connecting youth members to WSGA “YPA started in 2015 as a way to rebuild and reconnect young membership to the organization,” shares Kendall. “We felt there was this gap in age between youth or new ranchers coming into the ag industry and an experienced rancher.”

The assembly is a way to connect and develop a camaraderie of young people coming into the ag industry throughout Wyoming, she explains.

“At the first initial meeting we took time to develop important aspects of the association, such as the importance of ag education, networking opportunities and to share the passion for the ag industry within WSGA,” explains Kendall.

“We wanted to give young producers an opportunity to get involved, a way to become leaders within the industry and a way for them to understand why we do what we do as a livestock organization.”

YPA has 20 core members and has expanded to 30 plus members ever since its inception with their education series.

“We do regional events where we bring in a speaker who presents on a topic, and members can learn a little bit about being a member of the WSGA from a current member in the area and provide some leadership opportunities within WSGA and affiliate organizations,” she shares. “It’s a big fold of leadership, networking, education and policy for YPA.” Greatest accomplishment within YPA Throughout Kendall time in YPA, she was able to make a big impact on youth in agriculture. She recalls several favorite memories and accomplishments.

“The biggest accomplishment was in the summer of 2017, when we presented our operating procedure for the young producers to the WSGA membership to be approved so we

were not just a committee or a smaller entity under WSGA, but as another membership opportunity,” Kendall explains. “When everything got into place and it was approved – it was a big step for us, because it not only got us a seat at the table on the board and in the executive leadership, but it showed they respected what we have to say as young people in the industry.”

In the summer of 2021, YPA hosted a social, tour and dinner with YPA members at the Kane Ranch in Sheridan prior to the annual convention.

“We got to see how everyone was doing and had a chance to visit,” she notes. “Attendees were able to tour an operation and to see first-hand what the ag industry is about. We really enjoyed the dinner, had a great time, told stories and have plans for a similar event in 2022 and 2023.”

Getting involved with YPA YPA offers several ways to find out more information about the association.

In addition to having a Facebook and Instagram presence, YPA has a presence on WSGA’s website, Kendall says.

“The best way to find out how to get involved or to see what we have going on is through social media,” she notes. “Social media is a huge piece of communication amongst the younger generation. There are some really great communications aspects of social media to help get the message out.”

On WSGA’s website, members and interested individuals can find information on YPA and WSGA in addition to contact information.

“We don’t ask individuals to come to us to join a new membership because of an issue,” says Kendall. “We want members to join because they want to see what is going on in the industry.”

Members of YPA receive the full benefit of being a part of WSGA, she explains.

“In the past, YPA considered a separate membership fee,” she adds. “There is a youth joint membership with the Wyoming Collegiate Cattle Association, making it more cost effective for those members as college students. At the same time, they are still a part of the membership and have a part in what is going on.”

“Members don’t have to have livestock to be a member,” she adds. “We are starting to see more and more of the younger generation in ag banking, journalism or communications becoming involved in the association.”

Celebrating WSGA’s 150 th Anniversary “How many organizations in the state of Wyoming can say they are celebrating 150 years?” she

For more information, visit

wysga.org/programs/young-producers-assembly asks. “This is a deep and rich history of the cattle and livestock industry and family operations. We will continue to do agriculture for another 150 to 200 years.”

This is a very special moment as a young person and every generation who attends the anniversary. She notes not every organization has gotten to celebrate

this milestone.

“We see how we have been able to adapt over 150 years, and we will continue to see this change,” Kendall says. “As a young producer, we are adaptable and have the groundwork and a foundation to keep us running for another 100 plus years.”

The celebration is going to be activity packed.

There will be something for everyone during this fourday event, she says.

“We still have business to take care of, but there are going to be a lot of things for a family to enjoy – it’s going to touch on different aspects important to every member of the organization.

This is a very exciting time, and you’ll be missing out if

you don’t attend,” she adds.

“This 150th anniversary is not going to happen next year, it is this year’s celebration,” Kendall concludes.

“After the industry has suffered from a pandemic, changes in the supply chain and inflation, this is still the time to celebrate the things we’ve seen in 150 years and be prepared for the next 150 years.”

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

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Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

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2022 • Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Kermit Brown: Former Wyoming representative continues to support ag community

F

ormer Wyoming Speaker of the House and 2005-2017 Rep. Kermit Brown continues to advocate for the ranching community.

“In the old days, I was a young cowboy, pilot and flight instructor,” he shares.

“I went to the University of Wyoming (UW) and received two degrees, one in animal husbandry and another in business administration. After I graduated, I left and joined the Navy for four years.”

After the Navy, Kermit received his Juris Doctor from UW College of Law in 1973.

Today his focus is in business, agriculture law and estate planning at Brown & Hiser LLC in Laramie. He has always had a passion for ranching and the Western way of life and notes the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) has been an influential association in the state of Wyoming.

WSGA is the voice of ag “WSGA is really impor-

Wyoming representative – Former Wyoming Speaker of the House and 2005-2017 Rep. Kermit Brown continues to advocate for the ranching community. Today he practices agriculture law and estate planning in Laramie at Brown & Hiser LLC. Courtesy photo

tant because it’s the voice of agriculture,” he says. “When I was in the legislature, I always paid particular attention to the association.”

WSGA Executive Vice President Jim Magagna has played an influential role in

WSGA and is an exceptional individual, Kermit adds.

“He always made a lot of sense to me on ag issues, and I was always interested in ag issues,” he shares.

“I’ve always supported the ag community and was one

of the sponsors of the original bill to set up the current system for conservation easements.”

“Agriculture is an important part of our state, and WSGA and the Wyoming Wool Growers are the voice

Happy 150th Anniversary

of Wyoming producers,” he says.

Changes in ag through the years Kermit notes several changes through the years within the agricultural industry.

“When I started practicing law in the mid-70s, agriculture in Wyoming was still, for the most part, owner-operators and ownerproducers, and there was a lot of owner-carried or seller-carried financing,” he explains. “There was a lot of local participation by the owners of the ranches and the local business enterprises in the community.”

This is largely gone now, he notes.

“Today, I see many ranches are owned by absentee owners, and there are not very many owner-operators left; there are a few, but not like there used to be,” Kermit mentions. “Most of these ranches are cash deals, and there is very little financing available.”

Several technical changes in ag include the round baler and the replacement of the horse with the four-wheeler.

“When you take a long look back – when I worked on ranches in the 60s, we did a lot of things horseback,” he says. “Now, many ranches don’t have a horse on them.”

WSGA’s consistent existence “WSGA celebrating its

150th anniversary shows its resiliency through the years – it shows continuity, and this resiliency has been the heart and soul of Wyoming since the beginning,” he shares.

“WSGA has had good times and bad times, and incidentally, I represented WSGA in a lawsuit about preferential leasing of state lands – it was a big issue – they were trying to take state leases away and make them competitively bid on state leases every time.”

“When you look back at the history of WSGA, there is an ambiance there and having been a lawyer to represent WSGA means a lot to me,” he says.

There is a lot of history throughout WSGA and Willis Van Devanter, a WSGA lawyer, is the only lawyer from Wyoming who went on to serve the U.S. Supreme Court, Kermit adds.

“When I was in the legislature, I thought WSGA was a big help to me,” Kermit concludes. “I tried to be a big help to them, and we did get a number of issues resolved I think were beneficial to WSGA. I always felt good about the work we did. I felt we were working to do the right thing for the state of Wyoming alongside WSGA.” Brittany Gunn is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr. net.

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The beginning of Wyoming’s Cow-Belles

Organized on June 6, 1940 as Wyoming’s Cow-Belles, the original group was headed by Charlotte Snodgrass and consisted of ladies who wanted to do more for the livestock industry.

In 1992 the name changed to Wyoming CattleWomen, Inc. to reflect the more professional organization. The primary goal of Wyoming CattleWomen has not changed throughout the years – to maintain and increase the demand for beef and to promote a positive image of the cattle industry.

Wyoming CattleWomen is a group of dedicated individuals who believe the livestock industry is of basic importance to world existence. Their objective is to develop educational awareness about BEEF and to promote a better understanding of the various roles the beef industry plays in the environment and the national economy.

Wyoming CattleWomen bring the best of volunteerism to the beef industry. They are active in education, beef promotion and industry issues and are affiliated with the American National CattleWomen and support a number of their national projects. Wyoming CattleWomen work closely with the Wyoming Beef Council, Wyoming Stock Growers Association, Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom as well as local Cow-Belles/CattleWomen organizations.

For more information on the Wyoming CattleWomen, visit wyocattlewomen.org.

This article is courtesy of the Wyoming CattleWomen webpage. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • 2022

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

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2022 • Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Former Wyoming legislator supports WSGA’s mission: Representing ag community Wyoming native Eli Bebout found a passion for politics after attending school in Shoshoni. After graduating from the University of Wyoming with a degree in electrical engineering, being a businessman, raising a family and becoming aware of the many issues in the state, he saw a need to serve.

“In Wyoming, you have to be a jack of all trades and a master of none,” he says.

“You have to be flexible and willing to take risks to survive in the Wyoming economy.”

Currently, he is active in

“I always listened carefully to what WSGA had to say on different issues. They have been a great resource, especially to people who don’t understand our state.” – Eli Bebout the minerals, construction, real estate and agriculture industries.

Eli served in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1987-2000, and was elected as Speaker of the House in his last term.

After being appointed to fill Sen. Bob Peck’s seat in the Wyoming Senate in 2007,

he was re-elected to three more terms and served as President of the Senate from 2018-2020, when he became the only legislator to ever serve as both Speaker of the House and President of the Senate.

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SPUR WSGA ON FOR ANOTHER 150 YEARS

W YO M I N G S T O C K G R OW E R S

ENDOWMENT TRUST 150TH ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN To mark the 150th Anniversary of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, the WSGA Endowment Trust, has initiated the 150th Anniversary Campaign. The Campaign goal is to raise $1.5 million in Endowment funds by 2022.

organization in our state, not only as a producer, but also in the political arenas of Wyoming and Washington, D.C.,” he says.

Eli recalls working with WSGA Executive Vice President Jim Magagna dealing with issues impacting the state and the agriculture industry.

“I always listened carefully to what WSGA had to say on different issues. They have been a great resource to me, the Wyoming Legislature, our state’s leadership and especially to people who don’t understand our state,” he shares.

Collaboration efforts WSGA plays a large role in education and explaining issues effecting the state. Many topics discussed revolve around water, he adds.

“There always has been a movement to pass instream flow designations, which has been an important and serious issue, in addition to development of our natural resources,” notes Eli. “The proper development of our natural resources doesn’t mean shutting down mineral development or ag related issues, but working together.”

“We worked diligently with WSGA and other organizations who wanted proper development of our natural resources, particularly on federal land – a significant part of this included grazing,” he says.

A popular environmental slogan heard throughout the West in the 1990s was, “Cattle Free By ’93,” with the goal to eliminate cattle grazing on public lands. He continues by saying, “Those battles were always out there trying to

impact grazing on federal forest leases. One cannot forget the battle we had and continue to have with the Environmental Protection Agency regarding wolves and grizzly bears.”

Throughout his time in the House and Senate, organizations such as WSGA were helpful and beneficial to him and the state.

“There were a lot of issues we worked together on,” he says.

Celebrating WSGA’s anniversary “Celebrating 150 years for WSGA is a real milestone,” Eli says. “There are some incredible Wyoming citizens who have been members of WSGA, who have gone on to do bigger things in politics.”

These successful members include many members of the legislature, including speakers and presidents, the 18th Governor of Wyoming Nels Hansen Smith and the 26th Governor Clifford Peter Hansen, he adds. More recently the list includes former Gov. Mead and current Gov. Gordon.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have been involved at the level I was and to serve the great state of Wyoming and its citizens on a political platform,” he explains. “I’ve always had tremendous support from WSGA, which I’ll forever be thankful for. It certainly has been a great run serving the state for 28 years.”

“Agriculture has always been and will continue to be an important part of our state,” he concludes.

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

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY SPUR CLUB • • • •

Bronze Membership Silver Membership Gold Membership Platinum Membership

$5,000 $10,000 $25,000 $50,000

•

Champion Membership

$100,000

All Spur Club members will be recognized by level of giving on a plaque in the Trust’s Wyoming Agricultural Resources Center, home of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association.

$1.5 MILLION $1,300,000 $1,170,000 $1,040,000 $910,000 $780,000

Contributions to the WSGA Endowment are permanently invested with the annual earnings dedicated to WSGA programs. In keeping with the Endowment’s IRS 501(c)(3) designation, the Endowment Trust does not fund programs related to advocacy and litigation.

$650,000 $520,000 $390,000 $260,000 $130,000

CALL WSGA AT 307-638-3942 TO CONTRIBUTE & LEARN MORE!

Annual convention – In 1937, Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) announced its 65th annual convention. This artwork was gathered for use in “70 Years Cow Country,” a history of the WSGA by Agnes Wright Spring, 1943. American Heritage Center photo

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • 2022

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Wyoming Stock Growers Association’s Mission

The mission of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association is to serve the livestock business and families of Wyoming by protecting their economic, legislative, regulatory, judicial, environmental, custom and cultural interests.

to the

Congratulations

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to Wyoming Stock Growers Grow ers Association on

Congratulations

Wyoming Stock Growers Association

150 YEARS!

307-283-1074

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150 Years!

Join Wyoming CattleWomen on June 9 for our meeting at 2 pm

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Page B6

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

2022 • Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Cattle trade – In the late 1800s to early 1900s, WSGA organized several roundups of cattle. This photo is a group of WSGA members during one of the roundups. American Heritage Center photo

Devastating snow – The blizzard of 1949 was fatal for Wyoming’s livestock. In the words of Fred E. Warren, “For days on end, wet snow filled the air like fog. It froze in the nostrils of the animals, cutting off their air supply. They did not die of starvation, they died of suffocation.” American Heritage Center photo

WSGA members – Pictured together are Wyoming Governors Francis E. Warren, Nellie Tayloe Ross, Robert Carey and John B. Kendrick. American Heritage Center photo

AGRISK ADVISORS CELEBRATES WYOMING STOCK GROWERS Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150 th Anniversary!

Congratulations Wyoming Stock Growers Association for protecting Wyoming’s heritage for 150 years!

THANK YOU to WSGA members for your work in shepherding such a strong and resilient organization!

WSGA office – In 2004, Philip Ellis and Martha and Cliff Hansen cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association office expansion in Cheyenne. “Cow Country” photo

Tait Berlier Tait.Berlier@cropins.net WWW. A G R ISK A DVISORS.COM (307) 285-9898 | (303) 859-0777

The information contained herein is not an offer to sell insurance. No binder, insurance policy, change, addition, and/or deletion to insurance coverage will be effective unless and until confirmed directly with a licensed agent. Please note any proposal of insurance we may present to you will be based upon the values developed and exposures to loss disclosed to us by you. All coverages are subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the actual policy issued. Not all policies or coverages may be available in every state. All insurance products are offered through Silveus Insurance Group, Inc.

WSGA team – The Wyoming Stock Growers Association officer team in 1994. Pictured left to right, Pete Hanson, Stan Flitner, John Eyre, Gene Hardy and Frank Shepperson. “Cow Country” photo

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • 2022

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

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Neighbor vs. Neighbor

Is it time to have a discussion?

Mediation can help.

Call the

Wyoming Agriculture & Natural Resources Mediation Program

for more information 888-996-9278

• Fencing • Shared roads • Livestock trespass • Irrigation ditches

• Weed control • Access & easements • Leases • And more!

agriculture.wy.gov/divisions/nrp/mediation-program

Congratulations Wyoming Stock Growers Assocation

150 years! on celebrating

For membership information, contact Cindy DeLancey at 307-331-2115

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

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T

2022 • Wyoming Livestock Roundup

WSGA helps establish Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust

he Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust (WSGLT) was founded by a general membership vote of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) in December 2000. WSGLT establishment was based on a growing need within the ranching community to provide voluntary, private-sector options for agricultural land conservation. It became a federally registered charitable organization in July 2001.

Their objectives are accomplished through placing agricultural conservation ease-

ments on private lands, increasing awareness of tools to maintain ranchlands and assisting in research for new opportunities to conserve working agricultural landscapes.

WSGA Executive Vice President Jim Magagna reflects on the history of WSGLT and WSGA’s involvement in forming the trust.

History of WSGA involvement “We were approached by several members in Carbon County and the Saratoga area,” he says. “Initially, some of the conversation involved developing a local land trust in

this area, but as WSGA talked about it, we felt it made more sense to us to create a statewide land trust.”

“This led to a broader conversation amongst our membership at WSGA with several members interested in permanent conservation easements,” shares Jim. “There was a feeling it was important this process was set up with an entity focused on agriculture and maintaining the agriculture productivity of the land.”

There were several examples from other states associations in the formation of WSGLT, primarily the Cali-

fornia Rangeland Trust and the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust.

Having a statewide land trust not only provided efficiency in the administration of the trust, but also consistency in how easements were done across the state, he adds.

“As a result, following a couple of meetings with the Saratoga group, we took a proposal to our membership in 2000 to create the WSGLT as an independent arm of WSGA,” Jim explains. “In those days there was a lot of misunderstanding, or perhaps just leeriness on conserva-

tion easements, as there were examples of environmental groups who attained conservation easements and transferred them to the government.”

“After some meaningful and in-depth discussions, WSGA membership voted to support the establishment of the WSGLT,” he says. “I could not have imagined 20 plus years ago we would have come as far with it as we have.

WSGLT’s success has been an example for other states that have started agricultural conservation efforts utilizing land trusts.”

Importance of WSGLT WSGLT is dedicated to conserving Wyoming’s working agricultural lands, which also provide open space, wildlife habitat and other environmental benefits for future generations.

To date, the WSGLT is among the top 10 largest regional U.S. easement holders with roughly 287,792 numbers of acres conserved.

WSGLT offers several benefits to the state of Wyoming. It is the Cowboy State’s first and only Wyoming-based, statewide ag land conservation organization; focuses specifically on conserving ag lands; maintains a board of directors who have a first-hand understanding of ag and community issues; and is affiliated with the WSGA.

“Conservation easements are voluntary agreements limiting the amount and type of development on private property,” says WSGLT Executive Director Jessica Crowder. “These agreements are granted in perpetuity and attached to the land, regardless of ownership.”

Ownership of the property remains with the landowner and is not transferred to the land trust, other possible easement holders or easement funders, she adds.

“Conservation easements can provide financial benefits and tax incentives,” she says.

“This often can help families faced with hard decisions – providing not only a mechanism for maintaining beloved land and legacies, but also providing a financial mechanism to assist in keeping the land in ag.”

“Agriculture is at the heart of our mission. Our collaboration with WSGA provides the critical connection we need to serve agricultural producers as they strive to meet their conservation goals. We are proud to be a part of WSGA’s 150year history,” says Jessica.

For more information on the WSGLT, visit wsglt.org.

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

Did You Know?

Brand inspections

Since the brand borne by each animal was the only evidence of ownership in the Western range country, a system of brand inspection became necessary in order to check animals being moved on the trails and being sold at the markets.

At first, the association functioned on the order of a private detective agency and then inaugurated the inspection of cattle at railroad points where livestock were unloaded for feed and rest. In 1881, the executive committee was enlarged to five members, and inspectors were placed at Omaha, Neb., Council Bluffs, Pacific Junction, Boone and Clinton, Iowa, Kansas City, Mo. and at Fort Sheridan and the Rose Bud Agency. By the next year there were 13 stock inspectors who had inspected approximately 200,000 cattle during one season.

In 1883, the association established the first market brand inspection at the Minnesota Transfer, St. Paul, and since this time, Wyoming brand inspections gradually extended to other open markets where Wyoming cattle were sold.

These livestock markets during all the years have been and still are the final points at which most of the livestock are sold. Hence, the necessity of maintaining a corps of competent inspectors for the protection of the producers can be readily understood.

Unless such protection has been afforded, the way would have been open for the disposal of thousands of estrayed or stolen cattle at markets, without the knowledge of the owners.

The purpose of brand inspection has always been to determine the proper ownership of cattle, horses and mules from the brands appearing on the livestock, and to provide the proceeds of the estrays or any animals to which the shipper cannot show title, reach the hands of a rightful owner.

Each inspector has been provided with a copy of the recorded brands in Wyoming on which ownership of the cattle was based. When cattle were shipped by other than the recorded owner, bills of sale tracing to the recorded owner have been demanded.

This article was written by Agnes Wright Spring in the publication “70 Years Cow Country,” Wyoming Stock Growers Association, first edition, Jan. 1, 1942.

Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • 2022

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

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Roundup involvement – A group of cattlemen from the Wyoming Stock Growers Association participated in the largest roundup held in Wyoming, circa 1884. Pictured left to right, Lee Moore, Mark Beetham, Tom Bell, John B. Kendrick, Wm. C. Irvine, Jack Davis, Claude L. Talbot, Harry Crain, J. W. Hammond and A. A. Spaugh. American Heritage Center photo

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Convention celebration – From left to right, Gene Hardy, Dennis Thaler, Rep. Cynthia Lummis and Jon Kirkbride at the 2009 annual convention. “Cow Country” photo

Marketing industry – Beef promotion efforts exploded in the 70s.

Pictured here, from a 1971 issue of Cow Country, Sundance Mayor G. W. Popham signed a proclamation designating American Beef Week. Pictured left to right, Mrs. Schelldorf, G. W. Popham and Mrs. Proctor. “Cow Country” photo

Membership letter – In 1901, William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody sent a letter and a check in the amount of $16.40 to the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. Cody was an American soldier, bison hunter, showman and longtime member of WSGA. American Heritage Center photo

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Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

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2022 • Wyoming Livestock Roundup

History. Heritage. Craft CULTURE. The Great Outdoors.

The Nature of the West.

1.1

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∞

million acres of pristine wildland in the Bighorn National Forest, encompassing 1,200 miles of trails, 30 campgrounds, 10 picnic areas, 6 mountain lodges, legendary dude ranches, and hundreds of miles of waterways.

The Bighorns offer limitless outdoor recreation opportunities.

restaurants, bars, food trucks, lounges, breweries, distilleries, tap rooms, saloons, and holes in the wall are spread across Sheridan County. That’s 101 different ways to apres adventure in the craft capital of Wyoming. We are also home to more than 40 hotels, motels, RV parks, and B&Bs.

seasons in which to get WYO’d.

If you’re a skijoring savant, you’ll want to check out the Winter Rodeo in February 2022. July features the 92nd edition of the beloved WYO Rodeo. Spring and fall are the perfect time to chase cool mountain streams or epic backcountry lines.

Sheridan features a thriving, historic downtown district, with western allure, hospitality and good graces to spare; a vibrant arts scene; bombastic craft culture; a robust festival and events calendar; and living history from one corner of the county to the next.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • 2022

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Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

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“Cow Country” Cavalcade recalls: Five men in a livery stable

once heard it said that the things we belong to are more important than the things that belong to us. The story of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association is actually an important chapter in the whole story of American life and democratic development. It parallels and descends from the pattern of the Pilgrim Fathers,” said J. L. Morrill.

This piece was written

by Maurice Frink and published in the “Cow Country” Cavalcade to commemorate 80 years of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association.

In Wyoming Territory of the early 1860s, when the herds were coming in and the foundation was being laid for what would for many years be the principal industry of

the area, there were only five counties, few courts and no fences.

There weren’t very many people – the first census in 1869 had shown 8,014, which was about one person for every 12 square miles – but among these were a surprising number of far-seeing individuals. Perhaps there was something about the Plains too – the far reaches of rolling land with mysterious blue peaks hiding what lay beyond the ranges – that helped stimulate their imagination and broaden their vision.

At any rate, they pioneered in the empire of the mind as well as in that of the grasslands. They made history by being the first territory and state to recognize officially the economic and political equality of women.

Women have voted and held office in Wyoming since 1869. Land in each township was set aside at the very beginning for school purposes. Social and educational legislation came first.

Then laws were passed governing land use and stock raising.

So rapidly was the infant cattle industry growing, however, the early legislative process could not keep pace. At the time, it was every man for himself on the open ranges. When a rancher thought it was time to work his cattle, he would invite his neighbors to join him and they would put on a roundup, or cow hunt as it was called in the early days.

This hit-or-miss working over of the herd was hard on the cattle – it kept them “ginned up,” as the cowmen

put it – and detrimental to the business as a whole. Cattle drifted great distances, with nothing but natural barriers to overcome, and were identifiable as to ownership only by the brands burned into their hides – and altering of these was in many cases easy.

There were no soundly established methods for dealing with questions of ownership when they arose, as they frequently did. Opportunities for enlarging one’s herd by acquiring another man’s calves were abundant.

Unbranded calves became the property of the one who found them first, – “the longest rope gets the maverick,” the cowmen said.

Large investments, which eastern and foreign capital was beginning to make in the grasslands, were

subject to many natural risks, such as weather and disease, and the added danger resulting from a lack of system in conducting the business was a threat to orderly progress.

The pioneers in the cattle business, who in most cases were risking everything they had, were quick to realize the economic necessity for improving their methods.

Among these men were many who came from eastern or middle western families of prestige and integrity, with a background of business experience and frequently of good education.

Leadership began to assert itself as the need for coordination of their separate but related activities became more and more apparent.

The law of self-preservation as applied to the infant industry of cattle-raising in

Wyoming made itself felt in 1871. Laramie County, in which the town of Cheyenne was situated, and Albany County, which included the town of Laramie 50 miles west of Cheyenne, were then the principal cow country centers. In Albany County in 1870 there were five livestock farms with a total of 6,618 cattle valued at $98,390.

The number in Laramie County was probably higher; one estimate has said there were 60,000 head of cattle within a 100-mile radius of Cheyenne in 1871, but a 100-mile radius of Cheyenne would of course take in Albany County as well as Laramie and a good chunk of Colorado and Nebraska.

By 1871, at any rate, the industry was far enough Continued on next page

Rep. Liz Cheney Congratulates the Wyoming Stock Growers Association on 150 YEARS! Thanks to Jim, Olivia, Susan and the Wyoming Stock Growers Association leadership for all their great work on behalf of Wyoming ranching and agriculture. Wishing WSGA continued success in the next 150 years!

Paid for by Liz Cheney for Wyoming

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

Page B12 Continued from previous page

along for organization, and the Laramie Daily Sentinel on April 13 of that year announced a meeting for this purpose would be held at Laramie on the 15th by Albany County Stock Growers.

At the meeting, Luther Fillmore presided and Frank Walcott was secretary. Among other organizers were Judge J. W. Kingman, Ora Haley, George Fox, Hiram Latham, Charles Hutton and Thomas Alsop. The name adopted at the first meeting was the Wyoming Stock and Wool Growers Society, and its declared purpose was: “To combine and work together for the attainment of certain objects, among which are to purchase in company upon a large scale, thereby buying and driving cheaper than can be done by persons singly. To form an association which will command influence in securing cheap rates of freight, and other advantages of this kind. To work together for the purpose of improving the breed in cattle, horses and sheep, by the importing of blooded stock in company, the benefit of which can be shared by all the members. To organize for

the mutual protection of members against depredations upon stock. To disseminate knowledge in regard to the advantages and resources of this section for stock-raising and to thus induce parties to invest capital in this business among us.”

After a short time, the name of the organization was changed to the Wyoming Stock Graziers Association, and as such it functioned throughout 1871. Its first president was the first territorial governor of Wyoming, John A. Campbell. Vice presidents were Thomas Alsop of Albany County, J. W. Iliff of Laramie County, E. Hunt of Carbon County, L. I. Field of Sweetwater County and W. A. Carter of Uinta County. Fillmore was treasurer, Latham secretary.

The Stock Graziers Association, short-lived though it was, obtained passage by the second territorial Legislative Assembly (Nov. 7 to Dec. 16, 1871) of the first law pertaining to the raising of livestock. This law defined the phrase “stock grower” as meaning “every person who shall keep neat cattle, horses, mules, sheep or goats for their growth or increase.” It also provided “protection of stock and punishment for certain offenses concerning the same.”

Means of enforcing the new law, however, were inad-

Honoring Our Roots Growing Our Future

2022 • Wyoming Livestock Roundup

equate. Transportation and communication were slow – “the law’s three days’ ride” – and there were but few and widely scattered enforcement officers. Activities of the first and transitory organization were largely directed against depredations of cattle thieves operating out of the Black Hills. The Graziers Association passed out of the picture soon after the law of 1871 was passed, but it had served its purpose. It had shown the way.

Cattlemen of the city of Cheyenne and the nearby ranges began holding private meetings in 1872 to discuss their problems. At one such meeting, five men – Tom and John Durbin, R. S. Van Tassell, Charles Coffee and another whose name no one seems to know – decided to organize a vigilance committee to cope with rustlers who were operating in that area with ever greater daring. This meeting was held in a Cheyenne livery stable; Warren Richardson of Cheyenne, chairman of the Historic Landmarks Commission for Wyoming, said in July 1953 this probably was the Jim Abney stable, which stood in the 70s on the northeast corner of Capital Avenue and 16th Street. This meeting was the first step in formation of the Stock Association of Laramie County, which later became the Wyoming Stock Growers Association.

The earliest written record of a meeting of the original Laramie County organization is dated Nov. 29, 1873. It is in the handwriting of the secretary of the first meeting, W. L. Kuykendall.

Born in Missouri in 1835, Kuykendall held public office in that state at the age of 17, the office being that of deputy clerk for the circuit court and “deputy recorder of peace” in Platte County.

In 1854, he moved with his parents to Kansas. After the Civil War, in which he became a major, he came west to Fort Collins, Colo., and 1867 found him taking part in the forming of the provisional government of the city of Cheyenne.

Kuykendall was the first judge of probate in Laramie County, and after Wyoming Territory was organized, in 1869, he was a member of the lower House of the second Territorial Legislative Assembly.

The first recorded meeting of the Stock Association of Laramie County, genesis of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, was held in Kuykendall’s quarters in the county clerk’s office at Cheyenne. His report of the meeting, preserved in the association archives now at the University of Wyoming, Laramie, reads as follows:

Minutes Stock Association

Nov. 29, 1873

At a meeting of Stock Men of Laramie County, Wyoming Territory, held at the County Clerk’s office in Cheyenne on the 29th day of November 1873, M. V. Boughton was elected chairman and W. L. Kuykendall secretary.

On motion of T. A. Kent, it was resolved to present a bill for better protection of stock and stock interests in Laramie County.

On motion of W. L. Kuykendall, Mess’, Orr, Kent, Coad, Durbin and Reel were appointed to draft rules and regulations for government of the Association of Stock Men here after to be organized also a law to present at the present session of the Legislature and that all stock men present sign an article for formation of Association. W. L. Kuykendall was added to said committee.

On motion of John F. Coad, secretary was instructed to notify stock men when next meeting will be held.

On motion of Mr. Kent meeting adjourned until Monday night at half past seven o’clock.

W. L. Kuykendall, secretary

wyomingbusiness.org

Photo: Cole Tregemba of the Crown Bar Ranch in Huntley, Wyoming

“This meeting was attended by nearly every cattleman in the county,” Kuykendall wrote later in his autobiography, Frontier Days. Elsewhere the number present is given as 11.

Laramie County at the time extended from the southern to the northern border of Wyoming, and included most of the large ranches then in operation in the territory, north of the North Platte River was still Indian country, and only a few ranches were established there until after the opening of the Black Hills.

Kuykendall in his autobiography adds, “two to three” of the cattlemen refused to have anything to do with the formation of an organization for a year or two, “until they saw they might be able to use it to their own political advantage (which they did, claiming all the credit and according none to the real organizers). A permanent organization was effected at that meeting. I was made secretary and retained the position until I went to the Black Hills in the winter of 1875 to aid in wresting the country from the Indians.” He was alo, in 1876, judge of the miners’ court which tried Jack McCall for shooting Wild Bill Hickok in Deadwood, S.D. The M. V. Boughton was the first chairman of the association served in that capacity for two years, when he too departed for the Black Hills. At one time, mayor of Cheyenne, Please see FIVE MEN on page B14

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • 2022

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

Ralph Hinton Wyoming, Colorado, and Southwestern Montana (970) 966-4904

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Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

FIVE MEN continued from page B12 Boughton trailed the first cattle to the Custer, S.D. area, where they were stolen by Indians. Agnes Wright Spring

in “Cow Country,” issue of June 26, 1943, quoted this from the Chicago Times of May 2, 1876, via the Chey-

enne Leader: “The Custer City correspondent writes to the Times: ‘The first herd of beef cattle arrived yester-

day, and I had the pleasure of eating steak at 20 cents a pound.’”

Twenty-five men were present at the second regular meeting of the stock men’s association “all intervening meetings being merely informal,” the record shows.

It was not held until Feb. 23, 1874. Kuykendall’s minutes of this meeting show “upon examination of the following named stock men’s names appear to the agreement of role”: H. N. Orr; M. V. Boughton; Durbin Brothers; T. A. Kent & Co.; M. Taylor; A. H. Reel; G. A. Searight; John F. Coad; H. W. Devoe; W. L. Kuykendall; D. C. Tracy; M. A. Arnold; A. H. Webb; John Sparks; J. Kelley; and Thomas McGee. The minutes add the following “appeared and signed the agreement or roll as members”: D. H. Snyder, Maynard & Whitman, C. W. Wulfjen, Sturgis & Goodell, E. F. Boughton, I. H. Phillips, A. W. Haygood, Zachariah Thomasson and J. M. Carey and brother.

“Laws and regulations” were adopted. The first Monday in April, at 7 p.m., was set as the date for the annual meeting and the first Monday evening in each month for regular meetings.

“Admission fee” was fixed at five dollars, dues 50 cents per month.

At an adjourned session next day (Feb. 24, 1874), the association appointed Snyder, Carey, Maynard, Orr and Reel as a committee to draft laws for governing roundups, and instructed the secretary to ascertain the cost of printing 200 copies of the laws and regulations, then adjourned to meet the first Monday in April, in Recreation Hall, use of which has been tendered by “Mr. Arnold, secretary of the Recreation Hall Association.”

2022 • Wyoming Livestock Roundup

This third meeting was on April 6, and 13 members were present, 12 absent. The roundup committee reported a set of laws, which were approved section by section.

Five proposed new members, – Mark M. Coad, L. A. Litton, Hiram B. Kelly, John Snodgrass and Hugh Jackson – were approved and “signed the agreement.”

The list of members present and absent is shown thus on the minutes: present – H. N. Orr, M. V. Boughton, John Durbin, A. H. Reel, G. A. Searight, J. F. Coad, Kuykendall, Tracy, Webb, Sparks, Maynard, Goodell and Thomasson.

Absent – Kent & Co., Taylor, Devoe, Arnold, J. Kelley, McGee, Snyder, Wulfjen, E. F. Boughton, Phillips, Haygood and Judge Carey.

On Monday, May 4, 1874, the association held its fourth meeting: chief business was postponement of the roundup to June 15.

There were no more meetings that year.

The next was a special meeting, on Feb. 13, 1875.

Present were Boughton, Searight, Kent, Orr, Tracy and Kuykendall; absent, the “remaining members.”

Those present voted to assess members for payment of detectives employed by the association, the assessments to be in proportion to the assessed valuation of the members’ stock, “if such assessment or tax should become necessary in addition to the money in the treasury.”

This is the first reference in the minute books to action by the group on one big problem – cattle stealing – that had brought them together.

The annual meeting of 1875 was held April 5, and the following applied for membership, were voted on and accepted: O. P. Goodwin, Thomas McShane, W. C. Moore, E. W. Whitcomb, T. M. Overfeldt, D. S. Shaw, William Lindenmeier, William Guiterman and N. J. O’Brien. O’Brien was Laramie County sheriff, and a special resolution was passed to make him a member.

The officers were reelected, and the secretary was voted $60 as a year’s salary. The association decided to offer $200 for “apprehension and conviction of any person found killing or stealing cattle.”

A meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 6, 1875, was not held, because a quorum was lacking. The minutes show no more meetings until March 10, 1876, when “on motion by J. M. Carey a committee of three – Carey, Searight and Swan – was appointed to consult with the county commissioners regarding employment of detectives under the new law and that no one besides said commissioners shall know detectives.”

By this time, Kuykendall has pulled out to go to the South Dakota gold fields; Alexander H. Swan was secretary pro tem of the next recorded meeting, March

13, 1876. The committee on employment of detectives reported the county commissioners had agreed to allow $150 a month for two months for this purpose. Three members – Searight, Kent and Swan – were named to procure a detective.

By the time of the next recorded meeting, April 3, 1876, the association officers were Alexander H. Swan, president; G. A. Searight, vice president; Thomas Sturgis, secretary; and A. H. Reel, treasurer. Roundup plans occupied most of the attention at this meeting.

The annual meeting for 1877, held April 2, approved that year’s roundup plan, appointed a committee to engage a detective and adjourned to April 31, when the committee reported it had decided upon W. C. Lykins as “detective or inspector” with a recommendation to the county commissioners they pay the inspector of $150 a month. A committee of three including the president of the association was given power to discharge the inspector “at any time, at their discretion.”

The record is not clear as to identity of the detectives in 1874-5-6 and their exact time of service, but T. M. Overfelt, Henry Devoe and J. H. Ligget received pay during that time for detective-inspector work.

In 1878, Lykins was given an assistant, and the roundups were organized on a four-district basis.

At the 1879 meeting, numerous steps momentous in the association’s history were taken. It was then that the widening scope of the organization’s influence was recognized and its name, on a resolution introduced

by Thomas Sturgis the secretary, was changed to the Wyoming Stock Growers Association.

Creation of an executive committee took place at the 1879 meeting. The resolution creating it was again the handiwork of Thomas Sturgis. It provided for three members, “all residents of Cheyenne,” to be elected by the association, to serve for one year, and “to have entire control of the inspectors and all business of the association during its adjournment, and represent the association before the legislature.”

By acclamation, Carey, Sturgis and Nagle were elected the first executive committee.

The 1879 meeting made it impossible for a firm to be a member of the association. Membership was in the name of individuals, and if more than one member of a firm wished to participate and vote, each had to become a member.

The association by now had cattle inspectors in Kansas City, Council Bluffs and Cinton, Iowa. It adopted a resolution instructing its executive committee to seek from the territorial legislature “an enactment making it obligatory upon every man who shall hereafter turn out female neat cattle within this Continued on next page

Wyoming Livestock Roundup • 2022

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

Continued from previous page

territory to place with them at the time when he turned them out not less than five serviceable bulls, of the quality now provided by law, for every 100 head of female cattle two years old and upwards, and further that after the passage of such an act he shall within 12 months supply the same proportion of bulls to all female cattle of the above age, which he may be the owner of.” The legislature did pass such law.

First discussion of the advisability of opening an Exchange Room for stock men in Cheyenne was held at this 1879 meeting. In 1881, it came into being, serving for several years as headquarters for members who did not have offices in Cheyenne, and also for representative of commission firms, and otherwise service cattlemen’s interests during the buying season, June 1 to Nov. 15.

The 1880 meeting was marked by a tripling of the “admission fee” and doubling of the annual dues; they now became $15 and $10.

The association was not alone in its field by this time.

At its 1881 meeting, it issued an invitation to stock associations elsewhere to unite with it in “one compact organization.”

The invitation went to “the different associations of Wyoming Territory,” the association of Weld County, Colo., those at Rapid City and Deadwood, S.D. and the ones of Lincoln, Keith, Cheyenne and Sioux counties, Neb. The Albany County Stock Growers Association, formed at Laramie in 1877, at this time gave up its independent status and threw in with the larger Wyoming Stock Growers Association.

In a few more years, the association also included several Nebraska counties, and it was instrumental in furthering organization on a still wider scale in later years.

A change made in the wording of the stated purpose of the association at its annual meeting in 1881 reflects the progress by the organization in its first years in obtaining legislation benefiting stock interests. As stated at the second meeting of the association, Feb. 23, 1874, the object of the association had been: “To advance the interests of stock growers and dealers in livestock of all kinds within said county and for the protection of the same against frauds and swindles and to prevent the stealing, taking and driving away of horned cattle, sheep, horses and other stock from the rightful owners thereof, and to provide means for protection of such interests.”

By 1881, the association had grown so that “within said county” was changed to “in said territory,” and the phrase “to provide means for the protection of such interests” was made to read “and enforce the stock laws of Wyoming.”

For now, thanks to the association, there were laws to enforce.

The executive committee of three members which had been created at the annual meeting of 1879 grew to five members in 1880, and in 1881 was further enlarged to 11 – five from Laramie County, two from Albany County and two each from Cheyenne and Sioux counties, Nebraska. At this time the Sioux County Stock Association, in Nebraska, had disbanded and was taking steps to become a branch of the Wyoming association.

The executive committee composed in 1881 was: for Laramie County, Carey, Sturgis, Davis, Swan and Searight; for Albany County, George Harper and H. G. Balch; for Sioux County, Nebraska, Edgar Beecher Bronson (he wrote “Reminiscences of a Ranchman”) and G. L. Lawrence; for Cheyenne County, Nebraska, J. M. Adams and D. Sheedy.

The next year it was necessary to enlarge the executive committee again, as Unita, Carbon and Johnson counties were now ready to join the association. The four officers now also were made members of the executive committee, which thus comprised a total of 19 men.

Today the executive committee consists of from two to four members from each of the 23 counties in Wyoming, a total of 70 men.

The annual meeting of 1882 was marked by adoption of a resolution “discountenancing” the carrying of firearms “by those engaged in roundup and working of cattle, except in the immediate vicinity of Indian reservations.” Toting guns, said the resolution, was “productive of great evil and frequently results in damage of person and property.”

Among the powers given the executive committee in this period was the right to levy an assessment on the members, at any time but not more often than once a year, of “not over one percent per head for all cattle, horses and mules of which each man may at that time be owner.”

Proceeds of any assessment were to go to the association’s general fund, and non-payment of an assessment was to be penalized by forfeiture of membership.

Further, the association had adopted a ruling by which, “after a fair and impartial hearing,” a member could be expelled if he was found guilty by a majority of members present at a special meeting called for that purpose, or at an annual meeting, of anything that was “subversive of the interests generally of the association,” such as divulging proceedings of a meeting – this was the prerogative of the executive committee, which was regularly reporting to the press whatever it wished to have publicized – or committing “any act which may injure or defeat any proceeding or action of the association or its officers.”

The association by now was an effective force in the principal matters which had

brought it into being. It had got some system into the operation of the cattle industry, and it was helping the stock men to protect their herds. It had gone into politics in the first two years of its existence and was on its way to that dominance of legislative matters, which it attained by 1882.

It was logical and inevitable that it should be in politics.

The men who were leaders in the cattle industry were likewise leaders in other phases of territorial life. Participation in governmental affairs was the only way by which they could attain the ends they sought for the protection and advancement of their means of making a livelihood.

Many years later – on June, 7 1944 – when the records of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association were turned over to the Archives department of the University of Wyoming (UW) for safekeeping, Dr. J. L. Morrill, then president of UW, pointed out the preceded for organization of the association. He described how the pilgrims, when they found themselves off the New England coast instead of farther south where they had hoped to land and where they would have held title and authority from the Virginia Company, gathered in the cabin of their little ship and drew up the Mayflower Compact.

“In that compact,” said Dr. Morrill, “they agreed to constitute a ‘civil body politic’ to which each man pledged allegiance. This compact, though religious in its intent, became a civil covenant and the ancestor of American constitutions. This use of the religious covenants a ‘squatter’ compact by Englishmen and Scotch Presbyterians in the American wilderness was to be repeated, over and over again through three centu-

ries, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, as groups of pioneersquatters, finding themselves beyond the reach of established law and government, proceeded to set up their own.

It is a familiar pattern of the

developing American democracy. The stock growers of the Western Plains repeated this same pattern. They contributed a unique chapter when again in the 1870s Americans and Englishmen and Scotch-

Page B15 men in a new wilderness, facing new problems – economic this time rather than religious or political – proceeded with self reliance, like the Pilgrim Fathers, to come with them themselves.”

Congratulations to the Wyoming Stock Growers Association on

150 Years!

– John Barrasso

Paid for by Friends of John Barrasso

Page B16

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 150th Anniversary

2022 • Wyoming Livestock Roundup

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

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