2026 FALL
CATTLEMEN'S EDITION FEATURING BIG HORN COUNTY
a publication of
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
FEATURED BIG HORN COUNTY OPERATIONS
• Redland Redbank Angus • Greybull Days of ’49 • Western Sugar Cooperative • Hyattville Cowboy Carnival • Hancock Livestock • Hamilton Ranch • Silver Mustang Ranch • Broken Desert Ranch • Flying E Meats
• Asay Animal Health Solutions • Cow Boss Ranchwear • Wishbone Cattle • J&E Irrigation • Greybull Valley Produce • Little Acres Farm • DNA Designed Livestock Company
INTRODUCING BIG HORN COUNTY Ag industry thrives in the fertile valleys and rugged mountains of Big Horn County The Wyoming Livestock Roundup is excited to highlight farms, ranches and agribusinesses of Big Horn County in our 2026 Fall Cattlemen’s Edition. Stretching from the Montana state line south through the heart of the Big Horn Basin, Big Horn County encompasses 3,137 square miles of fertile river bottoms, colorful badlands, rolling rangelands and towering mountain country. It is the 13th largest of Wyoming’s 23 counties. Today, roughly 12,000 people call Big Horn County home, spread among the communities of Basin, Greybull, Lovell, Byron, Cowley, Burlington, Deaver, Frannie, Manderson, Hyattville, Shell and Otto. Basin serves as the county seat. Landscape and economy Big Horn County’s landscape is diverse and dramatic, with elevations ranging from approximately 3,950 feet to over 12,000 feet. Major bodies of water such as the Big Horn River, Shoshone River, Greybull River, Shell Creek and Big Horn Lake provide essential water for agriculture and recreation. The county’s economy is largely driven by agriculture, oil and natural gas development, mining and tourism. Bentonite is particularly important, especially around Greybull and Lovell, where mining and processing operations capitalize on the mineral-rich geology of the Big Horn Basin. From the Big Horn Mountains in the east to the Big Horn Canyon in the north, the county also offers abundant opportunities for tourism and recreation, especially hunting, fishing, camping and sightseeing. The area has a semi-arid climate characterized by mild to cold winters and warm to hot summers. Temperatures range from bitterly cold in the winter to highs exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Precipitation averages around six to 12 inches each Continued on next page
BIG HORN COUNTY STATISTICS Population.................................12,024 Land Area..............3,137 square miles Founded............................ March 1890 County Seat.................................Basin
Cover photo by Linda Hamilton
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
Continued from previous page year, with higher amounts recorded in mountainous regions. Local agriculture Agriculture is also an integral part of Big Horn County’s economy and way of life. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) 2022 Census of Agriculture, Big Horn County is home to 551 farms encompassing 456,535 acres. Operations average 829 acres and approximately 84,839 acres are irrigated. Of the 456,535 acres of land in farms, 107,765 acres are cropland, 303,292 acres are pastureland and 17,574 acres are woodland. Together, producers in Big Horn County sold nearly $91 million worth of agricultural products in 2022, accounting for six percent of Wyoming’s total ag sales. Unlike many Wyoming counties where livestock dominates ag receipts, crop production represents the majority of Big Horn County’s agricultural sales. Crops accounted for 58 percent of sales in 2022, while livestock, poultry and related products made up the remaining 42 percent. The basin’s fertile lands, irrigated valleys and favorable climate allow for the cultivation of an
impressive variety of crops including sugarbeets, dry edible beans, barley, corn and forage. NASS data shows, in 2022, Big Horn County producers harvested 32,432 acres of forage, 19,022 acres of barley, 6,979 acres of sugarbeets, 6,599 acres of corn for silage and 4,732 acres of corn for grain. Livestock production is a longstanding piece of the county’s agricultural identity as well, with cattle and sheep operations utilizing the expansive rangelands surrounding its productive river valleys. At 45,956 head, cattle and calves dominate the county’s livestock inventory. Sheep and lambs are second in the running at 12,396 head. The rest of the county’s livestock inventory includes 2,851 goats, 2,429 horses and ponies, 1,550 layers, 215 pullets, 108 hogs and pigs, 71 broilers and other meat-type chickens and 65 turkeys. State rankings According to NASS, Hot Springs County ranks top 10 in the state for several of the agricultural products it grows and raises. The county ranks first in Wyoming in crops; grains, oilseeds, dry beans and dry peas and horses, ponies, mules, burros and donkeys.
Rugged rangelands – In contrast to its fertile, irrigated valleys, Big Horn County also boasts rugged mountain rangelands, where producers graze cattle and sheep. WyoHistory photo
Big Horn County also ranks third in other crops and hay; fifth in fruits, tree nuts and berries; sixth in vegetables, melons, potatoes and sweet potatoes; eighth in aquaculture and other animals and animal products and ninth in poultry and eggs. Additionally, the county ranks 11th in nursery, greenhouse, floriculture and sod; 16th in cattle and calves and 17th in livestock, poultry and products. Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Fertile farmland – Big Horn County’s fertile lands, irrigated valleys and favorable climate allow for the cultivation of crops such as sugarbeets, dry edible beans, barley, corn and forage. Big Horn County photo
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
FAITH, FAMILY, FUNCTION Redland Redbank Angus focuses on functional cattle and strong family values Rooted in Big Horn County, Redland Redbank Angus is a diversified cattle, sheep and backgrounding operation focused on faith, family and raising functional cattle. It is here Adam and Briana Redland have spent more than a decade refining a renowned registered Angus herd, in addition to operating a feedlot and raising commercial cattle, sheep and their three-yearold daughter – with another on the way. Building a program The operation’s roots date back to 1952, when the Mercer family began devel-
oping a legacy line of cattle during the days of early artificial insemination. Nearly six decades later, after it was passed down through multiple generations, Adam returned to the ranch with a desire to keep this heritage alive. At the time, however, the family had stopped raising bulls altogether, and outside bulls purchased on a budget were brought into the fold instead. Adam notes, under his mother Deb Redland’s care, the cow herd continued to carry many of the traits the family valued most – low pulmonary arterial pressure
Maternal foundation – Redland Redbank Angus places strong emphasis on productive, functional females, believing good bulls start with good cows. Courtesy photo
(PAP) scores, good fertility, easy disposition, sound feet and longevity. However, within three to four years, outside genetics eventually introduced prob-
“ None of us are doing this to get rich, and our goal is no different than anyone else’s at the end of the day. What we’re really trying to do is make a difference and leave something behind for the next generation.”
lems the family had never encountered before, including bad feet and udders, poor fertility and disposition and an uneven calf crop, which ultimately affected their bottom line. “It was a huge eye opener,” Briana admits. “This was the biggest factor for Adam when he decided to start rebuilding and pursuing the registered herd as a business model. He knew
other ranchers running cattle in similar environments could be dealing with the exact same problems, and it was a commitment he made with a clear goal in mind.” “We kind of revamped our whole program to more ideally fit our environment,” Adam adds, noting he began managing his registered cows much like the commercial herd, in which cattle were expected to utilize for-
age, overwinter and thrive on some of Wyoming’s toughest rangelands. In fact, the cows still summer in the Big Horn Mountains today, just as the original Mercer cattle did in 1952. “We needed the right type of cattle to fit the coldweather, high-elevation environment we run in,” Adam states. “We let Mother Nature Continued on next page
ADAM REDLAND
WEAVER RANCH 42nd ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE President's Day Monday, February 15, 2027
12:30 p.m. at the ranch north of Fort Collins, Colo.
60 REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS COMING 2-YEAR-OLD BULLS
Range-ready bulls – At Redland Redbank Angus, bulls are developed with longevity and functionality in mind and tested in real-world conditions to ensure they can perform in the high-desert and highmountain environments where many of the operation’s customers run. Courtesy photo
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72#
+12
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Easy Calving, Carcass Quality & Disposition Susan & Mourine Weaver 3000 West Co. Rd. 70 • Ft. Collins, CO 80524
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
Continued from previous page keep culling the herd down naturally, and we had a huge fallout in the beginning.” In just a few years, the herd had dwindled to about 80 females as cows failing to breed back were removed. The same philosophy was eventually applied to replacement heifers as well. The Redlands began wintering heifer calves on dry grass and crop residue, providing only what was necessary to maintain them through the winter. Once grass greened up, heifers were expected to grow and breed within a relatively short window. Adam admits the early years were challenging, with only about half of the heifers breeding back, but females that did succeed became the foundation for the operation’s existing herd. Now, more than 90 percent of the heifers breed in an average year, and those successfully bred as heifers tend to remain productive throughout their lives. “This would be the one decision I can point back to now, all these years later, that was a big game changer,” Adam shares. The program has also continued to place greater emphasis on growth and carcass performance without sacrificing moderate frame size. Adam and Briana generally target cattle with a frame size of 4.5 to five, stressing muscle, base width and length rather than simply increasing frame size. Genomic testing, including residual feed intake, is also utilized. Rather than solely relying on technology to identify efficiency, however, the Redlands believe their management system provides an important realworld test. Cattle which cannot perform on grass and in the environment simply do not remain in the program. Breeding for the future At the heart of the Redlands’ seedstock program is the philosophy that good bulls start with good cows. “Bulls are a byproduct of really good cows,” Adams states, quoting his Grandfather Dick Mercer. In 2013-15, Adam notes the Redlands transitioned to selling two-year-old bulls to allow for an additional year of maturation and performance evaluation. As weaned calves, bulls are wintered on hay meadow residue before moving into the family’s feedlot for a short period of time. Yearling bulls spend the summer on grass, including dry, mixed cheatgrass pastures which are not particularly high in quality. If a bull cannot gain and maintain himself in these conditions, he doesn’t make the cut. “We don’t try and force it,” Adam says. “This allows Mother Nature to really be the guiding hand in every decision we’ve made and continue to make.” The goal, Adam
explains, is to produce bulls able to withstand Wyoming’s harsh conditions – not those that have been overconditioned while standing in a feedlot their entire lives. “They’re ready to go to work in a real-range environment,” he states. Performance at high elevations is another important consideration, and a low PAP score is a key component of the program. According to Adam, the average PAP score for bulls in the Redlands’ annual production sale the past two years has been 37, with very few bulls exceeding 40. This focus has helped the Redlands build a customer base of ranchers running in similarly demanding environments. Adam says about 95 percent of the operation’s bulls go to those running range cattle in high-desert environments, high-mountain environments or a combination of both. “We’re not trying to sell genetics to any of our customers we aren’t confident will continue to work for a long time,” he states. “We are in the business of selling bulls that hold up better. They don’t break down, they don’t get too big and they stay around for a long time.” “We’ve also got a really
good guarantee on bulls. If they do get hurt during service, we try to help out in every way possible to make sure our customers are not going home with nothing,” he adds. Bulls are sold during an annual live auction at Big Horn Basin Livestock Auction in Worland, where Adam also works as an auctioneer. Focusing on faith and family While cattle are no doubt important, Adam says the foundation of Redland Redbank Angus ultimately comes back to something much bigger – faith and family. He admits running a ranch sprawling from one end of the Big Horn Basin to the other is demanding and comes with a unique set of challenges, but it also provides an opportunity for the family to spend quality time together, work toward shared goals and build something they hope will outlast them. This is Adam’s favorite part of being involved in agriculture, he says. Adam and Briana note Deb maintains an integral role in the operation and is a huge help with the couple’s daughter when ranch work requires both of them to be horseback, in a semi or in the corral. “She is absolutely instrumental,” Briana shares. “She is still heavily involved with
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Family first – Family is the foundation of Redland Redbank Angus. Adam and Briana Redland note their in-laws, Deb Redland and Mike and Becky Coble, have been instrumental in their success. Courtesy photo
the cows and getting bulls ready for the sale. She and I trim and fit all of the bulls before sale time, and when we video bulls, it’s just the three of us – me on the camera and Deb and Adam in the pen maneuvering bulls.” Briana’s parents, Mike and Becky Coble, have also played an important role in helping the operation grow. Briana notes their proximity was one of the reasons why she and Adam decided to settle down near Burlington.
Mike, a lifelong trucker, also influenced the couple’s decision to invest in their own trucks to haul cattle from one end of the Big Horn Basin to the other. Today, when cattle need to be moved, family members are often behind the wheel. “It’s really a family deal,” Adam says. “Whether it’s getting bulls videoed for sale day or moving animals off of the mountain, its mostly just us.” He adds, “None of us
are doing this to get rich, and our goal is no different than anyone else’s at the end of the day. What we’re really trying to do is make a difference and leave something behind for the next generation.” For more information about Redland Redbank Angus, visit @RedlandRedbankAngus on Facebook. Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
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ATTENTION WYOMING LIVESTOCK BRAND OWNERS The Wyoming Livestock Board is sending out notices for brand owners whose brands are scheduled for renewal. If you are not sure of when your brand is scheduled for renewal, or are not sure if the Wyoming Livestock Board has your current address, please contact the Wyoming Livestock Board via phone, mail, email, or fax at the following address: Wyoming Livestock Board 1934 Wyott Drive, Cheyenne, WY 82002-0051 Office phone 307-777-7515 • Fax 307-777-6561 or email brands@wyo.gov or https://wlsb.state.wy.us/public click on change of address.
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
WYOMING ANGUS ASSOCIATION “THE BEST IN THE WEST” XLAR Bob and Kate Ballew PO Box 989 Evansville, WY 82636 307-258-0107 SLED RUNNER CATTLE CO. Kailey Barlow PO Box 1223 Big Piney, WY 83113 307-260-6409 sledrunnercattle@gmail.com M DIAMOND ANGUS Brad Boner PO Box 1345 Glenrock, WY 82637 307-359-1162 brad@mdiamondangus.com M DIAMOND ANGUS Trent Boner PO Box 1587 Douglas, WY 82633 307-359-2708 trent@mdiamondangus.com
LABONTE CREEK ANGUS RANCH Neil and Clarice Forgey 193 K-Field Road Lost Springs, WY 82224 307-358-9232 labontecreek@hotmail.com
LUCKY 7 ANGUS Jim and Jamie Jensen PO Box 1445 Riverton, WY 82501 307-850-2514 cowboybulls@hotmail.com
HORSE CREEK ANGUS Dan and Bobbie Frank 5396 Road 236 Meriden, WY 82081 307-421-4022 horsecreekangus@gmail.com
JENSEN ANGUS Justin and Renee Jensen PO Box 316 Boulder, WY 82923 307-360-9136 rjj@wyoming.com
CLAY CREEK ANGUS RANCH Jim and Lori French 3334 Road 14 Greybull, WY 82426 307-762-3541
DEER CREEK ANGUS RANCH Bill, Jo and Katie Keith 9250 Zero Road Casper, WY 82604 307-457-2314 katie.keith.827@gmail.com
GARDNER HEART DOT ANGUS Bret Gardner 720 Missouri Valley Road Shoshoni, WY 82649 307-857-4444
DOUG BOOTH FAMILY ANGUS Doug and Carolyn Booth 7618 Road 41 Torrington, WY 82240 307-532-5830
CWDR ANGUS Joe Giemza 329 Petz Road Lusk, WY 82225 608-863-3959 giemza.joe73@gmail.com
DOUG BOOTH FAMILY ANGUS Dudley and Jennifer Booth 4156 Road 82 Torrington, WY 82240 307-532-7179 ddbooth2436@gmail.com
GODLEY ANGUS RANCH Gary Godley PO Box 304 Kaycee, WY 82639 307-738-2683 godley@rtconnect.net
BOOTH’S CHERRY CREEK RANCH Michael and Lindsy Booth 2162 Road 60 Veteran, WY 82243 307-837-0164 lindsybooth23@gmail.com
GM LIVESTOCK/MCDONNELL ANGUS Victor and Darcy Goni PO Box 334 Buffalo, WY 82834 307-217-3437 307angus@gmail.com
BOOTH’S CHERRY CREEK RANCH Shawn and Diane Booth 2749 Road 60 Veteran, WY 82243 307-837-2994 boothangus@scottsbluff.net
GRANDSTAFF G-WING ANGUS Curtis and Cheryl Grandstaff PO Box 155 LaGrange, WY 82221 307-834-2459 granny@prairieweb.net
BOWMAN CATTLE Lyle Bowman 3410 County Road 163 Pine Bluffs, WY 82082 307-246-3281
GRAY’S ANGUS RANCH Rod and Laura Gray 4281 Henry Road Harrison, NE 69346 308-668-2520
LB FARMS CATTLE Lance, Shelley, Wes and TJ Brown 140 Lane 15 Powell, WY 82435 406-240-4879 lb3539@aol.com
DOUBLE LAZY A Daniel Greet 1728 State Highway 434 Ten Sleep, WY 82442 307-272-5292 dlgreet@gmail.com
BULINE ANGUS Jim Buline 623 Old Yellowstone Highway Crowheart, WY 82512 307-486-2330
B & D CATTLE CO. Dana Haas 2312 Road 60 Veteran, WY 82243 307-837-2925
K-BUTTERFIELD LIVESTOCK Kim and Janet Butterfield 2925 Road 54 Veteran, WY 82243 307-575-7340
KEN HAAS ANGUS Kendall and Heather Haas 4766 State Highway 151 LaGrange, WY 82221 307-834-2356
C C ANGUS Curt and Diane Cox 1835 Willow Creek Road Casper, WY 82604 307-630-4604 curt@wylr.net
HANCOCK LIVESTOCK Charles Hancock PO Box 435 Basin, WY 82410 307-250-6900 hanstock76@gmail.com
DALLES RANCH 179 Dalles Lane Laramie, WY 82070 307-760-6323
HERRING ANGUS RANCH Kal and Vickie Herring PO Box 275 Encampment, WY 82325 307-327-5396
DAVIDSON ANGUS Peter and Susan Davidson 208 South Main Burlington, WY 82411 307-762-3612 davidson82411@yahoo.com DEENEY CATTLE Joe and Nicole Deeney PO Box 1502 Wheatland, WY 82201 307-630-1593 joseph.deeney@fsbwy.com DENIZ FAMILY RANCH Conrrado Deniz 2509 Angus Lane Cheyenne, WY 82009 307-431-5652 deniz@dfrangus.com FLYING M ANGUS Larry and Jackie Dobrenz 6566 Clareton Highway Gillette, WY 82718 307-660-5755 EARHART FARMS Andrea Earhart 1373 Road 8 Powell, WY 82435 307-754-3535
2K CATTLE CO. Russell and Sheila Kilts 1675 Sussex Road Kaycee, WY 82639 307-437-6466 shekilts@rtconnect.net KILTY BAR X RANCH Kyle Kilty PO Box 88 LaGrange, WY 82221 307-575-7116 KLEIN ANGUS Bill Klein 256 Brookside Road Wheatland, WY 82201 307-331-0136 bill82201@yahoo.com RAFTER T ANGUS Kale and Kim Kretschman 721 Middle Prong Road Gillette, WY 82716 307-736-2415 raftertangus@gmail.com KRETSCHMAN ANGUS Kelby and Lacey Kretschman 1336 Lower Powder River Road Arvada, WY 82831 307-736-2327 SCOTT LAKE 80 Brittany Lane Laramie, WY 82070 307-460-8129 LTJ ANGUS Tim Latham 390 Highway 14A Powell, WY 82435 307-202-1356 LINFORD ANGUS Colin Linford 94 Green Mountain Road Sundance, WY 82729 801-520-0658 colin54ducks@gmail.com LISCO ANGUS Dick Lisco 554 Tank Farm Road Douglas, WY 82633 307-358-3810 liscoangus@vcn.com LITTLE GOOSE RANCH Chad Bradshaw PO Box 770 Big Horn, WY 82833 307-751-1535 chad4lgr@yahoo.com
TRAVIS AND MANDY MCINTOSH PO Box 1587 Wheatland, WY 82201 307-331-2727 COW CAPITAL LIVESTOCK, LLC Doug McLean 63 Signal Butte Road Miles City, MT 59301 307-462-1683 cowcapital61@gmail.com PAINT ROCK ANGUS RANCH Martin and Kelli Mercer 1926 Highway 31 Hyattville, WY 82428 307-469-2206 paintrockangus@gmail.com MICHELI CATTLE CO. Tony Micheli PO Box 111 Ft. Bridger, WY 82933 307-747-7786 tmicheli5@yahoo.com MILLS CATTLE CO., LLC Doug and Dena Mills PO Box 3 Hulett, WY 82720 307-756-2030 millscattleco@gmail.com MITCHEM RANCH Stan and Karen Mitchem PO Box 1115 Glenrock, WY 82637 307-436-2504 stan@stanmitchem.com
5-5 ANGUS Colton and Tanna Rodeman PO Box 837 Douglas, WY 82633 307-351-4275 tannarodeman@yahoo.com ELK ANGUS Tyler and Meg Scales 74 Crazy Woman Canyon Road Buffalo, WY 82834 970-462-1557 meg@scalescattleco.com POPO AGIE ANGUS Ted Seely PO Box 569 Lander, WY 82520 307-332-2839 G G ANGUS Greg and Kim Selin 3788 Road 215 Cheyenne, WY 82009 307-631-8814 BROKEN DIAMOND T ANGUS Deb Simon and Allen Roush 581 Highway 20 North Thermopolis, WY 82443 307-921-2900
LUCAS AND JESSICA MOORE 5574 State Highway 92 Torrington, WY 82240 307-534-6704 lucas.moore@fsbwy.com
POWDER RIVER ANGUS Neal and Amanda Sorenson 7241 Highway 14-16 Arvada, WY 82831 307-736-2260 nasorenson@rangeweb.net
J BAR M ANGUS John and ManDee Moore 4095 Ross Road Douglas, WY 82622 307-464-6222 jjcattleco@gmail.com
WYOMING LIVESTOCK ROUNDUP Dennis Sun PO Box 850 Casper, WY 82602 307-234-2700 roundup@wylr.net
NEIMAN CATTLE CO. Sonnie Neiman 541 Mona Road Alva, WY 82711 307-259-6810 neimancattle@gmail.com
TEICHERT ANGUS Mark Teichert PO Box 327 Cokeville, WY 83114 307-279-3179
NICKEL CATTLE CO. Kevin and Jackie Nickel 3148 State Highway 154 Veteran, WY 82243 307-837-2279 nickel.angus@gmail.com NOLKE ANGUS Calvin Nolke Jr. 2949 Four Corners Road LaGrange, WY 82221 307-477-0029 nolkeangus@gmail.com OCHSNER ROTH CATTLE CO Blake Ochsner 10672 Van Tassell Road Torrington, WY 82240 307-532-5892 ochsnerblake@gmail.com OEDEKOVEN ANGUS Cynthia and Teresa Oedekoven PO Box 502 Sheridan, WY 82801 307-763-3789
SS RANCH CO. Andy Malm PO Box 128 LaGrange, WY 82221 307-834-0128 mrc3mt@aol.com
PINGETZER’S SIX IRON RANCH Robert and Paige Pingetzer 11882 Highway 789 Shoshoni, WY 82649 307-856-4401
MARNIE HERRING 5878 Road 23 Veteran, WY 82243 307-575-9338
MCCLUN’S LAZY JM RANCH Jeff and Kody McClun 1930 Road 60 Veteran, WY 82243 307-534-5141 mccluncattle@gmail.com
ROCK LAKE ANGUS Todd Platt 714 Grange Road Wheatland, WY 82201 307-331-1175 rlangusranch@yahoo.com
HISER FARMS Wesley Hiser PO Box 882 Casper, WY 82602 307-262-1410 whiser@wyoheart.com
MCCONNELL ANGUS Roger, Ryan and Royce McConnell 5740 Road 52 North Dix, NE 69133 308-682-5615 mcconnellangus@msn.com
REDLAND ANGUS Kendrick and Sharon Redland PO Box 167 Worland, WY 82401 307-250-8625 ksredland@gmail.com
HOGG’S ANGUS Ronee Hogg 5423 State Highway 120 Meeteetse, WY 82433 307-868-2431 hoggsangus@tctwest.net
SO CATTLE INC. Diane Frank or Mike and Anjie McConnell 420 Lyons Valley Road Lander, WY 82520 307-332-5969 socattle@wyoming.com
INGALLS ANGUS Jasper Ingalls 760 North Pavillion Road Pavillion, WY 82605 307-349-3097 jasper@bigwest.us
RANCH COUNTRY ANGUS Delaney McGowan PO Box 178 LaGrange, WY 82221 308-631-5568 ranchcountryangus@gmail.com
BOONE AND MELANIE HERRING 5440 Road 27 Veteran, WY 82243 307-575-5520 gbarh@bbcwb.net
M.R. ANGUS RANCH Juan and Joni Reyes 98 Olson Road Wheatland, WY 82201 307-322-4848 mrangusranch@gmail.com
OBSIDIAN ANGUS Fred and Kay Thomas PO Box 346 Meeteetse, WY 82433 307-868-2595 kfdramsrus@hotmail.com P\T LIVESTOCK Pete Thompson 345 Missouri Valley Road Shoshoni, WY 82649 307-709-8351 JL FARM Jordyn Wagner 3752 Little Creek Lane Billings, MT 59101 406-672-5553 jordynlynnwagner@gmail.com jenalee.wagner@gmail.com WEAVER RANCH Susan and Mourine Weaver 3000 West County Road 70 Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-568-3898 weaverrch@aol.com BEAVER CREEK RANCHES Pete and Lucy Widener 568 Beaver Creek Road Sheridan, WY 82801 307-674-6947 doublew@fiberpipe.net WEBO ANGUS Buttons York PO Box 848 Lusk, WY 82225 307-334-3006 weboangus@gmail.com ZUMBRUNNEN ANGUS Jason and Shirley ZumBrunnen 1174 Kirtley Road Lusk, WY 82225 307-216-0198 jszumbrunnen@gmail.com
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION Greybull Days of ’49 celebrates history and community in the heart of Big Horn County Since 1945, the little Town of Greybull has hosted a highly-anticipated annual celebration drawing community members from across Big Horn County to celebrate Western traditions and local history. The Greybull Days of ’49 celebration is held every second weekend in June and features an exciting lineup of events including a team tug-of-war competition, gun show, classic car display, parade, live music and two days of rodeo action. With a variety of events supported by a host of community sponsors, Greybull Days of ’49 has something for everyone. Event history According to an excerpt from “Glimpses of Greybull’s Past: A History of a Wyoming Railroad Town from 1887 to 1967,” written by J. Tom Davis, the town’s first Days of ’49 celebration was organized in 1945 by a local community group known as the Jaycees. Davis notes a junior chamber of commerce was organized in Greybull on Feb. 19, 1945, and before long, the Jaycees decided the town should host a citywide celebration in June. Interestingly, Davis explains the event name has nothing to do with Greybull’s personal history but rather was decided on by the Jaycees to pay homage to the California Gold Rush of 1849, where gold prospectors and hopeful pioneers flocked to California in hopes of discovering gold and a luxurious life. The first Days of ’49 celebration was held just three months before the conclusion of World War II and came as a welcome distraction from the “drudgery of daily work,” according to a clipping from the June 7, 1945 edition of the Greybull Standard which Davis shares in his book. “After three and a half war-weary years under rigid government regulations, the
people are desirous of giving vent to pent-up cravings for any kind of excitement which will afford some relaxation from the drudgery of daily work,” writes former Greybull Standard Editor Axel Lilja. “The people of this nation have been told for three long years they can’t do this or can’t do that,” Lilja continues. “So hang on to your hats folks, we’ll soon be off on a wild party.” More than eight decades after the first Days of ’49 came to Greybull, the tradition continues to be upheld by members of the local community. Something for everyone Each year, the Greybull Days of ’49 celebration kicks off on Thursday evening with the downtown team tug-of-war tradition. Friday continues with a gun show at the Greybull Community Center which begins in the evening and lasts into Saturday afternoon. The Greybull Days of ’49 rodeo also takes place on Friday evening, featuring classic events like bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding, along with calf roping, team roping, breakaway roping and barrel racing. Ranch bronc riding, steer riding and wild horse races are also on the docket, and the rodeo begins around 7 p.m. Saturday’s schedule is jam-packed with fun including a downtown parade in the morning and a classic car show and youth rodeo in the afternoon. The festivities continue well into Saturday evening, concluding with live music and a street dance. On Sunday, attendees can choose to attend a community church service in Greybull Park, and then the countdown until the next celebration starts all over again. With something in store for everyone, the Greybull Days of ’49 celebration is a small-town tradition worth
Town tradition – A hallmark of the annual Greybull Days of ’49 celebration is the downtown tug-of-war tournament. Above, teams compete in the middle of Greybull Avenue during the 2025 event. Greybull Standard photo by Avery Howe
experiencing. The event is set to return to Greybull for its 82nd year in June 2027.
For more information about Greybull Days of ’49, follow @GreybullDAY-
Sof’49” on Facebook. Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Live-
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Classic cars – The classic car show, held during the Greybull Days of ’49 celebration, is a big draw for the community. Above, an attendee examines a classic car during the 2025 Greybull Days of ’49 celebration. Greybull Standard photo by Avery Howe
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
WESTERN SUGAR COOPERATIVE Lovell factory celebrates 110 years of sugarbeet production In Wyoming’s fertile Big Horn Basin, a variety of crops and livestock operations thrive. Among these agricul-
tural opportunities is a sweet business for Wyoming – sugarbeet production. This year marks 110
years of sugarbeet production at the Lovell branch of the Western Sugar Cooperative (WSC).
Unique history – Established in 1916, the Lovell factory is celebrating 110 years of sugar production in 2026. The facility has a unique history, including being transported from Colorado to Wyoming and reconstructed over a period of several months. Pictured is the original factory under construction in 1916. Courtesy photo
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Sweet business – Western Sugar Cooperative’s Lovell factory plays a critical role in the company’s yearly sugarbeet harvest and production cycle. Pictured is an aerial view of the Lovell facilities. Courtesy photo
More than a century later, in 2026, the sugarbeet business remains an important aspect of Wyoming agriculture, particularly within the Big Horn Basin. Sugar cycle According to Shannon, WSC partners with roughly 800 grower-owners to supply American-grown sugar to consumers across the country. “Our granulated sugar is produced by American farmers in the beet fields of the Rocky Mountain Region and can be used in many applications including bakeries, beverages, drink mixes, candy, dairy and ice cream,” Shannon explains. In addition to corporate headquarters in Denver, the cooperative has four processing facilities located in Fort Morgan, Colo.; Billings, Mont.; Scottsbluff, Neb. and Lovell. At the Lovell factory, 39 full-time employees ensure operations run smoothly year-round, and an additional 70 seasonal employees are brought on to help during the factory’s busiest sugar production season. Referred to as the campaign, the company’s active sugar production season generally runs from mid-September through mid-February. Harvest season spans from September through midOctober, and the rest of the year is devoted to inter-campaign facility maintenance. Shannon notes weather conditions, both hot and cold, can significantly impact harvest season. During this time, growers and factory staff work together to pile and process beets, with the factory operating 24/7 until all the beets are processed. Generational growers Shannon’s roots in Wyoming agriculture and WSC run deep. He was born and raised on a farming and ranching operation outside of Cowley and began working for WSC in 1986, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
Throughout his career, Shannon has worked in each of the cooperative’s facilities. He returned to Big Horn County to assume his role as factory manager of the Lovell factory in 2015. Generations of his family have worked for WSC, including his grandfather and father who worked at the Lovell factory and his son who currently works for WSC’s corporate headquarters in Denver. This generational influence is a common theme throughout the cooperative, with several generations of grower-owners contributing to WSC’s operations. On its website, WSC explains the company is made up of more than 700 multi-generational growers who were born and raised around sugarbeets. “The lifestyle of hard work and long days involved in sugarbeet growing has been passed down for the 100 years WSC has existed,” reads the website. “The trend of longevity extends to our employees as well where some have worked with WSC for over 50 years.” “We aspire to build the same loyalty we have among our growers and employees with our customers by continuing to invest hard work into creating our high-quality sugar,” the website continues. WSC further highlights the long-term commitment and family history represented by the cooperative’s grower-owners. “Our grower-owners are all small family farms passed down through generations,” the website states. “Therefore, their farms not only provide their livelihoods today, but their legacy for tomorrow.” For more information about the Western Sugar Cooperative, visit westernsugar.com. Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net. Busy season – Hundreds of thousands of sugarbeets are harvested across Western Sugar Cooperative’s four processing locations annually. Here, an employee exhibits a sugarbeet which grew through a horseshoe. Courtesy photo
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
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A10
2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
FOOD, FRIENDS, FUN Annual Hyattville Cowboy Carnival celebrates local community The Hyattville Cowboy Carnival has been going strong for the past 22 years with the help of a strong board of directors and multiple volunteers. Hosted annually on Memorial Day Weekend as a fundraising project for the Hyattville Community Center (HCC), the carnival invites residents of Hyattville and beyond to partake in a day of fun designed for the whole family. “If you’ve been to Hyattville, you either knew where you were going or you were lost,” jokes HCC Board President Dave Greer, noting the one exception to this statement is the annual Cowboy Carnival which draws people from all over to partake in the festivities. Getting started The Cowboy Carnival tradition began in 2003 when the current community building was being built. Members of the HCC board began brainstorming ways to raise funds for upkeep and operating expenses which accompanied a new building, and the idea for the Cowboy Carnival was born.
Today, the HCC building remains a staple for the Hyattville community for a variety of events, with help from the Wyoming Business Council and the Cowboy Carnival. Located on the Main Street of Hyattville, the HCC welcomes weddings, receptions, holiday parties, birthday parties, anniversaries, meetings, benefits and more. Still, the center’s crown jewel is the annual Cowboy Carnival – a town and countywide favorite. Community reach The Cowboy Carnival is made possible by the work of several community volunteers and members of the HCC Board of Directors. Current HCC board members include Dave Greer, Dave Wieland, Jess Tharp, Tim Kurtz, Jonathan Tullar, Keonna Herman and Linda Hamilton. Both Dave Greer and Linda were on the original steering committee for the Cowboy Carnival 22 years ago and remain actively involved today.
Cowboy Carnival – Residents of Hyattville and the surrounding Big Horn Basin gather to enjoy food, fun and friendship during the annual Cowboy Carnival. Featuring a home-cooked meal and a variety of ag-centric programming, the event is a celebration of history and community. Courtesy photo
Continued on next page
“Hyattville is a beef-producing community, and beef is the economic basis of this whole little area. The Cowboy Carnival reinforces this idea and celebrates the area’s economic foundations.” CAROL DEITESFELD
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Community focus – The Cowboy Carnival has grown into an annual tradition for the town of Hyattville. Above, Keith Hamilton, left, and Bobby Herman, right, assist Todd Jones, center, with a pack horse demonstration. Courtesy photo
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
Continued from previous page Planning for the annual carnival officially begins each February, but there are many board members and volunteers who contribute to planning and organizing the event year-round. Dave Greer and Linda estimate the Cowboy Carnival consistently draws more than 300 people each year, and Dave Greer notes the highest turnout in recent memory was in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic when most other events were canceled. For more than two decades, Wyomingites from across the Big Horn Basin and beyond have come to Hyattville to partake in the event while visiting with new and old friends. Carol Deitesfeld, a former member of the HCC board who remains involved with the carnival, emphasizes the event celebrates Hyattville’s foundations and ties to the agricultural community, specifically the beef industry. “Hyattville is a beefproducing community, and beef is the economic basis of this whole little area,” says Carol. “The Cowboy Carnival reinforces this idea
and celebrates the area’s economic foundations.” Activities for all This year, the Cowboy Carnival celebrated its 22nd year with a wide variety of events and activities. While the specific activities vary slightly from year to year, a few things stay consistent including the beloved annual barbecue featuring locally raised lamb, pork and beef and plenty of side dishes and desserts. Meat is sourced from local ranches and cooked by Casey Greer, and side dishes and pies are also made and donated by locals. The meal is served by community volunteers and attracts long lines of people looking forward to a hearty plate of homemade Wyoming cooking. In addition, the carnival always features a lineup of history presentations, interactive exhibits, educational clinics, a 5K race and a fantastic quilt show. The 2026 Cowboy Carnival kicked off with a church service, along with registration for a 5K walk or run which was open to both adults and youth. The day also included a
handful of contests including a cribbage tournament, a shooting contest and a kids B.B. Gun Shoot in the afternoon. Special guests this year included Levi Klemm of 9K Ranch Horses who hosted a colt starting clinic, Kate Richardson who held a “Cooking on the Trail” demo and Todd Jones who put on a “Preparing for a Packhorse Adventure” presentation. Paying it forward The Cowboy Carnival also features a live auction and raffle which benefit HCC and give back to the surrounding community. This year, Linda says roughly 30 items featuring services or gifts from across the Big Horn Basin were up for sale during the auction. Everything from local honey products, salon gift certificates, potted plants, manure compost, jewelry and more was up for grabs. Items are collected throughout the year, and members from across the
community donate items to help diversify the selection. Every Cowboy Carnival guest has the opportunity to purchase a raffle ticket at the event. This past year, raffle prizes included a box of locally grown beef, dinner and drinks at the Twisted
Tippet Ranch in Hyattville and a Yeti cooler. The Cowboy Carnival is a community event to its core, and locals look forward to gathering at HCC for a good cause year after year. For more information about the Hyattville Cowboy
Carnival, visit hyattville.org/ cowboy-carnival.html or follow @HyattvilleCommunityCenter on Facebook. Abby Kukowski is a contributing writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
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Homegrown meal – A barbecue lunch featuring locally-raised beef, pork and lamb is a highlight of the annual Hyattville Cowboy Carnival. The meat is cooked by Casey Greer and served by community volunteers. Courtesy photo
Learning opportunities – The annual Cowboy Carnival features a variety of events including interactive displays, history demonstrations and educational clinics. Above, attendees watch from lawn chairs as Todd Jones demonstrates how to pack horses. Courtesy photo
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
HANCOCK LIVESTOCK Black Angus operation raises performance-tested purebred cattle Charles Hancock began his venture into the world of purebred Black Angus production with a goal of raising cattle with predictable, realistic maternal genetics. Along with his partner Leigh Vineyard, Charles raises quality cattle on the ranch outside of Basin with a focus on functionality and performance. Hancock Livestock was established in 2008. In the years since, the program has become renowned throughout the region for producing strong bulls and fertile females marked by strong maternal genetics and an ability to hold up in a variety of conditions. Maternal genetics For Hancock Livestock, a focus on maternal genetics paves the path to success. “We believe using proven maternal genetics is the key to a solid cow base,” write Charles and Leigh on the Hancock Livestock website. “With strong maternal genetics, performance and carcass quality
fall into place.” To ensure longevity, Hancock Livestock focuses on raising easy-fleshing, moderate framed cattle with calm dispositions. Calving ease is also a top priority, as well as the ability to breed back on time and raise a calf without complications. Breeding is conducted primarily through artificial insemination (AI) using time-tested, proven maternal AI sires for two cycles followed by a period with a cleanup bull, and calving season spans from January to February. The Hancock herd is line bred with significant influences from Miss Wix, Rito and Emulation bloodlines, which Charles says has resulted in “good all-around cattle” that remain in high demand from customers. “They’re just good cattle, and they do a good job,” Charles says. “They’re good mothers with good udders and good feet, and they stay sound in most all environments.”
Hancock Livestock – Charles Hancock established his purebred Black Angus operation, Hancock Livestock, in 2008. Along with his partner Leigh Vineyard, Charles raises functional, high-quality bulls and females on the ranch outside of Basin. Courtesy photo
Balanced bloodlines – Hancock Livestock focuses on functional bloodlines which result in time-tested, reliable cattle. Pictured is one of the operation’s standout cows, Sinclair Blackbird 8RL1, whose genetics have impacted over 70 percent of the Hancock Livestock herd. Courtesy photo
Strong genetics – A focus on maternal genetics results in strong bulls in addition to prolific females. Pictured is an exciting recent addition to the Hancock Livestock herd, Redland Cow Power 633, whose calf crop will sell during Hancock Livestock’s 2027 annual sale in Buffalo on March 20, 2027. Courtesy photo
In the summertime, pairs are turned out without bulls onto grass leases throughout
period, Charles and Leigh collect weaning weights and additional data to sub-
Big Horn County. Calves are weaned in August, and during this
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
Continued from previous page They also conduct pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) testing in the Big Horn Mountains and last year, the herd’s average PAP score was 37. Form and function In addition to raising functional females, Hancock Livestock has a strong bull program focused on calving ease and docility. “It’s our goal to produce calm, easy-fleshing bulls with proven maternal bloodlines,” states the operation’s website, further highlighting an emphasis on good carcass traits and ability to gain in the feedlot. Charles emphasizes he never chases expected progeny differences (EPDs), but he does know from experience and recordkeeping what works well for his program and his customers. “I don’t chase big EPDs, fads or the bull of the month,” Charles says. “I try to keep everything moderate, and I don’t chase any type of extreme.” After weaning, yearling bulls stay on a high roughage growing ration for a 140-day gain test, during which they are weighed for performance data, PAP tested, ultrasounded and fertility tested. Bulls come with a firstyear breeding guarantee and are sold annually in March during Hancock Livestock’s production sale at Buffalo Livestock Marketing in Buffalo. Charles estimates roughly 15 percent of the program’s bulls go to seedstock producers, while the other 85 percent are sold to ranchers. Hancock Livestock’s customer base is primarily concentrated in Wyoming, but Charles has sold bulls to customers spanning a multi-state region stretching as far as California and Pennsylvania. Charles is particularly proud of the influence home-raised bulls have had on the Hancock Livestock herd, noting most of the herd bulls used on the operation are homegrown and 80 percent of the bulls sold through last year’s annual sale were sired by homeraised bulls. “We feel confident in our program,” he says. Balanced bloodlines Understanding which traits work well within his own program and for his customer base has helped Charles hone his genetics to a high standard. For Hancock Livestock, balanced bloodlines make all the difference when it comes to calving season. “I really stay focused on everything in moderation, with no extremes,” Charles says. “I want every cow to do just as good of a job as the other cow and for everything to be equal.” While all Hancock Livestock cattle must prove themselves in order to remain in the program, Charles notes one standout cow – Sinclair Blackbird 8RL1 – has set a truly high
standard within the program. Purchased from Sinclair Cattle Company as one of Charles’ first investments into his purebred herd, the now 19-year-old cow has been a standout performer for Hancock Livestock since the first year Charles brought her home. She has raised 18 calves throughout her lifetime, including 15 heifer calves and three natural sons, all of which have also gone on to influence both the Hancock herd and customers throughout the region. Two of her bull calves – HL Thunderbolt 5RI2 and HL Ladiesman 5RI1 – have grown into powerful reference sires for Hancock Livestock and several other programs. Charles estimates between 72 and 73 percent of his herd can be traced back to Sinclair Blackbird 8RL1 – a testament to the program’s uniformity and consistency. “She’s had an incredible influence and her genetics continue to do cool things in her daughters, granddaughters and so on,” Charles says. “Year after year, her progeny always rises to the top.” “I focus on the big picture,” Charles adds. “I don’t want a cow that’ll do any one thing great – I want a cow that’ll do everything in moderation.” This same philosophy applies to bulls, and Charles says a recent addition to the herd – Redland Cow Power 633 – is already showing immense promise in his young career. Redland Cow Power 633’s first calf crop will sell during Hancock Livestock’s 2027 annual sale on March 20, 2027 at Buffalo Livestock Marketing in Buffalo. Charles and Leigh are excited about the future of Hancock Livestock and invite potential customers to
Maternal genetics – For Hancock Livestock, proven maternal genetics pave the path to success. Above, Hancock Blackbird 6XL4 nurses her first calf. Courtesy photo
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
HAMILTON RANCH Hyattville family farm and ranch supports sixth generation The Hamilton Ranch north of Hyattville is proudly operated by fourth- and fifth-generation agriculturists Keith, Linda, Doug and Michelle Hamilton. Keith and Linda work alongside their son Doug and daughter-in-law Michelle, raising cattle, lambs and a variety of crops. A focus on education, effective communication, collaborative resource management, community involvement and industry advocacy has allowed the Hamilton
Ranch to remain strong for more than a century. Family and ranch history The Hamilton Ranch was purchased in 1915 by Keith’s ancestors Frank and Edith Walters. Frank immigrated from England with his family in 1868, arriving first in New York before crossing the Western Plains with a team of oxen when Frank was just 11 years old. The family settled in Tooele, Utah where Frank met Edith, and the couple
Sheep and wool – Sheep were integrated into the Hamilton Ranch in 1928 and have remained a central part of the operation’s business for nearly a century. Courtesy photo
married on Dec. 12, 1882. The couple’s first four children – Frank Jr., Delle, George Stanley “Stan” and Ida – were born in Utah, and Frank Jr. died as an infant. The family moved to Hyattville in 1893, where the couple’s youngest sons Harvey and Cliff were born. Frank and Edith purchased the core of the present-day Hamilton Ranch on Alkali Creek in 1915. Years later, Stan and Harvey filed for multiple homesteads surrounding the ranch through the Homestead Act of 1862. Several additional mountain homesteads with desirable water resources were purchased throughout the 1930-40s. Stan and his wife Helen had two children, Ronald and Eleanor. Eleanor married her husband Merle in 1951, and after spending a year living and working in South Dakota and Newcastle, the couple returned to the Hyattville ranch. Here, they welcomed their sons Keith and Kenneth, and the family continued to work alongside Stan, Harvey and Ronald.
Diverse operation – The Hamiltons stay busy year-round between raising cattle and sheep along with a variety of crops and hay. Pictured is Keith Hamilton in the hayfield. Courtesy photo
In 1968, Merle and Eleanor purchased Harvey’s interest and the ranch changed to Hamilton Ranch, Inc. The operation has been passed down through Keith’s mother’s side of the family, and today, the Hamiltons are continuing the agricultural tradition while raising the sixth generation on the land. Staying busy The Hamilton family has pursued a variety of agricultural endeavors and added on to the operation throughout the decades, caring for the land and keeping a busy schedule. At the beginning of the year, the Hamiltons ship fat
lambs and background calves in their feedlot. Heifers start calving in February, followed by shearing and early planting of malt barley. Spring is filled with lambing and docking sheep, as well as branding calves, moving pairs to leased Bureau of Land Management (BLM) allotments and preparing irrigation systems and haying equipment. Summertime means all hands on deck between caring for high-country animals and haying season. The Hamiltons’ band of sheep is maintained on the mountain with help from Peruvian H-2A sheepherd-
ers, and a part-time cowboy rides forest permits filled with cattle. Linda and Keith frequent the mountain to deliver groceries and assist as needed, and the sheep come off of the mountain in late August. Weaning begins in September, and meadows are utilized for grazing yearlings throughout the fall. Fall also brings harvest season, and the Hamiltons stay busy between putting up alfalfa and corn silage at the Hyattville headquarters and operating a farm in Worland where they raise corn and malt barley for Continued on next page
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At the ranch in 10, Veteran, WY • Lunch: Noon • Sale Time: 1 p.m Sale Date: Thursday, February 2022 Sale Date: Thursday, February 10, 2022
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At the ranch in Veteran, Lunch: Noon HAVE • Sale Time: 1 p.m. ALLWY OF• THE BULLS BEEN PAP TESTED BY DR. TIM AFTER SPENDING THE SUMMER AT 8,000’ IN WALDEN ALL OF THE BULLS HAVE BEEN PAP TESTEDFeaturing BY DR. TIM HOLT of: ALL OF THE BULLS HAVE BEEN TESTED BYIN DR. TIMsons HOLT AFTER SPENDING THE PAP SUMMER AT 8,000’ WALDEN, CO
At the ranch in Veteran, WY • Lunch: Noon • Sale Time: 1 p.m.
Selling Fall Yearlings AFTER SPENDING THE 120 SUMMER 8,000’ IN WALDEN, CO Sitz Stellar 726D WXW AT Timberline W287 Featuring sons of:
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CED: +10 BW: +0.1 WW: +60 YW: +107 M: +21 Marb: +.67 RE: +.82 $B: +159 $C: +264
Cherry Crk Chambered K124 If you are looking for a phenotype standout with an extremely well
CED: +6 BW: -0.3 WW: +77 YW: +1 Marb: +.45 RE: +.66 $B: +135 $
Powerhouse individual with a great maternal d
balanced further. cow maker on the CED: +10 BW: +0.1 WW: +60 YW: +107 M: trait +21 package then look no CED: +6Superior BW: -0.3 WW: +77 YW: +135 M:Main +24Sire list for combined Foot Score E genetics solid+.66 calving maternal Marb: +.67 RE: +.82 $B: +159 $C: +264with a definitive end product advantage. Marb:Offers +.45 RE: $B: +135 $C: +266pedigree and design with elite $Mater
ease potential with accelerated growth while adding marbling and values. Super thick topped and deep sided bull If you are looking for a phenotype standout with an extremely well Timberline Powerhouse and ranks red meat yield. PAP Testedindividual 38 at over with 8,000’a. great maternal design his power house #1 phenotype while breeding c balanced trait package then look no further. Superior cow maker on the Main Sire list for combined Foot Score Besides EPDs. Outstanding his impressive muscle, the first thing yo genetics with a definitive end product advantage. Offers solid calving maternal pedigree and design with elite $Maternal and Foot Score STELLAR is his outstanding foot quality and ad ease potential with accelerated growth while adding marbling and values. Super thick topped and deep sided bull that only improved red meat yield. Timberline PAP Tested 38 at over 8,000’. his power house phenotype while breeding cows as a yearling. Besides his impressive muscle, the first thing you will notice about CED: +10 BW: +0.1 WW: +60 YW: +107 M: +21 CED: +6 BW: WW:foot +77quality YW:and +135 +24 STELLAR is his-0.3 outstanding addedM: depth of heel.
Our 2021 Sires Include:
Advantage 6019 • Marb: Monumental • Patriarch Command • Ramesses • Crossbow • Ach +.45 RE: +.66 $B: •+135 $C: +266 •Sires Timberline • Enforcer • Powerball • Thunderball • Complete • Advance Our Stellar 2021 Include: Plus many sired by Cherry Creekand herdranks sires. #1 If you are looking for a phenotype standout with an extremely well Powerhouse individual with a great maternal design Advantage 6019 • Monumental • Patriarchon • Command • Ramesses • Crossbow • Achievement balanced trait package then look no further. Superior cow maker the Main Sire list for combined Foot Score EPDs. Outstanding Stellar • Timberline • Enforcer • Thunderball Complete • Advance 5016 genetics with a definitive end product advantage. Offers solid calving • Powerball maternal pedigree and •design with elite $Maternal and Foot Score &Creek Diane 307-534-5865 boothangus@scottsbluff. Plus many Shawn siredvalues. by Cherry herdtopped sires. ease potential with accelerated growth while adding marbling and Super thick and deep sided bull that only improved red meat yield. Timberline PAP Tested 38 at over 8,000’. his power house phenotype307-532-1805 while breeding cows •asKacey a yearling.307-532-1532 Michael & Lindsy Besides his impressive muscle, the first thing you will notice about boothscherrycreekranch.com Shawn & Diane 307-534-5865 boothangus@scottsbluff.net STELLAR is his outstanding foot quality and added depth of heel.
Marb: +.67 RE: +.82 $B: +159 $C: +264
Nutra-Lix Liquid Feed is the cattlemen’s choice for supplement solutions no matter the season. With no waste, no storage fees, no delivery costs, no wear-and-tear on vehicles, and better overall herd health. Nutra-Lix teams up with today’s producers to create Effective and Efficient feeding. And that is Essential for profits!
Michael & Lindsy 307-532-1805 • Kacey 307-532-1532 Our boothscherrycreekranch.com 2021 Sires Include:
Advantage 6019 • Monumental • Patriarch • Command • Ramesses • Crossbow • Achievement Stellar • Timberline • Enforcer • Powerball • Thunderball • Complete • Advance 5016 Plus many sired by Cherry Creek herd sires.
Shawn & Diane 307-534-5865 boothangus@scottsbluff.net
call your Nutra-Lix Dealer or:
800-568-6952 406.248.3631 Local www.nutralix.com
A Proud Tradition since 1987
CED: +6 BW: +2.3 WW: +70 YW: +123 M: +28 Marb: +.70 RE: +.77 $B: +138 $C: +269 Michael & Lindsy 307-532-1805 • Kacey 307-532-1532
boothscherrycreekranch.com Chambered was the high selling bull in the 2024 bull sale purchased by our good friends and neighbors, Kody and Tyler McClun. He has a flawless phenotype, and his docility is second to none. His first progeny will be available in the 2027 bull sale, and the calves on the ground display an extra length of body and possess a very sharp look to them. We are excited to watch them develop.
Shawn & Diane 307-534-5865 boothscherrycreekranch@gmail.com Michael & Lindsy 307-532-1805 Kacey 307-532-1532
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
Continued from previous page the Miller-Coors Brewing Company. As winter settles in, calves and ewes stay on feed and graze closer to home, and the Hamiltons make preparations to start the cycle all over again in the new year. Mark of quality Hamilton Ranch produces quality cattle along with wool and fat lambs each year. Keith notes the ranch has run both cattle and sheep for much of its history, with sheep making their first appearance in 1928. Due to predator presence and labor shortages, the family reduced their sheep production in the 1990s and made up the difference with cattle. Even with a smaller sheep herd and a struggling market, the family has remained committed to producing high-quality lambs. “We strive to raise good wool even though it’s not a major income producer,” Keith says. “We figure if we’re going to put the effort in to raise wool, we’d just as well raise good quality.” The Hamilton family also raises Angus cattle, working hard to produce easy-calving cattle which perform well in high-altitude conditions. Cows and heifers are bred to high-altitude bulls as a safeguard against brisket disease. Home-raised heifers are retained and bred to keep genetics strong, and Keith and Linda emphasize they rarely have to pull calves. High-quality animals require high-quality feed, and Hamilton Ranch raises alfalfa and corn silage each year to fatten lambs and background calves. In years of abundance, excess corn and hay is sold to other feedlots or producers in need. Community involvement Keith and Linda have always been highly involved
in their community, participating in several organizations from the local school board to the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation, Wyoming Wool Growers Association and Wyoming Stock Growers Association, as well as a variety of church activities. Linda has been involved with the South Big Horn Conservation District for more than 30 years, and she currently serves on the county’s weed and pest district and acts as chairman of the Wyoming Nonpoint Task Force Committee. Keith currently serves on the Big Horn County Predator Management Board, the local grazing board and the Wyoming State Grazing Board. He has also dedicated time to the Public Lands Council as a Wyoming delegate. “We’re not without things to do,” Keith jokes. Keith and Linda emphasize the importance of giving back to the community and being active advocates for agriculture. “If you’re going to be in the ag business, you need to advocate for the industry,” Keith says. Working as a team Running a successful family farm or ranch involves a lot of communication and planning, which the Hamiltons navigate over the lunch table and through family meetings. Linda and Keith emphasize the value of good communication and relationships within the family when it comes to making important decisions. “It all comes back to communication,” Keith says. “All of our ranch decisions are family decisions – as long as we can keep an open line of communication, everything works itself out.” The ranch’s coordinated resource management (CRM) grazing pro-
Quality cattle – The Hamiltons raise quality Angus cattle in highaltitude conditions in the heart of Big Horn County. Courtesy photo
gram is another testament to the importance of effective communication between the Hamilton family, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, BLM, U.S. Forest Service, Wyoming Game and Fish Department and other entities. The ranch first instated their CRM Stewardship Plan with the help of Dennis Sun in the early 1990s and are one of the last operations in the state to utilize the program. “The process brings all agencies to the kitchen table,” Keith states. “We sit down once a year with all of these affected interests to go over what we’ve done in the past year, and we adjust going into the next year.” “It’s been a positive effort with respect to our relationship with the different agencies,” he adds. Learning and growing Education has also played a significant role in the continued success of the Hamilton family’s ranching operation. According to Keith and Linda, education provides lifelong contacts, resources and a mindset for continual learning. Multiple generations of Hamiltons have attended the University of Wyoming, and Keith emphasizes a college education allows individuals to build relationships with peers and professors who can act as important resources in addition to building technical skills. “Going to college probably doesn’t decide whether you’re a more successful producer or not, but the friends and contacts we made have served as resources for questions or issues we couldn’t get answered on our own,” Keith shares. “The fact we
Hamilton Ranch – The Hamilton Ranch, located in Hyattville and run by Keith, Linda, Doug and Michelle Hamilton, has supported multiple generations. Pictured are Keith’s parents Merle and Eleanor Hamilton and the ranch house in 1952. Courtesy photo
made those acquaintances is worth a million dollars.” Education has also fostered a capacity for learning and adapting, which the family sees as crucial to longterm agricultural success. “Education itself doesn’t
teach you everything, but it does teach you how to learn and keep learning,” Keith adds. The Hamiltons’ appreciation for knowledge and open communication has shaped ranch improvements, expan-
sion and the effective management of their multigenerational operation. Abby Kukowski is a contributing writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
Certified Public Accountants
Tax Return Preparation and Planning Accounting and Bookkeeping Services Estate Planning Business and Computer Consulting Dustin P. Druce, C.P.A. • Sadie R. Lewis, C.P.A. Shelly Prettyman, C.P.A. 307-362-6631 • 220 B Street • Rock Springs, WY
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
FROM SERVICE TO SOIL U.S. Veterans build first-generation ranch from the ground up After 27 years of military service, first-generation producers Thanh “Winnie” and Anthony Molnar are embracing the rhythms of ranch life on a little slice of heaven at the base of the Big Horn Mountains. Built from the ground up, Silver Mustang Ranch is so much more than a novel lifestyle for the Veteran couple – it is the result of years of saving, planning and working toward a shared dream. Settling down in the Big Horn Basin Both Winnie, who is originally from Vietnam, and Anthony, who hails from Ohio, began their careers serving in the U.S. Marine Corps – Anthony for 22 and a half years and Winnie for 10 years before transferring to the U.S. Navy where she worked as a healthcare administrator for another 10-plus years. While stationed in California, the two spent a lot of time traveling across the Mountain West, and after several trips to Wyoming, they began dreaming of making the Cowboy State home. “We traveled to Wyoming a few times, and I just fell in love with it – especially the Jackson Hole area because we love the Grand Tetons,” Winnie shares. “That was our dream.” Financially, however, Jackson didn’t make sense, so the Molnars started looking elsewhere. Winnie notes a property in the Big Horn Basin popped up during their search, so they made an offer and eventually settled down on some scenic acreage at the base of the Big Horn Mountains in March 2021. Building a ranch from the ground up Without a multigeneration family ranch to inherit, Winnie and Anthony had to build their operation from the ground up. “We are both first-generation ranchers,” Winnie emphasizes. “We saved our money while we were in the military and purchased this all for ourselves. Many farms and ranches are passed down generation after generation, but I think our greatest accomplishment is that we were able to purchase this piece of land and build our ranch from the ground up.” Today, Silver Mustang Ranch is home to productive hayfields, a growing herd of Scottish Highland cattle and an assortment of sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, donkeys and horses. Winnie notes the couple used to raise Angus cattle as well but have since developed an affinity for their Highlanders due to their distinct appearance and easy disposition.
“We love them because they are so friendly, easy to keep and really docile,” she states. “They are also hardy for the environment we have here in Wyoming.” Originally purchased as pets, Winnie says their herd has grown quite a bit over the years. Today, the ranch is home to 23 cows, with another calf on the way, and in an effort to keep their herd intentionally small, bull calves and heifers are sold each year via private treaty. The Molnars also put up their own alfalfa hay, and anything they don’t need is sold to neighboring producers in the Big Horn Basin. Facing challenges head on As is common in the ag sector, Winnie shares water is one of the biggest challenges at Silver Mustang Ranch. The property sits at the end of the area’s irrigation canal, so water availability is inconsistent. Winnie notes when water does arrive, it’s often riddled with sediment and debris from upstream. “Our biggest challenge is water. I think everyone in Wyoming can attest to that. Water is a commodity everyone fights over,” she says. “We are at the end of the line for irrigation, so sometimes we get a lot of water and sometimes we don’t. If we do get water, it’s mostly filthy because we get all of the wastewater from everyone above us.” Rainfall in the area is similarly unpredictable. Winnie says she and Anthony watch storms move through the area, often passing right by the ranch. Despite these challenges, the couple continues to make do with the resources they have, and they are excited about current improvements happening at Silver Mustang Ranch. In fact, Winnie says they are currently working to “beautify” their corrals, adding electricity and running water, in addition to building more sheds for their various animals. Gaining a greater appreciation for ag Over the course of the last five years, the Molnars’ ranching venture has given them a deeper appreciation for the nation’s agriculture industry and a firsthand understanding of the long hours and hard work required to raise livestock and grow crops. This is also something the two hope to pass on to their third-grade daughter who is growing up in the wide-open spaces of Wyoming alongside the family’s menagerie of animals. “Not many people understand food production,” Winnie states. “They think you just go to the store to grab chicken, beef
or other groceries but they don’t know how much work went in to getting that item on the shelves. I am glad we have this understanding and are part of it now.” For more information about Silver Mustang Ranch, visit silvermustangranch21.com or @SilverMustangRanch on Facebook and Instagram. Hannah Bugas is the
A growing herd – Over the years, Thanh “Winnie” and Anthony Molnar have developed an affinity for Scottish Highland cattle due to their distinct appearance and easy disposition. Today, their ranch is home to 23 cows, with another calf on the way. Courtesy photo
managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
A love for animals – After serving 27 years in the U.S. Military, Thanh “Winnie” Molnar is living out a shared dream with her husband Anthony on their operation, Silver Mustang Ranch, in Big Horn County. Courtesy photo
High Altitude Cattle... Raised in true range conditions
Micheli Cattle Company Selling 50 Hereford & 50 Angus Two-Year-Old Bulls at the ranch in Ft. Bridger
October 28, 2026 • 1:00 p.m. Bulls PAP Tested at 7,000 ft. by Dr. Ben Osbourne
Featuring Sons Of:
C Arlo 2135 ET
Tehama Patriarch F028 For More Information or a Catalog, Call:
Tony (307) 747-7786 • Ron (307) 747-3897
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
COWBOY-TESTED TACK
Equine enthusiasts – In addition to traveling with their tack trailer, Clayton and Danielle Malson raise, train and show working cow horses. Courtesy photo
Broken Desert Ranch Tack and Tees brings quality gear directly to working cowboys
I NG AT
CELEB
Grow with a Local agricultural partner
R
When a cowboy spends a long day in the saddle, there is little room for equipment that doesn’t hold up. From headstalls and reins to bits and spurs, good tack needs to do more than look the part – it needs to be functional and hold up when the work gets tough. This understanding lies
(307) 765-4412
Lovell • Greybull • Powell • Cody • Worland • Thermopolis
at the heart of Clayton and Danielle Malson’s business, Broken Desert Ranch Tack and Tees, a mobile tack trailer bringing ranch-ready tack, Western clothing and other essentials directly to customers across the Mountain West. Custom feel, affordable price According to Clayton, Broken Desert Ranch Tack and Tees was established by family friends who operated it for about eight years before the Malsons purchased it in 2021. Today, the mobile storefront offers a wide selection of tack, including headstalls, reins, bits, spurs, spur straps, halters and more, all of which are specifically designed for both ranch and arena use. In addition, the trailer includes an assortment of T-shirts and sweatshirts from Cow Boss Ranchwear, a fellow Big Horn Countybased business that developed its own line of clothing designed specifically for the working cowboy. Compared to similar businesses, Clayton says his experience as a working cowboy gives Broken Desert Ranch Tack and Tees a leg up. “One of the things that sets us apart from other tack businesses is that I’ve had the benefit of working as a cowboy, which lets me understand tack and how long it needs to last,” he shares. “I know which products are good and which are ‘drugstore cowboy’ type
products, which we try to stay away from.” “Everything we carry, we use on the ranch, so it’s kind of tested in ranching and cowboy situations before it goes in our trailer,” he adds. The couple’s connections within the cowboy community also allow them to offer specialized gear from makers they know and trust. Renowned rawhide braiders create the hackamores and romals found on the shelves at Broken Desert Ranch Tack and Tees, while respected bit makers build custom snaffles and bits and notable leather craftsmen produce carved work and headstalls. “One of the neat things about Broken Desert Ranch Tack and Tees is we’re able to offer a custom feel at an affordable price,” Clayton states. Where the cowboys are In addition, Clayton notes one of the biggest advantages to operating a mobile business is the ability to bring products directly to customers. “Everywhere cowboys Continued on next page
To see our current properties for sale, please visit our website.
www.westernland.net
Amy Ready Sales Assoc. • Rees Ready Office Manager
Office: 307-234-2211
Roy Ready Broker: 307-921-0170 Steve Hickstein Sales Assoc.: 307-258-6306
Providing Quality Equipment to Increase Productivity
SALES • SERVICE • RENTALS 596 GATEWAY DRIVE • POWELL, WY
307-754-7909 • STA307.COM
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
Continued from previous page are is where we try to be,” he states. The Malsons regularly attend the Billings Livestock Commission Sale, held in Billings, Mont. every fourth weekend of the month, in addition to larger events like the Wyo Ranch Horse Sale in Meeteetse; the World’s Richest Ranch Rodeo in Lusk and the Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) in Billings, Mont. While Broken Desert Ranch Tack and Tees spends a lot of time on the road, Clayton says travel will actually start winding down through the end of the year to avoid winter road conditions. Before the trailer is parked for the 2026 season, however, the Malsons will
make an appearance at horse sales in Bowman, N.D. and Bridger, Mont. The long game Outside of the tack trailer, the Malsons devote their time to raising, training and showing cow horses. Clayton and Danielle are both members of the Colorado Reined Cow Horse Association and enjoy competing at shows throughout the region. Clayton notes some of their favorite destinations are Douglas; Montrose, Colo. and Rapid City, S.D. Their horse program is centered around developing quality mares and building a solid foundation for future generations. “The pattern we’ve tried to follow is to raise
Working cowboy approved – Compared to similar businesses, Clayton Malson says his experience as a working cowboy gives Broken Desert Ranch Tack and Tees a leg up, as all products offered through their mobile storefront have been tested in ranching situations before being purchased by customers. Courtesy photo
“One of the neat things about Broken Desert Ranch Tack and Tees is we’re able to offer a custom feel at an affordable price.” CLAYTON MALSON our mares, show them through the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) until they are money earners, try to breed them back to known studs while keeping our bloodlines as current as possible and then offering them to people in our area,” Clayton explains. However, he admits the process is definitely a longterm investment. “The horse game is a long game,” he states. “We bought our first well-bred filly as a long yearling about seven years ago. We trained and showed her through her futurity and derby years in the NRCHA before breeding her as a six-year-old. This year we are riding her first colt as a two-year-old.” “From the moment you plan it to the moment you get a product out of it takes a long time,” he adds. Generally, the Malsons sell their horses via private treaty, with some periodically consigned to horse sales throughout the region.
This year, Clayton and Danielle will sell Blueberry Whyne, a blue roan long yearling mare with a standout pedigree featuring Brother Jackson, High Brow Cat, Peptoboonsmal and Once In A Blu Boon, during the 2026 NILE Gold Buckle Select Horse Sale on Oct. 17. Grit and determination Balancing ranching, an equine program and a traveling tack business requires a lot of planning, flexibility and willingness to work through inevitable challenges. Clayton shares one of the most important lessons he has learned in business and in life is simply being willing to begin. “Don’t be afraid to try new things,” he says. “Even in the unknown and uncertainty, you’ve got to take the first step and at least try.” He then emphasized the importance of putting effort into a venture once the first step has been taken. “You’ve got to put everything you have into
Tack and tees – Broken Desert Ranch Tack and Tees offers a wide selection of tack and Western clothing, including headstalls, reins, bits, spurs, spur straps, halters, T-shirts, hoodies and more. Courtesy photo
making it work,” he continues. “Challenges are obviously going to pop up – that’s just life. You have to rise up to meet those challenges. You have to have some grit and determination and be able to grind when you need to grind.” And through their own grit and determination, Clayton and Danielle continue building a successful business combining strong
PASS CREEK RANCH
family ties, working ranch experience and a passion for quality cowboy gear and good horses. For more information about Broken Desert Ranch Tack and Tees, visit @ B ro k e n D e s e r t R a n c h Tack&Tees on Facebook. Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
CLEAR CREEK RANCH
Kaycee, Johnson County, Wyoming 4,389± total acres; 3,231± deeded acres, 680± State lease and 478± BLM acres. Abundant live water and water rights, 4 center pivots, extensive water line for livestock water.
Clearmont, Sheridan County, Wyoming 569± contiguous & productive acres. Year-round live water, plus wells and water rights. Approx 165 acres in hay production. Exceptional habitat for wildlife or livestock.
Mark McNamee at (307) 760-9510 Wendy Greenough at (307) 217-1451
Mark McNamee at (307) 760-9510 Wendy Greenough at (307) 217-1451
226 CHALK BUTTES ROAD
11373 HAT SIX ROAD
$11,000,000
Douglas, Converse County, Wyoming 252± deeded acres, with residence and livestock facilities, live water, 2.5-acre pond and 57± acres of floodirrigated acres in hay production.
$3,200,000
Chet Johnson at (307) 259-9888
LEISETH RANCH
$3,300,000
Casper, Natrona County, Wyoming 106± deeded acres, with extraordinary improvements. 6,810 sq. ft. fully custom home, plus exceptional equine facilities which include 8 stall barn, indoor & outdoor arena, padocks and MORE!
$3,575,000
Cory Clark at (307) 334-2025 Travis Gitthens at (307) 315-1274
LYNDE IRRIGATED FARM
Torrington, Goshen County, Wyoming 3,485± total contiguous deeded acres. Multiple improvements, good water infrastructure with pipelines and over a mile of Rawhide Creek.
Torrington, Goshen County, Wyoming 627± acres with excellent water rights to irrigate 185± acres under a 10-tower pivot plus 220± acres of flood irrigated ground. Move-in ready improvements
Cory Clark at (307) 334-2025 Michael McNamee at (307) 534-5156
Cory Clark at (307) 334-2025 Michael McNamee at (307) 534-5156
$4,250,000
Visit our website to view all our listings www.clarklandbrokers.com
$3,600,000
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2026 Fall Cattlemen's Edition • Wyoming Livestock Roundup
JOIN US FOR
Oct. 10, 2026 9:30 AM
652 N Portal Rd
SPEAKERS 1:30 PM @ Holiday Inn Supper to follow
LOCATION Ranch in Riverton, WY & The Holiday Inn
RESULTS!!!
• $273/hd Savings in feed costs
• Cattle 15-30% more efficient in a university study • Beats the industry average feed conversion by 1/3
The nation’s only 4-year guarantee, which is worth more over the price of any competitor without one!
• 33% more weaned lbs/ranch
March 6, 2027
300 2-Year-Old Bulls 75 Yearling Bulls
Friendly Beef